Renee stood in the centre of the kitchen, holding her cell phone displaying the email that was sent from Ashley's homeroom teacher. Ashley was trying to appear calm, but her fingers drummed impatiently on the table. Andrew, on the other hand, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, a smirk dancing on his lips.
"Your homeroom teacher emailed me this afternoon and wanted to inform you about your quirk test. It's gonna be at the end of the week."
"Yeah, I sort of figured it would be close," responded Leyley.
"But, what he forgot to tell you was that you were going to have a partner that is joining you," she said. "Due to the special circumstances of your admittance, the exam is going to be consolidated."
"So, who is my partner?"
"Let me check," she said as she scanned the email. "Here it is. It's…."
A sudden knock at the door interrupted her. All three of them paused, and Ashley glanced towards the front door with a frown. "Are we expecting anyone?"
Renee shook her head, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Besides the cable man, who should have been here by now, then no."
Andrew couldn't resist a jab. "Maybe it's Interpol or the feds. Finally catching up to you, Ash."
Ashley shot him a glare, sticking out her tongue in response. "Shut up, Andy," she snapped, flicking his forehead with her finger.
He winced, rubbing his forehead. "Ow! That's assault, you know. Better hope they didn't see that."
"Wouldn't be the first time," retorted the brunette as she delivered her brother the middle finger.
Renee sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Alright, you two, enough bickering." She looked towards the door. "Ashley, could you get that, please? Whoever it is, let's just get this over with."
Ashley nodded and stood up, brushing off Andrew's smug grin. As she walked towards the door, Andrew leaned back further in his seat, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "You have the right to remain silent."
Ashley shot him a glare over her shoulder but decided to let it slide. Reaching the door, she took a deep breath before opening it, wondering who could possibly be at the door at this hour.
Ashley opened the door, still thinking about Andrew's teasing remark, only to be met with a sudden shower of confetti. Startled, she instinctively took a step back, blinking rapidly as she tried to process what was happening.
"Surprise!" a chorus of voices rang out.
As the confetti settled, Ashley's eyes widened in shock. Standing before her were her 1-A classmates, each with different expressions that reflected their personalities. Tsuyu, with her usual calm demeanour, stepped forward and wrapped Ashley in a gentle embrace.
"Ashley, it's so good to see you, ribbit!" Tsuyu croaked warmly, her arms holding her new friend close.
Ashley stood frozen for a moment before awkwardly returning the hug, her mind still racing to catch up."When did we start going by first name basis? Not that I mind though."
Momo, ever the picture of grace, stood a little behind Tsuyu, her hands folded neatly in front of her. She offered Ashley a modest but genuine smile. "We thought we'd come by and welcome you properly," Momo said, her voice soft and polite.
Ashley opened her mouth to respond, but her attention was quickly stolen by Mina, who was practically bouncing on her feet with excitement. Mina was positively chipper, her infectious energy filling the entryway as she did a little dance, her pink hair bouncing along with her. "We wanted to surprise you, Ash! Do you like it? Isn't it fun?!" she beamed.
Ashley blinked, still trying to find her words. "Uh… yeah, this is… unexpected…"
As she took in the scene, her eyes drifted to Ochako, who stood a bit behind the others. Unlike the rest of the group, Ochako's face was deadpan, her expression making it clear she was less than thrilled to be here. In her hand, she held a small, neatly wrapped gift, which she handed to Ashley without much enthusiasm.
"Here," Ochako said flatly, thrusting the gift into Ashley's hands. "Welcome to the neighborhood, I guess."
Ashley accepted the gift, her eyes flicking between the various expressions of her classmates, still stunned by the sudden appearance of her peers at her doorstep. "Thanks, guys," she finally managed to say, her voice tinged with both confusion and gratitude.
Ashley stood there, still stunned, as she processed the friendly welcome. It felt surreal, almost out of place, given her usual experiences where a "welcome" often meant something far less pleasant—like being handed a court summons or having the police show up with a search warrant. The stark contrast left her at a loss for words.
Before she could formulate a response, she noticed Andrew peeking from behind, his curiosity getting the better of him. Reacting on instinct, she quickly shoved him against the wall, not wanting him to embarrass her further in front of her classmates.
"Ow! Hey, watch it!" Andrew protested, though his voice was more surprised than hurt.
Just then, Renee appeared, drawn by the commotion at the door. Her eyes widened slightly as she took in the scene—her daughter surrounded by a group of girls, all of whom were strangers to her. The girls, noticing Renee's presence, bowed politely and introduced themselves as Ashley's classmates from 1-A. Their politeness and respect caught Renee off guard.
"Good evening, Mrs. Graves," Momo began, her tone formal and respectful. "We're Ashley's classmates, and we wanted to come by and give her a proper welcome."
Renee blinked, clearly surprised by this unexpected revelation. "Oh, you're… Ashley's classmates?" she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief. It wasn't like Ashley to mention anything about having friends, let alone classmates visiting the house. Still, she quickly composed herself, not wanting to be rude.
"Well, thank you for stopping by," Renee said, offering a hesitant smile. "Please, come inside."
As the girls stepped into the house, Ashley glanced at her mother, still processing everything. She wasn't used to this kind of attention—at least, not the friendly kind. But seeing her classmates here, in her home, made her realize that maybe things were different now. "Maybe, just maybe, she was starting to fit in. Maybe…this is a blessing in disguise."
The girls entered the residence, each showing a friendly nod…well almost everyone.
As the 1-A girls entered the home they saw some boxes and a few framed photos of the Graves family. Well pictures of Renee with Andrew and Ashley or with just the siblings on their own. Renee came to see who her daughter had decided to let into their home, and that's when she took notice of all too familiar faces,
"Oh, I remember you all from the cafe a few days back. I never expected my daughter to have made any friends just yet let alone a whole group. Colour me impressed, Ashley." Renee was actually surprised her daughter managed to make friends, she thought it'd be one or two like with….actually those old friends of Ashley were really just around her for her brother. Let's hope these girls aren't the same, lest they share the same fates.
"Graves~san is everything alright?" asked Momo curiously to the matriarch of the Graves household. She could have sworn the mother looked a little worried, maybe because of what Bakugou did to her daughter and she's just concerned that they may do something worse. "Do not worry Graves~san, we will do our best to make sure your daughter never feels left out of our activities and if she needs us we'll be there at a moment's notice, right girls!"
The others shook their heads in agreement making Renee slightly confused but thankful that they weren't just Ashley's friends to get in Andrew's pants. She knew how popular her son was back in the States, hell there were one or two teachers that tried hitting on him but she made those bitches pay outright if they wanted to keep their jobs.
"Thank you, sweetheart. I'll take your word on that. Now then who's next?" Renee asked. That's when she was approached by the alien queen herself.
