Green Tea Rescue

by ss3dj

When Midoriya Izuku was 4 his quirk finally manifested. The doctor named it psychokinesis, but his friend Bakugou Katsuki called it worthless. For the next 10 years, Izuku would grow up bullied and isolated. Then, when a new student named Uraraka Ochako transfers into his class the last year of jr high, everything changes. Rated M for eventual themes.

9. Lies, Liabilities, and Longing

Izuku blinked, and looked behind himself quizzically, "Huh? Uraraka, did you say something?"

Ochako clamped her mouth shut, and shook her head.

Shit! Shit shit shit!

"Oh, guess I was just hearing things."

While Izuku looked away, Ochako let out a sigh of relief.

Where did that come from? Okay, just calm down. It's not as bad as it seems right?...Okay, fuck it, it is as bad. Why? WHY IS HE HERE!? After everything, Deku deserves a break, but does the universe give him one? NOPE! I swear, I may actually kill Bakugou this year. Fucking fuck...and now I'm starting to sound like Bakugou! Stop swearing….FUCK!

A soft cough from behind made Ochako turn around. Hitoshi and Himiko were giving her looks.

"So, I take it you two aren't a fan of that guy, then?" Hitoshi asked.

"Oh!? What makes you say that?"

"Well, Midoriya looks like he's looking for a hole to hide in, and you just dropped a bomb that I can not believe Midoriya missed."

"Gah!"

"So, what gives? The way you two are acting, I guess when I ran into that guy he wasn't just having a bad day."

Ochako shook her head, "No, that's just normal Bakugou."

Hitoshi deadpanned, "Seriously? All that yelling, screaming, and cursing is normal?"

"There are...reasons why Deku is so nervous around him."

Himiko looked away from Ochako, and stared directly at Katsuki. She didn't know who this person was, but if he was making her Izuku so nervous, then he was someone she was going to need to take care of. Stabbing was a solution that popped into her mind.

Malice dripped from Himiko's voice as she asked, "And what reasons would those be? I'd love to know why my Izuku looks so unhappy. What'd that boy do to my poor Izuku?"

Where do I even begin?

Before Ochako could start however, she was interrupted by a very worn out and tired voice, "You lot will never learn anything if you keep standing in the doorway."

Four pairs of eyes blinked in confusion and looked down to find out who had spoken. A thing with horrible black bed hair, and huge bags under its eyes was cocooned in a yellow sleeping bag lying behind them in the hallway, "This is the hero course, you don't have time to waste just standing around." The thing finished by pulling out an energy gel pack and sucking it dry.

Several students in the class freaked out at the sight, Ochako took a step back in terror, right into Izuku who wasn't sure whether to run or hide from it, What is that thing!?

Himiko looked between the thing on the ground and Hitoshi a few times, enough to catch the other boys attention.

"Your long lost father?"

"Not funny," Hitoshi dryly replied.

Unzipping the bag, the thing, which turned out to be a person, stepped out and addressed the classroom, "I'm your homeroom teacher, Aizawa Shouta. Nice to meet you."

Izuku blinked in surprise, looking at the teacher more closely, He's our teacher? That means he must be a pro hero right? But I don't think I've ever seen a hero who looks so worn out before...still, there's something about him that seems familiar. Could he be one of those underground heroes?

As the class settled down, Aizawa looked down at his watch, "It took you all eight seconds to calm down. I told you, you don't have time to waste. You aren't rational enough."

Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a set of gym track suits, "It's short notice, but I want you all to put these on and meet me outside on the track field."

Huh?

---

After getting changed, the class made their way outside to a simple track-and-field setup. Much to Ochako's annoyance, as soon as the boys and girls had met up in the hallway, Himiko had practically tied herself to Izuku. She could hear Tenya talking to someone about how unprecedented this was and his worry over missing the entrance ceremony and orientation.

"Oh, it is you, Toga! I thought I recognized you from the test."

Himiko perked up hearing her name, "Oh, hi, Yaoyorozu. Nice to see you again."

Izuku looked from Himiko towards the other student, a very tall girl, who was walking up to them, smiling.

"Oh, is she a friend of yours, Toga," Izuku asked.

"I met her when I was doing my tests for my recommendation. Looks like you made it, Yaoyorozu. Congrats."

"Yes, congratulations to you too. Though, are you sure you're in the right class?"

Tenya stepped forward, "She showed us her letter of acceptance; it had her listed as 1-A."

Momo rubbed her chin, "That's very strange. I came to class with the other recommendation student, Todoroki, over there."

Momo pointed over to another student with a scarred face, who was standing off to the side, away from the main group.

A boy with spiky red hair overheard the conversation and looked at the three, "Wait does that mean our class has three recommendation students? That's awesome!"

"Wait, really? How'd that happen?"

"Isn't that strange though? I always heard it was two for each class?"

As his classmates started talking over each other, Izuku did a quick head count, "Oh there are 22 of us. That is really strange."

Ochako leaned over, "Is it that weird Deku?"

"Yeah, U.A has two hero classes each year. 36 students from the entrance exam are split into two classes, and 4 are selected from the recommendation group that are then divided so that each class has 20 students. But we have 22."

Ochako looked around, doing a quick head count herself, wondering if perhaps Izuku had miscounted.

"Wow, you're right, we have two extra students in our class."

"So it is strange, just like...um" Izuku turned toward the other girl, suddenly remembering he didn't know her name.

Hearing Izuku blank, Momo smiled, "Oh I'm sorry, let me introduce myself," She turned to face Izuku and the others, "My name is Yaoyorozu Momo; it is a pleasure to meet you all. Perhaps we should take this time to introduce ourselves, before our teacher arrives and explains what we are doing out here."

So formal

With everyone gathered, people began to introduce themselves, some more boisterous than others. They had only just gotten through basic introductions when a tired voice cut them off, "If you want to play with your friends, go somewhere else. You're here to become heroes, act like it."

The class turned to see their teacher, Aizawa, walking up behind them and dropping a small bag to his side. Satisfied they had all quickly quieted down, he continued, "As you all have noticed, this class has extra students then what is normal. This is because our principal is not rational in the slightest. On a whim he decided to allow the entry of a 5th recommendation student." Aizawa looked right at Himiko, who just rolled her eyes at him.

He continued, "But what's worse is that to avoid one class having an odd number of students, he also decided that instead of the normal 36 canidates, we would take 37 from the entrance exam. So one class will have the normal number of 20, and my class will have 22. As I said, our principal is not rational, so it's up to me to fix this mistake."

Mistake?

"Bakugou, step forward."

Katsuki frowned as he stepped out of the group of students. Aizawa reached into a gym bag and pulled out a ball, tossing it to him, "Since junior high, you all have been doing these physical fitness tests, correct? What was your best softball throw result?"

"67 meters."

"Hmm, during those tests you weren't allowed to use your quirk, were you?"

Katsuki shook his head.

"No, none of you were. Our country still wants to think that everyone is equal, so these kinds of tests are done without students being able to use their quirks. It's not rational. Bakugou, you scored the highest villain score in the exam. I want you to throw the ball with your quirk. You can do whatever you want, as long as you remain inside the marked circle."

Nodding, Katsuki walked into the throwing circle, stretching his arms as he readied himself.

I can do whatever I want huh? Then I'll add a blast to the pitch.

Winding up, Katsuki screamed out, "DIE!" as the ball exploded from his hand, the blast sending the ball rocketing out, and the shockwave sending a few students scurrying back, some covering their ears and cursing under their breaths.

"Thanks for the warning, jerk," Kyoka grumbled in annoyance.

Izuku gulped, he had never seen Katsuki just unleash himself like that, while Ochako groaned, Die? What are you some emo ten year old?

Aizawa held up a small device, with a score of 705.2 meters flashing on the digital screen.

"This test is the most rational way to form the foundation of a hero. Learn what you are able to do, and build from that."

Some students started to get excited at the idea of being able to use their quirks in tests they hadn't been able to before, but Aizawa cut them off immediately, "However, a hero can not be built on a weak foundation. I told you, our principal is not rational, and I am going to fix his mistake. Having an odd number of students is not an issue. Having an extra student who does not belong in the hero course brought in to make things even is an issue. I will not have liabilities in my class."

There were several audible gulps from the group. No one liked where this was going.

"So here's what going to happen. You will each take part in a series of tests, and you will be allowed to use your quirks while you do so. These tests will determine who does not belong in this course. So after the tests are done, the person with the lowest score will be expelled."

"WHAT!?"

"Expelled!"

"That's not fair!"

"Life isn't fair, the sooner you all learn that the better. Villains, natural disasters, these things do not care about fairness." Aizawa cut in coldly.

Tenya frowned and stepped forward, "Sir, is this kind of action even allowed? To let a single test determine if someone belongs here seems cruel, not to mention unethical."

"What do you think the entrance exam was, but a test to see who belongs here?"

Tenya flinched as Aizawa continued, "As for ethics, teachers at U.A. are given free range to teach their class how they see fit. U.A. is well known for being unrestricted to common school traditions. Now does anyone else have a question, or are you all through wasting time?"

No one said anything. Katsuki smirked at the news, but kept it to himself.

At least I won't have to worry about Deku anymore after today. He's getting kicked out for sure.

"Good. I want you all to line up on the other side of the ball toss circle, we will do that test first. Hmm, Midoriya, come carry this bag. It has all the balls we'll need for the test."

As everyone else started to go where Aizawa pointed, Izuku hurried to collect the bag. Standing up, he was startled to see that Aizawa had paused besides Hitoshi, saying something to him by himself. Walking by, Izuku overheard some of what his teacher was saying, and it made his stomach drop.

