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//~~~~~~~~~Chapter 1~~~~~~~~~~~~\\"Excuse me! P-pardon me!"Momo clutched the stack of flyers and binders that sat in her arms up to her chin. The crowded hallway left no room for her to maneuver easily as shoulders bumped her own and she focused on not toppling.It didn't help that the school's halls were all a buzz with stories about last night's fight."Did you see Icy-Hot on the news?" A girl swooned to her gaggle of friends that took up half the hall and were currently blocking Momo’s locker."Oh, um, can I squeeze by?" Momo tried to get by but they ignored her.A guy shoved by her as she stumbled back, "Dude, did you see him use that fire? It was totally crazy!" Regaining her balance, a strand of her hair hung in her face. She blew it aside and out of her line of vision. The group of girls laughed louder, "I saw him in the paper! Check it out" She held up the black and white paper as the other students squealed and crowded closer to see. "He's so handsome! Look at that intense face he has!"“He’s wearing a mask! How can you tell?”“Girl, Just look at those muscles! Of course, he’s going to be gorgeous behind the mask!"Wow, so strong!" "Pardon me- I just need to get to my locker." Momo said to the back of two girls who continued to ignore her. Just then, a kid shouted from the end of the hall, "Look it's Todoroki!" Just like that, the stampede of students rushed by Momo, causing her to fall backwards, dropping her stack of paperwork and flyers. The papers rained down like confetti as Momo sat on the sticky tile trying her hardest to collect the papers slowly scattering across the floor. "Oh no, please don't step on that!" Momo covered her face as another student ran by, stepping on her flyers. Momo looked up to the crowd of students all herding around a single figure, all speaking at once. Some waived the morning paper up in the air to try and show him. "Todoroki!" "Look over here! Hey Todoroki!" "Did your dad talk to IcyHot?" Momo sighed as she quickly grasped at the papers in midair that fell around her. Maybe she could still salvage it if she- The school's morning bell gave a shrill ring, signaling that they had two minutes to get to their homeroom. Just like before, the stampede reverted back and Momo let out a shout as she covered her head and felt the dozens of legs run by her. Her papers were kicked up and crunched under the shoes of the students. Within a minute, the once crowded halls were cleared completely, leaving the vice-president back where she started. Except this time all her white papers were dirty with shoe prints on them and scattered even further around the floor. "Ah, no" She groaned as she went back to collecting them. Crawling forward on her hands and knees, she stopped at a pair of shoes. Her cat-like eyes traveled upwards to the pants and school blazer. Once she reached that familiar face, she gave a squeak and sat up on her knees. "Oh T-Todoroki-san!" She felt embarrassment burn at her cheeks as those heated dual colored eyes looked down at her with that same blank face he had worn since Junior High. After a moment of silence, she watched as he crouches down and picks up a flyer to examine the print under the dirty shoe mark. Momo quickly went back to picking up as many papers as she could, not knowing what he was doing just crouching there reading. "A bake sale?" His voice sounded as monotone as always. Momo didn't look at him as she began to create a small pile of the ruined papers, "Yes, the student council is having a bake sale to help the school with club funding." The response she received was just a hum as he held out the paper to her and she glanced over to it before accepting it with a thanks. He stood back up and walked right by her as cool as he entered. "You should get to class." He said over his shoulder as her mouth dropped open in shock. Did he just- What was that even?Annoyance burned at her stomach as she huffed and began muttering to herself as she finished collecting the papers, "Oh, thank you for pointing out the obvious, Todoroki. You're so smart, Todoroki. Saving the day with your observation skills, Todoroki." Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she stretched his name out like a joke.Turning around, she came face-to-face with Jirou. Momo let out a loud gasp as the purple haired student snorted in laughter, holding out her own stack of papers that she must have picked up, "You talking to yourself again, Yaomomo?"Blushing while swiping the stray hair from in front of her face, Momo accepted the stack of flyers onto her own stack, "No! I was just-uh- humming. Yeah, that’s it."Jirou raised her brow in a statement of not believing her as she walked to Momo's locker and, with a hit of her elbow, the door swung open, "Ri--ight."Thankful for the help, Momo slid the papers into her locker and took out the two text books she would need for her next classes, "Thanks, Jirou.""Don't thank me yet, girl. Remember you owe me a tutoring session at lunch. I have that test afterwards, so I really need that refresher."Momo gave her a nod as they walked to their homeroom together, "You got it. Sorry I couldn’t tutor you last night. My volunteer program ran late at the hospital.”"It’s cool.... So, you hear about last night's fight?" Jirou smirked evilly to Momo, who rolled her eyes."Ugh, please, not you too! It's all I've hear about since I woke up! Icy Hot this- Icy Hot that- Icy-freakin’-Hot. I don't see what the big deal is." Momo hugged her books to her ample chest as she glared down at her feet."Maybe it's the fact that the guy’s a real live superhero?" Her friend thought out loud as if it were obvious. Momo scoffed, "So he has a quirk thing. Big deal! He should become a cop and fight crime the legal way." "You don't think what he's doing is legal?" "What is exactly legal about being a masked vigilantly? Getting in the way of the real heroes and sliding around on that ice wave thing." She lifted a hand as if his quirk were right before her eyes. "You can get away with pretty much anything when people don’t know your identity." Momo stopped before their classroom door, "Just because he can doesn't mean he should. We have laws, order and structure to take care of bad people." "So, you're saying he should just do nothing?" "I'm just saying we all have a choice in life and sometimes the hardest choices are to do nothing. I, for one, trust in my city’s police to handle any issue that may come up." Momo ended the conversation by sliding the door to their homeroom open. Her face dropped as she noticed all the eyes on the TV as their teacher played a recording of the hero Icy-Hot saving downtown Japan the night before. No one even noticed the two girls walk in late and take their seats at the back of the class. In the video Icy-Hot surfed across an ice bridge he created to gain a better vantage point over the monster. The news reporter talked fast and loud into the camera, recounting everything that just happened moments earlier.It’s been many years since super human abilities began showing up in nearly 1 percent of the human population. That’s 34 Million people that generated these things known as quirks to the populace. Some quirks were as mundane as growing your hair out, or as complicated as growing to be the size of Tokyo Tower in just seconds. Super villains started showing up soon after, robbing banks, destroying buildings, killing thousands. It wasn’t long until the world senate passed a ban on using quirks out in the open. Though it didn’t stop the villains, another group of quirk users stepped into the spot light.Superheroes, or at least that’s what the media called them since they resembled the people from children's comic books. The first to appear was this guy, All Might, and then others joined him. EraserHead, Present Mic, Midnight, Mrs. Joke, all from different corners of the city. Due to the law on using powers out in the open, these heroes were all wanted by the police, so they wore masks to protect their identity.Two years ago, another masked vigilante joined the ranks of heroes that protected the streets. The media called him Icy-Hot, but unlike the other heroes, he never spoke to the media to correct them. He was the youngest vigilante in Japan when he started, though no one knew his age for sure. He looked like a high schooler, which is why their school seemed so obsessed with him. Everyone except Momo, of course, since she had better things to do than gossip about which hero was her zodiac sign, or if they were single.She had important things like school work, volunteering at Japan’s biggest hospital twice a week, and fundraising for her school. When would she have time to obsess over something as childish as superheroes?Momo scoffed as she pulled out her chemistry book and opened to the last page she left off on before bed the night before. Never aware of the eyes glancing over at her from a special someone. Her friend, on the other hand, was very much aware of the eyes watching Momo. Jirou tapped her pencil to her chin in thought.When lunch rolled around, Momo found herself sitting under a large oak tree peeling an orange as she asked Jirou refresher questions for her quiz after their break."And in what year did they sign the declaration of independence?" Momo recited from her friend's American history textbook. All students in their final year were required to take some form of history class. Jirou chose American, while Momo stuck with ancient Japan. "Hm? What did you say?" Jirou looked up from where she was watching the crowd across the campus. Momo followed her line of sight and saw Todoroki sitting at a picnic table surrounded by half their classmates, all talking to him as he ignored their advances. "Jirou, I'm trying to help you here." Momo sighed as Jirou nodded and held up her juice box. "Sorry, I was just thinking." "About anything other than your history test?" The rocker girl snorted as she sipped her juice quickly and pulled back, "No, just about Todoroki." "What about him?" "You've known him the longest right?" Sitting back against the tree, Momo thought about it before nodding, "Yeah, we were in the same classes all through Junior High. Why?" "Well, it's just that you two never talk. I think this morning was the first time I've seen you both even say two words to each other. It just makes me think." Popping a slice of orange in her mouth she chewed in thought before swallowing, "I mean he's just kind of always been the silent type. I tried talking to him once in Junior High and he ignored me. Didn't think to try again after that." "Was that before or after he became so popular?" Jirou ate her bread as interest peaked her voice. "Before- defiantly before. He didn't start this whole popular thing until our last year of Junior High. It’s when people found out his dad’s the chief of police and works around the heroes.” "So, you don't like him because he's the silent type or because he’s popular?" Jirou cocked her head to the side. "What? Who says I don't like him? I don't even know the guy, so I don't have a reason not to like him, though I suppose I don't have a reason TO like him either." Just as Jirou opened her mouth to ask another question, the bell rang in the distance and the purple haired girl groaned, "Damn it, I didn't study! I gotta go see if I can cram read while walking. See ya, Momo!" Momo watched her friend as she ran away with her nose in her history book. Giving a loud sigh, the vice president began to pick up her lunch and pack away her empty bento until a shadow blocked her sunlight and she looked up. Just like that morning, she met those impossibly deep dual-colored eyes and a sense of DeJa'Vu washed over her. "Hey?" Momo asked as she shoved her lunchbox into her satchel. "Do you have an extra flyer for the bake sale?" He asked and her head cocked to the side. "What?" For the first time since Momo met him as kids, she witnessed a flustered look cross his face, "I- um my sister likes to bake a lot. She's been wanting to participate in my school's PTA since I got here. I think she'd like to help." Giving it a few seconds to process, Momo reached into her satchel for an extra flyer as she stood up and held it out to him, "Yeah, sure. That would be nice." He accepted the paper and looked down to it before glancing back at her, "Thanks" She awkwardly gripped the handle to her bag and looked around as if unsure what to say next, "Well, give her my thanks if she can help out. The more the merrier. Both my moms are going to be helping out, so it's cool if your sister can come too." He gave just a single nod before Momo took a step back, "Uh, I better get going." Without waiting for a response, she turned quickly and began to jog to the school doors to make it to her next class on time. Her head spun at the fact that not just once, but twice today she spoke with that mysterious kid that had always been in the same classes with her since Junior High. Weird... Though luckily, it didn't last, because she got through the following week without speaking so much as a single word to the guy. Jirou didn’t bring it up and Momo got to focus on handing out flyers around the school. So yeah, back to normal. Until the bake sale. Friday morning came and Momo stood at the entrance of the school with her mom, setting up the long tables for the bake sale. Her other mother had to go to work, so she wouldn’t be participating in the actual sales. They got there before the sun even rose to make sure all the posters were hung, the tables were set, and the desserts were lined perfectly in their glass dishes. Not many parents responded to the bake sale flyers Momo handed out to all the classes, so to make up for it her mom & mother stayed up all night baking up a storm for Momo's school. She loved them both so much. "Momo, sweetie. can you go put that sign against the entrance over there?" Her mom handed her a lovely laminated sign and Momo nodded as she rushed to the entrance. The sign wouldn't stay with the sticky tack already pressed to the back and Momo tried pressing harder, but with no luck. Sighing loudly, she punched at the paper, using as much strength as possible. Peeling her hand away, the sign stuck in place and she rubbed at her sore hand. "Woah, that was cool!" Turning around, she was instantly met with a familiar face, and a new face staring at her. One belonging to Todoroki, while the other belonged to a beautiful older woman with white hair that had specks of red in it, pulled back into a messy bun. The woman quickly bowed before standing up straight and holding out her large casserole dish filled to the brim with large cookies. "Is this where we drop off for the bake sale?" The sweet woman asked. "Yes, it is. Thank you so much!" Momo accepted the dish and held it close to her stomach. "You must be Todoroki's sister?" She questioned after a moment of silence and the woman nodded quickly. "Yes, and you must be the vice president that Shouto here told me about." Momo looked to Todoroki, who blushed at his sisters' words and glared at her, "Fu, chill." He whispered. Fu waved him off like a child, "Oh, calm down, you. I never get to meet your little friends. Can't I just embarrass you for once like a sister should?" This exchange caused Momo to giggle as both siblings looked back to her and she gave a quick bow, "I'm Momo Yaoyorozu, vice president of the student council." "Hello! Are you here for the bake sale?" Everyone turned to see Momo's mom waving over at the table, "Come on in!" Fuyumi dashed over to the other parent like a woman on a mission, leaving Momo and Shouto behind in her dust. Momo turned her smile to her classmate, who still had that flush on the bridge of his nose. "Your sister is nice." "She's alright when you get to know her." Momo looked down to the cookies before Shouto spoke up again, "They're chocolate chip." "Oh yum, they look great! These will sell fast." He hummed as he scratched the back of his head, and Momo wondered if he wanted to say something before he blurted out, "So, you fight?" At first, she was confused until she realized he was motioning to where she punched the sign and realization struck her. “Oh that? Yeah, a bit. Both my mom's think I should learn to protect myself. You know, with all the things you see in the news now days. It’s nothing dazzling, just a purple belt.” "What style?" He cocked his head to the side. “Martial Arts, mostly, but I’ve dabbled in kick boxing. It’s a good work out, though my teacher would be so disappointed to see me chowing down on one of these cookies.” She joked as she held up the dish and motioned over to the table. "I better get back. Are you staying to help out?"“I have plans already.” He said and Momo felt somehow disappointed, but she smiled and gave him a nod.“Okay, well stay safe.” She turned around and headed over to where her mom and Todoroki’s sister were talking.She felt his eyes follow her to the table, but when she turned around, he was gone. Shaking off the feeling, she placed the cookies on the fold-out table and thanked Fu as she handed Momo a price card to put by the container.“You must really be something special for my brother to talk about you.” Fuyumi smiled at Momo, who had already begun taking inventory of all the treats.She felt her cheeks bloom at those words, “What? He talks about me?”“Yeah, you’ve been in his class since Junior High. He told me when you were running for class president, he voted for you. Too bad you came in second.”Momo’s mom cooed as she held her cheek, “Aw that’s so sweet! Honey you never mentioned him before. I thought you only had Jirou.”Her flush turned into that of an embarrassed one as she whispered for her mom to stop. It sucked when your mom also noticed you only had one friend, so her telling it to a complete stranger was mortifying.Fu giggled at their mother daughter moment before leaning against the lamp post behind the table, giving the ladies a nice glow in the dark. The students would be showing up in about an hour, so any remaining parent looking to donate a treat had time to drop it off before the morning rush.“Oh, I forgot to get the sodas from the car! I’ll be right back.” Momo’s mom jogged off to the SUV parked in the guest parking near the teacher's lot.Once alone, Fuyumi faced Momo again, “You know my baby brother doesn’t have a lot of friends either.”Momo gave a scoff, “I highly doubt that. He’s the most popular boy in our school.”“Popularity doesn’t mean friends.” Fuyumi sighed as she crossed her arms, “He would kill me if he knew I’m talking about him like this, but Shouto’s a pretty lonely guy.”“Lonely?” Momo didn’t want to believe it. She lost track of how many parties she heard him invited to, or the number of people crowding his locker. Not to mention the love letters stuffed in his desk before class. Once time when it was her turn as class rep to clean up after school, she found over a dozen love letters just thrown out into the garbage with his name scribbled across the envelopes. There was no way that guy was lonely.Fuyumi gave a single nod, “Between school and his activity at the dojo, he doesn’t go anywhere else. I’ve been trying to get him to join a club, or go out to a party, meet someone. But he always just tells me he’s too busy.”Momo lifted her clipboard to hide her frown as she feels guilt well up in her stomach the more Fuyumi spoke. She remembered how mean she was yesterday in the hall, judging him like that.“Which is why I’m so happy he brought home this flyer for the bake sale! When I saw your name at the bottom, I knew I had to come. I wanted to meet you in person.” She reached out and took Momo’s hand as the vice-president gave the sister a wide-eyed look. “You’re the only person he’s brought up from school. You must be pretty close to my brother.”“Oh, um I wouldn’t say we’re close.” Momo felt sweat dot the back of her neck as that sweet smile looked to her with such hope.“Don’t be shy, I promise I’m not this emotional when you get to know me.” Fu dropped her hand and took a step back, “Maybe you can come over for dinner one night.”“Uh sure that would be- um nice?”“Great! I’ll get Shouto to arrange something.” She dropped the subject and went back to laying out the napkins and plates.As she walked away Momo turned her back to the woman and looked to the gate where she last spoke with Shouto. Trying to wrack her brain for any type of moment they had in the past that would warrant him talking about her to his sister. They just spoke once in Junior High, maybe two or three times in passing since in a few classes they were seat mates. One time he picked up her pencil for her and she thanked him. Another time he made a comment that her shoe was untied, and she quickly re-laced it. After Junior High he grew even more seclusive if possible, and their contact grew even less than those few incidences.Besides that time in the hall, she couldn’t think of anything else that they had done together or spoken about. What did she do to make her so special to talk about?“Excuse me, is this where I drop off for the bake sale?” A man asked holding a tray of cupcakes and Momo instantly gave a bright professional smile.“Yes, sir, right over there. Thank you so much for contributing to our school” She gave him a bow before he headed over to Fuyumi. Shaking the thoughts from her head, she began to focus on what she needed to do. Sell treats for her school!An hour later, kids began showing up to school and crowding the campus. Momo stood out front smiling at her fellow classmates.“Good morning! Care to buy a treat and support our local clubs?” She asked for the hundredth time.Sadly, she received the same outcome. The students either ignored her, brushed her off with a one-word answer, or just laughed and whispered something to their friends, who laughed.“Wow, beating them off with sticks, huh?”Momo smiled at the sight of her best friend, Jirou, as the purple-haired girl walked up to Momo’s mom and held out a dollar.“Oh, it’s so good to see you Jirou. How are your parents?” Momo’s mom handed the girl a cup cake before sliding the dollar into the metal box. Jirou accepted the treat with starry eyes at the prospect of sugar, “They’re fine. They’ve been talking about having you and your wife over for coffee.”“Lei and I would love to. Give them my best and thanks for your support.” She gave a thumbs up before returning to her conversation with Fuyumi.Ever since the morning started, both Fuyumi and Momo’s mom, Abalee, had been sitting in the lawn chairs talking non-stop about some book they’re both reading. Momo had been trying to hustle some cash without much luck.“So, how much have you made so far?” Jirou said around a mouthful of frosting.“Well, including your dollar, we’re at one whole dollar.”Jirou gave a nervous laugh at that, “Wow, okay, that sucks.”Momo let out a loud sigh, “I know. This is a disaster. We have twenty minutes before the first bell rings and if I don’t get any money soon, I’m going look like an idiot in front of the student counsel!”“Can I do anything?” Jirou ate some more of her treat.“Not unless you can spend a thousand dollars on treats, because that’s our goal.”Jirou made a pained face as she balled up the trash in her hand, “Sadly, my budget doesn’t go that high for sugar. Sorry, babe.”“It’s alright” Momo groaned before framing her face with her hands, “I need a miracle.”A commotion sounded at the gate as everyone looked up to see Todoroki walking through the entrance with his satchel slung over his shoulder. Students rushed to his side as they greeted him with morning praise and one-sided conversation.“Hey, Todoroki, some friends are going out after school to get some ice cream. You in?”“Todoroki, my parents just finished installing an indoor pool. Wanna come over?”“Todoroki, any comment for the school newspaper on the rise in crime around the school?”Momo felt her stomach knot up as she noticed that impassive look that was directed right at her while walking in her direction.“Is he walking over here?” Jirou whispered, just as shocked as Momo.“I-I don’t know.”To answer her question, he stopped right before her, with those intense eyes locking on her onyx ones. Since when did his eyes evoke such stomach flutters to erupt?“Um, hi?” Momo held up a hand.His eyes looked to his sister, who was smiling at him and gave a wave before he looked back and she opened her mouth again, “Did you need something?”She could feel the eyes of their classmates standing around them, watching, as if they paid to be entertained. Her cheeks grew warm as he gave a nod, “I’ll buy something.”With that, the flood gates of students rushed forward, also shouting to buy something.“If Todoroki wants it, so do I!”“I’ll take five of those!”“Make mine a dozen!”Momo’s mother and Fuyumi jumped to attention as they began servicing the long line of demanding students. Jirou actually ran behind the table to assist Fuyumi take the cash while Momo’s mother packaged and handed out the treats.Turning back to Shouto with wide eyes, she couldn’t help the giant smile that bubbled across her mouth, “Thank you, Todoroki-san!”His own eyes grew a fraction wider as she left his side to go help out behind the table, taking orders that were shouted across at them.The crowd lasted up until the first bell, and students began making their way to class with their boxed or plated goodies. Momo had permission to skip homeroom since she was doing student counsel work.Jirou bid them all goodbye as she rushed to her locker and Momo called out her thanks to her best friend.Momo turned to the now cleared court yard as her Mother and Fuyumi began to count their profit.“Wow, that was such a rush!” Abalee sighed as Fuyumi nodded.“We still have some treats left, so how about we stay till lunch? We can move in the cafeteria?” Fuyumi suggested as Abalee clapped at the idea.“Sounds perfect! Let's start moving the tables. Momo, can you wait with the money?” Her mother asked as Fuyumi and her lift both ends of the table.“Sure, no problem!” Momo waved as both women shuffled off to the school.Once out of sight Momo, sat in her mother's chair and took a breath of relief. Maybe she wouldn’t be a total failure after all.“Hey”The sudden voice caused her to look up to see a tall man standing before the remaining tables. His auburn hair reached his shoulders and a pair of sunglasses covered his eyes as he smirked down at her.Looking around and noticing all the students were in school, she wondered if he might be a parent, “Hello sir. Would you like to help out our school by participating in our bake sale?”The guy just eyed Momo as the student stood up from her chair and folded her hands before her skirt as a sign of assistance.“Sure thing, sweetie pie. Whatcha got?” He leaned forward, and Momo felt her hair stand on end as the bad vibes shot down her spine.“Um, well, we have mostly home bakes good donated by other parents and students. Everything is a dollar. Anything catch your eye?” She motioned to the remaining sweets.Placing his hands on the table, he cocked his head to the side, looking down to the skin of Momo’s legs, “Oh I have my eye on something.”Feeling annoyed at the vague answer, she took a step to the side, “That’s not for sale.”“Come on baby, everyone's got a price.” He laughed at her glare, “I can assure you I’ll pay heavily for my sweet tooth.”“You know what, sir, we just closed. Have a good day.” Momo shut the metal cash box and slid it under the table.“You don’t have to be a bitch about it. I’m just complimenting you.” His smile dropped when he realized this wasn’t going to go his way. “I wasn’t asking for a compliment. You should go, sir.” Her tone became strict, something she used when chastising bullies or kids breaking rules at her school.A hand shot out and gripped at her arm, jerking her to lean over the table. Her hand flew up to it and tried to pry him off.“I don’t like your attitude, bitch. You’re making me feel unwanted.”“Let go, you’re hurting me!” Momo hissed as she tried to jerk back, but he tightened his hold on her.As she was about to slap him, a hand gripped the guys shoulder, and both turned to see Todoroki standing there with an angry glint to his heterochromia eyes. The guy quickly dropped Momo’s arm and she took a step back. The offender was jerked back as Todoroki stood before Momo’s table, blocking her view from the guy.“Is there a problem here?” His tone sounded threatening as Momo held her sore arm and looked to her classmate’s back.The guy glared at them before shaking his head, “No... no problem.”“Then get out of here.”The guy turned quickly and scuttled off campus, just shooting a single glare over his shoulder at the duo. Once gone, Todoroki turned to Momo with concerned eyes.“Are you okay?”The air felt colder than it did moments before as she shook off the cold chill running up her legs.“Yeah I’m fine.”“Good”Looking around as if wondering what to do next she snapped her attention on something before holding out an icing covered cookie to her savior, “Thank you for the help.”His eyes look to the cookie before accepting it. Their fingers brushed and she pulled away quickly, “Wow your hands are cold! Here.” She held out her hand and watched as confusion crossed his face.“Give me your hand.” She insisted.After looking unsure, he swapped the cookie to his other hand before handing it to her. Both her warm hands encased the icy cold skin and brought it closer to her. A thin table separated them, but she just focused on rubbing her palms around his right hand. After a minute of warming up his skin, she looked up to see that pink flush from earlier cross his face.Once she released it, she shoved her now-cold hands into her blazer pockets, “There, all better.”He mutters a thanks before looking down to the cookie and taking a bite of its sugary goodness, “This is good.”“I’m glad. You didn’t get a chance to get one earlier. Which I guess is also thanks to you.”A shrug is all she received as she looked to the school, “Why aren’t you in class?”“I wanted to check on my sister. Teacher said it’s alright.”She nodded as they stood in silence, and she watched him finish the cookie before a call caused both of them to turn and see Momo’s mom and Todoroki’s sister walking towards them.“Should we tell them what happened?” He asked her and Momo quickly shook her head as she lowered her voice.“No way. My mom would freak out. I don’t want to worry her.”The two adults finally reached them as Fuyumi asked Todoroki to help them move the tables to the cafeteria. Together, they all got it done in two trips and set the remaining treats up in the large cafeteria.“Okay, I think we have it from here. You two get to class.” Abalee shooed them away as she and Fu go back to their conversation from earlier.After bidding them goodbye, Momo and Todoroki took off to their next class, which happened to be Momo’s favorite, chemistry.As they walked together, she wondered what to say, or even if she should say something. She had known him for almost 6 years now, and yet, she knew next to nothing about him except that his dad was the chief of police.Then she remembered Fu’s words from earlier, ‘Between school and his activity at the dojo, he doesn’t go anywhere else. I’ve been trying to get him to join a club, or go out to a party, meet someone.’“So, you’re part of a dojo?” She asked quickly and he looked to her in surprise.“How did you-”“Your sister,” Momo quickly answered, “She told me you always go to a dojo after school.”Todoroki’s face looked annoyed and she wondered if it’s directed at her, “Sorry, I don’t mean to pry. She was just being very-”It was his turn to finish her sentence, “Talkative?”She nodded to him as he shrugged, “Yeah well she’s always been like that. Always talking to strangers or prattling on about anything and everything. Hard to believe we’re related.”“I can see the resemblance.”“She looks more like our mom. I unfortunately take after my dad.”His words brought confusion to her mind as she wondered if she should ask him to elaborate or just forget it all together. Though the choice is made for her as they reached their classroom and she sighed in relief.Lunch time came and Momo rushed to the bake sale table to see a decent line already forming to get some treats. She hurried in and began to help Fuyumi and her mom accept money while handing out the treats on a plate.The line kept up until the end of lunch, when everyone began packing up and heading to their designated parts of the school. They had sold pretty much everything, just leaving some leftover raisin cookies and some vegan oatmeal muffins. Fu had already started taking down the tables as she and Abalee took them to her large SUV. Momo sat with the money box and the remaining two containers of treats for any stragglers.Todoroki walked up to the table holding his satchel, “Looks like you did pretty good.”Momo offered him a smile, “We did. Met goal with some to spare.”The red-and-white-haired student looked off to the side before facing her, “Did you get to eat lunch?”As if realizing her lack of food, Momo’s stomach let out a growl and she blushed as she placed her hands over it, “I did not actually. I might grab something from the vending machine on my way to class.”Todoroki pulled his bag to the front of his chest before digging around. She arched her neck to see what he was doing when he pulled out an energy bar and held it out to her. “I always keep a spare. If you want it.”This completely came out of left field for Momo as she looked to the chocolate covered power bar. She should turn him down and tell him she can get her own. But something inside of her just reached forward and took the other end of the bar. It wasn’t until she grasped onto it that he let go and closed his bag, “I’ll see you in class.”She watched him go until the cafeteria doors shut behind him and a sing song voice said next to her, “Someone's got a crush.”“Ack!” Momo jumped as she clutched the power bar to her chest and turned to see Jirou leaning next to the table with a smug smirk on her face.“Jirou!”“You two sharing sweets?” Jirou motioned with her chin to the chocolate bar and Momo blushed bright pink.Quickly, the vice president began waving her best friend off, “Don’t be silly! He just noticed I was hungry and- and he-”“Wanted to take care of you.” Jirou giggled mockingly behind her hand, “Like a boyfriend would.”“Don’t say that!” Momo hissed as she clutched her cheek, feeling the cold wrapper of the treat against her face, “It’s not like that.” “Then pray tell, what is it like? Because before last week you two never spoke even once to each other! Now you’re walking to class together, your mom and his mom are like best friends now-”“That’s not his mom, it’s his sister.” Momo corrected quickly as if that were any better.“Oh, so you know his sister now?” Jirou raised a brow as if she just captured Momo’s queen in a game of chess. “She- I mean we- it's-” “Save your air for your passionate kisses.” Jirou made kissy faces as Momo swatted at her friend's shoulder to stop.After a good laugh, the bell rang and Jirou bounced out to class while Momo finished packing up with her mom and Fuyumi. Todoroki’s sister was the first to leave, with hugs and promises of seeing them again.Momo’s mom handed Momo the metal box, “I counted the cash and told your principal the amount. He can’t take the money because it’s his wife's birthday tonight and he can’t go to the bank. So, after school you and I will go deposit it at the bank for him. I have some errands to run around here anyways until you get out of school.”Nodding to her mom, Momo safely placed the money in her satchel, “I’ll keep it on me at all times.”“See you in two hours sweetie. I’m going to run to the store until you’re out.” Abalee kissed Momo on the head before departing from the campus.The end of the day came fast as Momo rushed to the parking lot to meet with her mom. Not wanting to keep her waiting, she texted Jirou that she had plans and couldn't walk home with her today. Which, in hindsight, it might have been a bad idea to text and walk, because as soon as she hit send on the message she bumped into a body and stumbled back ready to fall. Closing her eyes, she expected her backside to meet the concrete when she felt a hand grasp around her wrist and jerk her back up and against a chest.Looking up, she met Todoroki's impossibly deep eyes looking down at her as his hand continued to hold onto her wrist, "You alright there, Yaoyorozu?"When he said her name, she could feel her heart double its pace as she brushed off the adrenaline of almost falling, "I'm fine, thank you."After a moment of him still holding her, she took a step back and he quickly released her wrist and scratched the back of his head. She gave a giggle and he looked questioningly at her as she shook her head, "Sorry to laugh, but I think I've thanked you quite a few times today."As if realizing what she meant a smirk crossed his face and she couldn't help but admire how handsome he looked in that moment, "You have.""Yup"After several more seconds of silence, Momo heard a horn and both of them turned to see Abalee parked on the corner of the pickup lane waving at them with a big smile. Momo felt her face heat up as she took a step back, clutching her satchel strap to her chest, "I better get going. My mom and I need to get to the bank before they close.""Sure. I'll see you later." He said as he watched her go, and Momo could feel his eyes on her the whole way to her mom’s car.Once inside, she buckled up in the passenger seat and her mom pulled out of the school lot."Sooo, he seems nice." Her mom started as Momo recognized the same tone Jirou had at lunch."Yeah, he is." She placed her school bag on the floor between her feet."His sister is the sweetest woman. Both of them are just lovely. Why haven't you ever mentioned him?" Abalee put her blinker on as they waited to turn.A blush crossed Momo’s face as she shrugged, "We kind of run in different circles."Her mother hummed in thought, "Well at least you're both circles.""What?" Momo scoffed at her mom's weird use of words. Even though she was used to it by now."I mean, at least you see him as a circle, and not a square or a triangle. He's a circle, you're a circle. Do you get what I'm saying?""Not at all Mom."The older woman forced a laugh, "I mean, what I'm trying to say is if you are looking to be with someone, compatibility is important."Momo's face flushed deep red, "Oh my god, mom.""Take your Mother and I for example," She persisted as Momo covered her face with her hands to hide her embarrassment of her mom's words, "I first met her in college and I instantly knew she is my circle."They stopped at a red light as Abalee continued, "I've met a lot of squares and hexagons in my time, but sometimes you just have to wait for the right circle to come along. You've been waiting right?""Are you asking about sex mom? Really?"Abalee blushed this time, "I'm just asking!""No, mom, I'm not having sex! Jeez" Momo looked out her window to the world around her, feeling heat surge to her stomach at the thought of her and Todoroki like that."Okay, okay! I'm sorry. I know it's so not cool to be having THE TALK with your mom!""I already had the talk five years ago with Mama. I really don't need a refresher course.""Say no more! Subject is now dropped..." A pause filled the car and Momo pulled out her phone to see if Jirou had messaged her back when her mom answered, "I just want you to be happy."Momo looked up to her Mom, who was looking at her as they sat at another light, "I worry about you baby. Your mother does too and we both just want to see you succeed. But I know whatever you choose to do, you'll be great.""I know mom," Momo fidgeted with the hem of her skirt, "I'm fine, really.""I'm just so excited that you met someone else, besides Jirou. Not that I don't love that girl, but I'm just thrilled to see a new face around my daughter."Momo felt guilt well up in her as she bit her lip and thought about how she really didn't have any new friends. Her mom was mistaken, and Momo didn't have the heart to tell her what a loser her daughter was. She wasn’t a socialite like her mothers were. She couldn’t walk into a room and draw a spotlight to her personality like they did. She was just Momo... just regular Momo.They pulled up to the bank and Abalee leaned forward, looking at all the parked cars out front, "Hm, line looks long. How about you jump out and get us a place in line? I'll drive around for a parking spot.""Okay" Momo picked up her school bag as she unbuckled her seat belt before jumping out of the car. Once her feet hit the sidewalk, she shut the SUV door and walked into the bank.It was just like any other bank, with a long line stretching from the door to the three teller windows that were. It was super quiet with just the mutterings of the tellers as they spoke to the customers and the typing of the computers. Momo looked to her watch before taking her place behind an older woman who stood clutching her purse.Within a minute two people left the line and it moved up a bit, so Momo counted the spaces until it would be her turn. Eight people. Not bad, she might be near the front when her mom got there.Looking down to her phone, she noticed Jirou texted her back.Jirou: Saw that little game of bumper buddies in the parking lot.Momo: What?Jirou: ;) you know
Jirou: The moment you shared with Todoroki?Momo blushed at the memory and fiercely typed back for Jirou to change the subject, but her friend just sent her emojis of that stupid winky face for every message Momo sent her.She didn't even notice when the door to the bank opened and a large figure stood behind her. The older woman in front of Momo turned around and her eyes grew wide with fear. Momo glanced up just in time to catch that fearful look when gunshots erupted in the air. Momo quickly covered her ears as the shots rang next to her head.Turning around, she saw four men in ski masks holding rifles up in the air, "This is a robbery! Everyone put your hands up!"He fired several more bullets for emphasis as Momo and the older woman back away with their hands up.Screams filled the bank as the other three men rushed forward with large burlap sacks. One took the teller as the other two made their rounds to the people.The ring leader that shot off the bullets stood by the door, keeping a look out, "Alright, everyone just listen to what we say, and no one gets hurt! I need cell phones, wallets, and jewelry in the bags. If you don't want to give it up, my associates here are glad to persuade you otherwise."Momo dug in her pockets as the old woman next to her opened her purse and they begin to pull out their things. When one of the hooded men got to them, he just snatched the old women's purse and dumped it in. He then leaned in as the woman cowered from his gaze, "Hey, lady, give me the necklace.""No please, my husband gave this to me before he died" She begged as she clutched the gold locket outlined with red diamonds, "Take anything else."The man pressed the muzzle of his gun to her head, "I won't ask again.""Leave her alone" Momo shouted before she could stop herself and all the robbers looked to her. She bit her lower lip as she cursed her sporadic actions. Clenching her fists, she tried to stand tall, but shrank back as the robber advanced on her."Hey sweetie, you got a big mouth on you.""Maybe we can put it to good use" Another laughed as he jerked a man’s wallet from his hands before walking behind the old woman and ripping the necklace from around her neck, snapping the clasp. The woman held her hands out but flinched back when the robber glared at her. He shoved the locket into the pocket of his pants before moving on to the next person to get their items.Momo was about to continue to back away when the robber poked her stomach with the gun muzzle and she froze, "What?""Whatcha got in the bag princess? Babysitting money?" The man laughed as he squatted down to the school bag she dropped and Momo felt dread wash up into her stomach as she watched him grab her bag and, instead of opening it, he let the tip of his gun run up the exposed skin of Momo's leg. Once it reached the hem of her pleated skirt he stopped and looks up at her, "If only we had enough time."She sneered at him and, just as the gun picked up her skirt so he could take a peek, she kicked out her leg and nailed him in the chin, sending him on his ass. Cursing loudly, he sat up and held his jaw, "Fuck I bit my tongue!""Asshole, get it together! The cops will be here any second!" Another robber shouted as he jerked more cash into his bag."But this bitch-""I'll shoot you myself unless you get your shit together" The ring leader yelled as the jerk who harassed Momo glared up at her."You lucky bitch!"Suddenly, a smash rang out as all heads looked up to see the top window of the bank broken in with an ice slide appearing before a man as he slid down it."Shit, it's the sups! Let's get out of here!" One guy began firing erratically up in the air, causing the hostages to drop down and cover their heads.Momo helped the old woman down to the floor and covered her head with her hands, "Stay down," she whispered.More guns fired off before one of the robbers screamed when a block of ice shot across the floor, encasing his body up to his neck in a thick block of ice.Looking up, Momo's eyes grew wide as she saw the famous superhero Icy Hot, fighting it out with another gunman, as the other two tried and hit him with their own bullets. Three against one wasn't very fair. Looking down, she saw her bag where the gunman dropped it and crawled over to it. Pulling out the metal cash box, she reeled back before chucking it at one of the gunman's head."Shit!" He shouted as he doubled over, clutching the side of his head where the heavy box hit him, dropping his gun."Let’s get out of here!" The ringleader shouted as he and the other guy made a run for the door.The hero was about to stop them when he looked to Momo and she felt arms wrap around her from behind. A hand pulled her to a chest as a cold gun pressed to the side of her head."You fucking move a step and I'll blow her brains out!" He shouted in her other ear, causing her to wince.Icy Hot stopped and lifted his hands up, as if looking for a way around this situation. Momo looked to the hero as fear danced across her face. Though she knew this could be it for her, she couldn't help but take in the hero that her school had been obsessed with since Junior High. He stood tall, maybe even a head taller than her. From his eyes up he had a mask made of jagged ice and wore a set of goggles underneath that made his eyes look red, just showing tuffs of white hair sticking out on the right. There was something familiar about his mouth as she watched it set in a scowl."Let her go" He growled as a flame ignited in his left hand, going up to his elbow, "Or I'll burn you alive""Not while I have her in my arms you won't. Keep back"The other two used the distraction to make a run for it, pushing the bank doors open as they disappeared around the corner with the bags of stolen goods. While the other robber shouted for help in his icy coffin, the other hostages were cowering in the back, holding each other.Momo kept her eyes on the hero and she watched as his own eyes looked back into hers. The feeling was so familiar, it almost felt like she knew him.The gun pressed harder to her head and she closed her eyes to grit her teeth at the pain."I'll give you to the count of three freak! Get out of here or I'll pull the trigger" He shouted at the hero."One" He cocked back the hammer and Momo felt her heart jump into her throat as the hero's stance shifted."Two" Blood thundered in her ears as she tried to think of a way out of this. She needed something, something to get out of this. What could she do, what could she DO?"Three" He said with a smile in his tone as she could almost hear his finger pull at the trigger."No!" She screamed as she lurched forward and felt a weight pull at her back.The robber grunted in pain and she heard the clatter of the gun on the floor as she fell forward onto her hands and knees. Silence rang through the bank as Momo gasped for air, feeling like her energy was just zapped from her body. While gasping for air, she looked over her shoulder to see the robber laying on his back with a giant steel beam laying on top of him. Her back felt cold and she realized the back of her blazer and shirt had ripped open and were hanging down at her side, exposing her lower back.What... just happened?Looking up, she instantly saw the face of the hero squatting before her with his mouth hanging open."You have a quirk?" He whispered to her so as not to alert the other hostages."A what?" Momo was still breathing hard, "No, I don't"Sirens echo into the bank and Momo watched as the hero looked from her to the robber. With a blast of ice, the masked man is encased like the other before the hero turns back to her."You need to get out of here before the cops come" He took her hand and helped her stand up. His right hand was freezing, almost like-"I'm so tired" She whispered, feeling her eyes droop.Looking conflicted, the hero inhaled a deep breath before releasing it and picking her up into a bridal carry. Momo felt the cold air around her as she shivered, but she was too tired to say anything.The last thing she remembered was leaning her head onto his chest and closing her eyes.//~~~~~~~~~End Chapter 1~~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~Chapter 2~~~~~~~\\ Blinking the sleep from her eyes she looks up to the rafters from where she lays on her back. The more she blinks the clearer her vision becomes and prominent the pain in her back. It’s nothing excruciating, just like when she works out too much and can feel it the next day in her muscles. Where is she? “I’m telling you it is a bad idea bringing her here” A voice says from somewhere and she wants to move but her body protests. “What was I supposed to do? Leave her there?” A familiar tone snaps back, “She would have been taken by the cops for using her quirk. They would throw her in one of those prisons.” “I’m not saying what you did is wrong, I’m just asking why did you bring her here?” “Because I know her alright?” “What! You know her? You can’t possibly think this isn’t a stupid idea! How do you even know her?” “We go to school together” “Dude- no- no no no! No way! Is she the girl?” “You can stop talking anytime now” “Holy shit! She is! Oh, this is just perfect! Now I know you weren't thinking with your head, but instead with you di-” She gains the strength to shift her body to the side, causing the floorboards under her to creek. Instantly the talking stops and she finally pushes herself to sit up. A jacket falls from her front and she looks down to see it’s made of a thick blue material, almost heavy. It had been laying on her like a blanket and she clutches the material as she looks up. From looks alone it appears she’s in an abandoned theater, maybe an old opera house. She’s openly laying across the old wooden stage so she has a view of the hundreds of dusty, empty red chairs staring at her. Of course, her eyes also zone in on the two figures staring at her at the end of the stage. One of them has wild purple hair sticking up like a mad scientist, but his lower face seems to be covered by a black mask and some loose bandages. Next to him stands the hero known as IcyHot to the media with his ice powers still covering his eyes and some of his hair. As if realizing what happened Momo scrambles back, clutching the jacket like a shield, “Where am I? What am I doing here?” IcyHot jumps onto the stage and slowly advances on her, only causing Momo to freak out more as she kicks her feet back stumbling to get away from any hands. “Stay back!” She shouts as tears prick her eyes and fear coils in her stomach. The hero stops dead in his tracks as if her words burned him. His mouth is set in a thin line as he slowly raises his hands, “Yaoyorozu, I’m not going to hurt you” “H-how do you know my name?” Momo stutters out as she reaches the back of the stage with nowhere else to run since the purple haired guy also climbed up on the stage and stands behind IcyHot. If she ran, they would no doubt catch her. The air feels stale as the silence pierces the space between them like an elephant in the room. She could only hear the erratic sounds of her fast breathing and her blood pumping through her ears. It only made her anxiety increase as the hero finally lets out a sigh. He reaches up to his ice mask and the purple haired guy sputters for him to stop, but it’s too late. The ice mask quickly melts off his face as steam releases from his right side, revealing red goggles. With a slide of his hand the goggles slide down his face and hang around his neck, revealing himself to her. Momo gasps and puts a hand over her mouth as her wide onyx eyes take in the identity of the masked vigilante that’s been saving their city for years now. “Todoroki?” Her voice is barely a whisper, so soft she hardly wonders if either of them heard. “It’s me Yaoyorozu. You know I would never hurt you” He says softly and takes another step. Once he knows she won't flinch away he reaches her and crouched down next to her, “I could never hurt you” “Oh my god” The purple haired teen groans as he shakes his head in his hands. Words escape Momo as she lifts a hand up and inches it towards his face. He allows her to touch the side of his cheek with her fingertips, feeling the cold skin where the mask once rested. “Todoroki” His name again on her lips, but this time a bit louder, “You’re- you’re IcyHot?” The half and half student let out a breath of air resembling a chuckle as he leans more into her hand, “I didn’t pick the name exactly” A thousand questions slowly began to fill her mind as she struggles to find the first one to ask. But of course, the only thing that could come out is, “How- Why- What? You- Quirk?” “She’s a smart one” The other guy rolls his eyes and Momo glares over at him as he winks down at her from his spot near the edge of the stage. “Shinso cool it” Todoroki sighs to his friend who holds his hands up. “Alright alright! I’ll leave you two love birds alone. But know this ponytail” He looks to Momo with serious eyes, “I’ve got my eyes on you” He holds up two fingers to his eyes before reflecting the gesture back at her. Once the purple haired teen leaves around the corner of the stage Momo notices Todoroki taking her hand, “Can you stand up?” “Oh, um I think so” She accepts the help and stands on shaky legs. Wincing as her back protests and she reaches behind her to place a hand on her lower back. “You okay?” His worried tone sneaks back in as he looks to where her hand is resting. “Yeah I’m fine, it’s just my back.” She groans out and arches it forward to hear a loud crack. She releases a pleasured groan at the relief the back crack gave her, though it still felt cold. Looking over her shoulder she notices a large cut going up her blazer and shirt to the shoulder blades. Revealing the back of her blue bra to Todoroki’s blinking eyes as he looks to her smooth skin. Letting out a squeak she quickly turns her back away from him and holds the jacket up to cover herself, “What happened to my clothes?” Todoroki’s look instantly turns shy as a blush breaks across his cheeks and he looks away to try and hide it but she notices it. Taking off her destroyed blazer she slides on the thick jacket before realizing it must belong to Todoroki, given his missing jacket, showing off the white shirt under it. “They got damaged when you used your quirk” He says and she instantly wonders if she has forgot the Japanese language. “I’m sorry.... what?” “Your quirk. You shot out this heavy beam that knocked the robber back. That thing must have weighed- I don’t know. Heavy enough to knock a grown man out at least.” His voice sounds amazed as she squints her eyes at him, “You have a powerful quirk” After a few seconds of soaking in his words and deciphering them she holds up her hands, “Let me get this straight” She points to him, “You think I-” She motions to herself now, “Have a quirk?” He gives a nod as she lets a laugh bubble through her lips, almost sounding crazy as she holds her stomach, “You- Todoroki think that I- Momo have a quirk? That’s crazy!” Her laughter seems to confuse him now as he raises a brow to her, “Yes? I saw it clear as day” Her laughter dies down but her smile stays put, “I don’t know what you saw but it wasn’t me shooting metal beams out of my back. That’s impossible” “You’re saying you don’t have a quirk?” Todoroki presses his mouth together in a thin line as she shakes her head. “No way! I’m as ordinary as a sack of potatoes. Boring even! I’ve never done anything exciting in my life! Unless you count re-organizing the school's library during summer break. That’s as wild as my life gets.” “I don’t understand” Todoroki looks baffled, “I saw you with my own eyes, so did others” “Well maybe that ice mask is going to your head” She jokes. “Don’t be so sure about that” Both look up to see Shinso, the purple haired teen from earlier. He’s leaning across the scaffolding above the stage looking down at them. “Shinso I thought you left” Todoroki groans out. The other mystery face steps out onto a large sandbag being held by a rope and slowly glides down, using his weight to distribute to a slow descend. Once his boots touches the stage he releases the sandbag and it slowly rises back up to the metal walkway where he once stood, “The banks security cameras caught you. Which I took care of by the way- you're welcome” Momo looks to Todoroki who is glaring at his friend, “Shinso-” “I’m gonna show her chill bro” Shinso whips out a large smart phone with a crack on the screen. With a few clicks he hands it to Momo as the vice-president accepts it and watches the black and white footage. It’s of her being held by the bank robber. The angle is from behind so she could only see the robbers back, and Todoroki- or IcyHot standing in his gear before them with fire on his arm ready to shoot. There was no audio but seconds later the robber is thrown back by a large beam shooting from Momo’s back. It takes the robber down as his gun goes sliding to the side and he lays sprawled out on the floor under the heavy looking beam. Momo then falls forward as Todoroki catches her and Shinso takes the phone back. “See? Quirk used” Momo feels her mouth move, yet no words come out as she tried to comprehend what she just witnessed. “I hacked into the banks servers and deleted the video. It’ll be hard for them to find the other two robbers that got away, but at least it’ll save her identity.” Shinso shoves the phone into his pocket, “They’ll only have eye witnesses but with how sporadic everything was they won’t be able to provide a proper description. Just be careful next time” “Next time? There shouldn’t have been a first time!” Momo shouts and Shinso stumbles back at her outburst, “I don’t have a quirk!” Shinso and Todoroki look to each other, as if sharing a silent conversation with just their eyes. Momo shoves her hands into her messy hair, not sure what to think or do. “You know it’s not un-common for a person to generate their quirk at a later age” Shinso holds out a hand as if explaining and Momo focuses on him, “I read a medical journal about this guy in Italy, who’s lived his whole life without a quirk. One day a flash flood came barreling towards his house and next thing he knows the water parts and goes around his property. After the storm his house is the only one left standing in the village. Or this one time this girl was walking to school when she started to get chased by a pack of wild dogs. Within seconds she turns invisible and the dogs lose sight of her. Although she never regained her visibility, she gained her quirk at the age of twelve.” “What are you saying?” Todoroki asks his friend as Momo nods to what he’s saying. “If I’m catching along, you’re saying certain people that are put under a huge amount of stress or fear can manifest quirks they had no idea they’ve possessed all along?” Momo rationalizes his words and Shinso smirks. “Hey maybe you’re not as hopeless as I thought” Todoroki punches Shinso’s arm and the teen hisses as he rubs the sore appendage, “What?” “Could you just try and be a little less-” He motions to all of Shinso. “Less what? You pointed to all of me” “Exactly” Todoroki hisses. Ignoring their squabble, she looks up from her hands, “So I have a quirk?” They stop their glaring and look to her as she tries to find her words, “I can make steel beams? That seems pretty specific if not general” “Quirks are complicated. Some people live their whole lives thinking their power are one thing, only to find it’s another.” Shinso explains as Todoroki crosses his muscular arms. “Take me for example, I thought my powers were just controlling certain animals when I was a kid. Turns out I’m actually fluent in brainwashing humans as well” “Brain washing?” Momo feels her interest peak as well as a hint of fear, “Elaborate please” “Well If I say something to someone and they respond, I instantly control their body. Effectively brainwashing them to do what I want. Isn’t that right Shouto” Shinso smiles. The IcyHot hero glares at him, not saying a word, causing Shinso to laugh, “Aw you’re no fun” “So, you’re also a hero?” Momo asks as she takes in his costume. The black pants and grey leather tactical shirt that has pockets around the side. His scarf or bandages hangs around his neck in a clump that strangely reminded her of Eraserhead’s costume on the front of a newspaper article she saw once. Though the black mouth guard that hangs around his neck seems familiar as well. “Ehhh I’m more of a consort” He says with an air of confidence. “Don’t let him fool you. He’s just as much a hero as I am” Todoroki whispers to Momo loud enough for Shinso to hear and flip him off, “He just doesn’t like to go out as much as us regular heroes. Likes to stay in the shadows” “Oh well excuse me for not having a way to shoot out of a crime scene on a slide of ice! If you haven’t noticed I’m lacking in the transportation department” Shinso defends himself strongly. Momo listens to them bicker as she looks back down to her hands. She’s still thrown for a huge loop before her eyes grow wide, “My bag! My phone!” As if sensing her panic Todoroki motions to one of the empty opera chairs in the front row. Her satchel is sitting on it untouched and she sighs in relief as she goes over to it, hopping down from the stage, “My mom's must be worried sick” Pulling out her phone she notices it’s dead and sighs in annoyance as she opens her bag to see the metal box gone. Great! Not only has this day been the worst in her life, but she’s also lost the bake sale money for the school. Perfect! Looking behind her, she still sees the two heroes arguing, “I’m just saying if you’d listen to Aizawa and planned an escape route you wouldn’t have to outrun the cops half the time” “Pff my parkour serves me just fine. I don’t need you both breathing down my neck whenever I almost get caught” Shinso folds his hands as if this is an ongoing argument between the two. “You’re just mad that I never had to be been saved by Aizawa” Todoroki smirks at this as Shinso gasps. “Rude!” “Um I hate to break up this enchanting conversation” Momo calls up to them as both sets of eyes look down to her, “But I need to get home. Mind telling me where I am?” “Why? So you can divulge our secret hideout? Out our identities? Sell our secrets?” Shinso blurts out like he’s on the verge of a break. Momo just raises an eyebrow, “I honestly have no interest whatsoever in ‘Divulging your secret club house’ or anything like that” “It’s not a club house!” Shinso jumps down from the stage with Todoroki following close behind, “It’s a secret homebased craftily disguised as a broken-down building” The cat eye girl looks up to the beautifully crafted architecture and hums at how dirty it looks, “So this isn’t a broken-down abandoned theatre?” “Maybe to your common mind it is but behind mere appearances it’s-” Shinso starts but Todoroki interrupts him. “It’s the old Shikigami Theatre outside the city.” Shinso gives Todoroki an open mouth, wide eye look that translates to ‘Bro what the fuck’ Smiling at her class mate she takes a step backwards, “Well it’s been crazy fun, but I really need to go.” “I’ll walk you out” Todoroki walks over to her as Shinso scoffs and crosses his arms. “Yeah I’ll just be over here- ignore me” Todoroki walks Momo to the entrance where he diverts to the side where a fire escape door sits. There’re locks going down it but with quick work they become undone and Todoroki motions to it, “I can call you a cab” “No, it’s alright, I can take the train back. I’m pretty familiar with this area actually.” She stands by the door holding onto the strap of her bag. “I can walk you if you want” He seems almost hesitant to let her go and Momo can only think of one reason why. “I won’t tell anyone about you- or your friend” She quickly motions with her head to Shinso who’s pretending like he’s not eavesdropping. “Your secrets safe with me” “Oh, um I’m not worried about that. You're a good person. I wouldn’t have brought you here if I didn’t trust you” He scratches the back of his head as he looks off to the side. His words cause those butterflies to kick up and flutter around the cavity that is her chest. He trusts her? She hardly knows him, although if she were to be honest, she could feel herself trusting him the more they spoke. There’s just something about him... “Okay well if you need to talk, I’m here” He says as she pushes open the heavy metal door. “I’ll let you know. Night!” She holds up her hand in a wave as she calls over his shoulder, “Night to you too Bandage Guy!” “It’s Master Mind!” He shouts across the theater causing his voice to echo as she rolls her eyes playfully. Once the door shut behind her Momo looks up to the setting sun and wonders just what time it is as she runs towards the train station that’s 2 blocks away. Unaware of Todoroki watching from the shadows as he makes sure she arrives at the station safely. The whole ride to her house she’s just a fluster of thoughts as she recalls the video Shinso showed her of herself using a quirk. Her quirk, the quirk she had no idea she had kind of quirk. It wasn’t until she left the train that she realizes she’s still wearing Todoroki’s jacket and blushes as she bunches the material to her chest and smells the campfire smoke on its fabric. She shouldn’t feel so warm and safe in this simple fire-retardant clothing but she does. Her mind is swamped with thoughts of her classmate, like the biggest one being that he’s actually a superhero and has a quirk. A quirk she’s seen on tv dozens of times used to fight monsters and bad guys. Shouto Todoroki is Icy Hot! The thought alone causes a smile to pull at her mouth as she thinks of him. He saved her life today, maybe even saved her freedom because if it is true that she has a quirk. The fact that she used it out in public would warrant an arrest for her. She couldn’t do that to her mothers, not after everything they’ve done for her. Their reputation would be ruined and they would be heartbroken to know that their daughter is a- Stopping around the corner from her street, Momo takes several deep breaths and decides to put this all behind her. She could go the rest of her life without using this ‘quirk’ or knowing about it. Today will end and tomorrow will bring another day. After taking another deep breath she rounds the corner to her block and stops in her tracks. At the end of the road where her family's large home stands, sits three police cars with their lights flashing but the siren have been silenced. “Oh no” She whispers as she breaks into a jog to her home. Opening the door, she can hear crying as she set her bag to the side of the door, “Mom?” The sounds of footsteps thundering around the corner as her Mother runs up to her and engulfs her into a strong hug, nearly squeezing the life from her. “Oh, thank heavens you’re here!” Lei sobs as she pulls away to cup Momo’s face. “Where have you been? I’ve been calling you and calling you. Are you alright?” She began checking over Momo’s arms and legs for any scratches as the raven hair student brushes her off by grabbing her mother’s hands. “Mom I’m fine. No need to worry.” Taking her at her word the mother sighs before pulling her back in for a hug, “I was so worried” She cries into Momo’s hair. Momo peeks over her mother's shoulder to see three officers in uniform standing at the entrance to the dining room. Dread fills her stomach as she wonders if they’re there to take her away. Did someone ID her at the bank? Didn’t Shinso say he got rid of the security tape? “What’s going on?” Momo asks as Lei pulls back and wipes at her river of tears with her cardigan sleeve. “Momo... It’s your mom” Those words struck Momo to her very core as dread fills her, “Where is she?” Lei let out another sob as Momo pulls away and clutches at her new jacket, “Mama... where is she?” “Momo” Lei whispers as she covers her mouth with her hands. //~~~~~~~~~~~~~~End Chapter 2~~~~~~~~~~~~\\
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//~~~~~~~~Chapter 3~~~~~~~~~~\\ "Momo you get going. You'll be late for your first day back" Lei says as she arranges the flowers next to the hospital bed. Momo just hums in acknowledgement as she holds her mom's hand. "Momo? Are you listening to me?" Snapping from her trance Momo looks up to her mother Lei as she gives her daughter a worried look. Momo glances back down to her mom Abalee in her hospital bed still unresponsive. "Yeah I heard you. I um... I guess I'll go" Momo picks up her satchel and takes a step away from the bed that she's been glued to for a week now. Lei comes around to her side and gives her a tight hug, "It's alright Momo. She'll be here when you get out." Will she though? Momo forces a smile as she returns the hug before breaking away to place a kiss on her sleeping mom’s cheek, "Bye mom. I'll see you after school" With one last look over her shoulder she leaves the private wing of the hospital and makes her way outside. As she walks down the deserted sidewalk towards her school, she loses herself to the guilt and shame once again. It has been a whole week now since the incident at the bank. Turns out the robbers that fled the scene also car jacked a woman in the parking lot behind the bank. They shot her and threw her body out of the car, effectively stealing it. That woman happened to be Momo's mom. She was rushed to the hospital where they found the bullet pierced two vital organs. The surgeons did all they could but in the end, they had to induce her into a coma to try and allow her body to heal itself. They moved her to a private wing of the hospital and that's where Momo's been staying since she arrived. Jirou brought Momo a suitcase of clothes for her stay and even sat with her as Momo cried on her shoulder. Lei took care of everything and pulled Momo from school for as long as she could. Though without it being a death in the family the school requested her back as soon as possible. She stops at a crosswalk and looks up to the red flashing man, telling her to stay put. Her eyes watered up as she blinks away her tears. No one knew she was also at the bank that day with her mom. Shinso was right when he said he wiped the security tapes of the bank before she walked in. They all just assumed she stayed after school for student council or went to where she goes to volunteer. No one asked her where she was that night because she didn't say anything. She couldn't say anything. What would she even say? She was rushed away by her classmate who happens to be the superhero IcyHot because he witnessed her activating a quirk, she didn't know she had? That would not go over well with anyone, especially her mom. So, she kept quiet on where she was that night the accident happened. She would keep Todoroki’s secret no matter what. Walking to the school she pushes open the heavy metal door and is instantly met with silence. Looking up she watches all the eyes of her classmates on her. Lowering her head, she walks through the halls and that's when the whispering starts. "Did you hear about her mom?" "I heard she was shot in head" "No no it was the chest" "I heard she was the getaway driver and they turned on her" The whispers grew louder as Momo stops before her locker and screws her eyes shut. Don't let them see you cry, don't break. "Oh my god she looks horrible" "It's not like her mom's dead" "Ugh I bet she just loves the attention" A hand slams against the locker causing the whole hall looks over to see Jirou standing by Momo with her fist against the metal. Her angry eyes looking at everyone as the shrill bell rang. "Shows over everyone! Get the hell to class!" Jirou shouts and instantly everyone begin moving like normal as Momo leans her forehead against the cool metal of her locker. Within the minute the halls were clear and Momo opens her eyes, "Thanks Jirou" "Hey no problem. You okay?" Jirou leans against the lockers as she looked to her best friend. Jirou's been asking her all week if she's okay, and Momo's always giving the same answer. "I'm fine" "Well, it's good to have you back. Want to walk to class together?" "I actually need to stop by the front office for some paperwork." She shakes her head, "You go on ahead. I'll walk with you to the next class" "You sure?" "Yeah I'm fine go on" After several seconds of unsure looks, Jirou turns and makes her way to their homeroom. Once gone Momo opens her locker and leans her head inside of it. This is going to be such a long day. "Yaoyorozu?" She inhales deeply at the voice she hasn't heard in a whole week and pulls her head from the locker to see Todoroki standing there in his school uniform. Those smoldering dual colored eyes staring her down just like they did back at that abandoned building. Part of her wonders if maybe she dreamed the whole thing, maybe she did come home after school instead of the bank. But his jacket that she kept with her sat as a reminder of their encounter. Of everything that happened that day. "Hey Todoroki-san" He looks off to the side before facing her, "I was wondering when you'd come back" "Yeah well I wasn't sure either." "I've been worried about you" There he goes with those words again. The same words that cause butterflies to flutter against her vital organs and tickle her insides. She will admit it's nice to feel something other than sadness. "Well that's very kind of you, but I'm fine-" "You're not fine" He says and she does a quick intake of breath. After a moment of silence, he takes a step closer while she stands her ground next to her still open locker, "Your mom's in the hospital and no one knows you were there. It's eating you up inside because you think it's all your fault" Speechless she could only feel her eyes burn as tears bubbled up on her cheeks. To everyone else these are sad tears, but the truth is they are tears of guilt and shame. He's right, no one knew she was there. No one knew she could have tried to stop them, distract them, or even delay their exit. She could have done something, and she didn't. Her words rang in her heard from what she told Jirou that one day, ' I'm just saying we all have a choice in life and sometimes the hardest choices are to do nothing’ She's so stupid to think that! Because she did nothing her mother paid the price and is fighting for her very life while Momo's at school. Lowering her head, she heard the tears plop on the linoleum floor as she softly gasps for air and hiccups. "But it's not your fault" Snapping her head up, the tears roll down her cheek as she grits her teeth, tasting the salty liquid on her tongue, "What?" His eyes are still that neutral expression as he comes closer till they nearly touch, "None of this is your fault. The real criminals are out there, and they're the ones who put her in that hospital. Yaoyorozu I promise you I'll find them" Her eyes grew wider as he spoke and her bottom lip quivers when she hears his heart-felt promise, "I'll catch the men that did this and get justice for her." His words spoke such passion and even though she hardly knew anything about him, she believes in those words. She believes in Todoroki. Surging forward she throws her hands on his blazer and cries into his chest. His arms fly up as if unsure what she is doing or unsure of what a hug could be. She grips the fabric of his blazer and lets her tears soak it, "Thank you" Her words are soft and hard to hear but she knows he understands because slowly his hands fall onto the side of her arms and apply a small amount of pressure to let her know he hears her and he is there for her. After a few minutes of crying out her frustrations and guilt she feels herself calm down enough to pull away and look up. Todoroki looks down at her and she gives a smile, "You're really nice Todoroki-san" His own eyes grow wide as she takes a step back and his hands still hover as if not wanting to let go before he quickly drops them to his side. Momo takes out a handkerchief from her blazers pocket and dries her tears, "I must look like a mess" "Not at all" Cue butterflies to once again surge up into her chest as she puts away her handkerchief and sniffles a few times, "I should get doing. I need to go to the office." He nods as she shuts her locker and walks around him, only pausing when she hears him speak as she turns around. "I have someone who can help" "Help?" "With your abilities" His voice lowers and she instantly knows what he's talking about. "I um-" He quickly fills her doubt, "He helps people like us. Control our powers. He can help you too" Momo clutches her notebook she took from her locker to her chest, "I don't know if I want to explore this. It might be best if I just forget it happened." "Why?" She wasn't expecting that question as she looks down in thought, "Because I can't be a superhero" "You don't have to be" He holds his hands out as if trying to reason with her, "Having a quirk doesn't make you obligated to be a hero. But it does belong to you, and it's a part of you. Just because there are laws prohibiting us from using them, doesn't mean we should listen." His words made sense so she turns around, "I'll think about it. I gotta go" Without waiting for an answer, she rushes off to the office, feeling a bit lighter and a bit more confused than she did when she arrived this morning. His words kept replaying in her head all day as she sat through all her classes. Half paying attention as the teachers went over something for some test or essay coming up. 'It does belong to you' 'It's a part of you' He's right in a way, it is a part of her as much as she wishes it wasn't. Doesn't she owe it to herself to learn to control this quirk so she doesn't accidentally use it? What if she hurts someone she loves? Someone close to her? During study period she selects a computer far away from everyone else and researches quirk accidents. What she reads shocks and worries her. There are so many cases of quirk accidents it causes her stomach to churn. Five years ago, one woman in the country side woke up to find she was sucking her family and house into a black hole made from her body. She was gunned down by a neighbor who came outside to see what the chaos was about. A child playing with his siblings when he accidentally impaled them on a spike he shot out from his arm. In Paris a mother of two was thrown out a second story window by her baby's telekinesis and broke her neck. The stories grew darker and darker as people with quirks were painted as monsters with some evil agenda that wanted to do people hard. Momo swallows her fear as it builds up inside of her with every article read. What if this happened to her? There was a special location where they took people who used their quirks and locked them up for studies. No one knows where it is but they do know once a captured quirk user is taken there, they're never seen again. The activist group 'Quirky' stands up for the rights of quirked civilians. They fight for the freedom of those taken away, and to change the laws placed on modern day humans. Momo's seen a few protests on the news as a child but her parents always would change the channel. They told her it wasn't their battle to fight so they should stay out of it. If only they knew their daughter was now one of those quirked people. Would they still stand with her? Would they ignore it and pretend it wasn't there? Should she say something? In the end her fear of the unknown and her love for her friends and family won out. She called her mom Lei and told her she had to stay late to catch up on some assignments. Lei bought the lie and told her to be safe as Momo hung up the phone. Next, she told Jirou she had to go to the hospital which her friend instantly believed and offered to walk with her. Momo knew her friend had to work at her parent’s cafe and told her she would be fine. Jirou bought the lie and told her to call if she needs anything before heading off. Final step was waiting by the gate as all the students walk by her chatting about their weekend plans. Once everyone got their fill of her through the day, she became old news and the whispers faded onto the next matter of gossip. Which she is thankful for. Catching sight of her prey she squares her shoulders and clutches her bag until he reaches her. "Todoroki-san" He looks up to her as if knowing she would be there and smirks, "You thought about what I said?" She gives a nod, "You can be pretty compelling when you want" Todoroki gives a shrug, "I actually stole most of those words from a friend who told it to me. I'm not that profound most of the time" His words actually make her smile as she leans closer, "So where is this person that can help me?" Turning back to the gate he tilts his head in the direction, "Follow me" She follows him, down the sidewalk in silence, determined to see this through. The walk took only half an hour, but it felt longer since Todoroki stayed silent the whole way and she wonders if maybe she should have initiated a conversation. He finally stops before a large building and Momo looks up to see a basic martial arts studio with glass windows with posters advertising lessons. She almost feels disappointed, expecting maybe something grander. “So, this is it?” She asks and quickly realizes what she said might come off as rude as she back peddles, “Not that it’s not cool looking. I mean- what I meant to say is-” “It’s fine, come on” He motions with his head as he holds open the glass door for her. Once inside she takes in the wide room with blue mats padding majority of the floor and mirrors covering one side of the wall. Next to a door sits some cubbies filled with backpacks and shoes as Momo watches a class of small children practice their chopping. “Yeah kids you got it!!! That’s what I'm talkin’ about!” An eccentric blonde in a black gi snaps his fingers as he does a mini dance of approval for the kids work. His long blonde hair ties back as he pushes up his glasses, “Now I want you all to turn to your partners and practice your high kicks!” Momo watches the kids turn to each other and start kicking their legs together to form an X. She looks to Todoroki who’s watching the blonde teacher turn to them. “Todoroki! My main man! Who’s your friend?” The impossibly loud teacher walks over to them and puts his hands on his skinny hips. Momo quickly bows in respect, “I’m Momo Yaoyorozu sir” A knowing glint came to those green eyes as he snaps his fingers, “Cool! Names Yamada Hizashi! Co-owner and teacher of this amazing establishment. I also do a sweet radio gig on the weekends for 89.7 the Mic hour, you might have heard of me” “Oh sorry no I haven't” She said and watches as his glasses slide down his nose in dejection and Todoroki covered his mouth to hide his amusement. Todoroki gets over his burst of enjoyment by taking Momo’s elbow and looking to the teacher, “I’m taking her to meet Mr. Aizawa.” The teacher stands back up and nods, “You know where to find the old grump” Nodding Todoroki pulls Momo across the floor and she sputters that she should take her shoes off but he lets her know it’s alright. He releases her when they get to the back room and he closes the door behind them. It appears to be a break room with a fridge, counters and a table. Maybe where the owners come to take a lunch break or relax? Todoroki walks to the back wall where a large poster hangs with several certificates lining it. Momo hardly has time to read it before Todoroki pushes on the wall and with a click it pops open. A secret door? He pulls it open and motions for her to follow, which she does and hears the door click shut behind her. The room is dark but has enough light from below to see a long metal staircase. “Follow me” Todoroki says as they take to the stairs. The further they go down the more light comes into view and she can make out more scenery. They finally reach what she assumes is a sub-basement under the dojo. It’s pretty large, stretching further then the room above does. Concrete floors with similar mats in the center like from above. One side of the room has a bunch of computers lit up and running what appears to be algorithms as it plays a police scanner on low, filling the cave with constant chatter from the dispatcher. “We’ve got officers in car 301 responding to a domestic disturbance at 16th and 9th do you read?” “Copy that, taking over 301’s spot on 89th.” “Copy that” On the other side near the computers were several glass cases with mannequins lining up in each one. The mannequins were sporting hero costumes she’s only caught glimpses of in newspapers. She gasps as she rushes over and takes in the costumes. “Eraserhead, Present Mic, Midnight, Ms. Joke” Momo spouts off as she walks by the costumes, “Is this like some sort of bat cave?” “Bat cave?” Todoroki raises a brow at her question as she blushes and shakes her hands. “Jirou reads a lot of comics so by nature I’ve seen a few” “I guess. Though that’s something Shinso would be able to answer. I don’t read comics” He puts his hands in his pockets and she turns back to admire the room. One wall has an array of weapons and training gear, and on the training mat stands an abused wooden dummy with scratches and dents in its body from said weapons. Momo’s head feels like it’s going to fall off from the spinning and turning as she takes it all in. The room has a soft glow from the sub lights installed around the walls. She feels so overwhelmed until her eyes land on a large yellow lump in the corner and cocks her head. “What’s that?” She crouches down next to it and pokes at it. Instantly the lump turns over and she’s met with the most tired looking face she’s ever seen. Squealing she jumps back and hides behind Todoroki. Her hands perch on his shoulders as she peeks around him. The tired looking face regards them before sitting up. She realizes the yellow material is a sleeping bag as the zipper comes into view. “Todoroki” The human caterpillar says, “I see you brought her with you today” His red eyes look to Momo as she girl squeezes the back of Todoroki’s blazer and he steps to the side causing her to let him go. He holds a hand out to motion to her, “Mr. Aizawa this is Momo Yaoyorozu. The girl I told you about” Momo quickly bows as she tries to shake off her earlier freak out over being caught off guard. The man slowly undoes the sleeping bag zipper and it falls around him as he stands up. His tall frame and long black hair just showing how tired he looks. His hair is pulled back in a ponytail similar to the blonde teachers from upstairs. He walks closer and Momo feels that piercing gaze take her in. He circles her, looking her up and down as if searching for something. She just stands ridged and allows him to assess her. Finally, he stops in front of her and nods, “You definitely have a quirk” Her eyes grow wide, “How can you tell?” “Because my quirk is to erase other quirks. I can just feel it on people.” “Your quirk?” Momo whispers before her head turns to the costumes in the glass box and back to him, “You’re Eraserhead!” “Yup” He says as if it were the most boring thing in the world and not completely amazing. “Wow!” Momo feels starstruck as she looks up to him. She never got into the whole hero fad that her classmates drool over, but she can admire his powers. She once watched him stand down a giant shark monster and use his quirk to shrink it back down to normal size so the police could cuff him and take him into custody. Admirable and brave, he is definitely one of the best heroes this city has to offer. Aizawa turns to Todoroki, “You talk her into accepting help?” Todoroki gives a nod, “She’s here isn’t she?” The teacher scoffs before facing Momo, “You looking to control your quirk?” Momo set her chin in a way that shows she doesn’t plan on backing down, “Yes, I don’t want anyone to get hurt, but I also don’t want to use this at all. Can you teach me how to control this power?” Aizawa shrugs, “It won’t be easy. You’re just now coming into your powers, so it’ll take time. Are you committed to training and pushing your body to the limit? To endure pain and dedicate yourself to being here 100%?” Her mind thinks of her mom back in the hospital and how she should be there with her. But this is important. She’s doing this for her mom and her mother, for Jirou and even herself. She gives the teacher a firm nod and he turns around. “Alright... Let’s get started” “Wait, right now?” Momo asks “You said you’d dedicate all your time. Why not start now?” He faces her again. Quickly shaking her head, she takes off her backpack, “You’re right! Where do we start?” Aizawa motions to the desk on the other side and tells them to take a seat. Momo sits in a spinny chair, same goes for Todoroki as Aizawa takes the other side of the desk. “First we need to know about your power. I’m already aware of what you did at the bank, with the steel beam. But I want to hear it from you.” Aizawa leans back and squints his red eyes at her. “What were you feeling? Thinking? Did you wish for there to be a steel beam? Did you specifically think about it or maybe something else?” Momo looks up in thought, “Well, I remember feeling scared.” Aizawa hums for her to continue as Todoroki listens as well, “I was also angry” “Angry and scared?” Aizawa asks and she nods. “One of the robbers was holding me hostage. Had a gun to my head” She puts her finger right where the gun had been on her head. “He was shouting that he was going to kill me” She shivers at the thought and looks down to her hands in her lap, “I just remember thinking, ‘This is it. I’m going to die’.” Silence came as she chews on her lower lip, but no one rushes her to speak because she eventually continues, “I began to think of ways to get away. But all I could imagine were things I wish I had. Maybe a shield to block the bullet, or something hard like steel I could use to put between me and the robber. Then he pulled back the barrel of the gun and before I know it, he let me go and I’m free. I felt something warm on my back but I passed out shortly after.” Aizawa is taking all her words in as he closes his eyes in thought, “Interesting. You were thinking of a material and it came out of your back to separate you from the danger. A fight or flight method that your brain pushed through. Since you could not go through with flight it administered a fight protocol and pushed your quirk into activating.” “So, my quirk is shooting steel from my body?” Momo thinks out loud. “Could be, or it could be something else. We’ll explore all your options and abilities. But I need to know more. Can you tell me if anyone in your family has a quirk? Sometimes children inherit their parents' quirks.” “No, both my moms are normal. I’ve never met my biological father. My moms, always say they just got a donation from the clinic that matched their criteria's.” “Criteria's?” Todoroki asks and she nods. “Parents looking for sperm donations can select criteria from the donors. Like blonde hair or blue eyes, or even something grand like must have graduated an ivy league school.” She explains. “Some of my mother’s choices were education based. They said they wanted someone with a high IQ and healthy background. They asked some other things but those were their main two that they wanted. The donation was anonymous but they just wanted a baby.” Aizawa puts his head in the palm of his head, “So it’s possible your father could have a quirk. Though not that it matters.” He asks her other questions like if this has ever happened to her before. If she’s ever been quirk tested, which most parents pay to have their child go through hundreds of tests both exhausting and dangerous. Her answer to both is no and he just hums. After the questions were answered Aizawa stands and puts his hands on the table, “Well now that that’s out of the way, we will begin your training.” His words sound ominous but she just looks to Todoroki who gives her a small smile. She can do this. With Todoroki by her side she can, and will learn to use her quirk. //~~~~~~~~End Chapter 3~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\
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//~~~~~~~~~~~Chapter 4~~~~~~~~~~~\\ Over the next month, Momo dove into her new training with Aizawa and Todoroki. She soon made a routine that she followed day after day. On school days she would go to school, study, eat lunch with Jirou and act normal. After school she would go with Todoroki to the dojo and train with Aizawa until the sun set. Once finished she would head to the hospital to visit her mom and tell her about her day as the older woman continued to sleep like she did every day. Then she would walk home and have dinner with Lei before doing her homework and going to bed. Jirou questioned her disappearances since she hardly got to hang out with her outside of school, and Momo just let her know she was busy at the hospital where she volunteered to be near her mom. Lei seems too busy to question where Momo went after school. She was strapped with running their company alone and picking up the slack to keep everything going. Her mothers own a huge fashion line that's known worldwide and since Abalee isn't there to handle the fashion side Lei is working the business and Abalee's workload as well. So, she would just ask Momo how her day was if they even had dinner together. Maybe it's for the best Lei didn't ask to many questions since Momo hates lying. Momo is currently in the training cave doing push-ups on the mat. Aizawa says she should work out her body as well as her quirk. The teacher sat nearby typing on a laptop as Todoroki did pullups on a bar nearby. He insists on working with them when he could, to help Momo get stronger. Though he had to go when there was a disturbance that needed his attention as IcyHot. He became her rock, her support through all of this, and she wouldn't know what to do if he wasn't there to push her. "Alright Momo let's see your progress on your quirk" Aizawa walks over to her with a piece of paper and Momo quickly jumps up, wiping the sweat from her chin. "I need you to try and make these items" He presents her with the paper and she reads it off, instantly memorizing them and handing it back. "Alright" Taking a stance, she could feel Todoroki's eyes on her as he continues with his work out. Those heated eyes on her back made her shiver as she holds her arm out. Concentrating she closes her eyes and focuses on her energy. It came to Aizawas attention that she can make other things besides steel beams. If she knows the make of an item, she can produce it using her lipids. That alone took hundreds of trial and errors, mostly on her part. The first time she created a metal rod she passed out for half an hour. After eating, she regained her strength and was back on her feet. They always tried pushing her further each day. She could feel her arm growing warmer as bright lights began to illuminate on top of her skin. With great effort she forces a cotton towel and grabs onto the material, giving it a soft pull. "Easy" Aizawa tells her as she slows down, "Your body can stand almost anything. It's your mind that you have to convince" It takes five minutes but she eventually pulls out a small hand towel and looks down to it with a weak smile. Her face and chest are covered in sweat as she breaths heavily, "I did it" Her teacher hums in approval, "Next item on the list" She uses the towel to wipe her face before switching arms and proceeds to work on making a rope. As she pulls, he motions to the floor, "Let's see how long you can go with making it" With a grunt of acknowledgement, she continues to make the thick rope. Fifteen minutes later she gasps and the light cuts off as the end falls in a heap to the floor. Aizawa picks it up to test the durability and length. "Not bad. Pretty strong" He pulls at it. Momo huffs for air but manages to talk around her heavy breathing, "It's fibers are made from a polymer known as nylon. Using the components hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, both an organic compound held together by an ambide bond. There's other layers interwoven but those are the two main components" "Impressive" Aizawa looks back to the thick rope, "And useful" She smiles at the praise as she holds out an arm, "I can work on number three" "Take a break first. Replenish your energy" He says. "No I can do this" Momo insists but he turns back to her. "Don't push yourself. You're not ready" "When will I know when I'm ready?" Momo sighs as she lowers her arm. She feels like she's come far, but not far enough. Aizawa looks back to her with a knowing look in his eyes, "You'll know, because that's all this is. Learning to trust yourself." "Here" She looks to the side to see Todoroki holding out a water bottle, which she accepts. Aizawa heads upstairs to check on the classes Hizashi is running. Momo sits on the mat and takes several sips of her water to cool down. Todoroki takes a seat next to her and she tries not to admire the tone muscles of his arms. He wore a sleeveless shirt today and when he did that it became hard for Momo to not eye his assets. When he wore his uniform it's hard to see any muscle at all, but like this, down here she could admire him all she wanted. Which is crazy because she's not here to fan over an attractive guy. Her face heats up as she holds the cold bottle to her cheek to cool down. In fact she’s not known for noticing things like that. She doesn’t have time to watch those muscles twitch and flex- wait... is he flexing? She glances back and chides herself on seeing things that aren't even there. There’s no way he would tighten his muscles around her. She must be dehydrated. "How’s your mom doing?" Todoroki asks while running his own towel across his face to collect the sweat from earlier. Glad for the distraction she faces him, "She's doing the same. The doctors are talking about maybe taking away her breathing tube to see if she can breathe on her own" "That's good" He nods and she smiles. "I have a good feeling about it." "Your trainings coming along well too. I'm sure in a few months you won't need it anymore." For some reason that thought saddened her as she looks down. It shouldn't because this is why she's here. To learn to control her quirk so she doesn't have to use it. "Yeah. You're right" She plays with the lid of her water. Todoroki stands and holds a hand out to her, "You hungry?" Looking up into those beautiful eyes of his, she could feel her heart give a thump as she accepts the hand and feels him lift her effortlessly to her feet before he releases it, "Yeah I could go for some food" They walk over to their school bags and she takes out the second bento she packs for lessons. Nothing to heavy, just sweets that help replenish the lipids used. Mostly cookies, or fruit pastries that she makes in her spare time. She offered a strawberry biscuit to Todoroki who accepts it with a thank you. It's his favorite fruit, which she's kind of embarrassed to admit she knows by heart. At school they continued to act as if they didn't know each other, which she never questioned. But here, behind these walls she feels like they can just be themselves. "So, I saw you on the news last night" She says while holding her large cookie. Todoroki shrugs, "I hate how the cameras always catch my bad side" Momo is about to ask what he means when he motions to his half and half face and she let out a giggle, "Todoroki did you just make a joke?" "Maybe. Don't tell Shinso, he'll think you were lying" Once her giggling dies down, she keeps her bright smile up, "How is Shinso- Oh I mean MindMaster?" "Same as always. Really annoying" Todoroki takes a bite of his own sweet and Momo follows. "How did you two meet?" She's been wondering how an introvert like Todoroki got mixed up with person like Shinso. Looking up in thought Todoroki thinks before speaking, "Aizawa introduced us when we were kids. Maybe like when we were 10 or 11." "Oh, that's nice. He must be a trusted childhood companion" She insists. "Yeah he's loyal. We both trained with Aizawa to control our quirks" "So, you both trained together. That's cool, kind of like a wonder duo" Todoroki finishes his pastry and wipes the crumbs off his hand, "We both picked up the mask life in Junior High. It was kind of my idea at first. He just likes to copy me." Momo giggles at the thought of a kid Shinso copying Todoroki's every move and the half and half child getting annoyed at it. "Well I think it's great you have someone. Your sister made it sound like you're lonely" "She said what?" Todoroki snaps his head to her and Momo quickly shoves another cookie in her mouth to excuse herself from talking and embarrassing herself more. Todoroki looks back to the training mat, "We don't hang out around my family. My sister doesn't know about him." "So, no one in your family knows about you then?" He shakes his head, "My dad would literally be the first to cuff me and ship me off the that quirk prison he's so proud of." She let her eyes roam over the scar around his left eye. Todoroki doesn't talk about his family so this itself is rare to hear him mention his father. "He's the police chief right?" He hums before nodding, "Yeah, he really wants me to join the force when I graduate." "What do you want thought?" She swallows her cookie and takes out a fruit pastry to nibble on. Blinking rapidly, he turns to her as he crosses his arms, "I've never been asked that. People just assume I'm going to be like my father." "Well, everyone has a choice, right? You shouldn't follow in his footsteps if that's not what you want to do" His face turns down in thought and she reaches out and pats his knee, "Having a cop for a father doesn't make you obligated to be a cop. Your life belongs to you" She quotes what he told her in the school hall that day. His surprise turns into a smirk as he faces her, "That sounds familiar" Momo blushes and pulls her hand away, "Just something someone once told me, with a bit of tweaking of course" He hums as his smirk turns into a genuine smile and she tries to control the erratic beating of her heart, "We should get back to training" With a nod he helps her stand back up and they head back to the matts. He walks over to the punching bag and begins his work out as Momo continued creating things from the list Aizawa gave her. By the end of the day Momo and Todoroki change back into their uniforms and head out of the dojo with goodbyes to their teacher. As they walk along the road Momo looks up to the setting sky, wondering if she should shower before visiting her mother in the hospital or just going right over. "So, you heading to the hospital?" Todoroki asks and Momo nods. "Yup I think I'll go there first. Maybe have dinner in the hospitals cafeteria." Todoroki's face heats us as he looks off to the side, "If you're hungry, maybe we can go somewhere." His words cause her to look at him in shock. They've never gone anywhere together outside of the dojo so his suggestion threw her off, "Um that sounds nice. Got anyplace in mind?" He's about to open his mouth when the calming air is pierced with a loud voice and a set of arms wrapping around both Momo and Todoroki’s shoulders, "Well if it isn't my two favorite kitters" Shinso pops up between them as he squeezes their shoulders close to him. Todoroki gives an annoyed growl as the purple haired hero winks to him and Momo cocks her head, "Kitters?" "Yeah you know like cats? Kittens?" He turns his head to her, ignoring the fire Todoroki's eyes are glaring, "You two look like stray cats when you walk together. So adorable" Todoroki pushes the arm off his shoulder and Shinso drops the one around Momo as he holds his hands up to show he surrenders. "What brings you here Shinso?" Momo asks with a polite smile. She's seen him around the dojo a few times, mostly to work with Aizawa but he seems to be warming up to her since their first meeting. "I had a new device I wanted to drop off for Hizashi. Something I think will help his microphone short out a little less in his costume" "Wow you sure are smart" Momo praises and can see as Shinso eats up her kind words with a smirk. "Yeah I'm kind of a big deal. Certified genius" He winks as she giggles. "What school do you go to?" Momo asks as they three of them continue to walk down the long sidewalk with no real destination in mind. "Pfft school?" He looks forward with an almost hurt look on his face but he hides it behind that impassive look he gives, "I'm too smart for school." "You don't go to school?" Momo's eyes grow wide at the lack of caring when it comes to higher education, "What do your parents say about that?" Todoroki coughs into his hand as a sign and Momo realizes the hurt look back on Shinso’s face deepens, "I don't have any." "Oh" She whispers instantly feeling guilty. They walk for a bit before halting at a stop sign and she takes a peek up at the purple haired hero, "You want to come with us for dinner?" His face turns to excitement, truly relieved the subject was not pushed and instead changed as he nods, "I'm down" Together the three quirked teens go to a ramen shop that Shinso swears by and they sit together in the corner. Shinso and Momo do most of the talking but Todoroki chimes in once in a while when he's not destroying another bowl of soba. Currently Shinso is entertaining them with a story of something Shouto and him did as kids, "So I'm standing there wearing the mascot suit-" Momo busts out laughing, "A mascot suit? What kind?" "You're gonna laugh but it was a cow" He said and to his prediction Momo belts out a giggle, holding her side. "I'm chasing the pit pocketer around the football field, and I finally corner him at a dead end" Shinso holds his hands out as he waves them around for emphasis. "And what happens next?" Momo leans closer, excited to hear more. "I look the guy dead in the eye and say- swear to god I said this, 'Your MOO-ve punk' and he dead ass drops the stolen purse." Covering her mouth, she erupts into more laughter as Todoroki rolls his eyes at the story he's heard for a hundred times. "Wow Shinso you're crazy!" The brainwasher shrugs as he pops two dumplings into his mouth and talks around it, "I'm charming as hell" "Don't talk with your mouth full" Todoroki points his chopsticks at Shinso who begins chewing even more obnoxiously to annoy him. Momo watches the two banter as she enjoys her sweet and sour noodles. It feels good to laugh so much, and be out among friends. Friends... Smiling into her noodles she closes her eyes and prides herself on the word. She now has someone besides Jirou to talk with and hang out. Someone else that can relate to her struggles and who she can lean on for support. If her mom was awake, she would be so proud to know she is making friends. But would this last? A dark part of her wonders if when she stopped her trainings, would they still hang out with her? Would they still have dinner like this and laugh about things? "Momo?" Snapping from her thoughts she looks up to see both heroes looking at her and she blushes as she lowers her bowl, "I'm sorry did you say something?" "Geez so air headed" Shinso scoffs and Todoroki pokes him in the arm with his chopsticks as the other rubs at the sore spot he hit. "I sometimes think too much" "Nothing wrong with stretching your brain" Shinso wags his brow at her, "I do it all the time" Todoroki sets his soba down, "You alright?" Waving her hand, she nods quickly, "I'm fine I swear" Shinso takes over the conversation telling another tale of the time he and Todoroki tracked down a kidnapper and saved the day. She hung on his every word, excited to hear more about the people they've saved. It nearly gave her an adrenalin boost just hearing about these stories. Which is strange because these are stories her classmates swooned over after every news story. What is the difference? Why is she on the edge of her seat hearing about Todoroki saving a young boy while Shinso hacked into the kidnapper’s phone? Could it be she’s just interested in her new friend’s life's? Sometimes Momo gets excited when Jirou tells Momo about her jam sessions at the open mic night. But she doesn’t get this excited. This is different. Though all good things must come to an end as they paid their bill and walk out of the establishment. Shinso stretches his arms high above his head, "Well I'm stuffed. I'll leave you two love birds to the rest of your date" "Shinso" Todoroki hisses as Momo blushes and watches as the half and half student punches Shinso's arm and the purple haired teen laughs and leaves them with a wave of his hand. Once out of sight Momo turns to Todoroki who is looking to the side so she gets a good look at his profile. The setting sun casts a lovely color on his face, almost as if he were blushing but she knew he couldn't be. "I better get to the hospital for my visit." "I'll walk you" He says and she doesn't fight it as they began in the direction of the facility. "So Shinso doesn't have any parents?" She asks and quickly back peddles, "Not that we have to talk about him. I'm just curious where he stays" Todoroki gives a shrug, "He lives at the theatre I brought you to." "What? That old place?" Her nose wrinkles at the thought of that dirty room. "It's actually our bat cave as you call it" He smirks at her and she giggles. "Oh, is it?" He puts his hands in his pockets as they walk across a street crosswalk, "Yeah, Shinso actually got it for us. Not sure how but he turned it into our secret base." "Okay, well if you guys are proud of it then so am I" They walked in silence for a bit longer before Todoroki breaks it, "You know you can come by anytime" "Hm?" She looks to him with curious eyes. "Our base. You can stop by if you want, when you feel like it" Those butterflies began their dance in her stomach as she smiles at him, "I'd like that" They arrive at the hospital and Momo turns back to him, "Well this is my stop. Thank for you for walking me" "Anytime" They just stand there staring at each other as the street lights flickered on above them. Todoroki turns to the road, "I better get back. I have patrol tonight" "Okay well stay safe alright?" He gives a wave before heading back where they came and she watches him go. Maybe this has been a difficult time in her life, but she's glad she has Todoroki with her. He's a good friend. Momo heads up to her mother’s private hospital room and drops her bag by the door. "Hey mom" She leans down and kisses her forehead before taking the chair next to her, "Sorry I'm late. I was having dinner with some friends" She giggled and smiles brightly at her mom's sleeping face, "I know right? Friends as in plural as in more than one! Two more to be exact" She holds up 2 fingers before dropping them. "You'd like them. Well you already met one. Todoroki" She blushes at the name and plays with the hem of her skirt, "The other one is Shinso who I already mentioned before. He's really nice." Lowering her head in thought, "He said he doesn't have any parents. That’s sad right? Not having someone to come home to. Not having anyone ask you how your day was, hug you when your sad, or make you soup when you're sick. I hope he has someone that takes care of him." Even without a response Momo smooths out her skirt and shakes her hands away from fidgeting with it. She’s a fidgeted, and her mom would always take her hand when she would notice it. Her mom would notice a lot about what was going on if she were awake. "I miss you mom" Sniffling she takes her hand again and squeezes. This is what she does when it’s just the two of them. She talks to her mom about her day, and about what she learned. Sometimes she wonders if her mom can hear her. When she wakes up, would she remember anything Momo said to her? Would Momo want her to remember what she said? It doesn't matter because for now she'll talk, and her mom will lay there and listen or not listen. She'll just be there. Because that's what mothers do. They listen or they don't listen but they're there. //~~~~~~~~~~End Chapter 4~~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~Chapter 5~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\ (5000)) She's running as fast as she can. Heart pounding, lungs burning, and muscles tense. He's hurt Stopping at a deserted intersection she looks around at the street names. Trying to remember which one leads to the theater. The sun had already set two hours ago so the street lights were all she had to guide her and some of them were burnt out. This part of town isn't known for its upkeep, with half the buildings being condemned, deserted, or foreclosed on. The only real populace seems to be the sketchy type or homeless civilians roaming the streets for a place to sleep. Looking left, before tuning her head right she recalls the correct path and takes a left, continuing her run. Her sneakers pounding on the trash covered sidewalk. He has to be ok; she knows he has to be. Her Thursday ended like it always did since she took up her new training. She left school and went to the dojo to meet Aizawa. Todoroki was called away for patrol with Shinso so she spends the evening with just Aizawa. Once she finished up Momo walked to the hospital only pausing when several cop cars rushed by her with sirens blaring, followed by two ambulances. That’s when she felt the worry begin to rise in her throat. After her short visit she went home and started her homework in front of the TV. Lately she's taken up watching the news whenever possible, just wondering if she'll catch a glimpse of someone she knows. That's when it happened. A breaking news bulletin flashed across the screen with an anchor screaming into a shaking camera. Something about a monster tearing up the downtown area. Several heroes were on site but her eyes zoned in on IcyHot as he slid into the fight from above. Within minutes the accident happened and she couldn't stop herself from running out of her home. She's been running for what felt like an hour before she stopped before the broken-down theatre. The doors and ticket booth all boarded up with signs plastered around. 'Do Not Enter' 'Private Property' 'Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted' Going around the side of the building where she remembered leaving, she pulls at the locked door but it didn’t budge. Slamming her fits on it she calls out, "Shinso! Shinso it's me! Let me in!" She continues this until she's unsure if they're even home. What if they went somewhere else? Maybe the dojo? Just as she's about to turn and leave the door is thrown open by a frantic Shinso, "Yaoyorozu thank god you're here!" He yanks her inside before shutting the door and pulling her behind him, "It's Shouto" "Where is he?" She gasps as they rush to the back of the stage. Behind the dusty red curtain Shinso takes her backstage and over to the back of the room where he pulls up a floor board, revealing a secret passage. Kind of like the one back at the dojo, except this one looks like it was built here with the theater. He pulls her down the stairs to a basement. It's nothing like upstairs, not at all. It's sterol with glass, steel, and concrete making up majority of the room. She lets her eyes roam over it taking in the giant computer system set up with dozens of monitors showing areas around the theater including the door she had been pounding at for a few minutes. It's all so high tech she wonders where he got the money for it before her eyes land on the body laying upon a long steel table. "Todoroki!" She gasps and rushes to his side. His shirt and jacket are gone, showing his stomach wrapped in white bandages. She touches it gently, "Is he alright?" "No he needs mouth to mouth" Shinso says as he rushed to the other side, "Now" "CPR? Wha- I don't know how" She holds up her hands as she looks down to his pale face. Her heart hammering in her chest, "I never learned!" "Just put your mouth against his and blow!" Shinso shouts and without even thinking she cups Todoroki's face and pushes their mouths together. Her eyes are screwed shut as she blows air like she was told and tries to control the shakiness of her hands. She sees a flash behind her eyelids, causing her to pull back and looks up to see Shinso sporting a giant smile while holding his phone up, "Wow I didn't think you'd actually do it" Confusion hits her as she squints her eyes and looks down to see Todoroki snoring peacefully, completely unaware of what just happened. The boisterous laughter of Shinso fills the room as her face turns tomato red when she slowly realizes that he tricked her. "What- Shinso! You liar!" She stands up and pouts angrily at her new friend. He’s clutching his stomach between his fit of laughter, "I'm sorry! I saw an opportunity and took it!" "Is he alright?" She looks down to the red splotches on the white bandage and the purple haired hero calms down. "He's fine. Just under some heavy meds hence the deep sleep" Giving a loud sigh of relief she hardly has it in her to be mad at the guy for his dirty trick, "I was so worried" Shinso shoves his phone into his uniforms pocket before unclipping his face-mask from around his neck to place on the table, "Yeah he had us all worried, but it's just a superficial wound. Hurts like hell, but he'll recover." He slips off the bandages around his neck and pulls on a hoodie over his tactical costume. Her heart is still hammering in her chest as she tries to calm it down by taking in all of Todoroki's condition. He looks to be sleeping peacefully on the medical table. His torn shirt and jacket on the ground next to it like Shinso just dumped them there in a hurry. She reaches out and takes his hand into her own and squeezes it. Looking up she noticed Shinso watching their hands and she places it back on the table. Unsure why she picked it up in the first place. But why is her face warm and why did she want to grab his hand again despite Shinso’s gaze. "Did you run all the way here?" He asks looking at her sweaty face and messy hair. Giving a cough to mainly clear her dry throat she runs her hands through her hair, "Yeah I was watching the news when I saw it. I don't know I just got up and ran." Her words seem to cause him to think because he hums in thought before looking to Shouto, "He'll be happy to know you came for him." His words felt like a double meaning but she just nods, "Are you alright?" "I'm fine. I was nearby on a different call, but I met him half way. I carried him back with the help of a friend. Just finished patching him up when my security grid picked your yelling up outside." His eyes narrowed at her, "You know people think this place is abandoned. It's best to not draw attention like that" "Sorry" She bows in embarrassment, "I'll remember next time" "Next time?" He raises a purple eyebrow, "You planning on becoming a permanent fixture around here?" His words struck a chord with her as she thought about it. Did she plan on it? Would there be a next time? "Because if not, don't get his hopes up" Shinso says and Momo wants to ask what he means when a groan draws both their eyes down to see Shouto moving his hands to his stomach. Still asleep but moving in discomfort. She places a hand over his forehead and feels the sweat dotting it, "Do you have something more comfortable for him to lay?" "Yeah" Shinso motions with his head for her to help, "Grab his legs. I'll get his arms." If it weren't for her constant work out with Aizawa she might not have been able to lift him but she managed to hold him up long enough for them to transfer him to the couch that’s pushed up against the other side of the wall. There were a couple pillows and blankets scattered around the old furniture. Momo remembers Shouto's words about Shinso. 'He lives at the theater' She wonders if this is Shinso's bed? Her eyes glance up to the brainwashing hero and blinks several times. "I need to go get some more medical supplies for when he wakes up. Can you sit with him?" Shinso asks and Momo quickly nods her head. "I'll be back in a bit so don't touch anything. Especially my baby over there" He points to the wall of towers and screens, "Also don't go anywhere. I have sensors set up all over this place so I'll know if you do" "I promise I'm not going to snoop around your man cave" She rolls her eyes at his protectiveness. "It's more than a man cave! It's my lair! My domain! My lady" He blows a kiss to his equipment before heading up the stairs, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do" Once gone she revels in the secret basement, looking around at all the high-tech gear. This place is well loved and taken care of so she doesn't touch much. Instead she goes over to the couch and sits on the floor to watch over Todoroki. He's breathing hard as his face screws up once in a while from the pain. She manages to find a bathroom located in what looks like it used to be a supply closet. She takes a wet hand towel and wipes at the sweat on his face gently. She also clears up the dry blood on his chest till the towels a light pink and she sets it to the side. The only thing she can do now is whispers soothing words and spreads her hands over his arm as if to project her presence there to him. Maybe it worked because he calms down and leans into her hands. They stay like that for a while before the door opens and Shinso comes walking down with a drug store bag and a slurpee. She almost sweat drops at the sight of how relaxed he looks just sipping the blue ice. "What?" He asks around the straw, "I deserve a treat." She helps set the supplies out for him and her phone rings. Picking it up quickly at the name she tries to relay a calmness to her tone. "Hey mom!" "Momo where are you? I came home and the door was unlocked and you aren't here?" Lei sounds frantic and Momo instantly feels guilt flood her mind. "I'm sorry! I got a call from Jirou! She left her chemistry book at school so I came over to give her mine" The lie rolls off her tongue easier than it should have been and she closes her eyes to fight back the urge to tell the truth. "I'll come right home" Lei lets out a loud sigh of relief, "No it's alright. I know you don't get to see her much with all that’s going on. I'm sorry I freaked out on you" "No please don't apologies mom" Momo forces out squeezing her phone to her ear, "It's fine" "It's just with your Mother in the hospital, I'm worried about you. I haven't been giving you the attention you need. I'm split between work and the hospital but you shouldn't have to suffer because of this." Tears prick at the corner of Momo's eyes and she turns away from Shinso who's trying to act like he's not listening by sorting out the bandages. "Mom don't worry about me. I'm- I'm fine" She says for the hundredth time, even though she feels anything but fine. She feels like with every lie she tells her mom and Jirou she cracks a little more. Someday she'll tell a lie that'll shatter her completely. But until then she could almost feel the splinters of glass in her skin, shifting. "I know you are. I can just see this light in you lately. Something I can't explain but you're my strong, brave girl. I'm proud of you" The lump in her throat grew heavy, "Thanks mom" "I won't hold you up. Tell Jirou I said hello" "I will" "I love you Momo" ".... Yeah I love you too mom" The line clicked and went silent signaling her mom hung up, but she continues to hold the phone to her ear. After a few shaky breaths she lowers her phone and shoves it into her pocket. "You good?" Turning around she sees Shinso staring at her from where he’s leaning against the steel table. "I'm fine" Shrugging he turns back and she looks at the clock on one of the monitors, "I better get home" "It's pretty dangerous out there at this hour. You want me to walk you?" "No, I'm fine. You should stay with Todoroki" She walks over and checks his bandages before looking back at the other hero, "I'll come by later tomorrow if that's alright" He cocks his head to the side, "S'fine with me." She gives Todoroki one last look over before standing back up. "Let me see your phone" The question is so sudden she only agrees before handing her phone to the tech wiz. He does a bit of tapping on her screen, not even asking the passcode before handing it back to her. "I put both our numbers in there. You know so next time you can call ahead instead of waking half the city with your shouting" He smirks, showing her since he means no ill-will of his words. Blushing she looks down to her locked phone and nods, "Oh thanks. I'll use it" He walks her to the door and locks it behind her as she takes to the streets and blends in with the shadows. Pushing her hands into her pockets as she makes her way to the train station. Once she got home, she changes into her pajamas and throws herself on her plush bed. She pulls out her phone and opens the contacts. She didn't have many, just Jirou, both her moms, and the hospital. It's almost sad that she just now has the ability to scroll. The name under Jirou's made her crack a smile and suppress a giggle. 'WingMan' Shinso has a good sense of humor and she appreciated it until she came to the next name and froze. 'Boyfriend' The contact pic is of the 'kiss' Shinso got on camera and her face lights up bright red, almost glowing in the darkness of her room. She closes out her screen and hugs the phone to her chest before reopening it and zooming in. How could she be so stupid to fall for that trick? Reaching a hand up she touches her lips and tries to remember what it felt like. Even though it must have only lasted three seconds, they still kissed. Would this be considered a kiss? He was asleep and unaware of it the whole time. She didn't even consider it a kiss in the moment of it all, to worried about him not breathing. If it was a kiss... it would be her first kiss. Shutting the phone and hugging it to her chest she squeaks while trying to convince herself it wasn't a kiss. It was CPR? It was a trick. It was anything but a kiss. Though why did she fall asleep still thinking about it as a kiss? The next morning Momo arrives at school bright and early to finish her homework that she ditched last night when she went to check on Todoroki. She's sitting in front of her locker scribbling in her notebook quickly to finish up the multiple question packet. She stifles a yawn behind her hand as she answers the last question. "What are you doing?" Craning her neck up, Momo sees Jirou standing over her, looking down at her homework with a confused look. "Oh, I feel asleep last night before I could finish my homework. But I got it finished" Momo shoves the packet into her bag before standing up, "Good morning by the way" "Yeah Morning" Jirou sounds suspicious, "You never forget to do your homework" Wincing at the true statement she nods, "Yeah I've just been busy at the hospital. I was there late." Jirou's eyes turn to that of worry as she steps closer, "You know you don't always have to be at the hospital. I know it's your mom, but you're working yourself to the bone." "Yeah" "Well todays Friday! Can you ditch volunteer work just once? We can do our homework at my parent's cafe. I'll treat you to any dessert on the menu" She insists with an excited gleam to her eye. Biting her lip Momo looks off to the side, "I don't know Jirou, I made a commitment" "One time won't hurt. Come on" She looks down a bit, "I miss my best friend" "Oh Jirou" Momo reaches out and takes the girls hand, giving it a squeeze, "I miss you too. How about instead on Sunday we go for lunch? MY treat. We can hang out as much as you want." That seems to bring a smile to the rocker girls face, "Okay I can agree to that" "Perfect! We can talk more over lunch." "Speaking of lunch! I had the funniest thing happen on my way to school today!" Jirou begins telling Momo about her run in with some blonde kid on a bike and how she dropped her lunch and he felt so guilty he gave her his. In the middle of the story Momo looks over Jirou's shoulder to see a flash of red and white. Her stomach tightens as she watches Todoroki walk through the halls with that same neutral look on his face. He stops in front of his locker and opens it, placing his books inside. What is he doing here? He's injured! He should be at home resting! "So, the guy has the audacity to try and ask me my number and I said-" Jirou laughs between her story. "Um hey Jirou I'm so sorry but I need to head to the office before the bell rings. Student council work." Momo bows her head in apology as she steps around Jirou. "Oh Okay! See you in class" Jirou waves as she heads over to her own locker on the other side of the school. Rushing through the halls Momo walks up behind Shouto and clears her throat. He glances over his shoulder to her before facing back, "Yes?" She notices the eyes of her classmates glancing over at them and blushes as she leans in and whispers, "Can we talk?" He shuts his locker and faces her, "Not here, meet me on the second floor by the science lab." "Oka-" She hardly got to answer before he starts walking away as if she weren't even there. Looking down to her phone she knows they don't have long as she rushes up the stairs. As soon as she reaches the top the bell rings and everyone's scuttling off to class. Just as the last student shuts the door to the classroom, she finds herself alone. Turning her back to the janitors closet she looks down the hall for Todoroki. After not seeing him she sighs and wonders if she should just go to class when she feels a tug on the back of her blazer. She's pulled into the janitor's closet and engulfed by darkness. Her fight or flight instincts kicking in as she grabs the arm of her assailant and twists it back, flipping them so she pushes the attacker into the now closed door. "Momo" A voice says in pain and she instantly knows it's Shouto who she's pinned. "Todoroki-san!" She quickly releases him and takes a step back, covering her mouth, "I'm so sorry! You startled me" He turns around holding a hand to his side and she feels so guilty remembering his injury, "It's alright. I'm glad to see your trainings paying off with Aizawa" "Are you in pain?" She holds her hands out, unsure what to do as she watches him compose himself. He stands straight and gives a nod, "I'm fine" "No, you're not!" She insists taking a step closer, "You were injured last night. Not even 24 hours ago, and you're at school! You should be home resting!" "If I stay home, my sisters going to ask questions. It'll look suspicious that IcyHot was injured and Todoroki doesn't show up for school the next day" He explains carefully. "But you could hurt yourself even more!" "I've had worse" Is the simple response she receives but it actually doesn't give her any comfort. "Can I see?" She asks softly and looks down to his stomach. Todoroki inhales as if not expecting that before reaching down to his blazers button. After opening the jacket, he untucks his school shirt and shows her his wrapped stomach. The bandages look fresh with no blood unlike last night. Momo reaches out and touches the bandages. She can feel warmth emanating off his skin and she looks up to see him looking away as if not wanting to watch this. Pulling her hand back he lowers his shirt and she sighs, "Well at least promise me you'll take it easy" "Alright" Nodding her head, she feels this is the best she was going to get out of him. She then blushes as she remembers the incident from last night. Did Shinso show Todoroki the picture? Did he tell the hero about what she did? Clearing her throat, she smooths down the front of her skirt nervously, "So um, Shinso took care of you?" He tucks back in his shirt as he buttons back his blazer, "Yeah I woke up pretty late and he helped me back to my house so I could change." "Did he say anything weird?" Todoroki raises a brow, "Weirder then normal? No" Momo lets out a sigh of relief before Todoroki speaks again, "Although he kept calling me Sleeping Beauty. He's so immature sometimes" Silence fluttered between them before he continued speaking, "He told me you came by last night" "Yeah, I was worried" At her words she could have sworn she saw an emotion play across his face that was neither neutral or blank. But it was gone before she could really know. "You came for me... I appreciate your concern" He says with a single nod of his head. Her face went back to beet red at that and bites at her bottom lip. "You okay?" He reaches a hand up and presses it to her forehead, "You feel warm" Taking a step back she holds her hands up, "I'm fine! I have to get to class!" She steps around him and opens the door before dashing out, leaving Todoroki standing there looking confused as ever. After school lets out Momo walks across the thresholds of her schools' gates and looks both ways. Up ahead, leaning against a tree planted along the sidewalk stood Todoroki, waiting for her. Their eyes met and he turns to begin his walk from the school. She follows at a good distance until the other students are behind them and he slows down enough for her to finally walk alongside him. "How’s your side?" "Sore but manageable" He glances over to her. She smiles as they walk the rest of the way in silence to the dojo. Once they arrived, they made their way to the basement and Momo excuses herself to go change. The room has a divider near the costumes for quick changes. She folds her school uniform neatly next to her bag and puts on her black shorts and blue tank top. Coming out she sees Shouto sitting in front of the computer still in his school uniform. "Good. I was worried you'd think you were training with me today" She says as she pads over to him. He’s typing on the computer before pausing and glancing up at her from his chair, "I know when to sit out." "Took you long enough to learn that" Aizawa says from the stairs as he comes down. Momo gives a wave as her teacher stands on the other side of Shouto, "Heard what happened last night. You should be in bed" "That's what I said" Momo's glad someone else agrees with her. "I'm fine, I'm taking it easy, and I'm staying off my feet" He motions to himself sitting in the chair. "You should go see Recovery Girl" Aizawa walks from the teens to go to the training mat. "Who's recovery girl?" Momo asks, looking between them. "She's a doctor across town that uses her quirk to help heroes that get hurt" Shouto explains and Momo feels her eyes grow wide. "She has a healing quirk?" Thinking of her mother and what this could do for her. As if reading her mind Aizawa shakes his head, "She only uses her quirk on heroes. Can't risk her getting caught by helping civilians" "But that's not fair. If she has a quirk that can help, why can't she help?" Momo feel anger swell up in her at these stupid laws. "Exactly... If she could use her quirk, modern medicine could take a turn for the better. She could heal thousands. But if she does, she gets sent to that quirk prison and helps no one." Shouto jumps in as well and Momo crosses her arms. Aizawa picks up some weights to move them aside to make room, "She works at a hospital during the day, but at night heroes go to her home if they need use of her quirk. Helps us get back on our feet and keep our identities secret." "I guess" She sighs sadly. Todoroki reaches out and takes her hand. She looks down at him still in the chair as he gives it a squeeze before releasing it, "If she were an option to help your mom. I'd have brought her in myself. But she's not" She forces a smile, "I know you would have and I understand she can't help my mom. But she can help you. Please go see her" "I can go later tonight" He insists. "No, you can go now." Aizawa holds up his phone, "I just texted her. She's heading home from work to meet you. Go on" Sighing in annoyance Shouto looks to Momo as she smiled at him, "I promised Shinso I would stop by tonight. I can meet you at the theater" Those words seem to spur Shouto to stand, "Alright, I'll see you tonight" Once he leaves Momo and Aizawa begin their training. "He listens to you better than he's ever listened to me" Aizawa says as she takes a stance. His words cause her to wonder what he meant by that until he struck out and she dodged, letting it fall to the back of her mind as they trained for the next three hours. When training ended, she changes back into her uniform and heads out on her trip to the theatre. It takes only about half an hour by train and walking till she finds herself standing before the same metal doors. Instead of pounding on the metal she looks up and spots a very small camera hidden near the corner of the door frame. She smiled at it and waves. "Told you I'd come back" She says as if knowing Shinso is watching her. Within seconds the door opens and Todoroki is staring at her, "Hey" "Hey yourself" She walks in and he shuts the door behind her. She watches him walk with ease and reaches out to tug at the back of his hoodie that he changed into. He looks over his shoulder at her and she motions with her chin to his side. "Did you go?" To answer her question, he lifts his hoodie up to show no bandages, and instead his very tone stomach. On the side were three long scars that looked to have been there for years, and not just 24 hours ago. She gasps as she reaches out and runs her fingers along the raised skin. "This is amazing" She whispers. "They look practically healed! Wow" That same heat from earlier came back and she looks up to see Todoroki looking down at her this time instead of away. His dual colored eyes baring into her own. She could almost feel the air in her lungs dissipate. The skin under her fingertips feels hot to the touch, as if it had been in the sun for hours, or resting on a heater. She doesn't pull back until someone clears their throat and she turns around to see Shinso leaning against the stage with a cocky smirk. Momo blushes and pulls her hand away as Shouto lowers his hoodie, "H-Hey Shinso" He doesn't answer, but instead huffs out a laugh, "Well well well if it isn't prince charming! Come to check on your sleeping beauty?" If her hair could raise like on a cats back it would as she bites her lower lip and shoots daggers at the brainwashing hero, "I promised you didn't I? That I would come by" "Yeah which is why I picked up pizza for us" He cocks his head to the side, "Come on" Momo smiles at Todoroki as he motions for her to lead the way and follows behind her. Shinso is true to his word as he presents three large pizzas across the training mat with soda sitting on top. For the first time, Momo didn't go to the hospital, and instead spent most of her Friday night sitting with her two new friends, eating pizza, and talking about anything that came up. She couldn't help the warm feeling that fills her stomach as she laughs at the way Todoroki sneers at Shinso's pineapple pizza and calls him an uncultured swine. Tomorrow she knows she’ll feel guilty about not visiting her mom, but for now she just wants to focus on being here. Because this all feels right and she feels safe down in this basement with these two heroes. She feels like she's where she needs to be in this very moment. //~~~~~~~~~~~~End Chapter 5~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\
