Coming back to school after the hell of a week Amaya had, had her ears burning from all the endless chatter from her classmates. How they could be so lively at 8 in the morning she'd never understand.
Her ears turned downwards in an effort to block out the noise, however she noticed Todoroki, Iida and Midoriya all sitting together. Looking around, she watched amusedly as some of the boys made fun of Bakugo's hair that had managed to be tamed down again and decided to walk over to the other three boys instead.
She didn't even manage to say good morning to her friends before Kaminari exclaimed in a rather loud voice how she and the others had encountered the Hero Killer.
Amaya shuffled to stand next to Midoriya as the others began speaking.
"Not Midoriya anymore, remember. Izuku."
Mi—Izuku smiled shyly at her, interrupting her thoughts.
Blushing slightly, she hid herself behind him, forgetting that she had that conversation with the green-haired boy. She saw him tense before relaxing and she peeked out around his shoulder only to bite down a squeak.
Suddenly there was a crowd around them, and Amaya felt piercing eyes burning the back of her head.
As the others agreed that Endeavor had saved them, Amaya turned her head up and kept eye contact with Bakugo.
He did not seem happy. Not at all, in fact, he looked ready to murder her.
It's not her fault she wasn't allowed to talk about it! She would've told him if she could, besides recounting how she met up with her psycho uncle was not really how she wanted to spend her day with Bakugo. Not being able to keep up with his intense glare anymore she moved her gaze downwards.
"I saw on the news that the Hero Killer was connected to the League of Villains. Imagining someone that scary coming to USJ freaks me out," Ojiro explained as the others nodded along.
Amaya huffed, fists clenching at the mere name of that group.
The League of Villains.
Why was it that her family always seemed to be involved with them?
She could never forget that horrible man's words to her. His beady red eyes showing up in her nightmares.
"My offer still stands; you might not accept it but you're more like us than you'll ever be like them."
Growling to herself she shook her head. She wasn't like them; she would never be like them. She wanted to help people not hurt them.
She felt Izuku softly grasp her arm, shocking her from her thoughts. He looked down at her in concern, but she merely shook her head, giving him a small smile back.
"In order to keep anyone else from turning out like me," Iida's voice exclaimed, startling Amaya, "I will once again walk on the path to becoming a hero!" Iida claimed, striking a power pose.
Amaya laughed slightly as the class rep commanded everyone to go to their seats.
Everyone else groaned as Iida continued to rant but Amaya could only smile, enjoying how normal everything was feeling after the action filled week she had.
After having changed into her hero costume, Amaya and the rest of her class met All Might to continue with their hero basic training class.
All Might cheerfully greeted everyone and announced that for their lesson today, it would consist of a rescue training race through Field Gamma.
Amaya stared up at the large metal labyrinth densely packed with steel factories wondering once again how rich U.A. was. Seriously, how did they come up with the money for these buildings? Amaya turned back to hear All Might explain that the class would be broken up into four five-man groups and race one group at a time. Of course, with her being an extra, Amaya would just join whatever group All Might put her in.
The exercise seemed simple enough, All Might would send a distress signal from somewhere inside and the group racing would have to reach him first.
She also couldn't help but giggle at All Might's jab towards Bakugo on not destroying anything.
Amaya took a step back and relaxed once the first group was announced, letting herself sigh in relief as she did not have to go up first. Instead, it would be Izuku, Iida, Ashido, Sero and Ojiro.
As the first five got ready to race Amaya sat down near Uraraka, noticing how everyone began discussing who they thought would be the winner.
She couldn't help but frown as she realized that all of her classmates counted Izuku out almost immediately. Even Uraraka didn't believe in him and while she understood that it was because they believed his lack of mobility and the drawbacks of his quirk put him at a disadvantage, she couldn't help but be upset for him.
"I think Izuku might win," she whispered, getting some awe stares from her classmates.
"I-I-Izuku? Y-you call Deku-kun Izuku?" Uraraka cried out, making Amaya flinch.
She didn't get to respond because a roaring voice behind shouted.
"Deku's going to be dead last," Bakugo growled out, glaring at Amaya.
Amaya huffed, and hugged herself.
"He's better at using his quirk than you realize," she added, staring hard at the screen.
She ignored everything else and solely focused on watching the race before them. Amaya saw first-hand how much better he had gotten at using his quirk even if at the time she couldn't acknowledge it. She believed Izuku could win this.
Once the race began, Sero got out to an early lead following many of the students' predictions. However, a whiz of green soon passed him, shocking everyone as Izuku had the advantage.
Amaya smirked at the shocked faces of everyone, especially enjoying Bakugo's look.
Hmmm. That sure taught them to never underestimate their classmates.
As Izuku ran everyone began whispering how he looked like Bakugo flying through the air and Amaya almost fell over at the truth of that. She didn't know what to make out of that, so she chose to laugh instead. Hey, if it worked it worked.
Amaya smiled as she saw Izuku easily maneuver himself throughout the terrain, swiftly jumping from one area to another, while leaving his classmates behind.
Just when it seemed like he was going to win, Izuku abruptly lost his footing and fell. Amaya winced for him in sympathy and frowned as she watched Sero end up winning the race, while the injured Izuku did end up coming in last.
Standing up Amaya sighed, choosing to ignore the screen and went to stretch when a hot voice near her ear startled her.
"I told you that fucking nerd would lose, stop wasting your time watching that loser and watch me instead," it quietly barked out.
Amaya quickly turned but Bakugo had already left her alone, making her curious once again as to why those two boys seemed to hate each other.
Or at least Bakugo hated Izuku because honestly it felt like Izuku still admired Bakugo in some respects if his new moves showed anything.
She sighed and shook her head. Boys sure were weird.
It was her turn next, luckily she was up against Uraraka, Jiro, Mineta, and Asui. While Amaya knew she was faster than all of them, Asui still ended beating her due to that stupid tongue of hers.
While ending up winning second in her own race wasn't bad, it wasn't anything that worthwhile. As they walked back to their separate changing rooms Amaya couldn't help but replay Bakugo's words over in her head again and again.
Even when it was his turn he turned to stare at her intensely before going off, causing her to blush. She didn't understand why he was so pissy like this. She thought they had gotten closer after Sunday, but it felt like they were back to square one. Sighing she hefted her changing bag onto her shoulder and turned to separate from the girls.
"Amaya-chan, do you always have to go to a separate dressing room? Can't you just come with us?" Uraraka's cheerful voice asked, interrupting her thoughts.
Amaya smiled lightly, pausing in her step but ultimately shook her head.
"That's sweet of you but I'm not really allowed. I have a separate changing room because the parents thought it'd make you guys uncomfortable having to change with me," Amaya explained, eyes dull.
No matter what she did the collar on her neck and silly little rules like these reminded her that the public still saw her as a threat. Maybe one day that would change.
But right now, she had to go alone and change.
"But do you have to? I mean I know I don't care. What about you girls?" Ashido spoke up, looking around at the other females. No one spoke any objections, warming Amaya's heart. Not even Yaoyorozu opposed, she merely shrugged, looking the other way.
