Katsuki sat in the back of the ambulance, his legs dangling out the back as the paramedic removed the bullet from his arm. She'd given him a local anaesthetic, so his entire shoulder was numb. He could feel her poking around inside him, but there was no pain.

So as not to overwhelm the hospital, the staff were staggering the patient's arrival. Doing whatever they could on site to decrease everyone's time at the hospital. After all the people on the verge of death (Tsunagu and Pulse) had been taken in, they started to work through people based on severity of the injury. Shouto had gone up earlier to have his arm looked at, it was unclear yet, as to whether or not he would have to have surgery, or whether a simple cast was enough.

He agreed to wait for Aizawa and Katsuki to arrive, so they could all head back to U.A. along with Shinsou. The children were being kept amused by those uninjured heroes, food and water being given out and games being played. Dabi and Shigaraki were still there too, talking to Hawks, who was still whining about being attacked by one of the children he'd been rescuing.

Said child was approaching Katsuki, her hands on her hips and her scraggly black hair flying around as she walked. There was a little bit of blood on her chin, but Katsuki knew it was from Hawks not her. He watched her come, a scowl on her face.

"You." She said. Katsuki frowned.

"Me?"

"You're Katsuki, right?" she asked, coming to a stop in front of the ambulance and Katsuki.

"Yes."

"That bastard said I reminded him of you."

"You shouldn't fucking swear, kid."

"Yeah well, who's gonna fucking stop me? You? I don't think so." Katsuki scoffed at her words.

"Yeah, you're like me alright."

"I'm going to take that as an insult." The girl said, crossing her arms.

"What's your name, kid?"

"Morita Amaya." She replied.

"Why'd you bite Hawks?"

"I promised myself I'd fight whoever came in next, I didn't know he was gonna be a hero." Amaya shrugged. "S'up with you anyway, you're all bloody."

"I beat up the bastard that took you."

"No fair, I wanted to do that." Amaya scowled.

"Yeah well, I got there first." Katsuki said.

"Fuck you." Amaya snapped, kicking Katsuki in the shin.

"You fucking brat." Katsuki scowled. "Piss off, go annoy someone else."

"I'm alright here." Amaya said, glaring up at him.

"Are you hurt, sweetheart?" The paramedic looking at Katsuki's arm asked.

"No." she replied. Katsuki could see, that despite her words, Amaya had a yellowish bruise on her cheek and the way she stood indicated she'd hurt one of her legs.

"You know." Katsuki started. "It's pretty stupid if you're hurt and don't get medical attention. It just means you can't fight as good." Amaya glared at him again before sighing and looking at the ground.

"My knee hurts." She said in a small voice. The paramedic nodded, running a wipe over Katsuki's switches in his arm. She handed him a small Ziplock bag which contained the bullet that had been embedded in his arm. He took it with his good hand.

"Come here, sweetie, I'll look at that knee." The paramedic smiled and Amaya took a step closer. The paramedic picked her up, placing her next to Katsuki in the back of the ambulance. Katsuki stood, ready to head back to Aizawa, trying to ignore the throbbing in his hand.

"Can you stay?" Amaya asked suddenly. "Not that I'm scared or anything."

"Sure Kid." Katsuki said. "I'm tired anyway." He sat back down, the paramedic smiled at him as he rested his head on the open door. If Amaya leant against him whilst the paramedic checked her over, well he wasn't going to say anything.

A little further off, Shouta walked idly around the perimeter, making sure they hadn't missed anything. The villains were all gone, split across several prisons, awaiting trial. His mind was hectic, worrying about his students, about Hakamata, about the children. He couldn't help but glance over to where Shigaraki and Dabi were entertaining some children. Well, Dabi was, Shigaraki watched. He was still coated in blood, shining against his skin and hoodie as it dried crusty.

He had survived a knife wound to the throat. A knife meant for Shouta. Yet now he was sat there like he hadn't been injured at all. Shouta shook his head. How was it possible? Shouta knew he himself would have died from the wound. Yet Shigaraki looked as though the blade hadn't even scratched him. If it wasn't for the blood covering him, Shouta would have thought it a dream.

He shook his head, whatever was going on with Shigaraki was dangerous, and Shouta didn't trust him. But he couldn't deny it, the villain had saved his life. Shouta was only stood here because that man had moved, protecting him with what could have been his life.

"Shouta." A familiar voice called his name, and the hero looked up to see his husband running over to him.

"Hizashi?" Shouta asked. "What are you doing here?"

"Shinsou called, saying that the kid that was at the station was here and wanted to see me." Hizashi said with a smile. "So I came down. Do you know where he could be?"

"Edgeshot is dealing with the kids, along with like 50 different social workers." Shouta replied. "We can go over—" He was cut off by his husband smashing their lips together in a passionate and somewhat inappropriate kiss.

"'Zashi." Shouta said, putting a hand on Mic's chest, pushing him back. "We're in public."

