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Chapter Text

She is right in front of him, long curly green hair pressed between her back and the fence. She turns her head slowly, her eyes look into his, tear stained. She mouthed her goodbye silently. He runs to pull her back but the fence towers miles into the sky, he can't reach her. She falls. And just the sound of her neck snapping rings in his ears... 

He gasps for air, startled and dazed he needs a moment to realise he fell out of bed as he slept. His head stings, having struck it on the hardwood floor. He is awake an hour earlier than he wanted to be for his first day at UA. No doubt the stress had brought the dream on. 

*

Bakugo took stock of the other students, he made the exception of being early enough that the gates weren't open. The handful of students he saw seemed to be zombie - like from insomnia with  exception of one, who looked like a stereotypical student president. 

He had an hour to burn before class started and spent half that time familiarising himself with the campus. The school was much more refined than his last which quietly pleased him. He knew from a young age he had what it took to get here and the universe proved him right, he wasn't going to announce that fact though, he had tamed that part of him in the last year, no doubt about it. 

The door to 1-A came into view. When he slid it open he was only half surprised to see the glasses kid from before. 

"Good morning, my name is Iida Tenya! What is yours?" cried Iida, his voice full of positive vigour though tempered and disciplined. This kid was definitely above rule breaking, probably dry as hell. 

"Katsuki Bakugo" he responded in a dull tone. He took his eyes off the boy to read the note on the board which listed his seat number. 

Iida must have picked up on his mood because he only responded "Well Bakugo, Its good to meet you" in a tone equal to his own. 

Bakugo took his seat, his spirits hadn't lifted since the early morning but he stayed hopeful. People were bound to be impressed by his quirk and anyone who cared would've seen his name at the top of the first year students score board for the entrance exam. All would perk up in due course. He chose to spend the last 20 minutes on his phone. He noticed Iida reading notes. 

Students continued to trickle in over the next quarter hour, many recognising each other from the entrance exam. The fact that he couldn't just proved how much better he had done in his mind. 'if you can't compete then you can't be number one' he thought to himself sneeringly. 

"Hey you're Bakugo right? 'name's Kirishima Eijiro, my seat is next to yours. "

At the sound of his name he looked up to see a boy with spiky red hair and shark teeth glistening though his big toothy grin. 

His big fat grin made him smile in turn. 

"Yeah I'm Bakugo Katsuki, you from around hea-" 

The sound of the door sliding open drew his gaze off Kirishima involuntarily. He didn't notice for a moment who it was, but only for a moment. 

His blood ran cold and before he knew it he had stood up in shock. 

Long Green hair. 

Icey white skin, 

Freckles on both cheeks,

And a scar running from the left side of her jaw diagonally up the bridge of her nose, a dividing line between her left eye and the rest of her face. 

Midoriya Izumi, as alive as she was in his nightmares. 

*

Kirishima involuntary glanced to the door as he heard it open, a cute looking girl with a big scar on her face. There was something off about her appearance but it didn't bother him. 

What bothered him was that the boy he was just talking to, Bakugo had suddenly stood up. He chair loudly scraped against the floor, every one around him looked his way but from this close he could see his troubling expression. 

His eyes were blown wide, his mouth hung open. He looked like he was staring death in the face. 

It made Kirishima afraid, but there wasn't anything to fear, surely. He put a hand on Bakugo's shoulder, he flinched and then looked kirishima in the eye. 

He asked Bakugo "Dude are you alright?" 

Bakugo looked to him then back to the doorway, the green haired girl was swept up in a conversation with the glasses wearing boy he passed on his way to his seat. They spoke of the entrance exam. 

He turned back to Bakugo, who looked embarrassed "Yeah, I'm fine, don't worry about me" 

Kirishima shot back "It's no problem man, I'm sure it's no big deal" 

Bakugo glanced at him, his glance screamed, 'I don't wanna talk about it but something is wrong' 

He probably hadn't meant to do so or maybe he hadn't realised it had happened. 

Bakugo sat down and behind kirishima a dull voice ordered them to take their seats. 

*

Ashido saw it. Everything and nothing all at once. That Bakugo kid lost his shit as soon as that girl, Midoriya? Had walked into the room. 

She couldn't help but be nosy, she knew she had her vices; But if a girl makes a boy jump to his feet in fear she just HAD to know the full story. 

*

There he was. She was right to assume Kaachan would be here, she always new he had a powerful quirk and that he was smart. It was still a shock to see him, and then to see him stand up in terror. 

How in 18 months they never crossed paths she would never know. Divine intervention perhaps. 

She laughed to herself as the class made their way to the changing rooms. 

It was nice to see he recognised her. She'd hate to think her killer would forget her face. 

Quirk assessment was bound to be a lot of fun. If only to see Katsuki's reaction. 

*

Aizawa led the students to the changing rooms, the men's and the women's on opposite sides of the hall. 

As they filed in, he raised his voice over the chatter "Midoriya Izumi, a word please" 

Her class mates spared her a glance and hushed as they continued into the changing room. With the hall otherwise empty he continued. 

"Midoriya, I'm well aware of your quirk and in the interests of not finding out the hard way, I ask that you don't do anything that would require me to nullify your quirk. No fighting or threatening people with your quirk, understand? "

She gave a sheepish look, probably for being singled out on day one.

" I understand sir, you won't have to worry " she replied, in a subdued tone. 

"good, get changed"

She nodded and then scuttled off to the changing roof, the chatter picking up as she entered. 

UA's unspoken policy was to warn him of every notable quirk, he'd been briefed already that Hagakure's invisibility quirk wasn't nullifiable, most 'mutating' quirks were like that. But he had been told by all-night (for some unknown reason) and Nedzu not cancel her quirk unless it was 100% certain she wouldn't die, in other words not to do it at all. 

*

It was no secret the girls kept quiet, hoping to get a hint of what professor Aizawa was saying to Midoriya Izumu.

Yaoyurozu knew it wasn't fair on her, Midoriya had no control over everyone's first impression of her. She had been afraid it would happen to her, afraid people would hear she was recommended and call her a cheater. She didn't believe it would happen but the thought had been chasing her throughout the day. 

She resolved to speak to Midoriya and make her feel welcome. It was the right thing to do in her mind. 

Midoriya appeared moments later, unsurprisingly Aizawa hadn't spoken loud enough for anyone to hear him. 

Midoriya searched the room and spotted a girl she knew, Yaoyurozu would later find out she was Ochako Uraraka. They spoke as they changed, Ochako having held back for Midoriya's sake. 

She spared glances at the two as she changed, they each had their backs to her. Upon a cursory glance she noted a smattering of scars on Midoriya's back. Small burn spots covering her back with no apparent pattern, tendril like burns on her shoulders and most worryingly, a long jagged line of scar tissue on the right side of her neck. 

Besides Ochako, she was certain no one else had noticed those scars, Midoriya changed into her tracksuit quickly. 

She pondered the neck scar, it looked like a tear and not a cut, the position was certainly compromising, the wound would certainly would have been near fatal. 

She wasn't sure what any of this meant though she imagined one Bakugo Katsuki would know the answers. 

***

Assembled together, class 1-A awaited the oncoming trial. Katsuki found himself off kilter, only able to focus by sheer will. People were talking but he couldn't hear them. Questions swam in his mind, each vying for more and more attention. 

Kirishima shook his shoulder "Bakugo, Mr Aizawa is talking" 

Bakugo snapped up from his stupor in time to hear Aizawa address him. 

"Bakugo, you scored highest in the entrance exam, how far could you throw a softball in middle school "

" uhh, about 60m" he responded 

"see how well you do using your quirk"

He glanced at kirishima who simply gave him a thumbs up, he'd have to thank him for making sure he wasn't caught daydreaming. 

He took his place inside the circle.

He visualised the task and pushed every other thought out. 

He launched the ball with as much force and focus as he could muster.

The ball whistled through the air like a distant jet plane.

The roar of the shot was followed by cheers. The smiling and excited faces of his classmates. They clapped and congratulated him. 

For a moment he was back in his prime, the old days where he was top dog and everyone begged for his attention. For all the bad in it,  it felt good back in those days.

He had waited for this day so long mostly for this feeling, this untouchability. 

The moment was cut short when his eyes met hers. Every other face disappeared from his mind but hers.

SHE was the reason why he had fallen as far as he had. SHE was his greatest anguish and regret in one.

He hated her more than anything and simultaneously begged her forgiveness from the bottom of his heart. 

Yet she too was smiling, her lips parsed with pride but her eyes filled with guile. Taunting him with the impossible world he had woken up in. 

None of this was possible. 

Midoriya Izumi was dead

He had killed her. 

Chapter Text

The quirk assessment had five components : 50m dash, grip strength test, standing long jump, sustained sideways jump and finally, the pitch.

Katsuki had already completed the pitch with a high score of 705m, and he doubted he'd struggle with the rest either.

As much as he tried to push it down  he was getting his hopes up. The last 18 months had left him low. People blamed him for De-, Izumi's, death.

He resisted more than he should have, no one was on his side. By the time he started to believe it, no one wanted to talk to him or acknowledge him. Even his teachers became hesitant to praise him.

He refused to let other people destroy him.

He let his guilt empower him and now he was in UA, home of the pros.

Everyone would acknowledge just how great he was and things could finally go back to the way they were.

And just for fun, professor Aizawa was gonna expel the worst ranked student, so that would be fun. 

*

Katsuki soon noticed a hole in the plan. 

Yes his quirk was excellent, yes he was tough and he was smart but this was UA, the best of the best were in this class with him. 

He didn't placed first in the dash. That easily went to the glasses kid. 

He watched him approach the round face girl and.. What ever monster dared walk into UA with Izumi's face. He heart sank as people applauded IIda. No one cared because he wasn't number one, he thought  

He didn't place first in grip strength. Not that it was his specialty. He simply tuned this one out. 

Nor standing long jump, the fucking frog looking girl did that. It was so comical he was surprised he didn't laugh aloud. 

Or the sideways jump. The fucking grape head midget easily topped the sideways jump.

As they moved back outside he started tuning back in. He only needed to see that Iida nerd beat him in the dash to know his pride was gonna be taking hits.

God he hated getting his hopes up.

He looked around for Kirishima, he spotted him talking to a tall-boy with puffy lips. He made a step towards then saw that.. Izumi clone, was also in the conversation.

They were all smiling and laughing. She caught his gaze. She smiled, holding his gaze. Her expression was antagonising.

*

Just like the dash and the long jump and the fucking sideways jump, he felt his heart sink as he watched round face's (Uraraka's) ball sail off into infinity. In every category he could compete but never out class.

"Midoriya Izumi, please take your shot."

Katsuki followed Aizawa's and eyes back to her as she stepped up. He realised something then.

If this is Izumi, then she shouldn't have a quirk;

if this is some face stealing monster then they would be functionally quirkless.

There was absolutely no way this imposter would get anything but last place.

She would be expelled.

Good riddance, he thought.

The Izumi took position in the circle and gave a nod to Aizawa. 

In that moment everyone else left his mind but her.

The look she shot Aizawa was almost the same look he had seen when he challenged her on her plan's to become a hero. The difference was her eyes didn't say 'I'll find a way!'

They said 'Everything is going to plan'.

She then glanced at him, a minute shift in focus. Then she winked at him  

She fucking winked at him. 

His eyes shot wide just in time to watch her pitch. The ball sang through the air like a rocket. There was an air blast and his ears popped as he held his hands up to shield his eyes. 

As the air settled, Aizawa held his phone up to show her. She was thrilled. 

"Quite impressive Midoriya."

He turned around to reveal her score, 952m.

A round of cheers and applause rose from the other students. 

It was coming, he could feel his anger roiling inside of him, he was going to lose his cool on day one and he was 100% done with this whole fucking day-

"Midoriya! Is your finger broken?" cried IIda, who was standing at the front.

The cheers and clapping died down and Aizawa quickly twisted around to check. 

Izumi blushed at the attention. She lifted he right hand up and saw her index finger was clearly snapped backwards.

"Guess I don't know my own strength." she cried before she began giggling.

The sound of it made Katsuki.. nostalgic. So far back he could remember nothing else but that sound. He smiled. 

Though adversely, IIda, Uraraka and a tall girl with a pony tail all ran over to her. They were not nearly as amused as she was. The four began talking over each other and the class lapsed into chatter too.

Katsuki noticed Aizawa writing a note before ripping it out of his notepad. 

"Midoriya run to the nurse's office. Yaoyurozu Momo would you please take this note to 1-B and offer it to which ever teacher is there."

"Yes sir" replied Yaoyurozu. 

"The rest of you will go to the score board for the final result. Then you'll get changed and wait in class until the bell goes."

Without another word, class 1-A made their way to the score board.

Next chance I get, I'm confronting her, he told himself. His sudden happy mood has cooled him down but he was still gonna get his answers.

*

1st - Yaoyurozu Momo. 

2nd - Todoroki Shoto. 

3rd - Midoriya Izumi. 

4th - Bakugo Katsuki.

5th - Tenya IIda. 

I'm going to kick her fucking ass.. After talking to her first , thought Katsuki. 

