He had a missed call. A voicemail lied in his wake.

He looked at his cell phone like a deer seeing headlights. His hands were trembling to the touch. It wasn't the phone itself, but the person on the other end he was more afraid. He knew if he were to call back, then it meant that he had displayed something there. Something that he must acknowledge.

It was something that he was not ready to receive. His nimble fingers trailed his cell phone, feeling the vibration of it, telling him about his voicemail. He took steady breaths. He wasn't ready. Not yet.

He stepped out of the bathroom where he was sitting idly on the toilet. It had been over a moment ago when he was tending to his business. It was there where he had received the phone call. He was frozen in time. The ringtone contained a distinctive sound for his familiar. What should have been a casual ringer turned into a ringer of caution. Hearing the tone was frightening, leaving him stiff. He remained there until the phone went off.

"Izuku, sweetie." Izuku knew it was the sound of Ryuko purring from the living room. The blonde pussycat made her visits to the Midoriya residence whenever she wanted cool-off time from the other members, or she wanted to kill time before going to an event like going to the movies or participating in cosplay events. Lately, it has been more of the latter.

"Icchan," she cried out again. "Where is my fleshy, fleshy cinnamon roll?" When he approached the hallway, he saw Pixie-Bob swaying in his direction. She pounced upon him, rubbing her face affectionately to the emerald haired child. "Hey, Icchan, did you hear me calling you?"

He shifted his eyes in her direction. "Oh, oh yeah," he stammered. "What's up, Auntie?"

She put her finger to her lip before answering his question. "I wanted to know if you could come with me to the venue and watch me practice," asked Ryuko.

"That's not like you to ask me something like that," replied Izuku. "What reason for today?"

"I think it was because I may have accidentally told the manager on how great you are with your quirks," she said meekly. She rubbed the back of her head nervously. "And he might want you to perform those said quirks on television with me?" She was now in a praying position.

He was taken aback but remained calm. It wasn't the first time Ryuko was whimsical with the emerald child. "What did he offer?"

"He had offered me some extra air time with NHK for your services. Maybe a special."

"And what can you offer," he said with a tone of demand.

"Hey, Icchan," she said interjectionally. "You are getting airtime, aren't you, sweetie?"

"I think I am fine behind the spotlight, auntie," he replied with a smirk. "Now, that offering."

"Well," she said with a slight smile. "For compensation, I can help you with your homework."

Izuku snorted loudly, covering his nose in the process. As he wiping the tear from his eye, he said, "Sorry, auntie, but Auntie Shino told me about your past history in school."

"What," she said while placing her hands on her hips. "What did she say?"

"With your sloppy handwriting and subpar grades, no thanks." He added, "No offense."

She put her hands on her brother, rubbing his shoulders affectionately. "None was taken, sweetie," she said. "Although you may want to ask her certain male professors on how she passed." She thought for a moment until a thought came to mind. "How about tickets to see Three Days Grace?"

"Throw me that and along with two complimentary meals at a restaurant of my choice, then we have a deal."

She furrowed her eyes. "What? Dinner and a concert? Really?"

Keeping his composure, he responded. "Well, I guess that you don't need that hero. Tell your manager good luck on his upcoming show."

He was walking away until she grabbed his arm. "Okay, okay, you win. Two free dinners and concert tickets."

"Three."

"It was two."

"Demands and negotiations fluctuate like the stock market. Take it or leave it."

She grunted, "Fine, I'll take it."

He shook his head. "Nicely done." He scratched his head before adding to the conversation. "When do you need me to come with you."

"Actually, right now will be nice."

"Last minutes as always," sighed Izuku. "You know what, you do meet the requirements of being an actress, especially when making last minute plans."

"I will make it up to you when I become successful," replied Ryuko while laughing.

"If you knew what kinda problems I am having, I wish you make it rich today," said Izuku.

Fortunately, Ryuko was halfway down the stairs to not hear his comment. While they were engaged in conversation, Izuku had another missed call.

