I OWN NOTHING

Welp, let's continue the story and see how far I can go with this madness in this dungeon. Though, being honest, I am itching to make more slice of life bits… oh my, I've become a fangirl!

XXXXXX

Resting in another Safe Room did the team good, after they changed into their gear.

"Alright, it seems we made good progress." Momo said as they sat down and relaxed.

Izuku was rearranging his notes and adding news ones on his notebook, Ochako was eyeing a set of expensive-looking swimsuits, Katsuki sat back with his feet on a table, and Momo was enjoying a book.

Joe walked to the team's brain, "It's been a long day, but we've secured half our route to the manager's office. We can go back if someone's not feeling too hot."

Actually, they had used a good amount of their surprise and had some good loot. Not to mention, the team was showing bruises from the pool ordeal.

Marianne was also there, standing beside the entrance, and would've stopped Joe from going out, "Halt there, pet."

"The Hell!?" Katsuki exclaimed in shock and slight fear, stepping back.

Izuku felt uneasy, "She's everywhere like some cartoon character… Actually, why am I even surprised?"

Marianne coughed into her fist, "Good job making it this far, pet. That is all your praise for now, cherish it." She closed her eyes and kept her high and mighty attitude.

"Pint-sized pest…" Katsuki growled.

Izuku turned to him, "Kacchan, do you think it's a good idea after seeing what she can do?"

"Yes, listen to the good pupil, punk." Marianne said as she pulled out a cookie from her skirt, "He actually earned a treat."

Izuku caught it, mesmerized, "Oh, chocolate chip!" he happily nibbled it.

"Damn it, now I want one!" the explosive blond groaned, making the girls and the Fool sweat awkwardly.

"As for you, pet." Marianne walked to him, "You've cleared a great path, so master told me to help you. Be thankful he is a kind teacher giving you opportunities. Do not waste them."

With a snap of her fingers, all of the team's soreness, fatigue and mental exhaustion felt like a thing from years ago.

"Whoa… I feel like a weight's been lifted…" Ochako marveled as she rolled around her shoulder.

"You can also use the Velvet Room to access spaces like this." She told them, "A little service of mine for free as your senior. Be thankful."

Momo bowed, "Thank you, Marianne-chan."

The girl grew very flustered, but tried to hide it, "That's senpai!"

Giggling almost uncharacteristically, the team's advisor nodded, "Sorry, Marianne-senpai."

"Th-that's better." She huffed, "Now, if you wish to return to gather your strength, let my cute pet choose the destination and I'll open the door for all of you. If he wishes to see the master and use our services, he is free to do so, too. Y-You better be thankful I do it for such troublemakers like you all! Treating your senpai like a bunny at a petting zoo…"

Ochako closed her eyes and poked her tongue out as she grinned in a cutesy anime-grin, "Sorry, but you are so adorable my hands just…"

"W-Wait, stop it already!" Ochako and Momo had subconsciously started to pet her.

Once again, Izuku was confused, but looked thoughtful, "Is this womanly instinct? And here I thought girls were already hard to predict."

"It may as well just be these three." Katsuki grumbled with his arms crossed.

Izuku then turned to Joe, "What's your call? You should end poor Marianne's suffering, though."

Once again, the option of stopping the girls and doing what Izuku suggested was presented to the Fool Arcana user. But when there was an option to pet a cute girl, any man would take it.

"N-No more…" the poor Velvet Room assistant mewled and then, much to her dismay and the girls' delight, let out a purr.

"So cute!" Momo and Ochako nearly squealed, resuming their petting.

"That kid's going to need therapy." Izuku sighed.

Once they stopped, Katsuki wouldn't be too happy on Joe's choice, "Tch, why do we gotta go? I was getting fired up!"

The team decided to ignore him. It was starting to get dark, and they had a busy week ahead of them. It was obvious, but Joe would have to call them to see when they would go back in.

And thus, he had some time to himself to be prepared and check those bonds.

XXXXXX

Since it was late, Joe felt wanted to relax with the only person he knew would be lively at that hour despite studying being forced into Japanese culture like a nail hammered into wood.

"Oh, there's my dance buddy!" Mina cheered, standing beside the dance machine with a smile and a simple two-fingered salute. She was also wearing less flashy clothes than him: a single-piece olive green sweater/dress with medium-length sleeves and a miniskirt.