*

Yaoyurozu and Midoriya had split off together on their way to the nurse's office. 

Midoriya told her she didn't need to follow her there only for Yaoyurozu to ask her if she knew the way.

She sheepishly replied that she didn't. 

Yaoyurozu didn't lie to herself though. She wanted to know more about Midoriya. Her quirk, her story.. The scars. She was curious. It was also a good chance to make friends. Which she believed was good for both of them. 

"If you don't mind me asking, Midoriya, how do you know Bakugo Katsuki?"

Midoriya's expression turned somberful.

"I went to middle school with Bakugo and.. There is some bad blood between us. It's why he has been reacting so strongly to me. He didn't want me to be a hero. This is the first time I've seen him in over a year."

Bad blood? Did they fight their using quirks? It would explain the scars..

"I won't mind if you don't tell me more Midoriya, though I'd like to know if you feel Bakugo is going to be aggressive with you." replied Yaoyurozu.

Midoriya looked at her, wide eyed, then smiled wryly. "I didn't mention violence Yaoyurozu, you saw my scars didn't you?"

Momo felt her heart stop like a dear caught in the headlights. 

"Please forgive me Midoriya! I know it is a private matter but I had already seen them and I put two and two together and.."

Izumi gently grabbed her hand.

"Yaoyurozu it's alright, I knew someone would notice eventually, they don't affect me anymore. And I can tell you just wanted what was best. I don't mind you knowing. "

Momo's cheek flushed a little at the kind words and physical touch.

"As for Katsuki-" she continued, the pleased look slipping off her face "I know he'll try to confront me, alone, but he won't be able to force me." she gave a pleased huff, "Especially if you have anything to say about it"

Izumi giggled and smiled at her and Momo blushed in turned, before a rambunctious determination soared through her heart. 

"Exactly Midoriya, I'll be on your side" cried Momo, her empty hand clenched tightly into a fist, a smile beaming across her face. She quietly applaud how perceptive Midoriya was.

"Izumi is fine, Yaoyurozu"

"Momo is fine too!"

They reached the nurses office and Midoriya went in alone. 

Momo felt a spring in each step. Today was turning out great! She felt a strong sense of purpose, perhaps she may call it her first great act of heroism! 

She suddenly remembered the note professor Aizawa has given her. Feeling curious she took it out of her pocket and checked it. 

'Please allow, Haruno Asuna to leave class and go to the nurse's office so that she may perform her nurse's duties - - Aizawa'

This, was a surprise. She was expecting the note would be ask a teacher for something. According to this there was a Haruno Asuna in 1-B, and she was performing.. Nurse's duties?

Did this have something to do with Midoriya? Why would Izumi need another student to act as her nurse?

*

Orientation was over and 1-B had been brought back to their classroom. They spent the last 20 minutes reviewing the curriculum.

Haruno Asuna was chatting with Itsuka Kendo when someone knocked on the door. The door was pulled open and a tall girl with a ponytail stepped into the class. 

"I have a note from professor Aizawa for you sir"

Professor Sekijiro stood up and received the note. He quickly read over it before turning back to the class. 

"Ms. Haruno, you are needed in the nurse's office. I suggest taking your bag"

Asuna nodded at him and put the curriculum sheets into her bag. 

"Why do they need you in the nurse's office?" asked Kendo

" 'Dunno, I'll catch up with you at lunch, save me a seat!" said Asuna before quickly walking out the door. She didn't feel great about lying even if it was a private matter. 

As she shut the door to 1-B behind her, she was left alone in the hall with the tall girl with the ponytail.

"I'm Haruno Asuna, class 1-B, how bad is Izumi?"

The other girl stuttered for a moment. 

"My name is Yaoyurozu Momo, 1-A, she has a broken finger but if you don't mind my asking, why do you need to go to the office too? Recovery girl is available so why do they need you too?"

Haruno smiled, "Did that note not mention what my 'nurse's duties' were? "

Yaoyurozu blushed feverishly, embarrassed for how easily she had been caught snooping. 

"I might give you the truth later, or Izumi might. To say the least, Izumi's condition prevents Recovery Girl's quirk from helping her"

"o-oh, I-I s-see" stuttered Yaoyurozu.

The two girl's split off at 1-A classroom door.

*

Haruno knocked twice on the door before stepping into the nurse's office. 

"Recovery girl? Izumi?"

"Haruno my good bitch, pop on over here!" cried Izumi. They spoke to each other this way whenever they were alone together. 

Asuna huffed then followed the sound to the first bed. 

"Recovery Girl just went to the office, think she is talking to Toshi" continued Izumi. She unconsciously waved her left hand around as she spoke.

She was in too much of a good mood for Haruno's liking. 

Asuna looked her up and down "Did I really get called in here for a broken finger? Not an arm or a torn muscle? "

Izumi looked down at Asuna's feet as she spoke only to look back up when she got a flick on the forehead.

"ow" yelped Izumi. 

"Don't pretend that hurt, how come you broke it? - " she lifted up Izumi's hand to inspect the finger, which was snapped all the way back "Wait how did you break it? Thought you fixed that problem" Asuna queried. 

"I may have been showing off and put loads of power into my index finger, only to have it snapped backwards where everyone could see"

"Izumi how does breaking your finger prove anything? If you can use One for All without breaking a finger then why would you ever not do that?" she complained in an almost motherly manner. 

"I wasn't gonna not show off my upper limit, it was a quirk assessment." 

Asuna met her gaze as she grabbed the broken finger. 

"Did it work out? Anything impressive? "

She snapped the finger back into place with all her might. An ugly crunching noise echoed in her ears.

She was too used to this to be revolted. 

Izumi continued, unfazed and slightly enthused. "Definitely! Nearly got a kilometre on the pitching test!" she said as she flexed her left arm.

"Really? How many metres did you get?" she asked excitedly, she then sat down on the bed next to Izumi.

"952m" she bragged. 

She snorted, "Fucking nice Izumi!" cheered Asuna, following it up with a left handed high five.

"I know right! But uhh, kinda need to get going and you'll need lunch so.."

"Right right, hold still. " Asuna interrupted.

Haruno put her hand over Izumi's right wrist. She calmed. Inhaled deeply. 

Then, 

The room drowned in golden light. 

*

"-and she told me that Midoriya's 'condition' doesn't allow Recovery Girl to heal her, so that is why I asked about her quirk." said Yaoyurozu.

She was sitting at a table with Uraraka, IIda, Kirishima and (for some reason) Ashido Mina. Yaoyurozu didn't like talking about people behind their backs but she was curious if Uraraka and Iida had been told about Mido-, Izumi's quirk.

The answer was no.

"How does a strength enhancer prevent healing quirks from working?" asked Ashido.

"Perhaps it is an unfortunate quirk mutation. Though it would appear this Haruno has the means to deal with it." posited IIda.

"Do you think we should talk to Professor Aizawa about Bakugo and Midoriya? There is definitely serious tension there" chimed Uraraka.

"Probably, hell if only I knew where Bakugo was, I could break them up if it came to it." said Kirishima.

"That's quite admirable Kirishima, but it should not be the responsibility of a student to prevent violence on school grounds. We should consult professor Aizawa and principal Nezu as soon as possible" implored IIda.

Yaoyurozu nodded. Then, out of corner of her eye, spotted Izumi walking into the lunch room with Haruno Asuna by her side. They were too far away to be heard but she could tell they were laughing and teasing each other.

Haruno split off to join the lunch line. Izumi began searching the room for something.

As she walked, Bakugo Katsuki entered the room.

He was fast walking, his eyes dead set on her. His shoulders were hunched, his arms by his sides, his fists clenched.

Yaoyurozu didn't wait for an invitation, nor did she answer the concerned questions of the others.

*

Midoriya scanned each table as she walked, her eyes washed over the numerous heads. Her eyes fixed onto a girl as she stood up suddenly. She realised it was Momo. 

Momo's eyes were looking past her, she was grimacing. Others from her table stood up to.

She flinched as a hand landed on her left shoulder, it tugged her strongly. She spun around and was left face to face with Katsuki. 

She was surprised.

Then she was enraged. 

"We need to talk, alone" demanded Katsuki, his voice straining to control his anger.

She glanced at the hand on her shoulder then looked straight into his eyes. 

"Oh I'm sorry, what makes you think I'd give you the light of day?"

Shock filled his face only to then double down in fury. He was outraged beyond belief. 

She was too. 

A third voice cut across Katsuki before he could speak again. "If there is going to be a problem then you might as well take it up with me too, Bakugo Katsuki." barked Momo.

Izumi turned to see her at her back. Kirishima came around her to stand behind Bakugo. "Bakugo man, you gotta lay off, you can't be starting a fight on day one.

IIda and Uraraka took position behind Momo, the students on the neighbouring tables had twisted around to silently observe the action. 

Seeing the eyes of his school boring into him, Bakugo broke his hold over her and made off in a huff.

"Are you okay Izumi?" asked Ochako.

Izumi felt a strange shaking in her arms and chest. Feeling she thought long gone. Of course Bakugo Katsuki's touch would still spurn her like this. How humiliating.

"I'm fine, Ochako, I just need to sit down"

Strange emotions twisted within her. She'd have to find time for them later. 

*

Chapter Text

The rest of the lunch period was a tense affair. That bodily unease took a long time to leave her. 

No one questioned why Izumi hadn't eaten. 

IIda, Uraraka and Momo kept close to her after lunch ended. She couldn't be sure exactly why they we're so protective of a person they barely knew.

Then she remembered she was in the heroics course of a prestigious hero academy. 

It was nice to think everyone else might be like this too.

*

She waited at the school gates for Izumi. 

With each passing minute, Haruno Asuna couldn't help but get annoyed at her for making her wait. She was gonna give her a piece of her mind. 

That was until she spotted her with three other people, a boy and two girls, awkwardly guarding her. 

Their eyes locked but Izumi didn't look any happier after seeing her. Asuna deduced that it wasn't the company to blame.

This problem was coming home with them. 

Izumi pointed to Asuna and said her goodbyes to her new friends, then she scurried over to her. 

They walked side by side for a minute before she chose to speak.

"So what happened?"

Izumi inhaled deeply, "Bakugo happened"

The name struck a cord, the name that centered itself in all of Izumi's troubles. "He came up to you after school?" she asked. 

Izumi shook her head, "No, after lunch, you had just split off to enter the line."

"Bastard" Asuna scoffed.

"Something happened though.. He grabbed my shoulder and before I knew it my whole body was.. shaking"

"shaking?" she parroted. 

Izumi nodded, her body shaking once more. "I don't understand Asuna.. I've lost so much but somehow.."

Asuna stopped and gently wrapped her in a hug. She knew Izumi would be crying if she could. "We'll do what we can Izumi, it's only day one of UA! We finally made it here, we can be the heroes we always wanted to be!"

"I know but, I wish I had left this behind. I felt so untouchable, until.. he actually grabbed on to me."

Asuna was just as disturbed by this event as she was. This meant her fear response was working to some capacity. By all means it was a positive sign of her recovery. 

An incredibly bittersweet one. 

"Izumi look at me" she pushed out the hug and held Izumi by her arms, holding the upper arms and not the shoulders. Izumi looked back into her eyes. 

"Midoriya Izumi, you, are my hero. You kept me strong enough to get here. You, have what it takes to be the world's greatest. And if one Bakugo Katsuki is half the monster he used to be, then I'm sure me and that Momo girl will have no fuss getting him booted out of UA. So chin up, show the world the old Plus Ultra! spirit"

Asuna could see the light return to Izumi's eyes.

"Thank you Asuna." said Izumi, a smile beamed between her ears

"Your welcome, now let's pick up the pace, we have to take a later train if we plan on getting home tonight"

*

Midoriya Inko had been home only a short while before the phone rang. She had been cooking, Izumi having texted that her and Asuna would be home a little later than planned.

A CD of piano melodies was playing in the kitchen. She turned it down to a whisper before answering the phone. 

"Hello, Midoriya residence."

"Inko, it's Mitsuki"

Bakugo Mitsuki, she had no ill will towards her but Mitsuki knew how she felt about her son, Katsuki. It was the reason they hadn't spoken in about a year.

"Hello Mitsuki, I imagine Katsuki is home now from his first day in UA"

There was a heavy sigh on the other side. 

"He is home and he told me what he saw. You know what I'm talking about right?"

"I do"

"How could you keep that a secret Inko?" she demanded, grief etched into her voice. Inko clenched her empty fist around her chopping knife. Mitsuki's sorrow pulled at her heart-strings. 

"Mitsuki, I did so for Izumi, because she asked me to. Because she wanted nothing to do with her old life. And I supported that decision." spat Inko, she thanked the gods her sadness didn't betray the anger in her tone. 

Mitsuki breathed and sighed but didn't find the words to respond. Inko continued. 

"If you need to tell someone, tell them Izumi survived and wants nothing to do with the likes of Katsuki or anyone else who brought her down. Do you understand Mitsuki. "

Mitsuki made a sniffling noise before speaking again. 

"I do, and I'm glad Izumi made it into UA, it was always her dream to be a hero."

Inko felt the tension in her body seep out. 

"Aye, they couldn't take that away from her."

