Will probably update later

My Hero Academia: Akio Takeyama

Chapter 25

At first, Kara didn't notice when they started talking more, probably because Tsuyu was such a great conversationalist, although she rarely said anything related to gossip.

So mature, she droned on in her head. A smile lifted at the corner of her lips only to hiss when the bruise on her cheek made the pain flare-up. Yep, just like her. She rolled on her side despite the soft cushion of the couch, digging into her bruised ribs.

Should've apologized to them a long time ago. Kara kissed her teeth before groaning out in frustration. It was at times like these that she wished that there wasn't so much downtime between patrols. It would be better than being cooped up in the living room, awaiting her punishment. Then maybe she could focus on anything else other than these intrusive thoughts.

"Are you perhaps not okay?"

Black orbs appeared in her vision. She blinked once but not twice before raising a hand and pushing her classmate back by the face. Too close. Her classmates' next words came out in garbled bunches as her hand had covered a part of their mouth.

"What?" Kara tilted her head, the corner of her lips curling up as she pinched their cheeks together. They instinctively held her wrist, but Kara pulled them close-close enough that she could feel their breath. "Here, your closer now repeat what you were saying?"

"Pwease rewease meh wed-chan!" Her friend managed to speak, still struggling against her hold. Kara chuckled and finally released them, letting her arms flop harmlessly on the couch.

"Oh, Ibara, that's all you had to say." She smiled up at her classmate as Ibara reached up with both her hands to rub her reddening cheeks. Kara sighed; Tentamaru must have finally come back from patrol. Closing her eyes, she quickly turned around on the couch so she didn't have to look at Ibara.

So lucky, while I'm stuck here waiting for my punishment to be over.

"I apologize." Ibara, the kindest of people, apologized, and Kara kissed her teeth in response.

"Why the hell are you apologizing for?" Kara asked, her brows furrowed her annoyance, making itself known. Ibara has apologized five times already. "Do you feel that guilty?" Kara mumbled into one of the small couch cushions. There was silence in response, and Kara could hear Ibara shuffle closer until she sat next to her.

"If it wasn't for me," Ibara paused, shifting closer so that her thigh was touching her back, "Can I braid your hair?" She asked, and Kara said nothing, but Ibara took her silence for yes before beginning to gently move her fingers to the top of her head. Taking a handful of her red locks from each side and beginning to tuck them together.

"If it weren't for me being so lapse minded at the time, then you wouldn't have to have gotten hurt." Ibara quietly finished, still gently folding Kara's hair into a braid. Kara hummed, relaxing into the pillow.

"Yeah, I guess you could apologize for that." Kara smiled, "But I rather it have been me than you. Since we were in a hostage situation, after all." She tried to replicate the sound effects Ibara vines would make when she used them.

"Plus, with your quirk, you can easily save multiple people at a time." Kara reminded her. It was a dire situation, and Tentamaru could only deal with so much, and when a couple of criminals slipped through thinking it was a perfect opportunity to overpower some "little kids," she took it upon herself to go toe to toe with them despite the repercussions any government would have for her. Luckily for her being so confident in hand-to-hand combat against quirk-less criminals meant no need to break the illegal usage law.

Ibara's hands stopped moving and clasping together, "Still, I would greatly appreciate it if you would not get hurt for me anymore." Ibara's voice was softer, more so than usual, as she slowly pulled Kara up by the shoulder. I understand. Kara thought as she pushed herself up to a sitting position with Ibara's help. Kara understood that even Ibara had a bit of pride.

Kara chuckled, "Well, I can't promise that." She flashed her classmate a smile, "I am training to be a hero after all."

She swiped at her nose, "And I'm not going to let my childhood friend just up and pass me by." Her hair gets ruffled from behind as Tentamaru no Lia-sensei stepped in front of them both.

Her laughter made Kara a bit bashful. She wasn't supposed to hear that.

Ibara clasped both of her hands and nodded in greeting, "Hello, Tentamaru-sensei."

Lia nodded with a smile, "Can't let my brat of a nephew leave you both in the dust now, can't I?" She joked, handing Kara a plate of Oatmeal cookies. Kara immediately dug in, stuffing her mouth full. Ibara took one and nibbled on it.

"Delicious." They both said in unison.

Tentamaru nodded, "Glad you like it," She clapped her hands, garnering their attention once more. "But although this is the last day of your internship, I still have one thing to ask of both of you." Her dark magenta eyes settled on both of them as she opened her palms towards them.

