A/N: Happy Valentine's Day, everyone. I hope today's chapter is to your liking.
Omnipotent X – Yes, I thought it was really adorable. Surprisingly, a lot of people don't use comics as a muse, but I say why not.
A horrific sight greeted Sato Rikido first thing in the morning. Last night, with the help of his classmates, the resident baker made sure everything was spic and span, neat, teat, tidy, and trim. He wanted the area pristine because he knew the next day would be the best day to make sweets, and there was no way Sato would use a dirty kitchen to bake his delicious goods. None of his classmates asked him, but to celebrate the day of love and chocolate, he wanted to do something special. … Nah, he was just craving chocolate.
He liked his classmates. They were like family, but there were vultures amongst the ranks, so Sato hid some sweets for times like this, and sitting at a cleaned table with a pristine kitchen next door was paradise for a baker.
Paradise was now a shattered reality.
He had to be dreaming. He had to be having a nightmare. A horrendous storm ravaged the land that was the kitchen and left behind a most gruesome spectacle. He wished the aftermath of the storm was a dream, but after the third rubbing of his eyes, the infernal disaster never disappeared. His sanctum, the one place in the dorm that served as his domain away from reality, was in ruins, and standing in the middle of it, the girls of his class were frozen like deers in a headlight.
"Why?" Sato tried not to cry. "Just tell me why."
Mina and Jirou pushed the mother figure, Momo, forward. She looked ashamed as the baker's distraught countenance pierced her heart. Guilt latched to her chest.
"I wanted to try making chocolate," she said.
"Okay, I can see that," Sato studied the charcoaled mess and controlled the urge to get on his hands and knees and bawl. "But what rule did you and Iida-san implement?"
Momo averted her gaze. "To refer to your guidance when it came to baking, but I figured with a recipe and more minds, we'd manage."
All the girls of 1-A were dirty, their failed attempts not only obstructing the beauty of a pristine kitchen but their beauty as well.
Sato took a page from his senpai's page and pressed his hands together in prayer. A deep inhale and exhale later, he knew what was going on.
"Okay, I'm assuming you were making chocolates for Shuzenji-senpai."
"Correct. I wanted to surprise him."
"Alright, and how many attempts does this make?"
"Uhh," Momo looked to her friends for confirmation. Jirou and Mina shrugged while Tooru and Uraraka contemplated the answer by looking at their mess.
"Five, kero," Asui answered. "We might have enough ingredients for another batch."
Paradise would have to wait.
"We'll clean up this mess. Give us a while," Momo got her girls to fix their mess. All the while, Sato continued to hold back tears. His mind would forever remember the monster that littered their kitchen.
Once the kitchen was back to its nice and tidy self, Sato got to work.
"Alright, let me see what we're working with," he studied the ingredients, "You're going for a milk chocolate base. Does senpai even like sweets?"
"He does. Cakes, especially, are his weakness, and I was going to top a slice with a piece of handmade chocolate," Momo explained.
"Which is cute as hell," Mina commented.
"Too saccharine for my taste," replied Jirou.
"We have a plan then. I'll show you how to make basic chocolate. Later on, I can help you with the cake. That won't be as difficult."
The girls thanked the baker and adhered to his guidance as he walked them through the steps while making sure they didn't deviate from the recipe. His kitchen paradise was on the line. As they worked, the baker noticed Momo's disheartened frown starting to brighten.
"Nervous?" Sato inquired of the Vice President.
A rosy blush appeared on Momo's cheeks.
"It's our first Valentine's Day together and I want to make it special. He's been so good to me; I want to return the favor. I'm going to make Teddy swoon for once."
At first, the sparkles were distracting. They were worried Momo would hurt herself because of the intense happiness clouding her judgement. That was no longer the case. The sparkles meant she was alright. There was no need to worry anymore.
Momo would be just fine.
Buying a gift for Valentine's Day was a new experience. Shuzenji Kyoya never cared for the holiday since he didn't have a special someone to spend it with. This year left room for no excuses. There was someone in his life now, and he couldn't wait to receive her love. He had no idea what battle was going on in his girlfriend's head, but he had his theories.
