Katsuki came awake slowly, his arms aching, his legs feeling like he'd run a marathon. Katsuki supposed in a way he had. He whimpered as he blinked away sleep. Eijirou wasn't in bed next to him, and the indent of where he had been sleeping was cold. Katsuki frowned, sitting up, grabbing his hearing aids.

Hoshi was curled up in between his legs under the covers, her head resting on his upper thigh. He reached down, scratching her head, just as the door opened. Eijirou came in, carrying a bowl and a mug, he was wearing his school uniform, his hair in a ponytail. He looked at Katsuki, smirking.

"Do you want me to come back?" he asked. Katsuki frowned before he realised what he looked like.

"I'm not— I can't –. It's Hoshi." Katsuki spluttered, pushing back the covers to reveal a rather disgruntled cat.

"I'm only teasing." Eijirou said. "I assumed she was still in there." He put the tea on the side, handing Katsuki a bowl of Miso soup. "Izuku, Denki and I made it, so if it's shit, blame them."

"You did?" Katsuki said, picking up a spoon.

"Yeah, we wanted to make you, Shouto and Shinsou something. And when I pointed out that you weren't able to stomach much, we thought soup would be the best."

"Thank you, Ei." Katsuki said popping a spoonful in his mouth.

"How is it?" Eijirou asked, sitting on the bed.

"Good, especially for your first try." Katsuki said, picking up another spoonful. "We should cook together again soon. I can teach you some stuff if you want."

"Yeah. Satou gave me a couple of lessons, you know he helps me make the chicken soup, but I'd love to get the Katsuki spin." Eijirou said with a large smile.

"You're on, Red." Katsuki said. "Do you have to go soon?"

"Yeah." Eijirou said. "I don't think we'll get much done today though, both Aizawa-sensei and Present Mic aren't in. Aizawa sent an email to the class apologising."

"Is he okay?"

"Mhm. He said that he was having a bad day, chronic pain wise. He said he'll try and come to class in the afternoon, but Mic won't be in at all. I don't know why he won't be though."

"They're fostering a kid that's really attached to Mic, so it's probably that." Katsuki said.

"Like permanently?"

"I don't know. I think Mic's in love with the kid. The entire time I saw them Mic was holding him."

"Aww cute, imagine Eri having a sibling."

"I know." Katsuki smiled.

"And how awesome would it be, if Aizawa had two kids that were rescued by his class." Eijirou laughed.

"It'd be adorable." Katsuki said, finishing his soup. "Thank you, Eij."

"No problem." Eijirou said, taking the bowl and putting it on the side. He then leant over the bed, kissing Katsuki softly. Katsuki sighed into the kiss, licking into Eijirou's mouth, taking control of the kiss. Eijirou cupped Katsuki's jaw, pressing himself closer.

"How are you feeling?" Eijirou asked as he pulled away, taking Katsuki's hand instead.

"There's pain, but I'll head over to Recovery Girl straight away."

"If you get dressed really quickly, I can walk with you." Eijirou said with a smile. Katsuki rolled his eyes, grabbing his tea and gulping it down before rushing through his morning routine. His hair was left scraggly and unbrushed, but he doubted anyone could really tell the difference. He just pulled on a pair of sweats and his Aji Fry shirt.

"Tadah." Katsuki said when he was fully dressed, Eijirou was on his bed, squeezing Hoshi's toe beans as the cat hissed at him but made no move to pull away. "If she bites you it's your own fault."

"I'll just harden."

"And break her teeth? I don't think so. If she bites, you're getting bitten like the rest of us." Katsuki scolded. "Are we going or not?"

"Yeah, come on, grumpy pants." Eijirou stuck his tongue out.

The two of them made their way through the dorms, Katsuki promptly ignoring everyone, Eijirou telling people he'd meet them in class. They didn't realise they were being followed until they got halfway to the main campus and something brushed against Katsuki's leg.

"Hoshi? Where did you come from?" Katsuki asked the cat, who simply trilled in response. "Hound Dog is going to be pissed when I bring you to our session." Hoshi twined herself around his legs in a figure of eight. "Just behave, you rascal."

Eijirou laughed and the two of them headed to Recovery Girl's office. Eijirou kissed Katsuki on the cheek before continuing towards the classroom. Katsuki knocked on the nurse's door, stepping inside when she called.

"Ah Bakugou, I was expecting you." She said with a smile. "Take a seat on the bed." Katsuki did as she asked, Hoshi jumping up to sit next to him. "Oh." Recovery Girl said as she turned around to see the cat.

"Sorry, she's just decided to follow me everywhere." Katsuki said, blush colouring his cheeks.

"Just don't let Nezu see her." Recovery Girl smiled, the kind of smile a grandma would give her grandchild when she handed over extra sweets, a finger to her lips.

"So how are you feeling?"

"My stiches itch. There's pain in the bullet wound but it's not unbearable. My hand aches like hell." He lifted up the hand with the cast on. "My muscles ache and I'm cold but that's it."

"Okay, well I don't was to exhaust you, so I'll heal the broken hand and some of the bullet wound, enough so the stiches can come out, but it won't completely heal it."

"Okay." Katsuki said.

