章 26: Daddy's little Adder.
"You are truly a gifted young woman, you know that? Scores like this and you would have made the top of our recommendations list. It's really a shame that you couldn't have gotten here any sooner," All Might exaulted. "But with rankings like this, it's safe to say that you really haven't missed out on much. We're more than happy to have you aboard, Ms. (Y/N). ~ Welcome to U.A."
She smiled at his praise as she leaned to bow in front of him, partially shading over the coffee table between the three of them. The stress on her side was still somewhat apparent. "I'm more than happy to be here, All Might Sensei. Thank you for having me."
"The pleasure is all ours." Aizawa droned beside his co-pundit. Letting out a short breath as he reached for the kettle sitting across from him, he gestured toward the cup in front of her. "Tea?"
"Yes, please. Thank you."
All Might continued as his partner rationed out their drinks. "It's really a breath of fresh air to run into such talented and determined youth. You have an incredible amount of resolve and it shows. ~ I must commend you for sticking so faithfully to your own morals. Even in," He fumbled. "Such a position."
Aizawa winced at that. Forcing himself not to outwardly groan at his coworker's clumsy behavior. For the former symbol of peace, he was really bad at this. Little remarks like that always slipping up ~ As if it wasn't the last thing a rescue wanted to be reminded of. You know, that she was a rescue.
He eyed the bandages shaping her right side empathetically. The bracing on her left shoulder holding her arm in a sling. He could see the formerly boysenberry blemishing painting the right side of her face had finally started fading back to its original shade. Aching mauves melting into a sore red as it tainted (s/c) skin. That was better at least. He thought. Better than forcing himself not to grimace at wine colored splotching eating through soiled bandaging. Hearing her struggled heaving through a wired jaw, or watching her hold back her tears with every excruciating flux in muscle. But he'd take that over the way he found her anyday. The way she looked in his arms as he carried her to safety. Clutching a wheezing corpse against his chest, too broken and bloodied to recognize she had been saved. He'd take hell over that. Death even. No child should ever have to endure a pain like that. No person should ever see a child in that condition, let alone be the cause of it.
He stood to hand over the steaming cup, carefully setting it in her grip as he watched the stress tug at her bandaged wrist. She was lucky to have not broken it, but I suppose that was the point.
"How are you feeling? If you don't mind me asking." Aizawa settled in his seat.
She thought for a moment before answering. "I'm...better." She responded lamely. "Dr. Yoriyochi says that there won't be any lasting deformities ~ that my face should be back to normal within a month and that the "dormant mutation of my mother's quirk" should completely extenuate any chances of scarring. So, I guess it pays to have an epithelial healer for a mom after all." She shrugged.
"My physical therapy ended as of last week and this sling comes off in seventeen days. ~ After that, I'll be right as rain."
"That's good to hear." Aizawa nodded. "We were lucky that you entered your submission when you did ~ before your hospitalization. It would have been unfortunate to make you wait another year."
"Very unfortunate." All Might second. "I'm sure you've been itching to progress in your career as a hero. Making you wait any longer wouldn't be much short of an injustice."
She smiled at that. My career as a hero. It was finally happening. She was finally here. Holding a dream that had once seemed so impossible to reach for. Sitting in the office of the former symbol of peace, in the most prestigious hero school in Japan. Setting course for the only thing she could have hoped for in life. Freedom and Justice.
"Thank you both again for your patience in my recovery. For everything really. I wouldn't be here if not for the two of you. And for that, you have my eternal gratitude.~ Arigatou gozaimasu."
"No need to be so thankful. It's our job as heroes. And one day it'll be yours too." He watched her eyes light up at the remark, the corners of his lips fighting to contain a pleased smile. At least she was worth the trouble. When they told him the White Viper's daughter had privately requested for a chance at submission for U.A. ~ he was rightfully skeptical. He and a few other vigilantes had raided a few of his stray-leaf alliances back in the day and had a pretty vivid idea of how utterly moralless this man could be. And to have a daughter who no less than tripled him in power ~ His defenses were up and ready for anything.
That was until he met her.
"You're Eraserhead! I-I mean it's very nice to meet you. I- uh- Thank you for seeing me. I won't be too long, I promise."
