Well. This small hiatus happened. But like, I actually have a reason this time. I started university and I don't have so much free time now - read none at all. Haha...ha... Anywaaaay.
This chapter is quite fast paced again, it will include first year - half od second year in a new school. And of course, we finally reached canon! I am so proud of myself that I reached that far (because my attention span is... yeah) and of course I am really thankful for all the support I was given from you, my readers. I mean... so many follows, favs and reviews... I am always in heaven when I see them on my email. So thank you all for it!
Also I made something like... character chart(?) for Kou. I mean, I am sure some of you don't really know how she looks (my descriptions are very vague, I know) There are some interesting information and some stuff explained as well. So if you want to read it, it's on my tumblr - keencollectivezombie (link is on my profile, too).
/Don't kill me for that end. Please./
Beta: once again my awesome friend OTrizy
Quote: In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. - Khalil Gibran
"You need something?" I asked in boredom a stranger after he stepped in front of me, blocking my path. I didn't look up to see who it was as I was too busy with typing on my phone - I had a very serious conversation going on there with Mina.
"You were glaring at me. I know you were! Don't try to lie your way out of this!"
"Yeah! I saw you glaring at Aniki, too!"
"Yeah~!"
"That's right!"
"..."
"I glare at everyone. Don't feel special," I replied distractedly. Damn Mina, I don't want a pink plush unicorn for my birthday! Who buys something like that, anyway?
"Haaah?!" Suddenly someone pushed his face right in front of mine, preventing me from checking my phone. I scowled and turned my full attention towards that annoying person and his companions.
Standing before me were five guys, probably in their late teens. They were wearing tattered clothes and all had bleached hair and piercings in ears and noses… I was not impressed and my face reflected that.
The tallest one out of those clowns, probably a leader, was the one pushing his face into my personal space, the rest was standing behind him, making expressions that were probably supposed to be scary but to me, they just looked extremely moronic.
"I am Nishimura Isao! I am well known around here, so I am sure even someone ignorant as you heard some unpleasant things about me. Scared now, girlie? Are you regretting angering me now, heeeh?" the leader of clowns asked with an arrogant smile. I raised one of my eyebrows.
"Never heard of you. Are you supposed to be famous or what? Whatever. I don't care. You're a nuisance, so go away." I had places to be, you know? Lunch breaks didn't last long and I really wanted to buy something for myself.
Gasps broke the silence that fell upon the group after my words. My lips twitched, I wanted to be irritated by these clowns but they really were so stupidly dramatic that it was becoming a liiittle bit funny.
"Now she has done it."
"Aaah~ she is dead."
"Don't worry. Aniki is a gentleman. He will only half-kill her."
"I don't think that's any better..."
"You... do you have a death wish?" The collar of my school uniform was gripped roughly and I was pulled towards the leader-guy, our faces close enough that I felt his breath on my face. I narrowed my eyes. Okay, stopped being funny. That shithead was too close.
I lifted my hands and placed them on the offending limb. Then I applied pressure just in the right places and with a yelp, the teenager before me released me and took few steps back all the while trying to wriggle his hand out of my grasp. Heh, not a chance.
I let him wriggle around for some time, feeling very vindictive. However, I kept in mind that others won't be stunned for long. Thus after few seconds, I let go of his hand, the sudden action and his momentum making him fall down on his butt. I smirked, instantly feeling better after my little revenge. On a whim, I decided to reply to his question.
"I don't. But it seems you guys have. Well, I always appreciate light exercise before lunch. So who wants to be next?" Might as well take advantage of this situation, it was quite a while I last fought.
"A-Aniki!" Yelled in unison his four companions and all of them shuffled towards him, wanting to help him up. He slapped those offered hands away and stood up with his own strength, a dark scowl present on his face. My lips twitched in amusement. Keep trying to appear scary, puppy.
"You… I wanted to go easy on you because you are a girl. However, you are really starting to tick me off. Guys, she is mine, don't you dare to interfere... And you!" he suddenly pointed a finger at me "PREPARE TO DIE!" he roared and with a bat that somehow appeared in his hand, he rushed at me.
'He is too slow,' I thought as I stepped to the side, avoiding the first swipe of the bat, crouching down a little to avoid the second.
'Is he not gonna use his quirk? Booooring~" I continued to weave around his strikes, very quickly growing bored of it. Really, I was looking forward to smack them all down; fighting only one wasn't any challenge. It felt more as if I was bullying the poor guy.
My opponent continued to grow more and more agitated and his swipes started to be less precise and more desperate. Most of the time he was so very open that all I had to do was to step forward and I could take him down with one punch.
I sighed. This was just too pitiful. I jumped backward and while I was still in the air, I used my quirk on a wall behind me, attracting towards it and thus creating a considerable distance between us.
"Hey. Let's just stop. You should know by now that you can't win and I don't like fighting when it's so one-sided. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth," I said, crossing my hands.
"Haaa… haaa… no way in hell I will give up!" he yelled, charging at me again. I groaned and looked skywards. Stupid males and their stupid pride.
"Just… stay… still!"
"Uh-uh. Nope. I don't fancy being hit."
"Aniki! Just let us help you! We can take that bitch down together!" shouted one of the guys, other three making sounds of agreement.
"No! I am gonna take her down on my own!" yelled the leader-guy back then nearly tripping when he over-swiped with his next attack. I resisted an urge to face-palm.
'Haaa… This is just dumb and-,' I frowned when my stomach made a soft growling sound. That's it – I am going to end it now. It wasn't going anywhere anyway. If that guy wanted so bad to be beaten up, why shouldn't I comply?
