Chapter Six

"Ten out of ten, wouldn't recommend," Kirishima muttered, feeling highly unsatisfied with the apparent '5 star' restaurant; judging by Pony's expression, she felt the same.

"Might as well rename it to Toys R Us," Pony huffed, referring to her previous comment on how the food tasted like plastic. Kirishima decided not to ask why she knew the taste of plastic.

"Toys R Us sells better food than there," Kirishima retorted, gaining a light giggle from the blonde.

"Oh shoot, I just remembered what time it is!" Pony squeaked, pulling out her phone. She unlocked it quickly, held it up and snapped a quick photo. The photo was picture perfect and, if she didn't know any better, she would say they looked like a couple. Of course, she did know better.

"What was that for?" Kirishima questioned, trying to get a peek at the blonde's screen. He gained a cheerful hum from the girl which meant he'd have to see.

"Border, soft pink filter, tag and post."

The blonde stuffed her phone into a pocket, a wide grin on her face. A skeptical look found its way onto Kirishima's face, but decided not to think about what just happened; he'd end up overthinking and that would lead him to a place he'd prefer to avoid for now. "I'm going to assume that grin of yours is a good thing."

"Hmmm, interpret it as you may," Pony said, turning back to her native dialect to sound more wise. "I have done a great many deeds for you just with the click of a button."

"Mhmm, I'm sure you did," Kirishima muttered, unknowingly turning to the English language as well. "Sure you did."

"C'mon, don't be like that," Pony laughed, poking Kirishima softly on the cheek. "I swear, I didn't do anything bad."

"When you say that, it only furthers my belief that you did," Kirishima replied, swatting the girl's hand away from his face. He sighed, slightly defeated. "Let's just head back to my apartment, the 'party' is in a couple hours, and I know how long it takes you to get ready."

"Oi!" Pony huffed, unable to contain the giggle escaping her lips.

OoOoO

Kirishima fixed his tie for the sixth time that hour, his nerves and anxiety getting the best of him. What if he made a bad impression on everyone? What if they were resentful towards him due to his sudden disappearance? What if they kick him out of the party because he didn't count as a graduate from UA?

Kirishima felt his breathing hitch, his lung feeling right against his ribcage. His thoughts swirling his mind in an uncontrollable mess, morphing into more anxiety triggering thoughts. Maybe he should bail right before they arrive, then he wouldn't need to face anyone and their hateful looks. But if he did that, would Pony hate him for it? Would she not want him as a friend anymore? Kirishima felt sweat build up on his forehead and tears lightly prick his eyes; he wouldn't handle going through something like that again — his mother and friends from America already did, Pony leaving him would break his heart.

"Eiji, you alright in there? You've been in the toilet for ages, and I'm starting to think you might be constipated or something," Pony's voice sliced through Kirishima's negative thoughts, dragging him back to reality. He took note to talk about maybe getting stronger medication, or heavier doses — rationality wasn't on his side at that moment.

"Yeah, sorry, struggling with the tie," Kirishima admitted, sliding open the bathroom door to see the blonde already dressed.

Pony wore a scarlet red cocktail dress, fitted perfectly for her petite figure, ending a little a over her knees. The dress had flecks of gold near the bottom, creating a fade effect from gold to red, matching well with the gold clip in her hair. Speaking of hair, Pony had tied her hair into a somewhat messy side bun, a loose braid trailing from her fringe to said bun. The clip held back the loose hairs that threatened to fall over her face. She had a small golden purse in her hand with a black cardigan draped over her forearm.

"Hey, someone's put a little effort into their appearance tonight," Kirishima said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"Unlike you," Pony said, rolling her eyes while lifting her hands to do the redhead's tie. "Actually, you don't look too bad."

And he didn't. Kirishima wore a simple black evening suit with a creamy white button up shirt underneath, a bright red tie blended well into the outfit with the help of his hair being a similar colour. His hair was let down, unlike his usual style, giving a more softer look. "Well, if you hadn't have chosen the outfit, I would most likely stick out like a sore thumb tonight."

