Dark Desires

-Christmas Visit-

Aliens, aliens are real.

That was the reality that Kyoka Jiro was having an incredibly hard time accepting. It did explain a lot though, she never heard of any villain who's quirk let them do so much. She would be jealous if it wasn't for one thing. Venom, the villain called itself, needed to eat people to stay alive.

Izuku was just unlucky enough to be chosen by Venom to be the host to do the deed. She wanted to just go and give him a hug and tell him everything would be ok, that he wasn't a bad person. Yet she was still scared, there was never a moment where Izuku was truly alone, it must be maddening.

If she could she would strangle the damn alien for making the innocent boy's life hell. How could she help?

As she walked down the sidewalk to one of her favourite stores on auto pilot, she tightened the scarf around her neck. Flecks of snow littered the air as winter descended. Windows were plastered with stickers and posters that featured local heroes with Christmas themes.

The same ten holiday songs on repeat coming from nearly every speaker at store entrances. She thought about asking Izuku about if he liked the same songs over and over to go on a friendly rant about her dislike for it. But she didn't want to possibly make him feel bad for liking something. It was as if she was dancing around broken glass with him.

It hurts thinking about the fact that he would be dead without Venom. Whether it be from those gunners or himself. She wondered if her parents would let him spend Christmas with them, but sighed knowing it would be-

'How the hell do you know him? We need to call the cops. Give us your phone yada yada.'

But he shouldn't be living like this. Especially during the holidays. Maybe she could visit his mom or something? He might like that.

Her pace quickened when the music store ahead came in sight. The door gave a jingle as she escaped into the heated indoors.

"Afternoon Kyoka." A pale girl greeted who was trying out headphones. She was always hanging out at the store for random reasons.

"Hey Reiko. You looking to get yourself a present?" Kyoka shuffled over to some nearby portable music players. Something she could use to clip near her shoulder so her earjacks weren't stretched too far. Her phone was great but when her earjack get caught on just about everything she passes by it sucks.

"Something like that." Reiko replied, no emotion expressed. She put the pair she was trying down and grabbed another more sporty pair.

"Looking for a pair for jogging?" Kyoka asked, trying to keep the conversation alive.

"Parkour."

"Woah, never took you for that kinda gal. Can't you just float around?"

"Yeah."

"...So why parkour?"

"I know someone who does it. They don't need to but it looks like it makes maneuvering with their quirk easier." Her eyes were focused on a tv in the top corner. Jiro, being ever so curious what she's been looking at the entire time looked over.

'There's still lots of controversy over a brand of toys that released a collector set depicting Kamui Woods final fight. While there was still plenty of backlash from companies making money off the event of a heroes death others argue it's to honor him. Recent online forums say otherwise. Apparently they did not buy it for Kamui, but for the recently named villain 'Venom.' A shocking opinion showed he has become an iconic image depicting that despite peaceful times, there are those who still pose a threat to heroes.'

Some random person babbled on the screen. Jiro was slightly disturbed that people were wanting to buy figures of Venom despite his image being one of evil to the public. Even if she knew more about their situation, she was worried people were focused on them for the wrong reasons.

"You know, I met that kid once. Izuku Midoriya." Reiko randomly said, making Jiro snap her head to try and find a hint of a joke in her voice.

"R-really?" She asked. This was a very touchy subject for just about anyone regarding Izuku. But for her personally, if she gave away too much info to the wrong person she could be sent to have her brain picked at.

"Yeah, he saved my life once. With Venom."

That was news to her. Then again, Izuku hardly ever wants to focus on anything positive about himself or his accomplishments.

"Why are you telling me this? Wouldn't you normally...tell the cops?" She asked hesitantly, trying to play middle ground and not give herself away. But she felt stupid after that suggestion, in case the girl did go and give more info to hunt down her friend.

"Normally, but I don't trust what some people would do to him. He told me once that he has to eat people to stay alive, he targeted bad people only and avoided getting caught. Lots of people don't know that and only want justice for Kamui."

"Y-yeah but. There's still people who believe Izuku himself to be innocent." She reasoned, trying to get a little more info before she considers telling her friend that she has frequent contact with Izuku. Probably a bad idea either way, but she still wanted to know.