Joe could check out his bond with her, but he already had a decent Persona from the Sun Arcana, "I'd like to show you my moves."

She beamed, "Those are fighting words! Alright! Let's dance, baby!"

A small crowd started to gather around Mina and Joe, watching the boy tiredly but determinedly try to follow her rhythm as they hopped to one side with their legs crossed and arms thrown to the left.

"Wow, that girl's real good!" a random student said.

"Ain't that one popular girl from that school?" a trend-following lad guessed.

"Oh yeah, she's cute as ever." Another trendy teen confirmed, "But who's the scrawny dude with her?"

"Hey!" Joe was surprised that it was Mina who replied to that instead of him. Surprisingly, she wasn't mad, just serious, which was kind of uncharacteristic for her, "How about you give the guy some slack!? He's at least trying to learn a couple things here. Besides, he can keep up with me for once!"

"S-Sorry!" the trendy boys bowed apologetically.

Once it was over, the two walked to a vending machine which Mina used to get some fizz, "Man, I can't take it when someone just…"

He decided to see if he could calm her down, "Thanks."

She stared at him, still not opening her can, "What for? You mean standing up to them?" she giggled, "Well, don't be. I'm actually far calmer and even solve problems like this by breakdancing."

He tilted his head quizzically to the side.

A giggle escaped the pink girl, "I've done odder, trust me. But honestly, at least you kept dancing. That ought to earn you some respect, right? I wish I could be smarter, though…" scratching the back of her head, Mina looked up, "It'd help, to say the least."

"You are teaching me." he reminded her.

That caused her to snicker, "You don't have to be so cheesy, but thanks! And, heh, you're right." she looked down, "I should still think twice, you know. But when I see something, I just want to act."

"Looks good to me, Ashido-san." A student in a black uniform approached them, his face covered in piercings and his hair dyed orange in a large Mohawk.

"Huh?" she asked, confused, "U-Um, have we met before?"

The pierced student beamed, "Worry not, we didn't have classes together. But man, I saw what you did back in middle school! Dancing, cheering, and even being popular with teachers despite not being smart."

"Thanks… I guess." She managed to keep a smile, something Joe nearly applauded.

"And you got talent as a dancer, too much for a place as small as a simple machine!" he approached her, smiling widely, "How about I hook you up to the right stages?"

"Wait, are you serious?" Mina could be a bit of a ditz, but she wasn't that foolish.

The teen chuckled, "I couldn't joke about it. I really need a good dancer for a few ideas I got." He leaned close to her, "And I'm talking being even more famous than some heroes."

Mina examined the card he handed her while Joe examined the teen, 'Is this too good to be true or a good truth?'

The pierced teen turned to Joe, "So, you her pupil or something?" he grinned wickedly wide, showing shark teeth to put Eijirou's to shame, "Come on man, don't be a stick in the mud. If you're learning with her, be proud. You couldn't have a better teacher. Am I right, Ashido-san?"

The horned girl accepted the card, "Well, if you're buttering me up this much, I better look at it." Then she turned to Joe, "So long as you talk with my manager."

She winked at Joe, confusing the oddly grinning teen, "Manager? But he's our age."

Joe adjusted his shades, "I'm good at multi-tasking."

"See?" she held up the card, "I'll give it some thought, ok?"

"Sure… but man, a manager already, and one so… odd…" he chuckled, "You really are on a one-way line to idol fame, Ashido-san."

And with that, he left the two.

Mina sighed, "Sorry for roping you into this. But now I gotta thank you." She held up the card, "I want to think he's telling the truth, but… I've seen how some people can be."

Joe didn't waste a second in choosing the best answer, "When you're famous, I ask for 40%."

That caused her to burst laughing, "A ha ha ha! W-Why do… Whoa, cheap much?" she doubled over, wiping a tear as she caught her breath, "Well, looks like I gotta thank you again. I feel almost refreshed."

He nodded, happy to see her happy, 'Seems she just taught me how to clue others to my intentions.'

RANK UP!

Sun: Ashido Mina.

Rank 2: Two to Tango – Use flair to get your allies to join you in Flare attacks. Use different combinations to stun enemies or debuff them with the right partner.

