"Damn, hell of a day that was." Nunu says with a sigh of relief putting arms behind his head. "My body still aches from those kicks."
Nunu, Relon, Kanao, Momo, Midoriya, Mina, Jirou, and Uraraka can be seen leaving the stadium.
"Well it's Lucinance. You should have known he was going to land at least a few."
"Yeah, I know. That's why I was trying my hardest to avoid those, Jirou."
"Guess ya didn't try hard enough, hehe." Mina teases earning a twitch from the white haired boy.
"Damn." he looks away shaking his head in dismay.
"Now that I think about it, where did you guys even go after you transformed?" Uraraka asks, this causing both boys to stop in their tracks as everyone stops to see both with wide eyes.
Nunu slowly turns looking to Relon to be met with the deadliest of glares as Relon stomps to the teen already backing up with hands in protest.
"HEY, I WAS JUST GOING OFF INSTINCTS, OKAY?"
"What place did you end up at has Lucinance so upset?!" Midoriya exclaims.
"Not what place but what places." Kanao corrects. "Am I right, Crono?" She asks at the still backing away Nunu.
"SHINN, CHILL! IT WAS ALL JUST APART OF THE FINALS! YOU KNOW THAT!" His words finally causes Relon to stop taking a deep breath before turning to face his classmates pointing a finger at his step-brother as he proceeds to stomp the ground forming words to which the five look down reading.
'This ASSHOLE took me to some jungle where I nearly lost my head to a JAGUAR of all things we fought on the side of a mountain! Then we ended up in the middle of the FUCKING OCEAN of all places where, again, I NEARLY LOST MY HEAD TO A GROUP OF SHARKS THAT I HAD TO BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE WHALE!'
"You forgot the part about the bamboo forest though."
I DIDN'T MENTION THE BAMBOO FOREST BECAUSE AT LEAST NOTHING THERE TRIED TO BITE MY HEAD OFF! Relon shouts telepathically having enter Eramsus Mode with circuit markings appearing.
"Wow, you guys really took your fight to the next level, huh...?" Uraraka looks between the two sweatdropping along with the others for everyone to stop noticing two dark auras resonate from Momo and Kanao.
"Nunu... is what Relon's saying true?"
"Crono, you obviously wouldn't have done something so foolish... correct?"
If one was looking at Nunu, they may have been able to see his very soul run for its life at the sight of the two girls smiling sweetfully, their eyes closed causing the four near them to quickly back off.
"YaoMomo and Kano's snapped!" Mina shrieks.
"Nunu, I think your only chance is to run!" Jirou warns hiding behind Mina.
"So this is what a real life yandere looks like let alone two!" Uraraka whispers behind a shaking Midoriya.
"All of my training could not prepare me for something like this..." He whispers back, arms out in an attempt to protect the scared brunette.
"Say less!" He turns on his heel about to take off for a hand to grab his collar.
Turning around, he feels his blood run cold as sweat quickly accumulates.
"Leaving so soon, Crono?"
"Stay a moment. We have much to discuss." Momo mentions ominously as she places a firm grip on his shoulder.
Both girl's eyes seeming to have darkened as they look on at the remnant, eyes half open only making them look more eerie.
"YO SHINN, TELL 'EM TO BACK OFF! I'M SORRY, OKAY?! SHINN, YOU HEAR ME RIGHT? SHINN? SHINN!"
Having felt like he's had enough, Relon huffs crossing his arms.
He's had enough you two. Thanks though Kanao, Momo. At those words, he returns to normal as both girls release their grips for Nunu to run a few yards hunching over holding his heart breathing in repetition.
"I thought I was gonna die again!" He wheezes.
"So uh, Lucinance, how's your headache? I noticed you were holding it early in the match." Mina asks attempting to change the subject after that situation.
"It disappeared during our fight. Crazy part is this guy somehow forgot all about it." Nunu answers returning to the group keeping his distance from the two.
Everyone forms a circle with it going in the order of Relon, Momo, Kanao, Nunu, Midoriya, Uraraka, Jirou, Mina, and then Relon again.
"Seriously?" Relon nods to the pinkette. "How do you forget something that left you clutching the wall?" He shrugs.
"Well it's good to see you've recovered from that at least." Midoriya comments which Relon nods to.
"Are you sure you're alright, Lucinance? Considering the condition you were in when that Monoma guy was bombarding you with that question." Jirou asks for Relon to nod for the third time. "Good to see you're fine now. What ever happened to that creepy asshole anyways?"
"Don't know. I didn't see him anywhere during the awards ceremony."
"Maybe he left because he felt bad." Uraraka comments.
"Better have considering the shit he pulled." Nunu responds. "But who cares about him. Can we address the elephant within the group?" He says looking between Midoriya and Relon.
"What are you referring to, Crono?" He doesn't respond instead giving the other guys a look.
"Shinn, here, may not have realized it yet but I know Midoriya has an idea what I'm referring to." He says nudging the freckled teen leaving Relon and Midoriya to tilt their heads in confusion.
"W-what are talking about?" Midoriya asks.
"Mina, you know what I'm getting at, right?"
She, like the rest gives a confused look to notices his eyes cut to his left following to see Midoriya and then Uraraka, the meaning finally connecting as her eyes widen for a grin to follow.
"Hehe, I get what you're saying~."
"Oh god, both troublemakers are at it again." Jirou facepalms at their antics.
"What are you two taking about? Come on, tell us already!"
What are they... Looking at Midoriya, Relon looks to Mina following her gaze to land on Uraraka. Oh no.
"Seems Shinn has figured at least one of the two out." Nunu calls out for Relon to have all eyes laid on him.
"Relon, what is he getting at?" Momo asks shaking her head.
Relon leans over to make eye contact with Kanao who after a moment, looks to Nunu with a deadpan expression.
"Only you."
"Hey, if I don't say anything, then they may never say it."
"Who?" Momo, Midoriya, Uraraka, and Jirou all asks simultaneously.
Relon snaps his fingers gaining everyone's attention as he tosses a card to Midoriya. Catching it, he reads it for his face to burst red with his eyes bulging.
"What's it say, Deku?" Uraraka asks getting closer to take a look for the green haired boy to jump away placing it behind his waving a hand in front of his face.
"O-oh, t-this? I-it's n-n-n-nothing r-realy hahaha."