"For the muscle pain, a hot bath or hot water bottle might help, they'll help with the cold too. Some over the counter pain meds. Even some more rest would do you some good."

"I've got to go and talk to Hound Dog, but I'll definitely get a hot water bottle or something." Katsuki said.

"If you need anything to help you sleep, come to me and I'll prescribe you something."

"Okay." Katsuki said as the old lady kissed his arm. His skin tingled and burned for a second before all pain melted away.

"Aizawa mentioned your Quirk is gone. As we don't know if it's temporary or not it's difficult to assess you, but I would say don't try and activate it for a couple of days. You don't want to strain it." Katsuki nodded at her words, getting to his feet. Accepting a small lemon flavoured boiled sweet when it was offered.

"Thank you." Katsuki said, heading out of the room with a wave. Hoshi leapt off of the bed, trotting after Katsuki, her tail in the air. He would glance back every few moments to make sure she was following. He headed straight over to Hound Dog's office, knocking the door.

A gruff growl called him in. Hoshi fluffed out her fur, but she still followed dutifully. Katsuki opened the door and went inside. Hound Dog growled low in the back of his throat at Hoshi, who hissed, her ears flat against her skull.

"Sorry." Katsuki said, scooping Hoshi up, cradling her close to his chest. "She wouldn't leave me alone."

"It's fine." Hound Dog said, clearing his throat, shaking in a way that made his ears flop about on his head. "I just wasn't expecting her." Katsuki nodded, coming to sit in the chair. "How are you feeling?"

"Shit." Katsuki scowled. "My heart hurts. I feel empty and lost. Like how am I supposed to process things? I'm never going to see Teruo again? How? I saw him one day and then he was gone. If I had known I would have done something differently. I would have—"

Hoshi nudged her head into his palm, licking her rough tongue over the pads of fingers. Katsuki rubbed her ears.

"Have you ever lost someone before?"

"Not like this." Katsuki said. "Like my great Grandad, but he was old… we knew it was going to happen. And I was little, I didn't understand then. And I didn't see him. But Teruo… I can't get the image out of my head."

"You saw?"

"I was part of the group that discovered his body. It was horrible." Katsuki said, stroking Hoshi again.

"I'm sorry about that Katsuki." Hound Dog said. "It must have been rough."

"Yeah."

"Are you sleeping or are the nightmares back?"

"I didn't have one last night, but I was so tired… maybe."

"If they do, let me know. If you're confused about how you feel, your brain might try to deal with it all subconsciously."

"So I'll have nightmares again?"

"I don't know Katsuki, but you've been through a traumatic event. It's possible."

"Fucking brilliant." Katsuki scowled, cuddling Hoshi tightly. The cat made a mrow of annoyance but allowed the action.

"I know. It's like every time you get over something the universe throws something new at you." Hound Dog said.

"Fucking tell me about it." Katsuki scowled. "I hate this. I'm so worried about so many different people. Tsunagu, Thimble, Aizawa, all of those fucking kids. But I don't know what to with all of this worry. I have so many feelings but at the same time I feel numb."

"You're overwhelmed." Hound Dog said simply.

"I guess." Katsuki shrugged. "No one's updated me about Tsunagu yet."

"No news is good news." Hound Dog said simply.

"Maybe." Katsuki sighed. "I just want to know. And like how do I find out about Pulse? I need to know whether or not I killed him. Because… well… if I did, then I'm no better than a villain."

"That's not true." Hound Dog said. "If Pulse happens to succumb to his injuries then that's his own fault. I've spoken to Aizawa about what happened. Pulse was given a chance to surrender and be arrested peacefully. He refused, at the moment he refused, every hero possible was legally given permission to use whatever force necessary to bring him in."

"Really?"

"Yes, Katsuki. He took your Quirk. In order to save your own life, you had to use a knife to save yourself. If he dies, then he dies. It's a difficult thing but at the end of the day, these things happen. It was self-defence, you won't get into trouble for it."

"He's still a person, he doesn't deserve to die, especially because of me." Katsuki said.

"Some people would disagree." Hound Dog said. "But yes, no one deserves to die, but people do."

"Well yeah, I know." Katsuki said, "But not because I stabbed them. I didn't mean to. I just panicked. I needed to get out and all I had on me was my knives. I didn't want to kill him."

"I know. If you did, then we'd have a problem." Hound Dog said. "Try not to focus on it. You'll be able to find out what happened to him soon enough and if he does die, then worry about it."

"Okay." Katsuki nodded.

"Now I'd like to address how you're feeling about the loss of your Quirk?"

"Isn't that the same kind of thing. I don't know yet. Everyone is telling me wait a few days to see if it comes back."

"True." Hound Dog said. "I doesn't mean you don't have feelings about it."

"There's hope, of course there is. I want it to come back. I don't know what I'll do if it doesn't. I hate not having it. Like I feel so fucking cold without it. And I keep instinctually going to spark off, but I don't need to. Recovery Girl says don't try to use it. Let it rest or whatever, but it's instinct at this point."

"I see. Well, we won't dwell on it, if you don't want to. But I would just like to say, that even if it is gone, the school will work hard to make sure you can stay here and continue your education."

"Thanks." Katsuki said. "If it's gone… I don't know whether I'd want to stay."