"That's really nice of you guys but—"
"But what girly. We said it's fine so c'mon," Ashido exclaimed, latching onto Amaya's arm and practically dragging her into the girls changing room.
Even though Amaya protested she didn't really pull away. It felt nice being included, plus Ashido had a really strong grip.
Seeing as no one had any complaints Amaya gave up and started undressing, when her ears picked up something interesting.
"Yaoyorozu's… ample… boobs… Ashido's slender waist… Hagakure's… wear...Uraraka's… body… Asui's… boobies… Hitachi's—"
The pervert's voice was stopped by a sudden cry and Amaya was happy to turn around to see Jiro using her quirk to plug up what she had assumed was a hole in the wall.
Amaya breathed in relief, glad that her modesty was kept intact. She laughed at the irony, maybe she should've stayed to changing alone.
Unbeknownst to Amaya, one male was glaring murderously at Mineta while another one was using his ice to keep him in place as the last one began setting off explosions near the grapefruit's head.
As soon as Amaya finished changing back into her uniform, she headed towards the classroom to grab her bento. It was almost time for lunch, and she had a plan she wanted to enact.
Too bad a certain blonde thought differently.
Amaya didn't even get to reach the door handle when a hot hand grasped her arm in a tight grip. Hissing she glared up at Bakugo, moving her claws to scratch him.
He merely grunted at the slight pain but didn't let go, instead he brought her closer to his chest.
"He really needs to stop grabbing me like this, why can't he just call my name like a normal person!"
"I'm not complaining."
"Shut up."
Involuntarily Amaya's cheeks began heating up, but she continued glaring, not giving in to him or Yajū's words.
He smirked down at her condescendingly, before his eyes glazed over in anger.
"Heh you really believed in that nerd huh? Really thought he'd win?" Bakugo taunted, his voice curling into something ugly.
Amaya frowned, disliking how aggressive Bakugo was suddenly acting. Perhaps that sounded dumb considering Bakugo was always aggressive but right now it was different. Something uglier.
Softly head bumping him, she managed to shock him enough that his grip loosened, and his scowl diminished.
"Yea I cheered for him. There's nothing wrong with that Bakugo, I also cheered for you, you asshole," she huffed, liking how his own cheeks tinted pink for once, but also mad at herself for getting distracted.
She refocused her thoughts and began trying to calmly explain her reasoning.
"Izuku is just as strong as everyone else in this classroom, and I—"
"Don't say that damn nerd's name," Bakugo growled, moving his hands down to grip Amaya's waist.
Amaya choked on her own spit, clutching onto Bakugo in shock.
What was he doing? And in the middle of the hallway?
"Deku doesn't deserve for you to be friendly with him. Stop it and pay attention to me." He demanded, his words almost sounding like a plea if it wasn't for his rough tone.
Amaya's face relaxed slightly, and she squeezed Bakugo's arms in an effort to comfort him.
"Is boom boom boy jealous of broccoli hair?"
"It seems so. I don't understand why, he's acting like a little kid. It's almost as cute as it is infuriating."
"Bakugo I—"
"Is everything alright Amaya-chan?" Izuku appeared, staring at Amaya in concern and Bakugo in mild warning.
"Ugh! Izuku, your protectiveness is very much appreciated but not needed right now!"
"Yes Izuku, I'm fine I—"
"Stay out of this you damn extra! Get out of here before I blow your face in!" Bakugo threatened letting go of Amaya completely to get into Izuku's face.
Amaya growled and kicked Bakugo's butt, making the blonde yell in surprise.
"Stop it. I'm supposed to be the feral one. Get your shit together," she threatened, pushing past Bakugo.
Turning her head to look back at Izuku she gave him a tight smile, "I'll see you at lunch Izuku. And next time, don't interrupt people's conversations," she chastised, walking away from the two idiots.
She groaned deeply before entering the classroom to retrieve her lunch. As much as she cared for those two right now, they were testing her patience. She needed to get away.
And she knew who exactly she wanted to see.
Giggling she walked towards the general class section.
The bell had barely rung but students were already scattering to get to the cafeteria.
Amaya waited against the wall watching as Shinso came outside, a small group of boys laughing with him.
She didn't expect that but smiled at the fact that Shinso was becoming more social. While she had missed eating lunch with him, she was glad he was fine without her.
As if he felt her staring, amethyst eyes fell on her in shock. The insomniac looked at her in pleasant surprise ignoring the hushed gasps of his classmates as he walked up to her.
"Kitten, what are you doing here? Too excited to wait for me?" Shinso teased, smiling mischievously.
Amaya flushed and punched his arm, shaking her head as she dragged the taller boy through the halls.
"Umm Amaya, you do know our classroom is the other way, right?" Shinso asked jokingly, still letting the petite girl drag him without protest.
Amaya felt her heart constrict at his use of our but quickly tried to focus on the task at hand.
"Yes, I know but you promised me you'd have lunch with my friends," she explained, ceasing to let go of him.
Shinso stared at her in confusion before pouting; still, he didn't pull away.
"Ugh do I have to? Lunchtime is when I get to monopolize you. I don't want to give you to others," he complained, sounding completely causal despite what he said.
Amaya's heart quickened and she began wondering when exactly Shinso had started teasing her so much.
"S-stop joking around. C'mon you promised me!" Amaya pleaded, pulling at his arm relentlessly.
Shinso gave up pouting, but complained the whole way, making Amaya smile in secret. She knew he'd never break his promise no matter how he acted.
As soon as she arrived at the lunchroom she was greeted by awkward silence and poignant stares. She remained impassive but was relieved to find Izuku immediately because the harsh stares she was receiving were making her think twice about this.
"Amaya-chan! Over here!" Izuku cheerfully called out, causing a bright smile to appear on Amaya's face. She nodded and hurriedly pulled Shinso alongside her to the table. Only Shinso noticed some boys that had been previously glaring at the cat-girl now blushing at seeing her smile.
He smirked, "too bad boys, you were all dumbasses and now she's mine."
Amaya happily trailed to Izuku's group when she felt eyes on her again. Already knowing who it was she briefly met Bakugo's enraged eyes before turning back to Izuku.
As much as she wanted to appease both of them, Bakugo just had to relax. Besides why was he even getting upset at her for this? It's not like he ever invited her to have lunch with him. He didn't so she shouldn't feel guilty for wanting to eat with her other friends. She wasn't going to feel guilty at all.
"Hi guys! I'm sure you all know Shinso, he's who I've been having lunch with this whole time," Amaya introduced as she sat down next to Izuku.
Shinso smiled coldly to the others and plopped down next to Amaya, for some reason having to have their skin touch even though there was room.
Iida and Uraraka who were sitting in front of Izuku awkwardly said hello, while the poor green boy was too busy blushing over the fact that Amaya's thighs were touching his.
It was really quiet as Amaya and Shinso took out their bentos, no one really talking.
Thankfully before it got too awkward Todoroki sat next to Izuku and began slurping his soba noodles without saying hello to anyone.
It was dead silent besides Todoroki who was thoroughly enjoying his noodles when Amaya looked at Uraraka who was already looking at her before the two laughed together.
