Chapter 4

With the annual sports festival rearing its way, there hadn't been much time to mope. Grades were plummeting, the friendships around her strained, and sleep was pretty much nonexistent.

Everytime she closed her eyes, she imagined him. The blood soaked clothing with wild screams echoing throughout the grounds. Present Mic hadn't come find her since their encounter inside the infirmity, nor had any of the other teachers.

I hope he kept it to himself.

Students still weren't subjected to go visit their teacher with the much needed recovery time, and the wait was driving her insane. A week had passed now and all she could do was pile homework over itself, drowning in the stack of books and papers while the others gathered around together for fun or training.

Everyone had seemingly left her alone for the most part, though their eyes still scanned her when she passed by. Her friends aching with questions reeling in their heads

Ochako sighed, roughly shoving a pencil into a textbook and sitting up to grab her pillow, slamming her face into it. She let out a frustrated shout that was muffled. At this point she didn't even want to participate in the sports festival or attend the dance, knowing he more than likely would not be present.

"I miss you.."

There was a light tap at the door followed by whispers.

She begrudgingly got up, shoving the books and papers aside to walk up to it to answer. Ochako opened it an inch to reveal Mina and Tysu on the other side, the pinkette having a worried smile on her face. It was clear that their friend hadn't been caring for herself with the disheveled, unwashed hair and thinned out face. Everyone was talking about it, her isolation from the entire class. But no one had the guts to come see.

"H-Hey girl, you doing alright?," Mina awkwardly asked taking a step forward. It was obvious they would've liked to have come inside, so she opened the door wider, gesturing for them to enter.

"Yea I'm fine. You know, busy studying."

Once inside, she gently closed the door, taking a seat at the low center table with them following suit.

"Ochako, people are worried about you. You've been acting strange," Tysu immediately added, earning a nudge from Mina.

"Don't be so blunt!"

She gave a short smile through her bangs but tried to avoid eye contact. The two were her friends so it wasn't like they were simply being nosey. In a way she felt guilty for not letting at least Tysu in on their private affairs, but if the wrong person heard, Aizawa would get in a ton of trouble. Probably even lose his hero license.

"I'm really okay. Just stressed about the festival I guess."

Mina scratched her upper arm nervously. "Yea same. It's gunna be super tough, I hope no one gets too badly injured."

"Im surprised they're even continuing it after the villian attack. I hope Mr. Aizawa is able to come watch us perform though."

Ochakos eyes widened a little.

..Shouta.

"Has anyone.. Heard anything? About his condition?," she whispered.

Tysu shook her head. "The only thing they say is that his eyes might be damaged. Poor Sensei. We should've fought harder."

"Yea like how's he supposed to keep up at his job now!? That's pretty much all he's got!"

Ochako had watched Aizawa for so long now. Even if Minas words were slightly true, it hurt to hear the minor set of discouragement being thrown his way. The way he flowed in battle with exact precision, minutes bought because of his blavery charging head on when no one else could muster up what he had done. Years spent on the streets fighting villains while she enjoyed a simple life before U.A. It was a high respect due to the man that held her at night.

"Y-You… You can't be a hero if you've only got one trick!," she said with confidence, her hands balled into fist in her lap. Ochakos eyes snapped up, staring both of them down.

The two girls gawked at her sudden outburst, the mild agitation clear on her reddened face and watery eyes.

"I have complete faith in him. He's so strong, there's no way a couple of 'gutter punks' could end him!"

Tysu nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You're right Ochako. I'm stunned at your passion towards our teacher, and it's a great example of what we should be."

I mean everything I say. Shouta will be fine. He has to be..

Mina tried to think of a way to clear the air a little, not meaning to upset Uraraka further than what she let on. Regardless of what her excuses were, she wasn't as okay as she appeared.

"So Uh, Ochako. The dance is coming up, wanna go dress shopping with us soon?!"

"Mina and I were probably going sometime today or tomorrow if you'd like to come. She's real excited since Kirishima asked her out."

