Hello everyone!

In case you missed it, I buggered up the upload of Chapter 13 and there was a section missing at the start. It depicts Alex heading to Hosu, and a conversation between her and Dabi. If you haven't seen that, I recommend popping back and giving it a read, it sets some things up and gives some background! Apologies, I genuinely dont know how I managed to miss it out! Anyway, its there now for your reading pleasure :P enjoy! Or if you already have, yay!

On we go!


SHOUTA POV

The note sat in his pocket, folded and refolded so many times it had already started to fray. As he gave the morning lecture, he ran his fingers over the torn corners. Soon. She would be home soon, that meant she might stay, and that meant she might need back into school. That complicated things. Nazu. The Principal didn't like that Alex wasn't keen on playing her part at the festival, now the sudden absence... Most of the faculty loved her, but the Principal didn't enjoy being unable to predict people. It made sense. Except that generally Alex could be predicted to usually do the most stubborn thing, like Shouta. A small part of him was proud of that. Another part found it more worrisome than anything else. Nemuri had gone to try her own persuasion. Hizashi would go after that. Shouta would try again if they both failed. The Principal would come round, they just had to do the right amount of grovelling first, and if all that failed, then they would call upon All Might. He had far more sway.

The bell rang. The students readied to head to their other classes, gathering books and chatting amongst themselves. All so normal. Shouta hadn't been sure whether to tell them about Alex's note or not, in case she was delayed, there was no point upsetting them further. Todoroki didn't go with the others. He slowly made his way to the podium as the door closed behind Midoryia, frowning at his shoes before glancing at Shouta.

Putting his best "blase teacher" foot forward, Shouta raised a brow. "Something on your mind, Todoroki? You have other classes to get to."

"Have you heard from her?"

The paper crinkled under Shouta's grip in his pocket. Todoroki and Alex had formed a connection during their time in school; between the hand-to-hand stalemates and conversations after class, they had created a bond. Shouta had to wonder if it had helped keep her back from that ledge. He also had no idea how much the boy knew.

He maintained his mask. "Why? Should I?"

"Perhaps." Todoroki hitched his bag higher. "I only…" The boy was unsure of himself, evident from the fact Shouta didn't recognise the look on Todoroki at all.

"If you feel you need to share something, I'd advise–"

"Only because you seem extra unsure today sir… But I think she's doing all right."

The kid was kind. Todoroki clearly didn't want to give information Alex wanted hidden, but also didn't want Shouta to suffer needlessly. Despite his prickish Father, despite the evident social struggles, kindness won out. It would have been incredible if not so sad at the same time. Had Alex seen that in Todoroki? Shouta bit back his smirk, of course she had. Why else would she have given Todoroki the time of day? Damn… Somehow, Shouta missed her even more.

Shouta nodded. "Appreciated."

"Sir." The boy made to move away before Shouta spoke again.

"Can I ask how you'd know?"

Todoroki shook his head.

Shouta smirked. "Fair enough, good to know she has someone she can trust."

"It's an important aspect, sir. I think you can appreciate that even more now."

"Indeed."

The boy knew enough for that look to set a chill in Shouta's bones. Damn. Todoroki didn't need his quirk to make someone feel like they'd been filled with ice. Apparently, the kid had a knack for guilt trips.

Shouta cleared his throat. "Well…" The paper's frayed edges tickled his fingertips and he decided kindness could go both ways. "I've reason to believe she might be returning soon. Though I'd appreciate that staying between us for now."

After a moment, a corner of Todoroki's mouth twitched upwards. "Thanks, sir."

"Get to class." Shouta waved the boy off.

As the door closed behind the boy, Shouta breathed out and leaned on the podium. Alex had good friends, kind friends, she had plenty more than Shouta's sorry ass to return for. Yet more reason to hope. Again, was that a good thing? Or another way for the universe to pull one over on him?

During the morning, he dealt with other classes and did his best to focus on his work. But when lunchtime came around, he couldn't bring himself to go find Nemuri or Hizashi. The fact they hadn't burst in on of his classes didn't bode well for their success with Nazu. Shouta nursed a black coffee and watched pupils milling around the campus, enjoying their lunch. Soon. She would be home soon.

The door slammed open.

"What's not a good plan?" Nemuri yelled, storming over and leaning on his desk, Hizashi close on her heels. "A plan involving hiding away from the two people who are trying to find you in order to give you some damn news, that's what!"

Shouta blinked at them both. How was being in his own classroom "hiding"? But beyond the lapse in logic, they were both grinning. His heart clenched and he got up from his seat slowly. They nodded.

He slumped back into his chair and put his head in his hands. "She can return to school?"