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//~~~~~~~~~~~Chapter 6~~~~~~~~~~\\"So I told the guy I only gave him my number so he can pay me back for the lunch he ruined. The guy's been texting me trying to start up a conversation" Jirou giggles as she hands her phone to Momo and the vice-president scrolls through the messages."What's your favorite band? Favorite food? Do you like street hockey?" Momo recites as affection bubbles up in her tone, "Sounds like he's smitten with you"Jirou nearly spits out her coffee as she slams her mug down on their outside table. "There's no way! This guys a total creep!""Then why did you give him your number?" She hands the phone back to her with a smirk.Jirou blushes as she tucks her phone away, "I told you, so he can repay me for my lunch""So you want him to take you on a lunch date?"The purple haired student points her mug at Momo, "Who said anything about a date?""You did- just now" Momo laughs at her friends brazen show of playing dumb."Whatever, I'm done talking about that bubbly blonde. What about you?" Jirou takes a bite of her food and Momo looks up from her tea with wide eyes."What about me?""Come on girl, we've been talking about me since you got here. How are you? How’s your mom? Both of them."Setting down her tea cup she tugs at her thigh high socks to keep them firmly pulled near the hem of her skirt, "My moms are fine. I already told you they might take out her breathing tube soon. My Mother's working round the clock at their business trying to keep it consistently smooth. But other than that yeah- like I said fine""Good. I'm glad to have time with you." Jirou sips from her strong coffee."Yeah well when I said my treat I expected us to go somewhere that I can actually pay. Not your parents cafe." Momo motions to the establishment they currently sat in front of.It's a trendy little place downtown, mostly near the law firms and shopping district. Their Sunday crowd giving the business a light boost as everyone lines up near the register. The building itself looks like it's run by past hippies with records lining the walls, guitars hanging from behind the coffee bar, and flowers along the display window. On Tuesdays it was poetry night, while Wednesdays were open mic night, and Fridays were Late night jam fest with anyone taking the stage with any instrument they could fit through those doors. It's no wonder Jirou grew up with such a love of music with parents like hers.Jirou waves her off, "There's no helping it. I know you missed my moms blueberry scones and my dads tea."Momo holds up the tea cup and cheers to her, "They are masters at their crafts"Both of them laugh it off as they finish the last of their food and Jirou looks up, "Do you have to be anywhere anytime soon?"Wiping her mouth Momo shakes her head, "Nope I'm all yours for the next three hours""Awesome! Because I have got to show you this sweet guitar at this pawn shop!" Jirou stands up and Momo follows. They clean up their plates and drop them off with Jirou's mom before heading out.They take the train down to the less desirable shopping district, near some of the commonly name brand stores. Once stopping out front Momo looks up at the sign that sits crooked on the cement building.'Lucky Pawn'"This place looks charming" Momo forces out as she clutches her purse strap hanging on her arm. "It's a dump" Jirou corrects, "But they get the best products as long as you don't ask questions"She pushes the glass door with metal bars on it open, and they hear a bell ringing to signal their entrance. The store is cluttered from floor to ceiling with random items that could have seen better days. Lawn mowers, DJ equipment, movies, books, cd's, a wall filled with bikes hanging from dozens of hooks, and even a few car tires.Momo scrunches up her nose at the musty smell and follows Jirou to the front of the shop where some guy is leaning back in his chair eating donuts and reading a playboy bunny magazine out in the open with no shame written on his face."Hey man" Jirou slaps her hands on the glass counter that lines half the shop and separates them from the owner.He looks up and nods, "Hey kid. You back to look and not buy?"Jirou scoffs as she taps her finger on the glass, "I intend to buy my good man, but I need to make sure the goods are worth it"With an annoyed sigh he drops his half eaten powdered donuts in the box and wipes his dirty hands on his brown shirt, leaving long white stains with the other ones. He goes to the back and seconds later comes out holding a bright purple, electric guitar. Momo can almost see the drool on Jirou's face as she holds her hands out. The guy hands it over and Jirou begins to feel it up. Moving her fingers along the strings to hear the dulled sound of them as she plucks away at it."It's beautiful isn't it?" Jirou sighs happily."Yeah it suites you" Momo whispers as she smiles at how happy her friend is.Reaching out she takes the white tag hanging on the tuner and whistles, "Wow, you got this much?""I've been saving up" Jirou says proudly, "I've taken a few extra shifts at the cafe, horded all my tips, and I even sold Mia"Momo gasps, "You sold Mia? Your first guitar?"Jirou nods and gives a sigh, "She had to go. I outgrew her long ago, but she's with a good home. One of the kids from my dads music lessons bought her. Renamed her Bethany.""Bethany?" Momo tastes the name."I know, ugh painful, but she will be loved. So will my new guitar, Fiona" She motions to the purple item in her hands and Momo agrees."So you gonna buy her?" The owner drawls out re-eating his donut, "Or should I put it back?"Jirou sighs loudly, "Come on man you know this is crazy! I almost have full amount. Would you take eight hundred less?""Nope""Dude! I'm doing you a favor! Who can afford this? It's just gonna sit in the back collecting dust and depreciate in value." Jirou explains as she continues to finger the strings."I got a guy from Hondo that comes around once in a while to check out my inventory. He specializes in guitars. Guarantee he'll come in here any day now and buy it for full price." Jirou hugs the guitar to her chest, "Aw come on man""This isn't a daycare kid. Either you got the money or you don't. If you don't then I suggest placing it back here" He points to the counter and Jirou groans angrily before taking it off and placing it on the counter carefully.Momo is about to ask the man why it was so expensive when she looks down past the guitar. Under it sits a jewelry case with handfuls of rings, bracelets, chains, and necklaces. She squats down and places her hands on the glass, nearly bumping her nose against the cold barrier.Sitting there under the display lights is a golden locket with red rubies encircling it. Her mouth goes dry as she remembers what happened that fateful day.'Hey lady give me the necklace.'No please, my husband gave this to me before he died' She begs as she clutches the gold locket outlined with red diamonds, 'Take anything else'The man presses the muzzle of his gun to her head, 'I won't ask again'She remembers that masked man snapping the necklace from the old woman’s neck and shoving it into his pocket. Out of the four he was one of the two that got away that day.The same guys that shot her mother in cold blood."See something you like princess?" The owner leans on the counter and she snaps her head up at him."This necklace, with the red rubies" She points to it and the guy nods."Yeah it's a classy piece right? 100% 24 Karat gold with authentic rubies." He opens a sliding door behind the counter and takes out the stand that the necklace is draped on. He sets it out and Momo feels her fingers hovering over it as if unsure.This couldn't be the same necklace. Could it?"The clasp is broken on the back so I can get you a replacement chain for just the cost of the locket"Her heart began pounding in her ears as she inhales shakily, "W-who brought this here?"Instantly the necklace is picked up and placed back in the display as the owner stands back up, "That's personal information."Momo shakes her head, "No I need to know who sold you this!" She jabs her finger to the glass and stands tall as she glares at the man."Momo" Jirou whispers."You two need to leave" He crosses his arms, "Now"Her breathing becomes shallow as she leans against the counter, "No please I just need to know""If you're not out of here in the next thirty seconds I'm calling the cops" He threatens.Jirou grabs Momo's arm, "Momo come on"Momo tries to stand her ground but as the guy picks up the phone she let her friend win and pull her from the shop. After all, what could she say? That the necklace was stolen from a robbery she wasn't suppose to be at? That would only open a flood gate of questions that would lead the cops right to Todoroki and Shinso.As the two students walk outside and the door shuts behind them Jirou turns Momo to face her, "Okay, what the hell was that all about?""What?" Momo couldn't even focus on Jirou's words as she thought about ways to get answers from that guy."Back there? You freaked out over some jewelry. Are you alright?"Shaking her head Momo takes a step back, "I need to go""Wait- Momo""I'm so sorry, I just remembered I have a previous engagement I need to be at. I'll call you later" Momo pulls away from Jirou's outstretched hands and begins to jog down the sidewalk."Momo! Come back!" Jirou calls as she stands her ground and just watches her leave.Momo ran all the way to the old theater and stands out front looking up at it. The marque still spelling out 'Coming soon' in giant black letters but the name below it fell off long ago just leaving a few scattered notes.Taking out her phone she first tries Todoroki but it instantly goes to voicemail, so she calls Shinso and he picks up on the third ring."Yo""Shinso I'm at the theater, are you guys here?"There was a pause before he spoke, "No I'm at the dojo with Aizawa. Shouto's at home. Why? What are you doing there?"Cursing, which is something she rarely did, she closes her eyes, "I need to talk to Todoroki.""Good luck with that" Shinso scoffs."What?""Tonight’s his mandatory family dinner. They do it once a month at his house. Both his siblings and his dad sit around a table and eat in silence for an hour. Shouto hates it but his dad makes him turn off his phone for the whole thing."Momo looks both ways as she shakes her head, "Can you send me his address? This can't wait""You know part of me is saying don't do what you're thinking of doing. But the other part of me loves the drama, so sure. I'll text it to you.""Thanks" She hangs up and instantly her phone chimes with a message containing the address.It's not that far, just a twenty minute bus ride and she's standing outside a large Japanese style home. She blinks up at it several times before walking up the long driveway. Standing before the door she quickly knocks three times and drops her hand to her side.It doesn't take long before a familiar face opens the door and looks down at her, "Momo? What are you doing here?""Oh um" Momo quickly blanks on what to say.Why didn't she come up with something on the way over? Why is she standing outside her classmates home on a weekend? "I'm here to see Todoroki" She blurts out and Fu nods her head."Okay, well we were just about to sit down for a family dinner. Is something wrong?"She shakes her head quickly, "Nope not at all. Why would there be anything wrong?"The older sisters eyes turn soft, "I heard what happened to your mom. I'm so sorry you're going through this"Momo forces a smile, "Thank you for your concerns, my family appreciates it"The woman’s face instantly lights up, "Would you like to have dinner with us?""That sounds lovely" Momo blurts out before thinking and winces as Fu takes her hand and begins to pull her in."Shouto's going to be so surprised!" Fu shuts the door behind them and Momo takes off her ankle boots by the other shoes next to the door. She looks down to her knee high stockings, black skirt and stripped black and white shirt tucked into it. Was she dressed alright to meet his family?Oh god! She's going to meet the rest of Todoroki's family! Why hadn't she thought of this? How could someone with a 5.3 GPA and perfect testing scores be so stupid? She follows Fuyumi down a long hall until they come to an open doorway, "Look who stopped by Shouto"Momo looks up to see Todoroki kneeling before a traditional chabudai, looking up at her with wide eyes. She can read the message he is sending her loud and clear, 'what are you doing here?'She forces a smile and bows at the dining room opening, "Hello, I'm so sorry to intrude""Not at all! Please have a seat" Fuyumi gently pushes Momo to sit next to Todoroki as the secret hero looks to her and she gives a helpless shrug of her shoulders.Across from her sits a large man with white hair spiking up in each direction, "So are you like Shouto's girlfriend?""What?""No"Both of them shout in unison as their faces heat up and they look to the older man. He laughs and holds up his hands in surrender, "Sorry! It's just not every family dinner a cute girl shows up to see my baby brother. I'm Natsuo by the way""Momo Yaoyorozu" she bows her head again in respect, "It's nice to meet you"She looks around to see it's just the three of them since Fu went back into the conjoining kitchen to finish up whatever she is cooking. There are two other empty seats, one next to Natsuo and another at the head of the table. She looks to Todoroki who's trying to convey a thousand questions through his facial expression but she knows they can't say anything in front of Natsuo."So, if you're not his girlfriend. How do you two know each other?" Natsuo leans forward on his elbows."School""Martial arts" They both wince and look to the other as their simultaneous answers before Todoroki pipes up, "We go to school together and train at the same dojo"Natsuo's eyes grow wide with excitement, "You as into fighting as my brother is?"Momo cracks a smile as she glances to Todoroki, "I wouldn't say I'm quite as into it as he is""Well it's cool you have a friend Shouto. Why haven't I ever heard of her?" Natsuo pouts."I've heard of her" Fu walks in carrying a large pot of food and sets it in the center of the table, "She's the vice-president of Shouto's grade.""Very cool" Natsuo nods."Um, can I help with anything?" Momo offers as Fu places another bowl next to the large one. "No, not at all. Thank you though, you're so sweet" Fu sighs dreamily, "I just adore how polite you are!"Momo's about to say something when a large figure stands in the doorway to the dining room and all heads look up. She can feel the negative energy rolling off his scowl as the room calms down and everyone puts on a solemn, neutral look. Similar to the one Todoroki always wears at school, but somehow more grim."Who's this?" The giant man asks."This is Momo Yaoyorozu, a classmate of Shouto's" Fu says as she takes a seat next to Natsuo.The man glares down at Momo who just blinks up at him, "Tonight is just for family."Momo feels the need to get up and leave when Shouto speaks up, "She's staying. Get over it old man."Anxiety wells up in Momo at the protective tone Shouto takes with his own father. They glare each other down like some old western shoot out and Momo's almost surprised a tumbleweed doesn't blow by. Eventually the police chief is the first to break the staring match and takes a seat at the head of the table. Momo feels her shoulder sag in relief as she fists her hands in her lap and chides herself for busting in here and causing trouble."Shall we get started?" Fuyumi asks and is met with a firm nod from the father.Fuyumi begins to load up plates and pass them around. The whole room is silent, except for the clanking of utensils as Fu spoons rice and fish onto everyone’s plate. Momo accept her plate after the father and sets it down to wait for everyone to be served before eating. Her eyes glance over to the police chief and take in his large form.She's seen him on the news a few times for press conferences or in the background leading the police force. He looks larger in person if that's even possible with his red hair standing in spikes on his head. He has turquoise eyes that remind her of Todoroki's left eye encircled by that scar. But his eyes were darker, more dangerous and she could almost feel her fight or flight quivering at the need to get out of there.The chief picks up his food once the last person is served and begins to eat slowly. Momo follows Todoroki's actions and lifts her chopsticks to begin eating as well.The press liked to call Chief Todoroki by the given name Endeavor, which means 'to try hard to do, or to achieve something difficult'. It's something that came up when they proclaimed him the cities second hero next to All Might himself. They say Enji would be number one, if it weren’t for the hero showing up to all his rescues and saving the day with his quirk. Which might be a main reason why Endeavor hates quirked vigilantes so much. In any press conference, he's heard bashing them with promises of arrest and hard time in prison.She chews slowly as the silence becomes almost deafening. Shinso is right, this is torture. After about ten minutes of the silence, the father speaks and Momo almost drops her bowl in shock but steadies herself."What's your name?"Looking up at him she forces a smile, "Momo Yaoyorozu, sir"He grunts and lowers his food, "Your name sounds familiar""She goes to school with Shouto" Fuyumi offers."I'm not addressing you, daughter" Endeavor snaps and Fuyumi lowers her head as she shoves rice in her mouth to hide her frown.Momo feels bad for Fuyumi and her eyes turn sharp to the father, "She's right though. We do go to the same school""That's not it. Wait-" He pauses and squints his eyes at Momo, "Yaoyorozu. Is your mother Abalee Yaoyorozu? The woman shot in that robbery over a month ago?""Dad" Natsuo hisses as Shouto growls in annoyance at his blunt words."You don't need to answer him" Shouto says to Momo as she holds a hand up and sets her food down."No no, it's alright. Yes sir, she was involved in the incident. You have quite a good memory""She was our only lead to get more information on the robbers. Though she's useless in that coma."Momo flinches at the hurtful words, "Well, hopefully when she wakes up she can be helpful""You mean if she wakes up" Endeavor says.A slam on the table causes everyone to look at Shouto as his heated glare challenges his dad who just stares back. Momo reaches out and places a hand over his under the table. She's not sure why she does it but Todoroki looked down at their hands before looking up at her with wide eyes.She smiles at him, letting him know she's fine before turning to the chief, "Well, even without my mothers testimony, I trust the police force will do their due diligence and find a new lead. Don't you sir?" She challenges him with a hint in her tone and can feel Todoroki returning her hold with his own enclosed hand.He narrows his eyes at her, "Of course we will. In fact we're working on a lead as we speak.""Oh? Pray tell? I'm very keen on seeing the men who did this to my mother be put behind bars""We have word from one of the hostages that there was a girl on the scene." Endeavor lifts his drink and Momo feels her stomach clench."Oh?" She cocks her head."Though the security cameras were compromised, we've gathered that she's possibly a young high school student." "What does she have to do with my mothers attack or the robbery?" Momo swallows all the saliva in her mouth and feels the need to drink as she lifts her water."Witness said she was taken away by that vigilantly Icy Hot."She wants to spit her water out but holds it in and swallows, "I don't recall reading that in the newspaper."She could feel Todoroki squeezing her hand and she drew comfort from it."It's been kept out. Word is she attacked one of the robbers with some quirk before being taken away. We plan on finding her to get more intel.""Well, hypothetically if you did find her, after you question her, what would happen next?" Momo asks nervously as she entwines her fingers around Todoroki's and feels the heat under his skin warm her cold fingers."She'll be arrested obviously." Endeavor eats his fish, "She used a quirk.""It sounds like she used a quirk to defend herself." Momo says."A quirk is still a quirk if used. Doesn’t matter the circumstances. She's a criminal now.""But that's not fair." Momo leans forward and Endeavor looks to her with narrowed eyes. Momo quickly shuts her mouth and sits back."Do you share a fondness for those masked freaks in my city?" "Dad" Fuyumi whispers but with a sharp glare from him she lowers her head back down.Momo gives a shaky inhale, "I believe those without fault should throw the first stone.""So you do support them?"She looks to Todoroki who's been very quiet up until now and she wonders how it feels to be a person your father hates. How lonely he must feel without the support of his family, by keeping this huge secret from them.Facing forward she shrugs, "I use to think they were criminals. Laws are put here for a reason, to keep us safe. So if what they're doing is illegal, than it must be bad.""But you don't anymore?" Natsuo asks this time and she shakes her head."No, not at all. In fact I see how vital they are now to this cities safety. I see all the good they do and I now support them completely." She could feel that same hand in her own as he ghosts a thumb over the back of her hand in soothing swipes.Endeavor leans forward with narrowed eyes, "You speak as if you've met these criminals.""I've never met a single one, though I would love to."Silence takes the dining room and is only broken when Endeavor slams down his chopsticks, "I'll be in my study."No one stops him as he gets up and exits the room, and with his departure Momo feels ten times lighter."Wow... Shouto if you don't date this girl then I might have to." Natsuo laughs as he smiles brightly at the two students.Momo blushes and lowers her head, "I'm sorry if I ruined your dinner.""Pfft, please! You made it actually interesting for once! Can you come to all our family dinners?" The large sibling gives her a thumbs up as Fuyumi slaps his shoulder playfully.Momo is about to apologize again when she feels herself standing up and looks to see Todoroki pulling her with him, "We're going out. I'll be back later.""Oh, okay!" Fuyumi calls as she waves to him, "It was nice seeing you again Momo! Don't be a stranger!"Momo hardly has time to say goodbye before she picks up her shoes by the door and rushes out of the house behind Todoroki. Once outside she slips on her ankle boots and zips the sides up."I'm so sorry about that Todoroki I didn't mean to-"She freezes when he cups her face in his hands and leans close to her. She can feel his breath on her face and instinctively leans up but pauses when she notices his worried eyes, "Are you alright?"Realization grasps hold of her that he's not trying to kiss her, but to check on her. Blushing bright red she pulls away and strands as tall as possible, "I'm fine! I swear."Todoroki sighs loudly before nodding, "I'm sorry about my father. He's intense, and an asshole""It's alright Todoroki, I'm the one who should be sorry. I just rushed over here without thinking and I barged in on your family. I know you want to keep your life and that life separated from them. I should have stopped to think.”"Don't worry about it. You can reach out to me anytime."Those words cause her stomach to leap into her throat as she feels her neck heating up and that same heat slowly rise up to her cheeks."Did something happen?" He asks, snapping her from her girlish thoughts and she quickly remembers why she's here in the first place."Todoroki you won't believe it but I think I found a way to find the bank robbers!"//~~~~~~~~~~~~End Chapter 6~~~~~~~~~~~~\\
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//~~~~~~~~~~Chapter 7~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\"And that's it" Momo finishes as she looks to her captive audience.Both Todoroki and Shinso look to each other before glancing back at Momo from where they’re sitting in the old theatre chairs. After Momo told Todoroki she might have a way to find the bank robbers, they stopped at the dojo to get Shinso and together, the three quirked teens went back to the heroes domain where she tells them everything."So are you sure it's the same necklace?" Shinso asks with his chin resting in his palm."Positive! I was standing right there when he took it"Shinso looks to Todoroki, "What do you think?"Todoroki looks to Momo, "It's a solid lead. We need to find out who pawned that necklace. Maybe get an address or at least a name""I tried but the guy kicked us out. Jirou said it's the place to go where you don't ask questions" Momo sits on the edge of the stage, staring down at the two heroes."Well maybe we don't ask? Maybe we get someone we know with a brainwashing quirk and demand that this guy tell us what he knows." Shinso points to himself with a smirk.Todoroki nods, "Alright so we have a plan. Shinso and I will go to the pawnshop tomorrow and get the info we need to catch these guys"Momo jumps down from the stage and lands on her feet, "I'll come with you""No" Shinso and Todoroki say at the same time which shocks her."Why not?"Shinso scoffs and stands up as well, "Because newsflash girlfriend, you're not a hero"Momo pouts as she puffs her cheeks out, "I know that! But I want to help"Todoroki walks next to Momo and places a hand on her shoulder, "We know, and we understand. But we're trained to handle these situations.""I've been training too" Momo insists but she hates how she sounds like a child."To control your quirk" Shouto answers, "Not to do what we do. Quirks are just half the battle. Besides you said from day one this is just until you harness your quirk. You don't want to be a hero.""You couldn't be a hero" Shinso pipes up but quiets down when Shouto glares at him.She did say that, but hearing it after all the work she's put in almost sounds incorrect now, "I know""Then trust us to do this. I promised you I'd bring the men that did this to justice and I intend to keep my promise"She wants to fight back, to tell him she can do this, but instead she just nods. "Alright, now that it's settled we'll contact you when we have more information. You've had a rough day. You should go home" Todoroki says and she turns away sadly to walk to the door.Once outside Todoroki offers to walk her home, but she turns him down. "I'm fine. You have patrol soon so I don't want to take up your time" She looks at the time on her phone, "Besides I need to clear my head""You sure?" Todoroki seems hesitant on letting her go but she just nods and turns around casting a wave over her shoulder."Night Todoroki-san!""Can you text me when you get home?" He asks and she agrees before turning the corner.She walks down the deserted streets of the city, with her mind anywhere but on the walk. 'You don't want to be a hero.' Shouto's voice rang through her mind.'You couldn't be a hero'Momo remembers saying to Todoroki in the school halls, 'It might be best if I just forget it happened''Why?''Because I can't be a superhero''You don't have to be. Having a quirk doesn't make you obligated to be a hero. But it does belong to you, and it's a part of you'That wasn't something she understood at the time. She just assumed it meant she needed to learn to control it, as a moral obligation to her family. But now... after this long month of training with Aizawa, expanding her skills, learning about these powers. She finds herself wanting to learn more, to push herself as far as her body will go to enhance her quirk. Reading dozens of books, training into the latest hours of the night, celebrating her accomplishments with Shouto by splitting a pastry.Maybe she's doing this for a reason? Maybe deep down she knew she needs to train harder for this exact moment. To find the men that did this to her mom and send them to jail. To make sure no other person has to go through what she went through. Watching her mom fight for her life every day, with no guarantee of the next sunrise. She couldn’t- She wouldn’t stand by and let this happen.A click is heard and Momo stops to turn around to see a twitchy man in an oversized trench coat pointing a revolver at her, "Gimme yo purse lady"She turns around fully and holds her hands up while blinking her wide cat like eyes at the man, "Hey, let's take it easy" she whispers.The guy shakes the gun at her, "I said gimme yo purse or I'll shoot you! I swear to god I will""Alright alright" Momo hooks her thumb under the strap of her purse to lift it from her shoulder slowly, "I'm doing it"It's almost like she can hear Aizawa's voice in her head, directing her. So with that in mind she drops the purse in front of her on the concrete and takes a step back, "There take it"The gunman kneels down to grab at the bag, letting the gun slouch. Which is his first mistake, because with all her might she pushes forward, both hands grabbing the hand holding the gun, while her knee jabs up and into the guys chin. He curses and drops the gun which she kicks away. She twists his arm behind his back and pushes him to the ground as he’s screaming that she broke his nose. Blood is dripping onto the dirty sidewalk as she presses his face down."Don't move!" She snaps as she pulls two zip ties from her hand and secures the mans hands behind his back before standing up and keeping her boot on his back, "I'm sure you'll need to think about what you did in prison"A spotlight shines on them as a cop car siren beeps once as it rounds the corner the two are near, "Hey you two what's going on?"Not wanting to be caught Momo reaches down and snatches up her purse. Turning around she makes a run for it. Both cops exit the vehicle and pursuit upon them."Stop! Police!" They shout as she runs down an ally way and jumps up to grab onto a fire escape ladder. Just making it up and pulling herself onto the roof as the cops rounded the corner to see an empty ally. They shouted for her to come out and briefly she worried they would try to come up here. Momo lays with her back on the roof breathing heavily for a few minutes until she hears the cops head away to get the man that’s still tied up. She lets out a loud sigh of relief as she touches a hand to her chest to control her breathing."Hey Sal, isn't this that serial mugger we've been after for four weeks now?" The cop asks and Momo feels her chest swell as the other cop agrees. Did she hear them correctly? A serial mugger? She knew this wasn’t the best part of town but she managed to have an encounter with a wanted criminal?"Yeah it is! Come on man, you're under arrest" They yank the already cuffed man up and push him to the cops car.As they read him his rights Momo can't stop the huge smile from spreading across her face. She just caught a serial mugger! In barely ten minutes she had done what the cops couldn't do in four weeks and she didn’t even mean to.As the car drove off Momo sits up and looks over the roof ledge, "Wow"Her adrenaline began pumping in her ears as she lets out a laugh and covers her mouth with the back of her hand. She seriously just did that! This feeling is amazing!Maybe there is something to this hero stuff after all.She gets home an hour later just as dark clouds began to roll over and cover the stars, passing her mother in the study on her way to her room. Lei is busy at work on her large tablet pattering away. She gives Momo a warm smile and a wave before bidding her goodnight. Once out of eyesight from Lei she pulls out her phone and texts Shouto that she got home fine before throwing herself on the bed. Her pulse still thumping and smile never dying as she rolls to her side and giggles.After several minutes of her laughing and squealing, her phone began ringing. Looking down she see's Jirou's name and hisses as she remembers how she ditched her friend earlier today. She quickly answers."Hey Jirou""Girl first you run off, and secondly you worry me to death when I don't hear from you for the rest of the day. All you can say is 'Hey Jirou' really?"Momo winces and holds the phone close to her face, "I know I'm so sorry about that.""What happened? You just kind of freaked out and ran"She could hear clanking on the other end and figured Jirou is doing dishes with her headphones on. Momo didn't want to lie to her friend, so maybe a half truth wouldn't be so bad."I completely forgot I had plans. I was just so excited to hang out with you they slipped my mind.""Oh? And what were these plans that were so important?""It was dinner at Todoroki's house"She hears a splash and reasoned Jirou must have dropped something in the full sink, "What?""Remember the bake sale?""Yeah of course""Well Todoroki's sister was there and just recently she heard about my mom so she invited me to dinner a while ago. It slipped my mind really with how hectic things have been. I didn't want to be rude and not show up""So let me get this straight. You had dinner with Todoroki and his family?""Yeah pretty short actually.""So like what are you two dating now?"Why did everyone assume she and Todoroki are dating just because she hangs out with him?"No Jirou we're not dating. We're just friends""FRIENDS?" Jirou shouts and Momo holds the phone away from her ear before pulling it back, "Since when are you friends with Mr. Popular?"Momo plays with a strand of her hair, "I don't know... since the bake sale I guess?""You've never brought him up before. You even told me you didn't know the guy and now I'm just finding out you two are friends? What did you two kiss and not tell me either?"Momo's face explodes with a blush at the memory of fake ‘kissing’ Todoroki as she quickly defends herself, "No! No we haven't"Jirou stays silent and Momo wonders if her friend can hear the lie in her voice before she speaks, "As long as you're honest with me Momo. That's all I care about."Guilt swims over her at those words, "Yeah I know""You're my best friend Momo. I would never keep a secret from you. You're like a sister to me""Yeah, same here. I feel the same""Good. So no more secrets?" Jirou asks.She should tell her... She should tell Jirou everything."Yeah, no more secrets" Momo whispers.She can’t tell her. She made a promise to Todoroki to keep his secret. Come hell or high water Momo intends to keep that secret even from her best friend.With thoughts of Todoroki in mind she looks off to the side as her previous questions came full force."Hey Jirou?""Yeah?""Do you remember when I said sometimes it's best to do nothing if someone’s in danger. That laws are here for a reason?"There was a pause on the other line before she spoke, "Yeah? Why?""I've just been thinking a lot about it lately. My mom got shot because no one stopped those two robbers.""Momo-""No I just- I mean if we lived in a world where people could use their powers, maybe someone else could have stopped them."Silence met her and she tries again, "What I'm getting at is, would you stand by and do nothing if you knew you could make a difference, but you'd be breaking the law?""This is a pretty specific question Momo""I'm just thinking that's all. Maybe I'm just having a moment where my adolescent mind wants to mature and bloom with new thoughts and ideas. Is that so wrong?"Jirou bursts out laughing, "Oh Momo, you're to much sometimes. But to answer your question- yeah I'd do something.""You would?""Of course! This is my city. My parents live here, my best friend lives here. If I knew there was something I could do to make things even a little better, I would""But what about the law?" Momo bites her lip thinking about her choice. If she did what she's thinking of doing, she would be a fugitive, a vigilantly being hunted down by the cops. If they ever found her she could kiss her freedom goodbye."If a law is unjust, a person is not only right to disobey it, they are obligated to do so""Wow" Momo whispers, blows away by those profound words."You like it?" Jirou giggles, "It's a Thomas Jefferson quote I got right on my last test."The vice president joins her friend in a light laugh before smiling down at her bed sheets, "Thanks Jirou, I can always count on you to help""Anytime Yaomomo.""I have to go, it's getting late""Yeah I feel you, I need to finish these dishes soon if I don't want to live the rest of my life with wrinkly fingers."Chuckling, she bids her goodnight and hangs up the phone. Once off she sighs and flops back on her bed to stare up at her ceiling. Jirou's insightful quote bouncing around in her head. Momo looks to her right to see a framed photo of her moms and herself all squished together and laughing at the camera. It was taken by Jirou at Momo’s fourteenth birthday party. Well less like a party and more like a family dinner. Momo made the mistake of inviting her entire club for school council to her birthday and not a single person shows up except for Jirou. Instead of making a big deal out of it, her mothers and Jirou all banded together to give her the best birthday of her young life. Momo picks up the frame and looks into the faces of her mothers. Lei and Abalee are Momo’s heroes, they’ve always been her personal heroes. Her eyes sting as she sets the photo down and takes a deep breath. Maybe it’s time for the roles to change."She's right" Momo whispers and sits up, "I can't just sit here and do nothing. I have these powers for a reason."With that she jumps out of bed and walks to her closet, pulling out a black jacket. At some point it began to thunder outside, threatening a downpour any minute. She patters down stairs to see her mother Lei sipping tea by the fire. Smiling she thinks of just going in there to join her, but no she has something she needs to do first. "I'm sorry" She whispers before turning around and making her way around the stairs to the kitchen where her exit to freedom would be. Momo remembers breaking out into a run, with the lighting crashing above her. The street lights illuminating her path as she leaves the suburban area and enters the business district. She slows down to a walk while lifting the hood of her jacket to shadow her face. As she walks, she notices a crowd up ahead and slows down enough to see all eyes on a TV store window display that is showing news clips."Mrs. Joke thwarts another kidnapping attempt, coming in and saving the child from certain doom" A reporter says as it shows footage of Mrs. Joke holding a child and making him laugh as she talks to him.On another screen she watches All Might carrying people from a burning building while laughing."I am here!" He shouts to the camera man.On the top corner she pauses her steps to see Icy Hot sliding on an ice bridge over a speeding car before encasing the vehicle in a block of ice, stopping the drive by shooting. People were muttering, children looking up in awe, while others smiled at the acts of bravery.They live in a world of superheroes... A place where even the smallest person could make a difference if they try hard enough. How long has she been blind to these heroes and their skills? To turn around and pretend as if this weren’t her issue. For her to grow up and not see prejudice and hate couples with this admiration and idolism. She shoves her hands into the pocket of her hoodie and feels the weight of her choices pulling her down. "Police have finally caught the man responsible for a long string of muggings on the west side. Reports from the officers say they witnessed a woman fleeing from the scene after detaining the criminal." The camera changed from the news anchor to a cop Momo remembers seeing on scene."Yeah she was small, had like this spiky hair- you know how the kids wear it. But she took the guy down and he was nearly twice her size""The criminal says she materialized handcuffs from her hands." Another cop jumped in and waved at the camera that panned back over to the news anchor."You heard it here folks. Are we seeing the rise of a new hero in our city? Will this mystery creationist make another appearance? Stay tuned"Momo's mouth shuts as a smile pulls at her face. They're talking about her, about what she did. She managed to make this city a little safer for people like her mother. That man is behind bars and wouldn’t be pointing a gun at any person tonight. Maybe her being there saved someone elses life. If not her then he would have gone after another target less equiped to handle him. What if she was there for a reason? Is this a sign?Turning from the TV's she continued her walk, while her mind runs a mile a minute, thinking of her friends and family. Things they've said that would lead her here to this very moment.'I can just see this light in you lately. Something I can't explain but you're my strong, brave girl. I'm proud of you''It's eating you up inside because you think it's all your fault''It's not your faultMomo feels the droplets fall onto her hood and she picks up her pace.'Your body can stand almost anything. It's your mind that you have to convince'She stops dead in her tracks as she looks down to the concrete. This was on the way, but she hasn't been here since the incident. Lighting lights up the parking lot and Momo glances up to sees the name of the bank flash before her.This is where is all started...She walks around to the place where her mother was shot. It's not hard to find, because the thing about blood is it's hard to remove once it's set in. In an empty parking space over the painted lines sits a large dark brown splotch. Larger than it should be, yet ending at the tips of Momo's boots. She looks down at it as tears well up in her eyes."Mom" She whispers'I worry about you baby. Your mother does too and we both just want to see you succeed. But I know whatever you choose to do, you'll be great' Abalee’s words play back to her. That was the last time she spoke with her mom.'I just want you to be happy'Her tears plop down onto the stain and she crouches down to touch the hard surface."I promise you Mom..." She gives a shaky intake of breath, "I'll be great and I'll be happy"Which leads her to where she is standing right now, before the large dojo she's been frequenting almost everyday.The windows are darkened as she swallows and walks forward. It doesn't take much to pick the lock on the door with a simple conjuring of a pick. She goes to the secret room and walks down the stairs to see Aizawa sitting before the computers with his back to her. All the monitors are on and it’s coupled with the police scanner providing a background of low chatters. She knows he likes to keep tabs on the heroes when they’re dispatches to live crime scenes. Which is why she knew he would be here at this time.Once at the bottom Momo lowers her hood and Aizawa's chair spins around to face her with that impassive look on his face. He raises an eyebrow in a silent questions as to her sudden apperance."I want to become a hero" Momo says as she squares her shoulders and lifts her chin high.Aizawa looks her up and down before smirking, "Took you long enough""What?"He stands up and motions to the wall that houses all the hero costumes, "Come on"Aizawa pulls out a metal suitcase from behind the glass boxes and turns to her with a knowing look, "You're going to need this"With a click of the latches the top rises up to reveal a deep red fabric. Momo's cat like eyes grows wide as she reaches forward.'Don't push yourself. You're not ready' Aizawa once said to her in the very room not to long ago.She picks up the cloth and rubs it between her fingers, "It's so soft""Try it on" He pushes the case into her hands and Momo rushes off to the side of the room where she normally changes.'When will I know when I'm ready?'Once she fastens the belt over her red leotard, she looks down to herself before stepping out from the divider and Aizawa glances up at her as she walks over to the costume cases. She can see her reflection in the clear glass.She looks like a superheroReaching out she touches her reflection and smiles brightly."One more thing" Aizawa taps his temple next to his eyes.Momo blinks up at him before realizing what he's asking.A mask...With a nod she concentrates before pulling a black item out of her exposed leg. She pushes it to her face and pulls away to show him a domino mask resting on the bridge of her nose. She looks back to see Aizawa nod in approval.'You'll know, because that's all this is. Learning to trust yourself.'She can feel her eyes watering up behind her mask as she looks to her teacher, "Thank you""Don't thank me yet. This is where your real training starts. I'm gonna teach you the ropes" He turns around and glances over his shoulder to her, "Follow me"So she followed him, and began the first steps into making the city a better place. To making her a better person.For her Moms, for Jirou, and Shinso... For Todoroki.For everyone.//~~~~~~~~~End Chapter 7~~~~~~~~~~~\\
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//~~~~~~~~~~~~Chapter 8~~~~~~~~~~~\\They stayed out all night and even though the rain cleared up shortly after her arrival to the Dojo, the lightning kept up above.Aizawa changed into his Eraserhead costume and took her to the roof of the dojo. Momo kept running her hands over the soft material of the skin tight, red leotard. The halter-top wrapping snugly around her neck, and exposing her tone arms to the night air. Never in her life has she ever shown this much skin outside of going to the pool with Jirou. Part of her wanted to cover her exposed legs but that was vice president, top student Momo talking, not heroin Yaoyorozu. So she lifts her chin and walks with a confident stride, following her mentor.They come to a stop near the edge of the building and Momo swipes a stray hair behind her ear."Your journey starts here" He motions to the roof next to the dojo. "Excuse me?" Momo asks cocking her head."You can't just walk around the city on the sidewalks below. A hero is always where people look up." He motions to the other roof, "You need to learn to the how to stay above it all. It'll save your life and get you away from the cops when you need to"Momo walks over to the ledge and looks down to the alleyway below. The distance isn't far but it looks wider when she looks at it like this."Okay, no problem" Momo says though her voice doesn't sound as confidence as the words made them out to be.Aizawa's hair stands up as his scarf shoots out and grabs onto the power lines over the rooftop. He catapults himself to the next roof and lands with ease. Momo gasps in shock and admiration as she watches him turn to her."Come on, use your quirk to the best of your abilities. Show me you deserve to wear that mask"Momo takes a shaky breath as she backs up, clutching her fist to her rapidly beating heart. She can do this... she can totally do this.Once she stands in the middle of the roof she turns around to face her teacher with determined eyes, "Here I come!""Finally" He groans in a bored voice as his hair and scarf lower around his neck.She breaks off to a running start, fists clenches, muscles tight, and eyes set on a the destination. Just as she comes to the edge her eyes widen and her feet freeze up as she comes to a skidding halt near the edge. Her arms flail to keep herself upright and her knees lock together. She’s close enough to the fall to see down the brick ally to the dirty dumpster and fresh puddles. Swallowing she looks up to her teacher to see him regarding her with a raised brow. She forces a smile and waves at him.“I’m sorry! I- Ah I don’t know what happened” He jumps down from the wire he’s balancing on and puts a hand on his hip, “You’re thinking to much. Logically you see yourself falling.”She hugs her arms as she kicks at the pebbles under her boots, “Well yeah, I mean gravity seems to be the key factor here. I just need to think of a solid way to stick the landing. Given my mass and height, if I manage to accelerate at a speed of-““What did I say” Aizawa interrupts her rambling, “You’re thinking to much. Just do it”“I like thinking” Momo insists, “It’ll help keep me alive”“Listening to me will keep you alive. Now go”His words left no room for arguing as she turns and takes her position again near the center of the building. No thinking… no thinking… Just do it.Taking another deep breath she digs her feet into the gravel and opens her eyes. Focusing on her destination, she gives her body a push and breaks off into a sprint. As she reached the ledge she gives a shout and holds her hands down. A long metal pole pushes her up and vaults her over the gap. When she lands, she stumbles forward to her knees until her hands catch her. The pole rolling away to bump against Aizawa's feet."Hm? Pole vaulting?" He asks and Momo gives a shaky nod."Not bad, can come in handy" He shoves his hands into his pockets."I use to do gymnastics in junior high, but I stopped to focus on my studies and martial arts." She explains standing up, "I'm pretty familiar with the process"He glances back at the original roof and back at her, “I assume you didn’t take my advice on over thinking”Momo gives a shrug, “I like to think, so telling me not to is kind of like telling me to speak without lugs.”Instead of looking annoyed, he smirks at her and gives a nod, “You can think for yourself, that’s good. Shouto was the same way when I first started with him.”At the mention of her classmate she feels her cheeks grow warm but he turns away from her."Alright, let's see how far you'll get" His scarf lifts up and he jump from their roof to the next one, "Try and keep up!" He calls back to her.Momo stands up and retrieves her pole as the adrenalin begins to spread through her body, "Just watch me!" She shouts as she does another staring run.He took her all over the sourthern city limits, pole vaulting, jumping, climbing, she even swung from a crane chain at an abandoned construction site. Aizawa is a firm teacher, but a caring one as he told her how he taught this to Todoroki and Shinso.They circled the outer city before ending back up on the roof of the dojo with a sweaty Momo panting and gasping for air. She topples over to her knees and looks up at her teacher who's barely broken a sweat."That's all for tonight.""Oh thank god" Momo wipes at the sweat on her neck."I want you to do this run every night until you learn this city like a fine map of escape routes.""Every night?" Momo gasps as she stands up on shaky legs."Every single night. I'll quiz you so you better learn fast." She nods quickly, "Of course""Go change and get home." He turns away from her and walks to the roof access door as Momo follows him.She changes and tries to give the costume back but he insists she take it with her. "I'll have some more made as back ups but you keep this one. Get use to wearing it.""Yes sir" Momo puts it in the metal suitcase and holds it at her side."Now that that's done, there's three big rules I need to let you in on" He holds up three fingers."Rule number one, never reveal your identity to anyone that's not a hero. Not your family, not your friends. No one"She nods, "Makes sense""Rule number two, don't out another hero's identity, even if it means your life""Of course""And rule number three" He pauses to make sure she's listening, which she is, "Don't ever use your quirk for personal gain. It's only a matter of time before someone will take notice and your’re being sent to the nearest quirk prison""I understand sir" Momo says with a upturn of her chin to show she agrees, "I'll remember them wisely.""See that you do. I'll see you later." He turns away and Momo makes her way home.She arrives tired and sore to the bone as she sheds her damp clothing from the earlier rain and falls onto her bed. Letting out a loud sigh she closes her eyes and looses herself in the softness of her mattress.A shrill ringing jolts her up and she looks next to her bed to see her alarm clock shaking. Reaching out she shuts it off and groans.She forgot it's Monday, which means there's school in a few hours. Whining loudly she kicks off her covers and makes her way to the shower. She turns it as hot as it can go to try and get the knots from her muscles. Once out she changes into her school uniform and makes sure to hide her new her costume under her bed. Maybe later she'll find a better spot, but for now she has to go or she'll be late.Running down the stairs she greets her mom who's making coffee. "Morning Momo! Sleep well?" Lei asks as she sets out a plate of toast.Momo snatches a piece, feeling her stomach growl loudly at the loss of lipids from last night, "Yeah like a baby""Good. I have a long day so I won't be home till late." Lei sips her coffee."That's fine. I'm going to Jirou's after school anyways. Maybe I'll stop by the dojo for a work out""Don't push yourself to hard honey" Lei kisses the top of Momo's head before pulling out her tablet from last night, "You can only do so much""Yeah" Momo breaths out a laugh as she stands up, snatching an apple from the fruit bowl, "I need to go! Love you!""Love you too!" Lei shouts as Momo leaves her house and begins her walk to school.Her thighs are aching and her hands feel almost raw from all the tight gripping she did. Flexing them open and close a few times she wonders if she should invest in a good pair of gloves? Which leaves her wondering who made her costume? Was there a person out there designing costumes for the heroes of Japan? If so, Momo would love to talk to them for some costume ideas. Maybe add a few details that help with her quirk?Finally reaching the school, she meets Jirou by her locker and listens as her friend tells her about the blonde guy she's been texting."He's coming this Thursday to mic night. You wanna come?" Jirou leans against the row of lockers as Momo shuts the metal door softly."Maybe. I'll have to see what my schedule looks like.""Alright. Just let me know. I've kind of mentioned you a few times so he's looking forward to meeting you" Jirou blushes and Momo bumps her shoulder with her own."Oh so you talk about me to your date?" "For the last time Yaomomo I'm not into him like that" She smiles as she looks to the side.Momo is about to tease her more when she notices the dual hair colored student walk by them with his eyes forward. Jirou notices as well and watches as Momo follows him with her eyes. She should talk to him about what she did last night. He should hear it from her before Aizawa tells him."Wanna ask him to have lunch with us?" Jirou asks and Momo snaps her head to her friend."What?"Jirou shrugs and holds a hand up, "You said you two are friends now. Shouldn't I get a proper introduction?"It's Momo's turn to blush as she picks up her textbook to cover the lower half of her face, "I don't know""Just ask him" Jirou pushes Momo's lower back in the direction of Todoroki and Momo stumbles but quickly regains her posture as she glared over her should to Jirou who's making a shooing motion with her hand.Taking a deep breath Momo walks over to where Todoroki is standing before his open locker, which just happens to be about thirteen down from her own. Stopping behind him she hugs her textbook to her chest. Why is her heart beating so loud? Is she still feeling the adrenalin from last nights run? It’s almost deafening as it pounds through her ears. Can anyone else hear this?"Hey Todoroki-san"He looks over his shoulder at her with curious eyes as if wondering why she would be adressing him in public like this, "Hey?"Looking back to Jirou, Momo see's her friend ditched and must have went to class. Ugh what a brat!"Yaoyorozu?" Looking back she sees Todoroki has fully turned to face her. He's always been taller then most of the guys in their grade so she has to tilt her head up a bit."Sorry, um I just wanted to ask- well, I mean- if you wanted to have lunch together"He blinks at her a few times, "With you?"Her stomach knots up at the words and she's instantly worried he might think she's acting weird, "Yeah! I mean not just with me but with Jirou- my friend as well.""The girl with the purple hair?" He asks and Momo nods."Yeah she's kind of aware we hang out now. She doesn't know anything else, but you know I think it would be nice." She grasps a strand of her hair and begins tugging at it nervously, "But it's only if you want to of course. I'm not going to pressure you or anything. It's totally your choi-""Sure"She pauses her word vomit long enough to hear his answer and giggles as she drops her hand from her hair, "Cool! I'll see you at lunch. We always sit under the big oak tree""I know" He says and she's not sure why but her stomach flips when he says those words."You do?"A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth and she can't help but internally swoon at how handsome that smile looks, "I've kind of had my eyes on you for awhile Yaoyorozu"Her face is engulfed in a heat like no other as she opens and closes her mouth like a fish. What did he mean by that? The bell rings and his smile drops, "I'll see you in class" "Yeah, see you- class in" She sputters and winces, "I mean, see you in class"He doesn't reply as he heads off and Momo just wants to smack the side of her head. What's wrong with her! He's just a cute guy who so happens to be a hero and her friend. Why are these feelings growing stronger? She has bigger things to worry about than getting flustered around Todoroki!With a pat to her warm cheeks, Momo turns around and rushes to her homeroom class.When lunch came, both Momo and Jirou walked together to the oak tree to see Todoroki already leaning against it with that neutral look on his face. His gaggle of groupies no where to be seen which eased Momo's nerves."Hey Todoroki! Glad you came" Momo says as they stop before him."Yeah well I told you I would" He looks to Jirou who's sizing him up since they stopped walking, "You must be the friend"Jirou smirks, "And you must be the other friend"Momo quickly jumps to introductions as the two have a stare off, "Jirou this is Todoroki. Todoroki this is Jirou""Pleasure" Jirou says dripping with sarcasm.Todoroki just hums as the three sit down and open their lunches. Jirou is the first to start the flow of conversation."So Todoroki, what are your intentions with my sweet Yaomomo?""Jirou" Momo hisses as Todoroki looks up from his rice."Intentions?""You don't have to answer that" Momo rushes as she smiles at him, "Jirou's just inquisitive with new people""I mean-" Jirou cuts Momo off, "You've been in school with her since Junior High and haven't said more than five words to the girl. But now all of a sudden you're her friend, like it happened overnight."Momo whines as she shoves a carrot into her mouth, knowing there’s no stopping Jirou.Todoroki thinks about this for a moment before speaking, "She's a kind person. Why wouldn't I want to be friends with her"Oh hello butterflies! When did you get here?Momo's stomach flutters at his words and tries to will the blush on her cheeks to go away."True, very true. She is a kind person. She would give anything to anyone. But I guess the question really is, what is she going to give you?""Oh my god" Momo whispers and covers her cheeks with her hands, "Jirou-""I just want to be around her" Todoroki says and both girls look to him in shock, "She's warm"His dual colored eyes collide with her onyx and he continues, "I can tell you're a good person. Real and honest. Something that’s hard for me to find in most people.”Is that her heart beating through her ears or is there an echo of some construction nearby?"Todoroki" She says softly."I don't want you to give me anything except maybe some of your time" "Wow" Jirou breaths out, "You're an intense dude"He looks to the purple haired girl, almost as if forgetting she was there and nods, "So I've been told"Jirou looks between the two students before quickly standing up."Jirou! Where are you going?" Momo asks quickly."Just remembered I have a library book past due. I should get it back. You two-" She motions to them with a smirk, "You two keep doing what you're doing.""Jirou" Momo tries again but her friend jogs off holding her lunch and backpack.Turning back to Todoroki she forces a laugh, "I swear she's not always so sporadic""She reminds me of Shinso" Todoroki smirks, "Always seems like they’re three steps ahead of everyone"Not sure what he means she takes another bite of her lunch. They fall into a comfortable silence as Momo debates if she should tell him."So are you and Shinso still going to that pawn shop today?" She asks hesitantly.Todoroki lowers his food and nods, "Yes, I'll be his back up. Which means I can't walk with you to the dojo""That's fine. I'll be alright. Although-" She pauses and blinks her big eyes up at him."What?""Would it be possible if I stop by tonight? To the theatre?""Of course. You're always welcome. I'm sure you'll want to hear about our findings as well""Yes of course!" She leans in and smiles at him.They enjoyed the rest of their lunch with small talk about their classes as Momo decided to tell him about her news tonight. It's best this way.So true to her word she finished up training at the dojo, and true to Aizawa’s words he did up the difficulty on their training. She feels how sore her butt is from all the throw downs Aizawa did. He's very diligent with hand to hand combat. They finished a bit later than normal but Momo has enough time to swing by the hospital for a short visit with her mom.She caught her sleeping mother up on all her choices and hopes she will approve when she wakes up. With a kiss goodbye she managed to make it to the theatre before the sun set fully. But throughout the rest of her day she didn't feel as nervous as she did right now. Standing before the theatre doors with wide eyes. Her heart beating a mile a minute as she swallows and gives a tentative knock.The door cracks open a second later to see Shinso's face, "You know you don't have to knock. I was already coming up to let you in""I know, but it just seems polite" She scratches the back of her head."Whatever" He smirks and opens the door further for her to slip in. Though his words may seem harsh she could see the twinkle of excitement to have a friend over. Which once again makes her wonder how many friends he really has. If he doesn’t go to school and lives here, then his interaction with people his own age must be very limited.Going down to the basement she sees Todoroki sitting before a table full of papers. Her eyes zone in on the locket as a huge smile spills across her face, "You got it!"Todoroki nods, "Yeah it didn't go quite as planned though""What do you mean?" Momo sits on the other chair across from Todoroki."Do you want the good news or bad news?" Shinso cracks open a can of soda and leans across the scattered papers."Um good?" She shrugs."Well, the guy running the shop is true to his word. He doesn't ask questions, but lucky for us he does keep receipt copies. With names, should the buyer want to come back and buy their property.""That's great! What's the bad news?"Shinso sighs loudly, "The bad news is his organization is as horrible as a kindergarteners backpack. The dude has papers from twenty years ago mixes with receipts for today. We took as much as we could carry, but we have to sort through all of this to find a receipt for a locket. Even then we counted five other lockets in the display case so even if we narrow it down it's like finding a needle in a haystack."She pouts at the boxes of papers near the table, "Well that is bad news""It might take some time to go through this. I was gonna go pick us up some dinner. You hungry?" Shinso asks."Actually I wanted to talk to you both real quick about something" She forces a smile as both teens look to her expectantly."Yeah?"She plays with the hem of her pleated skirt, "Well I- you see, the thing is"She stutters through a few openings before Shinso snaps at her to get on with it."I want to be a hero like you guys!" She blurts out quickly and clenches her eyes shut.Silence follows and she cracks her left eye open to see both teens looking at her with wide eyes."What?" Shinso cocks his head."I- um... I went to see Aizawa last night and he agreed to train me to become a hero- like he did with you guys.""What brought this on all of a sudden?" Shinso asks and Momo wonders why Todoroki has yet to say anything."I just feel like my quirk can help people. Like last night I caught that serial mugger who-"Todoroki stands up and both Shinso and Momo look to him in surprise at his sudden movement, "You did what?"She blushes as she lowers her head, "It just kind of happened. He jumped out of the shadows and came at me with a gun""Why didn't you call me?" Todoroki asks as he leans forward."I- um I handled it just fine"The half and half quirked hero sighs loudly, "You told me you got home fine last night. Why is this the first I'm hearing about this?""I didn't want to bring it up at school. Besides I handled it fine" She repeats."Are you alright?" His gaze turns to concern and her annoyance vanishes when she sees how much he cares for her safety."I'm fine. I subdued him and cuffed him. The cops came and took him away while I hid. They didn't even see me""So you're the mystery girl the news was talking about this morning" Shinso pipes up in thought, "I was wondering who found that guy"Momo watches Todoroki turn around and pace away as she stands up, "I can do this""Yeah, but why?" He asks and she takes a step back."Because I-""Is it just to put the men that hurt your family behind bars? Is this a revenge game?""No!" Todoroki walks closer to her, "Because once you put on that costume and those people see you. It's not just about you and those robbers. It's about so much more""I know" She tries but he sighs and turns his head away."Do you?""Why are you acting like this Todoroki? I thought you'd be happy for me" She feels hurt well up behind her eyes as they begin to burn.He opens his mouth to say something before closing it quickly, "I need to get home. Shinso I'll be back tomorrow to help sort this out.""Todoroki" Momo whispers as he walks up the stairs and closes the latch behind him.Silence fills the room before it's broken by Shinso who blows out a long puff of air, "Awkwardddd""Is he mad at me?" She asks the brainwasher."I don't know, it's kind of hard to tell what he's feeling most of the time. Dude has two faces, neutral and annoyed, at least with me he does. I don't know, with you he has a third face most of the time." Shinso scratches behind his head."What?""Never mind. It's best we let him sort this out. He's got a lot to think about."Momo huffs and lowers her head, "I thought he would be proud of me"Shinso places a hand on her shoulder, "If it's any consolation, I'm pretty proud of you."It does help as she smiles up at her friend, "I thought you said I couldn’t be a hero"Shinso gives a nervous laugh as he crosses his arms, "I might have been a bit to harsh. It takes a lot of guts to pick up the mask. Also, I never second guess Aizawa when he takes on a student. He has an eye for talent. As you can see with my amazing skill set.”She reaches out, grasping onto the heroes jacket and pulls him in for a hug. The taller hero finches and holds his hands out as if unsure of what to do with them, "What are you doing?""It's called a hug" She mutters against his jacket.After a few seconds he lowers his hands to her shoulders and gives them a pat, "Hm, it's nice"His words make her want to ask him when was the last time he received a hug, but she bit back. Deciding from now on she would make hugs a normal thing for him. She releases him and wipes at her misty eyes, "You're a good friend Shinso""I've been told as much" He puffs out his chest with pride but she can see the appreciation behind his cool eyes at being told so."You hungry?" He asks as he drops his hands to his side."I could go for some food. I'll even help you start sorting this out" She motions to the boxes of papers."I love a good old fashion all nighter!" He pumps his fists, "I'll order us some Thai!""Sounds good"He rushes off to go order some food as she sits back in the old chair and puts her chin in the palm of her hand.Why is Todoroki so mad? Does he not believe she can do this? Maybe she should prove to him she's worthy of this. That anything he can do she can learn twice as fast.//~~~~~~~~~~~~End Chapter 8~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~Chapter 9~~~~~~~~~~~~\\
She shouldn't be here...
Why is she here?
Momo bites her lip as she stares up at the home of Shouto Todoroki and blinks several times while she clutches her phone to her chest.
It's a little after two in the morning since she left Shinso back at the theater. Momo meant to go home but instead found herself here. She already knew her mother wouldn't be home tonight, and instead sleeping at the office to work late. But none of that explains why she's standing out here instead of plopping down into her comfy bed. She's still sleep deprived from the other night so this didn't help her exhaustion at all.
Maybe it has something to do with their argument earlier? Can that even be considered an argument? Shinso said Todoroki wasn't mad at her but- she couldn't get it off her mind. She was hardly any help when looking through those receipts and Shinso knew it as well but he said nothing of it.
Pulling up the hero’s number she stares at it for several minutes wondering if she should call him. Would she wake him up? Would he even answer?
"What are you doing here?"
Jumping several feet, she flips around with wide cat like eyes while clutching her phone to her chest.
Behind her stands Todoroki in a simple t-shirt and jeans, not the hero costume she last saw him in, just staring at her. She lets out a forced laugh as she tries to control her erratic heart, "Todoroki! Wow you startled me"
"Sorry" Though he doesn't sound it, "I'll be sure to announce my presence earlier."
"No, I'm sorry, I'm the one prowling outside your home" She pushes her hair behind her ear.
"I wouldn't call it prowling." He says before shrugging, "More like sidling outside my home.”
This causes a giggle to bubble up as she shoves her phone into the pocket of her blazer, "You got me. I'm just checking in- I mean you seem troubled from our earlier conversation."
"Oh that" He looks off down the dark sidewalk, "I just had to think. Went out for patrol to clear my head"
"Which explains why you're here and not in there" She motions to the dark house. "I was worried you were mad at me"
"I could never be mad at you" He says and she feels her lower stomach tighten.
"See there you go again saying things like that" Momo squints her eyes at him, "You trust me, you know me, you could never be mad at me. Yet you don't see me becoming a hero?"
"It's not that I don't see you becoming a hero. I just think about all the things that come with it." He holds a hand to his side, "Remember when I got hurt?"
"Of course,"
"I don't want that to happen to you"
"It won't"
He shakes his head, "But it will. It's like a promise when you put on that mask. At some point you're going to get hurt. It's not easy."
"I know it isn't! I've been working really hard this past month"
"I've been working since I was five!" He insists and she shuts her mouth and listens, "There's only one person who knew about my power when I was a kid. She got me the help I needed and from there I trained every day. Shinso trains every day. We have years against you, and while I do see you improving on your quirk- what if it's not enough?" His eyes wide with fear as she feels his worry drip off every word. He's legit concerned for her wellbeing and she can't help but feel her heart stutter. "What if I... What if we lose you? I can't bare to lose anyone else"
'Anyone else' Who is he talking about?
"Todoroki" She whispers taking a step forward, "You're right. I can't promise you nothing will happen. But I can promise you I'll try twice as hard to catch up to where you are. If you'll help me"
His turquoise and grey eyes blink down at her and she can almost feel his deep thinking.
"Fine"
A giant smile spreads across her face, "Really?"
"I can’t stop you, and frankly I don’t have a right to. You’ve made up your mind and Aizawa’s willing to take you on. But…”
Her smile drops as she fists her hands around the hem of her pleated skirt, "What?"
He takes a step closer and leans down till his face is inches from her own. She feels her stomach coil and her neck twitches with the need to move closer but she holds back. The darkness around them makes it hard for her to make out what expression he’s wearing, but she can feel the heat from his left side radiating off him. Whatever he’s feeling, he must be feeling it hard.
"I want you to fight me tomorrow... I want to see how you handle yourself in a real struggle. Show you show serious this can get”
She lifts her chin in a solid stance to show she wouldn't back down to anyone. If her mothers have taught her anything, it's to never back down to anyone just because they don't agree on your points. Always fight back.
“I accept your challenge, and know that I will take this seriously” She puts her hands on her hips.
A car drives down the street and the headlights briefly provide enough light for her to see the smirk on his face as he tilts his head to the side ever so slightly, “I won’t go easy on you”
“Neither will I” Momo gives him a smile of her own, to show him she’s not the slightest bit scared.
It seems like an eternity while they stand like this, sizing the other up as if they were about to spar that very second. Though a chime startles them both back to reality and Todoroki takes a step to the side and breaks their closeness. She can feel the chill of the night air and for a split second misses the warmth of his body. Her face heats up as she pulls out her phone to see a message from Shinso.
After reading it over she glances up at Todoroki and gives a shrug, “It’s Shinso. He’s making sure I got home alright.” She quickly taps her fingers across the glass, “I’m letting him know I’m almost there”
She hit send on the message but his response comes faster and she can feel a blush creep up her neck.
‘Your GPS says you’re at Todoroki’s place. Something you two want to tell me?’ followed by a saucy wink emoji.
“What did he say?” Todoroki asks while Momo hides the phone screen and tries to force a laugh, though it comes out like a weird cackle.
“Nothing! Just checking on me and um- I better get going” She points to the sidewalk behind her, “School night you know.”
“I can walk you home” He takes a step closer and she tried to control the stutter in her voice.
“That’s fine! I’m just a short way from home. I’ll be fine. You should get some sleep. I want you to fight me at your best.”
Todoroki lets a soft smile fall into place as he nods, “Alright. Same goes for you.”
Momo turns around and begins a light jog but pauses when she hears him say her name and looks over her shoulder.
“Will you text me when you get home?”
The question hangs in the air as she gives a simple nod before continuing on her way but she’s holding back a less than simple reaction.
Her jog home is muddled with thoughts of Todoroki and his challenge for tomorrow. Upon sliding past the gates of her home she sends Todoroki a text that she’s arrived home. As she enters her room and kicks off her shoes, she’s already thought of a dozen different ways the fight could go. She pushes off her blazer and skirt, leaving her in her half-unbuttoned shirt and panties as she stumbles to her bed. As she falls upon the soft covers, she can hardly keep her eyes open.
A chime alerts her to the phone that’s in her blazer pocket on the floor. Ignoring it she decides to answer it tomorrow as she finds sleep.
It barely feels like she closed her eyes before her alarm is chiming again. Although she knows she did get to sleep because the sun is now out and birds are chirping outside her window. Looking to her clock she sees that she’s barely gotten three hours of sleep. Her eyes feel like they weigh a ton as she rubs the slumber from them and sits up. The whole home is quiet as she stands up and stretches her arms above her head.
Her mouth is dry and she feels like her eyes weigh just as much as her head does. Silencing her alarm sounds like a good plan, but she fights the urge and uses the palm of her hand to wipe at the sleep in her eyes. There’s too much to do today, and she needs to get up to get ready.
Momo’s stomach gives a growl and she knows she’s going to eat before her shower today. Given that the home would be empty this Tuesday morning Momo walked from her room in her state of undress. Her bare feet padding on the carpet as she rushes down the stairs and lands with a thud from where she jumped from the second step.
Instantly her nose picks up the scent of pancakes and she smiles. Did Lei come home to see Momo off to school? Making her breakfast and greet her with a hug and a smile? Momo could really use a hug this morning.
As she rounds the corner while buttoning up her blouse she pauses at the sight before her.
It’s not her mom in the kitchen, but instead it’s a certain purple haired hero wearing a trendy EraserHead shirt and flipping a pancake in the pan he’s holding. Spatula in hand, he smirks down at his handy work, apparently proud of this pancake.
“Shinso?” Momo blurts out as the brainwasher turns around with that same smile. He dumps the pancake on a small stack he started on the kitchen island. There’s even a second plate set up next to his full one.
“Morning! I was wondering when you would wake up. Thought I was going to have to come up there” He dumps the dirty pan into the dish filled sink and makes his way to the fridge.
Momo’s mouth is hanging open as she tries to wrap her mind around what he’s doing in her home, much less her kitchen.
“Shinso, what’s going on?”
He pulls a carton of milk from the fridge, along with the maple syrup and a plastic container of blueberries, “What’s going on, is you’re almost out of milk”
“I mean what are you doing here?” She points to the kitchen floor.
Shinso takes a seat at the kitchen island and begins to slather is plate with butter and blueberries, “Well I can’t make pancakes in your garage. The kitchen seems like the best bet”
Annoyance bubbles at his lack of answers as she stomps her foot and takes a step closer to the marble counter, “Shinso- here- in my home. What are you doing here?”
The genius hero takes a bite of his food and chews for several seconds to prolong his answer which nearly makes her pull her hair out before he swallows and answers, “You didn’t text me that you got home last night. I was worried”
Her annoyance nearly dissipates as she feels almost touched at his concern, before remembering, “Wait- you saw my GPS! You knew I got home”
His sheepish smile spread as he holds up a syrup coated bite of pancake, “Busted”
Coming to the side of the island he motions to another plate, “I made some for you”
Though they look tempting she needs to stand firm, “Shinso focus, why are you here?”
“I think the real question is, are you planning on leaving the house like that?” he motions with his fork to her legs and Momo remembers her lack of bottoms.
Her face turns tomato red as she turns tail and runs from the kitchen, hearing his laughter follow her all the way upstairs. She ducks into her bedroom and decides to just get ready for the day. After a quick shower, she changes into a fresh school uniform, complete with her pleated skirt, before going back down to the kitchen to see Shinso no longer there. His mess remains and she turns around to go find him.
She doesn’t have to search long before finding him in the sitting room, admiring the photo’s that collect along the top of the marble fireplace. Momo enters and walks close enough to see him holding a frame that has a picture of her when she was five and her mothers at the beach. They’re burying Lei in the sand with just her head and toes poking out as they all laugh at the camera.
He places the framed photo back in its spot before facing her with that cocky smile. Though she can see the sadness behind those playful eyes.
“Okay, Shinso, no more games. What are you doing here?” Momo crosses her arms to show she means business.
Shinso holds his hands up as if caught red handed, “Aizawa sent me”
“Sent you for what? I don’t have training till after school”
The brainwasher scoffs as he drops his hands to rest of his waist, “You assume all your hero training is going to just be physical? I’m here to go over the basics.”
“What kind of basics?”
“The kind that start you off right. Consider this like an orientation to the hero life.”
She thinks about it for a bit before nodding, “Makes sense, but why break into my home? You know a phone call works just as well?”
He gives a laugh before shoving his hands into his pockets, “I got hungry”
His answer left more to question but honestly, she’s too tired to ask as she sighs and rubs her eyes, “Alright”
“I put your pancakes in the microwave.” He says and she feels her stomach grumble again as she gives his a soft thank you.
“Man, oh man, Todoroki’s going to be pissed if he knew I saw you in your panties.” He follows her to the kitchen as she blushes.
“No one needs to know you saw me in anything.”
“Ohhh you naughty girl” He winks as she swipes her plate of food from the microwave, “But I think that’s worse than just your unmentionables.”
Momo puts him to work in cleaning up the dishes as she eats her breakfast. She will admit he’s a damn good cook for someone who doesn’t own a kitchen.
After eating she grabs her bag and slips her shoes on before they depart together. As they begin the walk to her school, she looks to him from the corner of her eye.
“How did you know my mom wouldn’t be home?”
“Her phone places her at work, and her digital calendar has her at an early meeting around now.”
His answer once again left more questions as she hums and gives a nod, “Alright, seems a bit stalker-ish but I’ll accept the answer for now”
“Speaking of answers… Mind telling me what you were doing at Shouto’s place last night?” His purple brows wag suggestively as Momo’s face heats up.
“It’s nothing like that! I was just worried about leaving things on a bad note with him. I wanted to talk”
“Did you?”
She fiddles with the button of her blazer, “Yeah we did and we’re good”
“Okay cryptic, mind going into a bit more detail?”
“He’s going to agree to let me do things my way, but I have to fight him today”
Shinso reaches out and grabs Momo’s arm, pulling her to a stop next to a yield sign, “What? A fight?”
“Yeah, he wants to see if I can handle myself like a hero can.”
Shinso’s smile double as he releases her arm, “I have got to see this! After school?”
“I assume so, though I have training with Aizawa, maybe he wants to do it at the theater.”
“I’ll be front and center. I don’t want to miss this.” Shinso squeeze his hands into fists as if imagining the epic battle before him.
Shaking her head, she continued on her walk as the hero follows her, “Speaking of which, don’t you have some things to teach me?”
“Oh yeah” He says as if realizing the whole reason for him being here, “I shall teach you in the ways of the Jedi young padawan”
“So Aizawa went over the three rules, right?”
Momo nods, “Yup, never reveal my identity, never reveal another hero’s identity, and never use my quirk for personal gain” She lists off on her three fingers as she holds them up for Shinso to see, “All memorized and understood”
“Good good” Shinso nods as he looks forward, “Seems you know the general outline, but now it’s time I show you the colored in picture of the hero life”
She tightens her hands around the strap of her bag and leans closer, hanging off his every word.
“Weggies”
“Excuse me?” Momo blinks her large cat like eyes up at him.
“They’re the worst thing to get in the middle of a fight. That’s why I go commando under the uniform. Besides it can feel freeing when-“
“I-I’m sorry how is this important?”
Shinso scoffs loudly as he rolls his purple eyes at her, “Trust me, it’s important. Oh, also don’t let the media pick your name. Once it sticks it sticks for life.”
“Like Mind Master?” Momo smirks at the playful glare her friend shoots her.
“I happen to like my name. It reminds me of M&M’s”
She giggles as he continues his rant, “Never buy your own merch. It’s tacky.”
Momo looks down to the EraserHead shirt Shinso is sporting and raises a brow at him as he pauses and gestures to it with an open palm, “I didn’t say anything about not buying other heroes merch.”
“Clearly you’re a fan”
“His number one fan” Shinso holds up a single finger to proudly boast his title, “Since I was a kid, I’ve always admired him.”
“I bet it was exciting when he took you as a student”
His face turns to resemble deep thought as he looks up to the blue sky, “Yeah, it was the best day of my life”
But why does it sound so sad?
They arrive at the street that separates them from her school gates. Momo watches as Shinso’s eyes take in the students milling around in their uniforms, talking to each other on their phones.
“Shinso?”
He hums in response, not taking his eyes off the school.
“I know you said you don’t go to school, but when was the last time you went to school?”
That seems to get his attention as he looks to her and she awaits his answer.
“My sixth year.”
She wasn’t expecting such a young age, “Not even junior high?”
“Nope, like I said, I’m too smart for school. I was already at a college level when I was thirteen. It would have held me back.”
She understands what he means but she can only imagine how lonely all those years in the basement of a theater could be. He had Aizawa and Todoroki, but was that enough?
“Stop looking at me like that” He looks down as if ashamed by her gaze and she instantly feels guilty.
“Like what?”
“Like I’m missing out on something. I’m fine”
Momo opens her mouth to say something but she’s interrupted by someone calling her name.
“Yo Momo!”
Looking to her right she sees Jirou jogging towards her. Giving her friend a wave, she turns back to introduce Shinso but finds him gone. She nearly spins around as she looks for him but stops as Jirou finally reaches her.
“Morning! You looking for something?” Jirou cocks her head as Momo continues to survey the area for the brainwashing hero.
“Yeah- I mean no. I guess not” Momo accepts that Shinso’s gone before walking onto the school grounds with her friend talking animatedly about that blonde guy again.
Through the day Momo can only see Todoroki in class, but the second everyone stands to leave he’s gone in an instant. She’s really going to need Shinso and Todoroki to teach her the art of their quick stealth. Even during lunch Momo can’t seem to locate the dual hair colored hero anywhere on the school grounds.
Jirou’s asking a million questions about Todoroki, and while it worrisome that her best friend seems to interested in Momo’s love life, it’s also kind of annoying.
“So, I noticed you and Todoroki both use a number two pencil on that last pop quiz. You both have so much in common”
“It’s a standard pencil” Momo pokes at her lunch with her chopsticks, “Even you have one.”
“Nope sorry, this baby here is a number four actually” Jirou pats the pencil sticking from her left ear, “Common mistake but I always feel a number two is more straight lace, like you and Todoroki”
“Is there a reason you’re bringing him up so much?”
Jirou quickly looks to the side as if being caught wasn’t on her agenda, “What do you mean? I could care less about the guy.”
“Okay, then we can talk about something else”
“Fine” Jirou pouts.
“Fine” Momo shoves a slice of peach in her mouth.
“Fine” Jirou repeats and stabs at her own lunch.
Momo waits a few seconds before adding a final, “Fine”
Just as Jirou’s about to say something she pauses and smirks, “Oh hey Todoroki”
Momo nearly jumps out of her skin as she quickly smooth’s down her hair and blushes as she looks over her shoulder to see no one standing there. After looking both ways and seeing no one she hears Jirou cackling like an evil witch and shoots a glare at her best friend.
“Of come on that was funny!” She gasps between her fits of laughter, “You totally thought he was here”
“Har de har har” Momo closes the lid to her food and stifles another yawn. Her lack of sleep really catching up with her. Maybe she can get some sleep during their last period. They had a test but Momo always finished with time to spare so she could catch a quick nap.
As Momo opens her bag she moves things around to secure her bento as Jirou’s laughing pauses.
“Hey T-Todoroki” Jirou’s voice sounds nervous as Momo rolls her eyes.
“Not fooling anyone Jirou”
“Momo” Jirou hisses but Momo just looks up at her with a pointed look.
“I’m not falling for it Jir-“
“Hey Yaoyorozu”
She can feel the blood drain from her face as she looks straight up to see Shouto looking down at her and her heart gives a thud. Those butterflies in her stomach rub against her insides as she faces forward to an apologetic looking Jirou.
“Hey Todoroki” Momo forces out and turns in the grass to face him instead of looking up, “What bring you over here”
Todoroki looks conflicted as he glances at Jirou and the purple haired rocker jumps to a standing position, “Oh wow I completely forgot about that library book! I still need to return it”
“Jirou” Momo tries but her friend is already speed walking away with her lunch in hand just like yesterday.
With a sigh she notices Todoroki taking a seat in Jirou’s spot and tries to control her rapid pulse. She instantly feels awake as she looks into his deep eyes.
“I was just checking on you”
“Checking on me?” She parrots back as she tries to think of what he could be checking on.
“Yeah, you made a pretty big decision. I know what it’s like to keep this kind of secret from your family. If you need to talk well…” He seems to close in on himself as his shoulders hitch up and his cheeks grow a light dusted pink, “You can always talk to me if you want”
Did she just hear him correctly?
She can’t help but smile at him as her eyes droop almost feeling like she could share her heavy burden with him, “That sounds nice. I might take you up on that offer”
He seems to like that answer as a smile of his own crosses his face.
“But you know this is a two-way street Todoroki”
“Hm?”
Momo leans forward and pokes his shoulder with her finger, “I’m here if you need to talk. About anything”
He blinks at her several times before giving a single nod and she accepts it with a happy sigh.
The bell rings in the distance to signal them back to their class. Momo stands up and nudges her shoulder against Todoroki’s, “Don’t think this means I’ll go easy on you Todoroki. I’m still going to beat you after school today”
A smirk crosses his face as he nudges her back, “I want you to give me your all so I’m counting on you not to hold back”
Unsure as to why those words cause such a disturbance in her stomach, she faces forward to hide her blush.
“Alright”
//~~~~~~~~End Chapter 9~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~Chapter 10~~~~~~~~~\\
"You seem distracted""Hm?" Momo pushes herself up from where she fell after Aizawa swiped at her feet. It honestly was her own fault for leaving herself open. She'll remember next time for sure."I said," Aizawa throws her a towel, which she uses to wipe the sweat from her face, "You're distracted"At his words she knew she should deny it and make up some excuse. But knowing that wouldn't do anything except receive an eye roll from her teacher she nods."Yeah I just have some things on my mind"Aizawa turns away and drops himself in his swivel chair in front of the computer monitors, "There's nothing in this world that can trouble you as much as your own thoughts.""Sir?" She cocks her head, unsure of what he means."Just know that a quiet mind is able to hear intuition over fear."Momo wraps the towel around her neck and shifts her weight from one foot to the other as her teacher blinks at her. After a long moment of silence he sighs and runs a hand over his tied up hair."That should be all for today. Got any plans tonight?" Aizawa turns away and begins typing away at his computer.Momo stands behind his chair, blankly staring at the screens as they flash by, "I'm going to go see Todoroki before I do another run of the city. Practice some of my jumps""That's exactly what I want to hear" Her teacher praises her with his monotone voice which she accepts with a smile.After changing back to her school uniform, Momo grabs her backpack and bids her teacher farewell. As she's walking down the street she tries to prepare herself for what's to come. Since its been on her mind all day she finally allows herself to dwell on it further.She's seen him train, and fight on the news, but this would be the first time they've actually fought together. He said he wouldn't go easy on her, and she wouldn't want him to but if she failed to show him her skills, she might not have his praise as another hero. If there's anything Momo wants in this world, it's the acceptance of her superiors and friends. Maybe that's why she joined the student counsel? To gain the approval of her fellow peers and teachers? She lost to the schools current president Iida Tenya by a landslide. Mainly because Iida's older brother was the student president before he graduated and everyone loved him, so it's obvious they would vote for his younger sibling. She only won second place because no other student ran against him. No one even knew she was running so she only received 2 votes out of the whole school.The teacher running the election gave her the runner up speech in his office. She knew it was meant to be encouraging and to tell her that vice president is just as important, but it came out more like a performance review of her social skills. She 'lacked personality' and 'would easily be compared to a wall flower at social events.'
He's not a hundred percent wrong on that, and she really tries to be that confident person that her moms brought her up to be. But sometimes it's hard not to question herself, and triple check her actions before doing anything. Which is why she feels so worried about this spar with Todoroki. Would she be able to beat him? Will she impress him enough to gain his approval? What if she couldn't gain any of the other heroes approval? Would she just look like a kid playing dress up?Shaking her head she tells herself to focus and get to the theater and worry about this later. Though her lack of sleep and sore muscles are screaming at her to go to bed, she protests. This is what she wants and she can't give up now, not when she just started. She can push through a little longer."Momo!" The vice president looks across the street to see her best friend and a blonde headed teen standing there. Jirou has a hand raised in a wave as two cars pass by. Once the street is clear the punk rocker girl grabs the guy's sleeve and together they run across to stop before Momo. "Hey Jirou, what are you doing here? Don't you have work?" Momo asks as she takes in her friends slight blush at the question."Yeah my parents sent me to go buy some more napkins. Our delivery never arrived yesterday." Jirou explains as she motions to the blonde who's smiling at Momo politely,"This is Kaminari by the way"Momo's eyes widen a bit at the name, recognizing his features from the multiple stories Jirou told her, "Oh so you're the famous Kaminari that Jirou's been going on about"
From the tomato color Jirou's face turns, to the smirk that crosses the new guys face, Momo figures she's gotten her payback for Jirou's prank at lunch."You talk about me?" Kaminari asks hopefully. If he were a dog, Momo is sure his tail would be wagging at the speed of sound.Jirou sputters as she waves him off trying to act cool, though they can both see her struggle, "Just about how lame you are"Kaminari deflates as Momo gives him a wink and shakes her head, giving him a bit of hope as he smiles at her."So you decided to bring Kaminari on your supply run?" Momo adjusts her hold on her bag."Nah the dork was already at my parents cafe when he overheard them asking me to go. He kind of tagged along uninvited" She crosses her arms but doesn't look the least bit as annoyed as she wants them to think."Far be it from me to let a lady go un-escorted across the city. What kind of gentleman would I be?" Kaminari puts a hand to his chest."Who says chivalry is dead?" Momo giggles as Jirou snorts."Don't encourage him"Jirou looks both ways before settling on Momo with a curious look, "Where are you going?""Eh?" She cocks her head. This is the question she feared being asked. Momo can't say the hospital because that's in the other direction, and she can't say home because that would have been two blocks ago for her turn, "I'm going on an errand as well" She blurts out quickly."An errand? For your mom?" Jiro cocks her head.
"Yeah! My mom, uh she said she needs uh-" She wracks her brain for something, anything to say, "Some contract papers. Just picking them up for her.""A contract?" Jirou raises a brow, "Doesn't she have like lawyers and stuff for that?""Ah- yeah but you know how my mom likes to include me in the business as much as possible. It's just a small deal for some property.""Oh are they expanding again?" Her friend sure does ask a lot of questions.Momo twists the strap of her bag, "Yeah she's looking at some building up this way.""That's a pretty bad neighborhood, I would know since I live there. Want us to tag along?" Kaminari offers this time and as sweet as he is Momo can't let them follow her."No! It's fine! I'm running late so I better get going." Momo walks backwards to slip away, "It was nice meeting you Kaminari.""Momo-" Jirou calls out but Momo just turns and continues her jog to get out of sight.As soon as she knows she's not being followed she slows down and feels her muscles give another scream of protest. After giving herself a moment to relax she continues in a set pace towards her destination.Once she arrives at the theater she composes herself enough to stand at the back door. Within minutes the door is opened by her pancake making friend. His light purple hair sticking in all directions as his sleepy eyes look down at her."I'm here" She says, unsure as to why he's not moving aside."So you are" Shinso finally steps aside, "About twenty minutes late""We never set a time" Momo rolls her eyes at his sass."Well considering I go on patrol in half an hour, yeah you're late"She notices he's in his hero gear, complete with the fabric and mask draping over his neck, similar to Aizawa's costume."I'm not fighting you, there's nothing holding you back from leaving" She blurts out and winces, "Sorry I didn't mean to snap""Hmmm channel that anger and save it for your tussle."They enter the basement to see Todoroki standing with his back to them. His shirt discarded showing the muscular expansion of his back. Momo can feel her face heat up as she averts her eyes to Shinso who is currently wagging his eyebrows at her in a knowing way. She puffs out her cheeks in annoyance as she snaps her head to the other hero. Wanting at all cost to avoid Shinso’s playful look."Hey T-Todoroki" Momo calls out, trying to keep her voice even.Todoroki turns around and gives her a nod.She inches to the side, near where Shinso has the makeshift bathroom, "I'll go change""No need" Todoroki walks towards her, "This won't take long"Annoyance ticks at her once again as she glances over her shoulder at him, "You sound so sure""I am" He puts his hands on his waist as he gives her that serious look that she's only seen a handful of times.Dropping her bag to the floor, Shinso rubs his hands together as if this were a delicious treat and hops up on the metal table to have to good view. Momo slides her blazer off and loosens her tie before tossing it on top of the other clothing, all the while never breaking eye contact.Slowly they begin to circle each other on the mats, hands coming up in defense. She begins to pick apart his stance and notices how wide his knees are as a plan forms.
With that in mind she pulls a staff from her leg and gives it a spectacular twirl before rushing forward.Before she knows what happened she's looking up at the ceiling with a dull ache in her backside. Somehow Todoroki had seen her coming and flipped her down onto her back.
Sitting up she notices him standing nearby looking down at her as Shinso's hold up his phone to film everything. He made a comical wincing sound when her body hit the floor. Annoyance ticks at her as she jumps up and retrieves her dropped staff.Charging him again she makes a swipe at his stance, and he grabs her staff in his strong hold.GoodShe was hoping he would do that. Because it gives her leverage to jerk him forward by the staff. Once their chests collide, all she did was a jump and wraps her legs around his waist while somehow pulling herself behind him so she has him in a choke hold. He drops the staff and instead of going for her arms that are locked around his neck, he goes for her legs and grasps onto them. She can hardly relish in the feel of his strong fingers gripping her soft flesh before she realizes they're falling backwards. With his weight on top of her there are only two things that could happen.He could keep his tight hold on her legs and fall on her, effectively knocking the wind from her stomach and freeing him. Or she could do this...With reflexes she's only been able to cull with her time as a gymnast and martial artists she bends backwards, plants her hands on the ground and with her tight hold on his waist she flips him this time.Once he lands on the ground she scrambles up, pushes his stunned body over to lay on his back and presses one knee to his shoulder while the other is pinning down his hand. Fist raised high she pauses and feels herself breathing heavily over him.From the look in his eyes she figures that she's won, until ice shoots up her leg that's pinning down his right hand. Effectively pinning her to the mat. She glares down at him,"You know you've pinned us both to the mat. This doesn't count as a win.""I don't need to win. You do" He says calmly."What?"Before she can realize that the fight is still happening, the ice begins to spread until it has encased her lower body completely.With ease he pushes out from her frozen body and stands up. Momo is struggling against the cold ice as she feels the stabbing sensation of the frost bite at her skin. She clenches her teeth together and looks up at the pro hero in determination.
"I don't give up. I can still fight you""No you can't" Todoroki crosses his arms and watches as Momo struggles more, "You'll start to feel more pain the more you struggle. The longer you stay frozen, your cells will slowly die as your body succumbs to frostbite and hypothermia."Looking down Momo bites at the inside of her cheek, not wanting to hear his truly scary words. He wouldn't let her get that far, but to know he's able to do this sends a chill to her very core that's not related to the ice encasing her. How can she get out of this? What can she make? Her mind is racing with all the items that could help her but none actually forming from her body like she wants. Maybe she's in shock? No she can do this- if she can just- It's just so cold.Todoroki crouches down till their eyes are level, "Just give up""No!" She shouts and noticed Todoroki's eyes grow wide at her sudden burst of volume."I know what you're trying to do Todoroki and-" She winces as the ice bites at her flesh making it raw, "And it's not going to work"Todoroki glances down at her frozen legs and watches as she struggles, "You can't fight me.""But I'll fight" Momo promises feeling her heart swell as the powerful words fall out of her mouth before she can think, "I'll keep on fighting. I might not win but I'll fight every second that I can. Because that's what you want to know right? That I'll fight? That I won't give up just when it gets hard?"Silence greets her while she meets his hard gaze with her own, not backing down as he finally concedes and blinks as he looks away. With a heavy sigh his left hand reaches out and heat slowly pours from his palm, effectively melting the ice slowly. As it melts she can feel the coldness dripping down her skin and fights back the urge to wince when hot meets cold."You did good" Todoroki says softly as he looks back at her and she can see the struggle on his face. But at the same time she knows she's won, even though she lost their sparring."So did you" Momo smiles and she can see the flush on his cheeks as he looks back down to his work. As the ice becomes weak she feels it crack and gasps as she stumbles forward, luckily into Todoroki’s open arms. Her hands steady against his naked chest as his own hands grasp her arms to keep her upright.
Their chests are pushed so close together that when Momo looks up and Todoroki looks down their noses bump. She blinks her onyx eyes up at him and he blinks his dual colored ones back at her.Her filter must still be off because the next sentence throws her for a loop."You have such beautiful eyes"Todoroki's head cocks as she can feel her cheeks warm up and a smile slowly curve at the corner of her mouth."Oh my god this is so cute"Both students look to the side to see Shinso still holding his camera up and cover his mouth with the back of his other hand. He looks up from his screen and winks at them. Momo can feel herself scrambling as she stands up and covers her near glowing cheeks with her hands."S-Shinso i-it's not what it looks like" Momo feels a set of eyes on her as Todoroki stands up and walks over to Shinso.The two have a whisper conversation that leaves Shinso cackling like a mad man while Todoroki makes a swipe for the phone that Shinso pulls away. Momo can't focus to long because her heart is hammering outside her chest as she tries to figure out what just happened.She lost... but she also won in a sense. Maybe?Who is she kidding? She lost within seconds of starting their sparring. He must think she's so weak."Momo?"She looks up to see Todoroki standing before her with his hands on his hips looking nervous."Yes?""I-" Just as he opens his mouth a crackling fills the air and Shinso hops off the table to rush over to the computers.His hands fly over the keyboard with a grace Momo's only ever seen on those crime shows Jirou likes to binge when they should be studying. After a few seconds of waiting in silence he looks up."Water quirk villain is downtown robbing the shopping district."Todoroki walks over to the glass case that houses his uniform, "I'll go. It's more my speed""Wow say it to my face why don't you" Shinso scoffs as he crosses his arms.Todoroki grabs his uniform and makes his way to the divider next to it, "You know I didn't mean it like that""Yeah yeah, whatever man" Shinso scoffs but he gives Momo a playful smile to show he isn't really hurt.Todoroki is out within seconds as he fastens his goggles around his eyes and the ice slowly begins to encase half his face. Todoroki pauses near the stairs and looks back to Momo, "We'll talk later"Momo lifts a hand and forces a smile, "Yeah alright go go. Be safe"He pauses for one last moment before turning back to the stairs and leaving their sight."Hmmm well since he's got the downtown district I'll patrol the neighborhood" Shinso walks over to the stairs as Momo follows him."Yeah I have some training to do as well. I should get home to change."As the pair leave the theater Shinso locks up and gives a huge sigh as he turns to Momo, "You know you did just fine back down there"Momo pouts as she crosses her arms, feeling self conscious around another pro-hero that just watched her land on her butt, "Thanks Shinso, but I don't think I did so well"The purple haired hero looks off to the side to make sure no one is walking by their dark alley, "You know when I first fought Todoroki, he had me on my back, but I didn't get up like you did"
"You didn't?" She turns to him in wonder as to why he's sharing this with her."Nahhh I was mad. He knew about my quirk and refused to speak to me when he sparred. So I felt I was at a disadvantage. Didn't get up.""What changed?" Because he obviously got up at some point."Aizawa talked to me. Sat me down and opened my eyes"She can't help but smile fondly because she knows how much Shinso looks up to Aizawa like a father figure, "What did he tell you?""That I'm far to young to be worried about failure" He chuckled like it was some inside joke, "Always the fortune cookie."After joining him in a short laugh she agrees, "He is very profound""Yeah well, it woke me up. I trained ten times as hard, didn't rely on my quirk, and after loosing a hundred times to that jerk... I finally won.""How long did it take?"He seems bashful to admit it but he eventually says, "Two years"Momo tried to control the shocked look on her face but Shinso must have seen it because he crosses his arms and pouts, "Not like I wasn't trying but that guy is pretty strong.""He is""I mean he was sparring with the pro's even before he was ten!"Momo takes a deep breath at hearing this. What kind of childhood must he have had if he were training that hard? When did he get the scar? Was it from training at such a young age or did someone do that to him? She has so many questions about the mysterious Todoroki that's made such an impression on her life in a short amount of time."Can I show you something?"She snaps her head up and looks up at him, "Hm?""A move. It might help next time you go toe to toe with that guy again"A smile slowly breaks across her face, "I thought you had patrol now?"Shinso scoffs as he waves off her words, "This is much more important! If I can see you knock that two toned bastard on his ass next time, it'll be worth it."He holds his hands out gesturing to her body, "May I?"Momo nods quickly as Shinso steps behind her and locks his arms around her neck. Similar to how she had Todoroki in the lock earlier except he isn’t hanging off her back like she did."When you have someone in a hold. Don't always assume they'll go for your hands. Keep yourself locked. Even though that flip was wicked as hell, it left you vulnerable." He locks his legs and tightens his hold on her neck, "Next time if you tighten your forearm here and apply enough pressure for five seconds, your victim will instantly loose consciousness."Momo can feel where his arm is pressing and she takes it to memory. He tightens a bit harder and she gasps."Shinso""Oh sor-"As he's releasing her a bolt of lighting strikes the rusted dumpster next to them and both teens jumps back in shock as they turn to the open mouth of the alley to see a blonde figure standing there with his hand outstretched."Let her go!" He shouts."K-Kaminari?" Momo blurts out with wide eyes as the blonde points his hand to Shinso who's taken a defensive stand and stood in front of Momo."Back off man!" Shinso lifts the scarf and closes his fists around the fabric."No wait!" Momo holds up her hands to defuse but Kaminari apparently didn't like that the purple haired hero wasn't listening as he lets loose another bolt of electricity.It strikes Shinso in the chest sending him backwards."Shinso!" Momo screams as she falls to her knees next to him while the purple haired hero sits up. His already messy hair is sticking straight up like some mad scientist. He coughs out smoke and looks over to Momo like he's looking through her."Momo... when did you become triplets?" He says all loopy like before slumping into her awaiting arms."Shinso! Shinso!" She screams and looks up to see the blonde had also fallen over on his back, "Kaminari!"So here she sits in a dark alley with two unconscious teens, one of which just revealed he has a quirk like they do."Damn it" Momo whispers as she looks down to Shinso's sleeping form./~~~~~~End Chapter 10~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
/~~~~~~~~~Chapter 11~~~~~~~~~~\\
Momo paces the floor of the basement, looking between the two teenage boys with hesitation. After collecting herself she managed to drag both their bodies back into the theater after frisking Shinso's body for the key.
She places Shinso on his makeshift bed that is the couch and she gets Kaminari's body on the metal table. Now, she's pacing the floor wondering what she should do.
All the while she's freaking out over discovering that Jirou's friend has a quirk. Does she know about this? Did he tell her? Of course he didn't tell her! Jirou tells Momo everything.
Which now brings on the guilt at having not told her best friend about her own quirk manifesting.
"Oh my god what to do, what to do?" Momo brings the nail of her thumb to her mouth and bites down on it.
Todoroki is out doing battle with that water villain. She couldn't call him and possibly distract him from the fight.
She knew she should call Aizawa, but she kept glancing at Kaminari and wondering if he would be mad that she told someone about his quirk. It is his secret after all. He only let his quirk be known because he thought she was in danger.
How sweet...
Walking over, she stands near the blonde and presses a hand to his forehead to feel for any signs of a fever.
Such a hero
Smiling to herself she removed her hand just as his golden eyes shoot open and he sits up gasping. His head snapping from left to right to take in where he's at.
"Kaminari- Kaminari it's alright," Momo holds up a hand and wonders if he might shock her, "You're safe"
"Am I- Am I in the quirk prison?" He asks with general fear in his voice and a tremble of his shoulders, "Did they find me?"
Her heart pierces at those words as she places a hand gently on his shoulder to assure him, no longer worried about him shocking her, "No, it's alright. You're safe"
He lets out a sigh and puts a hand over his racing heart, "I was worried."
She lets him collect himself before speaking again, "About your quirk?"
Kaminari's body freezes and he cocks his head as he scratches the side of his face awkwardly, "Hehehe, what quirk? Who has a quirk?"
At his hesitance to admit what she saw she nods her head, "The lighting Kaminari... You were trying to save me"
His eyes grow wide again, "From that thug! Where is he? I'll zap his face off"
Momo looks over to the couch where Shinso's still sleeping and smiles at the term 'thug' to describe Shinso. He’ll totally get a kick out of being called that when he wakes up. Might even go to his head in an ego boosting kind of way.
"He's no thug."
"But, I saw him grab you from behind"
"Yeah well he was just showing me something. It's not how it seems. I promise you. He's one of the good guys"
Kaminari looks over to Shinso and the color drains from his face, "Holy shi- is that Mind Master? Did I just zap a pro-hero? Oh my god I'm so stupid! I- I didn’t fully see him in the shadows!"
"Don't call yourself that" Momo chides him.
He looks at her and back at the hero, "What were you doing with a pro-hero?"
At the question her stomach tightens and she squints her eyes as she runs through a million things to say.
"Because I'm a pro-hero"
Wow, smooth Yaoyorozu. You broke the first rule of being a hero and it hasn't even been a week yet.
Kaminari's eyes light up as a huge grin appears across his face, "No way! Really? You have a quirk? Which hero are you?"
"Um well, I'm a new hero. Kind of just started.
The blonde nods in thought, "But you have a quirk. Like for real?"
Momo reaches down to the side of her leg and after a small glimmer of light a small rubber ball pops out. She holds it up and his wide eyes follows it like the ball holds the key to the human existence. After a few seconds she bounces the ball to the side of the room where it rolls under the computer monitors, "I can make things, within limitations."
"Wow"
"It's nothing amazing"
"It is!" He insists quickly and Momo feels that bashful smile tug at her lips at his kind words.
Kaminari holds up his hands and spaces them apart from each other by a few inches. Within seconds a small stream of electricity begins flickering within his palms. Bouncing off fingers and skin like they were physically contained within his grasp.
She bends down to watch closely while he holds it up to her.
"That's amazing" She breaths out as he lowers his hands and a blush crosses his face.
"You think so? That's nice to hear" Kaminari scratches the back of his head, "You're the first person who's said that"
"Others know about your quirk?"
His smile drops as he looks away, "Not really. Just my mom"
His mom doesn't think well of his quirk? How sad.
Momo frowns as she watches him have some sort of internal battle before clapping her hands together to change the subject and get his attention.
"Well, I think you're quirk is magnificent."
The smile on his face returns, though it's not as bright, "Thanks"
"Have you ever thought of becoming a pro-hero?"
The comical way his eyes bug out nearly made her laugh but she didn't want to discourage him.
"Me? A pro-hero?" He points to himself as if unsure who she was talking about.
"Of course."
Kaminari looks back down to his lap, chewing on the side of his cheek in thought, "Um well, yeah I guess all kids want to be a hero at some point but..."
“But?" Momo presses.
"But, I wouldn't know the first thing about being a hero! I don't have any money for a costume or the training! The only thing I can do is conduct electricity in my hand and charge my phone!" He forces a laugh at the thought, "I mean if you know a hero who needs a new charger I'm your guy, but pro-hero? Nah, I couldn't"
"Don't sell yourself short Kaminari" She places a hand on his shoulder, "You saved me. I mean I wasn't in any real danger but if I had been, you would have."
Those words seem to bring him back from the brink of self doubt as he chuckles, "Yeah, I guess I did"
Silence filters between them for a moment before he jumps down from the table and looks over to the computers and fighting mats, "If we're not in the quirk prison, where are we?"
"Well, that depends." She pulls her hands behind her back as she follows close behind him.
"On what?"
"On how good you are at keeping secrets?"
It takes a few moments but a huge smile spreads across his face as he looks back up, "No way! A secret lair? Like Batman?"
"Just like Batman"
"Damnnnn this is so cool! Are you and Mind Master like a duo team or something?"
"Just friends" She scoffs at the idea of Shinso and her as some kind of wonder duo, "But it's not really my place."
Kaminari seems to remember something as he looks down to his cracked watch face and hisses, "Oh I'm late! I need to get home!"
Momo realizes how late it is as well and motions for him to follow her, "Come on, I'll walk you out"
She takes him up the stairs to the theater which he's gushing about until they come to the alley where the incident happened.
"You live nearby?"
"Yeah actually, I'm about two blocks from here. I told you I live on this side of town"
The sun is setting now, casting everything in a dull orange. Momo dusts off her skirt as she walks him to the opening of the alley, "So if you could do me a huge favor and not mention this to anyone. That would be great."
He turns around with the same strained smile, "And if you could not tell Jirou about my quirk that would also be great"
"Deal"
"Does she even know about you? About all of this?" He motions to the building behind them.
Guilt fills her stomach again as she pushes her shoulders up to her ears in a bashful stance, "No, she doesn't"
"Is it because..." He trails off and looks away almost in pain to say those next words, "Does she not approve of people with quirks?"
"Oh heavens no! Jirou is the most accepting person I've ever known! She would never hate a person just because of something they were born with"
That seems to calm him because he releases a breath, "Then why haven't you told her?"
Momo scratches the back of her head, "I'm kind of held to a specific set of rules for the pro-hero community. Rule number one, never out your identity or quirk to non-heroes"
"But you told me"
"I guess I see you as a hero"
His face breaks out into a huge grin, "Alright"
"Well, I won't hold you up. Have a safe trip home." She bows slightly.
"Yeah you too. Not that you can't take care of yourself. I'm sure you could but um- you know what I mean. Night!" He jogs off while waving over his shoulder.
Once out of sight she sighs and turns around to go back in when she comes face to face with Shinso. His annoyed face staring down at her, blinking silently.
Momo slowly raises her hands and forces a smile, "Before you say anything! I want you to know Kaminari is-"
"I know"
"Eh?"
Shinso walks back into the theater with Momo following, "I heard everything"
"You were awake the whole time?"
"Not the whole time. But I woke up around the same time as he did. I just wanted to read the situation." Shinso pauses and shrugs, "You managed to break the first rule of a pro-hero and out me as well. Not to mention disclose info on my lair"
Momo winces and looks down, "I know, I'm so sorry Shinso"
"I should go after him and erase his memory of the whole thing" He crosses his arms and Momo nods.
“I understand. I messed up"
"But I won't"
Snapping her head up, she wonders if she heard him correctly, "What?"
"He's like us. He has a quirk and frankly he's terrified of using it beyond charging phones. No one should be afraid of their quirk... no one" He seems distant and Momo wonders if he can relate to Kaminari in a way.
"So you're not mad?"
"I'm furious girl"
She lowers her head again as he shrugs, "But your heart's in a good place. So I can't be mad at you for that."
"What should we do about Kaminari?"
Shinso takes off his mouth guard and unzips his uniform jacket, "I'll go talk to Aizawa... Maybe we can help him."
A huge grim spreads across her face, "Really? That would be great!"
"I'm not promising anything, but I'll be damned if the cops find another quirked teen and lock them up.
He turns away just as Momo launches at his back and wraps her arms around his stomach, "Thank you Shinso!"
He lifts his hands as if, once again unsure of these 'hugs' but allows her to continue it for several seconds before she releases him, "I'll go change."
Together Momo and Shinso left the theater uninterrupted and parted about three blocks over.
While on her walk home she hoped and prayed that Aizawa would be able to help Kaminari. He genuinely seemed scared when he thought he was in a quirk prison.
Is this something other people live in fear of once they discover their quirk? Always looking over your shoulder for someone with handcuffs to take you away.
Not trusting even your own family with the secret that is your quirk.
It sounds so lonely, and isolating... Something Momo would never wish on anyone.
Once she reaches her home Momo finds her mom still gone as she changes into her hero costume. Momo layers a hoodie and jeans over the costume as she pockets her mask. Looking over her shoulder she sighs when her bed just calls her name.
She has more important things to do tonight.
The walks out to the city is filled with commuters rushing home, or people getting ready for the nightlife. She keeps her head down and hands in her pocket, just barely shouldering by some people.
As she passes that same TV store the news is recapping the fight with that water villain and IcyHot. Momo stops for a moment to listen but doesn't want to stay to long. She leaves once they mention a safe end to the fight and the villain in custody. Just before leaving the screen flickers to a shot of Chief Endeavor scowling at the hero as he flees the scene. That same scowl he posted on his face when the mention of heroes got brought up at dinner.
He really hates quirk users…
She stops eventually in a deserted ally and strips her civilian clothes. Hiding them behind said dumpster before plastering her mask onto her face. The sun has fully set, leaving her in the shadows of the ally. She looks up to the ladder of the fire escape behind the laundromat. A perfect starting point for her outing on the town.
She climbs the rusty steps easily enough as she rushes to the conjoining apartment building and jumps the gap to the next fire escape. After a few more minutes of climbing she reaches the top of the ten story building and is overlooking the city street below.
Putting her hands on her hips she takes in the surroundings. Remembering to memorize every building and access point for get aways.
After overlooking it she jumps the next gap to the conjoining building. Taking her time and pacing herself, she does this several more times. Being sure to stay in the shadows and away from any security cameras out in the open.
She wondered if she stumbled on a crime, should she do something? Was she in the probationary period? She did already stop that purse snatcher. The media hasn't mentioned her since that night. But does that mean she should stay away from the lime light? Aizawa said to memorize the city. Not draw attention.
Finally settling on playing it by ear she reaches the top of a large warehouse. Momo managed to make her way from the near center to the outskirts of the city where the storage facilities are kept for the businesses. Taking a seat she plops down on the sheet metal and brings her knees to her chest. Taking deep breaths and wiping the sweat from her head, she admires the view.
It's not much, just a few old, rusted buildings lined up along the pebbled road set out for the truck drivers. Even though it's not the most beautiful view, it’s a view she never would see if she hadn't taken up this new life. It's one view of many that she's going to see often.
"Taking a break already?"
"Holy-" She jumps up, stumbling forward on the slanted roof, hands flailing. Something warm grabs her wrist and steadies her as she glances up to see
Todoroki standing there. His costume pristine and as clean as when he left her side over three hours ago.
The wind jostles his hair as he looks down at her and her onyx eyes move lower to the hand grasping her wrist. It’s his left hand, the one that’s known for his fire half. The skin is very warm, almost like he was nursing a hot cup of coffee just seconds before grabbing her. Why is it so hot? Was he just using his quirk? Or is his left side always this hot and she never noticed? She wants to ask him but wondered if it would be considered rude to pry like that.
“Don’t fall”
“Hm?” Momo looks up, “What did you say?”
He pulls her closer from the edge of the roof before releasing her wrist, “I said, don’t fall”
Her cheeks heat up as she crosses her arms while initiating a pout, “I wasn’t planning on falling.”
“You sure about that?” His voice almost sounds playful, but she knew he couldn’t possibly be. Right?
“Of course I’m sure. I have excellent balance”
His eyes dart to the side as his lip quirks up for a brief moment. So brief she wonders if she just imagined it before he puts his hands to his waist and nods, “Alright”
As if remembering something important she perks up, “How was your fight? Are you alright?”
“Yeah it was easy. Hardly a challenge.”
“Wow, not to brag or anything right?” She scoffs at his easy stance on a fight with a villain.
He cocks his head to the side and those dual color eyes bore down into her own. That same look he gets sometimes when he’s thinking about something deeply. The way his eyebrows crease together and his chin is set firmly. Momo only knows this because she’s seen it in class, or when he’s working out at the dojo. Todoroki is a deep thinker, but every so often she’ll catch that thoughtful look directed her way. She wonders what he’s thinking so deeply about when he looks at her.
“You need to be careful out here” He says and she blinks several times at his words.
“Eh?”
He walks from standing in front of her to her side and she glances back to see small patches of ice in the direction she came from earlier.
“I followed you, and you didn’t notice” He explains and a light switch flicks on in her mind.
“You followed me? Isn’t that kinda creepy” Momo covers her mouth with the back of her hand as she leans away from the half and half hero, “Like a stalker?”
Todoroki’s cheeks redden while he balks at the idea, “I’m not stalking you! I happen to notice you a few buildings back and decided to check in.”
“So stalking me?” She smirks when she notices how bashful he’s getting. The air has a strange scent of smoke that she’s sure is coming from his quirk as he nervously wipes at the sweat on his chin. It’s so adorable that she can’t help but giggle. His flushed cheeks, and nervous eyes darting away in embarrassment. This is a rare look so she takes it all in, not sure when she’ll see it again.
After her giggling dies down she can see he’s already recovered and is dropping that hand to his side, “I’m serious. You need to watch your surroundings at all times.”
“Yeah you’re right. I just got caught up with memorizing my path. It won’t happen again”
Silence filters between them and she watches him look away again with that same thoughtful look on his face. She’s honestly to tired to contemplate much but she turns around, “I should get back to it. I have several others buildings to hit.”
Her ears pick up his voice but she can’t quite make it out due to the low volume as she perks up and turns back to him, “What was that?”
“Would you like some company?”
The questions is as innocent as if he were asking to walk with her to their homeroom class or sit next to her in study hall. But all the same, her face still heats up and she can feel her stomach flip.
“S-sure, I’d like that”
Would she? Just a few hours ago he destroyed her in a fight that would help build her confidence. If she were being truthful with herself she felt embarrassed for him to see her right now. After loosing so quickly in their spar, she still feels inadequate in his eyes as a hero. Even if her speech is still true, she wants to prove herself to him, show that she is worthy to wear this mask.
“I’ll follow your lead.” He says, and even though it came out cool and simple, she can feel a deeper meaning behind it.
“A-alright. Well, I came in from the north so I guess South is best. We can double back to where I left my clothes.”
Taking a few steps back, she didn’t wait for him to agree before opening in a fast sprint. Her jumps between buildings is a lot stiffer now that she can feel those eyes watching her. She can hear the sound of ice cracking every now and then, but she knows it’s just his ice that he uses to launch or slide across the roofs.
After awhile of this routine, she can feel the stiffness loosen out of her muscles. If she were doing something wrong, he would have said something by now, right?
In reality the only thing he spoke up about were easy detours, or directions to a better path that rests more in the shadows. Nothing else, and while it might sound boring, she enjoyed herself. Of course, after the stiffness left her body, it was actually nice.
The hour flew by and before she knew it they were standing behind the dumpster where her clothes were hidden. Her chest is heaving as she catches her breath and looks to her classmate. He looks barely phased as he glances over his shoulder to make sure no one saw them land. While he’s distracted she pulls her pants over the leotard and begins to shrug into her jacket as he turns back to face her.
“That was fun” She finds herself huffing out as she wipes at the sweat on her neck.
“You’re actually pretty good at traveling city top.” His voice is deep as usual but she can’t help but smile playfully at him.
“Was that a compliment I heard?” She smirks up at him as she puts her hands on her hips.
“Yes”
Her face burns bright red while she quickly backs up a few inches, “Don’t say things so easily!”
As her body language turned embarrassed he leans in closer with a new upturn at the corner of his mouth. If she had to give this look a name it would most definitely be sly like a fox.
“Why?”
“Because” Momo squeaks as she pushed her hands against her cheeks to hide the blush from his gaze, “Because it makes you look-“
Her back hits the brick wall of the ally causing her to pause her words. Just as she’s about to continue she looks up to see Todoroki leaning one hand against the brick wall next to her head while the other lies at his side. On one side she’s trapped, but he leaves an opening for her to get away if she wanted. Did she want to get away?
At some point in their landing his ice mask melted away from his face, leaving it bare to her gaze. She can see his scar so clearly, even with his hair falling over his eyes, she can see it all. Her breath catches in her throat as she leans back into the brick, feeling it scratch against the palm of her hand.
“Makes me look like what?”
Her heart is racing like it did before their fight. It’s beating so heavily she’s worried he can hear it.
‘Like you care about me’ is what she wanted to say. It’s what her inner most thoughts are daring her to blurt out. But logical Momo knows she can’t say that so she shakes her head, “Nothing”
Disappointment flashes across those beautiful eyes and she wants to take her word back. But she doesn’t have time because now both his hands are framing the side of her temples. She can feel herself leaning in, just like that night she had dinner with his family. Thinking maybe this time he’ll-
But his hands pull back, holding her black domino mask. He was just removing it from her face as he places it into her clammy hands.
“Don’t forget to take this off”
Looking down at it she feels the material between her fingers and when she looks up he’s already walking away from her. For a brief moment she misses his warm presence being so close to her but shakes it off.
He looks over his shoulder at her and she wonders if he knows how cool he looks when he does that.
“Let me know when you get home” He says softly as the ice mask frosts back over his face to hide his identity.
Before she can respond, he jumps up to that same fire escape she used earlier and is taking off. She watches him go, and even when he’s out of sighs she stays in her spot wondering if he might come back.
After a minute of waiting she breaths a loud sigh before leaving the shadows of their ally. She easily blends back in with the people walking as she clutches her mask in her jacket pocket.
It struck her that she forgot to mention the issue with Kaminari. But honestly she would see him in a few hours so she would have time to do so then. If Shinso hadn’t told him already that is. Would he be mad? Maybe he’ll understand like Shinso did, or maybe he’ll be so mad he’ll think she shouldn’t be a hero.
A yawn bursts through her lips as she covers her mouth and feels her energy running low. Lucky for her she‘s already rounding the corner to her home and sneaking through the back door. No signs of her mom as she listened at the door for any movement. She might be at the office again tonight, though she didn’t receive a text. Maybe she fell asleep at her desk again?
Once her bedroom door shut behind her Momo didn’t even blink as she flopped down on her bed and closes her eyes.
It barely feels like seconds pass as she’s jolted awake by her alarm. Looking to it in bewilderment she gasps at the time. School would be starting soon and she over slept! Momo throws herself from her bed while shedding her clothes. She changed into her school uniform, and started to knot her tie when a creek sounded behind her. Looking over her shoulder she gasps at the sight of Todoroki climbing through her large window.
“Todoroki! What are you doing here?” She rushes to his side.
“We need to finish what you were to scared to do.” His words are deep as his dual color eyes bare down onto her like a predator to it’s prey.
Shaking her head she holds her hands out, “Todoroki we have school, I need to go”
His calloused hands reach out and grasp her arms tightly and her eyes dart down to them before looking up into his eyes again, “T-Todoroki what-“
With ease he pushed her back onto her bed. Her body bouncing on it’s springs while she tries to steady herself. As she tried to grasp the situation he’s already on top of her, hands on either side of her head. This time there’s no opening for her to escape if she wanted. He’s looming over her with that deep look on his face. Contemplating, thinking of what to do with her and she wanted to know his plans as well.
