Jeez louise! 4 months and only 5700 or so words? Tks tsk.

Just kidding. But wow, this chapter was originally going to be shorter. However, Dr. Zenkai beta read for me and suggested some housekeeping for the chapter and it ended up longer than the latest WDR.

This is mostly fluffy filler with some world building, so I hope you all enjoy. I forgot my original name for Mr. Kendou, so his new name is Kenta. He took Hizatsu's name before they got married. It was a sparring match to see who took the other's name. Surprisingly, the former prizefighter won. His original surname is Hijiru (Combining Hiji, for Elbow, and Gurisu...for grease...because he is a mechanic and former biker)

I am slowly in keeping some layers here and I hope you all like what I put out. I am getting tight into the Sports Festival. Unlike USJ, I won't gloss over that. I will try to make it more focused on the two girls involved though and change a few things up.

My take on the Sports Festival will be more detailed in WDR. I also want to get better at pacing things again.

Anyway, here it is. Enjoy. My next project will be...well, you'll see. Ciao~

Momo took a deep breath, then exhaled. The morning sun warmed her body as she stretched towards it, eyes closed in quiet contemplation.

Her grandfather's little black book sat within a fanny pack wrapped around her gym shorts. She and Itsuka had opted for their gym clothes while training at the Kendou residence.

Itsuka caught the Kendo stick as it swung down, snatching it away and discarding it.

"Cute. Was that a play on my name?" the redhead teased.

"Perhaps, but I am done playing for now!" Momo declared, using her quirk to produce smoke bombs.

"Hey Momo. Can I make suggestions about your costume?"

"I mean it does leave little to the imagination. I get you need to expose skin for your quirk to work. I was thinking more along the lines of how it works. You should have compartments on your belt for food."

"I don't know. It might weigh me down and it does take time to metabolize food, Itsuka. Still, I suppose it's not a bad idea. Speaking of costumes, I haven't seen yours yet."

"We should eat breakfast first, but I'll show it to you afterwards," the redhead smiled, patting her friend's shoulder.

"Very well. Those are acceptable terms. I did miss your mother's cooking."

"You and Sebastian were over recently though."

"Yes, but it is still very good and I have years worth of catching up to do,"

"Alright then. Let's go."

X

The kitchen was filled with a welcoming aroma as Momo sipped tea from a mug Itsuka had grabbed for her. Hizatsu toiled away while her husband, Kenta, scrubbed the grease off his hands in the bathroom. He spent 25% of his time in their home garage and 35% of his time at home. The rest was spent at the garage he owned downtown.

Kenya took a seat at the head of the table, reading a news article on his son as his wife placed his plate in front of him.

"Thanks, babe. So how is training going, girls? Hope you aren't beating too much yet out of each other. I'm not a people mechanic." the man quipped, his wife smacking his head gently so she could ruffle his hair.

Unfortunately for her, he was sporting a shaved look, so there was no hair to ruffle.

She pouted as her husband laughed boisterously at his own joke.

"You need new material, dad." Itsuka laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Hey, you used to love that one. Don't make an old man feel older. I have your mom for that."

Hizatsu observed the laughter in her kitchen. It took her back in time, almost 10 years ago. So much had changed since then. And yet, it was like she was looking at a photograph in real time.

Back then…

"Where are you girls off to?" asked Mrs. Kendou, an apron still around her waist. "Aren't you going to help with dishes?"

"Sorry, mama. I just got excited and wanted to go play with Momo and Harley. We're going to make a hero agency out of the treehouse. Momo even has a way to get Harley up there so he can join in too"

"You still can, but I need some help. I'd ask Sora, but he's helping your father work on his car." These words put Itsuka on the verge of tears.

"Aw man, he chose today to work on Nobunaga-sama? What a ripoff" the small red-head pouted.

"Now now. You have a guest. That's not fair to Momo. Besides, we agreed you could work on cars with your dad when you're a bit older." Hizatsu stated calmly as she playfully poked her daughter, resulting in giggles.