"...got the lowest exam score. You are the 37th student. You wouldn't be here if the principal hadn't changed the rules. If you fail to impress me during any of the tests, I will expel you on the spot. No 2nd chances and regardless of the final scores. Do I make myself clear?"

Hitoshi nodded quickly, and hurried to get back to the rest of the students. Izuku gulped as he also hurried to catch up.

Shinso...this isn't right… There has to be something I can do to help him...right?

Dropping the bag next to the circle, Izuku took his place with everyone else. Ochako to his side frowned when she noticed how on edge he was, "Hey, it's going to be fine, Deku."

One by one, Aizawa called out the name of a student and they would walk up and take their throw. A few clearly didn't have quirks that were suited for this test, while some did. Even while nervous about the test, Izuku didn't pass up a chance to record all the quirks being used in front of him, mumbling to himself and quickly scribbling down notes into his notebook.

A few students gave him strange looks when he started. More than a few openly wondered where he had that notebook stashed away. Ochako just shrugged her shoulders, "That's just one of Deku's...quirks."

"It's fucking anoying."

Ochako shot Katsuki a glare who just glared back.

"I think it's cute!" Himiko added, earning her a glare of her own from Katsuki, and a strained look from Ochako.

After a few names, Hitoshi was called up. Izuku was impressed the other boy didn't look more freaked out. He was, at least externally, calm.

I could probably push the ball after he threw it. Give it some more distance. But people will see me glow...Well I can try and tone it down, and play it off as nerves maybe… But is it the right thing to do? Shouldn't I trust that Shinso will be able to do this?

Hitoshi stood in the circle, ready to make his throw. As Izuku continued to think over if he should do something, he felt a cold shiver run up his spin.

What was that? Is someone looking at me?

Izuku shook his head, he must be imagining it.

Hitoshi threw the ball, grunting loudly as he put as much power into his throw as he could. Izuku watched the ball arc in the air, if he was going to do something, now would be the time.

...No, even if I want Shinso to pass, it wouldn't be fair to everyone else. I just have to believe he'll make it.

By the time Izuku was paying attention again, Hitoshi had been given his score and was back with the group. A few more students went before Tenya was called up. He surprised everyone by not throwing the ball, but kicking it instead and sending it several hundred meters. Some students looked over at Aizawa, wondering if that was even aloud, but the teacher just read off the score and didn't say anything else.

Himiko was called next, and smiling turned to Izuku, "You'll wish me luck, right Izuku?"

"Oh, of course, Toga. G-Good luck. I'm sure you'll do great!"

Giggling, Himiko poked a finger into Izuku's chest, "Well, with a vote of confidence like that, I don't have anything to worry about."

Ochako eyed the two intensely, wondering why Himiko had to keep touching Izuku all the time. A couple students noticed and snickered to themselves.

Himiko, let her hand run down Izuku's chest briefly before leaning in and whispering, "You watch me closely now, and I'll show you something good."

Satisfied she had left Izuku blushing so much his ears were starting to turn red, she turned and skipped up to the throwing circle.

"Is she taking this test serious?"

"No kidding."

"...She was like this during the recommendation exam…"

"Oh my god, you talk!?"

Himiko bent over and picked up her ball, and tossed it in her hand a few times. Taking a few steps back until the heels of her feet were up against the white line of the circle, she glanced back and seeing that Izuku was watching her, winked at him. Then turning her focus on her throw, Himiko shocked everyone by flipping forward and twisting in the air, hurling the ball with both hands as she sailed through the air, using her momentum tumbling in the air to give the ball more force behind it, and then landing just before the white line on the other side of the circle.

"Whoa!"

"Okay, so girl has some moves, wonder if she dances too?"

"Flexible and cute. A+ combo."

"Kero, you're creepy."

Not really caring about her score, Himiko skipped back to her place besides Izuku, "So, did you like that?"

"That was really incredible. The way you twist in the air was so neat. Did you take gymnastics before coming to U.A?"

Himiko shook her head, "No, no, nothing like that. Just a few tricks I learned while...while I was out and about, but I'm glad you enjoyed the show."

"It was really cool."

Himiko laughed, while Ochako felt her eye twitch.

"Midoriya, you're next" Aizawa called out.

Katsuki's ears perked up and smirked. He hadn't been paying much attention to the other students, none of them had been able to match his score, as expected of a bunch of extras. Now that it was Izuku's turn, he wanted to watch just how badly the other boy failed.

Then he'll be exposed as a cheater for sure.

Izuku nodded towards Aizawa, and walked up to the throwing circle. Once again he felt the same unnerving shiver run up his spine.

I swear I'm being watched. Though everyone is watching me right now, so maybe it is just nerves.

As Izuku walked up to make his throw, Hitoshi spoke up, "So anyone here want to make a guess how far he throws the ball?"

Tenya rubbed his chin as he gave it some thought but before he could say anything, Katsuki interrupted, "30 meters. At best."

A few of the other students looked over at him. Ochako huffed but held her tongue. Hitoshi raised an eyebrow at the sudden answer from Katsuki, while Tenya looked confused, "that's a very specific number, and so low too?"

"That's as far as he could throw the ball last year. Not like the worthless shit is going to suddenly become an Olympic Shot Put in a year."

Himiko's eyes narrowed at Katsuki but the boy didn't notice, too busy watching the test in front of him.

"Ah, but this time we are allowed to use our quirks, if you recall. You were able to reach over 700 meters for your throw. Midoriya will more than likely use his quirk, so his results will be drastically different." Tenya pointed out.

Hitoshi and Himiko nodded in agreement, though Himiko's head bobbed much faster. Katsuki laughed scornfully, "If he's stupid enough to use his quirk then he deserves to get expelled. That useless Deku has the worst quirk I've ever seen. He can't do shit with it. He's pathetic. The ball won't even go a meter if he tries!"

Izuku had reached the circle when he overheard Katsuki yell. He glanced back his way, meeting the explosive boy's eyes.

Himiko growled under her throat, and Hitoshi looked over at her worriedly, wondering if he should move so he wasn't in the fanged girl's way when she inevitably attacked Katsuki. While Hitoshi wondered if he was going to see a murder today, Tenya looked at Izuku before turning towards Katsuki, confused, "I can't say I follow your logic. How can you call a quirk that was able to make one of those zero point monsters explode weak?"

Katsuki's eyes went wide as he whirled to face Tenya as the rest of the class also began to ask questions, overhearing their conversation.

"WHAT!?"

"Wait, you mean that guy over there took out the huge robot?"

"Dude, no way! I ran away from that thing as fast as I could"

"C'est vrai! I was there. His glow was dazzling!"

"That's so manly!"

"You're serious? How'd he manage that?"

Izuku hearing the commotion behind him, turned to look and was surprised that so many of his classmates were gathered around Tenya and Hitoshi with Ochako laughing off to the side. Tenya was making some wild hand gestures then pointed right at Izuku. Everyone turned to look at him.

Katsuki's voice roared over everyone elses,"THERE'S NO FUCKING WAY DEKU TOOK OUT ONE OF THOSE! HE CAN'T LIFT UP A FUCKING NOTEBOOK, MUCH LESS BLOW UP A GIANT GOD DAMNED ROBOT!"

Oh, Izuku guessed, Iida or Shinso must have told them about the practical test. Kacchan is taking it...well.

"That's enough!"

Aizawa's voice cut through all the other students question, silencing them instantly, "Midoriya, take your throw."

Izuku nodded. He started to turn back around, his gaze passing over Ochako who was smiling at him. She gave him a quick thumbs up. When his gaze fell onto Katsuki he stopped. Katsuki was almost snarling at him.

No more hiding, Kacchan.

Izuku, looking Katsuki dead in the eye, lifted a hand up, and pulled the ball off the ground and quickly into his hand with a crisp clap. Katsuki flinched at the sound.

Can't lift a notebook, huh?

Izuku stared Katsuki down, not in anger, but confidence, before fully turning around and facing the field. Izuku held his arm out to the side, hand facing up. A blazing green aura engulfed Izuku as he unchleched his hand, releasing the ball so that is floated a few inches above his palm. The ball began to glow brighter as Izuku built up the force to fire it. Swinging his arm out, hand now facing the field, Izuku's arm was like a cannon ready to fire.

Watch this Kacchan!

Twisting his hand, and giving the ball a little spin, Izuku let all the force built up go and yelled, "SMASH," as he fired the ball. There was no loud explosion. No sudden flash of light. Just Izuku's scream, and the sharp pop as the ball ripped through the air.

A few students mumbled amongst themselves, having expected something flashier from someone who had taken out a zero point faux villain. Some looked over to their teacher, waiting for him to show everyone the distance on his remote. When the device didn't ding right away, indicating the ball had landed, a few more students turned their attention towards him. Seconds crept by until the remote went off, and Aizawa showed the class the score.

705.4 meters.

Ochako cheered first, "Way to go, Deku!"

She was quickly followed by startled shouts and surprised gasps as everyone else reacted to the score.

"Whoa, he got further than the first guy!"

What the fuck!?

"Did you see that spin? Looked like he was showing off."

What the fuck!?

"No, that was actually a clever idea. He mimicked how a canon is rifled to make the projectile go further."

What the fuck!?

"Kero, strong and smart. That's a good combo."

What the fuck!?

"Hey, why can you say that, but not me?"

The more people praised Izuku, the angrier Katsuki got.

What the fuck was with all that power!? He's never been able to do anything like that! He's never…

Katsuki thought back to a year ago, to his encounter with that villain. When Izuku had rushed in to help.

So that really was him!?

For a few days after the attack, Katsuki was convinced Izuku had been lying about his quirk. However after his talk with Ochako, and the fact that Izuku never showed that kind of power again, Katsuki had convinced himself that something else had happened that day. What it was, he'd never decided on, but he was sure that Izuku was not the reason he had been thrown clear of that monster. But now? After seeing Izuku use his quirk to beat his score, he knew.

