Katsuki scowled at the pavement as he waited outside the dorm rooms, waiting for stupid Round Cheeks to get her shit together. Katsuki and Eijirou's walk to the train station had been hijacked by half the fucking Dekusquad.
Eijirou chatted happily to Asui whilst Izuku tried to engage a grumpy Katsuki in conversation. He was unsuccessful.
"How strange is it that we're all heading out at the same time, Kacchan?"
"I always leave at this time, you stupid nerd. Now shut up." Katsuki growled.
"I guess you do." Izuku laughed.
"Where the fuck is she?" Katsuki snapped.
"She forgot her helmet, kero." Asui said.
"What fucking hero forgets part of their costume?"
"One that is on her way." Uraraka called from inside. She ran towards them, jumping to land in between Asui and Eijirou.
"Nice." Eijirou said.
"Are you ready now?" Izuku asked.
"Yep."
"Good, let fucking go then. I'm not being late for you." Katsuki growled.
"Come on Katsuki, she was only five minutes," Eijirou said. He reached out and took Katsuki's hand, squeezing it. Uraraka cooed.
"Fuck off, our relationship isn't for your fucking pleasure." Katsuki took a step towards her but Eijirou pulled him back.
"Hey Grumpy, what's wrong?" Eijirou said.
"I don't know. I guess I'm nervous." Katsuki said quietly as they all began to walk. "Last Sunday wasn't exactly a good day for me."
"I'm sure it'll be better for you this week." Eijirou said, squeezing their joined hands again.
"Hopefully." Katsuki said. "I just don't want to be late."
"We won't be." Eijirou said.
When they got to the train station, the four tagalongs expressed exclamations of surprise as they realised they were all heading in the same direction.
"Yeah, well I'm not, so bye." Katsuki said, turning to walk away. Eijirou grabbed him pulling him back.
"You leaving without kissing me goodbye?" Eijirou asked. Katsuki rolled his eyes, leaning forwards to press his lips against Eijirou's. He only intended for it to be chaste, but Eijirou deepened it, pulling him flush against him. "Love you." Eijirou said as he broke this kiss.
"Love you too." Katsuki sighed. "I have to go."
"Bye Baby."
Katsuki got to his train and managed to get to the office in time. Thimble wasn't at his desk so Katsuki went up the stairs to see a welcome sight; all of Genius were gathered in the common room, no other heroes present. Katsuki pushed the glass door open and Hakamata immediately lit up.
"Katsuki!" He said, moving around the table. Katsuki approached, wrapping his arms around the pro. Hakamata returned the hug.
"Hakamata, you're back." He said as he pulled away.
"Yep." Jeanist laughed. "Still not allowed to be out on patrol or anything, but I can be here again."
"When do you think you'll be back full time?"
"Early December, the doctor thinks." Hakamata said. "Hopefully, if you get your License by then, we can go on your first real patrol together."
"Yeah." Katsuki said.
"Aww no fair." Sleuth whined. "I wanted to take him."
"Me too." Flashback said
"Well tough, I'm the boss, I decide." Hakamata said. "You'll all get a chance."
"Even us fashion people?" Buttons asked, sticking her tongue out.
"Sure, if you get a hero License." Hakamata retorted.
"Ah yes. What do you think Katsuki, you think I could pass by buttoning everyone to death?"
"I'm sure if there was a way to do it, you'd find it." Katsuki replied and Buttons snorted.
"Maybe I'll see if I can get in just for the fun of it."
"Nothing about that exam is fun." Fallacy said. "I got the shit kicked out of me at mine. I managed to pass but Gods, I broke my arm."
"Boo hoo, it must have really hurt." Katsuki replied, flipping her of. She returned the gesture.
"Now, now children, behave." Hakamata said, guiding Katsuki into a seat.
"Rude." Fallacy frowned. "I am an adult."
"Barely." Hakamata said. "Now, Edgeshot will be here in about half an hour. We're still working on the missing children case. Hawks and his intern will be coming later."
"Tokoyami?"
"I don't know his real name, Tsukoyumi?"
"Yeah that's him." Katsuki said. "Strange, he didn't tell me."
"Knowing Hawks, he doesn't know." Jeanist shrugged. "He moves too fast to let anyone know where he's going. He's a nightmare for his sidekicks and people working with him."
"I bet." Katsuki said.
The group continued to discuss the past week for a short while, before Jeanist requested Katsuki join him in his office for a chat.
"Well, how was last week without me? I know Flash sent you home a little early."
"Yeah, what happened with that?"
"The boy's parents came to pick him up. Still no sign of his sister or any of the other missing kids. All we could get from Yuki was that the man was scary and had blue eyes."
"Well that narrows it down." Katsuki said dryly.
"A little." Hakamata agreed.
"So when Edgeshot was all like "having an eyewitness is invaluable" he was bullshitting? What good has it got us?"
"Think about it, Katsuki, what does the fact that we even have an eye-witness tell you?" Hakamata said.
"That he's getting sloppy? He's never left a witness before?"
"Yes, what else?"
"He didn't want Yuki, he only wanted his sister." Katsuki said. "But why? He's taken both boys and girls before, he's never differentiated between them? And he's taken kids that young? He didn't want Yuki for some reason."
"And why do you think that is?"
"He's taking the kids for their Quirks." Katsuki said, looking up at Hakamata.
"That's what we're thinking." Jeanist said. "Especially considering what Flashback saw. If Pulse is using one of the children's Quirks to move through mirrors, he must be after the Quirks."
"Like All for One? He's stealing them?"
"Not by the looks of it. He brought the child with him. It's more like he's teaching the children to help him."
"That's fucked up." Katsuki said.
"It is, but I think, in some ways it's better than what could be happening to them. If he want's their Quirks, he has to keep them alive and well enough to use them." Hakamata said. "We don't know why though."
"What was Roku's Quirk?"
"It's was called Psychosomatic, she can make people feel pain. She can't physically hurt, but she can make you believe you're in agony. Sleuth can do something similar."
"Sounds powerful."
"She could be." Hakamata nodded.
"I was thinking…" Katsuki started hesitantly. "We've only been looking in Tokyo. With his M.O. shouldn't we branch out. See if he's taking kids anywhere else. You know, if he's using the mirror Quirk to move about, he could get all across Japan easily."
