Hello! More runaway shenanigans! And what's this? What's in Hosu…?
Note: This contains a headcannon of mine, not something I know about being confirmed or denied in the manga etc. but its gonna go ahead and be canon in my wee story. If that's not ok with you, thanks for reading this far anyway ^-^
Enjoy!
After the rain stopped, I left the city. I didn't want to accidentally bump into anyone else. It didn't seem likely that any of them would be as calm or understanding as Sho. Midoryia would panic, Iida would quickly get on a high horse, and Kirishima would feel the need to save me. Maybe Bakugo would be cool, but he might also just call me a dumbass and drag me back to school to finish what I started. Regardless, I wouldn't risk it. They wouldn't get it. Of course they wouldn't. I'm glad. Like with Todoroki, I'm not gonna resent them for not knowing what it's like to feel this way. I'm very glad they've never felt like this. But I do feel it, and I haven't managed to think my way round it yet. Shouta betrayed our trust. He tore the truth out of me, ignoring my wishes. Sure, it will have been for my welfare, sure, he's the worried parent. But I thought we shared more respect than that. Seems I was wrong. Or I'm just stuck in my pain for the time being and my head still needs time to clear. I know Shouta is a good man. And I think, deep down, I can still trust that he respects me. But his actions can't be ignored.
Dammit he even asked about my parents. Like I'd lied about not knowing what happened to them. If he had only demanded the truth about Shigaraki's threats, that would have been a bit different, but he went the whole way. Demanded everything. I can't help but be angry. I need to get away.
I head for Hosu.
The civilians there are all so well off that pick-pocketing wasn't going to ruin anyone's day. Plus I'm less likely to stumble into a classmate there. Or a teacher. Cementos nearly spots me on the way to the train station, but I manage to duck out of the way before he could make his double-take. They care. It's sweet. But I need to think and be outside the bubble.
Hosu will help.
It's all so vibrant here and bustling. I wiggle my way onto the train and scamper my way back out again. Unfortunately these days I can't just pull the 'I'm a lost little kid, help me mister?' act, but I can adapt. Now I can fight. I don't want to, but if pushed, I can defend myself.
However long it takes.
It's almost been a week.
The others will be starting their internships I think. Or maybe they already have? I'm not sure. Days kind of merge without an alarm clock or class schedule.
The weather has sweetened, and I relax under a blossom tree in one of the larger parks. I did well yesterday and have plenty money to see me through a few days. I even have stakes on a decent sleeping spot. By all accounts, I've landed on my feet. There's been no sign of the League yet, but I wasn't being lazy. I checked my surroundings whenever in a crowd, and took note of anyone walking in the same direction as me for an extended period. So far, nothing. Maybe they lost track of me. Maybe. I wouldn't assume a damn thing though. I wasn't about to swap Shouta's invisible leash for a literal cell.
"Always knew you'd grow into a beauty, but damn. This can't be the scrawny kid I knew a few years back..."
I blink and look to the voice that travelled from the path, knowing it but from an old memory. Could it be…? I prop myself up on my elbows and squint in the sunshine.
I jolt. "Dabi?"
He gives a wave and wanders over. In the long dark coat he looks every bit the mysterious stranger, but at least his scars haven't gotten any worse. That's a small mercy. Though the piercings are new. I pat the grass next to me, wondering how long it has actually been.
He sits beside me and plays with a strand of my hair. "You're the last person I expected to bump into here, Alex."
"How come?"
"Thought you were being looked after by that Eraserhead guy? He moved here or something? Bit of a commute to UA."
"You're oddly up to date with recent events." I snort and he tugs on the hair lightly. "Yeah, things got a little complicated."
"Complicated?"
"I um… I'm taking some time away."
He grins. "You falling into Daddy-issue territory?"
"You're one to talk." I laugh and he lays down next to me, peering closer with those striking blue eyes.
Something about their shade is familiar to me, but not due to knowing him. Strange.
"What're you doing in Hosu, Dabi?"
"Chasing up an opportunity." He shrugs. "At least investigating it."
"Good or bad opportunity?"
"Depends on how you see it."
I roll my eyes. "All right, legal or not?"
"You stole the money for those clothes, right?" He quirks a brow, not giving me an inch. I flop back and wave a hand. "I know what you mean, don't pout. I think it's sweet that you're still holding out hope for little old me."
I blow a raspberry, refusing to allow him the chance to make me blush. In all the time we had known each other he had never been keen on the law, saw it as hypocritical, bullshit and cruel in more ways than he could count. I on the other hand was happy to simply bend rules, rather than slash through them. Still, we got on. Still, we helped each other.
He chuckles. "It's sweet. I appreciate it even now."
"Yet you mock me." I huff and then laugh as he pecks my forehead. "You're such an ass."
"Yeah, but you've always known that."
"True. Well… I hope this 'opportunity' makes you happy. And not in jail." I lay my hands over my stomach, doing my best not to imagine him there. Cold bars. Long shadows. It's very easy to see it, if I'm honest. He likes me, I know that, and I think that earned me a lot more kindness than he gave to most. Violence simmers inside him like my temper simmers in me. In all honesty, after we separated, I did my best not to think of him at all. If I did, I'd just fear the worst and get scared. If I'm a ticking time-bomb in people's eyes, then his pin was pulled long ago.
