Chapter Text
Ochako was silently chewing on her breakfast, her parents with her even as the table was encroached in silence. Days had gone by in a flash since she left Musutafu to visit her parents in Mie. It was now December twenty-seventh - her birthday.
She had really underestimated how much she had missed her parents. They were gone for work on most of the days she had been here, but her big surprise this morning was that they managed to arrange for the whole weekend off for her birthday.
Though her melancholy persisted despite their presence - and that left her feeling terrible. Her parents were so happy to see her, so proud of her, and they'd had genuine fun together the past few days. Yet her mind always went back to what she'd learned during dinner at the Midoriyas.
She had texted Izuku a few days ago, and apparently he couldn't get news of either Himiko or his other friend who knew her. The last thing she'd gotten from him was confirmation that he would be there today.
It seemed he was set to arrive somewhere between the late afternoon and early evening. The plans were for him to have dinner with them, then spend the night, and leavve for his home on Sunday, sometime in the afternoon.
Ochako was thrilled to have her friend over, for her birthday, of course - her parents equally excited to meet a good friend of hers. But there was no escaping the melancholy that always seemed to catch up to her, turning her sweet vacation bittersweet.
She needed to get her mind off of this, to get some fresh air or a distraction, to do something silly with her parents and enjoy the day as it was.
Who was she kidding. She needed to see Himiko - it was tearing her apart inside.
Neither of her parents let this escape their notice, she could see it - the way they looked at her like they knew something was bothering her, waiting for her to open up. And the longer she waited to talk about her feelings, the worse she felt about it.
Figures, she probably got her habit of suffering in silence from them-
Before long, her father broke the silence, putting a hand on her shoulder softly.
"Chako chip, we can tell something's bothering yah, yah know yah can talk tah us anytime 'bout this stuff, right? An' if you're worrying about us taking the weekend off for yah, don't be, we planned this way in advance, so it's not a burden at all, y'hear?"
Nausea curled in her gut, they shouldn't be worrying about her, not today, not on their-
The words escaped her mouth before she could repress them.
"It's not that, dad, it's just…" She sighed in frustration.
"Y'know Izuku, right? The friend das comin' here later today? Turns out I learned that he actually knows Himiko, the same one from when ah' was a kid. Or at least ah'm pretty sure she is, with the way Izuku's ma described 'er."
Another sigh, this time deeper. Gosh, this had gotten her all out of sorts way more than she thought, hadn't it?
"An' of course neither her nor 'er friend seemed tah be able tah pick up tha phone when 'e called. So now ah'm left wonderin' 'bout what Himiko's up tah while I can't even see 'er - if she still remembers our promise, or blames me for the fact we never saw each other after that day - and ah' feel terrible 'cause ah' don' wanna ruin the time we got together this weekend but it's eatin' me up inside."
She didn't know when the tears started pouring, so lost in her feelings as she was, but it wasn't long before her parents stood up from their seats and hugged her tight.
Ochako quietly sobbed in their hold, her mind too loud to focus on the gentle reassurances they were whispering to her as they held her.
After a while, she wiped her eyes, her parents both looking at her.
Her mother spoke up. "Ochako, this would never ruin the time we spend together, y'hear me? We relish any an' all opportunity to be with our darlin' daughter, and this is what family time is for, right? Talking about our feelings is good for us, we're here for you, okay? Always."
All she could muster as an answer to her mother's heartfelt words was a weak nod.
Her dad smiled at her, beaming with warmth that reached her heart in spite of her distress, rubbing her back gently as he did.
"An' besides, that jus' means yah get tah meet her soon, right? Just a couple more days and yah get tah see 'er! An' ah'm sure no one could forget how kind our Chako chip is, much less her, yeah? Ah'm sure she won't blame yah for squat."
Leave it to them to always be optimistic about her chances, but melancholy be damned, she loved that about her parents.
She let out a dry chuckle, wiping the rest of her tears.
"You're right, hopefully anyways. Ah' don't know how ah'll react when ah' see 'er, or how she'll react, but I'll just 'ave to put mah best foot forward!"
She attempted to shadowbox, failing as her arms immediately folded under the pressure caused her parents' unrelenting embrace.
"And Chako?" Came her mother's voice once more, her grip lessening as she spoke. "Feel free to talk tah us about anything, okay? Yah may have gravity powers, but yah can't lift everyone's burdens on top of carryin' your own all the time."
Of all people to be seen so clearly by, she didn't mind that it was her parents, they always knew, always saw through her facade, saw how much she took onto herself. It reassured her, she just had to reconcile that reassurance with the prideful part of her that kept her emotions under lock and key.
"Ah'll try, thanks. And I would say sorry - for, y'know, all this - but something tells me that you two won't have any of that, huh?"
"Exactly." Their voices resounded in unison, before the Uraraka household broke into light laughter.
"And besides," said her father. "It's your birthday, and I reckon' you got quite a lot tah look forward to!"
Right, that surprise, huh? That finished cheering her up - and now, between that and potentially seeing Himiko in a few days, Ochako had at least two things she was eager for today.
Ochako smiled softly at them. "Thanks, mom, dad - I really missed you two."
"We missed you too, dear." Her mother grinned playfully, now reaching for her plate. "Now if you won't finish your tamagoyaki, I'll have it!"
Ochako glared at her, trying for offended but unable to hide the smile that pulled at her lips. "Hey, no, ma'! I changed mah mind, I wan' it! Back off!"
The warmth of a breakfast with her parents made her forget her worries for a moment, and she let herself laugh with them.
She was so glad she had decided to visit for her birthday.
The day went by amazingly after that, they watched movies, played some board games, and vowed never to open the monopoly box again, lest the family never get along anymore.
And most importantly, she had gotten her omelette back. Her mother didn't stand a chance.
One would have to be a fool to try and claim her food.
It had almost been a novel experience for them all to use their accent so much - but family times were scarce and not having to watch how one spoke was nice.
The afternoon was now nearing its end, Izuku would be here any second now.
Her parents had quickly started busying themselves in the kitchen, likely getting her birthday dinner and cake ready.
Eighteen years, now that was something to look back on. Twenty would soon follow - truly, time passed faster and faster with each day.
She tried to help her parents, but they wouldn't have it.
"It's your birthday, Chako chip. Let us handle that, you get ready for whatever surprise the day has in store, okay?"
Her father was now watching how he spoke again, it wasn't as if Deku didn't know about them all being country bumpkins now was it?
