Wednesday

Call Album crazy, but he was actually looking forward to today. Friday was coming up in just two more days, and that meant in just two more days he'd be done with Monoma.

And that was something to be excited about.

Another thing he was looking forward to (if only so he could laugh) was Monoma trying to get Album to kiss him. That would be the day.

Considering the best friend gig didn't work out, Album was pretty sure Monoma was going for sympathy today. "I don't have many friends, and I just wanted you to know, I really appreciate you taking the time to listen to me."

"Uh huh." Album grumbled. Album really didn't doubt what Monoma was saying because he didn't seem like the kind of guy who would have a lot of friends. The only thing he doubted was Monoma saying he appreciated him. He knew that was a lie.

"It's true." Monoma grabbed his arm and smiled at him with an expression that was probably supposed to radiate honesty, but Album just wanted to punch him.

"What is it with you and touching me." Album growled, shaking his arm off. "Don't you get enough of people touching you already?"

It took Album five seconds to realize that maybe he shouldn't have said that. Monoma's previously relaxed grip on his arm had tightened, with his nails digging in deep. "Album… you know, most people have the fight or flight response."

"Um… and?"

"Well, I don't know what happened, but the flight one just sort of DISAPPEARED after middle school."

"You seemed to have no trouble running from that one rapist." And Album wasn't sorry for saying that one.

"UGH! That's it! Who would ever want to kiss you anyway! I could get anyone I want, but you're not someone I want! You're a complete moron and I fucking hate you, and I'm done with your stupid bet. So you can call me a coward, or a sore loser, or whatever other taunts you want, but I'm done with your stupid game!" Monoma lowered his voice to a more threatening whisper, eyes burning with rage. "Tell whoever you want that I'm a prostitute. No one's going to believe a word of it after I show them the video of you and the League of VILLAINS collaborating!"

In that moment a slew of curses ran through Album's head and it took everything inside him not to kill Monoma right where he stood. He restrained himself to grabbing Monoma's wrist and dragging him to somewhere more secluded.

"I've been collaborating with the league of villains?" Album hissed, yanking him to an alley. "Haven't you ever thought that might SAY something about me. Like maybe, you shouldn't mess with me by playing these little mind games of yours!"

"… You're hurting me." Was all Monoma said.

Album growled inwardly to himself, slowly releasing Monoma's wrist. "Sorry, your highness." Album rolled his eyes. "Now answer my question!"

"I didn't really think of you as a threat." Monoma said. "You were… you're my age. It's human nature to trust that."

"I'm two years older than you! Also, your completely stupid if that's what you thought."

"Yeah, well I also trusted the fact that your stupid as hell. And I may be two years younger but I'm smarter and have more personality than you could ever have."

"Why you little… listen to me, you're not going to release that video!"

"Watch me! I'll have it all over the web. And you know, once something's on the internet, it never comes down." Monoma smirked.

"… Bitch."

"Idiot."

Album bit his tongue, "So you still want me to give you the money and then you won't release the video."

"You're correct."

"… Or, I could kill you here and now."

"I know your slow, but if you were going to do that, you would've already." Monoma said, his smile lazy.

"I'm a villain though, as you've said multiple times before. I've killed several people, why would I hesitate with you. I hate you a lot more than any of my other victims."

"To be honest, I'm not sure." Monoma shrugged, "It's your brain, not mine. Maybe it's because you know you'll be blamed, maybe it's because you think I have a back up plan, maybe you're attracted to me, I don't know."

"Attracted to you… god, you really are delusional.

"Maybe." He paused and his gaze hardened. "But Album, if you're going to kill me. Do it right here, and right now… I won't even scream."

Album knew that was a goddamn lie, but he didn't call Monoma out on it.

"I'm not going to kill you." Album rolled his eyes. "This place is too open." He added, to make sure Monoma knew he wasn't sparing him because he was a good person.

Then, he turned around to leave, because class was going to start soon. "Wait," Album felt Monoma's smooth hand catch his wrist, "would you rather go somewhere quieter?"

"Do you want to die or something?" Album deadpanned.

