Hey, guys! Here is another installment of 'Cross Our Heart' from GOTA. BD has been incognito as he has been busy with real life and helping a writer on a scene (but BD has writer's block). In this chapter, Izuku faces confrontation from Ochako's so-called best friend. Later, Izuku encounters a familiar stranger and much later, he makes a revelation with Ochako. Enjoy the story! Happy Reading!

Izuku silently thanked the cashier for his order. Having to wait on it for twenty minutes, he would utilize his time by spending it with his classmates. In that tiny pizzeria, there was a great amount of 1-A and 1-B students sitting within the crowded booths. Some were even lounging on top of the tables. There were a couple of them sitting on the floor. Not really a fan of confined spaces, he wanted this to be quick and swift as possible. One, he wasn't in a talkative mood. Two, he didn't want to forget the items Ryuko requested for him at her apartment. He thanked the cashier once again as she provided him with a soda for his trouble for his wait. He wasn't sure how a carbonated soda was going to quell his current distress, nevertheless, he wasn't going to turn down a free drink.

Walking over to the gang, Tenya left a bit of room to sit in the booth with them. He saw Eijiro slamming the table loudly after telling a joke that rocked the compacted sardine can of a pizzeria. Katsuki was grabbing hold to his stomach to contain his laughter. Fumikage was sitting over trying to contain his laughter. Those were the few that he could recognize from his peripheral. The girls were behind them. He easily recognized Itsuka, Momo, Mina, Toru, and Tsuyu from the back of their heads. It seemed as if they were having their entire conversation as they, too, were in their girlish laughter.

He put his lips around his straw. As he masked his tongue with root beer, he, too, had to mask his appearance. On the surface, he was in the midst of a conversation between classmates. Which classmate was going steady? Did they study for their next exam? Are they going to the next meet-and-greet at the drink bar in downtown? Which sensei were they were going to flirt for a favor? What seemed so trivial to Izuku was now a certainty of their adolescence. Munching on pizza, peeling away toppings, slurping loudly from their soda cups, laughing until their voice is hoarse. It was innocence within the teens.

Bubbles erupted into the drink. A lump came from his throat. He took a strong sigh to mask the intermittent tears. He wiped his eyes, pretending to himself that it was only allergies. There was no medicine that can take away the factuality that he was a father-to-be. No matter how much he can shut his eyes to pretend that it was nothing more than a dream and the moment he would open it, Ochako would be sitting beside him. Ochako should be here with him. Eating, drinking soda, and laughing with the others about the rumor mill, their next date, and plans for the future. Not looking for work, budgeting, a place to stay, and the disownment of parents, friends, and staff at UA High School.

He tucked in his lips. He squeezed his eyes tightly. The noise around him was fading away as the only thing on his mind was Ochako.

"Do you know what kind of trouble I am going to get? My parents will kill me."

"As if you are the only one. Are you aware of what we have done?"

"What I have done?"

"Yes! I didn't make this baby alone."

"Might as well. You have forced me."

"Forced you? I didn't make you want to fuck me."

"I wanted to play safe. But no, you told me, 'pull out before climaxing. I wanted to wear a condom, but Ochako didn't want it."

"So you want to play victim. It wasn't my hand that got you hard."

"How are you even sure you are pregnant? Got any proof?"

"Proof? I have been late on my FUCKING period. I have thrown up like crazy. AND, I went to the doctor at another prefecture to verify it. And it looks like I am at six weeks. Right around the time when you and I did what we did."

"..."

"You know, I have phoned you. I have texted and email you. You can pretend that you don't know. You can run and hide about it. But that's your baby in my stomach. We are going to be parents. So, get used to it."

"We? What is this we?"

"Fuck you, Izuku Midoriya! Fuck you!"

"Oi! Deku!" Even when he faded away from reality, Katsuki's voice was penetrable enough to distort any wall of thought. He withdrew his emerald eyes from the cup to Katsuki's face. Although his eyes were upon him, he didn't answer to Katsuki. Katsuki raised his eyebrow. He looked surprised. "Deku, dude, are you okay?" He wavered his hand to him. "By now, you would come with a weak rebuttal but no quip or nothing." He scratched under his chin. "I am beginning to think my bullying you is starting to become lackluster."

Tenya intervened. "Not in this place, you aren't." He then focused on Izuku. "Is everything okay, man? You are quite quiet. Not in staying in your place kind of quiet, but the thousand-yard-stare kind of quiet."

He had to keep composure. No one knew outside of this circle of the events unfolding at his apartment. "I'm well! Just listening in on the conversation." He covered his mouth as he bleched. "What were you all discussing anyway?"

