I do not own these characters or the world, that belongs to our lovely author of MHA, Kohei Horikoshi. Also, cover art was a commission by me from the artist Krumbs. Follow them on if you'd like! They are extremely talented!
A/N: Ready for the plum blossom festival? Izuku and Ochako are! I might've gone a little overboard with my discussion of kimono in this chapter, so sorry about that, but they're just so pretty and the images in my head I want to try to adequately convey, so yeah, descriptions. Also, putting on yukata is an ordeal, so to put on something more formal like a kimono I imagine is as much if not more of an ordeal. I've worn yukata before and was dressed by three women who knew what they were doing. The goal with yukata or kimono is basically to hide curves and they have lots of neat little tools and things they do to make you the perfect cylindrical shape. There are also like A TON of different types of obi styles and my knowledge of them is limited to say the least, so if anyone who reads this story is a pro at kimono and obi, please forgive my ignorance.
Also, some Japanese kimono words for you. I kinda condensed what I used since there are a lot of parts that go into wearing kimono and I know only a tiny fraction of them. Obi: the belt like sash worn over a kimono, comes in varying lengths and widths and can be tied in several different types of bows/knots. Nagajuban: the undergarment of a kimono to help protect the kimono. Obijime: A cord tied around the center of the obi sash. Obiage: a sash tied around the waist after tying the obi; the sash is knotted and tucked beneath the wider obi to support the large knot on the back. Taiko masubi: A 'drum knot', most common type of obi knot nowadays, squarish in shape and subtle. Geta: Traditional Japanese footwear that sort of resemble flip-flops. Tabi: split toe socks to wear with geta. Kinchako: A traditional Japanese drawstring bag
Forty-four
A Pink Kimono with Red Poppies
"I'm so excited that Ryukyu let us out early! Now I can make sure that I'm prepared for my date with Amajiki!" Exclaimed Nejire Hado as she, Tsu, and Ochako walked from their bus stop to their respective dormitories. Ochako looked at the older girl in awe, surprised at her open admission that she was going on a date with Amajiki. How was it that Hado was so brazen? And why couldn't she be that bold?!
"I was wondering why she let all of us out so early, ribbit. So I take it that you're going to go to the Ume Matsuri that's close?" Asked Tsu, who walked on the other side of Ochako.
Hado let out a tinkling pixie like laugh and looked over at Tsu with a bright smile. "She was actually the one who shared the flyer with me! She said she thought it'd be good for me and everyone at school to go out and do normal student things, not just hero stuff. When I found out that you'd asked if you could have leave Uravity, I knew that meant that you'd be going too!"
"Haha, yeah," Ochako said with a less than convincing laugh.
The periwinkle haired girl suddenly took several steps ahead of Tsu and Ochako and then turned around to face Ochako, getting right into her face. "So…who are you planning on going with?" Her eyes had a mischievous twinkle in them that made Ochako want to squirm.
"Uh, I'm, I'm uh, I'm going with Tsu, obviously!" Ochako stuttered and abruptly locked arms with her friend and tugged her in close.
"Uh what?" Tsu looked at Uraraka with an eyebrow raised in confusion.
"Haha! Looks like someone didn't get that memo. Come on Ochako, who are you really going with?" Teased the upperclassmen and then with a sly grin added, "is it with Deku?"
Uraraka gave an overly dramatic snort at her suggestion. "What? Why would that be who I was going with? I just said that I was going with Tsu, so definitely not Deku." She could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment and knew that nothing about what she'd said was even remotely convincing.
The older girl tilted her head to the side quizzically before giving a shrug and moving back to the other side of Ochako. The group continued walking. Uraraka was relieved that Hado had relented but she still felt hot and flustered to have been put on the spot. Not all of us can be so brave about going on dates Hado, she thought to herself anxiously.