'Hmm, what should I give her?' he already had the essential bouquet of roses, but he lacked a gift to wow his kitty cat. 'A teddy bear seems too common, but it would be funny to get a teddy bear from your teddy bear. Hmm, a matching set would be nice, like the necklace I gave her.'
"Have any ideas what you want to get?"
Kyoya didn't come to shop alone. Miraculously, he was able to wrench his brother away from his office long enough to have a quality brotherly day out.
"I'm looking for matching shirts like that necklace Matsu-chan made."
"That's cute," Shuzenji Sasori walked with his hands behind his back.
"What about you?"
"See, I wish I had an answer, but I'm not that savvy when it comes to women."
"And I am?"
"Better than me. I'll get a box of chocolate and a teddy bear in a heartbeat," he chuckled, "Should get one of those really big ones and surprise her with it."
"I'm still glad you found someone."
"I didn't find someone," the elder brother retorted, "She and I have just been talking. I was doing one of my rounds and helped her carry her groceries home. After that, we just talked, but when I say she is the definition of pure and innocence, she is precious."
Kyoya laughed silently.
"See? Leaving your cave was a good idea. My player of a brother is making moves."
"Who are you calling a player, Mr. Popular? How many boxes of chocolate did you get last year? Refresh my memory."
The younger psychic lowered the whiteboard and continued searching.
"Mhm, that's what I thought."
Still, the older brother was stumped. Like his brother, he was new to the concept of Valentine's Day shopping. As a man of medicine, he was married to his work, or more so, it had a leash on him. He long pushed the notion of finding someone into the far recesses of his mind, but someone managed to make it resurface.
Was it too late for him? He was only twenty-five, but his job made relationships difficult to maintain. The number of people issued to his hospital declined in the past few days, but the people already in his care still required his expertise.
Could he afford to be selfish this one time?
"How are things with your girlfriend? Everything okay?" he put the thoughts on the backburner for now.
"Things are great. She loved the necklace I gave her, and her class didn't make a big deal about us dating."
"That's good to hear. I got scared when Granny Chiyo told me you were making moves in the infirmary."
"I wasn't making moves, okay! She said yes, so of course, I was going to hug her." Kyoya's face matched the color of the roses. "How about you? What's this woman like?"
Sasori sighed. He wanted to avoid the subject. His head needed to process the turn of events that lead to the beating in his chest.
"Like I said, the definition of innocence. She's very sweet, but I can tell she has a lot on her mind."
"Who doesn't these days?"
"True, but her discord level was concer… what is that?"
"The perfect shirt to give my girlfriend. What do you think?"
It was a pink shirt with "Every Beauty Needs A Beast" written on it and a black ribbon between Beauty and Needs.
"I thought your girlfriend's nickname was Kitty."
"It is, but I think this works better right now. She is a beauty after all. All I need is the matching one."
"Mhmm, I don't think pink is the right color. Not for you anyway, I'd suggest burgundy."
"Don't be mad because I can rock pink better."
Sasori scoffed. "Yeah, right, come at me when you can pull off a dress."
Kyoya immediately cursed his large stature and mighty physique.
After finishing their shopping and stopping for lunch, the brothers went their separate ways. Kyoya headed back to U.A.'s campus with his gift already wrapped. He was anxious to see how tomorrow would fair for his first valentines, but as always, he kept his guard raised. The Spirits, unusually quiet, continued to manipulate the universe. Their influence waned since the first-year students' license exams, but even so, happiness could turn into displeasure in a heartbeat. With that in mind, Kyoya flew cautiously back to campus, where he had one last thing to prepare.
'The stage is set.' He put his gift and bouquet away and set the pen and paper on his desk. 'There is no limitation. Let your heart guide you.'
He brought his hands together and let the magic do its job. His mind acted as the leader, and the movement of his fingers acted as the conductor for his pen to follow. The psychic was in his purest element, nothing but him and the power bestowed upon him. In tandem, the two forces danced under the psychic light as the world gazed upon them in delighted envy.
