"That really hit the spot," a relieved sigh escaping Free as she stands up with a stretch and to toss her garbage away, before stacking the tray where it belonged. Izuku and Iida are in the midst of finishing up too, the trio amongst only a few remaining in the cafeteria.
Now if only I had time for a nap on a rooftop somewhere...
"Free-chan! I've been informed by Momo to give this to you, Ribbit." Tsuyu and Ochaco appearing from the hallway, the Froggirls tongue handing over a cheerleading outfit and marroon brows furrowing in question. "Mr.Aizawa said we're to perform a cheer right after lunch with the other girls. Ribbit."
"Oh… OK. This is cute. Matches my eyes," the Texan holding it up to herself. "Let's go find them and change! We have a minimal amount of time to coordinate something," Free tangling her fingers with theirs and leading them towards the exit. "Hey Chacochip… I forgot to ask Freckles why ya'll didn't come ask me to be apart of ya team last round."
"We were going too," the brunette admitted, "but after Iida turned us down and we saw you with Shoji and those other guys, we figured you already had one."
"I'm glad it worked out how it did, but if ya two would have asked, I'd have had a hard time refusing."
"Deku knew that too. He didn't want to put you in that position either."
"That sounds like Midoriya. Ribbit."
"Right? He's too pure for this world," burnt orange landing on the women's lockeroom, where they find the rest of their female classmates. "Heya! Ya girls look cute," tossing off her uniform to slip into then cheerleading one while Jiro shifts from foot-to-foot.
"I'm not sure I can do this," her hands pulling at the cropped top to cover the pale skin of her torso.
"Just hide behind me, Kyo," the Texan put forth amid tossing her stuff inside a locker with Mina, whom waves pompoms around in cheering motions. "Ya don't mind this in the least, huh, Bubblegum?"
"Bub-ble-gum?" Jiro repeated slowly, as the pinkette lit up.
"I'VE BEEN GIVEN A NICKNAME! FINALLY!" Ashido hugging Free and jumping excitedly. "I've been waiting!!"
"I was torn between a few, but ya pink and sweet with a lot flavor. Panther was the other top choice."
"For Pink Panther, right?" Ochaco guessing correctly, earning a nod from the taller girl.
"Ahhh I love them both Free!"
"Do you think you'll give everyone in class a nickname, Free-chan?" Momo coming to stand with those who are ready, only Uraraka left tying up her shoes.
"I think so. Once I know them better. Still working on yours Momo. Though I've settled on Tiana for Tsuyu."
"Tiana?"
"From The Princess and the Frog."
"Oh! I love that movie! It's perfect for Tsuyu-chan!"
"It's my all time favorite. Definitely started my frog faze, which lasted for about 4 years," Free shared. "The southern theme and bango playing fireflies was right up my alley."
"It's my favorite too. Ribbit."
"Ya have excellent taste, Tiana." A small blush coloring Asui's round cheeks now. "Anyway, I was thinking since we don't have much time to reverse anything, let's just go with the classic 'Plus Ultra' and pompom wave. Cool?"
The others nodding at the simple idea, prior to all six exiting the room with three minutes to spare and rushing out just as Present Mic begins to announce the next festivities and round. "What's the matter, Class A? What kind of fan service is that?"
It only takes a matter of seconds for them to realize they've been had, Momo quickly seeking out those responsible and raising her pompom in anger, "Mineta! Kaminari! You tricked us, didn't you?" The ponytailed girl falling to the grass is exasperation, "why am I always caught up in Mineta's schemes? I even used Creation to make the outfits," Ocha rubbing her back in comfort.
"Those guys are so dumb," Kyoka throwing her poms down in frustration.
"Frankly, I think we look bomb… but I can't stand by those jerks for getting the better of us," the Texan passing her yellow pomspoms to the bluenette and trekking straight towards the boys.
"KAMI, WHAT DO WE DO?!" Mineta already latching onto the electric teen in fear as Free closed in.
"After that, the sixteen from the four teams that made it to the final will duke it out tournament style, one-on-one!" Mic's announcement stopping the redhead in her tracks.
Who's going to be my first fight?
Midnight proceeds to takesover in explaining the rules, those in the next round to pick brackets and determine who they'll be facing. Their option to choose whether or not they want to participate in the recreational activities beforehand.
The 16 finalists line up one after the other, Free in front of Tetsutetsu and behind Momo. "I hope we get the chance to compete on stage," she says to the 1.B student, an easy-going smile on her freckled face.
"Me too, Free-Chan! I'd like to see how your Quirk stands against my steel!"
"Ditto! I think you'll have the upper hand, but I'm known to be pretty unpredictable."
"Is that why you're in a cheerleading uniform?" He wondered, reminding the female of her current outfit and intended revenge.
With a head shake, she leans around him to eye Kaminari at the back by Shinso, "unfortunately, the girls and I fell for a dumb prank… luckily, I'm the queen of them."
"It sounds like you have something in mind," Tetsutetsu hummed, following her line of sight. "If you want some help, don't hesitate to ask!"
Free is surprised at the offer, "thanks T. Remind me ta get ya number later, it'd be great to keep up."
"Y-Yeah! For sure Free-Chan!"
"You're up Mrs.Hastings!" The R-rated pro calls out, the American walking forward to pull out a number and show it to the Umpire, who enters it on the handheld device she's been using the entire festival.
1st matches as is when everyone's drawn a number...
Bracket 1:
· Shinso VS Midoriya
· Todoroki VS Sero
· Kaminari VS Shoji
· Iida VS Hatsume
Bracket 2:
· Hastings VS Ashido
· Yaoyorozu VS Tokoyami
· Kirishima VS Tetsutetsu
· Bakugo VS Uraraka
Mina, huh?
Excitement thrumming through Free's' bones and a grin on her face when meeting the other girls' eyes, narrowing her own in joke and motioning the 'I see you' as the pinkette mades fists, throwing a few punches in the distance, mouthing 'bring it'.
"Uraraka? Who's that?" The questions drawing the butterfly girls' attenton to Katsuki, her expression blank.
"You're joking right?" Orange meeting hazel not far off behind him, Ochaco already pale at the thought of facing off against the bomber first round.
Bakugo's' stare shifts from the screen to the freckled face instead, "well?"
"The adorable brunette with the gravity Quirk… wow… ya really do see most people as extras. That's so shitty, Prettyboy," the Maroonette shaking her head in disappointment and turning to walk away.
Maybe I've been wrong in thinking he had more heart than he let on. Sure, he's attractive, passionate and smart, however, he's also careless with people's feelings and a bully more often than not. Izuku getting the worst of it.
"Oi, Brickhead," a warm hand clutching her wrist. "The round face one, right?"
"Uh-Huh. At least ya not a total lost," she said, neck rolling around slowly to look at the ash-blonde again. "Don't let that round face fool ya. Chacochip's got guts and a reason to win."
"So do I," he articulated in releasing his grasp and stuffing the hand away in a pocket.
"Don't we all?"
"I don't care about that stuff. What matters is being the indisputable winner."
"Winning isn't everything, Katsuki. Haven't ya heard that growing up at all?"
"That's something parents tell their kids when they lose."
Free sighed. "And ya call me relentless... losing helps ya grow. It gives ya perspective too... ya got a taste of that today in the first two games, right?" His ruby shrinking in irritation at her boldness. "Though… out of everyone on that board, I think it's ya who wants it the most. Just don't underestimate us extras or it'll bite ya in the ass Hothead."
The girl planning to end on that, but is stopped once again. "Did pony-tail make this?" Katsuki's gaze on the cheering uniform.
"Convenient, right? I'd never have to go shopping again."
"You're going to regret calling it convenient when I win," a wicked smirk and expression falling on his face.
Oh no…
"Thurday's going to be your worst nightmare."
I doubt that… pretty sure I lived through it already." At least I hope so, "catch ya later Kacchan. Try not ta get knocked out before I can get ya one-on-one," this time escaping with a cheeky wink and obvious innuendo, American chuckling to herself when he's left standing there speechless.
