Midori the Girlfriend
Chapter 3: The Bet
Izumi was given a painful reminder to her days back when All Might was training her for the UA entrance exams. Those first ten months had been grueling, but All Might's happy disposition made it bearable. Endeavor on the other hand…
"GET UP!" He shouted as she collapsed on the ground, "You still have a mile to go! Are you gonna sit there and cry or are you gonna be a hero?"
Sweat trickled down her skin soaking her training clothes, her wrists and legs weighted down. They'd been running for four miles straight, up and down the hill to his house. She wanted to whimper but instead clenched her teeth and fought to get up and push forward. Her sides ached and she wheezed out breaths, huffing and puffing through her nose.
5 miles a day, bench pressing weights and cardio for two hours, and if she could still stand after that another hour of combat and martial arts. She'd been up since 3am and the sun had just barely risen when they finally made it to the top of the hill and she collapsed again in front of his front door.
"Pathetic, do better tomorrow." He tossed a towel over her head making her grumble. "Fuyumi!" He shouted inside. "Get this mess of a girl some food. Lots of protein!"
Izumi fisted her hand in the towel on her head and she shakily got to her feet. She stepped inside after taking off her shoes and braced herself on the wall as Fuyumi rushed up with water.
"Thanks…" she smiled and panted downing the water in quick large gulps. "Man… and I thought All Might was a strict teacher."
"You look so tired…" Fuyumi fussed and took the towel to dab away the sweat pooling on Izumi's face. "Go take a hot bath, Breakfast will be ready when you get done."
"Thanks Fuyu-chan… is Shoto up?" She dabbed the sweat herself now.
"Yes, he's doing meditation right now out back. Let him know breakfast will be ready soon, okay?" She walked off to the kitchen. Izumi smiled after her then headed back to her room to grab a robe. She desperately needed a soak. She saw Shoto, standing on the rise of the hill looking out at nature.
He wore a white tank and sweats, his well toned arms stretching up and circling out as he took long deep breaths. Her eyes softened with emotion, her hearts turning in her chest at the attractive picture he made.
If it's what you want… I'll be your girlfriend.
Girlfriend, she was Shoto Todoroki's official girlfriend. She wasn't entirely sure what had made her tell him that, but… it just felt right. Knowing she was distracted she quickly shook her head free of the flustering thoughts and quickly went off to wash up and change.
The large breakfast Fuyumi had prepared for her was good, but after the long work out this morning, and knowing the kind of day she had ahead of her, Izumi wanted to throw it all back up on the way to school.
"Ugh… I feel sick." She said green faced holding her mouth.
"You get used to it," Shoto told her walking side by side as they approached the school. "At least, I did."
"Your dad is a monster…" she said with a twitching brow. "Up and down, up and down, my legs are so freaking sore." She actually looked forward to sitting down for the first hour of school.
Shoto glanced down, Izumi's face focused ahead of her. He then looked at their hands, close but not intwined. His fingers extended out and gently touched hers, and he smiled when she just let them lace together. "Just think of the end results, focus on something other than the pain."
"Mmmm" Izumi's face went red now, the feel of his hand washing away the pain already.
"Midori-chan!" She heard Uraraka call from behind just as they reached the gates. Izumi pulled her hand away to wave at her smiling.
"Ura-chan! Good Morning!" The sprightly girl bounced up to them energetic.
"I got a call from Gunhead yesterday thanking me for accepting his request! The way he talks is actually kinda cute, I was surprised." She held her cheeks wiggling. "I can't wait for internships to start!"
"That reminds me, Ura-chan, how come you chose Gunhead to do your internship with? He's a massive battle type hero, I thought you wanted to do rescue work."
"Mmm in the end that's what I want… but after watching you fight, and my battle with Bakugo I decided I wanted to expand my learning. The stronger I get the more possibilities I have." She stretched her fists out mimicking the way she'd always seen Izumi do in her fights. "If I only do what I want, I'll have a narrower perspective."
"That's the way, Ura-chan!" Izumi bounced happily her ponytail fluttering behind her. Ura-chan straightened and giggled then took notice of Shoto.