Mina began to move around enthusiastically, grinning ear to ear. It had been some time since they had to have girl talk with their friend anyways, unable to tell her the latest news going on in their lives. And a new boyfriend was always the best.

"Really Mina? I'm happy for you!," Ochako clasped her hands together offering a kind expression.

"What about you Tysu?"

A small red shade went across her cheeks. Mina pointed at her unable to allow the frog to answer first, jumping in her spot.

"She likes Tokoyami and plans to ask him out soon, and word on the street is that the feelings mutual!"

"Mina, it's just a simple date. There's nothing official."

"Pft yah not yet!"

Ochako chuckled at the exchange and evident embarrassment on Tysus face, though it was clear for a while now that the duo had liked each other.

"Anyways, Ochako ~," Mina teased. "I heard from a little birdy that Midoriya was wanting to ask a certain someone." she began to poke her friends side, causing Ochako to jump back.

"M-Me?," the two watched her closely for a positive sign. She had become very reclusive after what had happened between she and Deku months ago, and while nothing bad went down, Ochako was still heart broken for some time.

"I don't think so.."

Mina pouted. "Oh come on! That girl turned him down anyways, not like they were together! It's been a while and he's tryna move on, you can't tell me you feel nothing for him?"

Before that comment would have sent her head spinning with a full flushed face, face palming practically about to faint. But that was the old her. An immature side that would've pandered to anything Deku wanted, eager to please and jump through obstacles for his attention. To be just like him.

It was all over now, and those silly desires put on the back burner. In fact she hadn't thought about Deku like that in a very long time. They were friends. And that's all they'd ever be.

"Honestly I don't think about him like that at all anymore. I've also moved on so.," she answered, hugging herself with a sad smile. It was bittersweet at most.

"See I told you she'd deny it. Ochako's over that."

Mina scowled, staring hard at her. Watching the glint in her eyes change with bodily gestures. In fact there was a certain glow to her lately that recently caught her attention, something that placed Ochako in a different light than the rest of the students. She couldn't put her finger on it, until now.

She slammed her hands down on the table, leaning closer. "Spill it. Who is he."

Ochako gasped, Tysu cocking her head to the side in confusion.

"What are you talking about Mina?"

She flailed her hands in front of her, face a dark crimson with panic in her eyes.

"W-Who?"

Mina squinted. "Whoever made you get over Deku. I know somethings going on Ochako, spill it. Now."

Tysu looked at her, noticing that her eyes darted between the two without an answer or try to deny it. "Is that true? Have you been seeing someone?"

Ochako began to scoot back away from them, looking anywhere but their faces. She knew she wasn't a very good liar, and Mina had hit the nail on the head.

The pinkette began to squeal, bouncing in place for being right. "Oh my God I'm right! Who is it!"

"I c-can't say.. He's not in our grade.," she said shyly.

That only made Mina and Tysu shuffled closer. It wasn't like Uraraka to be so secretive and their minds were wheeling with questions. Regardless of the character, they could find out if they paid attention for long enough. So they wouldn't pry. But other things definitely needed answering.

"Is he an upperclassmen!? An older boy!?," at this point Mina was leaning halfway over the table with her chin in her hands, a wicked smile gracing her face.

Ochako hated lying. Technically it wasn't entirely wrong if she phrased it right, but that'd be difficult with the intense looks she was getting.

"Y-Yea so I gotta keep quiet. Don't want him getting in trouble."

Mina's jaw dropped, while even Tysu sat back for a moment too stunned to react. It seemed both had different opinions of the situation as Mina's smile came right back as soon as it left in a devious tone.

"My my, our dear isn't so innocent! Tell us, have you done 'the deed'?"

Her face lit up with a dark shade, she looked downcast too embarrassed to keep the contact. Anything was better than explaining the attraction to a 16 year age gap with a man that consumed most of her time. No matter how she'd word that, it would sound bad.

Slowly she nodded her head up and down, biting down hard on her bottom lip while clenching her eyes shut.

