Chapter summary: Itsuka is finally able to meet the number 3 hero. She learns from her that you have to make your own strengths and hone them to the best of your abilities.
Chapter 3: Staying Realistic
His Mom was the number 3 hero…
Izuku's Mother was the number 3 hero! No wonder he was so rich! The money she got from being a pro hero and a model must've been crazy!
The real question was how she never noticed. She never really thought to question Izuku's heritage, mainly because she was just so happy to have him in her company. But, now that she thought about it, the resemblance was uncanny. The green hair and eyes, their powers, and his last name was Midoriya! She was such an idiot! It should've been evident from the get-go!
She had to ask Izuku to meet her! Itsuka knew it was a bit insensitive. Children of celebrities tend to resent their parent's celebrity status, but Tornado was just so cool! Everything the woman did, she made it look easy. Lifting tons of rubble off the ground, saving dozens of people at once, making a candid look like a professional photo shoot, no matter what she did, it seemed to come as naturally as breathing to her! She was such an inspiration. Itsuka looked up to her almost as long as she has All Might. To be able to talk to her in person would be a dream come true. There are so many questions Itsuka needed to ask her. For example, what was her weight limit with her telekinesis? How did she get such flawless skin?
Could anyone really be a hero?
Even with Izuku's constant assurance that she could, that speck of self-doubt would come back full force and smack her in the face. Validation from the woman who was so confident in her ability to do anything would give Itsuka the conviction she needed. Itsuka hated taking advantage of Izuku like this, especially after what happened, but she needed to know…
Could she be a hero, even without a quirk?
"Please, Izuku! I just have to meet her!"
"I'm sorry, but you can't," Izuku said.
"Why not!?"
"You just… you just can't, okay."
"I can't, or you don't want me to?" Itsuka said uncharacteristically.
Izuku glared at her. "I don't want you to. End of discussion."
What the hell! Did he not like his mother? That didn't seem to be the case from the memories. So what's the issue? "C'mon, I just want to ask her some questions! Aren't we friends?"
Izuku gave her a look of betrayal. "Itsuka, do you hear yourself right now? You sound just like those bastards at school trying to butter up to me."
Itsuka flinched. She did sound like she was just using him, didn't she? "I'm sorry. It's just that I've looked up to her for so long." Itsuka looked at Izuku with desperation in her eyes. "I have so many questions that only she can answer. I swear, Izuku, I'm not trying to use you. There are just things that I need to know. So, please…" Itsuka gripped his shoulders, practically begging him at this point. "Let me meet her!"
Izuku's eyes softened, and he turned his head away apologetically. "Itsuka, I understand how much you look up to heroes, but I just don't want you meeting my mother."
"Can you explain why at least? Do you have a problem with her or something?"
"Of course not! I love my Mom! I don't have any problem with her in particular. I just have a problem with her meeting you. She can be a bit… blunt."
"She can't say anything to me that I haven't heard. Please just let me meet her."
"I'm sorry, Itsuka, but my answer is no," Izuku said.
"So that's how it's going to be?" She didn't want to have to do this. But Izuku left her no choice. "Okay fine. Just know you brought this upon yourself."
"Brought what upon myself…? No… you wouldn't!"
Oh, she would. "You've left me no choice Izuku. I have to do this." She undid her signature side ponytail and closed her eyes in preparation for her technique.
"No… NO! STOP!" It was too late. Before he could look away, Izuku fell victim to one of the most vicious and evil techniques to ever be conceived…
The puppy dog eyes
"Please, let me meet Tornado, Izu." Damn it! He had to resist! No matter how cute she looked with her hair down or how sad her eyes looked, he had to fight! But man, she was gorgeous…
No! Idiot! You need to figh- Oh, who was he kidding.
Izuku sighed, finally relenting to Itsuka's request (demand more like) "...Fine. I'll call her and ask her to come home. Don't be surprised if she doesn't come, thoug- OOF!."
Itsuka slammed into him and gave him a giant bear hug. "Ohmygod! Thankyouthankyouthankyou!"
She had no clue what compelled her to do what she did next. Maybe it was to make up for her constant pestering. Perhaps it was out of pure excitement. But, although it would make the next few minutes awkward, she wouldn't exactly regret what she did.
She closed her eyes, cupped his face…
And gave him a giant smooch on the cheek.
