Monday, after the weekend,

"Are you stalking someone?"

Album turned to see that boy he'd first seen on the bus when they were driving to the USJ. The one that had been sleeping. "Hasn't anyone ever told you not to sneak up on people." Album snapped.

The boy didn't respond and only stared at him, blinking. "No, I'm not stalking anyone." Album answered, glaring at him.

"I just noticed you sneaking around and staring, like you're waiting for someone."

"Well, stop watching me. Are you sure you aren't the one stalking ME."

He shrugged, "I'm not stalking you. And I was just wondering."

"Shouto-kun, what're you doing- oh hi Album-san!"

Album sighed and watched Monoma disappear around the corner. So much for trying to get him alone and kill him. "What are you two talking about?" Midoriya asked running up to them.

"Nothing." Album said. "What are you two doing all the way over here anyway?" Album knew why he was in a different wing from the class 1-A, but that didn't explain why they were here.

"I was looking for Shouto-kun, and decided to look over here because he wasn't anywhere back there."

They looked to Shouto for why he was here. Todoroki shrugged and gave no further answer. "Why are you here Album-san?"

"Um," Album's mind raced for an answer. "Just taking a walk."

"Oh…" Midoriya smiled. "Well, class is about to start soon, so we should probably head that way."

Album sighed and figured Monoma had gone to class too. And if he was there he couldn't run away and so Album decided to go to class also.

Aizawa didn't arrive until they were all settled, but Album still didn't really pay attention to what he was saying. He was too busy thinking about how he was going to hide the body.

When the final bell rang, Album had always packed up quickly, but he was by far the first out of the door today. He made sure to blend in with the crowd when he followed Monoma out of the school.

He followed Monoma on his presumed route home but suddenly Monoma stopped, and peered at something Album couldn't see. "Yes?" he heard Monoma's voice and for a moment, Album thought he'd been caught.

Until another voice reached his ears. "Are you Monoma?"

"Who wants to know?" Album craned his neck to see the exchange around the car he was hiding behind.

"I'm interested in offering you some business." He could hear the smirk in Monoma's voice when he responded.

"Oh? Well, I don't actually work on Mondays. And I usually don't get people specifically seeking me out either."

"I heard about you from a friend."

"I see. Come find me after school tomorrow, I'll wait here, but only for a couple minutes. I don't exactly have all day."

"Couldn't you make an exception today."

There was a silence between them, Album wondered if Monoma was contemplating. "No, I'm sorry sir. But I'll be here tomorrow."

"I'm willing to offer a very generous amount for today."

"I don't do business on Mondays." Monoma's voice was firmer, he sounded like he was getting irritated.

Album jumped when he heard a small yelp and then a smack. To avoid being seen, Album retreated a little further behind the car. And heard a growl, "You bitch!"

Album peered over a little to see the man on the ground, but slowly getting up and Monoma standing there, a little shocked, like a dumbass.

Album ducked back behind the car. And there were a few more moments that went by, before he saw Monoma running passed his hiding place.

And Album didn't know what overcame him but one moment, he was sitting behind the car, and the next his hand had jutted out and he grabbed Monoma's arm, yanking him behind the car too.

Monoma gasped, and the crashed together. Monoma glanced up and their eyes locked. His expression of fear melted away slowly when he saw who had grabbed him. Monoma opened his mouth to speak but he only got a clapped a hand over it for his efforts, and Album pulled Monoma further behind the car as the other man ran passed their hiding place, blood dripping from his nose.

Album waited until the man turned the corner before releasing his tight grip on Monoma's mouth, and immediately after he did, he hissed, "What the hell are you doing!"

Album didn't actually know and remained silent. Why had he just done that? Maybe the other man would've killed Monoma for him. Why did he have to be so stupid? Maybe everyone was right, and he was just a moron. "Saving your ass!" Album growled back with equal force, to hide his confusion.

Monoma narrowed his eyes, "Why were you hiding behind a car, huh? Were you FOLLOWING me?"

"No!" yes.

"Then what were you doing!"

"I was just going down this way, minding my own business, when I saw you being stupid and talking with this creepy-ass guy! Like what the hell Monoma! Do you always do that?" Album remembered what he'd seen of the man's ugly rat face and wrinkled his nose. "He must've been 3 times your age!"

Monoma rolled his eyes. "What are you, my mom. Why would you even care!"

"I don't know! What was he talking about, "business deal" anyway! What kind of "business" are you into!"

Monoma stood up, looking angrier than Album had ever seen him. "That's none of your damn beeswax you stupid, ugly troll! I suppose you're here only because you have so little actually going on in your life the only enjoyment you can possibly find is interfering with others! Well guess what I never ASKED for your help, and I didn't want to be grabbed and pulled into your stupid, hairy arms anyway!"

"I did not "pull you into my arms" and they aren't hairy, and how can arms be stupid anyway!"

"Well, I don't know how you can be so ugly but you don't hear me complaining!"

"Oh so you'd rather I just let you get murdered or raped or something!"