Taking one quick step forward, I entered his personal space and punched him in the stomach. My 'opponent' groaned and took a few clumsy steps back, hunching into himself and letting go of the bat. I followed, not giving him any chance to recover. When I was once again near him, I hit him in the jaw, knocking him out.
"Fighting me on your own is admirable but ultimately stupid," I mumbled to no one in particular. Was a hunger making me more talkative? Hmm…
At any rate, I should have done this from the start. I needed to really grow out of this bad habit I acquired over these past years – playing with my opponents could be really dangerous if I wasn't being careful.
"Oh my god?!"
"Anikiii~?"
"Did she kill him…?"
"Don't even joke about that!"
I was shoved to the side as other four moved past me towards their downed leader. I blinked in silent bewilderment as all four of them started to cry and yell something about "always remembering him." and "not letting his sacrifice go to waste".
Uh… guys… he is only knocked out? And not even that hard? He should wake up in a few minutes…
…
Whatever. Weirdos. Let's just leave before they get an idea to 'revenge their hero' or whatever. I was all for fighting, but not now as my poor stomach had a big need for food. Preferably something very sweet.
I turned around and started to silently walk away. I could buy a strawberry pudding, but I was pretty sure it won't be enough. I had a big appetite when I was hungry… hmm… so… two puddings? Ah no, let's increase it to three. Or maybe even f-
"You… wait…" sudden words stopped my thought process and I paused in my walk. Huh. I should've hit him harder. This is so bothersome…
"He's alive!"
"Aniikiiiii. Waaaa."
"…uu… sniff… so happy…"
"I told y'all Aniki was too strong to be killed like this!"
Would it be considered rude if I just ignored them and walked away? Wait. What I am even thinking about? When did I ever care about whether I was rude? Screw this. I am going to walk away.
"W-wait!
Ignoring. Ignoring. Ignoring. Ignori-
"Please wait!"
Hearing that particular 'p-word' come out of the mouth of my downed opponent made me freeze in my steps. I was a little… curious now what he wanted to say. I mean - I could still lose a second or two here and still have time to buy myself puddings…
"What?" I snapped and turned my head a little towards him, giving him an exaggeratedly impatient glare. I already gave him my attention, no need to make it easier for him.
"You... you are strong..."
"Yeah. I know. Your point?" I was not a modest individual. I knew my fighting ability was fabulous for my age.
"What is your name?"
Uuuh. What. He wanted to know my name? Why? Wait... maybe... he wanted to know it so he could send someone after my head?! Wait no. That was a stupid thought. He didn't feel as if he was that deep into that world.
So I suppose... he was just curious? Or angry at me for humiliating him before his friends and now he wanted a name to curse?
"Midoriya Kou..." I said in the end, not really caring about his reasons. I could always just beat him down again if he came for revenge.
"I'll remember it… from now on… Midoriya Kou… I declare you my honorable rival!"
...
I should have just run away from here when I had a choice.
"EHM. NO THANKS." I yelped and turned around, quickly walking away (I DID NOT use my quirk to help me get from there quicker. DID NOT.)
I really really really had no need for ANOTHER rival.
xXxXxXx
"Um… Kou? Do you know them?"
My eyebrows twitched violently at Mina's question and I resisted an urge to hit someone.
"Just ignore them. They are not important," I answered, not even turning around, knowing full well who was hiding behind the fence of our school, watching us eat like the weirdos they were.
"But they look as if they really want to talk with you…"
"Mina. Ignore them."
"Okay~."
I sighed when she finally let it go and I could go back to eating my apple sandwiches. I was now also thinking about eating that one chocolate bar in my bag right now, even though I wanted to leave it for later. I mean, nothing can help frayed nerves like sugar.
But seriously, those clowns were really bothersome bunch. No matter how much shit I beat out of the 'leader-guy', he always came back for more! Can't he already get the idea? He's so damn stubborn… does he expect to just miraculously win? Wait, that's it. Maybe if I let him win one time, he would stop following me around with his lackeys… eeehm, nope, bad idea. I hate losing.
Buuut... This is really becoming tiresome. They were outside of my school, now, too. True, they didn't actually enter - point to them, really – but still, it's creepy! I turned around a little to look if they were still there, only to be met with 'manly yells' that were challenging me to a fight.
'Ugh. What a creeps,' I thought as I send them a middle-finger. Weird happy sounds were heard after that and I felt a massive headache coming. I placed my half-eaten sandwich down and with both hands, I rubbed my temples. I suddenly felt so spent. I think that chocolate bar will cease to exist in a few seconds.
"Hmmm? I know them! Isn't it Nishimura and his gang? He is pretty infamous. What is he yelling… he wants to… fight you? Whoa?! That's so cool! I want to see that!"
My hand froze in its reaching towards my bag when I heard voice I was not expecting. I slowly turned around, to face the boy who spoke and my fears proved to be true. That one guy from my class who saw my bonding moment with Ms. Cat a few years back. What was HE doing here!? I don't remember seeing him hanging out with our group before; he only hangs out with those two guys, right? So what was he doing here? And why the hell is he blushing? Ugh, the headache is increasing…
"… And when the fuck did YOU get here?! And why are you even here?"
"W-what you mean when? I was there from the start!" That doesn't answer my question much, you know…
"And I am here because both of my friends are ill. I didn't have anyone to have lunch with… And so Ashido-san invited me."
Of course. Mina. I sent a glare her way and she sent me a toothy smile as an answer. I continued to bug her for explanation with my glare. She relented fairly easily.
"We can't have him be alone during lunch now, can we? He was looking our way, so I just decided to invite him~." Your great idea is very much unappreciated, Mina. You know damn well how I hate big groups; it's already quite bothersome that I have to hang out with you and your two friends. Socializing, ugh.