Another pause, the Mitsuki Inko knew would be trying to put on her strongest face. 

"Goodbye Inko, I wish Izumi the best"

Click. 

Mitsuki hadn't waited for her answer. 

Inko put the phone down and turned back to her chopping board. She rested her knife on the countertop. 

The faint sound of piano melodies was still audible. She switched off the CD player and sat down at a dining table chair. She let her arms cushion her head as she rested it on the table. 

She let herself sob. 

It was a quick and gentle affair. But she needed it. 

She'd call Mitsuki tommorow. 

*

Asuna had been living with the Midoriya's since she finished middle school. Her home was in a rural part of Ibaraki prefecture. Though the Midoriya's lived in a small flat In a busy city, two things she wasn't used to; she found herself adjusting to Mustafa quite well. 

Midoriya Inko was a wonderful cook and living with her best friend was always a perk. 

As they sat around the table for dinner, they exchanged info on the people of class 1-B and 1-A. They compared Eraserhead to Vlad King. Izumi extolled her feats in the quirk assessment and Asuna teased her for breaking a finger. 

She did so purely to see Izumi get scolded by Inko because she did indeed know better. 

*

Asuna and Izumi hadn't been given any work yet, they we're only asked to review the curriculum. They spent the few hours before bed watching TV.

Asuna slept in Izumi's room. Izumi felt it was only fair they both sleep on the floor so their futons were beside each other. 

It was a nice thought but in practice it had one hitch. 

Izumi didn't sleep. 

Or rather, she never could.

Her bodies hadn't recovered enough to need or allow to sleep. 

Late at night, Izumi would slip out of the house. Izumi never talked about those hours and Asuna never pried. 

As Asuna tucked herself into bed she said goodnight to Izumi. Izumi sat on top of her futon in her outdoor clothes. Asuna plugged in her earphones and flicked through her songs. 

Shine on you crazy diamond - 25:30

It was a ritual her mother had shared with her. At this point Asuna never fell asleep without it playing in her ears.

It reminded her of her mother's embrace. 

She never got past the vocals before slipping away. 

Tonight was no different. 

*

Bakugo Katsuki wasn't sleeping. It was almost ten on a school night, he knew better. His mind was dogged by thoughts of Izumi. His emotions and thoughts formed an awful quagmire in his mind.

Three gentle taps rasped on his door. He knew by knock alone it was his mother. 

"Katsuki, may I come in?"

He considered for a moment if her presence would do him any good. He ultimately decided it would. 

"Yeah Ma, come in" he answered.

Mitsuki opened and closed the door gently as she entered his room. She sat down next to him on his bed. She offered her hand and he took it. Her soft fingers brushing his callouses. 

"How are you doing son?" she asked.

He wondered if one word existed that would describe all the emotions he felt at once but he came up short. He cleared his throat. 

"I'm angry first of all. She lied to us, they both did. At the same time I feel wrong being angry, she doesn't deserve it and she doesn't owe me anything. I deserve this treatment."

"Treatment?" his mother interjected. A frown crossed her face. 

"The people she has befriended are jumpy around me." he continued. "I'm afraid that.. It will turn out like middle school. I don't.." he choked, "I don't know what to do." he answered with a whimper. 

Mitsuki's grasp grew tighter. He had confided in her during those days, she knew how bad it got for him.

She lifted her hand to cup the side of his face. 

"Katsuki, any other kid your age wouldn't be able to keep their head above water. It's okay for you to struggle."

She reached her empty arm over his shoulders, "But remember this. You are a Bakugo, our way is to never give up until you reach the top!" she cheered. "You will find a way and we will be there for you."

Katsuki was flabbergasted. A warm feeling spread through his chest. His mind was cleared of rancid thoughts.

He looked across the room. On a night stand beside his door was a miniature shrine to Midoriya Izumi. It wasn't much, but it had a name plate and a holder for incense sticks.

He had made it after being told they weren't being invited to Izumi's funeral.

It made sense now, there was no funeral and Izumi wouldn't have wanted to see them. 

The nightstand had one drawer, within it was the only possession of Izumi he had.

An idea sprang to mind. 

'He would return it.' 

*

Izumi was giving Asuna a piggyback to school. Between waking up early in the morning, training with her and doing a once over on herself and Izumi with her quirk; she was exhausted. Izumi practically force feed her breakfast.

Izumi wasn't going to complain, Asuna was the whole reason she had gotten this far. 

Asuna was on her back now, she was also carrying both of their school bags. The weight was negligible to Izumi though she had to worry about her balance. She was thankful that the trains were cramped, as it allowed her not to topple over.

"Uhm, excuse me? Is she alright?"

Izumi twisted around to see a ginger haired girl. She wore a UA uniform though she hadn't seen her before. 

"hiya Kendo.. how are you?" asked a groggy Asuna. She wasn't likely to fall asleep.

"Oh! You're awake Asuna, I was just wondering if you we're okay." replied Kendo.

"She'll be fine by the time school starts. My names Midoriya Izumi, 1-A, me and Asuna train in the mornings" said Izumi.

"Hello, Midoriya, my name is Itsuka Kendo, 1-B, I met Asuna yesterday"

"Izumi is fine, glad to have met you."

They walked and talked from the train station up to the school. They met Ochako on the junction of two streets. They exchanged introductions and spoke of their teachers.

A mob of reporters stood outside the gate. Hounding students with questions about all-might.

Kendo began ushering the crowd apart, making room for Ochako, Izumi and Asuna. Izumi applauded how commanding Kendo's voice was.

Some reporter made a snide comment about UA standards. Izumi didn't hear it but noticed Asuna free her left arm.

Izumi looked back to see what she was doing and caught her flipping off the reporters. 

Her actions were met with a few loud gasps and a furious fluttering of camera shutters. 

Izumi couldn't stiffle her giggling. Ochako and Kendo hadn't noticed Asuna flipping them off. 

Today was off to a great start. 

*

Katsuki had arrived early for the second day in a row. Iida shot him glances of suspicion but hadn't asked him to move. He was standing next to the window in front of Izumi's desk. He eyed the door, waiting for her to arrive.

She arrived minutes before the bell, just as he wanted. As she slid the door fully open, he caught her eye then left an envelope, which he had kept tucked under his arm, on her desk.

He made his back to his desk, Iida looked at him suspiciously. He looked to the back of the room and ponytail and half and half were looking at him too. One suspicious, the other curious.

*

Izumi had.. Not expected this. 

She sat in her seat and placed the envelope on her lap, wanting to keep it hidden from prying eyes. She heard Kirishima ask Katsuki what he was up to but he didn't explain further. 

The envelope wasn't sealed. She felt it first, there were loose pages and some kind of book. 

She pulled out the first page, it was a multi-paged letter, not Katsuki's style.

At least not old Katsuki.

The first page was blank bar two lines. 

'this belongs to you'

'I only want to talk'

'Belonged to me? What the fuck would he have that was mine?' She thought.

She slid out the book which was in a vacuum sealed bag. 

'Hero analysis for the future 12'

'Midoriya Izumi'

The title.. The book was a covered in burn marks and had old water stains. It's colours and letters were somewhat runny but legible.

To anyone else this a simple book but as soon as she realised what it was she quickly slipped it back into the envelope with the letter. 

Homeroom was gonna start soon. She looked to see if anyone had noticed her. 

Iida had, he'd been watching her since she came in. 

She gave him her best smile but he didn't smile back. Merely pursing his lips. 

Homeroom started soon after. 

If she could cry she would have. Instead she was shaking. She struggled to write notes and focus for the rest of the class.

*

Uraraka came over to Izumi's desk at the start of the lunch period. 

"Hey Izumi! I asked Tsuyu to come sit with us at lunch if that's cool."

"yeah, it's fine" Izumi replied absentmindedly. Her eyes fixed on Bakugo Katsuki. Uraraka grimaced, put off by the tension between them. 

Izumi then did something surprising. She made a beeline for his desk. He had just sat up and had been talking to Kirishima. 

Uraraka tailed behind her and caught her saying "We'll talk after school" in a stringent tone. 

When Uraraka asked what it was about, Izumi simply told her that she was going to 'ease the tension'. 

Uraraka didn't pry further. She simply hoped for the best. 

*

When 1-A returned from lunch they jittered and spoke excitedly. The second half of the day was the hero studies class. 

Which meant one thing. 

"I am here!" announced all-might "coming through the door like a normal person!" 

Class 1-A erupted into cheers, those who weren't ecstatically cheering couldn't help but smile. 

Even the stone faces of Tokoyami and Todoroki were lit with elation, though they restricted it to curt smiles. 

All-Might then announced that they were participating in a combat practical which led to another round of cheers. 

The likes of Ashido Mina and Kaminari Denki seemingly leaped out their seats to grab their costumes. 

*

Izumi's costume was a full body suit with a high neck, long sleeves and gold lining.

Knee and elbow padding in black.

A gold utility belt with black buttons ran around her waist.

On her feet we're red sneakers with black laces. She had wondered if boots would suit better but decided sneakers were fine for school purposes. 

Besides, the red sneakers had always been her thing. 

For her face she brought a gas mask with a large single lens that revealed most of the face. Her long curly hair was tied back in a high ponytail. 

The costume was met with praise. Some for its practicality, others for it's bright and warm colouring. 

"I love it Izumi! Looking at you makes the everything feel brighter, you know?" exclaimed Uraraka. 

Izumi brought her hands up to cover her cheeks. "T-Thank you Ochako, I love your costume too! It's cute and has that astronaut look!" she replied. 

Ochako's cheeks flushed an adorable shade of pink. She scratched the back of her head, a frazzled look crossing her face. 

*

All-Mights battle exercise was simple. Names would be drawn to form pairs and two pairs would participate at a time. One team as villains, the other as heroes. The object of interest was a fake bomb which the heroes had 15 minutes to capture. 

Ashido Mina and Kirishima Eijiro both complained aloud about the random pairs. All-Might opened the floor, asking a student if they could explain why; Momo raised her hand. 

"During a surprise attack, heroes are likely to be partnered with unfamiliar heroes thus it's only fair we get paired up with people we may or may not know and whose quirks we might or might not understand." 

All-Might nodded approvingly and gave a thumbs-up "You have it exactly right young Yaoyurozu, I hope you were all listening." 

The rest of the class murmured in confirmation. Momo blushed, having been praised by the number one hero in the world. 

Momo turned back to find Izumi's face. Izumi caught her eye and shot her a smile and thumbs-up of her own. 

Her face flushed with heat, that same satisfaction from before was welling up within her chest. 

Lots were drawn and the first match was set with Izumi and Ochako's team as heroes, they would challenge Bakugo and Iida's team. 

IIda, who had remained by Izumi's side with Ochako, gave a pensive look to Izumi. 

"Should I ask all-might to change up the teams, Midoriya?" he whispered. 

Ochako looked to her in anticipation, "Its fine, IIda, Katsuki and I already settled on meeting after school to talk; this is just a normal exercise. You can call me Izumi if you want by the way" she replied. 

IIda glowered as he looked back at Bakugo, who looked equally perturbed by the match up. 

IIda sent a smile back to her, "Of course, Izumi. Tenya is fine as well." he said before walking over to Bakugo in preparation for the exercise. 

*

Iida and Bakugo chose to deploy the bomb in an open room on the fifth floor. With that settled they began discussing strategy.

"Iida, my plan is to go straight for Izumi and hold her back. You stay here and guard the bomb" said Bakugo. 

Iida scowled at Bakugo behind his mask. He wasn't convinced that he had done some kind of 180.

Yaoyurozu had warned about the scars.

"Are you sure you're not letting your feelings cloud your strategy, Bakugo Katsuki?" he answered, practically spitting his name. 

Bakugo didn't hide his look of disdain. "listen four-eyes, me and Izumi already planned to talk later. If you, weren't letting emotions cloud you then you'd see my reasoning"

Iida made a disapproving laugh, he held himself back, he could feel his blood boiling. "Oh? and what is that" he sneered. 

Bakugo rolled his eyes, "Izumi beat us both in the quirk assessment, she is our biggest obstacle."

Bakugo pointed at him, placing his focus squarely on him. "On your own you could handle that Uraraka girl, but with Izumi's help they have a good chance of winning."

Bakugo then pointed back to himself with his thumb, "With my quirk I can stall Izumi and Uraraka till the timer hits zero. Does this plan make sense now? "

IIda began to feel less sure of himself. "Okay but why not stay put here? "

"If I go out there I can hold them up, if Uraraka splits off then she won't be able to do anything. It's better that we control their movements instead of sitting and waiting for their plan to unfold." 

Iida Tenya hated to admit it was a good plan. The only only category he out classed Izumi in was speed but Uraraka's presence in a prospective battle made failure likely.

Not that it mattered, he had the feeling Bakugo would ditch him if he did still disagree. 

Iida made a small groan and uttered "fine". Bakugo then nodded and ran off. Iida could tell that under the bonnet was a strategist. A commanding bastard yes, but not an incapable one. 

Alone, he inspected the room. He took to clearing it. Knowing it would a prospective fight Uraraka much simpler.

