Fanfic / Perfect Masks (MHA)

One heroine is tired of the frantic flow of her life. Photoshoots, galas, patrol, paperwork. The other is the lonely paragon of society. The posturing, the responsibility; all wearing them down, making them wear their masks in order to deal with it. But will they see each other beneath them?

Perfect Masks (MHA) is an Izuku x Momo shipping fic written by Kakita_Hikaru, who also wrote Whatever Happened to Battle Fist?. In this fic, considered by the very author as an alternative to the previous story, it is Momo who takes the monumental task of helping Izuku deal with his problems, while also dealing with her own.

Official Summary

She is a pro hero who is always on top, always perfect, always in control of her image, she is Creati and she is tired.After an exhausting day, Momo Yaoyorozu goes to take a break from her professional life for just one night. Unfortunately, her instincts to be a hero remain, and someone needs her help, and she needs his.

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Contains E=examples of:

Chapter One: Behind the Mask

• All Women Are Lustful: By the comment of Izuku, most of Shoto's female fans were dismayed by his announcement, implying that.
  Izuku: To the collective tears of his female fans as I recall.
• Argument of Contradictions: Mentioned by Momo, while softly ranting about what tires her down, on how he is too conservative or too provocative.
• Being Good Sucks: Downplayed. Both Yaoyorozu and Midoriya are tired of their heroic personas.
• Beneath the Mask: Played straight with. Both Momo and Izuku have to wear masks to keep working in their industry. Momo, by projecting that image of perfection and elegance; Izuku, by keeping the smile charade from the public. Eventually justified, because of the weight they carry as heroes; as well as the fact that sponsors help with most heroic endeavors. In the last chapter, they are more than able to see each other underneath it. For much of their joy.
• Celebrity Superhero: Again, played straight. Or as Yaoyorozu refers:
  Momo as Narrator: The Department would look at your 'inspirational abilities' to see your worth on the ranking charts.
• Celibate Hero: Again, as in the previously mentioned story, Shoto is an Asexual man.
• Chronic Hero Syndrome: Both protagonists can't help but try to help people. Even more for Momo, as she took on a mission to help Izuku leave that funk.
  Izuku: Aren't heroes supposed to meddle even when they're not wanted?
• The Confidant: The eventual relationship between them both is based on a mutual understanding of the problems they drag from their own insecurities, as well as everything they have to hide from the world.
• Consummate Liar: Downplayed and Justified. Midoriya is truly broken, can't voice his genuine thoughts, and is constantly forced into his heroic persona. Sadly, as stated in the entry, as a Symbol of Peace can't show anything else.
  Izuku: It's just...rich to hear you say that... About being known for who we are, not who people want us to be. Cause, where I'm sitting, not a damn person in this industry wants us as we are.
• Dramatic Shattering: Sadly defied for Izuku, as he fears he would break too much with his quirk.
• Drink-Based Characterization: Done in for both protagonists. Yaoyorozu loves whiskey, which could be said that breaks her feminine image. Midoriya, on the other hand, loves the same drink; but is more focused on honoring his late mentor, All Might.
• Drowning My Sorrows: How Momo finds Izuku in the bar.
  Momo as Narrator: Still, it did hurt her a little to see him so alone, he had friends, he had so many good friends who would be there for him in an instant if he asked. So why was he drinking alone?
• First-Name Basis: Enforced by Yaoyorozu. In her own words.
  Momo: If you're willing to let out your demons to someone, they've earned the right to your name as my father said.
• Good-Guy Bar: "The Bar with no Name", also present in the previous story of Whatever Happened to Battle Fist?. This time, independently of Izuku inviting the protagonist of the story, as she was brought before by none other than Endeavour after helping her classmate Shoto.
• Has a Type: Yaoyorozu "absolutely" shots any relationship with Midoriya because of her preferences of Brooding, refined men. Eventually Defied. And HARD.
• Heroic Fatigue: Again, the protagonists. Immediately seen with Momo after the photo shoot. While Izuku is a second from a complete Heroic BSoD.
• High-Powered Career Woman: Yaoyorozu's mom was the CEO of a multinational company. When expressing their frustrations, she also mentions the frustrations her mother had to deal with Jerkass associates, and unloading most of those in the firing range, while uttering to geld them.
• Ideal Hero: Justified with Izuku, as he trained with All Might. Sadly, Deconstructed as Momo begins questioning his well-being.