Well, she supposed they wanted to leave a more "favorable" impression and all, she could understand, she fretted about it for less at times.
She busied herself by watching some TV, there wasn't necessarily anything noteworthy to watch, but it passed the time well enough - it would do until Deku arrived.
Soon enough, she heard a knock on the door, followed by the sound of voices.
Wait, voices?
Ochako stood up from the couch, but her mother was faster - unlocking the door before it got slowly opened by Deku and whoever else he apparently brought along.
Wait.
Three people entered the room, and the first thing that graced her ears was the most beautiful laughter she had ever heard, one steeped in a layer of familiarity.
Her eyes sought that melody's source - briefly glancing over Deku - before landing on the blonde girl leading the pack, smiling with pretty fangs on show all the while.
Himiko.
It had to be. It had to be her, there was no other way.
Faster than she could think, she walked towards the door and enveloped the young woman in a hug, barely processing the steps she took to get there.
Ochako could hear her confusion, before the blonde breathed in for a second, and spoke in a weak, disbelieving voice.
"O-Ochako…?"
Oh, she remembered.
Ochako's throat tightened and her eyes stung. "Yes - yes I'm here Himiko. I'm sorry it's been so long, I-"
Her words were interrupted by warm sobs, before Himiko returned her embrace - burying her face against her shoulder-
And oh this was really happening, Himiko was here, in her house, in her arms, hugging her back and seemingly just as-
"I'm never letting go again…"
Oh, her heart wasn't sure she could take this. After nearly fourteen years, Himiko was simply glad to see her again, not blaming her for not being there or speaking regrets - just melting into her arms with the same desperate grip Ochako was sure she was mirroring.
Her eyes filled with tears as she softly pulled away, arms still wrapped around Himiko's waist as an adorable noise of protest reached her ears.
Himiko. Himiko was there. She still couldn't believe it, she was so cute, undoubtedly still the cutest in the world after all these years - in fact, she had gotten impossibly cuter, surpassing even Ochako's far-too-frequent fantasies of what she'd look like nowadays.
Ochako's mind helplessly began to catalogue her - wishing to capture every detail of the girl she had missed for over a decade and commit every single one to memory - starting with those beautiful golden eyes, which were shining with tears of her own. And below that piercing, almost feline gaze was-
Oh, right there was-
That smile. Himiko still possessed the most adorable of smiles, even now. Even all this time presumably living with the people who told her she was a monster when she was barely five couldn't erase it.
Did she just whine when I almost parted from the hug just now? My heart can't take this, she is too adorable!
"And I'm never leaving you again, no matter what."
The vow came to her as naturally as breathing, and as their gazes met her own chocolate melted under the radiance of that beautiful golden amber.
"My hero…" Himiko softly replied as a delightful shade of pink dusted her cheeks.
Her hero? Oh gosh, she never forgot about her promise of course, but to have the words spoken aloud right now in front of everyone-
Wait, everyone?
An amused cough from her father brought her back from her and Himiko's little world to find both her parents, Deku, and someone else - likely the other friend his mother had spoken about - all staring at them.
And - think of the devil - the silver haired girl spoke up with what sounded like a hint of amusement. "Should we be here or-"
Blood filled her face fast enough that she felt like an erupting volcano, jolting out of Himiko's arms as she rubbed the back of her head in embarassment.
"S-sorry 'bout that… It's just- it's been so long and I never expected to see her again here and-"
Warm chuckles resonated all around her - but she was deaf to them, all she could hear was Himiko's pretty laugh at her embarassment.
She found herself missing the comfort of their hug, and instinctively sought her hand.
This earned her the entrancing sight of a few, deeper shades of red suddenly adorning Himiko's face, and most importantly, it felt right.
"I'm glad to see you so happy, Uraraka! I wasn't sure I could reach out to my friends in time, but I'm glad I asked your parents if they had enough room for two extra people tonight."
So that's what he asked them about on the phone!
"Thanks, Deku! This is the best present I've ever received, nothing'll ever compare!"
She squeezed Himiko's hand with a smile, and got a soft, shy squeeze in return.
"I'm glad to be a part of the best present of your life, then." Izuku's friend spoke with a monotone voice, and Himiko chuckled in endearment.
Oh she's a funny one isn't she? Acting all clueless an' all.
Himiko's cute voice graced her ears once more. "'Kane, stop teasing her, I want to be the one to do it!"
She wants to be the one to do it? Huh?
Ochako reddened a little at the thought.
She then looked inquisitively at Himiko and Izuku's friend.
Said friend replied in the same, monotonous way as she spoke earlier. "Fine, fine."
"So you're…"
"Akane, my family name situation is complicated, so I hope calling me by my given name isn't a bother, Uraraka."
"No, it's not a bother at all, don't worry!"
Her mother smiled.
"Besides, we're all Urarakas here, by all means, I think it'll be easier if you all use our given names! I'm Reiko."
"And I'm Shuhei, it's a pleasure to meet you all - though with everything we've heard over the past decade, it's like we've known you for years, Himiko!" Her father added with a chuckle.
"Well, it's nice to formally meet you two then, but has Ochako really talked about me that much?" Himiko asked, fidgeting, her permanent blush slightly redder than usual.
"All of the time! Why if I didn't know better, I'd say she has lived her life in your name until this point!" Her mother teased with a voice full of glee.
Ochako was so embarassed that she wished she could make like a tree and branch out of here.
The worst part was that she couldn't refute this, it wasn't like her mother had been wrong, but still!
"C-come on, guys, It wasn't that bad, right?"
"Chako chip, I feel like at least half of the reason you relented once we told you to pursue your dreams instead of helping us with the company was Himiko."
"Yes, and like a big reason you've worked so hard all of these years was also because of her."
Urgh, her traitorous parents! Their familial bonds looked real breakable right about now. Perhaps she decided to seal the dreaded monopoly box too fast…
"Yeah, sorry Ura- I-I mean Ochako - but even when I didn't know her name, you mentioned her so much after training and at school that once I put the pieces together a few days ago, I felt like I knew her for years."
Et tu, Deku!?
At least Akane decided not to add to her shame, now if only the ghost of a smile on her face wasn't taunting her, that'd be fantastic.
"I'm surrounded by slanderous traitors, all of you! I wasn't that weird." She would have crossed her arms for dramatic effect, but Himiko's hand was still in hers, so moving her arm was not an option.
Himiko herself was blushing something fierce after all of that, and while it looked absolutely adorable, she was probably incredibly embarassed from it all.