"What have you learned so far?"

Ibara and Kara looked at each other.

"That we still have a lot to learn about being a hero."

-Endeavor agency-

Make no mistake.

Todoroki was furious and - although he wouldn't admit it - hurt. Akio Takeyama, for lack of better terms, was a complicated person to understand. He doesn't know Akio the way he doesn't know much about him. He knows that Mt. Lady is his mother, and there is something more behind how that came to be.

But that was it.

Akio met his mother, and Todoroki couldn't possibly explain why he decided to even bring him in the first place. Perhaps it was his subsequent conversations with his mother on the exact topics of his school life. Not that it wasn't pleasant, she hadn't seen him in years after all. She wanted to know everything and almost everyone. It was easy enough considering he was a very keen person and although not as talkative, knowing all of class 1-A was like second nature.

When he brought up Akio, she seemed to be jostled awake for a moment.

"Is something the matter?" He saw the way she looked away and out the window before raising the cup of tea to her mouth.

"You said Akio, right?" He could remember the weird look in her blue eyes when he nodded. The way she raised an eyebrow and leaning forward. "Could his last name be Takeyama, perhaps?"

Todoroki was silent then as he looked down at his teacup, "Well,..." His mother hummed and raised an eyebrow letting him continue, and with a cough, he did, "...I think so."

Rei Todoroki smiled, "I met a young girl." She looked back out the window, "In the gardens, we used to talk for a very long time. It was a surprise even to me when I find out she had a son named Akio." Rei murmured, taking a breath as she set down her cup, "Her name was Yu. Yu Takeyama."

"It could be a coincidence," Todoroki murmured lowly.

"Could be...my thoughts are running rampant again, I suppose."

But even Todoroki had gears turning in his head.

Yu Takeyama had a son named Akio Takeyama. Mt. lady, the hero who could grow to enormous size, had Osirus, the hero who valued growth above all else. At first, he disregarded his father's words about him, but the funeral had confirmed all the above. He couldn't just turn a blind eye to it all. One day, he decided that perhaps she would be delighted to see him and more knowledgeable about Akio's situation when visiting his mother.

What Akio said was right as much as he hated the bastard that was his father. The obsession with beating All Might is why he rose to the number 2 spot in the first place, and it also became his undoing. Made him unhinged as a father. His obsession made him hurt the people he once cared about. If he ever cared about us in the first place.

Todoroki shut his eyes and took a moment to breathe. What was he going to do anyway? Why was he even standing here waiting for Akio to come back? To confront Akio? For an explanation? To fight?

He pushed off the wall and turned to find Akio staring at him. Akio blinked once, looking forward and then to the vacant hallway's opposite side before turning to him.

"It's the middle of the night." He pointed out.

I know.

"You are usually still awake around this time…" Todoroki said, voice its usual monotonous tone. Akio raised an eyebrow and then went 'oh' as the realization hit him. Todoroki regarded him cooly as he stood in his nightwear. Regular grey sweatpants with a white t-shirt. His blonde hair was damp if the way it hung down and stuck to his skin was any indication.

"I forgot that your room is right next to mine." He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, "Did my workout wake you? Sorry."

Todoroki shook his head. That's not it at all. He opened his mouth to speak, but he found nothing. "I…" He hummed, looking off to the side. "It's not that."

Akio hummed, reaching up to grab the towel around his shoulder and quickly run it through his wet hair. "Come in, Todoroki." Todoroki blinked as Akio made space for him to enter. He did so, the door clicking behind him as he moved to the middle of the room, and Akio moved past him towards the bed.

His clothes sat folded in piles, and some still strewn about on the bed.

Todoroki didn't question it. He's still packing up for tomorrow, he thought. Must have gotten back later than I thought.

"Sorry about the mess," Akio was quickly folding the clothes still left on the bed, "I know you were standing outside for a long time...made me think I was about to get murdered until I realized it was you."

"You knew?" He questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, my new ability allows me to sense vibrations that travel through the ground." He told him, moving his folded clothes into the duffel bag on the floor.

Todoroki nodded, "Useful," he commented.

"Right?" Akio's lips curled up into a small smile that faded as quickly as it came. "Still a bit creepy if you ask me."

Todoroki closed his eyes, knowing the sudden shift in tone and topic was terrible for him. Still, he stood straight-faced as Akio turned around slowly and settled on staring him in the eyes. Oddly enough, his eyes held no malice or anger, just...understanding? Todoroki felt stiff and tense as he stared back, holding his gaze.