  Momo as Narrator: A part of her wants to say it's wrong. That Izuku Midoriya, the ideal hero, the Titan of 1A hunched over a bar drinking his own whiskey as if it held the answers to all of life's problems is something that should not be.

• I Just Want to Be Normal: The central theme of the story, as both Midoriya and Yaoyorozu wish for someone to treat them like normal beings. As Izuku went with his projected image for most of a decade, to the detriment of his own self-worth. Sadly, it also came with being number one. In the second chapter, he thanks Momo precisely for that.

  Izuku: For treating me like you would anyone else...it's nice to have that.

• Immoral Journalist: Again, as Pro heroine Momo tends to attract those. Needing some breathing air is what kickstarts the story.
• In Vino Veritas: Momo denotes how brutally honest Izuku is under the influence of Alcohol. Almost for the mask to slip.
• Let's See YOU Do Better!: Downplayed and Inverted. Yaoyorozu wonders how Itsuka manages to do ALL of her work in her agency without any help. While she still languishes with it alongside her sidekicks.
• Morality Chain: One of the biggest reasons why Izuku is stressed. As the Number One hero and Symbol of Peace, he is essentially one big one for Japan.
• Of Course I Smoke: Inverted with Momo. Her lifestyle makes her need a coping mechanism for it, which brings her "medicinal" cigars. Overlaps with a THC version of Must Have Nicotine.
• The One with a Personal Life: Absolutely defied with Izuku, and partially with Momo.

  Momo as Narrator: She like the rest of her class might have adored Yagi's affable if weird fatherly ways, but the man hadn't known what work-life balance was.

• Sliding Scale of Idealism Versus Cynicism: For Izuku, he is half a whiskey from absolute cynicism. His idealism that Momo knew in UA almost doused, in her own words. He gets better.
• Vacation Episode: Mixed with Private Island Episode, as Momo asks Izuku to go on vacation to her family's private island to relax from heroics for the mandatory two-week vacation.

Chapter Two: If I’m Being Honest

• Aw, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other: Downplayed. After the talk on the beach, Izuku admits to Momo that He wants to take care of her.
• Blatant Lies: Played straight with the news given. As Momo puts it, the so-called menace was taken care of by both Tokoyami and Mina long before the story started.
• Bread, Eggs, Breaded Eggs: Momo really needs Tea, or liquor, or tea liquor…
• The Chain of Command: Enforced much to the chagrin of Momo. After the story canon events, the Department of Heroic Oversight maintained a tight bond with the Police Service. Meaning that whether she wants or not, she can't disobey the invitation brought by Commissioner Ikeda.
• Come with Me If You Want to Live: Downplayed as no one is at life-threatening risk. But as Izuku's mental health is seriously declining because of his constant self-isolation, Momo's offer might come close.
  Izuku: How do I...how do I make up for that?
  Momo: You get in my car and let me take you on vacation.
• Cool and Unusual Punishment: Pulled off by Momo, as part of making Izuku pay for his ghosting. In this case, going with her as her date to Ochako's wedding.
• Cool Car: The Sports car that Momo drives searching for Izuku.
• Disapproving Look: Momo to Izuku, much to the discomfort of the latter.
• Eating the Eye Candy: Took to the most extreme as in Eye fucked for Momo. Though she isn't that far from enjoying the sight of Izuku taking off his hoodie or as she says.

  Momo: I believe you are familiar with the feeling? The hero gala when that exchange heroine from France stared at your ass the entire time?

