Free Hastings and Hitoshi Shinso's flight to I-Island is an early one, arriving after four hours of travel and landing exactly at 10:00 am, passing through the full body scanners prior to exiting.
Melissa Shield greeting her longest and dearest friend with a shout of excitement when they step out of the airport, carry-ons in hand, "FREE!"
Redhead quick to forget everything else and taking a running jump at the pretty blonde, "LISSA!"
"I missed you," both girls voicing simultaneously while hugging.
"You brought a friend, hi!" Californian girl stepping forward to introduce herself politely to the lavender-haired male, "I'm Melissa Shield."
"Shinso Hitoshi," shaking her offered hand.
"Are you just a friend?"
Free quickly nudging the nosey girl away, "ya don't have to answer that. I personally enjoy leaving her hanging in the unknown concerning my love life."
"Well then, to be announced," he says, playing along.
"Fine… but don't think I won't be watching you two," Melissa joked, motioning for them to follow. "How about I show you where you're staying? Then we can grab breakfast, before meeting Uncle Might! He should he here around noon."
"Sounds good. I can't wait to check everything out!" Sunrise scanning the already bustling island, a number of heroes milling about, easy to distinguish in their costumes and gear. Shinso trailing along, taking in everything as they walked while listening to the two females talk a mile a minute, catching up each other up since their last phone call.
--
Soon to arrive at the large 200-storey building, which hosts a hotel, auditoriums, laboratories, entertainment facilities and a couple restaurants. Trio taking the elevator upwards to the specified room floor, where they leave their bags and pocketing what they might need throughout the day.
"Did you bring your hero costumes?" Friendly blonde asking, brows raised at the two in question.
Texan shaking her head, "nah. Ya not wearing one, so why bother?"
"Or you didn't want me tinker with it for hours more like."
"That too," freckled girl knowing the techy quite well. "Plus, I look cute in these shorts, why change?"
"Good point. Your legs are definitely one of your best features," blue gaze shifting to the quiet male, "right, Shinso?"
Brainwasher fully aware she's trying to scope out the depth of his and Free's relationship, "one of many."
Mel smiling at his subtle sweetness, "maybe while we eat you can tell me all about Free and her exploits in Japan?"
Amethyst sliding from aquamarine to amber, "she knows you well."
Maroonette sticking her tongue out him and shuffling towards the door, "I seem to leave a mark wherever I go. It's my thing."
"Apparently," he mused, door locking automatically as he closed it, once more falling a step behind the two who clearly share a deep bond. "Maybe we can trade stories. I'm sure you have some of Free worth sharing."
"Soooo many! We have spent every summer together since we were what, 2?" with the exception of 3…
Marion curls bouncing in a nod, "Her Dad and my Ma have been long time friends, their dads' old friends, so it's kind of a 3rd generation thing now."
"Our kids will be the same," Melissa says, smiling at the taller teen.
"Maybe… heard I'm pretty annoying, so what're the chances of keeping anything steady enough for that to happen," only somewhat joking.
"Who called you annoying? You're a ray of sunshine Hastings! I'll hunt them down and show them annoying!" Something ridiculously cute about the way the Shield girl gets about her best friend. "Let me at them!"
Hitoshi quick to assume correctly, "likely the bomber."
"Bomber… the one from the sports festival?"
"Aa."
Californian girl humming, "he was unnecessarily angry in most of his screen time."
"He's always like that," violet-eyed male supplied.
"Bet you love it, huh, Free?" The blonde's question rhetorical. "Anyone easy to wind up and get a rise out of is her favorite past time. Besides terrible jokes, as I'm sure you've noticed," words directed at Shinso.
The morpher gasping dramatically, "my jokes are stellar!"
"You can't claim that if you're the only one to laugh at times," teenage boys' tone teasing, peach narrowing on the smirking face over her shoulder.
"Ya witty bastard."
"Payback for all the times you catch me off guard with your own. Tastes good."
"Speaking of tasting, you have got to try the crepes here! They are to die for," Melissa pressing the 10th floor button once inside the elevator.
The trio ordering a couple types during their breakfast and sharing them over conversation and stories focusing on Free, who has no problem contributing details and denying anything too embarrassing. Though Hitoshi doesn't believe her for one second, knowing she only does it to keep him from fully knowing the extent of the wild things the 17-year-old has gotten into.
--
Track of time is swiftly lost, the guide realizing she has to go meet All Might asap, her oldest friend shooing her away with a promise to cover the meal and meeting up later instead, having seen their uncle often and not wanting the blonde to miss any time with him. "Text me where ya at in a bit. We'll finish up here and explore until then," redhead throwing up a classic peace sign as Mel waves and dashes off.
"What do you want to check out first?" Brainwasher drawling, freckled American shrugging in uncertainty.
"I never read the pamphlet and I'm crap with maps, so it's up ta ya, Sugarplum."
"Good thing GPS is a regular thing or your hero career would be over before it started, huh?"
"Sadly true," Free not at all afraid to admit it. "Wings are a great help in that area too. Birds eye view's a charm… or butterflies so ta speak."
Hitoshi pulling out his wallet to pay when the table is cleared and bill dropped off, girl trying to get a glance at it. "You have to let me pay for something, Scarlet."
"Scarlet?"
"It's not as well thought out as Shintroll, obviously, but I thought it suit you," he says, hoping she approves, purple-haired boy having no idea how much it means to her to be given a nickname, especially from someone she didn't expect it from.
"I love it," full lips smiling softly at him. "Shall we then?"
"Aa," pale fingers tucking cash into the black holder with the bill and leaving it on the table, prior to the two leaving and journeying out into the exposition.
From My Coven: Bubblegum: We're here!
Momojito: Will be checking out the I-Island New Age Building first. Come meet us!
From Lissa: Uncle Might brought a student from U.A! He must be from your class! PIN DROPPED.
Free opening the pin and pulling up the map, showing it to her companion who leads the way. "Liss said All Might brought one of my classmates… guess this is what Izuku had planned."
"He never told you?"
Maroon curls shaking, "just said he was out of town."
"Is All Might mentoring him?"
"Something like that. Neither have come out directly and said it, but Uncle Toshi is clearly fond of the freckled bunny."
"You have that in common," Hitoshi says.
"True."
"FREEZY!" Mina's voice easily distinguishable amongst the crowd of visitors, pinkette jogging over donning her hero costume.
Redhead dodging a glomp by ducking behind the taller teen and laughing at the girls put out expression, "how about we settle for a quick hug as it's pretty hot out?"
Ashido accepting with a cheeky smile, "so, what have you love birds been up to?" Wiggling her brows at the pair while the other four girls catch up.
"Love birds…" Shinso glancing at his friend, who rolled her pumpkin shaded eyes.
"Just ignore it. She has the tendency to do that whenever I'm in the presence of a guy."
"She calls them ships and has couple names for them," Kyoka supplied when close enough.
Momo walking to the earjack girl's left as she motioned them to a building in the distance, "Free has a few."
Purple raising at that piece of information, male curious, "what's ours?"
"Frinso! Cute, ne?" Gold and black on the general studies student.
"Not bad. Better than Shintroll." The group of girls giggling at his honesty.
"I'm quite proud of that one," Free nudging his arm playfully. "Sugarplum is my favorite though."
Shrugging, he admits "I can deal with that one… though my entire class thinks we're a thing because of it."
American grinning in learning that, "hilarious. Bet the key chain and poem totally sealed the deal. No matter what ya say, they'll never believe otherwise now."
"I'm sure you won't make the effort to change that either," Hitoshi remarks to her left, unbothered by it. Not really caring what they think in the first place anyway.
"Lord no. Where'd the fun be in that?"
"Speaking of fun, I can't wait to see what cool gadgets they have in here!" Ochaco bouncing with every step beside the Texan.
