BNHA: Dual Fates
Chapter 46: Blossoming Romance
A/N: No- this is not the end, there's still more to come! I'm just so super excited and squealing about this chapter! Such cuteness, EEEEK! X3
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"Come on, Edgeshot. It'll ruin the grand-o surprise I have planned if she goes home for tonight! Besides..." Haru chirped with a toothy grin and ran over to him, with a hand to his head. "It's a special day, her B-Day.~" her quiet whispers left a stunned ninja in place after she stepped back.
With her hands on her hips, it felt as if she had won and when a sigh escaped the pro hero with a nod, the girl cheered. "Haha, cool! UV-Ray, stay with Kirishima okay? Hitoshi and I need to run to the store real quick for... Stuff!" Har-Har tried her best to avoid mentioning anything relating to birthdays, so with a hand nervously rubbing the back of her neck and a step back, Uviel couldn't help but begin to question their strange secrecy; hers in particular.
"I- guess, sure. How long will you be?" curious, embarrassed as the fact that she'd be left alone with her crush, aside from Kamihara... Her heart already started to pick up at the thought and didn't even notice her red cheeks. I- I have Kamihara with me, so I'm not completely alone with Eijiro, right?! Panic rose in her mind, that was until she saw a smirk play at the snake girl's lips.
"I don't know. Maybe- an hour at most? Don't worry, though. We can meet up at the gaming arcade if you want!" cheerfully she spoke, answering the cybergirl with her brightest smile and quickly grabbing Shinso's hand. "Let's go! The more time we waste talking, the more we waste the day away!" In a rush, like a rocket shooting across the street, comical dust flew when she bolted and made the boy flail like a flag.
Now Saito was left with Eijiro and her idol hero, purely astonished at the incredible speed Haru took off. "I wouldn't be surprised if Hitoshi came back with a broken limb... With how he flailed like that," at that moment, she felt a sweatdrop trickle down her face and heard an agreeing hum from Edgeshot behind her.
~~~Haru~~~
Around the corner, left and right, the two sprinted down the street. With their hands so tightly clenched together, it was hard for Hitoshi to ignore how small and delicate it actually seemed. How much she trained, the cruelty she received, and the roughness her hands had undergone, he was surprised at how soft her hands really were.
Pink tints dusted his cheeks as he kept his attention on their clasped hands and slowly those purple eyes looked up to stare at her bright and lively beauty. Her open, happy smile, the excitement on her face, the aura she radiated, and all of her beautiful scales that glistened under the sun's rays. It was captivating to him, for he couldn't stop himself from gawking. Beautiful.~ a single thought, too focused on her to truly think, echoed.
"In here!" Quickly, into a party shop, they went through a pair of double doors and raced into an isle. "Hitoshi! We need to look for party streamers, some fancy paper that we can make into pretty decorations, and a lot of party cups! Oh- don't forget Styrofoam plates. We need a lot of-" before she could finish, he overran her when he spoke and felt his weight shift.
"So, is this why you brought me here? Since you can't read or anything, or know what's-what in the store?" a brow lifted after he looked up at the shelf next to him and reached up for a pack of red, plastic cups.
A frown, her fists tightened as her attention remained forward and not once glanced his way. "I- I can figure that stuff out on my own, it shouldn't be hard. I get it if you don't feel like helping me, I did just drag you all the way here so it was kinda rude of me, haha!" an awkward flush to her cheeks rose at that moment, however a tinge of shame over her blindness wrapped around her mind and a fake smile formed.
"I don't mind, I know you can't help it. You have to learn to ask for help in this sort of situation, I'd be more than happy to," a smile, small and reassuring, he watched as her hazed hues lit up with astonishment at his words and realized how defenseless she actually seemed.
Panic, for once she felt a stir. She could hear her own heart thump in her ears and it unsettled her. W- What's this weird feeling?! A question occurred in her mind as she stood there trying to figure out her odd, flustered state. Cheeks crimson, for some reason she didn't know why, but the girl whipped around to face her back to him and began touching her forehead. The heat, her heart rate, the slight trembling in her hands, it was all too familiar... This is how Uviel's body reacts to Kirishima all the time! Why is this happening to me?! Pure panic soon replaced her other expression and it wasn't long until she sensed the boy walk up to her side.
