Chapter 2
To say Mari was not a morning person had to be the world's biggest understatement. So when she saw that someone was knocking on her door at 6:30 AM; she felt like she was in her brand of Hell.
"Hey, Oshiro! You up? Did you still want to spar today?"
Her memory from the night before slowly started coming back to her. She remembered setting up her room; getting to know the rest of the Bakusquad; and then…
She promised Kirishima she would spar with him and Bakugo. Alright; fair, she hadn't exactly given them a timeframe, so she figured that one was on her.
"I'm up; I'm up." She scratched the back of her head; opening the door. "No offense; dude, but I'm gonna need you to bring the pep down about four levels. It is way too early and I don't have nearly enough caffeine in me."
Kirishima laughed. "Sorry; I just got a little enthusiastic. You'd think after living next door to this one for the past two years; I'd know how to recognize a morning person." He jerks his thumb over his shoulder, and Mari can see Bakugo looking exactly how she felt.
"Just…let me get ready and get some coffee in me." She stifled a yawn.
"You are gonna have more for breakfast than that; right?" Bakugo asked; not opening his eyes.
"Probably not. I'm not a breakfast person."
"You can't spar on an empty stomach; genius. And I refuse to spar with you unless you're in top form."
Mari glared at him and huffed. "Fine; but if you wanted my top form, you wouldn't have woken me up at the ass crack of dawn."
She bounced on her feet, suddenly unaware of what to do next. "I need to go get changed. Do you want to wait out here; or…"
"You'll be quick; right?"
"Well; as quick as I can be. I forgot to pull out my workout clothes last night; so I have to dig them out and get changed. You're more than welcome to chill in here while I go change; I'll be quick once I find them."
In unspoken agreement; the boys push past her into the room. As they pass; she realizes that they both have at least half a foot of height on her, standing 5'7 to her petite 5'2. It was less obvious last night when it was late and she was exhausted, but now the difference is obvious and she wonders; if only briefly if agreeing to spar with them both was a good idea.
She slaps her hands against her cheeks; partly to clear her head and partly to wake herself up. "Okay; I'm just gonna try to find something comfortable to wear." She turns to the boxes containing her casual clothes and rifles through them. After a few moments; she pulls out her UA track pants and a sleeveless shirt.
"Alright; I'm just gonna dip in the bathroom quickly. Shouldn't take me too long."
She stepped into the bathroom that joined her room with the room next door. Luckily; Mina appeared to still be asleep. Yawning; she quickly throws on her workout clothes and then turns to look at her face in the mirror.
There were bags under her eyes; signs of lack of sleep and stress. Her blue-black hair hangs around her face limply. She pulls it into a quick braid; not having the energy or mental capacity to put it up in the normal way.
She opens the door and gives what she hopes is her most energetic smile. "Alright, boys; I'm ready. Let's go hit the mats."
Bakugo makes a noise. "Breakfast first; then sparring."
"I honestly hoped you had forgotten about that." Her shoulders slump as she turns to Kirishima. "Is he always like this?"
The redhead shrugged. "Yep; that's Bakugo. Always the picture of stoic manliness."
Mari snorted and started to semi-shepherd them out the door. "Manliness? Really?"
Kirishima's face turned red as his hair. "It's sort of my hero mantra; my code if you will. You see; I've always been a fan of Red Riot, especially when I was a kid…" he trails off
At this point; they've made it to the kitchen and Mari starts busying herself by making a cup of coffee. She takes her first sip and sighs. "Coffee is the lifeblood." She turns to Kirishima "That makes sense though; I think we all have a hero we idolize and aspire to be like." She takes another sip and stubbornly ignores the breakfast bar Bakugo keeps pushing toward her. She pushes it back.
"Are you honestly gonna make something this simple so difficult; idiot?"
Mari chokes on her coffee a little "I'm not the one being difficult. But if it'll get you to stop; I'll eat the damn bar." She slowly unwraps it; and before she takes a bite "This doesn't mean you win, though."