The large white exhibit's automatic doors opening up for the seven, who slowly explore the giant space. Various hero support items, ranging from vehicles, weapons, capturing gear and the likes filling every corner.
--
Eventually, coming across Izuku and Melissa, Ochaco the first to spot the pair across the room and approaching. "Looks like you're having fun, Deku."
Freckled male turning around in shock, "uh, Uraraka? What are you doing here?"
"It looks like you're having fun."
"Y-you already said that," he says. Yaoyorozu clearing her throat, Midoriya snapping his attention to the right and noticing all the girls. "W-what?"
"You appear to be having a good time," she says.
Jirou beside her, "I heard everything."
"Stop teasing or his head will blow up," Free and Shinso appearing last. "Should'a just said ya we're coming."
"Free?! Shinso? You're here too?"
"Lissa is my oldest friend," throwing her arm around the Californian's shoulders. "Girls, this is Melissa Shield, Mel, you're looking at some the futures greatest heroes."
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
"This is why you asked if I was busy this weekend," Izuku realized. "Of course you'd have tickets if you're old friends."
"Yaomomo brought the rest of us. Ribbit." Tsuyu adds.
"Todoroki gave us his extra VIP's for today too, or Tsuyu and I wouldn't have been able to join in till tomorrow."
"Todoroki is here?"
Vibrant apricot peering at her text messages, "said he'll meet up with us shortly."
Green orbs sliding from his neighbor to the quiet male at her side, "did you come with Free, Shinso?"
"Aa. You came with All Might?"
Shorter boys' eyes widening, "h-how do you know that?"
"Sorry Freckles, that's my fault. When Mel said Uncle Might brought a student I kind of assumed and gave it away."
"Oh… that's okay. I'm just glad we're all here. Should we look around some more?" Midoriya fast to change the subject.
"How about we stop for tea at the Café too? I'd love to get to know you girls better! Free has said such wonderful things."
"Tea sounds lovely. I'm Yaoyorozu Momo."
"Momochi, right?" Blonde leading the way as the rest introduce themselves, techy smoothly transitioning from stranger to friend.
It's hard not to like her, Free watching from behind and waking in between the two boys who don't know what to say. Izuku nervous for some reason and Hitoshi feeling awkward, butterfly girl picking up on it immediately. "So, fanboy, how much have ya nerded out since arriving?"
Freckled cheeks turning pink, "I-I mean it's I-Island! This is incredible! The way this place functions and the freedom scientists have with their work, Quirk usage too! I can't believe I'm seeing this in person…." Teen muttering on and on about it all, a smile falling on his friend's face.
"Does he do this alot?" Shinso half-smirking, fast to notice the girl wanted this reaction.
"Mhm… it's wholesome, yakknow? He's genuinely humbled and ridiculously passionate when it comes to anything hero… kind of like you."
Violet furrowing, not exactly sure he's comfortable with how much she seems to understand him, "what makes you think that? I feel like we don't know each other well enough for you to sound so certain about it."
"I know a fanboy when I see one," tilting her head back to wink at him. "Ya get this light in ya eyes whenever it comes to heroics too."
Purple-eyed male moving along and studying who he considers the first real friend he's ever made, never in a million years believing it'd be someone like her… wilder and louder than most, yet more attentive and caring without trying to be; entirely unafraid of being who she is or showing what she feels in a moment, undeniably daring and undoubtedly confident with actions and affection… can she really be as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside?
--
Soon, the group of teens sit at two tables next to each other, casual conversation happening amid waiting for drinks. Melissa sharing a tale about her best friend from last summer, "so, after witnessing this jerk untie this girl's bikini straps on purpose at the beach, Free decides to serve justice by leading him out into the water and using her natural southern charm to steal his trunks, leaving him in the nude."
"That's priceless," Kyoka laughing with the rest.
Mina agreeing, "serves him right for being a perve!"
"How did you get his trunks off? I'm confused," Ochaco blinking innocently.
"Manipulation my sweet summer child," citrine twinkling mischievously.
"Here you are, orders up!" A familiar voice drawing a number of eyes.
"Kaminari!" Midoriya surprised for another time today.
Uraraka as well, "is that… Mineta?"
"What are you two doing here?" Jiro asking what everyone is wondering.
The pair giving them a thumbs up, "they needed extra wait staff and since it meant a free trip to the island, we applied to work. Right?"
Minoru picking up where the electric blond ended, "we get to explore the expo on our breaks and we make some money." Shorty glancing over the females, "plus there's a chance at encounters with some of the cute—" balled-headed pervert stopping his rambling to pull Denki and Izuku aside to have a private conversation.
"Heads up Marshmellow, the Twerp is a letch."
"Duly noted. Thanks Freestyle."
The waiters rejoining and making introductions, until another recognizable and louder tone calls them out for slacking, "you wanted to make more money didn't you? But you're not willing to work hard?" Iida storming over in a swift, arm-swinging run, both workers screaming in fear.
"Iida? You're here too?" Gravity girl says, illiciting Tenya to go on about his family being from a long line of heroes, explaining the reasoning for attending such an event as this expo.
Free's stare shifting to her guest who observes the chaotic atmosphere, students continuously popping out if the woodwork, "ya okay sticking around here or ya wanna sneak off?"
Hitoshi contemplating the options and shrugging, "I'm fine doing whatever you want to do."
"Ya spoil me, Sugar," nudging him playfully.
BOOOOM!
"Whoa! What was that noise?"
Everyone curious to know, rapidly tossing down their payments and heading to a challenge arena, where a screen shows Eijiro Kirishima suited up, announcer calling out his time of 33 seconds and then moving on to introduce the next challenger...
Katsuki Bakugo, who takes the stage and lands first place with 15 seconds, a smirk on his mouth until his spiky-haired classmate draws his attention to the stands, where a number of their classmates stand. Ash-blond jumping up onto the railing and targeting his anger at the greenet as usual, "damn it! What are you doing here, Deku?"
"Oh.. uh, hey, there Kaachan! Why don't you calm down a little bit?"
"Don't tell me what to do, Nerd!"
"My turn!" Texan already half morphed as she jumped over the railing, dropping down beside the referee, her shirt tossed at the general studies student for safe keeping. Pandora Sphinx Moth, another speedy species with olive green, tan and black colorings.
"We've got another challenger! Will she end up on top or fail in front of the entire expo?"
With light encircling her fists, Free marks every target once the course is set, instantaneously firing off solar energy when told go, further robots taken down one-by-one with precision aim, while taking out the closest ones with electromagnetic powered punches and kicks. Stunning wings giving her an advance in speed, cheering and whistles loudly calling out when every enemy is down.
"13 seconds! A new record for first place!"
Maroonette throwing up at peace sign and then sticking her tongue out at the explosive male, who's quick to snap, yelling he's going again.
Whoosh, a draft of cold alerting those to Todoroki's presence, his time of 14 seconds taking second, freckled girl turning to him and waving, "there ya are, Elsa."
"Free… where's your gear?"
"YOU BASTARDS! HOW DARE YOU COME IN HERE AND BEAT ME?!"
The set of friends ignoring Bakugo as he shouts some more and all hell breaking loose when they intentionally tune out the bomber, American divulging she didn't bother bringing her costume. Kirishima, Iida and Midoriya helping ease the situation when their female classmate jokes about Katsuki being as slow as he is deafening, ahead of flying out of there with a laugh.
"Thanks," slipping her shirt back on now that the wings have disintegrated and motioning Shinso to follow.
Californian girl setting off again to show them around some more, hours spent exploring and experiencing the exposition. The group of U.A students and their tour guide ending it off with a plan to meet up in their formal clothes and go to the party together. Intentions to be at the lobby for 7p.m and splitting up with that in mind to go get ready for the event.
