Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Waking up early, both a dozy Ochako and Tsuyu found themselves joining an equally sleepy Nejire in the UA parking lot. After a helpful lift from their resident Ragdoll, who was considerate enough to let the sleepy kittens rest a little longer, they arrived at the train station to set off for Ryukyu’s.

Being the dutiful senpai that she was, Nejire bought the trio refreshments before they departed to wake themselves up in the form of sandwiches and water, as well as thanking Ragdoll for her escort by buying her a small sushi bento box that the Pussycat eagerly eyed.

Boarding the train with the similarly lethargic civilian early risers, also on their way to work, the quartet tucked into their breakfast.

“What do you think we’ll be doing today?” Ochako asked once the cool water gave her the kick-start she needed.

“No clue, ribbit,” Tsuyu noted, munching on her tomato and lettuce sandwich. “Nejire, did Ryukyu tell you anything about today?”

“Hmm?” The doe-eyed senior blinked. “No,” she sighed. “It’s probably just gonna be patrolling and training.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” Ragdoll nodded, savouring a morsel of tasty tuna. “Can’t beat experience for when you go pro.”

“I was hoping for something more exciting, though,” Nejire pouted.

“Like what?” Ochako asked

“Hmm,” the blue-haired senior pondered. “Well, did you guys see the news report on that wildfire in Kaflin?”

“Ribbit?” Tsuyu shook her head.

“I hope the animals all got away okay,” Ochako nodded, having come across an article covering the incident whilst researching the day before.

“It was probably just a freak accident or something that caused it,” Nejire nodded before lowering her voice. “But some people think it was deliberate, set off to cover a hidden factory manufacturing ‘Trigger’.”

“Oh,” Tsuyu nodded, understanding the less-than-subtle implication.

“Yuh-huh,” Nejire grinned. “Hopefully, everything got toasted, because it would be pretty bad for stuff like that to get into villains’ hands, but if it didn’t, then we could hunt it down!”

“That’s the stuff that boosts quirks, right?” Ochako noted nervously, recalling their last fight against a villain who used Trigger back when they rescued Eri.

“Nya-t’s right,” Ragdoll nodded. “It has some nasty side effects, too, on top of being super illegal… huh.”

“What?” Nejire blinked curiously as the three turned their attention to their escort.

“I wonder what kind of effect it would have on me, now,” Ragdoll pondered.

“Probably just the bad stuff,” Nejire sighed, having pursued that thought on the pussycat’s behalf herself.

“Yeah,” Ragdoll nodded regrettably. “It doesn’t matter anyway. Quirk or not, I’m still here to lend a helping paw!”

The other three giggled as Ragdoll stuck her signature pose in her seat, almost jostling a fellow passenger when she spread her arms wide before humbly apologising to the man.

It wasn’t too much longer before the quartet reached their destination, disembarking to find a fully costumed Ryukyu waiting nearby for them.

“Hey there, girls!” Ryukyu smiled, flashing Ragdoll the hand-sign they’d agreed upon as proof of her identity. “I’ll take them from here.”

“Purr-fect! See you kittens when you get back!” Ragdoll cheered, striding away to find the next train back to Musutafu.

“Ryukyu!” Nejire playfully lunged at her mentor, who playfully caught the enthusiastic girl. “Come on, tell us! What super cool mission do we have today?”

“Always so eager, Nejire,” Ryukyu shook her head fondly, gently pushing the girl back. “Today, I had nothing more exciting than patrol planned.”

“Huh?” Nejire blinked while Ochako and Tsuyu looked a little more curious at the phrasing.

“However,” Ryukyu continued, “this morning, we received an urgent team-up request.”

“From who?” The bluenette’s eyes widened excitedly, though there was no mistaking the added seriousness in her tone.

“An old sea-dog I believe someone here has more than a passing familiarity with,” the dragoon hero looked over Nejire’s shoulder at Tsuyu, who stood up a little taller at the attention. “Selkie and the Oki Mariner are requesting aid, and it’s the Ryukyu agency’s responsibility to heed that call!”

“Ribbit!” Tsuyu nodded with more than a little excitement, with Ochako and Nejire joining the rallying call as passers-by gave them curious looks.

“Alright then, we’re heading straight out,” Ryukyu ordered as she began leading her team towards the parking lot. Although she was sure her girls weren’t enthusiastic about another car ride before jumping on a plane first thing in the morning, heroes had to go where they were needed.

“Hey, Tsu?” Ochako nudged her notably chipper girlfriend as they walked through the station. “Is Selkie nice?”

“Hmm,” Tsuyu put her finger to her chin. “He’s tough, but fair. As long as you pull your weight and try your hardest, you’ll fit in with him and his crew.”

“Sounds fun!” Nejire grinned. “I’ve never been a crew member on a ship before.”

Tsuyu chuckled. Knowing Nejire, her former captain would be immediately endeared to her enthusiasm, though Sirius might be a little less accepting until Nejire demonstrated her commitment to being a hero.

“Just be prepared for anything, ribbit.”

“Got it,” Ochako nodded, a determined look on her face.

Tsuyu smiled warmly. She didn’t have to worry about Ochako fitting in in the slightest. While she certainly didn’t mind checking in with the Oki Mariner crew, a pang of worry pooled in her stomach.

“I just hope nothing bad’s happened to them.”

It took until mid-afternoon for the group to reach the Verize Islands, where their aid had been requested with Ryukyu filling her sidekicks in with the details as they travelled.

Arriving at the docks after flying in, having changed into their hero costumes en route, Tsuyu was the first to spot a familiar vessel stationed nearby, along with hearing familiar barking orders of the Sea Rescue Hero.

“Shape up, you scallywags! I want this vessel restocked, refuelled, and ready to depart as soon as those villains poke their heads out of the sand!”

“Yes, Captain!” One female and a trio of male voices called out.

As Tsuyu’s smile brightened, Ryukyu stopped them all as they approached the ship.

“Someone call for aerial support?” She called out, catching the captain’s attention.

Selkie perked up at the voice, spotting their requested reinforcements awaiting their attention nearby.

“Everyone, front and center!” He commanded, leaping over the edge of the ship and landing on the dock.

Three sailors and his sidekick Sirius all took the normal walkway rather than join their eager Captain’s antics, lining up with their hands behind their backs as though ready for inspection.

“Ryukyu! Thanks for coming out here,” Selkie greeted.

“Of course,” Ryukyu nodded, reaching out to shake hands with the hero, “if the ship you’ve been hunting is involved with Trigger, we can’t just let it slip away. I’m happy if we can be of help to you and your crew.”

“So dependable,” Selkie grinned, glad he’d made the right choice for a team-up. So glad that he couldn’t help bringing his hands up to his face and assuming what appeared to be a ‘cutesy’ pose more typically seen on female idols and influencers. “It makes Selkie happy!”

Though stone-faced to the odd display, Ryukyu couldn’t help but think how un-cute his act was. On the other end, Nejire professionally held back her gushing at how cute the sea captain had suddenly become.

From behind the number ten hero, Tsuyu let out a ribbit of amusement.

“Haven’t changed, have you, Captain Selkie?”

“Ah! How are you Froppy!” Selkie’s smile brightened. “Good, I hope!”

“Ups and downs, ribbit,” Tsuyu shrugged. “All good when it comes to heroing though. Thanks again for taking care of me during my internship. I haven’t forgotten your lessons, you and Sirius taught me important concepts every hero should know.”

“You’ve certainly grown up,” Selkie smiled proudly. “Seeing you… I feel…” he assumed his cutesy pose once more, “so moved!”

Once again, Ryukyu acknowledged just how uncute the captain’s pose was, whilst Tsuyu, much like Nejire, enjoyed Selkie’s adorable act. Even Ochako had to admit it was sorta cute, kinda like Gunhead, though she hoped he wouldn’t do it too often.

“Congrats on getting your provisional license, Tsu,” Sirius smiled at the young hero.

“Aw, thanks,” Tsuyu smiled.

“You’re a full-fledged hero, huh? Then I’m glad you’re here, we can see everything you’ve learned.”

“Ribbit!” Tsuyu nodded confidently, eager to help out her old mentors.

“For now though,” Selkie’s demeanour returned to a more professional tone, “fun as this reunion’s been, I need you ladies to come with me.”

The Ryukyu agency braced for their orders as Selkie and Sirius led the trio away from the Oki Mariner and docks, heading towards the edge of the nearby town.

“Do you have more to prepare before we head out?” Ryukyu asked curiously as she led her sidekicks.

“In a way,” Selkie smirked, with Sirius shaking her head fondly at her captain, having taken part in setting up this part of his plan.

It wasn’t long before the group arrived at a small, secluded section of beach that brought out feelings of awe from Ryukyu’s sidekicks. White sand, crystal clear waters, a volleyball net, and what appeared to be a barbeque with cooler all set up and ready to go greeted them.

“All right,” Selkie announced, turning to face the group, “until we’re ready to move out, I need you ladies to hit the beach. Take the afternoon to enjoy yourselves! That’s an order.”

Ryukyu and the others felt a touch of disbelief at the captain’s command.

“I’m guessing you girls didn’t bring swimming costumes,” Sirius chuckled at the group’s stunned faces. “There’s a shop just back there where we can get you some. Come on, I’ll show you.”

Nejire, Ochako, and Tsuyu all looked to Ryukyu, unsure if this was something they should be going along with.

“You heard the Captain,” Ryukyu deferred to the lower-ranked hero. “Go get ready to enjoy the sun and the sand.”

“Alright!” Nejire cheered, glomping onto Ryukyu’s back with a hug. “Thanks so much Ryukyu! You too Mr Selkie!”

“Think nothing off it, Nejire-chan,” Selkie chuckled, waving her off.

“Come on!” Nejire enthused, linking her arms with both Ochako and Tsuyu’s. “I bet they’ve got some super cute bikinis for us to try!”

“W-Wait, Nejire!” Ochako tried to calm their eager senior to no avail as she dragged them forward while Tsuyu had fewer complaints, ribbitting excitedly as Sirius led the way.

With the sidekicks all departing, Ryukyu remained by Selkie’s side.

“Not gonna get something for yourself?” The Captain asked.

“Water’s not really my thing,” Ryukyu admitted. “That aside, are you sure this is an appropriate use of our time?”

“Eh, it’s fine,” Selkie nodded, “we should let them have fun while they can. The Trigger ship won’t move until nightfall; they’re a stealthy bunch. No point putting everyone on edge until they need to be, and that includes us, number ten.”

Ryukyu let out a conceding sigh, deferring to the sea-based hero’s greater knowledge and experience with this sort of situation.

“If you say so, it’s your request after all,” she noted.

“That mean you’ll join us? It’s the best way to recharge your batteries before or after a big mission, after all,” Selkie asked.

“I’ll leave the splashing around to everyone else,” Ryukyu shook her head. “However, I wouldn’t say no to a drink if you’ve got some virgin cocktails in that cooler over there.”

“Way ahead of you,” Selkie winked.

As exciting as Tsuyu found the prospect of judging not only Ochako’s swimsuit choices, but Nejire’s too, the trio quickly settled on a set for each of them compliments of Selkie’s agency.

Nejire had selected hers first, confidently settling on a blue ruffled skirtini that made both Ochako and Tsuyu blush at the amount of skin she was showing, much to the bluenette’s amusement.

“Look all you want, girls,” Nejire smirked, striking a somewhat cheeky pose. “But you know my heart belongs to Yuyu, so no touching.”

“Curses,” Tsuyu clicked her fingers, earning a giggle from the others as Ochako took her turn.

The brunette went with a pink neck-supported bandeau and a matching, skirted bottom that was tied at both sides with a string that Tsuyu felt almost compelled to pull. As for the frog girl herself, she’d gone with a plan green and yellow striped tie-front top with shorts, forgoing anything fancier so she could keep her streamlined swimming form.

Sirius, thanks to her job’s proximity to water, already had a swimming costume and simply changed into the two tone blue skirted top and tie-side bottoms she had.

With the group now suitably dressed, Sirius led them back to enjoy their prepared day of fun on the beach.

Thanks to the bright and sunny day, the water was more than an adequate temperature for the four to splash around in. Tsuyu was more than happy to tease the less water-based sidekicks with some energetic splashes, who in turn began chasing her up and down the beach to get their revenge.

Once the ice had been sufficiently broken and their muscles woken up, Sirius brought out a beach ball for them to use with the nearby net.

Since the older pair of Sirius and Nejire were about the same height, Nejire pouting at the barest difference in her shorter stature, the teams were split with Tsuyu pairing with Nejire and Ochako teaming up with Sirius.

Sirius was clearly the ringer of the group, having had much more experience playing with the Oki Mariner crew than the others, but they weren’t about to let her dominate so easily. Nejire’s enthusiasm had her end up on her rear more than once, much to everyone’s amusement, but despite Ochako’s valiant effort to defeat her fellow Ryukyu sidekicks, Tsuyu’s strong jumping muscles gave her a clear advantage for spiking the ball over the net in a way neither she nor Sirius could counter.

When the match came to an end, Sirius invited them all for a swim to see some of the underwater sights she’d discovered. Nejire politely declined, not wanting to get her hair too wet, along with Ochako who was more than content to watch an eager Tsuyu go off with the sidekick for a little adventure as they dived underwater and disappeared from sight.

Ochako sighed contently, glad to see her girlfriend frolic so happily in her element. It made her wonder if Momo had had any luck on finding a more permanent solution for Takoba beach. It would be nice to spend some time with all their partners enjoying some sun and some fun.

Over on an outcropping of rocks, Ochako could see Selkie and Ryukyu watching over them, clearly content to simply relax in a pair of deck chairs along with some drinks in the shade of an umbrella. She was certain this wasn’t what the number ten hero had been expecting when answering the team-up request, but she couldn’t help but feel grateful for this relaxing day of fun.

While the other two were swimming around, she and Nejire set up the barbeque for a late lunch, beginning to roast an assortment of meat, fish, and vegetables while breaking out the fruit juice and ice.

The smell of smoked foods not only drew Ryukyu and Selkie off their warming rock, but dredged Sirius and Tsuyu from the deep as everyone chatted and tucked into skewers of food.

As the afternoon wore on, Tsuyu sighed contently, patting her stomach as she disposed of her skewers. Looking around, she couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Ochako chatting with Selkie about his costume and how he fights underwater while Sirius was somewhat excitedly discussing Ryukyu’s upcoming fashion deal with the number ten hero.

Seeing all the bright, happy faces had her feeling the most optimistic she’d been for a fair while, there was just one thing missing.

“Everything okay, Nejire?”

The blue-haired girl looked up, having settled at the end of a small pier to eat the majority of her food while looking out at the ocean alone. Tsuyu had noticed her slip away while everyone ate, but didn’t want to intrude by pointing it out, instead waiting for a natural break where she could come join her senior after giving her the space she clearly wanted.

“Hey, Tsu,” Nejire smiled in a way that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah, everything’s fine.”

“Are you sure?” Tsuyu asked, sitting down on Nejire’s other side and following her lead, her feet dipping into the soothing waters below. Nejire let out a soft giggle despite her smile slipping a little.

“Yeah, I’m fine, Tsu,” she nodded. “I’m just… stopping to smell the roses,” Nejire replied, bemusing Tsuyu who observed her senior seemingly finding a fascination in watching the world instead of being an active part of it for a brief moment.

“Still miss her?”

“Yeah,” Nejire sighed. Tsuyu’s heart went out to the girl, hoping the hand she rested on her arm offered a modicum of comfort which Nejire accepted, reaching over with her other hand to overlap Tsuyu’s. “Thanks.”

“No problem, ribbit,” Tsuyu smiled, looking over the ocean and listening to the sounds of the waves lapping at the pier and sands behind them as the sun began setting.

“How are you feeling about the mission?” Nejire asked after a few moments. “I know it’s not the first time we’ll have gone up against Trigger thugs, but last time was pretty hairy.”

“We’ll be fine, ribbit,” Tsuyu shrugged. “We’ve got Ryukyu, Captain Selkie and Sirius on our side, so we’re sure to win.”

“Hey!” Nejire’s cheeks inflated. “I hope you’re not discounting your super cute senior and your adorable girlfriend.”

“Well, no,” Tsuyu giggled, “but we’re the big guns they call in if they get into trouble.”

“That’s right! We’ll make sure that Trigger is off the high seas!” Nejire grinned, sharing a chuckle with her froggy friend. “Though, believe it or not, some pharmacies can actually sell a super weak version of it that stops guys going bald and gets their broken pee-pee working again.”

“Really, ribbit?” Tsuyu blinked. Nejire’s lip jutted out in a small pout from the girl’s lack of reaction.

“Yeah, actually,” she giggled weakly. “Amazing what some guys will inject themselves with for naked time.”

“Mm,” Tsuyu sighed idly, causing Nejire to glance sympathetically at the girl.

“Though, I guess that kinda leads me to ask how you’re holding up after everything with Midoriya.”

“He never had any problems there, ribbit.”

“So you have done it!” Nejire’s eyes gleamed.

“Were you expecting me to be ashamed?” Tsuyu asked.

“Well, maybe a little red,” Nejire pouted once more, “though, you know what I’m actually asking, don’t you?”

“Yeah,” Tsuyu sighed. “I figured as much when you asked Ochako and I to meet you for a hug.”

“And you missed out on a totally awesome fly around the campus,” Nejire teased, though quickly dropped back into a more serious demeanour when Tsuyu didn’t react again. “Didn’t feel like talking?”

“Not really, ribbit,” Tsuyu admitted truthfully. “A lot’s happened.”

“I know,” Nejire nodded with understanding, reaching out to rest her hand on Tsuyu’s thigh and gave it a comforting squeeze. “At least you’ve still got Ochako.”

“Yeah,” Tsuyu’s smile brightened, looking back over to her girlfriend as she demonstrated her quirk to Sirius and Selkie. “She’s kinda my bright spot in all the dark stuff right now.” Or at least the only bright spot she could admit to. “I’ll be fine though,” she assured Nejire, only to back spot the bluenette’s sceptically raised brow, “eventually.”

Nejire’s arm pulled back, only to wrap around her underclassman and pull her into a tight side hug.

“Well, just let me know if I can help, okay?” Nejire reminded her, clearly understanding Tsuyu’s reluctance to talk. “This is my last term before I graduate. Pretty soon, I’ll be working as a fully licensed pro hero, so I won’t be around to take care of my cute little underclassmen anymore.”

“We’ll be okay, ribbit,” Tsuyu smiled. “Besides, you can always come visit the school or give talks on how successful you are. Just try not to forget us little people when you get big, else we’ll have to knock you off the charts when we debut too.”

“Of course!” Nejire easily agreed. “There’s no way I’m forgetting either you or Ochak- Oh!” Nejire suddenly perked up. “That reminds me! I wanted to officially invite you and Ochako to mine and Yuyu’s wedding!”

“Oh? You got a place picked out already?” Tsuyu asked.

“Yuyu’s got her eye on somewhere, though she won’t tell me,” Nejire pouted, “but I know I want you and Ochako to be there as my bridesmaids.”

“W-Wow,” Tsuyu blinked. “You’ll have to ask Ochako, of course, but I’ll definitely be there, ribbit!”

“Yay!” Nejire grinned, using it as an excuse to seize the younger girl in a tighter, more endorphin releasing hug. Tsuyu could almost feel them flowing down from her brain, pooling at the points where Nejire’s body touched hers.

“I thought you said no touching, ribbit,” Tsuyu giggled, hands tentatively hovering over Nejire’s exposed back.

“If you want any of this,” Nejire jiggled where their chests touched, “you’ll have to convince Yuyu, and she’s not a fan of sharing.”

“Tempting,” Tsuyu chuckled, her mind going to some exciting places, allowing her hands to settle on Nejire’s back without objection, “but I’m not sure Ochako and I are looking for any replacement for Izuku.”

“And you don’t have to,” Nejire pulled back, giving Tsuyu a sincere smile. “I’m sure you two will go the distance with or without him.”

“Ribbit!” Tsuyu nodded with a smile. Though she still hated deceiving her senior, she hoped Nejire would only be enthusiastic when the truth finally came out.

If they could just get Momo away from her parents’ influence, she and Ochako could easily renew their relationship with Izuku, and hopefully unveil their connections with the other four. Maybe then her parents would see how loved she was without them and how stupid they were being.

With one final squeeze, Nejire released the smaller girl, both with contented smiles on their faces, though one of them could feel their core stirring for action.

Unfortunately, it was interrupted by a call from their mentor.

“Nejire-Chan, Froppy!” The pair looked back to see Ryukyu waving them over. “Time to head out!”

“Time to go beat up some bad guys,” Nejire grinned.

