Compulsion

Chapter 38: New Perspective

"Do you think she noticed?" asked a whispering Midoriya as he 'subtly' peeked over the back of the couch at his mother. Ms. Inko decided to shuttle both teenagers to the living room, insisting on cleaning their dinner plates herself. Mina switched on the TV, but found Midoriya's new behavior way more entertaining.

"God, he looks like a perched cat...!" she thought as she stifled a laugh. "No, I think we're good."

"Alright." He slipped off the couch and reached under the coffee table. "Back to this..."

He pulled out two glass jars that were filled with Mina's acid, but it was clear that—"So, the low acidity froze completely?"

Midoriya nodded, pulling out a little dish meant for sauces. "High-acidity is still liquid..." He opened the bubbling jar and poured baking soda into it, rendering it neutral. "Crazy..."

"It's super cool," she muttered.

"Your Quirk is super versatile." He tapped his chin. "High heat could create a smokescreen and low-temperatures could turn pools of your acid into capture-points and defenses."

"You think you can make me some Support Items for it?" she asked.

Midoriya blinked, meeting her eyes. "Hm?" He pondered for a moment. "Oh, uh... Maybe...? Eh, well... Um..." His face contorted, "P... Probably." He slowly nodded before doing so firmly. "Yeah. Yes."

"You came up with something just now, didn't ya?" she chuckled.

He hummed, "A few," before letting out a chuckle himself. "Thanks..." His leg tucked up from the ground, wrapping an arm around it. "That was fun."

"Yeah, it was pretty funny watching you panic like that," she giggled.

"Panic?" echoed Ms. Inko, entering the living room.

Midoriya quickly corrected, "Picnic! She meant picnic!" He turned, standing in front of the jars. "Like, uh... for the... firework festivals during summer break..."

"Y-Yeah! We could have a picnic on... a nice hill so we can watch the fireworks..." Mina slowly stood to match Midoriya.

Inko beamed, "Ooh, that sounds wonderful!" She gestured to Mina. "Your friends could even invite their families!"

"Yeah, yeah!" said Midoriya.

Mina's smile strained slightly. "Totally."

Inko nodded, "Oh, and we could catch up with that, uh... oh my, the, um... the blond boy?"

"Kaminari," answered Midoriya, smiling and nodding. "Yeah, maybe! Have a whole get-together."

"Something to look forward to," she sighed. She then offered, "Ashido, would you like to bathe before bed?"

Mina's eyes darted over to Midoriya for a moment before putting up her hands and shaking her head. "Oh, uh... I showered at the agency, you go ahead."

"Ah, thank you very much," replied Inko. She then took her leave from the teens, letting the lying pair relax.

"Did we have to lie about the jars?"

"Well, let me stop where my Mom starts getting worried, fearful, and/or anxious." He smiled and gestured towards the coffee table. "Oh, Mom, by the way, these are jars of acid." He stopped, letting his arms fall at his side. "..." He wasn't going to say anything else.

Mina giggled, "Okay, yeah, I get it."

They both retook their seats on their couch. Their attention was partially absorbed by the program on the screen. Though Mina caught the deep breath Midoriya took in. He leaned forward, propping his elbow on his knee before plopping his chin in his palm. "Do..." He seemed to fight a sigh. "Do you think Kaminari would still want to see the fireworks with all of us?"