𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒖𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 | {Completed}

Chapter 3 | Captain Midoriya Returns

"Ochaco!" A voice yelped. I turned at the sound and something blonde rushed into my arms. I gave Himiko a hug.

"Himiko!" I exclaimed, "how was France?"

"Oh, France!" She replied, dreamily, "it was simply delightful, Ochaco, you wouldn't believe it! There were parties and dancing and the most splendid view from the Eiffel Tower! One of the professional artists, I think his name was ja'Mon or something, begged to paint my portrait! I was so flattered, that I said yes. I immediately wish I hadn't, because the painter asked me to take off my clothes! I was so shocked, I stood there for a full minute trying to register what he'd said. Anyway, I demanded to know why he wanted me to do so, and he replied: 'It is tradition! A painter must see the lady in all her glory!". I told him that I didn't think so. The disgust I felt, Ochaco! Oh, it was horrible! Nevertheless, I had the most splendid time! We went to an old museum, and it was as interesting as can be! I was almost convinced myself to stay! But there now. I'm home, and you can tell me all the exciting gossip that's been going around! Mrs Ojiro told me a young, single Naval Captain is coming home to seek a wife! My dear me, I hope he is handsome!"

"Oh, he's handsome," I choked out, "Very handsome."

"My word! Apparently, he's rich too! Worth thousands of pounds!" Himiko giggled.

"Yes," I croaked. Word got around fast.

"Oh! And Mama says she would like me to make his acquaintance!" She squealed. I didn't respond this time. My throat had seized up, so it was impossible to speak. I just nodded.

Himiko burst into excitement.

"Let's go pack right now! I don't want to wait for another second - I am nineteen and longing to be married!" She said as we climbed the curving stairs to our rooms.

Nineteen. I was that age when Deku proposed to me.

***
I opened the door to my room and quietly closed it behind me. The walls were white and several paintings hung neatly around the room. A dressing table was in the corner, jewellery and hair accessories in prime little boxes. A round mirror reflected my image.

Short, bobbed brown hair, wide chocolate eyes and rosy cheeks. My dress was brown, the skirt of plain linen, and the top of my empire waist dress was a darker brown velvet, but it was nothing compared to Himiko's dresses. They were all made of fine silks.

I removed my bonnet and headed over to the small four-poster bed on the opposite wall. A chest was on the foot of it.

I slowly walked over to the chest and unlocked the lock, opening the lid.

Inside were a thick bundle of letters. I saw the addresses of the letters and smiled sadly.

To My Love,
Ochaco

I opened one of them and read the contents, smiling at the memory.

Dearest Ochaco,

I hope this letter finds you happy and safe. I want you to know that I think about you every day and that you're always in my heart.

This has been my longest voyage yet, and I'm quite anxious to return home to you. I have been promoted - to the station of Captain. My ship is called The Lady's Revenge, and my crew are all hardworking and loyal to England. I treat them as well as I can, and they return the favour. I am quite fond of them.

The beds on this ship aren't very comfortable. My unfortunate crew a having to sleep in hammocks. But in the state my own bed is in, I'd gladly join them. Yes, my cabin is safe, secure and reminds me of home. There is a window just above the desk that looks out to the sea, there is an elegant washbasin in the corner and I have privacy. The only problem is the bed. I am quite sure it is made of sand rather than feathers. It is hard, lumpy and most uncomfortable. But there now it is quite alright, and I know you'll go worrying in your next letter, no matter what I say. But I can tell you a lumpy bed is the least of my troubles, Ochaco.