A hand on her shoulder nearly made her jump, if she hadn't shifted her weight just right. "I got the party cups," a faint rustle of plastic reached her ears, it was clear that he was staring at her red face but didn't bother to point it out. "What's next... Party Streamers?" Now he left the isle, knowing full well she was sluggishly following and scuffing her heels across the floor.
They went around the store like that for a good while, picking out different colors for streamers and birthday patterns on the plates. Many different decorations were picked out, things that weren't even listed, and when they walked into the beverage aisle...
Haru wasn't paying too much attention since she was smelling around for specific drinks, but, Hitoshi spotted a familiar Crocodile man and felt a tinge of caution. "Damn, they're sold out," grumbling, one eye twitched at the sight of a missing two-liter bottle of soda that he wanted so badly and couldn't get it. Something purple in his peripherals caught his attention, though, and felt eyes glaring daggers into his skull. Therefore, his yellow slits looked to the side, and in his violet glory stood the boy he helped before.
Now, they both stood silent, returning lighting-striking glares between each other, and heard Yukimura's murmurs in the background. "Kyoshi," the mention of the Crock's last name wasn't so much as a greeting, but an irritated statement.
"Hitoshi," Wani did the same and folded his arms against his chest, he wanted to show some sort of dominance, to show he was stronger or better than him in some way. He knew the brunette was around, which is probably why his instincts kicked in.
"Hey, Hitoshi! Look, I found UV-Ray's favorite soda! Grande Fizz! A two-liter, haha! We seriously need to get this for her, she'd flip.~" A toothy grin, excited and full of energy, ran over Haru who held up the large soda bottle. A quick whiff of Wani's scent made her nearly halt abruptly next to the boy and stare into the space before her. "Dude, hey! It's been a while, how have you been?" Her friendly smile that could outshine the sun itself, was given to the Crock. Two fingers from her tan hand lifted, a peace sign and a few giggles escaped after she set the bottle next to the boy's feet.
He couldn't stop staring at her stunning smile and lively aura, for what darkness was left, was repelled by the bright light she emitted. "I'm... Better. I don't feel as angry as I did before," Red tints dusted his cheeks, it was hard to look at her for many reasons. One- he helped kill her father, two- she was so bright that his heart fluttered at that moment and the same awestruck feeling he felt towards her returned tenfold.
The memories of when they first met at the sports festival, came back, and how bright she seemed practically left him awestruck. "That's awesome, dude! I'm gonna go back and grab some snacks, Hitoshi!" Quickly, with excitement still radiating, she sprinted into the next aisle and left the two alone.
In her mind, as she pressed her back against the shelf and kept her head low, disbelief was written on her face at what she sensed from the Crock. It was the same sound, the same heat, the same as Uviel and Hitoshi. What's going on lately?! I'm so confused! I'm... Scared. Those devastated, blind hues stared at the shiny floor and felt something crinkle behind her. Against her tan fingers, she felt a bag and could almost catch a whiff of barbecue when it rustled.
Upon the quietness of the store, she was alone in the aisle and an idea came to mind. What if- I eavesdropped on them? What would they talk about? Haha, I bet you anything it'd be more about Kyoshi complaining over the lack of soda he wanted! The girl did her best to distract herself from the confusion and fear that riddled her mind.
Therefore, she did exactly that, her ears focused so she could hear the two speak, and much to her surprise...
"Hey- Why are you with her? I figured, since she was brought back, you wouldn't care to get involved with her again. Why the hell are you following or hanging around her?" A deep, crocodile growl bellowed in his throat and those sharp slits bore into stern purple ones.
"Because... We made a promise to each other. We're going to fight against our own darkness together and I will make sure I pull her out of whatever pit she falls into, so she doesn't have to go down that horrible road again. This is the first time anyone was willing to help me, too. How could I say no to someone so similar to me... When she has gone through much worse? I wouldn't be able to call myself a hero if I can't even save 1 person. It doesn't feel like I saved her, it just feels I took only one part of her darkness away... Her father. I..." at that moment, his eyes closed to try and find the right words to make sure he says this right.
"I want to be her hero," a determination, serious, dangerous stare was given to the now infuriated crock who only seemed to grind his teeth in return.
