Heello! Another two weeks, another update! Smidge longer one this time, wanted to get through some more of the canon moments and down time ^-^ Hope you enjoy!
Footage information handed over. Footage watched. Finally, I could start to move past it and forge ahead with my progress as a newbie hero. Leave that darkness in the past, where it belonged. So first of all, I needed to look towards my training. And today, donning my costume and joining my classmates at the newly built arena, that meant a battle against Class 1B. To say that I was excited, would have been an understatement. Not only would it be amazing to see how everyone had come along with the practical applications of their quirks since the festival and camp, but also, we got to have another showdown with the other class. Beyond that, finally, Shinsou was getting his trial.
Whether he was meant to tell me or not, I had no idea, but the night before my phone had buzzed a few times in a row…
Shin: [oi! It's happening.]
[Seriously!]
[Ass-face are you listening to me?!]
[Share in my excitement dammit!]
[Oh i didn't say what's happening…]
[I'M GETTING MY TRIAL FOR THE TRANSFER NOW ACKNOWLEDGE ME]
Me: {Breathe you twat. And also… CONGRAT-U-FUCKIN-LATIONS!]
Shin: [Appropriately excited, thank you! I'm crapping it, but yeah, it's finally happening. I asked your Dad to not mention it to you before I did btw, so he wasn't hiding it or anything]
A part of me hated that Shinsou still felt the need to make those little comments, like he had to keep the peace between me and my Dad. But another part of me was always touched. Shin really cared. As cut off a guy as he could be, Shinsou could also be incredibly sweet. I suppose in a lot of ways, he was quite similar to Dad, wasn't he?
Me: {I assumed, but thanks for the clarification. So! Big reveal tomorrow is it?}
Shin: [Yeah, so you best put on your best 'omg I had no idea!' face.]
Me: {Oscar-worthy performance incoming.}
Shin: [Shit… Well, I'll see you tomorrow! Fingers crossed I don't fuck it up, eh?]
Me: {After all the work you've put in? No chance. You wouldn't dare disappoint my Dad like that… pfft, jokes aside, you'll crush it. I know you will.}
Shin: [Thanks… I hope you're right.]
Me: {I always am. Duh.}
So naturally, as soon as he stepped onto the training grounds I went to work. Before both classes, I gave it my all. Gasp. Bug-eyed. Looking around in astonishment. Pointing. Swooning. Struggling to form a sentence. Pinching myself. Everything and the kitchen sink, I threw it all into my performance.
"Wha? Shinsou!" I continued to squeal, throwing my arms up. "Whatever are you doing here? My gosh! Who knew! What a flabbgergasting surprise of surprises! I am all aghast with shock and awe!
Shinsou rolled his eyes and put a hand over his face. "You're an asshole."
Bakugo elbowed me in the ribs. "You already knew, huh?"
"Dunno what you mean!" I wailed from my latest swoon and flail upon the ground.
Shin nudged me with his foot. "Get up you dick."
"Okey dokey." I hopped to my feet, eager to see how the teams were being split up, dodging the next shove from Shin in the process. He told me, he made his own bed and he had to live with it. I am not a subtle person.
Shinsou would be on the team opposite mine. A small part of me wondered how much Dad had angled for that to be the case, but then again, I had no idea how much say he had actually had in the line ups. It might have been all Vlad. Class 1B's teacher definitely seemed intensely invested. A little biased as well. But I suppose it was likely a friendly rivalry between him and my Dad, after all, Dad's class was rather adept at making headlines by this point.
While the other teams battled it out, we had some time to wait.
Deku was of course watching the screens very carefully, muttering to himself as he dissected every move and decision from both classes. He was unstoppable.
During Sho's team's fight I had to sit on my hands to avoid getting involved. It looked like he had almost conquered the flash-fire move from his father. Perhaps even surpassed it? The heat reached us on the viewing platform. But aside from it being amazing, I was worried. His face, so focused and determined, was also clearly struggling. As long as he was pushing himself for himself, that was fine. But with his father's recent injury, and all the complicated feelings it had dredged up, I had to wonder where his motivations lay. We would talk about it later. But then things began to collapse. Shit. An entire tower was about to land on top of him. I leaned forward, ready to haul him out the way at the last second if need be. C'mon. Move. Someone else save him. Teachers? No? Not gonna do anything about one of your students nearly turning into a fuckin' pancake?!
Iida got him out.
I deflated and put my hands over my face, taking a few deep breaths; partially to slow my heart, partially to avoid going over and giving my Dad and Vlad a talking to. That had been very close. The match was a tie, but so much had happened during it. So many students had come on leaps and bounds. Sho… You really have 'leveled up'. Did you know you had? Did you want to surprise me with it? Seemed weird that he hadn't talked to me about it, but as soon as the doubts nipped at my heels I brushed them aside. Foolish. Don't be stupid. Why would he hide it? No doubt it was a spur of the moment thing, or he simply didn't want to mention it until he had tried it properly. He was that kind of guy. Ugh, I hated my head sometimes. So silly.