• Exact Words: Implied for laughs by Momo. She is going on vacation with Izuku, even if she has to buy every plane in Japan.
• Executive Meddling: An in-universe example. The orders for her to guard, as well as improve the mood, the event came from Director Akiyama. A man who is short of patience in order to set up his son with Momo.
• Give Geeks a Chance: What desperately is trying the Director, as he believes that Momo didn't give his son a chance.
• Hopeless Suitor: Downplayed to a tolerable level. Kazuyoshi Akiyama, Director Akiyama's son, was one suitor of the Yaoyorozu's heiress. Though he didn't manage to woo her, at least is well-remembered by Momo as not being obnoxious or disrespectful.
• I Can Explain: Invoked by Izuku, to explain why he doubted that Momo would fulfill her promise. Cue another call off.
• Instant Fan Club: In this fan canon, in their third year, the first years made one called The Church of Momo. Izuku jokes about joining officially and building a shrine.
• Logical Weakness: Justified, partially. A big event like the Quarterly party could risk the infiltration of villain groups to the Police Department Building.
• Mutual Envy: When Yaoyorozu mentions feeling diminished, Izuku (after exposing all his inadequacies) wonders who could make her feel little… With him being that person…
• Not a Mask: The Comissioner who brings the news that ruins her day has a quirk that makes his face metallic.
• Oddly Overtrained Security: Implied heavily with the use of a Pro Hero to defend the Gala. Momo mentions that if so, it would be better to draft Tooru Hagure, or as she calls now Prism, but the heads asked for her personally.
• Promoted Fanboy: Poor Izuku, you are not a hero dork; as stated by Momo.
  Momo: What case was Shadowjump's major debut?
  Izuku: He was at Taros Facility Fire where he rescued five people and a kitten, calico pattern I think?
• Screw the War, We're Partying: Even though the war was won, there is no shortage of villain organizations plotting against society. Even then, it is necessary for the police and other related institutions to unwind. Perfectly resumed by Momo with the following quote:
  Momo as Narrator: Yet, even those who endeavoured to destroy mankind with paperwork needed time to let loose.
• She Is Not My Girlfriend: Gender inverted. After Momo doesn't find Izuku, she decides to go looking for him. The pilot invokes this, for Momo to mentally groan about it. Eventually Defied.
• Slave to PR: Downplayed, still to the chagrin of Momo. She HAS to keep most working relationships as a Pro Heroine.
• Suspiciously Specific Denial: Of course, Momo, you don't like Izuku. Again implied in the Reception of the wedding.

  Momo: I might prefer men with dark hair and eyes, but I am not blind, Izuku. You have beautiful green eyes, fluffy hair, cute freckles, and a splendid physique. Besides I like men who are taller than me.

• Suspicious Missed Messages: A laughable literal case. Izuku is not at risk but has been ghosting Momo after not showing himself at the airport. Followed by a serious dissing from Momo.
• This Is Unforgivable!: Downplayed. Momo is logically furious at the shameless abuse of power from Director Akiyama. Only to bottle most of her anger, as she already did before.
• Trademark Favorite Food: Or rather Trademark favorite drink, which for Momo is Tea. Inverted with prejudice for coffee, as she refers to it as an abomination.
• You Are Better Than You Think You Are: After the explanation, and exchanging humbled compliments, Momo mentions how little she feels in the industry. Izuku, on the other hand, counts the successes of her career as a heroine. Eventually, repeated after the college talk.
• You Are Not Alone: This concludes the discussion.
  Momo: I know, and if I wasn't aware of just how much you are hurting, I might let you. But I am...and even if I am still angry at you, I won't abandon you to that cycle anymore.

