Chapter 132 - Here's to the Perfect Downtime
Pain, it was the first thing Izuku felt all over as his body finally adjusted to not needing to constantly move around for days on end. His cruel fate for overworking his body until he nearly died without realizing it. He cracked his eyes open to view the common area vacant of life, it was early in the morning, his internal clock was still working. Rubbing his eyes with his left, he found his right stuck and pressed around something warm and breathing softly.
Izuku peered down only to feel his heart tick much faster, rejuvenating the light in his eyes. Yuki was snuggled against his chest, her head tucked down as she gripped his torso under the sheet over them, snoring softly with her mask laying on Izuku's lap. They had fallen onto their sides, thankfully, a pillow was placed behind Izuku's neck. This meant Yuki was practically atop him under the cover, the sight made him smile warmly, lowering his left hand he brushed a few strands of hair away from her features, seeing her nose crinkle from the touch, making him stifle a short chuckle as her hand instinctive moved in an attempt to swat the hand away.
Slowly, Yuki made a face, bringing her hand forward to catch Izuku's hand, curling her fingers between his with a faint smile. "...you know I hate being woken up..." She moaned, snuggling her head against his firm chest. "Especially with a pillow like this,"
"All Might said he wanted us to speak with someone," Izuku reminded, making her groan, pulling herself to rest her head under his chin.
"Later... I want cuddles, three months overdue," She protested, not as if Izuku was inclined to stop, so he wrapped his arms around her waist, getting a little more comfortable as he enjoyed the warmth between them, turning his head toward the rest of the room while rubbing Yuki's back beneath the sheet, feeling her top move as he ran his hand across her soft skin, hearing her sigh in content.
"Five more minutes then..." He whispered, kissing the top of her head, much to her amused hum, planting a kiss on his neck from her angle.
"Ah, good morning, Midoriya, Yuki!" To shatter the moment next to Izuku was Iida, bright and early as they were. His reaction made Yuki grumble, yanking the sheet over her head with a huff, making Izuku snicker at her antics, and in turn, brought a smile to Iida's face. "Ah, I apologize, this is your mandatory time to rest and gather your strength,"
"It's okay, I think she was worried you'd ask us to get up for breakfast, but... well," Izuku smiled warily, feeling his lover's arms anchor him to the sofa. "I think Yuki would hurt us both if we tried."
"You make a valid point, well then, allow me to atleast provide you both with tea or coffee?" Iida asked politely, and given his position, Izuku wasn't capable of refusing kindly to make one himself. He smiled back at his best friend, nodding.
"Tea sounds good, if you don't mind?" Izuku replied and Iida nodded.
"Certainly, and for you, Yuki?" He watched the sheets around them shuffle, and spotted her eyes glowing in the darkness of the cover, hand stretched out to express for her.
"Same please, thank you, Iida," While groggy, she held up an 'OK' sign, then a thumbs up.
With a nod, he turned to walk back to the kitchen while Yuki slithered her arm back under. Izuku sat up a little, feeling her adjust until her blue hair poked out from the covers, hugging him still. Izuku closed his eyes for the time being, enjoying the feeling he missed dearly. Yuki was smiling underneath, listening to the soft beat of his heart.
After breakfast, the young couple were on their way to UA's school when they passed by the staff dormitory, Iida mentioning that someone wanted to speak with them briefly. It didn't take them long to see who, rather, two people. One immediately shot toward them like a speeding bullet, snatching both teens in their arms tightly. "Morning~!" Akame beamed, thankfully, not wearing her armour as the two struggled to breathe.
"H-hi Mom.../G-good morning M-Miss. Akame..." The pair wheezed before she let them breathe freely, gasping.
"Danger Sense didn't even trigger..." Izuku paled, catching his breath while Yuki smiled softly at her mother who ruffled her hair.
"Finally taking it easy? Good, especially you, Midoriya," Akame sent a teasing grin his way as he smiled hesitantly, then he lowered his head.
"I'm... sorry, for what I said-" His apology was cut off when he felt her hand comb through his hair gently, meeting her vibrant blue eyes that held not a shred of malice.
"You had me worried when you bailed back then, but... you're here and healthy, that's what matters," Then, he was surprised when she brought him closer to hug the boy warmly, his eyes wide. "Thank you for bringing my little flower home."
"Am I missing context here or..." Yuki looked between them two and ultimately chalked it up to something that happened during Izuku's journey. "Gotta really ask about what happened."
|Agreed|
The two pulled apart, with Izuku a little less guilt-ridden about facing the woman he abandoned for his own self-destructive drive. Akame stood aside, allowing the pair view of a park bench in the sunlight, sitting with a slight slouch was a very familiar sight. Mr. Aizawa was visibly recovering from his injuries from the Jaku City Disaster. He now has a second scar on his eye stretching from his eyebrow to his lower eyelid, as well an eyepatch covering his right eye entirely. He also now possesses a prosthetic right leg.
"Mr. Aizawa!" The two didn't see him yesterday and Yuki especially didn't know the extent of his injuries until now. The two jogged up to him as he laid one eye on his students, seeing her right and his left intertwined like always.
"They're all happy to see you over me it seems..." Akame rolled her eyes, taking a seat beside the sleep-deprived teacher.