“What are you doing?” She whispers so quietly she wonders if he heard her over the soft groan of her mattress.
“Something both of us have wanted to do” He smirks as he leans down and captures her lips with his own.
She moans the instant contact is made. Her hands flying up to grip at the fabric of his hero costume. It’s flame proof material rough on her soft hands as she pulls tightly at it. His hands slide under her to wrap around her waist. At some point her legs hook over his hips, causing her skirt to pool around her waist. It’s so primal, the way his body rubs against her own. The metal parts of his belt touching her inner thigh cause her to shiver into the kiss. She’s high on his waist, as he leans closer, pressing the weight of his body into her own. Momo is sure if she were to slide lower down she would explode from embarrassment. She shouldn’t be touched like this by her classmate. But in this moment he isn’t her classmate Shouto. Instead he’s the hero IcyHot, and he’s asserting himself, to appeal to her inner most secret thoughts.
She should pull away and talk to him, but when he released her mouth he dove down to bite at her throat. Just like a fox would do to a rabbit that it’s cornered, but that wouldn’t be the final blow. A fox likes to play with it’s food before killing it. Todoroki is no different as he rips her shirt open, buttons flying each way.
She winces at his sharp gaze and tries to close her eyes.
“Look at me” He demands with a growl.
Hesitantly she opens her cat like eyes and looks at him as he pulls away from her. She tries to close her legs but he grabs onto her ankles and jerks her to the edge of the bed before releasing her. She buckles her knees together to hide herself from him as she quivers under his hungry gaze.
“Momo” He says her first name and that ball of anxiety and pleasure spreads down from her stomach.
“Say my name” He whispers, while sliding his hands up her bare legs and under her skirt. His fingers hook onto her panties and easily slide them down. Momo clenches her eyes shut and throws her head back. The sound of his belt buckle coming undone hits her ears and she arches her back ever so slightly. Her stomach is on fire as if her face. Instead of questioning what he's doing she complies with his request.
“Todo-“
“No… Say my name” This time more deeper like an alpha commanding it's pack to follow him. She snaps her eyes open when she feels him picking her up off the bed. She wraps her legs around him and her nipples brush up against his chest as his hero costume hangs open. Momo gasps out at the foreign feeling of something touching her in a private plac. It feels so good she can hardly do anything except whimper his name.
“Shouto”
Those eyes grow darker and dilate as the fox readies himself for the kill. She can feel his hands nudge her body down, closer to something she is unsure of. Instead of fighting it or questioning it she lets him. Slowly sliding the naked skin of her inner thigh down his body, just over his stomach until something pokes at her entrance, she flinches and tightens her arms around his neck. He pushes into her and she's burrowing her face into his shoulder as he sheaths himself fully inside of her. All she can do is gasp his name and clutch onto his so tightly that bruises would be left.
How did he know she wanted this? Did she even know she wanted this? The pressure builds as he lifts her hips and drops them several times, picking up the rhythm. Momo throws her head back and gasps as he snaps his hips forward and slams against something inside of her that increases her pleasure.
Yes, yes she wants this so bad. She wants him to keep going, to take her in ways she never even considered. To have him fill her and this empty feeling she's had for god knows how long.
"Shouto"
Momo sits up quickly in bed, hand grasping her temple while the other keeps her propped up. After several seconds of catching her breath, she looks around the empty room. No Todoroki in sight and her window is securely locked.
As her memory pieces itself together she can feel her face heat up and she flops backwards onto her bed. Her body is still reeling from that dream and in a way she feels hot and cold at the same time as the pressure from her lower stomach subsides.
“Oh my goodness” She whispers into the darkness of her room. Looking to the clock next to her she see’s it’s a little after four and still dark outside. Momo throws her pillow over her face and lets out a loud scream to get her frustrations out.
“It was just a dream… Just a dream” Momo breaths gently, counting out each long breath to steady her heart. It’s an exercise her mother taught her when her mind ran to fast to keep up with. After ten minutes of deep breathing she could feel herself settling down.
It’s honestly understandable to have strange dreams after going so long without a proper night sleep. It was just her bodies way of telling her she pushed herself a little to hard. It was confused, yeah, that’s all it is.
Her pocket vibrated and she looked down to see she still had on her clothes with her hero costume underneath. After kicking off the pants and digging her phone out of it’s pocket she clicked the screen on. The sudden brightness blinded her temporarily. Once use to the screen she blinks several times before noticing a text.
Upon opening it her face heats up and she buries it back into the pillow as she holds her phone far away as if to hide her embarrassment.
Todoroki- “Did you get home alright?”
After doing her breathing exercise again she composed herself to reply and send it out.
Momo- “Yeah, sorry for not letting you know. I fell asleep the second I got home”
Those three bubbles followed her message, meaning he’s typing. Even though her body is screaming for more sleep, she waits patiently for his response.
Todoroki- “Did I wake you?”
Wow, it’s like he knew.
She squeaks and covers her face again wishing there was some easy way to brainwash her into forgetting that dream. If only she had Shinso’s quirk.
Momo- “No, I woke up just before your text”
Todoroki- “You should get back to sleep”
Momo pouts as she rolls over onto her stomach and types away on her glass screen.
Momo- “I was going to do that. You don’t need to tell me”
She worried it came off as rude when he replied back just as fast.
Todoroki- “Maybe I like telling you what to do”
Woah… Is Todoroki flirting with her? No way! She’s just still sleep deprived, that’s all.
Momo- “Maybe I don’t like being told what to do”
She wonders if he’ll give another comment to banter to but his response is simple.
Todoroki- “Goodnight Yaoyorozu”
Scoffing at his pleasantries she starts to type out a rebuttal on changing the subject but halfway through forgets it and just responds with, ‘Goodnight Todoroki’
She rolls over and falls asleep, this time into a dreamless slumber.
//~~~~~~~~~~~~End Chapter 11~~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~~Chapter 12~~~~~~~~~~~\\The crossing walk sign flashes red down at her as she blinks sleepily up at it, processing its request for her to pause. Her phone vibrates again and she looks down to her conversation on the glass screen.Mom- “I promise I’ll be home tonight. We can have dinner together”Lei felt guilty after having not come home last night, so Momo woke up to find several unread messages from her mom. Looks like she was right. Lei did fall asleep at the office after working late. Momo- “It’s fine mom, please don’t push yourself.”Mom- “I’m your mom honey. You should see me for more than a few hours a week. I’ll stop by the hospital after work and come home to cook.”Momo giggles at the thought of Lei in the kitchen. Abalee was always the cook while Lei could burn boiling water. It use to be their inside joke between the three of them whenever Lei offered to cook. Though this time Momo knew Lei was trying to be serious and provide for her.Momo- “How about we order Thai?”Mom- “That actually sounds a lot better. I’ll pick it up on my way home.”Momo- “From our favorite place?”Mom- “Where else would we get the best Thai in town?”Her smile somehow felt less sad as she re-reads her mothers message. It isn’t until she notices another reflection in her phones glass that she snaps her head up to see Shinso reading over her shoulder.“Shinso! Jeez, you almost gave me a heart attack” She huffs clutching her hand to her chest. The purple haired hero just shrugs as he shoves his hands into the pocket of his hoodie.“Sorry?” It sounds more like a question than what it was meant to be, “I thought I’d catch you up on the situation with Pikachu”Her eyes grow wide with realization, “Ah, with Kaminari?”After giving a firm nod they continue in the direction of her school. To everyone around, they just look like two normal teens, but they are far from the truth.“Spoke to Aizawa about him. We pulled his records and looked into him before making any decisions.” Shinso reaches into his messenger bag that’s slung over his shoulder and pulls out a sizable folder. Momo takes the offered stack and opens it to see a picture of a smiling Kaminari. Must be his school photo because he’s wearing his uniform. She flips the page to look at the records printed out neatly as Shinso continues on.“Pretty standard kid up until junior high. Use to live with his mom and younger sister in the Mako district, avid baseball player for his schools team. Seems like he use to be a very sociable kid with friends and good grades.”Momo read everything Shinso said before flipping to a new page with a picture of a younger Kaminari in a baseball uniform.“What do you mean use to live?” She glances at the hero who faces forward with a grim look.“For some reason at the start of his Junior High year, his address changed to that of his grandma’s apartment. His mom and sister move to the states and left him behind. There’s no contact information for them on any of his school records. It looks like they just disappeared.” Momo thinks about the sad look on Kaminari’s face as he mentions his mom knowing about his quirk. Did she abandon him when she found out about his powers? That’s horrible! How could a parent leave their child to fend for themselves.“How horrible” She squeezes the folder in hand, “Do you think she abandoned him?”“At least that’s all she did”At that Momo snapped her head to look at Shinso who’s looking down to his feet. His eyes seem lost in a memory that might be behind the haunting look on his face.“Shinso?” Momo whispers softly.“Some parents turn their kids in to the quirk prison. Either because they’re scared of the child or fear of what will happen if caught harboring them. Abandoning isn’t the worst thing to do.”‘Is that what happened to Shinso?’ Momo resists the urge to hug him, not wanting him to think she pities him for something that might not have happened to him.Her eyes burn with tears at the thought of these two kids being shunned by someone who’s meant to protect and love them. She needs to get control of her emotions.“So what happens now?” She quickly asks, closing the folder and handing it back to her friend.“Aizawa’s on his way to talk with him. See what the kid wants to do. If he needs help”“Of course he needs help!” Momo insists.“Well, some people don’t like to be helped” Shinso shrugs and shoves his hands back into the pocket of his hoodie, “We can’t force help on people”She wonders if maybe she should also talk to him later on. She can get his number from Jirou, perhaps even visit his home. Shinso has the address of his grandma’s apartment in the file. It is pretty close to the theater.Shinso stops at the same spot on the sidewalk, across the street from the gate of her school. Momo watches his dull eyes look over the other students and up to the large sign with the schools name etched into the metal.“Hey Shinso?” She asks and only receives a hum of an answer as he continued to look at the students.“I know you said you’re to smart for school, but does that mean you don’t want to go?” Momo grasps the straps of her backpack as she leans forward to try and get a clear look at his face.Shinso seems thrown off by this question as he finally looks down at her with a quirked eyebrow, “What?”Her cheeks heat up at the thought of asking her friend a stupid question, “I mean, what if you just went to socialize?”“Socialize?” His eyes narrow as he seems unfamiliar with the word.“Yeah! Make some friends your own age. What do you normally do all day when Todoroki’s in school?”He looks up in thought as he scratches the back of his ear, “Uh, sleep, work on my computers, more sleep, and hero work?” He counts off on his other hand.“Alright, well what if you came to school with me? With us?”The cocky smirk falls across his face as he rolls his eyes, “Because I have better things to do than listen to school gossip and waste my time being cooped up in some stuffy room for several hours a day.”She was about to open her mouth to ask him something else when a voice calls her name. Looking over she see’s Jirou waving at her from the other side of the gate. Momo manages a wave back before turning to glance at the secret hero. She was honestly expecting him to disappear again like last time but shockingly he’s still standing his ground and is blinking in Jirou’s direction. Momo lets a friendly smile fall easily across her face as she nudges his shoulder with her own.“Well, I don’t want to hold you back from those better things you have planned. I’ll see you later” She jogs across the street towards her best friend. When she reaches Jirou, her rocker friend juts her chin in the direction of Shinso who’s still watching them with that blank face.“Who’s that guy?” Momo looks over her shoulder at Shinso and gives him another wave. His cheeks heat up as he turns away and makes a hasty exit down the side walk.“A family friend.” She shrugs and Jirou accepts it as she dives into asking Momo if she can copy her math sheet. Momo breaks out into her moral lecturing of how wrong it is to cheat, but eventually gives in when Jirou explains she fell asleep after pulling a double at the café.Momo is standing at her locker as Jirou kneels on the floor to copy her homework quickly against a textbook. A squeal is heard as several girls run by catching Momo’s attention.“Todoroki!” Some girl shouts, drawing more attention.At the name Momo can feel her stomach knotting up as visions of her dream came barreling back to the front of her mind. She clutches the door of her locker for support as her knees shake. The quick breakfast in her stomach churns while she counts her breathing to calm down.Another group of girls squeal loudly at how handsome he is. “Did you see the fight last night with IcyHot? I saw your dad on the TV” A male student says over the crowd and its volume.“Did your dad talk to him?”“Wanna have lunch with me and my friends today?”“Dude your dad is so cool! He gave a speech after IcyHot left”Taking a deep breath Momo glances over her shoulder to see Todoroki making his way down the hall with his gaggle of fans following. Nothing different from normal mornings after IcyHot saves the city, but this time his eyes aren’t focused straight ahead. They’re looking directly at her. She gasps and turns back to her locker, acting as if the metal box is as fascinating as can be.“Eh, Momo” Jirou pokes her leg with the eraser part of her pencil.The vice president glances down at her friend on the floor who’s pointing to the half and half student, “I think Todoroki’s coming to talk to you”Her face flushes with heat as she slams her locker shut and backs away from Jirou, “I uh-I need to go turn in a paper. I’ll see you later!”As Momo takes off in a fast walk, Jirou calls after her, “What about your homework?”She makes it to the second level hall just as the bell rings and everyone is rushing off to their homeroom. Momo gives a sigh of relief as she gently pats her chest to ease her racing heart.“Yaoyorozu”That deep voice causes the hair on the back of her neck to stand and her spine to straighten.“Are you running from me?”Turning around slowly she comes face to face with the secret hero, Todoroki. His dual colored eyes blinking down at her own as he waits for her answer.“What? Me, running away? What makes you think that?” Momo pushes the tips of her index fingers together.“You ran away when you looked at me” His voice is almost deadpan and she laughs nervously.“Is it because of Kaminari?”She flinches and can start to feel sweat accumulate on her skin, “Oh, you know about that?” “Shinso told me when I got back from my patrol” He doesn’t seem mad, just indifferent.Dropping her hands to the hem of her skirt she bites her lower lip. Unsure of what to say now. What if he is mad about what she did? Breaking hero rule number one. Outing herself and Shinso, and not to mention their lair. Did he regret bringing her into his world? Her stomach clenches in fear at the thought of him being mad at her. She didn’t want him to ever be mad with her.“Yaoyorozu?” His voice is soft now and she looks up to see worry across his face, “Are you alright?”Swallowing the lump in her throat she feels the weight of her next question in her whole body, “Are you mad?”Realization comes to his face before it softens, almost as if her question changed something inside of him.“Yaoyorozu”He takes a step closer and she remembers what happened last night when he trapped her against that wall. Just like that, she feels like she’s back in the ally, wearing her mask, watching him tower over her. Part of her wants to touch her face to make sure she’s not wearing the black domino but she holds back. His hands comes up and hovers near her temple, just like last night. She can feel the warmth radiating off his fingertips as they barely graze her hair. A need fills her to lean into that hand, to allow him to cup her face. But she has more self control as she watches that same hand lower back to his side and clench into a fist.“No, I’m not mad.”She remembers his words the last time she asked him if he was mad, ‘I could never be mad at you.’The air turns thick and the space around them begins to feel hazy, almost as if they were more than alone. It feels like they’re the only two people in the world and she’s alright with that.“We can talk later.” He says softly, breaking them out of whatever was happening around them, “For now, let’s get to homeroom”Giving a single nod she follows him to their class just as the final bell rang to announce the start of the day. No one noticed them enter together except Jirou who’s eyeing Momo with confusion. As soon as she sits down she waves at her best friend just as their teacher walks up and begins to write on the board.“Alright everyone it’s time we start discussing the class trip to Kyoto in two weeks.” She says as she pulls out a stack of papers. The class cheers at the prospect of the overnight trip to a place they’ve never been. They’ve been looking forward to this since they all started high school. It’s a well known trip all Juniors take before the end of spring before it gets cold. Momo remembers being informed of the itinerary as class vice president before the paperwork was printed. The teacher hands the stack to the first student who passes it behind them and so on. Once Momo has her paper she hands her stack to Todoroki and their fingers touch. She jerks her hands back and lifts her paper to cover her blushing face.“We’ll be leaving Friday morning and arriving around lunch. All accommodations are already paid for as well as meals, but any other costs are on the student to cover. The return date is late Sunday night so please have your rides situated before the buses arrive. Your permission slip needs to be signed by your parent or guardian by the end of this week.” They teacher wrote on the board as students began whispering to their friends and making plans.Momo scans down the list of sights, itinerary, and suggestions for students to visit.“Don’t think of this as a vacation children! When you return I expect a four page essay on your outing by the end of week following the trip.” A collection of groans are now heard .Momo smiles at the thought of seeing the large shrines and historical landmarks. Jirou and her have spoken about this trip last year when it was announced. But that was a whole year ago, before everything changed in Momo’s life. Her mom’s still in the hospital, so would it be wise to leave on a trip? Her condition hasn’t improved since they took out her breathing tube that did the work for her. The doctors said it’s kind of like she’s in a self healing sleep now. The coma is her bodies way of saving up energy to divert it to other areas that need it.Momo brings the paper to her lips and hides her frown from the world around her. Though the doctors and her mother told her to be positive, Momo did her own research. Once a person’s been in a coma past a certain amount of time, the likelihood of them waking up is next to none. Even though she can breath on her own, that’s pretty much all her body can do. It can’t eat, or move in any way. She had daily therapy sessions to keep her from getting bed sores, and the nurses take excellent care of changing her bedding and clothing every day so she looks more vibrant. But Momo can’t help this feeling that one day her mother’s body will just give up the fight. Her eyes burn as she clenches them shut and tries to shake away that negative thought.‘Stop Momo! She’s going to be fine!’ She chides herself.A pressure pokes at her arm and she snaps her eyes open and looks over to see Todoroki holding a pencil near her shoulder. At some point he poked her with the eraser tip of his pencil and she feels her eyes travel from the writing utensil to the owners eyes.He looks concerned as he blinks at her, asking a silent question, ‘Are you alright?’Her vision is blurry and she knows it’s because her tears have glassed over her eyes. How embarrassing is this? Crying in class! As if she weren’t already showing him how weak she can be!Blinking away the tears she wipes her sleeve across her eyes frantically and forces a smile as she nods and quickly faces down to her flyer. No one else around seems to have noticed their exchange in a silent conversation because the teacher is already moving on to talk about club announcements. She keeps her eyes downcast to her desk or up at the teacher until the bell chimes for next period. Momo collects her supplies and shoves the flyer into her binder as she stands with the rest of class. Glancing over to Todoroki she see’s him open his mouth to say something. “Hey Yaomomo did you see the food column for the trip?” Jirou pops up in front of Todoroki, blocking her view of the secret hero. Part of her is relieved, and yet she is curious as to what he would have said.Forcing a smile Momo nods, “Yeah, but I also noticed the historical land marks”Jirou rolls her eyes at that, “Of course you would find a way to make this trip educational”“Don’t I always” Momo gives her a sly look and peeks around her to see Todoroki has already left.Jirou noticed her friends lack of eye contact and turns around to look at the empty desk of Todoroki, “Lover boy not walking you to our next class?”Her face heats up as she shakes her head frantically, “Jirou stop saying things like that!”Her best friend breaks out in a loud laugh as she pulls at Momo’s sleeve, “Come on girl, can you buy me an ice tea before our next class?”“Buy your own drink” Momo huffs but playfully jabs Jirou’s shoulder as the two make their exit from their homeroom.Lunch came around and Momo finds herself looking around the school yard as Jirou and her sit under their favorite tree. Jirou is babbling on about her dads new dessert he’s adding to the menu that her and her mom don’t like. Momo nods, half listening as her onyx eyes drift over the other picnic tables in the distance.“So I told dad why use strawberries when fish eggs are so much more potent” Jirou finishes.“Mhm” Momo nods.“Yeah and maybe throw in some dirt for that crunchy texture”“Sounds yummy” Jirou snorts, drawing Momo to look at her, “You’re not listening to anything I’m saying girl”Momo blushes as she bows her head in apology, “I’m sorry, I was just-““Looking for Todoroki?” Jirou finishes for her.“Am I that obvious?” Momo touches her burning cheeks.“Just to me, and maybe half the population of Japan” Jirou pokes her friend with her chopsticks.Momo whines loudly and shakes her fists to try and get Jirou to stop teasing her. The purple haired girl just laughs, loving when Momo get’s flustered.“I guess he’s busy” Momo sighs sadly, “or maybe he’s having lunch with his adoring fans”“Adoring fans?” Jirou scoffs, “That’s a little bit of a stretch. It’s not like he’s a celebrity or a super hero, ya know?”At that Momo looks in shock at Jirou who’s shoving a rice cake into her mouth. Momo quickly laughs loudly and franticly and waves her hand at Jirou, “Good one! Hahaha a super hero! Wow where do you come up with these things Jirou”Jirou pauses and eyes Momo suspiciously and the vice president worries she’s given everything away.“What?” Momo looks away and takes a large bite of her sweet bread.“You alright Momo?”Why is everyone asking her this today? She’s fine! Totally fine!“I’m fine, honestly. What about you? You never told me how the rest of your errands went with Kaminari” Momo quickly changes the subject.Jirou’s cheeks bloomed and Momo swooned at how cute she looks, “Awww what’s with that face Jirou Did something happen?”“No!” Jirou looks down to her food and Momo waits as she looks back up, “He just walked with me to the store that’s all.”“Hmmm” Momo hums, “He’s nice”“You just met him, how can you even know?” Good question! Momo nervously laughs again and clears her throat, “I can just tell. I’d like to get to know him more as well”“You would?” Jirou seems excited to hear that, “I mean- of course you would. I pick excellent friends. My taste in people is compared to that of a fine wine.”“What do you know about wine?”“Enough! Maybe you can come with us to my parents next mic night. He’s excited to go” Jirou says with a hint of a blush on her face, “My parents are ready to adopt his sorry ass.”“Aw he won them over?”“Something like that” Jirou looks lost in thought as Momo takes this moment to finish her lunch.Once school’s out Momo says her goodbyes to Jirou and spots Todoroki walking up ahead. She smiles as she begins her own walk, following him. It’s such a nice day out today. Not to hot as the trees lining the sidewalk shade their stroll away from the school. Cherry blossoms slowly cascade down in her line of vision and carpet the concrete under her feet. Fall is around the corner so the blossoms will wilt and die in preparation for the cold. In taking a deep breath she enjoyed the smell of the season coming to an end. It’s all so beautiful.“Hello Yaoyorozu” At some point in her daydreaming, Todoroki slowed down till they were walking side by side. She isn’t surprised because this is how he normally greets her out of school. Even though they had many classes together, and saw each other most of the day he still greeted her. Almost like he can finally let go and be himself around her. Drop the false pretenses and greet her without any eyes watching.“Hello Todoroki”Facing forward they continue their walk to the dojo. Momo wonders if they’ll talk about Kaminari later or if she should bring it up now. It isn’t until they reach the halfway point to the dojo and stop at a cross walk sign to look both ways that she decides to say something.“Todoroki?”He hums and looks at her as she brings a hand up to her chest and squeezes it into a nervous fist, “About Kaminari”His eyes just blink back at her, “Yes?”The crosswalk turns green and they continue on their way past sidewalks edge.“When did you want to talk about-“A siren goes off next to them and both heroes jump in shock as they turn to the road. Momo feels Todoroki grab onto her arm, as if ready to pull her from harms way. It’s tight, almost like his first instinct is to make sure she’s within his reach. She swallows as the cop car in front of them rolls down its tinted window. Chief Endeavor is sitting in the drivers seat glaring at the youngest Todoroki child. Momo holds her breath as the animosity in the air thickens and both son and father glare at each other.“Shouto” Endeavor says heavily Todoroki doesn’t say anything in return as his grip on Momo’s arm falls and he moves that hand to the strap of his school bag.Endeavors cold eyes move to Momo and the class vice president quickly remembers to bow to her elder, “Chief Endeavor, h-hello”The respect isn’t returned as he squints his eyes at her, “You’re the girl who interrupted our dinner”A blush breaks out across her face as she stands up straight and shakes her head, “Yes, that’s me, I’m so sorry for that sir”“Don’t apologize for it” Todoroki mutters to her as he continued to glare at his dad, “Not like anything else was going to happen.”The father and son glair continues as Momo feels the need to flee from this tense situation.“Did you need something?” Todoroki asks in annoyance and Momo almost wants to chide his tone but pulls back because it’s not her place to judge him.“Just following up on a case. Noticed you two walking.” His voice sounds as if he’s leading this statement somewhere with an accusation, “Together… Where are you going?”Momo feels her cheeks burn at that statement.TogetherWhat did he mean by that? Like together together or just like together? “We have training today. Like every other day.”Endeavor rubs the red whiskers on his chin in thought, “I didn’t know you trained with Shouto” His burning eyes turn to Momo and she feels her joints stiffen at that hard glare.“Y-yes sir. Both my mothers have always thought I should learn to protect myself. I’ve been in classes since I was a child”He grunts as he faces Shouto, “Want a ride?”Momo blinks several times at him. Did this gruff man just offer them a ride to the dojo? That’s oddly… kind.“No” Todoroki blurts out and turns back to the sidewalk. His hand grabs onto the strap of Momo’s bag and pulls her along with him. She stumbles at first but catches herself as she keeps looking over her shoulder at the police chief that they just blew off. “I-It was nice meeting you again!” Momo calls out with a minor bow as she falls in step next to Todoroki.She looks up at the hero and notices his hard eyes set ahead, “I think he was trying to be nice?”Todoroki scoffs in a way she’s never heard and it’s almost comical as she hides her smile behind the sleeve of her blazer.“He doesn’t know the meaning of nice”Her smile falls as she ponders what could have happened to make him hate his father so bad. Once again her eyes wonder to his scar and she can’t help but think it has something to do with that.The walk to the dojo is short but once they arrive they’re stopped by Hizashi who’s pausing his small class of kids to turn to them.“Aizawa’s out today.”Momo thinks it might have to do with Kaminari as she and Todoroki bow and make their leave. Now they’re standing outside the dojo unsure of what to do now.“Hm I guess he’s busy.” Momo says and Todoroki nods.“Well I can use this time to go visit my mom” Momo smiles at the thought of seeing her mom again. She had to miss the last two days due to her training so it’ll be nice.“Alright” Todoroki says.Momo turns to him with a smile, “Would you like to come?”He looks surprised to hear her ask this and proceeds to open his mouth several times and only succeeds in looking like a gold fish. Momo giggles and shakes her head, “Only if you want of course”“I’ll walk you there, but I should go after. I haven’t been home a lot and my sister might start to get suspicious.” He scratches the back of his head.Liking the sound of that she nods and they turn in the opposite direction towards the hospital. She’s happy he didn’t turn her down flat.True to his word he walks her to the hospital and leaves her out front, watching her to make sure she gets in alright before doubling back the way they came.Momo’s visit is filled with talking as she tells her mom everything that’s been happening since her last visit. It’s nice to talk about this with someone. Even thought Todoroki told her she can talk to him anytime… she’s worried about bothering him. At least with her mom she can say everything without being judged.Maybe not everything. Not the dream because that’s weird to mention in front of your mom even if she IS in a coma.Once her visit in finished she makes her way back down to the street side and pulls out her phone. Given she doesn’t have training with Aizawa today she still has two hours before she has to be home. Just enough time to swing by the theater and see Shinso.Upon arriving at the side doors of the secret lair, Momo waves up at the hidden camera. Maybe she can talk Shinso into getting her a key. That would be nice.A minute later the door is thrown open to reveal Shinso in a comfy set of pajamas pants that have sleeping cats on it and a baggy sweatshirt with Aizawa’s dojo logo across it.“Hey, what are you doing here?” Shinso asks as he steps aside.“Wanted to see if you needed help with those boxes of receipts. I did promise to come over to help more” She walks past the empty theater seats and hears Shinso shut the door behind her before following.“I guess that’s fine.”Once down in the lair she notices a loaf of bread and peanut butter on the metal table near the sparing matts.“Was I interrupting your dinner?” She smiles back at him.Shinso scoffs as he picks up the half made sandwich and takes a bite of it, “No, just a brain snack”Giggling behind her hand she declines his offer to make her one and walks over to the table with the stack of receipts on it. It looks like he got through half another box as she sits down in the chair.“Don’t you have training tonight?” He settles in across from her with his half eaten sandwich now.“Aizawa cancelled it” She shrugs and lifts a receipt to scan over it, “Might be with Kaminari”“Could be. He did say he would visit him soon”In silence they begin the search to finish another box of receipts, which in total take an hour and a half. Momo lays down the paper as she arches her back in a stretch, “Jeez, this is mind numbing”“What me to brain wash you into thinking it’s fun?” Shinso raises a playful eyebrow.Momo shakes her head, “No thank you, but I do need to get going.”“Oh I’ll walk you” He stands as well and makes his way over to the bathroom to change.“No it’s alright, you don’t have to”Shinso waves her off and comes out a minute later. Swapping his pajamas for jeans. Momo rolls her eyes as he does a spin and strikes a dramatic pose like the boys in those shoujo manga’s. “Let’s go pretty boy” Together they walk to her place, talking mindlessly about a book they both had read. Both interpreting it in their own ways as Momo playfully pushes his shoulder. “Shut up you did not meet the author” She gasps as if hearing something scandalous.“I did! Hand to the mask I wear, this I swear” He holds his hand over his heart, “I also may or may not have had him tell me the ending to his last book”“Oh my god did you?” She sputters.“No, but I really wanted to” He laughs and Momo joins him.They reach her place before the sun sets and she smiles over at him, “Well this is me.”“yeah alright. I’ll see you tomorrow maybe” He turns around and Momo instantly pictures that old couch, peanut butter sandwich and cold sub-basement. That’s his home and that’s where he’s going.She feels her heart break as she bites her lip. Just then her phone vibrates and she looks down to see a message from her mom.Mom- “Hey kiddo, I actually need to stay again tonight. Something came up at work”Momo- “That’s alright mom, I understand.”Mom- “Feel free to order whatever you want. I’ll see you tomorrow night. I love you”Momo- “Love you too”Looking up she still see’s Shinso walking away and cups her hand around her mouth, “Hey Shinso!”The purple haired hero looks back over his shoulder at her and she cocks her head in the direction of the house, “Ever had the best Thai food in Japan?”A slow smile pulled at his face until he’s grinning from ear to ear at her and turning around, “Can’t say I have”“Come on!” She presses the button to her gate and it swings open to her large home, “My treat”//~~~~~~~~~~~~~~End Chapter 12~~~~~~~~~~~\\
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/~~~~~~~~ Ch 13~~~~~~~~~~\\"What do you see?" Aizawa asks and Momo narrows her eyes as she looks over the ledge of the bars rooftop. Crouched behind the knee high bricks to separate anyone from the ledge. The red sign of the bar flashing off to the side, casting half her masked face in its red glow. "I see people walking around" She states lamely and looks over her shoulder at her mentor who's in full hero gear and bags under his eyes. "Look closer" She faced forward and peeks back over the ledge to seem less inconspicuous. Looking from the bouncer of the bar to the young girls standing near the corner of the street smoking. Nothing seems out of the ordinary, other than the fact that those girls don't look old enough to be smoking or in front of a bar on a break. Though she doubts Aizawa brought her out here to bust some teens for tobacco possession. After several moments Aizawa sighs, "Shinso" A purple haired teen pops up next to her wearing his own costume. His lower mouth covered by a cage like contraption slightly similar to the one Aizawa wears over his eyes. Though the bags under his own eyes match Aizawa perfectly. The teen hero leans over the divider with no fear of being seen, "Target spotted across the street, in the phone booth" Momo takes a closer look to see a man in a long trench coat talking on the phone. "Him? What's he doing?" She asks softly taking in his grandfatherly features that she could make out in the dark."Keep watching" Aizawa says firmly. And true enough the older man's eyes glance over at the girls before facing forward. Several seconds later he's looking back while still holding the phone. Her eyes glance at the top of the phone booth where a sign hangs, 'Out Of Order'"Oh""Yeah, you got it" Shinso bumps shoulders with her and she smiles over at him before facing forward."So these are the kind of signs you were talking about" She looks over her shoulder at her mentor as he nods."You'll get use to them soon enough. Just be vigilant and know that there could be anything lurking around a corner."Shinso turns around to lean his back on the ledge and looks at Aizawa, "I bet my money the guys a perv. Total flasher.""Looks like it could be a mugging" Aizawa states clear and Momo looks between them as they turn to her for her input."Um uh- drug trafficker?" She shrugs her shoulders up once."No way- check out that coat. It's so humid, he has no reason to wear it if he weren't buck ass naked under it" The mind controlling quirked hero argues.Just as he says it the bouncer below is called into the bar for assistance, leaving the girls unattended. The old man hangs up the phone and steps out of the booth."Oh, he's moving" Momo whispers and Shinso flips around to see as his eyes crinkle at the ends meaning he's either grinning or squinting, and she's sure it's the first.With a huff he stands and adjusts the mask across his mouth, "Watch me work"And with that he's gone, flipping over the side of the building like it's nothing and catching himself on the fire escape halfway down before hopping off and landing with a thump on the pavement.With his hands in his pocket he strolls out from the dark ally and right towards the man who's now halfway across the street. Momo watches in amazement as he stops before the man and the gentleman pauses as his eyes look to Shinso. Momo can see his mouth move as he must have answered a question Shinso asked. And that's all it took before the mans distracted gaze was focused on the hero."Wow' Momo whispers."He's a pro for a reason" Aizawa says next to her and she glances at him before looking back to her friend.They speak for a few seconds before the man is turning around and heading in the opposite direction.Shinso looks up at them and gives a wink before strolling into the dark of the ally across the street. To anyone else looking it would seem like he vanished, but she knew better. He simply scaled the building to the roof jumped till he landed on their own and lowered the metal mask from his mouth to show that smirk she knew had always been there."What did you say?" Momo asks as he drops down next to her in a squat."Asked him the time, he told me to buzz off... That's all it took for me to get him" Shinso explains as he looks up at their mentor, "Asked him what his intentions were. I totally win that round because he wanted to show those ladies his ding dong the witch is dead"Momo covers her mouth with the back of her hand in disgust, "Gross""Yup" Shinso nods and gives a shrug, "Told him to go to the nearest police station and show them instead. He should be there shortly.""Impressive" Momo crosses her arms over her own her costume covered chest, "You do birthday parties too?""You wish you could afford me" Shinso fastens his mask across his mouth again.Aizawa ignored their friendly banter as he walked to the other end of the roof, "Let's move"Together the three heroes navigated their way across town. Momo is actually surprised at how proficient Shinso is at parkour. The way he would flip over a gap and free climb a wall can only be described as watching a monkey at work. Aizawa had the help of his scarf that he swung from whileMomo stayed true to her vaulting and climbing.Being a Sunday, Momo wondered how late they would be out, considering it's a school night. She was invited by Aizawa on his patrol on Friday and at the end of each shift he asked her to keep coming to get use to this. Shinso surprisingly joined them tonight and she got to see him in action. Mostly she's hung back and watched Aizawa as he takes down the occasional robber, or purse snatcher. They could sometimes go hours without seeing any action and she wonders if this is a normal thing.They finally stop at the corner of a decapitated apartment neighborhood that had more wood on the windows than glass. She glances around to see just some guy standing on the corner with his hands in his pockets."Recognize this place?" Aizawa asks her.Momo wracks her brain and nods quickly once it clicks, "Yes! We're in the Shingo district, mostly known for their drugs and prostitution"Her mentor nods, "Good. That guy down there is Ito Shin, a local dealer in these parts. Use to hang around the dojo and talk to my students on the street. He learns fast to stay away from my areas. Likes to slum around here and do his business."Watching the dealer as he looks up and down the street discreetly, "Why isn't he in prison?""On the totem pole that is the justice system, druggies and escorts are bare bottom. It mainly goes murderers, robbers, rapists, and far far lower down you have Ito Shin" MasterMind scoffs as he plays with the strap of his mouth guard.Aizawa continues on as if he weren't interrupted, "We're here for practice"Perfect timing aside, a car pulls up and rolls down its back window. A hand shoots out and shakes hands with Ito. To those not looking it would seem like a standard greeting, but the hand retracted and the window rolled back up. Not even a second later the tinted window car drove off and was out of sight within seconds. Leaving Ito to look down at his hand before turning tail and walking in the opposite direction.Momo stands on the roof of the old motel and with a snap, her vaulting rod contracts enough to clip onto her belt. She looks to her mentor and friend, "Wish me luck"Shinso just gives her the 'rock on' sign before she slides down the slanted wall and crouches in the shadows.She can feel her heart beating in her ears as she silently stalks the dealer on his own turf. No one is around to witness except for the two watching on the roof so she feels anxiety at the prospect of two pros standing in the wings.Taking a deep breath her mind began to run with the possibilities of what she should to. Take him down instantly? Should she make something? What should she say?"Hey!" She shouts out before she can think to much on it.'Hey? Wow so cool!' She can almost hear Shinso laughing at her in the distance.Ito turns glances over his shoulder at her and a smirk falls across his once downturned mouth. Slowly he turns around and lets his eyes devour her from head to toe, "Hey pretty lady""I suspect you have narcotics on you" Momo points to him.His eyes light up, "Yeah I got that fix you're looking for"Momo pauses as she holds up a hand with her mouth open. She wasn't expecting him to admit to harboring drugs so quickly, "Oh alright. Then you're coming with me""Yeah yeah yeah sweetie. I got a crib we can kick it at." He licks his lips and looks blatantly at her chest, "I like your gear babe." He rubs his hands together, "We're gonna have a good time"She blinks at him before shaking her head, "You're under arrest""Oh yeah sweetie you gonna cuff me?" He holds his hands out, "Or should you frisk me first""Actually yes, good idea" Momo grabs onto the shoulder of his jacket and twists him around, slamming him into an old abandoned car that's half on the sidewalk and half in the street."Whoa, easy baby I got your fix, slow it down" He laughs as her hands pat him down. She reaches into the pocket of his jacket and pulls out a ziplock baggie of white powder."As suspected. Narcotics obtained." She tosses the baggie on the hood of the car and uses both hands to push the teen harder into the car, "You have the right to remain silent""Wait" Ito turns his head as he looks back at her with confusion written on his face, "Are you serious?""Sir, please do not resist or I will have to use force" She materializes handcuffs from her arm.Ito watches over his shoulder with wide eyes, "Oh fuck! You're one of those freaks! Let go of me!"He begins to struggle as Momo holds on tightly, "I said stop resisting!"Momo leans in to keep him steady which she realized to late that doing so went against Aizawa's training. As soon as she was close enough, Ito threw his head back and slammed the back of his skull into her face. Momo felt blinding pain as lights danced behind her eyes. She stumbled backwards and lost her footing. The fall was quick as she landed on her bottom with her left hand catching her upper half while the right went to her nose. Clutching her face she felt something warm drip down her hand and knew instantly it was blood from the tang that slipped past her lips from her nose.Something grabbed at her ankle and jerked her forward, "I'll teach you freaks to mess with me"Momo froze as she looked up into the face of the despicable drug dealer. Just seconds ago he was a simple male figure not even a few inches taller than her. She wasn't afraid of him, and didn't even see him at a threat. Though now as he towered over her, she felt the ice cold sting of fear. His eyes drinking in her body as she could see his intent dance across that face in a lewd show of his thoughts. Her hands shook as her voice stopped working. The vocal cords in her body burned to say something but her mouth could only open in silent protest.Tears prick the corner of her eyes as he jerks her closer."We're gonna have a good time"Make something! Anything! Just think of something! Copper, steel, iron- ferrum, amphoteric oxide-Ito was knocked back and Momo snapped her head up to see Shinso grabbing him by the front of his jacket and slammed him into the side of the old car. The metal frame of the vehicle rocked with the force of the hit."You think it's fine you piece of shit!" Shinso shouts as he pulls back and slams the body again into the car, "You think you can do whatever you want with no repercussion?""C-calm down man! I wasn't gonna do nuttin' to her" Ito cried in pain as Shinso punched him across the face and reeled his fist back as the drug dealer flinched."You're damn right you're going to do nothing! In fact you're going to-" His threat is cut short as a voice interrupts them."MasterMind, enough"Both heroes turn around to see EraserHead standing behind Momo's fallen form with his eyes glowing red and hair standing up, effectively cutting off Shinso's quirk.Shinso curses softly as he throws Ito to the side where he lands with a grunt. Momo watches as the teen hero comes to her side and helps her stand up with hands on her elbow and back.Shame washes over her as tears fall down her cheeks, "I'm sorry" She breaks and turns to Aizawa,"I'm sorry! I can do better!"Momo is sure she looks as pathetic as she feels. Blood falling in rivulets from her nose and past her mouth where it pools at her chin. Red eyes, wet with tears as she furiously tries to wipe it away, but just succeeds in smearing blood across her cheeks.Aizawa looks down at her with this unreadable expression and it terrifies her more so than the drug dealer. Her heart races as she balls her hands into a fist. Thunder rumbles above matching the mood of this stand off."Come on, it was a mistake" Shinso hisses at Aizawa which means he can read the mentor better thanMomo ever hoped to.He shakes his head and motions to the side with a slight incline, "Get her back""Sir!" Momo whispers but he shakes his head."We'll talk later" He just says and turns his attention to the shaking drug dealer on the ground.She doesn't want to go, and resists when Shinso gently pulls her along by the sounder."Hey" He whispers, "Let it go"Squishing her eyes closed she wishes she had a quirk that could re-do time. Where she could actually do it right and not completely embarrass herself.She allows him to pull her along and lead her away from whatever Aizawa plans to do with the criminal. Before she knows it they're in a cab with a hypnotized driver taking them through the deserted back streets of the city. She peeks over at Shinso who's staring forward with his arms crossed; a neutral look across his face. Part of her wonders if he's mad at her, but he didn't feel mad."Where are we going?" She whispers, unsure if she should talk at all; if it might break the driver out of his trance."I'm taking you to the base." He looks at her and she can't read any anger in those kind eyes. Instead he looks worried but faces forward again before she can be sure.Shaking her head gently she leans closer to him, "Can you take me home?"Sighing loudly he looks at her again, "Your mom can't-""She's not home" Momo quickly interrupts, "She's actually on a business trip in Izziban for the next two days. No one will see me"Shinso seems to read her face as he narrows his eyes. Seconds tick by before he nods and turns to the driver, "Change of plans." He recites her address and the driver mutely turns the blinker on to take a turn.The drive is quick with them being dropped off at the front door and Shinso instructing the driver to go back on his route and forget anything that just happened. He even paid him with tip, which Momo thought was sweet.Together they enter her home and Shinso takes her directly to the bathroom connected to Momo's room. She had it stocked with a new medical kit just to be on the safe side for such events.Momo pulled herself up onto the counter and sat on the cold marble with her back to the mirror. She didn't want to see herself right now. Shinso digs under the cabinet and locates the teal box that held the equipment they need.When he stood before her she noticed he had his mouth guard hanging around his neck, revealing his face completely. His eyes took in the damage as he hissed, "Damn girl he got you good"Wincing at the words she looks down in continuous shame. She can hear the water running on the faucet as he takes a glob of tissues and wets them. Gently as can be he wipes away the blood on her face with a concentrating look about him. Gentle swipes around the wounded area so as not to irritate it. Turning her head ever so gently as his thumb pressed gently on her nose to test it. She sniffled several times while she watches the look on his face as if he's use to this."This isn't the first time you've done this" She finds herself saying.He pauses mid wipe and his eyes look into her own. She gasps and pulls back, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have-""No it's fine." He pulls her face back and continues to clean her up, "You're not wrong"Silence falls into place as she worries her bottom lip between her teeth. She wants to ask him but her manners are eating her up inside to stay quiet. But in the end her curiosity won out over anything else."From hero work?"He shrugs once and wipes around her nose which had thankfully stopped bleeding long ago, "Mostly"She assumes he's done talking but once he goes to switch the tissues out he continues, "I've been looking after myself for a long time. You kind of pick up these things. Shouto too"Looking up quickly Momo feels her stomach churn at the mention of Todoroki, "How so?"Shinso pauses in thought but continues quickly enough, "Not to be a gossip hound but his home life isn't all that great either. We met when we were kids as you know, when he was brought to Aizawa by his mom""His mom?" Momo remembered being at Todoroki's house and there were no pictures or even mention of the woman, "Where is she now?""Eh, we don't talk about that. It's Todoroki's business"A flash of Todoroki's burn came to mind and she wonders if it has to do with that. But she holds back because Shinso's right. It isn't any of her business to ask about Todoroki.Shinso soon enough takes a step away and looks over her face, "It's not broken thank god, but you'll have a nasty bruise for a few days. Looks like we won't need this" He pushes the medical kit aside.Momo nods and hops down from the counter as she turns around to see her reflection. The blood is gone though her eyes are still blood shot and her nose is indeed swelling a bit with a nasty shade of purple on the bridge."Fantastic" She whispers before removing her mask and tossing it in the sink as she walks into her room.Lighting strikes outside and Momo looks out the window as rain begins to pour across the grounds.She turns around to see Shinso also looking out at the rain with a solemn look as he places his mouth guard around his face, "I should head out""Oh wait!" She holds a hand out and he pauses.She doesn't want to be alone right now, but she also doesn't want him to be alone. Seeing glimpses into both their pasts make her want to help them as much as she can. Both of them have had a hard life and she wants to do everything she can to make it better."It's pouring out there. Cats and dogs ya know?" She laughs softly at her lame joke, "What I mean is, you can stay here if you want."Shinso looks from her to the rain outside before shrugging and removing his mask, "Sure"They stand awkwardly in her room before she quickly snaps to hostess mode, "Are you hungry?""Always" He snorts and she can't help but crack a real smile since the incident with the dealer."Come on. I'm sure you know the way to the kitchen by now"Together they made several grilled cheese sandwiches and ate them next to the large window that overlooked the vast backyard. Just watching the rain pour and talking about dumb things that you'd never guess heroes talked about in their spare time.Momo likes Shinso, the same way she liked Jirou. He's funny, kind, and she has a sense that he's a lot more emotionally driven than he'd like someone to think. She's happy she can call him a friend. After eating she showed him to the guest room next to her own and created a change of clothes for him."The guest room has its own bathroom so feel free to use anything in there. It's fully loaded" She points to the large walk in bathroom to the side.Shinso's eyes are still wide as he looks around the large room. Momo isn't dumb, she's very aware her family is well off and could be considered rich in some standards. Jirou likes to remind her every time she comes over how huge this place is. So the look on her new friends face isn't worrying her. But his words next do."I've never had one of these before" He walks deeper into the room holding the bundle of clothes to his chest."What, a guest room?" She smiles playfully."No... a bed" He touches a hand to the soft quilt and presses down gently.Her heart hurts as she watches him sit on the soft mattress and it sinks under his weight. He smiles softly at the feeling and looks up to her, "Thanks""Don't mention it- Um" She looks around the room, "Can I get you anything else?""No this is fine"She nods once before taking a step back, "I'll see you in the morning"With that she shuts his door softly before making her way back to her bedroom and closing her own door. Once shut she showers the night away and changes into her pajamas before flinging herself onto her plush king size bed. Looking at the clock she sighs at the '3:47AM' blinking back at her. She would have to get up in two hours for school.Turning off her light she snuggled into her blanket before snapping her eyes open and reaching for her phone. Her fingers danced across the glass as she typed out a message.Momo: HomeShe bit her lower lip as she wonders if he’s even awake. It's his night off from patrol so maybe he would be sleeping. Though her phone vibrated seconds later with a response. Her face heats up at the sudden reply to her message, almost as if he were waiting for her.Todoroki: Good. Everything go alright?Her eyes turn down in sadness. Should she tell him? No way!Momo: It was fine. I'll see you tomorrow.Momo: Goodnight Todoroki.Todoroki: Goodnight Yaoyorozu.The screen went dark with a slight press of a button and she pressed the top to her chin in thought.Her stomach is all a flutter with those butterflies, eating away at the lining of her insides like starving bugs. But only when it came to Todoroki... always Todoroki.Closing her eyes she fell asleep with her phone over her heart, forgetting to plug it in for the night.It felt like she just closed her eyes when she felt something jostle her shoulder."Come on, wake up!"She squeezes her eyes together and pulls her comforter over her head as she huffs very unladylike at the source of the voice."Fine, be late! Our countries education system is flawed anyways. No need to add to the statistics"Her eyes flew open and she's met with Shinso standing over her bed with his arms crossed. He's wearing his black costumed pants and the blue t-shirt she made him from the night before."Oh good you're awake. I was thinking of calling Todoroki to wake you with-" He didn't get to finish because Momo is jumping out of bed and launching towards her clock. She has twenty minutes before first bell."Darn it!" She hisses and throws herself in the direction of her closet.Shinso realizes quickly she's ripping off her shirt when he spins around and brings a hand up to cover his eyes. Having no interest what so ever to see her in her undergarments."Why didn't you wake me sooner?" She snaps as she buttons her shirt and glares at his back from over her shoulder.She can't see his face but she knows he's smirking, "Tried to wake you thirty minutes ago but you just swatted at my face and told me to go away bumble bee. Cute nickname by the way. Though I think it might make Todoroki jealous.""wHAt?" Her voice cracks as she spins him around by his shoulder.He peeks his left eye open to make sure she's dressed, and once that's assured he opens the other."I was thinking we could give him a cute nickname too. I'm thinking food based, maybe Muffin? Or how about peach?"Rolling her eyes at his suggestions she rushes from her room and down the stairs as her house guest follows. All the while spouting off nicknames for their other friend.When she eventually leaves the house Shinso is still going strong as she looks to her phone to see it's nearly dead."Maybe Cinnamon Bun, because let's be honest he's to good for this world" Shinso snorts."Shinso!" Momo snaps and he smirks down at her."Yes?"She actually doesn't have anything to say as she points her finger at him and closes her mouth, "Nothing"Her fast paced walk picks up as she heard the first bell in the distance for their academy."I'm late!" She breaks out into a run while Shinso follows pace.She reaches the school gates just after they close and reaches a hand through as a guard walks over."Sorry miss. You're tardy. You'll have to go to the office for a slip." He says sadly to Momo since he's never seen her late before."Please" Momo whispers, "It was a mistake! I didn't mean to. It won't happen again"He looks ready to speak when Shinso looks at the clock on top of the school building."She still has five minutes""No, she-" He pauses as his eyes wide. Shinso looks to Momo as she pauses and realization falls over her face."Shinso no! Not here!" She hisses lowly."It's fine" He waves a hand at her and faces the guard again, "She has five minutes"The guard opens the gate enough for her to slip in, "He's right Miss. You still have five minutes"Momo looks between the two before poking Shinso with her finger, "Just this once"He shrugs and shoves his hands into his pockets, "That's what they all say"Though he abused the use of his quirk, she can’t help but smile gratefully at her friend, “I’ll see you later”She rushes off to class, all the while feeling those purple eyes on her retreating form.She ran past her locker and to her homeroom where she threw open the door and bows instantly, “I apologize for my tardiness sensei” “Oh, there you are Yaoyorozu, I was wondering-“ The teacher paused as Momo stood back up and the class gasped as they stared in shock. Momo instantly touched her face wondering if she had her mask on still but felt nothing but skin. “Um, please take your seat” The teacher motions to the back and Momo nods as she walks past all the students still looking at her as whispers continue. Plopping down behind Jirou, Momo is assaulted by her best friend turning around in her seat with wide eyes. “What happened to your nose?” Realization strikes her as she self consciously brings a hand up to her face and touches the mentioned spot. Her eyes growing just as wide as Jirou’s since she completely forgot about it this morning. Too worried about being late to actually cover it up. Momo opens her mouth to say something but they’re interrupted by their homeroom teacher, “Jirou, Yaoyorozu; is there something you would like to share with the class?” Once again all eyes turn to the two girls wondering if the vice president will reveal the story to her new injury. Momo and Jirou bow their heads, “Sorry sensei, It won’t happen again” Happy for the apology the teacher turns back to her discussion on school news. Jirou gives her one final look which states they will be talking about this after class. Momo sighs while she props up her book to hide behind as she touched her nose. It stings when pressed on but nothing as bad as last night. Her eyes roam over as if knowing he would be looking. And she was correct to find dual colored eyes gazing fire back at her. They’re set in a furrow with his brow pinched and his mouth in a deep frown. She wants to smile but can’t bring her lips to lift because she knows she’s in trouble. Todoroki’s a caring person and would want to know why she didn’t tell him about what happened. His eyes tell of punishment and her cheeks brighten to a pink as she imagines the most lewd ways he could make her suffer. Like he could just bend her over his knee and- Dropping her head to her textbook she covers her mouth to bite back the squeak that’s bubbling in her throat. Taking several deep breaths she bites the tip of the thumb as she worries at the flesh. When had her mind gotten so perverse that every thought of a simple male could send her into a completely different mind set. Maybe this was the work of Jirou’s mother’s romance novels she spew around the coffee shop. It’s a guilty pleasure the woman picked up in college and made sure to make easily accessible to anyone and everyone within arms reach. Momo’s pretty sure Jirou’s read at least one while Momo entertained nearly a handful of lustful women seeking true love in the arms of a heroic male. She hasn’t picked up a romance novel in quite some time but maybe it stuck somewhere in the deep expansion of her mind and is using her hormonal teenage body as a vessel for it’s lewd thoughts and behaviors. Shivering in disdain at the idea of becoming a pervert at such a young age, she glances back at Todoroki. He’s facing forward but the frown and eyes are still set in what may now be a permanent scowl. For the rest of class Momo kept her head low as she planned out an excuse for the injury. Once she had it set the bell rang for their next class. As soon as her bottom left the seat Jirou turned around and slammed her hands on the desk. “What happened to your face? Who am I gonna kill?” She looked in a rage as her deep purple eyes burned with the need for fresh blood. Momo laughs nervously as she holds up her hands, “I swear it looks worse than it really is. But, the truth is I fell.” As expected, Jirou’s face fell in a show of disbelief, “Momo-“ “No really I swear! I was sleeping at the hospital on the couch. You know since my mom’s out of town, I got lonely. So I stayed at the hospital and fell off the couch. Yup, I hit face first into the floor, it was so embarrassing. It’s why I was late. The doctor was giving me a check up. I’m fine” Momo rushed out quickly. Jirou’s eyes pinched together as she scanned Momo’s face, searching for the truth. Momo kept her easy going smile up and it must have worked because Jirou busted out laughing and pointed at her, “Wow, girl come on; only you would get hurt at a hospital.” Joining her the two laughed at her misfortunes and got their stuff together to leave, “You really should cover it up” “Eh, what’s the use? Everyone’s already seen it” Momo shrugs as she looks over to the eyes watching them leave. Everyone gawking at her purplish nose. ‘”Guess so. Well I need to get to class. I’ll see you at lunch” Jirou gives a thumbs up and jogs off to make it on time. Momo watches her go and turns around to head in the opposite direction to her own class. That was the plan until a door opened and jerked her inside. Déjà vu filled her as she looked up into the face of Todoroki in the familiar storage closet the custodians use. This time the lights on and she can see the same angered look on his face from class. Instinctively she leans back against the door as he leans in with both hands framing each side of her head. “You want to tell me what happened or should I call Shinso for the details again” His voice is gravely. Something pings in the back of her mind as a smile pulls at the corner of her mouth, “Are you jealous?” His eyes widen as a blush creeps up his face and her smile widens, “Todoroki-“ “Just tell me you’re ok” He forces out and she pauses in her speech. Her hands are down by her side, palms pressed to the cold wood of the door. She looks over his face, taking in the worry filled eyes and mouth set in a thin line. Guilt fills her at having done this to him. She lifts her hands and cups each side of his face. The left side is hot while the right feels so icy cold to the touch. He leans into her palm and his eyes turn away from her own as if ashamed she’s seeing him like this. “I just need to know you’re okay.” Momo smiles softly as she pulls his face to look back at her, “I’m fine Todoroki. I’m okay” He nuzzles his face into the palm of her hand, as if her touch alone is assuring him of her words. She can feel her heart beating so loud in her chest she worries it’ll leap from her body if it grows any further. “What happened?” He finally leaned away and Momo dropped her hands back to her side. “It’s nothing bad” Todoroki blinks at her with those all knowing eyes and she shrugs as she looks away to avoid them, “I mean I messed up. I got caught off guard and the guy head-butts be to the ground. Honestly it was a mistake I don’t plan on reliving.” Anger flashes across his face, “Who?” “Todoroki” “Who did it?” “Some drug dealer! It’s fine! Remember I’m fine. Shinso saved me.” “I don’t know what to say” He sighs loudly and crossed his arms across his chest. Momo fiddles with her hands in front of her, “Yes you do” “You’re going to tell me how irresponsible I was, and how I messed up big time! You should say I have no business being out there, doing what you do.” She hears her voice cracking as her eyes burn, “You’ll tell me I’m wrong for wanting this and I’ll just mess up again.” “Yaoyorozu” Looking up at him she tries to avoid his eyes but he reaches out and takes her hand. Entwining their fingers causing her to step closer to him with a firm pull, “You said you’re okay” “I am” Momo whispers as she chokes back her tears, not wanting to cry again. “Than it’s fine.” He insists, “As long as you’re alright that’s all I care about.” She took a deep breath at his forwardness, “Todoroki” “Remember when you decided to become a hero, and you came to my house at night because you thought I was mad?” Cocking her head to the side she nods slightly as he continues, “I told you about how you’ll get hurt. That wearing that mask is like a promise for pain.” “Yeah, I remember” “Well, you told me it would happen, but you’ll work twice as hard. Do you still feel the same way?” His hand squeezed around hers. Nodding quickly she blinks away her tears, “Yes, Yes, I will.” His mouth curves up in a smile, one she rarely sees on him, “I’ll always worry about you being out there. But I know this will make you a better hero because every time you get knocked down, you’ll work to keep standing. This right here-“ His other hand comes up and smooth’s down the bridge of her nose to the dark bruise, “It’s a sign of how much stronger you’re getting.” She wants to kiss him right now. There’s nothing more in this world she wants to do than to lean forward and plant a promising kiss on his lips. But she holds back, because being brash and bold like that aren’t her style. So instead she smiles brightly and sniffles her sadness away. “Todoroki, you’re amazing, you know that?” The smile stays as he lifts her hand up and presses the back of her hand to his cheek, “I only believe it when you say it.” Damn it, why is it so easy for him to say these kind of things around her. If she didn’t know any better maybe he was- no. No way. No time to be thinking these things. “We should get to class” She whispers as her eyes drink in his face. Todoroki shrugs, “Maybe we can skip just this one class. I’d like to hear about your night. You look like you need to talk” She really does… Nodding quickly she giggles, “I really do” So for the whole forty five minute section of their second class, the two sat in the custodians closet and talked. It really helped Momo to express her worries to someone who understands her. It also made her realize how badly she might be falling for the hero. And maybe that’s okay. //~~~~~~~~~~~~~End Ch 13~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~~Ch 14~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\“You think you could be a little less exuberant on the breakfast?” Momo smiles up at her walking buddy.Shinso scoffs as he takes another bite of his homemade muffin, “Are you saying you hate my cooking? Wow, and after I slave over a hot stove to show you my thanks for letting me stay over again”Giggling Momo shoves his shoulder, “You don’t need to thank me for anything. You’re welcome to stay as long as you want. At least until my mom get’s back.”Lei’s business trip kept being extended to make up for the lack of her wife’s assistance, being in the hospital and all. So for the past three nights Shinso’s been crashing in the guest room. It’s kind of nice having dinner with someone again and waking up to breakfast like her mom use to do before the event at the bank. Shinso was an early riser by nature and also a good cook to boot. Today she woke up to an array of muffins taking up most of the counter space. She packed a few to give to Jirou and Todoroki later in her bag.Shinso shrugs as he finishes his muffin, “I know”“You think I can meet with Aizawa after school today?” She asks hopefully.Ever since the incident with the drug dealer, Aizawa suggested Momo take a break from the nightly patrols he had her on. She hasn’t wore a mask in three nights and she’s itching to get it back on soon. Todoroki told her it’s normal to be benched by Aizawa after a hard fight so she didn’t feel super scared of him taking away her mask.Shinso looks to the side, “Maybe, I’ll talk to him later”“What else do you plan to do on your totally free days?” Momo scoffs as she side eyes him.“Don’t be jealous just because I don’t have to go to school. I like to think I use my free time to make this city a safer place”“Sure alright” Momo and Shinso see the school in the distance but pause when they hear a voice call out to them.“Yaoyorozu! Hey!” Both of the heroes turn around to see Kaminari running up to them with a large smile and hands waving over his head.“Kaminari?” Momo asks loudly as the blonde finally runs up to them and stops to catch his breath.“What are you doing here?” Momo then looks down to see the uniform he’s wearing matches that of the guys at her school and her eyes grow wide, “Do you go here now?”Standing up straight he throws up a peace sign, “Yeah! Isn’t it cool! Aizawa got me a scholarship”“Aizawa? He got you in?” Shinso speaks up this time as his matching wide eyes looks between the two students.“Yup, he met with me a few days ago and we had a long talk about my-“ He pauses and looks as Shinso before the purple haired hero rolls his eyes.“I know”Kaminari’s eyes widen, “He knows?” He asks Momo.“You two have already met, remember Kaminari” She motions with her head to Shinso and the blondes eyes widen.“Oh my god it’s MindMa-“ Shinso quickly lunges forward and covers Kaminari’s mouth with his hand as a group of girls walk by looking at the two struggle with weird looks. Momo just laughs and waves them off.Shinso leans down to Kaminari’s ear and hisses, “You wanna tell the whole world?”The new student blushes as he slips out of the hold and bows, “I’m sorry! Oh and I’m sorry about the whole shocking you thing. I um- well I”“Pfft you caught me off guard. Won’t happen again” He shoves his hands into his pockets.Momo looks between the two before settling on Kaminari, “So you go here now? That’s great! Jirou will be so excited”Kaminari’s blush intensifies as he holds his fisted hands up, “You think so?”“Oh yeah!”Shinso buts in again causing both students to look at him, “You also signing up for superhero camp too?”Kaminari nods once, “Yeah! I didn’t think I could at first but Yaoyorozu here said somethings that really stuck with me”Momo’s cheeks turn pink as she smiles brightly, “I knew you could! You just had to believe in yourself”“Yeah which is why I’ll start my training today with Aizawa. Will you be there?” He asks hopefully.“Yeah! I was going to after school today. We can walk together.”Shinso grumbles as he huffs and the warning bell rings to signal they have five minutes.“Oh we better get going! I’ll show you to the office to get your schedule! As vice president I’m happy to show you around” Momo offers sweetly.“That would be great! Thanks”The purple haired teen watches them go as Momo waves bye to him. But she noticed a lonely look cross his face as they leave. Maybe she’ll ask him about it later.The surprised look on Jirou’s face when she caught sight of Kaminari was both precious and hilarious. Her usual cool face was cast between a blush and nervous eyes darting to Momo for help. The vice president explains that he gained a scholarship and now attends with them.“W-Why didn’t you tell me?” Jirou’s flustered appearance turns to the blonde while annoyance dances in her tone.Kaminari chuckles nervously, “It was so sudden! I didn’t really know till a few days ago and I was getting ready for the school transfer. I’m sorry for not telling you”The conversation is short lived as the bell rings and Momo excuses them from Jirou to take him to the office. The secretary gives Momo a school pass that let’s her skip homeroom to show Kaminari around the school grounds. The schedule is actually mirrored to Momo’s and he’s thankful for that since it’ll benefit him. Meanwhile Momo wonders if this is also Aizawa’s doing. How much pull did he have at this school? Did he have power elsewhere too?Right now the two are on the second floor as she shows him the classes. Though their conversation is slipping into different territories.“Do other supes go here?” He asks after making sure the coast is clear.Momo bites her lower lip but nods, “Yeah though I’d rather he out himself to you. I’d hate to expose anyone.”“That’s alright, I get it.” His head raises in agreement, “But it’s so cool ya know? I always felt like the odd one out at my old school. Like a freak”“You’re not a freak” Momo hates that word, “You’re unique in every way, and not just your quirk. Embrace the differences that separate you from others”“You’re so nice Momo- AH I mean Yaoyorozu!” He blushes and shakes his hands at her.“It’s alright, you can call me Momo” She offers a smile, “Jirou does and I’m sure we’ll be just as close after you get situated here”He breaths out a sigh of relief, “Thanks, I really appreciate all you’ve done for me. You chanced my life, for the better of course.”“Don’t mention it, really. You’re safe here and Aizawa will take good care of your powers. Just trust in him.” Momo rests a hand on his shoulder just as someone cleared their throat.Both teens look over to see Todoroki standing behind them holding a folder. His eyes narrowed in on Momo’s hand that’s on Kaminari’s shoulder. Quickly she removes it and raises the appendage in a wave to the hero.“Todoroki, good morning!” She motions to the other quirked teen as he draws closer to them both, “This is-““Kaminari” Todoroki states as his eyes look the blonde teen up and down before stopping in front of him, “Aizawa told me about you. Today's your first day right?”Momo seems annoyed that Todoroki already knew about Kaminari and neglected to tell her about it. But she brushes it off as the blonde looks nervously at Todoroki.“Yeah um, who are you?”“Shouto Todoroki, but you might know me by another name” He lifts his left hand as some fire appears briefly.Momo nervously looks around to make sure they’re alone, which thankfully they are. Why is Todoroki showcasing his powers out in the open like this? What is he trying to prove?“Oh wow no way! You’re Icy Hot! Dude I am a huge fan!” Kaminari gushes as a big smile spills across his face. His voice is thankfully low as he looks between Momo and Todoroki in excitement.“This is so cool! I feel like an x-man! Going to a school with fellow super powered teens. Are we all that’s here?”Momo nods once, “That we know about at least. Shinso doesn’t go to school.”“Aw he’s lucky. I hate school. Such a drag” Kaminari sighs loudly and Momo chides him on his lack of interest in education. Until she remembered something and turns to Todoroki.“What are you doing out of class?”Todoroki holds up the folder, “The teacher asked me to drop this off at the teachers lounge. It’s the signed forms for the trip next week.”“Trip? We have a trip?” Kaminari asks excitedly.“Yeah to Kyoto! It’s next Friday. All Juniors get to go as long as you have the permission slip signed. I’ll get you one.” Momo smiles up at him and he thanks her bashfully.Todoroki narrows his eyes at the two before stepping closer to Momo and gaining her attention, “Are you going to Aizawa’s today?”Momo notices how close he’s standing that their shoulders brush as she holds back her blush and nods, “Yeah, Kaminari and I are walking together. Will you be going?”Both Todoroki and her and been parting ways at school since she hasn’t been going to Aizawa’s. She kind of misses their walk together.His mouth ticks in annoyance before glancing at Kaminari, “No”“To bad! The three of us could have trained together! I’m so totally stoked! Looks like it’s just me and you Momo” Kaminari cheered in excitement.At the use of her first name Todoroki grunts and his eyes widen as he looks at Momo and she blushes, “You can call me Momo as well Todoroki”The look on his face reminds her of a deer in headlights.The bell rings above signaling the next class as Momo grabs Kaminari’s sleeve, “You’re in my class so come with me. We’ll see you there Todoroki” She waves at him as did Kaminari as the two leave Todoroki to drop the papers off at the lounge. Momo kind of thankful for the bell that interrupted Todoroki ‘s answer. What if he didn’t want to call her by her first name? What if he didn’t see them as close friends?Momo introduces Kaminari to the teacher and she directs him to sit in front of Momo so she can help him with any work. The blonde is turned around in his seat chatting with Momo when the icy hot hero walks in with eyes set on them. He makes a B-line for his seat next to Momo and drops down quickly as he looks between them.Momo smiles at Todoroki before the teacher calls for attention and class starts. Several times Kaminari had to ask Momo for help until Todoroki speaks up that he can offer assistance as well. At one point Kaminari pushed his chair between Momo and Todoroki to read off Momo’s assignment . The blonde leaned into Momo’s desk but a sudden force caused the two to watch as Todoroki grips the back of Kaminari’s chair and drag it closer to his desk.“You can look off mine” He says with a stone cold look to his face that has Kaminari shaking like a leaf.What is going on with him?It was like this in their third period class as well which Jirou shared with her and also had the chance to watch with amusement dancing across her face. She eventually jumped in and offered Kaminari to share with her.When lunch came around Momo walked with Jirou and Kaminari to where the girls normally eat under the tree.Kaminari is admiring Jirou’s meticulous packed bento as she accepts his praise. Momo looks around for Todoroki, wondering if he would also like to join them. Though he was no where to be seen.“So is Todoroki joining us soon?” Kaminari asks as he pops a rice ball in his mouth.Jirou scoffs and pokes him with her chopsticks, “Mr. Serious? No way. He sometimes comes over but I haven’t seen him in awhile” Jirou then smirks at Momo, “You two having a lovers quarrel?”Kaminari began choking on his food and Jirou had to smack his back to dislodge the rice. He gasped for air and looked to Momo with wide eyes, “You and Todoroki are dating? Wow I thought I senses some romance between you two back there” He wags his brow at her.Momo’s face explodes in a bright red as Jirou laughs so hard tears come streaming out, “N-No! T-Todoroki-san and I are just friends! Just friends!”“With benefits” Jirou stage whispers to Kaminari just as he takes another bite and begins choking again.Jirou seems to be enjoying this as much as anyone because Momo is now trying to dislodge the rice from Kaminari’s throat.Lunch ends soon enough and Jirou runs off to her history class while Kaminari and Momo head in. As they enter the main building Momo catches eyes with Todoroki as he walks down the opposite hall. Their eyes meet and Momo feels her stomach knot as he holds her gaze.It’s like he’s trying to tell her something with his eyes.A secret she’s dying to know.“Wow, you sure you two aren’t dating?” Kaminari whispers and Momo drops Todoroki’s gaze to look at her new friend with wide eyes.“No I swear!”He shrugs, “Could have fooled me. The guy’s only got eyes for you”“Don’t say things like that so easily” She swats his arm and he playfully rubs it like it hurt.They stop at the opening of their Japanese history class and Todoroki stops right in front of her.He holds his hand out to allow her to enter first which she dips her head in a silent thanks as she enters. Though she misses how Todoroki cuts off Kaminari and enters behind her. The blonde though smirks at the obvious display of protection. Especially when his dual eyes shoot daggers at him when he gets close to Momo or uses her first name when asking her questions in class.When school finally ended Momo and Kaminari both raced through the hustle and bustle of the halls to the front of the school. Both excited to start their training with Aizawa, and in Momo's case pick up where she left off.
As the two reached the stairs of the front of the school they both froze at the sight of Jirou standing there. Her smile relaxed as she catches sight of them and waves. Momo can feel her stomach knotting up as they pause at the top of the stairs and students breeze past them.
"Hey guy. So Kaminari, you survived your first day" She hugs her books to her chest as she faces the blonde.Kaminari rubs the back of his hair and chuckles, "Yeah, it wasn't as bad as you made it out to be"Jirou blushes and Momo wonders what the rocker said about their school. Did she tell him something specific? And if so did it include her?She quickly looks between Momo and Kaminari, "Wanna do homework at my parents café? Drinks are on me."Momo and looks to Kaminari and catches his eye as they share a silent conversation. It's obvious they couldn't leave together or else they'd arouse suspicion.
"Actually I need to go visit my mom. With Momma gone on her trip I should be there to tend to her"
Momo says sadly and Jirou nods in understanding."Want any company? We can do our homework quietly in her room" She asks sweetly and it breaks Momo's heart to turn her down."Maybe next time. But I'll see you tomorrow okay? Remember we'll have the whole school trip together. You'll get sick of me" Momo giggles and watches the excited smile pull at Jirou's mouth at the reminder.
"If I haven't gotten sick of you already, there's a fat chance at that happening." She playfully nudges Momo's shoulder with her elbow.
"Bye guys!" Momo jumps down the stairs two at a time and threw a look to Kaminari over her shoulder as she reaches the ground.She watches as he talks to Jirou and the smile falls off her friends lips as she pulls in on herself. Momo hates that she can't tell her friend. Maybe someday but just not today.Momo walks in the direction of the hospital but once out of sight from the school she dives into an alleyway and doubles back. She arrives panting outside the Dojo, and leans down on her knees to catch her breath. Heavy breathing is heard and she looks up to see Kaminari running towards her.
Once he reaches her he also crouches down in an attempt to catch his breath."You made it" Momo stood up and holds the door open for him as he enters."Yeah, it sucks not telling her but she said she could pick up an extra shift for some cash instead. Said something about a guitar" He shrugs as they greet the blonde instructor and head to the back.
"You been here before?" Momo asks as they enter the break room."Yeah, once when Aizawa wanted to go over everything. I like it here way better than him showing up in my bedroom at three in the morning. Scared the piss out of me" He taps his chest as if remembering the heart attack Aizawa gave him. Momo giggles behind her hand at the image.
Together they head down to the secret room and find Aizawa sparring with Shinso. Both kicking and punching so fast the two students could hardly keep up with watching.
"Whoa! Look at them go!" Kaminari whispers in awe as he watches from the sidelines.
Momo agrees and watches as Aizawa and Shinso evenly give and take from each other in terms of skill. They continue for a few more minutes until Shinso's knocked back and pinned underneath Aizawa's foot.
"My match" He says in that tired tone before removing his foot and offering a hand to the teen. Shinso accepted it and allowed himself to be pulled up as he scratches the side of his head, like the sweat is bothering him. His purple eyes look over to the two new faces and he smirks.
"Look what the cat dragged in"Momo smiles at him, "We came as soon as we could"Aizawa walks over and wipes at his face with a towel as he looks them both over. Momo stands ridged and tall as she tries to look ready for anything.
"Yaoyorozu, are you alright?" He asks.She nods quickly, "Yes sir. I've rested and I'm ready to get back out there.""Good. Grab your stuff and head over to the theater. You'll be going out tonight with Todoroki" He motions to the back where a fresh suit is waiting for her in a wrapped bundle.
"No training?" Momo asks as she picks up the bundle."No need to wear yourself out. He'll call the shots tonight so just follow his lead" Aizawa looks like he's hiding something but she just nods and heads to the stairs."Bye guys! Good luck Kaminari"
The blonde waves back and Momo hears Aizawa instruct that he'll be sparring with Shinso to start off."Good, I've been wanting a rematch" Shinso cracks his knuckles as he smirks down at a quivering Kaminari.Momo giggles as she closes the door behind her and leaves the dojo. She decides to stop by a store and buy some snacks to keep her energy up. On the walk over she eats and hums to herself as she wonders what this night will hold for her and Todoroki.
A night with just her and Todoroki together.Her dream flashes before her and she nearly chokes on her food and coughs to clear her throat.That will most surely not happening! No way!Though a blush stayed on her cheeks the whole way over and she gives her face a pat to cool down.Once at the doors she waits since she knows the sensors most likely went off upon her arrival. Her theory is correct because the door cracks open soon enough and Todoroki looks out at her with that same neutral look.
"We really should talk about getting you a key" He says before stepping aside and allowing her in. She notices he's wearing jeans and a white shirt with a blue over shirt that sat unbuttoned.
"Yeah I'd like that"They enter the lower part of the lair and Momo picks up her bundle to go change but Todoroki stops her."Wait""Hm?" She looks over at him."We're going out in our civvies today. We'll change tonight when we're out there""Oh" Momo puts the bundle in her satchel and nods in understanding, "So like a patrol on the ground""Sometimes it's the best way to see crime. I always keep my uniform on hand though” He motions to his own messenger bag by the stairs.Momo thinks as she looks down, "I should change out of my uniform, draw less attention. Can we stop at my place?"
Todoroki nods, "Sure, let's go"
Together they depart from the theater and take the above ground train to her side of town. Momo tries not to blush at how close he stood next to her on the train. With every bump it made their shoulders touch.When it came to their stop they quickly make it to her place and Momo blushes as she invites a boy into her place without anyone else home. It didn't feel so intimate when Shinso was over, but with Todoroki she felt her face could burst from heat.
"Um, I'll be right down" Momo leaves him at the stairs as she rushes up to her room.True to her word she’s quick and changed into some sensible clothing for their patrol. Though her mind was running a mile a minute as she practically dove into her closet. She settled on a pair of black shorts, and a dark stripped shirt with a open jean shirt over it. She grabbed her red convers by the foot of her bed and nearly skipped down the stairs."Sorry I took so long" She reaches the bottom and looks to see Todoroki facing away with red ears.Was something wrong?"No, it's fine. You ready?" He mutters as he keeps his eyes on the far wall."Yeah!" She follows him as they leave her house and hit the city shortly after."Where are we going?" Momo asks curiously as she looks around at the dozens of different shops and restaurants. The smell wafts out and even though she had a sack earlier her mouth waters at the amazing scents. She loves the shopping districts, always something new to look at or something useful to buy."The shopping district here is a cesspool for crime. I like to come here sometimes before my night patrol to do recon." They walk under the large banner that advertises the best deals in the city.
Momo's heart pounds as she looks to Todoroki and she clenches her hands into fists. She needs to be 100% on her game for this mission! She'll prove to him that she's gotten stronger.
This is going to be a patrol to remember.//~~~~~~~~~~End Chapter 14~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
/~~~~~~~~~~Chapter 15~~~~~~~~\\
Kaminari grunts as he's knocked back once again onto his bottom. He closes one eye while he rubs at his sore lower back, "Jeez you'd think these mats were suppose to soften the landing"Shinso scoffs and stands above him with that cocky smirk that's practically become his trademark, "Softer than anything you'll land on out there"The purple haired hero holds out a hand to Kaminari who accepts it and is pulled back to stand upright, "True"Aizawa is watching from the sidelines, "Again"Kaminari deflates, "Aw come on when do we get to the good stuff? Costumes? Fighting villains? Saving damsels in distress?" He wags his eyebrows at Shinso at the last part but the mind hero rolls his eyes at him.The teacher circles the mats, "Once you master all the arts of hero work. Only then can you go out there""How long has Momo been doing it?" Kaminari takes position to face Shinso again.Just like the last several times, Shinso rushes him and grabs him in an arm lock that has the blonde's face smashed to the blue leather mats."A few months, about 3 now" Shinso answers for him as he lets him up once the blonde taps out of the match.Gasping for air Kaminari sits up and rubs now at his face, "So is she like a special case or-" He leads off awaiting an answer."She- unlike you has a background in gymnastics, and fighting so she's already way ahead of you in many aspects" Aizawa squats down to eye level with Kaminari, "Though there is no time limit on how long it'll take to get you out there. All that depends on your willingness to learn and adapt."Kaminari feels determination well up inside him as he nods, "Yes sir! I'll be out there before you can say- AH" He didn't get to finish because Shinso snuck up on him and grabbed him in a head lock."Our next lesson begins now. Always be vigilant" Shinso chuckles darkly while Kaminari squirms in his hold.Aizawa raises a brow at Shinso's playfulness as the two teen boys begin to rough house on the floor.Sighing loudly the teacher rubs his eyes with his fingers, "I hope Todoroki and Yaoyorozu are having more luck on their patrol""Patrol?" Shinso says loudly from the floor with his legs wrapped around Kaminari's shoulders as he holds his captive's left arm in a lock, "Pfft, you mean date?""Momo and Icy Hot are on a date- OW!" Kaminari howls as he heard his shoulder pop."Duh, if you haven't noticed, Shouto's totally in love with her" Shinso releases him and crosses his legs on the mat as he leans back on his forearms."Oh really?" Kaminari lays on his stomach and props his chin up with the palms of his hands, loving the fact that he's getting all the juicy gossip, "Momo said they're just friends"Shinso waives a hand at that statement, "Yeah right! Those two have a gravitational pull stronger than anything in space.""Awww how cute" Kaminari swoons happily."If you two are quite done, I'd like us to move on" Aizawa says in annoyance as the two teens stand back up and begin their training. The teacher rubs his temple while Kaminari is once again throws across the other side of the room and releasing a distressed scream.-----Meanwhile----"Free sample?" A teen holds out a tray of cooked chicken to the students when they walked by.Momo smiles at her while reaching for it and plucks a toothpick off the tray before rushing to catch up with Todoroki. She takes a small bite and moans at the flavor as she holds the rest out to him, "Wanna try?"He glances at the offered food and she quickly realizes how childish she's being. They're not here for free samples or shopping. Her face flushes as she bows her head, "I'm so sorry Todoroki-san! I shouldn't be-"Her words are cut off as she watches Todoroki lean over and bites the remaining meat off the toothpick and return upright as he chews in thought, "It's good"Her stomach flips and she faces forward with bright pink cheeks and tries to ignore how flustered her body felt. The image of him leaning over and eating from the same utensil as her. So intimate- to anyone watching they would look like a couple. The word alone sending those flutters into over drive.Throwing out the trash they stop in the center of the shopping district near a large water fountain that's spraying in an intricate design. Children are crowded around the lip of the water and tossing in coins while making wishes. Momo smiles at the memory of her and Jirou doing the same thing when their moms took them for back to school shopping.Jirou... Momo lowers her head as that guilt from earlier comes back to the front of her mind.She's Momo's best friend and they always told each other everything. Jirou was the first person Momo called for anything and Jirou did the same for her.While she's excited to be doing something as noble as the hero life, she also feels as though it has drawn a line between their friendship."You alright?"Looking to her companion she notices his eyes gazing down at her with concern. It makes her wonder how well he really can read her."I'm fine. Just thinking about my friend Jirou- I mean I'm focused on the mission but um it's kind of been- I'm sorry" She looks down, "I should focus"A hand reaches out and cups the side of her cheek; gently it pulls her to look up at him. She takes in his turquoise and steel gray eyes. So intense and deep, almost as if they go on forever and she's just fine with getting lost in them."Yaoyorozu" His deep voice causing shivers to go up her spine, "I told you that I'm here if you need to talk. About anything."Swallowing she nods and realizes she's leaning heavily into his palm that's still cupping her cheek.He seems to also realize it as he pulls his hand away and a dust of pink sprinkles on the edge of his nose.They stand there a bit before Momo clutches a fist over her chest, "Alright. Well, honestly I feel that keeping this secret is hurting my friendship with her. She knows I'm keeping something. I can only stall her questions for so long."Todoroki gives a slight tilt of his head in agreement, "I understand what you mean""You do?" Momo faces him, "You have friends you're hiding this from?""Well, no" He scratches the back of his head, "I mean, my siblings. Mainly my sister. She knows somethings up with me. Though I guess I've just used silence to deter her away from asking to many questions. Becoming what I am has put a wall between us."She feels sadness well up in her chest, "Do you want to be closer to your sister?"He seems to think about it and looks to the side, "I don't know if I ever really knew her. My father kept us separated when we were kids. Always training me, taking me to his job, sitting in on meetings. Grooming my every move to walk in his footsteps."This is the first time he's spoken about his personal life to her beyond hero work. She held her breath, worried that if she spoke or made even the smallest sound he would stop. Momo didn't want him to stop. She wanted to learn everything about him, even the sad parts.Todoroki shakes his head as he looks away from her and to the kids splashing around the fountain, "They tell you that heroes have to make sacrifices. What they don't tell you is that it's not always about yourself. Your friends and family are included in that sacrifice and they don’t even know. I've seen this life tear apart families and destroy friendships. It's why I rarely keep company with anyone that's not a hero""I see" She whispers, "So Jirou... You're saying I might lose her if I keep going"He faces her with a look of confliction, "You two are close. I guess it depends on what either of you do next""I don't want to lose her""Maybe you don't have to" Todoroki takes out a baseball hat from his bag and places it firmly on his head, "But you'll have to fight for her""I will. I'll do whatever it takes" Momo said with determination burning in her onyx eyes.A smile pulls at Todoroki's mouth as he turns so she can only see his profile. He holds the lip of the cap to hide his face from any bystanders, "That's what I like about you Yaoyorozu. Your willingness to keep fighting for those around you.""Todoroki?" She cocks her head."Always ready to give a piece of yourself away, even to someone you hardly know. It's what's going to make you one of the best heroes out there"Her heart stutters and she feels all the air escape her lungs. Did she just hear him right?Did he just say-"We should start our patrol" He interrupts her thoughts and his smile is already gone as he turns his back to her."Yeah" Momo shakes the thoughts from her head as she follows, "So are we looking for anything in particular?""You've already been over scouting for suspicious behavior with Shinso and Aizawa. This place is a cesspool for trouble. Pick pocketing, shop lifters, purse snatchers, even a few vandals. It's easy for them to hide in a crowd and blend in. Though their intentions will stand out if you look hard enough"Momo remembers Aizawa giving her the same speech, "Yeah, he said to read a persons body language to really know their true intent""Exactly" He glances back at her and she tries to ignore the way her mind is telling her to read Todoroki's body language with her.They walk around the area and Momo keeps her eyes peeled for any suspicious activity. Her eyes narrow at several men standing alone in the crowd. She squints as she turns her head to follow one that walks away when he spots Momo watching him."You're being too obvious" Todoroki says and she looks up at him."You need to blend in. Be just another face in the crowd." He stops at a window display and looks up at the outfits. Momo follows his line of vision and realizes he's not really looking at the clothes but the reflections in the clear glass.She nods once and leans closer till their shoulders touch. He looks to her and she smiles up at him, "We're just two teens at a mall. Let's act like it"His cheeks blush as he faces forward but she feels him lean into her as well.And so begins a somewhat game for them. Who can be the most discreet.Todoroki stops them at a hat kiosk and places a red baseball cap on her head, while glancing over her shoulder at some men. Momo smiles at the challenge as she takes out her phone and pulls Todoroki in for a selfie. She smashes their cheeks together and stretches her arm out as far as it would go. After snapping it she pulls the phone back to look at it. Using her fingers she zooms in to the guys Todoroki had been eyeing and smiles up at him as he takes the hat off her head, "Nothing suspicious here"He nods as they move on to another part of the outlet where Todoroki bought them some Yakitori on a stick. Momo and him hover near an ally way where some woman is standing with her back blocking the view of the dark turn in.Momo can't see over her shoulder so she stands on her tip toes and does what Todoroki did to her earlier. She takes a bite of his kabobbed snack, glancing sideways enough to see the woman was just taking pictured with an old Polaroid camera of some cats on the dumpsters between the shops.Looking back to Todoroki she see's his wide eyes looking down at her and she smirks, "I think I'm getting the hang of being discreet"He grunts, "Maybe too good"Laughing at this, they finish their snack and toss the trash before Todoroki motions to the escalators,"Maybe we can get a good view from above"She nods and steps on the moving stairs, but feels a chest bump into her back. Turning her head slightly she see's Todoroki looking off to the side as if they aren't touching in an intimate way that she noticed other couples doing. Blushing she looks over the edge to the ground that's slowly growing further away from them. They stop on the second floor and walk over to the railing near a clothing shop. Momo places her hands on the metal rail as she leans over."So many shops! They're always switching out new stores. I can't remember the last time I was here"Momo smiles as she finds the fountain from earlier, "I use to come here with Jirou all the time""Why don't you call her by her first name?" Todoroki asks as he leans his back to the railing while she presses her front to it. Their gaze meets and she tries to focus on what he just asked before looking back to the fountain."Well, to make a long story short; she hates her name." Momo giggles, "I honestly think it suits her, so cute you know? But she insists it's not very rock and roll. So I've called her Jirou ever since"With that said she bites her lip and looks back at him. Since he's asking questions, maybe she can ask one now, "Why don't you call me Momo?"His face instantly turns away and she wonders if she was to forward with him. She told him earlier that he could call her by Momo. Though he's greeted her as Yaoyorozu since they met up. Did he not see them as being close friends?"I guess I'm just nervous"She wasn't expecting him to say that as she looks up at him, "Hu? Why?”Todoroki then turns his body so he's standing right before her with both hands on either side of the railing, blocking her exit. Their chests brush as he swoops down to eye level with her. She can feel her heart going off like a rock concert. Her breathing halts and she just watches him analyze her.Momo's unsure how long they stayed like that until Todoroki's eyes glance behind her to the crowd below.Of course... He's just being discreet. He wouldn't do this because he wanted something more.But he leans forward and lets his mouth rest near her ear, "If I call you by your first name, I might start taking other liberties"With that he pulled away and looked down at her as she gazed back. Her eyes felt heavy and she found herself leaning forward, head cocking every so slightly. Maybe she was crazy or seeing things, but she felt him lean in as well."Todoro-"An alarm sounds in the distance, loud and shrill as it blares repetitively for help. Both heroes look down below to see all eyes on a man in black holding a bag of jewelry from the shop he just busted out of. He has several tentacles sprouting from his back similar to that of an octopus."Get out of my way!" He screams loudly swinging his tentacles at people to clear a path."A villain" Momo says and feels Todoroki grab at her arm."Let's go change"She looks back, "But there's no time!""Yaoyorozu, we can't-" He starts to say but is cut off by a woman screaming in pain when a tentacle strikes her shoulder, sending her sprawling back onto the floor.Momo gasps and runs to the side, "Come on!"Everyone in the mall hears the alarm and are either running to leave or coming to check it out. No one pays any mind to the two teens running to the emergency stairs that are tucked away from any prying eyes."Are there cameras?" She asks as the heavy, metal door to the staircase closes behind them with a loud CLACK."Not in the stairs" He says and that's all she needs to hear because she jumps over the edge of the second story railing and lands heavily onto the floor already wearing her black domino mask. She ties her jean over shirt around her waist to give her more access to her skin and leaving her in just the tank top.Todoroki lands next to her a second later with ice already frosted over his features and his red hat fluttering to the ground next to him where it fell off.They hurry out into the commotion ready for a fight.Momo pulls a long pole from her leg as they leap through the crowd. Some looking up and pointing once they catch sight of the heroes at work."Look it's the heroes!"Some cheered while others ran from the quirked individuals.Momo leaps up on top of a kiosk as she points her staff at the crook, "Drop your weapon- erm tentacles"The burglar looks over at her with a dumbfounded look, "Who the fuck are you?""She gave you an order" Icy Hot creates a bridge of ice above the crook and sneers down at him, "Drop them""Damn heroes! I didn't want to have to make my escape like this but you leave me no choice!" He arches his back and his tentacles stretch further from his back, lifting his body off the floor. With a heavy push he's air born and climbing the side of the shops."He's going for the roof!" Momo pointed out and watched as Todoroki took off after him, leaving her to awkwardly stand and watch them go. Her hands fly up as if to remind Todoroki of her lack of ice powers."What about- Damn" Momo muttered as she looks around to take in her surroundings. With the use of her staff she vaults over the crowd and does her multiple gymnastics to reach the outside of the shopping center where crowds of people were running to evacuate. On the roof she see's the villain and Hero dueling it out. His tentacles snapping like whips at Icy Hot, who's trying to pin him down with ice."Mommy mommy look a hero!" A little girl points up at Momo from where she stands on top of a parked golf cart to get a good view.The mother doesn't answer as she picks up the girl and makes a run for it with the rest of the frantic crowd screaming for someone to call the cops.Thinking quickly Momo looks around and analyzes the situation. They can't move the villain or else he might come down here and hurt the civilians. They need to find a way to keep him trapped in place.A siren sounded in the distance which means the cops would be here soon.Her eyes narrow on the filled sack in the criminals hand and a smirk falls across her face. Climbing up the side of the building was the easy part. It was avoiding the swinging tentacles that kept her balance on edge. Momo ducked, dodged, dove, and flipped over any that came her way all the while staying out of sight while the criminal and masked Todoroki fought.Once close enough she made a dive for the man and side swiped him enough to take the bag of diamonds."What the-" He looks over to Momo as she winks and swings the bag before her."Ever heard of keep away?" She asked sweetly."Listen bitch" He points a slimy appendage at her, "I'll have you know my favorite form is tentacle hentai so you better hand that back before I show you what I can do"Momo made a thoughtful look before shaking her head, "Sorry, but you're not my type"He lunges at Momo but she flips back before tossing the bag up at Icy Hot."Let's tie this up!" Momo calls up at him as she dives right and circles around the villain.Icy Hot seems to understand because their game of back and forth consisted of them both tossing the bag over and under the tentacles as they circled the villain. Momo feels adrenaline pounding through her veins as she effortlessly slides under a slimy appendage. Her confidence soaring the more she fights without error. Todoroki working by her side, not even once questioning her motives or plan. It's like the two shared one mind as they put forth the unsaid plan.It didn't take long before his tentacles were all tied up in a knot over his head. Just as she imagined the plan came through without a single problem. Her smile pulling at her cheeks while her original failure a few days ago stayed in the past. If only Aizawa were here to see this!"What? No! No!" The villain shouts and tugs at them to try and free the knot. He only succeeded in tightening the tangled appendages.Icy Hot froze the villains body up to the neck and took a step back with Momo, "Good job"Momo smiles at the praise, "Thanks! I can't believe it actually worked.""You have good ideas" He faces her and Momo blushes at the compliment.A beep is heard followed by a voice behind a megaphone, "This is the Musutafu Police Force. Lower your weapons and deactivate your quirks. You are all under arrest for the-"The megaphone is ripped from the police mans hand and taken by Chief Endeavor, "Listen here you delinquents! We've got you surrounded! There's no escaping this one Icy Hot! I'll have you in cuffs within minutes!" His voice is filled with anger as his eyes shoot daggers up at the two heroes.Momo crosses her arms and looks to Todoroki, "Your dad's pretty heated. You sure it's not where you get your fire quirk?"Todoroki scoffs as he continuously glared back at his father, "If he had any semblance of a quirk, he'd turn himself in. I get nothing from him."Icy Hot throws the bag next to the trapped villain and holds a hand out to Momo, "Come on"Her eye grow wide behind her mask but she accepts his hand causing him to pull her close. Once securely in his arms he creates one of his famous ice waves and jets them over the heads of the police."Get the helicopters up!" Endeavor shouts as he throws the megaphone at his subordinates, "I want this whole city out looking for them!"Momo wraps her arms around Todoroki's neck and buries her face into his shoulder as she feels the cold wind whip around them. She peeks open long enough to get a view of the city flying past them. If she weren't looking down at the ice wave she would assume they were flying.Though it doesn't last long because they land on an apartment building."They'll follow the trail, let's go"Momo steps away from him, already missing the firm body that had been pressed up to her own. But she shakes her head and follows him to the fire escape. After jumping down the two remove their masks, and walk out into the city streets.They walk quickly among the people, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. The duo circle two blocks and pause as cop cars fly by in several directions."Calm down. They always get like this when I escape them. Just act natural" Todoroki says softly.Momo nods but a police van stops up ahead and several officers pour out as they inspect each individual walking on the side walk. Her heart is pounding as she begins to have doubt rushing through her.What if they recognize her clothes? What if her mask wasn't enough to hide her face? What if they arrest her? What about her moms? What would they say? Is she going to a quirk prison? Why didn't she listen to Todoroki and just change into her costume? Maybe a camera caught them? What if-Momo's incessant questions and worry are put to a halt as Todoroki takes her hand and laces their fingers together while he turns to her with a smile across his face. He's chuckling at something and she can't help but be mesmerized by his appearance.Did she miss something?The cops walk right by them and his smile drops as he pulls her by their entwined hands around another block."Todoroki?" She asks as her face heats up and she's suddenly swung into his arms with a strong hug.Her chest is squished up against his own and his hands are around her waist, holding her so tightly she feels like the nothing could break his hold, "What are-""Public displays of affection make people very uncomfortable" He whispers in her ear as he reaches one hand up and holds the back on her head in place.From the corner of her eyes she watches as two street cops turn away from the teens in awkward avoidance to keep from seeing their PDA.Once they were past the two heroes, Todoroki releases her, but continues to pull her by the hand away from all the active streets.A helicopter flew overhead and Momo glances up briefly before stopping at a crowded cross walk where the little sign above is blinking red. Two cop cars pull up at the red light and Momo takes a step back into Todoroki's chest. He wraps his arm around her shoulder and pulls her ear closer to his mouth."This is normal. It'll be like this for the next hour or so until the chief calls it off. Just relax"The hot air in her ear causes a shiver to rake through her body. Her skin is a permanent shade of red as she reaches a hand up and clenches the side of Todoroki's over shirt. His arm across her shoulders is a firm weight that keeps her grounded and she knows if it weren't for him her panic would be spotted a mile away by those cops.The walk signal turns green and the duo follow the crowd across the painted stripes on the road that directed them to the next sidewalk. The sun is starting to descend above, casting the city in that halo glow between orange and pink. It's the time right before the street lights came on and the tall buildings are cast in a soft eluminance from the interior glare of lights.Momo's walked this city a hundred times from below and a handful of times from above but with Todoroki holding her like this, she can't seem to remember where they are or what direction they're going.All she knows is her hearts thumping so loud she wonders if it'll give them away with the cops.A cop car stops up ahead as two police officers step out and look over the crowd. A radio blares on one of their shoulders, "Be on the look out for a male and female quirk user.
The unknown female has black hair and male identified as Icy Hot. Be on the look out for-""Hey, isn't that the chiefs son?" One cop says and Momo feels her stomach clench. If they pull them aside it'll look suspicious that they're together so close after an incident. It just takes one dot to connect before the others fall in line and they're discovered."I don't know let's ask him- OH"Momo remembers Todoroki's words, 'Public displays of affection make people very uncomfortable'So she did the first thing that came to mind. Her hand that was fisted around his shirt jerked him to a stop and she turned her body to face him. Leaning back, she feels a brick wall press into her shoulders while she pulls him by his shirt to herself. Their lips meeting in a gentle touch but the force underneath it all is like a hurricane. One of her hands hoops over his shoulders, fingers tickled by the hairs at the nape of his neck while the other clenches the fabric of his shirt to keep him close.Her first kissSomehow she never imagined it like this but now that it's happening she can't picture it any other way.His lips are warm to the touch as the flesh on his neck is nearly ice, and she briefly wonders if his quirk is activating. Though her stomach clenches while her own skin tingles and she turns that thought back to ponder if her own quirk is spontaneously combustion."Uhhh let's not bother them" A distant voice says."Man the chief's son is so bold!"The voices mean nothing as does their words because it's almost as if Momo has forgotten the Japanese language. All she can focus on is the way his mouth molds perfectly against her own. And those large hands that cup her face as if she were the most delicate thing he's ever held. Everything about this kiss is innocent and tempting as she feels her lugs burn for air but doesn't want to pull away.Todoroki seems to be the only one of them thinking because he separates their mouths so slowly it feels sinful to have his breath ghost over her wet lips.Blinking her cat like eyes open she finds his heated stare piercing her and she feels like he'll swoop down to re-take her mouth when a new voice is heard."Uh, wow"Both students turn simultaneously to find Jirou staring at them with wide eyes and an open mouth smile that's there for pure shock. She's wearing an over-sized concert hoodie, headphones in her ears and holding a take out order in both hands."J-Jirou!" Momo stutters out. She can feel her face heating up as her hands clench harder around Todoroki's shirt.Jirou's eyes look between the two heroes before dropping to the hands cupping Momo's neck and her hands clenching his shoulder and shirt in a death grip. The look on her face similar to that of an old computer booting up and processing information."EHHHH!" Jirou’s scream is so loud, a flock of birds nearby took off into the pink sky./~~~~~~~~~~End Chapter 15~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~Ch 16~~~~~~~~~\\The silence is deafeningMomo taps the pads of her fingers on the table top of the booth the three students occupied.After Jirou's shock faded she brought the two secret heroes into her parents cafe that had been down the street from where the duo were caught. The purple haired teen sat them in a booth near the back while she gave the take out to her parents and took the open seat before them. That had been fifteen minutes ago and still no one has said a word. Momo just watched as Jirou and Todoroki have a stare off that has yet to yield.Her cat like eyes looking between her best friend and fellow hero.Jirou's face is contorted into an annoyed grimace, left eye twitching every so often with arms crossed over her chest.Todoroki meanwhile looks cool as can be, sitting there with indifference written across his face. He looked like he could be waiting for a train if you saw his expression.Meanwhile, Momo is sweating bullets; her cheeks pink and puffed out with the need to says something but not knowing what to come out with first. An apology? Maybe an excuse? Deny it? Play it off as a joke?So many options but her stomach is churning as her mind replays that kiss over and over like a broken movie reel.Someone needs to say something!The air is dry with unspoken accusations and Momo wonders if the others feel it too. In the background the cashier rings to signal a purchase and the steamer hisses, heating up the milk for an order. It’s not as busy given it’s later in the day, nearly dinner time and most people didn’t want caffeine so late.Finally not being able to take it anymore Momo opens her mouth while inhaling deeply, only to be cut off by Jirou."So you two dating now or were you just taking advantage of my best friend?""D-dating? M-me?" Momo points to herself but Jirou just ignored her and stands up, slamming her hands on the table as she leans forward to Todoroki. Jirou's been watching way to many mobster movies with the way her mouth sneers in an attempt to intimidate her target."Answer the damn question before I give you another scar!""Jirou!" Momo gasps at her friends rude threat.Todoroki shrugs, obviously not offended by her words, "Is it really any of your business?"A twinkle appeared in Jirou's eyes while her frown turns into a devious smirk, "You got balls kid, I'll give you that. But they won't do you any good when I rip em' off"The two high school students began another glaring match but this time Todoroki's eyes squinted at the prospect of a challenge.Momo quickly waves her hands between them, standing from her seat, forcing a smile, "Come on Jirou! Calm down!"Her best friends eyes move to her, "So which is it?""Eh?""Are you dating this scarecrow?" Jirou motions to Todoroki who cocks his head at the name Jirou gave him."I-I um- well you see uhhh" Momo begins to stutter and shake, looking for anything to say.Lucky for her Todoroki spoke up, "This wasn't planned""This wasn't planned?" Jirou parrots back in the form of a question."Yes exactly," Momo points to Todoroki and back to Jirou as if it explained it all, "It wasn't planned"Jirou waits a few seconds before squinting her eyes, "Aaannnddd?""And um" The creationist drums her fingers on the table again, "And yeah, it wasn't planned"So the silence came back; Momo felt guilt bubble up as her friend looks between Todoroki and herself with suspicion."Are we done here?" Todoroki looks to his watch, "I should be getting home"Jirou waves him off, turning to Momo, "Fine, but don't think I'm done with you."With that said Todoroki stands up and looks to Momo with a unreadable expression, "I'll see you later"Fighting the blush, Momo nods once, "Y-Yeah, see you around" before facing down at the table top of the booth like it was the most interesting thing ever.She didn't watch him leave, but she did hear the sound of the bell chime when he left the business.Looking up from the table top she finds Jirou's inquisitive look directed at her, causing the quirked teen to flinch, "Um- Jirou I-""Look under the table""Wha-" Momo opens her mouth but Jirou cuts her off by dropping from the booth to the floor.Momo carefully crawls under, glad this place isn't busy since people would undoubtedly stare at two teens crawling under a table.She curls her knees to her chest and squints at her friend in the dark space, "Why are we under here?"Jirou points up to the underside of the table, "For this"Craning her neck up, Momo makes a disgusted face at some of the old gum squishes under the top, "Ew why?""Not that" Jirou sighs loudly before physically pointing at something else, "This"In the far right is a bunch of black sharpie stars with words scribbled in a clump near the center."Oh my goodness, that's still here?" Momo breaths out a soft laugh, a smile pulling at her lips.In faded black sharpie there sits their names.'Momo & Kyoka Forever'"You remember us doing this?" Jirou asks and Momo watches the fond smile pull at her friends face."Of course. What were we like six?""Yup, we use to always do our homework under here. My dad would put on a table cloth and I'd bring my flashlight."Momo giggles at the memory, "We would pretend we were in space.""Yeah, and you'd get so scared we wouldn't come back to Earth in time for dinner" She laughs as well, "I can't tell you how many emergency landings we had to do""Well, if I recall correctly you were worried about aliens invading our ship to eat our brains."Their laughter dies down to soft chuckles before they collectively sigh.Jirou peeks over at Momo, "When did we start keeping secrets?"Sadness pierces Momo's heart, "Jirou I-""I'm sorry" Jirou says and Momo's eyes widen."What?"Jirou reaches across the small space, touching Momo's knee, "I'm sorry I haven't been there for you""N-no that's not- Jirou you've been amazing through all of this" Momo breaths out, the guilt gnawing at her side.Jirou shakes her head, "No, I haven't. I've been so pre-occupied with getting that guitar, and hanging out with Kaminari that I've neglected to see what was right in front of me"Momo intakes a sharp breath. Did she know?"I know what's been going on the past few months.""Jirou-""Let me finish" Jirou holds up a hand, "Momo I know, and I want you to understand that it's fine with me"Her eyes widen, "I-it is?"Looking to the side, her friend scratches the side of her neck bashfully, "I mean sure why wouldn't it be?""Oh Jirou- I wanted to tell you so bad" Momo feels tears collect in the corner of her eyes, "I just- I just couldn't""Hey hey," She holds her hands up, "It's alright. It's not like I really asked. I've been so wrapped around- um other things" A blush comes to her cheeks."Kaminari?" Momo smiles through her tears.Jirou's face burns bright red, "No! I have other things on my mind besides that dolt."The two calm down at Momo wipes her eyes dry, "It feels so good that you know.""Yeah same here. So when did you and Todoroki become boyfriend and girlfriend?"...Momo blinks several times as she replays the question in her head, "Eh?""I've noticed you two sneaking off after school together. You leave alone but you two always meet up down the street. Does he go to the hospital with you?"“You followed me?” She asks thought she knows that’s not the right question to ask.“Just for a bit. But I had work so I couldn’t go long. Soooo?” Jirou leans closer, “I know I always teased you about him but I never thought for a second I was right. Until today”"He- we ahh" Momo feels a wave crash over her. She's backed into a corner with nothing to say except..."Yeah- um yeah it was like two months ago.""I knew it" Jirou pumps her fist to her chest, "You two are so close! He's totally your boyfriend"Momo's face is practically lighting up the underside of the table with how red its gotten, "B-but we're keeping it a secret""Eh? Why?"Taking a deep breath Momo bites her lower lip, "Because the night my Mom was hurt... I was with him"Jirou's eyes widened, "What?" It technically wasn't a lie. She had been with Todoroki on that horrible day."I had no idea she was hurt until I got home I-“ Momo squeezes her fist to her chest, "I should have been in the car with my mom.”Momo does wish she had stayed in the car. Maybe then the robbers wouldn't have chosen her. Maybe she could have convinced her Mom to park farther or maybe-"Momo" Jirou touches her knee again and the hero looks up at her."You blame yourself for your Mom's accident?"She doesn't answer but her silence is enough for the purple haired teen."I don't want anyone to know where I was.""No one needs to know" Jirou says and Momo snaps her head up to see the determined look on Jirou's face."If you need to keep this a secret, I'll help"Her friend is so loyal... Momo should tell her the absolute truth.She deserved better.But Shinso's voice floats across her mind, reciting the rules. It would be fine if she were just revealing herself to Jirou. But outing her identity would also reveal the others. She couldn't do that to them. Momo swore to keep their secrets and she would do anything to protect that promise.Even if it meant lying to her best friend to do so."Thank you Jirou""Come on, let's get something to drink" Jirou offers as she slides from under the booth.Momo goes to follow, casting one last look to the black ink scribbled on the hard wood. Her hand brushes up against it before crawling from the confined space.The walk home later that night was filled with Momo chastising herself for that horrible lie.She has to tell Todoroki, but that's so weird!Would he be mad if she asked him to play along?The kiss flashed before her eyes and the creationist touches her lips softly. It was completely different from their first ‘kiss’ if it could have even been called that. That had been her attempting to save him in a false emergency. This time he had kissed back, and it felt…Momo looks down to her feet, eyes shining with excitement.That kiss felt so amazing.She sighs happily; her cheeks nearly sore from how hard she was pulling at them."What's got you so happy?"Momo stumbles backwards with wide eyes, grabbing at her racing heart. Looking up she spots Shinso leaning against her families gate with his hands in his pockets."Shinso" Momo sighs loudly, "You nearly gave me a heart attack""Hm, looks like your hearts getting a lot of action lately" He smirks and Momo feels her cheeks burn.Did he know?Frowning she shakes her head, "What are you doing out here?"Shinso puts a hand over his heart with an exaggerated pout like she wounded him, "Ouch, so mean"Rolling her eyes, Momo unlocks the gate, pushing it open, "You know what I mean. Usually you break in and wait for me. Why the sudden change?""The only change around here is you changing the subject"He follows her to the house door, "Now once again, what's got you all smiles? Was it your date with Shouto?"“It wasn’t a date” Momo hears her voice crack as she clears her throat, “It was just a patrol”“Come on, something had to have happened to make you smile like that”Throwing open the front door Momo tries to keep her face in the opposite direction of Shinso as the hero lurks around to try and get a glimpse."Nothing!"Something pulls over her, and for the first time Momo understands how marionette puppets feel. Strings tugging at her limbs, pulling her to stand upright. Her face contorting in a firm grimace at the sudden lack of control of her body."Wanna try that again?" He asks with that same mischievous smirk."Todoroki and I kissed" The words fell from her mouth but she didn’t give them permission to tumble out."Ah-HA! I knew it!"And like that her control washed over and she took several deep breaths before rounding on him with wide eyes."Did you just use your quirk on me?"He scratches the back of his head, "You weren't answering my question.""Shinso you can't do that"Rolling his purple eyes at her he shrugs, "It was harmless.""No- no it wasn't harmless!" Momo frowns at him crossing her arms, "That was my personal business and you jerked it out of me by force""Momo-""No you apologize" Momo glares harder.His pout is almost childlike, with eyes that begged her not to be serious."You for real?""I'm waiting" Momo taps her foot for emphasis.After a few seconds the hero loudly exhales and takes a step closer, "Momo, I'm sorry"She reads his face before smiling softly, "Good, I accept""Really? Just like that?" His asks dumbfounded."Yes, you meant it. I can tell"Something flashes over his face before he nods, "I did."“Besides, it’s rule three of being a hero right?” Momo holds up three fingers, “Rule number three, never use your quirk for personal gain”“Pfft” His shoulders raise in an attempt to seem chill, “It’s a rule that has loopholes. I’m not gaining anything by learning this.”“What about the school guard you used it on?”“That was purely to protect your identity. If it got out that you start showing up late to school as soon as a new masked face shows up. People ask questions.”Rolling her eyes at his attempt of convincing her he’s innocent she turns on her heel and makes her way to the kitchen, "You hungry?""Famished" He says and like that the two are back on the same ground level. Together they make stir fry and eat at the large dining table in the other room. Momo has her history textbook out to start her reading as she chows down.Shinso watches while swirling his chopsticks in the food."Soooo how was it having Kaminari at the school?"The sudden question has her looking up in thought, "Oh- it was fun. He's a great guy!"Shinso looks off to the side, "Did you guys do anything fun?""At school?" Momo asks as if it were a trick question, "Not really. I showed him around the campus and we had lunch together." She closes her book to give him her attention, "I think he'll love it there. He's already excited about our upcoming trip.""Trip?" Shinso's ears perk up, "What trip?" "Well, next Friday our whole class is leaving for 3 days to Kyoto.""Kyoto" Shinso tastes the word, "I've never been on a trip before""I wish we could take you" Momo bites into a pepper slice, “It would be fun having you."Shinso taps a finger to the table top in thought, "So you'll be going on this trip with Shouto, and Kaminari?""Yeah, but the hotel rooms are split for girls and boys so I'll be bunking with Jirou""Interesting" His voice seems so far away.Momo looks up at him, "You alright?""Hm?" He snaps his head up, "Yeah, yean fine""How was your training with Kaminari?"Shinso sighs loudly as if remembering something funny, "He's got promise, but he has a long way to go""Let me know if there's anything I can do"Her guest shrugs before taking another bite of his food and standing up, "I need to head out.""What?" Momo cocks her head."It's my turn to patrol." He places his half empty bowl in the sink."Will you come back when you're done?"He looks as if he's considering it, "Maybe""Alright well you know how to get in if you do" Momo jokes, "Be safe""I will... and don't think we're done talking about that kiss you and my bestie shared. I plan on getting more info.""Hopefully without the use of your quirk""Babe I'll just use my natural charm to coax it out of you" He winks, walking backwards to the door."Right" Momo snorts, "Charm""You love me and you know it. Night" With that said he leaves Momo alone in her impossibly large home.She cleaned up their mess before showering and changing into her pajamas.Sitting on her bed now with damp hair, the hero flips through her homework. It's all complete but she's just double checking to make sure.Her phone vibrates and she picks up the device before sliding her finger on the screen.Kaminari- "Just read about you in the news! Looking good!"Followed by a slew of emoticons with peace signs and fists.Pulling up the internet on a separate screen Momo finds her and Todoroki's fight on the front page. Accompanied by a dozen blurry photo's of them fighting that bad guy.'WHO IS THIS NEW MASKED FEMALE?' The headlines asked in bold lettering.They interviewed several people on sight who describe her as a new hero, possible sidekick for Icy Hot."Side kick?" Momo huffs, "Hardly"Opening the text back up she responds.Momo- "I resent being called a side kick but I guess we all have to start somewhere"Kaminari- "Still, you're super cool! What name are you going by?"Pulling the edge of her phone to her chin she thinks. It's something she's thought about since taking up the masked life. Her hero name should reflect her quirk.Momo- "I'm not quite sure."Kaminari- "Just get creative with it"Creative... hmmm Creative...Her eyes widen as a smile pulls at her lips.Momo- "What about Creati?"Kaminari- "That's awesome!"He sends her two thumbs up and she giggles at the support.CreatiHer hero name is Creati.Momo- "Now to leak it to the news before I'm named something completely unrelated"Kaminari- "Like Deep Pockets, or Shimmer Shine"Laughing at his text she sends a similar emoticon before wishing him a good night sleep.Placing her homework in her bag, Momo lays out her fresh uniform for tomorrow and sits on the bench next to her window while running a brush through her long black hair.
