It's been a few days since the whole Overhaul fiasco. Izuku got thoroughly chewed out by several people for his reckless actions, especially by Itsuka. Surprisingly, the detective didn't give him too much flak. Apparently, Chisaki's powers were of a necromantic nature dealing with the undead. And since undead entities are kill-on-sight targets, Izuku managed to get off relatively easy despite the collateral damage. Though he's sure that it's also thanks to the fact that no innocent civilian was harmed. Unfortunately, this likely means they haven't seen the last of Overhaul.
As for Eri, since her last living relative was reported deceased, she was placed in Izuku's care until further notice. The young girl and the young Evoker were both fully on board with this arrangement. She's now living at the UA dorms, under Izuku's guardianship. Though during the day, she primarily interacts with the female students. Eri has grown exceptionally close to Ochaco in particular, following her around like a baby duck whenever Izuku is occupied.
Ochaco didn't mind this development one bit - if anything, she was happy to help care for Eri while her boyfriend was busy. The brunette's warm, nurturing nature really brought the young girl out of her shell, helping her become more sociable and open up to others. Though strangely enough, she has yet to show her smile. Something that Izuku and the others resolved to make him pay for next time he shows up.
Mina was absolutely ecstatic, taking Eri under her wing and introducing her to all sorts of fun activities like dress-up, makeup, or dancing. Though she had to be a bit cautious about what she exposed the little girl to with her high-energy, over-the-top personality.
Kyouka discovered Eri had a fondness for music, so they would often bond by listening to kid-friendly tunes together. Eri even convinced the budding rock star hero to teach her how to play instruments, so she started learning to play drums and ukulele.
Whenever no one was looking, Shoto would sometimes sneak Eri some candy and chocolates, which always surprised Izuku and the others when she returned with a box or two.
Right now, Izuku was getting ready for his date with Ochaco. Mina, Itsuka, and Kyouka had all volunteered to look after Eri for the entire day, which Izuku gladly agreed to - mostly counting on Itsuka and Kyouka to be the responsible chaperones.
He headed to the train station to meet up with Ochaco as usual. He took a seat on the bench in front of the map and waited for his girlfriend to arrive.
Ochaco soon arrived, dressed in a black shoulderless blouse over a pink t-shirt and black skinny jeans paired with matching black flats. Her outfit beautifully accentuated her gorgeous curves.
"Good morning, My Heart," Ochaco greeted Izuku with a bright smile and a hug.
"Good morning, Dear," Izuku replied as he hugged his girlfriend back. "You look great," he remarked once they parted. "Ready for our date?"
"Thanks," Ochaco blushed. "I'm really excited about today! Though I hope it'll be less stressful than our last couple dates. You don't have any shocking revelations of buggery or hostile Powers dropping in and taking over, do you?"
"Same here," Izuku admitted with a sheepish grin. "And don't worry. I'll just sic Nana on anyone trying to sabotage this date."
"Ooh, what a fearsome threat," Ochaco giggled and took his hand, leading him into the train station. Their first stop was the Konica Minolta Planetarium, since Ochaco hadn't gotten her fill last time. And he aimed to focus solely on her enjoyment today.
They settled into their seats, Ochaco leaning against his shoulder. Her fragrance washed over him like an enticing yet soothing mist. In this lighting, her beauty was magnified - soft cheekbones accentuated by shadows, full lips parted in wonder. He couldn't help but admire her perfect features - the gentle slope of her nose, the delicate curve of her jawline. She was truly a goddess among men.
"Eri is such a sweetheart," Ochaco said softly, her voice velvet-smooth. "She's really opened up to us."
"Yeah," Izuku smiled fondly, recalling how Eri would plop down beside Ochaco to watch princess movies. "You have a way with people."
Ochaco blushed and giggled bashfully, her cheeks flushing pink in the dim lighting. "I'm not that special."
"You are," he insisted, gazing at her intently. "You're amazing."
"Thank you," she whispered, giving his hand a gentle squeeze as her expression turned more serious. "You saved her from the suffering further. You are amazing too, My Heart."
After a few quiet moments passed between them, Ochaco asked, "So anything interesting happen to you these last few days?"
"Well, just before I went for a walk around town last Thursday, I had a weird run-in with Yaoyorozu and her...pet," Izuku said, unable to keep a slight grimace from his face as he recalled the encounter.
Ochaco's eyes danced with amusement. "You really should be more respectful of what you call Hakone-no-Kitsune. Those demon foxes are highly volatile creatures, prickly about matters of honour."
"Yeah, I kinda noticed that," Izuku chuckled dryly. "She nearly picked a fight with me and Nana. Thankfully Yaoyorozu-san stepped in to calm things down."
"But why would Yaomomo's bodyguard try to attack you?" Ochaco asked, brow furrowing in confusion.
Izuku shrugged. "She wanted Nana to go with her, but Nana refused to leave without me. And the fox really seemed to take issue with my presence. Kept calling me 'mongrel' and stuff."
Ochaco's expression twisted further into one of puzzlement. "Did either of them explain why she had such a problem with you?"
"Yaoyorozu-san mentioned it was because the foxes worship Hoori. And they viewed me as some kind of 'abomination' against him, somehow."
A melodious laugh escaped Ochaco's lips. "My dear Izuku, I rather doubt they outright worship him. More likely they've sworn fealty to Hoori, much as the Fae have pledged themselves to the Horned Lord. Worship seems like more of a uniquely human concept."
Izuku furrowed his brow, trying to dredge up what he knew of the deity. "Remind me, what kind of god is Hoori again?" He knew the basics, but doubted any book learning could accurately capture the true nature of such an entity.
Ochaco cocked her head to the side in that adorably inquisitive way of hers. "You believe he might be your divine father?"
"No, the opposite, actually," Izuku said with a shake of his head. "Yaoyorozu-san mentioned he and my father apparently shared some...responsibilities, or something vague like that."
"Ahh, I see." Ochaco nodded in understanding. "Well, there are many deific Mantles associated with war and battle, but they all share the same divine root."
"The Mantle?"
"Precisely." She smiled approvingly. "From what I recall, Hoori is primarily associated with grain, agriculture, and the harvest cycle. The Celtic equivalent would be Lugh, for example."
"Huh, I can't quite picture myself as the son of a harvest deity," Izuku mused with a lopsided grin.
