dun dun duuuun! One day early?! Well, I'm taking a long weekend so you guys are getting this a day early haha. You're welcome! Though it does technically mean an extra day of waiting until the next update, as I do prefer Fridays for uploads. Hope you guys enjoy!

Now I can tell Sho that I love him.

"Dad, I gotta go do something." I headed for the balcony door. No one else would be disturbed like that, and I could just come right back up here afterwards. Simple. Down, say it, back up here. No fuss. I could do this. I could say those words; the world wouldn't implode, it wouldn't make him suddenly a target for the universe, it wasn't going to be the biggest jinx in the history of all jinxes. No. It was good. Damn. It was exciting.

"Uh… Alex?"

I paused and looked back, Dad was still sat at the kitchen island, finishing his coffee. He tilted his head with the unasked question. Where the heck was I going at this time of night?

Ah. Would it be weird to tell Dad what my plan was?

I blushed. "I just… It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time, but couldn't before I could see again."

"Uh–"

"But now that I finally can, I don't wanna wait anymore. Okay? I… Just trust me, I'm not–"

He held up his hands. "Look kid…" He cleared his throat. "I trust you to be sensible."

"Sensible?"

Pink crept along his cheeks for some reason. "You've been with Todoroki for a while now, and you're both far too old for your age as it is. I'm not exactly happy about it, I'm tempted to go get that fucking stick from under my desk that says 'stay the fuck away from my daughter', but I won't, and…" he lowered his hands and smiled lopsidedly. "I'd prefer you didn't hide it either. You're teenagers, I get it. Just…"

Oh.

Oh good bloody hell in a hamper.

"Okay, Dad?" I had to interrupt, because the old man was going to give himself a heart-attack. "I didn't just announce to you that I'm going to go fuck Shouto's brain out–"

"Gah!" Dad cringed back, as though I'd actually sucker-punched him in the gut, and he waved his hands frantically. "Really? Did you have to say it like that?" He went to the fridge and opened a beer. "Have mercy for fuck's sake."

"I'm not saying that at all!" I laughed and went back over to him as he took a very long swig.

He slowly lowered the bottle. "You're… not? So you're not… you're not going down there to..."

"No!"

He rolled his eyes and swigged again. "Then what the hell are you talking about? What do you need to go and do, right now, at this weird hour of the morning?"

The laughter just kept coming.

I shook my head at him; I had to let him know now, or he'd just get more confused. Silly old man.

"Truth is, Dad, your emotionally wayward and stunted kid is about to go and tell the wonderful boyfriend she has, who has dealt with all of her nonsense and ongoing neurosis basket-case ways, not to mention bloody past life coming to haunt her steps whenever it gets the chance, that she lov…" I snapped my teeth together and snorted. "Fuck sake. I'm going to tell Sho that I love him."

Dad's brows shot up. He set his beer on the counter. Then his brows angled up a little in the middle. I could practically hear the 'aw' in his head.

I kept going. "And I wanna say it, because every time I am facing some horrible villain or potentially life threatening situation, I keep thinking how much I wanna say it. And maybe it's stupid for my age but–"

"Hey." Dad came over and smiled. "If you can stand there and say 'fuck Shouto's brain out' to me, you can say that you love the weirdo. If he makes you happy, then I'm happy."

"Y-Yeah?"

He cupped my face. "Damn right. But it's a big step, and some pretty intense emotions… So, if anything changes in that department, you can come to me, okay? I don't care what it is, just… talk to me. Or if not me, Nem. Someone. Okay?"

"I even got counselors now, old man, I'm covered. Can't shut me up!" I laughed and he joined in. "But just to be clear, I'm not going to sound a klaxon when I lose my virginity, Dad. Sorry, but no."

"So… You haven't lost it yet?"

I snorted. "Does it matter?"

"I mean… No, not really. It's kinda a bullshit label used to keep women in line, but as a Dad there's always that little… I dunno... "

"That little hope that I'll be able to truly marry in white?" I raised a brow and he knocked our heads together.

"Like hell. I dunno who would dare ask your wayward ass to walk down the aisle." He winked. "Nah, I just meant, whether you've done it already, or whatever. I'd just hope when you did that it was because you really wanted it. Not down to some bullshit pressure or something. Okay?"

"So you're okay with it if I reveal my dastardly sexual mania and it turns out I'm a rabid slut?"

He walked away. "You are too sassy for your own damn good kid."

"Guilty!"

"Plus, don't go slut shaming my daughter." He pointed and glared. "Slut being another bullshit label. Nothing wrong with having a high sex drive."

"Not a shocking point of view, from the fuckboy." I winked.

"Alex…"

"All right! Kidding! I shall inform feminism of your support." I gave a thumbs up and he flipped the bird. My Dad, my Hero.