--
After a 50-minute snooze, Free Hastings feels rejuvenated and refreshed, bypassing the extra activities for it. The taller girl making a quick pit stop to see Izuku in her journey to 1.A's viewer seating, where freckled mousy-haired boy nervously paced without a plan as his opponent is a mystery. Mossy-green eyes wide with tears of joy when laying sight on his redheaded neighbor. "F-Free!"
"I figured ya might need some insight… I can't outright tell ya, but I've thought of a riddle. With that brain of yours ya got this."
"R-Riddle?"
"I am there when you are quiet. I am broken when you speak. Who am I?" Free putting some coins in the drink machine for iced tea with honey, finger hovering another random one and clicking both in hopes of landing two, happily chuckling when it works. "Whaddya know, ya must be lucky, Bunny. Like a rabbit's foot. Ironic really," holding out the can of juice to her friend.
"It's silence, right?" Izuku's brows furrowed in question at the maroonette, who nods.
"That's your biggest ally against Hitoshi… don't let him rile ya up, Freckles. He's smart from what I've seen so far and his Quirk is incredible," she advised. "But ya never fail to impress... it's extraordinary. Uncle Toshi clearly see's it too."
Midoriya is once again flustered, his Texan neighbor always unflinching in her heartening words usually considerate and of kindness. "T-Thank you, F-Free!"
"Good luck! Keep what I said in mind," the girl lifting a classic peace sign and going on her way, leaving the greenet feeling a bit confident, despite his inner panic attack mere minutes ago.
I can do this… all I have to do is beat him without saying anything… as usual, that's always easier said than done, Izuku Midoriya soon learnings such things.
--
Up above in the viewers seating, Free Hastings takes a front row seat as Mic announced the competitors, both male teenagers appearing and crossing the field to stand in the rectangular ring. Ochaco sits to her right and Mezo behind her, both greeting the maroonette.
"This is so exciting!! I can't believe I'll be down there in a few rounds myself!" Brunette bouncing in her seat.
"Aa. I'm sure standing down there is quite different than watching from right here."
"Oh yeah! I'm sure Freckles heart is racing like a sum of a bitch right now."
Tenya gasping at her cussing, "Hastings-san!"
"Sorry class rep. I'm workin on it," she says half-heartedly, attention focused on the pair below as the round starts.
--
Below, Shinso knows exactly what to say to get under his opponents' skin. "You're awfully quiet... don't tell me that American classmate of yours couldn't keep a simple promise. Figures; she didn't strike me as the type who could anyway."
Predictably, Izuku can't help getting irked by the tone his opponent uses when mentioning Free, forgetting everything she mentioned only ten minutes ago, "she never told me anything!" click, emerald eyes going blank as Hitoshi's Quirk takes hold.
--
"Come on, Freckles! Ya had to do one thing," braided hair swinging as Free's head shakes back and forth, a groan in exasperation escaping when he does the exact opposite of what she advised.
"I'm lost? What's happening?" Uraraka asked, both her and Iida watching intensely as Midoriya froze in place.
"He screwed up… dammit Izuku," sunrise observing the scene at hand, Present Mic and Eraserhead conversing about the current predicament.
"He never mentioned a weakness or escape from his Quirk during our Calvary earlier," Shoji remarked, redhead humming in acknowledgement.
"Can ya blame him?"
"No… it is his only advantage over us here on out."
"Exactly."
"He's going to walk out of bounds! What's happening?" Denki flabbergasted. "What's this guy's Quirk? Free-chan, Shoji, please explain!"
The pair glancing at him and shaking their heads. "If ya'll can't piece it together by the end, then ya better hope any villains we run into here on out give away their trump cards beforehand." The dupli-armed male remaining silent in agreement with her.
He's going to lose, all of 1.A thinks, their classmate only inches away from stepping out of bounces.
Wooooosh, a force from out of nowhere changes everything a second, Izuku instantly snapped from Brainwashing and turning back to his competitor.
What? Free swiftly zeroing in on her friends busted fingers and connecting the dots, physical force!
Midoriya learns this time around to cover his mouth ahead of replying when Shinso eggs him on, the shorter charging at the lavender haired one and attempting to force him out of bounds. Though it doesn't go as easily as liked, both getting a few successful hits in, until the hero student emerges victorious by flipping Hitoshi over his shoulder and over the line.
"Shinso Hitoshi is out, Midoriya Izuku of class 1.A wins!" Mic announced, the crowds and students going wild.
"I want to cheer… but lordy, that scuffle at the end was kinda sad. Has no one been listening when I say ya can't rely on ya Quirk alone?!" Free looking to her larger companion while both competitors start their exit from the arena. A few words passing between them again, as well as some encouragement from the crowd.
Sugarplum looks like he'll be okay… if anything, now that he's had a taste of center stage he'll only work harder.
--
The next match between Shoto Todoroki and Hanta Sero barely lasts a minute, class 1.A speechless as the crowd begins chanting, "don't mind."
"Elementals are insane," Free running a hand over the ice that covers half the stadium, a large chunk leading up to their seating area, her classmates compelled to agree with the statement.
I wonder what set him off, the Texan aware of the heterochromic-haired teens expression the entire match, which ranged from angry to down right depressed at the end, easy to recognize from wearing it for many years herself.
--
Denki Kaminari's and Shoji's fight doesn't land in favor of the dupli-armed teen, whom like most people, can't handle 1.3 million volts without being out of commission. Denki winning, despite nearly falling off stage due to frying his brain for the win.
--
As for Tenya Iida's and Mei Hatsume, the battle is more so an advertisement of her 'babies,', ending with the pink-haired support student stepping out of bounds and Tenya advancing to the second brackets with Izuku, Shoto and Denki.
Free Hastings missing most of the match, opting to head downstairs for her own with Mina, the pair joking with each other during the walk, until parting ways for their representative sides. The girls coming to an agreement in showing off their Quirks and skills throughout it, wanting to make good names for their selves right off the bat.
"Okay folks! We finally have our first girl versus girl battle of the day! Both hero course students from 1.A! Are we surprised though?"
No wonder 1.B has beef with us, the redhead exiting the building to cross the grassy terrain and up the cement stairs to the rectangular ring.
"To the left, Ashido Mina with her acidic Quirk! She has yet to make a splash this festival, but I'm sure that's all about to change!" Pinkette climbing up to face off. "On the right, an American transfer student with a recommendation and a eye-drawing Quirk, Free Hastings!"
"Ya ready ta'dance, Bubblegum?" The Texan shaking her shoulders loose and grinning at the golden-eyed girl. "Even if ya cute, there's no way I'm going easy on ya."
Mina smiled widely, "same goes for you Free. Let's give them a good show!"
And that they do, without falter and wicked good camaraderie. The match consisting of acid globs meeting light mid air, and physical attacks when up close, both parties getting in a couple of good hits each. Unfortunately for the pink girl, she doesn't have a consistent energy booster or a chrysalis like the other, leading to victory for the redhead. "Ashido Mina is out of bounds! Free Hastings moving onto the second round!"
"Ya almost had me there when I slipped on ya trap… if I had hesitated any longer, I'd have been on my ass outside the line instead of ya," Free pulling Mina to her feet, the pinkette hanging off her and sighing dramatically.
"I almost had you!"
"Maybe next time."
--
After a quick stop in to see RecoveryGirl, Free and Mina returned to their designated section to watch the next rounds, both patched up and healing quick from their minor scrapes and bruises. Tokoyami claiming the next win as Yaoyorozu is unable to get a thought out and Dark Shadow unwilling to give her the time to.
Then Kirishima and Tetsutetsu man it out in a battle of strength, the hardening and steel male's' Quirks very similar in ability. Their match ending on a draw with both players knocked out, a winner to be determined later by an arm-wrestling match.
--
Once the ring is cleared again, the last match of the first round is up, most of 1.A on their seats in anticipation of Bakugo versus Uraraka. Midoriya and Iida arriving right on time to take a seat on Free's right. "Did she accept your help?"
"N-No… she said she's got it," Izuku hoping the brunette has a solid plan in mind.
"Have some faith, Freckles. Chacochip is a force ta be reckoned with. Just watch," Ochaco proving just that over the next minutes. Though a number of classmates can't help but voice their concern and worry as it goes on.
