Chapter 10
A/N: I'm so sorry for how late this is. The Yuzuya ASMR series I took inspiration from ended and I was very sad about it. You may also notice that my writing style has changed a bit since we started; I've been filling prompts from Twitter and it's helped immensely.
"I'm just saying; Denks. There's no way you're gonna be able to launch that and have it land on Mari's desk."
"Her desk is two rows over! I just have to get it over Sero's big head."
"Hey!"
Mari laughed. She and Denki had bet that he couldn't get a paper football into the goal she formed with her fingers. "Come on, Denks! Shoot it!" she said; holding up the "goal post".
"Settle down; problem children. It's time for class to start and we have a lot to go over." Mr. Aizawa said, coming through the door. He looked tired as ever, if not more so; which was justified given the semester was coming to a close.
"As I'm sure you're all aware; we only have a few months left of the semester. Today will be discussing your final projects and tests. These are very important; and will determine if you can graduate with your peers."
A silent chuckle ran through the class. They knew by this point that Mr. Aizawa was joking, but that wouldn't stop them from taking this seriously.
"You will be split into groups based on Quirk compatibility; and you and your partner will need to come up with a new combination attack as your final project. At the end of the semester; you will test these moves against another team of classmates. I will assign the groups in a moment."
A groan, as well as a few mumbles; ran through the class.
"Your tests," Mr. Aizawa continued; ignoring the reaction, "will be the ones you participated in at the beginning of your first year. This will help us see how far you've progressed. At the end of the year; there will be a gala to celebrate your graduation and to mark your official debuts as Pros." He ran a hand through his hair. "Now that we've covered that, this Saturday is Parents' Day. You will be given Friday off of class to prepare for their visit. Use it wisely."
Mari was excited for Parents' Day. She couldn't wait to show Auntie Setsuna and Uncle Haru around campus. Suzume was coming too, and she was excited about all the games they would get to try.
She turned her attention back to class, realizing Mr. Aizawa was announcing groups. Hopefully she hadn't missed who she was working with.
"And finally; Oshiro and Midoriya."
Mari blinked. She was surprised their teacher had paired her with Deku. Not that it was a problem, she just wasn't sure their Quirks were compatible. Then again, she'd never really worked with him…
"You can have the rest of the period to meet with your partner and start working." Mr. Aizawa said. Everyone knew that was his way of saying they could do what they wanted as long as they didn't disturb his nap.
Mari watched as Katsuki went to sit with Eijirou. She gave him a small smile as he passed; which he returned. It figured they'd be paired together; it wasn't uncommon. She also knew that they already had a combo attack to build off; heck, she'd helped them perfect it. So they were more than likely just talking.
Leaning forward; she tapped Deku on the shoulder. "I'm excited we get to work together; although I'm a little surprised." she said, smiling.
Deku tilted his head. "Why's that? Your Quirk is awesome! It has so many applications; I have so many questions since we've never been able to actually talk!"
Mari laughed. "I know; weird right? Like we live in the same dorm and yet I'm pretty sure this is the longest conversation we've had all year!" She hummed, brushing her hair out of her face. She had decided to curl it this morning, after seeing a video on TigTog of a woman with the same hairstyle trying it.
"You're more than welcome to ask me any questions about my Quirk; I don't mind. However, I think it might be a good idea for us to get to know each other better first. I feel like I know you; but I don't, if that makes sense."
"That makes total sense. Why don't you go first?" Mari noticed Deku had taken out a notebook and pencil.
"Okay then; I'll start with the stuff you already know. My name is Mari Oshiro; my hero name is Freezeframe, and my Quirk is Time Pause. I can freeze time around myself; another person or an object. The strength of the freeze depends on my mood. Basically; if I'm just joking around, and it's a person; they can still use their limbs and extremities. But if I'm upset; it's a total lock."
"Oh! Like that time you got really mad at Kaachan and froze his legs!" Deku said.
"Exactly! When I was younger; whenever Mei-Mei and I were fighting; I would freeze the handle on her bedroom door, so it would turn; but she thought her door was locked!"
"Mei-Mei?" Deku asked; tilting his head.
"Oh gosh; I meant Suzume. When I was little; I had a really hard time with my "S" and "Z" sounds; so I always had trouble saying her name. It always came out as "Tutume"; which then devolved into "TuTu" and then we realized it was just easier for me to say "Mei-Mei". Now that we're older; I usually refer to her as "Suze" or "Zume"; but very rarely, I'll call her Mei-Mei."
"That sounds familiar. I had a hard time with letters as a kid too. It's pretty common; apparently. That's why I started saying "Kaachan"; it was just easier." Deku said; shrugging. "You live with Suzume and her parents; right?"
Mari nodded. "Since I was fourteen. They're not my legal guardians; but they took me in after my mom threw me out."