"The whole world knows, Baby." Hizashi laughed.

"The whole world?"

"We made international news as Japan's first openly queer heroes."

"Oh for fuck sake." Shouta growled. "I should have killed Pulse when I got the chance."

"Hey now." Hizashi said softly. "Let the world freak out for a bit and then they'll calm down. Loads of countries already have LGBTQ+ heroes, and Japan does too. Just no one really knows about it. I mean look at Tiger, we only about him because we went to U.A. together before he transitioned. No one ever put two and two together and realised Tiger wasn't Tigress' replacement but the same person."

"I guess." Shouta grumbled.

"And maybe, with us taking the fall, more heroes can come out and be who they are publicly. I mean look at the first years alone, how many kids in there aren't straight?" Mic said.

"More than usual." Shouta said, burying his face in Hizashi's cardigan.

"Exactly, maybe having us be out will inspire them, show them that they don't need to hide?"

"Have you met Bakugou? I don't think he can hide." Shouta said. "All you need to do is put him in the same room as Kirishima and even a blind person would notice the fucking heart eyes."

"True." Hizashi said, wrapping his arms tighter around Shouta. "How is Bakugou?"

"Struggling." Shouta said simply. "He got shot with a Quirk Erasing Bullet."

"Fucking hell." Hizashi sighed.

"Yeah, we don't know if it's permanent or not but… I guess we'll see."

"Excuse me." The two jumped apart to see Shigaraki, Dabi not far behind. Mic was automatically on guard, ready to fight but Shouta put a hand on his chest, stilling him. "I couldn't help but overhear. You mean one of Overhaul's bullets?"

"Yes." Shouta said. "We don't know how we got it. I asked Bakugou to see if he could keep the bullet so we could run tests on it but…"

"We might be able to help. If it's permanent that is." Shigaraki said.

"How?" Mic asked, narrowing his eyes. If he held Shouta a little tight, his husband wasn't going to mention it.

"Well, I don't think it's a secret we went after Overhaul's escort." Shigaraki said.

"Yeah, why did you do that?" Shouta asked.

"He wanted a team up, but Toga and Twice found out what he was doing to that girl. We don't like guys who hurt kids." Dabi said.

"Really?" Mic asked, somewhat shocked that the villains had a set or morals.

"My father used to chain me up outside like a dog." Shigaraki said. "It's kind of a personal issue."

"And I mean, who do you think made me look like this?" Dabi added, gesturing to his scars.

"We wanted to punish him, hurt him for hurting that girl, seeing as we can't really go against our own fathers." Shigaraki said. "We stole his bullets. All of them. Some of them are the antidote, we don't know which one is which, but we'd gladly hand them over."

"You will?"

"Yes. In a few days." Shigaraki said. "When we head over to the Ground Zero Initiative."

"You're handing yourself in?" Hizashi asked. Dabi nodded.

"We want a second chance." He said. "We want the help the program offers. We're tired of fighting."

"I understand." Shouta said.

"We just need to put everything in order before we go." Shigaraki said.

"I wish you the best." Shouta said.

"Thank you." Shigaraki and Dabi bowed their heads slightly.

"Yeah, I hope you get the help you need." Hizashi said.

"And thank you." Shouta said. "Shigaraki, you saved my life. I don't know whether that was your intention but… you did… I wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for you."

"What?" Hizashi asked, turning to face his husband. Shouta simply squeezed his hand.

"I just moved…" Shigaraki said. "I didn't think."

"That happens a lot in our line of work." Shouta replied with a small quirk of his lips. "So thank you, Shigaraki."

"Shimura." The former villain replied. "My real name… it's Shimura Tenko… All for One gave me that name."

"Thank you, Shimura then." Shouta bowed. "You should go before anyone else get here. I can't promise what other heroes will do if they see you."

"We will." Dabi said. "I'm glad today worked out."

Shouta and Hizashi nodded before walking off towards Edgeshot. When they were alone Touya reached out, pulling Tenko close, nuzzling into the crook of his neck. Tenko leant into the touch, pressing a kiss to Touya's hair.

"Does it hurt?"

"It did." Tenko replied. "Not anymore, not really. It aches but… I'm okay." Touya kissed Tenko's neck gently.

"You scared me." Touya said. "You can't leave me. I can't live without you."

"Drama queen." Tenko said, but his stomach fluttered at the words. "I love you."

"Love you too. Do you think they'll let us be together at the Initiative? What if they keep us apart?"

"I'd like to see them try." Tenko replied. Touya pulled back, cyan eyes meeting crimson.

"Do you think that one day, we'll be like them?" Touya glanced back at Eraserhead and Present Mic, who were now stood next to each other, leaning against one another as they talked to Edgeshot.

"What do you mean?"

"You know, they've been together like 15 years. Married, kids, pets." Touya said.

"Do you want that?"