"Hehehe...ok. Sorry for being rude, Momo. Are we still good?" the short hammered little girl averted her gaze basically as she bowed to her friend

"No offense taken, Itsu-chan. I can help with the dishes if you would like, Mrs. Kendou. Do you need dish soap? I read up on how to make some."

The young woman couldn't help but force a smile. How smart was this kid that she could memorize the components of dish soap. She was, like, 6 years old.

"That's ok, Momo. We bought some at the store. It's the brand I swear by since those early days before I met Itsy's father. My brother and I used to live together for a bit before…" She paused, deciding not to get too deep into the subject. There were dishes to be done and kids who wanted to play. It was a conversation for another time.

Itsuka and Momo wandered over and worked out a system amongst themselves. Itsuka would wash, Momo would dry, and Hizatsu would put them away. In a matter of moments, the task was done

"Thank you both. You did a great job. I'll be out shortly to give my favorite heroes their next big assignment." Hizatsu grinned widely, patting the children on the head.

Hizatsu snapped back to reality, watching as her daughter laughed softly and smiled at her oldest friend. To think the two had reunited and were now living their shared dream. The Yaoyorozus had not kept touch with the Kendous in years, but it still did the former fighter's heart a service to see the two teens enjoying themselves as if time had no meaning.

As they excused themselves and headed up to Itsuka's room, Hizatsu reflected. She wasn't a firm believer in fate, but seeing these two girls pick up where they left off? It was as close to fate as she believed in, and as she smiled at Kenta, she felt like she was seeing something new yet familiar unfold.

X

Breakfast was heavy for Momo. She had used a lot of stamina and lipids, so she had to replenish. Opting not to rely on her quirk too much, the raven-haired girl boiled some water on a hot pad in her room while Itsuka sat on the bed.

"You really do live like a princess, don't you?"

"Apologies. I suppose it is a lot to take in. I hope you aren't overwhelmed. We could relocate if you want. Perhaps I could put in a request to use UA's facilities."

"Relax, Momo. I really don't mind. You always have been my princess."

Both girls paused, realizing what was said before turning bright red and stumbling to change the subject.

"Quick, Momo. Think something else. Salvage the situation. Perhaps with a compliment." She thought to herself.

"You seem to have been training a lot. You have rather defined abdominal muscles these days," Momo stated calmly. Or rather, she delivered it calmly. In her mind, she was shrieking uncontrollably inn a way nobody would ever hear in reality

"Oh….um….thanks. I...like your tummy."

"I admit, I am not as fit as you."

"You are in perfect shape. Your tummy is cute. Plus it helps with your quirk." Itsuka felt her face heating up.

This was getting weird. Perhaps "weird" wasn't the right word, but it was bordering on flirtation and she didn't want to rush things. "Quick, Itsuka. Focus up" the girl mentally slapped herself, deciding to change the subject. "So what was it like? Facing villains?"

Momo stretched her triceps, cooling down from the morning's training. The sports Festival was going to be a major event and if the USJ incident had taught her anything, it was that she wanted to be adaptable. "Truth be told, it was terrifying. Even if I got recommended, I was still ill prepared. It reminded me how young we are. How we just started out and have so far to go."

Itsuka stretched out her calves while she sat on the bed, staring up at her friend with intense investment. Momo proceeded with her explanation.

"We prevailed, sure enough. None of us died or were seriously injured, save Mr. Aizawa and Thirteen, and Midoriya's one hand.

But we could have. These were villains out to kill if they could. They were specifically after All-Might but we're willing to cull us and our teachers if deemed necessary. It feels like just the beginning too, though I can't place whyEEP!" Momo finished, squeaking as fingers pressed into her side, taking her by surprise. Itsuka's laughter filled her ears.

"You sound like a friend of mine in my class. Maybe I should introduce you," Itsuka smirked, ribbing the other girl playfully.

"I'm sure we will meet at the Sports Festival formally enough. Are you like this with her too?" Momo poked Itsuka back, latent silliness leaking out of her pores as she exacted her revenge.

Calming down from a fit of resulting laughter, Itsuka exhaled and shrugged as she stood back up. "Not really. I've known you longer so I'm already out of my shell with you."