Bakugo's mouth twitches; like he's caught between arguing more and being pleased that she relented.
Kirishima whistles. "I don't think I've ever seen him speechless before. We'll have to mark it on the calendar."
Mari kills her cup of coffee and hops off her chair. "Well, I'm ready to go! Are you boys ready to head out?"
They both nod in affirmation; and the three of them head toward the gym building. Mari vaguely thinks how this must be what they mean by "scary dog privilege" because, with Kirishima on one side and Bakugo on the other, she's never felt so safe in her life.
They reach Gymnasium Gamma shortly after and Mari can practically feel her nerves vibrating. It's been too long since she'd worked out and now she was itching to get started.
She started bouncing on her feet again; a habit she had when she was nervous or excited. "Alright; warm-up time!"
She went to the corner of the room and grabbed one of the blue landing mats. She started pulling it out to the center of the room.
"Need some help with that?" Kirishima asked; smiling that sharky grin again and cocking his head to the side. Mari noticed some stray hairs had slipped out of the bun he'd piled onto his head.
"Uh; sure. I just need to have enough room to stretch and maybe do a couple of somersaults, so if we can just get it over there" she pointed to a spot "I should be golden."
He nods and helps Mari drag the mat where she mentioned. She dropped it and wiped her hands on her pants. "Perfect! Thanks, Sharky!" Her eyes widened. "Oh gosh; I didn't mean to be informal like that. My bad."
He shakes his head. "It's no big deal; it just tells me you're starting to get comfortable around us, which is what I was hoping for when I asked if you wanted a workout buddy."
"Alright; well I need to stretch." Mari proceeds to sit down on the mat and starts stretching her legs; first in figure four form, then butterfly. When she's satisfied with how warmed up her legs are; she switches to her arms and back.
Once she's completely warmed up; she starts bouncing on her feet again, this time to give herself momentum before she launches herself in the air. As the floor comes back to meet her; she puts her arms out and springboards herself back into the air. She repeats this several times until she lands perfectly on the edge of the mat; hands in the air triumphantly.
She had assumed Kirishima would have started on his workout, or wandered off to help Bakugo, but instead, she noticed he was watching her. "You're really into this gymnastics thing; aren't you?"
"I took classes as a kid. My parents realized early on what a positive effect it had on helping me balance my Quirk, so they supported it wholeheartedly. I also ran a bit of track in middle school." She took a swig of her water bottle. "The biggest things I want to focus on are my core strength; and my agility. I know that those skills would be best suited for my Quirk."
"That's awesome! So manly!" She raised her eyebrows at Kirishima. He rubbed his nose; embarrassed.
"I'm just yanking your chain; dude. It doesn't bother me. If I'm being serious; I never really subscribed to the black-and-white gender binary thing." She shrugs. "If I had to put a label on it; I'd most likely say that I'm nonbinary. Meaning there are days I feel more masculine; days I feel more feminine; then days I don't feel either."
Kirishima opened his mouth to ask a question; when Bakugo's voice rang out. "Oi! Are you two idiots done with your book club? I want to get started!"
Mari stood up with one final stretch; then extended her hand to help Kirishima to his feet. "I'm going to enjoy this." She mumbled under her breath; then yelled back "Yeah; we're coming Blasty! Don't get your panties in a twist!"
She could see her comment had gotten under his skin; the look in his eyes growing angrier by the moment.
"Good. That's exactly where I want him. If he wants me at my best; I expect the same from him." She smirked.
Mari rolled her shoulders, trying to seem casual. "Alright, Sunshine; let's do this."
Bakugo's lip twitched, but he said nothing and proceeded to start circling her, looking for an opening.
"If you wanted to dance with me, Bakugo; all you had to do was ask." She cracked her knuckles and started mirroring his movements. They circled each other like predators, and she still had a shark to contend with after this.