"One day." Touya shrugged. "I don't think I'd be a good dad but… Married, a couple of fur babies." Tenko smiled.

"Come on, let's go home." Tenko said, taking Touya's hand, squeezing it.


Todoroki Enji wouldn't necessarily admit that he was nervous. But he was. He didn't know what to do with the excess energy. Flames licked at his cheeks as he stared at the screen. Next to him Fuyumi and Natsuo were sat, equally engrossed in the television. They were supposed to be having a family meal, Fuyumi had managed to convince Natsuo to visit home, and Shouto should have been here too. When he didn't turn up, Enji was disappointed, but not necessarily surprised. Shouto avoided coming home at every opportunity. Not that Enji blamed him. He understood why Shouto wanted to be away from him.

Enji didn't know why he was nervous, all of the action had passed. Shouto was fine, he was safe. He wasn't unharmed, his left arm was nestled in a temporary sling. However, he seemed unfazed by the injury. Enji couldn't breathe.

His Shouto was smiling.

Enji hadn't seem Shouto smile since before the accident. Before he'd sent Rei to live at the hospital. He knew it was his fault. He's stolen Shouto's happiness, snuffed out any embers of childhood wonder that had survived Touya's death and Rei's sectioning.

But now he was smiling… at a villain?

Enji recognised Dabi and Shigaraki from Kamino. He didn't understand why they were there. The heroes present weren't concerned, despite the fact Shigaraki was clearly covered in blood. Yet Shouto was sat with them and he was smiling.

"Well at least I get to see Shouto. It's not a conversation but I guess it reminds me of when we were little. Seen but not heard."

"Natsuo!" Fuyumi hissed.

"What, Fuyu?" Natsuo asked. "I'm just stating the truth. I can count on one hand the amount of times I spoke to him after Mom was sent away. Hell, I can count on no hands, as the answer is zero. At least until he started at U.A."

"You don't have to be a dick about it." Fuyumi said.

"Fuyumi, it's fine." Enji replied. "He can say what he wants."

Natsuo scoffed, turning his attention back to the screen.

"Look who he's with Fuyumi. Do you think he knows?"

"Natsuo!"

"Knows what?" Enji asked as Fuyumi kicked her little brother.

"That he's on TV." Natsuo said, smirking at Fuyumi.

Fine, Enji thought, let them keep their secrets. It's not like it mattered anyway. It was a miracle Natsuo was replying to him at all, even if it was just to keep him out of the loop. It was progress, Enji guessed. Small little increments forwards were better than nothing. At least Natsuo was still here, he was actually at the house. That never happened before.

Enji wasn't stupid, he knew Shouto and Natsuo visited home while he was out doing hero work across the country. If there wasn't a chance of him spontaneously coming home, he could bet his life that they were at the house.

Fuyumi still lived with him. Thankfully one of his children stayed with him. Enji didn't blame Natsuo or Shouto for leaving, but he was glad one of them stayed. Recently it was strange though, if ranking how much his children hated him, Enji had always ranked it; Natsuo, Shouto, Fuyumi. But now it was clear Natsuo and Shouto had switched.

"Jeez, will you stop with the flames already? You're going to burn the whole place down." Natsuo snapped out of his thoughts. His flames immediately dying down to nothing as he mumbled.

"Sorry."

Natsuo sat up, looking directly at his father.

"I think that's the first time I've ever heard you apologise for something." Natsuo said, rolling his eyes. Enji frowned… had he never apologised to Natsuo? The Number One Hero sighed, settling further into the sofa as Natsuo got up, claiming he was going to get a snack.

Enji sighed, leaning his head back, staring at the ceiling. Shouto was no longer on the TV, instead It appeared to show footage of Edgeshot interacting with a child.

"Do you think he'll be okay?" Fuyumi asked.

"Who? Natsuo?"

"No. Shouto."

"He'll be fine, Fuyumi. He's dealt with more than a broken arm."

The because of me remained unsaid.


Class 1.A.:

Ingenium:

Conscience, Frostfire, and GroundZero. Please tell us you're okay.

Creati:

Yes, when you're able to of course.

Deku:

Please stay safe.

Uravity:

Yes stay safe!

Conscience:

Hey guys, Shouto and I are fine. Idk about Katsuki.

Red Riot:

What do you mean you don't know about Katsuki!

Conscience:

There were two team. Sho' and I were on one, Katsuki on the other.

Aizawa went with him, he'd probably fine.

Red Riot:

Asdfgh

Find out!

Conscience:

I'm at the hospital. Idk what happened there.

Deku:

Are you okay?

Conscience:

I'm fine. I'm giving blood.

Shouto broke his arm.

Deku:

Is he coming for my brand?

Red Riot:

Can someone please find out where Katsuki is? He's not answering his phone.

FrostFire:

Katsuki's okay physically. He's going through a lot mentally but he's okay.

He needs to go to the hospital, he broke his hand and got shot.

The bullet was in his shoulder, it didn't do much damage.

