Free Hastings never thought she'd get the opportunity to attend U.A; especially not in the midst of finishing her second year of high school at T.S.J., in her hometown Houston, Texas.
However, when a dear old friend of her mothers called to inform he recommended the 17-year-old this year, Free had no problem dropping everything and hopping on the first plane to Japan to do the test. Sure, she'd miss America and close friends, but it's been years since her previous time in the far away country. The teenager hoping this time around will be a joyous one, rather than a traumatic.
After passing the exam with flying colors, it takes a few weeks for mother and daughter to settle comfortably into their new apartment in Shizuoka Prefecture. By then, Free is beyond ready for a fresh start, especially with school is rapidly approaching and April only a few days away. The girls' anxiety, paired with excitement, is making the seventeen-year-old restless at the thought of starting...
Which is the exact reason for my ungodly hour of awakening at 4:30 a.m, the girl already aware the chance of her catching some more z's is slim. Free throwing on a pair of joggers, sports bra and matching zip up sweater, before quietly exiting the modest home. With a quick stretch, the teenage girl takes off for a run, starting with a slow jog and hitting a challenging pace within a couple minutes. Soon, she tunes out everything, feet tapping the pavement steadily and legs burning in a good way.
Up until 8 miles later, amidst rounding the corner leading down to the beach, where she slammed hard into another body, both persons going down fast in a tangle of limbs and gasps of shock. "Ugh… I'm so sorry," sunrise orange eyes meeting a pair of vibrant greens below her. Oh right, Japanese, not English, realizing her mistake and apologizing properly this time, another second passing as the mossy-haired, freckled teen is at a total lost of words.
Izuku Midoriya's face reddening by the moment and body frozen at his current unexpected position, how did this happen? Why haven't I said anything yet? There's a girl on top of me! What do I do? A GIRL! A PRETTY GIRL!
"Y'alright? I didn't knock the sense from you, did I?"
She has an accent… it's American, I think…
"Hello?" Free waving a hand with furrowed brows as she untangles from the stranger and scoots to give him space. Maybe he's deaf or a mute?
Finally, the teen gathers his wits and immediately bows in apology, "I-I'm sorry! I got lost in thought and wasn't watching ahead! Are you hurt? Do you need help up?" The American girl is almost taken back at his rushed words and bows, somewhat forgetting how polite people are here.
Or more like blocked it out...
Free shifting to her feet and offering a hand, "I'm fine Freckles, ya good?"
Freckles? Izuku blushing more and grasping her warm fingers, "thank you."
"Are ya thanking me for crashing into ya?" Her teasing tone throwing the messy-haired boy into a fit of flustered and nervous movements, eliciting a small laugh from her. "I'm just kidding. Ya most welcome. Helping is the least I can do after running ya over."
"Wha-what? No! You didn't! It was my fault! Please let me make it up to you!"
"No way! If anything, the fault is equal… seems like I'm not the only one that tunes out the world while running, huh?"
"Ahh, it's a bad habit! Again, I'm sorry," bowing once more and turning around to leave, intending to avoid anymore embarrassment.
"Wait!" Izuku halts mid-step and turns to face the far too-pretty teenage girl, waiting for her next words. "Umm… sorry… I uh, just moved back recently and you're the first person my age I've actually talked to..." not surprising since I've barely left the building, "- or technically, nearly knocked out and scared away… sorry, uh, I'll just get back to my run," awkwardness apparent as she nods rapidly in farewell and moving in the direction of the ocean.
"Uh, no! W-wait! You just moved from America, right?" The slightly shorter teen inquiring curiously and shuffling closer.
"I did… born and raised in Texas. Accents pretty obvious, huh?" He nodded.
"I'm surprised how well you speak Japanese to be honest."
"I spent a few years living in Hosu a while back. My grandmother was Japanese too. I'm Free Hastings by the way," holding her hand out once again. It takes a couple of seconds for him to understand, a calloused and strong hand wrapping around hers when he does.