"Anyways I don't think I properly introduced myself to you before Graves~san, Hi I'm Mina Ashido. Me and your daughter are quirk siblings due to us both having the quirk acid." spoke out the ever-bombastic pinkette of the group, she smiled brightly at Renee and though her hair reminded her of her saviour she could tell this girl was more about parties and fun than studies and education.
"Hi Graves~san, you probably didn't get to chat with me much at the cafe, but I'm another one of the girls in Graves~chan's class, ribbit. My name is Tsuyu Asui, though I prefer most people to call me Tsu, ribbit," Spoke out the ever-blunt froggy girl of the group. Renee was curious, was the girl's ribbiting caused by her quirk, a speech impediment or something she just likes to do because of her quirk? Who knows.
"Well, it's nice to meet you too, Tsu. I do not mean to assume or state the obvious but is your quirk frog? I remember Andrew wearing a little froggy onesie when he was little and looked so cute in it, or was it a bunny one?" Renee softly chuckled at the faint memory of little Andrew hopping around in his little onesie before his sister was born. She then took notice of the final girl who accompanied them; it was the chestnut-haired girl who didn't talk much to them at the cafe, though she did protest against Izuku and herself from re-enacting her rescue.
"Umm…I'm Ochako Uraraka, I didn't introduce myself at the cafe with everything that went on but now seems like a good time to do so since we all came over." She said with a smile on her face, a smile all too familiar to the graves.
"Oh we brought gifts, it's a customary thing for us to do when coming over to someone's house for the first time."
"That's sweet," responded Renee as she ran her fingers through her hair. "But let's continue in the kitchen, shall we?"
Renee led them toward the kitchen, her mind still reeling from the unexpected visit. As they entered the warm, homey space, the girls began to make themselves comfortable, their chatter filling the room.
Mina, always the lively one, couldn't help but share more news. "Oh, by the way, Tooru and Kyouka are on their way too! They just needed to go pick up your cake, Ash!"
Ashley's eyes widened, genuinely shocked by the gesture. "Wait, what? You guys went out of your way to get me a cake?" She looked at them in disbelief. "Why would you do that?"
Momo, ever composed, smiled softly at her. "We just wanted to make sure you feel welcome, Ashley. We all heard about what happened earlier with Bakugo and… your shoes." Momo's tone was gentle, but there was a flicker of concern in her eyes as she mentioned the incident.
Renee, who had been quietly listening, furrowed her brow at the mention of Bakugo and soiled shoes. "Shoes? What happened?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Before Momo could answer, Ashley quickly interjected, waving her hand dismissively. "It's nothing, Mom. Just a misunderstanding. No big deal."
Momo, sensing that Ashley didn't want to dwell on it, nodded in understanding. "Well, if it's alright with you, Ashley, I know a few shoemakers who would be happy to design a perfect pair of shoes for you. It would be my pleasure to arrange it—free of charge."
Ashley blinked, caught off guard by Momo's generosity. "You'd… do that for me?"
"Of course," Momo replied, her smile warm and genuine. "Consider it a small token of friendship."
As the words hung in the air, Ochako, who had been standing off to the side, muttered something under her breath. The words were too quiet for anyone to catch clearly, but the hint of frustration or reluctance was evident.
Renee, who had been observing the interactions closely, noticed Ochako's quiet muttering. Though curious, she decided to let it slide, sensing that there was more to the story than met the eye. Instead, she turned her attention back to the girls, her smile returning. "Well, it sounds like you have some really thoughtful friends, Ashley."
Ashley, still processing everything, nodded slowly. "Yeah… I guess I do."
As Andrew stepped into the kitchen, his eyes quickly landed on the wrapped gift sitting on the table. The red bow on top caught his attention, and he couldn't resist making a comment. "Well, that's an interesting-looking present."
Ashley, already feeling a bit more at ease with her classmates around, chuckled. "What's the matter, Andy? Jealous that you didn't get one?"
Andrew scoffed, though there was a hint of a smirk on his face. "Jealous? Please, Ash, I'm just curious. The dimensions… let's see," he said, circling the table to get a better look. "Looks like it could be, what, 4 by 9? And with a red bow. Very festive."
Renee, who had been quietly observing the interaction, tilted her head slightly. "Why does that matter, Andrew?"
Andrew paused, glancing at his mom with a thoughtful expression. "Well, I'm not one to always believe in superstition, but in Japanese culture, the numbers four and nine, along with the color red, can symbolize something… dire."
Ochako, who had been standing quietly, suddenly looked stunned, her eyes widening as her friends turned to look at her. The tension in the room seemed to rise, as if everyone was waiting for her reaction.
Before Ochako could say anything, Andrew waved his hand dismissively. "But it's nothing to worry about, really. No different than stepping on a crack or breaking a mirror. Just a silly superstition." He gave Ashley a playful pat on the shoulder. "Anyway, I'm going to head to my room. Mom, let me know when the cake arrives."
With that, he turned and left the kitchen, leaving a slightly awkward silence in his wake. The girls exchanged glances, unsure of what to make of Andrew's comment, while Renee shook her head with a small smile.
Ashley, sensing the tension, quickly spoke up. "Don't mind him. He just likes to mess with people."
Ochako, still looking a bit uneasy, managed a small smile and nodded. "Yeah, I guess so…"
Renee gave her daughter a reassuring look, then turned her attention back to their guests. "Well, let's not let that spoil the mood. How about we get some drinks while we wait for the cake?"
Renee felt a wave of gratitude as she reached for the cabinet, remembering how Mitsuki Bakugo, Inko's friend, had kindly supplied her with a selection of teas. The timing couldn't have been better; having guests over so unexpectedly, she was relieved to have something to offer them.
As she began to gather the cups, Momo noticed and immediately offered to assist. "Please, let me help," Momo said, stepping forward with a gentle smile.
Renee hesitated for a moment before nodding, "Thank you, Yaoyorozu-san," she said, handing the tray with the cups over to her.
"No, thank you for allowing this impromptu gathering," responded Momo as she bowed. "And please, call me Momo."
"You're sure? I know how you guys are and honorifics."
"It is more of a mere respect thing, Mrs. Graves, ribbit," responded Tsuyu as she took the tray from Momo's hands. "It's part of our culture but we understand if gaijins don't know the formalities."
"Right!" Mina added. "It isn't like you're going to hell just because you say our first names or don't include the '-san' or the '-chan!'"
"Ok, just making sure," said Renee as she gathered the tea kettle and box of butterfly pea flower tea.
With everything in hand, she joined the girls at the table where they were now seated. As she took a seat, her daughter was in the middle of opening up her presents the girls had given her.
Renee set the tea kettle down and began preparing the tea, glancing at the girls every so often. Seeing them so engaged and happy together, she couldn't help but feel a small sense of relief. It wasn't every day that Ashley had friends over, and Renee was glad that her daughter was starting to form connections, even if it was still new and a bit strange to her.
