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Chapter Text

[Congratulations Player 003!]
[You got hit by a car.]
[You have died.]

"What scam is this?" You shout as you fall to your knees the pain in your body fading into a dull throbbing pang. You found yourself in a void, a void of the skies. The beautiful crystal blue sky is dotted beautifully with plush white clouds, white and crisps, not a hint of grey in the cotton clouds. ou knelt in a trippy situation, as the sky was above you, you stood on the sky itself.

In front of you like a taunting face inches away from you. The box is a beautiful pink color, deep cherry rose pink, semi-see-through screen. It was almost... whimsical, like a dialogue box from a romance game, light and fluttery. The juxtaposition of the sweet box and the fancy... robotic text took you out. You are looking at a lie, a big fat lie.

[Congratulations!]
[You are eligible for reincarnation!]

Your mouth drops, mind scrambles for answers or in general logic. Then the rage bubbles over and your head explodes, you grab the pink floating system text shaking it violently. "Look here you little shit—" You growl out. The glowing box sent out an electric shock, but you ignored it. The shocks slowly grow stronger and stronger until the shock makes your hands twitch and let go.

"Take me home!" You cry. You had roommates waiting on us for dinner, and a cat waiting to be fed! You had exams! You're so close to graduating! It was all violently taken away from you as a drunk idiot hit you with a car. Your body bounces blood gushing out. Your body cracks and shatters as the car runs you over.

The pink weird box, whatever it was didn't respond. That irritated you, you stared at the pink box before sighing and looking around.

You turn around and start walking away, far away from the pink box.

This place is like a dream, a beautiful dream. Like that place, people film those aesthetically pleasing videos. This liminal land was like heaven; if this was heaven you wouldn't mind staying here forever. If this is purgatory you also stay here forever. You keep walking away from the pink box.

[Congratulations!]
[You are eligible for reincarnation!]

Pop!

The pink box pops back in front of you. You walk right through it and it reappears in front of you.

[Congratulations!]
[You are eligible for reincarnation!]

You walk left.

[Congratulations!]
[You are eligible for reincarnation!]

you walk right.

[Congratulations!]
[You are eligible for reincarnation!]

You turn around and begin to walk.

[Congratulations!]
[You are eligible for reincarnation!]

"Fine!!"

[Request Obtained!]
[System Main Quest: Completed.]
[Player 003 is now eligible for a reward request!]

"Eh?" You stared at the pink screen dumbly and grumbled, your mind was melting. What reward? What does this thing consider a reward? What happens if this is like making a deal with the devil and everything has a double meaning and you have to micromanage your wish? "Can it... wait?" You ask uncertainly.

[Request accepted!]

You sigh with relief, you get to think of this reward, you need to get the most out of this ordeal. "So... when will I return?" You have a life you need to return to.

[System is confused.]
[Player 003 will not be returning!]

"Eh?" You said confusingly. You stared at the pink box for what felt like hours.

[Player 003 will be sent to a new world. The player will be expected to fulfill quests for the System, in return they get rewards that will help them in this new world!]

"I want to go home! I have a cute cat!" You cry out shaking the pink square. You grip tightly on it and ignore the shocks, "Send me back!"

[System will penalize the user.]

Your mouth fell open and glared at the pink box. You slowly let go and grumble. What the hell does this thing want? Why is it here? Why you? Can't you just die in peace? "System... Why did you pick me?" You ask the thing. It responded to you once surely it can respond again.

[Player 003 Died too soon; therefore, System is allowed to use Player 003.]

You purse your lips, It is talking in the third person, what is it AM? How narcissistic... You silently judged the pink box. You couldn't tell if you wanted to laugh, cry, or scream, maybe all three let all those emotions flow through you and away from you. You wonder if pleading to the System would get you bonus points or let you leave, but... it is a narcissist. You sat down and looked up at the pink box, "What is this new world?" You say in a defeated tone.

[System is Delighted!]
[Player 003 will be transported to Universe 501, to Earth. This world is filled with people with superpowers.]

"So Marvels? DC?"

[System is angry you interrupted.]

".... So no?" You said slowly.

[System is tired of Player 003's stupidity.]

You glare at the pink box wanting to hit it, but remember this thing can dictate your life. You remember you already have a penalty which means you probably gonna be either a shitty villain or a useless side character, with the delusional task to be a hero. You sigh and lean back on your hands, in your gut you feel like you are going to die because of the system. 

"Well? Go on." You tell the pink box waiting for it to speak again.

[Player 003 will be reincarnated into a random person's body and will be sent a quest that must be fulfilled or you be penalized. Your goal is to survive.]

And bingo... 

You wonder if you can be penalized for dying... or if it ends if you die... Could it bring you back to life? You wanted to ask the System questions without being penalized or being yelled at by a pink box. You sat there silently for a few minutes but the pink box didn't change so you assumed you could speak.

"So... what will I get penalized for?" You ask after huffing.

[System has decided you will be born into the small powerless population!]

Great... You sat back and sighed looking at the screen before looking away. "So... what do I have to do?" You need a decisive answer to what you do.

[Player 003 will be doing Quest to fulfill the requirements. System will give rewards in return.]

The stupid thing was so vague it was annoying.

"So.... My wish... is it like making a wish with the devil? Double meaning?" You ask slowly not trying to make the system hostile to you.

[The System is annoyed]
[System isn't some sort of cruel fool, you will get your fair wish.]

You wanted to roll your eyes. Cruel fool.

"Alright... I want the ability to manipulate time, specifically rewind time." You spoke up slowly.

[System is thinking...]

You wait. You feel this pit in your stomach like a wave of twisted Anxiety grips your gut and stomach, you want to lay down as nausea takes over. You hope this wish won't be declined, it was giving you a superpower, maybe because you're supposed to be powerless about this... system would refuse your wish. You hope not, this could make things so... more manageable for you.

[System accepts Player 003's wish with a condition. The user has a limited try per quest and once a quest is finished backtracking will not change past quest completion.]

You sigh and feel the bubbliness in your stomach die down.

[Is Player 003 ready to be reincarnated?]

"... Yes."

Everything goes white.

Chapter Text

You woke up screaming, screaming for who knows what. By the time you notice where you were, you just couldn't stop screaming even if you wanted. You wailed and sobbed but no tears appeared, screaming like a baby. You tried to stand up but felt weakness in your body. You couldn't lift your head, it felt like a thousand pounds. You lift your arms and find a chubby limb appear in your line of sight. You are a baby. You scream this time more in shock than fear. You didn't want to be a child again! To lose your autonomy, the freedom you grew very fold of, even worse is you'll have to go back to school! You cry and curse, but all that leaves your mouth are babbles of screams.

Nobody came.

You frown, but cannot stop screaming. You scream and scream, crying for something, for anyone. You soon grew hungry, and uncomfortable with your diaper. You hate this. No one was around. You stared at the clock wailing your heart out as the shorthand slowly moved, hours passed and no one came. Fear grips your heart and you wonder if this is how you die for the second time. Where were your parents, where were you? Hours pass and your throat begins to hurt but you cannot stop wailing for freedom for peace, for anyone! Anyone... Someone please come.

"Are you alright?" You cry lower as you see a boy walking closer to you. Dread hit you as the thought this was your father hit you. He smiles at you, his hair like a flaming blue cloud, and his tan skin oddly suits him. You didn't know who he was and you didn't stop crying so maybe somewhere in your baby's brain you didn't know who he was. "Here, you look uncomfortable," he coos softly a small smile tugging on his lips.

The boy reaches for you and gently lifts you up brings you over to a dresser and lays you down. Instantly you realize what he was going to do and you freak out, you didn't want a stranger changing your diaper or seeing you in this pathetic state. You wail only making the boy more stressed out.  He shushed you and pulled out a phone calling someone. He searched for baby stuff as he waited for someone to pick it up. Who is this boy? Who is he calling? You hope it's the police.

"Hizashi can you come to my location?" The boy calls on his phone as he locates everything he needs before walking back to you and starting to change your diaper. You kept your eyes averted, you felt your cheeks flush but it probably matched your cries. "I found an abandoned baby... not a kitten! A baby!" The phone call ends and the boy finishes cleaning you up.

"There you go, do you feel better?" He said in a soft baby voice. Your embarrassment dies as intense feet of hunger grip your guts and your stomach growls like an empty gas tank. You begin to cry again. That's all you seem capable of doing, screaming and crying. He picks you up and bounces you around walking through the small room. You wonder where you are again, was this an apartment or a house? either way, why was this boy in here with you? What is he doing here?

A few minutes pass as the boy brings you into the kitchen, he is clearly looking for food. He opens the fridge and frowns before looking down at you apologetically. There was no food. "Just wait a little bit longer, I, Oboro Shirakumo will make sure you are sent to a safe place!" He announced.

"Shirakumo?" The boy whips his head around and smiles seeing a blonde boy walk in. "Holy shit you weren't lying!" The new boy asks. You look back at Oboro, your (e/c) eyes sparkle with wonder. You turn over to see the blonde step closer and closer getting a better look at you. Your stomach growls and another wave of uncontrollable urge arises through your entire body and you let out the loudest wail in hours. You are starving.

"Dude she got a set of pipes on her," The new boy smiles poking your baby's cheeks and letting the fat spring back to the place from his touch. 

"We need to buy her baby formula—"

"Let's just drop her off at the police, let them handle it. We're already late for school!" Oboro didn't seem to notice and if he did he didn't care. He simply swings his backpack on and lifts you up cradling you in his arm. He smelled nice and your cries died down. What a sweet boy, you knew he made a great husband to some lucky man or woman.

Oboro jumps onto his clouds and rushes out of the building, as you look over your shoulder you feel your heart drop and sink into the abyss of anxiety, the building you were in was old. It was an abandoned house. Someone left you there to die... Your parents wanted you dead... The system really lets you be sent to an abandoned house to die from exposure.

The system really is an ass!

The boy float along your baby's hands grasping for the clouds he was sitting on. The clouds slip through your stubbly little fingers. How was he doing this? was this his "superpower" as the system referred to as? He lands and you tilt your head, but quickly yelp as your big head pulls your neck into a funny position. You couldn't read what the sign said... was that Japanese? Or Chinese? you couldn't tell, all you know is it wasn't Korean. Oboro catches your head supporting your neck as he walks inside.

Surely this place doesn't have baby formula. You look around it looks like a drugstore. He walked around until he found the baby formula and a bottle. Never once have you seen baby bottles and formula in a simple drugstore, maybe they have baby food but not baby formula. He hands you off to his friend... Hizashi was it? Oboro on the other hand was pouring the formula in and adding warm water, shaking the bottle for you.

"Dude, what do we do with a baby?" Hizashi asks handing you back over to Oboro.

"I was just gonna call my mom and figure it out with her."

"... Well since you have a plan I'm going to school, one of us has to cover your ass." Oboro smiles before turning his attention back to you wiggle his finger at you.

"Thanks, man, I can't leave anyone who needs help. I'm a hero after all!" Oboro declares as he puts the tip of the nipple in your mouth. You begin to drink quickly, your empty stomach filling up. The other boy leaves, leaving you with Oboro.  You don't know what to think of Oboro, he was a strange kid. Who goes to an abandoned building and finds a baby? This one is a weird one.

"Mom," Oboro speaks on the phone as he walks. A few people turned to him, some scowled, others smiled, but most looked confused. He kept walking, the sky was still blue. The buildings look normal, but the people... Only some look human. People walked around with horns, color skin color, tails, extra arms, wings... What was this place? It felt like you were watching a fantasy show, where different species were mingling together. It kind of reminds you of Avatar the Last Airbender, some were pends, and others weren't.  "I found a baby in an abandoned building what do I do?"

Grief hits you and you begin to cry, this time real tears roll down your face. You missed your family. In this new world, you were abandoned, who will stand behind you as you take a step forward? You know the government does not care for individuals who have no ties to power. You are powerless, how you activate your time powers you have no idea... will the system tell you? Or will you have to figure it out? Fear grips you, no one is obligated to care about you. No one is expected to love you. Your mind race, it seems a lot of people have some sort of power or oddity to them. You look down at your body, you look normal. You wonder if anyone wants to adopt you when you have nothing special to you.

Oboro bounces you up and down trying to soothe your fearful cries. But fat globby tears roll down your face as you cry. People turn to you, but you can't stop mourning the loss of your old family, the loss of your cat, the loss of your friends, and everything you know. Realization hit you now, you're a stranger in a strange world, alien to everything you know.

From your blurry vision, you see something light pink. Your eyes widen, and a few more tears fall from your eyes. There above your head is a system window. You reach out with your chubby hands, and it phases right through, but you feel a slight electric shock fly down your arm.

[Welcome to Universe 501, where 80% of the population have a power called, quirks. You, Player 003 are in the minority 20% of Quirkless population.]
[Main Quest: Get Adopted.]
[Time requirement: Five Years]

"Eh?" You babble out staring at the pink box, the box has a small timer in the corner counting down from 60 seconds. You read the information over and over again. Main quest... Get adopted... Time duration... Five years. The pink box vanishes and a new dread sets in your stomach. You're racked with anxiety and fear. The claws of fear and hands of anxiety rip at your small form weighing you down. You were going to drown in all this stress. You started to cry again, stressed crying.

"Shh, We're almost home, you'll be safe," Oboro shushed up as he got off the phone. His words weren't very comforting.

By the time you two stopped walking, you were in front of a house, brutal in architecture but on the inside, it felt homey, sweet, and warm. There you see a woman walk out with hair like a perfect cloud puffy cloud. The woman worriedly walks forward scooping you up and looking down at your small figure. "Where did you find her?"

"Where the Kato family used to live. I was doing one last kitten feeding when I heard a baby's cry." Oboro explains. 

"Well go to school, I'll call the police." Oboro's mother said.

Oboro pauses for a second and looks at you.

Poof!

A pink box appears. 

[Hidden Quest: Oboro's Heart]
[Accept?]        [Deny?]

You squint. Time slowed. A pink hue engulfed your body. A 60-second timer begins. You freak out, not knowing what was going on. A hidden quest? What is this? If you refuse will you be penalized? You steal yourself and sucked in a deep breath. You're a baby. You can't do anything. You stared at the box, indecisiveness hitting you like a truck.

5

4

3

2

1

[Time's Up.]

The pink hue surrounding you fades and Oboro blinks. He frowns but sits down to put his shoes back on. You hold in breath but you don't see any pink system box appearing. You let out a hiccuping sigh. You watch as Oboro waves goodbye to his mother and leaves for school. You felt a wave of dread hit you, and you don't know why.

"Don't worry baby girl," The woman coos at you tickling your cheeks, "I'll call the police and they'll figure something out."

Of course. You'll be sent off to someone else left for the government to either abandon you within the system or a lucky samaritan to save you. It didn't take long for some police officers to come. By then, you have fallen asleep.

This is the last time you see Oboro.

.

.

.

.

You were dropped off at a fancy-looking Orphanage miles away. You look around and your eyes widen. The busy street of Shibuya caught your eye. You're in Japan! Tokyo to be exact. Your eyes are soaked in the busy streets as the car drives by. The orphanage you were left at was large. Corporate building with glasses and a small park on the building side. There in big English lettering was Edan's Children Orphanage.

You were handed over to a large woman, old from the look of her face. She had a small smile. You looked at her badge the random squiggle of Japanese characters made no sense to you.

This will be your home... You hope not for long.

You need to be adopted.

Chapter Text

The first night was loud. Lightning and thunder raged outside, all the babies one by one began to wail and cry and you couldn't help but join them. There weren't enough nurses, you only saw ten in the room full of babies, and they only helped the loudest babies. That night you got no sleep, you were hungry and miserable. You passed out hours later when you realized the nurse didn't care for you.

Being a baby is hard.

The first year was a lot of crying, and trying to get attention, you got it 5% of every time you tried. The nurses were busy, you kind of felt bad for them. There were twenty faces you see often, you assumed they were the full-time nurses, there were also others but they came and went never staying longer than a year. You felt small and weak, unloved. So you cried you cried most days until your voice grew horse and you fell into a depression.

It didn't take long for you to become one of the "easy" babies, the one where nurses could spend less time. you were usually left alone in your cot, with little stimuli, The only time you got personal attention was being fed and diaper changed. It was rather depressing. You often waited for Oboro to come and visit you, but he never did, you wonder if you were too far away from him to do so. You often wonder about that hidden quest, but you were a baby what could a baby do?

When it came to milestones you were the last to achieve things. You didn't flip over until, months after everyone else, you didn't speak your first words, and the first words you spoke were your mother tongue not Japanese. You struggled to learn Japanese, you spoke it with an accent, which the nurses found very funny. You struggled to learn the new language but it was far easier than when you were in high school trying to learn a language. In all, you were a good baby with a little quirk of being the slowest.

You didn't like the other babies. They wailed and screamed, they threw up and shit themselves. You didn't blame them for being literal babies but they graded on your soul. They were so dirty and you always moved away from other kids because they would grab onto you chewing on your flesh, drooling all over your clothes, and slobber everywhere. They were loud and destructive.

You always looked out for the pink box, but it didn't appear in the four years. You almost forgot the quest details in the four years.

By the age of three, you were able to be around the other kids, the other little brats. There were so many kids, you lost count after the fiftieth new face you saw. You remember asking an older kid, “Oh like 10,000 kids mostly quirkless kids.” You felt bad for those kids, a small city abandoned by society. The orphanage was a singular building, a tall skyscraper. It was a raft in a sea of unique looks. It is filled with unremarkable people abandoned by society. This was the government's way of keeping all the useless quirkless kids in one place. Their parents didn't want them and neither did society.

There were three types of quirkless kids: the bad ones, those that lash out and grow increasingly difficult to work with. Most of those kids ran away, where too you didn't know. The second group where the overachievers. They did anything to get notice, good grades, good behavior, and good skills. The best of the best were usually adopted the others strived to be like those kids. The last case where the loners, the quiets. They did very little to be noticed, they lived their heads down and did their own thing. But am on at quirkless loners was an unspoken rule, they were all equal, and those that become bullies are shunned.

Young heroes always came here, around the same time every year. They were in their hero suit and spent most of their days taking care of the toddlers and older kids, they always talked about heroism, and becoming a hero, it was a pipeline from innocent child to hero fanatic. A few of the shyer heroes stood by you, you were easy to look after. 

Heroes came here often, and so did criminals doing community service, there were always police around when they came. It didn't take you long to realize this was the number one orphanage in Tokyo, the orphanage All Might donates his money. All Might was the Superman of this universe, he came here and there to read to us, and let the kids play all over him. You always sat back stressed over getting adopted rather than playing.

Your only real comfort was Yuka Kobayashi, the head nurse, she's old and spent most of her time stitching up children's close. You always sat with her watching the others. Somehow in the long days of sitting by yourself, you meet a few older kids. Soon you begin to spend time with them and their friends, hanging out late into the night listening to their conversation.

Preschool was fine, you were cute outfits that matched you with the others, forced to hold hands wearing bright jackets as you crossed the streets. In all Everyone paid small children no mind, even the villains tried not to hurt us. Once everyone turns four quirks begin to appear, and one by one your classmates discover their quirks. Some were cool others not so much, but you knew you won't have one. When you didn't develop a quirk all the nurses thought once more you be the last to manifest one. But it never came. Kids begin to talk and soon you are outcasted, but you don't care, you know. The nurses spent less time with you, and the probability of you getting adopted was close to zero, but you hoped.

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It was around dinnertime when you were walking around the building absentmindedly, the food was fine here, actually, it was one of the better, but it wasn't the food you long for. You stop walking once you hear mild talking, you peak through the door to see a couple standing there crying. You didn't know who they were. You wonder if this was your time to get adopted. You listen on.

“What child are you looking for?” the Orphanage director asks. He was a money focus, to him we were like cattle— pets being sold.

“A quiet one we're quirkless and like a quirkless child,” your ears perk and you feel the excitement rise within you. 

This is your chance!

You step closer and the floor creaks and the adults turn to look at you. You poke your head in bashfully, well more like Oh shit you were caught. You knew the director didn't know you, he probably only knows the high achievers of the coolest quirked kids out there.

“Who are you?” the director asks.

“(y/n),” you offer knowing full well this man doesn't know who you are. The name sounds foreign on your tongue.

 Often you miss who you were. Especially your Mom, sometimes you wish someone would have your back— no one does here.

“Go back to the dining hall!” he barks at you, and you feel paralyzed. Your gaze flickers over to the couple and they look you over, you can see the gears turning in their head. You open your mouth ready to say your quirkless, but the look in their eyes says something. There was something off about them, and you didn't like it. The ick formed.

You slowly turn around and walk away.

The pink box appeared. 

[Main Quest: Get Adopted]
[Status: Failed]

"What?!" You yelled grabbing onto the pink box you hadn't seen in years. Your eyebrow begins to twitch angrily. You weren't about the barge into there and shout 'I am quirkless!' Hoping to be adopted. Does the system expect you to sell your soul and dignity? How disgraceful.

"What am I supose to do?" You ask panicking and freaking out. Your stomach growls.

[Penatlty Quest: Survival]

Your face blanched and you felt your cheeks tingle painfully, fear and guilt eating you up.

[Rules: Survive the Alotted time]
[Time left: 167 Hours, 59 Minutes, 59 seconds]

The floor beneath you Opens up and you fall in. You let out a strangled scream as you land roughly on a grassy knoll. You rub your butt and look around seeing the forest all around you. You felt fear, complete fear. Where were you? You look into the sky and no buildings are around you, it is only the full moon looming anonymously above you.

"System where the fuck am I?" You squeak out the terror set in. You are barely five years old.

[Your goal is to survive a nightfall in this dungeon, in return, you will return to your universe.]

In the distance you hear a roar, it sends shivers down your spine. In your mind, one thought appeared.

Run.

You ran, running for your life. Something out there was chasing you. You had a ridiculous time duration in this place, so many hours, it was more than 3 days in here. Will anyone notice you're gone? You doubt it many Yuka would notice. You feel tears pricking in your eyes as you begin to cry from terror, your baby brain exploding with fear.

You ran, through the pitch blackness of the forest, you could only see from the glowing mushroom on the forest floor. To your surprise the ground wasn't made of dead leaves and random sticks, it was moss, soft and gentle under your feet. You felt hunger grip you again and you cursed yourself for not eating.

You fumble and you fall hard, your knees scrapping some tree roots, instantly a sharp sting hits you, you are bleeding. You curse under your breath and shout into the night air. "System when I catch you! Oh, when I catch you!" You stand up and wince from the sharp and spontaneously dull pain in your knees, you keep moving.

The only time you stop running is when you find a strange white marble Gazebo. You sat inside the Gazebo on the cool marble ground, its coolness helped relieve the heat you had worked up.

[Congratulation Player 003! You have found the safe zone. Here you are safe and give anything you need only for five hours.]

You sigh and around you, a table of food appears and a small box of bandages and alcohol wipes. You get up and slowly wipe your knees cling wincing at the pain, you stick as many bandages on your knees creating a little mountain of padding. You got some food, and to your surprise, you see your old native food, and you gobble it down.

You passed out, tired as hell body warn out.

.

.

.

.

Boom Boom Boom.

Your eyes shoot open and you are lying on soft moss, you can feel the ground shake violently. Your eyes dart around and you see nothing but trees the Gazebo gone. In the distance you see a point and an arbitrary number, you get up and begin to run towards it. This almost felt like a video game but you didn't want to be inside a video game!

"System I hate you!" You shout.

[System is Mildly amused.]

"When I catch you."

[Systems knows you'll never catch him.]

"Wait you're a him?" You were in shock your speed slowing down before a loud guttural heart-shaking roar leaked through the trees of the forest like a death fog, making you run faster. "... Why are you pink? Are you gay?"

[System is offended. System isn't gay—]

"Stop talking in the third person, you're not AM! You, not him!" You gasp out looking ahead for a second as you run towards the point, you hope it is the Gazebo. As soon as you run out of the forest into a meadow of flowers you look up, the moon hasn't moved much maybe an inch or two. You slept for five hours sure the moon would close to setting close to dawn.

"Hey System why isn't the moon moving?"

[System rolls his eyes. You must survive nightfall, time moves differently here.]

"... No shit," you grumble. Around you the flowers bloom, their petals glowing before you. Soon they began to float the heads of flowers twirling so elegantly, that you were in awe before their petals turned into sharp blades. Your legs and arms were sliced like little paper cuts. you let out groans of pain and keep running.

"System what is this shit?" you cry out, the little burns in your arms and legs were killing you. They sting and blood oozes out. You hated this, all because you got the ick from the couple!

"System you're a cunt you know that?"

[System is offended.]

"Good you ugly, short, stupid, insecure fool!" The ground below you gives out and you fall about a foot into a hole, rolling your ankle, you let out a strangled cry and glare upwards seeing the pink screen before you gloating.

[Do not Offend System. I control if you live or die.]

You growl but bite your tongue your temper would get you killed and you rather not die like a dog out here. You crawl out of the hole and look behind you seeing a large lumbering form getting closer, you curse and take off running again. You're glad that you were young and a rolled ankle didn't mean much but a slight pain. With your eyes locked on the little point in the distance the descending miles you kept moving.

Your lung burns, it burns you and needs water to breathe, you gasp and your vision begins to blur, but the beast is right behind you. You break into the forest again your gaze drops to the ground as you jump and avoid rocks and expose roots. The forest broke a little bit and there next to a small stream was the Gazebo.

As your first foot hit the marble stairs something violently sliced through your back. You howl in pain and look back to see a giant owl-head lion with the tail of a snake. You crawl backward into the Gazebo as the creature prowls around you. Its feet were like the talons of a hawk.

[Congragulation Player 003 you have found the safe zone.]

You rolled your eyes collapsed onto the cold marble and began to cry, all your emotions washed over you and you just couldn't take it anymore, you didn't want to die like this. You died once but this was far more painful. You look around the gazebo and see a bigger first aid kit. You crawl forward, body stinging and sore.

.

.

You didn't know what time had passed the stupid system didn't reappear after the threat. You ran from one stop to another. After the tenth run, you just give up counting, you begin to live from one run to another. You were tired, angry, in wanted to just go home. At this point, you were contemplating if you wanted to die or not. Running was not it.

"System you call out, tired and ready to give up." You feel the familiar glow of the pink appears above you. "How much longer? Because if it's long, I'm going to let myself die."

[System is shocked.]

You rolled your eyes. This dumbass guy doesn't realize putting someone in this situation is a good idea?

[Player 003 still has 120 hours left.]

"No. I'm killing myself." You say calmly, this is the last time you're running. 

[System will not let you.]

"And you can stop me?" You question back. The system's sweet pink question turns blood red. Your eyes widen slightly.

["You will do no such thing."]

Your mouth drops open as the system speaks up, he has a deep voice, deep and sensual it growls out its command. You flush at his voice and grumble. This system had to have a nice voice and a shitty personality. 

"And what will you do?" You ask back.

["I won't let you die, you will suffer and suffer until I say so."]

"I do not consent!" You growl back trying to stand up but every limb in your body gave out underneath you.

["I don't care."]

That's when hell begins.

Everything got harder.

The time in the Gazebo got an hour shorter, which was hell for you, you barely slept and barely recovered from your injuries. You moved like a zombie, barely comprehending what was going on around you. You slowly grew to resent the system the strange man behind your suffering. 

Why wouldn't he just let you die? This was such an unusual and cruel punishment.

You had several breakdowns, especially after an arrow pierced through your thigh. You knew not to pull the arrow down so you cut off the wood that stuck out. You cried but never begged the system for help. You knew better.

You just cried until you had no tears left but despair and pain. You wish you could fight the system whoever is behind it.

But for now, you could rest.

A/N:

Sorry, for the late update we are a little busy and I didn’t know Exactly how I wanted this chapter to go. Thank you all of the 1K reads!!!!

Chapter Text

Your arm was broken, twisted violently bone sticking out of your flesh. The pain was dull but sharp, you couldn't acclimate to the pain only accepted and tried to ignore it. You were crying, your body so exhausted, your mind was running on pure fear and the absurdity of the situation, you were half laughing half crying. You collapse onto the gazebo and look behind you at the lindwurm as it lung at your right foot chomping down trying to pull you out. You let out a scream and kicked the thing in the face. You feel your ankle being crushed, your skin tearing apart, and blood gushing out. You were able to wiggle your broken ankle out of the lindwurm's maw. You crawl forward, all limbs inside the white marble Gazebo.

"System!" You gasp out, "How much longer?" You plea out, your ankle pulsating painfully. Your ankle was ruined if you didn't get help soon you might have to amputate it.

[Player 003 still has 6 hours left.]

You grumble and go for the first aid kit. The pink box didn't disappear so you look back at it. It was blank before the text appeared.

Irritation set in.

[Systam can't believe player 003 is this pathetic.]

"System I am five!"

[Player 003, are you stupid? You have temporal powers.]

"I don't know how to use it." You protest as you try to figure out how to wrap your ankle. You have two hours where you have to survive, two long fucking hours. You wince and try not to cry in front of the pink box. You wanted to sit there and cry, let the monsters eat you, but the last time you did that you lost your arms, System only gave it back after mocking you. He brought it back in the most painful way. It's like your arm being reforged. You went through the painful stink of raw flesh, to the itchy state of a scab. In all, you suffered and cried.

["Player 003 you had five years to figure it out, You are more pathetic than I realize."]

"That's enough!"

["Shut up and listen!"]

You flinch at his tone and a hand comes out of the pink box and grips your throat, lifting you up off the ground. His skin was as warm and deep brown as the Sahara desert. His skin radiates a warmth that sends a shiver down your spine. His hands were large, callous and they squeeze painfully around your neck. You gasps and your breath hitch in your throat. The scent of sandalwood and roses comes off his skin. Your small hands grab onto his hand trying to pry it off your neck. Tears prickle in your eyes. 

He could kill you.

["Weak little girl trying to play with a God. I will explain this once and only once, Use your head, monkey! I will not hand feed you information stop begging."]

You start to cry and he drops you. You land violently on your right foot, pain shoots up in your crushed ankle. More tears roll down your face and you fall into a heap of tears and exhaustion. You weren't even hungry anymore, just in pain. You wanted your mom, you wanted to sit there and cry, and hopefully, a trusted adult would come and save you. You go back to tending to your wounds, this time your broken left arm, the same one he regrew and then immediately broke. You grit your teeth and try to set your arm. You pull on your arm, screaming, the bones sliding back into your skin. You had no idea how to set your bones. So you just did as much as possible, electing to try to keep your bones inside your skin.

You passed out.

And you dream of a beautiful man. Skin as deep as dark brown sugar. He had a mass of shaggy wolf-cut Deep umber hair that curls naturally. He has startling sky-blue eyes and a soft smile. With blue aquamarine quartz dangling earrings. He was kneeling before you, with a linen shirt that exposed his smooth chest. You knew who he was. 

You knew his name.

Teman.

He kisses your palm his lips soft against your skin, lips warm and slightly wet. His sultry eyes looked at you directly into your eyes, holding it with such intensity. His other hand reaches for your waist possesively. His hand is warm sending shivers down your spine. He was calling your name, in a whiny pleading way, like he needed you. "Look at me, my heart, you should focus on me and only me."

This was... You realize...

Your eyes snapped open. 

The Gazebo disappear and you fall onto the soft moss ground.

GRROWERL!

You had to run.

.

.

.

.

[Player 003 you have 9 minutes 59 seconds left.]

You let out a long gasp, with every intake of air your lungs burn painfully. You kept running, more like hobbling through the forest. Your body was completely spent, every inch of your body, hurt like hell. You kept coughing and were close to passing out. You had no more tears to cry, no more shit to give, you simply wanted to die. You're mind is broken, not a single thought in your head besides run.

Run.

Run.

Run.

[Time's up.]

You collapse onto the ground, gasping for air, your head buzzing, vision splotchy. "Can you heal me?" You beg trying not to have a mental breakdown. The pink box goes blank like System is watching you, studying you from behind the screen.

[System will do no such thing.]

"... You're an asshole."

[System will not take disrespect.]

"Stop talking in the third person, I know who you are!" You snap. The pink screen goes blank. System was looking at you. You could tell the thing was thinking. All of a sudden the screen goes red and warning sirens begin to play.

"You're so dramatic Teman." You smirk. The pink box vanishes completely. In the distance, you hear a deep guttural roar that rumbles your bones. You look around and begin to freak out. Your time is up!

You're free... right?

"Teman!" You shout hoping to get the System's attention. All of a sudden you feel someone behind you. You turn to find Teman staring at you with the most hateful expression. He was in Roman esc robes gold dripping down his sculpted body. Your face flushed with a mix of fear and surprise. He grabbed you lifting you up to his face, veins popping out.

"Who the hell do you think you are?"

{... Mother.... Time...}

You hear a whisper in your ears, a woman's voice. His blue eyes were crystal clear burning with hatred and rage. He was going to kill you here and now. You swallow and look dead in his eyes. 

"Mother Time," You repeat. The moment your words fall from your lips his eyes widen. The veins in his neck relax and he looks at you in more of an intrigued expression. Behind you, a giant wyvern crashes through. Your heartbeat spikes into your eardrums, thumbing like an engine. Teman flicks his free hand and the wyvern's head is lobbed off.

He can really kill you.

"You?" He said a hint of disdain and disbelief. He drops you onto the ground and begins to glitch away.

"Wait can you take me home?" You shout panicky.

[Player 003 you can walk home.]

"Fuck you bitch!" You shout as you fall from the area. You land on your bad ankle again, and you scream into the dank alleyway. You lay there on the dirty street the dirty puddle you fall into slowly soke into your dirty ripped clothes. You lay there trying so hard to level your breathing. You roll onto your back staring up at the blue sky and start to laugh... a pathetic laugh, more like a cry.

"Why are you lying there?" You stop laughing and turn to see an older boy looking down at you. He looks around nine or ten. He was covered in large hands and wearing black baggy clothes In his gloved hands was a switch.

"...I have a really bad day—" Your voice cracks as a wave of tears rolls into you. The boy just stared at you, with unkind eyes. You could tell he didn't care just bothered you're in his way. "Do you need me to move?" You ask trying not to break down in front of this kid.

"You're in my way."

"... Yeah no problem." You rolled over onto your stomach not even bothering to get up. The kid walked by you, going back to his game. He stopped and looked back at you.

"How old are you?"

"Five."

"Where's your parents."

"I don't have any." Dead silence fell between the two of you.

"Why are you all bloody?" 

"... Oh you know... running for my life as a psychopath tries to kill me." At this point you were crying, crying from how absurd this was, it was absurd and cruel all at once. You wanted to laugh, cry, and die. The boy crouched down before you looking at you, his red eyes looking into yours.

"You're such a crybaby."

"Eh?" You said as more tears rolled down your face.

"Pathetic really."

You wanted to smack this kid, but you were too tired, too exhausted to fight.

He sat down beside you, his attention back on his game. You watch him play. He was stuck on this one round. His brows knit together and he grumbled annoyance in his gaze. He lifts a hand and begins to scratch his neck angrily. He was getting frustrated. "Stupid game!" He growls out.

"Do you need help?" You offer. He looked at you, a quietness in his gaze.

"Here."

You shakily sit up and take the switch your left arm pulsating in pain. You were dirty, sweaty, and drenched in muddy water. You quietly begin to play the level or fight he was stuck on. He leans in invading your personal space, his red eyes locked onto the screen. He watches with awe as you beat the fight on your first try. "How?" He asks taking the console from your hands. "I've been stuck on it for a week!"

"Do you play video games?" The boy asks about his personality doing a 180. He removed the hand on his face, a wide smile on his face. You could see him clearly, he clearly had a skin condition. 

"Yeah." You said opting not to mention that he needed lotion and or snail mucin. Maybe you can slowly convince him to take care of his skin, it must be pretty itchy.

"What games?"

"League of Legends," You spoke absent-mindedly. You played it in your old life, and you paused and mentally cursed yourself, does he even know what League of Legends is? Is it even a thing here? 

"League? That old game? Why?" You turn to him with a small smile on your face.

You begin to talk.

.

.

.

.

It was dark before you knew it. Your stomach growls violently. The two of you sat there all day talking about games or "games" you would like. You realize the kid, Tomura as he introduced himself likes fighting games, the games where the MC could get all-powerful and rule the world. He pulled out his phone and let you search for games. You found most of the games in your worlds were in this world, but most weren't known, they were considered "old."

"You should totally play Bayonetta!" You say happily showing him the tall glass of water that is Bayonetta. The boy's face went red seeing her.

"That looks like a hentai game," Tomura said in a judgemental tone.

"It's not! It's a fighting game," so you're surprised YouTube existed in this world too. You type in Bayonetta and let him see a rough gameplay. "She's a witch with guns that fight angels because she's on the hell's side." You could see his eyes widen and he grew incredibly happy.

"So she's a villain?"

"No, she's a witch." He stared at you and you stared back. From your earlier conversation, you quickly picked up that he wasn't fond of heroes, and to be fair you could care less about heroes, the idea of heroes as a job was ridiculous to you. 

Before he could ask anything else a dark gas forms a little away from us. You look over to see a gasman walk out and Tomura stands up. That must be like his babysitter from the way Tomura sees him. Before he walks away he turns to you with a Sharpie in his hand. He wrote something down on the back of your hand, Shado3handz. "That's my socials, I like to continue to talk to you." You look down at it and smile before nodding. With that, he walks into the gas portal fading away.

You sat there in silence. 

You were too tired to even move. Your eyes close as you begin to drift off to sleep.

"Oh my god," Your eyes snap open and you look over to see a masked figure. He has swords on his back, clad in red and black, leather by the look. "A kid," He jogs over and crouches down before you.

"Are you a hero?" You ask. He laughs and shakes his head.

"I am Stendhal, are you hurt?"

"My arm and ankle are broken."

"Rest," he said calmly picking up your small figure and carrying it through the night street. You couldn't fight sleep anymore and fall into a deep dark slumber, your body spent and tired. 

.

.

.

.

"And pressing News, Missing five-year-old child (y/n) has been found severely injured in an alleyway by a good Samaritan. She has been missing for a week, and Edan's Children Orphanage has refused to give a statement. The young girl was found with many cuts, bruises, a severely broken ankle, and a left arm. The perpetrator has not been found."

Chapter Text

Your disappearance was nationwide news. Everyone was looking for you, and when that vigilante found you everyone was talking... Where were the heroes? You sat in the hospital, your body still lacked your left arm and ankle was healed by an old hero lady, Recover Girl, but the doctors say you will have permanent ankle problems and maybe even some arm mobility problems. It's a small price to pay for your life... You were quickly enrolled into therapy, everyone thought you were talking nonsense, that you had lost your mind. You ended up spending most of your hospital stay playing Tetris, you remember reading something somewhere Tetris helped with trauma and reducing it.

Before you knew it you were on medication, you were getting nightmares now. You were always being chased by an unknown monster with the voice of Teman. His taunting deep voice rumbles through your body. The longer you run the slower you get. The dreams were always the same, you were being chased. The creature— Teman always catches you, it breathes into your ears and says the same thing. "You can run, you can hide, but you'll always be mine!" And then you wake up, sweaty, teary-eyed, and scared.

You don't even know who this man was! How you knew his name was a complete mystery! Why was he on his knees? You won't lie seeing a hot man on his knees looking a tab pathetic got to you acting up. You wonder what psychotic idea Teman has next for you, what impossible task he asks of you. You stared at the ceiling before at the back of your hand, the Sharpie still there. You wanted to talk to that kid again, all the other kids at the orphanage were too hero-focused, and you just wanted a normal kid to talk to. The man that brought you to the hospital was kind, but he smelled of blood. The swords on his back look like they were chipped... This man was a fighter, a hero you think... until it was discovered he was a vigilante. He didn't stay just dropped you off and from there the media got a hold of the story. 

When you got back to the orphanage you were yelled at and harshly punished, had no entertainment, and honestly... you hated with place. Nobody talked to you anymore even the older kids... so be it. You sat and stayed in your spot, not doing much. So you didn't do much, you tried to play games but the others chased you away. You have very little to do. 

You wanted to talk and play with Tomura the only kid that doesn't judge you.

And then to your surprise, a hero decided to buy the little kids gaming consuls, from the whispers of the older kids the hero attempted to get good graces, but they have their pubic reputation damaged. You snatched one up, a pink one. Most of the boys wanted one but no one wanted to take your pink ones the girls, well they wanted clothes or makeup, some got the gaming devices but they were more preoccupied with gushing over the handsome hero.

You slink off.

You went back to your room, and instantly set up the console. Before you knew it you had the thing set up. You had no games but you decided to look on social media maybe you can find Tomura again, chat about games meet up, do something but sit inside this damn building and be ignored!

The first thing you did was jerry-rig the console to get onto the wifi and then look up the most popular social media site of this time. You found a website similar to Twitter, simply called Com. You stared at it calmly and decided to create an account, you wanted something you'd like long-term something not entirely embarrassing. You landed on one; Cherriiblss and to you're suprise, it wasn't taken.

You type up the username Tomura gave you, and you find a single account. You checked out his post, his last post was 36 hours ago ranting on a level he can't pass and someone replied "Skill issue." It was funny but Tomura called him a "dick-riding hero lover." It was a funny interaction that devolved into the normal online slurs and cusses.

You decided to DM the account.

Cherriiblss:
Hey, is this Tomura? I think we meet in an alleyway.
(2:01) read

Shado3handz:
Oh hey... Why were you in an alleyway?
(2:01) read

Cherriiblss:
I was kidnapped and dumped there...
(2:05) read

Shado3handz:
Why?
(2:05) read

Cherriiblss:
Look, the man who kidnapped me only did it to torture me... ༼ ༎ຶ ෴ ༎ຶ༽
(2:06) read

Shado3handz:
Did a hero find you?
(2:07) read

Cherriiblss:
No. A vigilante
Called Stendhal
(2:09) read

Shado3handz:
You're a slow typer...
I prefer vigilantes over heroes but heroes and all this shit is unnessiscary
(2:10) read

Cherriiblss:
... I'm typing on a switch... I don't have a phone.
(2:13) read

Shado3handz:
Oh... Do you have any games? I'm looking into the games you suggested,
trying to get that Bayonetta game, it's hard it's not being sold anymore.
I've seen some games play really want to play them now.
(2:15) read

Cherriiblss:
No, just got the console, do you have any games for the Switch?
I want to play Minecraft together.
(2:17) read

Shado3handz:
What's Minecraft?
(2:17) read

Cherriiblss:
( ✧≖ ͜ʖ≖).... Oh, you'll love it! It's a game where you can build stuff, mine, do fun stuff...
 It's hard to explain, you just gotta play it.
We can build an entire world there!
Like once I built Kings Landing.
(2:20) read

Shado3handz:
What's that?
(2:20) read

Cherriiblss
[Image Sent]
(2:25) read

Shado3handz:
Why?
(2:25) read

Cherriiblss:
Because I'm a builder I like making cool things in a creative free world...
I mean theirs also survival mode and you can add mods to make it even better.
(2:30) read

Shado3handz:
What system does it run on?
(2:31) read

Cherriiblss:
You can play it on the Switch, but it's best played on PC.
(2:32) read

You felt a large smile grow on you're face as you talked to Tomura, the two of you spent hours talking and bouncing around on topics mostly games. Until out of where he asked you for your view on heroes.

So you told him.

Cherriiblss:
The concept is strange to me, honestly. I am quirkless, and even if I had a quirk I don't want to be a hero. Honestly calling them heroes feels wrong the idea of heroes should be sacred, you know?
(4:00) read

He didn't respond after that. 

You felt fear grip you, did you chase off the only friend you made? You didn't spam him, you didn't want to look desperate but you were. You sat there trying to think what to do.

[Main Quest: Get Good Grades]

"Eh?" You say allowed once you see the pink box. You stared at it biting your tongue back, you were shitting yourself. You look around, there are a few kids but no one is looking at you, or at the box. Could they not see it? "Can they not see you?" You whisper to the pink box.

[Player 003, Nobody can see System.]

".... You don't have to talk in the third person, I know who you are—" The pink box turns crimson red and you shut your mouth so quickly. Your heart begins to race and you feel sick to your stomach. You feel a cold sweat sweep over you, your hands tremble and your mouth goes dry. Your gaze shifts around and you wonder if you should shout before Teman takes you again. You're gaze slowly lands on the red box, it slowly fades into a magenta. He was warning you...

"... For how long?" You ask shakily your voice cracking and your face flush. You didn't want to be this pathetic but he scared you, he scared you far more than he should. You have the mind of a grown woman! But a small powerless child will always be weaker than a full-grown man.

[Player 003 do you think getting good grades once means you are free?]

"... No."

[Player 003 will continue to get good grades until grades aren't important anymore.]

You wanted to cry you knew that the Japanese and East Asian grading system was hell and you just simply wanted to die at this point. You have a leg up in this situation, having the mind and previous experience of school. You sat back and dreaded going to school, school you'll be enrolled in elementary school.

.

.

.

.

The school buses that picked up preschool kids were so cute! Your bus was cat theme, others were heroes themed. The kids on your bus hated the fact this wasn't a hero-themed but you loved it. It was less embarrassing for you to sit on this bus than any other car. Preschool was on the easier side, it was learning Japanese, writing, and manners, in all cute sweet stuff.

And you aced it.

[Congraduation Player 003! You have passed the one-month marker.]
[Status: Complete]
[Reward: Allowance]

You're mouth drops open, your grip on your switch slips and it tumbles off your lap onto the ground. A little pink box apart from the main system appeared in front of you. It was small and there were so many more things there. It was a Status window. You're breath caught in your throat it was a pretty system screen. You look at all that was there. You scan over your state, 25 health... well that's probably low because of Teman's sadistic ass. 

Here are your stats:

25 HP
100 MP (Mana)
5 Strength
4 Agility
10 Intelligence
0 Experience
1 Insight
0 Reputation.

In all you were weak, then again you were a child. The only stat that didn't make sense to you was insight. You clicked on that and to your surprise, a secondary box opened up.

Insight:

The ability to read people with a single glance. Each Level more will be revealed about that character. Level 1, is the ability to tell who is hostile or not.

Great... You wonder if Insight will work on Teman, or is he above it all... You wonder if, in his human form, he's considered a hostile entity... Do you subconsciously pick who's hostile or is it given? If given them Teman isn't going to make himself a hostile entity.

You look down at the back of your left hand and see a small ornate hourglass icon. You clicked on it and the pink screen disappeared. You clicked the soft pink icon, it was like it was etched into your skin, like a tattoo or henna. The pink box appears again. You click on it again and instead of vanishing a second window appears. You're eyes widen.

[Player 003 is a little slow to discover things...]

"Shut up! I don't know what's going on ok!" You snap aloud. You feel eyes on you and you shrink away grabbing your switch and rushing off. You're already a little weird, you didn't need any more judgment. You hid in your room... well you shared a room with four other girls, in bunk beds. Symotaniously you were lonely and could never be alone, it's a nightmare.

You look at this new window, there is a yen count, 10,000 yen you have no idea how much that was but you search the objects you could get. There were health and mana restoration potions. Those were the two in the first collum the second collum read "Real life items". Your eyes widen and you smile brightly. There were video games! You see Minecraft, Bayonetta, Stardew Valley, FNAF, Elden Ring and so much more! Some were more expensive than the others but you hope you have enough for one game.

"Games!" You cheer hopping around happily.

["Still haven't figured out how to manipulate time?"]

You heard Teman's sweet husky voice, he was probably smirking at you, leisurely eating grapes and watching you like a reality show. You turn to the pink box with flush cheeks. The pink box turns into a lighter pink color, like Sakura petals... He must be enjoying your torment.

"I..." You turn away pouting, "... I don't know where to start." You admit.

You heard laughter. The sound of money laugh, the sound of rich men laughing on a golf court, deep and sensual, a laugh that says I am financially stable. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a deep tan arm reach out and grab your head. His hand engulfs your head as he shakes it back and forth. Your heart drops and you wonder if he's going to fling you into a wall or something. He's way too happy.

["If you beg I might consider helping."]

His voice comes out as a teasing husky drawl. Your face flushed badly and you kept your face away from him. Why did he have to have a sexy voice? You shake your head, Get a hold of yourself! You would never beg a man for anything... mostly anything. You turn to the pink box with a glare. You haven't forgiven him for sending you to that hell hole! "I don't need your help!"

"Really?" You freeze as you feel your bed sink down as a new weight joins you on your lower bunk. The blood in your cheeks drops to your core, cheeks tingling with fear. Your body tense and your eyes dart over to him. Teman sat there watching you with a smirk on his face. That smile said it all, he knew something.... he was going to do something... You're so scared.

.... I want my mom...

"Cat got you're tongue?" He asks in a mocking tone.

"You..." You stutter out.

"Where's all that confidence now?" He asks leaning closer and touching his forehead to yours. This man is sickeningly smug, his eyes were small looking at you like a panther at a small boar.

"Shut... Shut up..." You barely got out. He looks at you with a mocking smile before chuckling and pushing a strand of hair back.

"My my..."

"I'm not begging a man who hurt me!"

"You failed." He simply retorts. You're last straw broke and you lash out your small hands hitting him in the chest. You froze the moment your small hand hit his firm chest.

'... RIP, I'm dead.' You think.

"HAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Teman laughs staring down at you with that sinister mocking smile. "You're such a coward— You act like I'll send you to the gulags." 

"You did!"

"... For being the Mother Time you're rather slow, you should know." He said, smile dropping and his harsh eyes looking at you. You felt uneased.

You were standing there in a gorgeous place, with white marble columns with golden leaves wrapping around the marble columns. You were sitting on the lip of a fountain the water lightly hitting you. You were dripped in white silk and gold, everything is heavy but you were used to it. "Love?" You turn to see Teman walking in.

"What are you doing?"

"Time is not linear, and time is everywhere at once..."

"...I will know when I know, and I already know." You said. You were talking with yourself, through time. You see Teman's eyes darken and his lips form a thin line. He reaches hand on your chin lifting it so you're forced to see into his eyes.

"I do not believe you are Mother Time, but I will still test you, if you are not her, I will make your life hell." He says in a cold tone.

".... Are you in love with me?" You ask feeling disgusted, "I'm a child—"

"I am not in love with you," He snarls. But his eyes said so much.

"You grieving somebody's loss—" His hands shoot up pinching your cheeks in shutting you up completely.

"Watch your words." He lets go of your face and stares at you. You're lips slightly twitched you have leverage over this man. That doesn't mean that leverage isn't a double-edged sword.... If you play your cards right you might be able to sway this fickle god into your grasp. What you saw felt... like a memory like that was your life... but you knew it wasn't a memory maybe it was the future you didn't know. You could... The look in Teman's eyes said it all. Shut up don't even speak. He shoves your face away and vanishes into pixels.