…
…
…
"...I'm uhh… gonna go call my mother now…."
"Yeah… You do that…."
"...Okay."
Izuku proceeded to leave the room, vowing never to wash his left cheek again.
What was taking him so long? Did he call her already? What would she say about meeting her? Should Itsuka call it off? She should call it off. It's not like an important pro hero would go out of her way to meet some random hero wannabe after all. Oh God, the waiting was torture!
"Itsuka, I'm back. She sai- Ahh!"
There Itsuka stood, waltzing around the room with a crazed look in her eyes, sweat rolling down her face mumbling something inconceivable.
"Itsuka!"
"Ahh! I swear I'm not weird, Ms. Tornado. Just give me another chance!"
Izuku stared in confusion. "...Anyways… My Mom said she was willing to talk to you."
She knew it… of course, she wouldn't be willing t- SHE SAID WHAT!?
"She… She actually…?"
Izuku nodded. "But you have to make it quick, though. She has a photoshoot in about 45 minutes."
"I only need 5. When is she getting here."
"She's already here," Izuku said casually.
"Already!? When did she get here?"
"I've been here the whole time."
Itsuka turned her neck so fast she wouldn't be surprised if she gave it permanent damage. Here was Tornado, the amazing pro hero in the flesh. Green skintight Hero Costume and all.
"Uh- wha- ah...huh?"
She's been here this whole time!? Shouldn't she be on patrol or something!?
"If I was on patrol, do you think I would drop everything to come speak to some random person?"
Oh yeah. That did make sense. Wait a minute, how can she hear her thoughts. Was one of her Esper abilities telepathy!?
"No, Itsuka. You're just talking out loud." Izuku said.
"...Ah"
…
…
…
…She just talked to a pro hero and didn't faint…
This was the best day ever!
"Quit gawking! Hurry up and get on with it!"
Wait now!?
"Yes, now."
She really needed to stop talking out loud. "I'm sorry, I know you're a busy woman! But I just have so many questions for you!"
"You can ask 3."
"B-but I have at least 10!"
"You get 3, and that's me being generous."
Okay, this was salvageable. She would just have to make this count. No biggie. Itsuka pulled out her notebook (Izuku still wanted to know where she got it from) and flipped to her notes on Tornado.
"Okay, first question. How do you make Tornados using your telekinesis?"
"You're aware of how Tornadoes form, correct?"
"When warm, humid air comes in contact with cold, dry air, right?"
She nodded. "You're not as dumb as you look."
Itsuka was never so glad she paid attention in science class that one time.
"With my telekinesis, there is no limit to what I can take hold off. That includes air. I make my tornadoes by taking cold and warm air and forcing them together. The collision causes the cold air to push over the warm air, and the warm air rises through the cold air causing an updraft. Then, I control how fast that updraft rotates."
"So you can control air pressure?"
"Essentially, yes."
Itsuka couldn't help but gush. "You're so cool! You can basically control the weather! Okay, next question. Um…" Geez, this was embarrassing. "How do you have such clear skin?"
Whatever Tornado was expecting, it sure wasn't that.
"It's just that in every athletic photoshoot you're in, you always have such good skin. It's always baffled me how clear it looks. Even in person, you glow! Please tell me!"
The pro hero couldn't help but blush a bit. "Do you really wanna know my secret so badly?"
Itsuka nodded with finality.
"It really isn't that hard. You sure you want me to answer that. You could easily look this up online."
"I wanna hear it from you!"
The pro shrugged. "Whatever. Firstly make sure to drink lots of water."
"Make...sure...to...drink...water. Of course! It was so obvious!"
"Do you have to write all this down?"
Itsuka nodded.
"*sigh* Anyways, another thing you need to do is get plenty of sleep. And go easy on the sugar, cut back on carbs. Instead, stick to healthier foods like fruits, vegetables, and protein."
"Fruits… Vegetables… and protein!"
Tornado stared at Itsuka in confusion.
"What?"
"...You're weird. You know that."
"I have been told, yes!" She said with more enthusiasm than necessary.
"...Okay. Lastly, just make sure to keep your skin moisturized."
"Skin… Moisturized… Great! Thank you so much!"
"You do realize you wasted your last question on asking about my skin, right?"
"Well, it's something I wanted to know for a lo- Wait! What do you mean last question!?"
