Inko might have been a bit of a little bitch, but regardless, she was a little bitch Mitsuki was ecstatic to see again.

If only to tell her "I'd told you so" about that shitty husband of hers.

"I've gotta go, Masaru," Mistuki said, watching as Midoriya Inko made her way into the quaint tea shop. "Inko is here and I need all the time and brainpower I have with her if I want to convince her to give Katsuki and Izuku a chance to 'make friends,' as you put it."

"Good luck, dear. Make sure you grab-" Mitsuki hung up, she knew to grab the pork on the way home, and he'd text her a reminder anyway. She sat in impatient silence as Inko ordered from the counter, and as soon as she saw the credit card handed back to her, she waved her arm in big arks as she called out, "Yo! Inko, over here dipshit!"

She sees Inko wince, but only giggles herself at the discomfort the other must feel from her language. It's not like Inko hasn't known her for 18 years, she knew what she was walking into when she contacted Mitsuki for tea. Mitsuki could feel her customary grin twitching her lips as she watched her college friend slip into the chair before her with her habitual jitters still shaking her hands, Inko's grin a subdued but pleasing sight.

"Hello, Mistuki. I'm glad to see you're doing well."

"Oh, cut the crap Inko. We spoke over the phone not even a week ago, what could have changed?" Yet as Inko began to open her mouth to respond, likely with some long, never-ending anxiety induced list of exactly how many things could have gone wrong, Mitsuki leaned over to cover her mouth with a sigh. "Yes, yes, everything could have, I know. Anyway, what're you doing back?"

Inko beamed, "We moved back into the area!" She deflated, then, "Well, Izuku and me, Hisashi still hasn't shown his face since Izuku's fifth birthday." Despite the melancholy sigh that followed her words, she still held a bright smile that Mitsuki felt confident was real.

"Well, I warned you, didn't I? Asshole always run away from what considered problems." At Inko's smiling straining, she continued with, "His family should never have been one of in the first place, though. That's why he's a real prick."

Inko gave a bitter laugh, "Well, he had some reason to consider us that way, I guess. But enough about me, what about you? Last time we got together you'd gotten a promotion and Katsuki had just turned 2, right?"

Mitsuki's grin turned a bit tired, noting in the back of her mind to press Inko for details after offering up some information herself, "Yeah, I've gotten a few more since. Not top of the company, nowhere near, but close enough for some better pay."

"Congratulations!"

"Yeah, yeah, thanks I guess. Masaru's the same as always, too kind for me and always buying just enough wine to keep me sane but sober." Inko laughed at this, and it lifted Mitsuki's spirits a touch even though she knew the rest of the conversation would be draining to her.

"Our boy Katsuki… He's a character, for sure. His birthday's in a few weeks, and we're still not sure what we're doing for it. We're thinking sending him to his grandma's would be best he likes it there and there's no way he'll get into any fights with some kid's down there." She sighed, her chin leaned into her hand as she blew ripples on to her tea.

"Fights?" Inko asked, curiosity that Mitsuki knew she had to satisfy if she wanted to escape constant calls over the next few days.

"He's takes a little too much after me," she sighed. "Arguably he's even worse. Fuse is shorter than a match. All it takes is accidental eye contact and he's ready with fists sparking," she sighed again, thinking back to the latest Parent-Teacher meeting she had been roped into. "The teachers' are pushing me to get him into some kind of therapy, one of them even gave me the contact information for some sort of children's group therapy. They think part of why he's so stand-offish is because he hasn't connected with any of the other kids, but I'm just not sure how much good it'd really do, you know? Therapy typically works better for more effeminate people and that's… not Katsuki. He doesn't do emotions."

She looked up at Inko again, surprised to see a glittering but contemplative face instead of the sympathetic one she expected. They sat in silence a few moments before Inko spoke up, "Izuku… He's been having a difficult time with the kids at his schools. Ever since we were confirmed he was quirkless he-"

"Wait," Mitsuki ordered. "Izuku is quirkless?"

Inko winced and nodded, "It's not something we like to advocate, since he himself can hardly stand the fact, let alone all the bullying he's faced because of it."

"I'm so sorry Inko, I…" She felt speechless. She hadn't ever encountered someone with a child Katsuki's age who was quirkless. She grimaced, then, "It's probably not a good idea that Katsuki and him meet then… He's not the best with handling people's emotions in the first place, and quirks are immensely important to him…" She wasn't sure how to phrase, 'My son would very probably beat yours to a pulp,' delicately.