--
"This guy's a monster," another spectator nearby commented unnecessarily, the fourth or fifth to say dumb shit.
Free finally having enough of the blind idiots and booing, jumping to her feet to address the assholes, "ESCUSE ME?! SAY THAT AGAIN YA SONS OF A BI-"
"Was that a pro saying he's playing around? How many years have you been a pro? Huh? If you're saying that with a straight face, there's no point in you watching anymore, so go home! Go home and look into changing careers!" Aizawa holding nothing back in his lecture to the morons speaking out of their asses, the Texan loving every second of it. "Bakugo is being careful because he's acknowledged the strength of his opponent who has made it this far. It's because he's doing everything, he can to win that he can't go easy on her or let his guard down."
"Right… what he said," the butterfly girl sitting down and watching the rest, not at all surprised at the outcome, yet quite proud of the gravity girl who never gave up till her body did. The medics picking Uraraka up, while Bakugo leaves the ring, Cementoss working on repairing it once more.
Her final attack was well thought out. Just embarrassing that those in the crowd never noticed it… I'm surprised the Hothead didn't either.
"I'm going to go... I'm next against Todoroki," the freckled male to her right standing and moving towards the exit, his neighbor shifting to watch him, a few good lucks sent his way by the others.
I'll go check on him in a minute, Free getting up and stretching.
"He took all that out with one blast," Kaminari sighed, referring to Bakugo's win. "He's just too good."
"Mmm… Firecracker's got some kick ass reflexes, but ain't no reason to fucking call him a monster," the freckled girl getting fired up again. "Besides, that's basically discrediting Ochaco. She came up with a great plan and worked her ass off."
Good thing I'm up again soon, I need to exert some frustration… sucks it's gotta be at another student instead of that idiot.
"Frankly, that douchebag is lucky Mr.Aizawa got to him first or I woulddya torn him a new one," the thought of doing it again crossing her mind, sight drifting over the railing to find the loudmouth from earlier.
"Slurring your words again, Brickhead," sunrise instantaneously forgetting scouting her target to focus on the explosive blonde.
"Ya can take the southerner outta Texas, but can't take the south outta the Texan," a cheeky grin lighting up her face.
"You're fucking with me, right?" Free only smiling wider as his disbelief. "That made no fucking sense and you know it Pumpkin face."
"It did too. You're only pretending it didn't, cause ya want a reason to talk to me."
"T-THAT'S NOT IT AT ALL! YOUR DUMBASS CAN'T SPEAK JAPANESE WORTH SHIT!"
"If ya say so… though I still think this is ya awkward attempt at flirting," the redhead winked. "Ya get better with time, Stud."
Ohh. That one just rolled off the tongue. Suits him too.
The group of students around them observe the two go back and forth, impressed as usual with the Americans tenacity concerning her obvious crush on the short-tempered bomber. Does she actually like him, or is it really just teasing?
"Anyway," Free drawled, casually turning away to ignore the hothead, "I'm gonna go wish Freckles good luck! Todoroki is a tough opponent so he'll need a confidence boost, which I'm a pro at." The 17-year-old pausing beside the Birdhead teen in her leave, "I'll see ya in the ring Fumi and DS."
"A battle of light and dark," Tokoyami remarked, his sentient peeking from it's hiding spot and pointing a sharp claw at the American.
"Bring it Butterfly!"
"Ohhhhh, I intend too! I want 150%, so don't go easy on me just cause I'm lovable, DS!" redhead exiting with a wink, the sound of her classmates' laugher ringing out in the trek down.
--
Half a minute later, in her walk down, Free stumbles upon her purple-haired teammate from the Calvary battle, a coffee in his one hand and box of strawberry mochi in the other.
"Free-san," a small smile pulling at Shinsos' lips.
"Sugarplum... cut the San and I'll let ya share ya mochi with me," she shamelessly flirted, Hitoshi chuckling in passing her the box with no hesitation.
"Help yourself."
"Ya spoil me," popping a piece in her mouth and sighing in content. "Can I say something honest, if ya don't mind a little criticism and advice from a stranger-slash-potential-friend?"
Potential friend, "aa."
"Ya got an amazing Quirk and the brains from what I've witnessed so far… but ya scuffle out there with Izuku was pretty sad."
Don't remind me, Shinso thought, embarrassment settling in his gut. I wasn't prepared for anything physical.
"You need some serious training if you want to transfer, so I recommend finding a mentor that specializes in a combat style best suited for you. Also practice in mastering a weapon and try bulking up. Brains over brawn, always, but being able to fall back on physical strength when all other options are exhausted is important. It could be the difference between life and death."
Her accent disappears when serious, he noted, then asked, "you think I have a chance?"
"I wouldn't waste my breath otherwise," more genuineness. "I've known someone with a relatable Quirk," his purple brows furrowing at that, "-I know how powerful it can be once you harness its capabilities. As long as you're able to find a balance and live with the stigma that comes with it, you'll go far Hitoshi."
She's really not shy in the least, violet eyes never leaving her face as she goes on.
"Your heart seems in the right place, though it looks like you could use a weeks worth of sleep."
"Perpetually tired is kind of my thing," he joked, the Texan laughing as she popped another mochi between her full lips.
"You remind me of Mr.Aizawa. He literally has this bright yellow sleeping bag that he'll nap in behind his desk…" Aizawa... "Anyway, I should go or I'll miss Izuku. Kid doesn't have enough belief in himself, so I gotta remind him, yaknow?"
"Do you do that for all your classmates?"
She shrugged, "when needed. I'll always try my best to cheer up anyone. Every person's a little different, but I'm a pretty good judge of character and tones, so I base it on that."
"What if it was me going out there instead of him?"
"I'd say ya better hope Elsa doesn't know your Quirk or ya shit outta luck. Ya'd be a Sugarplum popsicle in seconds," her bluntness making Shinso shake his head.
"That's it? No words of encouragement or advice?"
"Bad match up. Elementals are difficult to deal with head on for anybody."
"Right," makes sense… the ice guy is probably the strongest competitor here too. "Midoriya… I said a few things about you during our match… I pretty much called you a loud mouth American to be honest."
"I've been called worst… besides, that statement isn't too far off the mark," she admits. "I never told him your Quirk, but clued him in with a riddle. Izuku's been kind of my best friend since moving here in March and my loyalty runs deep. Couldn't let him go in blind."
"A riddle?" purple orbs narrowed in curiosity.
"About silence."
"Aa. Smart… too bad he made it so easy to break."
"He's passionate."
"That, and it's obvious he cares about you. A few words to question your loyalty was all it took for him to forget the efforts you made warning him."
"He wears his heart on his sleeve. If more people did, the world would be a better place, dontcha think?"
He hummed, "maybe."
"Anyway, thanks for the treat and chat, but I gotta go. I better hear ya cheering for me or I'll be crushed," she joked in handing him back the food. "See ya'round, Sugar," throwing up the peace sign and resuming her goal to see the Greenet.
"Aa. Bye," brainwasher watching till she's out of sight and then continuing on his own way. She basically called me scrawny without actually saying it, amethyst dropping to examine his biceps and chest. Well, she's not wrong, sipping at his black coffee. As for a mentor, that's much easier said than done.
--
Once more, Free procrastinates in seeing Midoriya for another couple of minutes, heading around to the announcer's box where Present Mic and Erasehead talk quietly, small intermission in session. "Heya, Mr.Yamada, Mr.Aizawa. Can ya spare a minute or two for me?"
The English teacher grinned, giving her an exuberant thumbs up in response, "of course, kiddo! Whazzzup?"
So loud.
"Uh, well, I was wondering if you could play the 3rd track on this if I end up facing Bakugo after this round?" The teenager holding out a USB which Mic gladly takes.
"I knew one of my students had style and pizazz!"
"I'm sure the crowd will enjoy it too," she quipped, prior to turning to Eraserhead. "Sensei; I'm not certain if you have time for an apprentice or student outside of those you already have, but Hitoshi Shinso could use you, or someone like you to give him an actual fighting shot in transferring to hero studies."
"Hitoshi Shi- the Brainwashing kid?" Yamada asked.
