Deku x OC My hero, My heroine

Chapter 6- Bedrock

Sorry about the delay, I'm not really used to writing these sorts of stories. :)

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Ayako and Deku stood back to back, sweeping the remains of her helmet from the floor. In his haste, Deku had nudged the precariously balanced object off the table, shattering its outer plastic frame on the floor tiles. Ayako collected the shards with her broom and threw them in the bin without a word. The helmet could be replaced, but the moment had been ruined, and now an awkward sobriety filled the space between her and Deku.

Why didn't he just ignore the helmet, as she had done? Why couldn't he stop being so considerate for one second, and focus on her instead? Ayako let out a loud blow, hoping Deku would pick up on the hint, but he kept his head down and kept sweeping the floor.

Before long, the brooms were back in the corner where they belonged, and Ayako was once again sitting on the table edge. Deku stood in front of her, near the exit, twisting his hands and averting his gaze, his previous forwardness gone entirely. Ayako could still feel the touch of his hands on her skin, and the smell of his hair, but she might have well imagined it all for how distant it all seemed. She felt her frustration rise in her chest like a swelling balloon.

To calm herself down and dispel the uneasiness, Ayako straightened up and looked Deku in the eyes.

"Thanks for the help, Deku. I....I really appreciate it."

Deku scratched the back of his head, his eyes darting across the room in panic, and stopping on everything but her. "Oh, of course! I'm sorry about the mess...I was distracted by...umm." His face reddened as he lowered his head. Ayako could have sworn she could see steam rising from his burning face.

Even through her frustration, Ayako had to admit that there was something endearing about Deku's reactions, something she couldn't stay mad at for any amount of time.

"Come on, don't worry about the helmet"

Deku relaxed a bit. "Oh! Of course.."

"Yeah, I can easily replace it." She gave him a light, almost tentative pat on the back.

Why am I so afraid to touch him?

Ayako was so close to Deku she could have counted each wavy strand of his hair. She looked into his eyes, and this time, he didn't look away. Ayako leaned in closer to him, once again almost in his arms. She could have just reached out and fallen into him, it was just one small step away. But Ayako stood still. Something was keeping her back from moving forwards. Was she embarrassed to take the next step? Ayako stepped back and looked away before Deku could notice her predicament. She took a deep breath.

"Hey! I was thinking, how about you come and see my other projects? I'll consider it payment for the helmet." She added with a sly smile.

Deku's eyes curled. "Oh, sure. I'd be glad to see your babies."

"Har har, very funny. Anyway, come on, let's close up shop here. The stuff is in my room." Ayako said as she shut the lights on the now immaculate lab.

The short walk to her room was punctuated by Deku's questions about her machines, to which she tried her best to stall him, supplying just enough information to keep him curious. He deserved it after his comments on her machines. Plus, she admitted to herself, she was enjoying this quite a lot.

"Come on Ayako, just one hint!"

"Oh, really? After you just made fun of my babies?"

"I was joking! Come on!"

"You'll have to try harder than that, Mr.mechanic." She replied with a coy smile.

They turned a corner, and her door appeared in front of them. After a short fumble with the keys, Ayako stepped inside and turned on the lights. Her room was spotless, save for the piles of metal parts and tools on her desk reaching halfway to the ceiling. Next to the desk was a cabinet, filled with metal and ceramic trinkets. A single swivel chair was tucked under the desk.

Something stirred in the pit of her stomach, and her breath felt short.

There's a boy in my room. It's nothing special. No need to panic.

Ayako took a deep breath and beckoned Deku inside.

Deku's eyes shone as they darted from the machines on the desk to Ayako. He rushed to the desk and reached for one oblong cylinder nestled between piles of scraps.

"Wow! What does that one do? Is it a booster?" He retrieved his hand, a sarcastic smirk creeping on his face. "Or is it going to explode?"

"Haha, Mr. perfect, how about I teach you how not to drop it on the floor?"

"Hey, I said I was sorry!" He picked up another machine, a small chromed gyroscope.

"What about this one?"

"Careful with that! It's delicate!"

Deku put it down carefully on the desk, and went over to the cabinet to inspect the other machines, completely absorbed in his task. Ayako stood in the doorway, looking at him.

She had no idea what to expect from the evening, but as long as she was with Deku, it would probably be interesting. The fluttery feeling in her stomach had gotten even stronger. She closed the door, and turned towards Deku, who seemed oblivious to everything except the machines.