"Good Morning, Todoroki-kun. This is a rare sight seeing you two walk in together. Don't you guys live far apart?"
"Actually…" Izumi started nervously scratching her cheek, but Shoto interrupted her.
"I waited for her at the station," he said simply. "She agreed to meet with me."
"Oh, I see… well let's hurry up and get inside. If I know Iida he's already waiting." She hurried inside.
"Yeah, We'll be right behind you, Ura-chan." She waved then looked to Shoto frowning. "How come you didn't want to tell her about my living with you now?"
"You're going to have to tell Bakugo we're dating now. I don't think it's a good idea to tell him we're living together on top of it." He pointed out stuffing his hands in his pockets. "I rather you tell him the first. People don't have to know you're taking extra courses from my old man."
"I guess you're right." She lowered her head fretting on what Bakugo's reaction was gonna be. He was already in the classroom when she and Todoroki walked in and his eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"Where were you this morning, Usagi? I went to your apartment but your mom said you weren't home." He asked when she sat down and he turned sideways in his chair.
"Huh? Oh… I'm doing some off campus training before the internships. So I won't be able to walk to school with you in the morning." Guilt swelled up and she tapped her fingers on her desk. "Actually if you've got a minute after class, I need to talk to you."
Bakugo's gut twisted and he glanced over at Todoroki who was casually getting his school notes from his bag. "Alright."
~After Class~
She guided him out onto the P.E. track, if things got hectic she wanted to make sure they had plenty of room for any explosions. She could see he was already worked up and irritated.
"It's after class… so what do you want?" He stood up tall staring down at her shrinking form. "This is about you and Icy Hot isn't it?"
"Yes," she swallowed hard and nervously played with her fingers. "I...I agreed to be his girlfriend."
Bakugo clenched his teeth his hands fisting at his sides as the sparks on his arm pop and threaten to explode.
"That just figures, god damn it!"
"I'm sorry, Kacchan…" She felt panic bubble up at his emotional face and she hesitated before taking his hand. "I… I have to-"
"Don't apologize damn it!" He shoved her back and let out a small explosion just off to the right of her. "You're gonna piss me off! I already knew you were going to fall for him eventually I just wasn't expecting it this soon! SHIT!" He blew up again raging as he tossed balls of fiery explosion into the ground making her skitter back.
He got it out of his system, and calmed his breath looking back at her. "Tch, so, what about me? I take it I'm back to being just your childhood friend?"
"No, Kacchan…" still pale and frightened from his reaction Izumi pressed a hand to her gut. "I told Todoroki when I agreed to be his girlfriend that he'd have to live with the fact I still have strong feelings towards you. I'm his girlfriend because I feel as strongly for him as I do about you, but the emotions are… different. I'm not sure how or why they just are and until I can get it all figured out our relationship is…" she tried to think of the right word. "Flexible I guess. I'm supposed to tell him straight out if my feelings for him change or if I just don't want to be in the relationship anymore. That's the deal."
That Todoroki bastard, Bakugo thought with a sneer. Acting all cool and calm like he was fine with her having feelings for another guy. What kind of lousy trick is that? He damn well knew Todoroki wasn't "fine" with her having feelings for him. In fact he'd prove it.
"I want to talk to him…" he said seething. "I want him and I to have this out without any interference from you!" He pointed at her. "If he really is your boyfriend, if this really is your decision then I won't be satisfied until I know his feelings are just as strong if not stronger than mine!"
"Kacchan…" a sweat drop formed at her temple at his behavior. "You're not gonna have a full on fight outside school are you? It's against the rules."
"We're not gonna fight…" though he damn well wanted a rematch for that sorry excuse of a sports festival. "I said I wanted to talk to him. So go tell him to meet me out here or better yet I'll go drag his sorry ass out here myself!" He turned his back to her stalking inside.
"Ah wait! Kacchan!" She rushed after him.
The entire class communed to a cluster of tables. Shotoi sat across from Ashido and Uraraka and glanced down at the bento All Might had dropped off for Izumi. The man really doted on her. Iida who normally sat with them had made himself scarce, his mind obviously preoccupied. It surprised Shoto how much he actually worried about him. He knew very well what it was like to have pent up resentments and frustrations.
