Hi Ya'll! Here's chapter 24! Thank you so much for all the reviews and love! I love it so much! You guys are the best! Enjoy this new chapter and please continue to leave your lovely feedback. PLUS ULTRA!
Both teens were silent as they stared at the hulking frame of All Might, the tension was thick in the air; Minami felt like a little kid who had been caught with their hand in the cookie jar before dinner was ready.
Minami slowly released the breath she was holding and didn't dare move as she stared up at the intimidating gaze of her father. Glancing over at Shoto, she could see a similar deer-in-headlights reaction.
Minami spotted a flash of confusion go through her father's eyes; he clearly didn't realize just how intimidating he appeared at that moment. A few more seconds went by, then it was as if a light bulb was lit over his golden head, and he finally understood just how frightening he must have looked to the two teens at that moment.
All Might released a puff of air and forced his shoulders to relax, liberating his body of most of the tension it had been holding. His smile appeared a bit more genuine then.
"I apologize, I did not mean to startle you two kiddos. I just left my office to look for Young Yagi and heard your voices in the courtyard," his gaze shifted to Minami,
"My girl, will you have lunch with me? Your father just called me from my agency and wishes to speak with you,"
Minami sighed, knowing it was a partial lie, but necessary to keep their secrets. Discretely glancing at Shoto, she could see the mild disappoint in his face at having their conversation cut short.
Minami forced a smile to come to her face when she could only feel irritation at being interrupted,
"Of course All Might-sensei," she turned back to Shoto, feeling upset that they couldn't finish what they started.
"I'm sorry Shoto, do you mind if we talk some more later?" Minami spoke regretfully, not ready to leave the half and half boy's side, but knowing with the look her father was still giving them she had no other choice.
Shoto nodded with a tight lipped smile and reluctantly released her hand. Minami hated how cold her hand felt without his own securing it.
"Of course Minami-chan, we'll have plenty of time after school."
Minami felt a bit of hope fill her then, realizing that Shoto was correct in that they could always stay behind after their final period of the day and talk more then.
"Come along my girl, no time to waste now, your father is waiting for you on my office phone," All Might interrupted Minami's inner thoughts as he extended his hand to her to help her up the stone steps in one large stomp, eager to get her away from the boy who had attracted her attention.
Taking All Might's giant hand, she was easily pulled up to the top of the courtyard to stand beside the number one hero. She could hear the quiet sigh of relief that All Might released at finally having her by his side; it caused her irritation at the situation to flare wildly.
Looking down at the blonde girl next to him affectionately, All Might turned to address Shoto, feeling a bit guilty for shocking the boy so with his unannounced arrival.
"Now Young Todoroki, don't forget to eat lunch. Lunch is an essential meal of the day that is needed so you can really plus ultra thorough the rest of your afternoon! HAHAHA!" All Might laughed his typical belly laugh while he gave him a thumbs up, using his overly charismatic attitude to try to cover his tracks for his possessive behavior.
Looking confused at the out of place fatherly advice, Todoroki nodded quickly, not wanting to challenge the larger hero for anymore of Minami's attention.
"Yes All Might sensei, and I apologize again for taking up Minami-chan's time, I did not realize her father had been trying to get a hold of her." Shoto bowed slightly, for the first time eager to be away from the large hero, his presence making him antsy, though he couldn't really understand why.
All Might waved the boy's apology away and smiled once more as he placed his other hand on Minami's shoulder, leaving Shoto behind and guiding Minami back inside the school.
Once inside the building, the only noise that could be heard were the sounds of their footsteps as they walked the quiet corridor. When All Might was sure they were far enough away from Todoroki, he deemed it safe to speak as the entire school was still in the cafeteria.
"I'm sorry to have interrupted whatever….THAT was back there, but I do have a few things I need to discuss with you and Young Midoriya at this time-"
"You totally over-reacted! It was nothing, we were just talking about what happened at the USJ when YOU came barging in and scared the shit out of us! We're JUST friends!" Minami snarled at her father, not enjoying the feeling of her hormones still swirling wildly through her with no opportunity for release. She didn't bother holding back her anger now that they were alone.
"Language, young lady," All Might reminded her with a firm voice, though not liking the attitude in her voice either.
Looking down, All Might raised one of his thick blond eyebrows as he saw the large yellow rose still clenched in her fingertips.
"Just friends eh? What did we agree upon when we last spoke about dating little one?" The golden hero could see Minami's cheeks were flushed and she seemed on edge; the last thing he wanted was a full blown tantrum from the girl, especially in a public place. He attempted to take things down a notch as he spoke more quietly while they approached his office door.
