Another day passed, and it was finally Ciana's third day of hell - rather, schoolwork - but the third day was special as Ciana wrapped up the last of her work for the time being. One, it was her birthday, so she was finally 16, what a rollercoaster it was trying to get there. Between jumping realms, having a superpower, villains out for her, and a relationship that's bordering on intimate, Ciana had quite a lot to think about. But more importantly, the second reason, her date today. She felt obligated to complete her work before her exams, as well as study for them, but no one said she couldn't take a break on her birthday, right?
She looked at her mirror, inspecting her choice of clothes. Hairpin as usual, a grey, sleeveless button-up shirt with a navy hem and collar. A pair of comfy denim jeans and dark blue running shoes with white soles.
"At least it's not too fancy like last time, ether way this is more nicer to wear anywhere I go." Ciana beamed cheerful, adding a little makeup again before stepping out with her purse in hand. Ciana never told Izuku her birthday so maybe she surprise him by telling him later. Knowing to meet outside like last time… Ciana smiled more happily as she already begun to walk down the hall and the stairs, humming a tune as she goes as she's in a good mood obviously.
There were a few present in the common area, but Ciana's happy note didn't falter as Kyoka raised a brow at her from the sofa, leaning her head back. "Headin' out?" She had one of her jacks plugged into her phone, and a book filled with sheet music on her lap.
"Yep! Now that I'm back I want to walk around the city again to relive my forgotten times in Japan." Ciana jokes with a giggle, already walking towards the front door. At least Mineta and Kaminari weren't around to spy again, especially Sero as well since she started to notice he had a bit of love for girls too after finding out he's been glancing over at a women's magazine Mineta and Kaminari were looking at on the couch… chuckling at the flashback catching them…
"Have fun," Kyoka knew better but best not to draw unwanted attention to Ciana.
Outside on the step, Izuku waited patiently. His outfit was a light green shirt with a swamp green sleeveless dress shirt over it, his locket visible and his bracelet on his left wrist. A pair of tan trousers and his signature sneakers. Hearing the door open, he turned while pulling at his collar a bit, then felt his heart again stop at the outfit Ciana chose. Casual, which was perfect for the occasion, but the way she was smiling so bubbly had his heart pound instantly.
Now seeing her beloved hero in view as she closed the door behind her, Ciana smiled bright and happy with a little wave to greet him. "Hey Izuku!" Now approaching while observing his look from head to toe, it warmed her heart to still see the locket he was wearing which made her look more pleased. "Don't you look handsome as usual." Ciana complimented with her arms behind her back and a pleasant giggle.
Though soon taken noticed he looked a little shaky had her head tilt in a little confusion. "Are you okay?"
"...y-yep, never better!" He shot to his feet, his face tinged a bit with a silly smile. "Y-you just look beautiful as always, that's all, love," He replied without much thought to it.
Moving to her side, he linked one arm around hers with a bright expression as they started to walk. "Something simple to start with, something we both like, and the rest should hopefully fall into place if I've gambled my cards right," He had to improvise for the second part, the the first and third pieces should go smoothly. "Just enjoy yourself and leave the rest to me,"
Hearing that, Ciana just nodded and smiled as bright as the sun. "Okay! I'll leave myself in your hands!" The girl beamed, hugging his arms now as her face snuggled up onto his shoulder. Happy enough just being together like this with her favorite hero. "I'll follow you wherever you go."
"Then let's not waste time," Izuku declared, leading them to the exit of the school.
Once in Musutafu's city. Izuku took her to their first destination under a summer sun, the familiar sight of the book store they went to on their first date. It seemed like a reasonable choice, both of them loved reading, and the selection was vast on two floors. Happily indoors, the pair headed straight upstairs to take a look of the fiction sections available.
"Thought this would be a nice place to spend some time before the, hopefully, good secondary location," Izuku kept it vague.
"Wow! Looks like they got some new books in! Ether that or I didn't look hard enough to see them." The girl excitingly beamed, already taking a hold of some of the mangas to look through the titles and pictures. "Was there a book you were waiting for to come out Izuku?" Now her eyes turned to her hero while smiling and looking curious.
"Not really, more-so to fill in blanks in some series I've got, after all, three for two deal is constant here so it's even better to check when they restock," Izuku replied, already lifting a few to fit into his backpack that he brought with him. "If you see anything, lemme know,"
She chuckled at this, Izuku is more of a book worm than she thought. Ciana always found that side so cute of him and cool from how much knowledge can fit in that big brain of his. "Okay! There's so much I see here so it's gonna be a little hard for me to pick…" her eyes were back on the shelves, going through some mangas and novels.
A couple caught her eyes… one manga she looked over was called 'Star crossed Lovers' and a novel of a myth called the 'Red thread of Fate', that title got her intrigued and tilted her head in a little confusion and wonder of this title, reading the back plot. "Huh? There's a myth about a red string? Never heard of a story with that kind of title…"
Izuku perked up, leaning against her shoulder. "Hm? Oh, it's this urban myth where people destined to be together are tied with a 'red string of fate', so no matter how wide the distance, the red can't be severed or seen by anyone else but the people connected to it, like a spiritual link," He elaborated, tapped the book cover. "So it probably caters to that myth."