As Ashley pulled the first item from the box, her eyes widened in surprise—a pink rabbit plushie. She held it up, momentarily speechless.
Momo smiled warmly, explaining, "Tooru noticed your pink rabbit hair clip and thought this would suit you."
Ashley stared at the plushie, feeling a rare sense of warmth. It was thoughtful, almost too thoughtful, considering she wasn't used to such gestures.
Mina, always full of energy, suddenly jumped up. "I'm gonna go see what's taking Kyouka and Tooru so long! I mean, how hard is it to find this place? It's not like they're going to I-Island!" she joked, making her way to the door.
"Let's see what came from our happy-go-lucky alien," said Momo as she reached into the box. "Whoa!" She said in a surprised tone. "Free reggae dance lessons. Nice!"
"Reggae?!" Leyley touched her chest, never considered herself to be a dancer. "That's actually very sweet of her."
"Ashley is used to trying new things," Renee chimed in. "She needs something physically stimulating to keep her focus on other things."
Leyley was going to ignore her mother's backhanded compliment, already aware of her implication.
Tsuyu handed Ashley another gift—a pink t-shirt. "I thought it'd match your style, ribbit."
Ashley nodded, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the kindness. "Thanks, Tsu… I like it."
Momo then presented her own gift, a beautiful matryoshka doll. "This reminded me of something unique, just like you."
Next was Kyouka's gift, a set of drumsticks. Even though Kyouka wasn't there to give them to her in person, Ashley could sense the thought behind the gift. "Drumsticks?" she murmured, examining them. "These are… cool."
"Jirou comes from a literal rocking family, ribbit," said Tsuyu.
"Her father is a rock star and her mother is a music mogul." Momo chimed in.
"Wow! I knew she was…unique." Leyley replied, trying a proper way to not incite Jirou's dangling ear jacks that she mistakenly thought were keloids.
"Jirou isn't the bragging type. Granted she wants to be a rock star someday, she's humble." Momo responded.
"Says the little rich girl." Tsuyu responded teasingly.
"Hey!" Momo protested. "At least I don't boast about my wealth."
"Your mother practically runs 90, if not 100 percent of this city," she retorted with a cheeky grin. "I'm surprised there isn't a neigborhood or a hallway at school in your honor."
"C'mon, Tsu, I am not that rich." Momo said as she blushed.
"Really? Remember what your mother said the other day when you finish school and plan to pursue college in America if you decide to pledge to a sorority?"
The ponytailed vice-president dropped her head.
"C'mon, Yaomomo, ribbit. What did she say?"
In an exasperated sigh, Momo responded, "She would create one and call it Kappa Kappa Yao."
It was met with laughter from Ashley and Tsuyu, which made Momo beet red.
Finally, as the gifts seemed to be done, Tsuyu glanced around, noticing something was missing. "Ochako, where's Ashley's gift?"
Ochako, who had been quiet for most of the time, replied nonchalantly, "Oh, I must have forgotten. I'll do a raincheck," she said, bowing slightly with a forced apology.
Renee, standing off to the side, watched the exchange with a keen eye. The apology felt insincere, almost dismissive. Even the blind could see through it. A wave of irritation swept over her, and she felt a familiar itch—a craving for a cigarette. She had dealt with enough insincerity in her life to recognize it instantly. Despite her annoyance, she remained subtle, her expression neutral.
"Well," Renee said, breaking the tension with a gentle smile, "it's the thought that counts. Thank you all for making Ashley feel welcome." Inside, though, she already knew she was going to keep an eye on this Ochako character.
Yaoyorozu, ever the considerate one, offered a smile. "Tell you what, Ash. I don't mind creating a gift in lieu of Ochako's. She just owes me a solid." She winked at Ochako.
Ochako, still flat in her demeanor, simply shrugged and said, "Sure."
Without missing a beat, Momo concentrated, and within moments, a green bunny plushie appeared in her hands, perfectly matching the pink rabbit. "I thought the pink bunny could use a friend," Momo said, handing it to Ashley.
Ashley was taken aback. "You made this… just now? From scratch?"
Momo nodded, her smile modest. "It's part of my quirk. I hope you like it."
Ashley held both plushies, one in each hand, and couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and gratitude. "Thank you, Momo. They're perfect."
Meanwhile, Ochako stared blankly at the scene before becoming dismissive and turning her attention to her cell phone, seemingly uninterested in the moment.
Just then, Mina burst back into the room, slightly out of breath. "The girls are on their way with the cake. Turns out they took the wrong direction."
Her announcement was met with groans from the group, a mix of disappointment and frustration.
Ashley, however, smiled softly. "It's okay. These things happen."
Tsuyu, ever practical, suggested, "While we wait, why don't we go upstairs and see how the shirt looks on you, ribbit!"
Renee, despite knowing that this was a school night, didn't mind this as she was happy to see her daughter getting along with people — girls out of all people! "Go ahead, girls! Have fun!"
With that, Ashley excused herself as she and the girls left the kitchen. She did keep an eye on Ochako as her body language depicted reluctance. She sighed as she began grabbing the tea cups and bringing them to the sink.
'Docket number 8675309 — the city of [redacted] versus Ashley Graves. Graves has been charged with two counts of attempted murder in the second degree, one count of assault with a deadly weapon, and two counts of making terroristic threats. How does the defendant plead?'
'Not guilty, your honour.'
"There might be hope in you yet, Ashley," responded Renee as she turned on the faucet.
Sometime later….
The girls went up to Ashley's room, with Ochako slowly lagging behind. Once they entered they saw a mess of clothes and items strung about the place and that was when Ashley became slightly embarrassed normally she wouldn't care what others thought about her room like her mother or Andrew but these girls it was…different,
"Sorry for the mess! I did not expect to have guests yet, or ever really hehe," she chuckled awkwardly hoping they don't judge her too harshly on her bedroom's disaster site. She never thought anyone would come over let alone girls who wanted to be her friends because they actually cared about her so now having that and a room that looked like a bomb struck it made her feel a little guilty however,
"That's alright it was a surprise for you that we came around, how about we clean up first before you try on your top Tsu gave you. For as much as I'm a rich girl I do enjoy getting things tidy, right girls?" Voiced Momo who is so gung-ho to help out wherever she could, viewing the cleaning as an activity to bring the girls closer together as friends.
"Amen, sista! This way we can strengthen our bonds and consider this a light workout before we have some major fun and cake," shouted an enthusiastic Mina who normally hated doing chores but when it came to new friends she would gladly lend a hand. She started by picking up as few of the clothes that were left in a pile to the side of Ashley's bed.
"You guys…thank you, though if you feel like kicking my ass later for this I'd give you permission to do so," Ashley declared with all of them laughing at the joke in question. Whilst they cleaned up the room Mina put on some tunes for all of them to listen to, mostly reggae much to Ashley's surprise it really helped out.