I don't think he has his phone switched on.

Red Riot:

Thank you, Shouto

Deku:

Are you okay Shouto?

FrostFire:

Yeah, like Hitoshi said, I've broken my arm. But I'm at the hospital now.

They're going to set it, and then I'll go to Recovery Girl tomorrow.

Deku:

Good :D

Alien Queen:

What on earth happened? We saw the news about Best Jeanist?

FrostFire:

I don't know what I can say, legally.

But we went to rescue Jeanist.

I'm sure there's more information on the news.

Alien Queen:

Did you get him?

Conscience:

Who do you think I'm giving blood to?

Well gave. I'm done.

FrostFire:

Did you give him enough?

Conscience:

As much as I can safely give. Tbh I just went so they could start it in the ambulance.

Now he's here I'm sure they have access to more blood.

FrostFire:

True. Where are you? So I can meet you after I'm done?

Aizawa said he'll come up the same time as Katsuki and take us home.

Conscience:

By the vending machine. Nurses said I should sit and eat something sweet.

FrostFire:

Okay. I'll come over in a bit.

Ground Zero:

Do you guys ever shut up?

Red Riot:

Katsuki! Are you okay?

Ground Zero:

I'll tell you later x

Red Riot:

Okay x

Ground Zero:

I have to go.

Eijirou sighed, switching over to private messaging. His fingers buried in Hoshi's fur as he lay on Katsuki's bed, inhaling the sweet caramel scent of his boyfriend.

From Eijirou x:

Are you sure you're okay?

From Kitsune:

I broke my hand. Got shot. Lost my Quirk.

From Eijirou x:

What?

From Kitsune:

Ei I don't want to talk about it

From Eijirou x:

Is there anything you want for when you get back?

From Kitsune:

Could you maybe make me that soup you made when I will Ill?

I haven't eaten since breakfast, but I don't know if I'll be able to keep anything down.

From Eijirou x:

Of course Baby x

From Kitsune:

I really do have to go.

But I love you.

From Eijirou x:

I love you too.

And I know you don't want to talk about it.

But with or without a Quirk you're still the manliest person I know.

From Kitsune:

You don't know how much I needed to hear that x


"I'm going to put it bluntly." The social worker said. "There are about four children we're not happy sending home."

"Four?" Shouta asked.

"After the children were kidnapped, we performed evaluations on each family." The social worker said. "Most of them turned out fine, but four of them are concerning us. Two families are working with us, and we hope that we can reintroduce the children back to their families. But with both the Ueno and Morita families it's straight up abuse."

"Fuck." Hizashi shook his head. Edgeshot nodded.

"All of the other parents will meet us at the hospital. But I'm still trying to find foster families for the four."

"We could take one." Hizashi said, Shouta looked up.

"We can?"

"We have the spare room, and we're already in the system, after fostering Eri. It would just be until something permanent can be arranged. Right?"

"Yes." The social worker said. "We'd start looking for more permanent homes straight away."

"What happens if you can't find foster homes?"

"They'd go into a group home. It's not the end of the world but we'd prefer to place them in a home that can be watched and evaluated."

"Shou', these kids are traumatised enough. If we can give one of them a couple of days of peace, then we should." Hizashi said.

"What about Eri?"

"I think she'd like having someone her age." Hizashi said. Shouta nodded.

"Yeah, okay, we can take one for the night." Shouta said.

"I'll just have to call the office, check that you are in fact an approved foster family." The social worker said. Hizashi nodded, rattling off their information.

"You have a kid?" Edgeshot asked when the social worker stepped away.

"We're fostering a little girl at the minute. We're in the process of adopting her, it's proving a little difficult as her biological mother is still out there, and she has a grandfather in a coma." Hizashi said.

"Oh, I didn't know." Edgeshot said. "You're okay taking another one?"

"Yeah, we have four bedrooms so it's fine."

"Why do you have that much room?" Edgeshot laughed.

"Well some other U.A. teacher would stay over, before the dorms were built. And my family liked to visit loads." Hizashi said. "Plus I fell in love with the house and Shouta didn't have a choice."

"Yep." Shouta said, before turning to face Hizashi. "You do realise you're going to have let down that duck."

"Not Ahiru!" Hizashi whined.

"It's taking up most of that room." Shouta replied.

"Fine." Hizashi pouted. "I'm going to move him to the living room."

"No you're fucking not." Shouta scowled.

"Shou' there are children present." Shouta rolled his eyes.

"I don't care, I'm not having a giant inflatable duck in my living room."

There was a pattering of pair feet across grass and a call of "Mic!" The heroes turned to see a small silver haired child running up to the heroes. Shouta recognised the boy immediately, as the one Pulse had brought with him to attach the radio station.

Hizashi bent down as the boy approached. The boy stumbled to a stop in front of Mic, smiling wide despite how dirty and exhausted he must be.

"You're awake!" The boy cried.