"Well, it technically wasn't a date, it was just a discussion!" Minami huffed, the irritation still evident in her voice. She didn't like the unfamiliar jittery feeling flowing through her body, it was like she had an itch she couldn't scratch.
All Might scoffed to himself at her explanation, for the first time slightly lamenting her cleverness and determination. Not having the patience to deal with her attitude at that moment, he decided to drop the issue.
Arriving at his office, he swung the door open and ushered Minami inside.
When the door nearly slammed open, Izuku's head swiveled towards the sound. Sitting on his stool next to the coffee table, holding the bento All Might had made him in one hand, he looked like he was thoroughly enjoying himself; the few yakisoba noodles that dangled from his mouth evident as he inhaled his food.
"Have a seat my girl and eat the lunch I made you," Closing the door behind them, All Might phased back into his thinner form, coughing into his palm.
Minami's spirits picked up slightly at seeing Izuku there, who waved happily at her, his mouth still full of food. Minami giggled at how silly he looked.
"Hi Izu! Is the food good?" she smiled as the boy vigorously nodded his head, his appetite unyielding now that he had inherited All Might's power and was constantly training.
Taking a seat next to Izuku on the second stool, She opened the bento box and to her chagrin saw her bento consisted of curry and freshly sliced daikon radishes. The curry she didn't mind so much, but she couldn't stand the taste of the radishes, and knew that her father had purposefully packed this lunch to get her to eat more vegetables after Recovery Girl had mentioned her diet was in desperate need of more legumes. She digressed at the time, but one look from the matriarch had quieted any other thoughts of protest.
"Here, both of you, have some green tea," All Might poured each of them a cup and slid it to them.
Izuku dipped his head gratefully as he took the cup and sipped it, finishing up his bento.
Feeling her stomach rumble, Minami dug into the curry, appreciative for the filling meal.
All Might sighed as he swallowed a sip of green tea, setting his own cup on the table.
"I brought you two together to discuss a few things, mainly the UA Sports Festival, but also another topic."
Chewing on her curry, Izuku and Minami shared a look before Toshi continued.
"During the USJ attack, I really had to push myself beyond my limits to fight that Nomu creature. Due to that, my time as All Might has been shortened again, but this time to fifty minutes…"
"Fifty minutes?!" Izuku cried out in disdain.
What?! Minami thought to herself horrified, she choked on her bite of curry in her shock, coughing harshly, needing Izuku to pat her firmly on the back. Clearing her throat, she spoke up,
"Fifty minutes? But Dad…that's hardly any time at all!"
"Yes…my time limit's getting shorter by the day. I can barely maintain my muscle form for an hour now…" Yagi explained somberly.
Fifty minutes….just a year ago he could easily do 3 hours….that means…. Minami began connecting the dots,
"And in all honestly, the time I have as the Symbol of Peace, is quickly running out. Among those with villainess intent, there are some who are starting to realize that…." Yagi continued, answering Minami's own question to herself.
Deafening silence followed Toshi's explanation for several seconds as his words sunk in. Minami felt a tremor of fear go through her at her father's words.
Some villains know that Dad is getting weaker? But what's going to happen to all of us when the day comes when Papa can't fight crime anymore? Minami thought the incomprehensible idea to herself, not wanting to fathom that there would be a time where the hero All Might wouldn't exist any longer. The thought of it frightened her more than anything else ever could.
"I'm so sorry, this is my fault," Izuku broke the stillness, tears pricking his eyes.
Minami couldn't help but feel guilt laden as well, feeling a strong wave of sadness overtake her. She pushed the brimming tears in her eyes back down, simultaneously feeling irritated at her mood swings.
"If we hadn't been cornered by those villains, this wouldn't have happened…" Minami lowered her chop sticks, losing some of her appetite.
Yagi shook his head, not wanting their apologies or to frighten them, "Please! Don't apologize, that isn't the main reason I brought you both here anyways," Toshi stopped when he saw Izuku was out of green tea, grabbing his empty cup and filling it up from the thermos full of the hot liquid.
"Here my boy, have some more tea." Glancing over at Minami who was staring at her food, lost in thought, Yagi reached over and pinched her cheek gently, giving her a wide grin, snapping her out of her inner thoughts.
"My girl, please do not worry. Eat your lunch now, eat, eat!"
Feeling slightly more encouraged as his reaction chased away some the negative feelings, Minami dug back into her curry, glancing in disdain at her slices of daikon radish still waiting for her.