With a final flourish, Kyoya's dance came to an end. He exhaled calmly, letting the weight vanish from his broad shoulders. His finished piece lay on his desk, bathed in beautiful calligraphy.
'Beautiful.'
All he could think of was how beautiful it looked. As he read it, his small smile enlarged, threatening to split his face, a proud grin plastered for no one to see.
'Hmm, should I imbue it with energy? … Nah, I don't need to do that anymore, but it would make a nice touch. Oh, what the hell?'
At the right moment, a few knocks rapped on Kyoya's door.
"Yo, Kyo-kun, we're here."
Using his quirk to open the door, Kyoya was greeted by four familiar and similar-looking faces. Two belonged to Kaoru Shin and Shino of the quartet, while the other two were the last members of the brotherly quadruplets. The laid-back looking one had short, spiky chestnut-brown hair and the same emerald eyes as his brothers. The fourth member had medium-length, well combed, chestnut-brown hair and, yet again, possessed the iconic green orbs.
"Hey there, Kyoya-nii."
"Come on in, guys. I just finished my bundle. You all made it safely?"
In order of age, the brothers were Shinji, the well-combed brother, Shin, the quiet brother, Shino, the bespectacled brother, and Shinichi, the laid-back brother.
"Shinji-nii's wig came off on the way and he got recognized, but we managed to escape. Are you ready for tomorrow, big guy?" Shinichi inquired.
"As ready as ever. I'm hoping for less chocolate this time."
"Not happening," Shino commented. "You're going to get more this year than last year because you have junior students to account for."
"You really think the first years are going to reward me?"
"Yes," all four brothers replied.
"Not to mention the ladies at the hospital," Shinji pointed out.
"That's a lot of chocolate," Shinichi laughed. "A lot of sweets you won't finish any time soon."
"I'm just glad to be loved. How about you guys?"
"I'm good. I'll accept my sweets and savor the gratitude. It's Shinji-nii who's in for a surprise."
The eldest brother lowered his flushed face and twiddled his thumbs.
"I've yet to see Tsu-chan."
"It's Tsubaki. She's always got something planned," Kyoya stated. "As for me, I just need the one box and I'll be satisfied."
"So, how are we doing this?"
"Like kings," Shinichi grinned, "I have a plan that may or may not get us in trouble."
"Oh no," Shino and Shinji sighed.
"Now, here's what we do. It involves the suits."
The fateful day was upon U.A. and love was in the air. The sun was shining bright, but it paled in comparison to all the beautiful smiles.
Presents? Check.
Chocolates? Check.
Heart under control? Halfway there.
In class 1-A, their Vice President had a goal. She spent the entire evening and parts of the night making sure everything was as it should be. Nothing could go wrong for her first Valentine.
"You ready?" Jirou inquired.
Kitty breathed. "Yes, I'm ready."
"Let's go, Extras!" Bakugo roared. "Let's get this stupid day over with."
"Don't be such a spoilsport, Bakugo. This is the day of love!" Mina bounced around.
"Tch, yeah, right, and let's ignore all the commercialism aimed towards buying expensive jewelry when today is simply meant to be with the basket case crazy enough to stay with you."
Everyone looked at Bakugo as he left the dorm.
"Getting too real there, Bakubro," Kirishima commented.
On the way to campus, the class saw a massive crowd gathered in the courtyard.
"Did reporters break in again?" Iida inquired.
"No, I think I hear music," Jirou used her keener sense of hearing. "Yeah, someone's playing music. Wait a minute," she let out a big gasp, "I know this voice."
Jirou sprinted towards the crowd, the music growing louder as she entered its proximity.
Still Into You by Paramore
I should be over all the butterflies
But I'm into you
And baby even on our worst nights
I'm into you.
Let 'em wonder how we got this far
'Cause I don't really need to wonder at all
Yeah, after all this time, I'm still into you.
I'm still into you.
I'm still into you.
The song came to an end, receiving roaring applause from the audience. Live in the courtyard, a band of quadruplets serenaded the crowd. Each member was dressed in a snazzy suit, including the individual keeping the fans at bay with a psychic barrier.