That explanation perked her up in surprise, looking towards Izuku with a intrigue expression. "So… you mean like soulmates? I never heard that kind of myth before…" Ciana gives him an amused smile and a raise of her brow now. "If this is a thing then if no one can see this so called red thread then how this myth come to be?"
"Who knows? Guess it's part of the myth, some say it's more of a feeling a person gets when close to their soulmate. Or 'true love a first sight', I mean, it could even be possible these threads do exist just that you have to sharp sense for spirit energy, like Chaser maybe," Izuku shrugged, smiling a bit more. "It's not a bad concept to believe, I guess,"
"Interesting story… I mean I don't completely get it but doesn't hurt to read what it's about." Ciana guessed it was a Japanese myth, her path did cross with Izuku so could they be fated to be together? It did feel that way, but there's still Uraraka… Ciana narrowed her brows at the title, deciding to check it out but then looks over the manga 'Star Crossed Lovers…'
Seeing a picture of a beautiful girl on one side of the sun and another of a handsome guy on the opposite with the moon. "This looks pretty interesting… hey Izuku! Check this out!" Ciana ended up showing him the cover now, a story about a moon god and a sun goddess.
"Ooh, that one. Yeah, I've heard of it, based off a fairy tale about the Moon God and Sun Goddess. If I'm correct... both had fallen for one another, but neither could reach each other as the moon would fall as the sun would rise, like nature. Only at twilight did the two catch glimpses of each other, I'm not entirely sure how the whole story goes, but I know they end up finally together, if only briefly, at eclipses to dance," It wasn't exactly a story he'd be into, but it had crossed his searches before when he was bored. "You really like romance, huh?"
"Maybe a little…" Ciana chuckles, blushing a little shyly while averting her gaze a bit. "I-I kinda like stories involving something meaningful and fantasy like… I just find it pretty entertaining and touching that way…" now rubbing the back of her head smiling sheepishly as she shared this.
"I get what you mean," Izuku agreed, holding up his finger to emphasize his point, "Seeing many ways romance can bloom between two people, either of similar or opposite interests and ideals come together in unique ways, either in a short or long amount of time can make a story special and engaging,"
"Exactly how I see it!" Ciana beams, cocking her head cutely again as she still had her eyes on her hero. "You sure seem to know a lot how romance works for a guy who hasn't hanged out with many girls in the past…" Ciana teases as she leaned forward and her smile turned playful that Izuku was more knowledgeable about romance than she thought.
"I-I have watched and r-read a bunch of stories with r-romance, not really a good source for dating advice, but better than nothing," He coughed into his fist, stuck on that mischievous look of hers. "I-it did help me a bit to be with you,"
Ciana had a feeling he took some advice from the manga books, blushing at the adorable gesture and now giggling. "You didn't need to take advice on a book for me to fall for you, I grown so fond of you fast each day I spend with you just from being you." This is when she leaned in to kiss her beloveds cheek, smiling pink and happy after that.
"Though in most stories people wouldn't confess their feelings in a dorm room as they usually do it somewhere more romantic…" Ciana teasingly criticized him now.
His body tingled from her light kiss, chuckling a bit as he scratched his other cheek. "W-well, I think d-doing things our way's more exciting, and besides, s-so long as you're happy, I'm happy,"
"Your the reason I can even smile again, just like how you always wanted to do as a hero." Ciana happily expresses. "Your already getting so close to being a hero the world will feel safe under your watchful eye and smart brain of yours." Knowing his habit of muttering it was a clear sign how knowledgeable Izuku is, how he figures things out and know how to make people more safer… truly admirable in her eyes.
"You're much the same though," He eyed the shelves again, picking out two more he wanted. "You persevere through any issue that comes your way, placing others before yourself, and have taken a power that brought fear to others and changed it into something that brings warmth; you can even dig into the closed off spaces of people's hearts, making them better in the end. I think that's pretty amazing hero material,"
Listening to his own description of herself had her feel bashful, turning more pink and placing her arms behind her back in a flustered manner. "I-I just want to help people feel more good about themselves… I-I'm not always good at it but I still try my hardest to take away the fear in their eyes."
Though she begun to frown a little knowing her mistakes. "I thought I was becoming such a pain before and getting in the way of everyone's goals… but I'm really happy to know that's never the case, I always had a bad habit of overthinking things…" Another trait about herself irritates her, laughing sheepishly after that.
"Join the club... but you've changed a lot of people already; Me, Todoroki, Iida, Jiro, almost everyone we've met, and your song at the Sports Festival definitely touched a lot of people's hearts I feel, it was... the energy in the air, if that's the right phrase to use," Izuku replied, squeezing her hand in his with a kind look.
Being reminded of her performance at the festival brought her bashful side back more, relaxing and feeling warm in Izukus hand as she smiled up at him. "I-I still can't believe I managed to pull that performance off but I'm so glad I did and you all got to hear it." Though… this is when she turned head and flinched noticing people nearby staring, she guessed it was because of public affection but she could hear some mumble recognizing them from the sports festival.