Yuki was the first to inspect his cybernetic. "The same manufacturer for Jura's? Any chafing or internal issues?" She asked in a semi-serious manner, making his eyebrow raise.
"You've had training or is this Siva's doing?" To Shota's surprise, she shook her head, tapping a knuckle to her temple.
"Where I ended up I learned from a living Splicer all about mechanical tinkering, maintenance, stuff like that, now, I'm a true Splicer, right, Siva?" In a red flash, his small sprite appeared on her shoulder.
"|She dedicated her time to learning | My House's new Kell taught personally | I filled in the blanks|," Siva replied earnestly, then Yuki frowned a little but with relief in her eyes and voice.
"I'm so glad you're okay, after what you did to stop the bullet..." She and Izuku were pained by that memory, pouring their all into keeping their teacher safe that day.
"My well-being comes second, my students are safe, and you two... you two problem children just can't sit still for a moment," Shota glared at them, locking them in place as his eye took on a faint red glow. "A handful of you throw your lives away into another world, and the other runs away with All Might to fight a war on his own, and nearly destroying himself in the process,"
"I have half the mind to reprimand both of you for your stunts, regardless of the consequences," Shota then lost that glare, relaxing as Akame placed her hand atop his to ease his concerns. "...but that also saved my life, and many others back then, and you both returned without serious injuries either, prioritising the safety of civilians, and learning where you failed," They stared at their teacher as he offered a small smile of relief. "You've done well, both of you,"
Hearing this was a big weight off their shoulders, with Yuki scratching her cheek's scales while Izuku stood up straight with a smile tugging at his lips. "Thank you for teaching us to do so, Sir!" The pair bowed curtly as Akame giggled, leaning against Shota's side.
"You could've led with that, buuuut you just had to put the fear of God into them," She gave him a sardonic look that he didn't even blink nor acknowledge.
"Knowing their faults and where I stand is important to understand the severity of their situation," He replied but now she was poking his cheek.
"Just say you were worried sick about them, any teacher would be for their students, I know how you work," Her constant prodding made his head cock to the right, brow twitching.
"You're impossible today, Akame,"
"You love it, admit it," She teased as Yuki gasped and Izuku's brow rose.
"Now you've done it..." Shota sighed, closing his eye.
"By the Great Machine, you guys are actually a thing now... holy crap," Yuki covered her mouth, eyes sparkling as Siva crossed his arms.
"|Hm, it took you long enough | I must admit | Watching from afar was unbearable|," Even the nanotechnology possessed by the consciousness of a dead Archon was very much aware of their feelings unspoken.
"C-Congratualtions," Izuku blurted out as Akame giggled at his politeness.
"Yep! We're an item now, took him long enough," Akame deadpanned but her daughter mirrored her look.
"Woman, you spent YEARS mulling over it, even me and Izuku were a thing in a fraction of that time," Yuki gave her mother a smug grin, leaning closer with a cheeky blush rising to her face. "Bet were miles ahead of you still, hehehe."
Akame shot her daughter an aghast look, her own face a little pinker as she pouted. "W-well, some stuff remains private... and stop comparing your love life with your mother,"
"Sounds like a deflection, right, Siva?" Yuki hummed as he simply nodded.
"You butt out of this!" Akame huffed at the old Archon who said nothing. "I can feel you silently judging me!"
"|No Comment|," He turned his head the away, warping to land on Izuku's shoulder. "|This has gotten off track|,"
Izuku exhaled lowly, watching his girlfriend and her mother continue to one-up each other as Shota shared his student's expression, cringing at what he's gotten himself into. "So, everyday?" He asked the greenette.
"It happens here and there, you grow used to it," Izuku closed his eyes, smiling hesitatingly, not seeing the slight amusement on Shota's face as Akame tried and failed to fight her daughter's sharp words. But the sight was very infectious to watch, he kept his lips sealed and sat back.
After leaving Akame and Shota to visit All Might for that important meeting, the two wandered the somewhat empty halls of UA. Classes were suspended, much to Nana's infuriation, so only staff, a handful of students, and Pros moved throughout the building to conduct their business. UA and Shiketsu were the leading strongholds for many citizens and heroes as they slowly reclaimed their country. The defeat of the Barons made that task much easier as the research into anti-NARA security brought some prisons back into working order, if only temporary.
Knocking the staff room that the two visited frequently, they slid it open. "We're here, All Might."
The skeleton blonde smiled in surprise, waving them over. "Good, I was about to call for you both; how are you feeling today?" He asked immediately after, preparing two more cups of tea.
The two took their same spots on the sofa across from All Might, Izuku speaking first. "My body hurts all over, I overworked my muscles so much I never realized it..." Those endless days fighting had taken a toll and he needed to recover from, even if a part of him screamed to get back to work. Something he told Yuki to keep him in check. He smiled at his mentor. "But we're doing better,"
He nodded, happy with that answer, "I'm glad to hear, young Midoriya, now, we can discuss things after this, our caller is very busy overseas so let's not postpone this any longer," He commented, raising a remote to the video call screen placed toward the window. Curious, Yuki asked.
"So, who is it exactly? I've tried thinking of a few names, and heaven knows Zuzu's gone over a phone book for a name, but we got nothing," Yuki shrugged, and Izuku lowered his hand, he couldn't exactly argue her point, if he had time...