"Want an apology for what I said?" Akio asked, alluding to the things he said at the end of their match. Todoroki drew in a breath and shook his head.

"Why?" The icy-hot quirk user asked in response.

"I...don't know." Akio's brows furrowed with his lips pulling into a frown. "Guess I may have got a bit heated emotionally, maybe…I don't know."

The silence between them was palpable. That's not a very good explanation. But to Todoroki, he could care less now that he thought about it; what Akio said held some truth to it, yes. But would Akio still have said the same thing if he knew that Endeavors' obsession is the only reason he was born?

"It's fine." He spoke, turning around. "I don't need an explanation." This conversation is unnecessary.

"Wait," Todoroki paused, fingers inches from the doorknob when he turned back.

When Akio saw that he was waiting, a long sigh escaped his lips. Rubbing his face with a sigh, he leaned back, looking up at the ceiling. "I still need to say this..."

"Still, it was insensitive of me just to dismiss what you were saying…" Akio chuckled softly and apologized, "I just want you to know that I greatly appreciate what you were trying to do for me."

Really?

Todoroki sighed, "I wasn't doing it for you-"

"Keep telling yourself that." Akio interrupted, and when he fixed him with an icy glare, Akio laughed. He really could grate on his nerves at the worst of times. But, Todoroki would be lying to himself if he didn't hold some form of respect for Akio. He was defeated by him after all.

"How are things going with your mom?" Todoroki asked, and he immediately wanted to take back the question when Akio looked taken aback.

Akio sat up and pursed his lips with a slight incline of his head, "Uh fine...fine." Akio responded slowly before rubbing the back of his neck. An awkward silence fell over them for a moment. Todoroki closed his eyes. It had been a bad idea to this in the first place.

"How is Ms. Rei?" Akio asked, trying his best to cut through the uncomfortable silence-something Todoroki was thankful for.

"She's fine." Todoroki mirrored his earlier response, the same silence falling over them once more.

"Good-Good," Akio said, tapping his thighs.

Todoroki looked away to the barren white wall trying to figure out what else to say. Why was it so hard to have a regular conversation? Talking just wasn't his specialty. But still, he wanted to try at least a little bit more.

"You and Tsuyu." The simple statement got Akio to tense ever so slightly.

"Me and Tsuyu." He repeated.

"You two seem pretty close." He watched Akio look away and nod.

"Yeah, so what about it?" He asked, and Todoroki raised an eyebrow.

Akio didn't deny they were close, which was enough for Todoroki to deem it appropriate to ask: "Are you two a couple?" His question made Akio sputter out.

Todoroki watched Akio blabber something incomprehensible, sentences starting and finishing in the middle, as he tried and failed to deny it. If it were anyone else, they wouldn't let him hear the end of it. Acting like that doesn't help your case.

He sighed, "If it's not true, then say no,"

Akio paused and took a deep breath to calm himself, "Uh, no. It's not true."

Todoroki blinked at him, "Then from your reaction," He paused, noticing the way Akio's eyes widened a smidge, "You have feelings for her." It wasn't a question, and that left Akio utterly speechless for a moment. Akio recovered a moment later, reaching up to comb back his blonde hair.

"Yeah," Akio admitted, hand falling onto his lap. "I do like Tsuyu."

Todoroki's eyes widened, just a smidge. He hadn't expected Akio to be so open about it. Todoroki wasn't an expert on love and relationships. He had no experience whatsoever, but it didn't stop him from being curious about the two's relationship. But why tell him?

Akio must have seen the confused look on his face because he soon answered, "You can keep a secret." Akio simply said, shrugging his shoulders.

Todoroki shook his head. "I'm hardly one of your friends or family." He retorted, and Akio shook his head in response.

"Don't you see who I hang out with in my off-time?" He questioned with a small smile; Todoroki frowned, realizing that most of the people he hung around during downtime back at school were mostly the class female portion. Sero and Kaminari were hardly anyone to trust with secrets. He sighed and silently accepted his reasoning.

"Plus, if that still hasn't convinced you, we are friends, by the way."

That made Todoroki freeze, "Huh?" His eyebrows furrowed as he stared at Akio, grinning ear from ear. He probably hadn't heard him right. After all the tension between them before and during the internship, what's with the sudden change in attitude? "Is that a joke?"

