Chapter 13

'Phoenix!'

'I'm on it sir!'

Using her quirk, the hero in training shot forward with incredible speed stop the villain Endeavor had chased in his tracks. Wings of fire blocking his way as she stood before him. With a flick of her wrists, flames flared up all around them, bringing the villain to his knees. His vines withering in the heat. There was no need to even physically hold him in his place. The heat of her flames was enough to immobilise him.

'Well done, kid,' Endeavor complimented his trainee as he came up from behind the villain. 'That was your quickest catch yet. As for you, villain, you will atone for your crimes. Holding people as hostages, despicable.'

Ichika lowered the heat, but kept a close eye on the short man, until he was in handcuffs and taken away by the police. Only then did she deactivate her quirk, though she did keep her wings. It had become her trademark, just like Endeavor used his flames as a mask.

'You've improved greatly, Phoenix.' She turned to look up at the giant of a man standing next to her. His large hand falling on her shoulder as he complimented her. 'Keep this up and I might rethink my decision to have my son succeed me.'

'Thanks, but I think I'll pass, sir. I wouldn't dare take that spot from Shoto.'

Endeavor scoffed, stating she wouldn't be taking anything. That it was something one should earn, not get by privileges.

'Besides, I don't think he would actually mind,' the man admitted begrudgingly.

Oh, oh, trouble in paradise...

'So I take it he isn't taking his training serious then?'

'He's only becoming more defiance.'

Endeavor's grip on her shoulder intensified in anger, before he released her. Without a word, he turned on his heel. He didn't even pay attention to his fans as they cheered for him, nor to the journalists who tried to get a word out of him. But upon realising the stoic hero wouldn't be giving them any of his time, some turned towards Ichika.

'Wow, she's amazing!'

'Endeavor's really trained her well, don't you agree?'

'Yeah, he did.'

'I heard she is actually his daughter. I mean, he practically grooms her into becoming his successor.'

Another butted in with a rumour that rendered her speechless for a moment. The absurdity! She looked nothing like Endeavor.

'Oh, I guess that does make sense. They do have a similar quirk.'

Who even came up with such a rumour? Her eyes landed on a young girl with bright blue hair waving at the flame hero enthusiastically.

'Can I get your autograph?'

Ichika walked over to the child, complying her request. Even after all this time, it still felt surreal that people actually recognised her and wanted her autograph.

'There you go,' she said, giving the notebook back.

'Wow, thanks so much, Phoenix! Look mommy, I got her autograph!'

The mother bowed at Ichika in return, thanking her for her time.

'How 'bout we go on a date?'

'I'm sorry, I already have a boyfriend.'

That of course got the attention of the journalists and within no time, the redhead found herself bombarded with questions and both camera's and microphones were aimed towards the startled teen. Wanting to know all about this boyfriend she had just mentioned. Was he training to become a hero as well? Was he just a regular guy who was lucky enough to have caught her eye. Or perhaps he was already a hero and was their love forbidden due to her being a minor.

'Well, I-I...'

Damn it! She could already see the headlines. "Flame hero, Phoenix, a forbidden love story." Or perhaps it would be more like: "Endeavor's secret love child?" These reporters were always hungry for juicy rumours. They didn't even care whether or not they were true. As long as their story would sell.

'Phoenix!'

The gruff voice of her mentor snapped Ichika out of her thoughts. Her piercing turquoise eyes glared at the reporters, before they found her green ones. And without needing to say anything else, she knew what he meant.

'I'm coming, sir!'

And off she was, running after the retreating flame hero she so admired. Her face still flustered by the sudden interest in her private life. As she followed after Endeavor she wondered whether or not the man had heard anything and if so, how much. Perhaps he had heard the reports and decided to step in to help his student. Or perhaps he had just grown impatient to have to wait for her.

Either way, she was grateful to be away from them. Whether Endeavor had rescued her on purpose or not.