*

Uraraka tagged behind Izumi as they entered the building. She didn't want to admit it but she wasn't feeling brave in this scenario. Iida and Bakugo both had strong quirks and Izumi assured her Bakugo was not lacking in brains at all.

Izumi was also certain Bakugo would come after them. 

The current hallway didn't help her nerves, it was just wide enough for them to stand side by side. 

Izumi was unwaveringly certain and headstrong. She was more commanding than any other girl she had ever known. 

It made her feel small.

'But it's okay!' She told herself, 'I'm still on my way to becoming a hero!' 

Izumi's hand grappled her forearm suddenly. 

She looked back to her. Izumi was squinting at the ceiling ahead of them. The hallway was lit only by the window at there backs. Above them was impenetrable darkness.

"what is it?" she whispered.

"my guess is Katsuki" she replied with a hush. 

'Bakugo katsuki?' She thought. Her ears and eyes dissected the darkness, she detected nothing. 

Izumi took a step forward. "Come down Katsuki! Your breathing gives you away!" she announced. 

Sure enough Bakugo slid down the walls, plopping down just in front of the ascending staircase. 

"Impressive, but this is as far as you go. Behind me is the only staircase on this floor" shouted Bakugo. 

Izumi turned back to her. "Uraraka, you get some height going, I'll distract him and give you an opening. We'll capture him then go for IIda." she mouthed quietly. 

"what kind of opening?" whispered Uraraka. 

"Don't know, but if I have him pinned, jump in quick" replied Izumi. 

Izumi suddenly twisted around, Bakugo was charging down the hall. His arms were spread wide, small explosions going off in his palms. "LET'S GET A MOVE ON GIRLS!" he jeered. 

Uraraka released her gravity and pushed herself towards the ceiling. Green electricity began arcing off Izumi. Bakugo's fists came back to his sides. 

Bakugo swung wide with his right fist.

Izumi moved into position, attempting to throw him by grabbing his arm;

but it was a feint.

Bakugo pulled his right hand in, his back twisted as he swung his left elbow in an arc, aiming for her face. 

She grabbed his elbow with her right hand and she made a jab for his left solar plexus with her left. 

He countered with an explosion with his open right hand. The blast and the smoke made Izumi flinch, allowing him to step backwards freely.

The whole bout lasted a few seconds, but spoke volumes. 

Experience. 

Clear as day these two were experienced. 

She spread her arms and legs wide to hold herself between the walls of the hallway. She observed but did her best to focus on Izumi's plan. 

*

Todoroki followed the events of the first match with a clinical eye. Breaking down in his mind what each action meant and reasoning out the gaps in his knowledge. He was curious mostly because three of the top five people in the quirk assessment were in the battle. 

His father had expected him to report on potential rivals. It wasn't the worst idea anyway. 

He looked to Yaoyurozu, she had hit the number one spot through ingenuity, her 'power' wasn't comparable to his. 

'She'd be a great hero but not number one.' 

Yaoyurozu's eyes were glued to the action. She held a bated breath, her hand curled into a fist, which she unconsciously held in front of her face.

The camera just about picked up their shapes on its own.

The scene was quite the light show. Green arcs of electricity and explosive flashes of orange fire painted shadows across the adjacent walls. 

It was hard to tell Bakugo's movements through the smoke but he was on the defensive, each burst of combat caused him to take two steps back.

Midoriya's attacks were controlled, she must have been a martial artist. 

The others were cheering loudly, some began betting on who would win. 

He knew who he was betting on.

*

Katsuki crossed one arm in front of the other in an X, before blowing apart the walls on either side. Mixing sharp rubble into the smoke. 

He pushed for distance. He needed to stop her without breaking the rules and definitely without seriously injuring her. 

Easier said than done, she was a much better fighter now. 

He hadn't planned for this. 

He was getting tired, his wrists were starting to sting, the first sign of his quirk being overused. 

His eyes, nose and ears stung from the sensory assault that was his quirk. 

Izumi appeared once again as the dust settled. She wasn't nearly as tired as he was by the look of it. She swatted the smoke away, her mask had taken a hit and she had ripped it off. Her hair now hung down freely. 

Light burns and scratches were smattered across her body, she gave them no mind, probably adrenaline at play. 

'New plan' he thought. A flash of inspiration had hit him. 

The stun grenade technique. 

He had brainstormed it in the days before but hadn't attempted it yet. Nothing in his mind said it wouldn't work. 

*

Izumi's mind was whirring an hour a minute. Katsuki's hands moved to meet each other. 

'What is he doing?' She wondered. 

She went over the list of times he had done this.

None.

This was something new. 

She knew him so well, him doing something new was a shocker. 

His hands stopped near each other, his arms stretched out in front of him. 

A memory hit her. 

'Hero analysis for the future No. 5' 

She remembered brainstorming a way for Katsuki to use his quirk like a stun bomb. 

He must have had the same idea. 

'Fuck' she thought. 

Her body moved before she could think on it. 

'If I'm blinded he'll have me.' 

She soared through the hallway. She watched as Katsuki shut his eyes and bar his teeth. 

She launched herself into the air, arms forward, aimed for his shoulders. 

A spark, 

She closed her eyes, 

She heard the sound for a moment before there was silence. 

A shock wave smacked her like a hundred punch at once. 

Her palms found his shoulders. 

She used all her remaining force to topple him. 

She landed blind, her shoulders and ass hit the concrete simultaneously. 

Her hands were still on his shoulders.

She forced herself to roll over. She saw him on his back, his arms up to cradle his head.

Without warning, Uraraka  dropped from the ceiling, sending a missile kick into his chest. He coughed and then went limp. Passed out.

It was unceremonious though cathartic. 

Uraraka cheered ecstatically but her voice sent a ringing in Izumi's ears. She struggled to sit up, her head spinning. 

Ochako began stepping towards her but her expression darkened then twisted into a look of fright.

She pushed back, her back against the wall. Ochako's eyes bored into Izumi's chest. 

Izumi followed her gaze down. 

Chest, 

Ribs, 

Lungs, 

A sickly smell of burnt flesh. 

She was ripped open, her sternum was exposed. The flesh of her lungs were burnt black, visible between the gaps in her singed rib bones.

The rest of her chest was horribly burnt. She inhaled, the air tickled a hole in the lower half of her throat. 

A thud and a crunch echoed through the hallway. Uraraka had fainted and landed face first on the concrete. 

... 

'Shit.' 

*

Chapter Text

All-Might was tense as he watched their battle. If he was seated he'd be on the edge of that seat.

The Villain team had opted to keep the building totally dark, without the use of their quirks they were hardly shadows. He'd bring up camera quality to the staff later.

The class were cheering, the girls were loving the sight of a female hero in the thick of battle. A few boys were betting on Bakugo, thinking he had something impressive up his sleeve. 

The only sound they had was the radio chatter which had been silent except for IIda telling Bakugo to run if he thought he would get caught. It was an second oversight in his opinion. 

The hallway camera shook as two large explosions ripped holes into the walls. 

Smoke and debris showered Izumi, Bakugo disappeared momentarily.

What happened next was over in seconds. 

Bakugo reappeared as the smoke settled. He noticed immediately that his hands had come together, 'something new' he thought. Izumi shot down the hall straight towards him.

The hall was basked in the light of the a bright burst of flames. The camera fizzled with static before resettling.

Several students gasped in surprise before lapsing into nervous chatter. 

All-Might was fearful, the explosion was clearly massive and Izumi was hit head on. He feared for his successor despite her condition. He would never have tolerated that kind of power if he known Bakugo was planning to use it.

Iida raised his voice in alarm, asking Bakugo what he was doing. 

Bakugo was radio silent. 

As the camera adjusted Bakugo was lying on his back with Izumi on her arms and knees behind him. 

A surprise missile kick from Uraraka left everyone crying out in shock. Ashido Mina could be distinctly heard laughing in surprise. 

Uraraka stepped off Bakugo and moved towards Izumi. 

Suddenly she stopped, 

Then she fell back against the wall. Trying to use it to steady herself. 

Then she collapsed. The class slipped once more into concerned whispers. 

'something is wrong' thought All-Might.

He switched to Izumi's frequency, "Young Izumi, what is your status?"

Izumi looked about, then spotted the camera. She turned so that she was side on to it. 

Hiding something. 

All-Might could make out her hand smoothing over her throat.

"All-Might.. I messed up." her voice was raspy, she coughed a sickly cough a few times with the receiver on.

No one was cheering or shouting. The room itself seemed to hold its breath. 

"We can discuss that later Young Midoriya, right now I need to know your status."

Midoriya looked over at Bakugo and Uraraka. 

"Katsuki is out.. He hit his head.. Ochako fainted, something happened, her-" Izumi coughed again, "her nose is bleeding, it might be broken"

"And yourself, young Midoriya?"

Izumi didn't respond immediately, All-Might wasn't sure why.

"I'm torn up, I can't stand with the pain. Breathing hurts.. I can't continue."

All-Might nodded "I'll call recovery girl and then send young Iida to help you."

He turned on the intercom "The heroes can not continue, the villain team wins!"

On another screen Iida Tenya was looking searching around in confusion. The manner was almost pantomime.

Iida beat All-Might to the call, "All-Might sir, is everything alright?"

"Unfortunately not, young Iida, I need you to go to the third floor stairwell and aid in escorting the others to help."

"U-understood sir!" he replied before charging out of the room and down the stairs.

The sound of the entry door being thrown open drew his attention, Yaoyurozu had run off on her own. 

"Young Shoji, please go after her! Everyone else is to stay put!" 

*

IIda Tenya ran as fast as he could down the stairwells. A million threatening thoughts assaulted him at once.

When he reached the hallway that joined the third floor stairway, he spotted three forms in various states of damage. 

The only one not passed out was Izumi. She was on her knees, trying desperately to keep herself off the floor. Bakugo and Uraraka were both down, the extent of their wounds were unclear. 

He hollered out to Izumi but she didn't turn to look back. He ran to her said and then set down on his knees to see her. Without thinking he took her arms and began moving her to the wall. 

She struggled but couldn't resist. He wanted to inspect her wounds but the sight of her was its own wound. 

The vile smell of singed bone and burnt flesh would haunt him forever after. Her chest slowly heaved, strained after losing so much vital muscle. A faint whistling noise was made by the air as it met a small triangular hole in her lower neck. 

"Iida.. Look away" she begged, sorrowful eyes boring into him. 

*

Momo's legs were carrying her before she knew it. She didn't understand why she hadn't waited for All-Might's permission. Was it for Izumi's sake? She liked her off course but she hadn't known her long at all.

Though she questioned it, she didn't want to stop. She didn't plan to wait for orders. 

'It was what a hero should do' she thought.

She barely noticed Shoji catching up with her and lifting her off her feet. She kicked and thrashed but Shoji was far stronger than her. 

"Put me down Shoji" she ordered.

"You are over reacting Yaoyurozu, you must calm down" cooed Shoji, speaking softly into her ear.

Her anger unabated, she twisted her head to meet his eyes, "Is that what a hero would do Shoji?!" she barked.

Shoji shook, his reaction echoed into her before he released her from his hold. 

"Come with me since you are here, you can help me and Iida"

He hesitated before nodding. Together they continued onto the test sight. 

*

They had charged up three sets of stairs and now Shoji could see them. Four bodies in the hall, including Iida, who was holding Izumi upright, her back to the wall.

"Iida!" he cried in unison with Yaoyurozu. They continued running towards him, finding Bakugo on his back and Uraraka passed out on the ground. 

Iida shuddered at the sound of their voices, an expression of terror and remorse filled his face. He snapped back to Midoriya Izumi and pulled her into his chest.

Shoji could distinctly make out the smell of burnt meat and iron in the air.

"Iida, is everything alright!?" asked Shoji warily.

"Don't look.." replied Iida in a low, tearful whisper.

Yaoyurozu stopped in confusion, in that silent moment he could hear it. 

Or rather the lack of it. 

"Iida-" she began, a shake arose in his voice, "she has no pulse Iida."

*

The next thing Ochako knew, she was on her back. Her eyes slowly fluttered open, her head was heavy, her nose was stuffed and she could taste blood. 

She awoke to see recovery girl standing over her along side Iida.

"Uraraka, how are you?!" asked Iida.

She had many answers but one thought was on her mind. She recalled the last thing she had seen. Pin picks in her eyes turned into fresh tears. 

"I'm fine" she sobbed "where is Izumi?"

***

Katsuki's eyes snapped open. He jumped up in his bed only for him to be reeled back in by exhaustion. He groaned loudly, clutching his head as he slammed onto the pillows. 

There was a series of footsteps then he was greeted by the sight of, who he imagined was recovery girl. He hadn't met her but since his last memory was a painful kick in the chest before he awoke in bed; he felt safe assuming he was in the nurse's office. 

"Are you in pain son?" asked recovery girl. 

He shook his head, exhausted but not in pain. 

"Have I been out long?" he inquired. 

"You have been out for about an hour now. Eraserhead wants to talk to you before you leave."

Before he could inquire as to his whereabouts, professor Aizawa emerged behind her. 

He was furious. 

"Bakugo, d'you mind telling me what you were thinking when you blew open Midoriya Izumi's chest?"