Chapter Three: Sunshine Baggage

• All Men Are Perverts: Implied by Momo, after Izuku's innocent answer to her hug.
  Momo: They'd see me as someone to be conquered, to be taken...and if I turned them down if I...said no? That I'm a selfish bitch.
• Amazonian Beauty: Tooru VR avatar. She is appalled that many people ask her to make her beefier…
• And Your Reward Is Edible: Another form of punishment from Momo to Izuku, for the latter losing her favorite fishing rod. In this case, he has to prepare dinner for them both, though he later adds his own version of the smores (with immediate ingredients). Much for Momo's delight.
• Asleep for Days: Downplayed to Day. The jet lag and the many bad nights came with a vengeance to Izuku and Momo.
• Award Snub: In-universe, Izuku finds insulting (and demands a recount) of Inasa's defeat in the Top 10.
  Izuku: He was robbed! Robbed I say.
• Conspiracy Theorist: Mina, Mina, Mina… You are bordering on Shoto's level of paranoia on this chat. Lampshaded by Tooru.
• Cooldown Hug: After the whole confession of his own inadequacies; Momo gives one to Izuku, Though he doesn't want to overstep. Eventually, he does the same in chapter 4, when she is still upset of being considered just another pretty face in the system.
• Cunning Like a Fox: Lampshaded by Momo.
  Momo: I didn't become the number five on just my fantastic breasts and buttocks.
• Cynicism Catalyst: The strain of his failed relationship is one for Midoriya.
  Izuku: She didn't, and that's when I started realizing that you guys, didn't really see Izuku, you saw Deku because that's what you wanted to see. So I gave it to you.
• Fictional Social Network: The ACMELINE App, and the UA girl's chat 'Queens of the New Age'.
• The First Cut Is the Deepest: Izuku and Ochako's strained relationship. She asked him to help with her project… But then asked if she wanted Izuku or Deku...
• Florence Nightingale Effect: Downplayed for both of them. While initially platonic, their relationship is based on mutual mental care and emotional support; which in turn bring forth romantic feelings for the other.
  Izuku: Hey Momo, you know I'm here for you too right? ]
• Girl Next Door: What Momo considers Izuku's ideal girl to start a relationship with.
• Gossip Evolution: Downplayed in the Girl's chat. Mina thinks how plausible it is for Momo to score a date with Midoriya, which Yaoyorozu quickly shoots down.
• Heroes Gone Fishing: At least for Izuku, it is. Mixed with (ironically) Fish out of Water, as he has absolutely no idea of what he is doing.
• Ironically Disabled Artist: Lampshaded and downplayed. While discussing the need for a Hobby to relax, Momo asks if Izuku still can draw. He mentions that it will be difficult with his mangled hands.
• Loving a Shadow: The biggest problem in Yaoyorozu's love life.
  Momo: Makoto well, he was entranced by the image of Creati that I had made. When I started showing the other parts of me, the parts that enjoy Britpop Jazz and truly terrible light novels, he flinched and ran.Thought that I was testing his commitment and he wasn't going to put up with that in a relationship.
• Mandatory Motherhood: Discussed and averted for Yaoyorozu. She isn't sure that she wants children, not because she hates them but more of her personal belief that she won't be a good mother.
• Marijuana Is LSD: Subverted with Momo, as an essentially functional addict to it, as well as the specially formulated cannabis that she smokes to chill. She does admit that it would be great if it were a bit stronger, though.
• Mighty Glacier: Downplayed with Izuku.
  Momo as Narrator: For a moment Momo considers pushing Izuku into the ocean, but unfortunately, she'd probably fail. Whatever his faults, the man was solid like a mighty oak tree.
• Must Have Caffeine: As described by Tooru, she needs her morning coffee… In the afternoon…
  Tooru by the chat name of TransparentlyBeautiful: Listen you let my transformation to a hotter more socially effective Aizawa happen in peace.
• Nature Abhors a Virgin: One of Setsuna's arguments on why Deku is undatable.
• Oblivious to Hints: Izuku truly is the perfect example when asking why going to Ochako's wedding.
  Momo as Narrator: A loud groan escapes Momo's lips, she should have made him take a hit too, even if he doesn't like it...mellow him out a little.
• Shrinking Violet: Played with some gravitas with Izuku. As Momo confronts why he thinks so little of their friendship, he confesses that he truly can't imagine any worth outside of his hero persona.
  Izuku: I'm not sure how to handle this, how to handle the idea that someone might like Izuku instead of Deku.
• So Bad, It's Good: Momo's guilty pleasure of terrible Light Novels. Also said word by word by Izuku, still on the topic.
• The Stoner: Mentioned by Izuku about the classmates most plausible to smoke pot, when discussing Momo's "hobby".
  Izuku: You know if I thought any of us would be smoking weed, it'd be Denki and then Sato.
• Tall Tale: Mentioned by Momo from the time with her grandfather about fishing.
• Wealthy Yacht Owner: How and where the third chapter starts, with Momo sunbathing and Izuku trying to fish in the open sea.