"I mean, you already asked three questions. First, you asked how I made Tornados, if I could control air pressure, and how I have good skin."
"The second question was a part of the first one!"
The pro hero shrugged and started walking away. "Sorry. I said three questions, and I answered three questions."
"Wait, you're leaving already? Can I at least get an autograph?"
"Yes, and no. There. I answered two more questions, happy?"
"C'mon, Mom! For once, could you not brush people off like this?" Izuku chimed in.
"Izuku, I love you to death, I do. But you're really pushing it this time by talking to me like that." Izuku's mother said with an edge
Dang it! This is exactly what he was afraid of. Why did she always do stuff like this? Couldn't she just indulge someone this one time?
"Mom, please just answer her last question?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't have a lot of time. I'll see you when I get home."
No. This couldn't be happening. She couldn't let it happen. Itsuka needed to know. She needed to know…
"Can I be a hero, even if I don't have a quirk! Could I ever hope to be someone like you!?"
Tornado froze in her tracks. "Without a quirk…?"
Itsuka at the ground solemnly. "I don't know if it's because I don't have a quirk, but the other kids have always made fun of me. But every time I would see you in action, I would forget about all my problems. You've done so much for me, and I'm only just meeting you…." Itsuka's cheeks became hot, and she adopted a more optimistic expression. "Saving people's lives with confidence, directly and indirectly. I want to do the same thing that you did for me for everyone else!"
"Confidence…*Sigh* Itsuka was it? Listen, that so-called "confidence" I have is just an act I put on to hide the fear inside of me."
"W-what? That can't be true! People like you and All Might make things look so easy!"
"Do you really think people like me and All Might have never feared for their lives? I constantly have to put aside my fear for the sake of others." Tornado looked to the ground, recalling all the things she's had to endure as a pro hero. "Uncooperative civilians, Natural disasters, would-be murderers, actual murderers. I deal with situations like these at least twice a week. It never gets any easier, even with my powers. But still…" The pro hero looked Itsuka in the eye with determination. "I'll do anything to protect everyone, even if that means risking my life."
She was so cool, wasn't she? But no matter what she was saying now, Itsuka couldn't see herself liking the outcome of this conversation.
The pro eyes softened a bit. "Pro heroes are constantly risking their lives for other people. You being a quirkless junior high girl with no notable talents, I just don't see you doing the same. So no, I don't think you can become a hero."
"I-I… I see…"
The pro began to walk off. "If you want, you can stay here a while." Before she was down the hallway, she said one last thing. "It's good to aim big, Itsuka. Just make sure those goals are realistic."
Izuku looked over to his friend in sadness. Itsuka's hair over-shadowed her eyes while she stood in complete silence, not believing what she just heard. Izuku felt she would ask that question, but hearing his mother's answer was something even he didn't expect. He expected his mother to say no, but hearing how passionate she was about being a hero made him rethink his evaluation of the occupation. Could it even really be called an occupation? True, they did get paid for it, but not everyone had the courage to risk their lives like that, not even people with immense power. It indeed was a dangerous job.
But he believed in Itsuka. True, she didn't have a quirk, nor did she have much confidence. But she had so many other strengths. Her smarts, determination, and big heart would all play roles in her being a great hero. She just needed to realize that. "Itsuka. Don't get discouraged by what Mom said. I know you can-"
She put her hand up, signaling him to stop. "No, she's right.'" Itsuka put on a fake smile and started laughing. "It was a bit silly of me to think I could be a hero. I mean, how could I ever be a hero. I don't even have a quirk."
"Itsuka, what are you saying!? I know my Mom can be a bit mean with her analysis, but you don't have to take those words at face value."
Itsuka shook her head. "Izu, it's okay. I know she didn't mean to hurt me with what she said." Itsuka looked out the window and asked. "Can you take me home? It's getting late."
He wasn't going to mention it was only 4:30. "Alright."
They walked to the front door, and Izuku activated his telekinesis on both of them. "Itsuka, are you sure you're okay?"
"You don't need to worry, Izu! I'm okay, I swear."
"...Well, if you're sure." With that, they took flight.
The fly was silent, but not the usual comfortable silence. The whole time Itsuka had a smile on her face. Izuku could see it was forced. Her eyes lacked their typical shine. It was rather unnerving.