--
"How do I look?" Free Hastings stepping out of the hotel room bathroom, a floor-length haltered teal-dress covering her body, slit traveling up her right leg and ending mid-thigh. Texan's dark red hair styled in loose curls and tamed for once, lipstick matching it in color and bright amber eyes smoky.
Hitoshi at a utter lost of words, brain racing a mile a minute and figuring out what to say, "… beautiful." Why lie?
Authentic smile lifting full stained lips, female enjoying putting him on the spot, privy that it's hard to catch the witty teen off guard and having a distinct knack for it. "Ya looks good too," impressed by his matching bow-tie, but more so gelled-back hair, which flips her stomach in an unexpected turn of events. Really, really good.
"You're drooling," he teased, quickly changing the tides amid slipping his wallet and key card in his dark-gray vest, prior to holding the door open. Thoughtful violet on her exposed back as she exits ahead of him, "I have a feeling asking how you got those would sour the mood," statement bringing the Texan's gaze to the pair resting on the scars stretching along shoulder blades and down to her tail bone, likeness of each signifying that the same thing was used to make them.
"Gifts from Daddy dearest and yes, if we dove into that tragic and depressing tale, it'd definitely kill the vibe. Save it for the cat Café where we can cuddle the gloom of it all away."
"I'm holding you to that."
"I figured it'd come up sooner or later. Honestly thought the latter when it comes ta ya, but this just means ya more comfortable around me," satisfaction settling over her in knowing he's opening up a little bit. Brainwasher rolling his eyes and not saying anything when she leads them the wrong way, distracted in talking about stuffing herself full of fancy food while languidly strolling down the winding hallway.
Until a door to their right opened, revealing the hardening and explosive males from 1.A, friendlier of the two brightening even more, toothy grin stretching wide, "Free-chan! Wow, you look really pretty!"
"Ohayo Cinnamon, lookin' good," girl reaching out to fix his tie a smidgen and winking, "perfect now."
Spiky redhead blushing and shifting to the lavender-haired teen, "Shinso, what's up man?"
"Going to the party… you guys too, huh?"
Bakugo huffing and stuffing his hands away, "why else would we be dressed like this?"
"It's a secret fetish of yours and underneath ya wearing girls' undies," Free offers in response, the trio of boys quieting and looking at her. "What? Some people are freaks."
"Says the freak," ash-blonde snared.
"In the best ways," wiggling her brows playfully.
"Tch. Can dress you up, but still can't hide how annoying you are."
"We have two very different definitions when it comes to that word," she remarks in turning around, knowing it'll piss him off and laughing when he growled.
"The fuck does that mean?!"
"Exactly what it sounded like," American moving forward, Kirishima quick to join and asking about her day, leaving the other two following. Both silent as their more sociable companions chattered with ease a few steps ahead.
Eventually coming upon an elevator that isn't working, confusing the four immensely. "Weird… why's the light red? Is it broken?"
"Fucking stupid is what it is," Katsuki tempted to blow a hole through it in anger.
"There should be a set of stairs coming up," Shinso already moving on, others copying, soon finding the stairwell and going downwards, one floor at a time.
--
Meanwhile, hiding out together is the large group of hero students and one 3rd year, who decide on their course of action. All Might having ordered them to escape and get to safety, waiting out for help to arrive. Of course, that doesn't bode well with a number of them as they are in fact training to save and help people.
So why would this be any different?
Each having an opinion on the matter, but more than anything, all feeling the same... helping is their only choice and with enough planning, there is a chance they can save everyone.
Izuku Midoriya rallying them with his good intentions and words of hope, coming to the conclusion that for it all to work out, the security system has to be reset.
Luckily, Melissa Shield knows how to do it, their goal to make it to the top of the tower undetected and under the radar with her... which is much easier said than done, the 11 soon learning when finding themselves hiding amidst passing through the room Iida smashed opened, the elevator at its center dinging a couple moments later.
--
"Huh… why does it block off here?" Orange scanning the shut off doors on the 80th level, foursome unable to go down any further.
"I dunno… but we can go through here," Kirishima holding a door open, entering in a large room filled with plants and tress, moats dipping under concrete bridges and flooring to water the nature.
"Hey! We see you stupid kids," a nasally voice calling out, the four shifting towards it and eyeing the two men standing 20 feet away.
"What'd you say, you bastard?" Bakugo's eye twitching in irritation.
"What're you doing in here?"
"Hah. That what I wanna know, too."
Free glancing the pair of conspicuously, "ya two security?"
"Mind your own girly."
Maroon furrowing in suspicion, Eijiro putting a hand on hers and his blonde friends' shoulders, playing it cool, "sorry! We um, kinda got lost lookin' for this party? Can you maybe point us in the right direction?"
The next few seconds happening in a flash of events and reactions as they're suddenly attacked by one of them, Texan fast to shove Hitoshi behind her and getting the brunt of the man's Quirk just as a mountain of ice encased the attackers. Multiple shouts of worry calling out their names, Todoroki swiftly sending those he was with upwards on a mountain of ice and promising to catch up.
"Shit. You're bleeding," purple fast to notice blood soaking tanned hands, girl half in his lap from the impact knocking them back.
"I'm fine," wincing at the shooting pain amidst sitting up. Or not, warmth pooling over heavily in the motion, lifting her sticky fingers to see the damage. Fuck. "Shoto… you're gonna have to cauterize this."
"Free-chan! You're not serious?!" Kirishima paling at the thought. "There's a hospital here, isn't there?!"
Fire user kneeling next to his female classmate, "everything is locked down, villains have taken over the tower. We're working on resetting the system." Girl ripping her dress more to show off her mid section, gaping wound on the right soaking freckled skin in scarlet. "His Quirk did this?"
"Mm," morpher feeling faint already. "Just do it or I'll bleed out," eyes clenching shut and laying back into the general department student, who's gone silent since seeing the extent of it.
"I'm sorry," heat meeting flesh a second later and a burning stench hitting their noises, skin pinched and newly sealed. A hissing of pain accompanied by multiple swears, southern accent thick in English the majority of what's said missed, but those present getting the gist of it.
"Red… you're gonna be okay," carmine on the girl who wipes away stray tears, Icyhot backing off, though hovering and ready to help her up whenever.
"Cha, Firecracker. It's nothin," taking Todoroki's arm, his other hand moving to her back, where Shinso is, the two and Eijiro working together to help stand without straining.
Inside the ice, noises alert the five that the villains are still at large, purple haired teen leaving his friend to the others and shuffling to address those who break from their frozen jail. "What's your problem, assholes?"
"What'd you—" "Little bra—" both quick to respond and falling into his trap, neither having a chance to do anything else.
"Drop any weapons you have. Radios too." The two complying smoothly, spiky redhead moving to gather the stuff.
"Nows a good time to freeze'em again," girl tapping Shoto's chest, other arm wrapped around his shoulders as he holds her up.
"Right… take her Bakugo," bomber about to protest, yet given no choice, carefully switching places and baring the extra weight.
Free scanning his face up close, "ya not worried about me, are ya, Katsuki?" Tone goading even when feeling completely off. That guy's Quirk… it wasn't just a flesh wound. There's something wrong... I can feel it.
"You're being just as irksome as usual. What's there to worry about," ruby orbs not wanting to acknowledge the paleness of her freckled cheeks.
"Listen… ya guys should join the rest. I'll stay here."
"I'm not leaving you alone, Scarlet," Hitoshi outright refusing that idea. "They can go. Anyone else who comes through will probably be just as moronic as these guys. I'll be able to handle it."
Ash-blond scoffing, "hah. If you could handle it, you wouldn't have needed to be protected by her in the first place, Ube," earning himself a half-assed punch to the gut. "Oof."