Ochaco's shoulders rose and fell in an elegant shrug. "Well, the cycles of harvest and fertility rites are closely intertwined. So that part would certainly align with your...lecherous destiny, shall we say?"
Izuku mock-winced in feigned hurt. "You wound me, my lady."
Chuckling lightly, she patted his arm in consolation. "In all seriousness though, Hoori is also reputed as a mighty warrior, is he not? So that facet would certainly befit you."
"Fair point," Izuku conceded. "It would be nice to put an actual name and identity to my old man. Anything's better than that 'Dubh' nonsense."
That gave Ochaco pause. "'Dubh?' What does that mean?"
A rueful look crossed Izuku's features. "Yeah, it's the name he gave Midnight-sensei when she...you know. Apparently it means 'black' or something like that."
"Ahh, I see. Yes, I'm familiar with the Gaelic meaning." She flashed him a sly grin. "Most likely some inscrutable pun or layered meaning, knowing how the Gods so love their little riddles and games. Did she describe his appearance?"
Izuku shook his head. "Not really, just that I apparently look a lot like him. Tall, dark features, nothing too out of the ordinary as far as human appearance goes. No hooves or horns or anything like that."
"Well the Gods do have the capacity to easily take human or other animal forms when they wish," Ochaco pointed out. "But Lugh is typically depicted as fair-haired with blue eyes, if I'm remembering correctly. So it would be quite the trick to mistake you for him."
A resigned sigh slipped from Izuku's lips. "Yeah, figures it wouldn't be that simple. I don't suppose you know why a clan of murderous demon foxes would ally themselves with a harvest deity?"
He caught the way Ochaco's shoulders stiffened ever so slightly at the question, her expression turning momentarily pensive. "Hardly. While Hoori does have ties to crop cultivation, he's also strongly associated with the hunt. It's likely that aspect of his nature to which the foxes have sworn fealty."
"Huh, that...could make sense, I suppose?" Izuku stroked his chin thoughtfully. "What about equivalents elsewhere then? You know, different cultural interpretations of a hunting god?"
When Ochaco didn't immediately respond, Izuku glanced over to find her staring intently at his face with an indecipherable look. "Uh...Ochaco? You alright?"
She blinked, seeming to shake herself from her reverie. "My apologies. To answer your question - yes, there are many deific figures associated with the hunt across different mythologies. But there is only one true Lord of the Hunt, the oldest of all gods who still walks among the mortal realms."
Izuku leaned in, interest piqued. "Oh yeah? Which one is that?"
There was a solemnity to Ochaco's tone that gave him pause. "My mother's liege lord...the Horned God himself."
A weighty stillness settled over them both. The Horned God - now there was a truly ancient and enigmatic deity, shrouded in antiquity and arcane mystery. After his conversation that one time with Ochaco, Izuku looked into any details about him, with little success. He also had heard the occasional murmur and rumor about him being one of the oldest gods period, possibly even preceding the very first pantheons. Some fringe whispers even claimed he had fathered the Firstborn, the God Kings and Queens of various Pantheons. But he'd always dismissed those as little more than fanciful myth and legend.
"I wasn't aware the Horned Lord still involved himself much with human affairs these days," Izuku said carefully.
Ochaco's expression turned wistful, her gaze seeming to turn inward. "He does not, not anymore. Even interactions with his own direct vassals - the Fae nobility - have become incredibly rare occurrences in recent ages." Her chin dipped slightly as she recalled a distant memory. "But I did once meet him myself, when I was just a little girl. My mother had been elevated to the Gentry when I was six years old. She brought me along when she went to formally swear her oaths of fealty."
Izuku felt his breath catch in his throat as he watched a range of emotions play across Ochaco's delicate features - fondness, melancholy, even a hint of reverence. "What...what was he like? This Lord of the Hunt?"
A contemplative frown creased Ochaco's brow as she cast her mind back through the hazy years. "Tall, though all adults seemed towering to a child's eyes back then. He had dark hair, a strong face..." She raised her eyes to meet Izuku's emerald gaze. "...much like yours, now that I think on it. And eyes the same intense, emerald green."
"You said his title was the Horned God, right?" Izuku asked, his emerald eyes inquisitive.
She nodded, her chestnut hair bobbing with the motion. "Many names have been given to him over the ages; The Hunter. Cernunnos. The Green Man. Opener and Closer of the Gates of Life and Death."
"That last one's strange. What does it mean?"
Ochaco simply shook her head, the scent of her jasmine shampoo wafting around them. "I do not know. In some stories he is supposed to die, and be reborn stronger. But I have heard nothing like that from the Fae."
"Interesting. What's his Mantle?" Izuku's pen scratched against his notebook as he jotted notes.
"The Horned Lord is primarily associated with The Hunt, both as a prey and the hunter. He is the true Lord of the Great Hunt, though the Kings-in-Exile have been leading it in his stead the last thousand years." Ochaco's voice took on a reverent tone.
"Anything else?" Izuku's brow furrowed in concentration.
"He is linked to fertility, to death, and rebirth. The Mantle itself is old, some say the Oldest. The masculine to the Goddess' feminine. The Horned God himself is certainly among the very oldest gods that still reside among mortals."
"Who is this 'Goddess'?"
With a sad look on her face, Ochaco's eyes grew distant. "She is no longer among us. But she was bound to the Mantle of Life, and Birth. To Children, and Home. To Love."
"Where did she go?" Izuku's voice was hushed, the sounds of the bustling city fading away.
"Wherever Gods go when they lose interest in the world. Some call it the True Ascension, and the Gods that walk among us merely a step in the journey."
"So why do you think he avoid mortals?"
"Most Gods lose interest in the world as they age. They have seen too many children grow old and die, too many friends give in to the Ennui. The Fae are mortal, but their lives are far, far longer than ours. To a being tens of thousands years old, the life of a human must pass in the blink of an eye."
"So you think he might go soon? To where?"
"'Ascended,' I would assume. We do not know for sure." Ochaco's shoulders rose in a small shrug.
"What was his relationship with Merlin and Arthur?"
"There is no link to Arthur as far as I know. But he was a close ally of Merlin, and it was He who brokered the alliance that still holds today between the Fae and The Court."
After a deep thought, Izuku's brow furrowed as he asked, "Any link to the Coven?"
This surprised Ochaco whose eyes widened fractionally. "The Coven? Why?"
