Finding Me (Todoroki x Reader)

Chapter 129

"...Next stop: the Support Course!"

Walking into the Support Course's Development Studio, my ears were immediately met by the discernible sounds of scraping metal and flickering sparks. Every table was covered in equipment, metal materials, and all sorts of fancy whatcha-ma-call-its. The walls were lined with shelves and racks holding tools of all shapes and sizes, the students running to and from them picking what they so desired. Wires hung from the ceiling in one corner, right where some students were working on some human sized robots. Despite having been inside the room once before, the sights and sounds of it all still amazed me - as if I'd stepped into a completely new world.

It was kind of like walking into Santa's workshop - but for mad scientists.

"All the grades are working together to put on an extra awesome exhibition of their work," Togata shouted above the din, his hands covering his ears.

"I can't wait to see," Midoriya said, "I hear it's the highlight every year."

I nodded in agreement, the hustle and bustle of the room lifting my mood slightly. "True. Everyone's been saying last year's was pretty top notch. I wonder what they'll do to up their game. Either all, I'm sure it'll be a sight to see."

"Yes. The school festival is the Support Course's time to shine!"

I spun around at the high-pitched, feminine voice, startled and wide eyed as my sights set on a familiar pink-haired mechanic.

"Hatsume!" I said. "It's been a while."

Midoriya smiled at her. "Hello again, Hatsume, uh... wow!"

Following his wide eyes upwards, I finally noticed a giant ass robot resembling those from the film Avatar with blue and grey accents standing upright behind her. How the heck did I miss that?

With a proud, almost manic smile, Hatsume said, "That's my super cute baby number two-oh-two!"

Midoriya chuckled nervously. "I think you might have some grease on you."

Now that he mentioned it, I finally took in the mechanic's dishevelled appearance. She wore the same black singlet, cargo pants, boots, and gloves as before, with a black jumper hanging loosely around her waist, as well. Her signature steampunk-ified goggles sat atop her head, the dirty metal accentuating her golden irises even more. And to top it all off, a thin layer of grease and grime covered her from head to toe.

Hatsume's eyes widened, looking down at herself in bewilderment as if she hadn't even considered her appearance - which she probably hadn't. Rubbing the back of her neck, she laughed. "Well, I'm filthy but I can't waste my time bathing, now can I?"

"What?!" Midoriya exclaimed.

"That's dedication," Togata added, his face mirroring Midoriya's surprise.

Hatsume turned back to her robot, a proud smile still adorning her lips. "Even though we showed off some items at the Sports Festival, we took a back seat to the heroes. This time, the contraptions we've come up with will have the spotlight they deserve. Which means lots of big companies and buyers can get up close and personal with my work. I need to make sure they're perfect so they don't embarrass me."

I chuckled at her sincerity. "I'm sure they won't. You are a perfectionist, after all."

"You better believe it. Oh, by the way, how did the update to your hero costume go? Let me know if there is anything else you need. I'm happy to help out. You too, Midoriya."

Midoriya nodded, a small smile tugging on his lips. "I will, thank- Huh?!"

Suddenly, the ground started shaking as Hatsume's two-oh-two baby started to shake. Puffs of smoke leaked out of every nook and cranny it had, the metal rattling harder, faster and louder until the robot's head blew off.