Give to me your leather

 

The day of their date dawned warm and sunny. Elly and Hizashi decided to go shopping at some outdoor boutiques along the beach and then grab a light lunch. The incognito Hero couple wore casual clothing, a black lace top with a dark came underneath for her and a simple white shirt and jeans for him. Hizashi, however, had picked out a black leather jacket to go with his outfit. The collar was nowhere near as large as the one he wore for work, and was missing the spiked pads and braces. He took it off halfway through and carried it on one finger along his back as they walked.

When they decided on a place for lunch he hung it up on a hook the restaurant had on their tall booths before sitting beside Elly. They ordered and were talking about the bags on the other side of the table; about what they had bought and where to go next when a snatch of conversation from the next booth over was heard quite clearly.

"Ugh, my boss is most likely bipolar. He flips his lid on me after I make a simple mistake. I fixed it within an hour or so, okay? Like, what the hell." The woman sighed dramatically and her friend comforted her.

Hizashi looked over at his wife. Her entire body had stiffened and he could feel her tail swishing angrily behind her. It was more like twitching, since she was sitting with her back on it, but he knew it meant she was upset. He rubbed her shoulder where his hand was resting. "You okay, princess?"

She bit her lower lip and nodded silently.

He blinked. "Uh, 'cause you're clawing the tabletop. Good thing it's hardwood!"

She glanced down in surprise. "Oh." Slowly relaxing her clenching fists, she settled back with several low, long breaths.

"You want to order a drink? I know it's early, but I'm drivin' so you're cool."

"Mmmn." Elly shrugged, picked up the drink menu and perused it while her husband made deliberately goofy suggestions, eventually pointing out one drink that had gummy fish in a bowl of blue alcohol. She raised her head and kissed his chin, nodding. "Okay, you win. That looks interesting. Plus I could use the extra help to calm down."

Hizashi flagged their waitress down and she ordered it with a smile, pushing all hints of anger she had been showing away while the woman was there.

"It was just... ugh. Everywhere I go online or in public I hear people saying 'ooh, they must be <i>bipolar</i>', when they're talking about someone they think is being an asshole. I hate that!"

"Yeah, I know. Sucks." He kissed her cheek. "You know I had to, uh, explain to a few people that you weren't abusive when we started dating." His expression firmed, his green-gold eyes hardening under the red glasses he wore. "Loudly. 'Cause they wouldn't listen."

"Idiots," she snorted. "If someone's an ass, they're an ass. Being neurologically divergent doesn't immediately mean you're a bad person."

"Yeah."

Her drink came then, and her mood softened in between sips and guarding it - badly -- from Hizashi, who stole one of her candies hanging off the side.

"Zashi!"

"Whaaat? I love these!" He wiggled his mustache at her while he made a show of biting off the fish head. At this point he was being silly on purpose and rather loud, not paying attention to his surroundings but rather focusing wholly on his wife. "Mmm, green."

"Green isn't a flavor, you nerd." She was laughing now, trying not to dribble the expensive drink all over herself.

"Is too! Green Swedish fish are ...green flavored."

"Hizashi -"

"Well, they're not lime."

"It's pineapple!"

He turned around to face her with one eyebrows up, one eye huge and the other squinted as he regarded her incredulously. "<i>You're shitting me.</i>"

"It's true! Google it!"

He waved a hand around. "Nah, I believe you. But holy shit, pineapple?! Huh."

At this time the table behind them had finished eating and as they were passing by, one of the ladies paused to glare at them. Elly flicked her ears and stared back.

"Yes? Can I help you?"

"You may want to be a bit more quiet in the future," the woman sniffed. "It was very loud sitting next to you after your - ah, husband? -- got drunk."

Hizashi giggled giddily, not helping his case at all. "I'm not drunk."

"He's really not," Elly confirmed. "He's got work later and he can't even have soda, let alone alcohol." She pointed at his glass of water nearby.

Her companion shook her head in apology and tried to drag her off. "Come on, let's go. They weren't that loud."

The woman, however, was staring at her purple hair and ears with a frown. Since Elly was seated and somewhat hidden from view, she had let her ears and tail be visible. Then she turned her head. Hizashi's black leather jacket was hanging up on a hook on the other side of the booth, and she blinked stupidly at it.

Elly wrinkled her nose and sighed when the inevitable realization flooded the woman's features. "Partly my fault, really, but you wore that leather jacket."

"It's not like it's my work one!"

"It still makes you more recognizable." Elly grinned at him. "I think you can see," she said calmly, laying a hand affectionately on Hizashi's arm, "why my husband might sometimes get a little <i>loud</i>."

He grinned sheepishly, then flashed a much wider, one-hundred percent Present Mic smile at the now-stunned woman. "Yeah. Sorry."

Her friend chuckled and finally managed to pull her out the door as she gaped at them.

"Wow, it shut 'em up <i>and</i> they didn't bug us for autographs? This <i>is</i> a special day!"

They decided to go home after eating.

The date had gone well, despite the confrontational bump along the way, and Hizashi demonstrated several times in the car ride back that he was 'in the mood for some lovin'', as he put it.

They barely got through the front door before he was on her. Elly kicked off her shoes and then squealed as he lunged forward to attack.

"Mmm, baby, that top is gorgeous on you." He ran his hands down the front, tracing the pattern of lace on her breasts. His hot breath panted on her neck as he peppered her with kisses from behind, humming low in his throat. "Gimme, gimme."

"Oh my <i>god</i>, Zashi," Elly choked, melting against him and basically letting him do as he pleased. "Just take it off!"

"Oh, hell yeah." He picked her up and walked a few feet over to the couch in the living room. "You got it, baby."

But when he shucked his top clothing, she shook her head. "Uh uh, you keep that jacket on, mister."

"Oho!" He paused in the process of tossing his t-shirt aside. "I know how much you love it when I wear leather. To be honest, that's really why I took this with me today." Hizashi slipped it on over his bare upper body and she purred happily, reaching up to touch his cheek. He wiggled his eyebrows at her in a suggestive fashion before she took off his glasses and placed them on the coffee table.

He bent closer so he could see her better. "I love it when you get this horny for me, baby. Makes me feel good." His greenish-gold eyes whirled, the circles in them seeming to spin as he set his forehead on hers to look deeply into her own.

"Hizashi," she huffed in exasperation, "I'm damn near always turned on by you. You could wear a paper bag and I'd get horny."

He burst out laughing. "I'm'a try that someday!"

"What have I done," she mourned.

"It's yer own fault!" He crowed, looking around at the pile of shopping they'd done that day. "I can even use those over there! That one with the eighties lookin' design would be sooooo chic..!"

His cheeky grin faltered when she dipped swiftly under him and kissed his throat. His speech faltered to a stop and he started groaning instead as she showered affection on one of his most sensitive parts.

"Mnn. Cat got your tongue, sweetie?"

"Hrrgh," he mumbled dazedly. "She's got more'n <i>that</i>." His hips jerked as Elly fondled him through his worn jeans. "These're tight. Take me out, babe, please."

"They weren't that tight before," she giggled, un-snapping them and carefully pulling the zipper down.

"Sh - shhit, aah. Yeah. Yeah, do that squeeze thing." He let out a gust of air and then moaned weakly. "Baby, oh <i>baby</i>, yeah!"

Elly decided to focus on his pleasure and peeled his red boxer briefs off slowly with one hand while her other teased his hardened flesh. Pants and underwear around his ankles, Hizashi was wobbly on top and soon began to wriggle even more as she brought her hand up, licking her palm before returning to his erection. He whined and arched his back as she rubbed and squeezed.

Saliva wasn't the best lubricant, however, and soon she was rooting around in an end table for the real stuff. This gave him a moment to gather his wits about him.

"'Sup there?" He squinted, trying to see what she was doing.

"I'm getting the lube. I just want you to relax and enjoy yourself."

"I'm fed, an' warm, an' kinda tired from our date," he warned. "I'm gonna fall asleep on ya, kiddo, if you get me off first."

"It's okay. You can owe me." She applied a much slicker palm to his rigid member and he threw his head back, howling softly at the ceiling. Hizashi was soon babbling, a steady stream of pleasure and praise falling from his softly parted lips as she stroked him. She used her other hand to slide along his rear, ticklishly searching for a certain spot. When she found it he made an impressive attempt to grind himself down on both her hands. It didn't take long before he winced, squeezing his eyes tightly shut as he bit his lower lip. His abdomen flexed, thighs tensing as his body expelled several warm bursts onto her hands and belly.

It took a few minutes until he started breathing normally again. When he came to, his eyes were stunned.

"Wh - where'd you learn to do <i>that</i>?!"