"Hey Ash! Are these your drawings? ribbit." Spoke out Tsu who was now holding an all too familiar sketchbook to the Graves girl.
"What! Ash I didn't know you were an artist! That makes you the Fourth artist I know behind Midori, Yaomomo and Jirou. I wanna see her pictures!" Shouted Mina who was more eager and focused to see Ashley's art.
"Shit! That has a few drawings about me and Andrew getting married in the future!" thought Ashley in a panic, before she could get them however the froggy girl opened the sketchbook to see the drawings. "Wait-"
But it was too late, Tsu flipped it open the sketchbook and what the girls saw took them by surprise. The could not believe it what they were looking at was drawings done by their new friend and she had kept them here for anyone to find,
"Ash, I don't mean to pry but…are these…," Asked a semi-curious Momo. "Your childhood drawings? I ask as they are hard to understand though I can gather that the pink and green figures may be rabbits, but that's all I can gather."
Ashley breathed a sigh of relief, thank god her drawing skills were shit and she didn't write anything weird down in that sketchbook though some of the images were new her artistic skills hadn't improved at all.
"Aww I found an older drawing that says "Me and my brother, Andy!" voiced Mina gushing at the cuteness of these seemingly innocent drawings. Ashley wanted to die, they now know the rabbits are her and her brother luckily she never put anything lewd in there otherwise they would be disturbed by her 'little secret' one she is never letting them know.
"Okay I think that's enough of a dive into the adventures of Leyley and Andy," Ashley spoke as she took the sketchbook to hide it somewhere more private from any eyes seeking a peak or two. Maybe you could ask Midoriya to give you lessons on drawing, Ribbit," said Tsu in the bluntest way possible. This caused a certain someone to become frustrated at the idea of the pair being together.
"I think what Tsu means is that you have potential with your art, maybe you could make a story based on the rabbits," Momo suggested in earnest whilst trying to correct her amphibian classmate's blunt observation.
"Maybe the pink bunny could find another bunny and they become a couple, that'd be so cute!" Voiced Mina gushing at the ship. "Oh Maybe the pink bunny gets with a cute freckled green bunny and he sweeps the pink bunny off her feet."
Ashley, knew exactly who the pink alien was referring to, Their classmate,
'I'm Izuku Midoriya, it's nice to meet you Graves~san'
A faint hue of pink dusted her cheeks ever so slightly from the memory of their first meeting. Why did his smile feel so genuine and warm?
'If you need anything don't be afraid to ask, okay?'
What the hell was that?! Why was she thinking about him right now? She only met him a day ago and he made a lasting impression on her already? How?!
"Ash? Are you okay? Your face has gotten a bit pink," asked Momo, who was the first to notice a change in the girl's composure from a few minutes ago. She was sure Ashley wasn't ill and it certainly wasn't warm enough for her to get flushed from heat.
"Can we finish getting the room clean, please? That way we can relax before Toru and Jirou get here," interrupted Ochako, who was getting a little antsy and wanted the work to be done with. This was something most of the girls took note of as Ochako never wanted to rush or get things over with normally, she was like the girl next door wanting to help but right now she seemed more prickly.
"Ochako's right we should finish up. I wanna see how the top looks on you Ashley, ribbit," Tsu added slightly agreeing with her best friend though not as forceful about it. She had been like this before arriving at the Graves residence, maybe she was a little grumpy due to something else and would probably have to chat with her later about what was going on with her.
As the girls were finishing up the cleaning Ashley went into the bathroom to change her usually black long-sleeve top into the cute pink top Tsu had bought her, she then took a glance in the mirror and took notice. She was smiling and not her facade-like smile she'd often wear or the smile she wore exclusively for her brother, but a genuine smile. Something she thought she'd forgotten how to do after all this time. Maybe it's because she finally made friends who actually cared about her and not just being friendly with her to earn points in Andrew's good book for a chance at having a taste of him. Fucking whores and liars if not [redacted] then Julia or other women all just wanting to get their cunts wet on her brother's carrot. Now though these girls were different, both figuratively and literally as they cared about her even coming to her house to make her feel better because of what that one asshole classmate did to her shoes. They didn't have to but chose to and that made her feel grateful for their kindness, maybe if she had met these girls earlier in her life she wouldn't have been so screwed up.
"Nah I'd still be a bit fucked up but I probably wouldn't have lost my virginity to Andrew," In any case, it's the now that mattered not what has already been. Ashley made her way back to her bedroom for the girls to see how she looked. Once opening the door the girls were taken aback,
"It looks great on you Ash, I was worried it would be too loose Ribbit." Responded Tsu in earnest. This made Ashley walk over to her and thank the froggy girl for such a kind gift. It made Ashley feel warm inside knowing someone who barely knew her still tried her hardest to find clothes for her without knowing her size or anything and was worried it wouldn't fit,
"Thank you Tsu, I thank all of you for being so kind to me, you're the first proper friends I've ever had in my entire life and I mean that from the bottom of my heart." a few stray tears threatened to leave Ashley's eyes.
"Oh come on! You've had friends before right?" Responded Mina with a cheeky smile although that's when the girls saw Ashley's tears pour down her face and they came to a realization,
"No, I mean it when I say you girls are "the first proper friends I've ever had" as people would either avoid me or girls would only befriend me to get in my brother's good graces" Sniff more tears started to fall down Ashley's cheeks that's when the girls got up and hugged her,
"Well, you're not alone anymore. You got us and we are not gonna abandon you anytime soon, you're stuck with us quirk sib," Mina softly said while patting Ashley's back softly.
"Mina's right and do not worry none of us have any feelings for your brother. We are only here for you and you alone, okay Ash?" responded Momo as she too was hugging and rubbing Ashley's back. "We know it's earlier days right now but I hope we all become great friends to you and don't hesitate to tell us if you're feeling down or need a hug, we'll gladly come running," Momo added.
"Agreed, ribbit. Though I won't lie, I am blunt to a fault and sometimes you may have to tell me off but I still want a friendship with you Ash~chan. Ribbit," responded Tsu as she too joined the hug pile with Ashley, Momo and Mina.
Tsu and Mina both knew what it was like to be treated differently due to their quirks' impact on them, granted it was not as progressive as their classmates Koda or Shoji with the former continuously wearing a mask as he deemed himself "hideous" but they still stood out with being pink or hunching over slightly while your tongue juts out of your mouth. They still could feel Ashley's pain at rejection for just being off and found that bothersome, I mean seriously who rejects someone for being different just because of something they themselves couldn't control?