"And, Eijiro, was it? You can call me Mina. I dislike those stuffy polite things. We are all classmates here, right? We can as well become friends!"
Friends… haha… Nope. Oh, his name is Eijiro? Huh, first time I heard it. Finally, a name to assign to a face.
"Ooh? Can we? Then you should call me Ei! All my close friends call me that. You are Chie-chan and Hisoka-chan, right?" he turned to address the other two girls that were with us that I kind of ignored most of the time. I mean, I know I am being rude and all, but they didn't seem to be bothered by how I treat them - they look kind of relieved should I say? When it works for both parties involved, it's all good, right? Anyway, this Eijiro guy sure knows his stuff, knowing all our names and all.
"And… uh…" he turned towards me next and I glared at him. Just try to add '-chan', brat.
"….Midoriya-san?" he added unsurely with a funny face. I frowned thoughtfully, 'Midoriya-san' sounded pretty bad too…
"Hahaha. Just call her Kou." I glared at the pink haired girl. Don't speak when you have food in your mouth. Also, don't just decide for me like that! Tsk. What a bothersome girl.
"Uuh, can I?" I turned around to place my glare on the black haired teen. Wait. What the fuck is with that damn blush again? Both of my eyebrows twitched violently as I squashed down an urge to run away to hide in my favorite toilet booth. I hate school. I officially hate school.
Mina started giggling and I snapped my head around once again to look at her. What is so funny, you damn pink brat? Let me add something to my previous decision: I officially hate school and people in general.
"Hah! Yeah. Don't worry. She may look scary on the outside but she is the biggest softie inside~" exclaimed my cheerful friend (I am starting to regret letting her worm herself under my skin, this girl is a natural catastrophe). I am not a softie. I am very antisocial and cool individual!
"Oh, I know what you mean! I once saw her-" Don't YOU dare to start!
Yeah. I hate socializing.
...
Later that day I entered the kitchen where grandma was cooking dinner. With traumatized face I pulled out a chair and sat on it, placing hands on the table in front of me. Feeling the somber atmosphere in the air, grandma muted the cooker and sat herself opposite of me.
"Something happened?"
"Yeah… hey… granny?"
"Yes?"
"Is there any way to avoid… mingling with… people?" the last word was released out in a soft whisper.
"I see… I understand now…" She nodded and with a serious face, she walked over to a freezer and pulled a box of something from there. Then walking back to me (attracting two spoons to her on her way), she placed the box before me. I turned my confused stare at the object and when I recognized it, my eye widened.
"Is that… an ice cream?" I asked with more than a little excitement.
"Yes. The best remedy for your trauma. I know it from experience." After her words, we both looked each other deep into eyes. Her eyes were same as mine – eyes of a warrior who saw true horrors of society. I also saw in there my answer –no, there is no way; I can only continue to survive.
I nodded grimly and took the offered spoon, fully intending to eat as much of that ice cream as I could.
...
Two hours later hungry grandpa found us in a living room, watching some random soap opera and eating the second box of ice cream with half eaten pack of cookies lying next to us.
He was not amused when he discovered that dinner was only half-cooked.
xXxXxXx
"I am telling you! This, this… girl beat my little pumpkin! Just look at him! Look how mauled he is!"
I don't know… he doesn't look too bad up, wearing that smug grin and all.
"What if he has permanent problems because of this?"
Is she serious? I sent a disbelieving look at the… lady before me. I only punched him in a nose a little! The worst thing that could happen to him after that was a nosebleed - which stopped by now anyway.
But wow, I am still speechless. Complaining to his mother that someone punched him? That's taking 'being pathetic' on an entirely new level. And… what kind of nickname is pumpkin anyway?
"Madam… " started Hitsuji-sensei, but he was interrupted the very next second.
"I am not that old!" the witch snapped at my teacher. Oy oy, no need to be rude! I can see now from whom the brat inherited the douchebagness.
"I-I am sorry, Miss. I am sure we can solve this in a peaceful manner…"
"Peaceful manner? My son was assaulted! I will sue this little monster and her family!"
... I... I don't have words for once. Is she high or something?
"Ah, I think this doesn't need to come that far. Kids are kids; they were only playing and went too far. I am sure Midoriya-chan wasn't purposely trying to hurt your son."
'Oh no, no. I was trying to hurt him, that's for sure.' I was intelligent enough to keep this thought to myself, however. I mean, Hitsuji-sensei was cool teacher, no need to make this situation harder for him. And, I didn't want to have detention for the rest of my years here – my homeroom teacher could be quite vindictive when he wanted.
I lost interest in the conversation after that as two adults continued to converse with each other. I was satisfied with staying silent and playing the card of 'cowed teenager that is regretting what she has done' as I knew from the experience that this approach is best when dealing with situations like this.
Not that anyone who knows me would believe in my charade, but hey, for strangers it was convincing enough. Anyway, it's not like anyone would listen to my side of the story if I did try to speak. It would only cost me energy that I could spend on something better. Like trying not to fall asleep or on restraining myself from punching that little asshole again – his shit-eating grin was grating on my nerves.
Suddenly my teacher's hand was placed on my head and I straightened to attention, deciding that this bit of conversation was probably important if I was 'included'.
"… and I am sure my student very much regrets punching your son. Isn't it right, Midoriya-chan?" asked Hitsuji-sensei, turning his pleasant expression towards me, warning gleaming in his eyes. He was telling me with them that cooperation with him was the best choice I could make in that moment. I gritted my teeth and sour expression wanted to show on my face, but by sheer willpower, I managed to leave my face perfectly blank – except occasional twitches of facial muscles. Still quite convincing, if I say so myself.