"Where did you say Midoriya-chan was?" Uraraka asked glancing around the cafeteria. "Ah, there she is… GEH!" She saw her running ahead of Bakugo who stomped behind her.
"Kacchan I said calm down!"
"Shut up! I told you just eat your stupid lunch and let us have this out! Oi! Icy Hot!" He slammed his fist on the table sending food flying. Others gathered around them trying to see what the fuss was about. "Get your ass outside, we're gonna have a nice little chat, yah hear?"
Shoto glanced at Izumi's worried face and he sighed standing up.
"If you insist on acting like an ass…"
"Who here is the real ass I wonder?" Bakugo gripped him by the front of the shirt shaking him some. "A flexible relationship? Just what kind of game are you playing, Todoroki?"
Izumi blinked in surprise at Bakugo's use of Shoto's name.
"Kacchan…"
"This is no game." Shoto reached up and grabbed his hand the frost starting to form. "I told you before what my feelings for Midoriya are. She's agreed to be my girlfriend providing I accept the fact she's still not over you. I think it's reasonable."
"EH!?" Ashido and Uraraka jump up and look at Izumi who suddenly sat and flustered. "Is that true?"
"I thought you guys were gonna take this outside…" she muttered as others crowded around overhearing the conversation.
"Whoa, seriously?" Kaminari stammered. "First Bakugo and now Todoroki? Midoriya's kinda like the class sl-" he shut up when both Bakugo and Todoroki glared at him.
"No guy who truly loves their woman is fine with them having feelings for another guy!" Bakugo snarled. "Stop playing at this!"
"I told you I'm not playing!" Shoto shoved him back shouting. "I'm in love with her damn it! Of course I'm not okay with her having feelings for you, but I've accepted it nonetheless because I want to be with her! I won't waste this opportunity but instead use it to prove to her that I'm the one she should be with!"
"You're going to prove it huh?" Bakugo's face went sadistic. "Alright then… I'll make you a bet."
"What kind of bet?" He narrowed his eyes as Bakugo let go of his shirt. Bakugo turned to Izumi who was munching on her bento trying desperately to ignore them. "Usagi!" He saw her jump and glance up from her food. "You and me are going out this Sunday."
"Huh?" Izumi blinked in confusion and Todoroki glared his ice and fire cupped in either hand.
"You're gonna go out on a date with each of us, and you get to decide who is the better date." Bakugo glanced over at Todoroki. "If he wins I'll accept your relationship for the time being, if not then you'll break up with the bastard and date me again instead."
"What? Kacchan-" Izumi went blue. "I can't just… I have training, and-"
"It's okay, Midoriya." Todoroki said in a low threatening whisper. "Accept it."
"Sho-"
"If this is what it takes to make him back off and accept it. Then we'll do it. However I have one other condition, Bakugo." He faced off with him again. "This is a date, not a free pass. You try anything sexual with her, you forfeit to me!"
"Deal!" Bakugo held out his hand and Todoroki took it, explosion meeting fire as the two pumped heads. Izumi groaned and covered her face with her hands.
~After School: Todoroki Household~
She skipped dinner, and went straight to her room after school. Boys… she thought with a grimace. Can't live with them can't punch their faces without getting a lecture. Even All Might who she had expected to have the traditional "Don't touch daddy's girl" reaction wasn't any help.
You're the one who decided to be in a relationship. You're gonna have to deal with the consequences of that. If he wants to prove to you that he's worthy, then I say let him. Besides it's better they fight it out this way rather than destroying school property by having an all out match.
She sighed heavily and stared down at the two outfits Yaoyorozu had made her for the occasion. They were both dresses that were overly girly and she tossed ribbons and other hair accessories for her to play with her look. The girls had been both sympathetic and excited. All of them had an input on who they think the better date would be, wondering what the plans for each of the boys were, and asked her who the better kisser was.