"Wishful thinking, perhaps. I don't really need more gods interfering with my life. And whoever hijacked my body was the God of the Coven, or at least connected to them. At the time, it seems like another me, but I'm thinking what if it's him? It's not like I met The Coven or anything." Izuku's grip tightened as he recalled the unsettling memory.
'Of course, that doesn't explain the part of Mina, Itsuka, and Yaoyorozu-san during that vision, but I'd rather tackle it one at a time,' he thought, the taste of anxiety bitter on his tongue.
"It is...possible. The Horned Lord was far more active at that time, and the Coven changed towards the end. If he had bound them as Chosen, that would explain the change," she confirmed, the furrow between her brows deepening.
"So he basically recruited them for his desperate last stand?"
"It could be. But what could be important enough that the Coven would sacrifice themselves to accomplish it?" A crease marred Ochaco's smooth features as worry lined her expression.
"The end of the world? That's certainly what Yaoyorozu-san believes."
Though she tried to hide it, Izuku noticed the tinge of worry in her expression, "I hope we can avoid that."
The weight of their conversation seemed to blanket them in an uneasy silence, the train's rhythmic pulse filled the carriage faded into white noise. Izuku noticed the tinge of worry in Ochaco's warm brown eyes and thought he should immediately dispel the heavy mood. 'This day is for Ochaco,' he reminded himself, prompting him to speak. "Anyways, thank you for telling me about the Horned God. Perhaps if I'm lucky, he'll show up in my dreams and say 'Hello son.'" He flashed her a bright smile, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
It seemed to work as Ochaco's melodious laughter rang out, a welcome reprieve. "I don't think that will happen anytime soon. Or ever."
"Ah well, you never know," he grinned back, basking in the sound of her mirth and the warmth of the sun on their faces.
Before they knew it, they were already at their station, the scent of machine oil and bustling crowds surrounding them as they made their way to the planetarium. They took their seats in the dimly lit theater, the plush chairs cradling them as the show began. Ochaco's eyes widened in wonder as stars and galaxies danced across the domed ceiling above them in vibrant hues.
Izuku would cast sidelong glances towards her throughout the whole thing, admiring how her face seemed to be bathed in the twinkling starlight. 'She's so beautiful,' he thought to himself, desire warming his chest. He decided to put his arm around her and pull her close, seeking her warmth.
She leaned onto him, snuggling closer as he gently pulled her against his side. The steady rhythm of her breathing soothed him, grounding him in the moment. His thumb stroked her arm tenderly, tracing invisible patterns on her silky skin in soothing motions.
"Are you having fun?" Izuku asked her in a hushed voice, his breath stirring strands of hair beside her ear, carrying the faint scent of his cologne.
She nodded slowly, murmuring happily. "Always," she replied without hesitation, her voice a soft caress. Her arms tightened around his waist for a second, holding him securely against her slender frame.
Her touch warmed his heart as he leaned against her. She felt right against him; perfect and comforting and safe. He breathed deeply, inhaling her floral scent tinged with a hint of vanilla. He wanted to capture this feeling forever, preserve it in amber so he could live at this moment forever.
Or maybe not. Maybe he'd rather live in a future where they stayed together through whatever storms came their way, to be there for each other even when they grew older and frailer, however many centuries that would take. It sounded appealing to him as he gently kissed her temple, her silky tresses brushing his cheek.
"I love you," he whispered softly, the words a tender caress. "Never forget that."
The brunette giggled, the melodious sound warming him from the inside out. "I know. And I love you too," she replied quietly, her breath fanning across his neck. Her soft lips brushed lightly across his cheek before resting against his skin for a lingering moment.
The softness of her kiss lingered on his face, a sweet imprint. It burned warmly inside him, filling his chest with unbridled happiness. "I'm glad you're here with me," he confessed, interlacing their fingers.
Ochaco smiled shyly, leaning on her boyfriend as she held him tightly against her frame. Her slender arms wrapped snugly around his waist and she pressed herself against him, relishing the solid warmth of his body against hers.
After the planetarium, the couple made their way to an arcade, neon lights and the beeps and clangs of games surrounding them as they spent their day off to their heart's content. They laughed and teased, playing Dance Dance Revolution, trying their luck at the claw cranes, and competing at shooting and rhythm games.
Then they had lunch at a small diner on the corner, the mouthwatering scents of sizzling burgers and golden fries wafting through the cozy space. Their conversation flowed easily despite the clatters and chatter of the busy atmosphere around them, their banter punctuated by warm smiles and soft touches.
Once they finished their food and paid the bill, the duo left the diner, hand-in-hand, and decided to go to the local shopping mall. Ochaco went into a few clothing stores, the scent of fresh linen and new fabrics surrounding them as she browsed racks. She bought a couple new outfits, quite a few also for Izuku, while he followed behind patiently, content to be by her side.
Before they knew it, the sun had started setting, painting the sky in vibrant hues of pinks and oranges. Golden light slanted through the mall's skylights as they made their way outside, signaling it was getting closer to dinnertime. They decided to go to Chojiya.
While they were waiting to be seated, the aromas of freshly prepared sushi and miso soup perfuming the air, Izuku had a wide grin and asked, "Did you bring it?"
Taking a few seconds before she figured out what he was talking about, Ochaco's face turned crimson as she shyly answered, "Y-yeah."
"I can't wait for it," he said, giving her a wink laden with meaning that deepened her blush.
Their food soon arrived, beautifully plated dishes promising an explosion of flavors. The pair started eating, making casual chatter and exchanging soft smiles between bites as they savored each other's company.
By the time they finished their food and paid, it was already dark outside, city lights twinkling to life. They shared a decadent dessert of green tea ice cream before calling it a night and leaving the restaurant, hands intertwined. They had both thoroughly enjoyed their date, though it wasn't quite over yet.
"Ready to go?" Izuku asked huskily as they strolled down lamp-lit streets, anticipation quickening his pulse.
"Yes...yes I guess we shall. I...never mind." Ochaco's voice was hushed, tinged with nervousness as she fiddled with the strap of her purse.
"Second thoughts?" Izuku asked, arching an inquisitive brow.
"Some. It is finally sinking in that we are going together to your room. At night. With all that implies. If you hear the tinkling of glass, it is just my self-delusions shattering." A rosy blush crept up her neck as she avoided his gaze shyly.
"Relax. This is perfectly natural. I'll return you to your room good as new," he assured her with a warm smile.