"Oh no… n-not again!" Ciana sweat dropped, forgetting people would still recognize them. "Uh… Izuku…" Ciana ushered her head directed towards the people who are spying…
"I-I've been trying to ignore t-them," Izuku sighed, moving to her side to block their view of them. "It isn't as bad as the first week after, but there are a number that still recognize us from the festival; want to move on from here?"
"As long as they aren't becoming starkers then we can move on whenever…" she smiled sheepishly more, but then started to giggle. "I didn't realize how famous we were starting to become…"
"Between our matches in the final round, not to mention how we came first and second in the first round by teaming up, it really left an impression on the onlookers," Izuku smiled, leading her over to the counter to pay for their books with Izuku grabbing a small item at the counter now that it caught his eye, a small clear rectangle case filled with emerald green dice. "A-actually... well, I'll tell you near the end of this date, promise," He winked.
She sure didn't expect that as that motive had her look curious and blushed at the sudden cute wink. "Y-your sure are full of surprises still." Ciana giggles, wondering what he even has planned out. "Anywhere else you want to take me?" She now asked, Izuku knows more about the city than she does after all.
After paying for their things, Izuku stuffed their books into his bag as he smiled to her. "Well, seeing as we're ahead of time... any movie you want to see?" Better to ask than to gamble here. "I had the idea to see a movie as the main attraction of today, but I wanted to see if you had anything in mind,"
"Oh I never got to see any other movies in Japan so far! Expect for the one Kirishima was watching." Ciana perked up excited at this idea. "Though what do you have in mind?" Ciana figured they should see the posters when they get to the theater to decide.
"I originally had one in mind that is actually slice of life orientated, seemed nice to look at, though, there are others so I'll let you see them once we're there to decide," Pulling out his phone, he flicked open to a screenshot he had of what appeared to be online tickets. "These will get us in to any movie of our choice, so by all means, make your pick if you have one,"
Looking over his shoulder to see the choices, she's grateful she can read Japanese still. A lot of them seemed interesting but so far one stood one to her, pointing to it. "How about this one? Sounds interesting…" The poster she pointed out was 'See you in my 19th life', reading it's about a girl who reincarnates until she finds her past life lover.
"That plot sounds kinda interesting… especially that she ended up falling for someone else instead." This reminding her a bit how the future was supposed to go with Izuku and Uraraka, thinking it help give her a better idea how this would end better.
Eyeing her choice, Izuku flicked through the details on his phone, bringing it up on a search bar to check. Did sound good... "Sure, I mean, plenty of other chances to see what else there is next time," Switching back to the movies on his phone, he eyed the times. "...one showing is in less than an hour, if we go now, we'll have time to grab food and drinks,"
"Sounds good! A movie always goes best with popcorn after all." Ciana beamed excitingly, first time going to the movies with a date… the idea was fun, surprised they never went to one before even when they started out as friends.
At the movies, they quickly made their way inside, the place was a little crowded given it was a Sunday, but by the time they got what they wanted and sat down, the movie had begun to roll the ADs and trailers, given them ample time to sit and do nothing but talk. Once the movie got underway, they were silent, sharing a large bag of popcorn between them as they became intensely observant of the movie, sitting so close to the sides of their chairs that Ciana had her head propped on Izuku's shoulder while the movie went on.
So far the movie started out cute, a little girl meets a boy whose from a wealthy family, they got close and becoming attracted to each other, the boy even asked the girl to get married when they grow up when they were walking in the rain with their umbrellas. Watching that part was so cute enough for her to let out a few giggles, knowing kids would say some straightforward things without realizing what they are asking once they grow up…
Izuku, on the other hand, found himself constantly reflecting on his situation with Ciana. A girl who fell into his world, and became woven into his life, both as the holder of One For All and a future hero, they had their fair share of strife, both against villains, rivals, and even with each other. It was strange how this movie invoked those feelings. It made him realize more how lucky he was that fate turned out this way for them, both may never have met had someone not drawn Ciana here, both could've led completely different lives.
Before he knew it, the movie was coming to an end, and that warmth on his shoulder hadn't left.
Seeing that the two lovers in the end grew up and got together was heartwarming to see… the main girl didn't get together with her soulmate but with someone she decided to move on with who she met as kids, knowing her reincarnation curse was broken and they got to remain together without any worries put a smile on Cianas face.
Now glancing over at Izuku after it ended. "Wow that sure was a interesting turn of events… I don't think I ever seen a film this meaningful." Ciana clearly enjoyed the plot, wondering if this means she will get to remain in Izukus heart too for now on.
"Yeah... it was really worth seeing, even surprised me how enjoyable it was," Izuku agreed, stretching in his seat as people started to move while they remained. "Great pick, really,"
"Guess I had a good hunch about it." She giggled, holding his hand again as they walk out. "How come we never got to see a movie before when we were in middle school?" She asked with a curious smile and tilt of her head.
Izuku titled his head a bit in deep thought. "Huh... I guess due to school work, and training at the time, must've never considered it, and again, I was recently drafted back into 'friendship' so my experiences were null and void," He recited like a tome.
That had her frown a bit, she never could understand why people would just look down on him for being someone without a power. "Izuku… did you really not have any other friends besides Bakugo? What about when you were a little kid? Not even anyone else from your neighborhood?" Ciana squeezes his hand as she asked this.
