AN: Thanks for the interest and reviews! I'm glad to see everyone likes my take on Shigaraki :)

The interview with Detective Tsukauchi felt longer than it was, as Izuku and Ochako felt the last drops of adrenaline leaving their system, leaving them mentally and emotionally drained. But they obliged and answered everything they could, recounting the conversation in full before they were finally released into Nejire's custody because Himiko didn't have a license yet.

With Nejire's help, Himiko dragged the pair home, refusing to let go of either of their arms the entire way. Izuku had never seen her sister so tense before. It was almost scary, seeing the anger and fear clouding her eyes, despite the stoic mask she wore.

As they reached their apartment, Himiko opened the door and practically threw the pair inside, staying back to talk to Nejire - and to avoid getting in the way of Inko. Izuku and Ochako barely had time to catch their balance before Inko wrapped herself around both of them, her tears already soaking their shirts.

"Izu- Chako- I'm so glad you two are safe!"

Hours of talking, crying, and take-out later, Ochako felt her eyelids growing heavy as she sat on the couch, her head resting on Izuku's shoulder as one of her arms was wrapped around his.

"Himi, can you get Chako some clothes to sleep in? I don't think she's going home tonight," Inko softly asked her daughter on the other side of the couch.

"Sure!"

Izuku and Ochako both stirred as they felt Inko and Himiko standing up, the couch shifting from the sudden loss of their weight.

"Ochako, are you ok staying here tonight?" Izuku asked, a worried look on his face.

"I wasn't planning on leaving," Ochako admitted, her permanent blush growing slightly.

Himiko returned a few minutes later and threw a t-shirt and pair of shorts at Ochako, which she deftly caught. "You can sleep in my bed tonight if you want," Her eyes quickly darted between Izuku and Ochako. "Unless you'd prefer to sleep in his bed?" She asked, a teasing hint in her voice.

Ochako felt her face heating up as she twisted the clothes in her hands. "N-no! But where are you going to sleep?"

"Izu and I are sleeping here," Himiko pointed to a closet. "We have a futon for when we had slumber parties in the living room."

"Slumber parties?"

"Whenever Himi had nightmares," Izuku explained. "She liked sleeping with mom or me."

Ochako looked at the other girl in confusion. She knew Himiko was adopted and her past wasn't great, but that was the first time she heard about that. Seeing that Himiko wasn't in the mood to talk about it, she simply nodded, accepting the explanation. "I guess it's good that we went shopping, huh? I can wear one of my new outfits in the morning!"

"Yeah!" Izuku forced a smile to his face as he agreed with her.

Izuku grabbed the long-forgotten bags from the corner where they had dropped them and guided Ochako to Himiko's room. Not that Ochako needed the direction - she's been visiting the apartment for months, after all. But having Izuku close by for a few seconds longer helped ease her nerves, knowing that he was ok.

"Well, you know where the bathroom is," Izuku said nervously as he stood at the doorway.

"Mhm," Ochako said, her hands still twisting the clothes in her hands. "And the kitchen if I get thirsty!"

"If you need anything, don't worry about waking me up, ok?"

Ochako gave him a warm smile. "I think I'll manage."

"See you in the morning, Ochako," Izuku said.

"Deku-" Before Izuku could step away, Ochako dropped the clothes and crossed the gap, pulling him into a hug. "I- please don't go anywhere, ok?"

"I promise–" Izuku said softly as she felt his hands wrap around her back. "-I'll be here when you wake up."

"Good!"

Ochako held him until a yawn forced its way out of her lips, causing Izuku to laugh nervously as he let her go. "Goodnight, Ochako."

"Goodnight, Dek-" Ochako shook her head. "No, goodnight Izuku."

She saw something flicker across Izuku's face before he quietly left the room, closing the door behind him. Ochako immediately felt the difference and felt herself shiver. With a heavy sigh, she retrieved the clothes and changed, before she gently removed Himiko's stuffed animals from her bed.

All but one.

She saw a well-loved green rabbit sitting prominently on the bed, and she knew what it meant. It may have been selfish of her, but she left that stuffed animal on the bed, hoping that maybe she could feel like Izuku was nearby. She didn't dare touch it - that was a line she didn't feel right crossing. But maybe its presence would be enough.

Finally, she crawled into bed, hoping that her exhaustion would quickly pull her into a deep sleep.

"Deku!" Ochako smiled as she waved at her friend.