So all this time, ALL THIS TIME HE'S BEEN LIKE THIS! Was it all some kind of game to him? Did he think it was funny, tricking me? Was he laughing at me behind my back?

Sparks and fire flashed in Katsuki's palms as he yelled and charged out onto the field making a beeline right for Izuku, "Deku! You lying bastard! You're going to tell me what the fu-urk!"

Katsuki was so focused on Izuku, he never saw that someone had chased after him. Only making it halfway to his goal, his world came to a sudden, screeching, halt. A vice like grip grabbed his wrist and stopped all his momentum before yanking him backwards and flipping him up and over, slamming him onto his back and into the ground with a hard thud. Immediately after both of his hands were wretched upward, and twisted outward, so that his explosions could not reach his attacker. Katsuki looked up wanting to see who had the balls to touch him. He only had just enough time to register the attacker's yellow eyes, and fanged snarl. Opening his mouth to yell, Himiko cut him off by pressing her foot into his throat, so that the only sound that escaped was a little strained squeak.

"And what do you think you were going to do to my Izuku?"

Katsuki's hands sparked and crackled but with his palms facing away, Himiko was safe from them. Initially at least. Himiko could feel Katsuki's arms tense, he was readying himself for a larger explosion to rip himself free, but just as he was about to fight back, the sparks in his palms fizzled out, at the same time, long straps of cloth wrapped themselves around Himiko's arms and body.

"That's enough out of both of you. Toga, get off of him. Now."

Aizawa gave the long cloth he had Himiko wrapped in a tug, further incentivising her to relent. Shooting her teacher a dark glare, she eased up the pressure on Katsuki's throat before releasing his hands and taking a step back, holding her arms up in surrender. Katsuki coughed as he sat up, looking down at his hands in confusion, "Why can't I use my quirk? What did you do to me, you bitch?"

"Toga didn't do anything. I erased your quirk," Aizawa answered.

Izuku gapsed, wide eyed, "You erased Kacchan's quirk?"

Izuku saw the red gleam coming from his teachers eyes and then noticed a pair of goggles hanging from the teachers necks, that had been hidden by the straps of cloth, "Those goggles! And you can erase other people's Quirks just by looking at them. You're The Erasure Hero, Eraser Head!"

While the rest of the class talked amongst themselves over this revelation, Aizawa released Himiko and looked away from Katsuki, pulling his capture cloth back around his neck, "You two settle down. I'm not going to put up with fighting amongst my students. And stop making me use my quirk when I don't need to. I have dry-eye. Now, all three of you, get back in line so the next student can go."

Standing up, Katsuki glanced back at Izuku angrily before stomping back to his place with the other students, ignoring the death glare he was getting from Himiko. Once he was back with the others, Izuku walked up to Himiko, "Um, thank you Toga. I can't believe how easily you took down Kacchan."

Himiko head snapped back, her frown disappearing instantly, replaced with a huge smile, "Oh Izuku, it was nothing really. But how are you? That must have been so scary! Here, let me walk you back, just in case that meanie decides to try again."

"Oh no, that's oka-" Izuku trailed off when Himiko wrapped her arms around Izuku's arm and pressed herself against him. Dumbfounded, Izuku could only obediently walk besides Himiko as they walked back.

"Yaoyorozu, you're next."

Ochako politely pushed by a few students as she hurried to get to Izuku. When passing by Katsuki however, she made sure to 'accidentally' bump her shoulder into him, whispering "enjoying 2nd place?"

She didn't bother to listen to his retort as she moved on, finally getting to Izuku. With Himiko still wrapped around him. She forced herself to smile, grinding her teeth as she did, "Thank you, Toga, for looking out for Deku. But he's fine now, so you don't have to hold onto him like that anymore."

Himiko pretended like she thought about her answer, "No, I think I'll stay. I want to stay here and keep Izuku safe just in case."

Ochako's eye twitch, "But Deku's fine. And you're making him uncomfortable. Right, Deku?"

"Um…"

Himiko rubbed herself against his arm, "It don't think I'm bothering him at all. You don't mind, do you Izuku?"

"Um…"

Katsuki crossed his arms as he watched, whatever it was that was happening, happen to Izuku, "The fuck is going on over there?"

"I know right, it's disgusting."

Katsuki turned, and looked down. Minoru was standing next to him, looking very annoyed, "The ratio of boys to girls in this class is screwed up, and that guy is already two girls deep into a harem. Leave some for the rest of us you greedy bastard!"

"The fuck is wrong with you?"

Izuku hopelessly looked between Himiko and Ochako. Not sure what he was supposed to do. Or what was even going on. There was some kind of tension between the two girls, but he had no idea as to why. Competitiveness perhaps. The fear of getting kicked out must have them both on edge, was the only conclusion Izuku could come up with. There was absolutely no reason for Ochako to be upset with Himiko after all.

"Hey, is that girl taking her top off to use her quirk!?"

Izuku blinked, Wait what?

In a moment of impromptu teamwork, Himiko turned Izuku away while Ochako covered his eyes with her hands, preventing him from being able to look.

"Guys, hey, I can't see!"

"EXACTLY!" Ochako and Himiko replied in tandem.

"But I want to see!"

"...Is Izuku a pervert?" Himiko's grip on his arm tightened.

"Deku…" Ochako's up held pinkies twitch, coming close to touching Izuku.

Izuku felt the air around him get much much colder, and quickly realized he needed to clarify what he wanted to see, "NO! NO NOT THAT! Her quirk! I need to see how her quirk works so I can take notes!"

Himiko's grip loosened some, though she made no move to let Izuku go, "Oh, for your notebook. Well that's okay then. I was worried for a second you were a pervert."

"I'm sorry for doubting you, Deku. I knew you weren't the kind of boy to get excited over that kind of thing." Ochako didn't take her hands away either.

"Um… so can I look?"

"No."

"Nope"

Izuku, very wisely, didn't show how disappointed he was.

"But," Ochako continued, "I'll describe what's going on for you."

Himiko nodded, "Yeah, we'll give you a great description."

"Oh, okay then. So what's she doing?"

Ochako glanced over Izuku's shoulder, "She's facing away from us, with her tracksuit opened up. Her front is glowing a little I think. There's like rainbow sparkles or something..."

A loud metallic thud interrupted Ochako. Ochako's mouth hung open in shock, so Himiko continued on for her, "Soooo, that girl just plopped out a giant cannon from her chest."

"WAIT WHAT!? How'd she do that!? Details, I need details!"

"Oh look, she closed her top. I guess you can look now, Izuku."

With the girls letting him go, Izuku quickly turned around and confirmed that indeed, the tall girl was now standing besides a huge cannon.

"Incredible, how did she make something like that. It's obviously heavier than she is. Some kind of mass transfer? But where did she get all the materials to make it…."

As Izuku mumbled to himself, Himiko gave him a curious look, "He sure loves quirks huh?"

Ochako sighed, "You have no idea."

"Are there...quirks that he hates?"

The hesitation in Himiko's voice caught Ochako's attention, who glance over at the other girl, "I've never heard Deku say he hates any kind of quirk."

"Oh, that's...that's good."

Ochako watched as several emotions crossed Himiko's face. Concern and worry before she had answered, then surprise and relief, before that wide grin returned to her.

While Ochako and Himiko chatted, Tenya and Hitoshi walked over to join them. Hitoshi gave Izuku a concerned look, "Is that normal?"

"For Deku? Yeah. You learn to tune it out."

Tenya rubbed his chin as he looked out to the field, "I wonder what's she's planning to with that?"

"Well, the whole point is to use our quirks to throw the ball right," Ochako reasoned, "So I think it's pretty obvious."

Sure enough, while everyone in the class was busy talking, Momo calmly dropped the ball into the canon's barrel, turning towards her classmates she smiled, "please cover your ears."

Once she saw everyone was ready, she pulled out a pair of acoustic earmuffs and put them on. Then calmly pressed down on the firing pin, firing the canon. The bang ripped through the air, making more than a few students flinch back from the force of it. After a bit Momo took off her earmuffs and looked towards Aizawa, eager to see her score. With a beep, the remote registered the distance, and Aizawa showed the group the number. Katsuki just about swallowed his tongue.

1.08 Kilometers

"HOLY SHIT!"

"Dude, how are we supposed to compete with this!? The last three are getting ridiculous scores!"

"That's a recommended student for you. Scary."

"She had great boobs."

"...Keep being creepy, and I'm going to melt you."

Izuku groaned into his hands, "Well, so much for first place."

Ochako started laughing as she patted him on the back, "Look at the bright side, Deku."

"Hmm?"

Between laughs Ochako finished, "Bakugou got bumped down to third."

Katsuki glared angrily at Ochako, who just started to laugh more. Himiko soon joined her, while Izuku fretted between the two, "come on you two, don't antagonize him."

Someone from the class laughed out, "Hey dude, you gonna go charge her too? She just creamed your score worse than the other guy!"

"YOU GOT SOMETHING TO SAY, LIGHTNING DOLT?!"

Izuku's jaw hit the ground, shocked that someone, anyone, was giving Katsuki a hard time. Ochako bent over as she started to laugh even harder.

"Uraraka! You're last on the list. Take your throw and then we'll move on to the next test."

Ochako quickly got control of her laughing, "Yes, Mr. Aizawa."

Izuku flashed her a smile and a thumbs up.

Making her way to the circle she slowed when she saw Momo struggling to move the cannon she had created.

"Sorry, I'll have this out of your way in a moment. I put it on wheels so it'd be easy to move… in theory."

"So the stuff you make is permanent?" Ochako asked as she tapped her knuckles on the metal barrel.