"And let the stuttering commence." Mina grins as Jirou and Momo look between the two before widening in realization.
"Nunu, you shouldn't force that topic!" Momo berates.
"If I don't mention it, then it's going to end up forgotten and you know it!" He defends.
"Mina, why are you like this?" Jirou sighs pinching the bridge of her nose.
"What are you guys talking about? Come on, just say it already!" Uraraka whines.
"Ahem." Mina coughs into her hands getting everyone attention. "Hey Uraraka."
"Yeah?"
"Wasn't there something you wanted to talk to Midoriya about once the sports festival finished?" Mina asks ending the sentence with a smirk.
"What do you mean tal- Her eyes widen as her face turns a dark shade of red.
Uraraka slowly glances to her right at a blushing Midoriya. Both make eye contact to quickly look away from the other.
"Considering you both forgot, my work here is done."
"Come on, let's give the two their space." Mina adds, the two beginning to walk ahead.
"We'll be up ahead when you guys are done." Jirou sighs shaking her head at the two's antics before walking away.
"Is this really-
"Come on, Momo. Don't even think about it. What's done is done!" Jirou orders turning her around and pushing her after the two.
"But Kyoka!"
"No buts! Kanao, let's go. Lucinance, you too!" Kanao simply nods turning to leave.
Relon looks at the two before swirling his card and departing along with the others leaving Deku and Uraraka alone. An awkward silence befalling the two. Slowly, raising his head, he looks at her back taking notice of her head hanging slightly. He opens his mouth but not a sound leaves for him to close it in defeat.
Here he was with the girl of his dreams. Alone. When she had first asked to talk, he hadn't thought of what it could be so he didn't bother to ponder on the topic. Now looking back and seeing everyone root him on in his confession about his fight with Shinso, he hadn't even realized how obvious he made his feelings for her. Yet, their support helped him step onto that line. He'd given her something you could call a pre-confession if that made any sense without even realizing it till now. Now, he was halfway there. All he had to do was cross it by telling her how he feels.
Everyone's cheering me on and here I am unable to say it!
Here she was with the boy that she has developed feelings for. With no one around. To think that she would fall for someone who nearly tripped at the entrance to the prestigious hero school. To think she had completely forgotten about how she was going to confess how she felt like he had. She was so caught up in the here and now, she forgot all about the then and there.
How could I forget...?
Giving a glance, she sees the boy that she's fallen for deep in thought to turn her back to him once more. Always thinking. The most analytical boy she's met. Yet he's also the nicest, sweetest, honest, caring, the list goes on ending with 'blank guy she's ever met.' She sees so much in him but... what does he see in her? She was as basic as most girls comes and she was nowhere near as Was his confession just him stating his honest thoughts or was there genuinely more to it than that? She knew how she felt towards him, but did he feel the same? This thought frightened her.
Does he...?
Looking back, he never would have thought developing feelings for someone would happen during his short time at U.A. Not that he considers it a bad thing but rather with how engrossed he is with heroes and life as a student at the school, he never would have imagined gaining feelings for a girl would actually happen. He liked he. His mother assisted him in confirming that. Yet, why was he hesitating?
Looking back at her reactions during his "pre-confession" and again right when Mina mentioned their supposed talk, he would take a guess and say she may actually like him back with how flustered she looked. But was he right? Everything seemed to point in that direction, so why was he hesitating?
Could she not like me, afterall? Maybe she is simply in an awkward situation and all of this is one giant misunderstanding. I mean, who could like someone like me...?
His shaking fists loosens dropping the card. Realizing the sensation no longer present in his hand, he looks down seeing the card. Crouching down, he picks it up widening at new text inscribed.
'Stop thinking too much. Be confident.'
'You're really a good guy and friend, Midoriya. Just give it time. I'm sure you two will get together.'
He puts his hands up defensively as he leans back, his eyes scanning for anything to get him out of his predicament only to look past his crush at the whole of class A looking at him, smiling and nodding.
"Have more confidence, dude. You trained with us and you're hella smart enough to fight anyone here. Give yourself some credit. You've come this far because of your skills, not luck." Nunu states leaving Midoriya speechless, only able to look on with his mouth agape as he sees the two girls nodding in agreement.
"It's annoying enough seeing the card bastard and her all mushy from time to time but seeing the way you two act pisses me off even more with the fact you aren't fucking together."
His trembling ceases as he stands to look at Uraraka.
Lucinance, everyone, thanks! He places the card in his pocket to lightly claps his cheeks.
With a newfound determination etched on his face, he walks forward. Memories of his time with Uraraka resurfacing with every step.
"Are you okay? I stopped you with my quirk. Sorry I didn't ask first."
"Let's do our best, Deku!"
"I am Ochako Uraraka. My quirk is Zero Gravity. This allows me to remove the effects of gravity from anything I touch upon contact with the pads on my fingertips."
"Everyone! I'm gonna do my best!"
"Alright!" Uraraka shouts forcing her team forward. "We'll get it back, Deku. We definitely will!"
"Oh well. Seeing Deku stutter was worth seeing at least."
"Let's make this a good match, Deku! Don't hold back for my sake because I'm giving it my all!"
Midoriya lays on top of Uraraka with his arms and knees on both sides of her pressed against the cement floor. The two looking directly into the other's eyes. Both blushing bright vermillion, neither knowing what to say or do.
"I knew you were going to win because you're you. It's kinda hard to put it into words but I just had this feeling that you would."
"Um... Deku? Thank you."
"After the festival is over... Can we talk? It's something important. That's all I can say right now. Is that... okay?"
"Come on, Deku! You can win this!" Hollors Uraraka cupping her hands to her mouth.
"Huh? Oh, that's odd. Why am I..."
With one final step, he stop before his best friend.
"U-Uraraka." Her head rises as she turns to face him.
"Y-yeah?" She gulps taking note of his sudden change in demeanor.
He prepares to say something but stops himself.
"Deku?"
He walks past her to gaze up at the stadium.
"Today felt like forever, didn't it?" He asks keeping his sights on the large structure, Uraraka moving to stand next to him taking in the sight.
"Yeah, so much happened in such a short time. We had a race, a cavalry battle, 2v2 matches, and we both even made it to the final event. I guess you can call it luck that-
"No, that's not true!" He interrupts shaking his head turning to her. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap like that. It's just you got that far because of your skill. Not luck." She looks on in surprise to burst into a giggling fit trying to hold herself back. "W-what's so funny?"