"Midoriya Izuku."
"So, if I'm assuming correctly, Izuku is your first name and Midoriya is your surname?"
"Hai. It's the other way around for you, right?" She smiles in confirmation and motioned for him to walk along the sand with her.
"Call me Free. Last names are for parents, teachers or businessman in my country," her words causing another blush to spread over his freckled cheeks.
"U-Uwah! I'll do my best."
"Suffixes aren't much my thing either. I'll be surprised if I don't get lectured on my first day of school next week."
"I'm sure they'll understand and make an exception!"
Citrine meets emerald, "don't get me wrong; I'm well aware how or when, more like I diligently refuse to."
"Ahhh… is there a reason behind that? I-IF YOU DON'T MIND ME ASKING?!" His random raise of voice making her slightly flinch.
"There is… but it's kind of tragic and depressing. Not something ya share with a stranger." Izuku quickly bowing and blurting another rushed apology.
"I-I shouldn't have asked!"
A small laugh escaped Free as she tilts her head to the odd teenager, "you're going to do that a lot, huh?"
Scratching his cheek and shrugging, the Greenet can't help but think his new companion has a nice laugh. "So, uh, is there a reason you came back?"
"I got a recommendation for U.A and begin classes on Monday."
The male teen nearly tripped in shock, coming to an abrupt stop, eyes wide, "I start U.A Monday too."
"Really?" A smile pulling at full pink lips, the thought of knowing someone other then her Uncle will be around there too comforting. "What class?"
"1-A."
"Me too! What are the chances we'd meet before then?"
"It's entirely unexpected," his excited tone matching the girls'. "Can I ask what your Quirk is?"
"Ya just did Freckles," Free's bending over to remove sneakers and socks. In doing so, she picks them up and hops from the sidewalk into the sand, barefooted and content.
Damn it's cold, wiggling her toes to adjust to the chilly pebbles underfoot.
"Ya coming," raising a thicker, arched maroon brow in question at her companion, while moving towards the lapping water 100 yards ahead,
Midoriya gladly followed, hoping to learn more about Free Hastings, though keeping his shoes on. Hopefully she doesn't get sick without hers.
Continuing forward, the Texas-Native glances at her slightly shorter classmate, "I have two... or one, maybe? The experts never could determine if connected, or two entirely separate Quirks."
"Wow! Please, I'd love to know about them, if you don't mind?" Izuku bright-eyed and eager for more information.
With a casual shrug, Free contemplates where to begin, "my first is called Metamorphosis, allowing me to transform into a moth or butterfly. I can choose how far to morph, picking certain attributes needed when in rescue or battle."
Ma's is pretty much the same.
"My other is Lumokinesis, ability to store light and all other electromagnetic radiation, allowing me to use it to power myself defensively, offensively and exert the light as needed, etcetera. I consider them one and call it Lumorphosis."
"That's incredible! I'm guessing wings play a big part too? Are you able to decide what type of moths and butterflies you change into, depending in the situation?" The vibrant teen making note to write this all down later, possibly in number 13, his new companion faltering mid-step, surprised at the boys genuine enthusiasm concerning her Quirk.
It's a first since him.
Which throws Free for a loop, her once golden-brown cheeks warming to pink and rosy, "I have multiple forms; some for camouflage or mimicry, others for sheer wing size and strength."
"I can't wait to see them in action! They both sound ridiculously useful. Quirks for a hero; together, they make you a powerhouse! It's no wonder you got a recommendation!"
He's so passionate about all this...
"I guess when you put it like that… what's yours?" She asked, Izuku pausing in his mumbling and gaping like a fish for half a minute, prior to fumbling his next words.
"UHH, u-uh… it's uhm, it doesn't have a name… I uh, only recently discovered it."
"Really? How recent?"
I never heard of someone developing a Quirk this late in age.
"-um... uh, just before the entrance exams."
What?
"And you managed to pass?"