Momo helped the other girl up and produced a towel with her quirk. "I suppose I could say the same with you.

"Yeah…" Itsuka drifted off dreamily before a thought hit her. "You said you wanted to see my hero costume, right? I have the case in my closet. One second!" Itsuka walked over to her closet and pulled the large metal cache case from behind her laundry basket. Carrying it by its handle, she took a seat next to Momo and opened it.

"Well, here it is. I know it is probably on the nose, but it was what I wanted. I think it works."

"I like it. The mask looks familiar though. I like the tassels in the back."

"It should look familiar. The mask I wore when we were kids was the basis. That one was too small but they did manage to use some of it."

"I made you that mask. Wow...I'm touched you held onto it that long." Momo's eyes sparkled as she held her chest.

Itsuka sighed wistfully and smiled, looking at a photo album placed next to Harley's ashes. "I hold onto a lot of things, I guess. I could try it on if you want to see. We won't exactly be showing our costumes off at the festival and I'm not sure when we'll see each other in costume next."

Momo nodded and smiled. She stood up and turned to leave. "I would love to. I would normally just wait and see in case our classes train together, but you did get me excited to be honest. Shall I head into the other room? This way it's a surprise." the raven-haired girl gushed, her cheeks rosy pink. A moment of realization hit her. "By the way, I didn't say anything earlier, but how did you know what my costume looked like?"

It was Itsuka's turn to blush as she twirled her ponytail. "I may have gotten a glimpse once in the locker rooms. Not that it isn't flattering."

Momo smirked uncharacteristically and laughed. "Should I be concerned that you are peeking on me? I may have to tell your mother."

"When did you become such a tease, Momo?"

"I learned from my classmates. But anyway, I could leave the room or close my eyes."

"I suppose. It's not like we close our eyes when changing with our classmates but if you want to have an air of mystery around how I look in it, you can just sit on the bed and close your eyes." Itsuka smiled sheepishly.

Momo blushed gently and closed her eyes, sitting cross-legged on the bed as she waited for her friend to give her the go ahead.

"Ok. You can look."

Momo's eyes sparkled as she looked her friend over. She truly looked like a Martial Arts hero. It was subtle, but she recognized some small leitmotifs present in her brother's hero costume

"Well, what do you think?" Itsuka asked basically. Momo tried to contain her excitement over how cool she thought the other girl looked but failed part way through.

"You...You look….ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT! Sorry. I suppose that was a bit much. It just feels like a solid mix of nostalgia and who you are now. It really suits you."

The redhead chortled as she twirled her ponytail. "Thanks. I appreciate the vote of confidence. Hey! How about we try sparring in our hero costumes? Since I have mine on already?" Itsuka flexed, starting to warm up again.

Clearing her throat, Momo spoke calmly, trying to keep her heart from fluttering out of her chest. "Um...Should we? We won't be using them in the Sports Festival."

Momo had to admit one thing though. Itsuka looked absolutely gorgeous and valiant in her costume. She truly had grown since they were children.

"I suppose. Still, it feels like I put this on for nothing," Itsuka scratched her cheek, brushing her ponytail from her shoulder.

Momo got up and put her hands on her friend's shoulder, taking them off awkwardly when things seemed too intimate. "It wasn't a waste. I am impressed. This costume suits you very well. I look forward to seeing you in it again. However, training in our hero costumes when we won't need them might be a bit much."

Itsuka blushed and smiled, poking Momo's nose. "Alright. You convinced me. But you have to turn around while I change. Don't need you whistling or anything " the redhead winked and laughed.

"I-I would bever! You know that sort of uncouth behavior is below me. Cut it out." Momo pouted and hid her face.

Satisfied with the reaction she got from her oldest friend, Itsuka started to take her costume off and change into some casual training clothes. She left a change of clothes for Momo when she was finished; some UA issued track pants and a black tank top. Given Momo's height and build, it was a bit tight and showed off her midriff. Both girls blushed upon realization, but we're eager to get back into action.