Inko's lips pursed as she said, "They're important to everyone, Mitsuki... Even to those who don't have them." She sighed, twisting her hands in her lap. "As for if they meet… I want them to." She held up her hand to cut off Mitsuki's protests, indicating she hadn't finished her proposition. "This group therapy thing… The teachers at Izuku's last school had pushed for him to be placed in therapy too, in order to counter the effects the bullying would have on his self-esteem, and hopefully get him to open up more. I had been considering it, but they never suggested a location to try out."

Mitsuki waited, breathing shallow. She had an inkling as to what Inko was about to ask, but she was determined to let her finish on her own. Inko sat up straighter as she said, "It seems as though both of our sons need help. I'm willing to put Izuku into the same therapy as Katsuki, despite the risks, in order to see if they can help each other out." Inko smiled then, her lips as nervous and cheerful as they have been since the day they met, "Izuku is quite similar to me. If Katsuki's anything like your rude and brutal self, then perhaps they'll get along like we did, yes?"

Mitsuki frowned, "I'm just not… Katsuki is the most head-strong person I've ever met, and I've been in front of the mirror a lot. If the therapy is to help Izuku with bullying, then throwing another bully into therapy might not end well."

Inko shrugged, "I think there's a chance it could, and if anything happens the coordinator's will inform us and I'll immediately pull Izuku from the group to go somewhere else. I just… The only thing is, don't tell Katsuki Izuku is quirkless. I think it'd help if Izuku could get to know some people without that label. Now… what's the group's email?"

Kasumi knew that she wasn't too far down the line in terms of familial contacts for Shouto Todoroki, but she still hadn't expected the call from the school she'd gotten. She marched with purpose through the elementary hallways, searching for the classroom the front desk had directed her to.

Catching sight of the door, she knocked firmly but did not slide the door open until after receiving the response of, "Come in." She strode in, only slowing when she noticed her nephew curled up onto a seat not far from the teacher's desk. He seemed to perk up a minuscule amount when he caught sight of her, but otherwise he remained curled up as he had before. She reached out to ruffle his hair as she passed him by, stopping directly in front of the teacher's desk.

The man, whose tag on his desk proclaimed to be, 'Fujimoto-sensei,' stopped fiddling with his papers to look her in the eye. "Todoroki-san?"

Kasumi pursed her lips as she once again pat Shouto's head in order to calm the sting of his words, "No, I'm Shouto's aunt from his mother's side. Please, call me Kasumi."

"Ah, my apologies, Kasumi-san. Were his parents unavailable today, or…?" Fujimoto asked, watching as Shouto curled into himself a little more.

Kasumi sighed, grabbing the chair closest to the one Shouto sat in and pulling it close enough to be beside him. Once settled, she explained, "Shouto's father is likely away on duty, and Shouto's mother, my sister, has been hospitalized for a few years now. I'm next on the list in terms of his guardians, and it's not uncommon for me to pick him up from school."

"Ah," Fujimoto said, "my condolences for your mother, Shouto."

His only response was a mute nod. Kasumi saw this as her chance to stop beating around the bush, "Why was I called down? It's not a problem, but I would like to know if Shouto is in trouble somehow."

"Oh, he isn't in trouble or anything of the sort. He is, however, here due to his behavior," Fujimoto said, levering serious but crinkled eyes on the woman. Expecting her protests of how Shouto was the most quiet, respectful child his age, he continued before she could speak. "He's not disruptive, nor does he get into fights with others. He just… refrains from interacting in general.

"His with drawl from other children is to a… concerning degree. I would consider it shyness, except that even kids who have extended friendship to him have been rejected outright. I'm worried that such levels of disengagement could follow him through the rest of his school years and beyond if not addressed properly. Do you happen to know what has lead to this?" Throughout his explanation, Fujimoto's wide hand gestures and casual tone if formal speech, mixed with his crinkled eyes and dimpled face, suggested a man who deeply valued interpersonal connections. Kasumi pursed her lips, knowing that this man considered this a critical matter, which meant there was no chance of her escaping with non-answers. She sighed, pressing her fingers together.

