Quirk: Chakra

Author's Notes: Hey, guys! Another chapter for you. Apologies for the delayed update. Anyway, TheCrimsonShout dropped a review and it got me thinking. I created this MC as a reflection of myself. That means the arrogance he displayed is how people perceive me. That opened my eyes to the reality and I finally figured out why people don't like me.

But, that is not important. What is important is that I try to "evolve" my character. Make him a bit more sympathetic. A bit more relatable. I hope this chapter assuages that somewhat. The review was quite helpful, and I appreciate reviews no matter how bitter. So please feel free to tell me my mistakes and I will try my best to rectify them.

Without further ado, please enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 6: Blossoming Love

USJ. Outside the facility.

"Let me get this straight.", All Might said to us four. "You managed to defeat the monster that was specifically created, as you put it, Reito, with minimal injuries?"

"That is what we said. Was their some inconsistencies with our stories? Katsuki, did you lie somewhere about how great you were back there?", I asked the Grenade behind me while assuring All Might.

"Why the fuck would I do that, shitty Breeze!?", came his eloquent reply.

"Then what is the problem, All Might.", I asked uncertainly. Why were we being questioned like criminals? Aizawa-sensei even gave us permission to defend ourselves.

"That is not the problem, Young Sakazuki. What I am finding hard to believe is that how can you defeat a monster of that caliber?", he explained his confusion.

I found it a little amusing so I decided to have some fun. "Through the power of friendship and love, we overcame our adversity and came out on top. The power of friendship is seriously overpowered!", I said with one arm in the air.

The effect was hilarious. Izuku was feeling pride. Shoto was unmoved. All Might was even more confused. But most importantly, Katsuki, he was feeling disgust and he was making a funny face at me.

"Don't spout nonsense like that, shitty breeze!", he shouted at me.

Ignoring him I explained our victory to All Might. "Basically we worked as a team. I was the support and these three were the one-two-three combo attackers."

"Just like that?", All Might asked.

"Just like that.", I confirmed.

He stood there pondering something when steam started coming out of his chest. I knew what was up. "Anyways. You younglings have done great and you shall be recognized for your heroic work. I have to go and make sure the investigations are going smoothly. I shall see you all at school.", he said and took off.

"It's a shame we didn't get to see him in action.", Izuku said looking longingly in the direction the buff hero flew in.

"It's good that he didn't have to face 'Anti-All Might' alone. That way he wouldn't have accepted our help.", I explained as we both started heading off towards the bus where most of our classmates were standing.

"Did you really mean what you said back then?", he asked me in a meek tone.

"I did. But those two won't see it that way. They would either think I'm bullshitting or joking."

"Why did you ask them for help? We could have won on our own."

"We are not enemies, we are rivals. But, most importantly, we are fellow classmates. And we two are the leader of our class. Going in a fight without help will not only be dangerous, but also lower the morale, more so when we get beaten for our actions."

He just gave me a slow nod of understanding as we approached our group.

"Hey, Reito-kun. That was totes awesome what you did back there!", my girlfriend said with enthusiasm.

"All I did was support the attacker force. What's so awesome about that?", I answered. We two were left alone by our classmates when Tooru-chan bounded over to me.

"Don't you know what you did? You led a team! That's what's totes awesome about you!", she answered with fervor.

"That's true, I guess. Tell me, were you at all hurt back there?", I asked her with concern.

"Of course I'm alright. You were there to save me~", she said with a blissful look on her face.

"Thank god. When you were pulled into that portal I had lost my mind. I was so concerned for you I might have seriously hurt a couple of thugs. But thankfully my responsibilities kept me calm enough."

"I would have totes loved to see you go berserk!"

"I don't think that is a good idea.", I said as we were approached by others.

"Your leadership skills are surely exemplary, Reito!", said a bubbly Momo.

"Yeah, you rocked dude.", said Jirou. Why were only girls praising me?

"You were chivalrous back there, Reito.", said Ojiro.

'Finally, a dude giving me a bro-like praise. That's even more meaningful than girl's compliments.', I thought. I don't know why, may be it's how I experienced my early years that I prefer male compliments over female. But even more impactful were Tooru-chan's compliments. "Don't fret over it, you guys. I'm the class president, it's expected of me to lead you all.", I answered waving off the embarrassing compliments.

Shortly, the questioning, or rather debriefs, were concluded and we were let go. The entire U.A staff was here so the school was let out early. This meant we will be escorted to our respective homes right when we get back there. That's exactly what happened.

I was currently laying on my bed, thinking over the events of hours ago. I had to relay everything to my family in detail to be allowed to go back, even though I knew father will still encourage me to go regardless. Aunt was vehemently against me going back, so was uncle but he shut up when I gave him a speech about responsibility and what not.