Her traitorous mind couldn't help but think that Himiko was weirded out by her slight obsession with all of what she did in her name. It made sense.
Himiko turned around, now facing her, and took both of Ochako's hands in hers, her beautiful slitted eyes fixated on hers.
"Don't worry Chako, you never stopped being my hero either, you know?"
She warmly squeezed Ochako's hands, seemingly not caring for the stares around the both of them.
"I'm serious. You're the reason I'm alive, and not some facsimile wearing my own face. Your words that day carried me through hell and high water - I thought of you all the time, and it warmed my heart each and every time."
Ochako could feel heat creeping up her cheeks once more - damn her embarassment - she was so happy to hear those words that butterflies flew in her stomach.
"So I guess what I'm trying to say is that we're both weird in our own ways, right Chako?"
The beaming, toothy smile Himiko harbored as her eyes crinkled was nothing less than ethereal, radiating gratitute and fondness, and Ochako vowed to protect it too, at all costs.
Right - they were both a little weird, Ochako would accept that if it meant being like her long time friend.
Her adorable long time friend.
Before she could process that thought, she felt an irritating chill up her spine, and raised her stare to meet her parents', who both sported big grins on their faces while Izuku and Akane were turned around, watching things on Deku's phone while clearly glancing over their shoulders every so often.
"Oh, we exist now Chako chip? Glad to see you out of your little reverie there. But don't mind us, we just got done setting the table an' all. You give us a holler when you want to eat."
Oh har har har.
"Very funny, dad. Maybe I'll just sneak in my room and enjoy my cake with my friends instead."
"As if you wouldn't just feed all of it to Himiko-"
Reiko elbowed Shuhei, preventing him from making fun of her once more. This was why her mother was her favourite, at least starting now.
"A-ny-ways, you all, why don't we finish up some preparations and you settle your things down so we can enjoy a nice dinner? I'm sure you'll love it!"
At the mention of food, her traitorous green haired friend and his cohort turned around instantly, likely a little famished from travelling.
"We'll help!"
"Took the words right out of my mouth."
They accompanied her mother into the kitchen, as her stare returned to Himiko's amused and expectant face.
"So, shall we, my weird friend?"
A small, adorable growl from Himiko's stomach answered before the cutest girl in the world could.
"Y-yes, let's go, my weird hero!"
They giggled at each other's antics, turning towards the kitchen, keeping at least one hand in the other's.
This was the best birthday of her life. And with Himiko now by her side once more, she was sure the rest of them would - at the very least - be just as good.
Their unbroken promise assured it.
The birthday dinner came, and Ochako was in absolute bliss.
Yet in spite of the sheer quantity of curry and rice buns her parents likely saved up a small fortune for, her heart felt fuller than her stomach.
She could not settle between eating and holding Himiko's hand, so she decided to do both, only begrudgingly letting go to refill on rice, and even that felt like far too long apart.
Her hand fell in place in Himiko's, and heat filled her face as Himiko softly squeezed it, her adorable smile gracing her eyes all the while. She could not stand the thought of being away from her, she had to be there - she couldn't make all of her problems fly away, but if a simple gesture could alleviate them, that was all she needed.
Inko had told her that Himiko was still hiding her fangs from people, and the very thought made her blood boil.
She channeled her righteous indignation into a soft squeeze of Himiko's hand, reciprocating her earlier one.
It would do for now.
"Chako chip, you alright? You're looking at your food like it killed the person dearest to you."
Well, the world certainly tried to.
But shit, the last thing she wanted was to worry her family and friends - and especially Himiko - during her birthday.
"O-oh, sorry 'bout that! I was just focused and in my own little world I guess!"
She laughed nervously, hoping to lighten the mood. She was really bad at this, fake smiles were no stranger to her but she knew they always betrayed her emotions in some way.
Her father raised his eyebrow at that, before grinning, likely cooking up something to embarass her about.
That wouldn't do.
"B-but anyways, I was so surprised - how did you manage to set this all up Deku? The other two seemed practically unreachable the past few days!"
Success, she could see her father's betrayed look from his fun being denied, much to the amusement of her mother.
Plus, she was genuinely curious about this.
"Well, when you gave me your phone the other day I called your parents to ask if they had room for two extra people and then explained why. When I told them about Himiko they were especially adamant on making it happen, the difficult part was contacting these two considering…"
She saw him glance at Akane, likely prompting her to explain why she wasn't joinable.
"Phone broke." She too an eager bite and chewed for a moment with a thoughtful expression. "Quirk mishap. Saving for a new one."
Ochako would have found the way she answered odd if it weren't for the fact that she could see Akane shoveling the curry in her mouth. She understood though, it was delicious - maybe modest for some people's standard, but incredibly tasty and with just the right amount of spicyness to it.
"As for me, my phone got confiscated a few days ago, I answered some texts too late and… yeah…"
Himiko looked dejected as she spoke, and Ochako wondered if she gave the actual reason, but she wouldn't pry. She squeezed her hand once more while looking at her with a smile - and when Himiko looked back at her, she got to behold the prettiest smile in the world - a gift she felt truly undeserving of, even during her birthday.
"Yeah, but then I remembered where the place Akane works part time at was, so I chanced a visit during lunch hours and told her about the plan!"
Deku's voice took her out of her reverie, she really couldn't focus today, but how could she when faced with the person she had dedicated her efforts to all these years?
Akane perked up, her head rising from her plate as if that had been her cue.
"Then I visited Himiko's house under the excuse of needing to catch up on schoolwork, and thankfully her parents let me in, so I got to tell her about it. I wasn't told whose birthday it was so neither of us knew, but it beat bumming around at home instead by a wide margin." She added, her sudden verbosity explained by the fact that she was currently refilling on rice.
"Yeah, it's a good thing you came over to study before, they were probably delighted to hear about how much of a role model I could be to other students or some other inane crap!"
The vitriol in Himiko's voice was palpable, and instead of conjuring up ways to fling them to the sun, Ochako found herself thanking whatever or whoever was watching over them for the fact that her parents let her come here.
"Well, I think I speak for everyone and especially our dear little Ochako when I say that we're thrilled to have you all! Seeing our daughter so happy is truly a gift, I don't think anything we could get on our own birthdays could top that!" Her mother looked straight at Himiko during her entire tirade.
Her father nodded along as 'Dear little Ochako' was currently busy being very embarassed by her mother's words, happy as they made her.