"Really?"

"Well. I understand that U.A. is a good school in general. Like getting an education here would look good on my CV but maybe I could get work or go to a culinary school or something. Learn a different trade. I don't know." Katsuki shrugged.

"Well, if that is something you wish to do, then we will sit down and arrange a transfer or something. You don't have to do it alone."

"Thanks." Katsuki said.

Katsuki and Hound Dog continued to talk for almost two hours. Going over all of Katsuki's concerns and all of the events of the previous day. Katsuki didn't understand why Hound Dog wanted him to recount everything that had happened but afterwards he felt as though the events became clearer the longer they talked. Hoshi fell asleep on Katsuki's lap as he spoke, purring lightly as he ran his fingers through her fur.

"Do you think the kids will be okay?"

"As far as I'm aware they're all going to get therapy from trained child psychotherapists. It'll all be covered by the Commission. They should be okay."

"Do you think I'll be able to see any of them?"

"Maybe. I'm sure Aizawa and Yamada will let you talk to the child they're looking after, and they'll have a way to contact some of them."

"I just want to check they're okay." Katsuki said.

The two of them were eventually stopped by a knock at the door, Shouto coming in at Hound Dog's call. His arm was no longer in a cast or sling, and the little cuts decorating his face had been healed. His eyes widened when he saw Katsuki.

"I can come back later." Shouto said.

"It's alright, Icyhot. I'm done." Katsuki said, standing, holding Hoshi against his chest.

"Oh, okay." Shouto said, nodding. He reached out to pet Hoshi.

"I'll see you soon, Katsuki."

"Yeah, sure." Katsuki said, leaving the room. Katsuki decided to head back to his room. Hoshi stirred in his grasp, licking his chin. Katsuki laughed, stroking her ears and kissing her cheek. As everyone else was in class, no one bothered him on his way back. Once he was inside the dorms he made himself a cup of tea and headed up to his room.

He then decided to try and call Flashback as Hoshi trotted off into his bathroom to use her litterbox. Flashback answered pretty quickly.

"Hey kiddo."

"Hi. How is he?"

"No one told you?" Flashback asked.

"No. What happened?" Katsuki said, panic sparking through him.

"He's okay, Katsuki." Junichi said. "Well, he's in a coma. Not a medical one, his body is just exhausted. But they stopped the bleeding, they patched him all up and he's out of danger."

"Oh thank the Gods." Katsuki sighed with relief.

"If you want to come up, I can give you a ride?" Junichi said. "I was going to go and see him this afternoon."

"Please." Katsuki said. "How's Thim?"

"He's pretty much the same aa Tsunagu to be honest. Both of them are unconscious. Thim has apparently woken up twice, but only for a couple of minutes each time so he's getting there."

"And do you… do you know about Pulse?"

"He's still alive too." Junichi said.

"Okay." Katsuki nodded. "Thank you."

"No problem, Kouhai. I'll pick you up at 2."

"Okay. See you then."


Shouta watched carefully as Eri and Seiichi interacted, both of them eating scrambled eggs on toast, with apple juice. The two of them seemed to get along. Eri had never had the chance to speak to someone a similar age, and she had been a little awkward at first but she soon relaxed.

Despite the fact that Seiichi was almost three years older than Eri, the two of them were roughly the same height. Their silvery-grey heads were pressed close together as they ate, whispering secrets to each other no doubt.

Shouta took a sip of his coffee. Asami had gone out to do some food shopping and Hizashi was upstairs showering, leaving Shouta alone with the children.

"If you don't like it you can say." Eri whispered. "Daddy won't be mad."

"Promise?"

"I promise." Eri nodded, Seiichi glanced back at Shouta before turning away quickly, shaking his head.

"What's wrong Seiichi?" Shouta asked, taking a step towards the children. Seiichi flinched at his name and Shouta frowned.

"Daddy, Seiichi doesn't like the apple juice." Eri said.

"It's okay if you don't like it Seiichi." Shouta said, kneeling in between the two children. "Would you like something else to drink?" If Shouta hadn't been staring at the child, he never would have seen the tiny nod.

"That's okay. We have water, orange juice, orange squash, black current squash or milk." Seiichi picked up at that.

"I can have milk?" Seiichi asked.

"Of course, Bud." Shouta said, reaching out and putting his hand softly on Seiichi's shoulder.

"Thank you." Seiichi said. Shouta smiled picking up the glass of apple juice.

"Eri, do you want anything?"

"No thank you, Daddy." Eri said, taking an over exaggerated bite of her toast, making Shouta smile.

As Shouta was pouring Seiichi some milk, he heard the boy squealing in fear. Frowning Shouta turned back to the dining area. Sponge was up on his hind legs, his front paws on Seiichi's chair. The boy had scooted over away from the cat, tears in his eyes.

"Sponge won't hurt you." Eri said.

"Seiichi, are you okay?" Shouta said, scooping up the cat and stepping away.

"It's scary."

"Scary?" Shouta asked. "He won't hurt you."

"Sir had a lady that was a cat. She was mean." Seiichi said, his lip quivering.