"We're the minority, if it was put to a vote right now we would lose. A huge majority of heroes and government take priority in eliminating a dangerous villain than figure out if they should bother finding a way to save Midoriya."

Wow, she thought this girl was a bit of an airhead before, but when it comes to deeper topics like this somehow it brought a different side to Reiko. Before she knew it Reiko grabbed a green pair of the athletic bluetooth headphones, went to a register, and paid for them to be wrapped.

Kyoka thought for a minute, it was still an issue to help Izuku on the right side of the law. Reiko was right, too many people wanted Venom taken out before he does something else rather than help her friend. Izuku needs all the help he can get.

"Here." Reiko said, lifting up a bag to Kyoka. The rocker girl only gave her a puzzled look in reply.

"For Midoirya."

Kyoka could've sworn she just had a heart attack right then and there. Maybe she heard wrong or assumed something else.

"W-what do you mean?"

"A present, for Midoriya. You know him don't you?"

"H-how would I know him?" Jiro started sweating, worried that she left something somewhere that connected Izuku to her. If that was the case then it wouldn't be long before the cops got her. Oh gosh what if they used mental quirks to interrogate her?!

"You called him by his first name."

Oh, now she felt kinda stupid.

"Fine, I'll get it to him. Don't tell anyone about this." Jiro whispered back. Checking inside the bag she saw the wrapped gift.

"Wait, did you get him a way to charge these?" She asked her ghostly friend.

"It comes with a charger."

"...He lives on the streets."

"...ok."

"...He doesn't have an outlet Reiko."

Reiko looked back into the bag, her eyes looked a little embarrassed as she went off to find something to let the boy charge his present. Kyoka meanwhile, wondered how the girl's brain worked if she could figure out so much about Izuku forgot the fact that he needed a way to charge his things.

Kyoka knew the boy was switching phones now faster than he could use the batteries so he never really needed a way to charge his phone. But her friend did have a good idea in getting a gift for Izuku.

She glanced down at her scarf, thinking about another thing she didn't consider.

Izuku doesn't have the luxury of carrying a change of clothes with him. Given the fact it was getting colder and colder she should get him something warm.

"Ho ho ho ho!" A random street corner Santa bellowed. Small children were gathered around him as he played his minimum wage role in attracting more families to the toy store.

He had a donation bucket next to him where children asked their parents for loose yen to place into it. Unknown to a lot of people, he wasn't the happy fat man in a suit he looked like. He was a fifty year old man who hated how he couldn't get a better job.

Who grew up with the dream of becoming a street Santa?! He's cold, the parents laughed behind his back, but at least the kids were nice….Most of the time. He tried being a hero, his quirk let him send out pheromones that made people feel like they could trust him. Perfect for dealing with villains and civilians alike.

Unfortunately the tests he took were way too hard and suited for more flashy quirks or people with unrealistic muscles. Now, at his age, he'd be lucky to get a security job at a mall.

Glancing at his watch, he saw that his shift was about up. Finally. He didn't know how much longer he could keep it in.

"Sorry kids, but Santa's got to go back to the North Pole."

"Awwww." Multiple children whined, many more were hoping to try and ask if they would get something their parents already said no too.

"Come on, let's go." A younger girl said bundled up way more than others. Her hair was long and dark green that draped down her back. She was herding away two other kids who were equally bundled up. One caught the worker's eye though, she was a cute little thing all wrapped up warm and snug. She seemed to just stare at him in silence.

He left the crowd, his own ugres building up that he had to take care of. Around the alley he started walking to the back entrance of the store. Already he was starting to unbutton his suit when he felt a tug on his leg. Looking down he saw it was that same little girl.

"Hoho ho! WHat are you doing here?" He snapped back into character, glancing around to see if she was followed. No one came.

This little girl was only looking up to him with starry eyes, believing he was the real Santa Claus. Using his quirk he kept it that way.

"Now then, let's get you out of the cold shall we?" He said, starting to drop the fake voice and pick up the girl. She gave no resistance, already under his power.

Instead of going into the store, he took out his keys and went to a different door that was a part of the shop. Unlocking it revealed it to be some storage filled with all sorts of different toys. Entering he quickly shut the door behind himself and locked it. He flicked on the lights, looking down the aisles in case anyone was there.

