-Momo-
She walked out of the house with a smile and the taste of Izuku on her lips. She went to school in a blissful daze. Classes breezed by; she wanted to see him, but she knew he had to work. She understood his situation; she was not able to tell him that she would take care of him. She also knows he wouldn't accept that, just like she wouldn't. She knew her squabble with her parents was not over. She felt her mother was on her side, but her father was a different story.
She could see her father's objections; Izuku had no relationship with his parents, and aside from hero work, they had no clue if he was capable of more. Of course, her teenage mind would rebut that they didn't know him like she did. She didn't know everything, but she knew that would come with time. She knew he was intelligent and passionate and wanted to help the world and change it. Not that she wasn't aware that this could all be teenage ignorance.
Everyone felt that way at some point; they would change the world and institute their version of what was right. But no one had the same vision; even if people had the same goal, how they got to that goal could differ wildly.
Of course, part of all this was hormones. She knew that; she was not stupid. She was aware of what had spurned their actions last night. Was it the best decision? No. But that is what being a teenager was about. He was hot, handsome, good-looking, a hunk, and whatever other adjective she could imagine. Even Melissa and Mei had said as much, and she saw the other girls look at him as much as other men looked at her. She had tried to ignore it, but she was well-developed. She understood once she had entered school and the confessions started. He never really talked about school except that it didn't go well. He had mentioned that before his accident, he was smaller and frail. They could sit down and talk. The hard part will be keeping their hands off each other.
-Izuku & Momo-
He was surprised when Momo insisted on their next date at his house; there was an initial excitement before she told them she wanted to "talk to him." Now anyone who had/has been in a relationship or seen one in real life or on television knew this was never a good thing.
He had prepared everything when the knock came; he took a deep breath, Jean reassured him, and he opened the door. She was breathtaking as usual she wore a pair of form-fitting black jeans and a white blouse. Some of his fears were assuaged as she kissed him deeply as the door closed. He had tea and a snack board waiting for them as they sat on the couch.
"Is everything ok?" he asked.
"Yes, Izuku," she took his hands. "I wanted to talk to you; I want you to know I am not unhappy or upset." She saw he was about to speak but placed a delicate finger on his lips. "Nor do I regret anything we have done together. I am still in love with you as I was the morning we parted."
"Ok." He said, some relief coming through in his voice.
"I feel that I want to know more. I am familiar with your present situation but don't know about your past. I want to know more about you as we build this relationship. You mentioned some, but I want you to tell me." He nodded his head. "Don't think this is a one-way street; let me begin, then you can go."
Momo took a deep breath and began to explain. How she was an only child, why her parents couldn't have more children, and their expectations for her. She told him about her school experiences and how she discovered that many people were trying to use her, whether for her body, wealth, or connections.
How lonely and trapped she felt, how she met Melissa, and how she had become her first and most faithful friend. Even told him of their kiss, she blushed furiously and fumbled over explaining the circumstances and everything. Izuku's mind gave him a great mental image, stupid hormones.
She told him more about her desire to be a hero; then she told him about that night at her family's company, how she met Mei, and everything that followed. The break-in, the theft, the suspected involvement of Melissa's father, Cosmic Energy, and their desire to get to the bottom of everything. Then meeting him. She told him how attracted to him she was, but it was his passion and mind that she loved. How she felt they shared a vision, how she could be honest with him. That she wanted him to feel the same.
When she got to that night, Izuku's mind began to race. Jean explained that the ashes were, in fact, his body; Jean had told him that he had died to be reborn. Jean also said to him that this was his decision to tell her the truth.
It might destroy their relationship, but if he chooses to keep it a secret, the truth would come out sooner or later, and there would be a greater sense of betrayal. In Jean's experience, the truth coming later was usually because something was forced, and trust between the people was damaged, if not broken. Jean was there to advise him, not tell him what to do. But telling her would mean that they would have to bring in Melissa and Mei sooner or later.
Momo took a deep breath. She could see that Izuku was thinking. He did not want to admit that he contemplated wiping Momo and her friends' minds; he knew where that thought had come from. It was panic and fear. Not a good place to lead from. He stood up and went and got a bottle of water from the fridge bringing her one.
He thought of life without her; it wasn't one he enjoyed. He knew they were in the honeymoon stage and the future could bring anything. He knew that even if she weren't in his arms, he would still want to make this world better for her.