"Shouto… hasn't had the easiest of childhood's. Between his mother's absence and his father's absence due to work, he's never had many to connect with and-"

Fujimoto held up his hand, "Speaking of his father, I had one more concern that only fed into this. You see, recently there was a day for the kids to practice basic uses of their quirks that they could then perform for their class. Now, young Shouto here, " the man twisted to face the child with a kind smile, twisted in the way that showed his affection for the children he worked with, "his quirks have been known to the public for a number of years now. So, when the quirk usage day was coming up, many were excited at the prospect of him using his dual quirks together. But when asked after his quirks, as we did to every child - as most aren't children of famous individuals- he would only say - and use - his ice ability." At this, Kasumi turned astounded eyes on Shouto, now noticing the way the child had slunk further into his seat, "Despite the taunts and jeers of the children and confusion and concern from the teacher's, he refused to budge. So we checked his official records, which clearly state his dual-quirk status." Fujimoto sucked in a heady breath, face slipping into tension as he asked the dreaded question, "So I must ask, if you know the reasoning of this?"

Kasumi had listened to the entire story with a deepening cringe, her gaze directed to the table even as her features continued to twist. To say she was a fan of her brother-in-law would be a laughable joke, but that did not mean she could not treat this situation without delicacy. Her nephew's life would hinge in her actions. For fuck's sake, Enji, what have you done to this kid?

"I… I am not entirely aware of the situation within Shouto's life. I pick him up three times a week for quirk training of his right side, but besides that I do not see him much. My sister hasn't been in his life for quite some time, I'm afraid…" She bit her lip, knowing her words were entirely ineffective but having no real way to figure a counter-argument.

Fujimoto sighed, hand in his hair as he said, "I was afraid that was the case. I'm… While I would love answers, I didn't call you in order to interrogate you. I merely wished to make a suggestion."

Kasumi perked up, more than willing to move the conversation from her stilted words. "And what might this be?"

"Therapy," he said simply. "Group therapy, more specifically, as I feel his exposure to other children would be a major help with his mental state. I have some suggestions for which he could join if-"

"Father would never approve," Shouto's quiet monotone broke in. "It- it would be a distraction. From training, and-" his eyes turned desperate, even as his voice remained monotone.

"Shh, Shouto, I'm thinking." Kasumi drawled, patting his small head as an after thought. She turned to Fujimoto and asked, "It requires parental consent, I assume?"

Fujimoto blinked, "I, yes, of course."

She nodded, "Well, you see, despite her condition, his mother is still a legal guardian of his. She could sign the papers, and I pick you up three days a week. I could take you there, then train you on the weekends or," She twisted in Shouto's direction, "If you're alright with extra training?"

His lower lip jutted out, "I… I don't, I'm not sure?"

Kasumi pat him on the head again, ruffling his mismatched hair, "I think it would do you good."

His lip jutted further, "What about you?"

She laughed, it brighter than her entire demeanor throughout the meeting, "Child, I was chosen as your trainer because I was the only one from my family who could put up with Enji's angsty whiny bullshit out of all of us and still keep their cool. Trust me, I have no fear in holding back on this if it helps you and stabs him in the foot in the process." She tittered, her eyes glinting as she thought about how even if she needed to use force, her sublimation quirk could be quite the threat - even against prideful dimwits such as her brother-in-law.

Fujimoto's beam was lacking, his confusion frank along with his pleasure. "Well here are the pamphlets…"

When Kasumi picked up the consent forms from the therapy office she was sure to ask for a second copy.

When her sister's signature blurred with the mix of ink and tears, she only sighed and procured the other sheets.

"Heyo," Royama said, turning her phone to speaker so she could continue to flick through her twitter feed. "What's up babe?"

"Royama," Yasui hissed, "All four of us we're meeting for breakfast to discuss the three new members, remember? What did you even get distracted doing?" The conversation of her other partners drifted in the background, and she smiled to hear them all together again.

"Villain attack shut down the trains. I ran all the way here, you better be grateful," she said with a pout, even as she put her phone away to walk into the cafe. As she neared the table, her lovers all looked up at her with saccharine grins she knew well.

"Why would we be grateful when you could have just gotten up and left the apartment with the rest of us? You lazy shit," Temko said, getting up to slap Royama's arm and then peck a kiss where she'd slapped. She dragged Royama into her seat and took the one next to Nishi.