"Now, I called both of you here today because I really want to talk about the Sports Festival!" he grinned with an upbeat manner, trying to change the subject.
Glancing over at Izuku, he continued, "You still can't regulate AFO right? But you said you were able to during the USJ attack? Explain further my boy what happened," Yagi laced his fingers in his lap, waiting for Izuku's explanation.
Minami's ears perked up, not realizing that there had been a time when Izuku was able to use AFO and not shatter all his bones. Then it hit her why he seemed so unsure about the idea of the sports festival earlier.
He's probably really worried about how he's going to compete in the sports festival, since he doesn't have the best control over his quirk…ugh that sucks, poor Izu. But if there's anyone who can figure it out, it's him… Minami thought to herself as she munched on her food.
"Well…to be honest…I'm not really sure what happened," Izuku groaned, feeling frustrated as he looked into his lap. The sting of disappointment hit him as he hadn't solved the puzzle yet.
"When I attacked that brain villain, there was no kick back, but the only difference was I used my quirk against someone else with a real intent to harm. Maybe it was just luck?" Izuku trailed off, still not feeling sure about his explanation.
Minami's heart clenched at the dejected look going across her friend's face. Knowing there really wasn't a food that Izuku didn't like, she offered him her daikon radish slices from her bento box, hoping the gesture could ease some of his frustration.
Yagi saw his daughter's movement, and his hand darted between the two children before Minami could finish her offering, preventing the exchange.
"Minami no, finish your vegetables."
The blonde haired girl retracted her hand holding the bento immediately, not challenging the no-nonsense tone her father had, not used to it. Hearing a snort, she glanced to her side and saw Izuku chuckling into his hand at the scene. Minami cracked a small smile, glad that she was able to at least make him feel better with her scolding.
Looking down at the now empty bento box with the exception of her radish slices, Minami began taking each slice carefully and stuffing them in her mouth, one by one, intent on eating them as quickly as possible to get rid of them.
Meanwhile, Toshi's large hand clapped Izuku's shoulder in an encouraging manner as he leaned forward, "My boy! There's no such thing as luck! I'm sure there's a perfectly good explanation. Besides, I chose you to succeed me because I KNOW you'll be a great hero. Now this Sports Festival is an event that the entire country will watch! You know what this means?"
Izuku shook his head, Yagi sighed dramatically good naturedly before continuing, "It means, my boy, that you, the fledgling Symbol of Peace, must announce to the world that you are here!" Yagi clenched his free hand into a fist, grinning at the boy.
Izuku hesitantly smiled back, still feeling nervous about not exactly having a plan, but slightly better that his mentor believed in him.
CRUNCH! CRUNCH! CRUNCH!
The loud crunching and chomping was distracting, interrupting what was supposed to be an encouraging moment. Both males looked in the direction of where the sound was coming from, seeing Minami with her cheeks stuffed to the brim with the crunchy vegetable as she resigned herself to eating it.
"What?" her response came out muffled.
Minami walked briskly down the hall, weaving in and out of the upper classmen to get back to the 1-A classroom to retrieve her backpack she had left behind. She whimpered slightly as she clenched her lower abdomen when another jolting cramp went through her once more.
Ugh, stupid curry and radishes, I think it's giving me a stomach ache. She thought to herself feeling slightly miserable and moody. She picked up her pace so she could quickly return to the teacher's lounge for her free period session while the rest of class 1-A had their English class.
Finally arriving back at her classroom, she slid the door open, seeing that most of her classmates had returned from lunch and were wandering around the room talking to each other before Present Mic arrived.
Walking inside she waved at a few people, and briefly apologized to Iida when he confronted her about not arriving to their table for lunch and how unhero like it was.
Squealing and laughter attracted her attention and she side glanced to see all the class 1-A girls had gathered around Jiro's desk. A sense of foreboding hit Minami and she silently tried to slide past without attracting any attention. However, that wasn't in the cards for her when her loud best friend spotted her arrival.
"BLONDIE!" Mina shrieked excitedly as she pranced over to her as Minami arrived at her desk.
Minami winced at how loud her pink friend was. Turning, she could see the rest of the girls look in her direction as she slung her backpack over her shoulder. Her eyes subconsciously drifted to Momo, who coupled with Jiro gave her a snooty frown.
Minami sighed to herself, forcing a smile to her face as Mina approached with Uraraka and Tsuyu in tow while her stomach churned and cramped once more.