"Yes. It's not a projection or solid hologram. I convert my fat cells into the matter I need to create the object. Though since it comes out of my body, anything in the way gets destroyed..."

It clicked for Ochako, "Oh, that's why you…"

Momo blushed, "yeah… Though hopefully, if they were able to make my costume to the spec's I requested that shouldn't be an issue in the field."

Ochako nodded, having to get naked every time you would need to use your quirk could be complicated, "Here, let me give you a hand with that."

Momo started to protest; she had made the thing, it should be her responsibility to remove it; but Ochako wouldn't hear it. Tapping the cannon with her fingers, Ochako lifted it up, making Momo, and several of the students behind her gasp, "Here, this should be easier right? Just put it wherever you want."

"How?"

"I just turned off its gravity is all."

Momo nodded and carried off the canon, and finding a good place that was out of the way, laid it on the ground. Seeing Momo put the cannon down, Ochako tapped her fingers together, "and release."

Momo kicked one of the cannons wheels, confirming that it was heavy again.

With that taken care of, Ochako reached down and picked up one of the balls to make her throw. Despite the seriousness of the whole test, she couldn't stop herself from taking a quick glance back, right towards Katsuki and smirk. Looking back to her front, Ochako wound up her throw, and with no fan fair, threw the ball as hard as she could, making sure she floated it first.

Ochako and the class watched as the ball went up, up, up before disappearing into the blue sky. It took Aizawa's remote almost a minute before it finally beeped with a reading.

Infinity.

"OH, COME ON! REALLY? SHE GOT INFINITY!?"

"Okay, dude, are you going to scream every time someone gets a good score?"

"700, 700, 1000, and now infinity. We are screwed."

Ochako took a moment to bask in her victory before walking back to her friends. She caught Katsuki out of the corner of her eye, fuming and made sure to flash him a quick 'four' with her fingers. When she made it back, Izuku had a huge grin on his face, despite the fact he had been knocked down to third place in the event. Tenya chopped at the air, "A very impressive throw, Uraraka. I had no idea you were so strong."

"No kidding," Hitoshi added, "You also lifted that canon no problem. How'd you do that?"

"I can turn off an object's gravity."

Izuku added, "That's how the other girl was able to carry the canon after Ochako handed it to her."

"Ah," Hitoshi nodded, "Now that makes sense."

"Alright," Aizawa cut off the students discussions, "next will be the long distance run. I want you all on the oval track. Your goal is to complete as many laps as you can before the time runs out. Get to your places; I'll signal when you are to begin."

The class quickly moved to the track, not wanting to give their scary new teacher a reason to get annoyed with them. As everyone took up their places, Izuku glanced over at Hitoshi worriedly; he hadn't scored the lowest in the last test, but he had still been pretty low. Aizawa's warning still echoed in his mind. If Hitoshi didn't impress him even for one of the tests, he was going to be expelled. It wasn't fair, and he wanted to help so badly, but it wouldn't be the right thing to do. So he had held back during the ball toss. He wanted to have faith in him. He did have faith in him. But it was still nerve wracking.

"Deku? You alright?"

Izuku quickly tried to smile, "Sorry Uraraka. Just… this is a heck of a first day."

"Hey, we got this. A little run around a track is a piece of cake compared to the runs we had to do before."

"Yeah, we got this. No problem."

With the class now all lined up, Aizawa raised his hand, getting everyone's attention. One by one, each student prepared themselves for the run. Hitoshi crouched down, ready to sprint forward, when to his side he saw the cannon girl, Momo, take a few steps back putting herself behind everyone else. Curious he watched as she pulled her tack suit up, not all the way, and pulled a bicycle out of her stomach. Hitoshi looked up to see if this got any reaction from their teacher, but he was clearly unphased.

He did say we are supposed to use our quirks to take these tests. And if a cannon is allowed, a bike is fine too I guess…

Hitoshi looked back at Momo deep in thought. It wasn't fair what he was thinking of doing, but fairness wasn't what was being tested here.

I'll apologize later.

Getting up Hitoshi hurried over to Momo, "Excuse me, that's a neat bike you have."

Momo smiled, "Why thank yo..."

Hitoshi felt his mind control quirk take effect right as she responded to him, "Give me the bike."

Mechanically, Momo rolled the bike to Hitoshi who took it and got on just as Aizawa dropped his hand signaling for them to start. Hitoshi made sure to give Momo a hard bump, knocking her out of his control as he rode off.

"Wait, what just happened!? Where's my bike?"

Izuku, who had been able to pull ahead of most of the group was startled when Hitoshi passed him by, ringing the bell on the bike as he did.

Where did he get that!?

After the long distance run was the 50 meter sprint. Izuku, not having a quirk that boosted his speed, was still able to run near the middle of the pact. Ochako had done what she had done back in the practical exam and flew down the track after floating herself and getting a good kick off the running blocks. Hitoshi finished near the end of the group, while Himiko showed off some impressive speed, beating Izuku by over half a second. To no one's surprise however, Tenya came in first easily, with the help of his engines. Katsuki came in 2nd, much to his annoyance.

The next event was the standing long jump. A few classmates groaned when Ochako took up her position. They already knew or had a good guess as to what was coming, and Ochako was more than happy to prove them right. With a jump and touch, Ochako floated over the sandbox and didn't stop until she reached the other side of the field, and grabbed hold of the fence, not wanting to float out of the school. Aizawa ended up giving her another infinity score. Many other students were able to clear the sand box as well, though nowhere near as far as Ochako. Himiko landed in the sand, though she explained to Izuku later that her flip and twist in the air helped her get further. Izuku wasn't sure how true that was, but it was a very impressive jump, so he was sure to compliment her. She seemed to really like that a lot.

Izuku watched intently as Hitoshi walked up to the line, the desire to help eating away at the back of his mind. Hitoshi took his jump, getting a respectable distance, though still far in the back compared to the students that had help from their quirks. When it was Izuku's turn he tried to be clever and as he jumped, tried to use his psychokinesis on his clothing to pull himself up and forward. Unfortunately he was still not that great holding onto people like this, much less himself. What resulted was him pulling his legs out from underneath himself and face planting into the sand. Worse however was the fact that he had not let go of his clothes when he fell forward, so while he fell, his pants did not. The result was him upside down in the sand, with his sweat pants bunched up around his ankles, and his boxers and legs on full view for the whole class. Unfortunately since he didn't land on his feet, he got last place in the event.

While Katsuki didn't hide how funny he thought it was, most of the other students held themselves back to only soft chuckles or turned away, so as to not to make Izuku anymore embarrassed. Ochako had quickly covered her eyes, and absolutely hadn't peaked through her fingers. Not at all. Nope. To her side however, she heard someone groan, hungrily.

"I-ta-da-ki-ma-su."

Ochako head slowly twisted to the side. Himiko was right beside her, not looking away, and licking her lips.

THIS GIRL!

After Izuku had recovered, the class moved onto the next set of tests. Repeated side steps left many students disheartened when Mineta was able to score ridiculously high thanks to his quirk bouncing him between the lines. With the track and field tests completed, the class moved into a gymnasium to finish. For seated toe touches, Himiko made sure Izuku was watching when she did her test, showing off her flexibility once again, and giggling at how red Izuku became before he quickly looked away.

When it was time for sit ups, Himiko was fast enough to pull Izuku away to be her partner in the test. As she walked away, she flashed Ochako a quick peace sign and a cocky smirk. Ochako fumed as she turned to find herself a partner. However, Tenya and Hitoshi had already partnered up. So had most of the class. The only person left, much to her horror, was Katsuki, who looked just as happy with the turn of events as she was.

The two glared at each other before Katsuki hissed, "Don't try and fuck with me and my score, Round Face."

"Right, like you're worth the effort."

The two ended up grinding their heels into each others toes as they held down their feet for sit ups. This did nothing to stop the two from putting on good scores for their test. Their contempt for each other was a great motivator.

Himiko smiled happily as she knelt down to hold Izuku's feet in place as he did his sit ups. About half way through, his tracksuit top started to ride up, giving Himiko a peek at this belly and abs. She had to bite her lower lip to stop herself from moaning too loud, but this did nothing to stop her from drooling at the sight.

Oh, the things I'm going to do to you.

The final test, grip strength, only had one hiccup when Izuku had to request a new strength meter.

"Deku, what did you do?"

Izuku rubbed the back of his head nervously, "Well I just used my quirk to help me squeeze the thing, and I sorta, accidently, crushed it."

Tenya adjusted his glasses as he looked at the crushed meter, "Well, I suppose that's still a result."

When a piece broke off and fell onto the ground, Ochako let out a chuckle.

Soon afterwards everyone gathered around their teacher, anxiously awaiting the results. Aizawa looked at the results on his device, before looking up at the class. Anyone hoping to a hint from his facial expressions were out of luck. He still had the same tired look to his face.

"Going over all these results will take too much time, so I'll post the final scores."

With a press on the screen, a holographic display flashed up. Immediately everyone started looking for their names, praying they were not at the bottom.

1st. Yaoyorozu Momo

2nd. Todoroki Shoto

3rd. Bakugou Katsuki

4th. Uraraka Ochako

5th. Iida Tenya

6th. Tokoyami Fumikage

7th. Midoriya Izuku

8th. Shoji Mezo

9th. Ojiro Mashirao

10th. Toga Himiko

11th. Kirishima Eijro

12th. Ashido Mina

13th. Koda Koji

14th. Sato Rikido

15th. Asui Tsuyu

16th. Aoyama Yuga

17th. Sero Hanta

18th. Kaminari Denki

19th. Jiro Kyoka

20th. Hagakure Toru

21th. Shinso Hitoshi

22th. Mineta Minoru

Izuku let out a huge sigh of relief, not only was he and Ochako in the clear, but Hitoshi was too. He hadn't been pulled after any of the tests and he had not come in last. Though looking at the results again, seeing that Katsuki was above him was a little annoying, but he couldn't argue that his quirk gave him an edge with most of the tests they had run. He was sure though that Ochako was going to have some words about it too. He was happy for Tenya finishing so high, his engines really gave him a leg up, so to speak, on many of the events.