"We could look into it. I suppose you're alright. We never questioned if Edgeshot had all of the victims." Hakamata said. "Good idea."
Katsuki shrugged, he felt guilty at not telling Jeanist about Pulse191512, but he couldn't be sure the online person was the one taking the children. Of course, the power cut happening the same time Pulse went offline was suspicious, but not proof. Katsuki wanted to find out if the information provided by the chat was true or not. Then he'd tell Jeanist.
"Are you okay? You zoned out?"
"Yeah, sorry. Rough week at school."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Everything's resolved. Just haven't been sleeping well I guess. I'll be fine." Katsuki shrugged.
"Do you feel up to sparring today? I was going to put you up against Fallacy or Sleuth, they both wanted to see if the dancing had made you a more fluid fighter."
"Maybe in the afternoon." Katsuki said. "I don't know."
"You sure you don't want to talk? You never turn down an opportunity to spar?" Hakamata said, frowning.
"I'm fine. There's nothing to talk about. There's nothing wrong. I just feel down. I snapped at Uraraka for no reason this morning, and when Ei asked me what was wrong, I couldn't explain why. Maybe I'm just in a bad mood." Katsuki said.
"Okay." Hakamata said. "Well I know that there is a pile of reports that need scanning into the system and sorting out. After last week, Sleuth has been refusing to use the computers, lest she has to write a report again."
"I can sort it." Katsuki said with a nod.
"Good lad." Hakamata said. "Thank you for bringing Cashmere in last week, by the way, I didn't think he'd miss me that much but he didn't stop purring for at least three hours when we got home."
"It wasn't an issue. Shouto misses him though."
"Maybe I'll have a word with Endeavour, about how beneficial a cat can be for hero work, huh?" Hakamata smirked.
"You'd do that?"
"It's no bother to me." Hakamata shrugged. "I have to talk to him all the time, a few comments here and there don't matter."
"You work with him a lot?"
"I wouldn't say a lot but often enough. He tends to work alone. He joins in on big things when he's called in, like at Kamino, but he doesn't like being told what to do."
"You ever work with Aizawa?"
"Yeah, especially when we were younger. He'd only been on the scene a few months when we first worked together. I find that his scarf and my Quirk are quite compatible with one another."
"Oh cool." Katsuki nodded.
"I work mostly with Gang Orca and Edgeshot, we don't really plan it but that's how it often turns out."
"Have you spoke with Orca? Since the hospital?"
"Not really. We apologised to each other when I was out of surgery. He wished me well when I got home. But nothing as friendly as we were. It'll take time, I think. I still trust him with my life. I guess it's hard to take back what was said."
"Well you should try. I have to talk to him every Saturday, and I'm the one he actually hurt. You two shouldn't stop being friends because of me."
"You're right. I should reach out. Maybe I'll see if he wants to meet up for a drink or something." Hakamata said.
"Good."
"How's Eijirou?"
"We had an argument, I think, but we're better now."
"You think?"
"Well… we had a disagreement, snapped at each other. I was definitely mad at him. But I've seen my parents fight, and it was nothing like that."
"Married couple fights are different from relatively young couple fights, I'm sure." Hakamata said. "Then again, I wouldn't know. I'm no expert."
"You don't have "someone special"?" Katsuki teased.
"Not anymore." Hakamata said. "Dating is hard when you're a pro hero, or any kind of celebrity really. You never know who's dating you for you, or for your status. And then when you finally find someone genuine, they can't cope will the long hours and inconsistent hours."
"You sound like you're speaking from experience."
"Too much experience, unfortunately." Hakamata grimaced. "But I suppose dating another hero would solve all those issues, especially if you're not actually heroes yet. Might be the best way to do it. I can't think of a pro who's in a happy long-term relationship. Most my age are either terminal bachelors or divorced." Hakamata hesitated for a moment. "Except Aizawa and Yamada, but I suppose they were similar to you, they were together before they became pros."
"Well that's a depressing little titbit." Katsuki said.
"Yep." Hakamata said, popping the "p". "It's not all doom and gloom, we get discounts in shops and to cut the line at Disney Kingdom."
"All for risking our lives to help people." Katsuki snorted.
"True. But people would kill to cut the line at Disney."
"So what are you? Terminal bachelor or divorced?"
"Much to my brother's displeasure, bachelor. I don't have time for dating and the like." Hakamata shrugged.
"Your brother wants you with someone."
"He wants an excuse for a big party, he says it's going to be either for my wedding or Ezume's 18th, whichever comes first."
"Well you've got, what four years? That's plenty of time."
"Oh yeah? So I'll see you married by 20, huh?
"That's different. I'm young."
"You saying I'm old?"
"Older. You've lived, you're stable." Katsuki said. "I love Ei, but I don't think I'd want to get married that early, to him or anyone else. You know? That's a huge step. And it's kind permanent. I know you can get divorced and stuff, but I wouldn't want that."
"You don't have to thing about marriage and stuff, you're only 16." Hakamata said. "Gods I'm 20 years older than you."
"I told you, older." Katsuki replied.
"That's enough out of you." Hakamata laughed. "Respect your elders."
"I don't think I've ever respected my elders. Except my grandparents, but that's because they're not afraid to smack me."
"You think I won't smack you, brat?"
"You can try but I'll get away." Katsuki smirked.
"Go do your work. We'll talk more later." Hakamata dismissed him, Katsuki took it as a victory.
He left the office, heading over to his desk. Flashback was sat at his own, typing away. He looked up as Katsuki approached. Their eyes met and realisation dawned.
"I never rang you." He said.
"Aizawa did. Don't worry. He said he sent you to train and he didn't give you chance to call." Flashback offered a reassuring smile.
"Oh he did?" Katsuki said, relief rushing over him, Aizawa had covered for him. He had taken the initiative to call and lie. Katsuki didn't remember ever mentioning having to call.
"Yeah. He apologized on your behalf." Flashback said. "I also kind of forgot to give you my number. You would have had to ring the main phone, like Aizawa did. And then I was like I'll email it you, because I didn't have your number either, but then I sent it to your work email, which you can only access here. So all in all, I was a dumbass."
"My mobile number is on my employment file; you could have just checked there." Katsuki said as he sat down.
"Like I said, I'm a dumbass." Flashback laughed.
"Jeanist says you got Yuki home alright?"