"Okay, bringing this topic up... uh, no, not really, just me, Kacchan, and the two I can't remember the names of; everyone else either lived far away or just grew apart," Izuku shrugged a little plainly at the ordeal. "In the end, you were the first person to call me a friend in years, heck, Mr Hanzo and Ms Yumi, as well as a few adults were the best I could call 'friends', though that fell more under associates I guess,"
"I'm just surprised someone as sweet and amazing as you wouldn't have someone else at that time… I'm sorry to bring up a sensitive topic, I just couldn't help but be so concerned…" Ciana rubbed her neck awkwardly. "I never had many friends growing up ether, the ones I did make when I was little just moved away to better environments… my dad would always work hard to provide a better life for me and mom so we one day get away from that part of the city…"
Ciana ended up sharing, looking ahead as they walked. "My dad was a handyman kind of guy, usually at school people would look down on me for being so reckless when it comes to telling people off and being so boring in their eyes… had some snobby jocks and mean popular girls in the school I went to… wasn't fun I can tell you that much." Now trying to make a laugh about it as she giggled in the end.
"Got plenty of those in middle school," Izuku rolled his eyes jokingly. "Guess we were both pushed aside... at least now we have genuine friends to rely on, and each other, so in the end, all that isolation led to something good,"
"I'll say, I'm grateful everyday I got to meet you and everyone here. One of the things I like best about being here with you is going to school with you… it felt like an adventure everyday even with all the school stuff going on." Ciana expresses more happily, squeezing his hand in hers more.
"It has been a lot of fun, more than I could've hoped for," He replied once they were outside. Looking back at his phone, Izuku nodded to himself. "Perfect timing, the third piece to my totally not last-minute plan is up next, ready to go?"
Ciana rolled her eyes and giggles again at his remark, nodding and squeezing his hand in response. "Ready as I'll ever be, I wonder where you could be taking me next?" She playfully asked.
"Going by cliché, there's a restaurant I've been to that would be perfect for an early dinner," He revealed, tugging her hand along. Truth be told, Ashido was the one to help Izuku remember this place after he asked what would be a good place to go for a normal date. Luckily, the pink girl was on the ball about it, though in exchange, she wanted to hear the details after. "A small price to pay..." Izuku thought with a small sigh.
Ciana perked up in surprise at this, he had a restaurant planned next? While that sounded romantic she was worried it cost too much. "R-really? That really sounds nice but this isn't something for me to worry about the cost is it?" Not like Ciana wanted Izuku to spoil her and lose all his allowance.
Shaking his head, he patted his pocket confidently. "It's not a fancy place, I don't have that kind of luxury; plus, I had a feeling you'd prefer a more inviting and common place than some quiet, prissy location. The food there is affordable, I checked so no need to worry," If they ended up at a restaurant that tore out his wallet like a pair of claws, Ciana wouldn't allow it.
That seemed to have satisfied her enough as she brought her smile back. "Good, cuz you know I never make you go overboard for me, after all you're the most valuable to me in my heart." Ciana looped her arm back around Izuku's arm as she now hugs it with her bright smile turning wider.
He really didn't deserve her sometimes. Returning the hug happily, Izuku led on to their final stop on their date.
They reached the restaurant with ease after about twenty minutes of walking. The place was average sized, more fitting as a bar with the name 'Crowbar' as a fitting title. Heading inside through two large black doors, the atmosphere changed immediately. First, it wasn't a long waiting time as the two got seated relatively quickly, and two, it had a great atmosphere and entertainment fitting for young adults and up. They sat in the back on an elevated point in the restaurant, the bar taking up the main floor, their table of two facing a black wood fence, the open floor, and bar just ahead of them.
"I can't believe I never seen this place before! This almost reminds me of the tavern I visited in the fantasy world but nicer!" Ciana beamed cheerfully as she glanced around her with a smile. "Have you eaten here before Izuku?" She asks with her eyes and smile back on him, guessing he did if he was familiar with it or just does great research like always.
"Maybe once or twice with my Mom, so I felt it was a great place to go for a normal setting, nothing crazy," Izuku replied as he eyed one of the menus given to them. "A lot of people come here for sport showings or just to drink but it's a great place for food too, so the atmosphere is always relaxing,"
"No kidding, if that's the case I bet so many people were here during the sports festival." Ciana guessed as she chuckled, picking up the menu now as she scans over the meals. "Back at home my dad would take me to a nice place for breakfast on the weekends that served great waffles and really tasty hot chocolate, I mostly went there during special occasions like my birthday… I remember we had to drive an hour in the good part of the city just to get there."
Reminding her of her important event, now placing her menu down for a sec. "That actually reminds me, when you asked me out you actually picked an interesting day to take me out funny enough…" Already hinting her event… figuring this be a good time to tell him.
Putting his menu down slowly, he watched her sit with a nervous smile, "I did? What is it?" He asked slowly.
Ciana cocked her head and gave him a cute smile. "Today… is actually my birthday, I'm officially 16 now." Ciana now tells him, he didn't know and yet he made this a very special day already.
"I-It is?" His face suddenly expressed panic as a result. That was today, and not once had he ever asked her about it, he really rolled the dice and scored big with his idea. Something was only made him feel incredibly lucky. "I-I, uh, h-happy birthday! Oh man, I never knew this whole time..."