"....What I mean is; I want to be a hero because heroes survive. They help others to survive and pass on the idea that anybody can live through anything! To become bigger than any situation. To move forward through pain and become stronger from it. It's an idea that's kept me moving and striving to become the hero I always looked up to. ~ You may not believe me. And you have every reason not to. But if it's all I ask, I ask that you give me the chance to prove myself. To show you that I am nothing like my father."
That was a hero. Anybody could see that.
"I think it's time we address the elephant in the room." Aizawa lowered his cup to a coaster. "I'm.. sure your mother has spoken to you about this. About our terms of protection while under the wing of U.A.'s hero program."
"Yes." She nodded. "She has."
"Then I'll try to make this brief." He crossed his arms against his chest.
"Because of your association with the Viper empire ~ being that you are the heir to one of the most notorious crime syndicates in Japan, it is very apparent to us that you are in a position of great vulnerability." He began. "They're a quite a few dangerous people that know your face from a first glance ~ and because of that, the staff here have been put on a guard that in certain terms separates you from a good majority of our students. You will be, in a sense, shadowed in a select few situations,"
"Field trips, local outings, even casual circumstances if you might happen to befriend one of our students. - We'd hate to make you feel like we're putting you on surveillance but it's what's necessary to keep you and our students safe. ~ We're advised to alert you when in these situations a member of our staff is nearby. But we do warn you that if a certain circumstance arises, we may refrain from doing so until we are absolutely sure we can without alerting any threatening faces in your area. There will be times where you won't know we're there, so if you can, keep a lookout."
"I understand." She affirmed. "Though, I can't help but feel a bit guilty that you have to go through so much trouble."
"Don't waste your time on pointless thoughts like that. We knew what we were up against when we put you on our roster. This is about aiding you on your path to success. Worry about that for now."
"Ah, that reminds me." All Might snapped his fingers. "We'll also be filtering in certain things you may have missed before your enrollment here at U.A. ~ For example, your provisional hero's license. Most of our students test for those their first year. But we've taken the measures to book personalized and private scheduling within your first month of enrollment. ~ But with scores like yours, I'm sure that should be a walk in the park."
"Once we get the O.K. from your doctors, we'll begin the process of moving you into our dorms and introducing you to our students. Modestly, as you have requested. - I have to warn you though." Aizawa added. "You're a talented student, with two powerful quirks. U.A. has a knack for putting those types on a pedestal. So, I'd advise you prepare for your weight in acclaim."
"-You have our numbers ~ My home and cell in case of an emergency. All Might's if you have any questions. And please, don't be afraid to come to us ~ or any of our staff if you need anything. The wellbeing of our students is of the utmost priority here at Yuuei. And we aim to ensure that your experience here is as engaging and as beneficial to your journey to becoming a hero as our reputation presents us."
"And remember-" All Might stood to his feet.
Lifting his leg up to slam down against the scalp of the wooden conference table in front of them, he put his hands against his sides as he pointed his chin for the air. His sunken face stretching out a thin smile.
"Go beyond!...and...PLUS ULTRA!"
__________
(Y/N) fiddled with the sleeves of her dress as she leaned against the pole lining the train station's annex. Her eyes scouring through a sea of characterless faces, seeking out a familiar shamrock as she waited near the railing. He wanted her to meet him here and the bus ride to the train station was a distressing one. So used to tinted windows and leather seats, partition clad vehicles that kept her safely isolated where no one could bother her ~ or rub against her for that matter. ~ and a chauffeur she could readily address if she ever felt the need to. Sure, she had taken the bus a few times but this one was especially crowded. Maybe a dress wasn't the best choice for today's attire. So easy to tug on if you weren't careful ~ She had to use her quirk a few times to avoid any unsightly tearing in the fabric.
She smiled when she finally caught sight of him. The corners of her lips pressed gently against her cheeks, much in contrast to the gleeful grin that had nearly blinded her when his eyes eventually caught hers. He was all but scooping her up when he approached her, her face hot at the few stares she had received when he lifted her into his arms.
"Am I even heavy to you?" She giggled as he sat her back on her feet.
"Nope! Like holding a couple of grapes." He gandered over her in his arms. "God, you're gorgeous."
The compliment made her blush, her hair falling out of her ponytail and misting over her shoulders. She might as well stop trying with those at this point. They always seemed to stray out of their ribboned binding whenever he was around. "You can't just say things like that, Izuku." She looked away bashfully.
