A/N: What's this? Back-to-back updates? I know so unlike me.
I'm honestly embarrassed at how easy it was finish this chapter after splitting into two parts. I honestly wish I'd done it sooner. I know the smart thing would be to hold off on posting this chapter until I have some of the next one done but i have no self-control.

Please leave a review telling me what you think! They do wonders for my motivation!

Principal Nezu was a man of many talents, all of which were nothing to sneeze at. He was certainly proud of his rare development of a quirk, but he was more proud of what he was able to do after. It hadn't exactly been easy to gain people's respect in society. They saw him as a novelty, a sideshow attraction—not an equal. He'd had to claw his way to the top so to speak, make people see he was just as good as any human.

(Smarter, braver, and far far kinder; better than any human in fact.)

He could still remember the uproar it'd caused when he'd taken on the role of U.A principal. Parents hadn't taken kindly to an animal being in charge of their children's education. He'd been met with nothing but skepticism and a fair bit of scorn. They were waiting for him to crash and burn, to prove he wasn't capable.

Nezu had expected this; how could he not when he knew all too well of the human fally that was thinking yourself better than those around you. Nezu didn't lower himself to their level, he didn't lash out and behave like an animal as they were expecting. Instead, he took everything with a smile and let his results speak for themselves.

He hadn't become a principal for the fun of it. He did it because he cared about the molding of young minds, guiding them to become the best they could be so they could grow and better society. Being a principal was the accomplishment he was most proud of. It felt good watching his students go from timid first-years to confident, honorable adults. But like anything else in his life, being a good principal wasn't always easy because children's lives weren't easy. Each student had their own unique troubles and needs. It was his job to do everything in his power to meet those needs.

"Principal Nezu sir," went the intercom on his desk. "Ms. Kayama is here to see you."

"Right on time! Go ahead and send her in if you please."

Kayama Nemuri: A third-year in the Hero course; a special case.

"Come and have a seat Ms. Kayama. There's no need to be nervous." This does nothing to ease the young woman sitting across the desk from him. Nezu supposed it was impossible not to feel at least a little nervous when you've been sent to the principal's office.

"Would you like some tea? It's ginger, very good for the immune system."

She takes the tea with subdued thanks. It hadn't escaped his notice that the seventeen year old can't seem to look at him head on. Her shoulders are hunched, her uniform—normally in a state of fashionable dishevelment—was now just plain disheveled.

"Do you have any idea why I called you into my office today Ms. Kayama?" His voice was pleasant, his face kind, yet the young woman flinched as if struck.

"Yes sir." She replied monotonously, still not quite looking at him.

"Oh," Principal Nezu said smiling, "would you care to share what that might be?"

"With all due respect Principal Nezu sir, I'd rather we just get this over with if you don't mind."

He took a calm sip of tea. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're referring to. Get what over with?"

This, for whatever reason, seemed to shake his student out of her emotionless stupor. Suddenly her hands were clenched into fist so tight her knuckles had gone white. Her jaw tightened so much she looked in danger of cracking a tooth. She finally looked him in the eye, her blue gaze murderous. "If you're going to expel me just get it over with! Drawing it out like this is just cruel!"

"Expel you?" Nezu asked, completely unfazed by the outburst, "My dear I have no intention of expelling you. What on earth gave you that idea?"

It was like someone had taken all the air out of a balloon. Nemuri's angry posture crumpled, her shoulders sagging like he'd just lifted a heavy weight off her shoulders. She looked at him, stunned. "You...I—you're not…?"

Setting down his tea cup, Nezu hopped on his desk and closed the distance between himself and his students and placed a paw on her shoulder. "Ms. Kayama," he said kindly. "I assure you I have no desire to see you leave U.A. Quite the opposite in fact."

She stared at him, mouth, agape, looking more and more like she might cry. Nezu smiled. "No ones getting expelled today. I swear on my honor as your principal. Let's finish our tea then we can talk."

They drank tea in a far more comfortable silence. Little by little Nemuri was looking slightly more relaxed, not completely at ease but an improvement nonetheless. Rather than return to his seat Nezu had instead opted to remain on his desk sitting cross-legged. Psychologically speaking this was another trick to make his student more comfortable. Sitting like this gave the feeling that they were just two friends having a chat rather than the authoritative feel sitting at his desk would've done.

"Sir I'd like you to know how much I appreciate you're not expelling me. I'm more than willing to accept whatever punishment you have for me."