"Don't be silly," Pony snorted, gently placing a comforting hand on Kirishima's forearm. She knew he was nervous the moment he stepped out of the bathroom. There was a short silence that fell between them before she spoke once again, although in a more hushed manner. "Hey, it's okay to be nervous. If it makes you feel better, we can stick together all night."

"Thanks," Kirishima muttered, squeezing Pony's hand a little tightly. And, as quickly as the mood had shifted before, it shifted once again to their usual playful mood. "Now, I'm actually starving — that restaurant can't even count as real food — so let's get going."

"Yeah, I'm starving too," Pony admitted, locking their arms together with a wide smile. "Off to catch a taxi?"

Kirishima smiled back at Pony. "Off to catch a taxi."

OoOoO

To say Kirishima was having a mental breakdown would be the understatement of the century.

"Hey hey hey, calm down," Pony said, furrowing her brows on concern as she eyes the boy beside her. The two sat in the back of a taxi, only two minutes away from pro hero Creati's house( aka the designated venue of the party), and only now learning about how the get together was in a way being televised; only from outside the building though.

"I can't," Kirishima admitted, balling his fists on his knees. His nerves were acting up and this was the first thing that came to mind to try and calm them. "Maybe I should just not go? Yeah, that sounds like a good idea, don'tcha think?"

"Sounds like a great idea, for a coward," Pony said, shaking her head disapprovingly. "Listen, Eiji, what's the worse that could possibly happen tonight?"

"I would write you a list on every single possible outcome of tonight right now and skip the entire event- actually that doesn't sound like such a bad idea, can I do that?" Kirishima said, clearly rambling due to the nerves. Pony sighed lightly, getting flashbacks to the phone call they had right before Kirshima had to present his final project on the hero laws in front of a classroom containing an enormous number of three students.

"I'd rather read a thesis on how Cinderella is secretly Buzz from Toy Story then allow you to leave me alone tonight," the blonde replied, gently squeezing Kirishima's balled fists. She took notice of the mansion appearing in the distance; maybe another minute or so until they arrived. "Just listen, if anything bad happens, we'll leave immediately, alright?"

That seemed to bring Kirishima back to his sense as he nodded curtly. "You're right. I'm sorry, I'm just a little anxious to see everyone after almost seven years.."

"Worst case scenario: nobody remembers you." Pony said, trying to comfort the redhead. Much to her surprise, it actually seemed to work. Well, up until the moment when the car stopped and the driver said, "We're here. That'll be seven hundred yen."

Pony sighed, handing the driver ten thousand yen and muttering, "Keep the change."

The blonde opened the door, stepped one foot out before turning her upper body to face the redhead. She held a hand out and said, "Let's go."

Kirishima hesitantly took the blonde's hand, replying with a sheepish, "Alright," before following the girl out of the car. Almost immediately he was blinded by the flashing lights from cameras and a sea of questions came his way.

"It's alright," Pony reassured him, sending a comforting smile and light nudge in the side. Kirishima couldn't help but smile back. He had almost forgotten the cameras and interviewers surrounding them until he heard a specific question that reminded him exactly where he was.

"Red Riot, is it true you used to attend UA in your first year before moving to the States?"

"Sorry mister, but we won't be answering any questions tonight," Pony smiled kindly at the reporter before dragging Kirishima along the elegant red carpet leading up to the entrance. Kirishima was getting vague Hollywood vibes from the setup. And, as if Pony had read his mind, said, "It's based off Hollywood red carpet events."

Kirishima hummed, twiddling the hem of his dinner suit between his middle and index finger anxiously. The silky smooth cloth between his fingers was almost enough to calm down his nerves. "You think they have those 'my name is' stickers?"

"Hopefully," Pony grinned. "Maybe some red cups too, and a bunch of cheap beer."

"Let's hope," Kirishima grinned back, pushing the large doors open to enter the lavish mansion. It took the duo moments to adjust to the elegance of the event; they sort of felt out of place. Like two elephants among kittens, or bagels among donuts.

