Renee Graves walked into the local grocery store, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar aisles filled with items labeled in Japanese. She had relied on Google Maps to guide her here, appreciating how it translated the store's name and directions into English, making the trip a little less daunting. As she stepped inside, she couldn't help but notice that she stood out among the other shoppers. Her height, light brown hair, and distinctly Western features marked her as the only American in the store.
Despite feeling somewhat out of place, Renee took a deep breath and reminded herself that this was just another part of the adventure. She'd been through new experiences before—moving to a new city, putting her kids in a new school, adjusting to her new environment—and each time, she'd managed to adapt. This was no different, she told herself. She would learn the language, become familiar with the customs, and soon, this store would feel as routine as any back home. She picked up a basket and began browsing the shelves, determined to find what she needed and make this foreign place a little more familiar.
With her shopping list displayed on her phone, Renee carefully navigated the aisles, her eyes scanning the shelves for the items she needed. She knew that some things on her list might be impossible to find here—Japan's emphasis on a healthier lifestyle meant that some of the processed foods she was used to back home were either rare or nonexistent.
As she walked, Renee couldn't help but think about her family's preferences. Ashley had always been a meat lover, favoring hearty meals over anything green. Andrew had a notorious sweet tooth; just a few snack cakes would make his day. Renee made a mental note to grab something sweet for him, knowing it would bring a smile to his face.
Her thoughts drifted briefly to her husband, Chet. Once, she would have filled the cart with his favorite foods without a second thought, but things had changed. His attention had shifted elsewhere, and Renee knew it. His mistress could cater to his needs now—there was no point in her going out of her way for him anymore. She pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand.
As Renee moved through the grocery store, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced at the screen and saw it was a call from her husband. She almost didn't answer, but some old habit or sense of duty made her swipe to pick up. She immediately regretted it. Instead of a quick update or a check-in, she was greeted by the sound of his voice—soft, affectionate, and unmistakably directed at someone else. He was sweet-talking, his tone light and playful, a voice she hadn't heard him use with her in a long time. Worse still, he was "serenading" his latest mistress, a tone of intimacy that twisted the knife in her heart.
Renee's grip tightened on the shopping basket as she listened. She knew that Chet's work in the travel industry meant he often had to socialize, meet new people and make connections. But there was a clear difference between professional mingling and personal fraternizing. The latter was something he had always been prone to, and it had been a source of tension in their marriage for years. What bothered her most was how quickly he had fallen back into his old habits, barely days after they had arrived in Japan. It felt like she and the children were just background noise in his life, like they didn't matter at all.
Her chest ached with a familiar pain, but she refused to let it show. Not here, not now. She wasn't about to cause a scene in the middle of a grocery store in a foreign country. Instead, she took a deep breath and forced herself to focus on the task at hand. With a steely resolve, she ended the call and continued her shopping, determined to take care of her children's needs first and foremost. Whatever was happening with Chet would have to wait—she couldn't afford to fall apart, not now.
Renee continued down the aisle, her mind swirling with emotions. Lost in thought, she didn't notice the other shopper until it was too late. The sudden jolt snapped her back to reality as her cart collided with another. Startled, she immediately bowed in apology, hoping she hadn't caused too much trouble. "I'm so sorry," she murmured, the words spilling out more out of reflex than anything else.
The woman whose cart she had bumped into smiled warmly, waving off the apology. "It's okay, really," she said in a soft, reassuring voice. Renee straightened up and finally got a good look at the woman. She was short and plump, with light green hair pulled back into a small ponytail. Her kind emerald eyes sparkled with a friendliness that put Renee at ease.
Despite the awkwardness of the moment, the woman's gentle demeanor made Renee feel a little more grounded, pulling her out of her own troubled thoughts.
Renee, still a bit flustered from the collision, offered the woman a small smile. "I'm sorry again, I wasn't paying attention," she said, trying to make light of the situation. The woman tilted her head slightly and asked in gentle Japanese, "Nihongo o hanashimasu ka?"
Renee shook her head, feeling a bit embarrassed. "No, I don't speak Japanese," she admitted.
The woman's smile widened, and she quickly switched to English. "That's okay! I know English." She extended her hand warmly to Renee. "Are you American?" she asked with a hint of curiosity.
Renee nodded, feeling a little more comfortable now. "Yes, I am," she replied, taking the woman's hand in a friendly handshake.
The woman's grip was gentle yet firm, a reflection of her kind nature. "I'm Inko Midoriya," she introduced herself.
"Renee Graves," Renee responded, grateful for the woman's kindness. It was a relief to meet someone who not only spoke her language but also seemed genuinely welcoming.
A little time later….
The two women continued walking side by side, their conversation flowing naturally as they moved through the seafood aisle. Inko, familiar with the local offerings, pointed out various types of fish and seafood that might suit Renee's tastes. "This one is very popular here," Inko said, gesturing to a neatly packaged fillet. "It's mild and easy to prepare."
Renee smiled, appreciating the helpful suggestions. "Thank you, this is all so new to me."
As they browsed, Inko's curiosity got the better of her. "If you don't mind me asking, where do you come from?"
Renee paused for a moment before answering, "I came from Northern Europe."
Inko looked surprised, tilting her head slightly. "Really? Your accent doesn't sound European at all."
Renee chuckled softly, her thoughts drifting to her unconventional upbringing. "That's because my parents were beatniks. They traveled the world, never staying in one place for too long. So, my accent is a mix of everywhere we've been."
"Wow, that sounds fascinating," Inko replied, her eyes sparkling with interest. "A vagabond lifestyle, like a traveling wanderer."
Renee nodded, appreciating Inko's understanding. "Yeah, something like that. It wasn't always easy, but it shaped who I am."
Inko smiled warmly. "It sounds pretty cool, actually. You must have so many stories to tell."
Curious about her new acquaintance, Renee decided to ask Inko about her own background. "I've shared a bit about myself," she said with a friendly smile, "but I'd love to know more about you. Where are you from?"