He hums. "I'm just finding a purpose Gorgeous."
"Oh come on, still not come up with a better name?"
"It was ironic before, now it's just true. Puberty's done you a fuck ton of favours, Lex."
I open my eyes and watch the sunlight filter through the canopy above. "It was ironic? You cheeky fuck."
"As if that surprises you."
He was right, though I wouldn't admit it. We were kids, I must have been nine at the most. We were scrawny, dirty and always tired due to never being able to rest properly. Or eat well. But we had each other. For a couple months. Then he vanished.
Dabi tucks my hair back. He always liked my hair; he thought I was a boy the first time we tangled over a particularly well stocked bin behind a bakers.
He hums. "How long you think you'll be hanging around Hosu?"
I shrug. "Not sure, why?"
"Don't you know it's a kinda dangerous town for Hero types?"
"I'm not a hero, Dabi. No license here." I peer at him and fail to understand that smirk. "What you on about anyway?"
"Y'never were good at keeping up. Not heard of the Hero Killer?"
Well that was a ridiculously dramatic name. "No. Is it some maniac with a vendetta against heroes?"
"Bingo." He lay down and put his hands behind his head. "I'd be impressed with him, but the guy isn't exactly hitting the big leagues yet. Serving up small-frys and sticking to the shadows. Can't tell if he's the real deal yet or just some rookie with flashy ideals."
"He's not killed someone big enough yet?" I scoff. "Shucks. What a loser."
"Meh. Picking off measely side shits… Don't think he's even tried to go for the biggest piece of shit of all."
"Gonna explain that to me, yet?" I ask, but get no response. He always alluded to hating the 'number 2', but never went any further. He never confirmed or denied that he meant Endeavour. I had theorised everything from Endeavour having killed Dabi's mother, to having been the reason for Dabi's scars. I never got anywhere.
I sit up and nudge him, but he shakes his head. I nudge again and he pulls me down into a hug. Being so familiar with him again is nice. It's like no time has passed. He found me quite soon after I escaped Shigaraki.
"Where did you go, Dabi?"
"Things changed, Lex. Had to split or else you'd have just ended up mixed up in more shit. After that Shigaraki guy, it seemed like the last thing you needed."
"I missed you."
"Yeah… Likewise. Seems like you landed on your feet though, the Eraser guy good to you?"
"Complicated, remember?" I sigh and he gives me a small squeeze of comfort. "But generally, mainly, yes. Very good."
"Glad to hear it, would hate to have to roast him."
I bite my lip, knowing full well that was only partially a joke. Dabi is a passionate guy, hurting someone he cares about is reason enough to be turned to charcoal. Like I said, simmering violence.
"No need for Pro Hero BBQ there, Dabi. Promise."
"Good." He sighs and we go quiet for a few minutes, before his hand stills. "Y'thinking about the future, Lex?"
"Right now?"
He snorts. "Sassy bitch. No, in general. Y'got a plan?"
I shrug. "Get through school was the plan before the complications arose. Right now, the plan is finding the next meal. You know how it is." It was what ruled our days back then, especially if we had a good spot for sleeping. One of us would guard the spot, the other would go find food. Then vice versa. A team. Give and take. Why was he suddenly asking about my future? Somehow, I think he's gotten weirder.
"Dabi? What's going on in your head?"
"Just wondering where the little squirt I used to know is gonna end up. A front-runner pro hero, or a quaint little housewife tending her brats… who knows. Kinda weird to think about you in an apron."
"You know those aren't the only two options, right?"
He chuckles. "Guess so."
"Plus, no brats here. No thank you." I laugh and he looks down at me, raising a brow. "What?"
"Still dead-set against kids huh?"
"I'm not bringing a kid into the world just to risk it being abandoned like me, or us." I frown and he smirks before laying his head back and drawing a deep breath.
"Glad to know your ideas didn't shift just because you got a nice comfy bed under your bony butt."
I frown and try to get up, try to see his expression. But he just holds me closer. Fingers run through my hair, slightly warmer now. Is he trembling?
"Dabi?"
"You know Shoto Todoroki?" I grow still in his hold. That was quite the tangent. Why the hell was Dabi asking about Sho? How did he even know about him? I nod against his chest and his hand cools again, his breathing deepening slightly. "He made quite the impact at that festival thing you used to watch religiously. You in his class?"
"Y-Yeah. Why?"
"Just wondered how he was doin'." A strange thinness enters Dabi's voice. An unvoiced pain. I stayed still and let the noise in his mind continue without me knowing. But… But wait. Flames were his power, and he hates one of the top heroes. Biggest piece of shit of all. The number two–the joke was crude, but it would suit Dabi to a tee. Now he asked about Sho.
"Hey Dabi…"
"You figured it out, at last?"
"You're a Todoro–" His grip robs me of breath.
"Was. I was, a long time ago." The grip loosens and he kisses the top of my head. "Can I trust you not to blab about this, Lex? Don't go telling Shoto or anyone else. It's long gone in the past, no one needs it dug up."
"Then why did you ask–"
"Call it brotherly concern. Short-lived maybe, but I was still his brother at one point."
I've never had much of a family, so I can't even begin to understand. So I just nod and hug him back. All I'll concentrate on is that I got to see an old friend. I know he's alive now. That's nice.