A small grin appeared on his lips, he could feel his charm oozing after how cool he acted with her.

XXXXXX

Next day at school, Joe was tasked with doing an essay along others, but he saw something he recalled in his note-sharing session.

'I know this subject, I can do this in a breeze thanks to Itsuka's tips.' He sped through the class and had a lot of free time on his hands before the bell rung.

-SCHOOL BREAK: Thanks to Itsuka's help, you can spend time with others or prepare yourself. Use it wisely.

He could try to study some more or check up on his cellphone, which he did to see a message from the girl who helped him:

Kendo – Hey Brown-san! Our pop quiz is over!

Brown – Good for you./Had any luck?

Kendo – Thanks to you it was easy!

Brown – Anything on your mind?/As bored as I am?

Kendo – Kinda. How about we meet at a library I know? No Monoma to butt in.

Brown – That's a plan.

Kendo – See you there!

Just as he was about to put his phone away, he got another text:

Hatsume – Yo, my partner in crime!

Brown – What's up?/Please don't call me that.

Hatsume – Sorry to bother you, but I need your help testing something.

Brown – Is it dangerous?/ What's it?

Hatsume – You shall come and find out! Come as soon as you get lunch!

Brown – Alright.

Hatsume – Put some enthusiasm, because I'll blow your mind!

After the concussion he got from her grappling hook, he didn't want to see what she meant by that. But he made some plans, and he had to see them through.

Thus, he ended up going to Mei's little lab against his better judgment, "There you are! About time! I couldn't wait to test these babies!"

She had a massive grin on her face that unnerved him recalling the last time he saw it. Once again, his ass met a chair while she ran around, getting what she needed.

And before he could ask what she had in mind, she put a handgun on his hand, "Try this one out." He stared at the futuristic looking gun, "Trust me, this one will make us big names in history!"

He took aim and a board just appeared before him, worrying the boy. However, he had a job to do and fired. A splatting sound made him feel disappointed and baffled at the same time: it was a paint-gun.

"Hmm, it still needs some work." She said as she examined the splat on the board, "That membrane is good to resist the shot, but the impact totally ruined it."

Watching Mei bite her lower lip was an odd change of pace. Instead of her cheerful self, she was frowning and picking up bits of the ball that had kept the paint in.

"Alright then, next test." She handed him a bat and swiftly came out with what looked like a piece of glass, "Use those muscles and give it a smack."

He tilted his head to the side, "What if I hit you?"

She beamed, "Part of the test. Now, put your back and hips into it!"

He wasn't as big a cricket fan as others, but he had practice with the sword. Without thinking, he swung… and gasped when the 'glass' bounced his attack back at him, right in the face!

"Perfect!" she cheered, "This baby is finally making progress! If only I could fit this kind of density into a smaller package, I could… Oh, are you okay?"

Due to the shock, he still had the bat glued to his face, both hands gripping it, but he managed to let out a pained, "What're you doing?"

Temptation to say something else appeared, obviously, but he held it in. After all, what kind of glass just hits you back?

Mei had a massive grin, "This is my latest project, a reflective barrier. I've prepared some batches already, but this work in progress needs a lot more tests."

Leaning his head to the side, he non-verbally asked her what she meant.

Again, she beamed, "Interested, I see. Well, it's an idea I had to make my babies more resistant. You know, in case…" she had her mouth open, but soon closed it, "Well, you get the idea."

Of course, he worried, "Something the matter?"

"It's taken me a while, so I can't let this go to waste. Not when I'm so close." She said, crossing her arms with a thoughtful look, "You should know this is secret. I shouldn't need to remind you what happens if your tongue slips, do I?" she had a smirk to make the slyest demons blush.

He kept his cool, though, "My lips are sealed."

She nodded, "And they better be. Alright, we can call it a day. I will tell you later when this project bears fruit." Then she gave him a thumb up, "And you can expect something for your face. I need to keep my little guinea pig happy, don't I? And what better than variety?"

With a cackle that echoed in her workshop, the pink-haired girl greatly worried him as sweat started to drip down the back of his head.

'It feels like Mei and I can understand each other more.'

RANK UP!

Devil: Hatsume Mei.