"You know Uravity, it wouldn't be so bad if you went with him. Even just as a friend! I'm going to the festival with Amajiki but we aren't actually going there as a couple. In fact, Togata is going to be with us, Eri too! And you know if Eri is with us that means that Mr. Aizawa will probably not be far behind. But even if Amajiki and I were going there as a couple, that would still be okay. Even with an audience of Togata, Eri, Mr. Aizawa and probably Present Mic too—it'd still be okay. No one would be upset about that," Hado said thoughtfully.
"Ribbit. I think Amajiki might be upset about it. Even if he wanted to be there and it was a real date, ribbit, I think he'd probably be at least a little flustered about being there. With you," Tsu pointed out.
Hado laughed in response. "You are probably right. Poor Amajiki would be nervous no matter what, but I think that's probably part of the reason why it's good that Togata is going. Amajiki sometimes is much braver when he's around."
The girls were silent for a few minutes as they continued walking, growing ever closer to their dormitory. It was just turning into evening and Uraraka was looking forward to getting back and meeting with Momo to borrow a kimono. She was both excited and nervous to be going out in something so fancy as a kimono!
"What are you going to wear to the festival, Hado?" Ochako asked curiously. She looked over to the older girl and thought that what she was wearing now would probably be more than enough to make the ever-bashful Amajiki blush. Even with something as simple as a turtle neck that was mildly form fitted and a flowy skirt would've likely sent Amajiki into awkward and tongue-tied bumbling.
"I've got a kimono that I borrowed from home to wear! Yuyu has a fancy fur shrug that I can wear too! She's going to help me do my hair for it. It's going to be so much fun!" Hado gushed clapping her hands together in excitement.
"What color is it? What is the design, ribbit?" Asked Tsu.
Now bouncing a little with excitement she replied, "It's orange! Not a color I usually wear but it's got some neat flowers on it that are kind of the same color as my hair so I think it'll look nice. The obi is yellow. It's a real summery feel, I think. It's all flowers and fans, nothing too fancy."
Ochako couldn't imagine Hado in orange. As long as she'd known her, she seemed to prefer colors that were on the cooler side. She'd really only ever seen her in various shades of blue and teal. Though Hado's personality was on the bubbly side so it made some sense that she'd be interested in trying a louder look.
"Sounds pretty, ribbit."
"What are you going to wear Uravity? Are you going to keep your hair like that?" Hado cheerfully asked.
Uraraka blinked in surprise as her hand reached up to touch the end of one of the short messy braids that Hado wad woven into her hair earlier in the day. Pigtails and braids weren't really a hairstyle that she wore all that often, or ever, really. So when Hado had bounced up to her that morning while they were getting into their hero attire, and started to playfully braid her short hair into two tiny braids, she'd been quite surprised. She didn't have the heart to interrupt Hado or loosen the braids once the older girl had finished playing with her hair. But now that she was thinking about it, what would she do with her hair?
"Um, I don't know. I guess I hadn't really thought about it," Uraraka admitted, her hand dropping back down to her side.
"Do you have any hair pins or hair accessories you think you'll use? What are you going to wear?" Hado asked in an excited tone.
"Didn't you say you were going to borrow a kimono from Momo? I bet she has hairpins and things that you could wear with it, ribbit. If she doesn't, she could probably just make you one," surmised Tsu.
"Ooooooh, are you? Do you know what it looks like?"
"Um, yeah, Momo did say I could borrow a kimono but I don't know what it'll look like. I am going to meet up with her once we get back and I think she'll help me pick it out and put it on then," explained the brunette.
"Oooooh I bet she has some really nice kimonos! I don't know her very well but whenever I've seen her in casual clothes I've always been impressed with her style," exclaimed the periwinkle haired girl.
The two were approaching the turn off that would lead them to UA and the dormitories beyond. Uraraka felt a flutter of butterflies in her stomach as they drew nearer to the dorms, eager to start her evening that was going to be filled with plum blossoms…and Deku.
"Are you gonna go Froppy?" Hado asked just as the girls came to the fork in their paths that would lead toward the class 1-A dormitory or toward the third years' dorms.
"Ribbit. I don't know. Do you want me to Ochako?" Tsu asked with an uncertain head tilt to the side.