.

.

.

.

Cherriiblss:
Hey I got Bayonetta
(5:00) read

Shado3handz:
How did you get it? I couldn't find it.
(5:01) read

Cherriiblss:
Do you want to hang out?
(5:02) read

Shado3handz:
Sure 
(5:02) read

Cherriiblss:
After school tomorrow I can hangout but your parent needs to come in
and excuse me for a few hours.
(5:03) read

Shado3handz:
Ok.
(5:03)

Shado3handz:
Yeah my guardian can come and we can pick you up
tomorrow when does school end?
(5:07) read

Cherriiblss:
Around 3:15 but I'll get back to the orphanage around 3:30
Are you home-schooled?
(5:09) read

Shado3handz:
You can say that.
(5:10) read

Cherriiblss:
Ok. I'ts dinner time.
I'll see you tomorrow!
Bye!
(5:11) read

Shado3handz:
See you tomorrow.
(5:12) read

Chapter Text

Tomura was one of the sweeter boys you know, he was caring in an 'I don't know how to express myself but I like you' way. The first time you went over to his place he didn't want to let you go back home for dinner saying to spend the night, of course you two knew that wasn't possible. Before you knew it you were being signed out of the orphanage daily to hang out with Tomura. Homework was the easiest thing to finish, it only took about thirty minutes to an hour, and for the next few hours, you would play games. You two spent months on Bayonetta, the first two games; you didn't care for the third.

"Why are these baby angels so hard to kill?" Tomura growls as he takes his time trying to defeat Fortitudo.

"You have to do combo skills, but my fingers lag." You explain. Your fingers easily fumble and you tend not to remember the combo keys, just randomly smashing to various success, it was dumb luck you almost beat Fortitudo. Tomura was far better and more skilled, yet he overthought it, making moves several hits away. He is a great LoL player, you need to get him onto it.

"Damn!" Tomura grumbles handing the switch to you. He looked mad, and to your slight surprise he wasn't one of those destructive gamers, ones that destroy things constantly, but he did whine. He had this calmness when he played games, an odd calmness that you didn't see anywhere else.

"... Should we have picked normal difficulty?" You brought up, the two of you thought could beat it in difficult mode, confidence surging through your entire being. Tomura shot you a glower it was many his idea, his hubris but you never blamed him. He flops onto his book and groans rolling around a tantrum building up before he sits back up.

"You want to destroy something?" It was a simple request, more like a plea.

"Sure."

He wanted to play Minecraft. He just liked destroying things, he spent hours building things only to destroy them, and he completely enjoyed it. He likes to make statues of heroes, specifically All Might, and simply explode them. It was very Sims... You decided not to tell him about the Sims, that would explode his mind and you could see him become addicted to mods and everything.

"You know that's your Nineth All Might statue." You spoke as you two walked through your server together. He never destroyed what you built usually going off trying to figure out the lore of everything as you stand stationary building another massive building. You were the base, building an evil empire (more like you were building Mordor and crying about it not having shots from all sides).

"I just hate him." He was very misanthropic and hateful of society, he made it very clear. He thought All Might as a concept was creating problems, and he hated the man behind it. He didn't understand the idolization of heroes. He hated heroes and the weak who supported them, yet he has room for you, a weakling. You exist in an area he liked, it is impossible for you to be a hero in his eyes, you weren't the scum that was blinded by heroes, you were one of the liberated, like him. He didn't care if you took the middle part of the argument but the slightest positive to the hero side he "corrects" you. Every time you tried to steer his view away he got more passionate, it became a forbidden conversation. It usually ended in silence and awkwardness.

"Where are you going today?" You ask trying to change the subject.

"I am still looking for diamonds, and hoping to go to the Nether." 

"Good luck," You say offhandedly. You added a lot of mods to the server, making it fun and unique for Shigaraki, the bare normal Minecraft is only fun with a lot of people, and even then it's good chaotic people.

"Still carving out that mountain?" He asks looking at the giant pit you were making into the ground.

"Look I have a vision, and madness can't be tamed." You protest only making him smirk.

"Sure sure." Tomura raided your chest for all the food, bread, and golden apples, and waltzed off into the sunset looking for a cave to doom mine for Dimond. You wanted him to know what it's like to play a simplified modded Minecraft game before offering to do challenges, surviving on a single block, maybe other survival games like Raft, and see what he can do.

As the month ticked on and your grades were still the highest in the class your allowance began to build up. You two explored other games, Raft (he liked that), FNAF (he hated the jumpscare but the lore got to him), Poppy Playtime (Also liked, but you learned he has a hatred of dolls), and finally when you two were dead bored you invited him to play Sims. 

That was his new favorite game.

Soon you found him hunched over his computer giggling manically as he tortured All Might. Tomura studied All Might's face making sure the Sims was a complete recreation. Soon it was an addiction, a painful one. He of course stopped when you were around but it was clear he spent hours torturing the poor Sims.

It was summer break and you were walking down the street hand and hand with Tomura. You two were walking down the street of Shibuya. You two had never been to Shibuya and you two wanted to explore many things. The first place you two stopped was a claw machine place. Your little consumer heart was in heaven. Before you knew it you had lost Tomura in the long line of claw machines. 

"Tomura?" You call out.

No response.

"Tomura?" You begin to walk little hands holding onto bags full of items. You didn't need them but cute things are cute and can decorate your room. "Tomura?... Tomura... Tomura..." You called out looking for the boy. You saw him in the video game aisle. He was interested in getting a specific game. You walk up and watch one, you stand to the side and begin to tell him right, left, forward, back.

"So close," Tomura said, as he was the closest he's ever been.

"One more time?" You ask. He nods.

"Yup."

Before you know it the two of you spend the entire day at the claw machines. You got all that you wanted and Tomura got some new games. The two of you walk the streets of Shibuya alone, looking for a place to eat. The two of you didn't know what you wanted to eat until a food stall caught your attention. "You want teriyaki?"

"Sure." The two of you sat at a bus station eating. You two will be taking the bus back to Tomura's place and they will warp you home.

"Do you go to school?" You ask biting into your sewers.

"No," Tomura spoke calmly.

"Lucky."

"What do you do in school?" He asks.

"... Sit for hours, getting lectured, and learning things." You state with a sigh. You have the best grades in school, but everyone avoids you. You were a quirkless girl after all, but you weren't completely useless, you were smart so a rumor started you have an intellectual quirk. In all they distrusted you, Tomura is all you have.

You lean against him and he tensed up before bolting up. His face twists with shock, rage, fear, and then a slight blush. He begins to sputter out, "Don't touch me!" he blurts out. You frown and begin to panic, he's the only friend you have! You can't lose him like this, over something so mundane...

"Sorry...—"

"It's dangerous!"

"What?" You say slowly confused. What was dangerous? Touching him? Is he germophobic? "What are you talking about?" He looks away, eyes holding every emotion in the world: Fear, sadness, anxiety... You could see his body grow rigid and stressed.

"My quirk..." He says slowly. You perk up excitement gripping your heart, so you don't ruin your relationship! You wet your dry lips trying to think of something to say. You never asked about his quirk, he seems touchy on that subject and you wanted to respect his comfort.

"Can I see?" You ask quietly and as childishly as possible putting in as much charm and sweetness as your youth can offer. Tomura stared off into the distance before he slowly took off his gloves and touched the empty can.

It crumbled away.

Your smile stiffens. Your gut told you to run, your mind tried to rationalize the fear, and your heart began to race— You felt cornered. He turns to you eyes slightly narrowed judging your reaction. You kept a straight face hoping he didn't touch you... can he disintegrate you? or is it only objects? You mentally shake your head, that's something you don't want to find out.

"What do you think?" He finally asks.

"You can be the greatest environmental activist in the world," You said saying the first thing that popped into your head. 'Shit... why did I say that?' You think sweat beginning to collect on your forehead. You try to keep the smile on your face, trying to keep the air calm and not let your stress interfere.

"You think so?" He asks quietly, his pale cheeks turning into a deeper shade of pink. You were nodding before you realized, your anxiety faded a little, maybe this is your chance to change his misanthropic views of society.

"YEAH! With your quirk, you can save people." His face sours and you feel a bang of panic.

"I don't want to be a hero."

"You don't have to be a hero, silly," You said sitting up. "You can be like a demolition person!"

"A what?"

"Someone who destroys buildings and gets paid for it!"

"You think my quirk can be used for good?"

"Yes."

Chapter Text

"Y/n," You stop walking and turn to face one of the orphanage secretaries, she gestures for you to follow her and reluctantly you do. She leads you to a small room where you recognize Yuka Kobayashi and a mysterious old man. You feel anxiety grip your soul and you sit there awkwardly. You wring your hands together, though you're not a bad kid here you're rather useless a blight on their record.

"You'll be moving into a foster home," Your brows raise with excitement. You draw in a breath holding it in joy. "To Musutafu." Your joy fell. A cold chill runs through you.

"That's so far—"

"Don't complain," the man snaps at you. You shrink down, this man demands respect. Respect in the way the police demands it, with authority and power. "For a quirkless girl, no one will want you, but this foster parent is willing to take you with your good grades, your only real accomplishment." Your mouth forms a thin small line. Degraded into nothing but your academic potential.

You knew people didn't see you as an equal or as a threat. You're nothing but a leaf in the wind, a decaying leaf litter at the bottom of great trees.

[Congraulation! Player 003 you have been moved to a new home. ;)]

The system is mocking you.

[If only if you could use your powers... You might have stayed.]

You can hear the faint sound of rich laughter in your head. You know no one else can hear it. It moves from your left ear to your right the sweet-looking pink box swishing from one side of your head to the other. 

He's right.

If only you spent more time trying to unlock your power than playing with Tomura... 'Don't think like that! I don't regret playing with Tomura! He's my friend, and friendship is more valuable than a power I might have!' You think. You sit there quietly trying your hardest not to cry. 

Life is so unfair.

"You are dismissed." You get up and walk out of the room in a full-on haze. You didn't pay attention to your after-class program, nor when Mr. Korugiri came to sign you out for the day. "Is something wrong?" He asks as the two of you walk to the secluded alleyway where you warp to Tomura's location.

"Oh Y/n," Tomura said as he walked into the bar living room space. "... Something wrong?" He asks fully looking up from his switch.

"Nothing."

Guilt is eating you alive. What do you say? Do you cry? Does Tomura care enough to care if you move away? You look him in the eyes and smile. He stares at your face before turning back to his game. He lifts it up. "I found a game called Sims... I made All Might and now I'm torturing him." He said with a slight smile. You feel a sense of calm wash over you, he's still the same. You walk closer and take a look at what he's doing.

You sit down next to him aimlessly watching him play. You were trying to build fortitude to tell him, that you're moving, that you might not see until you're much older. You know it's hard to keep in touch when people move away... does he care if you move away? He's your only friend are you his only friend? You never heard him talk about others... does he value you?  So many thoughts run through your mind.

"Tomura..." You spoke calmly, he looked up from the sims, his smile never leaving his face.

"Mhm?"

"... The orphanage is moving me to a foster home," you tell him clutching your hands together.

"What's that?"

"I live with a bunch of kids abandoned by society, I'm being moved to a family who will personally raise me," You explain to the kid. You probably know the concept of foster homes and orphanages isn't a thing they know about. Tomura nods and tilts his head.

"Korugiri can still bring you over to our place." Tomura mumbles, "As long as he knows your coordination, we can find you."

"Really?" You ask hope seeping into your voice as you feel tears stinging your eyes.

"Yeah, besides we still need to beat Bayonetta." He states not saying anything about the tears in your eyes, is a courtesy you think. You quickly wipe your tears and watch him play.

"Hey you can get mods and make it more interesting," you add pointing to the game, "it's better on PC you'll need lots of storage space though."

"What can you do?"

"You can inbreed them, torture them, let them live and they will still die... somehow." You speak up, you look over to see Tomura's face lighten up before he starts laughing. 

You stared at him in awe.

It's a genuine sweet laugh, morbid and creepy, but with a hint of childishness in it. He laughs so hard he falls off his stool rolling around in the ground. You feel a smile tug on your lips and you giggle too. He has tears in his eyes. "Really? Who thought this game up? They must be demented!" He climbs back onto his seat and you show him all the deaths you previously discovered. 

"I didn't know the bed could kill."

"Well back in the day these beds actually did kill people." You explain those beds did have problems with death and stuff if you remember the lore correctly.

"Really?"

"Yup."

"And the pool if you delete the stairs they can't get out."

"Really why?"

"I don't they don't really think for themselves like other characters in games they actually run on algorithms."

"As expected of older games."

.

.

.

.

You sit on the bullet train to Musutafu. Your anxiety is through the roof. It's summer break and you have two weeks to get used to the new place before the new school year begins for you... a second time. You think back to the night before when Tomura bought you a slice of cake.

"Here," Tomura said softly handing you a slice of cake, "For your move."

"Thank you!" You cheer clapping your hands together. "You want some?"

"I don't like sweets." You nod and sit down and begin to eat the cake as he watches.

You smile at the memory. The few times Tomura came to pick you up the other kids were terrified of him. He looked scary but you didn't understand why. Was it because of his bad eczema? It's not his fault he has itchy skin and that his insistence on scratching would leave scars, children don't think of scars and getting scars. You felt bad for him, but he never seems to care. In fact, it boosts his ego.

You and one of the orphanage worker walk out of the train and there waiting for you is a sweet-looking couple, older by their demeanor. You shyly walk up to them dragging your suitcase behind you, all that you own. You gaze around, nobody is watching you. Families walk past, people going from one train to another. Life never stops.

"Mr. and Ms. Tanaka," The orphanage worker speaks up, "This is Y/n, your new foster child."

"Hello little Y/n," Ms. Tanaka speaks with a sweet wide smile. She crouched down before you and for a split second, you see the pink box flicker to life with Teman's face. A fear settles in your stomach, you look at this woman and then at the man, why did Teman show his face? Why did Teman even show up? You take a step back keeping that forced smile on your lips.

"Hi." You say quite shyly.

Something doesn't feel right. You feel terrible.

"You'll be living with us now." The old woman smiles, her husband takes your bag and the woman your hand. You turn to look at the orphanage worker who looks unbothered she checks her watch before leaving. The two old people keep walking, slow and steady. Your hands grow clammy and you wonder why you feel a strange ick in your stomach, a disgust, a fear, a strange disappearance in your body. You breathe out a deep sigh and the woman's head snaps towards you.

"No sighing that's rude." The woman snaps the sweet smile dying from her face.

Oh fuck.

"Don't be disrespectful," The man adds a glare in his gaze. "We're going out of our way to help you!" You feel a rage seep through you but you bite your tongue, they are just like your father... demanding "respect" but in reality, they want power over you. Teman wants you to play the goody-goody two-shoe girl and so do these people. 

You feel the weight of the world grip your heart as you realize you'll have to mask your expressions, more so than ever. You look down, widening your eyes trying to give more room for your tears to cover without falling from your eyes. You know if you cry it can make things worse. You follow them silently to their car.

The moment you sat in and they looked at each other, with this smug "we won" look you knew you had entered hell. The man turns to you clears his throat and begins to talk, "We have rules and you will have chores. We expect you to get good grades and get into all the good schools, we only agreed to foster you if you have good grades. You will get all As."

"What if I get a B?" You ask shyly.

"No TV or Phone privilege."

"We expect you to go home after your extracurricular classes, got it?"

"What about hanging out with friends?" You ask in a panic. They laugh. The two howled with laughter and you feel tears running down your face... They're just like your father and his family... his new family...

"Hey! Stop crying!" The old lady shouted.

"Be grateful we even gave you this opportunity." You push your tears away. You know the best way to live a peaceful life is to live as quietly as possible.

"Yes sir," you whisper. You see his face gets smug. They drive off not bothering you with any more attention.

You hunch over blocking their view of your phone and you text Tomura a message.

Cherriiblss:
My new family is crazy! I can't even spend time with friends anymore!
(11:01) read

Shado3handz:
What?
(11:01) read

Cherriiblss:
They're mean and I can tell they don't really want to help me!
I don't want to be here. They won't let me see you.
(11:03) read

Shado3handz:
WHAT!?
Where are you?
(11:04) read

Cherriiblss:
I'm on the road!
(11:05) read

Shado3handz:
Which road? We'll just take you!
(11:06) read

"What do you think you're doing?" You flinch and a hand slithers into your space snatching your phone away. 

"Give it back!" You shout Ms. Tanaka twists her body so fast that her hand hits you right across the face.

"Don't be a disrespectful brat!" You flinch back cupping your face in shock tears brimming in your eyes. You want to be with Tomura not this place, not with them. She turns to look at your phone and scoffs loudly.

"You think your friend can help you? Yeah right," She rolls down the window and toss your phone outside.

"Hey!" You yell trying to stop her grabbing onto her shirt. Mr. Tanaka pulls over and turns on his hazard light before punching you in the chest backward.

"Touch my wife again and you'll be sent to the police!" He roars with rage. He fully turns around in his seat, face beat and he gets into your face. "They said you had manners clearly they're wrong, if I must I will beat some sense into you." You shrink back in shock rubbing your chest as that hit stole all the air from our lungs. You begin to cry, crying loudly.

You wanted to go home.

You want your mother.

You want unconditional love again, you want your friend again, to see Tomura again. Anything but this place with these people.

.

.

.

.

They ran you dogged like a slave. You learned their real names quickly. It's Shuta Tanaka and Emi Tanaka. In your head, they were Shuta and Emi, but when you talk to them they were Ma'am and Sir. You feel suffocated. The first two weeks were hell. They had ridiculous rules.

Y/n's Chores:

• Dishes every single day
• Water the plants every other day
• Grocery shopping
• prepare the food for Ms. Tanaka to cook
• Sweep daily
• Mop on the weekends
• and Deep cleaning once a month.
• Walk their dog
• clean their dog
• buy dog food

It didn't sound like much but it was, a lot for a five-year-old. If you were older and that dog was actually yours as a pet you understand but it isn't. It didn't take you long to realize they didn't want to love another child or help take care of the lost children, no they wanted a maid, a slave.

The first week you were struggling to follow their rules your small body getting so tired easily, your stamina draining quickly. Every time you missed a task or did it wrong you get hit and yelled at.

.

.

Chapter Text

You were a slave in that house. They did not let you watch TV, have a phone, or use their computers. You were like a servant to them doing their bidding. From the outside in you were their show pony, their charity case, their good karma. The first night there you tried to sneak onto their computer, they didn't even have a guess mode. Before you can think of what to do, Mr. Tanaka comes downstairs. You froze like a deer in headlights, fear gripping your body.

The look on his face scared you.

You have never seen such gleeful malice in someone's eyes. He wanted this, wanted you to stumble. You open your mouth trying to say anything but nothing comes out. You look around for an exit, but you only hear his cold laughter. He stalks at you, grabbing your arm and slamming you into the ground. You didn't scream only let out a strangle grunt as all the air was knocked out of you. He slams you over and over again. Tears swell in your eyes, you grip his hand trying to free yourself. 

"HELP!" You scream, your legs rising as you kick him in the sternum with our small legs. Your gaze darts around looking for anything, anything! You were looking for Tomura, Korugiri, and hell even Teman. Surely Teman wouldn't let you die, right? You were someone important to him right? He begins to hit you, stomps on you, and kick you. You start to scream, hoping time will just slip by you. You close your eyes, as if not seeing this man would end your torment. 

{ tempus beatum, revertere ad horologium }

Your eyes shot open, your hands were tingling. Like wet sand slipping from your fingers you see gold flicks, like burning incense floating from them. Time seems to slow to a stop. You just stared in awe, at the frozen face of Mr. Tanaka. Without even thinking you wind your arm back and punch him in the face. Time started again Mr. Tanaka fell over, and you took that chance to run for it. You ran outside, out of their home into the night air. You can hear Mr. Tanaka screaming for you.

You run, run as far as you can, until your lungs burn painfully, until your adrenaline is worn away and the pain in your body seeps back in. You ran, crying your eyes out as the pain hit you. You hate this place, this world! All these people discriminate against you for something you can't control! You fell onto the ground violently scrapping your knees.

You can hear the caw of grasshoppers and crickets. You sit on the ground, it's wet with night dew. You clean up your bloody knees with some wet grass. It stings as the water cleans out the little dirt in your cuts. You wipe your hands and sit in somebody's yard. You look around, large trees line the yard a brick wall behind it. It's a relatively large house, a well-off family. When you look forward again you see the pink box in front of you.

[Systam is mildly surprised you can turn back time.]

"I wasn't lying." You said through a sniffle. You wanted to go back to the orphanage, back to being ignored, back to Tomura. You frown for a second, why did you say that? How did you know you weren't lying? were you lying? You didn't know...

[System will see how far your skills go]

The pink box vanished and your stats reappeared.

10 HP
50 MP (Mana)
1 Strength
4 Agility
10 Intelligence
0 Experience
1 Insight
5 Reputation

You frown. When did your reputation rise? You had a feeling that your MP was down because you used your time abilities, along with your HP. You need Tomura to help you maximize your stats for the better. You clicked on your Reputation wondering what this meant.

Reputation

Reputation is the perception of a player's behavior by others. A negative reputation will lead passersby to view the player as a villain, over 100 reputations will be viewed as a hero.

Current buffs.

Shigaraki's Gift: Player 003's Reputation will not drop below 5 Reputation

You smile, before wincing the pain in your stomach flares up. You wonder what Tomura is up to, maybe he's looking for you, the two of you did end on an awful note. Behind you the door to the house opens, and you freeze up and turn. Your eyes land on a man, with spiked brown hair, dark eyes, and a light mustache.

He has kind eyes.

.

.

.

.

Shigaraki sat in the police station arms folded waiting for one of the policemen to talk to him. There is no one else here so he wonders why the hell everything is taking so long. He decided against his own belief to report this to the police. Shigaraki cares very little for the police, but he knows a hero won't do the footwork to look for a kidnapped kid, but the police are obligated to. Shigaraki stares at the clock, it's been thirty minutes, and by this time of day, y/n would be at his place playing games.

"... Shigaraki-chan?" one of the secretaries walks up to him, her smile is forced and she looks at him wearily, like he's a troubled kid. These people are the scum of the earth, adults are so judgemental. As his only friend, Y/n is dear to him. She isn't blinded by the glamour of heroes, of the fame, of the status, she's wise and pure. All Might could not corrupt her like the other kids, she's special. "We contacted the orphanage, Ms. L/n wasn't kidnapped but moved to a foster home."

"She was texting me! She didn't want to go with them." Shigaraki spoke clearly and concisely for this old hag to hear.

"I know what you said, but the adults said she wasn't kidnapped."

"She doesn't want to be there."

"Look kid," the facade this woman had faded into annoyance, "She isn't kidnapped you need to let her go. Now go home." Shigaraki sneers and his hands itch he wants to disintegrate this woman. Shigaraki storms out of the house and waits outside, he's going to kill this woman. Shigaraki pulls out the phone and runs his thumb over the cracked screen of y/n's phone. He turns it on and reads through her last message that was unsent.

"Their last name is Tanaka."

There are so many people probably in Musutafu with that surname. No matter how long it'll take he'll find her. He needs to, they haven't finished Bayonetta. It was late noon when the secretary left, Shigaraki followed after her, a few feet behind. When she stops by her car Shigaraki lept forward. All five of his fingers landed on her arm. She turns to him in annoyance ready to yell.

"Get your hands off of me!" She bellow her other hand reaching for her phone. Shagaraki snatches it away disintegrating it. She glares at him before noticing her arm is deteriorating into dust. She screams grabbing her arm as it turns to dust. Shigaraki pulls up his hood and walks away, the woman's wail is music to his ears.

How dare that woman tell him if his friend is safe! How dare anyone get in his way.

Y/n is his.

One day they'll rule the world together.

.

.

.

.

You sit in the man's house. It's warm and cozy theirs photos everywhere of a little blonde boy with a wide smile. He has the most piercing red eyes, and a toothy smile, proud by his expression. There is another boy, a green-haired boy with freckles, cute but plain-looking. The man sits a first aid kit on the and smiles up at you.

"It'll sting a little," he said kindly before spraying antibacterial spray onto your hands and knees. This man is kind, one of the kindest strangers you've met.

"Honey I'm home," A woman's voice calls out from the door. You freeze up and your heart begins to bound. You wonder if this woman will freak out or if she thinks you're his affair kid. So many ideas fill your head and you try to shrink into nonexistence. To your shock a woman that looks just like the blond boy walks in with a sleepy boy in her arms. You gulp as her red eyes land on you. "Who's this?"

"Oh I found her outside our house sitting on the lawn, she was crying and hurt." The woman nods and repositions the sleeping boy in her arms, he stirs and tiredly looks at his mom before looking over. In an instant you know he's wide awake when his red eyes land on you. His brows knit together as he glares in wonder, he wiggles out of his mother's grasp and skips up to you.

"Who are you?"

"... Y/n," you say shyly wringing your hands together.

"Where are you crying?" He asks almost like he's going to ridicule you.

"Katsuki do not pick on the poor girl!" The woman shouts, her voice booming with authority.

"Shut it old hag! A crybaby is a crybaby!" The boy shouted, little lights flashing in his hands, they sounded like Bang Snaps, loud but relatively harmless. The two begin to bicker and the man looks at you with an apologetic smile.

"Enough," he said his soft calm voice being lost in the sea of yells. They kept yelling and soon the little boy began to kick the woman and she was walking his head. "ENOUGH!" The two stop shouting and turn to the man with mild shock on their face, you guess he doesn't raise his voice much.

"We have an injured girl here, Katsuki goes to bed it's late." The man said sternly.

"But dad!" Katsuki whines, stomping his feet onto the ground.

You bit your tongue trying your hardest not to roll your eyes and call him a brat. You know he's just a kid but he's so bratty and whiney, clearly well-loved and spoiled. You feel a wave of bitterness washes over you, you wish you had a family like this, adopted or not, a family be nice. To be somebody's first choice, to have arms to catch you if you stumble. Your emotions bubble, a wave of sadness hits you and you wish you could cry, but was this a safe place to cry? You rub your eyes and watch this family... be a family.

"Fine Katsuki you can stay if you're only on your best behavior," his mother said with a sigh. She turns to you with a sweet warm smile a different look she gives to her son, one of warmth, one of a mother's gaze. "Would you like anything? Warm milk? some Lavender tea?"

"Milk please." You squeak out, this woman asked her questions almost like an aggressive suggestion. Your eyes move from the woman to the man, clearly she's the head figure of the family, the powerhouse of the family. You love over and you see the blonde boy staring at you.

"What's your quirk," he asks immediately, no introduction, no small talk, just quirks. Your mouth goes dry as you realize he's just like everyone else, they only are interested in quirks. Most kids ask for the other's quirk in the first few minutes of conversation, and if you're quirkless they stop paying attention to you.

"I don't— Time manipulation..." You mumble. You just discover your power, it's easier to just tell people you have a time manipulation quirk.

"So... what can you do?"

"I can stop time." You speak up quietly.

"For how long?" you feel your hands grow calm, this kid was grilling you like a police officer to a criminal. You wish you were talking to Tomura, he doesn't care if you are quirkless or have a quirk, you like to think he likes you for you.

"For a few seconds."

"Oh," he said his interest dying quickly. The woman comes back with a mug of warm milk she smacks the boy on the head scolding him for being rude.

"Introduce yourself to her."

"Katsuki Bakugou," he grunts out not giving you another glance.

"Nice to meet you," you grumble taking a sip of your warm milk.

"We'll call the police for you," The woman spoke up. You almost dropped the mug your eyes began to sting and you wanted to cry and beg this woman to not call the police. 

'Since when have I been this emotional?' a thought crosses your mind. You were crying at most things, was it the helplessness that getting to you? You wish you were older when you have some sort of power, some sort of agency... You feel hopeless thoughts land in your mind.

You quietly sip on your milk thinking.

You'll tell the police the truth, that Mr. Tanaka beat you. You look into your shirt and see large bruises forming. You have proof of his beating, you're an all-straight student, with no history of delinquency. You'll make it Hell for the Tanakas. You'll tell them of how they threw your phone away on the highway and that your friend is looking for you.

The police look at you with worry, "Young miss what happened to you?" The man asks. He had short brown hair and came with a trench coat.

"My new foster family beat me." You lift your shirt showing the deep dark bruises on your stomach and the forming bruise on your back. The police officer frowns and you look up to see the blonde woman and her husband look shocked, sick, and worried. He stepped away pulling out a radio and speaking to the dispacted on the other side. The blonde woman knelt to your level.

"Can I see the bruises?" She asks softly, you nod and let her see how bad it was. Her brows furrow and she grumbles under her breath. Her husband also took a look even Katsuki tried to look but was pushed back by his mom.

"Do you know Shuta Tanaka?" The policeman asks.

"Yes."

"He put in a missed child case about two hours ago," your mouth nearly fell open. Two hours had passed?  Did you spend two hours at this family's house? "Was he the one who beat you?" The policeman asks. You nod.

When Mr. Tanaka arrives you cling onto the husband's leg as the blond woman waits at the door arms folded foot tapping. When Mr. Tanaka and Mrs. Tanaka appeared the blonde woman stormed down to meet them, the policemen running after to stop her from doing. You watch as she gets into their face shouting.

"You hurt that little girl?" She shouts. The neighbors probably woke up to her shouting. You look up at the husband he watches on with knitted brows and a frown. He looks down at you then his son, you look over to see the smuggest smile on the kid, he looks proud, proud of his mom.

"Show us some respect!" Mr. Tanaka said.

"Young people these days!" Mrs. Tanaka grumbles trying to push forward past the policemen to you. She slipped by the police officer and before you know it the husband walks forward blocking her from you.

They argue for what feels like hours, you see the lights in the houses around this one turn on. Neighbors walked outside and watched. You crowded down covering your ears, how embarrassing.

["Look at the madness you caused."]

You flinch hearing Teman's voice. You look up to see him leaning against the door, a pink shimmer to his body. He looks down at you with pity and annoyance, like you're a blight to society. He gets up and walks over to the group of adults.

["I could kill them... I can make it look like you did it."]

He said it all with a sweet rich laugh. His hands begin to glow red, and you see his eyes flicker to you. Your mouth goes dry and before you know it you shout.

"Stop!" Everyone turns to you, and Teman vanishes into the pink box. You flush in embarrassment and feel a sense of unease settle in.

"We are her legal guardians," Mr. Tanaka spoke up, "She comes home with us." Mrs. Bakugou turns to them fire in her eyes. The police officer walks up to you and crouches down.

"Do you want to go home with them?"

"... Not really." You confessed.

"Nonsense! These people brainwashed her." Mrs. Tanaka shouts.

"We did no such thing!" Mrs. Bakugou shouts back.

It was a hot mess.

In the end, the police officer called back up. More police people came.

In the end, you were sent back with the Tanakas. The Bakguous if they want could put an offer to foster you. You have a feeling they wouldn't do that, that's a lot of work for one family to do. The Tanakas didn't feed you that night... or the next day... or the day after.

They made their point.

Chapter Text

When you arrive back at the Tanakas home, Mr. Tanaka throws you into a cellar. It's cold and damp, with a thin layer of water on the ground. "You'll live here for the rest of your days!" He snarls out shoving you into the room. You fall down the flights of stairs, landing on your ass. You sit up, the damp ground makes your skin itch and cringe. You feel rage seep through you, anger, and fear. You stand up and try the door nob; it's locked. You bang on the door, screaming, they will not ignore you this time. You'll make their life hell.

To your surprise, your small form can yell loudly, and you scream from the depths of your diaphragm. You throw your entire body behind the door, you'll definitely have bruises for days, but you don't care. Mr. Tanaka came back you noticed a small little triangle over his head. It's red, you don't know what it means. He came with his belt, and your heart sank. His broad frame takes up the entire door, you wouldn't be able to run. He grabs your arm and you lunge at him biting harshly down on him. He slams you into the ground, and your small hands and legs begin to claw and kick. You weren't going to live like this, you rather die like a dog. He lifts you up and down slamming you against the ground. You continue to claw at his face growling in anger. He wraps his belt around your neck.

"If you won't obey no one will notice if you're dead." Mr. Tanaka said and you feel all the blood in your cheeks drop into the pit of your stomach. You see Mrs. Tanaka standing up there looking down at you colder. She closes the door locking it behind her.

"Fuck you!" You spat out kicking and clawing your nails catching his flesh and tearing at it. Small cuts form on his face.

You died once, dying again won't be so bad, at least you die with integrity.

{O tempus, terga vertere}

"O... tempus.... terga verter-e!" You gasp out, as the words simply manifest in your mind. You don't know where these words came from, like a persistent thought in your mind. A cold specific thought. The words feel evil as they leave your lips. Gold light seeps from your mouth this time. Mr. Tanaka's eyes widen. His grip on the belt loosens and you begin to breathe normally— the golden light twirls in the air, like ribbons in the air floating towards him.

"How—" It ensnares him, wrapping around his neck and consuming his body.

"O tempus, terga vertere!" You chant again with maddening glee. Mr. Tanaka begins to glow and stumble backward. His body was fading in and out, a golden glow to him. His age spots start to vanish, and the deep-set wrinkle in his face grows thinner and lighter. He was aging... backward. You watch on with shock as his silver hair grows longer and thicker, turning black with youth.

"What did you do to me?" He bellows running at you again.

"O Tempus, terga vertere!" You scream, the Latin coming out of you. It's like a spear and it cut through his body. You watch as he turns into a middle-aged man, a young man, a teen, a child, a baby, and into dust. You collapse onto the ground, shaking like a leaf. You're heart beats loudly like an engine. You sit there in shock eyes widen and tears fill them.

Your lips tremble, your hands shakily grab your chest, your heart beating with such vigor you feel like you could break the door down. You gasp for air, you let out a strangled groan as you feel your chest tighten painfully cramps forming across your body. You writhe on the ground, tears spilling out as you let out a silent scream from pain. You roll on the ground, grasping your chest, your vision burning with tears.

Your status screen appears.

15 HP
5 MP (Mana)
1 Strength
4 Agility
10 Intelligence
1 Experience
1 Insight
5 Reputation

You didn't notice your health went up, or that your experience did too. All you notice is the low MP. Your screen blares pink and purple as a notice pops up:

[Warning low MP, bring up MP. If MP hits Zero Playe 003 will die.]

You fumble around trying to click on the system. You know you can buy some MP restoration potion, it was rather expensive but you need to do so. You fumble around until you get the potion your hands trembling as you try to sit up. You drank the entire potion, it burned and tasted like vile black licorice and bile. You stick out your tongue your face contorted with disgust and you dry heave painfully, gagging. Your tears run down your face. You look back at your stat:

15 HP
55 MP (Mana)
1 Strength
4 Agility
10 Intelligence
1 Experience
1 Insight
5 Reputation

You stand up and look around, the adrenaline finally fading and you feel dead exhausted. You just killed a man. You need to run and hide away from the world. You make your way to the door and try to open it. Nothing. You stand there for a second and think... could you... you look around and let out a shaky deep sigh.

"O Tempus, terga vertere..." You whisper. Silence falls and you hear the lock to the cellar move, jingling as it unlocks. You slowly open the cellar door and step out. You look around, you're hungry, tired, dirty, and in pain. You tiptoe to your room, the little closet they allotted you. You strip down using a towel to wipe down your body, of the grime and dirty water of the cellar.

Wearing fresh close makes you feel better. You wanted to sleep, maybe Mrs. Tanaka wouldn't notice you in the room, but you weren't that stupid. You have to escape.

"Shuta?" You freeze as Mrs. Tanaka calls out for her husband you flick the light off in your room and stand very still, your breath comes out rapidly. As the older woman shuffles past your room, you cover your mouth so as not to give away your presence. "Shuta?" You hear Mrs. Tanaka shout for her husband and scream once she sees the pile of clothes. You cover your ears, more tears in your eyes. This place is hell.

"Where is that brat," and your blood goes cold. You grow panicky and glance around. You hear her storm past your room back to her bedroom. You bolt for the door trying to leave this hellhole.

"Freeze!" You pause the sound of a click gaining your full attention. Your eyes flicker behind you and your blood goes cold... Mrs. Tanaka is holding a gun. "What did you do to my husband you brat!" Your knees begin to wabble and you want to beg and cry, but you know she was seeing blood the look in her eyes said it all.

"I— I." You stutter out looking around for an escape.

"Oh, you're not going anywhere bitch! Where is my husband!"

Something primal in you came out, deep and grave. You feel a rage surge through you and behind her you see a pink box:

[Hidden Quest: Shigaraki's Heart]

[Accept?]        [Deny?]

"ACCEPT!" You shout, Mrs. Tanaka frowns and you see another pink box:

[Quest: Take the gun]

You almost shouted Teman— cursed him out. What was that fool thinking? What was this damn System think a stupid five-year-old can do? You feel your hand grow clammy and want to laugh at the absurdity because if you think too hard on it you'll cry out of pain. 

"Tempus beatum, revertere ad horologium," you mutter and time stops you dash forward repeatedly chanting the words, and you feel your strength sapping, it seems like stopping time takes 5 MP and it only lasts for a second. It takes you five seconds to get to her and you feel exhausted.

"Let go!" Mrs. Tanaka said shaking you around like you're a rag doll. You hold on for dear life trying to wrangle the gun. You grab the barrel of the gun pointing it to her, she wouldn't dare pull the trigger if the gun is pointed at her.

"Tempus beatum, revertere ad horologium!" You snarl grabbing the gun.

Time moves again.

She yanks back.

Your finger hit the trigger.

The sound is sharp.

Bang.

.

.

.

.

Shigaraki stared at the house, it was old and forgettable. Kurogiri and he had raided the Orphanage setting out a fire in the south of the building. They went through the files looking for Y/ns. It took a while, for Shigaraki to find her file. They wrapped away with her file. Shigaraki touches the door and watches as it disintegrates into dust.

He can hear low sobs. He quickly runs.

Blood. She was covered in blood.

"Y/n?" She looked up her eyes were wide like a wild hare staring down a hunter at night. 

"Tomura?" She whispers out as if he was a ghost haunting her.

Tomura walks past the body, through the blood. He steps over the gun and kneels before her. He cared very little for the body, he only cared for his friend. He slips his gloves back on before touching her face. She's covered in blood, her shirt soaked. It clung to her skin, her pants were also soaked. Kurogiri stood in the back before walking away.

"What happened?"

"This is hell." She whispers. Kurogiri comes back with fresh clothes and all of Y/n's things.

"C'mon let's go."

"... I killed her." She sobs crawling into Shigaraki's arms.

"What happened?"

"She pointed the gun at me... we struggled, my finger hit the trigger— I— I," she sobs. Shigaraki turns to the gun, her prints would be all over that gun along with the witch. Shigaraki pulled off his gloves and touched the gun. It shatters and turns to ashes.

No proof. 

No evidence.

"It's gone," Shigaraki said putting his glove back on before picking up Y/n.

"... Where's the husband?" He asks.

"... I— I— killed him too." She mutters silently. Shigaraki pauses and looks down at the girl. His smile widens and he feels his heart skip a beat. How perfect. She killed two ants too insignificant bugs. She's just like him now.

"How?" Shigaraki asks slowly.

"... I rewind time."

.

.

.

.

Mr. Kurogiri warped the three of you back to the bar. Shigaraki held you as he walked through the portal. He sits you down on the couch.

"Kurogiri drew a bath for her," Tomura said sitting next to you. Kurogiri walks away and you look at Tomura, your body feels tender weak, and in pain. You wanted to sleep for hours. 

"How did you kill him?" You wipe your tears. Tomura deserves to know.

[Do not tell him about the system.]

You pause, you truly want to, but Teman scares you far more than what your heart wants. Your mouth goes dry and you lick your lips, "... Apparently my quirk just developed late... I have to use words to activate it." You begin slowly trying to calm yourself down. You see Shigaraki look into your eyes. He was calm and very understanding.

"Same with me, my came in a year late." Shigaraki calmly said rubbing your back.

"I need to take off these bloody clothes," you mumble pulling your blood-soaked clothes from your skin, it's clammy.

"Bath is ready," Kurogiri, you get up and shuffle over to the bathroom.

You sat in the tub, lost in thought. You can still feel Mrs. Tanaka's blood on your chest, on your arms, and staining your hands. You changed the water twice trying to remove all the red from the water. Your skin is stained a light red, like body blush... You begin to cry silently. Out of the corner of your eyes, you see a pink box.

Fuck the system, fuck Teman.

[Quest Reward]

[Accept?]

You didn't touch anything. You just sat there holding your knees wishing your mom was here. This place is just one bad nightmare, a never-ending nightmare. Why is this world so cruel for those who aren't the same as the majority? This place almost seems idealistic and sweet, but here it's grimy and the rose color lense is stained in the blood of the forgotten.

What have you done?

What do you do?

You can't go back... you're a fugitive now... and Tomura is your accomplice. 

You slip into one of your other clothes leaving your bloody one behind. Outside Tomura still sat on the couch, his head perks up when he notice you. He waves you over as if nothing happened... but something did. You don't think you can ever be the same again. You sit next to him and stare at his game, nothing feels safe. You lean your head against Tomura.

He's the safest person you know.

.

.

.

.

"Breaking news local family tragedy. An elderly couple who was fostering a quirkless child has met, unfortunately. The wife was found gunned down and the husband is missing so is their foster child. Please look out for this child." Shigaraki stared at the screen of his computer. It's been two days and Y/n hasn't left her bed lying there like dead weight. Shigaraki sighs and looks over at y/n's door. He won't tell y/n of this, it makes her more anxious. 

Shigaraki could understand the way she felt, but at the same time, he was bitter. She should be paying attention to him. She should be playing with him, they should be spending hours and days playing video games, there's no need for worry. She's worried about stupid things like school, being caught, and going to jail. They don't have the gun. There is no camera. The only one who knows the truth his him, Kurogiri, and herself. If she doesn't say anything she won't be caught. He would never snitch on her, and Kurogiri too.

If she can't forget Shigaraki will ask Master to wipe her memory, so she can forget this entire event. He wants his friend back, without all this pain... 

Shigaraki felt shame wash over him, if he had gotten there sooner, this wouldn't have happened. She is fine not like a log ready to be burned.

he hates this.

Chapter Text

A year has passed.

You're six.

You grew agoraphobic, the outside is like a curse. The sun is a spotlight, the wind accusatory voices, and all the stars in the night are watching eyes staring at you in anger. You couldn't go outside without it feeling like everyone was watching you, which you logically know isn't true—  but your name is on the wind. You spend hours in bed, hours locked in pain, hours in shame. Shame became your world and the regret you felt consumed your soul. You wanted to cry, to die, to rewind time as if nothing happened.

You refuse to watch anything that you have to do with yourself.

Tomura told you everything.

"Yeah, That Tanaka man had previous complaints of harassment, peeping into girl's rooms. It said cameras were found in your room, I got rid of the footage of that night. The media thought he kidnapped you." Tomura said calmly sitting on your bed as he played on his switch. He looked down at you, "you want to play?"

"No." You whisper, and you can't bear to look him in the eyes. You didn't know why Tomura was covering for you, you a killer... a cold-blooded vile killer, yet he is doing everything he can to make you look like the most innocent person there. You shouldn't have paused time... you shouldn't have grabbed the gun, you shouldn't have done anything. Tomura could have found you and the two of you could sneak out, but you had to fight back and stand up for yourself.

You still need to accept the system's reward, it's been a year and the pink box never left you, an odd eerily comfortable. Tomura shrugs and goes back to his game, he was content with just spending time with you. Tomura smelled of soap, the clean nondescript smell of men's soap. You shift your body so you can watch his screen. In the entire year in bed, you never felt lonely, Tomura was normally sitting with you, quietly playing along. You feel a great sense of nostalgia hit you as you watch him play games. You would do anything to go back to the time before the foster family, before the deaths and murders. Before you know it you're asleep.

["Wake up."]

Your eyes shoot open and you see two boxes above you the reward acceptance and a new one. One that's red. You knew it was Teman, you wondered if hiding under the covers would protect you. A silly idea you know but it works for the monster's under your bed. A low high-pitched screech comes out and you wince covering your ears. You see the room turn pink, and Teman steps out of the box.

"Accept the damn reward." He said with a growl, crouching down before your bed.

"You made me a killer," you whisper your lower lips trembling. Your eyes sting you feel your chest give in a rapid heave as you feel a wave of emotions course threw you. You didn't hide the pain or your hate. You don't move, you don't coward, you just stare, staring into the devil's eyes.

"I said to grab the gun."

"You made me kill her," you shakily said.

He pushes your hair out of your face, your body naturally recoils at his touch. His hand is warm... He's a living creature... he can be killed... his large hands rest on your face. He pulls out a small necklace, with a cross made of pearls— river pearls. Six across, four down, it milky and white, swirled with gold. they're no ordinary pearls, they were magical. The chain of the necklace is gold, pure brilliant gold like Arabian gold.

"What is that?" You ask trying to push his hand away from your face, but he holds on with an iron grasp. "Let go."

"I think not, you belong to me." You feel your cheeks flush and you claw his hand away. One moment he's torturing you the next he professing his want of you. What is this man doing? What is he thinking? He arches a brow in amusement and stands up grabbing your arm as he does so. You're pulled onto your feet. "My my my, you look like a disaster, my wife wouldn't look like that."

"I'm not your wife."

"Correction you are my wife," Your brows furrow together. Your lips part and you stare at him with confusion. He laughs at your expression and flicks you on the nose. "You would have died, but you didn't."

"What?"

"You overdid it, turning back time. It dropped to 0 and with a flicker you had 5 MP."

"So?"

"You gave yourself 5 MP, You from another time another place." You stare at him, "And I guess you are also telling yourself how to turn back time. I know you would have never figured out your time manipulation ability without yourself telling you what to do." You stare at him dumbly, what did he mean? You could understand only to a certain point.

"How does that make me your wife?" He only smiles and begins to vanish.

"Do accept the damn gift, I can't give you any more quests if you don't click on it. And if I have to come back, I will make you do another five days in hell." With that, he vanishes. You quickly turn to the box and accepted the damn prize. The amount of money you receive is massive along with stats updates.

30 HP
100 MP (Mana)
5 Strength
5 Agility
11 Intelligence
2 Experience
1 Insight
5 Reputation.

You look at your stats and decide to click through, just to familiarize yourself. Your HP was obvious, and so is MP. You click on strength and to your surprise a secondary window opens. Like any RPG game, you have an armor/ clothes section. You look at the necklace and put it near the system window, it opens. The Armor set is ranked to your surprise SS. You click on the SS label and another sub window opens.

Normal
Uncommon
Rare
Special
SS
SSR

Your eyes shot up, Teman would give you something so rare? Why? Because you are his damn wife? You still can't swallow that fact, the fact he might be your— No! He tried to kill you! You're not gonna fall for his pretty face! His beautiful blue eyes... that soft warm dark skin... You flush and you try to get rid of the thought of Teman on his knees begging for your attention like that memory... or vision. But you can't help but wonder, how he could be so cruel if those memories of him were so kind.

You put the necklace on and it fills a spot, the one around the neck. You have room for arm guards, leg guards, a belt, a shirt, pants, and a head, and the necklace fills a spot for a weapon. As you put on the necklace it feels warm, like the pearls are alive. You have six chances six chances to turn back time. You want to turn back time to fix killing the Tanakas, but a second thought creeps up a colder more calculating thought, the part of you that dissociates from the world. "Don't... save it. save it until you are in real trouble." It says. No one knows it's you who killed the Tanakas, everyone thinks Mr. Tanaka stole you away killing his wife in the process. If you want you can go to the authorities saying you got away. You could have a normal life... But you know, you know you can't. You sit there quietly fingering the necklace before your door slowly creaks open as Tomura walks in.

"Oh you're up... Do you want to do anything today?"

"... Not really," You said quietly, "I do want to get Boba." You said with a smile. The guilt is still there, but you need time to think.

.

.

.

.

"Yeah, can I get..." You listen to Tomura order the drinks, and you sit in a booth with a cap and a mask on, no one gives you a second look, you'd didn't look out of place in Japan, maybe somewhere else you look sketchy but here it's all fine. It didn't take long for Tomura to join you at the table, drinks, and straws in hands.

"I never had Boba before," Tomura said.

"I enjoy it," you said shaking your drink before stabbing the straw in.

"Do you feel better?"

"No." You said feeling a wave of emotion hit you. You almost started to cry, but bit back tears. You cried enough, cried so much to Tomura. You feel bad, all you do is cry cry cry, and he sits there waiting for the old you to come back, you want to be new again, to be free of this guilt. 

You did what you did to survive... you did what you did to survive... It's not your fault Mrs. Tanaka pulled the gun when it was pointed at her... or that fact your finger pulled the trigger... It's not your fault. It's not your fault. It's not your fault. It's not your fault.

But it is your fault...

"Do you want to see a movie?" You're pulled from your thoughts and you look at Tomura.

"What do you have in mind?"

"Well... there's a new..." You perk up, that's your favorite series. It's a mix between Winx Club and Monster High something that Tomura didn't really like but he knows you do. You nod and before you know it the two of you are at the theatres reclining in a seat together. It was just the two of you, and maybe a few others but you couldn't see where.

For the first time in a year, you felt alive. You feel something more than crippling guilt, for the first time you enjoyed your time out, and you feel like a kid again. You held onto Tomura's hand during the movie smiling along at the antics pointing out facts to Tomura he probably couldn't care less about, but he listened. As you listen to his games, he listens to you, it's a nice friendship one most people never achieve in their lifetime.

You have a lifelong friend with Tomura.

Shigaraki looks at Y/n and that sweet smile on her face. Her gaze is locked onto the screen and she finally looks alive and present. His gaze drops down to her hand, how it holds onto him gently. Shigaraki feels his cheek flush and he feels his desire for her deepen. Shigaraki knows he would never ever let her go, that if push comes to shove he kill anyone for her.

Her voice sounds like sugar, sweet, and kind, he could listen to her all day long. She turns to him and smiles, wide and happy, she is finally alive. 

Shigaraki came to a single thought.

He would never ever let anything ever happen to her again. He will dirty his hands to make her happy to keep her happy.

.

.

.

.

You are seven now. And you never decided to go back to the normal world, you stayed with Tomura and Kurogiri. Kurogiri is a kind man, he makes sure you and Tomura have everything. All the snacks, all the blankets, all the entertainment. There's a calmness in this place, in this... family. Tomura feels like family, this place feels like home. There is no push for you to do anything, no expectation to fulfill a role, nothing. And you are fine with that.