Rank 2: Guns Galore – Mei's adding new guns to your menu. Be careful and choose wisely whether you want more ammo, better aim, or a stronger bite.

At the very least, his experiment helped increase his proficiency in learning how to avoid hitting himself.

XXXXXX

After everything was said and done, he found Itsuka sitting by a window on a library/café combination hidden in one of the business district's many small alleys. It was getting late, but it went to show how diligent she was when studying to see her there. Already she had a couple books to keep her company and a latte. And she looked lovely wearing a yellow blouse, a white skirt, and a blue vest.

When she turned to him, there was already a smile on her place, "Thanks for your notes the other day. So, you ready?"

He nodded and sat down, both ready to do some studying.

A giggle escaped her, "I hope you like this place. It's small, sure, but it has all you need. Good books, a decent selection of treats and drinks, and silence."

Giving her another nod was his response and both got back into their studying.

As they read and shared each other's notes, time seemed to fly, until she had to say something, "Uh…" she stared at him, "I know it'll sound weird, but thank you. For the time you helped me."

He remembered it and tried to be nice, "You and Eijirou did it."

She grinned, "You're the one who went in after hearing me call for help." She looked at her lap, "You know, I saw that girl who we helped. She didn't make it in, but we've been talking."

Oddly enough, she seemed to be blushing, "How is she?"

Hearing his concern for others made her smile, "She's fine, thanks to you and Kirishima. Honestly, she thanked me so much I feel I should put that burden on you." She looked at him with a smaller grin, "We've been talking every now and then. I don't think we're the best of friends, but it's nice. She often tells me to thank you, but I tell her to do so herself."

Jerkish responses came to his head like asking if the girl was hot or if Itsuka was jealous.

But he saved any and all smartass comments for Katsuki, "Kirishima held up the debris, though."

That cheered her up, "Heh, maybe I should tell her that next time. It'd be an odd couple, though. Can you imagine someone like him dating a girl?"

He could, and it'd be worth looking into, but he decided not to and stuck to being himself, "Should we give him pointers?"

Itsuka had to clamp a hand over her mouth to not burst out laughing, "C-Come on, don't be so mean! I may get us kicked out if I l-laugh…"

Seeing her blush was utterly adorable.

"My, I never thought I'd see a boy this bold." Someone seemed to agree, and it was Neito, "Kendo-san, are you doing alright?"

She gasped, "When did you get here?"

"Oh, I've been keeping an eye on promising rivals." Neito stood beside Joe, grinning, "After all, he's been getting along with many of our peers. I can't help but wonder what he plans to do should he add you. Is it a very elaborate network or something deeper?"

Itsuka sighed tiredly, "Monoma, you're putting too much thought into this."

"Am I?" the blond asked, "Bear with me for a second, Kendo-san. Your friend has hung with some of his class' cuties. How could I not worry for you? Maybe he's also seeing girls outside our classrooms."

While he was right, Itsuka was too much of a sweetie to buy it, "I know you want to surpass others, but do you have to?"

Chuckling, the grinning teen shrugged, "How could I not? Mankind's made it this far thanks to competition. And why are you so worried? I'm just checking a possible rival."

Itsuka blushed, "What're you implying?"

Leaning close to her, Neito answered bluntly, "Itsuka-san, could you be interested in him?"

A thunderous karate chop rendered the boy unconscious, giving Itsuka time to breathe deeply and turn to Joe.

"Sorry about that." She said while Neito lied face down on the floor, "I hope he didn't make it too embarrassing. But he crossed a few lines already."

Joe pushed up his shades before answering, "You gotta teach me that move."

A grin graced her lips, and he felt like it should always be that way, "Does anything faze you? Heh, I may try to learn how to deal with your poker face."

While their uninvited guest slept, the two had some fun studying and making small talk in their study session.

Once it was over, Itsuka and he walked out before she turned to him, "If you want to see me for another session, I'm usually here. It's a nice, relaxing place. Heh, you could even bring some friends to relax."

With a new location discovered to boost his charm and knowledge by studying and drinking coffee like a suave role model, Joe smiled at the girl.

"And sorry for what happened, again." She sighed, "I will insist that he's not bad. He can be a good hero, but he needs to learn some patience."

