AN: Thanks for the interest and reviews everyone!
As for Nagant's plan: It will be revealed in time.
"I'm glad our friends are ok," Izuku said as he leaned back on the couch, staring up at the stars.
"Yeah, me too," Ochako replied as she sat down next to Izuku and leaned into him.
Izuku couldn't help but feel his face heat up at Ochako's proximity. While they two have always been close, something about Ochako's behavior felt different tonight. He couldn't quite place his finger on it, but whatever the change was, he felt more aware of the girl's presence as they closed out the evening as they always did. The awareness didn't feel uncomfortable. Quite the opposite, Izuku thought as he stared at his arm wrapped around her shoulder. It felt more like a reminder. That he and Ochako were in this together.
As they sat there, he tried to determine the cause of the shift. Tonight wasn't much different from other nights - except for Nana being a little extra doting in light of the Nagant encounter. Was it something in Ochako's behavior? Her words?
The answer frustrated him, the answer a thread just out of reach, always slipping through his fingers.
After a few minutes of this, his desire for answers led him to ask the source of his current dilemma.
"Hey Ocha–" Izuku tilted his head to look at her.
"Hmm?" Ochako barely tilted her head up to meet his gaze, her brown eyes filled with warmth.
"Did something happen today?"
"Of course something did," Ochako giggled. "I told you all about it!"
"No, I mean–" Izuku paused, trying to find the right words. "You seem different tonight."
"Oh."
"So I was worried that maybe–"
"It's nothing bad!" Ochako shook her head before she rested it against Izuku's shoulder again. "Just realized a couple important things today."
"Like what?"
Ochako groaned. "Not now, sleepy. Nana wouldn't let us go."
Izuku rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah… she's just trying to make up for lost time, and she's worried about us!"
"Sometimes I wish she'd worry a little less," Ochako complained as she closed her eyes. "I bet she's watching us right now, even."
Izuku felt his face heating up as he looked toward the door to the observatory. Currently it was closed with a chair propped under the handles - something Ochako had started doing when Nana had been particularly fussy one evening - but Izuku knew that wouldn't stop the vestige if she was really determined.
"I think we're safe."
"Good." Ochako adjusted herself. "Maybe we can talk after we babysit Eri tomorrow?"
"Yeah." Izuku smiled at the girl. "Sounds like a plan."
"Great," Ochako breathed out. "Goodnight, Izu."
Izuku wrapped his arm around the girl's shoulder, pulling her close as he closed his own eyes. "Goodnight, Ocha."
As he sat there with his eyes closed, he realized he could feel Ochako's heartbeat, and let the rhythm of her heart carry him out of the vestige realm and back to reality.
Izuku saw Ochako's face light up as they approached the meeting spot, only to morph into a brief flash of disappointment when she spotted Himiko. She quickly hid her disappointment, but the damage was already done - Izuku had noticed it.
"Hey Izu! Hey Himi!" Ochako called out as she waved.
"Morning Ocha!" Himiko called out. "Emily's being stupid, so I'm coming with you."
"What happened?" Ochako asked.
"She's so wound up about school!" Himiko complained. "And she doesn't want to hang out. But it's the last days of summer! We should be making the most of it!"
"What does this have to do with watching Eri?"
"Emily always agrees to come with me when I'm babysitting Eri!" Himiko said, looking entirely too satisfied with herself. "She'll meet us there, and afterward I can hang out with her!"
"I'm not sure it works like that," Izuku said softly.
"Of course it does!" Himiko replied.
"You know how Himi is," Ochako said, resignation clear in her voice. "I don't know how Song puts up with you."
"Hey!" Himiko glared at the brunette. "She loves spending time with me!"
"And you still haven't gotten her to watch anime yet," Izuku teased.
"Nobody's perfect! But I'm working on it."
As the three strolled toward the train station, Izuku's hand found Ochako's. "Sorry about Himi - she wouldn't take no for an answer."
"It's ok Izu." She gave him a soft smile. "I'm sure Eri will enjoy spending time with her big sister."
As the three approached the apartment building, they saw the familiar form of Emily Song standing there on the sidewalk, looking annoyed.
When she spotted Emily, a grin split Himiko's face as she waved. "Hey Emily, thanks for helping us babysit!"
"I can't believe you asked me!" Emily huffed. "The three of you could take care of Eri by yourselves!"
"And you're still here." Himiko wore a satisfied look on her face as she stared at the other girl.
"I–" A blush began forming on Emily's cheeks, matching the permanent blush on Himiko's face. "-shut up!"