Thinking about it, rather than start attacking right away, the monster regenerated and behaved quite civilly, obeying orders and stuff. Though it was truly mindless. It had been escorted to the highest security prison in Japan. I forgot the place's name. Anyways, that monster won't be causing trouble anytime soon. But, if it is created in a lab somewhere, shouldn't there be more like it? More mindless drones? Things are starting to get out of hands. Ever since All Might worked tirelessly to bring about peaceful times, the villains have been appearing less and less. Meaning, they are growing there forces in shadows, like the literal army that attacked us.

And the existence of Nomu, the artificial life form(?), means that they are thriving under whatever rocks they are hiding in. Most importantly, that army was pretty well organized. This tells us that there is a mastermind behind them. That man-child might be a favored person of the actual leader to be allowed to go through with such sloppy plans. Either that or the mastermind is stupid, which is highly unlikely. I've got to get Izuku and meet All Might in a private setting to discuss our next move.

'Haaah… it's too tiresome to think about all this. I will text Tooru-chan.', I thought and picked up my phone.

"R: Hey, beautiful. How are you doing?"

After several minutes she replied. "T: Hey, handsome. I'm doing okay, I guess. Just scared of the events earlier."

"R: Yeah. This was my first experience against a real villain as well. I was scared as hell."

"T: But you handled it better than me :("

"R: Come one. Don't be sad. I was just concerned for you, so I had forcibly banished any fear. I had to keep you safe after all."

"T: You did. Thank you."

"R: So, what about dinner tonight?"

"T: You mean with my parents!?"

"R: Of course. I think that, due to what happened today, they might go easy on me. So, this is a perfect chance for me to make an impression on your parents!"

"T: What? Are you sure?"

"R: Absolutely. While this may be manipulative in a way, it also ensures my safety in the future against your parents."

"T: You think things thoroughly. I'll tell them you're coming. At around 8 would be good?"

"R: That works, Tooru-chan."

"T: Ahh~ I love it when you call me that."

"R: I'm glad, Tooru-chan~."

"T: You know, I have seen boys delaying these meetings and would take any excuse to do so. You're just diving right in."

"R: That's because of the short but full life that I have led until now. If I delay this meeting then I wouldn't be honest to myself, ever."

"T: You think so deeply. I love it."

"R: When you live your life thinking it's not your own but someone else's, it causes one to think before acting."

"T: What do you mean?"

"R: It's a story that I will tell you once I am ready to."

"T: Don't worry, take your time."

Several minutes of silence went by before Tooru-chan texted me again.

"T: Sorry for the wait. Mom just wouldn't let it go when I told you you will be coming for dinner."

"R: So, your mom likes to tease you?"

"T: Yeah, like you wouldn't believe."

"R: Well I guess that's the charm of a mother."

"T: You're saying it like you don't have a mom."

"R: Honestly, I don't"

"T: ...Oh… Sorry…"

"R: Don't be. It's fine."

"T: Well, I totes want to talk to you more but soon my mom would start pestering me for homework so I gotta get on with that."

"R: All right, then. See you tonight."

"T: Yeah. See you."

With that our chat ended. To be honest, I was kind of happy that I managed to hold a conversation this long without resorting to jokingly insult the other person. Not that I would insult my girlfriend, mind you. This is just my self-defense mechanism I developed when I was being all broody anti-social shit-head.

Still, it was quite unexpected for me to land a girlfriend so early in my high school. And now I was going to meet her parents. I am feeling a little scared, not going to lie. Her parents might make scary faces, trying to get me to break under their gazes and spill some bullshit I am not supposed to end up making them against our relationship. What a scary thought process I have.

Anyway, my sneaky tactic has a 30% probability of working. If it does, I will be able to gather sympathy from the princess' guardians. To think the boy their girl is in love with won't delay the meeting even after such a terrible event might make them like me more.

I am hopeful that it will play out like this at least.

I should probably get my introduction ready and practice delivering it in front of the mirror. First impression is the last impression, they say.

Hagakure Residence.

With a heavy sigh I reached out my hand to ring the bell. I was holding a variety of fruits in my left hand, since I thought maybe bringing something for them would get me plus points and Also because I didn't like going to someone's house empty handed. This lesson was practically beaten into me by dad.

I pressed my finger on the button and it gave way with a soft click and minimal resistance. To my amusement the bell was a chime with three high notes and three low notes alternating each other. A series of steps rushed towards the door but they were abruptly stopped. Using my Chakra senses I found that Tooru was coming up to greet me but her mother stopped her. The rather pretty woman began taking soft steps towards the front door. Her expression was stern but I felt she was excited from her chakra.

