I do not own My Hero Academia.
This story was written with the help of another writer who wishes to remain anonymous, but has done most of the work and wishes for it to be posted here on fanfiction.
The Usagiyama estate (or manor, if you asked Izumi) might have been hidden from civilization amidst the mountains, but there so happened to be a town nearby. It was by no means a large settlement, but it did have more than enough shops to entertain any tourists. At least, enough to entertain a couple of teenagers on a date.
There were tiny shops, diners and cafés to choose from. They were small and humble. The town also happened to have a cinema. It was there where Ochaco had dragged Izumi in order to escape a certain pair of cooing and teasing mothers and the curious looks from the resident rabbit people.
There was something about waking up in a rabbit fluff pile that had made Izumi and Ochaco want to escape the Usagiyama residence. In any case, they started their date early in the morning, driven down town by one of the many newly discover extended family members of Izumi. Even though they chatted a bit, Izumi and Ochaco learned little about that guy, aside from being friendly.
From the tiny central plaza, Ochaco and Izumi paid a visit to the small shops before going straight to the cinema. They didn't spend much thought on the movie, only wanting to find themselves in a secluded spot, away from the world, all by themselves. There so happened to be a couple of children and adults in the sole cinema of the town, but they were too scattered and distracted by the film.
In any case, Izumi didn't care where she was, for she felt like it was paradise in that moment.
Seated next to Ochaco, concealed under the darkness of the cinema, the rabbit girl ignored the movie in turn for her girlfriend's attention. Izumi's head rested against Ochaco's rather cushy bosom all while the brunette scratched Izumi behind the ears. Seriously, Izumi couldn't be any more content than in that moment. Ochaco, on her part, looked more than happy to offer Izumi some ministrations.
The way Ochaco's hand worked over her fur made Izumi want to purr. The brunette knew what she was doing, quickly finding the right spot, and leaving Izumi curled against Ochaco as little better than a demanding ball of fluff. Such was the delight of the ministrations that Izumi didn't rise a fuzz on where her head had ended on. She could have stayed like that, groggily enjoying being petted for eternity…
Sadly, as the saying goes: nothing good lasts for ever. In Izumi's case, her peace came crashing down as she recalled what All Might had told her. The newly resurfaced All for One, the desperate need for someone to step up in All Might's place and the fact All Might's already numbered days had dropped considerably.
"You alright?" Ochaco asked.
She frowned with concern, her hand unmoving against Izumi's fur. Izumi fought the urge to sigh, realizing she must had been too tense.
"Kind of," was all Izumi could say.
Before Ochaco could ask, Izumi raised her head, pressing her fur against Ochaco's hovering hand. The brunette giggled at her demanding girlfriend, before she went back to scratching Izumi behind her ears. Once again, Izumi rested her head against Ochaco with half-lidded eyes. The tension, though, didn't leave her body, nor the harrowing thoughts.
By the looks of it, Ochaco wasn't quite convinced. Instead of prodding Izumi for answers, a look of guilt flashed across her face. From the corner of her almost closed eyes, Izumi worried she might have been too dismissive of Ochaco's concerns.
"Mr. Yagi," murmured Izumi. "I was thinking about him…"
Ochaco paused her petting, startled by the words. Once again, Izumi pushed her head against the unmoving hand, silently demanding much needed petting. Ochaco stifled a chuckle and kept petting her girlfriend.
"Did you manage to speak with him?" Ochaco wondered.
"Yes, last night," Izumi said.
Ochaco's thankfully kept working on Izumi, her hand moving down to her back and neck. Izumi hummed appreciatively and snuggled closer against Ochaco. With her nose pressed against her clothes, Izumi started to notice that Ochaco didn't smell… well… there was something off. Out of mere instinct, Izumi started rubbing her chin against the brunette, who thankfully found it too cute to ask, and perhaps she was troubled by worries of her own to interrupt her girlfriend.
"Did he say anything?" Ochaco tentatively asked.
"Yeah, that the Nomu thing did a number on him," Izumi murmured. "He might retired sooner than planned."
Ochaco was silent for a long minute, to the point Izumi stopped chinning her and actually looked up. Ochaco started at the screen further away, yet her eyes didn't appear to notice the ongoing film.
"How long does he have?" Asked the brunette.
Izumi sighed, before hiding her face against Ochaco and taking a good sniff. Now the brunette smelled perfect. Who knew rabbit people liked their own scent?
"I doubt he'll be active by third year," Izumi murmured.
"Next year?" Ochaco's choked.
"Maybe before that," Izuku stated.
The two remained pressed against each other, without uttering another word. They absentmindedly glanced at the large screen. Truthfully, had it not been for Ochaco, Izumi would have hated such a loud environment. At least, Izumi couldn't deny they had some privacy.
After a couple of minutes, Ochaco went back to petting Izumi and offered a reassuring smile.
"Hey, you know All Might. He always beats the odds and makes the impossible possible," Ochaco said.
Izumi wished she could believe that. She didn't say anything, allowing for her girlfriend to pet her. Izumi and Ochaco tried to distract themselves but, apparently, there was too much in both their minds to enjoy the moment. Izumi wondered if perhaps her girlfriend wasn't worried about something else. She had caught Ochaco looking guilty throughout their date and Izumi was starting to worry.
What could have been troubling Ochaco? Perhaps it was something related to her family, or maybe Ochaco worried about Izumi. Maybe the news of All Might troubled her a lot more than she let on. On her part, Izumi found herself troubled by the responsibilities she had been given… that and she had a pending meeting with yet more teachers, the ones All Might had promised.
The movie ended and the two left the cinema, restless yet smiling. Hand in hand, they walked around the town a bit, but there wasn't much to see or do. It was as they were talking about lunch when Izumi received a message. To both their surprise it was Miruko.
The couple wasn't sure what to expect as they traversed the town to their destination. They speculated a bit, but when it came to the Rabbit Hero, anything was possible. It was also curious that they had been summoned to a diner, one that looking way too similar to those of ancient American movies.
As it so happened, they found Miruko waiting for them in a corner table, dressed in a simple white shirt and black shorts. She wasn't alone, though. Next to her, grinning and with a long red tail wagging happily, was Z. Clad in her usual green Hawaiian shirt and loose tie, the secretary was in her androgynous female form, looking rather giddy while savouring what looked like a blueberry Smoothie.