This had her chuckle, always still adoring his shy side. "It's okay I never really thought to mention it before due to all the studying and training everyone's been doing, plus the school work I had to catch up on…" Ciana sheepishly replied at the last part, rubbing the back of her head. "Plus you all were exhausted from your big test before with the pros so I didn't want to add anymore stress."
"Maybe so, but your sixteenth is important too," Izuku reminded her, knowing he had one other objective in mind if he got the timing right but that could wait until after dinner. Then he smiled at the thought. "...so our birthdays were actually closer than I could've guessed,"
"Hm?" Hearing that had her perk up with wide eyes in surprise. "Wait… y-your birthday is around July too?" Ciana blinked, leaning over as her eyes now sparkled with interest.
"July 15th, I turned sixteen too," He replied just as the waiter came back with their drinks. "Oh, t-thank you,"
"No problem, are you two ready to order or want more time?" He asked politely as Izuku looked to Ciana to see if she was ready too.
Looking over the menu, Ciana saw some interesting meals she never heard about. Like regular meals that are more unique, one thing caught her attention she thought would be interesting to try. "I think I'll have… a Sakura cheese burger, looks pretty enough to give it a try." Ciana eyed the picture with a curious eyes, Japan really is so creative with their meals.
"I'll have the Katsudon, large please," Izuku automatically went for his favourite dish as the waiter nodded, jotting them down.
"Alright, I'll get that sorted now, will be about fifteen minutes," With that, the man left them to their conversation again.
"I think I recall that dish… you mom served it last time I was at your place. I didn't even know what that name was until I looked it up." She chuckles, still not understanding Japanese names too well.
"Yeah, it's really nice, my favourite, though I feel I've said that before, heh..." Nothing could trump it in his eyes. "Though the burger you chose is interesting due to its texture, it's not bad either,"
"Honestly I'm so surprised to see a burger that's pink, I never heard of seen a burger like this before… it looked so pretty to give it a try." Ciana does also like the flower, remembering when she first saw the beautiful tree when she was with Edgeshot at the time.
"When I was working with Edgeshot, I saw a beautiful cherry blossom tree outside his garden… it smelled nice and the sight was just so stunning." She smiled more at the memory. "During the past couple of days I was there I had lunch outside under that tree, I always saw them in pictures but never seen a tree as lovely as those flowers looked on them… but I remember middle school had a few too, I don't know if you noticed but I stared out the window a lot just to see the petals rain down…" Ciana became pretty attached to the sight, it might as well be her favorite tree and flower now.
"I-I know, I... k-kinda sketched you one time in the Spring," Izuku admitted shyly, recalling the image became stained in his mind one day that he couldn't help but try to capture it in his notebook. "You looked so content at the time, it was really cute,"
"Huh?" Ciana blinked up in surprise at this as she stared at him, blushing pink herself now. "Y-you drew me in your notebook?" Ciana saw the sketch of her hero costume he created for her but didn't know he captured her appearance as well, well except for when she noticed Izuku was drawing her eyes… smiling bashfully at this.
"I-I thought you were mostly focused on your notes in class… like the time you seem so deep in thought you didn't even realize how much you were muttering during class." Ciana giggles a lot at that memory, though felt bad people were staring at him thinking he's weird… but for her she just smiled at chuckled at his cute habit.
"I had my work written done, a-and after exams, everything's not really as important that I won't learn in my time helping you or at UA, so I had the time to capture the image, it was my best sketch I feel," He didn't toot his own horn at all, but it was by far one drawing he felt couldn't be topped.
"That's so sweet…" Ciana smiled warmly at this, this is when she pulled out her own notebook from her purse… opening it up to one of her sketches as she placed it on the table to show her own work… it was Izuku in his hero costume but without the mask, she tried to capture him in a cool pose with his One For All power. "I-I admit I been doing the same of you during class in UA."
Ciana admits shyly, scratching her cheek with her finger as she revealed her own work.
He took the notebook to look over his picture... this was him? The pose was 'cool' and 'confident', standing facing the horizon with a firm look. The shading on his costume and back, his eyes and hair given proper gradient. The sparks of One For All weaving across his body. It was perfect... which is why Izuku had a hard time believing it was him. "This is... wow, I-I really look like this? This... cool?"
"Of course!" Ciana nodded, didn't think she needed to state the obvious since she always told him he looks so cool as a hero and when he powers up. "Izuku I always told you how cool you looked in battle and when you power up, even when your own eyes glow so fierce when your so determined… your incredible." Ciana stated with her bright smile, her hand holding her face up and her elbow plopping on the table as she eyed him and giggled pleasantly.
"'Incredible'... not something I've thought of concerning myself, but... thanks, I don't really look at myself and think 'cool' or anything like that, I just... do my best, to smile no matter what, for others and the people closest to me," There wasn't anything else to it, that's how he led his life through the worst times.
Ciana frowned at this, placing her hand on his own. Ciana didn't want him to believe something like that. "Izuku as much as I admire your modesty, you really are so much more than you think." Her brows narrowed all serious now. "The people who put you down don't even realize what their saying, they don't understand you like how me, All Might and all our dorm friends do."
