Warning: ️
The following has some sexual activity so I recommend skipping to the bottom half if thats too sensitive for some readers.
Ciana didn't even realize she drifted off to sleep in Izuku's arms… her plan was to originally check on him then go back… but that plan was forgotten as she became so attached, warm and safe in Izuku's arms. As the morning later rises… Ciana tightly had her arms around Izuku and her head laid onto his chest still with a peaceful expression, pressed up very snug against him enough that her legs were almost tangled in his…
The first few rays of sunlight struck Izuku's face as he stirred, did he leave his curtains open? Blinking away sleep, he felt much warmer and heavier than last night. He shifted his head right only to meet raven hair. Quickly, his senses returned as his face turned dark red, looking down at Ciana still wrapped in his arms, one of which was pinned as she snuggled into the crook of his neck, sleeping soundly despite his startled demeanor.
He recalled her having come to see him, worried for his life after Meru Zena possibly invaded her dreams again, or it was a nightmare twisted by the events of yesterday. Now, they had slept in the same bed, his to be specific. "I can't move, not without waking her up, aaah, she's bound to stir soon... guess it really doesn't matter now," Sighing softly, Izuku placed his head back on his pillow, still flustered as his eyes explored her face, she didn't appear distressed or fatigued which was good.
But then there were the little things. How her hair splayed out on the covers, her bangs hanging down her face, the silly look of her mouth ajar as she slept, occasionally moving slightly to adjust her posture, though that meant a very, very significant part of her kept pressing to Izuku's chest, so he tried to focus on anything else. His heart was threatening to explode by now, his analysis of the wonderful girl in his arms hadn't helped.
Ciana hummed in her sleep all of a sudden as her face perked up into a smile, Ciana hugged him more closely. But what might not help him calm down is the strap of her tank top slid down her shoulder now… during this Ciana whispered out his name softly in her sleep. "Izuku…" at least she doesn't seem to be having a nightmare…
"Don't move, don't move, don't move, I'm not moving...!" Izuku silently panicked to himself, feeling his eyes forsake him as they kept tracing down to her collarbone - and his heart almost exploded at the mere idea of seeing further as his eyes shot up to the ceiling. "Stop, don't do that, idiot!" But... she was dreaming of him? Wonder what it was? "Just sit perfectly still, this is fine, totally fine," Though the silly smile on his face perfectly mirrored how he felt.
Maybe in her sleep Ciana could feel how warm he became… it was enough for her to keep hugging him tighter and snuggling her face more into his neck… a wider smile rose on her face as she enjoyed how warm he suddenly felt… Ciana even giggled in her sleep like she predicted how he's reacting right now. "You're so cute…" Ciana whispered, maybe having a dream that Izuku is being adorably bashful? What he's doing right now is probably adding more to her dream…
"Ah, so not much different than normal..." He exhaled with his eyes closed, but opened them with a relaxed smile, finding his tensed form relaxing again as he stared past her head this time. He'd not bother her until she woke up herself, they had two whole days to themselves after all.
It might have taken a little while before she woke up, but eventually she did. Ciana groaned a little in her sleep as her eyes finally started to open… feeling more warm and cozy all of a sudden for some reason. Letting out a yawn, Cianas tired half lidded eyes rose up to meet Izuku's face… blinking them a few times to process her sight…
"...uh, morning?" He gulped, smiling sheepishly.
Ciana blinked her eyes a few times… her gaze looking around to see her room looking very different… This definitely was not her dorm room… looking back at Izuku for a few more seconds, Cianas eyes went wide when she came to realize something… now her face became incredibly red as she shot up and pressed her back against the wall of the bed. "I-Izuku!? W-why am I-?!" Then that's when she paused to realize she never went back to her room… and slept in Izuku's arms, now looking down to hide her embarrassed face. "Oh… right…" steam came out of her head now…
"S-sorry, I p-probably should've woken you, a-and we were pretty tired after y-yesterday," Izuku tried to rationalize, but one fact remained solid, Ciana slept in his room and he very much liked it.
Ciana couldn't lie that she actually liked it too… still, she felt so embarrassed how awkward she probably made Izuku feel… her gaze stayed down as she began to rub the back of her neck. Ciana wasn't sure how she would live this down. "I-it's fine… s-sure was pretty late…" she was afraid to look up at Izuku as she could imagine he felt too awkward. "I-I'm so sorry! T-this is probably incredibly weird for you of me to be here…"
"S-surprising? Certainly. But weird? Not really," Izuku replied, clearing his throat as he sat up, tipping her head upright by the chin to see his scarlet cheeks but timid smile. "I-I just... kinda watched you sleep before y-you woke up so really, i-if anyone should be weirded out, i-its you."
Ciana blushed a bit more at the gesture as she now stared up at him, blinking her eyes again to process his words. "Oh… y-you did?" Ciana was flustered by the idea but she wasn't weirded out, but she was surprised Izuku hadn't passed out knowing they slept together. "N-no… I-I probably would have done the same thing…" she admitted, now smiling sheepishly and averting her eyes again. "You… didn't think it was weird of me to be here with you still?" Ciana asked, a little stunned by his reaction.
"Why would I be?" He cocked his head, unsure what she meant. "I mean, I didn't plan on us sleeping in the s-same bed or anything but it's not like it bothers me e-either."
Ciana sure was surprised by that, now looking back at him with a stunned expression. "R-really? But… w-when I joked about you staying the night with me in my room before… y-you were pretty uncomfortable by the idea." Now she was a little confused.
Izuku gave her a strange look, then chuckled a little while averting his eyes. "T-this is me you're talking to, I don't do social interactions p-period," Then he fidgeted with his hands. "Honestly, I-I'm not sure on w-what to say or do concerning any form of r-relationship, a-and I guess I'm still not entirely used to your teasing, b-but that's just me,"
Ciana stared at him for a few more seconds before she began to smile and giggle herself, what really surprised her was how confident Izuku was becoming and not so bashful and awkward in these situations. Izuku just keeps surprising her more and more. "You're certainly becoming more bold… are you saying you want me to do this often now?" She now says with a teasing smile, tilting her head as she asks him this.
He visibly tensed up, his smile full of anxiety as he scratched his cheek. "W-w-well, I'm n-not against t-the idea, heh..." Okay, he needed a lot more practice at this.
Izuku was clearly still anxious but it was enough to get another giggle out of her, he is just too cute it actually makes him irresistible… probably doesn't help when she suddenly puts her arms around him with a wider smile. "Maybe I will if I ever get another nightmare… or if I just feel like being with you more…" she ends up saying, now snuggling back into his chest.
While still flustered beyond measure, Izuku hugged her back, savoring the serene moment they had. No one would bother them today, and they had plenty of time before they had to leave for lunchtime. He hoped she'd do this more often, it was different in all the right ways.
That is true… Ciana didn't have much to worry about now, so maybe she can savor this moment more… Now looking up at his adorable red face, Ciana still giggled but then freed one hand to stroke his adorable, cute and flustered face. "You know, you make it hard for me to resist you sometimes Izuku…" she whispered as her gaze became more loving towards him now.
Now, Izuku had no place to go, his right elbow propping him upright as he felt Ciana caress his cheek with that same, warm expression that had a habit of switching his brain off, and still waking up his head wasn't completely awake to begin with. "...you're no better..." He murmured, his left hand free to hold her slender shoulder that had the strap hanging down as he felt his head pull upward toward her face.
Ciana's eyes became half lidded as she was now caught in a trance, her smile still stayed as her face now leaned closer to his… her lips now brushed up against his own and her hand stayed on his warm cheek. Eyes now closed to savor this sensation of how her quirk made their kiss feel which just adds more to getting lost into this moment.
Drugged on the faint traces of strawberry on her lips, Izuku felt his back lean up against the headboard as they both fell deeper into their kiss, Izuku's free hands slid down to hold her sides, her tank top pulled up slightly for him to touch her bare skin while every breath of air they took was quickly silenced by their lips connecting again, feeling hot all over as their make out session grew longer.
Ciana's cheeks became very pink the moment they lost themselves to each other's lips, the way Izuku held her and touched a certain spot had her let out a quiet moan at the new sensation. Already she was falling back into her daze and forgetting about the world around them, her own hands slid up to run her hand into his soft green hair.
Hearing that quiet noise from Ciana made Izuku's heart thunder in his chest, his face practically on fire. Should they stop? But, she didn't seem to pull away, so was this okay? Maybe it was a test to see how far either were willing to experiment? Yeah, an experiment like the first time they kissed, that wasn't so bad to think about. His hands gripped her sides tightly, and when Ciana's teeth parted to find a split second to breathe, Izuku did something he wasn't entirely sure he'd ever do or even had the conscious thought to commit to. His tongue managed to slip into her mouth, exciting a short gasp from the ravenette as he did.
Ciana was surprised by the new motive, but she wasn't objecting to any of it as he's just making her feel too good all over… her mind completely shut down as her hands now just slid behind his neck to pull him more closer, her heart feeling like it's going to burst out any moment and her cheeks were becoming a faint red, Ciana couldn't help but enjoy what was happening…
Seeing Ciana didn't protest and even did the same back, this new territory had them explore feverishly as their tongues danced, deepening their kiss to a new extreme as their breaths became hotter. Izuku's hands moved a little lower subconsciously, his mind completely melted by the sensations fogging his head.
His motives were only adding to hers as she let out a few more moans slipped out of her mouth, Ciana never felt so much bliss before and the way Izuku was showing his affection towards her made her feel like she's going to melt. Cianas hands slowly went to his back as she could feel his strong muscles from under his shirt… already Ciana remembered how amazing they felt as she started to run her hands around his back and even down to his own sides.
Neither could stop themselves as Izuku felt nothing but pleasure from holding Ciana closer as they finally parted, gasping heavily as their half lidded eyes met, noses nearly touching. Izuku did say a word before he leaned down toward Ciana's neck, leaving several kisses down her skin to her collarbone, feeling her throat hitch while his hands sat dangerously close to her rear.
Ciana felt goosebumps from the new direction he was taking on her neck, another moan came out and her blush became darker. Her head tilted to the side to give him more access, her eyes closing to take in and savor the new feeling. Whispering out his name as she fell more into his trance. She even let out a quiet gasp when he touched a very sensitive spot on her neck.
Finally, his senses came back to him, if only to keep Izuku from going any further as he brought his gaze back to Ciana's. "...C-Ciana?" He didn't know what he should say or do now, his whole body was set ablaze, that flame erupting into an inferno this time as his heavy eyes lingered on her own. He didn't move an inch, he waited to hear her reply.
Just hearing the way he said her name in surprise, her eyes opened back up to meet Izukus, part of her still felt hot and what makes it more surprising is her eyes lighting back the moment her eyes landed on his. It took a few moments for her senses to come back the way Izuku was staring down at her bashfully… her face becoming much hotter realizing what they were just doing. "I-Izuku…?" Is what she responded at first, basically speechless of what just happened between them.
Should they stop now? How was he supposed to just move past this intimate moment? Or... should they just continue until they felt like moving? Still holding his hands close to her backside, he managed to find his voice. "...you're so beautiful, I... really don't have any other words right now..." He whispered to her.
