A/N: All these stories happened after chapter 31 but not necessarily right after.

Changed title from previously planned "Daily life of a Bouncer Hero." Seems more fitting this way.

Add'l context for later on in the chapter: Fae Lords/Ladies are Fae who have crossed the threshold to Power.

UA Dorms

The dorm's common room usually buzzed with energy - laughter, video game sounds, and friendly banter is now tense, some of them glancing at Iida. Iida moved with a forced precision, like a wind-up toy wound too tight. His eyes, always sharp and focused, now burned with an intensity Izuku had never seen.

Izuku knew. News of the Hero Killer Stain's brutal attack on Iida's brother had spread like wildfire. And the whispers about Iida's upcoming internship in Hosu only confirmed Izuku's worst fears.

Unable to bear the tension, Izuku cornered Iida as he headed for the exit. "Iida, can we talk? For a minute?"

Iida halted, his body stiffening. "Midoriya, is there something you need?" He deflected, polite but distant.

"Iida, please..." Izuku began, his usual cheer replaced by quiet intensity. "I heard about your brother. And your internship. We all know what you're planning."

Iida's jaw clenched, eyes blazing with defiance for a moment. Then vulnerability flickered across his features, hinting at the storm within. "Midoriya, this is personal," he said, voice strained. "I have to do this."

Izuku met his gaze head-on, grim understanding settling over him. "Look, I get it. If someone hurt my mom or Ochaco... I can't say I'd be different." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "But listen..." Placing a hand on Iida's tense shoulder, the gesture was both a plea and silent acknowledgment of their bond.

"This isn't about right or wrong anymore. Think about your family." Izuku's voice cracked slightly. "Your brother... he survived, but at what cost? Now imagine him getting news that you're gone too? After all he's been through? And your mother? Having one son crippled due to a villain's brutality, then losing another to recklessness..."

Iida flinched, then squared his shoulders, defiance returning to his eyes. "You're right," he admitted, voice a harsh whisper. "It'll tear them apart. But that's exactly why I have to do this! My family name stands for protecting others. If I turn away while innocents are in danger..." His voice trailed off, the unspoken fear evident, but what's even clearer is his clouded judgment twisting his own heroic conviction to suit his current motive.

'Humans aren't rational creatures. They are rationalizing creatures,' Izuku thought.

With a curt nod, both dismissal and strange gratitude, Iida turned and strode away, leaving Izuku alone with churning thoughts. His hand fell from Iida's shoulder to his phone, a favor asked flying across the network where words had failed.

'We may not have talked much, Iida,' he thought, a silent promise echoing. 'But I won't let you lose your life over this.' He would do everything to ensure Iida got justice without leaving another grieving family.

Crowley

Crowley's buzzed with an edgy energy tonight, not the usual Friday night crowd but a thrumming undercurrent of tension Izuku's heightened senses picked up like a distant drumbeat. And at its heart, a lone hunched figure at the bar.

Eindridi was usually a beacon of measured composure, the Evoker instructor who instilled fear and respect in equal measure. Tonight, he was a man lost in thought, a frown etched on his face as he cradled a glass of amber liquid, muttering words depicting tales of ancient sagas.

Curiosity stirred in Izuku. "Everything alright, Eindridi?" he offered lightly.

The older Evoker lifted his head, eyes clouded and distant. "Ah, Izuku," he rumbled, voice strained. "There you are. Perhaps you could..." He trailed off, then gestured to the empty stool beside him. "Care for a drink?"

Izuku hesitated, then slid onto the stool. Two glasses appeared with a bottle of potent, honeyed mead. The room faded as Eindridi poured, his weathered hands unusually still.

"Things are...in motion, Izuku," he began, swirling the golden liquid. "Changes whisper on the wind, and not all are welcome." He took a long drink, the mead offering little comfort.

Izuku remained silent, a knot of unease forming. He'd felt the tension, but Eindridi's words painted a more worrying picture.