A few minutes later he shifts under me. "I better get goin' though. Someone's gonna wonder why a nice girl like you is cuddling up to a patchwork freak like me."
"Fuck them."
He chuckles and sits up, setting me onto my knees. "Glad to see you've still got that fire. Don't let them take that, okay? Regardless of if you ever get that damn license."
I nod and he taps the end of my nose before getting up and brushing himself off. Part of me wants to go with him, but part of me knows he won't let me. He's right there in front of me, but even now, I'm sitting in the sunshine and he's stuck to the shadows. Different paths.
I give a small wave. "I hope the opportunity makes you happy, Dabi."
He smirks and lights a cigarette. "Yeah. Real sorry if it does the opposite for you." He winks and walks away, totally ignoring my calls after him. The hell did that mean? I slump onto my blanket and sigh. He had been a Todoroki all along. No wonder he had gone rigid whenever Endeavour came onto the big screens. It all made that much more sense now.
At least one area of the world did.
Smoke spills over the sky and blots out what few stars managed to fight against the cities blazing lights. Hosu became a warzone. I slump against the water tower on the roof I'd picked as my spot for the night, trying to understand what the hell happened. I'd taken to rooftops in the past couple days to allow for easier hero dodging–I'd already nearly bumped into Iida. I'd forgotten some of my classmates might be travelling further afield, but I didn't expect Iida here. Why Hosu? Surely he should have been mentoring with his brother. I can't recall the name, but I'm pretty sure he's a big shot. A leader of an agency even… right?
Sirens blare through the night. I hug my knees to my chest. Despite the cries for help and shrieks of fear, I can't do anything; I have no license, nor a mentor to give permission. And I can't end up on the news right now; either for being spotted by League or Shouta. I'm getting there, I can think of his name without that cold pain nipping my heart. But I still want more time if I can. The sirens get louder and screaming starts to erupt closer. Bad shit is happening. Dammit.
A whoosh of wings thunders past, and I slink under the water tower, staring at the huge shape. It can't be. Glazed eyes stare ahead, soft confused moaning drones on the air. Shit it is. Nomu. More Nomu? I feel cold, counting my heartbeats to avoid simply screaming. Nomu in the city meant Shigaraki wouldn't be far behind. I scan the skyline until a strange shape catches my attention. It's constantly shifting, blending with the smoke and dark. The portal guy. It's only a few roofs away. I look down at my hands, knowing they would be trembling if not braced against this concrete roof. But this is my chance. Maybe I can bring this all to an end tonight?
I start looking for a route when I see a shape darting over another roof.
I remain hidden. Knives, wild hair, red scarf. That's the Hero Killer; after Dabi's warning I had done some research, the villain was intense. I put my head in my hands, so far I'd avoided him. I'm no hero, but there's no telling if he would recognise me or not. He might. He might kill me simply to send a message to Shouta. Maybe. I have no idea really, the guy sounds like a maniac. There were few ways to predict one of those. Shigaraki would know plenty about that.
I stop and peer out at the portal guy again, and sure enough Shigaraki is next to him. In the same place as the Hero Killer. Are they on a team now? I shake my head. No way. The Hero Killer claimed to have morals and a goal, Shigaraki saw the world as a big game. Right? R-Right?
The chaos rages in front of Shigaraki and the Portal guy. But the Hero Killer has gone in the other direction. Of course. He works in the shadows. That means heading for Shigaraki was the safest way of avoiding the Hero Killer–a little luck. Perfect. This night might still be my best chance to get rid of Shigaraki, to return home without a threat hanging over my loved ones. I edge out, but then I stall.
If every hero is tending to the chaos in front of Shigaraki, why was the Hero Killer looking like he was on a hunt?
Would there be smaller time Heroes still on the outskirts, just waiting to be picked off? I swallow hard. They would be sitting ducks; no one was even sure what quirk the Hero Killer had. They could all be killed and no one would know till at least morning. Would Iida be taking part in the main fray? Or would his mentor suggest the outskirts to get a read on the boundaries of a disaster? Shit. What do I do? Shigaraki is right there. Standing, grinning, laughing. I could end him. I just need to get close enough.
He intended to kill you.
I pause and stare at the light pooling over my outstretched hand. Shouta's words once I woke after the USJ are true. The way Shigaraki had acted that day, he wanted me dead. No mercy. No second chances. It made little sense, considering how the guy beyond the screen had seemed interested in my power, but I have no way of knowing if that guy is still in charge. Maybe Shigaraki is alone now. Calling the shots. My friends and family would never know what had happened. Shouta might assume I simply left forever, for good. Unless Shigaraki tormented them with rumours for years, until finally breaking Shouta with word of my death.
Fuck.
I slink back into the shadows. Damn. I can't risk fighting him on such uneven ground. I'm at a major disadvantage. One wrong move and I'd fall. With my power I'd survive, but the portal guy would easily manage to capture me. Then death. All too easy. All too simple. I curse and turn away. If I can't deal with that problem tonight, then at least I can help keep an eye on things at the outskirts. There's no telling what Hero Killer could get up to with so much other noise going on.