The other boys all stared at them like they were crazy but Uraraka gasped out, "Oh my god this was all so awkward, but Todoroki just made it funnier," she badly explained, giggling through her sentences.
Amaya agreed, failing to keep her giggles in as well. The boys didn't seem to get why it was funny which only made it more hilarious to the girls.
Todoroki merely shrugged and continued to slurp his noodles, possibly even louder this time.
Even though Amaya didn't really eat her food that day, she really enjoyed that lunch, even if only Uraraka was the other one to enjoy it with her.
It was the end of the day and Amaya was starting to get her belongings packed when Aizawa came out from his nap.
"Well, it's almost time for summer vacation, but of course it wouldn't make sense for you to rest for the whole month," Aizawa drawled towards the end of class.
Amaya raised a brow at that, she understood that being heroes in training meant more work than a regular student, but she hoped U.A. understood that they were still kids.
"These kids still need to rest and have fun. They're barely teens."
"Treating us like child soldiers, reminds me of your childhood."
"That's exactly why I'm saying this. I know how important it is to let kids train. I made sure Kou got to be a kid, I hope U.A. does the same."
"During summer vacation, we'll have a training camp in the woods," Aizawa explained, seeming slightly excited himself.
The rest of the class cheered and began listing off all the fun things they could do.
Amaya just stared at Aizawa wondering if she was even allowed to go, but his subtle nod had her mood lifting as well.
She didn't know if she'd be able to do everything with her classmates because they might set up different sleeping quarters for her, but she felt relieved at the fact that she'd at least get to train with them.
Hopefully there would be a good balance of training and relaxing for these young heroes in training.
"However," Aizawa's voice suddenly called out, chilling the room, "Those who do not pass the final exam before that will be in summer school hell."
Kirishima immediately responded to that by turning around and proudly announcing, "Everyone, let's do our best!"
Amaya laughed at that until she noticed some suddenly pale faces surrounding the room.
"I thought class 1-A would be full of nerds. Or is this school corrupted as well and only cares about quirks?"
"Unfortunately, it seems like it."
Amaya sighed, at least she didn't have a reason to be worried. Considering failure was never an option for her growing up she knew grade wise she'd end up in the top five.
She always did.
The rest of the week passed by in what Amaya appreciated as a normal fashion. She went to classes, some of them regarding hero training, went to lunch with Shinso and Izuku's group, then went home to study and train before crashing in her bed to cuddle with Mochi.
Thankfully since the first lunch introducing Shinso to her other friends, things had been transitioning easier albeit slower than what Amaya expected.
It was no longer awkward nor silent as Shinso begrudgingly made conversation with the others, and even though Amaya knew he wouldn't admit it, she knew he was enjoying himself with the others.
Shinso and Izuku also had more in common than either thought which was a pleasant surprise.
Amaya found out that chill Todoroki was pretty quiet and kind of inept in social situations. She would have never thought she would be better at social interactions than him, but while she was just nervous to talk to others, Todoroki was so goddamn awkward and blunt.
Still, she found that almost innocent side of him very cute and enjoyed hearing him talk about which soba is the best and all the things he liked to put in it.
The only thing that got kinda weird for Amaya was how everyone reacted when she called Izuku, well Izuku.
Amaya and Shinso had entered the lunchroom making their way next to Izuku and the others.
"Hi Izuku! Hi Uraraka, Iida, and Todoroki!" Amaya cheerfully called out; her disposition very happy this afternoon.
When she was only greeted by silence and hard stares she wondered if maybe being cheery wasn't a good look on her.
Except that wasn't the issue at all.
Instead, everyone's voice, excluding the currently red face freckled boy, shouted out, "IZUKU?"
Amaya flinched, staring at her friends in confusion.
"What? What's wrong?"
"Amaya-chan I had wanted to ask you this before but never had the chance so now I will. Since when are you and Deku-kun on a first name basis?" Uraraka sputtered out, looking nervously between the two.
Izuku tried to answer but was cut off by Shinso, "Amaya that's total favoritism, you have to call me my first name too."
Amaya blushed at that, trying to think of how to respond when Todoroki's blunt voice cut in as well.
"Me too. I want you to call me Shōto."
"I would as well like it if you'd call me Tenya, Amaya-san," Iida shyly called out.
Uraraka looked at each of the boys before latching onto Amaya's arm, causing the poor girl to squeak.
"Amaya-chaaaaan! That's no fair, you should've called me by my name first! Not these silly boys!"
Amaya had never felt so overwhelmed in her life, her whole body was on fire and she couldn't speak if she wanted too.
It wasn't helping that Shinso had his arm around her shoulders since he had pleaded for her to use her name. Nor the fact that Izuku was holding her hand, mumbling apologies.
All this touch was too much.
Embarrassingly she yowled causing everyone to stop bombarding her when they noticed her eyes had turned into slits and she was shaking.
Thankfully no one touched or talked to her after that, but by the time lunch ended she had to say goodbye to Izuku, Hitoshi, Ochaco, Tenya and Shōto.
Yeaaaa…
Amaya couldn't explain that if she tried.
Another thing that had been bothering her recently had to do with all the glares she'd been receiving by a certain red-eyed boy.
Amaya had tried to talk to Bakugo again since they were interrupted but he wasn't letting her get close at all. Whenever she approached him, he'd merely shove her away saying he was busy studying for finals.
That annoying goody-two-shoes.
"Okay that's it for class. There's only one week left until the final exams, you all are studying properly right? I'm sure you already know, but it won't just be a written exam, there's also going to be a practical component. Make sure to train your minds and your bodies," Aizawa explained, capturing all the students' attention.
Amaya nodded, refocusing at the task at hand. She wasn't worried about the written exam at all, but it'd be a lie to herself if she acted like she wasn't nervous for the practical.
Though it seemed like she was the only worried in that aspect as half of the class slumped in their seats in defeat as Aizawa left.
Some of the students were complaining about how they didn't have time to study with all the villain attacks and school events that occurred. Amaya couldn't fault them for that; those were traumatic events so she couldn't blame them if they couldn't focus on quadratic equations.
Still, were they that poor at school? How did they even get in if that's the case?
Even fucking MINETA was 9th in the class. How the hell was that perv in the top ten of the class?!
Amaya shuddered just looking at the grape.
"Ashido-san! Kaminari-kun! L-let's do our best! We all want to go to the training camp together, right!" Izuku cheered on, nervously encouraging his classmates.
Amaya almost cooed at how cute he was acting.
"Yes! As class rep, I also have high hopes that you'll all be moved to action!" Tenya added on, sounding professional as always. Amaya hid a smile at the two top nerds trying to help the class idiots.
"It's pretty hard to fail if you just pay attention in class," Shōto bluntly added, looking at the others in disinterest.
"Damn! IcyHot is ruthless!"
"Honestly that attitude doesn't surprise me."
Amaya huffed, shaking her head at the heterochronic boy, but it's not like she disagreed. Still, she was nice enough to keep that to herself.