"M-maybe I should have raided my mom's wardrobe instead. I keep forgetting you've got a couple inches on me now...Sorry. Anyway, ready for round too, Ms. Manythings?" Itsuka spoke up?"

Momo ran for the door, feeling energized once more. "Yes please. Do not expect me to hold back though!"

Following excitedly behind, Itsuka challenged her. "Wouldn't be a sparring session otherwise. Let's go!"

And with that, the two were out the door. The two teens stopped by the kitchen for some water bottles on the way.

X

The two girls clashed again, Momo struggling with hand-to-hand but getting an edge when melee weapons were involved. They had run through several scenarios, plotting out what they could both do and formulating creative applications of those abilities. One suggestion had Momo shocked in particular.

"Itsuka, this is a terrible idea! It seems pretty reckless of you too. I know you used to try stuff out as a kid but you always seemed more sensible"

"Perhaps. Still, if this is going to be a proving grounds for us, we should go beyond, right?" the redhead smiled.

"You're asking me to fire a cannon at you so you can grab the ball and shotput it. You do realize how much force that cannonball would carry, correct?"

"Yeah. I guess it is rather boneheaded. Sorry. I just thought it would be kind of cool."

"Well, I think you are cool on your own without injury being involved." Momo sighed as she did some warm-up stretches. "You don't need to impress me."

"Doesn't mean I won't keep trying." Itsuka smiled back. She sat down on the grass, feeling it's cool touch against her palm. It brought her back to childhood play dates and cherished memories.

"I am looked up to by my classmates. I normally have a level head. I have to in order to reign people in. My class has some rowdy customers," Itsuka chuckled. "But with you around? I guess I lose myself. I want to try these ridiculous things and see your reaction. It's childish, I know. But logic goes out the window and I want to just see what I can do. What we can both do."

Momo pulled Itsuka in for a hug, resting her head against the redhead's freckled shoulder. "You're too much sometimes...I feel honored to be among the rare few who know that side of you."

"Well I am...um...happy to do you the honor I guess? Anyway I think we trained enough for today. Do you have a curfew?"

"I do have to be home by 9 o clock, but we have some time I suppose. What do you have in mind?"

Itsuka only smiled and took her friend's hand. "You'll see." They headed into the garage of the Kendou household as Momo let out an excited yelp.

Kenya was there waiting with the engine to his custom car roaring. "Well, girls, your chariot awaits!" the older man winked.

He got his answer as both girls piled in and buckled up. "Fair enough. You'll have to take the train home later, but I'll drop you girls off. Itsy wants to keep this a surprise, so I'll drop you off a block or two away."

Momo's eyes sparkled once more as a smile crept across her face. A day with her best friend? Surprises? Mystery? Training together? This was already shaping up to be a wondrous day, and Momo couldn't contain herself.

X

The two arrived at a massive bookstore, in what was once the office building of a defunct hero agency.

"So you ever heard of a hero named Distinguished Author?" Itsuka smiled over at Momo as they strolled casually down the street.

Momo's response was immediate and enthusiastic. "Distinguished Author is a favorite of mine! He could create constructs based on anything he wrote in a journal that he kept on hand at all times. He died young and his office, though not nearly as massive as others', was converted into a large scale bookstore. Author had a fondness for the written word that he wished to share with those he had helped, even after his death."

Momo was ready to give a full dissertation on the hero. She supposed she sounded somewhat like Midoriya from her class, but she was very passionate about some subjects, and the overlap of heroics and literature was very near and dear to her.

After several failed attempts, Itsuka finally shouted "Momo!"

"Oh gosh, sorry. I suppose I did go off on a tangent. I suppose I sound a lot like a tour guide or an otaku." the young heiress blushed as she shuffled her feet.

"No worries. It's endearing. You are still the same old Momo, aren't you?" Itsuka chuckled as she sighed wistfully. "Anyway, that's our destination. I just wanted to tell you we're almost there."

"Oh. Well thank you. I am flattered...wait were really going there? I mean, of course we are. But it's just...it is rather famous but my family has never gone there. We tend to visit higher scale establishments or private collectors, but this place always sang to me. I always wanted to go and just drink it all in."

