Itsuka woke up at the crack of dawn, giving her time to get a shower, get dressed, and have breakfast. She wasn't sure what she wanted. There was the standard western style bacon and eggs. Or maybe something with fish. There was probably some in the fridge. Protein and carbohydrates were definitely going to be vital to her day.

Her mom came into the kitchen, smelling the air with an enamored hum.

"What's for breakfast, Itsy? Smells good"

" I settled on some porridge and lean meat. Wanted to mix it up.

"Just save some for your father. He went straight to the garage. By the way, I thought you would be at the train station by now," Her mother yawned, preparing for her day as well.

"I'm getting a ride to school. A friend insisted. I would say I slept in but you brought me up to be honest."

"Damn straight I did. So...Do I know this friend?"

"We both know you do, mom. No need to embarrass me." Itsuka sighed and gave a sheepish smile as her mother ruffled her hair.

"I'm your mother. I am allowed. So Momo offered you a ride, huh? Maybe when that bike of yours is finished, you can give her a ride." Mrs. Kendou winked as she placed a morsel of egg into her mouth.

Just then, a car horn sounded, signifying Momo's arrival. Saved by the bell, or horn in this case. Itsuka slammed down her coffee, ignoring the heat in her mouth.

"Bye, mom. Be sure not to kick dad's was too hard for spending so much time with his car."

"I'll try. Make sure to invite Momo over for dinner, Itsy. We still miss her."

"You'll never stop until I do so I promise." the teenage girl shook her head and headed out the door, backpack in tow, ready for whatever the day had in store.

X

Itsuka slid into the back and dropped her backpack on the floor in front of her seat. She had not been in a limousine in some time. She supposed it only made sense, as she was going to a prestigious school that not many people were able to get into.

"Good morning, Itsuka. Did you sleep well?" Momo smiled, feeling at ease as she sat close to her oldest friend.

"Like a log. How about you, Ms Princess?"

"I woke up a little earlier than usual. I wanted to proofread a few things before I got ready," Momo was in the process of tying her hair into its trademark ponytail. "I did cut it close unfortunately. Apologies for being a bit of a mess."

Itsuka just smiled and patted her friend's shoulder, but her heart would not stop beating. Her childhood friend was gorgeous with her hair down.

"No sweat. You should see me without my ponytail. You know, growing up with you, I have ridden in these before, but I am still not used to it."

"I hope you aren't overwhelmed."

"If I wasn't overwhelmed back then, I won't be now. You're fine."

"Don't try any funny business with miss Yaoyorozu." The driver joked. Itsuka thought he looked vaguely familiar. She knew the Yaoyorozus had several servants and employees, but some were longer standing than others.

"I'm no good at telling jokes, Sebastian. It will be alright." the redhead quipped back.

Sebastian laughed heartily. It had been years since he had taken both girls anywhere

"It's good to have you back, Miss Kendou. Sharp as always. Glad you remember me."

"I try my best. And I could never forget you."

"That is comforting, young miss." the old driver smiled, his eyes twinkling as they were reflected in the rearview mirror.

Itsuka chuckled and gave a gentle smile before turning back to Momo.

"Of anyway, how is Class A? I don't think we really had time to discuss it."

"I can't say. They certainly are a lively bunch so far. We all seem to have potential but I can't make a good assessment just yet. Bakugou seems quite volatile and Midoriya is quite kind and humble, if not a bit peculiar. How about class B?"

"They're a good bunch so far. They can be a little chaotic and it has only been a few days so I can't say for sure either, but I have already made some friends. I should introduce you sometime"

"I would like that. Perhaps we will get the chance one day."

"I could invite you to sit with us at lunch. Our table might not be large enough for your friends too but we can make something work," the redhead twirled her ponytail around her finger as she looked away briefly.

"I would like that. I get along well with my classmates I suppose, but I haven't gotten that close to anyone just yet. Ashido is rather friendly though and Jirou seems nice, if not sort of aloof. I could invite them."

"Works for me. I'll ask them today,"

"I would like that."

"I hate to interrupt your discussion, girls, but we have arrived at UA."

"Oh wow. There seem to be a lot of media here. I wonder why?"

"I'll meet you at lunch, ok?"

"Unfortunately, I cannot. We are going to USJ today. Perhaps tomorrow?,

" Of course. No worries. I hope you have a good , your class is lucky. We just have normal classes today."