My heart was pounding inside my chest at a fast rate as the steps drew closer and closer. Another Chakra signature came out of a room from inside into the dining room where Tooru was waiting. This seemed like her father and he had a very scary expression and his eyes were locked in my direction, or rather the front door. I could tell he was ready to pounce on me the moment he laid eyes on me, like a cougar stalking it's prey. His eyes took on a sharp, analyzing form as Tooru's mother reached the door.

The locking mechanism made so many clicking sounds in a span of a second leading to the door being unlocked. Slowly, painfully slowly the door began to open. Everything outside my field of vision seemed frozen in time and my direct eyesight was seeing things in slow motion, like the videos of the Slow Mo Guys from the pre-quirk era that were transferred to the new platform after the previous one was closed due to creators' protestations.

Coming back to reality, the door finally opened up completely and a woman greeted me with a dazzling smile, a stark contrast to her expression from a second ago when the door was closed. Time began to flow normally again. I snapped back to my senses quickly and bowed slightly.

"Good evening, Hagakure-san.", I said schooling my fearful high and straightened. "My name is Sakazuki Reito." I introduced myself. Even if they already knew, it was good manners to do so nonetheless.

"Oh my! What a polite young man. Good evening. Please, do come in, Reito-kun.", my girlfriend's mother said. "My name is Miko, please call me that."

"Thanks you, Miko-san. Pardon the intrusion." I said as I entered. Before taking off my shoes I put forth the fruit bag I was holding. "I hope you don't mind, but I brought some fruits for you. I do hope you like them."

"Ah, thank you, young man. How considerate.", Miko-san said. This indicated to me that I had at least managed to gain some points with her. I'd say my over-all points are 5. Treating this "meeting" like a game is all I could do to keep myself in check. And who knows, it might turn out to be a success if I play my cards right.

As I began taking off my shoes I sensed she was observing me with great interest and a keen eye. I completed my task with as much grace as possible and placed the shoes in a shoe-shelf that was sitting in a corner.

Chatting amiably, Miko-san led me to the living room where Tooru's father was sitting on the lone couch with Tooru sitting on the larger one close to him. When our eyes met, Tooru's lit up with delight and I felt my fear abating a tiny bit. I gave her a small smile. Then I gazed back at her father and quickly introduced myself with a bow.

"Good evening, Hagakure-san. My name in Sakazuki Reito.", I spoke quickly.

His gaze was boring holes into my bowed skull and I didn't even need my chakra sensing to know that. Miko-san must have done something to make him stop scaring me silently as I felt the sense of foreboding disappear. I straightened myself slowly.

"Hmm… My name is Hanazawa.", he said curtly then looked at the bag of fruits Miko-san was holding and I felt his chakra becoming slightly softer, which meant he liked my gesture. My points increased to a whopping 11 from both parents.

"Why don't you take a seat, Reito-kun? The dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Until then you two can get to know each other better.", Miko-san said. I wasn't sure whether he wanted to even talk to me. Still the surprisingly, or not so surprisingly, they were not as scary as I believed. Might be thanks to my sneaky tactic.

Not trying to upset the man of the house I took the far end of the sofa, a little away from Tooru as to not upset him. Instantly, my girlfriend picked up on my distress and addressed it in her own way.

"Come one, Reito-kun! You don't have to be so scared from dad. You have stood against people scarier than him just recently.", she tone might suggest she was annoyed at me but her words held a meaning only I would understand. She said that to remind her father about the incident earlier today indirectly. Which seemed to work as the Hanazawa-san's Chakra became lighter and less heavy, lighter in the sense of brightness, mind you.

"Ahem- Sorry, son. For scaring you, I mean. I heard from Tooru and the school about the incident and how you handled it.", his tone turned jovial at the drop of a hat. Now he seemed like an uncle every child of the family loved. This helped me relax a bit. "I was impressed when Tooru told me you were the one who saved everyone. Not even two weeks in and you are making a name for yourself."

I raised my eyebrows at that. "Ahaha. I am afraid that was not the case at all. It was a team effort and I was just supporting my teammates not actually fighting.", I said trying to clear up the misconception.

"You mean to say immobilizing a beast created to kill All Might and leading the team that took it down is an exaggeration?", he asked quizzically. "Hell, you even saved my daughter like prince charming. How much more heroic can you get?"

Although his question seemed valid, I still felt like I didn't deserve all the credit. "No. You see, I acted as the class president and did my job first, then I went to save Tooru-chan, and then I formed a team to take down the artificial monster."