I get down to street level and head away from the carnage. There would already be loads of pros in that area, and no doubt more incoming. The problem was all the dark spots, the quiet alleys, the stones left unturned. That would be where the Hero Killer struck. There I might help.
A Nomu lumbers into view. It has dark skin and most of its head is exposed brain. My feet skid along the pavement, allowing me to duck under its mad grab for my neck. Close call. I jump back and lift myself onto a nearby ledge, withholding the beast's following lunge. Shit, these things are just as heavy as the USJ one. Though maybe… slightly less strong. I groan and throw it across the small square, it lands on top of a now burning truck. My head throbs. My power pulses with my panicked heart. Heading away from the crowds, I hadn't expected to just stumble across one of the bastards. But there it was. Some pros arrive, and I slink back into the shadows. They can handle it, right? I look at the creature as it hauls itself upright, entering the fight like nothing had happened. I search for a weak point. Come on. Come on. It's like they're just solid mass all the way through. But that's not possible. Right?
Sharp pain lances through my mind as the Nomu lunges into a fight with another pro. My focus whiplashes, bruising forms over my eye and I think something just clicked in my jaw that really shouldn't have. I need to keep moving. I'll do no good here.
I keep running.
Licenses wouldn't come into play if I stayed hidden. Heading into the shadows unfortunately made sense for me as well. Dammit logic, I had to go and inherit you from Shouta, didn't I? I scramble back onto the roofs and make my way from there. For a few blocks I think I must have missed the shithead. But then I hear metal clashing with a wall. Blades. The Hero Killer was known for them. I have no clue what his quirk is, but he has to have one. Otherwise, how else would he be taking down pros? I peer over the edge. Some sort of head-dress is on the hero currently being pinned to the wall by the grinning freak. I concentrate on his arm, meaning to break it, when suddenly there's a flash of silver. I pull back my power.
Iida?
This is getting complicated.
Hysteria grips Iida, that's the only way I can describe it. Eyes wild, venomous words, voice cracking and teeth flashing. Hatred. Vengeance. Retribution. This isn't Iida. What the hell happened? I think back to that steadfast kid, the one always barking orders, but at the same time, always seeking to help. Always lending a hand. He blushed if I swore for fuck's sake! And now? Now he's vowing for someone to remember his name, cursing their existence. This is a slippery slope. I can't let him be consumed. I crawl to the fire escape silently. Plenty shadow and rubbish keeps me concealed. I need to help my friend if he's gone and got himself too deep, and judging from how he's jerking around and his voice cracks, he's already gone beyond that.
His brother.
The Hero Killer attacked Iida's brother?
I bite my lip and hang my head. Being so caught up in my own nonsense I hadn't even known, no one had told me. But his brother had been hurt by the Hero Killer? He couldn't serve as a pro anymore. Jesus, no wonder Iida is a mess. How the hell do I help? I try to think, try to consider a means of helping that isn't going to land us both in the hospital. C'mon, think like Shouta. Don't be rash, be clever. (I'll ignore the irony of that, considering Shouta's last big dumb move, but anyway…) Pinching one of the Hero Killer's arteries could knock him out in seconds, but those few seconds could mean disaster. I could break his legs. But then he might just lash out in fury. Dammit, if I had only acted before Iida showed up.
Suddenly they're moving. There's a struggle, blood sprays from one of Iida's shoulders. Fuck. My power fluctuates around me, fluttering as my eyes stay glued to the sprays of blood leaving Iida's body. No. No wait I'm right here. Why can't I do anything? Panic. Panic floods me.
"You're a weakling."
I swear the villain is talking to me instead of Iida. The last thing Iida is, is weak. No. I hold the blade up as Hero Killer aims for Iida's other shoulder, pinning him to the ground. Red eyes dart around in confusion, but then the pain returns to my skull and I falter. My quirk fails. Not now! The blade slices through Iida's shoulder.
Pooling red spills onto the alley floor, rippling. I concentrate and slow the bleeding. If I can do nothing else, I can save my friend's life. Unless this 'Stain' guy plans on sticking that blade somewhere else. I couldn't grip it much at all. No, I grit my teeth, no matter the pain I'll not let him take Iida's life.
"You're not heros."
My heart aches. I'm not even the one he's taunting. Who is he to judge who is or isn't a hero? He doesn't know Iida, he likely didn't know his brother. This bastard is crazy.
I have no way of knowing if Iida can tell it's me, but I keep the bleed minimal and squeeze his forearm. C'mon Iida, just hang in there. Maybe I can attract someone else's attention? I look around the alleyway, doing my best not to freak out. Did Iida just say he'd kill the Hero Killer? Not… Not apprehend him? Arrest him? No… he said kill. I feel cold. Someone so closely attached to the rules, to conduct, to the hero way of life… to hear them so angrily spit hate and promise death… it hurts to hear.
"Shouldn't you be more concerned about saving that guy?" Stain scoffs, and my eyes fall on the Pro with the head-dress. He's still bleeding. Shit. I reach with my power and find the bleed. Okay, two bleeds controlled. A headache forms behind my eyes. Hold the focus Alex, breathe, remember your training.
"And that's why you'll die tonight." Stain's tongue runs along the blade soaking in Iida's blood. What? Is he licking the blood? I peer closer, watching how Iida's body jolts. He stopped wriggling. He barely seems to be breathing. What is happening?