Himiko burst out laughing. "You know you don't need an excuse to hang out with me!"
"I'm trying to get ready for school! You know that starts up on Monday!"
"All the more reason to hang out now!"
"That's easy for you to say." Emily crossed her arms. "Some of us have studying to do."
Himiko rolled her eyes as she stopped in front of the other girl and pulled her into a hug. Despite Emily's protests, she returned it and leaned into the shorter girl.
"I still can't get over seeing her like this," Ochako whispered to Izuku.
"You never thought she'd find someone that isn't…" Izuku trailed off.
"Mhm." Ochako nodded, already knowing what he meant.
"I'm happy for her. She deserves it."
"Just as much as we do."
"Huh?" Izuku blinked and turned to look at Ochako, whose blush was spreading.
"N-nothing!" Ochako stuttered. "Let's go tell Aizawa we're here."
Izuku watched Ochako take off toward the lobby and followed after her, catching up as she pulled the door open. Himiko and Emily weren't far behind, and soon the four were standing at the front door of Emi and Shota's shared apartment.
Ochako pressed the buzzer, and moments later, the door opened, revealing the smiling face and sea-green hair of Emi. "Hi! What's the occasion?"
"I just wanted to see Eri!" Himiko said with a fanged smile. "When school starts we won't be able to visit her as much!"
From behind Emi, the curious voice of Eri called out, "Is that big sister?"
"Yep!"
Emi pulled open the door and stepped out of the way, revealing Eri. The little girl sat cross-legged on the floor in front of a coffee table, her colored pencils scattered across it. She had been drawing in her sketchbook, but her attention was now on the four teenagers entering the apartment.
"Hi, Eri!" Ochako greeted as she entered the room. "How're you doing?"
"Good," Eri replied as she gestured to her sketchbook. "I was trying to work on my picture of mom."
"I was posing for her before you arrived," Emi explained, flexing her arms. "Since I was already in my costume and all."
"Oh, let me see!" Emily said as she dropped her bag and crossed the room before kneeling beside the girl.
Himiko laughed at Emily's enthusiasm and knelt on the other side of Eri. "Your drawing's improving!"
"Thanks!" Eri looked up at Himiko with a wobbly smile. "I'm glad."
"You'll be a great artist someday." Himiko pulled Eri into a side-hug.
"I just want to make mom and dad proud."
"You know we're proud of you kiddo," Emi said as she picked up a few stray pencils that had fallen onto the ground. "Now c'mere, Mama wants a hug for good luck."
"Ok!"
Himiko released Eri from her grip: Eri stood up, ran over to the hero and hugged her. Emi held the girl close, the serene look on her face a stark contrast to her heroic persona. "There's ice cream in the freezer, and they'll let you have some for dessert tonight if you're good!"
"I promise I'll be good!" Eri said, looking up at her mom.
"I'll make sure to keep Himiko in line too!" Emily shouted from her position on the floor. "So she doesn't corrupt your daughter!"
Emi burst out laughing. "I don't think she'd do anything I wouldn't do."
Emily let out a strangled sound as Himiko gave her an all-too-satisfied smile. "See! They know I'm the best big sister for Eri!"
"But we're all your favorite big brothers and big sisters, aren't we?" Izuku asked.
"Yep!" Eri smiled up at Izuku as she let go of Emi. "But big sister is my extra-favorite!"
"That's new." Ochako suspiciously eyed Himiko on the floor.
Himiko, meanwhile, looked all too pleased with herself. "Sorry not sorry."
Eri let out a small giggle. Her laugh sounded stilted and broken as she relearned how to make the sound, but to the five occupants in the room, it was the sweetest sound ever.
"See? Midoriya gets it," Emi said with a grin.
"How does Aizawa feel about that?" Emily asked cautiously.
"Don't care!" Emi threw her head back and laughed, a soft look appearing on her face. "Sho may not show it, but he's really happy with how far Eri's come. And he knows how much y'all are helping."
"I'm glad," Izuku said.
"Alright, enough sappy talk! Mama's gotta go keep the city safe."
"Okay!" Eri looked up at her mom. "But don't forget the most important person to keep safe!"
Emi chuckled, "Of course, I'll stay safe. Just like I promised."
After Emi said her goodbyes and left, the four teenagers turned their attention to Eri.
"Do you want to finish your sketch?" Himiko asked.
"Yeah!"
"Then go sit down," Ochako instructed, "while you still have a clear picture of Ms. Joke in your head."
"Mhm!"