"Hey you two!" Miruko called with a smirk. "How's your date going?"
"Rumi, don't tease them," said Z.
Her eyes, though, burned with the desire to tease the teenagers herself.
"Not bad," mumbled Izumi, definitely not blushing and hot-faced. Definitely not. "What about yours?"
"Meh, not bad," replied Miruko noncommittally. She casually wrapped an arm around Z's shoulder, who in turn rested her head on the Pro-Hero.
"It is going great!" Z squealed. "I wish we had hanged around town more often!"
"And get creeped out by the locals? Nah," huffed Miruko. "There are better places…"
"But you never take me anywhere," pouted Z.
"What? I've taken you all around of Japan," protested Miruko.
Meanwhile, Izumi and Ochaco looked at the two women, amused by their byplay.
"But enough of us," Miruko said before Z could reply. "How are you two holding up? Sorry I didn't meet up with you yesterday, but we had some business to tend to."
"Business?" Izumi asked, intrigued.
"Paperwork, nothing important," muttered Miruko.
"Oh, why don't you tell them, love?" Z cooed, visibly excited.
"Tell us what?" Ochaco wondered.
"Z, don't you dare," Miruko all but ordered her secretary.
As it so happened, the rabbit hero had little control over the fox woman.
"Rumi has decided to become a full-time teacher at U.A.!" Z announced. "She's extending her contract!"
The reaction was instantaneous.
"You're what?!" Izumi and Ochaco gasped.
"Not so loud, damn it!" Miruko hissed, glaring at their surroundings.
She really didn't have to worry, with the diner being deserted. Perhaps Miruko and Z had picked the place precisely because of that. In any case, seeing as there were no eavesdroppers, Miruko groaned and slam her face against the table.
"Why did you have to tell them?"
"Why not? They were going to learn about it eventually," Z said with a shrug.
"But- but why?" Izumi asked. "Doesn't that mean you are-?"
"Giving up our agency at Hiroshima? Yep," grunted a resigned Miruko, her face hidden against the table.
"But wouldn't that mean you'll do a lot less hero work?" Added Ochaco with a frown. "How are you going to keep your position in the polls?"
There was a long awkward moment in which Z offered a lopsided smile while Miruko grumbled under her breath. Ochaco's dumbstruck face stared at the two adults. Izumi wasn't faring much better.
"Oh," was all the brunette said.
Izumi, on her part, was ridden with questions.
"But why?" Izumi asked. "Is it because of the USJ incident?"
"Yes," sighed Miruko, rising her face. Her red eyes shone with conviction and anger. "You all saw All Might, right?"
"Shh, don't say his name so loud," whispered Z.
"Fine, Toshinori, whatever," grunted Miruko. "Right, thing is, odds are he will need full-time help teaching so the Principal thought I could take over if needed. Since I was kind of an aide already, he thought I was a good option and I accepted."
"Just like that?" Izumi wondered.
"What? You don't want me to be your teacher next year too?" teased Miruko. Her amusement didn't reach her eyes.
"It's not that. We thought you wanted to make it high in the rankings," Ochaco added.
"Yeah, well… the suckers at Hiroshima clearly didn't want me and – you know what? - I am not about to abandon you two, eh cousin?" Miruko replied with a smirk. She balled her fists, her smile turning sardonic. "Moreover, the League of Villains and I have a score to settle."
"There's of course more than just that," Z explained with a roll of her eyes. "The attack on the USJ might have been an utter disaster for the villains - with hundreds arrested and all that - but it has gotten the public concerned."
"A group of villains did manage to successfully infiltrate one of the most prestigious hero schools and attack its students, didn't it?" Ochaco wearily remarked.
"Yes, but the true problem involves All Might. It is the first time in his career than any of his fights has been less than – y'know - one sided," Z whispered with a grimace. "The Principal has managed to keep most of the events under wraps, but even so the fact remains that many journalists did not see All Might after the event, only injured Pro-Hero teachers. Many have assumed the worst."
"It is the first crack in the era of peace we've been living," muttered Miruko, glaring at the table. "As always, people have once again proven to be sheep and have started questioning U.A… as if they could have done anything more."
"Fear does tend to make people irrational," Z sighed. "In any case, the Principal has been trying to make a few changes to reassure the public – and parents – that the students will be safer in the future."
"And Miruko is one of them?" Ochaco asked.
"Yes," Z nodded. "Nezu has decided to employ a few more heroes to U.A. as well and…"
She lowered her voice, glanced sideways and leaned forward, acting conspiratorial.
"…he might expand the Hero Program," Z whispered.
"Expand the Hero Program? Wait, you mean add more students to the hero department?" Ochaco asked with a frown. "How is that going to fix anything?"
"It's obviously a power move," huffed Miruko. "You know, a message to the League of Villains. Something like 'Not only you failed in kidnapping our students, we are doubling down and have yet more students'."
"That and maybe the Principal isn't letting the USJ incident go to waste. With so many concerned parents and even the government eager to be seen helping, I don't doubt Nezu will try to squeeze as much funds as possible," explained Z. "From a practical standpoint, it would mean hiring more teachers (mostly Pro-Heroes), have yet more teenagers learning how to fight and, over all, give an air that the school wants to make sure there will be more Pro-Heroes in the future."
"But hasn't the school's reputation fallen due to the incident?" Izumi wondered. "It doesn't look good when students get attacked."
"For the time being it does look like U.A. isn't a safe place, and journalists aren't helping with that view. On the other hand, Nezu is trying to spin the incident as a sign that dark times are coming and we need to prepare. I suppose the Sports Festival will decide which public opinion will prevail," Z hummed, lost in thought.
"The Sports Festival?" Chorused Izumi and Ochaco.
"Yep, it is still happening and Nezu is going to go out of his way to put a show for the world this time around," chuckled Miruko.
"What does the Sports Festival has to do with anything?" Ochaco asked.
"Right now? A lot," Miruko huffed. "Think about it! The school will put in display their future heroes and give this whole act that they are way above some morons trying to attack them. Everyone is going on about villains are growing bolder and that maybe All Might is headed towards retirement, so now is the time to give one big ass show. It is time to tell the world that the upcoming heroes from U.A. have everything in the bag."