"Hey it's okay." Shouta said. "If one of the cats ever comes up to you, and you don't like it, you just shout for me, or Hizashi, or Asami, or even Eri and one of us will move them out of the way, okay?"

"Mhm." Seiichi nodded, wiping his eyes.

"Here's your milk, kiddo." Shouta said, putting it on the table.

"Thank you."

"Good boy." Shouta said softly. "Are you two going to be okay, whilst I go and put Sponge upstairs with the others? I don't know how he got out."

"Yes Daddy."

"Yes."

"Okay, I'll be back in a second."

Shouta made his way upstairs to his bedroom, where funnily enough the door was wide open. They had gotten back late with Seiichi last night and after introducing him to Eri and Asami the small boy was dead to the world. As such Hizashi and Shouta had decided to keep the cats away from him and introduce them later, one at a time like they had done with Eri. However, someone escaped.

Chamomile and Macha were nestled on Shouta and Hizashi's bed, grooming each other, not at all fussed about the open door. Shouta rolled his eyes, placing Sponge on the bed with his brother and sister.

At that moment Hizashi emerged from the bathroom, towel around his waist. He squinted at Shouta, his glasses steaming up from the heat.

"Shou' why aren't you downstairs with the kids?" He asked before pausing. "Oh kids, I like saying that." Shouta snorted.

"Did you leave the door open?"

"No?" Hizashi asked, confused.

"Well then it looks like Sponge can open doors."

"Wait, what? Really?" Hizashi asked. Shouta nodded.

"I turned around for a second and there's Sponge, trying to steal Seiichi's eggs."

"Damn." Hizashi laughed, "Bad kitty."

"Seiichi's afraid of cats."

"Aww no, poor baby. Did he say why?"

"One of the women holding him captive had a cat Quirk. I guess if that was his only experience with anything close to a cat, he would be scared. I think it's best we keep them as separated as possible."

"Shut them in here?"

"No, that's not fair on them. But just make sure one of us is always there to keep them apart."

"Okay." Hizashi said, wrapping his slightly wet arms around Shouta's waist. He pressed their lips together softly, sighing at the contact. "He's so cute." Hizashi said. "Can we keep him?"

"He's not a cat, 'Zashi."

"I know but… I just… I can't put it into words but like… I feel like he's ours. In the same way Eri is." Hizashi said.

"Isn't it a bit soon? We've only had Eri for a month? And I'll admit she's surprisingly well-adjusted but she still has trauma we haven't been able to work through. She still has episodes and meltdowns, not to mention her Quirk. Is it fair to her to bring another child into the home? Is it fair on him?"

"I don't know. I just don't want to let him go." Hizashi said softly, resting his head on Shouta's shoulder.

"We don't know how long he's going to be with us yet. Let's just see how it all plays out. Okay?"

"Okay." Hizashi sighed.


Amaya was going to escape this hell hole. She'd gotten out of the last one just fine, she'd do it again. Pff, maybe that bird had come to help her. But she'd been fine on her own. Anyway, the social had taken her away from her cow of a mother, and bastard of a father and put her with the opposite kind of people.

Ugh. They looked at her like she was broken. Something that needed fixing. She wasn't some china doll. She was a real girl, and one who was ready to knock the teeth out of the next person who asked if she was okay. Of course she was fucking okay.

She wasn't some weak-willed cry baby. She was Morita Amaya. Well, she guessed she was just Amaya now, now her parents had just given up. Well, jokes on them. Amaya was glad they were gone. She didn't care for their harsh words or their belts.

"Are you okay, dearie?"

Amaya wanted to scream. She wanted to pull her own hair out. This woman was driving her up the wall. Everything about her was story book sweet. A little old lady who lived on the edge of a small town near a forest. What the hell is the point of a forest if she couldn't go an explore?

The lady had put her in a pink frilly dress, with knee high white socks and a fluffy cardigan, and told her to go sit on the porch. She wanted nothing more than to tear the socks off her feet and go running barefoot in the forest. She didn't care if that pretty dress got ruined. She didn't care one bit.

But the old lady would mind.

She'd placed a set of paints out in front of her, along with some brushes and papers. She'd then tied a white apron around her, so she wouldn't sully her gown. Pff like she was some kind of princess?

Well, then the old lady didn't like what she painted. Amaya had been proud of what she'd done, a brilliant rendition of that dream she'd had, where she'd set Sir on fire. It was great, she could still hear his screams. The old lady had muttered "oh dear" before screwing it up and throwing it away.

Amaya scowled.

"Paint something nice, dearie." The old lady said. It was her Amaya set on fire next. In her painting of course, she wasn't a villain. Her turquoise eyes met the old lady's scared brown ones. Just try me lady was all her eyes said. The woman visibly swallowed.

Amaya would get out of here. She wouldn't let this old lady shape her into the picture-perfect granddaughter she seemingly wanted. Amaya was a firecracker, a hellion, spawn of the fire god himself. No one would tame her.

Amaya would not bend to the will of someone unworthy.

Tenko lay against Touya's too hot chest, sweat stuck them together uncomfortably but they were too tired to move. Tenko was 99% sure his hair was tangled in some of Touya's staples and was somewhat scared to roll over, lest he rip out his hair or a staple.