Bakugo took her contemplation as an opening and threw a punch. Mari snapped herself out of it just in time to dodge and grab his arm. He snarled and used the moment to flip Mari, sending her skittering across the gym floor.
She lay still for a moment; taking stock of her body. Nothing seemed broken; she was just winded. She could hear Kirishima calling out to her; asking if she was alright.
Mari pushed herself up and sent him a thumb-up. "I'm good; dude. Nothing bruised except my pride."
She wiped the back of her hand across her mouth; and fell back into a grappling stance. "Did you think I was done? I'm just getting warmed up."
Bakugo smirked. "That's what I want to hear! Come on; Short Stack!"
"He gave you a nickname! That means he likes you!" Kirishima called from across the gym
"Can it; Shitty Hair! You'll get your turn!"
"Not if you don't shut up and spar!" Mari taunted. "Also; I'm not short; so your nicknames suck."
She sent a punch flying past his head; which was promptly caught and pinned behind her back. "Say uncle." Bakugo prompted, twisting her arm.
"Go touch grass." Mari ground out, trying to ignore the burning sensation in her arm.
"I'm telling you, say uncle. I'm giving you an out. I don't know if you know this, but I sweat nitroglycerin and I don't want to hurt you. The longer we go; the more dangerous it's going to get. Shitty Hair can take it if that happens, but you don't have the advantage he does."
Logically Mari knew he was right; so she slapped his arm twice. "Once again; this doesn't mean you win."
He smirked again. "You held your own; Short Stack. Impressive."
"Yeah; and I'll have the bruises later as proof." She rolled her shoulders again; feeling one pop. "I don't have any say in that nickname; do I?"
"Nope! You're stuck with it." Kirishima laughed; clapping a hand on her shoulder. She glared at him. "To be fair; you are small."
Mari scrunched her nose, but sat on the sidelines and watched the other two spar. It gave her the added benefit of learning their individual fighting styles. Bakugo was erratic; moving constantly and eyes darting around. Kirishima was the opposite, movements calculated and calm. It was impressive how fluidly they moved around each other.
She took another sip from her water bottle; mentally taking stock of the sore spots on her body. She knew she'd have multiple bruises on her legs at the very least; maybe a red mark where Bakugo had gripped her arm. Nothing too bad.
Suddenly there was a thud, and she looked up to see Kirishima had pinned Bakugo to the mat. "Pinned ya; Bakubro. What's the score now?"
Bakugo's frustration was palpable. "Get off of me; Shitty Hair. You made your point." He gave Kirishima's arm a nudge.
Mari stood up from the bench. "Let him up; Sharky. He needs to go cool off anyway." She smirked, "Besides; it's my turn."
Kirishima rolled off Bakugo and they both stood up. Bakugo walked past Mari to take her previous spot on the bench; nudging her as they passed.
She stood in front of the redhead; bouncing on her feet again. "We should make this a regular thing," she said. "Honestly this has been awesome. I know I'll be seriously busy over the next couple of weeks; but this is a great way to let off steam."
"That sounds awesome. And we'll definitely help you study for that test if you want."
"Alright; so are you ready for me, Kirishima?"
"Let's do this."
After sparring with Bakugo; sparring with Kirishima was a breeze. She was able to think, her movements more fluid this time.
And unlike Bakugo; the trash talk was next to none; which also helped her focus. Finding her opening was easy in this case.
She sent a punch flying at Kirishima's face; which he caught like she expected. She used that momentum to vault herself over him and grab him from behind.
"Don't make me flip you." He said, looking over his shoulder.
"Don't worry; you won't. Because I'm going to flip you."
That was a big bluff on her part; and they both knew it. He had at least six inches of height on Mari; and he was essentially a brick house due to both his Quirk and his strength.
But for a split second; she could see it in his eyes. That look of "she's kidding; right? She can't actually flip me."
Taking the moment of opportunity; Mari hooked her foot around Kirishima's leg and dead-dropped him. Right on top of her.
