I own nothing but my original characters.

chapter ten

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snapdragons (symbolize) deception

"Help!"

The voice rang against her ears, and Ayane came to a screeching halt. Several thudding feet neared her, passing by and running forward as she pivoted on her heel, gazing back to the rushing water faraway in the obstacle course. Her ears twitched, brows furrowing in contemplation as she glanced ahead, making out the bob of an ebony ponytail running for first place.

There were scattered body parts tailing after that Yaoyorozu girl in full speed. Ayane dug her feet into the ground, ready to take off when the same, desperate cry filled the air once more. "Help me, please!"

A frown curled her lips as Ayane glanced back once more.

Her sneakers skidded over the wet mud, crimson eyes gazing across the water searchingly. There were bars set high up, the river an obstruction that they had all had to pass without falling down. Ayane clicked her tongue, frowning when she remembered how Yaoyorozu had materialized a strap out of nowhere and had slipped down the bars with great ease.

Wonder what her Quirk is.

"Help!"

Across the rushing waves, a head of purple locks dipped up and down. Arms flailed, body thrashing against the current as Mirai held onto round, slippery rocks. Ayane ignored the fear curling in the air around her, and dived in.

The water felt unspeakably cold against her skin, the waves coming in and hitting like concrete. How had Yuuei created this obstacle course? It was beyond her knowledge. She gritted her teeth, swimming ahead with strong arms.

"Heroes." Fujimo's voice echoed in her mind as Ayane reached closer to the flailing girl. "Quite stupider than they look, really."

Crimson eyes sharpened just as the flailing form disappeared beneath the waters. Ayane took in a deep inhale, and dipped down into the water as well. Orange hair floated around her, her gaze quickly catching onto the submerged body and Ayane clasped a hand around Mirai's arm, tugging as she pulled their heads out.

"Shit," Ayane cursed, one arm curled tight around the unconscious girl's waist while she tried to swim against the current. I can't—

Something long and round fell before her, the object floating atop the waves. Blood red eyes flared up in surprise, snapping from the black and red pool float to the way how the rope attached with it went taut.

Fingers tightening around the rope, Yaoyarozu shouted out. "Grab on!"

No. Ayane clenched her jaw, tugging Mirai closer as the pool float hovered before her. I'm not supposed to get help.

"Hurry!" Yaoyorozu yelled, holding the rope with both hands while Ayane grimaced, swimming closer and catching onto the pool float.

"Damn you," Ayane grumbled, careful not to tear the pool float apart with her sharp talons. She waded ahead as well, helping Yaoyorozu who pulled from the other side.

Nearing the shore, Ayane swiftly pushed Mirai into Yaoyorozu's awaiting arms first. Wet purple locks splayed around the girl's head, breathing shallow and eyes closed. Ayane sat down on her knees, brows knitting together as she reached over Mirai's chest. "I know CPR—"

"No need!" Ayane blinked as a breather was shoved into her hands. Yaoyorozu set a small machine beside her, onyx eyes hardened in determination. "Put this on her mouth quickly!"

Realization colored Ayane's eyes as she recognized what the machine was. She clamped down the mask on Mirari's mouth, sitting back down quietly as Yaoyorozu clicked on a few buttons.

A faint buzz filled the air, and crimson eyes stared in awe as the machine began pumping the water out of Mirai's lungs. Just what the hell is this girl's Quirk.

"It would've been fatal if we were any late," Yaoyorozu sighed, slumping back on the ground as well. The zipper of her jacket was undone, pulled all the way back as she breathed heavily, a tired smile touching her lips when the air rang with the sound of the race's end.

"May I ask for your name?"

"I don't ever want to see you again."

Mirai chewed down her bottom lip, shrinking under the bundle of blankets around her as she sat on the dark green couch. She winced when Ayane inhaled sharply through clenched teeth, wet clothes sticking to her body like a second skin. Mirai hugged the blankets tighter. "I'm sorry—"

"Shut up."

Mirai clamped her mouth shut instantly. Water dripped down orange locks, dampening the couch they were sitting on. Ayane shut her eyes, a crease between her brows. "Just never come into my life again, okay?"