"I'm sorry. I'm not laughing at you, I swear." She answers catching her breath turning to look back ahead. "It's just... No matter what, you're still you."
"What do you mean?"
"You're always cheering other on. So honest with your feelings on whatever the topic is. It's something that..." Her face scrunches up as if struggling to release the rest.
"Something... that what?" He questions, Uraraka once again facing him now with her hands together in front down at waist level and her face looking forward.
"It's something that..." She raises her eyes making contact with his, her softened blush returning darker as does Midoriya's. "I've always admired that side of you."
"You-you have?" She nods averting her eyes back to his chest.
"Honestly, I feel I only got as far as I did because of your help. And Jirou's." She quickly mutters not wanting to ruin the mood. "Had I not partnered myself with you, I doubt I would have gotten as far as I did." Midoriya opens his mouth but is interrupted. "And that's my honest opinion." He sees her tensed shoulders slump as silence behalls the two once more.
"...Thanks." His out of nowhere response causes Uraraka to raise her eye to be met with that gentle smile she's familiarized herself with.
"H-hey, why are you thanking me?" She asks, tensing once more.
"For cheering me on and helping me. Honestly, if you hadn't snapped me out of my stupor during the cavalry when we lost the ten million or when I was falling through the air with my fight with Todoroki, I don't know what would have happened. In a way, it's because of you I made it so far." He rubs his head.
"W-what are you saying, Deku?" Shee blinks flustering more trying to process the words from his mouth. "It should be the other way around!" He shakes his head.
"I've gotten strong, yeah. But I could only do so much. When it really, mattered you helped me."
"You're the one who helped me, though! Even though we lost the ten million, you managed to get it back!"
"But that's due to you and the others getting me there!"
"So still/Even so!"
"It's because of you I got so far!" Both say to look at the other, their mouths agape.
In doing so, both then realize how close their faces have gotten to each other's causing both teens to back off averting their gazes. Midoriya his mouth with a hand and Uraraka fumbling with her fingers. Neither say a word, too busy thinking until...
"Uraraka I/Deku I." Looking to one another to speak, they stop.
"S-sorry, you first." Midoriya gestures.
"N-no, I insist."
He is about to refuse but realizes they're getting nowhere like this so instead he nods.
"Okay, I have two suggestions."
"Okay, what's the first?"
"H-how about we both agree that we helped each other get as far as we did?"
For a moment, she looks at him with a tilted head as if replaying what he said on repeat trying to make sense of it all until her head straightens.
"Deal." She chuckles out of embarrassment.
Mainly in part due to that being what she was going to suggest. She then remembers what he said.
"Wait, what was the other suggestion, then?" Her question causes his cheeks to flood a vermilion color.
He begins to look away from her beautiful brown eyes he's come to adore but after a long blink, he locks eyes with to her. She gulps. He prepares himself before taking one step closer. Both blushing more as the pair feel themselves slowly tense. The long awaited moment. There was no going back. The only way left was forward.
"Would you... like to go out with me?"
Finally, he had stepped completely over that red line. He said how he felt with strong a conviction. Now all that is left is-
"Yes!" She blurts. "I-I'd love that."
Nevermind. Nothing was left.
"So then we're...?" She nods stepping to embrace him which Midoriya soon returns albeit super nervous.
Still tensed from that whole ordeal, both finally breathe a sigh of relief before bursting into fits of laughter. They soon calm their nerves to simply enjoy the other.
"Deku." He looks down to see her looking up at him.
"Yeah?"
She doesn't respond. Only continuing to look at him, her blush still visible. His eyes leaves hers as they slowly trail down to gaze at her soft lips.
"Do you-" He mutters only to be cut off as her lips plant themselves on his. Although not forceful, it catches him off before he returns the affection.
Strawberry. A flavor Izuku has had numerous times but now had a newfound love for it. Never had he realized how amazing something was until he finally had it.
A minute passes before the new couple separate themselves, their faces completely flushed as the two catch their breaths.
"Does that-"
His lips press themselves silencing the girl as Izuku places his hands along her waist and Ochako wraps hers around his neck.
"ABOUT FUCKING TIME!" Both jump back at the sudden shout seeing Bakugou with his annoyed face walking by. "NOW GO GET A DAMN ROOM, SHIT!" He curses leaving the lovebirds to stare as he walks by.
"Did he say..." Uraraka begins in wonder.
"About time?" The two look to each other before releasing another fit of laughter soon coming to hold one another.
"So...?" She begins.
"Does that answer my question? Yes. Yes it does." He quickly answers.
"And..." She trails off.
"And I loved what just happened. Like a lot." He answers again causing the brunette to giggle.
"You're answering kinda fast, Deku. You okay?"
"Yeah, just... heat of the moment catching up is all." He pauses for a moment.
"S-sorry." She lowers her head losing her smile.
"N-no, it's t-totally fine! I swear! Like I s-said, I l-liked it a bunch so if it was... okay w-with you..." He goes quiet as she lifts back up her head.
Placing a finger, she silences the teen as he notices the vibrant smile.
"I'm just messing with you." She whisper leaning in for a gentle kiss, Midoriya instinctively taking in the moment, before pulling away wrapping her arms around him once more.
"You...! That wasn't fair..." He sighs in defeat.
"Sorry, Deku. Seeing you stutter is still the cutest thing about you so it was worth seeing it again."
He wants to respond but can't. Why? That smile. That damn smile. That damn beautiful innocent smile that he's fallen for ushers out his negative emotions leavin the boy with his mouth agape. Tilting her head, she looks at her new boyfriend seeming to be in a sort of trance.
"Deku?" Her soft and gentle call snapping him from his hypnosis. "You okay?"
"Y-yeah, just got lost looking at your wonderful smile." He answers absentmindedly.
Her eyes are now the pair to widen as her small blush expands. Midoriya's eyes soon following her example having realized what he just said.
"T-thanks, D-Deku."
That warm sensation inside the youn inheritor increases in temperature.
She's even cuter stuttering!
"W-we should head back soon. The others most likely are still waiting." He states calming himself.
"Yeah, you're right." She lets go moving to his side before reaching out her hand. "Ready?" He looks to her realizing what she wants to smile nodding.