He nods.
"Without knowing your limits or range?"
Another nod.
"It must be pretty versatile then."
"It's a power type. A super strength kind of th-thing."
"I can't wait to get a glimpse," Free honestly meaning it, the freckled boys' face bright pink for fifth time in ten minutes as he waves his hands around.
"I HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO, BUT I'M GOING TO DO MY BEST!" Apricot irises glimmer in admiration at his declaration.
"I look forward to doing my best right along with you."
"I-I hope we can get to know each other more Free-san."
"It's just Free... but if you need time to adjust, I'll make an exception for ya," teasingly nudging his elbow with her own.
"R-right!! I'll work on it… Free."
"What about you? What would you prefer?" The pair locking gazes at her questions.
"W-whatever is easiest for you!"
"Ya sure? I don't want to cross any boundaries, Freckles."
"It's okay! I mean it!" I don't mind the nickname, but is she aware she has twice the amount as I do?
"Okay… thanks Izuku."
"EEEP."
Here I was thinking he couldn't get anymore flustered, redhead biting her lip to stop a giggle from escaping. "I should probably head back home. Ma will be up soon and she isn't functional without a pot of coffee."
"Ah! Right! Sorry for keeping you so long!" Midoriya going to bow, the girl halting him with a dainty finger poking his forhead.
"I kept you, so no more apologies."
"Sorry! Uwah! I mean, it's alright!"
"Do you live nearby? Maybe we can journey to school together Monday morning? I'd be a lot less nervous with a friend… plus, I'm also absolutely hopeless when it comes to navigating new places."
SHE WANTS TO WALK TO SCHOOL TOGETHER?! WHAT'S HAPPENING, mossy irises wide at her inquiry.
"-unless you have a girlfriend who'd oppose, then I'd totally understand."
Izuku rapidly shakes his head in denial, "UWAH? GIRLFRIEND? N-NO!"
"So, is that a, yes?"
"HAI!"
"Cool... here," Free passing her freshly unlocked phone to him for his phone number. "I promise not to send you multiple memes a day. At least not till we know each other better."
With a few taps of his fingers, he returned it, "t-text me a-anytime!"
"You might regret saying that," somewhat joking. "Are you heading back too, or is this where we part ways?"
"I should get home too!"
"I'm a few blocks to the right," Free nodding the pathway leading away from the beach.
"REALLY? I LIVE THAT WAY TOO!"
The teenage girl grinned, "well then, come on," her bare feet leaving more prints in the sand as she leads the way.
Upon coming to the crosswalk, Free replaced her socks and sneakers as Izuku shifted from foot to foot, mind racing with endless thoughts. What should I say? It's be quiet for too long!!
"DO YOU LIKE ALL MIGHT?"
WHY IZUKU?
"Pretty sure only Villians don't like All Might."
"R-right!"
"Want to know a secret about him?"
A SECRET? DOES SHE KNOW ABOUT ALL FOR ONE?
"He's was the one who recommended me for U.A, because he's teaching this year."
"All Might?!"
"I know it sounds kind of unbelievable, but he dated my mom back in the day and they've remained friends through the years."
"YOUR MOM DATED ALL MIGHT!?"
"Crazy, right? I didn't believe it myself until I actually met him in person… even after seeing photo evidence."
"T-There are pictures!?"
"Mhm. It was when he spent time in America in his college years. I can show you sometime if you like? You're a big fan, right?"
"Y-YES! How can you tell?" Free giggling at his cluelessness.
"Your face lights up like a kid on Christmas and your voice goes high whenever he's mentioned."
Predictably, the teenager goes beet-red, panicking internally wondering if he's too obvious when it comes to All Might as a topic. "I JUST ADMIRE HIM SO MUCH!"
"You also go from meek bunny to booming loud," she adds, observing Midoriya flutter fretfully.
Better stop, or his head will explode.
"I'm teasing, ya know. All Might is the hero I worship most too."