"Well I hope you don't drink too fast. Don't want you choking… Oi, one sec." Itsuka paused and took out a coin purse from her satchel. It was adorned with several Sanrio characters in hero garb. "I know your family is loaded and that you can make things pretty easily, but I want to buy you some books."

Momo was in awe at both the history of the place and the selection of books they had on display. If she could live anywhere besides her parents' house, a young Momo would have listed three places: a library/ bookstore, a seaside castle (with a library), and "Itsy's house". She was too embarrassed to bring that last one up but the sheer volume of knowledge on display had her heart flutter.

"You probably want to up your arsenal so I thought this would be a good place. I know you're rich and have a huge library and all, but I thought "It's been a while, huh?"...so here we are." Itsuka smiled as she twirled her ponytail.

"Thank you very much, Itsuka. I cannot express my gratitude enough. This should definitely help me finish that novel series I've been… I mean, it should aid me in expanding what I can create."

"Hey, you don't have to be all serious and dedicated all the time. Not around me, anyway. I know how studious you are. Can't wait to see more of what you can do. You really are miraculous, Momo-chan."

The raven-haired girl blushed and smiled, bowing respectfully.

"So are you still reading the Mysterious Lass: Auburn Akane series?"

"I have every book but the latest. I even have all the manga adaptations so far, but...I don't know. The art style is beautiful and appealing...it's just not how I pictured the characters in my head. Auburn looks too...airbrushed I suppose? She is described as not being constantly active and some of the action shots don't make sense with her childhood riding injury."

Itsuka smiled as Momo went on at length about the minutiae of her favorite mystery series and the theories she had concocted in her head. Some things never changed but some things also did.

"Am I putting her on a pedestal because of how much I missed her?" The redhead thought. She pushed those thoughts aside, deciding to just enjoy the evening.

The night went on and The curfew grew closer. After making a few purchases, mostly from Itsuka on Momo's behalf, the pair of friends left and enjoyed each other's company.

The past two days had been non-stop preparation and this brief moment of downtime was highly appreciated.

The two laughed as they headed to the train station, the city lights illuminating their faces. Momo's smilesent sparks up and down Itsuka's spine and she wished she could just stay in that moment.

It unfortunately came to a halt when two boys, around me their age, blocked their path. One had a head like a hammerhead shark, while the other was more humanoid but had blue skin and a shark fin on his head.

"Lookie here, Mako. We gotta couple little chickies out for a night on the town. Whatcha say, girls. Interested in a couple rough and tumble...ohoho. If it ain't the babysitter of the South Chiba She-wolves. Didn't expect to see you here. Looks like you don't have your dogs with you, but you do have some armband."

"I have no idea what...Wait...oh no… What do you want, Kuzame? I thought you were doing time?"

"Time's up. I'm out on good behavior. Sadly, good behavior isn't my style, right Mako?" the sharp toothed boy grinned menacingly, shooting a glance at his partner.

"Can we just grab their stuff and leave already? We don't want cops or heroes showing up. Move on with it already." the other boy grumbled, clearly not in the mood to indulge his friend's theatrics.

"Can't I have fun? Most of the crew jumped ship to join those NeXT gang losers and pro heroes always spoil our fun and tell us to 'get our lives back on track', like...you're not my dad!"

"Still can't shut up, can you, Jabberjaw? Maybe you should listen to your friend and move on."

Momo was stunned. This was certainly a new side to Itsuka. Not totally new, of course. She was always dependable and level-headed. But the way she was egging the street tough on was unfamiliar, both intriguing and worrisome.

"Don't call me that, you mouthy bitch!" Kuzame spat angrilly, taking a deep breath and trying to compose himself as he brushed a hand through his hair.

"We took too much time, Kuz. It's not worth it. We're going to attract attention."

"Listen to your friend. Just go home. You are out on good behavior. Don't ruin it."

"Listen here, dog walker. I don't take orders from you. Now give me your bags."