"Still, not any less impressive. Stop selling yourself short, kid. You've got one heck of a talent in this field.", he praised me. It felt weird but I took it all in stride. "If you ask me, you are going to be number one in not time flat. Trust me, I am a good judge of character."

"Thank you. It means a lot to me.". I replied.

"Heh, no problem. Tell me about yourself some more. I have taken an interest in you.", Hanazawa-san demanded. Now the test will begin.

"I am an only child.", I started with that to indicate that I will inherit all of my father's wealth. "I live with my father, unfortunately my mother is passed away when I was born.", I added that to garner sympathy. "My uncle and aunt live with us, both of whom take care of me. Never making me miss my mom.", A little bit of information mixed with yet another sympathy gathering sentence.

Those choices seemed like they were working as his aura became even more softer towards me. My points skyrocketed to 35 just with this. I pressed on my attack.

"Up until recently I had no ambition for the future and did only the bare minimum in school.", I said that to show my flawed human side. "My dad suggested becoming a hero so I took the test with my childhood friend. We both passed." and lastly showed him some merit. Judging be his Chakra I'd say I was sitting on a pile of 43 points with them.

"Damn, son. You're even better than me.", came his surprising reply. I made a confused face to which he explained himself. "You see, the speech you just gave had tact behind it. The same kind I used to appeal to my in-laws.". My face went pale at this.

'All this time he knew what I was doing!?', I thought. The tactic I had used was something I devised when I had taken an interest in behavioral psychology. It was just a book from the local bookstore that I ended up selling it back when I lost interest half-way through. 'Come to think of it, it had explained this very situation as an example somewhere. And Hagakure name seems some what familiar from even before I met Tooru-chan, somehow.'

As I thought that I glanced at Tooru-chan, who had her eyebrows risen, then back to her father. Something clicked inside my mind. 'Wait- Is he the writer of that book!?', my eyes went wide as dinner plates when I realized that. He seemed to have picked up on my thoughts and grinned knowingly at me.

"I see you have read my book on behavioral psychology. I was quite surprised when my own techniques were being used against me.", he answered my unasked question.

"You've read his boring books, Reito-kun?", Tooru interjected for the first time since our conversation started.

Unable to answer her, due to my shock and bewilderment, I just nodded.

"That one that I am referring to was written a year after my marriage. Right now, it has three editions, which one did you read?" Hanazawa-san asked.

"Th-the second edition, sir!", I said a little too loudly.

"Calm down, kiddo. No need to shout. I can hear you just fine.", he joked but I wasn't feeling like laughing out loud.

"A-are you a psychologist?", I asked timidly.

"No, I am somewhat of a hybrid between criminal psychologist and a psychoanalyst. The line separating these fields just get blurred and sometimes I find myself working on developmental psychology instead.", his answer came.

Even though the tide of the conversation, that I was controlling up until now, had been shifted against me. I had lost all the points I had collected. But still I found him to be a lot more laid back and relaxed kind of person. We chatted amiably for a short while until dinner was served. Even that was a quite friendly affair.

Tooru-chan was teased a lot. I learned quite a bit of embarrassing stories about her. Finding it a bit unfair I shared some of mine embarrassing stories as well. Pointing out that I had come out to rescue Tooru-chan again, Miko-san began her teasing anew. Still, I felt a lot of warmth and happiness in the atmosphere. It had not gone according to plan, but it was a good first impression in my opinion.

Midorya Residence.

"I'm telling you, Inko. Kahiko has been feeling a lot lonely for some time. Something must have happened between him and Reito, I'm sure.", said Haruno. "Not only that but he hasn't been smiling as much as he used to. I'm very worried for my brother."

Two two had planned a meeting for lunchtime to catch up on all the gossip they had missed over the years. Earlier they were talking about mundane everyday things and shared some gossips they had heard in their respective vicinity. But gradually, the conversation steered towards their families.

"I'm sure nothing big has happened between the two. They are like best friends. Something I wished Izuku had with his father, but alas! Life didn't give him much time.", came Inko's sad reply.

"Oh, honey. Don't look so down. Even without Hisashi, Izuku has grown up to be quite a good person. You have done an excellent job of raising him on your own for so long."

"Stop exaggerating, you."

"It's true. You have a better understanding of raising kids than me. Look at Reito's example: I have raised him since he was a child and never once he considered me a replacement for his mother, and here you are turning him to your side without even doing much. You have a natural talent when it comes to handling children."

Inko just stayed silent out of embarrassment. Seizing the opportunity, Haruno spoke something she had on her mind for a long time. "Hey, here's an idea." The round-faced woman turned her face towards her friend to listen to her idea. "How about you marry Kahiko? That's two birds with one stone!"