"Don't worry, Santa's just going to make you feel really good." He placed the girl down, and proceeded to unbutton his shirt.

*Click*

Pausing his undressing he started to feel nervous. He looked back to the door and saw it was slightly open. Concerned at the sight, he looked back around the place to confirm no one was there.

'Must have not closed it all the way.' He reasoned. Walking a few feet he pushed his hand against the door to shut it.

"Hi there! What's your name?" A sweet feminine voice asked.

"Satsuki." The little girl answered.

He turned back around quickly to see the intruder. It was some blonde girl with messy buns and a worn out hoodie on.

"W-who the hell are you?" He asked annoyed. His quirk was still active so he didn't have to worry too much at the moment. But he would have to do something when he was finished with them.

"Oh my gosh it's Santa! Look Satsuki!" She excitedly bounced.

"You didn't-"

"Hey Santa, sorry for making it on your naughty list again. I tried being a good girl this year but there were some people I had to cut out of my life." She smiled with her fangs.

It made him feel very uneasy.

"You know what I want for Christmas this year Santa?" She asked, sitting down on a box next to the little girl and pulled out two suckers.

"W-what?"

"I want a nice Christmas dinner! With plenty of fat and juices in the meat!" She proceeded to unwrap the suckers, and held one out to Satsuki who took one, her attention focused on the teen girl.

"Well if that's what you want." He played along, even if she was a little off his quirk would keep him safe. It always did.

"Oh thanks! I'm sure my friend is going to love it!"

Her friend?

"We sure will"

He froze, even if he rarely watched the news everyone had seen the video. The audio was distant but the voice was so distinct from other villains. His sweat started to build up as his anxiety shot through the roof.

Hoping his fears were wrong he looked up, only to shake in fear.

Venom grinned from his wall crouched position above him. He used his tongue to wrap around the fake Santa's throat and began choking him. He tried and tried to pry himself from the slimy appendage but it felt useless as the strength of it alone pulled him into the air. His vision was filled with teeth as he realized his head was in Venom's mouth now. Using as much strength as he could he struggled and kicked.

"Ok Satsuki, say Ahhh" Toga held her own sucker up to her mouth, the little girl copying her movements. The two plopped the sweets into their mouths, while the symbiote was chewing away at bones and meat.

Satsuki after being relieved of the quirk of a now dead man looked around a little puzzled. There was the nice girl, but where did Santa go?

"Told ya he diddles kids." Toga said to the now shrunken form of Venom. The slime peeled away from the boy's face, showing very tired eyes.

"Sorry for doubting you." He weakly apologized. His voice gained the attention of the little girl who turned around to face him.

"Hey hey, where's my straw?" Toga pouted, hoping Venom didn't get carried away again.

A small black tendril came from Izuku's sleeve, making the girl blush in delight. She pressed it to her lips and started to suck. This was a new system they came up with to make sure everything stayed clean. Venom could keep some of the victim's blood in a sack he made in Izuku's stomach so Himiko could always have a supply of blood if needed. The first concern was Izuku wouldn't eat as much, but he had hardly been eating himself for a little while so nothing lost.

Izuku, now spotting the child staring at him, crouched down to meet her eye level. He gave her a tired smile and just patted her head as she nibbled on her sucker. Without warning she walked up and hugged him.

"You look like you needed a hug mister." She said sweetly, making Izuku slowly wrap his arms around the girl and pick her up.

"Thanks." He whispered, secretly grateful for the innocence of a child.

Tsuyu was doing her best to stay calm right now, she really was. On the outside it just looked like she was a naturally fast walker. The inside though, was filled to the brim with early teen anxiety about losing a little sister in a busy area.

What if she got lost, got stuck, got taken, got sold, killed. Too many scenarios were running through her head. She squeezed her brother's hand a little more tightly just to make sure she wouldn't lose him too. Where did she lose her, where did she last see her.

They left home, went to get some clothes, looked at the puppies, then on the way to the toyshop there was a Santa Satsuki wanted to-

There! That was where she last saw her. Her pace quickened as the destination was set in her mind. Her brother, while struggling to keep up wasn't going to complain. It was rare he saw her sister like this.

They both turned to see the store, only to find no Santa, and no Satsuki. Tsuyu decided that this was the first place to start looking, so they went beside the store to circle around the area.

