Ch. 8 Misstep
Ochaco groaned for the thousandth time that night. She was surrounded by bodies stuffed into frilly dresses or stiff tuxedos, and the constant thought that she'd rather be at home in her pajamas ran through her mind. Despite the warm day they had, Hosu was swept up with a chill that cut down to the bone. It didn't help that the dress Mina picked out for her was made of flimsy material. Ochaco felt exposed. She wore dark gray lacy armlets to match the patterned material that "covered" her shoulders and cut off and mid bust. Around her midsection was a black leather bustier followed by more of the dainty fabric that was draped on her shoulders that dropped all the way down to hang just above her ankles. She walked gracefully in the pale rose heels that she borrowed from Mina, avoiding bumping into any of the roving groups of guests that surrounded her.
Her stomach growled loudly, snapping her out of her discomfort over the dress. She became aware of how the blood rushing in her pounded painfully against her skull, and the deep bags under eyes from all the long working nights leading up to the gala. All she really wanted was a good night's sleep and maybe a decent meal. Not necessarily in that order. She grumbled and whined as she maneuvered her way over to the bar. Mina and Hikari stood dead center where they spoke with a harried looking bartender. Her two co workers were dressed to kill in tight dresses and tall heels. Mina giggled and did her best to exasperate the young sidekick by flirting with the bartender. Ochaco sauntered up to her partner and squeezed in between the two.
"How come you get the sensible dress," Uraraka complained, holding a finger up to the bartender in order to hush his barely formed question, "And I have to go around looking like used up tissue paper!" She pinched at the dress where her curves were most pronounced. Under her breath, Ochaco thanked Hikari for suggesting nude colored shapewear to give herself some peace of mind. Mina's appraising eyes scanned Ochaco, head to toe. Uraraka squirmed under Ashido's golden eyed stare and felt as if she might as well have been naked.
"Ochaco," Mina began with her index fingers steepled on her lips, "Remember that I love you and want you to be happy. But, girl, what the actual hell is wrong with you?"
"W-what do you mean? Me? You're the one who told me to wear this thing!" Ochaco countered savagely. The bartender plopped their drinks while clearing his throat. While the girls happily took theirs in hand, she looked at hers with suspicion. Uraraka shot a nasty look towards the bartender who only shrugged. "I didn't order this."
"I know, trust me I've seen this before," he answered her, "But you're probably gonna get a lot of drinks tonight because of that dress." Mina began cackling while Ochaco blanched. The bartender walked away without another word. She stared hopelessly at the drink in front of her as Ashido spoke again.
"See? You look like the baddest bitch in this place right now. If we weren't friends, I'd be hitting on you right now. That's how good you look in that dress."
"Um, it's, uh, i-it's true, Ms. Uraraka," Hikari gave. Ochaco turned to round on her and barely noticed that the sidekick's eyes had flown back up from where they had been resting. Uraraka felt her face heat up to match Hikari's own beet red look. She took a moment to nurse her drink before getting her head straight again.
"So y'all didn't order this for me?" Ochaco eyed the amber liquid in her hands suspiciously. Mina gave her a noncommittal shrug and Hikari shook her head vigorously, fighting with every ounce of willpower to keep eye contact with the brunette. The bartender returned, letting them know that it was time for dinner. Uraraka didn't manage to ask him who ordered the drink as Mina pulled her away.
"C'mon, 'Chaco. We gotta get our seats."
The three women pushed through the masses in search of the dining area. Endeavor and his agency had rented out the enormous ball room suite of Naavaro Suites. Ochaco had hardly stepped foot into anything fancier than the banquet hall U.A. had reserved for their graduation.
This was too much.