"I am." Mic replied. "How are you doing, little man?"

"Better now." The boy bounced forward on his feet. "I thought you were going to die."

"Nah, I'm fine. I just bumped my head and went to sleep. I only hurt my arm." Hizashi said, holding up his bandaged hand."

"Does it hurt?" The boy asked, cocking his head to the side.

"Nope. It's fine." Hizashi said. The boy reached out, touching the bandage.

"Oh."

"What's your name?"

"Seiichi." The boy said.

"You were very brave."

"I wasn't I was scared." Seiichi said, looking at the ground.

"Being scared doesn't mean you're not brave." Hizashi said softly

"Really?"

"Mhm, I get scared all of the time. I think you're really brave." Hizashi said, Seiichi dove at him, wrapping his short arms around his neck. Hizashi wrapped his own arms around Seiichi's waist, scooping him up, holding him close as the boy buried his head in Hizashi's neck.

Hizashi glanced at Shouta, who smiled at his husband. The boy sniffled lightly and Edgeshot couldn't seem to tear his eyes away. Seiichi leant back, one arm still wrapped around Hizashi's neck, the other going for his pocket. He pulled out a little button.

"I kept this button. I didn't mean to stealed it." Shouta saw the exact moment Hizashi fell head over heels for this child.

"Oh it's okay, Little Listener." Hizashi said. "It was an accident."

"Can I… Can I keep it?" Seiichi asked.

"Of course." Hizashi said, cuddling him close. Seiichi rested his head on Hizashi's shoulder, pressing the button to his lips.

"Oh you've found Seiichi." The social worker said, coming back to the group, phone in her hand. "The office confirmed you are who you stay you are. I can allow you to foster a child."

"Thank you." Hizashi said.

"I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest you take Seiichi." The social worker said.

"He was present when Mic was attacked the other day, I think it would be best for Seiichi to allow him to spend as much time as possible with him." Shouta replied, looking over to the boy, who was nibbling on the button, his eyes drooping as he fought off sleep in Mic's arms.

"I can see that." The social worker nodded. "I have a co-worker who's going to meet us as the hospital to sign paperwork and stuff."

"Is he one of the one's that you believe will be able to go home at some point?"

"No. His parents are physically abusive." The social worker said in a quieter voice as Hizashi stepped away with the boy. "It took three days before his parents reported him missing. His attendance at school was minimal, so they didn't find it strange that he didn't turn up. His parents just didn't notice he was gone." The social worker sighed.

"The father is currently in prison. He punched one of my co-workers during the investigation. The mother has been forced into mandated rehab. It's not safe for him in that household. The mother has signed away parental rights, the father is refusing to so it's a bit more complicated. However, as soon as he's prosecuted, he won't have a choice."

"I see. So you'll be looking for an adoptive family for him?" Shouta asked.

"Yes. We'll look for a long-term foster for him or an adoption." The social worker said.

"Okay." Shouta nodded. "How old is he?"

"Nine, he's a little mentally delayed, but I believe that's from his lack schooling rather than any disability. But we'll evaluate him at a later date. He's quite small for his age, most likely due to malnutrition, but I think once he's placed in a good, loving home, he'll flourish."

"We'll make sure h's looked after for however long we have him." Shouta said.

"I can see that."

"Aizawa-sensei." Shouta turned at his name, seeing Bakugou walking up to him. The teen looked exhausted, his feet dragging along the ground, blood staining his clothes.

"I need to and deal with the other children." The social worker said, leaving Shouta and Bakugou alone.

"They want to take me in now." Katsuki said, gesturing to the ambulance. He glanced around Aizawa to look at Mic holding Seiichi. "Are you acquiring more children?"

"Apparently." Aizawa replied.


Katsuki sat on the hospital bed as the nurse gathered up a collection of bandages. The cast on his hand was itchy and uncomfortable, but the doctor had given him some painkillers so it wasn't hurting anymore.

"Would you like to pick a colour?" the nurse asked, his tone was soft, almost as if he was talking to a child. Normally it would piss Katsuki off. Put today, he let it slide. He glanced over to the array of colours, using his good hand to point at the orange. "Good choice."

The nurse carefully wrapped his hand in the orange bandage. Katsuki stared blindly in front of him. He was having trouble focusing. He didn't know if he was overwhelmed or whether it was just the drugs.

"Are you in any pain? We're you hurt anywhere else?" the nurse asked.

"No." Katsuki said.

"Alright then." The nurse said, taping the bandage down. "You're all done."

"Thank you." Katsuki said. "Would it be okay if I just sat here for a moment? I feel kind of shaky."

"Of course." The nurse replied. "Take a long as you need."

The nurse then left and Katsuki sat alone for a few moments. Aizawa had gone off to find Shouto and Hitoshi whilst Katsuki got seen to. The blond felt numb, but too much at the same time. He was worried about his teammates, grieving over Teruo, his Quirk. His stomach churned, feeling guilty and nauseous. He wanted to go home, but at the same time he didn't want to move.