Tomura is twelve, his interest never changed but his obsession grew. He once told you of his master (you quickly realize he was talking about his father figure) who is training him to hate society. That worries you, but Tomura never let you meet this man, it's for your own safety.

He never looks happy when he talks to his master, he usually mutters and contemplates something deep. 

You thought by now he finds your presence tiresome, that he realizes you're lame but that day never came. Every night the two of you stay up till four in the morning playing games, yelling at the Americans in League and laughing at their screaming. You were finally able to speak your original language (To which Tomura never asked you how you learned). Even in this universe male gamers still have female gamers, but at least you had backup in the form of Tomura.

The years past the two of you without troubles, without worries.

Soon you were fifteen.

Chapter Text

The day after you were fifteen you decided to go out for the first time in a few months. The sun-kissed your sickly sun-deprived skin. You pull your cap down and walk onto the streets of Mufasatu. It's been a decade and the city hasn't changed, but everything felt new. You pull your cap over your head, obscuring your face. The masses have forgotten you, but every so often your story is circulated online, the missing quirkless girl stolen by a pervert. They were age-progression photos of you, they were eerily similar to your face but nothing identical. Everyone minds their business here in Japan, no one cares if you walk by them. It's not their job.

You're now simply anonymous to the world, forgotten and you like it that way. For your birthday Tomura got you a gift card to your favorite stationary shop. You got some nice pens, notebooks, markers, and washi tape. In all, you did go over the gift card steeping into the money system got you but that's fine. Over the years System gave you a total of five quests, small things here and there. 

Quest 1: Feed the local stray cats.

You meet a man there, homeless-looking. He looked at the cats, petted them, and played with them. You hid from the man because you wanted to get hassled for money. You always felt like an ass telling homeless people you had no money, and that you couldn't help them... You hate feeling that helpless. You waited what felt like hours before he left. And when he left you fed the cat.

Reward: 14440.85 yen.

Quest 2: write into Presentation radio!

You did, you didn't know why the system wanted you to write in but you did. The prompt you were given was What's your darkest secret? You wrote about the time your world fell apart. The day your foster family took you, the beating, and the death. You didn't add any specific details, no names, no specific way that Mrs. Tanaka died. You didn't think he would read it. Then you received a call from the radio/ podcast show.

Reward: 36094.63 Yen.

Quest 3: Call into the radio show.

You called in, you were probably many of fifty. You didn't think you be called. To your surprise and your suspicion when you saw Teman in the set, background. He was messing with something, and soon the hero picked up your call. You feel your face lose all sensation like the blood in your cheeks decided to become so hot it goes numb. You feel your mouth goes dry.

"So... is this Y/n?" You almost hung up but you saw Teman looking into the camera and you knew he would hurt you more than the guilt of killing the Tanakas could eat you alive. "Hello?"

"... Hi," you said slowly and in a quiet voice. You see the hero's voice go serious and he shushed everyone on the live broadcast.

"... Are you in danger?"

"... No."

"It's ok, is Mr. Tanaka's in the room?"

"No."

"Where are you?" The hero asks, you can see from the live broadcast people are moving in the background, quickly. You feel this weight land on your shoulder, they were looking for you. They knew from the beginning. You ran to Kurogiri and Tomura and told them everything, well everything besides the system and the fact you had to do this. Tomura did look at you like you were an idiot and curse a bunch but he never yelled at you for this. We simply moved after burning the building down.

Reward: 72174.49 yen

Quest 4: Meet the burnt boy

You didn't know what that meant but you did go for a walk the first time went back to Mufusatu City. You walked around, feeling stupid but here and there System led you to a specific area. There you meet a boy with horrific scars. He looks lost. He turned to you and you tried not to pull a face, his jaw looked purple, like his skin was decaying off his face. He looks hungry, and he sits in an alleyway.

"Are you hungry?" You ask him awkwardly.

"Who are you?"

"... Do you wanna get something to eat?" You ask again.

"Yes."

You two walk to one of those faceless restaurants one where no one interacts with you. You didn't need people to see your face. You bought him food, he got soba. You two didn't talk until you left.

"What's your name?" you remember asking.

".... Dabi."

"I'm... Paradox," you said making it up on the spot. Tomura said you should never give out your real name ever, not since the radio incident. The boy shoots you a strange look before smirking. 

"Are you some sort of villain?" He asks with a strange humor.

"... I guess." You didn't know how to respond, in truth you are a monster, in truth, you did kill, but... you didn't want to be a villain. You just wanted to be ordinary nothing special nothing grand. You didn't want to be some man's wife.

"I have ambition," the boy said, you knew what that meant. He was either going to make something of himself or turn into a villain, either way, this boy will never affect you. He bid you farewell and left in the alleyway.

Reward: Dabi owes you a favor.

Quest 5: Get out of the damn base

Thar quest seemed very personal... Teman really wanted you out of the damn base. You reluctantly dragged yourself out of bed. That's how you found yourself in Mufutafu city. You decided to buy some things using the gift card Tomura got you. You skip along the city, bag full of supplies. You walk randomly down the street you have a few miles about five miles, but it's written in km. You skip along walking in random alleyways and streets trying to widdle down the distance.

You turn down the sidewalk and immediately crash into three boys, "Watch it," the loudest one shouts, and you barely dodge him. You pause... he looks familiar. "Oi, what you looking at—" his voice dies and you see the blond boy. He stared at your face, before looking you up and down, then back at your face. He got closer to you, studying your face.  It's that kid... That... that... Baku... It's on the tip of your tongue, but you have forgotten his name.

"Bakugou—" One of his friends said turning to him. You feel your face pale.

"Do I know you?" He asks his voice coming out as a grunt. Oh shit... it's that kid.

"No." You lied trying to keep your expression stoic.

"No, I've met you once."

"No, you haven't." You said turning around and walking off quickly. You keep your face hidden, you do not need a repeat of the radio call-in incident. You keep walking. You look down at your phone.

Boom!

You fall and hit the ground. You wince and look over to see another kid, in the same uniform as the blonde boy. "Sorry!" The boy said scrambling to stand up he gives you a hand and you gratefully take it. "Are you ok? I wasn't looking where I was going!" The boy said quickly his voice coming out with a slight stutter. You give him a small smile, his face flush and he looks around awkwardly.

Your heel hit the ground awkwardly. You look down and see yourself stepping on a notebook, 'Hero Analysis for the Future" No. 13. You pick it up and flip through the pages, seeing little sketches and doodles of heroes' costumes and a long list of things that heroes can do. Speculations and theories. 

"That's mine," the boy said his face bright red, you smile at him and hand it back to him. He snatches it out of your hand averting his gaze from you. You look around, you're in front of a school and his notebook is a little wet. You wipe your hands and try to not act grossed out.

"Oh, do you want to be a hero analysis coach? or performance scientist?" You ask with excitement, it's not every day you meet someone with a prosperous career. In other countries, especially in America, they have teams that help analyze heroes and how to effectively use their powers.

"No," the boy laughs awkwardly, "I want to be a hero." You were a little disappointed, everyone wants to be a hero. You can hear Tomura's scoffing and annoyance if he is here to talk to the boy.

"Oh, what's your quirk?" You ask gently.

"Oh... I don't have a quirk." the boy said bashfully, with a strong sense of embarrassment. 

"Oh... Same." His face froze before it brightened up.

"You're also Quirkless?"

"Yeah."

"... Do you want to be a hero?" He asks with a smile.

"No," You said quickly.

"Why not?"

"I just don't want to be a hero," You said. There was a look of disappointment on his face but he didn't say anything. You feel your heart sink, he's a delusion... delusional like a hero wannabe. "... Since you don't have a quirk, why not be like a support worker?"

"Well..."

"... I mean there is far more than one way to help people, be a doctor, scientist, analyzer, hero support tool maker. I mean Being a hero is for the loud and egotistical." You said slowly, you didn't realize so many people wanted to be heroes until you began to consume hero media... heroes were everywhere. 

"Yeah, but I want to be like All Might," the boy sheepishly. You give him a sweet reassuring smile.

"Be like him in spirit, you don't have to be him to be like him," you see his eyes slightly shimmer. 

Your phone rings and you see it's Tomura.

Shado3handz:
When are you coming back?
(4:00) Read

Cherriiblss:
I'll be back soon, just need to do a few more things.
(4:00) Read

Shado3handz:
Ok.
(4:00) Read

"Do- do you want to exchange phone numbers?" The boy asks.

"Sure! My name is... (O/n)," you said with a smile. You feel a painful nostalgia for saying your original name. He smiles and repeats your foreign name.

"My name is Midoriya Izuku." He said as the two of you exchanged phone numbers. "Where do you go to school?" he asks waiting for you to be done exchanging phone numbers. You look at your phone and his username: Shrubby. You chuckle at that.

"I'm... homeschooled." You said slowly already hating the idea of lying to this kid.

"Oh, what's homeschooling like?"

"A lot of computer and reading," you said. Your stomach growls and you let out an awkward laugh. 

"I'm going to get something to eat, let's stay in touch."

"Of course, I'll see you later." The boy said with a bow before walking away.

.

.

.

.

You walk along the streets after stopping by a nice little restaurant in a random little nook in a building. You got yourself some spicy curry. You still have more than half of what you need to travel left. You sigh and roll your feet around, as you gobble up your food. No one was in the store besides you, it was an oddity like most of Japan's best restaurants have the weirdest decor. After you eat you begin to walk again, randomly down streets.

You're bored.

You beg anything to cure that boredom.

You walk through the oddly empty streets... Where was everyone? You look around, no one. You keep walking taking out your earbuds and hear shouting.

You walk closer. 

The heat was the first thing you noticed. The screaming was the next. You inch closer feeling a cruel sense of morbid curiosity set in. It's like you were driving past a car accident, your eyes are naturally drawn to the crash, and you don't want to see any gore or blood, but... a story is a story. You walk closer stepping onto your tippie toe to see over the crowd. Your eyes widen as you catch a mass of glob, and heroes try to get to it. 

"Kacchan," Your head snaps over to your right, and to your shock, you see Izuku, his eyes wide. His eyes were trained on the slime creature.

"The poor kid is fighting for his life," you froze and looked back to the slime creature, and then you saw it. The blonde boy! Bakugou. Out of the corner of your eyes, you see movement, your hand instantly reaches out grabbing onto Izuku. Your body moves on its own, you don't know why. Izuku froze tears in his eyes he stared at you shocked.

"Don't!" You said, "You'll hurt yourself."

"I can't watch him die!" Izuku said with tears in his eyes.

"The heroes got this."

"But."

"What can you do? You're quirkless!" You said shaking him trying to put some sense in him.

"He'll die!"

"You'll die!"

[Hidden Quest: Let Izuku Fly]
[Accept?]        [Deny?]

[Deny.]

You denied it so quickly you didn't even think. You weren't about to let this kid die, not in front of you. Izuku gives you this pleading look, this look that screams for you to let go. You didn't, you couldn't. You see more tears run down his face, and a gut feeling hits you, they're wearing the same uniform... are they classmates? teammates? friends? You feel a wave of uncertainty and growing guilt eat at your consciousness. You look back at the scene beyond you. You feel a breath against your neck... and you see everything come to a crawl.

{"Curre ad ambulandum, tempus te circumducit."}

You let out this long breath and looked around, milliseconds were moving like minutes. You weren't doing this... you couldn't stop time this long. It wasn't Teman either he was here. It was that voice again, that strange persistent thought that leers in your mind in moments of uncertainty. You feel this overwhelming calmness hit you.

You pull open your System window and to the market. You have nearly all the time in the world, but the butterfly of anticipation in your guts were still fluttering. You were looking for anything to help this situation, anything so you don't see Izuku to cry. You hate seeing people cry, it makes you so uncomfortable and guilty like you were the one who made them cry.

Your eyes scanned over the items. Health potions, Mana potions, gear (all too expensive for your liking), you see spare clothes, energy shakes, and snacks. You slowly begin to lose hope, maybe there is nothing for you to use, and then you spot it. The one-time use items. Your eyes lit up, fireballs, acid splash, Air bubble, Ice storm, earth golem... ice golem, clay golem, lava golem... a lot of golems. You're two options were to use the acid splash in tandem with the air bubble but that would be expensive for a one-time thing you didn't know would work. Acid splash costs about 7172.10 yen, and Air bubble 3586.05 yen. The high number makes you feel uneasy but you have to remind yourself you have a lot more.

The second option is Ice storm, which may cool down the area enough for all the heroes to be able to enter. though it is more expensive than both Acid Splash and Air bubble, about  3586.05 yen more expensive than the other two combined. You check the time, barely a second has changed. You feel a pit of anxiety form in your stomach, a cruel sensation that makes you feel jittery. Your balms itch and you feel your chest grow uneasy, you are ready to fight... you think.

"fuck it," you mumble grabbing the Ice storm.

Everything turns red.

An alarm goes off.

a Minutes.

You begin to run. Past the crowd of people. Past the heroes. Past the rubble. You ran right to the villain and shoved the little blue cold orb that nipped at your bare flesh into its gooey body. It stuck out halfway. When you turn around you only had twenty-five seconds left. You hauled ass as fast as you can running like you were a track star, like you were a stunt double for a superhero movie.

Tick... Tick... Tick...

BOOM!

You are lobbed right into Izuku, your bodies crash into each other, and everyone else around you is also thrown. Your landing is rather soft as you fall right on top of Izuku who was knocked out. The ice storm from that little orb is a lot larger than you realize. It dawned on you the countdown wasn't just for the destination time but also to haul ass away from the area. You hear a high-pitched ringing, you look over to see the villain stunned the boy breaking free using his quirks, the heroes were drenched in snow and ice, trapped. You roll off of Izuku and collapse onto the ground huffing and puffing like you decided to run up every flight of stairs you could find.

You sat there waiting for Izuku to wake up. More heroes arrived some securing the villain, others checking out the victims. Some police officers were helping up the civilians closest to the blast those in the blast like you and Izuku were overlooked, not because we weren't important, but because we weren't in critical condition.

["My... ballsy of you"]

You wince hearing Teman's voice filled with pure amusement and mirth. He chuckles the pink changing into a light sakura petal pink as he laughs. He sounds so rich when he laughs like money spills from his mouth every time he lets out a Ha. Izuku's eyes open and he looks at you groggily, like he wasn't fully registering your presence. You helped him sit up making sure he wasn't bleeding anywhere.

["You should have read that description, you're first idea would have been safer."]

You feel a cold shiver run down your spine as you hear his chilling voice the humor is all gone replaced with a dull apathy, that seems to be hiding more than what's being said. You put a pin in the reading of the descriptions of what you buy, if this is the fall out of one orb what can the other orbs do? You have a sick feeling that Teman may have spiked that orb to make the explosion bigger, he wasn't above that.

"You ok?" You ask.

"... Yeah," Izuku squeaked out he wince and you feel incredibly bad.

["First aid."]

Teman said in the dullest tone as if he was talking to a stupid pygmy hippo. Your eyes widen and light up you act like you're reaching into your bag in reality you reopen your system window. After 7172.10 yen later you have an entire first aid kit. You see Izuku's eyes widen and his mouth opens, but no sounds come out.

"Do you want to go to the hospital?" You ask.

"... I— I'll be fine," Izuku said trying to stand up before falling. You look around and all the heroes, paramedics, and policemen are working to save the ones in the critical area. You feel your stomach turn, your throat go dry, and your heart sink. This is your doing... You hurt these people. You feel tears fill your eyes, and one slips down. "Hey, it's going to be ok," you feel a gentle touch wipe your tears, you look over to see Izuku putting on a brave smile for you. "It's going to be ok."

You nod.

"L— let's look at your leg." You say in a shaky tone. Izuku rolls up his pants leg and you wince at the dislocated ankle. You have no idea what to do. You look around wondering if you need to ask for help. You feel your throat closing at the idea. Asking for help is hard, asking for help when everyone else needs help seems selfish.

["Move his knee in the opposite direction of his ankle."]

You pause for a second... Can... Can Teman be trusted?

["Well? You want the poor idiot to be in pain forever?"]

"I'm going to move your leg, brace yourself," you listen to Teman's words. You move his knee and to your shock, his joins slip back into place. Izuku let out a grunt from pain and wince. "H—How does it feel?" You see Izuku flex his feet a bit and for the second time he tries to stand and this time he doesn't fall.

"Thanks a lot (O/n)." For a millisecond you were mortified he knew your real name before logically you remember that's what you told him to call you.

"Let me look at your back," you said. You see Izuku blushed badly but he didn't stop you from pulling up his shirt. You didn't realize he was bleeding, his black uniform hid the blood well. You pull out some antibiotic wipes and a few gauzes. "You're back is bloody. It's going to sting." Izuku flinches as the antibiotic alcohol wipe touches its open wounds. You wipe the blood and sweat off him and begin to tape on some gauze. "You should probably go to a hospital."

"Yeah, let me call my mom first," Izuku said you smiled at him and nodded. A paramedic arrives and studies your work, to you it wasn't half bad. The paramedic nods and moves on to the next set of injured civilians.

"... Thank you for saving my life," Izuku said, "I— my body just moved. I... I could have died." Izuku said with a hint of sadness.

"Hey, what's wrong?" You ask tilting your head to the side.

"... I know what I did was foolish."

"It's fine—"

"I know it's stupid for me to keep dreaming, but—"

"It's ok—"

"I just... I want to do some good—"

"IZUKU," You snap silencing him, "It's ok. It's ok to dream, but be realistic. You can still be a good man, a good person, you can be a hero to the heroes, be their support." You see his eyes swell with tears as he begins to cry his mother's contact a click away. You rub his head and smile, you still have a lot of walking to do... maybe you'll go on a walk with Tomura.

"I... I... I meet All Might... He said I couldn't be quirkless without a quirk," he sobs, "he is my hero." 

The old adage said, never meet your heroes. You felt bad for this kid. If your greatest heroes (you couldn't think of any off the top of your head) said you couldn't be a hero or ruin your dream that must hurt. You pull him into a hug and rock him back and forth, letting him cry his eyes out. Sometimes you just need a good cry and it's a good thing he can express his emotions, most men can't.

"You can still be a hero, maybe not the traditional hero, but a hero nonetheless," you said with a soft smile, "you can go to I-island as a scientist, from the notes I've seen you're so smart." You said happily trying to bring up his mood. You see him slowly smile.

"Really?"

"Really."

"I would totally help you get into I-island Academy!"]

"... Really?" Izuku said his voice jumping and active as he grew more excited.

"Really! Just because you can't be a hero in the traditional sense doesn't mean you can't still follow your dream in an untraditional way!" You jump up and down feeling a new sense of purpose in your life. Maybe you can bring up your karma out way the evil deed you did. You look down at Izuku and he smiles up at you. "But first you should probably go to the hospital, and get the wound checked."

Izuku called his mother who shortly came in her car to pick him up, she furiously bowed to you crying her eyes out about losing her son. She said to come over for dinner one day to thank you, before ushering Izuku through the car's door and driving away to the hospital. You check the time and see how long it passed it's almost night. You knew Kurogiri would lecture you, and Tomura would give you the stink eyes.

You walk down the alleyway far away from the crowd away from the crowd and text Kurogiri your location. One of his warp gates you step through to find Tomura standing in front of the gate arms cross looking pissed off... before he quirks a brow.

"Hey..." You said slowly.

"What happened to you?"

"You wanna get dinner? and a walk?" You said quietly trying not to look too guilty.

"Tell me what happened to you first."

"... Oh I got exploded by a villain attack, I'm fine though, I landed on top of someone." You answer honestly.

"Where do you wanna eat?"

"Sushi?"

"So I met this kid," you said explaining how you met your new friend. "He met All Might and asked if he could be a hero without a quirk and All Migh of course said no, and it crushed his dream." There's a weird satisfaction in his face a smirk. More so about another kid learning to hate All Might than the kid losing his dream.

"And?"

"I said he can become a scientist like going to I-island, I think I want to help him you know? He's so smart and has lots of notes on heroes, he could be like a quirk analyzer!" You see Tomura's eyes glisten with interest and his eating slows, he scratches his neck in contemplation.

"I like to meet this kid," Tomura said lightly.

"Well his mom invited me to dinner maybe I can ask if you can tag along!"

"I like that."

.

.

.

.

Shigarki feels a deep-seated jealousy bloom in his heart, who dares make his little player smile like that? He hasn't seen her smile like this since the damn Tanaka incident! He watched as she paid for dinner, he never asked her where she made her money, he didn't care. They begin to walk around randomly. He follows after her like a lost puppy. He watched as she pulled out stupid little cutesy sticky notes, gel pens, notebooks, washi tape, and erasers. 

He likes listening to her talk.

Who was this... Izuku?

Can he join his side?

If this boy is as delusional as Y/n said maybe he can manipulate Izuku to talk... 

Chapter Text

Shrubby:
Hey, it's Midoriya.
(5:00) read

Cherriiblss:
Hey Izuku, are you ok?
(5:00) read

Shrubby:
Yeah, my back will heel fine, did you get home safe?
(5:01) read

Cherriiblss:
Yup!
(5:01) read

Shrubby:
My mom wants you to come over for dinner, are you down for that?
(5:04) read

You feel yourself smiling wide. Rolling onto your stomach you begin to kick your feet. You like this kid, he's kind and genuinely different from Tomura. He's sensitive, kind, and sweet. You didn't know when or if Izuku would call you back, but you elated he did. You let out a soft giggle.

Cherriiblss:
Sure, what time and day?
Also, my friend would love to meet you :)
(5:06) read

Shrubby:
Really? What's her name?
(5:07) read

Cherriiblss:
His name is Shigaraki Tomura.
He isn't the biggest of heroes but
he likes to analyze things
(5:09) read

Shrubby:
Why doesn't he like heroes?
(5:09) read

You frown, what do you say? You can't tell him the actual reason, that society abandoned him and you. It's not your place to tell Tomura's story— private life. You swallow and look over at Tomura who sits at your computer playing your version of Sims. You had all the pretty mods, the pretty Sims because why be ugly in a hellish world when you can be hot? Tomura clicks about giggling to himself.

You wonder which save game you have he was playing.

The reverse dark romance, where your female sim kidnaps hot men, the game of throne esc round, and the darkest one the one you told Tomura not to click on, The Mpreg save folder you have, where the men get pregnant. 

A girl got her secrets.

Cherriiblss:
he's not very fond of people heroes included
He doesn't have a good relationship with society
(5:11) read

Shrubby:
Oh, why not?
(5:11) read

Cherriiblss:
Well, he was abandoned for his quirk
I was abandoned for my quirklessness
(5:12) read

Shrubby:
Oh Im srry I dudn't mean to makw it awkward!
(5:13) read

Cherriiblss:
It's fine!
No problem!
(5:13) read

Did you consider applying to I-island?
Still love to help
(5:16) read

Shrubby:
Yup! I've been looking into it
Do you want to meet up after school tomorrow?
(5:17) read

Cherriiblss:
Sure!
(5:17) read

.

.

.

.

You sit at the local internet cafe, Tomura sitting next to you clicking away at his switch. You stare at the door every time someone walks through the door, and your legs begin to bounce as anxiety grips your heart. You arrive five minutes early, and those five minutes feel like an eternity.

"Stop that," Tomura said shoving your bouncing knee down, "I'm trying to concentrate."

"Sorry."

Your phone dings and you look down and smile, you stand up and your eyes catch Izuku's. You wave him over and he rushes over to you. a bead of sweat rolling down his temple. He laughs awkwardly as he approaches you. "Sorry! my last class ran over— who's that?" Izuku asks pointing to Tomura. Tomura looks up with a glare. You smack him in the chest.

"This is Tomura, my friend," You said hoping Tomura's Misanthropy didn't act up.

"Nice to meet you!" Izuku said giving him a full proper bow. Tomura didn't even give up, his lips curled annoyedly. There's a glint in his eyes, a cold evilness in his eyes. Your vision stings, your peripheral vision turning red. Your heart booms in your ears. You look over eyes darting over to Izuku who doesn't seem to notice. Your eyes snap back to Tomura, and the hate in his gaze grows harder. Your eyes widen and you see one word over his head.

'Danger.'

The longer you stared at Tomura the redder your vision went, soon all you see is read, and in black "DANGER!" Your heart keeps bounding, you feel like a deer being hunted. What was this sensation? What is going on? You feel your mouth go dry and you wonder... is Tomura as kind as he portrays himself to be?

"O/n?" You're pulled out of your thoughts and you look over to Izuku. You feel a hand grab your wrist, your gaze shakily looks over. Tomura is giving a strange look, half confused half amused, the hateful gaze gone. He looks at you with worry. 

"I'm fine," you sit down next to Tomura your heart still beating quickly. Izuku smiles at you and sits across from you pulling out his hero Anylasis book and another notebook.

"I've been taking notes on the I-island application process," Izuku begins the awkward air fading into a buzz of studiousness. You lean over and look at the notes he's taken.

• Upcoming students must either submit a new gear or a scientific study.
• Upcoming students need a recommendation letter from a teacher or scientist who vouchs for students.
• A background check on the family and child.
• Families must move to I-island for the child's protection

You let out a long whistle with so many requirements, that you hear Izuku chuckle and scratch the back of his neck. You look over to see Tomura quietly watching on, his gaming slow to a quiet crawl. Tomura read the requirements over your shoulder before huffing.

"That's a lot," he mumbles.

"Yeah," Izuku mumbles, "I don't know what I would do..."

"A quirk study?" You offer. Both boys turn to you.

"Like what?" Izuku asks.

"Since you do a lot of quirk studying why don't you do a comparison of quirks people have to heroism." You offer.

"... Most heroes popular heroes have strength base quirk, the flashy ones." Tomura said, "That's probably been done." You purse your lips thinking. What's a study that has to deal with quirks— anylizing quirks... That's what's Izuku's strong point.

"... Why not just ask people what they think is the ideal quirk," Tomura said. You turn to him with a big smile before looking at Izuku.

"Wouldn't that work?"

"What part of that is scientific?" Izuku asks.

"We... we can tie it to... to..." You frown, this is a lot harder than you think. This will be a social experiment, and one must account for many factors. "what people think are heroic quirks and villainous quirks... and maybe how changing the wording of the question could change how people view a quirk." You see a blank stare Izuku is giving you.

"Like if You say would a destruction quirk be heroic or villainous vs. is a deconstruction quirk heroic or villainous." You see Izuku's eyes widen and glow, he nods and begins to write down on his.

"I see so this be a study on people's biases," Izuku spoke with joy, "I'll have to interview a lot of people though." He mumbles mostly to himself.

"I can help!" You jump in, "We got like 10 months to figure it all out!"

"Really?" Izuku asks his voice small but brimming with excitement. You nod quickly and pull out a notebook.

"We can create a list of questions to ask and try to find a wide enough population to ask. We have to include everyone, or as many different types of people, to be fair. We can ask heroes, civilians, hero students, maybe even villains, vigilantes!" You said drafting a group of people.

"What... do you really think villains and vigilantes will answer these questions?" Izuku asks.

"We can try, I'm sure some of them will help if we ask." You cheerfully said.

"What question should we ask?" Izuku asks.

The minutes slip by you, Tomura picks up Izuku's hero analysis book and slowly reads threw it as the two of you continue to chat. You two went through many lists of a lot of questions, questions to ask. You guys created a spreadsheet on the computer, it's long and detailed made to detail but neither of you knew what was needed to get into I-island. The acceptance rate is rather low, and competition is high not higher than UA though. The age ranges you had were 1-12 12-19 19-25 25-45 45+, There was a box for gender, and then type: if they were a civilian, hero students, heroes, villains (Villians had the subcategory of criminal and organized crime). 

The questions were the hardest:

The first set was the baseline.

• What quirk requirements do you believe the user should have: Mutation, Emitter, or transformation
• Which quirk type is the most villainous?
• Do you think an "Evil" quirk creates villains?

The second set of questions was to see if words and phrases can change opinions.

• Is a destruction quirk evil?
• Is a deconstruction quirk evil?
• Is a cell activation quirk useful?
• Is a healing quirk useful?
• Is a blood-style quirk evil?
• Is a Hemo-style quirk evil?

There were many more it's a survey at the end that asked the participants:

• Are you a: Hero, hero student, civilian, criminal/ villain?

Izuku's phone dings and he looks down at it, "it's dinner time," he mumbles. He turns to you with a smile, "Do you want to come over for dinner?" 

"Sure! Can Tomura come?" You ask looking over at Tomura who was reading through the other Hero analysis books Izuku wrote. After he finished the 13th addiction Tomura asked for the others, he had two others on him, but it seemed like Tomura absorbed the entire thing into his head.

"Sure, I'll ask my mom!"

The three of you cleaned up and began to walk to his house.

"So..." Izuku begins looking at Tomura, "What's your quirk?" He asks a little shyly. Tomura didn't do anything to make himself seem approachable. Tomura didn't say anything at first before mumbling.

"Decay." 

"Wow! What does it do?" Izuku asks fishing out his notebook.

"... If I touch something with all five fingers I can disintegrate it, it will crumble to ash." You smile seeing Tomura slowly open up to the kid.

"A titular quirk... five fingers... could be used to rescue people... similar to Thirteen," Izuku said quietly.

"... You two?" Tomura mumbles.

"What?"

"I said he could rescue people with his quirk," you jump in laughing, "he could be a rescue hero."

"I know!" Izuku said happily. Looking at you with a sweet expression. "With a quirk like that any disaster could be least deadly with your help," Izuku said with a wide smile on his face.  Tomura looked at him with a blank expression but he didn't give out a snide remark either.

.

.

.

.

Shigaraki doesn't like this boy, nothing against the kid. 

He hates how happy he makes his player be.

She's his, all his.

Why is she paying attention to this brat?

Isn't he good enough?

He can't wait for this brat to leave for that stupid island and never return. He'll make sure he gets into that damn school, make sure he goes away.

.

.

.

.

Izuku's mom is so sweet. She welcomes us in with open arms. She fussed over Izuku ushering us to the dining room table. You loom over at Tomura and smile at him. He gives you a slight smile before scratching his neck a sign of unease. You sit to your right and the two, the table full of food.

The food is divine. Made of love. As sappy as it sounds it's far tastier than anything you've had in a long while. You ate until you were stuffed and from the quietness of Tomura, he did the same. To your mild surprise, he was polite the entire time. He even smiles which is rare, Tomura's Misanthropy behavior seems to give way to actual joy.

"L/n what school do you go to?" Inko asks politely.

"Oh I'm home-schooled," you said the familiar lie you've been telling everyone.

"Oh, Shigaraki, are you in college?"

"No." You see Inko slightly frown but don't say anything. It's kind of hard to explain to people how the two of you don't fit into the binary. You're not in school neither is he, neither of you has a job, but you two have a place to live. It's an odd situation. You didn't want to trauma dump onto this nice lady.

"Mom," Izuku begins after hesitating a bit, "I was thinking of... applying to I-island."

"Oh?" Inko said holding her bowl of rise in shock. "What changed your mind? Didn't you want to be a hero?"

"That was a silly dream, O/n said I could be like a quirk analysis," Izuku said with a small smile. His eyes twinkle as he looks over at you. You smile at him. "We have a plan!" You see Inko's brow lighten up and a relief crosses her face. A weight is lifted off her shoulders one she probably doesn't know.

.

.

Month One

The first week of month one was finalizing the questionnaires and submitting them to I-island for approval. It took three weeks for them to get back to us. At that time it was just a waiting game, it ate you up. And from what Izuku texted you he was stressing so hard. 

At the end of the month, they greenlit all the questions, and help changing a few here and there.

The first people you asked were Kurogiri, Tomura, and Giran... They didn't seem very happy to do it, but still did. 

Of course, all three gave relatively the same answer. They all to your slight annoyance picked villains. It made sense to you. Tomura was a criminal align he didn't pay taxes... Kurogiri doesn't pay taxes.

"Why did you pick villain?" You ask Tomura as he fills out the form.

"Well I'm not a hero or ever will be, I'm definitely not a normal citizen."

"Why not other?"

"... I align more with the villain ideology, against heroism and the grain." You frown and he looks up at you. "What? You don't feel the same?"

"... No," You slowly said a little awkwardly. You see him frown but he doesn't push it any further.

Month Two

You're interviews ramped up, Izuku said he can do his fellow students and teachers. He also will aim for his neighbors. Since you didn't go to school you aimed for the heroes and villains... You are nervous about the latter. You wanted to avoid dragging around Tomura as you interview people, he's rather a homebody. You spent two weeks in bed trying to build up the mental fortitude to ask random stranger questions, and by the start of week three the guilt and anxiety begin to eat at your psyche.

The first person you asked is a hero, and she was kind enough to answer you setting the tone.

And before you knew it you had asked over fifty people.

By Week four you were walking around the UA area, ready to ask hero students what they think.

"Why are you loitering here?" You froze and slowly turned around to see a tired scary-looking man. He glares down at you arms folded. "Shouldn't you be in school?"

"... Um... I'm home-schooled."

"Sure you are," he said not buying it.

"I'm here to interview hero students for a social experiment," you said clearing your throat and trying to seem confident. He arches a brow and extends a hand. You hand over your questions. You watch him read over the question, sweat gathering on your brow, what do you do? What do you say? What if he doesn't believe you?

"This is an application of I-island.... You don't look like an Izuku."

"I'm helping a friend." You said. He hands over the papers and groans.

"Fine, don't harass any of the students."

"God it..." You mumble.

You watch as the man leans against the wall. You purse your lips and look away. He's going to watch you. Great. You stand there and wait the next fifteen minutes in silence is hellishly awkward before the bell rings. Some kids ran out before you could open your mouth others came out in groups, and the bigger groups were intimidating. The smaller ones were easier to approach so you did. Many of them happily answer for you.

"Excuse me," you call out to a blonde boy that kind of reminds you of Tintin. He turns to you with the widest smile.

"Sure!"

"I'm taking a survey of quirks, heroism, and what people think the ideal quirks are." You begin the familiar line you speak again."

"Alright," he turns to his friends, "You guys want to participate?"

"Sure!" The girl cheers. The other boy looks around before sighing and nodding.

"I'll do you one at a time, you first," I said pointing to the shy guy. You hope making him go first and ending first is better than dreading to be second or worst last.

"What type is your quirk?" You see the boy freeze up, his eyes daring around and you wonder if you did the right thing.

"... Transformation," he mumbles... Great you'll have to do most of the leg work to get this boy to speak up.

"Which quirk type do you consider to produce the most villains?" You know it's a loaded question one people have to take a while to speak.

"I guess Emitter."

"Do you think "evil" quirk creates villains?"

"No." You're mildly surprised most people agree to "Yes" "Evil" quirks make evil people. You smile at him and you see his cheeks flare in redness. You then asked him the convoluted questions making sure to hyperfocus on the wording. You can slowly see him getting confused and weirded out, his gaze falling back to the blonde man.

"Don't worry, I'm just seeing if wording changes answers," you said quietly.

"Does it?" The blonde boy asks chipperly.

"Yeah... Word changes make people think differently, they assume things differently." You explain.

After this boy, Tamaki had his round, you moved on to the girl. She's far easier to interview and answers everything so clearly. Mirio the blond guy took forever. He had such strange answers and was a breath of fresh air. He seems welcoming to all, compared to everyone else pre-existing ideals, but at a subconscious level the different wording (you pick different questions for each of them from a question bank). He did fall into the trapping of wordplay. At the very end, you move to another group, where generally it took you some time to realize as they were coming back from clubs.

Month three

Cherriiblss:
Izuku I got a lot of hero students and heroes
haven't really gotten villains or criminals
(4:30) read

Shrubby:
Don't put yourself in danger by getting
a villain's testimony!
(4:30) read

Cherriiblss:
You need accurate data to get into I-island!
I'll go with Tomura or someone.... 😭
(4:31) read

Shrubby:
You don't have to!
(4:31) read

Cherriiblss:
You sure? 🥺🥺
(4:32) read

Shrubby:
I'm sure I'll figure something out through this data
Thank you so much!
(4:32) read

Chapter Text

Month Five

You were walking down the street, through a nice park of hydrangea flowers. It's lightly raining and you're wearing your raincoat jumping into puddles enjoying the freedom. It's been years since you had childish fun like this, Izuku brought out a new fire within your bedrotting mind. Tomura walks behind you in his hoodie watching you boredly. Tomura loves the rain, he can feel it without disintegrating. He sometimes put his hands into puddles feeling the water around his hands.

"Having fun Tomura?" You ask giggling. He looks at you, his eyes softening when he looks at you.

"Stop jumping in puddles you're getting me wet," He grumbles pushing your shoulder playfully. You laugh some more stomping in the puddle as if you're in Step Up and know how to dance. Tomura chuckles swatting at you, his glove hands lighting grazing at your jacket.

"Maybe you should wear rain boots and a rain jacket." You tease back giggling. Tomura pounces on you and you begin to run laughing and squealing as he chases you from one puddle to another. Until you crash into someone. You stumble back and someone grabs onto your arm.

"Careful child," you gaze up, and see a man with graying hair, thick brows, and deep frown lines. He's dressed in a traditional Kimono, black as if he's from a different era. You give him a bashful smile before straightening out as you see another man glaring at you. He wore white gloves and black masks, golden eyes stared menacingly at you. You quickly bow and back up, running into Tomura. You hid behind him.

"Chisaki," The old man chides, "don't scare the poor girl, she's just playing."

"Yes Boss," The young man said. For someone who looks so young, he has such a deep voice, nice and smooth good audiobook voice. You perked up and looked at the old man. Traditional... like those Yakuza films.

"... Excuse me?" You speak up like an absolute fool, all three men look at you. "Are you by chance Yakuza?" You immediately wanted to take your words back but here you are, opening your big mouth. The old man smiles an amused one.

"Why do you ask?"

"You don't really see people wear formal Kimonos... anymore." The man smiles more.

"Yes, we are."

"Oh... Can I interview you for a school project?"

"Y/n right now?" Tomura asks quietly.

"I didn't think I find... these people here," You whisper back with a gritted smile, this is a good population for Izuku's study. Both men look at each other.

"Not like right now!" You panic waving your arm around. "I don't have my questionnaires so..." You feel your cheeks heating up painfully, "can we set up a time so I can interview you? Please?" You wanted to hide, to cry, and to die from embarrassment.

"Of course," The old man smiles and reaches into a pocket, pulling out a card. He hands it over. "Come visit us next month, Saturday would work, you wouldn't be in school." You took the card with both hands and nodded before scampering back to Tomura your cheeks feeling scorching hot.

"You're red." Tomura bluntly states.

"That was humiliating."

"I felt embarrassed for you watching you," he states. You grumble leaning your head into his chest. You wanted to laugh, cry, and hide for eternity for this embarrassment to go away.

"... You wanna go home and play games?" You ask looking up at him. He smiles down at you.

"Sure."

"... Take a bath you smell like a wet cat."

"I do not!"

"Do to."

"Do not."

"Do to."

Month Six

"This place... where do they get their money?" Tomura grumbles. "Organized crime doesn't do well." You look at him curiously. How does he know that? "Well... aren't you going to knock?" You blink, walk up to the door, and press the button. The door slams open, and you flinch back into Tomura. The man before you is wearing an odd mask, a plague doctor, and a white hood. 

"Hi..." Looking back to Tomura for support, you slowly said, "I was told to come here on Saturday for an interview." 

"Ah yes," The man steps to the side and opens his arm toward you to step. You inch forward and Tomura follow after you. He insisted on following you for this meeting. Unlike heroes with morals and an image to uphold villains, criminals would attack you. Tomura did have a point you do look like an easy target, you are a weak girl with no quirk.

The house is grand, like an old palace in Japan. It's beautiful, and you wonder where they got their money. They were expensive-looking vases and long hallways. This man, in the white hood, leads you down the long hallway. You guys turn a few times and you are antsy, you look back at Tomura who gazes around his hands out of his pocket, he's ready to attack or run for the exit.

"Sit here." The man said before heading to leave.

"Wait can I interview you?" You ask pulling out your questionnaires. He pauses and looks at you and you can't tell what his gaze looks like, through the goggles of the plague mask. You give him an awkward smile and shift your gaze back to Tomura. Tomura crosses his legs staring at the man's unimpressed expression.

"Fine," He sighs sitting on the couch opposite of you.

"Ok... Male... Age?" You ask.

"...."

"... between late 20s early 30s," you mumble, you hope he isn't going to make this painfully awkward.

"What type is your quirk? Emitter? Mutant? Transformation?"

"Mutant." You smile as he actually gives you a real answer.

"Which type of quirk do you think is the most villainous?" You ask, you always felt stupid asking that question. You never wanted to be seen as a bigot but either way, people answer it slowly and with hesitation.

"Mutant." He answers way too quickly, you stare at him and sigh shakily. Is he a bigot? A bigot like those weird cults against people with overt mutant quirks? He made you uncomfortable, it's the new racism.

"Ok... Do you think "Evil" quirks create villains?"

"Yes, those with devious quirks are prepositioned to become villains." You nod and jot it down.

"Do you consider yourself a citizen, villain, or hero?"

"Yakuza." Nodding you jot down villain. You sigh and pull out the long list of questions. He answers then all curtly and bluntly. Of course, you saw this trend with Tomura. He leaned more toward the destructive quirks and thought they were more dangerous.

After he left.

It didn't take long for other members to come in and out, the questionnaires took about ten minutes each. You got through six people, then another six. Two hours pass and you turn to your online recorder to make this go faster. You got through twenty people within another hour. You smile at the results and at the very end, you see the same young man walking in. He sits down.

He icked you out.

You reach for the hand sanitizer and coat your hands. You wanted to feel clean again.

"Chisaki right?" You ask slowly gripping your recorder harder.

"Call me Overhaul." He corrects crossing his legs and looking at you with this strange glare. There's a hint of mild disgust behind his gaze.

Cringe... ok.

"Um... What type is your quirk?"

"Emitter."

"What quirk type is the most evil?"

"All quirks." Your mouth fell open and you just stared. Your eyes shoot over towards Tomura who also looks shocked, very shocked his lips curled in disgust. "Did you know quirks come from mice who had a virus? All quirks are a disease!" His eyes scan at the two of you in pure disgust.

"Well... I'm not affected I got papers," You mumbled feeling mildly insulted for Tomura's sake. Having a quirk nowadays is like people having tattoos or piercings it's a given, being unmodified (ie piercing, tattoo, fillers, plastic surgery) is on the rarer side. You see him arch a brow inquisitively.

"And that means?"

"I don't have a quirk." His eyes lit up and his body relaxed greatly before his cold eyes shifted towards Tomura. A glare. 

"And him?"

"... I have a quirk." Overhaul sneers and leans back in his seat turning his attention back to you.

"Tell me what's it like not infected?"

"I get bullied." You answer Awkwardly. Overhaul leans forward resting his arms on his thighs. He's studying, creepily, and you feel unsafe around him. Even though he has this... politeness to him

"No I mean what's it like knowing you're not infected?" He asks, he already has an answer he just wanted you to confirm it.

"I don't know." You feel like a little cricket being hunted by a crow, by death itself. This man wants you... dead, or alive, but he isn't opposed to a dead body.

"... I see. I am working with some doctors on quirks study, I like to take a blood sample from you as a control group, as... composition for answering these questions." You feel Tomura reach out for you, wrapping his glove hand around your wrist

"P-pardon?"

"I like a blood sample from you for this hassle." Overhaul calmly said.

"No," Tomura answers for you. He bolts up, grabs your recorder shoves it into your hand, and makes for the door.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Overhaul sneers standing up and removing a glove. Tomura pulls off his gloves on his other hand and you feel like both have hand-related quirks. You hope Overhaul doesn't have a destructive side like Tomura or something that Tomura can't decay. You look around grabbing for the door and swing it open.

"Curre ad ambulandum, tempus te circumducit." You mutter, hoping Tomura won't freeze up with your power. Time slows to a stop you turn to Tomura who blinks. "RUN!" The two of you run towards the door, down the hall.

"Where do we go?" You ask panting, your hands get sweaty and your heart is pounding like hell.

"Here!" Tomura shouts decaying the wall and running through it. He crumbles the entire side of the hall. Behind us, the ground rumbles, and the ground cracks. You look behind to see the housebreaking and morphing. 

"FUCK!"

"Keep moving!" Tomura roars as we crash through the front wall into the front yard. I see a creature behind us form into claws and a bird beak. There in the center is Overhaul, he swings a meaty claw towards us.

"Curre ad ambulandum, tempus te circumducit!" You shout seeing the thing freeze. You keep running, Time only stops for five seconds and you are able to get a few hundred feet away from Overhaul. You feel your eyes sting as tears begin to roll down. You don't want to die like this.

[Quest: Escape Overhaul]

"No shit," you gasp out your lungs burning and your legs aching.

"What?" Tomura asks.

"Look out!" You scream as a meaty claw falls down near you. Tomura swings you around jerking you out of the way. He touches the arm and the decaying process begins. "Curre ad ambulandum, tempus te circumducit!" You bellow feeling your energy drain low, you check your Mana and your eyes widen. You have 25 Mana left. Shit, you can't do it again.

"C'mon!" The two of you jump the remaining fence and run, "Text Kurogiri!" You shove your record into your pocket and fish out your phone, trusting Tomura not to lead the two of you into a pothole. You drop your location and instantly a warp portal appears in front of you.

"Come back here!" You hear Overhaul roar with rage, and the two of you jump through the warp gate. The two of you crash onto the wooden floor of the bar, you collapse on top of Tomura who softens your landing. He kept his hold on you tight. You can feel his chest rise and fall and he groans as he sits up. 

"Are you ok?" He asks coughing a bit.

"K-Kurogiri water?" You gasp out your throat burning, your lungs burning, your legs hurting, and you're fighting to catch your breath. He comes over with some water and the two of you down it. You let out a loud gasp and turn to him with tears in your eyes.

"I'm so sorry I didn't think that would happen." You cry the adrenaline too much for your system to process without crying. He pulls you into a hug.

"Good thing I came along." You nod crying into his shoulder.

"What was wrong with that guy?" You grumble, "Who asks for a blood sample?!"

"A weirdo."

You sit in your room quietly, after taking a long hot bath, crying a bit more and letting your mind death spiral to 'what ifs'. What if Overhaul caught you? What would he do with you? Would he have killed Tomura? You think back to the moment, what was his quirk? It was pretty interesting seeing his quirk in action. Can he make meaty arms out of materials? You're painfully curious about his quirk.

Cherriiblss:
Izuku!
(2:00) Read

Shrubby:
Yes?
(2:00) Read

Cherriiblss:
I got more data from villains!
(2:00) Read

Shrubby:
How??
(2:01) Read

Cherriiblss:
Let's meet up I'll tell you everything
(2:01) Read

Shrubby:
Sure! Let's meet up at the cafe again!
(2:01) Read

"... So we were running for our lives," You explain to Izuku. The boy has a shocked horrified expression his mouth hanging open. he looks between you and Tomura before shooting to his feet.

"Don't put yourself in danger for my sake!"

"She didn't think," Tomura said sipping on his energy drink. "Good thing I tag along."

"Yeah..." You laugh awkwardly, "But I got your last bit of results for you to analyze!" You cheer handing over the large stack of paper you transcribe from the recover. His eyes widen and he takes it with both hands and bow repeatedly.

"Thank you so much for helping me O/n!"

"No problem!" You smile before remembering something, "Oh but you do have an outlier... a quirk hater."

"A what?" Izuku asks looking at you in shock.

"Yeah... one of the people I interview doesn't like quirks," you whisper as if it's a great secret, "he thinks it's an infection. He asked me a quirkless person what it's like to not be infected. Weird." You shake your hands out before smiling at Izuku. His face flushed and he looked away. You frown. "Is something the matter?"

"NO!" His voice squeaks out. You frown but slowly smile.

"Will you be watching this upcoming year's sports festival at UA?" You ask at the future event.

"Of course!" Izuku squeaks out his cheeks still pink. "I watch it every year I love seeing people's quirks. Do you guys watch it?" 

"I do," Tomura grunts out. "I like seeing up-and-coming hero quirks."

"What did you think of last year's winner for their years?" Izuku asks happily turning his blushed expression to Tomura in excitement.

"... He was pretty... standard, nothing special." 

"I see," Izuku frowns, "I liked his quirk, flying quirks are always helpful."

"If you have more than one skill besides flying," Tomura adds, "Look at Hawks can fly and use his feathers in unique ways."

"I know!" Izuku smiles broadly, "I think that third year's quirk was air manipulation."

.

.

.

.

All Might sits in the conference room, as his body streams and he reverts back into his small form. The door opens and Nedzu walks in. "All Might," he greets warmly, "Have you made your decision on who will get your quirk? I still believe Mirio is the best option." All Might pauses and thinks for a second.

"I think... I think he'll do."

"You're not very happy." Nedzu denotes the hesitation All Might had.

"I still like to weigh my options but Young Mirio is the top choice currently," All Might explains. The two men sit down and All Might pours the tea out for the principal.

"Did you hear about the damage near Sir Nighteye's agency?" Nedzu asks. All Might sputters for a second choking on his drink.

"No!"

"The local Yakuza group's house exploded and damages happened. It said one of their young members use their quirks dangerously." All Might nods along.

"Do you know why?"

"No, but people did witness people running, one of them is the missing girl Y/n L/n," Nedzu states in a grim way. Nedzu knew of the little girl, it wasn't long ago when she called Present Mic's broadcasts and abruptly hung up. He's been working with the police on finding her whereabouts and where Mr. Tanaka can be.

"Didn't she vanish ten years ago?" All Might asks.

"Yes and recently she called into Present Mic's Podcasts."

"I see."

"There was a young man with her, we haven't located him in any of our databases of criminals or missing children," Nedzu adds. The young man is an interesting part of this mystery. Was it the same young boy that used to play with her back at the orphanage?

"Will you be posting their pictures out there?"

"Not yet," Nedzu hums, "we want to give her time to come to us if she's connected to the Yakuza she could be in a human trafficking ploy. The police are looking for her currently."

"I see."

"He's here," Dox said coldly. "I can smell him."

"invade his system." Said the pretty young redhead girl with white eyes walking down the street hands in her pocket.

"... He has a new player." Dox muses cruelly.

"Why don't we give his little player an impossible little quest that he so loves to do." The redhead laughs.

"What test would that be?" Dox asks.

"Why don't we attach it to his last quest."

"Fun," Dox laughed and set up the new quest.

