Disclaimer: I do not own My Hero Academia. I'm not Horikoshi aight! If I was what am I doing here? Did I get into a fight with my editors or something? Point is I don't own this franchise. Or do I? No, I don't.

A/N: Woooohooo! Hope you're all having a wonderful time ladies and gentlemen. I finally finished this. And this chapter. I mean it's something else really. While writing and editing this, I just... I just love this chapter and I hope you all do as well!

On a side note, I would like to apologize for the delay. Truth is I had this chapter done quite some time ago, but then my final edit wasn't saved correctly and I had to rewrite some of the things. Bummer, but it happens. Anyways, I really appreciate your patience and support for this fic.

P. S. A new ship will be appearing on the horizon this chapter. Take a guess.

Move Forward And Take Flight Part 4

(Scrub, scrub) "All better!" Deku smiled at the now dried up floor. "No more tripping or slipping for this young hero."

"You're gonna leaving me out of a job, Deku." Uraraka teased him from the desk.

"Very funny." He stood up, threw the wet towel on his drying rack and sat next to her. "Anyway, what should we start with?"

"Hmm, worst subject first or best?"

"Hmm, that's a tough one. If we take our best subject first we'll definitely enjoy doing it, but we won't have enough energy left for the tougher ones. Then again, if we do the tougher ones first we might end up so exhausted that we won't have enough energy or drive to do the other ones. Maybe we can mix and match and just pick up them up randomly, but that will cause confusion in our heads...

"I think you're already doing that." She noted, snapping him out of his mutterstorm.

"Oh right, sorry." He scratched his head in embarrassment. "How about this. We start off with something that you're good at, but I suck at or vice versa. Help each other out and all. If you're okay with it."

"That's a great idea, Deku! Let's do it!"

Plus Ultra studying montage ENGAGE!!!

Uraraka was bumping her head on the desk, when Deku tapped her on the shoulder to show her an easier solution. She took his notes and started copying them. The problem was resolved and she joyfully hugged him causing him to heat up from embarrassment.

Deku was muttering something while furiously writing in his notebook. Uraraka was doing the same, but while freely floating around and spinning in the air.

Izuku's eyes were dead focused on his text book, almost exploding out of his sockets. His right hand was scribbling notes down lightning fast while his left was squeezing a stress ball to the brink of popping it. Ochako was watching him with a look of amazement, worry and disbelief all in one face.

Deku was struggling to wrap his head around a problem. Defeated, he banged his head on the desk. Ochako poked him on the shoulder, catching his attention. She was doing a less than ideal version of the All Might face while holding a sheet of paper with the words "You can do it, Deku!" written on it. Izuku was trying very hard to contain his laughter. How couldn't he laugh. All Might's face looked nothing like that from his perspective. But he gave her points for effort.

Izuku was trying to visualize a math problem by punching in the air. Ochako was trying to listen to him, but kept getting distracted by his arms. Extremely well built, covered in scars, and those biceps... When he asked her if she understood everything, she blushed and shook her head furiously, leaving him confused. Back to explaining it again. This went on for a while

Uraraka was yawning. She was barely able to focus on what was in front of her and nearly went to sleep. Izuku nudged her awake. Regaining conciseness and seeing Deku's determined look she slapped herself in the face with both hands and continued with the same, if not more determined look. To say that her study partner was surprised by this sudden surge of energy was a huge understatement. Deku felt sorry for whatever villain went up against her in this state.

Izuku was doing pushups while reading his textbook on the floor. Ochako was sitting on his upper back eating a piece of Mochi and reading her own textbook. They sometimes switched sides, but Izuku kept accusing her of cheating with her quirk. It's not that he thought she was weak. Quite the contrary. He saw her as one of the strongest and bravest heroes in his class. But Izuku just couldn't believe that she could do 500 push ups, one handed with him on her back, while reading. Or was he just going insane?