Yaoyorozu offered to hold a study session for all the kids that needed tutoring at what Amaya now knew was her mansion which Amaya thought was pretty nice of her. She also managed to hear Bakugo forcefully tell Kirishima that he'd tutor the red-haired boy as well.
"That was a threat. But like to help?"
Amaya didn't know whether to smile at Bakugo's attempt to be nice. Was he trying to be nice? Or be concerned about his threat of "beating the answers" into Kirishima?
"Nah that kid is the only one who can actually handle hot head's explosions."
"I guess. Still kinda concerning."
Amaya shrugged, moving to grab her bento as the bell rang.
"I need to focus on myself right now. I still have no idea how to prepare for the practical exam."
She sighed dejectedly, when a gentle hand appeared on her shoulder.
Ochaco stared down at Amaya with kind eyes before giving the cat girl a determined nod.
"Don't worry Amaya-chan! I'm sure you'll be fine with whatever is troubling you!"
Amaya returned with her own smile back, though it was weaker as she faintly nodded her head.
The two quietly walked towards lunch together as they had been since the first name incident. Hitoshi wasn't quite happy with that change but Ochaco was surprisingly intimidating when she wanted to be.
As the two sat down Amaya caught on to Izuku's last mumbled words on how he was worried about the practical exam for the same reasons she was.
"I don't think it'll be anything crazy," Tenya calmly provided as he continued eating.
Amaya glanced towards her other table-mates surprised to see a lack of indigo hair before she remembered that Hitoshi had mentioned to her, he had to meet up with someone this lunch period. She felt a bit put-off because she wasn't with her lunch buddy, but the impending exams didn't give her much time to be sad. Plus, he'd be back tomorrow, he said so himself when he annoyingly, maybe not so annoying, ruffled her hair.
"The written exam questions will come from what we study in class, so I should be able to manage somehow…" Izuku muttered, Amaya nodding with him. She felt Ochaco stiffen up beside her and patted her arm in comfort, wondering why she looked so disheartened.
"Seriously, what'll we have to do for the practical exam?" Amaya sighed, sadly picking at her food.
"It'll be a comprehensive test of everything from the first semester, at least that's what Aizawa-sensei told us," Asui croaked in, causing Amaya to slightly flinch in surprise at the new voice.
It seemed like Amaya was being surrounded by her classmates more and more, though she was thankful Ochaco let her have the corner seat, Amaya didn't know how she'd react with so many people she wasn't used to sitting next to her.
"Heh, guess these wimps aren't scared of you anymore."
"That's a good thing Yajū, albeit weird, but good."
"Heh, whatever."
Amaya frowned, tuning back in to hear Izuku and Ochaco explain what they thought would be on the exams.
Izuku didn't even get to finish his thoughts as he was suddenly elbowed by an arrogant blond. Amaya growled instinctively, standing upright and glaring at the blond who merely mockingly smiled back at her.
"Oh, would you look at this. This villain managed to snag herself a bunny and is quite possessive of him from what I can see. Relax Hitachi, wouldn't want to make a scene and get yourself shocked, now do you?" Blond bitch taunted, challenging Amaya to do something.
Amaya forced down the reflex to touch her collar and simply took a quiet breath. As much as she'd love to scare this pig, he had a point and so she let Ochaco sit her down before she did something she'd regret.
Izuku stared at her in surprise, never expecting anyone to stand up so quickly as Amaya did. It warmed his heart, and he didn't even realize he was moving his hand to hold hers when Monoma spoke again.
"I am sorry though Midoriya, it's just that your head is so big that I accidentally hit it," Monoma jabbed.
"You're from class B, right? Monoma?" Izuku glared, feeling more angry than usual but not because of his current headache, instead he felt pissed at Monoma's threat to Amaya.
Monoma ignored him and started talking about how Izuku, Amaya, Shōto and Tenya went up against the Hero Killer.
Amaya watched as the other two boys tensed at the mention of that incident and felt her eyes become slits in anger.
"Just like at the sports festival, you guys in class A just have to have all the attention huh? But that attention isn't because people have high hopes for you. It's because you keep attracting trouble, right?" Monoma continued, enjoying as Amaya's friends either stiffened at his words or shrunk down.
Amaya didn't even hear the rest of his words as she stood up and smacked the food out of Monoma's hands with her tail letting it clatter onto the floor as she reached upwards to grab the tall bastard by his collar. Monoma, surprised by the sudden attack stumbled, and Amaya couldn't help but sadistically enjoy as his smug face began to tremble.
"What's wrong? Keep going, I wanna hear you finish your sentence," Amaya quietly whispered, ignoring everyone's hushed voices and her friends cry of shock. She smirked, letting her claws lightly scratch Monoma's pale skin until the slightest hint of blood came out, utterly enjoying his quick breaths and shaky eyes as they stared into her own.
"You're right about one thing, I do attract trouble, so why don't you get out of my sight before I do a little more than make that neck of yours bleed," Amaya warned, the airy tone she had now gone, replaced with serious menace, eyes hard and face blank as she looked down at him.
Monoma, who had lost all color in his skin, pushed at her shoulders but was surprised at how strong this small teen's grip was. He couldn't escape unless she let him, he realized with building horror.
Before the situation could escalate anymore Amaya roughly threw him to the ground and stepped back only to bump her back into someone's chest. She felt strong arms snake around her waist and pull her in closer, a head sitting on top of hers.
"Damn Kitten, I leave for a few moments and you make some poor kid almost piss his pants," a tired rumble echoed in her sensitive ears. Amaya bit her lip to stop a squeak of shock from escaping, relaxing in Hitoshi's arms for a second before she remembered they were in public.
Thankfully before her blush became permanent, Hitoshi let go of her to talk to some orange-haired girl who was now holding onto an unconscious Monoma in her hand.
"When did that happen?"
"Ah I'm so sorry about Monoma's behavior, I completely understand why'd you get so upset. Monoma is just… yea he's Monoma. I'm truly sorry he bothered you and your friends!" The kind girl bowed, not even hesitating to look Amaya in the eyes, as if she wasn't scared about what just transpired. Looking around Amaya could tell others did not share that same opinion, quickly facing down whenever she made eye contact.
Amaya briefly nodded at the apology, Hitoshi returning back to stand behind her and use her head as an arm-rest.
Amaya scowled but didn't move, not minding the touch, though she would never admit it verbally.
Izuku could only stare at Shinso's casual stance, feeling irritation and something dark in his stomach at his frequent touch with Amaya. Unbeknownst to him, Todoroki and Bakugo were feeling something similar as they watched the scene.
"I heard you guys talking earlier about how you don't know what's gonna be on the practical exam for the finals right? Looks like it'll be combat against robots like in the entrance exam." The girl, Kendou as Amaya now knew, told them earnestly. Kendou seemed to be really guilty about her classmate's actions as she relayed the information that she received from her upperclassmen.
"Robots? Like those giant ones in the sports festival? U.A. sure loves to torture their students."
"Ehh they're not that bad, the robots I mean. U.A. definitely does not have a concept of boundaries."
Getting out of her head, Amaya smiled and kindly thanked her which seemed to surprise the class B girl who sheepishly smiled, a faint blush on her cheeks.