"Don't fret," Eindridi said flatly. "These matters are best left...untended for now." He met Izuku's gaze, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "Forces are at play, and some burdens are best shouldered alone."

A chill crawled down Izuku's spine despite the warmth. Eindridi's words felt...off, laced with some hidden meaning. "Those tales you were muttering," Izuku started cautiously, "where did you hear them?"

Surprise flickered across Eindridi's face, quickly masked. He chuckled, dry and humorless. "Ah, those old stories. They were my father's favorites, told to me by the fire when the world was a simpler place." His face settled into a contemplative frown, a shadow of distant memories.

The heavy silence settled again, thicker. Eindridi finished his drink, expression unreadable. He placed a pouch of coins down with a decisive thud. "This one's on me," he said, clipped. "Now off you go, lad. Enjoy the...tranquility while it lasts."

As Izuku left, the tales lingered, a cryptic symphony hinting at the storm brewing beyond their world's veil. And facing it, Eindridi, weathered warrior and instructor, remained shrouded in unsettling secrecy, a solitary figure gazing into the gathering darkness with a plan only he understood. A plan that might, just might, involve Izuku himself.

U.A.

The school-mandated field trip to the prestigious music museum should have been a treat for Kyouka. The hushed halls echoing with past creativity, the delicate instruments humming with melodic potential - it was the kind of place where she and Yuki, best friends since childhood, could disappear into their shared world of sound. But that was before.

Before the day turned into a nightmare. Before Cacophony's quirk - a twisted symphony of destruction - threatened to shatter her world. The piercing echoes of her own panic as her beloved music transformed into a weapon. And then...him.

Izuku. The boy obsessed with muttering about quirks and gear was suddenly a living shield. He didn't dodge sonic blasts or craft clever traps. He simply stood there, taking it. Goading the villain, drawing fire away from other people and the priceless instruments. In that moment, Izuku was a guardian, fierce and unwavering in his determination to protect.

When the dust settled, the authorities arrived. Cacophony was subdued, the museum mostly intact with noone injured. Izuku's involvement was a footnote. A brave civilian who'd helped. He vanished as quietly as he'd appeared, back into middle school's whirlwind. For Kyouka, though, the image lingered. The focused intensity in his eyes, using his body as a shield, knowing he wouldn't break. It was...awe-inspiring, terrifying, and strangely thrilling.

That silent infatuation fueled her confession. Before losing her nerve, she worked up the courage. Yet fate had a cruel sense of humor. The day she steeled her heart was the day she found out about him and Yuki. A warmth between them, a secret smile shared only with her best friend. Her world tilted again, not with a villain's doing, but with the silent shattering of her own hopes.

Years passed. U.A. was a dream Kyouka clung to, forged in that museum incident's wake. Seeing Izuku again was a jolt. His transformation was shocking. Always tall, but now undeniable strength in every line. Those shoulders, those arms; her gaze strayed too often, imagining how they might feel, the warmth of muscle beneath skin. And those eyes...still filled with boundless curiosity, but now a depth to them, a weight of experience that sent shivers down her spine.

His scent, clean lemon zest and fresh pine rain, hit like a headrush. It made her cheeks burn, worse still imagining how he might smell after training...the faintest sweat mixed with that sharp, earthy scent clinging to him. Get a grip, Jiro, she scolded. He's a classmate, a friend, not some...piece of meat!

The lunch break arrived in a blink, her heart pounding as she spotted him alone under a shady tree. "Mind if I join you?" She tried for nonchalance, but a tremor betrayed her nerves.

Izuku looked up, a smile lighting his face. "Jiro, right? Of course, have a seat."

As she sat beside him, disappointment mixed with the thrill. Of course he wouldn't remember that museum day, one heroic act among surely hundreds by now. "So," she began casually, "finding U.A. okay? It's a lot to take in, isn't it?"