"Yeah, man!" Hizashi croaked, voice still on the mend.

Nemuri knelt by Shouta, tugging on his hair till he looked at her and found himself nearly mirroring her smile. Nearly.

She beamed. "The written exams have only just passed, so that wasn't hard to persuade the little dear on at all. Plus her coursework spoke for itself. She's a dedicated learner and came right back to theory work even when injuries held her back from hero training."

Hizashi chuckled. "Guy didn't have much to object to there."

Nemuri nodded. "The physical test is another matter… As you know, tomorrow we're dealing with the 1A students via the teamwork exercises. Alex isn't likely to return in time for one of those to be set up for her so… that was left as a bit of a grey area."

Shouta nodded, wondering if it would matter anyway. Anything that they were going to test in the tests tomorrow would have likely been shown by Alex in the USJ. Tactical thinking, use of her quirk. No she hadn't managed to get herself out without injury, but she had never intended to enter the fight… After a little nod from Thirteen that is. Beyond that, she had even held her nerve during the Festival incident. Surely there would be some kind of test, perhaps even at the Summer Camp itself? Maybe her performance overall? Monitored for the whole trip? Maybe. No doubt she would need to attend extra classes with a few of her classmates anyway, he didn't expect them all to pass tomorrow by any means. But neither did he intend to actually prevent them from attending the Camp, as he had led them to believe. It was too tempting to mess with them a little.

He laughed breathlessly. Alex, she had made him so proud he was fit to burst. She had outdone herself clearly, gaining respect (even if begrudgingly) from someone like the Principal.

He hoped soon came quickly.


ALEX POV

One thing I will never miss is the throng of a busy mall. Bloody hell this is mad. I squeeze in between people and dodge out the way of groups incapable of not walking in a line of three or more, until I lose patience for that and simply barge through. Go ahead, give me a dirty look, doesn't phase me, I have shit to do. Very important.

I'm buying a present for my Dad.

I peer into shop windows and meander round aisles, but I'm not getting very far. I don't know what to get, I'm not even very sure why this impulse has occurred to me. Maybe going home empty handed just feels weird. Because when it comes right down to it, when I'm fully honest with myself… I am entirely, totally, completely empty handed. My research, skulking around and 'investigating' had amounted to nothing. No trace of the League. No evidence of Shigaraki anywhere. So now I had to go home, tail between my legs and accept that yes, I am useless. I need help. I need them all to help me and help stop them being targeted. I can swallow that. Maybe. Eventually.

Bloody hell this place is heaving.

Why does anyone come here voluntarily?

Ending up in the main area of the mall I watch families milling around, I see friends laughing and catching up over ice cream. A couple kids seem to be on dates, their tentative hand holding making my hands curl into fists. So normal. Maybe it was high time I tried that side to life again. Normal. I look down at my hand, wondering who would ever want to hold mine; scarred, shaky, usually quickly retracted and shoved back in my pocket. Who would want to stroll through a place like this, laugh over an ice cream or simply sit and chat by a fountain. I purse my lips. Beyond the ridiculous notion, that also required someone to be okay with the target on my back.

Don't be selfish Alex.

For once, don't be so fucking selfish.

Taking someone's hand right now is the same as signing their death warrant.

Right?

Maybe. Maybe not. Okay… Fine... I'll admit… I'm still pretty confused on that front.

I grab something to eat and sit by one of the trees, wondering if I'm just dragging my feet. Dad doesn't need a present, in all likelihood the idiot is probably more excited about me simply being in the apartment. Or talking to him. When I visited, my room didn't look like he had even been inside. My laundry basket was empty, but had clearly been carefully chucked back in, rather than placed. My phone sat on the edge of my desk, about the right distance for him to reach and plonk it down. What did he think was going to happen? One toe inside my room and I poof out of existence? I sigh and scrumple the empty wrapping of my burger. No doubt the idiot had torn himself up far too many times. Yes, he screwed up in a big way. But to help me. He knew that. I guess the logic paled to the guilt–something I could fully understand.

I think we're both a bit stupid with these things.

Nemuri was once again proven right.

My side twinges. Dammit, not now. I place my hand there and take deep breaths; I had been walking carefully, there was no way I had busted my stitches. And the burger wasn't that big. I feel under my hoodie but the t-shirt is dry, no fresh blood. I relax and let the pain throb, slowly dimming. The wound wasn't anything dramatic; I slept in the wrong spot, woke to an angry drunk and failed to notice the damn dagger in his hand. Rookie mistake. I was always shit at protecting my right. The blade didn't hit anything important, at least I was still walking around so could assume as much, but damn if it didn't bleed for ages. Stupid body being over dramatic. I got gauze and thread etc. from a pharmacy and did the best I could in a public bathroom. But I never have been domestic–last time I tried to stitch a button back on my shirt Nemuri looked baffled at how I'd done it so wrong. But my stitches would do for now. No doubt Shouta could fix it once I was home. At least it had stopped stinging this morning.

