AN: I'm going through the process of re-writing and re-working the fic. It is currently August 11th, 2020! if you're reading this now, there may be some discrepancies between chapters in regards to quality of writing and plot due to the fact that I'm doing this one chapter at a time. Welcome if you're new, for older readers, what's up! Railgun T and all the awesome comments as of late have revitalized me. Even if a story is years old, never feel like your voice goes unheard. You never know what may come from you taking the time to reach out.

It started as a spark.

If asked, Mikoto wouldn't be able to pinpoint when it happened. How things evolved past the point of no return. When she fell headfirst into the valley, on the precipice of change.

A metamorphosis of her own making.

x

Saturday, August 15th

12:30PM

Mikoto woke up a half past noon in the spacious apartment that she shared with her kouhai. It was like any other Saturday. The days started to blend together after a while, but Mikoto welcomed the peace. It was a long sought after reprieve after a youth entrenched in blood and fear. Lies that slipped through clenched teeth as she learned to navigate the underbelly of the city she once loved. Things were different now. It took some time, but Mikoto learned that she wouldn't be able to keep her friends safe if they barreled blindly into situations that required more care. One injury too many is what had her spilling many dark truths, but she had felt an ease slip over her that she hadn't felt since her years in primary. Now that everything was out in the open, she was free to hope again.

It was nice.

Though their private academy had dorms that were perfectly suitable for any student, Mikoto preferred living in the apartment complex. It offered the much needed privacy and space needed to conduct any investigations that came across the desks at Judgement. Mikoto figured that if her kouhai was going to run herself ragged working through files, she might as well do it somewhere she was comfortable. Safe, for Mikoto to watch over.

"Kuroko." Mikoto yawned as she walked out of her room and into the living room, rubbing her stomach from under her shirt. "Do we have any-"

Kuroko lifted a glass of milk before Mikoto had the chance to finish. Mikoto's lips quirked into a small smile as she walked over to the glass table Kuroko was seated at. She leaned into the side of it, her fingers brushing along Kuroko's as she carefully took the glass. Mikoto stared over the rim of it curiously as she watched Kuroko scribble in a journal. The cover over the back of it was familiar and told Mikoto that Kuroko was doing more than just schoolwork.

"Thanks." Mikoto took a sip of her drink. "What are you working on?"

Releasing a small sigh, Kuroko set the pad down and turned to look at her. "Just some notes for this case. The situation is growing a bit out of hand and I am trying to figure out how to approach it without things escalating."

Mikoto hummed, brows knitting together as she considered Kuroko's words. She placed the cup on the counter and moved to sit across from Kuroko. "Ah, it's good that you're working so hard," Mikoto started as she rested her elbows on the table. "But don't stress yourself out too much, okay?" She reached over to press her finger against Kuroko's forehead. "It wouldn't do anyone good if you run yourself ragged, okay?."

A small blush shaded Kuroko's cheeks at the sudden concern. "I know…" she murmured, a small, adoring smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you for worrying about me, Onee-sama."

For some reason, Mikoto felt her face heat up at the fond look Kuroko leveled her with. She slowly lowered her finger. "A-ah, it's no problem, really," she stuttered before cautiously returning the smile.

They stared into each other's eyes for a moment before Mikoto reached forward once more so that she could brush a few strands of auburn hair back, her thumb gently stroking across Kuroko's temple.

"Onee-sama…?"

Mikoto's eyes widened comically as if she just realized what she did. "Sorry!" She laughed awkwardly as she stood up, palming the back of her neck. She turned away from the table to stretch. "Man, I must have slept weird or something, I'm so sore." She quickly changed the subject as she made her way to the dining room table, adding much needed space between them.

Lately things with Kuroko had been...confusing. To say the least. There were moments where they would stare at each other for too long or Mikoto would find herself touching Kuroko unnecessarily. What was even more confusing were the times when Mikoto would find herself responding to Kuroko's advances, wanting more. But more what? What did that mean exactly? Mikoto sighed, feeling weary all of the sudden.

Why am I acting so weird?

She felt eyes pierce her back, but thankfully Kuroko responded with nothing more than a quiet, "Right…" before making her way over to where Mikoto was standing.

Neither of them spoke for a moment. Something in her expression must have given something away, because Kuroko softened before her once more. Kuroko set her palm on the small of Mikoto's back and leaned into her to rest against her shoulder. "I made breakfast. Make sure to eat everything."

Mikoto felt herself lean into the touch. "Hah, don't I always?"

"Hmm." Kuroko eyed her in amusement. "I seem to recall Onee-sama suspiciously depositing what appeared to be the cup of tempura I prepared in the garbage yesterday."