“Ribbit!”

Before long, the beach was swiftly tidied and the girls had changed back into their hero costumes. The Oki Mariner pulled out of the docks and the crew set their sights on justice.

Whilst Ochako, Tsuyu, and the others were enjoying the downtime before their mission, the rest of the class had enjoyed their final lesson for the day and returned to their dorm.

Despite only just being over the hump of the week, there was one who was complaining that it wasn’t going fast enough.

“Man, why can’t it be Friday already!” Mina groaned, slumping onto the common room couch in her comfy gear.

“Because it’s only Wednesday,” Sero chuckled, sitting in the other. “Do you not know how days work?”

“Shut up,” Mina glared at her smirking friend. “I just want it to be the weekend so I can do something fun.”

“If you want to pass the time, why not join Katsuki and me?” Kirishima posed, standing beside the couch and dressed in his workout gear. “We’re gonna go train for that thing on Friday.”

“You mean he’s gonna try and blow you up, and you’re gonna tank the hits?” Denki quirked a brow.

“Sounds fun, right?” A dark voice spoke up as the group spotted an unusually eager Bakugo now standing beside Kirishima, hand emitting a few small explosions.

“Bakugo,” Mina’s eyes narrowed at the blond bomber. “Do we need to have another lesson?”

“Relax,” Bakugo rolled his eyes. “They’re consensual explosions.”

“That… doesn’t make it sound any better,” Kaminari frowned with worry.

“Okay! You guys have fun!” Mina beamed happily.

“Mina!” Kaminari baulked while the pinkette and the tape wielder laughed.

“Don’t worry,” Mina giggled. “He knows better… right, Katsuki?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Bakugo rolled his eyes again, shoving his hands into his tracksuit pockets.

“We’ll make sure not to take things too far,” Kirishima chuckled as Bakugo stalked off towards the dorm entrance. “I take it that’s a no on joining us?”

“I think I’ll stick with veg-ing out here,” Mina slumped further into the couch.

“Probably for the best,” Kaminari agreed. “I wouldn’t want to get between them when they’re going at it, training or… otherwise.”

Sero’s grin widened as he made a sound reminiscent of bed springs creaking.

“Shut up,” Kirishima chuckled as he shook his head and departed with a faint dusting of red on his cheeks, leaving behind a trio of giggling hyenas.

Once the targets of their teasing were out of range, the three’s laughter faded.

“They’re probably right though,” Sero sighed. “We probably should get in some extra training so that we’re ready.”

“Urgh, but I’m tired,” Mina groaned, prematurely cutting off Kaminari from voicing the same sentiment.

“Same, but weren’t you supposed to be trying harder and stuff recently?” The blond posed.

“I still am,” Mina protested with a pout. “I’m miles ahead of you, number twenty,” she stuck her tongue out.

“Rude,” Kaminari chuckled. “You kiss Tooru with that?”

‘And so many more,’ Mina bit back, her answer being only her cheeky smirk and wink.

“Why don’t we get a second opinion?” Sero offered, looking over the sofa as someone was passing behind them. “Hey, Midoriya?”

“Hmm?” The greenette turned and blinked at the sudden attention.

“You think we should get in some extra training for this thing on Friday? Or is it okay if we take it easy?”

“Oh, uh,” Izuku pondered for a moment. “You can never be too prepared. We’ve still got time to practise what we’ve already learned this year.”

“Aw man,” Kaminari and Mina both groaned.

“I-I mean, there’s always ways you can improve, it doesn’t just have to be training,” Izuku quickly offered. “It’s probably too late for something like costume adjustments, but researching different scenarios they could throw at us, or how heroes should act and prioritise, and other ways we can use our quirks to help might also be useful.”

“So basically training or studying,” Kaminari sighed.

“I take it you’re gonna do something like that tonight then?” Sero asked, gesturing to Izuku’s more comfy attire featuring one of his infamous ‘T-Shirt’ T-shirts.

“Huh?” Izuku looked down at his shirt and shorts in confusion. “Oh, uh, no. I’m actually taking a rest day. I’ve kinda been pushing things recently.”

“Why does that not surprise me?” Kaminari chuckled, nod synchronising with the others.

“Then maybe you should take a page out of our notebooks, Izuku,” Mina grinned.

“Our empty ones?” Sero chuckled.

“Shush, you,” Mina deadpanned before turning back to her secret boyfriend with a saucy smirk. “So how does the infamous train-a-holic Izuku Midoriya blow off steam on a rest day?”

“U-Uh-” Izuku stammered, his mind immediately jumping somewhere it shouldn’t with certain unaware company present.

“I don’t think any ideas Midoriya has will suit whatever you’re after,” Sero chuckled, thinking Mina was still looking for a way to pass the afternoon away.

“I’m sure Midori wouldn’t mind if I joined him for something fun, right, Izuku?”

“A-Actually,” Izuku blushed, “I-I was thinking I was going to get a jump on our homework b-before Friday. M-Maybe study with M-Momo?”

“Oh, that’s right!” Mina perked up. “I almost forgot you and Yaomomo were a thing now.”

While Izuku looked a little bewildered at the statement, both Sero and Kaminari's expressions gained a touch of worry at the mention. People still weren’t sure exactly what was going on with those two and hushed speculation in the safety of their dorm rooms had those not in the know worrying about their friends, even if they didn’t know how to best broach the topic with them.

To them, Mina didn’t seem to be considering any of that as she grinned at the greenette. An idea had crossed her mind not only as a way to kill some time with something fun, but also to reinforce her partners’ little subterfuge.

“Ooo! If you’re going to go study with Yaomomo, maybe you should change into something a little nicer to impress her.”

“Huh?” Izuku blinked and looked down at his clothes once more. “W-What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

“Nothing,” Mina lied, sensing the opportunity to update her boyfriend’s sense of style. “But Yaomomo’s a classy gal, as are her parents. You’ll need something more striking than that to get their approval.”

Confusion was written clearly on Izuku’s face. Momo’s approval was something he certainly wouldn’t mind getting, but he very much doubted that whatever Mina had in mind would be suitable for both Momo and her parents.

Then again, after yesterday, maybe he could afford to win back some points with them.

“Don’t worry,” Mina said, having risen off the couch and approached her boyfriend, hands resting on his shoulders to shake him from his thoughts. “Auntie Mina’s gonna help you.”

“Er…” Izuku gulped, feeling an ominous feeling slip down his spine. “H-Help me how?”

The pinkette’s eyes gleamed excitedly as she turned him around and began pushing him towards the elevators.

“Oh, you’ll find out!”

“M-Mina!” Izuku protested as he felt the others’ eyes on them until the elevator doors closed behind them.

“Whelp, I guess Mina’s back to procrastinating,” Sero shook his head.

“Too bad she’s dragging Midoriya down with her,” Kaminari noted.

“You think she’s actually gonna help him with style stuff?”

“I mean… maybe?” Kaminari shrugged with a somewhat unsettled expression. After his talk with Jiro, he knew something was going on there, but even with that knowledge, it didn’t help him unravel the mystery of Midoriya and Yaoyorozu’s engagement any further. “Maybe she’s gonna give him something weird to wear.”

“Why’d you think that?” Sero asked with a questioning brow.

“I dunno,” Kaminari frowned, “just trying to figure out this whole thing.”

“Well, good luck,” Sero shook his head, rising from his spot and deciding to try and do something productive with his evening. “I can’t make heads or tails of it. I’m sure if something weird is going down then we’ll hear about it eventually.”

“Yeah… maybe,” Kaminari idly agreed, eyes still on the elevator as Sero wandered off. Even if he couldn’t figure anything out, he wanted whatever was going on to resolve itself before someone got hurt.

Seeing any of his friends upset would suck, but it seemed more and more inevitable. He only hoped that the more insightful Ashido knew about Jiro’s feelings and was subtly trying to sabotage this arranged engagement.

Upstairs, the duo exited the elevator at a less urgent pace than Mina had forced Izuku into it.

“So, um, what exactly is your idea?” Izuku asked as he followed Mina’s lead down the corridor to her room.

“Just something I think me, and maybe some the others, have wanted to do for a long time,” Mina smirked, her eyes taking on a more ominous gleam that had Izuku worried.

Leading the boy inside, Izuku looked around carefully, not wanting to step into an unwitting ambush if Mina had already roped Tooru into whatever scheme she had.

“One sec,” Mina said, heading for her bed and dropping down to fish around underneath.

Izuku tried not to objectify his girlfriend, but watching her rear point upwards in a rather familiar pose had his mind returning to things he was at least able to entertain away from the public eye.

“Ah-ha!” Mina triumphantly called out, pulling back and holding her prize aloft.

The boy succeeded in trying to avert his hardening length by focusing on the thing in Mina’s hands.

“Is that-?”

“Just the thing you need? You’re damn right it is,” Mina grinned as she held out the tie-dye kit she’d gotten for Christmas for him to examine. “We’re gonna get you super hip with some mondo-cool colours that’ll catch anyone’s attention.”

Izuku tried not to sweatdrop at Mina’s language.

“Do… you really think Momo’s parents are going to like this?” He asked, trying and failing not to let disbelief show on his face.

“Oh, absolutely not,” Mina replied brightly, “but who cares what they think.”

The pinkette giggled at her boyfriend’s expression as she’d intentionally thrown him for a loop.

“So, then why-”

“Because you are in desperate need of some cooler threads,” Mina replied, gesturing to his t-shirt.

“What’s wrong with my top?” Izuku asked.

“Nothing’s wrong,” Mina admitted. “They’re just so… bland, and you have like, ten of them, don’t you?”

“T-They were on sale,” Izuku offered weakly.

“Exactly,” Mina chuckled. “I don’t wanna be mean and say you should get rid them, because you clearly like them, but I figured we could do this together and make some new super cool and cute things. This way, you get to keep them and add a cool pop of colour to your wardrobe.”

“That’s um,” Izuku considered it for a moment, “actually really thoughtful.”

“You say that like I’m not usually,” Mina deadpanned.

“I-I meant that-”

“I know,” Mina chuckled, putting the box on her desk. “I don’t want to change you, but I thought you might like to try something new and fun with me.”

Izuku sighed and shook his head.

“You could’ve just put it like that originally.”

“Meh, this way was more fun,” Mina winked. “Plus, y’know,” she grabbed the hem of her plain yellow shirt and pulled it up and over her head, allowing Izuku to get a front-row seat to the reveal of her bra-clad chest, “I wanted to do it too.”

“U-Uh…” Izuku blinked, feeling his cock begin rising once more. Mina clearly spotted his tenting shorts as a wry smirk settled on her lips.

“I meant tie-dying, you horn dog,” she teased, causing Izuku to blush a beet red and quickly cover his front. “Though,” Mina’s hand overlapped his and pressed gently, stroking his length by proxy, “maybe we can find some time while the dye settles.”

“Mina!”

She giggled when she felt Izuku flex underneath their combined touch, despite his objection. After placing an affectionate kiss on his cheek, she quickly redirected her attention for his sake, heading to her cupboard and opening it to look for some of her other tops that she wouldn’t mind experimenting with.

“Why don’t you go grab a few of your shirts and bring them back while I get everything set up, okay, Squish?”

“Yeah, okay,” Izuku nodded, taking a few deep breaths to calm his lower half. “You’re right, this might be fun.”

“Now you’re getting it,” Mina grinned as Izuku took his leave, closing the door behind him.

It didn’t take long for Mina to grab a few more shirts of hers, namely her comfy yellow along with a white, and a blue. She was almost tempted to try dying one of her white school shirts and wear it, just to see Mr Aizawa’s reaction since she didn’t know if there was a rule about what colour the shirt had to be, but, knowing Nezu, it was probably in the student handbook that she hadn’t read.

By the time Mina had set up the staging area in front of her now closed cupboard doors, a familiar knock rang out from her door.

“It’s open,” she called eagerly, shaking up a bottle of yellow dye.

“Uh, hey Mina,” Izuku greeted again, carrying four of his white shirts, “do you uh, mind one more?”

Mina turned with a curious frown, only to see Kyoka raise a hand in greeting as she closed the door behind them both.

“Yo. I ran into Izuku on the stairs, wondered what he was up to.”

“Ooo, you might actually enjoy this too,” Mina smiled, pointing out the kit. “We’re gonna put my prezzie to good use.”

“And you have to be half-naked to do that?” Kyoka queried, raising a brow at Mina’s still somewhat bare chest.

“Well, I was wearing one of the shirts,” Mina glowered, though Kyoka’s fond eyeroll reassured her the punk-rock girl didn’t really mind.

“So, uh,” Izuku deposited the shirts he brought on Mina’s bed, next to hers. “What do we have to do?”

“Well, while you pick out some of the patterns and colours you want,” Mina began, handing him the back of the box to look at some of the examples provided. “Kyoka is gonna go fetch some of her stuff to join us.”

“Nah,” the punk-rock girl shrugged. “I’m not much a fan of the style or colours. It’s much more your thing.”

“Not even just to try it?” Mina mused.

“I’d never wear it,” Kyoka reasoned, which Mina could at least understand as she acknowledged the lack of colour in the girl’s black tank top and trouser combination.

“I don’t mind if you’d rather just watch and chat,” Izuku offered.

“Why not,” Kyoka agreed. “I was taking a break from homework anyway.”

“Urgh, don’t remind me,” Mina pouted, only for her eyes to widen at her second bright idea of the afternoon. “Hey, Kyoka! Have you got any like, plain black shirts or something you don’t mind using?”

“Uh, yeah, but not for this,” Kyoka reiterated, raising a brow. “Why?”

“If you don’t wanna tie-dye anything, then how abou~ut,” the pinkette quickly pulled out her phone, punched something in, and showed Kyoka the result.

“Hmm,” she mulled the idea over. “Okay, I can get behind that.”

“Right!” Mina grinned as Kyoka departed to fetch some things she wouldn’t mind binning if they got completely ruined.

“What convinced her?” Izuku asked curiously.

“Something you’ll probably get a kick out of,” Mina grinned excitedly, holding up a hand where she allowed her quirk to leak out just a little. “Acid washing!”

Izuku did indeed enjoy the idea, his mind instantly jumping to how Mina’s quirk could produce varied yet intentionally designed results that regular methods probably couldn’t achieve thanks to her control.

He felt the urge to reach for his notebook and write that down but had to settle for filing it away to be archived later.

“That’s so cool!”

“I know, right!” Mina matched her boyfriend’s enthusiasm.

When returning with a spare black tank top, and two black t-shirts - one with ‘Deep Dope’ written on it in white letters – Kyoka found Izuku and Mina busy wrapping up their selected tops in rubber bands.

“Will these work?” Kyoka asked, handing Mina her tops.

“Perfect,” Mina grinned. “You want to pick out a style or-?”

“Dealer’s choice,” Kyoka shrugged. “That much I can trust you on.”

“Oh really?” Mina’s eyes narrowed with cheeky intent.

“No penis shapes,” Kyoka glared.

“Spoilsport,” Mina rolled her eyes as she headed into her bathroom.

“Are you doing something special with those?” Izuku asked curiously, wondering if he should bring their clothes in after Mina.

“Nah, just need some water for this,” Mina’s voice echoed out, applying various amounts of her quirk to different sections of the provided garments in a way she thought Kyoka would enjoy.

Once she was done and washing her hands of the acidic substance she’d produced, Mina returned to see Izuku’s shirts fully prepped. Their collective tops were now bound in rubber bands and placed on the provided wire-rack which was sitting on top of plastic sheeting to prevent them from dying Mina’s floor any unusual colours.

Izuku had decided to go with the classic spiral for two, and sunburst for the other two, preferring several smaller blooms rather than one big one judging by the quantity of bands he’d applied. Mina had gone with a bigger variety, choosing a classic swirl for her yellow top, along with a striped pattern for her blue, and scrunching up her white shirt for a bullseye pattern.

“What now?” Izuku asked as the stylish pinkette returned her attention to him.

“Choose the colours you want,” Mina gestured to the small array that had come with the set. “If you want something classic, can’t go wrong with red, yellow, and blue.” Izuku watched intently as Mina put on some plastic gloves, grabbed the trio of colours herself and began applying them to her white shirt in rough, uneven squirts, the spare liquid dropping harmlessly down onto the plastic sheet below. “Don’t forget the back too.”

“I think I’ve got it,” Izuku nodded, re-examining the colour choices as Mina went with a few wilder colours for her other tops.

When she was done, Mina passed the gloves off to Izuku to give him the lead as he tentatively began applying the dye.

“Just imagine how punk-rock you’ll look once they’re all finished,” Mina suggested, glancing to the corner of her eye at Kyoka, who’d taken up a relaxed position on Mina’s desk chair.

Kyoka’s suggestible mind conjured the images in question, though the brighter colours had Izuku having more of an American hippie aesthetic than anything she’d consider punk-rock. Admittedly, between his more stylish threads, similar rejection of societal norms, and the even longer hair he’d be rocking, Kyoka found her cheeks colouring rapidly.

“See!” Mina grinned knowingly, elbowing Izuku, “Our little Vixen agrees.”

“Fuck off,” Kyoka glared, though it lacked any true bite as the other two chuckled at her reaction. “So what did she do to convince you?” She asked. “This doesn’t seem like your sort of thing, Izuku.”

“No,” Izuku agreed, trying to be a little more careful than Mina as he applied his dyes. “Admittedly, she kind of tricked me.”

“Hey!” Mina objected.

“You did a little,” Izuku defended. “I, er… kind of screwed up with my work study yesterday and Momo got in some trouble with her parents. When Mina said she’d help me look more stylish to get their approval, I was kind of hoping it’d work so I won’t cause Momo any more issues.”

“O-Oh…” Mina muttered, feeling a little bad her casual deception to get them both up to her room had unintentionally misled her boyfriend too. “Sorry about that.”

“I-It’s okay,” Izuku smiled, “I’m um… not sure how this will turn out, but I figured it might still be fun to try since you were so excited.”

His honest smile only helped to make Mina feel a little crummier about herself until she felt a familiar jack stretch and wrap around her wrist, feeling her girlfriend’s heartbeat channel through it.

“I think Mina might’ve been a little too focused on the fun,” Kyoka replied. “As for the trouble, you’re not,” she assured him, “the only reason we’ve gotten this far is because of you. I’m sure Momo doesn’t blame you for what happened.”

“P-Probably not,” Izuku nodded, diligently continuing to apply the dyes, “I know we’re taking a risk with us being engaged to find a way out for her, but I’m kinda terrified I’m gonna screw it up and make things worse,” he murmured, voice growing quieter. “I just… I really want this to work.”

It didn’t take Kyoka’s quirk for her and Mina both to hear that there was something unsaid in Izuku’s tone. They both exchanged a cautious look and patiently waited for Izuku to complete the colouring on his last shirt before deciding to press for further details.

“You’re feeling the pressure, aren’t you?” Mina asked empathetically, squeezing Izuku’s shoulder as he removed the plastic gloves.

“I mean, it’s not as bad as when we attended the ball,” Izuku chuckled weakly, though the other two didn’t join in, concern still clearly written on their faces. “It’s like how we’ll be watched once we all go pro anyway, so it’s sorta fine.”

“Izuku,” Kyoka, unconvinced, spoke up in a soft tone. “Is that all?”

She knew it wasn’t when his gaze met hers and dropped away guiltily.

“Squish?” Mina touched his arm gently.

“I-I…” he started, only to bite his lip and glance at Kyoka once again, “I’m not sure when it happened, but I think I’m really um… f-falling for her.”

Both Kyoka and Mina’s brows jumped in surprise while Izuku’s hands scrunched into fists by his sides.

“I’m sorry. I-I know w-we’re um… a-all together and everything, b-but I-I um… I’m not sure if it’s okay for me to f-feel this way.”

“Izuku,” Mina’s hand shifted up to his shoulder and tried to pull him closer, but he resisted. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Because of what happened between us before, t-the plan to trick her parents, a-and,” he swallowed thickly, glancing up at Kyoka with vulnerable eyes, “not wanting to get between you, K-Kyoka.”

The punk-rock girl’s brows rose ever higher as Izuku bit his lip.

“I wanted to wait,” he admitted, “a-at least until we could get her free. T-Then there wouldn’t be any obligations for us i-if… if she only wanted to be with all of you.”

“And, if she did?” Kyoka asked curiously.

“A-As long as she’s happy and free, t-that’s all that matters in the end.”

“Wrong!”

Both Mina and Izuku jumped at Kyoka’s sudden spike in volume, the punk-rock girl’s face now concentrated in a frown. As Kyoka crossed the few steps between them, causing Mina to wonder if she should body-block her slightly smaller girlfriend, she stopped just short and looked intently at Izuku.