"Did you hear?! Did you?! We're all invited to Momo's house this weekend for a sleepover! Her mom's gonna take us to a hot spring and then shopping in Tokyo's Ginza district! Her treat for all of us! Aren't you excited?!" the pink girl hummed with excitement while Uraraka and Tsuyu smiled beside her.
"I didn't say I'm inviting that gaijin…" Momo's unmistakeable voice rang loud and clear through the classroom, copying Bakugo with her insult.
Tsuyu's, Uraraka's, and Mina's smiles fell as they turned to look at Momo. The majority of boys nearby shied and looked away, intimidated by the normally kind girl, not wanting to become involved in the girl drama. Minami instinctively glanced at Shoto's desk, hoping to see the boy there to back her up a bit, but to her disappointment the desk was empty as the boy was yet to return from lunch.
Turning to her other side, she saw Izuku was also not at his desk. Likely finishing up with her father discussing plans for the UA Sports Festival.
"Why not Momo? She's my friend! It'd be fun," Mina was the first to stick up for Minami, not understanding the raven haired girl's disdain for her friend.
Minami felt anxiety grip her throat. Normally she could kiss her friend for always being so loyal, but this time she just wanted to drop the issue and be on her way, not feeling up to doing battle with the creation quirked girl.
Momo sighed and crossed her arms, rolling her eyes. "Because, it's my sleepover, and I don't want HER ruining our good time, so take it or leave it,"
Tsuyu and Uraraka looked at each other feeling conflicted then, eagerly wanting to have some fun that weekend, but feeling uncomfortable with the bullying they were witnessing.
A cruel smirk twisted Momo's mouth then. "Besides, she's just some trash from the middle of no where, USA. I doubt she even grew up civilized like us. She probably wouldn't even know what to do at a hot spring, let alone know how to go shopping at a mall."
Jiro followed Momo's lead and both girls sputtered a laugh. Minami flinched as their laughter stung her, bringing back bad memories from when she was teased at school in Oklahoma by the other girls. She felt a blush fall to her fair cheeks and just wanted to disappear into the floor.
"Momo-chan….why would you say that? That's mean," The disembodied voice of Hagakure could be heard scolding the raven beauty.
"We…we don't have to go Minami-chan, really, it's not a big deal…" Uraraka whispered as she looked at Minami with guilty eyes.
Glancing at Mina, Minami could see her getting ready to fire something back at Momo when Minami laid a lily white hand over her arm, stilling her.
She's not wrong, I've never been to a hot spring before…and I did basically grow up in a shithole of a town, especially compared to how nice and advanced most of Japan is….she's right, I basically am still a gaijin, tears pricked at her azul eyes; Minami blinked them back and forced a smile to her face.
"Really, it's ok, I don't care, I had some stuff I needed to do anyways this weekend. Please go and let her rich, and probably snobby mom, treat you guys like the awesome friends you are, you'll have to tell me all about it." She whispered as she put on the most convincing smile she could manage, hoping it would be enough to convince her friends to go and have fun, especially since it sounded like they would not be spending a dime of their own money.
The three girls looked unsure, but Minami could see the excitement dancing in their eyes at the idea of being so spoiled for a weekend. She was sure they rarely got to do anything like this, and they were so looking forward to it, she didn't want them to feel an ounce of guilt.
It would have been nice to do something fun and girly too, if Momo didn't hate me so much…
Suddenly, it was as if a weight was lifted from them, and all three girls let out a sigh of relief as Minami gave them permission to go have fun guilt free, despite feeling bad for Minami and feeling slightly conflicted.
The three girls smiled at her, with Uraraka and Tsuyu chattering happily about what they were going to see and do, saying bye to Minami before they left her side to go take their seats.
Only Mina remained, still feeling hesitant. She took Minami's hands, looking her friend in the eyes.
"I promise I'll bring you something back, I swear I-"
Minami stopped her, and squeezed her hands back, smiling harder, with tears shimmering in her eyes. She knew her friend could see through her and saw she was upset. Minami cursed how easy she was to read.
"It's ok! Really! Have fun," she squeezed Mina's hands once more before releasing them and trudging forward, afraid to look back at her friend again for fear she would break down.
She walked up her aisle, bag slung over her shoulder. As she moved to leave the classroom, she passed Jiro and Momo, but refrained from making eye contact with them. Looking down, she could hear Momo hiss a phrase violently just loud enough for Minami to hear.