Some snickering irritatingly tugged at her ears, the redness of her face likely visible from the moon, but she could let her friends have this, especially Deku after seeing him be embarassed by his mom so thoroughly.
Karmic retribution, my eternal beloathed.
"Well, I'm happy to be here too, O-Ochako is an amazing friend and I honestly shudder to think of where I'd be mentally without her, I hope I can be there for her future birthdays too!"
"I don't really know her, but a friend of the other two's is a friend in my book. I mean, if she wants."
"I think I've made clear just how happy I am to see Chako again, I'd have swam through an actual ocean if I was told she was on the other side, so nothing could have prevented me from being here!" Himiko added with a cute laugh while looking at her.
Karmic retribution turned out to not be so bad when she got heartfelt words like these as a reward.
Himiko's melodious voice was singing in her ear and all of a sudden nothing else mattered, she was blessed, so, so blessed - and incredibly flustered.
"Guys, stop, any more of this and I think the embarassment will kill me!"
She was serious, it was taking all of her willpower not to float herself away and run from this, not before floating Himiko alongside her first, of course.
She still had her priorities.
"Fine, fine. Also, say, Kane, I was checking my stuff earlier and I think I left my usual pyjamas at your place, did you find them anywhere?"
What.
"Yeah, I meant to tell you about it but I had to get home and get ready fast and didn't find the time, sorry about that."
It seemed those two were closer friends than she thought. That was fine, sleepovers were commonplace and Himiko had likely changed back in a haste before leaving.
"But are you going to be fine without your toothbrush? You told me that ones that accomodate teeth like yours are a bit more expensive and all."
"Oh don't worry, I got an extra one, I'm more than happy to spend my parents' money!"
So what if she had a toothbrush there? Maybe she often slept at that place, friends who live close to each other probably did that stuff all of the time, right?
"Good to know then. Let me know if you need anything, I might have spare clothes you could use for sleepwear lying around the stuff I brought."
She did not know when she started, but Ochako found herself glaring daggers at Akane, instinctively putting her and Himiko's joined hands on the table for all to see.
Smile Ochako, remember to smile. They're just friends, good friends, close friends maybe, but they don't share a bond like you with Himiko.
"Hmm, something wrong, Chako?"
Himiko punctuated her question with a soft expression that somehow transcended adorableness, and Ochako had to somehow keep her cool and pretend she wasn't being really weird about it all.
"O-oh, it's nothing!" The warmth in her face disagreed. "I just think that maybe mah stuff's more yer size, since Akane's so tall, y'know?"
"Yeah, o-of course, totally!"
Himiko's face flushed with a beautiful shade of pink, and Ochako could not help the smug grin that appeared on her face at that.
"You should sleep in mah room too then, no point in moving back after changing, right? We only got two spare futons anyway."
"Y-yes, it makes sense - I'd love that…"
Himiko's hand added to her words with a weak squeeze after that as she then idly stared at her plate with her cheeks dusted in that pretty shade she was already wishing to draw out again and again, and Ochako's heart melted at the sight.
The girl she had missed for a decade was just so insanely, incredibly cute, how could she not be entranced by her every little expression?
Akane simply fled Ochako's eyes, choosing to now focus on her food. Perhaps she had felt the way Ochako was picturing her on an all expenses trip to the sun - but either way, she couldn't help but relish the prideful butterflies now looping around her stomach.
After all, she had met Himiko first, had not-so-patiently waited years for this, and it was her birthday. She got to have this. It was only fair!
"Oh, no that's fine O-Ochako, I don't mind the futon, but being asked if it suits me would've been nice."
Deku shot her a look of amusement, the teasing clear in his eyes, and so she was going to be just as clear with him.
"Well, unlike your mug which I see on most days, I've missed her for nearly fourteen years, and it is my birthday, Deku!"
And much as she was grateful for the present of his presence - especially since he found a way to have her see Himiko - her eyes spoke only one thing to him.
Let me have this.
The jokey protests about him bringing Himiko to her seemed to die on his tongue as his mind translated her expression, and he let it go with a small huff, the corner of his mouth still forming a smile.
"Don't worry Chako, I've missed your cute mug for just as long, I'm not going anywhere out of reach again!"
Cute?!
She could only muster a smile and yet another squeeze of her hand, her face now exceeding the warmth of the food by a big enough margin that she thought smoke could come off it.
Don't be weird, don't be weird, don't be weird.
She chose to focus on her food, sending a warm look and her best smile to Himiko beforehand, and Himiko's expression in return almost made up for the raised eyebrows and amused gazes falling upon her.
Almost.
Dinner continued in joyous banter and no small attempts from her parents to fluster her, and were it not for the homely warmth of the delicious Uraraka curry and her favourite rice buns, she could swear that she would have floated all of them.
Except for Himiko, of course.
But nevertheless, she wouldn't trade this for the world.
When Himiko was asked if she wanted to come to a mystery girl's birthday, she was intrigued - she expected many things, but not this.
But much as she often hated her quirk, it did have some benefits - her nose would never lie to her, would never forget the sweet blood that had branded her heart when she had been nothing but a girl who was losing all hope. Her quirk was worth it, for it could recognize her anywhere. Ochako. Her dear, beloved Ochako was hugging her, and Himiko felt tears prick the corners of her eyes and her blood singing loudly through her veins, and somehow, it was better than every time she had dreamed of this moment.
It had all been worth it.
None of it felt real, yet it somehow was.
She was on cloud nine since the birthday party started, and now that the dinner was over and they all settled for playing some card games - with the exception of Ochako's parents fiddling around the kitchen - they were inseparable.
Each time their hands briefly separated, Ochako's went to look for Himiko's again, grabbing onto it in a bout of possessiveness that seemed to speak for her.
"You belong here, with me."
And Himiko - the optimistic fool that she was - smiled at the gesture, blushing in no small amounts as her heart melted in spite of the outside cold.
Ochako had become so beautiful, so cute, and so strong if the way her arms had felt around Himiko had been any indication. Her every reaction was always visible on her face in an adorable manner, and Himiko could feel her heart pounding frantically in her chest at their proximity.
Stop it, she's not like you, she'll think it's weird. She does not hunger for you like you do for her.
Himiko had always associated thoughts about Ochako with love, and now, nearly fourteen years later, her needy little heart felt vindicated as Ochako continued to keep her close and checked in on her every so often.
When she wasn't busy being adorably competitive, of course.