"Really? I mean, n-not that I'm surprised! All Might is the best!"
"Agreed," she chimed, head titled back to stare at the early morning sky and managing to walk without tripping. Likely due to Izuku tugging her sleeve to safely move the distracted teen from running into a bench one or twice.
How close do we live to each other, the male teens' sight on his new classmate, who appears to be headed straight for his building. W-WE'RE NEIGHBORS!
"So, this is me," the girl unaware of mild panic running through her new friend, "I'll text ya later."
"I LIVE HERE TOO!" This time, Free doesn't flinch at his loudness, rapidly coming to expect it from the oddity.
"This is your building too?" Izuku nodding rapidly and shuffling to unlock the main door, pulling it open for them both. The taller teen entered first with a chuckle. "Seriously, what are the freaking odds, huh? I'm in 3D, what about you?"
"2G."
"We're practically neighbors," she teased again, amid pressing the elevator button. "Maybe we can introduce our parents sometime? My mom could use some adult friends in this country, even if she refuses to admit it."
"I-I'm sure my mom wouldn't m-mind!"
"Ya sure?" The girl giving him a look of uncertainty, "I'm not coming on a little too strong, am I? S'not necessary to agree to everything I say Freckles."
"N-NO! It's okay! I uh, I, just uh, haven't really brought anyone over in a while… my mom would really love to have company! I-I mean it!"
Free hummed, "if ya say so... I look forward to it," doors opening to floor 2. "Till then?"
Midoriya nodding multiple times and stepping out, "h-h-have a good day!"
"Ditto," the grinning girl saluting with two fingers as the door closed again, metal box rising one more floor up, where she exits and turns left.
Can't believe my luck on finding a fellow classmate…
I've never been lucky a day in my life; either God thinks I deserve a break or it's all a ploy to make me feel secure...
Then BAM, surprise tragedy!
A moment later, she's opening the door to a modest apartment, though decorated tastefully by her mother, Elle Hastings.
A 49-year-old successful business women, who's dabbled in many arts such as modeling, photography, venue coordinator, clothing and inner design. Though currently, she's fully licensed as a Lawyer, bro-bono for single parents, veterans, abuse and rape victims, etc. Other than All Might and Sir Nighteye, Elle Hastings is the most incredible hero in the world. At least in her daughters eyes, Free admiring and loving no one more than her mother, who's been to hell and back for her.
As usual, the single parent is nowhere in sight, likely up till all hours of the morning going through cases and drinking too much coffee. Still, Free starts another pot amid making a protein smoothie for herself, and clicking the remote to put on the news. Of course, its mostly filled with villain attacks and the likes, more and more happenings as of late.
That's the thing about Quirks… they're far too unpredictable and you can't account on every person granted them on using it morally.
The creaking of a door alerts Free to her mothers awakening, the lighter red-haired women dragging her feet in fuzzy black slippers across the floor and routinely pouring herself coffee, adding two sugars and drinking it with a sigh. "Morning Little Bug. Ya just get back?"
"I did… I met a boy too."
Instantly, the late forty-year-old perked up, "what's his name?"
"You're going to look him up if I tell ya."
"So? I'm your mother, which means I have the right." And it goes without saying there's a reason I do it with every person you meet.
"Izuku Midoriya. He's harmless, but you're welcomed to check."
"Thanks for understanding, hun."
"I told him I'd love to introduce ya to his Mom and he said it would be okay."
"FREE HASTINGS! Please stop trying to make friends for me!"
"I can't help it. You're anti-social and only talk to clients!" Honestly, "other than All Might and I, whom you only ever text, you're practically a loner."
Elle grumbled at her daughter, "You make it sound like a bad thing."
"Ya need a friend, Mom. Just one more and I'll never force another upon ya! Ten years from now ya can get a cat or two and throw them birthday parties and crap."
"FREE!" The daughter laughing as her mother swats at her.