Himiko finishing in the top 10 was also a welcome sight, even though, thinking back he wasn't sure she ever used her quirk once. All the tests she did, she completed using her own physical abilities. The same could be said for Hitoshi, with the exception of the distance run when he had somehow gotten ahold of one of Momo's bikes, he never used his quirk. Though thinking back he wasn't even sure what their quirks were. Momo making first wasn't that much of a shock to Izuku either. While she may not have gotten first in all the events, her versatility always kept her near the top for every event.

While almost everyone was feeling some kind of relief, one student looked like he had seen a ghost. Minoru stared at his name at the bottom of the list, "oh no…"

The students that heard him, look down at him in sympathy. Reasons aside, it was still a cruel twist to come this close to reaching your dream only for it to be snatched away.

"Oh, one more thing. I lied about last place getting kicked out."

There was a pause as everyone soaked in this new information. Then everyone exploded.

"WHAT!?"

"IT WAS ALL A LIE!?"

"I'M SAFE! OH, THANK YOU, GOD!"

"It was all a clever ruse to make you all fight to your fullest and bring out your quirk's potential. A completely rational deception."

A few students swore they saw their teacher smiling when he said that. It was not a pretty sight.

Aizawa then looked down at Minoru, "however, Mineta, use this test as motivation. If I hadn't been lying, you would be going home. Don't forget that."

"Y-Yes, sir."

"That will be everything for today. Go get changed and collect your syllabi from the class. Read them over and be ready for tomorrow, that's when your tests will really start. Oh, and welcome to U.A."

As the students began to disperse however, Aizawa added, "Midoriya, I would like a word with you."

When he saw a couple of students stop, he added, "Alone."

Ochako gave him a worried look, but Izuku just gave her his best reassuring smile, "I'll catch up with you in a bit."

When everyone else had left, Izuku stood in front of Aizawa, not sure what the teacher wanted to discuss with him.

"Midoriya, you placed first in the entrance exam, didn't you?"

"Oh! Um yes sir."

"With a score over a hundred. Very impressive."

Izuku tried to keep smiling, but the way he had said that didn't make him feel that his teacher was overly impressed.

"And how many of those points were rescue points?"

"Um, 65, sir."

Aizawa nodded, "A couple of times you stopped and helped fellow examinees during the test. You couldn't stop yourself, could you?"

"I guess..." Izuku was not sure what point his teacher was trying to make.

"So, it must have been hard for you not to assist Shinso during the tests."

Izuku's mouth opened and closed a few times before he could find any kind of words, "I...don't…?"

"You overheard my conversation with Shinso, did you not?"

"I…" Izuku wanted to disappear. Aizawa's cold gaze pierced right through him. Finally, Izuku swallowed and nodded his head, "Yes sir, I did hear you."

I'm in trouble. I shouldn't have eavesdropped and now I'm in trouble.

"Of course you did. I made sure you were nearby when I talked to him."

"Huh?"

"If I wanted to have a private discussion with a student, I'd make sure no one else was around. Like now. Not call someone over, and then have the conversation."

"Huh!?"

"The gym bag. I had you come get it, remember?"

Wait, wait a second!

"Mr. Aizawa, are you saying you wanted me to hear you threaten to expel Shinso!? Why?"

"Because I wanted to see what you would do. You'd already demonstrated you did not understand when to step into a situation and when to step back."

Izuku blinked in confusion, before it clicked for him, "You mean when I destroyed the zero pointer? How I knocked myself out?"

"Correct. You stepped into save someone, fine. But afterwards you left yourself in a situation where you were the one that needed to be saved. What would have happened if the wreckage had started to fall on you? Would you want someone to risk their life to save you when it wasn't necessary?"

"I just… I just didn't want anyone else to get hurt."

"And yet, someone did. I said I didn't want liabilities in my class Midoriya, and I meant that."

Izuku had nothing to say.

"As far as I was concerned, you were a liability. Someone that rushes into danger without thinking of the consequences is a danger not just to themselves, but the people around who would then try and save them."

Aizawa paused as he looked down at Izuku. The boy was quelled and cowed, not even looking up at him anymore.

"So knowing what I know about you so far, you being someone that does not hesitate to stick his neck out for others, why didn't you try and help Shinso, knowing he had the greatest chance to be kicked out?"

"I wanted to. I really did, but the more I thought about it, the more it didn't seem right. Helping Shinso would be the same as hurting one of my other classmates. And...it also meant I didn't have faith that he'd be able to make it, and that wasn't fair to him either."

"Those are the only reasons?"

"...I also wasn't sure I'd be able to do it, and not be completely obvious about it. I glow after all. Hard to make that not noticeable."

"So you exercised restraint?"

"I...yes."

"Good, then you did exactly what I wanted you to do."

Izuku's eyes widened as he looked up at his teacher, "I did?"

"You did. I was watching you, to see what you would do."

I guess that explains all the cold shivers I was getting.

"And if you had tried anything, I would have expelled you right then and there."

Izuku gulped loudly.

"But you didn't. You exercised restraint and better judgment. I expect you to keep doing that from now on, understand."

"Yes, yes sir!"

"Good. You can go now. I'm sure you have friends waiting for you."

Bowing, Izuku hurried away, relieved that at least, he had passed his teachers other test. Watching Izuku leave, Aizawa sighed to himself already getting a feeling that the boy was going to be a problem child for the rest of his school tenure. Walking back towards the teachers lounge Aizawa paused when he turned a corner and found All Might leaning against a wall, waiting for him.

"Aizawa, that was quite the lie you just spun. Too bad April Fools was last week."

"So, that was you skulking about. Stealth is not one of your strong suits; you should leave that to the professionals."

"Hmm, The lie about the expulsion is bad enough, considering that you expelled an entire class of first years last year, but then to use one student to trap another is a different level of cruelty altogether."

"Oh, so you overheard all of that too?"

"I did. Going after Midoriya like that was rather harsh, don't you think?"

"The world is cruel, All Might. If he wasn't ready for this, then he shouldn't be here."

"And yet you let him stay?"

"He showed that he learned his lesson from the entrance exam, at least to a degree."

All Might smiled, "So you see the same potential in him too then."

Aizawa turned and looked at All Might, an eyebrow cocked up, "'Too' huh? You seem to be rooting for him pretty hard. Is that something a teacher should be doing when he has over 40 other students he has to teach."

"Er..."

"It's simple, he showed he was willing to learn from his mistakes and not let himself become a liability. If he hadn't, he'd be gone. It's as simple as that. Better to cut him off now, then let him get himself hurt or killed. I doubt he, his friend, or his family wants that. There's nothing worse than seeing those you care about die."

"So you're trying to be kind then?"

Aizawa just shrugged and walked away, leaving All Might alone with his thoughts, "Well Young Midoriya, you were able to pass your first test, but I hope you're ready. Your journey is only just beginning."

---

After getting talked to by Aizawa, everyone else had already changed, so Izuku was left alone in the locker room to change. Once changed, Izuku checked his phone, wondering if Ochako would say where she was waiting for him so they could head home. Sure enough, there was a notification that he had a message.

Uraraka: Hey! Hope u aren't in trble. Im at the front of the scool. O others r with me!

Oh, she with everyone? I better hurry then, I don't want to make them wait too long.

As he closed his locker, a thought crossed his mind. Tapping on his phone, he made a quick call.

"Hey Mom... No, nothing's wrong. The day's over, so I'm headed back pretty soon…. Yeah, it was a good day…. Actually I wanted to ask you something…. Would it be okay if I brought some people over that I met today?... It's alright? Great! I still have to ask them, so I'll let you know if they can… Love you too Mom."

Putting his phone away, Izuku hurried back to class and picked up his syllabus from the empty classroom. Making his way out of the school, he quickly found everyone at the front entrance. Ochako saw him and waved, "Hey Dek-!"

"Izuku!"

Himiko cut her off as she broke off from the group and hurried over to him, once again latching herself onto his arm. Ochako did an excellent job not cracking any of her teeth as she ground them together trying to keep a straight face.

"Oh, Izuku, I was so worried when that mean teacher asked you to stay. What did he want? I tried to stay and listen, but someone," Himiko glanced over her shoulder at Tenya giving him an annoyed stare, "said that eavesdropping was unbecoming of a hero."

"It is! A hero must not fall prey to such uncouth habits."

Himiko stuck out her tongue at him, sending the boy into a sputter. Ochako walked up to the two, pulling Himiko off the blushing green boy and moving so that she was between the two, though she tried to be subtle about it. Or as subtle as she could, anyways.

Ignoring the look Himiko was giving her, Ochako asked, "What did Mr. Aizawa want, Deku? Any problems?"

"Oh?" Izuku rung his hands together as he thought about what he would say, "Um, Mr. Aizawa wanted to discuss my entrance exam performance. That's all."

Tenya rubbed his chin, "Your exam? Was there some kind of issue with your results?"

"Er, not so much the results, but how I got them."

Ochako looked at Izuku, her eyes searching his face for a tell, "Was it about you giving yourself a concussion?"

"Yeah, pretty much." Izuku confirmed.

"Eh!? Izuku, what did you do to yourself?" Himiko exclaimed in alarm.

"It's not as bad as it sounds!"