"No, I don't, I was just wondering. Because you're right, this is a rather public place. I figured if that was the reason you were stopping yourself from killing me, it might also be the reason you were holding something else back?

Album squinted at him, wondering what he was talking about specifically. Since God knew Monoma always had something specific in mind. "Oh god, are you talking about romantic feelings for you?" Album grumbled when he saw Monoma looking up at him in fake shyness.

"Interesting how you came to that conclusion."

"Well it doesn't take a genius to see what you're getting at."

Monoma shrugged, "Well, it was worth a try. Something I do find interesting though, is how normally, people are repulsed by the touch of someone they hate. But you let me touch you all the time."

Album bit his tongue and ripped his arm away from Monoma's grip and stomped towards the entrance of the school. But it was already too late. Monoma had won this round.

He walked inside and went straight to class. If he dawdled too long, someone might think he actually wanted to talk.

All his efforts to avoid everyone were fruitless though, because Midoriya had no social ques and couldn't tell when he didn't want to talk to him. "Album-san!"

Album stopped walking and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, he slowly let it out. "Yes," he grumbled.

"I saw you walking out from behind the school today, and Monoma came out after, and I was wondering, have you two put aside your differences now!"

Album barely held back a snarl at the bastard's name. "No," he answered shortly, "Do you need anything else?"

"Oh… uh, no, I guess not."

Album rolled his eyes and went to class before Midoriya could think of something else to need. Classes rolled on, and Album didn't pay attention. He didn't need to. He'd just subtly cheat off Midoriya's test sometimes, but barely pull up a C- so as not to make Aizawa-sensei suspicious.

He was dreading the hero course of that day because he'd heard a rumor that they were going to be sparing against class 1-b. And while normally, that would bring him immense joy, he didn't want to see Monoma's face. Not unless he was going to be beating it on the battlefield.

Once settled, they drew numbers, and their partner was the one with the matching number. He was paired with Bakugou. The guy he'd never really talked to, but disliked because he reminded him a lot of Monoma. Blonde, narcissistic, didn't know when to shut up.

At least Monoma knew how to smile though. The only expressions Bakugou seemed to have, were rage, and sneers.

By now, Album knew the world just either hated him, or simply loved to screw with him, because of course it put him with the only person who annoyed him as much as Monoma and Midoriya.

"Hey." Album, glanced over at Bakugou.

"What."

"Stay outta my way. I can take them both by myself." Album rolled his eyes.

"Whatever, moron."

Bakugou growled low in his throat, and Album couldn't help but compare it to a chiuaua.

Midoriya had been paired with Mineta, and Album had it in him to feel a little sorry for him.

He didn't pay attention to the fight though, because he knew they were going to get tanked. Midoriya's quirk seemed to rely on control, and he didn't have as much of that as he should, so it was really risky to use against someone who wasn't your enemy (though Album would've used it on Monoma).

Combine that with the fact he had a shit partner who had a shit quirk, and he didn't have much going for him.

There were several, several, other fights before theirs and some of them took a very long time, but eventually, it was their turn. And the matchup couldn't have been more in Album's favor.

Maybe the world didn't hate him as much as he thought it did.

They walked onto the training grounds, up against Monoma, and some red-haired girl Album hadn't bothered to learn the name of. In fact, if he thought about it, he only knew half his own classes names so far, and he'd known them all for several weeks.

Monoma seemed a little nervous about fighting them, Album could tell in the way he shook slightly. The girl, whatever her name was, was whispering to him and Monoma was saying something back, and for once he spoke quiet enough Album didn't hear what he was saying.

Then, all at once, it had started.

Album had half-expected Bakugou to go straight after Monoma, but he went for Kendo. Album supposed maybe he thought she was the bigger threat of the two.

And he wasn't wrong. Monoma was basically quirkless without a quirk to copy, and to get Katsuki or Kendo's quirk, he'd have to get close enough to touch them. And while Katsuki was fighting Kendo, that would be nearly impossible.