"But I mean it! Look at you," He smiled at her. "All perfect and just for me. ~ Come on, let's go get something to eat."
"Something to-? W-wait, I didn't bring enough money for something like-"
"No worries." He linked his hand in hers. "It's on me. Now, let's go. I'm starving."
---
What a cute little deli this was.
A sit-in sandwich shop with little paper mache boats for the theming. Yellow fish hanging from fabric strings as the ceiling muraled the Uwa Sea. The nine islands painted into the tabling as the cushioned seats mimicked the wooden laps of fisher briggs. Boating steers for the seats lining the main counter and tiny bubbles peppering the porcelain in their teacups. It was honestly one of the most adorable things she had ever seen. But that came at a close second to how adorable he thought she looked awing over the place. A jovial glint in her eyes as she kept her lower lip tucked beneath her top teeth, slightly leant over the table as she fawned over the decorative fixtures across the shop. He couldn't help but smile.
"You look like you're enjoying yourself." He snickered.
"I am! It's so cute in here-" She gasped. "Even the little cupcakes are boat themed!"
Note to self: bring her to Bōto de taberu more often. God, he lived for this childish side of her. "I'm glad you like it. My mom used to bring me here a lot as a child so I thought since we were in the area."
"Your mom?" She bit into her sandwich. "Oh! You know I never ask but ~ how does Mrs. Midoriya feel about all this dangerous hero stuff? Taking all these in school trips. Having such a self-destructive quirk. -I can't imagine she'd be too comfortable."
"Well, you'd imagine right." He rubbed the back of his neck. "She definitely felt a little uneasy about the idea at first. - Geez, you should have seen her reaction when I told her about that raid we did for Eri back in my first year."
"Eri?"
"I'll tell you about it later."
(Y/N) nodded as she spun her index finger in her cup of tea. Watching the brown liquid wave and tunnel inside the cup. The hot brew dripping off of her fingernail as she raised it to her lips, some of it falling on her chin as she sucked it off of the lone digit. She was wiping it away with her thumb when she noticed his lingering stare on her lips.
She chuckled at him and he savored the way her lips rose against her teeth. "Eyes up here, babe. ~ Look at you, you've barely touched your food!"
"Sorry." He gave her a coy smile. "Your fault for being so distracting. ~ Its hard to wanna bite into anything with you making it look so bland in comparison."
(Y/N) blushed. "You'll give me cavities, you know that? Being so sweet all the time. It's like you don't have a rude bone in your body." She teased him. "Do you really lack the ability to be mean to me? Come on, call me bad names. Mistreat me a little."
"Eh," He shrugged. His voice heavier as he responded. "I can if you want."
She could feel her smoke rise at that. Her face hotter as she looked away and smiled charily. Oh yeah, that's right, she's sitting across from someone who had not three days ago had his fingers rummaging around her insides. The thought had her holding her thighs together. This was different. Having a significant other. I mean, yeah she had gotten a few confessions up to this point, but none she acknowledged. She had a soulmate waiting somewhere for her so what was the point? But I guess with that logic that would mean this was all for not. And it wasn't! It wasn't, because Izuku was hers and she was his. She'd like to keep it that way.
"Ahoy, mates!" The waiter chuckled. "We feeling ready for dessert? Or should I bring ya yer check?"
She looked over at Izuku. "Uh- oh um-"
"Case of the stutters I hear?" The server- "Hido" as his name tag would introduce, joked. "We have sugar cookies for the pretty lady?" Hido nudged her. "Chocolate cake slices, Mochi and Mitarashi Dango, Kakigōri, and if you're feeling a little risky, hot Wagashi and sweet bean paste."
Hido crouched a bit to speak more toward her ear, his voice poorly hidden. "Though if I were you I'd go for something sweet. The warm Taiyaki here's to die for. And I'm sure you'll-"
"Maybe pack us up a few of those cupcakes? I'll take the check with that, thanks." Izuku answered dryly.
(Y/N) raised an eyebrow at him as Hido nodded at the two. "Uh, Yep. Coming right up."
She smirked at him jeeringly as the server left. "What was that?"
"Did you not see that? He was obviously flirting with you."
"I think he was just being friendly, babe." She giggled.
"A little too friendly." He grumbled.
She tried not to outwardly snort at his jealousy. "Sure, hun."