She wonders what Todoroki is up to right now.He should be home with his family since they had patrol earlier and Icy Hot needs to lay low. Maybe he's doing his homework or possibly sleeping.All day their kiss has been looping in her mind. She can still feel his lips on her own, pressing her into that brick wall.Shaking her head, she places her brush back on the dresser before braiding the hair back, not really in the mood to let it free since it's still damp and she doesn't have the attention span to blow dry it right now.Falling back on her bed, her body sinks into the impossibly soft material. She rolls onto her back, staring up at her ceiling.Boyfriend...The word itself is straight forward and foreign to her all at the same time.Of course she knew the definition; but what does it mean to have one?Boyfriends are suppose to be kind. Todoroki is very kind to her. He takes the time to teach and allow her to make mistakes at her own pace. He doesn't hold them against her; only expecting her to learn from them.Boyfriends are supportive. Todoroki supports her decisions so long as she's safe and knows what she's doing.Boyfriends flirt... Her face heats up at the memories of him possibly flirting with her when they were in their masks.Him locking her between his arms so she cant run. He does that a lot, almost as if daring her to make the next move.But that's crazy! It would mean he likes her.Holding her hands to her cheeks she squishes them in deep thought, "No way does he like me like that. I'm just a friend."Although she doesn't see him act this way with anyone else.Maybe it's because she's his only female friend?"Ugh, my head hurts!" She kicks her feet childishly and rolls onto her stomach, "No more thinking. Time for bed."Crawling under the plush blanket, she snuggles in, closing her eyes to try and allow sleep to take her.But a vibration on her bedside table catches her attention. Reaching over she squints at the bright screen in the darkness of her room.It's from Todoroki...Todoroki- "How did it go with your friend after I left?"Her heart beat heavily against her rib cage as she carefully typed out her response.Momo- "It was eventful. She shouldn't ask any more questions for awhile"Todoroki- "What did you tell her?" Cheek flushed and teeth nibbling on her lower lip she thinks of a reply.Momo- "It's not what I told her. It's what she assumes."Todoroki- "Which is?"Momo- "That you're my boyfriend"As soon as Momo hit send, she throws her phone onto the mattress and shoves her face into her pillow as if it would shield her from rejection.His response is quick, though it takes her several moments to collect herself enough to look.Todoroki- "So she believes I'm your boyfriend, and we're dating?"Momo- "Yes. But if it bothers you I can come up with something else"Todoroki- "No"Blinking several times she re-reads that 'no' and wonders what he means.No as in he minds, or 'no' as in he doesn't mind?Momo- "No?"Todoroki- "I'll be your boyfriend"She bites back a squeal that threatened to break out. Why would she get so excited over a fake boyfriend? It's not real. None of this is real between them.Momo- "Alright"Todoroki- "Ok"She doesn't know what to say. Should they talk about this? What is there even to talk about? Boundaries? Expectations? Maybe get their stories straight. After taking
several breath she types out something before hitting send.Momo- "I decided on a hero name"Yeah, go on and change the subject. She can't make things awkward if she avoids them completely.Todoroki- "Oh?"Momo- "Creati"Todoroki- "It suits you. I like it"There goes those butterflies in her stomach again as a grin spreads across her face.Momo- "I mean, it's no Icy Hot"Todoroki- "You know I take no credit for that"Momo- "Why do you hate it so much?"Todoroki- "It sounds like medicine or a heating pad"She giggles out loud, squinting at the text bar.Momo- "I think it's cute"Three bubbles popped up, meaning he's typing. Those few seconds seemed to drag on for an eternity as she counts those three bubbles a hundred times; at least it felt
like it before a message popped up.Todoroki- "That's really all I care about""..Ehhhhh" Momo sits up, practically squishing the screen to her face.Did he just seriously write that?Rubbing at her eyes Momo re-reads it once again, feeling her face heat up.She bites the tip of her thumb nail in thought as her other thumb writes out a tentative response before hitting send.Momo- "That it's cute?"Todoroki- "No"Todoroki- "That you think it's cute"Dropping her phone next to her, Momo pulls her pillow around to her chest and hugs it tightly while squishing her face into the soft material. Her heart feels like it's going to
leap out of her chest if she doesn't hold on tighter to the object.Is it possible for a teenage boy to give a girl a heart attack over a text?Shaking her face, she tries to compose herself but her mind is going back to that kiss.How gentle he was and yet so assertive in taking the lead once it started. Now he's texting THIS to her? What is he playing at?Is it possible that Todoroki likes her?"Gah no way!" Momo grasps and pats at her cheeks to cool them down, "He's just a good friend. Besides-" Looking down at her phone that's half covered by her blanket,
"What's so special about me? He could have anyone he wants"Picking back up her phone she spots a new message waiting.Todoroki- "It's late. You should go to bed"Momo- "Only if you go as well"Todoroki- "Fair"Todoroki- "Goodnight Momo"All the air is sucked out of her mouth as she reads her first name. He said her first name.Well, he didn't say it out loud, but if she closes her eyes and imagines, she can almost hear her name with his deep voice.'Momo'Hugging her phone to her chest she falls back on the mattress, her pillow still secure on her chest. Should she call him by his first name? He didn't say she could.Chickening out she texted back before turning her phone off, pulling her pillow back around and burying her face into it to hide from the world.Momo- "Goodnight <3"//~~~~~~~~~~~End Ch 16~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~Ch 17~~~~~~~~\\Momo awoke feeling sore in her legs, knowing it was the sudden exertion she used yesterday in that fight.It was nothing a hot shower couldn't fix while humming a cheerful tune.She feels good today. Don't ask her why, she just woke up with a smile and it feels nice. So nice in fact that she made her way to Shinso's guest room continuously humming. Maybe they’ll make pancakes today, or waffles! Her stomach growls at the thought of chocolate chip waffles. Her mind drifted to the next thought which is, ‘Does Todoroki like waffles? What does he eat in the mornings?’Maybe Shinso will know."Sweetie, good morning." Her mom says from down the hall.Momo freezes up and looks over her shoulder in shock at her Mother's sudden presence. She’s wearing the peach sweater that her wife got Lei for her birthday last year."Mom!" Momo looks over her shoulder, wondering if Shinso's still asleep or maybe he left.Lei reaches Momo, giving her a kiss on the head accompanied with a quick hug."I thought you were going to be on your trip for another week." Momo glances at the guest door."I was, but my meeting was moved to another time so I can stay tonight with you." She seems genuinely happy and Momo feels guilty for wishing she was still gone, "But I'll be leaving tomorrow morning for China for a week.""China, wow." Momo nods, again glancing to the door.Lei seems to catch on as she releases Momo's shoulder and walks to it, "Something in here honey?""No!" Momo jumps out and stands before the door, arms leaning against the frame, "I mean- nope, I um just was- Wanna get breakfast?"Those seem to be the magic words as Lei turns around, making her way down the hall, “I'll make us some eggs! I mean- I’ll try but who can mess up eggs?"Breathing a sigh of relief, Momo waits for Lei to be out of sight before opening the door, peeking in. The room itself is completely empty. Nothing looks to have been touched, which means Shinso didn't come by last night."Weird." Momo whispers before closing the door and making her way to her room for that shower.After having a lovely, slightly burnt breakfast with her mom, in which Lei gushed about her trip and some new deals they're making. It felt good to sit with her mom again, though the seat next to Lei felt all the more empty.She bids her mom goodbye as she makes her way to school, turning down an offer for a ride. Momo honestly needs a moment to clear her head to focus on todays plan.It's her first official day as Todoroki's 'fake' girlfriend.The thought alone makes her blush as she grasps the strap of her bag, looking down at her feet. Even with the sun out she can start to feel the chill in the air.A fond smile comes to her face as she decides to bring her mother some spiced tea. She hates drinking it but always loves the smell of the spices when it got cold. Hopefully it'll give her some pleasant dreams if her room smells familiar."Yaomomo!"A hand lands on her shoulder and she looks up to see Kaminari smiling down at her, “Oh! Good morning Kaminari!""Morning," He laughs sheepishly, "I called out to you a block back. Didn't you hear me?"Momo blushes in embarrassment, "Sorry, I must have been lost in thought.""It's alright. How are you feeling?""Pretty good, just some sore muscles."Kaminari stretches his arm by rotating it, "Yeah same. Shinso and Aizawa both gave me such a work out. I hardly could get up this morning." He sighs loudly."I'll bring you some tea that helps with soreness." Momo thinks of the herbal tea her mother use to suggest after Momo's martial arts classes."That'd be great! Wow, you're so kind Momo. Todoroki sure is lucky to have you."Her face flushes bright red, "T-Todoroki-san? What?"Kaminari gets a sly smirk, "Aren't you two dating?""I well- I mean- we're- it's-" Momo points both ways as if trying to figure something out, "I told you were just friends.""If you say so." Kaminari brings his hands up to cradle the back of his head, "I'm so pumped for our school trip! It's going to be awesome."Glad for the change in subject Momo agrees, "I found a few temples we can visit that have such cute gift shops.""You think Jirou might want to take a walk with me at one of those temples?" Kaminari asks nervously.Momo giggles, "Of course she would."They arrive at the school and upon walking in, the halls are a buzz with talk about Icy Hot and the new masked girl."Oh em gee did you see her cute hair?" One girl said."I want to dye my hair black but my mom said no way!""Do you think she's our age? She looks so mature!"Kaminari elbows Momo playfully in the side which she brushes off laughing."Momo!"Both students look up from their teasing to see Jirou heading towards them. Jirou has a sly smirk that makes Momo's knees shake. Jirou's mischievous attitude can only be compared to that of an evil spirit ready to haunt your ass for all eternity.Stopping before them Jirou looks Momo up and down, “Wow, you're looking cute today."Momo glances down at her usual uniform and back up, "Um, thanks? But I wear this every day.""No, I mean in general you look like- hmm you're glowing? You see it Kaminari?" Jirou winks to Momo.Kaminari leans into Momo's space and squints, "Um, I guess.""Almost like you're trying to impress someone. Maybe someone you like."Kaminari seems to catch on as he makes an 'oh' sound before nodding, "I see it now.""Both of you are crazy." Momo waves them off as they turn to walk down the hall to her locker and pause.A crowd is circling her locker and Momo pouts, “What's this?"The trio nudge their way through with Jirou taking the lead, elbowing faces to move out of her way. Once at the front Momo spots Todoroki standing before her locker looking at the floor intensely."Todoroki-san?" She mutters confused.The students around them are trying to talk to Todoroki about his dad and the incident yesterday."Did your dad get to see the new girl up close?""Did she say anything?""What's her name?"Momo looks around the circle and when she faces Todoroki, his eyes are already on her. Her face heats up as he walks to her.The crowd of students quiets down as they watch what's about to happen.Todoroki stops before her, Jirou and Kaminari, blinking his dual colored eyes down at her."Eh?" Momo smiles nervously."Good Morning Yaoyorozu." He says neutrally.'Yaoyorozu'Not Momo?Her heart aches a bit, wondering why the sudden change."Good Morning Todoroki-san.""Cute." Jirou looks between them smiling as Kaminari swoons."So cute!""Aw, isn't this just the sweetest thing I’ve had since breakfast?"All heads turn to see none other than Shinso as he moves around a student to stand between Momo and Todoroki.All three heroes eyes widen in shock, especially Todoroki's as their mouths fall open, not sure what to say."S-Shinso?" Momo points at him."The dude who walks you to school?" Jirou leans in, cupping her hand around her mouth, "Is he a love rival for Todoroki?""Love rival?" Momo looks to her best friend, "N-no!""Of course not," Shinso chuckles, "Though I'm not interested in her at all. Who's to say she's not already madly in love with me?" He wraps an arm around Momo's shoulder, pulling her in for a side hug, "Morning Momo."A murmur flies around the crowd of students at this new student using her first name."Who's that?""He's cute!""What's up with his hair?"Momo looks from Shinso to Todoroki who's glaring daggers at the mind control hero.Kaminari snickers behind his hand, "This is perfection."Jirou gives Kaminari a raised brow, "What?"Shinso cocks his head at Todoroki, "Mind if I borrow our girl for a little tour? She is after all the vice-president. It's her duty."He doesn't wait for a response before turning Momo away, the crowd clearing for them as they walk away. Momo looking everywhere, completely confused. With a glance over her shoulder she watches Todoroki 'tsk' before turning to leave, followed by his crowd of admirers.Once they're far enough away the warning bell rings, and students scurry to class. Momo looks up at Shinso with wide eyes."What are you doing here Shinso? I thought school wasn't your thing?"He releases his arm from being around her shoulder and shoves them into his pockets, "Well, I changed my mind."She squints up at him trying to read his expression before her eyes widen, "Shinso... were you feeling left out?"His eyes squint as he snaps his head to look at her, "Left out?"Her heart starts to hurt as she cups her hands over her chest, "Shinso, are you lonely when we're at school?"Shinso's face turns a dusty pink, looking forward, "No! Of course not!""Awww!" Momo leans in and gives him a hug, wrapping her arms around his chest, trapping one of his arms to his side while the other sticks up in the air awkwardly, "I'm sorry.""Eh? Stop! No I don't feel lonely." He says but after a moment his hand comes down and pats the top of her head fondly, "I'm here to keep an eye on you guys."Momo releases him and blinks her big, onyx eyes up at him, "Really?"Crossing his arms firmly he nods, "Of course, you three are lost without my guidance."Rolling her eyes she smirks, not believing it at all, "Is that so?""Maybe you could pull it off without me but Pikachu and Tsundere Todo back there need me."Giggling behind her hand, Momo gives in, "Alright.""You gonna show me around this place or what?""Of course, can I have your schedule?" She holds her hand out.Shinso places two yellow papers in her palm which she reads over with shocked eyes, "You have my exact same schedule.""I know, I made it like that."Giving him a double take she narrows her eyes as he scoffs, “I didn't use my quirk, if that’s what you’re thinking.""Good." She sighs in relief."I hacked into the schools system and did it myself.""Shinso!" Momo chides him, "You can't do that."He holds his hands up in surrender, "Fine, fine no more hacking the school system. But to be fair it's not like they made it hard for me."Momo shakes her head in disbelief as he continues, "I mean their security system password is the schools mascot. How lame is that?""How did you get everything situated so fast?""That was Aizawa's doing," Shinso explains, "I met up with him for my patrol shift and brought up possibly attending school. He's been on my ass about it since I dropped out.""Aizawa got you in?" She cocks her head in thought."Yeah he's listed as my legal guardian. He already had a uniform for me and everything. I swear he has contacts in every form of the city- maybe even the world!" His eyes widen at the thought, "He's so cool.""Well, I'm glad you're here Shinso. But please know this isn't a social event. I expect you to work just as hard at being a student as you do being a hero." Momo wags her finger at him."Fiiiinee." He scoffs as they continue on with the tour.The tour ends just as second period starts and Shinso joins Momo to the classroom. Momo introduces Shinso to their 2nd period teacher and she smiles sweetly at the purple haired teen."Welcome Shinso, would you like to give an introduction to your new classmates?" She holds her arm out, gesturing to the students all looking up at him."Sure," Shinso shoves his hands into his pockets, turning to the class with a glare, "Don't talk to me and I won't talk to you. Trust me on that.""Uhhh," The teacher's mouth falls open as Shinso looks to her."Where am I sitting?""You can take the seat next to Todoroki."Kaminari who's sitting in front of Todoroki waves at him to take the open seat next to their other friend. Momo finds it absolutely cute. Todoroki meanwhile is practically emitting angry waves directed at Shinso.Momo takes her seat and watches as Shinso leans over to Todoroki with a smirk, "Hey neighbor.""Drop dead." Todoroki says darkly.Shinso blows him a kiss before facing the front.This is how most of their classes went until lunch time. The group all walks together to their tree. Momo’s surprised Todoroki’s sitting with them today, thought it might have something to do with Shinso being there. But part of her wants to think he came to be with her. Once seated Momo begins introduction."Jirou, this is Shinso, he's um... a friend from the dojo."Jirou who's eyeing Shinso like a hawk holds up her chopsticks in a waive, "Hey.""Shinso this is Kaminari." Momo tries to hold the illusion that the two have never met.Both quirked teens stare at each other for a second before moving."How do you two know each other?" Jirou moves her chopsticks between Todoroki and Shinso, "You seem pretty familiar."Todoroki who's been glaring non-stop at Shinso turns away and Momo steps in quickly, "Oh um, they-"Shinso interrupts quickly, "We're childhood friends."Jirou seems to accept that before chowing down on her rice while Kaminari tries to sneak a sausage.Momo takes small bites of her rice ball and keeps glancing at Todoroki nervously. She caught Jirou giving them curious glances through class since they haven't talked at all since that morning. They're not acting like a couple at all.Seizing up all the courage she has Momo holds out her rice ball to Todoroki, "Would you like a bite?"The conversation around their small circle stops and all eyes are on the two students. Todoroki's eyes are a bit wide as he looks from the rice ball to Momo before nodding, “Sure."Leaning forward he takes a bite, holding her gaze. Once done she takes it back and takes a bite as well."So bold." Kaminari whispers in shock, “My hero.”"Wow," Jirou says next, "That was actually adorable."Shinso meanwhile is grinning like the cat that got the cannery, "Shouto you dog."Todoroki glares at Shinso, "Shut up."Momo's face turns several shades of pink as she shoves the rest of the rice ball in her mouth."Yaomomo you're so cute." Kaminari swoons turning to Jirou while holding out a seaweed wrap, "Open wide."Jirou smashes the wrap to his face, "Not a change newbie."Shinso chuckles as he leans back and Momo looks down to his lack of food, "Shinso where's your food?""Didn't bring any."Jirou points to the school, "They have alright food at the cafeteria. It's just expensive.""Nah I'll be fine.""Not at all," Momo digs in her box and pulls out an apple, "I insist you eat. You can't focus on an empty stomach."Shinso's eyes widen as she offers him her food. Momo's sure she saw something flash across his face but it's gone, replaced with that mischievous smirk, "Would you feed it to me?""Shinso!" Todoroki snaps, "Can we talk?"Shinso rolls his head to Todoroki, "I don't know, can we?"Todoroki stands up, jerking Shinso by the collar of his shirt away from the group. Shinso takes the apple before being pulled away. They go far enough so they can't be heard but Momo watches Todoroki do most of the talking while Shinso eats his new apple with a bored look. Only saying something once in a while."Wow, Yaomomo," Jirou says watching the two as well, "You have two boys chasing after you. How exciting."Momo shakes her arms while jerking her head left to right, "Not at all. Shinso's a friend!""Just like Todoroki is?""No, it's different- I mean yes- no! Um Shinso is like a brother." Momo decides on."Am I also like a brother?" Kaminari points to himself with a puppy dog smile."Of course you are Kaminari." Momo smiles and he pumps the air in victory."Fine," Jirou says, "It's just strange how all these faces are coming out of the woodwork to be friends with you all of a sudden." Her eyes turn suspicious, "I thought I was your only person up until yesterday.""Jirou, it's fine. I promise." Momo eats her food quickly to try and avoid talking anymore.Shinso and Todoroki return right before the lunch bell rings, and they seem to have both cooled down.The rest of the day went smoothly enough, with minimal teasing from Shinso or Jirou. All in all Momo considers this a good day.The final bell rang; Jirou and Momo head to the front together and Momo wonders if she'll ask her to go somewhere again."So my dad has a meeting at the bank, I need to cover his shift. Can I call you later?" Jirou asks and Momo nods quickly.“Of course!""Alright, I better get going. See ya!" Jirou waves as she jogs away to get to her parents café as soon as possible.Walking to the gate she spots Kaminari, Shinso, and Todoroki all walking together down the school steps. Kaminari is talking animatedly while Shinso listens in deep thought and Todoroki looks annoyed.Momo giggles at the sight of her friends as she waves to them. Once they stop in front of her she motions with her head to the sidewalk, "Ready to go guys?""Yeah! Team Awesome!" Kaminari cheers.“I didn't agree to that name." Shinso holds up a finger, "I'm not opposed to a team name but not that one.""Let's brain storm on the way!"Todoroki looks to Momo, "This is ridiculous."Momo smiles sweetly at him, bumping her shoulder against his, "You secretly love it."His face blooms with a small smile though he says nothing.So the four quirked teens head to the theater, all together.//~~~~~~~~~End Ch 17~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~Ch 18~~~~~~~~~\\
Their trip to the theater is loud and filled with laughter, mostly from Momo and Kaminari at the expense of the other two heroes. The teens mutually decided the train would be faster.Once falling in with all the commuters and others heading home Momo briefly worries she’ll be squished between some strangers. Though that fear vanishes as the three students form a wall around her without being told. It’s like some unspoken agreement that Todoroki would stand behind her while Shinso and Kaminari take either side of her, blocking any unwanted brushing from their surroundings. It feels comforting to know they want to look out for her.When the train gave a lurch to start, she feels her bottom brush up against Todoroki. She’s about to smile in apology but a hand on her waist steadies her and she looks down to see one of his large hands resting firmly on her side. Momo glances over her shoulder and watches at Todoroki's attention is on Kaminari who's talking about the Kyoto trip. No one seems to notice the hand simply holding her in place. But for Momo it's no simple task keeping a straight face. The hand itself feels like it's burning a mark that reaches into her very core. Part of her wonders if his quirk is activating, but it's purely in her mind.Even after she's steady the hand remains in place.Momo tries to nod and maintain attention on the conversation, but that hand is sucking all her focus to look at it. She bites her lip, giggling at Kaminari's joke about travel, even though she didn’t hear all of it. Her giggle turns into a small gasp when the fingers holding her side tighten. Todoroki's thumb starts to rub soothing swipes along her hip.She stiffens up, straightening her shoulders and lifting her chin as she stares ahead of her like a statue. Both her hands are folded over the front of her skirt, grasping at the hem nervously.Kaminari doesn't seem to know what's going on because he pulls out a pamphlet a teacher gave him and begins to read along to some sites. Shinso meanwhile glances down at the hand on her waist and gives Momo a smirk. She looks over to those sneaky purple eyes and squints as a blush fills her round cheeks. Shinso begins to wag his brow at her suggestively and she quickly faces away to save some of her dignity.Shinso doesn't say anything aloud which relieves Momo because what if he spooks Todoroki and he stops? Does Momo want him to stop?The thumb continues its back and forth motions and she feels her shoulders sag as she leans into the touch.No, she doesn't want him to stop.The train gives a lurch causing Momo's body to lean forward but the hand holding her pulls Momo back to his firm body. She blushes harder when her bottom brushes up against his front again. The doors slide open and Kaminari holds his hands up."This is us!" He pronounces as some people move while they step around the others.The doors close behind them; the four teens are left on a dirty looking platform that has several homeless bodies sleeping on benches and against walls."Let's go!" Kaminari takes the lead and they follow the excited blonde.Todoroki's hand had fallen off once they left the train and now that part of her feels cold, already missing his touch.“Why are we all going to the same place?” Todoroki speaks up for the first time since they left the school."Don't you have training with Aizawa today?" Momo asks Kaminari sweetly.Kaminari turns around and begins to walk backwards, "Yeah, but not till later. He has a meeting today. Do you guys have patrol tonight?""Shhh," Shinso's brow ticks in annoyance, "We'll talk in the lair.""The lair?" Todoroki asks with a small smile to his face at teasing his friend."Yes, a lair. A bad ass, totally cool, and very secret lair." Shinso walks faster, "At least it WAS totally secret."Momo giggles behind her hand, "Sorry Shinso."The purple haired hero shrugs as he takes the lead, "Whatever.”She knows he doesn't really mind and stays quiet about her knowledge of his secret appreciation of having people to talk to.They reach the theater soon enough and Mind Master opens it while ushering them out of the alley, "Come on, come on, no pushing!"They find themselves back in the underground part and Kaminari takes his time wow'ing and aw'ing at the sights, even though he's already been here. Once they all joined together, Shinso walks to the head of the table and clears his throat."I assume you all are wonder why I gathered you here.""You gathered us?" Todoroki asks.Kaminari scratches at his cheek, "Yeah, I thought we were coming here to hang out."Shinso scoffs, "No, I assembled you all here for a reason!"Kaminari gasps this time and slaps his cheeks in excitement, "CODE NAMES?""No.""Awww." He looks down in disappointment.Shinso smirks and holds up a piece of paper from the cluttered table, "I found the receipt for the broken locket."Momo's stomach clenches as her eyes widen, “You did?""Mhm," Shinso opens his mouth but is interrupted by an annoyed looking Todoroki."Why didn’t you tell me earlier?""I was kind of getting the third degree for just showing up at your school. You didn't let me talk." Shinso crosses his arms in equal annoyance."Because you refuse to go to school, and now all of a sudden you just show up without talking to me." Todoroki steps forward, "You always said you were too good for school. But yet, here you are. I told you to inform me once you get info on the locket and now you withhold it all day?"Todoroki's eye twitches in anger as he stands before Shinso with a glare, "What's up with you?"Shinso glares back not wanting to back down from a challenge, "Nothing. I'm just helping.""By going to school with us?""By watching your back." Shinso snaps."That's strange because you could have cared less before.""Guys!" Momo squishes her hands between their chests, pushing them apart, "Come on! Not the time! Shinso you have a name?"She looks between the two teens, not wanting them to fight when this info could be dire and time sensitive."I do. His name is Kenji Hikiishi."The name falls on her ears and Momo can feel her pulse quicken. Is this the name of the man that shot her mom? Did he pull the trigger that changed her life forever?A hand lands on her shoulder and she follows it back to Todoroki who's giving her a worried look, "You alright?""I'm fine." She nods and faces Shinso, "What else did you find?""He lives on the other side of town, 32 years old, doesn't have a job, but the apartment he's staying in was recently paid six months in advance with cash. Pretty strange considering he has no means of income." Shinso places the paper on the messy table.Kaminari who had been filled in by Shinso the other day, nods in thought, “Very strange.""We should go check him out tonight." Momo says quickly, "Confront him about-""No." Todoroki steps away and she looks to him in shock."No?""I told you, Shinso and I will go. We'll get this guy if he's the one that did it.""But-""Let me walk you home." Todoroki interrupts her, she looks to Shinso and Kaminari, "I just got here.""I think you need to go home." He finishes and she wants to fight him and argue that she can do this but from the look in his eyes she didn't want to push him."Alright." Her shoulders sag, "I can go.""I'll walk you," He repeats, "Shinso, we'll talk later." Todoroki looks to Shinso pointedly."Oh goodie, can't wait for my ass chewing." He rolls his eyes and turns to his computers.Kaminari seems to be the only one showing sympathy as he bumps a fist gently to her arm, "Text me later if you need to talk."Smiling, she nods, "I will. Thanks, Kaminari."After bidding them a good night, she and Todoroki head out. Once on the street Momo feels annoyance well up inside her as she walks ahead, not waiting for Todoroki.He seems to understand her annoyance and follows one step behind with his hands in his pockets.How dare he brush her off and tell her to go home? She's her own woman! She doesn't need to be told what to do like a child.She should tell him off! Demand they go to that man's home and get the info out of him together.It's her mom in the hospital damn it! He doesn't know what it's like. Feeling so helpless and small while the bad guy goes free."Yaoyorozu."For some reason him saying her last name makes her even madder as she turns around and looks up at him. He stops inches from her not wanting to bump into her. His eyes seem clouded as if he had something to say."Why can't I go with you?"He closes his mouth in a firm line and looks off to the side, "It's dangerous.""Bull shit!" The curse flies from her mouth and his eyes snap back to her in surprise. Jirou would be proud if she were here, "It was my mom that got hurt! You said you'll get her justice, but it should be me!"He remains silent as she continues, "You didn't even know her! She's my mom... S-She's my mom Todoroki. And I should have protected her. Why won't you let me do this?""Because revenge can change a person. I don't want that for you." He steps closer, his chest brushing up against her own as his hands reach up but pause, not wanting to touch her while she's mad."Why do you get to decide what's good for me? What gives you the right?" She squints her onyx eyes up at him, “First with me becoming a hero, and now with me getting closure for my mom.”He opens his mouth but pauses before closing it."Shouto." She says his first name and something in his eyes widen, "Shouto, don't you trust me?""I do." He drops his hands, "You know I do."“I sense that there's a 'but' coming." She sounds bitter."But-" He says with a wince, "I worry about you.""Why? Why do you worry about me? Is it because-" She pauses and looks to the side, "Because we're friends or... or maybe-" She bites her lip, looking up at him through her lashes. The unspoken words hanging between them.Is it something more?He opens his mouth but a voice calls out, breaking the spell between them."Shouto!"Both teens take a step away from each other and look over to see Chief Endeavor, walking from a parked police car.Todoroki's eyes narrow as he steps in front of Momo, and she looks from his back to the towering man that's glaring down at them.He stops before them and sneers at Todoroki, "I told you to come home right after school.""I had something to do." Todoroki snaps back just as angry, "You can wait.""When I tell you to do something, you do it! If you want to succeed me you need to listen to me."Todoroki rolls his eyes, "I told you I don't want to work part time at the station.""The job is already yours." Endeavor points to him, "You won't embarrass me again."Endeavor reached out a large hand, wrapping it around Todoroki's arm, "You're coming with me now!"Momo isn't sure what came over her. An angry and protective wave crashes over her as she grabs onto the thick wrist and jerks it back. The sudden grab must have startled Endeavor because he releases Todoroki and Momo now stands before him with her back to her class mate."Don't just grab him like that." She narrows her eyes up at him, "Ever."Endeavor seems to just now realize she's here as he squints down at her, "You... the girl.""Yaoyorozu, Momo." She lifts her chin, "The least you could do is remember it since you're still investigating my mother’s case."His sneer ticks up, "What do you think you're doing here?"Momo releases his wrist and crosses her arms, widening her stance to show she's not backing down, "Walking with your son. It's not a crime last time I checked."The chief looks between them before resting his eyes on Todoroki, "Shouto you are coming home.""After he walks me home." Momo holds her hand up, chopping the air firmly, "He promised to walk me home first. I intend to hold him to that."The chief takes in a deep breath and regards her once more before turning back to his car, "We'll talk tonight Shouto. About all of this."He enters his car but watches the teens closely, not bothering to pull away from the curb.Momo glares right back before turning to Todoroki and worry filling her as she grabs his arm gently where Endeavor grabbed him, "Are you alright?"A scoff is heard and she looks up to see Todoroki smiling down at her. An honest to god smile that reaches his eyes.Momo can feel her face heating up and those butterflies descend upon her stomach in a flurry of wings."Todoroki-san?" She whispers.His shoulders shake with laughter, "I thought you were mad at me. And yet here you are defending me and worried that I'm hurt."The humor isn't lost on her as Momo cracks a smile and releases his arm, "Well I'm both annoyed and worried."His laughter dies down as he shakes his head, "I've never seen anyone stand up to him like that.""Well someone should! He's been a class A jerk since I met him." Momo puffs out her cheeks, putting her hands on her hips, "I'll say it again if he tries anything."Todoroki reaches out, grabbing her face with both hands. His fingers hold her face and she leans into it involuntarily, her body stepping closer till the tips of their shoes touch. She can feel the heat radiating off of him in waves. Her eyes droop at half-mast as she licks her lower lip. His eyes flicking down at the motion, watching her tongue peek out slightly."Todoroki-san.""You called me Shouto. I like it." He whispers, that smile still on his face."S-Shouto?" Momo tastes the name again.Time seems to stop between them, and the air is thicker. His eyes once again glance down at her lips and back up at her, "I want...""Yes?" Momo asks breathlessly.He seems to realize something and takes a step back, face falling back to that neutral look. Todoroki glances to the side and Momo follows his gaze to see Endeavor sitting in his car watching them with those steely eyes as he leans in like he’s watching some drama TV show."Come on." Todoroki grabs her hand and pulls Momo away from his father’s watchful eyes.Momo glances over her shoulder as the chief once more, noticing his eyes are more on her than Todoroki this time. She faces forward once she feels Todoroki’s fingers entwining with her own. Looking down at their conjoined hands she feels a smile pull at her lips.They walk for some time in silence, hand in hand; neither speaking or pulling away.Momo keeps looking down at their hands nervously, wondering if her hand is sweaty or to rough.They reach her home and Momo opens the gate for them. Todoroki walks her all the way to her front door where they stop. She looks back down at their hands and wonders if she should invite him in or say goodbye here.Though it seems Todoroki has an idea of what to do next as he pulls her closer by their hands and she looks up expectantly, "Todo- Shouto?"He searches for his words carefully before nodding, “You amaze me Yaoyorozu.”“Momo,” She whispers, “You can call me Momo; remember?”That smile from before pulls back at his face and he glances down briefly to their hands, “Momo.”Her name never sounded more sweeter than it did on his tongue. She resists the urge to closer her eyes and ask him to say it again. Instead she bites her lower lip and nods, “Yes?”“I want to do something.” His voice is deep and gravel like he just woke up and rolled out of bed. It sends chills up her spine.She leans closer, “And that something would be-“ She trails off, blinking her wide onyx eyes up at him.Those dual colored eyes flicker down to her lips and she remembers the last time they kissed. How he pressed her to the building and dove into her head first. Those lips touching hers and that tongue sliding against her own. Her cheeks heat up at the memory of it all because maybe he wants to do it again. Momo knows she wants him to do it again; but she could never say that out loud. Maybe he will say it for the both of them.Todoroki leans down just as she tilts her chin up, ready for whatever may come.Until the front door opens and both teens jump apart while looking to the wide smile of Momo’s Mother Lei. The CEO looks between the teens as if she just spooked an animal.“Ohhhh Momo sweetie were you and-“ She looks to Todoroki with a cocked head, “Your friend?” She says the word strangely, “Coming in?”Momo feels embarrassment wash over in her waves, “Mom! Heyyyy um- this is Todoroki-san, my classmate.”Lei’s eyes glance to the teen boy and size him up before holding out her hand which Todoroki takes and gives a firm shake, “I’ve heard about you a bit. Wow, those eyes are gorgeous.”“Mom!” Momo hisses.“Sorry!!! Sorry!” Lei releases his hand and bows quickly, “It’s just your mother- erm- my wife-“ She says to Todoroki quickly, “Mentioned you before her accident. She called me and well- I’m sorry I’m rambling.”Momo feels her stomach twist. Did her mother call Lei the day of the accident and tell her all about Todoroki? Momo has mentioned Todoroki maybe a handful of times in passing with her mom. But this is new to her.“Are you staying for dinner?” Lei asks as she stand up right, “I was about to order food.”“Oh, um I can’t, I need to get home.” Todoroki jerks a thumb over his shoulder looking awkwardly between the two females, “Maybe next time.”“Of course! Next time sounds great.” Lei chuckles nervously, “Any friend of Momo’s is a child of mine.”“Mom,” Momo whispers, nudging her with her elbow gently, “He needs to go.”“Right right, do you need a ride?”Todoroki shakes his head, “Thank you, but I’m fine. It was nice meeting you.”“Same here Todoroki,” Lei giggles as she looks to Momo and winks which makes Momo blush.Todoroki finally turns around and leaves as the Yaoyorozu women watch him go. Once the gate closes behind him Lei turns to Momo with wide eyes, “He’s CUTE!”“Mooooom!” Momo runs her hands down her cheeks, “Stopppp!”“Did I interrupt my daughter’s first kiss? Cause if I did, I am so sorry.” Lei jokes holding up her hands.Momo touches her warm cheeks, “You did not interrupt my first kiss.”Lei’s eyes widen, “Oh my god did you already have your first kiss? Was it with Hottie-McCute-Face over there?”“I am not having this conversation with my mom.” Momo walks past her mom to the house as Lei closes the door behind them, “Why did you open the door anyways?”“I heard talking and thought you might have brought Jirou over. Wanted to say hi.”Momo walks to the couch and drops down into it, “Jirou has to work an extra shift.”“I see that.” Lei leans against the door way to the living room. Silence fills the space between them and Momo wonders what her mom’s thinking.“We gave you the talk, right?” Lei asks finally.If Momo thought her face was red before; it was nothing compared to the tomato sheen covering her chest to ears, “MOM!”“Just checking” Lei laughs and dodges a flying pillow that Momo chucks at her, “I’ll order us dinner.”Even though Momo is mortified about what just transpired… It does feel good to have laughter in the house again. To see her mother smile and joke around like she used to. She looks to the wall where a picture sits of Lei, Abalee and Momo all around a Christmas tree. But it’ll never be the same until her mother wakes up. Momo will get justice for her mother, one way or another. She will…//~~~~~~~~End Ch 18~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
/~~~~~~~Ch 19~~~~~~~~\\"So that's where we're at." Shinso leans against the doorway of the hospital room."Still no movement, hu?" Momo stands from the seat by her mom's bed, smoothing out the blanket’s invisible wrinkles. Her cat like eyes searching over the sleeping woman's features for anything she can do to make her more comfortable, "I see."Shinso seems awkward as he shuffles to the other foot, "Your boyfriend's going to have my nuts in his icy grip if he finds out I'm telling you this stuff.""He's not my boyfriend." Momo blushes, "But he doesn't have to know everything I do.""I hate to get between true love, but you've grown on me, Creati." He finally strolls into the hospital room, looking around at the rich interior that high society medical care can afford.Momo shushes him though her quirked lip indicates she finds his playful use of her hero name amusing, "Shinso.""What? Who's going to hear me? Your mom?" He stops on the other side of her bed and leans down a bit, "Can't say she's paying much attention."Momo swats at his arm and he leans back smirking at her, "Stop it. She's actually very aware." The vice president goes back to running her hands over her mother’s pillow to fluff it gently. Shinso notices her care and steps back to the window."Aizawa's going to take over the watch while we're on the trip."She stands up quickly almost forgetting completely about the trip. Which is silly because her bag is sitting by the door next to Shinso's. She came here really early to spend some time with her mom since she'll be gone for the weekend. Shinso came along to walk with her, though he seemed weird when they checked in at the front. Looking around as if expecting to find someone he knew."I see." She sits in the plush chair next to the bed, placing her chin into the palm of her hand as she stares at her mom, "Is he alright with that?""If you mean, is he alright with our plan to avenge your mom? Yes... Aizawa's a good judge of character, so if he didn't think we could handle this he would have pushed the stop button a long time ago.""Does he think I can handle it? Or does he agree with Todoroki-san?" Momo bites the tip of her index finger nervously.Shinso's quiet and she looks over to find him touching the petals of the flowers that litter Abalee's desk. Most sent from Lei, share-holders in the business, and a few employees. Momo never really paid them much attention, but now that she thinks about it there are always fresh flowers in her room. Too many, and it gave the room a perfumed tint that mixed with lemon cleaning supplies."Trust me when I say Aizawa speaks his mind when he doesn't think you can do something.""You're just as cryptic as he is sometimes," Momo chuckles under her breath."I'll take that as a compliment." Shinso looks to his phone, "We should get going."Standing up Momo nods, "Can I meet you downstairs? I want to say bye to my mom."Shinso's eyes soften as he nods, "Sure." With that said he walks to the door, picking up his and Momo's duffel bags, before making his way down the long tile hall.Momo runs the back of her hand across her mother’s cheek, "I'll only be gone for the weekend. But I'll come visit you the second I get back."Her eyes burn as she leans forward and tries to shadow her wet eyes, "Mom's coming back to spend the weekend here with you while I'm gone. Please take care of her."With that said she wipes at her damp eyes and smiles cheerfully, "I love you mom!"Part of her doesn't want to go because she's worried that when she comes back her mother won't be here. But Lei insists on Momo going on this trip, same as Jirou. Momo doesn't want to let either of them down. Leaning forward she places a soft kiss on her mom's cheek, "Please be here when I come back.”Before leaving Momo picks up a vase that has white roses. Her mom never liked roses, but she knows another patient here that doesn't mind them. Besides she hasn't seen her in a while, so a quick visit will do them both some good.By the time she exits the large medical center she finds Shinso staring up at her as she walks down the stairs, "Jeeze! Took you forever! I left you twenty minutes ago!""Sorry!" Momo reaches the bottom and bows at the waist several times, "I'm here now!"He looks over her face as he hands over her red duffel bag, "What were you doing?""I just made a quick stop after leaving my Mom's. Let's go!" Momo pulls at the sleeve of his hoodie.Since today's the departure for their class trip, the school let the students wear regular clothes. The fall air descended on their town sometime during the week, so Momo wore her black tights under her skirt as she hugs her maroon sweater to her skin to keep the chill at bay. Shinso is less stylish as he wears a black hoodie and ripped jeans. She wonders how limited his wardrobe is, making a mental note to ask him to go shopping with her later."Yaomomo!"Both teens look to their right to see the ecstatic blonde, Kaminari, rush towards them with his backpack hanging off one arm."Good Morning Kaminari!" Momo greets with a smile as he reaches them."Sup?" Shinso faces forward and keeps walking as the other two quickly keep up with him."I am so excited! I've never been on a trip before!" Kaminari pumps his fist, "I've been counting down today forever!""How’s your grandma feel about you leaving?" Momo cocks her head.Kaminari settles down a bit and scratches at his cheek, "She's quiet. I told her about the trip but honestly I'm sure she's forgotten.""Won't she be worried you're not home tonight if she forgot?"The electric teens eyes turn down in sadness but his smile is still up, "Nope.""Oh, Kaminari." Momo places a hand on his arm as he quickly shakes his hand."No- no! Don't be- Honestly I'm fine!" He throws his hands behind his head, causing his bag to hang from his elbow crook, "I'm used to it! She's old and has other things to focus on. This trip might even be a vacation for her from me.""Don't say that." Momo grabs his white jacket sleeve and pulls him closer to her, "You're a great person Kaminari."His eyes shine at hearing that as he throws an arm over her shoulder, bringing her in for a side hug, "Awe, you're too sweet!"They arrive at the school quickly enough to find a long line of busses parked outside the gate as the other students scatter around. They find Jirou standing by the gate as she nods her chin in greeting. Kaminari instantly starts swooning over her leather jacket that has a bunch of patches along the back and sleeve."There patches my dad got when he was on tour with his band. One from every place they visited before I was born." She says with pride."So cool! What's this one?" Kaminari points to a purple one.Shinso and Momo give each other a sly look as the purple hair rocker and electric teen start their own conversation, leaving the other two to their own devices.Momo looks out over the crowd, searching for a particular face. Ever since he walked her home last week and said those things, it's been kind of awkward around him. They haven't been alone, and Momo's been focusing on patrol to keep her mind busy. The others are starting to notice; especially Jirou since she thinks they're dating and Momo can't even bring herself to sit next to him at lunch without blushing like a crazy woman and staying quiet."Oh Romeo, Romeo. Wherefore art thou Romeo?" Shinso whispers in her ear as she jerks back covering the heated flesh with a blush."Don't do that!"His laughter shakes his shoulders as his mischievous eyes zone in on his target, "You're too easy to mess with."She pouts up at him opening her mouth to say something when-"Why are you messing with her to begin with?"That voice!Turning around quickly she settles her cat like eyes on Todoroki. He's wearing an open jean jacket over a plain white t-shirt and dark wash jeans. Momo feels her mouth go dry as she presses her lips together and takes a step back as her hands fiddle with the hem of her skirt, "T-Todoroki-san!"She doesn't get to see him in regular clothes that often. It's always his school uniform or hero costume, with the occasional workout clothing option. But when she does see him so casual like this she can't help but swoon internally."My my my don't you just look so handsome today." Shinso looks at Todoroki with that same smirk he was giving Momo, "Hope you didn't go through all this trouble for little old me."Todoroki says nothing and instead lifts a finger, presses it to Shinso's forehead and moves him effortlessly to the side so he can see Momo.Once Shinso is clear from their path he looks to her and she looks to him and they just stare."Wow, so magical." Shinso says from the sidelines.Momo looks down for a moment as she tries to collect her thoughts.'You amaze me Yaoyorozu.' His words, the ones he said to her when they were standing in front of her front door swim through her mind, 'I want to do something.'After all this time contemplating it she's 94.2% sure he was going to kiss her. And she's 100% certain she wanted him to kiss her. She still does.But what does he want?She's been waiting all this time to see how he really feels. He hasn't made much effort to talk to her, but she supposes that might be because of her nervous aura she's giving off. But what if she's wrong? What if he just wants to be friends and she's going to ruin it by making the first move? Maybe she should wait more and see what the proper steps forward should be.Todoroki looks ready to say something when a loud beep is heard and all students look up to see their homeroom teacher standing on the bench of a picnic table with a megaphone, "Attention students! I need all third year students attention on me!"Once she finds all eyes on her she smiles, "We will start boarding the busses. Please give your first and last name to the teachers so they can mark your attendance! Failure to do so will delay our trip, so please be mindful of others!"Once she finishes Momo looks to Todoroki to find him glaring at Shinso who's wagging his brow at him rather quickly."Come on Momo!" Jirou pokes her head through the crowd, grabbing at her sleeve, "Don't loose us!"So together the five teens stand in line waiting patiently as each student checks in. After boarding Jirou pulls Momo to the back and gently pushes her into the second to last seat by the window, "You sit here!""Alright, jeez- what's the rush-" Momo pauses as she finds Jirou walking to the seat behind her. She crawls onto the seat on her knees and peers over the headrest at the purple hair teen, "What are you doing?"Jirou smiles innocently, "Nothing!"Kaminari dives into the seat next to Jirou, "Dibs!"Shinso then takes the third open seat next to Kaminari since the back of the bus has a long bench seat while the others only have two. Momo looks to the three comfortable teens and is about to ask them what's going on when Todoroki stands next to her open seat."Can I sit here?"She just blinks up at him as she looks to Jirou who's giving her an encouraging nod while Kaminari shoots her a thumbs up before facing back, "Here? With me?"Jirou stands and leans over the back of the seat, pushing Momo firmly back down into her seat while smiling at Todoroki, "She would love for you to sit with her! Right Yaomomo?""I would?" She looks to Jirou with a bright blush, until remembering and shaking her head, "I mean- Yes! I would! Please have a seat Todoroki-san!"He pushes his black duffle bag under his chair before taking his seat next to her. The seats are wide but Momo can practically feel his body heat radiating off him. There's a solid six inches between them, and yet all it would take is a slight lean to touch.It takes a few more minutes for the bus to get fully loaded but once done the teacher stands at the front and gives an emergency speech on exits, and procedures which Momo takes heavy note on."Is my Vice President here?" The teacher looks to the clip board.Momo shoot up, raising her hand, "Present!""Yaoyorozu, you'll be in charge of watching your fellow classes behavior and be their go to for any questions should they not find an adult. The President is in the other bus and he'll be in charge as well. I'll pass back this paper for you." She hands it to the person in front who passes it back and so on. Meanwhile the teacher continues, "I expect perfect behavior from all of you. If Yaoyorozu or myself spot any ill behavior, you'll be punished. Please uphold the name of our school. Let's all have a good time!"A couple students agree loudly as the teacher sits in the front, instantly taking out her phone.Momo looks around for the papers wondering why they're taking so long to get back to her. After the bus jerks to start she catches sight of the papers peeking over the seat in front of her, "Thank you!" She accepts them.Looking down she feels her stomach drop and eyes burn as she finds the teachers stack of papers covered in doodles, and hurtful words scratched in from different color pens.'Nerd''Narc''Tattle tail'Some faces drawn which she folds quickly and places in her lap."What's wrong?"Looking up she finds Todoroki watching her with careful eyes. She feels her bottom lip quiver as she faces forward quickly, "Nothing."She feels the paper pulled out from her hands and turns in surprise as Todoroki unfolds it, reading the hurtful notes. His brow furrows as he faces her, "Don't let them get to you."Momo snatches it back, "I know. I don't. They're just acting childish.""Does this happen often?"She picks at the corner of the page, "No... not really. Mostly I'm invisible here, they don't bother me unless I'm pointed out like just now."Momo feels more embarrassed than sad about the notes. She can ignore it because she doesn't care what they say. As long as she had Jirou, she's always been fine.His hand comes to the side of her face, brushing a stray bundle of hair behind her ear. Momo looks up at him and finds he's a lot closer than before."You're not invisible to me."Her heart is racing well past the limit of her safety as she feels herself leaning in."I see you." His dual color eyes burn a hole through her."Todoroki-san" Momo whispers, feeling her stomach igniting is a storm of butterflies.Is this him taking the first step? Is she going to follow?"Smooth, real smooth dude."Both teens lean away blushing furiously as Shinso leans over the headrest and rests his chin in his folded arms.Jirou grabs the back of Shinso's hoodie, jerking him back, "Leave them alone!"The rocker chick proceeds to strangle the sleepy looking hero while Kaminari tries to separate them. Momo is trying to settle her racing heart but she giggles at her friends playful antics."How long is this trip?" Shinso says once Jirou releases him and shoots death glares over Kiaminari's shoulder."About three hours, so get comfortable." Momo says, settling back down in her seat."I made a new playlist last night." Kaminari holds up his phone, looking sheepishly to Jirou, "Wanna listen together?"Jirou's cheeks tint pink as she shrugs, "Sure. Why not?"They each place a headphone in one ear and lean their shoulders together to listen while Shinso takes out a book, "I'll be doing some light reading.""That's light?" Momo eyes the thick book with Latin written on the cover.He just winks at her before opening his dog eared page, leaning into the side of the bus."What did you bring to entertain yourself Todoroki-san?" Momo looks to him as he leans down for his bag; unzipping it and pulling out a book."I brought a book too."She leans in and reads the cover out loud, "Ancient Combat in Feudal Wars?""It's good. I've read it a few times.""Interesting." Momo picks up a book from her own open bag on the floor, "I bought a new chemistry book for the trip. You know to help out with my-" She winks and he nods."I see."So with that said they face forward and start to read their books. It felt comfortable.For the rest of the ride Momo's conscious of how close they are. Whenever the bus goes over a bump or makes a turn, their knees touch. She's not sure when it happened but at some point his knee just stayed ageist her own. Almost like he's letting her know he's close and he wants to be closer.Is this the first step?She takes a break in her readings to lift her phone up to take a picture of Jirou and Kaminari leaning on each other asleep, while Shinso points to them with that sly smirk. At one point Shinso takes her phone and snaps a picture of Momo and Todoroki as they stare at him with wide eyes.It's fun, and Momo can feel the sadness for her mother slowly become replaced with the warmth of her friends.She needs this trip more then she realizes.When the bus rolls to a stop, the slight jerk of the breaks wakes up any student that was sleeping or zoning out. It’s like a light switch is flipped and everyone is awake and looking out the windows in awe. Momo places her book in her bag, as does Todoroki and the teacher calls over the commotion for the students to disembark in an orderly line.By the time they exit the bus, they're stretching their stiff muscles, and cracking bones from being seated for so long."Alright students! Please make your way to the Inn for check in." The teacher calls as everyone follows to the opening of the traditional Japanese Inn."Wow! Look at this place!" Kaminari gasps in excitement, taking out his phone and snapping pictures.Inside the students wait for the teachers to finish checking in; just chatting away in their groups. Several times a few students tried to pull Todoroki away to join them but he brushes them off in his usual cold manor. Momo is currently being entertained by Shinso and Kaminari as they pose next to a stone cat while Jirou takes a picture of them.Their teacher walks up to them and Momo stands at attention, "Ma’am."She holds a key out to her, "This is for you and Jirou. I have it down that you two are sharing a room?""Yes!" Jirou pops up next to Momo, looping their arms, "Just the two of us.""Excellent, and Todoroki." The teacher turns to him with a sweet smile, "I have it down you're the only one that didn't request a room mate but-" She bows quickly, "Is it alright if Kaminari and Shinso bunk with you?""With me?" He asks in annoyance, "Why?""They joined after we put in the order for rooms and the Inn is booked up."Shinso and Kaminari pop up on either side of Todoroki, wrapping their arms around his shoulder.Shinso gives the teacher a thumbs up, "He doesn't mind!""We're friends!" Kaminari fills in, "Best friends!""That's perfect! I knew I could count on you Todoroki!" The teacher hands him the key as he watches her go helplessly."I don't want to sleep with you two." Todoroki says in his neutral tone."Well as hurtful as that sounds, you're not our type either." Shinso snatches the key and presses his cheek to Todoroki's, "Besides, we can stay up late.""Swapping manly stories!" Kaminari shouts.Jirou is laughing at Todoroki's pained face, "You guys have fun with that!""Save me." Todoroki says to Momo as she waves her hand to them."We'll meet you guys after we put our stuff up!" She says as Jirou drags her away.The girls walk together through the sparse crowd of students and find their door near the end. Once inside they both awe over the clean, neat interior of the traditional Japanese room."It's so big!" Jirou rushes in, throwing her bag onto the bed rolled out neatly on the grass matt."Shoes!" Momo reminds her and watches as Jirou takes them off while running to the window, leaving them sprawled on the floor. She shakes her head as she removes her own, changing them out for the slippers by the door. Momo picks up Jirou’s shoes and places them by the door next to her own."Check out this view!"Walking up next to her friend who's pressing her hands to the clear glass. It's true, their school picked out a lovely Inn with an incredible view of Kyoto. Which is expected since their private school is home to many students of well off parents. It makes sense that the school would want to travel in luxury since many are familiar with it already."It's lovely." Momo smiles at it as well."This trip is going to be the best!" Jirou walks backwards, flopping down on the plush bed, "Just me and you.""Yeah, like old times." Momo leans back against the glass, watching Jirou."Oh!" Jirou sits up as if remembering something, "And your boyfriend of course!"Momo feels her cheeks heat up, "My boyfriend.""Are you two alright?" Jirou cocks her head, "Lately you've seem-" She thinks of a word before continuing, "Stiff around him.""Um- well," Momo bites her lower lip as she walks to her own bed that's next to Jirou, "I guess I have been distant."Jirou sits up on her knees with dangerous eyes, "Did he try something?""No! No not at all!" Momo waves her hand quickly while shaking her head, "It's... um actually the opposite."Jirou gasps in shock, "YOU tried something?""NO!" She squeaks as her cheeks flush deeper, "Um, we haven't done anything really.""What about that kiss?" Jirou leans back into the plush mattress, "That was something.""That was also our first real kiss." Momo tries not to think about the CPR Shinso tricked her with."Was it?" Jirou's eyes widen, "Wow, and I got to see it.""Jirou," Momo groans, dropping back onto her bed, looking up at the detailed ceiling, "I'm nervous around him!""Why?" Jirou flops down on her stomach next to Momo, kicking her sock clad feet back, "It's obvious he's crazy for you. What's there to be nervous about?""How can you tell?" Momo feels her stomach flutter, "I mean what if he just- what if I'm- Argg" She grabs a pillow, shoving it onto her face, "Why is this so hard?""Yaomomo, I love you," Jirou sighs, "But you need to get some confidence! Next time you see him; grab him by his face and just kiss him.""Easy for you to say." Momo mutters into the pillow."No," Jirou lifts the pillow off Momo's face and they look at each other, "It's easy. He likes you; you like him. Every now and then you touch faces and maybe someday if he's lucky you'll let him get some." Jirou swats at Momo’s thigh."Jirou!" Momo gasps playfully as she sits up, snatching her pillow back before hitting her friend over the head with it, "Where did you learn to talk like that?""My mom!" Jirou laughs, grabbing her own pillow and smacks it against Momo's side, "She has all those raunchy books, remember?"They giggle as they hit each other a few more times with their pillows before both fall back sideways on the bed.Momo looks to Jirou, "You really think he likes me?""He'd be an idiot not to. You're gorgeous, smart, the best catch anyone can land. Besides, he wouldn’t ask you to be his girlfriend if he didn’t like you." Jirou rolls onto her side to face Momo, "Maybe he's just as nervous as you are. But I'll make you a promise.""What?"Jirou takes Momo's hand and squeezes it, "I'll get you two to kiss on this trip! I swear it!"Momo sits up quickly, her face bright red, "No! You don't have to!"Jirou releases her hand and sits up on her knees, "As your best friend, it's my job- NAY- my calling in life to get you kissed!""Your calling?""Don't ruin the moment," Jirou holds up a finger, "This'll be great! By the time this trip is over, you two won't be able to breath with how much kissing you'll be doing. You'll be all-" She drops back onto the bed hugging herself making kissy sounds, "Oh Todoroki!""Jirou!" Momo throws her pillow down on her as Jirou laughs and kicks under it."You know I'm right!"After they settle down, both girls get their bags, setting them at the foot of their bed."You're a good friend Jirou," Momo smiles at her as she takes out her toiletries and walks them to the bathroom, "I'm lucky to have you.""Of course you are! Can you imagine if you didn't? You'd be like Todoroki with those two dumb dumbs." She perks up with a smirk, "Which by the way, how do you think that's going?""Hopefully they're getting along." Momo walks from the bathroom, leaning against the door frame.Jirou stands and dusts off her hands as if she'd been doing manual labor, "Wanna walk around the Inn for a bit?"Momo pulls out the schedule all students received and looks over it, "We have four hours before dinner is served so sure! But we can't go far.""Yeah yeah. Wanna go get the guys?" She walks to the door and slides her shoes back on."Sure!" Momo does the same as Jirou before the two girls leave in search of their friends.Jirou pulled out her phone and announces that she'll contact Kaminari which Momo makes no comment on how eager she looks while texting. A minute later her phone chimes and she smiles, "They'll meet us out front."The two teen girls walk out front, passing by a few of their classmates as they also scatter around to explore the area. Momo reminds two students to not run as they speed by.They stop near a stone bench and wait. Momo texts Lei that they've arrived safely while Jirou seems to be texting quickly on her own device."Texting your parents?" Momo asks."Huh?" Jirou looks up before going back to texting, "Yeah sure."A few minutes later they hear someone shout for their attention. Kaminari is running ahead of Todoroki and Shinso.As the eccentric blonde reaches them he stops before Jirou with a glint, "Shinso and I are in!""In what?" Momo asks as Jirou slaps Kaminari's shoulder."Nothing!" Kaminari chuckles forcefully as he shakes his hands.They're joined by the other two and the group forms a small circle, "So what do you guys want to do?" Momo asks.Shinso raises a hand as if in class, "I heard from the woman at the front desk say that they have a garden at the base of the Inn. It's mostly deserted when it gets cold since no flowers bloom.""That sounds perfect!" Jirou claps her hands once, "Let's go there!"Together the teens walk over to the base of the Inn. Momo notices how Shinso, Kaminari, and Jirou cluster to the front, walking a tad bit faster. Leaving Momo and Todoroki to walk side by side. She can't help but think this is part of Jirou's intentions."Do you like your room?" The question comes at her fast and she almost asks him to repeat it before her brain catches up."Oh yeah! It's lovely. What about yours?"Todoroki looks annoyed as he shuts his eyes briefly to breath, "It's... loud."Lifting a hand that's curled around the sleeve of her sweater, she giggles behind it, "I'm sorry.""It's alright. I'm use to Shinso. Just not Shinso and Kaminari together. They can be quite-" He searches for a word before shaking his head, "Never mind.""You'll have fun. I promise. Trips with friends will create memories that'll last you forever."Todoroki smiles down at her, "Do you and Jirou go on many trips?""Yeah! We've been skiing together, the beach, horse back riding last year near the northern regions. Every single trip a precious memory for me." Momo holds her hands over her heart as she remembers all the fun times her and Jirou have together."Those sound nice." Todoroki says softly, "You're lucky to have her."Breaking out of her memory bubble, Momo bumps his shoulder playfully, "You can have memories like that too. Let's promise each other that we'll make a special memory with our friends on this trip!"Momo stops walking and holds her pinky out to Todoroki as he stops next to her, "Pinky promise?"He stares down at her pinky for a bit before reaching his own out and entwining it around her own, "I promise."Momo's done a ton of pinky promises in her time, but this is the first time her heart stopped and stomach flipped over it. She follows his hand up to his arm and eventually finds his face looking down at her own. Subconsciously she bites her lower lip and his eyes dart down to watch her do this. It just causes her stomach to flutter harder."We should catch up." He says as she breaks her pinky away from his own."Oh, Y-Yeah of course!"Together they face forward and continue to walk, though there's no signs of their friends around, "They probably went ahead to the gardens." Momo suggests as they reach the entrance.True to word, the place looks deserted, though it's still beautiful.The trees and bushes flourish on either side of the stone bath. Momo can only imagine what it looks like in spring. They stroll along the path, keeping an eye out for their friends."You think they ditched us?" Momo asks looking over her shoulder."Possibly. Kaminari was talking about a food stand at the bottom of the hill.""A food truck?" Momo stops and turns to him, "He'll spoil his dinner!"Todoroki chuckles and Momo pauses in her rant as she lowers her hands to fiddle with her skirt."You're always looking out for everyone." He says with a smile, reaching up and placing a hand on her shoulder, "Another thing I always admire about you.""Todoroki-san," Momo looks down, clutching the hem of her skirt, "I-"A strong wind blows by causing Momo to shiver a bit. Todoroki steps closer, "Cold?""Just chilly out." She looks up, feeling his heat radiating off him like a furnace, "But I guess you don't feel a thing.""I do feel something." He says and Momo feels her heart stutter."There you go again!" She feels her shoulder lift as she tries to stand tall, "Saying things so easily!""Yeah?" He cocks his head slightly, "I do?""You always do Todoroki-san.""Shouto" He reminds her and she blushes deeper."Shouto" His name rolls off her tongue softly as he smiles at hearing it."I like hearing you say my name."Momo reaches up and places a hand over her racing heart. She's positive he can hear it as clearly as she can. But he has to know what saying those kind of things does to her! He can't say them without something behind it. She's tired of thinking.She's tired of staying quiet and wondering if every word out of his mouth is him making the first move.It's her turn."Shouto?" Momo looks up with set eyes."Yes?"Inhaling deeply, Momo turns her head as she counts to five before releasing the breath, and lets out the question she's been meaning to ask for a long time."Do you... have feelings for me?"//~~~~~~~~~End Ch 19~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~~~Ch 20~~~~~~~~~~\\“He’s doing it! He’s saving all those people!” The newscaster shouts into the camera as they point it to the laughter over the damaged city.“He’s laughing!” Someone shouts behind the camera.Todoroki sits up straight as his eyes widen, “Wow!”“You see that honey?” His mom points to the TV.The laughing man smiles at the camera, “It’s fine now. Why? Because I am here.”“Who is he?” Todoroki whispers as he feels his little body practically vibrate in excitement.“He’s a hero honey. He saves people.”“A hero?” He whispers, “I wanna be a hero!” He was four when his quirk first manifested. Or at least half of it…His father was screaming again while Todoroki waits in his room like he was told.“You’re putting all those thoughts in his head! You’re poisoning him like the other failures!” Enji shouts as a slap is heard.The sounds of him hurting her were louder than any plate shattering or furniture tipping over. He remembers feeling frozen, unable to move as he clutched his blanket; silently crying. Rei came in after Enji went to bed and found her son literally frozen to the floorboards with tears frozen to his cheeks. She broke him loose and gave him a warm bath as she removed all evidence of his quirk.The next day she introduced him to Aizawa, who she called an old friend. He sat Todoroki down and explained to him that he has a quirk.“Dad says people with quirks are bad. He catches them and he wants me to catch them, but he’s bad too. I don’t want to be like dad—I don’t want to become someone who’s mean to you.” He says to his mom as she smiles down at him.He’ll never forget what she told him, “But you want to be a hero, don’t you?”“A hero?” Todoroki remembers saying that to her. Like the man that saved all those people on the TV. If he were like him, Todoroki could save his mom.“It’s okay for you to be one.” Rei smiles as she cups his cold cheeks, “I know you can.”So, he began his training with Aizawa on the weekends to hide his ice quirk under the disguise of training to someday become his father’s successor. Enji approved the training, finally satisfied that Rei supports making their child stronger. He had no idea that Todoroki actually obtained a quirk that he so hates.It wasn’t until Todoroki turned five that the other half of his quirk manifested.He could hear them in the kitchen again. Enji beating on his mother as she begged him to stop.“Please, the children are home.” Rei sobs.“How dare you tell me what to do woman!” A thunk is heard as Todoroki stands down the hall.He can stop this! He has the power to save his mom! That’s what heroes do! They save people that need help. Too long has he stood back and allowed this to happen.The child felt anger pulse through his veins; heat licking up his throat as he clenches his tiny hands into fists. He’ll teach that bad man a lesson for hurting her!Todoroki ran into the kitchen and stood in the open doorway, finding his father’s back facing him as he towers over his mother’s small frame. She’s leaning against the stove as the kettle on the flame whistles loudly. Her face is battered and hair skewed as she grips the counter next to the stove to hold herself up.The bruises across her face ignited his hatred for the man he calls father. He wants to hurt him like he hurt mom! He’ll make him go away!Flames sprouted along the left side of his head as smoke starts curling from his mouth. He charges towards his father’s back, ready to stop him at any cost.Enji’s back remains to the child, though Rei sees him; her eyes growing wide in fear as she does the only thing she can. Her hand curls around the handle of the screaming kettle.Todoroki remembers waking up in a hospital bed with bandages wrapped around his left eye. His father talking to the doctor at the end of his bed.“Good grief, this is an important time, too…” Enji says in annoyance as Todoroki sits up and both adults look to him.“W-where’s mom?” He touches his eye as memories of what happened came back to him.“She injured you, so I put her in a hospital.” He says so simply as if it were the weather they were talking about.Todoroki never felt so much guilt in all his young life. His mother had used the boiling water to hide his flames from Enji. She paid the ultimate price for his mistake.He should have listened to her and Aizawa and hid his quirk away. How could he have lost control so easily?Aizawa came to visit Todoroki when Enji went back to work. He got word about what happened and promised Todoroki he’ll take care of him. Though Todoroki only half listened as he could only focus on the pain; physical and mental. When he found out he’ll have a scar he was relieved. He deserves it for what he did to his mom. She’s locked away somewhere, away from her children and life just for protecting him.After that day, Todoroki shut himself off from the world, only focusing on his studies with Aizawa and controlling his quirk. He swore he’ll use his powers to become a hero and save people, even though he couldn’t save his mom.“God damn it!” Shinsou hisses as Todoroki yet again freezes him to the floor, “Learn some fucking variety!”A stick swats down on the purple haired kids head as he clutches it, whining. Aizawa is standing behind them with a stern look, “Watch your damn mouth.”“Make me!” Shinsou sticks his tongue out as Hizashi steps in to calm the tension.“Come on now kids! We’re all friends here!” He shouts.Todoroki scoffs, turning away, “I need a real challenge.”Shinsou fists his hands as he punches at the ice, “I’ll show you a challenge! Get me out of here and I’ll kick your damn ass!”“Enough,” Aizawa steps in, “I’ll fight you Todoroki.”“Come on Aizawa, the kids got his first day of Junior High tomorrow. Shouldn’t we call it a night?” Hizashi proceeds to help Shinsou out of his ice prison.“He thinks he’s so tough, why not?” Aizawa twirls his staff and points it to the icy hot quirk user, “I’ll knock you down a peg or two.”“Finally, a challenge,” Todoroki powers up the ice on his right side, “Come at me. Don’t hold back.”“Here we go again,” Hizashi groans loudly.It doesn’t take long for Aizawa to get Todoroki on his back; using his eraser quirk to subdue the child long enough to throw him outside the ring on his side. Todoroki tried getting back up but Aizawa struck him with his staff sending him back down again holding the side of his stomach.Todoroki looks up at his instructor as he wipes the blood from the side of his mouth, “Why’d you stop? I’m not down yet. Keep doing!”“If you’re just looking for a beating, go home. I’m here to teach you.” Aizawa shoves his hand into his pocket as he looks down onto the child he beat.When Aizawa turns his back to Todoroki the child shoots out ice, “Don’t turn away from me!”The strike comes fast to his face, he’s sent back into the table and chairs behind him, breaking them. The dust clears showing Aizawa standing in front of Hizashi and Shinsou who are watching with wide eyes. Todoroki coughs up blood as he winces and clutches his swollen cheek that hit the concrete.“We get it,” Aizawa growls, “You’re mad at the world. But let me tell you something Todoroki. Anger doesn’t solve anything. It builds nothing, but it can destroy everything. You of all people should know that.”Shame wells up in his chest as he crawls to his hands and knees and bows to his instructor, “I’m sorry Aizawa.”Why does he always fuck up?“Don’t apologize,” Aizawa walks to his side and squats down, “Just be better. Because you are better. And until you see that there’s good inside you, I can’t let you go out there as a hero.”Todoroki winces as he nods, “Yes sir.”Aizawa stands up, “I think this lesson is dismissed. Hizashi, come with me.”The two adults head over to the many monitors and police scanners by the wall to listen for any activity. Todoroki tries to stand but his stomach still hurts.“Here”Looking up he finds Shinsou holding his hand out to Todoroki with a pissed off look, “Well? Aren’t cha gonna take it?”Todoroki looks at it before accepting it and allowing the other kid to pull him up, “Jeeze you got your ass kicked again. At least I feel a bit better after seeing that.”“Shut up,” Todoroki whispers, turning away from the other quirked child.“You should get home. You start Junior High tomorrow.” He says picking up his bag from the floor.“Don’t you have class too?” Todoroki asks as he too picks up his bag.“School’s for loosers.” Shinsou scoffs and turns away, “I’ll see you here again. But be ready because I’m going to-““Beat me?” Todoroki finishes for him, causing the other child to growl and flip him off as he leaves.The next day Todoroki went to his first day of Junior High school, which honestly is like every other first day. The kids would stare at his scar; some would ask about it as he ignores them. He’s just counting down the minutes until he can return to Aizawa for more training. Nothing beyond that dojo matters to him.“I’ve assigned seats for you all for the rest of the school year. I want you to look on the board for your name and find your seat quickly.” The teacher said in their homeroom class.Todoroki found his seat to the back of the room, which is perfectly fine by him, given that it gives him a perfect vantage point should any danger rise.“Good Morning!” A voice says as he looks up from his desk to a set of cat like onyx eyes.He squints at her as she waves, giving a quick bow, “I’m your seat mate, Momo Yaoyorozu! I hope we’ll have a good year.”Todoroki blinks at her for a few seconds before looking back down and ignoring her.“Hm, alright; maybe you’re just shy!” She takes her seat next to him, taking out her school books from her bag, “My mom says never assume a shy person is weak.”That caught his attention as he looks back at her before facing forward. What a strange girl.She tries talking to him a few more times after that, though after being ignored enough times she eventually gives up and talks with the purple haired girl that sits in front of her. Good… He doesn’t need any distractions right now.A year later Todoroki finally worked up the courage to go see his mother for the first time since the accident. She was sent to this fancy hospital on the other side of town. Fu and Natsuo went when they could between college classes. They kept encouraging him to go but the guilt has been too much for him. She’s locked away because of him. What if she hates him? He ruined her life just by existing. Though it wasn’t until Fu made a comment on how lonely their mother must be. Was it better to leave her in there all alone? Or face her as the child that put her in that place?Todoroki stood outside the hospital for two hours before gaining the courage to walk in.“Name?” The nurse at the reception counter asked.“Shouto Todoroki here to see Rei Todoroki.” He holds up his school ID as she scribbles something down.“Here’s your visitor pass. She should be out in the gardens down the hall past the glass door. Visiting hours end at five.”He remembers that walk being one of the longest he’s ever taken as he spots the glass door. It’s next to a large tinted window that overlooks the lush gardens. Todoroki stops by the window and places his hand against the cold glass as his dual eyes sweep the area for her white hair.When he finds her it’s like a punch to the gut. All the memories of that horrible day came flooding back. She hadn’t aged a day; still as beautiful as ever with that kind smile plastered on as she laughs behind her tea cup. She’s sitting at an iron table with a young girl. The first thing that draws his eyes away from his mother is the girl’s uniform. It’s his junior High uniform that the females wore.He leans into the glass as he squints at the girls’ face, ‘Who is that?’It takes a moment for it to click, but when it does it’s like lightning strikes through his mind.Momo Yaoyorozu; his seat mate since the start of their time in Junior High. What’s she doing here?“Isn’t she so sweet?”Todoroki turns to find a nurse in pink scrubs refilling her cart next to the door, “Are you a class mate of hers?” She gestures to his matching uniform.“Uh,” He doesn’t know how to answer that so he quickly asks a follow up question, “What’s she doing here?”The nurse cocks her head to the side, “Mrs. Yaoyorozu’s been volunteering here since last year. She comes and sits with the residents. Though her favorite is Mrs. Rei.”Turning back to the glass he takes in how the two women talk so intimately, leaning in to one another as if sharing secrets.“I see,” He swallows the lump in his throat.So, his mother isn’t alone… She has Yaoyorozu to keep her company.“Is she good to her?” He asks softly.“Of course, she is!” The nurse says as if it’s obvious, “She’s always bringing Mrs. Rei her favorite tea and stays well past visiting hours on some days.”Good, then this means his mother doesn’t need him here. She has Yaoyorozu, an actual good person to keep her company.Todoroki turns around and makes his way back down the hall.“Hey kid, aren’t you gonna go see them?” The nurse asks.“No,” He says, ripping off the visitor badge and tossing it in the trash can.After that day, Todoroki began to truly notice Momo Yaoyorozu.He would find himself actively watching her around school. Soon, instead of counting down the minutes till he could go to the dojo; he began counting down till he could lay eyes on her again.Todoroki learned that Momo Yaoyorozu is one of the kindest souls he’s ever known. She likes to help people around school and offers to stay after class for anyone that needs her notes. Jirou is her best friend and he can always find them by Momo’s locker in the morning chattering away. In the lunch line she always leaves the last dessert plate in case anyone else wants it; even though she has a major sweet tooth. She’s always looking out for other people’s interest and safety before her own. He found out she carries a first aid kit in her locker because a first year once scuffed their knee in the hall and no one had a bandage. There’s no ulterior motive for that kind smile she gives to the other students that ignore her.She’s just a good person…Maybe that’s why he started to fall in love with her? She represents the good in humanity that he wants to protect with his quirk. Which is why he started to work ten times as hard with Aizawa to become a hero that can protect her from the evils of this world. He won’t let what happened to his mother, happen to her or anyone else like her.With that passion in mind he evolved from a child to a hero, and became Icy Hot in his second year of Junior High. He never interacted with her, only because everything he ever touches turns to ash. He wouldn’t want to hurt her so he resigns himself to watch from afar as she blossoms into a beautiful, kind, intelligent woman.Their contact though isn’t fully isolated. The few times they did speak, he could recount ever word that was said between them.Once, she dropped her pencil in class as she was flipping through her history text book, not even noticing it roll over to his foot. The quirked student picks it up and turned to her as their teacher drones on.“You dropped this.” He holds it out to her.Momo turns to blink at him with those impossibly deep onyx eyes that look from her pencil to his face. He can feel his heart squeeze as a smile slowly pulls across her face, “Thank you Todoroki-san.”When she reaches out their fingers touch and it takes every ounce of training Aizawa instilled in him to not burst into flames. He quickly lets go and faces forward, not even bothering to say anything to her as he meditates; counting back from a hundred.The next time was their following year as he walks by her locker. He notices her shoe lace is untied and he has flashes of her tripping and possibly hurting herself. The half and half student deviates from his path to his class as he walks by her.“Your shoe lace is undone.”She perks up as she looks over her shoulder because he’s gone just as quickly. Though she squats down and knots the loose lace, correcting what was wrong.After that their interactions became very limited to just that of classmates passing by or sitting next to each other in class. His thoughts about her just seemed to increase over time, not settling on just admiration but pure love.Maybe to anyone else it was crazy, given they never spoke and she probably didn’t even know he existed. After all, she’s one of the students that didn’t fawn over him when it came to light that his father is the chief of police. Part of him wishes she was one of the girls that leaves love letters on his desk or follows him around at lunch. But he’s glad she’s not because it just makes her that much more special to him.His biggest mistake was letting his guard down around Shinsou.The fucker managed to brain wash him after he mistakenly answered a question about school. His body going limp like a puppet and the purple haired teens laugh cackling like a damn witch.“Oh my god you haven’t fallen for one of these in years!” Shinsou walks before him with mirth dancing across his features, “Something got to be up! What’s got you so distracted, hu? Tell me.”“Yaoyorozu wore her hair down today… It’s pretty like that.” He finds himself saying.Shinsou’s eyes widen as his smile doubles, “Yaoyorozu? A girl? Shouto you dog! How come you never mentioned her before?”“I’m keeping her safe. Like I couldn’t do with my mom.”Shinsou’s quirk quickly drops at the mention of his mother and the teen back away, “I’m sorry dude I-“Todoroki punches Shinsou so hard it left a black mark across his eye, “Don’t ever fucking do that again!”He shakes the teen by his shirt collar, “Stay out of my mind!”“Alright,” Shinsou says as Todoroki drops him, “You know, you can talk to me about her if you want.”“What?” Todoroki picks up his bag as he pauses by the stairs.“We’re friends you big ass!” Shinsou slaps the dust from his pants as he stands up, “I shouldn’t have to hear about this chick through my powers. You should tell me about her because you want to.”Todoroki sighs, “It’s nothing.”“It is something!” Shinsou growls, “I’m your only friend and you sadly are my only friend. If you can’t talk about her to anyone else, why not me?”After a moment of silence, Todoroki scoffs and shrugs, “She’s just this girl.”“That you’re totally in love with right?”Todoroki’s silence answers him as his eyes grow wide, “No way! I was kidding! You’re actually in love with this girl? I gotta see a picture!”“I don’t have one,” Todoroki pouts.“Get one, I promise you’ll thank me later.” Shinsou thumps him on the back.The next day at school Todoroki manages to snap a picture with his phone of Momo sitting under that tree next to Jirou. It’s been his prized possession ever since, and he finds himself staring at it when he’s feeling down.If he can’t have her; at least he’ll always have this picture.At least that’s what he thought until the day of the bank robbery. Shinsou had been encouraging him to approach her for a long time now. It wasn’t until she dropped those flyers that he stepped in and finally spoke more than a sentence to her.“Ah no” Momo groans as she tries to collect the scattered fliers that littered the hall.Todoroki nearly had a heart attack when she was almost trampled by their classmates. Watching her grasp at papers franticly made him want to help.So he did.“Oh T-Todoroki-san!” She looks up at him with those beautiful eyes.He squats down and retrieves a paper, reading over the event information for the bake sale.“A bake sale?”She goes back to collecting the papers, "Yes, the student council is having a bake sale to help the school with club funding."He hums in acknowledgement, feeling his heart race at the harmonic sound of her voice. He can feel his left side growing warm as he holds the paper out to her, which she accepts. Todoroki quickly stands and proceeds to walk away before he combusts into flames, “You should get to class.”He felt so stupid for not staying to help, but he honestly felt like he couldn’t control his quirk when around her. When she made it to their homeroom class with Jirou he couldn’t stop staring at her beautiful profile as the rest of the class watched the news report from his fight last night.For some reason that bake sale kept popping into his mind for the rest of the day. Fu did say she wanted him to get more involved with school activities. Maybe if he did this she’ll get off his back about it for awhile. Which is how he yet again found himself standing before Momo asking for a flyer.“What?” She asks softly."I- um my sister likes to bake a lot. She's been wanting to participate in my school's PTA since I got here. I think she'd like to help."Momo reaches into her satchel for an extra flyer as she stands up and holds it out to him, "Yeah sure. That would be nice."He accepts the paper and looks down to it before glancing back at her, "Thanks"She awkwardly grips the handle to her bag and looks around, "Well give her my thanks if she can help out. The more the merrier. Both my moms are going to be helping out so it's cool if your sister can come too." After a moment she takes a step back, “Um, I better get going.” Before jogging back to the school since the ball already rang.That night he sat with his family around the dinner table, listening to Fu talk about her day. They father is staying late on some case so this is a rare meal where they can actually speak freely without him around.“So, I thought the item was fifty percent off, but when I went to check out it was actually ninety! I bought four!” She smiles from behind her chopsticks.“Wow, great story Fu,” Natsuo makes a snoring sound as she slaps his shoulder.“Can you make your cookies for my schools bake sale?” Todoroki blurts out, causing the dinner table to quiet down as both siblings look at him in shock. Normally Todoroki is as quiet as a church mouse so for him to not only speak up but to mention school is a big thing.“Eh, a bake sale?” Fu pauses before stars fill her eyes, “Of course baby brother! Anything for you!”“Thanks, I have a flyer in my bag.” He sips his noodles as Fu stands up and retrieves the flyer from his bag by the door and comes back.“Its for the student counsel?”“I guess” Todoroki shrugs.“Momo Yaoyorozu,” Fu reads aloud and Todoroki pauses as she tastes the name, “Why does that sound so familiar?”“Isn’t that the girl that you voted for class president?” Natsuo asks, remembering the conversation when Fu found out about class elections a year ago.Todoroki feels his face flush as he ignores his brother and slurps his noodles.“Natsuo stop teasing him.” She faces Todoroki with a sweet smile, “Of course I’ll make cookies. I’ll even come help.”“Thanks Fu”When Momo met Fu; Todoroki didn’t think he could stop his hands from sweating. Watching the two woman talk made his stomach churn.“Your sister is nice.” She says sweetly to him, holding the tray of cookies close to her chest."She's alright when you get to know her."Momo looks down to the cookies before Shouto speaks up again, "They're chocolate chip.""Oh yum, they look great! These will sell fast."“So you fight?” He recalls the sight of her punching that sign and feeling a bundle of arousal curl in his lower stomach.“Oh that? Yeah, a bit. Both my mom's think I should learn to protect myself. You know with all the things you see in the news now days. It’s nothing dazzling just a purple belt.”“What style?” He didn’t know this about her, and yet he felt greedy enough to ask more. The need to find out one more thing about her eating at his insides.“Martial Arts mostly but I’ve dabbled in kick boxing. It’s a good work out, though my teacher would be so disappointed to see me chowing down on one of these cookies.” She jokes as she holds up the dish and motions over to the table. "I better get back. Are you staying to help out?"He feels regret since he has an early morning patrol with Shinsou, but he wants nothing more than to stay with her for a minute longer, “I have plans already.”She smiles at him but he wonders if that’s disappointment in her eyes, “Okay, well stay safe.”He watches her walk to the table as his heart beats erratically in his chest. Of course he’ll stay safe, because he now wants to come back and have another conversation with her.Todoroki met up with Shinsou as the two follow up on a case of a man near the schools groping woman. He’s described as a tall man with auburn hair and wearing sunglasses. He’s grabbed two women by their breasts before making a get away when attention was drawn to him. Both teens decided to patrol the area for him.“So, judging from the look on your face; you got to talk to your Juliet.” Shinsou says as the two jump from one roof to the next.“No idea what you’re talking about.” Todoroki scoffs, keeping his eyes on the streets.“Aw come on! You said your sister is bringing cookies for your girls bake sale!”“She’s not my girl.”“Whatever. How did it go?”Todoroki pauses on the ledge of a convenient store, “It was fine… I um,” He scratches behind his head, “I found out she’s a purple belt in martial arts.”Shinsou whistles, “Sexy.”“Watch it,” Todoroki warns, “I’ll freeze your dick off.”“Aw, then we’ll both have matching blue balls,” The other teen chuckles, “Sounds fitting.”“You’re so dumb,” Todoroki jumps to the next roof.“You gonna go see her after this?” Shinsou asks following close behind.“Maybe? We are class mates?”“Alright, here’s what you’re gonna do. Buy a cookie off her.”“A cookie?” Todoroki breaths out in amusement, “That’s your solution?”“Trust me when I say supporting her cause will totally get you in her zone.” Shinsou snaps his fingers at him like a gun, “And you’ll be nibbling on her cookies soon enough.”“Wow, the fact that you’re still single will always be a mystery to me.” Todoroki deadpans at his best friend.“Yeah me too.” Shinsou sighs.Later on, after having no luck finding the guy. Todoroki changes back into his uniform as he walks back through the school gates, thinking about what Shinsou said.As usual, many students flocked to his side and tries to gain his attention with offers and comments.“Hey Todoroki some friends are going out after school to get some ice cream. You in?”“Todoroki my parents just finished installing an indoor pool. Wanna come over?”“Todoroki any comment for the school newspaper on the rise in crime around the school?”He keeps his eyes dead set ahead on his target; Momo Yaoyorozu. She’s looking back at him with a deer caught in the headlights look as she and her friend Jirou talk to each other. He stops right before her table as she blinks up at him.“Um, hi?”Todoroki looks down the table at his sister who’s waving at him before Momo draws his attention back with a question, “Did you need something?”“I’ll buy something.”With that the flood gates of students rushed forward also shouting to buy something.“If Todoroki wants it so do I!”“I’ll take five of those!”“Make mine a dozen!”Momo’s mother and Fuyumi jump to attention as they began servicing the long line of demanding students. Jirou actually ran behind the table to assist Fuyumi take the cash while Momo’s mother packaged and handed out the treats.Todoroki felt annoyance well up inside him as Momo’s attention is pulled away from him as she looks to the long line of customers. Though it’s short lived because when she turns back to him she has this amazingly beautiful smile on her lips, “Thank you Todoroki-san!”His eyes grew wide as he felt his heart speed up and his stomach flip. That smile; till the day he dies he will always treasure that smile given just to him.She goes behind the table to help serve the line, and Todoroki backs away to give them space, getting lost in the crowd as he watches from afar as most of the sweets are sold. When the bell rang he went to class but was excused by speaking to the teacher about checking on his sister. Honestly most of the teachers at this school worshiped him like the students so they would have mostly agreed even if his sister wasn’t there. He made his way to the front of the school, pausing when he noticed Momo in the distance talking to some older man. It isn’t until the man grabs her arm and jerks her closer that he realizes what’s happening.That’s the man that Todoroki and Shinsou were looking for this morning. He rushes to the scene, fully intent of killing this man if he didn’t release Momo that second.“I don’t like your attitude bitch. You’re making me feel unwanted.”“Let go you’re hurting me!” Momo hissed as she tries to jerk back but he tightens his hold on her.She reels back her hand to hit him but Todoroki reaches him first, grasping the assailants shoulder in a death like grip. He drops Momo’s arm but Todoroki doesn’t give him a chance to do anything else as he jerks him back and stands before Momo in a protective stance.“Is there a problem here?” He has to hold back his ice from frosting over his skin. He can feel cold chills leaving his breath.The guy glares at them before shaking his head, “No... no problem.”“Then get out of here.”The guy turns quickly and scuttles off campus, just shooting a single glare over his shoulder at the duo. Once gone Todoroki turns to Momo with concerned eyes.“Are you okay?” He looks her over for any injuries. He swears if he spots even a single hair out of place, he’ll hunt that guy down and shoot fire up his ass.The air is a lot colder than he meant it to be as she shivers and nods, “Yeah, I’m fine.”“Good” He tries to calm his quirk down, not even noticing how she picks up an icing covered cookie and holds it out to him.“Thank you for the help.”His eyes look to the cookie before accepting it. Their fingers brushed and she pulled away quickly, “Wow your hands are cold! Here” She holds out her hand and watches as confusion crosses his face.“Give me your hand.” She insists.After looking unsure he swaps the cookie to his other hand before handing it to her. Both her warm hands encased the icy cold skin and brought it closer to her. A thin table separates them but she just focuses on rubbing her palms around his right hand. Todoroki has been encased in walls of flames and never has he felt as hot as he does now. He can feel his cheeks turn pink as his cold hand warm up under her own. It’s over way to soon as she pulls away.“There, all better.”He mutters a thanks before looking down to the cookie and taking a bite of its sugary goodness, “This is good”“I’m glad. You didn’t get a chance to get one earlier. Which I guess is also thanks to you”“Why aren’t you in class?”“I wanted to check on my sister. Teacher said it’s alright.”She nods as they stand in silence now and she watches him finish the cookie before a call caused both of them to turn and see Momo’s mom and Todoroki’s sister walking towards them.“Should we tell them what happened?” He asks her and Momo quickly shakes her head as she lowers her voice.“No way. My mom would freak out. I don’t want to worry her.”He agrees only because he plans on hunting the guy down alter with Shinsou. After helping them move the stuff to the cafeteria she shoots a text to his friend on patrolling the neighborhood near the school for the guy later.They share a moment in the halls where she admits to knowing about him going to a dojo courtesy of Fu. Todoroki makes a comment about his father that he instantly regrets. He never wants to talk about that man to Momo ever again, but something about her just makes him want to open up and share.At lunch he gives her the energy bar because he can’t help but worry about her not eating enough. He really is helplessly devoted to caring for her even if she doesn’t know about it.After school Todoroki stands near the parking lot of the school, looking around for Shinsou. He said he was going to meet him there so they can head off to patrol the neighborhood. The hero looks up from his phone and spots Momo walking his way, though her attention seems to be on the device in her hands. She doesn’t even know she’s about to-She collides with him and stumbles back, but he would never allow her to fall. He grabs onto her wrist and steadies her as she jumps in surprise, “You alright there Yaoyorozu?”“I’m fine, thank you.”She takes a step back, and it’s only then he realizes he’s still holding her wrist as he quickly releases her and scratches the back of his head. She gives a giggle and he looks questioningly at her as she shakes her head, "Sorry to laugh, but I think I've thanked you quite a few times today."Realizing what she meant a smirk crosses his face, "You have."“Yup.”After several more seconds of silence they hear a horn and both turn to see Abalee parked on the corner of the pickup lane waving at them with a big smile. Momo’s face heats up as she takes a step back, clutching her satchel strap to her chest, "I better get going. My mom and I need to get to the bank before they close.""Sure. I'll see you later" He says watching her go.Little did he know that the next time he sees her it’ll all be different.Shinsou meets up with him as Todoroki fills him in on what happened. Together they find a secluded spot and change into their hero gear. They split up, taking opposite sides of the community, looking for this creep.It isn’t until half an hour later that Shinsou announces on their radio a call for a bank robbery near Todoroki.He instantly remembers Momo saying, ‘My mom and I need to get to the bank before they close.’“Shit!” He hisses as he takes to the sky on his ice to get there in time.His entrance could have been better, but he was running off pure adrenaline to get Yaoyorozu out of danger. When in close quarters with civilians his quirk isn’t as useful since they could also get caught up in the fire or ice. So he proceeded to do hand to hand combat with the three assailants.At one point he’s watches a metal box connect with one guys head as he doubles over in pain, “Shit!”Behind him Momo is standing with a look of determination on her beautiful face. Honestly if he hadn’t already been in love with her, this moment would have sealed the deal. She’s so brave.“Let’s get out of here!” Someone shouts, but he doesn’t care. Because one of the men grab Momo from behind and jam a gun to her temple."You fucking move a step and I'll blow her brains out!" He shouts, causing Momo to wince.Icy Hot stops and lifts his hands up, as if looking for a way around this situation. He’s distracted from the way Momo’s looking at him; fear written across her features. The same fear he would see on his mother’s face when his father came at her. He never wanted to see that look on Momo’s face. He’ll do anything to prevent her from feeling that same fear."Let her go," He growls out as a flame ignites in his left hand, going up to his elbow, "Or I'll burn you alive.""Not while I have her in my arms you won't. Keep back!"The other two used the distraction to make a run for it, pushing the bank doors open as they disappeared around the corner with the bags of stolen goods. While the other robber shouted for help in his icy coffin the other hostages were cowering in the back, holding each other."I'll give you to the count of three freak! Get out of here or I'll pull the trigger" He shouts to the hero."One" He cocks back the hammer and Todoroki shifts his stance, ready to kill this man.“Two,”Todoroki curls his right hand into a fist, about to shoot a jagged ice shard through his head.“Three.”“No!” Momo screams as her body lurches forward. Todoroki was almost scared the gun had gone off, but there was no discharge.A large construction like beam erupted from Momo’s body, pushing the man away from her, separating them as she falls forward onto her hands and knees. The robber is pinned under the heavy object; gun clattering to the side. The milky white skin of her back comes into view as he takes in her ripped school blazer and shirt fluttering down her side.What just happened?He finds himself squatting before her asking, “You have a quirk?”She seems foggy as her body waivers, “A what?” her breathing is hard, “No, I don’t.”Sirens sound as he quickly traps the man under the beam further in ice before looking back at her, "You need to get out of here before the cops come." He takes her hand and helps her stand up."I'm so tired." She whispers, as her eyes droop.Todoroki makes a split decision as he lifts her up into his arms in a bridal carry. Holding her body close to his chest like he’s always dreamed of doing; except under different circumstances.She blacks out as he takes her away from the bank and to the safety of his and Shinsou’s hide out.Once he swept her away and into his world, he knew he couldn’t ever go back to how it used to be. Try as he might to push her away, his mind and body craved having her close by. The more time he spent with her, the calmer and clearer headed he felt. She made him a better person— a better hero by just being in his life. And like an addictive drug she’s something he just couldn’t quit. So after all they’ve been through; training together, fighting together, growing closer with every walk to the dojo… the kiss. Everything that’s happened that has led up to this very moment. Her standing before him, looking as beautiful as ever."Shouto?" Momo looks up with set eyes."Yes?"Inhaling deeply, Momo briefly turns away before releasing the breath and looking up at him."Do you... have feelings for me?"
He just wanted to lean forward and answer her with a kiss that’ll last forever. To grab her by her face and whisper promises of loving her forever until she falls into him.Does he have feelings for her?Everything he is. It's all for her.So, he huffs out in amusement before opening his mouth, “Do I have feelings for you?”Momo’s face is a lovely shade of pink as he leans down to get a better look, “I-““Yo- Move your fucking elbow!” A voice hisses in the bushes next to them. Both teens look to the right to see it rustling violently.“Shut up! They’ll hear us!” Jirou’s voice sounds next.Todoroki feels a tick of annoyance as the bush erupts in a whisper fight between their three friends.“It wasn’t me! Shinsou hit me first!” Kaminari says.“I’ll hit you again you little snitch.”“Try me!”“Oh my god you’re both pretty! Shut up!” Jirou groans as Momo steps closer and leans into the bush.“I was wondering where you three went.”The rustling stops as a curse is heard, followed by Momo giggling behind her hand.Jirou busts through first, dragging Momo away, ignoring Todoroki’s longing stare. Seconds later the longe and purple hair teens follow and mirror each side of him in apology.“Sorry dude, did we ruin the mood?” Kaminari asks sadly.“Forget about it.” Todoroki shrugs, “Where did you three go so fast?”“Nowhere, let’s go. I’m starving.” Shinsou drags both teens after Momo and Jirou to get some dinner.Todoroki watches in the distance as Momo looks back at him with that same look of longing he’s giving her.Maybe he’ll tell her the next chance they have together.//~~~~~~~~~End Ch 20~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~~~Ch 21~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\Momo yawns around her hand that’s covered by the sleeve of her top.“Awe, come on! None of that. Get your game face on!” Jirou cheers from the bathroom as she brushes her purple hair.Momo lowers her hand, reaching for a hair tie, beginning the process of tying her hair up, “I wouldn’t be tired if you had just let me go to bed earlier.”Once the girls returned from dinner, Jirou proceeded to interrogate Momo about what happened- erm- didn’t happen. Even though she had been there she claims she didn’t hear a thing.‘Was he trying to kiss you?’‘Did he look like he wanted to kiss you?’‘Did you ask him to kiss you?’These questions and more were asked and repeated as Momo tried to explain nothing happened. Her friend seems hesitant to believe but she swears today will be better.“So I’m thinking you should make the first move today Yaomomo.” Jirou pokes her head out of the bathroom.Momo; who now has a hair tie in her mouth as she gathers her hair up looks at her in shock, “Me?”“Girl, long gone are the days where women sit around waiting for the man to take action. I say you grab him by his stupidly handsome face and-““Gah- Jirou!” Momo blushes, quickly tying her hair up as she smooths it down but the spikes wanna pop back up at the end.As Momo stands up Jirou gasps, “Is that what you’re wearing today?”Momo turns around as if expecting to see a stain or a tear but finding nothing but wrinkle free fabric, “Yeah. Is there something wrong with it?”“N-Nothing it’s just you’re so cute!” Jirou’s cheeks turn pink as she looks to the side, “Every guy’s gonna be checking you out for sure.”“Not every guy.” Momo winks, causing Jirou to blush harder and slam the bathroom door to hide herself.“Shut up!”Momo giggles behind her sleeve as she looks at herself in the mirror. A tight pink crop sweater and a high wasted plaid shirt; very in season and it just so happens to be new. An outfit she bought specially for this trip. Not for Todoroki-san at all! Especially not for Todoroki-san!“Damn it!” Jirou snaps as Momo looks over her shoulder at the closed door.“You alright?”“Yeah, it’s just my boot strap snapped. Shit- I don’t have another one.”Momo touches the side of her leg and gives a tug, creating a long black shoe lace with her quirk. Something small but not enough to draw attention to.“I have an extra.” Momo knocks on the door as it slides open.Jirou’s face lights up in elation as she accepts the string, “Wow, you really do pack for everything.”“You can say I’m kind of a walking suit case.” She giggles at her own joke, wondering if the guys would find it funny.Jirou comes out and plops down onto the used futon, changing out her lace, “Today is going to be the best!”Momo’s phone chirps as she looks down to it, “The guys are ready. Want to meet them out front?”“Yeah, I’m all good!” She stands up in her ripped jeans and concert tank top, “Let’s go.”Out front they catch sight of the three teens waiting patiently. Kaminari waves at them in excitement.“Come on guys! We’re burning daylight!” He points to the path.“Keep your shirt on! Jeez you have more energy than that bunny from those old commercials.” Jirou scoffs, shoving her hands into her pockets.Momo’s eyes quickly find Todoroki’s, though instead of them finding her eyes she notices how he’s looking down at her skirt. Blushing Momo stops before him and waves until his eyes scroll up to her own as he gives her a lazy smile, “Morning Todoroki-san.”Shinsou slings an arm around Todoroki and smirks at him, “Good Morning Yaomomo- did I say that right Jirou?”Jirou nods, “Perfect.”“I love saying Yaomomo. It’s like marshmallows in my cheeks.” Kaminari sighs happily.“Let’s go guys!” Jirou begins to walk as Kaminari and Shinsou catch up to her and flank either side as Momo and Todoroki take up the rear.“Did you sleep well?” Momo asks; trying not to think about how he’s yet to answer her question from last night.He groans, reaching back to bump his fist against his shoulder, “Hardly. Those two kept me up with some silly card game.”“Card?” She thinks aloud, “You don’t like cards?”“Not really. I’m more of a chess person.”“I love playing chess!” Momo’s eyes light up, “We should play sometime.”Todoroki smiles down at her softly, “I’d like that.”Momo feels her heart double in speed as she looks down to avoid him seeing her red cheeks. Maybe today won’t be so bad.“Did someone say chest?” Shinsou turns to walk backwards while smirking at them; hands shoved into his jacket pockets, “You pervert Shouto!”“I thought you said Todoroki was a leg man?” Kaminari asks aloud.“I said up until a certain point I assumed he was a leg man. At least until I saw what the legs competition was.” Shinsou nudges his head in the direction of Momo’s ample chest.“Ugh will you two knuckle heads cut it out!” Jirou grabs Kaminari and Shinsou by the collars of their jackets and jerks them ahead, “Girls don’t like it when you talk about their bodies like that!”Todoroki holds his hand up to Momo as he bows his head behind it, “My apologies for their crass behavior.”“Eh, it’s fine?” Momo blushes profusely, waving her hands up as Todoroki’s face turns pink as well.The five teens reach the outside of the city, where they collect maps from a nearby visitor stand. “What’s everyone want to do?” Momo asks aloud, holding her map open.“We should catch a show!” Kaminari points to his own map, “This place is famous for their street performers.”“There famous for a lot of things.” Jirou snaps but quickly calms down, “But yeah, I’d like to see one too.”“I wouldn’t mind seeing a shrine or two.” Shinsou speaks up.“Me too!” Momo nods, “Especially the Fushimi Inari Taisha!”“I hear it’s beautiful.”“Let’s do it!”The five friends take to the city, deciding to work from the outside and go in. They stop at two street shows and watch from the sidewalks as the performers danced and played instruments. Kaminari took pictures of their group doing everything. He said he doesn’t ever want to forget a single thing. They also stopped at nearly every food stand to buy sample platters of delicacies they wouldn’t find back home.“Oh, Shinsou what’s that?” Momo looks away from the sights of some large stone trees as Shinsou and Kaminari return from a stand with a plate of colorful treats.“Dango.” He pops one stick of them into his mouth as he hands Jirou and Kaminari their own stick before pausing at her, “Oops, I didn’t get enough. Looks like you and Todoroki will have to share.”“Nah, I’m good.” Todoroki holds a hand up to the offer.“I said,” Shinsou advances on him, nearly towering over his friend with a death stare, “You’ll have to share.”“Jeeze- fine.” Todoroki accepts the stick and looks down at it.The icy hot hero glances to her, holding up the stick, “I guess we share.”“Wouldn’t be the first time.” Momo reminds him as she thinks back to the mall when they shared that food. It’s also the same day they had their first kiss. From the way his lip quirks up she wonders if he’s thinking about that kiss too, “I’m glad we can do it again.”“Hm?” Her eyes widen as she smiles nervously. Does he mean-“The food,” He holds it out to her, “Say ah.”She obeys, opening her mouth as he places the food on her tongue. As she bites down, it feels sensual the way he’s looking at her. Like they’re doing something sinfully wrong out in public. She squeezes her legs together as she chews, “S’good.”He pops the rest in his mouth, “I’ve had better.” And glances at her with that knowing look.“Momo look!” Kaminari points to a dog that’s pushing a ball around the performing man, “It’s a dog!”She looks away, forcing herself to calm down, “So cute!”They continue on, stopping at some stores since Momo mentions bringing something home for her mom’s. The group stops in a store full of origami shape gems from a local river. Momo holds them up in excitement, “These are perfect!”Jirou nods, “Lei would love that!”“Mom too!” Momo picks up a pink quarts and a lavender crystal, both shaped like swans, “I’m getting them!”Momo walks to the register before pausing at a shelf; a glittery object catching her eye as she lifts it up. It’s a white crystal in the shape of a wilting flower. Picking it up she wonders why it’s not in full bloom as the shop owner comes over.“Can I help you with anything?” She asks sweetly.“Yes; why is this wilted like this?” Momo holds up the crystal flower as the woman’s eyes light up in excitement.“That’s a snowdrop dear. They bloom in the winter, and while they may appear wilted, they are strong and very much alive.”It reminds her of someone. Momo turns to the woman, “I’d like to buy it please.”The shop keep checks her out with the three crystals, wrapping them carefully in tissues. Jirou comes up to her, taking off her small black backpack, “You can put them in here if you want.”“You sure? I can carry them.” Momo offers as Jirou brushes her off and places them gently in her bag, “I have lots of room; besides, you’ll need your hands free with your boyfriend.”“Jirou,” Momo blushes as the shop keep smiles at them.“You’ll have to visit the shrine and ask the for a blessing on your relationship.” She says, “Make sure you pray for him to marry you.”Momo clutches her cheeks, “Ack- thank you for your assistance!” She bows before dragging Jirou out of the shop as her friend giggles at the woman’s words.“What’s so funny?” The two girls look up to see the three guys waiting out front of the shop with raised brows.“Nothing!” Momo waves them off, “Nothing at all!”“Let’s go to a shrine next!” Jirou says with a sly smirk, “So we can ask for blessings and pray.”“The one you want to go to is up the road Momo, “Shinsou points.“Lets go!” Kaminari leads the way.Half an hour later the five teens are standing before a large alter, each holding a paper prayer as they close their eyes.Shinsou’s the first to open his eyes as he peeks over at Kaminari’s, “What did you wish for?”“No peeking!” Kaminari pushes his face away from his prayer.“They’re not wishes you dolt!” Jirou growls kicking both their knees, “Now shut up! And pray!”“I’m done.” Shinsou hangs his on the branches of the tree overhead, “Let’s go.”Kaminari and Jirou both put their prayers on the tree, as Momo smiles up at them, “I’ll be a moment.”“Take your time,” Jirou walks away with the others as Kaminari asks for a photo by the shrine gate.Momo closes her eyes again and leans her prayer to her lips, putting every ounce of herself into it.‘Please let my mom wake up.’ When she cracks her eyes open she turns her head to find Todoroki looking at her with soft eyes.“Eh?”“You praying for your mom?” He asks.Momo feels her cheeks flush as she nods, “Yeah, I’m wishing for her health, and my mothers too. She’s so worried about my mom and me. I hope she doesn’t get sick.”Leaning in she kisses her prayer before hanging it up on a branch next to Jirou’s, “What did you pray for?”Todoroki reaches up and ties his next to hers, “For your mom to get better.”It’s like an arrow strikes her heart as she clutches her hands over her chest. He’s using a prayer on her mom? “T-that’s so sweet.” She whispers feeling tears come to her eyes, “Thank you.”“Don’t thank me. We all want her to get better.”“Hm?” She cocks her head in confusion as Todoroki motions to the other three prayers next to her own. Momo thought it would be rude to read the others, but now that he’s motioning to it she can read them clearly.‘Health and rejuvenation for Abalee.’‘For Momo’s mom to get better.’‘I wish Momo’s mom will wake up.’Tears bubble at the corner of her eyes, “They all used their prayers for me?”“Of course they did.” He says, as laughter is heard.Momo looks over her shoulder watching as Jirou and Shinsou play keep away with Kaminari’s wallet. Even the blonde is laughing as he tries to jump high enough to grab it.“They adore you Momo,” Todoroki comes up next to her, feeling his arm brush against her own, “We adore you.”Gasping she faces him, realizing how close they are, “Todoroki-san.”He captures her chin in his hand, “What was that?”“S-Shouto” She stammers, feeling her legs shake as her other hand clenches the fabric of her skirt, “I don’t know what to say.”He tilts her head ever so slightly, “You don’t need to.”She thinks he’s going to kiss her, but instead he releases her chin and places his hand on her lower back, directing her to their friends.“You two done already?” Jirou asks, finally handing Kaminari his wallet back.“Yeah!” Momo feels warmth fill her as she holds her arms out, “Can I just hug you all?”“Aw, of course!” Kaminari is the first to attack her in a hug, followed by Jirou and Shinsou who’s dragged in by the rocker chick. After a quick squeeze they separate and Jirou chuckles.“What was that for?”“No reason,” She pats at her cheeks to hold the tears back, “You guys ready to go?”“Yeah!” The group walks down the shrine steps and walk to the city center where a large water fountain sits in the center of the town. A woman rings the gong for the announcing of a show. “Of another show? Let’s check it out!” Kaminari heads forward, followed by Jirou.“You guys go ahead. I’ll get us drinks.” Momo points to a booth across the large space crowded with tourists.“Need help?” Todoroki asks as Momo shakes her head.“I got it, you go on. It’s getting crowded so save me a spot.” She takes out her small pink wallet from the pocket in her skirt, “I’ll be real quick.”He seems hesitant to let her go but agrees as he and Shinsou follow the other two to the growing crowd.Momo stands in line as she looks up at the menu of drinks. Would Todoroki maybe like to share a drink with her? He seems to like sharing things with her.A blush comes to her face as she giggles nervously to herself. “Children single line!” A woman calls to a group of small children rushing by, being chased by a teacher.“This place really is crowded.” Momo says to herself, looking around the heavily packed center. This must be where all the tourists come to meet up. If she stands on her tip toes she can just see the tips of Shinsou’s purple hair sticking up. They’re pretty far into the crowd watching the show. She hopes she’ll be able to get through without disturbing many people.“Next!” The cashier calls.“Me!” Momo raises her hand.Just then an explosion is heard and dust fills the air along with screams of people. Momo covers her head, coughing behind her sleeve.“What’s happening?”From the breaks in the smoke she can make out the body of a large man that landed nearby. Where did he fall from? His landing seemed to be the cause of the smoke as the road under him breaks apart.Momo can feel people push by her, looking to get out of the attack zone.The children that ran by her earlier all hug each other screaming as their teacher stands before them.Ahead of her she notices a small boy quivering on the ground crying."Mama!" He screams; people running around him not even stopping to help.Momo holds her hand out but someone reaches the child first. The guy that made the loud landing, "Good, I needed a hostage!" He scoops the child up to his chest before taking off in a strong leap over the crowd. His jump causes more dust to kick up as he makes a crater from the power behind it."No!" Momo is swept away by the crowd all looking to flee. She manages to slip into an alleyway and duck down behind a large dumpster, overflowing with trash.She has to do something. That quirked villain has a hostage.No time to find the others!Momo concentrates as she feels fabric materialize out of her skin. It's a trick she's been working on as her costume pops from her skin. She’s been practicing how fast it takes her to change into her unform so doing so is as simple as second nature. Ripping off her outer clothes, she finishes the disguise by popping on her signature black mask. The whole thing takes her seconds; as she's out in the open again, running towards a building. With the skills she learned in gymnastics Momo flips onto a vendors booth and climbs up to the roof of a store to get a view over the still stampeding crowd.No signs of Todoroki or the others, which means she's on her own."Up there!" Someone shouts in the crowd as all eyes look up to a tall clock tower where the man from earlier is standing. He has the child out in one hand over the drop, twisted around his small shirt."Look at me! I'm a freaking god!" The villain shouts as he laughs loudly, "I take what I please and kill whoever I want!""Someone call the police!" A woman screams as the man dangles the child out to the ground. His little legs kicking to try and get away."The name’s Power Move and I want a sack of money in the next three minutes or the kid dies!"More screaming is heard as people run around in search of what to do. Not being noticed yet Momo uses this to her advantage and slinks up behind the tower. Climbing the outside with metal spike wristlets she produces around her wrists. Once at the top she spots the man and the child standing on the large window ledge."Where’s my money!" His arms flex with muscle as his eyes glow a heavy gold. Basing off his powerful jump from earlier his quirk might be strength related.The little boy in his hand squirms, "Let me go!""That's the plan brat." He smirks, shaking his little body over the open space making the child cry loudly."Someone do something!""Help him!""Call the cops!"Momo acts quickly, grabbing the man by the back of his shirt and jerking him back into the tower. The child goes with him, though she catches him in her arms."Are you alright?" She smiles down at his crying face.He sniffles out a yes as she lowers him to the ground, "Go run!""What the fuck! Who are you?" Power Move stands as he glares daggers at the hero.Turning back she lifts her fists, staring down the villain, "I'm Creati! And I'm here to stop you! Surrender!""You one of them heroes?" He looks her over as his eyes begin to glow again, "I hate you righteous mother fuckers!""Such fowl language." Momo produces a staff from her leg, holding it out before her, "I'll have to teach you some manners.""Come at me bitch!"He charges her like a bull, which she dodges easily enough, spinning her staff around till it lands on his back. He curses loudly turning back, his fists squeezing tightly till his veins throb above the skin in a sickly purple, "I'll kill you!"Lucky for her he's not the smartest crayon in the box. He seems to favor brute force over actual strategy. Momo uses this to her advantage and when she gets him on his knees she jumps onto his back, wrapping her legs around his waste while placing her arms around his neck in a sleeper hold that Shinsou taught her."The fuck-" He gags when she applies pressure onto his neck. His arms try and reach back but she just squeezes harder.In a final attempt to get her off he runs backwards, slamming her into the wall. Momo feels pain vibrate through her whole body as he does this three more times, using his quirk to make the impact worse for her. The wall behind her cracks from the force. She doesn't let loose and instead pulls so hard she hears no air escaping his throat."Stay down!" She growls as he pushes her again to the wall.Yeah something defiantly broke inside of her with that last slam.But the man eventually stumbles forward onto his knees; hands up in a desperate attempt to get air. He reaches behind him and yanks at Momo's hair as she growls in pain. His yanks weaken as his hand falls away from her and to his side before toppling forward.Once she's sure he's out she releases him and rolls off his body to the side, clutching her stomach.She groans and gasps for air, feeling her insides burn like they're on fire.Sirens are heard in the distance as Momo pushes herself to her feet. Her arms are hugging her side as she stumbles to the window where she snuck in. Below she watches as a crowd of cops storm inside the lower half of the clock tower. One cop runs out holding the child she told to make a run for on the stairs. She can't take the stairs.Heaving her body up to the windowsill she manages to climb out, sliding down to the next level that's connected to a church. Crawling over the roof, Momo walks along a single plank to the next building and then three over till she finds a fire escape and lowers herself down to the alleyway. She collapses onto the ground behind a dumpster, drawing her legs up to her stomach.Everything hurts as she coughs into her arm, only to pull it away to find blood specks on her pale skin.What is she going to do? Digging into her side pouch for her phone she pulls it out to find it smashed.“Damn it!” She curses under her breath. Dark spots dance around her vision as she hugs her aching ribs. She can’t pass out here. If she does it’s all over.“Momo,” A familiar voice calls to her.Cracking her eyes open, she wonders if she blacked out or just blinked. Because squatting next to her where he just seconds ago wasn’t is Todoroki. His eyes filled with worry as his hands cup her face.“Momo, stay with me.” He begs.She would love to… but her eyelids are so heavy and staying awake to deal with this pain doesn’t sound good at the moment. Sleep sounds good; very good.“Momo,” He pulls her closer, “Stay with me.”“Take care of me Shouto,” Momo smiles around the blood she can feel slipping from her lips. She hopes he understood her mumbling because it’s all she got out before slumping into his chest.//~~~~~~~~~End Ch 21~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~~Ch 22~~~~~~~~~\\Waking up was her biggest regret after that fight."Ah!" Her hands fly to her side but a firm hand pulls it away."Don't move."Cracking open her eyes she finds Todoroki looking down at her. His eyes wide with concern as he kneels next to her. Looking around it takes her a minute to figure out where they're at."The Inn?" She winces as she takes in a shaky breath, "How-""I have my ways," He reaches out, touching the side of her face, "You're warm. You're bodies not reacting well to the injury."At the mention she winces, "How bad is it?" She honestly can't tell since her whole body hurts like hell."Couple broken ribs." He touches her hip as she grits her teeth, "Lots of bruising too.""That all?" She forces a smile through the pain, "I bet the other guy looks ten times as worse."Todoroki's eyes narrow into a glare, "What were you thinking?""That the kid needed help and no one else was doing anything.""What you did was dumb and reckless! You could have gotten killed." His voice is firm as she lifts her hands to touch at her stomach. She's wearing something over her costume and at a glance realizes it's Todoroki's jacket. Next to her lies her mask and utility belt that he must have taken off her.Her face heats up at the image of him taking off her belt while slipping on his jacket. They must have been pretty close to do that."But I didn't-" She pushes to sit up but he places a hand on her shoulder."Don't move."She turns away with a huff before noticing three bags lined up by two beds across the room. Those are the guys bags... which means. Her face turns cherry red as she snaps her head back to Todoroki, "Am I in your room?""Yeah, and my bed." He says as if stating the weather. Like this isn't a huge, ginormous deal.Momo Yaoyorozu is in Todoroki's bed! His BED! In an Inn- ALONE!Looking up at the ceiling she squeaks, holding her hands over her stomach, "Oh."A glance to the window has her brows furrowing, "How long was I out?""Just an hour. I just got you in bed when you woke up.""What about the others? Are they alright?" Momo remembers the crowd of people pushing and shoving. If one of her friends got hurt she's not sure she could forgive herself for not fighting harder to stop this."They're fine. Shinsou and Kaminari got Jirou out of there. She didn't want to leave without you-" Todoroki hums as a smile pulls at his mouth, "She's pretty loyal.""Jirou's the best." Momo says with pride."We only got her to move once I told her I'll get you.""And you found me?" She cocks her head, looking up at him. His face is a slate of concern as he keeps looking down at her stomach."I followed your trail and found you." His hand reaches out gently, touching the top of her own, "You scared me."Momo feels her heart start to pound against her chest. It's almost painful but she can't help the giddy feeling from bubbling up inside her, "I didn't mean to."Their eyes hold a long gaze that's only broken by a knock on the door. Todoroki stands quickly but relaxes when Shinsou opens it with his room key, "Just making sure everyone's decent.""Very funny," Momo tries to laugh but her ribs give a pained sting and she groans instead.Shinsou comes over, dropping down, holding a plastic bag with a grocery store logo on it, "I got your text.""And the others?" Todoroki asks."Kaminari is taking Jirou to look for you two. I told them I was coming back to check if you two got back. Jirou's freaking out man." Shinsou motions with his chin to Momo's utility belt, "Might want to call her."Momo reaches for her belt but Todoroki beats her to it as he pulls it closer, sliding her phone from one of the pockets, "Here"Their fingers brush together as she takes it.Hitting Jirou's saved number in her favorites, it rang for a split second before the rocker chick picks up."Momo you better have been tongue deep in Todoroki's mouth because that's the only reasonable explanation you didn't call me!" Her words have a tag of humor but her voice is filled with worry. Momo instantly feels guilty for causing her any stress. Blushing she looks up at the two teens kneeling over her. They obviously heard Jirou's words because Todoroki is looking away with pink cheeks while Shinsou is wagging his brow at him."I'm sorry Jirou, things just kind of got out of hand!" Momo gives a nervous laugh but winces when it moves her ribs."You alright?" Jirou seems to sense the halt in her laugh."I'm fine! I swear. I got swept away with the crowd and I was trying to help guide any of our classmates away from the scene. I'm so sorry I worried you." Her voice evens out as the lie rolls off her tongue.Silence meets her as she hears Kaminari on the other side ask Jirou to hurry."Are you alright?" Momo asks, biting her bottom lip nervously, "You're not hurt?""I'm fine. Shinsou, Kami and I got away. Todoroki said he'd find you.""Yeah, he's here with me actually." Momo tries to ignore the dual eyes burning down onto her pink face. She turns her head to face Shinsou."Oh good, I'm glad you two found each other. Did he come in like a big brave knight on his shining steed."Why is the volume on her phone so loud?Looking up at Shinsou, he's holding the back of his hand over his mouth. She didn't even have the courage to look at Todoroki as she squeezes her eyes shut."You're reading to much of your mom's romance collection. But I need to go.""Alright, where are you? We'll meet up-""No!" Momo says quickly, wincing as the pain shoots over her side, "No um- I'm-" Looking away she covers the receiver with her hand, whispering, "I'm hoping to spend some time with- um... you know.""Ohhh! I get it! Sure thing. You go rock his world girl!""Jirou-u" Momo groans out her name as her friend laughs."Just kidding- not really- love you byyyeee!" With that her bestie hangs up her phone leaving Momo to press the cool glass to her cheek."Soooo should I leave you two alone or-" Shinsou says behind his knowing eyes."No!" "Shut up!" Both Momo and Todoroki snap simultaneously, causing the purple haired teen to break out into laughter at their flushed faces.Momo lifts the covers to the bridge of her nose to try and hide her embarrassment as Shinsou calms down and pulls out some medical supplies from his convenient store bag, "Alright, what's the diagnosis?""Couple broken ribs," Todoroki answers, "She just woke up before you got here."Shinsou seems to know when to be serious as he takes out some bandages, "Momo what's your pain level. Scale from one to ten; ten being insufferable.""Um, about a seven when I move.""Yeah, broken ribs are a bitch to handle. We'll have to get you to Recovery girl asap." Shinsou lifts the side of the blanket, touching Momo's bruised stomach gently.She winces away as he brushes Todoroki's jacket aside, "Recover girl? The one who healed you?" Momo looks up at Todoroki who's watching Shinsou's hand carefully.Shinsou looks up at Todoroki, "Mind giving the girl some privacy?"Todoroki scoffs as he turns around, "I'm not leaving.""Fine, Romeo. Momo, I need to bandage your chest.Momo blushes as Shinsou helps her sit up. The pain is unbearable as she squeezes her eyes shut."I don't have any strong pain medicine to make this better but I can use my quirk to help you numb it. Sound good?" He places an arm behind her shoulders to keep her up.Momo groans, "Yeah, anything to-" Her body suddenly goes limp as she sags forward. Shinsou's other arm is already across her chest holding her up.What's going on?Momo feels like the lights are on but no one's home. Her body feels like a puppet and Shinsou's holding the strings.A voice is speaking to her and somewhere deep inside her mind she had the urge- no, the need to do whatever he asks of her. No matter what it is, she'll do it."Every time your body feels pain, you won't focus on it. You won't feel it." His smooth voice fills her body. Is this what everyone feels when he takes hold of her mind. It literally feels like his hands are dipping into her brain and playing her like a musical instrument. Plucking all the right chords in order to make any sound he wishes."You done yet?" She hears Todoroki's voice ask through the fog of her mind. Things start to come into focus as she blinks away the haze."Still need to wrap her. Momo, I need to take off your top.""The hell you do!" Todoroki snaps."Oh, I'm sorry, would you like to wrap her stomach?"Silence it met as Shinsou scoffs, "Yeah, that's what I thought. Now turn your ass around before I put you under too.""Like to see you try." The Icy Hot hero says firmly but he turns around.Momo touches her head, "That was weird.""Yeah, when I get into someone's mind I always leave a good impression." Shinsou says with pride as he touches the hidden zipper behind her neck, "Now, ready?"Blushing, Momo nods, allowing him to pull it down to her mid back."Damn, Shouto, how does it feel knowing I got to do this before you." Shinsou jokes to break the tension."If you want to know how it feels, I'm happy to show you." Todoroki holds up his left hand as bits of fire dance around his finger tips.Shinsou chuckles, "No thank you."Momo covers her chest with her hands as she sits in a flustered mess.Shinsou wraps her carefully yet with a precise movement to show he's done this before. He's very gentle and his eyes know when to dart away as she helps him place the bandages. It's over with minimal discomfort as she feels a pressure in her side but no pain like before. Shinsou's quirk really is a powerful force to be dealt with.Once done he gently places her back down, lifting the covers up to her stomach. There's white bandages wrapped around her chest and stomach down to her belly button. They're tight, and rightfully so to keep her from bending or moving to much. Her uniform sat crumpled up to the side as she lays there under the blanket in nothing but bandages. Momo squeezes her legs together as she nervously contemplates making some clothes.Shinsou must have announced he was done because Todoroki's back at her side, looking over the bandages as if looking for any flaws. Momo feels her stomach burning under his gaze.The mind wielding teen collects the trash and leans back, "Alright, you need lots of rest. So that means no strenuous activity you two." His smirk is back as Todoroki mutters for him to shut up."I better get going." He stands."Where are you going?" Momo asks quickly, clutching the blanket in her sweaty fists."To find Jirou and Kami. Need to keep the illusion that you two are together. I'll keep her busy and off your trail. But I just want to say…" His eyes dart to the side, "I thought you were pretty cool up there. Fighting that guy."Hearing praise from a pro-hero fills Momo with something she can only describe as pure joy, "Really?""Yeah, but Shouto's gonna kick my ass for saying it." With a quick pat to the top of Momo's head, he turns, "I'm out. You two play nice."Once the door shuts Momo can feel the space around them closing in. The silence is too thick and deafening as she searches for something to say."His quirk is pretty strong. I hardly feel a thing." Momo touches her bandages gently."Yeah, though it'll wear off in about an hour. I can have him back later to help again."Momo's mind goes back to how completely and utterly naked she is under the blanket as she looks to the side, "Um, I-""Do you see now what I mean about being a hero? The dangers that come with the glory?" His asks."Eh?" Momo looks back to the hero next to her, "Todoroki-san, you know I couldn't just stand back and let him hurt that kid. I'm sure you weren't going to just stand there and watch."Silence meets her as he looks to the side, "Ever since I let you into my world, you've only gotten hurt."Her eyes widen as she watches the pain shadow over his eyes, "I want to regret letting you in but-""No!" Momo sits up, feeling a pressure in the back of her mind as Shinsou's quirk fights off the pain, "Don't ever regret letting me in To- Shouto." She catches herself with his name."I've kept you at an arms length for so long. If I had just kept you out of this, you wouldn't get hurt so often."Even under Shinsou's quirk, she feels pain in her chest at hearing him say this. Tears prickle at the corner of her eyes, "I don't regret anything."He looks at her as she leans into him, touching his hands on the tatami mat, "You helped me when I needed someone the most. I might not even be here if you hadn't been at the bank."Todoroki turns away in shame, "I couldn't save your mom.""Neither could I. But you saved me."He looks down at her hand over his own and back at her, "I'll always save you."Momo smiles up at him, "You know you have to stop talking like that.""Like what?" A smile curves at his own mouth.Are they getting closer or is Momo just feeling dizzy?She looks down at her hand as his own sneaks out from under it to lace his fingers through her own, "I think you know what.""Do you?"Momo feels her heart going a mile a minute. She wasn't even this pumped up when she was fighting that villain. Something about Todoroki makes her want to crawl into his lap and stay there forever.Momo's phone chimes, breaking their bubble as she turns away, picking up the device."It's a message from my mom." Momo taps at the screen as Todoroki leans back onto his hands, just watching her."Apparently the school sent out notice of the attack to let them know we're all alright." Momo types across the screen to assure her mom that she's fine, "She worries.""You know, you can't just pop up as Creati anywhere and not expect people to connect the dots?"Momo looks up at him over her phone as she clicks send, "I know.""Thankfully you're still a new mask so the media might not look into it too much." He picks up her discarded mask and back at her, "You need to be smart about this.""You're right. I wasn't thinking." Momo sets her phone to the side, "I just saw that kid and he looked so scared.""I know, and as stupid as it was for you to do what you did... it was brave."That catches her attention as she looks up at him with wide eyes, "Brave?""A wise man once told me that a heroes body moves before their mind. You didn't think to consider your own well being or safety when you jumped to help that kid. It was just natural.""It was." Now that he mentions it, yeah, it was just instinct that she fell into saving mode. It felt like something took over her body and pushed her.His lazy smile came back, "You really are a hero Momo."She doesn't realize she's crying until his hand reaches up; thumb brushing the wet trails across her cheek."I am..." Momo whispers as a giant smile pulls across her face, "I'm a hero!"Even with a few broken ribs and sever bruising muted by the quirk of a mind controlling teen, Momo feels laughter bubble up her throat.Todoroki's hand frame her face as he admires her laughter. Momo squints up at him past the tears and she could swear that look in his eyes is nothing but pure unconditional-
He quickly pinches her cheeks and pulls gently as she stops laughing. His eyebrow twitches, "But don't let me catch you doing something so reckless again."With her cheeks pulled out his look is now pure unconditional annoyance as he releases her, "Now get some rest. Stop sitting up."She can't stop smiling as she lays back, pulling her blanket up to her chin, "Alright."For the rest of the day Momo was in and out of sleep from some pain pills Shinsou brought earlier. His quirk faded and she was left in pain, holding her side, trying not to cry.
