Of Heroes, Blood, and Boba

by Marshmellowtime

There was a red thread that connected each and every one of them. It could bend, twist, and tangle, but it would never break. Though considering who her classmates were, she was getting pretty close to cutting it herself. "If you get your ass kicked one more time, I'm not healing you." Oc/?

11. Hot Chocolate

I know it's not tea but it just fit so well. Make yourself a cup while reading ;)

BUT THAT EPISODE.

"COME!"

AND OMG YOU PRECIOUS DORKS, I'M SO SORRY IF I CONFUSED ANYONE WITH THE CHARACTERS BUT

Todoroki – Roki/boy by the riverbank

Flower boy – mysterious flower boy with green eyes

Sakura man – mysterious sakura man

Lo siento. Lo siento.

I do not own BNHA.

---

Of Heroes, Blood, and Boba

Chapter Eleven:

Hot Chocolate

---

Hot Chocolate; a sweet, warm drink made with melted down chocolate/instant mix and water or hot milk. No known medical benefits, but good for the soul (best on rainy days)

---

"Y-You came."

The heavy onslaught of rain above them pelted the ground in a steady drum. Small bullets of water crashing down in a relentless, unforgiving torrent. The riverbank was flowing quickly, rocks completely submerged down below and the straining plants bowed under the weight of the downpour.

The rain parted however, bouncing harmlessly over the curve of a sky blue umbrella clutched tightly in the hand of a young boy.

Shouto was bundled up, having slipped away unnoticed by any of the housekeepers and regretfully from his mother's warm embrace. A sleek red parka from his brother hung loosely over his frame and he could see his breath in the crisp, wet air.

Inky black locks were pitch black, drenched and plastered in a mess across her face. Fuyu panted, soft puffs of air leaving her lips and she stood with heaving shoulders in front of him, rain pelting her face and drenching the now dark red kimono clinging like a second skin to her body.

The two children stared at each other in slight disbelief, happiness hidden beneath it all as they stood in the pouring rain by the riverbank and Fuyu shuddered. "Y-Y-You came too."

Shouto nearly dropped the umbrella in realization, quickly closing the distance between them as he awkwardly held the umbrella over both of them. Fuyu let out a sigh of relief, shoulders slumping and entire body shaking as she began to wring out her clothes. "Y-You were s-smart though. B-B-Brought a u-umbrella."

"You should have stayed home," Shouto protested, the two of them dropping to a crouch close against one of the neighborhood walls. "You'll get sick."

Fuyu stubbornly shook her head, teeth chattering as she wrapped her arms tightly around herself. "I-I-I had to come."

I knew you would be here.

The two children peered out at the rain hammering against their umbrella. It crashed against the floor, droplets bouncing back and forming giant puddles.

"I like the rain," Fuyu whispered, looking closer to a drowned puppy than an actual human child. "S-Sounds nice."

Shouto stiffened, realization slapping him in the face. He awkwardly held the umbrella higher above them and shuffled around so he was on Fuyu's other side. His friend shot him a quizzical look, sneezing when she opened her mouth to inquire.

A rush of warmth exploded against her side and Fuyu stiffened, head swinging around to Shouto in surprise and he rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. "Sorry... this is the best I can do."

It was hot—like sitting directly in front of the fireplace and allowing the flames to breathe against your face. But Fuyu's damp clothes and shivering body could care less—it spread quickly throughout her entire body and her shoulders slumped, face visibly relaxing and a bit of color appearing along her cheeks.

Shouto dutifully held the umbrella above them, the two children leaning back against the wall and waiting out the onslaught of rain despite the stiffness in his arm.

Fuyu's head landed on his shoulder and he froze, entire body rigid as he held his breath. A light blush dusted his cheeks, eyes darting to the damp head beside him. "Are you okay—"

"Roki." Fuyu shut her eyes, letting out a soft, gentle sigh.

"You're so warm."

---

The problem with trying to get to school in the rain on crutches was simple.

It couldn't be done.

A particularly cruel torrent slapped her in the face. The rainy season coming in full swing with the coming end of May and the approach of June. Rain hit the floor in a constant drum, droplets scattering across darkened sidewalks and forcing branches to groan under the weight. Fuyu scowled, wishing she could curse out the thousands of droplets pelting her this very moment but she couldn't because it was rain.

Wind attempted to tug at her hair, but already dark gray locks were now closer to a shade of faded black and too heavy with rainwater to move. Her choppy bangs clung uselessly to her face and found a home for themselves clinging to her chin and neck despite her now soaking ponytail resting on her shoulder. Her uniform was drenched—she was drenched and she continued to hobble on her way to school with crutches tucked under either arm because like hell she was going to class in a wheelchair if she could stand on her own two feet.

It's going to rain he said. Fuyu awkwardly reached up to shove wet locks from her face. Couldn't tell me when though, could he?

Yagi had commented gruffly that it would rain today and she should bring an umbrella. Fuyu had snapped back grumpily that it was impossible because she'd be using crutches and it probably wouldn't start till later in the evening anyway. She had thought about using her blood to hold the umbrella, but that idea was ruled out once she tested it since the rain water diluted her connection with her blood and left a red murder trail on the sidewalk.

Plus, aside from her notes and homework, she had a mess of things she needed to give to people stuffed gently into her Yao-Brand backpack and there was no room to crush them all with an umbrella.

Her legs moved stiffly under her. The crutches were more of means to steady herself as she took hobbling steps. The pain along her lower back had receded and a brief trip to the doctors had clarified that the nerves were indeed intact, but the process of walking perfectly fine would depend on how long it took for her Quirk to properly set her body back in order.

Why didn't I wear a raincoat? Fuyu enviously eyed the students walking on the other side of the street toward the entrance with umbrellas and cheerful faces. Because I don't have one—next paycheck I'm buying one. It'll be orange and big and I will never suffer again.

"Kouki?"

Fuyu's head swung around, soaking ponytail slapping her loudly across the face with a jingle of bells behind her and Fuyu spluttered. Jirou winced, standing a few steps from her and face comically confused. Jirou blinked in disbelief as she took in the sight in front of her, Fuyu completely soaked to the bone and an entire shade darker from her usual hues. One ear jack was connected to the phone in her pocket while Jirou held a dark purple umbrella above her head and she blinked once more.

Jirou stiffened and quickly closed the difference between them, shifting the umbrella to her free hand and offering Fuyu an awkward grimace. "Sorry, it's not very big—what the heck happened to you?"

"Got greedy," Fuyu turned her head to sneeze and Jirou looked hopelessly confused. "Long story. You might be late if you walk with me though, I'm already this wet so it can't get any worse."

"It's fine," Jirou shrugged with a half-smile. "We're almost there anyway."

"But you're getting wet," Fuyu frowned, noticing her growingly damp shoulder and Jirou's unconnected earjack waved her aside.

"It's not very heroic to leave someone on crutches out in the rain." Jirou pointed out, shifting her bag to her other side so it wouldn't get wet. "You sure you're alright?"

"I'll live." The two of them proceeded at an awkward pace, Jirou patiently holding the umbrella above them as Fuyu hobbled along with her crutches, taking extra care not to slip on the slick flooring beneath her. "What're you listening to?"

"Oh," Jirou unplugged her earjack, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly and she shuffled through her uniform pocket to show her phone screen to her. "Just Brian and the Moon, my old man's a big fan of their music and it rubbed off on me."

"They have that one song, Villains, right?" Fuyu inquired curiously and Jirou's face visibly brightened at the mention. "I heard it on the radio—it's good. I like the beat."

"Yeah!" Jirou quickly began to slide along her phone screen and the two girls bowed their heads to look as they shuffled past the school gates, Fuyu's crutches a soft clack against the concrete. "That song really helped their popularity pick up. They were pretty underground at first but now they're getting the recognition they deserve. The drums on their second album is awesome."

"I'll listen later when I get home," Fuyu grinned. Having a flip phone provided some limitations but she at least had computer access and she could always download it into the old thing.

"I didn't know you were into rock," Jirou began brightly. "You seemed more like... classical, I guess. Or just not too interested. If you like them, there's a couple other bands that have a similar sound. Uveruniverse has sick guitar solos and..."

It was a minor contrast to her mildly snarky grins and teasing toward the front of the class—but Fuyu merely reminded herself she'd barely spoken with Jirou and in all honesty, there was always something nice about listening to someone talk about something they loved or were passionate about. It was why she could listen to Midoriya ramble on about heroes or Kirishima rave about manly things because—it was nice. Hobbies and preferences were kind of a marvel and luxury for her.

"You need only do this."

Fuyu smiled absently to herself, steps a little steadier. But it's different now.

"There's one song," Fuyu shifted her crutches as they passed through the towering doorways leading to the first year wing of the buildings. Students were shuffling around them, tugging off wet sneakers and shoes to replace them with the school shoes as they slid umbrellas into designated class slots. "It's an old song though—I'm not sure what the name was but it's kinda like..."

Jirou closed the umbrella behind them, listening as Fuyu awkwardly twirled a finger in the air and hummed one of the tunes Naomi always sang to her or Yagi let fill the house while he was out working in the garden. "Your mother loved this song." Naomi had said once as she was cleaning, fingers drifting over an album and then she resumed what she was doing. Fuyu had decided that moment it was her favorite.

"It sounds familiar," Jirou's brows furrowed in thought, tapping at her chin as she repeated the tune Fuyu had hummed in a far more appealing voice. "I think I know what it is—when I get home I'll ask my dad. I think he'd know for sure."

Fuyu leaned her crutches against the lockers and settled down onto the ground with a wet plop. She tugged off her soaking shoes and Jirou offered a helping hand. Red eyes flashed gratefully and she handed her the damp high tops and Jirou popped them into her locker for her, trading it out with the school slippers.

"If you ever feel a cold coming on," Fuyu promised earnestly as she tugged off her soaking socks and put the dry shoes on with a sigh of relief. "Let me know."

"I'll be sure to collect," Jirou grinned, jutting an earjack her way.

"K-K-K-Kouki?"

Fuyu glanced up from awkwardly reaching for her crutches at a pale faced Midoriya. Mossy greens were blown wide in disbelief and his bandaged fingers shook as he pointed toward her and then her crutches, and then back to her. "W-W-What happened?"

"Long story," Fuyu shrugged, shifting her crutches under her arms and Jirou waved with an earjack, grabbing her things to head to class. "Thanks again, Jirou!"

"See you in class," Jirou offered over her shoulder and then Fuyu turned, nearly stumbling back in surprise by the several steps Midoriya had taken closer but still remained a fair distance away.

"How'd you get so hurt? What happened to your legs? You're soaking!" Midoriya fired off, taking in every inch of her as though he expected more to be hidden from view. "Why aren't you using—no, you must be. What happened? It must've been bad if you couldn't heal it in one go and—"

"I'm okay," Fuyu grinned crookedly, leaning against the locker wall with a small sigh, hair still dripping profusely and her entire uniform soaking. "How're your injuries holding up? You're out of the sling so that looks good—"

"Kouki!" Midoriya protested, and Fuyu grimaced. "What..."

Midoriya broke off, brows setting into a stubborn furrow and Fuyu felt her resolve crumble away as his eyes softened in worry. "Are you okay?"

The flaring memory of searing pain and a silent promise to never do anything to injure her back, ever. Fuyu's smile turned up sheepishly and she idly reached a hand to rub at her lower back.

"I'm better," Fuyu said honestly, "The crutches are just because my legs aren't workin' with me right now. I'll be right as rain in a day or two."