"Funny… I was already thinking the same thing Hastings," her homeroom teacher drawled, Free raising her brow at him.
"Great minds, huh, teach?"
"We'll see. What lead you to him during the Calvary?"
"His declaration a few weeks back. Plus, he was the only general studies recipient to make it through the race, beating out a number of us in placement… myself included."
"He appears ambitious enough… perhaps we could both help him improve," the scruffy man suggested, a gleam in his dark eyes, the redhead considering his words.
"Let me guess… I'd make a great tutor as I've done two years of Hero high school already?"
Shota nods, "you're a smart kid, Hastings. It shows in your work and how you've handled everything thrown at 1.A since term started…" a slightly sadistic grin on the mans mouth now, "besides, this can make up for your poor scoring in the physical tests on the first day. I'm well informed of your previous ones and had a feeling not expelling you for the lack of effort would pay off eventually."
The teen wincing at his tone, I suppose they are my teachers, so paying attention is kinda their job.
"Well, count me in. Tutoring Shinso in Hero Basics and such shouldn't be too hard. He seems plenty smart."
"Good; let's hope he catches on quick or training with me is going to be a nightmare," another toothy smile lifting the thirty-year-old's face, his blonde friend shivering.
"Poor kid doesn't know what he's in for."
Free giggled, "anyway, I guess you or him will find me once you sort it out, so I'll get lost now. Thanks Sensei's, you're the best!" The teen gone swiftly, neither having a chance to say anything. "No more distractions," she tells herself, heading straight for the competitor rooms. Upon entering waiting room 2 a couple minutes later, the redhead nearly collides with her neighbor, his match announced as Kirishima just won the arm wrestling.
"F-Free!"
"Mind if I walk ya?"
"O-Of course not!" The two venturing towards the arena hall together, Izuku's thoughts on the brunette left behind, who once again encouraged him, even after her lost against Bakugo.
"Why the long-face and tears, Bunny?" Vibrant-orange on the shorter teen beside her, observing his arms lift up to wipe away salty trails of sadness.
"Uraraka-San… s-she was so frustrated and I couldn't say anything to help."
"I doubt that. You just being you helps more than ya know." Her simple words having an impact, Izuku utterly speechless and flailing now.
"P-Please s-stop! You can't say stuff like that!"
Free refusing to believe that as they continued strolling through the corridors, "bullshit. I think it's important to tell those ya care about their strengths whenever possible… just in case. Yakknow?"
I wonder… if that tragic past she mentioned when we first met is part of the reason she stuff like this... "Free... I was wondering if maybe, sometime soon you could tell me about-" a gasp escaping Midoriya as the 2nd best hero rounds the corner, "Endeavor!"
Narrowed spheres of citrine swirling at the flaming man's appearance, the father who cares more about beating All Might than anything else…
How can he not see his son is struggling?
"There you are…" man's sight on the male teen.
"E-Endeavor! W-what are you doing here?"
"I watched your fight. You have a wonderful Quirk," his words surprising both students. "You created so much wind power just by flicking your fingers… if we're talking about power alone, yours is comparable to All Mights."
Nevermind… this is going exactly where I thought it would, Free snorting and crossing her arms, not at all shy in her obvious distaste for the large man, who points at her neighbor.
"What… are you trying to say? I-I got to go," Izuku meeting Free's gaze, the pair shuffling away with the intentions of ending the conversation there.
"It is my Shoto's duty to surpass All Might. His match with you will be a very instructive test bed. Please don't disgrace yourself in it," his words making the morphers left-eye twitch.
Keep walking Free. It's not ya business.
"That was all I wanted to say. I apologize for bothering you right before the match."
That's all? That's all?
Free spinning around to say something, but Izuku beating her to it, his hand wrapped around the small, tanned wrist. "I am not All Might."
"That's obvious—"
"That's obvious, right? Todoroki isn't you, either." Midoriya's proclamation hitting home, a strong tug pulling the girl with him around the corner, where the opened threshold leading into the arena is.
"I wanted to lay into that bastard back there, but nothing I said could have measured up to such a simple and straightforward statement as that," rolling her wrist to break the boys grip and maneuvering to hold his hand instead. "If he can't understand it, he's a lost cause. Especially if it's been 15 years and he has yet to acknowledge his son isn't a puppet in his ploy to upstage All Might."
"I-I want to save him."
"Endeavor?"
"Todoroki-kun."
"Isn't that what ya already going out there ta do, Freckles?" Her question drawing a small chuckle from the mousy-haired teen.
"Hai… t-thanks Free… for being you," the taller girl lightly squeezing his fingers and letting go.
"Ya got this, Hero," eyes following until he's out on the field, the American quickly turning around and jogging to get upstairs to watch, barely arriving as it starts.
Right off the bat, Todoroki begins with an ice attack, Midoriya blowing it away with his Quirk, the finger out of commission. Another within moments as more ice is launched his way, the half and half teen rapidly advancing with controlled ability.
"Pheww," Free dropping into the seat in front of Katsuki. "Don't wanna miss a thing in this fight. Try not ta blink hothead," unable to help herself in saying something to the ash-blonde over her shoulder, receiving an eye roll in response.
I like getting his attention… so what?
Kirishima appeared a minute later, Sero congratulating him on making the next round. "Yeah, I'll be up against you next, Bakugo. Let's have a good fight!"
"I'll kill you."
Eijiro laughing at the explosive teens comment, "I'd like to see you try! But man, you, Free and Todoroki can all shoot off powerful attacks that cover a lot of ground. Like BAM!"
Hanta agreeing, "and you can do it with no time lag."
"I'm not just shooting them off, don't underestimate 'em… if you overuse your muscles, the fibers tear, and if you keep running, you'll run out of breath," crystal eyes on Katsuki as he talks. "Quirks are physical abilities, too. They must also have some kind of limit."
"He's right," she inputs, twisting forward again, "tomorrow I'll look like the night of the living dead and likely need to spend a solid 12 hours fully cocooned in recovery. There's only so much input and output a person can handle without being effected… down below will be a prime example, so watch closely."
Elsa is already lagging and Freckles has taken notice, Texan's attention to the boys duking it out in the ring.
Izuku never one to make anything easy as his next attack is a full punch when Todoroki nearly catches him with it, the damage to the freckled-teens' arm, visible to all viewing. Reckless, is the one thought that repeats in Free's head as he keeps inflicting injuries to himself in goal of winning.
Then again, aren't all heroes?
Unsurprisingly, with enough persistence and heart, Midoriya gets through to his opponent, flames flickering along Todoroki's left side and a look brimming with real determination and joy lighting up his usually somber face. It doesn't even fade when Endeavor starts shouting in pride about his son accepting his true power in the stands.
"What a dickhead," multiple noises of shock coming from Free's classmates, Iida mortified the most.
"Hastings-san! What language!"
"Oh Tenya… if ya could read minds, you'd have a heart attack knowing what crosses mine half the time," the morpher still intently eyeing everything happening in the ring.
Oh no… no… no more, her feet having a mind of their own and leading the Texan to the railing, focus on the idiots who hold nothing back in a final attack, wind, smoke, steam and Midnight's' mist covering the scene for a period.
"Midoriya Izuku is out of bounds! Todoroki Shoto wins!"
Free already on her way down to the medi-center RecoveryGirl set up, before Mic can announce anything else.
--
Why is there something so familiar about this man, apricot orbs scanning the thin, blonde, forty-year-old hovering by her neighbor's bed. For some reason, he avoids eye-contact, preferring to stare at the healer as she mentions surgery and such.
Stop looking at me, Toshinori Yagi pleads internally, immediately noticing that his adopted niece picked up on something she shouldn't have. All Might beyond relieved when some of her classmates slide the door open, breaking the girls' intense gaze.
"Free-chan, you're so fast!" Ochaco making note to work on her own speed more often.
"When motivated. Mostly happens when someone's hurt or in need of help, or if there's food."
--
"Another exciting match up for you guys starting now! Round 2, battle 3! In the first corner, we have Tokoyami Fumikage and his Dark Shadow!" Cheers and whistles erupting as the bird teen enters the arena. "Their competitor, none other than American Transfer student, Free Hastings, yeahhhh!" A round of applause echoing the stadium as the girl comes out, two peace signs raised and a wide smile on her freckled face.