Heavy, fat tears bubbled up in Mirai's eyes and she sniffed, burying her face within the blankets. "I'm so sorry! I tried to do what I was asked of. Please, I just want to see my family again—"

She froze, a hand clamping down on her mouth suddenly. Fear filled the air, watery eyes shooting sideways to meet Ayane's flat stare. Ayane withdrew her hand, seating back down on the couch as she sighed. "Stop apologizing. You're giving me a headache."

Mirai sniffled pathetically, nodding her head. "I still hope you…"

She grew silent, and Ayane dragged her feet across the floor, wet sneakers squelching against the marble. Ayane ran her hands through damp orange locks, frowning down at the puddle of water at her feet.

"I hope I get in too." She mumbled.

Mirai shifted beside her, bottom lip trapped between her teeth when quick footsteps made their way closer to them.

Ayane continued gazing down at the puddle, then blinked when a towel was held her way.

Carmine irises peeked upwards, meeting obsidian black. Yaoyorozu offered a friendly smile, holding out the fluffy pale towel once more. "I'm surprised they didn't give you one."

"Um, I used them all up." Mirai piped up.

Yayorozu nodded in understanding, a look of concern on her face as she gazed down at Ayane. "Take it. I insist."

"I…" Ayane said stupidly, staring up at the taller girl. I want to be mad at you. With a sigh, she smiled, taking the towel. "Thank you, uh..?"

"Yaoyorozu Momo." Yaoyorozu dipped her head slightly, placing a hand on her chest as she smiled. "I see you're waiting as well, Shizu-san?"

Ayane dragged the towel across her wet face, nodding her head while Mirai pursed her lips, speaking up. "I, um, I wish you both the best of luck!"

She flinched when Ayane shot her a heated glare. Though Yaoyorozu smiled brightly, hands clasping behind her back as she straightened her back. "Thank you! I hope you are feeling better as well."

The large oak door suddenly opened with a loud creak, all eyes snapping towards the doorway where a long, sleek heel clacked down on the floor.

Midnight stepped outside, hands set on her hips. "Yaoyorozu Momo. Shizu Ayane. The principal would like to speak with you now."

Ayane leapt to her feet, grimacing when she landed in her self made puddle and water splashed around her. Midnight snorted in amusement, Yaoyorozu offering her a kind look as they both trudged into the room.

The towel tucked around her neck, Ayane refrained from picking at the shirt that clung to her skin as they halted before the large wooden desk within the room. From across them, soft white paws patted down on the table.

"Oh, dear." Nedzu exclaimed. "They didn't give you anything to dry off?"

"The towels were all used up." Midnight supplied from the door.

Ayane shrugged. "It's fine, Principal-san."

Nedzu hummed, leaning back in the awfully large office chair. "I won't make you both wait for long! You both know why you have been called here, correct? To discuss whether you would be admitted into Yuuei or not!"

"Yes," Yaoyorozu answered, standing prim and proper. Ayane nodded, water dribbling down her ponytail.

"And you both are aware that it is only the top two who are given admission, yes?"

"Yes."

"Oh, dear." Nedzu patted a paw on an open file, glancing over the documents. "We already have selected one. Tokage Setsuna! She was the first to finish the race."

He glanced up at the two girls. "Though it was Yaoyorozu who was at first place before she went back to help Aya, who was third in the race before as well, in saving a candidate who had unfortunately fallen into the river!"

I was the one to save her. Ayane swallowed down, nodding her head.

Nedzu closed the file, sighing loudly. "Now this is certainly a difficult situation, isn't it?"

He clambered on top of the table, soft feet padding along with his hands clasped behind his back. "But as Yuuei is a school of promising heroes, surely it would be not appropriate for us to not admit someone who had put another's life before their own dreams."

A heavy weight sat down in Ayane's stomach, her ears catching onto the sudden quickened breaths escaping Yaoyorozu as Nedzu paused onto the table before them. He cupped a hand around his face thoughtfully.

"And the rules say that we can have just twenty students in each section of the Hero course too."

Pick me. Ayane held her breath, a body falling into the depths of the Mustafu bridge playing in her mind shutter by shutter. ""

"Hence we have no choice but..."

Pick me please.

"To accept Yaoyorozu for the recommendations test."