Chapter Text

When you wake up you see a quest.

In blood red color.

[Quest: Defeat Overhaul]
[Accept?]

"What?" You mutter, the momentary sleepiness vanishing into a cold sweat. You stared at the red box hoping this was just a nightmare. Why wasn't it pink? What is this? You just stared at the screen hoping it was just a glitch and it would vanish when you blink. You blink rapidly but it's still there. 

"Teman?" You call out hoping he notices.

Nothing.

"System?" you call out.

Nothing.

You open your system, hoping you missed a part where you can lodge a complaint. You troll around opening one window after another, looking for a way to get to Teman. And you find nothing. You feel a dread settle in your bones, and a cold sweat settles on your temple. Your body grows clammy, and tears brim in your eyes. The claws of fear grip your heart, and you begin to run, looking for an exit. You wet your dry lips.

The quest screen begins to flash. It cast your face in a red glow. A timer appears below the screen.

[10]
[9]
[8]

Your mind goes blank and you click on accept. The countdown stops and your shoulder sags a bit. You wipe your tears and your resolve hardens.

You were stupid to believe that being Teman's "Wife" would protect you from his ire. You get up and change into some better clothes. You look for things that can pad out your body and something you can move swiftly in. You feel all your appetite vanish you only down a single water bottle to stay hydrated. As you exit your room you see only Kurogiri,

"Kurogiri can you open a portal for me," You ask hoping your voice doesn't expose your fear.

"Where to?"

"Yesterday's location."

As you step through the warp gate you are dropped in the middle of a disaster area. You sneak around. Heroes were crawling everywhere, policemen too. You keep your head low your mask on, hoping no one would pay you any attention, you were just a simple girl looking around.

You walk back to the Yakuza house only to find a tall man, a boy, and a blue-skinned girl standing there chatting with a serious expression. You feel your heart sink. Their stand Overhaul chatting with them, his face calm and serene. You notice a few of his men standing around with him, the ones you ask questions to. You have a feeling they paint you as the villain.

The man in in white, the one who wouldn't tell you his name or age notices you. He stared at you before pointing towards you. You feel your stomach twist, your legs grow weak and shaky. Your mouth goes extremely dry. Your mind goes blank.

'Run.'

You turn around and run. You run as fast as you can.

"Why are you running?" You jump and look over to see a blonde boy with a wife smile. He reminds you of Tintin, with those vacant eyes and hairdo. "Are you the villain?" You throw a punch but your fist effortlessly flows right past him, like he was air. He grabs you tackling you down to the ground. Your head hits the ground knocking you out.

"... So you're Y/n," You pause and look over to see a policeman standing there. Your tired eyes lock onto him. "You've been missing for ten years, and somehow you became a villain." He said sitting across from you.

"I'm no villain." You said your voice shaking, you will not be accused of a crime you did not do. If they had accused you of being a murderer you accept it.

"Did Mr. Tanaka put you up to this?" You arch a brow. You know people think something bad happened and Mr. Tanaka took you away, but it's so surreal to hear it in person. You paused for a second. "Tell me, kid, where have you been?"

You refused to answer him.

You will not incriminate Tomura.

Your loyalties are far stronger than our fear.

The door opens. The policeman turns to face the new person. You look over and your eyes widen like a full moon. Your eyes bulged out as it was Teman in a police uniform. The man interviewing you nods at Teman.

"I can handle this," Teman said in his sweet husky voice. It came out like a purr. The policeman in front of you stands up and heads for the door. The uniform Teman wore was tight over his broad shoulder. You hate how attractive he is. His gaze turns to you and you are thrust into the depths of the ocean. He could drown you with that gaze. It felt like the Arctic Ocean hit you, and you gasped out as he stalked closer and took the seat across from you. He snaps his finger and everything goes pink.

"Are you stupid?" His voice comes out cold, smooth, and dead. You feel your hands tremble as you look at him. There was annoyance, rage in his gaze. He taps his finger on the table, slow and methodical. He is practically jamming his finger into the table. "I know you're stupid, but are you this moronic to come back? Are you trying to run from me?" He asks as if the last thing is the treating offense you can do to him.

"I— I." You shutter out trying to explain yourself but his cold gaze shut you up.

"Well?" he spits out his finger rapping on the table with its slow beat.

"I— I got a quest." You said slowly fear creeping into your tone as his cold gaze is boring into you.

"I didn't give you a quest," Teman said with a sneer.

"I—"

"Don't lie to me," Teman interrupted with a cold calculating tone. "I rather you suffer hell and back before I decide to let you go." He whispers in his sweet husky tone. You wanted to cry, was this one of his sick punishments? A sick game because you've been too boring for him? What did you do to deserve this hatred? This anger?

"I thought you had some semblance of survival instinct but clearly you're as intelligent as a baby lamb to an electric fence." You flinch at his tone and coward backward, tears forming in your eyes. You feel yourself begin to cry. "Quit being a baby."

"I got a quest!" You cry out.

"Don't lie." He growls back. You simply cry harder. "You have six turns. You will use one here."

"This is your mistake!" You lash out.

Teman lunges forward wrapping his large hands around your neck. "What did you just say?" He squeezes hard and you soon lose the ability to speak. You begin to choke as your throat closes up.

You don't want to die.

You don't want to die.

You don't want to die.

'I don't want to die!' You think. You bite your lower lip, blood oozing you you slam your hand against Teman. You'll fight to the death before you let this man kill you like a fly.

"If you choose to go down this path I will make it hell for you," He said coldly shaking you violently, your neck snapped back painfully and he dropped you like a dead animal. "You have a minute to decide." With that, he vanishes and a pink timer begins.

[59]
[58]
[57]
[56]

You cover your face for a second wiping your tears. Your hand flies towards the necklace and you grip it. He's giving you a second chance, one that he will not do again. You take off your necklace and touch one of the pearls. Like dye in water, it turns black, and a single question is asked.

[Turn back Time?]
[Accept?]        [Deny?]
[Accept]

You feel your body turn inside out. Butterfly fluttering in your core. Your surroundings twist like sand art. Everything around begins to flow backwards, it's cold and it smells of the ocean. You can hear and taste colors, a hum crosses your mind and you feel sleepy. You fall into a deep slumber.

Your eyes shoot open, your body in a cold sweat and you're back in bed. You look up and the red screen isn't there. Everything feels so... so... surreal. You look down at your hand to see you're clutching the necklace one pearl black. You weren't dreaming it happened. You sit there sweaty, heart pounding, and mind running with thousands of thoughts.

You sit there for what feels like hours.

Knock knock knock.

You turn to the door to see Tomura standing there. "You feel ok?" He asks. He looks tired, moving with a gingerness due to soreness.

"Yeah..." You said slowly. 

It's a lie.

It's all a lie.

"Yesterday was pretty crazy." He said sitting down on your head. It was only 24 hours ago.

Y/n finally notices. Tomura didn't look fully real. He has no pours, sometimes if she's staring at him his nose vanishes when he looks at her straight on. His skin looks fake. The room felt unreal, dirty, and dingy but there's nothing of real significance here. Y/n looked at her bed, the fabric didn't feel like fabric, it felt like paper.

"What is this?" It's all falling apart.

"Y/n?" That name isn't real. She isn't real. "Y/n?"

"Hm?" She asks looking at Tomura. Were those lines always there? They made him look sinister.

You know he isn't sinister. You feel yourself sink back into your body. You're going crazy. You lean against Tomura, he's warm, and his heart beats. He's so real. You close your eyes. The air smells the same, the sound of clinking glass from Kurogiri outside continues, and your body is sore.

You're real.

This is real.

You hope it's real.

"Thank you," Izuku said as you helped carefully pack off the All Might figurines into boxes.

"I can't believe you actually got in!" You cheer, "I didn't realize their acceptance rate was so much higher than UA!" You cheer, writing down 'All Might figures' onto the box. You look up at him, he has this natural glow to him, a pride, a determination.

"I couldn't have done it without you!" Izuku said as he took apart his bed.

"Did you're father agree to the move?" You ask.

"Yeah he was pretty happy I got into I-island Academy, Mom is also excited and a little sad too." You frown a little before it dawned on you. Both have to move to I-island. They might never come back here. "But she's excited for my future!"

"So am I!" You cheer.

"You have to come in and visit at least once!" Izuku said.

"Of course! I've never left Japan. And a floating Island? I gotta know what the waves are like," you laugh. Theirs an itch, a deep-seated part of her mind that told her 'This is all fake'. Y/n frowns. Why does he only have eight frickles? Why are they in a diamond formation? He has pretty freckles across his face.

"Is something wrong O/n?" Izuku asks. You blink and smile.

"Yeah just realize we won't be able to get drinks anymore," you smile. You see his eyes instantly form tears.

"Me too..." Izuku said sniffling. You hope he doesn't cry, you feel awkward comforting someone crying.

As the two of you finish up packing the moving truck arrives. You give Izuku one last hug before he and his mother drive off. 

You feel empty.

Joy seems to have vanished from your life.

The purpose of your life seems to have vanished.

A week passes and the new school year comes around. The horrifying situation with Overhaul is nothing but a bad memory, a nightmare. You would have been in high school if you hadn't murdered the Tanakas. You feel empty, this is the life every teenager wants, a day of freedom, but with unlimited freedom, you soon grow bored of it.

You found yourself bed-rotting.

Hina couldn't believe a villain attack happened. She turns over to look at Kirishima and smiles at him, helping him up. "Thanks, Hina," he said taking her hand. He took a brutal be down by the weird bird-faced man.

"What was that?" She asks, Todoroki and Bakugou stand to the other side of her.

"I've seen him before," Bakugou grunts out.

"You have?" Hina asks.

"Yeah, that man has been seen with a missing girl," Bakugou said, this pained expression on his face.

"You mean the Tanaka case," Todoroki said monotonely.

"The what case?" Kirishuma asks.

"She was this quirkless girl, being abused by her foster family," Bakugou begins, "I— I met her once right before she vanished. A few days ago she was seen with this man running from a crime scene."

 "How... Curious." Hina mutters deactivating her quirk.

"Kids," Cementoss said to the four of them, "Please regroup with your classmate." Hina looks at the hero before smiling and nodding. She has to suppress her smile.

Chapter Text

You slept like a dead body, like a rock.

The ocean is clear, blue like a sapphire, and the sky is like a milky moonstone, dotted with plush clouds, like paint exploding in water. The sands are white and soft as the ocean has bounded into a fine pounder. You walk down the beach parallel to the sea, the endless ocean of infinity— of creation— of chaos. 

Today is a calm day.

Your robes flutter in the soft breeze carrying the salty fragrance of the ocean. The cool water licked at your feet as you walked in the wake. 

Life is slow... and you like it.

"High priestess," you stop and look over your shoulder. There in his bronze armor stood Teman, the wind carrying his sweet scent to you. "The goddess is waiting for you." You smile and walk up to him your hand ghosting over his arm.

"Let's not keep our lady Sirelle waiting." Teman takes your hand, his fingers intertwining with yours. He twists your hand and places a soft kiss on the back of your hand.

"Of course my lady," He murmurs against your skin.

Thud!

You awaken to a loud thud. Your body is clammy, and your clothes are stuck to you. 'Where am I?' you think in a groggy haze. Rubbing your eyes you stumble out of bed and open your door. You can hear labor breathing and low whimpering. You keep walking until you're in the bar proper. "Kurogiri? Tomura?" You call out.

As you look around your hand falls from our face.

Your eyes widen.

Your breath tumbles in your throat and you gasp.

"T-Tomura?" You mutter out before running to him.

"Y-y/n," He stutters out as he lays on the floor of the bar. You fall to your knees in front of him. "Damn it!" He growls out. You see Kurogiri reconfigure in front of you.

"I-i'll get the first aid!" You blubber out. You take off jogging to the bathroom fling open the cabin door open and begin to pull out pain relief pills. You fling open the closet door and pull out the massive first aid kit you store there. You rush back to Tomura who is now sitting at the bar drinking some alcohol probably trying to dull out the pain.

"I got some Aspirin and Advil," you said setting the bottle before him, "Take some, and drinking will thin out your blood so stop it!" You said in a panic pushing his drink away. He looks at you, reaches out with a hand pinky raised, and touches your waist. You drop the first aid box into the table and open it.

"Show me your arm!" You demand, "I'll look at it." You hold your hand out. He stares at you for a second and hands you over. His hand is rough and dry, and the skin around his nail is peeling. It's also warm and comforting. He moves to his wrist hoping the bullet is pinching any veins stopping him from bleeding out. You debated whether to pull out the bullet and stuff the holes with gauze or wrap his wrist up and try to find a hospital that would take him in.

Shigaraki stares at Y/n's face, even when she's frustrated she's cute. His heart flutters as he feels her eyes only focusing on him. Maybe he should let himself get injured more often, and have her attention solely on him. This is how it should be, his little player and him no other boys no other distraction. Once the world is fixed it will be the two of them.

"Tomura," and his blood runs cold.

He looks up.

The TV is on.

"Master," he said slowly. His hand twists out of her grasp and he lightly holds her delicate wrist protectively. "You lied, All Might hasn't lost his touch!" He can feel Y/n's heartbeat increase as she froze in her place. She turns curiously from the TV to him, expectingly.

As it should be.

You know of this Master, but Tomura never told you much about him. You assumed he was his benefactor the reason why the two of you can live a slow life undetectived by the world. You quietly set down the gauses and hope he didn't know you in the room. Tomura said he was a passionate man and that he never wanted you to meet him. You hope he doesn't know you here. Sometimes you overhear Tomura talking to this Master, and it scares you.

"Tomura relaxes, All Might has slowed down." You feel. chill runs down your spine. Why were they talking about All Might? What is going on? You slip off the stool and stand up hoping you can slip out of the situation. 

"Y/n," You flinch and stop moving. "You've been very loyal to Tomura." He begins his voice deep and melodiously happy. 

"Master— " Tomura begins.

"Silence." The man said coldly, "Y/n I know you are quirkless, I believe your loyalty to my successor should be rewarded." He begins slowly. You look to Tomura. His grasp on your wrist tightens ever so slightly. He grimaces and sneers.

"I—"

"I know you killed the Tanakas," Your blood runs cold and you look at Tomura with true fear. You feel tears form in your eyes. He squeezes your wrist gently. "I know that Tomura helped you cover up the deaths. I also know you've contacted some heroes." You feel your eyes sting, and a single tear runs down your face.

"Tomura," You whisper.

"But you are loyal, and loyalty like yours is hard to come by." The Master spoke up. You can hear the smirk on his face, and the laughter in his tone. He's mocking you. You're scared. "I can give you a quirk." He said it so sinisterly, it wasn't Jesus healing the sick, it was the devil tempting him in the forest.

[Hidden Quest: All For One's Gift]
[Accept?]        [Deny?]

You didn't move. You're like a bunny staring off a hungry wolf. You're no hare, you can't run or kick. You're fluffy and pathetic. You feel your throat close up, the feeling of your chest expanding. You lean as far away from the TV as if he could simply walk out of it.

You didn't do anything.

You sat there.

But the itching sensation of having a quirk gnaw at your mind. You wouldn't be weak. You wouldn't have to rely so much on Tomura, you wouldn't be a burden. You know you're a burden to Tomura yet he never complained. Maybe with a quirk, you can be an equal... But why does this offer seem so...

5

It's evil and you know it.

4
3

It's a lie... It's a fucking lie!

2
1
[Time's Up.]

"No Master," Tomura finally spoke up, the 'No' was shaky, but as he spoke his second word it was filled with conviction. "Giving a quirk to someone can destroy their body, I don't want that." You look down at your feet, more tears falling from your eyes.

Such a burden.

".... Um... Mr..." You said slowly. "Tomura... needs to go to the hospital." You said slowly trying to move the situation away from this... this offer.

"Kurogiri," The Master spoke up, "take them to Jaku General Hospital, Ujiko Daruma will fix this." You grab the Gauses and quickly wrap his Wrists and ankles up. He wraps his arm around you. He's tall and you fear he would be too hunched over... Maybe you should work out so you can carry him... even in his scrawny physique can pick you up.

"C'mon let's get you to surgery." You mumble helping him walk through the warp gate.

As you walk through the warp gate you find yourself in a dingy place. You frown and you look around. There were vast full of purple liquid and things floating in there. You feel your fear peak and you hope you weren't just led to your death.

Tomura's eyes close and all his weight falls onto you. You curse and try to keep him from hitting the ground. You look around for Kurogiri, but he's not there. "And who might you be?" A male voice asks.

"I-I'm here because the... Master said you can treat Tomura?" You said. From the shadow, a stout man with strange glasses walks forward with a weird pudgy creature in his hand. You take a step back trying to hold Tomura up. "Who are you?" You ask.

"Ujiko Daruma, the doctor here, I will be performing the surgery, and you?" He said as a robot comes up to you He helps lay Tomura onto the stretcher.

"I am... Paradox, Tomura's friend." You said following after him. He walks into a hospital room and he turns to you calmly.

"You can wait with Johnny." 

"Johnny?" Ujiko said pointing to the gudgy weird creature. You sit in the hall and the weird creature sits down next to you. You have the urge to pet them. 

Soon you fell asleep.

You stir from your sleep as something moves across your face. You open your eyes to see Tomura crouching in front of you, looking at you with warmth in his eyes, "Y/n," he greets. You give him a smile. You straighten your body, "let's go home," he said standing up and offering you a gloved hand. You take it as he pulls you upward.

"Do you feel better?" You ask looking him over to make sure he isn't in pain.

"Yeah," he didn't let go of you had his finger intertwined with yours, the other hand in his pocket. "I just need to recover... you want to watch a movie?" He said mumbling. He leads you down the hall, phone in hand. Soon a warp gate opens in front of you.

"Sure," You said as the two of you walked through the warp gate. As you two arrive home you see Kurogiri cleaning up the bar area. The floors are clean the blood is gone. You skip off to the living room and turn on the TV "What movie do you want to watch?" You ask walking back to him.

You know Tomura isn't a movie fan. Too many heroes, too many heroes flic. You know he's badly injured if he isn't trying to play a video game. You try to find a movie that isn't hero-related. You scroll through the main streaming service trolling for a movie that isn't hero-related. You frown trying to find anything watchable.

Tomura sits down on the couch. There's the normal silence that has grown between you. Before you know it he grabs your waist pulling you onto his lap. You let out a yelp, "Tomura!" He pulls you into a tight embrace, burying his face into your shoulder. You can feel his body relax underneath you.

"Anything you want," he murmurs into your neck.

You wonder if nearly dying put a fear in him. Maybe he chooses to live life moment by moment, choosing to embrace it. You didn't stop him. It's been a while since the two of you just hung out like old-time. You decided to look for a Movie from your old world, and to your surprise it's here.

You put on John Wick.

You curl up in Tomura's arm and later Kurogiri comes around with blankets. You feel Tomura play with your hair, twirling it in his finger. You rest your head on his chest and eat the popcorn Kurogiri brought over. To your surprise, Tomura is completely fascinated with the film. He took a hand full of popcorn and slowly ate it.

"Wow... I like this man," Tomura said.

"Who kills a dog?" You said you remember asking your friends in your other life the same question. It's one thing challenging people like an eye for an eye situation, but an eye isn't a puppy.

"It's so realistic," Tomura adds, "He's awesome... they don't make movies like these anymore." He elements sadly. That was completely true. Everything is CGI except for quirk usage those were the only things real... It's cheaper to use CGI now than to be practical.

"The actor did all his stunts you know." You said adding some lore for him.

"So damn cool."

"Theirs three more films," you said.

"Let's watch it all."

"Oh by the way," you said calmly, "the first three films take place within a week or a week and a half. Which is going to be crazy once you see the other movies." You said you need him to know. You feel Tomura pull you closer to his body. You rest his head on your head. You feel warm and cozy, very cozy.

"Kurogiri," you call out, "You want to watch the movies with us?" You offer. Before you know it. Kurogiri is sitting next to you two.

You couldn't help but smile. It feels like the old days.

Chapter Text

You fell asleep in his arms.

And when you wake up Tomura is wrapped around you like a cat to a heated blanket. You were like the only source of warmth in his world. You can feel his breath against your ear his face in the crook of your neck. His legs are entangled in yours, your right foot is numb, the weight on his body on it. He flips over taking you with him. Your body is smushed into the cushions. His hands are nestled into your sides, he mumbles something in his sleep but you can't hear it.

"Tomura?" You call out your voice muffled by the sound of the couch You twist your head awkwardly to the side and gasp for air. "Tomura?"

"What?" He grumbles snuggling deeper into your body. You feel cramps forming in your body. Your back is aching to be straightened out, you feel a kink in your neck forming, and your foot is still asleep.

"I'm smushed."

"Don't care." You pout and try to wiggle out of his grasp but he only hugged tighter. His grip strength is insane, a sleeper build.

"Kurogiri help!" You plead out. You sense the man walking into the room and looking down a the two of you. "Free me."

"Kurogiri go away," Tomura whines. You see the man stand there for a second before turning away.

"Kurogiri!" You cry out.

"I'll make pancakes," you hear him say walking away.

"Tomura!" You whine trying to wiggle some more. You were able to free your legs and instantly you feel your right foot begin to prickle with pain as sensations seep back in. You kick your feet a few times trying to get the blood flowing.

"Why are you thumbing?" Tomura asks looking at your face.

"My foot is asleep," you mumble shaking your foot and trying to get past the ouchie state and into the uncomfortable giggle state. You see Tomura frown and sit up and reach for your foot. "Stop that ticklish!" You shriek but you feel his finger ghost across your skin.

"Tickle tickle tickle," he said and the next thing you know the two of you are on the ground, you're writhing like a dying hognose snake kicking and shrieking. Your shrill laughter caring loudly into the morning air. Before you know it you're kicking Tomura to get him to stop.

"S-stop!" You gasp out tears in your eyes as you laugh.

"Sense when were you ticklish?" Tomura asks with a playfully evil smile.

"Because you're evIL, " you shout as he finds the ticklish part of you. "Stop, stop, stop!" you cry out, trying not to laugh so hard you can't breathe. It's getting pretty painful, but you can't find the air or the time to tell him to stop seriously. 

"Breakfast is ready," Kurogiri said, coming back in with a giant plate of fluffy pancakes. The two of you stopped and looked over at the hot, steaming plate. Kurogiri came back with plates, maple syrup, butter, powdered sugar, and some Nutella. You took three pancakes and began to eat.

"Do you want to head out today?" Tomura asks as he opens his first energy drink of the day. You once counted how many he drinks in a day; you stopped at twelve, worried he would have a heart attack. 

"Sure," You said licking your knife clean.

"Why do you do that?"

"I don't know... habit." You shrug. You love chocolate and you didn't want him to use your knife so you licked it.  You set the knife down and to your absolute shock, Tomura picked up the knife and went for the Nutella. You give him the most judgmental look.

"What?"

"Why are you using my knife?"

"It's not your knife."

"I liked it." You feel a deep sense of horror set in as Tomura casually licks it.

"It's mine now." You see him smirk and continue to put way too much Nutella on his pancakes, enough to hurt your tooth.

"You want to go for a walk?" You ask, "Look around, maybe buy something."

"Sure," Tomura said wolfing down his pancakes quickly and you do the same not wanting to be left behind by him, normally he's such a slow eater, always on his switch or computer but today with nothing in his hand beside the fork and knife he ate like he hadn't eaten most of the popcorn.

You take a quick shower, you stay in bed for a week not doing anything, and you at least want to look presentable. You came out of your room wearing one of Tomura's shirts and sweaters, clothes are always better when it belongs to someone else. You came out to see Tomura in the most nondescript outfit, slipping on a face mask and sunglasses. He turns to you and you see a strange affection in his eyes before he frowns.

"I've been looking for that shirt!"

"It's your most comfortable shirt." You protest, it's soft and light big and it makes you feel comfortable. You stole it a few months back when Tomura was out and you didn't feel like doing laundry or having Kurogiri do your laundry, so you raided his closet. You tried on all his clothes before finding this specific shirt, it's plain black with a white font that reads 'undiagnosed' you bought it for him a few years back, and you thought it was funny.

"I know! It's my favorite!" Tomura frowns before looking away his cheeks pink. "But it fits you though."

"What does that mean? Are you saying I'm unhinged?" You ask calmly staring at him blankly.

"... But you're also uneducated," Tomura said bluntly.

"You stared at him.

He stared back.

"TOMURA!" You shout smacking him on the side angrily, you feel embarrassment creep up your face, he didn't have to be so loud and accurate with his words. You hear him laugh and pull you into a hug. "Don't be so loud about it!"

"Maybe you should go to school, and learn about common sense."

"TOMURA! It was one time!" You said feeling crippling embarrassment course through you. The whole Overhaul situation was the most embarrassing stupid thing you've done!

"You also wrote to that hero, so two." You begin to whine and collapse into his body and he holds you up like you're a ragdoll. "You're smoothed brain, no ridges or bumps, smooth," he said patting your head as if you're a mindless golden retriever nothing but treats, walks, and head pats exist in your existence. You pout at him and look away chewing on the inside of your cheek.

"Hey, I wasn't thinking!"

"I wonder if you ever think."

"Tomura!" You said even more flustered. "T-that's just not how my mind works ok..." You never consider things like that. In your mind, it was just the goal, just the final process. You were never a journeyperson, you're a destination person. How were you so blind to miss something so... obvious? You thought with a different body, a different world, a different mind you wouldn't be so... neurodivergent. 

How embarrassing.

"You look so cute pouting." You smack him one more time directly in his face, which only makes him laugh more. "C'mon let's head out or do you want to melt into the ground for the rest of the day?"

"I'm going to kick you in the ass!"

"Can you even? You might trip into another bad situation where I have to save you." He smirks. You feel your cheeks burning as Tomura plays with your pride, you stick your tongue out and storm for the door grumbling about how stupid he is. Tomura continues to laugh following after you like a husky yapping at you as if he didn't make you laugh some pride.

You held onto Tomura's hand. Even if you can only hold it through gloves— it still felt personal. Sometimes you wish you could hold his hands without gloves, you won't like quality time but when you really like someone you like to cuddle to be held, to be loved. You didn't like it when you were hugged against your will but sometimes you seek it out... it's kind of embarrassing to ask for cuddles.

You swing your arms back and forth dragging Tomura's arm with you. You skip a long and Tomura speed walks after you, his long legs keeping up with your speed. You walked through the park, no kids were around, they were all in school. You hope you don't run into any police officer, you didn't feel like running for your life.

Tomura bought you ice cream to make you feel better.

You stop in front of another video game shop looking through the window at all the new releases, most of them were hero-related. Nothing caught your eyes, nothing caught Tomura's eyes either and the two of you didn't even enter the building. "You're right," Tomura sighed, "The 2000s really had good games too bad everything made now is the same old Hero shit." You nod and instantly your eyes lock on a cute stationary store.

"There has been a string of hero murders recently. Eight deaths and 12 crippling heroes," You turn away from the store and look up at the billboard where the newsman was speaking. You look over at Tomura and see a specific glint in his eyes, a mild interest. "This villain has been dubbed the Hero Killer, heroes have been warned to travel in groups and civilians have been asked to look out for a man carrying knives or swords."

Your mind flashes back ten years.

The pain.

The grime.

The man.

His swords.

You wonder if that nice man is the same as this villain? If so what in the ten years changed him? If it wasn't for him you probably be crippled from what Teman did to you. You shiver at that one long night of torment. You feel Tomura's grip tighten as if he could sense the evil memory.

"Don't worry, a hero will stop him," you hear a passerby say, "they always defeat the bad guy." You turn to face the woman as she speaks on the phone.

"All Might will stop him!" A little kid said to their dad. You look over to see Tomura's eyes crinkling in disgust.

"C'mon let's head home." You didn't argue. The two of you head off to a quiet secluded area. As you turn down an alleyway you froze. You recognize the scent. Then you saw the darkness, the wetness, the glint of sunlight on blood. You turn to Tomura whose entire body stiffens up. He turns to you and lets go of your hand. He takes off his glove using his teeth for the last one.

You walk forward you see his fingers twitch with anticipation. You know he has a fixation on his own hand, cracking it and tapping on surfaces. He hated how you could tap using all four of your fingers and he could only use two unless he disintegrated everything.

You wince as a large glint hits your eyes and you squeeze your eyes shut. You stumble as something flies close to your cheek, cutting it. You open your eyes to see Tomura pinned to the ground by a weird-looking man with no nose. His tongue sticks out and for a moment you think he's going to give Tomura herpes. 

"Don't kiss him he's ashy!" You blurt out trying to protect Tomura. Both men flinch and slowly look at you with an incredulous judgemental gaze.

You knew you fucked up again.

"I know you," the man with swords said. He stabbed Tomura and licked the blood off his blade. The ninja-looking man stalks closer to you and you feel like a butterfly being pinned to a white background. He stops inches before you and reaches out for you, you tense up, and you can't find the will to move. He wipes the blood from your cheeks. "You look well."

"D-do I know you?" You stutter out your eyes darting over to Tomura, who isn't moving but you can see the rage in his eyes. You see his body tremble, he's fighting to move but he can't. His eyes travel up to you, his eyes rounded, pupils dilate and you see yourself in his eyes.

.

.

.

.

'Get your hands off of her!' Shigaraki's mind screams, how dare he touch her, how dare he hurt her. How dare he even make her bleed! 

That's his!

His player.

Why can't he move? It must be that weirdo's quirk. He tried so hard to move anything, a toe, a finger, all he could do was look at her. He didn't want to look away— he couldn't look away. He has to watch— has to see if she's ok.

'Get up!' His mind screams.

"Don't touch her!" he growls out. "Don't you fucking touch her!"

The weird-looking man turns to look at him, a look of pure apathy. Shigaraki knows he's the trash of society but to see another man— another monster gives him that look infuriates him. Who is he to judge him? He doesn't know him! He will change the world! He will slay All Might!

Then he can spend the rest of Eternity with Y/n.

"Did this man kidnap you?"

.

.

.

.

You stared at the man.

"What?"

"Did he kidnap you? You've been missing for ten years."  The ninja man said turning back to you. You feel this strange sense of dread as the memory of the Tanakas sinks into your mind. The sound of the gun. The smell of the blood. The feeling of your anxiety encasing your body and eating away at your mind.

"N-no."

"You don't have to lie."

"Tomura wouldn't do that!" You snap back getting irritated. You see this man's brows raise and he looks back at Tomura before looking at you with this pitiful look. He steps closer into your personal bubble, and you backed up but he keeps stepping back into our personal bubble.

"... You don't know do you?"

"Know what?" You shout trying to build some courage to fight. You squeeze your hands tightly and try to calm your breathing. You scan the area, can you stop time long enough to grab Tomura and run for it? "He attacks UA, he tried to kill All Might." 

Your mind goes blank.

The attack? Tomura said it was nothing!

"You're lying!" You said but your confidence fell short.

"Go look," the Hero Killer whispers to you, "he even brought a guy to kill All Might." That sends a cold shiver down your spine and you feel sick. Your eyes naturally dart over to Tomura who's slowly sitting up holding his side, as the blood inches up his clothes.

"Curre ad ambulandum, tempus te circumducit!" You mumble and run for Tomura grabbing him. As his body unfreezes as you touch him you keep chanting those words until you're far away. 

You fell to the ground Mana nearly depleted.

You feel Tomura pick you up right before you pass out.

Chapter Text

It's dusty and you're wet.

You look around. You're in a strange place, a place that looks like a dream world. A large plaza is right in front of you. A landslide is in the back, buildings are at your side, a shipwreck is behind you, and smoke is somewhere in the distance. 

Dust fills your nose.

You don't care. Your heart is beating like a train engine, burning and thumping along.

You were watching a man in black— you knew it was your teacher— fighting some villains. He's doing fine but you can see theirs a greater threat— a tall beefy man. His entire demeanor sends a chill down your back. You don't like it. You know you shouldn't watch but you can't look away. He's slowing down, growing tired.

You didn't recognize Tomura at first. The hands obscured his familiar bewitching face. You didn't recognize the look in his eyes— in those bloody eyes; all hate and anger. When did he learn that expression? Since when can he be so cruel?

You watch at Tomura so effortlessly decayed that man's elbow.

Your mouth fell open.

You tried to scream for him to stop.

A little croak left your lips but nothing else. You can feel your body pulsating, your heartbeat making your body tremble. You sat there, unmoving. You couldn't wield your body forward, or scream.

No. no. no. no!

Tomura's hardened gaze turns to you with full hatred. You feel your body stiffen, eyes widening. And like a speedster, he dashes forward. 

His hand is stretched out. All five fingers reaching towards you.

Tomura...

He's going to kill you.

Tomura.

He's right in front of you.

TOMURA!

You bolt out of bed. Arms falling, your shirt sticking to your body. You're hot, and sweaty, gasp for air and your eyes crazily dart around. 'Where am I?'

Slam!

You jump so high in your bad you tumble out of your twin-size bed. Your heart drops into your just as you see Tomura standing there. You fell hard on your onto your ass, bruising your tailbone badly. You wince after catching your breath from the fall. 

Tomura reaches for you. 

You stared at his hand— at his finger. You wonder if he's going to disintegrate you.

His finger graces your cheek, he pushes some crust from the corner of your eye. There is nothing but kindness in his eyes, the wrathful bloody rage is gone, but here his eyes remind you of rubies, his eyes held contentment and tenderness. As he pushed the crust away he finally spoke, "Nightmare?"

"Y-Yeah," you mumble. You remember you have legs and slowly climb onto your feet. Your butt hurts like hell. You tried not to moan about the pain to him. You see Tomura's tossed hair and half-lidded eyes. He gently grabs onto the top of your forearm pinky out, making sure you don't tumble down. "... D-did... you really attack UA?" You ask softly looking up at Tomura. 

He didn't back down. He held your gaze, it was almost comforting as if he was silently asking you, 'Do you really believe that weirdo?' Your mouth goes dry, painfully dry you slack your tongue around your mouth and reach for a glass of water hoping to defuse the moment. You weren't stupid enough to second guess yourself, that dream was a message. You quietly held his gaze as you sipped on your water.

"Do... do you really believe I would do such a thing?" He asks, his voice soft and gentle, gentle as a scratchy voice like his can be. You pause and study his face, looking for any reaction, anything.

"... I... I don't know..." You mumbles.

"Hey," He said slowly and gently, "go back to bed it's late, and you're probably still tied from doing what you did." You frown and open your mouth but nothing comes out so you say nothing, you only nod. He gently pats your head and shuffles out your room. You sit on your bed for a long silent moment before reaching for your phone and typing away.

'UA high villain attack,' the first article you found was from a major new source Musutafu Times. You read everything furiously, you almost got whiplash from how fast your eyes were darting side to side. Over seventy villains there... A strange powerful bird man... young man. 

Your breath hitch.

Your mind comes to a complete stop and you slowly read the next few lines. 'Young man covered in hands attacked UA USJ grounds, going by the name Shigaraki.' Your phone fell from your hand. You bury your face into your hand and you silently groan hoping you misread it, you know you didn't.

Ding.

You picked up your phone.

Shrubby:
Heeeyyyy...
Did you hear about the UA situation?
(3:31) read

You feel fear grip your soul. Izuku knows... he knows Shigaraki. You hope he doesn't say anything, maybe you can convince him it's someone else. 'Don't be stupid,' you mind tell you, 'he's a smart boy.' That's the truth, you didn't want to say anything. So you stared a the text until the quietness and expectation ate away at your comfort.

Cherriiblss:
Yeah.
(3:40) read

Shrubby:
.... Was it... your Shigaraki?
(3:42) read

Cherriiblss:
No.
(3:42) read

You lied.

And you didn't feel the crippling sensation of guiltful dread for lying, no, you feel a serene peace fall onto your shoulder. You let out a deep sigh and close your eyes hoping nothing bad happens after your blatant lie.

Shrubby:
Ok.
I just needed to know.
How are you feeling?
(3:44) read

Cherriiblss:
Good...
Actually, have you heard about the Hero Killer in Japan?
(3:45) read

Shrubby:
No.
(3:45) read

Cherriiblss:
Well this man is going around killing off heroes
We were walking in Sapporo and they were talking about a villain
We were walking and I think we met the hero killer
(3:47) read

Shrubby:
Really!??
(3:47) read

Cherriiblss:
Yeah!
(3:47) read

Shrubby:
Well, what happened?
(3:48) read

Cherriiblss:
Well, the guy hit Tomura and he fell and wouldn't move
It might have been his quirk...
(3:50) read

Shrubby:
... I need to look into it!
I have to go now, I have more things to study
(3:52) read

Cherriiblss:
Goodnight!
(3:52) read

Midoriya stared at the phone, he wasn't convinced. Shigaraki must be lying to O/n. O/n is kind and sweet, a little nieve and airheaded, but she clearly wouldn't have been a part of the UA villain attack. Midoriya is 100% confident if O/n knew what Shigaraki was doing she would have tried to stop him. 

O/n is in danger.

Midoriya knew Shigaraki didn't like him. There was an air of hostility every time they met. The only time it died was when they were talking about quirks but even then it felt like the older man was studying his work— studying it like how he studied heroes for weakness and how he would have improved their techniques. Midoriya pulls out his computer and begins to write an email to his professor, Mr. Shield. He needs advice or adult help.

Midoriya wants to be an O/n hero as she was his.

.

.

.

.

You have a gut feeling. You decided on a whim to buy a VPN for your phone.

"Am I overreacting?" You mutter aloud as you turn it on setting your location as Alabama USA. 'No,' you mentally reply. You need to lock in, this is serious. For the first time in this lifetime— in a long time, terror sets into our bones. You feel your hand begin to tremble, you set the phone down and bury your face into your pillow letting out a muffled pained sigh.

You so badly want to sneak into Tomura's room and cuddle in his bed. But you know what he is!

And you covered for him...

What happened to your morals?

Bittle bile fills your mouth, your morals died when you killed the Tanakas... You're a bad person, an evil person. If any gods were evil they all doom you to eternal suffering. You curl up in bed. 'Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry!' You frantically think, your eyes widen some more trying to spread the forming tears across your eyeball so it doesn't fall from your lashes. You didn't want to cry...

You didn't deserve to cry.

Ding!

You roll over about to look at your phone before stopping. In the air is a pink box.

[Quest: Take a Hike]
[Accept?]

"Really?" You mumble feeling like absolute shit. You rub your eyes, wiping the tears away. The pink box didn't budge, it sat there boldly.

[Accept.]

You lie day and roll onto your side.

You didn't sleep.

You couldn't sleep.

You sit up and decide to take a long hot shower maybe boiling your skin a bit can help wipe off the sin of an enabling Tomura. You'll stop him next time, you'll make sure of it. The hot water did singe your skin, it felt like baptizing your sins away. You let the hot water warm you completely before washing up. You step outside of the steamy bathroom to find Tomura sitting on your bed.

"You should be asleep," you said tiredly.

"Get out of my room!" You shout your cheeks flushing as you hold your towel close to your body. The shower wasn't far from your room so you didn't bring a change of fresh clothes with you.

"Are you going somewhere?" Tomura asks arms folded, head tilted to the side. You feel the heat increase in your cheeks.

"No! I just needed a shower!" You protest.

"At 4 in the morning?"

"Yes and?" You ask defensively. You see Tomura sigh and pinch the bridge of his nose. He stands up and places a hand on your exposed shoulder.

"Why are you sow arm?" He asks as his hand recoils, "You look burned."

"... I took a really hot shower." You said.

"Where are you trying to boil your skin off?"

"About." You grumble making sure your towel is wrapped tightly before beginning to shove him out of your room. "I needed to feel God's touch," you said sarcastically before closing the door in his face.

You change into some day wear clothes and open the door to start your day absurdly early. Tomura is standing there. "Why are you dressed? It's too early for this."

"Then go to bed, I'm starting my day," you tell him simply. You see Tomura begin to pout, his lips form into a thin line. You can hear him grumbling but no words leave his mouth. You walk past him and he marches after you. You open the freezer and decide to eat some premade frozen pizza, the one Tomura eats religiously.

"You can't have Pizza for breakfast!"

"There's no rule for breakfast," you said looking at him.

"And it's mine," Tomura growls possessively as he snatches the pizza from your hand.

"I'm hungry!" You protest.

"... Is that one of my shirts?" Tomura asks, you look down and back at him. 

"Uh... no." You lied. You glare at you before looking away, you see his ears go red.

"Stop wearing my shirts," he grumbles.

"Why? They're so damn comfortable!" You protest sneakily snatching the pizza from him and walk over to the oven. He didn't say anything as you set up the oven and took the film off the pizza. You look back at him, he still wasn't looking at you. You frown and skip up to him poking his cheek. He oddly had stretchy cheeks. You kept pulling until he did something.

"... Are you eating my pizza?" Tomura finally came to.

"I'm hungry!"

"Stop taking my things!" He said shaking me. "Stop taking my food and my clothes!"

"But everything is so much better when it isn't yours!" you cry out.

"You're acting like you're my girlfriend!" He snaps.

"... How would you know? You never had a girlfriend— DO you have a girlfriend?" You ask a small smirk forming on your lips, you can bully him on this.

"No."

"... Awe."

"You actually thought I had a girlfriend?" He asks incredulously. 

"No, but I can dream..." You sigh. You look back at the oven and the preheating is done. You slip the pizza in on a petal tray.

"... Enjoy the pizza," Tomura grumbles and shuffles back to his room.

.

.

.

.

You walk through Tokyo, the morning air still rather cold. You had secretly asked Kurogiri to send you somewhere in Tokyo. You walk around, hood up, your nose being kissed by the cool air. No one looked at you, no one noticed you, and you enjoyed it. In this big city, you are nothing, and you enjoy it. You look up at the pink box floating above your head:

[.5 of 3 miles]

You have a long day ahead of you. You wander around, randomly turning down alleyways here and there, hoping to stumble across a hidden gem in all this chaos of Tokyo city. You found more clubs and bars... so many themed bars. You saw a lot of PG-13 "villain" bars, light fun for whoever cared. 

As you round the corner you find yourself in a strange area. A lot of nice buildings around. You gaze around you and see a lot of older people, Tomura-aged people. They all had backpacks... You wonder if you're in the middle of a college campus. The more you walked around the more you realized you were.

Your stomach growls.

You pulled out your phone and looked up the nearest cafe opened. Not to your surprise the campus did have an open cafe, you walk towards it. You felt like a fraud walking into a college building, you know you don't belong there, but you hope maybe your appearance there didn't draw in too much attention. The line is relatively long.

You wonder if your height will give you away, the man in front of you is massive, with broad shoulders built like a ruby player. He was typing away on his phone. You lean to the side to get a good view of the menu and as you do so you check the man out. White hair, grey eyes, frowning. His eyes shift over to you and you freeze up.

"Oh, am I blocking your view?" he asks his voice incredibly kind. He sounds like a professional older brother.

"Um..." You squeaked out not wanting to seem like a bother. He gives you a reassuring smile and steps to the side so you can see the board with all the drinks. "Thanks," you mumble out. 

"... You're not a college student are you," He said.

"... No." you confessed, "I was walking around and got hungry."

"It's quite far to wander from the main city proper," the boy chuckles. "High school student?" he asks.

"Yeah."

"... My brother is a high school student," you nod along and look at him, the way he said it sounded like they weren't close, but his eyes held so much pain. It didn't take you long to realize he wanted to be close to his brother, but something was stopping him.

"Oh..." You mumble.

"So... why are you up so early? and not walking to school?" He asks denoting your lack of school uniform and how early it is.

"I'm home-schooled," you said calmly. It's a long true method lie you say, almost like you're breathing that's how easy it is to say that lie. 

"What's it like?"

".... hard, gotta manage my own time, sometimes I just don't want to do anything," The boy chuckles and nods. The line moves and soon he's up to order. 

"Let me buy you your order," He said casually. You froze and stared up at him suspiciously.

"Why?"

"Well, you probably don't have a lot of spare money, and I do."

"A college student?" You retort hotly. You look him up and down, "No offense you don't look like you have money," you said arms folded, squinting at him. He pulled out a black card and your eyes nearly popped out.

"My dad is... wealthy, I like to spend his money... he owes me."

"As you should gur—" You stop yourself from saying something stupid. You stared at him feeling your core body grow a bit hot, a little sweaty. He stared back at you before smiling a bit.

"... You're a little gullible you know that." 

"No, I'm not! No, I'm not! No, I'm not!" You frantically said waving your hand around. This only made him chuckle.

"Fine, fine," He laughs, "you seem easily persuadable like ads actually work on you." Your mouth fell open. How dare he be so correct and so loud. He steps forward and you follow like his awkward little shadow pet. He orders what he wants and turns to you. You fumbled through your order like this was the first time you had ever ordered something. If he had thought you were stupid before, you look extra stupid now.

"Name's Natsuo," he said. You arched a brow, first name. "I like it over my given name," he said noticing your expression. He found a seat and gestured for you to follow and you did.

"O/n," you said also giving a first name.

"foreign?" he said.

"Yup." you popped the P. You look around and turn back to him, "Do you normally eat a this cafe?" 

"Sometimes, sometimes I don't if my sister cooks."

"How many siblings do you have?" He blurts out in shock.

"Three—two," he said grimly, you sucked in your lips.

"Oh... I'm sorry."

You sit there awkwardly.

What do you say!?

Chapter Text

"It's fine," Natsuo said reassuringly, "You didn't know..." He gets up leaving you in the awkward silence of your question. He made two round trips, first the coffee and then the food. He sits across from you and you sip on your hot drink calmly.

'What do I say? I can't offend this rich kid, what if he tries to kill me?' You think your thoughts are growing dramatic and dire. You can't help but fall into the pitfall of your overthinking. He's rich, the rich can get anything done... the real question is, is he old money or new money? Old money is out of touch but in all they live their life as is, new money flaunts it and they do debouched things... which one is he?

"... Do you have any siblings?" Natsuo asks after taking a bite of his sandwich.

"No... I'm an orphan," you tell him the honest truth. You don't know why you did, but something about it is so... calming, like a cold drink on the beach. He's refreshing and so normal... besides being filthy rich, he's well-adjusted... you hope.

"Oh?" Natsuo said the look on his face said it all. He's shocked, adoption and orphans are still a thing but it's mostly considered a thing of the past. The only orphans now are the quirkless and metaphoric quirk users. The rejects of polite society. "Why's that?"

"I'm quirkless," You said and that was all he needed. He didn't ask any more questions. Honesty some people might have shame for being quirkless but to you a part of your mind this still didn't feel real.

In all the fifteen years you've been here everything still feels... fake. You know this world is real, logically but something deep within your gut is telling you this is all an illusion. Half of these people aren't real, but you had the same sensation back when you were alive— when you were you. Everything just felt a little bit off, a little less detailed, like everything was airbrushed away.

You're living in a lie, and you know it.

"What are you studying?" You ask. Back when you were alive— back in your world, you were just thinking about university. Which University would you attend? How far? International? What would you study? Then there were the headache-inducing questions: Money... scholarship, taxes, apartment, and dorm rooms. Though it was two years away it felt like a looming threat that sucked all the air out of you. You were already drowning in school but this felt like actual torture... How do neurotypicals do this? Figure out their life with such ease? Why do you have to overthink it and have steps for everything?

"Oh medicine, not sure what but I want to help others." You nod and smile, then the normal thought hits your mind.

"You didn't want to be a hero?" You see Natsuo's face scrunch up in pure annoyance.

"Not all heroes are good people," He mutters. "Sometimes they're evil and cruel."

"... You know from personal experience?" You ask looking up from your food.

"... You can say that."

The longer you look at Natsuo the more you think you've seen his face somewhere. He looks so familiar, yet you know you've never seen this man. He's rich he probably does rich things, but the way he acts seems so... middle-class. Where do you know his face? You kept staring at him before you realized you were staring and you quickly looked away. Your eyes drop onto a poster of Endeavor. And it hit you.

Natsuo looks like Endeavor.

"... Is your dad Endeavor?" You blurt out looking back at Natsuo and then the poster. "You share the same face." The look on Natsuo's face said it all, like a deer caught in headlights. He lets out a deep sigh and slightly nods.

"Yeah..." he said in an unsatisfied sneer, "that's my old man."

"... You don't love him do you," You said recognizing the hate in his eyes.

"No." You stared at his face. His brows creased and his lips pulled into a slight sneer of disgust. "He didn't want us... I was a failure in his eyes at birth. My brother died trying to impress that man and my little brother... the perfect successor—" He abruptly stops and looks at you before his gaze softens like an old man gifted a puppy for his lonely days. "I shouldn't burden you with this, you're just a kid."

"... Sometimes going no contact is the best way to heal," You tell him softly with a smile. "If your father is such a bad man... maybe expose him. It's not your responsibility to protect your father's reputation." You tell him with a soft yet firm tone. Japan is so suffocating, anything not within the norm is demonized and those with powers are worshipped. You want to tell this young man there are other options.

"... I need to make sure my little brother is safe." You nod at Natsuo's words and look around you.

"Then tell your story," You said calmly, "You're no child anymore. You don't need to fear that man. If you have proof and I bet you do."

"Yeah... but..." Natsuo said you can see the fear and the apprehension.

"Do what you think is needed," You smile at him, "I know he has many fans and many allies, and just because he does so many good things doesn't make him a good man it makes him responsible. It is the civilians' responsibility to hold accountable the heroes. It's us who makes them famous it's our responsibility to keep them in check."

"Easier said than done," Natsuo sighs.

"I know, but one step at a time, you can be that step," You smile. "It's up to you. Real heroes don't need to be paid for their actions or praised for their job. Heroes' neglect creates villains and villains' rage creates good heroes, but pride destroys all. If your brother is forced to be the next Endeavor to do something, a child should have the right to be what they want." You tell him in all seriousness.

".... He's my father."

"And? You were just a boy, a kid, and so was your brother. He knew better, you didn't. I know he's your father, but sometimes loving someone or hating someone from afar is better for yourself than staying and interacting with him. Some heroes aren't real heroes they are just narcissists who want to be famous and loved. Not all heroes deserve to be heroes, some of them are fake. Real heroes don't need to be the number one or even in the top ten to be good heroes." You tell him. You see his eyes widen and he nods.

"I read something like that recently."

"Oh really?" You said in shock.

"Yeah it was on a forum chat, a guy posted a long post. I heavily agree with it." Natsuo explains a new glint in his eyes. "I'll consider your words... You're very wise for your age." He laughs.

"I'm just chronically online," You laugh awkwardly.

You watch as Natsuo checks the time before getting his trash, "Classes will start soon O/n I have to go." Natsuo said with a smile.