Monoma growled, "I had the situation under control, I didn't need you butting in! And who says I would've been murdered or raped!"

"Oh excuse me, I guess maybe I should've said would you rather me have let you get murdered AND raped!"

"That is not true! I can take care of myself!"

"Can you? Because what you did back there didn't look like you were taking care of yourself very well!"

"Let go of me." Monoma shoved him away, "And I'm FINE. Why do you even care?" Album opened his mouth to respond but didn't, because he DIDN'T care. "I mean, if I died, who would release that video?"

Nobody.

And he'd be doing the world a favor too.

Besides, he would make it quick too, Monoma would never know what happened. Today at least. At another time, he didn't know how much he would want to make the other suffer.

And he had the shot to do that. "What are you looking at?" he heard Monoma snarl and realized he'd been staring.

"Literally nothing."

"Oh honey, I'm not a mirror, sorry."

Album really wanted to punch him, REALLY wanted to. But he didn't. Instead he decided to get nasty like Monoma would. "But aren't you? One little hit and you shatter like glass."

He could practically hear Monoma's teeth grinding as his jaw clenched tighter. "Well you… you, at least I don't need a babysitter! That one pro hero, Deadlock. Hell, even that little kid I met is more independent than you. How old could he be anyway, ten." Album tried to keep his face blank but he obviously failed from the way Monoma started smirking.

"Oh yeah, and you're so independent, needing someone to save you like some damsel in distress."

"Well at least I'm pretty enough to be a proper damsel in distress. Your so ugly your savior would probably have to wear a blindfold just to get close enough."

"You know your always telling me how ugly I am, but I think you only do that to make up for your own insecurity about how you look!" Album crossed his arms.

"I could have anyone I wanted!"

"Oh really?"

"Yes, I could."

"Wanna bet on it." Album placed his elbow on the car and leaned over Monoma, who, to his satisfaction, took a step back. Still clinging to a shred of dignity, Monoma managed to keep the glare on his face.

"What kind of bet."

"First, rules. You have the rest of this week."

"Fine."

"I get to choose the person." Monoma hesitated but then nodded. Album couldn't believe he had forgotten that Monoma was a complete narcissist, of course any blow to his self-esteem would have him begging for reassurance. "To "get them" you have to kiss them. And the kiss has to be consensual."

"Obviously."

"And if you can't get them to kiss you by the end of this week, let's call the end of this week, Friday, after that party you wanted me to attend. If you can't get them to kiss you, you have to delete the video, the one of me talking to that guy and getting the money."

"Who's the person?"

"Agree to the bet first, and if you back out, I'll know it's because you really CAN'T have anyone you want, ugly moron."

"Fine, I agree." Monoma said. "Now tell me who."

"Good luck you freaking idiot, because to win, you have to consensually kiss ME, and I ain't kissing you for a million dollars. So suck. On. That. Bitch."

Monoma just stared at him like he had two heads, or perhaps like he was going to rip Album's only off his shoulders. Album then turned, and walked in the other direction, not letting Monoma say one more thing to send him into a rage.

Monoma didn't know exactly what to do now, with this new information. He had just promised to delete the video if he couldn't kiss Album, which to be honest, was a task he wasn't sure even HE could complete.

So, that brought up the question of what the HELL he was going to do when he failed. And no, not if, WHEN. He supposed he'd probably have to move back into his parents house, because there was no way he could keep affording the apartment without Album's help, find money for clothes and food, and of course still have time to go to school and do his homework.

Monoma wished he'd been born into a normal family, one that actually cared. One that hadn't dropped him like a hot rock when they realized he was a less then desirable kid.

The only problem was he didn't want to move back in, he'd rather die, actually. Because one, he'd have to move away and wouldn't be able to attend UA, and two it would mean begging to be taken back.

And it was likely his parents wouldn't even give him that. Not after they'd left one day and had never come back home. Not when they had stopped sending money. When he had been forgotten.

Sometimes he still pretended his parents weren't his actual parents, and that his real ones were out there somewhere, and they were searching for him.

Monoma opened the door to his nearly empty apartment and laid down on the bed. It was only a matter of time before that big idiot found out he was a prostitute, and it would be only a matter of time before he realized he could use it as blackmail.

He was screwed, helpless, he always had been, but never like this. Never this helpless.

Behind him, Monoma heard his door open and one of his regular customers waltzed in. "You know I don't do business on Mondays."

She rolled her eyes, closing the door, "Who said I was here for business, hon. I was in the area, and I know you keep cigarettes here for me and I was out."

"Why are you really here."

She lit one up after sparking the lighter twice. "We've been doing this for a couple years." She said. "And I can feel your moods, hon."

He didn't know how she managed to be so nice even though she knew what she was and that he hated her for it.

Monoma, however, managed to maintain a pretty smile and look downward when she mentioned his mood. "I'm fine. It's nothing really, just a little stressed since bill payments are coming up soon." she couldn't help with anything.

"Then maybe you should start working Mondays." Monoma paused and thought about all the homework he was behind on and slowly nodded anyway. "Yeah, maybe I should."