"And if he also expands on the hero department, the Principal is pretty much promising yet better odds in a world without All Might," Z remarked. "Besides, I am sure showing that the class that was attacked by villains is both unharmed and enjoying such an event will probably dispel most rumours or hearsay."
"That means you two better put on a good show, you hear me?" Miruko said with a smirk. "You are going to hit the streets in a couple of years and I expect you to rise high in the rankings. Now that I am going to be full time tutoring both of you, you better make it to the top, or else. You hear me?"
"Yes, ma'am," chorused Izumi and Ochaco.
"Good," harrumphed Miruko. "Speaking of tutors…" she turned to Izumi. "You and I have to pay All Might-" ("Rumi!") "-Toshinori, I mean, a visit. He has something he wants to talk to you about."
Her other teachers, realized Izumi. Her heart skipped a beat. Today he was going to meet them, after all. It was all happening so fast…
Miruko clapped once and stood to her feet, much to Z's protests. The fox woman whined, turning into a little toddler close to crying. Miruko merely laughed and patted the little fox child on the head.
"Let's go, lil' bunny," Miruko urged.
"Right now?" Izumi said, squeezing Ochaco's hand.
"Yep," Miruko said.
Instead of waiting further, Miruko unceremoniously picked Izumi and held her under one arm. Izumi struggled against her captor/cousin, but the rabbit hero seemed to have quite the grip.
"We'll be back before tea time," Miruko announced as she walked away.
Ochaco wasn't by any means a pervert, but her eyes couldn't help wandering towards Izumi's backside. It definitely didn't help how the way she was being carried happened to accentuate such part… that and that cotton tail of hers was hypnotising.
When they finally left, Ochaco turned towards Z, only to squeak and blush. The secretary had turned into her womanly form and was looking at her with a knowing look on his face. The fox woman wiggled her eyebrows, making Ochaco blush even more.
"Those cotton tails sure are hard to miss, aren't they?" Teased Z.
Ochaco's face grew hotter by the second under the fox woman's gaze. Unfortunately, Z wasn't done with the brunette.
"So? How is it going, dear?" Asked Z, leaning forward with a hungry look on her face. "It must be quite the experience, dating a boy that can turn into a fluffy bunny girl."
That made Ochaco recoil. In fact, she felt like she had been slapped on the face. Guilt swelled in her gut and she averted her eyes.
"Oh no, are things going south already?" Z wondered. "Sorry I asked."
"Oh no! Things are going great!" Ochaco hastily said. She grimaced and then added. "Sort of…"
The remorse didn't abandon her face.
Z raised an inquisitive eyebrow but otherwise didn't push the issue. Ochaco, though, felt a mounting desire to talk her problems. In fact, she had been planning to find an opportunity to do just that with Z. Sadly, one thing was the theory, the other was taking action. In the end, Ochaco sighed and, mustering her courage, decided to speak.
"I think I made a big mistake," Ochaco mumbled.
"Oh? What did you do, dear?" Z asked with a teasing smile.
"As you might know Izumi and I are dating," Ochaco said.
"Really? You are? I hadn't noticed!" Sarcastically replied Z. "Geez, love, anyone with eyes knew that."
"Yeah, right… so, thing is that… ehm…" Ochaco trailed off, averting her eyes. "I might be only dating Izumi."
Ochaco remained seated, staring at her lap. The lack of response made her heart beat faster. Slowly, she turned to look at Z. Ochaco found a very angry fox woman glaring at her.
"You are doing what now?" Z whispered.
Her voice was low, and it had an edge to it that made Ochaco immediately feel scared out of her wits. It was, in fact, the same tone Ochaco's mother used whenever Ochaco messed up big time.
"I know it is wrong!" Ochaco immediately said. "I just… I…"
"That's not what he needs," Z admonished.
Ochaco bowed her head, feeling a knot in her gut. Even though she had known she would be reprimanded, she felt much worse than she had expected. Perhaps it was Z's rather sharp glare, or the way the redhead's jaw tightened. Ochaco had never seen Miruko's secretary so angry before.
"What in the world possessed you to ask that of Midoriya?" Z asked.
Ochaco grimaced.
"I just – Izumi, she…" Ochaco spluttered.
Z's tail whipped in anger. She folded her arms, squinting at the brunette.
"I-I…" Ochaco trailed off, only to look down in shame.
"Midoriya has just recently discovered this aspect of himself. It's been – what? Three, four months? – barely enough time to adapt, and even then Midoriya clearly still has a long way to go before he reaches a balance!" Z said.
Ochaco didn't say anything. In the end, Z didn't continue her rant and, instead, took a deep breath. She appeared to visibly calm down. However, Ochaco could tell the secretary was more than disappointed with Ochaco.
"I'm sorry," meekly said Ochaco.
"It's not me you should be apologizing to," Z said, not looking at the brunette.
The fox woman pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Look, dear, I'm sorry I went all angry on you but you do understand that you aren't doing Midoriya any favours by giving preference to one form over another, do you?" Z said.
"I realize that now!" Ochaco said. "I just…" she looked at Z "I love Izumi and I want to be with her but-"
"Love?" Z interrupted, suddenly amused. "Dear, you are way too young and green to be so sure about being in love."
"But I am! Or, well, I think I am?" Ochaco replied.
Z laughed, shaking her head.
"Dear, you're only fifteen! And this is your first time dating, isn't it? What makes you so sure it is love you feel?"
"Izumi is the first person I've ever felt so – well – attracted to."
"That's the thing: love isn't a burning hot attraction. That's just your chemicals in your body urging you to get laid," giggled Z. "Love is more than that."
She laughed, her anger long gone.
"Oh, I'm so sorry for losing myself like that," Z said. "I forget you are still a teenager and still learning. I remember when I was a teenager and fancied myself in love. Trust me, it rarely is like in fairy tales. I guess that's just life, though."
Ochaco didn't like the idea that she only felt a fleeting emotion for Izumi, or being talked down to because of her age. However, Ochaco had to concede she was inexperienced when it came to dating and having a love life.
"It's just that… ehm… Izumi feels special. You know, different," Ochaco said, unsure.
"Dear, it is your first teenage love," Z softly said sympathetically. "Maybe Midoriya is the one, that one person you wish to hold onto for decades to come. And maybe – just maybe - he isn't that special somebody."
Z's lips stretched into a foxy smirk.
"In fact, love, you still need to figure things out yourself," said the secretary.