"Internet," she said primly.

Blbs 10

 <b>Shota</b>: <i>You get the directions? Were they easy to understand?</i>

<b>Ches</b>: <i>Don't worry, babe. I'll get to your place just fine. I'm using a driving service too, so hopefully won't be followed.</i>

<b>Shota</b>: <i>OK. I'll be waiting.</i>

Elly chuckled to herself as she popped her phone back in her purse. Aizawa was more nervous than she'd ever known him. She wondered once again what his apartment was like, and she grinned at the thrill that she would soon know!

As Elly was riding over to his place, Aizawa was pulling his clothes on and checking his appearance in the bathroom mirror. He deliberately waited until the last minute so that he smelled shower fresh. He was anxious that his new, cheaper apartment might not smell that great and he'd aired it out for a couple of hours earlier and purchased a candle at a local shop. When he saw a strange car pull up outside the complex, he fumbled to light it before she arrived.

"Okay," he muttered to himself as it started to burn. The flame cast a romantic glow in his living room, especially since he had turned the air on and closed the blinds awhile ago. It was cool, dark and the pleasant scent of vanilla began to waft into the air.

He jumped when there was a knock at the door and rushed over to answer it.

"Hi," she said shyly as he opened the door.

"Hey," Aizawa mumbled awkwardly. "This place is, kind of small, but make yourself at home."

"It's not that small." Elly walked inside and removed her shoes, placing them on a mat nearby. She glanced around, noting with appreciation the cozy, dark wood furniture. "I like it."

"Good." He motioned to the couch and they sat close. Aizawa casually threw one arm over the back behind her, and she smiled.

"That candle smells good," she purred, sniffing delicately at the air. He smiled and slid his arm down, pulling her gently close to bury his face in her hair.

"<i>You</i> smell good," he said quietly.

"Oh." Her heart rate increased as he held her and nuzzled at her neck. "Thank you."

"It's been a few weeks," Aizawa sighed at last. "I think we've both held out quite admirably, but..." He trailed off as his hands slipped down her neck to her ribcage. "I can't do it much longer, my queen."

"You mean you want to..?" Elly arched her back with a gasp at his delicate stroking, yearning for his touch on her breasts. She felt as if the fabric of her bra and shirt were several sizes too tight. Her hardened nipples were rubbing on the cloth in an infuriating manner... and still he teased, the warmth of his palm cupping one breast but not moving.

"Yes." He bit her pale skin gently. "I want to make love to you."

"I want you, too," she breathed heavily.

"Good," he murmured. Then, in a louder voice, "Up you go." Aizawa picked her up, swinging her sideways in his arms and walking down the short hallway. She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed.

"I know what a good lover you are -" She began, but he cut her off with a kiss as he set her down on his small bed.

"Our sex before may have been good, but it wasn't loving. This time I promise it will be much, <i>much</i> better." His gray eyes smoldered with passion as he spoke.

Their clothing dropped around them on all sides as they helped each other strip. A few pieces got tossed and ended up on pieces of furniture, which caused them to laugh briefly together. Once they were naked Aizawa sighed, kissed her and slid a hand low down her waist.

Before she registered where he was going his fingers curled around the base of her tail and squeezed lightly. Elly gasped, her ears snapping up and her body tensing all over. "Sho baby," she choked, "my tail -"

Aizawa palmed the length and returned to the end, stroking with a smile. "You didn't let me touch it before. What's different, kitten?"

"You know what's different!"

"Say it, then," he hummed into her ear. "Tell me why."

"I - I love you, you idiot." Her face turned several shades of red and she turned on the pillow so she wasn't facing him.

He chuckled and kept petting the stripey length, marveling at how silky it was. "I love you, too. But that's not it, is it? I need to know - as I've suspected -- does it go deeper?" He kissed her hot cheek and she reluctantly met his gaze again. "My feelings do, you know. I don't want to be without you." He paused, then added, "...ever."

She clutched at him, her eyes filling with tears. "I've never felt this way about anyone before and it's scary."

Aizawa hummed thoughtfully and kissed her again. "Yes, it is."

Since he was letting her know it frightened him, too, and she pushed on boldly. "You can - I'm letting you touch me there because it's special. <i>You're</i> special. I've never let anyone else do it."

The blood singing in his ears grew louder, and he gasped, his hands stilling. "You said it. I didn't think you -"

"Would let you do it? Felt the same way?"

"Uh, both, I suppose." He released her tail to rub somewhat shyly at the back of his neck. "I still wasn't sure I could be that important to you. Especially since you mean so much to me."

"Okay," she gasped through her tears, a big, trembly smile on her lips. "Then shut up and show me how you feel."

He stared her, his dark gaze so intense she shivered. She was about to ask what he had on his mind when he very slowly nodded, not breaking eye contact. "Let me get something."

"You're not thinking condoms again, babe?Remember, that's why we got the tests done awh - while ...ago." Elly trailed off as he brought out a small box.

"I'd like you to wear this," he said simply.

Truth Quirk (Zashi)

 "Hey, what's wrong, Ches? Ya haven't checked in on us all morning." Present Mic waved as U.A's counselor stepped into the teacher's work area, flashing her a huge grin.

"Yeah, have you been avoiding us?" Kayama smirked. She steepled her hands and rested her chin on them, directing as much of an innocent look as she could manage at the cat woman.

"I have a problem I didn't want you to know about, Yamada." Elly answered him, then turned to Midnight. "Yes."

"Wait, you were?! What happened to you?"

"I was hit by a truth quirk last night," the counselor replied with a grimace. "Shit," she muttered, her ears flicking in annoyance.

"Oooh!" Midnight was thrilled. She lunged forward, dark eyes sparkling with mischief.

"When will it wear off?" Yagi asked quietly, his sunken eyes full of sympathy.

Such genuine concern for her coming from All Might caused her to smile. "I'm not really sure. Sometime later today."

"Is that your real hair color?" Midnight asked quickly.

"Uh..." Yamada scratched his neck, at the back of his feathered blond hair. "That's not cool, yo."

"Yes." Elly shrugged, knowing the other woman would ask more questions, increasingly personal ones, if she didn't leave. To her credit, she tried to walk calmly to the door but Kayama was faster, spitting out questions before she could leave.

"Do you have a boyfriend back in the States?"

"No."

"A boyfriend here?"

"No!" Her striped tail began slashing through the air as she grew more agitated.

"Let her go," Thirteen said quietly. "Come on."

"This isn't very sporting of you," Aizawa agreed. He'd been moved to speak upon seeing the discomfort in Elly's entire stance. She couldn't even try to leave as long as a question was asked, but she kept inching towards the door in between spoken breaks. Real panic was in her eyes, far paler than the deep violet they normally were. His own flashed red as he tried to cancel the effects of the quirk. "Is it gone now?"

"No," she groaned miserably.

"Who's your favorite teacher here?" Kayama asked with a grin.

"Mic," she answered promptly before blushing bright red.

Yamada looked surprisingly pleased. "Oh, hey," he crooned, preening slightly. "Girl's got good taste, what can I say?"

"Oooh! So, who's your fave Pro Hero?"

"Mic," she answered again and then clapped a hand over her mouth. "I - I need to go..."

"Kayama," Yagi scolded gently. "Leave the poor woman alone."

"Let her go." Thirteen repeated, her huge eyes expressing sympathy. The others more or less echoed the same sentiment.

"Yeah! Don't make me <i>yell</i>." Yamada looked furious. He glared at Midnight, but she was not about to let this drop.

"Hey, Ches!" Kayama called out just before her fingers brushed the doorknob. "Do you have a crush on Yamada?"

"<i>No!</i>"

He cleared his throat, looking even more uncomfortable. "Uh, okay. Happy? She's - she's upset. There's no consent, she's being forced to answer and she doesn't wanna."

"Awww. I was so sure. You really don't?"

"No. That word implies infatuation, which means it's frivolous." Elly's eyes filled with horror as the words tumbled out of her mouth.

Kayama pounced. "Then are you in love with him?"

"Yes."

A dead silence filled the room until Elly's tormentor broke it by screaming in glee. "Jackpot! <i>I knew it</i>!"

Yamada and a few of the others caught sight of a tear as it rolled down her cheek before the counselor's entire head vanished. Yagi shook his head, though there was a faint smile on his face. The others stared at her or Present Mic, awed by her vehement confession.

The loud blond man, however, was so furious he lost control of his quirk as he pointed at Kayama. Several laptops snapped shut and a can of pencils rolled off the long desk onto the floor as he spoke. "<i>That's it</i>! Yer takin' her work and Yagi's covering my classes for the rest of the day. We're leaving! Ya went too far this time - I won't let <i>anyone</i> make her cry!"