"Hopefully Izuku's mom will be the lucky person to get stuck with ya as a best friend."
"You're a punk ass… what are your plans for the rest of the day?"
"Mmm… I'm going to check out that small gym hidden at the corner of Akamori Street. It looked promising."
"Alright. I'm checking out a few offices for rent throughout the day, so I'll be home a bit later. I'll bring back sushi… that cool?"
"Works with me," the seventeen-year-old bringing her drink with her to shower and prepare for the gym. "There's left over miso and rice in the fridge from last night. Eat please."
"Sometimes I question who's more of the mother in our relationship," Elle shaking her head and sipping coffee amid scrolling through emails. The remainder of her morning continuing in the same manner, her only daughter leaving a littlerover an hour later, their ritual hug and promise of returning to each other completed as usual.
--
Jimu Sukahato, 7:37 A.M.
This isn't too bad, Free quickly settled, eyes taking in the newer equipment and chill atmosphere of the quaint little gym. Four or five clients present on this early Friday morning, but other than that quiet.
The owner shows her around politely, the girl nodding in understanding and saying if today goes smoothly, she'd love to sign up for a membership, Mr.Hato bowing and bidding her a good workout, the teen thanking him quietly and getting to work.
After putting away her bag and changing slippers for indoor shoes, she heads straight for the weights, bottle and sweater off to the side and earbuds in her ears. Before long, she's lost in a song and on her feet to fill her bottle, soon finished and intending to twist the lid shut, but accidently dropping it.
Without much thought, she reflexively tries to stop the piece of plastic from hitting the ground, fumbling and not paying attention as she knocked and spilled water on another person admist catching it. "Shit," the curse leaving her mouth automatically. "I'm so sorry!"
This is the second time I'm apologizing for not paying attention, like a dumbass.
"DAMN EXTRA!"
What, bright peach sliding from the now closed bottle to the body in front of her, slowly rising upwards to find an angry, yet attractive ash-blonde male. When orange gaze meets carmine, she can't help the breath that escapes her, wow.
"The hell is your problem? You stupid or something?" Free's trance instantly shattered, the hothead's words irking her.
"I'm not, are ya?" Southern accent thick and strong at her English use of 'you', as always. "-didn't see me or something?"
Two can play at being an asshole. It's in my blood.
"Hah?! The hell did you just say?!"
"Blind and partially deaf too?" Free ridiculously quick at come backs, immensely proud at that one. l"The hell were ya doing to not see me standing right here? Checking ya'self out in the mirror like some douchebag?"
Not that I'd blame you, cause Holy lord, if they made a life size pillow of this guy, I'd have three.
Suddenly, something sweet hits her nose, maroon brows furrowing in curiosity as the she holds her ground against the fit and fiery male teen trying to scare her off.
"-ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING PUMPKIN FACE?"
Pumpkin face? The fuck does that mean?
Is he referring to my eye color?
Pumpkin face is the best he can come up with, Free snorting at her musings and biting down a smile. Something tells me this guy is keeping it tame at the moment.
Bakugo Katsuki is not amused; the front of his shirt and sweat pants are trailed with water and the idiot responsible is standing in front of him, failing to hide her stupid attempt at not laughing in his face. WHO THE HELL DOES THIS BITCH THINK SHE IS? I'LL KILL HER!
"You smell ridiculously good, what is that?"
Cinnamon and apple with a hint of something familiar...
"The hell you talking about BRICKHEAD?"
Brickhead?
Is... he making fun of my hair color now?
"Ya lookin for a fight hothead?"
Seriously tho... it's the smell of something sickly burnt with a kick. Why is it so freaking alluring? What. The. Fuck.
Free unintentionally scooting in closer and indulging for another second.
"YOU'RE SO DEAD!" Sparks igniting within the blonde's hands, his face reddening at their sudden close proximity.
"Is it your body wash? Maybe your shampoo or spray?" Breathing him in and enjoying the soothing feeling it gives her, not even aware of the threat his hands hold.