Ciana stared up at him with her glowing eyes to process his words and what was coming over them, her eyes went back to closing half way the way he spoke out to her, making it hard to debate in her head what to do… Izuku made it so hard to resist him… Ciana didn't respond as her smile slowly rose and snuck her hand back behind his neck to pull him back in to kiss him… they had this moment to themselves and didn't want to leave him now after this…
His eyes went a little wide before accepting her silent request, his lips moving passionately against hers, a one thought flooded his mind. He loved her. In less than half a year, Izuku had really fallen for every aspect of Ciana, and he wanted her to know that he wanted her. His heart twisted tightly at the hot flush running to his head while the action accidently made his hands grope her backside subconsciously.
Ciana didn't even question how she felt for Izuku, knowing how much he meant to her and how strongly she felt for him… she knew that this feeling is her falling in love, something she never thought she would feel… Ciana once again moaned into their kiss as felt the way he touched her behind, she felt hotter and hotter all over as Ciana felt she was falling into his trance again.
They fell back onto the bed, now with Ciana atop Izuku while their faces almost never parted say for a quick, heavy pant before closing in again to continuing their kissing match, only when Ciana moved to adjust her seating atop Izuku did his face transition to a new hue of red as his eyes widened briefly, and he swore his heart's tempo hit a record high. Her tank top was loose fitting so it hung slightly, giving him a glimpse at her light green bra and her bust. Was this what guys meant by hearing an angel choir? If so, Izuku may believe in it now.
Ciana might not have noticed how her top was becoming more revealing as she was more focused on the one before her she had her full attention on, her face was still hot and red and her eyes kept staring into his own beautiful green eyes. Her own eyes still had a light glow from how much her emotions are running wild around Izuku… he makes Ciana feel more drawn to him, her hand back on his cheek to stroke it in a loving manner.
Resting his cheek briefly into her hand while admiring not just her star-filled eyes but her body too, Izuku leaned forward again to leave small carnal kisses across the underside of her jaw and down her neck slowly, if this was as far as they'd go then he'd take full advantage of it, he wanted to experience more of this powerful feeling. Then, his breath tickled her skin as he murmured to himself without needing to think of it. "...I love you..."
Ciana once again melted into his addicting and alluring sensation on her skin as her eyes closed and moaned out from the feeling, her mind becoming foggy and her heart racing a mile away, Ciana wasn't sure if her mind was playing tricks on her by his words toward her but how intense and good he was making her feel, Ciana couldn't help but respond whether he actually said it or imagined it. "I love you too… Izuku…" she whispered out, humming pleasantly after saying it.
He smiled to himself, unable to tell if that she really said those words or if he was lost in his own haze but he slowly, his hands traveled up as they kissed, moving to feel around her toned stomach this time, only now did he force his body to stop before he raised his hands too high up, already feeling up her muscles as much as she did to his own. "...ciana, s-should we stop, f-for now anyway?" He managed to say, any longer in their procrastination would lead them to running around to get ready, and he much rather savoir their time alone without the needed stress.
Ciana was caught in her daze as her eyes were still closed with her face very pink, lost in this loving sensation Izuku was treating her. Only when he spoke did she manage to open her eyes again but only halfway, still glowing and lightening up as she stared back at his eyes. Cianas senses were still running wild and couldn't think straight from where he was touching her, eyes now slowly closing again as she whispered out in a daze. "I-I don't know…" is all she could respond, even if he wasn't doing anything now Ciana still savored the touch of his hand.
A soft smile crossed his face, equally as red as her but again, he wasn't sure if he should continue with where he was heading so he stammered a bit. "I-I guess a little longer, I-I'm not complaining..." He murmured the last part before adding. "B-but I, erm, m-my hands, they're almost t-touching..." He gulped dryly.
Ciana's eyes opened back up halfway again to stare into his own, she didn't move and her heart was still hammering. Gazing up back into his face the way he eyed her still made her feel so drawn to him… even if he didn't move, Ciana's hand went to the back of his neck to pull him close enough so she could kiss his own neck… now also wanting to treasure him as well.
His own breath hitched this time, breathing heavily as Ciana repeated his actions down his own jaw to his throat, slowly tracing down to his collarbone by pulling his shirt down a bit, he gripped her torso tightly at the sparks of pleasure that went off where she kissed, and his hands moved, causing Ciana's top to rise further at his venture, moving within an inch of her chest where he stopped again, still making small grunts at her lips' touch.
Ciana reacted no differently as she hummed and moaned out softly against his skin, feeling more hotter by the second. The sensation had her hands roam under his shirt without realizing her own action, her heart guiding her to want to feel his smooth strong muscles again… which made her heart go more wild just being able to feel again. Her lips continued to roam around Izukus neck, enjoying loving him in any possible way.
The sensory overload finally overcooked Izuku's rational thinking for the moment, as she continued to tease his skin with her delicate hands and lips. Her affection had won him over as his hands daringly moved higher to touch something he'd never would've imagined even being remotely close to seeing in his lifetime, his hands gingerly groping Ciana as her breath gasped against his neck.
Ciana paused her actions for a moment as the new sensation had her moan out softly into his ear, her mind becoming more foggy with pleasure as Ciana felt like she was becoming a slave to Izuku… her grip around him tightened as she once again whispered out his name. "Izuku…" Ciana doesn't even realize what else was coming over them, her mind only focused on him and the ways Izuku is making her feel… Ciana loved it and didn't dare move.
She didn't reject the bold advance as Izuku marveled slightly at this sensation around his hands, her bra still remained but that didn't bother him, her breasts weren't large but not small either, a medium that were soft in his grasp as he squeezed them, exciting another moan from her lips by his throat that made him tremble. When her head raised he instantly stole her lips again, locked in another deep, passionate kiss while Izuku continued to grope her. He wanted more of this, just a little more…
Ciana immediately melted into their kiss as she felt herself becoming more lost into this bliss… the more Izuku groped her the more she moaned into his lips as they kissed, it was enough for her hands to roam higher under his shirt and continued to feel more of his body and muscles… Ciana felt like they were in their own little world; she never wanted to leave, she never realized how far she would go… and how much she wanted to continue to be in this blissful sensation…
Another minute or two passed, and by now, Izuku found the willpower to pull away from Ciana's lips with a soft smack, again, their bodies nearly pressed together with Ciana's shirt nearly above her chest where his hands remained. "...t-that was..." He panted. He knew they'd had to stop eventually, not only for the rest of their day, but in the case they did go too far, already so many lines were crossed proving how dangerous it was for them to continue this activity for far too long. "Ciana, you're... amazing,"
Ciana panted softly the moment he pulled away, her eyes opening back up only half way to gaze back into his eyes and her face still very red from the whole experience. Ciana was still half way in her daze, slowly smiling at his words as she stared up at him in silence for a few more seconds before her hand went out to his cheek to just take in the sight of him. "So are you…" she responded in a soft tone, her heart still hammering.
"S-sorry, if th-that went too far, I guess I... lost control," He admitted, unable to find any other reason other than the fact he had completely lost himself to making out with her and beyond.
Ciana blinked her eyes a few times when she realized she was getting carried away herself, looking at their position and then up back to his face… her face became very redder seeing where they were heading, she didn't move off him but only turned her gaze away as she felt so flushed right now. "I-it's… okay…" Ciana responded bashfully, she didn't even realize how caught up they were getting… but… Ciana couldn't deny she actually liked it… shutting her eyes tightly realizing her reaction as her face became hotter. "I… I-I got a bit carried away myself… s-sorry…" she admitted flusteredly, Ciana became more drawn to Izuku than she thought…
"W-well, what's important i-is that we knew when to stop, s-so it's no harm done," Izuku smiled bashfully, sitting upright entirely with Ciana sitting on his lap. "B-but next time w-we should probably dial b-back a bit, just until we feel r-ready to go... a-any further, I-I don't want to make a-anything awkward b-between us if we went too f-far,"
Ciana only looked down at her lap when he sat up, her face still red all over. Ciana couldn't believe what she was doing and actually felt very shocked of herself, she just nodded quickly in response. "Y-yeah… g-good idea." She quickly said without looking up yet, scratching her cheek with her finger. "I-Izuku seemed totally different when we… h-he barely looked or acted anything like the shy guy i came to know, h-he was just so… irresistible." Her eyes shut tightly now as she felt her face becoming hotter.
Much like Ciana, Izuku had his own internal meltdown. "What just happened? I mean, it was really nice but, I-I-I had no idea what I just did, or-or how... hot Ciana was when she got like this," It was a whole different side to her that he felt inexorably drawn to. "Oh my God I actually made out with a beautiful girl, a-and she liked it! What's going on? What simulation is this!?" Shaking his head, he slapped his cheeks twice. "Well, w-want to go grab breakfast? I-I'm sure everyone's probably still discussing the USJ before they leave to see their families, and... we'll be going to see my Mom,"
Coming to the realization that they were supposed to meet his mom had her snap back into reality as she looked back up to him. "Oh! Right! I… probably should get ready." Ciana responds with a shy smile and a hand on her neck. Still very red in the face, Ciana finally got up as she made her way to his balcony door. Looking back at Izuku, she smiled at him. "I'll see you soon…" she says before stepping out and using her quirk to head back to her balcony…
Soon as that last strand of black hair disappeared from view, Izuku fell onto his bed again to scream into his covers in complete shock. That really just happened, they really did that and it was... it was... "Amazing..." He turned over, face stained scarlet still as he felt warm and tingly all over. "...she's amazing..." He chuckled slightly, then rubbed his face with a groan, still smelling her over his body. "Oh God, how do I approach this? Are we just the same as before but closer? W-will we do that again - oh God we might... - haha, oh I'm so hooped...!" He splayed his arms wide, staring up at the ceiling with a million and one questions.
"I said I loved her..." Izuku replayed that moment on a loop, the longer he did, the harder his heart raced as he smacked his lips. "I really do..." Raising his right hand, he slowly closed it into a fist. He stared at his knuckle for a long time, he'd do it, he'd master One For All as quickly as possible, he'd help Ciana find a way home.
And he'd treasure every moment in between.
Doesn't take long for Ciana to make it back to her balcony… once she got back and closed the door to enter her room… Ciana wasted no time grabbing her pillow off of her bed and screaming into it with a very red face. "W-what did I just do?! W-what came over me like that?!" She asked herself while mumbling in her pillow… she fell back onto her bed and uncovered her face only halfway to stare up at the ceiling now. "I… I-I can't believe I just did that… with him…" she closed her eyes tightly, feeling the heat coming back to her face.
"I-Izuku… I… I never ever seen him like that before, I can still feel the way he had his arms around me…" Cianas eyes went into a short daze thinking about it before shaking her head. "N-no I-I gotta get myself under control! I-I don't want to lose Izuku over this…" though, Ciana suddenly recalled something Izuku might of said… opening her eyes wider when she thought Izuku said… he loved her. "Did… he actually say that? Or… did I imagine the whole thing?"
Cianas heart raced from those words, wether she imagined it or not. It actually made her feel really happy. "I probably just imagined it, but I can't deny I feel the same way…" Ciana closed her eyes to remember his words in her head as she repeated them for a few moments before standing up. "Maybe if I just pretend it never happened and it was just a dream… I-I can get through this." Now turning to her dresser as she opens it. "Now… What should I wear today…?"
Once Ciana felt more freshened up after her early morning event, she stretched and headed down for breakfast. When she turned away from her door she stopped herself after feeling a strange wave of calm emotions wash over her like a wave of cold water. She felt her brow knit at the exotic sensation before her eyes met with a heterochromia gaze of brown and blue. It was her classmate, Todoroki.
"You shouldn't walk with your back still turned, you could run into someone," He spoke in a very aloof manner.