What if Pulse died? Katsuki could have killed him. As much as he threatened to kill his friends in play, he'd never actually considered the possibility of killing someone. Even when he'd been kidnapped, and was facing off the whole League of villains, he had been thinking about arresting them, not killing. Now it was a real possibility. Would he be arrested if Pulse died? Would U.A. kick him out?

What if Tsunagu died? Katsuki hoped he was out of the woods. After all he was in a hospital. It should be the best place for him. But what if…? Tsunagu is strong, he told himself, he'll make it. But he'd been in a pretty bad shape. What if he didn't?

What if he didn't get his Quirk back? Aizawa was all words of reassurance. Claiming that it could be temporary like the one that hit Amajiki. But Katsuki knew it could be permanent like the one that his Toogata. He didn't want to be in the same situation as the third year. Hopelessly stuck between the hero course and general studies with the hope of one day regaining his Quirk.

He'd leave U.A. on his own after that. He wouldn't be able to stay there, skulking the halls like some kind of ghost. He'd have to get a fresh start. Cut all contact, become someone new, someone Quirkless.

Could he do that? Katsuki shook his head. No. He had Eijirou, Shouto, Izuku, all of his friends. He couldn't just walk away. Could he?

Tears burnt his eyes as they threatened to fall. He was so, so tired. But it wasn't like he was somewhere he could go to sleep. Was this what hero work was really like? Emotionally draining? Soul sucking? Maybe it was so the best he'd lost his Quirk, maybe being a hero wasn't the best choice for him.

Katsuki scrambled to pull his phone out of his pocket as tears began to fall. He tried to sniff them back, but they just kept coming, and coming. Blurring his vision as he tried to unlock his phone. He went to his recent calls and dialled, pressing his phone to his ear.

"Katsuki."

"Dad." Katsuki whimpered.

"Bud, what's wrong?"

"I'm tired Daddy." Katsuki sniffed, cursing himself at the childish slip.

"Hey, it's okay. Whatever's happened it'll be okay." Masaru said, his voice smooth and comforting.

"We found him. Pulse." Katsuki said quietly. "He… He killed one of my friends at work."

"Oh Baby, I'm sorry."

"There was so much blood, Daddy, why was there so much blood?" He was almost hysterical now. Hyperventilating and sweating uselessly. "I can't breathe."

"Shh, Katsu, just take deep breaths." Katsuki could hear the emotion in his father's voice as he tried not to cry himself. "That's it. Can you count backwards from 100 for me?" It was a stupid thing. Something Masaru used to say to Katsuki when he was angry, count backwards from 100 and if you're still mad at it, we'll talk about it. That's what he'd always say. "Good boy." Masaru said, hearing Katsuki count anyway under his breath.

"You can come home." Katsuki said after a while. Tears still came but he was breathing. "Pulse is in prison. Well, a prison hospital but still."

"We can?"

"Mhm."

"We'll get the next flight we can. Okay?"

"Okay." Katsuki replied, feeling a little better at the prospect of seeing his family again.

"Where are you now, alone?"

"Yeah, I'm at the hospital. Aizawa is just checking on the others. He'll be back soon."

"The hospital? Why are you in the hospital?" Masaru asked, shock colouring his tone.

"I was in the raid that found Pulse. I caught him actually. I just… well I got shot and broke my hand."

"What?"

"I'm fine though." Katsuki said, leaving out the bit about his Quirk. That wasn't exactly the kind of news you broke on the phone. "I've got an orange cast. I'll go to Recovery Girl tomorrow to see if she can heal me. I'm too tired today she wouldn't be able to do anything."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, I just wanted to tell you that you can come home, I guess." Katsuki said, wiping away his tears. "Sorry, everything is a bit much right now."

"I understand Bud, but you'll talk to someone if you need to, right?"

"Yeah." Katsuki said. "I'm sure Hound Dog is ready to talk with me about it already."

"Okay. I'm going to tell your mother, she's just popped out."

"Just, tell her don't ring? I'm going to bed as soon as I get home."

"Okay Katsuki, just stay safe."

"And you."

"Love you, son."

"Love you too."

Katsuki stared at his phone, watching as his father disconnected the call. He still felt numb. But his parents coming home was definitely a good thing. He rubbed his sleeves into his eyes, trying to wipe away tears, belatedly worrying about the filth covering them.

"Knock knock." A sing-song voice called from the door. Katsuki looked up to see Sleuth.

"The fuck's got you so happy."

"Raiden's awake." Sleuth said. "He's groggy and confused as fuck but he's awake. Actually, he probably isn't now but he did wake up. Which means things are going well."

"Is it good for him to be awake. Like didn't he just nearly die?"

"I don't know. The doctors seemed happy with it. They said don't expect much straight away. Just because he woke up now doesn't mean he'll be back to normal. They said he could sleep for a couple of days. But you know." Sleuth shrugged.