Itsuka brought up her bag to block a punch from Kuzame, catching him off guard before delivering a flying kick to Mako. Both fell to the ground, with Kuzame getting up wiping his face while giving Itsuka a menacing glare.

The girl merely landed on one foot and took a stance, stomping her remaining foot into the pavement and wagging a disapproving finger at the boys.

"Don't get too cocky. We will see you aro-KUZ WHAT THE HELL?!" Mako exclaimed as he got up and prepared to retreat. Kuzame prepared to strike again, lunging for Itsuka, only for her to dodge and give him a swift chop to the back of the neck. He almost fell to his knees but braced himself, shoving the redhead aside.

Scrambling to his feet once more, Kiss me activated his quirk andlunged for Momo, seeing her as weak and helpless.

Momo braced herself and tripped him, using her arm to brace his fall, though not without jostling him.

"I think you'll find, even without my quirk, I am not an easy target. Please reevaluate your life choices" she stated coldly with a bow.

Itsuka's heart beat faster in her chest after observing the whole thing. She whistled, impressed by the display.

"Looks like those hand to hand sessions really paid off." Itsuka said with a thumbs up And the biggest smirk her friend had ever seen..

"As does hero basic training. Our teachers wanted to emphasize the importance of relying on more than just our quirks to make up for any weaknesses they might have."

"Really? I'd doesn't seem like we have been in school that long...by the way, how is Mr. Aizawa?"

"He's...still injured but refuses to stay home. He is in a full body cast. I missed a lot of the action there but I heard he was beaten badly by that strange creature All Might fought."

"DAMMIT, STOP IGNORING ME, YOU CU-" Kuzame was cut off by a submission hold by Itsuka.

"Please go home and rethink your life. This isn't worth it."

The two boys scrambled away, not wanting to get embarrassed by the two schoolgirls who don't even use their quirks.

Satisfied that their attackers had fully retreated with their tails between their legs, Itsuka turned back to her friend. "Glad that's over. You ok?"

Momo smiled and nodded. "I'm fine. I'm just glad that we were able to settle that easily. If they had used their quirks, we probably would have had a harder time."

"Yeah. I know at least one of them. He isn't too hard to deal with. I think the other guy held back in case we called the cops. He seemed like the voice of reason between the two. Anyway what we're we talking about? Sorry."

Cars zoomed by and the bustle of the city died down a bit as they crossed the thoroughfare and made it towards their destination.

"The strange creature that fought All-Might?" Momo inquired. She herself had gotten so lost in the evening's events and the atmosphere of everything that even she couldn't keep up with every detail.

"Oh Yeah. I heard about that after the incident. Sounds creepy. Did you get to see it yourself at all?"

"Not at all. We should probably walk faster so we can get to the station faster. We can talk more on the train. We're almost there, right?" Momo commented, grabbing Itsuka's hand instinctively so that they could speed up their journey. Itsuka nodded, losing her ability to speak in the moment. She was too enthralled by the warmth of her friend's touch.

It didn't occur to Momo's that she was doing it. She just thought it would be more efficient to keep track of her best friend. A question crossed the girl's mind as the train station came into view. "By the way. You knew those boys?"

Brought out of her thoughts by the question, Itsuka sighed and shook her head. "Sadly, yes. Well, one of them at least. Shumo Kuzame was the ex-boyfriend of a girl I went to middle school with."

The two girls ceased their conversation momentarily, entering the building and paying for their tickets. Their respective stops were luckily on the same route, with Momo's at the end of the line.

They sat together and waited for the train, which came a few minutes later, a satisfying screech filling the air as it came to a stop before them. The two girls boarded and chose a window seat, setting down their bags and getting comfortable before Itsuka resumed the conversation.

"So anyway...I mean...I wasn't exactly in a girl gang. Not really a delinquent at all… but I did run with one. I kept tabs on them to make sure they didn't get in trouble. I got into some myself I suppose. I told you about them, I think."

Momo looked down as she stroked her chin, face painted with concern. She had always wondered about those gap years and now she was getting answers. It was painting her friend in new shades, and yet those hues of the Itsuka she knew remained consistent.

