At the end of homeroom Tuesday morning, Aizawa cares to remind his students about the upcoming exams next week, both a written and practical to be passed in order to take part of the first-year camping trip in a few weeks. A number of students groaning at that, Mina and Denki the loudest as soon as he's our of sight.
"I haven't studied at all!!"
The electric blond grabbing his head in mortification, "with the sports festival and internship, I didn't study at all!"
"Just cram every day till then. It's what I do," Free sketching in her black notebook, a side portrait of Mezo in the midst of being shaded in.
"Hah!? You're what, 5th from last place? Doesn't seem to be working, Brickhead." Katsuki points out.
"My Japanese to English translation is shit as ya say, so 16th place is good considering," she says, unbothered by his rude words. "Now, if every class was in my first language, I'd be in top five. Part of my terms for transferring was being able to handle the language barrier."
"You two, I may be able to be of assistance with the class lectures."
"Yaomomo!"
"I can't help at all with the practical, though…"
"Momochi will nail the practical too," orange peering over at the dark-haired beauty when catching her gloomy tone. "Ya can literally create anything from ya body and ya top of the class. Whatever they throw at'cha, that big brain and cool intellect will handle with elegance as usual."
Big gray eyes wide at the Texan's encouragement, Yaoyorozu needing to hear that more than her friend knows, "Free-chan…"
"I'm not one of those two, but can I join too? I'm having some trouble with quadratic functions," Kyoka admits, holding up her pink notebook.
Hanta jumping at the opportunity for help too, "how are you with classical Japanese?"
"Huh?!" The ponytailed girl open-mouthed.
"I'd like to join, too. There's a bunch of things I don't understand," Mashirao interested as well.
"Please!"
"Everyone!" Momo bouncing to her feet. "Yes of course!"
"All right!"
"Then, let us hold a study session at my residence this weekend!"
"Seriously? I can't wait to see your house!" Mina forgetting the reason for attending, thoughts on the rich girl's living quarters as the taller girl mused out loud about opening the hall and tea choices. The five flabbergasted at the lifestyle difference and excitement coming from their tutor.
"Free, will you be joining us too?" Yaomomo hopeful.
Redhead pausing in her art to eye the group of students, "I'd love to. Sounds like there'll be a ton of great hiding spots to jump out from and scare Pikachu."
Denki pouting, "why me?"
"Because I have a feeling ya scream like a little a girl and I'm still not satisfied about the cheer uniform thing," returning to the picture and snickering when Kirishima winds up the male behind her.
"Talk about a gap in personal virtue," referring to Momo.
"I'm plenty virtuous too fuckmunch. Why don't I tutor you till you're a puddle of blood?" Bakugo fast to fall for the trap.
"I'll take you up on that!" Hardening teen succeeding in his ploy.
"Hook, line and sinker," she hummed, winking at her fellow redhead.
--
At lunchtime, a table consisting of Free, Izuku, Tsuyu, Shoto, Ochaco and Tenya enjoy their Lunchrush made meals, topic of the practical exam and what it'll entail casually passing between the six of them. Until an elbow smacks into the greenets' head, a somewhat familiar blond responsible.
"Oh, sorry. You head was so big that I accidentally hit it."
The copy Quirk kid… he was the one who made Katsuki's team a target in the Calvary battle, pumpkin narrowed on the jerk. "Or maybe ya should consider finding someone with a eyesight Quirk and borrow what ya clearly lacking," Free drawing the blonds pale-blues.
"The mouthy American… I don't know what Tetsutetsu sees in you," he drawled, glancing her over like she's nothing much.
"Only proving ya need glasses," pointedly slurping some of the tasty noodles and trying to mimic Shoto, who's the epitome of cool and collected.
"Class B's, um… Monoma!" Izuku recalling from the Festival highlights his mom recorded. "What do yo —"
"I heard you guys met the hero killer... the ways in which you've been basking in the spotlight have only multiplied since the sports festival, haven't they class A?" His words tempting the freckled girl to launch her egg at him, but knows she'll regret wasting the best part of the Ramen. "That attention isn't because people have high expectations for you. It's because you guys keep attracting trouble, right?"
"Yaknow, he has a point," the girl mused, "gonna need some special ingredients for that spell of luck and whaddya know, a volunteer," her tone undistinguishable if she's joking or not.
"Oo-ho-ho, that's a little villainous. Must be all that time spent wrapped up in trouble, who knows maybe you lot will get the rest of us dragged in and hur—"
Kendo karate chopping him in the neck and hitting a pressure point, instantaneously dropping him while smoothly catching his tray of food. "That's not funny, don't you know what happened to Iida?" Ginger apologizing on his behalf, "his heart is well… you know how it goes."
Texan snorting, "s'okay… we have one of those too."
Katsuki's by no means any friendlier.
"I heard you talking about what the end of the term exam would be. I'm actually told it'll be battle simulation exercise fighting against robots."
Robots, huh? Not our first time dealing with those… much easier than facing real, thinking opponents, maroon-haired teen continuing eating while considering what their basis of the test will be, spending the of lunch that way.
--
As if Monoma taking out his personal vendetta for 1.A her freckled neighbor at lunchtime wasn't enough, Free is left astounded when Bakugo takes a go at him when the day ends.
"Deku! I don't know if you've come to understand how to use a Quirk a little… but you're really trying my goddamn nerves shitrag. Let me tell you right now, I don't want the same hallow-ass result as the damn sports festival."
Of course, he's still holding onto that…
"By the end of term, we'll see by our grades who the better man is… whether you like it or not!" Explosive teen raising a finger to point at him, declaring, "I'll annihilate you, leave you in the dust with the gap between us and then I'll fucking murder you!" Shifting to glare at the dual-haired male next, "Todoroki… you too, asshole," door slamming shut in his exit, a few seconds of silence filling the classroom.
"Man, that's some vintage Bakugo. How long's it been?" Eijiro commented.
"Maybe he's irritated…? Or just sheer animosity…" Fumikage chimed in.
"At this rate, it's a mood," American resisting the urge to follow, only her plans to meet up with Hitoshi stopping the girl from chasing him down. "I just wish he'd give me a chance to change that… how the hell can someone be so smart and talented, yet so goddamn blind and moronic at the same time?"
"Truly a question we might never have an answer to," the bird-headed teen hummed.
"Kacchan is unnecessarily stubborn," Izuku sighed.
"He's a bully; not teasing or sarcastic about, like I can be occasionally, he's just an outright dick about it."
"Free!"
"Sorry, class rep."
--
Just outside of the doorway, Aizawa hovers, clipboard in hand and thoughts lingering on the angry student who's been slowly progressing worsts over the term where it comes to a deep-seeded issues with needing to be better than everyone else. Worried on how the younger male has been handling the pressure he puts on himself, rage present more often than not.
"Eraserhead, sir."
Shota's gaze lifting from his paperwork to find his new apprentice coming to a stop at the large door. "Shinso... you're here to see Hastings I'm assuming."
"Aa."
"She's easy to work with?"
"More than most."
"If only all my students were that way," the teacher murmured amid pushing off the wall, intentions of going to the lounge and getting a small nap in, prior to the big meeting all the U.A teachers have to attend later. "Tomorrow, then."
"Yes, sir," teenager sliding open the door to enter, gaining everyone's attention. I know she does this on purpose by telling me to meet her here.
"Heya, Sugar."
That too, "I'm not the only one with a nickname like this, right?" His question directed at her classmates.
"I'm Bubblegum!"
"Chacochip!"
"Momojito or Momochi," the creator fond of both.