All Might wore a reminiscent smile, he appeared excited just to withhold the information as the call remained silent, clearly dialling the person in question. After another ten seconds of waiting, the image changed from a mute grey to a spotlight illuminated warehouse of somekind, and an imposing figure standing before the camera with the biggest grin since All Might's days a hero. Izuku nearly lost his jaw, and Yuki had to try and put it back up while her eyes widened beyond measure, nearly popping from her sockets.
~Ah-hah! It's an honour to see you again, All Might! Though I wish it were face to face, but this more than fills me with joy!~ The person stated loudly that it shook the screen. Her foreign twang distinctly American as she spoke Japanese crystal clear.
It was a tall woman with a well-muscled build. She had elegant facial features, narrow navy eyes, and long flowing blonde hair. She was out of costume, wearing a black vest-shirt, displaying her large muscled arms and collarbone, and sweatpants. Izuku was muttering, unable to withhold his habit as stars danced around his head. "S-S-She's the Number One Hero of the US, Star and Stripe! She's considered All Might's equivalent in the West for her work, not to mention her perfect record in both rescues and villain combat, even working alongside vigilantes without question, even though her actions at times are controversial she's the shining beacon of her whole country-"
~Hahahaha! You're certainly informed, young man!~ The woman, Cathleen Bate, was furrowly impressed by that short description of her work, grinning brightly. ~A Quirk Annalist like myself~
Izuku clapped his mouth shut, blushing brightly. "S-sorry, it's a bad habit of mine -" His brain caught up with what she said, lowering his palms to show his bewildered excitement. "Y-You analyse quirks too?"
Cathleen nodded, hand to her heart, ~So I may learn from others around me and to better perform myself in an ever-changing world!~
"Oh, boy, two of them..." Yuki snickered behind her hand, then bowed her head quickly. "I-It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Yuki Azuru,"
"A-ah, sorry! Izuku Midoriya!" Izuku quickly did the same with Cathleen nodding her head.
~No need for apologizes, I should have introduced myself first, I am as you said, young man, the Number One Hero of the US, Star and Stripe, but for the sake of pleasantries, my name is Cathleen Bate~
"I'm happy to hear from you again, Cathleen, how have you been during this crisis?" All Might asked the girl who like his successor looked up to him even now.
Her smile was softer, ~As busy as ever, despite the turmoil your home has come under, I have continued to withhold evil's grasp on my home, it appears this 'Kovik' has his hands dug into every corner of this world~ She pressed her lips into a thin line. ~He is troublesome, using the connections that 'All For One' character had to further his own mysterious efforts - hmph, I look forward to seeing him fall from his throne!~
"|That explains the lack of support | He's constricting the world | Pulling allies in every direction|," Siva grunted, it was a tactic unlike Kovik, but much of his former High Splicer Priest was dead and gone, replaced with the horror of a Splicer consumed by NARA.
~Who is this?~ Cathleen inquired as Siva stood on Yuki's shoulder, bowing with two daggers in his hands. Yuki's hand tense in Izuku's, even All Might held back a breath.
"|I am Siva | Formerly Aksis, Archon Prime of the Devil Splicers | Now, my name belongs to Yuki|," His introduction made the blonde's eyes study him with a curious hum, then she smiled once more.
~If he is a trusted ally of yours, despite his connection to this villain, I will keep my peace!~ That put the trio at ease as she continued, but not before looking over her shoulder to someone off-screen, ~Hm, yes, ten minutes at most!~ She drew her face back to the camera, ~Well, my time is short, so I will state as to why I called not just my former teacher, but his own students, I can assume they are the ones tied closely to the villains terrorizing your country?~
"Yes, these two have seen the darkest side of our society first-hand," All Might stated for them. "Cathleen, considering the situation, are you sure this is safe to speak openly about?" It was clear even All Might wasn't a hundred percent certain on whatever they were planning to discuss, but Star and Stripe shared no such hesitance nor did she mince her words.
The older woman gave them all look fitting of a hero, confident, bright, full of optimism in a world that seemed ready to snap in two. she patted her hips. ~Very soon, I will depart for Japan to confront Kovik directly!~
The news landed on their laps like a ton of lead, mostly for Yuki, her throat feeling dry as she processed what she heard. Cathleen was coming here to battle her enemy, the monster that had warped her family and her life forever. Yuki felt so many things there and then. Joy, that someone would finally put an end to this nightmare. Envy, for not confronting Kovik herself. Guilt, over her duty not being completed by her own hands, she felt herself tied to what Kovik was today, it was her task with or without allies. And fear; Fear of what Kovik has become with NARA and All For One.
Izuku's hand clasped hers tightly, pulling her away from those thoughts to offer her a sincere smile to lessen those feelings, his eyes felt like they were saying 'it'll be okay'. Speaking for Yuki, Izuku faced Cathleen. "Miss. Bate, not to insult your talents but NARA... what it's done to people, and what it's doing in the shadows, it's unlike any quirk in history and…" He trailed off but she nodded eagerly.
~Please, go on, we are working with limited information on his powers, whatever you say will be paramount~ She asked, from one annalist to another.
That's when the emerald hero grinned, nudging Yuki as she jumped a bit. "Well then, Yuki's your expert. If it's to do with Kovik, there's no one better to trust." She blinked at him several times before All Might chuckled lightly.