"But perhaps a little worse for wear," she said, a coy smile playing on her lips.
"I would consider it a little better for wear," he countered, opening the door for her with a gentlemanly gesture. "After you, Milady."
After boarding the train station, the mingled scents of machine oil and recycled air surrounding them, they found their seats together. Ochaco couldn't help but be both nervous and excited for what was to come. Her heart pounded an erratic staccato against her ribs as she clutched onto her bag in giddy anticipation.
She noticed the eager grin curving Izuku's mouth, which only made the butterflies in her stomach flutter more fervently. With a gentle smile, she pulled out her phone and sent a quick text message before returning her warm brown gaze to her boyfriend. "Ready?" she breathed.
Izuku's smile grew even wider, his emerald eyes dancing with excitement. He nodded enthusiastically and said, "Hell yeah."
Once the train stopped at the next station with a pneumatic hiss, they disembarked and headed straight to The Crowley, the neon sign glowing invitingly against the dusky sky.
Feeling a little uneasy, Ochaco's brow furrowed slightly as she asked, "Will the Crowley be full around this time?"
"Nah, it's mostly empty this late. Are you worried about people seeing you?" Izuku's tone held a teasing lilt as he slipped an arm around her waist, drawing her close.
"I suppose so?" she breathed, her perfume swirling around them as she leaned into his embrace.
Before they could continue their conversation, the couple arrived at the familiar pub. True to Izuku's word, it was practically empty aside from Midnight, who was already trying to clean up the scarred wooden bar top.
"Why hello, Izuku. Princess. A late night study session, I assume? Burning the candle on both ends?" The buxom woman smirked knowingly, one sculpted brow arched.
"Ochaco, could you head upstairs? I need to have a little chat with Nemuri," Izuku said smoothly, pressing a lingering kiss to her temple.
After exchanging a curious look with both of them, Ochaco answered, "Of course, Sir Knight. I shall see you shortly. Farewell, Lady Sorceress." She gave a small curtsy before ascending the worn steps, the scent of her jasmine shampoo trailing behind her.
"See you in a moment, Love," Izuku called softly after her retreating form.
Midnight waited until Ochaco was out of earshot before she started chuckling, the sound low and throaty. "Making her do the walk of shame, all on her own. How ungentlemanly."
"Someone had to stay behind and draw enemy fire," Izuku bit back, his emerald eyes flashing.
"Remember what I said about fucking the heir to the Throne. Daddy is not known for his gentle demeanor, or his forgiving nature." Midnight's expression sobered as she leveled him with a pointed look.
"Yes, yes...I've heard it all before. I'll return her with all the critical assets intact. But I refuse to let Erec, or Sarah,...or you, for that matter, dictate what I do with my girlfriend." Izuku's jaw tightened mutinously.
"Maybe you should listen to self-preservation instead?" Nemuri arched a perfectly sculpted brow.
"Not really a thing Evokers are known for," Izuku scoffed, rolling his eyes.
Midnight only shook her head at the response, her raven locks swaying with the motion. "You're hanging around that Shimura girl way too much. Not every Evoker has a death wish."
"Just most of them?" A wry grin curved Izuku's lips.
"More like the young ones, and very few of the old ones. A little healthy fear for the King-in-Exile would go a long way." Nemuri leveled him with a pointed look as she started wiping down the polished bar top.
"Fuck Erec," Izuku growled out, the words laced with venom.
"Possibly safer than fucking his daughter, but I didn't know you swung that way." A salacious grin slowly spread across Midnight's crimson lips.
Izuku rolled his eyes, though his lips twitched with reluctant amusement. "Very funny. Anyway, I'm going upstairs."
"You wouldn't happen to know where my roses went?" she asked, eyeing him shrewdly.
"Absolutely no idea. One of the customers probably ate them. It would be an improvement on the pub grub," he deadpanned.
"Not so angry, Izuku. I'm just the messenger," Nemuri placated with a wave of her hand, bangles jangling musically.
"Well, the message is getting old. Yes, I'll protect her virginity. Beyond that, I refuse to be cowed. And if Erec has a problem with that, he can go take a long walk off a short pier. In full Plate." Izuku's tone brooked no argument as he straightened, jaw set stubbornly.
"It will have to do, I guess. Though I can't imagine Erec would be happy if he knew what's going up there tonight," Nemuri mused, tapping one crimson nail against the bar.
"The more reasons Erec has for wanting me dead, the less of a shit I give for his happiness. Good night, Nemuri. I'm going up to my girlfriend now. Don't disturb us, unless if the pub is on fire. Or it will be." With that parting shot, Izuku turned on his heel and headed for the stairs without a backwards glance.
"Understood," Nemuri called after him, amusement lacing her throaty tone.
Izuku ascended the creaky wooden steps and entered his dorm room. He found Ochaco sitting primly on his bed, still fully clothed, waiting for him with barely contained eagerness. 'Ah, I didn't think of it,' he thought as he looked at her with a gentle smile, desire simmering in his emerald gaze. "Afraid?" he asked softly, crossing the room to stand before her.
Ochaco shook her head minutely, her chestnut tresses swaying with the motion as she met his heated stare. "N-no. Just...I don't want to seem too eager," she admitted shyly.
"Well, we can just hang out," he offered with an understanding smile, though his tone held the faintest rasp of arousal.
"No, it's fine. I was also getting worried. Is everything okay?" She reached out to take his hands, searching his eyes intently.
"Yeah, just Midnight-sensei giving me the talk. At least Mom did it once, and then never brought it up again," he reassured her with a small huff of laughter.
Confusion creased Ochaco's brow as she asked, "What is the talk?"
"'Are you using protection? Don't get her pregnant! What if her father finds out?' And so forth. You never had that chat with your parents?" Izuku's hands squeezed hers gently as he lowered himself to sit beside her on the bed.
"Hardly. I had tutors nagging me endlessly on the etiquette of a Princess, but I fear we have left their guidelines behind long ago," she said wryly, leaning into him as his arm curled around her waist.
"So no instructions regarding cunnilingus, I take it," he murmured against the delicate shell of her ear, smirking at the full-body shiver that rippled through her.
"N-No, whatever happened to the bed?" she managed breathlessly, gesturing towards the sheets that were now scattered with deep crimson rose petals.
"You mean the rose petals?" Izuku asked innocently, nuzzling the sensitive spot just below her ear.