They were both casually chatting while looking at a huge 2 meter wide text book trying to explain it to each other. There was a little figurine of Aoyama on his desk watching them. It was always there so neither payed attention to it. They were too busy focusing on each other. Not even the impending exam doom could tear their gazzez appart as Iida furiously waved his hands in front of them, forcing them to study. The two were too focused in each other's eyes to notice their class reps usual lectures. They leaned in and share a very passionate first kiss. Ochako felt someone poke her on the shoulder and her name being called out. She jolted awake and the first thing she saw was Deku's big green eyes staring at her with concern. She blushed madly, remembering the dream she just woke up from and covered her face. Izuku was trying to calm her down, being even more confused than before.

They were both extremely focused on their notebooks. At some point, like clockwork, they both let out a heavy sigh, turned to each other and suggested they take a break at the same time.

Plus Ultra studying montage BREAK!!!

"Uhh, I feel like my head's gonna explode!" Uraraka whined as she collapsed on the All Might sheets on Izuku's bed.

"I know what you mean. It feels like we've been cooped up in here forever. Even though it's only been about 3 hours." Izuku noted sitting on the bed next to her while looking at the time. "I gotta say I never thought studying with you would be so fun." He slapped his mouth as soon as he said it.

"Oh come on, Deku!" She shied away playing with her locks "I'm just being me, that's all. Not like I'm trying to be fun or anything. Besides, you're the one who's been carrying this study session. I would be completely lost without you helping out."

"Believe me, it's the same for me too! I've always had to study alone in the past and I was pretty nervous about it, but..." She looked at him in awe. "I'm really having fun!" He felt the reflex to shut his mouth again, but instead he just smiled brightly. Wherever this honesty was coming from, it was really bringing him closer to her and he didn't mind it all. He was shit scared, but he felt really safe around her and he liked it.

"Hm..." Ochako smiled back at him "I'm glad."

They stayed like that for a few seconds. Afterwards they started to casually chat about the other classmates, their favorite foods, movies. Embarrassing stories and all the sorts. Sharing laughs and sometimes secrets. They both felt like they were growing closer.

Izuku started to understand her on a whole nother level than just "That nice girl from class who inspired his hero name and who he brokenly confessed to being his best friend." At he really started to feel it.

Ochako on the other hand was really happy he was opening up like this. The once shy and timid boy she met at the gates of UA was now this, aspiring hero and her best friend. She really felt how much he wanted this. How much he wanted to become a hero. How much he really looked up to heroes. Even in his own class. She felt inspired and yet, there was still something creeping up inside her. Something dark, tucked away under lock and key. It was as if, he was slowly picking the lock apart without even trying.

"Uraraka?" Deku stared at her curiously "Is something wrong?"

"No, not at all! I was just thinking about how much more we still need to study for." She lied tucking away that old forgotten thing as soon as even a sliver surfaced. "All these final exams. They're pulling up all the stops. And it doesn't help that Mr. Aizawa's gonna be the supervising them."

"Well it's true, he can be .quite scary" Izuku sweat dropped "Scarier than any villain out there, that's for sure." The image of Aizawa's glare made Izuku shiver from head to toe.

"Well I definitely wouldn't want to face him in that predicament."She sweat dropped as well" Oh yeah that reminds me."

"Hm?"

"Could you tell me about the guy you man-handled this morning! I wanna know all the details!"

"Oh that? It was nothing really. He had a gravity altering quirk. He activates it at will by looking at someone. It was pretty easy after that. I just used my new black whip power to cover his eyes."

"You say it like it's nothing." Ochako smiled widely admiring him.

"Well..." His green eyes, filled with gloom "There are worse villains out there. It really was nothing special. Oh speaking of which, I just remembered something."

"What is it?"

"At the supermarket, after the villain attack. I kinda, ran into your dad."

"My dad!? Oh, nooo!" Ochako blushed in embarrassment "What did he say? He didn't tell you anything embarrassing did he. I feel like I'd die."

"Not really, from the way he spoke he was very proud of you."

"He-he did? I mean, yeah, of course he did. Daddy always tells me he's really proud of me and that I'll be a great hero someday, but..." She said twirling her hair

"But what?"