"Definitely," he chuckled. "Between the insane teachers and crazy powerful classmates, it's definitely...stimulating." His eyes glittered with enthusiasm, reminding her of his battle with the orange-haired girl, or that time he outshone the sun.

"Stimulating is an understatement," she laughed, that jaw-dropping display distracting her. "Especially with all these crazy powerful classmates." A calculated risk formed on her mind. "But you...you're pretty much in a league of your own."

A warm chuckle, a faint blush dusting his cheeks, though he didn't deny it. "Thanks, Jiro. But even someone like me can learn from everyone here," he insisted earnestly. "It's not always about raw power, you know?"

Then the conversation flowed - class critiques, lighthearted banter. Yet the museum lingered in Kyouka's thoughts, the lingering warmth from being so close. All grown-up and powerful, yet that boy who protected her. A mystery, familiar notes played in a way she'd never heard. This time, no unspoken confessions, no lingering what-ifs. This time, he'd know the hero she'd become, and maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for more.

Within the Neighborhood Somewhere

The arcade's noise pulsed around Toru, a vibrant rhythm she felt rather than saw. Popcorn mingled with machines' metallic tang, familiar scents in her unseen world. But today, a new energy thrummed through the air: the energy of Izuku Midoriya.

He stepped closer, mischief glinting in the eyes locking with hers. "So, Hagakure, ready to show this green-haired hero why you're the arcade queen?" His playful challenge vibrated through her.

"Please," she scoffed, smirking unseen. "Those prizes should be cowering. I'm not called the Arcade Ace for nothing."

Izuku's answering laugh warmed her from the inside out. Their afternoon blurred into challenges and shared laughter. With every triumphant toy clunking into the chute, his grin widened.

"Alright, Ace," he leaned in, breath warm on her invisible ear, "since you've conquered this place, time to raise the stakes. So tell me, what would truly impress a girl who's already won it all?"

Her heart pounded. This was more than a game. His words carried a tantalizing edge. "That depends," she countered breathlessly, playing along, "on what prizes this hero possesses?"

Izuku's smirk widened, turning positively wicked. "Ah, but that's just it. A hero's greatest treasures aren't things you can see." A twinkle appeared in his emerald eyes. "Maybe it's a secret nickname, just for you, based on some quirk theory only I could devise." A teasing glint danced. "Or maybe, it's a rematch at your favorite game, where I let you win...almost." He paused, the mischievous glint returning, "Or maybe, it's exploring the city after dark...tracing lights along your form, feeling the thrill of stolen starlit moments...with a hero as your guide."

His words sparked images of secret smiles and playful challenges, sending a thrill through her, a longing for...something different. Yet as she opened her mouth, a frown creased Izuku's brow.

"Hold on," he murmured, the teasing replaced by intense focus, "There's something about your quirk...it's not just how you disappear. The way light interacts with you...it's different somehow."

Her breath hitched. He noticed something odd about her movements. Could it be...? No – thoughts for later. For now, an unfamiliar flicker of excitement and terror. He was still watching, frowning as he concentrated.

"There's...something more to your quirk," Izuku finally said lowly, filled with an intensity mirroring her own disquiet. "The way light bends around you...it refracts. Like you're a prism, subtly shaping what others see. There's power there Toru, waiting to be unleashed."

Toru stared back, speechless. A prism. Light bending...Could that explain the accidental shimmers...the glimpses others had seen? It seemed impossible.

"You think..." she managed barely above a whisper, "you think I can control it?"

Izuku leaned closer, eyes alight with analytical curiosity. "I don't know," he admitted, "but it's worth exploring. Imagine, Hagakure...what if you weren't just passing through unseen, but could shape the light itself?"

His words ignited a cascade of images; not just disappearing, but creating dazzling illusions, blinding bursts. A power rivaling any classmate, turning her from absence into blazing force. His next words hit like a shockwave.

"Maybe...just maybe, you could become completely visible again."