Ochako narrowed her eyes dangerously while Hitoshi chimed in, "Obviously not, if our teacher pulled you aside to talk to you about it."

"Yes, you were in a very bad state when Recovery Girl took you away." Tenya added.

Izuku sighed, "He just wanted to make sure I understood that taking on the zero pointer like I did wasn't exactly…"

"Smart? Clever? In any way a good idea?" Ochako finished for him, curtly.

"...Yeah, that." Izuku sighed.

Tenya nodded in approval, "I think it's very appropriate that the issue was addressed. Very responsible of Mr. Aizawa. Though I can not say I approve of his past deception. Lying in such a way is unbecoming of a hero."

"Unbecoming or not, it was a hell of a motivator. It sure got me going, that's for sure." Hitoshi said, shuddering slightly at the memory of the tests, his own talk with the teacher, and what could have happened if he had failed.

Himiko looked at him, "You did see pretty nervous during the tests."

"I did? I thought I kept myself calm."

Himiko shook her head, "I'm pretty good at watching people. You might as well have been in the middle of a freak out."

Izuku smiled happily, "Well, it all worked out in the end. No one got expelled, I'd say that's a good first day."

"And you learned not to be stupid with your quirk." Ochako added.

"Yep, a good first day." Izuku kept smiling as he ignored Ochako. Earning himself a glare not just from Ochako, but Himiko as well.

Sensing that he had better change the subject, Izuku nervously asked, "Hey, I don't want to presume, but do you three have any plans for the rest of the day?"

"Nope, I am completely free!" Himiko answered immediately.

"I don't think I have any plans." Hitoshi said after some thought.

"Hmm I was planning on turning in early. Early to bed, early to rise. But that's not for another few hours. Did you wish to do something, Midoriya?"

"Well, would you all would like to join me and Uraraka for dinner at my house with my mom?"

"Sure, if you're offering."

"If its not too much trouble for you mother to cook for all of us, then I would be honored."

"YES YES! Absolutely...wait you and Uraraka?" Himiko started enthusiastically before looking at Ochako, her smile flattening into a neutral line.

Ochako felt herself puff up some, smiling, "Oh I've been eating with Deku and his mother for a year now."

"A year?"

"Yep"

"And you're friends?"

"Best friends."

"A year eating together with his mother and still friends?"

"Yes?"

Himiko's smile returned, "You're still just best friends; that's so sweet."

While no one picked up on Himiko's wording, Ochako's smile did falter some.

Why do I feel like I just lost?

Tenya and Hitoshi made quick phone calls, making sure they were fine to stay out longer with their friends. After getting the okay, the group started to leave the school grounds, looking forward to enjoying a nice meal together with their new friends. However, as Izuku turned around a corner he came to a sudden stop when he saw Katsuki, leaning against the wall just on the other side of the school's main gate.

"Kacchan?"

To Izuku side, Ochako bristled at the sight of the boy, eyes narrowing and knuckles popping as she clenched her fist.

Hitoshi and Tenya gave each other inquisitive looks, while they did not understand what exactly was going on between the three, or especially between Izuku and Katsuki, it was enough to get their friends to act defensive, so they made sure to close ranks next to Izuku.

Himiko bright smile turned into a snarl, putting her fangs on full display as she slowly slid her hand into her school bag. Her previously thought of a stabbing solution was beginning to sound a lot better to her the longer she had to look at Katsuki.

Katsuki frowned as he pushed off the wall and walked over towards Izuku. He gave everyone a sour look, his gaze lingering on Ochako then Himiko, absently rubbing his neck, before he stopped and looked directly at Izuku.

"Deku."

"Yes Kacchan?"

"Fuck you."

His message delivered, Katsuki stomped off, leaving the group in several different stages of bewilderment and sputtering offense. Tenya's arms chopped at the air towards the direction Kasuki walked off, "THAT is the most disrespectful, unheroic person I think I have ever seen."

"Did he seriously wait at the gate just to say that?" Hitoshi shook his head, not sure what to make of Katsuki at all.

Izuku laughed, "Yeah… Kacchan's a… um... character for sure."

Himiko pulled her hand out of her bag and crossed her arms, "Is he in love with you or something?"

"WHAT!? NO IT'S NOT THAT AT ALL!" Izuku yelled out, startled at Himiko's suggestion. Ochako bent over laughing at the very idea. It was just too funny.

"What, he waited for you after school, and everything. Either he's in love with you and is a complete tsundere, or he's a stalker."

Izuku waved the idea off, "No, you got it all wrong, Toga."

"Is he in love with Uraraka and jealous of you?" Hitoshi threw in.

Ochako looked mortified then went a little green looking sick, while Izuku again waved off the notion, "Again, it's not like that at all!"

"Then what is going on, Midoriya?" Asked Tenya, "You clearly have some kind of past with him, and it's clearly not pleasant? Did something happen between you two?"

Ochako, seeing her opening was about to unload everything she knew about Katsuki, happy that finally more people would know the kind of evil crap he had put Izuku through. Izuku however cut her off, "It's complicated."

"Complicated?" Hitoshi repeated.

"Um, very complicated."

Tenya, Hitoshi and Himiko looked at Izuku in varying degrees of doubt, then turned to look at Ochako, who was absolutely besides herself.

"Deku…." Ochako was doing an excellent job not exploding at that very moment.

Izuku quickly continued, "Look, Kacchan and me do have a history, but since it's a new year, and we're at a new school I'd rather not drag up old history. If you could leave it at that, I'd be very grateful."

"Deku! He CHARGED you after your throw! He was probably waiting here to do something else then curse at you. If everyone wasn't here then-!"

"Uraraka, please. This is my choice. Please respect it."

Ochako's face contorted and twisted, before she took a very, very deep breath, "...fine.

Everyone else nodded, "If that's what you want, Midoriya, we won't pry further," Tenya said.

"Thank you."

With that issue dealt with, at least for the moment, the five continued on their way to Izuku's house. The walk was pleasant, with everyone taking part in the small talk. When they finally arrived at Izuku's place, Inko was waiting for them, a huge smile on her face, "Welcome to our home. It's so nice to meet more of my boys friends."

"We're honored by the invitation, Mrs. Midoriya. Thank you so much for allowing us into your home." Tenya said as he bowed respectfully.

"Oh please, any friend of my son is welcome here."

Himiko moved past everyone, "Is there anything you need help with for dinner. Anything to prep, or wash? I can cut stuff up, I'm really good with a knife."

Hitoshi shook his head at what Himiko was obviously doing.

Wow, she's not even going to hide how much she's trying to butter his mom up

Looking to his side, he confirmed he wasn't the only one to notice as Ochako's eye was twitching something fierce.

"Oh, aren't you just precious. So nice to be willing to help but no, I was able to get everything ready before you all arrived. Izuku, why don't you show them where they can wash up and get seated. I'll have everything ready then."

Soon everyone was seated at the table, Himiko quickly grabbing a chair next to Izuku, and Ochako grabbing the other. Inko blinked as she watched the two, covering her mouth to hide a soft chuckle. With food served everyone was chatting happily. Soon the topic of that morning's test was brought up, with Izuku happily recalling all the different quirks that each classmate used along with everyone.

"...Then there was that other recommendation student, Todoroki. All the different ways he was using his ice was crazy. Making one of the lanes in the track a skating rink was pretty clever." Hitoshi said after finishing a bite of food.

Ochako nodded, "I was impressed with just how much ice he made and how much force he can put behind it. When he made that ice spike to launch the ball? What was it, like twenty feet long when he was done?"

"He's strong sure, but he's as cold as his quirk. During the recommendation test some guy tried to be friendly with him and he got the cold shoulder." Himiko recalled.

Tenya thought back, "he was pretty standoffish this morning, but so were a few of the other students."

Ochako shrugged, "could be first day jitters. Not everyone is super friendly right off the bat." Ochako shot Himiko a quick side eyed glare, but the other girl made no sign she saw or cared.

"There was the other thing that he did that was super interesting," Izuku mentioned, getting everyone's attention.

"What other thing, Deku?"

"Well, after each test, he melted and evaporated all the ice he made, so he must have some kind of heat based quirk."

Tenya rubbed his chin, "I never considered that. Incredible, your powers of observation are truly remarkable."

"Only when it comes to quirks," Ochako teased.

Izuku blushed, "well, it makes sense when you think about who his father is. I'm actually surprised he has an ice quirk."

"Huh?"

"What do you mean, Deku?"

Izuku looked at everyone surprised they couldn't follow his logic, "Todoroki… his last name?"

Himiko scratched her head, "Yeah, what about it?"

"The number two hero Endeavor is Todoroki Enji."

Ochako's eyes went wide, while Tenya slapped his forehead, "Oh, of course! It's so obvious. He must be Endeavor's son. How did I miss that?"

"Yeah like I said, its weird he has an ice quirk. He must have some kind of fire like his dad if he can melt all that ice. I wonder why he wasn't using it during the test. If he could do stuff like his dad, he probably would have gotten first place in the final scores."

Hitoshi shrugged, "maybe its a control issue, or maybe heating things is the limit of what he can do. Just because his dad has a fire quirk doesn't mean he'd have it."

"Technically Endeavor's quirk is hellflame, not fire."

Everyone stared blankly at Izuku, who slumped into his chair.

"Like I said, only quirks."

Himiko laughed while Hitoshi shook his head, "any more quirk knowledge you want to drop on us, Midoriya?"

"No, don't say that. That notebook he has is his 14th!" Ochako cried in mock horror.

"Uraraka!"

"Well it is! Once you start, you don't stop."

Izuku pouted, but soon broke into a small laugh, "okay, maybe I am a little bad."

This time Inko was the one to laugh.

"MOM! Not you too!"

"I'm sorry dear, really. But a little? It's not nice to lie to our guests."