IS SHE FUCKING WITH ME?!
"Ya gonna answer me or stew in rage all day? By all means, go ahead; if that's your thing, Prettyboy."
PRETTYBOY? THIS BITCH IS ASKING FOR IT, Katsuki just about having enough, deciding if this gym is worth keeping his cool for, "BACK OFF OR DIE!"
"Oh... sorry. I didn't realize ya were still in the 'girls have cooties' stage of growing up." Free shamelessly teased while obliging by putting a few feet between them. "I forget how uptight this culture is."
Mom pretty much disowned the Japanese half of herself after loosing Bachan... because of Him too.
"Anyway, I don't have all day to flirt, see ya around," the female teen sending the good-looking male a wink and strolling off without a glance back.
What. Just. Happened... Bakugos' once furrowed brows and frown changing to a blank and clueless expression. Who the hell was that? Ruby eyes already in search of the weirdo who threw him off his game.
In walking away, Free notices it's nearing 9, deciding to be done here for the day and planning on getting in an hour or two of Bo Staff training later. It's the one family tradition she took up and mastered, as all Hinata women have for generations. One she'll pass it on too, if she has a daughter or son someday; willing to change the tradition for any gender of child she bares or raises. Though it's been only girls born for 8 generations.
--
Once showered and changed, the 17-year-old signed a few papers, receiving a key and pass after paying for the next three months up front, in convenience. Soon, she nods goodbye and goes on her way, prior to rounding the strip-malls corner, where burning sugar hit her senses again, a warm hand gripping the girls shoulder and slamming her back into the brickwall.
"You got some nerve," heat radiating off the toned blonde, who has no qualms cornering an unsuspecting girl.
"Excuse me?"
Is he serious right now?
Free considering activating her Quirk to ensure no damage to herself, but holding off on defending, as she feels no ill will from the boy practically pinning her to the wall.
He's just a punk with a lot of teenage angst… why are the hot ones always so angry?
"You sure like to talk tough, but got nothing smart to say now, huh, Pumpkin Face?!"
The American doesn't bother to control the snicker leaving her mouth at his ridiculous nickname choice, "that the best you got Hothead?"
"THAT'S IT!" A palm lifting towards her face and lighting with a mini explosion, "any last words?" The scent registering to her as his hand sparked.
"IT'S YOUR QUIRK! IT'S NITROGLYCERIN!" A reminder of her grandfather, who worked in medicine and died 8 years ago, only weeks before Bachan, whom died of her broken heart due to his unexpected death.
Damn, my family history is straight out of a daytime drama, another laugh coming from Free, but for different reasons.
Still, it's not specifically the nitro, cause let's be honest... that burnt caramel smell is terrible... more so the reminder of grandad and whatever sweet apple pie and cinnamon thing this kids got going on.
"-IGNORING ME? YOU'RE DEAD!"
"How can you still be so angry after working out? Is this just ya 'mood', as kids these days are calling it?" Free refusing to hide her casual attitude, wanting to get under the guy's skin in both a good and bad way. It's working, activating Metamorphosis, her orange eyes becoming mirror-like and reflecting everything surrounding the pair. "If you're really looking for someone to take it out on, let's go Prettyboy." Katsuki's grip on her shirt tightening, the thought of UA the only thing holding him back blowing this bitch to kingdom come.
ARGGG, FUCK, forcing himself to let go, but not without a promise of putting her in her place when the day comes.
"Not sure if I should be afraid or thrilled," her voice smooth with obvious innuendo and readjusting her shirt. "Hope to see ya sooner than later, charmer," pushing past with a smirk and holding her fist up, middle finger raised as a farewell. She's not at all shocked when a couple explosions blast in the background while striding off, her other hand working on finding a good song and texting Izuku.
To Freckles : Just met my soul mate. Not sure if it's too soon to say that, but he's unnecessarily angry and hot, fueled by testosterone and nitroglycerin.