"You have, though I don't think you named them as the South Chiba Wolves. To think my best friend from my youth would be the kindly soul from the wrong side of the tracks. Life really does resemble a storybook sometimes, doesn't it."

"I guess so," Itsuka shrugged. She looked thoughtfully out the window as the world hit fast forward and everything sped past. " I suppose it reinforced my desire to be a hero. I saw kids getting into trouble and wanted to help them out." Itsuka met her friend's gaze with a warm yet sensitive smile.

"Well, if I hadn't said it before, I shall say it again: you will be a magnificent hero." Momo commented, placing a hand on Itsuka's knee as their eyes met. "May I make a comment on your hero costume though, if it isn't out of the blue? I apologize if it is hypocritical of me, but why do you wear a corset? It doesn't seem your style?"

"Yeah, I suppose. I had it made of Kevlar though. You never know if someone has a quirk equivalent to a knife or gun. I can protect at least some of my vitals."

"I see...that does make sense. I try to enable freedom of movement for my costume too, as well as enough of my body exposed for me to grab whatever I create from it. It does admittedly leave me exposed."

"Costume design is kind of hard, isn't it? Guess that's why we aren't in that field. Still, we could compare notes sometime. Besides, at least you don't have a bra on your head."

"That is quite bold of you to say, Ms. Sukeban. Anyway, I believe your stop is coming up" Momo teased as she picked up Itsuka's bags and offered them.

"Thank you, Madame Moneybags," Itsuka teased back.

"Now now. You insisted on paying for things tonight. I don't want to hear a word of it." the raven-haired girl playfully chastised. Her expression soon took on a softer tone. "Thank you for today. I had a lot of fun."

"Me too. We'll have to do this again. The training but also the da-" Itsuka's eyes opened when she realized what she almost called it. It wasn't that. Not yet. She quietly told her heart to slow down and tried again. "Day out… I'll see you again this week for training. Your place this time?"

Momo stifled a laugh, not realizing Itsuka's near slip. "Of course. We have a room we use for fencing practice. We can do some sparring there and have tea afterwards. Mother bought some of my favorites, the girl beamed.

Itsuka smiled bright. This girl really was bourgeois as all hell, but she was also the cutest person the redhead had ever met. She kissed her fingers and pressed them against Momo's forehead, an act she used to perform when they were kids. Hizatsu used to do it for her kids and passed it on. She called it "smooch stamping"

"Works for me. Good night, mini-Momo~"

Gently touching her forehead, Momo felt her heart about to explode, wanting to be kissed for real. Was it too soon? She wasn't sure how to feel. All she knew is that it made her want to sing.

"Good night, Itsy Bitsy. Text me when you get home safe." the raven-haired girl waved.

"Will do!"

As Itsuka left, Momo sat back in her seat and reflected on everything. She felt like she would melt where she sat. Itsuka ran through her mind the entire night. She nearly forgot to leave the train when it got to its destination. She shook her head free of such thoughts and called Sebastian. He would worry otherwise.

"One day…" Momo said to herself while clutching her chest and picking up her bags. "One day I will confess my full feelings, Itsuka…"

X

The weeks flew by and everyone had steeped themselves for what was to come.

Sure enough, the day had arrived and the entire student body of UA was on pins and needles. Everyone was ready to prove themselves in front of a large audience of their peers and an army of pro heroes looking to scout new talent. For the 2ns and 3rd years, it was a new chance to stand out and open up new opportunities. For the 1st years, it was their debut on the world stage.

Momo looked for Itsuka in the crowd, hoping to see her. She knew they would be competing and be separated in this large crowd. And yet, she was hoping to see her dearest friend.

Just then, a giant hand shot up and offered a peace sign. Momo smiled and nodded, creating a flag with her quirk, adorned with a cartoon version of herself giving a peace sign as well. The two friends averted their gazes and focused on the goal in front of them. This was it: the opening salvo. They were about to set foot on a grand stage and both were determined to give it their all.

"Begin!"work on me later today and Tuesday