Tsu stood looking at herself in the mirror, wearing a pair of fit white jeans, nice tan flats, and a navy blue blouse; she smiled. After sending the picture to Izuku, his compliments made her feel floating. The night before, their two families had gathered for dinner at a nice little restaurant, and it was at that point thatthey realized what it meant to participate in the U.A. sports festival. The waitress recognized Tsu and Izuku gushing about their fight and wanted to take a photo with them. The owner also asked for a picture to hang on the wall, and the entire meal was complimentary.
The best part was how her little brother and sister looked at her when they saw her; it made her giggle as they glared at Izuku, wanting to beat him up for hurting their sister. The night was beautiful watching her parents talk with Inko. Izuku, talking and playing with her sister and brother once they had forgiven him, how it warmed her heart. She held his hand under the table, smiling at him dreamily as they shared a sundae. They couldn't only kiss briefly as they said goodnight; they were up talking for a bit before the exhaustion of the day called them to sleep.
Since their "connection" had been established when they would separate, it was like this mythical fuel tank would drain as they were apart; it created this longing, a desire to be back in each other's presence. This night was different; it still drained, but like when they were together, she could feel him; before she fell asleep, she swore she could hear his heartbeat.
The worst part of today was that they wouldn't be together, but the promise of tomorrow was enough to get them through it. Today was a girl's day. They were going to the mall, and she would buy an outfit for her date tomorrow with her mate. But there was something she was going to handle first.
"Tsu, Kyoka is here," her father called.
Tsu smiled as she came downstairs and saw Kyoka there; she noticed that Kyoka had put some effort into her outfit today: tight black jeans, black heeled boots, a purple vest shirt, a nice chocker, bracelets, a necklace, and earrings. She even had done her eye makeup, a dusky smokey eye. Is that a bit of glitter? Tsu wondered.
"Wow, Kyoka, you look very pretty?" Tsu said. "Are you going on a date after the mall?"
"What? No," Kyoka blushed. "Just put something together."
"I am glad you agreed to meet me early," Tsu said. "I wanted to talk to you."
"I wanted to talk to you as well," Kyoka said as they stepped outside. "I am glad you and Izuku are together…"
"But something is bothering you," Tsu finished, Kyoka nodded.
"It started that first day when you saw or were around him," Kyoka said. "You didn't want to talk about it, and I understood. It's not like you owe me anything, but the USJ seeing him like that bothered me. But your reaction was so intense. A blind man could see how madly in love with him you are; the world can see that after the Sports Festival. But something is different: my hearing is super sensitive; most people don't know I can hear people's heartbeats. Hearing two people's heartbeats beat in time together is…scary."
Tsu's eyes widened slightly. "Izuku is a good guy; it is not like he is raising red flags. But you are so into him…I am worried that you may be too deep, I guess. I don't know. I don't want to see you get hurt, Tsu." Kyoka fidgeted with her hands, "I am sorry, you can tell me to piss off, I just.."
"You're worried," Tsu said, taking Kyoka's hand. "I understand Kyoka; from the outside, it is strange, intense, maybe even creepy. I appreciate your concern, but in a way, you are right. I am lost in him and can do nothing about it." She released Kyoka's hand. "Do you know what imprinting is?"
"Like a baby duck?" Kyoka said, confused.
"I would appreciate it if you would keep what I am about to say to yourself," Tsu said; she paused, waiting for Kyoka to nod. "It is something that those with an animal quirk don't discuss with those on the outside."
Kyoka could only listen, a bit confused, "Sometimes those with an animal quirk will imprint when we meet one specific person."
"Like a soul bond?" Kyoka asked.
"Yes," Tsu said smiling, "We don't call it a soul bond because a soul bond goes both ways. You see your soul bond, and there is an instant connection between you both and happily ever after."
"But if you imprint," Kyoka paused. "It can only be one way," Kyoka said slowly. "WAIT!"
"SHHH," Tsu admonished her, making Kyoka blush. "But yes."
"And is there anything you can do about it?" Kyoka said.
"You can try to fight it," Tsu said. "But it is a part of you, like breathing; being away from them is painful; you can deny it, run away, drugs and boos will give you a reprieve, but when you wake up."
"It is still there," Kyoka said. "What if they are cruel or abusive?"
"You take it," Tsu said. "It is terrible, so those with animal quirks don't discuss it. If you are lucky, the person you imprint with is imprinted back, and you get your happiness ever after. My parents are like that."