Chapter Four: A Little Perfect

• Always Second Best: Played for Laughs towards coffee, at least in Momo's eyes.
  Momo: Why should I be okay drinking objectively worse caffeine water?
• Amnesia Loop: Lampshaded by Intelli, and put into the discussion for Yaoyorozu, with the definition of Insanity. Yaoyorozu's taste might be exquisite, but that doesn't save her from repeating the same pattern over and over in her love life.
• Angst: Maybe the most problematic part of her personality, even after al this time. While mentally ranting about the situation in the Kyoto college, the answer she gave didn't convince the student, or herself.
  Momo as Narrator: Doubt is like a worm, once it finds soil it will burrow and dig until you can't find where it entered and where it left.
• Armor-Piercing Question: A well-given one from Intelli to Yaoyorozu. Part of her Love Epiphany.
  Saiko: But, my dear Empress, is that the only reason you're watching?
• Believing Their Own Lies: Inverted. Even with the fact that she is doing her best to improve the situation in post-war Japan, Yaoyorozu can't help but feel like an imposter.
• Can't Take Criticism: Subverted. She IS indeed annoyed by that sanctimonious question, but can't help asking herself if she is a good example.
• Cuddle Bug: Justified during the dance, as Yaoyorozu is still unpacking her thoughts about a relationship with Midoriya.
  Momo: Just let me stay like this while I think.
• Dance of Romance: Inadvertedly pulled of by Izuku, when asked Momo for the next piece.
• Doppelgänger Dating: Discussed by Yaoyorozu as part of her Love Epiphany.
  Momo: Dark hair and dark eyes were easy enough, people typically find those who resemble themselves and their family easier to get along with, and more attractive.
• Do You Trust Me?: Asked directly by Yaoyorozu. And enforced by Midoriya, as he always trusts in Momo, even when she might be in the wrong.
• Enraged by Idiocy: Downplayed. Yaoyorozu is pretty annoyed after a student tries to denounce her as a bad influence on the newer generations of heroines.
• Et Tu, Brute?: Again for laughs, when Izuku points out the preferred selection of teas of Yaoyorozu and compares them to coffee.
• Everyone Can See It: Discussed primarily with Saiko. When Momo is still denying her feelings, it is Saiko who denotes it in front of the very protagonist.
• Explain, Explain... Oh, Crap!: Even when trying to convince herself, Yaoyorozu can't help but compliment many of Izuku's qualities. Even trying to use her type as an explanation as to why she doesn't want to date him.
• Friendless Background: As in Canon, Izuku mentions it to Momo while giving a reassuring hug.
  Izuku: I always wanted someone, anyone really to tell me I could be a hero.
• Friendly Enemy: Played partially for laughs. Saiko Intelli (here under the name of Athena is one for Momo Yaoyorozu. Most of their converstions is just sniping at each other.
• Hair-Trigger Temper: Discussed when talking about Katsuki.
  Momo: You could hand him a bottle of siracha and he would be angry that you weren't holding it right.
• Heartbreak and Ice Cream: While not in a heartbreak, Yaoyorozu had a bad mood after the speech in the Kyoto college; to the point of considering just watching TV and eating ice cream. Not the abomination that is coffee ice cream.
• Home Sweet Home: How indirectly Yaoyorozu confesses to Midoriya.
  Momo: Let's go home Izuku,
  Izuku: Home?
• Humanity Is Flawed: Lampshaded and justified with the heroes and their institutions. They aren't the perfect champions of goodness and will falter many times. Yet, it doesn't stop many of them from trying to be the best they can be.
  Momo: The Department isn't that much better, but it tries at least a little. It knows that the public will never buy Heroes as infallible, not after the War.
• Inappropriate Role Model: What Yaoyorozu fears she might be at the end of her rant, as she feels part of a flawed model of society.