"Let's go." He takes her hand in his intertwining their fingers.
"So how much longer do you think it'll take them?"
"Don't know. Considering they both become flustered, it coukd be a while." Jirou answers her pink friend, the group of teens waiting along the sidewalk out the entrance.
"Well we don't have to wait much longer." Nunu announces leaning off the arched entrance.
"Why do you say that?"
"Simple." He moves to the entrance to pointing "They're here." All follow to see the two walking hand-in-hand.
"FINALLY, THEY'RE TOGETHER!" Mina cheers pumping her fists into the air.
"About time." Is all Jirou says.
"Midoriya, Uraraka, I'm two look great together!" Momo greets clasping her hands.
"Congratulations." Kanao says.
The new couple rubs their heads bashfully.
"Thanks, everyone." The two respond, Midoriya glancing to Relon giving a thumbs up which the quirk interior returns.
"So now we have two couples in Class 1-A. Wonder who the next will be." Jirou comments.
Relon and Kanao look to Nunu.
"What?"
"Your 'instincts' are quite accurate." Kanao answers flatly.
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I'm psychic!"
"Then how do you explain the other night with Relon?"
"What night?" Mina asks.
"I was chillin at home and Shinn came to mind. Once he did, that feeling came to me so I knew something was up."
"What night though?" Jirou asks.
"Oh, the night we got together." Momo answers finally sporting a slight blush at the memory.
"Wait, then why did you have a feeling about Lucinance?"
Nunu tilts his head at the pinkette before answering.
"I had a feeling something was going on so I went and stumbled upon these two about to confess." He points a thumb at said two, his demeanor haven taken notice by a certain pink-lilac-eyed girl.
"Aww, I wish I had seen it!" Mina groans. "Wait! Who confessed to who?!" She redirects herself to Midoriya and Uraraka.
"Well, um, I... did..." Deku answers with a raised hand.
"Aye, atta boy, Midoriya. Knew ya had it in ya." Nunu congrats slapping his back.
"Haha, t-thanks."
"So what are you guys gonna do now? Head home or... go on a date?" Mina wonders with a smirk to which the new couple blushes.
"Mina, I'm certain they've had enough of the teasing so please just give it a rest." Momo says to her friend.
"Fiiiiiiinnneeee."
"Well, uh, that... is something I wouldn't... mind." Uraraka mutters gaining everyone's attention including Midoriya's.
"...Eh?" Is all Midoriya cancsay at a loss for words.
"I mean n-not right now of course, but... later, if you'd l-like to I mean." She glances to Midoriya sporting a blush.
"Y-yeah, sounds great!" He blurts out before covering his mouth out of embarrassment.
"You two are so adorable I could watch it all day." Mina comments.
"You enjoy romantic relationships don't you?" Jirou wonders flatly.
"It's just nice to see is all, ya know?" Mina answers placing her hands behind her giving a shrug. "Like Lucinance and YaoMomo or Kanao. It's just a nice sight."
"Yeah, I don't know about all that. But anyway, I got stuff to do. And by I, I mean us." He gestures to Relon and Kanao.
"Guess this is where we split up then, huh?" Mina comments.
"It would seem so." Kanao answers.
Everyone turns facing the directions their homes lie. Relon, Nunu, Kanao, and Momo to the left. Mina and Jirou straight ahead. And Midoriya along with Uraraka to the right.
"Huh. You don't say..." Jirou says before seeming to remember something. "Wait a sec!" She turns Relon who raised his eyebrows wondering what it is. "Your fight with Monoma..." She speaks in an uncertain tone slowing herself down.
Relon along with some of the others seeming to follow where this is going as their light expressions turn grim.
"That's right!" Mina blurts out remembering the situation following by controlling herself as her tone lowers too in uncertainty as well as sounding confused and bothered. "Kanao, you mentioned Monoma was... killing him."
At those words, Relon's body immediately shivers at the words backing away as the events from earlier come rushing back. Clutching his head, he grits his teeth until the memories subside. His expression showing clear discomfort as he lets out slow heavy breaths in an attempt to calm his nerves. Jirou and Mina exchange a look before looking on with concern.
"Lucinance, you... okay?" Jirou asks looking to him then the others for confirmation but all of their eyes are locked on the mute teenager.
"Lucinance, I didn't mean-
Mina stops mid sentence seeing him give a slow nod opening his eyes as he walks back to their distorted formation. Releasing another breath through his nose, he nods more confidently again lowering his hand.
"Shinn. You sure you good?" Another slow nod. "... Alright then."
"Shinn, I-
Kanao begins but is hushed by a finger placed before her lips. The owner of her fellow Alpha remnant as he lowers his hand looking to her. She only gives a small nod in response.
He turns his attention to the four others before closing his eyes rocking his head side-to-side slowly as if thinking something over. After a minute he stops reopening them. He taps the ground with his foot as words become inscribed into the sidewalk.
'I'm guessing you guys want an explanation.'
All four look to one another before nodding. Turning to Nunu, he gives a questioning look.
"Yo."
Tapping the ground once more, everyone looks down.
'You guys cool with talking at my place?'
"Wait, your place?" Uraraka asks to gain a nod.
"Now that you mention it, I haven't seen what your home looks like." Midoriya comments to himself.
He turns again to Nunu.
"This isn't like you, Shinn. Normally you'd want to keep any info about yourself and us to a bare minimum." Nunu states crossing his arms. "You sure about this?" He nods a few more times, Nunu and him looking to one another for a moment before the white haired teen relents. "Fine." He steps away materializing his blade to cut the air resulting in a portal appearing. "Next stop, Shinn's place." With that, he enters.
"This is safe, right? Like we're not going to the Arctic or somewhere." Jirou nervously asks.
"Yes, it is." Kanao answers entering next.
With a shrug, Jirou enters next.
"Seeing this kinda reminds me of that villain back at the USJ now that I'm close." Uraraka comments.
"Good thing this portal isn't trying to take us away, right?" Midoriya replies tightening her hand in comfort.
"Yeah, you're right about that." She smiles. "Alright, see you guys on the other side." They both walk through disappearing.
"Let's get going too." Momo says to her remaining classmates as she enters the portal.