Inko's expression brightened, and she seemed pleased by the interest. "Oh, I'm from here in Japan, actually. I was born and raised in this city. It's been home for me my whole life."
Renee listened intently, intrigued by the contrast between her own nomadic upbringing and Inko's deep-rooted connection to one place. "That must be nice, having such a strong connection to your hometown."
Inko nodded, her eyes reflecting a sense of contentment. "It is. I love the city's traditions and the way it's always changing, yet still feels like home. I've traveled a bit myself, but I always come back here."
Her eyes lingered onto Renee. "So, do you have any children?"
"Two 18-year-olds as a matter of fact — a boy and a girl."
Inko's eyes lit up when Renee mentioned her twins. "Oh, you have twins? That's wonderful! Do they live with you, or are they out on their own?"
Renee smiled. "They're still living at home. I know it's common here for teenagers to live independently when they start high school, but for us, it's more practical and economical for them to stay with us."
Inko nodded in understanding. "I can see that. Cultural norms definitely vary. My son, who's not much younger than your twins, lives on his school campus. He's in high school and the boarding arrangement works well for us."
Renee found this interesting and appreciated Inko's insight into the different ways families manage their children's independence. "It's fascinating how different cultures handle these transitions. Your son must be adjusting well to the boarding life?"
Inko's smile grew softer. "He is. It's a different experience, but he seems to be handling it well. It's been a good opportunity for him to grow and learn responsibility."
As they strolled down the aisle, Renee's gaze momentarily drifted to Inko's ring finger. Noticing the wedding ring, she couldn't help but ask, "Are you married?"
Inko's eyes twinkled with a warm smile. "Yes, I am. My husband's name is Hisashi."
Renee, intrigued, inquired further. "What does he do?"
Inko explained, "He works with hero relations overseas. He's involved in the administrative side of things."
Renee's eyebrows lifted in understanding. "So, he's one of those heroes, then?"
Inko chuckled softly. "Well, he's not exactly a hero himself. He's more of a paper pusher."
Renee grinned at the description. "Ah, a 'gofer' then?"
Both women laughed, the term adding a lighthearted touch to their conversation. Inko nodded in agreement. "Yes, exactly. It's not the most glamorous job, but it pays the bills, and he does his best to take care of the family whenever he's back in town."
When Inko asked if Renee was married, Renee hesitated for a moment. She wasn't wearing her wedding ring, having stopped wearing it years ago. Although she and Chet were no longer emotionally involved in their marriage, they still managed their responsibilities as co-parents and financial partners. However, she wasn't ready to divulge those details to Inko.
Instead, she chose to say, "Actually, I've recently separated from my husband. We decided to move to Japan on a whim, just looking for a fresh start."
Inko's expression softened with understanding. She gently patted Renee's hand, offering a sympathetic smile. "I see. Sometimes a change of scenery can be just what you need. I hope this new beginning brings you some peace and happiness."
Renee appreciated Inko's kindness and felt a bit of the weight lift off her shoulders, even if just for a moment.
As they approached the checkout line, Renee stepped aside to let Inko go first. The cashier began scanning Inko's items, and Inko turned to Renee with a friendly smile. "By the way, where do you live?"
Renee replied, "I live just a few minutes away from here."
Inko's eyes brightened. "No way! That's amazing—looks like we're practically neighbors."
As Inko's items were being scanned, she seized the opportunity to extend a gesture of friendship. "Even though we just met, how about getting together for coffee sometime? It'd be nice to chat more and get to know each other better."
Renee considered the offer. She didn't have many friends in Japan yet, and the chance to connect with someone who was both kind and nearby seemed like a welcome distraction from her current worries. "I'd like that," she said with a genuine smile. "It would be great to meet up and take my mind off things."
Inko beamed, and the two exchanged contact information before they finished their transactions.
As they stepped out of the grocery store with their bags in hand, Inko turned to Renee with a friendly offer. "Would you like a ride home?"
Renee hesitated, initially planning to decline. But seeing Inko's sincere insistence and wanting to be friendly, she accepted the offer. "Sure, thank you."
They walked to Inko's car, and Renee placed her groceries in the trunk. As she closed it, she couldn't help but notice the differences in the car—most notably, the passenger seat was on the left side, unlike what she was used to. It felt a bit strange but not entirely uncomfortable.
Renee slid into the passenger seat, adjusting her position as she buckled her seatbelt. Inko, with a smile, did the same and started the engine. The car smoothly pulled out of the parking lot, and they began the short drive to Renee's home.
A few minutes later, Inko carefully parked the car in Renee's driveway. As they arrived, Renee thanked her warmly. "I really appreciate the ride, Inko."
As Renee opened her door to step out, Inko offered, "Do you need any help with your groceries?"
Renee, initially intending to decline, was swayed by Inko's sincere insistence. "If you don't mind, that would be great."
Inko smiled and followed Renee to the trunk, helping to unload the groceries and carry them inside. As they entered the house, Renee glanced around and said, "Please excuse the mess. We're still getting settled."
Inko waved it off with a sympathetic smile. "I completely understand. Moving into a new place can be chaotic. It's all part of the process."
"Yeah…process." Renee slightly chuckled, keeping her back against the door before closing it.
While Inko's back was turned as she placed the groceries on the kitchen counter, Renee seized the opportunity to discreetly remove a picture frame from a nearby shelf. The frame displayed a family photo from happier times, with Chet prominently included. Renee quickly shoved the frame under the couch, hoping it would go unnoticed.
Leyley and Izuku arrived at the cafeteria. Though it was a cacophony of voices and people moving around. The pair decided to line up and get something to eat, Leyley honestly didn't know what to get and asked the emerald eyed boy what's good to which he suggested the katsudon. Though she didn't know what it was until he told her it was chicken curry which she was more than happy to have, once they got their meals they proceeded to look for a table. Urakara saw Izuku and immediately waved toward him, until she saw Leyley right next to him.