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Yaoyorozu breathed softly, touching a delicate hand to her lips as her gaze swivelled over to the girl beside her. Ayane clicked her tongue, nails biting into her palms as she curled her hands into tight fists. Ayane nodded curtly, silent when Yaoyorozu spoke up hurriedly. "I-I actually noticed about Mirai-san when I noticed that Shizu-san wasn't behind me anymore—"

"It's okay," Ayane interrupted solemnly, throat dry as she blinked back the sting behind her eyes.

Nedzu watched curiously as Ayane dipped into a bow, wet orange locks sliding over her shoulders. She stared down at the floor, droplets of water hitting the tiles randomly. "Thank you for your time."

"I wasn't finished." Soft paws touched the sides of her head, and Ayane stilled, feeling the paws pat her temples.

Nedzu chirped. "It won't be acceptable for Yuuei either if they let a young hero walk away, now would it?"

I am not a hero. Ayane unfurled her hands, lifting her gaze to meet Nedzu's bright smile as he patted the locks of wet orange hair sticking to her cheeks. "Hence we also accept Shizu Ayane, regardless of the recommendation test. For she put a life before her own future."

"Naive fools."

"Thank you," Ayane smiled widely, standing up straight. A hand clasped down on her shoulder, blood red irises peeking up where Yaoyorozu offered a gentle smile, her eyes shining.

Nedzu clapped his paws together. "Hope to see you both in classes then!"

Yaoyorozu inclined her head politely, Ayane following suit as they both bid farewell, walking out of the office. Midnight reached for the doorknob, one step out the door as she readied to leave.

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"It's quite strange, don't you think?"

Midnight paused, door still ajar as Nedzu stood on the table, gazing ahead at the girls' retreating backs in the hallway. One hand behind his back, he scratched his chin thoughtfully. "That how a student being brought here on recommendations didn't know how to swim."

"She could've lied on the form?" Midnight suggested with a bounce of her shoulders. "Not many people would lose an opportunity to give the recommendations' test, now would they?"

"True," Nedzu padded back, hopping onto his office chair. "But recommendations forms aren't handed over to just everyone."

He swivelled around in his chair, snowy white paws clamping down on a file in the corner of the table as he dragged the papers closer.

"Raimon Mirai, now was it?"

The golden bell jingled above their heads, a light pleasant sound echoing far into the flower shop as Yaoyorozu stepped in after Ayane. Her eyes swept across the row of daffodil pots on the shelves, widening in awe when they landed on a fluttering blue butterfly. She had been into many florist shops before, bigger and fancier than this one. Her father had even ordered hundreds of jasmines from England on her twelfth birthday.

Flowers were organic. Something that she couldn't tug out of her arms with a flourish. Perhaps. She racked her brain for any floral molecular structure that she may have encountered in her studies. Maybe I can try and make one.

"Do you mind waiting for a little while?"

Yaoyorozu blinked, and Ayane jabbed a thumb towards the stairs, glancing over the wet footprints that she had left behind. "I need to change real quick."

"Yes, yes." Yaoyorozu nodded. "You must change quickly. You might get sick."

Ayane smiled, taking towards the stairs. "I'll be right back!"

Yaoyorozu watched her disappear above the staircase before she went back to her exploring. She ran her hand across the marble countertop, gaze drifting from the chipped flooring to the glass door just beside the counter.

There was no one in the house. She knew it the moment when they had stepped out of her car, Ayane apologizing profusely for ruining the expensive car seats with her wet clothes and Yaoyorozu telling her that it was absolutely fine while Ayane fumbled with the house key, jabbing it into the door lock and twisting.

Soft, subtle sweetness greeted Yaoyorozu, the scent curling around her like a blanket on winter nights. She drummed her manicured nails against the counter, taking steady steps towards the ajar door.

With one push, the glass door slid open all the way in. Yaoyorozu made her way deeper into the nursery, peering across the mess of vibrant, colorful flowers.

She halted near a shrub of jasmines, charcoal eyes shimmering as slim fingers hovered closer, tracing the fragile white petals. A sense of nostalgia washed over her, the day of her turning twelve and waking up to her room's floor covered with hundreds of snowy white petals flaring in her mind.

"Do you like them?"

Yaoyorozu gasped unexpectedly, hand clamping down on her racing heart as she whirled around. Ayane quirked a brow, orange hair looking a little dry as she jammed her hands into the pockets of her jeans, peering back at the behind the dark haired girl.