I went to the balcony door stepped out, made sure my robe was properly tied and then started to lift myself, and drift down. Dad waved, taking his beer into his room and turning off the kitchen light. I waved back and then concentrated. Sho's light was off, of course. It was bugger-knows-what o'clock. I landed on Sho's balcony and waited, as if expecting a security lamp to flash on and sound the alarm. Nothing happened. I sneaked to the glass door and peered through the window. He was asleep, lying with his arm tucked under his pillow, white hair falling over his eyes slightly, breathing deep. Part of me wondered if I should just wait till morning. But then the other half just scoffed. Stop making excuses.

I tapped on the glass.

His brow furrowed and he nuzzled deeper into his pillow.

I tapped again. Of course, there was the option of just picking the lock with my quirk, but this seemed more romantic than breaking and entering. He stirred and blinked. I tapped a third time and his eyes landed on the window. He frowned and reached for his lamp. Of course, I'd just be a silhouette in the darkness. Whoops. Hopefully not too creepy. I had tried to do as un-creepy a tap as possible.

"Alex?" I vaguely heard, but mainly saw on his lips.

I smiled and waved. He got up, wearing only his pajama trousers, them hanging low on his hips as he came to the door.

He pulled the long curtain aside and opened the door. "Are you okay?"

"Yup, can I come in?"

"Of course." He opened wider and I welcomed the wooden boards instead of the concrete balcony. He closed the door behind me and put a hand to my cheek, slightly glazed eyes looking me over still. "What time is it?"

"Very late and early." I stepped closer and kissed him, his hand slipping immediately into my short–basically stubble, let's be real–hair. My arms wrapped around his neck and his other arm wound round my middle, holding me against him. Perfect.

As we broke the kiss, I couldn't stop smiling. He returned it, though with a continuing dash of confusion. I slipped out of his hold and sat on his futon, patting the space next to me.

"I wanna say something." I grinned and he joined me where I sat, rubbing his blue eye before slinging on a zip-up hoodie and cracking his neck. All part of properly waking up.

"And it couldn't wait till a human hour? I'll assume from the smile it isn't actually bad news." He chuckled and took my hands in his, running his thumbs over my knuckles.

"Probably depends on how you take it, to be honest."

There was, after all, no guarantee it wouldn't freak him out.

My words made him frown. "Okay... Now say it quickly please, as that's a little worrying. Are you sure you're oka–"

"I'm great." I squeezed his hands and took a long breath. "I just didn't want to say this until I could see properly again, because I didn't want you to think I was just saying it as a like… reaction to the whole injury thing, or like out of some sort of dependency. Because I'm not. I'm saying it because I feel it. And it's also fine if you don't feel it too. No pressure at all."

I sat straight.

His eyes went wide. "You can see again? Entirely?"

I nodded, taking the wide eyes as the penny dropping rather than panic. "Shouto, I lov–"

"I love you, Alex." He blurted out. He snapped his lips shut and went pink.

My mouth was still open, halfway to making the 'v' noise when he cut across me. He said it. He said it first. Is that good? I don't know. It means he feels it as well presumably, right? Sure. Of course. He wouldn't lie about it. Dang. Dammit I was going to say it though.

My mouth was still open.

He looked down at our hands and breathed out slow, like a weight had lifted from his shoulders. "Sorry. I'm sorry I interrupted you, and I'm sorry if that wasn't what you were going to say but I just had to–"

"What the hell else would it have been?" I scoffed and laughed. "I lov, is a pretty distinctive start to a sentence, Sho. You god damn stole it! I was gonna say it first!"

He shook his head. "I've wanted to say it for ages. But I felt it so early and I figured that was creepy of me, but then all the interruptions came along, and again I didn't want to scare you and then I didn't want to say it until you were recovered, in case you felt pressured or anything." He rambled, rather a lot like Izuku. It was cute. "Because being blind is a pretty vulnerable state to be in, I'm sure. I mean, I don't know, but I rather figured it would be. So I didn't want to say anything until I knew you were back to full health."

"I've wanted to for ages as well."

I pouted.

He pouted.

Then I smiled and he quickly followed suit, leaning forward and pulling me into a fresh kiss. I laughed against his lips and threw my arms around his neck, knocking us both back onto his futon. He held me close. I couldn't get close enough.

I then jolted back and braced up on one arm.

He froze and raised a brow. "What's wrong?"

"I didn't actually get to say it." I tapped the end of his nose. "I love you, Shouto."

"I love you too, Alex." He smiled softly and pulled me down again, my arm soon giving way because why resist.

My hand ran along his jaw and down his neck. My touch wandered down his chest, very grateful he chose a zip-up hoodie and had left it open. He was so warm on that side. And then his stomach. I hummed and drove my tongue deeper, tracing his abs as they clenched under the attention. He moaned. I traced back up and giggled as I felt his pajama trousers get a little less roomy.

"Sorry." He muttered, blushing again as he kissed along my throat. "Just ignore it, it'll go awa–"

"It's fine, Sho." I kissed his lips tenderly. "I think it's something we can start to think about, if you want? Being… more… uhm…"

"Intimate?" He smirked.