Fuyu reached up and wrung out her poorly knotted necktie and the two of them watched water fall in a brief stream onto the floor. "This is just because the world decided I shouldn't have a more useful Quirk like, oh, I don't know, water manipulation or teleportation or weather control—"

"You have an amazing Quirk!" Midoriya quickly protested and Fuyu silently applauded herself for the change in topic. "Blood manipulation to a varying degree along with healing properties and the connection of a soul-link Quirk—it'd be perfect for rescue operations and defense, maybe with some work it can end up being a good offensive action depending on how you can utilize—"

"Yeah, yeah," Fuyu adjusted her crutches and began to hobble forward, Midoriya reaching a hand out to steady her but she shook her head. "Let's get to class, nerd."

Midoriya flushed to the roots of his hair, eyes darting to the side in an almost sour look. "Not you too…"

A locker slammed shut with a little more force than necessary and Midoriya perked up in remembrance while Fuyu paused, eyes trailing upwards to where another pair refused to meet her own. "Iida! Sorry, should we head to class now?"

There was a moment of silence, brief, and Midoriya continued to smile faintly, the slightest crease of worry to his brows. Fuyu waited in silence, watching Iida's face as she relaxed against the crutches.

"Yes, we should," Iida turned to face them, a tight smile on his lips and Fuyu tipped her head to the side when his eyes met Midoriya's but not her own. "Kouki, do you need any help with your things? Your backpack or—"

"I'm fine," Fuyu said loudly, but she knew he'd understand what she meant. "Thanks though, Class Rep."

Iida nodded, lips pulling taut across his face. Fuyu felt something twist roughly in the pit of her stomach and she straightened on her crutches, putting as much weight as possible on her wavering legs. "Gram told me to thank you and your family for all the gifts—you guys really didn't have to, y'know. But they're free next weekend if your parents are that adamant."

"I will inform mother and father," Iida offered. "I'm glad they were to your liking. Is your recovery going… well?"

Midoriya went still beside them, eyes focused on Iida before they went round in realization and his head swung around sharply to Fuyu. She met his gaze briefly, the smallest of smiles and the faintest shake of her head and Midoriya held his tongue, bandaged fingers curling at his side.

"Another day and I should fine," Fuyu said strongly, raising her head and staring quietly at Iida's face despite the fact that his eyes still wouldn't meet her own. "Don't worry about me."

"Maybe we should get you some towels or something," Midoriya said quietly. "Or spare sheets from the infirmary, you'll get sick!"

"I will speak to Recovery Girl," Iida volunteered instantly, grabbing the bag at his feet and giving them a stiff bow. "If you'll excuse me. I'll see you two in class."

"Iida—" Midoriya started but their classmate was already out of the locker area and striding roughly down the halls. Fuyu watched his retreating back in silence and Midoriya's shoulders slumped beside her. "Iida… I can't believe I didn't realize…"

"I hate being ignored," Fuyu said flatly and Midoriya turned to her in surprise. "If you're ever mad at me, Midoriya, just hit me or something."

"E-Eh? But Kouki I'm sure it's not..." Midoriya's mouth twisted down and he glanced to her legs with renewed worry, expression hesitant. "I saw on the news how bad it was... Does it hurt?"

"...it did," Fuyu murmured and Midoriya's eyes shot up to hers. "I mean... it had to, considering what his brother went through. I'm just ashamed I didn't know anything about it—I guess that's what you get for not paying attention to the news."

"Kouki," Fuyu glanced upwards and Midoriya's brows were creased but his eyes were soft and he hesitantly settled a hand over the bar of one of her crutches, a safe distance from her scarred hand. Fuyu's fingers twitched on reflex. "What you did was very kind... not just for Iida, but I'm sure for Ingenium and many others, too."

"The least you can do."

Fuyu's breath caught.

"Like a real hero," Midoriya offered quietly, the smallest of smiles on his lips.

Fuyu shut her eyes for a moment, savoring those words and quietly tucking them away so that they could never be ripped from her memory. Her eyes slid open and a half smile curled on her lips, eyes trained on the tips of her school shoes. "Thanks... I think I needed to hear that."

But why? Fuyu thought roughly, Iida's face—the lack of his own words on those cards—she turned her eyes toward the puddle forming at her feet and she kicked a crutch in quiet frustration. Didn't I do the right thing? Wasn't that fine?

Why aren't you happy now?

Her crutch toppled from one arm and Fuyu let out a squawk as she slipped along the floor. Midoriya let out an inhuman noise of surprise when her head slammed into a locker and Midoriya snatched her from hitting the floor. "K-Kouki!"

"I hate the rain!"

---

"Kouki!"

"Fuyu-chan, you're soaking!"

"What the heck happened to you?"

"Did you slip in a puddle and hurt yourself all in one morning?"

"You are lacking your usual brightness today, mademoiselle!"

"Don't tell me you got targeted from the sports festival fame?"

Fuyu felt her hair whip back from the force of all the questions being blown her way, face scrunching up in displeasure at the collision of voices.

Hagakure was hovering about her, trying to offer helpful suggestions since she was currently dripping puddles onto the floor. Ochako was freaking out by a flustered Midoriya's side while she tried to figure out what happened. Mineta was babbling on about seeing through the white shirt of her uniform and Kouda was gesturing with his hands something she couldn't understand.

Fuyu's eyes snapped open and she braced herself on her crutches.

"It's a long story and I forgot my umbrella!"

A brief silence hung over everyone's heads and then Tsuyu pressed a finger to her cheek. "Fuyu-chan, that wasn't a very thorough explanation."

"Take whatcha can get," Fuyu huffed, moving to cross her arms over her chest and failing with the crutches so she settled for slumping her arms over the bars. "I'm wet and grumpy."

"Woah, there!" Mineta screeched, practically drooling. "I guess you need help—"

Tsuyu's tongue smacked him over the head and into his desk. Tape was slapped over his mouth and Sero turned, casually ripping off the strand and smacking it onto Mineta's forehead. "You need a… towel or something?"

"No," Fuyu spotted a stack of towels now on her desk and Iida silent in his seat. Her brows furrowed and then she roughly turned her head. "I'll be fine."

"Maybe you should change into your gym uniform?" Hagakure offered helpfully. "At least get out of those wet clothes!"

"I left them at home." Fuyu admitted, shifting to one crutch. "Since I couldn't do any physical activity today and I heard we had something different schedules for hero informatics…"

"I'm sure there's a spare uniform around the school they'll lend to you," Kirishima added. "You'll catch a cold, you know."

"My immune system's pretty—"

"You're all blocking the way, extras," Bakugou's voice snapped loudly from behind the cluster by the door. Midoriya flinched and Ochako turned with a frown. "Move out of the way!"

"Just walk around," Fuyu snapped back, shuffling on her crutches and Bakugou arched a high brow, taking in her entire appearance. "There's room, ain't there?"

Instead of snapping back, a small sneer curled on Bakugou's lips and he cocked his chin. "Just when I thought you couldn't be more of a dumbass you prove me wrong, that's something, First Aid."

A vein throbbed on Fuyu's head and she swatted at his leg with a crutch. Bakugou's face contorted into one of quick fury and an explosion ignited on his palm. "Get out of the fucking way, you're making a mess all over the damn place!"

"I hope you trip."

"You look like a drowned rat! Go to the fucking bathroom or some shit, idiot!"

Fuyu threatened to slap him with her soaking ponytail and Bakugou threateningly raised his crackling palm. Kaminari rubbed his chin in thought, "Maybe Bakugou can help her dry off?"

Smoke curled up along the ceiling and Tsuyu mentioned that Bakugou shouldn't set off the fire alarms. Kirishima grimaced, rubbing the back of his neck as he rocked back on his heels. "I think that'd be asking for something much worse. We should just get Kouki a new uniform so she doesn't catch a cold."

"I'll go where I want!"

"You're an eyesore to look at!"

"Fuck off, Hotshot, I'm in a bad mood!"

"What kind of shitty excuse is that?"

"Kouki."

Fuyu's lips faltered and she paused briefly, swinging her head around and wincing when her ponytail smacked her once more across the cheek with a splat and a jingle of the bells behind stood in the doorway of the classroom, bag slung casually over his shoulder and hands in his pockets as he quietly observed the scene before him. Midoriya scratched the side of his cheek with a sheepish look and Ochako whistled innocently, hands clasped behind her back.

Fuyu's brows furrowed and Todoroki took her entire appearance in with one sweeping, leisurely glance and then settled on her face. "It seems you truly love the rain."

Fuyu scowled, but the furrow in her brows slackened. "Glad it's obvious."

Todoroki stepped into the classroom and Fuyu turned toward him. "You'll get sick."

"My immune system's stronger, remember?"

Todoroki held out a hand and Fuyu wordlessly shrugged her backpack off, setting it in his waiting hand. With low grumbles she began to tug her drenched jacket off and wrung it out, resting her elbows on her crutches as a puddle formed at their feet. Kaminari and Sero watched the interaction with wide eyes until Fuyu took her backpack back and slung her uniform jacket over one of her crutches. "Happy?"

Todoroki assessed her drenched hair, clinging to her cheeks and neck and the droplets of water dripping from the collar of her inner shirt. Mineta was foaming at the mouth through the tape plastered over his face in the corner. Todoroki calmly turned on his heel and stepped out of the classroom for a moment.

"Even fucking Icy-Hot is sick of your shit," Bakugou snapped, scuffing the ground by one of Fuyu's crutches and she waved one at him in warning. "Just go to the office and get a damn change of clothes before you make a bigger mess—"

"Kouki-chan, here." Yaoyorozu's voice cut above the rest, forcing everyone to immediately shuffle aside briefly for their vice president as she purposefully strode between them all, Todoroki a few paces behind with his hands in his pockets. Yaoyorozu came to a halt before Fuyu while Todoroki headed off toward his desk without another word.

Ebony irises shown with a mission and Fuyu receded a bit in her dripping clothes, a puddle forming at her feet. There was a difference between fighting with someone like Bakugou compared to Yaoyorozu. "It's fine, really—"

Bakugou scoffed, sauntering off to his desk and Yaoyorozu held out several towels toward Fuyu in a bright orange color. "Would you prefer a change of clothes? I can make a new uniform for you in a moment—"

"No, no, please don't—"

"Take the fucking towels, dumbass." Bakugou snapped from his seat. "You're dripping and making puddles all over the damn room."

"You're absolutely soaking," Yaoyorozu corrected, depositing several fluffy orange towels onto the desk beside them since Fuyu couldn't grab them herself with holding her crutches. "That is not fine."

"Yaomomo," Ashido whispered to Kaminari who nodded vigorously.

"But—"

"Here," Yaoyorozu rolled her sleeves up, the familiar light of her Quirk appearing before a hair dryer popped out, equipped with a plug and all. Fuyu blinked, watching several more items pop out from her arm—a brush, more towels, heating jelly packs—

"Rozu, if anything else comes out of you I'm throwing myself out the window." Fuyu said seriously, head already spinning from the immense kindness taking physical shape in front of her. "I'll just towel off and—"

Dry socks were tugged free from Yaoyorozu's arm, orange in color and Fuyu winced. Maybe I will take those. "This is too much."

"Take a seat," Yaoyorozu ushered her down to her desk and Fuyu somehow found herself plopping down, her crutches suddenly in Kirishima's waiting hands as Yaoyorozu wordlessly held the plug to the hairdryer and Kaminari bit onto the connector with a grin.

The familiar whir of a hairdryer filled the room and Fuyu blinked, at a complete loss for words as Yaoyorozu promptly began to blow dry her hair within reasonable distance from her head and shifting at angles to get every side. The warm blast of air made Fuyu's shoulders relax slightly and with a grumble she dropped her jacket onto her desk with a splat. She began to roll up the sleeves to her white dress shirt, wringing out the looser parts of it along with her skirt wordlessly as Yaoyorozu continued her ministrations.

"They... get along well?" Sero said finally, scratching the side of his face and Jirou nodded.

"I mean, Kouki's nice but she's always so short-tempered like Bakugou—"

"Don't fucking compare the two of us!"