"I helped fight that bastard of a snake, too. I want her to feel free, to be who she wants to be, and accept everything about herself even the darkness inside. That damn prick was trying to steer her into a life she didn't want and she deserves better! I don't care if you're a hero, I don't care about heroes at all! If I'm able to do what a hero can't, then I'll do it! I want to help her find her own path and not get yanked between two forces, like you hero assholes and villains do! I like her... I like how positive and outgoing she is. I like her personality, light and dark, so if I have to kick some kid's ass to get to her then I will," Wani shot the kid a sharp and intense glare that would send chills down anyone's spine, except Shinso.
Behind the shelf, Haru's hazy eyes lit up with astonishment and now her heart began to throb. Disbelief, fear, confusion, things started to not make sense the more she thought hard on it and listened to their conversation. Kyoshi... Likes me? Hitoshi wants to... Be my hero? What?! But we're friends aren't' we?! Her mind became frantic as her cheeks burned like hellfire, heat far hotter than a mere blush.
She didn't understand why her body kept acting that way and that only made more fear rise. I need some space, soon, hopefully soon! Seriously, this is weird! Her tan hands cupped her own face to try and hide her beet-redness that shined brightly.
~~~
Some time had passed after they gathered some party supplies, the brunette was lucky to run into Kyoshi and made Hitoshi tag along. Because she didn't have to carry any of the goodies they bought. "This way, guys!" In a hurry, the snake girl sprinted towards the Arcade with a wave of her hand and didn't even glance behind her to see if they were picking up their pace.
Wani carried several bags while Hitoshi simply held a few, for they challenged each other at the register to see who could carry the most. It wasn't a big surprise to the boy when the Crock was able to hold more than him, albeit rather upsetting to say the least. When they reached the double glass doors, they saw her toothy grin and a thumbs-up given to them. "Kyoshi, it's Uviel's birthday today so don't pop those balloons. Also- thanks for carrying this stuff, hehe.~" Eyes closed with slight mischief in her last words, she didn't notice the smile on Wani's natural smirk and referred to both of them.
"Sure, no problem," this time, before Wani could answer, Hitoshi smirked and stepped in front of the tall Crock with confidence. He could hear a low bellow of anger in Kyoshi's throat, which only seemed to have made a victorious smirk spread across his lips more.
As soon as she ran in, they both followed the boy in front of him and saw how large the arcade was. "Can you guys go put up the decorations? I need to make some calls!" Quickly, as soon as she smelled Uviel's scent in the far back of the building, her finger pointed to a more open clearing where people could play dance games, drink and eat snacks; it was basically a party area.
"Yeah. You going to use Max?" Curious, Hitoshi glanced down at her hand when it moved to pull out her phone from her pocket.
"Yup! Thanks!" A wave goodbye, her phone was lifted close to her lips, and ran back outside to a more quiet location. She wanted to do this right, any mistakes would make her pout and it would greatly upset her if she wasn't able to celebrate her bestie's birthday.
Both guys glanced at each other, almost challenging as if their eyes had some sort of hidden communication, and lightly jogged into the party place without anyone seeing.
Moments turned into an hour and Uviel sighed when she leaned against the surface of a small, square table. "Where is she? She said she'd be here in about an hour or so... Maybe I should give her a call," mumbled the miserable-looking cybergirl, who sat across from Eijiro and pouted.
"Don't worry! She'll be back I'm sure of it, Yukimura's energetic so maybe she just has a lot to do before coming here," As he answered her reassuringly, a faint thought about what he and Haru discussed at the cafe returned. When they talked about birthday plans, he was so confused about what he should get her as a present and that was when she gave him some advice. She's going to love my present! I know it! She told me she loved those kinds of things, so maybe... Just maybe, I could get my second chance this way! cheered the boy who beamed with joy in his mind and a bright grin was enough proof that he was excited.
Suddenly, in front of her and Kiri, Edgeshot placed a snack and leaned against some railings to a platform with stairs that led up to it. "Thought you might like a snack. She's been away for a while so this is on me," explained the ninja rather thoughtfully and saw their faces light up with eagerness.