They finally landed at Itsuka's home. Izuku watched Itsuka just stared at her front door, not making a sound. It was agony, seeing her in pain like this. It was just as bad as when he first met her, and even then, she was at least willing to share her feelings.
Izuku reached out for Itsuka, but she interrupted him. "Please stop. I know you're worried about me, and I'm flattered. But I need some time to myself."
"But I just-"
"Drop it, Izuku."
Izuku flinched back. Maybe she did need some time for herself…
So I'm going to let you know from here on out if you have any problems, we'll go through them together.
Before Itsuka could walk into her house, she felt herself lose control of her body. "Izuku, let go of me!"
"I won't, not while you're like this."
"I'm. Fine. Now let go of me!"
"But you're not fine! You know I'd never lie to you. So why would you lie to me?"
"Fine, you want the truth! I'm pissed off!"
"Rightfully so. My Mom said some mean things."
"I'm not mad at her." She grumbled
"It's okay to just be mad. I understand tha-"
"I'M MAD AT MYSELF, DAMMIT!"
Izuku froze in shock. Neither of them realized that he dropped his hold over her.
"How could I be so stupid! Everyone always told me it was impossible, but I didn't listen because of some dumb illusion that I maybe had a chance! It took a pro hero just to make me face reality, for God's sake!" Itsuka clenched her fist in anger. "I hate how right she was. And I hate myself for not seeing it sooner. My own parents didn't even believe in me! You were wrong about me Izu, I'm not smart! I'm a complete dumbass! Pro are constantly risking their lives, but I can't even stand up to a bully!" Itsuka clenched her teeth in frustration. "Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!"
Damn he was an idiot! Did he really think Itsuka got all of her emotional baggage out from the first day they met? It was apparent she didn't realize how amazing she was. Being with her this short amount of time, he's seen who Itsuka really is. Kind, compassionate, and selfless. She embodied the traits of a hero to a fault. He didn't care what anyone told him, not even Itsuka herself. She would make a great hero.
"So you're just gonna give up?"
"You say that like I even had a chance, to begin with! If you actually believe in me, then you're just as dumb as I am!"
Izuku stared at the ground. "You're right. I am dumb." He looked back up and stared deep into Itsuka's soul. "But I know a hero when I see one." Itsuka scoffed. "I'm serious. In fact, you've already saved someone."
"How many times are you gonna stand there and lie to my face? I can barely save my self-respect. Who could I have possibly saved?"
"You saved me."
Itsuka gave him a questioning gaze.
"You've done so much more for me than you could ever know. Just hanging out with you, knowing you're my friend, it's been enough for me to get through any bad day. I know it's only been a few weeks, but they've been so meaningful to me, I can hardly imagine not having you in my life."
Itsuka blushed and turned her head away. "It doesn't matter. None of that changes the fact that I'm worthless."
"But you're not worthless! You mean so much to me!"
Itsuka let out a tired sigh. "Izuku, I really appreciate what you're trying to do for me, and I'm sorry for lying to you and calling you stupid. But right now, I really need to be alone."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I'm sure."
"Okay…" He watched as Itsuka opened her door and couldn't help but ask. "Will I see you tomorrow?"
Itsuka turned her head and gave him a small but genuine smile. "Of course! I can't promise I'll be exactly the same, but I'm not going to let any of this stop me from seeing my best friend."
Izuku smiled back and got ready to take off. "Alright, I'll see you later! If you need anything, text me!"
"I will, you. See you tomorrow!"
She walked back into her house, leaving Izuku to fly back home with a bittersweet taste in his mouth. He wished he could help her like she did him, but he knew Itsuka was stronger than she gave herself credit for. Itsuka was never the type to give up so easily. She'll bounce back stronger than ever from this.
Itsuka ran upstairs to her room, slammed her door, and cried tears of frustration into her pillow. She didn't even bother to greet her foster mother. This was the second time her dreams have been shattered. Everything Tornado said about her was true. She was blinded from reality for so long. How could she think she could ever be a hero?
Itsuka pulled out her notebook and started flipping through pages. As she flipped through each page, she couldn't help but remember the hurtful things people have said to her.
She flipped through one page.
You still think you can be a hero!? You'll be lucky to be a janitor.
She flipped to another page.
I'm so so sorry! I wish things were different.
Finally, she flipped to the number three hero, and a teardrop fell onto the page.