Everyone laugh while Izuku took a few bites of his dinner in silence. Then he looked over at Himiko and Hitoshi, "Actually speaking of quirks, there was something I wanted to ask you two if that's okay?"

Hitoshi and Himiko glanced at each other before shrugging, "Sure, Midoriya, what'd you want?"

"Well during the test, I don't think I saw either of you use your quirks. I was just wondering what your quirks are."

Himiko's smile faltered while Hitoshi rubbed the back of his head nervously. Izuku seeing that neither were entirely comfortable with the subject added quickly, "I'm sorry, if you don't want to you don't have to! I didn't mean to upset you guys."

"No, no its fine, Midoriya. Honestly, since I'm in the hero course people are going to figure out what my quirk is sooner rather than later. Yaoyorozu already knows about it after I used it on her during the test, and apologized to her…. So glad she was so understanding. I don't think I want a person that can just make a cannon angry at me."

"Does your quirk have something to do with how you were able to get that bike from her?" Ochako asked.

Tenya nodded, "I was wondering about that too. She did seem quite upset with you right after that test."

Hitoshi sighed, "Yeah, like I said, very lucky she was so forgiving and understanding."

"So what did you do? Does it have something to do with your quirk?"

"Yeah. See, my quirk is brainwashing. When someone responds to something I say, I can take control of their body."

Hitoshi waited for the inevitable. He'd grown up with people freaked out by his quirk, so he had no reason to expect anything different here. No matter how kind a person was, they would always be unnerved by the idea of someone else being able to control them.

"That's so cool! Does it have a range? How many people can you control at a time? Does it have to be a vocal response or would something like nodding set it off?" Izuku let loose a barrage of questions..

"Oh, that explains how you were able to get her bike. That's very clever," Ochako added.

Tenya agreed, "Yes, for a test that was supposed to test us on using our quirks to get the best score, you were able to capitalize on a chance expertly."

"With a quirk like that, I bet you'd be super dangerous for villains," Himiko reasoned .

Hitoshi was thrown for a loop, clearly not expecting this kind of reaction at all, "Wait? None of you think my quirk is scary?"

Everyone exchanged some quick glances before Izuku spoke up, "why would we think that?"

"I mean, it's a pretty evil quirk right?"

Izuku jolted up, alarmed, "Says who?!"

"That's just...how it is. When you think about it, my quirk would be great if I was a villain."

Ochako frowned, "do you want to be a villain?"

"No."

"Have you ever used your quirk to hurt someone?"

"No!"

"Then why would we be scared? You're a good person. You want to help people, and I think you have a quirk that will let you do that."

Hitoshi looked at everyone at the table, "you all think that?"

"Of course."

"You have nothing to worry about!"

"You do realize there are people and heroes out there that have way scarier quirks than that right? Doesn't the number 2 hero, fire-stache or whatever, like, burn people up on a regular basis? That's way scarier than what you got."

Hitoshi took a second to compose himself, "Thank you. That's the first time anyone has said something nice about my quirk."

Himiko shrugged, "Then it sounds like you were dealing with idiots."

"It does sound like you were dealing with some of the same issues my Izuku was dealing with in junior high as well." Inko added.

Hitoshi looked over at Izuku, "wait, you had problems? With a powerful quirk like yours?"

Izuku rubbed his head embarrassed, "yeah, sorta. I spent the last year preparing for the entrance exam, as a result my quirk is like it is now. But before that, I couldn't really do much with it, and I got picked on a lot because of it."

Himiko thought back to earlier in the day, "Is that why that angry dandelion fu- jerk was so surprised when you scorched his throw score?"

Ochako broke out into a fit, "Angry Dandelion, oh that's a good one."

"Yeah, that was the first time Kacchan has ever seen me use my quirk like that."

Ochako grumbled loud enough for everyone to hear, "Second time actually. But he likes to forget you saved his freaking life."

Inko sighed sadly, "Oh dear, you're in the same class as Katsuki again?"

Tenya waved his hands, as he tried to make sense of what he had just heard, "Wait, wait, wait. You saved his life, and he talks about you in such a disrespectful manner?"

Izuku chuckled sadly, "Like I said, Kacchan and I are complicated."

Everyone stared at Izuku dumbfounded; each had different thoughts on Izuku's desire not to discuss his past troubles with Katsuki and try to start fresh with a new year and school. Izuku, sensing the unease around him, quickly moved to try and change the subject, "So ,um, Toga. What about you. Your quirk I mean. Could you tell us what it is?"

Ochako, knowing Izuku was just trying to change the subject, begrudgingly let it slide, "...Yeah. Did you even use your quirk once during the tests?"

The attention now on her, Himoko shifted around in her chair, "Oh, um no. My quirk...is a little complicated. I need...certain resources to use it, which I didn't have at the time."

Izuku perked up at that, "your quirk needs resources? Like what?"

How interesting. So she needs something to allow her to use her quirk? Is it like the hero Cementoss? He can control anything made with cement but can't actually create it.

Himiko gulped, while normally she would be thrilled to have Izuku's undivided attention, the subject was less than ideal. She hadn't been lying to Hitoshi when she had said there were scarier quirks out there. The problem was she was very aware that her quirk could easily fall into that category, even if she didn't think it was all that bad.

But Uraraka did say that Izuku doesn't hate quirks. So maybe…

Before Himiko could answer, a sudden ring interrupted everything. Started Himiko patted at her skirt pockets, "Oh! That's my phone."

Pulling the phone out, Himiko checked the caller I.D and groaned, "Oh...I may be in trouble…"

"Toga, what's wrong?"

"He he he, I may have… forgoten to tell some important people I was coming out here to have dinner with you all. Whoops. Yeah, I have to take this, one sec."

"Hi Hi!...Yeah, yeah I know…. Yes I know the rules…. Yes I understand my situation is sensitive…. But I got invited out to dinner…. Oh no, not a date. Don't ask such embarrassing things…. Um where am I?... My friend Izuku's place…. Can I prove it?"

Himiko blinked as turned to look around, "Um…"

Inko stood up, "would you like me to talk to them?"

Himiko nodded, mouthing a quick 'thank you', "actually yeah I can prove where I am. Here's his mom!"

Quickly handing the phone off, Inko took and greeted the person on the other end, "Hello, this is Midoriya Inko."

The reply on the other end caused Inko to go stiff, her eyes widening in shock, "Principal Nezu?"

Everyone else at the table stopped dead and stared at Inko in surprise before looking at Himiko who smiled sheepishly.

"Yes sir, my son just wanted to have dinner with his new friends…. Oh no, she has been an angel. Very well behaved…. She said she just forgot to call…. Oh I'm sure it was just an accident, after such an exciting first day of class I think it's perfectly believable that some things just slip by…. I agree, spending time with new friends is important…. You have a good night too sir. Good night."

Hanging up, INko handed the phone back to Himiko, "That was Principal Nezu."

"Yep."

"The principle of U.A."

"The very same."

Inko took a deep breath, "I think I need to sit down."

As Inko took her seat, Himiko was relieved that at least for now, all focus was off the question of her quirk, and onto something new. At least this topic she didn't mind sharing. As long as she didn't give away too much info.

"So I'm sure you all may have a few questions."

Hitoshi nodded, "a few would be an understatement."

Tenya's arms chopped at the air quickly as he exploded into his question, "How do you know the principal!? Why was he calling you!? But most importantly, how could you forget to inform anyone that you were going out? That is very irresponsible."

That's the most important thing you took from what just happened!?

Was the general thought of everyone in the room. After waiting for Tenya to settle back down, Himiko started her explanation.

"So, I guess the first thing you should know is that I am a ward of U.A. The school and its faculty hold all parental rights over me."

Izuku scratched his head, "Wait? What does that mean?"

"Basically U.A. adopted me after my parents...agreed to give me up. Technically speaking, I'm an orphan."

Seeing the sudden looks of sympathy and concern growing on everyone's faces, Himiko quickly cut them off with more of her explanation, "It's not that big a deal. I'd been living on the streets for years since my parents hated me for such a long time. So it's not like I miss them or anything."

Wait, maybe I should have worded that better.

"Oh my god."

"You poor dear!"

"What parents hate their own child!?"

"Wait wait! It's not that big of a deal. It's fine now. I live on campus so it all worked out. No need to get all emotional over something that's been dealt with."

While everyone else took Himiko's word, that the issue did not bother her, Izuku still looked troubled.

"Toga… When we met, were you already living on campus?"

"Oh, um no. That only happened like, a couple of months ago."

Izuku's troubled look turn into distress as he covered his face in shame, "You were homeless when we met and I did nothing to help…"

"Hey, hey whoa, no crying! You had no idea, and I didn't exactly tell you my life story before I ran off. So please don't go beating yourself up over something like that."

It took Izuku fighting back a few sniffles before he calmed down. Since the subject had been broached by Izuku, Hitoshi decided to ask a question that had been bothering him since they met that morning.

"So Toga, earlier today you said something interesting" Hitoshi brought up after everyone had gotten over the shock of getting called by the principal and learning about Himiko's living status.

Himiko tilted her head to the side, "I did? What'd I say?"

Tenya nodded, "Yes, I remember. You said that getting into U.A. was your best chance to see Midoriya again. What did you mean by that? Do the two of you have some kind of history?"

Ochako tried her best not to show just how interested she really was in hearing the girls answer.

"Oh thats easy, Izuku saved my life." Was Himiko's quick answer.

Immediately everyone turned to look at Izuku, who waved his hands in front of himself trying to downplay the sudden attention, "Please it wasn't that big a deal!"

"Incredible, you were already acting the part of a hero, even before the exam. You continue to impress me Midoriya." Tenya's praise made Izuku flush and fidget in his chair.