"She calls me her big-balled-love-muffin," Minoru's made-up name quieting the room, Texan girl first to laugh, a hearty sound bouncing off the walls, the others soon joining in.
"I do not! But I'll give ya props for that one Twerp."
"She dubbed me Cinnamon after those spicy heart candies! At first, I thought it wasn't manly, but her thorough explanation changed my mind!" Kirishima admits.
Kaminari pouting beside him, "all I got was Pikachu or Pikapika. It's cliché and not cute at all."
"She could always use Jamming-yay," Jiro piped in, her and the redhead giggling when he throws his head back in exasperation.
"Apparently I'm named after an ice queen," Shoto says, packing up for the day.
Hitoshi's eyes jumping around the numerous people speaking up and deciding to rest on the reason he's here in the first place, "does anyone call you anything embarrassing?"
"My Ma and cousins... Firecracker too, which borders more on insulting."
"Share an example."
Free pondering it, "Littlebug. Buggerfly. Satan's Spawn, Brickhead."
"Littlebug… cute," he teased, girl sticking out her tongue at him.
"I prefer Satan's spawn. There's nothing more spot on than that one to be honest," American slipping on her backpack to head out. "Let's go to ground Omega, I wanna scope out a good spot for W.W.W tomorrow."
"W.W.W!" Ashido and Uraraka throwing a fist in the air.
"I'm almost afraid to ask what that is," violet on the grinning freckled-face.
"Just a little something us girls are trying out; nothing to concern ya'selves with," sunrise winking at her girl friends and lifting a hand in farewell. "See ya tomorrow. Don't forget to get some studying in."
Shinso nodding at the group of hero students, prior to trailing his tutor, who sifts through her pockets for some Laffy Taffy, stuffing a couple pieces between full lips and sighing. "You have a sweet tooth," he noted, having picked up on the female's bad habit fairly fast.
The girl shrugging, "I'm a Halloween baby and was deprived of candy for years. Besides, it's like a small piece of joy at every bite. Who doesn't enjoy sweets?"
"Your mother was that strict?"
She shakes her head, "father… my ma's worst than I am. She can live off sugar and coffee."
"Is he still like that?"
"Nah, he's long gone."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be... he was villain, yakknow."
Hitoshi pausing mid-step, "your father was a villain?"
"Yup," maroonette not surprised in his hesitation, halting a couple steps ahead.
"Is that common knowledge?"
"Not really, but it's not something I hide either," she disclosed, sight on the training field outside.
"Was he known?"
"Uh-huh, but if ya want his name, ya'll have to get a solid hit on me in hand-to-hand today. So, let's get changed first and bring the notes too, we'll go over those first," moving on, male following once again, this time at a slower pace, mulling over the new information.
She's the daughter of a villain… who though?
Is he Japanese or American famous? It could be either, which makes narrowing whom down so much harder…
Then again, all I have to do is land a hit… how hard can that be?
--
Ridiculously hard, the brainwasher comes to realize when they face off over an hour later, notes returned and exchanged for new ones already and any questions or concerns answered by his female instructor.
Who currently dodges another attempt at her gut and smiling cheekily, "ya slow Sugarplum. I bet Aizawa took notice right away too," she teased, hooking his foot with her own and maneuvering to drop him to the grass.
Shinso letting out a "Oof." He did call me slow... then made me run laps, before kicking my ass, just like this, climbing back to his feet. "I'm working on it."
"I figured. Can't half-ass it if ya wanna join our class. We're all hero crazy in there too," smoothly ducking under his right hook to drive an elbow to chest lightly and grabbing his arms to flip him over her shoulder, leaning over to raise an eyebrow. "Both Izuku and I have pulled that off now. How about I show ya how to do it? In learning that, ya should be able to see it coming and prevent it, as well."
Amethyst peering up at her, "I'd appreciate it… you don't mind showing me this stuff? It could come back to bite you in the ass next sports festival."
"That'll be in good fun though. Helping ya improve and better ya'self to help others in the future is all that really matters, yakknow?"
Hitoshi caught of guard by her genuine resolve as he sits up, Free Hastings sight distinctly on the bigger picture. "Why is it you want to be hero?
"To save and change lives. To make a difference in this shit world filled with evil people and sick intentions... to be a light in the darkness for those lost in it, as I once was," answer flowing easily.
"You long for it?"
"More than anything."
Oher than having them back...
Since that's impossible, the next best thing is finding and saving any other caged souls from the monsters in this world.
"You were saved by heroes," his words more of a statement than question. "Who?"
"All Might and Sir Nighteye."
"How long ago?"
Redheaded chuckling, "nice try. Gotta land that hit, Sugarplum," hand extended to help him up, her companion taking it and standing.
"Worth a shot. What first?" Lavender-haired male ready to learn.
"Stance and footwork; it's what stabilizes ya and is a fighter's greatest ally. Dodging, swerving, ducking, twisting, used in both offense and defense, all of it comes with knowing how to move ya feet."
--
A little over two hours later, the pair call it quits, teens gathering their stuff to head home. Free pausing in her drink of water and choking when noticing Hitoshi's hair from his hands running through it, purple orbs shifting to her. "You, okay?"
The freckled-face American nodding and turning away to giggle to herself.
I'm dead.
It's exactly like one of those troll dolls!
Shinso glancing himself over, knowing he's missing something, "what?"
"SHINTROLL!" The terrible nickname spilling from her lips without restraint when glancing upon him again, unable to stop the laughter.
The brainwasher's hand lifting to touch his hair at the comment, not as thrown off by it as he should be and smiling a bit at her reaction. "You're brain really is a bag of cats, huh?"
"Good thing my hearts' in the right place," she winked.
"On your sleeve?" Returning her banter with ease.
"Exactly… hey, are you busy on the first weekend of summer break?"
Violet brows furrowing in thought, prior to shaking his head, "not that I can think of. What do you have in mind?"
"I have two tickets for this thing a long time friend invited me to. Was suppose to go with my ma, but she has big case coming up and can't now. It's an overnight thing and ya need a passport."
"It involves taking a plane? What kind of event is this?" Hitoshi wide-eyed.
"Ya heard of I-Island, right?"
Staggered, he barely gets the next words out, "why ask me?"
"To be honest, Izuku and Mezo have plans already and all the girls we're invited by Momo."
"There's a number of others students in your class besides them."
"I like ya company, Hitoshi. That so hard to believe?" She drawled. "If ya don't wanna go ya can say no. Tetsutetsu's my next choice."
"I'd like to… thanks," rubbing the back of his neck in habit, humbled at the offer, even if not her first option.
"Cool. I'll text ya all the details later. There's a fancy party on the first night that requires formal wear… bet ya look pretty good in vest and tie," wiggling her brows playfully.
"I manage... I'll get a something to match you, so let me know what color."
A Cheshire-cat-like grin pulling at Free's mouth, "ya not even trying to be sweet, it's just natural, huh?" Immediately flustering her newest friend, poor kid having no clue what he's in for when it comes to the wild girl. "Let's go. I'm starving and if I hold off any longer, I'll get hangry," truly meaning it, unwrapping another piece of Taffy and holding another one out, the pink-checked boy taking it.
"I know a good Onigiri place 15 minutes walk from here," Shinso hungry too, shaking off his mild discomposure as the two walk through the wooded area.
"I'm down."
--
Wednesday, after school.
"So, Freezy, be honest," Mina's golden-eyes on the American who changes into her Hero gear for their all-girls training session that's soon starting, "what's up with you and the purple-haired cutie?"
Free clipping the combat boots up, before turning to the pink girl, "ya and Denki are two of a kind, yakknow that?"