"Oh come on," Royama began to whine something about beauty rest, but Nishi interrupted, "You can argue over Ro's sleeping habits later, for now we need to talk out the plan involving these three," he said as he pushed three folders into the center of the table.

Royama grabbed one, passing the other two to Yasui and Temko despite knowing Yasui would have looked over them before. Flipping open the one in her hands, she immediately dropped it and yelled, "Holy shit!"

Yasui winced, "Please keep your voice down. I know you're the newest one to this, but our clients confidentiality is one of our foremost concerns," they said as they began to collect the papers with Nishi's help.

"That was Todoroki Shouto," she whisper yelled, "Endeavor's son! Why is he in therapy? I never thought I'd meet the kid even when I was in the pro-hero circuit!"

Nishi gave her a disgruntled look and said, "Well, you'd know some of why if you'd continued to read through his file, now wouldn't you?"

Eyes now lit up, she made a "gimme-gimme" motion at the papers the two were still sorting. They passed the folder over with twin, fond, sighs. Royama flipped through the document, skimming through and eyes glittering with wells of differing emotions the further into the report she got.

"From what we could get from the aunt when we met her," started Nishi, "is that his family life is rocky. He won't use part of his quirks due to some sort of trauma and he's immensely anti-social."

"Hmm," Royama hummed, "What's their main concern? The quirk-usage or the seclusion? Cause if it's the quirk problem, then they might be better off going elsewhere - the usage of quirks in forbidden in our group."

Yasui's tongue clicked, "It seems to be the anti-social attitude. The quirk comments came nearly as an afterthought…" They paused, knowing the strangeness of the statement. "Though, the strangest thing is a specific request the aunt had: She said the most important thing was that his father was never made aware of him going to therapy." They looked to Royama's twisted expression, "Yeah. Sounds bad, huh?"

"Sounds like shit, yeah," spoke Temko, still staring at her folder's contents with characteristic intensity. She flipped that intensity to the three of them, "Still doesn't equal up to this situation," she gestured to her folder.

Royama grabbed Temko's wrist, preventing her from continuing to scratching at herself. "Who's that one, then?"

"Midoriya Izuku. Age: seven. Quirk: none. Future aspirations: Pro-Hero." Temko's wrist flexed. Each one of them grimaced, Royama most of all, as they sifted through what this meant.

"Look," Yasui began, "Izuku won't be in our care to get critique on his dreams. We won't even really be addressing that - his mother directly requested we keep his quirkless status hidden from the rest of the group."

Silence met the statement, until Royama asked, "So what is he in for, then?"

"Bullying," Temko said. "Inability to connect with others." She pursed her lips, "The typical quirkless kid symptoms."

Royama tapped her chin, "Well that's two with social issues. We could-"

"Wait," Nishi spoke, "there's the last child, too. Bakugou Katsuki. Anger management and temperament issues."

Temko's face twisted a bit, "How old is he?"

"Eight."

"Have his parents tried some other outlets then? At eight therapy isn't usually the best option to anger problems…"

"He's more similar to the other two than you might think. Anti-social, from what his mother said had something of a superiority complex… What she and his teachers seem to think is that if he learns some empathy from connecting to some other kids, it could help to temper him a bit." Yasui shrugged, "I can't say if I agree with that theory yet or not, but that's what the point of the controlled setting of group therapy is, I guess."

"It's a bit of a gamble, but it's not like we're going to turn a child in need away," Nishi said. "So, as Yasui and I have already discussed, there's two things these kids all have in common: an inability to connect to other kids and plans to become pro-heroes. Not that much, but it might be enough if we meddle some."

Yasui picked up from here, "We usually don't have three new kids all on one day after all. Not to say that having friends will fix any of these children's struggles, but it could help. So, we're thinking of grouping them up as much as possible, but with subtlety. Make it seem more, 'You're all the new kids so work with each other on this,' kind of thing, yeah?"

"I was going to say that earlier," Royama muttered.

Nishi chuckled, "Yeah, but I live to steal your ideas from you," and leaned over to peck her nose.

"I love you!" His mother called out from the entrance to the building, "Be safe!"

Izuku smiled, giving her a thumbs up that he made sure could be seen until he rounded the corner, where he froze as he started to panic internally. Why did he agree to this? Nothing ever came from being near kids his own age. Being bullied at school was enough of a daily hell, he really didn't need another one, does he?