I looked at the 'Miss' in the room and nodded to her in a 'respectful way', forcing out a very reluctant "Yeah. Very much."
That was okay-ish, right? Can I go home now?
… Apparently no, as I was pressured into saying 'sorry' to the smug little shit. Ugh, this day sucks.
After my very much heartfelt apology, the douche-bag duo left, no doubt feeling satisfied after hearing that I will have one-month long afterschool detention with Hitsuji-sensei – including Saturday's.
Not that bad, I think. I was quite used to detentions. They weren't that bad, just boring. Though this would be my first one in this school and detention with Hitsuji-sensei could either be really enjoyable experience or a total nightmare.
"Midoriya-chan… Why don't you sit?" I look at him with surprise at the invitation. I expected to be given a note explaining what happened (and oh my god, granny is going to kill me) and then dismissed. Well, I kind of owed him after he saved my ass a few minutes ago - dealing with that 'lady' on my own could have been such a pain in the ass. Therefore I nodded and sat on the chair in front of his desk.
A sigh escaped the man before me and he ruffled his white mess of a hair. His gaze didn't leave my form however and I shuffled in my chair, very much unconformable with the scrutiny I was getting from him.
"So. Are you going to tell me why did you punch him?"
That question didn't really surprise me; in fact, I was expecting it the moment he told me to sit. I tilted my head. How should I answer him? Truth or lie? That would depend on his reply to my question.
"Why do you want to know?"
He fell back into his chair with a deadpan expression.
"I am just curious. I am not blind Midoriya-chan, nor deaf. I know about your wild spirit and about your… ha, let's say penchant for troubles. There are already some quite nasty rumors going around about you and it's not even a three months you moved here. However, nobody could really prove them true, or at least there wasn't anyone who would play a 'witness'. This time you made a mistake and chose the wrong target. You also did it in a presence of several witnesses… So yes, I am curious about what made you lose your cool."
'Huh…' I continued to stare at my homeroom teacher in silence. There were… already rumors about me? How did I miss that? (I blame Mina!)
I feel bad somehow. I didn't plan for my reputation to go THIS bad in such a SHORT amount of time. Was I cursed or something in my past life? Oh wait; I remember my past life and nothing like that ever happened. Can't blame it on that then… damn.
But man, Hitsuji-sensei really didn't beat around the bush. He also didn't look angry at me for doing… well doing what I always do. I could call it 'just being me', I guess…
Ugh, now I really need to say the truth. My near non-existent conscience won't allow me to lie now. Damn. Why do you appear only at times like these?
"Well… he was making fun of my family situation…" Okay I know that this was a poor and classic way to rile someone up – talking shit about their family, I mean. But even if I knew that I felt right into his trap. I was never reasonable when it came to my family or my close friends. Doesn't mean I wasn't a little embarrassed now that all was said and done. I prooobably could have handled it a little better. I can just see the big scolding coming from my teacher and then….granny.
A loud sigh shattered the long silence that fallen upon a room after my confession. I bravely suppressed a shudder from coming out when his piercing gaze fell upon me.
However, I didn't manage to suppress a startled jump when he started to hum and loudly tap on his wooden table. My expression turned to a guarded one as I tried to decipher the face he was making. Was he… thoughtful? Maybe he was trying to think of my punishment?
When he made a victorious smile I felt faint fear grow inside of me. What did… what did he think of?
"I have an idea." I started to sweat nervously. My situation looks bad. His eyes were sparkling now.
"Y-yes?"
"I will not write a note to your grandparents..." Huh? This sounded good, actually.
"Really?" I asked carefully.
"Yes. But on one condition."
'Figured,' I thought with unhappiness. It would be something ridiculously hard, I just know it. Don't raise my hopes if you are going to crush them so early!
"There is this project that I am currently working on and I could really use a pair of helping hands… If you help me finish it, I will sweep this incident under a rug and there will be no mention of it in your file. Of course, this would mean no detention for you as well. However, I don't know how long it will take to finish. It can even take the remainder of this school year. Working on this project will also require your full attention as one mistake with it could set us back quite a lot…Think very carefully if you are prepared to take this challenge on."
I felt very incredulous and I sure my face reflected that. He wanted….help? From me? I am the exact opposite of responsible model student… I can't even bother to wear same socks – at the moment I had one black and one white.
Just to be sure, I looked around in search of any other being. Surely, he wasn't talking to me?
"So what do you think about my offer?" he asked, looking right at me with his mouth tilted a little with amusement. So he was talking to me… Weird. But I was now very curious about this project of his, that he thought I could help with.
However, on the other hand, this sounded too nice. Those drawbacks he named weren't even inconveniences for me. I mean when you compare them to granny's wrath… Ugh. I feel very faint now. Let' not think about that.
Ah, whatever. Thinking to deep about something never helped me. Let's just not look in a gift horse mouth. Maybe he was really desperate for help and he saw this as a chance to rope someone into it?
And it isn't like I have anything better to do – I still didn't have a luck in finding myself a part-time job and I don't have any hobbies that would entertain me for a long amount of time. I could even use this as an opportunity to hide from Mina and others when they start to be a little too much for my poor antisocial self.
"Sure. I accept."
This should be interesting.
...
I stood quietly with a mouth wide open before the complex looking machine. Its weird looking components were haphazardly scattered throughout the room along with tools that were no-doubt used when that thing was worked on.
Still completely speechless I turned around to look at my teacher; my eyes were totally not sparkling, no such thing happened.
"This… I am going to help you with this?" I asked, not managing to fully contain my excitement and thus not preventing it from affecting my voice.