Ochako's guilt weighed on her about how she'd been, she treated this girl with such hostility over the fact the boy she liked was helping another and now Ashley had just confessed that she had been alone all this time with the only friend she ever had was her own brother. Granted she couldn't relate to that as she was an only child but even when she tried to make friends they just did it to get her brother's affection. She even tried to be sneaky with the four and nine thing with red colour because Ashley was different and the brother figured her out and knew what she was doing. Ochako wanted to apologise for how she acted however,
*Ding-Dong!*
…!
The doorbell rang, Jirou and Toru had finally arrived.
Meanwhile….
Andrew lay in his dimly lit room, the soft glow of a reading lamp casting shadows on the walls. He was absorbed inAki Sora,flipping through the pages with practiced ease. It was a typical evening for him—quiet, solitary, and far removed from the world outside his door.
The sounds of laughter and banter drifted up from Ashley's room, reaching his ears. He paused, momentarily distracted by the unfamiliar noise. It was rare to hear such lively chatter in their home, especially coming from his sister. The usual silence had been replaced with a warmth that he couldn't quite place, and it was strange, almost unsettling, in its unfamiliarity.
He had to be honest with himself—it was quite the change of pace. For as long as he could remember, Ashley had always been attached to him. They were twins, after all, and their bond was closer than most. From childhood, they had been inseparable, each the other's constant companion in a world that often seemed to misunderstand them. To outsiders, their closeness was "cute" and "sweet," the way siblings should be. But Andrew knew better.
He knew what really moved Ashley, the undercurrents of her attachment that others couldn't see. Her dependence on him was rooted in something deeper, something that had grown over the years—a fear of being alone, of facing the world without him by her side. It was a fear she rarely voiced, but one he could always sense, like a shadow that lingered just behind her.
'What in the fuck did you do, Leyley?'
'She kept touching you. I-i-i-i-it should be me touching you. No one can touch you, feel you, kiss you, fuck you…only me!'
'Leyley!'
'You're mine, Andy!'
As they grew older, that bond had become both a comfort and a burden. He was her protector, her anchor in a world that often felt cold and unwelcoming. But it also meant that he bore the weight of her fears and anxieties, the responsibility of being her constant support. It was a role he had accepted without question, but it had left little room for him to explore his own path, to figure out who he was beyond being Ashley's twin.
Now, as he listened to the happy voices from down the hallway, he felt a pang of something—was it relief? Sadness? He wasn't sure. But there was no denying that things were changing. Ashley was finding a new place for herself, outside of their shared bubble, and it was both liberating and unsettling for him.
He turned another page, trying to refocus on the story in front of him, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the present. The idea of Ashley making friends, of her starting to navigate life without him always by her side, was new and unexpected. He wasn't sure how he felt about it, but he knew one thing for certain: this change, whatever it was, was inevitable.
Andrew sighed, closing the manga and placing it on the nightstand. He stretched out on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. The voices down the hall continued, their lively energy a reminder that the world outside his room was moving on, with or without him. It was a strange feeling, being on the outside looking in, but maybe—just maybe—it was time to let Ashley find her own way, even if it meant stepping back.
For now, though, he would stay where he was, in the quiet of his room, surrounded by the familiar comfort of his books. Change could wait a little longer.
Andrew felt a familiar itch gnawing at him, a craving for a cigarette that he couldn't ignore. His mother had always been aware of his habit—one she strongly discouraged but didn't outright forbid. She was a smoker herself, after all, though she made an effort to keep it in check around him and his sister. The unspoken agreement between them was that they each had their vices, but they were careful not to let them define their lives.
Grabbing his jacket and the nearly empty pack of cigarettes from his nightstand, Andrew made his way downstairs. The voices from the living room grew louder as he descended, but he didn't pay them much mind. Ashley was laughing, actually laughing, and it was a sound he hadn't heard in a long time. It was good, he supposed, that she was finding her place, even if it meant their lives were beginning to diverge in unexpected ways.
Just as he was about to step outside, he heard the familiar ringtone of his cell phone buzzing in his pocket. Pausing in the entryway, he pulled it out and glanced at the screen. The name "Hitoshi" flashed across the display, accompanied by the image of a girl with jet-black, purplish hair and dark makeup.
Andrew was taken aback when he saw Hitoshi's name on his phone screen, especially given the late hour. They had only just met, and it wasn't like they had a deep connection—at least not yet. The fact that she was calling him at all felt unexpected, though he supposed it was true what they said about first impressions making a difference. Something about their initial encounter must have left a mark on her, just as it had on him.
Instead of answering immediately, he stepped into the backyard, seeking a quiet spot away from the house. The cool night air was refreshing as he walked over to a small bench near the garden. It was a place where he often went to clear his mind, a sanctuary of sorts. He sat down, the weight of the day easing off his shoulders, and finally answered the call.
When Andrew answered the call, he could hear the subtle shift in Hitoshi's voice, a hint of relief, maybe even happiness, that he had picked up. It was a small thing, but it didn't escape his notice. He had always been perceptive when it came to reading people, especially girls, and this wasn't any different. The signs were there—the way she lingered around him, the sideways glances she thought he didn't catch. It had been evident earlier that day when they were hanging out with Hatsume on the school roof during lunch. Hitoshi's interest wasn't hard to decipher; she was making a move.
Still, Andrew kept his cool, not wanting to jump to conclusions or make things awkward. He took a slow drag from his cigarette, exhaling the smoke into the night air as he leaned back on the bench. Casual was the key—if she was testing the waters, he wasn't going to throw off the balance.
"Hey, so, what's up?" he asked, his tone easygoing, as if they were just continuing a conversation from earlier.
There was a slight pause on the other end, and he could almost picture her sitting somewhere dark and quiet, perhaps her own sanctuary, just like he was in his. "Not much, just... I don't know, I felt like talking," she admitted, her voice carrying a mix of confidence and vulnerability that he found intriguing.
Andrew smirked, though she couldn't see it. "I get that. It's been a long day." He flicked the ash from his cigarette, letting the silence stretch just enough to keep the mood light. "Are you doing okay?"
"Yeah, I guess," Hitoshi replied, her voice softening. "Just needed to hear a familiar voice, you know?"
Andrew was a bit stunned by Hitoshi's admission."She wanted to hear a familiar voice?"The thought lingered in his mind, sparking a flicker of suspicion."This had to be a tactic,"he reasoned, a way to make him feel vulnerable, to lower his guard. Andrew wasn't naive—he was well aware that Hitoshi had charm, guile, and a certain charisma that could easily draw people in. But he also knew that he wasn't about to let himself be played. He hoped she wasn't looking at him as some "all-day sucker" who could be easily manipulated.
Still, he kept his thoughts in check, maintaining his usual laid-back demeanour. He wasn't going to overthink this, not yet. Instead, he played it cool, responding with the same nonchalance he always did.
"Yeah, I know the feeling," Andrew replied, his voice steady as he took another drag from his cigarette. The smoke curled up into the night air, dissipating as quickly as his doubts.