"Yes? Wherever did you find them?" Ochaco's eyes widened with curiosity as she took in the crimson petals strewn across the sheets like a floral trail.
"Oh, they were just lying around," Izuku fibbed unconvincingly as looked away and his eyes darting to the left. "Anyway, I figured you've had a rough few weeks, and deserve some pampering. So I'm giving you a massage."
This earned a confused look from the princess, her brow furrowing adorably. "A massage? I...I thought we were doing..." Her voice trailed off as a becoming flush stained her cheeks.
Knowing exactly what she was going to say, Izuku had a roguish smirk playing about his lips. "Something naughty? We'll get to that. But you're tense and stressed, and it's time I do something nice for my girlfriend, instead of causing her trouble. Could you strip down to your panties and lie down for me?"
"I thought we weren't doing anything lewd?" Ochaco's fingers toyed with the hem of her blouse as she eyed him uncertainly.
"That's not at all what I said. Anyway, you wouldn't want oil on that amazing outfit, right?" Izuku's eyes danced with mirth and thinly veiled desire as he drank in the sight of her lithe form.
Intrigued, with her heart pounding a staccato rhythm against her ribs, Ochaco began slowly undressing as she asked breathlessly, "Oil? Just what kind of massage are you intending?"
"A sensual one," he purred, admiring the gentle swell of her breasts as they were revealed. "Damn, have I ever said that I love your figure?"
"Not enough," she murmured shyly as she shimmied out of her skirt, leaving her clad in just a scrap of crimson lace.
"Well, I do. Your face is beautiful, of course; but your breasts are firm and well-shaped, your curves are intoxicating and perfect for your height and frame, your belly is soft and inviting, your hips are generous and accentuate your ass wonderfully." Izuku's gaze roved over her bare skin hungrily as he spoke in a low, heated rasp.
She giggled bashfully at his ardent praise before lying down on the bed as requested, hugging a pillow to her chest self-consciously. "Are you sure you haven't studied eroticism at some point?" she teased.
"Maybe in dreams? Or maybe all of you just arouses my imagination. Who knows? Ready?" Izuku's emerald eyes glittered with unmistakable intent as he moved to join her on the bed.
"Yes?" Ochaco breathed, clutching the pillow a bit tighter as anticipation coursed through her veins.
Izuku leaned down over her, placing his hands on either side of her shoulders. His breath was hot against her neck as he whispered softly into her ear, "Relax." Then he began massaging her shoulders firmly but gently, working the tense muscles loose. His fingers danced across her skin with practiced ease, kneading her flesh in ways that made her moan softly with pleasure.
His touch was firm yet tender, the scent of sandalwood and citrus surrounding them. 'Did he get some scented candles?' she thought. He seemed to know exactly where to press and what kind of pressure to use; every squeeze and caress brought forth another breathy sound from Ochaco's parted lips until she couldn't contain them anymore.
"That feels so good. Where did you learn this?" she managed between gasps as he found a particularly stubborn knot and dug his thumbs in insistently.
"My ex back in middle school, Yuki, used to be in the track club and would get really sore back and legs after her club activities, so I tried to pick up some massage tips to help her relax," Izuku explained offhandedly as he worked his way down her spine with strong, purposeful strokes.
"Oh," Ochaco murmured, her voice tinged with dejection at the mention of his former flame. Jealousy, unbidden, flared hot in her belly.
"Turns out there's no such thing as useless knowledge. What happened? You're tensing up again," he noted with a frown, his clever fingers faltering in their ministrations.
"Do you...do you miss her?" Ochaco asked haltingly, unable to meet his searching gaze.
"Who? Yuki? I hadn't actually thought of her in a long time. She had to move to Spain due to her father's job and we decided to end it on her flight day rather than going for a long-distance relationship," Izuku said, a melancholic note entering his tone as he recalled the bittersweet memory. Yuki had been his first serious girlfriend, though even he hadn't anticipated their relationship ending quite the way it did.
"And me? Would you go for it?" Ochaco's grip on the pillow tightened until her knuckles turned white.
"For you, Ochaco, I would cross time and space to be with you. There's nothing and nobody that will stop me. Not even the full might of the gods," he vowed fervently, leaning down to trail scorching open-mouthed kisses along the elegant column of her neck and shoulder. "Oh wow. I love your ass dimples."
"My what?" she gasped, arching instinctively into the path of his questing lips.
"Ass dimples? You know, the little indent just above your hip? Venus dimples, I think they're called," he clarified in that sinful rasp that made her shiver.
"Yes? What about them?" she managed breathlessly.
"They're sexy as hell," he growled against the impossibly soft skin of her lower back as his hands roamed lower, kneading her glute muscles with firm yet tender pressure. He dug his thumbs into the dimples he professed to adore, squeezing and releasing, working away the knots of tension with expert motions.
"I know you well enough by now to see when you are trying to deflect me," Ochaco chided wryly even as she couldn't help arching her back and lifting her hips wantonly off the bed, pushing back against his talented fingers.
"Well yes, but I also have an appreciation for ass dimples. And a nice ass in general, now that I think about it," Izuku readily admitted with a low chuckle. His thumbs pressed insistently on either side of her spine, easing the stress from her muscles as she shuddered with unbridled pleasure.
The sensations were utterly intoxicating, sending delicious tremors rippling through her body. Then she felt the velvet glide of his lips trailing kisses along her throat and down her shoulder blades, each one branding her with fiery want.
"I suspect...hnnn...you like all parts of the female body, my dearest lecher," Ochaco managed to gasp out between ragged breaths.
"True. Your body's like a living sculpture. I could happily watch you for hours," Izuku readily admitted, nipping at the sensitive juncture of her neck and shoulder playfully. "But this isn't really about my ex, is it? What's bothering you?"
Unsure of how to properly voice her sudden flare of possessive jealousy, Ochaco hesitated before replying, "It is just the thought of you with another woman. Whether it is this Yuki person or Mina or...whoever." She couldn't quite mask the tremble of insecurity in her tone.
"I'll tell Mina to get lost and ship her off to Timbuktu, if you really want me to. Though I thought you were warming up to the idea," Izuku said lightly, even as he pressed scorching kisses along the elegant sweep of her spine.