Mina was practically on edge, gitty in her spot while Tysu was flabbergasted at this version of Ochako. One that she didn't think was even possible. She was so kind, reserved from those types of conversations. Of course Mina hadn't minded, she loved it. In a way, living through this experience since they were all still virgins which was why she even asked.

"Ochako you naughty girl! I didn't think you had it in you but I knew there was something different lately! You've been walking around with this glow! Give us the deets!, did it hurt?"

"Mina please this is hardly anything to get happy about it. It's a serious matter. Clearly Ochako has needed us more than usual to be taken advantage of like that."

They bickered between one another, her face growing brighter and brighter. The air was thick and she felt like she couldn't breath. The reaction from each was expected though. Tysu being the mature one, and Mina the wild card that was usually perverted.

"He didn't take advantage of me. Actually I um, was the one that approached him first.. And I don't regret it."

They quieted.

"It doesn't make it okay Ochako. How long has it been going on for?"

"About 8 months. Pretty much right after Deku asked that girl out."

"Tell us everything! How it happened, where, and how did it start!? I'm too scared to lose mine."

Tysu rolled her eyes.

"Well I can't answer everything. To some it up I was upset and crying. I ran 'somewhere' to compose myself and there he was. I-I asked him to take the pain away, which he did. And Deku became a memory pretty much over night," she said softly, a small smile tugging the corner of her lips. She subconsciously hugged herself, wishing in a way that it was his arms. It felt like forever now.

"Eek! Tysuuu look at her face! She's got the dreamy eyes!"

The frog friend had noticed that while Ochako coughed nervously. Mina wasn't making this better, in fact she was appalled by the positive feedback. They needed to pull her away from this situation, not insist it continue.

"Ochako's in love! Foreal this time!"

Am I really? I mean sure I haven't grown tired of Shouta at all. It's the highlight of my day actually… But..could I even say love? Is he my boyfriend?

"There hasn't been mentions of a relationship. But he does let me use his first name."

"Thats a big deal! Is he around? Like will he be at the dance or is it super duper secret that we'll know if we see him near you!?"

Her face saddened, knowing that Aizawa was still recovering in the hospital. Apparently all the teachers were going to be there to chaperone, but it looked like he was to be an exception due to injuries. She needed to be careful wording it and end this quickly before she said too much, giving away the mystery man.

"No I don't think so. He's um, busy with stuff."

Tysu crawled over to her, grabbing her hands and holding them tenderly. "Ochako. You do seem radiant over this. But in all reality, you're missing out on experiences just to protect this person. If you can't even be anything in public, is it worth losing your highlighted years?"

She hadn't even thought of it that way. Really her life was fairly boring as is, watching everyone else get stronger while she remained on the side lines. Her quirk was about as useful as Minetas. She was a quiet, not really a bold person. Nor were her grades over the top. Ochako hadn't thought much of herself, not like the way he made her feel. The way Aizawa looked at her.

He never treated her like a child. Never gave her an easy way even if they had slept together. In all, because of that, he pushed her harder than anyone else, even if they didn't realize.

So to answer Tysus question, she was gaining wonderful memories. There was nothing to lose.

"You're wrong Tysu," she began. "I'm not losing anything. I was losing time by idly wasting the days over Deku. I tried to bury the feelings but couldn't, and it was so distracting. But here this guy came and took it away. Gosh I never thought someone could so easily."

She gave Tysus hands a soft squeeze to reassure.

"I'm happy and okay. So please as my friend, keep this secret and support me, Kay? It feels so nice to actually talk about this to someone."

Mina sniffled in the background, crawling over to her.

"Oh Ochako!" she wrapped her arms around her neck, pulling her into a tight hug.

Tysu watched the display of affection, contemplating everything that was said. Maybe Uraraka knew what she needed more than they did. As her friend she'd have to trust her judgment.

"Alright. It's a promise. If anyone ask, we'll cover."

oo

Passing several shops, Mina practically searched all the crevasses of the interior in hopes of finding the perfect dress along with matching shoes. Their color scheme was blue and she wanted something a little revealing to be flirtatious. As for Tysu, she and Tokoyami had the same taste so it didn't matter whether he wanted to go or not. She'd still pick out a deep seated purple or black, something more elegant.