"It's true, Young Azuru is a bright and smart young woman, her connection with the villain goes beyond any information we can provide," He winked to his student who sat up with confidence, nodding to Siva.
"L-let's see... NARA is an amalgamation of augments spliced from a copy of SIVA that resides in me, I'm not aware of all the developments myself but the basis of NARA's nanite density is too much for the human body to handle, so somehow, Kovik's twisted a person' quirk into acting as a catalyst to maintain NARA within its host, and now that he has All For One through Shigaraki, he can withstand the full potential of NARA, or I believe, that's what he's attempting to perfect since he's yet to make a significant move against us," Yuki had to look at it from every angle possible, if it kept Cathleen informed and safe then every slither of intel was important.
"Nanomachine Density is another big factor, when I compress my nanites into a small space, it can lead to a warning called 'SIVA Density Critical', meaning it's harmful to everything caught inside of it, but the one controlling the space will have a significant increase of power, from our experiences at Jaku City, NARA's density is already beyond the scope of SIVA's in an imperfect form," Yuki detailed, noting that Star and Stripe was jotting all this down, nodding critically at every word. Yuki felt honoured but continued firmly. "At most, a normal person can survive a density that thick for roughly ten seconds,"
"Lastly, Detainment, something I still have no workaround for, it was what sealed SIVA within me, as far as I'm aware, it needs two signals to be maintained, but I'm assuming this means that once Kovik's mastered NARA, that won't be the case, so with the time we have, a Splicer on our side, Tekres, myself, and a handful of others are working on a solution to break Detainment, or supress it," With a great sigh, Yuki had concluded all she could think of. "It's not alot, especially since it's mostly speculation, but I hope it helps you when you do confront Kovik, he's... not someone to take lightly,"
~I see, well, for all that you've provided, I cannot thank you enough, Miss. Azuru!~ Cathleen grinned ear to ear, staring back at the teens. ~You've had to overcome so much strife in such little time as heroes in training, and much more before then~ She watched their expression warp with a clear indication of surprise. She chuckled. ~I understand, maybe not to the same extent as yourselves, as everyone's struggles are different and important to them, but I acknowledge your efforts and your duties toward the defeat of these villains!~
Why was she thanking them? They wondered, it wasn't just them, so many have given their all toward the end of the League of Villains and Devil Splicers, but this hero, the woman who was renowned in the West, looked into their eyes and stared with the same calm understanding All Might displayed to them long ago. She saw herself in their eyes.
~The collective efforts you both have given, and that of your brothers and sisters, has created ripples over here, hence why I am able to act in the way I desire~ She put her fist forward with a cheery smile. ~I will devote my life to your cause, and carry your wishes with me into battle! Then, we may defeat Kovik as one, as heroes!~
Her words touched their hearts, and Yuki sniffed, rubbing her left eye as she clenched her fist down at her heart. "Thank you, so please... be careful," It was a dumb thing to say to a hero, but Cathleen seemed to understand what Yuki wished for. To speak once the dust settled.
"|You have my respect | See to it my old ally | Is buried in the ground|," Siva asked of the hero. It was a little frustrating he could not confront Kovik directly, but if this nightmare he pulled to their world can end, he would happily entrust his feelings to the hero willing to fight for them.
~Although, even I cannot state much more on the situation, we cannot overlook the possibility Kovik is listening in, so with that, I wish you all the best, and if I were to fall...~ Her tone was a little deeper but her sincerity remained clear. ~There are atleast two bright young heroes I can entrust my own wishes to~
"Thank you, Cathleen, you've become so much more than I ever could," All Might admitted, catching them, Cathleen in particular, off guard. He looked to the woman who took up his mantle in the West with pride. "All of you are beyond the hero I once was, and I couldn't be prouder of that fact,"
"All Might..." Izuku felt his heart clench, just as it did when he was told that he could be a hero, now, that statement was given more weight than ever before, but it didn't shackle of pull him down, instead, Izuku felt his head was above water, he could breathe easily.
~I promise, we will meet again soon All Might, and your students~ Cathleen smiled, saluting like a soldier. ~For our future, let's give our all!~
"Right!" The young couple copied her, grinning silly as Cathleen let out a boisterous laugh, starting a few workers behind her. All Might laughed himself, seeing the tall woman spin around to apologize bashfully, scratching her nape as the worker looked like he saw his life flash before his eyes. Yuki and Izuku laughed too with Siva bowing his head, enjoying the scene.
After their talk with two Number One heroes, one former, the other active. Izuku and Yuki had alot to think about, from their understanding, All Might was aware that Star and Stripe was coming to Japan to settle the score with Kovik personally. "The way she spoke, it was like she was asking for our blessing almost," Yuki noted, looking to the sky thoughtfully.
"Are you upset?" Izuku had noted Yuki's withdrawn look since the announcement that they were told to keep confidential.
She smiled slightly, "A little? I mean, it's out of my hands, and deep down, I still feel it's my burden and Siva's to defeat Kovik, like how you feel it's your cause to defeat Shigaraki," Yuki stated as they walked among the trees. "But we both can't do that alone, and I've accepted that, but seeing her offer to fight of us too, to carry our wishes it made the feeling... manageable, I guess is the word?" She cocked her head.