"Me?" Ochaco asked, confused.
"Midoriya wasn't the only to make recent discoveries about himself, was he?" mused Z.
"What do you mean?" Ochaco wondered.
"Did you always feel attraction towards cute bunny girls all along?" Z inquired.
Ochaco's face exploded into an intense red colour.
"I didn't think so," snickered Z. "You are taking the matter way to seriously, dear. You are a teenager, still learning about yourself. It is an age of changes, confusion, awkwardness… rarely does a teenager figure themselves out from the onset."
"Then what am I supposed to do?" Ochaco asked.
"I am not exactly the best person to offer advice," said Z with a grimace. "I had a rather complicated childhood."
Ochaco didn't miss the way Z absentmindedly rubbed her wrists, where her scars were hidden around tight armbands.
"Only you can discover what will suit you best. Will you make mistakes? Definitively. However, failure shouldn't discourage you. Explore, learn about yourself… don't expect all answers drop on your lap. You might be surprised by what you learn," Z said.
Ochaco wasn't sure what Z meant by that. What could she mean by exploring or learning about herself? Was there really that much to discover?
"The same goes with Midoriya," Z pointed said.
Ochaco grimaced, feeling a reprimand in Z's words.
"He needs to find his own balance," Z remarked.
"You mean to say that he needs to grow comfortable with both forms equally," Ochaco summarized.
"Balance isn't always at the centre of things," pointed out the fox woman.
Ochaco frowned at the redhead who in turn sighed and explained herself.
"Sometimes balance means a bit more of something over another," elaborated Z. "In any case, that's up for Midoriya to figure out. What he needs is to treat both his forms as two parts of the whole even if there is some margin of elasticity with his forms. He'll decide if he prefers one form over another."
Ochaco slowly nodded. Izumi and Izuku, as it so happened, were complete forms by themselves and yet could go through slight changes towards the other form. As they had discovered the previous week, there was a bit of adjusting that could take place if needed. Izumi could gain Izuku's eye colour and a bit of upper body strength, and in turn Izuku could appear with amethyst eyes and possess more lower body strength.
"Don't force things for Midoriya, especially dating one form over another," Z insisted.
"I didn't force Izumi to do anything," Ochaco mumbled.
"No, but you underestimate what a love-deprived boy will be willing to do for his crush, especially a boy who was bullied and mistreated for many years before finally making his first friend," Z said.
Ochaco's eyes widened. Z knew about the bullying Izumi had endured? She didn't recall ever telling Z about it.
"How do you know about that?" Ochaco asked.
Z didn't reply right away. Instead, she looked away, her face marred with a vacant expression while one of her hands absentmindedly caressing her wristbands, and the scars beneath.
"Let us just say that I can relate to Midoriya," Z said after a few minutes, giving Ochaco a sad smile.
Although she was tempted on asking Z for details, Ochaco held her tongue and slowly nodded.
-.-
Izumi Midoriya couldn't deny that she was nervous. After all, following Miruko deep into the woods in the middle of nowhere was never a good thing. At the same time, it was the thought was what about to happen what made it worse: Who had All Might called to train her?
Suddenly, Miruko walked out a rather vast glade and stepped to a side. To her shock, Izumi quickly discovered they weren't alone. In front, straight ahead, was All Might (or rather, Toshinori Yagi). He offered a smile, visibly happy to see Izumi. The two men on each side of the Number One hero, however, quickly stole Izumi's attention.
One Izumi recognized right away: Sir Nighteye. The man was taller than she had believed, although that might have been due to her own height. He was also far sterner and more intimidating in real life. The other man, on the other hand, was surprisingly short. And old. He was very old and looked weird in his costume.
"Ah, young Midoriya!" All Might said with a kind smile. "It is good you could join us. Did you have a nice morning?"
"Hey, All- ehm – Toshinori. Yeah, it's been… nice," Izumi awkwardly replied, glancing at Sir Nighteye and the old man.
"Worry not, they know my secret as well," All Might said. "Allow me to introduce my friends here. As I have no doubt you know, this man here is Sir Nighteye, my former Side-kick."
"Pleasure to meet you, sir!" Squeaked Izumi.
Izumi shuddered as the man's cold penetrating gaze appeared to sharpen and he adjusted his glasses. He looked way too scary.
"And this old man here is my former mentor Gran Torino," All Might said.
"Who are you calling an old man?" Gruffly grunted said old man.
Izumi kept glancing at the two Pro-Heroes, wide-eyed. In all truth, she should have expected Sir Nighteye to be involved. Gran Torino, on the other hand, was entirely new to Izumi (much to her own surprise).
"They both are well aware of my secrets, and they have taken part in our fight against All for One," All Might proclaimed.
Izumi stiffened and glanced at Miruko. The rabbit girl smirked at Izumi.
"And yes, Ms Usagiyama has been made aware of the situation regarding All for One and his misdeeds," All Might said.
He sent her a meaningful look that Izumi was quick to interpret.
So she doesn't know about One for All, realized Izumi.
"That's right!" Miruko exclaimed, wrapping an arm around Izumi and brushing her knuckles against Izumi's head. "No one gets to threaten my cute little cousin and gets away with it."
"Enough fooling around," stoically remarked Nighteye. "We have wasted enough time dillydallying as it is."
He sent an accusing glare at Izumi.
"It would have been preferable to have started earlier rather than waste your time in frivolous activities," Nighteye stated.
"Oy, let her be," Miruko huffed, stepping in front of Izumi. "She's been through enough. She deserves some free time."
"Not with the fate of our society at stake," retorted Nighteye.
"Alright, brats, play nice," grunted Gran Torino. He sent a pointed glare at Nighteye. "Miruko is right; Izumi already has a lot on her plate for us to demand even more. However…" his glare jumped onto Miruko. "If we do not help her, she'll go through worse, and there's a lot riding on the brat."
There was a long awkward silence, interrupted by All Might clearing his throat.
"So, now that introductions are out of the way, how about we discuss our plans?" He decided.
"What plans?" Izumi asked.
"Why, your training, of course," Gran Torino said with a smirk. "You don't think we just came here to say hi, now did you?"
"Not if we want you to have you fully prepared for the Sports Festival," Nighteye added.
"Wait, prepared for the Festival? What's that have to do with All for One?" Izumi wondered.
"Nothing," All Might said. "But right now, we have another priority."