'Our patrol is over for today.' She raised her eyes to see the man was still looking ahead. So instead she watched his spiked red hair move with each step. 'Seeing as you have caught the villain, you will have to write a report about it.'

'Geez, what a surprise,' she sassed with a lopsided smile. Now that is was only her and Endeavor, her confidence was slowly returning again. 'And here I thought you would do it this time, seeing I always have to do yours.'

'Don't sass me, you brat!' His blames blazed up as he stopped in his tracks to scowl at the teen. 'I am your superior and you will treat me as such!'

'Of course I will. But that doesn't mean I like getting a rise out of you.'

She chuckled as the hero turned around to shout at her for her lack of respect. Making bystanders turn to look and stare. Not that either of them cared. Endeavor was too busy scowling his student and Ichika was too amused.

'Just head back to the agency and get started,' the man eventually sighed in defeat. 'The sooner you're done, the sooner you're out of my hair.'

'You know you love me.'

His brow twitched, but otherwise the hero remained silent. Because truth be told, Ichika had grown on him. He knew she had admired him from a young age and she had started seeing him as a father figure. With the lack of a present father, it wasn't that strange. Though it felt strange to have a child few him as such, when his own children failed to do so. Even if it was his own fault.

Perhaps that was the reason why he had let Ichika get away with all her snide remarks and sassy comments. And while he would never admit it out loud, he actually enjoyed hearing her ramble about school and her friends. Or to see her face flush red with embarrassment or anger whenever he made a mocking comment about her boyfriend. A sneer he used as a way to tease her and he knew that she knew that as well.

It was something he was unable to do with his own children. Fuyumi never sought him out during her teenage years and even now she rarely spoke to him. Natsuo didn't even look his way and when he did, it was to glare at him. Their only form of communication was shouting at one another. And as for Shoto? The boy did enything he could to defy Endeavor. To anger him whenever he could. And now that he was a first year at U.A. he used it as an excuse to be away from home as often as possible.

Truth be told, he was grateful for the chance to share such moments with his student. Yet at the same time it was shameful. To have a non-existent relationship with his own family, yet shared a father-daughter bond with the girl. And he didn't know what to think of it, nor how to behave most of the time. But he knew he did enjoy it.

'Just be sure to get them done.'

'Will do!'

The rest of the way neither of them exchanged any words. With Ichika only humming contently, while Endeavor remained his stoic self. Though after she had finished the report and bid the man goodbye and he had told her when he expected her to return, he bid her farewell with an uncharacteristically pet on her head.

A sigh left her mouth, as Ichika wrote something down in her notebook. No doubt in her mind that her homeroom teacher would ask about that next week. Then she continued reading the book the said hero had given her. When Ichika had thought it to be difficult to combine the hero course and the extra lessons from Hound Dog during her second year, she had no idea what else the man had planned for her.

Her third and final year had only just begun and she was already balancing school, workstudy and her private live with Hound Dog's extra assignments. And not to mention the fact that she was now assigned to help out All Might during his lessons. Which was both a privilege and a disaster. For the man was an amazing hero - though her favorite hero was still Endeavor -, he was horrible when it came to teaching. More often than not, did the man pull out a book to try and find a suitable way to deal with didactics. Or turned to Ichika for help. But that also meant that she missed even more classes than usual, classes she had to keep up with in her own time. And Ichika being Ichika, pushed herself even harder to prove she was capable of combining everything, not wanting to fall behind. The question was, for how long would she be capable of keeping up this pace?

A yawn escaping her mouth indicated that she was currently exerting herself already, though unwilling to stop. Not by herself. She only shifted her position to a more comfortable one.

'Man, Inui sensei sure is pushing you hard, isn't he?'

Ichika looked up from her book to look at her boyfriend. His own homework untouched as he leaned his head on his hand while staring at her. A light frown on his brows as he did so.

'He just wants to help me achieve my dream,' was all she said as the redhead turned her attention back to the book she was reading.