"I'll miss this." Touya said softly, trailing a hand over Tenko's bare arms- well, bare except for the gloves.

"Miss what?"

"Cuddling, fucking, just being together." Touya said. "It's all going to change when we get inside."

"I know. But you said yourself. You're tired of running. I'm tired of running. What other option is there for us? We're too recognisable. And one day, they'd arrest us."

"I'm too recognisable." Touya stated. "You could go, move away, be free."

"How's that better than going into the Initiative?" Tenko asked, biting the bullet and carefully rolling on to his stomach, so he was leaning on Touya's chest. He pulled gently on his hair so it wouldn't pull out any staples. "I'd still live in fear of being caught. I'd still be without you."

"I know but—"

"Okay, number one, we don't know if they'll keep us apart. Number two, if we behave and respond well to the treatment, we'll be released. Number three, it's free Touya. Free medical care, free therapy, free food. Gods know you need all of those."

"I guess."

"Touya, you could get proper skin grafts. You wouldn't have to worry about stapling yourself back together every night."

"I'd still be fucking ugly."

"You're not ugly." Tenko said.

"You're a shit liar."

"I'm not lying. Touya, you might be scarred, but you still have your beautiful, big blue eyes. You still have that slightly crooked smile, that drives me wild. Your bone structure and face shape are beautiful, and I love every single one of your piercings. You look hot with both black and white hair, not many people can pull that off."

"You're just saying that." Touya huffed.

"Am I the kind of person to lie to save someone's feelings?" Tenko asked, sitting up, moving to straddle Touya's waist. The raven's hands automatically came to settle on Tenko's hips.

"No."

"I'm not lying Baby." Tenko said softly, leaning down to kiss Touya. "Sure, your skin might be a little fucked, but so is mine. We're both scarred, that doesn't mean we don't deserve each other."

"You think I'll look better with proper skin grafts?"

"I think you'll feel better." Tenko said. "The staples hurt you, they get infected easily. With skin grafts you'll be more comfortable. Maybe you'll be able to feel a little more?"

"Maybe." Touya said, running his thumb over Tenko's hip.

"Even if they split us up, Baby, I'll wait for you." Tenko said. "But I'll do everything I can before I let them take us apart."

"I'll always love you." Touya said, his turquois eyes meeting Tenko's red.

"I'll always love you too." Tenko said, leaning down to kiss his boyfriend once more. "I wanna go again."

"Again? I'm not as young as I used to be." Touya laughed.

"You're 24." Tenko laughed, peppering kisses down Touya's neck.

"Exactly, I didn't think I'd live that long." Touya said, tilting his head to give Tenko better access.

"Come on. We have like a week before we go into the Initiative. We're going to spend that time doing all of the things we might not have chance to do again for a while." Tenko whispered. "And you're my favourite thing to do." Touya laughed at Tenko's words, rolling them to pin Tenko to the bed.

"Oh no, I think it's me who'll be doing you."


Kinoshita Roku was finally home. After months and months with that man, she was finally home. It was strange not to be surrounded by countless other children, here she only had her little brother, Yuki.

She was relieved to be home. As soon as she'd gotten there she'd taken an hour long bath, until her skin had gone all wrinkly, Yuki calling her a raisin. She'd eaten all of her favourite foods and dressed in her favourite snuggly pyjamas.

Mama and Papa waited on her, hand and foot. She got everything she wanted. It was great. Although she was a little lonely though. Roku found herself searching out Yuki, something she'd never really done before, after all, she was a big girl, she didn't want to play with her kid brother.

She knocked on his open door, making him look up from where he was playing with an All Might action figure and a knitted hero she vaguely recognised.

"Did Mama make that?" Roku asked, stepping into the room. The doll had yellowish brown wool for hair, orange, green and black clothes with red eyes.

"Uh huh. He doesn't have any merch but I wanted a toy, so Mama made him." Yuki said.

"What's he called?"

"Ground Zero. He found me hiding, after you were taken. He's really cool." Yuki said. "I saw him twice, I drawed him a picture."

"Drew." Roku corrected automatically, Yuki smiled.

"I'm glad you're back, Roku, who else would make sure I used the right words."

"What are big sisters for?"

"Do you want to play with me? You can be All Might?"

"You never want to give me All Might." Roku said, coming to kneel down next to her little brother.

"Ground Zero is better." Yuki smiled. "He makes 'splotions with his hands."

"It's explosions. But really?" Roku asked.

"Uh huh." Yuki nodded. "Do you want to see a video, he's so cool?"

"You have a video?"

"On the internet, he was in the U.A. Sports Festival, 'member?" Yuki said, pushing himself to his feet. "Mama, Mama, can I show Roku the video of Ground Zero?"

"Yes, Yuki, you know how to find it." Their mother called. Yuki squealed, taking Roku's hand, running off to where the computer was, searching to find the video.

"Oh I saw him." Roku said when the video started. "He was there when I was rescued."

"Did you talk to him?" Yuki asked, bouncing in his seat.

"Nah, he was all bloody and needed to go to the hospital." Roku said.

"Aw man." Yuki visibly deflated before picking up again. "Maybe we could go visit him. He works with Best Jeanist. Mama and Papa have taken me there before."