"I can make you a bouquet. Though they're not ready to be cut yet."

"It's fine," Yaoyorozu responded, looking back at the blooming white flowers. "I enjoy their scent a lot actually."

"Mhm, they do have a nice scent." Ayane hummed, tugging off the towel draped around her neck as Yaoyorozu gazed curiously around the nursery. Wiping her hands, Ayane glanced back at her. "The tea is gonna be ready soon."

"Tea?" Yaoyorozu echoed, face lighting up suddenly.

"Yeah, tea. It's, uh, floral tea. It's the least I can do cause you drove me all the way bac—"

"There is no reason to thank me," Yaoyorozu smiled fondly. "I would like to thank you instead."

Ayane tilted her head to the side, brows raised. "Me?"

"Yes, I noticed that you weren't behind me during the race. So I just…" Yaoyorozu trailed off nervously.

"Huh," Ayane snorted in amusement, dark carmine eyes flickering. "I didn't know I was worth the notice to be honest."

Yaoyorozu colored faintly, waving her hands in the air. "N-No! You see, you were acting quite rude with Mirai-san during the start of the test."

Ayane tightened her grip on the towel, but kept an aloof face. "I was, huh?"

"Sorry, that sounds quite rude. Let me rephrase."

"Nah, it's alright."

"What I mean to say is," Yaoyorozu sighed heavily, a smile curving her lips. "Seeing you help someone whom you weren't… on quite good terms with in the beginning, inspired me very much. As it's what heroes do."

There was a gnawing feeling in Ayane's stomach, tongue heavy in her mouth while Yaoyorozu beamed proudly.

Onyx eyes glimmered brightly under the sunlight slipping through the glass roof, and Yaoyorozu clasped her hands together, vibrating with clear happiness. "I'm glad to have met a hero like you, Shizu-san!"

The kettle on the stove hissed loudly, the voice tearing through the two storey house and slashing through Ayane's heart like a knife. Don't call me that.

She swallowed thickly, offering a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Tea's done."

Clouds of white dust puffed into the air, her nose crinkling in distaste before Ayane sneezed, a strange squeaky sound escaping her lips. She sniffled, wiping her nose as she heard a quiet snicker behind her.

"Bless you," Izuku chuckled lightly, broom set in his hands as he dragged it across the classroom floor.

"Don't laugh at me," Ayane deadpanned, returning in swiping away the words on the black chalkboard. "I've got a lot of things to do when I get home too."

"Things like what?" He murmured, glancing out the long window panes.

The dwindling afternoons light slid in through the windows, the dust particles in the air clear and visible while Ayane patted the dusters together again. "Things like making dinner, taking care of the new succulents, gotta water the jasmines too— achoo!"

Ayane sniffed once more, glaring at the dusters in her hands. Izuku rolled his eyes, a smile on his face. "Bless you."

"This isn't even a real sneez— achoo!"

Izuku swept the broom across the tiled floor, gathering the dust into a pile. He spared Ayane a glance, the girl busy in placing the dusters on the chalkboard's ledge and clapping her hands together. Mossy green eyes focused back onto the pile of dust near his bright red shoes, fingers loosening around the wooden broom in his grip.

"S-Say, Ayacchan?"

"Yeah?" From the corners of his eyes, he could make out how she plopped down onto the teacher's desk, one leg crossing over the other. "You done, Izu-kun? I gotta get home quick cause papa may get discharged tomorro—"

"Have you ever thought about," he cut in quickly, remembering the rush of air around him as his feet left the ground, the cement cracking beneath him as adrenaline burst through his veins, and his knuckles slammed into metal, sending the gigantic robot back to a heap. Izuku wet his lips, inspecting his bright red shoes.

"If I ever had a Quirk, what kind of Quirk would you like me to have?"

Izuku expected for those ruby red eyes to grow narrow, pierce him with that dissecting look that made him feel as if she could see right through him. Though Ayane propped her arms back on the wide, wooden table, leaning back on her palms to hum thoughtfully.

"A Quirk?" She was contemplating, legs swinging back and forth while Izuku's hold on the pole of the broom slackened. "Y-Yeah."