"Come on, I need to know what's going on with you and all these boys! It's like one after another, there's got to be one you truly like!"
"I like them all, cause they're my friends… though I'm not afraid to admit every single one is attractive in their own way… just like ya'll, Bubblegum."
Pinkette pouting, "not at all what I wanted to hear and you know that."
"Mina's betting against Denki on who you'll end up with," Kyoka shares, acid girl gawking now.
"Kyokyo!"
"Oooo, how much? Don't tell me who tho," sunrise lit in glee at hearing that.
"20000 yen and loser will have to eat an order of Japan's hottest wings!"
Ochaco gasping, "I heard most people can't even eat one full wing!"
Maroonette smiling widely, "now that's my kind'a'bet! So how about an insider's scoop for my gal, as I'll always have ya back?"
Ashido thrilled, "please!"
"The truth is, Katsuki stirs something unknown inside me, ever since I first met him at the gym in March. It's electric and magnetic and kinda annoying too, cause he's a lot of things I hate in a person."
"He can be rather audacious and inconsiderate at times," Momo chiming in.
"I don't believe in love at first sight or anything, but I just feel like we'd be good together," Free zipping up the gravity girl. "As for Hitoshi, we're just getting to know each other, but I enjoy his wit and the way I'm at ease in his presence."
"What about Shoji and Midoriya? You're closest with them out of all the boys in class!"
Peach glancing at the petit brunette at the mention of her neighbor, well aware of Uravity's developing feelings for him. "Freckles is much too sweet, even for me. More of a best friend and as far as I know, it's entirely platonic." I think he feels the same.
"So Freku is friendzoned currently… as for our class giant?"
"Mez is like my moral compass and I'm very fond of him… I can't quite categorize what we have, but I hope it's lifelong."
"Okay, what abo—"
"Interview over, training time it is," giving Pinky at pointed look, the rest of the girls giggling when she pleads for more, the six of them heading for ground Omega.
--
"Ya guys beat us!" Texan grinning when finding the 7 girls of class B already waiting, Kendo the first to approach them.
"Truthfully, we were excited to have been invited. Yaoyorozu said this was your idea, Hastings-san?"
"Please, just call me Free. That goes for all of ya," peering over the group of females that she only knows due to the sports festival.
I'm changing that today.
"Look, I know we don't know each other and we'll likely be competing and such for the next three years at U.A, but after, we're to go out in the real world where none of that will matter," she says, wanting to start off on a good foot by explaining her reasoning for this in the first place. "What does, is being prepared and versed in working with various Quirks, alongside different heroes… we're all on the same side in the end and we should be ensuring it's the strongest one. What better way to do that than improving together and building trust in one another for times we do end up crossing paths in the field?"
"That's well said, Free. I'm Tokage Setsuna," dark-green meeting bright-orange, shorter girl holding her hand out, Texan gladly shaking it.
"Nice ta meet ya."
"Call me either one, it's cool."
I like her already.
"You stole my points in the Calvary," english words from the horned blonde directed at the redhead, who shrugged.
"Guilty. You're the other American Transfer; sup? Ya Quirk is pretty nifty and incredibly versatile. Gave me a run for my points."
"Yours ain't bad either. Blinded us good with that light flash."
"Don't take it personally Pony. She stole ours too," Yui Kodai remarked.
"It was all in good spirits," Ibara Shiozaki speaking up from her place in a patch of sunlight, a soft smile on the vine-haired females' mouth. "So, what do you have in mind for today, Free?"
"I was thinking that since we're an uneven number, each session one of us can lead and instruct the group in something they know personally, while the rest work in pairs of two on whatever it is," she suggests, having thought about it throughout the day. "For example, I'll take charge today and show ya guys a great defensive to offensive move to counter a head on attack. It's how I've kept all my limbs when dealing with Firecracker."
"She means Bakugo, who tries to blow Freezy up daily," Mina clarifies for class B.
"It's out of love… at least that's what I tell myself," winking at the girls, earning a few chuckles and giggles. "So, how about we start with learning and end with a training exercise; something like Capture the Flag, Hide and Seek or Grounders, always switching up teams."
"Aren't those kid games?" Kendo's ginger brows furrowed in question.
"Originally, but with a little tweaking, they are perfect for Quirk practice and great for learning to think on ya feet. " Free motioning to the surrounding area, "this ground will work for Capture the flag; we'll do 3 teams, 4x4x4, every team will get a base and start there, our extra player will be the flag. They are charged with hiding and moving constantly, until physically touched by someone of a team, making them apart of it too, remaining neutral but working to get back to base to win. If touched by another team's player, they switch over."
"I like the sound of this… there's opportunity to work on a number of things," Setsuna says, the rest of the girl party agreeing.
"I'm glad to hear it. Pick a partner and let's get started!" Six pairs total standing in front on their instructor. "Today, for ya Free lesson," Ochaco and Setsuna joining in her giggling at the terrible joke, prior to continuing, "I want to specifically work on parrying, which I'm sure most of ya know, is an evasive and defense tactic in hand-to-hand combat, right?"
Receiving nods from every head.
"However, what can start off as a block can easily be transitioned into a full-on counterattack with enough training of your reflexes. I'll also throw in a few tips I learnt to for predicting your opponents next move… though, I'm still learning myself, but having even the smallest clue in what a person is about to do can make all the difference in the world… now, who wants to be my volunteer?"
"ME!" The gravity girl already pumped and rearing to go, still on a high from all she learnt at her internship, even more so to be adding to it.
Freckled girl waving the brunette forward, "get in a fighting stance for me, Chacochip," Uraraka doing so and facing the others. "So, whenever combat comes up, I make sure everyone knows proper stance cause it's where your stability and strength come from. Anyone concerned about theirs?"
Silence from all the females.
"Pheww, I'd be shocked if any hero students didn't have the basics down by now. Moving on to Inward block to elbow jab. A personal favorite of mine. So, to start…"
--
2 hours later.
"Capture the flag time! Woo!" Mina as energetic as ever, even after 120 minutes of blocks and counterattack.
Everyone successfully picking up on the two moves the Metamorphosis girl went over today. "We need three captains... how about Kinoko, Tsuyu, and Ocha for volunteering. I'll be the flag today."
Kendo raising her brows at the Texas native, "did you pick the shortest girls on purpose?"
"Should'a known someone would pick up it," she mused, Quirk activating and chrysalis covering her back as she thinks about a camouflaged wing for the wooded forage. "Rock Paper Scissors for first pick, then each team takes a direction for their base, while I go north."
Team ups as:
1. Ochaco, Momo, Kendo, Yui
2. Tsuyu, Mina, Setsuna, Reiko
3. Kinoko, Ibara, Kyoka, Pony
"I've got stop watches set for the minutes and four cones each to square off your base," Momo handing them to the captains. "Once the timer hits zero, the game is on. Ten minutes to set up and for Free to hide."
"Well then, let the game begin," the hypotetical flag throwing up a peace sign and disappearing into the trees.
With that, the rest disperse in their representative directions as well, plans of actions passing between teammates as they do so.
Free Hastings sprouting a pair of Brimstone Butterfly wings when deeper in the forage, scaled in leaf green and veiny, camouflaged perfectly for her to scale up a well shaded tree and perch there, wings spread to hide the majority of herself, only able to be see from directly below when paying attention. Then she waits, quietly and patiently...
Until 20 minutes later when a sound of breath draws her eyes to a floating head, Setsuna's to be exact. "Found you."
That would have scared me if it wasn't for Mirio constantly appearing like this all-last week.
