Chapter Seven: Take Me Seriously (REDUX)
Midoriya had arrived on the Jirou's doorstep, silently pondering what exactly to expect from all of this. As he arrived he took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.
'How am I gonna explain this…' He thought to himself, adjusting his hold on the now quiet girl in his arms as he waited for someone to answer the door.
Jirou had been clutched in his arms, clenching his shirt and trying to calm down. She had stopped sobbing, but the tears had stained her face, her eyes were red and puffy and she couldn't stop the fear-induced shaking that was rupturing her to her very core.
She looked deep in thought, most likely thinking about the same thing as Izuku. What would they say to her parents? This no doubt was going to cause issues, hell even Midoriya meeting them this way isn't a good idea in general. Or perhaps she was thinking about what could have been if Izuku hadn't been there… She must feel awful.
In regards to her parents, however, her father was very quick to assume, and if he saw her being carried by Midoriya with a bruise on her left cheek he would definitely flip his shit. Or worse, blame Izuku and have his life absolutely ruined.
"Izuku... P-Put me down-" She tried to warn, but it was too late. Her mother was the one to open the door, clad in pajamas as she must have been woken up. Upon the mother locking eyes with her daughter she moved aside and let the two inside without uttering a word. Something must have happened, and they'd need to explain thoroughly as to why her daughter was injured in the arms of that green haired boy from before.
Izuku was led into the living room, laying Kyouka down on the couch. Mika Jirou cleared her throat, gaining the two teen's attention because she was obviously wanting an explanation. You don't just walk in with KYouka in this state without some sort of explanation as to what happened.
The green-haired boy gulped. Kyouka's hand shot up, covering the boy's mouth before he could speak up. Knowing him, he'd end up going on a nervous tirade about what went down during the entire day, and not just the incident.
"I got attacked, mom. A villain dragged me to an alley and Izu-" She said before catching herself. She wasn't going to make that same mistake twice. "Midoriya. Midoriya found me before he could do anything, he even alerted a hero. He… He saved me, mom. He fought him off..."
Mika had noticed her daughter's shaken state, she looked so frail, so… Fragile. And against her better judgement she had to ask. She couldn't let her curiosity run rampant, she needed to know what happened to her daughter.
"What did the villain try to do?" She asked, causing Kyouka to tremble and Midoriya to tense. She had her answer, and she didn't like it one bit. Her little girl's innocence was almost taken away from some villain… Thank god there were heroes on the scene. Thank god there was Midoriya.
Izuku kneeled down to Kyouka as she had started to ball up and tremble, and placed a hand on her shoulder gently. She looked up at the boy's soft eye's and relaxed. She was safe, the villain was probably turned in by All Might already, there was nothing to fear.
Kyouka took a deep breath and looked at her mom, "I-I'm sure you already know... B-But he didn't get the chance to do anything. Midoriya saved me. He… He was there for me tonight."
That did however bring up the questions in the back of her head. How did he get there? Was he following her? Why did he just let her out alone like that? Was he underestimating her? Why did he even leave her alone like that, sure she's not some damsel in distress, but… He always walked her home.
On Mika's end she stared at the boy who was hiding himself from staring her in the eye's. He had definitely done a great deed tonight but he couldn't help but feel nervous in the presence of Jirou's mother, hell what if she found out he let her walk home alone and pinned the blame on him? Though that belief wasn't unwarranted… He did mess up.
However the way Kyouka had said that he saved her, it made him feel giddy. Maybe she had actually seen him as a hero at that point, maybe she truly did believe in him. It filled his beating heart with an odd sensation.
"Midoriya-kun, can I entrust you to take Kyouka to her room for the night? I'm sure she must be exhausted after that ordel." Mika requested. She wasn't entirely wrong, Kyouka was pretty tired, but her mother felt that the two needed to have a nice chat alone. Especially after the incident tonight.
Izuku nodded with determination, and looked to Kyouka. The girl had sported a bit of a blush on her face, thinking her mother was up to something. However before she could protest she was quickly picked up by Izuku once again, she couldn't help but yelp slightly.
"Y-You don't have to c-carry me everywhere!" She mumbled, trying to hide her face as he carried her upstairs.
Mika smiled at the two. However the severity of what could have happened nearly brought her to tears. She'd have to personally thank the boy when they were done. She could've lost her precious daughter tonight, and one lone boy saved her.
He was definitely made to be a hero.
Izuku opened the door to Kyouka's room, only to see it was completely filled with instruments, and punk aesthetic, well- everything. It was definitely fitting, and as he stepped inside he made his way over to her bed with a checkered duvet. He laid Kyouka down on her bed, and sat down beside her, letting out a sigh of exhaustion as he ran a hand through his unruly hair.
Kyouka could tell he had something he wanted to say, but she needed answers. Leaving what happened aside, she wanted to know why he was there, and why he left her to walk home on her own.
"Why were you there in the alley, Izuku?" She questioned, turning her head and only being able to see the boy's back. Izuku couldn't look her in the eyes at the moment. "Why did you leave me..?"