"—so I guess we've got a new arsenal of people who can handle our health rep," Kirishima finished with a well-meaning shrug.

Their classmates watched in avid silence as Yaoyorozu pulled back, deeming Fuyu's hair dry and fluffy enough to her liking as Fuyu tugged on the new socks. The black haired girl began to dry off parts of Fuyu's uniform and Fuyu sat there patiently, face scrunched up in obvious displeasure despite the slack between her brows—not unlike an unruly stray who'd gotten into trouble.

Yaoyorozu reached around and handed her the heating packs which Fuyu slid into her pockets with a roll of her eyes. Kaminari popped the plug from his mouth and Tokoyami handed Fuyu several towels from the stack Iida had left on her desk as she placed her soaking jacket and wrapped it up, setting more towels along the floor from where she'd created puddles so no one would slip.

"There," Yaoyorozu clasped her hands together and beamed. "That will have to do for now. If you feel any chills please let me know so I can—"

Yaoyorozu paused, blinking at the neatly decorated box in front of her. The edges were slightly crinkled, but the packaging had done its job to protect the soft cake inside and Fuyu didn't meet her eyes, merely holding the box out toward the other girl. "...thanks."

Obsidian eyes turned bright, a pleasant blush dusting Yaoyorozu's cheeks and she gratefully took the box. "You needn't thank me every time, Kouki-chan. It was no trouble at all."

Fuyu rubbed the back of her neck and Yaoyorozu made her way back to her desk, glancing once to Todoroki who merely inclined his head and she smiled. Fuyu shuffled through her backpack and Tokoyami jumped slightly, startled by the loud smack against his desk and glanced down to where another box had been placed alongside a plastic bag of dried apple snacks, a cartoon apple leaping into the air with a cheeky smile.

"The café I work at makes the best fruit cakes," Fuyu explained roughly, crossing damp arms over her chest. "I like their apple ones the best."

Tokoyami blinked once before his eyes turned sideways to gaze thoughtfully at his seatmate. "You're unnecessarily dishonest, aren't you?"

Fuyu scowled and Tokoyami tilted his head, gratefully gathering the gifts along his desk. "Thank you. I accept them with the upmost gratitude."

Her scowl slackened and Fuyu settled back into her desk, obviously pleased but refusing to say otherwise. "...hope you enjoy."

The door to their classroom slid open and Aizawa stepped through, no longer sporting bandages of any kind. "Morning—"

Their teacher paused, blinking slowly at the trail of towels littering the floor. Aizawa gazed at them for several minutes, following the trail and then settling on Fuyu who refused to meet his eyes as she unraveled a tea candy and popped it into her mouth. Aizawa sighed, stepping over the mess of towels and making his way to the podium. "Have this cleaned up at the end of class."

"Yessir!"

"Aizawa-sensei, you're all healed up." Tsuyu commented.

"The old lady went a little overboard," Aizawa explained, scratching at the new scar beneath his eye. "More importantly, we're having a special hero informatics today as I'm sure some of you are aware."

The atmosphere around her quickly began to change, her classmates leaning forward warily as they waited for the news to finally drop. Fuyu absently chewed on the candy, pushing it to the corner of her cheek. She engulfed one of the heating packets in her hands, tempted to fall asleep more than anything.

Tokoyami had politely set aside the snacks in favor of paying attention. He flashed Fuyu a side glance. "You don't seem concerned."

Fuyu turned to him, red eyes tired with bags around the corners, her hair fluffier than she'd ever had it before and conflicting with her current mood. "He could throw me out the window and I'd be okay with it right now."

Aizawa swept his eyes over them once and blinked. "Code names. You'll be coming up with your hero names today."

"We're gonna do something exciting!" Chairs clattered as several of her classmates erupted into cheers of joy. Fuyu contentedly chewed on her candy.

Aizawa silenced them all with a sharp glare and everyone settled. "This is related to the pro hero draft pics I mentioned the other day. The drafts begin in earnest your second and third years, after students have gained experience and can become immediate assets to the pros. In other words, for them to extend offers to first years like you show that they are interested in your future potential."

Fuyu hadn't had the mentality to be worrying over such things the few days they had off—nor had she had the mindset to think about it at the beginning of the schoolyear when they'd received their course guides either. I was too busy wasting my time over useless thoughts.

Fuyu winced at the sour center of her candy—reminding herself not to buy the new flavors they were testing out again. I don't know the first thing about stuff like this. It all goes hand in hand with being a hero but...

Fuyu traced the scar over her left hand. It's weird being able to think about it properly instead of other things.

"Are you here to be a hero?"

"These offers are often cancelled if that interest dies down after graduation." Aizawa added.

"We must continue to work hard regardless," Tokoyami murmured at her side.

Fuyu frowned. These were all based on the sports festival and it's basically an internship... just think of this like a job, Fuyu. "But there's no guarantee that we even got an offer, right?"

Kouda on her right looked over in sharp surprise, hands fluttering in a look of alarm and Fuyu took her own interpretation from it with a shrug. "I mean, I didn't do much." I'd probably just end up interning with Shuzenji, wouldn't I?

"Here are the totals for those with offers." Aizawa clicked the remote in his hand and graphs began to shoot across the board, numbers spinning before they settled below names. "In other years it's been more spread out, but all eyes were on these two this year."

"Argh, there's such a big difference!" Kaminari whined, head dropping back in defeat while Aoyama pouted.

"Those pros don't know a good thing when they see one!"

"Todoroki's first though and Bakugou's second..." Jirou murmured.

"Complete opposite of the sports festival," Kirishima agreed.

"Some people are too scared to ask for the guy who had to be restrained on the podium," Sero whispered toward them and Fuyu's lips twitched faintly at the memory.

"What're the pros scared of?" Bakugou snarled, his eyes snapped to Fuyu and he slammed a fist to his desk. "What're you laughing at, Apples?"

"Nothing, nothing." Fuyu waved a hand his way and Bakugou bared his teeth at her from his desk. Makes sense. The length of Bakugou and Todoroki's graphs were extensive compared to those below—perfectly matching the power gap between the rest of them.

But still... Fuyu absently scanned down the board, nudging Tokoyami for being right below the top two. Midoriya didn't get any? She'd expected someone of his caliber to have been flooded with offers—while his fighting may have been unorthodox, the look on his face should have been enough. They don't know what they're missing...

Tokoyami coughed pointedly into his fist and Fuyu blinked, glancing to him and then back to the board when she froze.

Kouki Fuyu – 272

Fuyu hacked, her candy hitting the back of her throat from where she'd swallowed it in surprise. Aizawa didn't even spare her a glance and behind her Satou slapped her back in alarm. Fuyu sucked in a shaky breath.

"That's a mistake," Fuyu croaked. "Aizawa-sensei, there's a glitch on the board—"

"Not really," Kirishima turned in his seat to offer her a toothy grin. "Think about it, these are internships with pro heroes that don't just get our feet wet, it's a way for them to kind of put dibs on potential heroes and have a boost to their own agencies and brand."

"That just makes it even more confusing why—"

"And with a healing Quirk," Sero added sagely, "it makes sense that these agencies would want to put their names out there for you—can you imagine how useful it'd be to have someone with a Quirk like that on your side while you were out on missions?"

"Even if your fighting style was kinda brutal," Kaminari chimed in. "It'd be dumb for them to turn away a Quirk as useful as yours."

Then they just want my blood. Fuyu thought grimly. Literally. "...I guess so."

Aizawa swept on, explaining that regardless of getting an offer or not, they'd all be interning with a pro hero within the area to receive the necessary experience. Fuyu frowned to herself, drawing her fingers away from the scar and smoothing them out over her desk. People who see potential in someone like me who barely had a reason to fold the futon back up every morning.

Her eyes drifted the corner of the room beside the window, Midoriya's brows furrowed but face undeterred as he listened intently. Fuyu sighed through her nose, propping her chin on her palm. I'm sure he'd have something to say if I keep thinking like this.

"These hero names are still temporary," Aizawa said meaningfully, "but if you're not serious about it—"

"You'll have hell to pay later!"

The door to their room slid open with a clatter and Fuyu glanced to the side. Midnight—or Nemuri Kayama, strutted proudly into the classroom with a wink, hands placed behind her head as she made her way to the front of the class. "A lot of hero names used by students become recognized by society and they end up becoming your professional hero names."

"Well, that's how it is," Aizawa said flatly. "Midnight will be making sure your names are okay. I'm not one for things like this."

I can imagine. Fuyu contemplated unravelling another candy to pass the time as Aizawa tugged out his sleeping bag, pausing briefly to fix them all with a quiet look. "When you give yourself a name, you get a more concrete image of what you want to be in the future, and you can get closer to it. You want it to represent the kind of hero you are... Take 'All Might' for example."

Fuyu paused at Aizawa's words, Kirishima handing her back a board and marker with a grin and she numbly handed one back to Satou behind her. A name. That made sense, if she was here to learn how to properly be a hero like her class—if she wanted to be a hero, wanted to do something with the life she had now sitting in her hands then she needed a name. She was here today because the sports festival and everyone around her had made her realize she wanted to be a part of all of this—that she wanted to be swept up in the feelings and the drives but...

Fuyu gripped the marker in one hand, staring blankly at the white board in front of her.

She'd never thought about being a hero before until Principal Nedzu and Aizawa had shown up at her doorstep with the proposition of allowing her to attend Yuuei through a newly implemented health program, one that would help train her with the Quirk she'd been born with to do good. So along those lines, she'd never considered having a hero name either.

"We'll start presenting names with whoever's ready first," Kayama added and Fuyu flinched, realizing with a grimace that she didn't have the faintest idea of where to start with a name.

To represent the kind of hero you are... Fuyu's brows furrowed and she absently drew a line across the board. I use my...blood? The Bloody Hero?

The sound of a chair rolling back filled the room and Fuyu looked up, blinking curiously as Aoyama approached the podium. Maybe I can just see what everyone else does to get an idea...

"Are you ready?" Aoyama smiled, eyes twinkling in a way only he ever managed to pull off as he proudly thrust his board up into the air above him. "Behold—Shining Hero: I cannot stop twinkling!"

Fuyu's grip on her marker slipped and it clattered onto her desk. "It needs to be a sentence?"

"No," Tokoyami said quickly as Kayama made a few changes to Aoyama's name and presented him with a shortened version—Can't stop Twinkling. "That's just him."

Fuyu winced, eyes darting back to her board and she warily picked up her marker once more. Maybe something... catchy? Her eyes suddenly drifted the back of Bakugou's head, his shoulders hunched over and the corner of his face hinting at a scowl and she blinked, fingers moving the marker across her board and she glanced down.

The Healing Hero: First Aid.

A faint smile curled over her lips at the idea. It had a pleasant ring to it but... Fuyu grimaced. Realistically, having a name like that in the middle of emergencies would get confusing when people were calling out for actual first aid. She gently rubbed the name away, faint ink marks left on her board as she stared hard in thought.

"Having trouble?" Fuyu glanced up, Kirishima half turned in his seat with a knowing grin and Fuyu tipped her board for him to see.

I spent the first have of my life being told to only do one thing and then once I was free to do what I wanted I wasted my time staring from the top of buildings so I never thought about a name. "I'm not very creative," Fuyu said instead and Kirishima looked thoughtful.

"Hey!" Kirishima snapped his fingers. "What about something like—Blood Queen! Or Blood Princess or something! That sounds super manly."

Sero shot the redhead a look of absolute confusion for the contradictions within his sentence but Fuyu merely grimaced. "Is that really okay? I feel like I'm ripping off of Kan-sensei—"

"Alien Queen!" Ashido slammed her board onto the podium and Kayama's head whipped around, face growing pale.

"Like the alien with the acidic blood? I don't think so."