Relon takes a step for something to grab his sleeve. Turning around, he looks to Mina seeming to hold a troubled expression. Turning fully to her, he waits for what she wants to say. Yet no words ever leaves her mouth. Tilting his head in wonder, he notices the slightest of movements come from his sleeve.
She's shaking.
He begins to raise his other hand but she must have noticed as she immediately pulls away.
"Sorry." She mutters. "I don't know what came over me, haha." She gives a small chuckle. "Anyway, let's go!" She walks past Relon for the portal.
Time seems to slow down as he watches her. In that moment, for a split second, Relon sees that smile lower itself in only an instant. Before he can do anything, time reverts to normal leaving the pinkette to disappear into the rift.
Mina... What was that?
Knowing the only way to find out, he heads forward into the portal. Steppin out, he looks around to see the familiar area that is his neighborhood as the descending sunset brightens the area in a orange tint. Looking to his home, he sees everyone waiting for him. He locks eyes with Mina who quickly averts her.
With a quiet sigh, he passes everyone pulling out his key as they all follow to huddle around his front door. Inserting the key into the doorknob, he clicks it open allowing everyone inside.
"Whoa!" The group exclaims looking in awe.
"Lucinance, you live here?" Uraraka asks.
"You must have done some serious remodeling or something." Jirou comments taking in the room.
"Did the government do all of this?" Midoriya turns to asks receiving a nod from his fellow protagonist.
"Your place is awesome, Lucinance!" He turns to see Mina plopping on his couch grinning like usual. "Can all start hanging out here?"
"Mina, do you have any sense of mannerism for being in someone's home?" Momo lightly berates.
"What's the problem~? It's all fine, right Lucinance?" She smiles looking to bobbing side to side.
Is she faking it? Well , regardless, for now just go with it. He nods.
"Whoohooo! New hangout spot acquired!" She cheers fallin on her side with her hands raised into the air.
"Good grief." Jirou shakes her head.
"Make yourselves at home." Kanao states heading to Relon's room.
"Where are you going, Kano?" Mina calls out leaning over the couch to the girl walking away.
Turning around, she answers.
"To change."
Relon's eyes widen in realization at the mess he's about to be in.
"Wait, you live with Lucinance?" Uraraka asks to gain a nod. "But I only see two doors down the hall..." Uraraka says tilting her head in thought before realization hits her face.
"The room on the left is Shinn's while the one on the right leads to the bathroom." Kanao explains.
"Where's your room, Kanao?" Jirou asks.
"I don't have on." Realization then hits Jirou as her expression becomes the same as Uraraka.
"Then... where do you sleep?" Mina asks.
"In his room." And Mina's face becomes the same bothered one as Uraraka and Jirou as all three slowly turn around giving dirty looks to Relon.
Quickly waving his hands in front of him in defense, Relon can do nothing else but look to the others for assistance. First to Nunu, he motions his head towards the three girls but all his step-brother does is grin turning to look away.
Nunu! You...! Damn it!
He turns to Momo for help and she seems to comply.
"Nothing is going on, you guys. It's Relon."
"Of course you'd say that YaoMomo but how would you know." Mina beams.
Momo is about to retort but her eyes widen as she steps down growing quiet leaving Relon's mouth agape.
Ah... Damn it! He turns to Midoriya. Midoriya, you're my last hope!
"Um." Everyone turns their attention to Deku. "K-Kanao, where does Luciance sleep?" He nervously asks.
"On the couch." She answers with her usual nonchalant tone.
Relon slides against the door to the floor as he releasing the biggest of sighs. He extends his arms out in a 'see?!' fashion.
"Kanao please say that soon next time." Momo asks placing a hand on her forehead as if she has a headache.
"Why is that?" She tilts her head innocently.
"Because you- You can't just...!" She sighs. "Nevermind."
"Come on~, we all know nothing was going on Lucinance, hehe." Mina winks to be met with a glare from Relon as he gets back to his feet which only makes her laugh harder before she suddenly stops. "Wait, Kanao, you're going to Lucinance's room, right?"
"Yes, why do you ask?"
Mina looks out the corner of her eyes at Relon with a raised brow and then to Nunu having recovered from his fit of laughter. Her eyes lock ono Nunu as if speaking telepathically and both give a small nod. She looks back ahead to Kanao, the girl reading her expression to seem in thought before nodding. Looking to both sides of her at Midoriya, Uraraka, and Jirou, she grins so Momo and Relon can not see.
Jirou facepalms shaking her head as Uraraka nods smiling in excitement leaving Midoriya to wonder what's happening.
"Mina, what are you-
"Nunu, now!" She shouts interrupting Momo, Nunu immediately getting behind Relon and pinning him with a full nelson.
"Full nelson!"
What the?!
"Nunu what are you doing?!"
"Everyone, Lucinance's room, NOW!" Mina shouts jumping over the couch carrying one of the pillows close behind Kanao as they sprint to their destination.
"Deku, come on!" Uraraka calls grabbing the boy's arm as they run close behind.
"Wha?!"
"Jirou, hurry up girl!"
"I can't believe we're doing this!" She runs close behind the couple.
"You guys, wait!" Momo gives chase.
"No thanks~!" Mina calls out throwing the pillow pass the couple and music lover to connect with Momo's face knocking her off her feet onto her butt.
One by one, the five enter the door and slam it. Relon can only stare in disbelief at what just happened.
What. Just. Happened?
Nunu let's go of his brother stifling another laugh before letting it out. Walking to Momo, the pillow slowly falls off her face as she can be seen blinking in repetition.
"What. Just. Happened?" He helps her up as they look down the hall hearing laughter as well as behind him.
Both look to on another blinking before turning around to Nunu. After another moment, he calms down.
"Phew, that was the funniest shit ever." He chuckles.
"Why? Just why?" Is all Momo wonders.
"Hey, it was Mina's idea and I did ask if you were sure about this."
Relon opens his mouth but closes it at the surprisingly sound logic. Not that he was going to say anything anyway.
I can't even be that mad in all honesty. It was funny after all.
Chuckling, he waves it off as the three head for his room.
"Mina plays too much." Momo sighs.
"I'm sure she was just trying to lighten the mood." Nunu responds.
"Well, that's definitely one way to go about it."
Stopping in front of the door, Relon turns the knob opening it to reveal the the three girls from the group panting for air with Kanao sitting at the edge and Midoriya sitting against the bedside on the ground.