Without another word, Eri returned to the table and sat down between the girls. While she hugged her adopted mother, Emily and Himiko cleaned up the table, organizing the colored pencils so they were all in easy reach. Himiko scooted back as Eri gave her a questioning look, and with a small smile, the little girl sat in Himiko's lap, the added height giving her greater reach over the table."
"So what color do you want next?" Emily asked.
"Green, like mama's hair."
With a nod, Emily handed the pencil to Eri, who leaned forward to continue her sketch. Himiko helped by holding the sketchpad steady, and the three found a comfortable rhythm as the two teens helped the little girl work on her drawing.
"I guess our work here is done?" Ochako said playfully.
"For now," Izuku replied. "Once they're done, I'm sure we'll play a game."
"Yeah…" Ochako looked at the three sitting on the ground wistfully before turning to Izuku. "Why don't we decide on dinner?"
"Good idea!"
The two made their way over to the kitchen, set off to the side with a thin wall separating it from the main living room. While Ochako had graduated from 'terrible cook' to 'ok cook' over the past year, whenever partnered with Izuku, she let him take the lead on making dinner for Eri. After all, he had inherited Inko's amazing cooking skills, and she was more than happy to enjoy one of his meals than whatever meager offering she could whip up.
After looking through the pantry and cupboards, Izuku began pulling out the dry ingredients and handing them to Ochako, who carefully arranged them on the counter.
"Are you ok Ocha?" Izuku asked as he offered her a carton of Panko crumbs.
"Huh?" Ochako exclaimed, her honed reflexes the only thing saving the carton from falling onto the floor.
"You've been off all day," Izuku clarified, offering her a warm smile. "I just want to make sure you're ok."
Ochako stared in awe at Izuku before she shook her head and forced a smile to her face. "It's nothing- really!" She let out a frustrated sigh. "I just never realized how little time we get to spend together. Just the two of us, I mean!"
Izuku paused, examining Ochako's face. Despite her constant presence in his life, she was right - at night, most of the vestiges were content to leave them alone, but Nana changed that as she tried to catch up on forty years of memories that she had missed out on. And during the day, when they weren't training, they often spent time in a group. Even if they weren't hanging out with all of their friends, Himiko often tagged along, eager to spend time with the two of them.
Even though he enjoyed their company, he had to admit that he also missed the times when it was just them.
"Nevermind, it's silly," Ochako brushed off his concern. "I know we're all busy - between taking care of Eri, training, and trying to change things-"
"It's not silly," Izuku assured her. "You're right. I'm sorry I didn't notice."
"It's okay Izu." Ochako smiled hopefully at him. "Maybe we can start making more time for ourselves? Just the two of us?"
"Yeah! That sounds great!" Izuku returned her smile.
Ochako put the forgotten Panko on the counter. "Can we start tonight?"
"Do you mean after we're done or…"
"The latter." Ochako fidgeted nervously. "We haven't had a whole night to ourselves for a while."
"Okay, let's do it!"
With large smiles, the two stood there gazing at each other until the moment was broken by Himiko's voice calling out to them.
"Hey, are you two done in there? Eri wants to play a game."
Izuku rubbed the back of his head. "I think I see why you're frustrated now."
Ochako chuckled. "Yeah. I'm glad Himi's on our side, but in some ways, it's so much worse now."
At Eri's insistence, they spent the next several hours playing board games. Because most games were only designed for four players, Eri agreed to team up with one of the teenagers, and so they had to play four different board games to make sure that everyone teamed up with her.
As the last game wrapped up, Eri's stomach gave a loud rumble.
"I guess it's time for dinner," Himiko remarked.
"Yeah…" Eri softly agreed, her face bright red.
"It's ok. I'm getting hungry too!" Ochako insisted as she stood up, offering her hand to Izuku. "We'll start dinner!"
"And we'll help clean up out here!" Emily said.
"Okay!" Eri's face slowly returned to its normal color.
Returning to the kitchen, Izuku opened the fridge and pulled out the chicken while Ochako finished gathering the dry ingredients. With a practiced ease that came from months of training together, they worked in harmony to prepare the meal. While Izuku cut up the chicken, Ochako mixed ingredients to make the katsu breading. Once done, she went over to the rice cooker and began filling it with ingredients as Izuku began heating the oil to cook the chicken.
Twenty minutes later, the pair carried five plates of chicken katsu out to the living room, where Himiko, Emily, and Eri had cleaned the table and set out napkins and drinks for everyone.
"That smells so good Izu!" Eri exclaimed as they approached.