"Sorry you don't get to do anything different. I hope your class gets to go to USJ next."

"Hey, don't worry. I am sure we will. We might end up training somewhere else. Glad sensei mentioned USJ actually so we will be training there some time after you, I imagine."

"Fingers crossed. I just wish we could train together but it is only the beginning of the school year. I am certain other opportunities will arise."

"Same. Anyway, we should get going. You don't want to miss class, or your bus." Itsuka patted her friend on the back, giving her a wide smile. "Best of luck on rescue training."

"Thank you. I hope your day proves eventful as well."

"You're welcome. And believe me, I doubt my day will be any more eventful than yours."

Little did either girl know just how true that last statement would be.

X

Time had been a blur ever since the attack on USJ. So many questions had arisen with no opportunity for answers. Thirteen and Eraserhead were busy and the class was split up. It seemed like the villains were after All Might but they had gotten a class full of potential hostages instead.

Momo hid out in an insulated blanket with Kyouka, the two girls hiding themselves as their classmate Denki unleashed his quirk. Unfortunately, there were massive casualties in the form of brain cells. They would be sorely missed. Momo was concerned for the boy but at least all three of them could survive, at least for the time being.

Alongside the brain cells, Momo's costume was also shredded. She could always make a new one or cover up with something else.

At her side, Kyouka was struggling between inadequacy over her own body and trying not to pass out from the attractive girl next to her who was practically naked. She cursed her little gay heart for beating so fast in this situation.

However, burgeoning feelings were the least of their worries. Despite their valiant efforts, the students were still outclassed and outnumbered. Hopefully relief would come soon.

Momo gave a reassuring smile to Kyouka and prepared a new costume for herself. Afterwards, she produced some swords for her and her female classmate to defend themselves.

The vice president of 1-A looked ahead, worried for her classmates.

"I hope they are alright."

There was a possibility that not all of them would get out unscathed, their bright futures cut short. In that instant, her thoughts turned to Itsuka.

X

Earlier in the day, Momo and Itsuka had parted ways and headed to their respective classrooms. Itsuka exhaled. She knew that the Yaoyorozus were a big deal and that All Night being a teacher was even bigger, but the whole thing still seemed ridiculous.

"Jeez, it is wild out there. All that media. So noisy," Reiko spoke softly, her hands dropped in front of her. "You think they would have called down after that last incident."

"Yeah. It is. Momo and I could barely get through the front gate."

Itsuka's eyes widened as she slammed a hand in front of her mouth. But it was too late. She had chummed the waters. Sure enough, Setsuna slithered in.

"Oh? Did you two come to school together? Having sleepovers already? Damn, you move fast."

"We haven't had sleepovers since before she moved. It's not like that. She just...offered to have her driver pick me up so we could go to school together. He used to do the same when we were kids."

"Eeeeee~ That is so cute! It is just like my favorite anime!" Pony chimed in, overhearing the story. "It's like this one anime I watch: Handcrafted Lily blossom: a romance in Red"

"Hey, chill, ok? You're embarrassing me. Life isn't an anime and even if it was, I doubt I would be a central figure. Shonen is more my thing anyway."

Setsuna leaned on Itsuka, giving a toothy smile while tossing her hair back.

"Yeah, yeah. Nothing is going on. You two totally aren't reconnecting in an adorable way at all. What next, are you going to have her sit with us at lunch next?"

Itsuka fell silent and bit her lip. Setsuna nearly fell over laughing. This was just too good.

"Oh my God! You are! Yes! I will totally save her a seat. Maybe we can move our tables together. We'll have to invite her when she gets back from her field trip."

"Aren't the tables welded to the floor? Several of them are booths. It's like a food court arrangement."

"Um, we can have Awase help." Setsuna sassed, eager to play matchmaker for someone she had already considered one of her best friends.

"How? That isn't his quirk." Itsuka laughed incredulously. She appreciated her friend's enthusiasm at least. Setsuna definitely was supportive.

"Life finds a way, Itsu! Life finds a way!" Setsuna shouted enthusiastically

"Tokage! Do not take the Lord's name in vain." a voice spoke up from the back, it's owner folding her hands in solemn prayer.

"Sorry, Shiozaki. But yeah. This is great. I want to meet your childhood sweetheart. This is going to be fun."