"Yaoyorzoru really outdid herself tonight," Pony said, taking a moment to admire the large crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, the vases of flowers scattered around the room in an orderly fashion, and the warm lighting of the room. "I'm surprised she did this much for the entrance, God knows what she has done for the main room."

"Yeah," was all Kirishima could say, feeling his heart squeeze in his chest. "Welp, wanna see what 'God knows'?"

"Yuppies," Pony giggles, hooking their arms together at the elbows. The duo walked up to the large doors at the end of the room, both feeling quite anxious. Pony, without much hesitation or regard to Kirishima's second thoughts, pushed open the doors. As luck would have it, their entrance wasn't noticed by anyone already present in the room; they were too busy dancing, talking or eating to really care.

"See, it isn't so bad, is it?" Pony asked, letting the door close behind them as they made their way slowly to the food tables.

"It's only been twelve seconds since we arrived," Kirishima grunted.

"Bruh," Pony sighed. "Come on, tonight'll be fun, you'll see."

"Yeah, can't wait to stand in the corner by the food for a couple of hours. Sounds like I'm gonna have the time of my life," Kirishima replied, sarcasm laced in his voice. The two were currently talking in English as Kirishima usually turned to that when he got nervous or sarcastic. Pony just turned when Kirishima did.

"Oh look, I think I see Kendou and Tetsu, wanna say hi?" Pony asked, tugging lightly on Kirishima's sleeve and pointing in the direction of said duo. They were currently talking to each other by the food table, so it was inevitable Pony would start up conversation.

"I don't think I have a choice," Kirishima replied, already getting dragged towards the two.

"Hey guys," Pomy greeted, catching the attention of Kendou and Tetsutetsu.

"Mm, hey Pony, didn't see you there." Kendou smiled, noticing there was someon behind the blonde. "Ah, and who is thi-?" She stopped mid sentence, her face painted with shock. By now Tetsutetsu had the same expression, but it quickly turned into happiness.

"Hey dude!" Tetsutetsu grinned, holding out his arm to shake hands. Kirishima hesitantly shook the other's hand, a small smile finding its way onto his face.

"Hey, how've you been? It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Yeah, a long while. I'm doing great, what about you?" Tetsutetsu didn't seem too bothered by Kirishima's sudden reappearance after seven years, or maybe he was just hiding it. Regardless, Tetsutetsu's laid back attitude was somewhat calming.

"Well, I'm moving back to Japan," Kirishima said.

"Really? Dude, that's awesome! Maybe you could come over to our place sometime, right Kendou?" Tetsutetsu turned to said girl who had already recovered from her shock.

"Of course. You do seem awfully close with Pony, too," Kendou replied. "But I must warn you, never come when it's Tetsu's turn to cook."

"Hey!" Tetsutetsu cried, his cheeks flushing dark as the three around his started laughing. "I'm a great cook!"

"Don't worry, man, I'm sure you are," Kirishima said, holding back a giggle as he placed a hand on the other's shoulder.

The group chatted for a while, mostly talking about hero work, Japan life, those kind of stuff. They fell back into the steady rhythm they had back in their first year, talking about things they all would probably forget about tomorrow.

"So what made you decide to move back?" Kendou asked, swirling the glass of champagne in her hand at a steady pace. "You don't need to answer if you're not comfortable." Kendou could tell the redhead was a little taken aback by the question, seeing as it came out of nowhere. "Sorry, I'm just really curious."

"My niece is going to study at UA," Kirishima answered, throwing the girl a soft smile. "I didn't want her to stay here alone, since she knows next to nothing on Japanese, so I decided I'd come here with her."

"You should meet her, she's super cute," Pony added. "She's little a mini version of Eiji, except female and with a different quirk."

"You'll have to let us meet sometime," Kendou smiled warmly at Kirishima.

"I'd think she'd love that." Kirishima's smile seemed to widen just that little bit more.