Ashido pouted, heading back to her seat and Kirishima and Fuyu both winced. Fuyu quickly erased the name she'd written onto her board and groaned, rubbing at her head. "I'm not made to think too hard about stuff like this."

"C'mon, it's supposed to be fun!" Kirishima frowned and Tsuyu made her way up to the podium next. "I'm sure a good name's gotta come up at some point!"

"I've had this in mind ever since I was in middle school," Tsuyu explained and Fuyu glanced up curiously. "Rainy Season Hero: Froppy."

Kayama clapped her hands, praising the name as several of her classmates erupted into strangely relieved cheers. Fuyu's brows furrowed and she turned her gaze to Kirishima. "What'd you come up with?"

Kirishima blinked, looking surprised before he turned faintly sheepish. "Ah, well, mine is... I'll show you!"

He stood, grabbing his board along with him as he proceeded to the podium and Fuyu watched attentively as Kirishima grinned determinedly, setting his board with a heavy smack. "The Sturdy Hero: Red Riot!"

"You're paying homage to The Chivalrous Hero: Crimson Riot, right?" Kayama mused, a warm smile on her lips and Kirishima nodded eagerly. "If you're taking on a name meant to represent someone you admire, it'll be much harder to live up to it, you know."

"I know," Kirishima's eyes turned toward his board and he smiled, something bright flickering through his eyes and Fuyu paused. "But I'm prepared for that."

Blood red irises dipped down to the board sitting quietly in front of her. The sound of markers squeaking against boards filled the classroom, chatter as thoughts and names were quickly passed around and the marker hung loose in Fuyu's grip. Names since grade school. Names based off those they admire. Names meant to represent the hero we want to be...

One by one her classmates began to fire off their names, eyes shining and faces hopeful as they recited the names they wanted people to know them by—names they wanted society to remember to call in times of need or worry. When in doubt, break it down.

Fuyu stared at the blank expanse of white. A name to show who I want to become.

Fuyu's hand absently began to move, small doodles appearing across her board as she let her mind drift. Something was tugging at the back of mind, like the barest whisper of a breeze slipping through the crack of a door. Who I want to become...

"Doodling?"

Fuyu looked up, nearly smearing the drawings across her board as she met Tokoyami's curious gaze. A sheepish grin curled over her lips and she rubbed the back of her head, settling back in her chair. "Guess it was just helping me think."

Tokoyami's eyes drifted to her board and he made a thoughtful noise. Fuyu glanced to him curiously and her seatmate nodded toward the drawings across her board. "They look familiar. I believe they're from that one picture book, correct?"

Fuyu's marker paused above her board and she blinked. "What?"

"Your drawings."

Slowly, Fuyu's eyes turned back down to her own board and she realized with a start of surprise what it was she'd thought she'd been doodling. Illustrations littered the board, taking up every available inch and all of them similar in design. Familiar. Characters stretched their hands across the board, bits and pieces from different scenes and black lines traced constantly between all of them in what looked to be a tangled ball of yarn at the center of it all—

Fuyu went rigid and her grip on the marker turned her knuckles white as she stared, drinking in the illustrations she hadn't even realized she knew because she couldn't bring them to her mind, couldn't catch them in her memories but here they were, drawn by her own hand as easy as drawing a simple stick figure because she knew these drawings by heart.

A precious picture book.

"Shouto."

Fuyu's eyes tore themselves from the board in front of her and landed on Todoroki's still figure at the front of the class.

"Just your name?"

"Yes."

"Thank you... The book you showed me... I think I know what I need to do."

"Do you know why she loved this book?"

A sudden flurry of images began to slam into the forefront of Fuyu's mind. Hazy images, faded and hard to grasp and so frustratingly vague, but they made her heart twist and her head throb. Bright images, powerfully clear and crisp and they came in a plethora of colors—bright, emerald green shining so brightly in front of her, burning crimson and pain exploding across her cheek as her world exploded into view, quiet, soft gray and clear sea glass that always seemed present, blues, yellows, blacks, reds—they all swirled together and blended, color exploding before her eyes and Fuyu touched her marker to her board.

She thought about how easily she could have just stepped from the ledge of that building—but here she was, sitting in her desk because of the people around her.

She thought about Tensei Iida in that hospital room—and how with tears leaking from his eyes a photo had been sent to her house with him propped up along a rail, braces along his legs and a half grin with a note that said though returning to his line of work seemed unlikely, within a few months he'd be walking out the hospital doors on his own two feet. Because of her.

Fuyu thought about fate.

"This power is precious. Do you know why?"

And quietly, ever so softly, like the realization that the rain had stopped when the soft thrum was no more and instead all that could be seen was the world washed anew—the sleek, gentle memory of a red book came into her mind. Smooth, the corners worn around the edges and shiny, silver lettering that showed the title—

"It's not just a string... it's someone's heart."

Fuyu erased the illustrations with a gentle hand and she watched the words appear beneath her marker.

The person you want to be.

"Let's see, we still have Iida and Bakugou who needs to change his. Midoriya and—ah, Kouki, would you like to go next?"

Fuyu braced herself on her desk, quietly rising to her feet with trembling legs as she reached for her crutches. Kayama's eyes widened in understanding and she pressed a hand to her lips. "It's alright, you can say it from there if you'd like—"

"'s okay," Fuyu gripped her board tight in one hand, grabbing her crutches and steadying herself for a moment before she kept her eyes focused on the podium. "I'll go up."

Kayama paused for only a moment before nodding, standing aside. Fuyu felt the eyes of her classmates on her and she strangely found herself drawing strength from the rough way Bakugou's crimson eyes watched her, as though having expected of her all along that she was supposed to stand up there before them like everyone else. No short cuts or easy way outs with you.

Her crutches clacked against the ground with resounding finality, reminding her of the choice she made in that hospital room and result of it, even if every step she took with her crutches made Iida turn away.

My choice.

Her classmates waited and Fuyu shifted most of her weight onto her legs, forcing them to steady despite how they trembled and she set her board down, facing herself as she stared at it for a moment.

"This power is precious because..."

"I'd like to think that maybe with this power I can make a difference," Fuyu explained quietly, turning her board over to face the class. "That maybe... I can connect with those around me."

"...it's the power to change someone's fate."

Kirishima flashed her the widest grin possible from his seat, beside him Tokoyami merely inclined his head. Fuyu let her eyes settle on Iida for only a moment, drifting away when his own gaze remained fixed on the board in his hands, a shadow over his features. Todoroki's eyes were trained solely on the board in her hands and the words they presented to her class. Midoriya sat up straighter in his seat, the bright, shining look on his face urging her legs to steady themselves instead of tremble and Bakugou stared out the window.

Fuyu's red eyes flashed for a moment and she saw it—dozens of threads softly swaying and twisting around her and she gripped her board tight.

The Hero of Fate: Akaito.

Fuyu felt her lips turn upwards into a crooked grin. "I'd like to be the kind of hero that can change people's fates."

"You need only do this. That's all you exist for."

And my own.

---

"In a world that existed amidst a burning sun, a waxing, silver moon, and thousands of stars that painted the sky—there was once a boy.

The boy had been born with the strange ability to see a long, bright red string that stretched from his chest. It went on for what seemed like an eternity, stretching across the endless plains, dipping through chilly lakes, he did with the thread as he pleased until one day, he saw the wind blowing it over the horizon and he decided he would do something different.

He would follow the string to see where it lead."

- Excerpt from "The Red String of Fate: Akaito" by—

---

"I just barely figured out my own name and now they expect me to figure out where to intern too?" Fuyu muttered bitterly, flipping dejectedly through the papers in front of her.

Tokoyami threw her a side glance. "I don't believe our codenames were meant to be so...taxing."

"Well, they were." Fuyu absently played with the bell dangling from her ponytail as her eyes drifted over the names on the list in front of her, agency after agency she hadn't the slightest clue about because she was sorely lacking in basic knowledge of the pro hero world. Which I need to catch up on if I want to be taken seriously.

She still couldn't wrap her head around the fact that people had actually wanted her to be interning with them. It made her wonder if the sound had been cut off during the fights because they surely would have heard all her cursing and nonsense and realized she wasn't the ideal sidekick to be taking under their wing.

If they'd really been watching, then they might've noticed she was careless enough to get hit straight to the face by one of Bakugou's blasts. But I guess for those brats it was worth it.

"Maybe somewhere close to home?" Fuyu mumbled thoughtfully. She'd already had to call her shifts off with her legs out of order—the coming week for internships would take another week away and that was money that could be going toward bills.

But this is work that could be going towards your future.

"Doesn't matter where you intern," Bakugou's voice piped up roughly in front of her and Fuyu looked over the top of her papers to find Bakugou's lips pulled back into a slight sneer, shoulders hunched and crimson eyes bright. "You're still going to be a support character who's dumb enough to get caught in the rain without an umbrella."

"I had crutches," Fuyu muttered bitterly, but she merely dropped her papers and ignored Bakugou's jab, crossing her arms beneath her chin as she peered up at him. "Where are you going, Hotshot?"

"Why do you care?"

Fuyu made a face, "Cause it's you."

Bakugou looked as though she'd offered some of her hair to swallow. Fuyu rolled her eyes, racking her brain for a moment and she blinked, recalling one hero she did know from the radio ads that ran in the afternoons.

"I got it—I bet you're interning with the Laundry Hero: Wash—"

Bakugou shoved his request form for internships into her face and Fuyu nearly fell back in her seat. Tokoyami looked up from where he'd been writing in alarm. "Read it for yourself, dumbass."

Fuyu huffed, pulling the crumpled paper from her face and squinting at the rough handwriting before she blinked. "Best Jeanist—isn't he in the top ten heroes or something?"

"Number Four," Bakugou spat, snatching his paper from her. "He's the strongest out of everyone who sent offers, meaning if he's the best of all of those shitheads, that's where I need to go."

"Train with the best to be the best," Fuyu mused, looking thoughtful. "That's smart, I guess."

"Of course it fucking is, what else did you think?" Bakugou snapped and Fuyu merely furrowed her brows in thought, crossing her arms over her chest with a sigh.

"All these pros believe that I can be useful... but how should I pick based off that?"

"Useful?" Bakugou scoffed and Fuyu glanced up. "If you're just going to be useful then drop out and go work as a fucking nurse, First Aid. Then you'd be real useful."

Fuyu looked back to the papers in her hands, clarity in her eyes. Fuyu hummed, "You're not wrong... I think I get what you mean."

"Hah?"

"Did you think of a new name yet?" Fuyu questioned offhandedly, digging through her bag for her pencil bag. She tugged forth a plush cartoon tea cup from her candy brand and zipped the top of his head open to pull out a pencil. "I mean, if a dumbass like me can at least think of a name then I don't know what that makes you—"

"You're running out of lives, Apples," Bakugou practically snarled, explosions crackling threateningly along the hand that didn't hold his papers. "Keep talking."

"What about King?" Fuyu offered, idly doodling a crown on the back of her request form and presenting it to the growling blonde in front of her. "Keeps it kinda short. Shows you're still the best."

"Doesn't matter what my name is," Bakugou said gruffly, shoving his hands deep into his pockets. "The whole damn world will know it."

I believe it. "Then it's got to be a good one, doesn't it?" Fuyu frowned, tapping her pencil to the paper and Bakugou was going off above her about wasting his time and she idly sketched out the image of his mask across the page, the explosions that framed either side stretching out across white and she blinked.

Number one, better than anyone else. "Hey, what about Ground Zero?"

"You going deaf too? I said number one."

"No, it's like..." Fuyu drew a larger explosion around his mask, recalling the terminology she'd been cramming into her head under Shuzenji's tutelage. "The point of the most damage and destruction after something happens."

Fuyu grinned, presenting her drawing to him with a bolded Ground Zero beneath it. "That'll be what you do to the villains. Every fight of yours will be a ground zero—fits, right?"