Akio only guffawed and gave him an exasperated look. He opened his mouth as if to retort frustratingly only to shut his mouth and shake his head quickly.

"Perhaps, that's a little bit too much for you and me right now." He withdrew with a deep breath. Todoroki just watched as he stood and walked over until he stood in front of him.

"I hope that with time our rivalry will be just that a rivalry, and at the end of the day, we can come to a mutual agreement that it's all in good sport."

"Good sport..." Todoroki murmured, and Akio nodded. Todoroki didn't seem the harm in it. Their hate for each other and quarrels between them did seem a bit pointless. Maybe even a bit petty. "Sure."

Akio's smile got wider as he clenched his fist, "Let's do our best, Todoroki."

Todoroki turned then and let out an exasperated breath, "You sound too much like Midoriya." He pointed out, and Akio immediately unclenched his fist.

"Eh, guess he kind of rubbed off on me..." He let out a low chuckle, "Visited my hospital room way too many times to count."

Midoriya does seem like the one to worry too much and mettle in other personal affairs. Either way, "His kindness will be the end of him one day."

"You have to give him more credit than that," Akio contested, moving to sit back down on his bed. "He may be kind, but I doubt he would allow his kindness to blind him."

"I have respect and admiration for Midoriya," Todoroki admitted, back during their match in the final phase of the U.A festival he was able to light a fire in him. Literally. "But there will come a time when he will have to make a difficult decision. That will be a time where kindness becomes nothing but an afterthought."

Akio's expression became a little stone-faced, "You have a certain negative outlook on things." Akio leaned over, hands clasping under his chin.

"Are you talking about having to take the life of a Villain?" Akio mumbled. His purple eyes were sharp as if analyzing him from where he sat.

Todoroki looked away, feeling oddly uncomfortable. I hadn't meant to that extent. But it was interesting if not a very moral and ethical debate to be had. He looked down at his hands. To him, taking the life of another human even if they were an adversary was supposed to be a boon in the heroics community.

He sighed, "Not exactly." He looked back to Akio, gaze still locked on him. "Do you think he would be able to do it?"

Akio's gaze shifted to the wall, eyes half-lidded, and from his position, Todoroki was oddly reminded of a promotional poster for Hawks the number 3 pro hero.

The look in their eyes is too similar.

"Who knows?" Akio questioned with a breathy chuckle and small smile. His hands dropped to his lap, and he leaned back lazily, expression softening. "I mean, you can answer that question yourself. You are the silent analyzer here."

Todoroki kept his face straight. "I'm not the silent anything."

Todoroki "During the U.A festival, I was anticipating our match," Todoroki revealed, much to Akio's delight.

"Really?" Akio asked, his smile becoming a smidge wider. The blonde closed his eyes and hummed, reminiscing at the festival. "I was hoping to make it to the end, but I'm kind of happy I double ko' ed in my fight against Tokoyami. Midnight told me they were going to randomize who I was going to fight in my last battle." He visibly shivered, and Todoroki could guess why.

"Bakugo's quirk counters yours." Todoroki could imagine if the two did fight, the fight would probably last longer than he expected, but it wouldn't take long for Akio to succumb to the overwhelming power of his explosions. "From the start, it would be clear who would win."

"What about n-"

"Bakugo."

"I couldn't even finish asking." Akio deadpanned, but he nodded, accepting his answer all the same. Quickly moving on from it, Akio yawned, flopping back on his bed.

"This internship was exhausting." Akio sighed, turning on his bed, "Can't wait to get back to regular old school work."

"Hn," Todoroki hummed silently. It has been an exhausting week, has it? It would be well deserved if they had a chance to slow things down again.

"Alright, see you in the morning."

Todoroki turned, taking that as his cue to leave.

"Goodnight."

"Night."

-U.A Hero School building-

"Morning,"

"Morning," Todoroki greeted back in his usual monotonous tone.

They stood in front of the U.A building, having gotten there pretty early after returning yesterday afternoon. There were no breaks for a hero, it seemed, and so after only a Sunday, they were back to school.

Akio appreciated the change in pace. At least he won't get his ass kicked by some self-proclaimed psychotic vigilante in some alleyway. The joke was in poor taste, but it still helps to move past it all.

"You remember the deal, right?" Todoroki's voice pulled him from his thoughts, and when he looked, they were already walking up to Homeroom on the first floor.