"What is she doing with him? It's like she's practically fucking him with how close she is. Whore. Slut. Go die! Go die! Go die! He's mine! Only mine!" thought Uraraka as she tried to keep her composure while seeing her crush with the new girl in class. She at first didn't know why she felt like this but for some reason when a girl gets too close to Izuku she just wants to, no she couldn't think like that she's a hero. Izuku's a hero. He's only doing what a hero would do.
Izuku and Leyley made their way to the table that consisted of Uraraka, Mina, Tsuyu, Iida, Shouta, Momo, Jirou and Tooru. All said their 'Hello's and welcomes' before taking a seat with Leyley and Izuku sitting next to each other much to the dismay of a certain kirby girl,
"Deku~kun why don't you sit next to me?" Uraraka asked. She would even swap seats with someone else if it meant she got to be a little closer to him, as long as it wasn't that…Gaijin white bitch getting her stink all over him.
"Sorry Uraraka~chan but I don't think we can move around enough, I hope you understand?" the boy replied innocently to her request. It wasn't his fault he had to look over Leyley's first day here and he wanted to make sure she didn't feel abandoned, "I want Graves~chan to feel welcomed here at Yuuei you understand right?" smiling at her wholeheartedly.
She couldn't get mad at him, he's just doing what he was told it was what she loved about him, but that bitch should just take the hint and go dive off a roof. Why did she have to come into their classroom and why did she have to sit next to her future baby father, it made her sick to the core knowing she's gonna be behind her man everyday now til she either leaves Yuuei, they all graduate or the cum dumpster just dies.
"It's good to see you again Graves~chan!" Mina shouted while hugging the lone misery as she was trying to eat her lunch, however she accidentally pushed Leyley closer to Izuku by accident as the pair bumped shoulders. "Oops sorry Graves-chan and Midori~chan, didn't mean for that to happen," she further added before gently bonking herself on the head whilst sticking her tongue out and giving a wink.
A majority of the group laughed, Iida admonished the girl telling her it was dangerous and never to do it again, though it would not be the last time Ashido would try something so reckless.
Everyone continued eating while learning more about Leyley's life in America, music, fashion, heroes and gossip. The last one being Mina's request though when they were talking about American heroes. Leyley brought up another one in the form of Titanus, he was a seven foot tall muscular African American hero who's quirk was invulnerability and super strength. She also told the group she remembered seeing him in an interview one night when a villain attacked, throwing that same wolf tailed hero from earlier into the studio.
"Seriously, what was his name? Anyways, it turned out the pair are a couple as he asked the wolf hero for a kiss to which he obliged but due to him having a mask he made sure nobody could see his face. Then when he turned to face the villain Titanus slapped his ass causing him to immediately turn round and admonish him. Which most didn't expect until Titanus mentioned that he and the wolf hero were in fact in a polyamorous relationship with three women."
"Wait so the guys also kiss? Not usually common for two guys and three girls to be in such a healthy relationship but I won't lie and say it's super cute! I bet Titanus wears the pants in the relationship," responded Mina in excitement at finding a major fleet of new ships.
"If I remember correctly, that wolf hero was a vigilante. Though he is admired by the public, the government and the local law are not his big fans." responded Yaoyorozu while taking a sip of her golden leaf tea, "Furthermore it was found out that he did something truly unheroic to get the results of the town he lives in today."
Everyone's attention was immediately focused on her, asking what could the guy have done that only the public accepted but higher powers that despised him. Granted vigilantes were considered dangerous in Japan but if the public was calling him a hero then what was the major problem, "The story goes that he tied a criminal up in a leather bag in the middle of the town square," she stated.
"Okay but that doesn't sound too bad, yet the guy probably couldn't breath but there had to be some air holes right?" Tooru asked before immediately being followed up by the resident cinnamon roll.
"Actually by a 'leather bag,' they meant the criminal's own skin into a massive sack and by 'town square' they meant a busy intersection where he could have fallen and been hit by cars." Izuku finished as he shuddered from looking up info on the supposed "wolf hero".
Leyley was surprised to say the least never thinking their was someone so fucked up calling themselves a hero back in the states, then again people in Florida tried fighting gators.
"Encyclopedia Deku-chan strikes again!" Mina sniggered. "Are you sure being a Hero's your calling? It seems like you're better off being a professor at a hero university or something."
"There is more to becoming a hero professor than just picking up books." Iida interjected. "It takes discipline, many years of study and research. Anyone who can read a book and pick up a few jargon doesn't make them a professor."
"Am I sensing a bit of envy, Mr. Vice President?" Mina retorted, giving a sly smile to the engine teen.
In response, the teen blushed. Pressing his glasses, he responded, "No! I-I-I was only saying that…that…" He lowered his head as he grabbed his chopsticks to finish his meal.
"There's enough nerds in the world but for every nerd, there are a few buttholes that come with it." Leyley said to the group.
"What do you mean?" Momo asked.
"Everyone here wants to feel significant but there isn't enough significance in the world to share. I can bring a whole pizza here and everyone could get a slice but what if you wanted more toppings? What if you didn't get enough on your pizza? What if his pizza was a tad bit larger than yours," she answered. "And if you're like me who loves pizza, one slice isn't enough. Or what if another person comes and the slice is gone. Who knows what kind of thoughts may go in their mind."
Iida put his finger to his lips, a bit intrigued by her analogy.
"If we like something, we want more. If we crave attention, we're going to get it. People who feel insignificant will find ways to make others feel inferior to hide their own inadequacies," responded Leyley. "Nerds and buttholes, smiles and frowns, the gods and the clods. Someone or something has to fill that role. And just like me with pizza, one slice isn't enough and for some others, if they can't get it, they'll take it."
Ochako tucked in her lips to keep herself from cursing or lashing out. What was this gaijin bitch implying? She tried to not pay any mind as she continued listening to her bullshit story.
The sound of the bell concluded lunch. Realizing that their time was up, the group gathered their things as they headed to their next class.
"So, Graves-chan, are you free tomorrow night?" Mina asked.
Leyley shook her head in disagreement. "I don't think so, why?"