He was carried off on a stretcher, while Iida limped alongside and gave my wave a small nod.
Next up was Bakugos team, and as he started to work with people, I found myself glad I was already sitting down. Today was full of surprises.
Shinsou nudged my shoulder as he sat alongside me. "They're fighting well, huh?"
"Yeah, really well… Everyone's come so far since the festival, it's like a whole new host of students."
"Mm, the biggest difference of all being that you're actually taking part this time of course."
I pinked and looked down at my hands, covered in my costume of course, sparkling in the afternoon sun. "Yeah… A lot has happened since then, I guess."
"Couple lifetime's worth I reckon." He snorted and prodded one of the star designs on my arm. "But you're still here, still kickin' ass."
"Right." I nodded and drew a long breath. "How're you feeling about our match?"
"Gonna destroy you."
"Of course, sir." I laughed. "Mind you, I doubt it's a case of your team losing, meaning you don't get the transfer though."
He shrugged. "I've no idea how they're deciding it, but at the moment, I'm just gonna focus on doing my best. All I can do, at the end of the day. As much as I've had theory work, and training with your Dad, this is gonna be the first time I have some actual combat experience. In terms of that, Class 1B is far ahead of me, and 1A is leagues ahead of that. Then there's you."
"Mm." I pulled my hood closer. "Guess so. Not really applicable though, as with me it's more a case of knowing where that damned line is and ensuring… Well ensuring I don't end up a wreck."
He frowned. "What do you mean?"
One of Bakugo's explosions sounded in the distance. Scorch marks from Sho's flames littered the landscape. Yet they always knew when to stop, right? Or were their fallouts less obvious?
I swallowed hard, rather glad to have my cowl on to hide the expression that was likely written all over my face, displaying my nerves to the world.
Shinsou didn't nudge that time, he just touched his arm to mine. "Alex?"
"I just…" I sighed. "Trying to predict when my nerves will act up, or something from the Kimono incident, or the Yakuza incident might affect me, it's impossible."
"You think it could happen today?"
"Maybe? I got panicky the other day when I went to dinner at Sho's place." I tried to laugh it off, but the noise choked in my throat. My hands shook. "It was ridiculous."
"I'm sure he didn't think so."
"Of course not, he's far too patient." I hugged my knees to my chest. Dad glanced over at me and Shinsou, but didn't linger. Either he guessed it was a private conversation, or trusted that I was with a friend. Was his trust well placed? Or do I really need to be watched day and night? I gritted my teeth. "I was fine, in a house, surrounded by folks I could trust and depend on. Not only Sho but his big sister as well. Kindest woman I've ever met I think. And yet…"
"It snuck up on you."
"Right. That's the worst part, there's no fucking way to tell before it hits." I grumbled against my knees and thunked my chin off my kneecaps. "It's so annoying. So unpredictable. I can't plan for it, or strategize around it, I'm just its plaything."
"But you'll get better at knowing, right? It's not been long at all since the Yakuza thing."
"I guess…"
"Don't go rushing yourself like the dumbass you are." He chuckled. "No one else is expecting you to turn it around in a split-second, Alex. Seriously. This is school, we're meant to be learning. Stumbling here is kinda the point."
"Mm. Guess so. My main point is, don't go assuming I know everything when it comes to combat."
"Ah… Got it."
"Your lack of experience may well even be a plus in some areas." I tried to laugh again, to keep it light, but the noise became a bit strangled by the end. Damn. My nerves really are threadbare these days.
"You've got this Stasis." He stood up. "It'll be our turn any minute, you ready?"
I grabbed his hand and got onto my feet. "Yeah, of c-course." I cleared my throat. "Time to kick your arse."
He grinned and put his mask on. "That's more like it."
Running, sliding, skidding, halting, dismantling debris and throwing up more obstacles. The concrete jungle was perfect for my quirk; for me to aid my team whilst hindering the others. I'd managed to drag one of them into the jail already, but the sheer force I had to use made it hard to move myself otherwise. It had to be tried though, and now we knew. That couldn't be our main strategy, too many moving parts. So the team adjusted from there, and now, I was Support. Fine by me. I slowed the other team down and sped mine up, I held folks in place, or shifted them off their stance. It seemed as much of a threat as Shinsou was with his ever present threat of brainwashing–their team never knew what I might mess with next. Each team was on edge, the air was totally electric with nerves and competition.
But then the air really went weird.
Thick, like it had suddenly become humid.
I paused and turned, watching Deku soar through the air, readying an air blast at the Copycat weirdo guy. But something wasn't right. Deku looked panicked. Worried. Like he had just realised something terrible. I slid and stopped just shy of the edge of one of the platforms. It looked like he was having some kind of fit. Then black mist appeared, covering his body, swathing him in a weird darkness. My mouth went dry. Don't tell me it was the ooze. Was he about to disappear? It didn't look the same, but still. The echo of that sour taste coated my tongue in an instant, the memory hard to shift. I was sure it would be the same for Bakugo if he was seeing this. I reached out and held onto Deku's body, feeling how he twitched and struggled against whatever the hell was taking place. But he wasn't moving away. He didn't disappear. So it wasn't the ooze. But that didn't help much else.
