Izuku: ‘When did Fubuki get so good at this?’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhA1dxK6R0t
Another day and another day of internships. Alice was out patrolling with the Blizzard Group, and Karou was saddled onto Tatsumaki again.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUwhjhlQKa
That left Izuku to continue improving his mental abilities. But at this point, it felt like torture.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5Ttv8ec8H
Fubuki: “Thinking of a brick wall is not going to work this time. You’re really thinking of… a white and red bikini?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILjvQqcvVa
It took all his strength to not think about last night with Kiri or his relationship with Momo. God knows he doesn’t need that complication right now. But he couldn’t help if some stuff slipped through the cracks.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooUFgPVjq7
Izuku: “C-C-Can we move on to another exercise? Please?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVPOBUCq3k
Fubuki: “Hmmmmm…”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbSggTuhRX
The two of them are on the roof again, sitting down in a meditative state. After asking his question, Fubuki got up and went to the edge and looked down.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMERHxSGZG5
Fubuki: “Okay, this may be more helpful anyway. Come here.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMVVMz84rz
Izuku does so and stands next to Fubuki, looking down at the city below. It’s a pretty impressive sight now that he thinks about it.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqA7vvOeO4
Fubuki: “Izuku, give me your professional opinion. What do you think is possible with our quirk when it comes to mental abilities?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOVS0Qhy1n
Izuku: “Aside from mind reading and… mental commands, I don’t know… ”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZX2T50gdW
Fubuki glances at him and notices the building tension.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr997Y55x6
Fubuki: “That’s fine, we can just focus on mind reading and defense. Anything else is unnecessary, alright?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sCTFrMhCi
Izuku: “Y-Yes.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTYSxObbfH
Fubuki: “Good. Now close your eyes and try to read the minds of the people in this building. Start with one and then try to read multiple minds at the same time.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9DuSW8Oum
Izuku: “… Huh?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMOOGNujq2
Fubuki: “That’s not too hard, right?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlG6exqbYD
Izuku: “I never did something that large! And multiple minds at the same time? Have you done that?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9sxen0xNE
Fubuki: “Occasionally, it’s hard but doable.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAXZ58HLxI
Izuku: “That’s amazing! You must have talent for this.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ494AJhsddF
She scoffs. She’s not the one with talent.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hHvY8nSzq
Fubuki: “Don’t flatter me, Izuku. I know you or Tatsu will do far better than me.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvboN8diDM
Izuku: “You give yourself too little credit. This could be what you’re good at.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5F5XfnJR7m
The middle child turns away and wishes she could believe his words. But Fubuki doesn’t want to be disappointed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGHfEGKVhz
Fubuki: “Just start already.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8z1KNLsi5
Izuku: “Right!”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FG1jUTZUp
The boy closes his eyes and attempts to stretch his senses out. Similar to how he stretches out his senses to use telekinesis or teleportation, he feels around for someone to read.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLcwhBbTNG
In his mind’s eye, people feel like small lights within a black sea. In that sea, each object is outlined with a soft white line. It’s like a whole other world when he does this.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMp7hlDDfU
That sense of freedom, of having a quirk as amazing as this, the things he can do. As he stretches further, sensing more, the more his mind flutters through the possibilities once locked off.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGuDPGQZqX
He wants to use his quirk more. He wants to grow stronger, to indulge in this freedom, and to take what was denied to him. To punish those who-
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMbC6hxknu
Izuku: ‘No…’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dW3Ag7etl
The space shrinks as his more ugly desires are repressed once more.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkixKfaBRp
Izuku: ‘That’s not me.’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoo563g113N
Izuku: ‘But isn’t it? Good and bad, it’s all the same. It can’t be good to repress myself. I’ll become weaker.’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduEDGHJdTa
Izuku: ‘… That’s fine.’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSsGuMaRU7
He can’t give in to that part of himself, not again. He knows the consequences. So, he’ll compensate with something else.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9SG9Y0htr
His martial ability, perhaps?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVKO9Ss2h8
Izuku: ‘Should I call Kiri to help teach me? No, maybe Yaoyorozu. I haven’t used my psi-sword in a while, and she’s better with weapons.’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNNUlkhTkW
It’s then that he noticed the slight shaking. The boy opens his eyes and sees Fubuki shaking him.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9GLyaTxvk
Fubuki: “Are you okay?! You’ve been standing there for 30 minutes, barely breathing.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHA2enUOLT
Izuku: “I-I was?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww4trM2XCj
Fubuki: “Yeah, I didn’t expect you to become so immersed. What happened?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb8hTxVlGT
Izuku: “I was… just exploring the building. I couldn’t read anyone’s mind, though.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYNTY4cwml