Freckles: HE ISN'T BY CHANCE BLONDE WITH RED EYES AND 5'8?
The girl paused mid step to type,
To Freckles: how did you know that? Are you friends?... is he already your boyfriend? What the hell are the chances?!
Freckles: NO! ... ITS NOT LIKE THAT! ... WE WENT TO SCHOOL TOGETHER!... KAACHAN AND I ARE JUST FRIENDS!
Free laughed to herself, figuring it's time to stop teasing the sweet boy whom happened to be in the right place at the wrong time this morning.
To Freckles: I get it, I get it. Do you and your Mom like sushi?
Freckles: ... Yes... Why? ... Free?
It's decided. I'll get my mom to order too much food and we'll bring it over to 2G, the girl closing the message and starting another, To Mama: I'm starving, do you mind making a big order, with 6 rolls, sashimi and our favorite appetizers?
Mama: Will do. Found perfect office, will be home earlier than expected.
Perfect, Free mused to herself, building already in sight.
I hope it's not considered rude to randomly pop by with food mid day.
--
By the time Ell Hastings arrives home, it's nearing noon, her hands full with take out bags in entering, until shooed out instantly by her daughter again. "You're really making me go over to a strangers without warning?!"
"If I gave you a way to get out of it, you would Mum. So, knock it off… how's your Japanese?"
"Excellent of course. My mother would haunt me if I ever let it be anything less."
"Bachan would be a fantastic ghost with her traditional kimono and spooky stories history. She'd pull all the slamming cupboards and chiming bells to raise the hair on our necks, huh?" Elle agreeing with her daughter, a small smile tugging at her lips in fondness, following along until Free stops at 2G and knocks three times.
Only a couple moments pass when the door opened to reveal Izuku in a black shirt that reads pillow, his eyes widening at his new friend's' appearance, "F-Free!"
"Heya Freckles, ya busy? We brought take-out," the bright-eyed teen motioning to her slightly shorter mother who carried most of the food.
"UWAh! L-let me help you!" The Greenet opening the door to invite them inside and taking most of the bags from the women. "P-please, make yourself comfortable," he says depositing the containers on the counters and then closing the door behind them. "I-I'll go find my Mom," freckled teen disappearing from sight in a flash.
"You never said your new friend was a bunny. Cute," Elle joked, an immense feeling of homeyness settling her. I like this place already.
"Konnichiwa!" A gentle voice greeted, both guests finding the speaker, who's a soft women around Elle's age with an obvious family resemblance to Izuku. "I'm Midoriya Inko, welcome to our home." Elle bowed politely and forcing her daughter down too.
"Sorry for intruding. My spawn has no manners whatsoever. My mother is probably rolling over in her grave at the moment."
Free gawked, "I have no manners? You're literally talking about our dead relative first meeting!"
"Beats forcing yourself into someone's house, brat!"
"Izuku invited us in! There was no forcing in the least you Witch," the younger girl swatting her mothers hand away and taking a stand.
"-what should we do? They are almost an exact replica of Kaachan and Bakugo-san! I'm not sure if anything we say will get through to them," teenage boy mumbling to his mother in a rush, the women unbothered by the odd pair.
Izuku is right, they are like Mizuki and Katsuki, she noted in shuffling to the kitchen and preparing some plates and chopsticks, her son catching on and setting the table.
"Look who's being rude now, Ma. You're here arguing like a toddler, while our hosts do all the work," Free elbowing her mother to escape and dodging elegantly around the island to help the boy.
Elle quickly realizing she can't hide behind her more sociable daughter anymore and pattering over to the women in the midst of opening the food containers. "Hi again. Sorry about that. We're not usually so rowdy… and rude."
Inko smiled warmly at her, "don't be. It's lovely to have guests, even the more passionate ones."
"I'm Elle Hastings. My daughter and I just moved into 3D earlier this month. Thank-you for being so welcoming," the American women easily falling into helping and working with the other to put food out.