*

Yaoyurozu Momo, Tenya Iida, Uraraka Ochako and Shoji Mezo we're all together in principal Nezu's office. Each was asked for their input on the events of the exercise. Each were offered the service's of the school's student counselor. 

Now they were all together, waiting patiently at Nezu's request, though they hadn't been told why. 

Momo looked to each of them. Uraraka had cried her eyes out after sharing her account. The same happened to  Iida, he had gotten the closest to her and hadn't let anyone see her. He only demanded Yaoyurozu produce a blanket to cover Izumi with. 

Shoji had a terrified look in his eyes, he had begged to see Izumi even after they insisted she was in a stable condition. Momo understood why, she couldn't imagine how long he had spent searching for her heartbeat, desperate to believe he was wrong.

Momo herself felt burnt out, she had been scared out of her mind for so long that she was emotional exhausted. At least she felt as such. She wondered if it was because of her upbringing, nothing close to this had happened to her before.

Had she gotten attached too quick?

She waived the thought, her anxieties weren't misplaced. 

The door to the office gently slipped open. Professor Aizawa stepped in with Bakugo Katsuki on his tail. Bakugo looked like he'd been hit by a truck in the emotion department. He wasn't wearing the less gaudy elements of his hero costume; his mask, flaring headpiece and gauntlets were missing.

He stood awkwardly next to Aizawa as the professor stood beside Nezu's desk. 

"I spoke to Bakugo in the nurse's office, can we wrap this up?" spoke Aizawa.

Before Nezu could respond there was a knock on the door before it opened wide enough for a head to poke in.

Momo recognised her from yesterday, Haruno Asuna. 

"Principal Nezu I.. Oh, was looking for all of you." said Asuna before she pushed the door all the way open. Standing there like a deer in the headlights was Midoriya Izumi.

The four of them who had been seated, shot up and ran to her as fast as they could. Ochako wrapped her in a hug. 

" Izumi, you're okay! "

" Izumi! Have your wounds healed?"

"Shouldn't you be in a hospital?"

Each voice collided with the other in an effort to overwhelm Izumi. Haruno shushed them and told them Izumi wasn't able to speak very loudly. Her friends nodded and waited silently.

"You all want answers and I'm sorry for worrying you. I bet you're confused. If you can, I'll explain my condition, I know you are confused Shoji" said Izumi. Her voice was a bit more than a raspy whisper.

They turned to Shoji, who nodded in acknowledgement. 

Izumi looked beyond them. They parted as she stepped forward and gestured. She came up to Aizawa and Bakugo. Aizawa looked neutral, Katsuki was visibly relieved, elated even. "Professor Aizawa, what happened to me was not Katsuki's fault. I knew what he was doing and I took a risk. Anyone else would have died, I know that, but please don't punish him"

Aizawa raised an eyebrow at her before he sighed in resignation. "You are right in saying anyone else would have died. Bakugo used excessive force and should be punished. However, since you both have acknowledged as much I can assure I won't push for his expulsion."

Bakugo let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding in. Aizawa continued, "Neither of you are out of the woods, your parents were called and you'll both have to explain yourselves. After that it will be up to principal Nezu to decide your fate. In the mean time please console your classmates. Find an empty classroom if you want to talk. We expect you both back afterwards."

Izumi nodded. "Thank you sir" she replied.

Katsuki nodded in tandem. "Thank you sir" he replied.

Haruno gave a small clap to get their attention, "Shall we go?"

Izumi gave her a nodded and the six of them followed behind her. They slipped into a general education classroom a few doors down from Nezu's office.

*

They sat in the chairs at the top of the room. Haruno pulled a chair up beside Izumi. Katsuki leaned against the wall by the window as he had done that morning.

Asuna put a hand on Izumi's shoulder before standing up. "If you you don't know already, my name is Haruno Asuna, I am in class 1-B, I am a close friend of Izumi."

Those who had not done so already; Katsuki, Tenya, Mezo and Ochako, introduced themselves one after the other. No one missed the look of disdain she shot Bakugo but they chocked it up to the day's events.

"I had hoped to put this off for longer but you all deserve the truth about my quirk. I didn't want to risk everyone looking at me differently or to feel uncomfortable." Izumi opened. 

"Please don't think that way Mido-Izumi, we would never look down on you or your quirk" said Iida reassuringly. 

Izumi smiled before she cleared her throat, "I want to tell you about my quirk. I know you have questions, especially you Shoji, since you have good hearing."

They shot curious glances at him, he nodded in response to her.

"Shoji wasn't mistaken earlier, I have no pulse and neither do I have a normal breathing cycle. With my quirk I can survive without these things."

"She is undead." interrupted Asuna, "I know what you are all thinking. Don't you dare call her a zombie."

There were embarrassed aversions made. An awkward 'sorry' from Momo and Tenya. A dour look crossed Izumi's face but she forgave them.

"Roughly a year and a half ago, I fell to my death."

Katsuki flinched but wasn't noticed, she continued.

"My quirk, which I later dubbed as 'Life-Line', activated and prevented me from fully dying. Physically I have no pulse, no respiratory system, and I produce no body heat. Yet my quirk prevents the normal brain death from occurring. Also my body does not decompose at a normal rate, so don't worry about that."

Uraraka shakily put her hand up, "Uhm, if it just prevents you from dying, why are you so strong?" she asked. 

"That's.." began Izumi, her words faltering. 

"Izumi's quirk mutated about a year ago, it began to multiply her natural strength. It's quite a rare occurrence but it was quite a fortunate one." spoke Asuna. 

The five of them fell into a bemused silence as they compartmentalised the new information. Iida lifted up his hand, "What part do you play in this Haruno? You were asked to perform 'nurse's duties' yesterday." 

Haruno was surprised to hear a question aimed at her, she took a moment to answer. "My quirk allows me to repair damage done to.. biological objects. When they found out Izumi wasn't dead they asked many healing heroes to help her but found most of their quirks didn't work. -"

It suddenly clicked in Momo's mind that Recovery Girl was definitely on that list by her quirk's nature. She shot a look at Iida and he looked back, having made the same connection.

"-Eventually they discovered my quirk and asked for my help. We've been friends since. Izumi spurred me on to become a hero alongside her."

"So you can heal Izumi?" asked Ochako hopefully. 

Asuna bowed her head, "My quirk has drawbacks, it requires a lot of physical strength and energy and I also need to visualize what I want to recreate, otherwise the product is a dead biological glue. But I will be able to heal her." 

Ochako smiled, the weight of her dread being lifted from her shoulders. Several sighs of relief were made. 

"I hope you understand why I want this to be a secret for as long as possible. So please don't tell anyone." Izumi requested. 

They nodded back to her and now it was her turn to give a sigh of relief. 

Shoji raised his hand up gently, "Midoriya, I wish to point out that Jirou, the girl in our class with the earphone jacks for earlobes, might notice your.. Peculiarities, due to her quirk. Should we inform her preemptively?" he asked. 

Izumi and Asuna exchanged looks of surprise. "I'd rather not preempt it, though I'll definitely talk to her. If she gets comfortable enough around me I can tell her then or she'll ask me directly. Right now I don't want anymore shake-ups." 

 A further round of nods followed.

They checked the time and realised how late it was. Having had their worries relieved, they expressed their good wishes and said their goodbyes. The only one left was Bakugo Katsuki.

*

For the first time in over a year, the Midoriyas and the Bakugos were in the same room, specifically Nezu's office.

Nezu explained what had happened, Izumi made it adamantly clear that she felt she mostly to blame and bore no ill will, much to the surprise of the parents. Katsuki acknowledged his mistakes and professed his deep and honest remorse. 

Nezu asked if Midoriya Inko had wanted to make an input and, after hearing her daughter definitively defend someone she thought she loathed, she chose to make no further input.

With that Nezu concluded the event as unfortunate but also as an outlier. He made a short speech about how dangerous quirks can be before asking them to both be more cautious in the future.

There were no objections. 

*

"Izumi!"

She turned to see Katsuki had walked over to her.

"Izumi, I asked to talk to you this morning; remember?"

She looked back to her mother and Asuna. Their expressions were equally pensive and perplexed.

"Yeah I remember, you gave me the journal."

Katsuki clutched his right elbow anxiously. 

"Izumi, I'm sorry. For everything. I know that doesn't mean much but I want the chance to really prove it to you. Can you.. Give that to me?"

Her mind was matted with multiple emotions. Rising to the top, however, was a genuine sense of hope.

Hope that his words were true.

"We'll talk tommorow, after school"

He smiled, he was obviously thrilled. 

She turned away. 

She didn't need his reaction. 

*

Chapter Text

Dark halls. Ear splitting explosions. Smoke. Dust.

Silence.

She searches through the smoke but for what? She can't remember. She does find it however. 

She runs to Midoriya Izumi's,who is laid down on her side. 

Her wounds. 

The gore and viscera is so clear in her mind's eye. Every stray blood drop. Muscles and bone and cartilage. The scene tortures her senses. 

Izumi reaches out to her. Trying to force the words out of her broken throat. Izumi couldn't speak but her eyes said everything.

Her eyes were calling for help. 

She reaches out for Izumi, but a noise distracts her. She turns 180 degrees. She is met by a shadowy figure and finds herself paralysed. The shadow put its hand out and grasps her skin. She  could feel all five fingers digging into her chest like claws, just below the collarbone.

In one motion, the skin of her chest is torn free like wrapping paper. 

Ochako wakes up. 

She wakes up floating on the ceiling. Her chest stung like she had been scalded. Hot tears rolled down her cheeks. She had bitten her tongue in her sleep. 

She woke up crying in terror and blindly floundered on the ceiling.

She released herself, and felt nauseous. She landed on the bed and found it was lacquered with sweat and smelled awful. 

She picked up her phone, willing to call anybody. 

When the phone lit on the numbers 04:54 seared into retina. It was late, she couldn't dare wake someone this late.

She tried to steel herself, hoping the knowledge that she needed to be strong for her future as a hero would keep the sorrow at bay. 

It couldn't. 

So she sat on the floor by her bed and wallows in her misery, hoping beyond hope she wouldn't fall back asleep. 

*

For Iida Tensei, finding his brother Tenya up before him was a surprise. 

Tenya sat at the kitchen table with a glass of water in front of him and his head in his hands. His hair hadn't been combed and he wasn't wearing his uniform. 

It was an hour earlier than he usually got up. 

Tensei had to go back to Hosu and had said his goodbyes the night before. He expected to just slip out without fanfare. But he knew straight away something was wrong. 

He tapped Tenya on the shoulder and woke him from a doze. When he saw his face it was clear that he was shook up. He had seen this expression before.

The signs of trauma were painted on his face.

"Tenya, are you alright? You look awful."

Tenya gazed down at the glass. Tensei grabbed a chair so that he could sit in front of him. 

"Brother, I'll be okay it's just.." Tenya looked pensively at his glass, "I saw something awful yesterday."

"Tenya you look like you were in a war zone. What happened to you? I've been a pro long enough to know the signs."

Iida grimaced, "I know you want to help, Tensei. But.. I don't want to talk about it right now. I'm sorry Tensei."

Tensei put a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Tenya, its perfectly alright to not want to talk about something that.. upset you. But its always best to confide in someone when this sort of thing happens. If you need someone then, I'm someone, okay?"

Tenya looked up and gave his brother a crooked smile. Tensei put out his arms and embraced his brother. "Thank you Tensei" whispered Tenya.

"I could do no less Tenya. I have to head out soon so make sure to shape up before you head into school alright?"

"Of course Tensei, good luck in Hosu."

*

As Tenya made his way to UA he ran into Ochako.

He hadn't known this girl for very long but he recognised the turmoil bubbling under her skin. Her eyes were like those that reflected back at him less than an hour ago. 

He fast walked to her side which startled her. She smiled gingerly at him. 

"Hi Iida" she said meekly.

"It's perfectly alright to call me Tenya, Uraraka." he wondered if there was some smother way to transition into it bringing it up but none was forthcoming. "It looks like you didn't sleep well either."

She paused in shock, then gave a small laugh at the bluntness of his statement. "No, not at all. You look better for it though."

He smiled. "I met my brother before he left. He's a pro, so he could recognise that I needed the help. I might have kept it bottled up otherwise."

"Oh, I'm glad then." 

She smiled but it was as faint, a veneer over her true feelings, even he could tell she needed something, maybe even someone. 

"Do you live with your parents Uraraka?" 

"No, I'm from Mie prefecture so I'm on my own."

His brother's words came back to him then 'if you need someone then, I'm someone okay?' 

"Uraraka.. Do you.. Want a hug?"

She looked to him with surprise."Uh-uhm.. W-would that be o-okay?" she asked, blushing brightly. 

"My brother said its best to share these burdens. He is my hero so I trust his judgement. And, it's the least I could do."

Iida put his arms out and she gently slipped into his embrace. They held each other loosely for a moment before relenting and sinking into the embrace.

The height difference meant her head was at his chest, she gave a heavy sigh into his chest. He felt an odd satisfaction, his chest felt lighter. He couldn't contain his own sigh of relief. His twisted nerves seemed to calm

He was still a bit flustered, having not share this kind of contact with a girl his age before. In spite of that, he didn't reject the touch.