Ciana squeezed his hand more, looking a little sad for him. "Think about it, the other pro hero's might not have been very cool to other people too at first, not everyone's perfect. But when they became pros they became famous all over the globe."
"Sorry..." Bring his expression up again, he held her hand back. "Didn't mean to sour the mood, I'm alright, just... I guess modesty is bred from pessimism for me, part of what makes you so cool, finding ways to cheer people up through those negative emotions. It's sorta like Meru Zena, while he steals all emotions, you use your positive to banish the negative in others - ah, s-sorry, better not to mention any of that now,"
"It's okay he doesn't scare me as much anymore." Ciana smiled again to show no fear, keeping her hand in his as she smiled more bashfully. "Some things about my power still scares me since it belonged to him… but without you I would of lost my mind by now."
Ciana glanced down with her smile turning a little more sad. "I know how you feel when it comes to feeling like your not worth anything… but I always tell myself I'm more than how people see me and you should too, why do you think I made that locket for you after all." Now looking back up at her hero with her smile back.
His other hand held onto the locket tightly. "I know, guess old habits die hard; but you've more than proven you've matured compared to how you were in your past, you've never let anger or despair get the better of you forever, even if it took time, you picked yourself up and moved on, it's what brought you back to me..." Smiling, Izuku squeezed her hand before standing up. "Our food won't be long, but I'll be back in a minute, need to go to the restroom," Primarily, to improvise a little for later.
Ciana gave him her bright smile again before letting him go. "Alright I'll see you again in a bit then." Ciana guessed he was having a mental break down inside and needed to let them out, chuckling knowing his cute panic attacks he does when nervous.
In the restroom, Izuku was on his phone, tapping his foot nervously until he heard the line pick up. ~What's up, Bean Sprout?~
Never in his life would Izuku imagine being happy to hear that nickname. "Jiro, emergency, I found out it's Ciana's birthday today,"
~...only now? I'd ask 'what did you guys talk about before UA', but this is you two I'm referring to~ Okay, he deserved that. ~Still, first I've heard of it, guessing she played it off?~
"It's Ciana," Izuku smirked a bit, hearing the rocker snort lightly.
~Gotcha, leave it to me, I'll pass it on to Alien Queen, over~ Kyoka hung up, leaving Izuku to freshen up to clear his nerves. Now the rest of the afternoon was in motion!
Returning to the table, their food arrived shortly after, and the pair quickly dug into their meals. Despite the odd pink colouration to her burger, Ciana enjoyed it all the same, seeing as it was just a decorative choice for the buns, the rest of the burger was rich with flavour. As for Izuku's Katsudon, he didn't spare a second to eat happily, savouring every bite with a sigh of content. Both mostly sat in silence, enjoying the choice in meal between them happily.
Soon, all that was left were their drinks half empty. "...I really missed how good their Katsudon is..." Izuku sighed, full but satisfied.
"You make it sound like you hadn't had any since forever…" Ciana chuckled, sipping at her drink which was a lemonade. "That burger I ate was really more tasty than I thought, the toppings in it were a bit sweet but otherwise very intriguing flavor. I'm surprised my country has never tried to do anything like that with our fast food."
There still things about Japan she wasn't even aware of and yet it's the most fun country she ever spent her times in.
"Well, comparing this timeline of Japan to your US timeline, who knows what might happen, though I know that this world's US has stuff I'm certain you've never seen before, maybe one day we can visit it too," Izuku offered, though, unsure if that would be jarring for Ciana to see her hometown but in reality it wasn't the one she knew best.
"I still wonder what America is like here compared to where I'm from…" Ciana stared at the ceiling for a minute before landing her eyes back on her hero. "Can't imagine what everyone's powers are like there, but I like being able to experience another country." Sipping the last of her drink, she eventually finished.
"You were in the bathroom for like five minutes by the way… what were you exactly doing in there?" Ciana asked with a curious brow raised. "You weren't having another mental breakdown were you?" She asked teasingly with a brow raised.
"P-possibly? And just to freshen up s-since I felt a bit clammy after the m-movies," Not a total lie so it would hopefully hold up until they got back to UA. "Speaking of, if you want to go before we leave, or do you want to sit around a bit more?"
"I don't mind heading back out, maybe we can head to the beach to stroll across the shore again." Ciana suggest, knowing that place is their special location now since their first meeting.
"Perfect!" He exclaimed a bit, then coughed into his fist. "S-sure, I'll go pay for our meal - and yes, I'm paying for it after finding out its your birthday, you can't sway me on this," He teasingly pressed his finger to her lips, winking as he left before she could protest.
She blinked towards his direction before chuckling again. "He still has his shy side but becoming more charming like a prince… I'm surprised the fantasy version of him wasn't one like Shoto, I still can't believe he really is an actual prince there…" Ciana laughed a bit recalling meeting their counterparts and yet the Shoto she knows is still unaware of his title.
"I guess it makes more sense Izuku would be a knight… he's so dashing like one." Ciana blushed with a wider smile, feeling so giddy inside.
With dinner paid for, the two left a tip for the waiter and headed out for their long, scenic walk to the train station. In no time at all, they arrived at the same beach now without a spot of trash, and with a good sum of people coming and going to the shoreline. The pair walked along the path overlooking the sand, hand-in-hand while heading for that familiar gazebo.