Himiko relished every facet of Ochako that she got to discover, she never got to know how competitive the young woman could be until now, but everything from her focused and determined expression to the sharpening gaze she harbored when she could see victory ahead was way too cute, too perfect.
Too perfect.
Ochako felt too good for her to be standing next to, and her hero - kind as she was - would likely never see it that way, but Himiko couldn't help but feel inadequate by her side. And she was, with her cravings and her sick, twisted mind that always reminded-
You're just one of the many people she'll save.
Pressure built on her lip where a smile should've been.
Once she sees how monstrous you've grown, she'll be horrified, disgusted and-
A soft but steady squeeze of her hand brought her back down to earth, as Ochako started to fuss over her.
"Himi, you okay? It feels like you're zoning out, are you tired, do you need anything?"
Her hero was way too sweet.
"S-sorry, I guess I ate a little fast and was feeling it a little, I'm all good, thank you Chako."
A practiced smile would have adorned her face usually, but even in these circumstances, she couldn't help but give Ochako one of her best, genuine smiles, and got a beautiful, sunny smile in return.
"Alright, as long as you're fine then, Himi! It's your turn by the way!"
Himiko didn't have any good cards, but at least she had something to play, so she laid her card down on the pile and leaned into Ochako a bit more, feeling her shiver adorably against her at the sudden contact.
Ochako lived in such a sweet world, it was nothing short of a miracle that Himiko got to be a part of it.
Would Ochako have understood her if they didn't meet as innocent kids? Would she have reached out and helped her then?
No. Her Ochako would have surely been her heroic self no matter what, no matter how long it took, she would have surely opened her arms for Himiko and soothed her aches in the end. No matter what, no matter how.
Her hero couldn't be any other way. Of this, Himiko was sure.
Focusing back into the game, it seemed Akane's turn came after Ochako's, and Himiko had to suppress a laugh at the sight of her friend holding over twenty cards.
"This feels like some sick revenge, somehow."
The smug, satisfied expression on Ochako's face spelled the answer out for all to see.
"Sorry, Uno spares nobody I'm afraid!"
Cute.
She couldn't help but giggle when Uno did indeed spare her as Izuku played a relatively inoffensive card under Ochako's intense gaze right before Himiko's turn.
Utterly ridiculous and adorable.
Himiko had a great hand, but Ochako didn't have to know that Himiko spared her in turn, right?
She almost felt bad, skewing victory in her beloved, competitive hero's favour - but the pride radiating from her and the bright smile she harbored when she won were simply too beautiful to compromise.
She was certain Ochako could win on her own, but on her birthday, and on every day starting now, she would give her everything she could, in hopes to be able to match even a fraction of what their meeting had done for Himiko.
Another round was about to start, but it seemed Reiko Uraraka had other plans for her, beckoning her away with a mischievous smile.
"Sorry guys - play this one without me, I've gotta take care of something real quick!"
Ochako looked almost sad as Himiko strayed from her, and Himiko almost couldn't take it.
"Alright, come back soon, Okay Himi?"
So ridiculously cute.
"Chako, I'm only going to the other side of the room, but I'll miss you too!"
She chuckled, and got to see a cute shade of red on her hero's cheeks that had her heart fluttering.
She would make this the best birthday Ochako had ever had.
Her beloved hero deserved nothing less.
Ochako didn't end up winning that round, she had been so close! But Deku had an ace up his sleeve and she guessed the color of his last card wrong, leading to a bitter defeat.
Himiko was still gone - even though this round lasted a while - and she felt a pang of sadness when her hand sought her best friend's warmth only to be greeted with the cold, wooden surface of the table.
She meant to sweep away the cards from the table and put them aside for now, only to notice that Deku and Akane had already taken care of that with concerning speed while she was lost in thought.
Suddenly, the lights went off, and Deku and Akane stood up and took a few steps back as Ochako's eyes locked onto the only source of light in the room.
Her mind hardly registered the collective happy birthday chant, as Himiko was carrying her cake, eyes locked with hers, those magnificent golden ambers peering at her with unbridled affection.
Her heart felt like it wasn't experiencing gravity's force, the way she could swear it skipped a beat.
Himiko gently set the cake down in front of her, eyes still firmly locked with Ochako's.
"Happy birthday, Ochako."
Tears threatened to spill from her eyes - she stood up, hugging Himiko tightly. Himiko returned her embrace softly and hesitantly, before her arms settled around her gently.
"It's already the best birthday I've ever had. Thank you, Himiko. For being here. For having endured all this time."
She felt her tense in her embrace as her breath hitched, the depths of her presumed suffering until now plain for Ochako to see.
After a second, Himiko began to shake in her hold, softly sobbing into her shoulder as Ochako rubbed her back in a way that she hoped would soothe her.
She would always protect her, always.
Himiko slowly pulled away from her embrace, looking at her with wet, puffy eyes and a soft, pretty smile.
"It was worth it, so worth it since I got to see you again, Chako!"
"And I'll never leave you again, I promise. Come hell or high water."
Himiko's toothy smile expanded as Ochako's hands still rested around her waist, and Ochako could have sworn that its radiance gave her the ability to fly, effortlessly making her heart soar, in a way Zero Gravity could only ever hope to replicate.
"I know you won't, I expect nothing less from my hero." She said in a sickly sweet tone, her pretty giggle contrasted by the constrict in her throat from crying.
That however, would never stop being embarassing - but she relished it, relished the fact that Himiko still viewed her that way, and she would live up to it, live up to the promise of Uravity.
"So do we get thanks as well before your cake becomes mostly wax or is the plan to watch it burn?"
Leave it to her father to pluck her from the sky and bring her back down to earth. But she couldn't spare him a playful remark as the candles made her time limit clear.
She gave a cursory glance at Himiko, her beautiful face illuminated by the candlelight, before turning to her friends and her parents, her mind scrambling for a wish to make.
Her parents set this all up in spite of their situation, Deku had been mocked and ridiculed by the world, she did not know Akane much, but the girl seemed plagued with internal struggles.
Himiko - her dearest friend - couldn't live in this world without hiding and repressing herself. There was so much wrong with superhuman society.
Ochako wanted to make a difference, to be a driving force towards a better future for her family and friends.
She wanted to help build a world where Himiko and Izuku could be themselves, along with all of those with quirks that society deemed villainous.
Her wish now found, she looked at Himiko once more, tilting her head towards the cake in hopes that she would understand her meaning.
Himiko leaned against her arm, her cheek incredibly, embarassingly close to hers as she leaned towards the candles.