"Goodbye child, may your death bring upon a better world." I don't know what's happening, my eyes are blearing with tears. I let go of Iida's bleed to hold onto the blade. It shudders mid air. N-No. You will not kill my friend. Yes, he's lost his way, but he can still do this, he can still be a hero. Fuck you Stain. Fuck you…
He's looking right at me.
Shit.
"No… Please… Not like this…" Iida chokes out, oblivious to what's occurring above him.
Will Stain abandon Iida and come for me? I can't lie, it's preferable to watching my friend be killed, but having those fanatical eyes land on me is terrifying. Like ice entered my veins. Give me Shigaraki anyday; reckless, scattered, a child waving a gun. But this guy? Stain has motivation, a goal, a zealous need. My heart gallops off.
What do I do? Dad?
Dad what do I do?
"Smash!"
A flash of green sparks and suddenly Stain's been knocked off his feet. What the hell? Dust settles, green sparks still shoot along the walls as I manage to breathe again without Stain staring into my soul. I look to our saviour. Holy shit, it's Midoryia.
"Don't you worry Iida, I'm gonna save you."
Get it together, Alex. I return to focusing on the bleeds. What is Midoryia's plan? Does he have one? Of course he does, it's Midoryia.
Iida can't move. But the blade went nowhere near his spine.
"It must be… his quirk." Iida spits out.
Shit. He could paralyse people somehow. Shit. That's dangerous at the best of times, let alone here and now. I see Midoryia's hands moving, he's using his phone. Damn Midoryia, what would we do without you?
"I told you to stand down. This has nothing to do with you!" Iida keeps going, keeps digging. He doesn't get it, does he? Midoryia is the epitome of a hero, he will always meddle when he hasn't been asked to. It's in his blood. Our friend is amazing.
Green flashes are everywhere, he's so fast. Whatever he's been doing during his internship, it's fucking working. I can barely keep up, but I manage to interrupt those damn swipes from Stain's blades. No, you will not hurt another of my friends. I tip the long blade up a bit and get the short blade to stick in the holster longer than it should. It's not much, but it's helping. Yes! Midoryia smacks Stain in the head, I can practically feel the concussion myself. Come on Stain you're done for just lay down and surre–
Midoryia's not moving. Shit.
No, no, no!
My power slips, blood rushes from both Iida and the head-dress guy, but I can't let Stain lower that blade into Iida's head. I can't.
"No." Midoryia begs. "No stop it. Get away!"
I'm doing all I can Midoryia. Blood trickles down my lips. Someone… please...
Flames erupt along the alley, sending Stain skidding in the dust. I release the blade and slump against the fire escape, the chilled metal doing wonders for the pain throbbing behind my eyes. I gulp. Gotta keep going. This isn't over. My focus returns to the wounded.
Sho sighs. "You're not one to send cryptic messages without a reason, are you? I thought it might be that you'd spotted Alex or something… but I guess this'll have to do."
I shrink back. Even now, he's thinking of me? Sho, focus on the damn villain!
"I figured you'd be in trouble. But everything's gonna be okay." His ice floods the alley. "The pro heros will be here any minute."
God damn he's good. Flames erupt over the ice, allowing Midoryia and the headdress guy to slip along until they're behind him. The perfect maneuver.
"To-Todoroki, you can't let that guy get your blood. I… I think he controls his enemy's actions by swallowing it."
Ew. I mean… it makes sense. But still… Ew.
They keep jumping around, fighting. At the same time as being amazed, I'm exhausted. If only I hadn't bothered with that Nomu before, I'd be so much more useful. Sho's got wounds in his arms, but I can't hold another wound as well as be helpful in the fight. Make a choice Alex. Shouta's voice rumbles in my mind, ever the annoying tutor. But ever the steady voice of reason. The blood runs over Sho's knuckles and I know my choice. I have to simply be support. I'm not able to fight. This isn't my stage. I put my head against the cold metal and focus on the three bigger bleeds. I can do this.
Stain laughs bitterly. "Three against one, huh? This fight won't be easy."
"Three?" Sho's eyes dart around the alley and I give his arm a tell-tale squeeze before returning to the bleed. "Can't help yourself, huh?"
Yeah. Guess I can't.
Stain is losing his focus, and the others are getting into their stride. I just keep the blood to a minimum, like a big mop or a set of cotton buds. I chuckle to myself. I am so very glamorous. But regardless, I just enjoy the warmth of being able to fight alongside my friends, even if only from the sidelines. A few more heavy hits sound, but I can't look, all I can do is focus on the bleeds, everything else has had to fade away. Be there for them, help them, that's what it's all about.
Then it grows quiet.
Is it over?
The head-dress guy is speaking, he's asking who the third hero was that Stain was referring to, but the boys say nothing, and Sho distracts. I'm staying hidden. Even now, Sho is doing what he can to respect my want for time away. Damn. He's too good to me. I smile against the fire escape and just stay still. I'll have to move soon, before the police come to check the area out, but for now, I just breathe, holding the bleeds as they make their way out of the alley. Beyond that point they'll be on their own, but no doubt emergency services would be there soon to help. Well done guys. You did great.