"That's why you never talk about your parents…"
It was Mari's turn to shrug. "Auntie 'Suna and Uncle Haru were always more like parents to me anyway; so the only thing that changed was me actually living there permanently. I inherited my father's Quirk; not that I would know. He and my mom met in college, and when he found out she was expecting, he bailed. It probably didn't help that I supposedly look like him too."
"That sucks. But that can't be the reason she kicked you out."
"No; but it was a major part of it. Apparently; my being non-binary was the final straw." Mari shook her head. "But that's enough trauma dumping for one day! What else did you want to know?"
"Oh! Are you sure? You can talk about it; trust me, I'll be the last one to judge." Deku said; a concerned look on his face.
"Maybe another time. I'm okay about it now; but it still hurts sometimes."
"If you say so," Deku said; but the concerned look never left his face. "Well, did you have any Hero idols when you were growing up?"
"I did; but not in the way you guys did. I never really saw myself in any modern day heroes; so Mei-Mei and I tended to gravitate towards pre-Quirk era heroes. My favorite was always Wonder Woman, I always loved her original backstory. Her mother; Hippolyta, wanted a child more than anything, but since there were no men on Themyscira, she had to mold her from clay." Mari grinned. "It's so hard to find vintage Hero stuff; but I've managed to collect a lot of her comics; and hunt down a bunch of figures as well. My favorite is probably from the DC Bombshell collection; I want to cosplay it so badly…" She snapped her mouth shut. "I'm fangirling; aren't I? You don't want to hear about this…"
Deku laughed. "No! I've always had a fascination for pre-Quirk heroes, but like you said, it's very hard to find anything. I'm usually the one doing the rambling; so it doesn't bother me at all.
Mari's face lit up. "You can borrow some of my comics if you want! I don't have all of them, but I'm happy to share them with you!"
"Really? That's awesome! I've always wondered how pre-Quirk heroes compared to today; if there was any influence or overlap…" Deku said; an equally bright smile on his face.
"I've wondered the same thing!" Mari said; laughing again.
"You two look like you're getting along well."
Mari looked up to see Katsuki and Eijirou standing at Katsuki's desk. "Oh, is class over? Must have lost track of time!" She smoothed her skirt as she stood. "I can get that first comic to you tonight if you want; Deku." She said, "You can also pick my brain about my Quirk if you want!"
"Sounds like a plan!" He replied; smiling again.
"What comic could you possibly have that the nerd doesn't have yet?" Katsuki asked teasingly.
"Oh; I have a bunch of pre-Quirk comics, and I told Deku that I'd let him borrow some of them." Mari said; nonchalant.
Katsuki gave her a look; but didn't push. She followed the boys to the door; ready to head to lunch.
"Miss Oshiro; could you hang back for a moment? I need to speak to you."
Mari jumped; when had Mr. Aizawa woke up? "Sure thing; sir." Turning back to her classmates, "you guys go on ahead! I'll catch up!"
Eijirou looked unsure; so she gave him a small smile. "Alright; but hurry up, we don't want to lose our seats!" He said; following the other two out the door.
She turned back to their teacher. "How can I help you, sir?"
"I won't take up too much of your time; I know you're probably hungry. I just wanted to let you know I've been very impressed with your progress this year. Traveler has told me you've been making great strides out in the field; and your academics haven't faltered once. I'll admit, I was a little concerned when they switched you to our class so late; but I'm happy to be proven wrong."
"Thank you, sir. I knew I had a lot of ground to cover to catch up; but it was easy with everyone's help."
"That's good to hear; but that's not the only reason I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to run an idea by you, if you'll let me."
"Of course, sir. How can I help?"
"Have you ever considered Underground hero work? I think it might suit you."
Mari chewed her lip. "Honestly sir; I just assumed I would be continuing at Traveler's agency as a side kick; even though she hasn't formally asked me… And I know Kat…I mean Bakugo and Kirishima talked about the possibility of us forming our own agency down the road."
Aizawa gave her a knowing smile. "Well; you'd still be able to do that. It's not uncommon for underground heroes to belong to agencies. The only major difference between heroes that work underground and those that don't is that Underground heroes don't get rankings. Plus it would give you time to pursue things outside of hero work. I know you've been volunteering at the children's shelter in your spare time."
The more she thought about it; the more enticing the offer seemed. She had been worried she'd have to leave the children's shelter once she started Pro work. She had started volunteering there during the War at her auntie's suggestion as a way to keep her hands busy; but she quickly fell in love with it and the children loved her to death. Most of them had been children separated from their parents in the chaos; scared and alone. Auntie Suzume was right; it helped Mari feel like she was doing something important to help, even if her hands were tied. Most, if not all of; the children were eventually reunited with their parents, but they all said the same thing: their child missed going to the shelter, and would constantly talk about "Mari-nee" as they would affectionately refer to her.