"It doesn't matter, okay!" Something caused her to snap "He probably told you because you're in my class. Or just to brag, maybe. He always does this, it's so infuriating!"

"You're wrong!"

"What?" Ochako stood up and looked ot him. His face was serious, determined even. Like he was about to face off against a villain.

"He didn't know who I was beforehand. And he didn't seem to be the type to brag just like that. Then and there, I saw the look in his eyes. The look of a father who was so proud of his daughter that he couldn't help but open up about it, to me! A complete stranger! If only..." Izuku's eyes started to fill up with tears. "Anyway my point is. I don't know what's your relationship with him. But it's clear as day that the man loves you and is proud of you no matter what! Because he sees how amazing you are, not just as his daughter, but... As a person and a hero!"

"Deku..." Ochako's face scrunched up and her eyes started leaking. The lock had been smashed and that old feeling finally surfaced "No, you're wrong! I'm not... I'm not like that at all!"

"Uraraka!" Izuku panicked when he saw her cry. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to be harsh or hurt you in anyway. I was simply trying to... I don't know what I was trying to do or say. It's just that..."

"It's not you..." She said through her tears.

"Wha-?

"You're amazing, Deku. (sniff) It's not you!" She stood up and ran through the door into the hallway. She didn't know where she was going, she just wanted to run away. Run away from him.

"Uraraka, wait!" But she just kept running until she was almost out of sight. "DAMNIT!!!" Izuku furiously punched the wall, drilling a small hole in it "Some mouth you have, Izuku! You dumbass!" "Wait, up I can explain!" He started running after her trying to fix the mess he thought he made.

Todoroki was walking down the hall, lost in thought "Should I go with it? What if it totally backfires? What if she ends up hating me in the process? Is it worth it really worth it? Would that hinder me in anyway? Improve, maybe? I wish I knew."

"Go away!" He heard sobbing. As he turned his head crying he saw a crying Uraraka running down the hallways past him.

"Uraraka?" She ignored him and ran right past him.

"Please wait! I can explain!" Izuku showed up running towards her. Shoto reached out his right hand creating an ice wall stopping the green haired boy dead in his tracks. "Todoroki?"

"I think you've done enough!" His voice was harsh. His eyes - Endeavor's death stare. "Care, letting me in on what's going on?"

Izuku looked at the ground in shame and started to explain everything, from the morning when they met, to the study session, to the break, the villain attack, the mention of her dad, everything that went on that day.

"I see..." Shoto placed his hand on his chin to think "Based on what you told me, I think you should give her some space. I don't think you said or did anything inherently wrong or cruel. Maybe the way you said it at best. But, you don't know what's going on inside her family. It can be quite a touchy subject." His eyes were speaking the truth, especially his left eye, surrounded by his trademark scar. Izuku had no reply, he just looked at the floor

"Listen." Todoroki said melting the ice with his other hand. "Try to take your mind of it. Care to join me? I could actually use the company." Izuku looked up. Todoroki's smile was inviting, but a but also a bit nervous, like he turned a complete 360 from 10 minutes ago.

"Sure, I-I'd like that."

Ochako stopped hearing Deku's cries from behind. She could only hear her own sobbing as she ran towards her room on the girl's side of the dorms. She entered her room closing the door shut. Locking herself up where no one can hear her cry. When she was sure she was alone she let it all pour out of her system. The memories they all started flooding back.

"We can't go on like this!" A young Ochako was peaking through to the kitchen, hearing her parents talking. "There just haven't been enough clients to meet our quota. I'm worried." Her mother stated.

"I get what you mean. And with Ochako, we have another mouth to feed. I don't know how we'll make it through the month." Ochako's eyes stated to water.

"Don't say that. She might hear you." Ochako's mother placed her hand on her husband's shoulder.

"I know. It's just..." Mr. Uraraka started crying "I want to give that girl a bright future. I don't want her to struggle like we do everyday. I love her far more than I hate seeing these damn bills!"

"Daddy, please don't cry."