Just as they went around the corner they saw two teens holding a small-

"Satsu!" Tsuyu croaked out, nearly dragging her brother with her.

The blonde girl turned around and gave her a smile, a little bit of red at the corner of her mouth.

"Is this your sister Sastuki?" Himiko asked the bundle in Izuku's arms. Satsuki turned around at the mention of her sister. When their eyes met the little girl held out her arms to her big sister, getting an immediate hug.

"Where were you?" Tsuyu asked, trying to be calm and kind instead of yelling out her feelings.

"I went with Santa, he said he would make me feel good. The nice girl said that he diddles kids." She said without understanding her own words.

For all the things that could have gone wrong that was probably one of the worst in Tsuyu's mind.

"Where is Santa now?" She asked, almost willing to throw her potential hero career away.

"He left when they showed up." Satsuki said, pointing to the strangers. The blonde Tsuyu saw earlier was just grinning while huddling up to the warmth of the guy next to her. He looked so dead, and familiar, especially how not too many have dark green hair-

"Well Izuku, let's go to have Christmas part two!" Toga exclaimed, excited for the next event. He just let his body be pulled away by the girl, no will whatsoever.

Tsuyu just watched, her limbs twitching as the adrenaline in her body continued to pump with the new revelation. That was Izuku Midoriya, and he was holding her sister. She felt a tug at her hand and looked at her brother.

"Tsu, isn't that-"

"Yes, we need to call the cops."

Needless to say as soon as a report came in about an Izuku Midoriya sighting the area got shut down. The detective to call regarding anything about Izuku was close friend and sometimes coworker of the famous All Might, Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi. Right now he was talking to the person who reported the call. A prospective hero student Tsuyu Asui, was with her siblings when one of them went missing. Ten minutes later she was found in the arms of Izuku and an unknown girl who knew Izuku by name.

The recounting of what the missing sibling told Miss Asui, felt disgusting. But when asked to tell her story again to him revealed that she was telling the truth about the exact wording used around her.

The parents showed up not long after, clutching their children as their life depended on it. Now, he sat back down in his car with a certain blond hero in the passenger seat.

"So, in the end Izuku Midoriya and this girl intervened a man from raping a child?" Toshinori asked, a hint of pride in his voice.

"Well, the only witness we can ask is the little girl but that's what the story is making itself out to be."

"Do you believe the man is-"

"Dead, yes. After connecting Izuku to the stadium massacre we managed to get a guy on our team who could see where people had died. Unfortunately it takes a lot out of her so she only uses her quirk for a tiny bit to confirm a death."

"Could she tell us who killed him?"

"No, she can only see the victims and the victims only at the moment of death. Though she did say that his head was being shredded off by what looked like rows of sharp long teeth." He recounted, a little shiver running through his own spine imagining what it would look like.

All Might was quiet for a moment, contemplating in silence. Naomasa was curious as to why exactly All Might had the case assigned to his own agency. He hardly did any, usually just jumping in to save the day, The only exception was when his old enemy was involved. Wait, quirkless kid suddenly with fearful abilities?

"Toshinori, do you think that he's involved? That this isn't a villain taking over but possibly an uncontrollable sentient quirk thrust on him?"

All Might flinched at the possibility. Before sighing and shaking his head. "No, this is something entirely else. I put that man down for good, and this Venom character is much different than anything that involved him." He finished with a bitter tone.

THey sat there for a few seconds in silence before All Might spoke again. "I think there is much more to this."

"Hm?"

"When I met Midoriya, and we were at the stadium, he did his very best to save everyone there. He had a great plan until we were almost caught. He threw himself in the line of fire to make sure his new friend didn't get hurt. I wasn't there for the aftermath but he only acted to save a life."

"Toshi, I don't think-"

"He is not the kind of kid to just kill whoever he wants. I don't even think he wants to. He was just backed into a corner so many times and whether it's a quirk or a villain he is doing his best to control it. I just don't think he has the strength yet."

"...No, please tell me you're not considering him."

All Might, while feeling scrutinized by his friends gaze, only sat up straighter defending his point.

"I already let him down twice, and he has shown me personally that he is worthy."