"Ok, bye! Nice meeting you!" You said waving goodbye to him. You watch him leave and you feel your heart swell, another good deed done. You gather your stuff ready to leave.

A warm hand grabs your wrist. You recognize the gentle earthy tone of skin. Your eyes slowly trailed up and there Teman sat where Natsuo did. Your heart sinks as it skyrockets in pace. "Sit," he commands. You drop back into the chair. He had a drink with him, a clear glass with golden liquid. You watch as his Adam's apple bob up and down as he takes a sip of his drink. The drink smells of brown sugar and marigold, of milk and tea. It smells so good.

Why does he always have to smell nice? Like spices and earth. You take a good look at Teman, a prolonged look. His shoulders are broad, his skin warm, and he smells nice. You wonder if he's a cuddler... You know the answer it's yes.

Somewhere deep in your mind is telling you one thing.

He's loyal.

"Stop staring," he growls out and you quickly look away your cheeks flaring up.

"W-what are you doing here?" You stutter out trying not to get yelled at again like last time.

"Tell me more about that... quest you got." He said choosing his words carefully. Your brows shoot up and you look around. Some people were looking. Mostly girls and they were looking at Teman. You look back at Teman. He's dressed classy not in the Greco-Roman esc robes. Tan turtle neck shirt, black pants, and a black blazer.

'Oh no he's hot!' Your mind screams.

"... So you believe me?" You ask slowly trying to reign in the fear, anger, and smugness.

"No."

"Then why are you here?" You snap.

"Don't. Get snippy with me," he growls his hand drops onto the table into your side of the table, a warning. You watch as his large hands tap on the table and with every tap of the table your heart beak skyrockets.

"T-then... what do you want?" You ask feeling your bravado fall and you lean back in your seat. You feel so small whenever he's around.

"Tell me about the request you got." He repeats coldly.

"I-it was red. Had a rose pattern on the system window—" His finger jabs violently into the table you see a small little fissure breaking loose under his finger. Your gaze immediately darts away and you grasp your hands together awkwardly you feel your body begin to sweat.

"And?"

"It immediately had a timer it started to count down, it was flashing red." You explain. Teman didn't nod, he only stared at you with this bored expression. The only thing that tells you he's listening is his brow furrowing as you speak. He leans back in his seat before taking another sip of his drink. "I tried to call out to you, but I got no reply." You see his brows shoot up and a small smirk crosses his lips.

"You're are nieve." You sink further into your seat. "So easily swayed." He mocks chuckling to himself. You let out a silent sigh, he's in a good mood, you're safe! His smile drops and his face goes rigid and straight. Never mind... he's in a bad mood.

"Um... So...."

"Let me make this clear, that quest didn't come from me. Second, you will not interact with red system windows. And lastly, if you get another one," He reached into his pocket and pulled out a sweet ring. It's beautiful it's a gold band with a blue gem in the shape of a heart. You can practically feel your eyes popping out of your head at the ring. Your eyes shoot up at Teman. "If you see the red box again click on this gem for me. I am not about to have you do something stupid."

"Got it," You squeak out. You take the ring from his fingers, the gem looks just like his blue eyes.

Maybe Teman actually cares for you.

"No get off your fatass and start walking you still got 2.5 miles left."

No, he does not!

Your face heat up and rage grips your heart, but this is Teman and you know better than to lash out. You grab your trash and drink and throw it away. As you turn around the table is empty except for the drink. You look around as you walk back to the table, he's gone vanished into thin air. You look back at the table and theirs a small folded-up paper. You open the note. "Drink up, you'll like it." It read.

You feel your cheeks heat up.

3 miles don't seem like a lot, but for a lazy person like yourself, that's a whole lotta walking. Your feet slowly begin to hurt, your legs hurting in places you didn't realize could be sore and tight. You have nowhere to go and your phone is nearly dead, you stupidly forgot your charger. The drink is warm, and the air outside is cold. Your nose begins to run and you finally take a sip.

It's absolutely delicious!

You take another sip a longer sip. You slip into an alleyway, as the warm liquid runs down your throat. You never tasted something so sweet and savory, something creamy and smooth. You feel your body warm up from the warmth of the drink.

The pain began instantly.

You feel your torso erupt in hot firey pain.

You keel over.

You couldn't even scream as the pain sucked the air out of you.

You collapse and everything goes dark.

.

.

.

.

Natsuo couldn't stop thinking about O/n's words. She's right, he needs to do something. He for a long time resented Shoto since he was dad's favorite, so blinded by the rejection for simply not being right hurt. To have lost an older brother to the fire of ego and a cruel dream to be the next number one hero... It isn't Shoto's fault, or Fuyumi's fault, and definitely not Touya's.

Fuyumi is blind.

Shoto's too young.

He can only do this.

Natsuo found himself on the forum again rereading the post— the manifesto that grasps his attention.

'Nearly all the heroes on the streets aren't true heroes. They are false heroes. Heroes don't need to be on TV or have brand deals. They don't need Galas or merchandise. But most do. Those heroes are fake they are only in it for the money, fame, and power the title hero can give them. The only true hero alive in this world is All Might.'

It's a ramble but also very... it connected to Natsuo. Natsuo read through the post once more and stopped at the end, where the poster posted their name: Stain.

Natsuo sucked in his breath and let out a deep sigh and decided to send a DM to this Stain person. Maybe this man can help him with his problem more so than a little teenage girl.

.

.

.

.

"Where is your loyalty?" The great Goddess bellows into your face. Below her feet is Teman tied up, covered in bruises and cuts, his golden Ichor seeps out of his body. The other guards kept him chained like a feral dog. "You would betray me for him?" Your goddess asks you can see the ire of hate in Sirelle's white eyes. Her red hair begins to glow red as the roses around her bloom.

"My lady—" You stutter out dropping to your knees.

"A maiden does not give the purity— the purity I gave you. To a lowly guard!" Sirelle bellows grabbing you by the hair. "And especially not my personal priestess!" You turn to see the other priestess walking in with red hot chains and a large pincer.

"PLEASE!" You hear Teman's voice, "Don't— hurt her!"

"Your wondering eyes will be gauged out," the pain in your chest only grew as you heard your Goddess dooming you to your sin... the sin of love.

You scream out in pain as they bound you in the golden chains of justice. Your skin boiled, the blistered burst and your flesh was cooked by the red-hot chains. You wailed as they burned through your robes, setting your back on fire. Tears brimmed in your eyes as the other priestess marched forward.

The last thing you saw was the red.

The scream you let out made your entire body tremble, flinching and shaking trying to escape from the pain. You felt your eyes boil out of existence. You couldn't register anything but pain and the screams you were creating.

"Cut her up and dispose of her in the pit of oblivion!" You hear your Goddess demand.

You felt the sharp teeth of the dull blades sink into your flesh as they ripped you apart.

You can't kill any impartial but you sure as hell can make them suffer.

Chapter Text

Your eyes hurt.

sitting up you look around, the sun is across the sky, golden and setting. How long have you been passed out? The stinging pulsating pain in your eyes wouldn’t disappear, like salt has fallen into them. You frantically rub your eyes but the pain doesn’t stop. Your vision goes blurry. But you can see the system window that was there earlier that day gone.

ding!

you reach for your phone. It took you a second to register what you’re looking at.

Shado3handz: 
Where are you?
Hello?
Y/n?
Answer Me!
Where are you?

It's been three hours!
Hey!
Y/N!

Please send me your location
Where are you
Hello?

You have twenty missed calls and over a hundred missing text messages. You tried to stand up but your legs immediately gave out from under you. You tumble down cutting your palm. Your phone's screen cracks a bit. "Shit," you mumble. You blink the tears away and look around the alleyway you fell into. Dirty. Smelling. Empty... Wears the cup? You look around and see nothing— just emptiness. Great... Teman is right! You're nieve, dumb even!

You wanted to cry, but you didn't. You went to your phone and shared your location with Tomura. You tend to turn off your location when Teman gives you a quest. You don't need Tomura to question why you're running around with no destination. You kind of can't tell Tomura about the system. You're pretty much certain Teman would smite you. Tomura appeared right before you a second after you sent the text. His gaze frantically scans around before landing on you.

"What happened?" He asks dropping to his knees in front of you. He picked you up and carried you into the portal.

"I don't know, I passed out." You said scratching your head.

"Where did you get that ring?" Shigaraki demands his tone dropping into a cold growl. You froze. Everything soon turned red like you're cast in a red light. You see a golden timer appear over your head.

[60 seconds]

[Obsession Level reached 25%]

You stared at the pink box before it vanished. Boom! Ba-boom ba-boom! You look around looking for the source of the noise. It's like you're dropped into a heart and the sound of it beating all around you. Your eyes slide over to Tomura and the cold stare you see sends a shiver down your spine.

"Uh..." 

[45 seconds]

"Where. Did. You. Get. This?"

"Uh..." You drone out before blabbing something, "I— I stoled it," you stuttered out "I— isn't it nice?" The red hue that bathed everything soon faded back to normal his brows lifted and you let out a silent sigh.

[Congradulation Player 003: You survived an "Obsession Round"]
[Tomura Shigaraki Afinity up by 25%]

Oh... You read it and felt very nervous. That... That didn't seem like a good idea. You feel Tomura's hold on your shift. He moved you from your arm around his shoulder to carrying you like a bride. Your face flushes badly and you look away, how embarrassing! "It looks... lovely," You hear Tomura grumble out. You turn to him and you can see the annoyance on his face... and... was that jealousy?

No! nonono! Tomura isn't the jealous type, he's chill! Tomura wouldn't hurt a fly... Ok, that's a big fat lie but you know he's not the jealous type! 

"You don't have to carry me!" You cry out. "This is embarrassing!"

"Suffer," Tomura grumbles, "Because I was worried sick!"

"I'm sorry, I was drinking something yummy— it might have been poison but—"

"WHAT!" Tomura screams his voice cracking. He drops you onto the couch and traps you between his arms. "WHY WOULD YOU DRINK POISON?!"

"In my defense, It looked normal to me! It was gold but I didn't think—"

"OF COURSE YOU DIDN'T!" Tomura shouts in your face his eyes wide and he begins to pace around running his hand through his hair. "YOU see this?" He said holding a piece of hair in your face. "I'm going gray because of you!"  You sit back looking away in embarrassment, this felt like being scolded by Mom... ok maybe an older brother is more angry than embarrassed for your Faux pas. You sat there quietly, Tomura has never once yelled at you for doing something stupid or messing up. You screwed up badly.

"... Where did you get the drink?" Tomura asks this time growing calmer.

"..."

"Y/n."

"... A hot guy."

"WHAT? DID YOU TAKE A DRINK FROM A STRANGER? JUST BECAUSE HE WAS HOT? Y/N!" Tomura screams shaking you for dear life, "I KNOW YOU'VE NEVER BEEN TO SCHOOL BUT I THINK YOU NEED COMMON SENSE 101!"

"I'm not stupid!" You protest.

"No." Tomura said in an eery calmness, "But you're gullible and people are cruel. I have nightmares of you going off and dying because you believed in something that can get you killed," Tomura explain.

"I'm sorry."

"We're still having that common sense 101, class," Tomura said calmly folding his arm and grabbing his computer.

"Oh..." You grumble.

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After the five-hour lecture plus slide show (it's even more humiliating that Tomura created a specific slide show just for you) and quiz were you free from his ire. He clung to you like an octopus to glass. You couldn't even pry his damn hands off you. He followed you around: sitting outside the bathroom, following you to the closet, sitting outside your bedroom. He became a guard dog.

In all that time the slight pain in your eyes never left. 

You didn't want to tell Tomura, he's already visibly stressed out by you. He didn't sleep and you had to beg him to do so, day in and day out. He chooses to sleep during the day when Kurogiri isn't allowed to take you anywhere and he has an eye on you and when he does sleep, he makes sure you're within the room.

You rub your eyes as Tomura lays on the couch your blanket draped across his body. You sat in Tomura's arms as you watched Criminal Minds for the nth time this lifetime. Tomura didn't care for most shows, but any show not hero-related he loves and The Boys is his favorite show, he loves shiting on the villains nearly as much as the heroes, Ironic that the villains are the heroes of their world. Tomura had fallen asleep a third into the last episode.

In this year Tomura seems to have grown a love for physical touch and you couldn't be more delighted to have cuddles. You miss coddling your cat, babying, and taking cute photos... Maybe if you give Tomura the puppy dog eyes (He still crumbles at it) you can get a dumpster cat. But from what you've seen Tomura never cared for pets or any animals. You hear Tomura mumble in his sleep as his body twists a bit shoving you closer to the back of the couch. He's been wearing his gloves more often.

"What episode are we on?" Tomura sits up slightly his chest crashing into your back.

"We're in the new season," you tell him.

"Oh," he said.

"Were you sleeping?" You ask ready to tease him about his old age.

"No, I was resting my eyes." Tomura protested like a dad.

"Sure, you're totally not in your dad-phase era of TV shows." Tomura glares at you and swats your head playfully which only makes you laugh. You turn to look at Tomura and stick your tongue out. "You're totally an old man—" Tomura sits up and touches your face pulling it closer to his. Your voice dies as he stares into your eyes.

"You're eyes are going gold," he said.

"What?"

Tomura fishes out his phone and takes a very close photo of your eye before flipping it over for you to see. You stare into your (e/c) eyes never once have you seen your eyes that close up. It's almost pretty if you ask yourself, but that wasn't the main thing. It's the golden swirls that look like golden dust suspended in water. It's like true 20K gold dust in your eyes, shiny and clearly not there the day before. "What happened?"

"I don't know..." You murmur as Tomura continues to look into your eyes with a worried expression. "It might be the drink," you offer. The drink was gold. You hear Tomura click his tone in annoyance before speaking up again.

"C'mon let's take you to the doctor."

"What why?" You protest this feels like he's overreacting.

"Because gold in the eyes isn't normal, now get your butt off me." You grumble and reluctantly get up. You were so comfortable, albeit your eyes were still stinging but by now you've gotten used to it. Tomura got up stretched and for the first time, you notice just how tall he is compared to you.

With one warp gate later you were back in front of the short stout man, Daruma Ujiko was there to greet Tomura with a smile and a 'my boy', comment. "What brings you here Tomura Shigaraki?"

"I want you to check her eyes," Tomura said in the bored tone he gave to everyone, everyone but you. With you theirs a sense of warmth, a gentleness.

"Oh? Is there something wrong?"

"Her eyes as gold in it, and it looks irritated."

"No, it isn't," you grumble.

"Of course it is!" Tomura said looking at you, "I see the way your eye twitched and you secretly rubbing it!" You grimace and the doctor only chuckles as he looks from you to him.

"Alright, I take a look." You follow the old man and he does a rudimentary test as Tomura looks over his shoulder. 

"Her eyes are slightly irritated but in all, they look healthy."

"What about the gold in her eyes? It isn't normal." Tomura adds trying to push the doctor into seeing the problem he's seeing.

"It's all fine," Daruma Ujiko said calmly. "They're not irritating the eye, but I say keep an eye on it, if it looks like it is you need to come back quickly. Eyes are sensitive to disease and run on their own immune system." You watch as Tomura nods along to Daruma Ujiko's words typing out all the things the doctor suggests. He leaves for a second and you can see the tension in Tomura's shoulders.

[You're eyes are fine]

Great... So this was a waste of time, but you couldn't help but smile a bit, seeing Tomura like this warms your heart. "Quit smiling like an idiot." You instantly look away whistling awkwardly. "You can lose your eyesight damn it, then I gotta baby you for real."

"You already baby me now!" You cry out.

Daruma Ujiko comes back with eye droppers, "This has some antibacterial aspect take it every night and day, it's just a precaution."

"Alright, doctor." Tomura took the bottle and turned to you offering a gloved hand. You take and walk through the warp gate.

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.

"The witch Sirelle, for your transgression against an innocent soul," Teman growls out holding a sword of pure light chained by film and and humming like the ocean lapping at the beach. His blue eyes flashed brightly with anger. He looked different, bathed in gold and white, threads of read coming from his cloak. "Will be sentenced to death."

"You can not kill me," Sirelle said crawling away her golden blood oozing out of her body. "You're just a mere guard, you're no holy divinity."

"Holy or not," Teman growls out golden liquid pouring out of his eyes, "I judge you wrong, and my will is the will of fate." He brings the great sword down plunging it into her chest. Blood shoots out golden and smelling of sweet species. Teman collected some of the blood in a cup.

"I curse you," Sirelle curses, "I curse you!" She gurgles out. She cast one last spell. Grabbing the form of Teman she seals him into another dimension and there he'll rot. Beyond the grasp of time, beyond the grasp of death, beyond his beloved.

You sit up gasping for air. What did you just witness? You thought Teman was mocking you calling you his wife, but these... dreams? Visions? they feel so real! You sit there for a second before touching the ring subconsciously.

"What do you want?" You freeze up and your head slowly turns to see Teman in a black turtle neck sweater and black slacks. You stared at him, why did he have to be so... handsome?!

"Uh..." You stammer out before scrambling to your feet.

"Well," he said not amused. 

"Ar— are you the one giving me the vision?" You ask hesitantly trying not to offend this... clear god. You see his face soften and he takes a seat on your gaming chair sitting there like it's a throne.

"Tell me everything."

"Well... three days ago, after you gave me the drink—"

"What drink?" His brows knit together a glare in his gaze.

'Uh-oh, a bad mood... gotta be careful,' you think shifting your weight from one leg to another.

"We'll when you left you left your cup, with 'Drink up, you'll like it.' written on a piece of paper..." Your voice dies out as you see the glare on Teman intensify. You look around if you call for Tomura can he defeat Teman? Teman is in the right spot between you, and the door.

"Oh?" Teman said leaning back in his seat. "I left a note?" He angrily muses cocking his head sideways.

"Well— I— Well I don't know," You stutter out frantically trying to appease this god. "I— I didn't want to take my chances."

"You are really dumb," Teman said laughing mockingly at you, "You're far more stupid than you realize."

"Stop," you beg him quietly, you don't need this man to demean you. You feel tears forming in your eyes. It feels cruel being called stupid by him. Maybe by anyone else, it isn't as malicious, but coming from him, it feels like cruelty.

"Why? Because I am correct?" Teman stands up and towers over you. He lifts your chin and stares into your eyes. His eyes are filled with cruel amusement. "You stupidly follow everything you think I tell you, You're a sheep if another jumps off a cliff you happily follow.

"That's not true—"

"Oh? So if your little boy toy Tomura didn't go killing a bunch of kids you wouldn't rationalize it?" Teman mocks flicking your forehead mockingly.

"He wouldn't—"

"You're so naive it makes you so stupid. You proudly wear your rose-tinted glasses, You see a decapitated head for a rose head. You're stupid just admit it."

"... I am not," you say defiantly. You know you're naive that the world passes you and you miss things about reality about the common world. Your mind works differently and you know that, but that doesn't make you stupid. You see Teman's smile drop and he coldly stares at you. "Quit antagonizing me."

"Earn my respect." He snarls back.

"No," you said grabbing his turtle neck and pulling him down to your height. "Beg me for forgiveness," you tell him boldly. His hand shot out for your neck and you grab his wrist.

"For someone who "loved" me, you sure show a lot of resentment. It's not my fault you're trapped in the world you're in, if anything it's your fault I was killed." Your lips curled in disgust.

"You died from a car accident because you weren't looking—"

"My eyes were burned out of my head," you interrupt him. You see his body go rigid his eyes widening in shock. His jaw sets silently and you see his muscles flex. His gaze fixed onto you You couldn't read his expression, they're complex and strange. He looks delighted, angry, regretful, and in all paranoid. He pulled his hand back. "I know you're the god of fate." You said quietly but with confidence. He smiles, a true genuine smile he seems amused by your words, more amused in what you said is funny than what you said was stupid.

"I am not the god of fate, I am the warden of fate. Like how you will inevitably become Mother Time, but that doesn't make us gods, we are immortal, but we aren't gods." He said correcting you.

"But Sirelle—"

"Don't speak of the tyrant's name," Teman growls out. "She was a god, a god of control, she controlled things, she controlled many things, and jealous of many."

"... She killed me, why?"

"To punish you, to punish me. An immortal like us can't die, but we sure can be fractured, and that's what she did to you." Teman explains leaning down to look at your face.

"How— how did we meet?" You ask trying not to coward by his gaze.

"... You were her favorite," Teman said, "She let you into many spheres you could have ever been interested in. You were a scholar and priestess, and fate to you was so... unique and that is how we meet." Teman said glossing over most of the details.

"... Did you leave the drink for me?" You ask him.

"Of course not," Teman said with a sigh, "I wouldn't have doomed you to a fate that could have killed you, you're a pawn in her game now like me," Teman explained. 

"What do you mean?"

"Use your head, scholar, you know." You think for a moment Gold. The liquid was clearly gold, and so was the blood of SIrelle.

"it's... her blood, wasn't it."

"Yes," Teman said calmly, "and now she knows you exist and that her whorish priestess is back." You winced at the word he called you but you have a deep feeling he's referring to how Sirelle would call you if she was here. 

"What now?" You ask him.

"You do nothing, take nothing, give nothing unless it's to me directly," Teman said turning his back onto you as he checked his watch. He didn't look happy, no he looked rather annoyed. He mumbles something in Latin you subconsciously know he's cursing. "Not enough time," he mumbles to himself.

"... You said I was fractured, is there... other Mes out there?" You ask him.

"Of course not," Teman said his body digitizing again. "I put you back together."

He vanished.

Chapter Text

You sit in silence.

What... what did he mean? ‘Put you back together?’... Afton? William??

A shiver runs down your back and you lay down in your bed. You royally fucked yourself... So those visions weren’t just visions, they were the past... how long ago? When? Where? That beach is unlike any other, with floating rocks and a dramatic sunset. It’s gorgeous.

You sit on the bed, your hand resting on your stomach for what feels like hours, thinking about what Teman said. You tried to reform all the vision memories... You and Teman were in love. It’s ironic, considering how you could ever love a man like that. That goddess lady... Sirelle killed you... brutally and in return, Teman killed Sirelle, but before she died, she cursed Teman to a digital dimension, and through all that, he’s been looking for you.

A chill runs down your spine.

Did Teman get you killed in your original life? The urge to contact him is strong, but you hesitate, wondering if it’s too soon after his departure. And you remember what he said, ‘Not enough time.’

What did he mean? Does he have some sort of time limit to his physical form? You groan and lay down, rubbing your face. This is giving you a headache, a serious one. Is Sirelle still alive? If so, is she like you? Reincarnated?

Knock knock knock.

Tomura, looking disheveled and shaken, stood at your door, his eyes darting across your face. “What happened?”

“What?” you said slowly as he pushed further into your room. He scanned the room, walking around. “What are you looking for?” you asked, following after him. His eyes kept darting around before frowning. He turned to you, his lips pursed, and you wondered if he should answer you. “Tomura?”

“I heard someone in here,” he slowly mutters. You cringe, thinking everything will turn red, but it doesn’t. He looks distraught. You grip your hands together, fiddling with your finger.

“N—no one was here,” you said, trying to keep your voice steady. But that first stutter didn’t help your case. His brows only furrow deeper before he sighs and stops looking around.

“... Ok... well, don’t stay up too late,” he pulls you into a hug, a simple kiss to the forehead, and with that Tomura leaves. You watch him shuffle his feet back to his room. He turns back to you before closing the door. Closing the door, you let your weight fall against it.

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Shigaraki flipped open his computer and pulled up the CCTV cameras he placed in Y/n’s room. He was watching her, making sure she was safe, making sure she didn’t get kidnapped. His feed glitched out, one moment she was sitting on her bed the next she was standing staring off at something. 

Time didn’t stop, but he felt like it did.

She was lying to him! She never lies, not unless she has to!

Why?

Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?

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The rule was that you couldn’t leave without Tomura, so you dragged him out of the bar and through the streets. You wanted to go out and there’s a newly instated rule that you have to go out with either Tomura or Kurogiri, so you dragged Tomura out. He’s shuffling his feet and pouting, but he still puts on his hoodie with little protest. A win in your book.

You held his hand as you swung your feet high into the air, marching onward and blabbing about the interesting rabbit holes you fell into online. You and Tomura have widely different social media algorithms. The moment he went manosphere you freaked out and begin to spam him random shit to change his feed (it worked). 

“You want to get Raman for lunch? Or fried food?” You ask, looking over your head. You have a time limit to talking the moment you’ve been talking for an hour altogether your throat begins to hurt and your voice goes strain, you normally power through it but sometimes you need a vocal break and the silence can be deafeningly awkward.

“Why not sushi?”

“Ok!” you said, skipping off. The two of you were walking down the alleyways, mainly so you two could avoid the main streets and the tourists here for the UA sports festival. I’m your old life. You never cared for the Olympics and now you also don’t care for the sports festival either, neither is Tomura. 

“So many damn people,” Tomura mumbles, pulling his hood over his eyes as his voice comes mumbling through his mask.

”Yeah,” you said, “so many foreigners… everything is so expensive now for these two weeks! All these tourists here are early to explore Japan and then end it off with the sports festival!” You add.

“Or begin it and stay a week after…” Tomura groans at the thought of more people around, “and worse, the heroes are more active.” You look at him before sighing. He still hates heroes. No matter what, you keep walking.

”What do we have here?” Tomura’s grip on your hand tightens, and he stops walking and turns to the sound. That voice sounds familiar.

“Who goes there?” He calls out, pulling you behind him. You peek from around Tomura’s frame to see a semi-tall person looming in the shadows. He’s shorter than Tomura, you think. You can smell the distinctive smell of burnt flesh and soot in the air. You cough, not able to deny the itch in your throat.

”don’t be rude, doll,” the man said again.

”can’t help it. You smell like an office worker’s mental breakdown and crashout actions,” you, retort coughing some more. The man didn’t laugh and Tomura pushed you further behind him.

”he’s burnt,” Tomura said. You sucked in your lips, and you feel like an asshole insulting a burnt victim. You look over and to your full embarrassment, the man is burnt… badly. His lower jaw is burnt, his eye bags burnt… his skin is being held together with stables for god’s sake… you know this man… where do you remember him from?

”I’m so sorry,” you squeak out, completely hiding being Tomura.

”And the little kitten goes running to Mama,” the man mocks you. This man might be as scary as Teman.

” Who are you?” Tomura asks again, his voice is cold and threatening.

”who needs to know?” The man asks cockily. You look at him, something about him seems so familiar… those eyes, those beautiful blue eyes.

‘It isn’t… is it?’ Your mind reels with this information. You look up at Tomura, who looks ready to attack. You look back at the man, who also looks rather on guard and nonchalant at the same time.

”… Da… bi?” You call out. The man flinches, and he turns his full attention to you.

”… do you know me?”

”It… paradox,” you sense Tomura stiffen but say nothing to your alter ego. That made Dabi laugh.

”I didn’t know you were such a coward—“

”I’m not a coward! I’m a strong, independent woman! Right Tomura?” You shout back, turning to Tomura for backup. He said nothing, nor did Dabi.

”If you have to say you’re a strong independent woman, you’re not. You're closer to a declawed kitten,” Dabi mocks, pointing at you with a sly smile.

”He’s not wrong,” Tomura adds. 

You turn from one guy to another before you feel tears pricking in your eyes. You don’t know whether to be embarrassed, humiliated, or insulted. You tried not to cry, but it’s a struggle when two people just called you a coward.

”I’m not a coward!” You sniffle out, trying too hard not to cry. Dabi begins to laugh as you begin to tear up.

”are you going to cry?”

”Shut up!” You snap back and turn to look at Tomura.

”I’m not a coward, right? RIGHT?!” You were practically begging him to confirm it.

”… You're jump and air-headed.” He reluctantly states. That made you cry, and that made Dabi howl with laughter.

”wow your little boyfriend just called you stupid—“

”he’s not my boyfriend, he’s just a friend!” You shriek, you didn’t want people to think Tomura is some kind of predictor going after a teenager as an adult. He’s just a friend!

” Sure,” Dabi said, rolling his eyes.

You begin to pace around, crying as Dabi makes you feel like you’ve gone insane. You’re not a coward! Maybe you’re jumpy, but you’re not some kind of scaredy-cat! You place your hand on the brick wall, trying to ground yourself with a cold, rough sensation.

” It’s not that important. I’ll protect you,” Tomura said, trying to calm you down.

”I’M NOT A COWARD!”

”No, but you’re a crybaby,” Dabi adds. You turn to him so quickly, glaring at him.

”And you’re an asshole!” You shout, hiccuping from your tears. You feel a mental breakdown hitting you at the worst and most bizarre time. You grip your head and pace back and forth. This is funny and sad, and annoying, and frustrating. Honestly, you don’t know how to feel. You’re emotions are heightened and strong and you just want to curl up and die.

“Calm down,” Tomura said, patting your back as you cry your eyes out.

“I just want sushi!” You cry out, shaking Tomura like he’s a rag doll.

“Getting sushi?” Dabi said curiously, “I’ll tag along.”

“No!” Tomura growls out.

“C’mon, Paradox got the money,” Dabi said with a shrug before walking up to you with a cruel smirk. You feel like he’s Teman reincarnated. Maybe he would have been if Teman wasn’t stuck in the digital world. It sends a shiver down your back.

“You’re not going to use her—”

“She probably sells feet pics relax.”

“I DO NOT!” you shout, turning to Dabi and slapping his upper arm. “I am not some sort of devient!” You shout in his face. Dabi recoils, but his smile does not fade. He pokes you in the side of the head, mocking you some more. Tomura lunges forward and shoves Dabi away from you.

“Don’t touch her,” He sneers, getting in between the two of you.

“Your little boyfriend—”

“HE’S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!” You snap loudly. You slowly begin to laugh, more so in pain, trying to cope in any way possible. You crawl into Tomura’s arm and he glares at Dabi. Tomura holds you like a babe and pats your back, pointing at Dabi as if he’s the devil incarnated. You were able to grab a hold of some dignity. 

‘You look stupid crying. Right now, Queen never cries.’ You think. You sniffle, wipe your tears away with Tomura’s shoulder, and try to blink back tears. You know you look stupid and this whole thing is dumb, and this breakdown is even more stupid. You’re a fool for getting so upset. The two men stared at each other heatedly, and Dabi’s amused smile faded into a coldness.

“Let’s not fight,” you said through some sniffle.

“He started it,” Tomura grumbles angrily.

“It’s fine,” you said, climbing down from Tomura’s arms and turning to Dabi. “Do you want to join us for sushi?”

“If you’re paying.”

“Smoocher,” Tomura grumbles. You were paying for it, but Tomura doesn’t have the money, and neither does Dabi. You lightly smack Tomura and gesture for Dabi to follow.

“What do you want?

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The three of you all sat in the alleyway. You sit on the dumpster as Tomura and Dabi lean against the wall, their food lightly sitting on the plastic bag. “Not bad,” Dabi said as he ate. You suck down your food before moving to your meso soup, you need a light pick-me-up. 

“How did you meet him?” Tomura asks again.

“I was walking... he looked hungry and wet... like an ugly furless cat with a bad sunburn, you know?”

“I am literally right here,” Dabi said, looking up from his food. He’s wolfing down some cold soba. He ordered two portions of cold soba, a lot of noodles, and you watch as he devoured it with fervor.

“Be glad she’s kind. I wouldn’t feed a stray like you,” Tomura said, eating some fried shrimp. Dabi turns to stare at Tomura before smirking.

“Get your dog under control.”

“I’M NOT A DOG!” Tomura growls, his cheek flush and angry. You can’t tell if he’s embarrassed or upset. Either way, seeing him actually interact with others is kinda nice, even if it’s with such an asshole.

“If Paradox is a villain, are you?” Dabi asks, looking at Tomura.

“Yeah, what of it?” Tomura snidely said.

“What do I know you from?” Dabi asks. “I’ve burned some people alive.” Your eyes widen and you slowly stop eating and look from Dabi to Tomura who glances at you, you sense a single message in Tomura’s glace ‘Stay quiet, don’t say anything, don’t react,’ before he turns back to Dabi.

“I attack UA.” You shrink back into the wall as far as possible and sink into your meso soup as if it’s the most interesting thing you’ve ever had.

“Yeah, and you failed,” Dabi snorts.

“Well, at least I tried something besides petty crime like arson.”

“I have grand plans,” Dabi said, squaring up to Tomura.

“Oh, and what are they?”

“What are yours?”

You feel yourself growing a headache as you metaphorically measure their size against either other. Is this like a real villain thing? Or is it just these two not liking each other? As you look at the two, you realize, to your annoyance and slight horror, Dabi is indeed slightly taller than Tomura.

“I am going to defeat the symbol of peace, the symbol of hypocrisy and lies! All Might!” You quietly facepalm.

“Your little kitten doesn’t seem too supportive,” Dabi said, noting your action.

“She’s not involved in this!” Tomura snaps. You were happy that you could just exist without being pushed to do anything. It’s freeing and nice. No expectation, no duty, no responsibility, he just wants you for you. You don’t have to hide with him.

“What about you?” you ask Dabi, “What’s your plan?”

“Why you wanna know? You work for the feds?” He asks mockingly. You roll your eyes, almost flipping him off before you catch yourself. This isn’t a friend. He’s closer to Teman’s level of malevolence than anything else. Think! ‘He’s not one of my friends, even though he’s snarky as hell!’

“You ask about him, you have to explain yourself,” you said, gesturing to Tomura.

“... There’s a specific hero I want to bring down. I want to watch as the fire of my revenge consumes him and his protégé.” You feel your eyes sliding over to Tomura, who’s already side-eyeing you. A single thought passes through you two: ‘ This one is crazy.’ You nod and look at your food. You’re rather content, but you could eat more.

“Wow,” Dabi said with a smirk, “you’re like a vacuum cleaner or a pig.”

“HEY!” You snap, throwing your chopstick at him. “Are you calling me fat?” You ask, your voice cracking.

“No piggy.” You launch yourself at Dabi and try to wrestle his larger body to the ground and, to your surprise, it is rather easy to do so. He fell like a sack of flour, smacking you in the face. You bite his hand and continue to smack him repeatedly.

“If I’m a pig, what are you? A whale? Woo-ga-woo-ga?” You said, “beluga whale my ass!” You bellow behind you, you can hear Tomura laughing. As Dabi shoves your face to the side, you see Tomura with his phone out recording.

“Little miss kitten got claws,” Dabi said through gritted teeth.

“And Mr. beluga whale is a fatass—”

You didn’t see it coming, but you can feel it.

The heat.

Tomura’s reaction speed is far greater than yours. He yanks you back so fast you get whiplash, but your skin and face dodge the fire from Dabi. You see, a vision of blue as the fire disperses into smoke. “What the hell!” Tomura bellow, “You could have hurt her!”

“Relax,” Dabi said, sitting up. You gingerly moved your neck from side to side, trying to see if anything snapped. She’s fine."

“Yeah, I saved her!” 

“Way to go, hero.” Dabi mocks Tomura. Tomura sits you down in the dumpster. You grab his arm as he recoils it, stopping him from punching Dabi. You can tell from his willingness to use his quirk. If push comes to shove, you hope the two could work together and be allies. Tomura needs more allies, and these two, although confrontational, could work.

“Don’t,” you say softly and Tomura, let’s go.

“What a good dog—”

“Shut up.” You snap at him, “Don’t be the dog that bites the hand that feeds them, those dogs get abandoned first,” you warn him. He pursed his lips and said nothing. 

A tense silence falls between all three of us.

“Well well well,” Dabi smirks after a second, but you can see no love in his eyes. “You two sure are tight for a non-couple.”

“Friends exist,” you snarkily retort.

“Friends...” He said that word with some venom before standing up and dusting his body off. “Well, thanks for the food.”

He heads out.

Chapter Text

You stared as Dabi walked away, slinking back into the shadow of the alleyway. “I hate him,” Tomura grunted out. You turned to him and smiled. He did a lot better with someone he hated. " I'd rather have the green-haired boy back than him,” he grumbled before looking you over for burns.

“Yeah... his scars look... a bit worse than I remember.” You said casually before your vision went to red and you and panic set in internally. Your eyes slide over to Tomura and you swallow the lump forming in your throat. ‘Shit.’ Your mind thinks before it goes blank. Tomura stares straight ahead,  jaw tense.

“When did you meet him?”  He spoke low as if he was testing the waters between you two. You didn’t need to know from the way his fists curled that the tension between you was escalating.

“… like a few months ago, right after I turned fifteen…” you mumble, looking away from his ire and angered gaze. “He looked hungry, so I bought him lunch for the time. That was it.” You stutter out. You feel like a child being scolded by your parents, embarrassing really, you don’t need Tomura to look after you! You’re fifteen (again), but it’s not as bad the first time around. In Two more years, you will be older than when you died. 

“Don’t go feeding random people. They could mug you,” Tomura said, bending down to face you as he turned your head. “Don’t go talking to strange men. They can be human traffickers. Don’t go feeding the homeless. They can harass you for money and you’re not confrontational, so you’ll crack.” You feel a bead of sweat roll down your brows. 

He’s correct that you’re not confrontational… well, you try, but it always seems to go wrong, especially with Teman.

“Ok,” you mumble before looking down at your feet. You hear Tomura let out a long sigh.

“Why do you always act like a kicked puppy after I’m done scolding you?” He asks. You gulp and look at him. “I won’t hit you.” Your shoulder sags and you nod.

“I guess… I don’t know.”

“I’m not the Tanakas.” You nod.

“I know, it’s just… I don’t know, a reaction.” You hear him sigh. He seems hurt by your words, but he understands it.

“I see…” he mumbles out and the two of you head back home. 

You hold his hand as the two of you walk through the crowd of foreigners. They’re loud, a mix of Americans and Europeans laughing and cheering, for what you do not know. You cover one of your ears trying to drown out the loudness.

It’s too loud.

It’s suffocating.

You feel the urge to curl into a ball until all of this washes over you. You feel Tomura’s grip on you tighten, like he knows what you’re thinking. ‘It’ll all be over soon’ You keep speed walking but a slow drunken tourist slows the two of you down. The two of you found a secluded alleyway, to give the two of you a breather.

“Damn it... I’ll just call Kurogiri to pick us up,” Tomura grumbles angrily before pulling out his phone. People walked by and some looked inside the alleyway.

“Tomura, people are watching,” you warned him.

“Shit,” he said, looking up before looking at you. “Can you pause time?”

“I don’t think I can pause time and let a portal open,” you said, giving him an apologetic smile. He nods and looks at the crowd.

“Alright,” he grumbles, extending a gloved hand to you, “get ready to brace the noise.” For a fraction of a second, he almost looks like Prince Charming. Standing there with the skyline lights behind him, and with that gentle smile, he looked ethereal. You feel your cheeks heat up as you take his hand. Pulling his hood up, the two of you brace the mob of people.

The average five-minute walk to the bar took twenty, with all the people jostling together. By the time you two stumble into the bar, there is no one there, to your great delight. The two of you collapse at the door and sit there in quietness before you let out the loudest sigh of relief. You flop onto the wooden floor and stare up at the ceiling until you see stars and weird shapes form in your vision.

“I hate this time of the year,” you speak out aloud.

“Same,” Tomura adds.

You abruptly sit up and turn to him. “I’m going to take a show to get the outside air stench off me,” you said before walking to the back area. By the time you come out of the shower, Tomura is walking by in his casual lounging around close. 

“You always look so red... and you make the bathroom as hot as a sauna,” Tomura said as you walked out to dry your hair.

“I like my shower hot,” you tell him bluntly.

“Boiling hot?”

“How else would I get clean if I can boil the dirt away?” He stared at you dumbfounded before shaking his head and walking to the bar to get a drink. You skip after him, also looking to get some soda. You know Kurogiri hides all the soda from Tomura so he doesn’t get a bad habit of all the sugary drinks.

“Go to bed Y/n,” Tomura said.

“I’m not sleepy!” You whine.

“It’s past midnight.”

“And?”

“You need your beauty rest or you get all grouchy and wrinkly in the morning and we all have to suffer,” You gasp out dramatically but he isn’t wrong, you're hell to deal with awake. You stomp your feet before sighing.

“Let me get a glass of water before I go to bed,” you pout, storming past him. You hear Tomura let out a sigh, but see a slight smile on his lips. You hate how he can use his age against you, and you hate how much older he is... five years in the grand scheme of things isn’t that long, but for young people, it is. You grab your water and as you walk past Tomura, he pats your head.

.

.

.

.

“Wake up.” You jolt awake to see Teman’s face in front of you. “Wife.” he greets calmly. You’re at a loss for words. His face is too close for your comfort. You crawl away, sit up, and stare at him. Teman reaches out and touches your cheek.

“W—what?”

“Sirelle her glitch—” The door disintegrates and Tomura is standing there with a cold fury in Tomura’s wide eyes. He stands there in the doorway, staring at Teman’s outstretched hand. His nose flares out and he bolts toward Teman.

“Tomura wait—” You shriek. Teman shoves you aside as Tomura grabs him. Their hands collide. Tomura smirks and clamps his hand down. 

Teman begins to Disintegrate.

you scream, grabbing onto Teman.

His face contorts with pain. You look at Tomura, who grinned like a Cheshire cat, evil and demonic. You watch as Teman’s body breaks down in chunks, like incense breaking after a moment, flopping to the ground and turning to dust. Your throat closes up as you feel dread grip your heart squeezing. Your eyes dart back to Teman, who grips your hand, and he turns to you. You search his eyes for anything. All you see is pain.

“Run,” He whispered, his voice racked with pain. He places a gentle kiss on your temples.

[RUN!]

You scamper off, running at full speed. Your heart trembles as you run. You can hear yourself screaming as you run, tears running down your face. You tear out of the building, heaving with all your might, everything in your body telling you to run. You look back to see a wide-eyed, annoyed Tomura running after you.

You’re like a white bunny running, and he’s a starving wolf chasing you. He tackles you to the ground, and the surrounding people all look at the two of you. You screamed, screamed like a sheep to the slaughter gurgling in your blood. You scream and reach out for someone to help you. 

Bunnies aren’t hares, they’re not made to run like hares, to fight like hares. Bunnies are domesticated, and hares are wild.

“Help — Tomura’s palms cover your face.

“Calm down,” he growls out right next to your ear, sending an alarm signal through your brain.

You see through your blurred vision a hero running towards you. You reach out for help. Tomura’s hand drops to the ground. You feel everything around you crumble as he pulls you into the air. The hero launches themselves at Tomura and Tomura hits the hero with his hand, and the hero crumbles into ashes.

“Kurogiri!” He calls out and soon you're whisked away into a dark room.

“KUROGIRI!” You scream banging on the lock door. “Let me out!” You cry.

Nothing.

You scream.

And screamed.

And screamed.

Until your voice gave out until you cried your eyes into oblivion. You curled up on the ground as you lost sensation in your fingers, in her foot, in your legs, in your arms. Soon everything is buzzing but your head. You gasped for air, but you couldn’t breathe! Your throat spasms in and out, your breath hitching in your throat.

You recognize a panic attack, but you can’t stop it.

The door creaks open. You look up and your breath hitch.

Tomura.

.

.

.

.

Tears streaked her face, eyes blown in fear. She looked like a frantic bunny, cornered. Shigaraki closes the door and Kurogiri locks it behind him. Y/n crowds away from him.

That man — Dabi was right. Y/n is a coward and Shigaraki likes it. She won’t do anything and she’ll always need protection — his protection.

“S-stay b-ack,” she stutters out. Shigaraki frowned. She didn’t sound as scared as he thought she would be. He can explain this. He’s protecting her! That man is a predator! a weirdo! She’s a child, not a wife! She pants out like a wincing dog with a pierced lung.

“It’s going to be ok,” Tomura said, walking slowly towards her. She inches backward until her back hits the far wall. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

.

.

.

.

His words are like poison and you know it, but your body can’t help but relax at his voice. He slowly reaches out and your mind flashes with the thought of crumbling into dust. You stared at his gloved hand and your body sagged down even more. “I-I can’t breathe—” you utter, still trying to recover from the panic.

Tomura rushes over, sliding over to you. He pulls you into his arm, his hand rubbing your back. “Breathe.” He commands you to try, but it’s a struggle. You hiccup and sniffle, burying your face into his shirt.

Why are you like this?

Why are you so… So…. Pathetic? 

You cried harder. Your tears come back in full force. Your head pulsates with the sensation of lack of oxygen. Your vision shakes and blurs, your heart thumping loudly. Your chest. You gasp and gasp, but you feel like you’re suffocating.

“Breathe… breathe….. brea—“

Everything goes black.

“Out of everyone here, you mean the most to me.”

Your eyes snap open and you find yourself in a fancy room, with a gigantic bed. The pillow is dangerously soft and plump, the bedding just the way you like it. There's a low purple glow to the room, lit up with hidden LED lights not obnoxious, but it sets a mood. You gaze around and try to move.

Clank.

You look down at your feet. Theirs a heavy chain around your ankle. You feel panic set in and you try to flex your foot out, but the chain is rather snug. You scan the room, feeling tears swell in your sensitive eyes. You fiddle with the chain, trying to pry it open.

“Don’t do that,” you flinch and look over to see Tomura sitting in a gamer chair waiting for you.

“…. Why?” You ask.

“I’m protecting you—“

“You’re not.” You cut in. You see his face scrunch up in annoyance before he stands up and walks to you.

“You’re Naïve, jumpy, easily emotional — the world is cruel and you’re a dainty flower. I will not have you wilted by the force that is this cruel society. I will keep you safe.”

“Tomura, I’m not a bird!”

“No, you’re far more precious than a measly bird. My master said nothing will hurt you here, that he’ll keep you safe, you are safe — you’re safe with me.”

“No, I’m not,” you cried, rubbing your puffy face. “Let me go!”

“The world is cruel, and I am not—“

“Liar!” you shout in anger before freezing up. You see hurt in his eyes, along with rage. His hands fly towards you and you flinch. He gently pushes your hair back.

“Rest. You must be tired. I’ll bring in some food in an hour.” He gets up and leaves this doorless room through a portal. 

You immediately get up and search the room. The only other door is a bathroom with a shower. You can enter the room but not fully close the door because of the chain. How humiliating. There are no windows, no door beside the bathroom door, four walls, and nothing else.

You tried to open up your system.

To your horror, nothing comes up. 

It’s like Teman and all his gifts vanish. Your hand moves to the ring. It’s gone. Tomura took it. You reach for your neck, your necklace is gone.

You can’t turn back time.

Panic sets in.

You don’t want this to be your life!

“You should be in bed,” you flinch and look over at Tomura, who had food in his hands. You’re not hungry.

“I want out—“

“No.”

“Please.” 

“No.” He said, a lot firmer this time. You grab you, picking you up like a doll. He drags you onto the bed, curling around you like some desperate touch-starve man. “You’re all mine,” you sigh, drawing you closer to him.

“Tomura?” You squeak out.

“Mhm?”

“What are you doing?”

“Holding you.”

You lay there awkwardly, not moving as he held you close to his chest. You can feel his body rise and fall as his breathing slows.

“You mean everything to me,” he whispers for you and only you to hear. “And I want you.”

This is a nightmare.

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.

.

.

Dox watches on with cruel amusement. This man’s obsession is far stronger than Teman’s love for her. After all, there is no difference between love and obsession; one is just a more socially accepted word compared to the other.

“Has the bastard found a way to end this?” Glitch asks, pushing her red hair back. She watches the scene. It’s disgustingly cute. She wanted to see the whore bleed, to be in true fear.

This whore needs to learn her cosmic play in the universe as a servant. She gave her power; she gave her meaning. How dare this lowlife throw it all away for a man? Has she no pride or honor?

“He’s moving,” Dox informs Glitch.

“What’s he doing?”

“Trying to override us. He’s finding our loopholes and closing them, but I’m opening more rifts.” Doc explains as she continues to tap away at her keyboard.

“Make him angry, make him vengeful. All that resentment will grow. A millennium of pain and suffering will slowly turn any love into hate.” Glitch smirks, watching as the reincarnation of that whore trembles in the arms of a monster.

“Damn,” Dox frowns, “one persistent bastard.”

The screen goes pink.

Chapter Text

Time stops existing for you.

Minutes were hours, and seconds were years. What they were didn’t matter. 

Your days are long and boring, and Tomura wouldn’t give you a single item that can denote the passage of time. You had all the books in the world if you ask, and you did, but he wouldn’t give you an audiobook. He said it’ll only make you sad. You want to hear other people besides Tomura’s voice, and see other people… Imagining them isn’t enough.

“Here,” Tomura declared, a new stack of books in his hand as he walked through the portal.

You’re losing your mind. What other books can you remember from your old world that you wanted to read and never got to? He sits down on a stack of books. You see the Poppy War trilogy, The Cruel Prince series, and the Good Girl Guide to Murder series. You already read through the Percy Jackson series. You’re going stir-crazy. “Did you like your last book?”

“Yeah,” you mumble, not looking Tomura in the eyes. You didn’t want to talk to him, or look at him... or be around him. 

You won’t lie you’re a homebody, but this is downright torture. You actually want the sun on your skin. “... Can I have a sunlight lamp? And a notebook?”

“Why?” he asked. He always asks and the only things he has ever denied were technology. You wanted: A DS, a computer, a Switch, and a handheld gaming device; however, all were denied. But anything with no screens, he never denies you.

“I am tired of the current lights... I want to see sunlight.” You say, looking through the stack of books.

“Look at me.”

You didn’t.

“Please,” He begs.

You look over. He looks tired, awfully tired. His eye bags are deeper and darker. His hair is longer and messier. He also looks... bigger, like he’s working out. You don’t know why. Was it for you? 

That freaks you out. He reaches out to you, dragging his thumb across your cheek.

“Is there anything else you want?” He asks in a gentle tone that is begging for your attention.

“A cat,” you say, you wanted something soft with you, something alive, something besides yourself. You missed your cat— your original cat. You had an orange tabby, Frodo, as you called him. He was really sweet, dumb, very dumb. You see, Tomura’s brow shoots up in shock.

“A cat?”

“Yeah,” you say, feeling a smile crossing your lips at the thought of a cat. “I like fluffy cats... Maybe a British short hair— or a munchkin... or both... but they have health complications— but they’re so cute!” You begin on a tangent. “Oh, what would I call it?” You stare up at the ceiling before smiling for a second.

“I also want pants... acrylic. I want to paint the ceiling.” You say.

“... Ok,” Tomura said softly and reached out for you, grasping your hand. “I’ll get you that cat and paints.” You bolt up a smile on your face.