She sputtered. "Okay; I took a calculated risk and I'm bad at math." She hit the mat twice. "Let me up; Sharky."
He rolled off and helped her sit up. "I didn't squish you too badly; did I?"
Mari shook her head. "Nah; I'm probably gonna have to take an ice bath later anyway. But this was fun!"
"So you're still up for making this a regular thing?" Mari nodded.
"Looks like we've got another sparring partner; Bakugo!" Kirishima called out as they all started packing up their stuff.
"Great; just what I wanted. Must be my birthday." The blonde said, no real malice behind it.
"Come on; Blasty. There's nothing wrong with admitting you had fun." Mari nudged him again.
"Hey! Quit touching me. But yeah; I suppose it was nice to have a new challenge. Fighting with Deku was starting to feel stale."
They all headed for the locker rooms; to shower off and ease their sore muscles. Mari was done first; and waited for the other two in the hallway. She checked the time on her phone. "Oh wow; it's only 8:30. We still have the whole day ahead of us." She begrudgingly relented that maybe waking up early was the right play as she went over all the things she still had to do.
She was so lost in thought; she didn't even realize the other two had stepped out of the boy's locker room.
She was startled when Kirishima put a hand on her shoulder. "Hey; you good? I know you said you were; but you hit your head kinda hard on the mat and…"
She smiled at him, pushing herself up. "Yeah, I'm good. Just taking mental stock of all the stuff I have to do."
"That's right! Do you still want to help you hang that gymnastics equipment?"
"I'd appreciate it. Thanks Kirishima."
"It's no problem. We'll stop by our dorms on the way back to yours and grab that chain." They started heading back that way. "Plus, then you can see our rooms. Or, well; mine anyway. Bakugo's a little secretive about his room."
"Is he hiding something in there? It can't be that bad."
"I think he just doesn't want people to know about his secret romance manga collection."
Mari laughed out loud. "No! Stop! You're serious?"
Kirishima grinned at her. "Honest truth. I think he'd probably die if anyone found out that he has a soft side."
"Hey! What are you two idiots talking about back there?" Bakugo asked.
"Nothing!" They said in unison; then giggled together.
As the weeks passed; Mari found herself getting more comfortable and slowly falling into a routine. Class during the week; sparring with Kirishima and Bakugo on Saturdays; and then studying/resting her body on Sundays. She also started to feel more relaxed and at home with the rest of the Bakusquad.
Saturday nights would often find them piled on the couch watching a movie or playing video games; or huddled up in one of their rooms. Her room neighbor wound up being Mina; which worked out perfectly. She no longer found it odd when Kaminari or Mina would plop down in her lap when they were all bunched together. She has always been an affectionate person; some might say overly. That had been a big thing when she was still in Class B. No one seemed to understand her need to constantly hug or touch someone. But this felt nice. It felt like home.
And that's exactly how they found themselves this time. All huddled in Kirishima's room since they were planning on playing Smash Bros and he had the gaming system. Mari sat next to Mina this time; head resting on her shoulder.
"So, have they given you any updates on your provisional yet?" Mina asked; braiding Mari's hair absentmindedly.
Mari groaned. "No; and it's making me crazy. I know that test is coming up and I should be focusing on that, but I just really hate unknown variables."
"I've been trying to keep myself busy though. I've been trying to see if I can pin down the last part of my costume."
"So that's what you've been doodling! Can I see it?" Mina asked; eyes bright.
"I mean, sure. It's nothing fancy. I'll go grab my sketchbook." Mari untangled herself from Mina's legs and walked across the hall to her room. She grabbed her sketchbook off her desk and headed back.
"That was quick." Kaminari said; he had taken her position next to Mina.
"We live across the hall; Einstein. Now scoot, I was sitting there."
"Nope, move your feet; lose your seat."
She shoved him gently. "Come on; Kaminari. You knew I'd take less than a minute. Move!" She knew she was whining but she didn't care.