"What's going on? Who are they?" Izuku was confused.
"Siren's Vanity," Jirou sparkled uncharacteristically. "They're a small boy band who sing covers of songs on Click Clock. Remember the two brothers who gave us that advice on the license exams? They were two of the members. I didn't know they were going to perform!"
"Hello students of U.A.!" Shinichi greeted. "How are we doing today?"
His inquiry garnered the cheers of multiple fans.
"We're glad to hear it, and we hope you enjoy our surprise gift to all of you. It's been a while since we put on a show, but our vocalist was feeling good today and couldn't wait to share his angelic voice. Let's hear it for the eldest Kaoru, Shinji!"
The crowd cheered as the vocalist stepped forward and waved to his adoring fans, giving everyone a gentle smile.
"I appreciate everyone's patience. It feels good to be back, but we'll see how today fairs. Hopefully, my body can hold out, but let's forget about that. I have something to say, and it's going to take every ounce of courage I can muster. How many people are watching us?"
"Four hundred and twenty-seven," Shino answered, staring at the phone set up on his keyboard.
"Really? That's even more than I thought. Oh gosh, now I'm nervous."
"Come on, bro, you got this!" Shinichi shouted. "Shinji! Shinji!"
"Shinji! Shinji!" the crowd followed suit and began egging on the vocalist, who started to sweat.
"Easier for you all to say, but here goes," Shinji took a deep breath and faced the crowd and phone streaming their performance. "Like some of you, I, too, have someone special for Valentine's Day. This is for her, an amazing girl named Tachibana Tsubaki."
'Oh, so Tachibana's boyfriend is him.'
"We've been through a lot together, especially with my poor health, but we've always had each other's back when it came down to it. It's thanks to her that I'm right here today to say it for all these people to hear, and I'm stalling," he scratched the back of his head.
"Yes, you are," a silky-smooth voice spoke up from the crowd. Emerging from the sea, the girl in question approached the band, her face flushed. "Go ahead, darling."
Shinji devolved into a mess but found the courage he needed. He held his hand out for Tsubaki to take. When she teleported inside the barrier, she placed her hand over Shinji's.
"I should've known you'd do something like this," she said. "But I certainly don't hate it."
"Well, I always go big on the special occasions, but this time, I want to say it for validation. That way, no one else can try their hand. You've been with me for years, Tsu-chan."
"Kero, that'll be confusing," Tsuyu commented under her breath.
"I have no words to effectively describe how much you mean to me. There will be many times where I feel like I'm not worthy of your time or that my heart simply isn't strong enough to match your burning passion. You're my one in a million, and I want to be by your side every remaining step of the way, to hold, to laugh with, to love, and to never let go. I love you, Tsu-chan, and I always will."
The bespectacled beauty sealed the deal with a kiss that ignited the crowd, causing thunderous applause to deafen the courtyard.
"Honestly, a simple I love you would've sufficed," Tsubaki replied, pecking Shinji on the cheek. "But you have no idea how happy that makes me. Happy Valentine's Day, darling. I love you too."
"Happy Valentine's Day."
"Beautiful," Shino stated, "Simply beautiful."
"The fans are going nuts, bro," the youngest brother said. "Shall we wrap this up before the teachers decide enough is enough?"
"Right," Shinji was ensnared by Tsubaki, who leaned against him in a dreamy state. "Follow my example, gentlemen. It's better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. That being said, I'm not the only one who hasn't admitted their feelings to the apple of their eye. We have a friend who gets to experience Valentine's Day for the first time today, and he's ready to make his girlfriend the happiest in the world."
"Aww, this is so sweet," Uraraka cooed, "Who do you think it is?"
"Turn your attention to Shuzenji Kyoya," Shinji guided the crowd to the giant standing behind the band, using Psychokinesis to form a barrier around them. At this moment, he dropped the barrier and joined Shinji at the front.
"Ooh, this is going to be good," Kaminari chuckled.