He closed his eyes for a full minute before opening them and looking deeply into her eyes. He scanned her with Empathy; she was nervous, concerned, and loved him. He scanned her mind for deception. There was none. He felt guilty for doing this but was about to drop a nuclear bomb.
"Momo, I love you, but I need a few things from you before I go any further."
She placed her hand on her chest and took a deep breath. "Ok."
"You have to swear to me that what I am about to tell you goes no further than us ever. No, Melissa, no Mei, no parents, no one."
"I can do that as long as you are not about to reveal to me severe criminal activities like murder and such."
"No murder, so you are ok. Number two, when I am done, I will understand if you don't want to be together anymore." She was about to say something, but he held up his hand. "Just trust me on this. I am not saying this for dramatic effect. I am honestly scared that when this is over, you might just say 'fuck this' and walk out." She nodded; he could see the nervousness building in her. "When I am done, you can ask me your questions; once you are satisfied, I want you to consider whether you want to stay with me."
Momo sat there in thought. She then pulled him in, and they started to kiss. As she broke apart from him, "Go ahead."
Izuku had Jean sweep the area to make sure they were clear.
-Izuku 2 Momo-
"My earliest memories of life were of my mom and wanting to be a hero. My dad was around but not very much. I had a few friends in kindergarten. My "Best" friend was a boy named Katsuki Bakugo, the son of my mom's friend from high school and university. He developed his quirk as soon as he was 4, which was pretty awesome. He sweats nitroglycerin, and he can ignite it."
A piece of paper and pencil floated to them. "Bakugo and I used to say we would be heroes together. That's what I said; he always said I could be his sidekick. But then I didn't get my quirk; everyone else in the class started to develop their quirks, but not me. My mom took me to the doctor to find out what was happening. After an x-ray of my toe, he told me I was quirk less. Bakugo heard his mom talking to my mom. Now I wanted to be a hero like all kids; I wanted to be just like All-Might. That night I asked my mom, and she said no.
"Now Bakugo is damn smart; he could read before any of us." Izuku wrote out his name in Kanji. Showing it to her. "The first part of my name can be read as Deku. Bakugo pointed this out, and of course, from then on, I was Deku. Quirkless and dreaming an impossible dream."
Momo's heart was breaking; he floated a tissue to her. She dabbed at her eyes before nodding for him to continue. He had told her some of this in the café but not in so much detail.
"My mom wanted me to give up my dream and accept being quirkless to find an obtainable dream. My dad left for good when I was six; I had sent him a birthday card he just returned it unopened. I never stopped, however. I was going to be a hero. Bakugo could not stand that. That's when the abuse started on top of the constant bullying." He paused, taking a drink of water.
"I lived mostly quirkless, bullied, and pretty much ignored. My mom initially cared until she didn't; we were strangers in the same house. I would come home burnt and beaten up, fix myself up and live in my fantasy that I could still be a hero. I would analyze heroes and quirks; it was my escape. My mom left to join my dad; I knew she was not coming back."
"I was breaking down, was just holding on barely, then I had a horrible day." He took a drink of water and walked around the room, gathering his strength. Jean placed her hand on his shoulder. Momo saw him look off to his side like he was looking at someone or something.
"My homeroom teacher decided to announce to my whole class, including Bakugo that I had put that I was going to go apply at U.A; quirkless Deku was going to go to U.A. Bakugo had made it his mission to destroy my dream and ground me into dust. No one did anything because of his quirk; stupidly powerful as it is, he had the dedication and the drive to do it. How dare I try and stand on the same stage as the future greatest hero? He took my notebook, blew it up, and told me to jump off a roof and wish for a quirk in my next life."
Momo wanted to embrace him, but Izuku stood on the coffee table's other side, keeping a barrier between them.
"I was fractured at that point. I was walking home when that Sludge Villain attacked me. I almost died only to be saved by ALL-Might himself. I desperately wanted to ask him if I could be a hero; I just needed someone to tell me. ONE PERSON to believe in me. He was my idol. Surely he would, right? He went to leave, but I latched onto him. We went flying when we landed on the Yaoyorozu building."
Momo began to clutch at her chest.