Visible. To be seen as a person, not a blank space. A world she hadn't dared imagine suddenly felt possible. Excitement surged...and the familiar pang of fear from countless lonely moments. Was this what she truly desired? A lifetime of being forgotten, bumped into, spoken over… the casual disregard born from her invisible state…

"Hagakure?" Izuku's voice cut through, soft with concern. "Is everything alright?"

She blinked, arcade lights blurring. Fantasizing visibility was one thing, facing its harsh reality another. "I...I don't know," she admitted, invisible form unconsciously shifting. "Being invisible...it's all I've ever known."

"But what if it didn't have to be?" His gaze held determination and gentle understanding. "Imagine not just being seen, but controlling how. Think of the possibilities..."

His optimism was infectious, a flicker of hope sparking despite her lingering doubts. Maybe...

"I don't want to forget what it's like," she finally said, vulnerability and new resolve mixing. "There's a...freedom in being unseen." A hesitation, then, "But there's also a world out there I've never truly been part of. Maybe...maybe it's time I faced it."

Izuku didn't offer easy promises or dismiss her fears. He simply smiled, pride in his eyes. "Then let's face it together. Figuring out your quirk, what it means, what you want - that's the challenge a hero rises to meet."

A tentative smile touched her invisible lips. The weight of loneliness hadn't vanished, but shared in this moment with Izuku, it felt lighter. The arcade's chaos faded, replaced by thrilling uncertainty. This was only the beginning, a single spark of potential in a future suddenly wide open.

The once grand community center with chipped paint and faded murals buzzed with a different kind of energy - the quiet chaos of heartfelt generosity. Boxes filled with donated goods teetered in haphazard piles, and the line of those in need snaked out the door. Amidst it all stood Izuku, slightly overwhelmed. He arrived with a trunkful of supplies after weeks canvassing his neighborhood, only to be met with well-intentioned but utterly disorganized goodwill.

A blur of periwinkle hair caught his eye - Nejire Hado, a whirlwind Third Year, usually so bubbly, now edged with focused frustration. "This isn't working," she declared to herself. "We need a system, not just...this!"

"Hado-san," Izuku called, her name falling easily. She whirled, surprise and then recognition registering.

"Hey, you're that 'I AM HERE' guy! Er, wait, that's ALL MIGHT, isn't it?" Words rushed out in a flurry.

"Ah, yeah. Midoriya Izuku," he replied with a laugh.

"Oh! Right, I remember now! But why are you here? This is kinda my thing. Not that I mind! The more the merrier, right? But I didn't expect a U.A. First Year."

"Yeah, well, I had time to kill and figured I could help. Make a difference, do something useful since not many heroes do this public service thing."

Nejire beamed. "Oh yeah, definitely! Like, fighting villains is important, but isn't there more to it? There are people who need help too, and it's not always villains. Sometimes it's the aftermath, putting lives back together.

"That's why I do this," Nejire continued. "I mean, this place is a mess, right? And it needs help. Not a battle or anything, but still important, right? I can't just do nothing, you know? I have to try."

Izuku smiled. "Yeah, I get it. That's why I'm here too. To do my part, even if small."

Nejire beamed, earlier frustration gone. "Yeah! You get it! How can I help? What are you doing?"

Izuku gestured to the neatly arranged, labeled boxes. "Just organizing. These donations have no rhyme or reason. No wonder people struggle getting what they need."

Nejire nodded. "Yeah, I've noticed. The volunteers are great, but there's no plan. It's like they're just trying without strategy. That's what makes this so hard, you know? We're not even really helping."

"I'm helping organize. Get a system, ensure people get what they need efficiently," he replied, his words carrying strange weight, as if hidden layers of meaning.

Nejire smiled, enthusiasm returning. "Yeah! Let's do it! Where do we start?"

"You take the front, I'll work back. Room by room, figure out what we've got. Then categorize and optimize. Plan how we'll use it efficiently."