The room stayed silent in stunned amazement. Even Aizawa looked shocked, but Yamada's only concern was the counselor standing a few feet away. Even though her head was invisible, her humiliation was evident in her body posture, crumpled over with her once-proud tail drooping on the floor.

"Please <i>let me go</i>," she whimpered.

Yamada stared at her for a moment and then quickly scooped her up in his arms. She squeaked in shock, and he grinned. "Fastest way outta here, babe," he assured her as he strode out the door.

"I'm so sorry," she choked, trembling and still hiding her face in her unique way. "M - Mic, I never would have said anything..."

"I know." He grinned toothily down at where he guessed her face was. "That's one thing we have to thank Kayama for, at least."

He was pleased to see her again, blurring back to visibility as she frowned at him. "What?"

"I, uh, really dig you, too," he clarified, speaking in English.

Her ears slowly rose up out of her purple hair, twitching up at him in shock. She almost couldn't believe what she heard. "You - you do?"

"Yeah." His ears burning, he bumped the main doors open with his hip and continued on his way to the on-campus apartments the teachers lived in. "In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm like, madly in love with you."

She squeaked again and he laughed happily when he felt her hands tighten on his jacket.

"So, d'ya wanna crash at my place for awhile and just chill out until the quirk wears off?"

"I'd love to go to your place," Elly agreed. "For <i>any</i> reason."

"Oh?" He set her down at the door to his apartment, watching her closely with one eye squinted and the other wide. "Is that so? Can I ask you another question, babe?"

"Yes." She nodded, though she was extremely nervous about what he might ask. Yet she always told him the truth, so the quirk really didn't matter. It also wasn't in her to refuse him when he gave her his undivided attention like this. His green-gold eyes whirled with intensity as he looked down into her own, mesmerizing her and causing her heart to beat faster and faster.

"Maayyyybe we should go inside first." He opened the door and stepped back with a grand gesture for her to enter.

Elly walked in and took her paw boots off at the entrance, laying them neatly to one side so he could take his off as well. When she noticed him removing his directional speaker with a relieved sigh, she smiled and took hers off as well.

Yamada placed his boots beside hers and waved at the kitchen counter, where he'd deposited his speaker. "You can drop your stuff here, too."

"So..?"

"Oh! My question." He moved close, one hand absently rubbing the red mark on his throat where his gear pressed the hardest. Yamada grinned impishly at her, his eyes twinkling. "Can I kiss you?"

Her heart leaped in her chest. "<i>Yes</i>," she breathed, her hands reaching up to take hold of his massive leather collar and tug gently. "I want that more than anything."

"Enthusiasm like that," he hummed with a rich, slow smile, "is really hot, baby." He bent down and placed his lips on hers, sliding his arms around her waist. His mustache felt wonderfully soft on her skin as he nuzzled, pausing for acceptance once more before deepening the kiss. Elly held on to him, relishing everything in the moment. The smell of his leather jacket and sweet hair product, his gloved hands warm through her striped bodysuit added to the sensation of his gentle, probing tongue. He was an excellent kisser, not too rough or wet but just enough. Her only complaint was that it seemed far too short a time before it was over.

He was panting heavily, his mouth still open a little. "Wow - that was awesome."

"So good," she agreed, kissing each of his mustache points in turn.

"You'd better start callin' me Hizashi," he said, swallowing hard with a dazed expression. "I'm all yours now. Uh, if you want! I mean, do you? Want me, that is..?"

"Yeahhhhh," she said with a sly grin.

"<i>Awesome</i>," he repeated in English, already reaching for her again.

Counseling: the slap

 Elly sat up all at once, gasping for air. She rubbed her cheek and stared into the darkness of the room as she tried to pull herself together.

The toilet flushed in the bathroom and Hizashi wandered back in, yawning quietly and stretching both arms above his head. He rubbed at his eyes and squinted before nodding to himself and crawling back under the covers.

"Bad dream, princess?" His voice was soft, sympathetic. He reached out and stroked her furry ears, causing her to jerk upright.

"Oh! Sorry, I was, uh. Yeah. Bad dream."

"Wanna talk 'bout it?" Hizashi laid down and beckoned towards his bare chest. She sighed and sank into his arms, resting her cheek over his side to listen to his steady heartbeat. "Your parents..?"

"Yeah."

It was his turn to sigh. "Please go on."

"You know how I was out of school because of my fainting? Well, eventually they wanted to throw me back in again. Because, of course, I had to 'be normal'. Doctors didn't say it was okay, but they told me that I would go to school the next day. <i>All at once!</i> After all my anxiety over it... like it would somehow be okay."

"Ouch. That would be scary." He began stroking her hair as she continued, running his fingers through her bed-messy, purple locks.

"I was terrified. I ran into my room but they followed and cornered me like an animal, two against one, as I curled into a ball and cried. So, my mom asks what's wrong. I say nothing, well aware that whatever I say will be taken the wrong way and, he'll, not knowing what <i>to</i> say. How can I convince them it's hell? That every second there is torture? They don't understand! I'm not just 'being a teenager that dislikes school', I was literally <i>tortured</i> there."

"They threw stones at you. I can't see how anyone could dismiss that."

"I don't get it, either. So she repeats herself, I can say <i>whatever I want</i>, it's okay, just talk to them. I lost it. I lost my absolute shit at them, hon, for the first and only time."

Hizashi winced.

"I screamed '<i>fuck you!</i>' and was about to open the freaking floodgates of rage, and helplessness... I would have started talking to them. For real. I felt it. But my stepfather slapped me because I cursed at him." Her body tensed, and he could feel heat and wetness on his skin as she cried a little at the memory. "Every single time I tried to do anything to stand up for myself or be my true self, they stopped it. I just froze, curled up tighter and cried harder. I never opened up like I was going to. He stopped me. The bastard <i>stopped me from expressing myself in my moment of need</i>."

"And possibly healing," he added. "Or starting the process." He kissed her forehead when she raised her face to his.

"Why?" She asked brokenly. "I know the - the reason, but why was it this way? Why didn't they listen? Why did the kids, teachers, physchiatrists and psychologists and my own family <i>all</i> hurt me?!"

Hizashi's brows drew together. He couldn't answer that, so he concentrated on holding her until she grew drowsy again instead.

ASMR therapy

 "But she hasn't been in, in <i>ages</i>," Mic insisted loudly, pounding his fist on the joined desk the teachers shared. His colleagues winced, and Ectoplasm went so far as to drop his head to his keyboard in frustration.

Cheshire had been locked in her room at the teacher's dorm for days after she came down with a strange malady during patrol. No one had seen her but Recovery Girl, who brought her medicine and food periodically. Present Mic was finally fed up, since he'd been asking about her and no one would let him know how he could help, or if she was doing okay.

Aizawa glanced over at his friend in irritation. "Yamada. We're at work now. If you want to check up on her after -" He caught Midnight making a slashing motion across her throat and stopped himself. Reaching up with one hand, he rubbed tiredly at his forehead, sighing. "Okay. Does someone want to tell him?"

"Tell me? Tell me what?"

"She doesn't want visitors. She specifically doesn't want you to see her," Midnight told him flatly.

"<i>Whaaaat</i>?!" Mic's mouth opened far wider than usual in his disbelief, and Aizawa quickly erased his quirk.

"It's a woman thing," she went on, grimacing. "There's a lot of pain involved, too, and Chiyo said she wants to be left alone so no one gets distressed seeing her like that."

Aizawa released Mic and he immediately blurted out, "But you said <i>me</i>. Why me specifically? And pain? What kind of pain? Is she hurt that bad?!" Without waiting for an answer he leapt up, his chair clattering onto the floor behind him as he rushed headlong out the door. "I'm comin', Ches!"

"Now you've done it, Kayama," the scruffy homeroom teacher groaned. He stared dully out the window at the black and gold figure streaking towards the dormitories.

"Yeah, gave us all some peace and quiet." She leaned back in her chair, a smug look on her face as she studied her ruby-red nails. "Brilliant move, I say. Plus, you know he wasn't going to stay away for much longer."

"You have to admit, she has a point," Ectoplasm echoed in that eerie hollow voice his mask created.

"I hope he doesn't make things worse," All Might fretted from the sidelines.

Present Mic flung himself recklessly around bends in corridors and down halls, even dashing through hedges in his rush to get to the sick counselor. He only skidded to a stop when he reached the door to her room, flailing his arms wildly to keep his balance. He took a moment to compose himself and knocked.

Silence.

"Ches? You in here?"