It was a two tiered room that spanned the entire length and width of the seven hundred room hotel. Opulent windows towered the spacious dance area where the moonlight that poured in melted on the immaculately polished hardwood floor. Four long tables were strategically placed along the length of the floor, serving as drink stations for anyone in the mood for a mixed beverage. Where the hardwood ended, it was met with a lush dark carpet that stretched out past the floor's entrance way. Splitting the atrium into two narrow walkways was a large, ornate staircase that twisted upwards to the second level. The dark wood was glossy with varnish and carved with intricate designs that were lost in the dim light. Glass sconces lined the walls every ten feet or so, blown and shaped to look like textured petals that dulled the warm light emitted from within. The top floor was split into two overhanging landings where a couple of dozen tables sat on either side. Many were empty, occupied only by some tea lights floating in the vase centerpieces and napkins folded into the shape of a flame. Seating appeared to be arranged strategically as they sat far from sight of the Endeavor sidekicks. Ochaco thought that must have been a Todoroki-Momo touch seeing as how her ex was going to likely be here tonight.
Ochaco checked the mask on her face, gloved fingers caressing the material. It contoured to her face rather well if not a little loosely around her nose. Mina and Hikari were fitting their own masks on as they sat down at their table. Ochaco slumped in her seat, propping her head up with an arm. She watched the other two chatter away animatedly with gossip or lecherously ranking their fellow guests. Her eyes drifted down to her untouched drink. While her table mates nattered on, she kept questioning who ordered for her. She shrugged and knocked it back in one go. Uraraka hissed pleasantly as the liquid burned her throat on its way down. Mina hollered and whooped, all sense of social decorum thrown out with Ochaco's glass being slammed upside down on the table.
"Now it's a party!"
Another half hour passed as they grew more relaxed - thanks to the half dozen empty glasses on their table - and the hall grew more crowded by the minute. Ochaco hazily recognized the tall, regal form of Momo Yaoyorozu walking in linked arms with Shoto. Both dazzled in what they wore as they seemed to glide across the floor. They were busy greeting the other guests and avoiding a boisterous blonde that was double fisting his drinks. Ochaco rolled her eyes at the sight of her ex. Bakugo called out to a voluptuous, statuesque hero with long rabbit ears pointing out past her long silver hair. Rumi "Miruko'' Usagiyama was wearing a sleek, tight qipao that had bold slits running up her beautiful, muscular thighs. Like Bakugo, Rumi was double fisting. They greeted each other like old chums, arms draped over each other's shoulders, and they bulldozed their way back to the nearest bar. Ochaco felt a small twinge as she watched them. Drinking with Mina and Hikari was fun but nothing beat a night out with Katsuki. He was loud and combative when sober, but she had learned over time that with some alcohol in him, Bakugo could be so fun. She ruminated on some wild nights they shared when they were fresh out of U.A. Her eyes glazed a bit as she sipped at some water, staring off into her memories as the world around her began to blur.
She recognized a few more folks strolling in past the staircase. Egin Naosoma came through in a gaudy, white suit. Rather than looking brilliant like he had hoped, Egin ended up looking more dull and waxy in Uraraka's eyes. Melissa and Mei soon followed in his wake. They looked nervous as the crowd began to applaud their arrival. Egin visibly soured at the sight, stomping off to a bar in a dark corner where he miraculously disappeared. A hush soon fell upon the crowd and anticipation mounted as all eyes turned to the entrance. With a loud cry, a blonde, burly man in a crisp suit materialized out of the ground. With the momentum of his sudden appearance, he soared over the crowd.
"Pooooweeerrr!"
Mirio "Lemillion" Togata landed heroically in open space closest to the tall windows that looked out over Hosu. Ochaco joined the crowd in cheering the newly crowned number one hero who was busy greeting everyone with comical enthusiasm, his arms a blur as he shook and swung them. A deep, booming voice soon hushed the crowd once more when the former number one hero began to speak into a microphone.
"Welcome everyone," Endeavor said in his thrumming voice, "Thank you all for your generosity tonight. Your donations are greatly appreciated. With your help, we were able to fully fund the Peace and Recovery Foundation's entire budget for the next nine months. The Endeavor and Lemillion agencies have pledged to match your gifts one hundred percent."