"Do you want a punishment?" Nezu asked, wiping the corner of his mouth with a napkin.

Nemuri was confused. "Well I mean, I deserve it. I...shouldn't I get detention or something?"

The principal nodded. "If you think it necessary then I have no problem with it."

There was a pause where Nemuri seemed to be choosing her words carefully. "...do you not think it necessary sir?"

"Not particularly, no." Nezu replied plainly. "More tea?" he asked, holding out the teapot.

"But-but why?" The teenager asked, stunned.

"I'm not in the habit of punishing people who don't deserve it." He plucked the teacup from the haggered girl's hands, refilled it and handed it back to her.

"But I do deserve it!" Nemuri insisted, bewildered, very nearly upsetting the cup in her hands.

"Why?"

"Because!" She asserted, feeling as though it should be obvious. "Because I've missed school! Because I fall asleep in class! Because—!" She trailed off, suddenly noticing how loud and frantic her voice had become.

"But you have a good reason for these behaviors don't you?"

Nemuri faltered, not knowing how to respond, not knowing the right answer—the safe answer.

"In all your time here at U.A you've never once shown yourself to be the kind to flaunt responsibilities," Nezu explained patiently. "On the contrary, you've shown yourself to be exceptionally diligent in such matters. Knowing this, it can only mean that some outside circumstance is forcing your recent behavior. Does that sound about right?"

"..."

(No two children are alike. Some need help learning how to stand on their own two feet. Some are so independent they won't ask for help even when they know their drowning)

Nezu's smile was warm and encouraging. "Would you like to tell me what's been going on Ms. Kayama?"

Nemuri looked away, embarrassed. Her first instinct was to lie, but she knew her principal was too smart to fall for anything she might come up with.

"I won't force you to tell me anything of course. But I'd like you to know that I'm asking because I truly want to help. I can only do that if you let me in on what the problem is."

Nemuri grimaced despite herself. It would be so easy to tell someone—anyone—about what was going on in her head. But she couldn't. She wasn't used to asking for help, to have people to count out. For the longest time the only person she could really rely on was herself. She'd learned a long time ago that it was better that way—safer that way.

Even now that she had friends in her life that she loved, she could only let them in so far.

The act of asking for help was so far removed from what she knew it felt almost physically impossible. She opened her mouth once, twice, three times, but nothing came out.

Principal Nezu, in his infinite wisdom, seemed to know what was going on. "It's not a bad thing to ask for help when one needs it. Circumstances in your life may have forced you to mature beyond your years but you're still a child. You can't expect yourself to be able to handle everything on your own; it's not healthy. Admitting when things get to be too much is nothing to be ashamed of."

In the back of her mind Nemuri knew this was true. She shouldn't feel ashamed, it shouldn't be so hard...but it was.

It was hard.

Everything was just so just so...so hard.

"It is my understanding that you've taken on a part-time job and that you often can't make it home until very late at night. That must make it difficult to stay on top of your schoolwork, not to mention your child."

Her gaze was fixed on the cup in her grasp, aware that her hands were shaking but unable to stop. Nemuri wondered if he knew he'd hit a sore spot.

"Given this fact it's no wonder you've been falling asleep in your classes as of late. The body can only go so long without proper rest before it gives out."

Her mouth felt suddenly dry. "I...I need the money..."

Nezu had gathered as much. It was also plain to see that this was about more than having simple pocket money. Rather than ask another question he merely nodded, allowing the girl to explain in her own time.

"...I'm almost eighteen…" the blue-eyed girl began slowly. " I'll be graduating soon. That means I have to move out…if I don't save up enough for an apartment in time then we'll have nowhere to go."

Nezu clicked his tongue in distaste. He made it a point to keep an eye on students with difficult circumstances like these, and as such he was well aware of the girl's living situation, it was part of what made her a special case. Still, the fact that she was a few months away from being homeless was news to him.

"You'll have to excuse my ignorance, but I was under the impression it was the state's duty to assist you in finding suitable accommodations once you were of age."

Nemuri scoffed. "I mean on paper yeah but usually the most they'll do is hand you enough money to rent a room at the doya-gai nearby for a few weeks. I can't stay there."

A doya-gai. A slum district filled with cheap, low quality pay-by-day housing; prone to attracting the unsavory down-and-out dregs of society.