The greenette could feel himself breaking under her stare, wishing he could take back what he’d just said, only for Kyoka’s hand to reach up and gently cup his face.

“How can you still be this much of an idiot?” She chided, shaking her head lightly.

“I-I-I,” Izuku stammered, trying to get out any words to better explain himself, only for his lips to get hijacked by Kyoka’s as she pressed hers between them.

“Phew,” Mina released a held breath as it seemed Kyoka wasn’t actually angry with their boyfriend, observing the now affectionate expression on the girl’s face when she pulled back, contrasting with Izuku’s somewhat bewildered one.

“U-Uh…”

“Like you said,” Kyoka’s thumb stroked repeatedly along Izuku’s cheek, “we’re all in this together, and that means that, if you and Momo fall in love, then I think we’d all be okay with that.”

“B-But I-”

“Momo had her issues, but they’re in the past now, right?”

“R-Right.”

“And um… I-I’ve got no problems with admitting that I um… love you.”

“Except for the stammer,” Mina smirked, only to get an extra helping of heartbeat from Kyoka’s jack that quietened her commenting.

“I-I… love you too, Kyoka,” Izuku nodded.

“Then what’s the fucking problem?” Kyoka chuckled with a touch of exasperation. “Even if you guys do end up getting married as part of this stupid fucking plan,” she gently wrapped her jack around his wrist and let him feel the slow, tender beat of her heart, “there’s no one else I’d rather trust to play that part.”

“Not even me?” Mina asked with a cheeky grin.

“You’d probably blow it getting caught kissin’ Tooru or something,” Kyoka deadpanned.

“Y-Yeah, probably,” Mina rubbed the back of her head.

“So, no, Izuku,” Kyoka turned back to their boyfriend. “If you truly do feel that way about Momo, then… I don’t think that’s a bad thing.”

Izuku could feel the tears creeping over the lids of his eyes, helpless to stop their fall as he blinked, only unleashing more of them as if a sudden wellspring of gratitude burst into life behind his eyes.

“I-I,” he stammered again, voice cracking as he tried to speak clearly, “I’m so lucky.”

“Slow down, lover boy,” Mina grinned cheekily. “We don’t know if she feels the same way yet.”

“E-Even if she doesn’t,” Izuku shook his head, “I’m s-so lucky and g-grateful… for you both. I don’t think I’ve ever been so… a-accepted.”

“Aww,” Mina cooed, taking his closest hand in hers, inadvertently completing their little triangle of intimacy. “I thought you knew that already, Squish.”

“He still needs a reminder now and then,” Kyoka chuckled. “That’s why he’ll be an idiot until he learns better.”

Izuku’s hand reached out to touch Kyoka’s side, pulling her slightly closer as he stole her attention.

“Y-Your idiot?” He asked, smiling through his tears.

Even blubbering, Kyoka couldn’t help but find her sappy, green-haired idiot of a boyfriend endearing.

“My idiot,” Kyoka smiled back.

“Our idiot,” Mina corrected, pulling the two of them closer as she planted noisy kisses on both their cheeks.

“A crown you often hold,” Kyoka replied.

“Remind me which idiot made him feel unwelcome in the first place?” Mina giggled.

“S-Shut up,” Kyoka blushed, internally cringing at the memories of their first sleepover together as a complete group, even if they hadn’t known it yet. “You’ve fucked up too.”

“Not as bad as being the lesbian that fell in love with a guy,” Mina stuck her tongue out.

“Now who’s being the idiot?” Kyoka glared. Izuku was afraid for a moment that she was serious and a fight was about to break out as Kyoka grabbed one of Mina’s bra straps and yanked. Thankfully, his fear eased when Kyoka’s head surged forward to meet her girlfriend’s, capturing her lips in a rough yet passionate kiss that lasted more than a moment. “There, that shut you up.”

“Mmm,” Mina grinned dizzily when she was released. “Not quite.”

“Always got a smart response, don’t you?” Kyoka rolled her eyes.

“Mostly when it’s funny,” Mina chuckled before pumping her brows, “or when it gets me kisses.”

“T-Then um,” Kyoka blushed and glanced at Izuku, “f-fancy giving me a hand with her?”

Izuku let out a small bark of laughter as he wiped away his tears. A few months ago, the idea of interacting romantically with Kyoka was the furthest thing from his mind. Now, he was being invited to smother their cheekiest shared girlfriend with kisses until she couldn’t tease them anymore.

“W-Well… she does bring it on herself,” the greenette agreed before leaning in to place a tamer kiss on Mina’s lips that resulted in something of a pout from the girl.

“That’s it? Guess I’ll have to bring out my ‘A’ material if that’s all you’ve got.”

“I think that’s enough out of you,” Kyoka shook her head, a jack stealthily snaking its way up behind her girlfriend.

“Oh yeah?” Mina challenged, leaning towards Kyoka with a superior smirk. “I’m pretty sure I know all of your tricks at this point.”

Izuku watched curiously as Kyoka not only didn’t back down from the challenge, though that much was obvious with numbers on their side, but as he spotted Kyoka’s jack delicately slide into Mina’s curly locks, he realised Kyoka’s confident expression wasn’t just for show.

“Do you?” Kyoka quirked her brow a moment before she struck on two fronts.

Not only did she yank Mina into another, fiery kiss full of tongue, but her jack wrapped around one of Mina’s horns, heartbeat pulsing through the extra appendage while it gently yet firmly pulled on it.

“MMM!” Mina’s legs buckled almost immediately were it not for Kyoka expecting such a response and Izuku’s quick reaction time, each seizing an arm to help support her.

Despite her partner’s body clearly being caught off guard, Kyoka didn’t relent, swirling her tongue around Mina’s and filling her body with the elevated rhythm of her heart. Izuku watched with a mixture of fascination and arousal as Mina let out a deep, rumbling moan, with one of her legs beginning to jerk and her toes pointing.

When the strain of supporting the pinkette and requiring replacement oxygen became too much together, Kyoka finally released her girlfriend, the pair parting with loud, heated gasps.

“Hah, hah… f-fu~uck…”

“Showed you,” Kyoka smirked.

“Um,” Izuku gently interjected, gaining Kyoka’s curiosity, not in the least for his reaction to such a display being a bright red blush and a notable tent in his trousers. “T-That was um… a-awesome-”

“I-I’ll say!” Mina cheered, leaning back and still trying to recover her stolen breath.

“But,” Izuku continued, “s-she’s clearly still able to talk, so…”

He wasn’t looking for Kyoka’s permission, but he couldn’t help his own little tease as he struck next. Using his strength to hold Mina up with one arm around her back, his other hand came up to caress her cheek, guiding her into another deep kiss.

Mina’s eyes widened at the surprisingly confident move from the greenette, but her mind quickly faded to static as the differing sensation of Izuku’s tongue slipped through her lips, mixing his taste with her own and Kyoka’s in a delightful concoction that promptly fried the teasing section of her brain.

While Mina’s core was pulsing with an eagerness of almost unknown heights, Kyoka’s was quickly beginning to chase after her as she watched the acid-wielder’s hands flex and clench to try and ground their owner, who was clearly adrift in her sudden surge of hormones.

Pulling back, albeit a touch more shyly than Kyoka, Izuku continued to support his thoroughly confounded girlfriend, whose only immediate thoughts were of the pair.

“Think she forgot her own name?” Kyoka smirked at their tag-team job well done.

“I-If she hasn’t she’s um… close,” Izuku smiled a cheeky smile at his double entendre Mina would no doubt appreciate were she in her right mind.

Thankfully, despite her raging urges, the break in their offensive gave Mina’s brain time to partially reboot, the girl blinking rapidly as though seeing light for the first time.

“C-Cock, fingers, jack, I don’t f-fucking care,” she muttered, using what little strength she could gather to try and stand on her jellified legs, “I’ll take a vow of silence if you just finish me!”

“Then get on the bed,” Kyoka ordered and Mina hurriedly moved to obey.

It seemed she wasn’t interested in any foreplay as she practically shrugged off her bra and shoved her bottoms and panties off in one smooth motion, leaving them behind as she swung her legs onto the bed and impatiently awaited her partners.

“Come on then!”

Kyoka and Izuku chuckled before glancing at each other, a touch of self-consciousness returning to the pair.

“What do you-”

“Do you want-”

They both tried to offer to the other, only to laugh again.

“Yeah, yeah, you two are fuckin’ adorable,” Mina pouted, her words intensifying the blushes on the pair. “Just get naked and do me! Ooo, you can totally practise for when you two double-team Momo,” she giggled excitedly.

“Seems you haven’t learned your lesson,” Kyoka glared despite Mina unintentionally hitting one of her more recent fantasies. “I’m gonna put those lips and tongue to better use.”

“Less shippin’ more strippin’!” Mina grinned, watching Kyoka reach up to take her tank top off and bra off. “Guess that leaves you with a pie in desperate need of a creamy filling.”

“Do you have to put it like that?” Izuku chuckled, removing his only remaining white shirt in the room.

“I’d prefer to put it right her- Umph!”

As Mina had spread her legs wide to encourage and hasten her boyfriend’s affections, Kyoka had finished undressing and claimed the girl’s lips while leaning over the bed. The sound of Mina’s satisfied moans as their tongues intertwined while Kyoka gently rubbed and flexed one of Mina’s horns had Izuku almost struggling to unbutton his shorts they were so tight.

Pulling back to observe a momentarily dazed pinkette, Kyoka couldn’t help but smile as she let out a quip of her own.

“You’re much less annoying when you’re like this.”

“W-What’s that-?” Mina began to respond, only for Kyoka to climb on the bed and waste no further time in occupying her girlfriend’s lips with a different set of hers.

“Ahh,” the punk rock girl sighed, gently thrusting her clit up against Mina’s nose as she settled into one of her favourite spots. “M-Much better.”

Burying her fingers in Mina’s silky curls, Kyoka looked down into her girlfriend’s eager eyes as she understood the time for jokes was now over. Mina’s hands reached up, locking Kyoka’s thighs in place and drawing her even closer as her tongue explored her velvety depths.

“R-Room for one more?” Izuku asked.

Glancing back over her shoulder as she rode Mina’s face, Kyoka could feel more than see her boyfriend settling between Mina’s legs.

The angle would be slightly awkward if he tried to lie down, so instead, he was kneeling while lifting the pinkette’s hips as his cock rubbed tantalisingly at her entrance.

“Do it,” Kyoka replied, barely suppressing a moan of her own as Mina’s efforts continued. “L-Let’s show her who she messed with.”

Izuku barely had to press, mostly directing his cock with his thumb to slip inside Mina, who released a groan of satisfaction. The greenette couldn’t resist biting his own lip as the silky, familiar feeling engulfed his sensitive organ once more, taking a moment to savour it.

It didn’t take long for his sensitive organ to adjust, his body’s biological urge to thrust overcoming him and beginning to give Mina the attention she was clearly craving.

For a few minutes, there was nothing but the sounds of panting and slaps of thrusting filling the air as the trio surrendered themselves to their hormones.

As satisfying as Izuku’s efforts were on top of the shuddering sensation of Kyoka above her, Mina knew she needed more.

“Mm-mm!” She tapped Kyoka’s leg.

“O-Oh?” Kyoka looked down, easing her hips off in case Mina was signalling for air.

“J-Jacks,” Mina muttered, licking her lips as she pointed to her horns. “Please?”

Kyoka blinked before a teasing smirk slipped onto her lips.

“Only if you promise to be good.”

“P-Pro-HO-mise!” Mina swore as Izuku hit a particularly good spot.

“Good,” Kyoka grinned, sitting back down as she began letting down a jack.

Much like before, it slid into Mina’s hair before looping around one of her horns, the tip touching it firmly. With practised care, Kyoka’s now elevated heartbeat began running through her girlfriend through an unusually sensitive spot. The pinkette’s hips lifted, her toes pointing at the sudden surge of sensation, almost ejecting Izuku from her.

It took a moment for her to begin acclimatizing to the feeling, but encouraging thrusts from her girlfriend had her tongue resume its explorations.

“That’s it,” Kyoka breathed hotly, breathes deepening as she felt her body responding to Mina’s efforts.

Leaning back, Kyoka released a long breath to try to balance cooling the rush of hormones and encouraging her peak to arrive faster. Her free hand moved to her chest, fingers circling her nipple before gently tugging and squeezing it.

Her breath hitched for a moment, not only due to her efforts, but when she felt her head accidentally brush against something, or rather someone, behind her.

“S-Sorry,” she muttered, leaning forward again to avoid getting in Izuku’s way, no doubt eager to release himself as she was.

“It’s okay,” Izuku assured her, his flow uninterrupted. Not only did he have an unimpeded view of Mina’s body, but also the appealing sight of Kyoka’s toned rear and firm yet sensually curvy sides and shoulders. The only thing that would make it better would be if he could see the expressions the pair were making to go along with the erotic sounds. “A-Actually um… you can lean back, I-If you want.”

Kyoka thought for a minute, mind woefully distracted by Mina’s tongue and her own ministrations. Considering everything they’d already done, this was practically tame in comparison. Besides, if it helped both her and Izuku get off, then all the better.

Wordlessly accepting Izuku’s offer, Kyoka leaned back once more.

Despite the firmness of his muscles, he certainly lived up to his moniker, her head and shoulders gently resting against his softness as they both thrusted in rhythm. It was one thing to know he was pumping away behind her, but it was a whole different thing to feel them both through Mina and directly.

“H-Hand!” Kyoka demanded.

Izuku blinked but had no reason to object, offering one of his hands and resting it on her side.

With her own, Kyoka redirected it upwards, resting it over her breast before giving herself a firm squeeze to encourage his efforts. With their bodies so close, Izuku was practically leaning over Kyoka’s shoulder as she looked back at him, breathing in the heat of her breath.

Words didn’t need to pass between them as the two kissed. It was sloppy and awkward due to the angle, but it only served to push their libidos higher, an effect that wasn’t lost on the one below them.

Separating from the heated tongue battle, both were acutely aware that Mina’s rapid squeaks meant she was getting close.

Kyoka’s own crest was rapidly closing in on her. Between Mina’s tongue, her own touch, and Izuku’s support, there was no doubt she was going to peak, but there was something she knew would make it infinitely better.

“B-Bite me.”

“W-What?”

“Not hard,” Kyoka clarified with heated breath, “j-just firm.”

Izuku’s thrusts were already forceful and deep, his balls tensing as his seed began flowing. After clarifying he’d heard his girlfriend correctly, he didn’t think to question any further, simply obeying her impulsive request and sinking his teeth into her collar.

“F-Fu~uck!” Kyoka cried out in a surprisingly high tone, her tone shuddering as her diaphragm didn’t know how to react.

Kyoka’s whole body tensed, every muscle locked after flexing upwards as she was suddenly thrown over her peak. Warmth rapidly flooded from her, no doubt coating Mina’s face in her juices along with her thighs as Izuku’s hand was locked firmly on her breast. She was glad she wasn’t the focus of the pair’s attentions, as her boyfriend might’ve lost his cock with how clenched her rear was.

As if his body set off a chain reaction, Izuku thrust one last time into Mina’s depths, pumping her full of the creamy substance she loved to feel. Between their angle and her earlier, suggestive teases, Izuku was sure Tooru would be envious with how much would soon be leaking out of their girlfriend.

His tenuous grip on Kyoka’s collar with his teeth slackened quickly when his need to gasp for air overcame him, but he quickly found himself letting out a moan that nearly matched Kyoka’s pitch as Mina seemed to be the last to join them. He could feel her pussy clench and squeeze, serving only to exacerbate his sensitivity as she drained him of every last drop she could.

The bed creaked and groaned beneath three tense, climaxing heroes in training, but held firm until the three’s collective muscles finally eased up.

Kyoka’s strength rapidly waned, falling back only to be stopped by the firm and supportive chest of Izuku, still hip-to-hip inside Mina who was making a few, what she hoped were satisfied gurgling sounds underneath her own waist.

“T-That was…” Izuku breathed.

“Y-Yeah,” Kyoka agreed.

“Humma-neeya-mo.”

Between their fatigue and climax-addled minds, neither Izuku nor Kyoka had enough brain cells to comprehend the pinkette beneath them.

“W-What?” Izuku asked between breaths.

“I-I’mma nee’ a mo’,” Mina repeated with somewhat identifiable words.

“I think we all do,” Izuku chuckled, fingers gently running down Kyoka’s side as his other girlfriend tried to catch her breath.

There was some awkward shuffling, but Izuku, the first to somewhat recover, lifted Kyoka off of Mina to ease her into a prone position beside her. It was still a bit of a squeeze to fit three on a bed, but he certainly didn’t have any reservations about keeping his distance with what they’d just done.

“That… was… awesome,” Mina said, giggling at the looks she received.

“I uh… think we might need to go again,” Izuku looked over the pinkette at Kyoka. “She’s still talking.”

“Fuck,” Kyoka groaned.

“I told you,” Mina grinned, “funny or kisses.”

Her partners rolled their eyes at the task they seemed to have failed at in the most enjoyable way.

“How about quiet time now, then maybe you’ll get some more later,” Kyoka sighed.

“Woo!”

Mina let out a satisfied breath as she relaxed into the cosy embrace of her partners, letting the air finally still and silence to settle.

“This was nice,” Izuku murmured after a few minutes. “Thanks for this you two.”

“No problem, though this was kind of a bonus on top of those,” Mina gestured over to the shirts. “Besides, trying new things is always fun, right, Kyoka?” She grinned again, looking over and sending an exaggerated wink to Kyoka.

“Yeah, yeah, we get it already,” Kyoka rolled her eyes and nudged her girlfriend in her pudge. “Get some new material.”

“Not while the old stuff still works,” Mina stuck her tongue out. “Don’t think I didn’t see you too. You just gotta have that green, eh?”

“As long as he wants it,” Kyoka admitted.

“Always,” Izuku agreed, “A-As long as you both want me too, that is.”

“That’s our Squishy,” Mina giggled nuzzling Izuku’s nose with her own, inadvertently tickling Kyoka’s with her hair before silence descended over the trio once more.

“So…” Kyoka spoke up. “What now?”

“Oh, your stuff!” Mina suddenly sat up.

Kyoka and Izuku didn’t know what had the pinkette in such a sudden rush, but did their best to get out of her way and help their girlfriend to her somewhat shaky legs, both feeling a touch of pride at Mina’s lack of motor function as she stumbled into her bathroom, only to come back a moment later.

“Ta-da!” Mina held up one of Kyoka’s black shirts, now decorated with uneven patches of white and orange, declaring proudly, “I used different strengths and amounts of acid to do it.”

“Okay,” Kyoka mused as she appreciated the stylistic new look of her once simple t-shirt, “that’s kinda metal.”

“Right!” Mina grinned triumphantly.

“What about ours?” Izuku asked, looking over at the rack where his and Mina’s shirts were resting.

“They’ll need some time for the dye to fully soak in,” Mina explained. “About twelve hours. Maybe more.”

“Just enough time to have your wicked way with him, right, Minx?” Kyoka shot Mina the side-eye as the cheeky pinkette did her worst to look innocent.

“Are either of you complaining?”

“Only that it’s colder without you here,” Kyoka patted Mina’s rapidly cooling spot.

“Sounds like an invitation to me,” the pinkette grinned, skipping back over to the cuddle puddle and sighing contently between two of her loves. “Ah… today is awesome.”

“It’s been good for us at least,” Izuku agreed, letting his tense muscles relax as he sank back into Mina’s embrace. “I hope the others are having a good day too.”

Kyoka and Mina easily agree with him. While there was no doubts Tooru and Momo were probably also enjoying their evening at the dorms, all three minds turned to the missing duo who’d headed out for their work study that morning.

“Anything?”

“Nothing yet,” Uravity announced with a touch of frustration as she scanned the seas with binoculars on the Oki Mariner’s bridge.

“Keep looking, one of our groups is bound to spot them,” Sirius directed as she continued to monitor their radar.

The Good Ear Hero noticed the brunette’s frown deepen, likely sharing her hopes that the others were getting better results than they were.

She and the other heroes had shipped out to hunt down the Trigger-transporting villains as the sun touched the horizon, since Captain Selkie was confident that they’d make their move around now. While Ryukyu and Nejire-Chan scanned the area from the skies, Captain Selkie and Froppy swam below, leaving her, Uravity, and the crew on the ship to search via sight and radar.

Considering how the villains had lost them earlier, they likely had radar jammers, so, for now, keeping their eyes peeled was all they could do to contribute.

Locating them amongst all these small islands would be tricky, but it would only take one slip-up for their misdeeds to crash down around them.