"Yeah. He's parents were all over the place. But I imagine our call couldn't be an easy one to receive. Hi, we have your son, but your daughter got kidnapped."
"Yeah, rough." Katsuki said.
"They came and got him straight away." Flashback said. "They hung around a bit, looking for Roku but… Yuki was looking for you." He changed the subject suddenly. "He wanted to say goodbye, I said he could come back when we find his sister and tell you. He left something for you in your desk."
Katsuki frowned, opening the desk drawer. Inside, on a piece of paper with the Genius logo on it, was a child's drawing. Katsuki didn't know where Yuki had gotten wax crayons from, but he had drawn himself and Katsuki, holding hands. Above the boy, he'd written his name, above Katsuki he had written "hero". At least he had tried. The red crayon kanji was thick and the lines criss-crossed clumsily.
Katsuki's hair was bright yellow and he had a big red smiley face and uneven eyes. He couldn't help but smile. Yuki had written "thank you" in black underneath their figures. Katsuki reached down to his bag, pulling out a notebook and nestling the drawing in between the pages of a notebook so it wouldn't crease.
"Your first thank you note?" Flashback asked, watching the action.
"Yeah." Katsuki said.
"You deserve it." Flashback said.
Katsuki smiled, turning on his computer and logging on. He immediately got onto filing Sleuth's reports, scanning them into the computer and submitting them for her. It was tenacious work, but it had to be done. As the day went on he chatted to Flashback as he went through his work. He watched as Edgeshot eventually arrived, heading into Jeanist's office, muttering a greeting as he went.
Hawks arrived later on, with a sheepish looking Tokoyami. The other teen looked nervous to be inside the office and Dark Shadow was nowhere in sight. If Tokoyami noticed Katsuki he made no motion to greet him, instead he followed Hawks like a lost little duckling.
"What if they don't like me?" Katsuki heard him say.
"Don't worry, Tsukoyumi. Jeanist and Edgeshot are wonderful people, they haven't got a nasty bone in their bodies." He sounded soft, reassuring. A tone Katsuki had only heard from the man when he had been talking to Yuki. Katsuki thought it strange, that the hero would be so warm towards someone Katsuki's age, when he had been nothing but cold to him.
"Uch that fucking pigeon's back again." Sleuth grumbled. "He gives me the creeps."
"Me too." Katsuki said.
"I don't even know his real name." Transcript added.
"Does he even have one?" Sleuth said. "Hand picked by the Commission to be a hero? I wouldn't be surprised if he'd been made in a test tube."
"What? So his name is Test Subject One?" Transcript snorted. "No wonder he goes by Hawks."
"You shouldn't talk shit about him." Flashback said.
"Oh yeah, like he's been nice to any of us?" Fallacy spoke up from where she was sat at her own desk. "He treats Bakugou like he's evil, barges his way through anything and acts all superior. I heard him yesterday, talking to Jeans, saying that what was the point of most of us, as we don't have combat Quirks, just support."
"Yeah, I was there too. He said you were particularly useless, Junichi, because after using your Quirk once, you're blind and deaf for a while." Transcript said. "And he said my only use was reconnaissance. I think the only person he likes is Ozuru."
"He only likes me because I have a bird Quirk. I doubt he'd give as shit about me if I wasn't, Ren."
"Alright, I'll admit it. He's a dick." Flashback said. "But we still shouldn't talk about him behind his back."
"Jun' he was telling Hakamata that he should get rid of Bakugou, he said that he was bad news. He was saying how he should get better sidekicks, ones who could fight more and make them his second in command, not you." Fallacy said. "He's trying to get rid of us."
"Tsunagu wouldn't get rid of us. We're a family and he knows that. He took all of us in and gave us a chance when other people thought we were lost causes. He wouldn't suddenly decide to get rid off us because of one stupid bird." Flashback said.
"Maybe not, but the fact that he's trying is worrying enough." Spectre shook his head.
"He's all happy and smiley with the fashion people." Needles said, walking up to them. "He even didn't mind when Ezume kept asking for his autograph."
"Why can he cope with that but he can't even stand Bakugou's presence?" Sleuth asked.
"Look, I'm not supposed to tell you this, but I believe holding back will do more harm than good." Needles started, from where he stood by the photocopier. "Hakamata is aware of his behaviour, as the head of Human Resources he asked me to keep an eye on the situation. I've been making weekly reports for him."
"So he knows that Hawks is bullying Katsuki?" Flashback asked.
"He's not bullying me." Katsuki interjected. "He's just—"
"Makes snide comments."
"Accuses you of being involved with the League."
"Keeps bringing up the Licence exam."
"Treats you like a child."
"Says things to hurt you."
All of the sidekicks gave a suggestion.
"He's bullying you, sweetheart." Fallacy said.
"He's saying shit to make you feel bad. Maybe you're able to brush it off, maybe it doesn't bother you. Maybe it does. Either way, it doesn't matter, he is bullying you." Sleuth said.
"Hakamata is aware." Needles said. "I think you'll find, he never allows Hawks to be alone with Bakugou when he's here. He's either there or he makes sure someone else is. It's not much, but he can't fight the Commission. They want Hawks here, he's here. Until you find those kids, I guess."
"He's an arse." Sleuth said, as she began to write again. "I don't care what the Commission say. He doesn't deserve to be the Number two hero."
"Besides, what has he contributed to the case? Apart from criticising any of our suggestions?" Fallacy said.
"And he gave the guy a stupid name." Katsuki grumbled.
"Yeah, the Snatcher? This is real life, not Chitty-chitty-bang-bang." Transcript said. "Hell, even that little kid did better with "The Scary Man.""
Distantly, Katsuki thought of Pulse191512, if he was the man in question, was that his chosen name. Did the villain wish to go by Pulse? Katsuki himself thought it was stupid when Villains gave themselves nicknames, as if they were heroes. Like Stain, Twice, Dabi, that's why Shigaraki got a little bit of respect from him. At least he went by his name. Admittedly, the whole League of Villains title was probably his idea, but that was a useful term to describe their collective group.
"Come on, just ignore him and get back to work." Flashback said. "If we get everything done, Hawks won't have a reason to complain, will he?" Katsuki shrugged at the statement but went back to his work nonetheless, as did the others.
He went on to his emails, finding the one Flashback had sent him with his phone number and ones from Buttons, Zipper and Needles, all were bulletins from the other departments, letting everyone know what was going on. But another message caught his eye.