• Insufferable Genius: One of the reasons why Saiko is like she is.
  Saiko: When your quirk is literally intelligence, it's not really in your best interest to willingly kill brain cells, even if we can make them grow back now.
• Jealous Romantic Witness: Though still not sorted out, Momo can't help but feel irritated with Izuku dancing with the other girls. Still, she doesn't do anything… Yet...
• Just Ignore It: Subverted by Izuku. If something is bothering Momo, then he will do his best to remedy it.
• Lipstick Lesbian: Saiko is one. Though she lacks interest in men, she still loves making a scene.
• Misery Builds Character: As cynic as he is, Midoriya shows it every time he is out of depression. Mixes a bit with Life Isn't Fair. And one of the reasons why Yaoyorozu ends falling for him.
  Momo: But that's not…
  Izuku: Not fair? It isn't, but neither is what you're doing to yourself. Maybe your example pressures some girls and boys into going too far or makes them feel ashamed. But you've always made it a point that beauty wasn't from your body, that you should be proud of who you are. You...probably make a lot of insecure kids think they're going to be okay. I would have really loved to hear one of your speeches in middle school about how my looks were fine, I know that much.
• Pair the Smart Ones: Or pair the dorks together. This is how ends the tension between Midoriya and Yaoyorozu, with both nerds imitating many Tropes of their favourite media.
  Momo: We really are a pair of dorks aren't we?
• Quit Your Whining: Played straight for Yaoyorozu and Inverted for Intelli. The former has nothing to complain about, as she is trying to deny some conflicting personal thoughts. The latter simply mentions that there IS always a reason to complain.
• Rescue Romance: In a platonic sense, this is what had been for Midoriya. He crushed for Yaoyorozu after going on vacation. And couldn't help but fall in love with the person behind the Creati persona.
• Sacred First Kiss: How Izuku sees how it should be their first kiss as an official couple. Even offering flying to home for Momo to enjoy it in privacy.
• Screw the Rules, I Have Connections!: Mentioned and partially Justified by Momo. Sometimes it is more worth the ability to use connections, than simply having talent or resources, as her cousin Shizuka demonstrated.
• Sealed with a Kiss: And how her confessions is sealed. Mixed with Test Kiss as she wanted to make sure that she truly wanted Izuku in her life, as well as more of that.
• Secret Test of Character: Momo asks for what Izuku sees in her eyes… Hoping for a kindred soul. He passes
  Izuku: I...see you puzzled, determined, worried, concerned, and something else...something I don't know what to name.
• Token Evil Teammate: Poor Intelli. Her works needs some compromises which she does for the greater good. This gives her a reputation among her colleagues.

  Saiko: It is a party, and I rarely get a chance to indulge, people don't like me can you imagine?

• We Really Do Care: Izuku truly backs his promise to check for Momo, especially after that horrible talk.
• When She Smiles: A gender-inverted example. Momo can't help but see Izuku smile at the party with the same acted grin he shows in front of the cameras; which demonstrates how much she knows about him. Eventually shown after confessing her feelings for him.
• Working Out Their Emotions: In the end, the little visit from Midoriya is this intellectually for Momo.
  Izuku: I like the banter, even if you keep on using your big brain to win.
• "You Used to Be Better" Speech: A downplayed version for laughs. Momo is "appalled" that Saiko's provocations have fallen from her usual level of sophistication.
  Momo: You disappoint me, Saiko, your provocations aren't usually this blatant.

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