"Don't worry about it, think of it as this doofus's ticket for staying alive," Kendou joked, making Amaya giggle.
As the two girls laughed, Izuku was muttering up a storm that had Kendou staring in worry and Amaya sighing fondly. Moving away from Hitoshi, who groaned at the loss of his arm post, Amaya softly bonked Izuku on the head, effectively stopping his rant. She ruffled his hair as she teasingly said, "Izuku calm down, you're going to make yourself run in circles."
Izuku blushed but nodded, thanking the sweet cat-girl.
"Are you an idiot Kendou? We had an information advantage! This was our chance to get ahead of the detestable class A!" Monoma groggily bit out before moaning in pain as Kendou knocked him out again.
The taller girl groaned in annoyance as she dragged the slumped over Monoma back to her table, chastising him.
Amaya stared after Kendou with renowned respect for being able to put up with that asshole.
It was the end of the day and as Amaya walked back to class from the bathroom, she could hear Bakugo loudly shouting in the classroom.
Rushing to enter she stopped short as his voice suddenly became serious. Instead of entering, for a reason she couldn't explain she hid behind the door listening in.
"I don't need another half-assed result like at the sports festival Deku. At the upcoming finals, we'll get individual scores, so we'll see who's better whether you like it or not. I'll beat you with an indisputable difference! I'll kill you!" He roared, causing Amaya to stifle a gasp.
"You too Todoroki!"
"D-did Bakugo actually say Shōto's name? He's deadly serious about this."
"What did you expect. This dude's always been serious."
Amaya didn't get to defend herself as the door slammed closed behind Bakugo, his face pinched up in annoyance. She barely managed to hold in her flinch when he turned to glare at her.
She tried to move back against the wall even more but honestly, she should've known better as he moved slowly towards her, trapping her in.
"Ugh I'm seriously stupid, I knew he was going to do this too!"
His hand felt hot against her chin as he held it in his firm grasp, forcing her gold eyes to stare into his expressive red ones.
"Did you enjoy the show? Hah?" He snarled, eyes narrowing at her.
Amaya refused to wince at his penetrative stare, keeping the contact as she slowly moved her hand to gently hold his wrist that was attached to her face.
"You're acting more brash than usual. I really respect how intense you can be, but don't let your emotions overpower you," Amaya warned softly, trying to convey her worry. Amaya didn't fully understand Bakugo's need to be number one, but she could definitely respect it. But with the way he was acting, he'd only make more mistakes.
Bakugo's eyes hardened, and his grip became tighter, causing her to hiss lightly.
Tugging on her hair he made her head go back as he harshly whispered in her ear, "You think you got me figured out? Think I need your precious words like fucking Deku who pathetically clings on to you? I don't need shit, especially from a fucking extra who can't mind her own business."
Amaya felt heat swirl in her eyes, but she wasn't sure if it was from rage or hurt.
Eyes slitting menacingly, she sunk her claws fully into Bakugo's wrist, not caring that he was bleeding.
"If you're going to be acting like a brat, don't fucking tell me to notice you. You're right I should mind my own business; I shouldn't focus on a goddamn meathead who's too stubborn to see when someone is just trying to look out for him. For someone so smart, you can be so dumb," Amaya bit out, glaring at the stupid blond in front of her.
Bakugo growled, eyes shifting from her own gold ones to her lips and back.
What?
Cheeks becoming pink Amaya refused to back down, no matter how her stomach churned at Bakugo's strange action.
Letting go of her chin, he gripped her tie tightly and pulled it down, loosening it, still keeping his tight grasp on her black locks securing her head from moving.
"The princess wants to look out for me now? You make that hard to believe with how you act with other guys. It looks like this flat-chested girl just wants attention from anyone she can get to look her way," he seethed.
Amaya's face dropped and her hand was already in full swing as she smacked Bakugo's face, a satisfying red mark already forming on his swelling cheek.
In his shock he let go of her and that was enough for Amaya to shove him away, tears already forming in her eyes.
"Don't you ever talk to me again. I really thought we were friends, but who was I kidding? The great Katsuki Bakugo doesn't need friends, he doesn't need anyone. Enjoy becoming number one." Amaya hissed, her voice slightly cracking as her tears fell down her cheeks.
Amaya roughly wiped her eyes, missing the guilty expression on Bakugo's face as she re-entered the classroom.
"Fuck!" Bakugo cursed as he kicked the nearest thing next to him, Hitachi's hurt expression replaying in his mind.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck, I messed up," he groaned, pulling at his gold spikes. Bakugo huffed, walking away trying to forget the tears falling from beautiful gold eyes as he walked home.
"Yes, you did," a disappointed voice echoed as soon as the teen left the hall, Aizawa shaking his head at what he just saw.
"Bakugo has gotten worse than I thought," the tired pro sighed.
The rest of the week Amaya tried to act as though she was fine. It helped that all the students were too focused on studying to pay attention to the whirlwind of emotions she felt inside.
Immediately her friends knew something was wrong but with exams so close and Amaya refusing to give up any information they decided that right now she just needed some space.
Aizawa could see the hurt in his daughter but whenever he tried to talk to her, she'd politely brush him off to study.
Bakugo and Amaya ignored each other completely, the former occasionally sending subtle concerned glances at the stoic cat-girl. Amaya refused to look at him at all and tried to cheer herself up by studying with either Hitoshi or Izuku, but even they couldn't get rid of the terrible dark feeling festering inside of her.
Amaya didn't even know that Bakugo had such a large impact on her life, but she was learning that sometimes you didn't get to choose who you cared about, it just happened.
And she still cared, so much. She still worried for that asshole, but she wasn't masochistic nor stupid enough to talk to him again. He hurt her, end of story. If he wanted her in his life he'd apologize and let her forgive him at her own time.
However, seeing as there has been no process Amaya figured that maybe he didn't care about her as much as she cared for him. Which hurt even more, but that was something Amaya couldn't blame Bakugo for.
She just had to focus on herself like he was focusing on himself.
Before Amaya knew it, it was time for the written exams. As she sat in the classroom, pencil in hand, she didn't even realize she had finished, her mind and body moving automatically.
The same happened for the next two days and by the end of exams when Aizawa announced pencils down Amaya dazedly looked out the window.
Izuku, Tenya, Ochaco and even Shōto looked at the petite teen in concern. She hadn't been eating much for the past week, and they worried for her as well as her exam grades.
Amaya wasn't worried, but she hated feeling like this. For the first time since she heard about the practical, she was excited to let loose on some robots. Practicing with Yajū had been exhilarating and the best way to get rid of her stress.
Now that it was the day of the practical, as she stood there in her hero costume, she couldn't believe this utter bullshit.
"For various reasons, the exam will be different starting this time!" Nezu excitedly exclaimed as he literally crawled out of Aizawa's scarf, climbing onto the man's shoulders.
Amaya shivered at the sight, but her face started paling as she took in his words.
"What? No robots?!"
"From now on, we want to focus on person-to person combat and hero work, and stress teaching that is closer to actual fighting. So… we'll have you form teams of two to fight against one teacher!" The damn animal happily explained.