I grinned. "Yeah."

"I'd like that." He traced along my cheekbone.

I bit my lip. "But not right now, as my Dad does know I came down here and as much as he plays it cool, I don't think he'll last more than another few minutes before pulling the fire alarm or something unless I go back upstairs. He knows it's something that's going to happen, but I don't think he needs to know quite so precisely when."

"Understood." Sho glanced up at the ceiling, as if expecting to see my Dad glaring down at him. "And you uh… You know he's okay with it because…?"

"Because we had a very frank and weird 'us' version of The Talk about five seconds before I came down here. But don't worry, he said he isn't going to get the big stick from under his desk that says 'stay the fuck away from my daughter', so I think you're safe."

Shouto laughed softly and kissed me again, likely only half sure, like me, that my Dad was joking about that stick.

"When you appeared like that, I was worried something had happened." He breathed, laying his head back on the pillow.

I smiled and got up, heading back to the balcony door when I paused. Ah. Of course, technically something did happen. Dabi and the Vision guy. Crap. Talk about spoiling the moment.

As ever, Sho catches the tension to my quiet. "Alex? Did something happen?"

"Well… I mean, it's kinda what led to me realising that I could actually see again. It's fine, it's all good and I handled it, and me and Dad came up with a plan for me to train my way out of these recurring issues as well so…" I paused again as Sho began to look concerned, getting up from the bed to come over and rest his hands on my hips. His mis-matched eyes searching mine for the answer. God dammit he was pretty. I licked my lips and concentrated. "I had another vision visit from Dabi, and I kicked the Vision guys ass."

"What was this one about?" He frowned, a little heat flickering under his skin as I traced the scar over his eye. Nothing had been confirmed yet, but I know it still irked Sho to even think of someone related to him messing with me. My knight in shining armour. So sweet.

"Well, it seems that the Vision guy has figured out how to put two people into the same vision."

Sho blinked. "So it was actually Dabi there? Talking to you?"

"Yup, about total bullshit. And…" I swallowed. "And then he hit me."

A small flame appeared by his eyelashes. "What?"

"I'm fine. It was only in a dream, but obviously I still told him where to shove it."

Sho traced along my cheekbone again and searched my eyes for something. "You know how troublesome that word is, Alex."

Fine.

Dammit. I need to stop using that damn word.

"Sorry! Force of habit. I'm okay, really. It was weird, fucking surreal actually, and I woke in a total rage after I made the Vision guy let go of me. But yeah… Dabi slapped me. Then pretended like it was for my own good or something. Bit hypocritical."

"If his claims of being my brother are true, yeah, very hypocritical." Sho gritted his teeth and then closed his eyes, pulling me into a hug, running his hand along my back. "Where did he hit you? And that's the first time he's ever done that, right?"

"Yeah. First time." I breathed Sho in and concentrated on his warmth. "Slapped me in the face, then just kept striking anything he could reach. It was like… I dunno, like this mania came over him. It wasn't Dabi. Not… Not the Dabi I know anyway. Knew. I guess it should be 'knew', huh?"

"I suppose so." Sho sighed. "I'm so sorry. I know he's important to you."

Check out all the men in my life not being assholes. They needed badges or something.

"Thanks, Sho. I should let you get some more sleep though."

"Do you think you'll be able to actually get any more?" He leaned back and ran a thumb under my eye, even though I wasn't not crying. "I could come upstairs and we could watch a movie or something?"

"No, I function far better on no sleep than you do." I smiled and pecked his cheek. "I'll go and chill out, try and rest my eyes at least. I'll see you at breakfast." I slipped out of his hold and opened the balcony door, looking back when he stepped over to lock it after me.

He smiled. "All right. And hey…" He leaned out to kiss me one last time. "I love you."

"I love you too."

I had never felt so much like a normal teenager as I did in that moment. Sat with my friends, me perched on a window sill sipping my soda, them all laughing and joking, Mina cracked out an amazing couple of dance moves and someone had music playing on their phone. I even arrived with Sho, his arm around my waist, seemingly far happier with little public displays of affection now that we had said 'it'. A strange development, but not one I object to. In some ways, I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to predict his feelings on these kinds of things. And I guess that was kind of good. One way to not get bored of each other, I guess.

Mina continued to dance. No wonder her stamina was good. Mineta made a comment on why Mina had shorts on under her skirt, and I shoved him under a desk with my power. That little creep really needed to start wising up about his bullshit not being okay, or I would need to make things very clear. But for now, I just focused on Mina trying to show Izuku and Aoyama how to move. Neither did especially well. I snorted and quickly regretted it. Oh no. Her dark eyes landed on me, her hand sealed around my wrist and she dragged me over, demanding I copy her movements. She wouldn't stop unless I yielded. I gave it a go, and judging from the thumbs up and her grin, it wasn't horrible. But the second she looked away, I returned to my perch.