She couldn't see Bakugou's expression with her paper held up in front of him and Fuyu waited, ready to tug her request form out of harm's way if necessary. Bakugou scoffed, a low, deep sound and he briefly punched the top of her paper where her fingers gripped it, a light tap that had his knuckles scraping against hers and all Fuyu got was the faint glimpse of crimson eyes staring out the window to their side, flickering.

"If you've got time to be worrying about shit like this then good luck," Bakugou sneered, grabbing his bag and turning away from her. "Since it's you though, I doubt you'll get anything out of it anyway, dumbass."

"Thanks, Hotshot," Fuyu glanced back up and grinned. "I'll keep that in mind."

"I don't give two shits what you think," Bakugou snapped roughly, but he only seemed half as irritated as before and Fuyu deemed it his "neutral snap" compared to his "you're fucking dead snap" and that said enough. "Let's go, Weird-Hair. I'm hungry."

"I told you!" Kirishima called from the doorway and Bakugou sauntered past without another glance back toward her. "It's Kirishima. Your hair and mine are totally similar!"

"You fucking blind?"

"I don't mean color."

"...you two seem...amiable." Tokoyami said thoughtfully at her side.

Fuyu snorted. "Nah, we hardly get along. If I'm thrown out the window that guy's gonna be the first to do it."

Tokoyami looked perplexed by her example and Fuyu rocked back in her seat, crossing her hands behind her head and shrugging. "But he's easy to understand, I guess."

Fuyu turned curious eyes toward her studious seatmate and idly shifted closer, trying to make out the name Tokoyami was writing out onto his form. "Did ya figure yours out?"

Tokoyami ignored her unnecessary leaning, seemingly used to her sporadic habits as he merely pushed his paper closer for her to see. "Since I was honored with this many requests, I put several down as possible options, but in line with Bakugou's thinking..."

"Hawks?" Fuyu read the name aloud, face scrunching as she dug through her memories and came up hopelessly blank. "He strong?"

Tokoyami held up three fingers and Fuyu whistled, eyes darting toward the door before she leaned closer to Tokoyami. Her eyes glittered mischievously as though the two of them were sharing some sort of conspiracy. "That why you didn't put your two cents in when he was talkin'?"

Tokoyami neatly folded his paper up and slid it into his bag. "No particular reason. I merely saw it fit to hold my tongue while he delivered his piece."

"...you thought he'd get snappy if he knew you were interning with the hero who ranks higher than his even though he placed higher than ya."

"Perhaps."

Fuyu blinked, suddenly looking curious as she reshuffled through her papers and made a noise of surprise. "Hey, maybe we can be partners."

Tokoyami glanced to her curiously and Fuyu turned her papers so he could see. Beneath several other agencies and just below the hero Wash—Hawks. The two of them regarded her paper for a moment and Fuyu glanced to her empty request sheet. "His agency's a little far... But he's gotta have something to teach if he's Number Three, right?"

"I would believe as much," Tokoyami agreed. "And while I may not be averse to the idea of a partnership with you—"

Fuyu looked up curiously and Tokoyami slung his bag over his shoulder, allowing a faint smile to curl over his beak as he began to make his way out of the classroom for lunch. "I do believe there is some wisdom to Bakugou's...words."

Fuyu frowned at Tokoyami's retreating back, muttering to herself as she stared at the thin stack of papers and they gazed back at her. With a grunt, Fuyu held the papers in her hands with renewed determination, carefully going down the list of names. She highlighted the few that stood out because of position and base of operations, skimming through them as quick as possible so she could grab lunch herself.

Her highlighter came to a rough halt, jerking across the paper and nearly ripping it in half as her eyes bulged at the name that rested patiently amidst the list. Fuyu quickly covered the page with the one before it and then slowly lifted it to make sure she hadn't been imagining things.

Endeavor Hero Agency.

What in God's name would make that man think he should send an offer for someone like me—

"Kouki."

Fuyu's heart leapt into her mouth and she roughly crumpled the list of agencies in her hands into a ball. Her head whipped around, fluffed up hair slapping her in the face once more with a jingle and Todoroki merely blinked quiet eyes at her, books and a few papers tucked under one arm. "T-Todoroki—somethin' I can help you with? Paper cut?"

Todoroki blinked once more, seemingly assessing her current state of being and then his eyes landed on the crumpled paper ball in her hands. "...was there a bug?"

"Takes more than a bug to get me riled up," Fuyu snapped instantly, shoulders squaring and she jutted her chin up proudly. "I ain't scared of things like that."

Todoroki's inclined his head slightly. "You hate cockroaches."

"They're not bugs," Fuyu spat. "They're demons. Little shits don't die no matter what you do and the konbini I work at used to have the worst problem with them out back—"

Fuyu cut herself off, quietly adjusted the cuffs of her uniform and coughing. She calmly turned her gaze back to Todoroki, pretending not to see the faint glimmer of amusement behind snowy white and ruby red bangs. "I'm kicking your ass if that's supposed to be your bit for today—it doesn't count if I already remembered that, you know."

Fuyu had been hoping that when Todoroki agreed to share more of their past that she couldn't remember—her classmate and she supposed...friend? She was pretty sure they were friends but Todoroki never said anything explicitly. But then again, he wasn't really the type to say they were friends and walk off—he was more of an actions speak louder kind of guy anyway—stop, Midoriya's rubbing off on you.

Instead of enlightening Fuyu on their shared history, Todoroki had taken to merely throwing her a piece of information at random moments. She never knew when they'd come, he'd just suddenly out of the blue say something and leave it at that. If he didn't say it during the day then it was through a text since they'd exchanged numbers at the café the other day after she'd demanded for it.

Todoroki seemed to consider her threat before pointedly looking to the crutches leaning against her desk. Fuyu scowled. "They may not be water proof but I think they'll work in place of iron clubs."

Todoroki's eyes flickered once more, little peeks of sunlight through shaded blinds, and Fuyu had to admit that the flashes of warmth were worth it. His arm shifted and her eyes absently dipped to the papers under his arm, head tipping to the side curiously when she noticed what look to be several sketches. "What's that?"

Todoroki followed her gaze and calmly tugged the paper free, setting it on her desk for her to see. Fuyu blinked in surprise. "A new costume?"

"...since it seems I'll be putting my left side into use," Todoroki said evenly. "A costume change was necessary."

Fuyu hummed in understanding, taking in the design curiously. "It looks cool—efficient."

Todoroki pressed a finger to the edge of the costume. "I was going over it and I feel as though I could be making better use of the space here."

Fuyu eyed the waist of the costume thoughtfully and Todoroki continued, "Something to help captures seems reasonable enough."

"First aid."

Todoroki looked up, as though expecting Bakugou and Fuyu rolled her eyes. She tapped the waist of his costume and grabbed her pencil, sketching boxes on either side of his hips. "What about stuff you could use for first aid? Since you might get on the scene before an ambulance comes, it'd be useful if you had something to help out the injured."

Fuyu's brows knitted in thought and Todoroki watched her in quietly avid interest. "I mean, since your costume will probably be made of fabric tailored to your Quirk, using them as clotting tools would probably fail. You could carry gauze, painkillers... basic emergency first aid items that could fit into a small space."

"Kits seem rather... bulky though." Todoroki said thoughtfully and Fuyu's lips quirked at the corner, eyes narrowed as she tapped his costume and then quickly erased the boxes she'd drawn on his hips.

"How about something like this—thin cylinders. Compact enough like pill capsules and they wouldn't get in the way while fighting. You could have a few around your belt like this... see?" Fuyu turned his costume form around and Todoroki took a step closer, a wave of crisp coolness washing over her. "You could even make 'em closed off so the bad guys wouldn't know what they were. They'd be watching out for a bomb or something then bam, bandages."

"...you seemed to have put a lot of thought into this."

"I was thinking about changing some stuff on my own costume since my kits are kind of big—but they get the job done and I can use them as weapons anyway."

Todoroki had the vague image of a snarling Fuyu chucking her first aid kits at the heads of several villains and tipped his head. "I see."

"How many is the next question... maybe two? No... ten?"

"Ten." They both looked down to her sketches of several cylinders around his waist, dangling in a fashion similar to Christmas lights and Fuyu dragged her eraser over the paper.

"...let's do five."

---

"Young Kouki!"

Fuyu let out a muffled screech of surprise, bread in her mouth and practically squishing the melon pan in her hands. Her legs knocked into her crutches and she saw the ground rush up to meet her until a firm hand snagged the back of her uniform and pulled her upright with perfect ease. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to startle you!"

Fuyu inhaled raggedly through her nose, finally managing to swallow the lump of bread in her mouth and she wobbly turned around to find none other than All Might in all his dazzling glory before her. Chest puffed out and hands on his hips with his bright smile that could rival the sun, her teacher beamed in front of her.

"...am I in trouble?" Fuyu said instantly.

"What? Oh! No such thing! You needn't worry," All Might clapped her over the shoulder and Fuyu nearly staggered with the action. "You see, I was hoping to find you and Young Midoriya informed me where you might be during lunch."

He knows where I eat? Fuyu blinked. Maybe I should ask him to pin point where Yami eats. "...okay. What'd you need?"

Fuyu held a fair amount of respect and awe for the man in front of her—it was impossible not to. Despite how little she may know of the pro heroes active in everyday society as of late, the interviews and video clips of his fights were impossible to avoid, and in all honesty, she never wanted to. They were inspiring—amazing.

But why would he want to talk to me? Fuyu straightened on her crutches. "Was someone hurt—"

"No, no, nothing of the sort," All Might's smile wavered only briefly and he awkwardly stood before her, beaming and bright and at a brief loss for words until he coughed into his fist. "You see, I know you have more of a... closer relationship with Aizawa, but I was hoping you and I could have a brief word."

You haven't been performing as we expected. I noticed your behavior at the sports festival. I wanted to discuss with you about the raid.

For a brief, fluttering second, Fuyu's heart halted.

You did something wrong.

"What you did for Ingenium... That was very heroic of you." Fuyu was still and All Might patted her shoulder comfortingly. "If you hadn't been told that yet, I merely wanted you to know. What you did impacted that man's life, and though he may not be able to take up his former mantle, he will be far from leaving the world of heroes anytime soon."

He squeezed her shoulder. "You did well, Young Kouki."

"Like a real hero."

"I—thank you," Fuyu said quietly, earnestly. She politely bowed her head and All Might beamed above her. "From someone like you... that means a lot, thank you."

A small smile curled over Fuyu's lips, slightly crooked and she looked up at her teacher. "Midoriya beat you to the punch, but I'll take the words from the Number One hero to heart."

All Might blinked, looking surprised for only a second before his smile widened even further. Fuyu's eyes flickered, the strange desire to take a glimpse at his thread fluttering through her for only a moment before All Might was patting her shoulder again and she was barely managing to keep herself upright. "Well! I'm glad that your peers understand the work you're putting in outside of school as well. I wish you the best of luck on your internships—I know you will do great things, Young Kouki!"

"Thanks," Fuyu mumbled, shifting her weight to one side as she rubbed the back of her neck. "I'll... I'll do my best." Even if I haven't even picked an agency yet.

"If you'll excuse me, there are some duties, I, as a teacher, must see too!" All Might beamed, turning on his heel and a gust of wind followed as Fuyu braced herself. "I must add though, compared to the beginning of the semester, you should be proud to know that you have grown, Young Kouki."

Fuyu's eyes landed on the broad back in front of her, seeing again and again just how similar Midoriya and the legend in front of her seemed to be. Maybe he is his kid, after all. "Thank you, All Might-sensei."

"And one more thing!" All Might waved as he shot down the hall, the heavy baritone of his voice carrying over to her. "Recovery Girl requested to see you in her office! Immediately!"

Fuyu's melon pan hit the floor, face paling at his words. Fuyu blinked once, realizing what she'd done and she glanced down her squashed bread and then to her crutches and then back to the floor and angrily chucked a crutch to the side.