"Sokoku e kaere gaijin!" (go back to your country outsider)
Minami's knees shook, but she forced her legs to move faster as she left the room and got into the hall way. Just outside the classroom, she could still hear Momo and Jiro's distant snickers from beyond the closed door; she felt her heart pounding in her chest as she felt her emotions rise to the surface.
She knew this phrase, it was whispered at foreigners who came to Japan that stirred up trouble.
Is this how I'm seen by my classmates? Just some foreigner who will never fit in?
Walking away, Minami was in her own world as she kept her head down, not wanting to speak to anyone.
What's wrong with me? I'm like a rollercoaster of emotions today. Who cares about stupid Momo? Why does it bother me so much now? Ugh this is ridiculous, I'm just so over today.
Minami felt a tear go down her cheek; she angrily rubbed it away.
I need to stop thinking about stupid Momo and think about more important things, like the UA Sports Festival. I should talk to Papa more about how to stand out in the UA Sports Festival. I know he said that it would be easy for me to win over the crowd if I just acted like myself, but I'm not sure I understand what he means…I thought I needed to be flashy…Maybe Izu will still be there and can help give me some ideas?
Minami took the final turn down the hallway and was fast approaching the teacher's lounge.
I wonder where Shoto is, I hope I can see him again after school… The thoughts of Todoroki brought a small smile to her face.
Would he really have kissed me, or maybe I was imagining it? I wonder what it's like to kiss someone? Does it feel weird to have someone that close to your face? Or does it just come naturally?
Soon enough, Minami arrived to the door of the teachers' lounge and she quickly let herself inside, glad to be able to have a shield from the rest of the school.
Stepping in, she saw the lounge area that she had become familiar with over the past few months of school. Distantly, she could hear a soft snoring and looked to see Aizawa snoozing in his yellow sleeping bag on the couch, dead to the world around him. Turning right, she pushed through the door into kitchenette area, and saw her father sitting there, his blue suit hanging loosely on him in his thinner form. His stern face looked up to see his daughter walk through, and he cracked a small smile.
"My girl, good timing. Have a seat next to me, we have a few things to discuss before your math lesson with Ectoplasm begins," Yagi explained as he patted the seat of the chair next to him.
Swallowing nervously, Minami paced quietly around the table and took the seat next to her father, setting down her backpack. Pulling out her math book and note pad, she paused and looked up at Toshi, noticing how imposing he could still look even in his thinner form.
"My girl, after thinking about it thoroughly, I've decided that you will no longer be going to or from school without me escorting you, but-"
"Dad?! What are you talking about? I always walk to the train station and then walk with Mina the rest of the way to school!" Minami's loud outburst interrupted Toshi's explanation, and he sighed, beginning to lose his patience with Minami's foul attitude.
Patience, Toshi, the older hero reminded himself, breathing deeply as he felt his temper getting ready to show itself.
"Minami," he stated as he lowered his tone even deeper, "I know this isn't ideal for you but you need to just trust me-"
"But that's total bullshit dad! I'm not a little kid anymore! This isn't fair and I'm not doing it! I'm-"
"YAGI MINAMI! What on Earth has gotten into you?!" Yagi roared as stood up from his chair, knocking it backwards as he transformed into All Might, losing his shit as he had finally had enough of his daughter's smart mouth.
Minami piped down immediately, her eyes growing large at the absolute behemoth of a man standing in front of her who was directing all his anger and frustration right at her,
"You have been acting like spoilt brat all day and I have had enough of it young lady! Now you are going to do what I tell you to because I am your father and I know what's best! Do you understand?!" All Might snarled at the girl, then paused and looked at her face, feeling somewhat satisfied to see she had finally quieted down, but instantly regretting the fear in her eyes.
"Y-y-yes sir…." Minami squeaked out, placing her shaking hands in her lap as she dropped her gaze to her math book, feeling terrified to do anything else.
Nodding at her acceptance, All Might detransformed back into Yagi, coughing harshly into his hand, blood coating his palm. Pulling out a napkin, he cleaned himself up and reached over to pull his chair back up. Sitting back down, he spared a side glance to his daughter, seeing her still slightly shaking hand turn the page on her math book, and he felt another pang of regret hit him.
An awkward silence encompassed the room as both father and daughter worked on their tasks, except for the occasional scribble made by Toshi on the papers he was grading, and the ticking of the wall clock.
Both could sense the tension but were unwilling to say anything, until nearly 10 minutes had passed and Minami tentatively broke the silence, looking cautiously at her father.
"Papa?" Minami asked softly.