"I understand, what you said really seemed to help, so in a way, you've already contributed to the battle!" Izuku encouraged, seeing her roll her eyes. "I'm serious!"
"I know, it's just you always have something to say to turn my doubts to mush," Yuki sighed, leaning to the side to peck his cheek. "Thanks, Zuzu."
"A-anytime, you'd do the same for me," He offered, and stole her lips quickly, making her smile in content.
"Ugh, are you guys ever gonna stop...~!?" Just a few feet away, Nana crossed her arms with a huff. She was their 'escort', which translated to, 'I want to be around my big sister too'.
"They've been apart for three months, Nana," Kairi stated beside her girlfriend who pouted.
"Stop using logic against me..." Nana huffed as Kairi waved to them.
"Did we keep you waiting long?" Izuku asked but the shark-girl shook her head, nudging Nana's shoulder.
"Not really, we had time to scout around to ensure there weren't alot of people around, just to avoid any complications given yesterday's outburst at your return," Kairi had heard all about it from Nana that night, the bluette was worried for her sister and her partner since they were clearly exhausted an stressed. With a small wave, she tugged Nana by the hand. "This way, it was built close to the school so not many people come this far unless they wanted to visit the site too."
The two pairs walked in line with each other, Nana moving around to hold Yuki's right hand. With all four walking hand in hand, they strolled amongst the trees and stone ornate lanterns that led to a courtyard tucked from view. Once in view, the lovely decorated memorial shrine with an overhead red roof was within view, under the roof were flowers, lit candles, and various offerings with the names of those dedicated to the shrine escribed into a smooth stone slab by their legs. The warm weather let loose a cool wind as they read over the names and the title given to the shrine.
|In memory of the heroes who fought valiantly on the Day of Red Glare|
No.6 Crust | X-Less | Majestic | Funk Man | Native | Eel Boy | Tremor | Silver Wind | Hot Shot | Captain Flynt | Midnight-
The list was long and numerous, but the name, 'Midnight' stuck out the most to Yuki who's eyes widened in horror. "How... did she die...?"
"A really powerful Splicer," Behind them they were approached by their redheaded companion, Kirishima. He smiled at them faintly, waving once. "Sorry for the jump there, but usually me or someone else comes 'round to check on the shrine, just to keep things clean,"
"A Splicer, another Baron?" Izuku guessed and Kirishima nodded.
"Wasn't any of the guys you took out, but someone tough, I swear..." Kirishima clenched his fist, looking toward the names with fury and respect. "Once we find that guy, we'll make him pay for the lives they've taken, for Miss. Midnight!"
"So many have been lost due to Kovik's schemes," Yuki grabbed Kirishima's shoulder, squeezing it to lessen his anger. "Midnight, and everyone else, they'll be avenged, I promise," Her statement forced the sturdy teen to dry his eyes, nodding in agreement.
Nana's head perked up, and the sorrowful mood quickly washed away when she waved brightly, "Hey, Mitsuki, over here! There's someone you should totally meet!" Kairi made a face at the approaching girl then to Yuki before smiling to herself.
Those of Class 2-A turned to greet their junior. It was a girl with apple-red hair tied into a messy ponytail that bobbed by her nape. Her crimson eyes were sharp like Nana's and Yuki's. She had prominent fangs and a pair of leathery wings tucked against her back when she landed again with a stumble. "I thought I saw you two, and Mr. Kirishima, but... who... is... uh," Her pupils slowly started to contract, and her whole posture went as rigid as a board when she locked eyes with Yuki. "Y-y-you're A-A-Aksis?" She squeaked out.
"Hm?" Yuki wasn't often referred by her hero name, but she smiled nonetheless. "Yeah, that's me, and you're one of Nana's and Kairi's classmates?"
"Ye-yes, I-I am, uh, d-do you... remember m-me? Ah, well n-not that I'd expect y-you to, i-it's been a-a long time since then..." Mitsuki mumbled faster than Izuku, something the greenette was impressed by.
"She just beat you at your Midoriya mumble, Midoriya," Kirishima chuckled, causing the fellow redhead's face to nearly match her hair. "Ah, sorry, didn't mean to embarrass ya!"
"N-no, it's alright," She chirped again when Yuki finally realized the connection, and her smile grew.
"You're the older sibling from Hosu! The one me and Shoto saved that night!" It was hard to see the similarity now, her quirk's mutation had grown since then. Yuki approached her, squatting down to her eye-level kindly. "How have you been? And your sister?"
To say Mitsuki was speechless was an understatement, so much so Nana approached to tap the girl on the shoulder to see if she was still breathing. "You good, chief?"
"Eh? U-uh, s-sorry, I'm okay, m-my sister too, since I'm enrolled here o-our family was moved to UA," Mitsuki stuttered, playing with the hem of her red shirt with a timid look. "I... I came to UA because... I-I... I wanted to be like you..." The tips of her ears were turning red, it was really adorable but Yuki didn't say it to spare the young girl. But what she said made the machinist stare at the shy redhead silently. "Y-you were so cool back then, a-and at Camino too, y-you kept fighting that villain with A-All Might, an-and at Jaku too before... ah, sorry, that's probably very sensitive,"
"No, it's alright, I'll admit we lost that battle, I lost," Yuki cocked her head with a sweet smile, eyes closed. "Hearing why you're here, that's amazing, maybe we'll work together when you're finally studying and are eligible for Work Studies like we were!"