"The real question is can ya catch me," American dropping backwards off the branch and landing on her feet with the help of her wings, barely dodging a well aimed tongue, Tsuyu. "Which means, Mina," Bo-Staff blocking a kick from the acid girl and dancing around the barrage of attacks, managing, till the lizard girl's floating hand tags her bicep when distracted in batting a levitated branch away.
"Woo! Let's go, before the others find us," Ashido leading, Tsuyu jumping between trees, Setsuna's body spread apart around them, mixed in with various other floating items, like branches, rocks, pinecones and etc, from Reiko's Quirk, poltergeist girl at the back.
"1000 meters," the green-haired head says.
BANG!
Suddenly, a cloud of color falls upon the group, a rainbow smoke bomb obscuring their vision and someone diving by Free and tapping her shin, body becoming weightless as a giant hand wrapped around, pulling her away from the others, Momo, Chacochip and Kendo.
Yui throwing the small net the creator made and using her own Quirk to enlarge it, dropping the capture weapon overtop of the currently blinded team as planned, trailing after hers towards the west.
"I love having no gravity," Texan enjoying floating along in the gingers hand as they keep on pace.
"How much further, Yaomomo?" Ochaco on the lookout for Jiro's team.
"Less than a kilometer," she voiced, also watching for the remaining team, knowing the others are currently tied up.
"They'll be waiting in ambush at ya base. It's their best bet," winged girl points out.
"We figured that might be the case, but we couldn't risk leaving anyone behind… Ibara is in her element outside," Itsuka says. "Same with Kinoko-chan."
"Here on out we have to defend Kendo with everything we got to get you in the square, Freebie! Count on us!" Round cheeks lifting in an encouraging smile, freckled girl believing it.
"Incoming," Yui Kodai warned, rapidly sighting two sets of horns aimed straight her classmate who holds their human-flag, the quieter girl pulling out shrunken projectiles from her pockets, practiced aimed knocking Pony's Quirk off course with Yaoyorozu made Lego-like blocks, Creati stamped on each one.
Unfortunately, the objects can't match the vines that rise from the ground, chasing their target without deter, amidst mushrooms popping up from every surface the closer to base team 1 gets.
"We're getting shut in!" Ochaco gasping when looking back, sides and back a lost cause for getting away, both nature Quirks encircling them in a deadly trap.
"Momochi ya need to blow through with fire power, it's ya only chance!" American pointing ahead, where their four opponents wait to engage in combat, Shiozaki's hair extending without interruption.
"R-Right!" The dark-haired beauty's midsection producing three arm cannons, latching one to her right and passing the others to Kodai and Uraraka. "It just clips on. To fire is this small button here, 3 rounds each! Aim for the vines to the right, at least 10 feet away, these can cause damage!"
"Got it! On your count!"
Creati taking charge, "3,2,1, now!" The three girls blasting the same spot, Ibara's Quirk breaking and wavering at the force, Yui the first through, again tossing some blocks their opponent's way, the four scattering to dodge the large colorful shapes.
Momo and Ochaco covering Kendo who carries their flag effortlessly, Free's wings disintegrated to make her it easier to be transported. "150 FT, straight ahead!" Itsuka calls out, orange pylons in peripherals, Yui at her back, throwing another net at the four on their tails and transforming it to take out all of them at once, just like with team B.
Victory belonging to Team A in a matter of seconds, ginger and redhead skidding to a stop in their base, a round of cheers escaping the five. "We did it!!" Ochaco releasing her Quirk and Kendo putting the morpher down, high-fives shared all around.
Both team B and C coming out of the woodwork or so to say, congratulations and conversation passing between everyone as they collect their stuff and clean up. Notes and suggestions on what they could have done better and such shared in their walk back to the school to change.
The first Working Women Wednesday ending in success as the fairly large group of girls journey the station together, all 13 exhausted from their longer than average day, but in high spirits. A commitment to meet up again a week from now, decisions on who'll be heading it left to their group chat for later, rest on the mind of most as they slowly parted ways, day soon coming to an end.
--
Thursday, lunchtime.
"THAT'S IT," rather than threaten the mouthy American anymore, Katsuki grabs her beloved notebook, an utter look of devastation crossing her face as she quickly realized what he meant to do. Free not even having time to say or do anything, before his nitroglycerin laced hands starts to light up.
Until suddenly, the hothead is laid out flat on the floor face down and Izuku's next to her, notebook in hand and expression furious. "you'd regret doing that Kacchan… Free always has this book. It's clearly important to her and she might not forgive you if you bomb it."
"Hah!" A wicked grin marring the bombers' face as he stands, urge to knock the shorter male on his ass overwhelming him. "Maybe the idiot will finally get the message and leave me the fuck alone. Just like you're about to, Deku," palms lighting in preparation to fight.
However, a body steps between them, redhead bowing her head at the ash-blond, "I'm sorry for all the hell I've given you… it won't happen again Bakugo." Texan's actions shocking those present, even more so when shifting to her freckled friend and kissing him on the cheek.
Mina gasping and Jiro covering her mouth to stop the pinkette from whatever she's about to interrupt with, while Midoriya flushes a deep red, fumbling his next words, "a-are you alright Free?"
American nodding and taking her precious book from his hands, tucking it into her bag which she slips on after her blazer. "Can one of you let Mr.Aizawa know I'm taking a sick day," pausing at the door to give her classic peace sign and smile, though it's easy to distinguish a real from fake. "Text me if anything cool happens! Bye!" Door sliding open and then closed, every single person turning to look at the reason for her leaving.
"10000 yen says you don't make it a week without missing her dude," Kaminari shaking his head.
Explosive teen snorting and sitting back down, throwing his feet up, "the fuck? She's not going anywhere. That annoying bitch will be back tomorrow blabbing on none stop."
Pinky snickering from her seat on the bluenette's desk, "we'll see."
"Do you think one of us should check in on her? I've never seen Free look so dejected," Momo glancing at the more level headed students having lunch in class.
"Aa." Shoji's chair scraping the floor as he gets to his feet. "If it was any of us, she'd follow to give a hug."
"She does constantly preach cuddles and affection are natural happy boosters," Jiro watching the large teen exit the classroom.
"Froji is now in play and we already had a taste of some serious Freku! Today is wild! I'm so lost on who Free will end up with!"
"F-Freku?!" Green eyes wide knowing exactly what Mina is insinuating.
--
Can't believe I up and left class over a stupid boy, Hastings girl already regretting her decision, but trekking on anyway and nearly colliding with a body when turning the corner.
Shinso managing to reflexively shuffle and dodge out of the way, catching sight of his tutor's expression, "Free?"
Citrine meeting amethyst in realization, "sorry. I was lost in thought… anger too, I guess."
Slightly taller boy humming, "can I help?"
Redhead pondering his question, ahead of motioning for him to open his arm, "do this." Hitoshi doing so in confusion, till the 17-year-old moves in to embrace him, an instantaneous blush coloring his face. "Ya suppose to hug me back, yakknow."
Brainwasher following through on that, "right. You caught me off guard… I need to get use that when it comes to you."
"Ya can't get use to unpredictable," releasing him and taking a few steps back. "Anyway, I'm holding ya up, ya don't wanna be late, Sugarplum."
"What about you?"
"I'm taking a half-day… might go call my therapist, might check out that frozen yogurt I pass by everyday. Probably do both to be honest."
"You're ditching?" He clarified.
"I prefer the term, 'taking a mental health day'."
"You're aware this will go on your school record, right?"
Free shrugging, "trust me, compared ta what's already on there, this won't make a difference."