Ochaco let out a loud shout that got lost in the roar that swelled around her. The cheering was infectious. Uraraka was stunned at Mirio and Enji's bold announcement. Her heart swelled with pride as she looked on at Lemillion. He had been working so hard since he graduated from U.A. and cemented himself as the next All Might. Hope followed where he went. Ochaco's gaze drifted over to Shoto and Momo who were happily chatting away to each other, taking advantage of the crowd's distraction. The tabloids were particularly invasive whenever they were even near each other, so Uraraka felt happy that they got a chance to breathe and catch up with one another.
Not far off from them was Bakugo. He stood alone and glared bitterly at Lemillion, swigging a beer in disgust. Uraraka shook her head. It was a pity he could never be happy for someone else's success. The cheering died out as Enji raised his hand. The elder Todoroki's piercing eyes gauged the crowd with a critical gleam brimming inside. He cleared his throat and spoke once more.
"Now, I'd like to invite my youngest son, Shoto, to say a few words before we begin tonight's meal. Shoto?"
Shoto looked as if he had swallowed the used up grounds of yesterday's coffee pot. He reluctantly peeled away from Momo and walked over to his father. His movements were stiff, and Ochaco felt sympathy for her friend. She was never a fan of Enji, especially after Shoto had opened up about how terrible the man had been to his family. That hadn't changed when All Might retired and allowed Endeavor to step up to the Number One spot. It had been a real head scratcher for her when Shoto signed up with his father's agency. His animosity was still present, but she could only support her former classmate as he worked to change the agency's image.
"Thank you, father," Shoto answered with poorly concealed disdain, "And thank you all for coming tonight. The Peace and Recovery Foundation has been a staple in the hero community and our society at large for several years now. Despite some of the criticism it has received, it is not - and never will be - just pro heroes cleaning up after themselves. All of us present work hard to ensure that people can live peacefully, even in the face of criminals and villains trying to disrupt their everyday lives. The PRF works to give people who have lost pieces of their lives a second chance. Just as heroes are sworn to protect everyone, the foundation is wholly dedicated to ensuring a swift recovery. Now, let's celebrate our own efforts in that work."
Modest applause followed Shoto's brief speech. Everyone turned back to their tables and waited for their food. When Ochaco had received the RSVP (and was forced to sign it by Mina) she was required to make a choice about what she would prefer to eat. There had not been a large variety but the names made her head swirl. In the end, she chose to eat some pork broth soba. Given how snug her dress fit her, she felt it had been the right choice. At some of the surrounding tables, people were being served huge portions of yakitori or sashimi. She shook her head in disbelief and thanked the waiter who brought out her modest bowl of food.
Ochaco leaned back in her chair and patted her belly with a sigh. She only made it through half of her soba but felt satisfied. Her head swam pleasantly from the drinks, and she was ready to dance with Mina soon. Ashido practically vibrated with excitement as the clatter of silverware died down and a small portion of the dance floor was cordoned off. Roadies clad in black hauled out half stack amplifiers, a large turntable, and several instruments. A few started to fiddle with the tuning heads on the guitars and bass while two worked to meticulously assemble a drum kit. Soon enough, the sound checks were finished up and an energy buzzed throughout the banquet hall.
"I cannot wait to hear Kyoka play!" Mina cried out with a squeal. Ochaco nodded with a smile on her lips. Just as she was about to get up, a waiter came up to their table with a single cocktail placed on the silver plate. The young server gave Uraraka a quick smile and gently handed the drink over to the unsuspecting hero.
"For you miss. Courtesy of your friend," was all she gave before striding away with pace. Ochaco only blanched as she reached out to the server. Mina only gave her a shrug before throwing her napkin on the table.
"What's it you always say? 'Don't look a gift horse in the mouth?' Anyway, c'mon, 'Chaco! We gotta get a good spot!" Mina jumped out of her chair and raced away, leaving Ochaco with a very quiet Hikari. Uraraka rubbed her forehead in frustration and eyed the drink suspiciously.