"Should I go and see him?"

"No, it's okay. You should go home, get some rest. There's nothing you can do here."

"But Tsunagu—"

"Will still be here tomorrow." Sleuth said. "Fallacy and Zipper are going to stay the night, if anything happens, they'll call."

"But—"

"There's nothing you can do here. He wouldn't want you sat here waiting." Sleuth said, coming to sit next to Katsuki, placing a hand on his thigh. "He'll be okay, Katsuki."

"I hope so."

"He will." Sleuth said. "He's a fighter. He'll be fine."

"Okay." Katsuki said in a small voice. Sleuth reached out to ruffle his hair. Katsuki frowned at how dirty his hair must be. He felt disgusting.

"What's up?"

"How the fuck do I shower if I'm not supposed to get this wet?"

"You never broken a bone before?"

"Well yeah, but usually Recovery Girl fixes them pretty quickly."

"Just put a plastic bag over it, it'll be good."

"Ugh."

"Yeah."

"I need to go and find Aizawa." Katsuki said standing up.

"Alright, I just wanted to let you know about Thim."

"I'll come visit when I can." Katsuki said.

"I'll tell him."

Katsuki headed towards the waiting room, Aizawa, Mic, Shouto and Hitoshi were waiting. Mic was still holding the sleeping child, rubbing his hand down his back. Hitoshi and Shouto waved at Katsuki, his initial instinct was to stick his middle finger up at them however his cast presented the action.

"You ready to go home?" Aizawa asked.

"How are we all going to fit?" Katsuki asked.

"Seiichi hasn't been seen yet." Hizashi said. "Shou' is going to take you back to the dorms and come back for us two."

"Oh." Katsuki nodded. "Cute kid."

"You have no idea." Hizashi said. "He was the one there when Pulse attacked me. He pulled a button off my cardigan, and he's so attached to it. I'm so scared he'll drop it though."

"Put it on a chain or something, so he can wear it." Katsuki said.

"Good plan." Shouta said. "Come on."

The three students waved goodbye to Mic, heading over to where their car was parked. Katsuki sat in the front with Aizawa, Shouto and Hitoshi in the back.

"I'm proud of the three of you." Aizawa said as he started to drive. "You worked hard and you saved those children and Jeanist today."

"Thank you, Sensei." Hitoshi said.

"You don't have to come to class tomorrow. But I would like each of you to visit both Recovery Girl and Hound Dog."

"Yes, Sensei." Katsuki said.

"Bakugou, keep me updated with your Quirk. If it doesn't come back we'll sort something out."

"Okay."

"Everything will be okay."

A lot of people kept saying that to him today. Katsuki hoped it would be.


Tenko pushed open the door to the League's makeshift safehouse. The roof had holes in it and the walls were rotting, making the place uncomfortably cold, if it wasn't for the fire that took up a large portion of the living room. Spinner was curled up on a rug in front of the flames, basking in its warmth. Twice and Toga were playing Mario Kart on Tenko's own console and Mr Compress was reading a book in an armchair.

"Tomura." Toga called as soon as she saw him, pausing the game. "You look so cute all battered and bloody."

"You're back." Twice added. "Get the fuck out."

"You two look like you've been through some shit." Compress added, idly turning a page in his book

"Yeah well, we went to rescue Giran." Shigaraki replied, scratching his throat. It was itchy and sore.

"You went to rescue Giran? Is he okay?" Twice asked. "Who cares about that selfish prick, not me."

"Yeah, he's probably going to lay low for a while though." Dabi added. "Get the heroes off his tail."

"Fair enough." Spinner said, opening one eye.

"We're going to go to bed." Tenko said. "It's been a long day and I'm exhausted."

"Me too." Dabi said.

"Goodnight, Tomura-chan." Toga said.

"Goodnight, you two." Compress added whilst Spinner let out a non-comital hum.

"Night night." Twice called, "I hope you both choke and die in your sleep."

The two of them made their way into their shared bedroom. Tenko heading straight to the bathroom intending to shower. He turned when he heard noise behind him.

"Can I help you?" he asked Touya.

"I want to shower with you."

"Touya, I'm not in the mood."

"Not like that." Touya shook his head. "I just don't want to be apart from you right now. I could wash your hair, you like it when I do that."

"Fine." Tenko grumbled, pulling the black stained hoodie over his head. Dabi took it from his hands, incinerating it immediately.

"Hey, that was my favourite hoodie." Tenko pouted.

"You can have one of mine." Touya said.

"It was one of yours, that's why it was my favourite."

"It's not like the blood would ever come out."

"Have you heard of a washing machine?" Tenko frowned, Touya laughed.

"Come on, the quicker we shower, the quicker we can go to bed."

"Fine, but if you try anything there won't be any cuddling."

"You say that like you aren't the little spoon."