Should he tell her? It was a pretty silly reason. He ended up finding her after all, this was his chance to tell her about how he had been feeling! However, did he have the strength to? She might get mad at him for doubting her. She could be a bit hot headed at times, but she'd understand right? Maybe he should be a bit vague instead.
"I-I had started looking for you b-because I forgot to ask you s-something before you left…" He said, as his heart raced just for telling a lie. Jirou could pick up on the spike in his heartbeat; he was lying. And what a bad lie at that. Why couldn't he just tell the truth?
"Liar." She said, causing the boy to turn to her frightened. Her accusation couldn't be more true, but telling the truth was more difficult than you could imagine. "I'll give you one last chance, why were you there, Midoriya? Why did you leave me there?"
The boy saw the fierce look in her eyes, and quickly turned his head. The use of his last name was evident that she was pissed. He couldn't bear to see her mad at him, but this was going to be a bit rough to explain to her…
"It's not entirely a lie…" He started. Jirou sat up and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I-I… I wanted to ask you if you really valued me as a f-friend. I-I know that you told me this already! But… I-I just wondered i-if I wasn't good enough for a friend to see your home life or something? I-It was kind of dumb now that I-I'm saying it aloud."
Midoriya took a breath after that. When he was nervous like this he really could rival eminem in how many words he could speak per minute.
"B-But then I heard someone in the alleyway, and lo and behold it was you. I-I couldn't just sit back, and I c-couldn't control myself I just kinda… Ran in without thinking. Even ended up using my quirk, which really hurts apparently. I'll have to talk to All- Toshinori." He finished, realizing Kyouka's mom could've possibly heard him say All Might was his trainer.
Kyouka was appalled. He went chasing after her over that? And what, does he think she's weak or something and can't take care of herself? No, that wasn't it he was just worried, but still If he hadn't been there... Kyouka shook her head, she didn't need to think about that experience. She might just end up having another panic attack.
"You think I couldn't handle it? Am I a damsel in distress to you..?" She asked through grit teeth. Midoriya's eyes went wide, watching as her arms began to shake. "Am I… A-Am I weak..?"
Never in his life did he think Kyouka was weak from the short amount of time he'd known her. If anything she was on his list of top 10 scary people he knows, only beneath Kacchan.
"W-What!? No! I-I just couldn't sit there, my body moved on it's own!" He exclaimed, quickly placing his hands on his arms to calm her shaking. This whisper shouting battle was beginning to get too loud and Mika who was downstairs didn't want Kyoutoku to wake up to find Midoriya in his daughter's room. Alone.
She walked up the stairs and knocked on her daughter's door, startling the two teens. She only whispered, "Quiet down." And headed back downstairs. Kyouka, and Izuku both sighed in relief, glad that it wasn't anything else like Jirou's father showing up. Kyouka nudged Izuku's shoulder, causing him to turn to her.
"L-Listen, I-I'm sorry for getting upset. Thanks for saving me… I-I could've- Well, you know, if you weren't there." She mumbled. Izuku instinctively wrapped his arms around the girl, causing her face to heat up, however, she couldn't help but enjoy this moment to the fullest and hug him back.
"Don't say it." He demanded, with a painfully quiet tone. He whispered into her ear so gently as he embraced her. "I won't ever let anyone hurt you. I know you can handle yourself, you're one of the scariest people I know, but I can't stop wanting to protect you."
Kyouka was shocked at Izuku's declaration, her blush being evidence of that. She quickly hid her face in his chest, all the while making Izuku's bold action seem like nothing. He was now just as red in the face as she was, but the contact wasn't unwelcome.
"Th-Thank you. I'm glad I can count on you i-if I really need it." She said, her hold on the boy loosening as she looks him in the eyes. "But Izuku, don't ever doubt if I value you or not. M-My parents are just embarrassing. It had nothing to do with you, it's just my dad."
That did help the boy feel a bit better. Izuku smiled at her, and stood up. He spent way too long here, his mom might just worry that he died or something bizarre like that.
"Th-Thanks, Kyouka. I better get going, my mom's gonna freak when I get home. I'll text you later, don't be afraid to reach out in the middle of the night if you need it." He said, chuckling at the last part. Kyouka smiled and nodded as she watched him close the door to her room behind him.
As soon as he left Kyouka flopped onto her bed and let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding.
"Why're you such a hero, Izu…"
As Izuku walked down the stairs he saw Mika Jirou sitting on the couch. She beckoned him over with her hand, and he nervously sat in front of the woman. She giggled slightly at his stiff form, he reminded her of Kyoutoku in highschool.
"Midoriya-kun, you don't have to be so nervous. I just want to thank you for saving Kyouka tonight." She said, calming the boy down. However, she noticed a serious look in his eyes.
"You shouldn't thank me. I didn't even know what I was doing… My body moved on it's own, ." He admitted, looking down. "It's my own fault she was out on her own. I should've been there to walk her home."
Mika saw the boy's frustrated state. His inner struggle with his decisions were very noticeable.
"But you saved her, didn't you? So you've made up for it. You've been a real hero tonight Midoriya-kun. Kyouka always gushes about how cool you are, Midoriya-kun, and I think tonight you've shown evidence of that." She stated, causing the boy to blush.