Sho came over and leaned against the wall by my perch. "I didn't know you could dance."

"I can't. I just wriggle effectively. Good for avoiding cops and hobos, and not to be repeated in front of school friends, or boyfriends."

His bottom lip jutted out. "Shame."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't pout. It makes you even prettier and that's just unfair."

Mina clapped her hands together. "Okay guys, c'mon, I'm bored of lists, let's decide properly what we're gonna do for the festival!"

Dad walked in a moment later. "Hurry up and choose, or it's going to be a lecture."

"A lecture?" Mina repeated, aghast. "Like a class in front of everyone?"

He shrugged and turned back into the corridor, clearly not interested in being present for ongoing deliberations. The door closed and they all looked at me in accusation.

I held my hands up. "Look, he'll do it. I can't stop his every evil whim!"

"Then what use are you?" Mina whined, flouncing into her seat dramatically.

Muttering took to the room.

All the options, all the choices. But really, it seemed like a concert would be the best choice, we could all be involved and no one would have to take on too much of the spotlight. Except maybe Jiro who I suspected would be our best singer. Even if only due to experience. But I also doubted that had occurred to her, so I'd stay quiet. She would need encouragement. And possibly bribing...

Kirishima looked uneasy as he leaned on his desk. I nudged his shoulder with my quirk from my perch, tilting my head at him when he looked my way. His brows furrowed, his lip worried under his teeth. Not Kirishima at all.

I nudged again and smiled. "Spill."

The class looked towards him.

"Well… Should we really be doing the festival at all? Seems reckless, considering everything."

Muttering stopped. Agreement and worry filtered into the room. They looked at me, and they tried their best, but many of them glanced at my wig. Yeah. There was still a lot going on, and not a lot of time had passed since. My recovery had gone well, I still had plenty to do, but even with the bruises faded… the damage elsewhere remained. And not just for me.

I left my perch and went to Kirishima, putting my hand on his shoulder. "We can't just hide."

"Yeah but–-"

"C'mon Kirishima, what do you propose otherwise? We huddle in a corner until we're 100% certain of safety? Gonna be a while man. There wasn't even 100% with All Might jaunting about the place."

He smirked. "You know I ain't sayin' that."

"I'm teasing." I winked and then squeezed his shoulder. "But seriously, it's never going to be a great time to get back into these things. There will be judgement on all sides. And unfortunately for you guys, an extra spotlight on our class thanks to me unfortunately. But we've still got to try. It's all about keeping moving, right? Keep learning, keep… well… at the risk of sounding like a shitty motivational poster, living and laughing."

They chuckled with me.

I ruffled Kirishima's red hair. "If we stop doing that, the bastard villains win. And I dunno about you, but I don't fancy giving them that kinda satisfaction."

"Yeah, of course." He smiled and sighed. "Guess I just can't help but be nervous."

"Heh, me too, man."

He frowned. "You're nervous? Y'don't seem nervous."

I snorted and held my hand out. It shuddered mid-air. "I'm bricking it about being in public. How could I not be? But fuck them and their fear."

He grinned and punched the air. "Hell yeah."

The discussion continued and I returned to my desk, doing my best not to look at Sho as I could feel his eyes on me. I was already blushing like mad. He would make it worse. Planning carried on. I knew whatever we chose would be great, Class 1A didn't do anything half-assed.

My phone buzzed.

Shin: [I hear you're wanting to train with me again? Something about defences?]

I grinned, Dad must have had a chance to talk to Shinsou about my plan.

Me: {Yeah, if that's okay with you?}

Shin: [Nah. Fuck off. Like I have time for your sorry ass]

I rolled my eyes.

Me: {Don't go pretending to have a life now, that ship has sailed buddy}

Shin: [Fuck. Who told?]

Me: {Jokes aside, dickless, is this actually okay? I don't wanna get in the way of your studying}

Shin: [Of course it's okay, duh. Maybe not this week, but I'll give you a shout when I'm free okay? I'll try and think of specific exercises and shit. Sound good to you?]

Me: {Sounds perfect. Talk soon!}

Shin: [Sure thing.]

I put my phone away and enjoyed the sunshine coming through the window.

A few minutes later Dad reappeared with a fresh coffee in hand, and classes started. We would decide on our festival efforts by the end of the day, and then it would be time to start planning and seeing it made real. I wondered what it would be, and what my role might end up being. Would I be okay being in front of people right now? My class, sure. A bunch of reporters and cameras, fine. But a crowd of people for a performance? If it was that. The food stalls would be easier. I could cook in the back with Bakugo or something. But if it was performative, would I want a spotlight? My heart raced at the very idea.

But maybe that would be the biggest reason to do it.

The lunch bell rang and as I slung my bag onto my shoulder, All Might appeared in the doorway, stepping through with a wave to everyone. I had planned to eat with Sho today, probably trying to find a spot outside as it was so oddly mild again today, but the lingering look from All Might slowed my feet to a stop. Sho as well.