"Thanks!" In unison, they opened a pack and took a bite nearly at the same time and Kamihara thought it was cute how in sync they were. Oh no! Damn, I hope he doesn't think I'm sloppy! In that instant, she froze with astonished eyes in mid-chew. Pieces of food stuck to her puffed, crimson cheeks, and very slowly did she peek up to an awestruck, blushed Kirishima.
His red eyes twinkled and couldn't help but stare at how cute she looked. So tiny, delicate, those puffed cheeks full of food, and her sapphire hues that stared into his mesmerized him. "Ahem... Well, I believe you two should get ready," it was so adorable to him to see the two blush over each other and was almost like watching an innocent romance blossoming before his eyes.
Both eyes blinked and immediately moved to him with their red faces. "What do you mean?" Both in unison, their eyes still wide, their question literally made Edgeshot snort from beneath his mask and tried not to laugh.
He had to turn his head and place a hand over his masked lips, to prevent his chuckles. With a quick clearing of his throat, he recovered easily to give them a straight answer and saw in the corner of his eyes, their classmates all sneaking their way into the party area. "Yukimura came back, she ran into that large area over there, the room, and gestured for me to bring you two," After watching them swallow their food, again, in unison, they glanced over to where he pointed and spotted the brunette waving excitedly at them.
This time Uviel stuffed her snack into her mouth and with haste, she stood. "Come on!" Mouth full of food, her words were muffled and Kiri had to jam what was left of his snack, too, since she yanked on his arm. Out of his seat, her small, pale hand, pulled on his larger one and ran over to her best friend.
His face was now crimson from her touch, it made it difficult for him to think straight when her soft hand clenched around his. As soon as they entered the party area, Haru made a quick whistle as a signal for all of their classmates to shout- "Surprise! Happy birthday Saito!" All in unison, even Kirishima shouted and ran next to the brunette. Wani, Ochaco, Iida, Midoriya, an annoyed Bakugo, everyone excluding the dirty blonde cheered with excitement filling the room.
M- My birthday?! Shit, I forgot! her mind became frantic as her face lit up red. Mouth agape and astonishment evident, a step back she soon bolted out of the room and tried to escape. The embarrassment, the attention popping out of nowhere was something she wasn't used to.
A hysterical and dramatic stretch of Haru's arm reached out and snapped back in place like a rubber band, with a chibi Uviel held up into the air for everyone to see. "Hahahaha! A last-minute party! I couldn't just, not do this, UV-Ray!" Her enthusiasm caused the cybergirl to curl up into her chibi self and stare at the floor, it was hard to hide her red cheeks.
From her chibified form, the lighter redhead returned to normal when Kamihara stepped closer to her and placed a reassuring hand on her head. "Happy birthday, Saito. If I had known it was your birthday today, I would've gotten you something," a frown behind his mask grew after his eyes averted in shame. The ninja felt terrible for not even knowing the girl's birthday, but now he does so he'd have to remember it next time.
"I- It's okay, really. You being here is enough for me, it's really cool that my favorite pro hero is here!" as soon as she said that, it made it difficult to prevent her giggles however recalling what he told her in the hospital's hallway earlier... Her excitement disappeared for only a second and came back, but it wasn't quick enough.
Haru sensed it, for a short moment she felt a stir in her movements before they went back to normal and it caused a concerned frown to show. UV-Ray, what's wrong? It was very easy for her to pick that up. Her blind hues stared worriedly in her best friend's direction and the excitement she once had- fell.
Soon, everyone ran to Uviel with warm greetings and cheerfulness, excluding Bakugo who stepped closer with his hands in his pockets. They were all talking to the cybergirl and surrounding her, leaving the brunette out of the crowd to ponder on her odd movements.
Food, beverages, she ate cake and chips. Candles were blown out and a wish was made, a wish she had no idea would actually come true. Presents were exchanged after the cake was passed around, music boomed in the party area and some classmates were playing Dance Dance Revolution nearby.
As Saito sat in the birthday-girl chair holding the last present she received from Ochaco, which was a friendship bracelet dazzled with cute gems, there was one more and everyone began to stand up. "Thanks, guys, so much..." tears began to brim her eyes, for she felt incredibly emotional at how much her friends cared. The presents didn't have as much value to her as knowing that they even agreed to celebrate, it was enough proof and it moved her so much.