Going through the dorm doors was an affair and a half. Everyone jumped at them, clambering over them, wanting answers. Katsuki hated how everyone was in his space. Well everyone except Eijirou, Denki, Sero, Izuku and Jirou. They hung back, by the kitchen, and that's why Katsuki loved them.

"What happened?"

"Are you okay?"

"Does that hurt?"

Everyone was loud and, in his space, crowding him, even grabbing a hold of his arm. Katsuki yanked back.

"Shut up, just shut up. All of you fuck off." Katsuki snapped.

"Woah man, no need to snap." Hagakure said.

"Fuck off. You have no idea what it was like. You have no fucking clue."

"Katsuki." Eijirou said softly. "Come on Baby."

"You don't know." Katsuki whimpered. Eijirou pulled him into a careful hug. Katsuki started to cry once again, burying his face in Eijirou's neck. "Shh Katsuki, I've got you."

"It was tough for him." Shouto said quietly. "A friend of his was murdered. I think it would be best to just give him some space."

"Of course." Tenya said. "Forgive us, Katsuki."

Eijirou continued to hold Katsuki as he cried, soothing him softly. Everyone left them alone as Katsuki inhaled his coconut scent.

"The soup will take another half an hour, do you want to shower?"

"Mhm." Katsuki hummed. "I need a carrier bag. So I don't get my cast wet."

"Okay." Eijirou said. "Satou, can you pass me a carrier bag and some duct tape.

"I'll look like an idiot." Katsuki mumbled.

"My idiot." Eijirou said, kissing his cheek.

"It was Needles… who died… he has…had three kids."

"Do you want send his family something?"

"I wouldn't know what I would send." Katsuki said, pulling away and Eijirou slipped a plastic bag over his hand, taping the open areas shut.

"Okay. You don't have to send anything right away anyway." Eijirou said softly. "You go straight to the showers, I'll go get you your pyjamas and a towel."

"I don't deserve you." Katsuki said, Eijirou snorted, pressing their lips together chastely.

"Yes you do."

Katsuki went towards the showers. He wasted no time in cleaning himself, washing blood and god knows what else off of him. He realised pretty quickly he didn't have any of his products as he kept them in his room, however, Eijirou kept his own shampoo and conditioner in the bathroom. It was for colour treated hair, but Katsuki assumed one time wouldn't do much damage.

He took some comfort being surrounded by coconut. As Katsuki cleaned himself he heard other people enter the bathroom and start showers, presumably Hitoshi and Shouto. Someone else entered.

"Katsuki?"

"Yeah."

"Your clothes are out here."

"Thanks Ei. I used your shampoo."

"Ahh, okay." Eijirou said. "Do you want to eat in your room?"

"Yeah."

"Okay." Eijirou said, walking out.

Katsuki finished off quickly, stepping out of the shower, grabbing his towel and drying himself off. If one thing would secure Katsuki's love for Eijirou, it was the fact that when selecting his pyjamas the other teen had thought to grab him his favourite boxers (how he knew Katsuki had no clue) and a pair of fuzzy slipper socks.

Shouto stepped out of the shower moments after Katsuki had pulled on said socks, a plastic bag also covering his cast.

"Thanks." Shouto said. "For getting them to back off. I know you didn't mean it, but I didn't want them all so close."

"Yeah." Katsuki said. "I didn't mean it, but they should know better."

"Yeah." Shouto said. "Enjoy your soup."

"I'm sure you could have some if you wanted."

"Thank you, but I just want some soba." Shouto said. "Momo is making me some."

"Oh." Katsuki nodded. "Well, enjoy it." Shouto snorted.

"Thanks." Shouto said. Katsuki headed back outside to see Eijirou waiting. The redhead poured out two bowls of soup with crusty bread. They made their way up to Katsuki's room. Hoshi trilled as Katsuki came in, her tail up in the air as she trotted up to meet him. Katsuki bent down and picked her up, burying his face in her fur.

"Do you want to watch something?" Eijirou asked as they settled onto Katsuki's bed, handing him his soup.

"Not really." Katsuki said. "We can if you want."

"No no. I just want you to feel comfortable. We can just talk if you want?" Katsuki nodded.

"My parents are coming home."

"They are?" Eijirou said. "You caught Pulse then."

"Mhm. I stabbed him."

"What?"

"He shot me, taking my Quirk and then he pinned me, choking me. I didn't know what to do. But… but I had my throwing knives."

"Good." Eijirou said. "If it was you or him, I'd rather you be the one to come out of it alive."

"Even if I'm Quirkless?"

"Even if you're Quirkless." Eijirou said, "Baby, even if it doesn't come back, I'd like to see the Commission try and stop you from becoming a Pro hero. I mean look at Aizawa, he fights essentially Quirkless. You can too."

"Thanks Ei." Katsuki said, sipping his soup. "I love you."

"I love you too, Kitsune." Eijirou said. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together.