"Well…" The pinkette responded as she looked with her friends. "We normally go to the drink bar to sing plus get half-off drinks."
"It's a girls' night!" Momo said.
"It would be sweet if you want to come hang with us, ribbit," said Tsuyu.
Leyley was stunned. Was she actually invited to go somewhere?
"Of course, she'll come." Tooru said as she wrapped her arm around Leyley. "I bet she can sing notes better than the rest of us."
"Plus, virgin daiquiris on me," said Momo.
"Easy on the virgin." Ochako responded. "Knowing her, she probably had a fair share of slutty drinks."
Leyley arched an eyebrow. She recognized that tone. A tone that was way-too-familiar when a person was stepping on another's territory.
"Are you interested?" Mina asked.
"Sure…why not!" Leyley said.
"Great!" Mina responded as she patted Leyley on the back.
This was surprising to her — her first girls night. Never in her eighteen years on Earth has been invited somewhere that didn't involve a disciplinary hearing or a court order. She nodded to herself, hoping that this could be fun.
Renee, not being much of a hot beverage drinker herself, hoped that Inko didn't mind instant coffee. She carefully carried a tray with coffee and creamer to the living room, where Inko was sitting comfortably on the couch.
As Renee handed the tray to Inko, she smiled warmly. "Thank you," Inko said, placing the tray on the coffee table. She looked around the room, taking in the space. "Your place is lovely, Renee. It's bigger than mine."
Renee gave a small, appreciative nod but remained mostly silent as she sipped her coffee, savoring the bitterness without sugar or cream. She found it strangely fitting, given the current state of her life—unadorned and straightforward, much like her choice of drink. Meanwhile, Inko added a bit of creamer to her cup.
Inko, noticing the brief silence, asked gently, "Am I intruding? I don't want to overstay my welcome."
Renee, though inwardly wishing for some solitude, shook her head with a polite smile. "No, you're not intruding at all."
What had begun as a friendly gesture of helping out her with the groceries had now turned into hosting a guest. Inko's eyes had caught sight of a picture of Renee's kids on the refrigerator, and curiosity had naturally led the conversation there. Before Renee knew it, she was sharing more about her life, and the two women were settling into a deeper conversation.
Inko admitted, "I'm a bit of a homebody. I don't go out much, so it's exciting to have some company."
Renee chuckled softly, finding it slightly ironic. "I'm the exact opposite. I usually prefer to be by myself."
"Is that so?" Inko took a sip of her coffee. She placed it down, adding more creamer and sugar. "So, back in the United States, did you have any friends?"
Renee felt a familiar twinge of discomfort. Socializing had never come naturally to her, and even though she had learned to put on a friendly facade when necessary, it didn't change the fact that she preferred to be alone. Her upbringing had taught her that trust was something to be reserved for family only, a lesson she had carried with her throughout her life. But even that belief hadn't been enough to keep her at home—she had left at just 14, determined to carve out her own path.
As she sipped her bitter, unsweetened coffee, Inko began to chat about the joys of being more outgoing, making friends, and connecting with others. The enthusiasm in her voice was clear, and she seemed to genuinely enjoy the topic. But for Renee, the words felt distant, like background noise. Her mind drifted, caught up in her own thoughts and memories.
Still, she knew how to play the part. She nodded along, offering small smiles and polite gestures, even though she wasn't fully present in the conversation. It was easier this way—to let others fill the space with their words while she remained safely tucked behind her walls. The act of listening without really hearing had become second nature to her, a way to navigate interactions without letting anyone get too close.
As Inko continued to speak, Renee found herself silently marveling at the woman's warmth and openness, qualities she had never been able to fully embrace.
Renee's thoughts were abruptly interrupted when Inko asked her about her kids. "What are their names?" Inko inquired with genuine interest.
Renee set her coffee down and replied, "Their names are Andrew and Ashley."
Inko's face lit up with a warm smile. "They look like such happy kids," she said, glancing again at the picture on the refrigerator.
Renee nearly choked on her coffee at that comment, managing to stifle a laugh. "Happy kids?" That was a first. Internally, she marveled at the irony. Her children had been nicknamed the "Misery Twins" by their peers, a moniker that had stuck with them due to their less-than-sunny dispositions. To hear them described as happy was almost comical to her. But she kept her thoughts to herself, nodding politely as Inko continued to admire the photo.
She explained to Inko with a small, knowing smile, "My kids are... unique in their own ways. The best way to describe them is that one's chocolate is another's neapolitan."
Inko nodded in understanding. "Child-rearing isn't easy, especially when you're young and doing it alone. But I can tell you were very young when you had them."
Renee opened her mouth to respond, but Inko continued, "You've given them a home, and there's a parent they look up to."
Renee almost couldn't hold back a laugh at that. Role model? The idea of her kids viewing her that way was almost too much. She managed to keep her composure, though the thought lingered, amused at the contrast between Inko's perception and the reality of her relationship with her children.
"So, tell me about your son," she asked Inko with genuine interest.
Inko's eyes sparkled with affection as she began to speak. "My son is my pride and joy, my most precious treasure," she said, her voice full of warmth and admiration. "He's always been a truly kind-hearted, selfless, and determined young man. Even from a young age, he had this strong sense of justice that you just couldn't ignore."
Inko's face softened as she continued, "He's always been a huge fan of heroes, especially All Might. I remember when he was younger, he would march around the house in his All Might costume, waving his little arms and shouting All Might's famous catchphrase, 'I am here!' He was so caught up in his role, it was like watching a mini hero in action."
Renee listened intently, the passion in Inko's voice creating a vivid image of the enthusiastic young boy. The way Inko spoke, with such fondness and pride, stirred something within Renee. She felt a familiar pang of emotion, similar to the way she felt when she thought about Andy. It was a feeling of fierce, protective love, a bond that connected her to Inko's experiences despite their different circumstances.