"Uviel, we wouldn't miss out on your birthday! Yukimura made quick emergency calls, she literally said it was an emergency and when he came here she told us that today was very important, that it was your birthday. So we all pitched in to get you a present!" Ochaco gave her a thumbs-up and a bright smile, as everyone else simply nodded or stared with relieved grins.
"Uviel..." trailing off, from the side, Kirishima walked closer and it was hard to not notice the others walk over to the walls to sit or lean against them. Confusion soon made her upper-black lips frown and her brows knit, she didn't know what was going on. "There's one last present," It was odd, he was wearing something different and it made heat rise to her cheeks. Why is he wearing that?! He looks so hot! Why did I just say that?! Eyes wide with astonishment, her entire face lit up red when the girl noticed him clad in a black and red tuxedo. I hope Momo is okay with giving me this Tux! in his mind, he panicked and did his best to hide it so as to not stir any kind of concern.
(Play: Anevo & Laura Brehm, Universe :D)
Not too much longer, music began to play and his hand offered to take hers, which she hesitantly did. Too awestruck, their gazes never left each other when he pulled her from her seat and against his chest. Does he know how to dance?! Are we going to dance?! Her mind flooded with panicked thoughts and the closeness of his body filled her senses. His smell, his warmth, masculinity, her heart rammed rapidly against her chest when their feet began to move.
"I picked out this song for you because it's by the same singer you like. I heard you singing on the school's roof and I loved it," a sweet smile, eyes twinkling with emotion and awe. Yes, the darker redhead's face was flushed red from how close she was but that wasn't the real reason... He watched her sapphire hues peek up at him, too much in shock to speak so he continued. "Come on, dance!" this time, he spun her around and let her move on her own. He loved how she danced on the rooftop, how beautiful she looked, and really wanted her to feel free enough to do so on her own.
Dance... Dance? I can't dance, I can't... Doubt filled her mind as depression began to darken her eyes until she saw her crush sway in place and twirl. She watched him, his grin, the encouragement, and the gestures of his hands telling her to do the same; to only look at him. So, with a nervous and hesitant move of her feet, she did.
Step by step, hips slowly swaying, cheeks burning red, she ignored everyone else, and eventually, she felt herself loosening up. "That's it! Yeah, haha! Kiri cheered and began to move close to her by mere inches and watched her lips broaden into a smile.
She felt free, the fun began to grow in her heart and her dancing started to truly shine. "Hahaha!" laughter left her lungs, she laughed so hard that her eyes closed tightly and almost fell over from an attempt at spinning rapidly in place.
Luckily, with his strong arms, Eijiro caught her arm and pulled her close to his face. Their noses practically touched and his breath hit her lips, she was stunned. "Uviel... I- I really..." Inside of his mind, he kept trying to push himself to say it, to confess, to tell her, and be a man about it.
Tell him, I need to tell him! What if it gets awkward, what if something goes wrong?! Not only did he, but Saito did as well despite her own doubt. The song kept playing in their ears as they gazed into each others' eyes expectantly, until, Ochaco and Haru screamed over the music to encourage the girl; so, thus, she did.
"I- I-," Uviel stuttered her heart skipped and her breaths were hesitant, it was hard for both of them. Though, when she did, he did too, they were in unison when they managed to finish their sentence. "I... Like you," That shocked both of them, red covered the entirety of their faces and froze.
However, with a subtle movement, her blue hues closed tightly. On her tip-toes, she did her best to raise her height and her lips touched his, she didn't want to question why her body moved on its own; if anything, it felt right. It was what she wanted, what she waited for, what she hadn't realized she longed for was to feel his touch. When they confessed at the same time, it was the push she needed to kiss him, for she felt nothing but relief and joy at that moment.
Most of the girls cheered and squealed, even a couple of guys who pumped their fists into the air for Eijiro's confession. Kamihara couldn't stop smiling at their blossoming, innocent romance, it was like watching a drama and he adored it.
He likes me... He likes me! HE LIKES ME! Her mind rambled on and on as tears threatened to fall during their kiss. When they parted, their eyes connected and pure happiness flooded their faces, it was hard not to smile at each other knowing that they had the same feelings.