Naomasa was heavily conflicted. Sure his friend could make some rash decisions but he had the best heart out of everyone he knew. Yet, even if the boy himself is innocent, giving more power to a boy who is being used is not a good choice.

"I want Izuku Midoriya to be my successor."

A short girl with bright magenta red hair tied into long pigtails, dark eyeliner with pink irises, and a formal outfit with a big bow was standing on the tips of her toes balancing on a step ladder. Her gloved hands reached as far as they could to hang up a small piece of missile toe over the front door. With one push of effort she managed to make it stick, bringing a bright smile to her face.

'Now when Gentle comes back from his shopping trip he'll try unlocking the door, only to see he was given the wrong house key. When I come to open the door, I'll look up to him and greet him with a big cute smile! And then, because he's so tall, he'll touch his head against the missile toe and see both of us standing under it!'

Dancing at the brilliance of her own plan, she hurriedly put the step ladder away and waited patiently on the couch. She started to suck on a peppermint, making sure her breath would smell good and her mouth would taste sweet. Nothing could go wrong!

The doorknob made a very distinct clicking noise, as if someone put a key in. It was much sooner than she thought but she was still ready!

Waiting near the door for her sweet companion's knock, instead she grew puzzled as the door was unlocked.

'Must have given him the wrong key, no matter, I'll just greet him normally then!'

The creak of the door opened started to excite her, her face already developing a blush, her legs squirming against One another in anticipation. What if the kiss led to more? What if he finally confessed his love to her and they went to his bedroom to continue what would start here?!

What if she got to see his amazingly fit body?!

"This is our new place now! Merry Christmas!" Himiko Toga opened the door and presented the apartment with her arm. Her and Izuku's gazes went down to see the small for her size adult woman standing there zoned out and drooling.

"Just ignore the new roomate, she's an odd one." Himiko nonchalantly said, tugging Izuku to enter fully into the place.

That snapped Manami AIba, the smallest one there, out of her funk.

"W-what are you two doing in here! You don't live here!" She angrily shouted, frustrated in the unwanted interruption to her daydreaming.

"We do now! Oh look, a missile toe!" Himiko ignored the woman and instead focused on the little artificial plant above her. Izuku, just looked up and had his mouth give the slightest 'oh' noise completely void of energy.

Taking advantage of this Himiko placed a small kiss on the side of the boy's face. He gave no reaction making her frown in slight worry.

During this Mananmi was starting to focus in on the boy's face, feeling she knew him from somewhere. The freckles, the young face, the green eyes with matching messy hair. Something was itching at the back of her mind.

"Hey, let's go see our new room ok? I'll even let you share a bed with me~ It will be a much better upgrade than trying to snuggle each other for warmth in the streets. Now we can snuggle in a cozy room!" She pitched the idea, that once would make the boy blush more red than the blood she drank.

Right now, he still had the same look on his face and just gave a brief. "Ok."

"Hey wait! Who said you could move in here?!" Mananmi interrupted, something now screaming in her head.

Himiko squatted down to be eye level with the woman, a dangerous look in Toga's eyes made the girl start to wish for the blonde's previous mood.

"Well, aren't you cute La Brava? I know someone who would just eat you up~" Himiko said, then glancing to Izuku.

Mananmi looked back to the boy and then she realized who he was. Her voice died and her body fell to the floor in fear. How she wished Gentle was here to help her escape. Now she wouldn't ever live to see his face aga-

"Did you hurt someone?" Izuku suddenly asked. It took her a few seconds to find the courage but she did.

"N-no! W-we only p-put on a s-show. W-we h-haven't k-killed anyone a-and n-never really s-stole anything!" She started to cry, pleading with her soul for mercy.

Izuku just looked at her, his eyes boring into her own. A flash of black coloring them right before he asked another question. "Do you plan on hurting anyone?"

"O-only a f-few heroes t-tried t-to stop us b-but t-they c-can always g-go back t-to work t-the next d-day!"

It felt like an eternity, her life in his absolute judgement. He was silent, the air growing thicker and thicker to the point it felt like she was choking. Another flash of black covered his eyes before they looked at the front door.

Why did he-

*click*

Gentle was back.

"La Brava, I found some wonderful tea at this new-"

"R-run!" She tried to warn, but he was already entering and had met the gaze of Izuku. Himiko was still watching her, daring her to do something.