He let the silence hang between them for a moment, not out of discomfort, but to see how she would fill it. Andrew was good at reading between the lines, and right now, he was waiting to see what else Hitoshi might reveal—if this was more than just a friendly call, or if there was something deeper she was angling for.
"Sometimes it's just... nice, you know?" Hitoshi continued, her tone a mix of sincerity and something more elusive. "To not feel so alone."
Andrew nodded, though she couldn't see it. He knew the sentiment all too well. "Yeah, it is," he agreed, keeping his response simple, and unassuming. He wasn't going to show his hand just yet.
When Hitoshi asked Andrew what he was doing, he gave a casual response, keeping it vague. "This and that. Hanging outside, relaxing," he said, his tone easy and smooth. He chose not to mention that his sister had company—Ashley's sudden influx of 1-A classmates wasn't exactly a secret, but it didn't feel necessary to bring it up. It wasn't like Hitoshi needed to know, and Andrew preferred to keep the conversation focused.
"What about you?" he asked, turning the question back on her.
Hitoshi's reply came just as smoothly. "Lying in bed, watching a movie... and thinking."
Andrew raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her nonchalant phrasing. "Thinking about what?"
"You know…this and that!"
Andrew couldn't help but smirk at Hitoshi's mirrored response. "'This and that,' huh?" She was good—matching his evasiveness with her own, keeping the conversation intriguingly ambiguous. It was like a game of figurative chess between them, each move calculated, each response measured. The subtlety of it all made the interaction more engaging than any straightforward conversation could have been.
He took another slow drag from his cigarette, letting the smoke linger before exhaling into the cool night air. Leaning back against the wooden bench, he decided to make his next move.
"So, what movie got your attention tonight?" he asked casually, his tone light but probing just enough to keep the game interesting.
"An old classic," Hitoshi replied, a hint of amusement dancing in her voice. "Ever seenThe Crow?"
Andrew's eyebrows lifted slightly. "Brandon Lee's masterpiece? Yeah, a few times. Fits your aesthetic," he teased gently, imagining her wrapped in darkness, eyes reflecting the flickering scenes from the screen.
She chuckled softly, the sound warm despite its brevity. "What can I say? I have a type."
"Dark and brooding?" he quipped, flicking the ash from his cigarette.
"Maybe," she replied, her voice playful yet enigmatic. "But I prefer 'misunderstood and complex.' Makes life more interesting."
Andrew felt a genuine smile forming, appreciating the layered conversation they were weaving. "I can get behind that," he said, his voice softer now. There was a comfortable ease settling between them, the initial guardedness giving way to a more sincere connection.
A moment of comfortable silence passed before Hitoshi spoke again, her tone contemplative. "So, Andrew, tell me something interesting about yourself. Something beyond the usual 'this and that.'"
He paused, considering her request. He wasn't used to opening up, especially not to someone he had just met. But there was something disarming about Hitoshi, a sincerity beneath her mysterious exterior that invited honesty.
"Alright," he began, extinguishing his cigarette against the bench before tossing it into a nearby ashtray. "I have a habit of stargazing when I can't sleep. Helps clear my mind."
There was a brief pause on the other end, followed by a softer, more genuine tone in her voice. "Stargazing, huh? Didn't peg you for the romantic type."
He chuckled, shrugging even though she couldn't see him. "It's less about romance and more about perspective. Makes my problems feel small compared to the vastness out there."
"I get that," Hitoshi replied thoughtfully. "Sometimes I sit on my balcony and just watch the city lights. It's calming in a chaotic kind of way."
"Maybe sometime we can swap views," Andrew suggested before he could second-guess himself. The words hung in the air, and he wondered if he'd overstepped.
But Hitoshi's response was immediate and warm. "I'd like that."
A comfortable silence settled between them again, filled with unspoken possibilities. Andrew found himself surprised at how naturally the conversation flowed, how easy it was to talk to her despite their brief acquaintance.
"I will admit, Graves, it's kinda rare to call someone on the first night," she commented.
Andrew leaned back against the bench, smirking as he listened to Hitoshi's laugh. Her comment about it being rare for her to call someone on the first night had been a bit unexpected, but he played along smoothly. "Well, I'm not one of your usual clientele," he had teased, earning that genuine laugh from her.
"You should be a comedian," she shot back, still chuckling.
He returned her laughter, shaking his head. "Maybe in another life. But hey, I don't have room to judge. A hustler's a hustler, right? You do what you gotta do to pay the bills."
Hitoshi appreciated his response, sensing that he was different from the other boys she'd encountered. "There's something different about you," she said, her voice dropping slightly as if she was revealing a secret. "You're not like the others."
Andrew chuckled again, though this time with a touch of skepticism. "You probably say that to all the boys."
There was a playful pause on the other end before Hitoshi's voice came through, tinged with challenge. "Want proof?"
Andrew was about to respond, curiosity piqued, when the sound of the sliding door interrupted him. He turned to see his mother, Renee, stepping outside. She must have noticed him missing from the house and had come to check on him.
"Hey, there's cake in the dining room," Renee said, her tone casual but carrying a hint of insistence that only a mother could convey.
Andrew nodded, holding up a finger to signal he'd be in soon. "Got it, Mom. I'll be right there."
Renee gave him a knowing look, one that told him she was aware of the phone call, but she didn't pry. She simply turned and headed back inside, leaving the door ajar for him.
Returning his attention to Hitoshi, he spoke with a touch of reluctance. "Looks like I'm being summoned for cake duty. But...maybe we can pick this up later?"
"Sure," Hitoshi replied, a smile evident in her voice. "Don't keep them waiting too long. I'll hold you to that proof offer."
"Deal," Andrew said, smiling to himself. "See you tomorrow, Hitoshi."
"Later, Graves."
Andrew tucked his phone back into his pocket, stubbed out the cigarette with the heel of his shoe, and stepped back inside. The warm air of the house was a stark contrast to the cool night outside, and as he closed the door behind him, he found himself face-to-face with the rest of Ashley's unexpected guests.
Standing near the dining room table were two girls he hadn't met before. One had earjacks dangling from her earlobes, giving her a distinct, punk-rock vibe. The other was... invisible? Well, almost—he could see her floating cinnamon roll jumper with a pleated skirt and thick leggings followed up with boots that had a woolly inside to them, giving him the idea that there was someone there, even if he couldn't see her.
Ashley was quick to step forward, beaming as she introduced them. "Andrew, this is Kyouka Jirou," she said, nodding towards the girl with the earjacks, "and this is Tooru Hagakure," she added, gesturing to the floating clothes.
Andrew gave a casual wave, acknowledging them with a small smile. "Nice to meet you both."
Kyouka nodded back, a hint of curiosity in her sharp eyes, while Tooru's sleeve seemed to wave enthusiastically.