Then came the tendrils.
Black mist-like tendrils erupted from his arm, curling out, whipping at the air angrily. My hold on him was rebuffed, like I'd been slapped across the face with Dad's capture weapon. What the hell? For a split second I wondered if it was some new attack Deku had learned, showing it off now in training. But no. The expression didn't match. He grasped his arm tight with his other hand, and even curled his leg round it too, like he was desperately trying to contain the weird power. It all happened in a matter of seconds. I'd barely had time to blink twice. This wasn't good.
"R-Run!" He choked out, right before the black tendrils pulsed and moved again. Boom. Crash. Thud. They lashed out in all directions, grabbing things, throwing others. I ducked and dived, scrambling for cover as the miasma of weirdness continued.
Deku landed in a heap a couple of platforms away. Right next to Shinsou. Deku begged him to get out, voice cracked as he explained he couldn't contain what was happening. He sounded so afraid. I recalled the feeling of my own power overwhelming me, the weight of it ready to crush me. It had been terrifying. He gasped, almost sobbing. He was in pain as well. And so alone.
I ran, feet moving before my mind had caught up. "Deku breathe! Just–"
"Run!" He screamed, the black tendrils lashing out again, smacking against the shield I threw between myself and Deku, blocking him from hitting either myself or Shinsou. Even so, pain ran along my arms, a dull ache. But the fact I felt anything showed how powerful an attack it had been.
I regained my balance just in time to see Deku being thrown around by the power. Completely at its mercy. His eyes, wild and terrified. His voice carried in it's confused wailing. I tried to block anyone else off from the attacks, knowing that if he hurt anyone due to this, Deku would be distraught. Be it my own team or not, my shields littered the field in seconds. As I concentrated on that, the air grew thick again. Deku was doing all he could to contain this, and even though it had been a matter of moments, barely even a minute, he looked exhausted. Curled in on himself, pinned against a pillar by the power, the air grew tight. Like a pressure was building. What would happen to Deku when it was released? His arms were already on the brink of being unusable. Shit.
Boom.
Another impact.
The tendrils lashed out behind him, as if the sky itself had pissed this power off somehow. Crap. This could really be hurting Deku, or worse, causing permanent damage. Another jolt from Deku. Deja Vu swamped me. It warned me. Duck. Something big was about to be flung my way. But wait, how did I know–shit! A huge beam of steel soared in my direction, flung by a tendril. I dodged, only just avoiding it before it crashed into the wall behind. What the hell? Why had I sensed that was coming? A headache threatened behind my eyes, but I shook it off. No time for that.
Ura ran in. She waved to me and pointed to Deku. I hoped she had a real plan, but for now I would just trust her judgement. She launched herself, using her quirk to get most of the way, and I guided her after that.
She yelled something as she managed to reach Deku, me having sealed her in a shield for a few moments to avoid too many tendrils hitting her on the way over. I wasn't sure what she said, but Deku shook his head. His teeth bared. Eyes wild. More tendrils lashed out. More destruction. I had to drop a few shields around the arena in the next second, my concentration only stretching so far.
"Shinsou!" Ura yelled, and I saw him further along our platform, watching in bamboozlement like most of the others. "Brainwash him! You need to stop Deku!"
I saw it. The worry, the spotlight landing on Shin, along with everyone's hope and expectation. But I knew he could do it. He glanced my way, and I smiled. This was part of the deal Shin, you have to adapt as things change. The battle is still on, but right now, a classmate just needs you to be a Hero, not an opponent.
Barely a moment later, he lowered his mask and grinned. "Midoryia!" He bellowed. "Let's fight!"
Deku wailed in pain, but managed to gasp out a response. "Okay!"
He went limp.
Tendrils retracted, and mist faded.
I breathed a sigh of relief and sank to my knees. Everyone took a second to take stock. Was he all right? Was he conscious? Shinsou looked across to me, and I gave a thumbs up. He did well.
Ura had hold of Deku as they floated down, slapping his face a few times to try and bring him round. The others started to move again. Were they continuing with the training? I guess so. No bell had been sounded, no call to stop. For some reason. Seemed like I'd be having a few words with Dad. First Sho, now this?
They landed and gradually Deku seemed to come round. All right, fine, for now we'd leave it at that. But now they had incoming enemies and I had teammates to defend.
It was hardly surprising when Deku leapt into action once again, dodging and dealing with the Copycat guy as if nothing had happened, but it did make me wonder about Bakugo's concerns. Deku shouldered too much, as a hero and a person. I had to reach out to him soon, a kind of ticking clock had appeared in my mind after seeing that strange black essence smothering his form. Soon, something would give. I had to help Deku avoid it being his nerve. Or if unable to prevent it, I could at least help him with the fallout.
Maybe.
But I had to try.
