Dancing Shadows

Chapter Thirteen

Ellowyn's POV-
   I got up early the next day, and by that I mean that I was already awake at 7 o'clock in the morning because I actually didn't sleep at all. I couldn't stop thinking about what it meant now that I had accepted Bakugou's request. I had done it to help him, even though he would like to think that he was only helping me, but I didn't think of all the consequences of being his date. The public eye is going to be on him at the dance since he is one of the big three of our class, but what does that mean for me? I sigh as I pull on a pair of jeans and a light blue sweater. Will people be looking at me too? I don't want that. Will people only see me as his date? I want that less. Also, what if I mess something up? How will that reflect on Bakugou as a hero? "This is ridiculous." I mutter to myself as I put my hair up into its usual messy bun. I should talk to someone about all this. Being in my own head never does me any good.

...

   As soon as I knock on his door I hear voices and then he shouts, "One minute." After a few moments of listening to shuffling and hushed whispers later, the door opens to reveal Todo in black pants and a white t-shirt. His hair is disheveled and the tips of his ears look a little pink, but other than that, he looks completely normal. "Ellie, what are you doing here?" I try to look past him to see who he is with but he blocks my view with the door.

   "Well hello to you too. Can't I just come by to say hi or am I interrupting something?" I tease. I can already guess who else was in the room with him and what they were doing, and if he blushes then there is no way I am wrong.

   His face turns bright red. "Of course you can, but I can tell that something is on your mind."

   I nod as I remember why I had the idea of stopping by to see this insomniac. "Yeah. I kind of did want to talk about something." I decide to tease him a little bit more. "It's fine though. I can tell that you are a bit preoccupied so I'll go."

   He blushes even harder. I'm about to finally leave him alone when a certain green-haired boy walks up behind him and wraps his arms around his torso. "What are you wanting to talk about, Ellowyn?"

   "Well, it's actually a complicated story."

   "Well, we aren't busy." Midoriya says. "Come on in."

   Midoriya and Todo move out of the doorway so I can come inside. "So, where should I avoid sitting?" I joke.

   It's Midoriya's turn to blush bright red. "Wh-what? Ellowyn!" He hides his face in his hands. "We didn't do anything like that!" He looks away shyly and adds in a very quiet mumble, "Just kissing and stuff. Nothing more."

   I laugh as I sit down on Todo's desk chair. "I'm only teasing you."

   He sits down on the bed next to Todo. "Oh."

   "Anyways," Todo says, changing the subject. "What did you want to talk about?"

   "Actually, it's about the dance. You two are going together, right?"

   Midoriya nods excitedly. "Yeah, we are. But you said no to everyone who asked you out, right?"

   "About that..."

   His face lights up. "You finally found someone you want to go with? You said yes?"

   "Well, sort of. I'm going with Bakugou."

   Todo coughs for a solid minute before actually being able to respond. "What?"

   "As a friend! He asked me to go with him, as a friend! He has to have a date for the dance because he's one of the big three, and when he found out that I used to be a dancer, he asked me to be his date, as a friend!" I sigh. "Anyways, I'm just worried about what that actually means now that I've said yes."

   "You mean, what it means for your relationship with Bakugou?" Todo asks with a sly smirk.

   "No! I mean, what does it mean for how he looks to the public and to the pro heroes." I explain. "What if I make Bakugou look bad? What if people think I'm using him or something? I don't want to ruin our friendship."

   "Is this because of what Monoma said?" Midoriya asks.

   I shrug. "I guess so. I mean, if he is thinking it, aren't other people probably thinking it too?"

   Todo shakes his head "You shouldn't mind what he says too much. He's only trying to bother you, and it's working apparently."

   "Look, I'm just saying that what he said made me think. Being around Bakugou all the time does draw a bit of attention." I sigh. "I do want to help him out, but what if I'm doing more harm than good."

   Todo chuckles. "You would have to do a lot to hurt Bakugou's reputation. Honestly, I would be more worried about how he could be hurting your reputation if I were you."

   "Why so?"

   Midoriya shrugs. "Bakugou has always been a little explosive and his personality is difficult, to say the least. Don't get me wrong, he is an amazing hero, but he isn't everyone's cup of tea. Also, don't mention that I said any of that to him, except for the part about him being amazing."

   "I think it will be okay, Ellie. You and Bakugou have complimenting personalities. My guess is that the public will be all over you. Plus, you are both extremely strong, so you are bound to attract the pros looking for a good partner work-study for the upcoming semester. Don't forget that this dance serves as a great opportunity to advance in your career as a future pro hero."

   "Yeah, you guys are super cute together and totally powerful. I think this is going to be a good thing for the two of you!"

   "We are not 'cute together' because we are not together!"

   Todo grins at me. "Ah right, you two are just friends. I almost forgot." His voice is dripping with sarcasm.

   "Shut up, Todo." I retort.

   He chuckles in response. "Hey, don't dish it out if you can't take it."

   "You and Midoriya are actually dating! You guys are actually interested in each other! It's different!"

   Suddenly, I hear a knock on the door. "I've got it," Todo says. He opens the door and I'm slightly surprised at who is standing on the other side. "Bakugou? What are you doing here?"

   "Hey, have you seen Cherry around?"

   I walk over and stand next to Todo. "Hey, Bakugou. What's up?"

   "I forgot to tell you that Aizawa is making the big three take dance classes every Saturday morning."

   There is a moment of silence before I say, "Okay? What does this have to do with me?"

   "Our dates have to take the classes as well."

   "What?!"