"Not everyone is the golden boy of reflexes, ya dick," female disappointed enough in his shit words to push off and away, stumbling a couple of steps into her date, shifting to give the trio of hero students a look, "ya needed elsewhere. I'm only one in how many? The way we win is together, got it?"
Kirishima wiping the corner of his eyes, "so freakin' manly."
"Now go."
Sudden sounds of clanking, beeping and rolling of wheels from security Robots echoing as multiple drop in and surround them, immediately stopping them from following to help the others.
Shoto looking to the injured and her caretaker, "we'll give you a clear path to the emergency stairs over there. The elevators' too risky," ice creating a wall to stall the bots, while the other two boys go into attack mode, blasts, fire and rock-hard fists, allowing Shinso and Free the opportunity to get to their destination. Taller of the two pulling their escape handle and peaking inside the stairwell, which appears empty.
"If we run into those in here, we're shit out of luck," he says.
"I can take em'" American grimacing more than smiling, prior to glancing at her classmates and locking stares with the fiercest pair; too much left unsaid between them as she breaks it seconds later, to steadily start the decent, level-by-level.
--
By the time they reach the 55th, Free's seeing black spots, her stomach feeling as if she'll retch it up any minute now and legs teetering on the brink of giving out. "Hitoshi… I need to stop," supporting herself on the railing to carefully lower down on one of steps.
"You lied up there," observing orbs of violet having noting her worsening condition since the beginning.
"I'm sorry."
"How bad, Free? How long do you have?" Voice shaking at the questions, dried bloody fingers reaching for his shaking ones and entangling them together. What do I do? I'm no use here.
"Internal bleeding varies, so don't count me out just yet... the faster we get down to where medical can tend to me when everything is reset, the better chance I got."
"… and if they fail?"
"They won't."
"What happens?" Shinso already knowing the answer.
"Sugar, it's gonna be alright," doing her best to reassure him, though part doubts it herself.
Brainwasher rubbing his eyes in frustration and distress, "If… I… I should have reacted. I was too slow."
"Ya can make it up to me with froyo tomorrow. Extra popping Boba," squeezing his hand in comfort, before letting go and using it to brace to railing once more. "55 floors to go and there's no time like the present."
"Scarlet, get on my back."
"Hitoshi…"
"I'll go as long as I can, you rest in the meantime," moving down a couple steps and turning around for her to climb on. "Together, right?"
Redhead having no choice and shuffling to do so, "don't drop me."
"If anything, it'll be the both of us taking a dive," his honesty eliciting a small laugh that warms his neck and right ear. 54 to go.
--
1.A students all meeting at the top of the tower now that the security system is back to normal, noises of an intense fight happening above, everyone intending to help out there as well, no longer contained by security measures.
"Where's Free?" Momo the first to notice the American missing, Kyoka half holding the creator up, over Quirk usage taking a toll on the dark-haired girl. Kaminari helping Mina, who also used a lot of acid to defend off bots.
"Likely getting medical attention," Shoto shared. "She and Shinso split from us on the 80th floor through the emergency exit."
"She's hurt?" Ochaco's golden-browns wide in worry.
"Is it bad? Ribbit."
Kirishima shaking his head, "Todoroki stopped the bleeding, so I think she's okay."
--
Free Hastings was in fact, not okay. Hitoshi Shinso at a lost of what to do. The pair stopped on the 33rd floor as she coughs up blood, vision dropping in and out of darkness.
"I'm going to go find help. Hold on," his only option at this point, knowing they won't make it any further in her state. "Please, Free. Don't you dare die on me," hand on her jaw, helping the Texan prop herself against the wall, intense eyes holding the girl to it.
"I'd be the worst date ever, right?" slurred words coming out in English, 16-year-old wanting to argue that, but with time at its upmost importance, he takes a last look at her and dashing down the stairwell. A couple of voices reaching his ears two minutes later, not caring if they belong to villains, goal in mind.
Luckily, it's a couple of heroes who are in the midst of heading upwards, now free of binds and intending to help, completely shocked to find a teenager. "My friend needs help. Please, whoever is the fastest needs to get her to the hospital or to someone with a healing Quirk. She's 12 floors up," Hitoshi out of breath from rushing.
"I got her, kid. Get down to the main floor, I won't be long," a larger man with a beard, tail and kangaroo like legs says jumping to the top on the steps repeatedly, soon coming across the 17-year-old. "Miss, just hold tight. I got you," gently picking her up bridal style and securing his hold while hopping downwards. Girl somewhat conscious enough to grasp what's happening, but unable to respond, wound and exhaustion taking it's toll.
--
"Jackknife, over here! Quickswift will get her to the hospital in a jiffy!"
The Australian Pro hero fast in jumping over and handing off the unconscious teenager to the silver haired women with the speed Quirk, "she doesn't have much time, go!"
Sidekick disappearing in a flash, purple watching helplessly off to the side; contemplating if he should follow or wait to inform her friends and deciding on the latter as that's what she'd want.
--
Sunrise soon makes an appearance as the chaos and battle comes to an end, All Might and Deku working as a team to thwart evil in it's attempt, other heroes in training backing them up. All standing at the top of the destroyed building basking in their success, until Yaoyorozu once again mentions their American classmate.
The five girls quick to forget celebrating and returning inside, where they go back the way they came and getting in the elevator and hitting the main floor button when they're all piled in. Boys slower on the uptake, missing their chance to join, having go wait around for it to come back up now.
Shortly, Momo, Mina, Ochaco, Tsuyu and Kyoka arrived at the bottom of the 200 storey-building, where Shinso paces, hair a mess from running his hands through it nonstop in the last half hour.
"Finally! We need to get to the hospital, come on," he says, not bothering in waiting for an answer and jogging to the exit. Neither of them hesitating in catching up to the lavender-haired teen who takes a left once outside, fastest route in his mind already panned out. Iida passing them when receiving the vice class reps' text, engine legs bringing him to the medical center a few kilometers away much faster than the rest.
--
No one saying anything in the ten minutes of running, hospital quiet this early morning, all commotion apparently contained where they came from. A sole woman standing at the desk up-front, robot-like arms and features greeting them, "Good morning. You must be the group Mr. Tenya Iida mentioned?"
"Which room?" General studies student taking a breath, "is she okay?"
"Miss. Hastings is still in emergency at the moment. Please make your way to the fourth floor, experimental department, waiting room 2," motioning to the elevators.
"Experimental…" Ochaco murmuring as they settled inside, the girls glancing to each other in utter concern.
Black and gold on the boy who taps the screen for the right floor, "what happened to Freezy?"
"She took a hit by this guy's Quirk… it should have been me," hands slipping into his pockets to hide the fists he makes in disheartenment. "I wasn't fast enough to move."
"She'll make a point that it was better her, than you," Kyoka voicing what the rest of them are thinking.
Momo nodding, "that's Free-chan."
"If she dies, will you think that?" Blunt words the last they hear from the male who exit a moment later and follows the directions to the right room.
"You've made it," Iida standing up from his seat, seven closing the distance. "There's no update as of yet… currently, Hasting's condition is critical and they brought her here as a last option. The rest is classified for family members only. Mrs.Hastings has been contacted already and will likely be flying out within the next few hours."
"Critical? Oh no," tallest girl covering her mouth.
Pinkette and frogette hugging the petit brunette whose big eyes fill with tears, brainwashers harsh assertion from minutes ago on all their minds. "She'll be okay… she's been through worst. This won't take her down," Uraraka doing her best at staying hopeful.
--
The remaining students and Melissa Shield showing up in the next fifteen minutes, quiet conversation filling hours of waiting. Sero, Satou, Tokoyami and Shoji eventually appearing too, group message informing the four who won expo tickets in a raffle, not having official access until today.
Elle Hastings and All Might arriving together early noon, mother of one fast to scan a key card letting them past the personnel barrier, where they enter and disappear for over an hour.