There was nothing weird about it and he felt no longing for more. He simply accepted the comfort without complaint.

After a few moments they released each other. Uraraka was teary eyed but an honest smile was now spread across her face. That cheery face from yesterday had returned.

They began walking to class, with the weight of their hearts spread between them. 

*

"The fact is that you have every right to hate me but I hope to prove to you that it doesn't have to be this way."

"I kept your journal and preserved it because I wanted to treasure your memory."

"Find me after school, pepper me with questions and demand whatever you want. All I ask is a chance to prove I am a better person now."

Katsuki's letter hadn't been long but its points were concise. If yesterday had ended differently she might have blown him off. She wasn't entirely sure she was ready to face him alone. 

But yesterday didn't turn out differently, and a part of her felt she owed it to Katsuki.

Katsuki had treated her badly, turned people away from her in middle school, was possessive and demeaning; fuck it, he abused her.

It took a lot of therapy and support from Toshinori, her mom and Asuna to finally come to terms with what she had turned into.

A victim and an enabler.

By all means she shouldn't give him the light of day, shouldn't even be considerate. 

But she had this urge to find out for sure. She had changed and this letter was proof that he had done so too.

She wasn't changing her mind now. If she wasn't happy she would just leave the conversation. 

*

Momo had watched the classroom carefully from the time she sat down. Iida and Uraraka came in together. Both looked sleep deprived but were quietly supporting each other. 

Bakugo showed up early, looking.. Enthused?  He definitely wasn't unhappy.

When Izumi had arrived and the first set of classes had started; Izumi and Bakugo kept looking at each other. Izumi definitely looked troubled. Was she grudging on Bakugo? She didn't know her well enough to tell. But then again she might too if a man had burnt her chest off.

She let her eyes dart around the room (not before taking down the appropriate notes off course!) and noticed that Todoroki had spotted this as well. 

"By the way, I need everyone to pick student council representatives." reported Aizawa, in an off hand way. 

Excited chatter flooded the room until Aizawa ordered them to shut up. 

"Everyone, we must conduct ourselves in a manner befitting UA. I suggest we vote for the station in a democratic manner." announced Iida. 

"Won't everyone just vote for themselves? We haven't known each other for very long. " asked Tsuyu. 

"That isn't an issue, it just means that those who get more than one vote have distinguished themselves. Therefore if all works out!" 

Momo wondered if Iida actually knew anything about voting systems. She also wondered who she would vote for.

She thought of the people she knew by name, then she asked herself who of them had 'distinguished' themselves. 

She remembered her conversation with Izumi on the first day. Izumi had been attentive and perceptive enough to know she had seen her scars.

Maybe she was easier to read than she thought but only Izumi had managed to put her in doubt. It was quite a first impression. 

At least for the sake of democracy she didn't vote for herself. 

Iida dutifully collected the votes from each table and Uraraka tallied then. 

Yaoyurozu Momo : 9

Midoriya Izumi : 5

"What?!" cried Izumi and Momo at the same time. Kaminari shouted jinx and Izumi turned back to see Momo's face. 

"I don't know why you're surprised, Yaoyurozu ran off to help with out thinking about it. It was a pretty heroic thing to do." confessed Shoji. 

"Also, Izumi kicked major ass yesterday! You had Bakugo on the ropes all the way!" cheered Ashido. 

"Shut up pinky." barked Bakugo, Ashido just stuck her tongue out at him. 

It seemed most of the girls had backed up Izumi and everyone who voted for Momo saw her run out of the control room.

Momo and Izumi now stood at the top of the room. Their supporters were smiling, Ashido and Kaminari flashing two their two thumbs up. Uraraka was quietly consoling Iida, as he felt heartbroken that his suggestion hadn't won him anything. Bakugo also looked annoyed but why anyone would be under the impression he'd be a good leader was beyond her. 

"Well, thank you for your support, I hope I live up to your expectations as class representative." Momo announced. 

"Same here. As vice-rep I don't plan to let you down." said Izumi. 

"Right, if you're done, get ready for the next period." ordered Aizawa. 

*

At the break for lunch she joined Uraraka, Iida and Izumi as they made their way down to the cafeteria. She noticed after looking back that Shoji and Todoroki were now part of the group too. They spoke softly enough that ruckus of the hall prevented her from eavesdropping.

She put her focus back on Izumi. "How are you feeling today?"

Izumi couldn't but glower back, her smile fading, "Well.. Katsuki wanted to talk to me after school.. And I said yes."

"You don't want to talk to him?"

"It's.. Well uhm. It's more that I shouldn't and if anyone else knew they'd tell me not to." she answered pensively.

'She is willing to indulge him even if no one else thinks she should.

She didn't deny my claim that Bakugo had attacked her before. She is also saying everyone (family? Haruno?) else thinks its a bad plan.

Does she feel obliged? She must if she isn't comfortable.

In any case, she plans to do it so for now I should do what I can.'

"I can imagine your family, and definitely Haruno, telling you not to do it. If you still plan on doing it, would you like me to hide nearby so I can intervene if needed?"

Izumi gawked at her in total surprise. "Isn't th-that asking to much of you M-Momo?" she replied.

'Does she always stutter when she is nervous?'

"Of course not Izumi, it's just something any girl who do for you."

"Wait what do you mean?"

"That your friends would back you up? I don't understand why you sound surprised."

"O-oh well, I didn't have any friends in my old school and I knew Haruno from hospital."

"None?" inquired Momo, taken aback by the revelation.

"It's not a good story, would you mind if I told you about later and not now."

"Izumi you only need to tell me what you are comfortable with." 

"Oh well.. Thanks Momo." 

*

By lunchtime, their spirits were lifted. Shoji, and Todoroki joined Midoriya, Uraraka, Iida and Yaoyurozu.

Shoji, despite his tough exterior was kind and personable. Uraraka, on the hunch that he was a cat person, asked if he had any pets to which he confessed to having two adopted cats. The pair took out their phones to share cat pictures. 

Todoroki and Iida spoke of their middle school's and found out Todoroki went to rival schools. 

All the while Momo told Izumi stories about being a wing-woman for other girls in middle school. Often because middle school boys "lose their cool around taller women". Izumi didn't miss the proud smile on Momo's voice as she openly talked about intimidating middle-school boys. 

"Hey girls may I have your attention!"

They each looked up to the top of the table where Ashido was proudly standing with Hagakure at her side. 

"Myself and the lovely Hagakure-" Ashido gestured in her direction and Hagakure's sleeves started waving."-realised that with so few girls in class 1-A it was vital that we all be there for each other. With that in mind, the girl's of 1-A are openly invited to our arcade and karaoke night!"

"Just us girls?" asked Momo.

"Well, all the girls are invited but, if you want you can bring a plus one! Only 1-A boys though and no one dodgy!" Hagakure answered. 

Across the room, mineta sneezed violently.

"That sound like fun!" cheered Ochako.

"I'm down, how about you Momo?"

"well.." Momo felt hesitant but after the other days shock and with the expectant eyes on her, "okay, I'll go too."

They smiled back at her and Hagakure started clapping excitedly.

Suddenly, a loud whooping alarm began ringing. 

*

People began to move, some third year shouted that it was the alarm for a villain attack which got twisted into people shouting that there was an actual attack.

Having not done the drills yet, the first years started bounding after the third and second years.

The panic resulted in a crush in the exit hallway. Izumi and Co ended up near the back of the crush. 

"This is a disaster, if they don't calm down people are going to get injured." shouted Momo.

Izumi looked about and her eyes caught Iida's and she saw he was next to the window.

"Iida! Look out the window, find out what's going on!"

Iida nodded and turned around. He didn't need to search long to find the gaggle of reporters milling around on the grounds. 

"I see a bunch of reporters! I think they got through security!" relayed Iida.

Having heard this Izumi grabbed Momo's shoulder to get her attention. She looked flustered but stilled as she was suddenly grabbed. She looked to Izumi expectantly.

"Momo, Iida says there are reporters on the grounds, it's a false alarm. We need to get everyone's attention! Can you make a megaphone?"

Momo shook her head, "A megaphone has a bunch of complicated circuits, I'd need a guide."

Izumi cursed their bad luck. She needed to get their attention, something loud but distinct enough to make them look back. 

She had an idea. 'God I will never live this down'. Was her only thought before she told Momo her plan. 

*

Iida was stuck straddling the window, his words weren't reaching them fast enough. He had pushed to the window and now he couldn't make his way back to his friends. 

A bang rang out like thunder, it was louder than anything he had ever heard before.

The crowd gasped and then were silent for a moment. They craned their heads back and Momo's voice rang out. 

"ATTENTION EVERYONE, ITS A FALSE ALARM. A GROUP OF REPORTERS SET OFF THE ALARM. WE ARE NOT IN DANGER."

The crowded students calmed and slowly began dispersing. Now freed, he slalomed his way through the crowd and back to his friends. Momo was holding a megaphone like that of a movie director. Momo's shirt was unbuttoned and her blazer was tied around her waist. 

Izumi had removed her blazer, and had it wrapped around something small. 

"What is that Izumi?" he asked. 

Izumi flinched, he must have snuck up on her. She spun around to face him, blushing red like a strawberry. 

"N-Nothing!" she quivered. 

He looked to Momo who was equally as embarrassed. The two of them continued to dodge the questions of Uraraka, Ashido and Kirishima of all people. 

Eventually Midnight and Snipe came down to investigate the cafeteria and were impressed that a first year student rep and her vice rep had diligently taken control of the situation. 

Momo and Izumi thanked the heroes though Izumi stopped Snipe before he could check for injuries with Midnight. 

Izumi gave Snipe her blazer and quietly spoke to him. She was obviously hoping he would get rid of its contents for her.

However without thinking about it, Snipe unfolded the blazer, as Izumi and Momo looked in the direction of Midnight, and held up the object to inspect it. 

It took a second too long for Iida and Snipe to recognise what it was. 

"Holy shit, is that a gun?!" shouted Hagakure. 

Izumi looked back to Snipe who quickly concealed it under his cape. Izumi then looked back to see the disbelieving faces of at least a quarter of the student roster and Midnight. 

Izumi then yelped and ran out of the hall as fast as she could with Momo in hot pursuit. 

He could distinctly hear Ashido laughing at the top of her lungs somewhere behind him. 

The rest of the lunch period passed peacefully though rumours that a first year student had fired a gun off indoors were spreading like wildfire. 

*

"Izumi! Please slow down!" shouted Momo.

She had chased Izumi since she had run out from the cafeteria. She stopped running when she reached the women's toilets on the third floor. 

They were both panting after the sudden sprint. 

"Sorry Momo but.. Uhhh that was so embarrassing, everyone is gonna know I fired a gun off on UA, on my THIRD DAY OF SCHOOL NO LESS." she whined before letting her head bang against the door post. 

Momo put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It'll be fine Izumi, if they say anything then I'll back you up. I was the one who made the thing after all." 

Izumi giggled, "Is there even a good reason you know how to do that by the way?" 

Momo blushed and scratched the back of her neck, "Well I had to test my limits you know? Plus ultra and all that."

They both started laughing and kept laughing as the absurdity of it all started hitting them. 

They slipped into the toilet to wash away the tears of laughter. 

When they had finally relaxed, Izumi's face turned dour. 

"Momo, I told you I had not friends in Middle school right?" 

Momo's expression turned equally dour, she nodded in reply. 

"The truth is that when Katsuki and I were in middle school together.. He didn't treat me very well. I'm selling it short but he wouldn't let anyone talk to who wasn't him or our parents. He.. Did a lot of awful things to me."

Momo's looked into her reflection as she listened, her gaze turned cold and icy before her eyes. Bubbling within was her righteous anger. 

Her family and friends wanted her to avoid Katsuki. 

She was selling short his abuses but also acknowledging them. 

Momo couldn't think of anything that might convince her to not do it. She chose to adapt. 

"If what you say is true, then I can understand why everyone wouldn't want you and Katsuki to talk to each other. Under different circumstances I'd agree but, since you are committed then I will back you up. I'll make sure this ends without fighting."

"Thank you Momo." she replied, with a pleased look on her face. 

*

Eventually they made their way back to class. Izumi and Momo didn't reappear until five minutes were left in the period. If they had any hope of quietly slipping back into their seats they were quickly dashed. 

"Hey Izumi you maverick, where've you been?" shouted Ashido. 

"Midoriya what we're you doing with a handgun?!" asked Ojiro from the back of the room. 

"Is she in the Yakuza or something?!" shouted Mineta. 

Izumi stood flustered at the top of the room like a deer in the headlights. Momo stood close to her, awkwardly rubbing her arm. 

"Midoriya, Yaoyurozu, care to explain?" said Aizawa who had been laying on the floor the whole time. The sound of his voice spooked them both. 

"Well, we needed everyone's attention to tell them there was a false alarm.. " began Momo. 

"S-so I asked Momo for an m-megaphone speaker but she couldn't make one so.. Iaskedhertomakemeahandgunandshedid" 

As slurred as the last sentence was, the word 'handgun' stood out like a sore thumb. 