"Yes. Here, you can use this." An object was offered to me. All my thoughts came to the harsh stop.
I blinked slowly with my face carefully blank.
In reply, Hitsuji-sensei smiled blindingly and continued to extend his hand towards me.
'I… I must be seeing wrong…' I blinked several times, just to be sure.
As if to prove, that yes, he was dead serious; he neared me and placed that object into my numb hands. All the while wearing that shit-eating grin. I continued to look at him dully.
"Okay. So you can start on that side. I think that there are some boxes in the back where you can place all those parts laying on the floor."
At least, I looked down at the thing in my hands. It was a green bucket. However, that wasn't even close to being the worst. The bucket was full of cleaning products. The realization hit me hard and with it came a strong regret. I should have had just said yes to detention.
"So… you want me to help you by… cleaning."
"Yup! Phew, so glad to have you here. I will finally be able to move in this room a bit."
I didn't even resist the urge this time and did a big face-palm.
'God-fucking-damn it.'
xXxXxXx
I smiled fondly at the computer screen as I continued to half-listen to Izuku's excited ramble about the newest hero that made his debut on TV.
The distance between us was still as hard as ever to endure, but with our regular calls and video-chats, it became bearable. It also helped that I didn't have much free time these days as I either ran around town with Mina in search of a part-time job (when she learned that I was looking for a job as well, she decided that we would look for it together) or I 'helped' sensei… with… cleaning. Ugh. I was still angry at him for fooling me like that. Though he promised me that once I clean everything he will slowly let me actually assist him with whatever he was working on.
Oh, and I also tried to spend some time with Chizome to liven him up a bit. Fighting nonstop for days and then holed himself up in his apartment doing who know what can't be good for him. And that's saying something about the way he was living if someone like me had to scold him about his lifestyle.
Ah wait, Izuku stopped talking and was looking at me with a deadpan face. Shit. I was caught.
"Geee. Nee-chan. I am always so delighted when you give me your full attention," he said sarcastically, still upholding his deadpan face. A drop of sweat came down my temple and my left eyebrow twitched. Was my brother always so scarily salty? Damn. I don't know if I should feel proud or horrified.
"I am so sorry Izuku. My attention just… slipped…" I said sheepishly, scratching my nose. He rolled his eyes at my words and was about say something, but another person in the room, who was until now silent (and probably eating something mom made), made himself known.
"Hah! I am actually a little impressed that she continued to listen to you for so long. Your rambles are getting longer and longer, you really deserve a title of a nerd," said Katsuki as he entered the camera's vision, wearing a cocky smile and with arrogant attitude still strong as ever.
"I actually want to punch you so bad now for that nickname…" I said with narrowed eyes and attracting the nearest pointy object to myself. It became sort of habit these last weeks... It's kind of calming, okay?
Katsuki's eyes widened in horror and his mouth snapped shut after seeing me holding thirty meters long scissors. He obediently shuffled back into the part of the room where I couldn't see. Frantic sounds of crunching were heard followed by a horrified whispers that probably meant something along the lines of "Where the fuck did she get scissors that long?"
I… I also kind of don't know where I get them. Maybe it was one of my birthday's present? Hmm… on second thought, yeah, it was probably present from Chizome.
Izuku coughed to get my attention and I instantly lost focus in my trail of thoughts, turning to him and throwing the scissors somewhere into the back of my room.
I tilted my head when Izuku sent me a mischievous smile, his eyes sparkling with a hidden glee. I sat straight through, very interested in his next words.
"Oh yeah, Nee-chan, I actually have something to tell you… I think Kacchan is taking your absence very hard… poor Kacchan."
A faint choked "What" was heard and the sound of coughing followed. Catching on what my brother was doing, a wide grin grew on my face.
"Yeaaaah?" I stretched out.
"Yup! I mean... He is totally seeing you as his role model now. He's going around beating thugs that you used to beat - I always have to pull him away before things get too serious. He is more antisocial than ever and people are talking about the second coming of you. He also-"
"You fucking nerd. WHAT KIND OF FUCKING NONSENSE ARE SPROUTING NOW?!"
"Ups. I was heard," said my brother lightly with a chuckle. I lifted my eyebrow, trying to stifle my own chuckle. My brother was turning into such a cute sarcastic monster.
Suddenly Katsuki appeared out of nowhere, jumping on my brother, causing both of them to fall down and out of my line of sight. I smirked. Shorty was such a drama queen...
In the following few minutes only shuffling, chuckles and various profanities were heard, until triumphant "Ha!" was voiced and the disheveled head of Katsuki appeared on my screen.
"He is lying. I don't fucking care that you aren't here. Good riddance if I say so myself." Katsuki sounded quite embarrassed and wasn't looking at me when he was talking. Aaaaaw that's so cute.
Faint laughter was heard and the head I was seeing on screen jiggled a little. I tilted my head… was Katsuki…. Was he sitting on Izuku? I didn't know if I should have felt amused or angry. In the end, I decided to snort, Izuku was laughing so he wasn't in pain.
"Don't fucking laugh! And you! What the hell are you snorting for?!"
"Aaaw... shorty is embarrassed~" I cooed.
"W-what?! I am not, you fucking hag!"
"Kacchan is blushing~" was singsong by my brother from under the older boy. I cooed again.
"SHUT UP. I AM NOT."
xXxXxXx
"Um… Kou? Are you sleeping?"
I was rudely woken up from my peaceful slumber in school (our teacher was absent today, so we were supposed to 'self-study', but sleep sounded waaay better) by a somewhat familiar voice. Only because the voice sounded familiar, my first reaction wasn't to eat him alive - only barely though. Thus I only opened one eye and turned my head a little to glare at the person. Black hair, red eyes, sharp teeth. Ugh. Eijiro.