When returning, Izuku is the first to ask what's happening, familiar orange eyes scanning the worried teenagers. "My daughter is in the midst of having some of her organs repaired using an advance medical and scientific technology… whether or not it takes, determines her outcome." Images of her nude daughter in the multi-million dollar piece of equipment, lazers, robotic arms and only God knows what piecing things back together flashing through the womens mind.
"Free will pull through," Toshinori putting a large hand on her shoulder.
"Where is he?" A fierce aura filling the waiting room.
"Elle, he's recovering after surgery himself."
Older redhead smacking away the action of comfort, "I don't give a flying fuck, Toshi! His stupidity has left my daughter on the brink of goddamn death! He'll be fucking lucky to get out of this hospital alive himself," already out the door to find David Shield and possibly kill him.
All Might pausing to follow, head turning back to the man in dangers' daughter, "Melissa, please go with her. I'll be with you in a moment."
"Okay Uncle Might… I'll see you guys later," 3rd year lifting a hand in farewell to the group and turning to chase after her fathers long time friend.
"You should all go back to the hotel and get some rest… it's been a trying night for all. We'll know more about Miss Hastings in a couple hours."
Shinso the first to heed his words and leaving without a sound, Midoriya following with a swift goodbye. Symbol of Hope wondering what that's about as he exits with a mission to find and calm down the furious mother.
"He blames himself," Momo voiced to her classmates, standing to go aswell.
"To be honest, I'm feeling guilty too," Todoroki says, a number of his friends turning to him. "If I had been a little faster the villain wouldn't have gotten a shot off in the first place."
"Shut up, Half'N'Half." Ash-blond halting at the door to address the dual-haired male, "Red made a choice without goddamn hesitating… she's too fucking stubborn to die, so give her some credit," Bakugo ending on that and ditching the lot, though not for long as his roommate is fast to accompany him. You better not fucking die Free Hastings…
…
"Guys… was that The Elle Hastings?!" Minoru getting a better look at the women in her exit.
Mina furrowing a brow at the shorty, "The? She asked us to call her Mama Elle or Mrs.Hastings."
"IT IS HER! I KNEW FREE-CHAN REMINDED ME OF SOMEONE! IT ALL MAKES PERFECT SENSE!" Balled-headed male starry-eyed. "My dad is going to be so jealous when he finds out I've seen her in person… think she'll take a picture with me?"
Teenagers glancing to one another in confusion. "Is Free-chan's mom famous or something?"
Mineta balking, "she was one of the hottest American models from All Might's time! They dated?! For years!"
"What?! No way!" Denki whipping out his phone to search it up, gawking at pictures of the two in multiple photos together, his classmate practically a replica of her mother in appearance. "Wow… she never said anything about her mom being famous," turning his phone to show them.
"Isn't her mom a lawyer?" Ochaco's head tilting in question.
Yaoyorozu nodding, "she is nowadays... when you think about it, it all makes sense if Melissa's father and her are old friends. Both girls refer to him as Uncle Might as well."
"Crazy!" Kaminari says, group leaving together and splitting ways to occupy themselves, hoping to hear news sooner than later.
--
"Hey! Shinso, wait!" Greenet refusing to let the taller boy out of his sight and speeding up to walk beside him. "I heard what happened… you know this isn't your fault, right?"
"It sure as hell feels like it is," Hitoshi using the same route from earlier.
Izuku keeping up without fail, "no one made that villain use his Quirk, it was his choice. Free would tell you the exact same thing."
"She might never get the chance to… you realize that, don't you, Midoriya?" heavy violet halting him in his tracks.
"Don't talk like she's dead… she'd lecture you on speaking that into existence and pull out her crystal set," having had it happen a few times over the last three months, smiling a little at her odd hobby.
"This isn't a joke," brainwasher on the brink of loosing his composure, desperately not wanting to; especially not around the kid who beat him once before.
Freckled teen fidgeting momentarily, then sighing, "I know. I just… I was thinking what she'd do or say if she knew what you were putting yourself through."
"Who cares? Look at what me being slow and weak has put her through! No one can look me in the face and tell me with absolute certainty that she's going to live!" Fuck, pale fingers wiping away tears, tired eyes raising to the clear sky rather. "I finally found someone who gives a damn and I failed her."
"I get it. It's killing me that I can't do anything… Free has this way of making you feel important; like she sees the real you and genuinely cares," shorter males heart clenching at the possibility he'll never be on the receiving end on it again. "All the what ifs, they don't matter. You just have to believe she's strong enough to survive… that's what she'd be doing if the roles were reversed."
Shinso failing to stop more water from cascading down his cheeks, "I know that being a hero entails dealing with this kind of stuff… the risk it all brings... just wasn't prepared for it to be this soon."
"Neither was I," Midoriya scrubbing away his own waterworks. "S-she's going to be okay..."
--
And she was.
Slowly coming too and waking up to monitors beeping, rhythmic whirring and a dark sky baring a crescent moon that shines through the large window on her left. With little movement, Free is able to make out multiple wires attached along bare skin and a blanket covering her barely clothed body, thin robe all that stands between the girl being truly nude.
At least I'm alive… though I feel like I've died, body aching and off, mouth parched and eyes heavy. I can feel a heavy dose of drugs, meaning this is mild to what I could be feeling…
"Ma," voice cracking and coming out as a whisper. "MA!"
Elle Hastings perched in a cot, head lulled to the side in sleep and drooling, bright orange popping open at the familiar tune, single mother to her feet in seconds and by her daughter's bedside. "Free! Baby! Littlebug!" Sobs coming out more than anything as she frets over the 17-year-old without disturbing important wires and leaning over to kiss her all over the face.
"Water," mom helping the little redhead drink, girl soon chuckling, "that bad, huh?"
"You were in a life incubator Free Cho Hastings," Elle furious at the girl's' nonchalant expression. "As you are still underage, they couldn't sign off on anything until I got here. Even then, there was nothing to be done other than a experimental procedure that had a 33 percent chance of taking."
"Really? That's the floor I almost died on; coincidence or is all my witchcraft devotion and Wiccan pursuits paying off?"
"You did die! They had to revive you and your insides were a complete mess… after interrogating the bastard that hit you, turns out his Quirk displaces particles and matters…"
…
"EW! Ya means there's pieces of me left somewhere?! That's both disturbing, yet slightly amusing," maroon tilting in thought.
"It's not funny," older Hastings shifting to hide a smile, happy that her world seems to be recovering. A normal color already returning to the younger Texan's face and warmth to her skin. "If you were anywhere other than here, ya might not have made it Buggerfly."
Free snorting, "this only happened cause I'm on this island in the first place. Damn villains."
"It was David… he screwed up."
"What? Uncle Dave? No way?!"
"Mhm… something to do with helping All Might who's been slowly weakening. I've known for a while, but not the extent till earlier… its so damn complicated darling," women rubbing a hand over her face amidst pulling a chair closer to sit, teen tangling their fingers affectionately.
Is that why he's interested in Izuku? Training him up to take his mantle?
"How's Mel handling all this?"
"She's devastated, but more so because of you… was touch and go for hours, but it seems to have worked. You'll have to be monitored for a couple days and wear a bracelet to monitor your vitals and organs for a while. Other than that, ya gonna live kiddo."
"That's a relief… my friends have probably been worried sick, huh?"
Elle humming, "immensely… I couldn't get the purple-haired one to leave, so he's camped out in the lounge."
"Hitoshi?"
Nearly 50-year-old nodding, "mhm… I think he left when Toshi sent them all away earlier, but came back after an hour."
"Does he know I'm okay?"
"Not yet… want me to send him in?"
Sunrise peering at the clock that reads 2:11 a.m, "pretty sure it's past visiting hours."