Their sensei had given her a book about inclusive education so she could hopefully learn a thing or two about it. Upon reading the title, Ichika had wondered out loud whether or not it would be of any use to her. Because she had already read about the method, but it was used for children with a disability within general educational settings. But Hound Dog had disagreed. While he was aware of the fact that is was mostly used in such settings, he was convinced the method was usable to all students. According to him it could also be used as way to respond to diversity within students and that's why he wanted her to learn more about it. To see if she could use it during her classes with All Might - whom she had been assigned to assist every now and then.

'You're already missing classes due to your workstudy,' Mirio continued. 'And now you not only have extra assignments, but also miss classes now that you have to help All Might - which by the way, is awesome! Still, I'm worried about you. I don't want you to overexert yourself.'

'I can still keep up with my homework.' Her eyes glanced over to his empty paper, not even one question was answered. She gave him a cheeky grin as she bumped his shoulder. 'Though I can't say the same about you. You overexert yourself by worrying over me.'

That made Mirio chuckle.

'I guess I deserved that.'

'Yes, you did. Though I appreciate you looking out for me.' She pecked his cheek, before putting her book away. 'This can wait. How about I help you with your English homework.'

'Hm, it would be nice to have my genius girfriend help me out.' His blue eyes sparkled mischievously as he snuck an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. 'Though I think I might need some motivation to get started.'

'You need some external motivation?' He just shrugged, a lopsided grin on his face as he did so. 'And what kind of motivation did you have in mind?'

'I can think of something...'

Ichika faked a gasp, as she moved to punched his shoulder lightly. But Mirio had anticipated her reaction and grabbed her wrist, before pulling her into his chest. He chuckled a 'Gotcha!' as she let out a startled shriek. Then he pressed his lips against hers. Without hesitation, Ichika reciprocated the kiss. Adjusting her position, she closed her eyes and angled her head. Then she placed her hands against his chest to deepen the kiss. Homework momentarily pushed to the back of her mind as the teens kissed. Instead her mind was occupied with feeling Mirio's firm chest with her hands as his own hands roamed over her lower back.

It wasn't long before he pulled her shirt up a little and his fingers touched the bare skin of her back. While his other hand moved even lower, brushing his fingertips underneath the waistband of her skirt.

'This isn't exactly called studying,' Ichika managed to say as she pulled away a bit.

'Are you complaining?'

She could hear the smirk in his voice as he leaned in to put his brow against her own.

'Not really. But...'

'Then why are we talking, instead of making out? Come here, it's been way too long.'

And with that, Mirio brushed his lips against hers again. Though this time more passionately and less playful. Her own lips moving in sync with his. Then she pulled back again, though this time because she wanted to close the distance between the two of them. Eager for his lips, Ichika shoved Mirio's homework to the side of his desk, while she herself sat down on the wooden item. This way, she was able to press herself against the taller blond, without having to worry about hurting her back against his desk. Mirio was right, it had indeed been too long for them to actually have some time alone together. She had been craving for his attention, his touch and to have her boyfriend initiate a passionate make out session, made her forget about why she was staying over at the Togata's in the first place. Though she suspected Mirio never had homework in mind, something he had now put into action. And Ichika was in no state to even tell him to stop, nor did she want him to!

Their hands roamed everywhere they could, feelin eachother up and down. Messing up their hair and clothes, before Mirio's lips trailed down her neck and collarbone. His hands now moving up underneath her shirt, gently, brushing her sides before his thumbs brushed against her bra. There they stayed, just at the underband, tickling her sensitive skin.

At first the redhead sighed in content, but it was quickly replaced by a startled squeak as Mirio suddenly removed his hands to grab her by the ass instead and lifted her up from the desk. His lips once again moving towards her neck.

'Y'hear that? I think my bed is calling for us,' he joked huskily as he continued finding his way back towards her lips, while she wrapped her legs around him. 'Better not ignore its call, wouldn't you agree.'

She agreed, eager to move into a more comfortable position.

'Let's not make it wait for any longer.'