"Been lookin' forward to this… had to think real hard on how ta' take ya two on," she says to her opponent, coming to a stop infront of him.
"A fated fight between solar and shadows," he hummed, head tilting in a nod.
"Couldn't have said it any better," Free tossing her shirt away and shifting into a fight stance, looking to the pros to start the match as the R rated hero lifts her flag of choice in the air.
"No time like the present, hmm? START!"
"Dark Shadow, don't give her any time! Knock Free out of the ring now!" Tokoyami ordered, his shadowy Quirk stretching from his body and straight at the redhead.
Perfect, Free expelling a large dose of solar energy from her chest, core and arms in form of bright light, the shadow retreating instantly. He didn't know I could do that, another spurt of power from her palms and feet launching the American at Fumikage, chrysalis solely hardened down her scarred back and working triple time in producing a pair of highly reflective wings.
"Figured out ya'd likely only have one weakness and I just so happen to be able to absorb most forms of it. Lucky me," another flare bursting from her to keep his darkness at bay, Tokoyami unable to do much, arms over his eyes and Quirk shrunken to a wisp of it's former strength.
Light bombs; she is quick to figure out our greatest downfall, Fumikage working on a way around when a knee plunges into the male's' abdomen, his legs taken out next, chest and core landing hard on the cement. When did she get so close?
"Light plays tricks on your eyes," her melodic voice chimed above him, "wanna see?"
Menelaus Blue Morpho, a special species with iridescent scaled wings, known for reacting and reflecting visible light strongly, making a sunny day my biggest advantage against Fumi. Vivid royal blue springing forth and spreading open, casting beams and rays of solar light all-around.
There's nothing Dark Shadow can do with all the added brightness, Tokoyami and his sentient barely dodging another knee in their attempt to put space between them and her. "It never once occurred to me that your Quirk could expel light in such a manner," he remarked as she followed, wings giving her advantage in speed and vigor.
"Think I showed off enough… time to end this," the redhead blinding them up close and driving them out of the ring with a final swish of her wings and kick to his chest.
THIS IS SPARTA!
"Nothing personal, just the game… plus, I've been thinking about going one-on-one with Katsuki since meeting him," she says as Midnight and Mic announce her the winner.
"This lost proves there is only more work for Dark Shadow and I to do," the birdhead teen wincing amid sitting up, while his opponent closed the distance to offer him hand up.
"We all have a long way to go, but when we get there Fumikage, we're gonna change the world, yeah?"
Without much prompting he takes the help and stands up to dust himself off, chants and cheers loud all around. "I look forward to making it all the better along side you," a small smile curving his beak. Yet… it doesn't make my defeat any less disappointing.
--
Kirishima and Bakugo take the stage for the last one-on-one for round 2 right after, the hardening male putting up a good fight against the explosive, but ultimately loosing in the long run. As said earlier by his opponent, Quirks are physical abilities too and there's only so much one can take, in this case, Katsuki's outlasts and over powers Eijiro's by the end.
Though Free Hastings is sad to see the redheaded male lose, she's also excited to be facing off against the ash-blonde next round.
Whoever wins out us, will go to the final against Iida or Todoroki… I'm guessing the latter, the maroonette mused in the stroll to the waiting room, where she finds the ice user sitting, his match going to start any minute.
"Hey," she said, shooting the heterochromic-haired male a small smile.
"Hi."
"Your Dad's a dick," her words causing Shoto's' eyes to widen as a sound of agreement leaves his mouth. "Mine too; or he was, before kicking the bucket. World's a better place without him to be honest… doubt we could say the same for Endeavor. Unfortunately, ya can still be an asshole even as a Pro-Hero."
"You have a colorful vocabulary, Hastings."
"Free… ya ain't even heard the half of it, Elsa."
"Your father… what did he do to make you believe his death was for the better?" The girl contemplating if answering his question honestly would be a mistake, or if her usually quiet classmate might be the perfect listener.
Instead, she unzips her uniform shirt and shifts around to show him the marks across her back, "these are only the surface scars he left… inside, there's a whole lot more of them. Much deeper and unrepairable."
"He lashed you?" A mixture of disbelief in his tone, the sound of a chair scraping the floor and steps approaching, drawing her peach orbs to him. In doing so, she finds Todoroki less than a meter away, his cold fingers reaching out to trace the longest down to her tailbone. "I assumed these we're left by your Quirk use, not the hands of your father…" his icy touch causing goosebumps to trail along her exposed skin, not unwelcome however.
"Most do and I prefer to let them."
"The other scars; the hidden ones... they're worst, aren't they?"
BANG!
Both Free and Shoto flinching at the door being kicked open, Katsuki Bakugo instantly halting at the sight in front of him. What the fuck? "Your match is about to start Icy-hot."
"Oh. Ok," Todoroki dropping his hand away, the one that seems to have a mind of it's own, his attention on the Freckled female again, who readjusts her uniform. "Maybe… we can talk more about this another time."
"I'd like that. I'll bring ice cream, ya keep it cold while I cry," she joked in need of a little light-heartedness. "Good luck out there against Turbo." His response in form of a nod and quiet thanks, prior to exiting the room.
"The hell was that about?" Katsuki utterly confused about the interaction he just witnessed.
"Bonding? Finding common ground with someone and getting to know them better?" Her tone making the hothead scoff.
"Hah. That's what that was? Do you usually take your shirt off for it?"
"Only if I really like ya," she quipped with mirth and sitting down to watch the fight play out on the screen.
"You must like a lot of people, huh?" Bakugo considering going to the other waiting room across the hallway as Free shook her head at his remark.
"Not sure how many more times I'll put up with ya underhanded ways in shaming me for being open and comfortable with myself," she says, not bothering to look away from the screen. "Then again, I've counted 5 now, so I think I'll get even for them our match."
"Big words from a bug," he mocked, remaining standing to stretch and warm up his arms. Half'N'Half won't be long taking out the class rep… then I'm going to finally put this loud-mouth in her place.
"Thinking about kicking my ass, huh?" His carmine lifting to meet citrine, a shit-eating grin on Free's full lips. "Ya face gives it away."
"Making a list of shit you'll be doing when I win this all," Katsuki finding it oddly easy to banter with the American, who usually blows off most brash things that come from his mouth.
"Oh yeah? Anything dirty?" Texan wiggling her maroon brows in knowing exactly what's going go rile up the bomber, whom can't control the flushing of his face.
"You wouldn't go through with it if there was, Red. You're all talk."
Red?
The newest nickname for the girl stirring something giddy within her.
It's so simple… but sounds so right from lips.
"I guess we'll see," orange glancing at the screen, girl standing to move towards the door. "Meet ya out there, Katsuki," exiting and making the walk to her designated entrance, where she crosses path with Todoroki again. "Ya alright? Tenya got a good one in," peering over him.
"I'm fine… it did hurt though," Shoto rolling his shoulders to shake it off, but the aching remained.
"Ya got plenty of time to go see the nurse for a kiss," she pointed out. "I'm gonna drag this out as long as possible… doubt I'll have enough energy for another match after. Ya will likely be facing the hothead."
"If that's the case, I think I will get this pain dealt with."
"I'll be cheering for ya, Shoto." Free's admission shocking the male.
"I thought you'd be rooting for Bakugo," his brows furrowed at her, redhead crossing both arms in a x.
"Hard no. The last thing Prettyboy needs is an ego boost."
Or 24 hours of me willingly feeding it some more.
"Then again, the last thing your father needs is bragging rights, so either way, we pretty much lose," her tanned hand resting on Todoroki's shoulder to gently squeeze it. "However, Katsuki is probably the lesser of two evils."
Shoto appreciating the small act of comfort she gives with a simple touch and deftly concurring with her logic. "Free… have you ever been… lost? When it comes to yourself, that is…" his question understandable given the circumstances.
"Yes… for a long time. Years in fact," hand falling to rest at her side.
"And now?" Heterochromic-eyes unwavering in their stare at the freckled, heart-shaped face a foot away.