In the end, our team won. But it was a hard fought thing. Bruised, exhausted and exhilarated, we set our final victim into the pen and settled on the finish line, with Vlad's biased commentary bellowing in the background. It had been close, but even so, I could tell Shinsou was disappointed. I highly doubted it would be the make or break of his transfer, the main thing would be monitoring how he did in the training overall, including his mindset.
But as the post training debriefs poured in, and we discussed what the heck had gone on with Deku, Shinsou kept refusing praise. Over and over. I had seen it in our one-on-one training for sure, but this was a whole new level. Like he couldn't stand to be praised. Like it sickened him almost. Beyond it hardly helping with his cold demeanour with the others, it worried me. Like he couldn't stand to think of himself as capable, or heroic. For so long he'd been told 'your power would be perfect for a villain' and he'd refused that, fought against it. But had some of it sunk in?
Eventually he just sighed, looking down, totally defeated. "I did what I did because I wanted to fight Midoryia and beat him."
The heck was wrong with that?
I wanted to speak up, but Dad was already marching forward with that look in his eye. The kind of look that reminded me of a boiling pot of water, just before it went over and spilled across the hob. Oh boy. Good luck Shin.
He took hold of Shinsou's capture weapon and pulled. Tight. Shinsou gasped, partially strangled by the move, but certainly cut off from his self-deprecating spiel. That was one way to do it.
The others jolted.
I just pursed my lips.
My Dad was not a subtle man.
He glared at Shinsou, with all the cold oh-so-scary demeanour he liked to cling to. But I knew there was a warmth still present. He liked Shinsou, no doubt he felt a lot of common ground with him.
Having said that, he still grumbled at the student, voice laced with disapproval. "Nobody was asking any more than that from you."
And the lessons didn't let up. Slab after slab. We had all had months of training, he was expecting too much from himself. On and on.
Dad didn't let up. "You'll never protect anyone until you find whatever strength you need for yourself. If you think about it that way, your actions earned more than just a passing grade."
Shin was so in.
The other students chimed in and I just kept grinning whenever he looked my way. I could gush at him later about how well he had done, right now, he was getting it from everyone else first. Those who he couldn't even attempt to suggest might just be "being nice". And then it was announced that he was in. During Second Year, he would officially join the Hero Course. No idea which class, but that wasn't the important part.
I squeezed his arm with my quirk and winked.
He heard me loud and clear despite me not saying a word.
Fucking told you so.
From there our class went from strength to strength. Beyond the win against 1B, we also got to celebrate Bakugo and Sho qualifying for their provisional Hero licenses. They were officially allowed to do hero work for real. As exciting as that was, as we all gathered the celebration stuff in the common area of the dorms, eagerly awaiting their triumphant return, we got a second dose of exhilarating news. Well, I say exhilarating. For me, at the time, I was shitting myself. All over the news flashed reports of them taking on villains in the downtown area, presumably on their way back from the exam. Fresh off the qualifying and into the arena, I guess. But thankfully, they took care of it, and came out the other side having won, and neither being hurt.
However, their subsequent interview had left a lot to be desired. So it was decided that as a class, we needed some media training. Now. When this was realised, they all looked at me like I would have the guidebook ready to go. I didn't. With my press conferences it had been a fairly standard Q&A situation, or simply me handing out a statement and running away. But still, I had experience in front of the camera. They leaned close. I pointed to our instructors. I made it up as I went, the teachers might actually know what they were talking about!
Sho of course, got away with a lot of awkwardness due to being so damned photogenic. People and cameras alike tended to swoon in awe around him, though I admit, the fact he had worried over literally killing women with his smile had nearly floored me with laughter. Mountain Lady had no idea how to deal with him, but eventually, when I could breathe again, I managed to explain. He was so confused, and a little worried about all the times he had smiled at me and risked my life. My poor awkward prince. Eventually he understood, and then rolled his eyes at the idea of him being that handsome. At which point I flicked his forehead and reminded him to play on his strengths. It covered a lot of sins, and if he didn't intend to try to be less awkward, the swoon factor helped. He stopped pouting after that.
Mina stuck close to me, in fact, all of the girls did once Mountain Lady started on the 'use your assets' part of the lesson. She was very keen on us ladies using our own strengths, though she did seem to be rather too keen on that being based in… Well, to put it bluntly, sex appeal. The fight between her and Midnight on that talk show had become a viral sensation, but I knew where she was coming from. Sure, there was a certain pressure for female heroes to be a bit more 'alluring', but as the next generation of heroes, we had a chance to shift that. Especially if we worked together. Mountain Lady agreed, albeit a little begrudgingly.
And then there was Deku.
Oh boy.
It went beyond the clueless awkwardness of Sho, and around the angry crassness of Bakugo, it was like he was carved from stone. Badly carved. Why was he so nervous? I had never seen someone with such passion for Hero work, for saving people, for being the next Number 1. And yet, in front of a camera, he was as stiff as a plank of wood and as interesting as cardboard. Ooft. But then again, this would potentially be a good way in, for me to help him out. I also didn't miss the way Bakugo glanced at me when Deku got his solo lesson from Mountain Lady. Seems we had the same idea.