"I was resigned to it, perhaps is the better term," she clarified shakily before a tremulous gasp tore from her lips as he slid one large hand up to cup the back of her neck, his fingertips caressing the sensitive skin there. His other hand reached around to palm one petal-soft breast as he continued his sensual ministrations on her backside. He teased her taut nipple with the lightest brushes of his fingertips until it peaked into an aching point, rolling the rosy bud between his fingers until she cried out sharply and pushed her hips back against him hard.
"That feels so good," she moaned. "Nothing will ever come from fighting your destiny, and yours is sexual in nature. Mina will only be the first," Ochaco managed breathlessly between gasping pants.
"So more Chosen?" Izuku asked, his emerald eyes searching Ochaco's face intently.
She worried her lower lip between her teeth briefly before responding. "Or just more Companions. But I fear the day of me having you for myself are over. If they were ever a thing." There was a melancholic lilt to her tone as she avoided his gaze.
Cupping her chin gently, Izuku guided her eyes back to his. "You will always be the Queen of my heart, Ochaco. I love you." He spoke the words fervently, as if branding them onto her very soul.
Ochaco's fingers drifted up to trace the contours of his face wonderingly. "Well, if the reading from the planetarium was correct, I will not be the only Queen. We already have Mina. And then there was Shimura Nana."
Izuku exhaled a rueful chuckle. "Just friendly flirting so far, really. But yeah, I could see how that could escalate as well."
"And Kodai Yui?" Ochaco's brow furrowed slightly as she mentioned the Healer's name.
Shrugging, Izuku replied, "I dunno. Honest. Despite knowing her the longest, we haven't been all that close together. We do hang out if either Kinoko or Itsuka's around though."
"So there is potential?" Ochaco searched his expression intently.
"Maybe? Yui doesn't talk much, so it's hard to know what she's thinking," Izuku admitted. He stroked Ochaco's cheek tenderly. "So what do we do?"
Leaning into his touch, Ochaco's eyes slipped closed momentarily as she gathered her resolve. When she reopened them, her gaze was steely. "We do what we must. Fighting your destiny will only destroy us both. And I refuse to give you up."
"Let me work on your neck and shoulders a bit. I guess I can see where the tension's coming from," Izuku murmured huskily.
She continued, her voice catching slightly. "All I ask is that we do things like this, sometimes. Together. That I still have a boyfriend and lover."
Izuku's hands stilled at the small of her back. "Lover?" he questioned.
Ochaco nodded. "I think that is the term for us? Even though I must remain a virgin. So let me have my love, my lover, and like I said before, the other girls can occasionally borrow your body."
Silence hung thickly between them for a suspended moment before Izuku broke it in a ragged whisper. "I love you."
"And I you," she echoed dreamily as Izuku started working the tense cords of muscle in her neck and shoulders with deft fingers.
He worked his fingers deep into the muscles at either side of her spine, eliciting soft moans and sighs of pleasure as he traced their contours with calloused thumbs. The scent of jasmine and citrus surrounded them as he ran his palms over the smooth skin at the back of her head, brushing gently through her chestnut tresses until she shivered uncontrollably.
Her hands clenched fistfuls of the sheets beneath them when he pressed against the base of her skull, his thumbs stroking down towards her nape in firm, purposeful movements. A tremulous whimper escaped her parted lips when he stroked lightly over her scalp with maddening attentiveness.
"That feels...amazing..." Ochaco breathed, her voice catching as Izuku continued massaging away the tension, his clever fingers moving down to her shoulders.
She could feel him working the tightly-wound knots loose, soothing aches that had plagued her for months. Under his skilled ministrations, she felt weightless and unburdened, floating free as he relieved her pains and melted away her stress like magic.
Then his lips were at her ear, his hot breath fanning tantalizingly against the sensitive whorls as he whispered, "Shall we get started?"
She then started to get up, causing her breasts to go on full display to Izuku. Contrary to his expectation, she didn't bother covering up her body, causing his gaze to be glued to her wonderfully shaped chest and her small areolas. She was wholly aware of Izuku's intense gaze and even enjoy it. It's not the first time he gazed at her naked body with lust, but every time it happened it still caused her body to burn with a carnal desire that is slowly being more and more tempting.
"Well, you did promise me a lewd date. So far, it has been wonderfully romantic," she said, ignoring the kisses and Izuku's gaze that can pierce through steel. "...but not very lewd."
"You're aware that you're only wearing panties, right?" Izuku teased.
"Perhaps my standards are declining. But I was hoping for something more. Especially with the gorgeous lingerie you gave me."
"Indeed. Thanks for reminding me. How about you go change into that, and I'll make myself comfortable."
"Of course. I will be right back." Ochaco got off the bed and walked towards the bathroom, swaying her hips in an attempt to entice him with a teasing look on her face as she disappeared into the bathroom.
LIME START
'I know what you're trying to do, temptress,' he thought, admiring his girlfriend's teasing. With a sly smirk, he waited for her to finish changing into the lingerie he got for her. While she's doing that, he proceeded to strip down. After a few minutes, Ochaco came out of the bathroom looking even more enticing than before, wearing the bridal-styled lingerie showcasing her curvaceous body.
At this moment, she is a goddess.
He can see the bustier pushing her breasts upward to create more cleavage than usual. The top's lace trim emphasizes Ochaco's shapely hips and slender waist. The garter belt frames her well-rounded ass beautifully, adding a sexy touch to her already breathtaking beauty. She is wearing nothing else underneath except for a pair of thigh-high stockings and high heels, giving off a seductive aura that drives Izuku crazy with lust.
The white lace complements Ochaco's dark brown hair and hazel eyes perfectly while contrasting nicely against her creamy skin tone.
"Oh...I suddenly feel underdressed," she said shyly.
"Nonsense. You look amazing!" He said.
Her gaze went to a certain body part of his and said, "It is at least easy to see when you like something."
"I can't help it. You're stunning."
"And you look quite excited. Does it always stand up on command like that?"
"For you, always. Come sit on my lap."
"On your...lap? Your...thing...looks like it wants to impale me."
"Oh, you have no idea. But you're fully dressed, so it won't get its wish today," he said.
With a slight blush on her cheeks, Ochaco obeyed him and sat down on his lap with her legs slightly parted. Her soft skin touched his warm flesh and she shivered a little when she felt the heat radiating from his erection.
"Fully dressed may be overstating it. But I feel wonderful. So, like this?"