"When has that ever stopped us?" Mother winking amidst standing up and tapping a few buttons on the screen near the door, opening it to leave.
--
"Hey, Kid," hand shaking the sleeping boys' shoulder, purple blinking away a layer of tiredness and landing on his friend's mother.
"Aa?" All he can voice in his state of exhaustion, lack of sleep in the last 48 hours catching up.
"Come on. Ya looks like you need a pick me up."
Shinso forcing himself to his feet as she motioned for him to follow, teenager groggy and slow on the uptake, till amethyst locked onto vibrant citrine half a minute later, lopsided grin on the American girls freckled face.
"Thought I looked like the walking dead."
16-year-old swift to cross the room, hovering on her left and scanning over everything, "you we're right… worst date ever."
Redhead laughing and reaching to hold his hand, "your next one will seem like an absolute dream compared to this, so there's a plus side."
"I might never date again at this rate," somewhat serious.
"Understandable… who could measure up to all this anyway," Free waving at the dumb number of cords and dramatics of it all.
"Exactly. Not even worth thinking about," brainwasher playing off her banter, using it as a shield to hide how relieved he's truly feeling, heart and mind finally settling after hours of racing.
"You two are cute," Elle teasing as she clicks an order into the fancy drink machine, two hot chocolates and a light tea chiming ready shortly.
"I'm cute with everybody," maroonette says, taking the offered drink and pouting when they get to enjoy cocoa filled cups. "How long till I'm out of here?"
Women glaring at her spawn, "ya just waking up, brat. You'll be stuck in bed another day or two for sure."
"Ugh… just smother me now," shoving a pillow at the lavender-haired teen and giggling when he glares too.
"Your mom is right. You're lucky to be alive."
Younger Texan squeezing his fingers, "thank the lord for resuscitation."
"… what?"
Girl falling quiet at the mistake, shit. "I didn't ask if anyone else got hurt? Is everyone okay?"
Hitoshi shaking his head, "you died? She died?" turning to her mother.
"Uh-huh, which makes me wonder… what did you see? A bright light? Giant bearded man in a chair? 72 smokin' hot virgins for the taking? Our ancestors dripping in riches?" Apricot and peach meeting.
"All of the above."
"Knew it!" Hasting duo high-fiving.
"How can you just blow this off? The both of you?" male staggered by their behavior, inside him, a ball of twisting emotions wanting to break out and yell, cry, rage in upmost frustration at how much he's been through… yet he doesn't; choosing to bottle if up for another time or possibly never.
Elle putting a hand on the kids' forearm, "listen Darlin... ya can die any time, on any day, doing anything; bad luck or disease or unforeseen circumstances, s'all apart of living. It's the risk for the reward. Spend it giving and accepting love, helping others and paying it forward, forgiving rather than holding on… but most importantly, cherish those ya have endlessly, cause ya never know what cards life will deal ya or them."
Daughter picking up where her mom ended, "what matters is I'm alive and still kickin'. Can't get hung up on what ifs or ya making yourself suffer twice as long… gotta move on and make due."
"Easier said than done," he drawled, pondering their heartfelt words.
17-year-old chuckling, "don't I know it."
"Anyway, enough flirting and get some rest," both teens shutting up at the oldests' teasing.
Free wanting the bed to swallow her whole for some reason, usually never really getting bothered by it, unless specifically by her birther, who always manages to say the worst thing at the right time. "Right… ya too Ma. Ya getting frail in ya old age, need all the rest ya can get," earning a light flick in her forehead and snickering. "Honestly though, go back to the hotel and sleep, the two of ya. I'm alright."
"Tempting… you'd think with how much money this place is worth they'd make more comfortable cots," Elle rubbing her lower back.
"Go on then old lady. Make sure Sugarplum goes too," recoveree insisting. "I'll see you first thing, during actual hours."
Elle Hastings knowing better than fighting her daughter on it, kid likely to stay up harassing and bugging till getting her way. Late forty-year-old sighing and planting a small kiss on the freckled forehead, "fine. Call me if you need anything and go straight to sleep. I'll know if ya don't punk," shuffling to the door. "All your vitals and shit are recorded too, so lying won't help… say goodnight and keep that in mind," winking at the two and laughing in exit.
"God, she's the worst," girls' tone joking.
"Says her replica," witty remark from the lavender-haired teen earning him a rude finger gesture. "It's not a bad thing… she did threaten to kill the man responsible. I believe only All Might was capable of stopping her."
"She failed to mention that part, though I'm not surprised… those who evoke a mother's wrath should fear for their lives."
Room quieting for an instant.
"Scarlet…" Hitoshi trailing off, mixed bottle of emotions from earlier returning, lid loosening as he says what's been plaguing him since Friday night. "I thought you were going to die."
American lifting her fingers to his jaw, like he did when she was dying in the stairway, "someday and it'll probably be saving someone too… kinda what ya signed up for with me."
"Not if I have any say in it," hand resting over top of hers. "Not for a long time… I won't screw up again."
"Ya never did in the first place. Luck of the draw… rather me than ya."
"Your friends said you'd say that," purple shaking at her. "Rest… I'll see you tomorrow."
Female smiling softly when he squeezed her fingers, prior to releasing them, "will do… goodnight, Hitoshi."
"Aa."
Free waiting for him to leave, before picking up her phone on the bedside-table and opening the texting app, clicking on the class message to snap a selfie of her throwing up a peace sign.
To: Future Heroes:
Freefall at 2:57 am: Attachment.
Could use some jello and a sponge bath. Any takers?
Denkiroo at 2:57 am: FREEeeeeejdjdhdjskdlcfjsjahsg!
Pinkypunch at 2:58 am: FREEEEZY!
OMG!
I'M CRYING! UR OKAY!
Freefall at 2:58 am: I didn't think anyone would answer. Wanted ya'll to wake up to some good news… sorry for worrying you.
Unknown Number at 2:59 am: No one wants to wake up to that shit picture first thing. You sure you're not dead? Sure as hell looks that way.
Free laughing, quick to put a name in for it.
Freefall at 3:00 am: Wanna come check my pulse to make sure? Could use some warming up too, Prettyboy ;).
…
Bakago at 3:00 am: You couldn't handle the heat, brickhead.
…
CHANGE MY DAMN NAME!
I SWEAR TO GOD, IF YOU DON'T CHANGE IT, I'LL MAKE SURE YOU NEVER LEAVE THAT HOSPITAL AGAIN!
Freefall at 3:01 am: Make me ;p.
Bakago at 3:01 am: You'll regret saying that.
Momojito at 3:01 am: I'm so glad you're alright Free... Mina woke the entire room to let us know. We love you and will be there at visiting time. Rest well.
Freefall at 3:01 am: Love you guys, sleep tight. Xoxo.
--
Visiting hours opened at 9 am, bringing in the girls of 1.A, Iida, Midoriya and Todoroki to Free Hastings room. Texas girl still covered in wires and a blanket to hide her modesty when they entered.
"Free!!" Ochaco teary eyed when approaching, Mina and Tsuyu too. "How're you feeling?"
"Good, considering," shooting them a toothy smile, "ya guys did it! Ya saved the island… real heroes in the making," smoothly changing the subject to them. "Guess I have ya'll to thank, huh?"
Izuku shaking his head, "everyone contributed. Melissa's responsible for rebooting the security and freeing the real heroes."
"What would the world of heroes do without tech and support?"
"Have you messaged Shinso yet? He was pretty upset when I talked to him yesterday…" Mossy-green scanning the machines hooked up to his friend, a frown dragging the sweet boy's usual cheery demeanor down.
Maroon nodding, "he was here when I woke up. Sent him back to the hotel, likely sleeping currently."
"I brought what you requested," Shoto stepping in to put a bag on her lap.