"Did you use blanks?" asked Aizawa. 

"We did sir." Momo answered. 

"And where is the item now?" 

"I gave it to Snipe sir" answered Izumi. 

Aizawa was quiet for a moment, the silence was exasperating. Then he laughed "You performed well under stress. Good job." 

The pair let out a long sigh just as the bell rung for the next class. 

*

With the ring of the final bell, Izumi began packing up her equipment. Ashido bounded over to her desk. 

"Hey Izumi! Good job and all at lunch but why not ask for an air-horn instead of a freaking gun."

"Good question, if I had thought of that I would DEFINITELY have done it instead." groaned Izumi. 

"Ahh don't be like that Izumi" said Ochako, "You made a great impression on everyone else and got the job done!"

Izumi just groaned again as she made her way out of class. It was then she spotted Katsuki waiting for her. 

"Where are we doing this?" he asked.

Ashido and Uraraka looked to her, not knowing what was happening. Izumi looked over her shoulder at Momo who gave her a nod. 

"The roof" she answered.

Katsuki nodded and took the lead. Izumi told the others not to wait up on her as she made her way to the roof behind Katsuki. 

She quickly texted Momo. 'I'll stick by the door and keep it open. If I think he will fight I'll shout.'

She sent the message. She looked back over her shoulder at Momo who was trailing behind her, keeping out of Katsuki's line of sight. 

The roof door was unlocked and the sight of plastic flower beds pointed in the direction of someone using the roof for horticulture.

"Here is fine" she said, propping her back against handle side of the door frame. She put her back in the doorway to stop it from closing. If Katsuki acknowledged it he didn't say.

Katsuki found a chair and sat down. For a few moments they sat silently. Bakugo started to fidget but Izumi kept her eyes firmly on him.

"Look I want you to know I'm sorry."

"For what?" she asked coldly.

"You know why!"

"Humour me." she goaded.

He sat quietly for a few moments, clenching and unclenching his right hand. The skin noisily pinching as his fingers rubbed together.

"I'm sorry that, what I did hurt you. I'm sorry that it drove you over the edge. I'm sorry that I was a shitty kid"

Izumi's expression didn't shift, a cold displeasure radiated from her. Katsuki squirmed beneath her ire. 

Whatever pretense of peace was there was now smeared thin. Her internal fire pushed every other thought aside. 

"Are you sorry that you told me to jump and I did?" she asked, cutting to the matter like a dagger of ice. 

He stood up suddenly, picked the chair up by its back and threw it violently against the ground in an over head swing. The chair bounced slightly against the ground, it's front legs were bent inwardly. 

"YES I'M.. sorry."

She studied him, she couldn't help but think he had changed. 'He is deflecting blame but.. Anyone would. I've known him my whole life, he has changed but he isn't there yet.'

"Do you know what it's been like because you left?" he asked. 

She brought her attention back to him. 

"Everyone stopped acknowledging me, the students in our year, the teachers, even my father. They all turned on me! They'd huddle up together thinking I'd do something bad to them they were alone with me."

"And this is somehow my fault?" she cut in. 

"You're the one who lied! You're the one who pretended she was dead! Whatever, of course you gave up on me, I hurt you after all."

Izumi was conflicted. One part of her felt guilty that such a thing had happened to him, no amount of animosity could excuse the fact that he needed help.

The other half said 'good, that's what you get'. She banished the thought, it only made her feel more guilty.

'He probably doesn't realise how shit of an apology this is but isn't going to get better without help.. The least I can do is help.'

"Katsuki, what happened to you was terrible and I'm sorry. I can't say I'm satisfied but.. You need help more than punishment. If you're willing to get help then.. I'll be there to support you."

His eyes blew wide. He smiled and laughed a little. "Thank you.. Izumi."

He walked over to her and put his hand out for a handshake. 

"I hope things can go back to the way things we're." he added. 

She midway through the motion of accepting the shake when a realisation struck her. She yanked her hand back and stood up defensively. 

"What do you mean by that?" she inquired.

"You know, like how we used to hang out all the time and you called me Kaach-"

She backhand swatted his open hand with her own.

He stood there dumbly, clueless. 

'He didn't know?'

"What's wrong? What did I say?" he asked. 

Any pretense of peace in her mind? Firmly out the window. She never imagined that he would say the EXACT thing to set her off and then look confused. 

"The way things were? Like what?! Like you guilt tripping me when I wanted to talk to other people and shouting at them when they wanted to talk to me?"

Katsuki was taken aback, nay he had actually taken a step back. He smiled and tried to play it off. "What? I was jealous as a kid it's not the same." 

"Like calling me a creep for all my hero analysis and destroying my notebooks every chance you got?!"

"It was creepy, why are you so defensive about it. I said I was sorry."

"Like.. Telling me not to be think about going to UA like.. some useless bitch. Like telling me the only future for me was as a housewife!?"

"You didn't have a quirk then! How were planning to be a hero without anyone to defend you-" 

"LIKE.. Telling me that, if I wanted to be a hero so bad.. That I should just, kill myself. All because I was 'useless' and 'defenseless' without a quirk."

Katsuki had no rebuttal, he just looked angrily off in the distance. 

Izumi had started to softly cry tears of anger.

"Katsuki, answer me honestly.. Why do you want to be a hero? And don't bullshit me or dodge the question."

Katsuki stared angrily at her like a child being scolded. 

"Because I wanna be the best, to be number one and for everyone to acknowledge it."

Izumi laughed a tearful laugh. "You know, I almost fell for it. I don't think you even realised you were doing it either."

Katsuki looked at her, dumbfounded. 'guess I was right' she thought.

"Whatever I said before, forget it. You haven't changed a bit. You think you're smart but you worked your ass off to get into the most prestigious hero school in Japan; but not once did you ever want to be a hero. You must be the stupidest person I've ever known."

"How dare you call me stupid!" he shouted with all teeth barred. 

"How dare you! Where do you get off thinking you belong here Katsuki. You're fucking sick. This discussion is over."

She reached for the door handle with her left hand but Katsuki grabbed her by the wrist. His eyes were crimson flames that bored into her. 

"Take. That. Back!" 

"Let go of my arm Katsuki or so help me go-" 

The door was suddenly thrown open by Momo, her eyes were red and puffed up. Behind her Todoroki. 

She wondered why they were there and realised she had forgotten about asking her to back her up. 

She must have heard her. 

And Todoroki was with her, a dark look on his face. 

He must have heard too. 

"Let her go Bakugo!" ordered Momo. 

Bakugo scoffed before he released her. He picked up his bag and sauntered down the stairs and out of sight.

They didn't chase his, Momo simply took Izumi by her hands and pulled her into a hug.

"Momo.. I'm sorry I, I didn't want you to hear that." sobbed Izumi. 

"Izumi please stop" begged Momo, her voice quaking. "I can't believe you did that. If I had known then there is no way I would have let you do it."

They held each other, as Izumi sobbed into her chest, tears of grief and relief running down her cheeks.

Momo let her head rest on top of Izumi's. They held the tender embrace for what felt like hours.

Izumi's phone vibrated in her pocket and they begrudgingly released each other. It was then he realised Todoroki was still there, standing awkwardly at the top of the stairs. 

"I didn't want to leave without apologising Midoriya, I understand that I wasn't meant to hear what you said earlier. You don't need to worry, I won't be telling anyone." 

She smiled, "Thank you Todoroki, that's very kind of you."

He perked and gave a cute, cheerfully smile. She checked her phone. School had been out for about a half hour. Asuna has sent her a message asking where she was. 

She texted back that she was on the way. She took her bag and walked towards the gate with Momo and Todoroki at her side. 

*

Chapter Text

Asuna was grumpy, her first week in her dream school had been nothing but drama. She hadn't had this much on her plate in any term of middle school let alone in half a week. 

She watched as Bakugo angrily marched out the gate. He never noticed her glare. 

Izumi showed up soon after, leaning on Yaoyurozu. Close to Izumi's other side was a boy with half white and red hair. She scoffed internally at his choice in hair dye (not knowing it was natural). 

Izumi explained what had happened to her and that Yaoyurozu and Todoroki knew about.. Katsuki. 

"Am I wrong to be disappointed?" asked Haruno Asuna. 

"No.. I knew better. I just couldn't help wanting to know.." 

"That 'not helping it', is why your Mom and I have made such an effort to keep you two apart. Where do you get off spitting in our faces? You being around him isn't going to magically heal all the harm done."

Izumi bowed her head. "Your right Asuna. I knew better but-"

Asuna held her hand up to stop her, "If you knew better and know better then that's that. You just have to figure it out from there." 

Izumi smiled, "Thanks". 

Haruno nodded and turned to Momo and Todoroki. 

"Thank you both, it's a shame this happened but you being there to help.. It means a lot, it was a good thing " 

*

Momo : What are you going to do about Bakugo? 

Me : Idk

Momo : you should tell Aizawa. 

Me : I know I should but idk if I can. 

Momo : I don't understand. 

Me : If I can I wanna avoid starting a fuss. I can't prove anything and neither have I tried in this last year. 

Momo : That doesn't matter, Aizawa should be told. 

Me : Expelling Bakugo won't help him. 

Me : Look how about this. If Katsuki steps out of line once we take it to Aizawa and give him the whole story. 

Momo : I don't like this plan. 

Me : He's smart enough not to get himself expelled Momo, I can handle him angry but he shouldn't lash out unless he's got a death wish. 

Momo : Fine, but I'm keeping him on thin ice. 

*

Thursday and Friday were heated affairs. Everyone picked up on the sudden tension between Bakugo and their new student reps. Ashido and Uraraka had asked if something had happened after school but Izumi told them it was already sorted. 

Bakugo also became more volatile however, he shouted louder, complained more often which made it easy for the likes of Kaminari to antagonise him.

Outside of getting antagonised by most of the class at one point or another he didn't interact with them, opting out if group study and training. 

Aizawa kept telling Bakugo to manage himself better but it had little effect.

His grades were exceptionally good though if you asked Izumi she would tell you it was because Bakugo fiendishly studies and trains.

It's not difficult when you refuse to make friends. 

*

At lunch on Friday, Izumi found herself sitting next to Todoroki, he was at the edge of the table and she was second from the edge. 

Todoroki was usually shut off and reclusive. When he did talk he was quiet, meaning he didn't have any unintended participants in his conversations. 

So far the topics brought up at lunch never seemed to stir any passion within him. He was making an effort to be social but hadn't found his place yet. 

She wondered if there was something more. She sometimes caught him looking her way, he wanted something and until that lunch period she didn't know what. 

"Midoriya, can we talk?" he asked. 

She looked at Uraraka who was directly across from him. In the hustle and bustle she hadn't heard him at all. 

Perhaps this kind of whispering was a talent of his? 

She nodded. He inhaled as if to start a sentence but the words hitched. He tried again. 

"You and Bakugo, what was said. I feel I understand your story."

His answer surprised her. "How so?" she whispered. 

"It's.. To do with home.."

Her stomach twisted in her chest as if the foreboding tone had physical grasped it. 

It was no secret that he was Endavour's son, the entire class had picked up on that by the end of day 1.

Endavour was known for being "rough" and  "heavy handed" in his "heroism". He was exceptionally controversial as were the sidekicks he surrounded himself with. More than one having gotten caught out for some despicable crime. 

Some say Endavour was just better at hiding it. 

Shoto's statement had pointed in that direction. 

"Todoroki, if.. You want to talk about it. Would you like to do it somewhere private?" 

He looked away thoughtfully, wrestling with competing desires. Eventually he nodded. Izumi excused them both saying Todoroki had something to talk to her about, vaguely suggesting it was a student council thing. 

They walked back to classroom 1-A and found it empty as per her plan though she quickly checked if professor Aizawa was hiding. 

"Todoroki.. Is everything all right at home?" 

She felt wrong, playing counsellor to a boy she barely knew, but she wanted to help and she wasn't going to let it be. It wasn't her way. 

"When.. When I saw you during the quirk assessment, the first thing you reminded me of was All-Might. Your quirk and, maybe your smile too."

She clenched her fist by her side, trying to hide any further reaction. 

"My father, Endavour, he regularly treats me like an object. He talks to me like I'm a sculpture and not a person.

He has spoken publicly about wanting to gain the number one rank but privately he has resigned himself to never being enough. All-Might is an impossible goal."

She nodded, "So he's putting pressure on you to do the same?" 

Todoroki bit his lip, "He.. Wants me to succeed where he can't yes. He trains me relentlessly, paid for the best schools and tutors and then forced me through UA on his own recommendation.

I had some notion that I'd just do the tests and graduate in no time. Unlike middle school however I never heard anything that hit so close to home as your story did. "

Her story. There was a darkness in those words that made her chest feel like ice. "Did you.. Consider it too?" 

He shook his head, "No, but.. My mother has, maybe still does. She has been in a hospital since I was five years old, or maybe six. She had a breakdown and attacked me" he pointed to the red patch around his left eye, "she threw boiling water on my face. It was the last I ever saw of her. "

She bit the inside of her cheek, "Do you.. Hate her?" she asked. 

"No! it's not her fault, Endavour.." 