Ochako opened her mouth to speak but then stopped, uncertain. Part of her latched onto the idea of having Tsu accompany her. If Tsu was at her side, then things definitely wouldn't be awkward and if someone else from their class was there, there would be no suspicion about whatever she and Deku were. On the other hand, she had agreed to go with Deku, just Deku. Having Tsu tag along seemed kind of unfair to both of them.
"What do you want to do Tsu?" Uraraka asked, still uncertain.
"I hadn't thought about it. Ribbit. I guess I could go with you…to start off with and then, you know, do my own thing," she said casually. Casual she might have been, Ochako understood Tsu's meaning. She could travel with her to the festival—that way she'd have her best friend at her side—but then once they arrived at the festival Tsu could part ways with her, leaving her alone with Deku…she truly didn't deserve Tsu! She was the best friend a girl could ask for.
"Yeah, I uh, I think that is not a bad idea," Ochako agreed.
Hado's tinkling laugh caught Ochako off guard. "Hey hey, I get it. Good plan," she paused and turned away from the younger girls before giving them a brilliant smile and waving. "Have fun tonight you two! Maybe we'll see each other!" Tsu and Ochako watched her skip away for a moment before heading toward the 1-A dormitory.
The butterflies in her stomach were starting to increase in number; she was getting excited. Every step they took closer to the dorm, she felt like there was an additional flutter of anticipation in her belly. The door to the dormitory was in sight now and with a visibly shaking hand, she reached out and pulled the door open.
Warm air from the inside of the dorm washed over both girls. They were greeted by the usual sounds of their dormitory; low chatter emanating from the common room and dining hall. The sound of a few dishes from the kitchen. Uraraka was mildly surprised to see so many of her classmates milling about the dorm. Weren't most of them supposed to be at their work studies?
As she and Tsu took off their shoes and entered the building, Tsu briefly tugged on Ochako's sleeve, halting her. Uraraka turned around to look questioningly at her friend.
"It's okay Ochako," she reassured quietly. Without even realizing it, she let out a big breath and realized that she had been holding her breath since entering the dorm.
"Right," Ochako replied just as quietly before stepping into the common room.
Yaoyorozu, Ashido, Mineta, and Shoji were all spread out on the couches in the common room, quietly watching something on TV. Once Uraraka stepped into the space however, it was as if everyone who'd previously been peacefully seated snapped to attention. Momo's head turned toward Uraraka and she smiled at her. Ashido turned back to look at the both of them and gave a smile of her own. Shoji nodded at them. When Mineta looked back at them, his eyes skipped over Uraraka and immediately landed on Tsu.
"That's a pretty short skirt Asui, I'd think with it still being basically winter you'd get cold. Even with stockings, your thighs are bare, hehe, might get a little cold," he said with a lecherous smirk.
Uraraka looked back at her friend who had removed her coat and scarf at the door and now stood in her school skirt, thigh high woolen stockings, and a green sweatshirt. It wasn't any shorter than normal and sure it was still chilly outside, but the daily temperatures were getting warmer and warmer with each day. Tsu's thick woolen stockings combined with a coat and scarf would be more than enough to keep her from getting that chilled.
"Quit perving Mineta," scolded Mina who threw the TV remote at Mineta. It landed with a satisfying thumb against the smaller boy's head.
"Ouch! Real dick move there, Ashido," Mineta snapped angrily as he rubbed the side of his head.
"You didn't have to make the pervy comment," Shoji added and side eyed Mineta.
"Oh, come on! You're on their side? What about like male solidarity and all that?" He whined.
"I'm all for comradery but only if it doesn't come at the expense of others," countered Shoji.
"Pfft. No fun," Mineta pouted and frowned before turning his gaze toward Uraraka. "Nice hair. So, what are you ladies up to on this fine evening?"
"Like they'd tell you," The pink haired girl said with a sneer in Mineta's direction.
"Hey—" Mineta started only to have Yaoyorozu interrupt him.