Ayane pursed her lips, brows creasing in deep thought. A minute passed, another, and another, and Izuku shifted the broom from one hand to the other nervously.

"I don't think you need a Quirk."

The broom tumbled in his grasp, and he floundered to catch it but a hand swept out, catching the broom midfall. Emerald irises went round, shooting upwards to clash with dark, blood red as Ayane grinned faintly, teetering into his personal space—T-Too close!— and Izuku staggered back into a desk, holding himself steady, face warm.

Ayane twirled the broom stick in her hand as if it was a weapon, a smirk curling her lips as she glanced back at him. "I like you just the way you are."

L-Like! She has been doing that a lot lately. Saying words like that. Words that gave him hope which he didn't want to hold on to because why would she ever, ever like someone like him—

"But if you ever did have a Quirk," Ayane set the broom on the ground, fingers curled around the wooden pole as Izuku perked up, staring at her owlishly.

Ayane curved a hand around her chin, a thoughtful look on her face. "Then I would like for you to fly."

"F-Fly?" He parroted quizzically, steadying himself on his feet.

Ayane brushed the broom against the floor, the room glowing a soft gold because of the waning afternoon light. "Mhm, yeah! Flying seems very fun. Y'know? Being in the air and everything. Like that kid from elementary school with those wings."

"Oh?" Izuku cocked his head to the side, the image of a chubby small boy with gigantic crimson bat wings crossing his mind.

"He was a little shit," Ayane continued, making quick, long strokes across the tiled floor. She gathered the dust around swiftly, skilled in doing household chores from a young age. "Not like any of Katsuki's friends weren't shits in the first place—"

"What if I had your Quirk?" Izuku asked curiously.

Ayane halted in her brooming, setting him with a flat stare and Izuku waved his hands defensively, stammering over his own words. "I-I'm only wondering!"

"Don't say things like that," Ayane frowned deeply, fingers tensing around the broom's pole as she sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Don't even think like that."

Izuku fiddled with his own thumbs, bottom lip trapped between his teeth. "Is it that bad for me to have a Quirk?"

"It's not bad," Ayane defended quickly. "You should just be glad that you don't have to deal with…"

She chewed the insides of her cheeks, kneeling down to shove the piles of dust within a dustpan. Before her, Izuku persisted. "Deal with what?"

The bloodlust that digs its claws deep within you and orders to kill, kill, kill— "Why are you even asking this?" Ayane questioned instead, standing up and pointing at him with the pan as she squinted skeptically. "Is this about you not doing good in the entrance exam?"

"Wh-what? No!" Izuku denied, arms flailing frantically in defense.

"Midoriya-san said something about you breaking your bon—"

"The result may come anytime this week," Izuku blurted, rubbing the back of his head as he laughed sheepishly. Then he glanced out of the window, the ends of his lips dipping downwards. "Not that I'm hopeful or anything."

The round end of the wooden broom pole tapped against his temple, bringing his attention back into the room. Ayane smiled reassuringly, poking the broom's end against his freckled cheek. "Didn't you say you helped out some girl during the test?"

"Y-Yeah," Izuku answered nervously, unbothered by the broom prodding against his cheek. "But what does that have to do with—"

"You'll get in." Ayane turned, making her way towards the wastebasket where she emptied the contents of the dustpan. Puffs of dust clouded the air, and she gently pushed the basket aside with her foot. "Quite stupider than they look."

A week earlier.

"So this is what you need to do…"

The hospital door clicked open, feet shuffling inside the room. Fujimo leaned back, turning around the peeled apple in his hand as Ayane straightened her spine, brows knitting in sheer confusion.

Long, violet locks cascaded down the girl's back as shifted nervously, lightning bolts etched onto her temples. Ayane stared incredulously at her.

Fujimo lifted the apple near his mouth, teeth sinking into the fruit before he tore off a piece and swallowed. "This is Raimon Mirai."

"H-Hello!" Mirai sputtered, swiftly doubling into a bow. "I, um, I…"

"Her father's in police custody. Going to be sent to jail this Tuesday." Fujimo elaborated, levelling his gaze with his daughter who sat silently, perplexed.

Hands curling over her chest, Mirai looked up desperately, but remained quite as Fujimo spared her a glance. "She's also taking the recommendations test for Yuuei. But she isn't going to pass it, do you know why, Aya?"