"I hope you're liking it alright so far. I heard from Izuku you're from Texas, in America."
"We are... though we've both spent a few years living in Hosu. My mother was born and raised there, until marrying and settling in the USA with my father."
"How wonderful to be back then," the Greenette genuine in words.
It goes without saying, this time around is for pleasure, the last was not, the daughter mused amid listening.
"I'm delighted. So, what do women like us do around here for fun?"
"Mom, please! Don't lump her in with ya. She's at least 10 years younger than your ancient butt," Free barely ducking a backhand from her mother by diving behind Izuku, who gaped at his first official female friend.
"Better hope you beat me home later or you'll be sleeping in the hall," Elle said to her child, a playful glare on her face.
"Ya all talk mama bear."
"We'll see devil spawn."
The younger Midoriya choking on air, Free rubbing his back in comfort, but stopping when he's fast to freeze up; steam practically spilling from his ears. Righttttt. He's not use to affection from outsiders, the girl making it her mission to change that, honestly believing that sometimes all it takes is a touch in a moment of need to save a soul.
"So, Freckles, tell me about this Kaachan," she suggested in a lapse of silence, the group of four finished with preparations and sitting down together.
"Oh! You met Katsuki?"
"Katsuki? That's his name?"
"Hai! Bakugo Katsuki," Izuku clarified for Free.
"Definitely suits him, huh?" An impish expression that screams mischief crossing the freckled girls face. "Tell me he'll be at U.A too?"
"Y-Yes!"
"I'm lost," Elle cut in, "you met another boy?" Question directed at her kid, the daughter humming while picking up chopsticks and reaching for a piece of fresh salmon.
"He's as prickly as a cactus and as hot as the sun midday July in Houston."
"Is that so?" The women full well knowing the twinkle in her daughters eye. "He sounds like trouble."
Inko Midoriya can't help the giggle that leaves her chest at the conversation, not sure the last time she was included in any form of girl talk as this. Her son, like herself, is unable to stop the surprised expression he makes from hearing his mother laugh like that. "Katsuki was a cute kid… though it's been a while since he's visited."
"Got any pictures from birthday parties or such? I'd love to see."
"Oh yes! Remind me after dinner to show you," Inko happy to oblige in going through photo albums.
"I bet Izuku was even cuter than he is now too, huh?" Free getting the exact reaction she was expecting, the unsuspecting male covering his face in embarrassment.
"Free, stop teasing."
"Oh, come on, Ma! Look how flustered he gets! It's too hard to resist the opportunity," orange winking at green peeking through fingers.
"Eeep."
"Izuku is cute, ne? He definitely gets it from his father," the mother says, a fond smile on her mouth.
"M-Mom!" The entirety of the meal passing in much of the same way, conversation focusing on the teenagers upcoming school year. Both students learn a lot about each other of the course of two hours, the mothers hitting if off as well. A casual and comfortable conversation passing between the four concerning everyday life and such.
By the time they part ways, what was meant to be a lunch, ends up being a good chunk of the afternoon. The friendly mother and daughter duo invited back for dinner in a few hours, and of course, they gladly accept without much prompting. Neither able to recall the last time either had a home cooked meal. Elle and Free Hastings both preferring to spend their time outside of the kitchen.
However, the daughter has learnt enough to get by over the years, her range of cooking spanning mostly breakfast foods in a variety of Japanese, American and European cuisine, due to an avid interest in those ones specifically.
All in all, the last weekend of March changed Frees' outlook of her fresh start. The Texan reassured in knowing Izuku will be right there experiencing U.A from the get go with her, finding something calming and inviting about the sweet, freckled teen, who's been nothing but nice to the loud American girl since their accidental run in. A welcomed comfort she's only ever felt in one other presence, a significant and well known one, which prompts Free's reoccurring question over the course of her first month at U.A...
What is it about Izuku Midoriya that reminds her so much of Toshinori Yagi?