Before Katsuki parted his mouth, it was class vice president Momo Yaoyorozu that turned to his direction. He didn't really care for her that much. He wasn't much of a discerning individual but he been around Katsuki long enough to distinguish real from the synthetic. Part of the reason he never pursued it because she and his girlfriend were in the same circle. To Ochako, that was her best friend. Along with Ashido, Asui, Hagakure, Kendou, and Jirou. Even now, he feels pressure in his brain, especially whenever her eyes were onto him. It was as if she knew that he knew.

From day one, he had a strong urge to avoid Yaoyorozu. On the surface, she appeared wholesome, caring, compassionate, and dedicated. In his gut, he felt that he had the right to avoid her and those who associate themselves with her. However, Ochako was a different mold of compassion. A woman who gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. She felt that anyone can change, no matter their history. Not with Momo. He remembered what his mother told him about distrustful people.

A snake doesn't always hiss. Nowadays, they are calling you friend, brother, and Izuku.

As if she knew that Izuku was reading for her true self and she was going to mask it in any way possible. Just like this soda he was drinking and the unexpected pregnancy. Those who knew Izuku best would know that Izuku doesn't like soda but opted for tea. Yet again, do people really know their friends? Or were they really friends?

"Midoriya," she said in a playful tone. "Surprise to see you here with the gang." The tone itself was facetious. Maybe not to the others, but he knew what she was referring to and he wasn't going to give her the satisfaction.

"Thanks, Yaoyorozu," replied Izuku calmly. "When you're too busy focusing on goals, priorities take the best of you."

She lowered her eyebrow. "Understandable, Midoriya. Priorities of goals, you say?"

His eyes never left hers. "Yep!"

"Priorities of goals, right?" Typical Momo to break down words and being repetitive. The simple hook, line, and sinker of stirring trouble. A trap purposely designed to create teasing. Quite strategic, thought Izuku. Nevertheless, he wasn't in the mood as he just wanted his pizza and head back to the others.

Momo looked over the booth, scanning the area as she was looking for something. "No Ochako, Izuku?"

"Ochako is free to do what she wants to do without my permission," replied Izuku sharply. "It's a democracy, isn't it?"

Momo nodded in agreement with Izuku. "You're right, Izuku." She, then, turned back around to the girls. It was a momentary silence.

A brief pregnant silence.

"Since you're focused on goals, Midoriya, can you explain to us scholars on how you and Uraraka were getting busy?" The sharpness of the devil's tongue as Momo put the final nail into the coffin. The choral "oohs" and "ahhs" filled the pizzeria.

The ball-and-chain were actually playing their role?

Deku and Uraraka were getting busy?

You and Ochako were exchanging paintbrushes and cups?

You porked Uraraka?

That's a lie! Izuku wouldn't know how to handle his flaccid member.

Izuku played a great poker face. While Momo decided to stir the pot, Izuku was getting with the program. Although offended, he wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of defeat. He took a sip of his soda. "I don't have a clue what you are talking about, Momo. Clarify and verify for me."

The rebuttal even made Katsuki twist his head. Hearing Izuku's curtness was certainly out of character. Momo carried the same facade when she turned to face him. "You want to play coy? I am stating facts! We all know that you and Ochako porked sometime back. My dear friend even showed proof of your lovemaking." She made slow, sharp claps. "A great friend indeed."

"Are you sure," replied Izuku inquisitively. "The tone you are carrying sounds like you are belittling versus being celebratory." He folded his arms. "And that is something that friends do?"

Kendou and Ashido turned around. Izuku knew it was a matter of time when the praying mantis of that inner circle would come and save their fearless leader.

"Why are you bugging, Deku," retorted Itsuka in a not-so-friendly manner. "We are saying awesome job for having sex with Ochako. Congrats on losing your virginity."

"Yeah," said Mina. "Don't act you are so high and mighty because of your stance. You are no different than us."

"No, there is a difference," replied Izuku. "I have been around Katsuki long enough to separate real from fake. A friend from a foe." He turned to Katsuki. "No offense, Kacchan!"

Katsuki shook his head in disagreement. Izuku could tell that he was enjoying this. "No, man. None taken." He waved his hands. "Please continue."

"Your tone tells different," said Izuku. "I know when you are picking just as you are being sincere. Now, I can see how she felt pressured about sex. It is because of you guys!"

"Look, Midoriya," said Momo. "No one forced her to have sex with you. She did it on her own free will." She folded her arms. "Why? You didn't like it. Not to your satisfaction? Or, maybe she didn't expect what she wanted. Maybe, she felt unsated and sought for something thicker and better. Another man's cream, perhaps?!" She gave him a sniveling glare. "What's the matter? Feeling NTR'd? That could explain the salty attitude upon seeing you here. Hell, if I looked like you, then I would be in a disarray myself."