It's good to aim big, Itsuka. Just make sure those goals are realistic.
Why was she crying? She needed to stop? She's known this for a long time. Her notebook was just her shield from reality. Now when she looks at it, she can't help but see shattered pieces of a broken dream.
A dream she didn't want to put back together.
What was the point? She had nothing going for her. Not a thing to speak of. She was weak, she was useless, she was worthless…
But you're not worthless! You mean so much to me!
At least someone saw worth in her…
I love you too, Itsuka! Be safe!
… Two people saw worth in her. That was two more than the initial zero she was thinking. But it still didn't make up for her being so weak.
Strength comes in many different ways. And one of your biggest is that brain of yours. Use it. It'll help you. I swear.
...Well, she did have a test coming up. Maybe she should study for that. While she was at it, she possibly could look up some exercises online, just to keep in shape.
Knock! Knock! Knock
"Itsuka! Are you okay?"
Oh yeah… didn't Yua say she took that acrobatics class when she was younger?
Itsuka went up and opened the door. "Hey, Mom."
"Itsuka! Are you alright? What happened? Did you get hurt? Did you-"
"Before you start fretting, I'm fine." Yua sighed in relief. "Say, do you remember those acrobatic classes you were talking about? Also, how would you feel about getting me a gym membership?"
Yua stared in confusion. "Why do you ask? Not that I won't get them for you! They sound like great things for you to do! But this is just a little sudden."
"Sorry for springing this up out of nowhere. I've had a real eye-opener today, and I just want to improve myself a little."
Yua stared before she smiled and ran off downstairs. "I'll look to see if we can find some good courses online!"
Itsuka stood in contemplation as she thought over what Tornado said. Realistic goals… Didn't heroes always do the impossible, so who's to say she couldn't?
With new resolve, Itsuka went back into her room, ready for new beginnings.
XXXXXX
"Before you all leave for class, I will be passing out your scores for last week's test. So make sure to study them and learn from your mistakes."
Momo couldn't care less about what the teacher was droning on about. It was the same process every week. Get tested, ace said test, prove her superiority to others, etc., etc. If she was extra proud of herself, she would show her scores to her father, who never really cared that much anyway, but it was something.
Her father had been extra… strict lately. Perhaps it has something to do with Mother's departure. However, she never had time to dwell on that because of all her Father's harsh training. Father never seemed to let her relax lately. Don't get her wrong, she liked training. It was just that Father never let her seem to slow down recently. The nauseating quirk training, the gruesome physical training, and the relentless studying was starting to become grueling. Momo asked her Father if they could take things slowly for once, which didn't end well for her. Now she knew better than to ask for a break.
But this was what she wanted, right? To become the best? She often heard that the strongest of people grow from the worst of experiences. If that's the case, then she should be on the right track. All she needed to do was keep moving forward. Momo would become the best hero, no matter how much she has to sacrifice.
"Nice job as always, Yaoyorozu. Although you've made a few mistakes on the back."
Impossible. The words "Yaoyorozu" and "mistake" don't mix. Momo looked at the back of the paper, and sure enough, she got a few questions wrong. But it wasn't a big deal. Father shouldn't get angry as long as she got above a 90. Although making minor mistakes like this is below her, Momo would use this as a learning opportunity.
"Kendou, a remarkable improvement!"
Tch, whatever. With her, anything more than "almost not worthless" is a remarkable improvement.
"You got a perfect score!"
…
…
…
…She was dreaming, right?
"Oh! Thank you, Ms. Takahashi."
"Keep working hard, Kendou. I hope to see similar results on the next test."
Itsuka gave her teacher a bright smile. "I'll do my best!"
The teacher nodded and went back up to the front of the class. This couldn't possibly be happening, right? Itsuka, freaking Itsuka, got a better grade than her. There is no conceivable way. People who are born weak will stay weak, and the strong rule over them. That's what her father always said. So how could Itsuka possibly have done better than Momo when both of their roles have already clearly been decided. She must've cheated. That was the only viable option. Itsuka couldn't just become smart out of nowhere. Cheating was the only thing that made sense.
It was time Momo retaught Itsuka an important lesson. Itsuka should know her role. She was weak, and it's time that she remembered.