After what seemed an eternity the door swung open. Elly unlocked it and flopped back onto her bed before welcoming him in. Mic nervously entered her storybook domain, the room decorated to look like an oceanside version of her favorite book, <i>Alice in Wonderland</i>. The ill cat woman was shivering with fatigue and agony in her bed under a thin blanket. Her knees were propped, creating a tent in the sheets so he couldn't see her too well. The once proud tail of hers was matted and swished restlessly at the foot of the bed.

Mic cleared his throat, popping the catch on his neck gear and putting it on the floor. "I, uh, look, I don't wanna be out of line here, but..." He looked into her eyes pleadingly as he rushed on, "you're hurt and I might be able to help. How can I help? Can I help?"

Sweating and obviously in agony, the pale woman didn't argue. She nodded, clenching her teeth as another spasm shook her body. Mic glanced around and pulled a chair up next to the bed.

"They - uh, the others -- told me you didn't want me here. Is it really okay?"

"Yes," she husked. "You're seen me. Can't get worse."

"I hope not!" His expressive eyebrows drew his forehead into a worried point. "You look awful. Where's it hurt?"

She hesitated, but pulled the sheets back to reveal her discomfort. Mic gaped at her lower belly, distended and swollen under a pair of worn sweatpants that were clearly not her own. "<i>Holy shitfuck!</i>"

She smiled weakly, then clutched at her stomach, groaning. "Neuralgic," she choked.

Mic frowned even harder. "Uh, is that the weird ass villain that can transfer physical pain from her past?"

She nodded again, and he winced. "It's her pregnancy, isn't it." Another helpless nod. Mic sighed wearily. "She uses that too much. I mean, it's one thing to hurt someone but her labor pains ended in hours. You've been going on days." He shook his head. "This isn't cool, yo."

"It should end soon. But hurt for so long... I'm a mess."

He tilted his prescription sunglasses up so she could see his clear shining, green-gold eyes. The concentric circles in his irises whirled as he leaned in to take her pale, sweating features in close up. "You're fine," he told her firmly. "In fact, you look amazing right now, 'cause you are freakin' <i>strong</i>."

"H - Hiz -" She caught herself calling him by his given name and tensed so stiffly she triggered another wave of pain. "Mic..."

He shook his head. "Hizashi's fine. Don't worry."

"But -"

"You can call me anything. I know you stick to Mic when I'm in work gear, but it doesn't matter if you use my given name." He paused, then added shyly, "Elly."

She stared, nonplussed at his reaction until another wave hit. Her ears lay back, her damp hair rubbing off her cheeks to lay limply on the pillow as she writhed through it.

Hizashi nipped his left leather glove with his teeth, tugging it down enough so he could remove it. The right came off as well, and he set them aside on her nightstand.

"I'm gonna rub your tummy," he blurted out. "I promise, just where it hurts and only 'cause it hurts. I don't have any creepy hidden agenda." He stopped before his hands touched her lower stomach, his green-gold eyes wide. "Oh! Uh, is that okay? I'll leave right away if you want. Or stop. Or, or... anything."

Elly laughed quietly, then gasped as pain flooded through her at the motion. She nodded, straining to keep from making any embarrassing sounds. "S'okay!"

His hands were warm. Hizashi carefully tested several massage techniques, adding pressure and removing it until he found what was best. Pushing in lightly, he rubbed as if kneading dough on the bloated skin.

The unexpected comfort was so palpable her guard dropped and she whimpered in relief. "Zashi..." Her voice thick with sleep, her mind and body tired from struggling for days, all she could manage was a shortened version of his name.

Hizashi was thrilled, and, seeing it was working, decided to try a little more. "Close your eyes," he hummed softly. "Listen to my voice. Focus on me, and only on me..."

His ears burned as he watched her settle down, her head sinking into the pillow and her brow smoothing. Her furry ears flicked once, then regained a more normal position as they perked back from laying flat on her skull.

<i>It works! She likes my Voice</i> that <i>much!</i>

He couldn't bear to think that she might like <i>him</i> in general - that would be too much to hope for. But for now he shook himself into action, taking a deep breath and pitching into a low, pleasant baritone.

He heard cats liked deeper voices.

"I know you love the ocean. So just imagine: you're all alone on a beautiful beach -" She sniffled sadly, and he quickly changed tactics. "No? Then you're not alone, baby." He bit his lip at the slip, but she reached out towards him with a shaky hand in supplication. His heart racing, Hizashi took it and pressed it to his cheek as he bent close. "I'm with you..? Yes, there we go," he whispered as a soft smile turned her lips. "That's what you want. I'm there, and we're holding hands." He lightly squeezed and nearly fell off the chair when she began to purr.

"God, baby, I promise we're gonna do this when yer better. A nice, long walk down the beach, holding hands until we get to the pier. It's windy, and a little cold - not too much, but enough so I have a excuse to wrap my arms around you. Not like I need an excuse!" His laugh was melodic and soothing. Elly tugged on his hand, bringing it to her cheek to cuddle with.

Hizashi's eyes teared up and he bit his lower lip, struggling to hold his emotions in. He had to keep going, but the way she was holding him so close, nuzzling his hand...

<i>Eh?</i>

He blinked, noticing her broken purr had turned into a slow, steady rumble. High on inhale, rough on the exhale; she was asleep.

"Pheeewww!" He blew air out in a gust aimed at the ceiling. "I did <i>not</i> expect that to all come out. You're somethin' else, baby."

Turn of Phrase

 "Look," Kayama sighed, tapping her pencil as she watched the school counselor stare across the shared desk area. "Just <i>tell</i> him. The worst he can do is say he doesn't feel the same way - which I'm sure he won't." 

Elly scoffed, jerking her gaze from the scruffy homeroom teacher with an effort. "You're crazy, Midnight. He doesn't like me."

The other woman rolled her eyes. "I've known him much longer than you. I think I can tell if he's interested or not. He talks to you a lot more, for one - seeks out your company. The man hates social interaction, Ches. He wouldn't do that unless he likes you."

"I am the school counselor -"

"And how many of your discussions are about counseling?" Kayama leaned closer, her dark eyes sparkling behind her prescription-lens mask. She cupped a hand on one side of her mouth and whispered loudly. "He's probably still a virgin, besides. Aren't you curious?"

Ryo's ears flicked on the other side of the table. He could hear everything but usually he chose not to get involved. Today, however, he fixed Kayama with a stern glare. "Stop being so freaking pushy, Kayama. Not everyone's a sex fiend like you."

"Thanks," Elly murmured.

"Not that I'm on your side or anything - <i>aroof</i>! -- cat-selor. Just that I'd like to go one day without hearing all this." He gestured with his long snout. "You sound like the kids!"

Elly stole one more peek at Aizawa, but the man was buried in his work, inches away from his laptop and not paying attention, as usual. She sniffed faintly and got up. "All right, I'm done here anyway." She gathered some papers and walked out.

"Just think about it!" Kayama called after her.

Elly did think about it, no matter what the R-rated Hero assumed. She thought about telling him every day, but why bother when she was so sure he wasn't interested? Yet she obviously couldn't be one-hundred percent sure, and there was only one way to find out. She got out a piece of paper between her appointments and jotted down a list of pros and cons. When it was all said and done, the pro side looked so appealing - <i>he might like me back</i> -- that she nodded.

If it went poorly, she would be able to start the healing process and move on. As it was, Elly knew she was one step away from getting completely distracted at a crucial moment. That was unacceptable. Better to tell him and get it over with.


-


She waited until they were off work to approach him in his room at the teacher's dormitory. Aizawa answered the door with a mildly surprised expression when he saw who it was. He had tied his hair back and wore a black t-shirt and sweatpants, and her heart beat faster upon seeing him in casual clothing.

"Can I come in?" Elly asked nervously, her tail anxiously swishing behind her.

He merely stepped aside and she shuffled in on slippered feet. When he closed the door, giving them as much privacy as they were allowed on campus, she took a deep breath.

"I'm going to get right to the point, Aizawa."

"Good," he sighed wearily. "I was going to nap."

"I like you," Elly told him softly, her empathis on romantic feeling. She understood Japanese confessing culture and properly worded her phrase so there would be no misunderstanding.

Yet, sadly, there was, of a kind she never would have believed.

Aizawa stared at her as if she'd grown another head. He looked startled, a light blush burning across his cheeks. Elly started to have hope that he might be interested in her, too, and then all at once his gray eyes narrowed coldly. He turned his back on her while snapping out a single word.

"<i>Disgusting</i>."