Hearing that, Inko's face went red as a tomato. She might have thought about it briefly and dismissed such notion in her own but she knew her friend wasn't going to let her drop it right now. With steaming ears she replied, "H-how can you say that, Haruno!? I-I can't cheat on my late husband!"

Seeing her friend's immediate, yet hesitant, response, Haruno let up, to some degree. "It's not 'cheating' on your late husband, because he is no more. He wouldn't have wanted you to waste away your life while being miserable about his death. I know the guy, he would've wanted you to be happy, Inko, and move on with your life."

"But still! I-it's not something to be decided so abruptly. You know that it is difficult to do so more than anyone."

"I know, and it wasn't abrupt. I have been thinking about it for a long time. I have even pestered Kahiko to remarry several times. You just fit the bill for him, that's why I asked."

"I…", Inko didn't seem to have a response, seemingly she was contemplating the subject. Surprisingly, Haruno showed her observation skills, that become non-existent when it comes to matters that don't interest her.

"See? Even you have thought about it. In fact, you are thinking right now.", she informed her friend who was momentarily bewildered and tried to say something but she cut her off, "Just give me a sign and I will set up your date with him. He won't refuse if I press the issues long enough."

A silence fell between the two. For many long seconds the two sat there not moving. Then, as if she had found her resolve, Inko looked up at her friend. "I will have to ask Izuku about what he thinks."

Getting what she wanted, Haruno smiled. "I am certain he would also want you to be happy."

Sakazuki Residence.

It was almost dinnertime when Haruno came back from her gossiping session with Inko and she went straight to Kahiko's room. Not even knocking before entering. Just as she had remembered, Kahiko had taken half-day from his job due to not feeling good and was currently having a nap that she had interrupted when she slammed his door open.

"Get up, Kahiko!", she yelled at him.

The poor, tired man was startled awake at the loud noise and even louder yell. With a pounding heart he looked over to his older sister in bewilderment. "What's the ruckus, you idiot!? Don't you know how to knock!?"

Without heeding his question, she strolled up to his bedside and sat beside him. "I have set up a date for you!", she said in a sing-song voice.

"Is that the reason why I was so rudely awaken, dear sister?", Kahiko replied with gritted teeth.

Unaware of his boiling anger she continued, "On Saturday, you are to dress formally and meet up with someone at the old restaurant we frequent. Don't worry, this isn't a completely blind date, You will know the woman when you lay your eyes on her. I want you on your best behavior that day and treat her with respect. You hear me?"

While she was talking, her brother had silently gotten up from his bed on the other side and stalked behind her. Just when she asked him whether he was listening or not, he put her in a choke-hold, preventing her from speaking any more than she already has, and walked backwards towards the door, dragging her with him.

In the hallway stood Sato and his daughters looking at the scene with amusement and not even trying to help her. When she was out of the door, her brother spun her around and threw her off and swiftly went back inside his room and locked the door. When Haruno recovered, she rounded on the door and started banging her fist against it. "Is that how you thank your older sister for setting up a date for you, you ingrate!?"

"No, I do that to people who interrupt my sleep after a particularly hard week, you old hag!", came the muffled reply from the other side.

"You will regret this!", she yelled back, and suddenly realized something, "I will forgive you if you go on that date!"

"Will you give it a rest!?", another response from the other side.

"Just answer me!", she replied.

"Okay, Okay! I'll go, just leave me alone, you old hag!", Kahiko finally relented with a sigh that was even audible through the door.

"Ooh, I would have seriously injured you for that if you had declined!", she said as a substitute for a last laugh. She then turned around saw her husband and daughters. "What are you three looking at? Don't you have anything better to do?"

"Just enjoying the show, honey. And yes, we don't have anything better to do.", replied her husband, their daughters nodding in agreement.

"If that's the case then you two are helping me in the kitchen,", she said pointing and Emma and Haruka, "And you, mister, are going to clean the garage of your junk and scraps.", she ordered Sato.

Not looking to direct her wrath on themselves, the three quickly obeyed and went to do their assigned tasks.

Hagakure Residence.

"Thank you for having me today.", I said with a deep bow. I was standing outside the front door bidding the family goodbye. Even though I was scared of messing up, somehow the evening turned out to be pleasant. Standing back up I can see that Mr. and Mrs. Hagakure approved of me.

"Well met, young man. I approve of you. Just don't make my daughter sad, or else…", Hanazawa-san said with a serious expression. He didn't have to threaten me though because I wasn't planning on making Tooru-chan sad anyway. Now if he would just drop his scary expression then I would ask for my leave.