About thirty minutes later, Izuku waited for Ryuko in the driveway. He was squatting on the wall. He was focusing on the scenery of his neighborhood. Quiet and quaint at the moment. For at least that was right in front of him. Within, a thunderstorm was brewing and it was consuming him with grief.

He gnashed his teeth any time the thought of the phone call came up. He gripped harder on the pine swing, so much so he feared that he would splinter himself. He took a few breaths, trying something to calm him down. However, the person who was calling him was not going to allow that to happen.

I should have been more careful.

I should have played it safe.

It was one time. One time, for God's sake. Didn't know it would lead to this.

I am sorry that it happened. Trust me, I really am.

I can't tell them, my parents. They would kill me. What would they think of me? Oh, my God, I am a dunce.

Idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot.

He was hitting his head in frustration. His ears were ringing, giving him a slight headache. He tilted his head to ease his headache, but he felt something else in his pocket. It was a phone call, but it was a message. He didn't want to look. He refused to look.

I should've been careful. I should have played it safe.

"Icchan," cried Ryuko as she stepped out to the driveway. Behind her, she was holding her costume. She then displayed a worried look on her face. "Are you okay, sweetie?"

"Yeah, I am fine," he explained. "What's to worry?"

"I would say the same, but your hands. They are red," she said.

Izuku then noticed that his hands were really red. He saw that one of his hands were deeply indented from his nails. One of the nails actually broke the skin. "Are you sure you are okay," questioned Ryuko.

He shook in his agreement.

"Okay, then let's go," said Ryuko as she had the car keys in her hand.

"We are not taking your Vespa," questioned Izuku.

"There is a chance it might rain," she answered. "Your mother isn't going to back home until Monday from your father, so she said it was okay as long as we fill it up on the way back." She got into the car and opened the door for Izuku. They stepped inside while they were putting on their seat belt. "Oh yeah," she added. "You are filling up the tank when we come back."

"Why do I have to," questioned Izuku while raising his eyebrows. "I am working for the man."

"Demands and negotiations fluctuate like the stock market," said Ryuko in a teasing voice.

He hit his head back on the seat. "Fine, let's just go."

Ryuko put the car in reverse. She backed the car into the street before shifting the gears into drive. A very cautious driver, she took the necessary procedures before heading out to the road. Once she got comfortable, she turned on the radio to her favorite rock station.

The duo listened as the DJ was preparing for the next song. Here is number four of our countdown. This song was a well-known song that went to the top of the charts. Featured in many television shows and movies, this is the hit song from the Plain White T's. Here is "Hey There Delilah."

"This isn't my favorite cup of tea, but very mellow," said Ryuko as she tapping the steering wheel. Meanwhile, Izuku began panting. His breath was becoming labored. Each string, each chord, each breath the musician gave reminded him the reason why he was avoiding a certain someone.

He began nervously tapping the window. He was tapping his foot very loudly. He was trying to think of something of not having to deal with his song. He tried to reach for his headphones but groaned that he had left them at home. He continued gnashing his teeth as the song filled the car.

I don't think I am ready.

Neither do I. But, why wait. You do love me, Izuku.

I do, I do. But, this is too soon.

Nothing is greater than the moment to share this. This is between us and us alone.

I am scared. What if, what if pregnancy occurs.

We can play it safe. Trust me. Pull out before climaxing, okay.

I don't know how it works.

Trust me, okay. We will be alright.

Promise?

Cross my heart and hope to die. Promise!

When the musician sang, Oh, it's what you do to me, that he could no longer handle it. He grabbed the knob and changed it to another station.

"Hey, Icchan, I was listening to it," cried Ryuko.

"This song is too old and too mellow for me," replied Izuku nervously. "How did this song get popular anyway?"

She scoffed but didn't further the conversation. She continued focusing on her driving.

Throughout that time, he had another missed call.

Ryuko continued driving until she turned into a neighborhood street. She began slowing down as if she was looking for the right place. He raised his eyes when seeing the familiarity of this particular neighborhood.

"I didn't know the venue was on this side of town," said Izuku.

"Yeah," she said. "It is."