"Hmm?" Toshi hummed back in response, his eyes still glued to the stack of papers he was grading, red pen in hand.
"Why do….Why do some people not like foreigners?" Minami asked timidly, not sure how to word the subject.
Toshinori raised his eyebrows at her question, not expecting it, before answering.
"Well my girl, I suppose it's because some citizens have trouble understanding other people's cultures, or they feel threatened by how different foreigners can look. Though sometimes, foreigners don't follow our society's rules, and that can aggravate some people as well…" Yagi explained slowly, ghosting over the subject and not wanting to get into a big discussion on the other reason that foreigners sometimes aren't well liked; that some people were just bigoted.
Minami looked at Yagi with big eyes, processing what he said before looking a bit crestfallen and glancing back down at her math book, nodding her head.
"Oh…Ok then…"
Yagi's eyebrows scrunched together at her reaction, feeling a bit confused.
"Did something happen today Minami?" Yagi questioned, leaning down a bit to try to get a better look at Minami's face. When she leaned away from him, Toshi felt sadness course through him at her action, not being able to remember a time where she had shied away from him.
Minami stayed silent as she stared down at her open math book, her finger tips playing with the corner of the page, afraid to look up at her father again else he would see the tears she felt swimming just behind her eyelids. In the end, she just shrugged her shoulders, refraining from eye contact.
Seeing his daughter's reluctance to talk any further, Toshinori sighed and set his pen down on the table, not sure how else to proceed.
"Alright, well I need to go make a quick phone call, so I'm going to step out for a few minutes. You can take that time to gather your thoughts, sound good my girl?" Toshi explained to his daughter feeling a little bit exasperated.
She's been acting up all day, and on top of that I have two weeks worth of assignments that I need to grade, and the villain that attempted to kidnap her is still on the run, which is exactly why I can't let her walk around alone anymore, but I can't tell her that else she could lose focus on the upcoming Festival…Yagi thought to himself frustrated as he rubbed his temple.
Minami winced at his slightly sharp tone, and nodded her head, still not looking at her father.
"Yes sir," she mumbled, as she grabbed her pen and started doodling on the corner of her notebook.
Looking back at Minami once more with a slightly worried expression, Yagi sighed as he turned and pushed his way out the swinging door of the kitchenette area.
Alone, Minami finally looked up and rubbed her eyes vigorously as tears leaked out, dry sobbing.
I've cried so much throughout the past week, it's exhausting and I feel emotionally drained. Ugh, I just want things to be normal again! Minami whimpered to herself as she pressed the heels of her hands over her eyes, whimpering when another cramp struck her lower abdomen.
Hearing the door swing back open, Minami shot up forward out of her chair and to her feet, shocked her father would be back so soon. Looking upward, she saw it was Midnight instead.
Initially, the sultry hero walked in with a swing of her hips and a coy little smile, on the prowl for her favorite coffee mug. Seeing the young girl's eyes swimming with tears, her smile dropped into a look of concern.
"Mini Might! What's got you all upset?" Midnight pursed her plush lips together as she abandoned her initial task and instead took a seat next to Minami, taking her small hand into her manicured one.
"I….." Minami hiccupped as she scrubbed away the rest of the tears with her free hand, inhaling deeply as she reined her emotions in.
"it's alright, you can tell Auntie Midnight. Now, just between us girls, what's got you so flustered?" Midnight encouraged.
Sitting back down in her chair, Minami tearfully told her about the near kiss with Todoroki, the bullying she has been experiencing at the hands of Momo, and the bit of arguing she had been having with her father, unable to bottle up her feelings any longer.
"Oh lovely, I'm so sorry. I know it's hard being a teenager sometimes. I promise everything is going to be just fine now." The heroine purred as her motherly instincts took over and she hugged the petite blonde girl, stroking her hair.
Minami fell into the embrace, enjoying the motherly attention, feeling a bit lighter after her confession to the more experienced woman. After a few minutes, Minami pulled away, and smiled hesitantly at Midnight.
Midnight smiled back at her.
"Such a pretty girl shouldn't cry." The older heroine smiled as she reached out to straighten Minami's hair down the front of her shoulder, smiling maternally.
"Now, why don't you go to the sink and get yourself a cup of tea from the hot water pitcher, you'll feel a bit better."
Nodding at Midnight's suggestion, Minami stood and walked to the sink, grabbing a clean mug off the counter and filling it with hot water and a tea bag. Sipping the beverage, Minami closed her eyes and sighed, feeling the best she had all day at that moment.