Momo finally found a chance to enact her plan. Each and every time Momo tried to corner Itsuka, a teacher would be nearby. Of course, the weakling would need protection from the teachers. Finally, all the girls were leaving the locker room, and Itsuka stayed behind. So this was the first and likely only opportunity to get Itsuka alone.
Said girl was currently in her sports bra, buttoning her blazer while constantly checking her phone. Momo couldn't help but notice that Itsuka looked a little bigger. Before she was pretty skinny, not unhealthily so, but still thin nonetheless. Now though, she seemed to be gaining a bit of muscle. It still wasn't much, but it was a noticeable difference for her. She must've been training. Momo internally scoffed. What could she possibly be training for? You don't need strength training to be a janitor.
Whatever. It didn't matter what Itsuka was up to. Momo would put a stop to it. "Itsuka!"
Itsuka flinched and turned her head to face Momo. Her eyes widened in fear. Good. She should know not to challenge her. "What was the stunt you pulled in Math class earlier?"
"What do you mean, Yaomomo? I didn't do anything." That oh-so punchable face stared at her in confusion as if she didn't know what she did. Who does she think she is?
"I'm talking about how you cheated on the Math test!"
"I didn't cheat on the Math test!"
Momo grabbed her by the collar and pushed her against her locker. "Bull. Shit. There is no possible way you could've done better than me on that test."
Itsuka eyes widened, seemingly in realization, before a look Momo hadn't seen often flash in Itsuka's eyes.
Anger.
"Are you really that angry that I did better than you on some dumb test!?" Itsuka grabbed Momo's wrist in a surprisingly firm grip. "Listen. I've had a real eye-opening experience. I've realized how much I hate people who put others down. You're mad at me because I want to be more than some loser? Well guess what?" Itsuka stared Momo in the eye with confidence and firmly said. "Like it or not, you can't stop me from accomplishing my dreams!"
Momo, out of pure shock, released her grip on Itsuka. Itsuka then put on the rest of her uniform and left the locker room.
What just happened. When did Itsuka get so… confident?
For the first time in years, Momo was late for a class.
"Itsuka, are you awake?"
…
"Itsuka…" She opened the door and was met with an empty bedroom.
"She ran away! I knew it was only a matter of time! Please don't leave me!"
Yua didn't hear the front door open with all of her begging and pleading for Itsuka to come back. Nor did she hear the steps coming up the stairs.
"Mom?"
"ITSUKA!" Yua was getting ready to squeeze the life out of Itsuka until she realized how sweaty she was.
"Oh, you were just doing your morning workout, weren't you?" Yua said sheepishly.
Itsuka gave her a deadpan stare. "You thought I ran away again, didn't you?"
Yua just chuckled dryly. Itsuka walked into her room but then stopped in realization and got a bit of a blush on her cheeks. "Oh, by the way. Do you think we could possibly… maybe… go bra shopping…? I think I've grown out of them."
"You don't have to be embarrassed, you know?"
"Doesn't exactly mean it's not embarrassing."
"Yet you were perfectly fine with asking me to sign you up for ballet classes?"
"They help with balance and coordination!"
Yua snickered at Itsuka, defending her choice. Itsuka has grown a lot ever since she started on this journey of "self-improvement." Both mentally and psychically. Yua had already known that Itsuka was smart, but for the past three months, Itsuka's grades have skyrocketed. She went from scoring low C's to being a complete straight-A student!
Another thing that changed was Itsuka's physique. The results of her workouts are clear as day. The tank top and shorts really showed off the toned muscles in her arms and legs. It seems Itsuka has really been working hard lately.
Yua knew why that was the case. Although Itsuka has never told her directly, it was evident that this was her way of training to become a hero, with self-improvement being more of a side goal. As a result, Itsuka has been asking for a lot more stuff recently. Books, grip strengtheners, barbells. She's switched to a high protein diet and is signed up for acrobatics, parkour, martial arts, and ballet classes. It's as time-consuming as it sounds. Yua is proud Itsuka wants to improve herself but did she really have to work herself to the bone like this?
"Hey Itsuka, do you think you could maybe not go to your acrobatics classes today?"
"Why? Is there something wrong?"
"Not really. I've just been thinking you've been working really hard lately and that you deserve a break! So we can go out to do some fun stuff, or I can just order pizza tonight, and we'll watch movies!"
"As fun as that sounds…." Itsuka gave Yua a sad smile. "I'm gonna have to pass."