"Who the hell keeps sending me drinks?" she asked with exasperation oozing in her tone. She looked up briefly from the offending cocktail to Hikari. The sidekick was pensive, thoughtfully looking past the railing where Mina had been sitting in front of. Ochaco followed her gaze down to the dance floor, scanning for anything that might have stood out. She didn't make out anyone unusual amongst the masked throng of guests. At the furthest bar that faced towards the dance floor, however, was a lanky gentleman in a rabbit mask. He had unruly, green hair that jutted out where it pleased. Clad in a pinstriped suit, the man wore his tie casually and loosely under his undone collar. Ochaco caught his gaze from where she was sitting and he quickly turned back to speak with the bartender. Hikari's soft voice came out from her flank, a hard edge cutting through her words.
"Looks like we found who's been trying to get your attention, boss." Ochaco exchanged a look with her sidekick as they got up from their table. With some hesitation, Uraraka picked up the drink as she walked away. Her grip was tight around the glass. Uraraka must have had a forbidding expression because Hikari gave her a funny look. "You ok? Look like you're about to get into a scrap."
"Ha ha, yeah," Ochaco answered as she tried her best to convince Hikari, "But a girl can't be too careful, right? I gotta make sure he's got pure intentions." Hikari laughed as they continued down to the dance floor.
Kyoka and her band walked up to the crowd, riling them up while they took their places. Ochaco looked around for Mina's poofy hair. If she was going to confront someone who could possibly be Deku, she'd need more than Hikari for back up. She found Mina bouncing excitedly next to a tall, familiar man with spiked red hair. Uraraka shook her.
Well, it looks like it's just me and Hikari now. Ochaco turned to speak to her sidekick only to find her missing now. Her head swiveled to-and-fro as she frantically searched the area. Her eyes fell on Mina once more and saw that Hikari was trying to talk to her partner. It appeared that the young hero was on the same page as Uraraka. Only, Mina was a force to be reckoned with. Ochaco watched in absolute disbelief as Ashido grabbed Hikari by the wrist and dragged her away to be closer to the band. Uraraka could have sworn that the pink hero shot a cheeky wink her way as she disappeared from view. Now she had to confront Deku alone with nothing but a drink in her hand. She took a moment to compose herself. Rushing into a confrontation never ended well for her.
"Good evening party people! You ready to dance?!" Kyoka's stage voice reverberated throughout the dance hall and was greeted by cheers. The tell tale click of drumsticks queued in Kyoka to cry one once again. "We are Jiroscope and this is 'Crash the Launchpad!' Hit it!" Jiro's bass drove the charge into an edgey, rhythmic song that Uraraka was familiar with. The bodies around her began to jump and sway to the beat. Carefully avoiding the dancing guests, Uraraka weaved her way through the few pockets of people who were content to drink and watch the spectacle. She sneaked up to the bar where he still stood. The man was leaning against the table, watching the crowd as he bobbed his head to the music. Ochaco looked at his face and breathed in relief. It wasn't Deku. The mask only covered the upper portion of the man's face, the ears not as elongated as the villain's. The real deal wouldn't be bold enough to sit in plain sight of dozens of pro heroes, she reasoned.
In the dim light, she could still size him up from where she peeked. Bright, emerald eyes clashed wildly against his pale skin that was splattered with freckles. With how he was positioned, the man's coat opened up and revealed his figure better for Uraraka. He was on the leaner side and about a head taller than herself. Ochaco never considered herself a shallow person, but she couldn't help thinking that this man was just a little plain. Still, he had sent her a few drinks so she might as well see what he had to say. Uraraka composed herself and smoothed out her dress where it had bunched up before sildiling up to the guy.
"So," she opened with a dry voice, "You wanted to see me?"
"Hmm? I'm so- s-sor..." The man sputtered out when he looked at her. His mouth was slightly agape and she could see that his eyes had widened. Uraraka didn't even bother hiding the smirk that pulled at the corners of her mouth. She had carefully placed her arm on the table so that she could rest her chest on it. Apparently, it had the desired effect on the poor unsuspecting fool. He took a moment to clear his throat, standing a little more straight as he calmed down.
"Ah, sorry. Drink went down the wrong pipe," he gave. Uraraka noticed that he was adamantly not breaking eye contact with her.