Midnight's right…things will straighten themselves out now…I just need to be level headed about it all…
Hearing a quick inhale of a gasp behind her Minami's eyes popped open, destroying her zen moment. Turning to look back at the heroine, she saw Midnight's slightly alarmed face, her hand over her mouth, staring at Minami's behind. The girl furrowed her brow in confusion.
"What? What is it?"
"Oh….Oh hunny, you've…you've started your time of the month…" Midnight spoke softly from behind her hand, wishing it weren't true.
Contorting her body so she could look at her behind, Minami saw the large red blood stain dead center on her school uniform skirt. Glancing back at her chair, she also saw a matching blood stain on the seat cushion. Minami froze, feeling a look of horror go across her face.
Oh. My. God. You have GOT to be fucking kidding me?! Minami screamed to herself internally, not believing her luck.
"Wha….What?..." Minami croaked out, praying to any God that would hear her that this was just a bad dream, that she would wake up any second now safe in her bed, and this would all just fade away.
"Is this your first period?" Midnight asked softly, a worried look still planted on her face as she stood from her chair.
"No!" Minami exclaimed before continuing "I….I just wasn't expecting this, it's too early,"
"Oh hunny, it's probably from all the stress you've been under, with you getting injured at the USJ attack, then getting an infection and being sick all week, I'm sure your body has gone into overdrive and now you're just a bit hormonally imbalanced. Hush now it'll be alright," Midnight strode over to the tomato faced girl and pulled her into another hug.
Minami lost the battle of wills with her emotions then and began crying in earnest. She felt at a loss of what to do, feeling defeated by the situation that was a horrible ending to an awful day. Somewhere between her tears and sobs, she heard the door push back open and her father's surprised voice.
"My goodness! What is going on in here?" Yagi asked, extremely worried.
She could hear Midnight speaking with a clipped tone to All Might as she continued to squeeze Minami around the shoulders and to her torso, explaining everything Minami had told her, and slightly scolding the older hero for the anger he showed her earlier. All Might responded dejectedly, feeling absolutely awful. Minami didn't focus on what was spoken exactly, and only hid her face in the woman's shoulder, unsure of how to face her father in light of the most recent event.
"What?! Her… Her period?!" She could hear her father exclaim as he began coughing harshly before phasing into his large form, trying to find a way to deal with the uncomfortable situation.
Leaning forward and putting his fists on his hips, All Might cautiously glanced at Minami's bottom where she was still trapped in Midnight's embrace, and winced to see the large blood stain that stood out starkly against her navy colored skirt. Taking a tentative glance at the seat cushion, he blanched to see the matching large crimson stain there.
Suddenly, Midnight's face brightened up as she got an idea.
"I know! She has extra gym clothes in her locker in the girls' locker room. All Might! Stay here with her until I return, talk to her and make her feel better!" Minami whined as Midight unhinged her arms from around her torso with surprising strength, leaving Minami feeling vulnerable and she finally forced herself to open her eyes and stare up at the impressive stature of her father, who was standing there sheepishly, wringing his hands.
Halfway through the door, Midnight stopped and turned back around, smiling at the girl,
"Now don't you worry a second my lovely! I'll be right back before you know it with a fresh change of clothes!" disappearing behind the door, the heroine left father and daughter alone.
Minami turned and began crying harshly into her hands, her back to her father, feeling heat seep back into her cheeks, mortified at the situation. She could hear the heavy footsteps of her father as he approached.
"Little one, I'm so, so sorry. Did you know that you were…having your…you know?" All Might asked softly as he crouched down beside Minami to lay a large hand on her back.
Anger encompassed Minami at his question, and she responded harshly,
"NO! I didn't know! Why would I allow this to happen if I knew?!" she snarled at her father before continuing,
"Besides, why are you talking to me if I'm just a spoiled brat?!" Minami turned away slightly from her father and dry sobbed into her palms, feeling sadness rip through her again.
All Might frowned and sighed, feeling guilty once more. His anguished face looked out of place when all the world was used to seeing him constantly smile.
"My girl…I am so sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that, it was very wrong of me, I've been under a lot of pressure recently and I should not have taken it out on you" All Might reached out and tentatively took Minami's hand, firmly gripping it in his own.
Minami turned to regard her father once more, her eyes a blazing blue as she felt another wave of anger go through her, though slightly less this time,
"I'm NOT a spoiled brat!" Minami growled lowly at him, staring All Might straight in his eyes.
All Might smiled softly at seeing that determined look in her face, "No my dear, you most certainly are not," he patted her hand, attempting to calm her down.