Her face turned bright red at the thought. Both of the boys kissed well, did it matter who was better? Groaning she fell face first onto her futon bed. She'd been too optimistic to think Bakugo would have taken this in stride. She'd hoped he'd have thrown a small tantrum, maybe hit Shoto in the face with one of his explosions, then gone on to sit and mope. It was better that she feel guilty then have all this added confusion. This bet they had threw everything out into left field. She'd never been on a date before, how was she to tell which was better? Was it she had more fun? More romantic? More exciting? How did one choose?
"Midoriya…" Shoto's voice spoke just outside her door and he gave a little knock on the wood panel. "My sister made you a plate, you should eat something."
She sighed and turned her head to the side speaking out. "Thanks, but I'm not hungry. You can leave it out there." She jumped when he just pulled back the door. She sat upright glaring at him. "Hey! Shoto seriously, what if I'd been indecent?"
"You're covered…" he said after giving her a thorough look. He knelt down beside her bed and set the tray of food next to him. "Are you angry?"
"You're really gonna ask me that after this afternoon?" She turned to face him her lips pouting firmly. "The entire school now knows about this bet, do you have any idea how embarrassing this all is?"
"I'm sorry… I let him get to me." He looked down at his hands that were fisted on his knees. "I guess I wasn't as calm about the fact you still have feelings for him as I thought I was. I let him rile me up." He bowed apologetically. "I'm sorry." He apologized again.
Izumi sighed and reached out a hand to stroke back his hair and pulls his face up. "What's done is done… but you know you're gonna have to deal with the consequences if Bakugo actually wins." She watched his eyes dart to the side and the shame in them. "Which reminds me, when did you want to go out? Bakugo claimed Sunday, but-"
"Are you free now?" He glanced back over, her hands sliding out of his hair.
"Huh? Now?" She blinked in confusion. "Well yeah but-"
"Wait here." He stood up and left the room. Not five minutes later he opened the door carrying a backpack and he held out his hand to her. "Let's go."
"Go where? Do I need to change?" She looked down at her white T shirt, black pants and socks.
"No, I've got it covered." he took her hand pulling her to her feet. He then hoisted her up princess style.
"Whoa! Wait a minute… SHOTO!" He ran out with her in his arms. She latched onto his neck as Ice formed under his feet and he used it to skate fast over the rock garden and out toward the forest. She squealed as he ducked through trees and brush, his grip on her strong and never faltering.
Izumi felt the wind rush through her loose hair and everything just appeared dark and cluttered to her. How could he tell where they were going? Where was he taking her? She clung tight to his neck again as he spun a tight corner then came to a sudden halt. She panted and shook, her heart galloping in her chest. He set her on her feet but she still clung to him, her hair messy and tangled and she had to spit some out of her mouth.
"Where are we?" She asked brushing the hair from her face.
"Take a look," he smiled gently and pulled back tree branches to reveal the moonlit lake. Iziumi's eyes went wide and delighted as she admired the sparkle of stars and moonlight reflecting off the crystal blue water. She stepped out toward it laughing and held her hands to her mouth.
"Shoto… this is beautiful! Oh wow just look at that moon!" She turned to face him, the gentle light glowing over her skin and had his own heart racing. "It's amazing!"
"I almost feel bad for doing this." He kneld down with his right hand, sent the water frosting over to solid ice to make a rink and he pulled out ice skates from his bag. "These used to be Fuyumi's, but they should fit you." He helped her put them on tightening the laces and gave a nod when they fit perfectly. He then put a pair of his own on and skated out on the ice offering a hand to her.
Izumi stumble a bit her knees wobbling as she tried to balance on the thin blades. He grabbed her when she tipped and held her up against him. "Harder than it looks."
"Look at me, not your feet." He tapped her chin up and grabbed her hands to keep her upright. "Straighten your legs, now just put a little bend in the knee… take slow gliding steps, toe to heel… Keep- yeah there you go…" He skated backwards guiding her by her hands. She didn't cling to him, but kept her hands on his and her eyes focused on his face. When she felt confident enough she let his hands go and slid out onto the frozen lake.
She started slow, keeping her arms out to balance herself and laughed when she managed to turn in a circle without falling. He skated beside her, then zipped forward spinning and twirling and then executed a perfect jump that had her sticking her tongue out.
"Show off!"