Ciana looked up to the one known as Todoroki, the quiet boy the girls talk about being the most handsome boy in school. Ciana admits he is definitely a looker but never had the chance to talk to him because he's usually so quiet and distant, though Ciana always thought to herself how concerning the burn mark on his eye is… it made her wonder if he had some sort of accident?
But whatever the reason it wasn't good of her to pry, this was a perfect chance to thank him for before, though Cianas not sure what he thinks of her after the crazy attack… she straightened up with her usual warm smile towards him. "Oh I'm sorry about that, you're Todoroki right? I'm actually glad I ran into you, I wanted to quickly talk to you before we all headed off on our break…"
"What about?" He asked, expression unchanged.
Ciana tilted her head in a curious manner as she was starting to wonder why he doesn't look so emotional? Maybe they can be friends, but she still kept on her smile towards him. "I wanted to thank you for trying to help me before when I almost got kidnapped…" Ciana now had her hand on her neck shyly. "You didn't have to put yourself in danger for me… but I appreciate what you and the others were trying to do."
"That," Todoroki finally blinked, looking around before eyeing her again. "Your quirk stems from the same villain that tried to abduct you,"
Ciana visibly flinched at this, adverting her gaze. "Y-yeah it's-"
"But you fought to help All Might and Midoriya, not the actions a villain would take considering All Might was the biggest threat," He cut her off, fully explaining himself... to a degree.
Ciana was quite surprised and stunned, bringing up not only her power but… how he didn't see her like the guy who kidnapped her, it sounded like he was admiring her actions. Ciana blushed a little shyly at that as she turned her gaze away. "W-well you know… I couldn't let them get hurt… I mean any hero would have done that, that's what we're aiming for aren't we? To aid others? That's what our test was supposed to be about in the beginning anyways." She smiled more, now looking back at him as she said this.
"Right," Saying that, he turned his head and walked away toward the stairs, leaving Ciana a little speechless and bewildered by his abrupt exit.
Ciana stood where she was as she watched him leave, leaving a lot of questions in her head. "Wonder if he's one of those strong and silent types… he seems really nice for a quiet guy." Though… Ciana's expression started to look a bit concerned not only about his eye but how quiet he behaves. "I wonder… if something happened to him to have act so distant to others…"
She tilted her head again as Ciana wondered this. "Maybe I should try talking to him more often… maybe he could use someone to talk to, it would be nice to get to know him more." Already Ciana had a new goal to befriend someone new, she smiled at this as she now headed downstairs as well, though part of her was worried about running into Bakugo… Ciana can't imagine how he thinks of her or will do anything similar like what he did with Izuku when he was mad…
Unfortunately, the universe hated her today after spending all her luck on Izuku as she soon stepped onto the ground floor only to come eye to eye with the angry blonde himself. There weren't many around, any that were had taken up seats by the flat screen, completely unaware of the stare off between Ciana and Katsuki. She was just running into everyone today, apparently. His brow crinkled at her look. "What are you staring at, Blank?"
Ciana ended up flinching and quickly turned her gaze away, he was either mad or just behaving like he normally would… hard to tell for her. "N-nothing… sorry Bakugo." She responds, feeling very awkward and… wasn't sure if she should even talk to him or not… this is actually what frightens her to do right now.
"I don't give a crap where you got your useless quirk from, you won't beat me a second time," Katsuki warned her, reminding her of how she technically won the battle trial thanks to Izuku's efforts. "I crush you and that damn nerd,"
He lightly shoved past her, moving back up the stairs with a water bottle in hand.
Ciana definitely didn't expect he would say that, Ciana wasn't aware they were competing again… Ciana didn't even think what happened counted, but quickly she made her way to the stairs to catch up with him. "H-hold on!" She quickly stops him as she now stands down the steps.
"Bakugo, I… wanted to thank you for trying to help me from being taken by that guy, and… to apologize for not being truthful about myself…" she had her arms behind her back in an anxious manner. "I actually planned on telling you soon, but then all that crazy stuff happened… I'm sorry you found out that way and… I didn't tell you sooner as I should have…" Ciana shut her eyes tightly, basically awaiting for the upcoming insults he will throw at her…
"Clean the wax out of your ears, I said I don't care, you idiot!" He glowered. "So what if that messed up villain's quirk is somehow also yours? I told you, the only thing I give a damn about is winning and proving I'm the best damn hero there is, and after seeing how strong that skull-wearing freak was just pisses me off even more, next time, I'll blow him away without anyone's help, got that?" With a sharp snort, he shrugged his shoulders and headed upstairs. "Now stop bothering me already."
Ciana processed his words in silence for a bit, surprisingly it caused her to smile. Ciana was sure he would think she's more of a freak now, but… it sounded like he saw her as an equal still, at least she thinks so… Ciana's smile rose more as she suddenly shouted out to Bakugo. "I know you'll make an awesome hero Katsuki! After all, you're my hero!" She ends up telling him before taking off with a happy laugh.
She was gone by the time Katsuki turned to look at where she once stood, his face bewildered as he processed what she said, scoffing, he turned his head back and walked away "Whatever..." But there was hardly any aggression behind his word.
[Transition]
Ciana now sat on the couch after eating to wait for Izuku, as usual Ciana had her notebook taken out as she wrote down her nightmare with her concerned expression now back. "I don't know if it was really Meru Zena or just my worries running wild in my nightmare… but if he is then he tried sending me a threat to harm Izuku, or… warning me if he keeps trying to protect me he'll end up getting himself killed…" Ciana's worries still were set on what she saw, afraid how far Izuku would push himself for her.
"Maybe he was just trying to scare me… I should try and train myself more to unlock more of my powers, but… if I do… will… I end up looking like a monster like him?" That is also concerning, afraid she will become a mutant demon the more she uses her quirk. "If that's true then there's no way I can go home looking like a monster… Izuku might not even like me anymore if he saw me looking like that…" Ciana hated that her powers belong to a monstrous villain… especially that she came for a bad purpose, it still made her question if her arrival truly is a mistake after finding that out…
"Ciana?" Hearing her name, she stomached her thoughts and turned to see Izuku wearing a black shirt under a light blue zip-up hoodie, a pair of green shorts alongside his staple red and black running shoes. "You okay?" He noticed her creased expression, a sign she was worrying about something.
Izuku took her out of her thoughts she was writing down the moment she turned her head to see him, Ciana brought her smile back towards him to hide her worries. As well as she quickly shut her notebook. "Oh Izuku! Y-yeah I'm fine, why do you ask?" Ciana placed her book in her purse, probably will write more in it later.
He thought about what to say before answering, "It's just... you looked a little... not okay, i-is it about that nightmare you had?" He made sure no one was in earshot as some lingered around the dorm before they too would leave.
It doesn't surprise her too much how smart and observant Izuku is… even to her own expressions, Ciana just smiled sheepishly and then scratched her cheek anxiously. "Well… partly that…'' she admits a little. "I was just processing my own thoughts about stuff… nothing that important." Ciana now stood up to reveal her casual wear.
"Well, I'll always be here to talk," He replied before becoming more sheepish as he gave her a once over. "Y-you look really nice,"
Ciana blushed at the comment with her hands now behind her back again shyly, her purse hung over her shoulder, wearing shorts, a gray blouse, her usual green butterfly hair clip and blue sneaker as well as a butterfly necklace she wore around her neck when she first came into this world. Ciana smiled as her eyes looked away shyly. "T-thanks! I-I admit I was having a hard time deciding how nice I should look when we meet your mom… glad you think this look fits."
"I-it's good, I let her know prior so she won't be surprised as much but that's a minor hill to what comes next," Izuku sighed a smile, then, took her left hand in his right. "Ready? Because... I really am not." Then he deflated a bit.
Ciana's smile rose even more and squeezed his hand in response as well as a nod. "I am! Oh come on don't look at it so scary, don't you want her to be happy you met a cute girl like me in your life?" Ciana teases with a giggle after her remark.
"I'm grateful every day," More so this morning but he didn't want to embarrass her beyond measure right now. "It's how my Mom will react that worries me," He shook his head in dismay, leading Ciana toward the doors with lead feet.
Ciana giggled more at his shy behavior, even felt giddy inside from his words as they walked out. "Is it how she will cry for joy what frightens you? Or is she the type of mom that shares embarrassing personal things about you when they are excited at the idea of you dating?" She asks with her eyes on him and a tilt of her head, knowing some parents can act embarrassing when it comes to their kids dating.
"Yes," He replied with a straight face.
Ciana didn't expect him to respond like that, causing her to laugh. "O-oh really? Well I look forward to hearing some cute stories she will share about you…" Ciana teases with her smile turning playful.
"...why did I suggest this?" He looked up at the morning sky in dismay. "Why did I think this was a good idea?"
Suffice to say, it was to be a very long day ahead...
[Transition]
Once off the train, the young couple retraced an already familiar route through town, only this time, Ciana was taken an entirely new route. She let her eyes wander as the scenery changed, nothing really stood out, say for a park nearby where children ran around laughing.
Eventually, Izuku spoke up, "Huh... is that...?" He murmured, feeling Ciana shift her head to look to where he was looking as they moved down a street lined with some larger houses.
"Huh?" It was a woman with a youthful appearance, spiky ash-blonde hair and piercing red eyes, akin to another blonde the pair knew. She instantly perked up with a smile at the two. "Hey, it's been a while since I've seen you around, Izuku,"
"Y-yeah, it's nice to see you too, Ms Bakugo," Izuku waved slightly with a kind smile.
"Come ooon, just call me Aunt Mitsuki like you used to!" She protested, then her eyes clocked to Ciana. "Huh? Who's this, sorry?"
Ciana thought his neighborhood looked really nice as she took in the sights around her, she was a bit surprised to run into someone Izuku knew. Well she shouldn't be too surprised since it is his neighborhood… while they talked a bit Ciana head tilted in a wondering manner, thinking to herself the lady looked familiar before her eyes went wide finding out this lady is Bakugos mom.
"Huh?!" Responds stunned as she stared at Izuku, when the woman took notice of her, Cianas eyes quickly landed back on her. She… seems a lot nicer compared to her son, wondering now what his dad is like. Ciana put on her shy smile with a wave of greeting. "O-oh hi! I-it's nice to meet you!" Ciana cheerfully expresses, kinda happy to meet one of Bakugos parents. "I'm Ciana Finley, it's really nice to meet you." Remembering their greeting ways, Ciana bowed her head to be more polite. Still finding this method kinda funny.
Mitsuki just blinked again, trying to put something together in her head. "Yeah, likewise kid - wait, wait, hold on a sec, are you...?" She waved a finger between the pair, eventually her smile grew sharply and her eyes widened with glee. "Oh my God-"
"Oh no..." Izuku gulped.
"Little Izuku's got himself a girl! Oooh wait 'till Inko hears this! Still though, congrats Zuzu, and she's a sweet one too, bonus," She chuckled to herself, "Say, how's Katsuki's love life? Brat doesn't tell me anything other than the norm," She scoffed, rolling her eyes.
She's definitely a lot different than her son, Ciana couldn't help but chuckle at this as she wasn't too embarrassed when she found out she's with Izuku. Ciana wondered how Bakugo would react if she told him she met his mom… though now Ciana wondered if she ever was mentioned to his parents.
Ciana just smiled more at their adorable reactions. "Well… he's basically still the same as he always is, but from how long I started to know him, I say he's doing well." Ciana shared, well besides the part he tried to kill Izuku… but she doesn't dare mention that. "Bakugo is still rowdy and doesn't seem to be interested in finding a girl… but if it helps, I've been watching over him a bit and hung out with him at times." Ciana more refers to when she spoke to him privately and how they were forced to team up, so she thinks that counts.