"Fun? She seems kind of pompous and hoity toity to me. Just because she is recommended and has rich parents doesn't mean she is any more amazing than us."

"Monoma, you have rich parents," Itsuka glared. She didn't get what his issue was. Was he jealous? That was a question for another time.

Trying to cling onto an air of sophistication, Monoma spoke as he ran a hand through his hair. "Not the point, Kendou. I -"

"Oh my, there's a point? Now shush. Let's give Itsuka some breathing room. Sorry if I was too much there, president High-five," Setsuna cut the blonde boy off, looking back at her friend and allowing her some space.

"It's fine. Thanks. Anyway, let's take our seats. We can talk about Momo later."

"I would rather talk about anything else but that is fair." Monoma relented.

"Attention students and faculty, this is your principal. Please stay calm but we need all available faculty to report to the USJ. There has been an incident involving villains there and we need all hands on deck. Aizawa and Thirteen are down and All Might is on his way. We must ask all students to remain in their classrooms."

Itsuka's blood ran cold and everything just froze around her. Momo was in danger and she was powerless to do anything.

"You heard the man… mouse...bear...principal. You heard the principal. We are heading to USJ. Kendou and Tokage? You are in charge. Keep your classmates in check and we will try to be back as soon as possible."

Vlad was surprised. He didn't expect this. Well, he could see Tetsutetsu or Monoma making a rash decision. Kendou though? She had proven to be even keeled and respectful. He had no idea why she was ready to do something so risky.

"I am afraid that this is non-negotiable. We cannot have any more students in danger. We will handle this. We have the experience. Sit tight, ok."

"Setsuna, Honenuki...I am going to the restroom. Keep an eye on everyone. I trust my cabinet."

Itsuka could hear Tsuburaba under his breath. "Man, is she ok? A bit dramatic for a bathroom break? Kind of sounds like Monoma."

Itsuka hated this. She could feel tears pouring down her cheeks. She was scared. Her fellow students were in danger and she could do nothing. What's more, her best friend was in peril. She wanted to trust everything would be ok. That Momo and her class could hold out until the teachers and principal could arrive.

And yet her heart was uneasy. Who was behind all of this? Was it the same party that managed to get the press onto school grounds? How could they get clearance to do so? Did she even dare to think about that? Itsuka wanted desperately to turn that part of her brain off at that moment. Her teacher trusted her. Her classmates needed her. They were probably just as worried as she was.

If Itsuka went through with what she was tempted to do, she was going to be in so much trouble. Vlad-sensei was going to be mad. No, it was worse than that. He was going to be disappointed. But She had to come along. She had to see if Momo was alright. She was not losing her again. Not now, not ever.

No. Stop it, Itsuka. Get it together.

The pros had this. She had to keep her classmates safe as the teachers did their thing. While not A recommended student, the red-head had proven herself capable and in the short time they had been at UA, she had earned their trust and admiration and would not let her down.

And yet now her emotions were behind the wheel and she was running down the hallway. She wasn't sure where she was running to, as there was no way she could get to the USJ in time and the teachers had already left. Was she letting them down? Her classmates? What about her parents or even herself. What about Momo?

She wasn't answering Itsuka's texts however. She must have been tied up. At least that is what the girl hoped it was. She didn't want to think of the alternative. There was one other option though.

I:"Iida, are you there? Is Momo ok?"

Itsuka pocketed her phone after sending the message. She sighed and slumped against the nearby lockers. A familiar voice broke her out of her stupor.

"Hey...you ok, Kendou?"

Itsuka looked up to see all the girls in her class, faces painted with worry over the sudden erratic behavior from their most even-keeled member.

"Yeaj, I'm fine. I'm totally fine. I'm… I'm that obvious, huh?"

"Like a sore ginger thumb. Come on. We've got you." Setsuna pulled her friend into a hug. It caught the normally strong Itsuka by surprise.

"Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it. I'll keep texting her and Iida."

Sure enough, 1-A's class president responded to the freckled girl's text.

"Hi Kendou-san. Sorry for being unable to talk but I will make sure she is safe. She is my vice president and classmate after all."

"Thanks. You are the best."

"Thank you. That means a lot. I must go now."

"Be fast, Mr. President. I'm counting on you."

"Iida from Class A managed to escape and run into All Might, who got in touch with the rest of the teachers. He is headed back with them"

"That's a relief...Itsuka?"

"Yes, Setsuna?"