I wish to make a world in which you can be happy, as yourself - forever.
She blew the candles softly alongside Himiko, a resolute smile on her face, the clapping from her family and friends being the best cheer she could possibly hear as her resolve renewed itself.
The lights turned back on, and everyone rushed to the table like hungry moths, eager to try a slice of the delicious-looking strawberry cake.
"Now now, I get you're all excited - you most of all, Shuhei." Her mother said with an ominous tone to her voice as she reigned in her husband. "But the first - and biggest - slice goes to the birthday girl! Himiko, if you would."
Huh?
Himiko then proceeded to dexterously - and frankly quite dangerously - twirl the knife in her hands before setting it on the cake then swiftly and skillfully cutting her a sizeable piece and setting it in front of her with a cute smile on her pretty face.
The gesture had been nothing less than a small hazard in the beginning, so Ochako could not figure out why she felt heat in her cheeks when her mind replayed it, and why it brought such a dumb little smile to her face.
"T-thanks, Himi."
And now she was stuttering? Truly, the celebration and all the focus on her must have been flustering her more than she thought.
That had to be it.
"Anything for you, Chako." Her best friend replied with a resplendent grin, and now her face felt as though it could cook an egg.
She shook her head, politely waiting until everyone got a slice before digging in, her eyes transfixed by the beautiful way in which Himiko wielded the knife.
Focus Ochako, focus! It's cake time!
She slapped her cheeks lightly, before digging in.
Cake was truly the best, so soft it could almost melt her worries away, the sweet strawberry taste dancing on her tongue certainly made her quite confident in that.
It was no mochi, but it would do.
A chorus of "mmm"s filled the room for a moment, perfectly encapsulating her thoughts, the cake was nothing less than delicious.
Then came the gifts, much to her embarassment. She already got plenty today if one asked her, and yet her family and friends would have none of that from her.
It seemed they were determined to spoil her today, and in the end she had to relent.
Her parents handed her a gift first, an intimidating, box shaped one. She eagerly tore its wrapping open, her eyes widening in realization at the sight of its contents.
A box of Mochi from an incredibly famous confection shop, all sorted in different flavors, and it was a limited release! She had been eyeing this particular one for quite some time!
"How could you two afford this?"
"Well, turns out someone has been working part time and bringing in some help over the last few months, so naturally, we put all of it to good use."
"Happy birthday, Chako chip. And before you say anything, we're your parents, it's still up to us to provide for you, let us spoil our daughter for a little longer, 'kay?"
She had been played masterfully - words failed her, but her actions wouldn't, rushing to hug both of her parents after putting the box aside.
"You know, the box is almost too intimidating to pick at, but once I try some, I'll make sure not to eat all of it too fast…" She rubbed the back of her head, she knew who she was, she couldn't resist good mochi for long, no matter how prestigious.
After parting from her parents' embrace, she was then faced with Himiko, Deku and Akane all handing her a smaller box.
"Admittedly, this was initially Izu's idea, but we all pitched in and got it before coming, right before picking up ingredients for the curry, I hope you like it, Chako!"
Ah, that explained how they had this much food tonight.
Anticipation pooled in her gut as she tore the gift wrap, smiling at the sight of her second gift.
A pair of artist's gloves, covering the pinky and ring finger, they seemed quite comfortable at first glance, and a smile drew itself on her face.
"Deku, I mentioned my sleeping mitts once, how did you-"
"Well, I keep thinking about applications for your quirk, what it's like to live with and stuff and just… thought these would be more comfortable than big mittens is all! I told the other two that it was because my friend had a five-point touch quirk, and we all seemed to agree it was a good idea!"
"Don't worry about it Deku, I'm just surprised you remembered is all, these are great! No more poking my eye with the big ends of my mittens, which is honestly a relief, thanks guys."
They too couldn't escape the Uraraka embrace - it was the least she could do to thank them.
As the evening progressed and they spoke of everything and nothing, her hand in Himiko's, a single thought occupied her mind.
She was blessed, and would do anything to keep this peace.
The late night came, and everyone agreed it was time to wrap it up.
They set some futons up in the living room for Deku and Akane, everyone went about their nightly routines, and those two fetched their stuff before taking turns changing into their sleepwear in the bathroom.
After bidding her parents and friends goodnight, she went back into her room, pair of artists gloves and Himiko in tow.
Ochako could only hope that Himiko wouldn't judge her admittedly modest room, as she spied her best friend taking it all in, her eyes lingering on the saying on her wall that read: "Capricorns never give up!"
"Your room is very cute, Chako! One can tell you're a little bit of a space nerd!" Her words came as her gaze drifted to her poster of the pro hero Thirteen, inquisitively staring at it.
The delightful smile with which she said that melted away most of her worries, yet she still couldn't help herself.
"I mean it's kinda empty, I just made do with what I have…"
"And that shows you're very resourceful! Don't give me that Chako, your room is perfectly fine!"
What was she even doing, acting like an anxious teen worrying about someone checking her room? Yes in spite of now technically being a young adult she was still a late teen, but this sort of silly worry should be behind her!
And if she was being honest with herself, how could she even think of fighting back against Himiko's radiant smile?
"Alright, alright, you win! Anyways, I have a few pyjamas you could borrow, help yourself!"
She opened her closet, picking the one she was going to use for the night before letting Himiko choose.
"Hmmmm, this one!"
Pink, a good choice, one she was slightly preening at-
Due to its association with Zero Gravity, of course. No other reason.
It's only a color choice, pink is a popular color, why am I so weird about this?
"I'll go change myself in the bathroom, the other two are probably done by now! See you in a bit, Chako!"
"Alright, take your time!"
She changed herself unceremoniously, putting on her new gloves and finding them surprisingly comfortable, before idly staring at the wall.
Today had been such a blessing, she felt as though she would soon wake up and realize it was a dream.
Ow!
But the very real prick of pain from pinching herself made her hope that maybe, just maybe this was all real. Himiko was here, for real.
She could hardly get over it.
A knock resounded from her door, as the cutest voice in the world greeted her ears.
"Chako? Can I come in?"
"Yeah, I'm all done changing Himi!"
Her best friend entered the room, wearing her long sleeved pink pyjamas with drawings of mochi, her arms behind her back.
Was she hiding something?
She couldn't help but be distracted by how beautiful she was with her hair undone while wearing her sleepwear however, realizing all too late that she was probably dumbly staring at her effortlessly gorgeous friend.