Nejire nodded. "Okie-dokie! Let's do it!"

They made their way through, sorting and cataloging each room's contents - clothes, shoes, food, medical supplies, toiletries, more. Some bulk donated, others small individual contributions. No real surprises, but the sheer variety astounded.

As they worked, Nejire chattered brightly. "I love volunteering here. I don't get to often, but when I do, it feels great! There's nothing like giving back, you know? So fulfilling. It makes me feel like I'm really making a difference."

Izuku agreed. "Yeah, it is. There's something really satisfying about helping, even in a small way. Good for the soul."

Nejire beamed. "Yes! Exactly! That's how I feel. Like, yeah, being a hero is great, but it's not enough. I need to do more. Give back. Change the world. I can't just wait, I have to act."

Izuku grinned. "Exactly. We need to be humanitarians too, show we care, not just save them. You know?"

Nejire nodded vigorously. "Yes! Exactly! That's it! I'm so glad you understand. Everyone's so obsessed with heroes and villains, not people who need help too. It's not just stopping crime, but making the world better."

Izuku returned the smile. "Well, let's keep going then. Lots to do, not much time."

The two fell into an easy rhythm sorting, organizing into categories and groups. Tedious but necessary work.

"You know, I don't think we've really talked before?" Nejire asked. "Watching the Sports Festival, I was kinda...intimidated, I guess? Your powers are amazing. You bulldozed the championship. I thought you'd be rude. But I'm glad it didn't turn out that way."

"Rude?" he asked, curious and amused.

"Yeah, you know, arrogant, full of yourself. Like 'I'm so awesome, look at me.' But you're not. You're nice. You're...normal."

"I don't know if I'd say normal, but thanks. I try to treat people right regardless."

"It really is," she agreed, before a sly smile. "And you're not bad to look at either."

Izuku laughed. "That's nice of you. I don't think I'm anything special, but thanks. You're a looker yourself, Nejire-san."

She flushed. "Oh stop, you're just saying that."

"I'm not," he said softly, earnestly. "You're beautiful Nejire-san, anyone would be lucky."

"That's...very sweet of you. Thank you," she replied, suddenly somber.

"What is it?"

"Nothing, it's just...well, I had boyfriends before. Twice actually. We dated a while. But it never worked out. Complicated. I'm not good at relationships. I always mess things up, say or do the wrong thing. Then everything falls apart. I don't know. Maybe it's me. Maybe I'm not meant for relationships."

"I don't believe that. I'm sure there are plenty of guys who'd love to be with you."

She shrugged. "Maybe. I don't know. All I know is I've had two serious relationships, both disasters. The last one especially was...awful. I'm just...not very good with men in that context."

"That's not true. I'm sure you're a wonderful woman, Nejire-san."

The words came out before he knew what he was saying, and the moment they left his lips, he realized how true they were. Nejire was a beautiful, vibrant, caring, passionate, energetic, intelligent woman.

"Do you really think so?" she asked, his sincerity touching her.

"Yes. And if you want, how about I prove it?" His gaze didn't waver.

She looked at him, uncertain, fear and anticipation swirling. Scared, terrified even, but the promise in his eyes was too great to resist. She felt the urge to flee, hide, take the easy coward's path. But she wanted more.

"How?" she asked, voice trembling slightly.

He smiled warmly, sincerely, radiating calm reassurance. "Simple. How about we start with dinner after this, and you can try your best to 'mess things up' with me?"

Nejire blinked, uncertainty flickering. "You...you're serious?"

"Absolutely. It's a date?" He maintained a teasing tone, but genuine hope threaded beneath.

She paused, mind racing. Part of her wanted to say no, forget it, she was perfectly happy staying put, thank you very much. But a deeper, primal part told her to seize the chance.