Fubuki: “I… see. I didn’t expect that. You were able to read your classmate’s mind just fine though.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAhJYTahVl
Izuku: “Maybe I can only do it with people I know or have a connection with.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1TZgISkHr
Fubuki: “Maybe… ”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQN39FDYwc
She hated how that nearly made her smile. The woman swallowed that feeling. She knows she can be jealous, but she won’t let that stop her from helping her brother.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIBxcwsw8k
She knows he can do better.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHVtse2Rza
Fubuki: “Want to keep at it or try reading my mind again?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjs9KNMzHen
Izuku: “No, I tried that already. If you don’t want me to know what you’re thinking, I have no chance. Your defenses are too strong.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZpT3pDHeG
Fubuki: “Flattery won’t get you out of training. Come on, let’s try again.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtUn7T5NFZ
Accepting his fate, he goes back to their mediating spot and tries to read Fubuki’s mind.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjFHaT66NK
Izuku: “I guess I’ll call her later.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAovMpwH9w
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvxB0XPIYK
Dark Shadow: “Fumikage! I’m dying over here!”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDDGZVjaX8
Tokoyami: “You can handle it.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gObHROnLq
Another day straining to keep Dark Shadow under the harshness of the sun constantly. The boy has never had to keep Shadow active this long before. It’s usually only been a max of 30 minutes, but at this points it has been hours.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5SsGEdxhv
Kiri: “Fight on. You’re getting stronger.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYC5kuDWPaY
Dark Shadow: “I-I am?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWvQbv2cGm
Kiri: “Nh. Bigger.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsYDT5MHUo
Dark Shadow: “Really?! And I’m not going out of control! Yosh! Let’s keep it up, partner.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpCxbwznG9
Tokoyami: “Right.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWEXAC18IN
It does help that Tae is here; Dark Shadow and her have formed a quick connection that’s hard to explain. But at least it helps keep Dark Shadow happy and motivated during the patrol. Speaking of…
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsqMlYI4fC
Tokoyami: “Silent.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGCTazrSW4
Kiri: “Nh. Boring, but strangely peaceful. Udders lucky.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKE20cXEaCl
Dark Shadow: “You really should pick a different name.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKtjmfWPnC
Kiri: “No, I don’t think I will.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsTpZlGj7o
Tokoyami: “I doubt she’s enjoying being taught pressure points.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3GNjVpnkd
Dark Shadow: “Yeah, by being disabled herself first. Brutal!”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFDHgRtwwX
Kiri: “I wish I could watch.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTbmY7eifK
Tokoyami: “I understand why, but is that enough of a reason to trust us to patrol by ourselves?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWlBJypdKH
Kiri: “Can’t always baby us. You did it yesterday.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HffAPEAox
Tokoyami: “I suppose.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJio7pYHRV
Still, the boy can’t help but feel this is a waste of time. While Tae learns grappling and Yaoyorozu learns the fundamentals of the ninja arts, he is stuck patrolling. Is he really getting stronger?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BBjRQBKeG
Sensing his frustration, Kiri stops Tokoyami by touching his shoulder.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxUXwp6EGC
Tokoyami: “Hm?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQOLmTlfTE
Kiri: “Want to spar? That way you can see the effects of the training?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLOOQppngv
Dark Shadow: “Great idea!”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMDhR0GZZQ
Tokoyami: “Where shall we do battle?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTPBdXaOzm
Kiri: “An alley. Less people and more darkness.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gt4gYIgIb
Tokoyami: “… Very well. Lead the way.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69IdOpNC7A
Kiri nods and walks ahead while looking for an open alleyway. Finding a suitable one, she turns the corner and enters the darker side of the city. As the shadows envelop Tokoyami, Dark Shadow surges with additional strength. Not enough to go berserk, but it is a notable increase.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbHL0Tnryf
Once they walked far enough in, Kiri turned around and took a battle stance. However, Tokoyami took a look at the surroundings and saw how narrow it was.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfWOOUUoqr
Tokoyami: “You’re at a disadvantage here.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQW9Uvtgif
Kiri: “Good training conditions. Come.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgfbqVz0uy
Tokoyami: “Very well. Dark Shadow!”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG0WDJoxuI
Dark Shadow: “Right!”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhlILNPBbe
The living shadow charged at Kiri with ferocious strength. With little room to dodge, Kiri brought her arms up and took the downward claw swipe.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48FRcqM9Mu
Both of them were surprised by the strength of the blow. Kiri was brought to a knee while the ground beneath buckled and cracked.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcznPMyhaC
Kiri: “S-See? Strong.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JZ7LHbmYx
Dark Shadow: “Ha!”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRczt6BFdcn
Kiri: “But too basic.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktL78Svtml
Surging with her own strength, Kiri pushed Dark Shadow off and delivered a straight punch to his head, knocking him back some ways.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj11KyZYOPx