Izumi gulped. Great, now what? She was reminded of her conversation with Z and Miruko earlier that day. Just how important was that one event going to be?
"The Sports Festival shall be your first test, kid," said Gran Torino. "The world will be watching, including your enemies, so you'll need to be careful about what you show. If All for One doesn't know about your powers, he'll learn about it during the Sports Festival."
Right, he might recognize One for All, Izumi summarized.
"However, that doesn't mean you have to play it safe either," Nighteye added. "With All Might's time running out, the world needs to find a new symbol of hope."
"Wait, you don't mean…" Izumi trailed off, fear gripping her heart.
"Congrats, lil' bunny!" Miruko said, patting her cousin. "It looks like you need to convince the world you can become the next All Might."
"The world is already convinced you are his daughter so they will be expecting a lot out of you already," said Gran Torino with a hint of amusement. "All you need to do is play to their expectations."
"That means crushing everyone and getting the gold," Miruko said. "Easy-peasy, if you ask me."
"While holding back, of course," added Nighteye. "It wouldn't do to reveal all of your powers and potential."
Izumi looked at her mentions, slack-jaw. How in the world was she supposed to do that? Be the best but without going all out?
"Worry not, young Midoriya," All Might said with a reassuring tone. "We are here to help you to the best of our abilities."
"You don't have that much time left, though, so we better get started," gruffly said Gran Torino.
"Indeed, time is already scarce as it is," Nighteye said, before squinting at Izumi. Her ears dropped, already knowing what he was about to suggest. "Thus, I recommend you forgo your current relationship. There is too much at stake for you to be distracted by teenage drama."
"Oy, stick your nose out of her business!" Miruko growled.
"He's not entirely wrong," Gran Torino interceded. "If All for One confirms a relationship, he'll use it against him."
"The same could be said about Aunt Inko or anyone else," Miruko pointed out.
Izumi blinked at the rabbit hero. Since when did she call Izumi's mother Aunt Inko?
"Measures have already been taken to protect Mrs. Midoriya," All Might added. "Unfortunately, young Uraraka will be an easy target, especially during the internships or once she hits the streets as a Pro."
Miruko didn't have a response to that. It was far easier to keep an eye on a housewife than a kid training to fight evildoers.
"Moreover, Midoriya needs to get rid of distractions, especially while he has yet to reach his full potential," Nighteye stated.
He means until I can master One for All, translated Izumi.
Izumi clenched her fists. So they weren't just asking to pull the burden of the world over his shoulders but also forgo what little happiness he had gained? All her life had sucked up until those last few months. Ever since she got into U.A. everything had gotten a lot better, and Izumi was not about to forgo her happiness.
"No," Izumi said.
Nighteye raised an eyebrow, almost daring Izumi to insist.
"I will not just break up with Ochaco," Izumi stated. "Even if we split up, my feelings for her won't change and she will remain a target regardless."
"She has a point," said Miruko with a smirk.
"And I will not just set her aside," Izumi insisted. "I managed to defeat Nomu because I had her help. If it wasn't for Ochaco, I would have had a hard time kicking him off to kingdom come. We work well together and…"
She paused and took a deep breath.
"…and I don't think I can do this alone," Izumi said.
Nighteye squinted at Izumi, while Gran Torino smirked.
"Ha, would you look at that? The cute bunny has some fire in her," laughed the old hero.
From the corner of her eyes, Izumi didn't miss the way All Might and Miruko smiled proudly at her.
"Please, don't use the C-word," muttered Izumi.
"Sorry, kid," Gran Torino said with a growing smirk. "I make no promises."
"Absurd," said Nighteye. "You wish to waste your time while the fate of the world hangs on the precipice?"
"If the world stands on the precipice after everything All Might has done for it, then I doubt there's much I can do to change it," Izumi countered.
Nighteye and Izumi glared at each other. Had it been the old Izuku who had stood there, she knew that she would have squirmed eventually in fear. Izumi, however, had already gone through enough to falter. Miruko, All Might and Gran Torino glanced at the two who maintained their heated silent fight.
Seeing as neither Izumi nor Nighteye was going to budge, All Might stepped in, clearing his throat.
"So what do you say, young Midoriya?" All Might said. "Are you ready for the task at hand?"
Izumi clenched her fists and gave a firm nod at the Number One hero.
"I will not fail you," Izumi promised.
"Alrighty then!" Miruko exclaimed with a smirk and cracking her fists. "Let's get this party started!"
-.-
Meanwhile, in another mountain, a pair of blonds walked amidst tall grass and rocky landscape on their own. They were Katsuki and Mitsuki Bakugo, and both had been walking for some time. A bit winded down, they stopped, maintaining the same silence since they set out. The two casually looked around, one with a lot of boredom, the other with a grin.
"What a nice view, huh?" Mitsuki commented.
Katsuki just grunted, annoyed.
"Oy, come on. It isn't every day we get to do this," Mitsuki chided.
Katsuki just grunted again.
"Urgh, you're too much like your father," huffed Mitsuki.
Katsuki rolled his eyes but wisely decided not to comment on that.
"So…" Mitsuki said, looking around. "I guess this is as good a place to have a talk, huh?"
Katsuki frowned.
"You dragged me all the way here to talk?" Katsuki asked, an eyebrow twitching.
"Hey, can't a mom ask for some alone time with her son?" harrumphed Mitsuki.
In Katsuki's opinion, perhaps mothers shouldn't be so frustrating. Then again, he had suspected his mother wanted to talk about something. He had a good guess as to what.
"Fine," Mitsuki sighed.
She plopped down on a rock closer to her son and urged Katsuki to do the same next to her. He, of course, stubbornly refused.
"Look kid, I just wanted to talk, alright?" Mitsuki said.
"What about?" Grunted Katsuki.
He mentally rolled his eyes. He already knew what she wanted. It was too damn predictable. After all, what else could she want to talk about? His mother clearly wanted to talk about-
"Well, I wanted to talk about you for starters," Mitsuki huffed, as if it wasn't obvious enough.
As it so happened, Katsuki hadn't expected that. He blinked at her, dumbfounded, before he frowned and decided to sit down on a rock of his own (he was not going to sit like a toddler next to his mother). He scowled at his mother, unwilling to show any sign of confusion.
"Me?" Katsuki huffed.