"I grew up there you know," "before I was sent to Kenbo I mean. I lived in the doya-gai with my mother…"

This was new information, but not altogether unexpected. The super genius knew that in terms of statistics, several of the children in the Kenbo Alternative Care facility originally lived in the neighboring doya-gai. What was new was the mention of a mother in Kayama Nemuri's life. Talk of parents seemed to be an unspoken taboo for her.

"That must've been hard for you." Nezu replied.

"It's whatever," Nemuri mumbled dismissively. She paused, before chuckling bitterly. "Kinda makes me feel like life's just going in circles though...like there's no way out no matter what I do."

She'd uttered the last part of her sentence so quietly Nezu was certain she hadn't intended for him to hear.

"I see. So you've been burning the candle at both ends trying to save up enough for a suitable apartment?"

The girl nodded and Nezu found he was becoming more and more angry at this situation—at himself most of all. He should've seen what was going on. Government funded care wasn't exactly louded for its merit, he should've anticipated something like this

"That's quite a feat to take on on your own. Even the most basic apartments in the city require quite a bit of upfront cost," the mouse placed his hands under his chin in thought. "In fact, I believe the average sum of these fees is equal to about six months rent, all before you even get in the door."

Nemuri nodded again but said nothing. That ugly feeling of shame was growing again, stealing her voice.

Shame at not being able to handle her own problems.

Shame at having to take unsavory jobs in unsavory places for a quick buck.

Shame at being months away from living in her old slum, a place she swore she'd never go back to.

Shame at the creeping realization that she was slowly becoming more like her mother…

"And even then, assuming you did somehow manage to acquire this amount of money, there's still no guarantee you'll even find an apartment, is there?" Nezu remarked. "An unfortunate aspect of this country is the stigma around single-parent households. There's a good chance landlords won't rent to you for this fact alone, not to mention your age. You could of course apply for government housing, but there aren't enough to go around so the waitlist is extensive."

Despite herself Nemuri began to cry. Having the gravity of her situation laid out so plainly was too much for her.

There were a number of things Nezu hated. One of the things he hated most was seeing children cry. He handed the girl his handkerchief so she could dry her eyes. He waited a minute then continued.

"You'll have to forgive the personal nature of this question Ms. Kayama, but is it at all possible for your child's father to offer some assistance?"

Nemuri sniffled, adjusting her glasses. "No, uh…he's not…he's in jail." She waited for a look of disappointment to flash over her principal's face, but none came.

"I see. What about the young man's family? Would they help?"

"I'm sure they would but I'm not allowed to contact them."

Nezu noted how the dark-haired girl had begun fiddling with her tie. A nervous habit. "May I ask why?" More nervous pulling. "This is a safe place Ms. Kayama and I'd like to do everything in my power to help you, please believe me when I say that."

Nemuri wanted to believe this. Principal Nezu was always a straight shooter. Straightforward— never sugarcoating things and certainly never the type to lie to your face.

If she could trust anyone it would be him wouldn't it?

She opened her mouth once, twice, three times, before finally: "It's a rule that they have. When the people in charge at Kenbo found out I was pregnant the only reason they didn't throw me out right away was because I was in U.A. Having someone attend the top school looks great on paper ya know?" Nemuri fidgeted in her chair. "So they let me stay and keep Kiyo as long as I had no contact with Kiyo's father's family."

Nezu looked on, incredulous. "Are they allowed to impose such restrictions?"

"I don't see why they wouldn't be. They didn't like me being around Koshiro in the first place," Nemuri explained, "once they found out he'd been arrested they spouted off some stuff about it being inappropriate for me to 'fraternize with a criminal'. Which is bullshit because—sorry sir…"

Nezu had no qualms with swearing. He held up a placating paw. "No need to apologize. Please continue."

She gave a deep sigh. "Anyway…if I try to contact Shiro's family in any way they said they'll throw me out. The house is full of kids who spy for the adults in charge. I can't risk it."

Though his face looked as calm and as cheerful as ever, this was a careful deception. Nezu was angry, bordering on furious. Already his mind was turning with ways to rectify the situation. He had a plan in mind, but he needed more information before he could proceed.

The chimera smiled disarmingly. "I can see this is a very complicated situation. I met some of your caretakers the day of the unfortunate incident with your little girl, they both appeared to be perfectly reasonable women. I'm surprised they'd put you in such a position."

"Oh it's not their fault!" Nemuri exclaimed, quickly coming to 's defense in particular. "They're the ones who look after us and everything but they don't make the rules."