Not that Mirio needed to be told, for he was already making his way over to the said furniture. One hand on her lower back, his other arm supporting her legs as he moved across his bedroom with only a handful of strides. Expertly lowering her on the blankets once he reached his bed, before he layed down as well. His arms on either side of her head as he continued the assault on her lips. Her hands clasped with his own as he did so.

He let out a low groan as Ichika pulled him closer, her body pressing against his. The feeling of her breasts against his chest was enough for to him to hold himself back. Willing himself not to just simply rip off her clothes. He would never do anything Ichika didn't want or wasn't ready for and up until now it had only been touching and teasing.

His body shaking as he tried to hold himself back, but she sure wasn't making it easy for him. With the way she was kissing him back with a passion only few knew she could posses. And only he experienced in such an intimate way.

A gasp left her throat as he nipped her ear, the action causing her to buck her hips. So he did it again in the hopes of getting another reaction. Though not the one he had expected. For this time she did something she had never done before. Using her own hand, Ichika guided Mirio's hand from her head, towards her body and let it rest on the side of her breast underneath her shirt.

Surprised by this action, Mirio tilted his head to look at her in shock.

'Are you sure you're okay with this?'

'Positive.'

'If we start this, I might not be able to hold myself back.'

She gently placed her hand on his cheek as she gave him a shy smile.

'And what if I tell you that I don't want you to?'

His eyes widened as he looked her in the eye. Searching for any sign that she was only saying it for him, while she herself didn't want this.

'Are you sure,' he asked again. 'Absolutely sure?'

'Yes.'

And with that she leaned up to place a kiss on his lips, before slowly moving down to his jawline. Her hands trailing down his torse, until they reached the hemline of his shirt. There she pulled his shirt up and clumsily tried to pull it over Mirio's head.

A low rumble caused Ichika to flush red in embarrassment as Mirio chuckled. Then he leaned up a little to help her remove his shirt, before leaning down to capture her lips with his. His own hands wasting no time to touch Ichika in ways he had only ever dreamed of. Though his touch being just as clumsy as Ichika's and an embarrassed chuckle escaped him as he had just as much trouble in removing her shirt. Even through the fabric of her bra, she could feel the warmth of his hand as he kneaded her breast, the touch electrifying. Gently at first, as if he was afraid to hurt her. But the moans the left her lips, gave him the confidence to continue. His touch becoming stronger as he repositioned himself to get a better look, his other hand now free to capture her other breast. Their breathing becoming more labored as the need for the one another became greater and greater with each passing moment.

'M-Mirio.'

The whimper was barely audible, but he had heard her. Not that it was difficult with his ear so close to her face, while he was kissing her cleavage. It was exactly what the teen needed to find the courage to reach behind her back to find the clasp of her bra. He had done this so many times in his dream, the movement being so quick and simple. Yet when he tried to unhook it, the damn thing wasn't budging!

Mirio let out a frustrated groan as he tried and failed again, much to the humor of Ichika. While she was embarrassed to be this exposed, Mirio sure was doing his best to make her comfortable. Even if he wasn't doing it on purpose. So as he was groaning in frustration, she couldn't help but let out a giggle, before she reached behind her back to help him.

With a swift movement, Mirio removed the only item left that covered her upper body and threw it out of the way. Eager to lay his eyes upon her naked skin. From her flushed cheeks, to her freckled shoulders and finally landing on her perky breasts. Though a wave of disappointment fell over him as he noticed Ichika had covered them with her hands. For a moment he wondered if he had crossed a boundary and he looked up again to see her green eyes were avoiding him.

'There is no need to cover yourself up,' he reassured her, one hand covering her smaller one. 'You are absolutely beautiful, Ichika. My angel.'

With his guidance, she slowly moved her hands. One after the other. And as she did, Mirio took it all in. Every curve, every line. Even every freckle he could find. And from there on, the last wall fell. Even if their touches were embarrassing at times and clumsy. They experienced this new intimacy together and Ichika wouldn't have wanted it any other way.