Seeing the fire die down in her eyes, Minami's bottom lip quivered before she threw herself into her father's embrace, burying her face into the crook of his neck; all was forgiven. All Might eagerly wrapped her up in a bear hug, planting a hiss to her cheek before rocking her softly as she wept.
Hearing the kitchenette door swing open again, Minami could feel her father look up, expecting to see Midnight. Instead, she heard an almost robotic voice ask what was going on, and her eyes snapped open, realizing who it was,
Ectoplasm.
Looking up, she could see the hero taking in the scene for himself, then an equally horrified look going across his normally stoic face as he figured out what was going on.
Quickly, her father addressed the other hero, suggesting to him that they reschedule for another time.
Nodding quickly, Ectoplasm slowly backed out of the small room with his math book and calculator in hand, probably thanking his lucky stars he didn't have to be involved in this estrogen-filled situation. Soon Minami and All Might were alone once more. Minami felt another wave of embarrassment rise to her face. She whimpered as she buried her face back into All Might's suit coat, dreading the idea that yet another person knew about her period.
All Might seemed to sense her dilemma, and stroked her soft blonde hair.
"Sweetheart, you have nothing to be embarrassed about, you had no control over this…Ectoplasm-sensei won't say a word to anyone, I'm sure of it.
Minami sniffled as she nodded against his shoulder, before whimpering again as she pulled back slightly to grab her lower abdomen as a another cramp assaulted her, curling her body inward a bit.
All Might felt a bit alarmed, worried that something was wrong,
"Minami my girl, are you ok? What's wrong, are you hurt?" the seasoned hero pulled away slightly, looking at his daughter, pleading with her to be truthful.
Minami felt a bit bashful before she quietly explained,
"No….it just hurts…."
Realization dawned in All Might's mind before a look of sympathy crossed his face, pulling her back inwards to continue their hug.
"That's alright my girl, we'll get you some pain medicine for your cramps before we go home…"
A peaceful silence drifted between them as All Might began to rock her a bit once more as he hugged her, humming a soft melody that was calming to Minami, thought she couldn't put her finger on the name of the tune.
"Your conflict with Young Yaoyorozu, is that why you asked me earlier about foreigners my girl?" All Might broke the silence, genuinely curious.
Minami nodded vigorously into his shoulder, hiccupping, before speaking,
"Y-yes. S-she called m-me a g-gaijin….I-I'm s-sorry papa, I-I-I don't k-know why I-I-I've been so m-m-mean today…"
All Might's heart broke as she confirmed she was being bullied for her unique status. Shushing her, he continued to crouch and hold her in a tight embrace.
"Little Minami it is alright, I know you haven't been feeling quite like yourself today..." All Might licked his dry lips, quickly thinking over an idea before proposing it.
"How about this, after you get cleaned up we go out to that new pastry shop by our home for a little treat. Then this weekend, you come with me to Might Tower in Tokyo instead of staying home, it can be a good experience for you to see just how a large hero agency operates!" All Might smiled as he pulled away to look at Minami, relishing the look of surprise and joy that crossed her face.
"Really?! You really mean it?!" she grinned , All Might laughed a jolly laugh as he stood up straight and patted her head.
"But of course my girl! And if you'd really like, how about you invite a few girls over for a sleepover the weekend after the UA Sports Festival? That way you can have your own sleepover!"
Minami squealed with joy before wrapping her arms as far as she could around the thick torso of her father.
"That would be amazing papa! Thank you thank you! I love you so much!"
All Might chuckled at her enthusiasm, just glad to see her smiling again and patted her head.
"I love you too sweetheart. Everything will be alright my girl, for I am here."
Alright guys! That was chapter 24! Some teenaged girl drama going on! Figured I had to have it since this kind of stuff always happens in high school, along with the poor soul who always unexpectedly has her period at school and has to get new clothes; there was always one at least once a year when I was in high school. Also wanted to add some cultural clashing with Minami, as people know she wasn't born in Japan and isn't fully Japanese. And while Dadmight is awesome, he's not perfect! So wanted to make it realistic too.
And I know a lot of people don't understand why Momo is so mean to Minami, I promise all will be revealed! There is a reason! And she is normally her sweet self! Just doesn't like Minami for specific reasons! I LOVED all the reviews from my last chapter! It really spurred me on to release the update sooner! Please continue leaving all the love! It really makes me smile! Next chapter is Might Tower and the beginning of the Sports Festival! Stay tuned! :)