From: empulse .jp
To: bakugou.k .jp
Subject: You.
Hello Katsuki,
I told you I'd prove myself. Did you like what I did? I got a little girl, right under your nose. Don't you see the power you could have if Quirk use was free? Those with the stronger Quirks would be on top. You would be high up in society, with a Quirk like yours.
You could be a true winner. You don't need a piece of paper to prove you can be a hero. You helped that little boy, right? You picked him up and took him to safety. Well, you gave him to that fake hero. He has a piece of paper. He has permission to use his Quirk. But he's not nice. He doesn't deserve it.
I was watching, for a little bit anyway. He snatched the boy from your grasp. You let him. You could beat him with you Quirk. You wouldn't have to stand for his bullshit, if you just embraced your power.
I had to leave when you went inside. The children were getting restless and that villain showed up. I think he was looking for you. They were before, weren't they? What did they want with you, I wonder? Did they offer you a piece of their power? You could have your own.
You needn't be afraid of him, what does he call himself? Dabi? You could beat him with your Quirk, easily enough. His own flames burn him, your fire would surely defeat him.
I'm rambling, aren't I? But I can't bring myself to delete anything I've said. It's all true. I'm thinking, trying to get my message off clearer. But I'm excited Katsuki. I'm on the verge of something mind-blowing. The world is changing, Katsuki, and you can either be on the winning side or the loosing. That's it!
Join me Katsuki. Help me, and together, we will rule this world.
I await your response, Katsuki.
Yours,
Pulse
Katsuki reread the message twice more. His mouth felt dry, his tongue like sandpaper as his blood turned to ice. Why couldn't the villains leave him alone? Why did they always attach themselves to him? It was always him, well almost always, he supposed. Deku had it bad too.
The email confirmed several things to him. Pulse wanted him to join his weird little cult, the man was keeping tabs on him, Pulse was crazy and Katsuki wasn't. Dabi had been there. Dabi was looking for him.
Katsuki didn't know whether he should be relieved or feel dread at that fact. He was glad he hadn't been hallucinating, but why was he looking for Katsuki? He'd made it crystal clear that he had no desire to join the League. Did he want to kill him? Why hadn't he taken his chance then?
He knew he should take the email to Hakamata. He didn't know why instead of forwarding the email to his boss he clicked reply. But he did.
Pulse.
How did you get my email address? How do you know who I am? These are questions for our last correspondence, that you have yet to answer.
I am aware of the Villain, Dabi's, presence. I will deal with him as I see fit.
You never truly proved to me you are the one taking the children. It could have been a coincidence that the child was taken at the same time as you said. But if it is you, why have you taken them? How do they relate to your mission of free Quirk use?
Regards.
Bakugou
He didn't know what to do after he pressed send. Should he wait for a response? Get back to work? Go to Jeanist? He must have spent longer pondering over what to do longer than he thought. As he was disrupted by the dinging of an email notification.
Katsuki,
So formal and polite. I'm impressed. But do I sense hostility?
I'm good with computers kid. Tell Best Jeanist he needs to up his security software. It's there, but it's nothing, especially when you're on the Dark Web. There are all sorts of people out there Katsuki. You can't go searching for them without sending out an invitation, you have to expect one of them to get in.
I know who you are because you're in the news quite a bit. Sports Festival, Kidnapped, Failed exam. The media watch you for every mistake. They want to watch as you fall. It wasn't hard to keep track of you. I'll admit. U.A.'s software is harder for me to crack. I haven't been able to get in yet. But Aldera Junior High wasn't so difficult, I've got all your records from there.
I know who you are.
Dabi is a little cockroach, scuttling about the alleys and backstreets of Japan. He's always looking into something whether it's for the League or for his own little curiosities. Make sure you squash him before he squashes you.
It hurts me, that you won't accept my word as proof of who I am. But I suppose if you did I would be disappointed in you. See the image attached. I hope that is proof enough for you. If not I'll have to get more creative. As for why I want them. Well, I'm not sure whether I can trust you with that or not? Are you going to join me? There are questions you too have neglected to answer.
I eagerly await your response.
Yours,
Pulse.
Katsuki growled to himself, making Flashback look up and frown. Katsuki smiled sheepishly.
"Sleuth's handwriting is terrible." He offered and Flashback nodded.
"She shouldn't be allowed pens." He agreed.
Katsuki went back to the email. Hesitantly, he clicked on the attachment. He shouldn't have done it in reality, the file could have been anything; he could have unknowingly downloaded a virus on to the Genius computers. How would he explain that one? Luckily, it was just an image.
An image that caused Katsuki heart to sink and his stomach flip.
There was a group, of 15 to 20 children, a lot more than the six they had listed. They were huddled together in a dark, dirty looking bunker. Their hair was greasy, and they were covered in all sorts of grime and filth, but they were alive. Katsuki could spot each of the six they knew of easily, he'd been staring at their pictures for weeks. Their hair was longer, and their clothes tattered, but they were definitely the same children.
In the centre of the group, two children held a newspaper with today's headline. "Exclusive interview with All Might reveals all." He doubted the man had truly revealed anything, and what they counted as an exclusive interview was probably barely a two-minute passing conversation, but nevertheless, Katsuki had seen the headline this morning. Iida had been reading the paper. He didn't bother zooming in and checking the date.
What was odd to Katsuki, was that some of the children were smiling. Some were, as he expected, frowning, one young boy at the back was crying and a few of them looked as though they were about to join him. But a few of them were smiling, laughing, holding on to each other in a playful embrace. Were they happy with Pulse?
Pulse.
I believe you.
Bakugou.
Katsuki shot back a quick reply before getting to his feet.
He walked over to Jeanist's office, the sidekicks' eyes watching him as he went. He knocked on the door, seeing Jeanist, Edgeshot, Hawks and Tokoyami engaged in conversation through the glass. Jeanist looked up, beckoning him to come in.
"Jeanist I—"
"Katsuki, you were right. There are more children." Jeanist said.
"Oh of course it was his idea." Hawks retorted. "A bit suspicious, don't you think?"
"The fuck is that supposed to mean?" Katsuki snapped. "I just wanted to be sure."
"It's just all a bit convenient, don't you think? Bakugou finds the leftover kid, Bakugou has the idea to look for more kids and happens to be right."