Brows knitting together, Ayane shook her head slowly.

"Because, unlike you." Fujimo said coolly, steely green eyes sharp and brilliant as he bit back into the apple.

"She's willing to do anything for her family."

A\N: I come back with an updateeee *lies down* Uni literally said no rights but did I write this down during boring online lectures? Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. You cannot prove anything u-u

Thank you all very much for reading! I hope you all are in good health and staying safe during these difficult times c:

candy.

Sneakers slammed down onto the sidewalk, unruly orange locks whipping behind her as she took off, running and dodging between several people thronging around her. Her hands fished around in the pumpkin bag in her hands, the sweet contents within it threatening to spill every now and then.

A loud ferocious voice roared. "Get the fuck back here!"

Ayane quickened her pace, nearly knocking into a group of children dressed up as tiny ghosts in white bedroom sheets.

She shoved a small hand into the candy bag once more, grabbing a fistful of candies and Ayane greedily crammed all the treats within her mouth. Sugary crumbs fell from her lips, cheeks puffed out because of the multiple candies on her tongue. Ayane felt as if she was in heaven.

So good! She chewed hurriedly, already feeling the sugar rush kick in when she raced down the street. Ayane dug a hand into the bag once more, scarlet eyes shining as she brought the tiny fist up to her mouth when—

A body slammed into her back, knocking her off her feet and she hit the sidewalk on her stomach. The candy bag in her grip jostled, jerking into the air and onto the crosswalk of the street.

Ayane scrambled pathetically, small arms stretching out in helplessness while the weight above her pinned her back down firmly.

"You fucking zebra," Bakugou snarled furiously, hands locking the flailing arms back down on the cold pavement. "The fuck you doing stealing my candy?!"

"It's not stealing if you steal it from stealers!" Ayane protested, eyes locked onto the bag lying in the middle of the street. She wriggled under the ash blond. "Now get off of me, Buttugou!"

Bystanders walked by casually, not bothering to spare the brawling children a second glance as they made their way towards their own destinations. Halloween night was quite busy.

She winced when a hand grabbed onto her hair, tugging painfully as Bakugou hissed. "Don't fucking call me that!"

"Make me, Bitchugou."

Smoke wafted out of his palms challengingly, and he could feel her tensing beneath him. Bakugou growled, raising his crackling hands when—

A loud car honk blared through the night air, wheels whizzing over the bag of candy on the crosswalk. Ayane stared incredulously, jaw hanging while Bakugou froze atop her, stunned into complete silence. They stayed like that for a moment, just gazing at the pitiful sight before them where candy wrappers lay scattered across the street.

Very quietly, Bakugou stepped off onto the side. Ayane shifted back onto her bottom, eyes stuck to the miserable remains of the Halloween candy.

Tears bubbled up in her eyes, vision going blurry as she sniffled depressingly. But before the tears could fully drip down her striped cheeks, a hand dug into her shirt, lifting her up forcefully.

"This is all your God damn fault!" Bakugou sneered with watery eyes, holding back his own onslaught of tears.

Ayane snuffled aloud, cold rough hands clasping around his warm wrist. "I just wanted some candy for me and Izu-kun!"

"Well, fuck you!" Bakugou whimpered miserably, fat tears rolling down his cheeks. "Y-you and that w-worthless Deku!"

He hastily swept across his stinging eyes, Ayane slumping back onto the ground where she sat weeping loudly. Sudden, quick footsteps ushered near them, kind green eyes growing round in worry as she tucked a strand of dark green hair behind her ear.

"Oh, dear."

Inko Midoriya was concerned.

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With a hum, Inko stirred the batter, a warm smile on her face as she glanced over the couch in the living room. Ayane stuffed a whole taiyaki in her mouth, eyes slightly puffy while Bakugou nibbled on a chocolate cookie, a faint flush across his nose.

Poor dears. She frowned, curving a hand over her chest. All that crying on the street.

"P-Please eat slowly," Izuku advised worriedly, seated between them.

Ayane nodded, cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk

whereas Bakugou huffed, grabbing onto three cookies only to shove them into his own mouth simultaneously. "Fwuck yoo, nerdh!"

This Halloween looked busy, indeed.

Happy Halloween~!