"I'll meet you out front," his next choice made on a whim.
Maroon raising in question, "ya aware this will go on ya record, right?" Her tone teasing.
"I'll live," rolling his eyes at the sassy transfer student. "Besides, if yours is as bad as you make it out to be and you're still in the Hero course, than I don't have to worry to much."
Freckled teen playfully pushing past him at his remark and glancing over her shoulder, "it's ya choice. It's not like I'm the one with the brainwashing Quirk."
No; but you're an enigma and I've never been this intrigued by someone before, stare on red-haired female until she disappeared down the stairwell.
Another set of eyes watching too and returning to class, the multi-armed teen re-entering 1.A. A number of students inquiring on the American's emotional health, even carmine, though silently.
"She found comfort in another and appears to be alright."
Mina choking on her drink, Jiro rubbing circles on pinky's back. "WHO?!"
"Hitoshi Shinso."
Sero shaking his head when looking at Bakugo, "you pretty much exploded her right into an other dudes' arms! What are you thinking Bakubro!!? Free might be the only girl who can ever put up with your crap!"
"She's a pain in the ass so good fucking riddance. Let the Ube have her," Katsuki scoffing, wanting nothing more for class to start, tired and fed up where Free Hastings is concerned.
"Shintings? Froshi? No, too similar to Froji… Hitoree? Frinso?" Mina mostly talking to herself, the remaining students slowly trickling in as she does so, the bell ringing right away.
--
Out front of U.A, the transfer student waits by the font gates, crystal on clouds above, sky clear for the most part with summer right around the corner. A peaceful smile on her face when the general department one arrives.
"So, where's this yogurt place?" Purple scanning the girl, who's more women than most his age. Her legs bare of tights or socks, button-up shirt undone and opened to reveal a rainbow sports bra with Mirko's logo on the corner. When she meets his gaze, he quickly realizes her Quirk is in use, diamond irises alight with mirth.
"Not far. Two stops away," pushing off the wall and in the direction of the train. "I see it on my way here everyday… hope it lives up to the hype I made about it in my head."
"Is there a way to screw up froyo?" Hitoshi genuinely wondering.
"If there's not enough flavor options or toppings, or if the limited ones are all crappy flavors," answer making her companion chuckle.
"You're pretty serious about frozen yogurt."
Female shooting him a no-laughing-matter look, "it has to measure up to ice cream or it's just a waste of time, yakknow?"
"Right… why not just settle for ice cream?"
"Cause froyo taste better with popping Boba," she says as if everyone should know that.
Shinso pursing his lips, "and if this place doesn't have popping Boba? What then?"
"I still order, but I'll complain the entire time I eat it," nothing deterring the Texan from her sweet treat.
"So, what happened to bring this mental health day about?" He asked, girl contemplating if it's worth delving into her dumb over reaction, or blowing off his inquiry.
Instead, Free settled by pulling out her notebook and handing it to him, lavender-haired 16-year-old opening it up find a number of different things inside; from sketches, to English written poems, original songs, journal entries and the likes. "This book is an outlet… something I always have on hand for when my thoughts get the better of me and the light is hard to grasp."
"It's obviously very personal… why show me?" Violet brow raised at his companion.
"Katsuki tried to blow it to smithereens at lunch. Luckily, Izuku has my back and some kick ass reflexes."
"That kid has a serious temper, huh?" Pale fingers tracing over the recently finished sketch of Shoji.
"I guess… lately he's a lot angrier. No amount of teasing or buggin' him has helped. I can't seem to break through it."
Hitoshi's gaze on her again, "and now?"
"Now it's up ta him. I've expended enough energy and am on hiatus from Katsuki Bakugo."
"You're expecting him to apologize?" Utter disbelief on the males' face, hardly knowing the bomber personally, yet well aware that's a lost cause.
American girl snorting, "lord no. I'm not even mad at the book thing, I had it coming… just didn't expect him to go for that and the idea of it gone freaked me out," train station in sight. "I want him to admit he cares."
"Hopefully you didn't bet on that happening." Shinso grinning in success when she gawked, his fingers reaching out to shut her jaw gently, the small motion of affection unforeseen by Free, who's momentarily dazed by it.
"… smart ass."
--
Saturday, lunch time at U.A.
A few of 1. A's students have gathered to eat in the cafeteria midday, a table consisting of Bakugo, Kirishima, Kaminari, Ashido, Jiro, Shoji enjoying lunch.
Free Hastings amongst them too, gaze on her phone at the far end of their table and away from their class bomb. The Dupli-armed male eating Udon across from her, redhead insisting on it by dragging him there and paying, completely ignoring that Mezo preferred to bring his own and forcing him to try her favorite dish.
DING.
Texan giggling at the text she received and clicking open her attachments for a meme Mirio would appreciate, index finger about to press it... unfortunately, Katsuki barks something at Eijiro a few seats over, causing the girl to click the wrong thing sending another photo instead.
"NO! Nononononono. DELETE! DELETE MOTHER FUCKER!" Working on a solution, but finding none, no option to get rid of her mistake. "GODDAMMIT!" Maroonette dropping her head on the table, everyone's trays shake from the force. "I'm an idiot…" murmuring to herself.
Why him? Anyone else would have been less humiliating… well, other than Uncle Toshi or Sir.
I'd probably just drop dead.
"Uh… Free?" Kyoka prodding her with an earjack gently in the side.
"Mhm?"
"You, okay?"
"I screwed up. I screwed up bad Kyokyo."
Denki leaning around the raven-haired girl when hearing that, "please do tell Free-Chan!"
Mina getting excited too, "obviously you sent something by mistake, so it's about time you fess up on who this mysterious messenger is that you've been taken with lately!"
Of course, she's noticed; it's Bubblegum, Free straightening up with a large red mark marring her forehead. Maybe she can help me rectify this… "Ya recall the older student from my internship?"
"He's the one who's been making you giggle and smile like a little school girl the past two days?"
"Hitoshi's also to blame; guys' got a funny bone," thinking about their discussion on certain heroes' costumes, hilarious pictures and comments sent between the brainwasher and her since the topic came up during their froyo stint. "However, this 3rd year is hella hilarious too."
Electric blond pouting, "funnier than me?"
"Ya have your moments, Pikapika."
"What did you send him?" Jiro asked, back on track as the female in question runs a hand through marroon curls, embarrassment resurfacing.
Ugh.
"Ya recall that pic I sent ya'll the other day? For ya opinion?"
The pinkette furrowing her brows in thought, before she gasped, reaching for the Americans phone, "YOU DIDN'T?!"
Morpher letting the device go and covering her face with both hands, "I did."
"OH MY GOD!"
"I want to see!" Kaminari reaching for it, Pinky slapping his hand away.
"No way! This is tooo juicy Kami… at least you accidentally sent the better one," gold winking at the flustered girl and passing the phone to Kyoka next.
Immediately, an "eeep," and blush emerge from the earjack teen.
"Uh-Huh. My feelings exactly," redhead reclaiming and tucking her phone away. "I should apologize and explain it was a slip of hand, right? Or just go back to Texas entirely so I never have to face him again?"
Pinkette rolling her eyes, "it's not that bad Freeky. In fact, he'll probably appreciate it," she quipped with an eyebrow wiggle, the freckled teen snorting.
"Maybe… guess it could be worst. At least it covered everything."
"Though the lace is kind of risqué, which is exactly why I thought it was the better pick," Mina adds, sipping on her drink casually.
"You do look good in teal," Jiro agreed.