"Come on Uraraka, let's go pick out your kimono!" She rose from the couch and tugged Uraraka along with her toward the stairs. Uraraka looked back toward Mineta, Shoji, and Asui only to see Asui's tongue lash out with lightning speed and slap Mineta across the back. She heard him cry out in irritation a moment later before she and Momo started to ascend the stairs.
A short walk later and a brief stop at Uraraka's room to drop off her things, and both girls arrived at Yaoyorozu's room. Ochako was once again struck by the enormous size of Momo's bed and her lavish furniture in general. Aside from the times when she'd been in her classmate's room, she didn't think she'd ever been around such fancy furniture before. Momo's personal style didn't particularly scream lavish but her interior decorating certainly did. Then again, with her quirk being creation, it was highly likely that she'd not even need to spend a single yen on fancy furniture when she could just make it herself…but where was the fun in that?
Spread out over Yaoyorozu's huge bed were two similarly colored kimonos. The one on the end of the bed closest to the door was a soft coral color and transitioned into white toward the top of the garment. Large, rosewood colored cherry blossoms dotted the entirety of the kimono and were interspersed with smaller and lighter colored cherry blossoms. Lighter shades of the same coral color also adorned the kimono is flourishes and what looked like firework sprays. A dark brown obi embroidered with golden flowers was placed over the middle of the kimono, obviously indicating that this was the obi that Yaoyorozu thought went best with it. A light blue obijime lay over the obi, a bold choice considering the warmer earth tones of the obi and kimono. There were a few floral ornaments lying above the ensemble that Ochako assumed were hair ornaments.
The second kimono had an ombre like effect in that towards the top it was a very pale pink before transitioning to a light salmon pigment the further down you got. Large red poppies adorned the shoulders, sleeves, and the bottom of the kimono. Smaller white poppies contrasted nicely against the red. Interlaying over the poppies were tiny golden flowers. The collar was a deep red with softer pinks leading up toward the neck. The obi was far simpler than the other kimono had been. It was double sided, black on one side, red on the other with small lighter shades of red in geometric patterns covering it. The obijime appeared to be two smaller cords entwined together, one red the other white. They met in the middle to make an interesting red and white corded flower. A single large, red, poppy with little petal like drops hanging from it sat next to the kimono. Ochako surmised it was the hair ornament that Yaoyorozu thought paired best with this kimono.
"Wow Momo they're both so pretty! I don't think I've ever worn something this nice before. Are you sure it's okay for me to borrow them?" Ochako asked, nervously. Quality kimono were not cheap and these looked like decent quality kimonos. The possibility of getting a stain or damaging one of them made Uraraka's stomach twist into knots.
Yaoyorozu laughed at Uraraka's question, apparently finding such sentiment silly. "While the brown obi, hair ornaments, and obijime are things that belong to my family the rest are things that I made myself. You can keep whichever kimono you pick."
Uraraka turned, wide eyed to stare at her taller classmate. Was she being serious? She could just have one? To keep?! There was no way! Both kimonos looked like they were fancy enough to sell for at least 15,000 yen if not more. There was no way she was just okay with giving one of these to her, especially if she made them! The amount of effort it probably took to make things of this detail must have required a ton of work.
"There's no way I could just keep one Momo! These are too pretty for you to just give away. Even if you did make them and you don't think they're worth all that much, I don't think I could just take one off your hands like that. The work you had to put into making one was probably a lot!" Ochako said, still awed at Yaoyorozu's willingness to give away such lovely garments.
"It's okay Uraraka, really. I learned how to make kimono when I was only ten years old because my parents were sick of buying me expensive kimono's that I would grow out of, so using my quirk, I learned how to make them myself. These two aren't even my best designs, they're just ones that I thought looked like something that would be to your style," she paused briefly as she looked over the kimonos. "It does take quite a bit of work to make one. There's a lot of time and detail that goes into creating one, but I've made myself so many types of clothes over the years that I really am okay parting with one of these. Please, pick whichever you want and I'll help you get into it."
"If you're sure," murmured Uraraka.
Yaoyorozu smiled brightly at the shorter girl, "I'm sure."