It was met with small giggles from her neighboring posse. Izuku was feeling uncomfortable. He gripped his fist tightly. His eyes were still on Momo.

It didn't go without notice from her.

"What's with that look? It looks as though that you want to hit me," said Momo. "Do you think I am moved by your emotions, Midoriya? I am not the one to be angry with. That's between you and your weak-minded girlfriend. Not me!"

Tenya intervened between the dueling parties. "Yaoyorozu, Midoriya, let's cease this." Izuku knew that Iida may be the class president and the class genius but his deposition in creating stalemates was no different than someone with a weak constitution. "We didn't come here to argue but to enjoy eating pizza together. Midoriya, stay in your place. Yaoyorozu, stay in yours."

Katsuki spoke up. "Man, this is one of the best outings I've ever had." He made a whooping noise. "Wouldn't mind seeing more of this." He lowered his tone. "Bet that you won't hit her."

"Bakugo, stop that nonsense," said Tenya. "We are trying to enjoy our day. Can we end this peacefully?"

Double pepperoni for Midoriya? Pizza's ready!

Izuku conceded their argument. What further good would it make on where they stood? Izuku turned to the counter where he went to gather his pizza. He took hold of the pizzas and walked away without saying goodbye.

Upon leaving for the exit, the entire pizzeria burst in laughter. He turned to the window. Wrapped around Momo's finger were a pair of white panties. It had a teddy bear on the back. Izuku was familiar with those pair of panties. Evidence of her blood was on it. Momo stood proudly as she waved the panties toward Izuku. The students were in an astounding roar of laughter. Izuku didn't want to see any further as he carried his pizzas and headed for Ryuko's apartment.

At least he was in the open where he didn't have to wear a mask.

Tears were pelting on the pizza box.

About an hour later….

Izuku hoped that Ryuko and Ochako didn't mind he took a couple of bites of pizza on the bus ride back to his neighborhood. He pulled the lever to have the bus driver to yield. Grabbing his pizza and Ryuko's tote bag, he was a block away from his apartment.

During that time to his home, it was spent on reflection from the incident at the pizzeria. The amazement of no one seeing to defend him. Unsure it was peer pressure or lack of sympathy, he knew who to rely on in the time of crisis. From Momo's bullying to Katsuki's borderline instigating. Tenya's neutrality and the muteness of Shouto. Not even once did he intervene or spoke up for Izuku. He knew that he and Momo were dating but he and Shouto were friends.

Allegedly and supposedly.

He used his knee to press the elevator button to his floor. Never in his sixteen years of existence was he eager to be at home. He knew that if his so-called friends were like this when there was turmoil, then where would they be in the midst of this pregnancy?

In the end, he and Ochako were going to be puzzle pieces that wouldn't fit. He didn't feel defeated and he didn't feel discouraged. However, he knew that this was now a situation in which if the worst-case scenario comes with the others, he would be alone.

Ochako and his Aunt Ryuko were going to be by his side.

The elevator door opened. As he was going to walk, he saw that the elevator wasn't vacant. In front of him was a baby stroller. A sleeping curly-haired baby was safely secured with her fluffy quilt. Izuku looked up to the woman-in-question.

A short-haired brunette with deep-sea eyes was in front of him. Short in stature and skinny in regards to the size. When further eyeing her, he immediately recognized her.

"Yui Kodai?"

Immediately, the woman brushed past him and rushed out into the courtyard. By doing so, a sleeping baby stirred and began crying.

I remember Yui Kodai. She started school with us at the beginning of the year. However, she dropped out after the provisional exam. Aizawa-sensei and Nezu said that she decided to transfer to another school.

He remembered Yui being the silent beauty of UA High School. A girl of few words. He remembered her being part of class 1-B and hung out with Kinoko Komori and Setsuna Tokage.

She was also friends with Itsuka Kendou.

They never really talked. Maybe a word or two in passing or when they were taking exams. After her departure, no one really mentioned her leaving. Matter of factly, they made it look as though she wasn't even part of the UA roster, especially when asking about the empty seat in the classroom or talking to her friends.

Izuku turned around to see Kodai sitting at the bench as she tried nestling the baby. She rocked the baby back and forth until she could settle down. Izuku stood in disbelief on the encounter with the teen-in-question.

Just like me and Ochako, she is also sixteen.

Before he could reach out to her, a black vehicle approached the circular driveway. As quickly as he saw her, quickly she departed.

Ten minutes later….

Ryuko was pouring another cup of tea for Ochako when she heard the unlocking of the door.