"We could take him a thank you. Take all of them a thank you present." Roku said,

"Yeah." Yuki smiled, looking back at her before frowning. "Did it hurt?"

"Did what hurt?" Roku asked.

"Your numbers." Yuki grabbed her hand again, flipping it to reveal the little tattoo of 000.

"For a bit." Roku shrugged. "I hate it. It's his mark. That man who took me."

"You could change what it means."

"How?"

"You just decide." Yuki shrugged. "That's three zeros." He reached out, grabbing a felt tip from the little pencil pot, taking off the lid. He drew three zeros on his own wrist. "Mine are zeros for Ground Zero, because he saved me."

"Can mine be because of that too?" Roku asked.

"Copycat." Yuki stuck his tongue out. Roku smiled.


Katsuki grunted as he put the vacuum cleaner away. His parents would be coming home within the next hour. Katsuki had arrived back to their family home early that morning, deciding to deep clean the property as it had been vacant for some time. He'd gone out and brought some food for his parents, preparing it and storing it in the fridge.

The house had been gross, thanks to its sudden abandonment but a couple of air fresheners and a shit ton of bleach later, and it was looking cleaner. Katsuki had brought Hoshi and Eijirou with him. Eijirou was upstairs, cleaning the bathroom, Hoshi was sat on the sofa, licking a paw.

It had been four days since the raid with Pulse. Mitsuki and Masaru had gotten on the next flight they were able to get. Their dogs would be flying out a day after and would have to remain in quarantine for a little while. But Mitsuki and Masaru would be home soon.

Eijirou came down the stairs, jumping down the last two steps. His hair was up in a ponytail and he was wearing ripped jeans and his red "D.J." shirt. He came up to Katsuki, smiling wide.

"All done." He grabbed Katsuki, pulling him back onto the sofa. Katsuki yelled out in surprise. Hoshi jumped down from the sofa, trotting off in search for her water bowl in the kitchen. Eijirou laughed, pulling Katsuki into a tight embrace. Katsuki simply relaxed into it, frowning when he realised his boyfriend's usual coconut scent had been replace with the faint smell of bleach.

"Are you excited?" Eijirou asked.

"Well duh." Katsuki rolled his eyes, pressing hard into Eijirou's belly button, making him snort in laughter.

"I'm glad they're coming back. I know you've missed them loads."

"Yeah well. It's over now." Katsuki sighed. "Everything can go back to normal. Well as normal as it can be."

"Yeah." Eijirou said, pulling Katsuki flush against his chest. "Hey now your parents are back, does that mean they're gonna cock block us at the cabin?" Katsuki snorted.

"No, we can go up a couple of days before them or something. I still plan on giving myself to you." Katsuki said, kissing Eijirou's jaw. He made a noise in the back of his throat, running a finger along his boyfriend's jaw.

"What?" Eijirou asked, looking concerned. Katsuki laughed.

"You have stubble." Katsuki said, running his finger along the patch of hair.

"I missed some?" Eijirou scowled. "I hate being a guy."

"It's only a little bit." Katsuki said, shifting on Eijirou's lap.

"I tried to shave it but I'm not that good. I tried video calling my Pa to ask for help, but Hikaru heard and he just started laughing." Eijirou pouted.

"Maybe my Dad can help?" Katsuki said, "He shaves." Eijirou smiled.

"You think he could? I hate it."

"Really? I think it's manly." Katsuki teased, kissing Eijirou's cheek again.

"Shut up." Eijirou grumbled. "You can't say that, it's not fair."

"What? You're super manly? Really hot?" Katsuki said, with a smirk. "With your ponytail and a beard? Like a lumberjack, really manly."

"Okay, now you're taking it too far." Eijirou laughed, pushing Katsuki so he was sat back. Katsuki smiled.

"No don't push me away." Katsuki said, trying to lean into his boyfriend's arms.

"No. I'm mad at you." Eijirou said, but his smile told a different story.

"Ei, I want to cuddle." Katsuki whined but Eijirou simply pushed him back.

"Manly men don't cuddle." Eijirou said.

"Yes they do." Katsuki said.

"Nope, they wrestle." Eijirou said with a laugh, pushing Katsuki against sofa, flipping them over so Katsuki was pinned on his back. Katsuki struggled against Eijirou's grip, pushing his hands against Eijirou's shoulders.

"You're heavy." Katsuki grunted, trying to push Eijirou off of him.

"It's all muscle." Eijirou said.

"Oh I know." Katsuki said, trying to roll off of the sofa. He pushed harder. "Fuck." He said as Eijirou didn't budge. Without thinking he brought his hand up to fire sparks towards Eijirou face. Both boys froze at the series of explosions.

Eijirou immediately sat up. Katsuki soon followed, looking at his hand.

"Did you see that, or was it just me?" Katsuki asked.

"I saw. Can you do it again?" Eijirou asked. Katsuki took a deep breath and activated his Quirk, smiling in joy as sparks once more covered his hands.

"It's back." He laughed, tears prickling in her eyes. Eijirou returned the smile. Katsuki lunged towards his boyfriend, slamming their lips together, kissing him fervently.

