#2- Canon Ship?!
(In which Deku says the thing)
"Tonight, on the Pinky Show, we explore the troubled backstory of the Number 1 Hero, Deku, and answer some questions about him that fans have been dying to know, like: Are Deku and Uravity, the Number 10 Hero, married? What exactly is the relationship between him and Dynamight, the Number 2? And what about his mentees, Katsuma Shimano and Kota Izumi? These questions and more are answered!" The cheerful voice of the Number 5 Hero, Pinky, rang through the radio, as Deku drove home. "I'm Mina Ashido, otherwise known as Pinky." A second voice, a deep tenor, also joined in, "I'm Eijiro Kirishima, otherwise known as the Sturdy Hero, Red Riot." Together, they said, "And this is the Pinky Show!"
"Today, we have a special guest," Mina continued after the intro. "Everyone, give it up for the Turbo Hero: INGENIUM!" As the man who'd taken up the mantle of Ingenium thanked everyone for having him, Deku could only laugh.
"So, Tenya, what did you first see in Deku?"
"To be honest, when I met him at the entrance exams, I thought he wasn't going to make it. But when he grasped the true nature of the exam, came to my aid during the Hosu Incident, and many more besides, it dawned on me that this man was a true hero - self-sacrificing. Why does he continue to fight, with no expectation of reward? This is because that's how he is. In fact, I have no doubt that he'd do it even if it was illegal, if only to better the world."
Red Riot was next to respond. "I can also attest to his manliness. He is a true hero, like it or not, just as All Might was. Not just because he can get from Cape Soya to Haterumajima in, like, a second or two, but because he'll do it with a smile, so you can smile too!"
Pinky's voice cut in, "Yeah, and he's cute too!"
"Mina, don't push it…"
As soon as he heard her comment, Deku burst into hysterical laughter- laughter he hadn't experienced since… since Mr Smiley! Even thinking the name, 'Mister Smiley', brought tears to his eyes as he laughed and laughed. Finally, after a few minutes, he decided to call into the show.
"Anyway, the question a lot of you have been asking is whether Uravity and Deku are together! I happen to know quite a bit about the subject, having been close to Uravity for the majority of her training at UA-"
"But there's no need for that! Why, you ask? Because I am here!"
"I am here!" The three words were a pleasant surprise, but Pinky got over it quickly.
"What do you think of that? Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku himself, has called in!"
"Indeed I have. And for any villains who might be listening, feel free to pay me a visit, at 69 Wisteria Road, Musutafu. Anyways, thanks for having me."
"Thanks for calling in. So, Deku. Many people have asked us what your relationship with Dynamight is like. But not even Red Riot and I, nor Uravity, know the extent. Of course, if you don't want to tell us, you don't have to…"
"It's fine. Better if they know, actually, than to be shipped with him.. We were friends since childhood, of course. When he got his quirk, he only got praised, and he started the path to what he is today- confident, loud, and bold- but he was much worse. I'll admit, I wasn't the same can-do Deku that I am today, back then. Back then, I was Deku in the original meaning of the word- weak, defenceless, useless even. I always followed him, because to me, he was better than All Might- All Might I could only admire from afar, worship as if he were a god. But Dynamight, well… here he was, a crazy strong person, in my life, right there in front of me. But after my power manifested, I was suddenly also that godlike figure in my life that I admired- fast, strong, and most importantly, durable. While yes, Dynamight sees me, and everyone else, beneath him, he's much better than he was during my childhood. Dynamight and I are rivals, but also friends."
Pinky whistled. "Wow. 176 words, a new record. He's gotten better."
Deku pulled into the parking space he always took, and after checking his car was off and locked, headed inside, still on the phone.
"Now, for the question everyone's been asking. As many of you might know even if you don't listen to my show, which I highly recommend you do, Deku has a very close relationship with Ochako Uraraka, otherwise known as Uravity. So close, in fact, that it could be called love. I myself have always thought it is, but since we have him here, we can ask him directly. Deku, what is the relationship between you and Uravity? A couple, perhaps? Maybe just extremely close friends? Or something more?"
"It's a secret," Deku replied, "But only for people who aren't part of Class A. I will say that it does fall along the latter lines, though." With that, he hung up.
In the studio, Red Riot, Pinky, and Ingenium stared open-mouthed at each other, until… "Did he just…"
Ingenium chuckled. "I believe so. Well, that's it for the Pinky Show. Stay tuned for new episodes!"
"Hey, that's my line!"