“Ooh— Ooh— Ooh! I need to write some things down for you,” you said with an enormous smile. 

“Patience,” Tomura said, "you feel yourself slightly deflate, “One thing at a time. Let me get a notebook first for you and some pens and pencils. I’ll be back soon.” With that, he walks through the portal. For the first time since you’ve been stuck in the room, you feel excited.

You might get a cat!

What name do you give it? You hope it’s a boy, they're more loving than females.

Tomura returns with a large notebook, mechanical pencils, and three pens. You snatched the notebook from his hand and a pen and began a list for him. Cat food, cat tree, brushes, cat treats, cat toys, litter box, litter, a trash can... The list was long. You might have gone ham on the list, but you starred the most important things. You hand it over gitty with excitement. 

A cat!

You see, Tomura smiled as you handed the list over, “A long list you got here,” he said, but he didn’t sound so angry at all. He stands up and thinks for a second. “What type of cat do you want?”

“A fluffy one, a boy preferably, they’re sweeter,” you add, practically jumping up and down in your place.

“Ok... What color?”

“Any color!”

“Alright,” You hear a ding and he pulls out his phone, “I have to go.”

“Ok.”

“Bye,” he said with a smile before leaving you in the dim room.

.

.

.

.

It’s been a few days, you think, since Tomura’s visit. Kurogiri still visits, and he’s, as always, polite. He’s kind, but he isn’t talkative. He isn’t a friend. He brings in food and takes out the empty plates. You read through your books, but your mind always trails back to the idea of a cat. You’ll have company.

You waited.

And waited.

And waited.

“Y/n?” You bolt up, it’s late... you think your eyes are tired and drooping, but you waited, waiting for Tomura to come back. You see him walk through the portal, a carrier in one hand. More portals open and boxes upon boxes drop into the fairly large room.

You rush over, grab the carrier, and look into it. Inside is a small fluffy kitten, brown and swirled with white. You already knew the name of the cat. “I shall name you Miso,” you giggle as you open the carrier and pull the little purring bundle of joy out. You look over at Tomura and smile. “Thank you.” You see him blush a bit.

The first thing you do is smell the cat. It smells sweet. You squeal and jump onto the bed with the cat, forgetting Tomura is in the room with you. “AWE!” you squeal, kicking your feet at its cuteness.

“Eh-hem!” You look over to see Tomura standing there, “there are other things,” he said, gesturing to the other things on the ground. You give him a bashful smile, see the cat on the ground, and walk over to the boxes. 

You could make a cat fort out of these boxes.

“You wanna help?” You ask him.

“Of course,” he said with a smile. “Why do you think I’m wearing gloves?” you look down at his hands. He has screws and a box cutter in his glove hand. He cut open the boxes.

“Is this the front?” You ask Tomura. He leans over and then back at the instruction.

“I believe so,” He mutters.

“This feels like building Ikea...” you mumble.

“What’s Ikea???” You stared at him dumbly.

“Oh sweet summer child, it’s a college and new home owner’s worst nightmare,” you laugh. 

Mew. 

You look over to see Miso jumping into a box, and falling clumsily. It kind of reminds you of yourself. You wish you had a phone or a camera; you wanted hundreds of photos of him. Alas, Tomura wouldn’t give you a camera or a phone, no matter how much you beg.

“Wow,” you said as you moved one stack of canned food into a corner near your stacked books, “Kitty’s got so many kinds of food!” You cheer happily. 

“I almost think you like that kitten more than me,” Tomura said, not in a joking manner. You froze up before laughing awkwardly.

“Of course not,” you stammer out. “He’s just like my baby,” you explain. “It's a boy, right?” You ask.

“Yeah,” Tomura said, screwing in a cat tree platform. You let out a sigh of relief. A girl kitten that was unneutered would go through heat, a hellish experience. You’ve heard horror stories, and you like your sleep. You don’t need a female cat yowling for attention.

You watch as Tomura builds the cat tree, and you stare at his arm muscles... When did he have arm muscles? When did he start working out?? You feel like a perv staring at him, but it’s mesmerizing watching him work. “Are you going to help?” He asks, looking over.

“Have you been working out?” You ask innocently. His face explodes into a pinkish hue and he stammers out some words before looking away and nodding.

“How did you know?”

“Well, you had a streamer build, now it’s a sleeper build.” You see his pink face turn bright red.

“Uh... um... Just help me! I’m not your servant and it’s your cat.” You giggle at his words and stand up.

You almost forgot.

You almost got swept away in the charm of this sweet moment.

You were a pretty songbird still in a cage.

The cat tree took about an hour to set up. As you pour the litter into the igloo-shaped litter box, Tomura sets up the sunlight lamp and soon the room is glowing in a warm golden hue. You hear Tomura grunt and look over as he lays down on the giant bed; the kitten walking all over his chest. You unravel all the cat supplies, the brushes, the shampoo and conditioner, the claw clippers, the treats, and the toys. You somehow stuff most of the goodies away in the bedside cabinet.

You look over at the bed; the kitten is sleeping near his head. Tomura’s eyes are closed. You feel an evil smile creep across your lips. You hunch down before leaping into the air and landing right on top of him. 

He grunts loudly and groans curling around you. “OW!” he yelps, making you laugh. “You’re heavy.”

“I am not heavy!” You gasp slightly offended, you can see Tomura with a shit-eating grin.

“Heavy.”

“No, I am not!”

“Heavy.” He said, poking your side. You shriek as he finds your ticklish side. You flail around violently hitting him hard trying to make him stop. He stops and you calm down, “Geez, you hit hard.”

“What, you think I hit like a kid?”

“No, I just thought you wouldn’t leave a bruise,” Tomura said, rubbing his shoulder.

“Sorry,” you said, growing a little concerned.

“It’s fine.” He pressures you. You sit atop him, straddling him. He stares up at you and slightly smiles. “But you are heavy.” 

“... Maybe you’re just scrawny.” His smile drops and he scowls angrily.

“I am not.”

“Really? All you eat is pizza.” You said poking him. He’s not ticklish like you. He sighs and pulls you down into a tight hug.

“You’re such a brat.”

“Well, I learned it from you.” You said, reaching out and petting the Miso. Miso’s head springs up before letting out a cute little meow and purr. Tomura only pouts harder.

“You’re talking like I am a drug to you.”

“You’re more like the only example I have to mirror,” you correct.

“What does that mean?” He asks, lifting his head to look at you.

“Well, it means without someone to mirror their personality, I tend not to have a personality. Like I need someone to tell me what to think and how to think... kinda. You know?” You explain. It’s a neurodivergent thing. It took you a long time to realize maybe Tomura isn't neurodivergent, he’s just a nerd.

“No.” He frankly tells you, and you nod in slight annoyance. It’s so hard to explain your mind to those who don’t think like that.

“I can’t explain it any further.”

All conversation died off, and you rested on Tomura’s arm. He smells like linen, strangely you always thought he smelled of pizza but he smells of laundry detergent, which is very nice. You close your eyes and listen to his steady heartbeat. You slowly fall asleep on top of him.

When you awoke, you were alone, under the covers, with the kitten chewing on your hair. You feel a sense of sadness wash over you as Tomura isn’t there before you hear a small little crunch. You bolt up and Miso goes flying into your lap. Miso had a little chunk of your hair in his mouth.

“Miso!” you shout angrily, snatching your hair out of his mouth.

Mew.

“Don’t act cute, little gremlin,” you grumble.

Mew...

You see Miso look down and you feel your heart break; you pick him up and cradle him to your chest, petting him. “It’s ok little man,” you whisper, bopping him in the nose. You sniffed the kitten again and sighed. You picked up a can of wet cat food, dumped it into the bowl, and set the little kitten on the floor. You watch as little Miso shoves the entire wet food into his little mouth with its paws.

“Look at the Little Man,” you coo before picking up a book and flipping it over. You got through a single page of your book before Miso made a noise.

“MEW!” little Miso cries out with his entire chest. It’s the loudest meow you’ve ever heard a cat give. It’s like he was using his whole lung. You giggle and sit up, opening the drawers and pulling out a little dragonfly string toy. Miso took a great liking to the toy. He jumps and leaps into his stubby little arms, trying to claw at the toy. 

You couldn’t stop laughing.

He’s so cute!

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.

.

.

When Kurogiri dropped by with food and he took away the poop bag, plastic, and all the trash. “Food is here,” he said, setting it down at the bedside table.

“What day is it?” You ask him like you did every day he drops by.

“L/n you know I can’t tell you.” You sighed, and he left.

Miso clawed up the blanket towards you before jumping onto the bedside table and taking your meatball. “Hey!” you call out, trying to grab the turd-colored cat, “you little shitter,” you grumble as Miso sits at the end of the bed eating your delicious meatball. “You’re lucky you’re cute!” You threaten. You ended up standing to eat, to prevent Miso from stealing another meatball. Miso turns to you and screeches with all his might for more meatballs.

“You ate like three hours ago! And a meatball a 5th of your size! Such a fatty,” you growl, pointing your fork at him accusingly. 

Mew.

“Don’t mew me!” You rumble.

“Why are you talking to the cat?” You freeze up, your face flushing with embarrassment as you turn to Tomura. He stood there awkwardly.

“Little Shitter over there. Ate my meatball!” You angrily announced. Tomura slightly smirk and picked up the kitten, who hissed at him. 

“He’s round.”

“Yeah, a fatass asking for more food!” You add. You want Tomura on your side of the argument with Miso. Miso Meows again, smacking his little lips and staring at your plate. “He’s mocking me!”

“... It’s a kitten,” Tomura said flatly.

“I know! But I see his evilness behind his eyes.” You said, squinting at Miso.

“I think you’ve lost your mind,” Tomura adds, sitting on the bed as Miso bites at his fingers and hissing at him. Tomura flicks Miso on the forehead, making a soft “plop” sound.

“I am perfectly sane!”

“You’re talking to a cat.”

“And?” You ask hotly, “I’ve seen you talk to your computer.” Tomura grows quiet. You got him there. He sighs before a small smirk grows on his face.

“Little Shitter? Really?” You shrug. All pet parents have weird names for their pets. They have their standard name, their full government name, their secret real name, their nicknames, and the name you call them when they’re bad!

“What? Isn’t it a cute nickname?” You ask, tilting your head as you shovel food down your gullet. Tomura’s smile only grew bigger before he laughed a bit.

“You look happier.” He mutters a whisper of sadness in his tone.

“I miss being free.” You tell him in all seriousness, feeling a boldness surge through your body. You know Tomura. He won’t hurt you, he said so.

“Don’t.” Tomura said bluntly, “Don’t start this shit with me.” His gentle mood switched into a foul anger.

“Tomura, I’ve been cooped up in here for maybe a year!”

“It’s only been eight months—”

“EIGHT MONTHS?” You bellow dropping the plate, it shatters into four large pieces. “I'M NOT SOME GILDED PRECIOUS JEWEL IN A GALLERY TO BE DISPLAYED!” You scream in suppressed rage, your hands balling up into fists. You’ve been detained here for so long!

“Y/n.”

“NO! Don’t call me that. I am a person, not an object!” You snap, slapping him across the face in anger.

Tomura’s face goes rigid, his jaw clenches, and his eyes burn with fury. He rips off one of his gloves and stands up, towering over you. You didn’t back down. He jabs a finger into your chest, “You belong to me!” He growls out.

“I belong to no man!” You see his eyes flash and he grabs Miso by the neck with his pointer finger and his thumb. “What are you doing?” You ask, panic seeping into your tone.

“I’ll kill this rodent.”

“Don’t—”

He wraps a second finger around Miso.

“You belong to me!”

“Tomura!”

"I said I would never hurt you," Tomura said with venom, "I never said I wouldn't hurt what you love." Dread fills your stomach and you feel a sting in your eyes.

A third finger wraps around a crying Miso.

“Stop please!” You feel tears forming in your eyes. You don’t want to see your baby die!

“Who do you belong to?” He demands angrily, a bitter smile spreading across his face.

“Wait!” you plead, trying to take a step closer. Tomura takes a step back.

“Who?”

“We can talk this through!”

“WHO?” He yells, you flinch.

Not you.

His pinky closed around Miso. Miso whimpers in pain as he crumbles away. You drop to your knees, screaming.

A screen appears.

Chapter Text

[Warning.]
[Warning.]
[Force Awakening, protocol activated.]

You bolt up screaming tears in your eyes; you crash into something— someone. Through a blur of tears, you see Tomura. You recoil, your body trembling. You see, a door— you see freedom. Your hand glows flying and you slap him as hard as you can in the face. Tomura falls to the ground with a groan. You didn’t take the time to think— there is no time to think. 

Run. RUN! Get to the door!!!

You run for freedom, swinging on the frame. Your foot slips slightly, but you don’t stop. You tore through the bar, Kurogiri turning to face you from behind the bar table. You run right to the exit. You didn’t even bother putting on your shoes. Your feet hit the dirty steps and onto the concrete sidewalk. You run until your lungs burn and you collapse onto the ground. You’re not very fit.

The streets are busy.

Your fear mixes with your adrenaline; you feel a wave of sick euphoria deep into your muscles and chest. You’re alive! You feel nausea but you want to laugh. Your heart beats loudly in your ears, your body trembles, ready to fight, and you swallow the lump in your throat. You feel your face coated in tears, you feel like a maniac high on drugs.

Where are you?

Where are you?

“Y/n!” Your head whips around and your eyes widen in horror as Tomura jogs up to you. “What the hell?” he sounds more flabbergasted than angry. He stops a few feet from you, his eyes scanning over your body.

“Get away from me…” you stutter out crawling away from him. A new wave of panic hits you, your nails scrap against the concrete.

“What’s going on?” He grumbles, walking towards you. 

He’s smaller... much smaller… has his collarbone always stuck out like that? He’s so thin.

“You killed my cat!” You yell angrily. Tomura pauses and stares at you inquisitively.

“You don’t own a cat,” Tomura said in quiet confusion.

“I— I—” You stutter out and look around you. You see an ad for UA’s sports festival. You grip your head.

“Hey, you were having a nightmare, you were screaming and you wouldn’t wake up,” Tomura explains, inching closer to you with this tenderness in his voice that lures you back to reality.

“What?” You said hiccuping and looking at him through blurry visions. You didn’t care that people were looking, but they all still minded their business. You’re just another drunk.

“You were in a deep sleep, screaming and crying, yet you wouldn’t wake up.” He drawled, taking a step closer to you. “What were you dreaming?” he asks, crouching down before you. You stare up at him with teary eyes before bursting into tears. He pulls you into a hug, picks you up, and carries you back home.

Kurogiri sets a glass of warm milk and some tissues on the table as you wipe your feet off of dirt. You feel a fresh wave of panic and pain seep into your body. “Well,” you sniffle, furiously wiping your eyes. “You killed a man, and I ran away, and then I think you killed a bunch of people. You locked me in a doorless room—” You said, your voice slowly climbing in pitch as you felt a second wave of tears hitting you. You begin to panic, hiccupping violently as you grip onto the couch.

“Hey—”

“I— give me a second!” You gasp, getting up and walking. You struggle against the rapid hiccups, fighting for air. Your vision goes blotchy before you can get a good single breath. “Then you got me a cat and then killed the cat—” You said, your voice squeaking out as you sob again.

“I...” Tomura looks around and then back at you. What does he say?

“I really loved that cat!” you said, sobbing into the pillow you’re holding.

“I... You...”

“The cat’s name was Miso, and I loved him more than life!”

“A bit dramatic—”

“NO, I AM NOT!” you scream at him.

The two of you sat there in silence. Only your hiccups were audible in the room.

“... What did the cat look like?”

“It’s brown, not tabby, legit brown and white like toffee or coffee. It kind of looks like muddy miso. He’s small and fluffy, like a British shorthair, and he was so chatty! I love him.” You said, crying some more.

“... I’ll get you some ice cream,” Tomura said, getting up and leaving the bar.

“Here,” you look up to see Kurogiri holding a warm soup for you. You slowly eat the food. The warmth feels homely. You trudge back to your room and look around. You had your art on the wall, random game posters, your desk, and a computer. You miss this room… you feel like a stranger standing there.

You trudge to the bathroom.

You look like hot shit. You wash your face and walk into your room. Your eyes drift to the alarm clock and there you see it’s barely 3 in the morning. You were only asleep for five hours, yet it felt like a year being there.

Everything goes pink.

“You look like hell.” you turn around to see Teman stepping into the room.

“I had a nightmare—”

“If only it was a nightmare.” You frown at his words as he walks past you and sits down on your bed. “That wasn’t a nightmare.”

“What?” 

“What you went through was real, albeit you enter another timeline where I fail. What you went through was real. What he did, how he acted— that is him—“

“You’re wrong. He’s nothing like that—“

“Don’t interrupt me. But Tomura Shigaraki is that violent and that cruel. His desire for you is only growing—“

“But you put that love meter there—” Teman clicks his tongue in annoyance, his glare evident in his gaze. You suck in your lips, “sorry.”

“I can’t make anyone do anything. I am the warden of fate. Fate branches out like a branch of a tree. I can push you to the one I like, but inevitably you have free will— free will didn’t always exist, but for now, it does. I did not force your lover boy to go after you. I simply warned you.” Teman corrects, “wouldn’t you want to know if that boy started to get dangerously obsessed?”

“… Yes.”

“Oh,” Teman said as he got up, “you are as cowardly as everyone thinks because deep down in your mind, this world doesn’t seem real to you. You move through it like you’re in Minecraft, you’re not. Start using that noggin of yours. You’re smart in your own way, but you’ve been very oblivious which fuels that boy’s delusions. This world is very much real, as real as the one you lived and died in.”

Panic sets in. You feel violently ill. Teman fades back into a digital holographic form and the room’s pink hue vanishes. you sit on the ground and stare at the ceiling.

He was right… you did think to some extent this is fake that you can’t die— like a video game. You curl up on the ground and stare at the wooden planks, at the grooves they have. All too real… 

Everything is real.

Your heart sinks and you feel a wave of eeriness crash over you. 

You’re not safe.

you’re not safe with Tomura.

You feel tears roll down your face. How pathetic— really for a while you lost yourself in the madness of this eccentric world, with its quirks and superheroes. You felt like Superman would save you… well, at least your Superman.

You sit up and stare at yourself in your full-length mirror. You still don’t recognize the face you have, and that’s a blessing. You’re no longer O/n your Y/n… Y/n is a fool. 

It’s time to mask.

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.

Shigaraki walks down the street, his hood up. He saw a brown cat recently on one of his nightly walks. He stumbles a bit, damn he hasn’t eaten in a while. He grits his teeth and stops in front of the pet store. He disintegrated the back door and stepped into the place. It’s dark, and the place smells of animals. Shigaraki walks over to the cat area and looks for the brown cat.

Shigaraki didn’t understand Y/n’s desire or the fanatic love of a cat she never had, but seeing her cry like that— seeing her weak like that. He has to protect the innocence she has, the undefiled purity that heroism hasn’t touched. He can save her and he will. 

“I’m adopted!” He sneers at the sigh and sees the cute brown kitten curled up asleep. He disintegrates the glass. Slipping on his gloves, he reaches in, grabbing the brown turd-looking creature. The little kitten meows and the other cats wake up and they slip out of the cages. Shigaraki pockets the kitten and walks out of the store. 

He still needs to get ice cream…. Oh, and some cat stuff.

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.

“I’m back,” Tomura calmly calls out. You turn to him, your heart beating fast, but you swallow the fear. You smile at him and hesitantly inch closer.

“What did you get?” You ask, speaking in. You see wet cat food. You frown and look up to see Tomura looking down at you. You almost jumped out of your skin but stood still. He pulled out from his pocket a brown little kitten.

Your mind goes blank.

“W— where did you get him?” You ask, gently taking the kitten from Tomura. You don’t quite trust him yet, not with your little son.

“The streets.” He retorts calmly, not giving you a second glance as he starts pulling out cat toys, food, and your ice scream. You watch as he walks to get a spoon for you, he stumbles. You see his brows knit together and you feel a wave of concern hit you.

“Tomura?” You call out. He turns to look at you. He looks... sickly. His collarbone gets your attention... he’s so thin!

“Yes?”

“When was the last time you ate?” You ask. You see, Tomura’s eyes flash before he clears his throat.

“Earlier today, why?”

“... Nothing,” you said. You put your ice cream in the fridge and decided to order pizza for the two of you.

You pull your phone out. You wince and suck up the willpower to call the local pizza place. You stutter your way through it, but Miso sits with you, staring up at you, encouraging you to speak up. You stutter your way through the order. You got two pizzas, a plain cheese and one with pepperoni. You got the largest pizza since there was a deal.

“Miso, did I get too much?” You ask your little man and pick him up. He only meows and purrs into your neck. You giggle and rest on the floor of your room until you hear a knock at the bar door. You rush off and Miso scrambles after you with his stubble little paws. You smile at the pizza delivery man and bring both pizzas to your room.

“Tomura?” you call out, looking into his room. Your eyes widen as you see Tomura on the ground, looking dazed. “OH MY GOD?” It took Tomura a moment before he bolted up and stared up at you with fear in his eyes.

“Y/n?”

“OH, my god... you lied about eating!” You grabbed him by the arm and hauled his very light body to your room.

“I did eat!”

“No, you didn’t!” You shout angrily, “You look malnourished! Why aren’t you eating? Huh? HUH?” You unceremoniously drop him and push one of the large pizza boxes to him. “EAT! EAT! I need to fatten you up!”

“What are you, the witch from Hansel and Gretel?” Tomura asks accusatory.

“Well, do I have to lock you in a cage to fatten you up? You’re bone thin!” You said, flipping open the pizza box. You see, Tomura looks up at you before sighing.

“I can’t.”

“Why?” You ask, staring into his eyes deep.

“There are many things you don’t know, and many more I will never tell you—”

“Don’t! Just eat.” You tell him. He stares at you, you give him puppy dog eyes. You see him buckle and reach for a pizza.

.

.

.

.

Shigaraki reluctantly reaches for a pizza.

He’s starving, but rules are rules. He made a deal with Master, that he could have Y/n with him and that she wouldn’t be in their scheme. He always wants Y/n to be well-fed, well-dressed, and well-taken care of. Shigaraki could be careless about himself. He ate the pizza, but he knew Master would ask him why he was eating. 

Tomura will lie. 

Tomura cares for his Master but Y/n is something he desires forever, more so than the death of All Might.

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.

You munch on the pizza and watch as Tomura eats one slice after another. 

“MEOW!” The two of you jump to see Miso sitting at the door. He trots over and claws up Tomura’s back. 

“Owe... Owe owe owe!” Tomura winced, “The Little Shitter here’s got sharp claws. You need to cut it.” You sit your pizza down, crawl over, and pull Miso off Tomura’s back.

“Come here, Little Man.” You coo. You have to pry his claws individually from his back. You see little blood drops swell from Tomura’s back. You crawl back to your side and sit Miso in your lap, scratching his chin.

“I feel like you love him more than me,” Tomura half-jokes, you freeze up and smile.

“Loving a pet is like loving a child—”

“You know that’s a cat, right?”

“He’s my child!” You snap, “And he’s gonna be your child too!” You state not thinking. You internally cringe at your words but don’t take it back. You see, Tomura’s face goes red, and he looks away.

“Why am I the dad?”

“Because we’re stuck together, so you’re the dad— I’m the mom— Miso is our kid, and I expect you to protect him with your life!” You tell him confidently. Tomura stared at you in shock.

“I— I... What?” Tomura said, his pizza falling from his hand. “A— are we married now?” He asks, his face getting redder.

“Of course not! That’s a child marriage! We’re co-parents!” You said, your face blushing. You see his brows knit together before he sighs.

“Look, I am not gonna treat a cat like my child.” Tomura said with a sigh, “And to treat an animal like your kid is stupid.”

Your mouth fell open.

“HOW DARE YOU! ARE YOU CALLING ME STUPID? I LOVE HIM!” you shout grabbing your slipper and slapping Tomura with it.

“You only know him for a day!”

“AND?” You shout.

Little Miso launches at Tomura and bites down on his nose. 

“OW! OW OW OW!”

“Don’t hurt Miso!” You shout.

“HE’S HURTING ME!”

The three of you end up rolling in a pile of limbs and fur. You were grabbing onto Tomura’s leg, he’s grabbing onto Miso, and Miso continues to bite Tomura’s nose.

“What is going on?” You all stop and look up to see Kurogiri standing in the doorway.

“Uh...” You look down at Tomura. One of his hands is holding your waist, another reaching for the cat. You look back at Kurogiri. “It’s not what it looks like.” You panic.

“Well... use protection.” Kurogiri said before closing the door, “Keep the noise down. We do have some guests tonight.” Your face explodes into heat and you stammer out a denial. Tomura pushes you off.

“KUROGIRI!” He shouts. You look over at him, his face beat red. You use Miso to hide your face from Tomura. 

“How humiliating!” You groan and Miso lets out a little mew. You curl up using Miso as a living shield. You don’t want to look at Tomura.

“I— I— T-thank you for the pizza.” With that, Tomura bolts for the door and leaves your room.

You sit there silently.

“... Miso!” You growl, staring angrily at Miso, “You little shit!”

“Mew.”

“You’re lucky you’re cute!”

Chapter Text

You couldn’t look Tomura in the eyes, and Tomura avoided you. He inches around you and refuses to be anywhere close to you. Sometimes you catch him staring at you before looking away red in the face. You feel your cheeks flush every time he looks at you. You never once considered Tomura as boyfriend material... But now? 

You shake your head and smack your cheeks, ‘let’s not think about that! We’re friends! I shouldn’t be crushing on friends!’ You manically think. Miso jumps onto you and you look down at him and smile. Cute little bug. You stroke his face, the spot between his eyes up his head and down it. “My Little Big Man.” You muse listening to him purr his heart out.

You set his wet food out, and he devours it by the time you’re done dressing yourself. You pick up Miso, bring him to the bathroom, and pull out his little toothbrush. You struggle to brush his teeth as he still getting used to it. You want a healthy, clean not-so-smelly kitten. After you’re done brushing his teeth, you brush yours.

You keep Miso in your room; you don’t fully trust Tomura to be around the kitten alone or have Miso walking around. You wave him goodbye and walk into the main bar area where Tomura is on his switch. You peer over his shoulder to see what game he’s playing. It wasn’t a game you recognize. Kurogiri places a plate of pancakes in front of you. You look at the food and look over at Tomura. “Did you eat?”

“Yes.” He said, not looking up at you.

Liar.

You look down at your food and feel... empty, the moment between full and hunger. You don’t feel full, you just feel empty. “You should eat,” Tomura said, looking over at you. “They’re chocolate chips, you’re favorite.” You nod and begin to dig in. You stare off at the alcohol on the wall, your mind swirling.

Will Tomura let you wander the street or will he insist on joining you?

Either way, you’re hoping you’d have a fun time outside. You’ll bring headphones with you for the noise.

“Tomura, I want to go out today.” You said halfway through your meal.

“Why?”

“I’m bored.”

“You have a kitten,” Tomura said, picking up his drink to his lips. You watch from the corner of your eyes and she throws it back. You can tell from the color it's alcohol. Tomura isn’t a big drinker, but when he does drink, it’s mostly to be buzzed.

“Yeah, but I want to get some fresh air.”

“... The last time you got fresh air, the burnt guy made you cry.” You freeze up and push your food around the plate. He didn’t have to be so loud and correct about his statement.

“Then come with me~” You whine leaning on him. You see, Tomura looks away, cheeks turning pink. You lean closer to him, yelping as you fall and crash into Tomura’s side. His reaction speed was fast enough to catch you before you tumble to the ground.

“Careful.”

“Oopies,” you bashfully laugh. Tomura places a palm against your head and pushes you back into a sitting position. “But join me! We can get sushi! Or burgers. Or pizza— maybe not pizza. We just had pizza.” You mumble. You need to fatten Tomura up. He looks sickly now.

“No.”

“C’mon, please!” You beg swinging back and forth on the bar stool.

“No. I’m busy.”

“... Fine... I’m still gonna head out though,” you said, hoping that would convince Tomura to join you. He pauses and you can see he’s weighing out his options.

“Keep your location on and your phone close to you.” He tells you. You frown but nod, “And don’t take headphones with you. I want you to be alert!”

“Ok.” You said calmly, walking back to your room to grab one of Tomura's sweaters and a mask.

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The streets are busy, people running about. You keep your head low, not because you’re afraid of being seen, but to make sure you’re walking in the right direction. There’s a new gacha store that recently opened in the area and you feel like wasting some time winning cute things for yourself.

You put in some money and put all the coins into your purse.

You begin to play games. You go after the Hello Kitty and the plushies.

“Wow, you got quite the catch,” you pause and look over to see a blonde girl in a schoolgirl uniform standing there, watching you play. You didn’t even hear her coming.

“Yeah,” you said with an awkward smile. “I like cute things.”

“I also like cute things... and cute people.” She adds, staring at your face. You look away blushing a bit. She’s pretty, and you didn’t think someone would bother you when you look like a slob, in your faded sweats, baggy sweater, messy hair, and flip-flops. You touch your face, making sure the mask is still on. 

‘Does she think I’m cute even wearing a mask?’ You wonder to yourself, which makes you blush even more. You turn back to the game and feel the weight of a pretty girl watching you. You want to impress her, but the pressure of her eyes watching you play this game makes you prematurely push the down button. It caught the side of a Cinnamonroll, you hold your breath as it goes up, but right as the claw machine hits the top it drops.

“Poor luck,” the girl said sadly, “and here I thought you had it.” You feel a bit of shame wash over you and you scratch the back of your head.

“I guess.”

“My name is Toga, Himiko Toga.” Toga said. You look at her and tilt your head.

“... O/n.” You said slowly.

“Foreigner... your Japanese is good.”

“... Thanks, I live here.” You said slowly, maybe you should have given your actual name... well, your name in this world. 

“Well O/n, I love your aesthetic.” She muses with a sweet smile.

“My style?” You look down at yourself. You look grungy.

“Your style,” she said, pointing to the plushie in the plastic bag you are carrying. “I doubt those clothes are yours.” She laughs.

“Oh... Yeah... the sweater belongs to my friend.” You said laughing.

“Is your friend as cute as you?” She asks, wiggling her eyebrows at you.

“Not to your standard,” you laugh. Tomura can be pretty if he tries, but most of the time he isn’t. He just exists as he is.

“What’s your favorite Sanrio character? Mine is Littleforestfellow.” She hums. “But it’s not a popular character, you know?”

“Yeah,” you mumble, “Mine is (Favorite character),” you state with a smile.

“You do/seem like a Hello Kitty fan,” she adds. You smile and look at the rows of Cinnamonrolls. You found a few Hello Kitty, but the look didn’t suit you.

“You seem like you would like My Melody or a BONBONRIBBON fan,” you comment. Just from her look, she seems like a cutesy girl. Pink is her color, you just know it.

“Oh, I like those characters too. Pink is my color.” You smile at her words and turn back to the claw machine. You attempt round too. “What’s your signature color?” Toga asks you.

You think for a second, what color do you like? “Well, I like black....” You add. The System is pink, so is it pink? You’re not so sure. Your focus quickly goes back to the machine. You lined it up as best as possible, looking at the side to make sure you’re dead on. Once you’re sure, you hit the down button.

“I think your color is gold.” You turn to see Toga inches away from your face. “Your eyes are gold.”

“So are yours.”

“We’re twinning!” She squeals and gets closer. You feel yourself blush. You’re never this close to someone you just met.

“Y-you wanna play?” You ask, holding up some coins for her.

“Sure!”

“A little more.” You said, your face pressed against the side-view window. “A little more... Perfect!” She hits the button and both of you watch as the claw machine descends and the two of you hold your breath. You watch as the claws hit the plushie and pull it up. You watch as the claw hits the top, and the plushie doesn’t fall. You begin to bounce lightly on the balls of your feet.

“SCORE!” Toga cheers as the plushie lands in the hole. She grabs the plush and squeezes it tightly. You smile brightly at her. She turns to you and smiles, too. She has a really cute smile.

“Your smile is cute...” you state dumbly.

She turns to you.

Your face goes red.

“I-I-I I didn’t mean it to be weird! I promise! I-I just thought you had a cute smile.” You panic waving your hand about like a maniac. Toga smiles before giggling and looking at you.

“I think you’re cute.” She replies, handing the plushie to you. Your mind goes blank, your face goes beat red, and everything seems to be spinning. 

A pretty girl just told you that you’re cute.

You almost squealed.

“O-oh!” you said, scratching the back of your head. “N-next game!” You twist around so fast that you forget your bag of plushies. You speed walk to another claw machine, your eyes scanning from side to side looking for a machine that catches your attention.

“Hey O/n, what about this game?” You paused mid-step and turned around to see Toga pointing at a traditional gacha machine, one of those coin twisters. “It’s two for one and it’s Sanrio!”

“OK!” you squeaked out.

You didn’t even question her. She can bat her eyelashes at you and you crumble.

You fumble the coin but manage to put it into the slot and twist the handle. With a twist, a little plastic container drops. Toga picks it up and with a bit of strength, the lid pops off. “One for you, one for me,” she said sweetly. You undo the black plastic sleeve and pull out a Gudetama keychain. You look over to see Toga holding a Pochacco. She lifts it up and swings it around on her finger. She slips it into her pocket. “I’ll keep it with me.” She said with a smile.

Your stomach growls loudly, and she turns to you. You blush, you didn’t think your stomach is a fatass. “You wanna get lunch with me?” You ask shyly.

“Sure!”

The two of you walk down the street, arm and arm (by Toga’s choice). The two of you skipped down the road. You couldn’t help but giggle. It’s just two girls skipping along like school girls. It feels so... so... normal. You couldn’t help but laugh your ass off with her.

“You want sushi?” You ask with the biggest smile on your face. You had long pulled the mask down, it was getting a bit stuffy with Toga being so cute around you. You hope you can keep this female friend you made. 

“Sure!” 

The two of you enter a sushi bar and sit down in the corner. 

“What are you going to get?” She asks.

“Probably my usual.”

“You’ve been here before?” She asks, looking up from her menu.

“No, but I have a usual,” you state. If there’s a new restaurant or a place you’ve never gone to, you always fall back into a specific dish. If they do it well, you’ll order from that place until you get sick... well, that was what you did back in your original life. You rarely adventure out of your specific food you like. You have a special food, for nearly all cuisine.

“Well, I’m gonna get the tempura and miso.” You flinch for a second, your mind goes straight to her eating your cat. You shake your head. “I’ll get some spicy tuna rolls.”

You smile.

A waiter comes by and you both give your orders.

“So O/n what’s your favorite thing to do?” Toga asks.

“Oh, I like to game, me and my friend Tomura like gaming together.” You said with a smile.

“Oh? A boy?” she said before a mischievous smile crossed her lips. “Is he your boyfriend?”

“NO!” you squeaked out in a panic. “He’s an adult!” You see her smile slightly tighten on her pretty face.

“How do you know he isn’t some pervert?” Toga asks.

“I knew him since I was five, besides he’s more like family,” you said with a warm smile. “He’s my hero.” You add spinning the straw in your cup.

“Oh,” Toga said, her tone lightening up, “How... how nice.” She said wistfully.

“What school do you go to?” You ask, trying to change the subject, “I’m homeschooled.” You lied.

“Oh... Well...” Toga begins slowly.

“... You’re not in school, are you?” You said slowly.

“No,” Toga whispers out. “I’m a runaway.”

“Oh.” You said slowly. “Why?”

“My parents are cruel.” You nod and take a sip of your drink.

“What are your parents like?” She asks.

“I don’t have any parents. I’m an orphan.”

“Really?”

“Really, the system left me behind and I found someone who loves me,” you said with a smile. 

“... That’s nice.” 

An awkward silence fell between the two of you. You rack your mind around anything to talk about that’s less depressing. The food arrives and all conversation ends. You ate slowly, trying to not seem greedy in front of this homeless girl. At least you have a home... people that love you. She has no one.

“Hi-himiko?” You ask slowly. You look up to see Toga devouring everything on her plate... She’s hungry. “Do- do you wanna stay with me and my family?” She stares at you, eyes wide— eyes full of hope.

“Really?”

“Really!”

“Ok!”

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.

As the two of you walk hand in hand, you hope Tomura isn’t too mad with this choice. Himiko just looked so... so! Pitiful. “This is a bar,” Himiko said.

“Yeah, but inside they’re an area with bedrooms.” You explain before the two of you enter.

“Tomura, I brought a friend.” You see, Tomura turns around with a look that said it all— Baffled, unamused, confused, and worried. His eyes rack from you to Himiko.

“Hi, I’m Himiko Toga!” Himiko said happily. Tomura opens his mouth before closing it.

“Who is she?”

“Himiko Toga.” You reply with her name.

“I know her name, but who is she?”

“Um... my friend.” You stutter out. Your nerves start to act up and you wonder if this was a bad idea. “She’s homeless and I... I thought she could stay with us for a bit,” you explain. As you do so, your voice tapers away into a whisper. You watch as Tomura turns off his switch and turns his full attention to you two. 

‘Shit, he might actually be mad!’

“Come here. I need to talk to you in private.” You turn to Himiko, smile, and quickly follow after Tomura.

“What is this?” He asks in a quiet shout. “Did you let her pity act full of you?”

“I-I I just want to be her hero like you’re mine,” you protest. You see his eyes widen before he sighs. He doesn’t say anything, and it seems like he’s staring past you like he’s seeing through your head.

“Fine... I want to talk to her in private, though.”

“Ok.”

He walks into his room and comes back with that freaky hand that he had when you two first met. He stopped wearing it for you, but for this, he brought it back. He walks back into the room and you wait in the hall biting your nails. You can see how tense the situation was. You can see Himiko staring at him unimpressed, a show tense on Tomura’s frame. After a moment of unease, it lifted, and it seemed like the two of them came to an understatement.

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.

“... How did you trick my foolish friend?” Shigaraki sneers quietly. The smile on her stupid face fades into a glare.

“I did no such thing.” Her lips curl in disgust.

“If you’re homeless, how do you look so clean?” Shigaraki seethe.

“... Tomura,” Toga said, a smirk on her face, “By chance are you Tomura Shigaraki? the man who attacked UA?” Shigaraki's hand twitches and he’s ready to disintegrate her.

“And? Who are you?”

“Is this a villain's hideout?” She asks, a little too excited for his liking.

“Answer my question, he demands.”

“I’m a villain too.” Toga leans to the side and waves at Y/n. That enrages Shigaraki as his hand almost reaches for her throat. “So O/n is also a villain?”

“No, and I like to keep it that way.” Toga looks at him in shock but slightly nods.

“For you to stay here, you have to help me with my plans, go it?”

“Sure.”

Chapter Text

“Hey O/n, you still think I’m pretty?” Himiko asks with a toothy smile. She exits your bathroom wrapped in a towel. Even without make-up, she’s stunning.

“Yeah, you got pretty hair too,” you said as she calmly changed before you. You advertise your eyes to give her some privacy. As she finishes changing, you watch as she pats down her damp blonde hair with a towel before using one of your claw clips to hold it back. She sits on the ground opposite you. You hand her a Hello Kitty hairband.

She slips it on and you begin to smudge the clay mask across her cheek and up her temple to her forehead. She giggles and you smile. “This smells nice,” Himiko said as the green clay mask scent hit her nose.

“I know!” You whisper. It’s pretty late, and you try not to be too loud at night since Tomura has trouble sleeping. Whenever he sleeps, you try to let him sleep as long as he can. “It’s kind of pricy, but I love the quality. It’s gonna make our skin so smooth!” You beam as you finish up with her face.

She takes the tube from your hand, squeezes the tube, gets green clay onto her skin, and begins to drag her fingers across your face, lathering them with a thin layer of clay. You giggle as the cold paste touches your skin. “You know Tomura never lets me do this, quote-un-quote ‘it burns my skin’... but I think if he does do skin care, he will be less itchy,” you confess.

You know Tomura’s skin is bad. It’s ashy and flaky. You’ve tried to get him to do skincare, but his skin is super sensitive. You were successful on occasions to get him to do some skincare, but he always grumbled. You want to get him to have better hygiene, but he’s always wishy-washy on these things. 

“He’s a bop,” Himiko said as the two of you wait for the mask to harden. “Wouldn’t he want to feel pretty? He can use it.” You feel yourself get defensive over Tomura. He’s a good man... most of the time.

“He’s kind.”

“I don’t see it,” Himiko confessed.

“Mew.” You turn to see little Miso coming out from underneath your bed. Miso is skittish and likes to hide under your bed, and with a loud Himiko, he was terrified. You turn to see Himiko’s eyes lighten up.

“This is my kitten, Miso.”

“AAAWWWEEE!” Himiko squeals, her arms flailing about. Miso his and tries to claw his way free. “He’s so cute!”

“Sshh! You’re scaring him!” You said calmly. 

“Ok ok!” Himiko said, still a bit loud, but she was quieting down, “His name is Miso?”

“His full name is Fermented Miso Soup.” You giggle, which makes Himiko giggle.

“That’s a funny name.”

“I know!”

You watch as Himiko goes to pick up Miso, who slinks out of her grasp. She grabs one of the string toys and waves it about. You watch as Miso jumps, his sharp little claws are out. He leaps up and bat at the string, making Himiko giggle.

Your door opens and Tomura pops his head in eyes close. “You're not naked, right?”

“We’re not.” You said, and he opened his eyes.

“Who’d screamed?”

“Himiko,” you said. Tomura glares at Himiko. “You wanna kiss your son?” You ask, lifting Miso up.

“Son?” Himiko said.

“Yup, Miso is our son.” You said proudly, holding Miso up. “Tomura is the dad. I’m the mom.”

“Can I be the aunt?” Himiko asks with a giggle 

“Of course!” You hop up and rush over to Tomura and grab his hand. You drag him inside. You see his eyes widen and he tries to protest. “C’mon let’s do skincare!” You see his face scrunched up in disgust.

“No—”

“C’mon,” Himiko said, the two of us continued to beg. I see his resolve harden. I have to pull out the big moves. I give him the biggest puppy dog eyes to him. You see, Tomura stares at you, closes his eyes, and sighs.

“Fine, but it can be the stinging kind.”

“It’s just a clay mask.” You smile brightly before sitting him down and grabbing Gudetama’s hairband and putting it on him. You hear him grunt in protest. You wipe down his face with water before slathering him with the green clay mask. You hear him hiss and glare at you. 

“Now what?” he asks in an annoyed tone.

“We wait for it to dry,” Himiko said.

You crawl over and grab some hand towels and a bowl of warm water. You set it on the ground and turn to look at Tomura, who’s watching Miso climb over his lanky legs. You couldn’t help but smile at the scene. You giggle and see Himiko staring at you, her lips pursed. “Oh, Tomura, did you know me and Himiko are like the same size? We can totally share clothes!” You said.

“Her clothes are super cute,” Himiko said, “More black than I would like.” She admits calmly. You see a sourness on Tomura’s face.

“There her clothes, not yours.”

“I’m fine with sharing,” you said, hoping not to cause a fight between the two. Himiko is clingy, and so is Tomura, but both are different in the way they cling.

You lean your head against Tomura’s shoulder. His body naturally stiffens before he relaxes. You didn’t notice how Himiko’s eyes darkened, her lips pursed into a sneer. Jealousy fills her eyes, they are in love... And she hated how she wasn’t included.

You turn to Himiko and smile. You patted your lap so she could lay her head there. Her eyes widen, and tears begin to well up slightly. She lays her head on your thighs and stares up at you. “Your eyes are so pretty,” she said softly. You smile and look at her.

“Yours look like gold.”

You sense Tomura gasping in horror and disgust. You lightly smack his stomach lightly. “You wanna watch a movie?” You ask the room.

“SURE!”

“Eh-hem, can we get this off our face? I feel like the Grinch shit on me.” You laugh and grab a hand towel and dab it in water before rubbing his face lightly. Tomura hissed the entire time, his skin slightly going red. By the time you get the clay out, you turn to Himiko. She hands you an aloe mask. You put it on his face.

“What is this?”

“Some nice calming aloe.” You see him grumble, but he doesn’t move to remove the masks. You turn to Himiko as she wipes the clay masks from her face. You do the same for yourself, rubbing hard to remove everything. You hand Himiko a mask and you open yours, indulging in the cooling sensation. 

“What movie do you wanna watch?”

“Something not hero-related,” Tomura said.

“Agreed.”

You frown, which makes you work harder. You think back to your original world. Those games, movies, and media all exist in this world, but it’s about two hundred years in the past. You think long and hard, you can probably guilt trip Tomura to stay to watch any movies, but that might be pushing it. You might have to bribe him... you don’t like bribing him. It feels like he always knows how many favors you owe him or he owes you like he keeps scores. Why? you don’t know.

“I have some ideas.”

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.

.

You sit on Tomura’s lap and Himiko lies on yours. You two decided on Barbie and Tomura tried to run, so you sat on him to keep him here. He grumbled, but after some time he wrapped his hand loosely around your waist and propped his head on top of yours. You look over to see Miso curled up against Himiko’s leg purring lightly.

“... I had a Barbie doll when I was little,” Himiko said, watching as they moved into the real world. “I always made them kiss each other.”

“Why? There’s Ken,” Tomura asks.

“Why have Kens when you can have Barbies?” You ask back. You close your eyes and cover your ears at the awkward parts, you can’t stand secondhand embarrassment in movies. You always found yourself realizing you would be that person to embarrass yourself if your life was a movie.

“I want that dress, pink cowboy? Super cute,” Himiko said.

“I love the pants... If I could sew, I make all my clothes.” You answer back.

“Totally, if you could sew I love it if you make my clothes,” Himiko said, giving you a toothy smile.

“Ooh, what’s your favorite style?” You ask happily.

“Cute stuff! I love cute and fashionable stuff. I love pink!”

“What about cottagecore?”

“Tots, I love Decora too!” The two of you giggle before going back to the movie.

“... This movie feels like propaganda.”

“It’s feminism, but light, I think every girl should hear the message,” you said. Looking up at Tomura. “I mean, don’t you want me to be strong?”

“Of course, but you also need help. You can’t always do everything by yourself.” He states the clear obvious. He’s right, before you died the first time you needed a lot of support in school to function and even now Tomura accommodates everything for you. You feel a little useless, but he never says anything about it.

“I know,” you said calmly. “I know myself. I will always need help, and I am not afraid to say that.” You smile up at him. He looks down at you and slightly smiles, in a non-creepy way.

You feel wetness on your leg. You look down to see Himiko silently crying as the scene is about ‘Mothers watching their daughters’. It made you cry for the first time. You love your mom... your real mom. You wonder what her home life was? She said she ran away, but the reason wasn’t all that clear. You gently pat her head, trying to comfort her a little. She grabs your other hand, holding it.

“God,” Tomura said as the movie came to an end, “I hated that.”

“I liked it,” Himiko said calmly.

“Next time we can watch something cooler,” you said. You wanted to show them animated Spiderman movies, but that’s about a hero. Maybe The Wild Robot... maybe that one next. 

“You guys wanna watch another movie?” Himiko asks. You can tell in her eyes she’s wide awake.

“No,” Tomura said, slowly lifting you off his lap and standing up. “I’m tired.” You look into his eyes and see he is truly tired.

“Ok,” you said before looking at Himiko, “I got another movie in me, you wanna watch... um... Kill Bill?” You offer.

“What’s it about?”

“A woman assassin woke up after a coma and gets revenge.” You tell her.

“Is there blood?” She asks her eyes dilated.

“Lots.”

“Let’s watch!”

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.

.

That girl is evil and a deviant, and Shigaraki doesn’t like her. He sees the way she stares at Y/n. Like a man leering at a young woman. It disgusted him. He watched her, studying her. She leers, but so far she hasn’t done anything to hurt Y/n. She has Y/n wrapped around her finger. Y/n is innocent, nice, and sweet. She’s an innocent who is easily swayed by beauty. Shigaraki knew he was making a deal with a devil.

Why does Y/n look at anyone but him? He’s her savior! Her hero!

Shigaraki scratches his neck angrily as he can hear the two girls chatter about the new movie through the thin wall. He grits his teeth in annoyance and rolls onto his side. He listens, feeling rage build inside him.

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.

As the movie comes to an end, you feel exhaustion hit you. “Hey Himiko, I’m tired,” you tell her.

“Let’s go to bed,” Himiko said, wiggling down into your small bed. You turn the TV off.

Himiko moved into your room, into your bed. You lent her some of your clothes for the night so she could wear something fresh after her shower. The first night, she clung to you, wrapping her arms and legs around you. And you didn’t mind. You like cuddling and physical touch. You like cuddling something that doesn’t threaten to disintegrate you.

She buried her face in the crook of your neck. Her breath hits your neck and you feel her lips against your skin. You can smell the scent of jasmine from your shampoo and conditioner filling your nose. That night she was chatty, playing with your hair and trailing her finger down your skin. She said you have pretty clear skin, and that made you blush.

You thought you struggled to fall asleep, but before you knew it, you were knocked out.

Chapter Text

 You stared at Dabi. His toothy smile unnerved you. He cornered you, pinning you between his arms. You feel your cheeks burn out of humiliation, “Doll, what’s with the blushing, you like older men? Of course, you do you got that boy toy—” 

Slap!

He turns to look at you, his smirk stiff and irritation burning in his eyes. You yelp in fear and try to run for it. He grabs you by the scuff of your shirt, throwing you back into the wall. You lost your breath, coughing painfully. “Ow...”

“Ow,” he mocks you.

You wanted to cry. You wanted Tomura at least, someone who has a quirk to fight back! You’re painfully aware you’re powerless. ‘You have powers dumbass’ Your eyes widen and you open your mouth. He covers your mouth. Shit’.

“I really hate your voice,” He growls out, you feel his hands warming up painfully. “I’ll give you a pretty face,” You see blue and hotness against your skin. You scream, realizing he’s going to burn you.

“AAH!” Dabi growls out, his hand falling from your face. You see, a knife sticking out of his hand. You turn to see Himiko glaring at Dabi. “You bitch,” He growls out. Himiko runs at Dabi with another knife in hand. She jabs it into his shoulder, shoving him away from you.

“I knew something was wrong,” Himiko said. You fish for your phone and drop your location to Tomura. Before you know it a portal opens and he steps forward, his hand on his face. You slide down the wall, relief washing over you, the horror of Dabi is over.

“What’s going on?”

“He tried to burn my face!” You cry out.

“WHAT!” both said in anger.