All Might dipped his head. "If it's all right, could you accompany me and your father to the teacher's lounge, Alex?"

Sho squeezed my hand. "See you later."

"I'll text you."

He nodded and left, falling into step with Ura and Iida whilst I followed All Might and Dad towards the lounge. I could openly admit to myself now how much I didn't want to go there, it was hardly a place I'd had my best experiences, but clearly something needed discussed. Perhaps it was time to make better memories near that bright yellow sofa.

As usual the room was as filled with light. And it seemed we had company. Not only All Might, Dad and Me, but also Nem, Hiz, the Principal and All Might's pal from the police. I paused just inside the doorway. Okay. Something had happened or something had been found out. Deep breath.

I sat by Dad and kept my hands clasped tightly. He nudged me and smiled softly. All right, nothing immediately concerning at least. Maybe I could take the opportunity to also ask about having access to the lab footage from the Yakuza base. I had my sight back. Recovery Girl had given me a full bill of health for the first time in a long while, except a little bit of weight still to gain. But I'd not been in that kind of shape since attending UA. I was strong enough to see the footage. Even my counselor had agreed when I messaged her.

I accepted water and tried to read the other faces. But they looked just as lost.

Nem lounged back and checked her nails. "I don't suppose we could get on with this? I do wish to enjoy my lunch break if possible."

The police guy stood and bowed his head. "Apologies for the delay, I had to wait for an extra confirmation on something. Thank you all for coming."

We dipped our heads in return.

He continued. "We have new information, after speaking with the reporter Taneo Tokuda about his knowledge on Miss Aizawa's supposed connection to a white-haired individual, the same one spotted by a few witnesses at the Yakuza stronghold. One of those witnesses being young Eri herself."

I swallowed hard. Eri had met this white haired woman? When? Had… Had I been there?

He sighed. "In regards to actual familial connection, we have only conjecture and guesses at this point. But from the hearsay Taneo Tokuda had gathered, it would seem that potentially this white haired woman is in fact from within Miss Aizawa's immediate birth family. A cousin, an Aunt perhaps, or even–"

"A sister?" I winced and he nodded slowly. Shit. I had hoped that wouldn't be the case. With Dabi kicking around with a supposed brother connection to Sho, I had hoped I wasn't finding my own vengeful sibling skittering about the shadows.

The police guy continued. "But we have nothing confirmed. The police report filed by your Aunt gives no description of herself, but we have personsell looking into it as there was also little record on her at all. But when looking into the white haired woman seen by witnesses, it seems she has a lot of connections to big time crime syndicates. A regular resource for them due to her powerful quirk of memory manipulation."

Well. Shit. That'll do it.

"It's not much to go on, but considering recent issues with information and rumour we didn't wish for things to go unsaid. We will update you as we go, but we did wonder if perhaps Miss Aizawa might be soon strong enough to view the lab footage. It would help our search for the lab staff a lot if she were to remember any details."

Eyes landed on me.

Nem looked concerned, edging forward on her seat, ready to defend. Hiz was full on glaring at the polie guy, half risen out of his seat. Dad had gone a little rigid when it was insinuated I might have a deranged sister punishing me with their quirk. And All Might took notes, trying to keep up. Before things could kick off, I stood and held my hands out to Nem and Hiz. They frowned, but settled into their seats again.

I smiled. "I had wanted to ask about getting access to the footage today anyway. Or rather, I wanted to ask that today, when I actually see it is kinda more up to you guys I guess." I clarified and shifted my weight. "My Counselor thinks I'm strong enough for it, and my health is at the best it's been since joining UA. I can do it." I smiled at the ever protective Nem and Hiz. They were sweet, but I couldn't hide from it forever. "I want to do it as well."

The police guy smiled. "Impressive as ever, Miss Aizawa."

"Yeah I'm a regular marvel." I snorted and sat. "Though I gotta ask. What does it actually matter if this woman is related to me or not? Just… In terms of like, the case."

"Not much, beyond it being particularly troubling that she has been involved in your captivity potentially more than once. From our records she has had ties to All for One previously as well."

I wrinkled my nose. "So she's a long term fuckwit. Gotcha."

The room chuckled.

I nudged Dad with my shoulder and nodded to Nem and Hiz. "I've got my real family. The shrivels of whatever existed before doesn't mean much. Especially considering how I might be the product of All for One's baby boom, and even more especially considering the bitch has been helping folks–"

"We shall continue with the knowledge you're not worried about the connection existing." The police guy snorted, a little pink in the cheeks. I assume he's not keen on swearing. Whoops. Me and my delicate ways...

I stood and held my hand out. "Thanks for keeping me informed."

He shook my hand. "You're welcome, Miss. It's the least we can do. We'll hopefully get the footage to you in a few days."

"Hear that, Dad? Get the popcorn!"