Her heart dropped as her eyes grew dim and she pressed a hand to her mouth to stifle a sob. She never thought he would be so cruel. Well, at least she could leave with most of her dignity intact. If, that is, she could keep from bawling until she was alone.

"I'm sorry." Elly was proud that she managed to keep her voice steady, but knew that was all she could manage, though she longed to say more. She left without another word, closing the door carefully behind her. Clapping a a shaky hand to her mouth, she rushed upstairs to the women's half of the complex as she fought a wave of nuasea and despair.

Thirteen was walking down the hall and she turned curiously as the flash of purple whisked by, yanking open her door and darting into safety.

Her heart <i>hurt</i>.

Though this was, in her mind, the inevitable end to this scenario, she found reality more distressing than what she tried to prepare for. Elly sank onto her bed, a picture of abject misery, and let the tears come.

It wasn't until her phone rang, a couple of hours later, that she remembered she was supposed to go to the bar with her colleagues. She groaned and answered with a horrible, croaking cough. "Hey."

"Oh my god, did you get started before us?!" Kayama's voice was grating to her sensitive ears, too loud for the pounding headache she'd cried herself into.

"No. Sorry, I'm not coming."

"You're being a real drag." Kayama sighed outrageously. Elly could picture her rolling her eyes as she spoke. "Why the hell do you sound so upset, anyway? Couldn't get the nerve to tell <i>him</i>?"

"He rejected me," Elly told her quietly.

The other woman went silent for a moment. On her end, she blinked at her phone, holding it away from her for a brief moment. "Uh... he what."

"He doesn't like me. I knew it."

"No way," the R-rated Hero scoffed. "He totally does. Maybe he was just grumpier than usual and -"

"He definitely rejected me. He said -" Her ears dropped and her voice cracked as she struggled to control her emotions. "It doesn't matter what he said. It's too humiliating. I'm sorry, but I don't want to talk about this anymore." She hung up and tossed the phone on her nightstand.


-


Aizawa thought the counselor was kind. He guessed that with her heightened knowledge of the human psyche, she might figure out how he felt about her one day and, at best, hoped she would ignore it.

He never imagined she would be so cruel as to play into it as a joke with a mock confession that ripped his heart in two. He stared incredulously at her at first, hoping that it might be true. But the more he looked at her, standing there in a simple shirt and jeans, her eyes so bright and her tail twitching, he knew the truth. She was too good for the likes of him, and they both knew it. It was heartless to mock him like this, utterly...

"<i>Disgusting</i>," he snapped bitterly, furious that his insides were wrenching in pain. That this could hurt so much was ridiculous, she had no right! Aizawa grit his teeth and turned around swiftly so she wouldn't see the shine in his bloodshot eyes. It was difficult for him to produce enough moisture to cry, but he thought he was going to manage admirably in a few seconds.

Thankfully, she stammered out an apology and left. Aizawa stood frozen in place for a long time, trying to think of something to clear his head. It wouldn't do to dwell on the heartache. He finally sighed and reached for his phone which was charging on the floor beside an adapter. After a quick text he headed out to meet the others at the bar.

He hadn't wanted to go, but he needed this now.

"You look terrible," Hizashi exclaimed when he showed up. He paused, then amended, "well, worse than usual, anyway."

"Shut up, Yamada," Aizawa grunted and pushed him further down in the booth as he sat. "I'm here to get drunk, not talk."

"Aizawa Shota getting drunk?!" He clutched at his heart. "Holy shitfuck! What <i>happened</i>?"

"I told you to be quiet," he said sourly, slumping down a little more in his seat.

"I see the heart breaker finally joined us," Kayama called out as she sat down across from them. He gave her his most vicious scowl but she shrugged it off, tapping her neatly manicured nails on the table.

"What's that mean? Aizawa?" Hizashi snorted laughter. "I think you're drunker than usual."

"I'm not and you know it," she scoffed. "<i>This</i> asshole rejected the confession of someone he actually likes! He destroyed her for no reason other than he's an idiot."

"You don't know what you're talking about," the scruffy man grated through clenched teeth. His hands had balled into loose fists on his knees under the table, but he wouldn't meet anyone's eyes.

"Hey, did you really..?"

"I should go."

"Ya didn't even get a drink yet!"

"Let him leave," Kayama said, her eyes cold and hard. "He needs to think about what he did."

"The hell did he do, exactly?"

Kayama drew the line at telling him, however. Plus, Hizashi was fun to rile up, especially where his best friend was concerned.

-

Elly wore a dark pair of sunglasses to work the next day, prompting a few curious stares as she walked in and put her things in her locker. Luckily, Midnight was away on some Hero mission and wasn't there to bother her about it.

She forgot about Present Mic.

"Why're you wearin' shades now, huh? Changing your costume? Didja get eye surgery? Holy cow, are those Ray Bans?!" Hizashi had problems keeping his hands to himself and he whisked them off before she could protest.

Elly could have made her head vanish but she was too tired. She sighed as her red, bleary eyes were exposed for him and, unluckily, his best friend right beside him, to see. Aizawa looked before he could stop himself and frowned at the bloody lines racing through the whites, so similar to his own. There were also deep, dark smudges under them since she hadn't slept.

"Shit, what <i>happened</i> to you?"

A few of the others in the room glanced over, but said nothing. All Might coughed uncomfortably and sat down at his desk area.

Elly shook her head and gently took the glasses back, slipping them on to hide her worn features once more. "The inevitable happened, Mic. I'll get more sleep eventually, though."

Hizashi slowly put two and two together, gaping at the counselor as she dragged herself out of the room to seclude herself in her office. His dark-haired friend swore and slammed his locker shut with unnecessary force, cementing his theory.

"Aizawa, you didn't."

"We're at work, Yamada." He sat down and flipped through a stack of papers.

"B - but - you <i>didn't</i>, right? I mean, you told me you thought she was - <i>hurrk</i>!" Hizashi's hand came up to scrabble at his neck speaker as his voice was erased. He gave Aizawa the finger and grabbed one of his folders and a pen, wrote hastily on it, and shoved it in his face.

"<b>Go make this right or I'll tell everybody!</b>" He pointed at the other teachers and waved the paper around in as threatening a manner possible.

Aizawa scowled, his hair falling. "Bastard," he grunted.

"Yeah, well quit muting me! I <i>hate</i> it when you do that!"

"If I go talk to her, will you be quiet?"

Hizashi nodded. "Uh huh. Just... go easy on her. Okay? You - she looked terrible. You hurt her really bad."

"There's absolutely no way I made her this upset." He walked resolutely out of the room, calling out behind his shoulder as he left. "I'll be back - and you'll be wrong."


-

Elly shivered and rubbed her arms in her tiny office. It wasn't cold, really, but she felt miserable and it was the only comfort she had at the moment. She barely glanced up when there was a knock at her door, waving a hand at the person to sit.

"I'll be right with you... oh. Oh."

Aizawa sat calmly across her desk, watching her closely. He raised an eyebrow when she flinched, but she recovered quickly and cleared her throat.

"Are you busy?" He asked blandly. "I can come back another time."

"No. What do you need?" She steepled her fingers together to hide their restlessness.

"Yamada is suggesting that you're uncomfortable with me. I came here to clear things up between us."

Elly sighed, tugging on her invisible neck gear and fussing with the fit. "It's okay. You told me the truth that I needed to know." She shrugged. "I should be thanking you."

Aizawa rubbed at one eye. "What the hell are you talking about?"

She averted her eyes but spoke firmly. "You don't have to interact too closely with me if I disgust you."

He stared at her for a solid minute, his mind unable to break through the notion that she had been honest with her confession. She hadn't toyed with his affection for her at all. He had come off as a cold bastard in a delicate situation, as usual.

"I'm not good at this," he sighed roughly at last. Aizawa reached up with one hand and dragged it wearily down his face. "You think that's what I meant?"

Her ears flattened back with anger. "Of course. Why else would you say what you did?" Her fangs showed as she spoke, her tail whipping about behind her. Aizawa knew cats and she was clearly agitated more than her tone implied.

He kept his voice low and made no sudden movements. "I thought you knew how I felt about you and had decided to tease me about it."

Elly blinked once, slowly, then shook her head. "Wh - what?"

"I'm in love with you as well." He shrugged as if they were debating something as simple as the weather.

"<i>What</i>?"

"I thought it was obvious." He seemed to be ducking down into the scarves piled high around his neck as he averted his eyes.

"So you didn't think I liked you, either," she mused slowly. "Huh."

"Does it surprise you that I have insecurities?" He frowned. "I don't put much effort into my appearance. How was I to know you didn't mind?"

She snorted, surprising him. "'<i>Didn't mind'</i>? That's not right, either! I find you very attractive just the way you are."