"And why would I not?" Akio muttered; the stupid mutt was pretty clear in his wording.

"This is your second offense."

"I implore you not to make a third."

How could he not remember how the mutt singled him out in front of everyone? He made the point explicitly clear for him to understand he wouldn't tolerate another incident like this from him. Akio kissed his teeth, scratching the back of his neck, "Don't worry. I've been carrying secrets for as long as I was born."

Akio caught the slight frown pulling on Todoroki's lips as they entered, but he didn't say anything in response. Not that he could because the moment they walked in, what greeted them was a burst of wind as Iida slid to a stop in front of them.

"Good morning!" Iida made his usual hand-chopping motions as he blurted out the standard. While Todoroki nodded and walked off, Akio couldn't help but feel relaxed seeing Iida being his usual self again.

He could remember the stiff bow he gave him the day his parents came to discharge him. To his surprise, it wasn't an apology.

"Thank you. Your words gave me much to reflect on."

To Akio, what he said and what he did wasn't some grandeur gesture. It was the heat of the moment, and he let his emotions dictate what he said. It was weird, mostly since there was no build-up or emotional attachment to find between him and the class rep.

Iida took it as being a scathing criticism of his character. There was no point in arguing with him as much as he wanted to that day.

"We are not the best of friends. But still, your raw emotion and your will to defend me to the very end makes me realize that I, as a class rep, have not done all that I could to be someone you can look up too."

Guess he'll have to deal with expanding his social circle to fit Iida now. Still, talking to girls all day can be a bit draining.

"Morning class rep," Akio greeted in kind. Moving over to his seat and setting his bag against his desk, mindful to leave enough space to walk. "Your arm healing up, okay?"

Iida stopped to hum, "It is, sufficient enough to continue my duties. Once my arm heals, I'll be perfectly healthy!" Iida announced as Akio pulled out his seat. He took a look around; everyone who was here seemed to be talking and shuffling around. It was as if nothing actually changed during the internship but Akio knew better than to believe that.

"That's good to hear." He went to take his seat.

"Oh, could someone help me with this stack of papers?" Yaoyorozu tip-toed through the door, careful not to let the mile-high stack of papers in her arms drop. Iida was quick to help.

Suddenly Ashido came jogging over and slamming her pink phone against his desk. "How come you haven't responded to any of our texts!?" And Jiro turned, raising an eyebrow her way.

"Ashido, is that something to make a big deal out of?" Jiro questioned, giving Akio an apologetic look as Ashido dramatically slapped her hand against his desk once more.

"It is!" She insisted slapping her hand against the desk again.

Akio cleared his throat, "I have no idea what you are talking about." Hopefully, not like he was in the mood to talk to anyone after waking up in the hospital.

Jiro snickered, "See."

Yaoyorozu slipped next to him, sliding a stapled worksheet on the desk. "Akio isn't a part of the group chat." She told her, leaning down to give Akio a one-armed hug. "We were all worried about you and the others."

Akio smiled returning the hug, "Oh, sorry." An apology was all he could offer. Everyone must have been concerned after they heard the news or heard from others about what happened. Akio couldn't wait for Tsuyu to bluntly dig into him for not taking care of himself. Maybe she didn't hear yet she was out in the ocean for her internship, after all, the thought gave Akio little comfort though. Tsuyu will find out eventually and when she does Akio would know immediately.

Akio still felt a bit saddened though. He wouldn't be against the idea of being bombarded with messages while going through another boring recovering process. It isn't like there was much he could have done since he was never invited to the group chat. Actually, this was his first time even hearing about it.

Akio rubbed the back of his head, "I wasn't even aware there was a group chat."

Jiro chuckled, "It's no problem. If anything," She pointed with a finger and ear-jacks mirroring the movement. Midoriya looked left then right before pointing at himself, questioningly, "We can just blame Midoriya for not relaying our messages."

Midoriya went a rigid 90 degrees when he bowed, "I'm sorry!"

Akio shook his head when Midoriya became a jumbling mess of apologies. Jiro was snickering, and Yayorozu frowned slightly. Still, there was a glint of amusement in her eyes watching Midoriya fumble around.

"Jiro, don't tease the poor dude," Kaminari said as Yayorozu excused herself to hand out the rest of the papers. He pointed his finger at her a teasing smile on his face, "Don't try to hide the fact that you could have added him to the group chat yourself."