"I'm scared too. I actually...I haven't talked about it much. Didn't want to freak the guy out as it has been a long time… but I have an old friend in that class too. I am worried, girl. I'm not totally in love with him like you are with Momo-chan. I think her one friend is cute, personally…"

" I am not in love with Momo." Itsuka felt a sweat drop rolling down her temple. She was trying to convince herself as much as she was Setsuna. It did not work that way.

"Itsuka, babe? You are a stand-up person. A great gal. You suck at lying. The point is though, it's ok to be frustrated and afraid. We are training to be heroes but we are also just kids. And so are they. I imagine that if the script was flipped, they would feel the same way...mostly. There is one guy I am unsure of personally. But we just have to hang tight and hope it works out."

"If you need support, we have you, Itsuka. You are our president and classmate but also our friend. We'll be here for you." Reiko joined in on the hug.

"Nnn" Yui nodded. She wanted to say more but opted for body language instead. She was not a very talkative person to begin with. Her own feelings made it even more difficult. What mattered more now, however, was comforting her friend.

"Thank you. All of you. I really needed this. Sorry for being so emotional. I just… I don't want to lose her. Not again." Itsuka felt a twinge of relief creeping into her heart. She was still anxious, but this was very welcome at the moment.

"I understand,Kendou. However, you don't have to go through this hardship alone. Have faith in us as we have it in you." Ibara stepped forward, face painted with compassion and concern.

"What she said! Shroomy!" Komori piped up, joining in on what was becoming a group hug to both warm their friend up and shield her from the guilt she felt for not being there.

"Alright. I feel better now. A little at least. Cone on. I think I have a way we can pass the time while the teachers take care of things."

Walking back inside the classroom, the girls noticed their male classmates gathered around, clearly curious.

"Sorry about that, everyone. I just needed some air. I'm back though." Itsuka cleared her throat, her head now being in a similar state.

"You sure you're ok, Kendou? You ran out pretty quick, Tetsutetsu stood up, concerned for who he viewed as the manliest girl in his class.

"I'm fine, Tetsutetsu." Itsuka took a deep breath and smiled at her friend, giving a thumbs up.

The boy blushed and looked at his feet. "OH wow, Kendou. This is so sudden. I didn't expect you to call me by my first name. This is moving so fast," Tetsutetsu bashfully stated.

Itsuka just squinted and felt her brain come to a screeching halt. It was an easy mistake, she supposed, but she was here to calm her class.

"Anyway, I know it is frustrating we didn't get to go to USJ today. It's also kinda scary that our sister class is under attack by villains. The teachers will have it covered but it looks like it is up to us to manage ourselves. I know this is silly as we are in a hero school but I have an idea. Setsuna, if you may." Itsuka stepped to the side and let her VP have the floor.

"Let's distract ourselves with a game of heads-up."

"This is childish, isn't it? I am a little disappointed by this sad attempt to rein us in." Monoma sighed from his chair. Itsuka pinched the bridge of her nose, but took a deep breath as well. Her classmate was frustrating but she sensed he was getting stir crazy. Furthermore, his passive aggressive behavior was his coping mechanism.

"I know. It is worrying that we can't be out there helping or learning and that we are on the sidelines. However, 1-A likely wasn't expecting this either. In their shoes, we would be just as unprepared. We just have to trust our teachers to take care of it and do our best to keep our heads on straight. No teachers means we have to look after ourselves. And while this game might seem childish, Vlad sensei trusted us all to compose ourselves until he gets back. Understood?"

The class nodded in approval. They were still mostly confused and concerned but Itsuka's words put most of them at ease. Only Monoma still seemed unsure. Finally he relented.

"You really are a good leader, Kendou. I hope we don't have to wait too long to see that in the field." Monoma grinned. "Ok, start the game."

Itsuka felt energized and looked over her class.

"You heard him. Everyone get ready. The game is about to begin."

They played several rounds until the teachers returned. 1-A was safe and, while several parties were injured, everyone had made it out alive.

Itsuka sighed in relief and thanked whatever gods were listening in that moment. She wasn't religious by any means but she was definitely grateful.

X

Itsuka composed herself. The bus pulled up with class 1-A on board. She stood by, hoping there were no casualties. She certainly would have heard if there were, but it didn't hurt to be sure.