"Look at everyone here! Not only have they come out here often but look so cheery and happy too." Glancing around her as she noticed this, weather here is so nice too. "We got to come out here again all together, it was so much fun last time we grouped together."
Recalling their last engagement at the beach, the competitive volleyball game, finding the Gatestone while swimming, even... private stuff. It made Izuku blush but also feel happy that they got the chance to all take it easy after the Festival, even with Shoto talking more. "It really is..." Leading down the path onto the walkway leading to the gazebo, it was vacant, meaning they had it to themselves for the time being, hearing the tide as well as the scent of the ocean hitting their noses. "I guess she can naturally feel the positive energy now or maybe it's her sharper senses?" Izuku thought for a bit before shrugging. "The atmosphere gives it away, just like last time."
"Sure does." She nodded in agreement as she stared out at the sea. "Hard to believe so much trash was here before… and you got so buff just taking care of every last bit of trash, it stunned me that Mr Yagi would make you pull some heavy stuff too…" Ciana remembered standing by to watch Izuku pull some big heavy things, times he even puked from how much pressure he was put under…
"It worked out in the end, and hey, you helped out a lot too with your special training," Izuku pointed out, then squeezed her hand. "That reminds me, a-about what I wanted us to discuss with Mr Aizawa about, I... w-wanted to run it by you first before we said anything concerning our relationship and him knowing, remember?"
Recalling what Izuku asked before, her eyes went back on Izuku in wonder what he meant before. "Right, I remember… what did you have in mind to tell him about us?" She asks, still a bit afraid how their teacher handle hearing them being a couple in the same dorm.
"This is usually something third years have been known to do... my idea... is we become an official Hero Duo," His face was a little redder, knowing the implications of such. "I-it doesn't sound like much, but it's a genuine program that all years can place themselves in, though it primarily happens in third year, where typically, people who are looking to become a joint agency or team are officially recognized as such, as a result, we'll be tested more often as a pair, and graded accordingly so both of us have to balance each other out in that regard,"
He played with his locket with a shy smile. "I-I just thought, maybe y-you and me could be one..."
Ciana didn't expect that, her eyes widening in a stunned manner what Izuku is suggesting. "You… w-want me to be your official partner? Like a sidekick?" The sidekick part sounded kinda a low rank for her but Ciana didn't think Izuku would suggest something like that especially since they are not official hero's yet.
"Not a side-kick, basically, as an example, if I were to have my own agency, it would also be yours, like co-ownership," Izuku elaborated, meeting her gaze with hesitance. "I-I just... felt it was a good idea, it also means w-we aren't constantly under pressure around our teachers a-about us working together, if we agreed to the terms, we'll be graded the same,"
"Really?" Ciana gasped in more surprise at this with her hand over her mouth, so they be working together? But…. is she even strong enough to be Izuku's partner officially? "But… what about Shoto, Iida and Uraraka? I mean…" Ciana glanced down with her fingers pressed together. "Y-you make a pretty good team better than I could provide…" Ciana though Bakugo would even be great with him too, but there's no way he ever agree to that…
"You're right, any of them would be great teammates, and they are, but-" Holding up her chin a bit so she could see him, he was still blushing but looked just as certain as ever. "-you're the one person I could never replace as my partner, we're not perfect, which is why we make up for our mistakes together, that's why... I wanted to ask you, i-if you wanted to..."
She was speechless, Ciana stared into his eyes as she felt so touched he want her to be his partner… Ciana might of teared up a little but without a second thought she nodded and smiled wide. "Well somebody's got to look out for you from how reckless you can be… let's do it!" Ciana beamed happily and excitingly.
"Though is this official once we graduate? Plus my costume was ruined after I freaked out about my power…" Ciana remembered her costume was burned up when she last panicked about her look, not sure what to wear as a hero now…
"Don't worry, the company that supplies both our costumes made a repaired one so that's not an issue, and despite how hard this month was, I asked Mr Aizawa to send in from me to them to have the material used for your costume to be thermal resistant, so it shouldn't burn up anymore when you go all out," Izuku reassured. "And... yeah, it'll be official when we graduate, though I'm not sure on all the details, Mr Aizawa will probably fill us in, but even at that, once we do agree to this, it's technically official even on school grounds,"
That's when he hugged her tightly, thankful she agreed to this, he was so worried she'd be against this idea, even until third year, so it warmed his heart to know Ciana wanted this too. "...it's your birthday, so normally I'm the one who's supposed to make you feel happier today, not me, hah,"
"You kidding? This is the best present you could ever give me!" Ciana expressed happily with her arms went tightly around him as well, her smile shined like the sun again. "Besides we been partners since I first arrived here! It wouldn't be that different at all since everything we been through together."
She does know his big secret after all, plus as well as All Mights. So feels like they are official partners together the whole time.
"Haha, yeah, that's very true," He smiled, leaning back to look at her face closely. "Wouldn't have it any other way, my light..." He whispered to her.