"Thanks Boo," Free finishing off her ice coffee and getting up. "Anyway, I'll see y'all back in class. I gotta drop off this cat keychain I found ta Shintroll."
Bluenette almost spitting water out, prior to coughing in a fit at the nickname and appreciating when her friend pats her back a few times. "Shintroll?"
"Cause his hair looks like those little troll dolls," she explained. "He hates it, which makes me like it more, yakknnow?" Classic peace sign raised amid backing away, girl proceeding to twist around and stroll towards another table at the far end of the food court.
"Frinso is obviously going strong, unlike another ship at the moment," Ashido's comment directed at the ruby-eyed blonde who's been eerily quiet, glare on his food that's been hardly touched.
Bakugo pointedly stabbing at his spicy sukiyaki beef and ignoring the dig, barely two days since telling Free Hastings to shove off, only receiving fake ass smiles when forced to interact and a cold shoulder the rest of the time. Isn't this what I fucking wanted; no more annoying comments, dumb one-liners or teasing…. so why the hell do I feel like I've made a shit mistake?
In front of the fuming and lost in thought teen, Kirishima works on ridding himself of the pink tinge to his cheeks from the girls recent conversation, choosing to refocus on his friend who looks like he'll blow up any second. Isn't that pretty normal though? "You still up for studying this weekend man?"
"I said I would Shitty-hair, so be prepared. I don't half ass anything," Katsuki pushing his food way with huff and getting up. "Eat that. Throw it away. I don't give a shit," leaving without a glance back, eyes sliding towards the American who sits with the GD students, bitterness joining the mixed feelings of anger, disappointment and frustration he's constantly stewing in lately.
Sunrise focused on dangling a cute black cat trinket with purple gems for eyes in front of the brainwasher, finding the chain on her walk home the other night after hanging out with him all afternoon. "I cleaned and saged it already," waiting for him to take it, which he holds off on.
"Saged?"
"Mhm. I always do it with anything I find or thrift; never know if it's covered in bad juju or the likes."
Purple eyes drifting to his classmates who smile and whisper to each other, knowing exactly what they're saying. "You're entirely unaware that this looks like you're confessing to me right now, huh?"
Maroonette tilting her head in cluelessness, "confess what?"
"Your feelings for me."
"… because I'm giving you a key-chain?" Orange orbs suddenly riddled with mirth, the purple-haired male picking up on it instantly and reaching for the small gift, but of course, she pulls away. "First, a poem written by yours truly. What kind of confession would this be without one?"
"I shouldn't have said anything," he murmured, tempted to use his Quirk and spare himself of her over theatrics. Though he doesn't, rather enjoying the warm feeling it animates within whenever those Amber orbs focus on him.
Texan clearing her throat dramatically and winking at his classmates, prior to locking with purple, "In a world full of darkness, love is the brightest light of all. It's unexpected and unpredictable, showcasing when all seems dim, dusky and overcast. A power to extinguish every shadow and blackened feeling in mere moments, warmth returned and heart free to beat, free to live without fear. That's when one has found true love."
Hitoshi stunned into silence, even knowing the poem is probably one from her notebook.
"So here, may this black cat charm bring ya luck and remind ya of my love, always," freckled girl trying to hide her smile. "Oh, and don't walk under any ladders," somewhat joking while putting it in his hand.
The male glancing it over, "and if I run into the previous owner?"
"Ya will have to battle to the death to defend my token of love, obviously."
"Right. How could I even question such a thing?"
"My thoughts exactly," she drawls. "Anyway, see ya at training later. I won't go easy on ya just cause we're in love," laughing at his discomposed expression and waving at those he was sitting with, ahead of returning to homeroom for afternoon classes.
--
Ground Beta, 4:30 p.m.
"Tetsutetsu and I, against ya two," Free suggests amid stretching. "Battle simulation style like in basics, Hero vs Villains, incapacitate to win."
"Aa. We'll be the heroes and come find you," Shoji input, redhead nodding.
"Cool. Our team is hand-to-hand and melee only, as Hitoshi is at disadvantage never having done this. We'll stay within two kilometers, give us 10 minutes. Come on T," tugging his shirt to guide him to the left and disappearing in an alley way.
"What's the plan Free-chan?"
"I'll tell ya when we're further away. Mez can definitely still hear us."
"Right!"
--
Roughly 20 minutes later, the redheaded girl and gray-haired male lean against a wall behind grouping of buildings, a staff length pipe in her hand that the steel quirked male broke off at request. Definitely needed if she's to take on the dupli-armed male, who'll still likely over-power her without the use of her Quirk.
"Remember not to answer Hitoshi or ya'll be out in seconds."
"Hai!"
"Also, if Sho takes me down, go for his legs… he doesn't leave many openings, but clearly his upper body is out of the question.
Tetsutetsu nodding, "I'll do my best."
"Me too," she hummed, ears catching the sounds of flapping wings, a bird calling out as it flies over, American pushing off her post and shuffling to peer around the corner, barely parrying a large fist and dancing backwards. Smoothly, she dodges multiple well aimed hits, using the pipe to ward off every single one and smiling while doing so. "Shit Mez, ya almost got me there."
"I still intend to," his tentacle mouth showing teeth as he picks up speed in his attacks, the girl struggling a little now, side-stepping, blocking and evading much harder, a number of jabs and strikes getting past her defenses.
"Ooof," breath knocked from Free's lungs, Shoji able to grasp her weapon and tossing it away, girl attempting to elude his arms, but failing, getting tied-up in his hold a matter if seconds.
6 arms are a challenge, huffing and turning to watch her teammate go head-to-head with Shinso, who struggles in speed and reflexes compared to his opponent. Up until he manages go pull off the flip move she showed him the other day, the 1.B student groaning in impact, lavender-haired male swift to copy Shoji's lead and pinning Tetsutetsu.
"Guess that's that," southern girl musing as she's place back on the concrete. "Again, but this time Shintroll and me, versus ya two."
--
Sunday, at the Yaoyorozu residence.
"Wow, my imagination did not do this place justice. My ma would die at seeing how tastefully designed and decorated your house is."
"Thank you, Free. Mother will be so pleased to hear such wonderful comments!" Momo in her element as she gives the grouping of classmates a tour. Their study session to take place right after, tea and snacks being prepared as they journey around the large estate.
Hours are spent sitting at the large dining table in the hall where the dark-haired beauty lectured them in every subject, answering and questions asked and doing her part as class rep, but more importantly a friend. The day ending on a high note when they remained over for dinner, Mr and Mrs. Yaoyorozu delighted to have company to fill the usually quiet affair. An open invitation for them all to come over again, the six accepting gratefully, assuring the small family they'll be back when an opportunity presents itself.
By the time it's over and done with, each student is feeling a little more confident concerning the written mid-term, most believing the practical part of it will be a piece of cake and ready looking forward to taking part in the summer training camp when passing.
--
However, exam day comes a couple days later and every first-year hero student is flabbergasted to find out they'll be working in pairs against a teacher to pass.
Teams posted as such:
1. Satou/Kirishima VS Cementoss
2. Hastings/Tokoyami VS Ectoplasm
3. Iida/Ojiro VS Power Loader
4. Yaoyorozu/Todoroki VS Eraserhead
5. Aoyama/Uraraka VS Thirteen
6. Ashido/Kaminari VS Principle Nezu
7. Jirou/Koda VS Present Mic
8. Shoji/Asui VS Snipe
9. Mineta/Sero VS Midnight
10. Bakugo/Midoriya VS All Might
All to be transported by bus to their respective stages simultaneously, general outline of the test to be explained by the teachers they'll be battling.