"Tha... that was... funniest... thing ever... haha...!" Mina breathes out.
"I..." Uraraka breaks out into another fit of laughter. "I can't stop laughing... because Deku was so confused, hahaha!"
"I still can't believe we did that, ha..." Jirou adds.
They're so busy in their own world, they don't even realize we're standing right overtop them.
Shaking his head with a smile at theirantics, he looks over to see Midoriya rubbing his head nervously.
"S-sorry about the intrusion and all of... that." Izuku apologizes to which Relon waves it off before shifting to Kanao.
He takes a moment to take in the sight. Sitting on his bed is Kanao with a hand to her mouth as he sees her trying to hold in what can only be laughter with tears forming at the corner of her eyes. The sight brings a warmth to him as he smiles at his step-sister.
"This was good for Kanao, don't you think." Nunu whispers for Relon to nod.
100% agree with you there. He nods without missing a beat.
He moves over past the pile of giggling girls to plop onto the bed falling on his back.
It's only been a day but I've missed this bed so much. He slowly closes his eyes.
"Shinn if you fall asleep, I will wake-up slap you so hard it'll be super effective." Snapping his eyes open, Relon silently groans sitting back up with annoyance.
I don't even know what reference that was but whatever.
After a moment, the three recompose themselve and after an earful, mainly Mina, from Momo, the group can be seen looking around the boy's room. Nunu leaning against the wall, Ochako resting her head on Izuku's shoulder and Kanao on Relon's, Momo over at a bookshelf reading something and Jirou and Mina looking around the spacious room.
"Hey Lucinance, question." Jirou calls for him to look awaiting the question. "Why is your bed so huge?" He turns reaching into his pillow case revealing a card as he hands it to her spinning a finger.
'Government. That and I squirm in my sleep a lot.'
"Oh, that makes sense." He nods in agreement
Now that I think about it, even before the Malevolence Form, I squirmed a lot in my sleep.
"Hey, Lucinance." He turns to Mina as she turns around only to stiffen at what's in her hands. "Is this you and your family?" She turns around revealing the framed portrait of a young Relon with his sister and mother on the shore.
Kanao's eyes snap wide open as does Nunu's. Momo turning around as does the others.
"Wait, what?" Uraraka stands to her feet followed by Deku as they and Jirou huddle looking at the picture. "Awe, a little Lucinance."
"Who's the girl? Is that your sister?" Jirou wonders.
"I'm guessing that's your mom, right?" Deku comments "She's beautiful."
"Hey Lucinance, where- Mina stops her question being the only one to look up seeing Relon no longer sitting on his bed, only Kanao. "Where did...?" She answers her own question seeing the door close behind him.
"Why did Lucinance leave?" Uraraka asks looking between the two remnants and Momo.
Midoriya looks to the door, his mind already at work but nothing seems to click. Everyone watches Nunu lean off the wall walking to them.
"Let me see it." Mina complies as she and the others take notice of the mood change.
He looks at it solemnly.
"Guys, Shinn's finally back!" A child shouts to the dozens of children.
Those apart of Squad Omega snap to the call as their eyes widen.
"Crono!" Aqua shouts, the others already gathering around him.
"I know!" He materializes his blade raising it above him. "Alright, just like in practice. Think and swipe!" He slashes the air for a rift to form. Yes! Alright, hurry up!" He shouts entering it followed by the other four.
Jumping out, the now five look around the room full of beds to spot Relon sitting at the edge.
"Relon!" Aqua shouts reaching him first. "What happened?!" She questions shaking him by his shoulders. "Relon! Hey. Hey! Answer me!"
"Aqua, calm down! Look at his eyes!" Nunu shouts snapping her from her panic.
She focus on the two orbs to widen her own.
"They're..." She mutters "Flickering?"
"They're altering between both his Eramsus Mode and Malevolence Form it would seem." Archer comments.
"Wait, Aqua, check his arms!" Achi says motioning to do just that.
"Right!"
Both raise the white dress shirt sleeves to show nothing.
"Wait, I'm not seeing any markings, are y'all?" Lles comments with confusion.
"Is he exerting only a mere 1% unable to keep the balance between the two transformations stable?" Archer thinks aloud to himself as he then notices something. "What is that Shinn is holding?" At this, everyone looks down to see what seems like a picture frame.
"A picture frame?" Aqua questions gently pulling at it but she is unable to pull it out. "He's holding onto it too tight."
"Try flippin it around." Lles suggests.
She does and it works as it reveals a young Relon with a woman and girl his age.
"Who are they?" Achi asks.
"How the heck should we know?" His sister retorts.
"Is that... his family?" Aqua asks, the five looking between one another before back to their leader.
"Just what the hell happened to you, Shinn?"
He moves over to the nightstand by the bed placing it back as it were before. He walks back opening the door to stop where he is.
"Let's go." He leaves, the four looking to Kanao who stands up looking at the photo before leaving.
"Yaoyorozu, what was that about?" Uraraka whispers.
"Even I don't know. But you heard Nunu, we came here for a purpose, remember?"
He didn't react like that when I commented on the picture...
"That's right. We should get going." Deku speaks up.
Everyone nods as one by one they depart leaving Mina behind. Looking back at the photo, her eyes falter.
"I did it again..." She grips her fists in frustration.
"Mina, c'mon!" Jirou calls.
"Coming!" She responds with her cheerful voice although her expression tells otherwise.
Lucinance...
She turns walking out the bedroom to see everyone situated around the main room. Midoriya and Uraraka situated on one couch together, Momo and Jirou on the other, and the two remnants seated in the high chairs at the bar outside the kitchen.
"Where's Lucinance?"
"On the roof. He wants to be alone so we'll leave him be for now."
"O-oh." She moves to take a seat with Momo and Jirou.
"Alright, now that we're all here. We can get started." Nunu begins.
"To be honest I feel kinda out of place. This is the first time I've actually hung out with you all aside from Deku. Is it really okay for me to be here?"
"It's fine. You were going to be apart of the group sooner or later anyway. I'm sure everyone can agree to that, Uraraka."
"Oh? W-well thanks for having me, I guess?" The two remnants nod.
"So, y'all want to know the thing behind Shinn and that question, right?"
Everyone nods expectantly.
"Very well." Kanao states stnading from the high seat.
She walks to the window moving the blinds to reveal the now night sky.