"Well maybe, if you'd been doing your job properly, instead of criticising everyone else, then maybe you would have found Yuki, maybe you would have thought to look for more children." Katsuki retorted. Edgeshot turned away, Katsuki could see him covering his smirk. Tokoyami looked shocked.
"Are you trying to tell me how to do my job? Kid, I'm the Number Two hero, I know how to keep people safe."
"On what merit? What makes you believe you're better than everyone else? You look down your nose at me, at everyone here. But as far as I can see, you've done nothing to help us find the kids. You just hang around here, hindering everyone by insulting them."
"You really want to talk about hinderances? I'm not the one who messed up everyone's plans by not passing the exam. You should be out there, helping, instead everyone has to keep finding you little jobs to do, to amuse you, to make you feel like you're helping. When in reality, you're the one slowing everyone down. Not me."
"That's enough." Jeanist snapped, making Katsuki flinch, he'd never heard the other man raise his voice before. His heart felt heavy with Hawks' words, he had no way to verify whether they were true or not. "Katsuki is a valued member of my team who has proved himself again and again. I will not have you talking to him like that."
"At the same time, Katsuki, you are in no position to criticise Hawks. He had years of experience that you don't have, he knows what he's doing, okay?"
"Okay." Katsuki repeated, his voice barely a whisper.
"Hawks, do not pretend to understand how I run my agency. Maybe you manage things differently, maybe you chose your sidekicks on their combat ability and their work alone." He gestured to Tokoyami. "But here, I take students who maybe need a little more guidance, and I give it to them. Katsuki's exam results claim he was withdrawn from the exam due to injury. In my book and on official records, he did not fail the exam." Hakamata said.
"Again, we all know that the results were only changed to appease Aizawa and to not hurt the boy's feelings. To the rest of the world, he failed." Hawks said.
"Hawks, if you cannot cooperate with Katsuki, I'm going to have to ask you to leave. My priority is Katsuki." Hakamata had moved to stand behind Katsuki, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Surely your first priority is the missing children."
"Of course." Hakamata replied.
"Then maybe he should be the one to leave. We can get more work done with real heroes you can trust."
"You saying you can't trust me now?" Katsuki growled.
"I'm just saying, that someone in this room spent several days alone with the League of Villains. Who knows what they put you up to?"
"You bastard." Katsuki snarled lunging towards Hawks, Hakamata grabbed him, pulling Katsuki close to his body. "How dare you? How the fuck dare you? I was tortured, you bastard, tortured."
"I've seen the police bodycam footage of Kamino, Bakugou, you were up with the League when the heroes breached the building."
"I'd just blown Shigaraki up, he was on the fucking floor." Katsuki shouted as Jeanist took a step pack, pulling him with him.
"Katsuki, just walk away." Jeanist said lowly in his ear. "He's not worth it, he's just trying to get a response."
"That's what you would say, just admit it. You're a little spy for the League, gather information to stab us all in the back."
Katsuki froze at his words, he stopped struggling and just stared. Tokoyami looked extremely uncomfortable, clearly unsure of who to side with, his classmate or his mentor. Edgeshot had moved between Tokoyami and Hawks, his hand resting on Hawks' back, between bristling wings.
He was aware of the media reports, the rumours that he was a spy. But for the Number Two hero to believe them? It stabbed Katsuki in his heart. He'd never be good enough for everyone would he? And he could exactly defend himself. His computer now held proof that he was communicating with a villain. It proved Dabi was after him and held record of Pulse's offer. He couldn't completely deny Hawks' accusations.
He tore himself free from Jeanist's grasp.
"I'm going home." He said simply. "Dock my wages, fire me. I don't care anymore."
And with that, he turned and left Hakamata's office.
"Katsuki." Hakamata said, but the boy ignored him.
He went to his desk, ignoring the way Flashback rested a hand on his shoulder, ignoring the way Cashmere twined himself around his legs, ignoring the way the other sidekicks asked if he was okay. Hakamata followed him out of the office, calling his name and telling him to stay. But Katsuki let the words wash right over him as he stuffed his belongings into his bag, including the little cactus Thimble had given him weeks before.
He pushed passed the gathered Genius staff and hurried down the stairs. Immediately, the sidekicks tried to follow.
"Leave him." Hakamata said. "Give him some space. He's angry and upset. I'll talk to him later, when he's calmed down."
"You should have never let things get this far." Sleuth snapped. "Katsuki is like a little brother to me, you knew Hawks was being a dick and didn't step in."
"I couldn't exactly—" Hakamata started.
"If he doesn't come back, because of Hawks, neither am I." Sleuth cut him off. "I'll find somewhere else to work, with someone who sticks up for their staff."
"Shiori—"
"Shinjitsu." Sleuth corrected and Hakamata flinched.
"I'll sort this. Katsuki will come back."
"He better." Zipper said.
"We're a family here." Buttons said. "You can't let one of us be driven away by an outsider."
"If he wanted to leave, it'd be different." Fallacy said. "But I can tell he wants to stay."
"You don't need an error detection Quirk to know that this is wrong." Transcript added, shaking his head.
"I'll sort it." Jeanist said, turning and stalking back into his office. He slammed the door behind him, trapping Hawks, Tokoyami and Edgeshot inside with him.
Katsuki was still ignoring everything as he walked down the street. For the second Sunday in a row he was leaving work early. Part of him longed to go back, to apologise, to beg to stay. But a larger part of him refused to show such weakness. Hawks wasn't going to bully him anymore. He wouldn't let him. If that meant walking away from Genius, then that's what he'd do.
He didn't want to. He wanted to stay, more than anything. He'd grown to love each and every member of staff, they were friends, maybe even family. He loved how Sleuth would argue back with him, instead of whining like everyone else did, he loved how, although they hardly spoke, Spectre would offer corrections when they sparred, he even loved (though he wouldn't admit it) how Flashback called him Kouhai and was there for him when Jeanist couldn't be.
He loved Hakamata more than he ever thought he would. That first week they'd spent together had been hell, but they'd come together and learnt how to interact. They had grown and become better people. Katsuki couldn't help but see the man as some kind of father figure. In a way, Tsunagu and Masaru were very similar, they were both soft spoken, caring men who worked in fashion and loved Katsuki deeply. He didn't want to leave but he didn't know what to do.