"I asked my question he told me no. I was no longer fractured at that point. I don't know how long I was up there, but then I decided everyone was right. I jumped."
Momo was crying; it was him; how was that possible? Suddenly it clicked. His accident was him trying to kill himself. The world had beaten down Izuku to the point that he threw himself off the roof of her family's company. But he was standing there. "But someone saved you; that was where the ash…" her mind started racing.
"The cosmic energy." He replied.
She looked at him, her eyes wide. She took a big drink of her water. She was shaking.
"The next part will make me sound insane, but I swear I am not." Momo was unsure she could not respond; she just stared at him. She wanted to leap over the table and hold him. She wanted to run, scream, or just faint. She raised her hand to stop him, asked for the bathroom, and walked down the hall. She splashed water on her face and just sat there; she cried, she shook. It took her 20 minutes to compose herself. When she returned, she noticed he was standing in the kitchen.
"Momo, if you want to run, I won't stop you," Izuku said.
She did not even look at the door. "No, Izuku. I want to know; I need to know." So many people had just abandoned him, thrown him aside. She would be a hero; heroes don't toss people aside.
"Thank you for that." He said, walking back towards her. "As I fell, I heard a voice; this voice found me interesting. I cannot properly explain this. Would you allow me to show you?"
"Show me?"
"Yes, I am a telepath."
"But I thought…"
"If you let me show you, it will make sense."
"Have you ever read my mind?"
"No"
"Ok, show me."
"You should probably sit down."
She took a seat and then felt a warm touch in her mind. The room disappeared, and she was looking down on the earth. She saw the Phoenix; the world burns, reborn, then burn again. The Phoenix was coming for the world again. Izuku said he could change it; he saw the girl in his mind. The girl from the park with the band-aids. He didn't want the world to burn for her. That small interaction had kept him going. A small exchange had such an impact. Her mind flooded with her memories of that day in the park.
She could not see Izuku walk and sit beside her, tears streaming down his face. She saw him declare that he would fight the Phoenix for her. She saw his body burn; then she saw Jean. She opened her eyes. Her cheeks were wet. Izuku was next to her, tears pouring from his eyes. They raised their hands to each other and touched each other's cheeks. "It was you," they said. Then they just wrapped each other in a tight embrace. Words were lost, and they just cried. Jean smiled. He had his Anchor now.
He showed her the white room, the cocoon, and how he was rebuilt. That the ashes were, in fact, his body as the Phoenix consumed him. How a vestige of Jean was around the counseling, lack, or need for sleep. He showed her what happened with All-Might on the day of the exams. He filled her in on his power and everything.
Slowly the living room faded back in. She just looked at him and kissed him, trying to convey all her love; he returned her passion, laying her down on the couch as they kissed and held each other.
She would not leave him but stand by him and change the world. It was not just a dream. They had to change the world, or it would burn. Part of her was scared; she knew that if it did burn, he would be the one to burn it. She understood him now. "I love you." That was all she said.
"I love you. Thank you for accepting me. All of me."
"Always."
"Aww. How cute."
Momo was startled by the female voice; she saw Jean in the kitchen. Jean smiled. Izuku got up off the couch and pulled Momo up with him.
"Momo Jean, Jean Momo."
Momo was surprised when Jean shook her hand; Jean giggled. "Nice to meet you," Jean said.
The rest of the date was spent talking between the three of them. Momo got a good bearing on Jean as someone who cared for Izuku and did their best to set him up for his task. That she would offer him advice, that was her role, to advise, not to do it for him. Momo asked about Melissa and Mei. Izuku told her he needed to get to know them better before deciding when or if to bring them in.
Momo was okay with that. She did not want to hide things from them, but this was huge. And it was Izuku's decision, and Momo was standing by that. She did tell him that she did want to introduce him and have him get to know them. They were her best friends, and they wanted to change the world as well. Izuku agreed. The date ended. As she was driven home, her mind raced over the day's events. She just went straight to bed and fell fast asleep.
-3 months-
Izuku and Momo's life continued. They enjoyed their dates; he met Mei and hung out with her and Momo. Mei was surprised at how Izuku would follow along with the conversation so early and could even help with ideas for her babies. It was the same with Melissa though that was more virtually. Soon they would have movie nights where they would all sit and watch something online together and talk. Melissa and Mei welcomed Izuku into their friendship; they knew how important he was to Momo.