"Relax. Just put your arms around my neck and lean on me," he instructed as he wrapped one arm around her waist and placed his other hand on her thigh. He could feel her pulse racing rapidly as he gently squeezed her flesh, drawing a gasp from her lips.
Then he kissed her, first gently, then with increasing urgency. His tongue slipped into her mouth and danced with hers as she moaned softly against his lips. He can feel his cock rubbing against the silky smoothness of her panties, the heat of her body, and the lingering spices from the dinner. She moaned louder and kissed him harder; her whole body shuddering when he rubbed circles around her sensitive bud.
The Princess could feel herself becoming wetter as his lips moved along her jawline and down her throat, nibbling at the tender flesh while his fingers explored her folds through the thin fabric. She squirmed slightly, trying to resist the urge to grind against his cock but finding it impossible.
"I love you. I could sit like this for eternity," she said.
"Me too, Ochaco."
She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, allowing him to explore every inch of her exposed skin with his lips and tongue; sucking lightly on the soft skin between her breasts, tracing circles around her nipples before capturing them between his teeth; nibbling gently before moving lower to nibble her belly button.
His hand left her thigh to travel up her side, sliding underneath the bustier and cupping her breast. He squeezed gently, running his thumb across her nipple and making it harden instantly.
He then whispered, "Do you know how to ride?"
To which surprised her, "Are you asking a Knight if she knows how to ride? Of course I do."
"Well, today, you got yourself a new stallion."
He lied down, feeling his cock on her smooth panties, the heat and wetness soaking through. She starts to move...the tingling sensations overtaking her body as she rocked back and forth against him, grinding herself against him.
This is unlike anything she felt before, the only thing she could feel was his hardness against her slit, the warmth spreading across her whole body as she pushed back harder and harder against him, trying to get even closer. His hands held onto her waist firmly, guiding her movements and helping her keep a steady pace while she rode him.
His shaft rubs against her clit in just the right way; making her moan out loud with pleasure each time she rocked back and forth on his lap; feeling his tip just barely graze her entrance, teasing it as she continued riding him. Her breathing became ragged, sweat dripping down her back as she moved faster and faster; her whole body trembling uncontrollably as she got closer to reaching her climax.
"Could you tease your breasts for me? I want to see you touch yourself."
Ochaco's face flushed bright red at the request, but she couldn't refuse; not when he had already given her so much pleasure tonight. She reached up with one hand and cupped her left breast through the bustier before pinching its nipple between two fingers while continuing to grind against him. Her other hand reached behind her back and unfastened the clasp of her bra, letting it fall open and revealing her ample bosom to him in all its glory. She began caressing the soft skin of her breasts gently while still rocking back and forth on his lap; her movements growing more erratic as she got closer to climaxing.
"Are you gonna cum?"
"I...I think so..." Ochaco answered breathlessly. "I...I've never felt anything like this before..."
"Good...then cum for me. Cum for me, Ochaco," he ordered as he grabbed onto her hips tightly, helping guide her movements as she reached her limit; crying out loudly when her orgasm washed over her body; her whole body quivering uncontrollably as she struggled to stay upright on his lap.
"I love you. Forever, and ever. You belong to me, always," she said.
"And you to me."
"And now your turn."
"Oh?"
"I mean, we have a long night ahead of us, right?"
"Yes?"
"Then why don't you lie down and let me return the favor?" Ochaco offered.
"I'd be happy to accept." He then lies on the bed with his back resting against the pillows.
She crawled between his legs and wrapped one hand around the base of his shaft.
"I'm so nervous," she said. "What if I'm no good at this?"
"Trust me, unless you actuallly started gnawing on things, any blowjob you give is going to be awesome."
"Mina would be quite cross with me if I...gnawed. I imagine that would hurt," she said while giving his cock a couple of licks with her tongue.
"Never had it happen, would prefer not to find out today."
"It looks rather more intimidating than the cucumber."
"Whatever you feel comfortable with. I worry Mina's approach might be a little...extreme...for your first time."
"I know. I thought she was going to swallow the cucumber whole. I am sorry, My Heart...there is no way I am ready to even try that, especially since yours is even larger."
"I wouldn't really expect you to, Ochaco. Just do what feels comfortable for you, I'll enjoy anything you do."
Concentrating back to his cock, she tried recalling what Mina taught her the last time. "The easiest, she said, was to just imagine that I am kissing your hand." She closed her eyes and leaned forward, pressing her lips against the tip of his erection before kissing it softly several times; her tongue darting out and licking his shaft in between each kiss.
He couldn't help but groan in pleasure as she continued kissing and licking his cock for a few moments.
"So the head is your palm. And the rim is your wrist. Then trace the pulse down in a patter of little kisses until you reach the elbow," Ochaco mumbled, muttering the lesson.
Ochaco followed the veins downwards slowly and carefully, planting soft kisses along its length as she did so; making sure to kiss every inch of his cock before arriving at his crotch; taking extra care not to neglect the head of his cock while kissing her way down.
"She said that most girls avoid the balls, and the area around it. But that most men are incredibly sensitive there, so I should pay extra attention."
Ochaco put one hand around his balls while continuing to kiss along the underside of his cock until she reached the base before running her tongue up and down between them; causing him to moan softly at the sensation. She continued kissing and licking his balls until she was satisfied that she'd covered every inch of their surface. Izuku's erection is getting painfully hard.
"And then, when you reach the elbow, you retrace back up. Ending with the palm." With that, she started kissing and licking his cock in the same pattern as before; starting from its base and working her way up to his tip.
Enjoying his reactions, she teased, "You should see your face, My Love...I think you're going cross-eyed. Did you like it?"
"That feels amazing. I can't believe it's the first time you're doing this."
"You should probably thank the cucumber. And Mina."
"Indeed, I should."
"Mina said that the next step, if I felt like the first one went well, was to use my tongue more, to lick it like a lollipop. However...Mina also mentioned something about 'teasing'? How does one tease?"
"You're already a master at teasing!" He said playfully. "But seriously, you're doing a fantastic job. Just keep doing what you're doing. Or experiment. Maybe swirl your tongue around my tip? That's something I enjoy."
"Like this?" Ochaco asked before swirling her tongue around the head of his erection; tasting the precum leaking out of its tip as she did so.
She smiled when she heard him moan quietly at the sensation.
"Yes! Yes...exactly like that," he groaned as he grabbed onto the sheets tightly.