Momo stepped off of the bus, having a conversation with her friends about the harrowing experience they had come out of. Her eyes met Itsuka's. They stood there for what seemed like ages. The other 1-A girls took notice and walked away, promising to talk to their friend later.

"Hey…"

"Hello…"

Before either could really take time to assess the situation in a calm and collected manner, they had run to each other and embraced. Neither was sure how to encapsulate their feelings through words right now. Not to each other. In this instance, actions spoke louder than words. However, there were some words that came hard and fast from Itsuka's lips that took her by surprise.

"Do you want to come over to my house for dinner?"

"Oh...this is sudden." Momo blinked rapidly, a blush creeping across her cheeks. It had certainly been a while. She was certain it had come up and it certainly wouldn't be her first time at the Kendou residence. And yet something about it made her nearly breathless. It was like long buried feelings had resurfaced and she wasn't sure if it was nostalgia or genuine emotion.

She couldn't risk going in heart first. Besides, after USJ, Momo needed to just curl up with a good book and have some space. Possibly. She wasn't sure. Part of her didn't want to be alone. The whole situation had her on needles and pins. Itsuka saw and understood.

"I mean...Doesn't have to be tonight. You literally went through a lot. But my family misses you and I just think a bit of normalcy might help now. If you like." The redhead smiled.

"I do. Like it, I mean. Is your weekend free?" Momo smiled back and wiped her bang from her eyes. Using her quirk, the rich girl produced a day planner and prepared to make a note.

"Weekend is fine. That might be best actually."

"Wonderful. I anticipate seeing you all."

"Same. Hey… Momo… um...a heads up...my class is probably going to drop by to see yours. They want to get a feel for what kind of class you are. They are sure to have questions about what happened today,"

"I suppose you are right. Oh! I would offer tea but that isn't really something I can just do in homeroom. We...do have some students in our class that might need to be reigned in, but I will try and make sure we leave a good impression."

"Yeah. Might just be best to be friendly and accommodating, but your heart is in the right place so always. Just relay that info to your class and they should be fine."

"Thank you for the heads up. I will relay it to Iida." Momo bowed courteously

"Good idea. Speaking of Iida…"

"He told me you texted him. I appreciate your concern for me. I'm stronger now than I was at 8 though."

Itsuka smiled and laughed. She supposed so.

"Yeah. Sorry for worrying so much."

"No need to apologize. You always doted on me a little, even when you have me space to figure things out. You never coddled me but you always supported me."

"You're my best friend, Momo. I will never stop caring." Itsuka smiled, walking alongside Momo.

A limousine pulled up moments later. Itsuka figured it was Sebastian. Sure enough, it was. He politely honked the horn and peeked his head out the window.

"Are you ready, young miss? I heard all about the incident."

"Yes. We made it out… I'm a bit shaken up but no worse for wear. Thank you for waiting until I returned to the school before picking me up."

"But of course. I respected the young Miss' wishes. Is young Kendou joining us?"

Itsuka shook her head, ready to protest. She appreciated the lift to school but could take the train back herself. However, she felt something warm wrap around her hand: Momo's.

"I insist, Itsuka. It will give us more time to talk."

Itsuka was unable to refuse.

"Alright. I'll call my family and let them know, but they will probably insist you at least come inside." Itsuka chuckled as her heart pounded faster.

Momo struck a confident pose before pulling her friend into the limousine. "I suppose so. Now let's go. We don't want to keep Sebastian waiting."

And with that, Itsuka was caught up in a whirlwind again, thanks to this girl.

Hey. Sorry I take so long lately. Work and just general life stuff keep me busy and my motivation and creative energies tend to suffer a little. I feel the ending is kind of weak as I had to space some things out.

Pacing can be tough to manage, even after years of practice.

I skipped over most of the USJ attack as I wanted to focus on Momo and Itsuka. I will explore the aftermath going forward but for now, that is my decision. I also don't feel like retreating canon too much (plus I am going to cover it more in detail when I handle it in You Say Run).

Next chapter should be dinner at the Kendou and set up for the Sports Festival. I have several plans but I want to get them better organized.

Finally (unless I think of something later) I want to make the arc of Momo and Itsuka becoming a couple feel satisfying, so I want to strike that balance between having enough build up and not taking forever to get there. Don't want to rush it but don't want to drag it out either.

Anyway, enjoy, darlings. As always, feedback is appreciated. See you later. XOXO