"Thanks." Izuku smiled warmly as he placed a plate of food in front of the girl. "It's my mom's recipe."
"That's how you know it's good," Himiko said. "Mom's cooking is the best!"
Setting down the last plate, Izuku and Ochako took their places at the table and grabbed their own chopsticks.
"Itadakimasu!"
After saying their goodbyes to Aizawa, the four exited the apartment and stopped in the parking lot.
"Tell mom I'm going to be home late," Himiko said as she turned toward Emily. "I promised to show Emily the shopping district."
"Wha- no you didn't!" Emily protested.
"You said you wanted to shop for accessories for your uniform," Himiko responded, "and I said that sounds great."
"I didn't mean tonight!"
"Why not? You keep insisting school starts next week and you don't have time for anything else." Himiko gave the girl a predatory glare, just daring her to argue.
"I-" Emily's cheeks heated up under Himiko's stare. "Fine! Let's go to the department store."
"Great!" Himiko grabbed Emily's arm before looking at Izuku. "I'll see you when I get home!"
Without another word, Himiko took off running with Emily easily matching her pace as they ran down the street.
"And there they go," Ochako said, her voice laced with amusement.
"At least it gives us a few minutes of privacy?"
"I guess it does." Slipping her hand into his, she swung their joined arms lightly. "Ready to go?"
"Yeah." Izuku smiled at her before they began walking.
As they walked in comfortable silence, Izuku couldn't help but notice Ochako more. Much like their time in the vestige realm this morning, he noticed a subtle shift in her demeanor. The glint in her eyes. The faint whispers she mutters to herself that he failed to catch… She claimed it was due to her decisions about Nagant yesterday, but it felt like there was something else there.
Before he knew it, they reached the intersection where their paths normally diverge. Stopping, the two lingered with their hands still entwined.
"Well, I should probably get home," Ochako reluctantly said, but she made no move to separate from Izuku.
"Actually…" Izuku bashfully rubbed the back of his head. "Do you mind if I walked you home?"
"Izu…" Ochako's face started heating up as she gazed at him.
"O-only if you want me to!" Izuku pulled his hand free as he waved his hands defensively. Ochako immediately noticed the missing warmth of her now-empty hand.
"I'd love it!" Ochako said a little too loudly. "I'm just surprised is all!"
"Well you said you wanted to spend more time together. I know it's not much but it is just a few more minutes with you so…"
"I get it." Ochako grabbed his still outstretched hand. "Thank you."
Time seemed to stretch on as the two walked in silence to Ochako's apartment complex. To others, the silence may have been suffocating, but to them, it brought comfort. They've learned so much about each other that a simple glimpse, gesture, or even shift of weight was all that was needed to convey their message.
It was moments like these where the two could forget about the burdens placed upon their shoulders, both as the shared holders of One For All, and as visitors from the future. For a few brief moments they could be free from all of that and bask in the simple joy of being Izuku and Ochako around each other.
Unfortunately, the moment felt like it was over too quickly as they entered the parking lot.
"Well, I should get going," Ochako said. She noticed Izuku's smile dip a little, so she gave his hand one final squeeze before letting go. "Unless you plan on staying the night."
Izuku's face burned. "No I-"
Ochako burst out laughing. "I'm kidding! Thank you though. It meant a lot to me."
"Anytime Ocha."
"I'll see you later tonight?"
"Yeah, see you then!"
"I'm looking forward to it!" With one last smile, Ochako turned and entered her apartment, leaving Izuku standing alone.
With a wide grin on his face, Izuku began his journey home.
Whatever had changed with Ochako, he couldn't get enough of it.
AN: "Thanks for dragging me out today," Emily said to Himiko as they reached her apartment complex. "I had fun!"
"Good!" Himiko gave the other girl a fanged smile. "So what about tomorrow?"
"What about tomorrow?"
"Do you want to explore the town some more?"
Emily sighed in resignation. "Sure. But if I'm behind next semester I'm making it your problem!"
Himiko snickered. "Fine by me."
Emily quickly spun and pulled the other girl into a hug. "Don't make it sound like you'll enjoy it."
"Who says I won't?"
"You hate studying! We've had one study session for your entrance exam and you hated every minute of it!"
"Mmm," Himiko agreed as she melted into the other girl, returning her embrace. "But I'll be spending time with you."
Emily felt her face heating up at the insinuation before she let go of the other girl. "I should get going. See you tomorrow, Himiko." Without another word, she turned around and bolted through the parking lot.
Himiko smiled at the retreating form of the other girl. "See you then Emily!"