"When did this happen, Deku? You never said anything about saving someone's life before."

Izuku looked over at Ochako, "I did actually, I just never said I saved someone's life. Do you remember after my birthday, I was late for our training with A… with Mr. Yagi."

Ochako blinked before her eyes went wide, "Wait, you mean when you said you knock down some bullies harassing some girl. That's what Toga is talking about?"

"Yes! It wasn't that big a deal honestly. She was in trouble so I helped...though now that I know you were homeless at the time Toga, I wish I had taken you to a hospital or a police station for help."

Himiko smiled sweetly, "Oh Izuku, you are so sweet...and kinda really naive if I'm being honest."

"Huh?"

Himiko just shrugged, "First off, no way was I going to go with you to a police station. I was...a runaway for a reason. Like I mentioned before, me and my parents were not… are not on great terms."

"Still…" Izuku began but Himiko cut him off.

"I was enjoying living out in the wild, nothing you could have done would make me go with you. Plus I had someone...um...sorta looking after me. Honestly I wouldn't have made it where I am now if not for him. He showed me how to survive and fight in the harsh world."

Tenya rubbed his chin in thought, "He sounds like a strong person."

"Oh he is. Really strong. Incredible even…"

Himiko lost herself in her thoughts for a bit, before Ochako spoke up, "What did you mean when you said Deku was naive, Toga?"

"What, oh yeah. Sorry kinda got lost in my head there for a second."

Inko leaned forward, "Are you alright dear?"

"Yep, totally fine. Just remembering some...fun times is all. But, back to what's important. Izuku and being naive, that's where I left off right."

Everyone nodded.

"Okay, Izuku, what exactly do you remember from that day, leading up to the alley way and during."

"Oh um…" Izuku thought back, "I was heading towards the beach for morning training when you rushed past me and ran into an alley. Then those other guys followed after you, I think one was laughing about something. When I saw them standing over you, I figured they were trying to rob you or something. I think they were talking about money but I can't really remember. So I knocked them down and ran off with you. That's about it. Nothing too special, I just gave you a hand with some douches is all."

Himiko actually looked surprised after hearing Izuku's memory of that encounter.

He really has no idea does he. It's probably never crossed his mind what was going on. He's not just naive, but innocent too. Like a little green lamb…

"Izuku, that is a very...G rated version of what happened."

"Oh?"

"Yeah...See those guys, they thought I was a down-on-her-luck prostitute."

Izuku and everyone else were shocked when Himiko said this. She didn't, however, give them a chance to ask any questions as she continued on, giving her version of events.

"So I was just out on the corner of the street, trying to see if I saw someone that might be willing to give a girl some money for food and such when those guys came up and said they'd gladly pay for my...services. Now I was hungry, sure, but I wasn't hungry enough to want fu… to do that with them, so I turned them down. Course, some guys just don't know what the word no means."

Inko covered her mouth with her hand, "Oh my…"

Tenya frowned deeply, "horrible digenerates."

Hitoshi said nothing, but the dark frown on his face spoke volumes.

"They of course ask again, even shoving some money into my face. This goes on for a bit, before I've had enough and just book it. At this point I'm just running to get away from them. If I had been thinking, I wouldn't have run into a dead end alley."

Ocahko felt her stomach twist, "and they followed you."

"Yep. Basically I was given two choices. Let them pay me and have their fun, or don't get paid and they still have their fun. So backed into a corner, I was ready to go down swinging but of course that never happened. Just as I'm sure things are about to get...messy, you Izuku just pop out of nowhere and take them all out. Glowing all green and throwing stuff around, it was like something out of a movie. Then, after that, Izuku grabs my hand and pulls me out of there. And that's the story."

Collectively everyone looked from Himiko, then towards Izuku, who was just as shocked as they were after hearing Himiko's story.

"Toga, I had no idea…"

Himiko waved him off, "don't go getting all sad and somber on me now. You saved me, that's the important bit."

"Still, now I wish I had done more to those guys." Izuku's voice had an edge to it that neither Inko or Ochako had heard before.

"Deku, remember that back then you were still, um, limited in what you could do with your quirk. It sounds like you did exactly what you needed to do."

Himiko nodded, "Yep, so don't you go frowning now."

"So what did you do after that, dear?" Inko asked.

"Well not long after, the person who had been looking after me finally disappeared. Looking back I really should have seen it coming. His...um...work was getting more intense, and he couldn't really afford to have someone hanging off him. And really, I'm lucky he let me hang around him as long as he did."

"How long were you with this guy?" Hitoshi asked.

"Lets see, I ran away just at the start of junior high, so about two years. Give or take."

"Wait you were homeless for three years?" Inko looked horrified, "and all that time your parents never looked for you or anything?"

"I don't think you quite understand how much my parents did not want me around, Mrs. Midoriya. So after my buddy left, I realized I needed a plan. And I started to think about you, Izuku. I really just wanted to see you again, but while I knew your name, I had no idea where you lived or anything; however, you mentioned something really important."

"I was training to get into U.A."

"Exactly! So for the rest of the year, I trained myself while at the same time thinking up ways to make sure I got into U.A. As a dropout, getting in through the normal way, with the exam, was out of the question, so I came up with other solutions. One was to sneak into the campus, but I quickly figured out that was impossible. Their security is something else. But while scoping the place out I learned about recommendations. That, I realized was my ticket in."

"So what did you do?"

"Well, after a lot of careful planning and some...creative phone calls, I was able to meet Principal Nezu in person. We...talked about my situation and what I wanted. I gave him a demonstration to show that I would be able to deal with the strenuous work that would be required of me. Afterwards we came to an agreement. Boring details aside, me and my parents agreed to let U.A. take me in, and I got a crash course in all the classes I missed. I did everything that was required of me, and got to take the recommendation test, which I passed."

"Ah," Tenya cut in, "You are the 5th student that Mr. Aizawa mentioned, aren't you."

"Yep. I guess Principal Nezu didn't want my unique circumstances taking away someone else's ticket into U.A, so he bent the rules a little. I guess being the principal of the school lets him get away with that kind of thing. But yeah, that's my...whole story. I'm just a girl looking for a way to make the world an easier place to live in no matter what I have to do, and this seems like the way to go."

Tenya shook his head, stunned, "incredible, what an inspiring tale."

"No kidding." Hitoshi agreed.

"Oh come on, it's nothing that special."

"No, it is," Ochako said, "I don't think there are many people who have gotten into U.A. quite like you did. Its something else."

"Young lady, while I'm sure U.A. is taking very good care of you, if you ever need anything, I want you to know our door is always open to you." Inko said as she wiped away some tears.

Izuku nodded in agreement, "definitely, you have friends here, Toga."

Himiko blinked, clearly shocked at the kindness being shown her. She surprised herself when she felt tears start to trickle down her cheeks. Wiping them away, she smiled brightly, "Thank you so much."

Is this what it's like to be wanted? To have a place I can belong? ...It's nice… I just have to make sure they don't learn, everything about me.

---

After dinner everyone insisted on helping clear away the table and help clean up. Inko and Ochako were at the sink, rinsing the dishes before they were put in the washer.

"Well, it sounds like you and Izuku had quite the first day."

Ochako sighed, "Technically today was just supposed to be orientation and the opening ceremony. Not sudden tests and risks of expulsion. Makes me wonder what the actual first day is going to be like."

"It couldn't have been that bad. It was just a trick to motivate you, and you two did make some new friends."

Ochako smiled at that. Looking up she saw Tenya and Hitoshi clearing off the last of the plates and utensils from the table, while Izuku and HImiko were putting away leftovers into tupperware.

"Yeah, it's been…"

Ochako watched as Himiko accidentally brushed up Izuku, her face right next to his as she leaned down to pick up some of the containers.

"...really great."

Inko looked over at the table then back at Ochako, a knowing smile crossed her face, "Everything okay? You seem a little distracted."

Startled, Ochako went back to scrubbing the dish in her hands, "I'm totally fine, just thinking about...school and stuff."

Inko hummed, "I have to say, Himiko sure sounds like she had a rough life."

"Yeah…" Ochako couldn't argue with that. What she had learned about the other girl was surprising to say the least. "That she had made it to U.A. was a testament to her determination."

"I'm so proud that my Izuku was able to help her so much. Though it does worry me that he seems to be developing a habit of putting himself into dangerous situations."

Ochako's head dropped dramatically, "No kidding. If I'm going to have to keep an eye on him all year, I've got my work cut out for me."

Inko chuckled, "Well with your new friends around, hopefully you won't have to do it alone. Still…"

Inko trailed off, catching Ochako's attention, "Still?"

"...It warms my heart knowing that you are with him, Ochako."

Ochako could feel her cheeks heat up a little, but she ignored that and smiled proudly at Inko, "You don't have to worry, as long as I'm around, nothing will touch Deku."

"Thank you, dear."

Inko smiled happily, then after making sure the others were out of ear shot, leaned forward some, and whispered to Ochako, "Just between you and me, I want you to know that I'm rooting for you."

She then quickly righted herself and went back to finishing her dishes. Ochako blinked, not entirely sure what Inko had meant by that. But even still, Inko's words filled her with a warmth that left her with a big grin on her face.

Notes:

Oh wow, two chapters in the same month? What dark sorcery is this? And how do I make more of it?

Hi everyone, I hope you all enjoyed the newest chapter. This one was a fun one to write. I hope it answered some questions I know many of you had. If you liked it or have any critiques please feel free to leave a comment. I've got an outline started for the next chapter, so let's see if I can keep this pace up. Next up is the Battle Trials. Oh boy, oh boy do I have plans for that. See you all then :D

A big shoutout to Tmalasia who beta read this for me. You rock!