A blush crept onto Nejire's cheeks. "Well, I..." she floundered, a flicker of doubt in her eyes. "It's just, things usually..." she trailed off, then took a deep breath. A hint of a smile played on her lips. "But who knows, maybe you'll be different. Alright, challenge accepted. Just don't say I didn't warn you!"

Izuku grinned, unable to hold his thrill. "Excellent! Disastrous can be entertaining. At least a story to tell. Now," he lowered his voice conspiratorially, "any preference? Ramen, yakitori, maybe fancier to really test me?"

Nejire laughed, hesitation fading, eyes sparking to mirror his. "Surprise me. But first, we've got a center to sort."

They fell back into the charged work, every shared glance, playful jostle lifting boxes together, carrying a promise of the evening ahead.

As they finally emerged hours later, the sun dipping below the horizon, Izuku offered his hand with a flourish. "Shall we, Hado-san? I believe I have a date to impress, disaster or not."

Nejire hesitated only a moment before linking her arm through his, a warm smile on her lips. "Lead the way, Midoriya. Let's see what kind of chaos we can create tonight."

Crowley

The rhythmic pulse of Crowley's was a familiar symphony to Izuku - the clinking of glasses, the hum of murmured conversations, and the undercurrent of magic that thrummed through the very air. Yet, tonight a discordant note echoed through the familiar sounds. His eyes, sharp from experience, caught a flash of shimmering wings, no larger than a bumblebee's, sprawled too still beneath an elaborate martini glass.

She was a tiny whirlwind of chaos even in this state of stupor. Barely visible beneath the gossamer shimmer of her wings, her clothes were a riot of colors and stains – a testament to a night of reckless enjoyment. Muffled giggles and incomprehensible whispers escaped her lips, echoing the exuberant, hedonistic nature that often made dealing with her kind a delightfully unpredictable experience. Even in her altered state, there was an infectious joy radiating from her tiny form.

A surge of amusement twisted in his gut. Unlike the usual boisterous nature of her kind, this pixie's vulnerability was endearingly comical. "Easy now, little one," he murmured, his voice a gentle rumble compared to her high-pitched squeaks. With careful movements, mindful of her delicate state, he scooped her up, the entire pixie fitting comfortably within his palm. He tucked her into the relative safety of his pocket, her tiny whimpers muffled against the fabric.

As he carried her towards the back room, a whisper reached his ears, barely audible beneath the din. "That one... she'll lead you on a merry chase if you're not careful..." The words were spoken with a chuckle, a hint of warning wrapped in lighthearted amusement. Perhaps there was more to this pixie than met the eye, a hint of delightful trouble waiting to be unleashed.

Shortly after Izuku returned, Crowley's transformed. The vibrant energy ground to a halt, the air itself crackling with tension as every eye focused on the radiant, terrifying figure of the Fae Lady. Dressed in an ornate, emerald green gown with a deep neckline and dramatic sleeves. She has dark, elaborately styled hair and a striking, regal appearance. Her presence was an icy fire, an echo of ancient power demanding deference. Even Midnight, usually so composed, had vanished. In her place, a frantic mental command slammed into Izuku's mind: Entertain her! Don't let her get bored... and for the love of all things magical, make sure she doesn't set anything on FIRE!

Alone and exposed, Izuku approached with a mix of resignation and determination. His movements were respectful, yet subtly at ease, lacking servile fear. While understanding the potential danger, he saw a person before a title, offering a drink with the relaxed manner of extending hospitality to a friend. Her eyes widened subtly, the icy facade momentarily cracking to reveal curiosity.

Studying her with a perceptive gaze, Izuku sensed weariness beneath her regal demeanor, a thirst for something beyond the usual Faerie offerings. Drawing inspiration from the bar where dreams and wishes mingled in spilled drink drops, he crafted a concoction. As the Fae Lady sipped, her eyes widened, a ripple of surprise disturbing her composed mask. Contemplation washed over her delicate features, a hint of something indefinable awakening within.