Gentle Criminal, a man with well groomed silver hair and mustache wore a very large black flowing coat. His eyes had similar eyeliner to La Brava and sported a cane in one hand and a couple bags in the other. He examined the scene before him, La brava, cowering on the floor, an unknown girl ignoring him and focused on La Brava.

And the boy before him, he stood there without visible emotion and stared at him with very tired eyes. He thought it was a fan at first because of the dark circles but that wasn't makeup. With all that was before him he came to the conclusion that this boy, was Izuku Midoirya, the one who stole the spotlight from his videos by striking controversy and fear throughout the country.

If he was here, then what did he want?

He would admit he was terrified of the possibility of him or La Brava being eaten right now but he had to put on a brave face and tackle it head on. If there was a point he could take her and run off he would.

"I'm surprised! We haven't had guests since our debut! As you may have heard I am Gentle Criminal, while introductions for yourself are unnecessary may I ask who you have brought to my lair and your purpose here?" He asked with exaggerated posture. His improve classes had paid off in being able to hide his fear, as long as they didn't look him in the eyes too long, that is.

Izuku stood there, before bringing up a hand to Himiko. "I'm Izuku Midoriya, and this is Himiko Toga. I was told we would be roommates. It's a pleasure to meet you." He finished with a polite bow, surprising everyone there.

"Wow, you're the first guy to not piss themselves in front of him." Himiko complimented Gentle, earning a bow back from the man.

"Thank you madam, I find that it is respectful to introduce oneself before discussing further business. All I ask is that my assistant and I be able to walk away when this is over."

"Oh don't worry , we won't do anything as long as you don't tell anyone we're living here now." Himiko smirked back, slowly getting up to her feet and grabbing Izuku's arm again.

"Ah yes, may I ask why you have chosen our residence? Surely you could find a place of your own?" He tried to suggest, his legs feeling a little quaky at the two figures in front of him.

"Well, I thought it would be cool to have some roommates and seeing that Izuku here isn't feeling super happy so some more nice people hopefully will cheer him up! No one on the right side of the law will do and he eats bad people, so that left you two! The nicest criminals around that aren't on our hit list." Himiko finished, putting her head on Izuku's shoulder. Right before Gentle could let out a sigh of relief knowing he and La Brava would live a voice interrupted.

"But, if you betray us, or start getting more and more daring with how much you can get away with. We will leave you with nothing but your own eyes to watch us munch away at your organs."

Venom spoke from Izuku's mouth, Izuku's own eyes looking just a little more exhausted by the action.

"Oh, and we can pay. See?" Himiko said, holding up a wad of cash. It was easily hundreds of thousands of yen. As Gentle stood there with the threat still on his mind from the inhuman thing inside Izuku Himiko took his hand and placed the yen inside it.

"Come on Izuku, let's hope they have some eggnog in the fridge." Himiko pulled the boy along.

Now that the two weren't blocking their paths La Brava ran up to Gentle and clutched onto the man like a scared Koala. "G-Gentle, w-what are we g-going to do?"

He could feel her shaking, he reached down and patted her head, attempting to give himself and her comfort. A stray idea came to his head, the public's attention was all eyes on Izuku right now. Their biggest issue was the fact that they struggled to break into the thousands in views on their videos. Hardly anyone knew them and those that did didn't take them seriously. Now, they lived with arguably the most infamous boy alive in Japan right now.

"La Brava, how would you feel about sharing the spotlight?"

Later that night, Izuku stood alone under a lamp with a hood over his head. The night air nibbling away at his nose as snow slowly fell to the ground. He was looking across the street to where his home used to be, where his mother raised him and where he ran away from. Clutching a small poorly wrapped present in his hand he checked around himself one more time.

'It's just us surprisingly, no heroes or cops patrolling your home.'

"It's been over six months since I've seen her."

'Are you worried?'

He ignored Venom, and without a warning leapt across the street and into the air. He landed in front of the front door in a crouch before standing up.

'She's not here.'

That was good for Izuku, he didn't have the courage to talk to his Mom. Deciding that he would leave the present for her he checked the secret spot in an old crack in the cement floor. Pulling out the key, he smiled a little bit. She didn't move it, even though she knew he used it many times. He inserted the key into the door as quietly as possible before turning it.