I jogged onto the pretend stage. "How about I work with Deku a little? I've trained with him a bit anyway, and we tend to work together pretty well."
She nodded. "All right, if you think you can get this guy to loosen up a bit!"
I led Deku away from the stage, and once we were slightly away from the group, he seemed to breathe easier. He slumped onto a bench and I handed him some water. After a few sips, and a couple moments of internal worrying, he resurfaced and looked up at me in pleading. Good god I wanted to just give him a cuddle and hide him from the world.
Those big green eyes could have swallowed me whole. "Alex… I'm hopeless."
"Not at all, you're just nervous." I knelt in front of him and tilted my head. "Remember how stiff and clumsy you were to begin with when it came to dancing?"
"Uh… How is this helping–"
"Do you?" I persisted. He nodded and sipped the water again, already bright pink at recalling those few days of looking like he needed his joints oiled. "And what happened after you worked with Mina? You got better. You loosened up, heck you even used those moves and flowing movement in your fighting style, right?"
He swallowed hard and nodded again, looking down. "But this isn't dancing. This is talking."
"Yeah, and it's just another thing to practise."
"I guess…" He closed his eyes. "I just… I know being in front of folks is part of the job, of course, I just never know how I'm meant to act. Too happy looks demented, too quiet looks shifty…"
"Look, this makes sense that you're struggling."
He blinked. "It does?"
"Of course, unless you're suggesting you were super out-going being a bullied and quirkless kid?"
I had of course checked we were alone, and even sealed a dome around us for sound-proofing, but of course he looked around in a panic. Then he realised. And then looked at me in apology.
I smirked. "You grew up in the background, watching folks like Bakugo yell about the place and hold the spotlight. No wonder you feel awkward in front of a damned camera, there's probably a foolish part of you thinking you don't deserve the attention."
He jolted.
Pink blush deepened to red.
Eyes stuck to his shoes.
Lips wobbled.
"Is it that obvious?"
Shit, had I gone too hard too fast? He might just clam up on me instead.
"No, I just…" I decided the honest route would be best. "I get it."
Slowly his eyes met mine again, unsure and wary. Everything about his posture had changed, from dejected to defensive. He hated that someone had spotted a weakness. Not because he was proud, but because he didn't think he had time for them, or was allowed them, or whatever it was he had foolishly begun to think. I knew why. Living up to All Might's power would be a heavy load for anyone, let alone someone as humble as Izuku Midoryia. Bakugo had been right. Deku needed help, and he was awful at asking for it. Or accepting it. Or recognising it. Bloody hell. C'mon… don't let me mess this up.
Deku tilted his head. "What do you mean, Alex?"
"When I did that first press conference after Kamino… I felt like a damned fool."
He frowned. "You looked so put together though."
"I'm good at bullshitting. Silver-lining of having had to pull small cons and such as a kid I guess." I shrugged at his bashful look to the side. "Point is, Deku. I was a mess. I didn't think the attention I was getting made any damned sense. Why did they care? I'm just a rat from the street."
"But you–"
I held up a hand. "I ain't saying I was right, I'm just explaining what was going through my head. Sound… familiar?"
For a few moments he seemed to toy with how much to share, how much to hide. I waited. Perhaps, like Sho, all Deku needed was to know that I was there, and I was willing to listen. My reaction wasn't important, he didn't need my input, but I did think he needed my help. Whatever Bakugo had started to notice during their training, it was seeping into other parts of Deku's world. And as a budding new hero, I had to help him however I could.
He rubbed the back of his neck, checking no one was nearby. "I just… I don't know why anyone would want to interview me, so without a real-world reason, no actual incident to talk about, I just… it all goes b-blank."
I nodded, his eyes searching mine for something.
He drew a long breath and bit his lip. "I guess I-I w-worry I'll end up giving it away, y'know?"
"Give what away?" I touch his arm for a mere moment, just trying to keep him grounded, keep him present, to avoid him tumbling into whatever pit of doubt was opening up under his shifting feet.
He swallowed. "That I'm new to all this. That I… That All Might… I…"
"Ah, okay, yeah I get what you mean, you don't need to say it." I offered and his smile was grateful.
I glanced towards the group, all chatting amongst themselves, practising things, or joking around. They had all had their quirks since they were kids, myself included. Hell, if I hadn't, I'd have likely been dead a long time ago. But Deku got his only a year or two ago, I wasn't sure on the exact timing, but it was a mere fraction of the time. But that also made his progress all the more impressive. Right. Maybe that was the right angle to focus on. He couldn't do a damn thing about his lack of time, but he could take proper note of all his current accomplishments.
"Can I give you my honest two cents?"
"Please." He half laughed, putting a hand over his face. "I feel so foolish."
"Well, first off, you're not foolish, not at all. But… Look I don't want you shutting down because of what I say, okay? I know you're bashful but… just take it at face value all right?"
He doesn't look all that certain, but he does at least nod. "A-All right."
"Look at how far you've come, in such a small space of time." I chuckled at his blush, his whole face soon matching a tomato. "Everyone else has been using, developing and building their quirks for most of their lives. You've done it in a matter of months."