And now…
"I'm confident in myself, but I'm ever changing, growing and adapting as all people should. Metamorphosis is apart of life... everyone evolves, just not at the same rate and some for the worst, rather than better."
"So, I'm evolving?"
"Exactly... when ya fully get there, ya gonna do incredible things, right?"
Incredible… "Aa."
"Anyway, get going finalist!" Free turning and nudging him down the hall. "Ya can't stand around here flirtin with me all day. Gotta be in tip top shape for next round."
Flirting? Was I? Shoto glancing back at his classmate who lifts a peace sign up and smiles in her backwards walk to the opened door.
"Wish me luck!"
"Good luck, Free."
--
"OKAY EVERYBODY! WE'RE BACK FOR ROUND 3, MATCH 2!" Cheers erupting from the crowd as Present Mic goes on, "NOW THEN, moving up the ladder with his explosive moves and reflexes like none other, BAKUGO KATSUKI of class 1.A!"
The blonde exiting his side of the arena and stomping to place with his usual confidence and came to win attitude, not bothering to glance at the spectators. His hard carmine stare focused across the way on his opponents' entrance. I'm finally going to get my chance to shut this pain in the ass up.
"HIS OPPONENT, NONE OTHER THAN THE BUTTERFLY MORPHING FREE HASTINGS! And as requested by the American herself, here's treat for ya'll! ENJOY!"
At that, music begins to sound through the speakers, an older tune from years ago filling the air. 'Wildthing, by the Troggs' plays boisterous and clear, Free making her appearance as the band starts singing, the spunky 17-year-old throwing her hands up in a cheering motion, the audience loving it.
Once steeping on stage, the music comes to an immediate stop, the redhead solely focused on Katsuki. "Like the intro? I figured it'd be perfect for this moment," easily tuning out Mic and Aizawa talking about them, along with all other distractions.
"Only an idiot would play dumb shit like this before a fight," his comment lifting her face into a cheeky grin.
"So you do like it then?"
"You've got a fucking mouth on you Pumpkin Face, and it's about time someone shut it permanently."
"About time ya drop the face part of that nickname. Just Pumpkin will do. Make things a little more official," she teased shamelessly amidst languidly stretching and cracking her knuckles. "Still… it's about time we getta go head-ta-head too, huh, Stud?"
Bakugo's eye twitches, his temper urging him to lose his shit at the annoying girl, yet heart beating faster at her attention. "You won't be feeling that way by the end of this, Brickhead."
"No? Guess we'll have to let our actions do the talking here on out, dontcha think?" her gym shirt removed and eyes glimmering.
"My, my, am I sensing some tension?" A pause from Midnight as she hummed inappropriately. "This is going to be quite interesting ladies and gentlemen… BEGIN!" Neither teen hesitating to launch into an attack.
"BRING IT BUGGIRL!" An explosive palm aimed straight at the Texan's head, who's skin is already layered with a crystal layer, fuller at the back where electromagnetic waves work on forming one of her fiercest set of wings, opponent in mind.
Free easily reflects his attack with her forearm and twists to press into him, back to his chest and using the momentum to grip and flip him up over. She wastes no time in letting go and winking down at him. "This is a good look for ya. There's just something so hot about having ya exactly where I wantcha."
Katsuki doesn't know whether to blush or to explode everything within the vicinity to dust, his breath swiftly returning and hands propelling him to his feet at the grinning girl once more. "That's the only hit you'll land today," he growled, arm swinging out and landing a direct blast, which throws Free back a few feet, her heels digging in to stop her from falling.
"If I was anyone else, that would have blown a hole right through me… this feels a little personal Firecracker."
Better bring out the big guns since I don't have my Bo, female dodging another palm of crackling nitro and building light around her fists.
"As if I care! I'm just tired of you running your mouth!" Blasts hitting the cocooned teen in the side, cracks appearing her armor.
"Guess you hit a lot harder than I anticipated… but so do I," her knee aiming for his stomach as a fake out and Bakugo falling for it, both hands grasping her leg to halt the action. "Knew you'd go for that," a snicker of victory as ruby locked onto zircon briefly, till a force rammed his shoulder, knocking the blonde 3 meters back.
Still, Katsuki's reflexes are on point, his fists aimed behind to spring him forward without hesitation again, more precision bombs aimed at the grinning girl.
Of course, Free could dodge, defend and rebuild her cocoon over and over until exhausted of all stored light. Not to mention, she could literally absorb light until withering away to nothing… but that'd be no fun, and defense never really was her style.
Time for a show, American nimbly ducking under his arm and putting space between them with a crackle of energy, both landing on opposite sides if the ring. "Let's get serious, huh, Katsuki," light peaking between her shoulder blades and traveling along her spine to tailbone, where the thick shell breaks and bright orange springs forth, tiger-like scales with white spots lining the rims.
Monarch Butterfly: hardy, fast and without a doubt the perfect wings for Hothead.
"Decided on these specially for ya. An homage of sorts to your hero costume."
"Hah… I don't hate it, Red," the pair clashing at the center, one side fueled by explosives, the other solar power as a barrage of attacks is exchanged, serious in every move made.
Yet, both teens mouths are upturned as words are shared, mostly lyrics from the Texan, "Wildthinggg, you make my heart singggg," laugher spilling through her terrible rendition, Bakugo attempting to tune it out without avail.
"GODDAMMIT, YOU'RE FUCKING RELENTLESS!"
--
Class 1.A watches the match below, a good amount of them betting on the outcome, while others cheered instead. The majority in favor of Free, Mineta being the loudest as he shouts for Bakugo to blow off the remaining strap of the redhead's bra. Tsuyu shutting up the tiny purple balled-hair boy up with a slap of her tongue and turning back to the match.
"Man! This is so epic! Who knew butterfly's could be so many!" Kirishima on the edge of his seat next to Kaminari, who prays internally for the exact same thing as his short-perverted friend.
"RIGHT! FREE-CHAN IS SO COOL!" Tetsutetsu shouts boisterously just on the other side of the wall when hearing the 1.A student.
"I knew she was good when we fought earlier, but this is crazy! GO FREEZY!" Mina cheering from between Tokoyami and Momo.
"Free said she spent a lot of time working on defense and reflexes... so much so, it almost appears natural for her to dodge and swerve well aimed hits. Kachan has barely got 4 hits in, while she's at 9… she doesn't waste a move either, anything reflected she turns into another elegant motion… even if hit, she has a layer of defense to protect herself," Midoriya's' mutterings accompanied by the scratch of his pen in another notebook.
"This could be it! Bakugo might finally be brought down and by the girl who likes him no less! I don't even care about loosing anymore, this was worth it!" Kaminari beyond happy to watch every second of the bomber getting knocked around.
"LIKES? LIKE-LIKE? HIM?!" A head of grey hair popping over their seating barrier, the steel Quirk teen appalled by what was said. "NO WAY! SHES TO COOL FOR A GUY LIKE THAT!"
"We all think so too," Mineta chimed in, getting another whack from the frogette.
"Don't put words in other's mouths. Ribbit."
"Aa," Shoji agreeing with the small girl to his left.
"To be honest, we're not even sure she does. She just teases him on a daily basis… pretty much non stop," Jiro voiced, 1.A nodding at the truthful words.
"She's asked for his number everyday since starting school in April too." Ochaco says, her big brown eyes on the girl below, chanting repeatedly for Free to win under her breath.
"-he's said no every time. Ribbit."
"WHAT? WHY?"
"It's a little silly to be talking about this stuff during the match," Momo remarked, a number of others in accord.
"COME ON FREE! WIN THIS FOR THE GIRLS!" Mina hollering, the other females rallying too.
"She won't," Todoroki speaking up from his place at the end, all eyes jumping to him. "She said so herself when we spoke before this."
"Why?!" Multiple voices asked simultaneously, Shoto crossing his arms as he watches the match below carefully.
"From what I gathered; she's used a lot of energy… I'm guessing whatever light she stores can eventually deplete."
"But she absorbs light on a constant basis, right?" Jiro recalling some of what she's learnt concerning Free Hastings.