"I'm sure. So, what did you want with me? You hopin' to chat this country gal up? Or were you looking for... more?" Ochaco arched her back. Her smirk turned into a satisfied grin when she saw this man visibly swallow. She pulled a leaf from Midnight and Mt. Lady's book, lightly tugging at an edge of her dress. The man snapped his head away from her as his face turned beet red. Ochaco couldn't help the belly laugh that burst out of her. She continued leaning against the table to talk to him.
"Alright, stranger. Who are you and whadda ya want?" The man gave her a sideways glance, his lips pulled tightly before he answered her.
"I'll tell you but you have to promise to not try anything funny."
"Ha! Says the dude in a bunny mask. Now, why d'you send me these drinks?"
"Ok ok. First things, first," he said, now facing her fully with a hand extended out to her. She took up the handshake. Uraraka made sure to grip his hand a little harder than needed by was surprised to feel how firmly he held out against her micro attack.
"I'm Izuku. Izuku Midoriya. And you're the rescue hero Uravity, right? Ochaco Uraraka?" She eyed him curiously. His voice sounded so damn familiar, honeyed and warm enough to lull her into a sense of safety. Uraraka hadn't really looked at his eyes, but now that she had relaxed a bit, she had to catch herself from submerging into their depths. There was a flutter of something old in her chest. It was an abandoned, forgotten feeling but she almost welcomed it as she answered.
"Oh, a fanboy, huh? Well, I'm flattered. Don't think I've heard of you in the hero circuit, Midoriya. Where do you work?" Izuku hummed pleasantly and the sound melted her knees. She stood up to steady herself.
"Oh well, I'm not a pro. I work as a freelancer for a couple of clients. I promise I'm not a paparazzi." Ochaco bit back a frown when he didn't expand. Well if he wanted to play it that way, he'd learn to regret it. She pointed at his face, wiggling her finger as she appraised his mask.
"So what's with the Deku mask? Didn't really think that one through did ya?"
"Ha! No, I didn't. To be honest - and it's really kind of embarrassing - but when I heard we were supposed to wear masks to this thing, I thought it was more like a Halloween kind of thing."
Ochaco burst out laughing. Izuku joined in, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. She gestured to his clothes as she breathed into her response.
"So that explains all of..."
"Yeah," he answered, smiling again, "But hey it's not a bad look. Gotta give credit where credit's due, right?"
There was a change of pace in the music that flitted through the air. The drums became less aggressive and the guitars lost their hard edged distortion. Kyoka belted out soft, cooling notes to match the mood. Izuku's ears perked up. The crowd thinned out a little as more people left to refresh their drinks or catch a breath. Midoriya held a hand out to her. She met his still grinning face with a bit of confusion.
"I love this song. It's great to dance to. So what do you say?"
"Alright, Midoriya. Let's see what you got."
Ochaco giggled as he led her to the polished floor. They framed up and bounced in place to start their count. Uraraka giggled again when she noticed Izuku counting under his breath. She felt his weight push her back and they began to move.
In her last year at U.A., Ochaco listened to her classmates talk about the formal events that they'd be required to attend to as heroes. Momo had mentioned that some of those gatherings included dances. It was agreed that Class 3-A would take up extra lessons to prepare for situations like the one she was currently in. They spent the better half of three months learning a variety of well known and versatile ballroom dances. Surprising her and the rest of the class, Bakugo volunteered to be her partner. She found that she picked up the art form quickly under his wing. That was the spark that ignited something very deep and passionate between them. As she looked into Izuku's brilliant, smiling eyes, Ochaco felt a stab of remorse as she mulled over the dances she had shared with Katsuki.
One, Two, three-and... One, Two, three-and...
Their movements were steady, but Ochaco soon found that her experience was more than enough to match Midoriya's. She was surprised that he was such a confident dancer, but it was nice that she didn't have to worry about correcting her partner. He guided her effortlessly around the floor, twirling her when appropriate, turning when he could. The song ended and was replaced by a cover. One with a slightly faster pace but still offering them the chance to continue waltzing. Izkuk began to grin as they moved around the floor.