He promised me a dance, though I guess he won't be able to make it.

"Do you think we'll be finished soon? My legs are killing me," Tysu called as Mina ran ahead, pressing her face to the glass for a viewing of the inside.

"Well I'm sorry I don't wanna be plain like you! Ochako what color are you gunna go with?"

She hadn't really put much thought into it, being as depressed over the very idea of attending without Aizawa at least there to witness how much she put into her outfit. There was no one else she cared about impressing. Not to mention there was plenty of time to decide. He was a simple man always clade in black.

"I'm not really all that picky about it. Probably red to be honest."

"You guys think it's a little dumb to be throwing the dance Right After the sports festival? Ugh what if I'm too broken to go!"

Entering the sixth shop of the trip, it was filled with many vibrant colored dresses with various shapes. The silk patterns flowing onto the ground, while others were a bit too short. There were few with flower patterns around the hem, glitter strains showering in glow and many that were pretty simple. A plain hue is what she would have wanted anyways, nothing to flashy.

Mina was in awe, running up to each individually to get a touch in. Even Tysu appeared a little excited, handing her purse to Ochako while she already grabbed one to go try on.

She smiled sweetly at her friends excitement. A day out was certainly helping her gloomy state even if she wasn't super into this. Taking a seat at the far end, she stared out the window at the passing people. It was a beautiful day outside with a gentle breeze. One that Aizawa was missing out on.

Yea right. He'd sleep it away anyways.

"Ochako what about this!," Mina hollered over, holding up a light blue skin tight dress.

She nodded sheepishly. It wasn't her style but Mina liked that flashy kinda stuff.

Her attention went back to the window, though her eyes strained to look across at the sidewalk past the road. They widened, watching as Izuku and Kirishma walked out from a different building with plastic bags draped over their arms, the shape obviously something formal. They must have been getting sizes for suits to wear.

No matter what anyone said, her heart didn't even hurt a little watching him pass with a cheery smile as they laughed together. It was nice to see him happy, it's all she could ask. She made a choice not to be weak and move on after he thought he had found someone. The only regret was that she let that divide them a little, choosing petty options like sitting elsewhere for lunch. In truth Izuku owed her nothing then, nor did he have a clue to her affections.

Suddenly the curtains were pushed aside, turning her head to see a marvelous looking Tysu clad in a long dark purple dress that reached her ankles. It had no designs and was off the shoulder.

Mina tried to give an approving smile. "It's pretty but so boring! Get something sexy!"

"No way.," Tysu huffed, turning to Ochako for an opinion.

She smiled softly, "It's beautiful Tysu."

"Ochako aren't you gunna at least try something on?"

She thought about it for a second, but actually she didn't bring much money. Only enough to grab lunch, save from frivolous spending that she couldn't afford. There was no telling if she'd even attend so what was the point?

"Nah I'm okay. I'm having fun watching you two."

Mina and Tysu ended up buying their outfits, along with matching shoes to go with it. They had stopped to get a bite to eat soon after, sitting under a pavilion. Thankfully Kirishma was long gone, less he walk up to greet his girlfriend with Deku in tow. If it was true that he intended to ask her out, she would try to avoid him as much as possible. It'd be hard to turn anyone down at that, let alone someone as kind as he.

Ochako picked at her salad, her legs killing her from their block to block walks. In the background all she could hear was Mina going on, pressuring Tysu to give the bird boy a call then and there and ask. She leaned into her hand, pretending to pay attention.

Her mind drifted elsewhere, wondering how Aizawa was holding up. Over a week had past now and with Recovery Girl's ability, he should be better soon. They never saved each other's numbers just in case so it's not like she could check in to see if he was awake. Not like he'd let her know anyways, brushing her concerns off like they were nothing.

I know he wouldn't take it seriously. Sometimes he's such an ass.