"Hmph, already a stranger tells me more than he ever did, figures," Mitsuki rolled her eyes again, then she looked to Izuku. "That about right, Izuku?"
"P-pretty much, but I'd say he's... less explosive? If that's the r-right word? He hasn't really been as aggressive since entering UA, t-though I think that was after he lost to us i-in the battle trial," Izuku spat out honestly, and again, the blonde's brows shot up, then she burst out laughing.
"Holy crap, you actually kicked his ass? Man, today's just swinging me good luck, hahaha!" Wiping a fake tear from her eye, she adjusted her handbag strap. "Well, it's good he at least made a friend, even if she's already taken, shame but win some lose some, in any case, say 'hi' to your Mom for me," Mitsuki moved past them, ruffling Izuku's mop top. "I'm so bloody proud of you, Zuzu!"
"Th-thanks," He blushed slightly from both the praise and that nickname.
"Seeya around," She flicked her hand back in a wave to them. "And, Finley? Thanks for telling me that," Her expression softened before she turned around and went on her merry way.
Just from the first meeting Ciana could see where Bakugo got his rowdiness from, his mom sure is spunky but really nice. Looking back to her before she left and suddenly thanked the girl for what she said, Ciana was surprised but smiled warmly in response toward her. "My pleasure." She responded then waved goodbye to her.
But after that Cianas attention turned back to Izuku as she now gave him a funny and playful smile. "Zuzu…?" Ciana chuckled at the cute nickname she suddenly heard the woman called him…
He slowly buried his face in his hand, his ears turning red. "Ugh... I really thought she forgot about that... It was her nickname for me when I was very young, it's hers and my Mom's friendship that led to me and Kacchan being friends, well, before he got his quirk that is," He shrugged, peeking at Ciana's mirthful grin between his fingers. "...that smile tells me you're not letting this nickname die,"
"Nope…" Ciana giggled more at not only the name but his reaction as well, already she is having a good time meeting his family friends. "Well, Bakugos mom seems really nice, I can see why your mom is friends with her. She actually kinda reminds me of my next door neighbor from home." She shares while still staring in the direction the woman left.
"I can at least see where Bakugo gets his soft side from… say, what's his dad like exactly?" Ciana now asks in curiosity with her eyes back on him.
Defeated that his old nickname would come back to haunt him, Izuku led Ciana down the street, they were close to his house, as he replied. "Despite Aunt Mitsuki's kindness she actually has a short t-temper like Kacchan, but Mr Ba - ah, Uncle Masaru is more soft spoken and level-headed, or until Kacchan and his Mom start yelling..." Izuku couldn't remember a day they didn't yell at one another at least once.
"Sounds normal…" Ciana chuckles. "But his mom obviously shows a lot of concern and care for her son, sounds like his dads pretty nice too." Though it took her a few seconds to recall something Izuku mentioned as she stared back at him in both surprise and confusion. "W-wait… did you say aunt and uncle? You never told me you and Bakugo were related?" That came as quite a shock to her…
"Huh? N-no, we're not, it's just s-something I-I used to call her when I was younger s-since back then my Mom and Kacchan's parents hung out a lot together, so it's more of an honorary title, b-believe me, I... don't think I could handle being r-related to Kacchan," Even Izuku had his limits on that explosive relation.
"Oh…" she blinked her eyes a few times just to settle down from her shock, then her smile came back. "I get it, they are basically family friends. That's so sweet!" Ciana now expresses in awe. "I would have found it hard to believe if you both were related, but… you might find this weird of me to say, but you both do have some similarities."
"Eh? W-we do?" Izuku had to really think about that, closing his eyes a moment as they rounded one last corner. "...how?" He slowly asked.
Ciana smiled more in response so far with her arms behind her back as they walked. "Well you personalities may be different, but both of you are very strong at heart and are determined to be heroes." She tells him so far. "Your goals may also be different but I can see you share the same strength… both your hearts are in the right places, but also… I noticed how you both have similar powers as they are both powerful in your own unique ways. It's a little hard for me to explain but if you both wanted to, I'm sure if you combined your strengths you would be an unstoppable team."
Her eyes now forward after sharing her opinion of them, sure Bakugo more views being a hero as a winner but how he actually tried to save her before… deep down he does want to be there for others too like Izuku.
Izuku had thought about Katsuki's strengths, but as a reflection of himself? That was new, looking back, when Izuku felt himself getting riled up, he acted more like the explosive blonde in terms of what he said. And One For All was powerful, but so was Explosion. Together, their quirks would cover a massive range of uses, even if not in total cooperation, Izuku found it to be a positive notion regardless. "...yeah... I guess so..." His smile briefly returned. "Thanks, I've... never thought of it that way before."
But sadly, all good things come to an end as both stepped before another line of apartment complexes similar to Ciana's old one. Izuku shuttered a breath, stealing what little nerve he had for what was to come.
Ciana gives him her warm and compassionate smile in response to him, Ciana could guess Bakugo does see that way too as he felt pretty threatened by Izuku's sudden quirk, but also probably how he has a true heart of a hero.
Once they made it to the building, Ciana actually was a little nervous but excited at the same time to meet his mom. "So you live in an apartment building too? Reminds me of my old temporary home so far."
"Yeah, again, yours are a twenty minute walk from here but they're more or less the same," Izuku guided Ciana up several flights, marching toward his fabled home with a nervous sweat. "So, um, I'm having second thoughts."
"Hey, at least your parents aren't in another world so consider yourself lucky…" Ciana teasingly says. "We're already here so too late to back out now…" she responds.
"Right, you're right, I just..." He took a long breath to relax. "...haven't shared... anything with my Mom in years, aside from wanting to be a hero," He didn't want to make this awkward but years of just keeping to himself made him scared to show anything of his interests, one that just so happened to be the girl before him.
"I'm sure she will be really happy, whether she cries or not. I sure like to make your mom smile knowing how well everything is turning out for you." She tells him with a warm smile. "That's what you wanted to do in the first place isn't it? To make people smile again?"
Again she turned his own words against him, making any argument invalid. Taking her hand tightly, he nodded to her to knock. She smiled and did so three times, hearing the faint rush of footsteps approach the door. Soon, it was wide open as a warm glow basically smacked into Ciana's own Aura. The woman radiating warmth. "Izuku, just in time, and your mystery friend to... oh!" Her expression perked with surprise.
Inko was a wider woman with dark green hair held in a small bun, and green eyes. She wore a salmon blouse and navy skirt with slippers. She definitely had the same tells as Izuku as she gave the pair a welcoming smile. "Hi Mom, this is Ciana, the person I've told you a lot about," He gestured to the ravenette.
Ciana secretly felt nervous to finally meet Izuku's mom, but seeing her now it stunned her how their looks matched and how warm her personality is like her son. Ciana even blushed with a shy smile on her face hearing Izuku mentioned her a lot, her smile rose warmly again with a pleasant wave. "Hello! I'm Ciana Finley, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Ciana expressed happily with a quick bow, she doesn't even need to guess how kind she probably was like her own son.
While Ciana was polite, Inko stared between them and to their joined hands at their hips. The sight, coupled with the suspense and excitement finally opened the floodgates as Inko wept tears of joy so prominent that literal rivers of tears fell down her face, causing Ciana to step back in shock, pulling the rather neutral-looking Izuku with her. "My little baby's brought home his first girlfriend~! I'm so happy for you, Izuku!" She sobbed as Izuku let Ciana go to pat his mother's shoulders.
"E-easy, Mom, you'll flood the neighbors again! Calm down!" He panicked a bit, trying to coax her into collecting herself again to no avail. But he wasn't frustrated, it was about what he expected to happen. "Sorry, C-Ciana, I did mention this..." The greenette smiled anxiously back at her while rubbing his Mom's back. "Deep breaths like I showed you from my training, it helps."
"I'm really happy to meet you, I'm Inko Midoriya!" She replied while still crying literal waterfalls of tears.
He really was more literate than she thought, was this part of her own quirk? Ciana blinked her eyes a few times before letting out a pleasant giggle. She's more emotional than Izuku, Ciana could definitely see where he got that side from besides her looks. Ciana smiled warmly again as she went to take her hand to shake it. "I'm happy I got to finally meet you as well, it's an honor. Izuku has told me so much about you."
Ciana expressed happily as her smile became more pleasant, his mom is incredibly cute and actually adored this side of her.
Eventually, after nearly ten minutes, the tears had stopped and the three were now sitting around the table with lunch prepared by Inko herself, It was a wide array of healthy dishes that weren't so out of place from their regular diet that Inko had committed to memory. "Please have as much as you want, I may have gone a little overboard in preparation so there's plenty to go around," Inko offered to the two
"Thank you for the food," The pair chimed, and soon dug in to the array of colors and flavors on display while Inko did the same, content to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.
Ciana was pretty amazed how much his mother cooked up, it really wowed her how everything looked. After doing the polite Japanese thanks, which she is glad she memorized doing thanks to Izuku, she wasted no time digging in. Ciana hasn't tried much Japanese culture food since she normally cooks for herself, but now trying a nice display of what Izuku's mother made, she had to compliment the chef as it really tasted good in her mouth.
"Everything smells and tastes amazing Mrs Midoriya, thank you very much for going all out to do this, it's an honor to be able to try your own cooking." Ciana happily expresses towards her, trying culture food is a lot of fun and is happy to be able to be given the experience.
Inko cupped her cheek from the praise. "Oh, well I'm glad you think so, you're such a sweet girl, and you can just call me Inko, I don't mind," She waved quickly, then returned to eating alongside them. "I'm just thankful Izuku let me see you in person, he's been avoiding telling me anything about who you are to an extent,"
"R-right, sorry..." He murmured, not entirely willing to give his personal reasons as to why.
"And now I see why, it's because he wanted to keep you all to himself!" Inko giggled behind her hand for a moment.
"He did hint something towards that…" Ciana giggled and smiled towards Izuku, then turned it back to his mother. "I admit I can see where he gets his own sweet side from, Izuku has been very welcoming toward me himself when I first met him."
She ends up sharing with a wider smile. "Izuku may be shy but from how long I have known him, he keeps surprising me how strong he keeps becoming from how hard he also aims to be a hero."
Inko nodded in agreement, "He spent so much time working toward UA, changing up his diet and even his schedule in order to attend the exam, I was worried, of course, but then I heard his quirk had been unable to function without the proper body, so I'm relieved he had his chance to become a hero like he always dreamed of!" She praised.
While the two women present complimented said greenette, he just used his rice bowl to hide his pink cheeks. "...this is so embarrassing," It was only going to get worse the longer they spoke.
"That sounds a lot like him!" Ciana explaims pleasantly, Ciana could tell Izuku was having an embarrassing breakdown which she can't help but find so adorable. "I can understand your concern as I heard Izuku didn't have a quirk, but with or without one he is already a hero to me." Ciana's smile became more warm as she commented on him.
"I'm not sure if he already told you but he actually saved me when I was in trouble… which is actually how I met him, his heart is strong and true like any hero would have. Plus he's been working so hard in UA enough to wow the other students themselves." Ciana ended up sharing with her smile still bright as her quirk, Izuku has always been amazing in her own eyes and is glad others are seeing that as well.