But then again, his mother asked and… Maybe he is still hopeful, to find someone who will stay beside him.

"Excuse me?" A large bearded man stood before Izuku, who flushed, jumped, and began to stammer through an apology. The man himself jumped then, and he began to wave his hands frantically to stop the boy. "No, no, kid, there's nothing to apologize for! But, what's your name?"

"Ah! M-Midoriya Izu-k-ku," he stuttered, was he in a restricted area? Oh gosh he just got here and-

"Oh! It's nice to meet you Midoriya-kun. I'm one of the coordinators for the group therapy you'll participate in today. You can call me Nishi." The man smiled, and Izuku felt his rabbit heartbeat calm slightly. Nishi made to grab his shoulder, and then he was being lead through the large building. "You're a bit early, though not the earliest one here! I'm glad to see your mother listened to the request for you to get here a bit early, since you and the other new kids have to fill out some forms."

"F-forms?" Izuku questioned, feeling out of depth again. Anytime he went to a new doctor, his mother answered all the questions for him. He didn't know his insurance of the top of his head and-

"Yes, yes, just some simple things about what you like to do and the like. Though," Nishi stopped before a door, "as per your mother's request, we will be working to keep your quirk secret." Izuku felt his heart drop, "So when you answer yours, it's best if you put something like, 'Prefer not to disclose' for your answer."

And then he opened the door, and Izuku greeted a terrifying but calm sight. Two other little boys sat at a low table, one diligently scribbling in answers while the other tapped the table in rapid succession, his face scrunched up in annoyed thought. At the sound of the door, Nishi gestured for Izuku to walk forward, even as the other two turned curious eyes their way. Izuku flitted in, seeing a woman stand up and begin walking to him.

"Hello! You must be little Izuku-kun, yes? I'm Royama, I'll be leading today's group." She leaned down to ruffle his hair, giggling as Izuku yelped and instinctively leaned away. "I need you to fill out these papers before we start, so you can go sit by the other two boys there. Pencils and erasers are already on the table."

She leaned down to ruffle his hair again, but Izuku shyly ducked out of the way of her hand and skittered over to the two boys. He sat gingerly, looking to see how they reacted to his presence. The boy with dual-colored hair gave him a slight nod, whereas the other one just sniffed in his direction and turned to look back at his paper. Izuku fidgeted even more, grabbing a pencil and beginning to write (in the neatest handwriting he could muster) his answers.

Nishi hadn't lied, it really was all easy questions. Favorite foods, hobbies, favorite hero, some dislikes. He tried his best to write "prefer not to disclose" beside quirk, but he wasn't sure he spelled it all right. While he did this, more and more kids trickled into the room, until finally the person who had introduced herself as Royama called out, "Okay, it's time to begin the group session!"

Izuku frantically collected his papers, moving to step beside the blond-haired boy, but quickly scuttling over to the red-and-white haired one when the blond sneered at him for getting to close. He had been over an arm length way, what even was this kid's personal bubble?

They all sat in chairs in a circle, Izuku between the two other new kids. As everyone settled, Royama said, "Okay, so if you haven't noticed, we have three new faces today. That means we all need to do introductions, and these kid's will be given some time to talk about themselves. Alright?" Everyone clapped in agreement.

The other kids all took turns speaking up, and Izuku was sure to right down each name with a defining trait in his notebook as they went. When they finished, Royama turned to Izuku and the other two and said, Okay, we'll go in this order: Katsuki-kun, Izuku-kun, and Shouto-kun. First, please give us your names."

"Bakugou Katsuki," the blond said, his chin in his hand. A few seconds of silence, and he just glared at each other them.

Izuku guess this was his turn then. "Midoriya Izuku! It's nice to meet you." He tried his best to smile, but he knew nerves made it more of a grimace.

The dual-colored boy stood and bowed, speaking just loud enough for the silent room, "Todoroki Shouto." Huh. That name was a bit familiar.

"Good! Now, how about your favorite foods?" Royama asked with smile.

Katsuki scoffed, "These questions are complete useless? I like spicy food. What does that change?"

"It's just for us to get to know you better, Katsuki-kun. These kids will be telling you very powerful things about themselves, we think it helps if they know who they're talking to," she explained patiently. "Izuku-kun?"

"My favorite food is Katsudon." He mumbled, leaning further away from Katsuki.