"Alright; you two, that's enough. Dude, it really was unmanly to take her seat like that." Kirishima said; finishing setting up the gaming system. "You can sit with me; Oshiro. I'd love to see what you've come up with."
She stuck her tongue out at Kaminari; but secretly she was thrilled. Mostly because she knew Kirishima could be as cuddly and affectionate as she was. They had been studying one day; and she got the answer right to a question that had been alluding to her for ages. Almost instinctively; he had thrown his arms around her loudly and happily proclaiming how proud he was of her. He realized what he had done and put her down; apologizing for his forwardness. She just beamed at him and told him it was the best hug she'd ever gotten.
She slotted herself between Kirishima's legs; intertwining their feet.
"Now keep in mind; this is a very rough draft. It's just me spitballing at best." She said, turning to her sketches.
"These are amazing; Oshiro! I like the detailing on the sleeves; it looks like wires!"
"Thank you; Kiri. That's exactly what I was going for. I was inspired by everyone else's costumes; so it was easy once I figured out what direction I wanted to go in."
The drawing was simple. It depicted a steampunk-esque outfit; with multiple cogs and clocks on it. There were two variations; as a skirt and as pants. They were brown in color; almost bronze. The top was white and had a bodice matching the bottoms in both drawings. The shoes were simple brown boots.
"This is the part I'm stuck on. I can't decide if I want to add goggles or not." Mari chewed the eraser on her pencil.
"Well, eye wear of any kind is a smart idea. And it'd definitely match. Let me see what you have in mind." Kirishima said; taking the pencil from her.
"You just don't like when I chew on the eraser." Mari teased; shaking her head.
"It's not good for your teeth! And self care…"
"I know; 'is manly'." She nudged his foot with hers.
"I was going to say it's important; wise guy. But yes, that too."
"Alright; gimme my pencil and I'll show you."
She drew a quick sketch of the goggles she had in mind. They were round with clock designs inlaid in them.
"I don't have my colored pencils; so it's a little hard to get the full effect. But I still want to follow the color scheme."
"I can picture it. That's really good. I can't believe you did that in a quick few seconds."
"I like sketching. It helps me get all of the noise in my head out sometimes." Mari shrugged.
"Can I see the rest of your sketches?" Kirishima asked.
"Maybe someday; Sharky. But most of them are for myself and they're very rough."
"That's fair. I look forward to seeing them."
The rest of the night was pretty uneventful; and before long, Mari and Mina announced they had to head across the hall as it was nearing 10.
Mari untangled herself from Kirishima; who had fallen asleep and had his head resting on Bakugo's shoulder. She nudged them both gently. "I'll see you tomorrow. We gotta go."
She leaned down to give Kirishima a hug. "Night guys."
She heard Bakugo mumble something under his breath, but it was hard to hear.
The two girls walked across the hall to their rooms; and started getting ready for bed. They were brushing their teeth when Mina blurted out "Okay; I gotta know. What exactly is going on with you, Kirishima and Bakugo?"
Mari spit her toothpaste. "What are you talking about? Nothing's going on with us."
"Right; that's why you spend most of your time with them."
"They're helping me study and we spar on Saturdays. That's not 'all my time'. Kiri offered to help me study; and Bakugo got roped in. Same thing with sparring." Mari objected; pointing at her roommate with the end of her toothbrush.
"If you say so; but you should know that Bakugo never lets anyone touch him except Kirishima…and you." Mari blushed; she hadn't realized that. "Anyway, just something to think about. Goodnight Mari!" Mina gave her a squeeze and headed through the door leading to her bedroom.
"You're a menace; you know that?" Mari called after her.
"I know; but you love me anyway!" Mina called back.
That night; Mari had trouble sleeping. Was Mina right? No; couldn't be. It was just that she was closest with Bakugo and Kirishima. They were her best friends; and she felt comfortable around them.
"Right; that's it." Mari whispered to herself; though she wasn't as convinced as she had hoped.