Inko's smile grew as she looked to her bashful son with swelling happiness. "I heard, I was worried but when I heard Izuku saved another person's life I couldn't be prouder," From the briefest of moments, Ciana felt guilt creep into the motherly woman's aura before it faded under her bright smile. "And it's so touching to know my Izuku captured your heart with his heroics!"
"I-It really wasn't anything, I just ran to t-the only place I felt was s-safe," Izuku muttered slightly, scratching his cheek. "And r-really, everyone praises your talents a lot too, Ciana, you're plenty h-heroic yourself, you even helped me improve with my quirk w-when I felt like I had reached a-a dead end,"
"I-it was nothing, r-really!" Ciana started to become bashful herself as her gaze went to her lap and squirmed a little. "I-I am just happy I got to be helpful in any way possible, plus without your smarts I never would have discovered my own power and how to use it." Her gaze lifts back up to smile at him thankfully, Izuku is really a quirk genius.
"You both have good friends at UA, I'm glad," Inko replied, then eyed Ciana, "So, Finley, I heard that you're from America but what about your parents? Do they live in this prefecture or someplace else? And what do they do themselves?"
At this, Izuku winced a bit, realizing what he never said since he felt it was private. Ciana's mother. His worried gaze fell to the ravenette who looked a little stunned as she drank.
Ciana was a bit surprised by the question, blinking her eyes a few times before now giving a sad smile. "Oh, well… my dad is still in America so it's basically a long distance thing, my mom…" Ciana rubs her arms anxiously at the sore topic but still keeps her smile.
"She… died a year ago, basically from a heroic act she did for someone…" Ciana ended up sharing, it still made her sad to bring up but she still wanted to keep her memory alive.
Inko internally winced after that, "Oh, I'm so sorry, I won't pry if it makes you uncomfortable," She reassured quickly.
"Oh no it's okay." She waved it off while still keeping her smile. "My mom may be gone but I want to keep her memory alive by living up to her."
She shared with a wider smile. "My mom was an amazing person I always looked up to, she always encouraged me to be strong and to stand up. Which is why I'm here to make her proud and encourage others to do the same."
"Then I know she'd be proud of her daughter for doing so much, getting into UA's hero course is considered a very difficult task but to be persistent with such a goal takes a lot of personal commitment," Inko replied quite furrowly, hands cupped on the table. "I'd want the same for you too Izuku, to keep applying yourself as you have with your training, I will worry but so long as you can stay safe despite recent events and grow then I'm happy, especially now that you have someone to look out for you," She smiled warmly.
"I-I will, without Ciana, I-I'm sure I'd still be stuck trying to figure out the kinks to my power," His hand flinched a bit at the painful reminder of broken bones. "But I'm improving, bit by bit with her help," He passed her a sweet expression like always. He was fortunate she was willing to stick by someone as reckless and as plain as he is.
"Now then, I'll wash up, you two sit and relax, these two days off are meant for that," Inko clapped, standing up to gather the dishes.
Ciana smiled at Inkos words as well as Izukus, feeling more warm inside by their presence, though… Her gaze secretly looked down sadly, knowing Izuku would have been fine without her and that she still just invaded his life had her concerned but sad at the same time.
Looking up while Inko was cleaning up, Ciana gave Izuku a confused but surprised expression. "You told your mom about your superpower Izuku? I thought no one was supposed to know?" Ciana was surprised his mom was aware he had a quirk, especially when she knew he was supposed to be quirkless.
Once she was out of hearing range, Izuku got up to move closer to speak with Ciana quietly. "I did and I didn't? So she knows the story me and All Might came up with about how I suddenly have a quirk, but nothing like what you know," He reassured her quickly. "Still, you can go sit and relax, I'll help my Mom out with these," He motioned to the table of dirty dishes.
She blinked her eyes a few times in confusion to what he said, what exactly did he and Mr Yagi come up with? Ciana narrowed her brows in a little suspicion before he then motioned to the dishes. "Oh, well would you like a hand with them? I don't mind helping out as well." She asked, wanting to lend a hand too if they will let her.
He smiled nervously at her sharp stare before shaking his head. "If you do, I'm sure my Mom will insist we both rest, so it's fine, it won't take us very long," Without warning, Izuku quickly sneaked a small kiss to Ciana's cheek before gathering the other dishes laying on the table, bringing them to the kitchen.
Cianas cheeks immediately turned pink by the sudden kiss on her cheek, which made her heart flutter. Watching Izuku make way to the kitchen, a smile rose to her face after that. "He sure is very stubborn…" Ciana giggled, adjusting her position in her seat. "It's so hard not to sit in regular chairs, I don't get how the people here can do this without having the urge to stretch their legs." Ciana took a little time to look around the room she was in, what caught her attention was a photograph sitting on a table…
Noticing it, Cianas curiosity got the best of her as she went to view it. Seeing how Izuku looked when he was a child, he looked so cheerful with that big smile of his and so cute… Ciana chuckled at this as she stared at the picture more with a smile, she could even see the All Might action figure he was holding.
While Ciana was focused on the photos, Inko appeared behind her as Izuku worked away at the dishes, persuading her that she had done the cooking so he'd clean. "I like this one, he carried that action figure with him almost everywhere. It was honestly surprising it remained so intact in his hands, but Izuku would take proper care of something he treasures," She giggled, smirking playfully to herself. "I also have a bunch more when he was younger if you're interested?"
Ciana turned her attention back to Inko when she came into view once again while holding the picture, her eyes perked up at this adorable opportunity she was offering. "I know he's going to be embarrassed over this, but… oh heck I can't resist this opportunity!" To answer her question, her smile grew wider and nodded eagerly. "Oh really? I would love to see what Izuku was like more as a kid if it's alright."
She mentally apologized to Izuku for this embarrassment that will probably add to him more… but Ciana couldn't resist when it came to Izuku's cuteness.
Izuku let his thoughts run rampant as he cleaned up the dishes, from the sounds of things, Ciana and his mother were getting along, much to his relief. He still had the occasional memory of what he and Ciana did earlier today but he was able to drown out that noise for the time being. However, all good things come to an end.
He froze in place, feeling an eerie chill run up his spine. "I don't like this, there's something about their voices that's making me uncomfortable, like I've been caught with my pants down," Then that manga-obsessed part of his brain clicked into place, and he quickly left the kitchen, facing the sofa where the two women were sitting, both fawning over images held in their hands or on their laps. Each one causing the pigment of Izuku's face to darken into a deep shade of red.
Ciana was adoring many cute pictures of Izuku and giggled at some he looked so cutely funny in especially when it comes to his love of being a superhero and All Might, what also caught her attention was noticing Bakugo in one of the pictures with him as a child as well. "Oh my… even back then he looked like a tough little guy…" Ciana chuckled at this, knowing the guy would blow a fuse if he knew she saw his childhood photo.
Glancing up, Ciana took notice of Izuku who came into the room… sitting up a little as she gave him a sheepish smile and her hand going on her neck awkwardly. "Oh, hey Izuku… already done with the dishes…?" Ciana could guess he's never going to live this down…
"I shouldn't be surprised, it was inevitable, I wanted to avoid this but how? How can any outcome avoid this?" He ran his hands up and down his face, groaning into them as his face only felt hotter. "I'll just be in my room, curling into a ball to disappear and never return," He blindingly navigated his home, moving past the pair to simply forget he existed as he climbed into that preverbal pit.
Ciana's expression became concerned as she watched Izuku leave the room, now feeling guilty for humiliating him like this as she stood up. "Wait! I-Izuku!" She tried to stop him but he already left to his room… Now sighing as she ended up sitting back down.
"I knew I shouldn't have pride… I didn't mean to embarrass him like this…" Ciana eyed the direction he left with a worried expression.
Ciana felt a hand gingerly rub her shoulder, drawing her eyes back to Inko, "Don't worry, he just doesn't want to sit and listen to me embarrass him in front of you, he's never acted like this before so it means he values your outlook on him alot, and I'm glad that is," That forlorn look returned as Inko admired the pictures of her son young than he is now. "I said something to him back when he was supposedly quirkless, and... I never realized how hard that must've hurt him, he hides things like his emotions from me only when he talks about you, even in secret about who you really were. He sounded so happy like when he wanted to become a hero," She wiped a small tear from her eye. "I really am grateful you met him."
Ciana had her attention back to his mother as she took the time to listen to her, Ciana remembered when Izuku mentioned what his mother said and how he felt about the news being quirkless… it clearly pained him when he thought his dreams were shattered, hearing how he was when they met and how Inko feels happy she met him… this brought a warm smile back on her face as she stared at her.
"Even if he hadn't met me, I know Izuku is really strong… I can tell he never gives up no matter what obstacle he faces when it comes to people or his powers." Ciana sat up a little more, still keeping her compassionate smile. "Izuku might have been quirkless at the time but that doesn't necessarily mean he's useless… it meant he had a greater purpose." Her gaze now went down to her lap.
"Each day I known him… I could see the potential and heart he had is more than enough to prove how worthy he is to be the hero he wanted so badly to be, being a hero is not just from the strength of your muscles but the strength in your heart." Her gaze looks back up to her.
"Ever since what happened to my mom, I didn't believe there was any justice in the world after losing her… but since meeting Izuku he not only saved me from believing that but filled an empty void in my heart." Her smile grew more. "I'm really happy to have met him too… without him, I wouldn't be here now."
Hearing those words made Inko's heart melt, she set her photos down on the coffee table, then clasped Ciana's hands in hers, closing her eyes with a soft smile. "Then please, keep telling him that, as many times as it takes for him to believe it, I won't always have the strength to endure what he goes through, the USJ was a lot for me to handle as is, so I'll entrust my little hero to you,"
Ciana was a little surprised by the grasp of her hands, but she could tell how much her encouragement to Izuku meant to her that she can understand any mothers worries. Ciana warmly smiled more as she gave her a nod. "I will, I promise I'll be there as much as I can for him like he's always done for me."
[Transition]
Izuku sat in his room, escaping that embarrassing nightmare any person meeting their girlfriend's/boyfriend's parents would. Now alone in his room lit by the sunlight, he sat on his bed, sketching away to pass the time. This had to be his most tedious drawing to date, getting every inch of pencil lead correct until his fingers were numb. He didn't want to leave a single trace unpolished, especially the eyes. Izuku was so engrossed in his work he failed to realize he wasn't alone anymore.
Ciana knocked on his door first of course. "Izuku?" She called, no answer… so she ended up opening the door to peek her head in, noticing he was looking down as he was sketching… Ciana really felt bad to have gone a little too far in prying… stepping in quietly, she closed the door behind her as she walked up to Izuku, having her hands behind her back as she approached. "Hey Izuku…" now offering an apologetic smile towards him.
Again, no response as his brow pinched, trying to draw as carefully as possible until he sighed a small smile, blowing lightly to remove anything on the page as he gave the image some thought. "...looks okay, maybe more highlights for the stars? Or is that too much? I only have my memory of them as a backing..." Izuku's muttering swirled around him constantly.
This reminded her of back when Izuku was so focused on his drawing that he didn't even notice her coming back into the room at her apartment… smiling playfully, just like before when that happened… Ciana stepped closer to Izuku and leaned her face down closer into his view, her playful smile going wider. "Watcha doing…?"