By a stroke of luck, Kendo and Testsutetsu happened to pass by several minutes later and took pity on her haggard form wobbling along the wall to reach her abandoned crutch.

---

"You're banned from interning with me."

"What?"

Fuyu let out a yelp of pain when her cane smacked her arm, nearly tripping over her crutches for the umpteenth time that day as she steadied herself on Shuzenji's desk and shot the old woman a look of disbelief. "What do you mean banned?"

"You didn't see my name on that list, did you?" Shuzenji huffed, arms crossed firmly over her small body and Fuyu blinked. "That's that. My agency is off limits for you."

"But—" Fuyu dodged a swipe of the syringe shaped cane and her jaw dropped in disbelief. "Wouldn't it make sense for me to intern with you? I know I got offers from other agencies, but interning with you seemed the most, I don't know, reasonable?"

"Don't sass me," Shuzenji waved her cane in warning. "I don't care what you think, that's that. You already have lessons with me every day while school is in session—it's important that you get a taste of what others have to offer when it comes to teaching, especially in terms of becoming a proper hero."

Fuyu's mouth opened and closed, unable to find the right words to retort. She quickly racked her brain for some kind of argument, finding Shuzenji's words to be within reason but still undeniably hard to swallow. "If I intern with you though, I can hone my Quirk—"

"You and I both know very well," Shuzenji said sternly, "that you have a very steady grasp on your Quirk when it comes to healing. You gave a man who was told he'd be paralyzed from the waist down for the rest of his life a chance to walk out of that hospital on his own two feet."

Fuyu fell silent, eyes dropping to the floor as her grip on her crutches tightened. "But that still... I did something but—"

"He's scheduled to be walking out in several months," Shuzenji cut her off. "Considering his character, I'm sure he'll be working hard to get out in half that time."

Fuyu bit her lip, the memory of Iida's dark, shadowed eyes flashing through her mind. But he's still so upset. "But he... can't be a hero again, can he?"

Shuzenji set her cane down by her side. "You think there's only one way to be a hero?"

Fuyu's mouth twisted at the corner into a frown. "But—"

"I've had enough buts," Shuzenji said with a reprimanding wag of her finger and Fuyu held her tongue, eyes sliding to the side with a huff. "It isn't learning how to heal that you need help on. You can clearly do that yourself. Using that Quirk of yours for more practical uses is one thing, but it's about high time you understand what comes with being a pro hero with a Quirk like ours."

"What do you mean?" Fuyu's brows furrowed and she took a seat on one of the beds in the infirmary.

"The answers to a question like that," Shuzenji said mindfully, "can come from the hero you intern with—ah, here it is."

Fuyu watched in trepid silence as Shuzenji shoved aside a few boxes of Choco Babies and promptly tugged forth a slip of paper. A coffee stain bled through on the corner and as far as Fuyu knew, Shuzenji wasn't much of a coffee drinker herself. "You got one more offer that didn't make the list. I'd mentioned him to you before and put a special request to get him to consider—you should count yourself lucky that he decided to send an offer after all."

Shuzenji swung around on her swivel chair, presenting the stained slip of paper in front of Fuyu. "Well? Are your arms broken too?"

Fuyu rolled her eyes and batted away Shuzenji's cane when she swung it toward her once more. Fuyu's brows furrowed and she gingerly took the slip of paper, smoothing it out and she blinked at the name. Of course, she had absolutely no idea who the man was since she was sorely lacking in any present hero knowledge, and her eyes turned back up to Shuzenji.

"Even if you haven't heard of him, he's one of the finest out there." Shuzenji said proudly. "There aren't very many registered pro heroes with healing Quirks, you know. So you ought to count yourself lucky that I was able to pull a few strings for you."

"He has a healing Quirk?"

"How are your legs?"

"Better, I should be off crutches tomorrow—who is he?"

"And your back?"

"Aches but I'm fine—can you stop dodging questions?"

"Don't sass your teacher," Shuzenji reminded, waving her cane threateningly and Fuyu slumped back in her seat with a dull grunt. "It's my job to check on you. My lack of foresight resulted in your injuries, no matter how great of a deed what you did was. I'm going to be everything in my power to make sure it doesn't happen again."

Fuyu's heart warmed at her words but she kept it to herself, quietly tucking it away and saving it to remember. "As one of your teachers, I ought to put my two cents into a topic like this. These are important decisions, you know. They'll help shape your future as a hero."

Fuyu let the word hero ring around in her head more than she needed it too and then held that close as well. "If the training I need to do with my Quirk is working on the defensive and offensive abilities of my blood, shouldn't I be training with a more... battle oriented pro?"

Shuzenji tipped her visor up and let it sit in front of her neat bun. "Who said he wasn't battle oriented?"

"You know him personally?"

"He and I did much of our training together," Shuzenji explained, settling back into her chair and setting her hands in her lap with a sigh that hinted at a longer story. "Rough around the edges, but I think he'll be able to do the job of knocking into you what needs to be."

Sounds fun. Fuyu squinted at the paper in her hands, mouth twisting downwards at the corner as she recalled the several names listed on the papers sitting in her backpack in class. "...why do you think I should intern with him over the other offers?"

Shuzenji huffed. "Well, of course in the end it is your decision. But if you ask me, this man will be able to teach you a thing or two about what it means to be helpful—properly."

Fuyu paused, her thumb halting in the middle of smoothing the paper out.

"They'd be dumb to turn away someone with a Quirk like yours."

"If it's being useful then just drop out and be a nurse."

"They all think you can be useful."

Helpful.

---

"Iida?" Midoriya blinked wide green eyes at her and then his brows creased slightly, the corners of his mouth twisting downwards apologetically and Fuyu got her answer. "He... It looks like he turned in his forms and took off already."

Fuyu nodded, eyes drifting down to her scuffed up high tops and she finally relaxed her weight against her crutches properly. Her entire body sang with relief, blood thrumming through her veins as her legs went slack. "I see."

The low, evening sun cast their shadows long against the rows of lockers before the entrance of the school. The sun barely peered from the edges of the trees lining the school, dark and warming their skin as the world washed anew by the ran twinkled, if but only for a moment. Fuyu'd been fully intent on confronting her class president on his behavior with the idea of knocking his head around a bit, but a girl on crutches and a boy with engines for legs begged a clear victor.

Fuyu's mouth turned down into a frown and she sighed. Midoriya's grip on the straps of his yellow backpack tightened and he paused for a moment, mouth opening and closing before he seemed to finally decide on what he wanted to say. "Kouki... You're not blaming yourself for anything, are you?"

"It's not blame per say," Fuyu rubbed the back of her neck and turned her eyes upwards to meet Midoriya's worried gaze. "I just... It's annoying if the reason he won't talk to me is because he feels bad." It was my choice, and mine alone.

"I want to be helpful."

Midoriya's eyes drifted to the open doors as though half hoping Iida to appear over the horizon to make things right. "I... I'm sure he knows that if there's anything going on, he can talk to us. I hope he trusts up that much, at least."

"I'm sure he does," Fuyu offered encouragingly and Midoriya glanced back to her. "You're...you. Who wouldn't?"

Midoriya's cheeks flushed and his arms jerked upwards, boxing his face in at a strange angle and Fuyu snapped her fingers in realization. "I-I, you can't just say things like that Kouki—"

"Midoriya, can I ask you for a favor?"

Midoriya blinked from his strange arm barricade and Fuyu reached around, shuffling through her pocket before she tugged a paper free. "I figured out who I'm interning with, but I'm shit at things like this and don't know anything about him. I was hoping since you were really good with all this you might have an idea."

Midoriya's eyes instantly brightened several shades at the prospect of hero talk and Fuyu grinned, handing him the paper as he dropped his awkward arm stance. "I just figured out who I'd be interning with too! You got a good amount of offers so I'm sure he must be—are you serious?"

Fuyu stumbled back a step as Midoriya's entire aura seemed to shift. His eyes bulged out of his head, mouth dropping in disbelief as he nearly stumbled back into the lockers himself. "Y-Y-You—Kouki! I can't believe you got an offer from him! How did you even find him? No way, don't tell me he actually does have an office after all—"

Fuyu tapped the side of his leg with her crutch. "Translate."

"The Wandering Hero: Merlin!" Midoriya exclaimed, holding the coffee stained paper in his hands as though it were a ticket to a meet and greet with All Might himself. "They also call him the Hero of a Thousand Faces because no one knows what he looks like! The descriptions of who he is always changes with wherever he was recently seen. He's a pro hero who's been around for what seems like ages, so no one really knows how old he is or the logistics of his Quirk aside from a handful of people!"

Midoriya quickly reached around for his phone, tapping a few icons and then he brandished a dazzling hero forum with several links and threads for her to see. Several sketch drawings and blurry images of different men with the same shade of hair and eyes peered beneath a cloak, but the look of their actual face changed with each image. "He has a huge underground following because a lot of people don't really know who he is. They talk about one hero who was in their town and performed all sorts of miracles while another city might talk about someone else with a different name, but it's actually the same guy!"

"Sounds sketchy," Fuyu grunted. Maybe I should just tag along with Yami after all.

"Apparently he doesn't have an established base of operations," Midoriya explained hurriedly. "He moves from one city to the next with no warning and he doesn't have a definite ranking on the hero charts because all the issues he's resolved all get credited to different names because he changes what he says wherever he goes. I can't believe you actually got a lead on him—and you're interning with him too!"

Midoriya's eyes went wide in realization and Fuyu blinked, watching in faintly fond silence as he quickly reached around for his backpack and began to dig through. "If you can—can you get me a picture? Or maybe an autograph or, o-oh, but if he doesn't do those sorts of things that's fine! I don't want to be a bother, but if you write down any notes, please let me know!"

"Will do," Midoriya eagerly handed her paper back and Fuyu eyed it warily. Hero of a Thousand Faces. "I guess it's worth a shot."

"They say there's a case where he healed over a hundred people at once," Midoriya added, stars in his eyes and Fuyu realized she had no way of ever fighting off such infectious happiness. "I'm sure you'll be able to learn plenty from him!"

A small smile touched her lips and she sighed, tucking the paper back into her pocket. "I'll do my best. Thanks for the info though, nerd."

Midoriya's rapid word spill quickly stumbled to a halt and he flashed her a slightly soured look. Fuyu couldn't help the laugh that bubbled past her lips and Midoriya scratched his cheeks with a light blush. "Too much like, Hotshot?"

"When you say it like that though," Midoriya mumbled, shoulders slumping in slight defeat. "I know you don't mean it like he does..."

"Fuyu-chan! Deku-kun!" The two turned as Ochako bounced over to them, a bright smile on her face as she beamed. "Ready to go? Fuyu-chan, you should walk home with us too!"

Fuyu blinked, slightly taken aback and Ochako's eyes brightened with her idea, positively beaming at her and Midoriya smiled at her side. "I—well, I'll probably just slow you guys down."

Fuyu motioned to her crutches and Ochako looked thoughtful for a mere second before she promptly slapped both of Fuyu's legs.

The dark gray haired girl blinked as her entire body began to drift upwards and her crutches clattered to the ground. Ochako grinned, grabbing Fuyu's hand without any mercy. "No you won't! Deku-kun, grab her crutches, maybe we can swing by that mochi shop that opened up by the station!"

"This is completely unnecessary," Fuyu grumbled, body weightless as Ochako tugged her along like a doll and Midoriya smiled sheepishly, her crutches tucked under one arm as the three proceeded toward the entrance of the school.

"No it ain't!" Ochako declared brightly. "Just think of it as training—yeah! You're helping me out with training, thanks a ton, Fuyu-chan."

"Ocha, remind me never to get on your bad side."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Fuyu decided that the lightness in her heart was merely a result of Ochako's Quirk.