“That sound,” Sirius said suddenly, holding a hand to her ear as she listened intently, “the Captain and Froppy have located the villains’ ship at point five-seven!”

“Got it! Setting a new course now,” Mick, the helmsman, replied, adjusting their vessel.

“Point five-seven, copy that,” Ryukyu relayed over their open communication channel. “Nejire-Chan and I are on our way there now!”

“Be careful,” Uravity muttered, though she didn’t vocalise it over the com-link.

Glancing over from the scanner, Sirius watched the young hero curiously.

Whilst working with Ryukyu wasn’t a worry, the Hearing Hero did have a few reservations about bringing her work study students along, especially if they weren’t suited for something like this.

The skills of Nejire-Chan had already reached her ears through her rising popularity, despite not even being out of UA, and after learning that Tsu would be one of the students, her fears eased, but they stood for the last new addition of their team in Uravity. The girl had done nothing to warrant any doubt, but the sea and the villains who sailed on it were treacherous even on the calm days.

Still, if this was the girl who took part in the Shie Hassaikai raid and had the guts to approach and cuff the now infamous Overhaul as Tsu so proudly boasted about her girlfriend over lunch, then she knew her doubts could be discarded.

“They’ll hang back until we get closer,” Sirius said, causing Uravity to turn and look at the sidekick who bore a reassuring smile. “Our best chance for success involves us closing in on them all at once, so make sure you get ready too.”

“Right!” Uravity nodded, deciding to spend her time checking over her gear just to be safe as Sirius’s eyes lingered on her before she returned to checking their scanner.

“We’ve got them in our sights!” Nejire’s voice echoed in their ears as she and Ryukyu maintained their distance.

“Us too,” Sirius replied, knowing that Captain Selkie was already nearby. Now that they were at open sea the Oki Mariner could really show everyone what she had and they rapidly closed in on the villain’s vessel.

Said villains, having spotted both the eyes in the sky and the familiar hero ship, opted to try to escape using the same tactics that worked last time, namely a quirk-produced smokescreen powered by Trigger.

“Smokescreen deployed,” Rio, one of their crewmembers, announced.

“Multiple targets on radar, decoys,” Akari, another crewmember, said.

“That doesn’t look pretty,” Nejire’s musing floated across the communication channel as Uravity frowned with worry. That worry was quickly erased when she saw how the events didn’t seem to shake Sirius in the slightest.

“Like we thought,” the Hearing Hero grinned. “Hold back from the smoke for now, we don’t want an accidental collision.”

“Roger!” Mick confirmed, reducing their speed.

“Shouldn’t we be going in after them?” Uravity asked to an unwavering Sirius

“They won’t be going far,” Sirius smiled. “If I know our captain, he’ll make sure of that. Besides, Froppy’s there to back him up.”

Uravity’s frown eased, but didn’t completely disappear as her worry for her girlfriend lingered. Only when a triumphant message crossed her earpiece did she relax.

“I’ve taken control of the bridge!” Selkie announced, much to the cheers of their crewmembers, as Sirius spotted Uravity shooting her a thankful smile.

The Hearing Hero knew their job wasn’t quite done yet though.

“Ryukyu, did you copy that too?”

“I did,” the Dragoon Hero replied, her wings beating powerfully as she tried to disperse the smokescreen faster. “I’ve got visual on the target,” she continued, spotting the bridge of the ship through the smoke, “we’ll continue to lend Selkie support from the air.”

For a moment, the job seemed to have come to a relatively simple conclusion, and Sirius was at least a little glad that the Ryukyu agency team-up had produced such a relatively boring outcome. That was until two sounds reached her enhanced ears, the sound of a new engine, and Nejire’s panicked words.

“Ryukyu, look, look! There, behind the boat!”

“What is it?” Sirius asked, the tension in the Oki Mariner’s bridge immediately returning with Uravity matching her sudden frown.

“Clever fiends,” Ryukyu growled, “they had an escape plan in the form of a plane!”

The Oki Mariner’s view wasn’t quite clear of smoke yet, but they could see the ripples of the disturbed water and the flash of a wing as it peeked out before turning away from them.

“Full power, now!” Sirius ordered, bracing herself for the ship’s surge that she and the crew had come to expect, but took Uravity a little off guard, causing her to cling to a helpful rail. If they were quick, they could catch them still!

“I’m sorry, ribbit,” Tsuyu apologised from the deck of the villain’s ship. “They’re getting away because I thought they were just towing the cargo.”

“It’s not your fault, Froppy,” Selkie tried to assure her as he rushed out of the bridge to see the seaplane begin to speed up. “No, wait!”

Sirius and Uravity grimaced as it sounded like something had gone even further wrong. The smokescreen had mostly cleared by now, and they were just about able to make out the plane taking off as well as Froppy’s failed attempt to latch her tongue to it.

“After them, Ryukyu!” Selkie’s panicked words continued over the communication channel as the crew watched him checking the waters. “Froppy?”

Uravity breathed easier when her girlfriend’s head poked out of the surf with a wave and a message as the Oki Mariner passed them.

“I’m fine.”

“But the Oki Mariner doesn’t have enough speed to catch them,” Mick growled, watching as the plane began to pull further and further ahead, even with Ryukyu chasing after it.

Sirius frowned, her mind rapidly running through a list of possible options they had at their disposal to try and stop the villains escaping, until a hand on her elbow interrupted her flow.

“I’ve got an idea,” Uravity said with confidence and determination that Sirius could feel herself believing. This wasn’t a simple work study student talking big; this was a battle-tested UA student who could stand alongside Tsu, Nejire-Chan, and the number ten hero Ryukyu.

“Right,” Sirius nodded as the girl quickly led her out onto the deck and towards the front end of the ship.

Above, Ryukyu cursed her bulky form as the plane’s more streamlined form helped it outpace her.

“I can’t match their speed!” She updated everyone.

“Damn it! We should’ve had them locked down,” Selkie cursed, slamming his fist on a nearby wall back on the enemy vessel in frustration.

“I’m sorry again,” Tsuyu apologised, having jumped back out of the water.

“It’s not your fault, Froppy,” Selkie shook his head. “We tried our best, but they outsmarted us.”

“Captain,” Sirius called across the comms, “it’s not in your nature to give up. We can still catch them, and we’re on it, Sir. Have faith.”

“What?” Selkie blinked, looking ahead as the Oki Mariner tried valiantly to try and pursue the ship. Whilst admirable, he knew that it would be outpaced by basically any aircraft.

From the deck, Sirius ignored her Captain’s confusion, opting to keep her focus on aiming one of the harpoon guns loaded with a training round that had a blunt tip, which the currently floating and gravity-less Uravity was gripping tightly.

“Uravity, are you ready?” Sirius asked, giving the work-study student one last chance to back out of her, frankly, crazy idea.

“Yes!” Uravity confirmed with that same determination that caused her to go along with this scheme.

“Once this is over, let’s have another beach day, yeah?” Sirius chuckled. Successful or otherwise, the hero-in-training would certainly need it to recover along with Sirius’ own nerves.

“Can we have a barbecue too?” Ochako chuckled back.

“You got it,” Sirius agreed as she locked the aiming mechanism in place. No going back now. Just like Sirius had once inspired Tsuyu to believe in Captain Selkie, now she found herself being asked to believe in Uravity. Sirius liked to think that actions spoke louder than words, and she found herself pulling the trigger that immediately fired the young hero out into the skies.

“Here we go!”

A loud, almost explosion-like sound rang in Ochako’s ears, and the next thing she knew, she was fighting against a sudden and sharp increase in air resistance to go along with the jaw-clenching amount of pain shooting through her arms.

Gripping onto a harpoon as it fired probably wasn’t her smartest choice, and she’d definitely receive an earful from Recovery Girl and Aizawa if they ever got wind of what she’d done, not to mention her partners, but she thanked her lucky stars that, although painful, she still had full use of her strained limbs. Ochako was incredibly grateful to her past self for putting in all those hours of muscle training.

As the harpoon reached the end of its tether, leaving Uravity flying fast and high, the pink and black-clad hero forced her body to obey and took careful aim with one of her grapplers.

“Uravity?! What are you doing?!” Ryukyu’s worried cries came in through her earpiece, still too far behind to do anything other than watch.

Ochako ignored them, however, too focused on doing her job and making sure these villains didn’t escape. With her resolve set, she fired.

When her tether successfully wrapped around the plane’s tail wing, Ochako felt a momentary burst of glee before she screamed in pain, her arm suddenly and painfully jerked once again while dragging her whole body with it.

“Uravity!” Nejire’s panicked scream followed Ryukyu’s, the blue-haired Wave Motion user pushing her quirk’s output to its maximum, deciding to trade everything she could to catch up with the villains, even if all she could do was rescue Ochako.

Although her sudden burst of speed quickly outclassed Ryukyu, it wasn’t enough to keep up with the still-accelerating plane.

Technically moving faster than both Nejire and the plane, Ochako closed in on the aircraft as she reeled herself in, grateful her steel cable and motors held out, even with her gravity-less form. Despite the amount of air rapidly pushing past her, the girl was finding it hard just to breathe.

The wind whipped in her ears as Ochako, barely able to make out the sounds of the others calling out in her earpiece, focused all her energy on simply getting to the plane door and then inside.

However, with her strength fighting against the turbulent airflow, Ochako couldn’t open the aircraft’s door. Both its weight and the outside pressure was keeping it sealed but the gravity manipulating hero could fix at least one of those.

Selectively applying her quirk to the metal door, it was enough for Ochako to slowly force it open and squeeze herself in through the gap, taking the utmost care to ensure her whole body was inside when it slammed after she dropped her hold.

“W-What?!” The pilot cried out, looking over his shoulder and spotting the somewhat injured hero stumbling into view as she tried to catch her breath.

Though she was pushing herself to her limits, Ochako knew she couldn’t slow down yet. The element of surprise had given her the advantage, but if she didn’t seize it, the villain would have the edge with a taller build, greater reach, and his unknown quirk, not to mention any use of Trigger.

Pushing herself into a run, Ochako surged forward with a speed the villain was unprepared for, the conviction in her eyes catching him off guard.

It only took a few seconds, but Ochako had closed the distance between them, her hand striking quickly with her fingers out to activate her quirk and render the villain weightless. He almost didn’t have time to process what her touch had done before Ochako was yanking him up and over her shoulder.

“Gunhead Martial Arts: Gravity Plus!”

Releasing her quirk just before the man hit the floor, his head hitting the steel with an echoing impact, Ochako felt relief course through her when the man groaned but didn’t get up.

“I’m… in. Villain’s… down,” the Antigravity Hero relayed between gasps over her earpiece.

“You did it?!” Selkie exclaimed.

“Way to go, Uravity!” Sirius cheered.

“At least give us some warning next time you pull a stunt like that,” Ryukyu gently scolded, still trying to catch up to the plane, whilst watching Nejire thankfully slow her pace down thanks to the good news.

“Sorry,” Ochako apologised as she almost flopped into the pilot’s seat and took the controls. The craft hadn’t been on autopilot, but it was sturdy enough not to fly into a tailspin the second someone abandoned their post. “What do I do… now?”

“Landing the regular way is kinda out of the question,” Selkie chuckled as Tsuyu climbed back up onto the deck of the villains’ ship. “Just turn her around and head back to the docks. I’m sure Ryukyu and Nejire-Chan can help you slow the craft down for a safe emergency landing.”

“That we can,” Ryukyu agreed, with Nejire nodding along.

“Alright, turning now,” Ochako announced, slowly beginning to turn the craft with what little knowledge she’d picked up from movies and TV shows.

Before she could complete the manoeuvre, a bleary, unfocused set of eyes blinked up at the aircraft’s ceiling.

The voice of the hero who’d commandeered the escape plane rang like nails on a chalkboard to the villain’s ears as he tried to focus. His head throbbed, and he was certain it wouldn’t be long before he passed out and then woke up in cuffs.

Whether in the clink, at the bottom of the ocean, or being on the run for pissing off the wrong dealer, he knew his life was over any which way. So why not take a hero down with him?

There wasn’t much Trigger could do for his quirk, but there was one thing he could do to prevent himself from ending up behind bars for the rest of his life.

Gathering his strength, he reached out with his quirk and felt the pull of the liquid powering the plane begin to obey his tenuous command. With a grunt of exertion, he could feel his grip on consciousness slipping, but couldn’t resist getting one last dig at the bitch who’d ruined everything for him.

“Fuck… you… hero…”

Ochako turned in her seat to see the smirking, spiteful face of her defeated enemy glaring up at her. She watched his hand grip into a fist before he promptly passed out.

For a moment, she thought it was simply the last act of defiance and refusal to surrender. That was until the plane’s control panel suddenly started blaring with alarms.

“What did you do?!” Ochako panicked, quickly grabbing the yoke as she watched the altimeter begin to fall. The nose of the plane dipped, and she suddenly felt that familiar sense of weightlessness from activating her quirk, though on a much milder level.

Checking the instruments that she could understand, it seemed that whatever the villain had done had stopped both the engines, and the plane was very aware that a crash was imminent.

“Uravity? What’s wrong?” Ryukyu’s voice called out as the Dragoon Hero noticed the plane’s nose begin descending before she and Nejire could even reach it.

“I-I don’t know!” Ochako panicked, looking desperately for something to fix the issue besides pulling back on the controls. “T-The villain did something!”

“Nejire, hurry!” Ryukyu ordered whilst pushing her wings to their limits and causing Nejire to blast off once more to intercept her friend.

“Pull back on the yoke!” Selkie tried to helpfully guide in case Ochako wasn’t already doing so, but those outside didn’t see any change as the plane continued to descend.

“Get out of there, Ochako!” Tsuyu’s voice echoed through the earpiece. “You’re gonna crash!”

Gripping the controls tightly, Ochako’s mind frantically tried to process her options.

She could do as Tsuyu said: grab the villain, and go. If she did, the plane would surely crash, spreading chemicals throughout the local ecosystem and potentially devastating the local wildlife.

A small, selfish part of her wanted to immediately jump at the prompt, get to safety, and work diligently to clean up whatever the results of her mess were as a failure, but a live one.

The controls weren’t responding right no matter what she pressed, and she couldn’t count on Nejire or Ryukyu catching up to bail her out, which made it all the more tempting.

Despite that, a part of Ochako would always wonder if she could’ve done more, and she couldn’t in good conscience walk away without giving it everything she had.

The window of choice was rapidly closing as the plane descended, regardless of how hard she pulled back on the controls, which meant there was only one other option left.

“I’m sorry, Froppy, I can’t,” Ochako replied as she took a deep breath to try and prepare for the inevitable backlash she felt, hoping it was merely throwing up, but preparing for something worse.

“Yes you can!” Tsuyu’s eyes bulged as she realised the risk her girlfriend was about to take, tears quickly welling up in the corners.

“What’s she doing?” Selkie asked, wondering if he’d missed something.

“I’m going to use my quirk to make the whole thing weightless,” Ochako declared.

“You can’t, ri-ribbit! I-It’s too heavy for you!” Tsuyu tried to dissuade her, feeling her heart jump into her throat, unable to tear her eyes away from the aircraft carrying her girlfriend.

“That craft is at least six tons!” Ryukyu agreed, not slowing her pace for a second as the plane got closer and closer. Even though the plane had slowed, she and Nejire still wouldn’t get there in time. “You’ll hit your limit way before that.”

“I’ll be fine,” Ochako responded, tightening her screaming muscles as she watched the sea begin to take up the entire windscreen. Between the weight of the plane and the amount of cargo it was carrying, Ochako already knew it was well over the limit of her quirk.

At least, it was over the old limit.

Ever since getting into UA, she had been training hard and pushing herself whenever possible. From the training camp during the summer to stretch her quirk, to the gym at UA to train her muscles, Ochako knew she was so much stronger than the sheltered country bumpkin she’d entered as.

Even with everything she’d achieved, however, using her quirk on an entire plane was a different story.

That didn’t mean she was ready to give up, it just meant she had to go-

“Plus Ultra!” She cried, slamming her hands down on the control panel. With a mighty roar, she pushed her quirk to its limits, immediately feeling the familiar nauseating backlash. Her stomach heaved, and her throat seized, but Ochako refused to succumb to her urges, overriding her body’s desire to relieve the pressure by doubling down and letting out another cry of raw determination.

Her complaining muscles renewed their protests, and her brain felt like it was being prodded with fiery pokers as something warm began running from her nose,

There was no bright flash, no outward signal that her quirk had taken effect, but Ochako could feel her quirk engulfing the entire aircraft. It didn’t stop its descent towards the watery depths, but the sudden jolt from changing forces meant Ochako had achieved her goal.

Biting back every ounce of puke her body was urging her to release, Ochako grabbed the controls and yanked back as hard as she could one last time.

Outside, Nejire’s heartrate continued to climb as she pushed herself. While the craft had slowed and the flaps were down, it was still little more than a barely-controlled fall. Even at that speed, the plane would shatter on impact.

Still, what Ochako had done allowed her to finally catch up.

“Hold it in place until I can get there!” Ryukyu ordered over the earpiece, hoping her work study student could stall things with her quirk.

Nejire, however, knew her spiral force wouldn’t be enough alone, and she calculated that Ryukyu would still arrive too late to do anything about it, but the blue-haired pixie girl rejected the reality of losing another person so precious to her.

If all her intense training since Christmas failed her here, she may as well hang up her costume for good.

Putting everything she had into her quirk as she wove her hands in a circular motion, Nejire pictured herself creating a spiral air current to help steer and guide the craft skyward once more.

The spirals surrounded the craft, the metal structure groaning as it was guided back into an upright position.

“Hold… on!” Nejire continued pushing her quirk, focusing on getting the tail down so that the air resistance would at least work with her.

Working together, Ochako and Nejire’s efforts began finally paying off. For a brief moment, the altimeter descent halted, and several alarms in the cockpit silenced themselves. Then, miraculously the plane actually began rising.

This was all lost on Nejire, who could only see her friend’s imminent demise if she gave anything less than one hundred percent, but she was rapidly burning through her energy reserves.

“N-No, p-please!” Nejire begged as she felt her output begin fading. Channelling all her strength into a short, compact blast was one thing, but it was a completely different story to spread such a force over such a wide area.

The blue-haired girl was so focused in trying to maintain the strength of her quirk, she almost missed Ryukyu finally speeding past her, diving straight through the stream of full-power spirals to grab the plane’s wings while flexing her own to act as an air brake.

“Nejire-Chan, you can ease off now, I’ve got them,” Ryukyu called over the communication channel.

With the pro hero finally able to assist and provide support to the very students she was meant to be mentoring, it seemed like everything had finally stopped going wrong. Nejire eased back but didn’t stop using her quirk until Ryukyu lowered the craft as gently as she could, considering their speed, down to the sea.

The plane hadn’t even slowed to a float before Nejire was ripping the door open and flying inside, eternally thankful to hear Ochako release her quirk before releasing her previously delicious lunch all over the cockpit floor and collapse.

Ignoring the villain, who thankfully seemed to have been unconscious through the whole thing, Nejire quickly scooped Ochako into her arms and cradled the girl, worry surging as she saw the blood both running down Ochako’s nose and in her bile.

Still, her brown-haired friend was conscious enough to weakly open her eyes and look up at her, flashing Nejire a weak smile and thumbs up before promptly passing out.

“Ochako?” Nejire panicked. “O-Ochako, stay with me!”

Feeling for a pulse, the blue-haired hero’s worries finally eased as it seemed her friend had just passed out from the strain.

“Oh, thank goodness!” Nejire practically cried, cradling Ochako softly as tears of relief could finally roll down her face.

Behind her, she could hear Ryukyu entering the cabin and attending to their other responsibilities.

“H-How’s Ochako, ribbit?” Tsuyu’s somewhat worried question came through loud and clear.

“She’s been better,” Ryukyu admitted as, with the villain secure, Nejire was dutifully attending to the hero of the hour, who looked like she’d thrown up everything in her stomach and then some. “We might need to call in Recovery Girl, but I think she’s just greatly over exerted her quirk.”

Tsuyu, along with the Sirius, Selkie, and the crew of the Oki Mariner, breathed a large sigh of relief, the frog girl’s muscles uncoiling as the urge to swim to get to her girlfriend faster faded.

With the villains on the vessel secured, Selkie had taken the helm and followed in the Oki Mariner’s wake, arriving at the site of the now downed plane to see Nejire flying over to the hero ship as gently as possible with Ochako in her arms.

Tsuyu’s worry surged again, wanting nothing more than to see her girlfriend’s eyes and smile if only to confirm she was alright, but all she could do was accompany her girlfriend down to the small medical bay and remain by her side as the others took care of clean up.