Did Kyouka really think he was cool? Had she been admiring him all this time and he didn't notice? Well, to be honest she usually teased or insulted him, so it was pretty hard to tell if she even liked him sometimes. There were those few times she was genuine, but he didn't deserve any admiration. He was just doing what a hero should do!
"W-Well, um,th-thank you, . B-But J-Jirou is just as admirable! Sh-She's better at staying calm and collected." Izuku admitted, scratching the back of his head. Izuku stood up and checked a nearby clock for the time, deciding that it was time. He needed to get home.
"W-Well, I should head home before my mom finds out I-I was gone. I-It was nice meeting you, ." He said, bowing his head. Izuku then rushed out of the house and started sprinting home. On his way home he started to think about the incident tonight and how he unconsciously used One For All.
'It really took a toll on me… I don't even know how I did it. Hell, I'm still sore! I should talk to All Might later on about this, maybe he'll have some answers.' He continued to brainstorm/mutter all the while sprinting home.
Needless to say he got quite the scolding when he got home.
The next morning, as Izuku awoke for his daily training, he heard his mother's voice. She had been speaking to someone- no, there were more than 2 voices there. She was talking to two people and they sounded awfully familiar.
Izuku left his room to see all about the commotion when he spotted Kyouka, and her mother there speaking to his mom. Unluckily for him, but luckily for the two women present other than his mom got quite the sight of the boy who forgot to put a shirt on.
"Oh my!" Mika said with a small giggle. Kyouka's face turned a bright red and Inko swiftly turned to see her son's confused state. He really was too dense for his own good.
"U-Um, I-Izuku? Y-Your shirt." She pointed out. Izuku looked down and sure enough he was without a shirt. He blushed deeply and quickly rushed back into his room, grabbing one of his "shirt" shirts and putting them on.
He left his room once again, to see that the women had moved over to the living room. Kyouka had turned to look at the boy with a blush still lingering, and motioned him over.
"S-So, excuse me for asking, but what b-brings you guys here?" He questioned as he sat down beside Kyouka.
"Well, I wanted to know more about this "friend" of my daughter." She said, making Kyouka's blush even deeper. "And don't worry I won't take up too much of your time so you two can train for the entrance exam."
Izuku could feel her malicious intent and a shiver went up his spine. Now he understood why Kyouka was so against him meeting her parents. God was he a fool.
"I-Is that so? W-Well, i-if you have any questions for me a-ask away." He said, shakily. His nerves were running high, and his mother could pick up on it herself.
"I-I'll go get us some snacks!" Inko said, excusing herself from the situation. She knew what was about to go down; it was a mother's intuition.
"Well, I'm glad your mother won't have to hear this." She starts, "Midoriya-kun, what's your real relationship with Kyouka? And what are your intentions with her?"
Kyouka's face erupts with steam and she only wishes she could curl up and die. But she promised her mom that she wouldn't interrupt her interrogation. This was the only way she would be allowed to be around Izuku.
"Intentions? Relationship?" He questioned aloud. "W-Well, Jirou's my best friend. And my intentions?"
He took a moment to think about the question, and his answer. What were his intentions with Kyouka? He looked at her, and she shyly looked at him with her red face.
Mika picked up on where he was staring. "Kyo, would you mind helping ?" She commanded, wanting Kyouka to leave the room so she could hear Izuku's answer.
Kyouka swiftly nodded and left the room. Mika then turned to look at the greenette before her.
"Well?" She beckoned. Izuku was unsure of how to answer the question. Should he tell her the truth? Was he even being honest with himself with how he felt about the girl?
So many questions rushed through his head as he started to mumble. As he finally gathered his thoughts, he looked Mika in the eyes. His own being filled with determination.
"I'm not quite sure about my intentions, but I know that I care for her deeply. If anything, I want to keep Jirou at my side for as long as possible." He stated firmly. Izuku was finally able to admit it. He was able to admit it, but to her mother of all people! His face started to redden at the realization as Mika smiled proudly.
"Good answer, Midoriya-kun." She said, as she stood up and straightened her skirt. "Kyouka! I'm leaving! Gotta go help your father." She called.
Kyouka re-entered the room, and as she locked eyes with Izuku her face turned a deep red, and she swiftly turned away. She had unfortunately heard what Izuku had admitted, and couldn't bear looking him in the eyes right now.
'Does he really feel that way about me?' She wondered to herself. Kyouka turned to her mom and simply nodded. As her mother left Izuku and Kyouka grabbed their thing's to get to Municipal Beach to get training. Kyouka couldn't even bring herself to talk to Midoriya on the way there, leaving him to feel both awkward and confused.
He started to become paranoid that she had heard what he had said, but shrugged it off. He needed to focus on quirk training.
It was time for a big step in his life.
REDUX chapter number 7!
Golly, I hope you guys enjoy this as I really struggle with what to change on this one, and on the ones following this one.
Anyways, this chapter only has a few minor changes, and some regarding interactions between Izuku, Kyouka, and Mika.
Anyways, hope you all enjoy!
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