"Say, you're really light on your feet, Ms. Uravity. You're not using your quirk on yourself, are you?"
She didn't know if it was the drinks in her or how genuinely he asked, but Ochaco could only laugh heartily as they swayed happily. He caught her after another spin and smiled brightly. Her breath hitched in her chest.
"That was so corny but I let you know a secret: I loved it."
Izuku looked a little smug now and Ochaco let him. They continued dancing at length, taking breaks only to catch their breath or get some water. Izuku promised her to return quickly with some water, leaving her near the staircase. Mina came bounding out of her peripheral. Her partner ensnared her in a tight hug and squealed with delight.
"Ocha babe! Look at you! Getting all flirty with some guy! Is he cute? He sure as hell can dance!"
"Hahaha, yeah, he's got some moves. He's cute in a boy-next-door sort of way. I don't know him though. Have you heard of Izuku Midoriya?" Mina shook her head without hesitation.
"Nope! Doesn't ring a bell. Sorry, girl. But do you think you'll take him home tonight?"
Ochaco felt her face burst into flames as Mina winked at her. The pink hero laughed a smidge too loud and leaned on Uraraka a little more. It was time to turn the tables on her partner. If only to get rid of her before Izuku showed up.
"So, where's Kirishima? How's it been with him tonight?"
"Oh! It's been great! He's a little distracted because he's worried about Bak- I, uh, mean someone but yeah it's been so good." Ochaco gave her friend a twisted smile that pursed her lips. She pulled Mina off of herself and set her to stand on her own.
"I'm ok, Mina. Promise. I'm over it. I think I might take a shot at something with Midoriya though. He is kinda cute." The girls shared a laugh. Mina parted from her shortly after that, bounding away as quickly as she arrived. Ochaco felt movement behind her and turned to see Izuku standing there a little gobsmacked in the face. She quirked an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Erm, hey," he stammered with his face burning fiercely, "W-was that your partner, Pinky?" Ochaco smirked. From the angle he came up to her, she gathered he had gotten an eyeful of her dress. She took the glass of water from him with a small nod of thanks. Uraraka scrutinized the liquid. "You know, drugging you would be a stupid idea in front of all these heroes right?"
"Yeah, but a girl's still gotta be cautious you know. Tall, dark, and handsome strangers getting you water is a good way to get hurt."
Izuku rolled his eyes but conceded, the argument. They drank quietly as Kyoka and her band started up another number. This one was slow and melodic, causing Ochaco to sway at the hips. She let out a squeak of surprise when her hip bumped into Midiorya's. He gave her another blinding smile and set his empty glass down on the floor. Izuku looked a little hopeful as he extended his hand out once more.
"You're great to dance with. I'd like another couple of rounds if you wouldn't mind."
"Oh, you know, that sounds really lovely, but you gotta do me a favor first." Izuku's hand faltered as he looked quizzically at her. "You gotta ditch the mask."
Midoriya's grin expanded even wider than she could have imagined. In a single, smooth motion, Izuku removed the mask from his face and dropped it. He took her glass from her so that she could do the same. She breathed in a bit of relief as her face was freed. A waiter came by and took their discarded items away.
"Better?" he asked, offering his hand again. She took in his boyish looks, the slight roundness in the chin that was offset by pinched cheeks. His unruly hair was truly wild as it cascaded over his ears and forehead. Uraraka felt something melt in her as she looked at him in the dim light.
"Better," she affirmed with a nod. He led her out once more to the dance floor and they picked up where they had left off. Ochaco allowed herself a moment of bliss as soon as their feet hit polished hardwood. She gazed into his eyes and saw more of that hope he had earlier. A smile fell on her lips as she lost herself in the movement of their dance. This was specatular. How long had it been since she had felt this rush in her veins, the erratic beating of her heart against her chest? There was something about Midoriya that drew her in. She didn't fight it. She allowed herself to feel the moment wash over her, to be lulled into something she had forgotten how to feel. A sudden boldness took over her. A thought that this could actually be the start of something fun and exciting struck her but just as she was readying herself to speak, Izuku broke the spell with a question.