"I can teach you." He offered and skated back to take her hand.
"One step at a time, Yuzuru." She teased referring to one of the most famous Japanese ice skaters of the past. "I'm just getting started." She let go of his hand, and because she wanted to prove she could do it she sped up, remembering how his body had moved. She felt herself gain balance naturally in the movement and turned her head to see him grinning at her progress. "I'll race you!" She grinned back at him.
"You're on." He glided to a stop on one side of the ring. "On your mark, get set.. HEY! Cheater!" He shouted when she got a head start kicking her skates into high gear. He quickly caught up to her, making her push her speed faster. He bent down the ice pushing up and making a ramp and he skated up and over her then landed ahead of her. She squealed not remembering how to stop and the two of them collided, both falling onto the ice and slipping the rest of the way to the edge.
"Owowowow! Baka!" She slowly sat up rubbing her head. "What'd you do that for?"
"I wanted to win…" he said simply as he sat up. He saw amusement cross her face. She was trying not to laugh and failing miserably at it. "What's so funny?"
"Your hair…" She pointed holding her lips and letting out giggles. "You should see your hair. It's all mussed and standing up in the back. You look like All Might with bed hair!" She couldn't help it she burst out laughing.
He grimaced and flattened his hair out, but it just sproinged back making her laugh harder. Then he couldn't help it, he laughed with her.
Once the laughter calmed, and they'd helped each other up Izumi curled her arms around his waist and hugged him. Taken aback he rubbed her back looking down at her. "What's this for?"
"Do I need a reason?" She lifted her head up to look at him. "I wanted to hug you, so I did."
He smiled and cupped her cheek in his hands. Knowing it was what he wanted, Izumi balanced on the toes of her skates to lean up and kiss him. He kept it gentle, his eyes closed enjoying the sweetness of it.
"I know it's not a traditional date but…"
"It's not no… but I'm glad we did this." She smiled brightly. "It's something only you can give me, and makes it even more special."
He smiled at that and simply held her to him, resting his cheek on her hair. "When you see Bakugo… I want you to have fun. Make sure this is what you want, Izumi. I know where my feelings stand, and I know they won't change."
"Shoto…" she gripped the back of his shirt. "I'm sorry I'm making this difficult for you."
"Don't be… You had feelings for him first. You've known him longer. I don't expect you to get over him so quickly. I just want you to know that no matter what happens, or who you choose in the end. I love you."
Her heart fluttered at those words, and she felt tears spring to her eyes. Why was it, whenever he said those words to her, she felt whole, and broken at the same time. "Shoto…"
"Do you want to go back?" He pulled back some but she clung onto him.
"No… I want to stay…" She nuzzled into his chest. "Just a little longer."
"Okay."
So they stayed a little longer, holding each other under the starry sky, and sealing the memory of their first date in their minds and hearts.
~Ask Briry~
Briry: Woot! Done! I had to work day shift today otherwise I would have posted this earlier. Anyway, Todoroki rose the bar high for his and Izumi's first date, but how will Bakugo's compare? Just gonna have to find out next chapter. In the meantime let's get back to the fan questions… let's see Silversun XD asks… "Izumi do you still keep in touch with Papa Might, and All Might how do you feel about Izumi being in a relationship."
Izumi: Of course I keep in touch with him. I see him at school all the time, plus he texts me everyday to see how I'm doing, if I'm eating well, did I remember my school stuff… etc etc etc.
All Might: I have no real objection with Young Todoroki dating Little Midori, but I hope he understands the importance of patience and abstinence in a relationship. With your life and careers still ahead there's plenty time for adult activities, so keep that in mind. Also if-
Briry: Alright, alright All Might, we get it. Be Prepared, wear a condom, yada yada yada… Oh speaking of which This is an M rated fic so sex will be a factor, but I don't plan on putting in any hard core lemon chapters. I have a separate site for that. If you're interested in reading Lemon Chapters look me up on Facebook under Bri's Fanfiction. If you see a picture of a female Goku getting kissed by Vegeta, dats me! Message me, or comment on one of my posts and I'll be more than happy to share the website link.
Next Chapter: Date with Bakugo