"They were not kidding, you love your mochi huh, Chako? Did you miss me?" She inspected herself with a twirl as a mischievous, adorable smile painted her face and Ochako suddenly felt overtaken by emotion.
For over a decade.
The words died in her throat, settling for a less emotionally charged answer.
She doesn't need this right now.
"It was starting to feel rather lonely after how animated today was!"
A warm, wide grin replaced the mischievous smile Himiko harbored seconds prior, as she leaned towards Ochako.
"Aww, I've missed you too, Chako! Here! I got a little something extra for you!"
She felt Himiko shove a wrapped box in her hands, her eyes likely selling her confusion as Himiko kept speaking.
"You see, Izu told me and me alone that apparently, his friend was into space related stuff, and heavily suggested I get something like that. I saw this at a shop selling all sorts of decorative items and thought it would be cute! I hope you like it!"
She unwrapped the present slowly, reverently, as if it were the most precious thing offered to her while her heartbeat quickened.
The present was a lamp that would project a star chart onto the ceiling, with each constellation and star labelled, she could even choose different charts to project.
The present was indeed cute, bad for their electricity bills, but she couldn't bring herself to care about that in this moment.
"Thanks, Himi, I love it. As a matter of fact, why don't we test it right now, since you're sleeping here and all?"
"I'm very glad you like it! But you want to stargaze together? S-sure, I mean, might as well see if I got you something good!"
The sudden tremble in her voice was odd, one minute her best friend was confidence incarnate, the next she fumbled with her words. It was odd, cute, but odd.
But mostly cute.
They plugged the lamp and fiddled with it, and once they got it to work, turned off the lights and settled atop her bed, Himiko hesitantly sliding in next to her.
"You know, I don't know much about stars at all, Chako, think you could teach me?"
"Do I ever? Alright, where to start? Oh, I have the perfect one for today, well, we're a day late but that doesn't matter, anyways, see this pan-shaped constellation? It's named ursa minor, and from that direction, there is meteoric activity - leading to shooting star showers called the ursids - that runs from december seventeenth to december twenty-fifth or even twenty-sixth! And then here-"
Himiko was nodding enthusiastically throughout - she could tell by the way the tips of her silky strands tickled her shoulder as she did so. Best of all was the way Himiko giggled cutely in her ear as she told her all about stars. In this moment, nothing else mattered, nothing but this-
For the softness of it all made her ascend past cloud nine, she was basking in the company of the sun itself, all too content to let its radiance illuminate her life in this instant.
Eventually, it got late enough that they started trading yawns, and they had to end this particular brand of fun.
"Wow, Izu really undersold how much you like space, Chako! I feel like I could apply to JAXA right now with all of the knowledge bouncing in my brain!"
She chuckled at her friend's words, she may have gotten carried away, but space mattered to her. The final frontier, its endless, mysterious depths watching over her. She had been fascinated at a young age, the stars always called to her, and she hoped to shine for others as brightly as they did for her.
She hoped to shine for Himiko.
"Yeah, it's been my second biggest hobby behind becoming a hero, space is so interesting and vast, it calls to me, you know?"
"Leave it to the most ambitious hero I know to be a big dreamer, you were so passionate when talking, it was really cute."
Oh. There it was again - she got called cute again, by who was easily the cutest in the world, the same world that seemed to stop spinning with a few simple words-
Himiko let out a wistful sigh, and the world seemed to spin back into action.
"I'm so glad I got to see you again, Chako. All this time, I thought I would never get to. I-" Himiko's voice gained a tremble to it as she spoke that told Ochako all she needed, and that wouldn't do.
She leaned to the side, nuzzling closer to Himiko to comfort her. How had she held on all day, or all these years for that matter? She sounded so distressed, like sobs threatened to overtake her at any moment.
"Himi… I'm here now, I'm here. You can tell me all about it, if you want."
"Y-you already guessed most of it I'm sure, my parents never liked my quirk, never liked my taste for blood. A year before I met you, I found a little bird, I was too young to understand that it was dying, all I saw was that it was bleeding."
Her hand sought Himiko's, feeling it tremble as she squeezed it softly, caressing it with her thumb.
"To me, it just looked like a cute, little bird. And fascinated as I was with blood, I wanted to kiss it better, drinking some of its blood as I did. M-my parents never treated me the same after that, calling me all of the things I told you when we were little. Ever since then, I've been nothing but someone to parade, a perfectly normal girl with good grades they like to show off."
She took in some air with a shaky breath, now visibly teary-eyed from the soft moonlight shining in.
"Always a Toga, never Himiko."
She softly goaded Himiko into twisting to face her as they still laid down, embracing her with her free arm as she did.
"You'll always be Himiko to me. You always were, and if anyone tries to make you believe otherwise, I'll be there, by your side."
Himiko weakly nodded and cried in the crook of her neck, as Ochako's hatred for her parents made her seethe with disgust.
She was not one for vindictiveness, but those two she would never forgive. No matter what.
Moments passed as Ochako held her dearest friend - rubbing her back in an effort to soothe her aches as best she could.
After some time, Himiko pried her face from Ochako's neck and looked her in the eyes.
"Chako… It's selfish of me to ask you this but-"
"You can ask me anything, I promised to be your hero forever, remember?"
A soft, weak giggle accompanied by a small sob escaped Himiko, as she weakly smiled.
"You mean you prommied?"
"W-what do you mean?"
"It's what I asked after you said you'd be my hero, all those years ago, remember? I asked 'You prommie?'. Little Chako was sooo adorable. And you said of course and all."
It now dawned upon her that she may have romanticized her memory of that day a fair bit, but still, promise or prommie, she would keep her word to Himiko.
"I… prommied, yes. Ask me anything."
Ochako fought the small blush creeping up her face at the memory of her kid self's bold promise. Nevertheless, she had to make up for a decade of not being there for her, so Himiko would get all of the love and affirmation she deserved, and then some. It was only natural, it was only right.
"Please, please never leave me. I know I've asked you this earlier but I need you by my side, Chako." She asked weakly, her slitted ambers making her plea crystal clear to Ochako.
That was just about the simplest wish she would ever grant.
"I told you before, didn't I? I never intend to leave you ever again, Himi. I'll always be there, always, your hero, all yours."
She beheld Himiko's most beautiful smile yet, one full of life, hope, and something else she could not quite describe yet made her heart flutter. Her eyes held a warmth she hadn't seen before, yet cherished all the same.