"Not anymore," I said, disgruntled.
"Eheh… sorry… I just wanted to ask… This Saturday, I am organizing a sleepover at my place. So, if you want, you can come. Mina said that she will go and that she will drag you too, but I just wanted to ask if it's okay with you, too?" he said/asked. I continued to glare at him and his annoying blush until he started to fidget under my stare. Then I grunted noncommittally, closed my eye and once again tried to find the best spot on my desk for sleeping.
Once I found it I mumbled out a reply:"If Mina said that I will go, I don't exactly have a choice. Though I need to ask my grandparents, too, so I will tell you for sure tomorrow."
"That's great! I am looking forward to seeing you there, then!"
Damn you, Mina… dragging me into bothersome situations once again.
...
"Hey, granny. My friend asked me if I want to sleep over on Saturday... can I?"
"You have friends?"
"... very funny. Now. Can I?"
"Sure. But don't maim anyone."
"…I'll try."
Surprisingly I really didn't maim anyone on that Saturday.
xXxXxXx
"Aaaww... I missed you so much, my cute little brother. Video chats and calls aren't enough. I couldn't be there on your birthday, too! Damn this, you are year older already. You look all grown up now. Wait, you are few inches taller, I just know it. And your hair! Are they longer? They sure look longer. And-"
"Nee-chan. Calm down. It was only five months." Was Izuku's embarrassed reaction to my fussing. Okay. I know I am a little out of character here. But seriously. I am finally hugging my brother after those horrendous months without him… give me a break. I can act like 'normal sister', for once.
"It felt like lifetime!" I said back, not budging when he wanted to escape my iron-like hold. I heard laughter from the side I sent mom a look that promised that she will be next.
"Nee-chan? Can you let go of me now?"
"No."
"Haa… okay…" Good. Accept your fate my cute little monster.
"Disgusting."
I froze in squeezing the life out of my brother and looked at Katsuki who was standing few meters away from us, doing everything he could to not be seen as our acquaintance.
I smirked evilly and looked at my brother with raised eyebrow, who returned the look with mischievous grin. We both slowly turned towards the ash haired boy, who sends us an uncertain look when he saw our identical expressions.
"... What's with those faces..."
Okay… I normally don't do this but this is the perfect opportunity to freak Katsuki out by…
"Hug attack!"
"Wha- OH FUCK."
xXxXxXx
Time went surprisingly fast in this new place and before I realized, it was already full year that I made a decision to move out of my hometown. And while there were times I wanted nothing more than to go back, now that I was thinking back on that year, I knew that I made a right decision.
I hate to admit it, but my life was really narrow back then. My only thoughts revolved around my family (plus Katsuki and Chizome, I guess) and I was too quick to judge those that weren't part of my 'okay-group'. And I was kind of far too mean and rude to others even if they tried to get close – that's not saying that I am not mean and rude now, but I am a little more… tolerant let's say… just a little though. Also, I now accepted that, yes, other people live on this planet too, and no, I can't evade them all the time.
And concerning the brother complex I had (and probably still have)… I had a long nice chat about it with Mina – who has a sister three years younger than her – and, phew, so it's not only me.
She told me that she also had times where she couldn't help but smother her sister. However, she said that what's very important is to know when to step back. We, older siblings, can't be there for them all the time; they need to grow up on their own so that they can stand on their own legs.
And yeah, while its hard bite to chew, Izuku needs to be independent to become a hero… doesn't mean that I am not going to be fussy every time he ends up getting hurt…. And I probably end up stalking him every time he's going to fight someone.
…
Okay, my over-protectiveness isn't cured, okay? And it never will be, probably. Ha… such is a hard life of an older sister (only by few minutes I admit, but that's a detail).
So yeah, all in all, this year was quite meaningful and brought me a lot. I met new people, made new friends, somewhat matured(?) and my relationship with my brother was more strong than ever… absence makes the heart grow fonder, huh?
And why do I have such philosophical mood? Well, it was all caused by Hitsuji-sensei…
I was still 'helping' him with his project, but by now I advanced to an actual job of 'assisting' and not cleaning. He still refused to tell me what he was trying to make though. Saying it was surprise and all, but truthfully I didn't mind it as much now. I mean, it had fun putting parts together, trying to think up the best way they would sit together and then trying to find another component that would make you think 'yes, this fits just right'.
He also started to teach me basics engineering and where I needed to start if I wanted to build something from a scratch. I admit, I was totally engrossed into everything he was talking about and I actually sort of started to fiddle with my own things after few weeks instead of helping him with his.
He didn't seem to mind, however, so I'd say it was what he was aiming for when he started to teach me those basics. I wonder if this was actually his goal all along when he proposed the idea of me 'assisting' him. Was that machine even something he was working on? Or was it just something he used for enticing his students so that they stay and learn from him? Oooooh. I am onto you, sensei!
Ah, anyway, I sidetracked. Let's go back to how he made me fall into such thoughtful mood.
He asked if I had any dream or if I knew what I wanted to become in the future. He said that second year will fly past even faster than first and soon I would need to decide where I wanted to go after I end my third year here.
…
I feel like I am growing old too fast this time around. I mean, soon I will be fourteen years old (and mentally nearing fifty … oh my god, let's not think about THAT) and then fifteen – which reminds me, I really need to find a better-paid job than newspapers delivery. I want that motorbike, damn it!
At any rate, my answer to his question was blank stare. I have still year to think about it. Do other people think that far into future? They are really amazing then. I have problems to even decide what I will buy for lunch the next day.