"Or you could teach me that move." He replied.

Another giggle came to her, "Hehe, yeah, that could help."

'Itsuka's patience is starting to click with me.'

RANK UP!

Temperance: Kendo Itsuka.

Rank 2: Love Chop – Spend more hours studying or working to gain double the money and points at the cost of using two time slots.

Studying with Itsuka proved useful to increase his knowledge and charm.

XXXXXX

After a rather uneventful sleep, Joe walked to the school where he met Katsuki at the entrance.

"Hey, is there a plan for today?" he asked.

Joe could say he was ready to get into the Fortress, but decided to calm him down a bit, "Working on one."

Katsuki groaned, "Fine. Just let me know when it's time to blow shit up."

Thinking on that conversation during classes, Joe thought he could try to get to know those who dived into danger along him a bit more. However, to surprise Momo he needed to advance his proficiency.

Thus it was when classes were over that he approached Izuku.

"Do you want to go into the Fortress?" he asked after moving his eyes from his current notes on heroes and Shadows.

Shaking his head, Joe informed him that they should hang out a bit.

"Really? Well, I guess you must have something in mind to be this calm and collected." He nodded confidently to his friend, "Well, I'm up for it. Let's have some fun."

Izuku and Joe were doing something the British boy didn't expect, go to a beach. And a familiar one at that if memory served him well.

"Do you remember this place?" Izuku asked still wearing his school uniform.

Joe nodded, "It was where All Might asked to see us."

Izuku beamed, "Yeah, I should have known you wouldn't forget." He turned to the sand and walked over it, "Man, it's really been a while. I…"

Once someone got used to Izuku's rambling and overanalytical nature, they could expect him to talk a lot. But he was acting different that day.

"I've been thinking about my Quirk." He told the spectacled teen, "How cool it is to have any kind. Yours makes The Nightmare less scary. Kacchan's amazing. Uraraka's also impressive."

Joe let him go on, knowing his salad-haired friend had a lot in his mind.

"There are so many and they make people so unique. Even my mom has a Quirk she used to play with me… And I have one I can't still control."

Knowing how he was, Joe remained silent.

"But… I want to control it, to use it to its fullest, like you." He turned to his silent friend, "Also like Kacchan, like Uraraka, and many others. You're all really impressive people. I can't help but be a bit jealous… There have been times I also thought about it. What would having one of their Quirks be like?"

Finally, it was time to speak, "Would it have mattered?"

Izuku stood still from surprise at the question, but managed to shake his head, "Who knows? But if I had a Quirk of my own, how would things be?"

Joe answered truthfully, "We probably wouldn't be friends."

"W-What!?" Izuku gasped, baffled, "Are you serious!?" he took a moment to think on it, closing his mouth and then his eyes thoughtfully, "Actually… if things hadn't happened the way they did..."

"Would we have met?" Joe retorted.

Nodding in understanding, Izuku chuckled, "Y-Yeah, I guess that… It's this kind of luck that just let us be us… Does that make sense?"

Smiling, Joe answered bluntly, "In an insane and nonsensical way."

Izuku started snickering, "You never change, do you? But thank you…" he put a hand to his chest, "I have to master this Quirk. But now I know I don't have to worry. I was given this chance, and thanks to it we met."

"Oi nerds!" Katsuki appeared, holding some plastic bags as he snapped them out of their thoughts.

"K-Kacchan!?" the former victim jumped back in surprise.

Their blond party member narrowed his eyes at them, "What're you two doing? Is this some date?"

Izuku sighed, "You never change either, I see."

"What's that supposed to mean?" the angry boy snapped.

And then, Izuku chuckled, "I guess that may be for the best."

"What the… Are you pulling my leg or something?" Katsuki was very confused.

Rubbing the back of his green head, Izuku tried to form a decent answer, "I guess I should thank you, too. If not for many things you were a part of, we three wouldn't be friends."

"Friends my ass!" Katsuki spat on the floor, "I only stick with you because you're at least decent company battling Shadows."

Joe had the perfect answer for that, "We love you too."

Izuku started chuckling, irking Katsuki more, "That's it! I'm breaking your bones next time we have to fight!"

"I guess this is Kacchan's soft side when in public." Joe was surprised, Izuku actually poked fun at Katsuki.