---
"Thanks again for the meal, Izuku. I had a great time."
He squeezed at the hand clasped in his. "I'm glad. Maybe we'll stop by there again. Or, well, another place like it."
She tilted her head at him. "Another place? - Oh. Still mad about the waiter thing, huh?"
"No."
"Are you telling the truth?"
"..no."
She laughed aloud. "He wasn't flirting, Izuku, I promise you. ~ He was just being a good server. I'm sure if he were female it'd be no different."
"Yeah but that's coming from someone of the opposite sex." He groaned. "I've been a guy for seventeen years now. I think I know shameless flirting when I see it."
"Really?" He nodded down at her. "So being nice is flirting? Wow, and I thought we were actually friends before this, Midoriya." She teased him.
"You know what I mean." He bumped into her. "I mean, did you see the way he was looking at you?"
"How was he looking at me?"
"Like I look at you." He shook his head. "I don't like it. Fuck that guy."
She looked up at him with wide eyes. "Woah, Izuku. The "F" bomb? You're really letting him get to you like that." She furrowed. "Don't get me wrong, it's kinda hot seeing you get all riled up like this but, I honestly don't believe he had any ill intentions between the two of us. Or at least-"
The sharp shoulder that collided with her side was almost enough to push her back entirely. Her hand tugging against Midoriya's as she tottered on her steps. She barely had her balance when she turned back to acknowledge the assailant.
The figure had already stopped behind her. Tall and demanding. Easily towering over Midoriya's reaching build from a lazy slouch. It wore a hood, a deep cardinal shade that nearly teetered on black ~ mulberry tufts of wild hair leaking from the pulled over cap of the jacket. It's- his eyes looked tired. Sunken in craters in contrast to his yellow irises that scanned over her like a study. No, not like a study, like he was confirming something. Something that followed her clasped hand. Something that traced over the markings labeling her quirk. Something he had been searching for and had finally found.
"Oh, I'm sorry, little Adder." He cooed. "I didn't mean to crash your play date."
His voice was ruff and woodchip like. Gravel that sanded against her eardrums and a bass that could rattle through bone. Adder. She hadn't heard that nickname in years it felt like ~ and it made the blood rush through the veins in her neck. Her heart loudly pounding in her ears. The scars on her wrist beginning to tingle. She had sent him her fear and he was sending his concern right back.
"You know, the pit's been looking for you, doll. And now that Daddy's dead~"
He was stepping up to her. Her body gearing in a fighting stance as he approached. But before she could even gather the chance to spit at him, there was a broadish back standing between the two of them.
"You shouldn't be here." Midoriya hissed at him.
"What are you her boyfriend?" He tittered at him. "That's a snake you've been cuddling up with, hero. The worst of 'em."
"I'm warning you, villain. This isn't a fight you want."
He rolled his eyes. "Listen, kid. I get it, she's cute. - But lord is she not worth the can of yams you're opening up here. If I'm not gonna kill you, one of us definitely will."
She could see the branding on his forehead more clearly now. The wind blowing a portion of his loose hairs to the side as the "V" painfully etched into his skin presented itself raw and honorably. But her attention on that was quickly veered onto the way his hand had molded into a bruising spike. Razor like ridges coating the purple spear like thorns as he readied himself to attack. She could see the little waves of lightning gathering on Midoriya's limbs, his hand back to keep her secure behind him.
But just as the man lunged he was stopped. Metallic ribboning wrapping around his arms and torso as he was pulled to a standstill. He groaned as his hand relaxed into its original state, cursing as the binding forced him into a defeated kneel. Aizawa was stepping out of a neighboring alleyway.
"Chimei Suiku. Too stupid for your own good it seems." He tugged at his scarves.
Eyeing the couple standing over the bound criminal, he grimaced. "Tell someone next time you decide to go out like this." Eraserhead pushed his foot against Chimei's back. "Saves me the headache of having to ask around."
He grumbled as he tied his capture weapon into a knot. "And go home, would you? Curfews in a couple of hours and you two have school tomorrow."
Grunting as he pulled Chimei to a stand, Aizawa paused to address her before he left. "(Y/N)."
She gulped. "Yes, Aizawa Sensei?"
He raised his hand to sit atop the criminal's scalp, snatching his head back to a lean. The cultish branding on his forehead was evident again. "We talk about this," He pointed. "Tomorrow."
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