He was lost in thought as he made his way down the road, it was only muscle memory that kept him on the right path. However, muscle memory didn't prepare him for what happened next.
Something grabbed the collar of his shirt, yanking him backward. He choked for a moment as he was dragged down an alleyway. He kicked out and yelped as his feet hit someone. His assailant groaned as Katsuki's elbow drove into his stomach.
Katsuki tried to turn to face his attacker, as he prepared an explosion. However, his attacker must have known his Quirk, because his wrists were encompassed in icy hands and his own palms pressed against his stomach.
"Stop struggling, I don't want to hurt you." Said a voice that haunted his nightmares. He whimpered as his back hit the brick work of a building.
"Let me go." He choked out as panic began to claw at him.
"Hey, relax kid. I'm not going to hurt you. I just wanna talk. Jeez, I didn't expect you to be so sensitive." Dabi said, cocking his head to the side.
"Fuck you." Katsuki said.
"That's more like it." Dabi laughed. "Now if I give you your hands back, are you going to explode me? Or let me talk?"
"I'll kill you." Katsuki growled, he struggled, but despite Dabi's thin figure, he was stronger than he looked.
"I'll take that as an explode." Dabi said. "Listen, I don't care about you, but Shouto is in danger."
"Wait, you're not with Hawks or anything?"
"Why would I be with him?" Dabi cocked his head to the side again. "He's a hero, I'm a villain? I thought you understood the basics."
"Go fuck yourself."
"I would if I could." Dabi smirked.
"What do you mean Sho' is in danger?" Katsuki asked. "He's at U.A. He should be fine."
"Look, I would have gone directly to him, but he only ever leaves campus to go to your remedial classes or to visit mo— his mom." Dabi stuttered, "I can't get to him there, he's always in a car. You have a schedule; I could get to you."
"You've been stalking us? You bastard." Katsuki kicked Dabi's shin, making him grunt.
"Listen to me, you brat." Dabi growled. "You know of Pulse? Right? Your agency is investigating him, right? He's after you, and Shouto and loads of other kids your age."
"What? Why? How do you know that?"
"Villains talk, they boast, they brag. He wants people to know he's doing what the League couldn't, recruit you, Shouto, other kids. He thinks he's close. I don't know what you think, and I can't tell you what to do. But seeing as how you reacted to us, stay away from him. He's bad news, and that's coming from me." Dabi said.
"Why do you care?"
"I don't like people who hurt kids." Dabi said simply. "He's taking kids away from people who love them, people who miss them. I've seen the interviews on TV, of parent's begging for their kids to come home. My Father… he just told everyone I was dead… he didn't look for me."
Katsuki realised then, something that he had yet to truly consider. Not all villains were villains by choice. All of them had a story, a reason, not all of them were evil. Looking into Dabi's distant turquoise eyes he couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
"You're Shouto's brother, Touya."
In an instant, Dabi's mood changed. Anger flashed in his eyes and a snarl formed on his lips. The ice-cold grip on Katsuki's wrist grew unbearably hot. Katsuki struggled against him.
"Don't you dare say that name. Don't you tell anyone who I am. If he finds out, I'm dead." Katsuki didn't know who the he was: Endeavour or Shigaraki, but either way he knew the statement to be true. "Just stay away from Pulse. Make sure Shouto does to. I'll do what I can from my end, but please, please, keep safe and stop him. Find the children and get them home. If I find anything, I'll let you know."
As quick as Dabi appeared, he was gone. Katsuki leant against the wall, closing his eyes and panting. His entire body shook and sweat dribbled down his face. His breaths came short and his vision blurred.
He scrambled for his phone, unlocking it with shaky hands and he pressed call. He gasped for breath, pressing his phone against his ear.
"—atsuki?" Aizawa's voice filled his ears. "Katsuki?"
"I need help." Katsuki whimpered. "Dabi… He was here. He…"
"Are you hurt?" Aizawa asked. "Why aren't you at work? Where are you?"
"No… just scared." Katsuki voice broke as he sank down to the floor. "I left… I'm in an alley."
"Can you get somewhere I can find you Katsuki?" Aizawa said, his voice was soft, as if he was speaking to a small child or cat. "I'm coming to get you, okay?"
"Okay." Katsuki said. He pushed himself to his feet and picked up his bag from where he'd apparently dropped it.
"Katsuki, is Dabi still there?"
"No, he left." Katsuki said. "I don't know where he went."
"What happened Katsuki?"
"He dragged me into an alley. He pinned me against the wall, He said he wanted to talk."
"Okay, where are you now?"
"There's a café, and a laundrette." Katsuki said. "And a greengrocer."
"Does the laundrette have a post box outside it?"
"Yeah. There a dog tied to it."
"A little black one?"
"Mhm. Looks fluffy." Katsuki mumbled. Idly wondering if he could pet it.
"I know where you are, I'll be there in two minutes, just stay there, okay?"
"Mhm."
"Katsuki, what did I just say?"
"Stay here. 'm not a fuckin' idiot." Aizawa laughed at his words, and out of breath sound that seemed to be relieved. "He told me not to tell." Katsuki said quietly. "He'll be mad."
"I'm almost to you, don't worry."
Katsuki stared at the little dog. It sat waiting patiently for its owner to get out of the laundrette. Every time the door opened it wagged it's tail in excitement, only to still suddenly when it was not the person it hoped for. Katsuki felt a little bit like that dog. He was stood in the middle of the high street, people pushing past him and tutting as he was in their way. Every few seconds, he'd catch a glimpse of black hair and think, for a moment, that he was safe, but then they would pass him by and he would be, once more, lost in a sea of people.
He still pressed the phone against his ear, but all he could hear was the distorted sound of Aizawa running and his breath as he panted. Occasionally, he'd mutter a I'm coming or a you're okay. Until he abruptly hung up. Katsuki frowned for a moment, before he heard.
"Katsuki? I'm here, you're safe."
As soon as he saw Aizawa, he rushed towards him, hugging him tightly. Aizawa wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close to his body.
"You came." Katsuki said, and he started to sob in relief. He buried his head in Aizawa's capture scarf, as uncomfortable as it was and cried.
"Come on, let's get you to my car, warm you up a bit." Aizawa carefully pushed Katsuki away, only to wrap his arm around his shoulder seconds later. He began to walk back the way he had come. He was panting slightly but otherwise he seemed fine.