"I know you do, honey. I love our little Ochako as well. We'll get through this together. I promise!"

"Mommy? Daddy? Are we in trouble?" Ochako walked in the kitchen where her parents were with tears running down her eyes. An overwhelming sadness started glooming over her.

"Is it my fault? Am I a burden to them? I don't like seeing Mommy and Daddy worry."

"Why?" Back in the present, Uraraka had curled up into a ball on her bed, and the tears just kept on coming. She remembered an earlier memory. How she ran away from Deku. "Why did he have to see me like this? He probably hates me right now. Or thinks, I'm weak, or some sort of burden he has to carry." She curled up tighter into a ball.

"You know that's not true" A voice inside her head tried to comfort her.

"I know... I know. He would never do that. Deku's not that type of person, but... What if he did? What if we? What if he likes me back, we start dating and he gradually gets disgusted at this side of me and doesn't want me holding him down."

"Uraraka, I like you, you're cute and funny and all, but that crying side. It's holding me back from my full potential. Please understand, two crybabies will just become a flood." An Izuku inside her head told her in the most polite way possible.

"I should just give it up! Even if I did tell him it wouldn't matter! I'd just be weighing him down. He deserves someone better. Someone more stable. That's for sure." Another thought raced on by

"Hey Uraraka. So me and Tsuyu started dating. She's a lot more emotionally stable, than you. She helps me deal with my own emotions really well. Plus her quirk is super useful for training! And don't even get me started on the 'bedroom training'." Her imagination shifted to a training montage of Tsuyu and Deku training together among other things.

"Noo, stop it! That's not true! Don't go there!" Ochako held her head tight. Her quirk activated and she started floating inside her room, still in a fetus position. "What's the matter with me?" Her imagination still running wild.

It was 10 years later. Ochako was looking out from her run down apartment, that she could barely pay the rent each month, towards the city. She never did make it as a hero. She always blamed herself for it. Her emotions, her jealousy, her weaknesses. But she was somewhat fine with it. Because there was someone else who she looked up to to take up the big mantle. And he did. "He did it, once again!" The old run down radio announced. "Deku the number one hero and the new Symbol of Peace has saved us from yet another villain attack! It's great to know there's someone out there who took up the mantle of All Might to keep us safe." Ochako felt a Melancholic smile creep up. She was sad that she wasn't with him and always wondered what could have been, but she's happy that he at least reached his dream. It kept her going even in her worst days.

The brunette continued floating around in a fetus position while her imagination ran wild and her eyes continued to leak. "Why? Why do I have to feel like this? It's not fair! All I wanted was to help my parents. Help them live an easier life. To not be such a burden to them. Why'd I have to fall in love? So selfish. And so stupid! I hate this. I hate this! I HATE THIS!!!"

"Ochako?" She heard a familiar voice coming from behind the door. "I heard you screaming. Is something wrong? Ribbit."

"Tsu?" She released her quirk and went to open the door "Hey what's up? I'm sorry if I disturbed you."

Tsuyu quickly scanned her from head to toe. Her face looked worn out, her eyes red and swollen. "You look like you could use a friend, right now." Uraraka didn't say anything, she just stepped aside letting her friend inside.

"Wait so you like Yaoyurozu!?" Deku asked his half-half friend while they were walking through the halls. "Like as in, more than a friend kind of like?"

"You can put it like that. It's just that. Ever since the teacher battles, she... I...I couldn't come up with a decent strategy to beat Mr. Aizawa. It was her that saved us and ultimately made us pass. I guess I just..." Todoroki blushed as he couldn't finish the right sentence." She's was so... dependable, while I just rushed in like an idiot! Other than that, her demeanour, her eyes, her somewhat shy personality, it... It kinda reminds me of my mother in a way. Is that weird? To think of her like that?"

"I don't think so! Maybe it's only natural for you to like someone who's familiar and close to you." He pondered on his own friendships. Like the one he felt he just screwed up.

"Oh? Does Uraraka remind you of your own mother?"