"She does… even faster when her morphing Quirk is activated," Izuku knowing that for certain. "But considering the output of it all too, maybe she's not collecting fast enough to keep up… plus her body can probably only handle so much, before needing rest and nourishment."
"Bakugo said our Quirks are physical abilities too… the more fights I watch, the more it makes sense," Eijiro supplied. "Free has to be at her limit after the Calvary and now three other fights since then."
How much more can she take? A question most of her classmates contemplates in the remaining minutes of the one-on-one.
~
In a couple sections over, Hitoshi Shinso can hardly remove his sight from the wild redhead, who's laughter and all-around aura fills the arena with positive chants and whistles.
She's unlike anyone I've met before…
Is that why I'm so curious to know more?
Especially after earlier when I asked her to take part in my Quirk; I'm use to people being weary, but something akin to absolute terror or apprehension flashed on her face, for only a moment…
Why is that?
--
Exhausted. I'm so fucking exhausted… he's got so much more drive than I do, Free breathing hard a little over fifteen minutes later, chunks of her defense falling to dust and wings patchy, tips smoking black.
"I gotta give it t'ya Firecracker… you've got more stamina. I'm kinda pissed about it."
Slabs of concrete from explosives litter the ring, obvious holes where Bakugo punched ranging from fist sized to car sized, the boy standing at the center of the biggest with a wide grin on his face. "I knew you wouldn't last Wings."
"Admit it… this one's been pretty tough, right?" Bright scaled appendages fluttering to lower her a few feet from the boy and thrumming a last release of power, prior to dispersing into glittery powder and drifting in the breeze.
"There's a reason we both made it this far… even if you are an annoying idiot."
"I think that's the sweetest thing ya ever said to me… let's end this on a good note, yeah?" The rest of her armor crumbling away in taking a fighting position. "Didn't register my Bo, so try not to hit my face. It's my money maker," her tone light and airy, yet it's clear she's tired, arms shaking and legs feeling heavy.
I'm going to order something from every food stand after this.
"One more blow and you're done for. Forfeit now or eat concrete," Bakugo's hands igniting as he closed the space, forearms shuddering at overuse of his Quirk. Good thing she's worst off, or I'd have a fucking problem.
Then, as if some higher power heard Minoru Mineta's' and Denki Kaminari's' prayers, the thin fabric holding Free's sports bra in place snapped, material covering her chest flapping downwards, the next second happening in a series of snapshots:
Katsuki's eyes going wide.
Free realizing what happened.
The blonde diving to wrap his arms around and cover her up.
The morphers legs giving out, luckily, within his warm hold.
"Oof." Instant relief settling her, all due to the bomber's fast reaction time and decent intentions. "Thanks Stud… consider the peep show a perk for both saving and beating me," head tilted back to admire the attractive boy up close.
"Hah," crimson dropping to tangerine, "if I wasn't such a nice guy half the stadium would have got an eyeful."
"You're a real charmer… haven't I been saying that since the start," Free's arms reaching upwards to wrap around Katsuki's neck as he scooped her up.
"NOW THAT'S WHAT YOU CALL AN ENDING FOLKS! THIS ROUNDS WINNER, BAKUGO KATSUKI!" Midnight announced, a round of applause passing through the crowd. "How about a few more cheers for his chivalry as well! That's what being a real man is all about." The viewers obliging loudly and happily.
"Half and Half is going down next," the blonde declared amidst the cheering, while avoiding broken cement and carrying his beaten opponent from the arena.
"Free-Chan!" A familiar voice coming from the lighted hallway ahead, where Momo appeared moments later with a piece of clothing in hand. "I hope you don't mind… I thought this might come in use," meeting up with the pair and holding out a freshly created bra.
"You're a life saver," Texan swinging her legs from Katsuki's hold and dropping to the floor, top half bared as she takes the brazier and slides it over her head. Yaoyorozu flushed at the thought of being so casual in front of a boy, while Bakugo looked away as straight-faced as ever, yet the blush coloring his neck and ears are an obvious give away of his embarrassment. "Well, guess we should get back," her words directed at the ponytailed girl.
"Yes. We don't want to miss the next match. Good luck Bakugo-san," Momo kindly said, the hothead scoffing.
"Luck don't mean shit. It's all about being the best," he proclaimed in breaking away from the two girls.
"If that's the case, you're winning it all," Free drawing his gaze another time. "But I'm still rooting for Shoto… ya know why. Next year will be a different story, so don't let it go to ya head."
"Even after getting your ass kicked, you still have the nerve to spout shit… you're never going to be better than me Pumpkin. Face it and give up now."
Did he just call me Pumpkin?
"Ya wouldn't like me as much as ya do if I wasn't sucha stubborn mule," southern accent thick as a yawn escaped her. "Anyway, come Momo, let's go. I saw a tokoyaki stand with my name on it," her fingers lacing with the dark haired girls' and disappearing towards the food section, Bakugo left to his own devices.
About fucking time… what the hell was that?
Not that I'm complaining, because come on... Brickhead might be a blabber mouth idiot, but she's a hot one.
Even I'll admit to that, Katsuki ending his wandering thoughts there and shoving the American to the back of his mind to focus on fighting his match against Icyhot.
--
By the time Free and Momo returned to their class seating, both girls have their arms full of a variety of food. Neither could decide on just one thing, both in need so sustenance after using their Quirks for a majority of the day. They also couldn't help in buying some shareables for their friends, passing out popcorn and pockey.
"So, Free-Chan, how did Bakubro handle such a spectacular view!?" Denki unable to accept how lucky the explosive teen seemed to be. Badass Quirk, good-looking, ridiculously talented, and now GETTING FLASHED BY ONE OF THE HOTTEST GIRLS' IN CLASS?! SERIOUSLY GOD, WHY?!
Free shrugged in response, mouth full of octopus, leaving her incapable of answering from in between Shoji and Tsuyu, who also munch on the goodies.
"PLEASE FREE, IF YOU WANT SOMEONE TO TRULY APPRECIATE IT, HOW ABOUT YOU AND I SNEAK OFF TO GET NA-" SMACK.
"I'd just ignore him, ribbit," Tsuyu once again shutting Mineta up by force.
After swallowing, the American responds to the yellow haired teen in front of her, "to be honest, Katsuki didn't say much about my boobcident," Izuku choking on his snack, Free leaning across the seats and rubbing his back to help.
I am the one responsible.
"I'm sure like most guys your age, he's browsed the interwebs or seen some in movies."
"He could literally use his Quirk to blow the shirts off of girls," a dumb smile stretching across Kaminari's face.
"Hothead has no qualms about fighting girls without mercy, but he's a gentleman where it counts," redhead rolling her eyes and returning to the large assortment of snacks, while Jirou raised her ear jacks in threat to the electric teen for his lack of class.
"Free-chan!" Tetsutetsu once again appearing over the wall, his sharp teeth showing in a wide smile. "You were awesome out there!"
"I heard ya cheering, T. I'm sorry I couldn't pull off the win for team Value Pick."
"Don't be," the gray-haired male shaking his head back and forth rapidly, "there's nothing to be sorry for. Though next time I hope we get to battle one-on-one too!"
"We can always do some training outside of all this too, yakknow. Ya improve way faster working with others, rather than alone... plus, that's how friendships are strengthened, right?"
Again, Tetsutetsu is taken in by her friendly and inviting disposition. "R-Right!" His arm reaching over to hold his phone out in her direction. "CAN I GET YOUR NUMBER THEN?"
The Texan blinking at the volume change, before nodding, Mezo passing it to her with his lengthy reach. When finished, she gets up to hand it back, "I expect a text message, no prank calls," she quipped, throwing a look at the two typical teenage boys a few feet away.
"It only happened twice!" Denki pouts, Tetsutetsu catching on.
"No pranks. I give you my word," his pale fingers brushing the delicate tan ones in retrieving his cellphone.
"You, I can easily believe… the Twerp and Pikachu are another story," sunrise on black as the newfound friends smile at each other. "Ya can help me plot revenge like discussed earlier."
"I'm down!"