"Alex…"

Heading back to dorms with Sho and Bakugo, with the sun shining, I was utterly content. Despite their extra training taking up so much of their time, there seemed to be a small part of both of them enjoying it too. Though I did wonder if it might be partially down to them enjoying each other's company as well. But I didn't say so. Bakugo would have clammed up tight. Sho… I'm not sure how he would have reacted. He would likely have just nodded and carried on.

I squeezed Sho's hand. "So what're you two going to be training toda–"

"Alex!" Izuku yelled from behind us, waving with a big grin on his face as he ran over. We stopped and let him catch up, then catch his breath. "Your-Dad's-phone-died-so-he-told… told-me-to-come-get-you… and-let-you-know-that… Eri's-allowed-visitors-finally-and-we-can-go-see-her!"

It took a moment, but I think I got the message amongst the breathless ramble.

I grinned. "You headed there now?"

"Yeah! Your Dad is gonna get a taxi for you, me and Mirio. He'll meet us at dorms in ten minutes so we can quickly change out of our uniforms."

I looked to Sho and Bakugo. "Have fun at training guys, gotta run! See you later, okay?"

They nodded and I ran ahead with Izuku alongside, both of us beaming as we tore along the path, burst into the dorm building and bounded up the stairs. He would meet me outside. I skidded to my door, threw down my bag, flung the curtains shut, changed into my jeans and jumper, put on my unicorn wig and then hopped about as I struggled to get my converse on. I heard Izuku on the stairs and I ran after him, shoving my phone in my pocket and dashing back for my room key in the last second. I caught up with Izuku as he struggled with his trainers by the door.

"We finally get to see her!" I bounced excitedly and he grinned, opening the door and holding it for me. The taxi hadn't arrived yet, so we perched on the steps and tapped our feet impatiently.

Izuku fiddles with his jeans. "I know Mirio is super excited to see how she's doing. The doctors and Nurses have totally fallen in love with her apparently." Izuku laughed and I couldn't help but join in. It felt so long since I had seen the kid. I stopped and smirked. Technically I had never seen her of course. Not clearly anyway.

How would she feel about seeing me again?

Ah… I swallowed and looked at my shoes. Would it frighten her? Send her back to that small dark room? Shit. I know she was grateful to see that I was okay in the immediate aftermath, but what about now that she had been given the time to recover? I didn't want to scare her. That was the last thing she needed.

"Alex?" Izuku nudged me. "You okay? You went all quiet there."

"I… I may hang back a bit at first. Let you and Mirio go in without me."

He frowned. "What? Why? Don't you want to see her?"

"I do. But it might frighten her."

"Seeing you?" He looked to the side. "Because you were in captivity with her?"

I nodded and picked at my laces. "I dunno… It just occurred to me."

"I mean, maybe see how she is doing but from what Mr Aizawa was saying, she's been asking after all of us. Especially you."

"Mm." I got up as the taxi pulled into the curb, the rest of the class were just coming round the corner. "Maybe I'm overthinking."

"Wouldn't be the first time." He chuckled, nudging me and smiling that infectious smile. He really was sunshine in a person.

We got in and the taxi pulled away, headed for the hospital. The air in the car fizzed with excitement, and Dad's eyes kept catching mine in the rearview mirror, his smirk almost permanent.

I wondered how Eri had been doing. No wonder the Doctors and Nurses had been won over though, she was a sweetheart. Even in captivity, she had been a ray of hope. Out in the open, able to enjoy things like sunshine, apples and anything else she wanted, she would bloom. And I would get to see it.

We were getting closer to the hospital, and as I looked out over the city skyline, I wondered if I could bottle this feeling. This hope of seeing her smile, this excitement to know what she's been doing. Is it what Dad felt when we'd been apart for a while? When I got a good grade did he get this zing of excitement? Is it part of being a parental figure? I don't know. I obviously can't claim that Eri will think of me like that, of course. But I think it would be silly to suggest that isn't what I'm feeling towards her, the protective nature of someone who cares for a child. I'm no mother. I will never be one. But I could help Eri, I could look after her and offer any support she needed or wanted.

Good thing I didn't give into that darkness I guess.

The taxi entered a tunnel and I held my breath whilst the yellowed lights zipped past, and other cars whooshed by the window. I came so close to giving into the anger. To unleashing every time I bit my tongue, burrowed my head and braced myself for the next hit. But maybe that was the problem. I needed to release it, but I needed to find some way of doing that in a healthy manner. Otherwise, it would sit there. Waiting.

My reflection hesitated, but then a smile appeared.

I could do that.

I would do that.

That or I risked the darkness eventually wearing me down enough to win, and then where would I be? I'd have scared Eri. She'd have seen me as nothing but the next Chisaki. That wouldn't do. No. I wouldn't allow it. My counselors had warned me about the footage, that if I felt that anger coming over me, I should stop watching. And I think she's right. But I think I seriously needed to talk to them about the darkness. Not just a way to avoid it. Maybe to Dad too.