Todoroki offered to get Shinsou back but Momo told him it's fine. She didn't want to seem weak in his eyes. She made the decision to get into a fight with a quirked villain so she must take her consequences.The day was mostly over before the fight so when the sun had set, Todoroki offers to go get her food. Momo declines, not even fathoming getting any food down with this pain.
Eventually though with enough help she manages to get some sleep through the night. Only waking when the pain got to be to much for her. The whole time though, Todoroki sat by her side. Sometimes he was on his phone when she blinked her eyes open, while other times he was staring at her. Either way he didn't sleep at all that she knows of.When she finally wakes up to the sound of birds chirping and water. Blinking open her sleep muddled mind she focuses on her surroundings. The water sound is actually a shower. Todoroki isn't anywhere to be seen so she assumes he's the one behind the wall.Looking to her right she notices the other two beds still in the same state as yesterday.Did Kami and Shinsou not return? Where did they sleep?Wait... SHE SLEPT HERE!Sitting up, Momo chokes on her pain as she clutches the blanket to her chest, quivering in pain. Reaching next to her Momo picks up her phone to see several missed messages from Jirou.The first few were updates on how her progress with Todoroki was going. After that Jirou wishes her luck on taking the next steps as a woman."Next steps... as a woman?" Momo squints and re-reads the line before going wide and gasping at the sheer thought of what Jirou is insinuating.Does she think Momo had sex with Todoroki?The creationist feels like her face is ready to pop with how much blood is rushing to it.Great! How is she suppose to explain this to her now? First it's the whole boyfriend girlfriend thing and now-Momo doesn't think she has the poke face to act as if she's done it before. Jirou would sense her lie a mile away. Especially when she asks for details! What would she say?'Oh yeah he... stuck it to me good?''I totally let him... do it?''We fucked?'"Ack!" Momo grabs onto her blushing face as she shakes her head, "I can't do it!""Can't do what?"Looking up she notices the door to the bathroom had clicked open, allowing steam to pour out around Todoroki's body. He's standing there in just dark jeans; running a towel through his damp hair."Oh my-" Momo looks down to his well tone body. She's seen it plenty of times but it never gets old, "Um""How are you feeling?" He crouches down next to her, resting the towel over his bare shoulders.The actual thought of Todoroki and her... going through with-"Fine!" She squeaks, "Never better.""Considering the broken ribs?" He smiles down as his hand reaches out to feel her forehead, "You're not warm but your face is red.""Nothing- it's nothing." Momo shakes her head, causing his hand to fall off as he stands up and walks over to his suitcase."Um, where are the others?" She clutches the blanket to her chest as she leans forward, watching him.Todoroki pulls out a shirt, slipping it on. Momo had never thought of a shirt being simply pulled on as sexy. But Todoroki really made a show of it. His muscles stretching up as the fabric falls over his skin.She's so tantalized by his body that she didn't hear his answer. It isn't until he looks over his shoulder at her that she realizes what she's doing."Oh- what?"A knowing smile comes to his face as he leans his back against the wall, "Were you checking me out?""Pfft, me? No! I would never!" Momo waves her hand at him as she looks away, "A ladies eyes never wander."He huffs out a chuckle before shrugging, "Like I was saying, the others crashed in Jirou's room."With that said a thought occurs to her as she covers her mouth while looking to him with suspicion, "You didn't get a peak did you?" She holds the blanket closer.Todoroki sputters as his left eye twitches. Momo gasps in dramatic shock, "You did!""No! I would never!""Denial isn't just a river in Egypt." She says as a giggle bubbles through.He huffs as he squats down next to her, "The buses are loading up soon. We should get there first so no one can see how hurt you are.""Oh um... my clothes?""I already texted Shinsou. He'll be here with something."Momo's cheeks pinked, "He better not go through my underwear."A knock sounds at the door. Todoroki goes to answer it as Momo snuggles down into her blanket."I bring goodies for the honeymoon couple." Shinsou glides past Todoroki with Momo's suitcase.Shinsou sets it next to Momo as he takes Todoroki's original spot squatting next to her, "How are you feeling?""I've been better." Momo smiles as she suddenly feels the same puppet like hands grip onto her mind and her pain eases away, "Thanks Shinsou.""Eh, don't mention it." He looks over his shoulder at Todoroki, "I assume you both had an eventful night?""I slept." Momo says as she digs around her bag that she pulled into her lap.Shinsou snickers behind his hand, "Wow, the mighty Todoroki putting ladies to sleep. How depressing.""Shut it." Todoroki pushes Shinsou's and Kami's bags at the purple haired teen, "Just get going.""Fine, but Jirou's asking questions. Might have to-" He taps his head, "Wipe her clean.""No!" Momo says loudly causing both men to look at her."Don't use your quirk on Jirou. She doesn't deserve that." Momo clutches her bunched up clothes to her chest, "Promise me Shinsou!"With a groan the teen nods, "Fine, you answer her million questions about your first time. I'm done fielding them."The doors slams behind the dramatic mind master leaving Todoroki to stare at Momo with a raised brow, "First time?"Momo's eyebrow twitches as she holds up her clothes, "I need a minute."He thankfully gives her a chance to change in private. Momo wishes she could take a nice hot back but her time and movement is limited. She manages to change into a lumpy school hoodie she packed just in case it got cold at night and her pajamas needed layering. The jeans were harder to slip on but she managed just fine with the help of Shinsou's quirk.Together the two teens collected their stuff while Todoroki checked the halls. The buses aren't suppose to be loaded for another hour so most of their classmates should still be asleep or just waking up."Lean on me," Todoroki wraps an arm around her side."I can manage," Momo feels a pressure on her ribs as she gives in to lean against him."You might not feel the pain but you can't risk any further injury to your body." He pulls her closer, "Just let me carry you."He goes to pick her up but Momo places a hand on his chest, "No, we can do this."He's annoyed at her stopping him but accepts it as they walk out to the buses parked out back. Once inside they take their same seats in the far back, except Momo has the window seat. Todoroki had said something about stability. Once she's seated, she looks at Todoroki as he stores their bags under their seats."What do we do now?" Momo asks, "We still have an hour.""Hmm" Todoroki drops down, looking at her as he crosses his arms, "I wanted to go over tactics with you earlier but you seemed sleepy.""Tactics?" Momo cocks her head."With your fight. How did you take him down?""Oh!" Momo got excited as she began to recount her heroic rescue of the child and taking down that villain. Todoroki seemed very interested, hanging off her every word. He even inputted a few times to make suggestions.The hour flew by as the door hissed open and the driver steps in."Wow! You kids must be ready to go home!" He says with a chuckle as he takes his drivers seat. After that several students began to pour into the bus. Many giving glances at Momo and Todoroki.It isn't until Momo spots three teens walking towards the bus. Two playfully shoving each other while the third shakes her head in solace.When they climb the stairs of the bus Momo locks eyes with her best friend. A silent conversation transverses between them as she approaches.'Did you do it?' Jirou's eyes beg for an answer.Momo's face heats up like a cherry as a wide smile breaks across Jirou's face, 'You did!'Stopping before their seat Jirou crosses her arms, "Don't you two look snug."Momo feels herself wanting to slide down as she leans back and forces a smile, "Morning Jirou."Jirou looks to Todoroki while leaning down to get to eye level with him, "Take care of my girl Todo."Todoroki gives his impassive look, cocking his head slightly, "It's what I've been doing haven't I?""Alright stop blocking the isle! Some of us want to sit down." Shinsou pipes up, poking Jirou with his finger as she makes an attempt to bite it. The quirked teen reels his finger back in disgust, "Savage."The three teens take the long seat behind the couple. Kaminari offering to share his morning snacks with them."You pocketed a bagel?" Shinsou asks incredulously."My hands were full so, yeah." Kaminari says unabashed as he rips off a piece. Shinsou's shock fades as he breaks off a side and proceeds to eat it."Who's the savage now?" Jirou sneers in disgust as she puts in her headphones."Still you." Shinsou takes another piece of the offered food.The class gets on the road right on schedule, as the metal cab is filled with students talking loudly about the villain attack yesterday."Did you see it?""No we were in a show when it happened.""I saw it!""No you didn't.""Yes I did- shut up!""I heard the villain took a hostage.""I heard he threatened to-"The bus gives a bump, jostling the students. To anyone else it wasn't even noticed, but Momo bit the inside of her cheek so hard she could taste blood. Shinsou's quirk already wearing off as the pain floods her insides.An arm loops around her side as she looks over to Todoroki. He's holding her in place; eyes shining with concern."It's a long ride." His voice soothes her stress.Momo forces a smile as she nods, "I can bare it.""I can get Shinsou." He whispers."No, no I can do this." Momo leans her head back on the seat to stare up at the metal roof of the bus. Momo briefly wonders if this is the kind if pain her mom felt when he was shot. The doctors did say the bullet broke a rib when it shot through her. Placing a hand on her injured side she closes her eyes and tries to put herself in her mother place."Don't." Todoroki whispers in the shell of her ear.Opening her eyes she turns her face slightly towards him so his nose brushes along her cheek, "What?""Don't focus on the pain. Focus on your strength." He says softly holding such power behind his words. Briefly the phrase sounds familiar as if she's heard it before."Who taught you that?" Momo smiles sadly, "Aizawa?""My mom."Momo fears if she moves or blinks he'll take it back. Because Todoroki doesn't talk about his mom. She's like this mystery wrapped in Todoroki's mystery. To unravel one is to be stuck with another knot. She wants him to continue but she doesn't want to push.His eyes soften as he looks forward. Momo waits, wishing he would open up to her, but maybe it's too much to ask right now."She was taken away from me when I was a kid."She inhales sharply when he looks back at her, "After my accident.""Your-" Her words fall short when her eyes dart to the burn around his eye, "Oh""Yeah, it was my fault, but she-" Todoroki seems to be struggling for what to say, "She had to do it.""Todoroki-san" Momo knows he's doing this to take her mind off her pain. To distract her from the moment at hand. And it's working, but she doesn't want to cause him pain to spare her own, "Thank you."He cocks his head slightly, "I didn't do anything."Momo leans her head on his shoulder, "Yes, you did."For the rest of the ride Momo sits in pain. Several times Shinsou tries to come over but Jirou insists he leave the happy couple alone. Momo knows she means well and just wants Momo to be happy.She manages to fall asleep; or maybe she blacked out from the constant bumps the bus kept hitting. The point is when she was gently shaken awake by Todoroki she finds the bus nearly empty."We're back." He says and Momo can feel relief wash over her as the pain stabs at her sides.Jirou stands from her seat and bends at the waist to look at them, "Yaomomo wanna come over for dinner? Your Mom's busy right?"Momo nods up at her, "She got called to China last night but um-""I'm taking her out tonight. Sorry" Todoroki speaks up."Oh?" Jirou and Momo say simultaneously.Todoroki nods, "It was going to be a surprise but I thought-""No- no you two go!" Jirou stands, "But call me the second you get home!" She winks to Momo.Jirou turns to the two teens waiting on Momo and Todoroki as she loops her arms around both their own, "You two have the pleasure of walking me home.""That's a pleasure?" Shinsou scoffs as she drags them down the bus isle."Let me help." Todoroki stands, picking up their bags."No, no I got it." Momo follows his motions and stands but a lot slower. Her walk down the bus isle is coupled by his hands hovering over her, ready to catch her.Most of their classmates had already disembarked to the private cars waiting outside for them. So when they finally got off they find the open parking lot pretty clear. Even the teachers are walking to their cars, excited to get home."So you're taking me out?" Momo tries a jab at humor but winces when her laugh stabs at her ribs."Of course I am." Todoroki holds up his phone, "I got a ride for us and everything.""A ride?" Just as she says that a purple car pulls up with shiny black rims.The black tinted windows roll down to reveal Hizashi in his black leather jacket and pointy sunglasses."Hey kids! I hear someone needs a ride to see my main gal?" His boisterous voice shouts as he finger guns at them.Todoroki opens the back door, assisting Momo in as he slides in next to her, helping her with the seatbelt."Your first real injury as a pro-hero! I'm so proud!" Hizashi wipes a dramatic tear away, "I remember when Todoroki was first taken to see Recovery girl. He-""Drive." Todoroki says quickly."Sheesh!" Hitashi turns around and pulls out of the parking lot, "Someone's grumpy.""He's just anxious." Momo offers sweetly, "Thank you for driving us.""No problem-o chicky pie! Anything for a fellow mask! Aizawa sends his love.""But, does he?" Todoroki raise an impassive brow."Of course, he does! You guys are like his kids! Speaking of which-" He looks to them in the review mirror, "He may give you the disappointed father talk about masking up on a school trip.""I figured." Momo sighs, leaning her head back, "Hopefully he won't ground me.""Nahhh- maybe" Hizashi makes a careful turn as Momo watches the city fly by them."You alright?" Todoroki asks softly."Better than in the bus." She feels sweat dot her forehead from the pain, "Way better than the bus.""It won't be far! I already called and Recovery girls waiting for us at her place. Just sit back and relax! Gold ol' Present Mic is gonna take care of you two!" He presses down on the gas to speed up the process.Momo looks back up at the sun high in the sky. It'll be setting soon... Her mom is alone at the hospital. Lei had no choice but to leave for work, but she figured Momo would be there. First thing tomorrow morning, Momo promises to visit before school.The drive doesn't take long as they pull up to a traditional looking home with a gate and camera mounted on the top."Here we are!" Their driver announces before his phone goes off and he answers with excitement, "Talk to the DJ!" He shouts.As Todoroki helps Momo out of the car, he rolls down the drivers side window and leans out, "Sorry kids, that was Emi. Gotta mask up. You good to-"Todoroki holds up a hand, "We got it from here. Thanks.""Rock on!" He throws a peace sign up as he speeds off."Emi?" Momo cocks her head to him."Ms. Joke." Todoroki fills in as Momo's eyes light up, "And yes... she is as funny as she appears on TV."With that said the teens turn to the closed gate and look up at the camera pointing down at them. Before Todoroki can press the button to the side, the gates buzz, opening slowly. They walk up the small driveway to the door as it cracks open.Momo wasn't sure what she was expecting, but as her eyes travel down to a small, elderly woman she knows this wasn't it.The woman looks at Momo until her squinting eyes look over to Todoroki's arms holding her up, "Hizashi wasn't kidding when he mentioned this.""Hm?" Both teens hum in confusion as she shakes her head, stepping aside."Nothing, nothing! Come in. I'm all set up for her."Todoroki helps Momo into the home as she takes in the light decorations."This way" The older woman shuts the front door before scuttling around them to lead the way. They follow until they reach the end of the hall where a painting sits of some European woman holding a medical staff.She reaches up, tilting the painting far to the side as the wall clicks open like a door."A secret room?" Momo perks up at the idea."Of course. You don't think I'd treat my patients out in the open like this?" She steps aside ushering them in.Once inside Momo finds herself going from a home setting to a surgical room. The walls and floor are all tile with a large metal table in the center. On the far left are cabinets and a sink while the right has a few machines cluttered in the corner."Get her up on the table." The woman closes the secret door with a click.Once up, Momo watches the elderly doctor approach, "Now that were safely tucked away. I'm Doctor Shuzenji, also knows as Recovery Girl in my finer days.""It's a pleasure to meet you." Momo bows her head, smiling through the pain, "Thank you for seeing me so late in the day.""Such a polite girl." Recovery girl smiles as she climbs the small steps next to the table on the other side of Todoroki, "You other heroes can learn a thing or two from her. Especially that smart mouth mind controlling kid."Momo chuckles as she winces against the movement."Don't move dear, let me see." She lifts Momo's loose hoodie to take in the bandages, "Todoroki hand me the surgical scissors."Todoroki grabs them quickly, handing them to her as she makes fast work of the bandages and opens it up. The bruising around her stomach has darkened to a deep purple. Momo looks straight up at Todoroki as he takes in all the skin his eyes can.Momo blushes as she turns away when Recovery girl speaks, "You're right. They're broken. No signs of any internal bleeding which is good. You're a lucky girl.""I don't feel so lucky." Momo groans as the doctor presses down on her sides."Rarely people do. But it could be worse." She leans down, "I'll start the healing process now."Momo has no idea what's going on as she looks back to Todoroki who's looking away with an uncomfortable grimace on his face, "Todoro-EEK!" Momo lets out a squeal as Recovery Girl presses a kiss to her ribs.Of all the methods of healing someone, Momo can honestly say she was NOT expecting that!Half an hour later Momo is sitting up, rotating her upper body left to right, testing the bones."Wow! I feel so much better!" She whispers lifting her arms up.Recovery Girl nods, "I haven't used my quirk much so all my energy has been saving up. You're completely healed. Not a scratch on you."Momo lifts her shirt to see nothing but milky white skin as she runs her fingers over it in wonder.'This is amazing,' She thinks to herself as she wonders the possibilities this quirk could have for others. Like her mother...But she can't ask that of Recovery Girl. To risk her safety just so Momo's mom can wake up. If only Momo had a quirk like her, she could be useful to people. She could be a real hero and save people like her mother."I'll pack you some tea leafs with plenty of supplements." The elderly hero leaves before Momo can accept or decline. Leaving the two students in her surgical room."This place is amazing- she's amazing." Momo says to fill the silence, "Not sure what I’d do without her.""She's a staple to the hero community. Without her we would have lost a lot of our own." Todoroki nods with his arms crossed."I see," Momo stands from the table and walks over to a wall of framed diplomas, "Have you been here a lot? For injuries?"Looking over her shoulder at him she notices the thoughtful look cross his face as he shrugs, "Enough times."Momo hums looking back to the wall of achievements and accolades."Let's go find Recovery Girl" Todoroki says as Momo follows him from the surgical room back into the home. He turns the corners as if he knows this place better than his own. None of the walls hold any personal items like family photos or anything that indicates her social life. They come to an open kitchen that smells of cooked rice. The doctor is scooping some blue petals into a small pouch. She doesn't at all look surprised that they followed as she slides it over to Momo."Once before bed should replenish your body of the sufficient energy you used today. Besides that you're a healthy teenager." She walks to the rice cooker and checks the temperature."Thank you so much for all your help." Momo slides the small pouch into her pocket, "You have a lovely home.""Ah, thank you dear. It's four walls and a roof but it does me just fine.""Do you live here with anyone?" The teen asks, curious as to how the doctor lives with her quirk."No, I've dedicated my professional life to learning medicine and my spare time to the hero community. No time to raise a family when you have bloody vigilantes coming and going at all hours of the night." She doesn't seem at all sad but Momo can't imagine having no family."I see." Momo bows, "Sorry for asking-""Not at all. I chose this life and I've saves a lot of lives. How can I regret that?" Recovery girl smiles sweetly up at her.Momo feels dizzy as she sways into the counter, holding the marble top to steady herself. Instantly Todoroki's hands are on her shoulders, holding her if she should fall, "I'm sorry- I don't know what came over me.""My quirk speeds up the healing process in your body. Though it is my quirk, your body is the one using the energy to heal itself. It's natural you're exhausted." She turns to Todoroki, "You should get her home to rest."Todoroki nods as he motions for Momo to go first. Before leaving Momo looks at Recovery Girl and bows, "Thank you again. Would it be alright if I came back for a visit? A non medical visit of course."The doctor looks surprised but a smile spreads across her face as she nods, "I would enjoy that."Once outside, Todoroki offers to call them a cab but Momo insists she can walk."The chilled air will do me some good."With that said they walk across town back towards Momo's home. The teen texts her mom to let her know she's fine and is almost home. Her mothers response is just as quick, welcoming her home and telling her she'll be home as soon as the trips over. Placing her phone back into her pocket Momo glances at Todoroki as they near the opening of her neighborhood."Should you let your family know you're back?" Momo asks.Todoroki shrugs, "They know I'm coming back today. I'll show up when I show up."Momo can't imagine how lonely that must feel to not want to text his family. Even if Lei hadn't asked Momo to reach out to her, Momo would have done so on her own. She likes talking with her mothers.By the time they reach her home the sun has already started to set, casting the sky in light pinks and oranges. Momo smiles as she takes her hidden key from under the third stone. Her house keys are in her bag that they left in Present mic's car."Would you like to come in?" Momo motions with her head to the open door, "We haven't eaten all day. I can make us something.""I'd like that." Todoroki follows Momo into her home.It doesn't strike Momo that they're alone until they're standing in her open kitchen. It shouldn't bother her because they've been together this whole trip. There wasn't a single moment that Momo doesn't remember being with him. But her cheeks turn pink as she takes down some bread, "I'm not much of a cook, so would sandwiches do?""Sure." His voice is neutral like always.Momo gets to work making them some simple sandwiches as Todoroki grabs two water bottles from the fridge. As they stand around the marble island Momo tries to find something to talk about while making their meals"So, um- besides the whole villain attack. Did you have fun?" Todoroki is the first to speak, startling Momo."Oh! Yeah, it was fun. I especially enjoyed the shrine visit." Momo slices the tomatoes.Her eyes widen as a memory strikes her, "But what about you?""Me?" Todoroki sets down his water bottle."I promised that I'd help you make a special memory with our friends. I hope I didn't ruin it." Momo feels guilt start to fill her.Not only did she take Todoroki away from his friends, but she made him watch her all night and take care of her all day. This was suppose to be a relaxing trip and she had to go and get hurt. He must be so annoyed with her."You could never ruin anything." Todoroki sounds amuses as Momo looks up from the sandwich she's making."But we still had half the day to do things. You spent all your time taking care of me.""I don't consider time with you, time wasted."Her stomach flips as she looks up into those beautiful dual eyes.'Do you... have feelings for me?' Momo had asked him at the start of their class trip.He never answered her. But would he now if she asked again? Does she have the courage to ask again?Momo's phone chimes and she places the knife down to see it's from Jirou. Her friend is asking what Todoroki and her are doing. Momo can only wonder how on edge Jirou is with questions about her first time."Something wrong?" Todoroki asks, looking over her shoulder."Oh, no it's Jirou. She's just-" Momo places the phone face down on the marble, "She's just wondering what we're doing.""What are you going to tell her?"She feels his arm brush up against her own as she tries to keep her eyes down, "I don't know. What should I say?"The question resonates some kind of courage as she looks up into his own eyes, "What are we doing Shouto?"The icy hot hero takes a step closer causing Momo to turn her back to the counter and face him. Her hearts beating ten times faster then when she fought any villain. The familiarity of his space is welcoming and terrifying as he knocking a foot between her own, slightly spreading her legs to accompany his own. One hand on the counter while the other reaches up to brush aside a stray hair that had fallen in the middle of her face. The act itself sending her pulse into a speed she's not sure her body can keep up with as her lip quirks up."What do you want me to do?" His voice in her ears sends her into a tizzy of emotions.Being around him is like having each of her nerves turn into a live wire. Her body like an electrical circuit with him as a power source. Everything he does; she reacts to.His nose brushes against her own as his lips hover above hers as if tempting her to finish the distance."You scare me Momo." His words puff against her skin as her tongue peeks out to swipe across her lower lip before her teeth lightly bite down on it.His hand cups the side of her face and she can't help but lean into it, "Ever since I found you. I've been afraid of loosing you.""In the alley way?" Momo asks softly."No," His body leans closer, "I've been denying myself of you long enough. I could have lost you yesterday. So there's no more time for this.""This?""Ask me again."Momo opens her mouth to try and find the right words to say. What does he want her to ask?"Shou-""Ask me again how I feel." He tightens his hold on the back of her neck. It sends a tingle of pleasure down her spine as she leans into him.Inhaling deeply, Momo releases her breath with her question, "Do you have feelings-"She doesn't even get to finish before he's kissing her and she's returning it with just as much fever. His hands both holding her face while her own grip the fabric of his shirt at his side. In some ways Momo's happy this isn't their first kiss because their first kiss had been innocent and pure. The power behind his one feels like it's fueled by passion and lust as he picks her up; placing her bottom on the counter. She can't remember if they started with tongues or if it slowly progressed. Hell, she doesn't know if they've been kissing for ten seconds or ten minutes. All she can focus on is the way his tongue slides across her own as his pelvis presses between her spread legs.Momo spreads her legs wider to welcome more of him as their chests press together. He grabs her thighs and drags her to the very edge of the counter so their bodies line up.
It's like catching lighting in a bottle. There’s no way this feeling is real or possible to achieve by simply pressing two bodies together. More touches, more skin, more rubbing. No matter how much he gives, she wants more.She moans into the kiss as he pulls away before attacking her neck with a love bite that sends a jolt down to her lower stomach. He bits again and again, litigating between sucks and nips."Do you need to ask me again?" He whispers against her abused flesh, kissing the red mark he's creating.The words tip her over the edge as she pulls his mouth back to her own and continues their kissing. Maybe it's because she doesn't know what to say back, or maybe her body's just selfish as it seeks out more pleasure. Either way she knows he won't be mad if she doesn’t answer because they both know.Shouto Todoroki has feelings for her and he's kissing her like she's going to die any second. But Momo doesn't plan on dying anytime soon. She's not done kissing him yet…//~~~~~~~~~End Ch 22~~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~Ch 23~~~~~~~~~~~\\The distant sound of phones ringing and the chatter of his fellow officers outside the closed off office is enough to nearly send the Chief into a rage.Not only is his youngest son ignoring his calls about when he'll be home from that pointless school trip. But also he's reach a deadlock on the Yaoyorozu case that the mayor handed to him personally. Apparently the Yaoyorozu's are an affluent family so when one of them is affected in any way, they have friends in very high places to fall back into.'I personally expect results in apprehending the assailants that did this horrible crime.' The mayor had said with strict hints at what'll happen if he doesn't.Can't he see that there are bigger cases to focus on?Looking up from his messy desk, Chief Todoroki glares at his wall of newspaper and magazine articles on every quirked vigilantly in his city. Many just candid photo's taken by citizens on their phones. But the headlines above all read different names.'Who is All Might?''EraserHead Saves the Day Again!''Ms. Joke Catches Diamond Thief!''Icy Hot Menace or Hero?'The wall is covered in articles like this, all tacked up with yellow string going from one photo to the next. Theories upon theories connecting each other to individual heroes and who they could possibly be.He reads over the bank robbery file for the hundredth time as he rubs his eyes with an annoyed sigh.All the witnesses recounted different stories, and without any footage from the scene, he has little to go on. Some say there were six robbers, while another said they were half man half alien. A teller reports seeing nothing since she was under her desk the whole time. He sent a sketch artist to anyone who might have caught a glimpse of any faces. But all he got back were masked men with different features.'One had a scar over his eye!''I swear one had a hook for a hand!''He was British!'Many just recounting how Icy Hot broke in to save the day. Though most of them had their heads down to avoid gunfire none could tell what happened afterwards.The problem with cold cases is in the name itself. The leads go cold and witnesses start to forget the more they talk about it. The only report that's stayed consistent is the old woman.Sliding her statement from the top of the file he looks over it again. She's been interviewed three times by himself and two other detectives and every time her story is the same.~~~~~3 Months Ago~~~~Endeavor sits in the private office set up to interview witnesses. He'd just gotten done interviewing thirteen worthless eye witnesses that wasted two hours of his time."How many more are there?" He growls to the officer holding the door open."Um, just one. Mrs. Sejiki.""Bring her in."An elderly woman shuffled in holding her large wicker purse close to her chest as she takes in the room. Not bothering with introductions he gets right into it."So, Mrs. Sejiki, go over in great detail your experience of the day in question." He holds his file up so she can't get a look at any of his notes."Well, it was sunny outside I think," She looks up in thought, "Weatherman said it would rain but who trusts him anyways? I had an English muffin and-""Not your whole day," Endeavor sighs in annoyance, "Just when you got to the bank.""Oh, well be more specific sonny." She chides."I went to the bank to visit my safety deposit box. Just like I do once a month to make sure everything's in order.""Uh-Huh" The chief groans in annoyance."I was second to last in line, a young school girl was behind me.""School girl?" Endeavor sits up straight as he opens his file of witnesses. None of them had been younger than 25, "What school girl?""I don't know, I hardly got a look at her but she was so brave. When those horrible people came in she helped me.""What happened when the robbers came in?""Well, she came to my side and we were told to empty all our valuables into the bag he was coming around with.” She sounded shaken as the memory came to surface and she places an old hand on her neck, “He took my purse but then he saw my necklace.” “Yes, the one you reported stolen.” Endeavor scoffs as if it were merely plastic, “A locket?”Ms. Sejiki narrows her eyes at him in offence, “It was the last gift my husband gave me before he passed. Pure gold with red diamonds around the locket door. It has a picture of him inside it from the war.”“Right;” Endeavor sighs in boredom, “And the girl that was with you. She give anything specific?”“She didn’t get a chance because she told the man to leave me alone.” The elderly woman smiles for the first time since coming in, “Can you believe the courage she had doing that? A young girl standing up to a man with a gun. I would love to thank her for trying to help me.”The chief narrows his eyes at her, wondering if she’s lying. There’s no reports of this girl or any mentions of a student, “What happened next?”“One of the brutes was giving her a hard time so she kicked him right in the face!” Sejiki says in excitement as she giggles behind a wrinkles hand, “She showed him a thing or two.”Endeavors eyes widened, “Really?”“Oh yes, she seemed quite fit actually. A girl like that doesn’t come around so often. She reminds me of my great great grandmother-““Can we stay focused?” Endeavor stops her, not caring that her frown returned at his rudeness, “What happened to this girl?”“Well,” She looks up in thought, “That young hero-““Vigilante?” The chief interrupts again as she glares at him.“As I was saying,” She leans forward with a curt smile, “The young HERO, Icy Hot- I believe that’s his name. He came in from out of no where and guns started going off everywhere. The young lady helped me to the ground safely and told me to stay down.”“Did you see anything after that?” He knows once the gunfire started, many witnesses kept their head down in fear of being shot.“I saw the girl bean one of the robbers. She got him right in the back of his head!” The elderly woman seemed excited at the memory of getting back at those crooks, “But then one of the robbers stood over me and took her hostage. I was to scared to look so I kept my head down.” She seemed so ashamed of this, “I should have done something to help the poor girl.”“What happened to her?” Endeavor leans in, eyes reading the woman’s body language for any false info, “Where did this brave girl go?”The elderly woman presses her lips together in a firm line as she looks off to the side; seemingly unsure if she should keep talking. This pissed Endeavor off as he slams a hand on the table, “Ms. Sejiki, if you have any information on the whereabouts of this girl-““He took her.” She blurts out.“What?” Looking up at him she nods once, “The icy hot hero took her. I heard the gun man counting down till he shot her.” Her eyes watered, “I didn’t want to see it so I kept my eyes closed. How horrible is that? She tried to help me and I was just going to turn my head away. I’m ashamed…”“He took her?” Endeavor stands, his chair clattering behind him, “Where? How? Why?”“I don’t know. All I heard after he counted to three was a crash and whispers. Something about a quirk.”Endeavor could feel his pulse racing. Did this case have anything to do with the identity of Icy Hot? Could this mysterious school girl be the key to finding him after all these years? And if so would he lead Endeavor to the others? EraserHead? Present Mic? All Might?“When I looked back, up I saw the girl in his arms and her backpack around his shoulder. He left with her. And that’s it.” She says finally.“Would you be able to provide the sketch artist with a drawing of this student? Or identity what she was wearing?”“I don’t think so.” The woman frowns, “My eyes aren’t what they use to be… I couldn’t tell a five yen from a ten yen if it were in my hands. But I do know she was wearing a school uniform. Couldn’t be older then high school if I had to take a guess.”The chief growls, “Tell me the story again.”~~~~~~Present Day~~~~~~Endeavor drops the file and rubs at his sore eyes. He asked about this mystery student to the other witnesses but no one recalls seeing her. It could be that the woman is bat shit crazy or possibly the only viable witness to what happened.But the questions just grew from there.Why did Icy Hot feel the need to take a random high school girl from the scene of a crime? Did she know him? Could it be he didn’t want her to leak his identity so he got rid of her? What if she was a quirk user as well and was just caught off guard without a mask? They did find one of the robbers pinned under a metal beam. Not really a calling card for Icy Hot or any other hero. How did it aget there?All he knew was if he found this girl; many if not all his questions could be answered.Groaning he looks to his phone to see no response from his youngest son, “Why must he disobey my every word?”Anger gets the best of him as he slams down his fist onto the cluttered desk, striking the remote on the muted TV in the corner, raising the volume back to normal levels.“Reports are flooding in on the appearance of the new quirked heroine Creati in Kyoto. Where she effortlessly saved the life of young Tamu who I have here with me.” The reporter is in the hospital standing next to the bed of a young child smiling up at her, “Tell us young Tamu, how was it being saved by Creati?”She lowers the mic to the child as he grasps onto it, “She’s so pretty! And- and she saved me from that bad man! I love her!”The reporter giggles as Endeavor grunts in annoyance. Don’t these people know quirk users aren’t some cute heroes. They’re a menace and would destroy all the non-users if they had the chance. Endeavor hates these people with every fiber of his being. He worked so hard to get through the police academy; top of his classes in everything. He was the youngest to ever make chief and solved hundreds if not thousands of cases in his time on the force. But does he get recognized as the cities number one hero? No… They look up to their precious quirked vigilantes for help. None of them went through the training he had to endure. He worked twice as hard with no quirk of his own to get him where he is! Does anyone care? Not even his own son respects him.But he’ll make them all see. That the creatures possessing these quirks aren’t to be praised but feared and repulsed. He’ll find out all their identities and send them away to the quirk prison.Endeavor doesn’t need their help to protect his city. He can do it all on his own as number one.The reporter gently takes back her mic and exits the hospital room with a smile to the child and the camera follows, “Very few injures stemmed from the attack today in Kyoto square. The city officials said if not for the assistance of Creati the damage would have been ten folds. Considering a private high school was nearby on a field trip. It’s a miracle no one was hurt. This is reporter Kimi Tasha with your late evening news. Back to you Baoi.”The screen chanced back to the home office where a different reporter changes the story but Endeavor isn’t paying attention.“Local high school?” He grunts, looking down to his phone. His son was on a high school trip this weekend.‘a young school girl was behind me.’ Sejiki’s words ring in his mind as he stands up and walks to a large map of the city. He has pins on the location of the bank but follows with his finger to the nearby high schools around it.There were three high schools within driving distance of the bank. One of them being his sons school which was the closest.“High school students.” He mutters rubbing his chin, “What are the odds?”“Officer Minko!” He shouts loudly.Within seconds the door is opened by a fumbling officer, saluting him while holding a bundle of loose papers, “Y-yes sir?”“Get me a file on all the students that went on the Kyoto trip from my son’s school. NOW!” He growls out and the man jumps in fear as he nods.“Right away sir!”Once the door closes, Endeavor looks back to the wall of newspaper clippings and string, “I’ll find you Creati… And you’ll lead me to the others.”//~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\Monday morning comes fast as Momo stands at the crosswalk down the street from her house. She looks up at the blinking red man telling her to wait as she bites her lower lip.Her mind isn’t quite on anything present at the moment.She’s currently thinking back to last night how Todoroki kissed her until she went insane. When he kisses her she could go from top of her class to a stuttering idiot that can’t even remember her own name. After they kissed for an unknown amount of time, Todoroki got a call from his sister and he had to go. He gave her several goodbye kisses as she walked him to her door, leaving with a final one that had her pressed up to the front of her door. He left without them talking any further on what this meant for their relationship.Momo looks up at the now green man with dreamy like eyes, just blinking up at the sign; not computing what it means.“Dude, do you think she’s brain dead?” “Shut up. Yaomomo, Earth to Yaomomo!”Blinking away her dream like thoughts, Momo looks down from the walk sign to two familiar faces of Kaminari and Shinsou staring at her.“Oh! Good morning guys!” Momo gives a quick bow of her head as they look from her to each other in confusion.“You alright there girl?” Kaminari steps forward and feels her head, “Did recovery girl take care of you?”“Shut up you dummy!” Shinsou bumps the blonde on the head, “Any louder and we might as well announce ourselves to the evening news crew.”“Sorry,” Kaminari mutters in announce, rubbing the new bump of his head.“It’s alright.” Momo holds her hands up, “I’m all better! Actually I’m more then better.”“Oh?” Shinsou’s eyes narrow as a smirk falls into place, “Care to share with the class what you mean by that?”Momo’s cheeks turn bright red as she shakes her head, “I’m good.”“I bet you are.” Shinsou whispers something to Kaminari as the blonde blushes and giggles behind his hand.“I bet they did.” He says as the purple haired teen chuckles along with him.“You two are so childish!” Momo lifts her head but her face still remains a deep red, “We’ll be late if we don’t hurry.”“Hey, you’re the one daydreaming about you boyfriend!” Kaminari makes a kissy face while Shinsou covers his mouth with the back of his hand to hide his smile.The rest of the walk to school was paired with a lot of teasing on the guys account which Momo tried to ignore. When they got to school, everyone is talking actively about the villain attack on the trip. The younger students begging for the hot gossip on Creati and if anyone saw her. Momo tries to ignore the way Shinsou and Kaminari give her supportive thumbs up at all the positive news.“They love you!” Kaminari whispers.“Yaomomo!” All heads turn to see Jirou rushing to her side, stopping to grab her hand, “I’ve been calling you all night! What’s the deal?”Jirou seems personally offended by the silence as Momo blushes harder, “I’m sorry Jirou- I- um”“I need the details on what happened!” Jirou whispers the last part, “Come on!”“I promise I’ll tell you everything soon enough just not here!” Momo turns away to her locker and the group pauses as they spot Todoroki leaning next to Momo’s locker with bored eyes looking ahead.It’s as if he knew she was nearby as his head turns lazily towards her. Momo instantly feels like she’s back in her kitchen being pushed onto the counter as he presses himself against her. She can taste his tongue on her own and feel the same pulsating ache between her legs as she presses her legs together.Not wanting to seem strange, Momo walks forward while their friends follow, “Good Morning Todoroki-san.”She was expecting a neutral good morning like always; maybe even a smile. What she wasn’t expecting was him reaching out to take her hand and stepping closer as he places a soft kiss on her cheek. “Morning Yaoyorozu.” He says with that special smile she’s starting to feel is just for her.Her cheeks flame up as if she’s transforming into a tomato. Eyes from around the hall watch and take in the scene. Some whispering while others continue on with their day, excited for new gossip.Momo looks over her shoulder to her friends to see all three are smiling like the cat that ate the canary. Facing her ‘boyfriend’ again Momo coughs softly, “Um… uh- well…” Should she mention yesterday? Would he be expecting it? Would it be rude to ignore it?The first warning bell rang overhead, freeing her from this internal decision as he looks up and back to her, “I’ll see you in class.”He releases her hand and heads down the hall as Shinsou and Kaminari jog to catch up to him, all the while giving Momo thumbs up and a wink at their display of affection.She feels a hand on her arm and looks to her side to see Jirou smiling, “You alright? Never seen him so public about you two before.”Momo quickly nods, “Yeah! I’m fine! All is good! Why wouldn’t it be?”“Let’s go before you combust.” Jirou pulls Momo to class as the quirked hero tries to gain control of the blood rushing to her face.It wasn’t just that interaction that was different for Todoroki. All day he made it his business to shower Momo with attention. Glances in class, smiles when their eyes met and of course walking her to classes. At lunch he sat so close to her by the tree that their arms touched and she could only focus on how warn he feels in the chilled air.As the final bell rang releasing them for the day, Momo is cornered by her locker by her best friend.“Alright! I think I’ve been patient long enough!!! Come on!” Jirou shakes Momo’s arm, “I need to hear the details!” She drops Momo’s arm and offers a big smile, “Let’s do homework at my parents café. I’ll buy you dinner.”“Um.. I have plans.” Momo bit out, “I need to go to the hospital to see my mom.”“Oh! I can come! I’ll do my homework while-“ “No,” Momo turns to her, “I need to talk to the doctors there. But I promise you Jirou I’ll tell you everything in due time. Can you be patient with me?” Momo gives her best friend those big cat like eyes.Jirou pouts but gives a nod, “Fine! But promise me you’ll call when you get home. I’d love to go over my history essay if you have some time.”Momo gives a firm nod, “Of course Jirou. I’ll see you later!”The two teens part ways but not before Jirou casts a concerned look over her shoulder at her best friend.Momo makes a stop at the hospital to see her mom, though it’s short lived since she’s back at the secret dojo getting a chewing out from her teacher Aizawa.“Irresponsible, a deliberate violation of trust, completely idiotic!” He paces before Momo as she stands there in her hero gear while Kaminari is being twisted like a pretzel by Present Mic.“Sir, I promise you have no idea how bad I feel about what I did but I had to do it.” Momo places her hands on her hips as her masked face looks to her teacher, “It was a child.”“There will always be someone in danger but you have to consider-““But a heroes body moves before their mind can catch up to it.” She says softly, watching as Aizawa’s eyes widen a bit.“Who told you that?” “Doesn’t matter…. It’s true.” She sighs, touching the edge of her mask, “I would do it again if it meant that kid was safe. I’ll be more careful about my identity but I just want you to know I don’t regret it.”Aizawa stares at Momo before huffing and turning away, “Don’t you have patrol to get to?”Relief floods her as she feels her shoulder deflate, “Thank you Aizawa.”“But just know your next training with me is going to be tripled. You can’t expect to not get away scot free.” He turns back to Kaminari who’s being pinned to the mat by a smiling DJ.With that said Momo leaves through the roof as she begins her patrol of the city. Given her pent up energy, she finds fighting bad guys the perfect way to let out her worries and troubles. Within three hours of her patrol she manages to stop a mugging, saves a woman from being hit by a run away truck that she stops with a handy help from her quirk.She’s currently sitting along the edge of a water tower on top of an apartment building, looking out over the city. A chill runs up her exposed leg as she wonders if she should talk to Aizawa about a costume addition since winter is coming around the corner. Maybe she can ask for a cape?“Already taking a break?”Momo looks behind her and feels her heart stutter in her rib cage as the hero Icy Hot lands on the edge of the water tower. He walks to her side and takes a seat on the metal grate. Momo instantly feels his warmth radiating out to her, warming her to her toes and ears. A smile curls on her lips as she leans back onto her hands, “We all can’t be as vigilant as you are Icy Hot.”His mouth curves upwards as he takes in her costume, “You cold?”Maybe it’s the bravery she gets when she places on the mask, but Momo leans into his arm, pressing them together, “Not anymore.”She feels his hand cover her own on the metal flooring they sat on, “Good.”Momo’s not sure what to do since her mind is yet again turning back to their kiss the previous night. It’s obvious now how he feels about her and Momo can’t help but feel overly excited by the idea of him liking her. Never in her life has she felt this way about anyone! A boy has always been a boy in her eyes, until she truly looked at Todoroki. No way is he easily comparable to any other male in his species. She glances at him from the corner of her eyes and takes in the slope of his nose, leading down to the same lips that forever imprinted his mark on. Momo bites down on her lower lip as she pushes her legs together in hopes of stopping the phantom ache that’s returning from last nights actions. How can simply thinking of him touching her cause these feelings to pulse through her. Just seconds ago she’d been cold, but now her body feels as though it’s heating up. Reaching up she cups the side of her neck to cool the feverish skin with her free cold hand.“I hope you don’t mind me being forward with you today.” Todoroki turns to her. The ice around his mask hiding his identity, “I couldn’t help myself.”“I didn’t mind,” Creati whispers, “In fact… I might have liked it.”“Might have?” He asks with a questionable tone.Giggling to herself she leans further into him, placing her head on his shoulder, “I’m new to all this. Honestly I’ve never had a boyfriend or even a kiss outside our first one.”He seems to consider that as she feels his cheek rest on the top of her head, moving slightly back and forth as if nuzzling the feel of her soft hair, “Mhm”Biting her lower lip, Momo inhales through her nose before releasing it, “I have so many questions. Frankly it’s embarrassing how many.”“Ask as many as you need. I’ll answer.” Looking off to the side she blurts out the first one that has been plaguing her since she first thought he might be interested, “Why me?”“Why not you?” He asks as she feels the warmth he’s radiating reach down to her exposed legs, “Is there more to that question or-“ He pauses for her to continue if there is more.“Well-“ She feels her skin blushing; glad they’re not eye to eye right now and instead are just staring out at the city, “We never spoke before any of this. I barely knew you. I didn’t even think I was on your radar.”“You were always on my radar Momo.” The way he says her name sends a shiver up her spine.“But why? What’s so special about me that made you-“ She pauses knowing he understands what she means by their kiss.Todoroki is silent for some time and briefly Momo worries she might have talked him out of this. That is until she felt his hand tighten around her own, “Have you ever been underwater, for a really long time?”This interests her as she turns her head, leaning away from him, causing the two to finally face each other, “What?”Todoroki seems to be struggling for words, “Underwater. Your body is telling you to breath but your mind knows there’s no air if you open your mouth; so you struggle.”She just watches him look out to the city with such sad eyes, “That was me every day. Struggling- fighting to breath but my mind telling me I couldn’t. I had to keep fighting to hold my breath if I wanted to stay alive. Until-“ He looks over to her and Momo feels the air in her lugs freeze over, “Until you.”“What did I do?” She whispers nervously, trying to recall a time where she might have done something.His head cocks to the side as he smiles, “You helped me breath.”Not knowing what to say she just offers her own smile, “I’m glad.”She didn’t realize until now that they’re leaning into each other as she glances down to his mouth and back up. Every inch of him is carved from sunlight and tempered steel; fierce, bright and so handsome. Momo can’t help but be drawn in by the warmth he radiates, “I- I don’t know how to answer your feelings.”He doesn’t seem to mind as he rests his forehead against her own, “Waiting isn’t hard for me. But holding back is the difficult part.” His hand reaches up; fingers brushing the underside of her chin, “I can wait, but would you mind if I-“ Todoroki pauses as Momo revels in the feeling of his hot breath on her mouth. He’s so close to kissing her again and she just wants him to stop teasing her.“Would it be alright if I kept being forward?” She sighs into the cold air, “I would like that.”And they kissed, on the railing of a rusted water tower that overlooked their city. Momo can honestly say she’s never felt more alive than right at this moment.//~~~~~~~~~End Ch 23~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~Ch 24~~~~~~~~\\Momo doesn't ever recall the clock in the library being so loud. She looks up from her book that she's been re-reading the same sentence over and over for the past half hour with no success at retaining it, to glance at the time. They still had ten minutes of study hall before the bell would signal them for their next class.Moving her cat like eyes over her book, she peeks at the mass or purple hair hiding behind its own thick book. She's also been staring at Hitoshi, mainly because tonight's his turn to sit watch on one of the thugs that hurt her mom.It's been almost a week since they got back from their school trip and since then things have settled back into a repetition from before. The guys all take turns watching the apartment, collecting any info they can on the thug.They've also continued to shelter her from any information on said criminal. Aizawa and Todoroki seem to have made the decision so no matter how much Momo begs they won't provide her with any info.Hitoshi lets out a loud sigh as he lowers his book to gaze back at her with those tired eyes, "You're staring again."She leans forward, keeping her voice low, "Give me an address."He closes his eyes before shutting the book, not even bothering to mark his place, "You know I can't.""Since when do you and rules get along?" Momo tries to get the info with flattery."Yaomomo," He leans forward, looking around to make sure no one is listening. Jirou is doing a tutoring session in the other room with Denki while Todoroki speaks with the teacher in the back. When he's sure they're not being eaves dropped on he continues, "We're getting closer to getting this guy. Just be patient with us."Momo feels her brows curve down, "Why wait? Can't you just brain wash him into confessing?"Hitoshi sighs, leaning his chin into his arms, "If I could do that with every criminal and crook, don't you think I would?" He shrugs, "Imagine a line of bad guys coming out of the police station, all admitting to crimes they can't prove? That won't hold up well in court." He closes his eyes as if he's going to fall asleep any second, "We'll get him, don't worry."Momo honestly hates when people tell her not to worry. It just makes her worry more as she leans down to mimic his posture by resting her own chin in her folded arms, "You're going tonight right?"He hums in acknowledgement, "You're not coming."Momo pouts, though she knows why they're doing this. They don't want her to be overcome with the need for avenging her mother. Todoroki made it perfectly clear he plans on taking this guy out for her.A blush crosses her cheeks as she thinks about her now boyfriend.Boyfriend... it's such a weird word. Like it doesn't quite fit with how she feels for him but it'll have to do for now. It's not like she can call him anything else without coming across as a crazy female with needy hormones.The past week they've done very little beyond making out, hand holding, and the occasional hug. Momo feels Todoroki need to be exposed to more hugs. She's considering asking him to come with her to visit her mom. He hasn't seen her since the bake sale, and it would mean a lot to her if he sat with her while she spoke to her mom.Lei came home last night but it was just to change her suitcase out for warmer clothes since she's flying to Switzerland for the week for a conference.Glancing up at Hitoshi she smiles, "My mom's out of town again. Want to crash in the guest room?"His eyes remain closed but she can just make out the corner of his mouth rising, "Still not telling you anything.""S'fine," Momo hums closing her eyes, "I like having another person in the house. Makes me feel less lonely."Even with her eyes closed she can feel his stare on her face. Maybe she was being a little to forward with him, but it's the truth. With her home being as empty as it is, Momo likes knowing Hitoshi is just a wall away sleeping if she needs anything. Also, she thinks he likes having a bed instead of that lumpy couch at the secret base."Fine, I'll be around a little after three in the morning." He says softly."I'll make us breakfast.""No thanks, I'll do the cooking." He chuckles under his breath as she joins him."What's so funny?"Both teens open their eyes to find Todoroki standing at the head of the table. He looks between them as if trying to figure out what could be so funny when they look like they're about to fall asleep.This just causes them to laugh more as he takes the open seat next to Momo and mutters about how weird they are.The bell rings several minutes later releasing them to the halls. Momo feels Todoroki take her hand as they interlace their fingers together. At some point he just gave up on caring if people saw and flaunted their relationship for the world to see. The school was shocked at first, but Momo's new relationship status doesn't seem to improve her popularity. She’s still ignored, but in a more public sense if that makes any sense at all.When school is released for the day the couple walks down the stairs with their small group of friends following."I have a shift that starts in five, so I gotta go. See ya!" Jirou dashes off with a snap of her fingers."I have a session with Aizawa." Denki groans, "My body is not ready.""Come on, I'll walk you to your doom." Hitoshi pulls at the blonde’s jacket as they leave the couple with limited goodbyes.Todoroki looks to Momo with that soft face he always gives her, "You have patrol tonight?"She feels his hand squeeze her own, "Want any company?"Momo's cheeks warm up as she pictures how their last patrol went. It ended with them making out in a dark alley way behind a dumpster. For some reason Todoroki seems to have trouble not touching her when they're alone. She brushes her hair behind her ear with a nod, "I do, um sure. If you can behave yourself.""I can promise you I'll try, but that's as far as my will power goes." He says with a light tone to his voice.She feels her heart squeeze, pulling him to walk down the school pathway with her to the gate, "I was actually thinking of visiting my mom before patrol."His own expression changes as he nods once, "Alright. I can pick you up later.""Actually..." Momo pauses at the gate, turning to make sure no one is listening, "I was thinking you could come with me." She clears her throat, "To the hospital."Todoroki's eyes widen a fraction of an inch before he looks down to their entwined hands, "I don't know."Her heart squeezes while she leans in, "I just want you to see her.""You don't want me hanging around with your mom. I'm not good company in hospitals." His voice trails off."Please, Todoroki-san." She bites her lip before whispering, "Shouto?"She knows when she says his first name it's hard for him to say no to her."Maybe next time." He pulls his hand away, "I'll see you later."With that said he turns around, walking towards the dojo that Hitoshi and Denki had left towards just moments ago.Momo watches him leave as she hugs her still warm hand to her chest."Wow, did you see that?" A girl walks by whispering while some giggle, "He totally ditched her.""Probably getting bored of her already. I heard he's only with her for the sex.""Any girl can spread their legs for a guy. It takes a woman to hold his interest past that."The small gaggle of girls scuttle away whispering under their breaths as Momo tries to hold back her disappointment from showing. Instead she grasps onto her bag and begins her walk to the hospital.The visit was nice enough; as she informs her mother about her plans tonight and how she's actually sad that Todoroki didn't come with her to see her mom. The visit was short, but she leaves with a quick kiss to her head and a promise to come back soon.Instead of walking home Momo headed to the theater where she found Todoroki waiting outside against the boarded up ticket booth. She can feel the earlier disappointment fill her throat as she forces a smile.The way he looks at her with such adoration as she draws closer makes her want to combust. Now that she knows his feelings she realizes he's always looked at her like this. It makes her feel special. But not special enough that he could come with her to visit her sick mother."Hey" He says as she reaches him."Hey" Momo mimics, raising a hand briefly before dropping it.They stand like that as he cocks his head, "You're mad I didn’t come with you today."Is she so easy to read or is it just Todoroki that can hold her like an open book to his hungry eyes?Blushing she looks down to flatten out her skirt, "I'm not mad.""But you're disappointed, hm?"She bites her lower lip, "Maybe a bit."Todoroki huffs out an amused laugh as he reached out to take one of her fiddling hands, "I'm sorry I didn't come with you, but I have my reasons.""You do?" She peeks up at him, wishing she could read him just as well as he could her. What could his reasons be?Leaning down, Todoroki pulls her hands up to his chin as he places a soft kiss onto her knuckles, "Trust me when I say nothing could keep me from spending time with you unless it was important."Her cheeks turn a rosy pink as she feels a real smile pull at her face, "Alright.""Ok?" He whispers, "Are we alright?"Momo nods, feeling him pull her closer, capturing her lips with his own in a passionate kiss that presses her up against the ticket box. She moans into his mouth when his tongue runs up the length of her own, tasting each other as they indulge in the others presence. She can feel his hips brush against her own, as her stomach starts that soft throbbing sensation that's kept her awake at night."Alright, this is a super secret hide out. Not some make out den." Hitoshi pops up next to them with a vein practically popping on his head, "Not that I care what you two do, but I would prefer if you don’t hump against my home.""Toshi!" Momo squeaks as she covers her face with her hands."I'll see you two inside." When he walks by them, Todoroki knocks the back of his head.Todoroki pulls Momo by the hand to the back entrance where she giggles as he holds the door open for her with hungry eyes following her as she enters.Once they change into their gear, Momo and Todoroki- also known as Creati and Icy Hot; take to the town for their patrol.Creati jumps the roof tops on one side of the street while Icy Hot took the other with small ice shots. Momo will admit that watching Todoroki do his acrobatics and showcase of power, it really revs her engines so she can't help but show off her own.It's no wonder they ended up behind a laundromat with her legs wrapped around his hips as he pushes her against the brick wall. Their tongues sliding against the others with such a fever it makes Momo wonder if he's using part of his quirk. Her lips feel slick when they pull away and he swipes his tongue along her lower lip to taste her again. His eyes follow her every movement as he dives it to nip at the tender flesh.She's out of breath and panting his name, "Icy Hot" She nearly purrs, "Maybe we should actually get some work done instead of-"He presses his obviously hard member against her with a heavy push, "Instead of what?"Heat floods her cheeks as she turns her head away or else she might kiss him again, "Or else the night will be a total waste.""Nothing is wasted when you're involved." He bites at her exposed neck, just where her leotard ends.Momo squeaks, turning back to him, "No marks."He growls in annoyance as he rests his forehead against her own, "No visible marks."Sometimes he says things that make that small burning coil inside of her snaps as she arches into him, "Correct."A loud beeping breaks the moment just as they were leaning in to reconnect but pause. Todoroki gives an exaggerated sigh before he fiddles with his burner phone Hitoshi made for him. Looking down he squints at the screen while lowering Momo to stand on her own two feet. She takes this time to straighten her appearance, and fix her ponytail, "Something wrong?""Aizawa needs me for a call.""Need help?" Momo offers.Todoroki shakes his head, readjusting his goggles back into place as the ice mask appears with his quirk, "It's on the other side of town. I'll see you tomorrow?"Momo nods, "Tomorrow"He gives her a quick peck before taking flight on his ice wave that pushes him up to the roof where he really makes tracks. Momo watches him go before climbing up the ladder of the laundromat to the roof. Once up she continues on with her patrol.The night is still young as the street light come on and she stands over the roof for some pizza place. Crossing her arms, Creati makes sure she's shadowed by the sign as she looks for any signs of danger.Until..."Help! That man stole my purse!" A scream sound from across the street.Creati jumps into action, flipping down into a nearby parked movers truck as it backs up into the road. Sliding down the glass windshield she lands in the road, taking off after the thug in the grey hoodie."Stop!" She dodges a woman in a stroller, taking a left cut through an alley after the guy.She manages to lasso him to the ground by producing a rope from her arm. The guy is tied up onto a sidewalk tree that smells suspiciously like pee. She takes the purse and hands it off to a meter maid who watched the whole thing as Creati instructs her to call the cops. The meter maid seems just as excited as the passerby's that snap pictures of her making an exit, via a storm drain attached to a DVD store front.Cutting across the back by jumping onto a fire escape and makes her way four blocks down to put some distance between her and the crime scene when she spots him.Across the rooftop she just climbed up, he's leaning against the air conditioning unit glaring staring at her with wide eyes."Master Mind" Momo catches herself since she wanted to blurt out his real name."Creati" Shinsou sighs in exasperation, "Did you follow me?"Momo holds her hands up, "No, I just stopped a purse snatcher and I-" She pauses as she takes in the broken down looking apartment complex behind him, "Is that his place?"Shinsou looks over his shoulder before shrugging, "Maybe. Or Maybe I'm spying on some hot piece of ass."Walking over to the ledge next to him, Momo takes the binoculars sitting on the side to peek at the open windows, "Unless you find an elderly mans work out routine attractive, I have vastly misjudged you."Shinsou snatches the binoculars back as he scoffs, "Of course I'm here for the guy. Why else?"Momo looks at all the windows as her heart hammers in her chest. One of these windows houses the man that shot her mother. That robbed the bank and changed her life completely. Placing both hands on the ledge she leans forward, taking in each window as if any of them hold the key to her answers.“Third to the left, fourth floor.” Shinsou says as he leans against the barrier, “Not that it matters.”Momo follows his instructions and finds the window in particular. It’s weird how similar it looks to the other windows. Not in a sense that it’s literally the same, but the fact that a criminal lurks behind it while the others house what could be average people. The bent slats that blocks the insides show a light going out as she flinches in excitement, leaning more so forward, “What’s going on?”Shinsou turns to face the wall as he looks through the device at the now darker window, “He usually goes out around this time. Mostly bars and strip clubs.” He sneers at the thought.As if on cue a man exits at the bottom of the building; the metal door slamming shut behind him as he looks both ways nervously before walking to the left. Momo watches from the shadows, squinting as she tries to make out any features. But from this height he just looks like a small blob that causes her to sigh in annoyance. She needs answers and she needs them now.Turning around, Momo makes her way to the fire escape as Shinsou calls out to her, “Going home? Didn’t think you’d give up so easily.”“No,” She hoists herself up on the ladder before looking over her shoulder to him, “I’m going to check out his apartment.”Shinsou’s eyes widen, stumbling forward, “Seriously? That’s crazy!”“You can’t stop me.” She says knowing full well the abilities of his quirk.“You sure about that?” He raises a brow as the metal guard around his mouth makes his voice deepen.Silence meets him, and after several seconds of Momo giving him a challenging look he sighs, “Fine! But I’m coming!”Momo makes no attempt at responding, should he trick her as she makes her way down the stairs. He follows her through the alleys and across the street to the apartment where they walk through the front door. Given the hour and the busted lock, the trip up to the apartment is easy enough without being caught. Momo picks the lock on the guys door before pushing it open.She’s not sure what she was expecting; walking into the apartment that belongs to one of the robbers. Looking around she finds she’s in the small living room. It has an old recliner with duck tape around the arms and a coffee table that’s seen better days. Every part of the table is covered in beer cans, energy drinks and cigarette buds. Stepping in she knocks over an organized stack of magazines hidden next to the doorway while Shinsou steps over it. Everything smells like smoke and rotting food from the stacks of plates in the kitchenette to the side. “Ugh, this guy lives worse then I do.” Shinsou sneers as he picks up a dirty sock hanging over the corner of the TV. Which by the way is the only new looking thing in here. Shinsou gets to work sneaking around, checking out anything interesting while Momo walks to the open bedroom door. The bed is skewed covers with very used porno magazines hanging off the edge. She walks by a dresser with an open box of condoms spilt out next to four white powder lines and a credit card. She looks at it in disgust before walking to the closet and staring at the door less hole. “I don’t know what I’m looking for.” Momo whispers, feeling defeat swim over her. Sticking her hand into the mess of clothes she ruffles around, pushing through the smelly fabric.Shinsou stands in the doorway looking around, “Well, the guy seems hopeful that he’ll get laid after bringing a girl home to this.” He looks away from the condoms to Momo, “Nothing in the kitchen.”“This place is a mess.” She throws an old hoodie to the side, “I don’t know what I was expecting to find-“ The words die in her throat as her hand pulls out something thick and itchy feeling against her palm. The black mask slides from the bottom, holding it up to the light to find it’s a ski mask. Just like the ones the robbers wore when they stormed the bank.Flashes of a man looking down at her with evil intent shining behind those cold eyes, ‘Hey sweetie, you’ve got a big mouth on you. Maybe we can out it to good use.’Her knuckles turn white as she clenches the material so tight the wool indents into her skin. A hand squeezes at her shoulder, “Creati.”Looking over her shoulder at Shinsou she feels the tears collect at the corner of her eyes, “He wore this.”His only response is a nod as she glares back at the mask while a rage slowly builds inside of her. She feels like fire could rip out of her any second to burn this place to the ground, “I hate him.”“Momo?” He whispers so softly she’s not sure he even said it, “You need to-“A key in the lock sounds as both teens turn to in its direction, “Fuck!” Shinsou whispers, pulling Momo up by her arm and to the living room. Just before the main door opens, Shinsou pushes them into the coat closet and shuts the door softly. The slats in the wood give them just the view of the floor as they try to control their breathing. Momo realizes she’s still holding the mask as she grips it close to her chest as if it’ll muffle the pounding of her heart.They listen as Kenji walks around the apartment before hearing him pass the closet twice before the door closes. Both teens look to each other in the dim darkness as Shinsou shrugs not really trusting things to be done. Momo shakes her head, knowing it’s time they leave. She got the confirmation she came for and that’s mainly what she wanted.Sliding by the purple hair teen Momo pushes the door open and takes a step out. Only to have a fist slam against the side of her face, knocking her to the ground. Shinsou comes out pointing at Kenji who’s staring at them with wild eyes, and fists up, “Who are you?” He shouts at the robber.Kenji’s mouth opens, “What the fuc-“ And like a candle his eyes instantly flicker as he falls back when Shinsou whispers ‘sleep’.The loud thump of his body as it drops like dead weight echoes through the room. Shinsou is at Momo’s side holding the sides of her face, “Creati, are you alright?”The punch she took to the face makes her see two Shinsou’s for a moment before he comes into focus and she blinks away the image, “I-I’m fine.”“Damn, that’s going to leave a mark,” He hisses, taking in the shiner on her cheek.Momo winces away, brushing his hands off her, “I’m fine, just help me up.”He takes hold of her arms, pulling her to stand as she places a hand to steady her swimming head. Looking down at the sleeping man, Momo takes in his appearance. He looks so average, that he could literally walk by her on the street and she wouldn’t pick him for a robber. The more she stares, the angrier she gets as she crouches down next to him, sneering in hate, “Wake him up.” She says.“Creati,” Shinsou tries but she shakes her head.“Wake him up!”With a loud sigh, Shinsou lifts the man up before dropping him into the recliner, “Wake up you piece of shit. Can you hear me?”The mans eyes flutter open, blinking awake, looking between the two masked teens in confusion, “Yo who the fuck-““Speak when spoken to” The maskes hero crouches down as the man zips his lips closed instantly and watches with obedience of the highest quality, “You will only speak the truth.” He glances at Creati with a nod, “Go ahead.”Momo picks up the fallen mask, standing before the seated robber, “Did you rob the Musutafu Bank?”The man squints up at her like he’s trying to see her through a thick cloud of smoke, “I robbed a lot of banks sweetie.”She reels back her hand and smacks him across the face so hard his head turns, “Did you rob the Musutafu bank on 4th street three months ago?”“Yes.” His simple answer comes so easily as he looks back up at her with his left cheek tinted red from her slap, “I did.”That rage from earlier builds up as she looks to Shinsou who’s watching this with wary eyes before facing the crook again, “Who are your accomplices?”The man shrugs, “We don’t know each others names.”This time it’s Shinsou who scoffs, “You expect us to believe you just met some guys in a bar and decided to rob a bank?”“I don’t know them. But we all got texts on where to meet for the heist.” Kenji leans back into the chair as if relaxing, “Just like always.”“Like always?” Momo rolls her eyes, “You expect us to believe that?”“He can’t lie when I’m in his head.” Shinsou reminds her, walking around the guy, “He’s telling the truth.”“Alright, so you get a text. Who’s it from?” Momo throws her hands up, resisting the urge to hit him again.“Dunno,” He sighs loudly, “I’m just sent a text with the info. If I take the job my bank account gets fat overnight.”“You have to know something. You can’t just get a text to rob a bank and follow through.” Shinsou says.“A buddy of mine got them first. He got them from a text after hearing about another guy who got it from a text. Think of it like a network of criminals all on payroll just from word of mouth.” He explains as best he can.Shinsou squints at him, “Where do you take the stolen goods?”“There’s always a drop site. It’s never the same. A mail box, or an abandoned car. One time it was a dumpster behind a restaurant. If I follow the instructions to the T, I get my reward.”“And if you ignore the text and take the money?” Momo cocks her head to the side.Kenji shakes his head, “You wake up dead.”“Idiot, you can’t wake up dead.” Shinsou scoffs, “So dumb.”“Yeah you can. I had a buddy who-““Shut up.” Shinsou snaps as the man stops talking instantly while he looks to Momo, “You good?”“One more question,” She takes a step forward before bending at the waist to stare eye level at the man, “Did you shoot a woman and steal her car after robbing that bank?”The man’s eyes look into her own. Momo can feel bile rise up her throat as she waits for the answer.“No” He says.The air rushes out of her as her shoulders sag. Nodding to Shinsou she stands up, turning to the door, “I’m done.”Shinsou instructs the man to sleep as he tells him to forget everything that happened tonight, “You came home, got drunk, and passed out.”With that said Shinsou and Momo leave the apartment as Momo drops the mask near some dirty laundry by the far wall. Once they leave they make their way to the roof where Momo nearly breaks the door handle off as she inhales deeply. Tears stream down her face as she covers it with her hands, shoulders shaking.“It’s alright.” Shinsou says, stainding next to her.“No, it’s not” Momo cries, walking to the ledge of the building, “Todoroki was right.”“About what?”Wiping the tears with the back of her hand she gives a hollow laugh, “I shouldn’t have gotten involved.”“Oh”“This anger,” She motions to her stomach, “I feel sick thinking of how it makes me feel. I hate it but I hate him more!” She points to the door they came out of, “He deserves to be punished!”“And he will!” Shinsou grabs her by the shoulders, “We’ll get him for what he did.”Sniffling and hiccupping, Momo nods, “Alright. But please don’t tell Shouto about- about-“ She wants to say about how she acted in there but the words seem to be stuck in her throat with the shame written across her face.“It’s fine. He doesn’t need to know what you did. But-“ He inhales deeply, “We do need to tell Aizawa and him about what we gathered.”Nodding, she collects herself, sniffling more as she calms herself down, “You’re right.”Once the tears have been dried they make their way to the dojo. Slipping in the hidden entrance they find Aizawa and Todoroki conversing over by the wall of weapons. When their presence is known the two heroes turn to them and Momo can see the anger fill Todoroki’s eyes as he storms over. He reaches her in several large strides, hands raising up.“Todoroki I-“ She stops as he takes her cheeks into his hands, eyes looking over her face.“Who did this?” He demands, and Momo know he must mean the growing bruise on her cheek.Looking from her boyfriends intense stare to her teacher standing behind him she sighs, “It was Kenji Hikiishi.”“I’ll kill him.” Todoroki growls, “What were you doing with him?”Momo shakes her head, stepping out of his grasp, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to but on my patrol I stumbled on Shinsou’s stake out and I kind of forced my way into his apartment.” She rubs her arm, looking away from their gaze.“You did what?” Aizawa’s harsh tone causes her to flinch, “We told you-““I know! I’m sorry! You were right. I was just so curious about him. I had to look him in the face.”“And?” Her teacher asks.Momo shrugs, “It didn’t help.”“It rarely does.” He sighs, “But did you see why we were trying to protect you?”She can only nod, feeling shame creep up her spine, “I do.”“She made a mistake, but she got results.” Shinsou stands before her, lowering his mouth guard, “Without her we would still be sitting on our asses watching the guy.”“What did you get?” Aizawa asks crossing his arms.“Answers and more questions.” The teacher rubs his temples in annoyance, “Alright, I’m sporting a headache the side of the country so that means I’ve reached my limit for tonight. Lets meet tomorrow to go over what happened. In the mean time no more going off on your own.” He makes it a point to say it while looking at Momo, “My patience has limits.”“I understand. But please know this doesn’t mean I’m backing down. I still want to be part of taking these guys down.” Momo says determined.“Momo,” Todoroki says but she interrupts him.“No, I understand why you all were protecting me. I do… but now more than ever I need to prove to myself I can do this the right way. The way a true hero does it.” She looks to Aizawa, “Please.”The teacher groans loudly, “Fine, I’m over trying to cage you. It’s obvious you can’t be kept in the dark. But go against my wishes one more time and I’ll-““Jeeze we get it! You’re pissed! Go to bed!” Shinsou snaps as the teacher glares at him.Without another word Aizawa turns around to make his way to the back to change out of his hero costume. The teens follow his actions and change from their costumes to the clothes they’ve left here in the past. They now find themselves on the street walking to Momo’s house. It’s nearly three in the morning and Momo can feel the evening finally catching up with her. No one spoke the whole way to her place, though she can feel the heat radiating off Todoroki in strides. Once they reach her place, Shinsou walks in first, not even leaving the two love birds with any clever quips or responses. She turns to Todoroki and tries to smile but it comes out as a grimace.“Shouto-““You must love making me worry because you keep getting into trouble.” He breaks out with as he looks away from her.Momo fiddles with the fabric of her shirt, “I’m sorry.”“Are you?” He snaps his head to her, “Because you went behind my back and did something I personally asked you to not do? Or because you got hurt?”“All of it. I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean for this to happen.” She feels her eyes grow wet, “But I meant what I said about staying in the loop with this.”“I told you, I’ll take care of the men that did this.”“And you were right! You were right about the rage overtaking me.” She breaks, sniffling as she tries to hold back her tears, “I hate the feelings that man provoked out of me. I didn’t even feel like myself.”“Anger does that.” A hand touches her cheek as he draws her gaze back to his own, “I didn’t want that for you.”“I can be better.” She whispers, “I want to be better. I want to overcome the hate.”His dual eyes turn down in sadness as she shakes her head, “You don’t think I can.”“Momo, I believe you can lift the moon and delay a sunrise.” He leans in kissing her nose, “You can do anything you set your mind to. I just hate seeing you in pain.”She smiles against his soft kisses, “You’re sweet.”He inhales deeply before nodding, “Knowing you won’t drop this. I’ll just be here for you, and make sure you don’t do anything you’ll regret.”Warmth fills her stomach as she leans into the palm holding her injured cheek, “Thank you. I promise I’ll do everything I can and not let that anger change me.”He rests his forehead against her own before sighing, “Can I kiss you now?”Momo hums, pressing her lips against his own with a moan of agreement.“Get a room!” A voice calls as both teens look up at Shinsou leaning out an open window on the second floor.“I fucking hate that he stays here.” Todoroki growls out.//~~~~~~~~End Ch 24~~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
/~~~~~~~~Ch 25~~~~~~~\\Wednesday rolled around before Momo could even grasp it. She pushed herself from bed, wandering over to her bathroom while yawning behind her hands. Last night, Aizawa had her on training duty with Kaminari. She felt as if he had silently punishing her for her rogue attempts three nights ago with Shinsou. Since then, he had her training hours doubled and he had been keeping her from patrol. Flipping on the light switch, Momo looked at her reflection with dismay. The bruise on her cheek was fading, though it was still sticking out like a sore thumb. She hadn’t been able to get ahold of Recovery girl, so the injury stayed, and she went to school with it. Jirou had obviously been startled and demanded to know what happened. Momo pulled her handy excuse of being clumsy at home. There was a knock at her bedroom door. She opens it to reveal a sleep deprived Shinsou. His purple hair was sticking up in all kinds of directions. He must have had patrol the night before and came in late. She leaned against the bathroom doorway, crossing her arms, "Morning sleepy head." He grunted, "We're out of coffee." Momo perked up, "Oops, I forgot to get some on my way back last night. I'll get some today." Shinsou stepped in already dressed in his school uniform, "I'm gonna hit a coffee shop before class. Wanna come?" He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. Momo shook her head, "I'm good. Unlike you, I can function without that stuff coursing through my veins." "First of all, it's the sweet elixir of life. You would know that if you let me make you a proper cup, unsoiled by your fixings." His nose scrunched up in disgust as his fingers made a show of wiggling when he said 'fixings'. Rolling her eyes, she turned back to the bathroom to get ready, "Don't be a coffee snob, It's not a good look." She didn't hear his response, but she did hear the door close behind him as she jumped into the shower. Her morning routine was short, but efficient enough to put herself together neatly. Changing into her last fresh uniform, she made a mental note to do some laundry. Maybe Shinsou has some dirty clothes she could wash along with her own stuff. Heading downstairs, she grabbed an apple off the fruit bowl pile that was sadly growing low. Another thing she’d been neglecting was the shopping list. These were the things she needed to get back on top of when her Mom came back. Otherwise, she would start to wonder what's going on with her. Lucky for her, she had ‘till Saturday to get her list checked off. Locking her door behind her, Momo walked down the pathway of her home until she reached the street. A chill brushed the air and she smiled at the thought of winter being there soon. Walking along the brick wall and gate’s trees, she inhaled the crisp air. It was something she enjoyed doing to clear her mind before school. Or, at least, she was going to zone out and enjoy her walk, until a familiar car pulled up alongside her, rolling at a creepily slow pace. Hugging the strap of her bag to her chest she glanced at it, taking in the sleek paint of the cop car. The tinted window rolled down as she and the car come to a simultaneous stop. The Chief of police stared back at her with his cold turquoise eyes. Endeavor; father of her boyfriend and lead investigator on her mother’s case. "Chief Todoroki." She said politely, lifting her chin in respect. The last time she exchanged words with him, it hadn't gone well, so she was hesitant to repeat anything like that. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" "On your way to school?" He assessed, looking at her messenger bag and blazer. "Hop in. I'll give you a ride." "No, thank you." Momo felt dread pool into her stomach. Was he on to her? "I enjoy my walk." "Get in." The demand in his voice left no room for argument. Momo would rather not have to start anything, so she gave in, walking around to the passenger side where he leaned over and unlocked the door for her. Once in, she felt his steel-like gaze on her, and a cold sweat broke out on the back of her neck. "Buckle up." His voice was sharp, and she couldn't help but obey; she pulled the seatbelt over her chest to click into the lock. He pulled away from the curb and onto the road, driving five below the neighborhood speed limit. It was obvious he was making this ride as slow as possible when he turned on an adjacent street going in the opposite direction of her school. Her cat like eyes took in the front seat of the cop car since she had never seen one up close. The radio was a collection of wires and a detachable mouth piece to respond. In the center console was a large duffle bag, presumably belonging to the chief. "I didn't know you owned a cop car." Momo stated. "I didn't see one at Todoroki's home when I came over." She found talking might help make the air less suffocating. It didn't. His hard eyes glanced at her briefly before he signaled to turn left at the next light. "Tell me about your classmates." "Excuse me?" "Your classmates, you're in year 3 correct." It came off more as a statement then a question, "Who do you find you get along with best?" She narrowed her eyes as she faced forward, looking for an exit or some way out of this. Her skin itched as if it was not her own and he could see that; like any second, he was going to rip the rubber mask off and reveal who she really was. "It's strange the chief of police offering me a ride. Does this have to do with my mother’s case?" He grunted, annoyed at her lack of participation in his questioning. She felt her hands ball up into fists as she pressed them down into the seat, "Does Todoroki know you're doing this?" The car stopped with a bit of force behind at a deserted stop sign. His head turned to look down at her and the itching got worse. Does he know? "My son..." He paused and Momo wondered if she could create a smoke bomb to get away if he tried to arrest her, until he spoke next. "What are you to my son?" Out of all the things she expected, that was not one of them. She blinked her onyx eyes up at him, "Eh? Todoroki-san he-" The words stopped on the edge of her lips as she clamped down harshly onto them, swallowing the words. Endeavor growled, facing forward, "My son has goals. He's not to be blindsided by distractions." The way he said the word made her feel dirty, like he was implying that Momo was nothing but some warm flesh for his son to while away the time with. She looks down to her knees, squeezing them together as anger pooled in her stomach. He had no idea what they felt for each other. This cruel man did something to her Shouto, and what it was, she didn't know. But what she did know was if Shouto didn't trust him, then neither did she. "Todoroki-san is a very bright student. He's not easily swayed by ‘distractions’ as you call it. But you would know that if you actually got to know your son." She could see his knuckles tighten on the wheel of the car, and part of her felt the nervous sweat break out behind her neck. But she was not going to back down to anyone that disrespected her Shouto! Not even the chief of police. "Listen here-" He started as the car came to a stop at a red light on a semi-busy street. This was her chance! Clicking the seat belt while simultaneously opening the door was a quick move she would pride herself on later, but as she dipped out she looked back at the surprised face of the chief. "I can walk from here. Thanks for the ride." Momo slammed the door, pulling her bag over her shoulder. Fearing he would come after her, she breaks into a run, disappearing between the small sea of people on their way to work. Not looking back to see the look of suspicion on Endeavors face as he watched her go. Her run to school was longer than it should have been. It was obvious the chief was planning on doubling back to get more time with her so she had to hurry or risk being late. She rushed through the gates just as the first bell chimed, finding Todoroki waiting near the door with worried eyes. As she approached him, he closed the rest of the distance and held onto her shoulder, looking her over. "Are you alright?" Momo straightened up, breathing slightly heavier as she nodded, "Yeah, but we might have a problem." She filled Todoroki in on what his dad did, only stopping when he punched a locker, slightly denting it, "He did what?" Looking around at the straggler students, who were watching in hopes of catching a couple’s fight, Momo pulled him down the corridor to the corner. "I don't know what to think. Part of me is worried he's onto us. But another piece of me thinks he's just-" "A controlling asshole that tries to control my every move?" He finished for her. Momo hummed as a light smile pulled at her mouth, "I was going to say a pompous narcissist who likes screaming fire when there's no smoke." Todoroki blinked down at her before a smile pulled at his mouth, and she felt so happy when he pulled her closer by the waist, "I love how you're not afraid of him." Reaching up, Momo ran her hands over his cheeks, soothing her thumbs down the side of his face. She could feel the contrast of the burn on his left side as she leaned up to kiss at his cheek, "I'm only afraid if he finds out about you. What he'll do." Placing his hands over her own, he brought them before him, placing soft kisses on her knuckles, "Always putting others before yourself." Giggling, she could feel her cheeks warm as she resisted the urge to turn away, "I thought you liked that aspect about me." "I love it" He whispered and Momo could feel a hot coil inside of her start to wind down. His voice was so deep and perfect, she wanted to hear him whisper more things to her. The warning bell gave its lyrical chimes, telling them they had less than five to get to homeroom. Todoroki dropped her hands and stepped back, giving Momo room to collect herself. The look in his eyes and subtle smirk told her that he was aware of how he was made her feel. Smoothing a hand over her skirt, she gave him a pout, "Let's just get through today." The reminder of their plans for later dropped the smirk from his face. "We have to be ready for tonight. Aizawa is expecting a lot from us as a team." "We'll get results." Todoroki reached out and took her hand. "We always do." With that said, they round the corner and walk to class together, only to be joined by Hitoshi along the way, carrying a paper coffee mug and a half eaten bagel. He looked at their faces and raised a brow, "Did I miss something?" "Come on" Momo giggled, giving him a playful shove as they walked to class. Later that day, when school let out, the group joined together at the basement theater, watching as Aizawa spread out several files across the metal table. The students were still in their school uniforms, so it would seem strange to any outsiders that four high schoolers were standing around a table with a known hero, but that was just their life now. "Alright, so now that we're all here-" Aizawa looked to Hitoshi and Kaminari, who were holding Wacdonalds soda cups. The two teens gave a wave of the cups as a sign of listening before Aizawa continued, "We can go over the plan." Pointing to a series of photo's, all taken candidly, their teacher explained, "After obtaining the new information from Yaoyorozu and Shinsou, we've found out there were several crimes committed by this crime-for-hire unit. It’s not clear who's planning these tasks and sending these thugs on the jobs, but Mic and I found a few criminals that were eager to squeal. That got us the name of Palo Mak. A drug mule for the gangs on the harbor." "I spoke to him last night." Hitoshi said around his straw, "Gave up a location with a few persuasive words." The mind controller pointed to a map of the city, "Lotus Den. On the outside, looks like a mom and pop Chinese restaurant. But on the inside-" "Let me guess!" Kaminari spoke up excitedly, "It's a seedy drug ring?" "Nope" Hitoshi popped the 'p' at the end, deflating Kaminari's shoulders. "Actually, it is a mom and pop restaurant on the inside. Full staff and three starts on Welp." "Oh" Kaminari said, sighing sadly at the lack of drama. "The seedy drug rig is actually run out of the back room behind the restaurant." He said with a smirk, watching as Kaminari's eyes lit up and a giant smile pulled at his face. "Wicked" Momo leaned in to look at the info, "So, it's possible that the men running the drug ring, are actually sending out the texts for jobs?" "Could be. Only one way to find out." Hitoshi smirked, eyes looking around the room, "Anyone hungry for Chinese?" Two hours later, the four high school students found themselves walking across the street towards the Lotus Den. They, of course, had to change out of their school uniforms and into what Kaminari referred to as "Super Rad Disguises!" Momo touched the long braid hanging over her shoulder as she adjusted her fake glasses for the hundredth time. Her blood red blouse tucked neatly into the black skirt, making her appear a bit older, maybe even college age with the glasses. Todoroki wore an adorable wig that when brushed to the side, hid his scar perfectly. He almost looked like a completely different man. While styling his hair. she kept having to resist the urge to push his bangs aside and kiss his scar. She never wanted him to hide anything about his perfect features. "Guys, we look so cool!"Kaminari hissed. A huge grin had been locked on his face since this whole idea came out. "I always look cool. This is usual for me." Hitoshi smirked, pulling at the scarf around his neck. "I can't believe Aizawa let me come on an undercover mission! I finally feel like I'm being used!" Kaminari whispered to Momo, who smiles. "Just remember, we're here to have dinner. Act normal." Todoroki said, squeezing Momo's hand that he snaked out to grasp when she had tried to play with her hair again. Momo blushed, looking down at their entwined fingers and gave his hand a squeeze back. "Awww are we on a double date? Is that our cover?" Hitoshi threw an arm over Kaminari's shoulder as the blond sputtered and tried to throw it off. Todoroki used his free hand to slap Hitoshi's chest gently, "Knock it off. we're here." The group stopped at the glass double doors of the old brick building. It looked like it had been there for decades with how old the neighborhood seemed. "This neighborhood’s a dump." Kaminari looked both ways down the deserted street, "I would know. I live in one." He wasn’t wrong. They were across town in a what could be called a bad neighborhood if you counted how many run-down laundromats and closed shops they passed. "Alright everyone," Momo looked to her friends, "Smiles on." The only smile she got in response was Kaminari’s, while the other two seasoned heroes gave their neutral grimace. Walking into the restaurant was like a complete change in atmosphere. Dim lighting, soft Mandalay music playing on the speakers, and, of course, a rock water fountain by the door. Looking around the room, Momo found several empty tables, fully set with menus and silverware, at the ready for anyone who walked in. "Welcome, guests" An older woman walked from the back, bowing to them while they returned it. "Table for four?" "Yes please." Momo answered sweetly. They were ushered over to a round table by a fish tank with koy swimming around an elaborate plastic coral reef. Todoroki held Momo's chair out for her, which she accepted. Hitoshi held Kaminari's chair out for him and got a punch to the arm as they both sat down snickering. The four lift their menus, but their eyes took in the restaurant in full. "Where is everyone?" Kaminari whispered "Thought you said it had three stars on Welp." "Didn't say it was popular." Hitoshi looked back at the menu, "Ooo pork fried rice." The older woman from earlier came back over with a pad and pen, "You children want to start with drinks?" "Water," Todoroki said, looking at Momo, who nodded and mouthed she wanted the same. "Coke, please" Kaminari hummed with a big smile. "Do you have any coffee?" Hitoshi asked as he looked up at the woman, who shook her head, "Ugh, fine, tea then." "What kind?" "The coffee would have been black, so let’s keep that theme going." He said and the woman nodded before heading off. Momo leaned in and the three guys mimicked her, "This place is quiet." "Too quiet" Kaminari added as if it were some murder mystery party, "I sense foul play afoot." The door opened with a chime and the four turned to see a bald man walk in, wearing a dark hoodie and sunglasses. No one greeted him and, instead, he glanced over at the teens before walking between the tables to the back-kitchen door. Once gone, all the teens looked back at each other with knowing looks. "I highly doubt he’s the sous chef." Hitoshi commented, placing the menu down. Momo peeked over her own menu, leaning in her chair to see if she could get a peek at the door that was still swinging from where the man left through. Suddenly, her vision was blocked by the waitress from earlier, who was holding a tray of their drinks, "Are you ready to order?" Momo felt herself freeze up under the woman’s gaze, but lucky for her, the gang had her back. "Um, actually I have a question about your vegetarian menu." Kaminari held up the menu with a smile. The woman walked over to him, giving Momo a moment to breathe a sigh of relief. Something touched her knee and she glanced down. She followed the hand up to her boyfriend, Todoroki, who was giving her a concerned look. His eyes were asking her if she was alright. She gave him her natural smile, patting the hand on her knee. Once collected, she managed to order along with everyone else. When the woman collected the menus and disappeared, they were free to talk. "Nice save, Denki." Hitoshi nudged the blond’s shoulder, "Didn't know you're a vegetarian." "I'm not" He pouted, "But my new identity is." He sighed, "Guess I'll have to have the dumplings another day." "We need to check out that kitchen." Todoroki interjected quietly and all eyes returned to the kitchen door. "It has to be in the back." They all nodded in agreement, ready to put their plan into action. Todoroki stood up along with Hitoshi, "We'll be right back." He announced as if it wasn’t planned at all. "Gotta drain the lizards." Hitoshi winked at a blushing Momo. The two guys walked along the tables, ready to make a 'wrong' turn to the kitchen in search of the bathroom. That is, until the kitchen door swung open and a man in all white stared back at them. They all froze and blinked silently before the chef cleared his throat and narrowed his eyes, "Which one of you is the vegetarian?" All Todoroki and Hitoshi could do was point over to Denki, who waved from his seat. The chef looked back with a grimace and jerked a thumb over his shoulder to a different door, "Bathroom is that way." They turned and made their way to the bathroom door, faces set in a grimace at having been caught. Once out of sight, Momo and Kaminari were joined by the chef, who was asking the blond about cooking preparations for his dietary restrictions. He managed to fumble his way through it, allowing the chef enough time to head back to the kitchen with limited information. By the time they were alone, they were rejoined by the other two. "Damn, worst timing ever." Hitoshi grumbled, crossing his arms with an annoyed twitch of his eyebrow. "Maybe we can try again in a bit?" Kaminari asked, sipping from the straw. "Too suspicious." Todoroki grunted, "We might need Hitoshi's skills." "But I thought we all agreed that was too risky?" Momo whispered behind her water glass, brow furrowed. "We could always come back again next week?" Hitoshi said. The thought of putting this off any longer made Momo's skin crawl. She didn't want to waste any more time. What if another job went out and someone else got hurt? The thought of her mother in her hospital bed came to mind and it nearly made her hands shake. Setting down her drink, she could hear the other three talking, but it sounded like white noise. Drifting in and out of her own frame of mind, she didn't even realize that their food was coming out. The woman was placing the plates down, saying something that Momo just wasn't paying attention to. Momo reached her hand closed around the edge of her plate, only to pull it back with a hiss before holding her hand to her chest. "I said the plates are hot!" The woman rushed to her side, pulling Momo's hand away from her chest to look at the burnt strip up her index finger, "It's pretty bad." "I'm sorry," Momo have her instant response to messing up, feeling her friends’ eyes on her. She could practically feel Todoroki looming over the waitress and herself. The older woman clicked her tongue as she pulled Momo by the wrist to stand up, "Come to the back, I have ointment for burns." At the sound of going to the back, she looked to her friends who mimicked her shocked expression before she felt herself being led. Todoroki stood to follow, but the woman usherd him down with a rag. "Sit, sit. Your food will get cold. I'll have her back soon." Todoroki gave Momo a wide-eyed look that told her he didn't want her to go alone. Momo could only offer a smile as she nodded, "I'll be back." With that said, Momo allowed the woman to lead her past the swinging kitchen doors. They were alone narrow walkway as they walked past the steel stoves and appliances. They reached the back where the chef from earlier was leaning against a vegetable rack, texting. He looked up, noticing them, "Oy, what's the issue?" "She burnt herself." She released Momo's wrist and turned to her, "Wait here, I'll get it from the back." She turned to the man, "Watch her." "Yeah, sure." He looked back down to his phone. As soon as the woman left, the guy peeked up over his phone and looked to Momo, "I'm gonna grab a smoke. Don't move." Momo nodded as if she wasn't going to disobey him the second he walked out. He turned and left through the emergency exit, lighter already in hand. Once alone, Momo looked around fully, taking in the split doors. There were three of them, not counting the way she came in. The other two looked to be the emergency exit and a break room, leaving a brown door to the right. Looking over her shoulder, she walked to the wooden door and turned the handle. It led down to a set of stairs, which she followed carefully. At the bottom she peeked around the corner and saw the guy from earlier, along with another guy covered in tattoos across his bald head. They were both sitting in front of a large computer screen with rolling numbers moving quickly across it. There was a round table similar to the ones upstairs, but it was covered in mountains of cash. She looked around with wide eyes and mouth slightly open as she watched the two work separately. One rolled the cash while the other typed on the keyboard. "What are you doing?" A voice called and Momo flinched, watching the two men look up at her. Behind her on the stairs, the waitress stood with hands on her hips, "I told you to wait for me there!" Momo raised her hand while she shook her head, "I am so sorry! I was looking for the bathroom." She held up her burnt finger, "It was really hurting." The woman grasped her arm and jerked her back up the stairs, "Don't go wandering off. It's rude." "I'm so sorry." Momo allowed herself to be pulled back, watching one of the men peek around the stairs and looked up at her while the door closed. She was ushered to the kitchen sink to rinse her hand under the cold water. Honestly Momo didn't even feel the burn; her mind was racing a mile a minute, wishing she could go back down. The woman prattled on about needing to replace the first aid kit, soothing the burn with ointment and wrapping a pink bandage with bunnies around it. "There." She tied off the pink bandage, "Keep it on till tomorrow. I have lots of experience with burns. It'll need to breath after being wrapped tightly." "Thank you so much." Momo smiled sweetly to her before bowing her head, "I'll do just that." Walking out of the kitchen, she rejoined her friends, who were waiting silently for her. Once seated, she looked to make sure they were alone before smiling and leaning in, "They're down there." It was all they needed to get going. The group finished their food and left with no further fuss. They waited across the street, changing from their disguises into their hero gear. Kaminari, not having an official costume, changed into a black leather jacket and matching domino mask that Momo made for him. They waited patiently on the adjacent roof until the restaurant closed. The staff left first and Momo let the others know about the two other men downstairs. Two hours after closing time, both men she saw in the basement left as well, taking large bags with them as they parted and walked separate ways. Thirty minutes later, they decided to move in. "You sure there's no security cameras?" Kaminari whispered as they entered through the emergency exit in the back. "My scanner didn't pick up anything." Hitoshi said, placing his lock picking tools into his pack pocket, "And I highly doubt an illegal ring of villains would want cameras anywhere near their work." They all pooled into the dark kitchen as Momo created a flashlight from her arm and shined it to the wooden door from earlier, "There. It's down there." The team headed to the basement of the restaurant to find it completely empty, except for a single computer system. The cash was long gone, but that wasn’t not their priority at the moment. Hitoshi made himself comfortable in front of the computer as it booted up. The other three scoped out the room, looking along the walls for any signs of information of clues. Kaminari found a light switch and flipped it on, allowing them to look around. To any regular eye, it was a simple basement for a restaurant. Maybe used for tax season or storage. But the heroes knew better. "Find anything Toshi?" Momo asked, looking behind a poster for fair work wages. "At first, no, but there's an encrypted file on here. I'll have it open in a jiff." He typed away, fingers dancing on the keyboard like they were on fire. "I don't see anything," Kaminari sighed, plopping down in a chair next to the empty table, "And I'm so full from dinner." "Told you not to eat that extra spring roll." Todoroki said, poking him in the shoulder. "But it was so good!" He whined, holding his stomach, "I couldn't say no to a second helping." "You knew you'd be going on your first mission. You only have yourself to blame." Kaminari and Todoroki bantered quietly back and forth, making Momo smile. She liked seeing Todoroki like this; friendly, open, sociable. He may deny the need for friends, but he had them, and they all cared for each other. She set down the empty trashcan and sat on the desk next to Hitoshi, crossing her arms. "Got it" Hitoshi said, and instantly all eyes were on the screen as Momo twisted her body to look at it as well, feet dangling inches from the floor. "What is it?" Hitoshi leaned back, hand still on the mouse as he clicked through files, "An intricate system for villains. Kind of like a social network for jobs on the black market." "Does it say who's orchestrating it?" Todoroki asked. After a bit more clicking, Hitoshi sighed, "No, just an off shore bank account, transferring dozens of transactions every few minutes." He clicked on a file, "They have hundreds of people on the pay roll. Jobs as small as petty theft, to big crimes like-" He paused and glanced at Momo, "Bank robberies." Momo felt her hands curl into fists while she glared at the screen. These were the bastards that took her mother from her, for sure. "Creati." She looked up to see the three heroes watching her carefully. Icy Hot placed a hand on her shoulder, "You alright?" "I'm fine." She looked back to Hitoshi, "What's our next step?" Hitoshi went back to typing across the keyboard, "I'm adding a bug to their system. We'll get alerts when the crimes are sent out." "Why not just shut it down now?" Kaminari asked from the other side of Hitoshi. "If we shut it down now, they'll just move to another system. We'll lose their tracks and never find them again." He said, "But it we play it smart, catch the criminals in the act. I'm sure they'll sell out their boss if we catch the right one." He placed a USB into the side monitor, "One of them has to know something. And until then, I monitor it back at the hideout." After a few more clicks he popped the USB out and held it up to them, "I'll have burner phones ready by tomorrow. Let's get out of here." They left the restaurant, locking everything back up as if they had never been there to begin with. The group divided up, with Todorki and Momo heading one way while the other two went the opposite but not before Kaminari snapped a selfie of them to commemorate the night. They had nearly made it to the intersection of the city when a woman screamed for help. Her child had run into the street as two cars raced towards him. The cars threw on their breaks, but there was no way they could stop in time. The duo raced into action, with Icy Hot making two walls of ice while Creati saved the child. She picked him up only to place him in the arms of his mother, who thanked her with tear-filled eyes. They looked around to see phones taking pictures of the two heroes, who left the scene just as fast as they arrived. They stopped two blocks over, breathing heavily from the quick getaway. "Wasn't expecting that. Glad we were here." Momo said, smiling at her boyfriend. Icy Hot nodded once, "Agreed." She pulled her phone from the belt on her side and looked at the time, "I better get home, it's late. We have school tomorrow." It was then that she noticed four missed calls from her mom and winced, knowing she needed get home and call her back. She should be in the states by now if Momo’s time was correct. "I can walk you." He stepped forward. A gunshot sounded in the distance with sirens and Todoroki's shoulders deflated. Momo smiled, taking a step back, "Duty calls." He moved to the ledge and looked back at her, "Text me when you get home." "Will do. Go get em' Icy Hot." She smiled encouragingly to her boyfriend as he took off on his wave of ice. Her return home was quick after she changed back into her clothes from earlier. Momo started to open house door, only for it to be thrown open the rest of the way by her mom, Lei. Her mother’s fearful eyes looked down at her, "Momo!" She pulled her daughter inside for a hug before pulling back, "I was so worried! Where have you been?" Momo looked to the old grandfather clock and winced, "Mom, you're back." "My flight to the states was cancelled," Her eyes widened as her hands flew up to Momo’s face, cupping her cheeks, "Momo where did you get this bruise!" Momo pulled away, touching the injured eye, "Oh! Haha" She laughed gently, "I had an accident in PE. Wasn't paying attention." Lei's wild eyes looked it over, "Why didn't you tell me? When did it happen? A teacher should have called me." "Mom, mom, chill out." Momo took her hands into her own, "I'm fine. I was a Jirou's. We have a test tomorrow that she needed help for. We lost track of time." Her mother sighed, squeezing her hands, "You should have called me. I called you several times." "I know, I know." She pulled her hands away and hugged her backpack to her chest, "I had it on silent from school. I promise I'll be more vigilant. But I'm tired." Lei nodded, "Of course. Get some sleep sweetie. I'll have breakfast ready tomorrow for you. Can't take a test on an empty stomach." "I'd love that." Momo stood on her tip toes and kissed her mom's cheek, "Night!" Lei waved after her, smiling as she watched her child head upstairs. Once alone, she headed back to her own bedroom, finally able to sleep now that she knew her daughter was safe. Early the next morning, Lei foulnd no food left in the kitchen to make breakfast as she promised. So instead, she grabbed the keys and drover over to Jirou's parents’ café, walking in with a jingle of the bells. "Good Morning- Oh Lei!" Jirou's mom said from behind the register, "We haven't seen you in so long!" The two women hugged briefly, talking as she prepared a bag of pastries. The owner sighed, "I had a fresh batch of muffins in the oven. I'll throw in a few for you." "Oh, thank you so much! You know how Momo adores your muffins." Lei smiled as she watched the owner head to the back. The café is empty, considering it just opened half an hour ago. "Oi! Mom, have you seen my backpa- OH!"Jirou stopped on the stairs leading down to the café, "Mrs. Yaoyorozu." She smiled brightly, "You're back!" "Good Morning Jirou. Ready for your big test today?" Lei leaned across the counter as Jirou made herself a plate from the display case. "Eh?" Jirou raised a brow, "A test?" "Momo came home pretty late last night from your study date. You have to be ready by now." She smiled at her and Jirou nodded quickly. "Yeah, yeah we- hung out pretty late." Jirou placed her plate onto the counter, picking at it absently.Lei's eyes narrowed as she picked up on the faraway look on her face, "She also told me about the bruise she got from PE." Jirou looked up with wide eyes. Momo had told her she got it at home. She smiled up at Lei, "Yeah, she wasn’t on her A game that day." "Here we go!" Jirou's mom walked in with the bag fully loaded, "Fresh out of the oven." She slid it to Lei, "Give my regards to Momo. Tell her we miss her around here." Lei raised a brow but nodded, "Of course. Please have a good day. Good luck on your test, Jirou." "Oi!" Her mother looked to the purple haired girl, "You didn't mention a test today!" Lei left with a jingle of the door leaving the rocker teen to look back at her mom, "No test today. She must have been confused." "Oh, well she is always traveling. I hope she's eating well." Her mother kissed Jirou on the head, "Mind helping your dad in the back before class?" "Sure thing mom," Jirou headed to the back, but her mind was as far away from pastries as possible. What was Momo really hiding from them all? /~~~~~~~End Ch 25~~~~~~~~\\
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/~~~~~~~~~~~Ch 26~~~~~~~\\0 MessagesMomo sighed for what felt like the hundredth time, shoving the burner phone that Hitoshi gave each of them into her blazer pocket. It had been a whole week since they infiltrated that restaurant and hacked into the system.'Once an order goes out for a job, I'll get the info first. I'll reroute it to your burner phones. Don't loose them!' Hitoshi had said as he handed the phones out to them the next day of the operation.'What do we do when we get a message?' Kaminari asked, playing with his new flip phone.'You drop whatever you're doing and meet at the location in the message. Masked up of course.' The master mind of their group slapped the top of Kaiminari's hand to get him to stop messing with the device, 'Also, wait for backup. Don't go in half cocked.'The school bell shook Momo from her thoughts and she collected her stuff to get to the next class."Yaomomo!"Momo turned around to see her best friend jogging up to her. Their last class of the day was together, so they usually found each other on the way."Hey Jirou, how was your history test?" Momo hugged her books to her chest, trying not to think about the phantom buzzing of the phone in her blazer.Jirou groans, "Got a C, so passing. But my parents won't see it like that.""You'll do better on the next one." Momo gave a pat to her shoulder."If I don't pass the test next Monday, I'll be singing with the fishes." Her purple eyes widened as she smiled over at Momo, "How about we have a study session tonight?"Momo considered the offer, knowing that she didn’t have patrol or any meetings with Aizawa that evening since he was going to be with Kaminari most of the day. Todoroki had patrol and his weekly family dinner before that, so they wouldn't be walking together. In theory, it was a perfect night to have a study session."Sure! I'm stopping by to visit my mom, I can come over after. Sound good?"Jirou nodded excitedly, "We can order pizza, and mom will make your favorite macaroons.""Don't let her go to too much trouble." Momo laughed softly, "We're going to be working hard, so no distractions.""Yeah, yeah!" Jirou waved her off, already planning their night from the look on her face.Momo felt something warm slip in her hand and looked on her other side to see Todoroki smiling down at her. Momo felt her cheeks warm up as she returned it, "Hey.""Hey." His deep voice caused her stomach to stir. She had just seen him from study hall, but to know he was just as excited to see her was sweet in its own way."Aw, you two are so cute." Jirou made a barfing sound, playfully bumping Momo's hip with her own."I think it's romantic." Kaminari came up on Todoroki's other side with Hitoshi next to him."I for one, try and block it out." Hitoshi was fiddling with his phone, and Momo had to bite back asking him for any updates. She had honestly been bothering him to a point where she actually felt guilty. Though he would never out-right tell her to stop asking, she could see it in his eyes when she did.Together. they entered their last class and broke off to their respective desks as the warning bell rang above. The rest of the day passed just as quickly, and before the sun started to set, Momo was leaving her mother’s hospital room with a warm goodbye.She arrived at the café with a ring of the bell over the door."Welcome!" Jirou's mom shouted, turning around to see Momo as her smile brightened, "Momo! We're expecting you. Head on up."Momo gave a respected bow before walking around the counter to the set of stairs that took her to the small loft upstairs. Once inside, she slid off her school shoes and slipped on the slippers provided by them for guests.She smiled up at the pictures lining the short hall to Jirou's room. Momo was sure if she were blindfolded she could find every aspect of this home. She pushed open the cracked door to find her best friend sitting criss-cross on her bed, headphones in, and scrolling through her phone.Upon catching the movement from her door she looked up and the girls smiled at each other as Jirou took out her headphones."Hey! Come on! Let's get started."The girls sat along the bed with papers and books strewn about, and a half eaten box of pizza resting on her computer chair. It had been three hours and they were just about half way through the study guide. Jirou’s mom had brought up the promised macaroons that Momo coveted oh so greatly. They snacked and ate unhealthy food. For a moment, Momo could forget about everything that had happened in the past several months. She was not some vigilante crime fighter trying to avenge her mother’s attack. No, for now she was just a high school girl studying and hanging out with her best friend who she hadn’t seen in ages."Ugh! No more!" Jirou falls on her back, "My brain can't take it!""Come on, don't be dramatic." Momo poked her foot with the pencil, "Just thirty more questions to memorize."The door opened to the room as both girls looked up at Jirou’s parents peeking around the door smiling, “Hey girls; just letting you know we’re all closed up.” Jirou’s mom looked between them, “Your father and I have reservations at that jazz dinner downtown. Will you two be alright if we leave now?”“Ya, we’re fine. Have fun.” Jirou waved them off with her hand as they returned it while ducking out. Before closing the door all the way, her mother poked her head back in, “Oh, and Jirou, I have the dough out rising in the kitchen downstairs. Before bed can you go put it in the fridge?”Jirou nodded, “Sure thing mom.”With that, both parents left the girls, who could hear the distant sounds of the front door shutting.Jirou groaned before standing up, "I need to use the bathroom. Want anything while I'm up?"Momo nodded, "A water please."With that said, Jirou left the room, leaving Momo to try and organize the notes for easier access.Something buzzed against her ribs, and she reached in to take out her smartphone. Clicking it on, she found nothing before remembering the other phone."Oh!"Like lighting making its way through her brain cells, she fumbled to pull out the black flip phone, nearly dropping it before opening the screen. There, on the poorly lit glass, barely the size of her thumb, was an address provided by Hitoshi. Her eyes scanned over it, memorizing it as if the message would explode in ten seconds. Standing up, Momo looked around the room, mouth opening and closing as she slipped on her school blazer that had wound up at the end of the bed. It was happening! The villains were striking now!Running to the cracked door, Momo rushed down the hall, nearly bumping into Jirou who held her hands up in surprise, “Whoa girl! Where’s the fire?”“Hospital!” Momo shouted, taking Jirou back before composing herself while sliding off her slippers in favor of her shoes, “I need to get to the hospital.”“Is something wrong?” Jirou’s tone sounded fearful as if the worst had happened.Guilt flooded Momo instantly as she held her hands out, “No no no! Nothing like that!” She forced a smile, “I just- my mom called and she- she needs me there.”“I thought your mom was out on business?” Jirou looked confused as she watched Momo put on her shoes, slinging her backpack over her shoulder.“She is- I mean she was. But she came back because she forgot it’s-“ Momo swam for answers, “Their anniversary! She’s pretty emotional and I should be with her.”“Oh, of course.” Jirou walked over, opening the door, “I can come too.”“No, it’s fine. My mom just wants it to be the three of us. You understand right?” Momo stood in the doorway of the stairs.“Yeah, totally. Um, but thanks for the help. Call me tomorrow.” Jirou waved as Momo turned away, rushing down the stairs. Jirou followed to lock the café door behind her.Once she broke out onto the sidewalk, Momo made sure to turn in the direction of the hospital in case Jirou was watching. But once she hit the corner she was diving into the nearest alleyway to change into her costume. Shoving her school uniform into her backpack, Momo slid her black domino mask into place and climbed the side of the brick wall to the rooftop. Taking out the flip phone, Momo confirmed the address and took off. The trip there passed her by as her adrenalin pumps and she was seeing tunnel vision with every leap and turn it took for her to get to the place. After sliding across the pebbled roof, she found Todoroki and Hitoshi already waiting in full gear. Hitoshi held up his phone, “Kaminari is out, he’s with Aizawa for some training.”“S’fine.” Momo took a few breaths to slow down her heart, “We can take this. What do we have?”The three heroes turned to the roof edge where they had been watching earlier, “Jewelry store robbery. Pretty low brow, but it’s happening any minute. Icy Hot and I just got here a few minutes before you.”“Alright,” Creati clapped her hands together once, “What’s the plan?”Hitoshi stepped forward, “The message went out to four devices. I’m assuming we’ll have just the four to deal with.”“Looks like you’re right.” Todoroki interjected and the two others looked down to see a van pull up outside the closed jewelry store. Four men piled out wearing ski masks. For Momo, they all resembled the men that rushed the bank, but she knew the chances of even one of them being the guy that shot her mom were slim to none. But she would treat it the same, until she had her answers.They broke the lock easily enough on the front door and rushed in. Todoroki looked back at them through his own mask, “We’ll take the shop. Creati you’re out here in case they made a run for it.”Momo nodded, watching the two heroes jump over the ledge and disappear down to the shop. When they rushed in behind the robbers, all she could do was wait as she easily climbed down the wall to the street level, watching from across the road for any signs of assistance. Two gunshots went off, followed by some flashes, but what caught her attention was the masked man bolting from the door and down the street.Flipping out her staff, Momo gave chase as instructed. Thankfully, this side of town was pretty deserted when the shopping district closed, leaving little for witnesses.“Stop! I’ll use force!” Creati shouted, catching up to the robber. Twisting at the waist, he aimed his gun at her. Momo threw her metal staff, jabbing him right in the face, sending him down onto the pavement while his gun was sent sliding into the street.She grabbed at his flailing foot but he kicked her back, standing up, “Back off!”“Can’t do that. Not until we know who hired you lot.” Creati created another staff from her arm, “I want names.”Instead of answering her, the man turned and tried to out run her again. Momo followed, just as fast, intent on catching this crook once and for all. Once she was close enough, Momo jumped forward, twisting the man to the ground, as the real fight began.“Tell me who you work for!” She punched the side of his head to the side, “I need to know who they are!”“Fuck off!” He shouted just as loud, trying to scratch at her face.Momo felt desperate at that moment; she had someone that worked for the men that were responsible for her mother’s injuries. If she could just get the answers out of him, she would be able to finally put this guilt out of her mind. She was so into getting revenge on this mystery boss that she didn’t see the second robber sneak up from behind before he grabbed her. Momo’s body was lifted up into the air as if one of those pro wrestlers she had seen Kaminari watching on TV were lifting her. She could hardly comprehend how to get out before he launched her through a glass window.The glass shards didn’t hurt as much as the landing, causing her to roll back on the wooden floor, knocking chairs and tables over. “Come on! Go!” The voices of the robbers shouted. Momo squeezed her eyes shut against the throbbing pain in her body as she pressed her hands to the ground.“Not until I take this bitch out.” Boots crunched along the glass and Momo felt two hands wrap around her neck, squeezing harder than any training session with Aizawa. She gasped, clawing at the hands on her, squinting her eyes open to look into two evil brown eyes that demanded revenge of his own. What could she create? Anything! Something! Holding her arm out she focused before producing a metal ball, and bashed it down onto his head. He let her go, falling to his knees hissing in pain. Momo gasped for air, but delivered a swift kick to his face, knocking him backwards and onto the ground. Creati, breathing heavily, walked over and stood over him, ready for a fight, but he was out cold. She looked out the shattered window to see that the other robber had left in the midst of the fight. Blood seeped down her face from her hairline, and she gave a shake of her head, realizing her mask had fallen off somewhere in the scuffle. She looked behind her for the black piece and she froze when her onyx eyes met deep purple ones staring back at her from behind a service counter.That’s when Momo realized she was thrown through the window of Jirou’s parents coffee shop. Jirou’s mouth hung open as the two girls regarded each other in shock. “Momo?” Jirou whispered.//~~~~~~~~~~~~~~End Ch 26~~~~~~~~~`\\