"You got here quick." Katsuki mumbled.
"I was already driving by, I had a meeting."
"Shouldn't answer the phone whilst driving."
"I have hands free."
"It's still a distraction."
"I pulled over as soon as you started talking. Okay?" Aizawa replied. "What would you have done if I didn't answer?"
"Called my Mom. She'd take longer but she'd find me." Katsuki replied, leaning into Aizawa as they walked.
"What happened Katsuki?"
"I got into an argument, with Hawks. He said some mean shit, so I left, I think I quit. I don't know." Katsuki explained. "I was going home, when Dabi… he grabbed me from behind. Pulled me into an alleyway. I tried to fight, but he grabbed my hands, pressed them against my stomach. I couldn't use my Quirk and he had the upper hand. He just wanted to talk. He thinks someone is after Shouto."
"Why tell you?"
"He's after me too."
"Who is?" Aizawa asked.
"Not allowed to say."
"I'll talk to Hakamata."
"Okay." Katsuki said.
When they got to where Aizawa had parked his car, the teacher helped Katsuki climb inside. He even assisted in doing up his seatbelt. Katsuki rested his bag on his feet and his head on the window, distantly he worried about his cactus. He probably should have left that on his desk.
"This isn't the way to the dorms." He said after a moment.
"No it's not." Aizawa agreed. "I'm taking you to my house."
"Am I being kidnapped?"
"Technically, while you're at school, I'm your legal guardian. So, I don't think it counts as kidnap." Aizawa explained. "An argument could be made."
"Why are we going to your house?"
"I need to know what happened, and I don't think the dorms are a good place for you right now."
"I'm tired."
"I have plenty of spare rooms." Aizawa said. "You can nap when we get there."
"Okay." Katsuki said.
He must have drifted off in the car, because he had no memory of getting to Aizawa's house. It was a nice house; white with big windows and grey brickwork. It had a white wooden porch and a flower covered begoda, Katsuki wonder who cared for it.
Aizawa unlocked the door and stepped inside, holding the door open for Katsuki before closing it quickly. Katsuki didn't know what he had expected, however, he was suddenly confronted by the fact that Aizawa, did indeed, have four cats.
"Fucking hell, sorry." Aizawa said, squeezing past Katsuki in the corridor, scooping up cats as he went. "Erm, put your shoes on the rack. Oh for fucks sake Sponge, you bite me, I'll bite you back."
"Sho' everything okay?" Mic called, emerging from what had to be the kitchen, considering the apron he was wearing. "Oh, hello Bakugou?"
"Hi Sensei."
"What's going on Sho'? I thought we were going to have a nice meal and relax tonight." Hizashi said in a quieter voice, but Katsuki heard.
"We will, I promise." Aizawa pressed a chaste kiss to Hizashi's lips, one Katsuki pretended not to see, his arms still a mass of squirming cats. "I just need to make sure Katsuki is okay."
"Sorry." Katsuki said.
"Don't be, Listener. Would you like some tea, coffee, juice, water? We've got it all."
"Except juice." Aizawa said, dumping the cats in the living room. "We're out of juice."
"No, I went to the store."
"I said I'd go."
"Yeah, but you didn't. And I had free time so I thought I'd save you the job."
"Yeah, but I bet you didn't get my jelly, you never do."
"Because they don't count as a meal, Shouta. I'd make you breakfast every morning, if you'd only eat it. Instead you roll out of bed 20 minutes before we have to leave, and spend most of it in the shower."
"I'll have tea, please." Katsuki cut in before either Mic or Aizawa could continue.
"Sorry." Hizashi smiled. "Black, green or fruit?"
"Erm black please."
"Milk? Sugar?"
"A little of both please."
"Coming right up." Hizashi said, disappearing back inside the kitchen.
It was strange to see the usually bright and colourful teacher in muted blacks and greys, his hair was down and his normal yellow sunglasses had been replaced by black rimmed spectacles. Aizawa pulled off his capture scarf and goggles, hanging them on a hook by the door. On his feet were fluffy navy blue boot slippers, which contrasted greatly with his hero costume.
"Come sit down." Aizawa said, guiding him to the living room. Everything was a cream colour; a colour Katsuki could only assume they would regret when they adopted a child. There were yellow and brown scatter cushions with faux fur blankets on the sofa. A knitted yellow blanket was on the back of the larger of the two sofas.
Cat trees and bookcases lined the walls, Katsuki remembered Aizawa saying something about not being allowed to put in any platforms in the walls. There was a large fireplace in the centre of the far wall and a little door which Katsuki was informed, led to a small bathroom.
As he sat down on the sofa, he felt as though he was invading Aizawa's privacy. Pictures of his and Mic's life together were everywhere, photos of their wedding, their holiday's away. They'd taken pictures at the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. They were placed along side photos of the two of them taken up Cadair Idris and in a sleepy little countryside town. Through images, Katsuki was somewhat introduced to his teachers' families, he was told their life story. He felt out of place, uncomfortable even.
He felt paws on his lap and a wet nose in his hand. He made a noise in the back of his throat as a black cat settled himself on his lap. An orange one was on the arm of the sofa, trying to get closer and a greyish one had sat on his feet, looking up at him.
"They won't hurt you. They just want to smell you." Aizawa said, picking up the orange one and placing him on a cat tree. "This one is Sponge. The black one on your lap is Macha, the one on your feet, Chamomile and the one asleep over there is Sora."
"You've told me so much about them. I feel like I know the, already." Katsuki said, running his hand through Macha's silky fur. Despite these cats being full grown, they felt small to Katsuki, he was used to Hoshi's size and she was still growing.
"I can put them in another room if you don't want them near you." Aizawa said again. He was hovering around him, his mother often did that when she was worried.
"It's fine. I'm fine. I shouldn't have bothered you, I should go back to the dorms."
"You didn't bother me, Katsuki. Like I said, I was already out when you called. I had a meeting. You're not a bother and you should have rung me. You were attacked by a villain."
"He said he wasn't going to hurt me. He only wanted to talk."
"That doesn't mean it wasn't a stressful experience. You said he had you pinned against the wall!"
"I don't want to talk about it. It's over now, done. He won't bother me again." Katsuki said.