"Oh my gosh," Mina and Tooru held back a squeal.
"No way," Momo stifled a gasp.
"We all know about Kyoya-kun. He's a really nice guy with a heart of gold, but this year will be his first authentic Valentine's Day celebration, and if you know him as we do, you know he doesn't do things halfway."
"You okay, Yaomomo?" Jirou whispered.
"I'm fine," Momo's voice went high. Her voice always went high when emotional, and even though he hasn't done anything big yet, knowing something was in store left her anxious.
"Unfortunately, he's unable to communicate verbally, but that's okay because we will be his voice this morning. Without further ado, if Yaoyorozu Momo is in the crowd, this song is for you! Let's harmonize!"
The magic words were spoken. Tsubaki left the vocalist a kiss good luck and joined the crowd as he and his brothers started their serenade, starting with the keyboard.
Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
Oh, her eyes, her eyes
Make the stars look like they're not shinin'
Her hair, her hair
Falls perfectly without her tryin'
She's so beautiful and I tell her every day
Yeah, I know, I know
When I compliment her, she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so
Sad to think that she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me, "Do I look okay?"
I say
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are
Yeah
Kyoya scanned the crowd with Psychokinesis and found her signature. He locked eyes with his girlfriend and walked straight towards her. The crowd parted for him, eager to uncover the identity of this individual. In turn, Momo looked ready to cry at any moment. She had no reason to hide aside from embarrassment, but even if she could find it in herself to flee, Kyoya's gaze left her immobile. She couldn't avoid his piercing stare as he dazzled her with his magnificent suit. Momo knew he'd plan something, but this was the last thing she expected.
Her lips, her lips
I could kiss them all day if she'd let me
Her laugh, her laugh
She hates, but I think it's so sexy
She's so beautiful and I tell her every day
Oh, you know, you know
You know I'd never ask you to change
If perfect's what you're searchin' for, then just stay the same
So don't even bother askin' if you look okay
You know I'll say
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are
The way you are
The way you are
Girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are
Kyoya and Momo stood face to face, no words immediately exchanged. The former bore his iconic toothy grin while the latter used every ounce of her being to keep the tears from leaking. She was loving every moment, the nice melody and professional performance put on by the band, the captivated glint present in her boyfriend's eyes, and the embrace he brought her into before kissing the top of her head.
"You get a kick out of making me emotional, don't you?" Momo squeaked. "Out of all the ways to surprise me, you get a popular boy band."
Kyoya continued to smile and revealed his Valentine's Day bundle for the onyx-haired beauty.
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile
The whole world stops and stares for a while
'Cause girl, you're amazing
Just the way you are.
And as the song came to an end, the crowd was fixated on the couple caught in the imaginary spotlight. The emotional Momo graciously accepted the gift, but before she could hug her real-life teddy bear, her chin was lifted by his guiding finger. She only caught a glimpse of her friends preparatory to the kiss that stole her breath away, a kiss that transcended the passion brought about the musings of a poet. In that kiss, a million loving thoughts were condensed into a single moment.
Loud, thunderous cheers, mainly from Momo's entourage, erupted all around the couple.
"Don't be afraid to try your hand," Shinji stated. "Happy Valentine's Day!"
My Beautiful Momo,
Today, we reach a great milestone in our relationship, and I couldn't be happier to experience it with you. Although I do not know what lies in store, I do know that I wouldn't have it with any other person. You are my greatest love poem and the reason my monochrome world has transcended into a rainbow wonderland that contains the brightest hues of emotions. There are no words but emotion, told not through voices but by the sparkle in your eyes. We share a perfect bond, yours of beauty and intelligence and mine of ferocity and strength. Yet different, you and I, we balance each other. Although taking our first steps together, the ride has been exciting. Our love is precious, and I will fight to defend it. Am I worth any amount of trouble? I can say with absolute certainty that you are. You are worth the assault on my soul. You are worth going to hell and back to retrieve. There's no one else I'd rather call my beautiful Kitty cat, just like I hope there's no one else you'd rather have as your teddy bear. Speak from your soul in words that radiates from your loving heart to your lovely fingertips. Tell me how you feel in your own form of poetry, to reignite the soul-binding bliss that has our strings of destiny intertwined.