"I like cold soba," said Shouto.

"Hah? Why would you like something like that cold?" Katsuki scoffed, again. That was probably going to be about as common as Izuku stuttering, wasn't it?

"I don't like hot things," Shouto said mildly. Before Katsuki could continue, Royama spoke up, pretending too ignore the glare he shot her.

"How about things you like to do?"

"Training to be a pro-hero," Katsuki looked proud as he said this, but that didn't seem to be that uncommon a look for him anyway. Still, Izuku found himself smiling in excitement, turning to look at Katsuki as he said, "I like to analyze pro-heroes."

Oh heck. He'd meant to say drawing, why did he always have no filter when heroing is involved.

"What does that even mean? It sounds nerdy as hell," Katsuki said, and despite his desire to become the chair, he figured answering would be in his favor.

"I. I like to go to hero fights and watch them and take notes on them?" He said, his tone drifting further and further into a mumble. He'd be shocked if anyone besides the new kids heard him.

"That… actually sounds pretty cool," the red/white haired kid murmured, Izuku whipped towards him, wondering when the last time someone considered something he did cool. "Do you mind showing them to me later?"

"Of course! I mean, of course not. Of course I will." He stuttered. Was this like making a friend?

"Shouto-kun? Your hobbies?"

The boy stiffened. Izuku didn't entirely understand, what could be more embarrassing then admitting to being a huge nerd in front of at least ten people?

"I… I don't really know," the boy said, slowly. Everyone in the room seemed confused.

"Well, what do you do in your free time?" Clarified Royama.

He shrugged, "I don't have free time." The entire class froze in shock. Nishi and Royama exchanged worried glances. Eventually Royama decided to move on.

"Well, uh, what do you kids want to do in life?"

Izuku grinned and shouted, "Pro-hero!" the same moment Katsuki said it. The two stared at each other, Katsuki's eyes narrowed in analysis and Izuku's in wonder. Much quieter and delayed, Shouto also murmured "pro-hero" and blushed slightly when Izuku's wonderment was then directed to him.

Katsuki stared, heady, until he shrugged and said, "Whatever. I'll be number one anyway." To which Shout rolled his eyes and Izuku nervously giggled.

"Ah, good jobs- er, job! Well, since you're all clearly interested in heroes, why don't you tell us your favorite?"

Once again, Izuku and Katsuki chorused at the same moment, "All Might!" to which Izuku giggled even more nervously, and Katsuki rolled his eyes. But at least he seemed to respect his tastes. Shouto waited until being prodded, fidgeting as he, with the most emotion he'd used all night, "All Might." This time Izuku beamed at him, and Shouto seemed to relax at that.

"Ah, he really is the best, huh?" Royama laughed to herself, thinking about how she'd have to tell this to him in person whenever she saw him again. "Well, I suppose we should start to close this off with an actual question. So, you three, what would you say you want to change most about yourself?"

Katsuki didn't even hesitate as he said, "Nothing," with a big, self-satisfied smirk. Izuku could feel envy building up, what sort of person had the confidence to say that to a group of strangers?

"I…" Izuku began, clutching to his paper with enough strength to nearly rip it. He knew his first answer, but then he remembered what Nishi-san had said. That his mother didn't want him to tell that he was quirkless. So instead he took a deep breath and said, "I wish I wasn't so much of a crybaby." Because wasn't that the other mocking name besides "quirkless" the bullies usually said?

Royama looked sympathetic to him, but he refused to meet her gaze, and she eventually gestured to Shouto. At first he didn't react, but after a moment, he looked at the ground and mumbled, "My left," while bringing a hand to cover his left eye.

Izuku blinked, not comprehending, "You mean… are you left-handed?"

"No," he answered shortly.

A quiet settled over all of the room. Izuku wasn't even sure if anyone but him had heard Shouto. Royama stood and clapped, saying, "Well, no we'll move on to the actual-"

"Hold on," Katsuki interrupted. He stood to his full height, but still glared up at the woman as he demanded, "Why didn't we share our quirks?"

Royama blinked, "Because in this group quirk usage is banned and-"

"You had us write them down. Why don't we share them?" Without waiting for a response, Katsuki held up his open palms and said, "This is mine," and tiny explosions began to go off in his palms.