"HUH?!" Deku blushed like a tomato before going into another guilt trip. "I mean... Its just"

"I'm sorry, was it too soon?"

"No, it's fine. I feel bad about it, but it's something I have to talk to her about eventually. I don't want to lose her friendship above all else. "

"That's wise. Anyway, about my earlier question."

"Oh, well..." Izuku pondered on the thought for a few seconds "I guess you can say that. It's not like they're identical, but they do have something in common."

"What, like crying?" Shoto teased

"That was uncalled for!"

"I'm sorry, I couldn't resist." Todoroki chuckled "But anyway what are the exact traits that you see similar?"

"I don't know... I guess the fact that she's pretty... Sympathetic."

"Sympathetic?"

"I'm not sure it's the right word, but she gets excited about what other people are doing. Kinda like my mom with me, I think. She's also very kind, caring and friendly. I can't help but shake this feeling you know." Izuku trailed off into his head blushing." And then. That happened"

"It will pass. You and Uraraka are already very good friends, so I'm sure everything will be alright in the end. Don't let it way you down." Todoroki assured him which made his friend smile.

"Thanks Todoroki. But you know that thing about "picking your parent's lookalikes". It makes sense now that I think about it."

"I guess so. Maybe it is some kind of pattern, of attraction. Since our parents were the ones who raised us." Something made Shoto chuckle

"What is it Todoroki?"

"It's just. If that's really the case, then I'm really glad I wasn't born gay."

"Born gay? What do you-" It took a few seconds to realise what he meant by that. As soon as it hit him he burst out into a fury of laughter.

"Come on, its not that funny." The laughter continued "Midoriya, I'm serious, stop laughing." He started laughing even harder.

"Sorry, sorry. I couldn't resist." Izuku was rubbing the tears of laughter from his eyes while trying to contain himself.

"I guess I kinda deserved that."

"So, we're even then. I'm glad." He raised his fist.

"Me too" He smiled and fist bump. The duo turned a corner walking into the lounge. They were greeted by the sight of Mina and Momo talking about something.

"Well, speak of the devil." Izuku teased his friend who froze dead in his tracks as soon as soon as he saw her. She was sitting on her knees looking at Mina as if she was enchanted.

"Momo, my child! You have been suffering from an extreme lack of love!" Mina said in a very motherly tone to Momo who was sitting on her knees completely enchanted "You have spent your entire believing that material possessions and hard work can fill that hole in your heart. That you just have to spend and spend some more. Learn and work just to feel good. To feel proud, but it never worked did it?"

"No, it never did. It never DID! I never worried about money or food on the table, or buying expensive clothes. I was grateful that of course, but that's just it. Everything else felt like a void. Meaningless. Pointless! So I started creating a meaning. I pushed and pushed and PUSHED myself to be smart, to be GOOD! To be someone who could... Who is worthy of that money, but truth is I never felt worthy, I felt like some sort of..." She started to cry." Twisted project of my parents' loins! Not love!!!"

"What, no way? That's exactly how I've felt" Shoto was baffled at what he was hearing, before realizing the situation he was in. It was rude to spy on them like that, but he just couldn't move a muscle from his place. He looked towards Midoriya only to find out he was in the same boat as him. Anchored in place and completely flabbergasted as to what was going on.

"My child." Mina embraced her head. "You have walked a truly lonesome path. You have to understand there is no meaning or condition to love."

"Wait." Momo released from the embrace and looked Mina in the eyes. "There isn't, then how..."

"Love is unconditional, my child." Mina continue speaking in the same motherly tone. "It's abundant, free and most importantly it comes straight from the heart. I'm sure your parents love you, very much. In their own way, sure, but they do. Unconditionally! Like all parents do. There is nothing you have to do to earn it. You simply have to feel it. We all must learn to love. Love ourselves and love others. There is nothing you have to prove to receive it. It simply Is."

"Mina..." Tears started to well up in her eyes as she felt a warm feeling in her chest, growing stronger and stronger. The Pink girl gently kissed her on the forehead.

"Thank you!" Momo meekly replied.