The Fae Lady turned her piercing gaze towards Izuku, newfound inquisitiveness glinting in her eyes. "You seem...familiar," she mused, voice a soft melody. "Have you traveled to Tír na nÓg before?"

'Tír na nÓg? Wasn't that on the other continent's Elsewhere?' Izuku thought.

"No, I haven't," he said with a sincere smile. "Haven't explored much outside the local area, honestly."

She observed him, then, satisfied, "Curious," she murmured, a faint smile curving her lips.

"Who are your parents, then?"

"My mom's a Normie veterinarian. No real idea about my dad's identity. Though apparently, he's a big enough deal to elevate the bloodline straight to an Evoker." A few seconds of silence passed when he remembered, "Forgive my manners," Izuku began, hoping to ease the tension. "May I know your name?"

Offense flickered across the Fae Lady's exquisite features. Her voice, sharp as ice, cut through the silence. Eyes glowing with Power. "Names are not freely given as it gives leverage. What are you attempting here, Publican?"

Some less magical clients lost consciousness, frothing at the display.

Izuku raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Is that so? Here, it's customary to offer a name as a courtesy."

The Fae Lady studied him, softening a touch. "It appears there are many differences between Elsewhere and my world," she conceded with a hint of a sigh. "Very well. You may call me Aoife."

A quiet confidence, laced with subtle power awareness, settled over Izuku as he offered a hand. "The name's Izuku," he said steadily. Her touch was cool, a whisper of wind against his skin, contrasting the overwhelming power her presence radiated.

"Izuku," she repeated, testing the name. "An interesting name, for one so..." She didn't finish aloud. Curious, but given her earlier outburst, he wasn't keen on pushing his luck for that.

Thankfully, their conversation flowed effortlessly after that. Fueled by genuine curiosity and unwavering composure, Izuku kept Aoife engaged. He learned Elsewhere snippets, sharing in return tales of the bar's eccentric patrons and supernatural dust-ups, weaving humor to lighten the tension.

Then, as night drew to a close and she finished his unique concoction's last drop, a small, almost imperceptible smile touched her lips. "This...was unexpected," she admitted, softer than before. "Thank you, Izuku. Perhaps I shall return...to sample another of your creations." With a final, lingering glance, she left through the door.

Silence reigned for a beat. Then Midnight materialized beside Izuku, pale, eyes awe and barely contained terror. "Do you have any idea what you just did?" she hissed, composure shattered. "That was a Fae Lady!"

Izuku shrugged, unfazed. "Seemed like your average customer to me," he replied.

Disbelief flickered across Midnight's face, quickly replaced by surging frustration. "Average? You charmed a powerful Fae. You might've sparked an interdimensional incident, for all you know." Despite her fear, reluctant admiration crept into her voice.

Izuku chuckled, mischief in his eyes. "Now, Midnight-sensei, where's your sense of adventure?" he teased. More seriously, "Seemed she just needed a decent drink and someone to actually see her, not the title."

Midnight sighed, exasperation and resignation swirling in her expression. Fear lingered, but a grudging acceptance flickered - respect, even, for the unflinching bouncer who could handle fallen pixies and Fae Ladies with the same composure.

UA Development Studio

Izuku ducked into Mei's workshop, familiar scents of ozone and hot metal hitting him like a comforting wave. Tools lined the walls with military precision, in stark contrast to the half-finished projects battling for space on every surface. The air hummed with barely contained energy, the low whir of machinery, the disconnected rhythm of Mei tapping a wrench against a forgotten gear. A testament to the brilliant, chaotic mind thriving here.

Mei spun away from a workbench, copper wire dangling precariously, goggles askew. "Ah, there you are! Thought heroes only came miniature," she quipped, voice barely rising above the din as she craned her neck up at him.