It wasn’t the cleanest ending, but the villains had been captured, the day had been saved, and her girlfriend was back safely.

As reluctant as she was to worry the others, Tsuyu knew she needed to update them on what had happened, even if she couldn’t give many specifics since the situation wasn’t technically over with yet.

Predictably, Tooru, Kyoka, and the others all expressed their worry for Ochako, but Tsuyu did her best to try and assure them everything would be fine. Truthfully, she didn’t know if she was trying to convince herself along with them, but she knew Ochako was a fighter to the core. If Tooru could overcome her quirk backlash then it would be a breeze for the brunette.

Relieved tears rolled down Tsuyu’s cheeks as she held Ochako’s hand, knowing couldn’t ask for a better ending all things considered, but she did know one thing for certain; even if she lost points for recklessness, once Ochako woke up, she was in for one heck of a reward for her courage and bravery.

When the final bell rang that Thursday afternoon, everyone was feeling the strain from the day.

In preparation for their joint exercise tomorrow, Aizawa had decided to fill their classes with as much heroic revision as he could. They still had no idea what they’d be going into tomorrow, so every subject was covered.

Whilst recalling proper etiquette when dealing with civilians and reporters wasn’t exactly thrilling material, no one in the class complained when it came to revising things like emergency protocols, and especially hostage situations. Even Aizawa looked somewhat agitated by the end, and no one questioned it when he was the first out of the door.

As it was, the students of 1-A headed back to their dorm for a night of preparations and personal rituals to ensure they could overcome whatever challenges they’d soon face.

“Man, am I glad that’s done,” Kyoka groaned, looking forward to some rest and a nice, hot bath now that the school week was technically over, “I think if I look at any more ‘dos and don’ts of public relations’ I’m going to strangle someone with my jacks.”

“I’m pretty sure saying or doing that would go in the ‘don’t’ column,” Tooru giggled.

“Think I could go in the ‘do’ column?” Mina nudged her girlfriend with her elbow, eliciting another giggle from her and polite chuckles from the other poly members.

“I think we’ve got more important things to think about right now,” Momo gently reminded them.

“Yeah,” Kyoka’s mood dipped. “Anyone hear more from Tsu?”

“She’s texting now,” Izuku confirmed, having pulled out his phone to check up on their missing duo as soon as class had ended. There was a small, collective silence as the group’s focus shifted to Izuku’s reaction. Thankfully, they all felt the collective vibrations of a new message that accompanied the frog girl’s reply. “Thank goodness. Ochako’s been awake since lunch and is doing much better now thanks to Recovery Girl.”

The tension the group had held since last night rapidly deflated.

“Jeez, where would UA be without Recovery Girl?” Mina sighed.

“T-That’s kind of why she’s yet to retire,” Izuku chuckled. “There isn’t really anyone who can replace her just yet.”

“Well, with how you always get into trouble, you'd better hope she never does,” Kyoka teased.

“Don’t remind me,” Izuku shook his head. “I think she’s joked more than once about putting a plaque on one of the beds as a warning to other students.”

“Aww, your first dedication,” Tooru grinned.

“Perhaps we’ll stick to trying to keep you out of the nurse’s office, for both her sanity and ours,” Momo noted.

“Hmm?” Mina raised a teasing brow. “Sure you’re not just jealous of another woman’s lips touching your man?”

“Mina, please,” Momo rolled her eyes. “What Recovery does is purely professional and appropriate for her quirk.”

“So you’re saying you don’t mind if someone else puts their lips on your man if they’re using their quirk?” The minxish girl grinned.

“Hardly,” Momo shook her head, keeping her voice low due to the public setting. “Izuku is my fiancé after all.”

The greenette tried his best to avoid attention, especially with the minor blush rising to his cheeks at Momo’s words and how easily they were settling in his mind. Product of a deceptive plan or not, after his talk with Mina and Kyoka yesterday, he felt a lot less conflicted about enjoying that role while he could.

“Don’t really seem like a happy couple though,” Mina noted. “What, you guys afraid some scandal will break out if you’re caught holding hands again?”

“Uh…” Izuku broke his silence, about to affirm as such to the pinkette only to be caught off guard when her eyes caught his, her smirk only widening.

“Actually, it's entirely appropriate behaviour, now,” Momo pointed out. Izuku was somewhat surprised when he felt Momo’s soft hand slip into his own, her fingers intertwining with his as he glanced down at their connection. “I could do this all day if I desired.”

“Guess that’s your evening sorted,” Mina laughed, pulling Izuku’s attention and a look of disbelief at her as she sent him a subtle wink. Focused on the deceptive minx, Izuku missed the pinkening of Momo’s cheeks as she processed her own words but didn’t let go of her fiancé’s hand, though this didn’t go unnoticed by Kyoka, who not only spotted it, but also heard the heiress’s heart rate quicken.

Remaining silent, she elected not to get dragged into the pinkette’s obvious bait and allowed herself a small smile at their least educated girlfriend outwitting their two smartest partners for their own good.

Attention returned to the matter of their missing members when their phones vibrated again, with Izuku again providing the response.

“It’s Ochako! She says she’s feeling drained but she and Tsu should be coming home tonight!”

“That’s awesome!” Tooru cheered as the mood rose further for the group.

“Why not now?” Kyoka asked curiously.

“Apparently, she’s owed a celebratory barbeque and she doesn’t want to miss it.”

“Ooo, that sounds so damn good right now,” Mina began drooling, the void in her stomach growing as she recalled familiar memories and tastes.

“Don’t even think about it,” Kyoka shot down. “And no sleepovers either. Pretty sure we’re gonna be fucking exhausted tomorrow.”

“I’m not sure if it’s because Ochako managed to save the day so epically or if she doesn’t want to miss out on free food,” Tooru mused. “Either way, I can’t exactly blame her.”

“Well, we’ll make sure to welcome them both back properly when they get home tonight,” Mina smiled, though Kyoka seemed dubious.

“… You’re gonna ask them to bring some back, aren’t you?”

“Wha~at? Nooo,” Mina looked away guiltily, rapidly deleting the text she’d already been preparing.

The group laughed at Mina’s transparent ploy as they headed down the path and back into their dorm. Only once inside to begin shedding their shoes did Momo and Izuku’s hands drop, each feeling somewhat reluctant to end the connection but doing their best not to let it show too much.

The curious interaction didn’t go entirely unnoticed by one of their other members, watching the pair say their goodbyes before heading up to their floors in separate elevators.

While riding with Momo to stop at her own floor first, a thought crossed Tooru’s mind; one she was still a little anxious about following through with. Things wouldn’t get better by ignoring them though, and with how determined she was to grow beyond her pain, she hoped the others would see her plan in the same light.

Entering the comfort and safety of her room, Tooru dropped off her school bag, loosened her tie, and began her preparations.

Izuku dropped into his desk chair with a grunt, feeling the weight of the week catch up to him now that he could take a breather.

Between his work study, Ochako’s injuries, and the threat from Toga towards Momo, he was surprised he wasn’t feeling more anxious about everything. Thinking back, he’d become a lot calmer in recent months, more confident too.

There was no doubt in his mind that it was thanks to his amazing and wonderfully accepting partners, even if navigating their most unusual romantic situation had brought about its own set of uniquely agonising problems.

When he was young, he had always dreamed of finding even one person to call a friend that he could trust without reservation, knowing that no matter what trouble they got into, they’d have each other’s backs no matter what.

Though his recent social standing with the class had taken a hit thanks to his subterfuge with Momo, he hoped Todoroki was a good measuring stick for their resolve, given all they’ve collectively been through; even if he wasn’t judged in the most positive light, he hoped they’d have his back, because he most certainly would have theirs.

When extending that same concept to his partners, he was more certain than ever that the problems they faced could have their best solution when they worked together towards the same goal, even if the path to do so wasn’t quite clear yet.

Lifting his hand, Izuku could still feel the tingles of Momo’s touch on his palm, his heart reacting to the memory of the event but reprising its elevated rhythm at the affection. Izuku had been certain of his commitment to the girl to help her find the best way out of her forced betrothal as her friend and fellow partner to the others, but he hadn’t expected to fall for her as hard as he had whilst doing so.

Memories of their sordid affair on the Ferris wheel reprised themselves in his mind, the tingles in his hand resurging and extending to other parts of his body as he closed his eyes to further indulge himself.

One other thing that had grown in recent months had been his sex drive. What used to be a secretive self-indulgence once every week or so had grown in both frequency and number of participants. Instead of turning on ‘private mode’ on his phone to search for some more risqué pictures, his memories and imagination had priority whenever one of his girlfriends wasn’t available.

Izuku gently began stroking himself through his jeans, his length having risen as images of his raven-haired fiancée filled his mind. A scenario began playing out in his imagination, wondering what could have happened had the Ferris wheel malfunctioned and caused them to get stuck at the top.

Before he could unbutton himself and take care of this little distraction before getting in some extra revision for tomorrow, Izuku jumped when he heard a sudden knock at his door.

“Ah! W-Who is it?” He called out, hands retreating guiltily away from his waist.

“It’s Tooru, you got a sec?” His girlfriend’s adorable voice floated through the wood.

Curious as to why she wouldn’t just let herself in, Izuku rose to his feet and answered the door, spotting his glittery-haired girlfriend standing there in her casual clothes with her phone in her hand.

“Is something wrong, Tooru?” Izuku asked curiously, glancing around for any potential eavesdroppers.

“No, but I was wondering if I could borrow you for the night,” Tooru asked with a look that Izuku knew he couldn’t turn down. For someone who’d never used facial expressions to get what she wanted in the past, Tooru had learned some of Mina’s tricks in record time.

Even if she hadn’t, Izuku wasn’t one to turn down anyone if he could help.

“What do you need?” He asked curiously, not assuming that ‘borrowing him for the night’ meant something lewd, though a notable part of him was hoping it did.

Just then, Tooru’s phone buzzed and the girl was momentarily distracted as she checked the text she got.

“Perfect,” she nodded with a strange, determined frown settling on her brow before she looked up at Izuku with that same expression. “Come with me.”

“Wha-” Was all Izuku could express before Tooru’s hand clasped his and pulled him down the corridor. If not for a dexterous flick of Black Whip, the greenette’s door would’ve been left wide open as Tooru led him to the staircase to ascend.

At first, he thought they were going back to her room, but that was dashed when they continued up to the fourth and then fifth floors. With Tsuyu absent, that left only one logical option and, sure enough, he and Tooru waited patiently after his girlfriend knocked on his fiancée’s door.

“Come in,” Momo called, seemingly expecting them, which Izuku guessed was due to Tooru’s earlier text.

It seemed the heiress was just as perplexed as he was when she spotted his arrival along with the expected party. Tooru didn’t acknowledge it, however, instead guiding Izuku into the room while Momo sat at her vanity table, having been in the midst of brushing her hair down.

“Is something the matter?” Momo questioned curiously, putting her hairbrush down. “Should we expect the others too?”

“No,” Tooru shook her head, “this is um… kind of a matter just for us.”

“Okay,” Momo nodded, still clearly puzzled by her girlfriend’s behaviour. “Then what can we do for you?”

“Well, um…” Tooru looked away, “it has to do with something… bad.”

“Are you in trouble?” Izuku asked, readying himself to react.

“No,” Tooru sighed, “but… I have been in pain for a while. We… all kinda have.”

The greenette frowned, wondering what exactly his girlfriend was referring to. He looked to Momo to see if she had any insight, only to catch a bitter, guilty expression sliding onto her face before she looked away in shame. It was only then that he understood what exactly Tooru was referring to as his focus shifted back to her, a wary, nervous look now dressing her features.

“I know, it’s not nice to think about,” Tooru acknowledged, “and I’m not bringing it up to make it worse or rub it in or anything.”

“I’m sor-”

“I know you’re sorry,” Tooru reassured her girlfriend, walking forward a few steps to rest a comforting hand on Momo’s shoulder, accompanied by a gentle squeeze. “I’m not trying to hold it against you. We’ve already done all our ‘sorrys’, remember?”

“So… why are you bringing it up?” Izuku asked, hoping his tone came across as curious rather than accusatory. Tooru turned, her free hand flitting to her throat, where Izuku recalled her particular struggles since the incident.

“Even though things are better, they’re not fixed,” Tooru replied with a mote of sadness. “I still struggle when I um… practise on things, and I still can’t eat lollies like I used to.” Momo grimaced at the reminder of what she’d caused. “But, I um… I wanted to ask you both if you could try something with me that might help. I-If it works, we might all benefit from it, a-and be able to put this thing even further behind us, though… I wouldn’t blame you if you said no.”

It wasn’t hard for Izuku to make an assumption based on Tooru’s implication.

“Y-You want us both to uh… to…”

“Repeat the incident,” Momo stated, eyes still aimed at the floor.

“N-Not exactly repeating it,” Tooru let out a mirthless chuckle. “Just, y’know, doing it right this time.”

A small silence hung in the air as Izuku processed his response while Momo bit back hers, both literally and physically.

“I don’t… think that’s the best idea,” Izuku offered, noticing Momo’s discomfort.

“Why not?” Tooru asked. “It’s called ‘exposure therapy’, and it works to help people overcome their trauma.”

“I’ve heard of it,” Izuku nodded, not doubting that aspect. “I mean, I’m not sure that’s the right path for all of us.”

“Why not? You two are both going to be a big part of my life for what I’m hoping will be the rest of it,” Tooru chuckled lightly. “I… I want to fix this void that I can still feel between us because I love you both so much!”

The greenette felt his heart leap, as it often did when hearing those words from any of his partners. However, with a sympathetic look, Izuku gestured back to Momo, who he knew would be the hardest sell. It wasn’t him who felt the shame of being the cause behind his perky girlfriend’s panic attacks after all.

“Momo?” Tooru asked cautiously, as her girlfriend had remained fairly quiet so far. The raven-haired girl shook her head, hoping that would be enough. “I know it might be hard, but-”

“I can’t do that to you again, Tooru!” Momo stated fiercely, finally losing the battle to hold herself back. When she saw how her volume had startled her partners, she hesitated and averted her eyes once again. “I-I don’t… I can’t hurt you a-again.”

Tooru’s lips thinned as she felt the heavy emotion and memories laced in her girlfriend’s words. Reaching up, she gently cupped Momo’s face and guided their eyes to meet.

“I know you can’t,” Tooru smiled, “because I’ve seen how hard you’ve been trying since it happened. The Momo from back then isn’t like the Momo I’m looking at now.”

“B-But I am,” Momo tried to shake her head. “I… still feel disgusted that I-

“So let’s fix that,” Tooru cut her off. “Like I said, this could help all of us, and I know how much you’ve wanted to fix this,” she acknowledged. “I know we can do this, but the only way we can is together, and no matter what you say, I trust that you won’t make the same mistake again.”

Momo’s mouth gently fell open, eyes blinking back tears as Tooru’s dazzling smile was almost blinding, even without her quirk. It was times like these that she felt unworthy of being partners with someone so forgiving and radiant.

Izuku looked down, searching his own feelings on the matter. Whilst he would always try to put the others first, this was one thing he had to seriously consider for himself.

It didn’t take him long to find his own answer, standing beside Tooru and reaching for Momo’s hand, the tingly feeling returning with her delicate touch.

“You can say no, i-if you’re not comfortable with it yet,” he acknowledged, his offer of a reprieve eagerly eyed by their partner, “but I think Tooru’s right; we need to do this together. S-She’s not the only one who can tell you’ve changed, because… I trust you, too.”

Breath catching, the refusal died before the words could leave her lips. Momo’s gut reaction had been to reject Tooru’s idea, wanting nothing more than to leave that shameful memory in the past where it belonged.

However, despite her shame and guilt, the two she’d most wronged with her actions were asking, no, offering her a chance to make it right, and she was trying to turn it down?

Was she scared? Absolutely, but what was all that repenting for if not to assure the others, and herself, that she’d learned her lesson. What better way was there for her to prove their faith in her by showing them how right they’d been to give her that second chance?

She was Momo Fucking Yaoyorozu, and she would be the best girlfriend to her partners!

Releasing a stilted breath, Momo calmed her nerves as best she could before replying.

“O-Okay,” she croaked before coughing to clear her sticky throat. “Okay. I… will try this again with you both.”

“Yes!” Tooru’s demeanour instantly brightened and Izuku smiled, yet she could still see the worried sympathy oozing from him. Squeezing his hand, Momo stood up from her chair to stand beside her partners.

“Sorry,” Momo apologised as she gently brushed her eyes, removing the bitter teardrops that had built but had yet to fall. “Probably not the best way to start something like this.”

“That’s okay,” Izuku chuckled, a touch of self-pity creeping in. “I might’ve um… cried when talking to Mina and Kyoka while we tie-dyed some stuff.”

“Good cry or bad cry?” Tooru asked, worry climbing and taking Izuku’s other hand.

“Uh, good, I guess?” Izuku chuckled, glancing from Tooru and back to Momo, his cheeks pinkening. “They um, helped me find some perspective when I was worried about something.”

“Then, I hope I’m not too selfish to hope for the same now,” Momo smiled.

“That depends on Tooru,” Izuku returned the focus to the glittery girl, joined by the heiress. “Did you bring us together because this is something you wanted to do now?”

“I-If you don’t mind?” Tooru giggled, red creeping onto her own cheeks. “Figured it might help us um… de-stress for tomorrow if nothing else.”

“You sure know how to pick your moments,” Momo chuckled fondly, her first since the others had arrived. “Then again, you wouldn’t be our Starlight if you didn’t.”

“Got that right, Gorgeous,” Tooru grinned before leaning in and claiming a kiss she’d been anticipating since arriving. While Momo was hesitant, almost to a timid degree thanks to the knowledge of what they were potentially about to do, it didn’t take her long to ease into Tooru’s comforting embrace when Tooru’s hands slid over her hips.

Before the kiss could deepen too much, Tooru pulled back, nuzzling Momo’s nose as she did.

“I think you need to break some stuff out of your toy box,” she grinned.

“R-Right,” Momo nodded, lightly biting her lip as she moved over to the side of her bed. Their unfortunate memory from before gave them both a touch of apprehension for what would come next, but hopefully a much more satisfying outcome would follow today. After all, they’d had plenty of good times with Momo’s toys before.

“You ready for this, Squishy?” Tooru asked, turning to her boyfriend.

“I think?” Izuku replied with Tooru raising an inquisitive brow at his words. “I don’t have to do the ‘training’ stuff again, right?”

“Of course not,” Tooru assured him, reaching out for a firm hug as Momo kept one ear out. “If there’s something you’re not comfortable with, please just say, else what’s the point in trying this again?”

“To help you two?” Izuku offered with a small chuckle while Tooru rolled her eyes.

“If I may?” Momo’s voice floated over as the two turned to see their girlfriend, who had retrieved one of her more recently created strap-ons. Shame was written on her face as she put the toy on the bed before bowing her head. “I apologise again for my deception. I deeply regret how I treated you, e-especially with all we’ve been through since. If doing this together is too much, then-”

“It’s not that,” Izuku shook his head, gently easing himself out of Tooru’s embrace and taking a few steps towards Momo who didn’t look up at his approach. Taking her hands, Izuku gently rubbed his thumbs over them in a way he hoped was comforting. “I’ve… really enjoyed our time together over the past few months, but um… b-between the engagement and your parents and everything… I didn’t want you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with because you feel um… obligated.”

Momo dared herself to look up, catching sight of Izuku’s sincere expression and warm, comforting eyes. Even after she’d hurt him, somehow, they’d grown past it and reached a new level in their relationship, one that she knew was beginning to match that of her other partners. The way her hands tingled at his touch and heartrate sped up when he looked at her didn’t evade her notice.

Still, that lingering doubt in her mind, that Izuku was doing this for her so she, Kyoka, and the others would be happy still didn’t completely disappear. His words contributed to that fact, that he was doing this for her and Tooru’s sake more than his own. It was almost frustrating how conflicted she still felt, torn between indulging in her growing affections for him and holding back out of that similar sense he was only doing this out of obligation.

Momo knew better than any how much her selfishness could hurt others, so as much as she wanted to explore these developing feelings for her fiancé, today was about Tooru.

“I’ve enjoyed it too, um… S-Squishy,” Momo replied, trying not to let her cheeks colour. “If my parents had any idea of what was going on, I’m sure doing this would be the last thing on our minds. Hand holding in public is one thing, but um… f-filling up our girlfriend?”

The trio shared a chuckle at the absurdity, Tooru’s smile brightening as it seemed her partners were beginning to commit to the plan.