Akio grimaced realizing that was some poor choice of words. Poor Kaminari doesn't he ever learn? Kaminari fell to the floor in a heap after getting a wave of pain from Jiro using her quirk.

Jiro "How am I going to do that if I don't have his contact information..."

Ashido slapped a hand to her face, "Wow. Just wow." She then quickly snapped her arm out, palm up, and wiggling her fingers. "Hand it over."

"You sound like a robber," Kirishima commented as Akio gently deposited his phone in her outstretched hand.

"Awww, " she gushed, Ashido said, quickly typing something and handing Akio back his phone. She saw the image on the locked screen, didn't she? "Is that your little sister?"

"Yeah," He said, and Kaminari made a face.

"But I thought you said you didn't have any siblings?" He scratched his head and paled when he realized the two girls glaring at him. He could practically hear what they were trying to tell him; 'could you have a bit more tact?'

Akio chuckled, "Well yeah, she isn't related to me by blood," and Kaminari receives a smack to the back of the head from Sero, "I still haven't got used to her calling me big brother yet but..." He trails off, looking off to the side as a tint of red spread across his cheeks. Akio mentally cursed; why did I pause there? He suddenly cleared his throat, "I'm starting to warm up to it."

There was a moment of silence.

"Haaaa," Ashido breathed, and Akio turned to look, finding himself on the receiving end of surprised stares. Put off by his classmate's eyes, he unconsciously leaned back, raising an eyebrow.

"What?" He asked, and he was met with a moment as Kaminari, Sero, Ashido, and Jiro looked at each other. Even Ochacko was there in the middle of taking a step.

Akio covered his eyes and sighed. Of course, they would think that. The embarrassment was already making his cheeks heat up again.

Ochako, Ashido, and Jiro smiled, "Kawaii~" The girls suddenly cooed to each other.

Sero raised an eyebrow, "I didn't know you could make an expression like that?" Akio covered his face and shook his head. It wasn't something he would often do for sure. But for this occasion, his feelings got the better of him.

"Yeah, well, savor this moment. It probably won't happen again." He mumbled, taking a deep breath to calm himself.

"Oh, we'll definitely savor it. Right Tsu-chan!" Akio immediately snapped his head up. Ashido craned her neck back, probably with a wide doe smile as he found Tsu looking at him from beside Uraraka.

Their stare lasted longer than he wanted as he offered a smile and then a wave. His heart leaped into his chest. Of course, he hadn't forgotten what he promised—a date. It was going to happen soon if he could help it.

His purple eyes were glued to her's black, following her gaze as she came up next to his desk. "How was the internship?" He asked, attempting to say something-anything to distract himself from his feelings.

"It was an experience Kero." She said, eyeing him as usual with her blank stare. Akio nodded, a small crooked smile spreading across his face. Why are you staring at me like that?

"Um," Akio exhaled and shifted in his seat, "I'm going to go use the bathroom." Uraraka looked at Tsuyu weirdly, and Ashido raised her hand.

"Bring me back a paper towel?"

"Yeah," Akio quickly replied, racing for the door.

Iida's voice rose from the back of the classroom, "Make sure you return in a reasonable time class is going to start soon!"

Akio gave a quick thumbs-up as he opened and made his way into the hallway. He had been staring at the floor and accidentally bumped shoulders with Bakugo.

"Watch where the fuck you're going!" He exploded without a second thought, and Akio ignored him. Instead of quickening his pace. He could hear Bakugo curse under his breath and mumble, "What the fuck is your problem?"

I don't know. I just need to use the bathroom and not run away because that's precisely what wasn't happening. Akios' excuse had been sound in his head because he did, in fact, need to.

But as luck would have it, he would have to pass by the teacher's lounge before getting to the male restroom. The door opened, stopping him right in his tracks as he had been hugging the wall a bit to close. When Akio saw Midnight take one step out and promptly turn to look him right in the eye, going to the bathroom would be nothing but an afterthought.

Midnight put a hand on her hip with a somewhat disapproving look. "And where do you think you're going? Attempting to play hooky on this class period?" Her questioning and stern tone made him look down at his feet.

"My apologies Midnight-sensei I wa-" He stopped at the sound of Midnight snickering. Akio's head shot up confusedly, watching Midnight turn and hold a hand to her mouth. Her shoulders shuddered, and as much as she tried not to laugh, Midnight went into a fit of giggles. When Akio narrowed his eyes, she waved her hand in front of her face and shook her head.