"Oh?"

Nemuri nodded her head fervently. "Ms. Asaji and the old lady work there but they've got no say in how things are done. It's the Board of Directors who lay down the law. They're in charge of the big stuff like who stays and who goes or how much money you get when you turn eighteen and all that."

Nezu considered this for the briefest of seconds as he initiated the first phase of his plan. "Understood!" He said cheerfully. "Thank you for your honesty my dear. I do believe I have a solution to your problem!"

Nemuri jumped slightly in surprise. "You, you do? Which problem exactly?"

"All of them!" Nezu replied, still smiling.

"All..of them…? The teenager repeated slowly, clearly confused.

"Allow me to explain! I am prepared to handle the acquisition of a suitable living space for yourself and your little one. That would include paperwork, any fees that may pop up, as well as rent and utilities for the first year. All you'd have to do is sign the papers."

Nemuri felt like someone had just knocked the wind out of her. There was no way she'd heard right. "You're what?"

He went on. "It won't be anything too extravagant mind you. A spacious two-bedroom apartment is what I have in mind. Within walking distance of public transportation and a good school district of course! Does that sound alright to you?"

"You can't be serious!"

"I am!" Nezu said, sounding terribly pleased with himself.

Nemuri sputtered. Her principal didn't seem to realize what he was saying. "You're giving me a free apartment? Who does that?!—You can't do that!"

"I can!"

Nemuri threw her hands up in disbelief. "Why?!"

"Why not?"

She put her face in her hands. "Listen sir. I don't want you to think I'm ungrateful but I can't accept this. It's too much."

Nezu shook his head. "It's not uncommon for U.A to provide apartments for students who'd have long commutes otherwise. This is much the same."

"This is different!" Nemuri insisted, shooting up out of her seat and leaning forward . "You do that for first-years. It's an investment in a student's career. I'm graduating soon, why would you waste so much on me when I won't even be your problem anymore in a few months?"

"I don't think you're a waste nor do I consider you a problem," Nezu said kindly.

Nemuri blanched before blushing a violent red.

Nezu patted his students head in a comforting gesture. "I realize this'll be hard for you to accept so why not think of it this way: Your child was gravely injured on school grounds. If you wanted to, you'd be well within your rights to sue U.A."

The teenager opened her mouth to protest but Nezu continued, "To avoid said lawsuit the school would've settled with you out of court. You would've been given a considerable sum of money. More than enough to obtain all the things I am offering you outright. If you can't accept my offer as a gift, then perhaps you can simply see it as me giving you what you are owed. An apology of sorts if you will."

Nemuri's eyes had gone wide with shock. She wasn't sure whether she might faint or cry…maybe both…Yeah probably both. She fell back into her chair, completely speechless.

"I anticipate it'll take me a week or two to get everything in order. I trust that'll be enough time to give notice at your place of work?"

"Yes-yes sir."

"Wonderful!" The chimera exclaimed. "In the meantime I expect you to rest adequately and notify your teachers to catch up on the work you've missed."

"Yes sir."

Nezu smiled down at the girl in front of him. She looked lost, like her brain had yet to make sense of what'd just happened and her eyes were glassy."Do you have any questions Ms. Kayama?"

"Thank you," she said, her voice breaking. "Thank you so much!"

"There's no need to thank me Ms. Kayama." Nezu said kindly."I'm your principal and it's my duty to help you after all. All you had to do was ask."

Tears had begun to fall down his charge's face again. Owing to his less than pleasant past, physical contact wasn't something he enjoyed, but given the circumstances he decided he could handle a hug. It was clearly something the girl needed.

"There is one thing I'd like for you to do for me though."

"Anything!" Nemuri answered quickly.

"I'd like you to promise me you'll graduate and become an exemplary hero. And in a few years I'd like you to humor me when I offer you a teaching position here at U.A"

Nemuri laughed. "I'm not sure I'm cut out to be a teacher."

"You never know."

Back at home—their soon to be ex-home—Nemuri scooped up her daughter and held her close. Kiyo was, like always, happy to see her. She was especially excited because she was home early for once.

Kiyo was eager to show her the drawing she'd made and Nemuri listened attentively as her daughter did her best to explain what it was supposed to be. She waited until her child was done before clearing her throat.

"Kiyo," Nemuri said softly. "Would you like to hear about your Papa?"