“As I told Tooru yesterday though, fuck them.” Izuku’s brows rose at Momo’s words while the heiress giggled at catching him off guard. While she conceded that what they were about to do was more for Tooru, she would afford herself a touch of indulgence. Leaning in, her lips pressed against Izuku’s own, placing a tender kiss on the boy as she thought about the many similar moments she’d shared in recent months. When she pulled back, she momentarily thought it had been unwelcome until Izuku’s somewhat dazed expression broke into something more excited and enthusiastic.

She couldn’t blame him. The idea of double-teaming Tooru had been somewhat exciting when she’d first thought about it, and now it was only heightened knowing it would be done right.

“S-Shall we?” She glanced over at Tooru, who was looking the most excited out of all of them.

“Oh yeah!” Tooru grinned, wasting no time to reach up and begin stripping off her top, letting her breasts bounce free due to shedding her bra before she’d left her room. “Catch up, slowpokes!”

Izuku and Momo both felt their cores throb at the sight, eyes briefly returning to each other before the greenette released his fiancée’s hands, both blushing as they realised they’d be getting naked in front of each other once again. Whilst previous times had still been embarrassing, there was something different about it now.

Opting to give the pair a bit of privacy, Izuku turned around to face the door as he loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt. Momo followed suit, her back to her fiancé as she slid her skirt down and stepped out of her panties.

Tooru had eagerly jumped onto Momo’s bed, feeling the heiress’ soft covers on her skin again felt almost heavenly as the fake cock that would soon be shooting its load inside her bounced alongside her. When she looked up to check her partners’ progress, she spotted Izuku and Momo having finally stripped themselves off.

A knowing grin slipped onto her lips as she watched the pair shyly turn to check each other out. Izuku’s cock flexed eagerly as his eyes drank in Momo’s form, while the heiress bit her lip as her gaze roamed over his body.

Tooru was almost tempted to remain silent and see what happened. She knew the pair had been growing closer since they decided to give each other a proper chance, and this was certainly proof they were almost ready to take that next big step. However, neither seemed ready to make that move just yet as their eyes turned to focus on the one who’d be at the center of their affections for the day.

“R-Ready to um… take everything I’ve got?” Izuku asked bashfully, despite his eagerly flexing cock.

The invisible girl could feel herself almost itching to get started, longing to feel that familiar sticky sensation deep in her core or running down her throat. She swallowed out of reflex, a touch of her fear creeping in on her at the idea of taking either Izuku or Momo in her mouth, but today was all about pushing herself beyond fixing what was broken.

“Ready and waiting!” Tooru giggled, reaching for the strap-on and holding it up suggestively.

“I-I’ll take that,” Momo said, gently retrieving her toy from her girlfriend before stepping into the harness. She didn’t need any extra lubrication as the other end of the strap-on pressed against her lower lips, sliding between them easily as her faux-cock settled into place with a few buckled clicks.

For a moment, everything felt much more real. Momo’s core clenched against the pleasant intruder as she eyed the awaiting Tooru with excited eyes, already imagining the sights and sounds she was about to behold. Feeling the girl quiver under her touch as she unloaded inside her was something she’d greatly missed, and she was truly thankful she’d get to experience it once again.

“W-Where do you want us?” Izuku asked, breaking Momo from her momentary daydream.

“First things first,” Tooru held up a hand. “I um… don’t think a safe word will be useful for this, so um… could you make me one of those buttons please, Momo?”

“Of course!” Momo eagerly agreed, quickly producing a small handheld button that, when pressed, repeated the word ‘Stop’ until it was pressed again. Tooru looked much more relaxed after testing it.

“I don’t think I’ll need it, or that things’ll go wrong again,” Tooru admitted, “but, better to be safe, y’know?”

“Anything you want,” Momo agreed, with Izuku nodding along.

“I um… don’t know if I’ll have a panic attack either,” Tooru acknowledged, “but I need to face this if I’m going to get better, so if I do, please um… let me handle it? I promise I’ll press the button if I really need it, though.”

Momo and Izuku exchanged wary looks. Though no words were spoken between them, they could easily understand the intentions of the other; no matter what, Tooru’s safety came first.

“If you’re sure,” Izuku nodded slowly.

“Absolutely,” Tooru grinned, patting the sheets on either side of her. “Now cum and get some.”

“Isn’t that our line?” Momo chuckled, making her way around the footboard to sit and slide onto her bed while Izuku took the other side. “You’re the one who will be full to bloating after all.”

Tooru shivered in excitement, picturing cum dripping from both sets of lips with a swollen belly.

“I think she liked that,” Izuku chuckled as he slid into place beside Tooru, leaning over and placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

“Remind me to regale you with some of the more sordid things she and I have shared in the past at some point,” Momo giggled, placing her own kiss on Tooru’s other cheek.

“N-No,” Tooru blushed between them. “Too embarrassing.”

“Would you rather I simply show him?” Momo asked, cupping Tooru’s chin and drawing her eyes into her own. “Maybe he’d like to see just how big your stomach can get.”

A fluttery moan left Tooru’s lips as all three of them felt their arousal heighten.

“M-Maybe another time,” Tooru shook her head, her hand dipping down to her waist, running over her moist lips and spreading them with her fingers. “For now… I want you to put that toy to good use.”

Position clearly determined, Momo wasted no time getting between her girlfriend’s legs. Around them, Izuku rearranged himself to sit behind Tooru, easing her back until her head was almost in his lap and carefully avoiding his throbbing length for now.

Tooru shivered again as she felt Momo’s length rubbing against her clit as the heiress made herself comfortable, releasing a small moan of anticipation. Momo looked up, watching her glittery-haired girlfriend react as she teased and danced around her entrance.

“Momo!” Tooru begged, her pussy sufficiently lubed from her girlfriend’s ministrations.

“Sorry,” Momo giggled, “I forgot how fun it was to tease you.”

“She is pretty adorable,” Izuku agreed, leaning down to capture Tooru’s lips before the girl could pout or protest.

Momo timed her first, gentle thrust just her partners’ lips connected, watching Tooru struggle between focusing on Izuku or herself. With her free hand, Tooru gripped the sheets as she felt herself stretch and accommodate the familiar length after its notable absence, her other carefully gripping her panic button.

Once Momo’s hips finally met Tooru’s, the girls both gasped as they adjusted to the sensations inside them.

“Ahh, that’s good,” Tooru sighed.

“I-I forgot how much I missed this,” Momo agreed, wiggling her hips as everything settled into place.

Looking up at the pair, Momo couldn’t help but spot Izuku’s gaze trailing down Tooru’s body to where they were now interconnected. There was raw desire creeping into his eyes, and when he spotted that Momo had caught him, he was about to look away bashfully, were it not for Momo giving him a wink and encouraging him to look down again as she began easing out of their girlfriend.

Tooru’s needy groan was all the permission she needed to continue with Momo settling into a gentle but firm rhythm, thrusting into her girlfriend.

Truthfully, Izuku wouldn’t be disappointed if all he did was watch. Seeing Momo’s breasts bounce along with Tooru’s as she worked to fill her with that flavoured cum had his length throbbing almost painfully.

Any thoughts of simply remaining an observer disappeared when Tooru leaned back before playfully licking her lips.

“R-Ready?” Izuku asked, receiving a nervous nod in response.

“I’m ready,” Tooru agreed as Izuku replaced his lap with a pillow to keep her lightly propped up.

Pushing his length down to guide it where he wanted, Tooru’s tongue snaked out of her mouth to circle and tickle his tip. As tempting as it was to push forward into the warm, inviting orifice, Izuku knew he needed to take it slow and simply let Tooru get reacquainted with his member at her own pace.

Momo’s thrusts slowed as she observed the pair. Not only did she not want to disturb Tooru’s explorations too much, but something was enticing about watching her coax Izuku’s length closer, knowing that it would soon fire its load down her throat. The heiress unconsciously swallowed as she wondered exactly what Izuku would feel and taste like.

Shaking her head to dismiss those fantastical musings for now, Momo instead watched as Izuku’s cock head slipped beyond Tooru’s lips. Both she and Izuku held their breath as every inch increased their tension.

Just after halfway, Tooru’s body jerked.

Izuku quickly pulled back, his cock emerging from her mouth accompanied by a few heated breaths from the girl.

“Are you alright?” He asked quickly.

“F-Fine,” Tooru coughed and cleared her throat. “J-Just getting used to it again.”

After a few moments to prepare herself, Tooru leaned back once more. Cautiously, Izuku pressed forward, inching forward until he was about halfway inside, pausing to let out his own fluttery moan of satisfaction.

It was an odd sensation as Tooru’s giggles vibrated around his cock, but he was just glad she seemed to have suppressed her body’s urge to expel him like before.

“R-Ready, Starlight?” Izuku asked, her lips now all the guidance he needed as he gingerly held her face in his hands, ready to push even further still.

“Mm-hmm!” Tooru replied, her response muffled.

Looking up at Momo for one last check, the heiress gave her own tentative nod before Izuku began easing himself in and out of Tooru’s mouth.

“O-Oh!” He gasped as he felt Tooru’s tongue putting in the work to stroke up and down his length, encouraging his load and his length to go deeper.

Momo tried to put it out of her mind, focusing on her own task of thrusting into her girlfriend’s depths, though she couldn’t help but keep one eye on the pair above her. She bit her lip, resolving to press the button and release her load either when Tooru came or Izuku did.

Slowly but surely, Tooru began taking more of Izuku’s cock, stretching her neck to swallow more when Izuku hesitated to go further as it gently began bulging with each thrust. It was clear she was struggling with how intensely her hands were gripping the sheet and her emergency button, but she refused to press it when she knew she could take more.

The greenette refined his focus, closing his eyes to enhance the sensations and push himself closer to the edge just that bit faster. While he wanted to give his girlfriend what she wanted, he didn’t want to take any risks when it came to her discomfort.

When Izuku looked like he wouldn’t dare go any further, Tooru knew she needed to push him over the edge to push herself. Releasing the sheets, her arm reached up and back to grab at her boyfriend’s hips, almost overbalancing him when she grabbed his glute and pulled hard.

The result was Izuku leaning forward, arms out to balance himself on the mattress as he unintentionally hilted his length down Tooru’s throat.

“A-Ah!” He cried as he could feel his girlfriend’s muscles milking him as though she were swallowing. Control lost, his knees shook and his body tightened as Izuku felt his release begin flowing, spurting past his girlfriend’s lips and pooling in her throat.

Tooru’s hand immediately reached for the sheets and gripped them tightly once more, knuckles whitening and chest heaving as her body tried to protect itself.

Trying as best as she could to breathe through her nose, the invisible girl pushed down her knee-jerk reactions as she felt Izuku’s delicious warmth flow into her once more. The sticky spunk missed her taste buds, but she felt her pussy clench around Momo’s length as she imagined it pooling in her stomach.

This was what she wanted! She was loved and safe and didn’t need to worry about the past anymore.

Slowly, her body started getting the message, uncoiling as Tooru relaxed and savoured her boyfriend’s lingering taste as he pulled back and out of her mouth.

“W-Was that too much?” He asked quickly, cock falling to half-mast after releasing.

Admittedly, Tooru coughed and spluttered to clear her throat again, but smiled up at her boyfriend with saliva messily decorating her lips.

“T-Told you I’d be fine!” She all but cheered, licking up the essence she’d missed as Izuku breathed a haggard sigh of relief.

Having watched with bated breath, Momo’s thrusts had stalled so as not to distract her girlfriend. Though when Tooru’s tired yet excited eyes looked down and caught hers, she knew her strong girlfriend had it handled.

“W-Where’s my other load?” She asked playfully.

Without any fear of causing her girlfriend further oral issues, Momo leaned forward, arms on either side of Tooru’s head as she redoubled her thrusts.

“B-Bet that tasted rewarding,” Momo grinned, eliciting a similar one from Tooru, who gently pat her belly.

“Like you wouldn’t believe,” Tooru nodded.

“Well then,” Momo reached around for the button on her hip. While she wasn’t ready to finish herself, she had no doubts Tooru would be up for another round. “What about this?”

With one last, deep thrust, Momo’s cock twitched before exploding its load into her girlfriend. Tooru’s arms wrapped around Momo’s neck, her lips crashing against the raven-haired girl’s as her toes curled even if she hadn’t quite reached her peak either.

When all was said and done, Momo gently pulled out of her girlfriend, uncorking a small pool of synthetic semen to dribble down between her girlfriend’s legs.

“How do you feel?” Izuku asked, gently caressing Tooru’s head as she tried to recover her breath.

“Amazing,” she sighed, relaxing into his embrace while reaching for one of Momo’s hands that the heiress gladly offered.

“It wasn’t too much?” Momo clarified. “I thought I saw you struggling for a moment.”

“I was,” Tooru admitted. “I could feel my throat trying to close, and thought about panicking. It’s… still there,” she gently touched her throat with her free hand that still held the button, “but… I just tried to remember that I was safe, and loved, and protected.” Tooru squeezed Momo’s hand while looking up lovingly at Izuku. “I knew you two wouldn’t let anything bad happen again.”

“Of course not,” Momo agreed, relieved her girlfriend hadn’t had an overwhelmingly strong reaction.

“We’ve got you,” Izuku smiled, leaning down to kiss the end of Tooru’s nose cutely that drew out a bright smile from the girl.

“Although,” she continued. “I’m sure you enjoyed it, Squishy,” she poked her boyfriend’s semi-hard length, “but I’m not done yet.”

Glancing up at Momo, Izuku knew what Tooru was thinking and asked the question first.

“Want to trade?”

“Are you… sure?” Momo replied, hesitation clear. It was she who refused to back off and caused Tooru so much pain after all. She’d been more than happy in her other position, unsure whether Tooru had deliberately requested it, but it was clear what she was asking for now.

“Positive,” Tooru nodded, licking her lips again. “I hope you’ve got caramel flavour.”

Momo blinked as she realised what Tooru was referring to. Suppressing the very unladylike snort and laugh that followed was even harder than Tooru’s efforts to overcome her fears.

“I remembered your request from before,” Momo replied when her giggles finally abated, much to Tooru’s excitement and Izuku’s amusement as she patted her toy.

Replacing the empty cartridge in her lewd gadget, Izuku and Momo swapped positions.

The greenette thought it might be weird to follow after Momo, especially with Tooru still leaking what the heiress had left behind. While Momo was busy adjusting her strap-on, which Tooru was watching eagerly, he settled into place as his cock stiffened once more.

Using a few fingers to prod and tease Tooru’s clit and entrance, drawing out a satisfied hum from the girl, his cock quickly returned to full mast, eager to slide into the slick, velvety warmth.

“Ready, Starlight?” Izuku asked, rubbing the underside of his length against her.

“Mmm, yeah!” Tooru grinned, her core clenching in anticipation.

Izuku pressed forward and, with almost no effort, found himself settling deep inside Tooru’s core. Both he and his girlfriend let out pleasant moans as they could feel the pulse of their partner in their most sensitive parts.

It was arousing to hear such noises from both her partners, though it wasn’t simply letting them enjoy the moment that had Momo hesitating. This was her last chance to back out, and her second thoughts were encouraging her to do just that. It had been a pleasantly enjoyable afternoon thus far, but the lingering doubt that it could all come crashing down once more if she made another mistake wouldn’t leave her.

If she messed up this time, she’d never be able to redeem herself.

“A-Ah!” Momo almost jumped when she felt a hand touch her hip.

Looking down, she saw Tooru, eyes lidded as she split her attention between Izuku below and her above.

“Y-You ready, t-too, Gorgeous?” Tooru asked between Izuku’s thrusts, her toes already curling thanks to her heightened sensitivity.

Looking down at the beautiful, adorable girl before her, Momo felt her doubts finally begin to ease. Though what she’d accidentally inflicted on Tooru was horrible, the girl was an inspiration in her dedication to overcoming her trauma. Not only that, she was strong enough to forgive Momo and want her to join her on her journey of growth.

If Momo Yaoyorozu gave in to her fear and couldn’t walk beside her girlfriend, then she wouldn’t deserve her.

Resolve firming, Momo took hold of her prosthetic length once more, looking down at her eagerly awaiting girlfriend.

“I hope you enjoy this treat,” she smiled before offering the tip of her cock.

With delicate exploratory motions, Tooru’s tongue snaked around the head, seeking out all the flavour that had coated Momo’s toy when she’d released inside her. The taste certainly helped soothe her own anxieties, not to mention the odd but not unpleasant aftertaste that was definitely from herself, and soon, Tooru felt ready to take the plunge to see how far her training had brought her.

Inch by inch, Tooru began taking Momo in her mouth. While the heiress didn’t feel any stimulation from the heat and softness surrounding her length, Tooru’s teasing had the other end of the toy reacting inside her, scratching some very satisfying spots.

“Mmm, g-good girl,” Momo muttered. “O-Oh, er… i-is that, okay?” She asked.

Rather than respond verbally, her mouth otherwise occupied, Tooru held her thumb up.

“Good,” Momo breathed a sigh of relief.

Slowly, she started feeding her girlfriend more of her length, taking care not to press too hard or fast. It was a little agonising, but Momo had seen what happened to Izuku when Tooru got impatient and didn’t want any little surprises like that for herself.

When it seemed Tooru was pleasantly comfortable with nearly three-quarters of her toy and still didn’t seem to be in any discomfort, Momo decided to take some initiative. Pressing and teasing each other was one thing, but they both would need more to make the most of the act.

“I’m um… going to start properly now,” Momo warned the pair, getting another thumbs up from Tooru while Izuku’s thrusts slowed as he split his focus.

Gently placing her hands on Tooru’s cheeks, Momo pulled her hips back before pushing in again. Tooru made a small gurgle, but ultimately seemed okay once Momo got into her and Izuku’s rhythm.

For a moment, Momo was worried by how Tooru was gripping the sheets, but factoring her toes curling, it seemed Tooru was simply revelling in something they all should’ve enjoyed long ago.

Closing her eyes but keeping her ears primed, Momo focused on the sensations she could feel. The delight of pumping into her girlfriend, the feel of the toy inside her, the scandalous act that was so unlike a Yaoyorozu it made her positively giddy.

Doing this with two of her most precious people was positively euphoric and Momo quickly felt her climax approaching.

It seemed Izuku was ahead of her, his thrusts slowing and deepening.

“C-Can’t hold it,” he groaned, the mixture of Tooru’s slickness and Momo’s synthetic substance stimulating him to his peak.

Tooru reacted quickly, her legs wrapping around his hips and not giving him any other option on where to release his own sticky mess.

Above, Momo could feel her peak drawing closer, her urges getting wilder as she battled between chasing it and holding back for Tooru’s sake.

As if the glittery-haired girl could tell as much, her free hand reached for Momo’s hip, much like it had Izuku’s, and grabbed a strap, alerting Momo.

“Is something wrong?” Momo asked quickly, immediately pulling back as her release stalled.

“A-All the way,” Tooru gurgled, swallowing the saliva she’d built up before taking a deep breath. “Please.”

This was it, her last, last chance to back out. Momo understood Tooru’s desire, and thrusting so strongly into her girlfriend and watching her take her entire load would certainly put them both over the top… if she was brave enough to do it.

Pushing past her fears and limits, Momo put her trust in both Tooru and herself.

Lining up once more as Izuku’s rear tightened and clenched, signalling his own release, Momo held Tooru’s head firm and pushed as deep as she could.

Watching her girlfriend’s neck bulge from the size of her toy was so toe-curlingly delightful that she almost forgot to press the button. As hot ropes of cum flooded Tooru’s pussy with Izuku’s release, a caramel-flavoured substitute began flowing down Tooru’s neck as the spunky-short-haired heroine cried out her own release.

It was all too much for Momo as she reached down to rub her clit under her toy’s straps to push herself over the edge. Joining her partners in ecstasy, Momo let out a primal cry of satisfaction, unaware that tears had built up in the corners of her eyes until she blinked and they rolled down her cheeks.

Not wanting to push her luck, Momo pulled back as soon as she felt Tooru had gotten the most out of the act, a few spurts and dribbles trailing on her tongue. With a gasp, Tooru breathed sweet oxygen once more, but the panic that she felt wasn’t nearly as severe as before.

It was still there, her throat having convulsed and tried to push the intruder out, but Tooru had weathered the storm and shown herself that there was no danger, only delicious satisfaction.

“Ah-mah-nah ha…” Tooru burbled, eyes unfocused as the endorphins of her orgasm rolled over her body.

“I um… think she liked it,” Izuku chuckled, having noticed the girl release her safety button once Momo had pulled out.

“G-Good,” Momo breathed a little easier. “For a moment there I… w-well, um…” she trailed off, not wanting to even think about that.

It wasn’t hard for Izuku to see the worry written on Momo’s face. Even after committing to going through with everything, it was clear she still had her reservations. Still, Izuku couldn’t help but find admiration amongst his endorphin-addled thoughts.