"Can nonanimal quirks," Kyoka fumbled over her words.
"Yes," Tsu said, saving her friend. "It is rare, but it can happen; once it pops up in your family, there is a chance it will happen as well."
"So if one of my ancestors had an animal quirk or imprinted with someone, then there would be a chance of it popping up in my family line," Kyoka asked. Tsu nodded. "Are you that lucky?"
"I think so," Tsu said, seeing relief wash over Kyoka. "The thoughts he shared mirror mine and my parents' thoughts. It is a possessiveness, a declaration of MINE," Tsu said. "He can sense my feelings and emotions like I can sense his. So you see, that is why everything between us is so intense; there is a connection between us that we can't fight or deny."
"Did I happen when you first saw him?" Kyoka said, smiling, feeling relieved that Izuku seemed to have imprinted back.
"Yes, but the first time I saw him wasn't that day in class," Kyoka's head tilted in confusion. "You see, I first met him by a river…"
The Mall
Kyoka and Tsu meet up with Toru, Mina, and Ochaco outside the mall. The girls all smiled, though Ochaco still looked a bit sore.
"How are you feeling Ochaco," Tsu said.
"Still sore," Ochaco grinned. "Izuku didn't hold back and…I appreciate that. You understand." Tsu nodded; they turned as a black limo pulled up and outstepped Momo. Kyoka felt her heart skip as the heiress emerged: black heels, nylons, flowing black skirt, and billowy red blouse. The way Momo's face lit up when she saw the other girls. Momo had a spring in her step as she walked over to them.
"Nice ride," Toru said as Momo came up. Momo blushed and tucked some hair behind her ear.
"Thank you," Momo replied. "I am so happy you invited me to join you all today." Momo bowed. "I have always wished to go to the mall with friends," she said the last word hesitantly.
Toru and Mina looked at each other and stepped forward, taking her hands, "Then consider that wish fulfilled!" Mina and Toru said, beaming.
"How are you feeling, Momo?" Ochaco asked.
"Much like yourself, sore," Momo responded. "After my battle with Izuku, I am still not completely healed." Momo pulled up her sleeve and showed a brace over her arm. "It is healed but still tender."
"How is the festival winner?" Mina asked Tsu.
"The better question is, how is your boyfriend, M.I.N.A?" Kyoka said teasingly.
"You mean the boyfriend who rode the bus with her over here," Toru said. Mina blushed. "Who sat with her on the bench, her head on his shoulder, holding his hand till I arrived and ruined their little romance."
"Toru!" Mina whined, hiding her face in her hands.
"Then what happened," Momo said curiously.
"Well, her gentleman leaned over, kissed her on the head, wished her a great day, and asked that she call him this evening to discuss plans for a romantic rendezvous," Toru said while Mina was wondering if she would burst into flames.
"How wonderful," Momo said. As the girls headed into the mall. "You look adorable today, Kyoka," Momo said as she stepped with her.
"Thank you, Momo," Kyoka responded, twirling one of her jacks around her finger. "I think you look very nice as well."
"Good, I picked my outfit, hoping you would like it," Momo said shyly. "Did you maybe do the same?"
Kyoka's heart was pounding in her ears, hoping Momo was implying what she thought she was implying, "I did," Kyoka said quietly.
"Then you did a wonderful job," Momo said, both girls blushing, something Toru noticed and whispered to Mina.
"Are we here for anything specific?" Ochaco asked.
"I need to pick up an outfit for a date," Tsu said; Ochaco's smile faltered but came back into place. Tsu did notice. "But I can go alone, and we can meet afterward."
"No, we should all go together," Ochaco said; she took Tsu's hands. "You and Izuku are together; he is important to us. I want to be there to support him and you. It is just…"
"I understand, Ochaco," Tsu said, giving Ochaco's hands a gentle squeeze. "Let's go together."
Dates
Tsu and Izuku
Tsu could feel him getting closer; she fidgeted, adjusting her outfit in the mirror. She wanted to take his breath away, butthe knock at the door made her heart jump. She heard her father call her name, so she took a deep breath, grabbed her new purse andthe matching hat, and descended the stairs.