Goddamn it.
"A-against the teachers?" Ochaco stuttered out questionably.
"In addition, the pairs have already been decided, with our extra student already added as well," Aizawa further elaborated, glancing at Amaya.
"Why did he look at me? Is that supposed to mean something? Fuck I thought we were fighting robots!"
"Would you relax, stressing at this time is pointless, you can't change what's about to happen. Chill the fuck out."
Amaya pouted but agreed internally that what was done was done and she couldn't change that. No matter how bad she wanted to.
Wait, Aizawa picked the partners?
That could mean she'd possibly be paired up with Bakugo!
"Aw shit."
"Hah sucks for you loser."
"Shut up."
"The pairs are—" Aizawa started, causing Amaya to clench her tail in nervousness.
"Please no, please no please no."
"First: Todoroki, Yaoyorozu and Hitachi are team one."
"Oh, thank god—wait, Yaoyorozu?!"
"Fuck, that girl tried to kill you before. Aizawa's some sadist."
"You three are against me," Aizawa smirked, tightening his grip on his wraps.
Amaya resisted the urge to smash her head on the ground. Of course, of fucking course she'd have to fight against her dad-like guardian of all people.
At least it wasn't Bakugo.
"Next, Midoriya and Bakugo are the next team, and their opponent is—"
An explosion of wind surrounded the students as All Might made his dramatic entrance, smiling quite evilly at both boys.
"I… will do it!" All Might exclaimed.
"Aizawa is a sadist."
"No shit."
Amaya couldn't help but glance worriedly at the two boys before her. As strong as they were it was freaking All Might they were up against! It didn't help that they had some grudge against each other.
The other pairs were soon announced and Nezu began explaining the rules for this test.
"The time limit for the exam is thirty minutes! Your objective is to either put these handcuffs on the teacher, or to have one of you escape from the stage!"
Amaya sighed, it seemed simple enough, but she knew better than anyone that it'd be much harder than expected.
She just hoped that she could work it out with Yaoyorozu.
"In cases where there's too big a difference in your abilities, it would be smarter to run away and get help. Todoroki, Iida, Midoriya, Hitachi, I'm sure you three understand this well." Aizawa announced, getting Amaya out of her head.
"Ugh so it's fight and win or run and win."
"You're underestimating us," Bakugo bitterly scowled far away from her about something she wasn't paying attention to, but his voice still managed to make her turn her head in his direction.
Amaya shook her head. No, now was not the time to be concerned about him.
"Amaya, you're on our team, c'mon," Shōto softly muttered, suddenly appearing near Amaya who held back a yelp of surprise. She didn't manage to say much as he gently pulled on her wrist, leading the way.
"You make it hard to believe how you act with other guys…"
Amaya froze at the voice in her head, Shōto stopping with her. Was she acting needy with the boys in her class?
She almost pulled her wrist away when she caught Shōto's innocently confused expression, he tilted his head in such a cute manner that Amaya almost cooed.
What was she doing?
She wasn't acting any way with the boys; this was how she was with everyone. She wasn't going to change that because of some hot-head's words.
Smiling gently Amaya placed her hand in Shōto's, blushing at his surprised face. She almost regretted doing something so intimate but was pleasantly surprised that he merely squeezed her hand, pulling him with her again.
She was too busy smiling to notice the small blush that adorned his own pale face.
Bakugo had watched the entire exchange and felt his heart clench for some reason. He knew he couldn't be acting possessive over her. He had no claim over her, and he liked that.
He just couldn't help hating how other guys would stare and act with her. What made him feel worse was that he had seen Hitachi's hesitation and then her resolution. He made her hesitate and it made him feel like a shithead.
He knew he fucked up and he wanted to fix it but right now they both had to focus on the exam. Begrudgingly he let it go, despite the part of him that wanted to go over and take her hand in his.
Right now, he had to focus on defeating All Might and killing Deku.
Amaya and Shōto reached the strategy area room soon enough and saw Yaoyorozu pacing in the corner.
Amaya let go of his hand and faced the creation girl who stiffened at the sight of her. Amaya tried not to take offense to that but still kept her face painfully blank.
"So, what's the plan to face Aizawa-sensei?" Amaya asked, getting straight to the point.
Yaoyorozu nervously wrapped her arms around herself and while her demeanor seemed timid, Amaya could see the beginning of something in her eyes.
"Amaya and I will distract Aizawa and Yaoyorozu will run to the gates," Shōto simply stated, interrupting Amaya's thoughts and causing her to chuckle.
Until she realized she was the only one laughing.
"That's it?" Amaya asked, her lack of faith in the plan obvious.
Shōto didn't seem to understand her concern with the plans and nodded.
"Yea, with both our quirks to distract him Yaoyorozu can easily run away. I'll try to use my quirk more so that you can be between the both of us Amaya, ready to help either side," Shōto explained.
Again, Amaya only looked at him in worry before facing Yaoyorozu, but the onyx-haired girl was looking at the ground, not making a peep.
"That's so strange, I know Yaoyorozu is docile with everyone but us, but right now she seems different. More insecure."
"Eh whatever, I like Half-and-Half's idea. Being the middleman doesn't seem that bad."
"It sounds like a nice plan but Aizawa is so much more complex than that. I don't think this will be enough."
Amaya looked at the taller girl again, waiting for her to object but strangely she kept quiet.
"Umm Yaoyorozu, do you have any suggestions?" Amaya offered, hoping the girl would.
As much as Amaya didn't like to admit it but Yaoyorozu was smarter than her, so obviously she had to see that Shōto's plan was just not enough.
"N-no, if Todoroki-kun thinks that his plan will work I'm sure it will," Yaoyorozu commented, though her voice came out weak.
Amaya frowned at both of them. Shōto was content with his idea, just chilling against the wall and Yaoyorozu seemed ready to chew her nails off but was holding back.
"Ugh, we're so screwed."
"Okaaay. Well, I do think we should think a bit more about this. As much as I admire your quirk Shōto, I doubt that will be enough to stop Aizawa if you managed to get past him. Also, while I can control my quirk better that doesn't mean it'll be very helpful in this case. Yaoyorozu can do more than just run, you sure you don't have any ideas on maybe creating something to stop Aizawa?" Amaya huffed; her last statement directed at the taller female as she tried her hardest to stay cool.
Yaoyorozu opened her mouth but before she could speak Present Mic announced that it was their turn.
"Shit," Amaya hissed.
Shōto heard her and slowly patted her head, like he'd seen Shinso do at lunch sometimes. Amaya's hair was very soft, and she relaxed slightly at the affection.
"Just trust me Amaya, I'll keep you safe," Shōto confidently admitted.
Amaya blushed at his honesty but looked away.
"... I know you can protect me, but right now that's not what's important," she muttered to herself.
As they made their way down to the testing center Amaya felt her nerves bundle inside of her. Each step closer made her lose confidence in this plan more and more.
"Well too late bitch. Your exam is about to start."
Amaya groaned once she found herself situated between Yaoyorozu and Shōto in the middle of what looked like an average neighborhood in Japan.