"What did he say?" Aizawa asked, sitting next to Katsuki. Almost immediately Chamomile jumped up on to his lap.
"That I should be careful. The case I'm working. It's dangerous. The guy… he knows who I am. Where I am at most times. Dabi says to stay aware. That he wants me. But I knew that already. Dabi said something about him wanting Shouto too. So I have to keep him safe." Katsuki paused and then shrugged. "He wants us willingly though, I don't think he'd try anything. He doesn't strike me as someone who would be difficult to defeat if we had access to him."
Aizawa sighed heavily.
"That's worrying."
"It's fine. I can handle it. Besides, I don't think I have a job anymore." Katsuki said.
"Why? Hakamata loves you, he wouldn't fire you."
"I think I quit. I just walked out. I don't know what's going to happen now."
"What happened?"
"Hawks… he's an asshole. He kept saying shit, pushing and pushing. I snapped and he… well he said that I'm a villain. That I'm a spy." Katsuki said. "I left. I just walked out."
"I'll talk to Jeanist. Let him know what happened." Aizawa said. He paused for a moment before starting again. "However, I don't know if I can let you keep going though. I approved it in the first place because I thought you'd be safe. You've been attacked twice now on the way home. Both times you were leaving early. Which means Dabi was waiting for you, both times. It's no longer safe."
"Okay." Katsuki replied. Sadness gripped at him, but Katsuki didn't allow himself to dwell on it. He couldn't. It would hurt too much.
"Here you go." Mic said, holding out a mug to Katsuki, who took it.
"Thank you." Katsuki said.
"No problem." Mic said, he turned to Aizawa. "Gorgeous, green for you."
"Thank you." Aizawa said, he reached out to take the cup, but before he could get it, he recoiled. Gasping in pain he brought his arm closer to his body.
"Shou?" Hizashi asked, he put the mug on the small coffee table, before kneeling down in front of his husband. "Your elbow again?"
"Yeah." Aizawa muttered. "It'll pass. It always does."
"I'll get you some painkillers." Hizashi said, hurrying into the kitchen.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Katsuki said.
"No, no. It's okay. It's just…"
"Because of the USJ?"
"Mhm." Aizawa nodded. "Shigaraki damaged the nerves in my arm. The doctor says that now the nerves randomly fire off signals saying I'm hurt. Chronic pain, there's not much I can do. My doctor wants me to retire from hero duty."
"Will you?"
"It depends," Aizawa said. "How bad it gets, right now it's only painful after I overuse it. It'll definitely end my career a lot sooner than I intended, but for now, it's fine."
"Oh." Katsuki said.
"I'm okay, Katsuki. I can still do my job." Aizawa smiled. "It doesn't hurt that bad, it's just sudden, that's all."
Hizashi returned quickly, two white pills in his hand. Aizawa took them, swallowing a mouthful of tea. He rested his head on Hizashi's stomach. Mic ran a hand through Aizawa's hair. It was an all to intimate moment for Katsuki to see. Instead, he stared down at the cat in his arm.
"You okay Listener?" Hizashi asked.
"Yeah." Katsuki said, taking a sip of his tea. "I don't need to be here, I can go back to the dorms."
"You're staying here until I know you're okay." Aizawa said. "I know you, you hide how things make you feel. You're staying here until you tell me everything."
"I'm okay." Katsuki said. "A little freaked out, but he didn't hurt me. He just wanted me to tell Shouto to be careful."
"Why would Dabi care about Shouto?"
"I don't know." Katsuki lied, he wouldn't be the reason for Dabi's death. "He just said that Shouto and I were in danger, that Pulse wanted us. I don't know why he gives a shit. He said something about Pulse trying to out do the League or something. Maybe he wanted to stop him."
"You're not on trial here, Katsuki. I just want to know what happened to you. You're my student, it's my job to keep you safe. I keep failing at that job."
"It's not your fault."
"It doesn't matter if it's my fault. I am responsible for you, Problem Child."
"I'm safe. I'm not hurt." Katsuki said, stroking Macha soothingly. "I'm… down, I guess. I was already feeling like shit before Dabi. And for a moment I was terrified, but now I just feel, overwhelmed, tired. I don't know what else to feel."
"You don't have to feel anything more." Aizawa said, lifting his head up, Hizashi moved his hand from his husband's hair to his shoulder. "As long as you're honest with me."
"I've been talking to the villain. Pulse." Katsuki said suddenly. He didn't know why it was easier to tell Aizawa than it was to tell Hakamata, but it was. "He found me online, then he got me email address. I thought I could get him to reveal his location."
"Katsuki." Aizawa started.
"I didn't know what to do. Hawks was there. He keeps saying I have contacts within the League. It's not like I could just go, by the way I'm talking to the villain." Katsuki exclaimed, tears were prickling in his eyes, Macha looked up at him. "I didn't have any proof it was him until today. I went to tell Hakamata, and then Hawks said what he said. What was I supposed to do? I'm not supposed to tell anyone."
"I'll talk to Hakamata." Aizawa said. "I understand a gag order, but telling you not to talk to me about things, it's not on."
"It's not his fault." Katsuki said.
"Maybe not, but I'll talk to him either way. I'll sort this, Katsuki. I'll make everything right."
"I'm sorry."
"You shouldn't talk to villains, I don't want you talking to this Pulse anymore. Okay?"
"Yes Sensei."
"I'll take you back to the dorms in a second. There you can relax a bit. I think Kirishima's had a bit of a rough day too, he would probably want to relax with you or something."
"You're not driving, not with your arm." Mic said. "I'll take Katsuki back."
"'Zashi I can drive."
"No, you're going to stay here, call Jeanist, and then run yourself a bath. I got that vanilla bubble bath you like. I think you need to relax too. Dinner's sorted, so don't worry about it."
"Have I told you I love you?"
"Not since you got home." Hizashi smiled softly, he leant down and kissed Aizawa on the forehead. "Come on, Listener, I'll get you home in one piece."
"Don't take any special Present Mic shortcuts then. We almost died on the last one."
"No we didn't."
"There was a bull in that field Hizashi. And you were wearing red."
"It's actually a myth that bulls are drawn to—"
"I know it's a myth but you're loud and annoying enough I thought the bull might give it a go."
"So rude to me. Fine, we'll go the normal boring route." Hizashi pouted. "See if I make your favourite for dinner again."