Izuku heard her footsteps on the stairs. He looked up, and his breath was stolen from his chest. He first saw the lovely white strapped sandals with a light brown sole. Then Tsu's long, beautiful legs, left bare, the hem of white lace that fluttered just above her knees, providing a tempting and seductive peak at her thighs. He sawher hand on the railing wrapped in awhite lace glove as the dress came more into view. The lace had white underlayandwas fitted at her waist by a thin brown belt, highlighting her slender waist. A matching brown purse and sun hat came into view in her free hand; the hat had awhite band with a green flower. The dress fitted at the waist hugged Tsu's upper body, the neckline cut just above her chest, her cleavage peaking, and two thin spaghetti straps held it up, leaving her shoulders bare. With slow, deliberate steps, she slowly revealed herself to her mate; light makeup touches adorned her face, andgold tulip-shaped earrings dangled from her ears. Her hair wassmooth and tied in its signature bow.
A slight smile tugged at Tsu's lips as she could feel Izuku's eyes drifting over her body, the way they lingered on her legs, chest, andface. The feelings of love and lust that she could feel from her mate ignited the same in her; she could feel her body warming more and more. The closer they got to each other, the more nothing else around them seemed to matter. When Tsu's foot hit the bottom of the stairs, she admired Izuku dressed in a pair of new white sneakers, black shorts, and awhite short-sleeve button-down shirt; she noticed a new but nice silver-faced watch with a black strap. Then she saw a thin, black square box in his hand.
Izuku stepped forward to close the physical space between them, "Beautiful," she heard him whisper; the hint of reverence in his voice did things to her. He gave a nervous cough. "You look so beautiful, Tsu," he said. "I have something for you." Izuku opened the box and saw a gold necklace with a matching gold tulip as a charm and a green emerald at the center.
"Oh, Izuku…" Tsu said, her hand lightly covering her mouth. "
"It was my grandmother's," Izuku said.
"Are you sure?" Tsu whispered.
"As sure as I am that I love you," Izuku whispered.
"Put it on for me," Tsu said, smiling, turning around, the incredible feeling of the gold slipping around her neck, the heat from her mate's hands, andthe slight tremble she felt from him as she secured it. The gentle kiss he placed under her hairline towards the back made her shudder. A supreme act of will reminded them that they were not alone; she turned, andthey shared a tender and brief kiss. They posed for some pictures before they left to begin their date.
Kyoka and Momo
Kyoka Jiro was confused, nervous, and excited.
Confused: She had just walked up the long driveway to the front door of the Yaoyorozu Estate. Yesterday at the mall was an experience. Each of the girls was their unique ball of energy and fun. There was some initial awkwardness between Tsu and Ochaco, but Ochaco found the dress that Tsu had chosen for her date. Momo and Kyoka had been talking as they looked over a few outfits. Kyoka had dressed up today for Momo. Since day one, she had been a bit obsessed with the Heiress, and it had grown to be anattraction. Kyoka had no idea about Momo's preferences, but a girl could hope. Momo seemed flirty during the trip, not with the other but with Kyoka. They were talking about music. Momo was surprisingly knowledgeable, and Momo invited Kyoka to come over and play music and spend the night. Kyoka had agreed before she realized what had been proposed; now, Kyoka was standing before the door of the Yaoyorozu estate, about to spend the night with the girl she had a crush on.
Nervous: The door opened, and there stood Momo, a black fitted Queen band shirt, blue jeans, and asmile. Momo took Kyoka's bag and her hand before tugging her into the house. Momo told Kyoka how excited she was to have her first friend come forher first sleepover. Then Momo stopped and tucked her hair behind her ear, "I am glad you said yes, Kyoka." Kyoka's heart began to thump in her chest.
Excited: Kyoka thought she was crazy, but Momo was sending signs. All the signs in the worldshow purity in Momo's actions and innocence. But there was also this directness with Momo; she said what she wanted and what she was thinking. Kyoka hoped what Momo wanted was her because as the day progressed, Kyoka Jiro wantedMomo Yaoyorozu.
Mina and Eijiro
Eijiro was a few steps from Mina's door when it was thrown open. Mina came running out and leaped into his arms, her legs wrapped around his waist. He caught her easily; before he could say anything, Mina grabbed and kissed him passionately. When they broke apart, Mina was grinning.
"Now we won't have to wonder about it until the end of the date, and I willget to kiss you all day," Mina said. "It is brill…" She never got to finish as Ejiro pulled her back into a kiss that left them both breathless.
"Better than my dreams," Ejiro said, Mina blushed. Her feet hit the ground, andshe ran back and closed the door, yelling goodbye. Sheran back andtook his hand.