Akio rolled his eyes. Got to be kidding me.

"Oh man, it always gets a laugh out of me when students think I'm actually serious!" Midnight laughed this time, making Akio pout a bit as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Well, you made it sound like that."

Midnight apologized again, "I know." She smiled and began walking past him holding his shoulder. Akio, unfortunately, had to follow wherever she was pulling him too. "Still, we haven't really talked since you came for that interviewing half a year ago. How have you been?"

For someone who was usually a bit distracting with her looks and had less than appropriate statements at times, the way she was acting really changed Akio's perspective on her. She knew his mother. That thought alone made him tense up a bit.

"Good." His one-word response had gotten her to raise an eyebrow as she glanced back at him. Midnight must've not deemed it severe enough to really pursue him on that.

"...Well, I would sure hope that's so." She said slowly, turning a corridor. Akio looked back at the main hall leading him away from his class. Where exactly are you taking me? "Your aunt talks a lot about you."

That's interesting to hear. "Oh yeah?" He asked, trying to sound aloof.

Midnight gave a light laugh that sounded more like a cough, "Yeah. Talks about how you're her pride and joy." She explained, "On your way to becoming an outstanding hero and all that jazz."

I really hope Midnight is lying, and Lia isn't saying all that embarrassing stuff to the rest of the staff. Not that I wouldn't be a little happy about it, Akio mused thoughtfully. He stopped when Midnight did swivel on her heel in front of a door.

A smile was plastered on her face, and her eyes drooped into a sensual expression, "And I hope when you do become a professional, you'll give your little ol' sensei Midnight a visit~." She whispered teasingly with a wink to top it off. Akio, although he would hate to admit it, her comment did make his cheeks heat up a bit, but he quickly shook it off, knowing the joke was just to get a reaction out of him.

Midnight chuckled and shifted the binder under her arm to open the door. "Come inside Akio," She stopped turning to blink at him, "Can I call you that? If that is alright with you?"

Akio paused a little off-put by the sudden use of his first name, "Y-yeah." He stuttered, shaking his head. "I don't see anything wrong with that Midnight-sensei."

Midnight shook her head, "Well, since we're talking like this, it wouldn't be fair for you not to call me Nemuri now, huh?" Akio simply shook his head, dumbfounded by the sudden 180 she was doing.

"Well, let's not stand out here in the hallway. Can you come inside my office and take a seat?" Midnight moved to the side, motioning for him to move past her into the office. Akio walked in and took a seat like she asked.

"Is this really okay?" He asked as she walked in, closing the door behind her. He watched her look at him, the same small smile pulling at her lips.

His eyes widened.

"Kayama, despite her looks, is a very great counselor."

"Worried about your class?" She waved it off, "Oh, who cares! Plus, I thought you would be rather happy to spend a little alone time with your favorite sensei~." She took the seat from behind her desk, going around, and placing it in the front to sit.

"Plus, what's so essential about science?" Midnight asked, folding her hands and leaning back in her seat. She paused for the briefest of moments. "I can tell by your expression that you're not happy."

Akio just glared harder, ready to freeze her over with his eyes. "Oh," He started, "I'm happy that you can see that." He thumbed the hem of his grey U.A school blazer. I should've never followed her inside. I should've just politely told her my ass should be in class right now.

Despite that, he couldn't just get up and walk out. He could at least hear her out.

Nemuri politely raised her hands, gesturing that she meant no offense or harm. "I...just want to talk with you." She raised a hand to her mouth, making a zipping motion along her lips, "I won't ask any sensitive questions. I promise."

Akio watched as Nemuri laid her hands, palm up, on her thighs. She looked him straight in the eyes, "I just want to have a normal conversation, no funny business." She reassured, holding her stare with Akio. She took a deep breath and nodded, "But you don't have to talk if you don't want to. I'll give you a late note, and you can return to class."

Akio lessened his glare sitting up in his seat, guarded as his gaze trailed off to the side. To him, Nemuri wasn't lying. He didn't trust her right now, yes. But this would be their first conversations in months, and what better way to gauge a person than through talking?

But this could work to his advantage too, wouldn't it? Akio turned back to look at Nemuri, waiting patiently for him to decide.

"As long as I get to ask a couple of questions of my own." He laid the deal out before her, and Nemuri didn't flinch at all. No reaction. Just a curl of her lips into a smile.

The pro hero knew before the words even left his mouth.

"Your mother and I met a good amount of time ago."