Izuku and Momo had more dates at his home, they hadn't crossed that bridge, but there were some repeats from the night at her house. Everything was going well, quite nice. When pestered by her parents about Izuku's relationship, she told them his father abandoned Izuku because he was a late bloomer, and the stress of being a single mother had caused her to join her husband. Izuku was working to secure his future with his own two hands.
Then the announcement came that there would be a ball; attending would be Shoto Todoroki with his father Endeavor and Brighton Freadom, the son of a wealthy businessman from America. Her father expected Izuku to attend, and if, at the end of the night, she still chose Izuku, he would allow it. Izuku wasn't sure what to expect, but he doubted it would be so easy.
-The Ball-
When Izuku arrived, he was shown in through a separate entrance, where he was taken directly to Momo. She was stunning in an emerald green ball gown with a lovely bust line and high slit along the skirt, showing her gorgeous legs and black silk gloves. Izuku wore a black Tux with a matching bow tie and vest. She looked him over and handed him a set of emerald cufflinks to match her gown. She smiled and kissed him, "Relax, darling, they are just for tonight. Think of it as added armor for our battle."
Izuku blushed a little at the "Darling" part. Momo smiled; I must remember that one.
After a quick look over and a light kiss, they took their position at the top of the stairs as they waited for the signal to descend. Izuku centered himself and called upon his etiquette training. They made their approach; he could see all the guests, but Endeavor glaring daggers at him caught his attention. As they walked the reception line, introductions were given. Endeavor had stepped forward.
"Ms. Yaoyorozu, allow me to introduce my youngest son Shoto Todoroki."
The young man stepped forward, his heterochromatic eyes flickering in the light. He bowed and took Momo's hand, lightly kissing it. "It is an honor to meet you, Ms. Yaoyorozu; I hope we can converse later. I may be forward of me, but would you allow me the honor of a dance later."
Momo bowed, "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Todoroki, and yes, I look forward to both of your requests.
This process continued until they came to the last person in the reception line. He was tall, 6'2, with black hair and storm-grey eyes. He wore a fine all-black tux with grey accents that matched his eyes. He stepped forward and extended the customary greetings; he exuded charm, unlike the others, and confidence. He was a rather handsome young man, was well built, with a definite chiseled jawline. He took it a step further when he asked to escort her into the ballroom. He said so confidently. He did not enjoy it when he was refused.
"That is quite all right, Mr. Freadom; I already have my escort," Momo replied, her voice dripping with honey. Momo took Izuku's arm and escorted them into the ballroom to begin the proceedings. Izuku could sense the young man's annoyance.
The ball began. Momo had duties to attend to which meant sitting as she entertained people coming to sit and talk with her. Izuku was not allowed to be present for those proceedings. Izuku gathered much attention from the female guests near his age. He could hear Jean warning him. Guard what you say; they are here to trap you. Also, please don't go anywhere with them, and avoid being alone.
It took him a moment before he fell into the rhythm of talking and avoiding. He had just dismissed the latest from a very forward set of twins implying almost enough to make his head explode when Brighton approached him. Izuku looked to where Momo was talking to Shoto on the patio; he saw her genuine smile. A slight pang of jealousy rang through him. He reminded himself that he did not own her smile. That he had absolute trust in her and should behave as so.
"Mr. Freadom." He said, acknowledging the young man.
"Mr. Midoriya." He responded.
"Are you enjoying yourself?"
"It is adequate. The company is nice enough though it could be better. Care to join me outside?"
Izuku nodded, and they headed outside to a private balcony; as they did, he noticed one of the family butlers move to stand guard, preventing anyone from joining them outside. Careful, he may try and bait you into a fight. They stepped onto the balcony. Izuku leaned against the railing as Brighton stood between him and the door.
"So Izuku Midoriya, nearly 18, was diagnosed as quirkless until an accident about a year ago, where you experienced a breakthrough with your quirk while rehabbing. And shall we say a growth spurt? Graduated early from Aldera High with high marks, works two jobs, applicant to U.A high. Have been involved in a "relationship" with Momo Yaoyorozu for the past six months. The parents are Hayashi and Inko Midoriya, who reside in Miami, Florida. Father is a salaryman; the mother is a former nurse."