Eijirou moaned softly, pulling Katsuki onto his lap. Katsuki cupped the redhead's jaw, keeping him close. Katsuki didn't know how long they kissed but neither of them heard the door unlocking.

"What's this? Pre-marital kissing on my sofa." Mitsuki's voice startled the boys apart. A pink blush coloured both boy's cheeks.

"Mom!" Katsuki called, climbing off of Eijirou and running towards his mother, He embraced her, squeezing her tight. Mitsuki laughed, dropping the bag and wrapping her arms around her son. Tears ran down both of their faces, all though neither of them would admit it.

Eijirou slipped on his shoes and headed outside.

"Hello Bakugou-san." Eijirou greeted Katsuki's father as he unloaded the car.

"Hello Kirishima." The man smiled. "I swear I've told you to call me Masaru."

"Then you have to call me Eijirou." The redhead smiled. Masaru laughed.

"Very well. How are you?"

"I'm good. You?"

"Glad to be home." Masaru said.

"Would you like help bringing all of this in?"

"Please." Masaru said. "Mitsuki was supposed to be helping but…"

"She and Katsuki are crying on each other." Eijirou said.

"Ah, makes sense." Masaru laughed. The two of them gathered up all of their bags, bringing them inside. Katsuki and Mitsuki were still hugging inside. Masaru smiled.

"Hey, make sure there's enough cuddle left for me." Masaru said.

"Dad." Katsuki said, pulling away from his mother, and practically jumping on his father. Masaru laughed, hugging his son closer.

"Gods I've missed you, bud." Masaru said.

"I've missed you too." Katsuki mumbled against Masaru's chest.

"Come here you." Katsuki heard his mother say as Eijirou was pulled into a hug. Eijirou accepted the embrace.

"Okay." Katsuki said, pulling away from his father. "I've prepared dinner, the house is all clean, so you can go and change, shower, whatever. Everything is sorted."

"You're a good son." Mitsuki said, reaching out to ruffle Katsuki's hair.

Katsuki helped his parents unpack and cooked dinner, settling down with his family hours later for a meal. Katsuki and Eijirou sat next to each other, holding hands under the table. Mitsuki and Masaru chatted with the boys about school and their lives.

"How's Tsunagu, Katsuki?" Masaru asked.

"Still unconscious." Katsuki said. "I've been to see him twice, but he hasn't woken up yet. But the doctors say he's okay, it's just that his body needs time to recover or something. He's only just gotten healthy enough to go back to work, so he's been through a lot." Katsuki said.

"And what about your other co-worker?" Mitsuki asked.

"Thimble's okay. He's awake and stuff. I saw him briefly last time I went to the hospital." Katsuki said.

"I see." Mitsuki nodded. "And… when's the funeral for…"

"Teruo's wife is hoping for Tsunagu to wake up before she arranges it. I don't know how long she'll wait, how long she can wait. But I'll go whenever it is."

"If you want one of us to come with you, we will." Masaru said.

"Okay." Katsuki nodded. "I don't want to talk about this anymore." His parents shared a look.

"So, Eijirou. Do you work with a pro hero?"

"Yes. I work with Fat Gum." Eijirou smiled. "He gave us some time off after Nighteye's death but he's started bringing me out with him again."

"Oh that must be hard work." Mitsuki said.

"It is, but I like it." Eijirou said

"Oh I meant to ask." Masaru started, "Katsuki, are you planning on bring Eijirou to the cabin for winter break?"

"Yeah, we were going to head up there if you guys weren't going to be back." Katsuki said.

"Brilliant." Masaru smiled. "Are you sure your parents' won't mind, Eijirou?"

"No, they're fine with it." Eijirou said. "As long as I come and visit them, which I will. They don't mind, I think they're glad I have a friend."

"Did you just friend-zone me?" Katsuki asked.

"What, no. I love you." Eijirou said. "We're gonna get married and have babies and grow old together."

"Ew." Katsuki said, wrinkling his nose.

"There best be no baby making going on under this roof." Mitsuki said. Katsuki blushed a deep red.

"Fucking hell, Hag." Katsuki grumbled, Eijirou's complexion almost matched his hair.

"I'm kidding." Mitsuki said, waving a hand dismissively. "If you're going to have sex I'd rather you be safe and do it here."

"Mom!" Katsuki snapped, his face feeling ridiculously warm

"What? I'd rather you not hurt yourself." Mitsuki said.

"We're not… We haven't been here since you left." Katsuki said.

"Alright, it was just a suggestion." Mitsuki shrugged. "Speaking of making babies, how would you feel like becoming a big brother?"

"What?"


Raiden sat by Tsunagu's bedside, holding the unconscious man's hand, running his thumb over bruised knuckles. The heart monitor beat steadily as Tsunagu slept peacefully, Raiden preferred it that way. Every now and then the man's heartrate would increase, and his battered face would crease in distress as nightmares overtook him. Raiden didn't have to guess what he was dreaming about.

Every time he closed his eyes, Raiden could see the incident replay. He hated it. Watching his friend be slaughtered like an animal again and again. He should have died himself. It was only dumb luck that saved him. Raiden didn't have anyone, but Teruo… he had a family full of people who needed him. Raiden should have died, not him.