"Ocha-" Izuku's voice was cut off as she saw that pale hand wrap itself around his throat.

Ochako bolted upright, panting heavily as her hand came up to grip her chest. Looking around, she confirmed she was in Himiko's room, sighing in relief.

It was just a bad dream.

The terrible image still lingered though, and Ochako decided that it wouldn't be a problem if she just slipped into the living room and checked on Izuku, and made sure she was ok. She carefully slid out of the bed, trying to minimize the noise she made as she opened the door and made her way down the short hallway.

There, sleeping peacefully on the futon, was Izuku. But Himiko wasn't with him. She sat at the table, the glow of her laptop illuminating her. She spotted Ochako immediately and motioned for her to sit down.

"You can't sleep either?" Ochako asked.

"I could if I wanted to, but I wasn't planning on it." she gestured to the mug filled with coffee. "This's going to sound silly, but I feel like if I close my eyes I could lose Izu."

"I wish it was that simple," Ochako grumbled. "When I closed my eyes I just saw Deku sitting there with that creepy guy's hand around his neck." Ochako shuddered. "I don't want to see how that dream ends."

"I'm going to kill him," Himiko said darkly.

Ochako looked over at Himiko, a questioning look in her eyes. Not that she didn't share the same sentiment, but…

"Izu never really told you all the details of how we met, did he?"

Ochako shook her head. "Just that he found you in an alley and you needed help."

Himiko turned away from Ochako, a distant look on her face. "I was abused as a child. I didn't know what to call it at the time, but that's what it was. And my parents were rich enough to get my quirk counselor in on it. A little over two years ago, something just broke inside of me." She gave a warm look over to her brother. "If it wasn't for Izu and mom I…" She closed her mouth and Ochako could see one of her fangs digging into her lip before she worked up the courage to continue. "I would've either ended up dead in an alleyway somewhere or, if I somehow survived long enough, became a villain."

Ochako reached out and gingerly touched Himiko's arm. "I know it's not worth much, but I'm sorry you went through that."

Himiko looked toward the futon and warmth filled her face. "In the end, it was worth it. I found the best family I could've asked for. Even if my younger brother is a selfless idiot sometimes."

"At least he has a big sister who watches out for him."

Himiko's face whipped around to look at Ochako, her jaw hanging open momentarily before she closed it, a smile on her lips. "And now he has friends of his own, thanks to UA. Speaking of - when are you going to tell him?"

Ochako felt the heat rising on the back of her neck. "Tell him wha- Ow!" Ochako realized too late what was going on as Himiko scratched her arm, watching in horror as she grinned and licked the drop of blood off of her nail.

"Hi, Deku! I've been crushing on you for months but I'm too scared to tell you! And I know you'll never make the first move either, so I'm going to have to do it!"

Ochako sputtered and her face turned red. Seeing her face with Himiko's huge smile and hearing that in her voice was too much. "That's not fair!"

"What's not fair?" Himiko asked innocently.

"You! Your quirk is the absolute worst," Ochako grumbled. She then looked fondly at Izuku sleeping on the futon. "He's trying so hard to be a hero, we all are. I just… I can't… It would be too distracting!"

"What, like you're not distracted enough having to lie to yourself every time you see him?"

Ochako put her head down and sulked. "It's not fair, I shouldn't have to hear this in my own voice."

Himiko shrugged. "It's working though, isn't it?"

"Unfortunately," she grumbled. "How do you and Song do it?"

Himiko dropped her transformation, a playful look on her face. "Besides the part where we don't care what people at school think?"

"Yes!" Ochako squeaked out, having seen the two girls in the hallways more than once, where one of them was pressed against the wall as they were kissing. "Besides that!"

"We make time for each other," Himiko stated simply. "You two are lucky - you're here every day. You could just stick around after dinner if you wanted to."

"I-" Ochako sighed as she tried to wrestle with her insecurities. "And it doesn't hold either of you back?"

"You've met Emmy, right?"

"I- you're right," Ochako admitted, before looking at Izuku. "I just- what if it doesn't work out?"

"Do you seriously think Izu's the kind of person who would make things awkward if it turns out you two aren't right for each other?"

"No, he'd probably be going out of his way to make sure that I'm comfortable, no matter how he felt."

"Exactly." Himiko looked at Izuku fondly. "For what it's worth, I think you two deserve each other."

"Really?"

"Do you seriously think I'd let you anywhere near Izu if I didn't?"

"No," Ochako giggled. "I guess I never thought of it like that."