“Not your pretty face!” Himiko growls, “Of course, a hideous monster would try to hurt a beauty like you!” Himiko steps back and lets Tomura get closer to Dabi, his hands flexing in an urge to touch. Himiko helps you up and you stare at Dabi, shaking a bet.

“Look at Dolly shivering in her shoes,” Dabi mocks his smile stiff with pain.

“I’m going to kill you,” Tomura snarls out.

“Wait wait!” You stammer out, not ready to see someone die, “Let’s get some food,” you try to calm the people down.

“I don’t want to break bread with someone who hurt my people!” Tomura sneers, looking at you angrily. “You’re too kind.”

“Look, I don’t want trouble.”

“I do,” Himiko and Tomura said at once, glaring at Dabi. Dabi lifts his hand and stares at him. Blood before trying to suppress the bleeding again. 

“I don’t want your blood, but I’ll bleed you,” Himiko said, picking up the knife that fell out of Dabi’s arm.

[New Quest: Save Dabi]
[Reward 3143899.75 Yen ($20,000)]

Your mouth drops open, that’s a lot of money. You wet your lips and grab onto Himiko’s and Tomura’s shoulder, “C’mon, it’s not worth it.” You whisper, looking at the two. You hope you can soothe their ire and rage.

“I’m not worth it, doll?” You look at him and frown.

“... You’re hurt. Let me patch you up,” you said calmly, hoping you could help him. He arches a brow and you feel hands around your shoulder. Himiko turned you around. She looks enraged, ready to rip you apart. Her lips twitch angrily and you see a pissed off Tomura.

“Why do you care for him?” Tomura asks in a deadly calm tone. You know you screwed up, but that money can support you, Tomura, and Himiko.

“Please,” you said, looking at the two, pleading with them, “let me just do this,” you put your hands together and give another puppy dog expression to the two. You hate manipulating people, but you need favors and you need money. You’ll keep them safe and well-fed.

“Are you sure?” Himiko asks. You nod. She takes a step back and glares at Dabi, but surrenders. You turn to Tomura hoping he agrees. You feel his four-finger grip on you tighten. Not painful, but it tightens, and it makes your heart race. You feel his eyes search your expression and eyes. His ruby-red eyes bore into yours.

“For you and only you,” he mutters and lets go of your arm.

“You trained him well, Doll,” Dabi laughs. 

You gesture for Himiko to come closer. “Grab him and I’ll knock him out,” you whisper. She looks at you smirk and nods. She darts at him and wraps her arms around his waist. You turn, grab one of the loose bricks on the ground and smash Dabi over the head. He grumbles to the ground, unconscious.

“Oh, my god!” You scream, dropping the brick, blood oozing out of his head. You turn to Tomura, who looks mildly surprised before smirking. “C’mon Himiko, grab his legs. I’ll get his arms.”

“Why?” she asks curiously.

“Because I want to tie him to a chair and mock him a bit... back at the bar,” you said. It wasn’t a lie. You were going to mock him with food and try to bribe him to be your friend. “Tomura, can you get Kurogiri to open a portal?”

You pull out his phone and a warp gate opens. You and Himiko drag him through. Tomura walked through last. You drop him onto the wooden floor, gasping for air, and turn to Tomura, “How do you carry me? A body is heavy, dead weight is heavy!” You whine, leaning into his body.

“You need to tie him up,” Himiko said.

“Anyone got a rope?” You ask the air.

“No.”

“I’mma check my room, Himiko make sure he doesn’t wake up, if he does punch him in the face,” you said dragging your feet to your room.

[Quest Completed: Reward 3143899.75 Yen]

You almost squealed in excitement but bit back, not to surprise anyone. You open up your system window and move to the shop. You scan through the thing, looking for rope or anything to restrain someone. You found a fluffy pink handcuff which startled you, making you blush madly. You keep scrolling until you find quirk quirk-canceling handcuff. It coast. 23579.25 Yen ($150), a little pricy but you got it. It looks like normal cuffs. You walk out to see Himiko propping an unconscious Dabi. You cuff his hand behind the chair.

“What do we do now?” Himiko asks. He’s out cold.

“You wanna order pizza?” You ask.

“Sure!”

“Go order pizza,” you said before telling her the order you want. “I’m going to dig through the closet to find a first aid kit.” You said, skipping off to find the first aid kit. You begin to dig through the crap stored in the closet, old discarded medicine, and random Item. You found some old bandages and some gauze. You keep searching and find some wound closure tape. You sigh, this is good enough.

You walk back and peal off his jacket enough to see his shoulder wound and his arm wound. You go back to the closet to get some alcohol wipes. You wipe down his skin, he’s burned terribly and you make sure it’s not to make it worse. You use the wound closure tape, close his shoulder stab wound, and wrap it with gauze. You tape it down. You move to his arm and do the same.

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Dabi feels the pounding pain in his shoulder and his arm. He takes in a deep breath and smells something warm and tasty. His eyes open and he finds himself tied to a chair, the blonde brat munching on pizza and lover boy on a switch. Dabi looks around and sees Paradox coming out of a room. “Doll,” Dabi said in an amused tone, “I didn’t know you had it in you to knock me out... Coward.” 

Blondey stabs her knife into the table and turns to him. “Don’t call her a coward.”

“She’s afraid.” Dabi sneers, trying to activate his quirk, but it feels like he’s trying to create fire underwater, utterly useless. “What did you do? Why can’t I activate my quirk?”

“Um...” Paradox stammers out before looking away. “You want pizza? I know you’re hungry.” Dabi pursed his lips and felt his stomach growl. Not loud enough to be audible. Dabi stares her down, and he enjoys seeing Doll squirm under his gaze. She’s such a coward when she’s around people she feels safe with. She was smart now, she’s utterly dumb. It’s like her mind simply stops computing danger when she feels protected.

She’s probably easily scammable.

“... If you answer a question, doll,” Dabi asks.

“What?”

“Why do you rely on lover boy so much?”

.

.

.

.

You stare at Dabi and blink once. “I rely on him?”

“Yeah,” Himiko said boredly, “You texted him right as we got into a fight.”

“Well, Tomura said I should text him when I’m in danger. He gets worried!” You said, feeling a bit defensive. You look around, but Tomura doesn’t look so concerned. You look back at Dabi, “He’s my friend, friends rely on each other.”

“No, I’m asking you, why does your brain shut off whenever he’s around?”

You froze.

He’s right.

You do it when you’re comfortable with someone. It’s the same in your old life. For the first time in your life you don’t have to be on guard, with Tomura you feel so safe. A safety you only feel when you’re in your room and have nothing to mirror, when you don’t have to act. He’s more than some physical protector. He doesn’t judge you or your weirdness. You can be as pathetic or scared as you want, and he doesn’t hate you for it.

“Because I don’t have to act around him. I don’t have to be anything I am not.” You tell Dabi coldly. He doesn’t need to know every little detail. 

You don’t notice the little smirk on Tomura’s face or the smugness in his eyes as he looks at Dabi. Tomura mouths two words, ‘I won’. Tomura stands up and reaches for another pizza, his smile evident. Of course, you feel this way... he’s your hero.

“No, do you want pizza?” You ask sternly, trying to hide the fear you have of this man. The only power you have is a small time-stopping or rewinding power. Nothing compares to quirks. If thinking of your safety is pathetic or cowardly, you gladly accept the title. 

Is it wrong not wanting to be in danger or hurt?

“Sure doll,” He smirks. You grab a pizza slice and hold it close to his face.

“Eat.” 

“I can’t use my hand—” You shove the pizza into his mouth, choking him a bit. You smile a bit. Behind you, Himiko snickers. You feel Dabi glaring at you, but he bites down. You pull the pizza back and he chews. “You’re bolder Dolly,” Dabi muses as he eats, “is it because you’re on home base.”

“No, Dabi,” you said, the fear of dying into anger. Tomura will protect you, so will Himiko, and you got the system. “I’m going scorch earth.” You said, staring him in the eyes.

“Mmhm... I like this side of you,” Dabi muses you feel your cheeks flush with heat and you shove the pizza back into his mouth. You see, Dabi smirk and takes another bite. “Doll, you got a name besides Paradox?”

“... O/n, and you? Dabi, real name.”

“No can do doll.” You wanted to hit this man.

“I hate you.” You growl out.

“Dolly got confidence—”

Slap!

You see, Dabi’s eyes flash with anger and you flinch a bit, “Don’t get cocky,” Dabi sneers, “I’m no dog that will come from your beck and call!” He snarls out the vein on his neck popping. You flinch a bit and a cruel, humiliating idea pops into your head.

“Be a good boy and shut up.”

“Bitch!—”

Himiko’s chair falls over. She lunges forward, knifes out. You caught her hand, but her strength is more than yours. Her knife dips down and cuts your cheek. The paper-cut-like wound burns. Your blood oozes out. You see, Tomura’s expression darkens and his switch drops from his hand.

It was like time had stopped.

Himiko lunges at you, Tomura after her.

She licks your cheeks.

“Mhm... blood,” Himiko said, her cheeks red, a scary expression on her face. You lick your cheek again, pushing on the wound to force more blood out.

“Get your hand off her, freak!” Tomura said, lunging at her.

You fall back right into Dabi’s lap.

Himiko transforms into you.

Tomura froze in front of her, eyes wide.

“You’re surrounded by crazy people, doll,” Dabi whispered into your ear, his voice like a purr.

Chapter Text

You swallow hard, feeling panic grip your heart. You feel a deep rumble against your back as Dabi laughs lowly, “Look at the mess you made. He’s going to kill her, he’s going to kill you,” He whispers into your ear, spitting venom. You tremble trying to find your voice.

“T-Tomura?” You whisper out. You see his hand twitch as he glares at Himiko... at you. You see his hatred, his disdain, his anger, and it scares you. Himiko draws a knife on him and you wonder if you invited a Changling into your home... Did you invite a monster into your sanctuary?

You feel like crying.

“See Doll, you live in a world of monsters,” Dabi continues, his hot breath against your ear, you shiver. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“What?”

“Sitting on my lap?” He purrs out before you feel something slimy against your ear. It took you a second to register everything. 

You scream.

Tomura jumps and both turn to you. You jump and rub your ear. “Did you lick me?” You ask in horror, only to see the amused face of Dabi smirking at you. You feel violated, like he destroyed a part of you. You feel tears prick in your eyes.

“Awe crying —”

Himiko darts around your knife out. You didn’t have time to react to her speed. You screamed. Tomura grabs you. A hand covering your vision. You see, Himiko stabbed Dabi red mist, shooting out. Your eyes widen and then Tomura’s hand fully covers your vision. He turns you around, his expression gentle.

“What did I do?” You ask, tears pooling out of your eyes.

“Nothing.”

“I just want this to end.”

“So be it,” Tomura said coldly.

“I just want him to leave, to go back to the streets we picked him up on,” you sob quietly. “Just send him back.”

“Once a crybaby, always the coward,” Dabi laughs.

“Kurogiri.”

“I’ll kill your lover boy,” Dabi taunts. “Then I’ll kill this brat. Then I’ll burn you alive—”

You feel your blood drain. You know he’ll do it. You turn around. Everything is red. You reach for the bottle of unopened bourbon on the table. You bash Dabi over the head. You see, Dabi’s eyes widen before you bring the bottle down again. Harder this time. “You bitch—” You bring the bottle down one more time, shattering it against his head. Dabi slumps over. You stand there, the bottleneck still in your hand. 

“Wow,” Himiko gasps out. 

You stumble backward, staring in horror at what you’ve done. You drop the bottle and turn to Tomura, fear in your eyes. “Tomura?” You whisper out. He pulls you into a hug and gently pats your back. “What did I do?”

“Nothing wrong,” Tomura whispers, “Unchain him and we will dump him in the street.” You nod and pull out the key to the handcuff. As you untie him, you look over to see Himiko staring at you. She made you feel sick. As you finish removing the cuff, Kurogiri can over and open a warp gate. Tomura kicked Dabi through the portal.

“It’s done,” Kurogiri said.

You collapse into the ground and a fresh wave of panic hits you. You curl up and sob. “C’mon,” Himiko said slowly, in your voice. You cringe hearing yourself talk. You let Himiko help you up and carry you off to your room. “Rest.”

“... Ok.”

You curled up in bed and fell asleep.

.

.

.

.

You woke up in a stupor, confused and warm. You roll onto your side and you see Himiko sitting at the base of your bed. You stare at her, confused about who she is. “You’re awake?” Himiko said with a smile, “Did you sleep well?”

“... Why did you look like me?” You ask quietly, before sitting up.

“Oh, my quirk.” She said, “I take other people’s appearance when I drink their blood.” ‘Like a vampire,’ you think.

“Oh...” You said. You see, a bit of panic flashes across her eyes. Himiko’s body stiffens, and she looks intently uncomfortable, nearly as uncomfortable as you feel.

“Are you scared of me?”

“Should I?” You ask back.

“I like blood.” You nod along. It’s like how Tomura likes to destroy things. Quirks impact more than just their body, they contort their mind too.

“Ok.”

“You’re not scared of me?”

“... Are you going to hurt me?” You ask calmly.

“... I don’t know. I like you, but I also want your blood.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to be the people I love, and I love you.” Your brows shoot up and you stare at her in shock.

[System update: Stats Improvement.]
[Toga’s Heart: Player 003’s Mana has increased by 5%]

Stats:

30 HP
105 MP (Mana)
5 Strength
5 Agility
11 Intelligence
2 Experience
1 Insight
5 Reputation

You stare at your stat blankly before realizing Himiko is waiting for a reply, “You do?” You ask quietly as your system screen sits there waiting for you to turn it off.

“Yeah,” Himiko said, “I love easily, and it hurts.” You nod, and you wonder if she has BPD or a personality disorder where emotions are tenfold. You feel bad for her. She’s confessing something deep to you, and all you can focus on is her stabbing you.

“Why do you want to be me? I’m quirkless and useless.” You said, hoping to dissuade this crush she has.

“You have this place and someone who loves you. I want that.”

“I like you.” You said you didn’t know if it was love or not. You like her. She’s pretty and friendly. 

“You do?” Himiko perked up. “Does that mean I can have your blood?” 

“Well... I... I don’t know, I don’t like being hurt,” you tell her the honest truth.

“Oh...” she said with sadness.

She leaves.

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.

.

.

A few days passed, and you didn’t see Himiko after her confession. She has gone for days and you wonder if she left for good. You worry, you worry hard. The day she left you thought she was on a walk, but then she didn’t come home.

“Hey Tomura? You know where Himiko is?” You ask him, poking your head into his room.

“No,” he said bluntly, unphased and unbothered.

“I’m worried.”

“Don’t be, she lived on her own before you and she can do it after you,” He said looking up at you. You nod, but the gut feeling doesn’t go away. You walk out.

[Quest: Find Toga Himiko]
[Reward: -Redacted-]
[Distance Achieved: 0/ 5.4 m (8.69 km)]

You frown. Redacted? What does that mean? What does any of this mean? You frown and silently walk to your room and slip on some shoes before slipping out of the bar. You walk down one street keeping your eyes in the distance. The number didn’t increase, so you went right. You watch as the distance number increases. You start to jog a bit, looking around for a blonde girl. You feel your lungs burn as you hit 0.5 m. You’re so out of shape it’s not funny.

You stop and look for a scooter. You jump on, put your payment in, and begin to ride along. You were moving diagonally through the trees, trying to find Himiko. People were gathering around, and you could have missed her in the crowd. You hit a mile, and the distance begins to slow down. You turn in another direction and keep traveling.

[Distance Achieved: 5.1/ 5.4 m (8.69 km)]

You slow down. You’re in a seedy area of abandoned buildings. Was Himiko here? You keep moving the scooter moving at a leisurely brisk walk. Soon you were moving down every street and alleyway, looking for Himiko. “Himiko?” You call out. “Himiko?” You hop off the scooter.

[Distance Achieved: 5.37/ 5.4 m (8.69 km)]

“Himi...ko?” You gasp at seeing her hunch over someone, blood staining the ground. You freeze up watching her suck the blood out of the person.

did she kill someone?

You stiffen up as Himiko looks up. Her face is coated in blood, her pupils dilated, and a perverse smile on her face, but at the same time she looks lost, lost in the moment, lost in her inhibition, lost in... just loss. The two of you made eye connection, and you swallowed hard. “Himiko?” You whisper out your voice, shaking in the quiet alleyway.

“Why are you here?” She asks, her voice cold.

“I... I can look for you.”

“Why?” 

“You’re my friend. I don’t have many friends, and I cherish the ones I do.” You tell her honestly. You didn’t want her to live on the streets, nor did you want her to feel left out. You hate being left out... it’s isolating and depressing. She’s probably trying so hard to fill that void, a void that consumed you before Tomura.

“You see me as your friend?” She said, her voice cracking. You see tears form in her eyes. You walk up to her, seeing tears slide down her bloody face.

“Of course... C’mon, let’s go home,” you said, extending a hand to her. She takes it.

You climb onto the scooter and she is behind you, wrapping her arms around your waist and burying her face in the back of your neck. You begin to ride back to the bar. You feel the wind through your hair, and wetness on your neck. You ditch the scooter a few streets away from the bar, holding Himiko’s hand, the two of you walk to the bar. Home.

“Where were you?” You freeze up as you see Tomura leaning against the hallway, a glare on his face.

“I... I was looking for my friend. Why?”

“That’s dangerous! There are many stupid foreigners who are willing to kidnap a weak unexpecting girl like you,” you glare at him.

“She’s covered in blood. You could have got pulled over by the police!” Tomura growls, storming up to you and towering over you.

“I am loyal to my friends, you know that.” You told him. You see him sigh and push his hair back. His brows furrow together. 

“You stress me out.”

“I’m sorry.” You whisper.

“... Get her cleaned up, I don’t want blood on the wooden floor,” Tomura said, walking off, a clear pout on his face. You look back at Himiko and smile.

“C’mon, let’s get the blood off your face.” She smiles at you, a blush creeping onto her face.

You wet the towel before dabbing Himiko’s face. You don’t want your nice white facial towel. You got most of the blood off before wringing out the towel. As you clean her face, your mind goes back to the conversation earlier. 

“I love easily and it hurts.“

The worst part about yourself is you don’t feel that sensation. You like the idea of love, but in practice you never ever experience that. You’ve experienced limerance, the deep obsession of someone, but it was never in a romantic way. You don’t fully understand what she’s going through, but you know it’s something she can’t control, not without medication. “... I’ll give you some of my blood,” you say softly.

“What?” Himiko said, her eyes wide, her face slack and stunned. “Really?”

“Really,” you said with a soft smile, “I... I can’t see you in pain. I can’t see my friends in pain.” You see, Himiko begin to cry, an ugly cry. She sobs hard. She wraps her arms around you and cries into your body.

“Thank you!” 

You hug her back, holding her. You stroke her head and pat her back. You will be somebody’s hero. You don’t have to be famous or even be powerful. You don’t have to save a million people or a country. All you want to do is save one person, save one person from despair and rejection.

You’ll be Himiko’s hero.

Chapter Text

You stared at the back of Himiko’s head, her gentle blonde hair pooling around her. She looks like an angel, sweet and innocent. You watch as her shoulders slowly rise and fall as she sleeps through the night, having her first good rest. You stare at her— a child trying to survive.

You can’t sleep.

For the first time since this entire mess this week, you found a moment of quiet, and your mind wouldn’t let you enjoy it. You think of that nightmare— the fear of someone you love so dear. A wave of shame washes over you. How could you hate a boy who helped you hide your crime? You feel a bitter tear roll down your cheek. You feel your lips tremble.

Traitor… traitor… traitor… You feel your heart whisper to you. You reach out and stroke Himiko’s head, looking for comfort. You wanted to wake her up so you could crawl into her arms and cry.

‘Don’t be selfish,’ you think bitterly. You pull your hand away from her. You watch her sleep and you wonder if you even have the right to feel like your world is falling apart. You look at Miso, who’s curled up between you and Himiko, purring lightly.

You stare at him.

A gift that doesn’t make you feel good.

You inch off your bed and drag your feet to your door. You pause and stare at your doorknob. You see, the dim light of glowing electronics bouncing off the metal doorknob… What are you doing?

What are you looking for?

‘What am I doing?’ You think. You stare at the doorknob and simply you see yourself in the doorknob. You feel your eyes growing accustomed to the darkness. Your mind swirls with confusion, racing through the last week— the last three chaotic moments of your life. The nightmare… Dabi… Himiko.

Nothing feels real.

You open your door quietly and step into the bright spotlight of judgment. You quietly close your door and look down the hall. It looks so familiar— cozy but at the same time eerily vacant. There is no life in these clean, empty halls but you.

You take a step. The floorboard creaked. You take another step. The sound rang out like an omen. You stop and turn to look into Tomura’s room. His door is slightly cracked open. You silently push it wider. You see, Tomura hunched over his computer, playing League. You stare at his back, bony and small.

‘Was he always that small? That thin?’ You wonder. He looks sickly and weak. You listen to him, mumbles his tactics to himself as he plays his pieces… His voice sounds so… different.

He’s not the boy, you know…

He’s a man.

A stranger.

You don’t know him.

You tilt your head and study him. Tomura must have sensed a presence because he paused, his body stiffened up. He slowly turns around, eyes narrow before it lands on you. They soften. He held your gaze. He opens his mouth— nothing— he closes it. You don’t recognize the man who’s looking at you. He slowly removes his headphones and gives you this strange pained look.

He looks like a wounded man.

Why?

“Is something wrong?” He asks his voice deeper even with the scratchiness. You feel your heart squeeze and break. You don’t recognize him, but the kindness is still there— that care you grew to adore.

You never realized your age gap— five years— was an enormous gap until now. Fifteen and twenty are two different life stages. Are you holding him back?

“No,” you said in a calm tone. You did not know how you managed when your mind was nothing but a storm. It’s a lie, of course, you… don’t— can’t tell him the truth. He frowns but says nothing. You quietly close his door and walk to the bar.

There’s a stranger in this home, and it’s not Himiko.

The bar is empty. No one is there, not even Kurogiri. You scan over the room— there are no tables in this bar, just the counter. You dig through the bar, looking for a clean glass. Normally Kurogiri just hands you a glass of water.

You wonder where he is.

You finally found a stack of glass. You grab one, fill it with some ice, and pour some water into it. Ding. You look over to see Kurogiri walking into the bar with bags of groceries. You catch his eye.

“It’s late, L/n Y/n,” he greets. You smile and nod a bit. He has this quirk of calling you by your full name, the same as Tomura, and knowing him, he does the same with Himiko. He sets the groceries on the counter and begins to put them away.

“I got thirsty,” you tell him a half-truth.

Since you’ve met Kurogiri, he has never scared you. There is something about him so… homey— so gentle— something… familiar. “Would you like pancakes tomorrow?” He asks kindly. You stared into his golden, hazy eyes.

“... I—.”

“Would you rather have toast?” He asks, his voice light and gentle.

“... Yes,” you said with a slight smile. “... Can I have French Toast?” You request specifically.

“Of course,” he agrees without complaint. You smile before pausing, a sickening realization dawns on you.

There’s a strange man in this home and it’s not Kurogiri.

The glass slips from your hand. The glass hit the ground. A shard hits your leg, cutting it, and water splashes everywhere. You jump a bit and look down at your hand, then your leg; blood drips down. “Sorry,” you mumble, looking over at Kurogiri.

“It’s ok,” Kurogiri said gently. The deep richness in his tone didn’t feel hostile— accusatory. “It’s just an accident.” He said, grabbing a hand towel and the dustpan. He quietly picked up the glass shard and swept up the small shards.

He walks into the hallway and comes back with the first aid kit. “Sit down,” he said, gesturing to the stool. So you did. He kneels and begins to clean your wound. Out of everyone in this building, Kurogiri feels the safest to be around.

You don’t feel good.

“You should go to bed,” Kurogiri said, looking up at you, “it’s late.” You nod and head back to your room. You crawl into your bed.

But you can’t sleep.

.

.

.

.

You’ve been staring at the ceiling for the last several hours. You spent an hour trying to sleep but gave up a long time ago. You watch as the dark room slowly turns blue as the sun begins to break into the sky. You see, the blue seeps through the shitty blinds. You stared at the little rays of the sun that climbed through your window and painted the ceiling. You listen to the faint soft breathing of Himiko and the faint purrs of Miso.

You’re warm, cozy, and extremely comfortable. Your chin is tucked under the cover. You lay there straight and rigid. Himiko is taking up most of the bed, but you don’t mind. Miso stretched out and began to groom himself. Your eyes drop to the poster on your wall. It’s a little art piece you won for free.

And nothing feels real.

You’re beginning to see how unrealistic this world is. You turn your head and look at Miso. Logically, you know he’s densely fluffy, but looking at him, he doesn’t look fluffy… He doesn’t look realistic. You turn to Himiko— neither does she.

This world, albeit real, doesn’t feel real.

You sit up in the cold air of your room, which makes your skin blossom with goosebumps. You crawl out of the secure warmth and gentleness of your bed. This reality is cruel. You slowly open your blinds. It’s blue— the blue that’s as warm as it’s cold. As sweet as it’s cruel and lonely. You stare out, you can see the world bathed in blue— before colors can be seen.

It’s blue hour.

What are you doing with your life?

This life?

This real life?

You had no dreams, no aspirations. You open your window and peer out, the cool night air blowing your hair about. You look up at the sky— small light blue clouds drift by. You haven’t done anything with this life.

‘Am I happy?’ you ask yourself. You ponder longer and longer. The more you think about that, though the more you feel empty. You aren’t happy, but you’re not depressed either.

Everything feels empty.

You climb out of the window, and the drop onto the ground isn’t that far. Maybe if you land awkwardly, you’ll bruise an ankle. You land with ease and begin to walk, your bare feet hitting the cool asphalt below it. You feel the squeeze in your heart, but the hum in your mind continues.

You just walked.

And walked.

And walked…

And walk…

You walk until you find yourself running— sprinting.

You feel the burn of adrenaline course through you. The burn forms in your lungs, drying out your throat. You let out a strange strangled cry, tears streaming down your face. You run until you’re lost until you find yourself in an ugly little alleyway.

You lean against the wall crying, heaving, losing your mind. You curl up on the ground. You listen to the roar of city life. You listen to the roar of cars, the whisper of humans chattering, and the roar of the city waking up.

You sit there in the street feeling your heart race and rattle as you sob your heart out. You curl up on the street crying and crying. As the adrenaline fades, so do your tears. You get up, catching yourself in the window of a building.

You see, a haunted child staring back at you, a broken girl who is already dead but doesn’t know it. You feel eyes on you, judgemental and cruel. For the first time in your two lives, damn those onlookers. You wander around trying to find the bar again.

You wander around confused. The longer you wander about looking for a familiar place or building. You feel fear slowly seep back into your mind. ‘Where am I?’ You gaze around slowly as panic grows inside your mind. You subconsciously reach for your phone.

Nothing.

You feel your heart sink.

‘Fuck!’

People are staring at you. You feel exposed by all their prying eyes. ‘Don’t look at me!’ your mind screams at you. You speedwalk, head on a swivel. You’re looking for a hero, a police officer, anyone who looks friendly enough to help you.

Don’t look at me!

You feel your throat closing up. You feel like the world is staring at you. The sun is staring at you. You begin to jog and run around a corner into an alleyway, hiding from the sun— you don’t even want the sun to see you. You sit in the shadow of a building, trying to slow your breathing.

You want to cry again.

.

.

.

.

Knock knock knock.

Shigaraki turns to his door, Red Bull in hand. He frowns; who is that? It’s not her, she never knocks. He groans. It must be the stray she brought in. He opens the door to find the stray Y/n brought in. His lips curl into a sneer. She looks up at him, eyes full of disgust. They spent a moment just glaring at each other. “What do you want?” Shigaraki snaps angrily at the can in his grip, crinkling.

“I can’t find O/n,” the little charity case said; “The window is open, and she’s gone.” Shigaraki’s eyes widen, his mind comes to a screeching halt, and his breath stutters in his throat.

“What did you say?” He asks quietly, the panic slowly creeping into his voice. He searched the brat’s face for a lie to see if she was trying to chase him out of his place.

“O/n is gone, and it looked like she jumped out the window—”

Shigaraki shoves the brat out of the way and runs to her room. His fingers touch the blinds and they disintegrate. He can see footprint marks in the mud below the window.

Fuck.

“She left her phone behind.” The brat said, holding her phone.

“You,” Shigaraki seethed quietly through gritted teeth, “go out and look for her!” He storms back to his room, grabbing a hoodie before rushing out. He races out of the front door, phone in hand.

.

.

.

.

“Are you ok, kid?” You freeze up and look over to see a man. You freeze up, he smells of blood. Your eyes roamed over his body— over his clothes— over his swords and knives.

‘A vigilante?’ Your mind reels. If he was a villain, you be dead by now. Your eyes scanned his face. He has no nose and there’s something painfully familiar to him. He crouched down next to you, his red scarf swaying in the wind.

‘I know him… I know that voice.’ You think calmly.

“Um…,” you stutter out slowly, wiping your tears away. “No.” You confess wiping your tears. The man fully sits down next to you.

‘This is so fucking awkward,’ you think, trying not to look the man in the face. You tried to wipe your tears away, but they kept coming. You reach for your ankle, scratching on the old scar that you got from the hell Teman put you through. A fresh wave of pain crashes through you. That “Punishment” resurfaces and the pain with it.

You’re surrounded by dangerous men.

Tomura…

Teman…

You feel your body swell with emotions as a fresh wave of tears course through you. ‘How humiliating; I’m freaking out in front of a stranger.’ You think. You know you look ridiculous— you feel ridiculous, but you can’t stop crying your eyes out. You find your ankle flaring up, and you reach down, feeling the old scar from where your bone had jutted out of your body— leaving a scar. You scratched the scar, harshly trying to stop the deep itch from arising.

“... It’s you,” you pause and look over at the man.

“What?” You question. Your voice is shaky and manic, with emotions far stronger than you like. You’re trying to cling onto the last visage of sanity, of reasonability. You don’t want to truly look as broken as you feel. You breathe out a manic laugh trying to make this situation less painful.

“You’re that kid with the broken arm and ankle ten years ago.” You pause, and your body freezes up. Your mind blaring with alarm.

‘Who is he? I’m in danger!’

“W-who are you?” You ask slowly, your body trembling slightly.

“... Stendhal.” He drawled after a moment. You let out a long sigh of relief, your heart still running thousands of miles per hour, slowed to a crawl. You’re in safe hands. “... Are you in trouble again?” He asks in a slow gentle tone, it’s… fatherly.

You miss your father… and mother…

“... I don’t know,” you say shyly, “I feel like my world is falling apart… Someone I care about now feels like a stranger.” You begin unloading on this man like he’s your therapist. He didn’t say anything, just watching your face as you just cry.

“... Did this person hurt you?”

‘Yes… no… Yes?’ Your mind reels, how do you explain this… this power— this situation with Teman— this mess you’re in without looking crazy? What do you say to this man without being ridiculed?

Tomura did hurt you, not your Tomura. How? HOW? Do you explain this? This madness? You feel like your mind is tying into a knot— your logic finding holes in every question and answer you can think of. You race through every thought— every idea. From the silly to the serious, none of them feel right.

You’re losing your mind.

“No… I don’t know— just one moment I felt safe and the next I’m looking at a stranger. He hasn’t done anything!” You try to explain; it feels like you’re going insane. You hide your face, with your hair. You gasp for air as you begin to hiccup and freak out even more.

You know, you look pathetic.

The man pushes your hair out of your face. Your eyes flash toward his eyes; he has this warmth you haven’t seen in a long time. He likes Kurogiri; he makes you feel safe. “Sometimes people drift apart.”

“... I don’t want to drift apart,” you plead as if he’s god’s messenger and he can change your fate for you, “he’s my hero.” You cry out, grabbing Stendhal slightly, and shaking him. You see his eyes soften as you confess your heart away.

“He’s all I have!” You sob, feeling your strength beginning to seep from your body. “He’s family— he’s— he’s—” You start to hiccup violently, sensing your body buzzing with adrenaline and fear. Your movement feels sluggish as your body is reeling from the lack of oxygen.

“I see…” He soothes, rubbing your shoulder. “Just breathe,” he instructs, trying to ground you. You try to focus on his words— on his voice— on his comfort.

“Get your hand off her,” You freeze and you see Tomura standing there, breathing heavily and sweaty. You didn’t even hear him arriving! Where you are so wrapped up in your pain that the world can simply pass by you. You see, Stendhal turns to face Tomura, a hand on his Katana.

“Tomura,” you gasp out, but it barely comes out in a whimper.

“Get. Your. Hand. Off. Her!” Tomura bellows, his hands twitching with rage. They were at each other in a blink of an eye, knives out, hand stretched out. You watch as the small blade disintegrates into dust and you gasp.

You scream, fearing for Stendhal.

You watch, to your surprise, Stendhal moving at speeds you struggle to react to, and to your bigger surprise, Tomura dodges them. For someone who sits around doing little to nothing, he’s agile.

“S-stop… Stop… STOP!” You finally manage to scream.

They don’t.

You get up and grab onto Stendhal trying to put something in front of Tomura. You can’t see this man disintegrate in front of you. You see, Tomura’s killing desire radiates off him. You put yourself between Stendhal and Tomura. “Stop!” you yell.

Everything moves in slow motion.

Tomura’s hand is outstretched, ready to destroy.

You’re going to die…

‘I don’t want to die.’

You feel a strong force yanking you backward. You crash into Stendhal’s body. “Don’t be a foolish girl. He’s going to kill you.” You stare at Tomura, eyes wide and shocked. He didn’t even bat his eyes. You didn’t even see horror in his eyes— the idea of destroying you didn’t matter to him.

Your body is trembling, eyes dilated, breaths short. “T-tomura!” You gawk, terror in your voice. You feel your body tense up, freezing to the spot against Stendhal.

He was willing to kill you.

Tears swell in your eyes, and they fall without your permission. Your legs give out and you fall to the ground, heart racing. Despair seeps into your mind. Stendhal sprints forward, his blade slicing into the upper arm of Tomura. You cover your ears and clench your eyes shut.

‘Make this end… make this end!’ You think.

You were screaming before you knew it.

Something touches you, and you flinch. You shove whoever is touching you. You open your eyes to see Tomura standing there in shock. Stendhal is on the ground, knocked out. Tomura stands in front of you, eyes wide— manic and cruel.

“Why are you crying?” He asks harshly, making you want to vomit violently. You just sob harder. You stare at Tomura through your blurry eyes, your hand digging into your chest, trying to relieve the pressure building up inside you. You see, the boy you cared for and felt safe with died in his eyes.

He’s gone!

Your hero!

You lean forward, trying to hide your face from him. You don’t want to see the ghost of the dead on a man you do not know. Oh, to mourn someone who’s still alive… He kneels before you, his hand outstretched. His finger graces your arm and you recoil violently.

You see, Tomura shrinks back in shock. You sob and wail, your throat closing up. “Hey,” Tomura said, his voice uncandidly gentle. “Talk to me,” he said gently.

You grab onto his arms, trying to grab the boy you love back— claw the boy that has protected you from leaving. You try to hold on to the past— holding onto everything you need. Why did he change so much? You just want to go home, but home no longer exists.

Who is this man?

Who is he?

Why did he become a stranger?

Why do you see him as a threat?

What happened?

Your body slips and you fall over into his lap. You curl up, crying into his body. You feel your body shudder violently, hiccupping for air— you’re struggling to breathe. How do you express this feeling to this man? How do you tell him you’re mourning him and that you’re scared of him? Since when have you turned your back on him?

You just want him back!

Why does this have to be real?

Can’t this just be a dream?

You feel a soft touch on your head. Tomura didn’t say anything, he just held you. He picks you up and cradles you. You just feel everything coming forward, everything you tried to bury.

You feel your little world crumbling and the cold hand of reality grasping your neck, pulling your eyelid open to see the world you don’t want to. This feels like divine punishment. You just sob into his shoulder, clinging onto him as if his soul would vanish from his body.

You feel Tomura rock onto his feet, picking you up with an eerie ease. Even for his small form, he held you with a reverence you can’t believe. He carried you back to the bar— through the bar— to your room. He sits you down and looks at you.

“You’re safe,” he said bluntly.

You’re not.

Not with him.

You can’t stop crying. You curl up on your bed, hiding yourself from the world. You don’t want to live this pathetic life— this hell, this… this… this nightmare. You feel your will to live— live this life fade away.

You hear Tomura walk away.

You lay there, crying until you cried everything away until you felt absolutely nothing until you fell asleep.

“... So melodramatic,” You flinch as you hear the smooth voice of Teman behind you. You turn in this pink room. Weirdly, this man is associated with pink. Wouldn’t blue fit him better? You see him lounging on a fainting couch, his legs propped up, his robes flowing gently in a breeze, a book in hand. The pink slowly fades into a room— into a sunroom where the glass doors are open to the ocean. You can sleep in the sea in the light breeze.

“... It’s your fault,” you utter sadly. Teman slams his book close and gets up, stalking towards you. “... You—”

“What are your words?” He said coldly, staring into your eyes.

You open your mouth— you have so many things to tell him— shout at him— blame him. But you recognize the power he holds over you. You’re nothing but a pawn on his chessboard. You’re utterly expendable.

Player 003…

There were two others before you— two others either who made it or failed.

‘... I don’t care anymore,’ Despair whispers in your mind.

‘I don’t want to die,’ Hope whispers back.

‘Are you willing to let all this go?’ Logic asks you.

And you have no response ready. You feel your mind wage war— depression and despair telling you to throw it all away and hope to try to find the light. But Logic’s words cling to your mind. Are you ready to let go?

For fifteen years, you have been pathetically passive. You weren’t always like this… Where is your spark?

When have you stopped being you?

You look up at Teman. And you see him, truly you see him.

“You’re an utterly lonely man with nothing going for you.” You said in a dead tone, no malicious, no delight in his pain. You’re just stating facts. “I pity you. You bully a child to feel something. How very AM of you.” You see Teman freezes up, then his jaw clenches angrily.

“You little—”

“I don’t want your approval,” you continue. You slowly begin to find your voice again. The one he stole from you. “You’re not my people. I might have been someone close to you, but you don’t deserve me.” You let that hang in the air.

“Watch your words.” He snarls out.

“You are a sad man, with a sad life, with a sad love story. How I could have ever loved you is beyond me.” His eyes widen and he takes a step back. It’s like your last words hit him somewhere far deeper than he is showing. He glares at you.

“Pipsqueak got a spine.” He said in a mocking tone, “Do you want a cake?”

“I don’t ever want to see you again,” you said, clearing your throat. You’re marking your boundaries. “Don’t visit me, don’t talk to me in person. I do not want to see you.” You instruct as boldly as you can. Teman walks closer to you, looming over you. You look up at him.

You hate how gentle his face is, how sweet his voice is. You hate how soft his eyes are for those milliseconds after your declaration. You watch as those eyes harden into spite and hatred. You stare up at him, holding his gaze.

Intimidation is funny… it works if you pick up on social clues, or care about your reputation. But when you stop caring, it’s… ridiculous.

“Fine,” Teman said, his jaw twitching, “But don’t expect me to help you anymore… Don’t expect the system to help you anymore. You’re on your own— and quirkless.” He whispers into your ear, threatening you.

You’ll be powerless… Nothing has changed.

You sit up and stare at your ceiling. You feel… you don’t. You try to access the system. Nothing happened. You tried again. Nothing… ‘Is it over?’ you wonder. You thought the day you’d be free— feel free!

You feel more alone than ever.

You lay back down, closing your eyes. You let out a long shaky sigh. You feel your breath hit your throat. You're trying to drown out the pain in your soul. You don’t feel well. You feel lethargic.

“Earth to O/n~” Your head shoots up and you look around, confused. Your eyes feel raw and dry. You look up to see Himiko crouching down before you, a small smile on her face. “Where are you crying?” She asks suddenly.

“... I’m not having a good day,” you tell her honestly. The words feel foreign in your mouth. The truth feels strange— not being happy is weird. You see, Himiko’s smile drops and she frowns slightly.

“What happened?” She asks, sitting down next to the bed, and resting her chin on the mattress. She holds your gaze strongly.

She’s so intense… So… bold.

How envious.

“... Have you ever feared someone you’re supposed to love?” You ask in a small, babyish voice. You see, Himiko’s eyes widen, sadness filling her eyes. She looks like she’s going to cry— you want to cry again? She nods… slowly.

“... I feel like I am losing myself.” You tell her quietly.

“... I see,” she mumbles quietly.

The two of you stared at each other. You stare into her golden honey eyes, watching them slowly dilate as they stare at you. She gives you a small toothy smile— she kinda reminds you of… a cat.

Knock knock knock.

You flinch and the two of you turn to the door. Kurogiri opens it; “It’s time for dinner,” he informs. Himiko stands up, her arms going up. Like a kitten stretching out, her little groans made you smile. She turns to you, her smile widening. She skips off.

You crawl out of bed. You quietly follow after her. You see, Tomura’s door is ajar. You feel your body freeze on the wooden floor. Your heart begins to race, your stomach twisting with fear. You inch forward, your eyes glued to what’s inside. You see, Tomura hunched over his computer again.

There’s no food on his table.

Just a Red Bull.

You shuffle past his room and sit down across from Himiko. The dinner Kurogiri made looks delicious. It’s curry. Your stomach twists again, and it grumbles to life. You haven’t eaten all day. Hunger grips your stomach painfully. You wolf down the food, warming you up from the inside out.

As you finish up, you look around. Kurogiri doing the dishes— parent-like. The TV playing quietly in the background. Himiko hums as she eats— wearing your clothes like you two are sisters. This is home… Home without Tomura.

Guilt seeps into your mind.

‘You abandoned him,’ self-loathing whispers into your ear. ‘You left him behind. The man that saved your life— you be dead without him!’

‘He’s dangerous,’ Terror argues back, ‘He’ll kill everything you love!’

You listen to your emotions— how they warred against each other. There is no wrong— there is no right. Your feelings are just sensations that are eating you alive. It hurts…

‘Go away…’ You think.

‘You’re a selfish!’

‘Go away.’

‘He did so much for you!’

‘GO AWAY!’ You mentally scream, clutching your head. You let out a deep groan and leaned back in your chair. You study Himiko. You… you give so much to her… What have you given back to Tomura? You slowly get up and hand over your plate to Kurogiri.

Before you can properly think, you’re standing in Tomura’s room. You turn around, “... Can we talk?” Tomura’s voice comes out gentle, almost… frail.

You close his door and look back at him. “Ok.” He gestures to his bed and you sit down. This room once felt like safety— he once felt safe. You can’t bear to look him in the eyes.

“Are you mad at me?” He asks, his voice breaking a bit.

“... No.”

“Then… What’s wrong?” You look at your slippers for a while.

What do you say? What can you say?

“... Can you look at me;” You paused and tried not to cry. You look up at him. He looks tired— dead exhausted. Tired in a way that told you he’s stressed out. He’s thin— sickly. “... Why are you avoiding me?”

“... I’m scared of you… I’m scared you’re going to kill me.”

Chapter Text

The weight of your confession lightens your shoulders. Like the fear slips out of your lips with the confessions. You let out a deep, long sigh, and your shoulder sags. But the look in his eyes makes them perk up quickly. You see his eyes widen with horror and shock. He stumbles back like you physically struck him, then his eyes darken— pain with a deep possessive desire.

Instant regret hits you.

You fucked up.

“I’m sorry!” You blunder out, every cell of your body vibrating— trembling, demanding you to run. You back up, your eyes snapping towards his closed door. Tomura’s in the way… ‘I can’t get by him…’ That thought horrifies you. Your eyes sting as tears fill them.

A deep, audible growl escaped his lips. You see his fingers twist, his jaw set, and the vein in his neck popping out. His eyes slide up your body and linger on your face. His fingers fly up, and your entire body stiffens. Your pulse racing as your face pales, you do nothing to move. His long, jagged fingernails dig into the flaking skin of his neck. You watch as his fingers gouge at his skin. You watched as he dug through the top layer of his skin. Blood begins to drop down. He stared at a spot just above your head, like strings were controlling you— like something was turning you against him.

Silence .

Awkward silence .

“…T-Tomura?” You awkwardly squeaked out, the feeling of your heart racing in your chest making you nauseous. You don’t know what’s worse, his silence or his gaze. He stares straight into your eyes— like he’s trying to destroy you with his eyes.

Tomura raised his hand to touch you; all you can see is his hand. You jump back— like a deer trying to not get hit by a car. He pauses— his hands tremble; you see his cracked fingernails, dry hand, peeling skin. His hand falls like dead weight to his side.

“I-I…” His voice dies in his throat. He stares at you. ‘I’ was the only thing he could get out. His entire body trembles.

“A-are you mad?” You question, no begged. You don’t think you can stomach the idea of him hating you— of your hero turning his back on you. You didn’t notice the first tear, but you did notice when you couldn’t stop crying. You see, Tomura, reach for you. Your breath hitched, and as if it’s like telepathy, he recoils from you.

“… I need time to myself.” Tomura murmured after clearing his throat, his eyes dropping from your face to his feet. He steps to the side and reaches for his door, and opens it for you. He backs up, giving you a wide berth to move past him without fear. Even at this moment, he’s thinking of you.

With one glance back at Tomura, his face pale and expression unreadable, you race towards the door. You slip out, and the doors slam behind you. You pause there, mind racing. What bridge did you burn? You stand outside of his door, silent, waiting to hear anything from inside.

Silence .

“O/n?” You straighten up to see Himiko in your cute pink shirt and frilly skirt. “What’s wrong?” She asks, noting your tear-strike face. You push your tears back, trying not to cry any further, but it feels like you just escaped hell.

“Um,” you say shakily, trying to smile through the pain.

“Come here,” Himiko said, walking up to you. She takes your hand and walks you back to your room.

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——————————

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Shigaraki’s body vibrates with anger.

His body trembles, shaking like a leaf. He collapses onto the edge of his bed, his body slips off, and he falls roughly to the ground. His mind swirls like a typhoon. His head drops to his hand as he threads his fingers into his ashy, greedy hair.

‘Why would she say that?’ That thought seems to bury itself into his mind, weaseling doubt and fear into him. Tomura falls to his side, curling up on the cold wooden ground. He let the cold ground seep through his thin shirt. He needs to feel something.

Why does she feel that way?

He stayed there silently listening to the soft, hush murmuring voice of the stray talking to his charge— his ward— his person. He feels his teeth grinding together, drowning out the murmuring voice of the stray. He’s been replaced. That bitch replaced him! Tomura slowly sits up, his messy, oily hair obscuring his face. He feels tears falling from his face— is he crying?

Why?

When did things change?

He leans back against his bed, breathing out harshly as his mind races through everything. Just a month ago, everything was fine! Is it Dabi? That stinking man?… No… No. 

Not entirely.

It was after the first time— or was it the second… How did she know him? Why him ? He should be good enough! Tomura Shigaraki is good enough!

‘I’m good enough…

I’m good enough.

I’m good enough !

I’m enough!

It all changed… When!

When… When… When!’

Shigaraki’s mind swirls with repetitive thoughts. He grips his head and groans. “When” keeps cropping up in his mind. He runs through every moment of their lives— of her life.

The dream.

Everything change after that fucking dream! He should have taken it more seriously! She was so shaken up— so worked up! It was so bad that he even got her a stupid cat! Didn’t end well? Well, not with her hating him?

He looks down at his hands… She’s not afraid of him. She’s afraid of his hands.

He can’t hold her…

He can’t hold her.

He wants to hold her.

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——————

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.

You don’t realize Tomura left his room until he started the shower. If you had to count how many times you’ve caught him showering, you’d say at least five times: midday, midnight, three in the morning. He has no schedule.

You don’t know when Tomura does things. You can tell he has an irregular pattern of self-care. Getting him to do anything is a struggle. You always felt weird trying to get him to do things— using the same logic he has for you. He always likes to remind you he’s older, that the rules don’t apply to him.

You reposition yourself so you can see the shared bathroom. Your stuff, which was already taking up half the bathroom, now has to share space with Himiko’s stuff (how she gets her stuff, you have no idea and are too afraid to ask her). To your great annoyance, Tomura is the 3-in-1 type of guy. You have told him he could use your stuff, but he always pouts (always saying that’s girly).

Your eyes widen when you see Tomura open the door, steam rolling out. He’s using one of your towels to dry off his hair. You always like it when he washes his hair. Even with the shitty 3-in-1 stuff he uses, his hair is always soft. Running your finger through his hair is always fun. You like how it’s gotten so long.

He’s wearing one of your sweatpants (oddly, he’s small enough to wear your pants, and you’re small enough for his shirt to be rather large on you). Your pants hang low on his hips. He’s scrawny… not in the sleeper built but in an emanated in a starved way. He should be bigger… Stronger— well fed, not this starved man. You open your mouth to say something.

He looks up at you.

The blood drains from your face. You grip the blanket, freezing up when you see Tomura turning to face you. His tired red eyes gaze at you, your mouth shuts quickly. You can’t tell if he is looking at you or through you. He turns and walks to his room.

“O/n!” You hear Himiko sing as she reappears with two boxes of pizza. “I got us lunch~” she sings, setting it down on your bed, but not first laying down a towel. Unlike Tomura, Himiko has a sense of cleanliness— a sense of… normalcy— well, she cherishes the cute things— things that make her happy.

“Y/n.” You freeze up as you hear Tomura’s voice calling to you. From the corner of your eyes, you see Himiko tense up. She looks at you, then at Tomura as he leans against your doorframe. The shirt he’s wearing is plain and frumpy on him. Your heart slowly speeds up.

“Y/n?… Isn’t your name O/n?” Himiko inquires. You tend to use your original name when you meet someone you’re not sure of; only a rare few know your current name. You pause, thinking of an excuse.

You couldn’t look at her, you just looked at Tomura. You see him lift his hand, not so subtly to show you he’s wearing gloves— gloves he hates wearing since they make his hands so itchy. You let out an audible sigh. “O/n?”

“Both are my name.” You mumble out, your eyes still on Tomura. His hair drips with the remaining water. He smells… of your soap, which strikes you as odd— you’ve spent years trying to get him to use better soap… Maybe you’re just too pushy. You didn’t mind it; maybe he even used the conditioner! Ok, maybe that’s far-fetched…

“Are they?” Himiko asked, her voice a bit bitter. It’s clear she doesn’t believe you. To be fair, you would believe yourself, too. You turn to face her; her eyes are filled with sadness and distrust.

“I… I’m not going to lie to you. I prefer the name O/n, but Y/n is my name, too.” You see her eyes widen, and then she slowly nods in understanding.