"Ugh, it's like you two feed off each other's nerdiness…" Katsuki could tell he was fighting a lost battle, "Whatever, I better go and get that old hag this or she's gonna nag. Later, weirdoes."

Izuku watched him go and turned to Joe, smiling, "Some things never change, but I guess we've changed for the best."

Pride welled up inside Joe, 'I can feel Izuku's determination growing stronger.'

RANK UP!

Magician: Midoriya Izuku.

Rank 3: Follow Up – Chance to perform a follow-up attack if Joker's attack does not down the enemy.

Scholar's Wisdom – Spot special Shadows at a distance, but be careful not to alert them of your presence or they'll run off.

Joe smiled, for spending time with Izuku may not have helped his knowledge, but he was glad to see him get more used to being a hero.

XXXXXX

As it got late, Joe figured he'd check on Ochako, and he found her in the middle of the streets he met her before, checking prices with her expert eyes.

"Shades!" she cheered, "What're you doing here? Huh? Do you have a plan to enter the Fortress? What? Hang out? Well, I wouldn't mind. I'll teach you a trick or two about buying if you help me with a few bags. Don't worry, you won't carry all of them."

She showed surprise, ease, surprise again, and then a bashful smile followed by a sincere expression of friendship.

Thus, the two walked through the market with handfuls of bags before she spoke again, "Sorry if I got a bit carried away. I'd help you using my Quirk, but I've been using it to carry the really heavy stuff."

He could understand, for she carried so much stuff he wondered why her arms hadn't fallen off.

"Makes me feel like I'm lazy, to be honest." She said, looking up thoughtfully, "I really wish I could be strong like Kacchan and Deku. You're also pretty strong compared to me… Oh, sorry, I didn't mean it like…"

As she tried to find an answer, he thought of a way to calm her down, "I'll take it as a compliment."

She blushed but bowed her head slightly in gratitude, "Sorry, I've been told I tend to blurt out things I shouldn't." she looked up at him, "Hey, you seem pretty good at knowing what to say at times. How do you do it? Is it a Quirk of yours?"

He tried to be honest, "I just think it through."

"You must have a really fast brain, then." The gravity girl sighed and looked back down, "Lately, Iida's been telling me I say some bad things out of context. It seems that Deku was a name that Kacchan used to bully him, but I got so used to call him that. It's really hard for me not to call them Deku and Kacchan or you Shades. I like it, but when I saw that Deku was okay being called that, I wonder if I messed up."

Joe shook his head, "You made him enjoy it."

"Huh?" the brunette stared at him as if he had grown a second head, "Are you sure? I mean, he can say a lot, but it still feels like he could've moved past that. And I left him tied to a bad memory."

"He chose it." Was his reply.

Ochako put her attention on her feet, digesting his words, "I guess you're right. It seems like he really had no trouble, and it's like he forgets all the bad things when… When we're around." She smiled softly and sat down at a bench, resting, "Thinking about it, hanging with you guys has been the most fun I've ever had. I think they like it, too. Even Kacchan holds back on being how he was before we rescued him."

A smile spread on the silent teen's face, "Glad to hear it."

Giggling softly, Ochako looked at him and nodded, "Yeah! We're all in this together, and we're making each other smile!" she paused and put on a thoughtful face, "Well, we're still working on Kacchan."

Joe felt nervous sweat at the back of his head at that.

Soon both walked to the nearest train station, and before they arrived the brunette continued, "Hey, it'll sound weird, but I got a question." He turned his attention fully to her, "Why do you hang with us?"

He stared quizzically at her.

"You really don't have to, but you put all that effort." She closed her eyes and smiled softly, "If you don't mind me saying so, I like to think of it in a good way. When you helped us when we needed to face our fears, it felt like you meant your words. So, as silly as it is, I like to think you're a better hero than me. You're not trying to spread smiles to your family, you do so with everyone."

He smiled and had some decent replies: "What makes you say that?", "Do I really seem like that type of guy?", and "What if I'm actually selfish?"

Ochako blushed, "Sorry! I just wanted to think of something good! Or maybe, I see something…" she walked close to him, smiling sheepishly, "I kind of want to be like that, you know? I still want to make lots of cash to help my Papa and Mama. However, helping others smile could make them bring smiles to others. Wouldn't that be great?"