Confused, she opened it and giggling when finding an assortment of jello and a large sponge, "thanks Elsa… didn't think it'd be ya who took me up on it, but sure, can be a new bonding experience for us," joking some more, group of friends relieved to see her back to normal.
"Free-chan, are you going to be able to make it to the camping trip in two days? Ribbit."
American humming, "dunno. Think the doctor said I'll be off these machines by tomorrow, so if everything functions like it's suppose to, then I should be."
"I hope so. It wouldn't be the same without you there, Free," Momo says from her spot next to Jiro, who nods in agreement.
"Even if you can't do the training, you should still be able to participate in the rest," fingers twirling her earphone jack lobes in a repetitive motion.
"Ya'd think… so, what time are you guys leaving today?"
"That's up to Momo… her parents have their own private plane," short brunette still enthralled and mind blown about it.
Male greenet gawking, "they do?"
"You're very welcomed to join us for the trip home, Midoriya-kun. There are a number of unfilled seats available. Todoroki-kun too. Though I assumed you came on your fathers."
Todoroki shrugging, "I did… but company would be favorable to flying back alone."
Yaomomo clapping her hands in joy, "wonderful!"
"Will you, Deku?" Honey-brown on his freckled face in question.
"I-I will have to check with All Might if it's okay… it does sound great."
"I'll be sad to miss out, so enjoy all the fancy tea and snacks for me, kay?" Texan sipping at her apple juice, daydreaming of the possibilities. "I'd say haul Hitoshi along, but I think he'd prefer the solitude of first class to be honest… for now anyway." I'll get him to warm up soon enough.
1.A students glancing at each other knowingly, Free Hastings relentless enough to pull off anything she sets her mind too; especially when it comes to coaxing friends from their shells.
--
7:18 p.m, a long sigh escaping the bored redhead's full lips… most of her friends on planes home now, wanting to spend tomorrow packing and preparing, prior to going on the weeklong camping trip.
Hitoshi saying something about training and leaving on that, something sort of off about him, the girl questioning it for a while…
Is he still blaming himself?
Did my mom make things awkward last night?
What if he's mad at me for this shit weekend?
"In space or what, Red?" Pumpkin-orange widening at the voice, finding a pair of apple-red at the door, Katsuki Bakugo standing with hands in pockets and his usual scowl.
"Firecracker… ya came to visit," Free unable to stop the wide smile that lights up her face. "I'm honored."
"You should be..." shuffling to a little bit closer and peering over the advanced set up. "You'd be dead if this happened anywhere else."
Freckled shoulders raising in a shrug, "Hitoshi would be alive… worth it, yakknow?"
"Doubt your boyfriend would feel the same way."
"My friend would move on, as all grief fades with time… hell, it'd probably even push him to be one of the best future heroes."
"Wouldn't be worth the price," declaration out of his mouth before he's able to process it, maroon brows furrowing at him.
"I'd have taken the hit for ya too… there's a lot more lives worth more than mine."
Ash-blonde jeering, "hah?! What kind of drugs you on, Brickhead?"
"Dunno… considering I don't feel the skin graph, probably something good," fingers naturally moving to the damaged area. "At least I didn't have to shave the rest of my hair, huh?"
Bakugo snorting as he takes a seat, shoulders slouched forward, stare resting on her face, "you're annoying self could probably pull it off."
Redhead raising her brow now, "ya giving me a compliment, Stud? I must be in a coma or in heaven, there's no way this is real life."
"Don't get use to it," rolling his eyes.
"No worries, ya run hot then cold so often that I never really take much of what ya say seriously," tone unreadable, teen male wondering if she's joking or not.
"Is that so?" Carmine narrowing at the tanned girl, "you're all talk."
Free's turn to roll her eyes, "like you're one to say anything. Ya threatens to kill a number of us daily in class and have yet to do it… wait! Is that ya catchphrase? 'Die!' or 'I'll kill you!' both work! Imma get a t-shirt made!" Southern accent thicker as she goes on. "Gonna draw ya in chibi version and do it up comic style, print it right on the front. It's gen—" pillow smacking her in the face, amber broad at the sudden interruption.
A smirk on Katsuki's mouth at finally getting her to shut up, "only time you ever been quiet is on the brink of death."
"Why ya always choose the violent option?"
"You're kidding, right? What's the other, asking nicely?" Ash-blond sneering and unknowingly falling into her set up.
Texan leaning forward, "kissing me would definitely work," snickering when his cheeks, ears and neck flushed at her proximity and words. "Thought ya came here to confess your undying love after I nearly croaked."
"Is that what the Ube did?" More sass from the explosive teen.
Maroon tilting in question, "why ya so curious to know if anything transpired between him and I? Ya finally realizing what a catch I am and wanna go on a date?"
Bakugo tempted to suffocate her with the pillow as his previous tactic didn't follow through, "hah. You're fucking high, Pumpkin Face."
"Am I?" drawl sarcastic. "Wanna bet on it?"
"You enjoy losing or what?"
"I enjoy any kind of time I get with ya, even if it means embarrassing myself occasionally," honest with him.
Bomber's expression morphing from haughty to blank and ears reddening again as he inquired "why?"
"Why what?"
"Why do you try so hard?" Male thrown off by this girl on a constant basis.
"I thought we came to the conclusion that I do it 'cause I like ya?"
"Why?"
"Beats me, Prettyboy," casual in her response. "Ya too loud and far too short-tempered, arrogant more often than not, which I usually hate in a person… but for some reason, when it comes to ya I don't mind so much." Likely because all those things come from a place of insecurity, even if you'd never admit it. "There's something I like about ya that I can't quite pin down yet; makes my chest pound and stomach clench in anticipation."
Intense rubies filling with a vast number of emotions; orbs of red flickering in embarrassment when realizing she's confessing to him, confusion concerning what he feels for her and mild anger at his body for betraying him right now, hands sweatier than usual and stomach all weird. Most prominent though, is satisfaction in knowing he has this effect on the redheaded American… same as he's been dealing with lately, no amount of working out, training, studying or videos games erasing the lingering impact and notions Free Hastings always warrants of him.
"Obviously ya don't have to accept anything I say or believe it… but I've learnt to face what I feel head on, 'specially when involving another person..." girl trailing off at his profound gaze, Bakugos mouth slowly warping into a smug grin.
Here comes some form of insult or ridicule…
"I believe you, even if that was the shittiest confession ever."
"I'm sure ya have so much experience to judge," sticking her tongue out at him. "If ya want something cheesy, I can reference a ton of chick-flicks… or…" fingers deftly searching the hardcover notebook she slides off the side table and smoothly tearing one out, passing it to him.
The usually explosive teen careful in taking the sheet of thicker paper, eyes scanning the detailed sketch of him full hero gear that's perfect in likeness, 'Dynamite God' printed in bold at the top in a poster design and 'Hero of the Year' at the bottom, (TBD) in tiny letters beside it. "Red…"
"Not bad, right? Was originally gonna give it to ya on ya bday, but wasn't finished," I'm a procrastinator. "Gotta say, your gear is my favorite of everyone's in class. It's well thought out and ya look smokin in it," Free wiggling her brows. "Though… I gotta say, party night in formal clothes was better." There's just something ridiculously attractive about a man dressed to the T…
Katsuki at a lost on what to do or say, simultaneously respecting and hating how she him tongue-tied, blonds' mind now picturing tan-freckled shoulders and scarred shoulder-blades in soft teal. "That date you wanted to go on this weekend was here, huh?"
Messy curls bouncing in nodding, "the expo and party, yeah. The hospital part, definitely not."
"This shit would of never happened if I had the nerve to ask you here myself," he divulged.
Thicker brows arching at his professing, "ya thought about bringing me instead of Eijiro?"
"Does it matter?"
"It does to me."
"Tch," bombers fingers twitching, Bakugo nervous, which is utterly new to him. "I said what I said. You deaf or something?"