Todoroki answered hastily before cutting himself off. It was surprising he had worked up to saying this at much at all. 

"I won't force your life story out of you." she paused for a second, "but if at some point you feel you can confide in me then you can talk about it then."

"Thank you, Midoriya" 

"Izumi is fine." 

"Izumi, then." 

They sat in the awkward silence of the classroom. Todoroki stood up from his seat. 

"Todoroki." she called. 

"Yes?" 

"Maybe your uncomfortable with the idea but do you think seeing your mother would do you both some good?" 

His eyes wised, "I don't know" he grimaced, "she'll probably hate me for not seeing her sooner."

She shook her head, she remembered her first days in the hospital and when she got her voice back. Mothers could be unforgivingly forgiving sometimes. 

"Even if she did, it would pale in comparison to her joy. If I were you I'd visit her." 

He looked away guiltily, ".. Ok, thanks again Izumi" 

*

Their chosen meeting pointing was the front entrance to the as of then unopened Kiyashi ward shopping centre. The area was wide and open but also had loads of benches and plinths to sit on. 

All seven of the 1-A Girls managed to make it. Though all were permitted to bring a plus 1, only three did.

Izumi brought Asuna, it was only fair since they were so close. Asuna also wanted to see if it would work out because then she could introduce the idea to Kendo and the other girls in 1-B.

Ashido brought Kirishima, since they went to the same middle school. Hagakure brought Kaminari. 

They all wore relatively casual light clothes. Shorts, T-shirts, Momo had a cardigan. They didn't have much jewellery between them, Momo had a nice bangle, Jirou has two black bead earrings and was seemingly the only one with pierced ears. 

Asuna was dressed in her best summer goth clothes, a purple pastel crop top over a fishnet t-shirt. She also wore a light knee length skirt with a nebula pattern(that or it was a picture of a nebula).

"Izumi, who's your friend?" asked Tsuyu. 

"This is my friend Haruno Asuna. She is in 1-B at UA. She's also a friend of mine from before UA." answered Izumi. 

Haruno waved cheerfully at them all, "It's nice to meet y'all". 

"Ooooh, you have an accent, where you from?" asked Ochako. 

"uhh, Ibaraki." she replied. 

"Cool! I'm from Mie! Non-Kanto solidarity!" she cried before they fistbumped. 

*

They got into the arcade but chose not to split off. They decided to go in a circuit, playing a few times on as many machines as they could. They had a few hours to kill before going to the karaoke bar. 

They found a couple of cabinets for a street fighter spin off game. Everyone took a turn but for most it was pure button mashing chaos. Kaminari won all his initial matches because he had played before. 

Izumi elbowed Momo "You and me?" 

Momo nodded in reply. They spent the first round button mashing. They asked Denki how to do the complex attacks but he proved unable to explain it well. 

Momo then pulled up the move list herself and it was as if a switch had flicked on in her brain. Momo absorbed the move list entirely, as if she was screen capping the list with her eyes. 

In minutes she went from flustered mashing to controlled and precise attacks with nearly no room for error. Izumi spent the next round glued to the screen's border, unable to move. 

She challenged Denki to a mirror match and won handily. There was something to the games methodical structure that made her a natural player. 

She honestly looked dejected when they said they were moving on. 

Izumi and Momo locked eyes. That dejected expression made Izumi laugh voraciously. Momo smiled back and giggled. She seemed happier having made her laugh.

*

Two trends began emerging simultaneously. There were light gun games everywhere. Two player cabinets, a four player game, zombie shooters, cowboy pistol duels, duck hunt, jungle and urban commando raids. 

The second was that Asui Tsuyu was good at all of them. The biggest surprise was that she didn't have a ranged weapon for her hero load out. She did admit that she never had time for these kinds of outings in middle school so they understood. 

Whether it was a test of speed, accuracy or both; Tsuyu was a prodigy and made short work of all her opponents be it human or computer.

Even at the difficultly levels where the computer had no in built handicap to make them a fair challenge. 

They were all baffled by this until Tsuyu spotted a fly that landed on one of the machines and caught it with her tongue.

Seeing her tongue shoot 9ft across the room to catch a tiny fly in the dimly lit arcade, it became clear as day that none of them had a hope in hell if they challenged her again. 

*

They find the DDR machines and its a small miracle they went left and not right coz they get to it last. Mina charges to the front of the group, fanning her arms ecstatically. Kirishima took up position at her side. 

"May I have your attention please!" she announced in a sing song tone. 

Eijiro cleared his throat before he announced "Some of you wanted to know why we picked Kiyashi ward arcade. The answer is simple. Kiyashi ward.. Is home of the reigning DDR queen, Ashido Mina!" 

He announced her name with a flourish and a cheer. Ashido tilted her head back, eyes to heaven and spreading her arms out as if in front of an adoring audience. 

Before they both doubled over in a laughing fit. 

"So.. Your good at DDR?" asked Denki. 

"She is this Arcade's reigning champion! Her names on the board and everything!" answered Eijiro whilst pointing to a leader board on the wall. Sure enough, Ashido Mina was in slot number 1.

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm putting you through the wringer. As the reigning champ, y'all have to go against me one on one to prove yourself!" cried Mina. 

"That doesn't sound fair!" shouted Hagakure. 

"It isn't but I'm also the queen so I demand it!"

"It'll be fun anyways and it's great for getting the blood pumping!" affirmed Kirishima. 

Izumi looked to Asuna who shrugged in approval. "I'm down, I'd say everyone having a go ought to be fun." spoke Asuna. 

Kirishima is the first to challenge her and though he is clearly experienced he doesn't last, failing at song two. In his defence, Ashido knew how good he was and pushed him to his limit early. 

Denki went next but didn't do any better, having gotten too dizzy trying to keep up. 

Uraraka tried to be sneaky and made her clothes weightless as she did in the quirk assessment. It didn't do her much good though she was the first of them to get through two tracks. 

Tsuyu proved to be quite capable, her natural mutations giving her the flexibility and precision she needed to keep up. What she lacked however was Ashido's boundless stamina. She bowed out after three songs. 

Izumi tapped Asuna on the shoulder, "think I can do it?" 

Asuna rolled her eyes to heaven, "Yes, do you think your legs will outlast hers?" 

Izumi thought about it for a moment only to shrug her shoulders, "I doubt it'll go that far anyway." 

Izumi waved to Ashido, "I'll go next" 

"Oh ho" said Ashido with a devilish grin on her face. "After seeing you in the training battle I'd like to see what you can really do."

"Unlike the training battle, I won't need my quirk." she announced, cracking a cocky half smile. 

"oooooooh" hummed Kaminari and Kirishima in chorus, the air was thick with anticipation. 

Ashido laughed excitedly as they stepped up to the plate. Having won the last round, Izumi got to pick the track. 

There were over a hundred, all were ranked by broad difficulty (easy, medium, expert), but within each difficulty they were also ranked easiest to hardest by their place on the board. (harder as you went up the list.)

Izumi picked the first song in the expert category, skipping the chance to get a warm up track. Instead she quickly stretched as the timer counted down. 

"Don't disappoint" jeered Ashido as the timer passed 10. 

"Don't trip" she jeered back. 

3..

2..

1..

Arrows came in rapid fire, both Mina and Izumi took a second to find their mark. For three foot stomping minutes they kept in synch. 

The track was some Midi from an old video game. The cover art had a jazz band of all mutant quirks, or maybe they were monsters. 

It was a track that could be found in the medium difficulty but there the arrows guided you through an appropriate dance. 

The expert version had them banging their feet to the cords and rhythm itself as if they were playing the track with their feet. 

It was nasty, but they both made it. 

Ashido led by about 200 points but each had scored in the 90,000s rendering the difference moot. 

Izumi: 96.89%

Mina: 96.90%

"Izumi, how are you keeping up?!" exclaimed Kaminari. He was in total disbelief as Izumi was neither sweating or panting. 

"I do a lot of physical training for my quirk. I also do martial arts. Asuna has pics of me lifting a mini over my head." she deflected. 

"A mini?" asked Ochako. 

"She means the car." explained Asuna, in a deadpan way. 

Kirishima's eyes filled with stars, "show me show me show me!" 

Ochako and kirishima both looked over Asuna's shoulders as she flicked through pictures of Izumi working out on the beach. She then turned the phone around to show the rest of them. 

In turn she got a flurry of compliments and requests for training secrets. She told them to ask again later. 

Izumi and Ashido took to the plates one more. Ashido got to pick the next track so immediately hopped five places up from the first track. 

The track was a little over two minutes long and appeared to be opening track from a shonen anime. It was rock or pop-rock, she wasn't too sure. The addition of an animated opening added a sneaky level of difficulty as the moving images made tracking the arrows harder. 

After furiously tapping their feet for the entire track, Izumi managed to steal the lead by a measly 100 points. Their scores were up around 250,000 each. 

She looked to Mina who was plastered with sweat and panting like a dog. Seeing her this way made her doubt her legs would make it through the punishment. Mina had been at this for almost an hour but only now she was tired. 

A security guard popped around to tell them to move on, they then noticed the small crowd of people waiting to use the machines. 

It was late anyway, they concluded. 

They left the arcade soon after. They were all at some stage of exhaustion. They went into mcdonalds to eat before heading to the Karaoke bar.

 *

The Karaoke bar was only a short distance from the arcade. They had booked in a large room for a couple of hours. 

After some humming and hawing Ashido and Hagakure got up to sing Shakira together. Shakira became Beyonce which became Rihanna. 

Everyone adventurous enough to suggest something off the wall usually didn't have any one to sing it with. 

Tsuyu sang once and it was to sing Mariah Carey. If there is anything to take away from life its that you don't know someone till you've heard them sing. 

In a term it was, fae-like. The tune of the Merrows and bewitchers. 

They couldn't peer pressure her to continue sadly. She was far too resolute to sing a song that didn't interest her. 

Izumi caught Haruno and Jirou talking together and before they knew it the two were standing up singing together. They sang Panic at the Disco! songs together. 

As they sat back down and Izumi followed up on a dare to sing 'Let It Go' with Ochako, Haruno sat down beside Momo. 

"Hey." 

"Uh hi" 

"so, you and Izumi?" 

"what about it?" 

Asuna raised a brow at her, "I could have sworn you were crushing on her."

"w-what" she stuttered. 

"did you not know? You definitely like her. It's been on your face every time I see you two talking. Have you really not thought of it?" 

"W-well, I mean, I do like her but.." 

She turned her eyes to Izumi who was singing passionately. She wasn't anywhere close to the note but she was still smiling and laughing.

She fantasised about it, about holding her hand, about.. Holding her.. Touching her..

"You haven't done this before have you."

She was instantly snapped out of it. She turned her face away. 

"Well don't worry, I won't be body blocking you if you decide to take a crack at dating."

Haruno quickly bounced back to the other side of the room where Jirou was sitting. It was just in time for the song to end and Izumi sat back down next to her. 

Momo brushed her leg with her own. She looked to her and saw she was smiling bright; brighter than she had ever seen before. 

"Do you do stuff like this often?" asked Momo. 

She smiled, "When we get the chance. It's rarely in a Karaoke bar. Might be outside or in at home."

"I.." began Momo as she laboured with her thoughts, "I was never an unpopular person in my old schools. However, people always saw the fastidious and posh Momo, the tutor or the prodigy.

No one ever invited me out to do stuff like this. They acted like I was a part of the staff and not just a girl their age."

Izumi looked away from her, bitter memories stirring beneath the surface. She turned back to her, finding her dueling internally with equally unpleasant thoughts. 

She laid a hand on Momo's, snapping her from her reverie. They locked eyes but being so close.. She cleared her throat, "It doesn't matter, that was then and this is now. The past will fade like old paint and we'll paint something new over it. That's how I see it at least." 

Momo seemed dumbfounded but then she giggled, "Thanks Izumi." 

*

Eventually, their time expires and they are forced to go home. They wait at Kiyashi ward station for their appropriate trains. Jirou has to leave first. She says her goodbyes before departing. Asuna's sauntered back over to her with a gleeful look in her eye. 

"What's got you so peppy?" asked Izumi. 

"I got a date!" replied Haruno. 

"A date?! " said Momo. 

"A date!?" cried Ashido. 

"Good job, wish you luck." replied Izumi, nonchalantly. 

Momo blushed and scratched at the back of her head. "Is it really that easy?" she murmured. 

"It's only a date" intoned Asuna, "you'll never know if it'll work out unless you ask." 

"You make it sound easy." complained Momo. 

"It's better than waiting until your too invested in a yes." she warned, giving her a cool sideways glare. 

Momo mulled over those words, riddled with indecisiveness.

Haruno looked to Izumi, giving her the look, raising her eyebrows up and down, making a show of her eyes dancing between her and Momo.

Izumi rolled her eyes to heaven but smiled in tandem.

"Momo."

Momo snapped out of her stupor and looked back to her. 

"Would you.. Like to go on a date with me?"

Someone gasped, probably Ashido or Hagakure, maybe both in tandem. 

Momo's mouth fell open in shock before her expression changed to one of glee. She blushed ecstatically. 

"Yes, I would love to. "

*