Guilt: The Trial of Izuku Midoriya

Chapter Seven: Dread (Original)

Ochako stared at her bedroom ceiling as her mind raced. Did that really just happen? She didn't know how to process it. She had gone to Izuku's room to find out what was wrong and comfort him. Instead, she had kissed him. She had kissed him. Her heartrate increased as the memory played in her head. After their kiss, they had talked a little more about Izuku's situation. Even after opening up to her as much as he had, he avoided talking about the larger issue completely. Despite that, Ochako had at least been able to talk to him about Eri. She let out a small squeal of happiness as she thought of how they were acting like the girl's parents. Together. Ochako had offered to help watch Eri and share a room with her for the time being, at least until Izuku was in a better place. As long as Eri could spend enough time with him, they could preserve her happiness and insulate her from the situation at the same time.

Overall, Ochako was satisfied with the outcome. While he still was in a dark place, she knew that their conversation had helped a little. When she had told Izuku that she would help with Eri, it was as though she had lifted a weight from his shoulders. All he needed was a little time, and a lot of support. Then her boy would be okay. Her boy... She grinned to herself. A small silver lining of their conversation, she had kissed the boy she was madly in love with. And he had kissed her back. She still couldn't believe it had happened. Izuku was just...amazing. Without the emotional circumstances, Ochako would've gone on with her silent love, never thinking she was good enough for him. But I am. We kissed. We kissed! With the recent troubles pushed from her mind momentarily, sleep took its hold. As her conciousness drifted away, her last thought was of him, and she was out, a warm smile spreading across her face.

Ochako woke screaming in a cold sweat. While her dream was instantly forgotten, it left her with a feeling of pure terror. Even with the specifics fallen from her mind, the cold, pervasive, overwhelming fear was rooted in her chest. Whatever it was, it felt so real. She couldn't describe why, but she knew. Something awful is going to happen. Gripping her blankets tightly, a small sob escaped her lips. For the first time, she noticed a warm mass pressed into her side. Looking down, her eyes met two red ones, and her heart dropped further upon seeing the fear in Eri's eyes. "Eri, what's wrong sweetie?" She tried to put on a brave face, but Eri had already noticed her rude awakening.

"You screamed.." The girl seemed terrified, and flinched slightly as Ochako reached for her. Submitting quickly, she let herself be wrapped into the older girl's arms.

"I'm alright sweetheart, just a bad dream." Ochako kissed the girl's small horn, and ran her hand through her silky hair. "Why don't you head downstairs, I'll be down in a minute to get you breakfast." Hesitantly, Eri got out of the bed. Disappearing into one of Izuku's sweaters she had somehow acquired, she quietly slipped out of the room. Sighing, Ochako rolled over to face the ceiling once again.

She shook as she tried to get her heart rate under control. After a few minutes, she managed to stand. Making her way to her small personal bathroom, she washed her face, and examined herself in the mirror.

God, I look terrible. Ochako was paler than she had ever been, red ringing her eyes, with dark bags beneath them. Salvaging her looks the best she could, she threw on the same black t-shirt from the previous night, and made her way downstairs. Reaching the ground floor, she made for the kitchen. Surveying the common area as she passed, she saw most of her classmates were awake, and in much better shape than her. Casting a final look around as she entered the kitchen, she noticed someone was missing. Where's Izuku? Seeing that Kouda had already started cooking Eri her breakfast, she sat next to the girl, running her hand down her back. When the girl looked up, Ochako showed her a fake smile.