"Same here!" Tooru's cheerful voice rang out.
Not wanting to linger too long, Andrew excused himself. "I'm just gonna head upstairs for a minute. Need to take off my jacket."
As he began to walk away, his mother, Renee, called after him from the kitchen. "You're not going to grab any cake?"
"I will, just need to get rid of this jacket first," he replied, patting his chest where his jacket lay, before heading up the stairs.
As he made his way to his room, an intruder was currently leaving. Andrew knew exactly who it was, the girl who gave his sister her presents wrapped up to give off death, the same girl who looked as if being here was more of a hindrance than a delight. That same chestnut-coloured-haired girl who by now spotted him and could not move like a deer caught in headlights. Ochako Uraraka had just fucked up and was busted by the one person she really didn't want catching her.
"Oh, um silly me I thought this was the…um bathroom, really sorry about that, haha" she falsely chuckled trying to placate innocence towards him, hoping he'd just take that answer and shrug her off for a simple mistake.
Andrew raised an eyebrow, noting the dim lighting in the room. "You're still in the dark. The bathroom's not in here."
She seemed to falter, her cheeks flushing slightly. He could tell that she was trying to find an excuse, but nothing convincing came to mind. Andrew's eyes then drifted to the open dresser drawer. It was clear that Ochako had been rummaging through his things, curiosity evident in her body language.
"Curiosity killed the cat, huh?" Andrew said, his tone a mix of amusement and mild reproach.
Ochako's face reddened further, and she dropped her head, avoiding eye contact. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to intrude."
Andrew placed the jacket by his dresser as he stepped further into the room, his expression softening a bit. "It's alright. I get it. The house can be confusing if you don't know your way around. But next time, maybe ask for directions instead of exploring uninvited."
She looked up, her eyes reflecting a mix of embarrassment and relief. "Yeah, I'll definitely remember that. Again, I'm really sorry."
Andrew gave a nod, a small smile tugging at his lips. "No harm done. Just—try not to make a habit of it."
Ochako gave a quick nod, clearly eager to exit the situation. "I'll be careful. Thanks for understanding."
Andrew caught Ochako before she could completely exit the room. His curiosity had been piqued by the red-wrapped gift that had been given to Ashley earlier— box with a red bow that seemed out of place in the otherwise ordinary evening.
"Ochako," he began, his voice calm but curious, "about that red-wrapped gift given to Ashley. Are you aware of any superstitions surrounding it?"
Ochako halted, her expression shifting slightly. She didn't answer immediately, her gaze darting toward the gift before she met Andrew's eyes.
Andrew noticed her hesitation and pressed on. "Come on, is there something I should know?"
Finally, she replied, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness. "It's nothing special. You shouldn't think too much of it."
Andrew, undeterred, took a step closer to her, his presence making her swallow the lump in her throat. The room's atmosphere seemed to thicken with unspoken tension, and he could see her visibly stiffening.
After a brief silence, he broke the mood with a smile, his tone shifting to a more playful one. "Just being dark and ominous-ly brooding."
He gave her a reassuring pat on the back, the gesture meant to ease the tension. "Now, let's go get some cake."
Ochako's nervous smile returned, and she nodded in agreement. "Sure, let's go."
The pair descended the stairs with Ochako slightly nervous about Andrew figuring her out. Once they finally descended to the last step they made their way over to grab a slice of cake, which happened to be a Strawberry shortcake. As they finally made it to the kitchen they noticed that there was a bit of lettering that had been placed on though some of it was missing due to slices being made and the cake being dished out but that didn't stop Andrew from knowing what it said,
"Let me guess? It said 'Welcome to Yuuei, Ashley and Andrew!' on it in chocolate?"
"Impress as ever Andy! Shame you didn't get to see it before we started cutting," Ashley declared though not through mockery but sincerity as this was the only thing that was partly meant for him.
"Sorry Andrew, when we were getting gifts we did not know what to get you so we decided to put your name on the cake. We were gonna wait but someone was a little…eager," Momo confessed as Mina was happily eating her slice as she sat next to Renee who felt like she was in heaven. Seriously, she needed the girls to tell her if this cake was from the same bakery or another one entirely.
"Shoougood!" responded both the pinkette and Matriarch Graves as they enjoyed the bliss of this fine confectionery. Such a response caused all who were present to laugh at the antics. Andrew also took note of Ashley's slice which also had chocolate sticks and a couple of strawberries,
"So are there any strawberries left or did you, Mom and your gang steal them all?" Andrew mocked Ashley.
"Haha, that's right! We did a strawberry heist cause you were taking your sweet time upstairs and now there's none left. Guess it'll just be plain shortcake for you Andy~" she teased even though there were still strawberries in the cake itself. She then booped her brother on the nose,
"Guess I'll have to do the heroic thing and save those poor strawberries from my fallen sister's evil clutches," he retorted while chuckling before going to get his slice.
"C'mon, you're such a spaz," muttered Ashley as she took another bite of her delicious baked good. She then turned to the girls. "Thank you so much for tonight. I didn't expect this, but it was certainly needed."
Momo smiled. "Don't mention it, Ash. That is what friends do." She then met Andrew's gaze. "And Andrew, despite not being classmates, you're more than welcome to hang out with us."
"That would be great!" Mina chimed in.
"Thanks, you guys," responded Andrew. "I'll keep that in mind."
As they all sat around the kitchen table enjoying their cake, Mina suddenly brought up the upcoming quirk test. "So, Ashley, are you ready for your Quirk test at the end of the week?" she asked with a grin.
Ashley's eyes widened slightly. She had almost forgotten about it, and more importantly, she realized that her mother hadn't yet told her who she would be competing against. Before she could respond, Momo chimed in with an encouraging smile. "I believe you'll master it, Ashley. You've got the talent and the determination."
Tsuyu and the others nodded in agreement, expressing their confidence in Ashley. However, Ochako, who had been quietly eating her cake, was muttering something under her breath, barely audible but noticeable enough to catch Renee's attention.
Renee's maternal instincts kicked in, and she turned her attention to Ochako, her voice gentle but inquisitive. "Is everything alright, Ochako?" she asked, her concern evident. "If Aunt Flo is paying a visit, I do keep tampons in the bathroom."
Andrew, who had been following the conversation, couldn't resist adding his own teasing remark. "You should know where to go this time," he said, referencing their earlier encounter with a slight smirk.
Ochako straightened up in her seat, her cheeks flushing slightly from the combined attention. "I'm fine, really," she insisted, trying to brush off the concern. "I've just been through a lot of stress lately."
Tsuyu, with her usual teasing nature, leaned in and quipped, "Maybe Ochako's just worried about who Ashley's sparring partner will be."