Inko's expression shifted as she continued, her earlier warmth now tinged with sadness. "My son has faced his own share of challenges," she began, her voice growing quieter. "In Japan, we call superpowers 'Quirks.' They're a part of life here, and everyone expects you to have one. When it was discovered that he wouldn't have a quirk, it broke his heart. It felt like his dreams of becoming like All Might were shattered."
Inko took a deep breath, struggling to maintain her composure. "Things got even harder when his friends and classmates started developing their quirks. He became known as the 'quirkless boy,' and suddenly, no one wanted to be around him. If he wasn't being bullied, he was isolated from the others."
Her voice trembled as she spoke, and tears began to well up in her eyes. Seeing Inko's distress, Renee reached over and handed her a tissue. The act was simple but heartfelt, a small gesture of empathy that bridged the gap between them.
Inko dabbed at her eyes, her emotions raw as she reflected on the difficult times her son had endured.
Renee felt a deep wave of empathy wash over her as Inko spoke about the challenges her son had faced. The struggles Inko described resonated with her, bringing to mind the shortcomings and difficulties her own children had endured. Without thinking, Renee reached out and gently rubbed Inko's shoulder, offering silent support.
Inko looked up, a tearful but grateful smile on her face. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "But despite everything, my son never gave up. He kept pushing, kept persevering. And now, he's attending one of the most prestigious hero schools in the world—UA High."
Renee's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of UA High. She knew that school all too well; her own children attended the same institution. A realization began to dawn on her as she remembered something Inko had mentioned earlier.
"Wait," Renee said slowly, piecing things together. "You said your last name was Midoriya... Does your son happen to be Izuku?"
Inko's eyes brightened at the mention of her son's name, and she nodded with pride. "Yes, that's him. My Izuku Midoriya."
'Are you alright, ma'am?'
Renee's heart raced as she tried to maintain her composure. The realization that she had just met the mother of the boy who had saved her was overwhelming, and she struggled to find the right words. Inko's concerned expression softened into a gentle smile, but before Renee could respond, the knock at the door interrupted the moment.
Grateful for the distraction, Renee quickly excused herself and hurried to the door, hoping it was the cable guy. She needed a moment to gather her thoughts, to process the strange twist of fate that had just unfolded. But as she opened the door, she was met with someone unexpected.
Standing on her doorstep was a woman with striking ash-blonde hair styled in a spiky, untamed fashion. Her sharp facial features and piercing eyes immediately commanded attention. The woman exuded confidence and an aura of boldness that was hard to ignore.
"Hey there!" the woman said, her voice lively and full of energy. "You must be the new neighbor everyone's talking about. I'm Mitsuki Bakugo. Thought I'd stop by and welcome you to the neighborhood!"
Renee blinked, momentarily taken aback by the woman's vibrant personality.
Mitsuki shook her hand firmly, her grip strong but friendly. "Nice to meet you too! I figured I'd drop by and say hello since we're practically neighbors. How are you settling in?"
She was wearing leopard-skinned underwear. That was what caught Andy's attention as he tried to eat lunch. He wasn't particularly hungry. In a new environment such as this, eating wasn't a primary concern. Survival was the key factor in this current juncture.
Hitoshi Shinsou was the eye candy of UA High, an extraordinary suckerpunch was what the nerds and closeted bullies would say whenever they crossed paths with the goth chick. She was an alleged hustler, a flirt — rumors have that she is involved in compensation dating, selling her panties to salarymen, and even being a camgirl. Although those rumors were never proven, according to the masses, the purple-haired mind reader neither confirmed nor denied.
Shinsou took a sip of the barley tea as she leaned against the wall. Whatever she was doing earlier must have gotten to her just by the way she was slurping on it. It looked like her life depended on whatever liquids she was able to obtain through that straw. It kind of made him wonder what other things she could do with that mouth.
He had to pause, coughing as he nearly choked on his lunch. Why was he even thinking of perverted things anyway? He partially wanted to blame his sister.
Andy recalled his first time having with Julia. They were in the backseat of a Lincoln Continental. It belonged to a friend. And by friend, it was really a neighbor. And by neighbor, it was someone he loathed. The old man often harassed them if their trash can was precisely placed or when Ashley would blast her metal into the late night. On the lighter side, he was a religious man, often pressuring Leyley or Andy to go to church and find Jesus. Andy wasn't certain if Jesus could be found at a strip club, convincing sinners for lap dancers or looking onto Leyley's room with his binoculars while fondling himself.
He knew the old man never locked his car and always kept the keys in the visor. Seizing the opportunity, he and Julia went on an evening stroll in the Continental where many firsts took place.
"Lost in translation?" Hitoshi responded as she finally crossed her legs. Andy's free show has concluded, prompting him to speak so he wouldn't appear awkward.
"Oh, me?!" He pointed to himself, observing the school's roof. "Just enjoying the view, basking in the afternoon breeze."
Shinsou nodded, running her fingers through her hair, her neon-colored bracelets rattling as she went. "You're the type that enjoys comfortable silences."
"You can say so. I am not very talkative unless necessary."
Mei bit into her food. "But, man, if you can see this man in action." She howled as she slapped her pants. "First day of class and I watched his hands craft those Air Force gloves like he was crafting jewelry. That's what I call a metal thumb!" The steampunk teen gave him a thumbs up.
That made Andy blush. It wasn't often he got complimented on skills that didn't relate to his sexual performance.
"A man with hands," retorted the flirty hustler. "I love a man that is good with hands — knowing when they could be rough around the edges but soft at the center." Her eyes spoke volumes by the way she glared. Andy kept his composure, recognizing those eyes. In his upbringing, eyes spoke more than words. Words could be manipulated, misconstrued, fabricated but not the eyes.
'What in the fuck did you do, Leyley?'
'She kept touching you. I-i-i-i-it should be me touching you. No one can touch you, feel you, kiss you, fuck you…only me!'
'Leyley!'
'You're mine, Andy!'
"Andy is gonna make a great addition to the Support Department," replied Mei with a gleaming smile. "With him under my wing, he is going to soar."
"Is this what you wanna do, Graves-san?" Hitoshi asked.