In the end, I answered vaguely but truthfully. I wanted to be able to help my brother who will enter U.A. … his reply to it really made me stop and think.
"There are more departments in U.A... Hero course is not the only one... You said that you want to help your brother… think about the ways you can do it…"
Of course, I knew that there were more departments, but I've never really entertained the thought of applying to them. I mean, when I thought about U.A., I only thought about it as a school where my brother wanted to go and I kind-of-wanted-to-follow-him-but-not-really. I mean hero course- pfff, not for me, really. But that didn't mean that other departments should have been ticked off, too. Did it? Damn. I am so stupid.
If I want to support my brother, isn't 'Department of Support' the best choice for me? I could be in the same school as Izuku. And once we both finish it, I can work for the same company. Adding to that, making support equipment doesn't sound bad.
… Of course, this all depends on the fact if I even have what it takes to attend school such as U.A. From what I learned it's supposed to be a first ranked high school for heroics. The entrance exam is said to be really tough, too. I didn't even know what candidates for Support course were required to know – all I knew about U.A. came from my brother, who only learned stuff about Hero department and its exam. I reaaaally would need to work my ass off if I wanted to even have a chance to take an exam.
Ha… let's leave all this for another time. I still have more than a year to decide. Still a lot of time, eh?
xXxXxXx
"Seriously Nee-chan! It was so awesome! That villain was sooo huge! But of course Mouth lady was even taller and she defeated him with one kick! One kick! I wish you saw it. It was amaaaazing! Though the quirk Mt. Lady has doesn't look that convenient. Considering her size, the damage- "
"Yeah. Yeah. We can imagine. Control your nerdy side Izuku. It's annoying," Izuku's cute rambles were cut off by no other but the moody Katsuki. What the hell? Who invited you?
Does he really need to be present for most of our calls? He always buts into our little sibling's bonding time. Though I guess this time I should have really expected it because I called Izuku right after his school ended. They are going home the same way and all.
"I think this side of him is cute!" I snapped back, frowning at the phone, even though it wasn't video-call and thus he couldn't see me. It's the thought that counts, right?
Oh shit, I really should look at where I step while walking, I nearly walked into a dog shit now. Seriously people, clean after your pets… speaking of pets, I need to buy a treat for Ms. Cat after I kicked her out to my bed yesterday… I was really tired okay? I stayed late at sensei's workshop, working on this new little project of mine that- oh wait. Shorty was talking. Meeeh.
"- you are lucky you don't have to listen to him all the fucking time. I am freaking tired of all his rambles and st-" Ah same boring shit again then.
"Shut up shorty. Nobody cares about how you feel. I actually didn't even listen to what you were saying until now."
"Fuck you. Also, stop with that shitty nickname already. I am not short - I've never was, now that I think about it, you are just too fucking tall for a girl. And I am quite convinced that by now I am actually taller than you."
"Keep dreaming shorty."
"Guys. Don't argue through a phone. When you have to do it, do it face to face." Oh here is my little angel. I was actually starting to get worried where he disappeared – it was him I wanted to talk to after all. Not shorty.
"Che." Katsuki is as eloquent as ever, I see.
"Ugh. Okay." See? Even I am more eloquent than him and that's saying something about him. Isn't it?
"Great! Anyway Nee-chan-"
*Glooop*
… what the fuck was that sound…
"THE FUCK?"
"AARGH!"
I froze in place after I heard my boy's screams. One surprised and other scared. A cold dread settled in my stomach when I heard a sound of phone hitting ground.
'NoNoNo. Not now. Not now that I am not here… Please…Let it just be a misunderstanding…'
"YOU FUCKER! LET GO OF HIM!" yelled Katsuki and my phone nearly slipped when I registered the meaning of his words. Was he talking about Izuku? I … I didn't hear him yelling anymore… What was happening… What the fuck was happening.
I stayed silent in hopes that I catch more words for me to process their situation fully.
"Don't worry brat. Just stay put for 45 seconds then I will give you my full attention after I take care of this one…" I started to shake when the sleazy sounding and definitely unfamiliar voice spoke up. His words made me see white, but strangely… as angry as I was, I couldn't move. I couldn't do a fucking thing as I desperately listened and hoped for someone to find and help them. They were too young; they weren't able to take on a villain alone, please someone…
"You fucker…. You think I AM JUST GONNA SIT AND WATCH?" Loud booms followed Katsuki's yell - no doubt made by his quirk. Good. Make a sound. Made a fucking bonfire if you want, someone is bound to see or hear it. Someone has to.
I squeezed my phone hard when particularly loud boom sounded near, then… buzzing and beeps were heard.
The call was disconnected.
The end~
Yep. I just did that. I am not sorry (juuust a bit, because I know your pain). I finally know why authors like to write cliff-hangers so much.
Aaanyway, I am sure everyone knows who is appearing next and maaan, I hope I don't make him OOC or something. I really like his character.
I noticed that most of you expected Katsuki to suddenly become all angry towards Izuku and all. Like, no. Sorry. Not happening in my fic. I like Katsuki&Izuku&Kou interactions, they are always the best parts to write in chapters. I probably should have added in summary that this is a slight AU...Maybe later.
And yep, Kou is going for a Support department, how many of you expected this? I noticed that some already caught it in previous chapters. Why did I choose this department? Well, even if Kou didn't have interest in engineering, I'd say there is too much OC that are in 1.A. and I think I am not the only one who is tired of this. With my fanfictions I want to explore and try things that aren't used a lot... so yeah... haha.
(Also yeah, Kirishima is totally crushing on Kou. I just find it hilariously cute. Also Kou's reactions to it are just gold to write. Sorry if someone is bothered by it. However, there won't be any actual romance between them, so don't worry about that.)