Before disappearing, Sho pauses and looks behind himself. His new costume looks a lot better than the old, no half and half, no covering his flame side with ice. I think he's closer to the real him now. Maybe. I'll hope. He frowns and scans the alley before his eyes settle on me. I stay totally still as he peers, tilting his head and not seeming sure. I give a small wave and he almost smiles.
Someone calls his name.
He moves away, but gives a small wave and mouths 'stay safe' before running towards the main street. See you soon guys. I hope.
SHOUTA POV
Two weeks had passed since she fled. Shouta heard no word. He drifted from day to day, doing his best not to check out the corner of his eye every five minutes. Not to look too disappointed when it was just Hizashi or Nemuri visiting him at home, or unexpectedly at school. He searched during patrols despite knowing she could hide better than anyone. He watched his phone too close despite knowing hers lay on her desk, waiting for her return. He even jumped at unexpected noises in the apartment. All in all, he was a basket case.
The first day he told the class, their faces had all fallen. She was beloved. Not only did she have a good handle on her quirk, she was a fierce friend to them all. Of course she was missed. Did she know she was missed? As their faces fell Shouta clarified that he had been responsible for her absence and he made his apologies to them as a whole class. They didn't understand, but he didn't go into too much detail either. The roof… it wasn't something he could explain, nor did he have the right to. They all continued with their work, except Shoto Todoroki. The kid stared; expression blank, if a little angry. He knew something, but Shouta didn't have the nerve to demand what. If Alex had confided in a friend, Shouta would simply hold onto that as a hope of her returning one day. Even if only to see her friend.
The class went looking, of course they did. Regardless of what Todoroki had been whispering to them about before lunch, they went searching.
But they didn't find anything. Midoryia apologised for failing, and Shouta couldn't even muster the energy to scold the boy for inviting trouble. He was glad the boy had looked, he was glad they had all looked. If a friend found her, she might listen. All heros from the faculty kept a look out, but they also found nothing. The villains made no announcements, so Shouta hoped that meant she wasn't caught up in their shit. The Shigaraki guy seemed the type to gloat.
But where was she? Had she left the city? Was she dead?
The train of thought bore deep tracks into his mind, robbing him of sleep regularly. He hadn't slept for three days in a row when finally the Principal stepped in. A forced leave of absence. It hardly helped matters, rattling around the empty apartment, or haunting their favourite coffee spot. Everything made him acutely aware of what wasn't there, or rather who. Who didn't sit beside him and talk shit about the movie they had just watched, who didn't sass him at every turn or make cheeky suggestions for take out. Who. Wasn't. There. And why? Because of him, because of his need to understand and apply logic.
Nemuri had dropped off food and cleaned the place a bit, though they hadn't touched Alex's room. It sat dormant. It had been two weeks, but he still refused to even step inside, like it would be another betrayal. He'd done enough of that. At most he would open the door and simply check that it sat empty, that her covers weren't disturbed. Nothing ever changed. No trace. Her washing sat in a cupboard in the hall. It could be put away when she came home. If she ever did.
Ending up in his own bed was a last resort. Lying there sent his mind back to the USJ every time since she had left, to those last few moments that he clung to consciousness. Most of the time he couldn't even tell if it was a dream or a hallucination; it was always so vivid. Her hand turned him over, shaking as her body reeled at her over-use of her powers. Too much. She used too much. Her body was disintegrating thanks to Shigaraki's powers. She was on the brink.
"Shouta. Shouta look at me." She begged, body soon laying over him to create the bubble. Run Alex, he wanted to scream at her. Every second she lingered and used her power the more likely she would be killed. Run. Please. I can't lose you. But on she went, her tears falling against him, making him feel so loved and yet so wretched.
"Don't leave me." She choked, breathing sounding forced and broken. He was sure he felt something flaking against his skin. Her flesh dissolved by the second. Run to the medics as soon as they arrive Alex. I can't lose you. Please! Someone save my daughter!
"Please. Dad, please."
If there was ever a moment he worried for his own sanity, it was then. The darkness kept trying to take him, but he only let it once he heard All Might arrive. Finally.
"Please." Her voice cracked, more flakes landing against him. Shouta would never forgive himself for her being so close to death for his sake. "Save him."
He shook his head free of bitter nostalgia.
He sat on his sofa and failed to watch whatever shitty movie had come onto the tv whilst he sat there swirling another measure of scotch. It wasn't a healthy routine, and no doubt Nemuri would be ready with a fresh lecture in the morning. No, it wasn't wise. No, it wasn't what Alex would expect of him. But he had to try and keep the nightmares out somehow. It was far too easy to imagine all the horrible things she would be dealing with; for the first few days of 'knowing' her, he had watched her live them firsthand. Running from angry cops, dodging vile criminals in alleyways and hauling up for the night with little more than her stubborn will for warmth. He took her away from that world, and then sent her running back there. Like it was better. He drained his glass.
A tap sounded at the window.
He jolted and looked, but didn't move. He'd stopped jumping up after the fifth time it turned out to be a curious pigeon. His heart couldn't take the constant disappointment of pulling back a curtain to an empty balcony.
Another tap. He turned up the TV.
A tap, then a slap. A slow squeak followed, as something wet was dragged down the glass. He swallowed hard and muted the TV. A cracking noise came next, as one of the plant pots got broken. Not a pigeon. Definitely not. He grabbed his capture weapon just in case and approached the curtain. If a villain had chosen that night to try and make a house call, they had chosen very poorly indeed.