"Hey, I am back!" Ryuko put the kettle back on the stove and walked to the hallway to see Izuku at the entrance.

"Sorry, Auntie!" Izuku extended her tote bag to the top step as he was removing his shoes with his feet. "The pizza is kinda cold and I got a little hungry."

Ryuko shook her head. "Never you worry! Thank God for ovens!"

Izuku didn't respond but nodded as he walked to the steps. He placed the pizza on the counter. He, then, turned to Ochako.

Their eyes met. Ochako held on to the throw pillow on the couch. Izuku put his hands into his pocket. Silence was playing its role.

Ryuko took the pizza boxes and placed it on the counter as she trying to find a pan to use.

Ochako continued grabbing the pillow and Izuku was rubbing the sole of his shoe. His lips quivered, knowing that there were certain words that he needed to say to the brunette. He pondered if she was going to say something to him. Less than twenty-four hours ago, they were berating each other at the bowling alley and was met with a milkshake to the face.

"Izuku/Ochako!"

Both spoke at the same time. Izuku narrowed the distance while walking to the couch. Uncertain about her state of being, he sat beside her, enough to give her distance.

Izuku clenched his jaw. A nervous tic to keep himself from spewing regrettable words. Only if it would have worked the day before.

"Well, Ochako," said Izuku calmly while looking to the floor. "What do you want me to do?"

Ochako placed the pillow to the end of the couch. She narrowed the gap of the couch to sit closer to her boyfriend. She placed her hand to his shoulder. "I don't want to do this alone. I don't want you to leave me."

He reached for his arm to grab her hand. It intertwined with each other.

He sighed heavily. He tried to fight his tears but it was steadily falling. "Even if it just the two of us, Ochako, I won't let you fight this alone. This is my baby as much as it is yours."

"I'm scared, Izuku."

"Me, too!"

"What would the others think?"

"Ochako! From what I've encountered today, fuck them." He turned to Ochako. "Let's do this one thing at a time. We must come up with a plan for this."

Ryuko stepped behind them in the center of the couch. "And you won't be fighting this alone, kiddos." She placed her hand on each shoulder. "No matter the consequence, no matter what happens, I won't leave you guys behind."

"Thanks, Auntie," said Izuku.

"Yeah, thanks," replied Ochako.

"Don't mention it," said Ryuko. "So, I believe the next plan of action is to tell your parents."

Both of them turned when hearing those certain words. Ryuko rubbed their shoulders. "Relax, if the worst comes to worst, then you know you have a home waiting for you with me." She beat her chest. "I am not sure how I can raise teenagers but Shino says I am going at keeping them in their place." She, then, returned to her composure. "Just for the assurance and confirmation, I know a doctor that can give an ultrasound for a second opinion. Not doubting the pregnancy but giving us confirmation." She turned to Ochako. "It will give you time to prepare for the inevitable." She then turned to Izuku. "And the same as you. Be as it may, it is here and it is the time to play the role of responsible parents." She gave them a wink. "And your auntie will be there each and every step of the way."

Ryuko heard the timer of the oven going off and left to tend to the pizza. Ochako and Izuku were looking at each other.

"Ochako?"

"Yeah?"

"I am sorry for being an ass to you."

She shook her head in disagreement. "Sorry to throwing that milkshake."

"It was well-deserved. You had that right. Forgive me, sweetheart."

"I love you."

"I love you."

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the cheek. Both hugged for a few moments before breaking it apart. "We'll figure something out," said Izuku as he grabbed her hand. "We will be okay."

"Cross your heart and hope to die," asked Ochako.

"Under the hairs of my chinny chin chin, a Midoriya never backs down on his word," answered Izuku.

She raised her eyebrow. "Have you been watching RWBY again, Mr. Arc?"

"Maybe, my little Faunus," he answered when flicking her nose.

"I love you, Izuku!"

"I love you, too, Ochako."

To be continued….

"Ochako, I don't want you fooling around with Momo and that group anymore."

"Consider it done. It was them that compelled me to do this in the first place."

"That is what I've figured when I went by the pizzeria and saw them."

"They talked about it?!"

"No mercy. Things are going to be different when coming back to school."

"I am ready, Izuku. Especially for the opposition. Sorry to put you in it."

"Never allow anyone to make you feel like you have to do that."

"I don't deserve you, Izuku!"

"Neither do I, Ochako!"

BD: Out of character! Never would have thought to see Momo as the antagonist.

GOTA: Why not? Plenty of stories making her out to be the good girl. A good change of pace.

BD: Yui Kodai as a teenage mother. Didn't see that coming!

GOTA: She will serve a purpose soon. Stay tuned!