"Light and dark versus close range clones… they are definitely exploiting our weaker areas, huh, Fumi?" Free and Tokoyami sitting side-by-side center of the bus, their opponent at the front giving directions to the driver.
Bird-headed teen nodding in agreement, "pairing us together will be the challenge as our Quirks are complete opposites."
"He can outnumber us at least 30 to 3, but working together isn't impossible. It just means I'll have to rely more on hand-to-hand and morphing, light bombs are out of the question entirely. Weakening Dark Shadow would be a fatal mistake."
"Aa. Though I wonder what we'll be doing exactly," ruby drifting to the peg-legged Hero in contemplation.
American humming in thought, "maybe something like in heroics, where we have to either complete a small mission or capture tape him?"
"No small feat when facing thirty copies."
"Our best bet would be to complete whatever it is we're tasked with."
"We'll do our best," Fumikage says, his sentient bobbing its shadowed head when poking out of the student's cloak.
Free nudging the boy with her elbow playfully, "I expect nothing less. We got this."
--
Escape or handcuff him… the choice fairly obvious, the girl mused as their 30-minute count down starts, Ectoplasm multiplying in mere seconds and out numbering them.
Even with his weight handicap, getting through that door is our only chance of success.
"We faculty have every intention of going after and crushing you kids."
The two teenagers smoothly transitioning to stand back-to-back, a chrysalis forming over the girls' skin and layering thickly over her shoulder blades and spine. Free's hands covering in revolving light as clones closed in, fists meeting their targets, expelling them one by one. Tsukuyomi and Dark Shadow defending as well as possible, but getting overwhelmed quickly.
Unfortunately, they just keep coming, but still needing a bit more time for her transformation, powering through, swiftly switching to the extendable bo-staff and parrying another onslaught of attacks. When noticing her partner struggling, she blows those ahead of her away with a blast of electromagnetic energy, prior to maneuvering around and helping fend off the trench-coated hero.
"Go for the door up there, I got your back! We need to find the escape!"
Fumikage breaking through with her help, light blasts dispersing clones to his left and right as Dark Shadow takes care of those in his path, bird-headed teen making it to the stairs and climbing upwards in speed.
Behind, the redhead focuses in covering from a distance for a wider view, pegging any copies that close in on either of them and plans on meeting her teammate at the top. Atala Butterfly wings sprouting, teal and black shimmering as she crouched, solar power cracking along shelled skin and newly grown appendages, detonating in a flurry of brightness, clearing the bottom of the room and allowing her a break to fly and catch up to Tokoyami. The duo finishing off the last three visible together, taking a moment breather as they scope out the hall, a light at the end.
"Team Yaoyorozu and Todoroki pass," a corner intercom announcing, red and orange meeting in surprise.
That was fast.
"Guess we better get to it, huh, Tsukuyomi?" A determined expression on the freckled face.
"Aa… the real challenge still lies ahead."
--
Just before coming through the exit at the end, another announcement is made, Midoriya and Bakugo passing the test as well, only motivating the light and dark users more.
"Ectoplasm is in sight… our escape directly behind him. That must be the original," Free peering around the corner, scanning the large room from their position on the balcony. "I don't see anymore currently."
"Let's make haste," he decides, the two exiting the hall, their opponent's gaze already upon them.
"You did good to best those sheer numbers… however, how will you deal with this?" A large mass of plasm spewing from his mouth, "forced internment giant bites."
"Holy fuck," American knowing this move was plausible from reading Izuku's notes, but seeing it in person is a whole other thing.
"Dodge it!" Fumikage shouts, the male unable to avoid the giant clone from latching onto him, though luckily, the girl does, ability to fly her only saving grace.
"DS, attack together! Let's go!"
"FOLLOW HER LEAD DARK SHADOW!"
Free diving straight for Ectoplasm, fingers unhooking the cuffs from her belt and tossing them to the sentient as she makes contact with the math teachers' body, staff attacks a decoy and distraction as the shadow finds an opportunity between to slap the band on the play villain.
Instantaneous relief hitting both teenagers, intercoms announcing their pass as Tokoyami is released, hero's huge clone dissolving. "We did it!!"
"BOOYAH!" Shadow pounding the winged girls' fist, who also holds one out to the teacher.
Ectoplasm grinning when complying, "you two understood the assignment and didn't disappoint. Well done."
"Thank you, sir."
"You are a formidable foe, as expected," Bird head bowing.
"Congratulations on succeeding. Let us return to school."Most 1.A students returning within an hour, all except Bakugo and Midoriya, who arrive by the end of the day, everyone else waiting around homeroom in the meantime.
The end of the day coming fast, some quieter than usual, those being the ones of failed. Though an offer to go get ice cream by Free Hastings make Mina, Denki, Eijiro, Rikodo and Hanta feel a smidgen better.
Even happier when Mr.Aizawa announces the next morning that everyone will be attending the camp, as it is meant as training exercise, those with failing grades needing it most. Yet, they will have remedial lessons to make up for their losses at some point.
--
A shopping trip is planned to prepare and buy stuff for camp, suggested by the girls. Everyone up for the it other than Todoroki and Bakugo, 18 of them meeting up at the station on their off day and taking the train to Kyashi-ward shopping district. Summer break starting after a half day of school tomorrow and an assembly being held to end the term prior to being released. Camp in a week from now and I-Island a couple days away for those going.
"So, where too, first?" Free Hastings eyeing all the different shops, a pair of oversized black overalls covering her camo crop top, hair up in a side-ponytail as she stands next to Mezo who mentions needing a few clothing items. "Me too. How about that store we saw on the way in?"
"Aa."
"I shall join as well," Fumikage voiced, the three moving in the direction of it and chatting along the way, arriving at their destination shortly.
"It's so strange seeing ya out of uniform or costumes… guess that means we don't see each other enough out if school, huh?"
"I felt the same way when we all met up earlier," Bird-headed male admitting as the four browse racks and drift through aisles together.
Texan grinning, "gotta say, ya got style Fumi. The vest is very you."
Tokoyami turning his beak away at the compliment, "you're too kind, Free."
"I'm also a big fan of the tank Mez," winking at the larger teen and earning a tug on her ponytail.
"You're messing around, when you should be shopping," he says, pulling out a few things he likes and handing her a hanger with a jacket by Best Jeanest.
Apricot shinning in happiness, "it's amazing!" A perfect fit of jean with black lace and studs, no hesitation in adding it to her basket, with a pair of Eraserhead slippers.
However, before either of them can purchase anything, the mall suddenly goes into alert, an announcement made about a villain being within the premises setting a lot of people on edge. The threesome even more so when Ochaco texts them about what happened, reconvening with the others as police showed up to search. Izuku taken in for questioning after finding Shigaraki long gone, the rest of 1.A leaving together and ensuring by messages that they get home okay.
Free stopping at the convenience store on the way and picking up a small lemon cake to bring over to the Midoriya's later. 17-year-old placing it on the counter, bell ringing as another customer comes in, citrine finding a few kids as she glances over in reflex, paranoid and on the lookout for the League creep. American paying for her purchase and moving on, smiling at the vendor who recognizes the teen from TV and regular visits whenever she has a hankering for sugar. "Have a good night."
"Aaa, you too."
Out the door with bag in hand and gaze on the sky, redhead pondering earlier events…
Did he seek Izuku out specifically or was it mere coincidence…
I'll know more when I have the chance to talk to him later alone… what did they talk about?
Numerous questions on her mind as she pulled out her phone to send a few messages,
To Freckles: I bought cake, can I come over and share later?
Future Heroes: I'm almost home.