"Oh hush, honey. He's an alright, kid. I'm sure he won't do a stupid thing such as that," Miko-san said and turned to me with a serious expression of her own. "would you, Reito-kun?".

Honestly, her expression was scarier than her husband's, even though her tone was pleasant. "Of course I won't. That's a promise.", I quickly said which dispelled their seriousness.

"Come on, mom and dad. Stop with the scary act, he is scared enough.", Tooru-chan spoke up in my defense, which wasn't much of a defense if it hurts my pride.

"Don't worry, darling. That was last, we promise.", Miko-san said.

"I shall take my leave then, Miko-san, Hanazawa-san, Tooru-chan.", I spoke to gain attention.

"Of course. We will be seeing each other quite often from now on, won't we?", Miko-san asked rhetorically, but I answered nonetheless.

"Right. Well then, be seeing you.", I said and turned towards Tooru-chan. "Bye.", I waved at her.

"Bye, Reito-kun.", she replied in a sweet voice.

With that, I started heading towards the nearest train station.

Sakazuki Residence.

The first thing I noticed when I got back home was the eerie quiet in the house. It seems like father and auntie had another spat. Whenever those two fight the household becomes like this, and it happened often as well. Not because of father, no. It's because auntie always loses and the other members stay out of her hair in order to not incur her wrath.

I decided to ignore the silence and went towards my room. Before I could open the door to my room, a voice spoke up from behind me.

"Back from your date?"

It was auntie, one person I didn't want to run into after my meeting with Tooru-chan's parents.

"It was not a date.", I answered her.

"Then where were you?", she inquired further.

I didn't want to answer her but I knew she would come up with outrageous theories about me and spread it like wildfire in the neighborhood come morning. "I was at my girlfriend's house to meet her parents."

Taken aback by my sudden bombshell, she spoke in surprise and shock, "What!? You have a girlfriend!? And you went to meet her parents!? How come you didn't tell me!?"

Her rapid fire questions irked me but I still answered, "Yes I do have a girlfriend. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to."

"What sort of a reason is that?", she asked me with a look of betrayal.

"If I did tell you, you would have pestered me for detail and make me say stupid things in front of them."

"No I wouldn't."

"Dad disagrees with you there. He once told me what you had him do on his first date with mom."

"Wha- He told you that!?"

"Yes. Now if you would please leave me alone. I would like some sleep."

Not waiting for her response I opened the door to my room and went inside. Before I could close it, though, she spoke up.

"I have set up your father with a date."

My eyes widened. 'What the hell!?', I thought and threw the door open to look her in the eyes. "With whom?", I asked with all seriousness.

"Well, If I told you that you would ruin the surprise for your dad."

"You set him up on a blind date?"

"Why, yes."

"Isn't he too old for that kinda thing? Not to mention he wasn't even looking for anyone to remarry."

"He wasn't. But I am certain he would at least give remarrying a thought once he meets this woman."

"At least give me a hint as to who this person is. I promise I won't tell him even if I figured it out."

She thought for a second then nodded, "You know her.", she said simply with a smile.

"Know her, as in familiar with her?"

"Yes. That's all I'm saying though."

At that she turned around and went towards her own room that was at the end of the small hallway on the side opposite to mine. I thought about the information she had given me. 'Now I have to say good bye to sleep, because I won't be able to.', I thought wryly as I closed my door and plopped onto bed.

'A woman I am familiar with. Can't say I know many women. Even though auntie has dragged me to many social events in the neighbor hood and even out-of-town relatives, she knew that I don't know any of the women I met personally. And considering the timing of it all, I'd say she set it up just today. The only friends she talks to on a daily basis are married, except for a few.', I began going through the mental profile of the divorced or unmarried candidates she talks to but scratched that idea in favor of a better angle.

'Today she was spouting something about visiting mom, though.', I thought it up and paused, 'Wait! Don't tell me… Oh damn! Is this really happening!? Mom!? With dad!? Remarriage!?'

My thoughts led me to believe this was the case. And if it is, then I have to do everything in my power to make sure it happens. Though, I can't force love between them. I don't want either of them to be miserable after marriage. 'Auntie is a fucking genius!', I thought and threw my arms up in the air.

'Now I really can't sleep. If auntie has set it up for as soon as possible and this weekend is it. Only two days away. I have to play for both sides so that both sides win. I will go talk to mom first thing in the morning. And Izuku needs to learn this as well! I can't wait.'

Midorya Residence.

"Hey, mom!", I entered Midorya household first thing in the morning. Mom had given me a spare key so I could invite myself in whenever. I did just that and spotted mom in the kitchen making breakfast.

