Golden Time [TetsuEli]

Every moment she was able to spend at Tetsuko's side was the moment she truly felt happy. There was something about Tetsuko's presence that made Elise feel so secure and comfortable, and just being able to see her girlfriend was enough to fill Elise with such a joyful feeling. In recent days those moments had lessened, courtesy of life deciding to keep them occupied way more than normal. While Elise was dealing with the increasing responsibilities she received at the Public Safety Commission, her beloved Tetsuko had been dealing with both the complex situation in her family and the girl's responsibilities at the hero academy. It might have been a silly notion, but inwardly Elise was already counting down the months till Tetsuko would graduate, for surely they would be able to start living together after that, right?

It was an innocent and perhaps even childish thought, but Elise truly looked forward to the idea of living together with Tetsuko. But for now she left those thoughts as playful musings for the future. The holiday period known as Golden Week had arrived and to her pleasant surprise Tetsuko had invited her on a date. It was endearing and heartwarming to her that Tetsuko was starting to take more initiative, and the idea of her beloved knight inviting her for a picnic sounded like a dream. Being able to enjoy each other's company, enjoying Tetsuko's self-made food while surrounded by the lush green scenery of the park. It had been the reason Elise had looked forward so much to this day.

And so it happened that early in the morning Elise found herself stirred from her slumber, sitting upright in her bed and stiffling a soft yawn behind the palm of her hand. To some it might had been a weird concept: considering Elise was physically a slime girl, she still looked entirely like your everyday human being right now. The answer to that came primarily from the mastery over her Quirk and the strong subconscious desire to appear more 'normal'. Although in recent days she had grown more comfortable with showing her true form to others, and felt an embarrassing joy at Tetsuko actually considering her true form 'adorable' the slime girl still tried her utmost to live like a normal human being. This was why her body didn't revert back to its slime form.

Not that it had the need to, as long as she had enough fluids consumed she could say in her human disguise for as long as needed, and she was pretty happy with her form also! The long locks of pink hair had become a trademark for her, while originally they were a burgundy color, Tetsuko's comment about her slime girl form and how pink seemingly fit her so well, led Elise to allow the color of her slime to be reflected in her hair color.

In terms of her physical features she had no reason to complain either! While she was a bit taller than the average, Elise's charm came from her delicate feminine look. Her skin seemed mostly free of blemishes, her skin was even smoother and softer to the touch than human skin because of the disguise she had. However, a lingering reminder of her past was left in the form of the faded scar in the area her heart would had been located. A reminder of her encounter with the villain Thunder Shock, and something that told her what risks and consequences getting consumed by her desire for vengeance could have.

Rising out of her bed the pink-haired lass approached the closet, a tug on the handle opening the doors as she peered inside at the various outfits she possessed. Another silly detail perhaps, but despite the lack of needing clothes, considering she could make them as part of her disguise, Elise valued a sense of natural appeal, perhaps it was why she insisted on wearing clothes while in her human form, rather than just making them part of a disguise.

There was also a certain enjoyment to be found in using her clothes to tease her girlfriend. For this particular occasion she had chosen to go with an innocent looking pair of underwear after all the white panties and bra did seem to go well with her one-piece summer dress. Indeed, elegant and lady-like, something fitting for Tetsuko's spoiled princess!

With her clothing done Elise went into the living room of her apartment, crossing it to go straight into the kitchen that connected to it. She didn't need to make much effort to find the bottle of water that was left in the fridge, her 'lifeline' so to speak. As a slime girl she might not need food, but water was important! Liquids like that helped her regain her strength and energy, and as she sipped some of the bottle's contents she could feel her body consuming the liquids and already she felt more energetic right away!

Closing the bottle and putting it back in the fridge, she approached the nearby table where she had prepared her own contributions to the picnic! She might had not been a skilled cook like her girlfriend, but she still had made some effort! Two bento boxes were prepared, one modest sized one that contained a few sandwiches she had prepared with things she knew the two of them liked, and then a smaller box containing a cute surprise she had worked diligently on!

Of course her favorite apple juice brand was not missing either, already a bottle had been prepared to be brought along! When the knock on the frontdoor came Elise smiled happily, chiming out loud in response: "I'm coming~" And when she unlocked the door and opened it, just as anticipated her beloved Tetsuko was there to greet her.