Himiko slowly buried her face in Ochako's neck once more, and she felt her smile against it, bringing no small amount of warmth to her cheeks and a shudder she was almost ashamed of.
"You promised. Always."
"Yes, always, Himi."
That melodious laugh sang in her ears once more, and as she felt pretty fangs graze her neck - bringing her a sudden shiver - Ochako found herself having to make sure of something.
"Say, Himiko… I promised you something else back then, didn't I? Have you… have you ever had blood, since we last met?"
Himiko froze up against her for a moment, giving Ochako the answer without the need for words.
"No. I've only ever had yours, well, and that bird's I guess. Everytime I've craved it, I just thought of you and that usually brought me back from the brink. I met Akane when I almost couldn't hold it, actually. To this day I still don't know why she forgave me, or took it all so lightly. I mean I know she-"
A pang of sadness pulled at her heartstrings at her words, at the knowledge that Himiko never experienced the same level of care as during their meeting ever again. She felt Himiko begin to tear up once more, and decided to softly kiss her forehead in a desperate bid to soothe her, to show her acceptance.
Himiko's breath hitched. "C-Chako?"
"Let me give you some of mine, Himiko. Right now."
"B-but, it's your birthday, I-I couldn't take-"
She smiled softly at her, slightly pulling away so that Himiko could see her.
"Himi. I promised, didn't I? And I meant it, like everything else. My blood is yours whenever you want it."
Her eyes softened, locking with Himiko's, speaking for her.
Please, let me lift some of your burden.
No words were exchanged, Himiko simply nodded weakly and they both sat up, Ochako extending her arm towards her, the very same that Himiko drank from nearly fourteen years ago.
Himiko grabbed her wrist with one trembling hand and held her elbow with the other, eyes looking to Ochako's in a silent question, seeking reassurance.
Pale moonlight reflected itself in Himiko's beautiful eyes as their gazes met - and her heart fluttered.
Fuck, this woman could have anything from her, that much beauty and cuteness at once were lethal.
She nodded, and Himiko slowly lifted her arm up to her mouth. She licked it at first - Ochako fighting the weirdly intense urge to gasp - then kissed it as a ticklish, almost numbing sensation spread around that spot. She had chosen the exact same spot as back then - as if some invisible scar from that day beckoned her to it.
The prick of her teeth finally made itself felt, and initially, it stung, but what stung more was the fact that she was unable to keep her promise to Himiko until now.
The sting was very mild and didn't last long, letting an odd, but not necessarily unpleasant sensation take over.
Her eyes remained fixated on Himiko as she drank - and she was just so beautiful, even as tears rolled over her cheeks. Her free hand instictively ran through her gorgeous blonde strands, and Ochako was suddenly overcome with emotion.
Himiko deserved this, she deserved to be valued, to be treasured, to be given all of this and more.
She deserved everything she never got to have, and Ochako would endeavor to give it to her, to give her her blood for the rest of their days.
Warmth settled into her cheeks as she continued to watch her best friend drink from her slowly, reverently, with the occasional confusing and infuriating lick that made holding that gasp back harder than all the training she'd been doing.
She wasn't wasting a single drop, and she deserved them all.
Himiko was being so careful, so gentle, as if each pull was a kiss that had her gratitude towards Ochako bleeding through it.
And it all just felt so right, so good.
At the thought, she could feel a shameful flurry of crimson somehow rush away from her arm and to her face, and hoped that it would escape the notice of Himiko's ethereal golden ambers - their catlike appearance theatening to reveal her sudden depravity at such a pure act.
Now is not the time to be weird about your incredibly pretty best friend!
After a few more moments, Himiko softly let go of her arm, giving it small kitten licks which tickled her and made her tremble lightly.
"How are you feeling, Himi?"
Her question was met with silence at first, before Himiko slowly scooted over to embrace her, her expression hard to read in the relative darkness of the room. She leaned in with half-lidded eyes, almost in her lap, stopping with her mouth next to her ear before she softly whispered.
"I've never felt better, Chako. I feel so free, everything is so clear I-"
"Thank you, Chako. My dear, beloved hero. It was amazing, deliciously sweet, full of love."
The whispered words sent a shiver down her spine as she became hyperaware of Himiko's embrace, of the press of their bodies together, of her intoxicating warmth and breath tickling her ears in some infuriatingly blush-inducing manner, her every exhale coating her skin in fire as her arms settled around Himiko's waist.
"Y-you're welcome, Himi! I did promise and all… I-I hope you got your fill!"
Stuttering again? What was she, some blushing maiden?
Her ego very much did not want the answer to that question in the present moment.
"I got more than enough, Chako. I'll let you know if I ever need more, my sweet hero…"
Himiko lowered her head, and Ochako's brain fried as bloody lips kissed her pulse point slowly and reverently - the fire on her skin now growing into an inferno she could neither control nor understand the meaning of.
Calm down Ochako, it's nothing to be flustered about, you kissed her forehead after all, friends do this, it's fine!
Her best friend was simply happy to have been shown the love and care she should have received over the years, yes, that was it!
Himiko seemed to be very affectionate and loving, of course she would behave like that with the one she calls her hero, right?
A yawn escaped her as fatigue made itself known to her currently hyperactive mind. She glanced at the clock, it was half-past midnight. Emotions ran high, and after everything and the blood drinking, she found herself ready for some shut eye.
"A-anyways, Himi! It's a bit late and I know your train is in the late afternoon tomorrow but I'd hate for you to miss it, we should get in the sheets, alright?"
"Eager to take me to bed, hmmm?" She giggled in a saccharine tone, and the inferno raging within her turned volcanic. "But yeah… yeah, I'd like that, Chako."
She slipped under the blankets, leaving them open for Himiko to join her.
Himiko slotted in next to her, an arm over her waist as her face found Ochako's neck once more and decided to bury itself there for the night - sending yet another delightful shiver down her spine as the smell of her pomegranate shampoo graced her senses.
She chose not to think of that reaction or how much her cheeks and body felt like they were on fire at the proximity of her best friend.
"All comfy there, Himi?"
"Mhm, thank you Chako… thank you for everything… for being you…"
Her slurred, tired speech almost brought a tear to her eye in its sincerity, and she just had to answer that feeling back in kind.
"Always Himiko, always. Good night."
"Mhm, night…"
She felt Himiko's lips stretch into a smile against her neck once more as her soft breathing became all she could hear.
She would stop at nothing to make her happy. She would fight for her, she would protect her.
She would fight and be a hero in the name of this feeling.
Whatever it was.