“We… we did it,” he chuckled, not quite sure if pride was the right thing to be feeling after something like this.

“H-Heck, yeah!” Tooru cheered, her fists raised triumphantly. “Take that trauma!”

All three couldn’t help but devolve into breathless giggles as Tooru, once again, proved how bright her optimism shone.

Izuku truly felt lucky to be a part of something so wonderful with her, but she wasn’t the only one shining brightly to him right now.

Looking up at the relieved yet satisfied heiress as she tenderly caressed her body to draw out the last drops of her orgasm, Izuku could feel his heart urging him to speak up and say what it had been holding so close recently.

“Momo?” He called, the heiress’ gleaming, onyx eyes finding his and crinkling upwards to match the smile that graced her lips.

“Yes, Izuku?” Momo asked.

“Momo, I-” He opened his mouth again, words prepared and ready to emerge, only for nothing but air to come out.

For whatever reason, he couldn’t pull the trigger and admit that he’d fallen for her.

Mind quickly searching for an answer, he discarded the notions he’d vocalised to Kyoka and Mina yesterday about their history or their fake engagement plan being the reason, only to figuratively slap his head at the obvious cause that was currently recovering between them.

Today was about Tooru and making her feel better. Now absolutely wasn’t the right time to confess his true feelings to the heiress.

“I-I’m um… g-glad we could fix this… t-together,” he finished.

“M-Me, too,” Tooru giggled, still looking to recover her breath.

The heiress, however, took a moment. It was clear she was processing her feelings, closing her eyes and releasing a deep breath before she replied.

“Me three.”

Her smile was honest and relieved, a part of her finally healing after the damage she’d unwittingly inflicted on all three of them so many weeks ago. All could practically feel the rift between them shrink as Tooru encouraged them both to lie beside her while she licked her lips and patted her full belly.

“Now that hit the spot,” she sighed.

“Which one?” Momo chuckled a hand caressing Tooru’s hip as she cuddled into the girl’s side.

“Both,” Tooru replied hips wiggling cutely as Izuku’s length dribbled its remains on her other side. “Thank you again for doing this with me,” she continued, hand reaching for Momo’s and seeking out Izuku’s before laying them both on her tummy.

Letting out a contented sigh, Tooru opted to simply relax and savour the moment while Izuku and Momo observed the girl fondly but both felt their eyes being drawn to the other.

Despite what they’d just done, both could feel their cheeks heating with more than the warmth from the room, hands tentatively twitching under Tooru’s. Momo’s was on top, and one of her long, soft fingers stroked along the top of Izuku’s hand soothingly.

It was then that Izuku second-guessed himself, the words in his heart rallying and resurging.

Before they could rout his doubt, however, something broke the spell that kept the three in pleasant isolation.

“Hmm?” Izuku blinked, glancing over the end of Momo’s bed where three different chimes had rang out.

“Wha’sat?” Tooru asked, half-asleep brain not having processed the sound.

“I think it’s our chat,” Momo said, glancing at the phone on her desk.

“Maybe it’s Ochako and Tsu saying they’ll be home soon?” Tooru mused, content to leave it for now, though snuggling a little closer to Momo when Izuku slipped off the bed to fetch his own phone.

Pulling the device out of his discarded trousers’ pocket, Izuku opened the message up to check.

The doubts in Momo’s heart returned when she watched Izuku’s face fall as his eyes scanned the text.

Whatever it was, it seemed they hadn’t managed to escape the day without trouble.

A few hours prior, the afternoon sun was beating down on the Verize Islands, where many were already enjoying the warming rays as the weekend approached.

“Here they come,” an unsubtle voice called to the surrounding guests. “On three. One, two,”

On a familiar beach that had previously hosted an enjoyable afternoon for several prominent heroes, a triumphant cheer rang out as those same heroes gathered to welcome back their missing member.

“Welcome back, Uravity!”

Selkie may have led the cheer, but there was no one louder than Nejire.

“Wow, thanks everyone,” Ochako smiled brightly as she slowly walked along the sands, supported by her green-haired girlfriend since her legs were still a little shaky.

“Good to see you up, Uravity,” Ryukyu smiled, “how’re you feeling?”

“Still a bit tired but not as sore anymore,” Ochako confirmed, much to everyone’s relief.

After pushing herself to save the day, Ochako had been kept under observation until Recovery Girl could be flown in, just to be safe. Once she’d received some treatment and a dose of the matron’s quirk, Recovery Girl pronounced Ochako healthy, but suffering from a strained quirk as they’d suspected.

“What you did out there was risky and dangerous,” Selkie spoke up, “but if it wasn’t for you, a whole lot of bad stuff could be on the market right now, or flooding the ocean. You and the Ryukyu agency have our full gratitude.”

Ochako didn’t quite know what to do when Selkie and Sirius both bowed to her while Ryukyu chuckled at the display.

“I-I was just doing whatever I could to help,” Ochako tried to brush off. “I had no idea if it would work, but I’m glad everything worked out.”

“That it did, and you made me,” Selkie balled his hands, putting them up under his chin as he struck a pose, “so very happy!”

“Urgh, Captain,” Sirius groaned at the captain’s latest attempt to be cute as Ochako looked slightly bewildered. “Ignore him,” she sighed, getting everyone’s attention. “Uravity, don’t think I forgot that promise I made you. As a special thank you for everything, we’ve prepared another barbecue to celebrate a job well done!”

“Oh, awesome!” Ochako brightened, her stomach hungrily growling after her extended rest.

“You’ve all earned it,” Ryukyu agreed. “For now, enjoy yourselves for a few hours until we need to head back.”

“Go, go!” Nejire ushered the brunette towards some beach chairs under an umbrella they’d prepared for her. “Go sit down while we get everything started!”

“Come on, Ochako, ribbit,” Tsuyu escorted her girlfriend over, who was glad to get off her feet again.

As Sirius and Nejire headed for the cooler to grab some fish and oysters to cook, Ryukyu and Selkie held back to confer some of the remaining details of the mission.

“How’d the interrogation go?” Ryukyu asked, having taken the lead on ensuring the substances were appropriately handled and turned over to the authorities.

“Not great,” Selkie sighed, “police couldn’t get much out of them in the end. It seems the smugglers were just couriers, and they hadn’t heard anything about where the drugs would end up. Turns out, that villain flying the plane had a quirk that allowed him to control certain chemicals, most notably those found in fuels. Before he passed out, he’d used his quirk to stall the plane’s engines.”

“Considering the jail time he’d likely be getting for his participation, even before adding attempted murder of a hero and contamination of the environment, he must’ve figured it was worth going down with the ship,” Ryukyu noted.

“My thoughts exactly,” Selkie agreed. “Unfortunately, we didn’t have any luck on their buyer, though there was one thing we managed to nail down; the shipment was headed for Otheon.”

“Otheon?” Ryukyu blinked. “You mean the country in Europe?”

“I don’t know what they were planning on doing once they got there, but that’s no longer an issue, is it?” Selkie smiled as he looked over to their sidekicks. “I guess all’s well… that ends well!”

Ryukyu stilled when Selkie struck his cutesy pose again.

“It’s not a cute bit,” she sighed.

“Yeah, I’ve come to realise that recently,” Selkie deflated. “Well, no matter,” he gestured over to their warming rock from yesterday where his and Ryukyu’s chairs were already set up with a cooler next to them. “Peaceful days pass all too quickly, let’s enjoy this while we can.”

“You read my mind,” Ryukyu chuckled, following their host’s lead.

It didn’t take long for the scent of beach-grilled fish to fill the air, and Nejire happily brought Ochako and Tsuyu a plate each since the frog girl was reluctant to leave her girlfriend’s side, not that she could blame her.

“I’m so happy you’re alright!” Nejire smooshed Ochako in a hug after giving both the plates to Tsuyu to hold.

“N-Nejire!” Ochako baulked, feeling two not entirely unpleasant mounds pressing against her, though they were unfortunately positioned under her chin and cutting off her air.

“Sorry!” Nejire pulled back, “But don’t ever scare me like that again.”

“Agreed, ribbit,” Tsuyu nodded, helping Ochako escape another bone-crushing hug by passing her plate over.

“I’m sorry,” Ochako apologised, rubbing the back of her head. “I just saw things going wrong, and I knew I needed to do something.”

“Maybe try something less dangerous than harpooning yourself into the sky next time, please?” Tsuyu requested with a chuckle. “I think between that and hanging onto the plane, you really hurt your arms with how purple they were turning.”

“Y-Yeah,” Ochako sweatdropped. “Not my brightest idea, even if it did work. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to subdue the villain when I got inside, but it didn’t hurt as badly as it probably looked.”

“You’re sounding a lot like Izuku, ribbit,” Tsuyu levelled a look at her girlfriend who had the good sense to blush and avert her eyes.

“I um… figured, if he could push through the pain when he used his quirk, so could I.”

Tsuyu and Nejire both shook their heads.

“He also has that super strong quirk that makes him extra durable,” Nejire pointed out. “You don’t have that.”

“I know,” Ochako sighed, looking at Nejire, whose worry from yesterday hadn’t completely abated. “I didn’t mean for things to go so wrong once I got in there, and I’m really sorry for worrying you and everyone so much. I… heard how panicked you were through the comms.”

The blue-haired pixie-like girl’s eyes widened before looking away and letting out a deep sigh.

“I’ve already lost one precious person to a villain, I really, really don’t want to lose another.”

“I’m sorry,” Ochako apologised again as it was clear her actions had brought out her senior’s deeper fears.

“No,” Nejire took a breath and let out a slow, steady sigh, “you… did the right thing. We’re supposed to be heroes. Heroes are going to get into sticky situations and… I’m glad you saved the day.”

“Thanks, Nejire,” Ochako smiled. Nejire and Tsuyu’s words had started to make her feel like she’d made the wrong choice despite the successful outcome. “Next time, I promise I’ll think twice before launching myself into the sky on a harpoon and grappling a villain’s escape plane.”

“You’d better!” Nejire shared a giggle with the girl as Tsuyu shook her head at the pair.

“I think we’ll be safe from a repeat performance for now at least,” Tsuyu noted.

“Y-Yeah, that reminds me,” Ochako sighed. “Recovery Girl said because I pushed my quirk too hard, I should probably be excused from the training session tomorrow.”

“So you won’t be coming with us, ribbit?” Tsuyu asked.

“I’ll ask Mr Aizawa if I can watch with him so I won’t completely miss out,” Ochako reasoned. “I was kinda looking forward to it, too.”

“There’ll be other training sessions,” Tsuyu reasoned, reaching out to squeeze her girlfriend’s legs. “What matters most is that you’re safe and we stopped the criminals.”

“Yeah!” Nejire grinned as the trio’s cheer renewed. “Now eat up. Don’t let the tasties get cold.”

“No problem,” Ochako grinned, grabbing her chopsticks and beginning to dig into her meal.

The delight of the day continued as Sirius joined them to eat. After getting some food in her, Ochako felt a bit more energised and got changed with Tsuyu into her swimming costume to join Sirius and Nejire for some fun in the water.

Once dressed, Sirius revealed a little surprise she had planned. With the Oki Mariner secure in port, she’d asked her fellow crewmates if they wouldn’t mind renting them a couple of speedboats to go wakeboarding and parasailing.

While there was a touch of wariness from all as they considered Ochako’s weariness, the upbeat brunette was determined to make the most of the day and opted for parasailing, while Sirius opted for wakeboarding and Tsuyu and Nejire decided to enjoy a banana boat ride together.

Seeing Ochako laughing and smiling up in the skies under much more enjoyable circumstances warmed their hearts. Sirius showed off some of her skills, encouraging Mick to drive faster so she could perform a few tricks that had the others amazed.

Settled behind Nejire, Tsuyu certainly didn’t mind holding onto the blue-haired girl’s waist as the banana boat cut through the waves, and they both laughed merrily at the speed. Nejire didn’t notice, however, when Tsuyu’s hands started tightening as the frog-girl felt her desire growing. The vibrations from the experience were arousingly pleasant, and Tsuyu let out a few small ribbits as she subtly ground her pelvis against her seat.

By the time their fun wound down, the sun was beginning to set, and the group opted to simply enjoy a calm swim to round out their celebration.

Not one to indulge in the calm for long, Nejire gleefully started up a splashing battle, taking aim at Sirius who was more than up for the challenge. Tsuyu and Ochako weren’t about to take sides and joined forces to splash them both. This team-up resulted in the bluenettes forging their own alliance and splashing back as good as they got.

“Ah, Nejire!” Ochako tried to defend herself as her senior sent a small wave at her thanks to a small application of her quirk.

“No surrender!” Nejire continued, aiming another wave at the pair.

“Come on, Ochako,” Tsuyu swam up to her girlfriend and seized her hand. Encouraging her to take a big breath, the two sank underwater before the wave could hit.

For a moment, the waters stilled, other than their natural tide, as Sirius and Nejire looked around for the pair.

“They retreated,” Sirius noted when it was clear the two weren’t just holding their breath down there.

“Sneaky,” Nejire giggled, before slyly eying her temporary teammate, “but if they’re not here, then that leaves only you!”

“Gah! Nejire-Chan!” Sirius gasped as she felt the spray of betrayal from Nejire’s splash.

While the pixie-girl continued to try and become the indisputable splashing queen, behind a small spit of rocks away from their fellow heroes, Tsuyu and Ochako finally resurfaced with a gasp.

“W-Wow,” Ochako said after reclaiming some sweet oxygen, “you’re really fast underwater, Tsu.”

“I should hope so, ribbit,” Tsuyu giggled, swimming up to the end of the rocks and peaking back around them. She could see Nejire and Sirius still battling it out together while Ryukyu and Selkie continued to enjoy the setting sun on their rock. “Looks like we’re safe for now.”

“Phew,” Ochako chuckled, swimming up to peer over Tsuyu’s shoulder. “Nejire doesn’t really do things by halves, does she?”

“No,” the frog girl mused before turning in place and grabbing her girlfriend’s waist, “but it did give me a good excuse to get you alone.”

“Er… yeah?” Ochako blinked curiously as Tsuyu guided them both back out of sight.

“You’re too reckless sometimes, Ochako,” Tsuyu stated with a sigh, “Nejire wasn’t the only one worried when you flew after the plane.”

“Y-Yeah,” Ochako nodded, “I know it was dumb.”

“I was so scared for you,” Tsuyu pulled her girlfriend close, wrapping her in a tight embrace that Ochako happily reciprocated. “Scared I’d… lose you too.”

“I… was scared too,” she admitted as she released some of the tension she’d been holding in since yesterday. “I was really tempted to bail… but I knew I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t give it my all.”

Tsuyu let out a sad croak before pulling back from her.

“I know. It’s one of the reasons I fell in love with you, but I don’t know what I would’ve done if it went wrong.”

Ochako smiled as she cupped her girlfriend’s face.

“But it didn’t,” she assured her. “That’s what we’re training for after all.”

“Yeah,” Tsuyu nodded with understanding, “I know there’s always going to be risks, it’s in our job description, but… can you promise me something?”

“Hmm?” Ochako blinked. “I’ll try.”

“C-Can you promise me that you’ll always come back?” Tsuyu’s lip quivered. “I know it’s selfish, but I would rather scrub the ocean clean for the next ten years if it meant not losing you to something like that again!”

“Oh, Tsu,” Ochako chuckled fondly as she pulled her girlfriend in for a gentle kiss. Ochako could taste the salt of the ocean as she tried to assure Tsuyu as best she could through actions over words. “I think we both know I don’t know if either of us could keep that promise.”

“Y-Yeah, ribbit.”

“But, if it makes you feel better,” Ochako smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair out of Tsuyu’s face before offering her pinkie to the girl. “I promise I will always try to come back safe and sound.”

“I’ll take injured and defeated if it means you’re alive,” Tsuyu chuckled, reaching up with her own pinkie to seal it. “I’ll make sure to do the same.”

“I know you will,” Ochako giggled. “You’re much less likely to take silly risks like mine.”

“Or Izuku,” Tsuyu chuckled weakly. “He probably would’ve done the same thing.”

“But that’s what I love about you,” Ochako nuzzled her girlfriend’s nose. “I love how rational you are about things sometimes. It keeps all of us a bit more grounded.”

“I try,” Tsuyu chuckled before poking Ochako’s belly, “but sometimes thinking logically doesn’t save the day.”

“And that’s what I am here for,” Ochako smiled as Tsuyu pulled her back in for another, slightly more heated kiss.

“Yes, you are,” Tsuyu nodded as the pair continued to float together. The reassurance had greatly quelled her fears about the mission, leaving only one thing before they could put such a success behind them. “And I think our hero should be rewarded.”

Ochako was about to raise a brow since she thought the barbecue was what Tsuyu was referring to until she felt Tsuyu’s hands slip down to her rear and sink her digits into her cheeks.

“T-Tsu,” Ochako gasped, feeling her core awaken, having already been stirred by their kiss.

“Shh,” Tsuyu smiled, leaning in to kiss along Ochako’s jawline and down to her neck. “No one can see us.”

Admittedly, that was what Ochako was worried about most, more so than the whole floating in the ocean issue, since she had no doubts Tsuyu could keep them both afloat. It had been a little while since they’d last found a time to be together like this, and she could feel herself eager to indulge in a little satisfaction.

“N-Not too much,” Ochako warned, wanting to make herself clear in advance.

“Sure,” Tsuyu assured her, before pressing their lips together again, tongue slipping in to seek out Ochako’s as they reunited for a tantalizing tango.

Ochako could almost feel her breath being stolen from her as Tsuyu held her close, hands possessively tight yet safe. Her core pulsed with neediness that she knew she’d need to take care of later.

As their kissing continued, Ochako felt Tsuyu’s tongue begin to roam, much like her hands. She didn’t complain when it began to seek out her throat, knowing Tsuyu liked to explore every nook and cranny. Her throat bulged as Tsuyu’s tongue went deeper, and her mind flittered to Izuku, wondering that, if they got home in time, they might be able to secretly reunite as a trio to celebrate before tomorrow.

Tsuyu could feel her own desire growing as Ochako let out a muffled moan, her legs tightening as she could almost feel Ochako’s core clench from the way her muscles rippled. Not one to let her girlfriend’s needs go unanswered, Tsuyu’s hand slid upwards and slid underneath her girlfriend’s bikini top, seeking out her raised nipple before gently pinching it.

“T-Tsu,” Ochako moaned again. It had been intended as a warning, but the frog girl seemed to miss the message.

“No one can see,” Tsuyu reiterated assuringly, continuing her gentle stimulation of her girlfriend. Amidst the wind and the waves, this was something of a long-held fantasy for the frog-girl as she savoured the moment.

Getting no further objections from Ochako, Tsuyu’s other hand began its own trip into the depths, sinking below their waists to seek out the delicate softness obscured by Ochako’s swimsuit and pressing against it.

The brunette shivered, her legs clenching together at the sensation.

“D-Don’t,” Ochako stated, her hand gripping Tsuyu’s offending arm.

“I’m not taking them off,” Tsuyu assured her, her fingers slipping inside as they sought out the little nub to elevate Ochako’s pleasure. Ochako’s grip slackened as her body betrayed her, wanting to only encourage such attention.

Eyes closed, Ochako missed the moment Tsuyu licked her lips to prepare for the girl’s final reward of the day.

“I’ll be quick, ribbit.”

Ochako was about to ask what Tsuyu was intending, only for the frog girl to sink into the water. Then, something that certainly wasn’t a finger, pulled aside her bikini bottoms before sliding inside.

Her mouth opened in a silent gasp as Tsuyu’s tongue slid inside her. She knew she needed to stop this, just her fingers would’ve been more than enough, but now she was torn between pushing her girlfriend away or accepting this treat for what it was.

Eyes closing again as hormones rushed through her system, she missed the shadow of someone arriving nearby.

Across the bay, one of the two Pro heroes had had her fill of the sun and surf for the day.

“Right,” Ryukyu sighed, stretching her arms and back. “We should probably think about heading out.”

“Yeah, we need to ship off too,” Selkie agreed, cracking his neck before glancing around and spotting Nejire and Sirius swimming leisurely. “Should let the others know to pack it up. I’m sure Sirius will want to say goodbye to Froppy. It was nice seeing her again.”

“I’ll… let them know,” Ryukyu scanned the area too, frown forming when she didn’t spot her two youngest work-study students. “Just as soon as I find them. Shit.”

“Eh, they can’t have gone far,” Selkie brushed off. “Here, let me.”