"I am ready," Mina said, leaning on his shoulder. "Where are we going?"
"There is a festival going on," Ejiro said nervously. "They also have a carnival."
"I love it, a festival, a carnival, and my Eji," Mina said. "I couldn't ask for anything more. Except I demand you win me a stuffed prize!"
"My mission is clear," Ejiro said.
Toru and Ochaco
Ochaco stepped off the train and looked around, spying onthe floating set of clothes that was Toru. She smiled, waived, and walked over. "Hey, Toru!" Ochaco said, smiling. "Thanks for inviting me out today."
"Don't worry about it," Toru responded. "I didn't want the ticket to go to waste."
"Who could pass up premium movie tickets with a VIP experience!" Ochaco said, smiling. "How did you get the tickets again?"
"I won them in a contest," Toru responded. "I thought it would be good for us to get out and have fun."
"I could use some fun," Ochaco said as Toru led them onto the street.
"Hey, Ochaco, you were amazing during the sports festival," Toru said. "Badass. I know things have been difficult for you, but I want youto know I am in your corner."
"Thank you, Toru," Ochaco said, a soft smile on her lips. "I appreciate it."
"Good, let's have some fun," Toru grabbed Ochaco's arm. "All you can eat and souvenir swag, let's GO!"
The Date at the Lake
As Tsu and Izuku walked from the train and stopped to grab lunch at a little café on the park's edge, nothing else mattered. The seating was at the back of the café, away from the street. The separation provided by the building and the trees and nature behind it on the other sidetook them out of the city and into a different little world. Izuku held out Tsu's chair; she smiled and thanked him.
"You look so beautiful, Tsu," Izuku said as they started to look over the menu. "It was hard not to see you yesterday. How was your trip to the mall?"
"It was nice," Tsu said, as her eyes lit up seeing something on the menu that sparked her interest. Everything on the menu was light anddesigned to be shared; the thought of feeding Izuku made themwiggle in her seat slightly. "I told Kyoka about…our connection."
"Oh," Izuku said. "May I ask why? And how did she take it?"
"She noticed that I was acting weird on day one. She knew something was happening, but she didn't push. I am closer to Kyoka than the other girlsandwanted to share with her. I trusted her, and opening up to someone was relieving. She took it well, concerned about my safety, those kind of things."
"I understand," Izuku said. "Is there anything on the Menu you see that is interesting?"
"The sandwich platter and the water crest salad," Tsu responded.
"That sounds good; how about the vegetable and cheese platter?" Izuku asked; Tsu nodded. They placed their order along with some drinks.
"How was your day yesterday?" Tsu asked, leaning forward, her chin resting on her arm; a nice view of her chest for Izuku was presented; she saw him take a peek and just smiled, andboth of their heart rates picked up.
"It was good, terrific," Izuku said. "I was surprised to receive the invite from Fumi and the others."
"Who all was there?" Tsu pressed.
"Fumi, Dark Shadow, of course," Izuku said with a slight chuckle. "Sato, Denki, Mineta, Sero, Ojiro, and Ejiro showed up after he dropped Mina off at the mall. It was a lot of fun; it felt good."
"The acceptance?" Tsu added.
"The acceptance, comradery, coming together as a whole," Izuku said. "Life is just giving me everything I could dream of. If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up. I wanted to see you again, make itinto the U.A. hero course, participate in the sports festival, win it, andhave friends. The wildest dream that has come true is right here," Izuku reached out and took Tsu's hand. "I am on a date with a woman who loves me more than anyone could ever love me, and it is the woman of my dreams, fantasies, and future. I don't care if it is because of something else that has pulled us to this." He gestured between the two of them. "When I look at you, I see the beauty of tomorrow. That promise that tomorrow will be a better day than today as long as I have you. That no matter what happens, we will make it through together."
"Izuku," Tsu whispered, wiping her eyes. "I love you so much. You truly make me feel cherished, loved and appreciated. You are my mate, the other half of my soul. There is nothing that will ever take me from you."
Izuku raised out of his seat and leaned over the table. Tsu did the sameandshared a tender and loving kiss before they sat back down. After lunch, they walked to a locker, where Izuku pulled out thebackpack and went down to the lake. They rented a boat, and he rowed them out on the lake, where they had just floated. Tsu came to sit in his lap, her head resting on his shoulder. Soft rabbits escaped her lips as they sat with their eyes closed, the sun warming their skin, their love warming their souls.