He tries to retaliate with a side swipe that’s strong enough to scrape off some of the concrete. But Kiri simply jumps up and delivers an axe kick to Dark Shadow.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobpTzuucXN
Kiri: “Predictable.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1xJsdxzRc
Using his head as a platform, she jumps again and lands on the shadowy umbilical cord. Using her quirk, she grinds on it until she reaches Tokoyami.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7W7njr0YO
Situations reversed, Tokoyami is now the one who has to hold his arms up to block a strike from Kiri. But it had little force behind it.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmgOiF0Yx8
Kiri: “Fast and mobile opponents can get past Dark Shadow.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVlONCIV8N
Tokoyami: “That’s why I wanted to improve my own skills.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPOLdJXTCp
Kiri: “Understandable. But even with training, you won’t match up with people like me or Bomb Boy.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKLq7beW2H
She does a backflip and lands around where she started.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNag0gSzux
Kiri: “So, Dark Shadow, you are the key?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NWKNxFQOh
Dark Shadow: “Huh?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2788pqkIV
Kiri: ‘Unlike me or Kadabra, Dark Shadow seems more malleable. I can only change my size, not my shape or stretch like that. So that means-’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKLpF6HXbv
Kiri: “You are a shadow; fight like one.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vhO2PDQ29
It didn’t take long for Tokoyami to understand exactly what she’s implying. It’s not like he hasn’t thought about such things before. But as Dark Shadow grew into his current form, he didn’t think it was possible to do those things anymore.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVuFIWSR3R
Quirks didn’t change so heavily like that. They usually have one form and general usage; that’s it. Dark Shadow seemed set. But perhaps its time to test that preconceived notion, and try out some ideas he had as a child.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJlQV9lJ7w
Tokoyami: “Dark Shadow!”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtD3NDSlKY
Dark Shadow: “Heh. Right!”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbRy3HdD83
The shadow shrinks ever so slightly and rushes Kiri. His attacks aren’t as heavy, but they’re faster. Not fast enough to catch the girl off guard, but enough to prevent further dodging.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIf25fGOsV
The first method of fighting like a shadow is unpredictable movement. He already did this with attacking from different angles, but now, as the fight goes on, it gets crazier.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3NWdZhwD7
Kiri is forced to block attacks from nearly every angle as Dark Shadow bends its body every which way. But more than that, she can feel something else from her fellow mental construct.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYMC0hY7FQ
Its body is shaking.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMR4sZjybg
Tokoyami: “Now!”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi1EDUXNBJ
As Kiri stops a suddenly large claw swipe that pushes her a few feet closer to the wall, she feels it. The girl smiles at the loss.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmZkXiAL2q
Kiri: “Nice job, Dark Shadow.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83Nj0KmyTY
The screen zooms out to show Dark Shadow’s other claw. Each pointed tip was stretched and sharpened to a razor’s edge. Five shadow blades were surrounding her, ready to pierce the body clean through.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7uPATpYFk
In her current form, she would not be able to block them all.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjlBtWj392
Tokoyami: “A-Abyssal… Needles.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2ElYjHej0
Despite the increased strength thanks to the training, this was still too draining. Tokoyami fell on one knee while Dark Shadow rapidly shrunk.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgF5cOqnyV6
Kiri put down her guard and sat down next to Tokoyami, who was catching his breath.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypcf8K2I6h
Kiri: “Okay?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAg1Xi5HCt6
Tokoyami: “Yes. Thank you. It seems you have also seen the darkness of the abyss.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfEJHz9r6L
The girl tilts her head at that.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRMTETfvWG
Kiri: “Yes?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmeD5eWuqq
Dark Shadow: “I don’t think she gets it.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt28G1yEih
Tokoyami: “No matter. You have broadened my horizons.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvmmpO5LED
Kiri: “You would have thought something eventually. I just have a… way with beings like Dark Shadow.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmO5HQZFXyT
She says, while giving the shadow a loving head pat that he gladly receives.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO8fkL8YzL
Tokoyami: “Yes, I do wonder why.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhVRUl3sap
Dark Shadow: “I don’t get it either. She feels like a… I don’t know… a relative? Sort of like that Kadabra guy.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXX6Jh2FGvE
Tokoyami: “Hmmmmm… ”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW858yegBi
Kiri looks at the ground and accepts that there will be someone else who knows what she is. Probably will help bring up her pressing question.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIq1yhqPNv6
Kiri: “The reason is… well… I’m just like you.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPP5JJKZlk
Dark Shadow: “Huh? What do you mean?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIbNdyjeS3
Tokoyami: “I see…”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZOrkzzjxh
Dark Shadow: “You do?!”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIoVno4TPO
Tokoyami: “You’re Midoriya’s shadow?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6tQBfDKZm