However, before she had even the chance to say anything, her girlfriend swooped into the appartment's entryway and gave her a playful peck on the cheek, earning a little blush from the Germanic lass. "Good initiative, but you should have made your ambush more powerful, like~"

Countering by wrapping her arms around Tetsuko's neck, she pulled herself in and playfully kissed her girlfriend's lips, leaning back after a bit with a sheepish grin. "That would have a greater effect 'darling'~"

With that said and done she happily pulled Tetsuko along into the apartment. "Good morning Tetsu~ Let me just go and grab the things I prepared for today~"

Elise couldn't help but snicker at Tetsuko's statement, leading her to soon remark with a playful hum. "I do like playing mage classes in video games~" And with that said she led her girlfriend inside her apartment. Just like Tetsuko had deducted, it looked more homely since the first time she had visited it. Decorations on the walls in the form of paintings and posters, the piano and even a vase with flowers that had been a present from Tetsuko! Although perhaps the most endearing was the framed picture on the table that of course showed the two of them happily enjoying a date together.

"Of course~ Got to increase the charm of this place for when you graduate~ Unless you prefer a big house, then I'm going to need to start saving~" Teasingly poking out her tongue she gently picked up the pair of obento boxes and placed them in the bag that Tetsuko had brought along and soon proceeded to follow her lover on their trip. Of course, as typical Elise was quite eager to show her affection, both arms wrapped around Tetsuko's own while she nuzzled gently against her lover's side.

When she was asked about how she had been doing Elise mused softly. "I have been doing alright~ Recently ended up getting a request to oversee the recovery of one of your schoolmates, Saito certainly is a handful at times~ It's mostly because his condition is Quirk-related that they want my insight in his treatment. That aside my apprenticeship has been going well. It's hard work, after all the Public Safety Commission has a lot of responsibilities, and sometimes it almost feels like being in the surgery room, knowing the lives of the agents in the field all depend on your capacities to coordinate them. It can be a bit intimidating to have such a responsibility."

She paused for a moment and then lifted her gaze up to Tetsuko. "But that just means I work extra hard to do my best~ How about you? How have things been for you at school? I'm guessing you are considering where to run your apprenticeship this year?"

Although Elise's schedule contained little time for games, she did find it important to have a healthy share of hobbies in her life, and while gaming and her fondness for anime and manga were less evident than her music, she did like to take time to play a game every now and then. She was especially fond of the roleplaying game genre, the idea of experiencing the worlds and storylines that people thought of really made the genre all the more appealing to her. Although she was perceptive enough to see Tetsuko's gaze wandering around the apartment. She had to admit she was a bit curious, hoping that her lover wasn't getting too distracted with concerns, but seeing that smile on Tetsuko's lips quickly turned concern into happiness, for the sight of her lover's smile truly was worth more than a thousand presents!


The blush on her lover's cheeks earned a sheepish grin from Elise, who had to do her utmost not to start blushing herself when Tetsuko affirmed that they had the same thought in mind about what to do after she graduated. After all, she had done no effort to hide the fact she wanted to have Tetsuko move in with her, a future spend together sounding both romantic and naively idealistic, but at the same time it also felt so suitable to her.

"Hehe~ After all, my home is where my Tetsu is~" Elise mused happily as the subject of the future was handled and the two of them made their way out of the building, their date properly starting.

The talk about their current situations made Elise think back on her decision to join the Public Safety Commission, a sound choice all things considered, especially when she desired to become more capable of supporting Tetsuko while keeping herself out of danger, so that her beloved knight wouldn't have to worry about shielding her princess while also having to deal with hero duties.

The lass nodded her head lightly in agreement to Tetsuko's question about whether she enjoyed her work there or not. Even if it was a different type of career, she was still able to help Tetsuko and her mentor was a good guy, a fun person to work together with, so all in all she had no reason to complain.

Looking at Tetsuko as she explained her intentions for the first years Elise nodded her head lightly. "It is difficult, after all they are at the age where they tend to be quite rebellious, but I'm sure you'll get through them in due time."

Versatile and adaptable... Her lips curving into a smirk she leaned up to her lover's ear and whispered mischievously. "Should I expect you to become more versatile and adaptable in the bedroom also? Or are those lessons I shall provide you myself?"