Once back on shore, they walked hand in hand, talking about the upcoming Internships, how they wished they could intern together, and what it would be like to not be near each other for a whole week, depending on the offers. Neither of them liked being separated for that long, but that was a problem for tomorrow.
As they explored the park and the lake, they found a small chapel on the edge; they walked hand in hand; the building was old but well-maintained. It had a rich history; Izuku looked at Tsu as she stood near the altar, the light pouring in from a massive stained glass window, bathing her skin in brilliant colors and hues; it was as if a rainbow veil covered her face. Her white dress streaked all the colors of the rainbow. The image of him standing next to her, dressed in a tux, the proclamation of their love before family and friends, that announcement ringing in his ears. "You may kiss the bride."
Tsu could feel the swell of love and emotion from him; when she found his gaze, her heart leaped to her throat. His look of love and adorationmade her feel like she could fly. Without a doubt, Tsu knewhe loved her; the bond ensuredshe loved him. But without a doubt in her mind, she knew he had bonded to her. Some would say it was biology, but Tsu would sayit was fate. The extraordinary circumstances that brought them together brought them together to be together, to be the rock that each could lean on, the tree to seek shelter under from the storm, and the partner to carry the other when things got complicated. She watched as he crossed over to her in measured steps, almost worried that if he did it too fast, the spell would break, orshe would disappear.
"I want to marry you," Izuku whispered as he took her hands before the altar. "I want to marry you in this church. I want to stand in this spot and watch you steal my breath away in a beautiful wedding dress and declare before all those important in our lives that there is no other in this world who could make me nearly as happy as you."
"I don't need a dress; I don't need anything but you," Tsu responded, their heads tilting and lightly touching. "All I need is our families here. I will do it right now. You are my friend, my dream, my mate, and most importantly, the man I love."
They stood wrapped in the spell; they shared a tender kiss as they walked down the aisle, both with dreams of doing it as husband and wife. In a blissful haze, they wandered with no particular destination till they found a nice spot on the shore of the lake; Izuku pulled out a blanket and lay down looking at the sky, their hands interlocked their heads near each other, pointing out clouds and sharing little bits of themselves. Little secrets just for the two of them, tidbits, dreams, and hopes. The sky's darkening signaled the venue change; he led her to therestaurant.
They were escorted to their seat on the Warf, under the gazebo over the lake. Older couples gave them warm smiles, seeing the young couple smitten with each other. Tsu looked and saw a dance floor on a lower section; it was set in apartitioned area from the lake to give the illusion thatyou were dancing on the water. She longed to beout there dancing, being held close by Izuku. A small band began to play soft, lovely melodies. Tsu could see them at the table by the railing, the wedding cake, everything. Wistful and dreamlike, it all filled her mind: the wedding at the little chapel, a carriage ride to the restaurant for the reception. Their first dance, the clinking of glasses, before they spend their first night as husband and wife. A warm blush washed over and through her.
"I want to have the reception here," Tsu said.
"As you wish, my mate," Izuku whispered, taking her hand. "I may not be very good at it, but would you like to dance after dinner?"
Tsu could only nod in response; the food and service were like nothing neither of them had ever experienced; the waitstaff would come and refill their drinks or water and be gone. A shared dessert, he rose and took her hand, leading her to the dance floor. For a few moments, it was just them before other couples joined them. Neither of them were experienced dancers, but it didn't matter. Tsu and Izuku were lost in each other, her arms around his neck, his at her waist as they slowly swayed to the music, lost in the evening, lost in each other.
They danced, they kissed, they declared their love. The end of their night came too soon for both of them; they strolled through the park slowly to make their way tothe train station to the front door of her house. Not wanting anything to end, they sat on the steps, her in his lap, just wrapped in silence and each other; a flickering of the porch light was the call for them to separate.
"Is Inko still working late tomorrow?" Tsu whispered; Izuku just nodded. "Then I will make us dinner. Would you mind if I came over early? I want to be with you."
"It sounds wonderful," Izuku said. They shared a long, deep, passionate kiss before she stepped back and opened the door. "I love you. Can I call?"
"I love you too. Of course, I can't sleep properly now without talking to you before I fall asleep," Tsu responded. "Be safe, my mate; I will wait for your voice."
Izuku smiled, waited for her to close the door, and turned to walk down the driveway to the train station. He swore his feet never touched the ground. He would have realized that he had been floating the entire way if he wasn't in such a love-struck haze.