"Go my child. Love and be loved." Momo stood up tall and openly vulnerable. The feeling that flowed through her system was kind, gentle and pleasant. She felt like nothing could stop her from just being her. She turned towards the exit and saw two figures standing in front of her.

"Todoroki, Midoriya! How lovely to see you two. How has your day been?" She said in an overly optimistic fashion.

"Uhm, we're fine, I guess..." Todoroki answered, flabbergasted as the two snapped out of their trance.

"Hey Todoroki?" Izuku whispered also being flabbergasted

"Yeah?"

"What is going on?"

"Your guess is as good as mine."

"Speak your heart out, my child. Know that love will always be on your side." Momo felt a little Mina Ashido in her head whispering encouragement to her.

"I'm very glad to hear it! Really!" Her gaze then wandered towards Shoto. "Alright, Momo you can do this! You'll regret it more if you don't. Tear it off like a bandaid!" She approached the still flabbergasted Icy-hot boy. "Uhm, Todoroki, I mean... Shoto. I know this is sudden but..." She paused to collect her thoughts and feelings. "Would you do me the honor of going out on a date with me!?"

"W-WHAT!!?" The duo said in unison, while Todoroki's face heated up so much it put put his scar to shame.

"It's okay if you don't want to. I would understand." She said trying to calm him down. "I just... I really like you. Like more than justy classmate. I mean, You're strong and determined, and kind, and when I'm around you I... I just feel safe and fluttery. It may sound cheesy, but I'm speaking from my heart right now."

"Wh-wh-wha. I-I-I don't... I don't... I m-mean..."

"Take your time, Shoto. It's okay if you don't feel the same way. Don't feel obliged too! I'll survive! I'm a hero after all!" "Ahhh! What am I even saying!?"

"That's not what I mean... I... This is just so sudden and I...can't" Todoroki took a deep breath "The thruth is I wanted to ask you out myself for quite some time now." He said eyes wide open "I just didn't know if... I... I 'm not the most stable person as you know. I haven't had that much experience in social situations of the sort and I was worried-"

"Me too!!" Momo yelled out catching him off guard "Oh, forgive me, I got a bit too excited. But if you're okay with it we can go out like... Two upper-class citizens who have little to no experience having friends and are somewhat emotionally unstable and socially awkward! Does that sound alright or is it just very weird. I honestly don't know anymore!"

"It sounds alright to me..." Todoroki seemingly finally calmed down and was smiling "If you would have me, Ya... Momo."

"Shoto!" Hearing him calling her by her first name made her leap into him embracing him. Meanwhile Izuku was standing there observing what was going on with a look of complete disbelief on his face. He looked over to his two friends, apparently now a couple, then over to Mina.

"Hey, Midoriya!" Mina was seemingly back to her usual self as she waved at him cheerfully "Don't burn yourself out!"

"Burn myself... WHAT?!!!" Mina's remark helped him assure him that this was still real. But his mind wasn't completely convinced and was running marathons "What is going on here!? Is this real? Did I just? WHAT?!!! I can't even mutter? This is beyond muttering!!!" Needless to say, Deku was in a complete state of shock. "H-hey, Ashido. I was just coming down for a glass of water, I see you guys are b-busy down here. So u-uhm." He desperately tried to come up with an excuse to leave and was failing miserably. Deja vu...

"You're so warm." Momo muttered while still in the embrace

"I can be cold as well you know." Shoto whispered completely lost inside her eyes.

"I don't mind. I like your cold side too." She placed her hand on his right cheek.

"I don't want to be cold to you."

"Be whoever you want, with me!"

"Momo..."

"Shoto..."

No words needed. Their lips sealed the distance and they stared passionately making out, while shifting from place to place. Finally they fell on one of the couches and proceeded in a lying position.

"U-uhm..." Izuku felt like the third wheal in a circus tricycle doing stunts on a suspended rope above a pool full of quirk infused piranhas. His day just kept getting weirder and weirder. He just had to get out of there "I think I have some more studying to do. So, uhm... Yeah, bye!" He ran out of there faster than Iida could even dream of.