Uraraka turned her head back toward the kimonos. Neither were really a true pink color and in truth, she probably would've preferred something that was distinctly pink…but even if these weren't a pure pink, they were still lovely. Something about the poppy hair ornament and the bright red poppies peppering the ombre kimono made her eyes linger on it.
Poppies were typically a summertime flower so to see it so prominently displayed on the gown was sort of unique considering it was still technically winter. Choosing a summer flower wasn't exactly traditional, but these were modern times and the bright and cheerful poppy somehow reminded her of Deku.
The red poppy symbolized deep emotion, passion, and to live your life to the fullest and with fun. She briefly thought of the complicated emotions she felt for Deku and the passion that he sparked in her. His smile briefly filled her mind's eye making her belly feel like it was fluttering with butterflies. Deku is so focused on being a hero and helping others. He's passionate, caring, and wonderful. He sees the good in everyone and always jumps in to help no matter what, she thought to herself. The red poppy—it didn't scream love or romance—did represent passion and fun, and she couldn't think of a more appropriate word than passion to describe him.
"I think I'd like to go with the one with the poppies," she said softly and inclined her head toward the ombre kimono.
"Excellent choice." Yaoyorozu nodded with approval and then swept the other kimono off the bed.
Over the next fifteen minutes, Yaoyorozu helped Uraraka get dressed into the kimono. She was lucky that Momo was familiar with and proficient with the intricacies of putting on a formal kimono because if she'd been left to it herself, she would have had a very difficult time making herself presentable.
As Yaoyorozu worked around her, Ochako felt like quite the fancy lady. Having another person dress her was quite a new experience. Once the nagajuban and kimono were on and the kimono length adjusted for her height, Yaoyorozu slid the obi into place. Once the obi was securely around her midsection, Yaoyorozu tugged tightly on the garment several times before she was satisfied with the Taiko Masubi knot she'd tied to near perfection. She then delicately folded a red obiage into place.
Once Momo had completed dressing Uraraka up like a pretty princess, she gently removed the Pippy Longstocking like braids from Uraraka's short hair and smoothed it out with a brush. Once Ochako's hair was styled to her liking, she expertly inserted the large red poppy hair ornament. Uraraka lifted her hand up to touch the red and white petal like drops that hung from the flower. She felt like she must look like some sort of queen.
"I've set some geta and some plain tabi socks out for you by the door, but here," Yaoyorozu paused briefly to pull out a faux fur shrug and carefully draped it over Uraraka's shoulders. "There. Look at yourself." Momo motioned behind them to a full-length mirror that was attacked to the back of her dormitory's door.
Uraraka turned around to face her reflection. Upon seeing herself she had to stifle a gasp of shock. She took in her silky hair adorned with the bright red poppy, the beautiful kimono and expertly tied obi, and hardly recognized herself. Would Deku recognize her when she was dressed up this fancy? I guess I'll get to find out soon, she thought to herself with a timid little smile.
"Wow Momo! I look, well I look so different, so pretty!" Uraraka gushed as she moved closer toward the mirror hanging on the door. She wasn't unconvinced that the closer she got to the mirror the chances of the fancy girl in the reflection would disappear and she'd be left with her regular self again.
"Haha! Don't be silly Uraraka, you're always pretty! Kimonos can make you more eye catching though," she smiled behind Uraraka and motioned toward the shoes and socks by the door.
Ochako moved forward, slowly, afraid that if she moved too fast, she'd damage the garment or break the illusion she still saw in the mirror. She carefully knelt down and started putting on the tabi socks. Just as she slipped her feet into the geta, Yaoyorozu held out a cherry blossom pink draw string bag to her.
"Here, you'll need this too," Yaoyorozu said as she continued to offer the little kinchaku bag to her.
"Thank you! This really isn't too much Momo? I feel like this is too much," Uraraka asked nervously as she took the pink bag from her friend.
"No, certainly not! Besides, this way I can clear out a little space in my closet so that I can make myself a new kimono! Now go on and enjoy the festival!" The taller girl gave a little wave toward the shorter girl.