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//~~~~~~~~~~Ch 27~~~~~~~~~~~~\\“Momo?” Jirou said again, her eyes wide and looking her up and down, “What- wha-“ Her voice sounded breathy, as if she was trying to piece together a thousand questions.Momo rushed forward, holding her hands up, clutching the mask, “Jirou, please I-“ She looked behind her to the robber and back, “I can explain everything.”Sirens sounded in the distance and Momo knew she didn’t have much time as she pressed her mask onto her bloody face, “Please don’t freak out.”An insane laughter bubbled up out of Jirou as she looked to the robber and back to her best friend, “Not freak out? I think I’m way past freaking out!”Wincing at the situation, Momo took a deep breath. If the guys got there and found Jirou like this, they would mind wipe her for sure. Momo couldn’t let that happen to her best friend. She had lied to Jirou enough, but she drew a line at messing with her mind, “Alright, I’ll explain everything later, but I need to get him out of here.” She motioned to the unconscious guy, “Please don’t say anything to anyone until I get back.”Jirou’s shock died down to worry, “Momo- erm Creati?” She cocked her head as Momo nodded encouragingly, “I- are you alright?”Guilt flooded her insides as she smiled sadly at her. Even with all the lies and secrets, Jirou still worried about her like nothing had happened. Nodding, Momo walked backwards to the body, heaving him up, “I’m fine. I promise. I’ll be back later.”Momo pulled him over her shoulder in a firefighter carry, grunting under the weight but managing it as she left the shop and headed in the opposite direction of the sirens. Once she rounded a corner, she slipped into an ally before slumping the body down behind a dumpster. Pulling out her phone, she called Todoroki and gave her location before hanging up.Within a minute the body of her boyfriend dropped down from the roof to stand before her with worried eyes taking in all the blood on her face, “Creati-“ He stepped forward, cupping her cheeks and turning her head each way, “Are you hurt?”Momo could feel the love in his touch as his eyes looked over each trail of blood, smearing it away with his thumbs, “I’m fine. You guys alright?”He didn’t release her and instead continued to search her arms and shoulders for any lingering glass, “We got one of them tied up a few blocks over. The others got away.” He looked down at the guy on the ground before scoffing and gently kicking the guy’s leg with his white boot, “Got yourself one too I see.” He sounded impressed as he looked back at her, “I’ll carry him over. You go ahead.” Giving a nod, Momo pulled herself up to the roof and headed over to their meetup. It was several blocks away on the roof of an old apartment building. She opened the door to the metal shed that the landlord used to store his tools for maintenance. She found Hitoshi tying a knotted cloth around some guy’s mouth as the crook struggled in the chair he was tied to. Hitoshi looked up at her and whistled, “Hope the other guy looks worse.”Todoroki walked in behind her before dropping the other robber unceremoniously on the ground, “He will when I’m done with him.”“Icy Hot” Momo chided, pulling up another chair, “Get him situated first.”He did as instructed, setting his unconscious body next to the other guy, who’s wide eyes looked at his comrade with fear. Hitoshi smacked his cheek playfully, making him look back at him, “Don’t worry, he’s alive…. For now.”“Come on guys.” Momo produced a cloth from her arm and proceeded to wipe around her face before making sure the bleeding had stopped, “Let’s get this going.”“You sure you don’t need a minute?” Hitoshi cocked his head at her, “Some water?”“Don’t coddle me” She snapped, before sighing, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to-““No no it’s fine.” Hitoshi held up a hand, “You’re right. I’m just…” He seemed to search for the word before blurting it out as if it pained him, “Concerned?”“Aw” She patted his cheek gently, “So sweet”Todoroki stepped back from his handy work of tying the man up before the second robber started to groan as he came to. “Let’s get started,” He said, silencing the other two as they stood before the robbers.“What the-“ The robber that fought Momo shook his head, “Where are we?” He looked to his partner before gasping, sitting up right, “What the fuck?”“We’ll ask the questions,” Hitoshi snapped, stepping forward, crossing his arms. Momo could hear the smirk behind his large metal mouthpiece, she didn’t even need to see it to know, “Like what time is it?”“How should I-“ His sentence died in his throat as his eyes dilated and he looked ahead with a dead stare. The other robber watched with wide, scared eyes at the whole display. Momo could understand the fear some might have when they saw Master Mind at work, turning anyone into his mindless puppets. But she could never bring herself to fear him after witnessing him hum Billy Idol while making pancakes.Hitoshi crouched down, looking at his prey with all the confidence in the world. His voice was slightly muffled from the mouth piece, but his question was clear and direct, “Who gave you the job tonight?”“Got a text” His answer was monotone, but quick, “Don’t know who.”“How did you hear about these texts?” The robber looked to the man next to him, who started to struggle, “Him”Hitoshi cocked his head over, “Oh really?”The guy closed his eyes and started to scream through his muffled gag. Todoroki walked behind him and lit his left hand in flames, “Keep that up and I’ll melt your mouth shut.”The screaming stopped just as quickly, watching the flames die down, “Good” Todoroki walked back to Momo, who was watching the display with disdain. She would never approve of such methods, but they really need a lead. The thought of waiting another month for a job to be sent out via text was enough to set her on the edge, ready to go crazy. They needed answers right then and there.Hitoshi looped a finger on the side of the gag before pulling it off, “How you doing?”The guy stayed silent, looking at the mind controlling hero with fear. Hitoshi hummed, “Oh, you not feeling so talkative now?”“I-“ His voice died on his throat as he mimicked the other robber in staring straight ahead.Hitoshi looked behind him to his friends, “They always talk in the end.” “Ask him about the texts.” Momo insisted with determination in her eyes. Her hands twitched as she brought her thumb up to bite at the tip of her nail. She could feel Todoroki’s eyes on her, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to worry about what he saw.Looking back, Hitoshi relayed the question. The robber spoke without hesitation.“A corrections officer at the prison I was last in told me about the jobs.” His response was just as emotionless as the others, “Takka- something. I don’t know his first name. He told me when I get out no one would hire a guy like me. But he knew of a way to get easy cash.”Momo squatted down next to Hitoshi, “A cop? Did he give any names?”“Answer her” Hitoshi commanded.“No” He shook his head, “Just told me he’ll put in a good word for me. I’ve gotten four jobs since I got out.”Narrowing her eyes at the thug, she felt her skin practically itch to come off, as if she would jump out of it any second, “Were any of those jobs a bank robbery?”It took him a second to answer, but it felt like a hour before he said, “No”Momo didn’t even realize she had exhaled before feeling Todoroki place a hand on her shoulder. She stood up and turned away, “I need some air.”Opening the door, she stormed out of the shed and walked over to the brick ledge before looking down at the city. Her head was pounding as she reached up to rub along the injured spot that the glass cut. “Damn it” She whispered, pulling her hands down to see them caked in dried blood. No wonder that crook looked terrified. Momo looked like something out of one of the movies in Jirou’s horror collection.Jirou.Closing her eyes, she looked down and rubbed at her face. She had almost forgotten about her. Jirou knew that Momo was Creati, which meant that she knew about her having a quirk. Don’t let the history test fool you; Jirou was a smart girl. It would take her no time at all to connect the pieces of all of Momo’s disappearances and her mom’s injury. Momo wasn’t worried about her calling the cops on her, but she was worried that she would never forgive her for keeping this secret. It was the biggest one she had ever kept from her best friend, and it was out there now.“You alright?” Looking over her shoulder, Momo found Todoroki standing there,mask gone, and in full worried boyfriend mode. She forced a smile, but he pointed to her face with a grimace, “Don’t”She paused, smile dropping, “What?”He reached her finally, lifting both hands to frame her face like he did earlier, except this time his thumbs smoothed down the side of her cheeks softly, “Don’t put up a front. Not with me.”Her heart nearly beat itself out of her chest as she sighed, leaning into his hands, nuzzling his left palm with her nose before placing a soft kiss on his thumb, “Thank you.”Turning herself to face him, she allowed herself a reprieve from the worry, the anxiety of what was to come, and just admired him. However, Todoroki wasn’t really comfortable with being the center of attention and it was his turn to look a bit flustered, “What?”Reaching up, she wrapped her hand around the front of his costume, “Come here”With that said, he allowed her to pull him forward as she stood up on her tiptoes to press her mouth against his. Her mind was suddenly a whirlwind frenzy of passion, pulling him as close as she could, causing their chests to bump. One hand slid up to his neck while the other held his shirt in a death grip. She observed that he seemed equally as frantic and determined to bring her closer. His hands slid down to her waist, pulling her flat stomach against his own, allowing her to feel every hard inch of him. Those same hands rolled over the swell of her hips to her belt before swinging her around to press her up against the side of the shed wall that housed the two criminals. She groaned as reality started to come back to her. She didn’t want to go back to feeling so angry and scared. Right now she wanted to live in this moment and push off the inevitable for as long as she could. She hooked her leg up and rubbed it along the side of his hip. He seemed to understand her intention, because she was soon in the air, being sandwiched between the metal shed and her muscular boyfriend. Her hands dug up and into his hair, keeping his face against her own, only breaking every few seconds to share a gasp of breath before diving back in. At some point one of them involved their tongues, but she couldn’t quite remember who initiated it. Frankly, she didn’t care. At this moment, Momo didn’t want to worry about anything other than the growing need to be taken care of by Todoroki. To have every single one of her needs met and multiplied when he touched her. She absolutely loved it when he picked her up. It was a show of power and dominance, and deep-down, part of her wanted him to overpower her and let him take charge. But another part wanted to press him against the wall and show him she too could be a domineering partner that could take what she wanted.The moment is only paused when the door to the shed clicked open a crack and Hitoshi’s voice called out to them, “Uh guys, as much as I would LOVE to have my best friend seal the deal, if you know what I mean-“ He cleared his throat, “I would also not like to be here to hear it. Soooo” His voice turned playful, “If we could put a bookmark in this for later. I would really appreciate it.”Heat flooded her, as she unhooked her legs from his waist, dropping to stand back on her own two feet. How could she allow herself to lose control like that when they were in the middle of something so important? What was wrong with her?Overcome with embarrassment and shame, Momo pulled away from her boyfriend, and walked away from him to the other side of the roof. She heard the other two whisper fight.“Nice going, asshole.” Todoroki hissed to his friend.“Excuse me for not wanting to find out what your orgasm sounds like.” Hitoshi scoffed back, “I frankly feel like the victim here, so I don’t know why you’re mad.”Their whispers continued and Momo felt her phone vibrate in the compartment of her belt. She pulled it out and the screen lit up her face as she read the text from Jirou.Jirou: “Don’t forget about me.”Like cold ice being poured down her back, Momo straightened up, turning off the screen as she looked back at the two heroes that were practically at each other's throats with death glares.“Uh, guys?” They both looked at her instantly. “Do you mind if I head out? I- um” She rubbed the side of her head, “I have a bad headache.”Todoroki was walking towards her with that same concern, “Let me walk you.”“No, no, he needs you. I’ll be fine.” Momo was already heading to the fire escape on the side of the building, “I promise you I’m good. You two stay safe.” Not wanting to give them time to rebuttal, she dropped down, taking each balcony of the fire escape one at a time.Once down the street, hidden from prying eyes, Momo made her way back to the rooftop where her abandoned school bag rested, hidden behind a rusted satellite dish. Changing back into her school uniform from earlier, she decided to forgo the blazer and rushed back to Jirou’s place. It didn’t take long, but as she arrived she found a lone cop car out front and an officer talking to Jirou’s dad.The closer she got, the more nervous her body felt as she could just hear the tail end of their conversation.“I wish we were more help. But as I said, my wife and I were out on a date.” The middle aged former hippy sighed, “I’m just thankful my daughter was in bed when it happened.” His eyes lit up once he spotted Momo under the streetlamp, “Ah- Momo, did Jirou call you?”From the surprised look on his face, Momo could safely assure herself that he had no idea what happened just an hour ago. She smiled, giving a nod as she felt the eyes of the police officer looking down at her. She hoped she got every speck of blood off her and, if she didn’t, that the bad lighting would hide any she had missed, “Yes sir, Is she alright?”He smiled with an encouraging nod, “She’s fine. She’s inside if you want to go see her.”Momo bowed respectfully to the men before leaving to the shop, hearing the officer question who she was as she walked away.“Oh, that’s our daughter’s best friend. She’s always around here.”“I see”The front window was completely blown out, and the guilt increased when she opened the door to find Jirou’s mom sweeping up with a haggard grimace on her usually care-free face. Her tired eyes looked up in surprise, “Momo dear. It’s so late.”Momo offered a sad smile, twisting her hand around her backpack, “I was at the hospital when Jirou called. Is everything alright?”The mother’s face fell in a sad sigh, “Yes, it will be. We have insurance to pay for the damage, but-“ She took a shaky breath, “I was so scared when we got home to find the cops here.” A tear slipped from her eye as she wiped at it quickly, “I’m just thankful she’s safe. I don’t know what we would do if-“ He words were cut off as she took a shuttered breath, “Enough of my water works. Go on sweetie.”“Can I help?” Momo motioned to the broom as the mother shook her head.“I’ve got it. Go on. She needs you.” She nodded to the back door, “Make sure she’s alright for me.”The guilt turned to full on anguish as she walked away from the mother, hearing her sniffle all the way up the stairs. She made Jirou’s mother terrified that something had happened to her only daughter. What kind of hero was she?Upon reaching the door to Jirou’s room, Momo felt like her arms were made of lead as they reached up to knock at the door. “Jirou?” She asked softly.The door is thrown open and she’s met with the terrified face of her best friend. Momo opened her mouth to apologize, but it died on her tongue when the girl threw her arms around Momo’s shoulders, pulling her down into a strong hug. Momo’s eyes widened in shock, as her arms hovered next to her, as if unsure of what to do.“I was so worried about you!” Jirou hissed, pulling away, allowing Momo to see her wide glassy eyes.Momo felt her bottom lip tremble as she began to feel her body crumple forward. No matter what she did, Jirou was willing to wrap her arms around her and worried about her well being. Momo was a horrible friend, and she didn’t deserve Jirou.“Jirou” Momo whispered, holding her arms up, “C-can I have another hug?” Her voice cracked, just like her heart.Jirou’s wide purple eyes seemed to read her as she nodded once. It was all Momo needed before she crumpled forward, falling into her best friends’ arms, crying her heart out, “I’m so sorry, Jirou!”As she sobbed she could feel her best friend pet along her messy hair, running down and repeating the motion to sooth her, shushing away her tears, “It’s alright, Yaomomo.”“No!” Momo shook her head awkwardly in the hold, hugging Jirou as if she would disappear, “No it’s not alright. I lied to you! I lied about everything!”“How long?” Jirou’s voice was barely a whisper, but Momo could hear the pain in her voice and it caused her heart to hurt even worse.“Since the robbey- and- and my mom.” She hiccuped, looking down, “Please, please don’t hate me, Jirou! You’re the last little piece of me that hasn’t changed since all this happened!” She took a shuttered breath, “Please don’t hate me”Jirou’s arms tightened around her, “I could never hate you, Yaomomo.” She squeezed her again, “You’re my sister. You always have been and always will be.” Pulling away, she held Momo at an arm’s length with strong eyes, “Don’t think for a second this changes anything between us.”“Jirou” Momo smiled through the tears, tasting the salt of them as she looked down, “Thank you.”After collecting themselves, Jirou managed to relocate them to the secrecy of her room behind closed doors. After she closed the door, she turned to Momo. The two stared at each other for a moment before Jirou cut through the silence. “Well?” she said as she gestured toward Momo. Momo gave her a confused look before looking down to see if she had been injured somewhere she hadn’t noticed earlier. “Oh, come on!” Jirou said, “You made me worry, you have to show me!”A wave of realization hit Momo and she smiled a little. She thought for a moment before reaching down to her arm and pulling out a pair of drumsticks. She handed them to Jirou, who held them out in front of her. She stared with wide eyes at the two pieces of wood.“Bad. Ass.” Jirou said before looking back up to Momo. She smiled and ushered Momo over to the bed. She plopped Momo on the floor as she sat on the bed behind her, insisting she look at her head. Momo allowed her, thankful to not have to look at her, it gave Momo a few moments to collect herself. Jirou’s small hands carded through her hair after taking it out of the ponytail, brushing through, looking for any excess glass or wounds.“I would have told you sooner but I was sworn to secrecy.” Momo explained, shivering at the feeling of her hair being pushed aside. She always loved it when someone plays with her hair, it’s so cathartic and relaxing.“Is Todoroki part of all this?” Jirou asked.Momo remained silent, trying to find a way to get the guys out of this when Jirou cut into her thoughts, “Come off it, don’t tell me he’s not. I bet him and that hitoshi guy are heroes too.” She hummed in thought, “I’d put money on Icy Hot for Todoroki. They’re about the same height, and body type.”Smiling to herself, Momo was yet again reminded of how smart her best friend was as she sighed.“Can’t quite put my finger on who Hitoshi would be. Maybe one of the smaller time heroes.”“You were always too observant for your own good.” Momo sighed.Jirou tugged at her hair playfully, “Call me Sherlock because I was going to call Todoroki out for being Icy Hot a long time ago. I just didn’t because you two started dating and didn’t want to add any drama to the mix.” Her paused if followed by a gasp, “Oh my god, are you two really dating?”“Yes, I mean now we are, but before it was- complicated?” Momo whispered the last part, blushing at the memory of her heated kiss with Todoroki, “Maybe I should just spill from the beginning.”“Please do” Jirou picked up a brush to run through her hair.It took nearly an hour to go over all the in’s and out’s of her time as a hero and her trainingwith Todoroki. Momo managed to keep Aizawa and the other a secret for the time being, but maybe that would change if Jirou kept asking questions. She was already breaking so many rules by telling her this.“So that’s where we’re at, the guy said his corrections officer gave him the number but that’s it.” Momo finished with a loud sigh, “We’re back at a brick wall.”“Not exactly.” Jirou released Momo’s neatly tied up ponytail before sliding out of her seat to sit before her on the floor, “We just need to interrogate this Takka guy and get more answers.”“We?” Momo cocked her head, “Jirou-““You seriously don’t think I’m going to find out that my best friend is a super hero and I’m not going to get in on the action?” Her tone was playful as she raised a brow.“Jirou, no. It’s too dangerous.”“Danger is my middle name.”Shaking her head, Momo stood up, “Sorry, but I can’t agree to this.”“Good thing I don’t need anyone’s approval to do what I want.” Jirou stood up next, crossing her arms, “You just got yourself a side kick.”Momo knew deep down Jirou wouldn’t take no for an answer, but if the others found out she told… Who knew what they would do?“Alright, but first let me break the news to the guys gently. They’re kind of… protective of their secret.” Momo then held up a finger as if remembering something, “And you can’t go into the field with me. You’re still just a civilian.”“A civilian with a bad attitude and heavy fists.” Jirou punched at the air, “This is so cool! I can’t believe my best friend is Creati!”“Shhh!” Momo held up her hands as they quiet down to hear Jirou’s parents shuffle around downstairs before continuing, “Not so loud.”“Sorry” Jirou’s smile was still as wide as her face, “It’s just this is so exciting! I have so many questions! Tell me more about your quirk! What about your costume? Can you teach me that choke hold? Oh- oh how about you and Todoroki?”“What about Todoroki?” Momo could feel the oncoming wave of heat brush against her face as she clutched her cheeks with her hands.“Aw, come on! You’re dating one of the top heroes of Japan! What’s it like? Talk about a power couple!” She nudged Momo’s side, “I need details! Intimate details!” She smirked with a wag of her brow.“Aw jeez, you’re just as bad as Kaminari.” Momo muttered.“Well, at least he’s not a part of all this.” She waived a hand to the air.Momo didn’t mean for the squeak to pop out of her mouth as she looked to the side, but when it did, Jirou zoomed in on her with equally wide eyes, “Wait…”“Um” Momo joined her two index fingers together in a fidgeting type of stance, “About that...”“No fucking way!” Jirou shouted, nearly deafening Momo in the process as she threw her hands over her best friend’s mouth.“Jirou stop! You’re so loud!”“Tell me more! Keep saying words!” Jirou thrashed under her, “I can’t believe you skipped over this part! I demand compensation!”The rest of the night was filled with whispers and giggles as the two had a sleepover that consisted of Momo opening her secret life to Jirou. And in return, Jirou met her at that door with nothing but love and acceptance. It was a weight off Momo’s shoulders that allowed her to smile freely and easily for the first time in a while.//~~~~~~~~~End CH 27~~~~~~~~~~~~~\\
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//~~~~~~~~~~Ch 28~~~~~~~~~\\Momo and Jirou spent the majority of the night talking it over and came to the conclusion that they couldn’t keep this from the guys. After many scenarios, they landed on a single one that would have the best outcome for them.The next morning, the two dressed and had breakfast with Jirou’s parents. Momo sent a group text to the others asking to meet at Musutafu City Station. She got responses relatively quickly and the two were off, wrapping their jackets around themselves since the Mid-October weather brought a chill along with it.The two cast worried glances at each other throughout the journey to the station. It wasn’t long after they arrived that they spotted their friends. Kaminari and Hitoshi were talking animatedly to Todoroki, who looked exhausted. He did have a late patrol after their whole ordeal with those guys. Momo felt a little bad for dragging him out of bed so early. Upon reaching them, she could see the confusion in their eyes as Jirou stood next to her.“Good morning!” She said cheerfully, taking Todoroki’s cold hand into her own. He squeezed it, leaning down to kiss her temple while muttering his own greeting.Kaminari, though, was just as excited to have Jirou there, “Good morning guys! What’s with the early call?” His golden eyes darted between them, “Not that I’m complaining, but I like to sleep in on my weekends.”Hitoshi’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Jirou with suspicion, “Yeah, seems awfully strange for a sudden get together.”A train just opened its doors, flooding the station with hundreds of patrons entering and exiting the platform. The group stood securely to the side, but close enough to be in sight.Momo cleared her throat, and smiled nervously, “I’m just going to say it.”Jirou beat her to it and said calmly, “I know everything.”“God damn it!” Hitoshi shouted, causing several heads to turn and look at them. Momo shushed him, holding a finger up to her lips but Hitoshi shook his head and pointed at her, “You had one job! I let it slip when you brought blondie here on the payroll, but now her?” He jutted a thumb at Jirou, “And you brought us to a public place so I wouldn’t freak out?” Hitoshi sneered almost comically, “Well too fucking bad because I have ZERO chill!”Kaminari reached out and grabbed onto the back of Hitoshi’s jacket, “Dude calm down, it’s not a big deal. Jirou’s cool.”Hitoshi threw his arms up, “Oh, well excuse me! I guess I’m over reacting- NO! This is a huge deal!” He pointed to Todoroki, “Help me out here. You have got to side with me on this.”Momo looked up at her boyfriend, worry chewing at the insides of her stomach as he looked between each person and shrugged, “I was honestly going to suggest we tell her anyway.”“What?” Hitoshi shouted as Momo threw her arm around his neck, planting a kiss onto his pink cheek.Todoroki smiled down at his girlfriend before looking back at Hitoshi, “Think about it. She’s Momo’s best friend, and she’d made a really good alibi for each of us should we need it. She’s in no way connected to a hero identity.” He said in a low voice, “She’s a civilian.”“My point exactly.” Jirou winked at him with a smirk, “I always knew you were clever, Todoroki.” She looked to Hitoshi, “Dude, come on.” She motioned to herself with both hands, “I’m an asset. Face it… you need me.” She said leaning forward as if she herself were made of gold.Hitoshi gave her a deadpan stare before scoffing, “I’m wiping her memory.” He said point blank.“No!” Momo, Kaminari and Jirou all shouted, drawing more heads to look at them. Momo stood before Jirou protectively, “Toshi please,” She whispered, “She’s my best friend, and she can help us.”Momo pouted as she gave Hitoshi her best puppy dog look. The mind controlling hero grunted as he turned his head away, “Not the look.”She blinked her big onyx eyes up at him, fluttering her lashes, “Ple-ease”After a moment he sighed loudly, “Fine! I guess you’re in.” He threw his hands up, “God damn it”Kaminari cheered with Momo, holding both Momo and Jirou’s hand up in the air like boxing champions, “This is going to be awesome!”“To the bat cave!” Jirou exclaimed dramatically, pointing the way to the exit of the station.“Dude, you told her about my bat cave?” Hitoshi looked shocked as they walked from the station to the theatre. The walk there was filled with a lot of whispered talking, mostly between Jirou, Momo and Kaminari. Hitoshi walked in the back with Todoroki, grumbling the whole way. When they eventually reached their base of operations, he let them in and did the big reveal on the basement. Jirou was as amazed as Momo and Kaminari had been, commenting on the sick specs, which did bring a proud smile to Hitoshi’s face as he boasted about his talents.They all stood around the table, crowded with papers and folders, “Alright,” Momo said firmly, getting down to business, “Where are we with the cop?”Todoroki set down a picture of an older male, looking to be in his late forties, with graying hair and plump cheeks, “This is the detention officer, Hiroto Takka. He’s been a corrections officer for sixteen years. Just recently, he was transferred out of the prison and placed on the Musutafu police unit. Specifically, my father's unit.” He said grimly.Jirou put a finger to her chin in thought, “Strange how a man his age is moved to such a change in job duties. Does he have a record?”Todoroki shook his head, “Pretty clean actually. The transfer came from the higher ups. He has nothing but glowing recommendations from his superiors.” He scoffed, “I’ll do some digging on him since he’s on my father’s unit.”Hitoshi nodded, “I’ve got my eye on his bank statements. At the end of each month he gets a large deposit from some offshore bank account. It’s the same that those thugs use back at that restaurant. I can’t prove anything, so this evidence is just presumptuous.”“So, we get some dirt on him, find out who hired this guy, maybe see if there’s a few more bad birds in the canary cage. Until then, we keep doing what we’re doing.” Hitoshi said.Todoroki agreed, “Doing our patrols and keeping an eye for any more jobs sent out.”They all nodded as the meeting seemed to conclude on its own. Kaminari pulled Jirou along for a tour of the basement while Hitoshi followed, snapping to not touch anything. This left Momo and Todoroki to walk alone back up to the empty stage of the theater. “Thanks for understanding back there. With Jirou and all.” Momo smiled up at him.He nodded, “Of course, she’s your best friend.”“Did you really mean it when you said you were going to suggest we tell her?”Todoroki smiled down at her, “I saw how much it was hurting you and I hate being the reason you’re stressed.”Momo leaned forward as did Todoroki and they rested their foreheads together, basking in the tender moment between them before he pulled away and said, “I have a question.”“Yes?”He seemed nervous before speaking, “Would you like to go on a date with me?”Momo had to blink, repeating his foreign words in her head, “A date?” They had never been on a real date before, unless he counted the undercover mission at the mall. “With me and you?”He blushed, looking to the side nervously, “Yeah, if that’s alright.”Momo felt a grin take place as her face flushed, “Of course. I would actually love that.”“Good. Is tomorrow alright?” He asked.Momo seemed startled at the sudden suggestion. So soon? Shaking the thought from her mind, she nodded, “Tomorrow is fine.”“I look forward to seeing you.” He smiled, “But I need to get going. I have some recon to do on Takka.”“Be safe” Momo said softly and he nodded, kissing the top of her head before leaving. She watched him leave, a dreamy smile in place, that was only broken by a voice calling her.“Yaomomo-chan!” Kaminari ran from behind the curtains, “Want to get takoyaki with us?”“Sure! Are Hitoshi and Jirou getting along?” She asked just as the two in question emerged from the curtains while bantering back and forth.“I’m Batman in this scenario. I don’t have a quirk. I’m just a radical person with a ton of skills to offer.” Jirou motioned to herself.“Except you’re not rich, and you can’t fight.” Hitoshi said deadpan, pointing at her, “And you’re short.”Jirou scoffed, “I could take you”Hitoshi rolled his eyes while Momo smiled up at them from where she walked down to the empty seats, “You two seem to be getting along.”“She likes comics.” Hitoshi said, “I respect that.”Kaminari throws an arm over both Jirou and Hitoshi’s shoulders, pulling them in, “I’m so excited my friends are getting along! No more secrets!”Momo can honestly say she agreed with Kaminari over that. The fact that she’ll have no secrets between Jirou and herself is like a weight lifted from her shoulders. Clapping her hands together once she beams up at them, “I heard we’re getting takoyaki!”That seemed to be the magic word, because their group moved along for a day of bonding together over their new found ally.~~~~~~~The Next Dayyyyyy~~~~~Momo looked in the mirror and huffed loudly, sliding off her fifth jacket, “I’m not going!”“Oh my gawd, chill girl. It’s just Todoroki.” Jirou said from Momo’s bed where she and Hitoshi were playing some card game. Last night Jirou and Hitoshi decided to have a sleepover at her place since her Mom was sleeping at their out-of-city office. Their reasoning being that Momo needed moral support with her upcoming date since she started panicking after they got lunch yesterday.They spent the majority of the night bantering over what comics are best and which universe is truly cannon to the story line. Momo could honestly say that she was so happy Hitoshi and Jirou were really hitting it off, but she wished they were a bit less loud about it.Jirou sighed, rolling from the side of the bed, placing her cards face down as she walked up behind Momo in the mirror and looked at her outfit, “You look fine.”“I don’t want to look fine, I want to look-“ She was interrupted by Hitoshi, who flopped forward on his stomach, bouncing on the bed.“Fine!” He said with a cat call. The girls looked back at him skeptically before Jirou continued.“He’ll love whatever you wear.”“Or don’t wear!” Hitoshi spoke up again, “Frankly, as his best friend, I can honestly say he wouldn’t mind you showing some leg.”Jirou quirked an eye at him, “He’s a leg man? Seriously, with these tits at his disposal?”“Guys!” Momo flustered, covering her arms over her chest before disappearing into her closet, “You both are horrible.”After looking around, she managed to put together a black skirt with a tucked-in striped black and white sweater. Walking out ,she found Jirou and Hitoshi squabbling over him cheating and taking a peek at her cards. They hardly noticed her walk by to grab some black stockings from her dresser and slipping them on. Once done, she looked at herself in the mirror, brushing her hair behind her shoulder.“Wow, Yaomomo, you look great!” Jirou said after throwing her cards at Hitoshi’s face, giving up.“You think so?” She turned each way smiling at her reflection.Hitoshi stood from the bed and strolled over whistling, “He’s going to totally lose his marbles.”The doorbell chimed through the mansion-like home, silencing any response she had. Gasping, she picked up her phone off the wireless charger and ushered her friends to the door while snatching up her black shoes, “Come on, shows over, move along!”Momo rushed down the stairs while her friends took their sweet time, laughing at her nervous fidgeting. Momo slid her shoes on on every tenth step before stopping at the door to fix her hair. She just wore it down, but it decided to fluff up, so she wondered if she should have tied it up. Opening the door, she came face-to-face with her boyfriend, Shouto Todoroki.A natural smile fell into place as she leaned against the open door, “Hello, Shouto.”He smiled at her before his eyes trailed behind her to Jirou and Hitoshi watching over her shoulder, “Eh, hey there.”“Oh don’t mind us.” Jirou grabbed onto Hitoshi’s jacket, “We were just leaving to have lunch with Kaminari.”As they walk by Hitoshi winked at Todoroki, “Have fun you two!”“Not too much fun!” Jirou pointed between them before disappearing around the brick wall to the sidewalk.Todoroki looked back at Momo and found her blushing, “They’re pretty wild.”“Too wild.” Momo shut the door behind her, sliding her phone into the pocket in her shirt, “You ready?”“Almost” Todoroki said and, as Momo was about to ask what else he needed, her chin was captured in his hand as he gave her a soft kiss before pulling away, “You look nice.”Her face heated up and she smiled nervously to the side, “Thank you. I just kind of threw it on.”Stepping forward, Todoroki held his hand out to her, “Let’s go”Taking his hand, she watched their fingers intertwine before they began their very first date. He started by taking her to lunch at this adorable soba hut that looked like something out of feudal japan. He admitted to coming here a lot after long patrols when he was younger. The owner was an old woman with a slight hearing issue, but she was so sweet when she recognized Todoroki as a regular customer. It was a peek into Todoroki’s inner life and she was grateful for every bite.Next, he asked if she wanted to see a movie, since his sister suggested a war movie that just came out. Fuyumi had highly suggested it as the perfect date movie. Momo agreed, saying she hadn’t been to a movie in so long. It was very tame, swapping popcorn and soda between them. She honestly thought he would at least try to kiss her in the darkness of the theater, but his eyes remained loyally on the screen. Not that she was disappointed; in fact, she was grateful when he didn’t want to show a ton of PDA in public settings. Afterwards, they took a walk around the park, watching kids feed the ducks until it was nearly dinner time. They were still so full from the popcorn, so they split some Yakitori they bought off a street vendor. The walk back to her place was utterly perfect. They were talking about their freshman year of high school.“I swear, I thought it was the girls locker room, but when I walked in on the boys PE class, I nearly died!” She groaned loudly at the memory.Todoroki chuckled softly, squeezing her hand, “I know, I was in there when you walked in. I thought I was going to combust into flames when you looked at me.”“You were there?” Momo gasped in surprise, “I was so shocked at just seeing a bunch of shirtless boys that I must have blanked out mentally!” She fanned her face with her hand, “I swear I never lived that down. Just another tick in my awkward social hierarchy.”They reached her door as he brought her hand up to kiss the back of it, “I thought you were adorable.”“Did you?” Momo blushed, “Because until that day in the halls, I always assumed I was invisible to you.”“You were never invisible to me.” He said softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Momo felt her face heat up as she recalled that night he admitted to having feelings for her. It always made her smile to know he cared enough to say it out loud and express it.Looking behind her to her door, Momo faced him again, not really wanting this night to end. But a proper lady should never invite a boy in with no one home. What would her mother think if she knew Momo had a boy traipsing around her home? It just wasn’t proper. So, she smiled up at him and nodded, “Well, this is me.”He looked to the door and back at her before smiling softly, “I guess so.”Together they stood there as she played with her keys, jingling them nervously as she wished he would kiss her. Gently, he leaned down to kiss her when his phone buzzed. He seemed perturbed, but lifted the smart phone from his pocket to look at it as if it personally offended him.“Call to action?” She asked with a light laugh.He growled under his breath before slipping it back in his pocket, “Ya, I’m sorry.”“Don’t be. It’s part of the job. Go; be safe.”He looked ready to say something when another chime came on his phone and he turned quickly to the gate, “I’ll see you soon.”Momo waived, watching him go as she opened her door, sadly wishing she had at least gotten a kiss. Letting out a long sigh, Momo locked her home up tight, texting Jirou and her mom to let them know she was home. Jirou was actually busy on a shift at her parents café, which had gotten pretty busy today with concerned patrons coming by to check on the owners to see what happened two nights earlier. Hitoshi was on shift, so it was a coin toss if he was spending the night here or not. It was getting colder out there, so she would prefer he stay somewhere with heating and proper warmth. She would have a talk with him tomorrow about it. Entering her room, Momo slid out of her shoes while slipping her stockings off, dumping them into the hamper in the bathroom. She brushed her teeth while thinking about her lovely evening with her boyfriend. She just hoped he had just as much fun. After washing her face, she took out her backpack to make sure all her school books and supplies were accounted for, since tomorrow was Monday. That was when she remembered she had her literature essay due. Pulling out her laptop, Momo scrolled through her already written paper, re-reading it for the tenth time looking for any errors. She sat curled up in her computer chair, playing with the end of her hair. She sat like this until she was satisfied and printed it out before slipping it into her bag for tomorrow. Stretching her arms up, she looked to her clock to see it was nearly ten, just in time for bed. Reaching for the hook on her skirt she paused, hearing something click loudly. Looking over her shoulder to the window, she waited until the same tap was heard. Walking over, she felt a strange sense of déjà vu before opening her curtains to see Todoroki standing below tossing ice chips up at her glass. Pushing the glass open, she poked her head down, taking note that he was still in his clothes from earlier, “Shouto?”He dropped the small ice chip in hand and waived, “I’m sorry, I should have called.”She smiled down at him, “Is something wrong?”“No,” He shook his head, “I told you I‘d be back soon.”Her eyes widened, “I didn’t realize you meant THIS soon.”He cocked his head almost like a cat, “Should I leave?”Her mind flashed to that dream she had earlier and blushed bright red before shaking her head, “No, that would be rude. You came all this way. Should I come down to let you- oh!” She paused when he jumped along the trellis, taking hold of the vines to easily pull himself up to the second floor. He poked his head up and she stepped aside, allowing him in as he planted his feet onto the wooden floor. She suddenly felt exposed, standing here in her room with the boy she was dating. He looked around and a smile came up naturally, “Just what I imagined.”“What?” Momo looked behind her to her tidy room, wondering if she left something out.“It’s just like you.” He walked forward, looking at her computer desk and her dresser scattered with pictures of her and Jirou through the years. He picked up a framed one of her and her mothers at some ranch in southern France, “Warm”Momo smiled, and watched him place the frame down before returning to her, “I didn’t want to end our date like that.”“Like that?” She whispered, feeling her heart start to pick up, “You mean-“He leaned forward capturing her mouth into a sweet kiss that had her instantly closing her eyes and moving closer into him. His hands rested on her hips as her own gently touched his chest. He pulled away slowly, and she fluttered her eyes open to smile up at him, “That was nice.”“I couldn’t stop thinking about you when I left.” He pecked her lips between sentences, “Of course, I’m always thinking of you. Can’t get you out of my mind.” He pulled away, watching her flustered face look for something to say.Todoroki brushed her hair behind her ear like he did earlier, “Aizawa told me to come back when I had my head on straight. I could only think of doing one thing to fix it.”She licked her lower lip, nodding once, “I’d like to help you fix it.”His eyes darkened as he leaned down pressing his forehead against her own, “How far are you willing to let me go?”Biting her lip, she inhaled deeply, feeling heady with desire as she recalled that dream and how it made her feel. If she could experience the real thing, maybe she too could get her head on straight and focus on their patrols. Without second guessing herself, she looked up at him past her lashes and smiled sweetly, “All the way.”He inhaled through his clenched teeth as his hands slid around her waist to the zipper of her skirt, “You sure?”She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling his chest to her own, “It’s all I can think of. I want this.”With that said, she took his hand and led him towards her bed, pushing him down to sit as she stood between his opened legs. Her face a soft pink as she trailed her hand down his cheek to his neck. Todoroki leaned into her touch, looking up at her, hands touching her legs just at the hem of her skirt. She wanted to be assertive, or else she would second guess everything she was doing. Reaching for the hem of her sweater, she pulled it over her head, dropping it next to her. She placed a knee onto the bed at his side and slid forward until she straddled him. His hands came up, unsure if he was allowed to touch her. Momo smiled encouragingly as she grabbed his hands and placed one on her bare side and the other right above her chest. His hand slid down to her bra, trailing over the black lace before leaning in and placing soft kisses along the center of her chest. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head and she leaned into him while his other hand slid around her back to feel her.Those kisses and bites trailed up to her neck where he latched on to suck along her pulse, sending her body into a heated quiver. She grasped onto his shoulders, holding tight, allowing him to pepper her skin with affections. He did this for some time, licking his way back down until his hand popped the hooks of her bra and the straps slid down her shoulders. Moving her arms, it fell off, hitting the ground with her sweater. She closed her eyes tightly, feeling her body shake. “Momo” His voice whispered and she cracked her eyes open when she felt that breath of air on the tip of her nipple. He was looking down at her chest in amazement before smiling as if grateful, “I don’t know why you’re closing your eyes.” He grasped onto her left breast while he gave a lick to the right, turning her breaths into hushed gasps. “But I’m going to keep mine open if that’s alright.”She nodded, closing her eyes again when he latched onto her breast, suckling it. Her core burned and she desperately wished for more of it, pressing herself down on his hard erection, which strained through his jeans. Pulling away, his breath on her made the yearning turn to throbbing, bucking her hips forward. He nuzzled his face into her chest, kissing and placing love bites around the edges. She felt his hand slide back down her back to the zipper on her skirt and slowly slide it down until it piled around her waist. In a move she had only really seen in training, he flipped her onto her back, now standing over her half-naked body. She resisted the urge to cover herself, feeling his hand tug her black skirt away, dropping it to the floor of forgotten clothes. She did close her eyes again when she felt his hot gaze on her, trailing over her. At the sounds of clothes rustling, she peeked open to see him shirtless, undoing his own zipper, “If you keep them closed, you’re going to miss it.” He slid everything off, dropping everything to the floor. She sat up on her elbows, looking down at his erection, eyes widening at the size. Her lower body became slick with desire as she imagined him filling her up with that. Trailing her eyes back up, she found him smiling, as if proud of her reaction. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she smiled back sheepishly, “You ready?” She hooked her fingers on the edge of her panties.Instead of letting her take them off, he pushed her back to the bed and trailed kisses down her stomach, “Not just yet,” he gave her belly button a long lick, “I want to take my time with you.” His hand slid down her sides, causing goosebumps to follow in their wake, “I’ve thought about this too much to not savor you.”Her body arched off the bed when he made his way back up, biting down on her breast, drawing all kinds of sounds from her. His hand slid down her stomach, past her panties to dip into her wetness. Momo nearly launched herself off the bed as the sudden finger slipped inside her vagina. He inserted the finger further into her and she cried out his name, lifting her waist to meet his hand. Her body instantly craved more, throbbing to be filled. A second finger followed, sliding in and out at an agonizingly slow pace.“Shouto” She gasped, feeling his teeth around her nipple, teasing her in ways she had never imagined. He stroked the inner walls of her vagina, while this thumb rubbed against her sensitive nub. She was spiraling out of control, turning her head each way, grasping onto his head like a lifeline. Tension pulled at her insides, taunt and strong as she felt the big moment pulling closer. All she could think about was being filled to the brim with him, but not finding the words to beg for it. Instead, her body squeezed his fingers as her insides spasmed, releasing that tension in a loud moan that shook her vocals. It lasted seconds, but in her relaxed state of floating and drowning, she could feel her panties slipping down her legs. Todoroki’s face came into view over her, staring down at her with so much adoration and love it made her want to cry.He whispered her name and she nodded, knowing that he was telling her that it was time. He arranged her, and she allowed it because she was still coming down from her high. Hoping deep down she could make him feel just as good.She wraps her legs around his waist while he lined up over her, staring down at her face before leaning down to kiss her briefly, “I love you.” He said.Momo nodded as if she already knew, like this was the hundredth time he’s said it and not the very first. She whispered her response as if on automatic mode, “I love you too.”She could feel his shaft nudging her before pushing forward, stretching her around him. He grunted, wrapping his fist around the sheets, as if trying to mainting control, “So fucking wet.” He whispered and she nodded, feeling the heat from earlier starting to build back up at the feeling of something pushing into her, something bigger. Pushing further in, she felt a twinge of discomfort, which he soothed away with sweet whispers and soft kisses.She could hear her voice, speaking before thinking about it, softly begging him to keep going. He buried his face into her neck when he pushed the last bit forward, filling her completely. When she felt him bump her wall, she snapped her head back, moaning his name. Her dreams felt nothing like this, being filled is something she knew she would become addicted to. The feeling of his head pushing forward, as if adjusting to the feeling, rubbing against her walls, made her quiver in pleasure. “Don’t stop”He lifted his head, and started to pull out before snapping forward again, silencing her begging as he repeated this several times. She hooked her ankles together around his back, grasping onto his arms as he created a pace for them; her hips snapping up to meet him with every thrust, wanting him deeper inside of her. He quickened the pace and once again she felt that delicious coiling sensation driving her up towards her breaking point. It wasn’t until he lifted her hips as he reared back onto his knees, bringing her forward to meet his thrust, that her coil shattered. She pulled herself up into a sitting position, riding him while he sat on his knees. She screamed, feeling him grind against her, his face buried in her chest. He groaned into her flesh as he finally released. It shot up into her, warm and fluid, filling every part of her that she never thought possible. Her toes curled and her eyes squeezed shut, feeling him fill her to the brim with his seed. He slumped down onto her before rolling over, bringing her body to lay on top of him, not breaking them apart just yet. Together they lied there, breathing heavily, gasping for words that they couldn’t think of. After a while, Momo felt his seed leak out of her and she missed the warmth. She missed it enough to sit up and stare down at him. His dual eyes watched her curiously, wondering what she was going to do.Momo felt him grow hard again inside of her and she smiled, “Good, I thought you were done.”He shook his head, “Not even a little bit.” He said as she adjusted herself, sinking down further on him. Her lower half soaking wet from the cum and her wetness, she moaned, placing her hands on his hard stomach, using it to push herself up before sinking down. The sounds he made as she rode him were animalistic. She rocked forward and back before switching to up and down. It was lazy movements that they both encouraged before he was coming again inside of her and she was arching back, feeling his hot seed fill her. It wasn’t as much as earlier, but it was enough to make her wish she could drown in this sensation. She wanted to be his forever, and she wanted him to be hers. //~~~~~~~~~~~End Ch 28~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
/~~~~~~~~~~~Ch 29~~~~~~~~~\\
Maybe it was presumptuous of her to assume her long weekend would be filled with productivity and moral intents. Their school let out early on Thursday to allow the students to celebrate Nagano. Momo usually spent the holiday with her mothers at some big fancy resort, or, on occasion, with Jirou's family at their private cabin in the mountains. This year though, with everything going on, Lei confided in Momo that she would be with some business partners in the states doing a function for their next line of clothing. Without Abalee there, Lei had taken on twice the work with half the off time, though she said she did it with love, Momo knew it was putting a strain on her. Lei promised Momo that, when she got back, they would celebrate with a huge dinner with the Jirous.
Momo stood in the center of the theater, watching her friends talk around a passed bag of popcorn.
"So, what's everyone's plan for Nagano?" Momo said, taking a handful of the buttered popcorn before leaning back into Todoroki's side.
Jirou shrugged, "This year my parents are going to Kyoto to see my aunt. I told them I wanted to stay in town with you." She smiled at her best friend, who cooed, smiling at the kind words.
"I don't celebrate that crap." Hitoshi scrolled through his laptop, "Might go on patrol with Aizawa."
"My grandma doesn't recognize the days so we don't really celebrate holidays or birthdays." Kaminari said nervously, trying not to be a downer, "But that's fine, I usually just watch the holiday specials on TV."
Momo looked saddened by that answer, wondering how hard he really has it back at home. Todoroki leaned his head onto her own, "My dad works all major holidays. My sister tries to put some semblance of a dinner together, but it never works. I'll probably join Hitoshi on patrol."
"Ay, my brother," Hitoshi gave him a thumbs up.
Momo pouted, "But it's a big day! Everyone should be with loved ones."
"Your mom’s out of town, right?" Hitoshi glanced up, "So it's not like you can follow your own advice."
That's when it clicked in her brain; she was going to throw the biggest Nagano dinner that the hero community had ever seen!
It took a lot of planning and begging to Aizawa, but she managed to make a decently large dinner guest list.
Now if only she could get out of bed to get the festivities started! Which led her back to her original thought of how she should have been spending her long weekend break.
Instead of pre-heating the ovens and organizing the dining room, Momo was pushed face-first into her large pillow, gasping for air while Todoroki grasped her hips from behind, sliding in and out of her. His large hands gripping her hips, jerking her back onto his cock, sitting up on his knees atop her large king size bed. Drool slipped from the corner of her mouth as she lifted her head to gasp for a real lung full of air, babbling out incoherent syllables of his name.
"To.. Ugh Sho- ah" She gasped once more when he pulled out, only to slam back into her.
When he brought up the new position, she seemed hesitant, but knew the reward would outweigh any second thought.
His left hand moved from her waist, sliding up the expansion of her arched back, leaving light trailed of heat in its wake. She could feel the goosebumps scatter across her skin, moaning for more of his touch.
"You alright?" He whispered.
He was always so caring when they made love. Always checking on her, making sure she was receiving the utmost pleasure with everything he gave. It was endearing and frustrating, because she wanted him to feel just as good as she always did. He assured her each time that he was very happy each time and she didn't need to do anything more to please him.
She could feel his hand touch the back of her neck, tangling through her black strands of hair. Turning her head to look over her shoulder was a task, but she caught sight of his lust filled eyes. Hazed over with a glassy-like film that he only got when he was like this with her. She assumed he was so caught up in the pleasure, that his mind went blank and his basic human need for release took precedent.
"Shouto" She finally got out his whole name and he rewarded her with another slam of his hips. Momo closed her eyes, reeling from the movement. She could feel her nipples brush against the bedsheet beneath her, stimulating her even further on her reach for the finish. She could taste the oncoming explosion just a hair's breadth away.
After their first time together, she assumed it would be a while before they did it again. Boy, was she wrong… The next day after school he was asking to come over to study, and they ended up on the floor having sex. After that, the next day he showed up before school to walk her, and they ended up barely making it to the first period on time after a quick session against her front door. They've practically done it everywhere in her room, from the shower, her desk, the walls and multiple times on her bed.
Momo honestly felt like an addict for that amazing release he provided her. Because when she was in the throws of passion with her boyfriend, she could forget everything going on beyond their bubble of lust. She could forget about her mom in the hospital, and her overworked mother flying to multiple countries. She could forget about the looming danger of the syndicate they were investigating with corrupt police officers, and the tedious tasks that came with every day school work. As greedy and immature as it sounded; for a moment she could lock those thoughts away and soak up the lavished attention Todoroki paid her body. Every touch he gave made her feel as though she was more than just Momo Yaoyorozu. He made her feel like everything was going to be alright.
And she selfishly went along with it every time; sometimes even spurring him on for more of those moments.
He arched his hips up, slamming into that one spot; that sweet, delicious spot that caused her toes to curl and her eyes to nearly cross. She opened her mouth, letting out the loudest moan, feeling herself clench down onto him. He didn't stop there; digging his fingers into the curve of her waist, pulling her back as if she weighed nothing at all. Using her body to chase after his own release, as if fueled only by the thought of filling her to the brim.
She could feel the warm spread of him spill inside her, chasing away her doubts and fears. Replacing every self conscious thought with one of love and loyalty. He slumped forward, catching himself by bracing his hands on either side of her. Both gasping for air, trying to enjoy that fleeting sense of pleasure that dulled to a soft high. After several seconds of doing so she could feel him slip out of her, moaning at the loss of warmth before grasping her waist and rolling them to the side to spoon.
Momo let him hold her however he wanted; too bone tired to seek any other position other than the little spoon.
He nosed his way past the hair on her neck to press soft kisses on her skin, "You alright?"
Smiling to herself, she giggled, "Better than alright. You have a gift, Shouto."
He chuckled at her comment, nuzzling himself closer to her, "I'm glad you think so."
Momo pressed her bottom up against his lower half, moaning when she didn't get the response she was hoping for, and instead he said, "I need a moment. The soul is willing, but the body needs time."
Giggling at his words, she snuggled closer, feeling him pull her blanket over them to stem away the cold. Winter had started, layering the city in a thin layer of ice and snow. While the Yaoyorozu estate was properly heated, there were always drafts in certain places, but never when she was in Todoroki's arms. Maybe it was part of his quirk, heating up the underside of their blanket like a furnace. All it really did was heat her up again for another round of explosive sex.
Yeah, maybe she was really an addict.
Rubbing her bottom against him again she was rewarded with a hand sliding over her waist to her lower stomach and a voice in her ear, "Fine, spoil your appetite." With that said, his fingers dipped into her wet folds, diving to her sensitive center. She arched into his heated body, gasping from the warm fingers entering her. He started at a soft pace, building her back up, other hand reaching around to capture her breast in his icy hand.
The door to their bedroom opened, "Alright, I got the groceries so-AHHH" Hitoshi dropped whatever he was holding to cover his eyes.
Momo and Todoroki sat up, shocked at the sudden interruption, covering themselves with the blanket.
"Hitoshi!" Momo shouted, "I said wait for me downstairs when you got here!"
Hitoshi had his back to them, "Oh I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting fuck fest to come to town this year!"
"Get out!" Todoroki said with a firmness behind his voice that promised pain if he didn't listen.
"Don't gotta tell me twice!" He said slamming the door.
Just when they thought he was gone, the door cracked open just enough for him to speak, "I'm going to start on the potatoes."
"TOSHI!" Both Momo and Todoroki shouted, hearing the door slam behind him.
Once gone, Momo buried her face into her hands, hiding her beat-red face. Of course, it hadn't been a total secret from the group, given Momo told Jirou and Hitoshi could always track their phones. Still, having someone walk in on her like that just showed how reckless she had been getting with it all. What if it had been her mother; on any other day she wasn't traveling she could have popped home for a quick break and caught them. Momo was not interested in having that conversation with her.
A hand touched her thought, drawing her face from her hands to look at her boyfriend, "You want me to go down there and talk to him?"
Momo couldn't help but smile at that sweet offer. Todoroki was just as much a private person as she was, and the fact that he was willing to go down there and make himself uncomfortable to make her feel better was one of the many reasons why she fell for him. Shaking her head, she dropped back onto the bed, looking up at her ceiling, "It's fine. I just hope you're ready for his colorful array of conversation starters tonight."
"I practically grew up with him. I'm used to it by now." Todoroki laid down next to her, reaching his hand between them to thread their fingers together, "I'm glad you're not ashamed of me, though."
Momo turned on her side, propped up on her elbow to look down at him, "Why would be ashamed to be with you?"
Todoroki looked to the side, "I'm not exactly a prize Momo. I have my flaws."
Pouting, she slowly felt the crease in her brow lessen before a smile replaced her concern, "And what would these flaws be? Because I sure don’t see them."
Todoroki seemed put off by her sudden amusement, squinting up at her suspiciously, "I'm serious. All the time."
Ever so slowly, with her hand that wasn't holding his, she reached up to touch gently at his furrowed brow, "I like how you always look. Like you're thinking intensely about every move."
"Hmm" He hummed in thought, "my scar, can't be that attractive to look at all the time."
Her hand smoothed down the bridge of his nose to curve out, tracing the line of his scar, "I can't imagine you without it." Leaning down, she placed a soft kiss to the abused flesh, pulling away, "It's part of you."
When she looked back to his face, she found him smiling, catching on to her little game, "I'm not very romantic."
Forcing a fake gasp, she rolled forward, swinging her leg over his hips, straddling him with her naked body, "’Snot true. You're a modern century Romeo."
Her hand braced on his hard chest, she smirked down at him, "Everything you do is romantic." She felt his lower half twitch against her inner thigh, "See?"
"You consider that romantic?" His brow cocked up.
Momo bit her lip, nodding, feeling him release her hand, and grasp onto her hips with his calloused fingertips. With a glance down, she knew what he was saying before lifting herself up onto her knees and sinking down onto him. Both of them gasping around the sudden sensation of being connected again. Momo did most of the work, knowing what she wanted and chasing after it. There was no time to be coy or bashful when she caught his dual eyes watching her chest bounce with every movement.
A chime sounded and she knew it was her phone still trapped in her pants on the floor. Groaning at the outside world trying to barge in on their moment, Todoroki reached a hand up and squeezed at her breast, bringing her back to him.
"Forget them," He whispered, "Just a little longer."
It was so endearing to see him beg for just a bit more of her time, even if they were having sex or just doing homework together, he always seemed to never want to leave her side. It made her feel wanted, and seen by someone other than her mom or Jirou, like she was the center of his world. When she was a kid, she and Jirou built a model solar system for their science fair. It won first place since Momo added a solar powered motor that made it spin, and Jirou painted it with glow paint. They worked so hard on it, and all the while explaining to the onlookers at the fair how the sun was the center of the system, having everything revolve around it. All her life Momo never felt like the sun; maybe Earth the third planet, or sometimes even Venus. But when she was with Todoroki, no matter what they were doing; he made her feel like the Sun itself that he revolved around as if his life depended on it.
"Momo?" His voice pulled her back and she looked down, realizing she was tearing up.
Wiping at her eyes, she smiled, "Sorry, I'm good. You're just so romantic."
His concern turned into one of those rare smiles that were only meant for her. Just fueling her theory that she was his sun in the darkness that was space. Feeling herself jostled, she was rolled over, letting him take the top, locking her legs around his waist, "Let me show you how romantic I can be."
After they finished, Momo was on wobbly legs, changing into her holiday outfit. Todoroki offered to help, but she shooed him away to help get everything ready with Hitoshi while she changed. When he was gone she nearly face planted but managed to steady herself. She showered and changed into a gray long sleeve sweater and a short, maroon overall dress. Fluffing her hair back in her regular ponytail, she made her way downstairs, hearing the commotion going on in the kitchen.
Peeking around the corner, she found Hitoshi wearing a large jam-stained apron, poking Todoroki with the potato peeler, wagging his brow at him. Todoroki meanwhile, was looking ready to bite his best friend's head off. Quickly walking in, she grasped onto the extra apron by the wall and looped it over her head, "Alright, looks like you got a head start." She said, clapping her hands together.
"And it looks like Todoroki got some head... start- I mean he got a head start... on getting here" Hitoshi snickered, feeling Todoroki punch his arm, but that itself couldn't wipe the smirk off his face.
"Alright, get it all out of your system." Momo leaned against the counter, crossing her arms.
"Why? So Todoroki here can get it back IN to your system?" He chuckled, "Aw come on, that was funny."
"Debatable." She scoffed, "But this was expected from the beginning. So please don't save any good ones for tonight's dinner. I will stab you." Momo picked up a large knife from the block by the sink, and started chopping some washed veggies.
"Aw, you two suck! Or is just one of you that- ew" He paused in sheering the potato, "I just made myself sick. Never mind, I'm done."
"Good" Momo looked to Todoroki who seemed lost in the kitchen, "Shouto?" She asked and he looked up, "Can you set the table in the other room?" She motioned to the good china sitting out that she got down last night.
Todoroki nodded, walking by her, planting a kiss on the side of her head before heading to the other room with an arm full of plates.
"Wow, I've never seen him so happy before." Hitoshi said, turning back to his work, "You really bring out this good side in him."
Blushing at the comment, she looked back to her work, "He brings out the good in me too."
After two hours of constant cooking, Hitoshi and Momo managed to whip up a feast fit for a hero. Which was good considering who their guests were that night.
The doorbell rang, just as Momo took off her apron, "Oh! I'll get it!" She passed by Hitoshi, who was frothing the mash potatoes to keep them fresh. Todoroki was in the back, talking to his sister on the phone. Reaching the door, Momo opened it and smiled brightly, "Welcome!"
Jirou was standing there, smiling behind the giant purple scarf that her mom had knit for her, "Hey!" She held up a pecan pie, "It's my mom's recipe."
Momo ushered her in, ready to shut the door when she spotted a group of three walking past the opened gate. When they got closer to the porch light she beamed, waving her hand over her head, "Welcome! Come out of the cold!"
Aizawa led the other two past the open double doors, out of the snow and into the warmth, "Hey" Her instructor said, taking off his coat while juggling something in hand, "I brought bread. And these two idiots as requested." He jerked a thumb to the blonde and sea green haired adults behind him.
Hizashi shucked his leather coat, holding the bottle of wine overhead, "Thanks for the invite Sweet thing! Whenever there's a party, I gotta be there!"
Momo turned to the other woman and smiled, "Hello I'm Momo Yaoyorozu," She bowed, knowing Aizawa and Hizashi would be bringing another hero. The only question was, who was she?
The woman smiled brightly to Momo, leaning in, "What do you get when you cross an apple with shellfish?"
Momo thought about it for a moment before shrugging, "What?"
"A crab apple!" She busted out laughing at her own joke, holding up a bag of fresh apples, "Sorry, I've been thinking about that one all day!"
Momo giggled behind her hand, "It's a good one."
"Don't encourage her," Aizawa groaned, walking past to get into the warmth of the home.
The woman stuck her tongue out at his back before turning back to Momo, "I'm Emi Fukukado, also known as-"
"Ms. Joke!" Momo blurted out and Emi winked at her.
"Yup!"
"Wow, it's an honor to meet you," Momo smiled as brightly as possible, "I love how you use humor over violence in the field. It's such a unique quirk."
"She means annoying!" Aizawa said from the living room where Momo lit a fire for her guests.
"Ah, don't listen to him, Emi! How about we crack this bottle and get the party started!" Hizashi shouted, screaming in excitement as Emi joined him in the sitting room.
Momo was about to join them when the doorbell rang again and she was back opening it, smiling brightly at her next guest.
"Shuzenji!" Momo bowed, moving to the side to allow her in, closing the door behind her.
The elderly doctor shrugging out of her winter coat, smiling at Momo, "I will say, I was surprised to get your call yesterday." Momo accepted her coat to hang up by the door, "I haven't celebrated a Nagano dinner with anyone in years."
Momo took her hand and squeezed it, "You were the first person I thought to invite. Thank you so much for coming."
Recovery girl returned the smile, reaching into her purse to produce a brown satchel tied with a bow, "Herbs from my garden. If you boil it with tea, it'll help with studies and a good night's rest."
"Thank you so much! Please make yourself at home. Dinner will be ready soon!" Momo bowed again to her elder, accepting the bag and heading to the kitchen to put it away.
Later on, Kayama, also known as Midnight, arrived after receiving an invite from Aizawa. Jirou had a fangirl moment that was adorable to watch as she swooned over how bad ass midnight was. The sexy hero soaked up the attention, cracking open the cider she brought and allowing Jirou to pour her a cup. The last person to show up rang the doorbell, and Momo left to grab it as everyone made their way to the dining room from Hitoshi's call.
Opening the giant door, she found a smiling blonde holding a wrapped rectangle. Momo took in his old winter clothes and ushered him inside, "Kaminari! Welcome!"
"Sorry I'm late. I had to get my grandma to bed." He held out the gift, "Happy Nagano!"
"Kaminari! What's this?" Momo accepted the item and turned it each way to look at the poor wrapping job.
Kaminari blushed, taking off his old coat to hang to the side, "I can't cook, and I don't have any money to buy anything from the store. So I got you this. Jirou gave me the frame, so it's not one hundred percent all mine." He said nervously, playing with his mittens that had holes in the side, "I know it's customary to bring a gift when invited over for Nagano. I didn't want to come empty handed."
"Awww, Kaminari," Momo swooned, feeling her eyes burn with tears as she peeled away the wrapping and her breath caught in her throat. There was a simple black-framed night stand frame, with a picture of the four of them in it. From the night of their undercover mission to the restaurant. Momo remembered them leaving and the blonde being super hyper of a successful first mission, he took out his old phone and snapped a selfie of them. Todoroki's hair was all over the place after taking off the wig and Hitoshi was smirking like he just won the lottery. Momo looked flushed holding a hand up to wave at the camera, but Kaminari was practically glowing in the center, holding his arm out to get the picture.
Looking up at him she found him blushing, looking down at his old snow boots, "I printed the picture at the school's photography club," His nervousness got worse the more he spoke, "I know we can't eat it and it's not worth a lot but-" He stopped when Momo threw her arms around his neck, pulling him in for a hug, "Ah Yaomomo?"
"I love it!" Momo pulled back, smiling at him, "It's the best!"
His own electric smile broke out and she could swear she saw bits of electricity surge between the strands of hair, "Awesome! I'm glad! It's my favorite picture. It's the first time I actually felt included in something." His shy smile came back into play, looking to the side, "I just, really like being a part of a family."
Her heart started beating heavily...
A family
That's what they were.
A big family.
She motioned for him to come inside, "I'll put it right by my bed, I'll cherish it forever, Kaminari."
He nodded, following her arm to the kitchen where Hitoshi shoved a plate into his open hands and told him to take it to the dining room. Momo rushed up stairs and, true to her word, she placed it on the nightstand and took a moment to admire the picture of her friends. She would have to get one with Jirou in it, but for now, this was enough.
"Momo! We're ready to eat!" Hitoshi called from downstairs. She hurried back down, entering the large dining room and smiled at the sight before her. Everyone that had a hand in helping her become who she was to that day sat around a large table, passing plates between each other. The room was filled with talking as she took it all in.
"Food’s getting cold!" Hitoshi said next to her, popping out of the kitchen with the final bits of food. Momo took a seat between Hitoshi and Todoroki, accepting the plate from him as he gave her a warm smile.
In that moment, with her family by her side, Momo felt like the sun again in her tiny model of the solar system. She felt warm and loved.
"Let's eat!" She announced as everyone broke out into cheers and agreements.
//~~~~~~~~~~~End CH 29~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
/~~~~~~~~~~~Ch 30~~~~~~~~~\\
"Damn it!"
The officers working outside the chief's office cast a wary glance in the direction of the shout, followed by a crash.
"The Chief in one of his moods?" An officer made his observation aloud, looking to his coworkers.
"That's the thing, he's always in a mood." Some young rookie joked, but was shushed by some seniors who knew about the chief's wrath if something like that were to be heard.
"Don't let him catch you mouthing off son." A man with graying hair looked up from his desk report, "He'll put you on traffic duty ‘til you’re as grey as I am."
The rookie’s face took on a look of fear before he rushed off to the bathroom, leaving some of the senior officers to chuckle.
The door of the office slammed open, silencing the officers as their eyes looked up at their enraged Chief. Phones rang and printers hummed, casting an eerie background as all the men waited for orders.
Endeavor looked over them all with annoyance, "Any calls?"
The secretary by his office door squeaked before shuffling to stand, holding out a stack of post-it notes and papers, "Three calls from the mayor, one from the Brass, and one from your daughter."
Endeavor scoffed, "Anything else?"
The woman hugged the papers to her chest, shaking her head before Endeavor scowled and turned away to the break room to get a coffee.
Anyone in the small kitchen cleared out the second he entered, pouring himself a lukewarm cup of pure black coal. He stared down into the dark liquid, contemplating his next move.
He had been investigating that Yaoyorozu girl for nearly a month now. Everything he found had turned up average; just a high school girl with the typical school presence. No one had anything bad to say about her, but they also didn't have anything nice to say. From his questioning of random students, they just knew her as Todoroki's girlfriend. There were a variety of tones for the same answers, from spiteful to apathetic. She had kept a low profile, which did exactly shit for his investigation. Tailing her had also become something of a problem; there was school and the hospital, the girl was hard to find beyond that. Her home was too open, so stakeouts were hard, if not impossible without being seen by the private neighborhood security team or nosy neighbors. She was rarely there anyway, sometimes not coming home at all. His sources told him that she stayed with the Jirou family on occasion, but with his busy schedule he could hardly keep track of her whereabouts. Putting a tail on her with available cops would only bring suspicion and questions. The last thing he needed was the Mayor finding out that he put the Yaoyorozu case on the back-burner in favor of arresting their only daughter for illegal quirk activity. It would for sure be his badge on the line if he was wrong with this information.
If he left early enough, he could catch sight of her on her way to school. The girl was stealthy as... well, as his son. Which was probably why the youngest Todoroki was attracted to her. He had witnessed them walking to school most mornings holding hands. He couldn't say that he was happy with his son's choice in women, but he knew Shouto was just blowing off steam. There was no way this was as serious as it appeared.
"Teenagers" He scoffed, wondering if Fuyumi ever gave her brother 'the talk'. Endeavor knew he certainly never did to any of his kids. Maybe he should ask Natsuo to speak to his brother for him.
"You say something, Chief?"
Looking to the side, he noticed for the first time that an officer that had wandered into the kitchen bravely to grab a cup for himself. Squinting down at the badge, he remembered this was the new addition to his unit. Officer Takka. A plump cop who spent the majority of his time in the cell blocks. Not his first choice in fresh meat, but if the Brass saw him as an asset, he would hold him accountable for his work.
Enji held his warm mug up to his mouth, "Nothing, just thinking about my kid."
"Oh your youngest?" Takka looked perked up suddenly, as if remembering something, "I ran into him today actually, sir."
That drew his attention. Enji looked at the officer, "What?"
The officer motioned with his mug to the front of the building, "I was coming in as he was coming out, figured he was coming from seeing you."
Enji looked to the side quizzically, wondering why Shouto came to the station without seeing him. Did something happen?
"What did he say?"
Takka looked up in wonder as if trying to recall a distant memory instead of a recent one, "Hmmm, I don't quite remember. I think he was with someone but..." His eyes suddenly were distant and he was smiling again, "I'm sorry, what were we talking about?"
Enji scoffed at the lack of focus, "Never mind. Get back to work."
Leaving the kitchen, Enji walked back to his office, slamming the door, looking over his walls of conspiracy and suspicion. Ever since he started investigating the Yaoyorozu girl, his other cases had been pushed off. He had a giant stack of unsolved cases in the corner that were taunting him like an immature child. Scowling at them, he looked back to his wall and squinted at the evidence he had gathered.
'Circumstantial'
The word fluttered by and he clenched the mug so tightly it's a wonder it didn't shatter.
Slouching down in his leather chair, he set the mug aside with the other two that had long since gone cold, half drunk. He rubbed the bridge of his nose before glancing at the calendar on the side of his wall. It had been two weeks since he missed Nagano and every Friday dinner between. Fuyumi said Shouto didn't even show up, coming back super late. He would have to have a talk with him about respecting his rules again.
Why did he have to be so obstinate with Enji's rules?
The calendar let him know the day was actually Friday, so with a clear path set, he picked up his phone and dialed the memorized number.
She picked up obediently, "Hello Father," Fuyumi said happily, always excited to please.
"I'll be home for dinner in an hour. Make sure your brothers are present."
"Oh, um- uh-" Fuyumi's voice took on that of worry. Enji, for a brief moment, paused, wondering if she always sounded this scared when speaking to him, "Shouto’s actually going out tonight with his girlfriend to see a movie. I didn't think it would be a problem since we've skipped a couple Fridays before. I'm sorry."
The confusion was instantly replaced with annoyance, "Well tell him-" His mouth hung open, pausing as a plan began to form in his mind. Fuyumi must have sensed something was off and he quickly covered it by changing his tone, "Actually, something came up at work. I'll be home later."
"O-oh of course, father." She said, but he hung up quickly.
Looking to his clock, he knew this could be his only chance to get answers. Taking up the keys to the decoy car the unit gave him, he sped from the office and headed out to the Yaoyorozu estate. Looking at his watch, he knew he was good since his sources told him that Lei was at the office late. He had been meaning to get a good look at their place, but without a judge-signed warrant, he was locked out. But he was feeling desperate.
Talking to her seemed to just spook the girl into staying away from him.
So it had come to this...
Sneaking in wasn't hard at all. He got the blueprints of the Yaoyorozu estate from a guy at the city and studied them religiously. He found climbing the trellis to the young students room easier than expected. What he wasn't expecting was her already unlocked window, which he slipped through soundlessly.
His broad shoulders barely fit through the wooden frame, but he managed just fine with the stealth training he had burned into his skill over the years. He hadn't become chief with just a great arrest record. It involved being the best of the best.
Standing up straight, he looked around the obvious teenage room with annoyance. He listened carefully, hearing nothing but silence around him. The chances of a maid or house worker being here were slim since the Yaoyorozu's had just a cleaning crew that came twice a week, and it was early in the morning when the occupants were at work or school. His research has been thorough, but he always needed to be careful.
Walking around the room, his first stop was her computer desk. The laptop has a password which would do him no good. The notebooks and papers around the surface looked to be that of school work. Math problems and English papers mixed together. Not a single doodle or out of place item sat among the work space. There was a picture frame of the teen and her best friend side by side on some beach. He squinted at their young smiles, wondering if the purple haired girl was in on it all as well. Maybe he should investigate her family's business. If he found something out of place he could extort her for information.
Moving on to her book cases along the wall, his large hand skipped the titles looking for any books on crime, quirks, anything that would look amiss on a teens shelf. Nothing stood out except for an abundance of chemistry books that he himself would feel flustered reading.
Her closet held no costumes and her drawers had no masks hidden amongst her socks. Under the bed was nothing but Christmas gifts, properly tagged and wrapped ahead of time. Annoyance struck him when he found a shiny red-wrapped box with Shouto's name squiggled in neat cursive. Shoving everything back he took out his camera and began snapping photos of the area. Maybe later he could look them over and find something.
Stopping by her bedside table, he peeked in the drawer, finding nothing but candies and packaged snacks. Slamming it closed, he knocked over a picture frame on top, grabbing it to place back, but pausing.
The frame itself was different from the others; cheaply made, possibly a gift from his deducing. In the picture itself was the young girl, his son, and two teens he had never seen before. Squinting down at the picture, he tried to place their faces, but couldn’t seem to ever recall seeing his son around either of these degenerate-looking teens.
"Who is she getting my son mixed up with?" He muttered, setting the frame down before snapping an up close picture of it for later. With the proper equipment, he could locate these two mystery teens.
A sudden sound caused his eyes to flicker to the door, hearing the floorboards creak. His heart shot up into his chest as he rushed to the closet by his side, closing the door a crack so he could see.
The door to the bedroom opened up and the chief swallowed all the saliva in his mouth, feeling the adrenaline pump. Could it be the girl? Did she get home early?
Leaning forward to peek out the crack, he was shocked to find not Momo, but the purple haired teen from the photo. He walked in, wearing black pajama bottoms and a hoodie. The teen balanced a laptop in one arm while the other swung at his side. Enji watched as the mysterious teen stopped at Momo's side table and slid it open, digging around in the snack drawer before pulling out a lollipop. Once he triumphantly put it in his mouth, the teen set the laptop on the bed, bending at the waist to look at the framed photo Enji had been holding earlier. The chief felt a sweat break out on the back of his neck. Did the teen know that the frame had been recently moved?
The purple haired boy reached out, picking it up, and just stared down at it before smiling to himself. He set it down soundlessly before picking up his laptop and moving on back to the door, leaving and closing it behind him.
Once alone, Enji breathed a sigh of relief, resisting the urge to move and risk the floorboards creaking. After a few minutes of making sure the coast was clear, he cracked the door open slowly and moved back to the window.
After making a run back to his car, he safely found himself back at the station, mind whirling with questions on who that boy was in her room. He sent the photos he took to the lab, ordering a same-day pick up to have them back.
While the trip hadn't been a total loss, at least got some new questions to add to his never ending list. If he could just answer one, maybe the other dominoes would fall into place.
~*~*~*~*~*~Meanwhile~*~*~*~*~
Momo was flustered, breathing heavily, leaning against the brick wall of the theater roof, looking up at the twinkling stars. Her mask felt damp with the sweat she had collected from the earlier fight.
"You good?"
Looking to the side, she found her boyfriend walking over, looking equally as tired. Seeing him just as exhausted helped her not feel so bad at taking a breather. She smiled up at him when he stopped before her.
He must have seen how red her cheeks were because his left hand came up, a gentle frost misting around his fingertips and cupping the side of her face. She leaned into the cold touch, feeling goosebumps rise along her exposed arms and legs. The feeling of being hot, while surrounded by cold was something unexplainable, but she loved it. Todoroki leaned closer, knocking a boot between her legs, effectively spreading them just a fraction to allow his body more girth. She smiled into the touch, looking up past her lashes at his solemn face. When he breathed out, the air around him turned to smoke like a dragon.
He was beautiful like this, fully enjoying himself without any walls up.
Momo could only close her eyes, reveling in the hot and cold temperature around her like a blanket, "I'm alright."
She could feel him place a soft kiss on her forehead; brief, only lasting a second, but it pulled a small gasp from her throat, looking up at his content smile.
"Keeping up with you is quite the workout." She broke out a chuckle, feeling her sweat dissolve, and the soreness in her legs lessened now that she was resting them.
His smile turned coy, turning his head slightly to look sideways at her. She gasped as she quickly realized what she said and gently beat against his chest with her fists, "I didn't mean like that!"
She was rewarded with his deep chuckle, turning back to grasp her wrists into his hot and cold hands, "I know, I just like seeing you flustered."
She puffed her cheeks out like a puffer fish and pouted, "Oi, don't be rude."
He released her, stepping away, "Fine, I'm sorry." Though his cheeky smirk didn't relay the apology on his face.
Momo sighed loudly, crossing her arms in the chilly air. They just came from a car lot robbery, sent out by one of those texts from the crime organization. The past two weeks the team has been flooded with texts, some nights receiving two jobs at once. It had the heroes spread thin, with Aizawa taking Kaminari out on test runs with Hitoshi. Leaving Momo and Todoroki to team up on the jobs.
She could honestly say working with her boyfriend was the best part of her day. Jumping along rooftops, sliding with him on his ice, catching bad guys; it all felt like a date. Some people might not see fighting evil by moonlight as romantically as she did, but she was happy.
She was happier than she had ever been. If only her mom would wake up; things would be perfect.
A gust of wind blew by the couple and she shivered, the warmth from her exercise long gone and leaving her just cold. The air was tattooed with the promise of snow any day. Weathermen kept predicting late-night snow flurries, but they never came. Looking up at the sky, she could see the dark clouds blocking out the city.
"It'll snow soon." She said.
"Yeah, I can taste it." Todoroki looked up as well and she snapped her eyes to him.
"You can taste it?" She cocked a brow.
He shrugged, "Snow has a distinctive taste. It permeates the air like a fresh rain."
Momo blinked her large cat-like eyes up at him, watching him inhale the air around him. No matter how much time she spent, she always seemed to learn something new about him. Frankly, she couldn't get enough of it and wanted to know as much as possible.
Their moment was interrupted by the arrival of Hitoshi in full gear, dropping down onto the roof, "Aw, how was the movie, you two love birds? Anyone get to second base during the trailers?"
Todoroki scoffed, turning to the secret entrance they have on the roof, opening it up for them, "Let's go."
"Awww is someone grouchy? Don't worry-" He walked by the icy hot hero, lowering his mouth guard to show his cheeky smile, "I'll make sure you get your goodnight kiss, Romeo." He made kissy faces before disappearing into the staircase.
Todoroki allowed Momo to go next, which she did with a sweet kiss to his cheek, "Don’t let him get to you."
"I never do." He said, following her.
Once inside, Momo felt the chill of winter harboring itself in the metal confines of the basement. The cold down there was nearly as bad as outside. She was about to create a sweater when Todoroki took off his fire-resistant jacket and slid it onto her shoulders. Momo snuggled into the warmth, smiling up at his kind gesture.
He just shrugged, looking back to Hitoshi, who was typing away at his computer.
Momo plopped down on the couch that Hitoshi slept on, making a nest with the old pillows and cheap blanket. It wasn’t long before Kaminari and Jirou arrived. The electric teen excitedly dove into Momo's blanket and pillows, snuggling up next to her like a lost kitten. Jirou plopped down on the arm of the couch, staring at the two like a tired mother, shaking her head.
Hitoshi rolled himself over in the computer chair, stopping before them, "Now that we're all here, we can begin."
Jirou looked at her watch, "Let's speed this up, my parents think I'm running a to-go order."
Hitoshi scoffed, "You could have at least brought us coffee if that was your lie to get out."
She looked shocked as she started digging in her pockets, "Oh, I did bring you something." Her face lit up into a smirk as if she found what she was looking for before pulling out her middle finger and aiming at the tech wiz, "Here you go."
The mind controlling teen gave her a deadpan look before shaking his head, "Hope you weren't expecting a tip."
"Guys" Todoroki sighed loudly, "Can we please continue?"
"I'm rather enjoying the show." Kaminari said, resting his head on Momo's shoulder.
Hitoshi spun the chair around to sit backwards on it, leaning his body forward to rest his hands on the back, "As you all know the texts have been increasing as of lately. Jobs are going out sometimes faster than we can keep track of." He looked at all of them before continuing, "None of the perps we've snatched know anything past the texts and the other convicts that told them about it. It's a intricate web of telephone, the players being the crooks."
"Okay, and I came halfway across town for this info because..." Jirou twirled her wrist as if annoyed this couldn’t be settled through a phone call.
Hitoshi gave her a pointed glare before continuing, "Todoroki and I went to see the dirty cop, Takka, today after school."
Momo's eyes lit up. She knew where he was going, but she had to be at her mother's weekly doctor's appointment where they gave her a full physical. Nothing new with her diagnosis, still in a coma, but other than that her body was doing well. She met up with her boyfriend afterwards and they got the call for the robbery, so she couldn't ask how the meeting went.
Todoroki spoke up for Hitoshi, "After Toshi here did his thing, we found out he originally got paid a monthly salary to tell newly released convicts about the jobs. Out of nowhere he gets a call from his superiors telling him he's been promoted to a job he never applied for."
Hitoshi nodded, picking up the story, "He gets a message with his assignment and a pay raise. His new job is to tamper with evidence and get these convicts off and back on the streets for more jobs. Beyond that, he doesn't know who the messages are from or how deep this goes."
"That's it?" Kaminari asked sadly, "Half of that we already knew."
Jirou scoffed, "You sure you asked him right?"
Momo held her hands up, not wanting to prompt an argument, "Did he mention if any other cops are involved?"
Todoroki shook his head, "None that he knows about."
"What about your dad? He's the chief of police?" Kaminari cocked his head innocently to the hero, "I'm not saying anything but-"
"My father's an ass, but he's not a dirty cop." Todoroki crossed his arms, looking to the side, "If I believed for a moment he might be involved, I'd take him down myself. But he's actually working on the same side as us."
"Maybe you could ask him? Doesn't he want to mentor you or something?" Jirou asked.
"He's wanted that for a while, but it’s all I've been able to stand coming to work with him and watching him direct morning meetings and assignments. It's quite boring, actually."
"We can't all be superheroes." Hitoshi joked, prompting a snicker from Kaminari and Jirou. Momo instead gave her boyfriend a soft smile to let him know it was alright that he found the job tedious.
"Anyways, all we can do now is keep answering these texts and interrogate as many as possible. I'll keep following the money and see where it goes."
"Thought you said it was impossible." Jirou asked.
Hitoshi held up a finger as if to silence her, "I said nearly impossible for just anyone." He smirked, lowering his finger, "I just so happen to not be 'just anyone' so you're in luck. I'll find a way past their firewall."
"Ri-i-ght" Jirou swung her legs around, standing up, "If that's all, I need to get back to work."
"I'll walk with you. Just let me change." Momo stood quickly from her warm blanket nest, causing Kaminari to whine at the cold she let in. Rushing to the back, she found the bag she left there with extra clothes, sliding into the bathroom to change. Once appropriately dressed, she looked in the mirror, giggling when she realized she still had her mask on. Sliding it off, she dumped it into the bag with her folded costume, planning on washing it when she got home later.
Stepping out of the office, she found Hitoshi and Todoroki speaking to Kaminari by the computer while Jirou sat on the middle step, waiting patiently. Upon spotting her, Jirou stood up with a smile. Momo gave her a 'one moment' finger, hugging her backpack and Todoroki's jacket to her chest.
Before walking over, she stopped by the guys and smiled to Todoroki, "Um, can I borrow you a second?"
He nodded, walking a few steps aside with her, "Yes?"
Momo felt her face flush, "Um well, as you know tomorrow is Saturday, and I don’t have any plans, and I know you don't have any plans since I asked you at lunch today." She nervously played with the fabric of Todoroki's jacket.
His sweet smile came back, as if taking pleasure from her nervous fidgeting. Momo quickly held his jacket out to him, which he accepted, brushing his fingers deliberately against her hand before taking it back.
"Well. I was wondering if you would like to go with me to visit my mom in the hospital tomorrow?"
His smile instantly dropped and he looked forlorn instantly, which caused her own nervous smile to fall, "You don't want to?" She asked quickly.
"No, no, um," Todoroki rubbed the back of his head, "It's not that I don't want to go, it's just-" He looked to the side, "Something came up, maybe next time."
"Oh, I thought you said at lunch-"
"Yeah, my sister needs me. Maybe we can hang out afterwards though?"
Momo felt a small bit relieved that it wasn't that he didn't want to see her... just her mom.
Momo nodded quickly, "Sure, sounds good."
"Great. Text me when you get home." He leaned forward, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead before walking back to the guys.
Momo turned away, not wanting to keep Jirou waiting. The two left the theatre, walking side by side, arms looped to share body heat against the cold wind. Momo's mind was still wondering what the problem could be, but tried to focus on Jirou's recommendation of her wearing a cape for winter gear.
"That sounds nice. I'll think up some designs later." Momo said just as they stopped at the door of the café.
"Alright, what's going on?" Jirou let her arm go to stand in front of her.
Through the glass of the café, Jirou's parents saw them and waved, which the girls responded with a wave back.
"I don't know what you mean." Momo chuckled nervously.
"Come off it, you were totally fine until you spoke with Todoroki. Did he say something?" She rolled up the sleeve of her leather jacket, shaping her hand into a fist, "Want me to punch him?"
Momo gently pushed Jirou's fist down, laughing playfully at how sweet her best friend is, "No! Not at all!" Her laughter died down as the worry came back, "I just asked if he wanted to come with me to visit my mom in the hospital. He got really weird and said he had plans."
"Didn't he say at lunch he was free this week?" Jirou asked, looking up in thought.
"He did!" Momo hissed in elation that someone else heard him and she wasn't crazy, "But he said his sister asked him to do something and we could do stuff later."
"Sucks, but what's wrong with that?"
"I didn't tell him what time I was going. How could he know if he's busy at that time? Is it something she needs him for all day? How can we hang out after if- am I being paranoid?" She turned to her friend with worried eyes, "I sound like a crazy girlfriend. I don't want to scare him away!"
"Whoa! Chill out girl, it's fine. Todoroki is crazy about you. Maybe he's just embarrassed about what he has to do. Or maybe he doesn't do well in hospitals. My dad's the same way with them. Turns as white as a sheet if someone even mentions a doctor."
Jirou pat Momo's arm softly, "It's fine, trust me."
"You're right." She nodded happily, "I'm overthinking it. I'll ask him later."
"Good." Jirou's confident smile turned excited as she grasped Momo's sleeve, "Oh! I almost forgot!" She pulled her into the coffee shop and sat her in a seat, "Don't move, I'll be right back!"
Momo watched her go before greeting Jirou's parents, who offered her a hot chocolate to go. She accepted, bowing in thanks as they slid her the cup and Jirou's dad dumped a handful of bunny marshmallows into the dark liquid chocolate.
True to her word, Jirou was only gone a minute before appearing out through the side door, holding some white tissues in her hand and setting them down onto the coffee bar before Momo.
"I totally forgot I had these!" She unwrapped one tissue pack and Momo's eyes widened at the sight of the crystal flower.
"Oh! I forgot about these too!" She picked up the unwrapped crystal flower and held it up to the fluorescent light, causing a rainbow to shine back on her face, "From our trip to Kyoto."
"Yeah, with everything that happened, I forgot you gave them to me to hold. Last night I was cleaning out my bag when I found them." Jirou leaned against the counter, placing her chin in the palm of her propped up hand, "They're pretty."
Momo smiled, not believing that she forgot about these gifts. It was perfect that she got them so she could take them to the hospital with her tomorrow. Looking at her best friend, Momo wrapped the flower back up in the tissue, "Thanks for keeping them safe."
"Anytime." Jirou waved her hand, "You heading home?"
Momo nodded, "I'll let you know when I'm back."
After leaving the cafe she made her way home, enjoying the lovely cold air. She just reached the gate when she noticed a figure standing by it as if ready to open it. Coming into the light she found the face of Hitoshi looking back at her. She smiled warmly.
"Welcome home!" She greeted and watched as the neutral look on his face turned warm and he smiled back at her.
"Thanks."
With that said, they walked into the house, where Hitoshi heated up some leftovers for them to eat before bed. Eating them by the roaring fire in the sitting room, laughing about anything in particular.
It was nice having him there, almost like the sibling Momo's mothers never gave her. She only hoped he felt as comfortable there as she was having him over.
//~~~~~~~~End Ch 30~~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~~Ch 31~~~~~~~~~~~\\
Momo sighed, tucking in the freshly changed blankets around her mother's bedside. She got there bright and early, stopping at Jirou's coffee stop for a to-go cup and a muffin. Her mother always loved the smell of the pastries, making sure to order them every time she stopped by. So Momo ate her muffin while telling her mother about the meeting from last night.
She wished her mother could hear her so when she wakes up she would be able to confide in her. Abalee would love her no matter what, so knowing this would just make the secret easier to keep.
After talking for a while, a nurse came in to change the bedding. Momo assisted her in moving her mother to the gurney while the bed was made and back again.
Momo set the crystal flower by her bedside, angling it so when the sun shone at this spot it would cast a crystal rainbow along the ceiling for her.
Her bag by the bed held the other flower safely in the tissue. She knew it was about time to go so she picked up the bag. Leaning over her mother she placed a kiss on her cheek, "Love you, mom."
With that said, she promised to come back soon before making her way out of the room and towards her next destination.
Stopping outside of it, she smiled up at the name plaque by the door, 'Rei'
Lifting a hand, she knocked against the door, even though she knew it was unlocked because of hospital practice.
After a moment of sounds on the other side, she opened the door a bit to reveal a beautiful woman with snow white hair and the softest features Momo had ever seen. Her grey eyes squinted in happiness when she saw who it was.
"Momo, dear! It's been a while." She opened the door fully, "Come in!"
Momo walked in, taking off her shoes by the door before bowing to her in greeting, sliding her bag off her shoulder to hook onto her crooked elbow, "I'm sorry for barging in unannounced."
"Nonsense!" Rei ushered her to the table where she had two cups set up. Momo stopped by the chair.
"Were you expecting someone?"
Rei smiled happily, "My daughter is coming by today!" She said proudly, "She's been coming a lot more since her class let out for the holiday."
"Oh that's right. She's a teacher right?" Momo took a seat as Rei came over with a kettle, pouring her some tea without being asked. She was always like this when Momo came over, so excited to have company and someone that wasn't a staff member to talk to.
Momo met her when she started her volunteer work at the hospital a few years ago. Meeting Rei was like having another mother-like figure in her life. If her mothers were too busy with work, Momo always knew she could come to Rei to talk or for advice. She felt horribly guilty that she neglected her after everything happened to her mother and gaining her quirk.
She came when she could between visits to her mother, but they grew fewer in between.
"Yup, such a smart girl. She reminds me of you." Rei said, taking a seat across from her. "So what brings you here? Visiting your mom? How is she?"
"She's good! Doctors say her wounds are looking better. All she needs to do is wake up." She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, "But I wanted to drop off something I got for you."
"For me?" Rei's eyes widened.
Momo pulled her bag into her lap and took out the tissue before handing it over to the motherly figure. Rei pulled apart the tissue and her grey eyes widened at the beautiful crystal flower.
"Oh, Momo dear, it's beautiful" She held it up to the light, watching the rainbows dance off onto the table and her face. It brought such an honest smile to her face. She showed her perfect smile.
Something in Momo jolted at the familiarity the smile brought. Almost like-
Shaking the thought from her mind, she smiled back, "I'm glad you like it. I actually got it on a school trip of mine to Kyoto."
"You went as well?" Rei's eyes widened, "My son recently went on a class trip."
"It's a popular destination for schools." Momo sipped her tea, reveling in the bitter taste of the leaves used.
"His sister tells me all about him, though I wish he would come see me himself." She lowered the flower sadly, "I miss him so much."
Momo was aware of Rei's child that never visited for reasons she was unaware of, but she hoped he would get his head out of the clouds and realize how lucky he was to have a mother that loved him so much.
"I'm sure he'll come around." Momo sighed, "My boyfriend didn't want to come visit my mother either. Not that it's quite the same, but I wish he would come."
"Boyfriend?" Rei's smile turned playful as she reached across to poke at Momo's hand, "You never told me you had a boyfriend."
Momo's face turned bright red, setting the mug down to clutch at her cheeks, "Um, well it's kind of new, sort of. Um" She giggled, "He's super sweet. He's a classmate of mine." Her smile slowly lowers, "I just don't know why he didn't want to come today."
Rei reached across again and covered Momo's hand with her own cold one. Her touch was always icy, similar to that of someone she knew, "Give him time. A man's heart is as fickle as they come. He'll sort out what he wants, and if he doesn't-" She winked to the teen, "Give him a little nudge."
Momo giggled, stopping when a knock came to the door, "Oh, that must be your daughter." Momo stood quickly, "I won't interrupt you two."
"No, stay! I'd love to introduce you two finally." Rei said, standing to stop her.
The door to the room opened on its own, "Mom? You in here?" A familiar voice sounded and both women froze when Fuyumi walked around the corner, holding a grocery bag.
Momo felt the lighting shoot down her spine, standing as rigid as a tree, "F-Fuyumi?" She stuttered out.
The daughter stopped, looking at Momo, blinking several times before pointing with her free hand, "Momo?"
"Oh, you two know each other?" Rei smiled brightly looking between them.
"Yeah, Mom, this is Shouto's girlfriend."
Rei gasped in excitement, looking at Momo, "You're dating my son?"
"Your son?" Momo couldn't quite grasp the situation, "Wait, Shouto is your son?" She asked even though it was obvious.
"You didn't know?" Fuyumi asked in confusion, "Then why are you here?"
"Excuse me" Momo took a step back, feeling the confusion wash away and get replaced with anger, "I need to go."
"Wait!" Rei said, but Momo grasped her shoes and rushed from the room, throwing a goodbye over her shoulder to the women.
Once she reached the lobby she slid her shoes on, stumbling a little before exiting the building and stopping on the sidewalk out front. Looking back at the building, she felt the anger grow.
Shouto didn't want to go with Momo to visit her mom because he was worried about running into his own mother. A mother he had never visited since she was brought here.
Turning in the direction of the Todoroki residence, Momo stormed her way over, using her anger to fuel her pursuit for answers.
The walk there was filled with questions, swimming through her mind like an agitated fish in a bowl. She could hardly keep herself from muttering angrily so as not to look crazy to those she passed by.
Reaching the residence, she found herself at the door ringing the bell before crossing her arms, standing as tall as she could make herself.
It didn’t take long before the door opened and Todoroki stood there staring at her with wide eyes, clearly not expecting her to be here.
"Momo?"
"Don't you 'Momo' me" She pouted, "I know"
"You know?" He cocked his head.
"I know!" She repeated, unfolding her arms to point at him, "I can't believe you kept this from me!"
"Um" He looked confused until something must have struck and he actually had the decency to look guilty, "Oh"
"Yeah" She nodded, "Your mom, she's at the same hospital as my mom. She's been there a lot longer, too."
"Yeah, I know." He sighed, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe, running a hand through his hair, "I wasn't keeping this from you."
"Then why didn't you tell me? She’s such a sweet woman; so kind and understanding." Now that she had started, she found it hard to stop, “Rei is everything a mother should be, and you just choose to not visit her! Why?” Momo felt her voice lower, as the anger began to fizzle out into sadness, "I always wondered what happened to your mom, but I didn't want to hurt you." She looked to the side, "She's fine, not that you would know."
"Come in." He stepped aside and Momo tensed up. Shouto sighed, "We should talk. My dad's not home and my siblings are out. It's just us."
After a moment she nodded, stepping in and sliding her boots off at the door before following him through the house.
It was the same as the time she burst in on the family before their traditional Friday night dinners. Though walking past the hall was new as they came across a sliding door. Pushing it aside, Momo took note of the lack of locks. It couldn't be easy to hide his second life with a room like this.
The room itself was predominantly bare of anything that would even hint at a personality. If it weren't for the futon on the floor and the bookshelf of literature, she would assume this was a guest room. Walking in, he closed the door behind them gently before turning to her. Momo walked past the futon to the window, cracking it open and pushing the glass aside to let in the fresh air of the winter season. Light poured into the room, showing just how ancient this home really was with its worn wooden floorboards. Turning back to him, a gust of wind kicked up her hair, blowing it across her face.
He sighed, "I don't like how you're looking at me."
"How am I looking at you?" She crossed her arms, looking out the window to the backyard.
"Like I betrayed you somehow." He walked over, standing on the other side of the window, hands looking as if they wanted to reach out and push her hair aside. Part of her wished he would do so, but she was still hurt.
The silence came next and she felt itchy, as if she needed to be doing something. Running, fighting, crying; anything other than just standing here, waiting for him to explain this to her. Which was strange, because just yesterday she was reveling in learning more about him. Now it scared her to learn something like this. Why didn't he tell her about his mom?
Todoroki held a hand up to his scar, covering it with his hand, "I can't go see her after what I did to her."
Momo looked at his scar, "What did you do to her?"
He lowered his hand, looking at it as if it were a monster's claw, "I'm the reason they put her away in that place. My quirk, and my lack of ability to control it was what ruined her life."
Momo watched him lean his back to the wall, looking up at the ceiling, "She knew about my ice powers, she took me to Aizawa for training. But-" He paused, "We didn't know about my fire until that day. My right side flamed up, and to hide my quirk from my father she threw boiling water on me to put the flames out."
Momo covered her mouth with her hands, gasping, feeling tears well up. She always wondered how he got that scare, and now that she knows, she feels horrible. "How old were you?"
"Four?" He shrugged, "I honestly don't remember much." Todoroki looked down at his hand, "When I woke up at the hospital, my father told me he put her away. Locked up so she can never hurt anyone again."
"Shouto" Momo whispered, pain filling her heart at what he went through as a child.
He lazily turned his head to her, "I was too ashamed to see her once she was allowed visitors. Knowing it was my quirk that took her freedom away. My siblings went, but I couldn’t bring myself to go. Until-" He trailed off, pushing off the wall, taking a step closer before towering over her. Momo pushed her back to the wall, watching as his hand reached up to trap her in, leaning closer, "I decided to go one day. But you were there."
"Me?"
His other hand reached up to play with the strand of hair that fell from behind her ear, flicking it between this thumb and forefinger, "Yeah, you."
She could feel the familiar sense of desire curled in her stomach from the heat his eyes were giving off. Part of her wanted to look away, but she held his gaze firmly, "What was so different that I was there?"
"You were kind to her. I watched you two for a while. You would visit her after school, you didn't need to keep coming back to her but you did. It helped me see you..." His eyes flickered down to her lips and back, "To really see you for who you are."
"And who am I?" She asked, barely above what could be considered a whisper.
He smiled, leaning his forehead against her own, "You're the woman I fell in love with."
He told her about the garden, how at first sight he knew he felt something strong for her. It wasn't until he started watching her at school that he realized she was special to him. She couldn't believe that he had harbored these feelings for so long and never told her.
It was... romantic. Romantic, and infuriating. She frowned, looking up at him through her lashes, "Why didn't you ever talk to me back then? I always thought I was invisible to you."
"Not invisible" He hummed, flickering his eyes to look at the hair between his fingers, "Just out of reach. I was so focused on becoming a hero I didn't see anything beyond that. Until you came along."
Pressing her back into the wall, she looked to the side, trying to control the heat that was no doubt causing her face to redden, "It's no excuse for not visiting your mom. Do you know what I would give to be able to talk to my mother? To have her wake up and actually have her back?" She could feel the tears building up in her eyes, "You're selfish for holding this burden for so long." Momo shook her head quickly, pulling her hair from his fingers, causing him to lean back a bit. Looking up at him, she could see the look of guilt on his face for causing her so much grief.
Taking a deep breath, she managed to turn her head fully back to face him, angling her eyes up to look at him, "You're not alone anymore. You have Hitoshi, and Kaminari, Jirou, you have me." Her voice trailed off, "We can help you because that's what friends do. I understand your guilt, Shouto." She leaned forward, bringing her hands up to his chest, smiling sadly, "My mom is in that bed possibly dying because of me."
"Momo-" He said but she shook her head.
"How can you tell me I'm not at fault for what happened to my mother when you won't accept the same with you?" The tears fell freely now as her voice changed, "If I had known about my quirk, if I had been stronger, I could have stopped those men. But because of my ignorance they got away and they hurt her. So how can I look for forgiveness, Shouto? Look me in the goddamn eyes and tell me it's not my fault now that I know about your mom. Tell me!"
Her voice had gotten louder, so she was thankful that no one was home.
Todoroki grasped her shoulders, looking her dead in the eyes, unwavering, "It's not your fault."
"Liar" She whispered.
"No" He shook his head, "You're right!" His head hung down as if giving in to years of guilt building up, "I know you're right, but I just- it's not so easy to stop believing after I've beat it into myself for so long."
Momo's shoulders sagged and she stood on her tiptoes to press her forehead to his own, closing her wet eyes, "I'll help you. Don't worry."
They stayed like that, just touching their heads together, feeling each other's presence and listening to the birds chirp through the open window. When she felt him move, she cracked her eyes open to see his eyes look out the window. The sunrays shone down on his face, making him look so mature for his young age. She knew learning the truth would hurt, but in the end, she was glad to know. Because the crevice that had once felt so big between them had now shrunken to a point where she could jump to the other side and be with him now, nothing holding her back.
His head cocked to the side when he looked at her, "You're smiling."
She didn't realize it until he pointed it out, so she widened her smile, closing her eyes, "I'm just so happy. I feel closer to you, Shouto."
His hand grasped her wrist and pulled her until her chest bumped against his own. Opening her eyes in shock, she found his own smile given as a secret gift to just her eyes alone, "I feel the same way."
The moment was sealed with a kiss, something that pulled them towards the futon on the floor, hooking hands under shirts to feel skin. Momo wanted to be as close as possible to him, as if this would be different for them somehow.
"Do we have time?" She slid her shirt over her head, while he unbuttoned his jeans.
"Yeah, don't worry about it." He pecked her lips, "I love you, okay?"
She hummed, "I love you too, Shouto." She smiled happily.
//~~~~~~End Ch 31~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~~Ch 32~~~~~~~~~~~~\\
"Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem to say: Throw cares away! Christmas is here bringing good cheer to young and old, meek and the bold. Ding, dong, ding, dong!"
"What is this crap!" Hitoshi whined, holding up a shiny red ornament.
Momo paused, leaning over the tree on the step ladder, holding garland in mid hang, "Carol of the bells by Libera" As if it were obvious.
Hitoshi squinted, listening some more, "It's so-" He hung the ornament on the pine scented branch, "Angelic."
"Exactly." Momo nodded, facing forward to continue her decorating, "It's supposed to be."
"Where's the flavor?" He picked up a silver ornament, looking up at her, "Where's the spice?"
She giggled, "If you don't like it then change it."
"Gladly!" He picked up Momo's phone that was synced up to the speaker.
Momo stretched her arms around to grab the other end of the garland before a new song came on, at first sounding hauntingly similar before heavy metal music smashed through the speakers and she raised a brow to him, "What is this?"
"Metallica, baby," He did an air guitar as the music played, "Same song, different vibe."
"Of course it is." She couldn't help but laugh at his ostentatious arm movements as he acted as if it was him that was playing. His sock clad feet danced across the Persian rug, walking past the roaring fire they set up near the tree.
Stockings hung by the fire, with obvious care, while tinsel and garland hung from the windows and shelving. A crew came a few days ago to decorate their yard in twinkle lights and Christmas trees, while a different set laced the house with Christmas spirit. Lei always asked that they leave the sitting room Christmas tree untouched for Momo to decorate.
Each year she would decorate it with Abalee while Lei would read aloud a Christmas carol from the couch. This year Lei had been hesitant to decorate without her wife by her side. Momo could see the pain on her face when she brought it up. So, Momo promised to have it all ready before she got home from her trip tomorrow.
Though she didn't want to do it alone, and Jirou had a shift at the café, so Momo invited Hitoshi over to help her. Shockingly enough, she found out he had never decorated a tree before. They walked home together from school, finished their homework, made dinner, and got to work on the tree. Todoroki was with Kaminari and Aizawa, helping out with the electric hero's training.
It was funny to think that, not so long ago, she was in Kaminari's shoes, training to be a hero like the others.
"What's with that goofy look?" Hitoshi asked from the other side of the tree, sipping his hot coco.
He lowered it enough to show his smirk and wagging eyebrows, "Thinking of your lover boy?"
Momo's face exploded in color, shaking her head, "No!"
He busted out laughing which, in retrospect, made him look so much younger. Like Shouto, when Hitoshi let go of the weight holding him down, he seemed to really enjoy life to its fullest. Momo was glad she could bring that out in them.
The fireplace crackled, spreading its warmth throughout the room. Outside, the cold had become heavier and had nearly taken over the city in it's icy grip. Snow had not made its first appearance yet, but icy sledge coated the lawn, which would melt away at first light and come back when it set. It literally could be any moment that the sky opened up it's buckets to relieve the icy wonderland on them. Momo hoped it would happen before Christmas.
She looked over her shoulder to Hitoshi, who was staring up at the tree, seeming to be lost in thought at something.
Smiling down at him, she picked up the other end of the garland and hung it off the tallest branch in the back before holding her hands up, "How's it look?"
Hitoshi's eyes came back into focus, staring up at the tree as that soft smile came back, "Looks good."
"Great!" Momo hopped off the ladder before grasping onto an ornament, "You're slowing me down MindMaster." She winked before hanging the ornament. He picked up a small gold star and hung it on the tree.