He drew back the curtain.
He stared. "Shit…"
The pale blue light from the TV pooled over her face. Cuts covered her skin and her eyes blinked slowly. Rain matted her hair to her forehead, her cheekbones prominent and lips chapped as they mumbled something.
He threw the screen door open . Her eyes fluttered at the sudden noise.
He knelt and tried to see where she was hurt. "Alex? Alex, what the hell happened?"
"Jumped by r-random thug. Got a ch-cheap shot in. C-Couldn't… Couldn't get to…" She groaned and coughed, wincing as blood bubbled past her lips. "So-Sorry."
"Don't be stupid." He scooped her up. She was so cold, her clothes soaked from the rain. "Where're you hit?"
"Left side. Knife." She blinked slow and leaned into him, her neck showing a strange mark. "He got m-me with some… weird… s-syringe too. Kinda… Kinda numb." He moved away from the sofa and got her to the bathroom, placing her in the tub and splashing her face with cold water as he dialed for Recovery Girl.
"She finally come home?" The old woman snipped down the phone upon pick up.
"Knife wound and some weird drug."
Only then did he notice the tears rolling down Alex's dirty face, creating two streaks of clean skin.
She shivered. "Th-They found me."
The League? He didn't say anything.
Alex sobbed, more blood oozed past her lips and trickled down her chin. "I ra-ran but got cornered… I messed up."
Shouta swallowed hard. "I think it was the League. Please–"
Recovery girl sighed. "I've already signalled my driver. Be with you in ten minutes. Keep her awake. Try and give her some water and get her to describe the symptoms. Come on Shouta, this is your girl, right?"
"Right."
"Dad…" Alex whimpered as her side began to be stained with red, the colour crept up her torn t-shirt. He tried to peel back the layers to see how bad the wound was. But he couldn't find it. The bleeding got worse, more ran from her lips and nose. Her eyes rolled back, body slumping like her strings had been cut.
Shouta dropped his phone and jumped into the tub, cradling her. She was limp, but somehow not heavy in his arms at all.
He patted her cheek. "Alex? C'mon look at me. Stay awake, you have to stay awake."
Her skin paled. No response. He tried to rouse her again, but with every word her skin began to turn grey. She got colder. Her breathing thinned.
"A-Alex?"
Soon enough her lips were white but the blood just kept pouring. Her hair started to turn white next, and her body withered in his hold. He shook his head and held tighter, but she just crumbled like his elbow had. Like wet sand falling away. She turned to dust, leaving only her bloodied clothes.
Her screams filled the air. "Dad!"
"Alex!" He sat bolt upright, reaching for nothing as he toppled to the floor.
He was in the living room. Alone. No dying Alex, no whitened hair and paled lips. No blood or dust, no empty clothes. His wide eyes stared at the ongoing random film. A different one now. He must have fallen asleep.
He blinked.
A glass of water and two painkillers sat on the table.
Someone had found him, or at least been there. He looked for Nemuri, hoping he hadn't worried her by not picking up his phone. But no. Not Nemuri, there weren't any missed calls either. There was no sign of anyone having disturbed anything else until he spotted his leftover take-out sitting on the counter. Alex. He got himself upright and looked for more signs, but nothing seemed out of place.
"Alex?" He called, voice cracked by his scream.
Nothing. Silence.
He stumbled to the kitchen as he tried to wipe his eyes free of sleep. He searched the apartment, but there was nothing. Her door seemed so heavy as he pushed it open, but the room lay vacant. He sighed and went to take the medication. If she had come back, she'd have found him in such a state. Something fluttered down from the table when he clasped the pills. A note?
Never knew you were a drinker. Was I a sober streak? Take the pain meds and don't sleep on the couch. You know your shoulders will hate you in the morning, especially since the USJ. Daft old man.
It might as well have been a slap in the face. Not only had she found him, she tended to him. How often did she return? Had she been doing it for the past month and he simply didn't know? He checked the back of the paper just in case. He swallowed hard.
I'm sorry I left the way I did. I was angry. We can talk later. Be home soon.
He sat down on the sofa and re-read both sides a few times. Eventually he couldn't anymore because his hand was shaking. He pinched himself hard, but he was definitely awake that time. He set down the note and hung his head. A light at the end of the tunnel. Shit. Somehow, it might all turn out fine. Not only was she alive, but she was willing to talk. Nemuri would say 'I told you so, darling'. Hizashi would likely break another phone mic by yelling with celebration. All Might… Well he'd be relieved. The old guy had been pretty torn up about their failed attempts at finding her.
But now, there was hope. Sooner rather than never, she might come home. He stopped and shook his head, downing the rest of the water. He made his way towards bed, rolling his aching shoulder. Hoping for her to return home might be premature. She said talk. Sure she mentioned being home, but it could only be for visits. He had no way of knowing what she'd want. He'd never fucked up that badly before. He would hope for everything but assume nothing.
Yet, despite everything, she apologised.
Nemuri was always right, wasn't she?