Leaving Monoma nothing but Album, and he wasn't a very good person to copy off of in this situation. But at the same time, he was kind of glad it was just the two of them

That way he could beat Monoma's ass without anyone interfering. "It's just you and me, I guess."

"I guess…" Monoma mumbled. Album waited to see what Monoma was going to do, but he didn't do anything.

Album, was wondering what Monoma's game was, but he just brushed it off and decided he would make the first move. So, he charged, intending to barrel straight through him.

Monoma's eyes seemed glazed over, he was looking in the direction of Album, but Album didn't feel like he was looking AT him.

Something was wrong.

Album didn't think it was anything to be worried about though. So he ran faster.

Halfway there, Monoma seemed to snap out of whatever daze he was in, and dodged Album's first punch, delivering one of his own. It was weak, perhaps even weaker then the first time they'd fought.


Monoma felt dizzy, and his knees felt weak. He'd barely eaten this week besides a little yesterday at the Chonice household, but he couldn't eat a lot then, because he knew he would've gotten sick.

But this always happened near the end of the month. Rent was due, so he started eating less so that he could pay rent on time. During the summer, that hadn't been a problem because he didn't undergo any harsh physical exertion. But now he could feel the toll of not eating much this past week.

He had felt faint, even this morning, but it was easy to ignore until now. When he wanted to win, but he had no means to. He was barely dodging, and Album had grown faster.

Or maybe he had grown slower. God knows that big clumsy oaf could never be that quick. He must just be slower from lack of food. That must be it.

Monoma waited for an opening as they fought, but Album never gave him one. Not one that he could see anyway. He felt a jab in his ribs, and fell backwards from the force. Their fight was purely fists, whereas their classmates, Monoma could see from the corner of his eye, were going all out with their quirks.

If only he could touch Kendo, or hell, even Katsuki, he might stand a chance. But they were too fast for him to see, he could never get to them, never find an opening. If he couldn't even find one in the slow baboon he was fighting, what was the chance that he'd find one during their rather brutal fight.

Monoma rolled to his feet and sent a kick at Album's face. Album grabbed his foot and Monoma flailed his arms out, fighting to keep his balance.

His leg failed him though, and it slipped out from under him, and he fell hard on his back, knocking the air out of him. and he couldn't breathe for all of ten seconds. "You know you look a lot better on the ground." Album smirked at him.

Monoma caught his breath and gave a shaky smirk back. "Why don't you join me." And with the leg that failed him, he swept Albums feet out from under him and he fell as well.

Monoma scrambled on top to hold him down. "You know, you looked pretty good on the ground too. But you look even better under me."

Album gave him a strange, disbelieving look, and Monoma flushed red at the implications he couldn't take back. All he could do was try to explain what he meant, "I mean, because you're class 1-a trash and I'm obviously superior, so you belong to beneath me."

"Uh huh. Sure you did."

"As if I would ever… ugh."

Before Monoma could say anything else a rough voice filled the air, "Hey you dumb blonde!" Katsuki snarled. "You ready to get your ass handed to you."

Monoma looked into his feral eyes and wasn't sure if he'd live long enough to even attend his grandmother's party on Friday. And actually, he was pretty okay with that. Kendo was on the ground behind Katsuki, obviously defeated, and Monoma gulped, knowing he was next. "I would kick you in the balls as payback right now, but I think Bakugou will suffice. He probably wants you to have a 'fighting chance' after all."

Monoma bit his tongue and looked between Katsuki and Album, and maybe he should plead for his life, or hell, even yell forfeit. But the only thing he could manage to say was, "You're blonde too."

And if his fate hadn't been sealed before it was now.

He had the decency not to scream when Bakugou charged towards him, and it was not because he wasn't scared. He was. But the only thing he could bring himself to do was sit and stare at the oncoming danger until the very last second when he had the sense to dodge out of the way.

Before he even turned around, Monoma felt an explosion catapult him backwards and cried out with pain. He hit the ground, saw only white for a couple seconds until it cleared and the world came into plain view again. Opening his eyes a couple centimeters, Album and Katsuki hung back to see if he would get up.