Aizawa frowned harder, this time meeting her gaze with such intensity that she faltered. He looked her carefully up and down, taking his time to think. After a few very long, drawn-out seconds his lips stretched into a toothy grin. His careful appraisal of her, combined with his trademark victory smirk, caused her to stumble backwards slightly. The scruffy hero only smiled like <i>that</i> when he thought he'd pulled one over on someone.

"Then would it be alright if I..?" He leaned across her desk, laying one hand on top while his other reached out to cup her chin. Elly's head spun and for a moment she wasn't quite sure what he was asking. She realized a second or so before their lips touched.

-

Aizawa leaned in slowly to kiss her. His heart beat fast as he got close, but her eyes widened and she drew back.

"No!" She hissed with a quick slash at his face. He could have easily dodged but he stayed still, allowing the claws in her gloves to slice him across his cheek. Blood welled out of the thin cuts and he made no move to wipe it away. "You can't tell me I'm <i>disgusting</i> one day and the next think everything's great, let's freaking kiss!"

They stared at each other for a long moment.

Aizawa took a deep breath and then bowed at the waist. "I apologize," he said in a low, clear voice. "I should have considered your feelings before trying to push forward after all that happened."

She huffed with indignation but nodded when he straightened up. "Yes."

"I'll make it up to you, instead. I'll woo you the right way."

"How?" She made a face, wrinkling her nose at him. "Are you going to send me a bouquet of roses with a sappy note or take me out for a candlelight dinner? You're not the romantic type, Aizawa. You've proved that twice over."

He smiled at her, a genuine smile this time that turned his scarred and grumpy features soft. He looked years younger as his eyes met hers, and then he actually <i>laughed</i>. "You have spirit," he told her quietly. "It's one of the things I love about you. No, I'm not dodging the question - I just think it's best if it were a surprise."

"Right," she agreed with a firm nod. "Surprise me, then."

"Challenge accepted." He rose, grimacing and placing a hand on his cheek as the cuts oozed blood. "I'd better visit Recovery Girl," he muttered to himself as he shuffled out.

Elly watched him go with an odd mixture of hope and excitement fluttering in her heart.

She went about her day as usual, talking to students and a couple of teachers in her office, until it was time for lunch. She was preparing to leave to grab a quick bite when there came a soft, polite knock at her door.

"Is that you, Ya-a-a... oh. Oh, my." Her thoughts were cut off and she stood there, stunned and staring at the scene in front of her.

She hadn't really thought Aizawa would try right away, though she knew he was a man of swift and sure action when he wanted to be.

"I cleared some extra time for lunch." He smiled at her from a clean-shaven face, his hair pulled back into a neater than usual straggly bun. Aizawa was still wearing his Hero costume, but he had a sprig of lavender in one hand and a plastic bag containing, from the smell, some of her all-time favorite foods.

"For both of us?"

He nodded, handing her the flower. "It's not a busy day. Where would you like to eat?"

Elly still hadn't quite forgiven him for not only the pain she had suffered from their misunderstanding, but him trying to kiss her too early after. She raised her chin, her ears pricking towards him intently. "How about the lawn in front of the cafeteria?"

He winced only slightly. "If that's what you wish."

The "lawn in front of" the cafeteria was, in fact, in front of a wall of windows that streamed light into the hall. Everyone eating there - which was a lot of students <i>and</i> staff, at the moment -- would see them. Aizawa's left eye was twitching a bit as he spread out a blanket he borrowed from the break room on the neatly cut grass. He could feel the weight of all those stares, but steadfastly refused to look at anything other than the woman in front of him.

Elly had to admit, she was impressed.

"I'm sorry, Aizawa," she said, placing a hand on his before he could open the bag containing the food. "We don't really need to eat here."

He snorted soft laughter and gently removed her hand. "No need to apologize. I <i>like</i> it when you're catty."

"Catty?!"

He opened the bag and started setting containers out on the blanket. "Just a joke, Ches. I <i>do</i> make them, you know."

"You do? What an amazing thing." Her nose wrinkled as she caught the scent of meat buns. "You bought too much! My god!"

"Well, if I did," Aizawa said calmly with a sly smirk, "would you want to skip a dinner date and go right for a walk on the beach?"

She raised her eyebrows, looking up at him from the bun she was biting into. "Did you ask around about me?"

"I already knew your favorite things." He shrugged. "Some of them, anyway. I'd, ah. Like to get to know you a lot more."

Elly sighed wistfully. "That's actually really sweet."

"Just honest."

"But it's honesty spoken. You let it sit quietly for most people." He was so earnest, his gray eyes focused on her every time they spoke. She was hardly aware that a crowd of people had gathered inside the cafeteria watching them. Aizawa was, but he pushed his irritation aside and concentrated on what was more important. He <i>did</i>, however, take note that their colleagues appeared to be placing bets of some sort and grimaced inwardly.

"Hmm?"

"I said yes." Elly chuckled. "Don't try and hide your crankiness too much, 'Zawa. That's <i>really</i> bothering you." She pointed at the windows and the crowd collectively flinched when he turned to face them.

"Do you all have nothing better to do than stare at others while they eat?"

They dispersed in seconds and he grabbed a drink pouch he had set aside earlier for himself. "Seven good for you?"

-

It was perfect.

The time, the place and Aizawa Shota's arm wrapped around her to ward off the faint chill coming from off the ocean waves were combining to make her very happy.

Elly leaned against her date and looked up at the stars. "Thanks," she said simply. They were the first words spoken since their greetings when he had knocked on her door to pick her up.

"For what? A cheap date?" He grinned at her.

"Aw. No, this is nice. I meant for trying. I thought if I pushed you away, you would show that you didn't really care. I'm not exactly confident myself either, you know."

The wind whipped at their hair, causing her two sidelocks to tickle her cheeks. He brushed them back. "I never wanted to hurt you. It was a stupid misunderstanding."

"It's okay now."

"Is it okay enough to call me <i>Shota</i>? Are we, uh, dating or..?"

Elly carefully slipped her arms around his neck. "If you're in love with me, you should know I'm in love with you. And yes. You're my Shota now."

Aizawa's breath caught in his throat and he tried not to choke, stammering instead while his ears burned bright red. "I - I, er, well then. Yes. Good, that's good." He placed his forehead on hers, swallowing hard. "Is it okay to keep calling you <i>Ches</i>? My pronunciation of your given name - it sounds like ..."

"That's fine. It does sound like Eri when you say it, that could get confusing."

"I could call you kitty. Maybe kitten? Too obvious?" His grin turned more wicked and she giggled, closing her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again he was looking much more serious. "How about 'beautiful woman I'm dying to kiss'?"

"That's a pretty long nickn -"

He cut her off with a soft, chaste kiss, a barely-there brush of his lips on hers. It only made her want more and she nuzzled back, adding pressure until he sighed and thrust gently with his tongue. She let him deepen the kiss and they stood on the sandy beach as the night sky darkened, locked in an intimate embrace.

Aizawa was the first to break his mouth free, but he stayed in bodily contact as he spoke. "Your body language is bold for someone who slapped me earlier," he murmured. "Might I suggest we walk a bit to cool off? I think - <i>hnf</i>! Ches!"

Elly shook her head and continued to press flush against him, her body molding to his both above and below. "I think," she purred lowly, "that I'm convinced. Besides, we're both responsible Pro Heroes. This feels right in every way. Safe, and warm, and <i>good</i>." Her tail flicked on his back as it curled possesively around him.

"I can honestly say it could feel <i>better</i>."

"I know. I want that, too."

Elly had never been in a love hotel before, and she held Aizawa's hand tightly as they walked into the small lobby. It looked more like a shop front to her, and she was amazed at the fact that not only could they pay for as much time they wanted but some rooms had add-ons and themes.

"We need a no-frills bedroom for all night," Aizawa quietly told the clerk. "Here's my card."

"Thank you, sir." The person typed his info in and handed him both his card and their room key as well. "We have tablets in all our rooms if you want to order any food or extra items."

"Thank you," he murmured. "Shall we go, dear?"

"Yeah," Elly agreed, dazed. Her heart was pounding at the thought that soon they would be all alone together. She would feel more than his arms around her, his warmth inside and out and know how he sounded in the throes of passion. She shivered as they rounded a corner and found their room.

Aizawa appeared much calmer than her. He opened the door and in an infuriating casual manner kicked his shoes off, heading immediately for the large bed.

"Unf," he groaned as he flopped down head first. "I almost can't wait to sleep on this." He waited a beat and then lifted his head. "But it can wait."