---

"Here's the play by play of what just happened!"

The low drone of the television in the center of the room filled the family sized apartment.

Windows pushed toward the edge of the room had the blinds tugged open, propped open so a gentle breeze could flood the home. Evening light streamed through the glass, bathing the entire room in a gentle warmth as a soft tap tap filled the room. Along a bookshelf pressed to the wall, several photo frames of a man and his lover beamed at whoever gazed upon them. Books were lined neatly beside a small potted plant, the ceramic holder cracked into pieces as dirt littered the ground and the small fern grew freely from its confines.

A low, deep hum filled the room. A repetitive schlick schlick following each note as a man rocked back and forth. His feet were braced apart, straddling another figure below him as he smiled from ear to ear, eyes shining in the low evening light as he raised his arm and turned his hand this way and that.

A metallic tang hung in the air, overpowered by the sweet scent of flowers. Vines erupted from the wooden floorboards, curving around pieces of furniture and engulfing the entire apartment from the inside as though it were a forest.

"Kouki Fuyu from Class 1-A, here on U.A's newly implemented health program was knocked unconscious and deemed no longer able to fight. Bakugou Katsuki from the same class will be advancing on to the next match!"

"That was quite an explosive battle though, wasn't it? I wasn't sure what to make of them at the beginning, but the two showed some real grit."

"U.A is proudly making their statement clear."

"Neh, neh, Dai-kun," the man clad in tattered business attire turned with a bright smile, cheeks flushed and bright red droplets coating the edges of his lips. "Are you almost done? We should get going soon~ I'm starting to get hungry!"

"In just a moment," a voice hummed back, typing away with carefully gloved fingers. A vine curled up along the coffee table and he idly stroked a thickened leaf as it curved beneath his fingertips. "I'm almost done here."

Advertisements and several tabs about the school on the television screen in front of him were pulled up. A detailed information page explaining class schedules and a brief over view of the school's belief system and their mission in training heroes popped up in the corner. He casually navigated the website in front of him, basic public information for those curious on sending their children to one of the finest establishments presenting him with just enough for what he needed to know.

For now.

Bright, forest green eyes traveled curiously to the side. He took in the growing red puddle at the other man's feet and the limp carcass below him. "Done already?"

"Mhm!" The business man shuffled aside so his friend could get a full view. "Doesn't she look so much prettier now? I think red really suits her!"

The man's eyes turned toward the television screen and he let out a sigh of longing, bringing the edge of his knife to his lips as he hummed. "Your friend is really cute though—when do we get to meet her?"

"Hopefully soon," gloved fingers closed the laptop and casually tossed it behind him. A vine erupted from the floorboards, piercing the computer and ripping it apart in a flicker of sparks and metal. "Patience yields the best results, you know."

"But waiting is so boring," the business man protested, skin and clothes beginning to melt onto the floor below him as sharp, piercing golden eyes glittered brightly and a wide smile stretched across Toga's flushed cheeks. "It's already so hard to live—we should do something exciting. Did you see what he did recently? He took down so many heroes but they got a picture of him just right and—"

She broke off with a fangirlish squeal, pressing bloody fingers to her cheeks as her eyes rolled up to the ceiling and she shuddered. "I wish I could meet him so bad."

A curved wooden tendril held out a change of clothes to her as her roommate stood, examining the floor and the apartment with one final glance over. "Take everything we need?"

"Of course!" Toga chirped, shrugging on the fresh uniform as she stood up from her work, the mutilated body beneath her turned over and hair shrouding the knife marked face. "What's next, Dai-kun?"

Dai-kun grinned, allowing a flurry of vines to erupt from the ground and wreak utter havoc on what remained. Books toppled over, the television screen shattered with a pierced tendril and the floorboards curved in on themselves, winding and twisting and he calmly gathered several papers he'd printed out for reference. Images of a potential future student's schedule at U.A were glimpsed beneath several others and he folded them neatly, tucking them into his pocket.

"Since we got what we came for," Dai-kun slung an arm over his roommates shoulders as she grinned gleefully, wrapping an arm around his waist as the two stepped over the mangled bodies.

"A h-h-hero will be here—"

I thought the same. He hummed, twirling his finger and the wooden door groaned, wood parting aside to allow them through and then shattering behind them. "What should we eat for dinner? Let's get something good."

Some people are merely out of reach.

"I want to eat at a cute café!"

"Hamburger steak it is. We'll get yours extra rare."

---

You won't be.

---

"Don't cause any trouble." He says. "Don't disrespect anyone." He says. Fuyu scowled, the case for her costume thumping casually against her leg as she shrugged her backpack over her shoulder and sighed. Couldn't even say good luck?

Yagi had merely thrown a cane her way and told her to bring it despite her protests. Naomi had sent her off to her internship with several homemade desserts and a gift box for the mysterious hero Merlin for taking care of their granddaughter.

The only highlight so far had been a good luck text from Shinsou and she'd braved one of the neighborhood cats to snap him a shot of the pretty gray tabby as thanks. Though she'd received several reminders that cats weren't a fan of her along her arms, her Quirk erased all evidence of the embarrassing encounter.

The cane peeked out of Fuyu's backpack from her refusal to use it for as long as she could. Her pace was steady, even footsteps and careful placement of her feet one after the other. The beginnings of the early morning commuter's rush were starting to show their familiar signs as people rushed all around her, Fuyu keeping a steady but reasonable pace toward the side as she made her way toward the station opening she was supposed to meet the rest of her class for a debriefing before Aizawa sent them off.

Kyoto, huh? Fuyu considered the money in her increasingly thin wallet and figured she could buy something to eat on the train ride there. I hope this internship is worth it.

She'd gone home after speaking with Midoriya and done whatever research she could on Merlin. True enough, it only lead to one thread after the other for different heroes under different names, but the striking glint of sharp gold eyes remained the same in each image. Fuyu had gotten fed up after a while and getting lost in other forums she didn't care much for, but she had bookmarked the articles of various "miracles" performed wherever Merlin went.

"He'll teach you how to be helpful."

"Fuyu-chan!"

"Good morning, ribbit."

"You're off your crutches!"

Fuyu looked up, nearly tripping over her lagging feet and she caught herself on a lamppost as Ochako and Tsuyu caught up to her, costume cases hanging in their grips as well—Fuyu blinked when she realized Hagakure was right beside them and she slowly straightened. "Morning."

"Are you sure you should be off them so soon?" Tsuyu questioned, glancing down to her slightly wobbling legs and Fuyu waved her off. "Why not use that cane in your backpack?"

"I'm not that old yet," Fuyu grumbled, adjusting the straps of her backpack with a huff. "Station's right around the corner anyway."

"Nice, we can walk together!" Ochako beamed, falling into step beside Fuyu. The dark gray haired girl opened her mouth to protest before she thought better of it, recalling Ochako's idea of training from the day before. "I'm a little nervous, but I'm also super excited!"

"I totally get you!" Hagakure's uniform shifted and Fuyu figured she was nodding. "I could barely sleep last night because I was so anxious. I hope I do well."

"Whatever happens, it'll be a good experience for us," Tsuyu said wisely. "Though it doesn't hurt to hope for some good luck, ribbit."

"We'll be counting on you," Ochako grinned, nudging Fuyu's side and she grinned in return.

"That'll be five yen."

"How stingy," Ochako teased and Fuyu's smile widened, shoulders relaxing slightly as the four of them rounded the corner toward the stairwell that opened down to the station's entrance.

"Ah! Those flowers are so pretty!" Hagakure gushed, skipping a few steps ahead toward several rows of bricked in flowerbeds against either side of the station entrance. "I didn't know they had some here, it really adds a nice touch!"

"Maybe a beautification project," Tsuyu offered, glancing over Hagakure's shoulder and blinking curiously. "They are rather pretty though, ribbit."

Fuyu followed their gazes curiously and she felt her heart come to a stuttering halt.

"They're beautiful."

The world around her slowed.

"I like to know I can make something nice out of all of this."

Bright, beautifully opened up flowers curved elegantly against the shade of an overhanging tree. They shone bright, golden yellow—little pieces of sun sprouting from the man made flowerbed tucked against the side of the station. Fuyu heard her pulse in her ears, felt her blood humming loud in her veins as her classmates continued to chat amiably about how pretty the flowers were and the nice placement beside all this concrete and metal.

"What kind of flowers are these?" Hagakure wondered curiously, uniform tipping to the side as she turned her head. "Do you guys know?"

Ochako frowned and Tsuyu looked thoughtful.

"Chrysanthemums," Fuyu whispered.

Her three friends turned. Ochako blinked, "What was that, Fuyu-chan?"

"T-The flowers," Fuyu stuttered, swallowing once and then steeling herself. "They're... they're chrysanthemums."

"Ah! Those are super popular here, of course!" Hagakure clapped invisible hands together. "How cute that they put them here, they look so nice!"

Tsuyu blinked, pressing a finger to her lips. "Is this the right season for them though?"

"No," Fuyu's mouth went dry and she felt sweat trickle down the side of her neck as she swallowed, taking one shaky step forward. "They're...late autumn flowers or early..."

Fuyu's eyes shakily turned and her body went rigid at the sole flower amidst its sun gold brethren—a deep, crimson red.

"Winter."

But it couldn't be—

"You came too late! He's gone! He's dead!"

"I COULDN'T DO ANYTHING."

"Fuyu-chan, are you alright?" Fuyu blinked, eyes snapping to her friends. Ochako and Tsuyu looked concerned while Hagakure's clear hand grabbed hers. "You look kind of sick."

"I-I'm fine," Fuyu stumbled out, eyes snapping back to the flowers and she froze, blinking once, twice.

The red flower she'd seen in the middle of all the bright yellows disappeared—nothing but yellow chrysanthemums standing tall and proud like miniature suns dappling the ground. Fuyu rubbed her eyes and scanned the entire row over and over again and sure enough, it was nowhere to be found.

A hallucination? Fuyu felt her heart sink and she grimaced, rubbing roughly at her temple. Is it because of the memories? Did I just imagine it?

"Just nerves," Fuyu mumbled, looking back to the flowers and feeling a small shudder down her spine. "Just nerves..."

"Must be someone's Quirk," Ochako mused. "I knew a girl in middle school who could make different flowers grow like that."

"Ah, I knew someone who could make specific trees grow!" Hagakure added cheerfully. "It was such a cool Quirk!"

Exactly. Fuyu shook hazy thoughts from her head and shoved back any senseless words to the furthest corners. The number of people with Quirks like that out there... I... it's just wishful thinking.

"Let's meet again!"

"Outta the fucking way, Apples." A rough shoulder bumped into hers and Fuyu blinked as she soon found the floor rushing up to meet her, unstable legs finally giving out. "The hell!"

"Bakugou, that was rude!" Ochako protested, having snagged Fuyu's arm and making her weightless for a brief second as she set the other girl upright on her feet. "You should be careful."

"How was I supposed to know she'd blow over like a leaf?" Bakugou snapped back, gripping his costume case tightly in one hand as he whirled around toward them. "I thought you were stronger than that!"

"You should apologize."

"She's the one that's always in the god damn way! What are you idiots doing yapping around in front of the station?"

"Bakugou-chan has a point," Tsuyu said thoughtfully and Bakugou snapped his teeth at her.

"Don't add chan to my name, Frog Face!"

"We should get going," Hagakure added, glancing toward the clock above the station entrance. "We'll be late!"

"Ah! You're right, Tooru-chan, let's go."

"I'm not finished yet, you dumbasses!"

"C'mon, Bakugou-kun, you too or you'll be late."

"Don't add fucking kun either, Round Face Uraraka!"

Fuyu grabbed her costume case off the floor, allowing herself to be pulled toward the station entrance with Ochako's arm slung through hers and Bakugou snapping at their heels behind them. Her brows furrowed and she cast one final glance over her shoulder toward the flowerbed, drinking in the sight before she turned her eyes forward.