"Because you were too busy thinking Emmy was interested in him."

Ochako sputtered and blushed before she managed to recover and glared at the other girl, who simply responded with a fanged grin.

"I-" Ochako sighed as she looked at Izuku. "You're right. I'll do it."

"That's the spirit!" Himiko quietly cheered.

Without anything else to say, Himiko returned to her laptop and a comfortable silence fell between the girls. Ochako couldn't help but sit there, propping her head up with her arm as she refused to take her eyes off of Izuku, hoping to chase away the images that were hiding in her dreams.

Eventually, she felt her eyelids getting heavy as she let out a long yawn. She heard Himiko close the laptop and stand up, and squeaked in surprise when she felt the other girl grab her arm and pull her up. "Ok, time to try sleeping again."

"I… don't want to leave Deku though," Ochako admitted.

"Who said anything about leaving?" Ochako was scared when she saw Himiko flash her predatory grin. She pulled Ochako over to the futon and pointed down to the side Izuku was facing.

Ochako's face turned bright red as she whispered. "You are trying to literally murder me tonight. First, you bully me, and now this?"

"Oh please. It's not like anything is going to happen when I'm right here."

Ochako sighed in resignation and crawled onto the futon, facing Izuku. She saw Himiko crawl into bed on the other side of Izuku and lean over him to look at Ochako. "I'm pretty sure Izu wouldn't mind if you join us in our little sleepover."

Ochako deadpanned. "If I'm dead in the morning I'm haunting you forever." To which Himiko's only reply was sticking out her tongue before laying down, and Ochako saw her snuggle into Izuku's back with jealousy. But she had to admit, the sight of Izuku's sleeping form centimeters away from her and the heat radiating off of him had a calming effect on her. The last thing she saw before she fell asleep was his sleeping face.

Thankfully her dreams were not filled with nightmares of a pale hand around his neck.

Ochako woke up hours later and found herself trapped and unable to move. Searching frantically with her eyes, she discovered that at some point, Izuku wrapped his arms around her and pulled her even closer to him. As she looked at his sleeping face, close enough she could kiss it, she felt her face heating up. Taking a soft breath, she gathered her courage and began to speak, her voice barely a whisper.

"Deku, I know we've only known each other for a few months, but every day you inspire me to be a better person. I- I thought it was just a schoolgirl crush, that it would just fade in time, but every day I've spent with you, it has only deepened. I really like you and I want to see what we can accomplish… together. I just-" Ochako took a deep breath. "-need the courage to tell you when you are awake."

Mustering the last of her bravery before it went up in a puff of smoke, she leaned her head forward, closing the gap between their faces as she gently pressed her lips to his cheek. It lasted only a second, but it was enough for her.

Feeling content she leaned into Izuku, letting his warmth wrap around her like a blanket before she fell back asleep.

Izuku awoke from the most pleasant dream. Ochako had confessed to him! And she even kissed him on the cheek!

After the day he had yesterday, it was exactly the kind of dream he needed to lift his spirits.

As he opened his eyes, he realized the warmth he was feeling against his chest wasn't Himiko like he was expecting, but Ochako, and he froze.

Wait, I thought she was in Himi's room? Does that mean it wasn't a dream?

He saw her brown hair concealing her face as she was nestled in his shoulder, and he felt his face heating up. "O-Ocha-"

"Five more minutes," She grumbled before she adjusted herself. Realization seemed to set in as she suddenly pulled back. "D-Deku! I'm so sorry I just-"

Izuku gave her a reassuring look. "We can stay here for five more minutes if you'd like?"

"Yes," Ochako admitted with a smile on her face. "I'd like that."

Ochako pressed against his chest again and he wrapped his arms around her, gently stroking her back. As he lay there, he came to a decision.

If that wasn't a dream…

After breakfast, Izuku steeled himself. You can do this! It's just Ochako. Even if you're wrong, she wouldn't hold it against you.

"Ochako, do you want to go for a walk?"

"Hrm?" Ochako asked curiously, looking up from her phone.

"I um," Izuku rubbed the back of his head, "I didn't get my morning jog in today and am feeling restless so wanted to go for a walk." He said lamely. "And I wanted to know if you wanted to come with me?"

"Sure! That sounds nice."

Himiko looked pointedly at the pair before she grabbed her phone. "You two have fun! I'm gonna call Nejire and see if she has any leads about yesterday!"

Both blushed as Himiko darted out of the living room, leaving the two alone. "W-well, should we get going?"