Instinctively, she checked her phone for the time watching the sunlight begin to change into an orange hue. 4:30pm displayed on the screen, figuring out a way to end things with them. The outing was the perfect distraction, but emotionally she had enough. Mina could be a little much in large doses as well.

Ochako yawned, stretching her arms above her head to hint at it. They both looked at her.

"Today's been amazing guys. But I think ima head back to the dorm. I've still got studying to do."

Suprisingly even Tysu pouted while Mina whined. "What? Already? We were gunna go see my parents for dinner, they live not that far from here."

But she stood, grabbing her bag and tossing it over her shoulder, giving them a bright smile to indicate she was okay.

"Sorry I'm super tired. I'll catch you guys later okay?"

With that she gave them each a quick side hug then began her way to the school. The silence felt nice after hours of conversing, knowing they still wanted to interrogate her for more information. Another thing on her list to avoid. Her legs screamed becoming sore, the days spent cooped up in her room coming back to bite.

It was growing late at the slow pace she kept on but it was worth it.

oo

She arrived later than expected, caught in the hussle and bussle of people hurrying home from work. The crowds surging, not to mention the paparazzi still lingered outside the main gates.

Using her quirk, Ochako floated over them with no strain. Feeling exhausted from such a long walk.

As she got close to the building, she stopped, stared up longingly at the high window which lead to his infirmary room. Her eyes sunk in, seeped in sadness once more. It was frightening not getting an answer by now, and no one seemed to really be all that worried. It was making her resentful towards her classmates if anything.

For some reason right now, that idea made her not want to be locked in a dark room isolating herself. She wasn't ready to go back to those thoughts, the harrowing negativity that lead to only tears and the fall of anguish.

Her legs began to move on their own, entering the school instead of the dorm which hadn't been locked yet. The ceiling to the training grounds was very high, surrounded by whatever type of environment one could imagine. She'd find herself going in there many of times but just to slack off really. Floating over the mountain range with the fake river soothed the sounds in her mind. It was calming around test time mainly when she struggled to focus.

She stalked down the halls, passing by Midnight's classroom, then the teachers lounge with faculty inside. Her presence went unnoticed as they gathered materials up for the next day, laughing in small talk.

A buzz went off in her pocket to signal someone was texting her, but she paid it no mind. Ochako really just wanted to be left alone.

She reared down the hall leading to the training grounds, the area dark from the lights being off. Yet in the distance she heard a loud banging sound through the gym door that had been left open by a crack. Room lit light shining through radiating her face.

There was a crash, the sound of repetitive slams against something hard.

She crept closer, right up to the crack to take a peak inside.

There he was, fast as lightning as he slammed into a thick, fake target dummy. The bandages still wrapped around his torso and upper arms, though the higher half like his face and neck were exposed. They had been discarded to the side, bits of blood on them from reopening his wounds in training.

Aizawa kicked the head area, then twisted himself up to get another hit in. The sound of frustrated grunts filling the room followed by heavy breathing. Sweat dropped down the side of his face. There was a deep scowl on his face which she could tell he wasn't in the mood to be messed with. But she couldn't stop herself from moving.

Again he jumped high to get another hit in, cursing under his breath from feeling so weak. So helpless in front of those kids. God dammit he did his best to protect them, but all he could remember last was Tysu about to have her atoms ripped off of her face before lights out. That disgusting beast shattering his bones, ignoring the pain that still surged in his body that warned him to stop.

Aizawa stood there, panting heavily with his back turned. Until he heard the sound of something hit the ground.

He swiftly glanced back, activating his quirk at the intruder.

There Ochako stood, clasping her hands over her heart. She had dropped her bag onto the ground while taking a small step his way. Her face was shocked, small tears stinging the side of her eyes as she quivered. But he remained still, glaring her way.

"Why are you hurting yourself?," she whispered.

Aizawa snorted. He didn't have time for this shit, nor was it her business what he did in his free time. It wasn't anyone's. Not All Might, Not the principle. Who gave a damn what the nurse had to say. Never again would he allow himself to be put in that situation so humiliating. And yet here she was, giving him a look of pity in a state that he never wished she'd see.