But Itsuka never passed on movies! She loved watching old superhero movies! She must be really dedicated. Maybe a little too dedicated. Doing all of these things at one time couldn't be good in the long run. "Itsuka, I know this means a lot to you, but maybe you should slow down a bit, give yourself time to rest."
"Sorry, Mom, but I can't afford to rest. If I get too comfortable, I'll go back to my old self."
What was wrong with her old self. "But I love your old self."
"I know you do. But I didn't." Itsuka looked down in shame. "I wanted to be a hero so badly that I never saw the reality. I was weak. I couldn't even stand up for myself, let alone others." She clenched her fist in determination. "So I promised myself I would become as strong as possible, so I could save others with confidence and also so the people I care about wouldn't have to worry about me."
Itsuka seemed so passionate… She was doing everything in her power to improve, so who was Yua to get in the way? "If you're sure… Just promise you won't go overboard."
Itsuka smiled. "I won't." Itsuka scratched her cheek and blushed once more. "Mom? Do you think you can give me some advice…?"
"Advice on what?"
"Umm….oys," Itsuka whispered.
"Could you say that again?"
"B-boys…"
…
…
…
HER BABY WAS GROWING UP SO FAST.
Itsuka looks extremely tired.
Izuku didn't get to see his friend nearly as often as he used to. Her workouts, studies, and classes constantly consuming her time. She's really been going at it ever since his Mom told her she couldn't be a hero six months ago. He was glad he was right in the assumption that Itsuka would bounce back from this.
He hadn't seen his friend in over 2 months. They've kept in touch though, they talk every day. But Izuku has been dying to see her in person.
Lately, he couldn't help but get this weird feeling around Itsuka. It was like he would feel a churning in his stomach but not like he would throw up. Of course, he knew what this feeling was, and he'd welcomed it whole-heartedly.
What was not to like about Itsuka. Every time she came around, it's like she was the only person worth paying attention to. Each and every time he saw her, she became more and more beautiful. Her teal eyes were like a forest the way you could get lost in them. Her shiny strawberry-blonde hair stuck out to him like a sore thumb. And no matter how sweaty she got, she always smelled like cherries.
Yup. Izuku really liked Itsuka.
That's why he couldn't help but be worried when he came by her house and saw the bags under her eyes.
"...I'm gonna be real with you, Itsuka. You look like you haven't seen a bed in months. You haven't been overworking yourself have you?"
Itsuka shook her head and chuckled dryly. "I didn't get much sleep last night. But I'm still ready to go out!"
Izuku knew that was probably a lie to keep him from worrying, but he didn't want to ruin the mood. "Just make sure you get some sleep. Anyways, what's the bag for?"
Itsuka blushed a bit. "Say Izu… You said you have a pool at your house, right?"
"...Go on"
"Wanna maybe… I don't know… Hang out ther- Woah!"
Izuku didn't need to be asked twice (or even at all). He took off with Itsuka and flew to his house faster than he's ever flown.
Oh God, this was happening. Stay calm little Izu, don't wanna make things weird.
Currently, Izuku was in his swim trunks floating in the water. Itsuka said she needed some time to put on her bathing suit. He almost passed out when she said that, but he managed, barely though.
He wondered what sprung this up? Itsuka didn't usually do stuff like this with him. Hell, she was embarrassed to even say the word bra. Maybe she liked him as much as he liked her. Izuku wouldn't get his hopes up, though.
After what felt like forever, Izuku saw the door off the back door open, and Izuku wanted in anticipation. Itsuka walked agonizingly slow. He understood, though. He was nervous too. Izuku didn't want to come off as a pervert, but he really wished she would walk faster.
After another agonizing wait, Itsuka finally made it to the pool.
"S-so? W-what do you think?"
…
…
…
Sorry, Izuku needed a second to reboot. Of course, Izuku always knew Itsuka had a nice figure but jeez. The way the teal blue bikini perfectly contrasted her body, eyes, and hair, which she let down for the occasion, was jaw-dropping. The workouts seemed to have paid off because the toned muscle on this woman was prominent. She had lean and defined muscles on her arms. Her abs were seriously toned. He could easily make out a six-pack. And Her legs… Oh God, her legs.
Everything about her was gorgeous. Izuku couldn't think straight. Is this what she's been doing for two months? Just getting more attractive? Who knew he'd be into a woman's muscles. Not him. That's for sure.