"Yeah, you," Mitsuki rolled her eyes. "Seriously, son, you went through one hell of an experience last week and you expect me not to ask how you're doing?"
Admittedly, Katsuki had expected his mother to be very annoying after the USJ. He had been surprised when she had given him time off on his own rather than be a pest, but Katsuki had suspected the other issue had taken all of her attention, as in the fact she was going to pop out another kid. Katsuki was half expecting a talk about being a big brother, not being jealous that both his parents would have to focus on someone else and all that crap.
"So yeah," shrugged Mitsuki. "I just wanted to talk, mother to son, alright?"
"There's nothing to talk about," huffed Katsuki.
"No? Seriously?" Mitsuki scoffed. "What about facing actual scumbags? How did you react to villains, Katsuki?" She took a moment to think about it, only to grow frustrated. "I don't know, damn it! I just want to know anything, alright?! Are you really doing alright? Do you need something? Just talk to me, darn it."
"Of course I'm alright! Those villains were nothing. I beat the crap out of them without getting a scratch," retorted Katsuki.
Mitsuki blinked.
"Seriously? You just… fought them? You weren't one bit afraid?" She asked.
"Of course not," he insisted.
By the look on her face, Katsuki could tell she did not believe him one bit.
"They were freaking weak, mom," Katsuki said. "They barely knew how to talk, much less fight. They were so pathetic, even the los- my classmates – were able to deal with them."
However, his words did little to alleviate Mitsuki's feelings. If anything, she looked more worried.
"So you just went straight up and fought them? Actual villains?" Katsuki scowled at her tone of disapproval. "You reckless idiot! Your teachers were hospitalized! There clearly were strong ones, strong enough to beat pros," Mitsuki pointed out.
"Fine, yeah, there was this one asshole that was one hell of a power freak," Katsuki conceded. "But it was just him and I could have taken care of him."
Even if he said it with confidence, Katsuki didn't feel so sure about it. That Nomu freak had been one nasty beast with incredible strength. Hell, he actually managed to keep All Might down, the God-freaking Number One Hero himself. Could he really have beaten Nomu?
If Deku could then I sure as hell could have beaten the freak! He angrily thought.
Yet a tiny voice in his head reminded Katsuki that Midoriya hadn't defeated the Nomu beast on his own, even if he had a power oddly reminiscent to All Might. It had been a unique combo with the round-faced girl that allowed Midoriya to kick Nomu out to the stratosphere and maybe straight to outer space.
Unwilling to delve in that topic and refusing to admit that, yeah, Deku did something Katsuki might never have achieved, the explosive blond decided to change topic.
"So what? You are starting to get worried I might get hurt?" Katsuki harrumphed.
"Hey, excuse me if the reality of your career choice never really hit me!" retorted Mitsuki.
"I've wanted to be a hero since I was a brat," Katsuki pointed out.
"You and every single kid out there," Mitsuki grunted. "And you're still a brat, just so that you know."
Katsuki scoffed at that.
"Y'know, Katsuki, have you ever really thought it?" Mitsuki asked.
"Thought about what?" An irritable Katsuki wondered.
"About your career choice. Like you said, it has been a dream since you were a toddler. Do you really want to keep at it?" Mitsuki wondered.
Katsuki rolled his eyes.
"Of course I want to be a freaking hero! What else am I supposed to be? An accountant? I have a powerful quirk meant for the next Number One hero! What? Am I supposed to waste it?" Katsuki snarled.
"Hey, I am just asking," huffed Mitsuki. "Just… don't think just because you have a super strong quirk all you can be is a hero. You have a good head on your shoulders. You could be a lawyer, or maybe a scientist or maybe-"
"Like hell I am going to be a pathetic paper pusher!" Katsuki spat.
"Fine, fine, hero it is. Geez, I am just asking," Mitsuki muttered. "Seriously, Katsuki, if you want to be a hero you'll need to get your behaviour in check. I doubt you'll be too popular with that attitude, if you don't get in trouble later on."
Katsuki scoffed dismissively at that. What kind of trouble could she mean? He had been just fine before U.A. without anyone causing a fuzz. There were a few hiccups after he got into the High School, but that was mostly because he was surrounded by wannabe extras.
"I mean it, Katsuki. We both know the sort of crap that journos dig up whenever they have a bone to pick with a particular hero," Mitsuki pointed out.
Katsuki scowled but didn't say anything. In fact, he was reminded of Deku and how he had managed to blackmail him into being a complying idiot, all because he might have said a couple careless stupid things.
As much as it pained him, his mother was right. Katsuki had messed up before U.A. and there was a lot of stuff that could be used against him. Worse, he could very well mess up again during U.A. and the last thing Katsuki wanted was for the pathetic losers of his classmates to have more ammunition against him.
Katsuki grinded his teeth. Just thinking about the way Izumi – that god-damn bunny chick – had lorded over him infuriated him to no end. True, some of it was Katsuki's fault. Still, the explosive blond couldn't help but hate Izumi for blackmailing him like it. He was powerful, stronger than Izumi (in his less than humble opinion) and yet he had been infuriatingly powerless to do anything.
The problem was: what could he possibly do? It wasn't like he could change the past or convince anyone that it hadn't been such a big deal. Sadly, when it came to bullying, Katsuki was well aware rarely anyone took the side of the perceived bully, especially not when the one bullied could take an adorable fluffy form everyone appeared to immediately take a shine to.
"Oy, what's with that face?" Mitsuki asked, worried. She raised an eyebrow. "Oh no. Don't tell me you already messed up. Who did you harm? Or did you run your mouth again?"
Katsuki wanted to immediately deny it, but memories of Izumi confronting him in the USJ kept his mouth shut and his jaw grinding against his skull. He had to say something, though, but what?
If Katsuki revealed the few alleged transgressions against Deku to his mother, he would get grounded to kingdom come. Worse, Auntie Inko would probably be angry towards him and that was something Katsuki really wanted to avoid. At the same time, he really, really did not want to be in a position where Izumi would have some sort of control over him.
"Oy, Houston to Katsuki, this is his mom," Mitsuki called, trying to get Katsuki's attention. "Spill it, Katsuki, what shit did you do this time?"
Again, Katsuki's first instinct was to do what he had done throughout his childhood: deny everything. His tongue, though, remained unmoving. He glared at his mother, annoyed at her persistence and perceptiveness.