“You never told me that.” You can hear the bitterness in his tone. 

‘Great, they’re both mad at me…’ You mentally lament.

“Well… For you, Y/n is fine, but anyone else calling me that? It’s… awkward.” You can see a pride shine in his eyes, a deep smugness. “You want pizza? Himiko got it for us.” He paused, and his eyes, for a fleeting second, darted to the boxes; pain flashed in his eyes.

"They’re still warm.”

“No—”

“You’re thin.” Himiko bluntly states with little tact or care. You flinch as you see Tomura glare at her. You can see a bitter insecurity flash in his eyes. You never said anything about it because it’s awkward, and two, he never mentioned his hunger. “Got an eating disorder?”

“Himiko!” You swat her arm for being rude. You know they don’t like each other— you don’t need them to even like each other, but you hope they could be… cordial. You know Tomura isn’t the most… friendly person, and Himiko might find it weird that a fifteen-year-old lives with two grown men.

“I don’t,” Tomura growls back, his fingers curled into a fist. You can see his fingers trembling and flexing to destroy Himiko. That blatant rage— that wrath— the pure disdain, it’s… scary.

“Afraid to eat in front of your crush?” Your face reddens as Tomura’s face is dusted with blush. Himiko turns from you to him, then back to you. There’s a look to her— sadness, surprise, anger. But Jealousy burns right behind her pupils.

“S-sit down,” you said, pointing to the other side of the bed. You watch as the lanky man sits on the edge of your bed. You flip open the lid and grab a slice of pizza, and shove it towards Tomura. You hand one over to Himiko before grabbing one for yourself.

Silence .

Awkward silence.

You hate this silence.

You munch on your pizza quietly, refusing to look at either Himiko or Tomura. Himiko ate her pizza quickly, shoving one slice down her throat after another. After the first slice, Tomura debated whether to have a second. You decided for him; you gave him a second slice.

“O/n-chan, tomorrow, the Sports Festival is going to air; you want to watch it?” Himiko asks happily, swinging her feet.

“The Sports Festival?” You ask.

“UA’s Sports Festival, don’t you watch it?” She asks.

You pale for a second. You’re not a sports fan— hell, you never even bother watching the Olympics. Is UA’s Sports Festival the new Olympics? This world doesn’t seem to have Olympics.

“Y/n doesn’t watch sports… she only watches old shows— she’s old-fashioned.” Tomura scoffed. You blush and swat him on the arm.

“Criminal Minds is perfect!”

“Whatever, it’s over two hundred years old.” Tomura smirks; the boyish charms he had when he was young flash onto his face. You stick your tongue out, and Himiko laughs.

“Awe, UA’s Sports Festival is so thrilling, and I always get a new UA crush from it.” Himiko squeals, “Last year, they was a shy boy— but he wasn’t on camera for long, second year, purple hair— anywa,y I’m going to find a new one!” She laughs, flopping down on your bed, looking up at you with a wolfish smile.

“Well, why would I watch sports? Tomura doesn’t watch it!” You shot back.

“I do.” 

“You do?” You blurt out, turning to him, mouth agape with half-eaten pizza. He reaches over with one of his cloth fingers and pushes your chin up, closing your mouth.

“I do.” You just stared at him in awe. He never thought in your two lives that someone like Tomura Shigaraki would watch sports.

“Everyone one does,” Himiko giggles, poking your cheeks.

“Everyone?”

“Yeah, where else do you get to see so many interesting quirks?” Himiko asks. You fully turn to her, confusion written all over your face. She tilts her head and looks at Tomura.

“Don’t they play sports? Like… volleyball?” You hear Tomura chuckle softly and Himiko laugh loudly.

“That’s the Olympics, silly.”

“Huh?” Your simple confusion makes Himiko fall off the bed laughing. You look at Tomura, who’s covering his face with his hand, chuckling at your expression.

“Sweetheart,” Tomura laughs, reaching out and pushing back a strand of your hair, “The sports festival is about watching future heroes— let them parade themselves like pageant dogs.” He said, ending his words with a sneer.

“Then why do you watch it?” You see him cock his head, his lids relaxing as he looks at you with a strange fondness, as he drags his barren finger across your bottom lip.

“To keep an eye on the trash.” That sends a shiver down your spine. You pull away, blushing badly. You look down to see Himiko sitting up and looking at you. Her eyes widen, and you see her just staring at you.

“You’re pretty when you blush.” You curl in on yourself, hiding your face in your hand. You don’t notice Tomura glaring at Himiko or Himiko glaring back at him. They don’t like sharing.

Why are they so weird? Why can’t they be normal friends? You have one awkward, repressed discord gamer boy with no future, no job, and no friends besides you. And the other one is a girl who crushes easily, loves easily, and is also homeless! Out of everyone, you have money!

You pause for a second… Then an icy chill dawns on you. Do you have money? You panic; the money is in the system… You tried to access your money, subtly. Nothing.

‘Fuck… I got no money…’ You feel the urge to cry— cry over your money, over this situation, over this… this… situation. You might have to be a thief now! ‘… Can I still stop time?’

“Curre ad ambulandum, tempus te circumducit.” You mumble barely above a whisper. Nothing happens.

You stared at your pizza, mind going blank.

‘Well, shit.’ You feel ridiculous, stupid. You feel yourself laughing, your voice cracks, and a sob breaks free. You sit your pizza down, curling up. You’re useless now. What were you thinking? Pushing Teman away? You have two people to take care of! 

What do you do?

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———————

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Toga flinches, her eyes widening. Why was her Little Ange l crying? She looks at the lanky man, who also looks shocked. She’s been silently watching him— this has to be his fault! Her Little Angel only cries when he’s involved. Whatever this man is doing to her , Toga won’t stand for it!

He sets down his fifth slice (A pig, in her opinion). He pushes the pizza box away and moves closer to her Little Angel. Toga springs forth and grabs her Little Angel in her arms, baring her fangs at the lanky man.

She silently sneered at him; whisking her looks could have killed him. She rocks her Little Angel back and forth. Toga always wanted a close relationship with her younger sister, but her parents always pushed her away— kept them separated. She shoves the man in his bony chest with her hand. Toga will comfort her Little Angel.

The man grabs her wrist in a painful grip. For his weak state, his grip is powerful. She tries to pull her wrist back, but he refuses to let her go. She shoves her hand forward, swaying their entire body forward, and digs her long fingers into his chest, trying to pierce through his shirt and skin.

“I’m sorry…’m sorry…” 

“Shh,” Toga shushed gently, stroking her hair.

“I’m sorry…”

Toga doesn’t understand why her Little Angel is so apologetic. She has nothing to forgive. Her Little Angel is an angel! She’s sweet and kind, a gentleness that man will destroy. He’s going to ruin her Little Angel.

“Y/n?” The man calls her other name— the name she likes least. It grates on Toga’s ears. Toga likes her lips, and she wants to stab that man— he’s not worth the blood in his veins!

“Um… H-Himiko, can you get me a glass of water?” Her Little Angel asked. Toga’s heart flutters; her sweet Little Angel is asking her for something! She nervously looks to the man before letting go of her angel and shuffling off to get her some water.

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—————

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When Himiko hopped off your bed and scrambled off to the kitchen, you tried to wipe your tears away, shuttering and sniffling like a fool. You turn to Tomura, you only want him to hear you.

“I-I… you know how I told you I was quirkless?” You ask, hiccuping through your words, trying not to laugh at how pathetic you are. He nods. “And you know how I can stop time?” He nods.

“I… I can’t stop time now… I don’t want you to be useless to you.” You gasp out, your throat constricting as you speak. Your eyes blur, and you feel a wave of nausea hit you. You want to throw up. You feel his half-gloved hand touch your cheek, his thumb brushing your face, brushing away a tear. 

“I don’t care,” He whispers to you as the gravelly voice smooths out into butter. “I didn’t help you hide those bastard’s bodies for you to be indebted to me. I want you like this,” He coos softly, his eyes showing a softer side. You just stare at him and nod slightly. 

“O/n-chan,” you pull back and wipe your tears away. Shakily getting up, you greet Himiko, who has two cups of water. The glass she picked was the one with strawberry decals. You sip on the water. 

“W-we should put the remaining pizza into the fridge.” You mutter, wiping your tears. Food is going to be tight now, and you don’t want to waste anything. You set your cup down on your desk and reach for the pizza boxes, and take them to the kitchen. 

You need to think.

The kindness that Tomura shows you doesn’t feel so natural. You know that. Teman words weigh heavily on your mind. Another world… Another him. Tomura has the capability to be… possessive… protective… destructive and cruel. He... he’s obsessed with you.

‘I’m scared.’ That thought simply popped into your mind. You stop for a second. That man— Shigaraki is… You start walking again and shove the pizza into the fridge. Tomorrow and maybe the day after, you all will have leftover pizza. By the time you get back to your room, Tomura isn’t there. You find Himiko on your phone playing a game.

How are you going to pay for your phone bill?

You just want to rewind time— your hand comes and lands on your neck, the necklace! Your hopes rise for a split second before the reality of the situation sinks in. Why would the gift Teman gave you still work? He took away your power, your money, your… sense of safety. You sit down on your bed. You don’t want to stress anyone out.

“What’s wrong?” Himiko quizzes you. Your mouth goes dry, and you rub your face. 

“I-I should tell you more about myself.” You mutter quietly. You see her expression brighten, and she turns off your phone and sits on your bed. Grabbing one of your plushies in her arms, she waits with anticipation and eagerness.

“I… I… I was in the orphanage… the system.” You begin bitterly, “I was… adopted by… by a bad family, the Tanakas. I… In a moment of panic and pain. I killed them.” Your voice breaks, and you feel a new wave of pure emotions hitting you. You blink your eyes clear of tears.

“Oh…” Himiko gasps.

“… Tomura came and helped dispose of the body… They— the police— the heroes are still looking for me.”

“It’s you!” Himiko gasped, her eyes widening with shock. “I remember my parents and classmates talking about you! You’re the missing girl!” You nod sheepishly.

“I-I’ll never have a normal life… I can’t get a job, I can’t be seen, I can’t really leave this life of… of… from the shadows. I owe Tomura my life! He’s all I have.” You mumble pathetically, confessing your heart to a girl who has been homeless for years, maybe. You feel Himiko pull you into a tight hug, the smell of her vanilla shampoo drifting into your nose.

“It’s ok! You have me now, too!” She said. Her voice was airy. “I’ll take care of you.” You lean into her body, letting her scent calm you down.

“And if you want, we can run away.” She whispers. Your body stiffens. “We can have a good life together.” Her words are filled with poison and sweetness.

“I… I can’t leave him.” You whisper back, your voice coming out a lot stronger than you expected. You’re not ready to leave— leave his protection. Deep down, you know you still need him. He’s family… he’s… he’s your hero.

You don’t see Himiko’s frown or her snarl of disgust. Her silence was enough of a retort to wound you. She just held you, rocking back and forth. “We’ll figure something out together.” You nod, but her words ring hollow.

Why do they care so much for a burden?

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——————

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.

Shigaraki sits on his bed with the gloves discarded on the desk. He couldn’t stop himself from smiling about his desire to possess her . Her powers were useful for his master— but if she’s truly and utterly powerless. He can’t use her.

She’s powerless! She’ll have to rely on him… him ! He’ll be her entire world! His little kitten has no claws— she’s weak and defenseless. She’ll need her protective “ hero ” to protect her. He’s the only thing she needs in this world! His smile grows wider and wider. He runs a hand through his soft hair, letting the scent of her shampoo fill his nose.

He wants to hold her. He pulled her close to his chest, face buried in her hair. He wants to feel her warmth seep into his body. He just wants to enjoy the time they have together before he destroys the world— before he collars her up forever. They’ll spend the rest of their lives enjoying the new world he’ll build from the ashes of this pathetic one.

Knock knock knock .

Shigaraki bolts up and opens his door. His heart flutters when he sees her standing there, wide-eyed and innocently looking at him. Even through the red-rimmed puffy eyes that held so much emotions— fear, pain, exhaustion, and trust. She trusts him.

HIM!

She is his!

“C-can we talk?”

.

.

———————

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Tomura steps aside, and you walk into his room. It smells like him, and your shoulders naturally sag in relaxation, a habit you can’t control. You turn to find Tomura slipping on his gloves. You watch as he sits down on his bed, looking up at you with those wide, sweet eyes that hold only adoration. 

“What do you need?” He asks as if ready to grant all your wishes.

“I want the truth,” you said firmly. He slightly tilts his head. “Why are you so thin? Why don’t you eat more often? Why?” You blurt out. His hair falls in front of his eyes before he stands up with a slight grunt. He wraps you up in his arms. You automatically melt into his arms.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m an adult— I’ll protect you.” Tomura whispers, rubbing your back as he sways back and forth.

“Himiko said the same thing,” You laughed bitterly. You feel his body stiffen before he leans backward. 

“Tomura!” you squeak as the two of you fall onto his bed. You land face-first into his chest, squished against him by his true sleeper-built strength. “We could have died!” You blurt, smacking your palm against his chest. You feel him convulse, laughing at your dramatic mess.

“Stay with me,” He murmured into your hair. You blush so hard you don’t know what to think. He rolls you two onto your side, pulling you close to your body. You find yourself getting comfortable and sleepy. Tomura never held you before; at most, you’d sit next to him or against him.

This feels so nice.

You slowly fall asleep.

.

.

You wake up to Tomura playing with your hair. You can hear his heartbeat as you lean against him. How long did you sleep? You stretch out, and you feel Tomura tighten his grip around you. “What time is it?” You ask, your face feeling raw and puffy.

“Night.” That wasn’t the most helpful answer. You tried to sit up, but Tomura didn’t let you go for a moment. You sit up with his arms wrapped around your waist, his face against your thigh. You checked the time— 3 am.

“I should get back to my room,” you mumble.

“Not yet. Stay with me,” Tomura whispers. Holding onto you like his life depends on it.

“But Himiko—”

“Forget her.”

You can’t.

When you don’t immediately lie down, he gets up slightly and drags you down. He pulls you into his chest. “Just sleep. I’ll be here.” He whispers to you and only for you. You feel him bury his face into the crook of your neck. You feel your skin bloom with goosebumps as his breath hits your skin.

With everything that has happened… This feels so nice.

You listen to his breathing, the steady rhythmic sound of his relaxed form. In this chaotic world, you’re finally able to catch your breath for the first time. In a world that runs right by you— leaving you behind— Tomura stayed with you.

Chapter Text

“Hey, hey, hey,” Himiko’s sweet voice calls to you. You open your tired eyes. You weren’t sleeping; you don’t know how long you spent lying there with your eyes closed, probably hours. Your eyes slowly open, and you see Himiko’s lazy, smiling face right before you, messy, toasted hair piled underneath her head.

“Today is the Sports Festival, right?” You ask, you know it’s the only thing she’s been talking about for the last few days.

“Yup!” she cheers happily, but quietly. She yawns her sharp fangs poking out and stretches out, like a cat, a little groan leaving her lips. She sits up, and you give her a wry smile. This moment of domestic bliss warms your heart. For a moment, you can delude yourself into thinking you’re living in a cannon in the forest with just Himiko.

She kisses your forehead and crawls over you. She brushes out her hair, grabbing two of your nice scrunchies and slipping them onto her wrist before digging through your closet. “Let’s watch the sports festival!” Himiko’s muffled cheers echo from your closet. Your closet, which mixes your clothes, Tomura’s old clothes, Tomura’s stolen clothes, and whatever you thrifted from a dumpster and bought second-hand. She came back. With the cutest thing you own. A white skirt and a pastel, ashy pink off-the-shoulder shirt. It was the cutest thing you owned, and added a few belts like Himiko did.

What a blissful day; you almost don’t want to leave bed or this mundane moment with her. It’s so peaceful. Walking to your mirror, she doing her hair, and after making one, she makes the other.

You crawl out of bed, yawning and rubbing your eyes. You look at your hair; normally, it’s up or pulled back for convenience. You grab sweats, an old T-shirt that belonged to Tomura five years ago, and a sweater you’ve stolen from him. You stare at yourself; you look like yourself, before you die, which is nice (besides the gold in your eyes). “What should I do with my hair?” You ask with a yawn.

“Can I do your hair?” Himiko asks, giving you a toothy smile.

“Ok.” She grabs a scrunchy and begins to twist your hair and pull it into a shape. She gives you two pigtail bubble braids and two hair bows around the pigtail bubble braids. Your eyes widen. “Wow! So pretty!” You cheer happily.

She links her arms with yours and swings your door open wide until it hits the wall. She drags you to the kitchen, making fruit salad for both of you. You glance at Tomura’s door with trepidation. He’s everything to you… Are you to him?

You stare at his door and the little sparkly sign you made for his door at seven, when you were bored. It’s pink and filled with bows, with little hearts and kittens all over it. You made it as a gag, but to your astonishment (and embarrassment), he put it on the door. Eight years… and the glitter is still falling from the glue. Sometimes you can find it in his clothes. The “devil’s mark,” as he calls it.

Himiko flops down onto the couch, turning on the TV and flipping to the channel hosting the festival. You shuffle over with an enormous pile of popcorn in those giant bowls (Kurogiri made it, and it tastes just like movie popcorn with the good salt). She turns to you with a wide, toothy smile. You give her a genuine smile.

“You wanna invite him over?” You freeze a bit at her suggestion. You can tell by her tone that she would rather you not, but for you, she offered. You turn to his door, look back at her, and nod slightly. Your stomach growls, not out of hunger, but stress.

‘Sure!’ Your irrational subconscious side pops into your mind, but the moment you think, the nagging fear eats away at your confidence. Doubt creeps forward. ‘You’ve already made the man uncomfortable and changed for you; now you want to be selfish and act like old times?’ It accuses you bitterly.

You take in a deep breath and steel your nerves and shuffle towards the door. You hesitate but knock slowly and softly. Nothing. You knocked again, a little louder. Nothing. You sigh and then knock as loudly as you can without hurting your knuckles. You open the door slowly. You see him slightly turn in his gamer chair and look at you, like a crawfish eating a sausage in the cage.

You find him hunched over his computer. He looks exactly like a shrimp: full back curve, legs awkwardly sticking out, toes wiggling about. It’s so disarmingly… normal… and charming. “Tomura?” you call out, your voice pathetically shaky. 

“Yes?” He asks with his beady little eyes, landing on you. You feel like a mouse being toyed with by a large bobcat. 

“... Do you want to— watch the UA sports festival with me and Himiko?” You ask quietly. You don’t notice the strange furrow of his brow— a frown. You don’t notice the pain in his eyes that flash for a second.

“... Sure,” he said, standing up. You watch him stretch, you hear his back pop and creak. He turned to you, his hair shaggy and messy. He reached for that hand you hate so much, you may or may not have thrown a hissy fit over the hand when he first wore it around you. Then he stops wearing it around you. He hasn’t worn it in years— not around you.

You often wonder how it clings to his face when he puts it on. Is the finger adhesive? You can’t tell; maybe the hand grips onto his face. That idea sends a shiver down your spine. He slips on the artist’s gloves onto each hand, which, to your annoyance, made your shoulders sag with relief. He follows you. His body sways too much for your liking, like he’s struggling to walk straight. Your arms tense out, ready to catch him if he falls.

As the two of you walk into the living room, you see Himiko side-eyeing Tomura. You sense, Tomura stiffened slightly. ‘They really can’t stand each other…,’ you mentally note. ‘Are they civil to me?’ You think to yourself. Tomura takes the other end of the couch, and you reluctantly sit between them. The two were manspreading. You lean against Himiko’s shoulder and swing your legs onto Tomura’s lap.

“Welcome back, Sports Festival fans!” You jumped as the sound came out screeching and extremely loud. Tomura let out a wincing hiss, and Himiko reached for the controller, lowering the volume.

“Wow, he’s loud,” Himiko sighs, her face twisting with frustration, “And ugly.”

You didn’t say anything. One thing you’ve noticed in this world, heroes are a mix of silver age hero costumes, futuristic, and outlandish. But this one? It’s a mix of ridiculous and kinda cool… kinda. But the longer you look at him, the flaws slowly begin to appear. You laugh in pain, as you imagine yourself wearing something that ugly.

You feel Tomura resting a finger on your leg, your body freezing up. Your breath hitches in your throat, and your leg spasms out of control. You close your eyes and breathe out slowly. ‘Breathe,’ you chose yourself. Your eyes flicker towards him. His eyes are locked onto the screen with more fascination than you like, an eerie obsession. It’s like looking at a man starving with desire. 

It scared you.

“Welcome to the first year Sports Festival. Welcome the Hero course student classes A and B! General Ed course student classes C, D, and E! Support Classes F, G, and H! Business Course student classes I, J, and K!” You watch as each class comes out a different entrance way. You look at everyone, only one gets your attention. A blonde boy— the same one the slime villain had. ‘That’s Midoriya’s friend!’

“Now for the first-year representative Bakugou Katsuki.” You watch as Midoriya’s friend walks to the front. Everyone in the stadium is quiet. For this moment, you were locked in on this beautiful boy. You want to know what the friend is like. He must be this great guy! After all, Midoriya was willing to throw away his life!

“I just wanna say, I’m going to win.”

You feel something clamp down on your calf. You freeze up. Your eyes slowly dart to the side. You find Tomura squeezing your calf. You feel your breath catch in your throat. ‘I’m going to die.’ You think. The gloves did very little to sway your fear.

“Egotistical bastard,” Tomura snarls out, pure hatred in his ruby eyes. Your calf flinches a bit, not fully by your doing. You see, Tomura looks down and slowly lets go of your calf. You slowly let the air you’re holding quietly. He drags his finger across your calf, like a threat. You try not to squirm and yank your legs from his touch; a little evil voice in the back of your mind whispers, ‘He’ll kill you.’ You swing your body around, leaning against Tomura and resting your legs on Himiko’s lap.

You feel Himiko grab your legs, running her fingers over your leg. Her touch didn’t feel poisonous. You let a long sigh out. When she touches you, you don’t feel you’re going to die. There’s something soothing about her. You feel a sense of peace when she’s near you.

She’s peaceful, like a babbling brook; even if it overflows with water, it’s still a brook, still running and still moving. It’s a lifeline to Tomura’s dark clouds. He’s always there looking down on you— looking down and protecting you with his all-seeing eyes. You’re nothing but a fawn in the forest of powerful creations; you’re as fragile as life.

Tomura moved his arm, draping it over your shoulder. You tense up, but his scent relaxes you. ‘He’s wearing gloves… he’s wearing gloves,’ you remind yourself like a mantra. His hand dangles limply at your side. ‘Any moment, a single touch can kill me,’ the darkness whispered to you. You feel Tomura’s hand curl into a fist as he watches the TV.

You tried to focus on the screen, but the warmth of his hand was getting to you. You never consider that his destructive power could hurt you. Not until now. His hands make you uncomfortable. ‘Don’t think like this!’ You chide yourself, ‘Don’t overthink!’

You tried to get comfortable leaning against him in a way to keep his hand from touching you. You don’t even want a single finger grazing your body. You twist and contort your body into a strange position. You’re leaning awkwardly against Tomura.

“The doorway.” The deep, melodious voice caught your attention. It’s… soothing and relaxing. You see all the students running towards a thin, claustrophobic hallway. You wince a bit. The tightness of the hallway makes your unease deepen.

You sit up, the space between the two, you need space. You need no physical touches right now; it’s too overwhelming. Everything is overwhelming— the sound, the lights, the physical sensation, the… the damn sensation in your body. You feel the need to crawl out of your skin— your body, to float away to your safe place. You sit there, your mind falling into tunnel vision, and your breath comes out shallow and ragged. You can feel the carbon dioxide stuck in your lungs, not leaving when you are exhausted.

You lean your head subconsciously onto Himiko’s shoulder, something that smells familiar and warm to ground you. You stared at a strand of her hair, how the light catches the golden sheen of it. You can see how, in fairy tales, hair like hers could be mistaken for gold.

“You ok?” you look over to Himiko, who’s staring at you tentatively. 

“Yeah,” you lied. You scan the TV to find something to change the subject. “How is the sports festival legal? Do the parents have to sign away their kid’s life because… what do you mean there’s a gorge and a place students can fall to their death?” You mumble, trying to change the subject. This school screams reckless and irresistible to you.

You sense Tomura let out a laughing scoff, “Heroes will let kids be hurt and get hurt for fame, money, and notoriety.” You suck on your lips and nod slightly; he might be right. You see, Himiko tilted her head to the side.

“The red-head girl is cute,” you crane your neck to see the red-head. You see a bright, vibrant red-haired girl running through the crowd. The camera glimpses her face, and you feel your face pale, your heart squeeze. Something in her eyes makes you shudder in fear.

“I don’t know… she seems…” You shrug, you can’t find a word, your gut is telling you she’s dangerous. You don’t have to be physically in her presence or speak to her to know your gut doesn’t like her. “There’s something sinister about her.” 

“Really?” Himiko asks, tilting her head, her fangs poking out of her mouth playfully like a cat. “She’s really pretty; I like her hair.” You nod, probably because her hair is legit blood red.

“Well, she might be pretty, but something about her isn’t a vibe.” You look over to Tomura, whose jaw is clenched, the hand over his face obscuring most of his expression, his hair falling messily over his face. “Something wrong?”

“No,” he mumbles, looking sideways at you.

“Look at Fujishima Hina taking the lead!” Your attention goes back to the red-haired girl. You watch with horror as it seems like a red version of Teman’s System appears in front of her. You grab onto Tomura, a death grip, trying to ground yourself with the strongest thing you know. “Her quirk: Hack, she can create a game-like system and manipulate reality, pretty neat; am I right?”

‘Oh shit… OH FUCKING HELL.’ You feel a wave of nausea hit you, bile bubbling up. Your body begins to grow hot, uncomfortably hot.

You feel your eyes grow misty, your stomach twist, and you feel nauseous. “You ok?” Himiko asks; you nod shyly, a lie, but you don’t— can’t explain the truth in a way that makes you look sane. You feel a warm hand grab yours, and look over to see a concerned gaze peering out from the hand on Tomura’s face.

“... I’m gonna get water; you guys want anything?” You ask slowly, clearing your throat. You don’t notice a glance between Himiko and Tomura.

“An energy drink,” Tomura grunts out.

“Soda!” Himiko cheered.

You shakily walk out of the living room, your hands shaking badly. You open the door to the fridge and pull out a drink for each, putting them in your sweater pocket, and grab yourself a glass of water. The door opens, and you jump a bit, and see Kurogiri walking with food.

“Hello,” he greets politely.

“Hi,” was all you could manage. You scurry back to the living room, where the scene on the TV show is a landmine. You almost dropped your glass cup. You just stand there.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” You blurt out, “Land mines?” Himiko turns to face you. Her face breaks out into a smile at your shocked expression. 

“This is UA. They’re known for their craziness.” You just gawked for a good ten long seconds before a small tap gained your attention. You look down to see Himiko digging through your pocket. You quickly hand her soda and Tomura his energy drink before sitting down in your spot. 

The sports festival is nothing like the Olympics!

You almost dropped your drink several times on your lap. It got so bad that you felt Tomura taking the glass of water from your hand and setting it down on the coffee table next to him. You grab onto Himiko, shaking her roughly as you watch the final stretch of the race. “Oh, my god! Oh, my god!” You chant your heart racing loudly in your ear. You’ve never been this pumped over a single sports event.

To your shock, you see Midoriya’s friend win the game, right behind him, the Hina girl, and then a guy with two-tone hair in third. You almost melt into your seat as you slouch down. “Oh my god,” you sigh loudly, “That stressed me out.” You gasp.

“Wow,” Tomura said, “I’ve never seen you so stressed over something you’re not participating in,” he teased. You shot him a glare.

“That’s high stakes right there!” You growl out.

“How?” Himiko pokes you playfully.

“I thought—”

“You think?” Tomura asks. You smack him in the arm.

“Stop bullying me!” You whine, feeling the urge to throw a tantrum. You pause for a microsecond. Have you devolved so much that a simple teasing makes you want to lose your marbles? You sit there for a second before cupping your face and sighing. You’ve fallen into a state of learned helplessness, and you have no idea how or when.

How do you break free?

“O/n?” Himiko asks slowly, “You ok?”

“... Be real with me, am I… pathetic?” You ask after a moment to reflect on yourself. The silence is deafening, and that’s all you need. You let out a pathetic laugh of disbelief.

“Well,” Himiko begins slowly, “you are a crybaby.” You blanched and wanted to cry, laugh, and simply disappear from the sheer amount of cringe you are in this moment… Your entire second life has been cringe, if cringeworthy compilation was in this word, you would be the number one cringiest person alive. You feel your face go red, and you simply grab Miso (who’s waddling by a roach in his little mouth) and bury your face into his soft fur. He smells like clean sheets and warmth, which might be the brain parasite; oh well.

“... You didn’t know that?” Himiko asks slowly.

“Sorry,” you sarcastically said, feeling the heat traveling down your neck, “My bad for being comfortable around you two.” You feel a new emotion form inside your very emotionally constipated self. 

Embarrassment.

You’ve grown way too comfortable around people. This isn’t your home… this isn’t your world… these aren’t your people. That idea makes your heart hurt. Where are you truly alone here? “Don’t sweat it,” Himiko cheers, wrapping an arm around you, “Cry all you want.” If messy and being a mess could be a person, you’re that person.

“Alright, sports fans,” the loud voice booms, making you flinch a bit. 

“God damn, he’s loud,” you grumble, “They need to like… I don’t know, turn down his mic!” You look at the screen, fanning your face, trying to bring down the flushness of your cheeks. You see everyone in groups, but you weren’t paying attention.

“What’s going on?” you turn to Tomura, who was looking at you with an odd expression you had never seen before. It was like he was realizing something about you, or forming an opinion about you, and that made your skin crawl.

“Calvary race, some stupid teamwork thing.” You nod and look away, your stomach growling.

“Um… Are you hungry?” You ask, “Wanna get lunch or something?” You ask, trying to change the subject from the weird gaze both of them have.

“Sure,” Tomura said, standing up and stretching. I see his shirt lift and see how thin his body is, emaciated and fragile. He might be more fragile than you, and that’s saying much. It’s one thing to meet your hero and them failing to live up to your expectation; it’s another to see them dying as they stand.

“Sushi?” Himiko adds, sipping on her soda as she stares at the TV, “I’mma stay here.” You nod and look at Tomura.

“The hand goes,” you tell him, reaching for it. He grabs your wrist. 

“Don’t touch it.” You freeze up and shrink your hand back. He takes it off and shoves it into his pocket. You glance at Himiko, who looks at you with a shrug.

“C’mon, let’s go to a new area; don’t need snooping idiots, heroes looking for us,” Tomura said, walking towards Kurogiri, saying something low before looking back at you. You speed walk to the portal.

.

.

.

.

Shigaraki has been hunting that no-nose freak that dared to touch his player. He’d been following up with his master, though he believes he’s a good asset. Shigaraki doesn’t care— that freak needs to die! It was easy to find him. He’s leaving bodies in his wake.

Shigaraki knows Hosu is where that freak is now. The one that was close to his player. As they step out, he looks around. The air is a bit chilly, and people are walking about, heroes zooming by. “Go get food,” he said, pushing money into her hand. Her eyes widened, and she gave him this look, a look he recognized as suspicion.

“Are you coming?” She asks slowly in that cute puppyish way, when she’s nervous and wants him to do all the talking when they order food. She can do it, he knows it, but he normally doesn’t mind. It’s endearing. Her big, nervous eyes gaze up at him.

“Not this time,” he sighs, scratching his neck nervously. He needs to get to that freak before he can run away again. “Be brave,” he said, giving her a candid smile. He sees her lips quiver in one of those moments right before a mental crash she has. She sighs and nods.

“Ok,” she grumbled like an introverted child forced to sing on stage. He watched as she left. Shigaraki slips off his gloves and shoves them into his pocket, and walks deeper into the alleyway.

It’s hunting time.

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.

.

.

You found yourself wandering around like an idiot. Half of the building in this area was just business building, no retail, no restaurants. You turn down one street to be greeted by the corporate building. You grumble and sigh. You wander more and more.

You were going to be picky about what sushi restaurant you pick, but at this point, you’ll take anything! ANYTHING. You begin to drag your feet, feeling a wave of pure anguish… Is that dramatic? Yes, but in this specific moment, you do feel like your life is falling apart. You can’t find food; people are staring at you, the city is loud, and you’re hungry. 

You just want to cry.

But this isn’t a safe place.

When you finally find the tourist part of the city, you’ve seen block after block of food stalls. HALLELUJAH! The noise did double, though… not so fabulous. You suck in your breath and march into the tight, sardine packed street. Someone shoulder-checked you, and you wanted to evaporate into nothing. At least there is a barrier between your skin and their body.

You found two sushi places, one with more customers than the other. You know that one is either tastier (Which is a shame because you are not waiting in that line) or fancier. You walked into the more empty and smaller restaurant. You walk in, and all eyes turn to you.

‘Stop looking at me!’ you mentally lament. Your body grows rigid, your mind goes blank, and for this moment, you forget how to speak. What do you say? Why do you have to order? You drag your feet, feeling the urge to grumble, your heart racing. ‘C’mon, O/n, you got this! You’ve done this before!’

‘Like another lifetime ago,’ a little voice in your mind spoke coldly back. You feel a wave of shame— of mild horror at the realization you’ve devolved into a state where you’ve forgotten how to act in “polite” society. You feel the eyes of the chief on you, and you shift uncomfortably. You don’t want to be seen. You don’t want to be acknowledged. You don’t want to be perceived.

You want to be nothing but a shadow— Tomura’s shadow.

“What would you like?” the Chief asks.

“... I’m… still deciding,” you mumble quietly. You scan through the menu, and in the first scan, your eyes pick up on nothing. You wanted to see how detailed the Menu was. The second was for Tomura, finding food he would like. Then it was Himiko. You mentally keep count of how much it’ll all cost. It’s hard to decide who has a more limited range of food; you or Tomura (you, Tomura doesn’t really like fish, it’s a texture thing). 

You like rice. Rice goes with everything, but not everything goes with rice. You scan the menu and land on a curry, something filling; maybe you can bat your lashes at Tomura to take a few bites. You look at the cost, approximating the cost.

“Well shit,” you mumble. You don’t have enough money for the order that Himiko normally orders, the few foods Tomura is willing to eat, and the ones you like. You stand there awkwardly, arms crossed and frowning. Your foot taps unconsciously. You scan through the Menu again to find something cheaper and something you’re willing to eat, but without pictures, nothing looks appealing. Too much wasabi… too much tuna… too much… just too much.

“Are you ok?” You freeze up and look over at the voice. Your eyes widen, and your body tenses up like your entire body is forced into a corset. You stared at this weird, futuristic knight. He was a mix between an American football player in uniform, and a track star, patted but not really.

“Y-yeah?!” you blurt out, more in shock than fear. You just stared at him; he’s like a swordfish… all you can see is… legs unprotected, torso unprotected… Someone could cut his femoral artery… he could bleed out. That’s a bad armor choice… at least have leather or something.

“You look stressed,” he notes, his voice warm and… brotherly. You side-eyed the man. Why is he talking to a teenager? ‘Stranger danger?!’ Your mind reels quietly.

“Um…” you begin slowly, putting some distance between you and him. You awkwardly shift from side to side. 

“... I’m Ingenium,” he introduced himself with his hero name. You nod and study him wearily. Before sighing, it’s a bit embarrassing to admit you don’t have enough money for food, but even more concerning to be talking to a stranger. “I don’t have enough money for my entire order,” you shamefully admit, not meeting his eyes.

“Oh,” he drawled, his voice softening into a low rumble, like he’s smiling. “I’ll pay for it.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a wallet. You watch him tentatively pull out one of those metal cards that only rich people have. You tried not to stare too much, you don’t want to look greedy.

“You don’t have to!” You panic, all the vibrato you had washed away. Without a second, the man removes his helmet, and you see stars. The man’s handsome— model handsome. Your mouth fell open a bit, feeling like a lecherous teenage boy staring at a girl’s bare shoulder. Besides the weird eyebrows, 10/10! You turn your head away, your cheeks heating up.

‘Don’t be attracted!’ You panic, smacking your cheeks lightly. You look at the tall man; what a true knight in shining armor. You shake your head and watch as he pays for it.

“What’s your order?” he asks you. You tell him, the anxiety that haunted your chest lifted as he made the order for you before ordering something for himself.

‘Thank god I don’t have to order!’ You mentally cheer your inner self, dancing happily. The chief begins to make your order. He leans back, typing on his phone before pausing and really looking at you.

“Shouldn’t you be in school?” Your body jerks to a stop, eyes wide, mouth in the awkward stage of half open, but not wide enough to look shocked. You look away awkwardly, you’re gonna have to lie again. Lying isn’t something that comes easily to you; you naturally tell the truth unless you’re protecting someone.

“I-I’m home-schooled,” you tell him slowly.

“Oh?” He questioned slowly, “Why?” You begin to come through everything you’ve been through, what you’ve learned about this world, what this world means. Home schooling isn’t common and uncommon enough for people to be curious… people have powers… people here have a superiority complex based on their powers… heroes exist… villains exist… people without powers are discriminated against…

“I’m quirkless… It’s kind of dangerous for me to be around quirk users,” you blurt out quietly, trying to cover your ass. You see his eyes widen and nod slowly, not in an agreeing way, but in a more thoughtful way. You have no idea if it’s normal for quirkless people to be homeschooled or not, but you’re rolling with this now.

“I see,” he sympathetically murmurs. You turn your attention to the chief, watching them make the sushi. You can’t peel your eyes off of their actions, it’s so fascinating. “... Are you on lunch break?”

“Yeah.”

As your food is done, Ingenium, ask for it to be split into two different bags. He hands over his bag to you, and you take it with a smile. It’s a bit heavier than you would have thought, but then again, feeding three people is more than two. You were about to bow and run away from him. “I’ll walk you home.”

‘Shit…’ You think. You don’t live in Hosu. Where the fuck are you gonna go? 

“I’m… meeting up with my neighbor. He’s a collage student and my tutor for math,” you bullshit some more. You see his eyes widen, and a strange glint in his eyes. As you step out of the restaurant, another hero arrives. He handed off the food and said something you can’t hear.

“I see. I’ll walk you to him.” He said with a smile as he turned to you. You nod and start to walk away robotically. You fish out your phone and send a quick text to Tomura.

Cherriiblss:

SOS, where are you? Pretend to be my math tutor!
A hero wants to walk me back 😭

You turn off your phone and shove it into your pocket. You grip your phone harder, your heart races, and your body grows hot. You feel Ingenium’s eyes on you. You used all your brainpower to remember where you came from. As you arrive back in the alleyway, you don’t find Tomura waiting there boredly. You gaze around and frown. You know he wouldn’t abandon you, so… where is he?

“You’re meeting up here?” The hero asks incredulously.

“Yeah… I don’t like enormous crowds or loud noises,” you mumble, scanning the alleyway. You walk around, looking past the corners of one street and the adjacent one.

Nothing .

“... We were supposed to meet up here…” Your voice draws to a stop. You begin to look around, shifting back and forth awkwardly. You feel something new arise in you.

Fear of abandonment.

“What does he look like?” Ingenium asks, pulling you from your panic thoughts. You look at him and his kind eyes.

“Um, about 5’10” (177.8 cm), ashy blue hair, lanky, red-eyed.” You watch as he slips on his helmet again and rushes off, leaving you in the alleyway. 

Ding.

Shado3handz: 

Stay where you are, be back soon

Read (11:35)

Cherriiblss:

A hero is looking for you… He was walking me back.

Read (11:35)

Tomura saw it, but he didn’t reply. You lean against the wall, but as the seconds tick on, a large hole in your chest begins to form. You pull out your phone; a minute has passed. You gaze around, your foot bouncing up and down. You click on your clock app and watch the seconds tick on. When it hits two minutes, you go back to Tomura’s content.

Cherriiblss:

Where are you? It’s getting late.

Unread (11:37)

You waited for a reply, but none came. Your hand slightly trembles, and you grip your phone tightly. You shove it into your pocket, your pulse racing. The pain of the wait, there’s a hollow biting sensation consuming your chest, a pit slowly forming in your gut, twisting and clawing at your mind. 

‘Something’s wrong… something’s fucking wrong!’ Your mind screams. You push off the wall, fishing your phone out of your pocket. You may or may not have put a tracking app into Tomura’s phone, and you may or may not stalk his online handle when you get lonely (his digital footprint is pretty funny and sad, more crashouts than you’ve ever seen over his PC, not handling the Sims). You track his location jogging lightly (which actually winded you really quickly). You stopped and decided to just speed walk.

You round a corner, delving deeper and deeper into the rundown alleyways of Hosu City. Every big city has a “bad side” of the city. You peek around the corner and see droplets of blood on the ground. You slow down and set the food down, and then inch around the next corner.

Knives are on the ground. Ice casing the walls of the alleyway. You see skid marks on the ground. On one side is a white-haired man, crumpled on the ground, his head dented inward. On the other side, a cracked armor suit.

Two bodies.

And you recognize them.

Ingenium and the college student you talked to—Natsuo. You inch forward, curiosity getting the better of you. You look into the suit, and only find dust… and a single eyeball. You paled and backed up from it. Your head slowly drifted to Natsuo and touched him. Cold and pulseless.

‘They’re dead…’

‘Fuck… I touched a dead body!’ You recoil your hand and rub your hand on Tomura’s old sweater, trying to remove the death from your memory. ‘Disgusting!’ 

Crash!

You flinch and turn to see Tomura’s body being rag-dolled into the adjacent wall. Your body freezes, ‘Move… Move!’ But you couldn’t. You watch as Tomura bounced off the far wall and hit the ground with a sickening thud. And then you see who he’s fighting.

Stendhal.

“You’re cut from the same cloth as those fake heroes. You poison society and act like what you do is justice. I will cull you.”

Your mouth goes bone dry, you lick your lips only to reveal the stinging cracks that were numbed by the dry air. The man stops and turns towards you. You stand there like a deer waiting to be hit by a car, trapped in headlights. “Kid?” He drawled, his voice breaking into a surreal kindness, “You need to leave—” Tomura grabs Stendhal’s ankle.

His lower leg crumbles away. Stendhal lets out a seething growl of pain; his blade comes down, cutting Tomura’s hand off. You feel a scream bubble out of your throat, from your core, and something heady and shrill. You see, Tomura flinches and turns to you. 

“Y/n Run!” Tomura shouts, his eyes manic. You feel your legs go all jelly on you. Stendhal bares down a sword into Tomura’s back. Tomura lets out a low grunt. “Fuck,” he growls out.

You fall and cover your ears, squeezing your eyes close. Even by squeezing your eyes as tightly as you can, tears still manage to slip out, caressing your cheeks as they fall. ‘Stop! Make it stop! Go away— GO AWAY! This can’t be happening! Stop, stop, stop, stop!’ Your mind rambles, and the smell of copper grows stronger and stronger. It mixes with the smell of rot and stale water.

Warmth. Wet. You feel a hand touch the top of your head. You freeze up. ‘Open your eyes.’ You slowly look up. Your eyes widen, your heart plummeting to your stomach. 

No.

NO!

Blood falls onto your face, drop by drop. Your arms open up as Tomura falls to his knees, blood gushing from his neck. Your hand flies up and you grab his neck, trying to pick off the vein. His head falls onto your shoulder, and you can hear him gurgling on his blood. No… no!

“T-Tomura?” You beg slowly. He couldn’t say anything. Blood simply oozed out of his mouth. You tried to pick him up, get him to help, but he simply stares at you with big, bloated, dim red eyes. You can see life fading from his eyes. “N-no! Don’t go! Stay—stay!” 

He opens his mouth, but nothing but blood oozes out. His cracked lips stain a bright, sickly red. He gently caresses your face, like he’s trying to remember you before he goes. His hand falls to his side, eyes going glassy. His breathing stopped.

Snap!

A chill runs down your spine. A full-body shiver runs through you. Only a single one.

Your knees hurt, the asphalt ground biting into your skin. You’ve lost feeling in your foot a long time ago.

Your skin is itchy.

Silence .

“ Hey, sweetie, ” a gentle male voice calls out to you. You numbly turn to see a guy in a blue marine esc costume; “ I’m Manual. ” He gives you a gentle, small smile.

“ Manual, there’s a marking of a fourth person here! ” A woman’s sharp voice snaps you out. You look down and feel the dead weight of an emaciated man on you. Your eyes move to the side.

Some white grass poked out of a body bag.

On the other side, grieving heroes.

Himiko’s waiting for you…

You need to go home.

…Where’s Tomura?

You need to text him… this time he’ll reply; you know it.

You grab your phone and get up. The body falls off you. Your clothes stick to you uncomfortably. You hope Tomura isn’t going to be mad that you got blood all over his hoodie. 

You need to get lunch.

Go home.

Go to bed.

“ Kid? ”

Where’s Tomura?

“Kurogiri,” you mumble blankly.

“ Kid… ”

Your stomach growls. Oh, yeah, you were hungry… where’s lunch? Where’s Tomura?

“Tomura?” You blankly call out.

“ What’s your name, kid? ”

You turn around and look at the dead man. Did… no, he wouldn’t. Tomura doesn’t kill, surely…

He’s so pale… Tomura isn’t that pale… no one is.

“ Hey sweetie, what’s your name? ”

Himiko?

She’s waiting for you; hopefully, she isn’t too hungry.

Where is everyone?

.

.

.

.

Manual stares at the girl. She has the thousand-mile stare only seen in history books of war veterans. His body shudders at the notion of what she could have witnessed for her mind to be so scattered; a dead body on her doesn’t elicit a scream. He turned to his fellow heroes; she was simply mumbling names, like nothing was registering in her brain. 

“Manual,” a female hero calls his name, “take her to the ambulance, try to talk to her; she might be a witness.” Manual nods and gently places a hand on her back, trying to keep her from the media’s eye.

She’s just a kid. Covered in so much blood, it’s going to be a pain to scrub her skin clean without leaving a stain behind on her skin. A kid doesn’t need to be filmed in this condition. The ambulance EMT rushed forward.

“Are you injured?” 

Silence.

“Kid?” Manual asks softly.

Silence .

“She’s in shock, but she doesn’t look injured.” The female EMT said, “but we’re still bringing her to the hospital,” Manual nods.

Manual nods and walks back to the alleyway. There’s no doubt there was a fight; how many people were involved is a mystery. There is a sign of a fourth person, but no fourth person in sight. Did they flee? There’s no blood trail or sign. They simply vanished.

“Did the girl talk?”

“No, she’s still in shock.”

“Ok, so we got the John Doe identified,” another hero spoke up grimly. Manual turns to face them.

“Who?”

“It’s Endeavor’s son…” Manual feels his heart sink, poor man. He already lost one son, and now another. 

“Have we alerted his family?” Manual ask. The silence said it all. All the heroes know Endeavor is a serious man, an intense man. There’s fear in everyone’s silence. “I’ll… call him.”

.

.

.

.

Cherriiblss:

Tomura?
Where are you?
Hello?

Unread (8:00)

You stare at your phone blankly. Your eyes sting, but every time you rub them, it only stings more. Why wasn’t he answering you? What did you do? He is never this late in answering you? You need Kurogiri,

Cherriiblss :

Idk where I am
Can you pick me up? Tomura?

Unread (8:05)

It’s probably dark outside. This room has no window, and you’re still hungry. They took your clothes and placed them into some plastic bags. You don’t know why. 

“Ah… kid,” you look over to see a female doctor, “we should clean you up. “Come with me.” You trail after her dumbly. She took you to a bathroom with a shower.

You simply stared at it.

‘What am I supposed to do?’ You ask yourself.

“You should take a shower,” she said, looking over your shoulder to see the doctor leave. “You’re covered in blood.”

Blood?

You look down. Dark crusty flakes of a reddish brown flake off your skin. You touch it, it’s sticky. Blood… this is blood?

Whose?

You step into the shower. Cold water hits her skin. You feel goosebumps blossoming across your body. You shudder repeatedly as brownish water runs off you. You stare at your feet.

Your vision goes red. A low electric buzz fills your ears. A bloody red screen appears. It took you a long time to register what’s on the screen. You have to manually read it… Once. Twice.

[It’s Tomura Shigaraki’s blood]

Your lips tremble and you back into the cold ceramic tile. You grab the handle of the shower and twist it too hot. A small whisper leaves your mouth as hot, boiling water pelts your back. You need to get his blood off you. You scratch at your skin, at the blood. You wanted your skin to peel off along with his blood.

Your wails are drowned out by the running water. You fall to your knees, curling up. The water isn’t hot enough. You’re not clean enough, you need to purge your skin clean of all germs and disease. You need a heavy-duty cleaning solution… You look around for anything— body wash, dish soap, bleach! Steam clouds the room— your vision. You look up, and your head is doused in hot water. Red pool in the water. 

You don’t remember screaming until the door opens and an older woman rushes in. She takes one look at you before flinging the door open and shutting the water off. “Sweetie?” She asks. She rushed to get a towel. When it touches your back, you let out a hiss. It feels like every pore in your body is screaming with pain.

The woman rushed out, and more nurses came in. “She burned her back!” One whispers loudly.

“It’s only a first-degree burn,” the older nurse spoke calmly. “some Aloe should help with the sting.”

“ Sweetie, why would you do that? ”

You just sob, “I need his blood off me! Burn it off! Burn it off!” You cry, still seeing the reddish stain on your skin. You drag your water brittle nails over your skin, peeling some skin off,

“Girl, you need to stop!”

“Get it off of me!” You shriek, your voice fried, your vocal cords dry from screaming earlier. You continue to weakly scratch at your skin, your shoulder, and your left arm. You feel skin build under your flimsy nails, ripping and tearing.

“Code Black, Code Black!” You hear over the hospital speaker. You can see from the corner of your eye people running in. Strong hands grab onto your prying them off your neck. You look up at a man.

“Stop now!” A deep, commanding voice calls to you. Your lips frown, and you continue to itch at your spot. “Stop this now!” 

You didn’t. You notice your hand is red—stained red. You grab that hand, scratching your palms— fingers. You need new skin! You cry as the red stain of Tomura’s blood leaves your skin. You cry your eyes out, snot coming from your nose.

“ We need to sedate her! ”

“GET IT OFF OF ME!”

Chapter Text

My co-author and I decided to rewrite it for clarity, as we're both unhappy with where it's going. We'll go back and edit the previous chapters, if not revamp this entire thing.

Thank you for your patience.