It didn't budge.

Trying with a little more force, just enough to not break something, it still wouldn't turn. She must have changed the locks since he left, of course, it makes sense, he's a failure of a son.

'You didn't say anything but I could feel you hating yourself. You've been way off since we ate Kamui, first month you were in denial, then when Himiko showed up you started getting really angry, now you're acting as if you're the worst person on earth.'

"Mine as well be."

'Oh he acknowledges us now.' Venom started sarcastically. 'Even we can tell you're better than a vast majority of people out there. Most would have used us to destroy, conqueror, and take what they desire.'

Izuku took out the key and placed his finger against it. Without being told Venom snuck a little tendril in and fiddle with the tumblers.

*Click*

He opened the door, only to be shocked at what he found. The apartment was empty, bare, no furniture or anything left behind. She moved, no wonder they stopped patrolling the area. Without anything or anyone here that he could care for they left as well. Looking at the walls he did notice something, holes, fist sized holes or things smaller that punctured into the dry wall.

'Do you hate us?'

The question boiled Izuku's blood. "Ever since you came into my life I've had to kill people. Eat people! If you get too hungry you just take over and I hate it! I hate liking the taste! I hate that I can't go in public anymore! I hate my life way more than I ever had!"

'But do you hate us?'

"You...I begged you, screamed at you NOT to eat Kamui and you still did it! All because I thought I could change your diet, all because I ignored your warnings, all because no matter what I keep screwing up! I don't hate you for trying to live and helping me every time you get the chance. I HATE MYSELF FOR WHAT I TRIED TO DO!"

He finished his yelling, breaking down in the empty place. He sobbed and sobbed as he curled up into a ball, wishing for the comfort of his mother, for when Kacchan and him were friends, when everything seemed normal and he innocently dreamed the impossible dream of being a hero.

A single tendril wiped away one of his tears, making him reevaluate what was happening.

'You tried to find a way to save more people and it didn't work. Tough luck, but no one who actually knows you blames you. You didn't treat us as a tool, you treated us as someone to save. No host has ever done that in the history of Klyntars.'

At that moment Izuku realized something. Venom didn't just keep him alive because it kept himself alive, he did it because he cared. Someone cared about him, a man eating alien slime cared about him more than the quirkest society did. Really put a perspective on humanity.

Picking himself up, he decided to head back to the new apartment he lived in. He had yet to take a shower, but now that he had one after months of being homeless, he was looking forward to something now.

Himiko was drying herself off after enjoying a long well deserved bath. It had taken ages to discover a suitable place, but after coming across one of Gentle's videos she was sold on this idea. She was a little worried when she discovered that Gentle and La Brava didn't actually share a bedroom but her worries were set aside as she discovered a third unused bedroom. It was a random room filled with tech stuff that belonged to La Brava.

She was excited to start furnishing the place. Even using the spare bed mat for tonight was going to be a huge leap from living in a box in the streets. 'Take that Peter! I told you I'd make it out first!'

Moving to the kitchen in her borrowed pajamas from La brava (She knew the girl was short but damn these are small!) It did show some tummy though, maybe that would cause Izuku to be a little flustered.

Gentle and La Brava were out somewhere, no doubt discussing how this was going to work. She just smirked, they didn't have any other option than to comply or die. Well, Izuku probably wouldn't kill them but she would if need be.

Checking the fridge, she saw that there wasn't any eggnog. Shit she was really craving for some. It was stupid how they only sold the stuff for like two months of the year. Maybe some other holiday drink?

*vrt vrt*

That was Izuku's phone. She asked La Brava before she left to help make a phone for Izuku to have practically untraceable communications now. She wanted to pick a not trash phone before she asked for the same. Walking over to where it was charging she saw a message.

Guitar: Hey, turns out you saved a friend of mine once and we ended up talking. They got you a present for Christmas. Anytime we can meet up or arrange a drop off thing?

Tch, she hated loose ends and it looks like she had a blabber mouth to take care of. Before she could begin plotting she thought about Izuku again. He obviously took the stages of grief a lot slower than predicted and was stuck in massive depression. Two sides of a coin were in her mind. On one hand, if she took care of Jiro now while he was like this it probably couldn't do anymore damage. On the other hand, it might just break him to be unpredictable and impossible to manage.