Kiri nods.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwNYLC93Kk
Dark Shadow: “EEEHH!?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJxtxaAuVh
Tokoyami: “You always felt different from the rest of us. But why does Midoriya hide this and enroll you at U.A?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkO7d9Za4m4
Kiri: “Because… we’re family. I’m not just a mental projection or construct. Don’t you feel the same about Dark Shadow?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBWFbpDGKD
The two look at each other, and they don’t know how to answer. Are they family? Or are they just the protector and the protected?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJocErRxmRO
Dark Shadow: “Well, I can confidently say that I’m Fumikage’s one and only partner. Might as well be family too, I guess.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡww53NWPWp9
Tokoyami: “Dark Shadow… ”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4YJkcaZRj
Kiri: “Can you confidently say that?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2sehrZtjm
Dark Shadow: “Huh? What do you-”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraCtfRIsoq
Kiri: “Do you care for Tokoyami because you genuinely do or because you’re his quirk? Because you’re commanded to.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9anHqdOdy
Stunned, they can only stare into those trembling green eyes and listen.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPNzbB1N6l
Kiri: “If you weren’t stuck with him, if he wasn’t your creator, would you still care and protect him?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CPH8SFcDX
Dark Shadow: “I…”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71aU6O74hk
She looks into Dark Shadow’s eyes for something, anything that can help answer her own questions. However, she finds only confusion and uncertainty.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKX7HY2x1Ab
After half a minute of tension, Kiri relents and accepts the facts.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU4VNeF9pS
Kiri: “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you… I’ll leave.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgG9ZmZd2g
She quickly gets up and leaves the alley. Tokoyami wants to stop her; he can tell she’s struggling with similar questions. But what could he say that would ease that inner turmoil? He can hardly answer it himself.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMNcGjL2EC
What if Dark Shadow doesn’t actually want to protect or fight with him?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnA8o9qS3N
What if he does see Dark Shadow as family? What kind of person would he be to use family like a living sword and shield while he sits back doing nothing?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1B3XZwlnqK
Tokoyami: ‘Should I even be a hero if it means putting my… friend in danger all the time? Why… did I want to become a hero again?’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBZoYxkmyE
He looks to Dark Shadow, but he looks away. For the first time, Dark Shadow was the one who retreated into Tokoyami’s body.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoV0OD70k3
Leaving him alone in the darken alley. A familiar scene he has long repressed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdDBUdFxGt
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjg8mTElZeA
Momo’s body was throbbing. Edgeshot felt it was important to have all the pressure points tested on her to make sure she got a feel of exactly where they were located.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2NhKrFGFC
She couldn’t deny it was helpful.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXd7K49sHw6
They have been training for a few hours. With only a few breaks where Edgeshot would check on Tae and Tokoyami. During those hours, they had gone over multiple hand-to-hand exercises of Ninjustu. Everything from weapons to stealth. It felt weird not being able to hear her own footsteps.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xJPSr9xcZ
Now they were dealing with defense against weapons. At this point, Momo was able to catch Edgeshot’s blade between her palms.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizuBueK8yk
Edgeshot: “Good! Very good! But what will you do now?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZHRkLi9wl
She trembled.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfuAUXvhyH
There are so many options. She could break the blade, try pressure points, take the blade, headbutt him or-
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXb7BABFBn
The next things she knew she was on the ground, sword to her throat.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslvXMx59tW
Edgeshot: “You’ve improved your reaction time a great deal, but you still seem paralyzed when given too many options.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDRm83ipfV
As he helps her up, Momo couldn’t help but mentally slap herself.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhAiWLnJHp
Momo: “I’m sorry… ”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4NXWUwsqV
Edgeshot: “Don’t be. Your quirk gives you nearly infinite options, and adding my teachings to it makes it even harder. It’s your greatest strength and your greatest weakness. But once you overcome it, you will be a force to be reckoned with.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsobeHYd1e
Momo: “T-Thank you, sensei.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOmzNoELgK
Edgeshot: “No need to thank me; I’m happy to help. You’re a smart girl; I know you’ll succeed given time. Now, time to take a break. Go take a shower and use the guest room to rest until I come back with your friends.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxf7xiYmpuS
Momo: “Okay.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS3OGyUsuj
She walks toward her room, a bit dejected. She has been getting better; there’s no doubt at this point. But the progress is slow.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVzLl77MSS
Momo: ‘I have to do better. I can’t let them down.’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mM3d6yaNb
After entering the guest room, she peeled off her sweat-soaked clothes and hopped into the shower.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9hmfgcJyh
Momo: ‘But first, I need to relax and clear my mind. And I know the perfect way to do that.’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZmosiUrez
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzOeJyW5tX
He gave up, at least for today.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyDQOfZsKC
He failed to read Fubuki’s mind and failed to read anyone else’s surface thoughts. Something that surprised his sister to no end.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNTtxJT90a
Again, he fails to meet expectations.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOIrOx0Uj9
Feeling that he had suffered enough for one day, he decided to take a break in his room within the Blizzard agency.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1gVboJK4m
As he sat there lost in the colors of the ceiling, his phone went off. Not even bothering to see who it was, he answered.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27zUJdQe5X
Izuku: “Yes?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLy636NdjR
Momo: “Good evening, Midoriya.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91fCky0TZS
Izuku: “Y-Yaoyorozu!? H-How are you?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRI0724AdR
The boy immediately sat up and tried to calm his beating heart. Her giggling only made it beat faster.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yxFF5glxE
Momo: “I’m fine. I was calling to see how your internship is going.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ueFYgIjr9
Izuku: “It’s… going. What about yours?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d4geuAUya
Momo: “Well, it’s-oh! Whoops. Hold on a second.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPua7S1D6Z6
On the other end, the boy could hear some muffled sounds.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu6VXWUk2O
Momo: “Sorry, I got some water on my phone since I just left the shower.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlGHpjsAgA
The poor boy’s brain suddenly assaulted/blessed him with images of the woman in the shower… long black hair matted down by water… hot water running down her nake-
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEXjFsCxgL
SLAP!
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkJYPDef42
Momo: “M-Midorya!? Are you alright!?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCW7CnBOsm
Izuku: “… Yes. Just an annoying fly I had to slap. You were saying?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaLGqZXuNQ
Momo: “Oh, okay. Well, I’m doing alright. It’s been hard, but I’m making progress.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbV7lu2Gxx
Izuku: “I see… ”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF7MC2WO8Y
Momo: “Don’t worry, Midoriya, I won’t let you or All Might down. I’ll keep at it.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX56Yx37NYp
Izuku: “You don’t have to worry about disappointing us. I know you’ll do great.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZhEUzNt5T
Izuku: ‘I’m the one having a problem.’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wdq8yOTgd
Momo: “You’re too sweet. Thank you.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlA6AA8y9T
Izuku: “S-Speaking of training, can you help me with it?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrQHh07Uiy
Momo: “Huh? How?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysbNN2sT5I
Izuku: “Well, I’m only really improving my mental abilities here. But I don’t want to neglect my body. So I want to spar with you. I improve my swordsmanship, and you practice what you learned today. That way we both benefit.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUCWv1otum
Momo: “R-Really? O-Okay, that sounds great! Meet me at my place tonight.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzecXg7A9ss
Izuku: “Okay. Thanks, Yaoyorozu.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMDkfN2wsv
Momo: “…”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPU2aoVgB9
Izuku: “Yaoyorozu?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT1PUyWxw2
Momo: “You can… call me Momo if you want.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22oQPIEBz9
Who would have guessed such a simple request would flip a boy’s stomach or give him sweaty palms?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXgYASwNpA
Izuku: “O-Okay, y-y-you can call me I-Izuku too.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhsFo4uCd6
Momo: “A-Alright, see you tonight, I-Izuku.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPfBF34E0H
And with that, the call ended. A call with a very attractive girl who has a cute first name. A girl who just came out of the shower and gave him the go-ahead to use said first name.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6YuslAtn7
Izuku: “I’m going to need a cold shower.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9qgtSZtQf
Whether it worked or not remains to be seen, but Izuku was ready for some much-needed training. The rest of the day with Fubuki didn’t really profit him much, sadly.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7100STN0fS
So it all really hinged on tonight, or this whole day would have been worthless.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOHsjqQUMY
With a flash of green, Izuku was in front of the familiar gate.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGISdroQAo
Izuku: “Yao, I mean, M-Momo, I’m here.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfFykbuJZu
The next moment, the gates opened and allowed Izuku to walk towards the building. He’s pretty used to the layout, but this is the first time he’s been here at night. It felt… strange. Not the bad, kind though; it was a tingling in the spine and toes.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcct8rn2CuB
Whatever it is, he didn’t need it. So again, he represses it and goes inside. Waiting within was Momo in her hero costume, a costume that’s very revealing mind you.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefaAg1D3Qg
Repress it.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6kBwUzGbY
Izuku: “Let’s get started then.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvX4MpZAlY
The boy was ready with his hero costume and prepared to enter the training room they used before. But Momo held up her hand to stop him.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjnfJQp9bz
Momo: “Hold on, this is a good time for you to try and improve my body.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hfoZTScNU
Izuku: “Y-Your body? Oh! O-Okay, I can try. But like I said-”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOJTayHmHt
Momo: “I trust you.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfT7ddSZ9N
As she says this, she goes over to the couch and lies down on her stomach. The sight earns a slight gulp from the boy.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o3KEWnSIO
Repress it.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr1gSY1EQ2
Momo: “Is this position fine?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbjW5aULxM
Izuku: “Y-Yeah.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwiF1lmk9W
She places her arms above her head while keeping her face turned toward the couch. Probably to hide the blush. Izuku swallowed again and got on his knees next to her. He placed his hands on her slender arms and closed his eyes.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cBogZMoyk
He tried to sense the atomic bonds of her arms, then go from there to the rest of her body. But his focus wasn’t on his task; instead, it was on how soft her skin was. Unconsciously, he starts to caress her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xTZSyKLCP
Momo: “I-Is it working?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8Abx6pgI5
Snapping out of it, Izuku opens his eyes and takes in a gallon of air.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTunHtulpUG
Izuku: “S-Sorry! I-I guess I’m a bit out of it. It’s harder than usual. Maybe we should focus on the training instead.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyzgI3rXoB
Momo: “Mmmm, okay. Maybe next time. Instead… how about you give me a message after training?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJvfG0LJP2
Izuku: “A-A message!?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qMSzsruLi
Momo: “Yes, I do you, and you do me. It’s a great way to relax and soften the muscles after a good workout. I don’t really have anyone else to do that with, so… ”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBVEG6G3CB
Izuku: “I-It’s fine, I understand. I-I’ll think about it.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziqjkBKH2t
Fighting down the blush, among other things, Izuku gets up and fast-walks to the training area. Meanwhile, Momo holds in a giggle before following him.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTr6HRoDqAF
Momo: ‘I might be being a bit mean. But he can be so cute when teased. Ashido was right; it can be fun.’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef5uG9JAde
Once inside, Momo creates her classic bo staff. But this one seemed to be made of hardened steel. Izuku matches her by bringing out his psi-sword, created from his tie.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagocQMNGmk
After getting into their respective stances, they charge at one another. Momo’s training became evident as she effortlessly countered and redirected many of Izuku’s slashes.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpZhEWlAjk
Sure, he was holding back a bit, didn’t want to cut the staff in two, but this was still impressive.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfczr4FQ5O
The dance continued as the two found a comfortable rhythm. But as it went on, Momo’s reach and focus proved greater. In a pure martial battle, without needing to worry about several options, the girl excelled.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNfC7DgdwY
On the other hand…
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjODeU608GM
Izuku: ‘Haaaa…’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScL9F09Jr7
The boy is slowing down, all due to frustration.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzYSyqCZSh
Izuku: ‘It’s not enough… ’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1h8YkwvcL
Years without a quirk.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ848mqpyR
Years of being disabled.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIBK1bNPTZ
Years of being worthless.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13bpD4G8sB
And now, he is being forced to return to that state. If he wanted to learn how to fight with just a sword, he would have done so before.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0zeRy5qSq
No, he wanted to be a hero. A real one with a quirk, an identity.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3myKBwV1wW
Izuku: ‘I want to use it… ’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBRpBpjYVl
As the clash of weapons continues, Izuku’s control continues to slip.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcF9wC4ujh
Izuku: ‘I want to use my quirk…’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHBJgyJMV0
More than just lighting up and hardening a tie. More than just moving things, or flight, or reading minds. There’s more to it than just swinging some sword.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGfZ6Wb4Zo
It’s more.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5PMaPRRFt
He’s m-
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3lTGgOjWO
Control slips.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH956LRCI9
Reads her mind, seeing the thrust coming.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9FP6FRIDJ
Strengthens body, dodges it.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwwBLwHW4H
Catches the staff, crushes its atomic structure.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9p2KuJ3tf
Feels surprise from her, an opening.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXm8z4cy437
Pushes the opponent away with a glance.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlmQjocNhJ
Victory.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tPHbzherO
Control is regained.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdukCDrPbBW
Izuku: “M-Momo! I-I’m sorry! This was supposed to be just a simple spar. I didn’t mean to-”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWHRwRn7Bv
He runs to Momo, who was getting up from the forceful toss.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoVbCm1wJE
Momo: “It’s fine, I-Izuku. I’m more worried about you.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpJEOGFsIZ
Izuku: “M-Me?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwzkaV4Jlr
Momo: “Yes, you looked… distracted. And you wouldn’t have done what you did normally. What’s wrong?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yhYp8q5pX
Izuku: “… I guess… you should know. So you know who you’re trying to be with.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd64RvTGFi