"This is nice. I bet you wish Todoroki was here."
"I'm happy having you here too." Momo said quickly, "You're family, don't forget that."
When she didn't hear a response she turned to see him holding a red glass ball, looking at her in shock. It might have been a trick of the light, but his eyes looked glassy.
"Toshi?" She asked, placing down her own ornament, "You alright?"
He sniffled quickly rubbing at his face with his forearm before hanging up the decoration, shaking his head, "M'fine! S'just didn't expect you to say that."
"What? That you're family?" She knew it was a big word for him, "You are." Walking over to him she placed a hand on his shoulder, "You're my big brother, Toshi!"
The smile she gave must have been something special, because he reached out to her, wrapping her in his arms, and squeezing her close. It was surprising, and she wasn't expecting it, "H-Hitoshi! What-"
"It's called a hug," he said, and she remembered saying the same thing to him when she first hugged him. She couldn't help the smile that fell across her face as she raised her arms and returned it.
Pulling away, Momo felt like crying from happiness but held back, knowing it would make Hitoshi feel weird. She picked up a pretty popsicle stick ornament, smiling cheekily at it, "Want to hang up my most embarrassing ornament?"
He took it carefully and held it up to the light to admire the abstract structure, laughing, "What the hell is this?"
"My second grade attempt at making a reindeer."
Hitoshi laughed wickedly at it and she let him, because it brought things back to normal, without having to address the elephant in the room. He laughed so loud that neither of them heard the front door open or see the older woman stand in the doorway of the sitting room, looking wide-eyed at them.
"Momo?"
Both teens snapped around to see Lei standing there, holding two large paper bags with the logo for their favorite thai food on it. Her onyx eyes swept between Momo and this mystery teen.
Momo froze up, quickly forcing a smile, "Mom! Uh, you're back early!"
Lei looked at Hitoshi, taking in the cozy pajama bottoms and sleep hoodie before moving to the backpack sitting by the coffee table that had his school uniform hanging out of the open zipper. It probably didn't help that Momo was in her red pajama christmas shorts and blue sweater. Silence filled the room and Momo could tell Hitoshi wanted to run, but he held his ground. She was worried he would use his quirk so she stepped forward.
"Mom, this is Hitoshi Shinsou, he's a friend from school." She walked over quickly to Hitoshi to motion him forward.
The quirked hero snapped out of his deer in headlights vision and quickly walked forward holding out his hand, "How's it going?"
Momo could feel her heart pound in her chest at the question. If he was using his quirk and her mother answered, it would devastate her.
Lei quickly set the food down on the table next to the couch and accepted the hand in a firm business like shake, "Any friend of my daughters is a friend of mine."
Once she answered and nothing happened, Momo let out a breath of air, realizing he didn't use his quirk. As if sensing her relief, Hitoshi released Lei's hand and looked back at her with a smirk, "What? You were expecting me to be rude?"
She gave a forceful laugh, waving him off, "Not at all. Don't be silly."
Lei quickly motioned to the food, "I bought extra, if you'd like to stay for food." She looked at her watch and winced, "Is it alright with your parents if you stay out this late?"
Momo tried to think of an answer that wouldn't out him, but Hitoshi didn’t seem to care since he spoke up first, "I don't have any parents Ma'm, so no one to miss me." He said it so easily that both Momo and Lei looked to him with shock and sadness.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize-" Lei looked at his tattered backpack and smiled, "You're welcome to stay for dinner still."
"Awesome, I'll take these to the kitchen." He picked up the bags and made his way to the kitchen.
Lei meanwhile saddled up next to Momo with concerned eyes, "Honey," She glanced in the direction Hitoshi left and back once she was sure he couldn't hear, "Is that true?"
Momo bit her lip but nodded, "He's a very good friend to me. He got a scholarship to go to school, but he's really good mom." She said as if begging her to not look poorly on him, even though her mother would never treat even a fly with disdain.
Lei nodded, "Has he been staying here?"
Momo's lips pressed together in a thin line. Lei cocked her head sadly, hoping she wouldn't get a lie. Lei always could tell when something was up with Momo, just by looking at her. It was a wonder she kept her quirk a secret for as long as she did. Momo nodded, "Yes, but only because if he's not here, he's sleeping in some abandoned building."
Lei's eyes widened, her parental concern kicking in, "My god" She whispered, "It's the middle of winter. He'll catch his death out there."
Momo felt her heart warm up before hearing footsteps and looking back to see Hitoshi holding a spring roll, cheeks puffed out, making it obvious he already dug into the food.
"You!" Lei pointed to him, causing Hitoshi to freeze mid-step, looking at her in shock while pointing to himself. Momo could see the worry on his face and knew he was afraid of being cast aside. Lei's stern look turned warm as she walked forward placing a hand on his puffed out cheeks, smiling at him, "You'll be staying with us, for as long as you'd like."
Hitoshi's eyes did that glassy thing again as he looked wide-eyed to the older woman who shook her head as if reading his look, "I won't take no for an answer. We have several guest rooms you can pick from." She looked over her shoulder to Momo, "Think you can go shopping with him tomorrow to get him some supplies?"
Momo, who was grinning like a crazy woman, nodded quickly, "Yes, Mama!"
The motherly figure looked to the young teen with wild purple hair, smiling warmly at him as if he were her own child, "I always feel so bad leaving Momo here alone. You'll look after her for me, won't you?" She looked into his eyes and Momo felt almost panic, wondering if she knew.
Hitoshi's glassy look solidified, giving a determined nod, "Of course."
Lei giggled, running her hand through his hair, pushing it back in that paternal way parents did to younger children, "Excellent, I'm starving. Let's eat!"
Lei walked around Hitoshi to the kitchen, leaving the two heroes in her wake, staring at each other.
"What just happened?" Hitoshi asked her.
Momo shrugged, clasping her hands behind her back while walking up to him, "I think my mom just adopted you." She said jokingly, "Welcome to the family." With that, she stood on her tiptoes, messing up his hair like a sibling would do. Hitoshi took a playful swipe at her, which she dodged easily and made her way to the kitchen.
Later that night, after finishing the tree, everyone went to bed in their respected rooms. Just as Momo was tucking herself in she got a text from Lei, in it was an attached pic she took on her phone of Momo and Hitoshi by the tree. Momo gives a sideways hug to Hitoshi, squishing their cheeks together in a sibling-like manner, mirroring his own laugh. Along with the picture was a message.
'I think he'll do well here.'
Smiling to herself, Momo happily tucked herself into bed, thinking of seeing Todoroki tomorrow for their morning workout.
Momo couldn't have been asleep for more than two hours before the lights of her room flipped on and she was jostled from her bed. Sitting up, fists raised, she was met with an excited-looking Hitoshi, who was holding up his laptop and sporting a grin as big as his cheeks.
"Toshi?" Momo looked to the clock by her bed, "It's one in the morning." She rubbed at her face.
Hitoshi sat in the middle of her bed, pushing aside her blankets, ushering her to look at his screen, "I got it!"
"It?" She yawned behind her hand, "What exactly-" Pausing mid-sentence she gasped, eyes going wide, "You found it?"
Hitoshi nodded before shushing her excited squeal so Lei didn't hear. She crawled over sitting on her knees to look at the glowing screen.
On the laptop sat a screen full of numbers, frankly looking like something Kaminari would reference as 'the matrix' if he were here. But given Momo wasn't the tech wiz Hitoshi was, she had to ask, "What does it mean?"
Hitoshi pointed to a specific set of fast moving numbers, "I was about to call it a night when a new text came in, prompting me to see the transaction go through. Don't worry, Aizawa and Kami are on it. I called Todoroki; he's on his way here."
Momo quickly smoothed her sleep-crazed hair down, "When?"
"Calm down, princess," Hitoshi did some typing, "He'll be here any minute."
They're interrupted by a knock on the window. Momo excitedly pushed Hitoshi aside so she could jump up. Hitoshi grumbled 'excuse you' under his breath, which she ignored. Opening the window, she saw her boyfriend's handsomely-masked face.
He smirked up at her, "Hey"
Momo felt those butterflies make their home around her stomach lining, blushing as she smiled back, "Hey"
"Oh my god, spare me from losing my food." Hitoshi gagged, pulling the teens back to the present.
Todoroki crawled in, removing his mask, shaking his icy hair out, sprinkling Momo with cold droplets, causing her to giggle as she wiped them off of her face.
Quickly, she closed the window behind him to keep the cold out, but the hero that just entered permeated a cold that radiated from his skin from ice sliding his way across the city.
Todoroki gave Momo a smile before getting down to business, facing Hitoshi, "Alright, I'm here. What did you find?"
Hitoshi stood from the bed, motioning to the laptop that he now placed on her computer desk, "To spare you two from blowing a brain fuse, I'll dumb it down."
Todoroki slapped the back of the geniuses head which, in turn, made him flip the hero off before continuing, "There's a small window between transactions where you can see where they're coming from. There's always multiple transfers coming and going from offshore accounts. These guys aren't dumb. They know what they're doing. The reason I haven't found them yet is the window of opportunity is exactly 4.7 seconds from when the text goes out. I haven't had the time to get in and locate it." He smirked back at them, "Tonight just so happened to be my lucky night where I was on and ready at the time of the text."
Momo rolled her eyes at his genius boasting, but allowing it, "Alright smarty pants, what did you find in this small window of opportunity?"
His smile doubled, "I found a single bank account for a business- a very well known government business."
The silence was left to build suspense, but instead it just ticked Todoroki off, "Alright, so am I expecting the answer before the new year?"
Instead of getting annoyed, the mind-controlling hero scoffed playfully, "Listen, it's called suspense, and it's also the main part of foreplay." He glanced to Momo and back at Todoroki, "Do I need to have a man to man talk with you?"
Momo covered her red face, hiding from them as she groaned. She could hear the two men whisper arguing and all she could do was hope her mother didn't hear them down the hall.
"Focus" She snapped in a loud whisper that caused both teens to back down and turn back to the task at hand.
"It's the mayor office." He announced as if that would explain it all.
"Mayor Murakami?" Momo cocked her head, "He's a friend of my parents." She shook her head, "There's no way; he's been personally attaching himself to the police station's hips to get answers for my mother's attack. He calls my mom periodically for updates." She bit her lower lip in thought.
Hitoshi shrugged, "The information is pretty damning. The mayor's office has several accounts for city funds, one of them being the only account that has large sums of money disappearing and re-appearing simultaneously. It's easy to fly under the radar with this kind of money play." He rubbed his chin.
Todoroki spoke up, "Isn't the mayor up for re-election soon?"
"Why would he pay to have crime at an all time high? It doesn't make sense, since it makes him look bad. He's even implementing an increase to the police force to get more officers out there." Momo explained.
"It's actually the perfect crime." Hitoshi held up a finger in contemplation, "Raise crime through the city, then when it's at its lowest, come swooping in to save the day. Securing more votes." He nodded, "I gotta' say, it's devious, but politics are never clean."
Momo let the thoughts roll over her mind before shaking her head again, "If this is our next investigation, I want us to be a hundred percent sure. Mr. Murakami is a sweet man. I won't tarnish his reputation unless it's true."
"We'll get more information. Tomorrow let's plan our next steps." Todoroki said, touching her shoulder reassuringly, "We'll go into this with a clear head after we get some sleep."
Momo sighed, feeling better already with Todoroki by her side, she nodded, "Agreed."
Silence filled the air as Hitoshi looked between the two, "Cool. So we'll see you tomorrow Icy-Hot" He saluted him with two fingers, leaning back in the computer chair.
Todoroki looked at him and Momo could see the hint of a blush on the costumed hero's cheeks as he motioned with his eyes to the door and back at his friend. Hitoshi, seemingly oblivious, sat still smiling at them. After a minute of him not getting it, Todoroki coughed, clearing his throat, "Toshi" He said softly, "Mind giving us the room?"
"Hm?" His eyes then went comically big before he slammed his laptop shut, standing up, "Oh! Right, right, excuse me." He backed away, "By the way, hope you don't mind bruh, but I'm officially living with your girl here. Don't get too jealous." He opened the door, "And I would also appreciate it if you two kept it down this time. These walls aren't as dense as you think."
With that, the door shut and Momo wished she could punch the purple-haired teen’s arm, but he was already gone, leaving her alone with her boyfriend.
Todoroki turned to Momo, his smile already growing, “I just wanted to say goodnight to you properly.”
Momo pouted, “Do you have to get back to patrol?”
Nodding, he took her hand in his own, “But I'll be back tomorrow to pick you up.”
Leaning down he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek before pulling away. Momo grasped the collar of his uniform, pulling him down into a passionate kiss that left them both aching for more. She felt his hands rest on the swell of her hip, breaking the kiss long enough to look up at him through her drooping eyes, “Can I at least give you a proper send off?”
He looked pained to say it, laying his hands over her own on his collar, “I don’t think i’ll have time for it.”
With the grace and strength she had cultivated from all her training, she turned him around, pushing him onto the bed before kneeling down, pushing herself between his legs, “I’ll be fast.”
His look of shock melted into that of a predator, leaning back on his arms, “How can I refuse?”
She made quick work, unbuckling his belt and pulling the zipper down to free his already half hard erection. She blushed at the up close view of it, but knowing she had limited time, decided to push her shyness off for another time. Instead, she took his member in hand before sealing her mouth over the top. Her boyfriend moaned at the feeling, keeping himself propped up to watch with one eye open while the other had the palm of his left hand over it, head tilted back. Momo hollowed out her cheeks and used her tongue to pillow the underside of his cock. The velvet skin glided against the roof of her mouth when she bobbed.
“Momo” His voice whispered. She heard it like a prayer, begging for more.
She focused on making her jaw as loose as possible, swallowing around what she could. Her eyes fluttered shut when she felt his tip reach the back of her throat, cutting off her air. Breathing in through her nose was tedious, but she didn’t want to break away just yet. Sliding back and forth on his hard cock, wishing he would thrust upwards. When he remained unresponsive she finally broke away from his glistening member, giving it a few slow pumps of her hand to keep it warm, looking up at him, “Am I doing it right?”
“You’re doing great” He breathed out, dropping his hands to cup her face as she looked up at him with all the trust in the world, “I’m just getting close and I don’t want to hurt you.”
She smiled, turning her face into his palm, kissing at the skin, “You won’t.” With that said, she looked back up at him, “Just do what feels natural. I can handle it.” Her cheeks turned pink, “I’ve wanted to try this since we first…” Her words trailed off as embarrassment filled her, but she swallowed it and kept going, “I want you to use me.”
“You sure?” He asked breathlessly, eyes dilated in pure arousal, a drop of precum beading up on the tip, which she rubbed with her thumb gently.
Momo nodded, pulling at his hand, scooting back when he stood up and she stretched to sit up on her knees, looking up at him through heavy lashes. He seemed hesitant but nodded, placing his hands on the back of her head, “Let me know if I’m being too rough.”
Excitement pulsed through her veins, and all she could do was nod quickly, opening her mouth, tongue peeking out lewdly. He placed the tip of his cock on her tongue and she took it from there. Closing her lips around him to suck at an agonizingly slow pace as if savoring it. She could feel her lower stomach curle in arousal, becoming wet at the very idea of what he was going to do to her.
Momo felt his hands rest on either side of her head, gripping her firmly before jerking his cock forward, gently at first. She moaned at the sudden jolt, feeling him push into her mouth, but she wanted more. Looking up at him through her heavy lashes, she conveyed this with her eyes. He must have understood because he pulled out slightly, only to push back in, harder this time, holding her head in place. This time he struck the back of her throat and she whimpered in pleasure. With that sound pushing him off the cliff he began to find a steady rhythm, pumping in and out of her hot, wet mouth.
Momo’s nostrils flared, trying to get as much air as she could into her lungs while stretching her mouth around the cock that kept striking the back of her throat. She had a great gag reflex, but the repeated punishment to her mouth was causing tears to pool in her eyes, looking up at her boyfriend, trying to convey that she did not want him to stop. She could feel her own release building, wishing she could just reach down there and touch herself. But she instead grasped the back of his hips, squeezing, moaning around every thrust.
Todoroki whispered her name, a praise that would later make her as red faced as a tomato, but for now it just spurred her on, wanting to please him. She could feel the way his breathing stuttered, knowing from past experience that he was about to release himself. Momo felt him start to pull back, intending for her not to taste it. She greedily chased forward, pulling him by the undone buckle of his uniform forward, slamming to the back of her throat. The action alone, sending both of them over the edge. Hot liquid filled her mouth, filling the back of her throat with sticky white liquid.
Todoroki pulled out slowly, breathing heavily, looking down at her. Momo wanted to be as lewd as possible for him, opening her mouth wide, tongue hanging out to show him what he did to her mouth. Cum dripped down her tongue and the corner of her mouth. Once he got a good look at it she closed her mouth, swallowing it before gasping for air.
His hand came down, cupping her chin, panting softly in the darkness of her room. She felt his thumb swipe at the dribble of cum on the side before holding it out to her like some offering. Momo smiled, leaning forward, licking it off as if it were a treat for her and biting at the digit softly.
He sucked in a breath of air, “Fucking hell”
Momo wiped at her mouth with the back of her hand, standing up from where she’d been kneeling for awhile now, “I guess you have to get going now.”
He tucked himself away into his pants, buckling it back up. Momo was about to move to the window when he grasped her wrist and gently pulled her back to the bed, “How can I leave now without returning the favor?”
//~~~~~~~~~~End Ch 32~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~~Ch 33~~~~~~~~~~\\
"Good Morning, we would like to speak to Mayor Murakami, pending that she's available?" Momo bowed to the receptionist.
The blonde woman looked skeptically at the three teenagers before her, two of which were scowling at her as if to intimidate the woman into giving Momo whatever she asked for. She quickly opened her laptop, "Mayor Murakami is a very busy woman. Her schedule is booked months in advance, especially with her re-election campaign going on." She peeked up over the frame of the laptop at them, "May I ask what this is pertaining to?"
"Eyyy you don't know who this power couple is?" Hitoshi surged forward, slamming his hands on the woman's desk, making her flinch, "Check it-" He motioned to Momo and Todoroki, "Only daughter of the Yaoyorozu conglomerate, and youngest son of chief Todoroki, the cities number two man! Both contributors to the mayor's election."
The older woman's eyes widened in realization, standing up at attention, "Pardon me! I'm so sorry for the mix up! O-of course I'm familiar with the Yaoyorozu's and the Todoroki's!" She looked nervously to the closed double doors behind her, "One moment, I'm sure the mayor will be excited to have a visit from two promising youths of the future!" She held up a finger, excusing herself as she slipped into the mayor's office, closing the door behind her.
Once alone, the couple looked to the purple haired teen, who was smirking at them with arms crossed. His face dropped when he found the others giving him an 'are-you-for-real' look.
"What?" He scoffed, "Don't tell me you two have never thrown your names out there for the benefits."
"Never"
"Not even once"
Both teens said simultaneously, making the mad genius roll his eyes dramatically, "Wow, you two are sooo perfect for each other."
"I'd like to think so," Todoroki said, taking Momo's hand into his own, lacing their fingers together.
Momo blushed, looking down at their hands, before smiling at her boyfriend, "Same"
"Ugh, gag me with a spoon!" Hitoshi strolled around the woman's desk.
“Keep it up and I just might,” Todoroki replied. Hitoshi rolled his eyes before plopping down in the receptionist’s seat to look over the laptop.
"Hitoshi!" Momo hissed, looking to the still closed door, "She could be back any second!"
"Then keep guard." He said, not taking his eyes off the screen as he typed away. The teen slid a USB into the slot on the side, "I just need a moment."
Momo nervously bit her lip, looking between the door and Hitoshi. After a few more seconds the handle started turning, "Toshi!" She whispered.
The purple haired teen was already standing up, stepping back around the desk while snatching a candy from the glass jar on the side as the reception stepped through the door and looked at him. He held up the golden snack, "Butterscotch" He hummed, "My favorite"
She smiled at him, "Please have as much as you'd like.”
Momo's eyes looked to the USB still plugged in the side of the laptop. The woman, however, wasn't the wiser as she bowed to them, "The mayor will see you now."
Momo looked nervously at Hitoshi, who nodded to her, letting her know it would be alright.
"I'll stay out here with-" Hitoshi looked to the woman who quickly filled in her name.
"Ruby"
"With Ruby," Hitoshi finished, "Ruby can you give me a tour of the office? I'm fascinated with politics."
Ruby seemed put off, but forced a smile, "Of course! I'd love nothing better, and I'm totally not busy or anything." She said nervously before escorting him out of the office.
Looking over her shoulder, she watched Hitoshi give the couple a thumbs up before snatching back the USB and following the receptionist.
Momo turned back to Todoroki, "Ready?"
He nodded, opening the door for her, "After you"
Momo blushed, feeling his chivalry warm her skin as she walked through and he followed.
Standing by the large oak desk in front of a large glass window was the woman they came to see. The possible villain behind all the dark deeds that had clouded this city and Momo's life. Momo felt her teeth snap together as she forced a smile, already hating this woman for something she might not have even done.
"Ms. Yaoyorozu!" Mayor Murakami opened her arms walking towards them, "And Mr. Todoroki, here in my office together. What a pleasant surprise!" She reached Momo, holding her hand out to shake.
Momo took it, squeezing gently, "Thank you for seeing us on such short notice, Mrs. Murakami."
The mayor released her hand before shaking Todoroki's, "Oh please, we're practically family! Call me Auntie! I've known your mothers since you were no taller than my knee. I wouldn't be on my four year succession without the help of your mothers." Her old eyes softened, "How is your mother holding up?"
Momo bit her lower lip, finding it easy to play the part of a grieving daughter when it was actually true, "She's doing better each day. The doctors have high hope with her recovery."
Momo felt Todoroki's hand on the small of her back, providing silent support. She knew she was lucky to have him here. Without him keeping her in check she might have flown into a blind rage demanding answers from this woman.
"I'm happy to hear that. I send flowers each week to her room. And your Mom, she's running the business alright?"
The class vice-president nodded, "She's a force to be reckoned with when she wants to be. Working herself to the bone."
"Well, that's strong of her, but it'll do her no good to burn out before the holidays." The mayor hummed, "I have a nice cabin on the coast that you two can stay at any time. Take some mother daughter time away from it all."
"That's sweet, but I couldn't even consider leaving my mother behind. I visit her nearly each day."
The mayor cooed, reaching out a hand to rest on Momo's head, "Such a dedicated daughter. She's lucky to have you."
Momo clenched her fist at her side, wishing she could push the hand off but instead smiled happily up at her.
The mayor eventually removed her hand, clapping them together, "Now what brings you two to my office? Not that I'm not excited to have you, but it is my busiest season with christmas and the re-election right around the corner from each other." Her old eyes looked between the two.
Todoroki stepped forward, "We're writing an article for the school paper. About your re-election that is." His face offered little comfort, but that was normal given who his father was.
The mayor gasped in excitement, "A school article about me? Well, of course I can make time for this! You children are our future, after all! You need to be caught up to current world issues." She went around her desk taking a seat, while motioning to the two leather chairs before her, "You'll be graduating before you know it, and off to college."
Once they sat down Momo felt she could breathe, having the desk between her and the mayor, "You're absolutely right, and as such we would like to ask you about the issues."
"Issues?" The mayor cocked her head, "We have many pressing issues. Which in particular?"
"Specifically the rise in crime in Musutafu City. Over the months, there has been a spike in criminal activity. A statistic that my mother and I have experienced first hand." Momo leaned forward, placing her folded hands on the polished oak, eyes narrowing, and voice becoming as serious as Todoroki's.
The mayor's eyes widened in surprise before shifting to the side nervously, "Oh erm- yes well, there has been a rise in crime. But- but-" She quickly faced them holding her hands up in excitement, "I have plans on controlling it once I'm re-elected for a fifth term!"
"Why wait?" Momo asked abruptly.
The mayor seemed put off by the sudden question, "Well, as you know the tax payers put money into the city. As of right now we don't have the funds to hire more officers for the street. With the election right around the corner I promise to find the funds that will make this possible and put those criminals away." She smiled brightly, "I'm sure you heard from Todoroki that I've personally assigned his father the chief to your mother's case. I told him it's of the utmost importance."
"I'm aware" Momo snapped before giving a forced smile, "Thank you for that."
The mayor looked to be nervous, tapping her fingers to the leather mat on her desk, "How about the volunteer program I'm putting together to clean up our local parks? Or- Or the fundraiser local for local charities that I've done for the holidays? Would you like to hear about those?"
Todoroki spoke up this time, sharply, "Your opponent, Mr. Yamada, is claiming to lower crime rates the day of his election." He said, and the mayor's face fell at the mention of her rival, "He claims he already knows a way to secure funding for the rise in police presence."
The mayor's face crumbled in annoyance, "Mr. Yamada is a cheap showman. Pardon my language, but he's not leadership material. He claims to have this 'money' for our law enforcement." She did air quotes around the word before lowering them to continue, "But he's given no proof of this. He has zero qualifications to run this city." Her eyes shifted to the side as if looking for someone else before leaning in to whisper, "And off the record..." She waited for the teens to nod before going on, "I heard he has tied to the Yakuza, which is where he's getting this money."
Momo felt her stomach knot up, "The Yakuza?"
The mayor nodded, "The Japanese mafia. Thugs, gang bangers, people that aren't bred from the same brand as you and myself." She motioned to the teens and herself, "So you have to understand that just because he promises a shiny utopia with golden walkways and crime free streets, you have to ask yourself; would it be worth the cost?"
Momo looked to Todoroki who, in turn, looked back at her before facing the mayor again, "Who knows of this?"
"Oh, pfft" She blew a stand of hair from her face, leaning back in her chair, obviously happy to have the negative light off of her, "Everyone! Though there's obviously no proof. Maybe it's a farce, but I personally follow the money. If the money doesn’t have a trail, it's dirty." She lifted a finger confidently, "I myself have a paper trail a mile long for every penny spent in my office."
Momo bit her lower lip, not wanting to contradict that statement since they found funds coming back here that don't support that.
Todoroki, being the perfect partner for this mission, kept the conversation going, "So if re-elected-"
"WHEN I'm re-elected." She corrected Todoroki, who pressed his lips together in a thin line of annoyance before continuing.
"When you're re-elected," He corrected himself to keep the conversation light, "How do you plan on finding the funds to lower the crime rate?"
"Well" She pressed the tips of her fingers together in an arch, smirking over it, "That's my secret. The voters do love a good surprise. And I'm afraid I can't reveal it just yet."
Momo clenched her hands into fists in her lap, "Then how do the voters know you have a plan if you don’t give them anything to go off of?"
Murakami smiled at her, leaning back in her chair, "They have to have faith. Like myself, I choose to believe in our city to make the right choice." She then stood up, planting her hands on the table, "Now I hate to cut this short, but I do have a meeting in five minutes that I can't miss."
Momo and Todoroki quickly stood up as she walked them to the door, opening it, "Please come back anytime for a chat. And do send me a copy of the article once it's published. I'd love to read it."
Momo turned to extend her hand, but the mayor lunged forward and wrapped Momo in a tight hug, "We really need to catch up. Have your mom call me when she gets a chance. The three of us can do lunch. Maybe I can talk her taking that vacation-" She gasped squeezing Momo tighter, "We can make it a girls trip with the tree of us!" She whispered in Momo's ear, "I always considered you like my own daughter. What do you think?"
Momo squeezed her eyes shut, hating every second of this hug. But Momo raised her hands to place on the mayor’s sides, lightly patting her, "That would be nice. I'll tell her, Auntie" She said, and that seemed to calm the woman enough to release her.
She held Momo at arms length, looking her over, "You've become a fine woman Momo." She glanced to Todoroki who was watching this like a hawk, "And you have such good taste in men. You lucky girl." She giggled with a wink, releasing her to open the door, "I love to see well bred families coming together. I'd hate for our next meeting to be at your wedding." She giggled.
Momo and Todoroki looked to each other blushing, "W-Wedding? Oh, we're much too young!"
"Of course! But it's obvious you two have something special." She motioned between them, "Young love is so perfect."
They walked out of the office to see Hitoshi shoving a handful of butterscotch in his pocket while Ruby sat at her chair rubbing her forehead.
"Have a good day you two. Young Todoroki, tell your father to call me as well when he has a free moment. I'd love to touch base on the Yaoyorozu case."
"Of course." Todoroki nodded to her.
With that, the mayor waved and closed the door. Momo felt her shoulders slouch in relief that they got away with it.
"Well? Let's go. I'm starving!" Hitoshi whined.
Todoroki scoffed at him, "You're always hungry."
Hitoshi waves to the receptionist, "It was a lovely tour, Ruby. Let's do it again real soon."
"So happy you had a fun time." She leaned back in her computer chair, taking out some Advil, "Don't rush that other visit. Some time apart will do us good." She popped the pills before chasing it with a bottle of water.
The three left the office building, walking along the icy street. Momo leaned forward to get a look at Hitoshi, "What was that about?"
Hitoshi smirked, "Lets just say some people can't handle my charm."
"You were probably super annoying and asked her a hundred questions to the point where you confused her." Todoroki took Momo's hand back into his own, squeezing it.
"Yup" He popped the ‘P’ at the end proudly, "I also got the info we were looking for." He held up the USB, "Let's hit the hideout. After we pick up, food of course. I wasn’t lying when I said I'm hungry."
"You had eight pancakes for breakfast this morning!" Momo scoffed loudly, happy to finally be away from that office.
"Yeah, and I would have gone for seconds if I didn't want your mom thinking I was some glutton!"
"She adores you." Momo sighed loudly, "I'm not surprised she kissed you on the head when we left this morning."
Hitoshi made a happy face at the soft memory of the older Yaoyorozu mother leaning down to kiss him on the head after she did it with Momo, bidding them goodbye as she went to the office.
"Yeah, well, what can I say? I'm easy to love."
Momo hooked her free arm around his own while the other held Todoroki's hand tightly, "You are. And this basically means you're my baby brother now."
"Baby brother? I thought you said big brother the other day!" He shouted.
Momo giggled, hugging his arm, "I don’t know, I kind of like the idea of having a baby brother."
"I'm older than you!"
"By three months!" Momo chimed back.
"That's like a whole year in dog years!" He challenged.
Momo gasped, "Are you calling me a dog?"
"No! I'm just saying I'm big brother Toshi! And-" His cheeks turned pink, "You're my little sister Momo." He faced forward.
"Awww" Momo cooed, looking forward as well, "I like the sound of that. Alright, you can be big brother Toshi!"
"Good" He huffed, looking at Todoroki, "This means I'm on her side now. You break her heart and I'll break your brain. Got it?"
Todoroki smiled softly at the moment between the two, "I'll never hurt her. She's mine to take care of from now on."
"Oy is that a wedding proposal?" Toshi gasped, "I thought I heard the mayor say something about a wedding!" He glared daggers at Todoroki over Momo's head, "Are you planning a shotgun wedding without me?"
Momo blushed, giggling to herself, "You two are too much, but I wouldn't change you for the world!" She hugged Todoroki's hand and Hitoshi's arm to her sides, "Let's get some food!"
"Hell ya!" Hitoshi veered them off the sidewalk to a pizza shop with Christmas garland around the display window.
Meanwhile, across town, Endeavor threw his mug against the wall, shattering it in frustration.
"Damn it!" He slammed the phone down after having his ear chewed off by the mayor about the Yaoyorozu case. She demanded results before her re-election or it was his ass on the line.
"Incompetent woman" He muttered, "As if she can see the big picture" Enji looked at his desk, which was cluttered with pictures he had printed of his illegal search of Momo's room. None of them did him any good.
He picked up the glossy picture of that snap shot on Momo's bedside table of her, his son and the other two teens. He found that those other two were students at her school. They joined halfway through the year. One on a scholarship and the other just got in on merit alone from a paper-trail he couldn't seem to dig up.
"Kaminari Denki, and Shinsou Hitoshi" He said loudly, dropping the picture onto his desk next to an old magazine of Creati.
Standing from his desk, he walked over to the liquor cabinet he stashed mainly to serve to the Brass or higher officials when they came for a visit. He hardly drank, but he could use a drink right then. He poured himself a fingertip worth of whisky in a crystal glass that was given to him by the mayor two years ago as a thank you for helping her re-election.
Frankly, he didn't give a damn who was in charge, so long as they did their damn job and stayed out of his way. He had contributed to her re-election by doing his job and keeping the streets safe. It wasn’t his fault the crime rate has spiked. Maybe if she funded his men they could get more help. He couldn’t always be on the street to stop crime.
Clenching the crystal cup, he shot back the drink in one sip, gritting his teeth at the burn that came to his throat before slamming the cup on top of the picture. Leaning back in his chair, he looked at the ceiling in thought.
Maybe Yaoyorozu wasn't the hero he was chasing. He was finding a hundred different puzzle pieces, but none of them connected. If he could just find one connection between her and Creati... he could win.
A knock came to the door and he sat up to see his receptionist peeking her head in, "Sir? Your daughter is on line one for you. About dinner plans?"
"Fine." He stood up, leaning over the desk to take the phone, but paused.
Looking down at his crystal glass, he squinted his eyes.
"What?" He whispered, leaning down to look at the magnified picture under the crystal. It enlarged Momo's hand in that picture by her bed.
Lifting the crystal cup, he swapped it out for a magnifying glass, enlarging the image and making it even clearer. On her index finger was a small pink bandage with what looked to be bunnies on it. The peace sign up front and center for him to see.
"Wait a minute," He whispered, looking to the table and the magazine.
The receptionist stood there looking at him like he was crazy, "Sir, your daughter-"
"I'm busy, god damn it!" He shouted, causing the woman to flinch and leave, slamming the door.
Turning back to his work, he found the magazine of Creati stopping a robbery. Holding the magnifying glass to her hand that was holding the staff, he could make out the same pink bandage. It was blurry since she was moving, but he could just make out the lines of the bunnies in the blurred movement.
"Well I'll be damned" He whispered, lowering the paper, "Momo Yaoyorozu is Creati" His voice filled the room, "I did it... I found the proof." He smirked darkly at the picture.
"I'll find the others... Icy Hot, All Might, Eraser Head... It's just a matter of time before I lock you all up!" He turned to the wall of paparazzi caught heroes pinned to the cork board, "I'll have you all behind bars!"
He picked up the phone dialing a private number he kept for situations like this, "This is Chief Todoroki," He announced himself once the other line picked up, "I have need of your services." He smirked, looking at the picture on his desk of Momo Yaoyorozu smiling up at him.
The sun had finally set on the busy city of Musutafu by the time the three masked heroes left the theater.
Todoroki offered to walk Momo home, even though she had Hitoshi with her. The three were talking about the new finds in the mayor's office.
Hitoshi groaned, "So now we have two suspects at hand. Mayor Murakami and Mr. Yamada are both viable suspects. On one hand, Murakami has the means and the way to get this kind of deed done. Hiring crooks and bad law officials to make her look good in the polls."
Todoroki nodded, "On the other hand, there's Mr. Yamada, who Murakami said has Yakuza connections. We couldn't find a single infraction on the guy. Not even a parking ticket. But the mayor is right. He's promising he has funds to hire more law officials. Where is the money coming from?"
Momo sighed, squeezing Todoroki's hand, leaning into his warmth from the cold Christmas weather, "I don't know, but Murakami was suspicious. She was obviously trying to get us off her trail. Why not throw her opponent under the bridge?"
"Well, the receptionist's laptop did give me access to some bank accounts. The second money comes in or out, I'll be able to trace it back to whoever is behind this." Hitoshi said as he nodded to the dark sky, "We'll put one of them away for good. But my money's on Murakami."
"Same" Momo muttered.
"No matter what happens, we'll get answers." Todoroki squeezed her hand back, leaning in to kiss the side of her head. Momo smiled into it, resting her head on his shoulder as they walked.
Hitoshi sighed, though he was also smiling at the adorable display the couple was projecting, shaking his head, "Is Lei home tonight?"
Momo shook her head gently, "She texted me earlier, saying she's staying at the office tonight. But she should be back for dinner tomorrow."
"Good, I'll make us my famous mac and cheese." Hitoshi puffed up his chest.
"What's so famous about it?" Todoroki asked.
"It's famous because I made it, duh!" He said, causing Momo to giggle.
Just as the trio reached the Yaoyorozu gate, Momo turned to Todoroki, "Did you want to come in for some cocoa? It's pretty cold."
Todoroki smiled down at her, taking her other hand, "I should get back. Besides, you know the cold doesn't bother me anyways."
"Pfft, alright Elsa" Hitoshi went to the gate and pushed it open a crack. "Just kiss and say bye, I'm freezing my nips off out here!"
Momo giggled, turning to Todoroki. He looked down at her and slowly they leaned in, lips inches apart before a spotlight turned on, blinding the teens.
The three of them brought their hands up to shield their eyes.
"What the hell?" Hitoshi shouted.
"Momo Yaoyorozu! Step away from the civilians!" A voice shouted.
"Father?" Todoroki squinted past the light.
And suddenly, a surge of swat men rushed them, getting between Momo and Todoroki, pulling her arms behind her back and shoving her into the brick wall by the gate.
"Momo!" Todoroki fought to get to her but the swat team pulled him back like football linebackers.
Hitoshi tried getting past, but was tackled by a large man holding his arms behind his back. "Get the fuck off me!" He shouted.
"What's going on!" Momo tried looking over her shoulder but the officer holding her, pushed Momo harder into the wall, causing her to cry out in pain.
"Let her go!" Todoroki shouted, rage bellowing in his voice.
Momo knew he was seconds from combusting into either flames or ice, maybe both, so she shouted over to him, "I'm fine! Shouto, I'm fine!"
Looking at him from the corner of her eye, she managed to catch his gaze, and held it as the officer behind her pressed harder into her body, "Todoroki, don't do anything!"
"Listen to her, son."
She could see her boyfriend whip his head toward Enji. He stood tall over the other officers, wearing his shiny badge around his neck on a dull silver chain so everyone would know who was in charge. His coat billowed in the cold winter wind. "She's not worth causing trouble over."
"You!" Todoroki sneered before lunging at his father, but the officers restrained him, one managing to get low while another two held each shoulder. "What are you doing here?"
Enji looked to the officer holding Momo, "Use the force if necessary. She could use her quirk at any second."
Momo's eyes widened, as did Hitoshi and Todoroki's, though she wasn't looking at them now. The officer swung her around to face the chief, "What are you talking about?" She could see her breath as she shouted up at him, "I don't have a quirk!" Her blood ran cold.
Did they find out about Todoroki? Hitoshi? Kaminari? Did they know about the others?
Her mind ran a thousand miles a second, asking questions, planning a way to get out to warn them.
Enji stood before the small teen, staring down at her with a look of disgust, "I may not know who the others are yet, but I do know that you will not drag my son down with you Creati."
Relief filled her, she could feel the tears coming to her face, "I don't know what you're talking about!"
A black van pulled up along the street, no markings or paint to signal what unit it belonged to. It filled Momo with dread as Enji motioned with his head to the van, "Take her away."
"No!" Todoroki struggled, flipping one of the officers around to hit the other two, charging his dad, "You let her go!"
Enji swung his fist forward, planting it into his youngest son's cheek, sending him sprawling backwards onto the icy sidewalk.
"Shouto!" Momo gasped, seeing the blood drip down his nose as he quickly stood.
The doors to the van opened, and the men pushed her in. She looked at Hitoshi who had just headbutted the guy holding him from behind, kicking him off his body, "Momo, we'll come for you!"
Hitoshi and Todoroki stood back to back surrounded by the officers, who held cuffs and tasers, ready to take the teens down at a moment's notice. They didn't know these weren't any ordinary teens. They could kill them if given the chance, but heroes didn't kill.
Momo was pushed into the van and she spun around as one door closed, "Shouto!"
"I'll find you!" Todoroki shouted.
Their eyes met in a moment of panic and pain. Momo felt the tears fall; not knowing if this was the last time she would see him. She yelled the first thing that came to her heart, "I know you will!”
With that, the other door shut, blocking her view of the struggle. The men from earlier shoved a bag over her head, while another pushed her to the floor of the van. She struggled, knowing she could get away with the help of her training and quirk, but she couldn't use it, not unless she wanted to give away her only secret.
She could hear more shouting outside, as well as a scuffle, but something pinched her neck as the cold press of a needle punctured her skin. Slowly the struggle stopped and her eyes felt heavy.
"Shouto" She muttered, feeling the officers lift her body like a rag doll right before passing out.
//~~~~~~~~~~End Ch 33~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~~~~Ch 34~~~~~~~~~~\\
When Momo woke up, the first thing she felt was a sense of weightlessness; the second was the cold.
Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth, making her uncomfortable. She reached over to her nightstand for her bottle of water that she remembered putting there the night before. When her hand hit nothing but more cold air, she squinted her eyes open.
"Wha-" The words died on her impossibly dry tongue when she found only dull grey stone in front of her.
Sitting up, the memories of what happened flooded back to her and she gasped, snapping her head each way.
"Todoroki?" She whispered, "Hitoshi?"
Momo curled up on the middle of the floor in what looked to be an impossibly tiny stone cell. The walls were bare of any windows, and the only light came from a florescent bulb that hummed in annoyance overhead, covered by a metal cage.
Pushing herself up, her legs protested and she grunted, grabbing her head as it started pounding.
That's right, they injected her with something. Whatever it was it made her compliant enough for them to relocate her somewhere else. With no window, there was no telling what time it was, how long she had been out, or even if it was still the same day.
Turning around, she found only a twin sized bed, complemented with a stained brown mattress that has spots of white here and there, meaning the unnatural shade of brown was a stain on the fabric. She scrunched up her nose, looking to the metal toilet next to it, as well as the sink.
'Is this a prison?' She thought in disgust as she walked to the large metal door, finally pleased to see a small cut out window.
Peeking her eyes through while standing on her tiptoes, Momo looked over the edge, only to have a piercing set of eyes look back at her. A gloved hand slammed the glass, "Get back!" He shouted angrily.
Momo, caught off guard, tripped backwards, hitting her bottom on the hard stone.
"Ow!" She rubbed at the throbbing skin and wincing, glaring up at the set of eyes still staring at her.
"Who are you!" She shouted, "Where am I?"
"Shut up!" Whoever was on the other side hit the door again, "Don’t make me come in there, freak!" He disappeared from the view of the wall.
Momo sighed in relief that his threat to come in was not met with reality.
"Hey" A voice called.
Momo snapped her head up, but found no other face in the door's small window.
"Up here" The voice said and Momo followed her eyes up to see just over the bed a tiny vent in the upper corner no bigger than her palm, covered in a brass cage.
Looking to the door once more to make sure the guard was gone, Momo stood on the bed, hearing it squeak in resistance under her weight, "Hello?" She said back, unsure as to who she was speaking with.
"Hey! I was wondering when you would wake up!" The voice said excitedly, "I haven't had a new neighbor in so long! What's your name? Mine's Mina Ashido! I'm seventeen, my favorite color is pink, and-"
"Wha- slow down" Momo said, shaking her still groggy head, "Mina you said?"
"Yup! Mina Ashido!" The voice was not at all put off by Momo's confusion, "What's your name?"
"M-Momo Yaoyorozu?" She said, but it came off as more of a question.
"That's so cute! Momo Momo Momo" The voice sang, "Do you have a nickname I can call you or can I come up with one on my own?"
Momo thought the voice was friendly, but she had to get answers, "Mina, where am I?"
"Hm?" The voice hummed, "You don't know?"
"No, I was coming home and I was ambushed by these swat guys." She didn't want to mention that the leading officer was her boyfriend's father; at least not just yet.
"Oh" Mina's voice came down a few octaves, almost sounding sorry for her, "You were a normie before they found you hu?"
"Normie?" She questioned.
"That's what we call non-quirk users. Not as mean as what they call us, but I don't like to be mean when I don't have to." She explained, "How long were you in hiding before they found you?"
"Mina," Momo felt her hands shake as realization began to pour into her, "Where are we?"
Mina paused before answering, as if giving bad news to a friend, "Momo... You're in a quirk prison."
She turned her back to the wall, sliding down to sit on the dirty mattress and bringing her knees up to her chest. Her eyes felt hot with tears as she brought her hands up to her face, shaking like a leaf.
"Hey, hey it's okay" Mina instantly seemed to know what Momo was feeling as her voice turned soft and gentle, like she was trying to calm a tiny kitten from a hole, "Don't be afraid. It's going to be alright. You have me. I'll help you get comfortable here."
"Bahh! Shut up, Mina! Can't you see the damn newbie is having a breakdown?" Another voice shouted from the opposite end of the room.
Momo glanced up past her hands to see another tiny vent on the other side. The cells must be lined up side by side with connecting vents for air ventilation.
"Bakugo, don't be rude!" Mina said louder so it would carry.
"Shut up, pinkie!" The aggressively brutal voice snapped, "Listen, new girl, you want to survive this place you need to be tough. If they sense your weakness, you'll just be chumming the waters for the sharks."
"Wow, way to put it, Baku-bro" Mina scoffed.
"Oy, I'm just telling her what she needs to hear! If you coddle every damn person in this place, no one would survive!"
Momo sniffled, wiping the tears away, "B-Bakugo?" She said lowly.
"Eh? What was that? You say something?" He said in annoyance, "Speak up!"
"Bakugo, right?" Momo stood from the bed, "I'm Momo."
He scoffed, "Did I ask? Pfft like I care."
She didn't like how harsh he was being, but given where he was, she didn’t want to blame him for it.
"Thanks for the advice." She said, "I'll take any you can give." She said in a strong voice.
"Aw, Bakugo, she's adorable!" Mina cooed.
Bakugo snapped at Mina to pipe down, "Momo was it?" He said and Momo hummed loudly.
"Yes?"
"Check under your bed." He said.
Momo quickly got to her knees checking under the metal rusted furniture. Underneath was a plastic bin. Sliding it out, she opened the top to see a white outfit, a blanket, and shoes.
"What's this for?" She mostly asked herself, but Bakugo answered.
"What do you think? Damn you slow or something?"
Setting her jaw in place, she looked at his vent in annoyance, "I could run circles around you. So no, I'm not slow."
He grunted, "Good, you got some kick, won't help a lot, but keep it going." He cleared his throat, "The clothes are what we always wear. They restock it every other day when we leave our cells. The blanket is just because it gets cold at night. Try not to hang yourself with it like the last kid that had your room."
Momo dropped the blanket, pushing the box away as if it burned her. "What?"
"Bakugo! Stop! You're scaring her!" Mina chimed in.
Bakugo scoffed, muttering something before the sound of a bed squeaking let her know he must have laid down, "Whatever"
Momo glared at the vent before pulling the bucket closer to her, taking out the clothes. She looked to the window of the door, changing quickly into the white short sleeved shirt and long white pants.
The sneakers were tight, but would serve their purpose. She folded her maroon sweater, and jeans, sliding them under the dirty mattress, hoping she would be allowed to keep some semblance of her old life. Her phone and wallet were long gone, probably removed when they knocked her out.
Once changed, Momo walked around the room, checking the toilet and sink to make sure they worked. Of course, the thought of using the toilet when anyone could walk in or watch made her sick.
That sickness turned sorrowful as she thought of her Mom. What would she do when Momo didn't come home? Would Todoroki or Hitoshi tell her what happened?
Tears pulled at her eyes, breathing starting to increase as she sat back on the bed, curling her legs back up like before.
"Momo?" Mina's voice came back.
Instead of answering, Momo pushed her head into her knees, shoulders shaking with tears.
"It's going to be alright." Mina must have heard her shallow breathing and knew it from experience, "I'm here."
Momo picked her head up, wiping at her eyes, "I'm sorry" She said sniffling, "I'm just thinking of my mom."
"Aw, did she know?" Mina asked, "I mean you don't have to tell me but um- if you want to talk I'm here."
Momo sniffled, knowing yes, she did want to talk about it but... Her eyes look up to the ceiling, indeed in the very corner finding a small black glass camera about the side of a thimble staring down at her. It brought a wave of sickness knowing she should have checked before changing but she now had to be smart about it. She needed to play this close to her chest, like Hitoshi would do and stay cool and calm like Todoroki.
She shook her head sadly, "Not really."
"Oh" Mina sounded sad, "Um, well I didn’t know my mom. I've kind of been here my whole life."
Her eyes widened, "What? How?"
Mina sighed, "I wasn't born lucky like some of our kind. I was born... different."
Momo instantly knew what she meant. Sometimes babies were born with quirks that showed on the outside, wings, horns, sometimes even animal life. It was rare to read about it in the paper since it was kept quiet. But paranoid tabloids picked them up whenever they smelled a story.
'BigFoot born to couple in Canada'
'Wigged demon child eats babysitter'
'My baby is the devil and I don't know what to do!'
She avoided them, but Hitoshi made comments every now and then that they weren't too far off, just stretched to sell papers.
She hugged her knees tighter, "I'm sorry" Momo muttered.
"Oh it's fine! I'm cute as hell!" She sounded forced but confident, "Just... I don't know if my mom gave me up or I was taken. Maybe both? So, don't feel so bad..." Mina's bed squeaked and Momo pictured this mystery girl leaning on her own bed mirroring Momo, "Did you go to school?"
"Yeah"
"That must have been cool. Bet you're super smart. You sound smart, and pretty." Mina's voice went lower with every compliment, sounding strained, "I'm not that smart."
"I bet you're plenty cleaver." Momo smiled at the vent above her, "You're super sweet, even though I just met you, I can tell we're going to be friends."
"Really?" Mina's voice cracked in excitement, "I would love that."
"Oyyyy I'm trying to get some sleep! It's the middle of the god damn night!" Bakugo shouted.
"Is it?" Momo asked, "How can you tell?"
"I have an internal clock, now shut up and get some sleep. you'll need it for what they have planned for you tomorrow when the doctors get in." He snapped.
"Doctors?" Momo asked.
"Don't let him get to you, he just had a hard day." Mina said quickly, "But he is right, try and get some actual sleep. I'll be here in the morning for you."
With that said, Momo fell sideways on the squeaky mattress, curling her legs up. She glanced down at the blanket on the floor, but resisted the urge in grabbing it after what Bakugo said. Instead, she closed her eyes and thought of Todoroki.
She knew he would do anything to get her out. The memory of him shouting to her was still clear in her mind. Momo couldn't help but smile sadly.
'I wonder what he's doing.' She thought as sleep came for her, purely from exhaustion, even though she just woke up from an induced slumber.
It felt like just seconds that her eyes were closed when the sudden banging of the metal door jolted her awake.
"On your feet!" A guard, sporting riot gear, stood in the doorway. He wore a helmet, a padded vest, and held a pronged metal staff at the ready.
Momo sat up, staring at him, narrowing her eyes, "I want my lawyer." She stated, knowing to play it cool, "I'm granted that much-'' Her words were cut off when the pronged wand the man held lit up with electricity.
"On... your feet" He growled and Momo quickly stood.
"There's no need for violence." She held her hands up, knowing for a fact with Aizawa's training she could take him down.
That seemed to be the last of his patience, because he jolted the wand out, poking her thigh, sending a jolt of electrical current up her body. Momo dropped to her knees, letting out a sudden scream from the pain. The officer grabbed her arm, dragging her out of the cell; her body sliding easily across the smooth stone floor.
"Come on!" He shouted.
"Let me go!" She screamed as he pulled her from the cell.
He released her and flickered the prodding rod towards her as a warning. Momo quickly stood, hands up to show she would listen.
"Go on!" He motioned to the walkway for her to follow.
Momo turned as requested and began to walk. Just as she thought, the cell block was a line of similar cells like her own on both sides. As she walked by 'Bakugo's' cell she could see his red eyes and sandy blonde hair peeking out at her from the window on the door. He called out to her, "Don't fight it, ponytail" He said loudly.
"Shut up!" The guard slammed a hand to his door.
Bakugo glared at the officer, "Wanna come in and say that to my face?"
The officer flinched and quickly turned to Momo, "Get going"
Momo could only deduce Bakugo was a force to be reckoned with if this officer was intimidated by him. She turned back and continued her walk. In total there were ten cells in the large hall. Once they left the room it was like she was in a hospital. With white walls, clean linoleum floors, and the smell of anti-bacterial solution. It was a completely different world from behind these doors.
"Go on" He snapped at her, and Momo continued walking down the hospital wall till they came to an open door. Walking through was like a nightmare.
There were three more guards waiting, and once she stepped in they attacked. Gripping her wrists and pulling her towards a large leather chair.
"Let me go!" Momo struggled against their hold, but they were strong.
Once seated, they buckled her hands down on the arm rests as well as her feet.
"I hardly see the need for such excessive force." She lifted her chin in defiance, wanting them to know she was a reasonable human being and not a wild animal.
The guards stepped back and one by one left the room for her to sit there alone.
"Hey! Are you just going to leave me here?" She shouted after them.
Once alone she waited...
And waited...
And waited.
After about an hour she shifted uncomfortably in the seat. In all honesty, she could be out of these straps in seconds, except...
Looking to the right was a large glass window, reflecting her image back at her.
She knew a two-way mirror when she saw one. They were watching her, studying, and waiting for her to use her quirk. She wouldn't give them the pleasure.
So she waited, staring up at the caged clock on the wall. If the time was correct it was eight in the morning. She could only wonder what Todoroki and Hitoshi were going with her gone. Had they alerted the other heroes? Were they coming to rescue her now? Did these people know about the others?
So many questions and yet she was left in the dark for all of them. If only... if only she could speak to someone, anyone about why she was there.
As if her prayers were answered, the door to the room clicked open and an older man in a long white coat strolled in, holding a clipboard up to cover most of his face as he read.
Momo didn't speak, instead waiting to see what this game was about.
The doctor mumbled to himself before lowering the clipboard and smirked.
"Momo Yaoyorozu, third year student, class vice-president, hospital volunteer, and-" He pointed to something on his clipboard as if in mocked surprise, "Quirked vigilante by night." He folded his arms with the board hanging at his side, "How do you find the time?"
Momo smiled, though forced, "All of that sounded correct except for the last part. My schedule wouldn't allow it."
He hummed, "You know why you're here."
"Honestly, no. I don't" Momo sat up, "If I'm being detained on charges, I have a right to a lawyer and a phone call right?"
"It's not that type of prison. You see, we specialize in individuals with powers- quirks, if you will. Given that these powers pose a threat to normal citizens like myself and my family, they bring creatures-" He said the word with such interest is curled Momo's toes, "Here for study. Science is the only judge, jury, and-" His smile curled evilly, "Executioner, in these walls. We don't go by man's law here." He bent down before her, looking over her face as if fascinated, "As such, let me introduce myself. I'm Doctor Mitzu, and I'm in charge of everything you see in this facility."
Momo controlled the muscles in her face, "Hm? Impressive, Doctor."
This pleased him to see she was complying, "It is. You're lucky to have me." The way he said it sent a chill up her spine, "While behind these walls we expect you to follow three simple rules. If you do that, we'll have no problems with the remainder of your stay."
"How long will that be?" Momo asked.
He hummed, "For as long as you comply of course." The tone was ominous and she bit her lower lip to keep her face neutral.
"Now, rule number one, you will not resist. Fighting leads to injuries and once our doctors go home for the evening you will not be seen if... you accumulate such injuries. The guard are given full permission to detain and calm in any means they see necessary."
Momo nodded as he continued, "Rule two, you will not attempt to escape." He chuckled, "Not that you could. The facility itself has never been broken out of." He looked back to her, "And finally rule number three... I am and always will be watching, so I know all and see all. Your quirk belongs to me."
Leaning back, he held his arms behind him, "Me and only me. You all belong to me."
"Like your children?" She scoffed.
He looked up in thought, "More like my pets" His hand came out to pet the top of her head, smoothing her black hair down, "My small, wild pets." He pulled his hand away when she leaned her head back, "Ms. Yaoyorozu, do you know what owners of pets do when their animal bites them?"
Instead of answering, Momo just waited and he nodded.
"They put them down." He smiled, as if saying something to a child, "So don't think for a second I won’t put you down if you bite me."
With that said, he turned around, walking to the door, "You have a visitor. Take comfort in this time because, when he's finished, I'll be back."
The doctor left, leaving Momo alone to breathe heavily, trying to control her thoughts.
'That man is bad news.' She thought.
The door cracked open and she snapped her head up, eyes widening when she spotted Endeavor standing there, wearing the same clothes from yesterday. He walked in, closing the door behind him, and took a seat in front of Momo's chair.
They stared at each other and she waited, but he never spoke, so she took the first chance.
"Why are you doing this?" She whispered, "Is it because I'm with Shouto?"
"Don't say his name as if you care!" He snapped.
Momo flinched, looking down at the floor, "Is he alright?"
When he didn't answer right away she looked up, desperate for answers, "Please! I just need to know he's safe!"
"Why wouldn't he be?" Endeavor said, "He didn’t come home last night, at least that's what his sister said." He crossed his large arms, glaring at her.
Momo looked into Endeavor's turquoise eyes, the ones that remind her of half of Shouto's own. The same exact shade and shape. It made her miss him all the more.
"Please, you have to know this is a mistake. I'm not what you all think I am." She whispered.
"What? That you're Creati?" He scoffed.
Momo knew Endeavor. Todoroki didn’t like to talk about his father, but everyone knew Endeavor, especially those as well-connected as Momo’s family. The man had a reputation of being able to read people; he could always tell a lie from the truth. Her only hope to get through this would be to dance, to answer indirectly or change the subject altogether.
"It's a mistake! What proof do you have?" She said louder, heart hammering, "I want to know what makes you think we're the same."
For a brief second a look crossed his face, and if Momo hadn't known Shouto as well as she did, she would have missed the similar look of uncertainty. Her eyes widened, "There is none, is there?"
"I have proof!" He shouted, she flinched against the booming voice. With that, he opened the side of his coat, taking out a series of pictures. He held two up, side by side, one of Momo in Kyoto, posing with Jirou next to a fountain, as well as a candid photo of Creati on the tower saving the child.
"You were both in Kyoto on the same day. Same area, same time." He said.
It was Momo's turn to scoff, "Coincidence! I was with Jirou and my friends! They can account for my whereabouts! W-When that crazy guy attacked we were in the courtyard getting food!"
He put the pictures away, back in the confines of his coat, "Of course they do," He said as if he knew she would say that. Next he took out two more pictures, one of which being a copy of a tabloid showing Creati stopping a crook, and the other a zoomed in picture of the gift Kaminari gave her on her nightstand.
Momo's stomach dropped, "You... went in my room? When?" She snapped, feeling violated, "That's not legal!"
"I am the law!" He held up the pictures, "You both have matching bandages. Look at it!"
Momo squinted and, true to word, he was right. They had similar pink band-aids with bunnies on it if you looked hard enough. She could feel fear curling in her gut but she played it cool. Laughing blatantly, "Wow, that's the proof you have?"
This angered the detective, throwing him back as he turned the pictures to look at them himself. Momo saw the look of uncertainty cross his face as he looked at them.
"Those bandages are a dime a dozen. My school hands these out like candy when we get paper cuts. Half the students at my school have this!" She stopped laughing, "You locked me up on a hunch?"
"Shut up!" He snapped, shoving the pictures in his pocket, "You're Creati!”
“And you’re the detective that can’t solve my mom’s case!” She leaned forward, though restrained to the chair still, eyes burning with heat that would rival Shouto’s own.
He looked ready to break, Momo got a peek at the rage that hid underneath the police chief's demeanor, “You got close to my son to get to me! Admit it!" He stood up shouting.
Momo's smile fell, replaced with anger, "How dare you think that! I love your son! Shouto is everything to me!"
Endeavor obviously wasn't expecting that, taking a step back in surprise, "You're lying."
"You tell me, detective!" She snapped the word, "You're Japan's most brilliant set of eyes. You boast how you can sense a lie a mile away. Look at me! Read me! Hear me! See me when I say I love Shouto Todoroki with every fiber of my being and I would die for him."
Endeavor looked into her eyes and Momo counted her breathing to calm herself down, "But you wouldn't know that. You don't know your son like I do."
Anger flashed on his face, "I know my son. But does he know you?"
She bit her tongue, not wanting to get him in trouble. Would Endeavor turn his own son in if he found out his true identity? Would he give him the same fate?
Endeavor sneered down at her, "Does my son know that you're the missing girl from the bank robbery?"
Momo blanched, "That's not true" She quickly said.
Endeavor smirked, "A lie." He called her out so easily.
Shaking her head she quickly followed up, "Why would I not come forward about my own mother's case?"
"Quirk users like you only care about themselves. You're selfish, thinking you're better than everyone else, higher than the law! That you can do my job better than me!"
"So that's what this is all about? You hate quirked people because you're jealous?" She squinted her eyes suspiciously.
If he had Shouto's fire, she knew it would be raging behind him as he slammed a hand to the wall, startling her, "I would never accept a quirk! My true power is my mind! I use that to see though individuals like you to see the true criminals you are!"
"Criminals?" She almost laughed, "I am no criminal! I'm a seventeen year old girl! I go to school! I have friends that care about me- a mother who's worried sick as to where I am!"
"Shut up!" She could see the uncertainty come back as he turned away and she pushed further.
"I like the rain, but I hate to get wet. Watching the snow through my classroom window fills me with excitement- it always has! I don't know why because I hate to be cold!" She rattled off, hoping to show him, plead with him, "I'm a human being! I have dreams of college-"
"Stop!"
"I want to have a family!"
"I said stop it!"
"I want to marry your son!" She could feel the tears in her eyes.
"Damn it!" Endeavor stormed to the door opening it a crack, "You won't cloud my judgement like you did my son’s."
"Please" Momo could feel the tears falling now, openly, "Please know that I'm not lying when I say I love him. None of that was false."
Endeavor turned around, looking at her over his shoulder, "But you are Creati, aren't you?"
Momo shook her head, trying to convey the lie as well at the truth, "No, I'm not"
He sighed looking back, opening the door, "I thought so."
With that he slammed the door behind him leaving her alone again.
Momo sniffled, trying to control her tears, but it was hard when her hands were tied down.
Not even two minutes passed when the door opened up and the doctor stood there with a large needle. A nurse at his side with a face mask covering her lower half from view.
"Now, let's take some blood samples." He said, a wicked smile on his face.
Momo swallowed the lump in her throat, sitting upright so she could show him she wasn’t scared, "Do what you must."
"Oh I will." He said, the door closing slowly behind them.
//~~~~~~~~~End Ch 34~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~~~~Ch 35~~~~~~~~\\
They took so much blood, Momo felt weak, barely holding her head up. One by one, the nurse replaced a full vial with an empty one while setting the dark red tubes into a tray filled with over a dozen others. The doctor, meanwhile, focused on examining Momo, using his stethoscope to listen to her heart and breathing. He shone a bright light into her eyes, taking note at how they dilated. They even took dimensions of her head and neck with a tape measure. Momo didn't want to think about what they were measuring her for.
"Are you quite done yet?" Momo's voice was weak, head lolling to the side, looking down at the newly replaced vile, slowly filling with her blood, "You'll bleed me dry at this point."
"Patience my dear." The doctor hummed, reaching out his pen to boop her on the nose. She recoiled in disgust just as he tapped the nurse on the shoulder, "That should be enough."
The robotic-like woman nodded, taking away the last vile, sealing it off and placing it with the others before removing the needle from her arm, sealing the hole with a cotton ball and bandage. She picked up the two trays and made her way to the door as the doctor instructed her on where to take them. When the door opened, she slipped out while two armed guards proceeded in after her, walking to Momo.
"Lets get some food in you. We'll continue afterwards." His sickeningly sweet voice dripped with excitement.
The guards undid her restraints, jerking her to stand. Momo tried to steady herself, but her legs gave out under her, acting as sturdy as jelly with lack of blood in her body. She teetered forward; the guards caught her, roughly, jerking her arms into their own to drag her.
"Don't be too rough with her, boys." The doctor called after them, the smile never leaving his tone, "We haven't even started with her yet."
Momo could barely keep her head up, instead lowering it to her chest, blinking away the dark spots. Her feet dragged behind her on the clean linoleum, squeaking when the rubber was pulled too hard.
Just when she felt her senses coming back to her legs they stopped outside a large gated door. The officer on her left tapped an armored knuckle to a glass window to the right where another guard waited. He joined the other two, holding two cuffs, before standing in front of Momo and slapping them on. The cold metal stretching from her wrist, upwards with a small green light on the inner wrist.
"Know what these are?" The guard said.
Momo knew; she had seen the cops slap these on enough quirked villains to know. But she wasn't going to answer, instead looking down at them.
"Hey!" A rough hand grabbed her face, squishing her cheeks, jerking her to look at his face. The riot gear covered his face from view, but he remedied that by pushing up the shiny dark glass so she could see an older man with greying facial hair. His face contorted in disgust just looking at her, "I'm talking to you!"
"Yes" Momo bit out, "It doesn't take a genius to know these are quirk cuffs."
He released her face, the look of anger never leaving his face, "That's right girl. If you try and use your quirk with these on, it'll deliver a nice shock to the system. But by all means try it, I love watching you freaks squirm." The sickening smile made her reel her face back in equal disgust.
"No thanks," She said, channeling her inner Hitoshi, "I'm good."
"Smart," He stepped aside, "And pretty. You boys were right." The guards on either side of her chuckled. This had obviously been a topic of conversation amongst them.
She felt her stomach coil in a sickening burn, saying nothing as the guard went back into his little glass office, unlocking the caged door. It swung open with a loud buzz, revealing an open hallway larger than the one they were standing in.
Dragging her back, Momo caught her footing, managing to keep up. She could hear the doors slowly shutting behind her as the guard at the control panel chuckled darkly.
They stopped before an even larger door, one guard reaching forward to swipe his badge. Momo's eyes looked over the key panel and badge, taking in every aspect of this prison.
The doors pushed open and she wasn't expecting them to shove her forward, "Get some food, you animal. You have an hour."
Momo managed not to fall as she held her now-released arms out for balance, looking around the new room.
A waive of familiarity washed over her, taking in the large room. Though caged and not at all similar in design, it was a standard cafeteria. Except instead on glass windows, it was all metal with fluorescent lights overhead, swaying ominously in the AC. Metal tables lined the large room, along with dozens of bodies.
She felt all their eyes on her, as talking slowed down, and she instantly felt like she was back in high school again. The judging eyes, some pity, some borderline hostile, assessing her as either a threat or a play thing. Momo resisted the urge to cross her arms, instead standing tall, meeting every glance with a passing one of her own.
"Ah! Momo!" A familiar voice called, pushing from the sea of faces.
Momo's eyes widened, blinking at the beautiful pink teenager waving at her from the edge of the tables.
"M-Mina?" Momo asked, cursing how scared her voice actually sounded.
The girl rushed the rest of the way, and the closer she got, the more Momo understood what the girl had meant when she mentioned she had been here all her life.
'I was born... different.' Mina had said through the vents when they first met.
Now she could see, between the pink skin, small horns, and black eyes; the girl herself would be picked out in a sea of a thousand. But she was beautiful, body not at all smothered by the simple uniform that all the other inmates wore. She reached Momo, instantly taking her hand into her own, eyes wide in excitement.
"Wow, you're so pretty!" Mina swooned.
Momo felt her cheeks go pink, reaching her other hand up to touch at the, no doubt, pale skin, "Thank you. Um, so are you."
This perked Mina up, giving her a lively giggle before she pulled Momo forward, "Come on, let's get you some chow!"
Momo allowed her hand to be pulled gently to the caged line of windows with small slots in them. It seemed everyone already got their food because the boxes were line free. Mina stood before one knocking on the cage, "Hey hey! One order of grub, extra grubby!" She joked, winking to Momo, who couldn’t help but smile.
Mina's eyes looked down to her arm at the bandage and the smile on her face softened, "Blood work, huh?"
Momo looked down at it as well before subconsciously covering it with her hand, pulling her own out of Mina's, "Y-yeah."
There was a slam and both girls looked to the cage window to see a metal tray sliding out. Mina took it, thanking the faceless body behind the shield, turning to Momo, "Come with me."
"Oh, um," Momo followed, holding her hand out to Mina, "I can carry it."
"Nonsense!" Mina waved her hand away, "I got it."
Momo felt the warmth come back, knowing the girl was doing it because she knew Momo must feel weak from the bloodloss. She steered Momo through the sea of tables, walking by, glancing at the corner of her eyes at the faces.
Some that caught her eye sneered and she quickly looked away, inching closer to Mina who giggled, "Yeah, try not to make eye contact with some of these people. They're total meanies." She stuck her tongue out at a large looking man with blood red eyes glaring at them.
They finally reached a long table, stopped when Mina slid her tray into an empty space next to her own, "Momo, let me introduce you to the gang!"
Momo looked up from the tray to see several faces all looking at her, though not as hostile as the other tables.
"You already know Bakugo." Mina poked the sandy blond that sat across from Momo's spot. His red eyes glaring up at her, just like the ones from the window earlier.
Instead of greeting her he scoffed, going back to his food.
"Ignore him," Mina motioned to the others, "This is Hagakure, Shoji and Tokoyami." Before pointing to the other side at the others, "Sero, Kirishima, and Asui! Guys this is Momo Yaoyorozu, the girl I told you about!"
Momo lifted a hand and waved weakly, trying not to stare obviously at their appearances, "Hello."
Some greeted just as excitedly as Mina, while others gave small waves.
Looking down at her food, Momo made a face at the grey sludge. The tray was divided into five slots holding a carton of milk, the grey stuff, a piece of bread, a pudding cup and carrots.
"It's as disgusting as it looks." Bakugo said, causing her to look up at him.
She nodded, "Yeah, it's not as-" She lifted the bread before tapping the hard rock on the table, "As edible as I'm used to."
"You'll get used to it." Mina was eating from her tray as if it wasn't the most disgusting thing on the planet. Of course, what did she have to compare it to since she had been there her whole life. Momo instantly felt sad, wanting to show the girl the excitement of real food.
"So Momo!" The boy she recalled named Sero leaned forward, smiling at her, "Whatcha in for?"
"Hm?" Momo blinked back.
"Your quirk!" The invisible girl that looked like floating clothes said next to Mina, "It's obvious what mine is, but I'm dying to know yours!"
Momo felt guilt fill her stomach as she poked at the grey stuff on her tray with the plastic spork, "Um, well-" Thinking of what to say, "I don't have one."
The table grew quiet before Bakugo snorted out a crude laugh, "Wow, that's the story you're going with?"
"Bakugo!" Mina chided.
"No, no, she needs to know." He said pointing his own spork at her, "You don't think half the people in this place tried that story? You're here because someone caught you using your quirk. Not like these extras?" He jerked his head to the others, "They're in here because they look different, but you and me, ponytail? We got caught. So just admit it."
Momo pouted, squaring her shoulders back, lifting her chin, "It was a mistake. I don't have a quirk."
"Tch" Bakugo rolled his eyes, "Fine, keep saying that and it'll only get worse for you. Trust me." His voice grew softer, looking down at his carrots, stabbing them with the spork, "I would know."
Momo's anger sizzled down as she took in his compliant nature, wondering what they did to him.
"Don't let Bakugo get to you. If you don't have one then you don't have one." Mina gave Momo a pat on the shoulder, "It's fine."
Momo felt guilty, knowing Mina didn't believe her either but not wanting to make her uncomfortable, and she quickly changed the subject by pointing out the others' quirks. Momo listened, taking it all in as if there would be a test after it. From Sero's tape to Mina's acid spray, it was all so fascinating. If Aizawa were there he'd know what to say.
She finished her food, needing the lipids to keep her strength up.
Looking over her shoulder to take in the guards spaced around the room she counted them. She could hear Aizawa's training clear as day in her mind.
'Assess your surroundings, count the exits.' She squinted, trying to make it seem as if she were just inconspicuously looking over her shoulder, 'If you can't find an exit, how can you make one?'
In one of her training sessions with Aizawa, he went over what to do in the event she was captured.
'Deny deny deny' He emphasized each word with a point, 'Instead of giving them info, gain your own. Lead the conversation until you get what you need.'
Twelve guards...
She looked back forward, leaning in her seat to look behind Bakugo at the entrance they brought her in. It was heavily guarded, sealed shut.
"Don't" Bakugo muttered.
Momo looked back at him, glancing at their table, which was filled with Momo’s new friends, all of whom were busy conversing with each other excitedly about some story Sero was telling. Her eyes looked back to him, "What?"
"You're looking for a way out." He said, biting into his bread, "It's not gonna work."
She puffed out her cheeks, leaning in to speak in a low voice, "And why not? Have you even tried?"
"Tch!" He slammed a hand onto the table, startling her and the others who looked back at them, "I've been here long enough to try every which way out of this hell hole. If I can't do it then a little girl like you has zero chances."
"We've all tried at one point or another." Mina said, Momo looking at her sad smile, as if she were reliving a conversation she'd rather not have, "I've been here the longest and he's right. It's impossible to get out of here."
"Not impossible." Bakugo snapped, "I just haven't figured it out yet."
"Please Baku-bro, just simmer down." Kirishima whispered from down the table, "If the guards hear you talking about it again you'll get in trouble again."
"Like I care" The blonde turned his nose up, but Momo could hear his voice lower a bit, "They don't like to fuck with me anyways."
"Still-" Shoji said calmly, "We all would rather not hear you in pain tonight, like last time."
Momo perked up at that, "You're in the same cell block as us?"
"We all are" Hagakure said excitedly, "Cell block 1-A!" She cheered as if it were something to be proud of.
"How many are there?" Momo asked as she took a bite of her carrots.
"Not sure, but I've been as far as cell block 13-B. Which is like thirteen floors down." She pointed to the ground.
"We're underground?" Momo looked up at the windowless walls, eyes wide.
"The whole facility is underground." Bakugo supplied, "Which, again, means it's twice as hard to get out. Limited exits."
Momo nodded, taking all this info in, "Well, I'm pretty good at getting out of messy situations. I promise you all I'll work to get us out."
"Aw, so hopeful." Mina sighed happily, "I hope you never lose that fire."
"Yeah, you're going to lead up to freedom?" Bakugo snorted, "With what quirk?"
Momo sealed her lips closed in a thin line as Bakugo sighed.
"Yeah, that's what I thought." He went back to his food.
"Ignore him," Mina held out her pudding cup, "Want my pudding? The staff here sometimes gives me extra. I consider it a perk for being a lifelong member."
The joke was morbid, and it made Momo sick as she shook her head, "No thanks," She picked up her own pudding cup, not really hungry anymore but knowing she needed to eat.
She bit it down, hating the chalky taste the pudding held. Flipping it to the side she took in the old expiration date and blanched.
"This thing is a year old" She set it down, sliding it away.
"Dibs!" Sero raised his hand. Momo nodded, watching as Mina passed it to Shoji who passed it to Tokoymi and finally the tape-quirked teen who finished it excitedly.
She sipped her milk that thankfully was not past due, wishing for Todoroki to be here. He would know what to say to pump these teens up.
The thought of him sent her head to hang, as sadness filled her body. The table around them talked excitedly as she half listened. Bakugo watched her, eyes narrowed as if reading her thoughts.
A loud buzzer went off as everyone either quickly sped up their eating or lowered their food in annoyance. Momo looked up to the doors that opened, revealing a line of guards.
"What's happening?" She asked nervously.
"Lunch times over." Tokoyami supplied, sighing in annoyance as he lowered his grey mush.
One by one the guards took small groups through the door before more guards came back to replace them, "They take each cell block one by one to the elevators to their cells, we're last." Hagakure explained eating her pudding cup.
Momo watched them do this one by one, taking in the other quirked beings and guards. It seemed like a never ending supply or faceless shields coming in. She couldn't keep track without actually having something to identify them by.
When it was lastly their turn the others all stood, and she followed. The guards walked them from the cafeteria to the long hall, Stopping when the door to their cell block opened. Momo tried keeping track of the twists and turns but her mind was swimming with other layouts she had been through just that morning. One by one her new friends were placed in their rooms, their cuffs removed before the door shut. Everyone except Bakugo, who was left with his cuffs on.
He flipped the guard off as the door shut in his face.
Momo was all that remained, standing at the front of cell block 1-A staring at the closed doors.
She looked to her cell that had the door still open, thinking it was now her turn before a guard grabbed her arm, "Not yet, the doctor wants to see you."
She felt the food from earlier rise in her throat, "I'm still exhausted from last time."
The hand gripped her arm, bruising the skin, "Like you have a choice."
"Guess I don't" She muttered as they jerked her down the line of cells. The small windows revealing all the faces of her cell mates staring at her.
Finally reaching Bakugo's, she turned to see him watching her, glare aimed at the guards before flickering to meet her gaze, "Stay strong ponytail." He said and she nodded once, knowing he was just saying what they were all thinking.
She was taken back to the room from earlier, and strapped back to the chair. Looking to the side at the two way mirror she sneered.
The door opened moments later to a small group of men and women in white coats and glasses. All held clipboards and were led in by the head doctor. His sickening smile aimed at her.
"Did you have a good lunch?" He asked.
The nurse rolled in a tray behind the doctors, stopping it next to Momo's chair. She glanced down at it to see several sharp tools that made her eyes want to burn. Instead she forced herself to look back up at him.
"Let's get this over with." She said firmly.
"My thoughts exactly." He turned to the others, "Let's begin with our healing factor test." His gloved hand picked up a scalpel, walking over to Momo's left side, "I'll be making a two inch incision first."
Momo squeezed her hands into fists as her wide eyes watched the blade come down to her skin.
//~~~~~~~~End Ch 35~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~Ch 36~~~~~~~~~~~\\
“Todoroki-san?”
Todoroki looked behind him at Momo as she fastened on her utility belt; his eyes drifted down to admire her skin-tight leotard. Ever since her debut as a hero, he’d gone between being pro and con about her costume. On the plus side, it gave him quite the view when they were together. On the downside, it gave everyone else the same view. Todoroki could admit he was a possessive bastard and didn’t want anyone else looking at Momo, but it was her body. Besides, the minimal clothing helped her quirk and, in turn, kept her safe, so he was learning to cope with it.
“Hm?” He asked, standing there in his own hero uniform. They were getting ready to go out on a night of patrol. Something he had been looking forward to doing all day.
Momo’s cheeks pinkened as she played with the fabric of her large belt, “I was thinking…”
He smiled, feeling her nervousness. They had just started officially dating after all, and given what they had been through and done, she was still as shy as a church mouse at times, “Yeah?”
“If you could pick one thing about me that you like the most, what would it be?” She poked the tips of her index fingers together.
Todoroki’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected that all and his face heated up, “Erm”
“Don’t do it” Both teens look over to Hitoshi, who was typing away on the couch, “It’s a trap, my dude.”
“No it’s not, I swear! I was just-” Momo’s face turned bright red, “It might seem vain, but I don’t know. My mom was talking recently about my mother. Saying all the things she missed about her.” Momo’s eyes turned sad, looking to Todoroki, “She said she missed her laugh the most.”
Todoroki had the urge to hug her, knowing the subject of her mother was still a hard one. She quickly shook her head, “It got me thinking on the way over. What you like most about me.”
Crossing his arms, Todoroki looked up in thought, “I can only pick one?”
Momo squeaked, coming to stand by him and gently slapped his shoulder, “Yes! Just one!”
“Choose wisely, my man.” Hitoshi warned.
Todoroki closed his eyes, concentrating on everything that was Momo. Which wasn’t hard, given she was always on his mind.
‘My favorite thing… about Momo?’ He thought to himself. Once he had it his eyes opened, looking at her beautiful face, “Your smile.”
Momo’s smile lit up her face, and his heart simultaneously as she giggled, clutching her hands to her cheeks, “Wow, that’s so sweet.”
“But of course,” He said, holding up a finger, “You made me pick one. It’s not easy to do since I like everything about you.”
“Shouto!” Momo’s laughter grew louder, slapping his arm again, “Not in front of Toshi!”
“Ugh, gag me!” Hitoshi made gagging noises as Momo ignored him, looking back to Todoroki.
“I’ll be sure to keep smiling for you then.” She flashed another one, and just like with all the ones before, his soul felt calmer.
“Todoroki!”
The icy hot hero snapped from his thoughts, looking up at the scene of chaos before him.
Hitoshi stood there, looking positively wrecked, hair standing up and in different directions from constant tugging. He pointed to him, “I need you to stay with us! Jeez, you even home up there?”
“I’m here” Todoroki’s voice was hard, eyes looking over to Jirou, who was leaning against the table, eyes red from crying. Nearby, Kaminari sat on the couch, looking like a kicked puppy, eyes downcast.
It had been two days since Momo was taken by Todoroki’s father to the quirk prison. Two days of no sleep and little food. Two days of Todoroki staring over Hitoshi’s shoulder as he worked, goading on him to go faster as he searched for her.
Todoroki felt helpless in it all. He couldn’t punch his way out of this one. All he could do was contact Aizawa and let him take over with the other adults. He hadn’t spoken to his teacher since the first night after it happened.
After they took Momo away, the cops dragged both Hitoshi and Todoroki in for questioning. They were locked in a conference room for five hours before Fuyumi came to collect them. How she did it he didn’t know, because as soon as the two heroes were out of the office they ran. Going right to the theater, Todoroki called Aizawa while Hitoshi got a hold of Jirou and Kaminari.
After the first few hours of letting Hitoshi loose on the internet, he confirmed they took her to a quirk prison, but her file was sealed, just like every person who ever disappeared there. Todoroki had to control himself from burning the theater to the ground. Just watching as nothing happened set his teeth on edge. Several times the room dropped in temperature and Jirou had to smack him out of it.
‘Keep it together for Momo!’ She said.
‘We’ll find her.’ Kaminari repeated to everyone, trying desperately to keep morale up, though the blond’s was slipping considerably by the hour.
Todoroki hasn’t been home since, not wanting to face his father. But considering the circumstances, maybe that was the only choice they had. Maybe he should go there and make the old man tell him where Momo was. He clenched his fist in anger.
“Anything new?” He asked for the hundredth time as Hitoshi looked back up from his computer.
“You think I’m taking a fucking coffee break here?” He snapped and Todoroki felt guilty, knowing Momo meant a lot to him as well. “I’m doing by god damned best.”
“We know, we see that.” Kaminari stood, getting between them, “Todoroki’s just-”
“I can talk for myself.” Todoroki growled.
“Hey, don’t get mad at him.” Jirou pushed forward, “It’s not his fault Momo’s gone.”
Tensions were high, all the teens were ready to fall apart if they didn’t get news soon.
It was either good or poor timing when the door above them opened and Aizawa made his way down the stairs. He had on his EraserHead gear, pushing his goggles up to look at the teens.
“Well?” Todoroki turned to him, “Fucking finally. We’ve been waiting for you to show up for 2 days now!”
“Calm down, Todoroki.” Aizawa’s calm voice grated his nerves, “I’ve been putting our protocol into place.”
“Protocol?” Jirou asked, “What protocol?”
Hitoshi spoke up, still typing at his computer, the bags under his eyes doubled, “All the heroes have a protocol in place should any hero get compromised and taken in. It ensures everyone with the possibility of exposure gets ready to run.”
“Run? Why?” Jirou seemed so confused but it could have just been from lack of food and sleep.
Aizawa took this question, turning to her, “Momo knew names, and information that could be used against us. If she were to give it up, many of us would be next.”
Todoroki slammed a fist to the metal table, “She would never give up any of us!”
Aizawa was the only one that didn’t flinch from the loud slam, looking to his student in annoyance, “She’s tough, but you don’t know what they do to tough people in there.”
Flames licked at the side of his face, he felt as if he would combust any second, “The fuck did you just say?”
“She’s been compromised. It’s nothing personal, Todoroki. But you all know we have to protect ourselves in this event.” Aizawa’s eyes looked down, almost in shame, “All the heroes have taken a leave from patrols. The city will take notice soon of the lack of support. I suggest you all lay low as well.”
“Lay low?” Kaminari asked, “Todoroki’s right. Momo would never expose us. She’s our friend.”
Aizawa glared at him, “Those people that have her will do anything to get our names. Momo is strong, but the question is always for how long. How long can she hold back before she breaks?”
“Stop it!” Jirou screamed, pointing at the veteran hero, “Shut up you old man! Momo is a hero! She’s my best friend and I know her more than any of you! She’d rather die than give you all up!”
Aizawa looked forlorn, “If that’s the case, then would you rather she die to protect us, or live and betray you?”
Silence met him as he turned back to the stairs, “I’m closing the dojo for a few days. I’ll be making my rounds around to the heroes to make sure they’re all accounted for. I suggest you four lay low. I’ll be in touch.”
“So that’s it?” Todoroki growled, “You’re not even going to help us find her? Aren’t you the one always telling us to never lose sight of our ideals?”
Aizawa looked over his shoulder at them, “I’ve lost many friends to that quirk prison. I’ve been where you’re standing. It’s never easy, but we can’t find it. Better heroes than you have tried and failed.” He turned away, shoulders going slack. “You’re right… you should never lose sight of your ideals. ‘Cause once that happens, the steps aren’t many to the dark side. Trust me, I know.” He began to take the steps slowly, “Good luck, heroes.”
Once he was gone, silence met the teens before Jirou broke it.
“Fuck that guy!” She said passionately, “We don’t need him! We can save Momo ourselves!”
She was expecting them to rally around her, but she wasn’t getting any support from the looks she was getting.
“He’s not our enemy,” Hitoshi’s voice was strong.
“Are you defending that guy? He basically told us we’re on our own!” Jirou snapped to the tech genius typing furiously against his keyboard, “Doesn’t he care that Momo is locked away in some quirk prison? Isn’t he the one that trained her? If anything, it’s his fault she was out there doing what she was doing!”
“He cares.” Todoroki’s calm voice drew her eyes to him, mostly in surprise. Todoroki looked to her, and her shoulders slumped when she saw the pain burning in his dual eyes, “He cares for all of us. I’m sure he’s feeling more guilt than he’s letting on… But he has a lot more responsibilities on his shoulders than just us.”
Kaminari nodded, catching on, “Isn’t he like responsible for all the heroes?”
“Yeah,” Todoroki gave a single nod, “The weight of everyone’s safety relies on him. When something like this happens, it’s up to him to keep everyone safe. To lead them and protect them.” His voice turned down, “I’m sure he wants to help us. But he can help by keeping the others safe.”
Jirou slammed her hands on the table, “Fine, I see what you’re saying. I’m just…” She looked down, eyes turning glassy, a look that they’ve all seen since they told her what happened to Momo, “I’m just worried about her. She’s in a place where none of us can help her. I-” She stopped, lower lip quivering for a few seconds before she sniffed back the tears, rubbing at her left eye before turning on her tough face, “We’re just tired and hungry. We can get it together. For Momo”
Jirou looked at her phone, pointing to it, “I’m going to go get us food and supplies. If we’re holding up here any longer we need to be prepared. You both keep working. Call me if there’s any new information.”
“I’ll come too.” Kaminari said sadly, following the purple haired girl up the stairs.
Once alone, Todoroki pulled up the chair next to Hitoshi, looking at the double screens running constant code as he typed away.
“Sorry” Hitoshi muttered, “About snapping at you before.”
“Me too.” Todoroki sighed, “I’m just-”
“Scared?” Hitoshi filled in for him.
“Yeah”
They sat together in silence for half an hour before the two-toned teen stood up, “I need to visit my father.”
For the first time in a while, Hitoshi paused his typing, looking over his shoulder at Todoroki, “You think that’s a good idea?”
“I just can’t sit here another minute.” Todoroki clenched his fists, “I need answers.”
Hitoshi nodded, turning back to the computer, “Just be smart. Don’t expose yourself, it won’t help get Momo back.”
Todoroki nodded, “Call me if there's news.” He turned to the stairs, taking them two at a time. Finally excited to get to do something possibly productive.
Endeavor sat in his office, at home, staring down at the room temperature tea Fuyumi had brought to him before heading to bed an hour earlier.
He was lost in thought, thinking non-stop about his meeting with that Yaoyorozu girl. He didn’t want to admit it, but she got under his skin, made him question himself. Endeavor never questioned himself…
‘Wow, that's the proof you have?’
‘Those bandages are a dime a dozen. My school hands these out like candy when we get paper cuts. Half the students at my school have this!’
‘You locked me up on a hunch?’
Enji felt his brow twitch as he looked down to the file he compiled on Creati. He looked at the tabloid pictures of Creati and the school photo of Momo.
‘Did I make a mistake?’ He closed his eyes, ‘No! No she’s Creati! I proved it!’
‘
I love your son! Shouto is everything to me!’
‘Please know that I'm not lying when I say I love him. None of that was false.’
Endeavor released a breath, shivering, opening his eyes to see his breath come out like a cloud. When did it get so cold?
Looking behind him, he noticed his window open, and the police chief wondered how it became so. Was he so zoned out he forgot he opened it? Or did Fuyumi do so when she dropped the tea off? No… It was winter out there, she would never-
His eyes looked down at the tea in front of his to see it ice over. Frost inching across the glass until it covered half of his desk. The chief gasped, standing up, knocking his chair back as he looked back up at the window to see none other than Icy Hot staring at him from outside. The shadows of his dark office caused a darkness across half his face.
“You” He whispered, reaching down and grabbing his gun from the drawer. But when he looked up the hero was gone. He cursed, pushing forward, running out of his home to the backyard, throwing open the doors to see the vigilant across the snow covered land. His red goggle-covered eyes looking at him.
“Bastard.” Endeavor growled, “Coming to avenge your friend?”
Instead of answering, the hero lifted his hands, one slowly encasing itself in ice while the other had flames licking up it.
Endeavor tightened his grip on his gun, “So what? You’re going to kill me now that I’ve taken her?”
“You have the wrong girl,” Icy Hot said firmly.
Endeavor flinched, eyes widening, “Bull shit! How would you even know?”
“I have my ways. And it’s been revealed to me that you’ve persecuted an innocent girl.”
“Fuck you!” Endeavor raised his gun and fired a shot off. The bullet was stopped by a wave of ice, encasing it and his lower feet. The chief growled as he jerked at his frozen legs, but they wouldn’t move.
“Fight me like a man!” He shouted while aiming his gun, but with a flick of his hand it was frozen like his legs, Endeavor winced at the burning cold.
After getting no response, Enji scoffed, “You coward. You’re afraid of me! I know you are! I caught your friend and now I'm going to catch you too. It’s only a matter of time before I get you!”
When Icy Hot didn’t respond, Endeavor shook with rage, “Say something!”
“Take me instead”
Endeavor cocked his head, “What?”
“She’s innocent…” Icy Hot’s voice sounded… desperate?
“She’s not what you think she is. So take me. I’ll go willingly if you get her back.”
Enji scoffed, “No, don’t make deals with vigilantes. I’ll get you soon enough. The girl will crack. She’ll tell us everything.”
“I’m more valuable than she is.” Icy Hot stepped closer. Enji’s eyes widened; never before having the masked hero come closer to him.
“I know more, I know EVERYONE’s identity. I’m harder to crack, but you can try.” He held a hand to his chest. “I’m a better prize to you Chief… aren’t I?”
The tone of the hero’s voice irked Enji, he wanted to look under that damn mask so badly.
“No”
IcyHot’s mouth dropped open, and the chief knew if he could see all of his face it would be stunned, “I don’t need you to hand yourself over to me like this.” He struggled in the ice, feeling it slowly melt around his limbs, numbing them, “I can catch you like I caught her. Because I’m better than you! I’m smarter and stronger! You think you can hide behind your quirks, just to pick and choose what laws to follow! But you can’t do this to me! You can’t come to my house where my family sleeps and insult me!”
“I’ll catch you on my own! Either that girl will give you up or I’ll find you myself.” Enji felt his mouth practically foam with anger, “I’ll come to your house where your family sleeps. And I’ll tear your life asunder!”
He broke his arm out of the ice, aiming the gun up, but the vigilante was already gone. Like a thief in the night, leaving no trace of his appearance.
“Damn you, Icy Hot! I’ll get you!” He shouted to the sky.
Todoroki left his home, leaving Endeavor, but hearing his shouts of his enraged promise.
He didn’t want to go back to the theater just yet, so instead he went to the only other place he felt at ease.
Sliding up the still-unlocked window, he pulled himself into Momo’s room and dropped his snow-covered boots onto her carpet. He almost expected her to chastise him for not taking them off, but all he heard was the wind outside as he looked around the dark room.
It was untouched, left perfectly preserved from the last time Momo had been here.
He sat on her bed, lied back, and inhaled her scent as he closed his eyes.
“Momo,” He whispered, feeling his eyes burn.
After a while he sat up, reaching his hand up to melt away the mask, sliding the goggles around his neck.
How could he have failed her so badly?
Where was she? Was she hurt? Was she cold?
The weather outside had taken a dive, plunging the whole city in snow and ice. Momo had been so excited for the first snowfall. She wanted Kaminari to come over and build some snowmen in her yard. Todoroki wanted to see that; it sounded nice.
The bedroom door opened, pouring light from the hallway into the room. Todoroki cursed his distraction, looking up at the face of Lei. Her worried eyes looked at him, taking in the Icy Hot costume and his haggard appearance.
Todoroki didn’t know what to say… Never has anyone ever found out his identity like this. All he could do was stare at her as she did the same to him.
After what felt like an eternity, Lei leaned against the door frame, sad eyes looking to the bed where he sat, “Did they take her?”
Todoroki’s heart stopped, eyes as wide as dinner plates. How did she-
Lei’s eyes glassed over as large dollops of tears poured down her cheeks, “Did those monsters take my baby?”
//~~~~~~~~~~~~~End Ch 36~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ch 37~~~~~~~~~~~~\\"What did you bring for lunch?" Todoroki looked over Momo's shoulder at her bento.The vice president blushed at his close proximity, feeling the heat of his body lean against her back, "Um, er, rice balls and pickled plums." She took the lid off more to show him, "Hitoshi made it for me.""Yeah so you can't have any." The purple-haired hero said from across the grass where he and Kaminari sat. "Ooo it does look good." Kaminari looked at Hitoshi's matching lunch, his chopsticks inching over to snag a bite when Hitoshi slapped it away with his own chopsticks."Don't even think about it, Pikachu!" Momo giggled, feeling Jirou plop down next to her, spreading her legs out to feel the warm grass that had been baking under the sun all day. She always wore shorts under her skirt; given how actively she moved, it granted her freedom. The guitarist pulled out her own lunch along with a small wooden box, "Calm down you starved animals, I brought some treats from my parents' shop."She set the box in the middle of their circle, Kaminari quickly being the first to grab one, popping it into his mouth with a moan."Wow Jirou, your dad makes a mean donut ball!"Momo giggled as Jirou chastised him from taking another so soon. At the same time, Hitoshi offered to share a bite of his food with Jirou, making the blond sputter at how unfair that is. She felt the heat on her shoulder move and looked back at Todoroki, who was smiling down at her. Momo's cheeks heated up as she picked up her chopsticks, "You seem happy, Todoroki-san.""Do I?" He hummed, looking down at his own packed lunch, holding it out for her to take some. The act of sharing lunches like they did every day was so intimate in her eyes. She picked up some ginger and popped it in her mouth with a sigh."Your sister makes such good food." She said after swallowing."I'll tell her you said so." Todoroki picked at a pickled plum, eating with that same look of happiness.Momo couldn't help but watch him, basking in his content appearance. "Again."The surge of electricity jolted through her body, pulling her from that memory and back to reality. Momo screamed around the wooden stick clenched between her teeth. The jolt lasted just a few seconds before it stopped, and she slumped forward. The rubber strap across her chest caught her from going too far. Momo gasped around the stick for air, trying to calm herself down, but it wasn't working.How long had they been at this torture game?It felt like she'd been in there for days, months even. After meeting with Endeavor, the doctors started these sick tests. First, they drew copious amounts of blood, followed by more questions. They changed the doctors out every so often when they got bored. It was an endless line of new faces and names she couldn't keep track of. They were all the same, though, just as bloodthirsty and evil as the last. One doctor took a scalpel to her arm, leaving small cuts from her shoulder to her elbow, trying to stimulate her quirk out of her. When that didn't work, he left her right arm dripping precious blood onto the stone floor. After that, a woman came and tried a round of rapid questions, and if she didn't answer quickly enough, she would receive a hit from a guard.It wasn't until they brought out the electric gear that she felt real fear. They strapped some wires to her temple and put a plate of water on her bare feet. The first few jolts were low to warn her of what was to come should she not cooperate.And she didn't corporate one bit.That was hours ago. Briefly, Momo wondered if she had been here all night because the room of doctors changed out halfway through for new faces. Momo was hungry and tired, and her body was beyond exhausted to the point of nearly passing out. But anytime she even thought of closing her eyes, they were snapping her back with jolts of electricity."Please," Momo felt her voice crack after hours of screaming for them to stop, "Please, I need a break.""Not until you give us something about your quirk, Creati." A raven-haired doctor wrote something on her clipboard, looking severely bored of her current predicament."I told you," Momo breathed out shakily, the wooden stick in her mouth loose enough to talk but not fall out, "I don't have a quirk. I'm just a normal high school student." The doctor looked perturbed, looking to the man at the controls of the machine. Momo's eyes widened, "N-no please don- AH!" Another round of electricity ran through her body. It was only for a second, but it was enough to hurt like a bitch.Her hands wouldn't stop shaking, and her back felt as though it was going to break. The room smelt like burning flesh, or maybe it was hair; who knew?"You were brought in by Japan's best chief detective." The doctor went on, "You've been caught. There's no reason for you to keep denying it.""He was wrong!" Momo shouted around the wooden block, anger pulsing through her. She wished nothing more than to show them her quirk, break out of this chair and cause them the same pain they were giving her. But she resisted because once that news was out there- once they knew without a shadow of a doubt she was Creati, they would ask her the other questions.'Who is EraserHead?''IcyHot's identity?''Where is their hide out?'These were the questions she knew would come. It was no secret that heroes fraternized and fought together on particularly difficult cases. Momo would rather die than give them up, but the fear of dying was still there. If she could push those questions off for as long as possible, maybe she could buy them enough time to come save her.'What if they don't come?' That dark voice in her mind, it's been growing since the torture started, 'What if they can't find you? What if they get caught trying to rescue you? Do you really want them to go through this?'"No," Momo moaned, "No, please." She felt tears well up in her red eyes, her words coming out gargled behind the choke guard in her mouth. The thought of any of her friends in this chair was enough to hurt more than any torture they gave."Should I up the juice?" The guard behind the electrical gear said when Momo's whines and cries got to be too annoying for him.The raven-haired doctor sighed, looking at her silver watch, "No, it's lunch time. Let's get another doctor in here to take over."A knock came to the door before it opened to reveal another guard, "We'll need the room. She has a visitor."'A visitor?' Momo's mind repeated back to her as if unfamiliar with the word.The doctor shrugged, picking up her papers and pen, "Whatever, I'm going on lunch. Just tell them to keep her awake."With that, she and the other three doctors and guard left her alone. Momo choked on a sob, thankful for the moment of reprieve from the pain. Her numb feet swished in the water below.Her moment was short; her shoulder tensed when the door opened again. She looked up to see Endeavor standing there, looking down at her. The man's eyes were wide, almost as if he were surprised at what he walked in on. Momo strapped to a chair, hair disheveled around her, wooden block in her mouth, bloody and shaking. He shut the door behind him, walking closer to her. Momo couldn't help the involuntary flinch when he kneeled down before her, holding a hand out. Squeezing her eyes shut, she awaited the harsh punishment they no doubt had planned for her. Instead, he unhooked the wooden stick from the side of her head. Her mouth dropped open, allowing it to fall out, and the instant relief from her jaw was enough to make the tears come back as she gasped for air."Thank you." She breathed out, sniffling past the tears.He just remained there, crouched at eye level, his large body allowing him this as he took in her bloody arm and the wires on her head. Ever so slowly, he reached out, peeling the taped wires off the side of her head and scooting the water out from under her feet. Momo just cried, thankful to have them gone, thanking him repeatedly.Once done, he looked back at her and spoke, "Someone came to visit me last night at my home."Momo hung her head, the weight of it tripled with lack of energy, "Yeah?" She whispered, her throat dry and scratchy, as she swallowed to try and clear it while trying to comprehend what time it was. How long was their last meeting?Endeavor nodded, "Your companion, Icy Hot."At the mention of her Todoroki, she sighed, feeling her shoulders slump. He better have not done anything rash. But she trusted him not to let anything slip, especially since he visited Endeavor as his alter ego.She cocked her head to the side, "I already told you," Her tone hard, as if she'd been repeating herself a hundred times, "I don't know him. I don't know anything. Please you-" Her sentence trailed off, looking into Endeavors face. His eyes, those same eyes, were the color of one of Shouto's eyes. And that same frown, the red of his hair, so many similar features as her Shouto. "How's Shouto?" Her voice was so quiet, she didn't even realize she had said it until the chief's eyes widened in surprise.After a moment, his face set into anger, "I haven't seen him. He's not answering his phone."Momo let out a shuttered breath, "If you see him, please tell him I'm alright."Endeavor was thrown into another set of silence, looking over her pained face as Momo felt the tears slip down her cheek, "I don't want him to worry. He's already been through too much.""Does he know you're cavorting with that vigilante as well?" His tone was harsh, eyes narrowing at her again, "That you tricked him? Icy Hot would only come to me if you meant something to him." Endeavor stood up, looking down at her, "He sealed your fate, he might as well have signed your confession for you."Momo shook her head, "No, no I don't know anything about Icy Hot or- or those people! Please you have to believe me!" Her desperation came in thick waves as he took a step back to the door. No, if he left, she would be alone with those people again. No, he can't leave her here, "Please, you have the wrong girl! I'm not Creati! I shouldn't be here! Please don't leave me!"For a split moment, she could see the reluctance in his eyes, looking down at this poor bleeding girl, begging for help. She fed on it, desperate to get out of here."You're a good man, Endeavor. You keep our city safe, and I know all you want to do is help people." She spoke softly, scared he would see through her plee and leave, "So, please, help me. I didn't do anything wrong."The air was thick with tension. Momo held her breath, afraid even one wrong twitch would send him away. In the end, it was pointless. He turned on his heel, storming to the door."No! Wait please! Just a bit longer!" She shouted, "Please don't leave me alone with them!"The door slammed behind him with a deafening clang, leaving her alone once more. Although she knew she was never truly alone with those cameras in the corner and the two-way glass to her right. Someone was always watching, waiting for her to make a mistake. Instead of breaking out, she hung her head to the side, closing her eyes to try and calm her racing heart. Just as she could feel herself slipping into darkness, the door opened up, two guards and a nurse walked in. The sadistic man who had been behind the electrical panels crouched before her where Endeavor had just been moments ago. He has a sick smile on his face, tapping her knee to keep her awake, "Now now," He said, watching her eyes flutter open, "Doc has strict orders not to let you sleep just yet."The nurse came around to her other side and slid a needle into her neck, "This should help you stay alert." She said softly, pulling the needle out and petting Momo's hair as if she were a wild animal that she was soothing.In seconds Momo felt a jolt to her heart as she lunged forward, gasping erratically, hands clenching as she shifted wildly in her seat. "What'd you give her?" The guard watching smiled excitedly at her sudden alertness."Adrenalin." Momo gasped loudly as if her lungs couldn't get enough air. Her body had the urge to create, to push as much out of her flesh as it could, but she held back. Momo bit down on the inside of her tongue until she tasted blood in her mouth. It hurt so much to hold it back, the weight of her creations pulling her down from the inside."Ah ah ah, none of that." The guard picked the wooden stick from around her neck and fastened it once again around her mouth, locking it in with the chain, "Don't want you biting that pretty tongue off just yet." He cupped her chin with his finger and thumb, eyes admiring her pain.She tried turning her head away, but it was useless. She bit down on the familiar teeth marks in the wood, glaring at the guard.The guard reached behind him and accepted the metal rod from the other guard, clicking it on, allowing Momo to see the electricity dance across the metal prongs at the end.A cattle prod.The guard smiled excitedly, "Now lets work out some of those quirks."It isn't until another round of experiments, tests, and torture that they took her back to her cell. Momo was so weak she had to be dragged by two guards, lugging her around by her arms. Momo looked up, catching a glimpse of Bakugo, peeking out the small window of his cell down at her. His red eyes couldn't be disguised to see the disgust and pity there.Once in her cell, the guards dropped her, leaving with a loud lock of her door. Momo curled into a ball, hugging herself, feeling the weight of the session fall down onto her. She couldn't even cry, already having run out of tears. Her throat was so raw that any sound caused her to wince. "Hey… ponytail." The voice called out to her.Momo sniffled, her nose runny from the coldness seeping in from the metal walls. She looked up from her knees to the wall connected with Bakugo's, "B-Bakugo?""Yeah, it's me." He said softly, and she hated it. She didn't want anyone's pity.Momo pushed herself to sit up, looking at the ceiling, breathing heavily as she took inventory of her body parts, making sure she wasn't gravely injured. Not that they would, they still needed her. Hissing when she touched her arm, she examined the shallow cuts, "How long was I gone?"Bakugo hummed in thought, "A day and a half. It's night time now."Momo sighed, "Makes sense why I'm so hungry." "Don't worry, tomorrow they'll fix you up. Let you eat." He sounded as if this were a common factor. She felt dread well up inside her that everyone in this facility was as aware of the procedure as he was. "They'll put you back together before taking you apart again."She sucked in a sharp breath, feeling her eyes burn, yet no tears came, "I see.""Did you tell them what they wanted to hear?"She didn't answer and instead heard him sigh as the pissed-off Bakugo came back, the pity melting away, "Damn it ponytail, it'll just get worse if you fight it. Just tell them the truth.""I did." Momo bit back sharply, "They have the wrong person. I don't have a quirk.""You know they're going to kill you if you keep this up? I've seen it happen. Plenty of fresh meat like you thinks they can hold out, but they either break or they die.""Oh yeah?" Momo snorted, "It's obvious which one you were."Silence met her, and she winced, "Bakugo, I'm sorry.""Yeah, well, fuck off." He said, though there was no real venom behind his words, "I'm just telling you like it is. You'll break eventually."Momo sat in silence, listening to the quiet around them. Everyone else in the cell block must be sleeping if Mina wasn't chiming in. After a while, she whispered into the darkness, "Bakugo?""Jesus, fuck, what?"She hugged her knees to her chest, feeling the coldness of the room seep into her body, "Um, how long have you been here?"Silence met her again, and she sighed, leaning down into her knees, expecting him to just ignore her."Three years." Snapping her head up, she gasped, not at all expecting that answer, "Three years?""Yeah, I was fifteen when I came here." He grunted, voice distant as if remembering it all, "I was caught saving someone with my quirk. The cops took me in and I've never seen the light of day since."Bakugo tried to be a hero? It hurt her to know he was here for valiant reasons. If only he had a teacher like Aizawa or friends like hers to help him. Did he have anyone?"Did anyone know?" If she could see him, she would be sure he was sitting against the wall like she was, back to back with the metal, "Yeah, my mom and dad."Her heart jumped into her throat, "So your parents knew what you were?""What I WAS-" He snapped, voice growling slightly louder, "Was their son. They fucking loved me no matter what.""Oh," She lowered her chin into her arms, "Do you think they're looking for you?""Hell ya!" His tone turned humorous, snorting loudly, "My old hag of a mom is a total ball buster. She's probably out there leading rallies for quirk equality. She used to do that when I was a kid. Always trying to make the world better for me ever since she found out about my powers.""She sounds nice.""Tch, she's loud, and obnoxious, but she's my mom…. I miss her. My dad too." He chuckled under his tone, and Momo could swear she heard a tint of a hitch in his voice, "He's nothing like me. He's the type of guy to give you the shirt off his back after you punch him.""They both sound like great parents.""What about you?"Momo looked to the metal ceiling at the camera, watching her, "I have two moms.""Two?" Bakugo snorted, "I just have the one but god help me I can't imagine living with two of her."Momo giggled, and while it hurt her throat, it felt good to smile, "They're their own person, each with personalities that differ and resemble. Like any good relationship. My mom Lei is a complete introvert, and my mother Abalee was an extrovert. It was amusing to see my mother try and get my mom out for a social party."Bakugo huffed, "What happened to her?""Hm?" Momo cocked her head."You used present tense with your mom, but past with your mother. Did something happen to her?"Momo was shocked Bakugo caught on to that small bit. Maybe she slipped because of the pure exhaustion running through her. Still, it also could be because Bakugo was a smart individual. Good, she could use an intelligent ally on her side to get out of this place."Yeah, a while back my mother was involved in an accident. She's been in a coma for a few months now.""That sucks."Momo snorted, amused by his response to her sob story, "Yeah, it does." Her eyes turned down, "I miss them. I miss my friends too.""I had a friend. Or something like a friend. Called him Deku for the longest time."The name caused her back to straighten, "Deku?""Yeah," He snorted, "Dumb kid." Momo squinted her eyes at the other side of the room. She had never gotten a chance to meet all of Japan's heroes, but everyone was familiar with All Might, their number one hero. Recently the hero got himself a sidekick, went by the hero name Deku. Could it be-Looking at the camera, she quickly changed the subject, "It's late. We should be getting some sleep.""I was trying when you so rudely woke me up, ponytail." The humor in his voice was evident.Momo smiled, pushing herself up, though not really wanting to end their conversation, "Thanks, Bakugo. You're a real friend.""I'm not shit." "Yes, you are. You've helped me a lot while I've been here. A true hero." She picked up the blanket on the bed and wrapped it around her shoulders before sitting on the firm mattress, "I promise you I'll get us out of here.""Yeah, yeah, promises promises." She heard the squeak of his bed as he must have sat down as well, "G'night ponytail.""Night, Bakugo."With that, Momo laid in bed, curling in on herself, feeling the cold air around her seep into every bit of her skin.Closing her eyes, she willed those happy memories to come back and chase away the cold. She willed back the image of Todoroki sitting next to her, sharing his lunch. //~~~~~~~~~~~End Ch 37~~~~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~~~Ch 38~~~~~~~\\
She knew. She knew. She knew.
This phrase repeated in his mind as he looked at the mother of his girlfriend. Lei stepped into the room and made her way over to him. She looked haggard as if she hadn't slept in days, which was very possible given the desperation in her voice. But it was her eyes, her eyes gave away her current emotional state. He could hardly find himself able to hold them for long because he knew the pain under them would reflect his own. Every step quaked as if she would crumble under the weight of her grieving and worry any second.
"I-" He stopped, not sure what to say.
How much did she know? To what extent did she know? He didn't know what to say.
The tears slid down her cheeks as she grabbed the fabric of his sleeve, "Please tell me where she is."
"She's... "He looked down at her hand and back to those big cat-like eyes. They reminded him so much of Momo, "She's been taken, by the police."
The confirmation of it all sunk in as the woman, who Todoroki had only ever seen as strong and resilient, crumbled to the floor. Her knees hit it with a loud thunk as she covered her mouth with her hands.
Lowering himself next to her, he placed a hand on her shoulder, "But I'm going to get her back." He said quickly, "I swear."
She looked up from the floor at him, "I-I came home and she wasn't here. She didn't answer her phone and no one knew where she was. Jirou wasn't answering her phone, her parents had barely seen their own daughter. Shinsou won't answer either. You… you-" She hiccuped, "I knew this would happen."
Todoroki swallowed the lump in his throat as he helped her up, moving her to the chair by Momo's desk, "How did you find out?"
She sniffled, pulling out a tissue from her pocket and blowing her nose, "I knew from the beginning something was off. But I didn't know to what extent." She collected herself, though her voice was shaky, "The day of the robbery I called Momo a hundred times but she didn't answer. She said she wasn't with Abalee, that- she was safe. But- but later on the police gave me my wife's belongings collected at the hospital." She took out her cell and opened the calendar. "My wife was meticulous with her schedule." She held the app open to show, 'Bank w/ Momo after school.' Along with several other blocks afterward, none of which ever happened.
She lowered it and looked at the device in her lap, "I asked her where she was, and she lied to me. Momo never lies."
Todoroki wasn't sure what to say, so it was good that Lei kept talking, "She changed after that. Disappearing randomly, sneaking out at night. Her attention always seemed to be miles away." She paused, "I could see it, she had become more confident, and while I always wanted that for my baby girl, I had to know what it was." Lei slid the phone back in her pocket, "At first I thought it was you bringing it out of her, but-" This pause was longer, more prominent, "I-"
Todoroki narrowed his eyes, staying silent, waiting for what this woman would say.
"I know I'm not always present, but you have to understand. I'm taking on double the work for my wife and I. I can't let things fall apart. If she wakes- WHEN she wakes up, I want it all ready for her." Lei insisted, closing her hands into fists. "Since I always worry about my wife, I heard from a colleague of mine about nanny cameras, and I thought to install one while I was away on a long trip."
"A camera?" Todoroki asked. Panic set in as he wondered where it could have been.
Lei nodded, "In a flower pot on my wife's night stand at the hospital. It was meant to watch her, not intrude on any private conversation." She said quickly, biting her lower lip nervously, "When I got back I sped through it and came upon Momo talking to her mother. I was going to go past it but… I heard her and I just couldn't turn it off. She talked about her… quirk-" She said the word with such fear it worried Todoroki about how she was handling it, "She talked about you and Shinsou and how you two looked out for her. How she's Creati." She looked up at him, "Her life completely changed almost overnight and I was blind to it from the start." Her face pinched, "Even as a child- I should have known, but- she was always so perfect. She's still perfect in every way, my baby girl."
Todoroki couldn't read her; was she mad? At him? Of course, she should be. He dragged her into all of this the day he brought her to the damn theatre. If he had just taken her anywhere else and made her forget she ever had a damn quirk to begin with, none of this would have happened.
"I was furious with you at first." She sniffled, "I wanted to take Momo away, fly us across the world where no one could find her. Lock her up so no one would know, so they wouldn't take her away from me."
Fear spiked Todoroki at the very idea of her taking Momo. When he saved her and brought her back, would he still never see her again?