"Oh, good." She flicked her tail in the air with an indignant huff. "I thought I might have to remind you why we were here." He yawned hugely right at that moment. "I <i>was</i> teasing, but you really sound like you need a nap first," she added tartly.

He coughed dry laughter. "I'm fine," Aizawa promised. He held a hand out toward her, his sleepy eyes darkening with intensity. "C'mere."

She took it and Aizawa wrapped his fingers around hers and tugged her into his lap, embracing her with his other arm and bending to meet her lips. He was gentle but there was an undercurrent of passion running through every movement, as though he was holding back. She felt him rumbling deep in his chest when the kiss deepened, their tongues meeting for the first time. His stubble had grown back somewhat, and though it wasn't as thick as it normally was she could feel it rasping on her cheeks and chin.

Elly sighed and closed her eyes. "How are you such a good kisser?"

He paused in surprise, his lips on her chin as he worked down to her neck. "Hmm. Maybe you just like my bad technique."

She snorted laughter then gasped as he nipped her throat. "Oh!"

"This okay?" He moved to her far more sensitive neck, nibbling until he reached her rapidly beating pulse. "Your neck gear covers -"

"Okay, it's okay," she panted eagerly, threading her fingers through his hair.

Aizawa chuckled wickedly. "I thought so, <i>kitten</i>."

"Ugh, don't <i>call</i> me that it's so ..." Elly trailed off, words failing her as he sank his teeth in harder, sucking a mark onto her skin. She swallowed hard and sank, trembling, onto the mattress as he gently laid her down.

"You were saying?"

"Nmm."

"What was that?" He kissed her again, lingering and watching her with half-lidded eyes.

"Nevermind."

"I know you're irritated, but that's kind of my thing, hmm? Is it so bad to be called kitty?" His tongue slipped inside her mouth and teasingly darted about. "<i>My</i> kitty?"

"Wha..!" She opened her mouth to speak but rolled her head back with a gasp instead when he rubbed his fingers on the mark he had made.

"You want me to mark you up some more?"

"D - damn it, how the hell did you know?" There was a wry twist to her lips as she spoke, the soft tone belying her words.

"I guessed." Aizawa licked her throat, nudging her into position before starting to nip at it once more. "Anthro types have a preference to showing affection by submission. Marking is just one type."

"You're slipped into teacher mode, Mr. Aizawa." She laughed breathlessly at his sour expression. "Oh? That got you."

"I get enough of that, thank you," he snorted with a toss of his head to whip his long hair back. It had started to come out of the ponytail and he didn't care to tie it back again. "I'm definitely not a teacher right now."

"No," she agreed fondly. "Not now."

The blush on his ears spread down, to his cheeks and neck all at once as she thrust her hands up his shirt. "Hnf!"

"Are you a body blusher?" Elly asked curiously, watching as the color spread on his skin. He started to squirm when her fingers traced down towards his navel and she smiled. "Ah, well. Only one way to find out."

Aizawa did indeed turn out to be a body blusher, as expected. His chest bore spots of hectic color all the way down into the hem of his pants. The dark hair trailed from between his pectoral muscles down as well, and as they explored each other her fingers stroked his fuzzy belly. So far both of them had removed only their top pieces of clothing, so Elly wasn't sure how far down exactly the flush spread. She was <i>fairly</i> sure he had at least one body part that had turned a much darker color.

She was fascinated by his physique, so firm with only lightly defined muscles. The power this man could exert was massive, felt in the confident way he handled himself. Aizawa lay on top, propped up on his arms so his weight wouldn't crush her. He showed no sign of fatigue after ten, fifteen, even twenty minutes. He was much more interested in kissing and licking her exposed neck and breasts.

Her hands gripped him below, kneading his rear restlessly as he teased her. When they gripped tighter as her pleasure grew, he expelled a great rush of air and pressed his face between her breasts with a low moan.

"Ches."

"Hmnn?"

He clenched his jaw, arms finally trembling though not from strain as he lifted himself. His dark hair hung down over his face, obscuring his features as he spoke, his voice a low, raspy husk. "I need you to <i>touch me.</i>"

It was not quite a request, though he made no moves. He simply stayed there, hovering on top of her, his breathing heavy and sweat beading all over his upper body. Elly sighed and let her hands wander, running her fingertips around his thighs to the tented fabric of his pants. She paused, then slowly cupped the bulge, massaging lightly for a moment. He made a strangled sort of sound and she quickly unfastened them, pulling them down to reveal a simple pair of black boxer briefs with silver trim.

As she was about to tug those down, she thought of something. "Do you have condoms?"

He pointed at the dresser. "They have packs in there we can use."

"Good. It's the end of the month and blood testing isn't for another week. We should use one."

"Agreed." He hooked his fingers in the waistband of his underwear and yanked them unceremoniously down. She blushed wildly at the sudden sight of his erect member bobbing at attention, pushed out of its sheath and wet at the tip. Aizawa didn't notice and waved vaguely in her direction. "Feel free to pick. I don't know if you have any preferences or not..?"

Elly sorted through the pile of boxes and found one that would be suitable. She turned to find him staring at her tail with a darker red than she had ever seen across the bridge of his nose.

"You okay?"

"M'fine," he mumbled. "Your tail is - is really cute." The minute he uttered the words he looked as if he wished the earth would swallow him up. He rubbed a hand across his face, sighing roughly.

"That's sweet." Elly scooted down and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're softer than I thought. It's not a bad thing."

He took the condom packet she held and shook his head. "My jobs will be that much harder if everyone thinks I'm a pushover."

"You're definitely not a pushover." She watched as he slipped the thin tube over himself. "You can show me that side of yourself when we're alone, Shota. I like it."

The lopsided smile he gave her melted her heart. "You want gentle, I can give you that."

"Oh <i>Shota</i>, yes."

The sex was so syrupy slow, so sweet, that she would recall later having thought she was dreaming. Aizawa curled around her, holding her with one or both arms while he thrust. The gentle rocking rubbed her sensitive body below so perfectly that she came long before he did, crying out and shuddering with tears burning her eyes.

He was quiet in his orgasm, the only sound escaping him a low puff of air as he threw his head back. Elly watched his Adam's apple work as he strained, his body dewed with the sweat of his efforts. She reached out to him when he came back down, her heart swelling with emotion.

He shocked her by flinching and jerking away when she caressed his cheek, her thumb resting lightly on his lower lip. Her eyes grew wide with hurt and she snatched her hand back.

"I'm sorry, I thought -!"

"N - no, please," he choked. "Don't. Don't, ah... don't stop. Please." He picked her hand up and placed it back where it had been resting on his stubbled features.

"I thought you didn't like it," she whispered. "Is it really okay?"

"Yes! I wasn't rejecting you. Your touch was so unexpected that I..." Aizawa paused, his face twisting as he struggled to express himself. "I like feeling your hands on me. You - I mean, I - I've never been treated like this before."

"That's sad. You thought I was lying before and it still shocks you. But I do. Love you, I mean. And you deserve it." Elly swallowed hard and stroked some of the sweaty strands of hair away from his face as she talked. Her touch was just as gentle and it nearly broke his heart. It grew within him, this aching, wonderful love, until he couldn't bear it anymore and buried his face in her neck, thrusting his arms around her to hold her close.

He wasn't good with these types of emotions - giving or receiving, really -- but this time, the feeling was so strong it came through.

And then, if if it hadn't been enough, he said it.

"<i>I love you.</i>"

It's a date

 

To say Present Mic was irritated was an understatement. He was louder than usual in the morning meeting they had before classes and he kept knocking things over while fidgeting restlessly at his shared desk. The other teachers were happy when lunch came and he stayed in the office, waving one hand around as he claimed he "wasn't hungry".

Rather than call him on this obvious lie, they nodded and left, happy to escape him for a little while. The only one that stayed behind was All Might, since his dietary needs were very little due to his old injuries.

"Not eating, Yamada?" Yagi frowned at the blond-haired man across the way. "You're usually voracious by this time."

"Don't feel like it." Hizashi stared blankly at his phone for the hundredth time.

"I do hope you're not getting sick."

Hizashi stood and walked over to his side at the desk. "Okay, alright, I can't take it anymore! What the hell is this? Didja go on a date last night?!"

Yagi blinked up at his colleague in perplexion. "I'm sorry, Mic - what was that?"

"I asked how your date yesterday went." It came out less sullen this time but he was clearly not happy about it.

"What date?"

"You and Ches? You went out to dinner..?" Hizashi shoved his phone in the other man's face. "It's <i>all over</i> social media!" The article on his screen showed the two of them seated at a cozy booth in a prominent American restaurant. They were smiling and Yagi had one large hand on top of hers.