---

"The yellow ones—they mean neglected love or sorrow."

---

"You all have your costumes, right?" Aizawa prompted, dully but attentively scanning over each and every one of them to make sure they did and he nodded in approval. "Remember, you aren't allowed to wear them in public. Don't drop them or anything either."

"Heck yeah!" Ashido cheered, thrusting her case upwards into the air and Aizawa scowled.

"It's not yeah, it's 'Yes sir,' Ashido." Aizawa scolded and Ashido deflated with a pout.

"Yessir."

"Make sure you mind your manners at your internship," Aizawa added, fixing Bakugou with a particular look and then dropping it to Fuyu, whose gaze was focused on the tips of her shoes as she held a cane loosely in one hand. "And pay attention."

Fuyu smiled faintly, looking up and meeting Aizawa's gaze firmly. "Off with you now."

"Yessir!"

Everyone quickly began to disperse, calling out well wishes and good lucks to each other. Fuyu waved Yaoyorozu and Jirou off with a promise to stay updated and called back to the others as they all headed toward their terminals. She grabbed the case at her feet, tucking her cane back into her backpack as Fuyu turned on her heel and settled her eyes onto the rigid back preparing to stride off a few feet from her.

Fuyu's eyes narrowed and she took loud, purposeful steps toward him. "Yo, Class Rep—"

"Kouki-san," Fuyu stepped back in surprise when Iida turned on his heel to face her. She blinked, startled by the shadowed look above his glasses before he offered her the same, tight smile. "Forgive my behavior the other day. I had... a lot on my mind."

"...sure," Fuyu's brows furrowed and she straightened. "Iida, I just wanted you to know that it was my choice back there in that hospital room. I don't care what you might be thinking but I'm fine now and it was—"

"I know," Iida said quietly. Fuyu's next words faltered and he inclined his head. "Thank you, Kouki-san, for what you did. I owe you a great debt."

Fuyu's gut twisted uncomfortably and her lips parted. "Iida!"

Midoriya and Ochako appeared on either side, faces contorted into clear worry and Fuyu took a step back as Midoriya offered Iida a determined though worried look. "If there's anything bothering you, you can talk to us, alright?"

Ochako nodded vigorously. "No matter what!"

Iida's smile widened a fraction and he nodded. "I know. Thank you."

Without another word, the trio broke off as Iida turned on his heel and proceeded toward his own train. Fuyu watched his back for a second longer before glancing to Midoriya and Ochako who watched their friend walk off. Her eyes dropped to the ground and she adjusted her backpack over her shoulder. I don't trust that smile as far as I can throw it, but it'll have to wait till after this week is over.

"Fuyu-chan, good luck at your internship!" Fuyu's eyes shot up and Ochako offered her a bright smile, Midoriya's eyes just as warm at her side. "Keep us posted, okay?"

"I will," Fuyu said honestly, offering them a crooked grin and she straightened. "Try not to get into too much trouble or get your asses kicked, alright? My internship's a little too far for me to heal you guys."

"I'll do my best," Midoriya said sheepishly, ruffling the back of his messy head. "Have a safe trip."

"You guys, too," Fuyu turned, waving to them once more before she began to search out one figure who should've been waiting for her in the crowd of her dispersing classmates. Now—

"You're sure you're alright?"

Fuyu's lips quirked, eyes swiveling to the side where a brush of heat appeared along with the whisper of cool air. Todoroki's gaze was settled on her legs, as though waiting in case they were to collapse beneath her any second. Fuyu threateningly waved her cane and Todoroki mindfully pushed it aside and back towards her.

"You should be worryin' about yourself," Fuyu huffed. "I won't be around to heal you, you know. Who knows how badly you'll get your ass handed to you."

"I can imagine," Todoroki said calmly, eyes dipping down to the case in her hands and Fuyu glanced to his. "I took your advice."

"Hope it comes in handy," Fuyu murmured, hoping on her namesake that none of her classmates would need her during their internships for their own sakes. A thought suddenly struck her and she nudged Todoroki's foot with her own, his brow arching slightly.

"I still expect something every day," Fuyu warned, narrowing her eyes and Todoroki met her gaze evenly, quiet gray and clear sea glass looking a little more at her and a little less at something beyond her now. "If you don't, you'll have hell to pay later when we get back."

"I'm beginning to realize that I seem to be lacking any payment for these."

"The great memory of our friendship should be enough," Fuyu said haughtily. "I'll throw in some extra protection when flu season comes around."

Todoroki's lips curved upwards the faintest bit, like a cool whisper. "I see."

"Good luck," Fuyu said quietly.

Todoroki bowed his head slightly, eyes never leaving hers. "You too."

Fuyu's lips turned into a crooked smile and her eyes drifted over his shoulder, finally spotting the person she needed to see waiting patiently by their own terminal. She stepped past Todoroki, nudging his left shoulder and flashing him one final grin before she was walking off with a soft tinkle of the bells behind her.

"I was beginning to think we might miss our train," Tokoyami said breezily and Fuyu grinned widely, swinging her arms at her sides.

"Aw, we'll be fine. I say we grab something good to eat before we head off. I heard the konbini at the lower level has really good melon pan."

"I doubt melon pan will be enough to tide you over on the train ride to Kyoto," Tokoyami pointed out and Fuyu shrugged.

"I'll grab a rice ball too."

"...how about you leave the purchase of our lunch to me?"

"I'll buy the drinks then."

Tokoyami snorted, allowing her that much and Fuyu playfully nudged her classmates shoulder as they passed through the terminal gate for the bullet train. "C'mon, you've only got me for two hours before you're on your own to Kyushu. Let's make the most of it."

Tokoyami rolled his eyes. "I'm counting the minutes."

"No need for your sass, God of the Night."

"I see. I'll remember that, great Hero of Fate—"

Fuyu threw a weak kick at the back of his knees and the two of them set off towards the beginning of the long week ahead of them.

---

Next Chapter:

An old shrine. The weight that rides on someone's shoulders. Traveling. A picture. Evening text messages and a man with a thousand faces.

"The thing is, just because someone's in your reach... it doesn't mean you have to grab them."

---

Comment Highlights:

"Speaking of which, if Kouki faces him, she is totally screwed. If there is ever a bad match up, then those two would be the crowning achievement."

"Me: *reads this chapter* Wow, these flower guys just won't leave Fuyu alone! *looks down and realizes I'm wearing a shirt decorated with flowers* "Oh goddammit!"

"okay so im? midoriya is such a babe I want him and fuyu to become pro hero best friends and I want them to cuddle on the couch and watch the news and debate the pros and cons of their coworkers powers like wow I love their dynamic so much?"

"OOF, FUYU YOU BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL FICTIONAL CHARACTER THAT I LIVE VICARIOUSLY THRU"

"B Positive as her hero name"

"Awkward moment when you accidentally confuse two characters"

"ALL I WANTED TO DO WAS EAT MY SANDWICH AND READ A HECKIN GOOD FF. LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT ID LITERALLY BE SOBBING INTO MY SANDWICH AS I ATE IT"

"FUCK WE'RE BACK TO FLOWER BOI. MORE LIKE FUCKIN' WEED BOI, SINCE WE CAN'T GET RID OF HIM AND HE SUCKS THE ENJOYMENT OUT OF EVERYTHING."

"So I've been following this story for a wee bit now, but I've always been hesitant to review because right after I finish a chapter all I can really get out is OMG SO GOOD WHY CHAPTER STOP?"

"tbh the highlight of this chapter was the we-lost-to-Bakugou club"

"Fuyu neEDS SOME REST AND HAPPINESS AND PEACE."

"WHO IS BEST BOY?!"

"When I first read the name Roki I was like, "who the hell is this bitch getting close to our healer she already have Todoroki and Bakugou" and I paused when I think of Todoroki and I just realized that TodoROKI and I literally facepalmed."

Sorry I know these highlights add some length but I can't help it you all having me crying, I can't.

On a side note, someone asked and the reason for the "wish on namesake" thing and Ochako teasing Fuyu's name, Kouki Fuyu:幸(kou) meaning "happiness, good luck" combined with 希(ki) meaning "hope" or 輝(ki) meaning "brightness". And Fuyu 冬(fuyu) meaning "winter" so she was named with the idea of "Good luck in winter" or in a sense, good luck and brightness through the coldest and harshest of seasons.

Her hero name Akaito is also just a combination of the term Aka Ito, which is the red string of fate and the title of her favorite picture book ;)

Yutaka Nakamura (the guy behind some of the amazing animation for Kekkai Sensen and Yozakura Quartet and the Deku vs. Todoroki fight) working on next week's episode gives me absolute life and the fact that next week's episode is next week has me Deku-head bashing.

ALSO CURRENLY DEKU-HEAD BASHING OVER THE FACT THAT YOU'RE ALL AMAZING AND THE LOVE I HAVE FOR ALL OF YOU CANNOT BE EXPRESSED IN AUTHOR'S NOTES ALONE. YOU ALL HAVE NO IDEA. THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH.

The ideas some of you guys had for her hero name were honestly way cleverer than the one I came up with, HAHAHA. I just had to stick with this one though cause I was tryna hint at it a bit and now we finally get a title for that favorite book of hers. First Aid and Lifeline were huge contenders though, ngl. Fuyu also got 272 (273 with Merlin's) because THAT'S HOW MANY REVIEWS THIS STORY HAS AND OVER 600 FOLLOWS AND OVER 500 FAVORTIES AND YOU'RE ALL WONDERFUL AND KIND, GAH.

I'm floored you guys all enjoyed the little bit of world building last chapter. I've always thought Quirk Trafficking or auctioning would be such a cool thing to explore in a world like BNHA so I'm playing a little hand at it and I'm really excited to touch more on it along with some other ideas, so I hope you all are too :) The scene with Tensei and Fuyu was a fun one to write, so the fact that it touched so many of you in the way I hoped it would has me over the moon, so thank you for loving it and for reading these ridiculously long chapters. The nice thing about writing this story a little later on is that now we've got some fresh blood in the manga to work with and ofc I'm going to talk about Wash because—C'MON.

To answer a few questions: Yagi's Quirk? His Quirk hasn't been touched on yet but it will ;) Class arrangement? Fuyu actually didn't replace anyone in the class! I know it might've been more practical, but in this story it is a class of 21 because technically what happened was Fuyu received an offer from the principal at a later date after the entrance exams at the behest of some certain people who felt U.A was what she needed. With the idea of her being there for a health program and spending most of her time with Recovery Girl, they figured adding her to one of the Hero Course classes would give her better access to using her Quirk as a hero. (I also couldn't really bring myself to take any of the characters out because even though we haven't seen massive development from some I love them all too much and putting her in Class B would've required some character building I was hesitant to make with the lack of info on Class B's characters)

So the seating is Fuyu where Kouda would have sat, Kouda where Iida would have sat in front of Uraraka, and Iida sitting in an extra desk they placed into the room beside Uraraka. It's a slightly less appealing formation but I was weak and couldn't cut anyone out. :,)

We've also got some new fanart for Fuyu, one by Mikzer0 on deviantart with Fuyu done in BNHA-styled art and it's adorable and amazing and you should all check it out without a doubt! The other is from art-of-versati who did a beautiful piece with Fuyu and the red string (and her eyes are amazing in this one) and you can find that on my tumblr alkhale or theirs! Thank you so much and I know some of you have more pieces in the works, so thank you for taking the time out to do these.

P.S- some of you were talking about how this is tempting you guys to write your own BNHA fanfics and I say PLEASE DO IT, I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU GUYS ARE WILLING TO PUT OUT THERE AND I KNOW IT'LL BE AMAZING FOR THIS GROWING FANDOM :)

Marshmellow-

-OUT!