When You Believe

Chapter 4

Momo and Izuku spent the next couple of weeks setting aside a day for weapon's training. Izuku was very obviously a novice when it came to handling a weapon, but quickly crew more accustomed. Momo had still easily bested him in their sparring matches, but Izuku was learning quickly, and becoming much more comfortable with both weapon fighting, and in hanging around Momo.

Of course, Momo had met Kirishima and Mina shortly after her first encounter with Izuku. They all immediately got along well, and Izuku couldn't be happier that the friends who were the first to ever show him support were getting along with his new friend who held that same belief in him.

Momo had even begun to train with them at the beach. Though she wasn't as active as Izuku and Kirishima, or even Mina, she was still very active in helping with their endeavor. It made her feel good about herself. And, when she told her father of events that were transpiring, he immediately withdrew his offer from the city, much to the chagrin of council members who had been looking forward to lining their pockets.

Right now, it had been two months since Izuku had met Momo. He was with Kirishima and Mina as they were on their way to meet her at the beach. Today, though, there was no training. Today was going to be a fun day for the group of friends, for the start of the weekend. They had discovered pretty quickly, though, that the beach was a fairly centralized meeting place. So, had agreed upon it as the meet up spot before heading out for their fun day.

It was now seven months since Izuku had changed his life. Thanks to the words from All Might, he was almost a completely different person. Almost. He was still kind and altruistic, and never let his newfound confidence and strength drive his ego. He saw what path that would lead him. He had Bakugo as the perfect example of what not to become.

But he was far more confident, stronger, faster, and had grown a little taller. He was now roughly Momo's height, maybe slightly shorter. He still had inner demons to fight. After all, 14 years of neglect and abuse don't just go away overnight. But he was dealing with it much better, especially with the support he had now.

"So, Kirishima," Mina was saying, as the beach was now in view. "When are you going to ask Nakagami out on that date?" Izuku couldn't help but smile at his friend's reaction to the question. It was embarrassment, and that 'I should have kept my mouth shut about my crush' look. But, there was also something more there.

"I, uh, actually asked her out already," he said. Mina squealed and began to jump for joy, causing Izuku to laugh at the scene. "Okay, Mina. Calm down. She did say yes, and we're going out this Saturday." Mina continued her excitement over the news while Izuku smiled on. He turned to face the direction they were heading, and saw Momo awaiting them. His smile grew more. A look not missed by a certain pink-skinned girl.

"So, Midori," she started slyly. "When are you going to ask..." she was cut off by Izuku shushing her. He then gave a face that Mina couldn't resist.

"Please don't say anything yet?" he asked. "Soon. I promise. I'm still, you know, working up the courage." Mina's smile became a genuine supportive one as she nodded.

"You got it!" she finished, just as they met up with Momo. Momo looked at everyone before speaking.

"I'm so glad we could meet up today after classes!" Momo said, clearly happy to see her friends. Her eyes lingered on Izuku a little longer than the others, another thing not missed by Mina. She smiled slyly, but kept her mouth shut as Momo continued. "I don't know if anyone had anything particular planned, but there was somewhere I wanted to take everyone." By 'somewhere to take everyone', the group of friends had quickly learned 'spoil you guys with something you wouldn't be able to afford'.

Of course, Momo never did it to flaunt her money. Given her upbringing, she was a little naive on some social aspects. She felt the best way to show her appreciation for people was to shower them with gifts or outings. Of course, people she knew before her now three closest friends had always taken advantage of the rich girl's naivete. Her best friends now, though, Mina, Kirishima, and...Izuku, they did not. They usually fought tooth and nail with her about her 'gifts'.

It had taken a few times, but the girl was no longer as naive as she once was. And, she had since cut herself off from those who took advantage of her, much to their chagrin. Which is why when she offered these to her three best friends, she knew a fight was coming, but she knew they would never take advantage of her.

"Oh, Yaomomo, you know you don't have to do that," Mina was the first to protest. Momo had truly taken a liking to the nickname the pink-skinned girl had given her. More protestations arose from the other two, Izuku being the most vocal. Momo always wondered why he tended to do so, though thoughts in regard to the greenette made her blush.

Finally, though, they gave in to her, which happened most of the time. But, they all promised to do something special for her in return, and she graciously accepted. If she were honest with herself, she quite enjoyed the ideas they came up with to show their own gratitude to her. They were things that couldn't be bought with money, and she savored such things.

Now, however, she was leading them to their location. She was being rather hush hush about the entire thing, though that didn't keep her from having conversation with the group. Of course, most of the conversation she had was with a certain green-haired boy.

"My instructors wanted me to let you know they've been thoroughly impressed with your progress, Izuku," she was saying, as they made another turn. He smiled at the praise, though still slightly shy about receiving it. "Especially at how well you've picked up the Escrima and tonfas. They say those two weapons definitely meld most with your fighting methods, and I agree."

"Thanks, Momo, that means a lot to me," Izuku replied. "I'll be sure to give our instructors my thanks as well. Without them, I...." he suddenly stopped, as he recognized the building they were walking by. The other three stopped as well, and looked at him with concern.

"Midori, you okay?" Mina was the first to ask. Izuku sighed deeply, before speaking.

"This is Aldera Junior High," he replied.