"Please don't stare. It's embarrassing." Itsuka said, blushing.
You pervert! Don't stare at your best friend like that. "I'm so sorry!"
"I-it's okay. Actually, that's something I want to talk to you about."
Don't tell him… Did Itsuka figure it out…
"Izuku… Do you have a crush on me?"
Well, no point in hiding it now. "Yeah… I do…"
"How long?"
"It's hard to pinpoint. But, one day, I just noticed that I would get super excited to see you. Two months without seeing you was more challenging than you would think."
Itsuka nodded, then a silence transpired. It seemed Itsuka was thinking some stuff over. Meanwhile, his mind was going haywire. Did she not want to be his friend anymore? Of course, knowing her, she was just trying to find a way to say it in the nicest way possible. He hoped that wasn't the case but knowing his luck, it probably was.
Finally, Itsuka spoke, "Izu, can you come here?"
Izuku nodded and swam his way to the shore. Itsuka took a deep breath before speaking once more. "I'm just going to come right out and say it. I don't want to date you. Not right now, at least."
24%
Damn. Izuku knew it would hurt. Of course, that didn't mean he had to like it. But it wasn't a complete rejection, though. "What do you mean "Not right now."
Itsuka tapped the empty space next to her, and Izuku climbed up and sat down. Itsuka cupped his face and smiled. Her tired eyes were shining with love. It made Izuku's heart skip a beat.
"I really like you to you know?"
56%
"Y-you do?"
Itsuka nodded. "I really do. But…" Itsuka eyes turned sad. "I'm really not looking to date. With all the classes I have, I know we wouldn't be able to make any time for us. And we're so young too. Our first year of Junior high just ended. So I don't know if either of us is ready for a relationship."
That was… understandable. It was hard arguing against that logic.
They once again both sat in silence. The mood was somber until Itsuka smiled, cupped his face, and gave him a big kiss on the lips.
100%
Izuku's psychic energy exploded, and it made the air around them feel light. They both floated in the air. The changing hues of the rainbow aura surrounded the teens as they passionately kissed under the summer sun.
Izuku would've never thought a year ago that he would even have another meaningful relationship. But here he was, kissing the prettiest woman on Earth. The books were right when they describe kissing as warmth. Combined with the controlled psychic power, the experience was euphoric.
They finally landed on the ground, and they released each other. Itsuka smiled and said, "None of that means I'm not willing to give it a try in the future. Just wanted you to keep that in mind."
Izuku sat stunned for a while before she shook his head rapidly to clear his mind. "That would be great. Just one question. Why did we need to go to the pool for this?"
"Oh. I just wanted to go swimming. But I'm glad I was able to indulge you a little."
Speaking of indulging… "Could we maybe… Kiss one more time again?"
Itsuka smiled and pulled him in for another kiss, one more passionate. This one lasted a bit longer than the first one before Itsuka pulled back, much to his disappointment.
"As fun as that is. We really should stop."
Izuku sighed. "Yeah. I get it."
Itsuka got up and stretched (he swore she was doing this on purpose) and said. "Hey, Izu."
"Yea-" He found himself being pushed into the water, and then she hopped in after him and started splashing him. Well, two could play at that game. He placed his hand in the water and threw a massive glob of water at her, disorienting her. Izuku may or may not have used his telekinesis to cheat, but who could tell.
"I saw the glow! You cheated!"
"You can't prove that!"
"Oh, now it's on!"
Unbeknownst to them, while they were having fun in the pool, a certain pro hero watched them in regret as she recalled her words to her son's best friend.
Someone told Itsuka to stay realistic
But who said the impossible was unrealistic
Author Notes: I... may have been a little not in my right mind when I made this scene. But the confession was intended from the beginning. I do plan on them eventually having an actual romantic relationship, but I'm going to put it on hold until we get to a time skip. Would any of you believe me if I said I originally planned for Itsuka to get with Todoroki. It was supposed to be a "subversion of expectations," but it wouldn't really be that. It would just make no sense with what I've written.
Some good news. I've gotten this story up on AO3 under the name Marcus_Hallway so if you prefer that site than check it out over there
We still got 1 chapter left before we get to canon. And this one is going to be Inko-centric mostly. I hope you've enjoyed this chapter, though. Until next time.