Mitsuki's face started to return to its normal pigment, but a faint blush remained as she smiled shakily. "Mmhm! I-I hope so too!" Then she stared, wide-eyed at Nana. "You didn't tell me your sister was really Aksis, that would've been helpful!"
Nana smirked coyly, "Where's the fun in that? Your expression was priceless," As she snickered, Mitsuki pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling heat rise from her neck again.
"...this is so embarrassing"
"So, this is the hero you're a complete fangirl for?" And like that, Mitsuki's whole body lost its colour.
"Oh no," She spun on her heel, jabbing a finger back at the newly approaching teen, grinding her teeth together. "Don't you freakin' dare!"
The new student stood taller than his classmates, he rolled his sleeves up to reveal his muscles, the shirt unbuttoned slightly. He had lightly-tanned skin and black hair. His hair is of an uneven length, the longest strands reaching his shoulders, and is styled with three more notable, shorter clumps arching up to fall as bangs between his cyan eyes and on either side of his face. He raised one hand in greeting. "Yo,"
"I thought you didn't want to come because it wasn't 'anything important'?" Kairi air-quoted with a sharpness to her words, the ravenette shrugged, hands in his pockets.
"That's when Batty here takes off after she saw you two with our upperclassmen, low and behold, it's one she practically worships," He stated, much to Mitsuki's chagrin as she waved her arms frantically when Yuki's brow rose humoursly, steam flooding from Mitsuki's ears.
"Graaah, I-I-I just admire her as a person, you thick-headed dolt!" Mitsuki hissed, making him chuckle as he poked her forehead, pushing her down off her toes to stand a head shorter than him
Nana waved her tail at the two bickering like children. "The big, tall, and handsome is Sho Tomoya,"
"Oh, the guy you mentioned Kairi hated the moment you met at your entrance exam?" Yuki stated while Izuku murmured about what their quirks could be, so Yuki patted his head. "Didn't Nana already tell you?"
"But it's been a while since then, I wonder if they've made any new developments - and their costumes, since no one can manufacture them at the moment, I wonder if they've made adjustments for the future?" Izuku muttered so loud it started to form around them, with Kirishima sweatdropping.
"Been a while since we've seen this, huh?" He grinned to Yuki who rolled her eyes playfully.
"Never change, Zuzu..." She sighed, turning to Nana's friends. "You're from the Tomoya family that runs a small-time business for support items, but are renowned for their business practices with other smaller business, creating an interconnected web of family-run practices before Japan's gridlock."
Sho seemed to completely tune out Mitsuki hearing this, tilting his chin up slightly with a curious noise, "You've heard of us? Yeah, that's my folks place,"
"Our Mom's an information depot, so it's understandable I've seen her work, she orders alot from your company for her costume modifications," Upon hearing this, Izuku perked up.
"That's right... I remember putting the name 'Tomoya' down for one of my recommended costume repair companies!" He was surprised to be meeting their son of all people at UA.
"Oh, yeah, I totally remember now!" Kirishima scratched his head sheepishly. "Sorry about that! One of your connected shops are near where my parents live too!"
Tomoya allowed himself a small smile, extending his hands. "And you're Aksis, rising hero since that flashy performance at Camino, not to mention other spots under the news, pleasure," She and Izuku took his offered hands, shaking them.
"Pleasure is ours/Nice to meet you," They replied as Mitsuki scoffed.
"All polite to his upperclassmen but a complete narcissist around us, dolt..." She brushed her right wing with Kairi sighing with her.
"Tell me about it,"
Between them, Nana giggled. "I love our dynamic," It was weird but a fun kind of weird.
Later, after parting ways with Nana's friends, Izuku and Yuki took some time to talk alone, overlooking the residential district for those given sanctuary from the lawless world beyond the UA Barrier. It was quiet, say for the distant rumble of commotion of people. Sat on a grassy hillside, Yuki tucked her knees close with her arms wrapped around them. Izuku sat with his legs stretched down the hill, hands propping him upright.
The warm breeze tugged through his hair as he stared at Yuki, she had her eyes closed, smiling as she took in the ambience. Her hair was finally cut, revealing her strange elongated lock of hair that swayed at the middle of her back, but she kept her hair long enough to tie with a white thread into a tiny ponytail that tickled the base of her nape. He couldn't take his eyes off her, how the sun hit her face just right, giving him a perfect view of her framed face.
"We aren't the same people from three months ago," Her voice cut his staring short, but her eyes weren't open yet so he listened intently. "Our views have changed on our lives, mine under Ceres and the Tower, you with the Visages and the Barons' memories. Our time apart was... tough, and I was worried that when we met again that... we would've lost what we had, deep down that scared me more than it should've," She strained her smile.
Izuku stared at her worryingly, "I'd never do that... I'd never leave you," He whispered, and finally, he met her eyes under sunlight, relieved to hear those words.