"Geh-" Mikoto could practically feel a sweat drop rolling down her cheek as she blushed in embarrassment and looked up towards the ceiling. "Uh…I don't remember doing that."

Kuroko sighed. "Honestly, Onee-sama is such a child sometimes." She smiled gently, her palms gently brushing against her placed her hand on Mikoto's cloth covered stomach while fixing her with a stern gaze. "It is important to have a fully balanced meal."

"What are you, my mother?" Mikoto's face warmed further at the touch, her stomach tensing from the gentle caress. She swallowed thickly, allowing herself a moment to indulge in the feeling before stepping back so that Kuroko's hands would fall.

"Fine." She ran a shaky palm through her hair as she walked over to the dining table. "I'll eat everything on my plate. Promise."

"That is all I am asking Onee-sama." Kuroko pulled her apron off and set it on the counter. "Enjoy your breakfast. I am heading to the office to continue working."

Mikoto looked up from her meal. "Hm? Aren't you eating?" She asked as she picked up her bowl of rice and chopsticks. "There's too much here for just me."

Kuroko smiled, seemingly moved by Mikoto's concern. "I am fine, Onee-sama. I already ate before you woke up…" she trailed off before smirking mischievously. Mikoto was immediately suspicious.

"What is-K-kuroko!" Mikoto's cheeks turned pink as Kuroko disappeared from sight only to land on her lap, nuzzling her neck affectionately.

"Of course, I would not mind having Onee-sama as an afternoon snack~"

"Don't get your hopes up, kid," Mikoto stated dryly as she picked up a tempura with her chopstick and popped it in her mouth, outwardly unconcerned by Kuroko's actions. Inside Mikoto felt her stomach clench as her kouhai's legs softly brushed against hers.

She closed her eyes and forced herself to stay calm. What is wrong with me?

"Mou, Onee-sama is so cruel," Kuroko whined as she moved back so that she could pout at her.

"Yeah, yeah," Mikoto blushed a little when she noticed Kuroko looking up at her adoringly. She glanced away. "Shouldn't you get going? Konori-senpai will scold you if you're late, right?"

Kuroko did as she asked with no argument.

x

Saturday, August 15th

2:04PM

The form of Shirai Kuroko seemingly disappeared from sight only to reappear more than 80 meters away from the original spot.

"Uiharu, stay on the alert and be prepared to contact Anti-Skill on my signal," Kuroko stated in a clear, authoritative voice as she teleported from building to building in a manner of seconds. Her hair flowed free behind her, occasionally whipping along her face.

For the past several days there had been reports of gang activity throughout the length of the district. Small occurrences that hinted at a clear and steady escalation of violence. Despite the considerable resources on hand, the perpetrators had evaded arrest at every

instance, disappearing without a trace.

Through practiced and well executed investigative work, Kuroko had finally managed to track down a viable lead. With Uiharu providing support in the background, Kuroko set off to apprehend the possible suspects.

While normally Kuroko was able to keep a level head when it came to these matters, she couldn't help but feel a bit on edge today. Though she tried her best to keep her personal and professional life separate, when it came to her Onee-sama she often found herself unable to completely block thoughts of the older girl out. Mikoto had been acting so strange lately. It was throwing her off balance, shifting her equilibrium. Keeping her off task. Which was dangerous, in more ways than one. Mistakes were more damaging with an ability like hers. She was well aware of the risks involved when it came to teleporting. A brief image of Musujime Awaki flashed through her mind.

Kuroko gritted her teeth.

Fear was a tangible emotion at times like this. Kuroko didn't mind breaking the rules when it came to achieving a greater good, but sometimes she wondered if her feelings for Mikoto clouded her judgement. Kuroko often let things slip, opting to keep her mouth shut when it came to minor offenses. Looked the other way when it came to Mikoto's whims.

Sighing, Kuroko resolved to push those thoughts away to focus on the matter at hand. Her expression remained neutral as she carefully landed on her feet in an alleyway off the main road. She took off into a run at the muffled sound of an altercation. Turning the corner, an announcement of "This is Judgement" was on her lips only for her words to taper off into nothing.

Frowning, Kuroko's mouth thinned into a muted line at the lingering sparks of electricity in the air. A familiar sight.

Mikoto stood with her back facing Kuroko, the delicate scope of her neck inclined as she stared down at the mess of bodies left in the wake of her release of power.

"Now look what you made me do," Mikoto sighed. The definition of her bicep strained against the fabric of her shirt as she shook out her fingers only for them to pause mid shake at Kuroko's arrival. Mikoto was intune with the electrical signals of the people surrounding her. She had explained it to them once. Everyone gave off their own frequency, little vibrations she could feel in the tips of her fingers, throughout the length of her form.