Show me how you love me, Kitty, and I will return it ten-fold.
Let these words quell the thunderstorm that invaded your head. Like me, you wanted to impress, but all I needed is the one love to be satisfied. As long as I have you, I will be happy. As long as I can call you my Kitty, I will never let you go.
Happy Valentine's Day, Momo. I love and appreciate everything about you and cherish everything you do.
She could cry openly now that they were in a quieter setting.
"You know," she wiped her face, "I had this whole idea planned out. I was going to surprise you with cake and chocolate and show those other girls that I am the queen, but then you had to be you and sweep me off my feet."
"It's what I do. I don't do anything halfway."
Momo dragged her fingers through Kyoya's hair. The two spent the evening at the central park, watching the sunset, bathed in a beautiful array of red and orange. The giant enjoyed the luscious feel of a lap pillow while Momo fiddled with his hair. She cleaned her face and took her boyfriend's hand and nuzzled it against her cheek.
Kyoya squeezed back.
"I do what I do because I want to. I want to make our first experiences unique," his grin returned. "After today, no one can say I don't do my part."
At that, Momo giggled and caressed his cheek.
"Yes, you certainly do," Momo leaned closer. "So, it's only fair I do mine," and claimed his lips with hers. "Every beauty needs a beast."
"And every beast needs a beauty."
"I love this shirt, and I love you, Shuzenji Kyoya."
"I l-l-love… y-you… t-t-too, M-M-Momo. I l-l-love… you… t-too."
Momo pressed her forehead to the psychic's, fighting back another stream of tears.
"There is one thing I do want to try."
"Hmm?"
Momo took a piece of chocolate she gave to Kyoya and put it on her tongue. Her cheeks were crimson, but she followed through with her actions. She offered the chocolate to the psychic, who could only smile as he once again tasted the sweet delicacy his girlfriend went through the trouble of making. Except, this time, there was a sweeter taste that dazzled his tastebuds, a succulent dessert that Kyoya feared would make him addicted to. As for his beauty, she was already lost to the sweetness filling her buxom chest. Sneakily, she found Kyoya's hand and laced their fingers together, her first Valentine's Day wrapping up on a harmonious note. It would be a day neither would forget for the rest of their lives.
By Psychokinesis, Kyoya combined their necklaces to form the heart they hoped would stay connected for many moons to come.
She wasn't expecting company but saw no harm in answering.
"Coming!" She sang. Upon opening the door, she was greeted by a six-foot-tall stuffed teddy bear. "Uhhh, h-hello?"
"Hello, young lady," bear started moving, extending its paw for the lady, who jumped from the sudden motion and conversation. "It's wonderful to meet you. Are you, Midoriya Inko?"
"Umm, th-that's right."
"Wow, you're even prettier than he said. Now, you may be wondering what I'm doing here. Well, the answer is quite simple. There's someone who wants you to be their Valentines."
Hearing this, the woman's face lit up like a Christmas light.
"M-Me? I-I-I don't know. Hold on," she got her nerves under control, "Who are you, first of all?"
Her inquiry was answered with a gentle laugh.
"Someone you've been talking to recently," the speaker emerged from behind the stuffed bear and waved at the stout woman.
"Shuzenji-san?"
"Surprise," the older brother of Kyoya handed the lady a bouquet of roses. "I know we hardly know one another, but I thought you'd enjoy a night out. So, what do you say? Will you be my valentine?"
Inko, rendered speechless by Sasori's actions, found herself unable to process the turn of events.
'He wants me to be his valentines?'
"S-Sure," she stuttered. "I'd love to."
Sasori would forever remember the most beautiful smile to ever grace his presence. Its radiance extended from her green eyes to the depths of her soul. Nothing in his arsenal protected him from the arrow that pierced through his chest as he admired Inko's beauty.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Inko-chan," he said.
"Happy Valentine's Day," the woman parroted while on the verge of tears.