"Have fuuun!" Mina just waved goodbye to him then looked at the two lovebirds making out on the couch with pure joy and wonder. "Did, that really just happen? Did I make it happen? I don't even know what I did, but I'm just so happy for them right now!" As she watched them she was filled with a strong feeling of joy and purpose. She looked at the palm of her hand "I think I know what kind of hero I wanna be. What hero I was born to be! What hero I'm meant to be!" She quenched her fist and looked up towards the ceiling. Her eyes were shining with determination.

"I'll be a hero of love!"

"So..." Tsuyu handed Ochako a cup of tea then sat beside her on the bed with her own cup in hand. "What's troubling you, Ochako?" There was no answer at first. Ochako just lay there silent "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

The brunette took a sip of her tea and simply stared into the distance. "Have you ever felt conflicted?"

"Conflicted? Not sure what you mean?"

"Like you came to UA with one goal in mind and then it's just so much happened over the course of this year." She placed her palm on her forehead "I just feel so lost. Who even was that girl who first entered UA. I don't think I know her anymore. So much has changed. She's changed."

"I think I get what you mean." She took a sip of her tea "It sounds like you're clinging to a past ideal, but at the same time you're growing as a person, is that it? Ribbit?"

"Yeah, something like that. It's like..." She rubbed the edge of the cup in a circular pattern. "I entered UA so I can become a pro hero so I can support my family financially. Right?"

"I'm aware of that. So what exactly changed?" The question made her tense up. She didn't know how to answer. Or rather she was afraid to answer. "Is it something to do with Midoriya?"

"Huh?" She blushed and looked at Tsuyu. "What do you mean, by that? This has nothing to do with Deku! Why would you suggest that?"

"Well, you do have a crush on him, don't you?" Tsuyu asked with her finger on her chin.

"Eeeeh!?" Uraraka swang her free hand around as her face heated up. "What are you talking about, Tsu? I-It's not like that at all! We're just friends. Well, more than that as of recently, but not THAT, okay!"

"Are you sure? You do seem to get pretty excited whenever you're around him." Tsu placed her finger on her chin.

"Tha-a-aat's just because I find him inspiring and I look up to him! Yeah that's it! It's not like I want to be together with him or anything. Don't be silly! Besides, even if I did, I don't know the first thing about dating."

"I see." Tsuyu took a sip from her tea. "Well even if there is you don't have to tell me?"

"R-really? That's a relief. I just don't feel comfortable talking about those things."

"It's okay. As long as you're honest with yourself then everything is fine. Ribbit."

"Hmm. Honest with myself?" Ochako stopped to think, which caught Tsuyu's attention. "I guess, but...I... Still... There is... I can't say it! I'm sorry, I just can't."

The frog girl stared at her friend with an understanding smile. "Listen Ochako, I know I tend to be pretty direct but..." She reached out her pinky "If you ever need to talk about those 'non-existing things'. I promise you, this conversation will stay between us. I'm not Mina after all. Ribbit."

"Thanks, Tsuyu. I-it means a lot." She crossed pinkies with her friend sealing the promise." Ochako giggled "It's funny you know."

"What is?"

"Change." She drifted off again, smiling "You never expect it to happen, but it does."

"Well, If I'm completely honest I never expected to have made so many friends here. Ribbit."

"Wait, are you serious?" Ochako's eyes widened in shock

"I mean it. People usually avoided me because, I either looked funny, or that I was always direct, but here..." She smiled "Everyone is really friendly here! Aside from Bakugo and Mineta that is. But other than that, I'm really happy here, and that's all that matters to me! Ribbit."

"Tsuyu." Ochako leaned in to hug her "You know we'll always be friends right." She let go of the hug and extended her pinky finger "That's another promise, from yours truly!" Tsuyu looked at her friend's hands and as a smile creeped up on her face.

"I'd really like that. Ribbit." Tsuyu sealed the deal with a pinky swear. "So, since we're friends forever now. Do you mind letting me in on the details of your dilemma? If you feel comfortable to talk about it of course. I don't wanna pry."