"Reference. That is the name of the quirk that affects Shinn." She turns facing the group.
"So it's a quirk afterall." Midoriya voices his thoughts.
"Is it his? Like how Todoroki is?" Uraraka asks.
"No. It is a quirk used on him from back then."
"Then, he's had it for..." Jirou mumbles counting. "For seven years?" Kanao asks.
The group look to one another.
"What does it do?" Mina asks, everyone looking to the girl before back to Kanao.
"Simply put, by refering to something or someone, that person is hit with a mental attack." Nunu answers from his seat having the others look to him.
"Refer to something?" Jirou reiterates.
"Yeah. Take for example the new couple here."
"Us?" Uraraka and Deku both say pointing to themselves.
"Yeah. Let's say I use Reference on you and Midoriya so that neither of you two could address the other by their names. That means anytime you attempt to say the other's, a strong attack will affect you mentally. Or say, I make it so that if anyone asks if you two are dating, you both will be affected with a similar effect."
"That's..." Midoriya stops with his mouth slightly open.
"Horrible!" Uraraka finishes.
"And it only gets worse everytime until... pop. They die." Everyone widens at that last statement.
"Wait, why does it work in the first place? Aren't your forms unaffected by quirks?" Jirou asks.
"Yes, our forms protect us from direct quirks like Aizawa-Sensei's or any of yours but against a quirk that affects our minds which are much weaker than our actual bodies, that's a different story entirely."
"What happened to the caster? Couldn't you have made them undo it when they casted it?"
"That is impossible." Everyone turns to look at Momo holding a defeated look.
"Why are you saying that, Momo?"
"Simple." Nunu calls. "Because the user of Reference is dead." He flatly states, his voice cold with defeat in it as well.
Everyone's eyes widen as this, no one knowing how to react.
"W-wha-what did you say?" Midoriya asks again standing to his feet from in front of the couch, disbelief in his eyes.
"You heard me, Midoriya. The owner of Reference, the one who placed it on Shinn, the only one able to get rid of it, is dead."
"There isn't... any other way to... get rid of it?" Uraraka quietly asks Kanao, the girl shaking her head.
"Shinn tried everything but it was to no avail."
Midoriya falls back on the couch utterly stunned.
"No way... Lucinance..."
"Wait, but can't Lucinance just start talking? That way people will not ask him about it!" Jirou states.
"That is also impossible."
"Why is that?"
"Jirou, do you know why Shinn doesn't talk?"
"N-no, but what does that have do with this?"
"Everything actually." Nunu calls out standing to his feet as he walks over next to his step-sister to look through the window at the small portion of the visible roof.
"What do you mean?" Momo asks.
He turns around leaning against the wall as does Kanao, Nunu with his arms crossed and Kaano with her arms behind her as both look down.
"Do you want to say it?" He asks, her only response is a small shake of her head.
"You were one of the first to see him after that."
"I wish I wasn't. You know that."
"What are you guys talking about? Just say it already." Jirou states.
Nunu closes his eyes shut. He gives a half shake before opening them. His eyes falling on the pink-skinned girl before shifting to look to the whole group. Her worried expression deepens.
What was that for?
"The reason Shinn chooses not to talk... has to do with those two you saw in the picture." He speaks slowly, hesitance apparent.
Momo, Midoriya, and Mina's eyes widen as the information.
'It's fine, Midoriya. That question just takes me back to the past. Something I need to get over is all. You didn't do anything wrong.'
Then... the past he is trying to get over is...!
"So are they his family?" Uraraka asks.
A slow nod comes from the two.
"They do look alike so I figured as much." The music lover mentions.
Another slow nod.
"Nunu. Kanao." Everyone turns to Momo, her own worried look having intensified. "Wha-
"What happened to them?" Mina beats her to the punch, her own expression grim.
Everyone looking to the pinkette before back to the remnants to widen. Trying her best to hide it, is a shivering Kanao.
"Kanao?" Mina stands followed by Jirou in worry.
"Nunu, what the hell happened to them?" The alien-like girl asks again, slight anger in her voice.
"Mina, calm down." Jirou says.
"Don't tell me to calm down! Look at them! They're-
"Mina!" Everyone jumps at the voice seeing it come from Kanao.
"I'm... fine. Just listen, please." She takes in a deep breathe.
She opens her mouth to retort but gives up nodding as she and Jirou sit back down.
"Nunu, what happened to Lucinance's mom and sister?" Mina asks once again.
"... Are they...?" Now everyone looks to Midoriya finally speaking up.
"Yeah." Nunu finally looks up. "They're dead."
Silence followed by a heavy sensation fills the room. Everyone replaying the words Nunu just uttered.
This is all my fault... Mina tightens her hands resting on her knees. If I hadn't... Damn it!
"How...?" Mina snaps her eyes open looking beside her at Momo.
She traces the onyx-eyed girl's glance to Nunu. The male remnant lowering his head once more.
"They were caught in an accident. That's all I can say."
"That's it?" Uraraka asks.
"Wait, what do you mean 'that's all you can say?' You just told us Lucinance's family died in an accident!"
"Jirou." The music girl turns to Kanao. "That is all we can say."
"It was an accident... that never should have fucking happened in the first place!" Nunu shouts slamming his fist into the wall.
"Kanao." The female remnant shifts her eyes to Momo. "Can you really not tell us everything?"
"I'm sorry. I cannot." She grips her wrist looking down.
Momo gets up.
"Yaoyorozu, where are you going?" The round cheeked girl asks.
"To see Relon."
"You're joking, right? After what we told you, do you really think he wants company?" Nunu questions, anger flaring.
"Having someone close is better than being alone!" Momo retorts, equally as upset.
"Guys, we shouldn't-
"Use that brain of yours, Yaoyorozu! You saw, no. You know how sensitive Shinn gets about these kinds of topics. Did you forget how it was with y'alls interrogation?! Huh?" He words striking the five as guilty expressions form.
"Of course I know." Momo returns her gaze to Nunu. "I also know how often he's reminded of the past. Constantly having flashbacks to who knows how far back. You think I don't find it frustrating too?!"
"Then let him be alone for awhile! Shit, he's beyond sensitive! Always has been and hopefully won't forever be! Tell me, you guys." He looks to the five. "Do you honest expect him to talk about something like this with any of you?" His distorted voice roars silencing the girl about to speak her comeback.