"Neat," Izuku said, raising an eyebrow. "Money gets all kinds of information. Is there a point to this? Or is this where you tell me that I am not good enough for Momo and should step aside for someone better, like yourself?"
"Well, see, you are as smart as your tests say, you Izuku, you get it," he said, waiving a finger at him. "Look after I have her bear me a few children, then you can come to sniff around. You're used to table scraps, right."
This mother fucker. He is trying to bait me.
"Well, shit, dude, thanks," Izuku added sarcastically. "Ok, now I get mad and kick your ass, causing a spectacle, I get removed from the party, and you make your move."
"Try to kick my ass." Brighton corrected.
"No, no, it would be an ass whopping. Listen, Brighton, this will not go how you think it will. I will not take a swing; you can try and spin whatever bullshit you want with Momo. She will still walk out of her on my arm at the night's end. I don't know what kind of bullshit your "DADDY" may have filled your head with. You are not the sun or the biggest fish in the pond. If you would excuse me, they are passing around my favorite Hors D'oeuvre." He went to walk past Brighton, but Brighton stepped in front of him.
"Confident. By the end of the night, you will be walking home, and she will be bouncing on my lap."
"Sure, Pumpkin." Izuku stepped around him and rejoined the party. He couldn't enjoy it with her; he had to stand aside.
He watched when Brighton finally got his moment to talk with Momo outside. It did not look like it went well. He offered some gift which she refused. It was then Izuku's turn with Shoto. Same balcony. Different result.
As soon as they were outside, Izuku was caught off guard when Shoto immediately bowed to him. "I apologize for any discomfort I may have caused you or Ms. Yaoyorozu. I did not come here to interfere with your relationship; I had to do so to appease Endeavor."
Izuku raised an eyebrow. "She not your type."
"No, she is not. Also, the thought of an arranged marriage disgusts me."
"Well then, Ok," Izuku said, stunned.
"Thank you. I will be attending U.A. as well. I hope to see you there."
The dances began soon after. While Momo and he danced, they finally had a chance to talk.
"So, having fun?"
Momo smiled. "At this moment, yes. So did you talk with Shoto?"
"Yes, that was rather nice; Brighton Freadom almost ended up in orbit."
She rolled her eyes. "I swear that man is reading from the wrong playbook. It is like someone told him to come on strong and domineering. I do not want to dance with him."
"Do you have to?"
"No, I could rebuke him in front of everyone, but that could lead to trouble on the business side of life. But I know what I will do."
"Want to fill me in?" He questioned.
"No, I don't think I will." She said with a sly smile.
The dances continued Izuku fulfilled his promised dances to some of the other ladies in attendance. He watches Brighton smugly as the last of the scheduled dance is finished. Izuku heard the announcement that it was time for the lady to choose a partner for her final dance. Momo bathed in the spotlight, walked over, and offered Izuku her hand. They took center stage as they twirled around the dance floor. As the dance ended, Izuku was surprised by a deep kiss from Momo in the center of the dance floor. SILENCE. As they pulled away, Izuku took her hand and led her outside to a balcony.
"Wow, which was nice. How much trouble are you in now?" he asked, looking over his shoulder to the party expecting a swat team to burst in at any moment.
"Well, I am sure that my father is not the happiest. He did tell us that all I had to do was meet them. And I did; Shoto wants nothing to do with this. And I would rather you burn everything than I am willing to touch Mr. Freadom again. And this way, there are no questions. Word will spread that I have chosen someone to court, which should deter most."
"So does this mean we are going steady?" He joked.
Momo smiled. "Hey, why not. Your pretty easy on the eyes."
They came close for a small kiss. They were able to enjoy the rest of the ball together. Momo joined her parents in saying goodbyes. Momo walked over and gave Izuku another kiss. "Goodnight, Izuku; call me when you get home."
As he headed to the door, he met her father. "I still believe she can do better."
"Honestly, sir, so do I, but that drives me daily to improve," Izuku said.
"Then continue to prove it, Mr. Midoriya. Goodnight."
-Brighton Freadom-
"Father, who prepared the report on Momo for us."
"Why her mother, of course." His father replied. Brighton then filled his father in on the details of the night. "I think I would like to attend U.A. father; there is a pawn that needs to be reminded of its place."
"Done."