He rubbed at his eyes, blinking repeatedly in shock. "Oh! But it really wasn't like that, anyway..." He shrugged. "We both lived in America and wanted to share those previous experiences."

Hizashi looked over at the door, nodding at Aizawa and the handful of others coming back from lunch. The two moved to the far windows to continue their talk, where they would be out of the way.

"Was that what's been bothering you all morning?"

He grunted, folded his arms and not trusting himself to speak.

"It wasn't a date. But you should ask her out," Yagi murmured in English.

"Nah," Hizashi cleared his throat, pulling nervously at his long leather collar. He also spoke in that language, since the room was filling back up. "I'm not real big on rejection, ya dig?"

"What makes you think she would say no?"

Hizashi shook his head in wonder, his huge plume of hair rustling. "What makes you think she'd say <i>yes</i>?!"

"Just ask her out," the big man said calmly. "All I did was ask if she wanted to go and talk. I wasn't even romantically inclined -"

"But that's - you're All Might. I can't freakin' compete with <i>All Might</i>!"

"You don't <i>need</i> to." Yagi pointed. "Look, she's coming over. Please ask her out. See for yourself." He paused, the blue of his sunken eyes lighting up momentarily. "You could always play it off as a casual thing if she acts hesitant."

Hizashi looked panicked, his eyes wide and the color rushing to his cheeks as the counselor walked beside him.

"Hello, Cheshire," Yagi smiled.

"Hi Toshi. Hey, Yamada," she grinned, her cat's ears wiggling in amusement. "You're all red-faced and ...quiet? What's up with that?"

He <i>wanted</i> to tell her she looked really pretty. And although he thought that a lot, today Elly was wearing a little sprig of lavender tucked in her hair - a gift from a student this morning. Instead, he blurted out, "Did you see what the bad news media is sayin' about you two?"

She shrugged. "Uh huh. They sensationalize everything nowadays. I'd have to admit, though, I'd be proud if the guy I liked asked me out and we made the news."

Yagi had slipped back into his seat at the common desk space with a small smile during this exchange, but he heard this. He gave the nervously sweating Voice Hero a thumbs-up.

"Oh? What if <i>we</i> were seen together?"

A pair of deep purple eyes stared back at him from under lowered lashes. "You have to ask me out first."

Feeling emboldened by her gaze, he pursed his lips and tapped one boot on the floor. "On an actual date, riiiight? How about after work? We can go get somethin' to eat after we get outta these." He poked his neck gear briefly, referencing his Hero outfit. "'Course, I'm a lot less recognizable without the hair. Do you still get people following ya?"

She nodded. "I can make my ears and tail invisible, but I'd rather not. My tail's still there, and it gets yanked around if people can't see it."

"Those pretty stripes a dead giveaway, huh?"

Elly's blush matched his as she giggled lightly. "They're recognizable, but no one's ever told me they were pretty before."

"Mic," Aizawa called flatly from behind him. "Get back to work. You can flirt later, on your own time."

He snapped his mouth closed and shot her a jaunty finger gun as he settled back down to work. Elly waved back before leaving for her personal office.

Time seemed to creep slowly that day, but eventually the last bell rang. An hour or so later they were ready to shower and change for the night. A flurry of texts followed as it took Hizashi much longer to scrub all traces of Mic away than Cheshire to strip back to basics.

<b>Mic</b>: <i>Sorry babe, I'm almost done. You sittin in the commons?</i>

<b>Cheshire</b>: <i>Yeah, Eri came out and is "helping" me with my hair lol</i>

<b>Mic</b>: <i>Awww cute! I'll be out in a few</i>

When Hizashi did walk out into the common area in the teacher's dorm, Eri was gone. He rubbed the beaded bracelet on his wrist in a nervous gesture and checked his clothing once more.

"You look fine, go get her!"

He jumped at Kayama's exuberant approval, clutching the soft cotton of his red shirt over his heart. "What're you <i>doing,</i> tryna put me in the hospital?!"

Elly laughed from her position, turned around on the longest couch with her arms folded over the edge. "Your expression was super cute, though."

"Oh?" He raised an eyebrow at her and flopped down on the couch beside her.

"She obviously likes dorks," Kayama called over her shoulder as she made her way to the kitchen.

Hizashi thrust his lip out in a pout, and Elly laughed even louder.

"Ugh, whatevs," he scoffed. Then, to the woman next to him, "Hey, so where you wanna go to eat?"

She shrugged. "I'm not fussy, really. I guess I'm in the mood for, like ...coffee and sandwiches?"

"That sounds like American Diner style food!" Hizashi scooted closer, talking animatedly about this place he'd found awhile back. "...and no one here liked it enough to go back with me," he added sadly. "Or, at least that's what they said. Maybe they just couldn't read the menus."

"English?"

"Yeah. A couple from - uhh, let me think, I'll remember -- Fl-l-l ...orida? Florida? Owns it?"

"Are they a little older?"

"Yeah." He nodded happily. "Nice little old couple."

"That makes sense. There's a lot of retirees there." Elly patted him on the arm. "Are you driving? I heard you had a hell of a car."

Hizashi's green eyes lit up at the mention of his car, and he didn't stop talking about it on the walk to the parking lot <i>and</i> the drive to the diner. Elly was interested though, and asked a lot of questions. He was amazed that she wasn't put out by his display of affection for his vehicle. Sure, it was expensive and imported, but no one else seemed to care.

They parked and he sighed gustily, staring out of the windshield before removing his seat belt. "I just <i>love</i> shit like this, yanno? Flashy, pretty, loud American stuff."

Elly grinned slyly at him. "I hope so."

Hizashi's car hadn't gone unnoticed, as it was rare enough to spark interest when seen around town. The local paparazzi and reporters in general knew Present Mic drove that particular model, and they took note when Cheshire was seen stepping out with him in casual clothing. More gathered when it became obvious they were on a date, and they were tracked blithely along as they walked downtown chatting after dinner. They had fun window shopping and shared a small ice cream at a stand.

To be honest, they barely noticed the reporters until they were back at his car again. She paused, then set her back against the door on her side while he drew closer. Hizashi realized this would be the only window of time he had for now for a kiss, and he started to sweat. He coughed and tugged at his bracelet, fidgeting with the beads until she caught his hand in hers.

"Don't be nervous <i>now</i>." She smiled, a hint of her fangs showing.

"Um."

"You know they're there."

"Yeah. Before, it didn't seem to matter, but..."

She nodded. "And they'll probably tail us until we're back at U.A."

Hizashi slid his arm lower around her waist. "You wanna give them a good photo op before that?"

Elly shivered lightly in anticipation, turning to face him as they stood in the little circle of light under a street lamp. "What do you have in mind? An after-date kiss?"

"<i>Ding-ding-ding!</i> Smart lady." He placed his other hand on her cheek, cupping it and tilting her up to meet him. "This can be as little or as much as you want," he hummed softly as he brushed his lips on hers. "Guide me."

"No problem." Moments later he was tightening his gentle grip on her waist, whimpering lightly as she pressed back more passionately than had dared to dream.

"Mnn," he whispered. "Mmn... yer killin' me, babygirl. So s - soft. So <i>sweet</i>."

She parted her lips in silent invitation and he eagerly deepened the kiss, forgetting they were being watched and likely photographed as well. They clung to each other for a scandalous amount of time, neither willing to let go from their soulful embrace.

They needed to breathe, though, so at last it happened.

Hizashi's glasses were askew when they parted. He shook his head, his spiraled pupils seeming to spin as a very large, dopey grin crept onto his face. "<i>Whoaaa.</i>"

"I think," Elly said somewhat breathlessly, "that our date is going to overshadow the other day's headlines."

"Good," he said without thinking. Then he coughed, rubbing the back of his neck shyly. "Uh. That was more of a giveaway than th' whole night, kiss included, wasn't it."

"You're adorable." She kissed him again, this time on the corner of his mouth as he opened the car door for her. "It was, and I'm glad. I like you a lot."

His ears burned hotly at her confession. Not willing to be outdone, he switched to English as he slid into the driver seat. "I love you."

Elly smiled and leaned against him.





Bonus:



The teachers sitting at the communal desk looked up as they entered together the next morning. Each person had a different expression on their face, but they all were holding their phones out.

The headlines were huge - Mic was a Celebrity Hero, after all, and Cheshire was popular -- but it was the pictures that were the focus of every article and post. Crisp, clear and in perfect focus, they were exactly as the new couple wished; a clear indication of their status for all to see.

Surprisingly, Aizawa was the first to speak. "How is it possible for you <i>both</i> to be so loud without making a sound?"