Sunrise bright in understanding, redhead easily linking fingers with his and smiling softly, "got ya." Multiple meanings in her simple phrase. "Don't worry, I'll take it easy on ya, prettyboy," referring to affection and such.
"Worry about yourself, idiot," pink starting to look natural on his cheeks as he exaggeratedly looked her over.
"Will do since ya asked so nicely for once," teasing as she very much enjoys holding his hand, until a second later when the door slides open and he's fast to shove them away in his pockets. Perfect timing as always, Ma, sighing as she locks eyes with matching citrine, then sky-blue seconds later. Mellon too. "Yo."
"Sorry, didn't know you had company, sunshine," single mother glancing the teenage boy up and down. "This the cactus?"
Cactus, male in question tilting his head in puzzlement.
Melissa giggling, aware what her aunt is saying, having heard their slang for years, "Bakugo, right?"
"Uh-huh… you're the daughter of the moron who almost got Red killed, right?" Revenge for his complete rudeness and actions from earlier served with a hard whack of a pillow straight to head. "FSUUSM," swear muffled by the fabric.
"Melissa Shield and yes, that moron is also my uncle, who's taking whatever punishment is dealt for his mistakes," Free enunciating slowly, wanting him to drop it at that.
Red narrowed on her in irritation, "right."
"So, Bakugo… ya my kids' boyfriend? She only ever talks about a prickly tsundere from class. Must be you?"
Katsukis' left eyelid twitching as he shifts to glare at the older Hastings now, "what'd you call me?"
"Is that the wrong word? Swear I had it right," late forty-year-old says amidst placing a bag of take out on the larger table under the window.
"Ma, don't bait… and yes, he's part cactus and tsundere."
Californian shaking her head, "like you're any better with egging someone on."
"I'm the exception tho, right Katsuki?" 17-year-old winking at him.
Male snorting, "you're annoying more than anything," calming a bit when receiving a fuck off in form of a middle finger.
"Ya hungry, Hothead?" Elle asked, motioning to the burgers, onion rings, fries and milkshakes available. Having brought extra in the off chance there was a visitor… plus her daughter eats more than your average teenager.
Bakugo considering it, till his phone rings and answering when Kirishima's name lights up the screen, "yeah? Right. I'm coming now, don't get your panties in a bunch Shitty-hair. Doesn't matter where am I, give me 15 minutes," lowering the device from his ear to hang up.
However, not before Free throws in a "bye Cinnamon," pillow used as a weapon for a third time, shoved over her face in reaction and held for a couple of seconds as he clicks the red button.
"Goddammit. Now that idiot is going to ask dumb questions the entire flight home."
"It's cute that ya call everyone ya truly like idiots," sentence urging the ash-blond to smother the American girl another time, of course she reads it on his face and tucks it behind her back. "Guess ya better go… kiss goodbye?"
"We can leave if you like," mother of one chiming in, niece and her snickering when small bombs go off in the explosive boys hands.
Maroonette humming, "gonna take that as a clear cut no." Fingers tugging on his baggy shorts to regain carmine attention. "Take some food for ya and Kiri. I'll see ya in a few days."
"Whatever. Later," Katsuki getting to his feet and slouching in exit, two drinks and a bag halting him at the exit.
"Best place in town," oldest in the room pretty much giving him no choice in the matter.
17-year-old taking it with a huff, "thank you… don't go dying again," a subtle threat in the warning thrown over his shoulder, hand lifting in farewell and door closing behind him.
"Ooo, so much fire in such a short package," 5'11 women grinning at her spawn, "see why ya like him, kiddo."
"Dr.Avalon will be in shortly to remove everything," Mel informed, dropping a small metal case on the table and clicking it open.
"What's that?"
"I made it… my own version of the vitality tracker… goes on your neck as a choker. Figured I'd combine personal taste and tech together. Connects to your phone, moms, teachers and whoever else deemed important."
"No way! Lemme see," Frees' vibrant spheres on the metallic black piece of medical gear that her friend removes from it's boxing, handing it over. "Wow... it's so light… doesn't even look like a fancy piece of Melissa Shield technology. Genius as always," nudging the pretty 3rd year student and smiling.
"I've spent day and night on that, kind of the reason I've been absent."
"S'okay Mellow… this is great. Thank ya."
"It's not enough… not after what Dad did."
Texan taking the other girls hand and squeezing in reassurance, "you're not to blame for someone else's mistake… fear makes people do stupid things, no one's immune to it. He's family, your family, and I very much love the both of ya. Always," half hugging the teary girl from her hospital bed. "Let yourself off. Let him off. It only weighs on ya when holding onto something like this."
"Let it go?"
"Let it go, let it go, don't hold it back anymoreeee," friends laughing together, any remaining sadness lifted of the room.
"Tell me I get to eat that once all this is off," waving at the food. "Can't wait to pee in a toilet again… not entirely sure I'm excited for removing that dandy piece of tubing."
More laughing occurring, trio waiting for the Dr who arrives a couple minutes later. Choker set up first, ahead of taking all the tubes, wires and such out and off of the younger Hastings, teenager now able to move freely around the room, things seemingly functioning without issue. Orders to stay away from any strenuous activity for another week, slowly to work back into a routine as her repaired abdominal muscles need to be strengthened and built up again.
Greasy food the real test, a small celebration of sorts ending the night, another 24 hours of in hospital monitoring necessary for Free, intentions to leave early Tuesday morning on a private plane with All Might and her mother. A good chance of arriving just in time to hop onto the bus at U.A for the camping trip.
--
As planned, the trio do just that, goodbyes made to old friends with promises to keep in touch. A bittersweet moment for the teens, who barely got any real time together this weekend.
Once the plane takes off and seat belt signs come off, Free Hastings gets the shock of her life when All Might changes from his 600lbs form, to a man a quarter of the size. A familiar one she laid eyes on back at the festival, instantaneously connecting the reason for feeling familiar with him back then. "Uncle Might… what happened?"
"It's a long story kid… a battle with a tough villain that left me in bad condition a couple years ago," showing off the scarring along his abdomen. "I was never going to tell you this, but with David's mistake almost costing your life, it's the least you deserve."
"Ya are training Izuku to rise up and replace ya, huh?"
"Young Midoriya has great potential and the heart of a hero… you've seen it yourself."
"100 percent… I got a question though."
Toshinori nodding, "I'll do my best to answer."
"Did you give your Quirk to him?"
The skinny 50-year-old man coughing up blood at it, Elle passing him a tissue, "ya really didn't think she'd figure it out?"
"Katsuki called him Quirkless on the first day of school... not to mention Freckles is terrible at keep composure or any kind of poker face when ya and his quirk is the topic," teen sharing how she came to the conclusion. "It's why you're weakening, right? How long can ya hold that form nowadays?"
A sigh escaping All Might as he takes a seat again, figuring he has more than enough time to explain everything to his niece, especially since she's put more most of it together already. Toshi delving into the long truth and history about One for All and All for One, finishing up an hour later.
"Did you recommend me to U.A to be his Nighteye?"
Blue widening at her inquiry, "I was planning to introduce you two if everything worked out with him passing the entrance exams… young Midoriya needed a friend; someone to help him grow stronger, guide him when necessary and have his back. Everything I knew you would be capable of, Free."
"Fate or destiny brought us together without ya needing too, huh? Funny how that works…"
"Toshi is the one who found the apartment," older Hastings points out, "so he played a part in that fateful meeting."
Blonde chuckling, "that too."
"Have I been doing alright?"
Yagi waving off the concern, "never doubted you for a second." 53-year-old smiling softly at her mother, "runs in your blood."
Elle nudging him, "ya bet it does."
The trio laughing together, completely unaware and ignorant of how deeply that simple statement truly goes… soon to find out.
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