"I know, and I'm glad my worries were for nothing, but, realistically, most would fall out of love after what we've endured, and that made me think for a long time today about us, about... our future together," She and Izuku felt heat rising to their faces, but she spoke regardless. "I meant what I said back then, not some heat of the moment words, I... I want to be with you for the rest of my life, only you, Izuku Midoriya,"
Hearing her admit it out loud again made his heart wish to burst from his chest, a silly smile pulling at his face as he inched closer to her but didn't touch her, right now, she wanted to say something, that much was obvious so he kept his silence and waited. Yuki silently thanked him, and found her voice after that confession. "...I don't feel myself shifting between me and Siva anymore, like the two halves finally merged, and when I look at you, I see it's the same for you too, One For All has finally merged with you, and our experiences have changed us along the way,"
Izuku raised his voice, "Even when I thought I lost any chance of bringing you all back home, I kept fighting because... I think deep down I knew it wasn't true, that there was a way, but I nearly destroyed myself to do so," He stared at his scarred hands, seeing black claws stretched over them with dirt and blood. "I wasn't sure if I was still human anymore, then... they came for me, they fought so hard to bring me home, just as I wanted for all of you, and then you did come back, and... and I felt like everything was in place again, or... I thought it was,"
He felt her hands grasp his, lifting his head to meet her eyes, Yuki said nothing, waiting for his continuation. "The people are on edge, Kovik and Shigaraki are close to completing whatever they're planning, anyone could feel it in the air, and now Star and Stripe is coming here," He closed his fingers around her own. "I'm scared that us sitting here is wasting what little time we have, I'm scared to lose anyone else, to lose you... but I keep telling myself to wait, against everything I have to have faith in our friends, in you,"
Thinking back through his trials and tribulations, he had to learn to step back and breathe, "I'm not like All Might, I can't rush in and expect everything to fall into place, I need to look at things from my own perspective, to save everyone while keeping others from worrying about me," People would worry for him as he did for them, but out of principle, not the fear he would destroy himself to achieve his goal.
"And I learned to accept my failures, my shortcomings to grow and understand where I'm strongest," Yuki opened up, admiring her lover's face as it lost a few of its dark shadows at his tone. "We both had to learn alot apart, but that just proves we can survive without each other, and now..."
Somehow, Izuku knew what to say next, matching her content face in the afternoon light as a breeze carried through their hair. "When we need to lean on each other, we're balanced," Yuki nodded in agreement, nuzzling his nose, eyes half-lidded.
"No matter how this ends, we'll do it together," She leaned forward, bringing her head to rest on his shoulder as his arms moved to hold her tightly. "My Hero..."
"I'd like that, my Flower..."
Yuki then giggled, eyes closed. "You know, Mom's gonna hate you stole that from her,"
"W-well, how about, um..." He stared at the blue hair rubbing against his jaw. A feverish smile crept up his face. "...B-blue Rose?"
Yuki opened her eyes, clearly thinking on it as her fingers pinched a lock of her hair into view, she shrugged, "Both is good, I'm not complaining, unless you want me to use Kyoka's-
"Zuzu is perfectly fine with me," He said almost immediately, and Yuki broke into a gentle, angelic laughter that brought a muffled one from his throat, resting his chin against her head.
"Hehehe, okay, if you insist, My Hero Zuzu," She cooed.
"I think I regret this decision"
Night had arrived, and to help out those that were training, Yuki showed Izuku how to cook as they prepared a simple meal for everyone to enjoy, with help from Rayla who wasn't even tired from her patrolling, using her Sparrow to get around the country. What left most of Class 2-A star-struck was the fully manifested form of an Eliksni standing by the counter away from the group after they finished eating, the alien taking form at Yuki's request.
"SIVA!?" The class yelled out loud, startling Yuki but Siva didn't flinch, looking back at them with his expression hidden by his mask, two ice-blue eyes and a stripe of white staring back at them.
"|With Yuki's mastery over SIVA | I can now be manifested for a short period of time | But this form is not suited for combat|," Siva explained as they admired his form from head to toe.
Tekres, who had been standing off to the side, approached the former Archon, staring silently at 'Aksis' for the longest time. "...you're shorter in person." Everyone went whiter than a ghost.
"HE SAID THAT SO BLUNTLY!"
"|My former chassis added more height than I needed|," Siva replied evenly. Everyone sighed in relief.
"GOOD THING SIVA'S UNDERSTANDING!"
"Is the form still too awkward for you, Siva?" Yuki perked up behind the kitchen counter, cleaning down the dishes with Asui's and Ocha's help.
The old Archon flexed his right hand while the others took in his imposing stance, even without his 'former chassis', as daunting as that statement was. "|There is some buffer between my movements | My balance sways but I can adjust | Overall, not unliveable|,"
"It's fascinating to think how far the development of SIVA has come," Velk mused, sensing nothing within Siva's chest, or so she thought. "It's weird, despite your clear lack of a living body, I can sense something distorted in your center,"
"I thought I was seeing things," Hana raised her hand, brow furrowed. "Is it perhaps Yuki's lingering soul within SIVA?"
"|That is possible|," Siva agreed, but no one really knew nor was it important at the time. With a blue flash, Siva's body disappeared, the blue smog rushing back to Yuki's body.
"I can't maintain his form for long, but it's progress," Yuki noted, drying a plate in her hands. "Soon, even Siva will be able to move around independently,"
"But how did you do it? Creating so many complex, moving parts with clearly minimal strain?" Yaoyorozu inquired, wondering how for her own creation abilities. Sadly, Yuki tapped her lips.