Fine, might as well get this crap out of the way, Katsuki thought.
Even so, he remained unwilling to say anything. The thought of disappointing Auntie Inko made him hesitate, just as much as what he imagined his parents would say. It surprised him he cared so much about the latter, while the former left a sour taste in his mouth.
In the end, Katsuki took a deep breath, opened his mouth and pushed forward. Let it be known that Katsuki, for all his flaws, was neither a quitter nor a coward. In the end, relationships could be amended, while being shackled to past mistakes was something that could forever drag him down, and Katsuki had no intention to be dragged down by anything. He wanted to reach the top and he would not be slowed down or stopped by anything… no matter the cost.
"Mom," Katsuki said. He looked straight into his mother's eyes, who in turn stared back, perplexed by her son's tone and conviction. "There's something you need to know about Dek- Izuku and me."
To her credit, Katsuki didn't need to say more than that for Mitsuki to spew a long string of curses and pinched the bridge of her nose. It was a good thing she had dragged him all the way into the middle of nowhere, because Katsuki would have never dared to utter a word anywhere near human ears, not with what would definitely come out of his mother's mouth.
It was going to be a long evening, and Katsuki was sure he was going to regret it.
-.-
The Usagiyama property was once again filled with activity. The day might have been near its end, with dusk fast approaching, but for the many members of the family there were still hours to play and run around. The younglings were clearly trying to make the best of their time, playing in the open fields either tag or football, while adults hanged around their groups, chatting or playing games of their own. One certain Usagiyama Senior, for example, was definitely enjoying a game of poker.
Inko and Mitsuki had made friends with many other women. Izuku didn't know what they chatted so fervently about, but he had a good guess: their sons. He blushed and kept his distance from the matriarchs, for he probably would die of embarrassment from all the stories they probably were sharing. That was, much to his chagrin, the nature of mothers, apparently.
Truly, Izuku had enjoyed himself. He had needed a chance to escape his routine and everything he had learned about his family in the process had helped think about other things. However, he felt the burden of his responsibilities weighing him down still. For all his prompt escape from U.A., it seemed the weight of being the Next Symbol of Peace was unescapable.
Still, Izuku was all smiles when he finally managed to meet up with Ochaco on a secluded spot in the manor. Perhaps it was due to their previous intimate talk in U.A., but something made them meet at the manor's rooftop. Thus, while the Usagiyamas enjoyed what was left of Sunday, Izuku watched from above, a smile on his face.
At the moment, he felt like staying as Izuku, if only because he had spent too much time as Izumi that day and needed a rest from being a cute bunny girl. That and changing forms definitely helped with his sore muscles.
Finally, the door to the rooftop opened and out came the brunette Izuku had been waiting for. He beamed and walked over to her, happy to be alone with her once again. Thinking about their date earlier that day worked wonders to his mood.
"Hey, Ochaco, what's up?" Izuku called.
To his dismay, Ochaco looked concerned. Izuku picked up the pace and trotted towards his friend/girlfriend.
"Hey Izuku," Ochaco replied.
"You alright?" Izuku asked.
"Eh… kind of?" Ochaco said. "It's been an interesting weekend, hasn't it?"
"Definitely," grumbled Izuku.
The two tentatively went over the railing, where they got a good view of the Usagiyamas down below. To think Izuku could already name a few of his newly found relatives. He had yet to memorize like twenty or thirty others… at least.
"How did it go with Miruko?" Ochaco asked, breaking the silence.
She might have looked troubled by something, but even then Ochaco managed to pull a bright wide grin. Izuku blushed, feeling his heart drumming against his chest. Regardless the form, Ochaco would always make him feel the same, especially when she smiled like that.
"It was All Might," Izuku sighed. "He introduced me to yet more tutors…"
And what hellish meeting it had been. He had thought Miruko could be a hard-ass, but Nighteye and Gran Torino were the epitome of hard-ass. Izuku had no idea how All Might came out such a hopeful and committed individual with those two hanging with him.
"That bad?" giggled Ochaco.
Izuku smiled, his face lighting up with a red shade.
"What about you? I am sorry I left you like that," Izuku mumbled.
"It can't be helped," Ochaco said dismissively. "Our careers come first, right?"
"Yeah…" Izuku trailed off.
It showed just how great his life had become when being a hero was much less appealing than something else. For his entire life, Izuku had grasped at his near impossible dream of becoming a hero with such intensity, there had been little room for more in his heart. Yet there he stood, wishing he could be anything other than an aspiring symbol of peace, maybe even a normal teenager with only teenager issues. If only the world was fair…
"Izuku?" Ochaco called.
"Ehm… yeah?"
"I – ehm – I wanted to…" Ochaco trailed off, before taking a deep breath.
Izuku frowned, confused and concerned.
"I wanted to say… ehm… sorry," Ochaco spluttered. "I really messed up."
"Messed up?" Izuku wondered, blinking at the girl. "How?"
Ochaco sighed. She looked down at her feet, squirming with such guilt and remorse that left Izuku feeling bad by proxy.
"I-I have been unfair to you," Ochaco said, eyes averted. She wrung her hands, her face marred with sadness. "You went through a lot and- and I have been selfish."
"Selfish? No, you are anything but selfish," insisted Izuku.
"No," Ochaco sighed. "I was selfish."
Izuku scratched his head. When? When was Ochaco ever selfish?
"I shouldn't have asked to only date you as Izumi," Ochaco said.
Huh? Izuku was at a loss. Was that what bothered Ochaco? Then again, perhaps having to worry about the fate of hero society had left him rather numb to ordinary issues.
"Ochaco, it isn't a big deal," mused Izuku with a chuckle.
"But it is!" Ochaco exclaimed. "You deserve better than that. You deserve being able to be yourself, all of you, to be happy, not just as Izumi."
"But Ochaco-" Izuku really wanted to argue, for a deep fear gripped his heart.
Did that mean Ochaco wanted to break up? No, Izuku couldn't allow that, not after everything he had been through. Especially after standing up against Nighteye. That had been an experience that would haunt Izuku's nightmares.
"Izuku," Ochaco pleaded.
The tone alone made Izuku close his mouth. Slowly, Ochaco took his hands and held them against her chest, looking rather sad. Izuku wanted to cheer her up, make her happy, but he stood rooted in place instead, attentive and resigned.