When asked what kind of signal she gave off, Mikoto had stared at her with a curious expression, a glint of fondness in brown eyes as she looked her over.

"You want to know what you feel like, huh?" Mikoto hummed as she glanced off to the side, the corners of her lip lifting up into a smile "Ahh, I wonder. Something akin to lightning, perhaps."

It was a statement she hadn't bothered to elaborate on, choosing instead to change the subject completely. It was another memory in the mix of moments that Kuroko couldn't quite explain, an anomaly in the natural occurrence of who they were supposed to be to one another.

Kuroko drew herself back into the present as Mikoto turned towards her with a sheepish expression." Oh, hey, Kuroko," Mikoto said with a chastised grin. Preemptive to the lecture she knew was coming.

If Kuroko were not so disgruntled, she might have been amused.

"Again, Onee-sama?" Kuroko couldn't find it in herself to be completely angry with the older girl. Only tired. A repetitious emotion. They often found themselves acting out the same scenes. A play only they were privy to.

Kuroko straightened from her slump. "How many times do I have to tell you that dealing with the criminals of Academy City is the job of Judgement and Anti-Skill." It's a rhetorical question. She already knew the answer to the long sought inquiry. She reads the lines stoically.

Mikoto's brow rose in consideration before she tipped her head back. "Mm, I wonder," she mumbled, staring up at the sky with a small hum.

It's an odd thing to say. Before Kuroko could even think to respond, Mikoto moved to stand in front of her, palm settling on her shoulder. An intense expression shaded Mikoto's features. "Are you almost finished for the day?" Mikoto asked suddenly. "Want to go out?"

Eyes widening, Kuroko found herself momentarily floored at just how nonchalant Mikoto was acting. All the fight drained out of her as she pulled her phone out of her pocket and dialed Uiharu.

A performance on repeat.

x

Kuroko released a long sigh as she and Mikoto traveled down the street.

"That's the third time you've sighed in the past five minutes, Kuroko." There was a strain to Mikoto's voice as she kept pace with the younger girl's brisk stride, eyes steadily trained on her tensing figure. "I'm sorry, okay?"

"And I already said it is fine, Onee-sama. I know it's to be expected," Kuroko noted in a droll tone, shooting Mikoto a sidelong gaze as she walked along a winding path. "Everything will be taken care of. Please do not concern yourself with it any longer."

Mikoto ran a palm back through her hair as she settled beside Kuroko. "You're mad at me."

"I am not."

"You definitely are," Mikoto responded in a mumble. "You haven't even lectured me yet."

Kuroko glowered at that. "Is there any point in lecturing someone who doesn't listen?" She stopped walking completely, turning to Mikoto then. "You are powerful, Onee-sama. We both know this." Kuroko paused to gather her thoughts, briefly faltering at the downward tug of Mikoto's lips. She took a breath, resolved to continue in spite of it. "Be that as it may, those criminals have been able to evade capture for over a week. One of them could of had a hidden ability. "

Mikoto's lips curled into an amused smile. Inappropriate really. Kuroko felt her irritation spike at the sight of it.

"Ah, there's the familiar lecture," Mikoto stated dryly, gaze leveled on Kuroko evenly. "And what about you, then?" Dark eyes narrowed. "Were you planning on taking all those guys on by yourself?"

Kuroko scowled at the line of questioning. "Anti-Skill was on standby."

"And how long would it have taken for them to get there? More importantly, if you had gotten in a bind how would you have called for help?" Mikoto held her chin up, defiant in her stance. "It's easier for me to just take care of them, right?"

The words cause the irritation to shift into full blown anger. Kuroko hated when Mikoto did this. Normally she was able to brush the words aside, but her nerves were shot. There were just too many confusing emotions at play. "What Onee-sama seems to conveniently forget is that I am a Judgment member. I am able to handle myself."

"Oh, and what if you had gotten hurt?"

"You are missing the point entirely!" Kuroko snapped. "Possibly sustaining energies is part of the job. Besides, I am not so weak as to require Onee-sama to take care of everything for me!"

A bewildered look crossed over Mikoto's face at the subtle accusation in Kuroko's tone. Mikoto took a step closer. "Kuroko, that's not-"

A familiar ringtone broke the tension. They stared at one another for a moment longer before Kuroko took a deep breath and answered the call. "Yes?"

Kuroko listened for a few seconds before her gaze shifted. "Yes, this is Shirai. Tell me the situation…"

Mikoto sighed as Kuroko moved away, the tension falling to nil. She swiped her palm along her cheek, a mix of emotion stirring within her.