Cianas gaze turned more loving towards her hero and her smile became more warm, already Ciana felt her heart quickening its pace the way Izuku looked and spoke to her. "Neither would I, my hero…" Ciana whispered back, her gaze remaining on his own. This definitely became a great birthday surprise for her that Izuku wanted her to be a permanent team this way. She was so touched and didn't think she was worthy compared to Shoto, Bakugo, Iida and Urakuka.
But the thought of becoming an official team made her feel so happy knowing it's another way they be at each other's side, Ciana just hopes she never still gets in the way also knowing the people who are after her… which still worries her of putting Izuku in danger.
For a short moment, they brought their lips together lightly, Izuku to be thankful, and Ciana much the same. Parting with gentle smiles, Ciana moved apart to hold his hand again, turning back to the walkway happily. "Want to walk around for a bit before we head back?" More so to buy as much time for their friends as possible, and to simply enjoy their afternoon.
Ciana squeezed his hand as she gave a cheerful nod. "Sure! Nothing more romantic than walking along a beautiful beach, especially one that you turned to look clean and pretty." Ciana replied with a giggle, knowing how hard he worked just as much as her.
"Very astute reason," He spoke jokingly as they took a stroll down the path back toward the roadside path along the coast away from the crowds of people.
Along the way, two boys probably a year or two older than them were walking in their direction, one purposefully knocking his side into Izuku's, causing him to stumble a bit. The guy, a blonde that almost reminded Ciana of that jackass of an adventurer that harassed her in Crescent Shores met their eyes with an apologetic smile, though it was obviously faked. "Ah, sorry, sorry, wasn't lookin' there," He winked to Ciana, not that she wasn't already repulsed.
"Well be more careful next time please…" Ciana replied looking a bit annoyed at this guy, her eyes more focused on the boy she had her heart set on more. "Are you okay Izuku?" Ciana asked with her hand on his shoulder in concern, hoping he wasn't hit that hard.
"Yeah, I'm fine," He smiled back a bit for her sake.
"Really, hanging around some runt like this, come on..." The other guy with the blonde rolled his eyes, one hand on his hip.
"Hey now, not the kid's fault," The blonde dismissed. "Though I'm surprised someone as nice lookin' as you isn't with a better crowd, y'know? Could always come hang with us if ya want?"
That only irritated the girl, glaring at the boys as she stayed by her hero's side. "You seriously think I fall head over heals going for a dumb pick up line and a rude move like that when I'm clearly with someone I'm happy with? Sorry… but I'm not attractive to stuck up pretty boys who think they are better than someone…" Ciana let out a hmph as she now turned her gaze away with her hand back on Izukus hand as she tried to walk away from the creeps.
The blonde tisked a bit but bit his tongue, his friend on the other hand... "Think you're so hot saying that, girly?" He snapped, grabbing her free wrist tightly. "You ought to - ack!"
Before anyone could yell or throw hands in retaliation, the man's grip on Ciana loosened a bit. Snagged by the wrist himself, Izuku held the man's arm in a vice-like grip, shooting the two teens the sharpest stare possible, his emerald shade almost electric in pigment. "She told you she isn't interested, and cursing someone out for it only proves how shallow you are if you can't take refusal that well. Now let her go," He warned, twisting his hand a bit until he gasped, releasing Ciana and so Izuku did the same. "Thank you,"
Without another word, Izuku put his hand back in Ciana's, leaving quickly until they were out of sight of the two teens. Once he was certain, Izuku let out a heavy breath he held the whole time, turning to inspect Ciana's wrist. "Are you okay? What about your hand?"
Ciana was worried how those guys reacted would lead to a fight with Izuku, her heart was filled with fright but was relieved it didn't lead to any punching… eyeing Izuku now, Ciana wrist was bruised a bit from the tight squeeze but otherwise fine. Though winced when he touched her hand, but she tried to smile to relieve her hero's worries. "I-it's okay I'm fine, nothing sprained." That guy was rough but nothing she can't handle.
"I'm so sorry about that before Izuku… are you alright?" Ciana now asks, knowing that was kinda scary.
"Nothing I haven't heard before, honestly, a bit weak when you compare what Kacchan's said to me," Izuku made light of it, carefully cupping her bruised wrist, noticing the dull mark surround her forearm. "...I guess I don't need to worry about your wrist being broken, but still, I'm glad you're okay,"
Ciana appreciated his concern, but her focus was still more on Izuku's as she took his hand from her other as well. "I bet those guys will think twice for ever messing with you again, you were really cool Izuku…" Ciana smiled and blushed flusteredly, seeing how protective he still is of her and felt safe like she always felt with him.
"For you? Anytime, hehe," He grinned, squeezing her good hand, eying the blemish on her smooth skin. "You sure were brave back there yourself, you're pretty cool too,"
The girl chuckles, giving her hero a kiss to his cheek now. "Once again you were there to save me like you always been doing… consider that another one of the greatest gifts you could give me." Ciana happily expresses with all her beating heart, feeling so lucky to have Izuku by her side.
"L-like I said, a-anytime!" He brightened up, pulling her along the path. "Come on, we've still got all the time in the world!"
He felt truly blessed to be with her. Circumstances may not always set them in the best of moods, school life was hectic for them too, even during the holidays, but small moments like these it gave him only a greater reason to keep trying. Not just for the sake of his dream, or to live up to All Might's expectations. But for her too, more than anything else.