"You don't need to give me an answer right now. I'm sure you'll want to talk it over with Bakugo and Kirishima first." There was that knowing smile again.
Mari chose her words carefully. "Right; it's only fair to them as my partners after all."
"Exactly; and I can tell you from experience that honesty is the best foundation in any relationship."
Mari's eyes widened a bit. He laughed at her expression. "Don't look like that. I know you three are together; I had a feeling it was going to happen. That's why I only gave you the one "no shenanigans" rule. Which you've seemed to follow; for the most part."
Mari suddenly became very conscious of the hickies littering the side of her neck and shoulder. She knew she'd covered them this morning with makeup; but in front of their teacher; she felt like they were clearly visible. Her relationship with Katsuki and Eijirou had only recently started to get more physical; resulting in more than one night of make out sessions, resulting in more than a few marks of various kinds on the participating parties.
"Wait; sir. You KNEW this was gonna happen? And you let us anyway? Why?!"
"Let's just say you three remind me of three other students I used to know. Now go on; I'm sure you're starving and I've given you more than enough to think about."
Mari bowed. "Thank you sir. I'll let you know what I've decided soon."
"So, what did Mr. Aizawa need to talk to you about; babe?" Eijirou asked. They had decided to head up to the roof for lunch; the day was mild, and they jumped at the opportunity to get some fresh air.
Mari hummed; popping a tomato in her mouth. "He said he thinks I'd be a good fit for Underground hero work. He made a compelling argument too. I'd still be able to work with the kids at the shelter; which you both know is something I've been concerned about."
"Underground heroes aren't counted in the rankings; though." Katsuki said; taking a bit of his tofu. Mari could smell the spice from where she was sitting on the other side of Eijirou. How Katsuki hadn't burned a hole in his stomach and intestines was beyond her.
"I know that; Kats. Hero rank has never been something I've worried about though. I just want to be someone those kids can look up to; you know?" She said; taking another bite. "I don't have to give him an answer right away. He wanted me to talk to you two about it first."
"Ultimately; it's your decision, babe. But we'll both support you, no matter what you choose." Eijirou said, pecking her on the cheek.
Mari hummed; placing the lid back on her bento. "That reminds me; have you guys started looking for a place to live once we graduate? I started the other day, but rent prices are insane. I don't know how I'm gonna afford something."
"What if you didn't have to?" Eijirou said, turning to look at her.
"I mean; I could always room with Suzume, that'd be easier. And much cheaper."
"That's not what I mean; babe. We were going to talk to you about it tonight; but Kats and I were wondering if you'd like to move in with us after graduation." Seeing her expression the redhead continued. "Kats and I were planning on rooming together after graduation; even before we started dating. We figured it just made sense. But we talked about it; and we both agreed that it just wouldn't be the same if you weren't there too."
Mari gaped; she could feel herself flubbing like a fish. "But we've only been dating for five months. That's not a lot of time; what if something happens? What if we break up? What if…?"
"You're spiraling; Thumbelina." Katsuki said. "Are you planning on breaking up with us?" Mari shook her head vigorously. "Good; then there's nothing to worry about. Besides; we basically live together as it is now. I think I have more of yours and Shitty Hair's stuff in my room than you have in your own rooms." He barked a laugh. "So what do you say; Short Stack?"
Mari blinked. Her brain was trying to remedy what she was hearing. Obviously she thought about living with Katsuki and Eijirou after graduation; she just assumed it would be later down the road, when they were all established Heroes."
She cleared her throat, choosing her words carefully. "It would be a lot easier with the three of us. It might be hard to find a three room place though…Then again; many places are willing to work with up and coming Heroes. It helps their reputation and they know people are more likely to rent from a place that either has a hero living there or is in the vicinity. I'm sure we'd be able to find something."
"Sounds like you've made up your mind!" Eijirou said, hugging her.
She nodded. "What can I say? You've both spoiled me; as much as I love my sister, I've gotten too used to having you around." She rested her head on Eijirou's shoulder. "I'll start looking at listings tonight. If anything looks promising; we can use our free day Friday to go check them out."
Katsuki smirked. "Sounds like a plan. Roomie."
Mari groaned. "We are not making that a thing."
"Oh it's totally a thing."
Mari was glad to be back at the dorms. Today had been long and tiring; and she had a lot to process. She was scrolling through her phone, looking at apartment listings when Mina leaned over the couch.
"Hey Oshi! Denki, Sero, Kyo and I were wondering if you want to go shopping with us on Friday."
Mari smiled, putting her phone down. "I'd love to; Mins. But is it okay if you put me down for maybe? Katsuki, Eijirou and I might be going to look at apartments on Friday. But I'm sure we could meet up with you after."