"Let's stick to the shadows, Yaoyorozu it doesn't matter what you make, just keep creating some small objects. When you can't make them anymore, that means Aizawa-sensei is close," Shōto instructed as the three ran through the alleyways.
Amaya didn't even try to object, because it was Yaoyorozu who should, but the black-eyed girl merely remained quiet.
"This exam will depend on who finds who first, once we can see him, I'll draw him to me," Shōto explained, causing Amaya to sigh.
Yaoyorozu made a quiet noise that caused both Amaya and Shōto to turn, but ultimately, she shook her head.
Shōto didn't think twice but Amaya could only stare at the fidgeting girl.
Yaoyorozu began producing weird dolls from her body and Amaya just didn't have the energy to ask about them but Shōto did.
"These are Russian matryoshka dolls," Yaoyorozu explained, tucking a few into her utility belt.
Shōto nodded, reminding the girls to speak up if anything strange happened with their quirks. Except Amaya wasn't using hers, at least not until it felt necessary.
So, she had to rely on her tall team-members and her ears for Aizawa instead.
As they kept running Amaya kept quiet in the back, but she heard as Yaoyorozu praised Shōto for his ability to come up with plans on the spot. Amaya would agree most of the time, but right now she was still 50/50 on this whole idea.
"It's nothing special," Shōto modestly replied.
Yet that comment made Yaoyorozu stop, effectively causing Amaya and Shōto to pause as well.
"Umm, why are we stopping?"
"Nothing special…? As students who got into U.A. through recommendations, we started from the same place, but in terms of the practical skills a hero needs, I haven't done anything that stands out," Yaoyorozu admitted, shame in her voice.
Amaya didn't have time to pity the girl as her ears picked up on the faintest sounds resembling footsteps.
Whipping her katanas out, Amaya stood in her stance as Shōto and Yaoyorozu realized that the creation girl's quirk had stopped. The two panickily turned around to get ready for an attack when Amaya spotted the pro.
"UP!" Amaya screamed as she jumped, trying to slice Aizawa's scarves with her sword.
"Only Hitachi realized, you two should've immediately started reacting," Aizawa reprimanded as he swiveled out of Amaya's katanas reach.
Shōto tried to use his quirk but Aizawa had already turned it off so instead he threw a kick, but Aizawa immediately countered it.
"Yaoyorozu, go!" Shōto shouted as he was wrapped in Aizawa's capture weapon.
Amaya immediately tried to cut the teen down but Aizawa reacted in lightning speed, throwing a hard kick to her chest. Aizawa had thought ahead and threw caltrops, little annoying knives everywhere, right after, making it impossible for Shōto to get down.
"Shit," Amaya cursed as the wind was knocked out of her, the realization that she was alone right now creeping up on her as well.
"Sorry kid, but I can't let you escape," Aizawa stated as he threw his scarves at her.
Amaya barely missed them, ducking and rolling to the side just in the nick of time. Aizawa grumbled and threw something that clanged loudly against Amaya's katanas.
Amaya groaned at the unpleasant sound in her ears, dropping her weapons, tripping back when she noticed Aizawa suddenly in front of her.
"Smart not using your quirk, you know there's no point if you're fighting me," Aizawa praised before he threw another kick, this time aimed at Amaya's head. Amaya sloppily blocked it using her arms and swiped her own leg at the back of his knees.
Aizawa, not expecting that, stumbled looking at Amaya in shock.
"Didn't think you'd use a dirty trick like that," Aizawa mentioned, standing back to his full height.
Amaya smiled, but it seemed forced due to the lack of oxygen she was dealing with.
"There are no dirty tricks in a fight, just gotta make sure I don't die," she quipped back, using her claws to swipe at Aizawa's face.
Aizawa jumped over her and kicked her back making Amaya fall to the floor, very close to the knives.
"And how's that working for you," Aizawa taunted.
"What the fuck? Is he trying to kill us?"
"Yes and no."
Amaya tried to move but Aizawa's captured weapon had caught her too and she was now dangling next to Shōto, breathless as the scarves squeezed her.
All the two could rely on now was that Yaoyorozu made it to the gate.
"Unlike with the hero killer, here I know all of your quirks and the number of my opponents. I'm perfectly prepared to intercept you," Aizawa explained as he confidently placed eyedrops in.
"Now he's just mocking us."
"Your plan places the burden heavily on yourself and Hitachi, it's nice to try and be considerate to Yaoyorozu but maybe you should've talked it over more," Aizawa suggested as he moved to catch said girl.
Amaya resisted the urge to scream and glared over at Shōto, "I told you this plan didn't seem good enough," she hissed.
Shōto looked shocked at that before he nodded, seeming to go over everything in his head.
Amaya sighed, wincing instantly at the pressure in her abdomen, "Shōto it's fine, we still have Yaoyorozu, she's smart," Amaya tried to reassure.
That is until literally two seconds later, Yaoyorozu was right back under them, shouting Shōto name in panic.
"You know maybe summer school won't be so bad, I've suffered worse."
"I'm sorry, I couldn't-" the tall girl started only for Shōto to cut her off with the warning that Aizawa was coming back.
"Yaoyorozu, you've got a plan, right? I know you do! Calm down and do what you can," Amaya wheezed.
"She's right Yaoyorozu, I'm sorry for just deciding everything, I should've asked if you had a plan in mind," Shōto apologized.
"B-but your plan didn't work so how could my idea…?" Yaoyorozu tearfully whispered.
"What the hell Yaoyorozu? I thought we were rivals!? Where is all that energy that I saw at the sports festival? Where's that girl? I know she's still in there!" Amaya shouted, pleading to the creation girl that she do something.
Yaoyorozu gasped, and thankfully Shōto continued hyping her up.
"It's true Yaoyorozu! You're much better at this stuff than me! When we were voting for class rep, you had two votes right? One of those votes was mine! Because I thought you'd be good at it!" Shōto confessed.
Amaya could see how his words impacted the other girl and Amaya hoped it would be enough to slap Yaoyorozu out of whatever funk she was in.
"Aizawa's above you!" Amaya shouted though it came out strangled.
"Todoroki-kun, Hitachi, close your eyes!" Yaoyorozu commanded as she threw her weird Russian dolls in the air.
Not taking a chance Amaya immediately closed her eyes and heard as Aizawa triggered something, even with her eyes closed Amaya could 'see' the bright flash of light from whatever weapon Yaoyorozu used.
When Amaya opened her eyes Shōto was on the ground with Yaoyorozu who looked more confident than before as she lowered the cat-girl as well.
With a mumbled thanks, she watched as Yaoyorozu exclaimed she had a special operation plan to beat Aizawa.
"For now, we have to run you guys!" Yaoyorozu instructed and Amaya was more than happy to just follow along, feeling sore from having actually combatted her pseudo-father.
"I've noticed the Aizawa-sensei's eyes have become a bit unstable," Yaoyorozu elaborated as they ran.
Amaya stiffened remembering as to why that was, when Shōto bluntly stated if it was because of the USJ incident.