He turned his back to her, thrusting forward to get back to his training.

Ochako stopped, a small tear leaking down the side of her cheek. Knowing her feelings were being disregarded like trash had cut deep like a knife. She wouldn't be weak anymore and just take it.

Arms falling at her sides, she balled them into fist. Why didn't he find a way to get to her? To contact her and let her know he was stable and moving? Did he really not care?

"Why didn't you find a way to tell me you were okay?," she asked confidently.

But he ignored her, slamming his fist back into the dummy so hard that it flew a few feet away. All he wanted was for her to leave, agitation growing clear on his posture.

Ochako began to walk towards him. She was going to force his attention whether he consented or not. Still he didn't look.

Whatever type of anger had came over her then forced her body forward, breaking out into a complete sprint his way. Her face was furious, hot tears streaming down. She grit her teeth, activating her quirk and lunging at him once she got close enough.

"LOOK AT ME!," she screamed before trying to slap him.

Aizawa did as told, swiftly turning on his heels and eyes flaring at her with red. The hair on his head standing.

He stepped back enough to let her past him, catching her wrist. Even though he deactivated her quirk, he still didn't allow her to get a hit as he slammed her into the dirt.

Ochako coughed out, feeling both arms catch her wrist and pin them above her head. He straddled her waist, one of his knees digging painfully into her stomach.

He stared down at her coldly, nostrils flaring in frustration as she writhed under him struggling to breath.

"S-Stop it! Get OFF!," she screamed, squirming to free herself from his tight grip. But the hold on her wrist only tightened along with his leg, pushing harder onto her stomach.

"Don't challenge someone if you aren't prepared for the consequences," he simply stated in an uncaring tone.

Really he didn't care about her suffering, she'd learn the hard way where her place was. And that was in the sidelines before daring to charge head on like that. One of his cruel lessons being reminded that he was still her teacher.

He let up his knee a little, watching as she gasped for air turning her head to the side to cough.

Until she completely stopped moving, head turned away from him as sobs wracked through her body. She couldn't help but nuzzle her face against the side of his hand close to her head that still held her wrist, letting the tears rub onto his skin.

"W-Why…," she pleaded. "Why didn't you let me k-know you were okay. I've been worried sick!"

Instead of soothing her sadness, he scoffed. Deactivating his quirk but keeping his hold.

"You have that little faith in me?"

"Everyone has limits! I just thought I meant enough that you'd care!," she snapped, turning her head to glare at him.

The way he could stay collected always made her feel so immature, but Ochako knew she was an emotional person. This was something they both had to learn to get past, and it was about time their relationship began to define itself verbally. Because her heart hurt worse than it ever had with Deku, yet it also never felt for alive. Maybe this was what love was.

"You didn't need to see me like this," he murmured, letting go of her and pulling away. He stood, walking over to where his cloak lay and picked it up. Patting off the dirt.

Ochako lay for a moment on her elbows, watching his movements. Aizawa was a hard man to understand, but it was a little unfair to put herself on his priority list like that when clearly he was troubled.

She rolled over, slowly standing as her eyes studied his bare back. Noticing scars that she hadn't seen before. He was absolutely riddled with them, deep indentions cutting from his shoulder blades into his spine. The back of his arms filled with a small collection of them.

This is a side I haven't seen yet.

Hesitately, she approached him. Hugging herself as she pressed her body to his back, burying herself into it. His movements ceased as he stared forward with a bored expression.

"I'm going shower. Meet me in the classroom in an hour," he stated before walking off, leaving her there to stand alone.

Ochako watched as he draped the cloak over him, not even bothering to give a glance as he stormed off.

With another buzz in her pocket, she wiped the tears from her face to gather her composure as she grabbed it out from her pocket.

It read: Hey Uraraka, is there a chance you could meet up with me sometime tonight? I want to talk to you about something- Deku.

oo