The population seemed divided and in chaos over him and she loved it. It made life so much easier personally to just go wherever, cause some people to throw tantrums, and show that no one is safe in the world.

Deciding to reward him and maybe make him feel better enough to open up she started to look around for something to make. Got to be warm when he comes back from being outside.

In the cupboard she saw a lot of tea. Way too much tea that might be super expensive. Scooping them with one arm she unceremoniously pushed them to fall out creating a mess. Looking in the back she started making out some more simple stuff.

'Honey lemon? No that's for throats and his hasn't even been used. Caramel, maybe, it is pretty calming. Oh bingo! Perfect for the Christmas season!'

Grabbing the mix, she skipped over and pulled out two mugs. She was a simple girl who loved the convenience of microwaves so she filled the mugs with water, heated them for two minutes, and mixed a little bit of the powder inside. Taking a whiff she smiled at the simple luxury.

*click*

"I'm back." Izuku announced quietly but still respectfully.

She couldn't tell much, but she wouldn't have expected him to say he was back when he didn't bother when he left. This is cause for investigation!

"Hey Izuku! I made us some drinks! You wanna sit down by the Christmas tree?" She offered. Despite being self proclaimed villains Gentle and La Brava still had a nicely decorated one.

"I kinda wanted to take a shower right now. I don't want to make their place any dirtier than I have to." Izuku said walking to where Himiko was at.

"Oh don't worry about it, Venom makes sure you're pretty clean already." Himiko with one hand holding the mug handles used her other to drag the boy to the couch, eager to learn his more open attitude.

'She's right, we'll make sure you don't ruin anything.' Venom had a weird way of showing comfort Izuku realized. How many times had he been trying to help and he just turned it down? He should apologize for thinking otherwise.

Now seated on the couch, Himiko handed him one of the mugs and snuggled into his side making him slightly blush.

She smirked seeing that, he was doing better. Taking a sip she started her questions.

"So, you seem a little better now. You clear your head when you went out?"

"My heads never clear when you have an alien living in it." He finished with an awkward chuckle.

Did...did he just make a joke? She couldn't help herself and hugged the boy tightly.

"We're both glad you're starting to feel a little more happy Izuku. You deserve it."

'No kidding, we can't take anymore bawling. You tend to dehydrate the fuck out of us.'

For once in a long time, Izuku just let himself enjoy the moment and leaned into Toga's sideways hug.

"Thanks, I like it too."

He took a sip of his-

Izuku stared down at the mug, the steaming liquid appearing as if it was a gift from the gods. It got Himiko's attention the way he was so focused on it.

"Izuku? Is it too hot?"

He tipped the mug up, accidentally throwing some of the liquid on his face as he drank the magical beverage, ignoring how it was burning his mouth and parts of his face.. When he was finished he licked furiously at the insides of the contents. After consuming every morsel he stared down, in a little bit of shock from his actions.

"Himiko...what is this?"

'MORE GIVE US MORE!'

Himiko was beginning to think that Izuku didn't improve at all. That or she was a hell of a budget chef. Izuku grabbed her shoulder with one arm and held the mug directly in front of her to get her focus. His eyes were like a predator as he made his demands. It was kinda hot.

"Himiko, what is this?!"

"Holy crap it's hot chocolate, if I knew you liked it so much I would have gotten you a cup from the convenience store like everyday."

Chocolate.

Hearing the word sparked a craving in his stomach. It was the same as…

Both alien and human lunged to swipe the mug from Himiko and drank with the same intensity as the first. Venom healed his burns just as quickly as they made them.

"Hey! I that one's mine! You could have just asked for more." She complained.

At the last drop, Izuku stared deeply into the empty mug.

He'd eaten people, enjoyed it, and just started his path to recovery from succumbing to the temptation by eating a hero. All while the solution was cheap and available at every store.

It mocked him. This whole time he just happened to not have eaten chocolate.

"Did you know?" He asked to his chest, indicating to Toga he was talking to Venom.

'Of course we didn't know! Otherwise you know we would be bothering you every five fucking minutes. Speaking of which, have her make us the rest of it.'

"..."

"Izuku? You're looking really pale buddy. You go coo coo for cocopuffs or something?"

"...I want to fucking die."