"For now at least…and it's Andy by the way," answered Andy.
"Excuse me. So, is being a grease monkey what you wanna do?" Hitoshi retorted.
Andy scratched his neck. He could feel the sweat trembling down his back. Was it the heat or was it sheer nervousness? It was barely in the 70s and it felt like a sauna. He had to give her credit, she was explicitly gifted with her demeanor.
"Hey, don't call my future career like that. Without us, you guys wouldn't have what you need." Mei said, arching an eyebrow.
"Sorry, sweetie, but anyone could go to the store and buy booster packs," said Hitoshi as she giggled, which made Hatsume puff her cheeks. "Now, back to the question, And-y, do you plan on becoming a grease monkey like my friend here?"
"Honestly, I don't know. Prior to my arrival here, I didn't even know hero schools existed," responded Andy. "I used to think that all of this was fictitious, like something like Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. All of my life I thought superpowers were just plain fiction, something out of a comic book or a movie."
Hitoshi crossed her legs. "I'm not sure where you're from but Heroes and "superpowers" are as real as day."
"Where are you from anyway?" Mei asked.
"Northeast United States," he responded.
"Where in the northeast?" Hitoshi asked.
"Portland. The original Portland, in Maine," he responded.
"Never heard of it," said Mei.
"You wouldn't. Unless you're a fan of lighthouses, crabs, and lobsters, you wouldn't have a reason to be out there. Foreigners would easily think of New York City…maybe Boston or Philly."
"The Mohawk International Raceway," cooed Hatsume as she slapped her thigh. "I always wanted to go there. Not only am I a fan of herp machinery, I would love to get behind the wheel. Man, that gets my motor running."
"Gettin' a little amorous, Hatsume?" Hitoshi blew into her friend's ear, which made her shudder.
"Stop that, Shinsou. You know that annoys me."
"Hey, not my fault you get wet for engines and not men."
"What I have a passion for is my business. At least with my babies, if it did quit on me, at least I can fix 'em. Can't say the same thing like a man."
"Oh, sweetness. Any man can be fixed. You just have to have the right primer, know their gears, and know when to slide right in," she said in an obvious flirty tone. "What says you, Andy? What primes your engine?"
Andy never choked on his own spit when he heard those words. Hitoshi wasn't even hiding it anymore. But before he could rebuttal, Mei intervened.
"Anyway…there's a school holiday the day after tomorrow and a few of us from the Support Department are going to the Kiyashi Ward Shopping Mall to a spot where we can hang out, grab a few drinks, and sing." Mei said with eagerness in her voice. "And since you're part of the squad, I wanted to know if you wanted to join us?"
Hitoshi chimed in. "This is like a regular thing with us. A few of us from the general studies course join the Support Depo and just relax. Food, drinks, singing…" She then delivered a side eye. "Girls?"
"C'mon, Shinsou," interjected Mei. "Not everyone has dating on the brain."
"But we don't know that about him," she retorted. "Gotta girlfriend, Andy?"
'You fucking bitch. You're gonna pay for what you did.'
'You're gonna die for what you did.'
'She kept touching you and you kept touching her.'
'I didn't think that cup had acid. I didn't think she would have gone blind. That fucking bitch!'
"No…no, I don't." He answered sharply.
"Trust me, with a handsome boy like yourself, Mei here might need to invent a girl repellent to get them off of you when you come. Gaijin boys like yourselves are like gold to them," she said as she uncrossed her legs, exposing her leopard-skinned panties.
"So, tomorrow night?" Hatsume asked.
Before he could answer, the bell chimed — lunch was concluded.
He stood up, dusting himself off as he prepared to head to class. He then looked at the two girls. "Let me talk with my mother first and we'll see."
"Aww, he still needs to consult with his mommy for approval," said Hitoshi teasingly.
"Shut up, Shinsou." Mei stood up and grabbed her cell phone. "Here's my number. I'll text you the details later."
It was then Hitoshi came and swiped his phone. "And here is my contact information. Here's my email. Also, this is my business line in case my personal is unavailable."
"Jesus, Shinsou, don't you ever sleep?" Hatsume said, scratching her head.
"Sweetie, I'm a hustler. We never sleep." Hitoshi said as she heard the sound of a door opening. "And speaking of hustling, duty calls. Hatsume, if they say anything…."
"I know the drill plus no one comes to the roof around this time anyway."
"You're my four-leaf clover," responded Hitoshi as she pecked her on the cheek. "See you around, And-y!"
Andy didn't respond as he followed Hatsume down the stairs. He did however make a turn as he saw the boy handing her the money and her tugging on her uniform.
For a quick second, her eyes were on him.
A few hours later….
The noise of shuffling feet filled the air as students made their way to the genkan, the area where their shoe lockers were lined up in neat rows. Leyley let out a small sigh of relief as she spotted an empty bench nearby, perfect for getting her shoes without the hassle of balancing on one foot. The first day had been exhausting, and all she wanted now was to get home and unwind.
As she sat down to exchange her uwabaki for her outdoor shoes, she felt a presence behind her. She glanced up and saw her brother, Andy, standing over her. His expression was neutral, but there was a softness in his eyes that she hadn't seen in a while.
"Long day?" he asked, his voice a familiar comfort amidst the chaos of the crowded genkan.
Leyley nodded, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease just a bit. "Yeah, really long," she replied, her voice quieter than usual.
Andy's shoe locker was directly above hers, and as he reached for his shoes, she couldn't help but feel a small wave of relief wash over her. It was nice to have him here, even if they hadn't spoken much during the day. His presence was grounding, a reminder that no matter how tough things got, they still had each other.
As soon as she opened her locker, a foul, unbearable stench hit her like a wall, causing her to instinctively step back. Her heart sank as she looked inside and saw her favorite pair of shoes, drenched and slathered in what was unmistakably spoiled milk.
Disgust and anger swirled within her as she gingerly pulled the shoes out, holding them at arm's length. The milk had curdled into a sticky, revolting mess that clung to the fabric, turning her once-prized shoes into something she could hardly stand to look at, let alone wear.