A mirror of what happened before during the tournament, but reversed. They sit on the ground next to each other as Izuku explains his quirk in full detail.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWgUYW2vTq
What Kiri knows, Momo knows. An equal playing field.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxGr7snX3c
But unlike before, the boy didn’t feel relief from talking about it. Only exhaustion and further frustration.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjRlub6E7d
Izuku: “That’s why my quirk has been so… strange recently. Why I’ve been acting weird. This damn… ”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYM1E6h0E8
He nearly tears out his hair from the stress of having this blessing and curse of a quirk.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUUBSl0anl
Izuku: “M-Momo, I’m sorry for unloading all of this on you. You don’t deserve-”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7qZpAqi3J
A soft sensation envelops him as soft arms wrap around his frame.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFe29Kd3dN
Momo: “It’s okay. It’s… a lot. I don’t think I really understand all of it. But what I do know is that you can’t keep doing this to yourself.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UqN7CFL4J
Izuku: “But-”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LxJEpC0sd
Momo: “No. You’re not a villain or some monster. You’re Izuku Midoriya, the boy I fell in love with. You helped me when I didn’t see much worth in myself. Let me do the same for you. It’s your quirk; no matter what’s in it, you are the master of it.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkxr2vQSCv
The boy knows; he is their prince, after all. But he doesn’t want to deal with them. Never again.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4NMiOgXCW
The girl senses that her words haven’t reached him fully, so she continues.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8lh6Q5QMP
Momo: “This isn’t it good for you; repressing things is not the answer.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gTmwtZEhm
Izuku: ‘I want to believe that… but what other choice do I have? Accepting everything would only make things worse. Won’t it? I’m… scared of what I’ll become… and tired of thinking about it… ’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMA05E6sPdb
He sinks deeper into her embrace. He can’t accept it, not yet. So instead, Izuku wants to forget about it. To turn away from the shadow and ignore its existence.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX04WwJg6Sv
Every flaw and unwanted desire was pushed away into the vault.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKasSYMWwIc
But where does he go from here? What is the answer?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0uFHhajTR
It remains unclear. But as he rests within the embrace of a woman he has come to love and care for, instincts take over.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOWVKFxOkz
Enough worrying about what comes next.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBn2PN6cKx
Enough worrying about quirk and relationship problems.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJpKOOvsdI
One more, just one more time.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdEqhytCxj
He lets other desires slip through.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjQGoJY1Tg
Because why be ashamed of those?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xQG441rxB
Let go.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4zQldrQzR
Izuku: “Momo, thank you.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV74htuixDP
He lifts up his head and takes her lips into his own. Momo is momentarily surprised, but taking this as a sign, she quickly returns it with force.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstLSzrIPNk
All the desires built up by Kiri and Momo’s teasing were finally let loose. The enthusiastic reciprocation spurred him on, guiding his hands across her body.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2lBGbptR2
He wasn’t the only one eager and willing. Momo felt across his body, or tried to. He was wearing armor, something too hard to remove despite her efforts.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KyT2aInuQ
But even in a daze, Izuku could sense what she was trying to do. While feeling her bare leg, he mentally removes the locks on his suit. A tad looser, it was easier for the girl to remove it over his head. At last, she could feel his muscular, bare chest.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdtb3l5clQ
He didn’t skip out on sculpting it to near perfection when he was improving his muscular structure, much to her delight. Momo couldn’t enjoy it for long as Izuku guided her to the floor and continued the assault on her waiting mouth.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzt7L2gx7If
As the room got hotter and the situation more risky, Momo began to question the situation. Even as she welcomed his tongue and wrapped her legs around his waist, she questioned.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMrfDlPmOY
Were they going too fast?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj4ZxJWwiE
Is he doing this because he chooses her or because he is looking to relieve stress? Consciously or not, it didn’t matter. If this was going to happen, she wanted to do it right. By the book.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRdGe3JXGr
So when the boy moved from her mouth to the neck, she breathed out her question.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVIoaglEyg
Momo: “I-Izuku?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOec3QMpPSH
Saying his name seemed to only inflame him more, causing him to grasp her chest.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lbGNoZ5AS
Momo: “Ah!”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop5hmunGIH
While one hand caresses, another frees her hair. It was getting serious, as proven by the third leg poking her thigh.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSX9xNgggM
Momo: “S-Slow down… I need to know-”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtloShpNNLv
Her answer was swallowed by another kiss, one more forceful than the last. Something was wrong. She imagined Izuku would be a gentle lover, but this is pure domination. Despite that, goodness, it felt amazing.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfN6FvCbKz