Ochako grabbed the door handle and paused briefly before turning around to look at Momo. "Are you going to go the festival?"
"I haven't decided yet. I might go. We'll see."
"Well if you do go, I'd, I'd uh, I'd love to see you there! And…thank you, truly" Uraraka said with a smile and bow and then stepped outside of Momo's room.
Once she was in the hall, she let out an anxious breath and started to slowly make her way for the stairwell. She wondered if she'd run into any of her peers along the way. Who remained downstairs? Would anyone ask questions? Would someone ask her why she was so dressed up? No, of course they wont ask that because it's perfectly normal and acceptable to get dressed up in kimono for a winter festival, she reassured herself as she moved down the stairs and stopped briefly at her own room to grab a few essentials. Once she was back out in the hall she continued down the stairs. She felt a buzz from inside her bag and stopped briefly to pull out her phone and see who was messaging her. It was Deku! She flipped open her phone and read his message eagerly.
1745 Deku: "I just got to the festival. I'm nearby the entrance that's closest to the train station. Can't wait to see you! Oh yeah, it's by a big torii gate!"
1746 "Okay! I'm about to be on my way. See you soon!"
As she sent the message, she regretted that she'd put three exclamation points at the end. Would that mean he thought she was shouting? Did it mean she was shouting? What exactly was the etiquette on exclamation points in the world of text?
Her mind was still fixated on the number exclamation points she'd used as she reached the bottom floor and left the stairwell. She hardly noticed that the original occupants of the common room had completely changed. Shoji seemed to have been replaced by Sero, Ashido with Tokoyami, and Mineta with Koda. She also failed to notice that Tsu lingered by the couch closest to Tokoyami, dressed in a kimono of her own, though hers was black and adorned with blue star like flowers that turned into pale pink cherry blossoms at the sleeves. Her hair wasn't in its usual style, but now tied in a fancy bow like looking bun.
"Off to the festival that I keep hearing about, eh Uraraka?" Asked Sero. His voice cut through Uraraka's perseverations about using too many exclamation points and she at last focused on the people in the room with her. She briefly wondered where Shoji, Mineta, and Ashido had gone and when they'd essentially switched places with Tokoyami, Sero, and Koda.
"What? Oh yeah I gue—Tsu! Are you going too?" She asked in surprise as she took in Tsu's formal attire.
"Ribbit, that's what we agreed upon, remember?" She said with a smile aimed at her friend before glancing back toward Tokoyami. "Think you'll go Tokoyami?"
A slight blush colored his cheeks and he averted his eyes. "I am uncertain if I too shall be in attendance. There are…other things I should attend to. Perhaps when it is darker I will consider going."
"All things are better with the cover of darkness, am I right?" Sero asked with a sly smile.
"Do you think you will go Koda?" Tsu asked innocently.
"Um…I'm not sure, I, I don't really like crowds," Koda admitted bashfully with red cheeks and lowered eyes.
"But there'll be some cool fish there I bet. You've got the rabbit why not add some fish to the mix?" Sero suggested with a shrug.
"Maybe…but I don't think they have fish for the winter festivals," Koda said in a barely audible whisper.
"Ready Ochako?" Tsu asked, directing the conversation back toward her friend.
"Uh, y-yes! Let's go," Ochako said with a nod and then headed toward Tsu and the dormitory exit.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Sero shouted after them.
"Perhaps we will see each other later, maybe," Tokoyami added just as the two girls stepped outside of the dormitory and into the breezy air of early March.
"Ribbit. We can ride the train together and then once we get there, we can go our separate ways if you'd like," Tsu said softly as they exited from the class 1-A dorm.
Ochako felt her heart thump in her chest. Her friend knew her too well, but did she want Tsu to leave her? Surely it might be less incriminating if Tsu tagged along with them the whole time…but that wasn't really what she wanted. She wanted to go to the festival with just Deku; she wanted a scene that when observed by the outsider screamed date.
She cast a timid smile at her friend and took her hand as they reached the path that would lead them outside of UA. "Okay."
"Let's go then, ribbit!"