Izuku noticed how the tone of her response was different from before. It sounded very suspicious. He tried to not worry himself, but his instinct was putting him on high alert.

Something is not right, he thought to himself.

Ryuko began slowing down until she pulled along the curve. In front of Izuku was a home that had a single car driveway. The home was surrounded by bushes. The home was small and tranquil. He began panicking when realizing how familiar was the house.

"Auntie, what's going on," he asked her with a worrisome voice.

He noticed that she was taking a breath. "Sorry, Icchan," she responded. "I really am."

"What do you mean 'sorry,'" he asked as he was stammering.

"She knew if you wouldn't come willingly, she might need someone else," she said.

"You set me up," questioned Izuku nervously.

Suddenly, he saw the person he tried to avoid. The person who he ignored her phone calls and text messages. She was a young girl of short height and petite build, with fair skin that was prone to blushing, big round brown eyes, and shoulder-length brown hair which sported two long locks beside her face and a short bob at the back.

That person was Ochako Uraraka.

Ochako didn't appear upset. In fact, she displayed a sense of calmness. She walked from the stoop and headed into his direction. Izuku was stammering, becoming flustered.

"Izuku, we need to talk," said Ochako as she rubbed her arm tenderly.

Izuku saw how seriously intent she looked from the car. In her hand was the cell phone. Shivers ran down his spine. He turned to Ryuko. "How could you," questioned Izuku.

"Sorry, Icchan," she responded. "She told me that she had something important to tell you. The way she was crying to me on the phone, it had to be important. Whatever it is, you need to talk to her."

"The hell I can," he screamed.

Izuku unlocked the door from the car and ran out into the street. He started picking up the pace to get away from them as far as he could. Suddenly, he heard his name screaming from behind him.

"Izuku," screamed Ochako. "Izuku, Izuku, Izuku."

Hearing the frantic sounds of his name gave him shivers down his spine. Despite her cries, he did not want to hear them. He didn't want to hear anything at all.

He made his way to another block, but she was gaining ground. "Izuku, Izuku, come back here," cried Ochako.

He jumped a fence before going through a neighbor's backyard. He jumped a few more fences before leaving the neighborhood. No, no, no. I'm not ready! No, no, no!

He was back on the main street. He continued running, knowing that he was hearing the now fainted sounds of his name in the wind.

He had managed to gain the upper hand. He was safe for now.

He looked over his shoulder to make sure that no one was following him. He was out of breath and was in dire need of thirst. He was fortunate that there was a manga cafe gas station a few yards from where he was standing.

As he was approaching the cafe, from his peripheral he saw Ryuko in the car aiming at his direction. However, she wasn't alone. Ochako was with her. Preparing for another chase, he was leaving the parking lot until the car cut him off.

He tried turning around, but Ochako grabbed him. He was tangling with her, trying to get off of her, but she wrapped him around his waist.

"Let go of me," screamed Izuku.

"No," cried Ochako.

"Let go of me," screamed Izuku.

"I won't," screamed Ochako.

"Let go."

"No."

"Let go."

"No."

The pair tangled until Ryuko came between the pair and stopped. "Whoa, calm down. Calm down, you two."

"Not until he accepts the fact that what's done is done," cried Ochako.

"No," screamed Izuku. "I won't. I won't."

"What are you talking about," questioned Ryuko as she stared at the teenaged pair.

"You have to accept it, Icchan," Ochako screamed at him. "We are too deep into this. You can't avoid my calls. You can't avoid my messages forever. No matter what, it won't make it better."

He tried to walk, but she grabbed his hand. By that time, tears began falling.

"Let me go," cried Izuku. "I am scared."

"No," said Ochako. Now more calmly. "Accept it. It's done."

"Accept what," questioned Ryuko.

Izuku began kneeling to the ground. He was covering his ears. He watched as Ochako was talking to Ryuko. What she said to Ryuko made her eyes widened and began staring at him.

"No, no, no," cried Izuku.

He watched how Ochako mouthed the words that would forever change the paradigm of their relationship.

"Auntie Ryuko, I'm pregnant."

To be continued….