The girl was in a daze, her head floating on top of marshmallow clouds raining honey. She wants to keep going. But they would both regret it if this was nothing more than some flight of passion.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXcBNORsKF
She doesn’t just want sex; she wants to be loved. And not by an Izuku who seemed completely out of it, but an Izuku in control and fully consenting.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTtWCAW2PI
So, she took a drastic measure. Using what she learned of grappling, Momo reversed the position so she was on top. Next, she grasped the sides of Izuku’s face and stared into his dimmer-than-normal eyes.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bwf1U9sg3
Momo: “Listen… Izuku, can you hear me? I need to know… why are we doing this? Because you choose me over Tae or because-”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMgQmZ4zcg
Izuku: “Tae… Kiri?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgSwZpoCWC
Momo: “Yes. Do you love me more than her? Or are you doing this as a form of escape?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡis3KVUvHPv
Her words break through, reason returns, and shame grows.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnruy61JxC
Izuku: ‘Ah, that’s why.’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBQXBT9F0x
Momo: “I hope you have. I …really want to keep going and… I don’t know if Tae is good for you. I don’t know if she can love like a human can, like I can.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBP5LOqPCP
She comes closer, ever so closer, but never all the way. He needs to make the choice.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LcUH80JCZ
But he can’t, not yet. Not until he faces all of himself. Something he simply can’t do yet.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCiSvhG4Zg
Izuku: “I… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done this.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggxWP028jY
Her heart cracks.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKmiXBEBHR
Momo: “I see… ”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQr1clhKJ1
Izuku: “I-I wasn’t thinking! I was just-”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpkV7DBh0b
Momo: “It’s fine. I suppose I did tease you a lot.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iIQEiSTOJ
Izuku: “H-Hah, you did… ”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU9Tc0JuVh
Momo: “And it’s not like you forced me. Please, don’t beat yourself up over this.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvc0mvWKsm
Izuku: “I’ll try… not to.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcQBM7gKPL
He will, if only a little.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHONHA4wLT
But despite the momentary lapse of judgment, Izuku won’t let it end on an awkward note. So he takes her hand and kisses it, a gesture that leaves her heart aflutter.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBfTlzr3vD
Izuku: “I do love you, Momo. Possibly, even more than Kiri.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPVOOwVx6o
Momo: “R-Really?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhASSWuAQAU
Izuku: “But it’s not fair to her. You said she can’t love like a human; I think she can. So until she proves one of us right, I think we should put this whole love triangle on hold.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dVocg1RGN
Momo: ‘A delaying tactic…’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXoOSbqIjj
Momo: “… Fine. But you don’t get to leave me out in the cold until then. Sleep here.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZoTjYRN3n
Izuku: “H-Huh!?”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRL9jEiiuPo
Momo: “I know you share a bed with Tae. That isn’t fair either.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjSdPecZ2k
Izuku: “But-”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfClOA2oS5q
She silences his protests with a gentle kiss, one that threatens to slip back into riskier territory. So she ends it there.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUvqrBSUFr
Momo: “No buts. Come to bed. Just this once.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyQp30GveN
Izuku: “… Okay.”
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgc2KztwnA
Gracing him with a winning smile, she dismounts him and already misses the pressure. But there’s no use crying over it. The duo clean themselves and change into some sleepwear. For Izuku, this took the form of some supremely comfy robes. Money sure has many perks.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzy4vU4BYs
When it was time to go to bed, the boy tried his best not to focus on Momo’s nightgown. It was nearly impossible when she insisted on cuddling. But he knew he made it through when she finally fell asleep.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyy9mBZdTD
Izuku: ‘Finally…’
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZLazibacJ
Despite what happened, Izuku feels… a bit better. More free, some of the weight has lifted from his heart.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgS6OrY55D1
At least for this… maybe it will be fine to let loose. Within reason.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDziovYtdv
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rCllYuIE5
A/N: I wrote this on 6/4/25. I haven’t finished the chapters after this yet, but I have to get this off my chest now.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHBcrnA86Y
Man, this whole love triangle thing is exhausting. I want to get to the point where he just says, “Fuck it”, and takes them both. This feels forced and melodramatic, but I have to do it.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zsDJQ7mF3
I hope you bear with me. At least everything outside of it, in my opinion, is good. I enjoyed the Dark Shadow and Family sections, for the most part.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklhN3WsL72
But I am afraid that things are getting a bit edgy in some places. A consequence of the themes I’m tackling and Izuku’s quirk. I get it. But sometimes it feels like I’m going too far. I don’t have to change this to M, right?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0Ju52M5kd
Here’s hoping I stick the landing with this arc and can add more lighthearted moments. But considering what’s coming next, I doubt it.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNrcuqa2ca
Prepare for possible tonal whiplash.
ns216.73.216.197da2