Izuku stared, entranced by the brand-new quirk. Try as he might, he's never been able to get rid of his obsessions with new quirks - especially powerful ones like these. He threw down his sheet, not paying any mind as his questionairre sheet slid over in front of Shouto, who picked it up and began to read it. Izuku reached for his notebook and pen, ignorant of Shouto's wide eyes as he read the crossed out, 'none,' in answer to the quirk question.

"That's so amazing! What is it called? I've never seen anything like that before," Izuku gushed, uncaring that he was potentially invading the boy's personal bubble. This time Katsuki didn't seem to mind, too preoccupied with pride swirling in himself at Izuku's words.

"Well-"

"He can tell you later," Nishi interrupted, ignoring the pissy look Katsuki threw at him for it. "Quirks are not topics to be discusses unless previously agreed upon by the whole group. We're glad that you're proud of your abilities, but please respect those rules." Each of the kids clapped in answer, excluding Shouto and Izuku who nodded, and Katsuki just sank into his chair, clearly annoyed but cowed by how the entire group seemed to immediately change topic. He still held Izuku's full attention, anyway.

Izuku fretted, standing along the outside of the building. The only kids left to be picked up where Katsuki, Shouto, and him, and he couldn't decide between staying silent or trying to bring up what either had mentioned before. He stood beside Shouto, fighting the urge to speak up because what if he hadn't actually meant it or-

"Alright, do you want to continue this interview now?" Katsuki said, glaring up from his arms-crossed legs stuck-out position on the ground. Izuku blinked, unsure as to what he meant for a second before shouting.

"Oh! Sure, yeah, okay. Here, just let me…" He grabbed out his notebook, flipping to the very end. He was just now realizing that he didn't have more than three pages left.

"How full is that?" Asked Shouto behind him.

Izuku jumped, "Ah, I use it a lot? I don't… I guess I don't really analyze just heroes, I like to study quirks themselves too, so I have normal people's quirks written down too…"

"I've never seen someone so passionate about quirks," Shouto said, crouching down beside Izuku to look at the most recent page. It seemed to have a rough sketch of someone in a police uniform, with a description of what their quirk was written in rough chicken scratch. Curiously, he began to flip through the pages, flipping through each one and freezing when he saw his father's face. On instinct, his right side flared and froze some of the book over, not reacting to the shouts of surprise from the other two until the face was hidden.

"Hey, what the hell are you doing?" Katsuki yelled. Shouto jumped up, shaking a bit as he realized what he did.

"Ah, sorry, I. I can fix it, here," he muttered, bringing his left hand up to melt the ice. His mind felt as though it was going a hundred miles an hour, and he didn't realize he had finished until the book had caught on fire. The other two screamed again.

"My notebook!" Izuku grabbed it from his hands, patting it down against his clothes. He winced when he saw the burned and soaked state of the book. Well, at least he only had three pages left and needed a new one anyway.

"I… I'll pay for a new one," Shouto murmured, turning to face the wall to ignore Katsuki's yells of, "What the fuck were you trying to do!"

Izuku shook his head, "No! No, it's fine, I needed a new one anyway, and besides." His eyes lit up, "Your quirk is so awesome too! Ack, do you mind if I ask you about it? That can be my repayment, if you want!"

"I… sure? But what are you going to record it down in…" Shouto whispered, overwhelmed by the positive reaction he was receiving for his mistake. Where was the anger?

"You said you wanted to hear about mine!" Katsuki cut in, attention whore that he is. He looked down at the notebook, "But you can't write anything about me in that thing. It looks like shit!"

Izuku shook his head, "No, no, of course I'll get a new notebook and bring it next time."

"You better!" Katsuki called out as he ran out to meet his mother in her car.

Izuku and Shouto sat beside one another, the energy that Katsuki's presence has brought now gone. After a little bit, Shouto tapped Izuku on the shoulder, and after being sure he had his attention, he asked, "So is the reason you love everyone else's quirks so much because you don't have one of your own?"

As he watched Izuku faint, he wondered if having friends actually was more difficult than just playing soccer or "The Floor is Lava."

When Izuku came in next week with a notebook titled, "Future Pro-Heroes Katsuki and Shouto," - and Katsuki scoffed again, but softer, with his customary pride but mixed with a tinge of amusement, and every emotionless Shouto cracked a small smile - well, Royama was not ashamed to admit that she might have squealed.