"The villains haven't figured that out yet," Izuku countered with a grin. The lingering scent of recent training, dust and overused Quirks' acrid tinge, clung faintly to his costume, subtly contrasting the bright, metallic tang of Mei's domain. He admired her directness, the way her focus on the half-disassembled device couldn't mask the sharp intellect sparking in her warm yellow crosshaired eyes.

"Handy for high shelves though," Mei said, assessing him. "Now, what brings a giant like you to my humble workshop?"

Izuku scratched his neck, self-conscious under her scrutiny. "Remember that cavalry battle? I was hoping your genius could help with some...custom designs." He kept it vague. Elsewhere, with its inherent magic and untamed energy, was a secret he had to guard. Yet with its inherent issue regarding modern technology...Mei's brilliance might unlock surviving those unforgiving landscapes.

"Custom is my middle name!" Mei declared, reaching for a grease-stained notebook. "Spill! What limits is standard tech hitting? Environmental hazards? Villain Quirks? Alien microbes?" Her eyes glittered with anticipation, the ozone scent sharper as she drew closer.

Izuku hesitated, then chose his words carefully. "Let's just say...there are places I train where energy signatures do strange things. Gadgets short out, readings go haywire. It's like the laws of physics take a vacation."

Mei slammed a fist on the workbench, sending a screw skittering. "Finally! A challenge worthy of my babies!" She dove into sketches and scribbled notes, voice a rapid-fire stream of equations and half-formed theories. Izuku found himself caught up in her energy, the hot metal scent growing stronger as she gestured wildly. His explanations met flashes of understanding, the spark in her eyes mirroring arcing electric currents.

They spent hours like that, rhythmic clanks and machinery hums punctuated by Mei's excited squeaks and Izuku's startled laughs. Then abruptly, Mei's focus shifted. She leaned in, solder and burnt rubber washing over him, her gaze fixed on his bicep.

"Your muscles," she announced bluntly, prodding with a screwdriver's blunt end then with her hands. "They're astounding! Such density, yet incredible flexibility..."

Surprise washed over Izuku, quickly followed by amusement. "You're not the first to notice," he chuckled, resisting the urge to flex. Instead, he leaned closer, intrigued despite himself. A whiff of something sweet beneath the metal and ozone – bubblegum?

"It affects everything," Mei continued rapidly, "Load distribution, resistance...Have you considered a kinetic amplification harness? The sheer power you could generate-"

She broke off, a blush creeping up her cheeks. Then boldness returned. "Of course, proper calibration requires...hands-on assessment. Are you available for some field testing?" The challenge in her eyes was irresistible.

Izuku grinned, unable to contain his enthusiasm. "Lead the way, Professor. I'm all yours for science's sake."

The rest of the afternoon blurred into laughter, diagrams, and sly 'necessary adjustment' touches. By the time he left, Izuku's head spun with possibilities. No finished gadgets, but Mei's notebook held scribbled concepts, theoretical workarounds, and the promise of further collaboration. The ozone scent lingered on his skin as he stepped into fading light, a tangible reminder of the whirlwind he'd just weathered.

A/N: Thank you for reading and waiting for this chapter! Hope you guys liked it! As always, let me know if you have any question or feedback for me.

My personal favorite for the chapter is Iida's part, having kind of mirrored when ALL MIGHT asked Izuku a similar question. Totally different motivation, of course, but the outcome would've been the same. Though I may have been biased, knowing what's gonna happen. What's yours?

Sorry for the pictures of Eindridi and Aoife not exactly fitting their scenes. For some reason, I can't trigger their bar events to get the screenshots. Must've been because of the old saves I had.

I'll continue Nejire's dinner date later since it deserves a chapter of its own. So will the rest of the girls' parts which some are already written but not here also because of the bloat, so I'll expand on theirs and give them their own separate chapters. These are just the start of their individual journey with Izuku anyway. I'm also excited to get to the next big event in the story. Hopefully I'll do that justice. But for now...

Next up: The Knights of The Lake (Beach Episode/Chapter)