I looked ahead again and caught his eyes. He frowned and peered a little, turning to me as the taxi left the tunnel and re-entered the sunshine. His look asked if I was all right. I beamed. There was a long way to go, there always would be, but I would get there. And I'd hold onto his hand so tight in the meantime. Something about the smile comforted him, and he returned to facing forward. Looking relaxed as we finally pulled up to the hospital lobby.

We walked in and I lingered near Dad. In all honesty it was surreal to be walking into a hospital. I tended to just wake up there instead. I think that occurred to Dad as well, because when we stepped into the elevator he slung his arm around my shoulders and squeezed, returning to normal when Izuku turned and grinned at me. Did his eyes always sparkle?

His smile softened and he nudged me. "You still gonna hang back?"

"Huh?" Dad frowned, looking between me and Izuku. "Hang back?"

I blushed. "I just wanted her to have a chance to talk to these guys first. I mean… She might be a little spooked by me, you know? There could be an association there with me and that horrible room we were kept in."

Dad looked very confused, and Mirio looked back with a raised brow.

He snorted. "As if, man She loves you! Whenever I've seen her through the window she's always asked how you're doin'!"

I smiled. "She's kind, yeah. I just wanted to make sure she's doing okay before I went in."

They didn't look convinced, but they left it at that.

Ding.

Our floor.

We headed along the corridor and then Izuku and Mirio jogged ahead. They went inside, their voices bouncing around and her smaller one chirping into place. She sounded stronger. Dad took my hand and paused before the doorway, the sunshine pooling across the linoleum flooring, making it almost sparkle. He squeezed my hand and I finally looked up at him, well aware of how bright my blush burned.

He tugged on my wig playfully. "She really has been asking after you."

"I believe that, I do. But the kid would also likely ask to live off of only apples if she could, but that doesn't mean it's going to be good for her."

Dad nodded and looked towards the doorway as Mirio and Izuku laughed. "I get the logic, I do. But right now, I think we all need to be a little brave. She wanted to see you, Alex. And if she has a bad reaction… Well we can deal with it, okay?"

Hardly a guarantee, but I guess he couldn't give me that. And he wouldn't lie.

He headed inside.

I approached the doorway. They talked about fruit. Mirio guessed that Eri's favourite would be peaches, but of course no, it was apples. He laughed and changed his answer, looking a little embarrassed. Mirio had such a kind heart. It would have happened behind closed doors, of course, but he had never shown his pain outside. I hope he talked to someone. Between losing his quirk and Knight Eye, he had been as much through the ringer as I had, if not more.

Peering round the doorframe, I found myself stalled.

Eri.

So small, sat on the bed, her silvery hair tumbling in loose waves, her big bright ruby eyes taking in Izuku and Mirio like they were both fascinating books. I wondered how pretty those eyes would be once they shined. Bandaging still wrapped her arms and legs, but I guessed there would soon be a day they weren't needed anymore. Her horn, which I had only felt as a vague detail in my pulses, was small, barely poking past her hair. What a cutie.

Then her little pink little mouth went into a line and her eyes dipped. I leaned against the doorway, thus far not noticed. She sucked in a quick breath, her hands wringing in her lap. Both Mirio and Izuku leaned forward, ever attentive, ever protective. She'd gained a couple of very careful and supportive older brothers.

She frowned. "It's all my fault."

Thankfully the whole room looked as confused as me.

She continued. "All the terrible stuff that happened… I'm so sorry." She teared up and I think my heart just broke. "I know you lost your power because you were protecting me Lamillion."

He jolted and shook his head. "Eri, I guarantee that none of us think this was your fault at all."

She frowned more. I wondered how much that resembled what I had looked like when I first lived with Shouta. Mister. What you talking about Mister? You not gonna hit me, Mister? My eyes prickled at the idea of Eri thinking like that. Of Chisaki looming over her, convincing her of her guilt, blaming her for every little slight that he could. Gaslighting her into oblivion. C'mon Mister, I get it, you're pissed at me. I know it. It's f-fine. I can take it. I gulped. Expecting pain, understanding it, immediately justifying it in your head without meaning to. My fault. I did something wrong. I deserve it. I'm sorry. I'll do better, be better, I won't make you hurt me again.

Mirio continued. "You know what we are thinking though? Man, I am stupid glad that Eri's okay. So you see, there's no point in apologising, promise. Don't worry about it. Besides, everyone fought because they wanted to see you smile."

She swallowed and tried her best. But as usual, the muscles just wouldn't cooperate.

She pouted slightly. "This is so silly, I think I've forgotten how smiling feels."

She's embarrassed. The boys looked out of their depth.

Time to take a leap.

I stepped into the room and cleared my throat. Her big eyes landed on me and for a second, I thought I saw a slight shine to them. Damn. Don't make me actually feel like fucking adopting you, kid, you're too damn cute.

I smiled and waved.

She held out her arms, wriggling slightly. "Alex!"