Names used in this chapter:
Isao - meaning "honor; merit."
Chie - meaning "wisdom."
Hisoka - meaning "reserved."
/I am gonna write this again here because damn I devoted too much time to make that chart for nobody to actually know about it XD So if you want to know more about Kou as an character (her appearance, personality, fighting style and such) just go to my tumblr keencollectivezombie, or to my profile where is link to that character page/
Reviews:
Pizzas Cat – Eheheh. You had to wait in that bed for a very long time. Did you fall into eternal sleep by now? XD Sorry! Here it is.
xenocanaan - Glad that you enjoyed the omake! I wasn't really sure about that one XD
Uberch01 - Your answer to that is in this chapter - no he isn't. I mean, it would sure be fun to tease him about it, but I just love the interactions between the trio.
Mandyne - Hehe. Thank you. I am glad you liked all those new characters. Here is some more. XD
CallmeCrazylol - Yeah. *sober nod* We all know true horrors of school. Is that how your nickname came to be? Did you go crazy because of school? XD
OTrizy - Seriously. I am worried you will soon burst with all that inflation to your ego. XD But nah. I think you are too lazy to even burst. :P
kylC - Omg. Now that you mentioned it, Kou really has too many rivals. What are you doing Kou? Going around, making so many rivals! XD He was there for their 'fight' so I think he kind of expected it... Also he always intrudes on twin's calls, so it isn't like he can't interact with Kou. XD Also, thank you!
HaPPy2901 - How... How did you know? Are you reading my mind? O.O Seriously, you were so right, it scared me a little. Hmmm I suppose... she kind of fights with Isao, but other than that she is too busy with other things now... I wonder if it stays like that after what happened at the end of chapter... muhaha. A-anyway. I know for sure that I mentioned in first chapter that she wanted to be a mechanic... I think I even gave small clues throughout chapters, maybe? I am really forgetful haha, so maybe I forgot to write those clues. But, seriously, you are good, reading my intentions like this. Her fighting ability... Kou always ends up in troubles, do you think she won't somehow be part of all those crazy things that happen at U.A.? XD
Uuuh. I was kind of lost there with 'yakuza arc'... it's really too long when I last read BnHA manga. But, I just wanna say: the story will turn really AU at one point... so some arc will be probably different than you expect.
But wow, you really think deep about my fanfiction and Kou... it makes me really happy, you know? About Kou, on one side she is really complex character, but on the other she is pretty simple - complicated, like all people are. But as you said, she knows more about the world that, let's say Izuku. But even she is lost in situations and what to do - keep in mind that in her first life, she did things only for herself... she now had several people she would want to protect if they were in danger and she doesn't know how to handle it. So she just goes with the flow for now...
What she thinks of All Might... well you will see, when she meets him in the next chapter~. Ah sorry, that prank thing didn't really fit into this chapter. I will put it into next chapters. Shipping KatsukixKou are we? Hahaha. As cute as that ship would be, it's not something I would write. Also, like you already read in this chapter, Katsuki stays the same... just little more volatile, but they relationship didn't change. I think it won't make a sense if he suddenly changed like that. He isn't dumb and could see what was happening between twins and he accepted that the distance was best choice.
You are not ranting at all! I actually like reading long reviews. Also I am happy that you overthink my story so much. It gives me new ideas, too. So keep going~ I am going to be all the more happy~
Minty-Ocean - Thank you! :3 I am gonna try to keep this up!
The Guy Who Makes Unfair Deals - Seriously. Love your nickname. Also. YEP! All Might appearance is nearing! XD
SirSwag333 - That's good then! :3 I am trying to make all my choices reasonable. Even though I fail sometimes. XD Will she know about Izuku's quirk? Hmm.. you will see... But do you really think Izuku can hide something from Kou for long? XD
havarti2 - Hahaha. Well, she tried in this chapter. Right? XD
iroxanamiranda - Aaaaw~ Thank you! So, someone DOES read ANs XD I always feel like I am talking to myself. I am now nineteen. XD I feel so old. Cute dogs~ cute fluffy dogs~. Yup. It was Kirishima. Aaaand, yeah MinaxKou friendship is a thing. xD At least Mika makes Kou less antisocial. Aww thank you! You stay safe too! :3
Skittertale - None at all! Everyone will bow to him when the time comes!
Merlin's Knight - Tell me about it... I am so lazy and all those test are coming my way... ugh. You recognized him? Really? That's great! I was worried nobody recognized him XD. Yup. He was frustrated. I am sure nobody saw it coming, but I saw it as an necessity... also I really kind of needed to separate them for my story to go where I wanted... ha... ha. So did you expect Support department? I am sure that you did came to this conclusion. I mean, I didn't really try to hide my intentions. I suppose I was just too vague.
Aya - Thank you very much!
Anonymous Sep 4 - Thank you! I still think I have ways to go with my writing, but your review really made me smile!
Immortalchord - Are... are you reading my mind? That's EXACTLY what I planned to do with her quirk. Damn. Here goes the surprise. XD Also, thank you very much. And about my other stories... haha... ha... I really need to go back to them and rewrite them. But with school and my laziness I am now capable to only give my attention to one fanfiction. XD
dragon slayer of death 98 - It's kind of embarrasing, but I don't know who Kazama Yuuki is, but if he/she is terrifying and awesome, I'd say you are doing the right thing imagining him/her as Kou. From which anime that character is?
Guest Sep 25 - Lol. Yeah. XD I don't know if I was high on something when I wrote that part. XD
SamMayDay89 - Thank you! I am so happy that you like Kou!