Texan learning what transpired between the villain and her neighbor over a piece of dessert much later in the evening. The pair sharing their inklings and worries about what the League is up too… neither realizing the extent of evil and chaos it has yet to bring.A clear sign that they're not the only ones fearing what could be in store, as the next morning in homeroom they learn that the camping trip has changed and information on it won't be released until the day of, for security measures.
Summer break starting after a short term-assembly, the girls of 1.A starting it by heading to the station together to visit another mall to buy what their missing. Todoroki tagging along too when crossing paths on the way, enjoying taking part in their conversations ranging from school, to desserts, colors that suit them and even what pro heroes they find attractive.
None of the girls understanding what Free finds attractive about Sir Nighteye. "His sense of humor is top notch… abs too."
"You saw his abs?!" Mina's brows raised in question.
"I can't help where my eyes wander if someone's gonna change right in the middle of the gym!"
"I would have never expected him to be fit," Pinky hums thoughtfully.
"Ya can wash clothes on those puppies."
The group of five giggling, while Shoto tilts his head in confusion, "puppies?"
Momo quick to explain the slang, half-hot-half-cold male then asking, "is that stuff really important when it comes to attraction?"
Maroonette shaking her head, "nah, it's just a perk."
"What does matter then?" Genuinely curious to know, having been opening up to more of his feelings as of late.
"Everyone is different," American shrugging. "I personally find humor and honesty attractive. Someone who isn't afraid to express themselves and are passionate about something. Doesn't have to be what I'm into, but they gotta have dreams... yakknow?"
"Agreed," Kyoka voiced from beside the creator. "Though they gotta have good taste in music too."
"Passionate… that's what I like too," a certain freckled-face boy on Ochaco's mind.
"Someone reliable." Yaomomo input, Tsuyu nodding in accordance.
"All of those combined would be acceptable. Ribbit."
"Ditto! But with romance and a hint of mystery thrown in!" Mina chimed avidly, loving this topic.
Free nudging the sole boys' arm, "what about ya? What gets ya heart racing and gives ya stomach flutters?"
Todoroki thinking about it, "I'm not sure I've ever felt that way to be honest… not about a person anyway."
"Well, ya got plenty of time. There's no rush… besides, if ya get that feeling doing something else, then who cares. Someday, someone will come along, until then, there's a hell of a lot more important things to worry about."
"Like becoming a hero," he says… and bringing my mom home.
"Precisely."
The seven spending a majority of their first break day shopping, snacking and doing various activities within the mall. Successfully buying what they need for their training camp a week from now.
As well purchasing some formal wear for the party on I-Island Friday night, learning that the male is also attending, making plans to meet up all together in the afternoon. Shoto even offering Tsuyu and Mina his siblings' VIP tickets for it when learning they only have Saturday ones, the other Todoroki's engaged with other things, leaving spares for the occasion.
Day coming to a close when they all separate at the station for their specific trains. Promises to meet up again during break, Free mentioning a beach day, the one close to home perfect for tanning and sandcastle competitions. Potentially going over to her place and ordering a bunch of take out afterwards. Said girl sending two texts that night, prior to going to sleep.
Sugarplum: Teal.
Future Heroes: Beach Day Wednesday?
--
They do just that, all of 1.A… even Bakugo who shows up with enough prodding from Kirishima, who brings out a better side in the short-tempered and usually closed in teenage male.
Everyone in bathing suits with beach towels, large umbrellas and blankets spread out in their decided spot. A volleyball net set up courtesy of Free who loves the sport, having played a couple games of 3 on 3 with the girls already. Redheaded girl in the water beside the dark-haired beauty and watching the ash-blonde pick a fight with her mossy-eyed friend for no reason, as always.
"Momojito… can ya make one of those super soaker water guns?"
Gray orbs sliding over go mischievous orange, Yaoyorozu turning away and focusing her thoughts on producing the kids' toy, which appears from her pink bikini donned abdomen in a matter of seconds. "It just needs to be filled, Free-chan."
Texan dipping it under water until full capacity and pumping the pressure nozzle a couple times, prior to aiming it straight at the explosive males' head. Her tanned finger pressing the trigger, target spot on, water hitting Katsuki square in the face and instantly shutting him up. "New rule. If ya an ass, ya gonna get sprayed," not at all bothered by the glare of death he shoots her and completely forgetting about his current target. "Got a problem with it, Prettyboy?"
"You're dead, Brickhead," heading for the brave American, who rolled her eyes.
"Promises, promises. Haven't seen ya keep that one yet," raising the gun again and pegging him in the face another time, fully enraging the 17-years-old as expected and backing away from Momo to keep her out of the danger zone. With only a few feet separating the maroonette from her potential demise, she empties the remaining water at him and tosses it towards Tsuyu, who has the best chance at keeping it away from the bomber in this environment. "If I'm to die here, I leave ya in charge, Princess," tone joking as she dodges a swipe of Bakugo's hand, much more difficult in waist deep water.
Of course, her attempt doesn't last long, male getting the upper hand due to limited movement and catching the freckled girl around the waist, locking his hold and dragging her out deeper. "Time to swim with the fishes, Red," shoving her under water a few times until she starts spluttering and spitting water. "Have enough, yet?"
Free coughing in his hold, the salty water burning her lungs, head tilting back to meet his gaze, "have ya?" Sun-kissed skin drawing out the freckles that run along her chest and shoulders, face splattered in them too.
"Hah?! What does that mean?" Apple-red on pumpkin-orange.
"Obviously this is just ya way of getting close after our week of silence. Missing me that much, Katsuki?" Bold statement freezing him in place, his heart rate steadily pounding and inside's flipping at their close proximity.
Bakugo realizing she's not far off the mark, which pisses him off, "as if, idiot."
A hum of disbelief sounding from the Texan's chest as she easily breaks free of his arms and twirls around to face him, "why is it so hard for ya to admit ya care for me? Why fight it?"
Explosive teen snorting, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Ya do and ya know it. The problem is ya scared cause ya think caring makes ya weak, when it's the opposite."
"I'm not scared of shit, Pumpkin Face."
"Coulda fooled me, Firecracker," her southern drawl thick at the remark, Free pushing past to rejoin the others. "Ya the most stubborn person I've ever met… besides myself anyway."
The bomber refusing to let her have the last word by grabbing the girls' shoulder and forcing her attention, "you're infuriating and your Japanese is absolute garbage. I can't fucking stand you... so it doesn't make any goddamn sense."
"What doesn't?"
That I give a shit, is what he wants to say, however, once more remained quiet about it. "It doesn't matter," this time it's him who pushes past, sunrise following as he goes back to the beach, ordering those standing around to play a game of volleyball with him. Ashido and Kirishima on his team, versus Iida, Midoriya and Uraraka.
"You alright, Free?" Shoji placing a hand on her shoulder at the question, American shifting to smile in response.
"I'm good, Mez... wanna help me build a castle?"
"Aa."
The pair enlisting the help of a few others, a grand sandcastle with a moat and towers the pay off of all their efforts. A successful summer day coming to an end, most supporting a nice tan by the time they pack up and venture home.
All six girls spending the night together at Free's, closing off the already wonderful and fun filled Wednesday snuggling on the couch watching a couple chick flicks. Izuku also forced to join at his neighbor's orders and basking in the presence of so many girls, fumbling his words for most of it. Eventually heading home when he's the last one awake, the rest passed out in a pile of sleeping bodies. The American mother bidding him a goodnight and locking up behind the sweet boy, ahead of shutting the TV and lights off, leaving the girls in their current position and going to bed herself.