"Onee-sama." She looked over at the call of her name, her expression measured as she met her kouhai's eyes. Kuroko gazed back stoically, a slight twitch to dark brows.

"I must head back to the office to take care of an urgent matter," Kuroko stated evenly. "We shall continue this conversation later."

"Yeah, yeah," Mikoto muttered as she huffed before looking off to the side. She felt something heavy settle in her chest when Kuroko shook her head before teleporting away.

Mikoto glared at a random street vendor before ruffling her hair, shoulders dropping.

She stood in the middle of the sidewalk unmoving for a few minutes before sliding a palm into her pocket. Mikoto pulled out her cell and called on a familiar companion.

"Hey, Touma? Do you have a second?"

x

Blue eyes shone heavy with disapproval from where they stared across from her. "So what you're saying is that instead of telling Shirai about how you've been feeling, you decided to butt in her investigation, undermine her authority and her ability, and then continue to argue with her about it?"

"Well, when you say it like that..." Mikoto twirled her straw around her glass of coconut soda slowly, palm resting against her cheek.

Touma released a long sigh. "Honestly, Mikoto…"

"I know, I know." Mikoto pinched her nose. "You don't have to tell me."

The two sat across from each other in a small booth at a certain restaurant in the city where they had been meeting infrequently since Mikoto had turned fifteen. Over the past two years, they spent some time getting to know each other.

It had been hard for Mikoto at first. She had been infatuated with Touma for what seemed like forever. But Touma had barely shown any romantic interest in her and once she realized that her feelings would go nowhere, she had been content to love him from afar. However, after actually spending time with him, she realized just how much she had romanticized and idealized the older boy.

The acknowledgement had stung, but she got over it and once she had, their friendship had blossomed into something genuine.

She appreciated how things were with them now more than anything. It was nice having a partial observer. Someone completely neutral to the situation.

Touma rapped his knuckles against the table. "Still, even after all this time, you refuse to be honest with yourself, Mikoto." He pointed out, not unkindly.

Mikoto frowned as she fell silent, her eyes drawing shut.

There, in the quiet, dimly lit restaurant with the boy she once loved, she thought on a realization a long time coming.

x

"Ah, but to have a pretty girl cook you breakfast every morning and dote on you. Misaka-san is living the high life while the rest of us suffer in misfortune."

Mikoto glared at Touma from the corner of her eye as they walked down the street together.

"I really don't want to hear that from a guy who always seems to have beautiful foreign women hanging around him."

Touma raised a palm in defense. "Trust me when I say it's nothing to feel fortunate about."

Mikoto rolled her eyes at that. "Whatever," she muttered before smiling back at him. "Speaking of which, how is Index-san?"

"Eh, she's in France now with a few of our friends." Touma felt a small smile tug at the corner of his lips. "She'll be back in a few days."

"Hmm…" Mikoto smirked as she stared straight ahead, "You usually go with her when she heads out of the country. You must miss her."

"I don't miss the dent she puts in my wallet."

Mikoto laughed as they continued down the street, their conversation dissolving into small talk. They were heading to see a movie, something to take Mikoto's mind off the current situation. They rounded the corner where the theater was.

"Man, it's so hot." Mikoto raised her arms up and stretched before placing her hands behind her neck. "We should get some ice cream when we're-oh, ow, what the hell, Touma?" Mikoto rubbed her nose to help ease the impact of her walking into his back. "What's the deal-"

"Isn't that Shirai?"

"Huh?" Mikoto turned to where Touma was looking and instantly recognized the familiar twin pigtails of her roommate. Something in her warmed at the sight of her kouhai, but the feeling didn't have time to settle.

"I thought you said she was working."

Mikoto's brows furrowed. "She is…" she trailed off when she noticed that Kuroko was standing close to and speaking with some girl Mikoto had never seen before.

Some pretty girl.

"If that's work then where do I sign up to be a Judgment member," Touma joked with a wide grin. They continued watching as Kuroko and the other girl talked for a few seconds before Kuroko leaned up to kiss the brunette on the cheek.

Mikoto's eyes widened as something in her chest clenched. Who the hell-

"Oh, they seem close. Do you know her too, Miko...to?" Touma paused when he noticed her expression. He suddenly had a bad feeling.

"Um…Misaka-san…"

"It's such a nice day out, let's walk around some more!" Mikoto shouted, a fake smile spreading along her face as she spun on her heel. Threads of electricity sparked in the air as she stomped off in the opposite direction.

Touma sweat dropped, "Eh? But the theater…" He pointed across the street.

"Let's go!"

His head dropped with a sigh. "Ahh, such misfortune."

x