"Miss Uravity?" he asked timidly. She laughed a bit, slapping his arm playfully.
"Call me Uraraka. I'd prefer Ochaco but you seem like-"
"Alright then, Ochaco," he retorted, the sound making her shiver pleasantly, "I have an offer for you. What do you say to another night out? Maybe we go out for a bite to eat and then go somewhere we can just have some fun."
Ochaco was slightly taken aback but happy to see that they were on the same page. She knew her answer the moment he asked but thought she'd have more fun with him. She pulled her head back and looked thoughtfully into space. From the corner of her eye, Uraraka could see that Midoriya looked a little nervous. He kept a cool expression but there was something in his eye that gave him away.
"Well," Uraraka hummed mischievously, "I'd say that sounds really nice. Where were you thinking, Midoriya?" She watched as a playful, boyish smile grew on his freckled mug. It might as well have been his birthday with the glee emanating from him. That grin was infectious. A beat of joyful silence followed as she felt her lips mimicking his own.
"Well there is this new mochi shop I keep hearing about in downtown. Let's say I pick you up on Wed-"
He stopped their waltz abruptly. Thankfully, Midoriya's frame was solid enough to prevent her from falling. He looked pale with fury, his eyes burning with a rage that looked out of place on him. Ochaco started to ask him what was wrong when she followed his gaze. A few feet off from where they stood, swayed a couple that looked terribly familiar. He was short and thick all around. Sweat dripped off the ebony strands of hair that flew away from his balding scalp. A gruesome, greedy look glinted in his eyes. Isn't that that politician? Mori?
His partner was lithe and pale. Her face was round and she looked stone faced as he threw her around. She had long, gorgeous black hair that fell like a waterfall from her head. Understanding dawned on Ochaco. Yuang!
She felt her body jerk but was held in place by Izuku. Ochaco turned to him with grit teeth. Her protest fell apart at the look on his face. It was cold, pure hatred. He began to move her again, dancing along with the crowd but only using a basic motion. When he spoke to her, it was a hiss of steamed anger that seeped out through his teeth.
"What is she doing here? Shouldn't she be back in China?"
"Yeah but how..." Ochaco swung her head to look between Midoriya and Yuang. The young woman looked up briefly and her eyes widened in recognition. Ochaco's heart stopped. The blood in her veins froze up and she slowly turned to Izuku. He gave her a small, sad smile as he let go.
"No. No, no, no. This can't be real."
"Ochaco," Deku said as he stepped away, "We can't make a scene. If Yuang's handlers figure out that we know her, we might not be able to get out of their hands. Please, for her sake."
Uraraka felt tears prick at the corner of her eyes. She knew he was right. Even in a room full of heroes, Yuang wasn't safe. The amount of quirks in such close proximity would allow her kidnappers to sneak her away in the commotion. She felt helpless as she turned away from Yuang's wide eyed plea. She closed her eyes and bit back the sour taste in her mouth.
"What do we do, Deku?"
Midoriya didn't answer. She opened her eyes to look, but he was nowhere to be seen. Ochaco fought back a sob and pushed her way through the crowd to the staircase. In a few moments, Ochaco reached her table. Fumbling for the phone in her purse, she took a few pictures of Yuang and Mori. Uraraka continued to watch them twirl around until Kyoka's bass played its last beat.
The band said their farewells and the crowd began to cheer as the banquet hall's lights brightened up. She noticed Mori dragging Yuang away from the crowd. This was her chance to save her! She only had to touch Yuang and they'd be home free. Using her Quirk on herself, Ochaco floated down to the left entrance wing of the hall. A few guests looked up in surprise, applauding her antics. Furiously working to undo the straps around her ankle, Uravity freed her feet and began to sprint towards the exit. With her dress hiked up to allow more movement, the pro burst into the hall that stretched out to a wall with five elevators. Ochaco almost tripped on her way to them and slammed her fists against their closed metal doors. With the awful feeling of failure pooling in her stomach, Uraraka watched as all the cabs announced that they had landed on different floors. She had lost Yuang.