If there had ever been doubt about me being a bloody sap, it went and got confirmed in that moment. An arrow had struck me right in the heart and pinned me.

I dashed over and scooped her up into my arms, no quirk, no nothing, just her held close. My heart thundered in my ears as I spun slightly and felt a couple tears escape. She clung tight. Her hands gripped my jumper and her legs tried to wrap round me. I held her up with one arm letting her perch, and the other stroked her silvery hair back. She cried. Waterfalls fell down her blushing cheeks and as soon as we met eyes, she hid in the crook of my neck again, hugging tight.

"Heya kid, how're you feeling?"

"You came! You really actually came!"

"Damn right I did, I promised you didn't I?"

SHOUTA POV

He watched Alex stand there, holding the girl against her hip, talking to her and the boys, and Shouta wondered if his chest might run out of room for his heart. Sure, Alex had hesitated. She had been afraid of scaring the little girl, of putting her back in that dark place. But that worry had melted away. They were attached. He wondered if it resembled how he had looked when Alex had hooked him. The moment Alex jolted after Eri's delighted squeal of her name, he had the oddest sensation of de ja vu. Though admittedly, he couldn't pinpoint his own jolting moment. When she had first said 'Shouta' instead of 'Mister'? Maybe when she had first sought him out after a nightmare? Or when she had laughed without reservation. Maybe it was when she screamed 'Dad' for the whole USJ to hear. Or when he finally held her when she had come back from her month away.

He concluded that it didn't really matter. She had shot so many arrows through his heart, it likely looked like swiss cheese by that point. Happy, proud, besotted, swiss cheese.

The four of them chatted and laughed–or at least Eri occasionally giggled behind her hand. The smile would come later. If Alex and Midoryia had anything to do with it, Eri's smile would shine brighter than anything else. Eri would get every part of their light and be all the stronger for it. She had a shitty beginning, but she had a bright future ahead. Something in Shouta's bones made him certain. Along with the fact, Midoryia and Alex would give that girl everything.

Part of him had also worried over Alex seeing Eri again.

Not for Eri's sake, the kid was so eager to see Alex it surprised him she hadn't snuck back to the campus in his scarf. No. He had worried over Alex being sent back to captivity by Eri. The small voice, the kind words. The darkness was so close, and sometimes, when Alex was distracted he could have sworn he saw it in her eyes. It would fade. Every day she made progress. But still, he wouldn't stop being careful. But now he had hope. Perhaps seeing Eri so happy, and accepting that the kid had a real future to look forward to, perhaps Alex would be able to use that to fight the darkness. In the same way Alex had helped Shouta.

So many times, she had reminded him of the good in the world. When the thugs got that bit too sick, or the crimes that too wayward. He thought of her smile. Of the way she fell asleep against him as the credits rolled on a movie, and she was totally out of it within seconds. Of how she learned to make the best coffee, just because she knew it was his favourite drink. Alex kept him grounded. Perhaps Eri could do that for Alex.

The four of them stared at Shouta.

He blinked and shook himself free of his thoughts. "What was that?"

Alex rolled her eyes, and hitched Eri higher on her hip. "We wondered if Eri might be allowed to come to the school festival."

"I can look into it, for sure. Do you want to go along, Eri?"

She nodded, holding onto Alex tighter somehow.

Shouta smirked. "All right then, I'll ask the Principal and see if we can sort something out. Mirio you'll be able to come and escort her, won't you? To meet me at the school?"

"Of course, sir!"

Eri looked at Alex. "So I can get to see what you and your friends are gonna do?"

"Yeah!"

"Cool… Are you looking forward to the festival?"

Alex smirked and tapped the end of Eri's nose. "I am now, knowing you're gonna be watching."

Boom! Emotions, plans, all sorts going on in this chapter! Hope you enjoyed! Thanks so much for reading, and thanks to everyone faving, following and of course reviewing! Love chatting with you guys! Shoutouts below! Cya next time, March 26th!

SHOUTOUTS:

Zikashigaku: Yeah Dabi is boinging off the deep-end now. I am loving your takes on the situation between him and Alex, I shall confirm nor deny nothing haha, but I love seeing it. And your theories on the white-haired lady, muhahahahaa I love it! Everything will be revealed EVENTUALLY I promise! Aw I'm touched! Thank you so much, I take it as high praise to be one of someone's favs! Yeah I'm sure telekinesis is a common one, I love it as a power so really I wouldn't know what else to do. If I do any other fics for MHA they will likely feature another telekinetic OC tbh. Glad to hear mine feels original tho! And yes! Yeeees! Dadzawa is so much fun to write haha. I hope you liked the Shouto scene, I adored writing it, felt like such a long time coming lol, it was aaaaages ago in a Sho pov that I mentioned him already falling for her. So it felt overdue pfft. As always, thank you so much for chiming in, its awesome of you every single time. I hope you enjoyed reading! See you next time ^-^