"Crono." Kanao places a hand on the black marked-teen.
He huffs looking around to walk off to the bar taking a seat reverting to normal.
"I'm sorry." Are his first words. "Shinn and Insight are the only family I have left. Everything that happened at the hell of a place we had to call home is sensitive to all three of us. I won't lie to any of you when I say telling you five leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Even if we're all friends or acquaintances."
"As we have stated before. Shinn is the only one to retain his memories let alone proof of who his family was. In the years we have known Shinn, not once has he ever spoken about anything relating to his mother or sister." Kanao speaks
"Never?" Midoriya reiterates in disbelief to gain a nod from Kanao and a smaller one from Nunu.
"Out of the many things Shinn keeps to himself, the topic of his family is without a shadow of a doubt the closest. Aside from the cause of their tragic fate, we are in the dark as are you all."
"I... have a question." Everyone looks to Jirou with a raised hand.
"What is it, Jirou?" The sister remnant speaks before Nunu can.
"Don't get mad but... what about his dad?"
No one saw it coming. How could they? It was just a question. A question that held so much hatred and contempt, not a single person that knew of the facility could guess what their 'answers' could be as the moment that answer leaves the dark purple-haired girls mouth, both explode with such rage as black winds filled wit wisps blow throughout the home. Everyone being pushed off their feet to the couch or ground as they take cover from the random objects flying around the room crashing into furniture and the wall.
The sudden chaos dies down as the five slowly recover. As they do they stop. Now over the sudden house storm, they can now feel the full extent of both remnants' anger, the sheer amount seeming to suffocate the five.
I can't... breathe!
My body! It won't listen!
What's going on! Why are they?!
Nunu...! Kanao...!
I told them NOT to get mad!
Before the now standing group of heroes-in-training are both remnants in their Malevolence Forms. And with an arm out to both is Relon.
"Lucinance? When did you...?" Mina questions but he pays her and the others no mind as he looks to both shaking his head.
"Tch!" Is the only sound Nunu makes reverting to normal for the second time in a row as does Kanao.
Nunu forms a fist, his arm shaking as he raises it ready to deck his brother but holds it.
"FUCK! DON'T NONE OF YOU EVER MENTION THAT SON OF A BITCH! I DON'T FUCKING CARE WHO YOU ARE! SO MUCH AS UTTER ANY MENTION OF HIM AND I'LL...!" He shouts immediately stopping as he materializing his blade disappearing to return a a few minutes later in the kitchen to seat himself back at the bar and soon joined by Kanao.
Slowly, Relon lowers his arms as he gazes at the others, mixed expressions on their faces. He turns walking into the kitchen, all eyes on him as he rummages through the fridge.
"I knew telling them this was too soon. I just knew!" Nunu shouts slamming his fist against the counter. "It was too soon and you know it!" Shinn stops for a second before continuing his search. "It's only been three weeks since coming here so answer me Shinn, what changed?! Was it living in the mountains in complete isolation for seven FUCKING years! Huh? Was that it?"
"Crono!" Kanao raises her voice almost to a yell. "That's enough!"
"No, Insight, it's not! I want to know what's going on in that head of yours! The Shinn of seven years ago is a lot different than the one I'm lookin' at, that's for sure. You know as well as I do that explaining our past to those five is too soon!"
SLAM.
Everyone snaps their heads to the sound as Relon having closed the refrigerator door as he walks out carrying a water bottle with what looks to be tea inside. Taking a sip, he places it down in front of Kanao before surveying the wrecked room. Stuff all over the place such as fallen lamps and small knic-nacs lay sprawled against the floor and wall.
Raising his hand, everything glows a cyan color before lifting themselves up as everything floats back to their respective placements. He walks over past the silent group of five, not making eye contact with any as he expect the television to find it unharmed.
"Lucinance, are you..." Mina speaks up for her words to die out as he only raises a hand.
Moving over to the windows, he places a hand on them fixing any cracks visible for the glass to look good as new. He lets out a long breath through his nose as he walks back to the bar picking up his drink. He takes another swig, this one lasting a few seconds longer compared to the first.
"Shinn." His sister calls as he finally releases the bottle from his mouth.
He takes yet another small sigh closing his eyes as he tilts it in the direction of her as if wanting for the girl to continue while giving her the drink to which she takes a sip.
"What's on your mind?" Kanao asks, her formal speech and tone gone as she parts from the bottle.
He leans against the counter, his eyes droopy to raise themselves to meet hers as he raises his eyebrows like 'you know what.'
"Are you sure?" He shrugs pushing off the counter looking past her to his pissed off step-brother.
Kanao hands it to her brother as he chugs the remainder of the tea down slamming the now empty bottle.
"Whatever you have in mind, by all means, tell me. I just have to know." He states, sarcasm obvious.
Relon glances to the five students remaining silent. Kanao and Nunu follow his gaze.
"Please tell me you're shitting me. You are shitting me, right?" Relon shakes his head, Nunu slamming his head to the counter, a groan coming from him.
"Shinn." He looks to his sister. "There's no going back from this, you know?" He nods.
"Does anyone have any clue as to what's going on?" Uraraka mutters.
"One minute we're standing at hell's door about to be met with what I can only assume to be it's whole fury and now we're watching three people with crazy power act like nothing happened at all." Jirou answers. "If I'm wrong, someone please tell me I am."
"I think you're spot on, Kyouka."
"I agree." Midoriya states.
"Be real, Shinn." He gets from his seat walking to Relon. "What's on your mind? Right here. Right now." He points to the ground to reiterate his question.
Stepping away, he walks past the white-haired remnant as he stops at the beginning of the hallway. Turning to his left, he looks at his right arm.
"Shinn? What are you thinking? It better not be what I think it is."
Looking from his arm out the corner of his eye to Nunu, he clenches it closing his eyes. He slowly turns facing the seven, his appearance taking on white circuit-markings along the right side of his body.
I'm tired of all the secrets. I want to let them in on at least some of the past. That's what I'm thinking.
Told y'all it was almost done.
Long live IzuOcha lmao!
Annnnnnnnd the squad finds out about Reference and Relon's family.
Oh, and put this story on Wattpad as I'm going back and revising everything from the start to make sense with where the story is right now. That includes hopefully all of the small grammar mistakes that'll soon be fixed.