Teasingly poking out her tongue they would soon arrive at the park their picnic date would take place at, and already Elise was excitedly looking around the park to find a nice spot for her and Tetsuko to enjoy their date at!

There was something about being with Tetsuko that brought such innocent joy in Elise. That feeling of being able to be truly herself, to be able to act without the fear of being judged for it, it was a wonderful feeling. Even the honest way she expressed her emotions in such an embarrassing yet dorky way, an adorable approach to expressing her feelings with such sweet intent that it was something she could only do to her. When the two talked about where 'the home' truly was, Elise couldn't help but express her belief that to her 'home' was where Tetsuko was. The place where she truly felt the most comfortable and the most happy was no doubt by each other's side, and it was truly something they could look forward to. The moments they were reunited, spending their time together despite the often difficult and harsh reality they were thrown into.

As the pair made their way to the train station the pair conversed about their parallel yet different paths in life, about how Elise had been occupied with her apprenticeship within the public safety commission, and Tetsuko was handling her duties within the hero academy with the dedication she had come to expect of her.

Tetsuko's sigh made Elise giggle softly in response, humming playfully in return. "I'm sure they will grow up in due time, and in the meanwhile they have their peers and seniors to look to for guidance and inspiration." Still, when Tetsuko remarked on her teasing comment with a teasing remark of her own Elise pouted her cheeks in response. "I can be wholesome also! I'll show you just how much of a wholesome girlfriend I can be~" Snuggling closely to her lover Elise whispered the last part with a soft giggle. "Especially if there is an epilogue to the wholesome date~"

And so the two of them arrived at the park Tetsuko had chosen for the date, and fortunately found a comfortable location under the shade of a nearby tree that was still unoccupied, making Elise nod her head lightly in agreement. "It seems perfect for our date~" Elise chimed softly as she followed Tetsuko to the spot, and soon would help her put out the needed cover for the grass, and once seated she pulled some of the things she brought along onto it, in particular one could easily spot the large bottle of apple juice, and the mysterious small lunchbox she had brought along earlier.

"Hehe~" Elise hummed happily as she opened the little box and presented it to her lover. "Tada! Ringo Usagi~" Elise beamed a innocent smile at her lover, the slices of apple shaped to resemble bunnies, so the namesake of Apple Bunnies seemed quite fitting for them in her opinion!

Scooping up one of them Elise presented it with a smile "Say Aaah~" It appeared that their date was already starting with its fair share of adorable and dorky things! And yet, for them it seemed like a perfect way to spend this Golden Time, right?

The sight of Tetsuko's smile always made Elise feel at ease. There was something about it, that made her feel complete, to others it might had sounded odd or silly, but it was truly one of the best ways to describe the sensation that she felt when she saw her beloved childhood friend smile. Perhaps it was something as simple as finding joy in making Tetsuko happy, a feeling she was certain that had been mutual. In recent days she did notice that a weight had lifted off Tetsuko's shoulders, she knew all too well the search her lover had done, the answers she couldn't find in books or by relying onto others. The history of the Shindou was a complicated matter, and only Tetsuko herself had the right to decide which answer she deemed to be the correct one for her. However, It was her duty and privilege to advice and support her iron blooded knight all the way. Just like she had done for her in the past.

Tetsuko's decision to carve out her own name, to make a legacy truly her own was worthy of praise, a daunting task but she was confident she would succeed in it, and along the way become the greatest role model that the younger generation could dream of having. After all, Tetsuko was, and would always remain her very own: Number one hero~

Nonetheless, it seemed now was a time to think about different things, the sight of her lover's cheeks reddening slightly and the teasing remark being returned in kin earning a playful remark from the Germanic lass. "That is like feeding a kitten catnip and expecting it to behave~" Leaning up to Tetsuko's ear she whispered the last part of her response in a more sensual tone. "And I can't help but feel a little bit silly around someone as lovely as my girlfriend~"

Teasingly poking out her tongue it seemed the two arrived at the park shortly afterwards, and with the pair having found some shade underneath a nearby tree, as they ended up setting down everything they needed, their picnic date would begin in earnest!