Yaoyorozu confirmed but instead of exploiting it, Yaoyorozu told the group to get out of his field of vision and to keep checking for when they could use their quirks. And by 'them', Amaya knew Yaoyorozu was talking about Shōto, but she didn't complain. She didn't have her katanas anymore so right now she felt defenseless.
As they kept running, Amaya could hear Aizawa creeping closer. Amaya winced as she heard Aizawa release his capture weapon but before he could close in on them, Shotō created a giant wall of ice between them.
Shivering, Amaya couldn't help but mentally praise both her team members when she noticed Yaoyorozu creating a cloth similar to Aizawa's capture weapon from her chest.
Blushing she looked away, glad to see that Shōto shared the embarrassment as he asked Yaoyorozu if that was the same scarves Aizawa used.
"Yes and no. I don't know what his capture weapon is made of or the details of how it's made so it's not exactly the same. Instead, I'm going to use nitinol alloy," Yaoyorozu explained.
Amaya couldn't help the shock on her face as she slowly started to understand Yaoyorozu's plan.
Smirking, she allowed a small chuckle to escape her.
"Now that's the cunning Yaoyorozu I know," she whispered, missing the light blush that appeared in the other girls face.
Once that was done Yaoyorozu and Amaya moved from behind the ice wearing robes to negate Aizawa's quirk, with Amaya holding a mannequin to trick Aizawa into thinking it was Shōto.
Amaya could hear Aizawa's shouts and heard his capture weapon whip in the air near them. Instantly Yaoyorozu and Amaya moved back and let the mannequin get wrapped up instead.
Yaoyorozu created a catapult that tossed the cloth at Aizawa but when she went to fire, she messed up. Amaya instantly stood near her ready to grapple Aizawa if she needed to but instead, he moved away right in the line of Yaoyorozu's catapult.
This time she succeeded in pulling it and Shōto came from behind, already heating up the fake scarves with his fire.
Amaya stood back and smiled as the nitinol alloy tightened around Aizawa. She hadn't even realized Yaoyorozu was talking about their plan, instead too busy trying not to laugh at Aizawa's tired face.
With their attacker completely restrained, Yaoyorozu had the honor of handcuffing him.
"I-I messed up before… Why did you still jump back?" Yaoyorozu asked quietly.
"I would've had to face that gremlin next to you pouncing on me or even Todoroki's ice so jumping back seemed like the best option. And still I played right into your hands," Aizawa admitted, ignoring Amaya's pout.
"Thanks, Yaoyorozu," Shōto complimented, Amaya muttering her own thanks as well.
Yaoyorozu didn't speak but then she was suddenly crying, and Amaya could only look at Shōto who seemed panicked as well.
"Are you hurt?" Shōto awkwardly asked.
"No Todoroki-kun," Yaoyorozu sniffled.
"Did I hurt your feelings?" Amaya frantically questioned, giving the taller girl space.
"No no I'm fine," she cried, not looking fine at all.
Shōto and Amaya continued to unhelpfully try to comfort the crying girl who merely cried harder at their attempts.
Aizawa huffed, trying not to laugh as he looked at his students.
These brats would be the end of him.
As Amaya exited the exam facility with her classmates, she couldn't help but notice someone watching her. Glancing to the side she saw Bakugo intensely staring at her, but he quickly turned the other way before she could react.
Strange, she never thought she'd see the day when Bakugo wouldn't look her in the eyes.
Still, she felt better at having to look into those intensive bright fiery eyes. Amaya didn't know if she could handle that right now.
As Shōto went off to who knows where and Yaoyorozu entered the viewing deck, Amaya slowly followed.
"Hitachi," a deep voice grumbled, making her pause. Bakugo was looking at her again and she noticed that they were alone. Amaya knew the smart thing would have been to ignore him, but Bakugo was not someone you could just ignore.
"Look, I'm… I was an asshole to you," he got out. The words seemed a bit forced and rushed; his entire demeanor awkward but his tone was sincere.
Amaya raised a brow at that. "You think?"
Bakugo scowled yet kept quiet, nodding.
"Look I know I suck at this and you have every right to be mad, but I want you to know that I know that I fucked up. Fucked up bad," he sighed, sounding exasperated and tired.
Amaya felt a hint of a smile trying to peak out.
"And? Is that all? I think I deserve a bit more than that," she teased, taking one step closer to the spikey blonde.
Bakugo huffed, feeling his cheeks heat up at her tone. However, she was right.
"Hitachi—"
"Amaya," Shōto called out, surprising the two teens.
"Uh Shōto, can you give me a second?" Amaya practically pleaded as she turned around.
But it was too late, Bakugo was pissed, he glared at the heterochronic teen and shoved past Amaya, exiting to another place.
Amaya sighed, staring after Bakugo's form in concern.
"I'm sorry Amaya, I've seemed to have interrupted something important," Shōto apologized.
Amaya bitterly laughed, shrugging her shoulders.
"Maybe, maybe not. He never did say sorry," she whispered.
Shōto didn't comment, instead offering to walk with her into the observation room. Amaya nodded, slightly upset at the interruption, but knowing that she'd have another chance to talk with Bakugo.
Shaking her head, she entered the dark room, smiling as she heard her friends congratulate her and Shotō for passing.
"Amaya-chan you really held your own against Aizawa-sensei! And you did great too Todoroki-kun, your ice wall is nothing short of amazing!" Izuku cutely praised, making Amaya giggle.
"Yes, I agree with Midoriya-san! Good job all of you!" Tenya congratulated in his formal tone.
Ochaco merely stuck to hugging Amaya as she gave praises to the dual quirk user.
Amaya hugged the bubbly girl back, once again thanking whatever god was out there for letting her have friends like this.
As Amaya looked up at the screen, she scowled watching Mineta's one-on-one fight with Midnight. Instead of looking at that loser she focused on the kind green dork next to her.
"Are you nervous?" Amaya whispered, only loud enough for Izuku to catch.
Izuku's eyes widened but he didn't react more than that as he slowly nodded.
"Well… it's Kacchan. He won't even let me strategize with him," Izuku huffed.
Amaya quietly agreed, understanding her friend's frustration. She reached down and squeezed his hand, enjoying the blush that spread across his freckled-cheeks.
"I believe in you," she encouraged.
"A-Amaya-chan," Izuku breathed, body heating up at her words.
"You should probably go get ready Izuku, wouldn't want you to be late," Amaya advised her own voice coming out shy.
Izuku determinedly nodded and ran out the door. Amaya felt her heart pound as soon as he left. She didn't know why but she was very nervous for both boys.
She could only pray that they would be able to work together to pass.
"I didn't follow through on my promise to protect you. I'm sorry," a chill voice sounded near her ears, interrupting Amaya's thoughts.
She turned around to see Shōto looking down at the floor in shame. She didn't understand what he meant until she remembered what he promised her.
Smirking playfully, she poked his shoulder. "I know you can protect me Shōto. So, don't apologize."
Shōto stood still for a moment before nodding, his eyes trailing behind Amaya's form as she walked back towards Uraraka.
That girl never stopped surprising him. He hoped she never would stop.