"Well y-yeah but I–"
"You have." I touched his arm again, briefly. "You're doing amazing. All Might thinks so, your teachers think so, and your classmates think so. Don't ignore that, Deku. Please." I took his hands in mine and squeezed. "You ever found it annoying when I, or Ura or anyone else doesn't take one of your compliments?"
He frowns and nods. "I guess…"
"Then think of how much I want you to know I'm sincere right now. You have done amazingly, and nothing can take that away. No one can tell you didn't have your powers until recently, and you're not going to spoil that in an interview. All it looks like, is a new hero who isn't used to the spotlight yet. I promise."
He squeezed my hands back. "Y-You're right. I know that. I j-just…"
I waited, letting his hands go, ensuring I looked as patient as possible. We had all the time in the world.
He sighed. "So much is expected of me, and I don't know if I can measure up."
"You already have."
He jolted and looked at me with wide eyes. So unsure. So lost. Damn, there was one look Deku never should have worn, and that was it.
I smiled softly. "Beyond the fact you saved so many lives at the Yakuza incident, and brought me back from the damn brink on the same day, I see how much you've measured up every single time I see how All Might looks at you. During training, or any other time. He's so damn proud of you, I'm amazed he hasn't exploded with it." I shook my head. "And I like to think you know I'm not the type to exaggerate in this area."
Deku nodded. "Yeah… Yeah I trust that. I guess… I guess I just kept looking at how far I still have to go. I'm only using 20% a small amount of the time and… a-and…"
"And you have time to build beyond that. And friends to help you along that path." I looked at the group again, a couple of them glancing at us in concern. I focused on Deku. "You're an engaging person beyond this quirk, Deku. You inspire people simply by being you, not by having One for All."
He could not have blushed brighter if I stuck a neon sign up his nose.
I grinned. "You brought Eri's smile back, remember?"
He laughed breathlessly. "W-Wow… Okay, I guess there's no arguing with that."
"Mhm." I winked. "Now then, shall we rejoin the class before they think we're having some kind of illicit affair?"
He flustered. "Oh-my-gosh-do-you-think-Shouto-would-reall–"
"Of course he doesn't, you dumbass." I laughed and slung my arm round his shoulders, leading back to the group, most of whom looked calmed by the fact me and Deku were clearly now joking around. "I was just getting you out of your funk!"
"Alex… You're impossible."
"Thank you!"
In all honesty, until the snow hit, I had completely forgotten about Christmas. Where the hell had the time gone? I had no idea, but the big fat snowflakes were beautiful and at that moment it was all I cared about. Sitting on the porch, watching it build up over the path and lawns, clutching a hot chocolate with Sho sitting next to me under a blanket, life was good. Of course, I was still aware that the other shoe might be about to drop, I'm not daft, but for those quiet moments I made a point of enjoying them. Really letting them sink into my mind and make an impact. They had to, no doubt they would be few and far inbetween.
Sho checked the temperature of my hot chocolate and gave it a little boost before he sipped his own and sighed contentedly. "What're you thinking about?"
"How much I'm enjoying this moment."
"Guessing I did a good job on the drinks then?"
"As always, Mr Perfect." I smirked and laid my head against his shoulder. "It's great. And soon Eri will be here for the celebrations, and just maybe I can use the word 'perfect' unironically."
"Wow, quite the occasion."
"I know." I snorted and nuzzled into his warmth. "Been a bit of a mad year, huh?"
"Mm, so far, pretty intense. But not without its perks." He kissed the top of my head and I felt my face grow warm. "Seems you made a good impression on Midoryia the other day by the way."
"Mm? You think so?"
"He took a compliment without wavering yesterday, it was quite odd actually." He rested his head against me. "Saving everyone now, are you?"
"He looked ready to snap in half during that media training, there was no way I couldn't at least attempt helping out."
"You do good, Alex. That's all I'm saying." He hummed, another wave of warmth drifting over me as I finished my drink.
A taxi rolled up to the path and parked, and I had already spotted Mirio through the window.
Sho took my empty mug from me. "Seems like the festivities are about to begin. I still want to give you your present alone later though, is that okay?"
"Of course." I gave him a quick kiss. "As long as you're still wearing that adorable Santa outfit."
He blushed and glanced down at his colourful costume, looking utterly adorable.
I got up and held my arms open to the quickly approaching Eri. She dashed up the snowy path, big eyes wide and smile beaming. Her hair flailed behind her, and her little santa hat nearly fell off, but as she jumped into my arms, nothing else mattered.
I spun in a circle. "Oof! Glad to see me, huh?"
"Yes! The driver was so slow because of the snow, I was worried we would be late! But we're here! You're here! Is Deku here too?"
"He's inside helping finishing off the cooking." I laughed and let her settle against my hip. Sho stood up, blanket over his arm, mugs held by their handles in one hand. I gestured to him, and as much as she was still smiling, Eri did lean closer to me as I stepped towards Sho. "Not sure if you've officially met him before, but this is Shouto, my boyfriend."