"hehehe~" Elise beamed a bright smile at her lover's compliment about the bunny-shaped apple sliced, and the smooth compliment about her smile, and yet the moment of hesitation that Tetsuko overcome earned a even brighter smile from Elise who seemed truly giddy at the idea she had just fed her lover! It did seem like a truly traditional thing for lovers to do at a picnic!

"oooh~ Some Onigiri to start things off with~" Elise chimed happily in response as she shuffled closer to Tetsuko, some of the park visitors and couples seemingly recognizing the duo. Of course it was not that surprising, after all Tetsuko had earned quite a reputation already during her time at the hero academy, and she herself was a famous musician!


Perhaps it was for that reason that Elise playfully snuggled against her lover's side while humming softly.

"Darling you make me so happy~ La la la~ I love you~"

And with a playful smooch on Tetsuko's cheek the pair earned a symphony of chuckles and some younger couples even making a playful whistling sound.

"Hehe~ Seems we have some fans around~"

Elise had to admit she felt slightly dejected as the mood soured a little, feeling her lover lean against her while the pink-haired lass pondered about the situation. Although Elise tended to be a very affectionate person, she did realize that Tetsuko tended to prefer to keep things private. It made the Eisenberg lass go quiet for a bit. Was it selfish of her to be so open with her affection? She didn't know, and the lack of a proper answer was something that bothered Elise. "I guess... the hero program does have quite a focus on the concept of popularity being something heroes want." And yet her gaze softened a little as she whispered softly. "But I'll try to hold back in public from now on."

As she picked up an apple slice and bit into it, the Germanic lass pondered about the matter in greater detail. Privacy was something nice to have, and yet... "But it feels... wrong." Elise pondered softly, leaning gently back against Tetsuko. "Having to hide how I feel, having to conceal my affection for you till we are somewhere private."

Of course, if it was what Tetsuko wanted, she would try her best to endure it. "Maybe next time I should come in disguise, idols do that also, right?" She smiled sheepishly at her lover while wondering what she was thinking.

It certainly was an endearing something, the openness between herself and Tetsuko. No matter what bothered the pair, there was always an opportunity to talk while being guaranteed that the other would listen to their woes. It was something that had grown to them naturally as their relationship blossomed. She knew from reading the chat of the hero academy that others had issues sometimes with that aspect of poor communication, the stubbornness to not let their significant other truly into their heart, but such a thing was trivial for the pair when their hearts were devoted to each other. Indeed, it was that type of understanding which was part of the things that made their relationship so wonderful.

Of course, sometimes words could be a bit confusing, for when Tetsuko expressed her concerns about the lack of privacy and the peering eyes of the others within the park, Elise had gone quiet to consider what to do. To the Germanic lass it felt like she had to hold back, to hide the overflowing affection she felt for Tetsuko merely because of the presence of others. It felt odd, it felt unpleasant and it was fortunate that Tetsuko had decided to clear up the confusion.

Hearing Tetsuko's chuckle and the gentle wrapping of an arm around her made Elise blink in confusion as she listened to her lover's explanation. So she was worried that the continuous growth of their fame would lead to complications? That it might just become a form of entertainment for others? "Mhmm~ Why should we care about what others think about our relationship? As long as we are happy and consider it something wonderful, then I don't care what others think about it." Then again, she did consider the more difficult side of things: As a hero Tetsuko would possibly end up making enemies someday, and it was not beyond a villain to target a hero's loved ones. As she thought about those risks and nuzzled lightly against Tetsuko's shoulder, Tetsuko's whisper and blushing cheeks made Elise lean her head up to look at her lover in bewilderment. Of course the words that followed had taken her by her surprise. The fact that Tetsuko wanted her all to herself, of course that was already the case. In the end in her heart the only one who would ever get her romantic affection was Tetsuko Shindou, but to hear her actually say something like that? It was enough for Elise's face to turn scarlet as she quickly buried her face into her lover's shoulder, hoping to not embarrass herself further by showing how happy those words made her, even if that smile was a clear telltale.

"There is not a moment in my life where I'm not thinking about you~" Elise whispered softly, ensuring only Tetsuko could hear those sweet words, fortunately it seemed the people in the park where starting to get the hint and mind their own business, and right in time because Elise had wrapped her arms around her lover and affectionately squeezed her into a hug. At this point she had even forgotten there was anyone else in the park, for she had only eyes for the iron-blooded girl who she proudly called the love of her life~