The pink girl's face lit up. "Oh my gosh; they asked you to move in with them after graduation? When did this happen?! Tell me EVERYTHING!" She jumped over the couch; her face glowing with excitement.
Mari laughed. "It kind of just happened. We were having lunch; and I asked if they'd started looking for a place yet. That's when Eijirou said they were going to ask me." She smiled a little; biting her lip.
"Aren't you worried about the fact that you've only been dating for a few months?"
Mari shrugged. "I was in the beginning; but then Kats pointed out that we've basically been living together for the past few months. Which is fair; I think I have half of their tees in various places in my room. So logically; it would really just be a change of scenery."
"That's actually really sweet of Blasty." Mina said. "Were you looking at places just now? Can I look with you?"
"You haven't started looking either; have you?" Mari said, giving her friend a blank stare.
"I don't know what you're talking about! I'm just trying to be a good friend and help!" Mina said indignantly.
"Alright; I could use some help. I'm completely lost."
Mina reached over and grabbed her phone. "Well, let's start with the neighborhood. That'll help narrow things down a lot."
Mari flopped onto Katsuki's bed. She had just gotten back from running down to Deku's room to loan him the comic like she'd promised, and while she was there; they had agreed on a time and place to meet up so they could start brainstorming for their final project.
"You good; baby?" Eijirou said, rubbing her arm. She nodded.
"Yeah; just feeling a little overwhelmed right now. I had a lot of information thrown my way today." She sat up; rubbing her eyes.
"Your headache medicine is in the bathroom; if you need it." Katsuki said; not looking up from his phone.
Mari smiled softly. That was one of the things she loved most about her partners. They always seemed to know what she needed; sometimes before she realized it herself.
"I love when you do that; you know?" She said; leaning over to wrap her arms around the blonde.
"Hah? What are you talking about; Roomie?"
Mari scrunched her nose. "Ignoring that. I mean; I love when you take care of me like that. Eijirou too. I'm pretty sure I'd forget to eat half the time if it wasn't for you."
Katsuki scoffed. "It's no big deal. I like taking care of you idiots; and gods know that you'd both be lost without me if I didn't."
"You're not wrong about that; babe." Eijirou said, wrapping his arms around Katsuki as well.
"Oi. Get offa me, you two! You're not exactly light; either of you." Katsuki growled; halfheartedly pushing them off.
Mari smirked; then put on her best innocent face. "Aww; what's the matter, Kats? We too much for big bad Dynamight?" she teased; a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Katsuki growled again; this time playfully. "Oh you're gonna get it." He hoisted Mari over his shoulder. She squealed with laughter.
"Take it back." He said.
"Never!" Mari cried as best she could through her giggles.
"I think my grip is slipping…" Katsuki said; "dropping" her a bit before catching her again.
"Katsuki; put her down! She's gonna get sick!" Eijirou said.
"Not until she apologizes for being a brat." Katsuki said. "You gonna apologize; Short Stack?"
Mari shook her head. She knew Katsuki was messing with her; that he'd never actually drop her like he said he would.
"Oh really? Guess I gotta resort to extreme measures then…" Katsuki said; a feral grin on his face. He started tickling Mari's feet, causing her to laugh harder and kick her feet.
"Oh come on; Kats! Don't tickle her feet! You know she's super ticklish there!" Eijirou said, laughing as well.
Mari reached out to him. "Eiji; help! I can't breathe."
"Uh uh; no calling for backup." The blonde said as he continued his attack on her feet. "You know what you have to say for me to put you down."
"I take it back! I take it back! I'm sorry!" Mari squealed.
Katsuki "dropped" her a little more. "What was that; you little brat? I want to make sure I heard you right."
Mari squealed again. "I'm sorry! I'll be good; just stop tickling me!"
Katsuki set her back on her feet with another smirk. "See; was that so difficult?" He teased, pinching her flushed cheek.
She stuck out her tongue. "Rude. That's no way to treat your girlfriend." She said, crossing her arms over her chest. She knew she was still acting bratty; but she didn't care.
"It is when you're being a brat." Katsuki said.
"Alright you two; settle down." Eijirou said, putting a hand on both of their shoulders. "It's time to wind down and get ready for bed."
Eijirou and Mari ducked into their respective rooms to get changed; and after they returned, the three of them spent the rest of the night watching movies and looking at apartment listings; eventually falling asleep, comfortable in each other's company and the new knowledge that there were guaranteed more nights like this in their future.
A/N: Whoo! That was a chapter! Next time; we'll join Mari and the boys on their hunt for an apartment, and there's a possibility of Suzume returning as well! I'm gonna try to update soon; but I can guarantee the wait this time will not be as long! Hope you liked it; and I will see you in the next one!