"That makes me happy, My Love," she whispered before planting one last kiss on his tip before resuming kissing his shaft again. This time she focused on his glans and head instead of just the base; teasing his sensitive skin with her soft lips and warm tongue.
"Holy shit. That feels amazing."
Ochaco stopped kissing and licking his cock momentarily to look up at him and ask, "You like it?"
"Very much. Ohh..." He moaned when she resumed kissing and licking his cock.
After several minutes of kissing and licking his member, she decided to take things further; figuring that if he enjoyed what she was doing so far then he'd definitely enjoy something else as well. So she reached out and grabbed hold of his erection with both hands before placing them on either side of his shaft; slowly stroking him up and down with her fingers while keeping her mouth firmly pressed against his tip; pressing it against her lips as she moved her hands along his length.
"Oh fuck..." he groaned as she continued jerking him off while simultaneously massaging his glans with her tongue; gradually building up speed as she stroked him faster and faster.
He could feel himself getting close to orgasm as his body began tensing up slightly, causing Ochaco to stop stroking and release her grip on his shaft; instead focusing solely on his glans. She licked and sucked gently on his tip while occasionally swirling her tongue around its head before planting a series of small kisses down its underside until she reached the base once more.
Ochaco looked up at him with lustful eyes and asked breathlessly, "Are you going to cum?"
"If you keep doing that, yes!"
"And what would happen if I kept doing this?" She asked playfully before wrapping her lips around his tip and sucking hard; taking care not to apply too much pressure, just enough to tease him further.
"Shit...shit...keep going..." He groaned as he clutched at the bedsheets tightly. Ochaco giggled happily before repeating her actions from earlier; swirling her tongue around his head while stroking his shaft with both hands. Her fingers danced along his length as she sucked eagerly on his glans; her tongue massaging its sensitive underside.
Suddenly, his body stiffened as he arched his back slightly; lifting his hips off the bed slightly while thrusting upwards instinctively. He gasped loudly when she began pumping her hands faster and faster while simultaneously sucking harder and harder; determined to bring him over the edge.
Finally, after a few more seconds of intense stimulation, Izuku could feel his orgasm approaching rapidly; his body tensing up even more than before as he prepared to release his seed inside her mouth. Though the amount was too much for her and the remaining ones shot to her face.
"So much!" She said while still coughing, "It's so thick and salty..."
He only managed to gasp out "Sorry..."
"I do not mind. I know you like to do this. But I was planning to try to take it all in my mouth. Mina said that the difference between like, and love, was spit or swallow. If so, I should probably learn to swallow your...juice."
"There's always next time. Don't worry," he reassured her.
"As long as you enjoyed yourself. But you have made a mess of my face. Do you mind if I borrow the shower?"
"No, go ahead."
"Thank you."
"Thank you for tonight. I enjoyed it very much."
"As did I," Ochaco said with a smile before heading into the bathroom to clean herself up.
'Damn, she's hot,' he thought as he watched her walk away. He's not exactly fully satisfied yet (far from it), but he figures that asking for more would be too much for the inexperienced princess.
LIME END
Meanwhile, as he lay on the bed, the Princess enters the bathroom and looks at herself in the mirror, smirking in satisfaction at the sight of Izuku's cum dripping down her chin and cheeks; covering most of her face. It's a sensation that leaves her feeling somewhat accomplished.
After removing her lingerie, she steps into the shower and turns on the hot water; letting it cascade down her naked body as she closes her eyes and inhales deeply. The scent of soap fills her nostrils as she enjoys the warmth washing over her skin. Her breasts bounce slightly with each breath she takes, causing the streams of water streaming down between them to flow downwards towards her stomach where they mix together before disappearing down the drain beneath her feet.
After rinsing her hair thoroughly, she steps out of the shower and towels herself dry with a fluffy white towel provided by the hotel. After brushing her teeth and combing her hair, she peeks into the bedroom.
She finds her lover sitting on the side of the bed. With a smile, he asks, "Did you give any thoughts to my suggestion?"
"About sleeping with you?"
"Sleeping over with me sounds better, I think."
She chuckles at the correction, "I did not know Evokers played semantic games."
"Only to get pretty girls to bed. What do you think?"
"I think it is a terrible idea. But since I already brought a sleeping outfit, I guess it's too late to back out now."
"Can I see them?"
"They are hardly the kind of lingerie you bought me. Not that I would ever risk spoiling that by sleeping on it."
"Still, I bet you look gorgeous in it."
With a nervous smile, she presents herself for his view. The outfit is a black T-shirt with text engravings that says, 'My Real Boyfriend is an Evoker Hero Battlemage' and below, she's wearing a regular white panty.
"Oh, wow. That's the T-shirt I bought for you. You look amazing in it," he said with a happy feeling he couldn't describe completely. Rather than erotic, he found her appearance to be adorable as hell.
"I did promise to wear it for you. Some day."
"Indeed you did," he said as he stood up from the bed and walked over towards her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close; resting his chin on top of her head. She shivered slightly at his touch but didn't resist as he held her against his chest. "Thank you."
"Do not be silly, My Love. Thank you."
"Well, time for bed I guess," he said before kissing the top of her head tenderly before letting go of her body.
She nodded, blushing slightly as she watched him climb underneath the covers of the bed and lie down on his back. After putting on her sleeping outfit, she slipped into the bed next to him; lying on her side facing away from him as he wraps his arms around her.
At the moment, she felt fulfilled. This is heaven, right here.
She wanted to enjoy every second of this moment forever. But whether because of how relaxing his massage was, or how exhausted she was on their exercise, she found herself drifting to sleep. And soon, so does he.
Thanks for reading this! Hope you guys liked it!
We got some sweetness for Ochaco. On top of that, expansion of the lore. This has turned into Chekhov's armory, hasn't it? They'll be fired eventually.
We only have a few chapters before I start the 1st person - 3rd person rewrite. I can see a few improvements from the feedback when I did a reread so I'll implement those as well as best I can. Anyway, we have "The Corpse and The Cougar," "Blood vs. Blood," and "The Hammer of God." One or two of them would be relatively short. At least shorter than these past few chapters so they'll be out soon-ish. The last one's name is either that or "The Sword of Mankind," or maybe I'll split them into two if they're not too short. Both would make an appearance anyway. We'll see.
As always, do let me know if you have questions or feedback.
Next up: The Corpse and The Cougar