She cursed under her breath, a string of words she rarely used slipping out as she tried to process what had just happened. "Who would do this?" she muttered, more to herself than anyone else, though she knew Andy was right behind her. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and fury.
Before she could even begin to guess who might be responsible, the sound of laughter echoed through the genkan, cold and mocking. It cut through the air, drawing her attention. She and Andy turned their heads in unison toward the source of the noise.
A group of students stood a short distance away, their eyes locked on Leyley. Their smirks and snickers made it clear—they were the culprits.
The leader of the group, the spiky-haired blond with a smug expression, met Leyley's gaze with a challenge in his eyes, as if daring her to react.
Leyley's grip tightened around the ruined shoes, her knuckles turning white. The mix of emotions—shock, anger, and humiliation—was almost too much to bear. She could feel Andy tensing beside her, his protective instincts flaring up.
"What the hell is your problem?" Andy's voice cut through the laughter, sharp and filled with restrained anger.
The group only laughed harder, the leader shrugging as if it were all just a harmless joke. But to Leyley, this was anything but a joke. It was the first day, and already she was being targeted. The reality of it hit her hard, and she felt a lump form in her throat.
But she wouldn't let them see her break. Not here, not now. Taking a deep breath, she dropped the shoes back into the locker with a thud and straightened up, meeting the leader's gaze head-on.
Without saying another word, she turned to Andy. "Let's go," she said, her voice steady, though her heart was racing. She could tell that Andy was ready to say more, to do more, but he followed her lead.
They walked out of the genkan together, leaving the taunting laughter behind, but Leyley knew this wouldn't be the last of it. Not by a long shot.
As they walked further away from the school, Leyley's restraint started to crumble. She waited until they were well out of earshot of the building before she finally let loose, cursing under her breath with a string of words that would've shocked anyone who didn't know her. The frustration bubbled over, and she kicked at a stray pebble on the path, sending it skittering across the pavement.
"Those little—ugh, I swear if I could just—" She clenched her fists, struggling to find the right words for how badly she wanted to retaliate. The rage inside her was almost palpable, but it wasn't just anger. There was a sense of helplessness mixed in, knowing that she couldn't do what she really wanted to do.
Andy walked beside her in silence, letting her vent without interruption. He knew his sister well enough to understand that she needed to get it all out. As much as he wanted to say something to comfort her, he also knew that words weren't what she needed right now. She needed an outlet, and he wasn't about to stand in her way.
Inside, though, Andy was seething. His jaw tightened with each curse word that left her lips. He was mad—furious, actually. Not just because of what they did to Leyley, but because they had targeted her instead of him. That punk who led the group, with her smug little smile, should have known better than to go after Leyley.
Andy couldn't shake the memory of the fight at the bakery a few days ago. It had been his mess, his confrontation. Leyley had nothing to do with it, and yet here she was, dealing with the fallout. It made his blood boil. He couldn't stand bullies—especially the kind that went after soft targets, people they thought wouldn't fight back. But Leyley wasn't a soft target, and that was the real irony. If she wasn't trying to avoid trouble, she'd have made them regret it.
He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, watching as she vented her frustrations. He knew she was holding back because of what happened at their last school in the States. Leyley was still under investigation, and if word got back that she'd been in another fight, it would cause problems. Big ones. It wasn't fair, but they couldn't afford to take any chances. They both knew that.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Andy spoke up, his voice low and measured. "You know they did it because they're scared of you, right?"
Leyley glanced at him, her anger still simmering just below the surface. "Scared? More like they think I'm an easy target."
"They don't know you," Andy said, his tone firm. "But they will. And when they do, they'll back off. You just have to keep your head down for now. We both do."
Leyley let out a bitter laugh. "Keeping my head down isn't exactly my style."
"I know," he replied with a slight smirk. "But sometimes it's about playing the long game. We've got to be smart about this. You can't afford any slip-ups, and neither can I."
She nodded, though the fire in her eyes has not dimmed. "Fine. But if they try anything again…"
"They won't," Andy cut in, his voice carrying a weight of assurance. "Because I won't let them."
Andy reached over and ran his fingers through her hair, but he knew not to do it to the point it was sensual. He knew what really moved her and the last thing he needed was for her to be in the mood.
Grabbing their train passes, he arrived at the train station as they headed back. Andy got a text from Mom earlier that she made dinner but it was prepared by someone else. That came to him by surprise — as it was rare for Mom to have company. Her dinners were passable. And that was taking it lightly as sometimes her dinner came out the right pipe, if one were to catch his drift.
Leyley sat beside her brother, drowning herself in her music while leaning her head on his shoulders. He tried to do the same, keeping a steady composure as today was a plateful in itself.
'What says you, Andy? What primes your engine?'
It was best not to tell Leyley about having lunch with Shinsou. She was already protective as it was and if she knew what Shinsou was doing with him, irate would have been the last word to describe someone who was incandescent with rage.
As for Bakugo, he really wanted to wage war with him. A typical jock who would go for the younger sister, or what appeared to be a defenseless sibling, to send a message. Leyley still didn't know about the fight at the bakery. He even urged Mom not to say anything to Leyley about it. It was enough in itself that Leyley was part of the reason why they were in Japan and adding more to her tab was going to put her to a breaking point.
'What says you, Andy? What primes your engine?'
It can be hard at times — the temptations were gnawing at him. He would be a liar if he said that Shinsou wasn't cute. He could read her aura — a bitch with an arduous attitude. It was the little games that she played to keep his attention. An exposure under her skirt here, a little exposure of her blouse there, and finally, the entendre of words — words if a simp heard, they would have been easily wrapped around her finger on day one.
He knew the moment he sat on that roof that she found him as a challenge. He knew about her quirk and what it encompassed. But, if it was like a game of chess….
Later that evening….
Andy was almost floored at how delicious the dinner was tonight. He needed to find the chef who their mother kidnapped as these dishes were definitely going to pass through his colon without struggle.