"No, it's fine. I need to get this out of my system anyway." She closed her eyes, let down her tea on the table next to her and took a deep breath. "Jeez if it wasn't for Deku and his damn unshakable resolve I would..." She exploded then fell defeated on her bed. "I wouldn't be here right now."

"So it is about Midoriya?"

"Alright, fine you got me! It happened when we were studying together today. Everything was going great. Really great, until..." She paused to think

"Until what?"

"He told me he met my dad after fighting a villain this morning."

"And how did you feel about that?"

"Embarrassed at first, because I know how my dad can get, but... After that..."

"After that?"

"Ashamed."

"Ashamed? At what exactly?"

"I think it was at my dad, for being so... Annoying with his gloating of me. You know how dads can get."

"I can relate to that."

"Right? But then he said something."

"Midoriya did?"

"Yes. He said that I was wrong. That, my dad didn't just tell people about me to gloat. That, he genuinely loved me and was proud of me no matter what. And I..." Tears started forming in her eyes again. "I collapsed! I ran and cried like the scared little girl that I am! He probably hates me right now or thinks I'm weak or something!" Ochako curled up in a fetus position again.

"Midoriya doesn't hate you. He's a good person and he won't hate you for something like this."

"I know. I know." Ochako pinched her forehead "I think I was actually ashamed at myself for feeling these things."

"So you were ashamed of being ashamed? That's kinda cyclical, isn't it? Ribbit."

"I guess so, I just..." She cried out some more. Feeling completely vulnerable in that moment "I just don't want him to see me like this. I want to be always be there for him when he's in pain. I can't stand the thought of another hero dying in my arms. And how can I do that, when I'm such an emotional wreck?"

"It sounds like you're blaming yourself for your own feelings. Ribbit."

"I am, aren't I? I just..." She frowned and looked at the distance "I just feel like. I have to do this. I have to become a hero. I mustn't get distracted like this. It's not right!"

"Listen Ochako. Whether you like it or not you are going to have feelings about one thing or another, simply because you're human. You're not a Psychopath after all."

"How do you know I'm not?"

"How do you know I'm not one?" The two girls burst out in laughter after what felt like a long psychotherapy session.

"I guess we'll never know, huh. But thanks Tsuyu." Ochako hugged her tightly "You helped me out in more ways than one."

"Anytime, Ochako. What are heroes for after all?" The frog girl returned the hug

"Heroes huh? Right." She giggled "Oh speaking of heroes." She unleashed from the hug and jumped out of the bed "I gotta go apologise to Deku for leaving him like that. I..."

"Before you go." Tsu stood up as well. She reached for her pocket and gave her a small rectangular object. "If you really want to be a hero that helps other heroes." Ochako looked at the object Tsuyu gave her. It was a small bronze mirror, it's frame decorated with a spiralling rope like pattern. "I think you should focus on saving this hero. The one behind the mirror." The brunette gazed into the mirror and as looked into the eyes on the other side, mesmerised.

"I think I get what you mean." They both left the room, closing the door behind them. "Thanks again Tsu." She said as she ran of into the corridor, placing the mirror in her pocket. "You're a good friend." She left running and waving goodbye

"Anytime Ochako! Ribbit!" She waved at her friend smiling as the brunette turned the corner dissappearing from her field of vision. She turned to walk towards her own room. As she was about to enter she gazed back at the empty hallway one last time

"Ochako, I really hope you stay true to yourself. No matter the situation."

Aaaand... Oh boy this chapter was hard. I think I had to edit it like 4-5 times. Not to mention that one time it got deleted. Oof. I really hope it turned out good.

Now did I rush TodoMomo? Like Iida running down a highway.

Was it with for a reason? Yes!

Did I intend to offend anyone with that gay joke with Todoroki. Absolutely not!

Anyways, remember to leave me a review if you liked this chapter or not. I greatly appreciate it!

See you in the next one. Take care and stay Plus Ultra!