--
Shortly, Todoroki's and Bakugo's battle takes place once the ring is cleared and reformed properly, the match lasting a little under ten minutes with the bomber coming out on top. The American girl missing a majority due to snoozing on Shoji's shoulder and only waking up when the chaos of Katsuki's' final attack ensures.
"How… the hell did I sleep through most of Firecracker's explosions?" A large yawn accompanying her confusion, and dainty fingers rubbing the tiredness from her eyes, ahead of stretching.
"It is a question every one of us asked as well," Mezo says. "You're to head down for the ceremony right away. You did come in third place with Iida."
Free humming in acknowledgement and patting his shoulder twice while passing by, "ya make an excellent pillow Mez. I'm adding it to the list of pros for ya future lover."
"Any cons I should be concerned about?"
"Nothing yet. Doubt we'll ever find any," the cheeky girl winked, backing away for the door. "I'll see ya guys in a bit," exiting with a peace sign.
"IS SHOJI BLUSHING UNDER HIS MASK?!" Mina squeals next to Tsuyu. "I've got a new ship! It's happening! Froji is in, Katree is on hiatus."
"Katree?" Ojiro asked, not sure if he really wants to know.
"I think it's Bakugo and Frees couple name," Sato recalling from previous conversations, Jiro and Yaoyorozu both nodding. The topic of Free's love life a constant one for the pinkette. So far, having been matched up with Midoriya, Bakugo and now Shoji.
"What about me? What'd mine and Free-chans' be?" Kaminari wondered, leaning over the railing to watch for their classmates.
"Freeminari," Mina easily answered, the earjack girl snorting.
"Let's be realistic; you don't have much of a chance against her current contenders." The other four girls giggling in agreement, while Kaminari holds a hand to his chest utterly devastated.
"So cruel!"
--
One look at Katsuki makes Free's legs go weak, the angry blonde practically chained to the post beside Todoroki, pure rage and anger radiating off the first-place winner. "Ya know how ridiculous this makes ya look, right?" Obviously receiving no clear verbal response, mostly growls and muffled swears from what she can tell.
"They tried to calm him down, but to no avail," Shoto shared, his gaze on the redhead in her approach. "It's my fault for pulling back my fire in the last moments of our fight."
"Ya okay?" He shrugs in reply, the Texan deciding on her next words carefully, "it's normal to be all jumbled up… but you'll figure it out sooner than later. Ya strike me as pretty quick on ya feet, Elsa."
"I am…" He paused. "Elsa; is that a person or something?"
The girl giggling at his cluelessness, "ya not the movie type, huh?"
"No. I don't really indulge in TV often."
"If that ever changes, I'll introduce ya to some classics."
"Is this Elsa from a classic?"
She giggled again. "I guess it's a kids' classic, called Frozen. Elsa is a queen with magical ice powers. She's gorgeous with silver hair and turquoise eyes. Right up ya alley, huh?"
Shoto not sure if he should be offended or not. "So… you're comparing me to an Ice Queen?"
"Pretty much… should I not?"
Did I unintentionally insult him? Elsa is badass…
Maybe it's the fact she's a girl and he's not, maroonette realizing now that it might wound his male pride or whatever guys call it.
"It's fine... I don't mind. Though, I'd prefer Shoto if anything."
"I can do that."
--
The awards go as expected, All Might the one to hand them out and congratulate the top three winners, a few personal words of encouragement spoken by the number 1 hero to each. However, the fourth left early due to a family emergency, Free hoping that nothing terrible has happened… though Ochaco's and Izuku's expression give away it has when mentioned on their return to class later on.
"Good work." Aizawa says when everyone is seated after their day of challenging events and games. "So there will be no school tomorrow or the day after."
Thank the lord, Free already daydreaming of her bed.
"I'm sure the pro heroes who watched the sports festival will want to recruit you, but we'll consolidate everything and announce it when you get back. So, rest well, and look forward to that."
"Yes sir!"
"You're dismissed." A sigh of relief escaping most of the students, American the first to clamber to her feet with a long yawn.
"I've got a long-awaited date with my pillow and bed," she says to no one in particular, though Mineta easily turns her words into something inappropriate.
"Can I join?"
"Sorry, Twerp. Winners only," she quipped, shifting to the still raging blonde and grinning. "Maybe some cuddling will disperse all that anger. Wanna give it a try?" Katsuki lifting his stare to hers, gold medal still clenched in his teeth and sour expression only making her smile wider. "I'll cuddle it all away just for ya, Stud."
Bakugo's face coloring pink and eye twitching now, but surprisingly, he doesn't snap or even say anything, instead he gets up and grabs his stuff, prior to stomping out of the classroom with fury, all eyes following as he slams the door shut behind him.
Today is really eating at him, huh?
"Hastings," Aizawa called out. "Take this to 1.C on your way out for me. You know who to give it to." A note held out to her, the Texan taking it without question.
"Will do… I'll catch ya out front Freckles. Ma said she's got take-out to celebrate and possibly to restore life ta Inko too, after your battle with Shoto earlier." Her freckled friend wincing at that.
"Hai."
--
1.C's door is just as grand as her own classroom, Free Hastings sliding it open to find some of the General Department students remaining, a certain purple-haired teen amidst them. He's the first to say anything, his fellow classmates wide-eyed at the Hero student's appearance. "Free... what are you doing here?"
"Ya know, just wanted to come by and offer autographs for my fans," she joked while casually strolling over to him. "Free of charge," laughing at her own pun and his expression, that screams disbelief. "Sorry, not sorry.. I was actually sent to drop this off ta ya, Sugarplum," the note Aizawa gave her strategically placed in the 'throw away' card trick and making it disappear when he reached for it, her slight of hand impressive. "For all of ya wondering, that's another Quirk of mine. It's called 'magic tricks,'" finally giving up messing around and letting him have it.
"Is Ms.Joke a favorite of yours?" Violet on the girl running her now empty hand through messy, untamed maroon hair.
"She's cool. I'm more of a Mirko and Sir Nighteye fan when it comes to Japan's top heroes."
Hitoshi humming in agreement, "they're respectable."
"So, ya gonna read that?"
"You're nosy, huh?"
"Just wanna know if yours truly is mentioned," she teased, sitting on his desk in wait.
"So you know what this, concerns."
"Uh-huh. So, please, let's pause the flirting for a sec and get on with it," her excitement genuine for him.
I wanna see the face he makes when he realizes this will be his starting line. The thing that gets him through the Hero Class doors.
Shinso doesn't quite know what go say about her remark, opting to open the small slip of paper and reading the contents:
'Shinso, Hitoshi.
Training: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays at 18:00 pm, Training Ground Beta, ~Eraserhead.
P.s: meet your new Heroics tutor. Good luck.'
… training with Eraserhead?
"There it is," southern accent musing out loud, Hitoshi's eyes flicking back up to hers in inquiry. "Ya realize what it means, right?"
"I've got a chance." I'm going to be working with a pro three times a week…
"He's a tough teacher, but an excellent one," she shared. "So, was I right about being mentioned?"
"How did you know? You never read it."
"Great minds and all that jazz. I'm happy for ya. I'll make sure ta get ya where ya need academically, the rests up to you Hitoshi," Free hopping off her perch and turning to address the few others who's been quietly watching the entire time. "Enjoy this guy's charm while ya have him. He won't be here forever," shooting him a wink and the rest a peace sign. "Have a good evening," the girl leaving them on that note, door shutting behind her.
"What was that all about?" One of the Brainwasher's classmates asked, Shinso waving the question off and following the American's lead,in hopes of catching up, but finds she's already out of sight.
How fast can she walk?
--
In fact, she didn't walk. Texan lazily sitting on the stairs railings to slide down every level, until reaching the main floor and switching out shoes in the foyer, ahead of meeting her freckled neighbor and cute brunette outside the front gate. The three making the walk to the train station together, Free informed about Tenyas family emergency and making it a mission to hug the teen when school resumes in two days.
The day ends on a higher note, with the two Midoriya's, and two Hastings, eating take-out and watching the recorded festival on TV. Free helping her friend list notes in his workbooks, Izuku gladly accepting the aid.
The boy once again asking himself where a friend like her has been his entire life.