If he was being honest, if a villain were in front of him, he could get up and fight a little more. But if he was being really honest, he didn't want to get hit with another body shattering ear splitting explosion. However, if he was being really, really honest, he wanted to lose even less.

So he got up, and that simple action made him want to puke. Still, if he could just touch Katsuki. Even if it was only once. Then maybe he could win.

He had a plan, it was fairly simple. Let Katsuki come charging, drop to the ground at the last moment and not only trip Katsuki, but touch his ankle or something. Get his quirk, turn around and explode him in the back.

Simple enough, but everything had to go perfectly for it to work.

Monoma prepared, bending his knees he let Katsuki come charging at him. Monoma blinked and suddenly Katsuki was right in front of him and he wasn't sure how that happened, but everything was kind of blurry and Katsuki's battle cry was muffled even though he was right in his face.

Monoma blinked and suddenly his entire body gave out.

"WHOA!"

Katsuki couldn't move out of the way fast enough to stop Monoma from collapsing on top of him. He was about to explode Monoma off but then he noticed the other had just fallen unconscious.

So he only sat up and removed Monoma from him.

They were declared the winners and everyone was removed from the battlefield. Kendo walked off herself so Monoma was the only one who had to be carried off. Still, they all went to the infirmary to make sure everyone was okay.

Thursday

Thursday came around and Album was actually getting nervous about tomorrow. He assumed he still had to go to that party thing or Monoma would release that video of him.

And Album didn't seem to have any leverage anymore since Monoma had miraculously declared defeat that he couldn't get Album to kiss him AND like the little cheat he was, refused to delete the video. Not only that, he didn't even seem concerned that Album knew he was a prostitute and kept going on with his everyday life.

Things weren't looking good for him.

Because Monoma wasn't his friend.

He didn't have any money still.

AND he still had to attend the stupid party!

Life was bleak.

Life was very bleak.

Album sighed and looked out of his bedroom window, wishing he didn't have to go to school today.

But he did. Maybe he'd get lucky. Maybe Monoma would get sick and he didn't have to go to that dumb party.

Did Album mention he was always unlucky? Because that applied to today too. Monoma was not sick, and besides a few bruises from the fight yesterday, he seemed to be in good health. "So, I've been wondering Album, who do you hate more? Me or Adrien."

"I'm not sure, you're both the bane of my existence."

"Aw, I thought for sure you would say me." Monoma pouted.

"WHY exactly do you want to be my most hated person?"

"Because it'll be that much sweeter when you have to give your most hated person money every month. It's like I'm your boss."

"You are NOT my boss. And I don't have your stupid money. I don't today and I won't tomorrow."

"Then do what you do best, villain. Rob the bank or something, kill a little old lady. I don't really care at this point. You people are supposed to be resourceful after all."

"Kill a little old lady. You're even more heartless than I am."

"Ah, but there's a major difference between you and I. I talk about killing little old ladies, you actually go do it."

"You know you're indirectly responsible for killing still don't you?"

"Perhaps. But better indirectly than directly."

"God you're despicable. I've never killed a little old lady for your information."

"Somehow I doubt that."

"Fine, but it's the truth."

"Fine. But I'm serious, get that money. I don't care how."

Album stared at him for a long time before asking, "What happened to you?"

Monoma paused and stared at his feet for a while before he finally replied, "I don't know. I could ask you the same thing."

That question had Album looking away and biting his tongue. "Brings up bad memories, doesn't it?" he murmured. When Album didn't say anything Monoma continued. "Thought so."


Classes went on as normal and surprisingly, no one really bothered him that day, save for Midoriya, who asked him if he was going to eat with them.

But that was all.

No one else bothered him for the rest of the day. Even Monoma went straight home after school. Or he went to 'work' whichever, Album didn't really care.

He'd had a suspiciously uneventful day today.

And unfortunately, Album knew what that meant.

Tomorrow was going to be hell on earth.


A/N Hope you enjoyed this chapter, sorry it took a little longer. Next chapter may or may not take forever because it may or may not be a million pages long. I'm honestly just not sure. But until then thanks for reading, reviews are love, and I'll see you guys soon!