He smiled, feeling proud and slightly softer inside, "I'd help you on that."

The girl giggled, "You don't have to be so cheesy, but thanks!" she looked into the sky and pumped a fist, "Okay, then I want you to hear this. From now on this Uraraka Ochako will train hard to bring smiles to those around her! And she'll do so with the bestest teacher ever: you!"

Joe stepped back, sweating coldly in fear.

She grinned wider, "Come on, sensei! Teach me how you did that smile thing! I'll be a proper heroine that can make those she loves happier than ever!"

Joe inwardly sighed in defeat, 'It feels like I've been roped into a bizarre deal with Ochako.'

Despite the bizarre situation, someone was happy.

RANK UP!

Empress: Uraraka Ochako

Rank 2 – Baton Pass – allows you to change turns mid-battle.

Dreamer talk – Can step in if Shadow negotiations go south.

The talk and ways Ochako grew helped Joe's kindness and charm to grow.

XXXXXX

The next day classes were uneventful, but Joe still didn't think it'd be good to go into the Fortress.

So, he tried to approach one of his friends to keep him calm.

"What's the matter with ya, Shades?" Katsuki asked at his usual spot, growling at him, "Shouldn't we go blow that Fortress up? What the- You really wanna hang around!? Man, make up your mind, dammit!"

Sadly, Joe couldn't really achieve a higher rank, since none of the boys had any plans. However, going to the theater with Izuku gave him an idea.

"A movie?" Katsuki asked as both boys stood at the entrance, "Well, I kinda wanna see this one called Will the Wicked. It's supposed to be good and with some great fights."

Joe nodded and soon both were seated, watching a rather surprising movie about a former hitman forced into his life by rather cruel people.

'The plot's really simple, but the main character goes through so much after a great loss…' Joe thought as he watched mesmerized what happened.

Katsuki grit his teeth, but he looked a little misty-eyed, "D-Damn… Those fuckers really ruined his life. Who the fuck kills a man's dog for his car?"

Assassin: Will.

Will the Wicked: Carter.

Assassin: Sorry, but it's business. You are targeting the wrong people.

Will the Wicked: I had only one good thing in my life, only a ray of hope… And they killed it.

Joe stared mesmerized at the fight scenes, 'This movie's choreography is really good. Perhaps I can advance my proficiency using those moves…'

Once the movie ended, the two walked out of the theater looking spent.

"Shit, I got something in my eye." Katsuki looked away from Joe, "Ugh, I feel like I got punched in the gut. The guy was constantly beaten up and yet he kept going to avenge a dog… Are people really that determined over such small things?"

"We all are." Was Joe's answer.

Katsuki took it in, "Yeah, I guess everything looks small if compared to other bigger things." He looked at his hand, "I still got a lot of assholes to surpass before I'm the top hero. Guess I better be ready to bleed out before giving up."

Joe gave him a small smile, "That's so you."

"Heh, better remember me that way, Shades." The blond told him with a smirk.

'My bond with Katsuki may deepen further.'

Joe was happy with that thought, as well as feeling his kindness grow.

XXXXXX

And that's my rap!

Sorry if the change was a bit abrupt, but I really enjoy writing these interactions with the MHA cast. It's not easy to try to keep them in character, so I wing some parts here and there. Truth be told, I try to go with what I could see them do if they had a best friend. The difference between a friend and a best friend is that a best friend will let you stay with them if your girlfriend/boyfriend breaks up with you and leaves you to rot. A best friend watches silly cartoons along you since they know that's what you like, and can tell you things how they are while making sure you know they mean the best for you.

That's what I'm trying to do with Joe here, even if he's mostly silent. And hey, I really, really like the MHA cast. I wish we had more of them to see and love, as well as more for me to work with. However, this is fun too on the 'what if' scenario. Not to mention, it's kind of refreshing to see them enjoy themselves. Joe is the blank slate for all of us – myself included – to see what it'd be like hanging around these guys. And hey, if I watched a movie with Katsuki, I'd try to get pics of him tearing up if that ever happened.

Yeah, I'm not that good a friend.

Swordslinger out!