"Eh? O-oh, hi, sorry, I was... just f-focused on this," He replied shyly, not withholding his sketchbook this time as Ciana got a clear view of what he drew. It was a portrait of herself, only her eyes were warped with stars like the night sky, twinkling almost from the light touches of shading Izuku had meticulously worked on. She almost thought it was another girl entirely by how detailed it was. "The image of y-your eyes when they glowed got stuck in my h-head so I wanted to draw them,"
Ciana was stunned he didn't react so bashfully like he did before… but also a bit surprised Izuku was trying to draw her eyes when they glowed… which actually caused her to blush really red, now shyly scratching her cheek with a bashful smile. "Y-you were drawing my eyes? I-I never realized how much you liked when they glowed…" Ciana chuckled a little, feeling a bit more red in the face.
"Uh, t-they glowed w-when we, um, you... you know, this m-morning," He whispered, shuffling against his bed slightly as his face felt a little prickly from the heat. "So I wanted to f-finish this be-because of them..." The tap of his pencil to the corner of the page indicative of his anxiety.
The news really took her back with her eyes going wide, her face becoming even redder finding out they were glowing then. "T-they were…?" The memory of this morning had steam coming out of her head… now averting her gaze just being reminded of that incident. "Uh… well… t-that's nice… d-didn't know that happened…" Ciana cleared her throat, not only to ease the awkwardness but to get her words straight.
Putting that sensitive topic aside… Ciana looked back at Izuku with a concerned and guilty expression. "Izuku… I'm so sorry for prying into your pictures, I-I didn't mean to embarrass you like that, I just…" Her gaze turned away again shyly. "I-I just wanted to learn more about you…"
"I honestly knew this would happen, it's like a trial by fire, I'm sure you'd suffer the same thing... implying your Dad likes me and when I meet him," He shrugged, patting the space next to him for Ciana to sit down.
Ciana's smile came back a little as she now goes to sit down next to him, noticing he had All Might around his room again but she pretty much expected that, now eyeing him back with her hands on her lap. "For what it's worth, I thought you were very cute as a child. It wasn't too surprising because you're always cute to me." Ciana giggled. "My mom would actually be the one to show embarrassing pics of me if she met you, my dad would just probably spy on us…" Ciana chuckled more imagining her dad's behavior, knowing the times how overprotective he can be.
"Great, so-so you get a free pass, and we get spied on, l-lovely," Izuku jokingly sighed, leaning his head on her shoulder as he averted his eyes from her, still bringing his hand down to rest against hers. "I-I really don't know h-how to respond to me being 'cute', but, uh, thanks? Th-though you're cuter..." He muttered the last part under his breath.
Ciana smiled warmly at the gesture as she leaned her head against his own, squeezing his hand he placed in hers. "I don't know why you think you wouldn't be, you really gotta give yourself more credit Izuku. You're amazing in so many ways you wouldn't believe, and that includes your adorable side." Ciana teases, chuckling a bit as she nuzzles her face in his hair.
Hearing this brought up other thoughts that had been bothering him all day. Now, even while red in the face, and his heart beating rapidly, he spoke up with a dry throat. "...h-hey, Ciana? Did... did you, uh, s-say anything w-when it was just us w-when we woke up?" He squeezed her hand, nervous of if he simply made it up in the heat of the moment, or if... she really did reciprocate his words.
Ciana didn't expect him to go back on that topic… bringing her beet red color back on her face, not understanding what he meant at first as her eyes looked away out of embarrassment. "W-what do you mean exactly…?" They said a lot of things before they started… doing things so Ciana wasn't catching on.
Gulping, Izuku took a steady breath and lifted his head to face her, the sunlight catching her emerald eyes in frame. "I... you said you..." Sighing, he knew he'd have to approach this a different way. "...I thought I-I heard you say you, you... l-loved me?" She, of course, gasped at this, covering her mouth as Izuku shook his head quickly. "I'm not really sure! I-it's could've been I just m-misheard you, or the whole setting just h-had my brain fried or-"
Ciana wasn't sure what to say as she felt more steam coming out of her head. "H-he actually heard me say that?! I-I thought I just thought it!" Ciana was so embarrassed right now, not even sure how Izuku would take those words… Ciana looked down at her lap in silence to try and think what to say… Ciana also thought Izuku said he loved her but even she thought she just imagined it…
Ciana was afraid to respond, glancing up at Izuku quickly and then back down to her lap… her eyes shut tightly as she ended up admitting. "…yes… I did…" Ciana just simply responded quietly…
"She really did? Ciana... you..." His heart clenched, processing this. He didn't imagine it. She said it. She actually said those words back at him. She couldn't see it, but Izuku was grinning brighter than ever before, bringing his hands up to hold her shoulders. Finally, Izuku said it with as much confidence as before. "...hah, I see," He cocked his head a bit, eyes closed with that same, innocent look caught by the sunlight at his back. "...I love you too, Ciana."
Cianas eyes rose wide as she stared at Izuku to process what he just told her back. "W-what?" Her heart began to hammer in her chest as well, she was in disbelief and shocked to hear what Izuku told her. "Y-you…" so she didn't imagine it either… he really said them, Cianas smile came back as she too looked overjoyed, laughing a little just processing everything. "Izuku… I… I-I don't know what to say…'' she ends up saying, her smile still stays. Feeling overjoyed just by those simple words he told her…
"I really don't know, but... everything in the last week and a day has been crazy, there's so much happening that I'm not sure what'll happen next, but... I'm glad it was you I got to experience that with so far, and, I hope... you're okay with experiencing it with me too," He chuckled a bit at the end, scratching his neck a bit. "T-that was really cheesy, wasn't it?"
Cianas flustered red face came back just the way she thought he hinted he wanted to continue doing what they did… especially that Izuku admitted he was glad he did it with her, steam blowing right out of her head in much shock how straight forward Izuku was being for a shy guy… "H-he's definitely becoming more bolder than I thought…" Ciana blinked her eyes twice in silence to process his words, then suddenly began to laugh… tears were coming out of her eyes from how much she was laughing, she had to hold her stomach to try and settle herself down. "I-izuku… y-you really do keep managing to surprise me!" She responded as she kept laughing.
She finally settled down after a minute as she looked back up at him while wiping a tear away, her smile becoming wide with her cheeks still pink. "I-I might have gotten carried away this morning… but I wouldn't have done that if my feelings for you weren't so strong." Ciana admitted bashfully, her face turning a bit red now after saying that.
His shoulders relaxed again, retaining his easy-going grin. "I-I'm glad," He murmured, staring into her eyes, the same he did his best to recreate in his sketch.
Ciana felt more flustered the way he was staring into her eyes, causing her to look away with a shy smile now. "A-are my eyes glowing again?" She asked shyly, guessing maybe they were if he was still staring.
"No, just... uh, I really like them, a-among a list of things about you I-I like," Izuku admitted, unable to properly hide anything from her now that they've both admitted how they felt. Izuku wondered if she liked him as long as he had?
He just keeps getting her heart going and it surprises her Izuku doesn't even realize it… her face back to becoming red as her gaze now went to her lap. "M-my eyes are basically the same color as yours but lighter…" Ciana chuckled a little, scratching her cheek. "A-and I would guess you made a list of things about me judging from your notebook…" she ends up teasing.
"..." He didn't reply, looking back at his sketchbook as he mindlessly tapped the page with her portrait on it. It was a habit of his, even to his own detriment. "...two... maybe three pages... to your hero profile..."
Just hearing that caused her to giggle more, feeling kinda flattered he wrote so much about her. "W-wow, I never guessed my quirk would fascinate you so much, figured you have more pages focusing on your own power rather than mine." She looked up and smiled at him now.
"Hm, I had thought of that but I didn't think it was a smart idea to have that information readily accessible to anyone, so I kept a page about myself vague," Izuku replied, pulling up his yellow school bag to pull out said notebook. "I just wrote down concepts for support gear, also the developments of my quirk into that 'Full Cowling', even how to increase my percentages later down the line gradually, with or without your quirk bolstering me."
She nods her head, Ciana could understand why he wouldn't write his secret quirk into his book if it's possible someone will find it and found out that way, she always took notice though his notebook was burned up… wondering how that even happened with Bakugo? Might be a sensitive topic to ask. "I get that, probably best not to reveal anything in there someone might find, I actually have been writing in my own notebook as well, dialing down all my experiences since coming into this world."
Ciana ends up sharing, taking her own book out from her purse to reveal her own. "Though I had my thoughts written down in my own language, I figured no one would understand it that way."
Right, if only Izuku's stupid curiosity hadn't led to him seeing parts of her thoughts several days ago. Thinking about it, maybe now was his chance? Ciana deserved to know that despite her existence in his world being an act of a villain, and that her presence has changed events, he was happy nonetheless. Taking a breath, Izuku stared at her notebook, then to her. "I... r-remember when I said I learned more on how to read English? You know, because I was curious about your name?"
"Hm?" Bringing that up… Ciana does recall she gave Izuku some pointers on her language, though Ciana just figured he would still be focused on his own rather than hers. "Right, I helped you out with some of my language in English class. You sure are a fast learner compared to me." She giggled. "What about it though?" Now tilting her head in a curious manner.
He felt his hands tighten against one another, avoiding her gaze shamefully. "...the night w-we made it official... y-your notebook, I-I could-" Swallowing a lump in his throat, he spat it out. "-...I could understand it, partially that is from my angle," He was sorry, sorry he always had to stick his nose where it didn't belong.
"Huh…?" Ciana blinked to just process what he meant, that's right… she left her book open and didn't pay any mind to Izuku reading because she thought he couldn't understand it or not been so focused on it… he read it? W-what part did he exactly read?! Already Ciana was starting to panic as she slipped her notebook back into her purse out instinct.
"W-Wait… w-what exactly did you read in my book…?" Ciana was dreading which part he read…
"You were talking about these strange dreams... or premonitions? One of the two, where it appeared you weren't a part of this world, watching everything through a lens, though most of that was guess work since, again, I wasn't trying to pry, it just caught my eye briefly," Izuku revealed, still unable to look at her. "I'm so sorry I did that, I-I thought I'd let you approach the subject first r-rather than me, i-it's your private affairs so I had no right, but I still felt awful for seeing a small glimpse any... way..." When he raised his head, he finally saw her expression.
Her face felt like it was turning white at this point… her eyes clearly wide with shock, he read her premonition dreams?! H-he wasn't supposed to know about that! Ciana felt so stupid as she should of hid her book more carefully… Ciana had no idea what to say now as her gaze went back to her lap as she was panicking on the inside. "Y-you sure are more noisy than I thought…" Ciana commented but didn't mean it in an angry way but more just trying to avoid the topic she didn't want him to know about…
"I'm sorry..." He whispered, head lowered as well. "I shouldn't have been looking, and, even then, I should have told you. I'm really sorry," He was a failure, he should have said something but caved under his own excuses.
Ciana was silent for a few moments, our curiosity does get the best of us at times. "…it's alright… I guess this considers us even for peeping in on your childhood pictures." She responds, but still has her gaze away. "You weren't supposed to know about that… I-It wasn't my place to tell you without risking ruining your future…"
"No. First, you seeing pictures of me can never be a proper equivalent to what I did," Izuku was firm on that matter, lifting his head to her forlorn expression. "But second... if these are premonitions then events have possibly changed, our futures aren't set in stone, you being here is proof that things can change, at least, I'm glad they did," He didn't move his hands to hers, afraid she still needed time to mentally process this revelation.
Ciana sighs, knowing Izuku is happy she's here but wasn't sure if he knew the full extent of what his future was supposed to go. "I know you are Izuku… but you haven't really seen what I saw, plus… I didn't really do as much to help you as you might think." She lifted her gaze and gave him a sad smile. "You still would've gotten into UA with or without my presence, it doesn't surprise me too much since I know you're strong. But you still would have been happy and achieved your goals without me around."