"Trade secret of a Splicer, sorry," And she meant that firmly too. Some things are best kept to those with the experience to handle.
Retiring for the night, Yuki stretched until she felt her limbs pop with a satisfied sigh. "Welp, back on the grind tomorrow, especially with how little time we have before something big happens, wonder if that invention Tekres said he was working on will help?" He still refused to disclose what he and the Support Studio were working on but that would be revealed tomorrow before they went out scouting after practice.
As Yuki grabbed a few things to prepare herself for bed, Izuku had been quiet, not mute, but he was mulling over what he and Yuki talked about on the hillside, he hadn't taken her eyes off her since they got back either. She continued to ramble on without realizing it, he locked the door behind him but stared straight through the gloomy room to her every move.
"Maybe when we meet again, the next ring I wear will seal the deal. Because I'll always be with you, Izuku Midoriya."
"I meant what I said back then, not some heat of the moment words, I... I want to be with you for the rest of my life, only you, Izuku Midoriya,"
Those two memories paralleled on another, they replayed on loop that made his head spin and his heart pound. She openly admitted to that significant step in their relationship. Not that he'd ever doubt wanting to be with Yuki for the rest of his life, but she had confessed to it twice, her commitment was put forward without hesitation. But that's what they feared most, the regrets of waiting until after a sudden shift in their lives. The aftermath of the Camino Disaster drove that home for Izuku, those days waiting for her to awaken were his gloomiest. Then came the three months of longing just to see her again, it tore his soul apart.
Then is clicked, perhaps it always had but now, right here and now he could see it crystal clear, all it took was that lonely time apart for it all to fall into frame. In that smile, he saw more than just her lips, more than just the creases above her cheeks, more than just the slight squint of her eyes. In that smile, that smile of hers, he could see life, happiness... love.
He loved her, he always had and she knew it, but this throbbing in his chest that drowned out the noise in his head, it overwhelmed him, consumed him in a new warmth. He finally understood time apart meant nothing anymore, his fears were snuffed out, his doubts erased. All he could think of was her.
"-we should probably leave our routine 'till tomorr - mmgth!?" Yuki's words were stolen from her as Izuku caught her lips in a deep, passionate kiss that nearly tripped her up over her own foot had a firm grip around her waist not anchored her in place. She stared wide-eyed as his lips moved, and her own eyelids started to fall, capturing his lips again after a brief pause.
Izuku's free hand caressed her cheek's scales, running down her blemish to her edges of her neck as he felt her throat clench. His hand glided down her collarbone and toward her chest when her breath hitched when he finally pressed his hand against her breast. Losing their balance, Yuki jolted when she struck the bed with Izuku still pinning her down, the fall pulling their lips apart. Both were red in the face, panting hotly from the frantic intimacy.
Yuki stared back with a mixture of love and confusion over the sudden approach, her heart was pounding from the sheer surprise and... desire behind his actions. Izuku, having finally found his self-control looked almost as shocked as she was, his waist move as it was straddling her, and his lips parted to speak on what randomly came over him.
Instead, he felt her lithe hand glide across his chin to his left cheek, rubbing his skin with her thumb as that surprise melted away to a burning desire that melted into love. Izuku's eyes widened, feeling his hands grip her waist while her left moved to rest against his right by her waist. Acceptance lingered in her gaze while confliction gave way to a nervous tilt of Izuku's head. She nodded, not taking her rich bluish-red eyes from his emerald.
Pulling his head closer, Yuki stole another heated kiss from him, trailing her lips down to his throat, leaning up, she did the same to his collarbone while feeling his hands starting to hike toward her chest, pulling her shirt with them while she tugged his down slightly by the collar, leaving more carnal kisses across his skin.
One night for themselves wouldn't be so bad...
To Be Continued...
An Izuku/Yuki filled chapter of fluff and set-up for what's to come in what I like to call the 'Final Days Arc', as in, the final days toward the all-out war between heroes and villains. I wanted to give Star and Stripe more connection to Yuki and Izuku before her confrontation just to flesh her out a little more. As for the rest of the content? Just time between the two lovebirds, and the reveal of Nana's and Kairi's new friends, one of which is from all the way back to Season 2.
This was a tricky chapter but I think I nailed the points I wanted, and that last scene, can't say anything will be written about it, not sure at the time of writing this author's note, if something 'M' rated is posted then you know the answer. But the context is there for what happened between chapters. Well, I hope you enjoyed, I appreciate the support as always; seeya in the next chapter, Heroes!
Next Chapter Intermission: New Order Imperfections
Kovik sat with his monitors behind him. "It seems as though trouble is closing in on Japan, how troublesome..."
"Lemme take her, I can take her!" Infernal grinned ear to ear, moving between Kovik's shoulders.
"Not yet, you're on standby, remember?" He saw the Nightmare deflate at the raised hand. "In time, save your excitement for the grand opening."
"I can wait, probably, maybe-" He zipped forward and grabbed the camera, shaking it. "-you better enjoy what's coming! I wanna have more screen time!"
Kovik shook his head, motioning to the image of someone bathed in jagged shadows confronting Star and Stripe atop a fighter jet. "Coming soon, New Order Imperfections. Go Beyond-"
"-PLUS ULTRA!" Infernal breathed blue fire into the air. "Woah, forgot I can do that!"