"Y-yeah."

The two quietly put on their shoes and left the apartment, and Izuku set the pace as they began the casual stroll to the beach. Ochako must have sensed his nervousness as she began speaking shortly after they left the parking lot.

"Are you ok Deku?"

"Y-yeah! Just- nervous is all," Izuku admitted.

"I understand," Ochako said, as she quietly took his hand in her own. "Yesterday was rough, wasn't it? Even if we know we're safe now…"

"Yeah," Izuku replied.

It was just like her to do this. Even though she was the true source of his nervousness, she was the one to reach out to him, to try and calm him down.

It was one of the many qualities he admired in her.

They walked in a comfortable silence the rest of the way to the beach. At his silent urging, the two removed their shoes and continued to walk out onto the morning sand. Looking around, Izuku didn't see anyone around.

Perfect.

Taking a deep breath, he looked at Ochako, quietly examining her as she looked out at the morning waves. "Umm, Ochako?"

"Hrm? What is it, Deku?"

Izuku rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Umm, I don't know how to put this but, well, I had a dream last night. That you confessed to me."

Ochako stared at him in silence, but her permanent blush rapidly expanding to turn her entire face red was all the confirmation he needed. "Deku I-"

"It's ok!" Izuku insisted, raising his hands in front of him. "The thing is - I really liked that dream." He turned away from her to face the ocean. "The truth is, I-" He swallowed the lump in his throat nervously. "-I never thought someone could feel that way about me. Especially not someone as amazing as you, Ochako."

He turned to give her a warm smile, and Ochako felt herself melting inside at the gaze.

She never wanted him to stop looking at her that way.

"It wasn't a dream," Ochako said, balling her fists. "I'm just a coward. I- for months now- and I just couldn't bring myself to say it. I don't know if it will even work! We're both trying to be heroes, after all! And then yesterday showed us both how dangerous our jobs can be. I- I thought if I buried those feelings they would just go away. But yesterday I realized I was wrong. And I-I would never forgive myself if I didn't tell you!"

"Ochako-" Izuku stared in awe at the girl. He tried to stare at her, but she was blinding in her radiance. "I feel the same way."

"Huh?" Ochako looked surprised at Izuku's easy admission of that simple fact.

Izuku closed the gap and wrapped his hand around her fist. "You're an amazing person, Ochako! You're always there, ready to support us - to support me. Whenever I'm feeling down, you've been there to lift me up. Literally, since the beginning, you have been there to catch me when I fall. "He felt Ochako begin to unclench her fist as their fingers intertwined. "I don't know what's going to happen but with you next to me it feels like I can face anything. Even situations like yesterday!"

"Izuku…" Ochako slipped out of his grip, her hands shifting as she slowly wrapped her arms around him. Izuku responded by placing his hand on the back of her head, his fingers weaving through her hair.

Soft.

If he had to pick one word to describe her hair. It would be soft. Just like her skin - just like her. But he knew that wasn't the whole story. He knew, underneath the surface, there was a fiery core of determination. Her desire to be a hero, to help others, those who can't help themselves.

It was inspiring.

And wrapped around that was her soft, gentle exterior. Perfect for reassuring others, and helping to lift them up.

Much like she lifts him up.

As his eyes examined her face, they stopped on her lips, and he couldn't help but wonder if they were just as soft as the rest of her.

Slowly, Izuku began leaning down, seeking out her lips. He felt her shifting slightly, pushing up on her toes as she sought to meet him in their middle. As their lips found each other a warmth began to fill them, a knowledge that the other person felt the same way that they do.

"So does this mean we are?"

Ochako rolled her eyes and giggled. "Yes, Izuku. This means I am your girlfriend. And you are my boyfriend." She then pulled him close and kissed him again, this time their lips locked in fervent passion as they told each other how they felt through their actions.

When they finally pulled back Izuku was a blushing mess. "I'm kind of glad I heard your confession in my sleep."

Ochako giggled. "I'm glad too."

"So um, are you ready to go face my family?"

Ochako sighed fondly and leaned into him. "I'm pretty sure next to you I would be willing to take on a whole pack of those Nomu!"

"Yeah, but Himi is scarier."

Ochako laughed at that. "Good thing I know her crippling Deku weakness. I'll just throw you at her and handle your mom then."

"Hey, no fair!" Izuku whined as they began to walk back to his family's apartment hand-in-hand, ready to face whatever comes next.