He smirked and flopped into his bed, noting the other set of painkillers and water on the nightstand. Alex… She was still too good to him. When, or if, she came home he'd do anything and everything to make it up. Even if it took ten, fifteen, twenty years or more. He'd make it up. The main thing was, he was getting a chance. His daughter was coming back to his dumb ass.
Nem would be so smug.
"See you soon, kid."
ALEX POV
I couldn't believe I found him like that. Not only was the balcony door open–idiot. He had fallen asleep slumped on the sofa, doing god knows what damage to his shoulders–double idiot. I made a point of cleaning out the cigarette dish on the balcony as well, and threw out any packets I found inside–triple idiot. I know Nem said I was good for Shouta, but I didn't expect him to fully self-destruct without me. On one hand it was touching, on the other it was bloody worrying. Never mind me punishing him, the man was having a thorough time doing it himself.
When I set the note and painkillers down in the living room, after the bedroom, he had started to shift in his sleep. I ran in case he woke with me still there, but locked the balcony from the outside with my power. Through the glass door I could just see him start to move, becoming agitated. His expression kept breaking into one of fear, worry, even pain; I have no idea what he was dreaming about, but it wasn't pleasant. I had to turn away. Maybe that's cowardly of me, but I'm not ready, not quite yet. I still have things to do.
The dark never made the balcony an easy dismount, but the rain just made it worse. Slippery as hell, to put it shortly. But I made it, and had scampered a few roofs away before dropping into an alley. I'll be home soon Shouta, just give me these last few days to try and get hold of Shigaraki. I'm so close. If I can just find him, and stop him, this will all be over. The threat won't matter, the risk of me being near you won't matter. I'll come home and we'll fix all that we broke between us. We'll watch stupid movies, go for coffee and bitch about the reporters you hate so much. I pause along the alley, watching the rain ripple a puddle as my heart is suddenly pounding. I step into a doorway and wipe my eyes.
Jeez there's no denying it, is there?
I miss him so damn much. I miss my Dad.
"World got you down, Gorgeous?"
I spun at the familiar voice. "Dabi?"
He held his arms out. "Seems so."
I lunge over and hug him tight, arms around his neck, feet left dangling. Just like the old days. He's always been so strong. A familiar face was just what the doctor ordered, so I cling for likely far too long. As I rest my head against his neck, he chuckles and moves into the doorway out of the rain.
"Guess that's a yes." His voice is so rough now, it's still him but clearly on the wrong end of a couple hundred cigarettes. I sigh, loosening my hold on him till I find the ground with my tip-toes. But he doesn't let me go fully. "What's happening?"
"Just some villain headaches."
His hold tightens. "Who's messing with you?"
I lay my head against his chest. "Not your fight, Dabi. It's fine, I can deal with it. But I just saw Eraser in a bad way and I miss him y'know?"
A sigh precedes a loosening of the hug. "You care too much y'know?"
"I do. You never let me forget it."
He chuckles, encouraging me to look up with fingers under my chin. Something's brewing in him, and I wish I knew how to avoid it, because my instinct tells me… it's not good. For him. For me. Maybe the world, I dunno. But now I care about him for more than our history. He's Sho's brother, right? Does Sho even know Dabi is alive? When did Dabi leave the Todoroki family? So many questions that I don't dare ask. He won't answer, and he'll only pull away from me faster.
I tilt my head. "How come you're here rather than Hosu?"
"Still investigating that opportunity I mentioned." He smirks and runs his hand into my hair. "You're not meant to join me though, are you?"
I don't think he was really talking to me anymore.
A ghost lingers in his eyes before he blinks, banishing it with a fresh smirk. "You gonna be okay, Gorgeous?"
"Of course. You? Not gonna end up on the six o'clock news are ya?"
"No idea." He winks before stepping out into the rain. "I hope we never meet on the field, Alex. Would really suck."
I lean against the door. "Or you could become a hero, instead?"
He laughs too hard and spreads his arms out, scarring on full show and grin broad. "I doubt the media would be keen on a patchwork freak like me."
"Fuck the media!"
"One broken camera at a time." He waves and stalks off, soon rounding the corner and disappearing. There and gone. The whole story of my friendship with Dabi summed up in three words. My head thunks against the door. I'd wait for the rain to lessen before moving. Between Dad being in pieces and Dabi being cryptic, I'm scattered.
I'll find you Shigaraki, I'll end you. And then I'll go home. Then, one day, if I'm really fucking lucky maybe I'll bring Dabi back from the brink. If I even can. That ghost in his pale blue eyes, it only got stronger every time I saw him. Should I tell Sho? I have no idea. I don't even know if it's true to be fair, it could be some delusion Dabi cooked up to justify his anger. I have no clue. I never seem to have much of one… do I?
Hope you all enjoyed, and I'll see you soon ^-^ as always either on the 2 week mark or earlier as I wanna update when I can atm for peeps stuck at home. Thanks to everyone who has faved, followed and reviewed! I love being able to respond to how people are finding the story and stuff, its great to hear from folks! Shoutouts below! Cheers!
SHOUTOUTS:
whirlpoolartist: Thanks so much for leaving a review! Glad you're enjoying the fic :D :D Haha sorry about the almost tears, but very glad to hear the emotion is landing for you. That means a lot to me, so thank you very very much! Hope you enjoyed this update as well, and there's PLENTY more to come! Thanks again ^-^