"Do you remember what you told me about your parents having preferred Izumi over Izuku?" Ochaco asked.
"Yeah, but that's-" the boy started saying.
"You hated it," Ochaco interrupted. "And you had good reason to. It wasn't fair."
Izuku grimaced. Where was Ochaco going with that?
"You are happy your parents finally got their act together and you have every right to feel like that. You don't deserve for others to ignore one form in favour of other, much less for superficial things," Ochaco carried on.
But that was different, at least for Izuku. His parents had known him for his entire life and suddenly took a greater liking to the daughter they never had. Ochaco, on the other hand, had met and gotten to know Izumi first. Was it fair to ask her to just include a boy she barely knew into the mix?
"I don't know what your deal with All Might really is but… I know you already have a lot on your shoulders, Izuku. I can't ask for more. If anything, I want to help you any way I can," Ochaco explained.
"Then please, don't – don't…" Izuku didn't know whether he could voice his fears.
Don't leave me, Izuku mentally begged.
Solitude, the mere idea of being a lonely kid once again, gnawed on his very being. He couldn't help but remember being the pariah of his school, of the entire neighbourhood. He couldn't go back to that.
"I ain't leaving you any day soon, mister. Izuku might not be as cute as Izumi, but you aren't going to get rid of me that easily," Ochaco resolutely stated. She looked down, ashamed. "Unless you want to date a certain blond American girl. I mean, maybe you could be happier with her than me…"
"Blond… American… girl?" Izuku frowned, unsure who Ochaco was alluding to.
Wait, have I actually met any American girls? Pondered Izuku.
"Melissa, Izuku," deadpanned Ochaco.
"Oh," Izuku said, only for his eyes to widen. "Wait, Melissa? You think she and I… what? That's crazy!"
"You really got along well together," Ochaco muttered, glaring at her feet.
"As friends!" Izuku exclaimed. "I doubt we could be anything more than that."
By Ochaco's pout, she definitely didn't believe him. At all.
"I mean it, Ochaco! She's nice and all, but I don't think we could ever – you know – date!" Izuku insisted.
Ochaco kept her pout fixed on her face. Izuku knew that Ochaco was suffering a bout of jealousy. However, he couldn't help but laugh at the girl's expression. She was rather cute.
"You have a lot in common," mumbled Ochaco. "And she likes you as Izuku."
"I barely know her! By All Might, we met yesterday, Ochaco. And how would a relationship work? She lives and works in I-Island and has no interest on moving to U.A." countered Izuku.
Ochaco didn't look convinced.
"Besides, she's way too tall for me," Izuku chuckled.
"She's not that tall," countered Ochaco.
"Ha, as Izumi, she's a giant," joked Izuku.
Finally, Ochaco relented with a smile.
"Fine, I guess I was a little jealous," grumbled Ochaco.
"A little?" Teased Izuku.
Ochaco glared at Izuku, who chuckled.
There was a long pregnant silence between the two, where they averted their eyes unsure how to proceed. What were they even meant to say? That they had started dating in a rush of emotions after a rather stressful event and had barely put much thought into any of it? That they had yet to properly talk about where they stood? That they had acted like hormonal teenagers?
"We messed up, huh?" Izuku said.
"I did," Ochaco corrected. "It isn't your fault."
"I was the one that insisted on being Izumi. Kind of weird in hindsight, when I just wanted mom and everyone else to acknowledge me as Izuku too," Izuku said.
"You wanted to date me and you thought I only wanted Izumi," Ochaco said.
Izuku stared at Ochaco, who grimaced.
"And I do kinda feel only attracted to Izumi," Ochaco admitted. "But that doesn't mean I should only date half of you."
The two stood there, awkwardly avoiding looking into each other. Izuku felt his heart racing, his blood burning with emotions. His mind was clogged with thoughts and fears. And yet, he pressed on.
"Would you like to-to date me?" Izuku asked.
"Yes," Ochaco finally said. "I want to… to give it a try, as you this time. Not Izumi, not Izuku… as you, Midoriya, who can be both."
Izuku sighed, the weight of all his most recent discussions returning in full strength. Perhaps this was the time to call quits and separate himself from Ochaco, allow her to be happier with someone else. However, for the first time in his life, Izuku wanted to be really selfish and stay with Ochaco.
"You know, maybe you would be happier with someone else," Izuku said.
"Maybe, maybe not," Ochaco said with a shrug. "We'll never know unless we try, right? And besides, we make one hell of a team, don't we?"
Izuku had to admit, they did.
"I know you have a lot on your plate, being All Might's son and all that," Ochaco teased, earning a scoff from Izuku at the bad joke. "So I want to be there and help you, alright? And hey, who better to help with burdens than me, with my gravity-removing quirk?"
Perhaps it was the stress, but Izuku couldn't help it: he burst out laughing. Ochaco pouted at him, something that made it all funnier.
"Sorry but that- that was kind of… ehm… cheesy," Izuku chortled.
Ochaco kept her pout, yet her face lit up with a blush.
"So… should we give it another go?" Izuku tentatively asked.
Ochaco didn't meet Izuku, but she had a small smile on her face.
"Maybe?" Ochaco said.
Chocolate eyes finally met emerald ones.
"If you want," Ochaco added.
"Of course I do," Izuku said. He gave a lopsided smile. "I-I'm happy with you. You're my first friend and, like you said, we make one hell of a team!"
Ochaco smiled and stared straight at Izuku. The boy looked back at her. They remained quiet, eyes locked onto each other. Seconds flew by in silence. Down below the Usagiyamas enjoyed what was left of the day, somewhere out there Mitsuki and Inko were gossiping with fellow mothers. Somewhere else, Katsuki was brooding, fuming after the tongue-lashing he got. Up in the mountains, All Might probably was struggling to start a fire, alongside David and Melissa Shield. Then there were Miruko and Z, doing gods knows what (not that Izuku wanted to think what those two were up to).
Finally, as if they both grew tired of the silence, they leaned towards each other. Eyes closed, their lips met. Their kiss was neither chaste nor passionate. If anything, it was a display of affection to each other. For a few seconds they kept their lips together, before the two love-struck teenagers leaned back. Hands held together, they looked into each other's eyes.
"So, we stick together?" Ochaco wondered.
"Yeah," softly said Izuku with a nod. "Together."