"Oh, good morning, Reito-kun. I didn't know you would be coming here this early. I would've made you breakfast as well.", she replied jovially. Judging from her tone she seemed happy about something. Almost giddy. That's a good sign at least.

"Don't worry, I already ate.", I replied as I settled myself at the dining table, on the chair closest to the kitchen counter. "But that's not why I am here."

She took a moment to respond. "… so you heard.", it was a rhetorical question but I answered nonetheless.

"Yup!", I exclaimed and jumped from my seat and into the kitchen in a split second, facing her with stars in my eyes. "Is it true!? Are you really thinking about that!?", I asked with enthusiasm.

"Yes, I…"

'She is blushing!', I thought, 'This is definitely a good sign.'

"I did give it some thought, and frankly… I am feeling way too lonely as of late."

"YES!", my happiness can not be contained right now. I am happy beyond words. Hearing this confirmation directly from her is way to much for me to handle! I quickly grabbed her hands. "Thank you. Thank you, for at least giving it a try.", my voice became rough as tears started threatening to spill.

In response she just gave me a bright smile and caressed my cheek. "I'm glad you're happy."

I reigned in my emotions to come to the main point of my visit. I sucked my building tears back through the tear ducts, took a deep breath and locked eyes with her. "That isn't important right now. What I actually came here to confirm is whether you made this decision out of necessity or want.", I said with as much seriousness as I could possibly muster. My change in demeanor made her flinch. "I have to know you're not forcing yourself for this. Or auntie is not forcing you to do this. She has a habit of doing so with everyone."

My unasked question made her calm down. "You don't have to be worried about that, my baby. I'm not being forced in anyway."

At her answer, I smiled myself.

"What's going on?", came Izuku's bleary voice. He must've woken up when I yelled.

I looked at him, then back at mom with the obvious question in my eyes. She nodded. I turned back to Izuku. "I just heard some wonderful news and came here as fast as I can to see it with my own eyes and confirm with my own ears."

"Oh. I see.", came his bleary reply. I guess he just woke up. "Mom, about what we talked about last night. I'm happy for you. You deserve this."

His lack of stuttering caught the both of us off guard. With that said, he just turned around, like no big deal, and went to shower. The nerve of that guy!

"Well, mom. I guess there is the answer to all your doubts. He said it with the most amount of seriousness and sincerity he could muster. Lack of stuttering is proof of that.", I pointed out to mom and hugged her.

"Thank you, Reito-kun. But not all is decided yet. It will take some time."

"If dad ever treats you badly, just tell me and I will set him straight."

"Haha, I sure he will be fine. By the way, does he know that his date is going to be me?"

"No, he's still in the dark about it. It will be a pleasant surprise for him, though."

"I guess… Reito-kun.", she looked me in the eyes, separated and donned a serious expression, "If your dad and I do workout then I will be the best possible mother I can be for you."

I smile warmly at her. "I think it goes without saying that you just have to be you. You're the best mom anyone could ever have."

"Oh hush.", she said as she averted her eyes, embarrassed. "Anyways, if you have space in your tummy then sit down. Breakfast is just about ready."

I happily nodded and sat down. Even though I had already eaten, I just couldn't find it in myself to turn her down.

U.A, Class 1-A.

With Aizawa-sensei's permission, I had taken a day off from my special training with him and was enjoying lunch with my girlfriend. Oh, and Izuku and Ochako, as well, I guess. We four were the only ones on our table. For some mysterious reason everyone was steering clear of us. Even Iida, Mina and Yaomomo were keeping their distance. Not only that, they were also keeping others away.

'I guess this is how they show respect for our privacy.', I thought as I turned back to my stunned girlfriend, whom I had told the news of mine and Izuku's parents dating.

"What!? Really!? OMG!", Tooru-chan beamed.

"That's wonderful news, Reito-kun. Congratulations. I always did think that you two act like brothers, and now you will be brothers.", Ochako gave her two cents.

"Who said we weren't? We've always been brothers.", I replied with a smug grin. At that, Tooru-chan looked at me pensively.

"Didn't you say that you guys met at the beach months before the entrance exams?", she asked skeptically.

"Well… ah…", before I could finish my sentence, my chakra picked up on a person approaching from behind. I turned around and caught the elbow that was about to slam into me. "What's the big idea, blondie?", I said to the offender. The deadly look in my eyes must've scared him, since I saw him reeling back a little bit.

"Oops, sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going.", replied the blonde haired idiot.

"If you can't even see right in front of your, then why the hell are you in the hero course? To raise the death counts of this country?", I disdainfully answered. Tooru-chan grabbed my other hand to calm me down.