"Maybe so, but... hrm, actually, I'll explain what I've seen, so what I say next makes sense," He cleared his throat a bit. "First, I'm aware of only one premonition, one you described as me, as you said, attending UA alongside Uraraka, though you stated I may have had feelings for her which I realized lined up with how awkward you were around her or when she was brought up, but that's as far as I know," Holding up his hand a little to keep her from speaking, Izuku then relaxed a smile to her disturbed face. "As for me being happy, yes, I doubt there's any uncertainty I would be. Becoming a hero by attending the same school All Might went to has always been my dream, I couldn't be happier,"
Ciana was beginning to look happy but saddened by this admittance until a gentle hand cupped her cheek to lift her head. "But I realized... I don't care," He shrugged to her, chuckling once at the thought. "I don't care if I would've been happy, I don't care if I may have fallen for Uraraka down the line. It doesn't matter because it was you I got to train with until I was exhausted at the beach. It was you who kept encouraging me day after day despite how everyone viewed me like a piece of glass. You shared so much of my life in only a handful of months, All Might is my hero, but you're the one who became a true part of my life,"
"I said it before, you're not a mistake, Ciana, you make every struggle easier because I know you'll be there when I need it, and I'd do the same for you," There, that was his honest feelings on her turmoil. In the words of Katsuki, who gives a shit what the future would've been?
Ciana stared into his eyes as she listened to everything he was telling her, she actually panicked and felt really horrible Izuku found out he was supposed to fall for Uraraka… afraid their relationship won't go any further now that he knows how his future was supposed to go, Ciana can't deny she felt happy how Izuku expressed what he thought of the whole thing, but she still felt bad for Uraraka…
Her expression still had some sadness in her eyes but as usual still kept her smile. "I understand what you're saying… I'm really happy too I got to be by your side the whole way, but even if you don't care it still might affect the others…" her gaze looked back down, gesturing towards Uraraka who probably liked him too. "I'm just… worried I'll mess something else up the more days I spend here… I-I don't want to somehow ruin something good that's supposed to happen to someone else as well…"
"That isn't your choice, Ciana," Izuku added softly. "How someone turns out in life isn't dictated by a single person, if people want to achieve a goal, they'll do it, and it will cause ripples wherever they go, that's an unavoidable cause and effect. Even if bad things happen, it's why we're trying to be heroes right, to fix and prevent those bad things from ever happening?" He finally moved his free hand to her shivering hand against his bed. "I know you feel guilty for possibly changing the lives of our friends, but I promise, things will change and find a new course, just have a little faith, and who knows, maybe you could use these possible premonitions to your advantage to help avoid accidents!"
Ciana still had some concern for their future, but it's true maybe she could prevent something from happening but also could somehow make it worse… It's still scary to imagine how this will go, but she certainly hopes she won't make anything worse… Ciana laid her head on his shoulder, squeezing his hand put in hers. "I can only hope…" she responds softly, her eyes now closing.
She wasn't sure how things could change but prayed Ciana didn't ruin Urarakas happiness… Ciana will still always have her worries but she's still happy she got to make new friends and given this amazing experience to do good…
Eventually, the two had left Izuku's room to chat and spend time around the sofa with Inko, watching the odd show while chatting, mainly Ciana and Inko getting the chance to talk more with the occasional embarrassing remark sent Izuku's way, much to chagrin. The earlier bad thoughts of Ciana's quickly washed away, and before long, night had settled in.
"Now, are you sure you don't want to stay? It has gotten pretty late," Inko asked again while the young couple got their things together.
"We'll be okay, Mom, the station isn't too far, and the streets will still be pretty crowded at this hour," Izuku sighed, reassuring her that and the fact they were able to fight back if needed together.
Ciana had her warm smile back, having her purse hung back on her shoulder. "I have nothing to worry about anyways since I have my hero by my side, I probably should head back anyways to catch up on some of my studies, but I'm happy I finally got to meet you, Inko."
She expressed happily, Ciana really enjoyed her time with his mother. Though she felt a little concerned how lonely she must be without her husband and her son around.
"And I am too, you're such a lovely young girl to have around, it's such a nice change of pace," Inko cooed, cupping one cheek before surprising Ciana with a small hug. "Feel free to come around with Izuku as often as you can, I know UA has you two busy with studies,"
"We will," Izuku nodded, happy that while he was utterly embarrassed from all the things his mom had shown Ciana, the two got along well which was a huge relief.
Ciana may have been a bit surprised by the hug but it just made her smile warmer as she gave her a hug back, Inko reminded her a bit of her own mother… the hug felt a lot how her own mothers embrace felt… Ciana could tell Izuku is very loved.
After separating Ciana straightened back up. "I look forward to the next time we come by, especially to hear more cute stories about Zuzu…" Ciana couldn't help but tease, giggling a lot after saying that as she eyed him with a playful smile.
"Please stop..." He whined, wishing to leave as soon as possible. The two women just giggled at his dismay before Inko embraced her son, the two sharing a tight squeeze before Inko stepped back to let them out. "I'll talk to you later, Mom,"
"Have a safe ride home, Izuku, Ciana," She waved as they opened the door to be greeted with the cool night air. "Let me know when you've gotten back to UA,"
"Right, I will," Izuku waved back, his and Ciana's hand interlocked without them thinking of it.
Ciana could never resist Izuku's adorable side, it was enough to get her smiling more. Waving goodbye to Inko, Ciana now walked off with Izuku by her side like always. "Your mom is really nice, I really can see where you get your sweet and adorable side from."
She giggled pleasantly, her attention now on him with a brighter smile.
"Please remind me never to let you anywhere near her and Aunt Mitsuki ever, I don't think my head can take that level of third degree embarrassment," He pinched the bridge of his nose, but he was smiling so he wasn't agitated. "I'm glad you two got along so well, though that really wasn't a surprise given how approachable you are,"
"Well glad I could still work my charm intact." She responds playfully. "I'm happy I got to learn a little bit more about you, you haven't changed much growing up. I actually happened to have seen a picture of Bakugo too while I was viewing your photos with your mom."
Ciana ends up sharing, perking up at seeing his picture as well. "It's so funny seeing how he was then, even with his tough side as a kid he looked pretty cute as well." She giggled.
"Kacchan wasn't as egocentric back then, he was the leader, so to speak, but he never really cared I was with him and his friends, like I said, before his quirk we were friends, then, well, you know the rest," Izuku skimmed over quickly, "But lately, he has gotten less destructive since the battle trial so maybe our fight really did chip his pride."
"I might have had a part in that maybe…" she responds awkwardly as she scratches her cheek with her finger. "After I smacked him, he just gave me a very stunned look… I kinda expected him to try to hit me too after that but I never saw him get so taken back like that…"
Ciana could still remember when she spoke to him after the battle, maybe he was just too worn out to fight back. "Well I mostly smacked him because he was in shock after seeing how you fought… had to get him back to his senses somehow."
"Which I still find amazing both that you survived and in how strangely badass that sounds," He held his hand up to solidify his honesty.
She giggled after that remark, still surprised he wasn't upset she smacked his childhood friend. "I didn't think you would be so starstruck about that… usually you are so concerned or worried whenever I confront Bakugo like that."
"He did nearly hit me with the equivalent of a missile at point blank range, though I was more worried if he'd retaliate against you," Izuku replied, squeezing her hand. "Kacchan doesn't hold back against anyone, even when he insults you, I would know," Again, a faint wave of pain trickled from Izuku's aura, if only briefly.
"I was really worried Bakugo completely turned dark after wanting to fight you so hard… especially when he almost killed you, I was worried for you but I also worried he lost sight of who he wanted to be… As well as himself." Ciana says with concern in her tone. "I'm relieved though he came to his senses afterwards… During that commotion with the villains, Bakugo really fought hard to put an end to the commotion, he really impressed me how he expressed he wasn't worried about everyone as he believed they would take care of themselves."
Ciana smiled after saying that. "Even when he mostly wanted to work on his own, he still was willing to let me lend a hand to help him fight one of the shadow villains."
"He did?" Izuku appeared surprised by this. It wasn't like Katsuki to rely on anyone but himself, but he saw him aided by Kirishima and Ciana, so maybe he was changing? "That... wow, I-I really didn't expect that, that would mean he respects you and Kirishima though he'd never say it,"
"I'm still concerned he probably hates me but I'm happy I got to work alongside him, he looked like a real hero in that moment." She expressed happily. "Todoroki and Kirishima were really cool too, how hard and determined they fought to help All Might as well as stop the other villains, I actually hoped to try and get to know Todoroki more after he also tried to save me."
After talking to the school's prince for a bit, Ciana wanted to befriend him more now. "He's pretty quiet but maybe he open up more if he had someone to talk to."
Walking alone down the street. Izuku moved a little closer to her, sharing in her warmth. "I'm sure you'd find a way, I wonder why Todoroki is so distant? Though it could be just prefers his solitude but... I dunno," His brow knitted. "There feels like there's more to him than we know... and his burn mark, though that's probably a sensitive topic for him." Shaking his head, he focused on their route back to the station.
"I could tell…" she responds with her brows knitting together in wonder of that, squeezing Izuku's hand a bit tighter. "It might be one of the reasons he acts so quiet and distant… I know something like that is usually a sign of something traumatic that happened… like how I lost my mom and lost my faith in people after the incident…"
Ciana can understand that behavior since she was the exact same way at home, hoping maybe she could try and help Todoroki somehow.
"Well, hey-" He nudged her side to gain her attention. "-when the time comes we'll try to talk to him, though I'd imagine he'll be reluctant to say a word, or even become aggressive but maybe we can help him if that is the case."
Aside from that, Izuku had butterflies in his stomach. Tomorrow he intended to take Ciana out, their first ever date since they basically started dating, it also occurred to Izuku how backwards they did things. But he was excited, anxious, and many other things about tomorrow. He just hoped it would be okay for Ciana, he wanted her to really enjoy a stress-free day.
Her attention came back to him after he nudged her, nodding with a smile at his words. "I'm fully prepared for the outcome, I been wanting to befriend Bakugo for a long time and haven't given up." She smiled, but then noticed Izuku looked a bit anxious as her expression now turned into a look of surprise and wonder.
"What's wrong Izuku? You look kinda nervous… you worried about something?" She asks, Izuku looked like he was back to his shy stage and didn't think he get like this all of a sudden.
"...just tomorrow, w-we said we'd go out together, so it's o-our first date since we s-started going o-out so I was mulling over what t-to do," He scratched his head bashfully, though a tiny silly smile was caught to his cheeks.
Ciana blinked her eyes a few times as she stared at him for a few moments, giggling a little at his flustered behavior. "Why so nervous about that? It's not much different than how we always hung out after school or the weekends."
She responds, smiling excitingly for tomorrow. "It doesn't have to be perfect, I enjoy doing anything as long as I'm with you." She says in a happy tone.
"Right," He nodded in agreement, but internally, he had a few plans in mind, several spots for a simple but fun day out before they were neck-deep into work again. Ciana may not know it, but he is going to do a lot of research when they get back. "I can do this, we've hung out before but this has to be special!" He closed his free fist out of view, determined to make this work. "Come on, if we're late we'll have to walk back and have a frightening conversation with Mr Aizawa when we do..."