She clung to my jumper, big eyes looking him up and down, narrowing a little.
He dipped his head and held out his free hand to shake. "Pleased to meet you, Eri. I've heard a lot of things about you from Alex."
Safe to say, as soon as he started talking and gave the merest peek of his smile, she was blushing and nodding along. She held her hand out, not knowing really what to do. He gave it a gentle shake and she giggled.
She hid in the crook of my neck, whispering. "He looks like a Prince from one of my story books."
"Mhm, he does indeed." I winked at him when he let go of her hand, looking confused, or perhaps even worried he had done something wrong. Like he ever could.
Dad and Mirio came up the stairs, her little bag and jacket in tow.
She then jolted. "I forgot! Tricky treat!"
Dad smirked. "Not quite the right holiday, but close, kid."
I kissed her cheek and we headed inside.
Everyone was ecstatic to meet Eri properly, and the food was delicious. We sat, ate, laughed and talked for hours. It was brilliant. A proper family get together. No doubt Dad would have something special planned with Nemuri and Hizashi tomorrow morning – or rather Nemuri will have planned it and told him to make arrangements. But this dorm of kids was my own kind of family. Except Mineta, who was just the creepy Uncle everyone hoped lost the invitation or got stuck in a snowdrift.
It was a great night. Eri had a good time, and seemed to be loving getting to meet everyone. She seemed especially fascinated by Mina's hair and horns. I had noticed that Eri's horn was getting a little bigger again, but Dad assured me that they were monitoring it, and they would ensure she wasn't going to end up hurting herself. Or anyone else.
Work studies came up and a few folks weren't sure where they would be going. Between Knight-eyes being in a bit of a mess, and Best Jeanist still being missing, it was unclear where either Bakugo or Izuku would be going. I knew they'd figure something out. Heck, they could have come along with me and Dad maybe? Or then again, that might not suit their styles.
Far too soon, Eri had to head home, and we had to clean up. I said my goodbyes and got to work on gathering the torn paper and discarded ribbons, floating them all to the bags. Then it was the plates and the general mess.
"You've done enough, Alex! Go on, run while you can." Momo smiled and nodded towards Sho who was lingering by the stairs, having also been dismissed from further clean up duties.
"Thanks love." I set the latest stack of plates on the counter and jogged over to Sho's side. "So, your room for presents, or…?"
"I wanted to go to the roof actually, is that okay? Just… Somewhere for us." He smiled softly, offering his hand so we could start climbing the stairs.
I took his hand. "Sounds nice. I'll meet you in my room and then I'll lift us?"
"Perfect." He kissed my cheek and when we reached the right floor, he headed for his own room, me then skipping up the next flight to get my parcel ready.
It wasn't anything much, just a sketch I had done of his family sitting together at the family dinner table, casual like. But his mother was there, and his father wasn't. I had been unsure about including myself in the picture, so I did two versions, one with me by his side, and the other without, just in case. So it was both sketches, one behind the other, inside a nice frame I'd managed to find. All wrapped in a box, topped with a bow.
A couple minutes later he knocked on my door, and I lifted us up from my balcony to the roof where a good inch of snow had gathered. We landed gently and he immediately set a couple candles around us and lit them. Very romantic. I sealed us in a dome to save us from the wind chill, and soon enough we were warmed by his quirk as well. Perfection.
He brought out a book shaped package, his cheeks already dusted with a blush. No doubt he was worried I wouldn't like the gift, somehow. I accepted it, and handed him his.
"You first." He insisted with a smile.
I undid the paper and found myself looking at a small scrapbook. On the front, the cover looked like the redbrick of the dorms, and the label said 'Family'. Immediately my throat thickened. He'd been cute with his gift. Of course he had. On the first page was an image of our class when we started out, taken during one of our training days, all of us in our original costumes. No one was looking at the camera, but it was still a great shot. Bakugo was rolling his eyes, Sho was seemingly looking in my direction, I was laughing with Mina and Jiro about something, and Deku was blushing as Ura talked to him. So much had happened since then, it had to be before the USJ.
I smiled and turned to the next page.
It was me in a hospital bed, surrounded by them all, them all pulling faces–well, other than Iida and Sho of course. Sho's eyes were staring at the camera and Iida seemed to be in the middle of a lecture. Perhaps beforeI woke up? Had to be. The next page was me and Mina on our way to class, arms round each other's waists, laughing. Then me and Ura in the gym gamma, training together. I had no idea where the images had come from, presumably various people's phones. But he had gone to a lot of trouble collecting it all.
Then it was pictures of the dorms. I laughed at the group shots, the movie nights, the festival prep. It was all there, all building up to tears running down my cheeks. Happy tears. But boy did they come thick and fast. One picture, which I knew for certain had come from Hizashi, was of me and Dad on the sofa in Dad's apartment. I was asleep, hair barely stubble, bundled in a blanket, my legs over his lap, him slumped towards me, my head lolling near his. Damn we were cute. But damn I was going to have words with Hizashi.
It was amazing.