"Is this the representative of Class 1-A, all bark no tooth? Imagine the rest of the idiots.", even though I had him floored with my last diss, he still threw petty insults towards me.

"I surprised you can't even sense the danger you are in right now. Even though death is staring you right in your face.", I said that as I stood up, causing the other occupants of the table to do so as well.

"Reito, I think he gets the point. Calm down.", said Izuku trying to placate me.

My eyes were burning with fake anger. The blondie took a step back from me. But before he could answer a karate chop, appeared from behind him and knocked him out cold. The hand that dealt the blow was abnormally large. I looked at the owner of said hand and nodded my head.

"Thank you for stepping in, Ms…", I fished for a name.

"Itsuka Kendou. And don't mention it. This idiot is kind of a pain in our sides as well.", Kendo answered with a bow. "I apologize for his behavior. It looked like your were going to murder him so I stopped him before that."

"It is true that I want to murder him, but since he is a fellow hero course student, I won't. I was just pissed off because he interrupted our lunch. So, no worries, but please keep a tighter leash on him."

"Of course. Sorry for the interruption.", she said and quickly walked away.

I turned back to our gathering. "You weren't going to seriously hurt him, right?", asked Ochako.

"Oh, definitely not, Ochako. I just felt through his chakra that he was jealous and angry or whatever and decided to give him a little scare, that's all.", I answered as we all sat back down.

"You still haven't answered my question, mister.", Tooru-chan pointed out.

"Oh, yes… you see… I wasn't partaking in bullying Izuku in our Elementary school, so that should amount to something, right, Izuku?", I asked my buddy, who was definitely uncomfortable with the question but played it off.

"Y-yes, definitely.", he managed to say.

"You got bullied, Izuku?", Tooru-chan, who didn't know about his early life, asked.

"Y-yeah. I-I was bullied a lot in m-my childhood-", I cut him off with my two cents.

"Katsuki was his main bully. Though they were friends before, after Katsuki's quirk manifested and Izuku's didn't, they had a falling out.", I finished for him.

"I-I was getting to that.", Izuku said.

"With the amount of your stuttering, it would've taken you the whole day. Not to mention, you would have sugarcoated Katsuki's actions.", I retorted curtly.

"Yeah, Deku-kun. You have a habit to do that, you know.", Ochako chastised m brother.

"S-sorry.", he apologized meekly.

"Though I used to believe that people can not change, Izuku has convinced me that they do.", I said and then pointed to Katsuki on the other side of the cafeteria. "And that walking grenade is the proof."

"Well, It's good that you think so. Who knows, maybe something will awaken in Bakugo and he might apologize to Izuku one day.", Tooru-chan said and we all looked at her like she was stupid. "What? All I'm saying is that it is a possibility."

"Right, anyways. We should finish up our lunch, the bell will ring any minute now.", Ochako interjected, blowing off the situation.

After that we ate in comfortable silence. The bell rang and we went back to our class for English period.

Midorya residence.

Inko Midorya came inside and silently closed the door behind her. She was back from her date with Kahiko, set up by his sister on the weekend. She took off her shoes and placed them in the rack and made her way to the living room. There, she found both of her sons sleeping on he sofa. She smiled and moved closer to give both of them a kiss on the forehead. The position both of them were sleeping in was funny, their legs were tangled and their heads were on the opposite sides of the sofa.

She moved away to find a blanket for them.

"Hey, mom. You're back.", said Izuku while rubbing his eyes. He sat up straight as he vigorously shook off his sleep and looked her in the eyes. "How did it go?"

"Oh, hey, my baby. Sorry I woke you up.", she said as she went in his room and quickly retrieved his blanket and came back out. "Well… the date went wonderfully. Kahiko-kun was very much surprised when he saw me. It was a little amusing when he stammered.", she answered as she draped the blanket over Reito.

"So…", Izuku tried to fish for more information.

"So… I guess… I can see myself… being married to him.", she replied with a huge blush and turned away.

"Y-you don't have to p-push yourself, mom. Take it slow. Nobody is in a hurry. I will be glad if things turned out the way you hope them to, though.", he tried to dismiss the awkward silence.

"Thank you, son. I-I'll go get changed. It's late at night and you two have to wake up for your entire day exercise for Sunday.", she said and quickly went to the bathroom for a quick shower before bed.

'I guess she's happy. I know I told her to take things slow, but I can't wait for them to get married.', Izuku thought as he stood up and turned around. 'At least you are getting your wish fulfilled, you idiot.', he thought as he lightly kicked sleeping Reito's butt. The victim grunted in his sleep but did not wake up.

Izuku went to his room without any further violence and decided to sleep like a log for tonight.