It was a standard American dinner — grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus with cheesecake for dessert.
Renee was sipping on some wine, watching her kids eat dinner and just amazed at the silence. It was odd because it wouldn't be a dinner without Leyley bitching and Andy serving as the peacekeeper. Leyley was actually eating her dinner and wholeheartedly at that. Not one time did she gag, complain, or bluntly told her that she wasn't eating this.
Getting tired of hearing scrapes of forks and knives, she broke the silence by asking, "So, how was school?"
"Well, I've gained a rival at the beginning of the day and at the end of the day, I've gained an enemy," responded Ashley as she took another bite of her dinner. "But don't worry, Mom. No harm has been done."
"Wow!" Renee was startled. She knew her daughter. Leyley from back home would have handled this immediately. So, the fact that she didn't receive a phone call from the school showed promise.
"Nothing to sneeze at." Andy said as he took a sip of his wine. "Nothing that she can't handle. And it doesn't go without any surprise that this 'rival' is over some boy."
"Can't go anywhere without that, can we?" Renee retorted.
"At least it's a change of pace. Girl mad at her about a boy and not the other way around," responded Andy.
"K—" Renee cut herself off, trying her best not to say karma. This dinner was going well thus far. She swallowed her own words.
"The good news is that I did meet some friends." Ashley told her.
"That's good." Renee arched an eyebrow. "Real ones, not just Andy in your fanfiction?"
Ashley blew a raspberry. "No! Friends! Friends that are girls."
"What?" Renee was surprised. Ashley made friends with a girl without stabbing her in the neck or pushing her down the stairs about her brother. She, then, regained her composure. "Oh~! Friends, that's great, Ash!" She then turned to Andy. "And you, young man?!"
"Yeah…made a couple of friends today. Mostly in the Support Department," he answered. "There's a girl named Mei who is practically a walking, talking wrench. My teacher has me partner up with her for projects."
"Projects? Like what?" Renee asked.
"You know, building devices for heroes to aid them with their performance."
"Like booster packs." Ashley chimed in.
"Wow! Never thought I would hear that again." Andy thought to himself.
"I am just glad that you two are getting adjusted. I just hope you guys can create healthy relationships and just go with the flow…have fun." Renee said.
"Speaking of that," said Andy. "I've been invited to go out tomorrow night."
"No kidding, you too?" retorted Ashley.
"Tell me yours first."
"I was invited to go to this drink bar."
"At the Kiyashi Ward Shopping Mall?"
"That's the one!"
"Wait…wait…wait!" Renee took another sip of wine. "This is totally out of left field. You two have plans?"
"There's a school holiday the day after tomorrow and Mei said a few of our classmates are going to hang out." Andy said.
"Is this like a teen club?"
"Not sure. I know it's called a drink bar but I don't necessarily think we would be served alcohol. Plus you have to be 20 to be served here," responded Andy.
"Ashley?" Renee asked.
"From what I've gathered from my friends, the place itself consists of separate rooms for those to sing, drink, and stuff," she responded.
"Could we go, Mom?" Andy asked.
Renee did have a little reluctance. On one hand, she was happy that the two were being sociable — Ashley having friends of the same sex without wanting to attack them and Andrew hanging out with someone other than Ashley. But, on the other hand, this was moving too fast. She was highly protective of her children. Granted she was happy, but it was something that felt like it was a ruse, something that was smoke and mirrors.
Or maybe it was a bit of jealousy.
Renee sipped her wine. "Fine~! You two can go but you go together and you leave together. Just because there won't be any school the day after doesn't mean you can come back late. Be home by eleven."
"Yes, ma'am," said Andrew and Ashley unisonly.
"Which is great because I won't have to make dinner," said Renee. "I, too, have plans of my own tomorrow. I met someone at the grocery store today. A sweet lady. Long story short, we had a pleasant conversation that even led to another conversation with another neighbor and it turns out that they are part of this homeowners association."
Andy and Leyley stared at each other when hearing those words. "Mom, aren't homeowners associations just a bunch of Brads and Karens with godlike complexes because what they can't control in the world's environment they inflict it upon theirs?" Ashley asked.
"No, they are just a group of neighborhood friends coming together to commune," she responded. "Anyway, they are having a tea social tomorrow night and I've decided to come. Plus, if that lady can make fine culinary delights like what you guys are eating, then I couldn't wait for the desserts."
Andy and Leyley stared at each other. Their mother — making friends? Their mother going out? It was like she was becoming a Stefford wife or they had stepped into the twilight zone.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you this, Ash!" Renee cleared her throat as she pulled out her cell phone. "Your homeroom teacher emailed me this afternoon and wanted to inform you about your quirk test. It's gonna be at the end of the week."
"Yeah, I sort of figured it would be close," responded Leyley.
"But, what he forgot to tell you was that you were going to have a partner that is joining you," she said. "Due to the special circumstances of your admittance, the exam is going to be consolidated."
"So, who is my partner?"
"Let me check," she said as she scanned the email. "Here it is. It's…."
To be continued….
Sinneress: Ooo a cliffhanger! Who's gonna be the fortunate or unfortunate soul to work with Leyley? Only time will tell. Ain't that right BD?
BD: This entire sequence has been sus in itself. When was the last time, if not first time, the Graves family having a wholesome dinner without wanting to pry an eye out? Andy is passive and trying to keep Leyley from being active. Meanwhile, Renee is out making friends. All of this is just a recipe for disaster. I am waiting for the bottom floor to drop.
Sinneress: And I cannot wait for Bakugou to get what he deserves! He should never have crossed Leyley cause now both of the Misery twins will be after his head, I can see it now. Bakugou screaming as he descends into the hell of his own making.
BD: Allies, enemies, friends, opps, rivals — the usual tropes are coming and setting things in place. What is going to amaze me, or at least going to be challenging is the quirk exam for Leyley. You know Leyley half-assed study skills and mechanics are going to be a riot. Let's see what kind of skills she got. Either way, stay tuned for the next chapter. God bless and as always, team Greenshade!