The playful jab hung in the air, and Ochako's reaction, a mix of surprise and mild discomfort, didn't go unnoticed. Renee's gaze lingered on Ochako, her intuition telling her that there was more to the story. But sensing that Ochako wasn't ready to share, she decided not to press further, instead offering a reassuring smile.
"Stress can be a lot to handle," Renee said softly. "Just know that you're welcome to talk about it if you need to. We're all friends here."
"Yeah…friends." Ochako responded, lowering her gaze onto the cake.
As the evening wore on, the clock on the wall eventually ticked over to 9:30 PM. The lively conversation and laughter that had filled the kitchen began to quiet down as the time grew late. Renee, ever mindful of the hour, noticed the time and knew that it was past curfew for the girls. With a gentle yet firm tone, she addressed the group.
"Alright, everyone," Renee began, a warm smile on her face, "it's getting late, and I think it's time for you all to retire for the night."
The girls, though reluctant to leave the warm and friendly atmosphere, nodded in agreement. The Graves family escorted their guests to the door, with Andrew and Ashley following behind. The night air was cool and crisp as they stepped outside, the sky above dotted with stars.
As they walked down the driveway, the conversation lingered, with the girls thanking Renee, Ashley, and Andrew for their hospitality. The Graves siblings stood at the end of the driveway, watching as the girls made their way down the quiet street. They exchanged final goodbyes, with Mina giving Ashley a playful nudge and Momo offering a reassuring smile.
"See you at school tomorrow," Tooru called out as she waved. "Can't wait for tomorrow's karaoke. It's gonna be totes fun!"
"Be sure to bring your singing voice." Mina added.
"I will!" Ashley waved at the group. "Goodnight!"
"I'll catch up with you girls, just need to ask Ashley something," Shouted Momo. She quickly turned around and before Ashley could ask her what it was Momo proceeded to make another green bunny plush, only this one had diamond freckles on its cheeks. Ashley immediately knew who this rabbit was supposed to be as her face became flushed,
"I know you're probably wondering "Why another green bunny, Momo? You made one for me already.' And to answer simply I thought the green bunny in your drawings was somebody else, not your brother, so I thought why not make one based on 1-A's very own bunny? I know it's early for me to say but I'm rooting for you even if nothing comes of this," Momo smiled before handing it over to Ashley and heading off to join the others while Ashley had a faint blush dust her cheeks again. Ashley then hid the bunny from view as she wanted to keep it a secret from her brother and mother.
The group gradually disappeared into the distance, their voices fading away as they rounded the corner. Andrew and Ashley stood there for a moment longer, the night suddenly feeling a bit quieter without the buzz of conversation.
"Wow! Didn't think Leyley here would make friends. Girlfriends at that!" Andy teased as she bumped her side with his elbow.
Leyley rolled her eyes, playfully pushing her brother aside. "Jealous much, Andy? Just because I have my own little harem now doesn't mean you have to be bitter about it."
Andy chuckled, shaking his head. "Please, even if I did have a harem, you wouldn't let me keep it."
Leyley stretched her arms out lazily, nodding in agreement. "You're right about that," she said with a smirk. Then, with a playful slap on his back, she added, "You better be lucky you're getting a pass for now."
Andy raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh? And what's that supposed to mean?"
Before Leyley could answer, they heard their mother's voice calling from inside the house. "Alright, you two! It's time for bed," Renee called out, her tone leaving no room for argument.
The two headed back indoors and headed off to their separate rooms. Andrew had finished changing into his Pajamas before slipping under the sheets whilst thinking about the events that took place today, Hitoshi, his sister making friends, Ochako trying to be a brown noser. It was a lot to unpack but that's for tomorrow. Right now he's gonna catch some Z's.
Meanwhile Ashley changed into her Pjs and took the freckled bunny plush out of her clothes and placed it on the bed next to the other two bunnies most noticeably by the left side of the pink one. She was happy to have made some genuine friends today and now she had some things with sentimentality to keep close to her heart.
"That was really nice what they did for me, maybe things are starting to change and hopefully for the better," Ashley spoke only to herself before climbing into her bed grabbing all three bunnies and cuddling them tightly with both green rabbits pressed against the pink one. She giggled softly before falling asleep soundly and positively for the first time in a while.
Later that night….
As Renee prepared for bed, she went through her nightly routine with a practiced ease. She slipped out of her clothes and into a comfortable set of pajamas, the fabric soft against her skin. Letting her hair down, she allowed it to cascade over her shoulders, feeling the tension of the day begin to ebb away. Crawling into bed, she reached for the book on her nightstand—Tampa by Alissa Nutting. It was a controversial and provocative read, but it was one of those books that held her attention, offering an escape from her own complicated life.
Her plan was simple: read until she could no longer keep her eyes open, then drift off into sleep. As she opened the book to the page where she had left off, she was startled by the sudden ring of her phone. Glancing at the screen, she saw the name that made her stomach tighten with irritation—Chet.
For a moment, she considered ignoring the call. She had grown tired of his so-called "accidental" pocket dials, a behavior that felt more like a clumsy attempt to keep her on edge than anything else. But something in her gut told her this call was different. Annoyance flared within her, and she decided she wasn't going to let him get away with it this time.
With a sharp breath, she answered the phone, her voice stern and laced with impatience. "Hello?"
Chet's voice came through the line, not cold, but with a tone that was unsettlingly absolute. There was no trace of his usual laid-back charm or faux sincerity. "Renee, we need to talk," he said, the seriousness in his voice cutting through her initial irritation like a knife.
Renee's heart skipped a beat. She had been expecting some half-baked excuse, maybe even a sloppy attempt to reconnect or some pointless small talk. But the gravity in his tone suggested something far more significant. Her annoyance quickly morphed into unease as she sat up in bed, closing her book without even realizing it.
"What's going on, Chet?" she asked, her voice steady but with an undercurrent of concern. Whatever this was, she could tell it wasn't just another one of his games.
To be continued….
BD: To keep it short, Ochako and the other's gift box isn't the only box being opened at this point. We're still scratching the surface, but we're slowly getting there.
Sinneress: Tell me about BD, though wasn't Ashley lucky her new friends just saw her drawings as nothing more than innocence gone by of her times with her brother and Momo's generosity be it the presents. Does she know something we don't?
BD: Could be, maybe?! They only see the surface of the sick puppy we crazily love. They don't really know what moves Ashley. Scratch that, they may know Ashley…but they sure as hell do not know Leyley.
Sinneress: indeed Ashley has more layers than anyone can perceive, probably for her benefit but could this new life also be causing these feelings for someone other than Andy? Could our favourite Cinnamon roll be on the plates of not one but two Graves women?
BD: We can agree to disagree — though I strongly ship Renee with Izuku. Either way, as the story progresses, we can see how things shall go. I just know that UA and the town of Musutafu have a mighty force on their hands. Stay tuned for more! As always, God bless you all and team Greenshade!