"Things will get better." She said.

Oh, like they did for you. The girl who's got no job, no money, a drunkard who can only spend her money to have sex with an underaged prostitute. Yeah, I'm SURE things will get better.

But he kept that remark inside because then she'd never give him her money again. "I know… sweetie." The word tasted foreign on his tongue, but he tried to make himself sound chipper anyway.

He didn't want to do this, but it was the only way, or at least… that's what he kept telling himself.

He was grateful, when she finally left and he didn't have to act like he was happy anymore and could just wallow in his misery like he'd wanted to do all day. He didn't know why, but he felt sadder today then any other day this week, even before everything that had happened with Album.

Almost like he'd anticipated it or something.

Monoma did his homework as quickly and thoroughly as he could manage before dragging himself to the couch again to sleep. Cheaper than a bed, even if it wasn't as comfortable.

And Monoma didn't want to cry, but he didn't know what else to do. His entire life had changed once he turned twelve years old, and he wished he could've found a safe and sane way to deal with basically being left for dead.

But he didn't want to go to an orphanage and have to deal with that crap. Because if his own parents didn't want him who the hell was going to. And living with a relative was out of the question too. He could already picture his mom's smooth, beautiful face and how she would twist it into something ugly and tell him exactly how much of a failure he was. He couldn't believe he'd ever wanted to marry her when he was very little. He supposed as a child he couldn't see yet just how fucked up she was.

It disgusted him to have to get up every morning, look in the mirror and see his own face staring back at him knowing EXACTLY what he was doing.

How disgusting was it? To sell himself. To put a price on himself, to give away everything to earn a couple more yen. And so he cried because he didn't know what to do anymore. And this was his entire life, the only thing his mother had ever taught him to do.

Be polite, look nice, and smile.

Do whatever is necessary to get what you want.

And he'd never known how to do anything else. Who would've hired a twelve-year old and paid enough to rent an apartment. Nobody.

Nobody wanted to help him and maybe that was because deep down, they knew what he was, and what he did.

His friends at UA supposedly wanted to help, but it would never be the kind that he needed, and they'd say differently if they knew exactly what he needed help with.

He cried silent tears because if he sobbed the neighbors would hear, they had pretty thin walls. They were warm and made his breathing uneven.

It didn't even matter though.

For all his mother's supposed wisdom she had bestowed upon him at nine years old, he couldn't follow her advice. All the things he got were trivial compared to what he really wanted.

What he knew he could never have.

Parents who loved him, friends who he could share everything with, a normal life, and maybe if he was lucky, a hero-like quirk. Instead of the useless, villainous one he'd bore all his life.

But he could never have any of that.

He closed his eyes and made himself sleep, knowing tomorrow he'd have to project another confident smile. Because he couldn't have what he wanted, and he never would.


Album opened the door back to the apartment and put his backpack on the floor. Adrien didn't greet him, but Album hadn't expected him to. "Adrien, I've got him."

"Got who." Adrien grumbled blandly.

"Monoma! He's going to have to delete the video!"

"Great." Adrien stuck out his tongue in concentration and then growled when he lost. "What did you say?" he turned.

"I said I've got Monoma and I'm going to make him delete the video!"

"Whoa, you actually became friends?"

"No, I made him make a bet with me. He has to kiss someone consensually by the end of this week and the person he has to kiss is me and that is NOT going to happen, so essentially, the video is as good as erased!"

"Wow… you come up with that yourself?"

"Of course I did! Why?" Album asked, panting a little bit from all the excitement.

"I'm not sure, it just seemed a little too smart for you."

Album glared and rolled his eyes. "Whatever. And get this, even if that doesn't work, I've got some blackmail of my own!"

"What?"

"Well, I finally figured it out, though I really should've come to the conclusion earlier."

"Just get to the point!"

"Monoma is a prostitute! He does it for money, that's why… oh nevermind, it's complicated, you would've had to be there. But he's a prostitute and I can tell you no one at school knows that."

"Really?" Adrien actually seemed interested.

"Yeah, and I guess I kind of saved him from getting raped today."

"Well… that was nice of you."

"Yeah, I know."

Adrien shugged and then asked more excitedly, "So you finally have him?"

"I'll know for sure by the end of this week. But his little ploy is about to blow up in his face, and I'm going to be there to laugh and watch." Album smirked.

"Well, you know what they say." Adrien said grinning, "When you play with fire, you're gonna get burned."


A/N No Daniel in this chapter which makes me sad, but oh well. There is PROGRESS here with Monoma and PROGRESS with Album and in just six more chapters this little thing with the blackmail will have to be resolved and I'll have to bring in another problem *insert evil chuckle*. I actually can't wait for the new problem but at the same time am still super excited with this one. I just love it cus they gots so much chemistry, but are making me work for it! Anyway, I'll see you soon. I actually have another chapter written but... I don't wanna upload them all too fast then get writers block and never update. Anyway, I'll see you soon, bye!

To Yeahleash: I dunno, are you 0_0

But on a serious note I hope you enjoyed XD