A few photos of just me and Sho were in there as well, and one from an angle in the coffee shop we had been in with Fuyumi. She must have taken it when coming back from the bathroom or something. Did he ask her to? How long had he been planning this book? We were looking at each other, and I swallowed hard as I saw how much of an ooey-gooey mess we looked.
Finally I managed to look up at him, smiling and half sobbing as I tried to articulate how much I adored the gift. For a second, he looked worried, but that laughter brought his own smile out. He stepped forward and I threw my arms round him, holding tight as I tried to form a sentence.
"You're… Too… God-Damned… Cute!"
He lifted me slightly. "I rather think that's you, but agree to disagree, I guess. So, you like it?"
"I love it." I sniffed and leaned back so I could kiss him. "Just like I love you, and I wish I'd done better with your present now." I sniffed again and laughed, trying to claw back some composure.
He rolled his eyes and kissed the end of my nose. "Nonsense, you'll have done an amazing job. I love you too, by the way. There's some space at the back of the book too, for more shots. I thought you might have a couple of your own you wanted to use. Maybe get a few with Eri."
I nodded. "Thanks, it's so great, Sho." I hugged the book and nodded to his present. "Go ahead."
He tore the paper, revealing the small black box I'd put the frame inside. He opened it and went rather still. For a moment I wondered if he had frozen solid, but then he slowly raised it and studied it closely. It was the version with just him, his siblings and his mother. Sat at the table, enjoying tea and soba with the sun washing in, a vase of his mother's favourite flowers sat on the table. Did he like it? Did he think it was stupid? I held my breath. Eventually he looked up from the image, his eyes a little misty.
He opened and closed his mouth a few times before making any noise. "It's beautiful. You've captured their likeness so well, especially… e-especially my Mom's smile." He swallowed. "Thank you. Thank you so much." He pulled me into a fresh kiss, but then put his forehead to mine. "If I might ask for a slight change next time?"
"Mm?"
"Put yourself in there too?" He smiled, going in to kiss me again when I leaned back, and using my power revealed the other slip of paper inside the frame, being the same image, but with my sitting next to him, me head on his shoulder, smiling along with them. He jolted and beamed at me. "Now it's perfect."
"No, I rather think that's you." I grinned and he swooped me into another kiss, spinning on the spot till we parted and I laughed loudly, heart thundering and cheeks starting to hurt from all the smiling. Damn. What an amazing Christmas Eve.
"Fuyumi might well demand her own one." He chuckled as he stowed it safely back in its box, his arms soo returning to wrapping around me. "Have you had a good night?"
"Yeah, it's been magical. You?"
"Mhm, it was a little frustrating to know I can't visit my Mom till tomorrow afternoon, but this has been great for distracting me. And of course, spending time with you is never a bad thing." He added with a snort.
"Want me to come with, tomorrow?"
"You have patrol that night, don't you?"
"I have time to say hello." I touched my nose to his.
"That would be great. Oh, and before I forget, I talked with Bakugo and Midoryia downstairs, about Work Studies and uhm…"
"Yeah?"
He looked to the side. "Well I suggested they come to my father's agency with me as they have nowhere else set up. And it got me thinking about something you'd said."
"Uhuh?"
"I know you've been having a great time with your Dad, but I wondered if maybe you'd want to try the other side of pro work as well? You did mention maybe wanting to try the more 'in the open' side to things."
I blinked. "Oh… So… Come with you three? Is that not going to be asking too much of–"
"If he can handle three, he can definitely handle four."
"Well, if you're sure, that sounds like a great opportunity!" I bounced on the spot. "I have that one more patrol with Dad planned tomorrow night, but I'm sure he won't mind me getting experience elsewhere after that. I'll talk to him about it tomorrow morning, okay?"
"Perfect." Sho breathed, holding me close and kissing my cheek, then the other cheek, then my nose and finally my lips. "Merry Christmas, Alex."
"Merry Christmas, Sho."
Out on patrol with Dad on Christmas Day, and of course… It was my turn to mess up.
Dun dun duuuuun. Yup. Sorry, couldn't resist that tiny addition and cliffhanger pfft! Thanks for reading, following, faving, and of course reviewing! Love chatting to you guys, see you in a couple of weeks! Shoutouts below!
Just a mention again, I had a Ko Fi page if you fancy giving me some love, uploads shall happen regardless ^-^ same name/pfp as on here! Thanks!
SHOUTOUTS:
Zikashigaku: Yuuuup she is insane haha. I really enjoy showing all those different moral angles, so the white haired lady is a loooot of fun to play with. I adored the Endeavour scene in the manga, so I couldn't skip it, I just couldn't. I'm so glad you're still enjoying their scenes together, I love writing them, so I'm thrilled to know they still work! Hope you're still enjoying, thanks so much for reviewing!
Calinan: Hey! I'm so glad you saw my response! No worries at all, I fully appreciate that, and am glad you're enjoying the story ^-^ I just like to clarify things when I can! Big bonus of being able to respond to reviews as a work is being uploaded! Thanks so much for chiming in and I hope you're still enjoying!