"But…" Lei sighed, a sad smile coming to her face, "I kept listening to her talk to her mother. She was… happy. As scared as I was, she was happy and thriving and in love." Her eyes traveled to Todoroki, "She already lost her mother, how could I take away her life?" A sob bubbled up through her lips, and she covered it, taking a moment to collect herself, "So I stayed quiet and I let her, be Creati. I let her save the world and fall more in love. I gave her the space, taking more trips so she could do this. I hoped she would tell me if I gave her enough space but she never did. She kept talking to Abalee though and, in a way, it brought me peace." She covered a hand over her heart, "I was happy if she was happy." Tears bubbled in her eyes again, "But she's been taken. And I'm scared, and mad that I didn't talk to her before hand."
Todoroki reached a handout, touching her shoulder, "I swear I'll get her back. We're working on it now."
Lei nodded, "I know. I've made a hundred calls to anyone I can think of but no one knows about this quirk prison."
"Hitoshi has a hand in uncovering secrets. He'll find her and I'll bring her back to you. To us."
Lei gave a sad smile, "Thank you. If there's anything I can-" She was cut off when someone appeared at the door, and Todoroki stood quickly.
"Hey," Hitoshi stood there, laptop in hand and a nervous look directed to Lei.
Lei stood as well, hands covering her mouth at the sight of him. Todoroki could only imagine how nervous Hitoshi was, standing before the woman who had treated him like a son. From the look on his face, he had heard.
"Hitoshi-" Lei whispered.
"I have a plan." He said, looking from Lei to Todoroki, "I got the prints for the prison. I chased after you, but your phone must be on silent."
Todoroki checked his phone, ignoring the twinge of pain at his wallpaper. Momo smiled up at him from the picture Hitoshi set for him when he got his hands on the phone some time ago. He noticed the several missed calls from him and Jirou, silently cursing himself for not paying attention. Looking back to Hitoshi, he nodded, "Show me."
Hitoshi walked over and set the laptop behind them on the desk, opening it up to already be on the prints, "It's about two hours from here, middle of goddamn nowhere." He clicked a few keys as the map zoomed out, "Disguised as a drug clinic, it spans way underground, levels going deeper than I've ever seen."
"This is where they're holding Momo?" Todoroki looked over each level, "Any idea which floor?"
"Nope, it's a needle in a haystack scenario." He crossed his arms, nervously looking at Lei, who was looking over the map as well, "We need a team."
"I can get you anything you need. Money's not an issue." Lei looked at him with desperate eyes.
"Money isn't the key, it's about who we can get, and we're severely limited on quirk related get out of jail free cards." He ran a hand through his hair.
Todoroki nodded, "We have us, Jirou, and Denki. You make it work."
Hitoshi groaned, "I was hoping you'd at least pull All Might out of your ass. But if it's all we have I'll work with it."
"I can get you transportation there." Lei said, "I have dozens of cars, take your pick! Helicopters, machines, computers, I can get you anything." She insisted.
Hitoshi nodded, "A ride would help. You should call the others."
Todoroki pulled out his phone, already calling Jirou, "On it."
When he turned his back to Lei and Hitoshi, he could hear them talking behind him as he spoke to Jirou.
"Um… I wanted to say I'm sorry." Hitoshi said to Lei, his hands grabbing at the front of his own hoodie, "I appreciate all you've done for me and-"
"Hitoshi?" Lei said, and the purple-haired hero flinched. After a second, she reached forward and pulled him down into a hug. Todoroki paused, watching as Hitoshi nervously returned it, "Don't ever think I blame you for this. You've been good to my daughter. No matter what happens, you're still family."
His arms tightened around the small woman, Hitoshi's eyes squeezing shut.
It made Todoroki think of his own mom back at the hospital and his sister. Would they be as accepting of him as Lei is with Momo and Hitoshi?
Shaking his head from the thought, he wrapped up his conversation with Jirou and pulled the phone away from his ear. Jirou and Denki were on their way. He opened his text messages to Aizawa and sighed.
'I need a favor.' He sent the text, hoping he would answer given the speech he had just given them.
I'm coming for you, Momo
. He looked over to a picture on Momo's nightstand of her and the others, smiling up at the camera.
I won't come back unless you're with me.
//~~~~~~~~~End Ch 38~~~~~~~~~\\
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//~~~~~~~~~~Ch 39~~~~~~~~~\\A half-filled mug of coffee slowly cooled past the point of no return on Endeavor's desk. The hulking police chief stared with a thinly-veiled horror at the monochrome image on his computer screen. At his official request, he had been sent footage of the Yaoyorozu girl’s interrogation. With his years of police experience, his initial thought had been that he would be able to see something that all of those egg-heads had missed. Some tell in the girl’s eyes that would give her away. He silently scolded himself for his hubris. The surveillance video was several minutes long, but the police chief had paused it after just thirty-five seconds. He had seen grizzly things in his time, the kinds of crimes that never failed to bring a lovely shade of green to every rookie cop’s face. He had grown somewhat numb to the horrors, though. He wouldn’t have gotten far in the force if he couldn’t handle some nasty sights. What he just watched may have been the most horrifying, though. He had watched this young girl, who was obviously exhausted beyond reproach, suffer nothing less than absolute torture at the hands of the employees in the quirk prison. In just those few seconds, she had been shocked, mocked, slapped, and poked, all without a breath of reprieve between the pain. He had seen serial killers face less grueling punishment at the hands of their guards. Endeavor absent-mindedly reached down to his mug and took a sip of the chilly coffee. He grimaced, but his eyes never wavered from the screen. Instead, he stared intently at the pained expression on the girl’s face, seeing the agony clearly even through the low-resolution quality of the security camera footage. The phone on his desk rang, and the police chief nearly jumped out of his seat. He looked around his office for a moment, as if he had walked into a room and immediately forgotten why he had made the trip in the first place. The second chime of the phone brought him the rest of the way back. He picked up the receiver and, in his calmest voice, said, “Police chief Todoroki speaking.”“Hello, Endeavor,” the chief heard from the other end of the line. It was the same man, the doctor, that he had spoken with at the quirk prison a few days earlier. “Watch anything good lately?”Endeavor suddenly found that he would have loved nothing more than to reach his hand through the phone and hit that nerd square in the jaw. Regardless of the ethical implications of what was in that video, it certainly didn’t lend itself to light-hearted banter. Endeavor bit his tongue and tried to play it cool. “Yes, I received your video,” He said with feigned boredom in his voice, “has she given you anything yet?”“Not yet,” the doctor said tightly, “but rest assured, no secrets worth hiding can avoid our gaze. Some just take a little longer to flush out.”If it takes any longer, it looks like you plan to carve them out by hand, Endeavor thought. He looked at the significant remaining time in the video file and shuddered. “Of course,” the police chief replied, “How long are these...sessions, anyway?”“They vary,” the doctor said, a note of pride entering his voice. “That acts as something of a psychological treatment. Not knowing how long your body needs to be braced for means that subjects arrive ill-prepared.”“And how long has the Yaoyorozu girl been in her session? Or, her most recent one,” Endeavor asked. “Well, since you left from your visit.”Endeavor shot out of his chair, “Since I left? That was, uh,” he looked at his calendar, “THREE days ago!”“Well, there were some short breaks, but yes. I think she’s finally close to breaking. And breaks like this are like flood gates; once the first secrets come out, none of the others are safe. We’ll know about all of her connections before long.”The police chief let out a small sigh of relief. “That would be good news. So she seems to be breaking?”“Well, erm, not exactly. I’m confident that, after everything we’ve put her through, she’ll have to break soon. However,” the doctor said, “she has yet to show any sign that she’s actually holding anything back.”The police chief looked back at the computer screen with a newfound horror. All of that pain might have been happening to some random girl. A girl whose only crimes were wrong place, wrong time, and dating the police chief’s son.“What happens if she’s been telling the truth this whole time?” Endeavor asked before adding, “Has that ever happened before?”“Yes, it has. Those without quirks are eliminated to protect the secrecy and sanctity of our facility.”It took a moment for those words to make their full impact on the police chief, but any onlookers would have been able to see the realization come over him as the color drained from his face. The emotions that washed over him came in waves, first hitting him with shock and horror before he felt the old familiar anger ignite deep in his stomach.“Eliminated? What do you mean, you kill them for not having a quirk?” Endeavor asked, a rage building in his voice. “The people with the quirks are the criminals, but they get to live on in that place while the regular people suffer for just existing?”“Well yes, of course,” the doctor said clinically. “If they were to get out, who knows what they would tell people about this place. What we do surely wouldn’t garner any good press.”The chief’s mind began to race, “Well then there should be better ways of figuring this out! Couldn’t you just test the girl’s blood for, I don’t know, quirk genes or something?”“Oh, I wish,” the doctor said with a hint of amusement, “if we could figure that out, we could test every newborn child for quirks. Take them in before they ever expose themselves to the rest of the world.”Endeavor didn’t return the light-hearted tone. “Well you can’t just kill people for no reason, security be damned!”There was a brief moment of silence on the line before the doctor said, “I’m surprised at you, my dear chief. This is how it’s always been. You’ve sent us dozens of individuals before, but now you’re invested and angry at how we conduct our business?” In case his point hadn’t landed, the doctor tagged on, “what do you think happened to all of the others you’ve sent us? Did you think you always got it right?”The fire that had begun to burn in Endeavor’s stomach was doused instantly. He fell back into his desk chair, which creaked loudly under the sudden weight, and his arm barely had the strength to hold the receiver to his ear. He was struck speechless, an unfamiliar feeling to the brazen police chief.“We do what we need to in order to protect our country. Our citizens. We can’t have these quirked people running around, can we?” The doctor’s voice filled with pride at tearing the chief down so efficiently. Endeavor didn’t respond immediately. He knew he should say something; make a demand, threaten the doctor, anything. His brain shouted at him to reassert his authority and take charge of this situation. Instead, all he could say was, “I know she’s Creati.”There was a short sigh on the other end of the line before the doctor replied, “As am I, sir. We’ll get it out of her sooner or later.” And then, the line went dead. Endeavor placed the receiver back on the hook and sat back in the chair. He stared at the image on the computer screen again, and his eyes locked on her face again. She had a face of pain and anguish. He slammed the escape key to close the image out. I know she’s Creati. She has to be, he thought. He stared at the ceiling for a moment before he pulled out his cell phone and thumbed his way to Fuyumi’s number. “Hey, dad,” she said. She was pleasant as usual, but she didn’t sound too thrilled at the moment. “Fuyumi, have you heard anything from Shouto?” Endeavor asked. “No,” she replied, and even the usual pleasantness left her voice. “I haven’t seen or heard from him in days. I’m starting to get worried, he never leaves for this long.”I’ve never had his girlfriend abducted before Endeavor thought before replying, “It’s okay. I’m sure he’s fine.”“Is he, dad?” she asked, and the pleasantness from before now a cold steel. “I’m always the first to defend you and your inhuman callousness because I know how difficult it must be to see what you see everyday. Your job doesn’t leave you a lot of room for compassion. But if something’s happened to Shouto, I know it’s all going to lead back to you somehow. So tell me, what did you do this time?”Normally, Endeavor wouldn’t stand for such an outburst. He wouldn’t have expected it from Fuyumi, but the surprise wouldn’t have saved her from his wraith. He would have laid into her until she felt like a timid five-year-old girl again. Today though, he only said, “I’ll be home for dinner,” before he hung up the phone. He leaned back and stared up at the ceiling of the police department, the little black spots on tiles offering his eyes an easy point of focus. Like the spots left in your vision from a camera flash, though, the after image of Momo’s pained face seemed to follow him wherever he looked.'What did I do this time? You have no idea, Fuyumi'. ---------------------Momo had felt exhaustion before. Pulling all-nighters to study, training sessions with Aizawa, late-night vigilante duties that carried her well into the day. She had a history of being exhausted to the point of nearly falling asleep at her desk.But this… this was well past the definition of exhaustion.Momo hung in the grip of two guards as they dragged her back to her cell. She blinked in and out of consciousness from their rough handlings. With each blink, she felt her head fall further forward until her chin would hit her chest, and she gasped awake from a particular rough jostle.The sound of her cell door sliding open was enough to wake her as she was tossed onto the hard floor, just barely catching herself on her bruised and bloody arms. Looking over her shoulder to the guards, she sneered as they closed her cell with a slam.She focused on the floor to try and push herself up, but her strength was gone, and she collapsed. She pillowed her head in her arms.“Ay, ponytail… you dead yet?” Came the sarcastic voice of her neighbor.“Bakugo!” Mina’s voice came from the other side, “This is not the time!”“I was just asking. Don’t get your horns in a fucking twist.”“M’Fine.” Momo grunted, only wanting to sleep, “Just… I just need to rest my eyes.”“Hm, that bad?” Bakugo said, and she could hear him walking over to the wall that connected them, sliding down it to talk clearer, “They finally get it out of you yet?”The taste of blood was metallic in her mouth as she coughed, shivering in the cold room. She thought she might be coming down with a fever. Her bare feet were freezing from the ice water they had them in moments ago for her electric shock treatment. Looking at the scratchy-looking blanket on the bed, she reached her hand out to try and pull it over, but she was inches out of reach. It was almost embarrassing not to be able to move several inches. Her body shook heavily from the cold and pain as she closed one eye to try and push herself. Eventually, she gave up, curling into a ball on the ground shivering.Tears pooled the corner of her eyes as she tried to concentrate on what Mina was saying to Bakugo, but she could only hear her own heartbeat echo through her head. Closing both eyes, she had trouble breathing and couldn't focus on anything other than the fear that they would be back. They always came back, sometimes within minutes of dropping her here, and sometimes hours. They never had a pattern like they did with the others. Bakugo said it was a technique to disassociate you from time and cause sleep anxiety. "I wanna… I wanna go home." She hugged herself, suddenly not getting any air in her lungs, "Oh… oh god." She gasped, but it wasn't enough."Momo!" Mina said, worry in her voice, "Momo it's okay, it's gonna be okay." She tried her sweet, supportive ways, as she always did.But it’s not going to be okay. She’s going to die here in this place. She remembered that, as they dragged her out of the seat, a nurse wheeling in a set of scalpels for her next session after this. Fear gripped her heart and seized the air in her lungs.She could almost hear the sound of their boots coming back to get her. She felt her body shiver with the need to create something. Anything to defend her against those men coming to take her. She could fight them and get out of there, away from the pain and back to her mom and Todo-"Hey!" There was a loud slam against the wall, and she flinched, eyes going wide, stopping herself as she clutched a hand to her stomach to prevent the creation before it came. Bakugo's voice shouted again as another hit to the wall sounded, "You listening to me ponytail?"She sniffled, still shaking as she nodded, knowing damn well he couldn't see her, but he must have felt it.“Good. What color is the wall?”Looking at the wall, actually looking at it, she opened her mouth, but nothing came out.“Damn it, are you stupidid or just ignoring me?” He said, tone more annoyed than actually mad.“W-white.” She managed out.“And what do you hear?” The question came so fast she blinked, looking up from the wall to the fluorescent light caged above her.“H-humming.” Her voice cracked, “F-from the l-lights.”“What do you feel?” Her hand ran over the feel of her scratchy pants, “fabric… itchy.” She managed, sniffling.Slowly, her breathing came back to her as she closed her eyes and took several slow deep breaths before releasing them. After a while, she gave a sad smile to the wall, "Thanks, Bakugo."“I didn’t do shit.” He said, but she could hear the worry in his tense voice."Bakugo is such a softie sometimes." Mina sighed happily, and Momo gave a small smile at the audacious sound Bakugo made.“I’m going to try and get some sleep.” Momo sighed, closing her eyes.It felt like they were just closed for mere minutes before the sound of her door slamming open rang out, and she squeezed her eyes shut tightly, "No more… please. Just let me sleep." "On your feet." A guard's voice said.Opening her eyes, she pushed to the floor, sitting up, "I can't move." She said, shivering as her sore muscles cried out. She could barely feel her legs. “On… your feet.” The guard flicked out a metal baton, the tip lighting up with sparks. “You didn’t fucking hear her?” Bakugo snapped, “She can’t stand, you asshole.” The guard ignored Bakugo and looked down at Momo with a slight head tilt. She pushed against the floor and managed to stand, nearly toppling over as two other guards entered and grabbed her, dragging her back the way they came. She looked to Bakugo's door as they passed and saw a look of concern on the usually angry teen's face.She gave a forced smile, “It’s okay.” She said, wondering if he even heard as they pulled her from the floor behind the metal doors to her next session.-----~~~~~----~~~~----~~~~----“What about all of the guards?” Todoroki asked. He stood with Denki and Jirou around Hitoshi, who had been showing them the layout of the quirk prison. They were holed up in a motel room (the best Momo’s mother could do on short notice without raising suspicion) and planning their assault on the underground fortress. There was an open pizza box on one of the beds, though only Denki had taken a slice when it arrived.“What? I’m a nervous eater,” he had said, taking small bites as they ran through the plan. Todoroki appreciated the gesture from Mrs. Yaoyorozu, but there was no way he would be able to eat when his stomach was so busy learning new knots to tie itself in. “There will be guards, yeah,” Hitoshi said, looking back at the de-facto leader of the group, “but we’ve actually had a bit of luck there.”He turned to the screen and pulled up a white spreadsheet with an endless series of numbers and letters. “I checked into their payroll and benefits and discovered that, just last year, our dear prison guards decided to unionize.”He looked back at the group, only to see blank expressions staring back at him. “So, they’ll all be taking advantage of their great insurance and going to the dentist?” Denki asked.Hitoshi threw his hands in the air.“Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve, you heathens! More than half the guards have the day off,” he exclaimed. Realization crossed the faces of the other teens, and Denki’s smile lit up his face. “Nice!” the blonde said.Hitoshi turned back to the screen and pointed to a section off to one side. “Now, Kaminari, you’ll need to head here,” he said, but was interrupted by Todoroki’s phone. The young hero pulled the device from his pocket and gazed down at the screen. The phone showed only one word. “Endeavor”Again? Todoroki thought with no small amount of irritation. His dad had been blowing up his phone, but it had been quiet for a few hours, and Todoroki had hoped that the police chief had outgrown his need to fake concern.He looked at the group, who stared back at him with concern. “Keep going, I gotta take this.”Hitoshi nodded, turned back to the screen, and slapped Denki’s arm with the back of his hand. “Pay attention, this is important.”Todoroki walked out the front door into the chilly afternoon. His breath fogged up heavily in the air as he answered the call. “Hello chief.”If Todoroki didn’t know any better, he would have sworn the sigh on the other end of the line was one of relief. If he didn’t know better. “Shouto, where have you been? What were you thinking, running off like that and not checking in for days?” Endeavor asked. “I was thinking,” Todoroki said pointedly, “that my father’s an asshole who I don’t need to be around.”Much to Todoroki’s surprise, Endeavor said, “I will let that slide.” Unfortunately, the chief ruined the moment by adding, “But watch your tone, boy.”“Sorry, officer.” “Shouto,” Endeavor said before letting out an exasperated sigh, “This has gone on long enough. Just come home.”“Why? You need another teenager to kidnap?” Todoroki fired back. The tips of the fingers on his left hand began to smoke as they threatened to ignite. “That is ENOUGH,” Endeavor roared, “you will come home. Your sister’s worried, and you’re embarrassing yourself. That Yaoyorozu girl is a quirked criminal, and I saved you from her.”“The only thing I’m embarrassed of is you, Enji.” Todoroki snapped before he hung up the phone. He quickly went into his contacts and blocked the number before pocketing the phone. He walked forward and leaned on the rail, instantly melting the ice that had formed around the metal. He closed his eyes and lowered his head, trying to calm himself down. He had to get her back. If he could just get her out…Then what? He thought in despair. We go on the run? We leave town? The country? Even if they could pull it off, everyone would still suspect Momo. They would hunt her down again. Her life would never be the same; she may never even have a bedroom to call her own again. Not that Todoroki questioned his choice to break her out, not even for a moment. But any strategist worth their salt needs to look past the next battle and think about how to win the war. His phone rang again. He grabbed it from his pocket, ready to throw it through a car windshield if he had to hear his dad’s voice again. Instead, he saw Aizawa’s number pop up on his screen. “Mr. Aizawa?” Todoroki answered in surprise.“Turn on the news. Channel 7. Now,” the teen heard from the speaker. He bolted back into the motel room, ran past the confused group of teens, and grabbed the remote from the nightstand. “He never misses an episode of his stories,” Hitoshi whispered to Jirou.Todoroki turned on the television and flipped over to the correct channel. There on the screen was a poorly filmed video of someone jumping from one rooftop to another. A caption across the bottom of the screen said, "Creati spotted again in the city."There was a small collective gasp from the group as they watched the woman in the familiar costume on the screen. “How?” Todoroki asked. “Called in a favor,” Aizawa replied. “She doesn’t look exactly the same as Momo, but she stuck to the rooftops, so any footage would be too far to tell.”“I thought you said you weren’t going to help,” Todoroki said, eyes glued to the screen. “I said I wasn’t going to put any other heroes in danger,” Aizawa said. “And I’m sticking to that. But running across rooftops is par for the course in our line of business. All I did was get someone to dress a little different for a night.”For the first time in days, a smile crept its way onto Todoroki’s face. “Thank you, sir,” he said humbly. There was a small lump in his throat as his doubts about the future began to fall apart in his head. “Don’t mention it,” Aizawa said. “For the record, I still don’t approve of you all going through with your plan. But, if you’re going to do it, stay safe. Look out for each other.” And, almost as an afterthought, said, “and don’t fuck it up.”Todoroki nodded and said, “Understood.” The line went dead. Todoroki looked back at the rest of the group, who stared at him in anticipation. "Well, that looked like proof to me," Jirou said trepidatiously. "Maybe they'll let Momo out?"Before Todoroki could say anything, Hitoshi chimed in. "People don't get out of these kinds of places. I've found files on a few abductees who definitely didn't have quirks, but they just...disappeared. We have to get her out." Jirou nodded, a tight-lipped grimace on her face. "Yeah, I figured," she said before shrugging, "wishful thinking, I guess."Denki put a hand on her shoulder. She looked at the blonde, who said, "Don't worry. We'll get her out." He looked up at Todoroki, "Right?"Todoroki nodded and looked back at Hitoshi."Alright, let's review it one more time," he said. There was a lot of tunnel left to travel through, but at least there was a light at the end of it now. "Let's get her out."----------------------------
Endeavor stood up from his desk. He felt like he had subjected himself to enough of the video to last a lifetime, let alone a single day. He shut off the monitor and grabbed his old coffee mug off the desk. He had been using the same mug for years, a bright red cup with an orange trim around the base. Walking to the door of his office, the image from his screen chased him no matter where he turned his gaze. She IS Creati. A vigilante like that won’t give anything without a push, he thought. It was the only line of thinking that got him to walk away from his desk and over to his coat on the wall. He knew he would never be able to justify the actions he had witnessed in that video, but the idea that it was keeping people safe meant that it was worth it. The ends justified the means. He purposely ignored what the doctor had said about those without quirks, though the voice in the back of his mind sure seemed adamant to discuss it. He walked out of his office and turned the light off. He walked over to the station kitchen, mug in hand, and ran the water in the sink. It was more out of routine than anything; he rinsed out his coffee mug every night. As he ran the water, Endeavor glanced up at the screen in the kitchen, which was tuned to a 24-hour news channel. He stopped rinsing the mug with a screeching halt and dropped it into the sink. It crashed into the metal and shattered, covering the sink in shards of small porcelain knives. On the news was a crude video of someone jumping between rooftops. The caption proclaimed that it was Creati, but Endeavor needed no assurance. He had studied enough articles and photos to know that costume anywhere. Without taking his eyes off the screen, he pulled his phone from his pocket. He glanced down to it, tapped the screen a few times, and held the device to his ear. “Hey,” Fuyumi said unenthusiastically. “I won’t be home for dinner,” Endeavor said and hung up before his daughter could reply. He mindlessly slipped the phone back into his pocket.'What have I done?' The police chief thought. //~~~~~~~~~~End Ch 39~~~~~~~\\
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//~~~~~~~~~~~~Ch 40~~~~~~~~\\The setting was so serene it could have been mistaken for a movie set. A steady white powder flowed from the sky against a long stretch of icy deserted road and a seemingly endless chain-link fence.Two guards stood at the chain gate, one leaning against the call box that had a computer system and a small tinsel tree leaning against the side. The other smoked and chatted absentmindedly.“I’m just saying, why’s it gotta be us working? It’s Christmas Eve!” He blew smoke from his nose in agitation, “We have families too, ya know.”“We’re lowest on the totem pole,” The other opened a pack of gum and popped one before chewing loudly. “We’re green and they know it,” He shrugged, “But at least the holiday pay is nice.”“I guess,” The other guard looked up. “Beats my last gig. Got any plans for Christmas tomorrow?”“I got me a ham the size of my girlfriend’s ass.”“Which are you gonna eat first?” The crude joke made them both laugh.In the distance, a large white moving truck came into view. Both soldiers stopped their joking and looked over as it drew closer. The distant sound of Christmas music played loudly from the cab.“What’s that?”“I dunno. Laundry?” He shrugged."But it's Christmas Eve. Who picks up laundry on Christmas Eve?"The closer it came, the more clear the music sounded.‘I gotta go away(Baby it’s cold outside)This evening has been(Been hoping that you dropped in)’"I love that song." The soldier to the left sighed happily.The song continued to bellow from the speakers as the van came to a rolling stop by the gate. The soldiers split, with one taking the driver's side and the other taking the passenger, their guns hanging by their side.'My mother will start to worry(Beautiful, what's your hurry?)’The song continued as the guy knocked up to the window. Slowly it rolled down to reveal Kaminari in a trucker hat, leaning out the window with a confident smile.“Merry Christmas, folks!” He winked."Business?" The soldier asked, but the loud music drowned it out.‘My father will be pacing the floor(Listen to that fireplace roar)“What?” Denki cupped a hand to his ear, squinting. “Can’t hear you.”“Can you-” He grunted, “Can you turn down the mu-”“What?” Denki shouted louder over the song.‘Beautiful please don’t hurry’In the passenger seat, a purple-haired man rolled his own window down to talk to the other soldier, though he couldn't hear that either.‘Well maybe just a half a drink more(I’ll put some records on while I pour).’“I said!” The soldier was getting pissed.‘The neighbors might think’He inhaled to shout but paused when the older soldier appeared, walking around the side, his eyes glazed over as he walked towards him, “Drake?” He asked.‘No cabs to be had out there.’The other soldier stumbled over in jerky movements until he stood before him unmoving.“Drake?” His coworker asked again.‘(I’ll take your hat, your hair looks swell.) I ought to say no, no, no, sir’In a flash, the soldier brought the butt of his gun up and jammed it so hard into the other guy's face he fell backward, blood gushing down to his chin."Fuck! Fuck!" He shouted, holding his face and rolling on the dirt.‘Mind if I move in closer?’"Damn it, what the fuck is your issue, Drake?" He ground out, spitting blood from his mouth.The sound of the metal sliding from the truck's back door was drowned out by the music. Kaminari winced at the display of blood as he rolled his window up, whistling to the song.‘What’s the sense of hurting my pride?’A set of legs hit the dirt and walked over to the two men. The one on the ground squinted up through the pain at the other. His eyes widened as he opened his mouth to scream.‘I really can’t stay(Baby don’t hold out.)’The vigilante hero IcyHot stood there in full gear, hand outstretched to him, “You might want to close your eyes.”‘Baby it’s cold outside!’Todoroki shot off a blast of ice in the man's face, shooting him into the wooden call box, effectively knocking him out."Do we need to really have this music on?" Todoroki turned over to Denki, who opened the driver-side door turning the music down."It sets the mood," Hitoshi said as he came around in his own hero gear, looking to the brainwashed man next to him. Then, with a heavy chop to his neck, he crumbled down, falling face-first into the dirt.A chime sounded on their earpieces, alerting them to Jirou’s voice.“Update?” She asked, voice clearly nervous.“Guards have been dropped,” Hitoshi said as he and Denki squatted next to the two and began taking off their uniforms, “Swap in effect.” “Cameras?” She asked, and Todoroki looked up to the large black box blinking down at them.“Already taken care of. The footage is on a thirty minute loop as of three minutes ago. Not that anyone’s here to monitor all the cameras,” Hitoshi folded the shirt over his arm while picking up the guy’s booted foot and held it to his own to test the size with a grimace."Let's work fast, then," Todoroki said as he helped Denki drag the other guy to the back of the truck, where he changed from his hero costume to the drab gray clothes. Hitoshi joined him, changing into his own."So how ya gonna… ya know," Hitoshi motioned to his own face, "Cover all that handsome?" He forced out, trying to skirt around the fact that Todoroki had some distinct features.With a blank look, Todoroki slid on a military hat the one soldier had on to cover most of his hair. Hitoshi did a mock gasp, "Shouto, where did you go?" He looked around sarcastically, "Excuse me, mild manor soldier, did you see my extremely attractive bestie go by?""Ha, ha." Todoroki rolled his eyes, "Let's get serious.""I'm always serious," Hitoshi scoffed, looking over to Denki, who was tying up the soldiers with zip-ties, "Yo, Denki, am I serious?""As serious as a pregnancy test at prom." “Ha!” Hitoshi smirked, looking back to Todoroki, “See?”"Can we please focus?" Jirou snapped, and Todoroki wished she was there instead of those two jokesters, but Jirou was a liability with no quirk, and they needed her to be their eyes safely back at the motel. She was on computer duty after a crash course by Hitoshi on what they'll need.Once the guards were tied up in the call box, Hitoshi flipped a sign up that said, 'Lunch break' with a clock saying to be back in an hour. He gave a pat to their head, "Merry Christmas, boys," He said, slamming the door shut and facing Todoroki in his own uniform. "I hate these colors," He motioned to the gray."You always wear black," Denki snorted, hitting the open button on the gate as it slowly slid open, and he got into the driver's seat of the truck."Black is iconic. Black never goes out of style," He pointed up at Denki as they walked alongside the truck, guiding him in to park along the loading dock on the side of the building where an arrow directed deliveries. Getting out, Hitoshi and Todoroki looked around while Denki let them handcuff him with a set they swiped off the guards.“I still say we should have gone with pizza delivery,” Denki pouted down at the handcuffs, obviously uncomfortable."I'll make it up to you. Next time we break into a super-secret government quirk prison, we'll do your idea," Hitoshi said, trying to lighten the mood.“Shh!” Todoroki hissed as three guards walked over, squinting down at them and Denki.“What’s going on here?” The lead one said, glaring at Denki."Got an inmate delivered," Hitoshi said, jerking Denki forward as the blond glared at him for his rough handling."Incoming inmate?" The soldier looked confused. "There was no word on-""My guy," Hitoshi said, cocking his head to the side, "It's Christmas Eve. You think anyone's here to give the word? They caught this guy using a lame-ass quirk to rob a jewelry store.""Lame quirk?" Denki said, aghast, "Take that back!"Several guards flinched, reaching for their guns, and Todoroki grabbed Denki in a harsh jerk, "Watch yourself!" He said to the blond, who flinched. The others seemed to calm down at the lack of a quirk retaliation."Don't worry, guys," Hitoshi waved them off, pulling Denki and Todoroki to the bay door. "He's as harmless as a pussycat," He said jokingly."A pussycat that can fry every nerve ending you got," Denki muttered as Hitoshi squeezed his arm."You know where to take em'," The guard called out."Yeah, we do! Oh, and I think Sue brought donuts in the breakroom. Have at it!" He shouted back as the soldiers perked up in interest and made their way back to another door talking about donuts. "You're having way too much fun with this," Todoroki muttered."Aren't you?" Hitoshi smirked."No, we're here to get Momo. You need to-""Be serious. Yeah, yeah," Hitoshi said, though his face took on a serious look nonetheless as they used their stolen badges to open the metal doors. "Alright, you're in," Jirou sighed. "Head over to the elevator and take it down to ten.""And this is where I leave you," Denki said, sliding the loose cuffs off, handing them to Hitoshi. "So I can use my lame-ass quirk to save the day," His sarcasm dripped off every word."You know I didn't mean it like that," Hitoshi said."You totally did, and I plan on getting you back later. Soooo have fun, boys," Denki walked down the hall towards a room labeled with red and white warning signs and lighting bolts for high voltage.Getting in the elevator, Todoroki hit '10', and they waited as the elevator made its descent into the actual facility below them.“You think he’s pissed?” Hitoshi asked.“I think you should focus.”Hitoshi sighed, "I didn't mean it like his quirk is bad- I just mean-""Toshi," Todoroki snapped, and the lavender-haired teen sighed."Right, right," He adjusted the gun at his side. "Serious mode activated.""I might lose you guys," Jirou said, her voice coming in staticky already. "Just stick to the plan and contact me the second you have her. You have fifteen minutes before Kaminari cuts the power.""Confirmed," Todoroki said, and just like that, the comms in their ears went out."And then it became two," Hitoshi said ominously with a hum, and the doors opened with a ding."Let's do this," Todoroki growled, looking at the metal map by the office door and swiping his card. "Let's get Momo back."~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Momo was shivering, her clothes and hair dripping wet from her “shower,” as the nurses call it.Two nurses took an exhausted Momo to a cement room with a hose; it looked like the space was normally used to clean equipment. They hosed her down as she closed her eyes against the cold water. Once done, they brought her back to the same room, sitting her down to dry. Her clothes were damp, but her hair was still dripping down into the rust-covered floor.Closing her eyes, she let her head loll to the side to try and get some sleep. She wasn't sure how long she was out until the door opened, and the face of her tormentor appeared with that sick smile on full display."Ah ah ah, my don't you clean up well," Doctor Mitzu hummed, looking over her chart. "I figured since it’s Christmas Eve you deserved a bit of pampering."Christmas Eve, she thought, absentmindedly registering the date. Part of her tried to figure out how much time had passed since her arrest, but she couldn't focus enough to remember when that had happened. The doctor was staring at the two way mirror beside Momo, with that sick smile in place. Momo in the past was always wondering if someone was just watching her from the other side, taking notes."How generous of you," Momo groaned in pain, feeling her shoulder and bottom ache from contact sitting. "When can I expect a gift exchange?" She knew Hitoshi would be proud of her banter.He chuckled, also finding it humorous. "Funny you should say that," He bent at the waist to look at her. "I'll give you yours if you give me mine first. Hm?"At her unwavering glare, he sighed, "I see, it's always me who needs to make the first move," He hummed. "But don't worry, I feel you'll enjoy my gift."He stepped back, and shouting rang out from the hall. Momo looked with wide eyes as the door flew open. Four guards were restraining a very angry Bakugo. He was trying to kick and punch his way out of their hold as they pulled him in."Fucking let me go and fight me!" He shouted, snapping his shark teeth at a close guard, nearly taking off his ear."B-Bakugo!" Momo gasped as they managed to get him into a similar chair, strapping the leather bands across his hands and legs. Once secure, the guards all leaned away, breathing heavily after the hard work."You can wait outside, gentleman. I'll call if I need you," The doctor said, moving the chair that had wheels on the bottom to sit right in front of Momo. The blond looked to Momo and sneered, “What’s going on?” Momo felt her blood freeze to match her skin as she looked to the doctor. "No," She whispered."See?" He smiled, "I knew you'd like my gift." He set the clipboard aside, walking to stand between them, hands in his white coat pocket.“I hear from the guards you two have become quite roommates.”"The fuck? Nah, she's whiny and annoying. Keeps me up at night," Bakugo sneered as realization flashed in his eyes, "Kinda pissed you haven't killed her yet so I can get some damn sleep.""Oh, is that so?" The doctor cocked his head, the smile still in place."Tch," He clicked his teeth in annoyance, looking away. "I don't care what you do to her."Momo tried not to let the words hurt as she looked down to her lap."And how about you, Momo?" The doctor asked.She looked up, trying to stay indifferent. "He's rude, and mean," She shivered out, hating how weak her voice had become. "I can't stand how he t-talks to people.""Ohhh," The doctor sounded excited, walking over to the surgical tray of weapons and pulling out a scalpel before walking over. "So you wouldn't mind if I-" He positioned the scalpel over Bakugo's arm.Momo's eyes widened as she gasped and leaned forward. The doctor pointed over to her."Bingo," He said, lowering the scalpel to the table that he had pulled over to Bakugo."Do you know how long I've been the head doctor here, Mrs. Yaoyorozu?"At her silence, he continued. "Eighteen years," He sighed, "Eighteen years of dealing with you quirked 'freaks' coming in to my facility." He pressed on the word heavily with distaste. "Eighteen years of cutting open and dissecting criminals from their insides to their minds," He motioned to his brain. "And while most of you are hardened, vial beings that commit heinous crimes." He paused before walking over to Momo, "Some of you try and do good." The laugh that bubbled up made it sound like a joke, "Some of you have this idiodic idea that you can get justice for people like us. As if we can't handle the world without you, that we're helpless bugs waiting for our master to come over with a magnifying glass and burn us alive." The deranged voice grew heavier as he placed a hand on each of Momo's armrests, leaning into her space as she flinched away.“You ‘heroes’-” The word stung, “Are all the same. Always looking for someone to save.”He reached a hand up and wrapped it around her throat, and squeezed, "Someone you can protect with your damned quirk. It's so unnatural. If you were truly meant to be on this earth-" He squeezed harder, cutting off Momo's air, "Evolution would give it to everyone. To me, to them, the masses out there," He hissed, squeezing harder, "Why you? Why are you so special?""Fucking let her go!" Bakugo shouted, and the doctor released Momo, letting her gasp for air, and he stepped away, holding his hands up."Oopsie," He chuckled, "Got carried away.""So that's it?" Momo coughed, glaring at him with one eye closed. "You hate them because you want what they have?""I hate you because you don't belong here," He said as if it was obvious. "You need to be exterminated.""Then why study us?" Bakugo sneered, "Seems to me like you want to be a freak," He smirked.The doctor smacked Bakugo hard. The sandy blond managed to keep his smirk on, though."I want to know how to make sure that not one single fetus crosses the realms of this earth as one of you. We need equality if this world is ever going to survive. I refuse to let humanity fall into debt and be enslaved by your kind.""You don't know what can happen," Momo said, trying to get his attention off Bakugo, "We can all live together. Us and them." The deranged laugh that pierced the air made both the teens flinch. "You're seriously still claiming to be like me? The insult to my intelligence is enough. But to insult my kind by pretending to be one of us will not stand." He picked back up the scalpel, "You will show your quirk to me," He swung the scalpel to Bakugo's face, and the teen flinched back, "Or I'll carve his fucking eyes out of his head."Momo's mouth dropped open. "No," She whispered. Looking at Bakugo, she saw genuine fear on his face as he looked back at her.The threat hung in the air, so pungent and thick you could almost take a bite out of it.“Yes,” The doctor nodded, “And if he can’t get you to talk, we’ll move onto the pink girl.”“Mina.” Momo choked out as he nodded."And the tape boy, and the bird kid, and then the fucking invisible girl! I'll carve them up like a Christmas turkey right in front of you," He walked forward, trailing the blunt side of the scalpel down her cheek, "All that red blood on your hands… seems festive for the holidays, yeah?""You don't need to do this," Momo felt tears pull at her eyes, big dollops threatening to fall. She knew he had her, and so did he."Tick, tock," The doctor waved the scalpel back and forth, "Why don't you make me something pretty with that creation quirk I've heard so much about.""I-I-I-" Her mouth hung open as she looked down to her arms."Ah, looking where to produce from?" His greedy eyes grabbed the front of her dirty scrubs and, with a cut, ripped it down the middle, exposing her sternum, though still covering her breasts. She choked on a scream, her face flushing in embarrassment as he flicked aside the fabric. "Go on," he hummed, looking her over as he stepped back. "I'm not a very patient man."Looking up at Bakugo, she had tears pooling down her cheeks. The fear on his face was long gone and replaced with that set look of rage."Don't do it," He said, and Momo gasped.“Bakugo-”“Don’t give these fuckers anything.” He said as the doctor came over, holding the knife inches from his eyes.“Final answer?” He asked with a smile down at the blond."Fucking die, you piece of shit!" Bakugo sneered up at him."Well, Momo?" The doctor looked at her, holding the knife in surgically steady hands. "You want to save your friend? Be the hero?”She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. The doctor sighed, looking back to Bakugo. "Seems you need to pick better friends," He reeled his arm back, ready to strike."No!" Momo screamed, her quirk activating, creating large circular bracelets around her wrists and ankles. The bracelets broke the leather bands, freeing her to stand up as the chair smashed behind her from the weight of the iron creations. Breathing heavily at such excessive use of her quirk with limited lipids and energy, she stumbled.“Remarkable.” Looking up, she saw the doctor staring, mouth agape, eyes wide. "I knew it," He whispered.Just then, the power went out, only for a second before the red backup lights came on, basking them all in a blood red glow.~*~*~*~*~*Fifteen minutes Prior~*~*~*~*~*~*~Todoroki and Hitoshi went down several halls, eyes taking in every map and direction from random guard posts. "We should just stop and ask for directions," Hitoshi bit out."Ask directions? Yeah, because that'll work," Todoroki snapped, his nerves already sparking smoke from his shoulder.Hitoshi rolled his eyes. "Typical man; would rather catch on fire than ask for directions," he said as he smacked a hand to Todoroki's shoulder, puffing out the smoke. He walked ahead a few paces and stopped at another guard station. This one had a plump man leaning back in his chair, reading some manga, snacking on a festive red and green donut."Hey, fellow guard," Hitoshi leaned against the wall with a wink. "How's it shaking?" Todoroki pulled the lip of his cap down to hide his scar as he leaned on the outside of the station, listening in for anything to go wrong."You know," The other guys sighed, not looking up from his manga with a cute schoolgirl on it, "Living the dream.""I hear that," He pointed to the donuts. "Where you get those?"The guard looked up, pointing a sugar-covered finger to the right, "Someone brought donuts, heard it was a chick named Susan." He said."Nice, good ol' Sue." Hitoshi shook his head. "So, um, kind of embarrassing to ask, but we're kind of new." He motioned to Todoroki and himself, "We lost our orientation packets.""Ooof, tough," The guy said, and Hitoshi nodded."Yeah, so I hate to ask this, but can you point me in the direction of the creati hero we brought in a few days ago? I got the order to take her out. I mean not take her out like kill her, and not take her out like date her because I bet she would have a jealous boyfriend-" Todoroki jabbed an elbow into his side, and Hitoshi grunted but continued. "I mean, we gotta get her. I forgot what level she's on."The guard looked at him, and after a few seconds of his scrutinizing glare, Todoroki was worried they would need to fight him. Then the guy sighed, sitting up and typing into his computer."You newbies are ridiculous," He grunted, pointing to his screen. "Creation quirked prisoner, level 1-A. Take the elevator down two floors and take a left. You can't miss it."Hitoshi smirked, "I owe you big," he winked. "I know someone who's not getting coal from Santa." He said as Todoroki jerked him away as the other guard blushed, going back to his manga, shoving the rest of the donut in his face.They got to the elevator, and Hitoshi smirked to Todoroki, "Hmmm, so it turns out my plan did work! Eh?" He asked as Todoroki jabbed the button on the wall to go down.“Shut up.”The doors opened, and Todoroki took an immediate left, swiping his badge at the next entrance. When those doors opened the air left his lungs at the horrible prison before him. It was colder underground, surrounded by all this metal and steel. The thought of his Momo locked away here made him want to burn it all to the ground.Stepping in, Hitoshi looked around at all the lines of doors, "Where do we start?" Hitoshi asked."Oh, hey! Are you two new? You look handsome!" A voice called, and both teens looked at a door halfway down with a pair of black and gold eyes looking at them through the small slot in the door, "Got a girlfriend?""Which one?" Hitoshi asked."Either, I'm not picky," Mina winked.Rushing over to them, Todoroki narrowed his eyes at her, "Do you know a Momo Yaoyorozu?"Her eyes widened in surprise, the flirty nature falling off, “Who’s asking?”"Her boyfriend," Hitoshi said, and Mina gasped.“Boyfriend! Holy smokes! Hey Sero!” She shouted."Yeah?" A boy across from them looked through his own hole in the door, "What's up, Mina?""Check out Momo's boy toy!"Sero looked them both up and down, "I hope you mean candy cane."“What’s wrong with me?” Hitoshi snapped, narrowing his eyes.Todoroki looked back to the girl, “Where is she? We’re here to save her.”"Aw, that's sweet, but she's with the doctor right now," Mina's eyes went sad. "She's always with the doctor."“The doctor?” Hitoshi asked."Mhm, she's refused to tell them about her quirk so they're trying to pry it out of her."Todoroki felt ice creek up to his neck as fire sprouted from his other hand, "They're torturing her?""Shouto-" Hitoshi warned, taking a step back, "Calm down."“How the fuck do I calm down when they have her? They could be doing anything to her right now!”"And we need to calm down to find her. Every second matters," Hitoshi became very serious as he looked around; his eyes darted to the scanner on the door as he swiped the guard's card, and it opened. Mina stepped out once the door slid into the wall, and she pranced out, stretching.“Can you take us to her?” Todoroki asked."Sure! It's-" Just as she pointed, the power went out, and she gasped. The lights came back on, and they were basked in a red glow, "What happened?"“Damn it!” Hitoshi looked to his watch, “Denki chooses now to be on time,” He sneered."Where's Momo?" Todoroki asked again, more forcefully this time.Mina looked scared, "What's gonna happen to us?" She asked, looking to the other doors where her friends were looking out their own holes, "Are you gonna leave us here?"Todoroki’s eyes softened for a moment before he shook his head, “No, Momo would never want that.” He looked to Hitoshi, “Can you get everyone out?” He jerked a thumb to Mina, “She’ll take me to Momo.”"I got your back," Hitoshi smirked. "These doors usually have an override not attached to the power. I just need to find it," He gave a thumbs up, "Go get our girl."With a nod, Todoroki turned to Mina, "Come on.""This way!" She pointed, running down the other end of the room, "We're getting out of here, guys!" She shouted as her friends in the cells cheered.~*~*~*~*~*~*10 Min Ago~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Endeavor parked his car outside the facility. He told himself he wouldn't visit again anytime soon. The front gate was open, and he sneered at the lack of guards at the entrance as he drove in. Walking past the empty reception, he swiped his badge and walked in to see another guard."Oh, chief?" The guard who knew him saluted. "What are you doing here on Christmas Eve? Don't you have a family to go spend it with?" He smiled, trying to be friendly."I need to speak to Doctor Mitzu," He narrowed his eyes to the guard. "Immediately."The guard swallowed, nodding, "Uh sure, he's probably in his office. Go right on through."The chief walked past, going to the elevators and taking it to the familiar floor he's been to in the past. He only stopped to see a gaggle of guards in an open breakroom watching some game on TV around several dozen boxes of donuts."Disgusting." He sneered, turning away. Then, just as he reached the floor of the doctor's office, the power went out, and he paused, looking up. The red floodlights filled the hall, and he looked over his shoulders, "What the fuck is going on?"//~~~~~~~~~~~End Ch 40~~~~~~~~~`\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~Ch 41~~~~~~~~~\\ “Remarkable.” Looking up, she saw the doctor staring, mouth agape, eyes wide. “I knew it,” he whispered.Just then, the power went out. The red back up lights came on a second later, basking them all in a blood red.The cat was out of the bag, and if Momo was going to get everyone out of that place, she needed to act fast. Using every bit of her energy, she created a staff and got into her stance.“Let him go,” she said, channeling her Creati confidence.The doctor laughed and lowered the scalpel. He shook his head, “I don’t think so. Guards?” He called.The door sat unmoving, and after a few seconds, the doctor looked at it. “Guards?” He called again.At the lack of an answer, he rushed over to it and tried to open it, but it was locked tight. He slammed his fist to the metal, “Guards? Open the fucking door!”Bakugo busted out laughing, eyes shining with murderous glee. “Ohhh, is the big bad doctor scared?”Doctor Mitzu turned and glared at him before hitting the door again, “Guard!”Momo rushed to Bakugo’s side and quickly undid his restraints. The doctor cowered away, holding his scalpel like a lifeline, eyes wide with real fear.“You alright, Bakugo?” She asked as he rubbed his red wrist.“Yeah, fuckers think they sedated my quirk all the way,” he lit up a few sparks in his palm. “Not at a full charge, but I can still do some damage,” He looked to the cowering man in the corner and grinned, “It’ll be like putting out a cigarette on skin.” “No,” Momo put a hand to his shoulder. “We need to use this time to get everyone out of here.”Bakugo looked ready to argue but paused, looking to the side as if to think it over before he nodded instead, “Alright. Tell me what to do.”“Can you get the door open?” She asked.“I can try,” he turned to it, palms up, sparks forming from them. “If I do, there’s gonna be guards everywhere.”“I can take them if you clear me a path,” She said, holding up her staff.“Perfect,” he lit up small sparks against the door, slightly denting it in. He did it several times, but it hardly budged. The blond paused, looking down at his hands as if having an existential crisis mentally. Momo could tell he was overcome with thoughts just from one look at his face.“You alright?” She noticed the sweat breaking out on his forehead.“I’m fine!” He snapped before letting his shoulders sag. “Just been a while since I last used my quirk this much. They sedated me everyday with that crap to keep me down to sparks,” He sighed, hitting the door again with his knuckle this time, “I didn’t get my shot today but… but I haven’t tried in so long.” Those red eyes looked to the door as if it held the answers.Momo was just about to offer any help when she felt pain in her back while a hand grabbed her arm and twisted it back. Then, a sharp scalpel pressed against her neck. The prick of blood from the point made her wince. Bakugo turned around to see the terrified doctor holding her."Guards! Guards, I've got her!" He shouted for help, eyes still wild, hand shaking which wasn’t a good sign considering he had a very sharp object to her throat."Let her go," Bakugo's palms lit with sparks, knees crouched at the ready to strike."I let her go, and you both kill me!" The doctor laughed evilly, "I refuse to let you freaks take me out. No, no! I make my own fate!" Those wild eyes looked to the camera up on the wall that was no longer blinking, “Guards! Someone! Anyone come now!”“It doesn’t need to end like this.” Momo whispered, closing one eye against the pain, “We won’t hurt you. We don’t want to-”“Shut the fuck up!” He yelled in her ear making her wince, “I’m so sick of looking at you! You’re animals and I’m the solution to putting all of you down.”“Please,” Momo whispered, eyes on Bakugo, “Go”Bakugo’s eyes widened as he shook his head, “Not without you ponytail.”“Bakugo, go!” She said again, searching her body for any strength and idea on getting out of this. “I can’t hold you back from getting out of here.” “He’ll kill you!” Bakugo shouted.“No one is fucking moving!” The crazed doctor shouted, “If you even step towards that door I’ll cut her pretty face from ear to ear!”Behind them a loud thud came to the door, drawing all eyes to it’s dented metal. Momo held her breath, feeling her heart quicken as she bit back his name.With another strong hit, the door behind them blew off its hinges. Fire licked the sides of the frame, filling the cold room with a familiar heat.Momo gasped, her eyes widening at the figure behind the smoke came into view.“Todo-” She hardly finished when ice shot forward, covering the whole floor of the room, basking them all yet again in the cold air from the blast. From the smoke walked Todoroki, in his hero costume, identity secured with his mask. Ice from the floor slowly crept up the walls as if it were alive.“You-” The doctor breathed out, his breath visible in a cloud from the cold, “It’s you.”Todoroki's eyes instantly found Momo, and for the first time in days, they both felt like they could breathe. The moment was short-lived as those same eyes looked at the danger holding her, his eyes flickering to her ripped shirt, the scalpel at her neck, and bruises to her face. Flames licked up behind the hero as he held both hands up, "Let her go."To hear his voice made her take a shaky breath, her eyes prickling with tears. So many nights dreaming of that voice, taking her away from all this pain.“Who the fuck are you?” Bakugo asked, looking him up and down.“Bakugo, that’s Momo’s boyfriend,” A voice whispered from the hall that sounded like Mina."Mina?" Momo asked, and the pink-haired alien queen poked her head around to wave, regardless of the situation."Hey, Momo! Hey doc- ooo, tense situation." She whispered, sliding away."I said let her go," Todoroki lit his one side up with fire. "I won't ask again.""No! No, she's mine! You're all mine!" He shouted back, "I have full control here! None of you have the power I truly have! I decide who lives and who dies."“Funny enough, right now so do we.” Bakugo lit his hands up, squaring up next to Todoroki.Just as the doctor was about to dive into yet another anti-quirk rant, Momo closed her eyes and focused. She was exhausted, but she had heard enough, had endured enough from this doctor, to dig deep. Seeing Todoroki brought forth a surge of power she got from just hearing his voice and created a steel brace around her neck before throwing her head back to headbutt the doctor. He shouted in pain, dropping the scalpel and holding his bloody nose, letting her go."You bitch!"Stumbling forward, she hardly had enough energy to stand. Unlike all of the recent nights where she collapsed from exhaustion, though, two arms caught her this time. The same arms that would always catch her, and she knew it. She was cradled into the warmest chest. Her head rested there while she blinked lazily into those beautiful eyes she fell in love with. "You came," She whispered."I told you I'd come for you," He said, cupping her face, "I'm so sorry it took so long.""I knew you'd come," She winced as he unlatched the steel choker from the back, tossing it aside.“Once again I ask, who the fuck is half and half?” Bakugo snapped.Mina poked her head in again, smirking, "And again I say, that's Momo's boyfriend!""Boyfriend?" He scoffed loudly, crossing his arms, "Well, it's about time he got here!" Todoroki stood, holding Momo to his side tightly. "We need to get out of here."Momo reached up, grasping at Shouto's shirt with a semi-strong grip. "We need-" She winced, "To get the other out of here. They're-"“I know,” Todoroki’s voice was tender with her, his eyes roaming over her features as if surprised she was actually here in his arms. “Our back up is getting them.”"I made sure of it!" Mina gave a thumbs-up as Bakugo rolled his eyes“What about fuck face?” Bakugo motioned over to the doctor, who was curled in a ball, holding his bleeding face and shaking like a leaf. He had tears streaming down his face as he looked at them wild eyes.“Do we have time to kick him a bit?” Mina asked in excitement.Momo and Todoroki slowly looked over to the peppy pink girl. Bakugo laughed. "Hell yeah! I can get in on that!" he said with a grin. "No, leave him," Momo turned to face the doctor. "He's no real threat."The doctor flinched at those words, curling tighter in on himself."Let's go," Momo said, looking up at her boyfriend, "Take me home."They turned around, and once they stepped out, Momo could see the bodies of three unconscious guards lying on the ground. She smiled, "Your handiwork?""Gotta stay on brand," He smirked as they began jogging in the direction Bakugo motioned."I've been here long enough to know the areas they don't want us. Which has to be the way out," Bakugo jumped forward using a super heavy kick to knock in the door to the stairs. An alarm sounded somewhere, echoing off all the metal walls."Oof, the jig is up." Mina sighed."No, we can still get out of here. They're barely at half staff for guards. We can take them." Todoroki said, and without a second thought picked Momo up as she squeaked at the sudden lift but grateful because she wasn’t sure she had the energy for them. They went up several flights of stairs, fighting random guards that appeared. Bakugo and Mina took turns dropping them with their limited quirks while Todoroki kept Momo safe in his arms. He never wanted to put her down, but he would defend her.Bakugo seemed to have a very strong grasp on hand to hand combat. He did a roundhouse on a guard and flipped another over the railing with ease. She would have to ask him later who he studied under for such agility. It was obvious he kept up on his training even locked away. Mina meanwhile was just as limited as Bakugo, as she shot out small splashes of this grayish goo that made the guards skin and clothes sizzle upon contact. She recalled Mina mentioning something about acid was honestly interested to see it once her quirk was fully back.“This is fun!” Mina said she she pushed a screaming guard holding his burning face down the stairs to the heap at the bottom, “Any more?”“Yeah! I could go for seconds!” Bakugo laughed cracking his knuckles. “I haven’t had a work out like this in a long time. Feels good to stretch!” He brought his bloody knuckles up to flex his muscles with a murderous smile.Todoroki looked down at Momo and even beyond the mask she knew he was giving her a look, “Your friends are spirited.”“Yes they are.” She said proudly, smiling over at her friends who did a bloody fist bump. They reached the top, and Bakugo kicked open the door. "Go!" He shouted, turning around to two guards coming up the stairs. “I’ll get these extras!” Todoroki ran through, and Momo was about to call over to Bakugo to not mess around until she felt her boyfriend freeze dead in his spot, eyes wide."What’s wrong?" Momo looked up at him before trailing her eyes to what had his attention. "Oh," was all she could say when she caught sight of Chief Endeavor standing in the middle of the hall, gun drawn, aimed at them.Todoroki hugged Momo closer to his chest, keeping his glare leveled with his father.“Shouto.” Endeavor grunted. “What have you done?”"What I had to," Shouto replied, his voice as hard as steel. "I couldn't leave her here."His father kept his gun up, looking behind him at Bakugo who just joined them from the stairwell and the pink girl with horns. "But-but she's one of them. I know she is- s-she has to be!"Shouto stopped Bakugo and Mina by handing Momo over to the ashy blond, who held her to his chest just as securely. The teen, still wearing the uniform of the guard he took down, turned to his father and moved forward, no rush to his calm steps. Endeavor's gun shook as he glared harder. "Stop, Shouto!""Shoot me," Shouto said, calm and ready for anything. "Shoot me and prove that once and for all, you care more about your damn job than your youngest son."Shouto stopped right before Endeavor, the gun level with his heart. "Do it, dad."Slowly, Endeavor lowered his gun to his side, his shoulders going limp. "Why?" He whispered, "Why are you doing this for them? You know what they are.""I do," Shouto looked up at him, and with a long exhale of cold smoke, he shot his hand out, shoving his father back to the wall with a band of ice around his middle, trapping his arms to his sides. "Because I'm one of them."Endeavor’s eyes widened, mouth falling open as he looked to his son. "No," he whispered.Momo was sure Shouto had so much more he wanted to say, shout, cry to his father, but they didn't have the time. Instead, with a final look, he motioned with his head for the others to follow. Bakugo handed Momo back to Todoroki, and they ran down the hall. Endeavor shouted for Shouto the whole way.“Shouto!”“Shoutoooo!”Pushing through the lobby doors, Bakugo kicked two guards back, looking down at his hands in anger as he tried to shoot off a blast and only got sparks. “Damn it!” He glared up at the hall. "Okay, from here I'm lost!" Bakugo shouted, giving a roundhouse to another guy's face that ran at them.“I know where we are. We need to get to the delivery dock; it should be down that hall past those doors.” Todoroki motioned with his head."You got it!" Bakugo ran ahead, taking the lead to keep it clear. “Halt right there!” A voice shouted as a line of guards in riot gear formed ahead of the teens.“I got them!” Shouto handed Momo off to Mina, who slung Momo’s arm around her to lean on. Momo held her open shirt closed, feeling her heart race as pure adrenaline was the only thing keeping her up. Both girls watched the icy hot hero go through the line of trained guards like soft butter. Neither noticed the guard coming around a corner with a sparkling taser aimed at them. He shouted as he lunged for them and Mina gasped, quickly turning her body to shield Momo.However, Bakugo was even faster. “You bastard!” He held his hand out and a loud blast came from it, knocking the guard back across the hall. He collided with the floor and rolled several times, his gear on fire.Both Momo and Mina blinked in shock as they looked to Bakugo, who stared down at his smoking hands with wide eyes.“Bakugo,” Momo whispered, a smile coming to her face, “You blasted him.”“Fuck yeah I did!” Bakugo gave the widest grin Momo had ever seen.“Blasty is back in action!” Mina cheered, throwing one fist into the air before quickly lowering it to grab a wobbly Momo with a soft apology for nearly dropping her.Bakugo looked up to Shouto, who stood among several unconscious guards who were either frozen or smoking. He smirked to the half and half hero and held up his sparking hands. “I’ll really take the lead now.”Shinsou looked behind him to the passed-out guard and nodded. “Cool,” he gave Bakugo a thumbs up as he went to Momo and knelt down so she could get on his back. Momo wrapped her arms around his neck and squeaked when he stood up holding her legs. “Lets go.”“Hey you kids!” Another voice said from behind and Bakugo turned and sent a blast knocking this guy through the wall with a victory shout."You are getting way too used to that," Mina coughed past the smoke as they took off. More guards ran toward them as Mina used an acid spray to hold them back.They ran for another five minutes before they burst through a set of double doors, looking around."Yo, over here!" Denki shouted down at the end of the dock. He had the back of the truck open and ushered in all the prisoners of 1-A with Hitoshi. The brainwashing hero ran over to Todoroki's side.“Momo!” He shouted, looking her over, “Oh my god!” His eyes shone with tears, “You’re alive!”“Go!” Shouto yelled to get him to move."Wait!" A gunshot went off, and everyone froze. Turning around, they could see Doctor Mitzu standing there, rifle from a fallen guard in hand. He looked deranged, hair askew and dried blood across his face. "All you fucking freaks wait!" He shot to the ceiling again, and everyone flinched."No one is leaving here! None of you monsters deserve to be out of a cell! You all are meant to be cut open on my table, dissected like frogs," He sneered to them. "I'll cut you all open for this!""You don't need to do this," Momo motioned for Todoroki to put her down, which he did, trusting her as she stood on shaky legs. "Doctor, you lost. We are leaving." Hitoshi flanked her other side, hoping she wouldn't fall.The crazed man cocked the rifle, aiming it up at her. "In body bags.""No!" Hitoshi jumped forward as the gun went off, pushing Momo back into Todoroki, who caught her, pulling her back into a protective circle. Hitoshi fell backward, holding his side.“Toshi!” Denki shouted, running over to him as the freed prisoners behind him looked on in surprise."Hitoshi!" Momo screamed, trying to scramble from Shouto's hold, but he held her back as the doctor aimed at them."No one fucking move!" The doctor aimed at her. "You all think you're seriously getting out of here? It's laughable!" He laughed maniacally, "I know your faces! Icyhot! There's no place you can go where I won't find you! No stone I won't turn to drag you back here and dissect you!" He put a finger to the trigger.Just as Shouto lifted his hand to shoot a wall of ice, another shot sounded off. The doctor stood still and dropped the rifle, a hole through the center of his head. His eyes went wide before he fell forward, limp.All eyes moved past him to see Endeavor standing with his smoking gun still raised. He looked impassive as if the act of killing a man hardly fazed him. He looked over to Shouto."Hitoshi!" Denki was at Hitoshi's side, pressing a hand to his wound. Momo moved past Shouto to get to the lavender-haired teen as well.Shouto could only look to his father. “Why?” He asked."You heard him," Endeavor walked forward, lowering his gun. "He saw your face and your power. He knew who you were," He stopped before him. "You need to get your friends and go."Shouto breathed out shakily before giving a nod. "Thank you," he said before turning away, helping Momo while Bakugo and Denki picked up Hitoshi and took them to the open truck. Once inside, Denki got in the driver's seat and alerted Jirou that they were on their way and they had injured with them.As they drove away from the facility, Momo pressed down on Hitoshi's wound, bringing a wince from the teen. "Ow ow ow owwww," He groaned.“Are you alright?” Momo asked him.Hitoshi flinched, "Yeah, feels like it didn't hit anything major." “And you would know how?” Bakugo barked in wonder.Hitoshi smirked through the pain, “Not my first rodeo getting shot.” He flinched again.“I got him,” Mina said, switching with Momo, “You go rest.” Momo reluctantly let go of the wound for Mina to hold as she leaned down and pressed a kiss to Hitoshi's forehead. "Thank you for coming.""What's Christmas without Momo there to make it grand?" He said through the pain, though his eyes were shining as well with a wide grin, "But I'm glad we got you, too."Momo leaned back into Todoroki's arms as he hugged her. Then, gently, he lifted the coat of his hero costume from the floor of the truck where he left it after changing and draped it over her shoulders. She snuggled into it with a sigh, leaning her face into his neck."Shouto," She whispered, "I don't know if this is all some lucid dream or real." She sighed, "I hope it's the latter.""It's real," Shouto hugged her, careful of her bruises and cuts, "I'm here. I came for you.""That's just what a dream version of you would say," She mused. She looked around the truck to everyone they rescued, "I should probably do introductions." She yawned.“Later…” He kissed the top of her head. “Sleep now.”She didn't need to be told twice; she honestly didn't even need to be told once. She closed her eyes and fell into the warmth of her boyfriend and his protective grip.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~They stopped at the motel where they left Jirou. It was comical to see 13 quirked teens of different features squeeze into a small motel suite with two queen beds. Thankfully, the place was mostly deserted, so no one was around to see the bird boy, pink alien queen, or octopus-like creature called Shoji walk into the room. Jirou was just as surprised as she played doctor for Hitoshi and Momo, getting them patched up while the rest of the teena took turns with the shower. They ordered enough pizza to feed an army and had a grand first night of freedom. They spread across the room, and Momo introduced Mina to reality TV. It was fun and loud, but in a good way, as they all bonded.Hitoshi got the bed, of course, but he was squished between Jirou and Denki, both of whom kept bugging him to make sure he wasn’t dead every time he closed his eyes.“Toshi?” Denki whispered.“What?” Hitoshi snapped for the hundredth time that night, keeping his eyes closed.“Are you dying?” He whimpered out, eyes wide and watering again, ready to start blubbering.“Yes, but sadly, not fast enough,” He blew out a long breath. “Ask me again in sixty years and maybe I’ll be closer to sweet sweet death.”“Hey!” Jirou pulled his ear, making him snap his lavender eyes open and cry out in pain. “He’s just worried about his friend.” She glared, “You got shot in front of him! He’s traumatized!”“I am!” Denki nodded, pouting with a quivering chin.“Excuse me for being a hero!” He scoffed, “I promise next time I get shot I’ll ask permission first.”“Consent is sexy,” Denki giggled playfully as Hitoshi rolled his eyes up to the ceiling.“Okay, now I think I’m dying,” He grunted, dropping his head back onto the hard mattress.“Jirouuuu!” Denki whaled, shaking her shoulder from across Hitoshi’s body, “I knew it! I knew it!”“See what you did?” Jirou glared down at Hitoshi, who was smirking in his meditative state. Momo, meanwhile, laughed as she sat at the end of the bed watching it all happen.Finally, Momo showered and changed into clothes Jirou brought for her, though not before Jirou took her payment of a thousand hugs. Then Momo excused herself while the group debated about The Bachelor.While Momo showered, Jirou sat on the counter in the bathroom talking to her through the curtain. Momo was thankful, not really wanting to be alone as she watched the blood wash off her body and swirl down the drain. Jirou kept her mind occupied and present instead of drifting off to what she just walked away from.Stepping from the shower, Jirou handed her a towel and brushed Momo’s hair before tying it up for her.“Thanks, Jirou,” Momo whispered, looking at her best friend's reflection in the mirror, pausing when she saw the tears in her eyes and turning around. “Jirou- oh,” She paused as the small girl jumped up and hugged her again.“I was so damn scared,” Jirou sniffled and Momo smiled softly as she hugged her back. “I was so worried I’d never see you again.”“I’m sorry I put you through this.” “Don’t apologize. It wasn’t your fault.”“I knew the risks getting in this line of work,” Momo sighed, hugging her tighter. “I just didn’t think of what it would do to those around me. And for that I do need to say sorry.”“Shut up,” The rocker girl pulled away and looked up at her. “I want you to know I’m here if you need to talk about… anything that happened in there.” Her eyes shone as she tried to remain strong.Momo realized what she meant and shook her head, “Nothing I couldn’t handle. Nothing like that at least.”Jirou let out a long breath that sounded like it broke from her as she clutched at her chest, “Oh damn thank you.” She said to anyone listening, “I thought-” She trailed off closing her eyes and shaking her head, “Nevermind. I’m just so glad you’re back and whole.”The quirked teen didn’t want to correct her. Momo was anything but whole after that whole ordeal. She was cracked but no where near as damaged as those teens out there who lived this life for years. She might recover but they might not. That thought broke her just a bit more as she plastered on a smile and touched Jirou’s cheek, “Come on, i think someone else needs the bathroom.”Jirou nodded and opened the door as Momo set her bloody and torn scrubs in the corner with the others that some of them ditched in favor of clothes borrowed from either Hitoshi or Todoroki’s bag. Mina was even sporting some of Denki’s sweats with one of his baseball shirts like she was a model for fashion week.Outside the bathroom was as loud as it was when they went in.Hitoshi got very passionate about the bachelor show that was still on, even though he swore he hated it with every fiber of his being."Hey, I'm wounded; you have to agree with me," He said to Denki, who rolled his eyes as he and Sero sat on either side of the purple-haired teen with pizza."I can already tell you're gonna milk this whole 'got shot' thing 'til the day we die," Jirou groaned, walking over to the bed and dropped down next to Sero."Which could have been today for me, you know? Because of the bullet? That I took." Hitoshi responded with a wink towards her.Momo snuck over to the entrance of the room and managed to open it before she closed the door behind her and walked over to the railing of the motel, looking out to the night sky. Breathing out, the cold smoke trailed from her mouth.The door opened, and she looked over her shoulder to see Todoroki. She smiled as he joined her, wrapping his arms around her from behind in a warm hug. She knew he was exuding his heat to keep her warm, and she leaned more into him."Hey," she whispered, still tired from everything."You alright?" He asked for the thousandth time since she woke up. Until now, she kept telling him she was fine. That was in front of everyone else, though… now that they were alone."No," She whispered, her eyes burning as she thought of all that she had been through. "I'm not." His arms tightened around her as she sniffled. "But I'm going to be." She nodded, "What happened to me in there has happened to everyone in that room for a lot longer. They're all so strong," She shook her head. "I don't know how long I would have lasted.""You're strong, too," Shouto rested his cheek on top of her head. "The strongest person I know."She hummed, closing her eyes to bask in his warmth. "It's not over, you know," She let out a long sigh. "You just got one level of prisoners out. There's tons more back there." Momo re-opened her eyes and turned in his hold. The back of the metal bar pressed to her back as she leaned into him, and he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Dozens, if not hundreds, of people with quirks still locked up. Some are even children. We- we can't leave them.""We won't," Todoroki shook his head. "We'll get them all out." He hugged her tightly to his chest, squeezing her. "But for now…. We need to recover. There's always tomorrow."She hugged him back, “I love you.” "I love you, too." He put a hand under her chin and leaned down to press a soft kiss to her lips. A kiss they both put all of their missing and longing into.Neither of them would ever leave the other like that again.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~By the crack of dawn, Christmas morning was upon Japan.Lei sat in her living room by the ornate fireplace cracking beside her. The large pine Christmas tree was decorated in glistening tinsel and ornaments. Stockings hung by the fire, proudly boasting the name of each member of their family.Lei sniffled as she sat on the plush couch, holding a picture frame that usually sat over the fireplace. It was of their family two Christmases ago, Lei and Abalee on either side of Momo as she held a perfectly wrapped gift from her mothers, a broad smile on her face.She let a whimper escape, looking around her to the big empty house. She wanted to go visit her wife, but she had to be here in case- Her head dropped as a sob escaped her throat, “Momo.” She whispered. What would her wife think if she saw this? Her partner losing their daughter, keeping her secret, letting her fight villains.It was enough to make the woman want to grovel at her wifes bedside begging for forgiveness.It was their first Christmas apart as a family; all of them split up. Maybe they would never be together.No, she couldn't think like that. She had to have faith that Todoroki, Hitoshi and Denki would bring Momo back.‘But they’re just kids.’ She had thought over and over. Part of her wondered if she did the right thing sending them into danger like that. She wanted to go with them but she knew she would just get in the way with their powers. They already had Jirou to worry about.“Oh, Jirou.” Lei whispered. She made the boys promise to keep her behind and to be as safe as possible. She didn’t know what she would do if something happened to a girl that’s been like a second daughter to her. How would she tell her parents if anything happened?A cry escaped as she hugged the picture frame to her chest and looked up at the star of the tree. Squeezing her eyes shut she wished and wished, begging for her daughter to come home with everyone. “Please” She whispered, pushing every ounce of her soul into her words, “Please, please.”The sound of the door opening hardly processed in her mind, but a voice did.“Mom?”Lei’s eyes snapped open, tears leaking down her face as she looked to the entryway to see Momo come around the corner. She looked at her mom and smiled.“Mom,” Momo stepped in, arms opening up."Momo," the name choked in Lei's throat as she pushed off the couch, dropping the frame, both hands grabbing for her daughter as she pulled her closer. She let out a loud, ugly sob, "Oh god, Momo! She shouted.“Mom it’s okay, I’m okay!” Momo hugged her back just as tightly."Momo, my baby, I thought-" She pulled away to cup Momo's bruised face, looking her over, "I thought I'd never see you again!""I know. But I'm back, Mom." Momo let her mother pull her back into a hug, "Shouto and my friends got me out.""Shouto?" She sniffled, pulling away, "Is everyone else alright? Are you alright? Oh god, your pretty face!" Her mother inspected her, looking her over, "I can have my doctor here in a few minutes! I just-""Mom, Mom, no, it's alright. But, I have some people that need to stay here."Lei blinked away the shock and nodded quickly, "O-of course anything!" She walked around towards the front of the door to see a group of teenagers standing there looking awkward. Some were marveling at the grand house."Oh my!" Lei put a hand to her chest, "Are they-" Her tone trailed off, looking at Mina and Tokoyami.“Like me?” Momo offered, already knowing from Todoroki that her mother knew, “Yes. And they have nowhere to go right now.”Lei looked at each face of the teenagers, her heart aching as she put on a big smile to try and calm their nerves. "Of course! Any friend of my daughter is welcome here, quirked or not! Come in, everyone; you must be freezing!" She motioned to the living room.A roll of relieved sighs went through the crowd as the teens walked past the woman, some still in their uniformed scrubs. Then, with a final kiss on Momo's head, Lei went into mother mode."I have a bunch of extra clothes lying around! Who's hungry? I can order Chinese! My treat!" She said as Mina and Hagakure began talking excitedly to her. Lei’s eyes looked between the invisible girl and the pink girl with wide fascinating eyes as she nodded along to their ramblings.Sero and Shoji admired the giant tree while Bakugo helped an injured Hitoshi to the couch. Lei gasped, looking away from the girls to the boy that had lived with them.“Hitoshi! Are you alright?” She went to him.“I’m fine, Ma’m.” Hitoshi smiled through the pain, not wanting to worry her.“Oh, so now you’re fine?” Denki plopped down next to him, “Where’s all that bitching from the car?”Hitoshi jabbed him with an elbow but smiled at Lei, "I swear, I'm fine."Jirou stood next to Lei with her own evil smirk, “He took a bullet for Momo. Saved her life.”Lei gasped, looking from her daughter's best friend to a blushing Hitoshi who was looking down, “Hitoshi… is that true?”“I mean– yeah?” He shrugged.Lei dropped down to her knees before him, pulling the teen into a hug, “Thank you so much, son!”"Son?" Hitoshi whispered, eyes sparkling at the word. His face flushed pink, but he smiled, returning the hug given to him.A knock sounded at the door. Lei excused herself but not before touching Hitoshi’s cheek gently and giving him a kind smile. She walked over and opened it to reveal a pissed Aizawa and overly hype Present Mic. “Kids! You made it!” Mic shouted, accepting a hug from Denki who nearly ran him over.“And you brought more.” Aizawa looked around to everyone, “Joy.”"Aizawa's school of heroic kids just got a little bigger," Jirou chuckled at the annoyed adult's face.Shouto walked over to him, arms crossed, “Got our message?”Aizawa looked over the crowd of kids all partnering off in small groups as Lei fawned over them, bringing out blankets while Jirou went to help her. "Didn't think you were serious when you said you got people out."“Think you can help us with them?” Shouto asked, motioning with his head to the groups. Momo came over, leaning against her boyfriend for support.Aizawa looked at the teens, "Some of them yeah, but others..." His eyes leveled on Mina and Tokoyami, "They'll need to stay hidden for now.""They can stay here," Momo insisted, "Mom already loves them." She looked over her shoulder to see her mother petting Tokoyami's beak as the bird-like teen blushed but didn't stop her.Aizawa nodded, "We'll make it work. I want to hear everything, just to make sure you kids covered your tracks."“I’ll tell you everything.” Shouto motioned for him to follow.Momo stayed to help her mother as the group gave the quirked teens a Christmas they would never forget. They got Chinese, showers, and clothes for them all as everyone gathered around the fireplace while Mina regaled them all with the harrowing story of how they all broke out as if they all weren't there.Momo was sipping her hot cocoa when she noticed Bakugo step out. Setting it down, she made her way out the front door, hugging her arms around herself in the cold. He leaned against the pillar by the door, looking out to the large lawn covered in dead to frozen grass. "Hey." Momo closed the door behind her, stopping the flow of sound from inside as she stood next to him. This was the first time they had been alone together since they left that horrible prison. It was different being alone with Bakugo than it was with the others. She had something that tied her to each person in that house… But with Bakugo, it was different.They went through something in that room. Honestly, everyone at that prison went through it, but Momo had a feeling that she and Bakugo got the worst from their resilience to give up. To keep fighting and not give in to the pain. When she was with Bakugo, she didn't need to smile or put up the false image that she was fine. Because even if she did, he would know.“Hey,” He shrugged, keeping his eyes on the yard.They stood like that, breathing in the cold air, basking in their freedom. Someone squealed from inside. Both teens looked over to the wide window to see Mina twirling around in one of Momo's ball gowns. Momo had given the girls free reign of her room, and it looked like they were taking advantage of the opportunity. Hagakure and Sero were clapping as she did a little model show while Lei served everyone hot cocoa.“You really did it.” Bakugo said, knocking Momo from the tender view as she looked to him.“What?”"You got us all out of there. Just like you said you would," Bakugo nodded, and when he finally looked at her, he gave her the smallest of smiles, "Like I knew you would."“Did you?” Momo teased back, “You seemed pretty reluctant to believe me. All doom and gloom back there.”He scoffed loudly, the smile dropping to replace his signature scowl, "Shows you know anything at all! Jeez!"“It was mostly Shouto and my friends that did it.”"Nah, you would have gotten us out without them." The tone was so serious, and she knew he meant it, "They just stole our thunder is all. But it was you they came for. And you could have easily left them all there." Bakugo looked over to his friends in the window as Mina and Shoji did a mock ballroom dance while everyone sang Christmas songs. "But you didn't."“Of course not. You guys got me through that hellish place. I couldn’t leave you all.”Bakugo huffed, shaking his head, “Such a hero all the time.”Momo giggled, tilting her head to the side to look at him fully, “What are you gonna do now?”“Eh?” He glanced at her and shrugged, “I dunno, probably find my parents.”“The ones you said were still fighting for you?” “Yeah, better let the hag know I’m not dead.” He sighed, though Momo could feel the energy come off him, “I don’t even know if they still live in the same house or have the same phone number. What do you do when you’ve been gone for so many years?” His face turned down for a flash of fear, “What if I don’t find them.”The gate gave a screeching sound at the end of the driveway as it opened. Bakugo and Momo looked up as a small blue sedan made its way up the long driveway.“Oh, wow they’re early.” Momo whispered.“Who’s that?” Bakugo asked, hesitant on anyone new joining their family.Momo smiled, a real one, "I had Hitoshi do a quick search for me last night. Turns out the Bakugo's kept everything the same as the day you left. Same address, same phone numbers…." She trailed off as the door to the car opened and a blonde woman and brunette man stepped out. Bakugo gasped, stepping forward on the step.“Mom? Dad?” He whispered.The sandy-haired woman had giant tears in her eyes that were no match for the blubbering man next to her, "Katsuki!" She sobbed, running forward.Bakugo pushed off the pillar, took one step and another before he broke out into a run toward them, picking his mom up in a hug that spun her around. She clung onto him, calling his name, crying harder. The father stopped next to them, so when Bakugo set his mom down, he went to his dad and was engulfed in a bear hug like no other."Son!" He cried harder, hiccuping wildly.Momo touched a hand to her chest, smiling at the tender moment, which lasted about 30 seconds before the woman smacked Bakugo upside the head and began screaming how much she missed him as he called her a hag and said she was shit at finding him. It was still sweet.Bakugo led his parents up the short steps to her as Momo waved, “Hello.”“You’re the girl that called us?” His mother asked.“Ye- OH!” She was pulled into a giant hug by both parents as they thanked her. "Ey, let her go! She's not a marshmallow!" Bakugo pried them off her as Momo laughed and accepted the love."Would you two like to join us? We kind of have a party going on." She motioned to the door.“We’d love to meet any friends of Katsuki!” His mother cooed as Bakugo growled.Momo brought them in and did introductions to the wide eyes of all the teens. The parents were swarmed by teens asking about their friend, Katsuki.“What was he like as a baby?” Mina asked.“Oh, oh, do you have pictures of him in diapers?” Hagakura swooned."I do!" Mitsuki screamed, taking out her wallet to show the laminated pictures of Bakugo through various stages of life. It was sweet, but not as much as Bakugo's father taking out his own wallet to show each school picture Katsuki ever took.Momo backed away from the festivities to join her friends in the kitchen, each holding a drink in hand. Denki sat between Jirou and Hitoshi, making jabs at a blushing Todoroki.Momo slid in next to her boyfriend and touched his arm as he smiled down at her."It feels so good to be together again," Momo sighed happily."Yeah," Jirou hummed, "But-" She hugged her mug closer, looking to each of them, "What now?"“What do you mean?” Denki asked."The mayor?" Jirou said as if he forgot, which he probably did. "The corrupt system? The prison? Should we expect retaliation?"Hitoshi shook his head, "Nah, there's no actual footage of us anywhere in the facility. Sure, some guards got a glance at us, but not enough to track us down. And the piece of shit doctor is dead, courtesy of Endeavor.'' He motioned to Todoroki, who nodded, "So the only person who can burst this bubble is your dad. So tell us Shouto, should we be worried?" He sipped his drink.Todoroki hummed, looking down at the marshmallows in his drink. "I don't think so. He didn't shoot me, and he saved us, and he let us go. I haven't heard from him, but I think we're safe, for now."“Then what about the mayor and everything else?” Denki asked.Momo hummed, "I've been thinking." She said looking at each of them, "We can't always just break in and tear down walls. They know what we did, and they'll be ready for us to come back."“So what does that mean? We get more fighters?” Denki cocked his cute head to the side."It means we take the fight public." Momo pushed her shoulders back, "That place always got away with everything they did because no one knew what they were doing in them. Quirk prisons are a taboo subject that no one wants to touch, but maybe it's time we bring it to the light."“How?” Jirou piped in, “We can’t come forward and say we know because we’ve been there.”“No, but we get proof.”Hitoshi sighed, “I tried logging into their servers today and got a firewall. They are doing major damage control so I can’t get in anymore, and what I do have is circumstantial at best.”"What about video proof?" A voice said, and all five teens turned in their seats to see Endeavor standing in the kitchen's entryway in a thick wool coat. Everyone jumped up at the ready for a fight, but Lei ran in with her hands between them, "Wait, wait, he comes in peace!" She said.“How do you know?” Hitoshi asked, wincing at the sudden movement on his side.“Because I came to apologize,” He said, and before he could say more he slowly got down on his knees before lowering himself into a formal floor bow, pressing his hands on the hardwood floor. Everyone was shocked as was Lei who stepped aside. “I had a lot of time to think, about what I've done. To people that are like my son,” He sat up on his knees in a kneel, “I can’t take it back, but I can try and do better.”“Why?” Shouto asked, crossing his arms, “Why now?”“I-” He paused, looking to Momo, “I was coming to see you before they got you out.”Momo blinked in surprise. She had been wondering why he had been there.“I don’t know what I was going to do but… I was going to get you out.”“Now he tells us,” Hitoshi shook his head, “Would have been so much easier, and I wouldn’t have gotten shot.”“That doesn’t answer the why?” Shouto pressed harder.“Because for so many years I’ve been blinded by my own bias and prejudice. My hatred for their- your kind.” He corrected himself with a wince, “I was so worried about you having to live unprotected in a world where people with quirks can tear it all down.”“So now that you know I'm one of them, you what- care?” Shouto looked away.“I’ve always cared!” Endeavor stood up, hands out, “I might have showed it wrong, but I care!”“If you care you’ll get mom out of that place and bring her home!” Shouto sneered at him.“Son, she-”“She didn’t do anything! She was protecting me from you!” He pointed to him, tears in his eyes as Momo put a hand to his arm, “She threw that boiling water on me to hide my flames from you. She’s not crazy!”Enji’s eyes widened in realization, “Shouto”“You’re the reason I’m burned! She was scared of what your hatred of quirked people would do to me! So instead of sending me away you sent her away.” Shouto burned with hatred, “And I don’t care that you think this self-righteous version of you is different.. Sure, you helped get us out. I still won’t give you what you want. Forgiveness.”Enji flinched as tension filled every corner of the room. Hitoshi quietly broke the silence by hissing about how awkward the situation was. Jirou broke the silence a little louder by jabbing her elbow into Hitoshi’s side and the teen grunted in pain, clutching his bandaged side.“I understand… But I still want to help.” He turned away from his son and walked to Momo. Shouto stood in front of her, but Momo gently stepped around him with a hand on his chest to let him know she was fine.Enji took in the bruises and scratches on her face and the guilt was clear, “How can you help?” She asked.“I have videos of the sessions the doctor did with most suspects I needed confessions from in the past.” He nodded, “I can give you all of them.”“Do you have mine?” She asked.Enji flinched again but nodded, “Yes.”“Son of a bitch,” Shouto growled from the back, “You watched them torture her.” He stepped forward, but Momo held a hand to his chest to keep him back as she kept addressing him.“I would like them all, please. Can you send them?”“I can.” He nodded.“Good. We’ll be in touch, Enji.” She gave a nod to signal this was all over as she turned back to Shouto to calm him down.Lei led a speechless Enji from the house as the group stood in stunned silence.“Hey, guys,” Denki spoke up and everyone looked to him, “We have our whole lives to get this going. And we will-” He insisted, “But today is Christmas.”“Yeah,” Hitoshi nodded, “Let’s have today, and be heroes tomorrow.” Momo looked up at a still-pissed Shouto and offered a smile, “What do you say?”Shouto met her eyes and his look softened. He cupped her face and leaned down to press his forehead to her own, “As long as I’m with you, we can be heroes anytime.”//~~~~~~~End Ch 41~~~~~~~\\
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
//~~~~~~~~~~Ch 42~~~~~~~~~~~\\
*******Several Months Later**********
"Hey, hey, hey, watch out! Grads coming through!" Denki pushed open the door to the nearly empty classroom. Hitoshi was behind him with his robe over his arm and head in hand.
"Denki, Hitoshi, look at your ties!" Momo gasped, lowering the written speech she was reading over for the hundredth time.
She set her paper to the side and rushed over to them as Shouto looked up, slightly annoyed that his girlfriend was no longer sitting next to him. He crossed his arms and frowned, though to Momo she would swear it was a pout, even though he would no doubt deny it.
The principal gave Momo the empty history classroom to prepare for her big speech. However, after texting her friends about it, they seemed to take it upon themselves to make it the unofficial party room before the ceremony.
"I told them they looked dumb but did they listen to me? Nope," Jirou walked in next, her silk gown hanging open to show off her less than appropriate punk dress with a hazardous number of safety pins and studs.
Momo stopped before Denki first, and the blond gave her a big, wide grin. Momo cooed as she smoothed his spiky hair down and went to work on his tie.
Hitoshi made his way over to Shouto and gently punched his arm. "Don't you look super dapper." He motioned to the hero's designer suit, which probably cost a fortune.
"You're one to talk," Todoroki reached out to the mind-controlling teen and grabbed his collar, rubbing the fabric. "This Armani?"
"It's Brioni," Momo corrected as she finished Denki's tie and gave it a soft pat, "And Denki's is Tom Ford."
Todoroki looked at the blond as the electric hero blushed and brought his shoulders up to his ears, "She took you shopping too?"
"Mrs. Yaoyorozu took us both," Denki said, running a hand down the expensive suit. "She insisted when I told her I was gonna go thrifting for one."
"You're family, Denki." Momo cupped his face, squeezing it fondly as she resisted the urge to boop his cute nose like a kitten. "My mom is going to spoil you rotten if you keep up smiling at her like that." She giggled, looking to Todoroki, "My mom has a total soft spot for adorable blonds."
"She's apparently not the only one," Todoroki joked as the blond lit up bright pink and began nervously laughing.
"Hey, party people!" Mic burst through the door, arms raised over his head as if to pump up a crowd, not a small group of five teens.
"Yamada, you made it!" Denki nearly tackled the radio host in a big hug, but it was nothing he couldn't handle as he picked the smaller blond up and hugged him tightly, spinning and making them both giggle.
"Oh god, the energy in this room is astronomical." Aizawa came through next, eyebags deep and dark as he shoved his hands into his pockets.
"Woo woo!" Emi slid in, arms up as if to raise the roof, "When I say Con you say grats! Con-" She pointed to the teens.
"Grats!" Denki, Mic, and Momo said together while both purple-haired teens and Todoroki groaned.
“Con!”
“Grats!”
"Alright, enough, or we're going home," Aizawa said like a stern parent as Emi and Mic groaned like children.
The three adults were dressed in their civies, looking as casual as ever as if they didn’t don masks every night and fight crime like the teens did.
Momo motioned for Hitoshi to come over as she began to work on his tie, “Mom is gonna freak if she sees this tied like that.” She folded the tie over properly.
Hitoshi blushed, "Wouldn't want to upset… mom." He was still unsure of the word, and it showed as Momo finished the knot and patted his chest.
“You call her what you’re comfortable with. Mom, Ma, Mrs. Yaoyorozu, Lei. She’s not going to ask more than what you want to give.”
“I know. I’m working on it.” Hitoshi sighed, but a small smile came to his face.
When she stepped away, Aizawa came forward and looked him up and down with a firm nod. "So it's official? The adoption?"
Lei had taken an absolute shine to the mind controlling teen. Even though he was seventeen and just about out of the system she approached him not long after the quirk prison raid with the offer. When he asked her why she just stated that he was family, whether he accepted the adoption or not. But she wanted him to know he was wanted, and Momo agreed saying she would love to have him as her brother. Hitoshi would take this to the grave with him and deny if Momo or Lei mentioned it but he broke down crying, nodding, saying he would really like to be a part of their family.
"Yup, I'm a Yaoyorozu?" He winced at the name, "I mean, I kept my last name. Don't ask me why." He shook his head, "I just felt the need to. The world didn't care about me when my name was Shinsou, so I'd like to stay in the shadows as much as possible."
"Fair," Aizawa nodded as a small smirk came to his face, "But I also recall a certain brat that said he didn't need the world. And look at him now-" Aizawa motioned around the room, "A family, friends…." He reached down and took Hitoshi's grad cap as he set it on the teens head and moved the tassel to the side. "An education. Sounds like he's doing pretty well in this world."
Hitoshi blushed as he looked to the side, “Maybe that kid just realized not everyone in the world is a flaming bag of shit.”
"It's about damn time," Aizawa scoffed. "I'm proud of you, Hitoshi." He rested a hand on his shoulder, "You're becoming a fine hero."
Hitoshi's eyes shone as he pressed his mouth in a thin line as if to fight back the emotions. All he could return to his mentor was a single nod. "Thanks for not giving up on me."
Aizawa squeezed his shoulder, trying to convey through his look just how proud he was. He looked to the others, all watching the fatherly moment. "So, what do you all have planned after graduation?" He walked around to the center, putting his hands in his pockets as the two other adult heroes flanked each side of him with their own mischievous smiles.
Jirou was the first to speak as she put her grad cap on, “Well, I’m going to Musutafu University. I got my acceptance letter last month.”
"Ooo," Emi clapped. "My old stomping grounds! Whatcha gonna do?"
"Music studies." She shrugged, "I don't know, maybe minor in business. My parents won't say it, but they need my help with the business. They're opening a second location on the campus. I'm going to manage it in my spare time."
“Nice! I expect a family and friends discount!” Mic said with a cheeky grin as Jirou giggled, shaking her head.
"I'll give you guys the civil servant discount. Ya know since you are– you know," She shrugged, already wanting the attention off her.
"What about you, kid?" Mic slapped Denki's back so hard that the smaller blond stumbled forward but steadied himself.
Denki chuckled, looking around, rubbing his arm, “Erm, I’m also going to Musutafu University. I got a scholarship.” His cheeks turned pink.
"Really? That's great!" Mic shouted, looking up at Aizawa with a mischievous smile, "Another kind scholarship from the Aizawa foundation?" He wagged his eyes to the exhausted hero.
"Actually-" Todoroki interjected, walking over and nudging Denki with his shoulder, "He got this one on his own."
“Really?” Mic’s eyes went wide, “How’d ya get that?”
A still-blushing Denki poked his index fingers together. "Um, well, I kept my GPA up, and I wrote an essay about the hardships I've faced. It's not going to cover everything. But thankfully, I know a manager of a coffee shop on campus that'll give me good hours." He smiled at Jirou, who shook her head with a grin of her own.
It was a beautiful essay; Momo had helped Denki with proofreading it. Honestly, Momo broke down crying, reading the emotion Denki poured out. How his mother abandoned him, and he persisted, taking care of his grandmother who passed away two months ago, while keeping his grades up. He poured his soul into that paper, which showed because that acceptance letter they sent him was glowing with approval. Denki deserved it after all he had been through, and she was glad the world could see he was smart in his own way.
Mic had giant tears in his eyes as he threw his arms open, "Aw, Denki-Doodle!" He sobbed, and Denki fell into the hug accepting all the praise like a golden retriever puppy.
“I’m so excited! Toshi and I are already looking at apartments!”
"Apartments?" Aizawa scoffed loudly, looking to his protege, who was looking up in annoyance at Denki spilling the beans, "You're gonna live together?"
"I got into Musutafu as well." Hitoshi grunted, "Naturally, I can't live in that old theater forever, and the Yaoyorozu residence has become… loud." He forced a smile. "So it only makes sense for blondie, and I get a place near campus. For commuting purposes, of course."
"He's gonna drive you crazy," Jirou giggled. "I can't wait to hear you bitch and complain every day."
Hitoshi gave her a curt smile, "You can name a frappuccino after my pain."
“I just might.” She winked back.
“What are you going for?” Emi asked excitedly.
"Cyber security." Hitoshi shrugged on his grad gown, "I mean, I could probably teach the class, but having actual credentials might help us get into places. You never know."
Aizawa looked to Momo, who had slid on her robe and zipped it up as she adjusted her cap in the makeshift mirror she set up on the teacher's desk, "And you?"
Turning around, she looked at each of them with a broad smile, "I was accepted to Kyoto University for their Law department."
Emi whistled, showing that she was indeed impressed, "Wow, that's, like, the best school in Japan."
"She also got accepted by Harvard & Yale in the states," Jirou spoke up, bragging about how smart her best friend was.
“I couldn’t leave the country. Besides, it would be weird if Creati showed up in the states the same time Momo Yaoyorozu does.” She fluffed her ponytail to the side, trying to make herself presentable.
“Creati AND IcyHot.” Emi said, “At least you both will be together no matter where you go. Kyoto better watch out for this power couple!”
A pause filled the room as Momo looked at Todoroki, and he came to her side and took her hand as she smiled before looking back to everyone, "Actually, about that…."
“Oh no! I don’t like the sound of that!” Denki said, “What?”
"I'm staying here," Shouto said. "I was accepted to Musutafu Police academy. I'm also studying criminal justice at the university as well."
A gasp filled the room as Hitoshi seemed the most put off by the announcement.
"But… but… Kyoto is, like, three hours away," Jirou said, looking between them.
“And you guys are still together right? Right!” Denki shouted.
"Of course we're still together," Todoroki spoke up.
Momo squeezed his hand, assuring him as she smiled, "We talked, and we'll make it work. I'll be taking classes four days of the week, and I'll take the train back almost every weekend to visit and have Creati make an appearance."
"That's a big commitment," Aizawa said, ever the pessimist. "It's a lot on your shoulders."
“We’ll make it work.” Momo leaned into Todoroki’s side and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, “We always do.”
A bell chime sounded in the distance, and everyone looked up in surprise as Momo gasped, "Oh, the ceremony is starting soon! We need to get into places!"
Ushering everyone out, the adults bid them goodbye, and they'll be in the crowd.
The three stood in the halls of their school, in a semicircle, looking at each other.
"Can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I'm gonna miss this place," Jirou looked around them fondly.
"Yeah," Momo sighed, realizing this was the very hall she stood in when she lost her flyers for the bake sale and Todoroki and her spoke for the first time in years.
They all looked around before trailing their look to each other as they stood in a circle.
"Ready for the next adventure, guys?" Hitoshi asked, looking at each of them.
“Hell ya!” Denki shouted, giving a thumbs up.
“Count me in.” Jirou flipped the edge of her sharply cut hair.
“Me too,” Momo smiled brightly.
“Of course.” Todoroki gave a single nod.
With that, they walked down the hall to join their fellow classmates outside on the football field, where all the parents crowded into the tall bleachers while the students found their assigned seats on the uncomfortable white plastic chairs.
Momo, as the valedictorian, was the first chair, and with a soft kiss to Todoroki, she made her way to the front.
Once seated, she looked behind her to the seats. Denki waved from his spot next to Jirou since their names ended up next to each other. Hitoshi was closer to the back, arms crossed, and phone out even though it was against the rules. Todoroki was near the back, watching her with a fond look that brought a blush to her face.
Her eyes trailed up to the bleachers, and she instantly saw their group.
Lei was jumping up and down, waving both hands along with Bakugo's mom and Dad. The sandy blond was beside them, arms crossed, pouting at having to come. But when Momo met his red eyes, he lifted a hand and gave her a thumbs up.
Jirou's parents were next to Lei with a big sign that said 'Congrats Kyoka!' with glitter and stars.
Aizawa, Emi, Mic, and several other disguised heroes, including Recovery Girl in her old sun hat, sat in front of them. Momo had invited Recovery Girl after their last meeting over tea. She was grateful for the invitation and accepted.
Momo lifted a hand and waved to them excitedly, noticing them all taking pictures.
Looking back at her boyfriend, she found his face looking out to the bleachers. But instead of looking at their friends and family, he looked further down near the railing. She followed his gaze, and a smile broke across her once confused features.
Rei, Shouto's mom, was standing along the railing with Fuyumi & Natsuo flanking her sides. The small family waved to Shouto. The icy hot hero lifted a hand and returned the wave as a small smile came to his features.
The principal broke the moment by tapping the mic and beginning the proceedings as all eyes came to him.
With a quick glance back, she could see Bakugo's mom holding her phone up as if recording. She was probably broadcasting a live feed back to the mansion where the others were watching.
After they all returned several months ago, Lei opened her home to all the lost children of the quirk facility. Many who spent their whole lives there had nothing on the outside. With the help of Aizawa and the other heroes, Lei offered her home as a type of school for them. She insisted along with therapy to cope with what they went through, the children also needed an education, and if they couldn't go to school, they could learn there. Each hero picked up a course, working to give these kids as much help as possible.
Mic took on English, Midnight took up History, and Emi grasped onto math rather quickly. Aizawa was in charge of quirk training. Other heroes came through to help in subjects or training when they could.
Bakugo's parents sold their small place and moved closer, allowing Katsuki to live at the mansion with his friends to get himself back on track. He could have entered regular school, but he declined, wanting to learn with his friends and grow along with them. He was really dead set on being a hero.
Lei became like a house mother, providing anything she could to help these kids have as much of a normal life as possible.
Momo would say she would miss having so many around when she moved away. She was getting used to sleepovers in her room with the girls.
"And presenting her school and family, we have our Valedictorian, Momo Yaoyorozu!" The principal announced as a wave of applause filled the air. She gasped and looked up, realizing that was her cue.
Over the polite clapping, she could hear the screams of her friends and family.
“That’s my baby!” Lei shouted.
"That's my best friend!" Jirou hollered while Denki whooped and Hitoshi whistled even with his monotone face in place.
Momo blushed under the affection as she made her way up the stairs to the podium. Looking out to the field, she felt her heart race, and her mouth grew dry.
But all she had to do was find those perfect mismatched eyes, and it all became effortless. Smiling at him, she let out a breath and put on her most perfect grin.
"Thank you so much," She turned her head and gave a slight bow to her principal and back to the crowd. She let everyone settle as she took a deep breath and began her practiced speech.
“Growing up, neither of my mothers ever even suggested that I couldn’t do whatever I wanted to do or be whomever I wanted to be. I was raised in a home filled with open love and a warm hug every morning. They provided me with books, protection, and a world filled with possibilities. This warmth has been an inspiration for me throughout my life.” She looked up to the bleachers to see her mother crying into a handkerchief as she smiled at her daughter while Mitsuki and Jirou's mom rubbed her back and arm.
"But I also need to give credit to another outstanding woman who was there for me beyond the confines of my home. From the playground of preschool to these very walls of high school. Kyoka Jirou," She motioned to her best friend, who sat upright in surprise, having no idea about this part. "Jirou, without you, I don't know how I would have gotten through these eighteen years." She sniffled, wiping a hand across her eyes, "Oh jeez, I told myself I wouldn't cry," She said, and the audience chuckled as she continued, "I don't know if you remember, but-" Momo lifted her hands out as if to gesture to her.
"At the beginning of this year, you told me a quote; I believe it was off your American History test," She said, and the crowd gave another laugh and died down quickly.
"If a law is unjust, a person is not only right to disobey it, they are obligated to do so," Momo said with an air of remembrance as she looked out at Jirou. "Do you remember that? Well, I thought about it. A lot. It actually caused me to go down a rabbit hole of studying and, in the end, it helped me decide my path in life. To go to law school and break down the laws that are truly unjust.”
She could tell Jirou was crying as Denki gave a pat on her shoulder, whispering something as the purple-haired rocker nodded but kept her eyes on Momo.
“Jirou, people may think I grew up an only child, but they are far from the truth. I had two moms and a sister. The three strongest women I know held my hands and guided me to the future. Thank you, Kyoka.”
Jirou held up a hand to her mouth as she nodded to Momo as if to say she agreed. Momo was just as much her sister as she was hers.
Her eyes then connected with those that followed her in the day and in her dreams. The ones she fell in love with in this wild year of her life.
Last month she had to make a hard decision, but she didn’t make it alone.
Momo sat on her bed, holding the letter up as she finished reading the opening line. Then, with a heavy sigh, she lowered the paper to see the waiting expression of her ever-supportive boyfriend.
"Well?" Shouto asked with his hand on her leg and giving it a squeeze.
“I got in,” Momo whispered.
There was no smile, no sound of elation or jumping up and down. She knew that would come later with her mother and friends. But right here, right now, it felt like she was handed a death sentence. Looking back down to the paper, she re-read the opening.
‘
I am delighted to inform you that you have been admitted to-’ it stared back at her mockingly.
Which was horrible because they wanted this- she wanted this since she put in her application.
"Momo…" Shouto said, and she felt tears prick her eyes as she forced a smile and looked back at him.
"I'm sorry," Her voice was strained, airy as she tried to control her emotions, "I know this is everything we talked about. But–" She stopped as a tear slipped out, "Shouto, I don't know if I can do this without you."
Shouto was accepted to the police academy not long ago and would start a week after graduation.
"Momo," He said again, this time cupping her face and pulling her gently to look at him.
Momo felt her heart break and heal all at the same time, and it sent her emotions rolling.
When he was sure he had her attention, he smiled. It was sad, but it was there, "I'm so proud of you."
She took a shaky breath, more tears sliding out.
"You are so strong," He used his thumbs to dry her tears, "So smart." Leaning forward, he brushed his forehead to her own, and she closed her eyes, basking in his love and warmth, which were probably the same thing. Shouto's love was always so warm; it encased her, swallowed her whole sometimes to a point she felt it was a part of her being.
"You're going to do great things," he said. "Things that'll change the world, for people like us. And this is how you'll start."
"But you'll be so far away," Momo whispered, keeping her eyes closed because if she were to look at him, she would break.
"I'm never far." His words were soft, "Remember?" He said, bumping his nose to her own, and involuntarily she opened her eyes to see him smiling. "I'll always be there when you need me." Slowly he leaned his head in, "I'll always come when you call," He kissed her nose, "I'll always love you."
Momo drew in a shaky breath, “I love you too. My Shouto, my circle.”
“Circle?” Shouto raised a brow, “What’s that mean?”
Momo isn't sure why it just came to her, but she recalled that fateful day with her mom in the car. The last real thing they talked about before the attack was Shouto and how he was her circle. Momo didn't get it at the time, but now it all made sense.
Shaking her head, she smiled, "Nothing, I'll tell you later." She brought her hands up to cup over his own, still holding her face, "It's going to feel like forever."
"We'll make it work. It's only four years." He leaned in, pressing the softest kiss to her as she returned it.
Somewhere in the hall, they heard Mina shouting for Hagakure to give back her sweater. It was followed by a crash and Bakugo's voice ringing through the halls.
“You stepped on my fucking foot pinkie!”
“Then don’t get in my way!” Mina shouted back.
They broke the kiss, with Momo giggling, looking back up to his eyes, “I’m going to miss everyone.”
“Don’t let them hear you say that. Mina will sneak in your suitcase and Hitoshi’ll deliver her.” Shouto joked with his usual solemn face.
Momo laughed through the tears, leaning forward to press her forehead against his own, “I’ll be back here before you know it.”
Shouto smirked, leaning away as he took her hand and squeezed it, “Don’t rush yourself. Do you know how long it’ll take me to save up for a ring on a policeman's salary?”
Momo gasped, mouth dropping open as she felt the acceptance letter flutter down to the ground.
“S-Shouto!” Momo’s face burned bright red as she dropped his hand and cupped her face as if to try and hide it, “Y-You can’t just SAY things like that!”
The half-and-half hero let out a deep laugh, his shoulders shaking as he looked at her with all the love in the world, "Why not?"
"B-Because!" Momo stuttered, feeling her heart race, "It's just- you- I- We-" She couldn't seem to form a sentence. After taking a deep breath, she bit her lower lip and gave him a playful glare, "You jerk!" She slapped his arm as he laughed harder. When he showed no signs of letting up on his laugh, she sprang forward, tackling him back onto the bed, "I'll show you!"
"Oh, please do," Shouto flipped them over, looking down at her as her hair fanned out around her. He looked over her face before leaning down, capturing her in a deep kiss.
Blinking away the memory she focused back in on Shouto before letting her eyes trail over the crowd of faces.
“Which brings me to all of you,” Momo motioned to the crowd, making brief contact with her friends, locking eyes with each of them for split seconds before continuing.
"We live in a world where an artist can spark new ideas in an audience; where a writer can take you to a fantastic world, or a director can craft that world on screen. We also live in a world with quirk powered individuals," Momo said as she glanced back at her friends discreetly. They were all leaning in, obviously interested in where she was going.
“Students in the halls would talk about these individuals and their exploits. Many called them heroes. In fact, if you tell someone you met a hero, they’ll start asking you about their powers. I don’t think we should be thinking like this. A hero is not just someone running around at night in a costume who shoots ice from their hands or mind-controls criminals or even harnesses the power of electricity,” Momo paused and took a breath. Her eyes looked at the sea of graduation caps with steely determination.
“A hero is someone who does the right thing when it would be easier not to. It would be easier for a social worker to not help a struggling family. It would be easier for a doctor to not perform surgery. It would be easier to say, ‘there’s nothing I can do,’ instead of getting up and fixing a problem.”
Momo put a hand to her heart, “If you know in here that you can do something to make this world better, to help others, and you put forth the effort to fix it, the powers are meaningless. The pen is mightier than the sword and the light will always scare away the darkness. If we care, if we use our skills and passions to right the wrongs of our world, we win. If you make that choice,” Momo pointed out to a section of the crowd, “You could be a hero.”
She pointed to the other side, “You could be a hero.”
She held her arms out to either side and smiled. “WE could be heroes.”
The applause was thunder-like, filling the bleachers and every seat students occupied.
Denki stood up first, hands in the air clapping as he let out a loud shout. Jirou and Hitoshi followed next, along with Shouto. It wasn't long before everyone was on their feet, with students, parents, and faculty clapping, shouting, and whistling. Momo felt a flush cross her face as she took it all in with glowing pride.
Her mom was in tears, screaming her name as she clapped, face red with such emotions.
Rei and her two children, Fuyumi and Natsuo, were clapping, the son putting his fingers in his mouth to give a loud whistle. The beautiful white-haired mother smiled at Momo, giving her a nod as if to say she did it. Three months ago, Rei was released from the facility into the care of her children. They got her a lovely home with Natsuo while he went to school. Endeavor signed the papers himself and sent them to Shouto.
Momo let her eyes look away and sweep the stadium but froze when they met the steely sad eyes of the man she had just thought of.
Standing to the far side along the corner of the bleachers, in the shadow of the exit, stood Enji. He wore a suit and looked at her with those haunting, sad eyes.
When he was sure he'd been spotted, he looked down to Shouto, who was looking over at Hitoshi with a fond smile. With that, the chief turned around and left, leaving the families to celebrate.
Just because Shouto chose to follow in his father's footsteps didn't mean their relationship has been anything close to mended. Momo planned to help the healing process. Endeavor wasn't evil, not anything like those people at the quirk facility. No, he was just scared for his family and did the wrong thing for what he thought were the right reasons.
He had changed, Momo could see it, and she planned on helping him find his way.
But that was for another time.
By the end of the ceremony, they all stood along the front of the podium, each holding their diplomas.
"Okay, okay, everyone, get together!" Lei shouted over the talking children. All eyes looked up, and she waved her camera, "Come on, one more!"
Momo stood tall with her hands before her, giving a big smile. A hand came around her waist, and she looked to see Shouto next to her, towering over her. A shoulder bumped her on the other side, and she looked to her new brother Hitoshi, who gave a smirk. Jirou stood in front of Momo as the quirked girl hugged her friend close to her chest. Denki was next to Jirou and in front of the ever-tall Hitoshi, throwing up a peace sign.
Standing behind her mother were Aizawa, Hizashi, and Emi, who had her phone out to take a picture as well. The heroes smiled at them, letting the younger generation of heroes know they were proud of them.
“Alright!” Lei shouted, holding her phone up, “One, two…-” She snapped the photo.
The same photo that each of the five teens had framed by their bedside table for the rest of their lives.
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Beep
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Beep
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Beep
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A nurse in pink scrubs tucked in the blankets of the hospital bed. She smoothed the side and smiled sweetly at the sleeping woman, "Alright, Mrs. Yaoyorozu," She said. "I'm heading to lunch, but I'll be back for your physical therapy in two hours."
“Why do you talk to them?” Another nurse said at the door startling the one by the bed as she looked up at her. “She’s been in a coma for almost a year.”
The nurse in pink scrubs crossed her arms, admonishing a look of annoyance to the other. "They're still people." She said, looking down at the sleeping woman fondly. "Besides, I still think they're in there. Listening to the world go on around them. If I were in her position, I'd want someone to talk to me."
"Whatever." The other nurse rolled her eyes, "These night shifts are killing me. I'm heading on break, too. Wanna get coffee down the street?"
"Sure," She said as the other nurse left, and she picked up the remote by the bedside table and smiled at the sleeping patient. "I'll put the news on for you. Not too loud, of course." She flicked it on, setting it at a comfortable level before placing it back down. "See you later," she said, shutting the door.
The long window along the private room showed the city of Musutafu alive and glowing as the nightlife went on around them.
On the news, the story changed to a woman sitting at a desk, holding papers, smiling at the screen.
"In other news, there was a car robbery in the shopping mall by Musutafu Bay Mall. Our city's own hero, Creati, responded at the scene, saving the baby left in the back seat when the robbers pulled the father from the car. We have Tokuda at the scene for more. Tokuda?" The footage on the screen changed to a man standing in a nearly empty parking lot with police tapping everything off. The camera operator followed him as he walked around the area where the incident happened.
"Thank you," He said, smiling. "Yes, right behind me was where the vigilante hero known as Creati swooped in and saved the infant. We have footage from the incident from security cameras." He pointed to the camera as the scene changed to a grainy black and white video.
A man in a ski mask threw open the car door holding the gun out, stopping the driver. There wasn't any sound, but it was apparent that he was giving orders for the driver to get out.
As Abalee lay in her bed, her left hand twitched.
"We can see he forcefully pulled the father from the car. The man is seen begging to remove his daughter from her car seat in the back." The reporter filled the silence as the video showed the father on his knees begging, motioning to the back seat. The robber kicked him backward and got into the car.
The footage changed to another camera as the man tried to drive off. He barely got to the exit of the parking lot before a woman dropped down from the building landing on the roof, her staff going through the window.
“Creati dropped down from the roof of the mall, effectively stopping the gunman from leaving the area.”
Abalee's eyes remained closed but twitched. Her hand moved, sliding across the blanket.
"Next, Creati managed to pull the robber through the broken windshield, taking his gun and incapacitating him." The footage showed Creati throwing the man over the side of the car while tossing the gun behind her.
The reporter went over the footage as Creati fought the man when he tried to get up. She managed to detain him until the police arrived. It showed the father running towards the vehicle and throwing open the door, taking his baby out as he thanked Creati, who saluted him with a smile and a wink.
A groan broke through as Abalee cracked her eyes open. The machine hooked up to her pulse beeped steadily.
"Yet again, we see that Creati is here to protect the citizens of Musutafu and to send a warning to all who mean to do it harm," The reporter said as the footage froze on a blurry image of Creati jumping off the hood of the car to leave as the police cars arrived.
Abalee blinked a few times, hearing the news as she looked up at the ceiling, her head hardly having the energy to move. Her eyes found the television as the video of Creati played again. Abalee opened her mouth, feeling the dryness all the way down into her throat.
“Momo”
//~~~~~~~~~The End~~~~~~~~~~\\