She nodded in response with another squeeze to his hand. "From how much that guy usually likes to sleep, I wonder if he would even notice we're gone." Ciana jokes with a giggle, it's so weird for her that the guy is actually allowed to sleep in class without being scolded by the principal for doing that.
"Mr Aizawa is a little strange-" He paused, seeing her questionable brow raise. "-okay, very strange, but he's a great teacher - I just hope he's okay, that Nomu thing really messed him up..." Izuku could still see the awful state Aizawa was left in as he, Mineta, and Tsu could only watch with terror. Even bleeding and broken their teacher bought them a valuable few seconds to act.
"I was worried too…" she responds with her eyes softening in concern for the guy. "Heroes never die that easily though because they are strong just like you." She now expressed more peppy. "If he needs it then I can always return his strength back to him." Though bringing up her power suddenly had her paused, looking down fearfully at the idea of using her power more could be dangerous for her…
Sensing her worry over what was the truth of her power, Izuku stopped them just at the crossing to the station, they had some time left. He grabbed both her hands, looking her dead in the eye. "You won't become like him, and, even if you do change, you'll still be Ciana to me, just there will be something else I get to like about you," He hoped that at the very least it would help. Mutation quirks were frequent so it wasn't off-putting in the slightest.
Ciana looked up at Izuku when he took her hands, while she's happy to hear he still liked her if she looked different which made her smile a little. But… the idea of turning into a monster still scared her as her gaze looked back down. "I-I don't want to look like a monster though Izuku…" now looking back up at him.
"Even if it's normal for all of you here… it isn't to me, it's not who I am. Not what I want to become no matter how cool my power is…" Ciana wasn't like the others expressing their quirky abilities, she is a normal girl who is happy being who she is.
"I understand," She looked up a little to his worried stare. "I can't imagine what it feels like, to me, gaining a quirk felt like everything I wanted to achieve became much more tangible, but for you, it's the opposite. But you won't become a monster, I'm certain of that, the way you use Aura, how you've helped me and others is proof this power isn't just a copy of Meru Zena's, its being transformed into something better because of you, whatever happens, I know you won't change, not into something like him,"
Hearing that does make her feel a little better, her smile rising more back towards him. "Thanks Izuku, I really hope you're right." It's still scary to imagine herself morphing into a monster, knowing she would never return home if she became more different. "I admit, I'm surprised how you all can embrace your powers here, I mean some I witnessed are really cool but others make them look so different that it's surprising they don't mind standing out that way."
Everyone here sure doesn't look very embarrassed by some odd powers they had especially when it makes their appearance so funny. "I remember when I first came to your school I was so taken back by everyone's appearances, I expected they look normal like you and me but it sure was a shocker." She chuckled remembering her first impression of the students.
"I guess to anyone not from this world, I can imagine it was," He chuckled a bit, "You kinda looked like you were almost having a heart attack too, though I wasn't any better, since it was the first time you and Kacchan would come to know one another," He sighed nervously. That day was too stressful, even just to remember.
"I actually noticed you looked pretty nervous when I first stepped into the room to introduce myself… I thought maybe you were nervous how people would judge you with me around you…" Ciana does remember noticing Izuku looked anxious when she came in… it sure confused her and worried he secretly didn't want her hanging over him in school.
"So that's what you were so anxious about? I don't know why you were so worried cuz people like him don't scare me, even if he has explosive fists." She responds playfully, though if she had met him first when coming into this world. Ciana probably would have been terrified of him then…
"Kacchan was... much less restrained before the Sludge Villain incident, aside from your first day at Aldera, so I was worried regardless if he hurt you," His hands squeezed hers again, brow knitted at how silly it was but a large part of him couldn't stand that idea of Ciana being hurt, not if he could prevent it.
She was a little surprised he was already so worried about her especially during the first day of school. "You were worrying that much before because of him possibly harming me? Aw Izuku… I knew you cared but I didn't think you cared that much for me especially since you knew me for a few days then."
She smiled and blushed a little pink realizing this. Izuku sure has a big heart to think of her that much then. "But I appreciate your concern, speaking of that… Did the other students actually ever question you about my presence around you? I mean… I could guess they wondered why I was so fond of you so quickly during the first day." She asked in wonder, remembering that Izuku mentioned he wasn't so popular in school due to having no quirk at the time.
"Aside from the odd mumble and occasional glare that the beautiful girl of their dreams they admired from afar was giving a nobody like me her undivided attention? Not really," He shrugged with a tiny smirk as he tugged her onwards toward the station, one hand in hers.
"Wait what?" Her eyes widened pretty stunned and her cheeks became pinker from what he just told her. "W-what do you mean by that? Are you saying they were jealous I was with you?" She certainly didn't expect that… Ciana just thought they wonder why he suddenly has a friend now but never expected to hear the students resent that…
"N-Not everyone, but I o-overheard a few, 'why is someone like Finley hanging around some quirkless kid?', 'doesn't she get bored talking to him?', 'she's probably pitying Midoriya', yeah, more of the same..." He shrugged but it was clear it left a mark on him as he deflated a bit, moving through the station toward the platform to wait for their train, thankfully, those around were too far to hear their conversation or care.
Ciana was surprised she was just hearing this now… already just hearing what they said before had her riled up. "Your kidding? Why didn't you ever tell me they were saying that! I wouldn't have let them talk down on you like that, that wasn't right at all." Ciana never liked that Izuku was being picked on, even saying cruel things about him.
He just stared ahead at the tracks, his expression was far too... normal to this kind of backlash. "It doesn't matter... even if you said something they'd say it when you weren't around, their image of me would never change, but who cares? I'll probably never see them again now, so it doesn't matter..." It was like he was attempting to convince himself than Ciana of this.
"Izuku…" She frowned at him at that, Ciana can understand he probably got used to the usual insults but she didn't want to allow it to happen to others. "Even so… that isn't right of them to talk down on you, I would want to step up and say how amazing I thought you were. I wouldn't care what they think of me afterwards."
Ciana wouldn't want to be friends with people who bullied others anyways so she wouldn't care what they think towards her. "But I admit during my days at that school, a few guys tried to ask me out… which was pretty awkward for me as I wasn't used to it." She chuckled at the memory. "I remember there was this one guy that didn't take rejection well, he kept asking me why I wouldn't go out with me and tried to grab me to stop me… I elbowed him when he tried laying a hand on me." Ciana laughed more at the memory, remembering how stunned he looked that she fought him off like that.
"W-what?" Izuku's passive face warped into shock. "H-he really did that?"
She nodded with a proud look on her face for telling him off. "Yep! Don't get why he was so confused that I didn't want to go out with him but he sure didn't take no for an answer, I never told you because I thought you worry." Her eyes softened towards him.
"I... guess we both didn't w-want each other to worry then," Izuku murmured, looking away. "I just... felt like they were right, I guess not telling you just doubled as a way to keep me from ever having to think about what they said, but..." It still bothered him, every time he spent with Ciana the more their comments crept up like bile in his throat. He knew it wasn't true, but how can you convince yourself after years of mental abuse being normalized?
Ciana of course didn't take that well, her eyes becoming more serious as they narrowed. "No they are not right!" She shouted a little. "Izuku you're not a loser, you never were. The ones who just talked down on you like that are the real losers, that's not right for anyone to do whether you have a quirk or not. Izuku they just couldn't see the real power that lies inside you which is your inner strength, no one in this world I thought was any cooler than you."
She honestly expressed, but then her eyes softened a little to look almost sad. "Are you by any chance saying you didn't like that I started hanging around you in school at first because I made you feel worse…?"
"What? N-no, never!" He paused, calming down a bit as he looked her dead in the eyes. "I-I just..." Then he shut his eyes, exhaling as he stared at their locked hands again. The feeling was what kept him from curling up on himself. "...I really had nothing, Kacchan saw me as his target for his quirk, his lackeys too, everyone else... just forgot I existed, I put up with their comments because I knew what was in front of me for the last half a year was real, I had a friend, I had something they couldn't take from me... but years o-of bullying, p-physical or verbal, I..." He started to crack, biting his cheek a bit. "...I dealt with s-so much crap… my thoughts wouldn't let i-it go," By now, his shoulders were shaking slightly. His inner demons reared their horrific heads for the first time in years.
Ciana was taken back by how much abuse he went through before, she didn't know what to say at first as she stared at him speechless for a minute. Ciana could see what happened really haunted him, Ciana knew how much words hurt and it was clear it cut him deep. Ciana wasn't sure if it was much but her expression softened up more as she immediately gave him a hug. "Izuku I don't think I have the words to express how sorry I am to hear what you went through… I don't know if it means much to you but I actually was the same way as well…" she admits, looking up at him while still having her arms around him.
"I grew up in a rough part of the city at home, when I was younger I always used to get picked on for looking so weak and pathetic…" her eyes now looking sad herself looking back on that memory. "Whenever that happened I would just run and hide… I even cried how scary and harsh they were towards me, but…" her smile rose a little. "Whenever my mom would see my cry, she would always encourage me that I had to stand up no matter how strong and scary they can be, that I shouldn't show any fear." Her mom's words always had an impact on her, always making her happy to remember.
"She would tell me while looking serious rather than pitying me… ever since then I took my mom's words to heart… I didn't want anyone going through what I did so no matter how rough the situations I came across would be… I face my battles like my mom always encouraged me to do."
"...you were lucky... more than me... t-to have her urge you to do s-something I couldn't for so l-long," His voice trembled, holding back his emotions as her embrace made it harder to keep his walls up. "...I'm sorry you went through this too..." He buried his head against her shoulder, afraid he really would fall apart, and in public no less.
She held him tighter during this, smiling warmly but sadly at the same time. Freeing one hand to pet his head comfortingly. "I wasn't as lucky as you might think… you still have your parents and I lost my mom… we have a saying at home, what doesn't kill you makes us stronger. Which means from how much we endure these kinds of treatment it just makes us stronger in the end. Just like how you stood up for yourself against Bakugo, in a way… it was like a new training routine for you."
Ciana wasn't sure if that was enough to help but she spoke honestly from the heart. "Each time they look down on you, you didn't just endure it but didn't stoop to a dark path as well. Instead it just made you who you are today, a strong successor of All Might as well as his special power you inherited. Everything that happened to you just turned you into an incredible hero that's going to not only make the world smile but look up to you, you already bought that for me and that's what made me believe in you so much."
It was like back then, when Ciana and All Might in their own words called him a hero. Something about how she spoke tenderly made his heart break away one of his walls, shaking in her arms as she gently stroked his head to soothe his silent grief. That was right, Ciana had lost the very person who imparted their words to her, she had suffered greater loss than he had, it made sense she understood as much weight of judgment as he had.
Their train had pulled up at that moment, drawing Izuku from Ciana's embrace, but he clearly was holding back a lot but his smile wasn't forced, it was tiny but it was genuine. "...I...I'm not great at saying e-everything, o-or comfortable... yet, b-but th-thank you for saying that, all of that."
Her smile rose more towards him as she now squeezed his hand again to comfort him. "Even if you didn't have any powers you still are the coolest guy in my eyes, many people are seeing that too, not just our friends or All Might but the teachers and even the other pro hero's." Ciana reached her hand out to wipe any tears that's appearing in his eyes. "Like what my mom always told me, don't ever show fear no matter how scary the situation becomes, stand up for yourself and eventually they will see your so much more."
"I'll remember that, promise," He replied, while still troubled by his thoughts, it felt a lot easier to breathe than before as the two left for UA.
Author note:
Stay tuned for season 2 next week!