He sighed to himself. It was useless thinking that. Neither of them should have lost their lives. And Raiden knew that Teruo wouldn't want him to feel responsible. Survivor's guilt, the hospital therapist had said to him. He didn't feel like he deserved to survive. Raiden supposed she was right.

He sighed to himself, his shoulder throbbed. The painkillers the hospital had prescribed him must be wearing off. He had no idea what time if was and couldn't exactly be sure when he'd taken his last dose, so it wasn't like he could just take more. He tried to move into a more comfortable position but in the hardback plastic chairs, it was difficult, nye on impossible.

Another downside to the pills wearing off was the fact his mind was clearer. He was a worrier deep down, despite his overly optimistic outlook and behaviour. He was constantly planning or stressing about one thing or another. And even though he was on medical leave, and no one a Genius expected him to work, he felt like he should.

With Teruo no longer alive to do his job, and Tsunagu out of commission, the whole fashion company could fall apart. And no he wasn't being dramatic. Buttons and Zipper led their teams but who would coordinate without him? Who would arrange the photo shoots and make sure every thing happened on time? Thimble was more than a pretty face and he did a lot at Genius.

Thankfully, Flashback, who had taken charge in Tsunagu's absence, had come to his senses and was allowing Raiden to return to work next week. It made him nervous as fuck, but he knew he could do whatever tasks he was given. That's why Tsunagu had hired him after all.

Ezume snuffled in the corner, the boy had fallen asleep on a small sofa in the room. Raiden didn't understand its purpose really, but the boy was making the most of it. Raiden doubted he'd been sleeping much lately. Ezume was a sensitive soul who loved Tsunagu more than anything. It would make sense his Uncle's injury would be distressing for him.

Raiden sighed, reaching out with his good arm to allow his fingers brush against the little potted plant he had brought for Tsunagu's bedside, personally detesting the ideal of buying dying flowers for an injured person. As his fingertips touched the plant he activated his Quirk.

The small unopened bud of the plant bloomed into life, pink and purple petals bursting through bright green leaves.

Hello Darling, he thought to the plant, stay bright for me, make everyone smile with your beauty.

The plant didn't talk back. They rarely did, the only plants that would speak back to him were ones he had for years, and Raiden wasn't exactly sure whether they spoke back to him, or if he had imprinted so much of himself on them over the years that he imagined them.

He pulled away from the plant as the door opened, he turned to see Hawks and Bakugou coming in. He smiled at them softly, the two of them returned it.

"How are you Sakurai?" Hawks said.

"I'm okay." Raiden said. "You?"

"I'm good."

"Katsuki?" Raiden asked.

"I'm okay. My Mom fucking scared the shit out of me. Askin' if I wanted to be a big brother, for a second I thought the Hag was pregnant. She's not. She's just a bitch. Oh, and I got my Quirk back." The teen said.

"What? And you didn't think to tell me that on the way here?" Hawks asked.

"We were flying, how would you have heard me."

"Yeah but if you could use your Quirk, why the hell did I carry your ass here?" Hawks whined.

"Because I'm tired." Katsuki shrugged, coming to sit in the chair nearest Raiden. "Any news on him?"

"The doctor said something about his brain waves indicating he might wake up soon. But every day it's the same story, isn't it? He'll wake up when he's ready." Raiden shrugged.

"I guess they don't know either." Katsuki said.

"His stomach wounds are healing well though." Raiden said. "As soon as he wakes up properly they think that Recovery Girl or someone will be able to heal him."

"Why can't they do it now?" Hawks asked.

"Because he doesn't have the energy." Raiden replied. "It could kill him."

"Why don't you get healed with a Quirk?" Hawks asked.

"They used one on me for a little while." Raiden said. "But similarly, I'm not well enough to be healed completely. It's like a double-edged sword."

"It must suck." Katsuki replied. Raiden hummed. "Have you been discharged then?"

"Yeah, yesterday. My apartment is too quiet though." Raiden said.

"It's weird at home without Tsunagu." Hawks said. "Cashmere's going fucking crazy without him. Poor thing is traumatised or something."

"I bet." Katsuki shook his head. "Maybe one day you could bring him around to the dorms. Kouda's Quirk means he can talk to animals. Maybe he can explain to Cashmere what's happening and stuff."

"That's not a bad idea actually kid. Maybe when I come to pick up Tokoyami one day I can drop him off."

"Yeah." Katsuki nodded. "Do you know whether or not you're going back to work, Raiden?"

"I'm going back next week." Raiden said. "Junichi said he made some changes in security and stuff to make me feel safer. And I'm coming in with reduced hours until I'm 100 percent better. But I still get fully paid, so I'm not going to complain."

"Nice." Katsuki said. "I haven't been back since, but I know Junichi was really focused on making the changes."

"Good." Raiden said, going back to look a Tsunagu. "Life back to normal, huh?"

"I suppose." Hawks said. "But what is normal?"

"I guess we'll find out." Katsuki sighed. "Things can only go up from here."

The sequel, The Ground Zero Initiative is up on Ao3, my name there is Lyna Laufeyson with the pseud Shinjitsu-san. If people request it I'll post the sequel here, but I'm unsure on the level of interest on this site. Thank you for your time, I hope you enjoyed the story.