Standing up to orient and focus himself better, Selkie let out his series of echolocation clicks. From here, he could spot Sirius, Nejire-Chan, and even a school of fish swimming nearby. On land, his range was diminished compared to water, but it wasn’t bad enough that he couldn’t spot the two absent girls floating together behind some rocks away from view.

“They’re just over there,” Selkie pointed out.

“Much obliged,” Ryukyu nodded, taking a few steps away before activating her quirk.

It was quite a sight for Selkie to see as Ryukyu transformed, watching the hero jump before her form finished shifting to take to the skies more easily as she flapped the few wingbeats she needed to give her the strength she needed to cross the gap from their rock to the others in only a few moments.

He glanced away before she transformed back to land, beginning to pack up their kit as he mused over such a successful team-up operation.

As she transformed back into her human form to land dexterously on top of the rock formation, Ryukyu thankfully spotted the back of a brown head of hair. She was a little puzzled at not seeing the familiar green tresses of Tsuyu for a moment, until something made it abundantly clear where the frog girl was.

A moan escaped Ochako’s lips and Ryukyu stilled.

“Uravity! Froppy!”

All the heat and warmth in Ochako’s body fled in an instant as her blood turned to ice. In an instant, her hand, which had been resting against Tsuyu’s head, pushed her girlfriend away with as much force as she could muster.

The resulting confusion and splash did nothing to obscure the act that Tsuyu had just been performing on her as she whirled around to spot the severe expression she’d never seen mar her mentor’s face. Not a single word needed to be exchanged to understand that they were the cause of it.

Ryukyu’s blazing eyes held on Ochako, her disappointment clear until they shifted to Tsuyu when she resurfaced, the “ribbit” of confusion dying in her throat as she stilled like prey under a predator’s gaze.

“Get dressed and get out. Now,” Ryukyu demanded, turning her back to the pair.

“W-We weren’t-”

“Now!” Ryukyu reiterated, stemming any further attempts to explain from the brunette.

 The sounds of gulls calling and waves continuing to lap at the beach did nothing to override the heavy silence in the air between the three.

Ochako moved first, slowly swimming towards the rock face and attempting to climb it. Only when her hand slipped from fatigue did Tsuyu move, reaching out to support and help her girlfriend. The brunette’s hand retracted as though it had been burned by Tsuyu’s touch, whipping out of her grasp.

Tsuyu’s eyes and Ochako’s met, and the frog girl almost couldn’t recognise them through the disappointment they were emanating.

Determined to stand on her own, Ochako made it out of the water and up the rocks without further incident, Tsuyu slowly following after her with greater ease thanks to her quirk.

Wet and embarrassed, the two girls stood silently with their heads down as they awaited Ryukyu’s reaction.

“Do you have anything to say for yourselves?” The number ten hero asked when she turned back to her work-study sidekicks.

For a moment, neither said anything.

“I-It was my fault,” Tsuyu quietly spoke up.

“You’re both at fault,” Ryukyu rejected, her words causing the pair’s heads to fall lower. “What you technically did was illegal, even if no one else is around. Public indecency doesn’t stop applying just because you’re heroes at a beach,” the pro reminded them.

“I’m sorry!” Tsuyu looked up, a remorseful expression on her face as the reality of the situation descended. “I-I was just-”

“Just what, Froppy?” Ryukyu frowned.

“I…” the frog girl stifled a sob. “I-I was relieved that Ochako didn’t… d-die.”

Ryukyu’s hardened expression didn’t abate until Tsuyu looked away once more. However, even as indignant as she was at the pair’s behaviour, she couldn’t help but consider the recent issues between them and the former third member of their relationship, as well as the stress of yesterday’s situation.

It absolutely didn’t let them off the hook, but she could understand how the two might’ve let their emotions cloud their better judgement. Unfortunately, that wasn’t a luxury pro heroes were often afforded.

“Look, girls. I understand how a win like this can be cause for celebration, but that’s no reason to go flouting the rules and letting your hormones get the better of you,” Ryukyu scolded with a disappointed tone. “I’m afraid that I’m going to have to put a mark on your performance evaluations for this.”

“W-What?!”

“Ribbit?!”

“Please, Miss Ryukyu, we’re sorry!” Ochako hastily apologised, bowing so low that the only way she could go lower was if she was on her knees. “I promise you, it’ll never happen again.”

“W-We promise, ribbit,” Tsuyu agreed, bowing with her.

“You both know there are penalties for something like this,” their mentor reminded them. “Would you prefer I instead remove you from my agency and report you to the authorities?”

The pro hero could see the gravity of her words were at least getting through to the two young, promising heroes.

Ochako’s emotions swirled in her chest. Embarrassment, disappointment, shame, and regret were the strongest. In her heart, she knew Ryukyu was justified, and regardless of her feelings, she needed to stand up and accept responsibility for her faults if she didn’t want to lose any more respect from the pro.

“If… that’s what you believe is right,” Ochako nodded, causing Ryukyu to quirk a brow as the girl stood up straight. “There is no excuse for our actions. We have… betrayed your trust and, for that, I apologize and accept any punishment you believe we should receive.”

“O-Ochako,” Tsuyu muttered, looking at her with disbelief.

Her eyes locked with Ryukyu’s, Ochako refused to back down. It, admittedly, put Ryukyu at a loss. She didn’t have much experience being upset with her sidekicks, even Nejire at her worst hadn’t held a candle to this. Still, was she being too harsh on the two promising young heroes for a small lapse in judgement regarding matters of the heart she didn’t have any personal perspective on?

“Is that how you feel too, Froppy?” Ryukyu looked to the other girl who tensed under the pro’s gaze.

There was a moment of silence as the young hero noticeably thought through her own response.

“O-Ochako’s right, ri-ribbit,” she nodded. “We shouldn’t have done that, and we’re sorry. I hope you’ll forgive us and give us another chance, ribbit, but we accept that we messed up.”

Ryukyu looked hard at the frog girl again before finally letting out a frustrated sigh.

“This was not something I imagined I’d be dealing with today,” she pinched her brow, “especially after such a successful mission yesterday.”

Ochako and Tsuyu said nothing as the pro let the silence between them linger.

“Okay,” she finally continued. “Here’s what we’re going to do. I want guarantees from both of you that this won’t ever happen again, at my agency or otherwise. Is that clear?”

“Yes, ma’am,” both Ochako and Tsuyu confirmed with a small bow.

“Good,” Ryukyu nodded. “The last thing I want to see is two such promising heroes failing to live up to the potential I see in them. That said,” she looked at Ochako, “because of your performance yesterday, I will give you both the benefit of the doubt for now and consider this a one-time emotional misjudgement. Your records will remain clean for now, but you will both be on probation for the foreseeable future. Any further accidents and I will bounce you both back to UA with a full report, understood?”

“Understood, ma’am,” Ochako and Tsuyu both bowed deeply.

“Okay then,” Ryukyu sighed, allowing some of the tension to finally ease. “What I actually came over here for was to tell you both we are heading out. Go pack your things and say your goodbyes.”

“Yes, ma’am,” the pair nodded, thankful for the dismissal as they cautiously departed down the rock and headed back to the beach along the sands.

“O-Ochako?” Tsuyu spoke up once they were out of Ryukyu’s earshot. “I-”

“No, Tsuyu,” Ochako stated without looking at her girlfriend, her face scrunching as her conflicting emotions continued to wrestle in her chest.

It didn’t take the use of her given name to realise she was on extremely thin ice with Ochako and knew that any further words would only make things worse. She only hoped she could somehow make things better sooner rather than later.

Letting out another heavy sigh as she watched the girls return, Ryukyu shook her head. Had the pair been simply making out, it would’ve been one thing, but hormones often led to a lot of young people making mistakes they shouldn’t.

Having given the pair a head start, Ryukyu soon followed after them to collect Nejire and depart for home.

The trip back to UA was quiet.

The heroes of the Ryukyu agency bid Selkie, Sirius, and the crew goodbye, but the water-based hero agency could tell something wasn’t quite right with the youngest two as their smiles seemed unusually forced.

They didn’t have time to dwell on it though, as soon, the Ryukyu agency quartet was back in their regular clothes and flying back to Japan.

Naturally, Nejire could also sense something was off with her friends, with Tsuyu looking unusually distressed while Ochako looked more pensive than expected after such a happy, fun conclusion to their mission.

“Hey, something wrong, guys?” Nejire asked, turning around in her seat as the small passenger plane settled in the skies.

Tsuyu looked away from the bluenette’s inquisitive eyes while Ochako’s lips thinned.

“Not now, Nejire,” she shook her head.

“Why?” Nejire blinked. “Did something-”

“Nejire.” The bluenette glanced at their boss on the other side of the plane who had a stern look on her face. “Leave them be.”

Ryukyu’s tone made it sound more like an order that did anything but assuage Nejire’s worries.

Chancing a look back at her friends, it seemed like neither wanted to speak up regardless of their mentor’s dissuasion, so the girl was forced to reluctantly drop the matter for now.

For the young pair, the trip back took entirely too long. Both Ochako and Tsuyu were on edge, and as much as Tsuyu wanted to try and probe for ways she could begin fixing her mess, Ochako seemed hell-bent on avoiding eye contact with her, and she didn’t dare chance anything physical.

After arriving back on the mainland, Ryukyu escorted the trio back to the train station, where she passed the three into the care of an awaiting Pixie-Bob.

“Good work yesterday, you three,” Ryukyu praised as they waited for the train that would return them to Musutafu to come to a complete stop. “Keep up with your training and studies. Don’t make me regret keeping you on.”

It wasn’t something Nejire had ever heard Ryukyu say before. For a brief moment, she was worried her performance yesterday was cause for concern, only to realise she wasn’t the target when Ochako and Tsuyu bowed deeply.

“Thank you again, Ryukyu,” they replied together.

“See you soon, Ryukyu,” Nejire chanced a smile at her mentor, who brightened a little as she returned the gesture.

“See you soon, Nejire.”

“Leave these kittens to me, I’ll get them home safe,” Pixie-Bob said, grinning as they all tried to ignore the scattered fans around them, taking pictures of the heroes.

Once aboard the train, Nejire waited until they were underway before trying once more to check on her friends.

“Ochako?”

As though the brunette could already tell what Nejire was after, she simply shook her head, leaving the normally upbeat pixie-like girl to feel as dour as her friends looked.

“Jeez, what’s up with you kittens?” Pixie-Bob asked. “Everything not go well at your work study?”

“We stopped some drug smugglers,” Ochako explained succinctly.

“Really? I couldn’t tell from your smiles,” Pixie-Bob teased, only to hesitate when none of the three looked amused.

“Sorry, I don’t feel much like smiling,” Ochako dismissed, turning her attention towards the window as the buildings passed them by.

Neither Nejire, nor Pixie-Bob missed the frog girl’s flinch at her girlfriend’s remark, nor the way that the brunette had leaned away from her. Something had happened, but it looked like neither of them was going to get any answers from the pair for now.

The carriage felt unusually quiet as they travelled. The only other notable thing that happened was Ochako pulling out her phone as they began approaching their final station and Tsuyu’s phone letting out the notification chime, but, strangely, the girl didn’t even seem to acknowledge it. Ochako continued tapping away, but further notifications didn’t seem forthcoming.

One final, awkward car ride back to UA, and Pixie-Bob dropped the trio off in the UA parking lot with a reminder to Ochako that Recovery Girl wants a check-in with her in the morning.

Reluctantly leaving what was certainly juicy gossip behind, the hero left the three students to find their own way back to their respective dorms.

Finally, once alone, Nejire decided to reach out one final time to her friends.

“Ochako?”

“Nejire, I-”

“Just,” the blue-haired senior quickly cut off Ochako’s likely dismissal, “I… want you both to remember that I’m here if you need me, okay?” The way Tsuyu’s eyes gleamed while Ochako let out a sigh told her the worst was probably yet to come for the pair. Even if she didn’t know exactly what was going on, she wouldn’t let either of them suffer alone if she could help it. “You’ve both got my number, so please text or call if you need anything.”

Tsuyu nodded firmly while a sad yet grateful smile finally broke through Ochako’s dour mood.

“Thanks, Nejire,” she replied. “I’m sure we’ll keep that in mind.”

Without further parting words, Ochako and Tsuyu continued on to their dorms without their senior, whose gaze worriedly lingered on the pair until they were out of sight.

As they approached the main entrance to 1-A’s dorms, Tsuyu finally spoke up.

“Ochako, wait.” Her brunette girlfriend stopped just short of opening the doors, though she didn’t turn to face her, simply waiting silently for whatever Tsuyu had to say next. “I-I… I’m sorry.”

“… I know you are, Tsu.”

Hope sparked in Tsuyu’s heart at her shorter name's return.

“But sometimes… sorry isn’t enough.”

It felt like the floor was dropping out underneath her when Ochako said no more, simply opening the door to let them both inside.

“Hey! The girls are back!” Sato greeted, looking over from the TV where he and Aoyama were watching something.

“Everything magnifique at Ryukyu’s, mes amis?”

“Frustrating and tiring,” Ochako answered curtly as she and Tsuyu removed their shoes.

“Well, make sure you get some rest for tomorrow,” Sato replied. “Who knows what they’re going to throw at us.”

“Got it,” Ochako nodded, not bothering to update the duo on her lack of participation in favour of getting out of the common room faster.

Once in the elevator together, Ochako pressed only a single button before the doors closed. While they were going up to Tsuyu’s floor, the frog girl doubted they were both simply heading for her room.

As expected, Ochako led her to Momo’s door by taking her hand, the first physical contact they’d made since her misjudgement. With a few quick knocks, the door opened, and they stepped inside.

Standing in a semi-circle, all their other partners had gathered. Eyes downcast, Tsuyu hesitated to look up as she felt rather than saw the gazes of their other partners focus on them.

Behind them, Mina closed the door before hurrying back around the pair, Tsuyu briefly catching her look of worry and concern.

“What happened?” Izuku asked, apprehension and confusion lacing his tone.

Now they were out of the public eye, Ochako’s shoulders finally dropped as the toll of the past day was catching up with her. Stepping forward, she opened her arms for a hug, which both Izuku and Tooru wasted no time in granting, arms wrapping around the brunette.

Tsuyu looked to the others, noting their similar concern, but while Momo seemed to be focused on Ochako, Mina and Kyoka were looking at her with a sternness that wasn’t present in the others. The frog girl’s hands gripped themselves tightly.

“We ran into some drug smugglers,” Ochako began after pulling back. “We stopped them, but I er… g-got a little banged up. I’m okay though, thanks to Recovery Girl.”

“No wonder, you look like you’re about to collapse,” Mina replied, only to realise how it sounded. “Sorry, that-”

“You’re not wrong,” Ochako chuckled weakly, “but um… there’s something we need to address first.”

When her attention turned back to Tsu, so did everyone else’s as the frog girl felt herself tense under their judgmental gazes.

“We had a little celebration today after I felt better,” Ochako continued. “It… was going really well, until…” the words only intensified the pain in Tsuyu’s chest, “Tsu and I got caught doing something we really shouldn’t’ve… b-by Ryukyu.”

“I don’t think we need to ask what kind of something,” Kyoka frowned, eyes glancing between the pair.

“Y-Yeah,” Ochako’s blush was a mixture of embarrassment and shame. “Ryukyu was tempted to report us to the police for… public indecency.”

“Damn it,” Kyoka groaned as Tsuyu felt her chest continue to tighten.

“What did she do?” Mina asked.

“L-Luckily, um, she settled for just putting us on probation. If it wasn’t for us stopping the villains the day before, I don’t think she would’ve been so lenient… or that we’d still have a work-study to go back to,” Ochako admitted.

“That’s something at least,” Kyoka sighed, turning to Tsuyu. “Sounds like you almost got a black mark on yours and Ochako’s licenses before even graduating.”

“I’m guessing no one else saw you if she was willing to do that,” Momo spoke up.

“We were talking privately out of sight of everyone else before that,” Ochako nodded, “at first it was just about how things could’ve gone worse on the mission, then-”

“You could’ve died, ribbit!” Tsuyu spoke for the first time since arriving. “You nearly died and I was worried I was going to lose you too, ri-ribbit!”

“I might’ve been a little reckless,” Ochako admitted, getting a few inquisitive looks that would doubtlessly want more details later, “but still, Tsu… I wasn’t expecting for things to go as far as they did. I even said not to!”

“So it’s all my fault?” Tsu asked, the pressure in her chest now bubbling dangerously.

“Tsu, I-” Ochako began before letting out a sigh. “Look, it’s not entirely your fault. I shouldn’t’ve let you persuade me when I knew better, or put a stop to it sooner,” she admitted, “but… I-I can’t keep being the voice of reason to your lack of… restraint. That’s… why I asked everyone to get together.”

“This isn’t the first time you’ve done something like this, Tsu,” Mina reminded the girl. “Remember the Zoo Dreamland?”

“T-That was just a mistake.”

“So what does that make this?” Kyoka posited.

“Didn’t you get caught by Nejire at Ryukyu’s before, too?” Tooru recalled.

“It was private in Ochako’s room! I wasn’t expecting her!”

“That’s kind of the point,” Kyoka pointed out.

“Tsu,” Momo spoke softly to the girl, “we’ve noticed that you’ve been making a lot of mistakes recently, and they all sort of um… have something in common.”

“Tsu, Darling,” Mina took the lead, approaching the frog girl calmly, “we… think you might have a sex problem.”

The frog girl blinked, her mouth dropping open slightly.

“A… a sex problem?” She replied with incredulity.

“Normally, you know we don’t mind taking care of you, but recently, you’ve been going overboard, hurting more than just Ochako, and it seems to be overriding the better judgment we know you’re capable of.”

Mina’s words washed over Tsuyu, her mind blocking them out as fear began setting in, fears she’d had since before their group had formed.

Horny. Slut. Greedy. Obsessed. Disgusting. Repulsive. Degenerate.

The words swirled around her mind frantically as her heart rate began elevating, unable to escape their pressure. What’s worse, was that she could almost hear them all repeated in her partner’s judgmental voices, but her father’s, her mother’s, and her siblings’ voices were amongst them.

Worst of all were two voices that spoke the words not with judgment, but with pride and praise; that of a purple-ball-headed former classmate, and a blonde, bun-headed villain.

“We want to help, Tsu,” Tooru spoke up, not noticing Tsuyu’s hands tightening further as a single drop of blood bled into her palm, “that’s why we-”

“Shut up! Shut up!”

The shout caught them all off guard, with Mina taking a step back as Tsuyu’s face twisted, tears rapidly filling the corners of her eyes.

“Tsu!” Mina muttered, only to seemingly become the frog girl’s target.

“I don’t have a ‘sex problem’, ribbit!” Tsuyu stated. “I have a people problem! No matter what I do, it never seems to be good enough for anyone anymore. Ryukyu, my parents, my partners… nothing I do is right, and I keep losing everything.”

Tears streaked down the small girl’s face as she finally released all the stress that had been slowly building.

“Yes, I like sex, and judging from the smell in this room, you all do too!”

Anger focusing her ire, she noticed Izuku, Tooru, and Momo all flinch.

“So, you know what? I’m sorry…” she laughed mockingly. “I’m sorry for trying to find whatever happiness I can amongst the shit we’ve been dealing with. Sorry that whatever I do isn’t good enough anymore.”

“Tsu, that’s not-” Ochako interjected, only for Tsuyu’s attention to focus on her.

“Sorry, I gave up my relationship with my family because I love you!”

Tears prickled at Ochako’s eyes as she could feel the hurt in her words. Tsuyu wasn’t done, rounding on Kyoka and Momo next.

“I’m sorry I gave up my relationship with Izuku so he could help you!”

“Tsu…” Tooru’s heart ached as their green-haired girlfriend wrapped her arms around herself, likely feeling even smaller than she appeared.

“I just w-want to be with the people I love… people who I thought l-loved me, too,” her voice cracked.

“Tsu!” Izuku spoke up and reached out, pulling the girl’s focus to take the ire he could. In the end, deciding to go through with Momo’s plan had been a decision he’d made, and it was clear now just how much that had been hurting his girlfriend.

Truthfully, there was nothing she wanted more than to melt into his touch. To be cradled and comforted by him and the others as they soothed her pain with calming, reassuring words… but she couldn’t… not anymore.

Despite how her face crumbled when they eyes met, it seems Tsuyu’s rant wasn’t finished yet.

“I promised you… I promised you would never be left out or forgotten,” Tsuyu sniffed, a sob escaping her throat as her anger finally succumbed to her sadness. “S-So why do I feel like I h-have been…”

Izuku’s breath swiftly abandoned him, as it did the others.

Before anyone could respond, Tsuyu whirled in place and raced for the door, yanking it open before fleeing down the corridor.

They all flinched at the slam of her door, and a morose silence descended over them.