After tossing the wrapping in the bin, I prepare to get up, to keep wandering till this weird knot in my gut is freed. Present or no present. But I stall. My hands are on my knees and I'm ready to go, but I can't. In front of me, sitting maybe seven metres away, is Shigaraki. But worse still, making my head pound in panic as my heart does back-flips, is his grip on Midoryia's throat. What the fuck? How had this happened? I grip my knees tighter and try to think. Come on. Think. Midoryia is in danger, you're right here and Shigaraki is out in the open. Save your friend, get rid of Shigaraki's threat. Simple… right?

Either the stars had aligned, or the universe likes to tease me. One wrong move and Midoryia will be turned to dust; just because Shigaraki had made my skin dissolve slowly, same with Shouta's elbow, didn't mean he had to. I had seen him dissolve people in seconds. Usually when he was bored. If he wanted, he could erase Midoryia from this world before I could blink. No. My friend. Midoryia's meant to do so many awesome things, and I know he can. But not if he's swept into a bin before he even turns sixteen.

Dammit. I can't even run over, my side will give and I'll be dribbling blood everywhere yet again. Think Alex, you can help Midoryia and stop Shigaraki. Yes. You can. This can be where the line is drawn, this can be where you claim freedom again. Right? Yes. Shit, how the hell am I meant to do that?

Midoryia notices me and his eyes go wide. He's speaking to Shigaraki, and when Shigaraki's hooded face turns towards him, Midoryia's green eyes look elsewhere. This is bad. Midoryia is shaking. Either from avoiding lashing out or from fear, either way my friend is on the brink.

Do something.

Fucking move.

I get up and meander back round the tree I'd been perched beside, I loop round the long way and end up behind Midoryia and Shigaraki. No one around has noticed what's happening. Of course not. To onlookers it's just a couple teenagers having a talk, maybe brothers ribbing each other. Who knows. Not their business. Not their concern.

Bloody hell.

I sit two seats over from Midoryia and try to hear, but Shigaraki's wiry voice falters below my grasp. I have no idea what he's taunting Midoryia with, but I can hear the grunts of frustration from my friend. Whatever is going on, it's not likely to end well.

Unless I can help.

But what can I do?

I get a seat closer, only one person between me and them. Maybe I can–

"Little Alex, I had wondered when I might bump into you." Shigaraki chuckles.

I look ahead, not bothering to evade.

The bastard might have seen me all along. Clearly he's on high alert. Not so much of a moron these days–I'd be impressed if it wasn't so damn inconvenient. Maybe I can rip his hand away in time. Maybe I can pinch an artery and get him to pass out after that. Possible yes, likely to avoid Midoryia dying, fairly high. But not guaranteed. I've never met Midoyria's mother, but I don't fancy the first time being me explaining how I failed to save her son's life.

Shigaraki continues. "I'm having a moment here with Midoryia and you're getting in the way of that… Then again maybe we've talked enough Midoryia. What do you think?"

Midoryia sucks a breath between his teeth. "Leave her alone."

Dammit Midoryia focus on your own neck right now.

"Ever the concerned hero." Shigaraki snorts. "There's been a lot going on in your absence little Alex."

Another voice appears. "Hey Izuku…"

Ura no.

What the hell are you doing here? Who's gonna appear out of nowhere next? Iida? Kirishima? Fancy jumping out from behind a bush into a death scenario? Had the whole class come to the mall or something? Shit. Shit think. Don't let Ura get hurt, don't let Midoryia get hurt. No one else dammit.

"Oh my, seems like your pals are reappearing Midoryia. My time to leave, remember what I said though, Midoryia. No funny business. Plenty people to kill." He chuckles and rises from his seat.

I can't let Shigaraki just walk away, he's right in front of me again. This isn't a roof, this isn't unstable ground. Here, I can take him down. I rise from my seat as well. In this crowd it would be very easy to lose him, but I can't allow that. Both for these people's safety and the fact I can't let him hang over me like a blade waiting to drop. Or my friends. Or my family.

That chapped grin makes me want to vomit. I wait a few steps then start to follow.

"Stay with Midoryia, Ura." I say, touching her shoulder before meaning to fall into stride with my prey. If I can get him outside, to a back alley or something. Then there wouldn't be any collateral damage. There wouldn't be–

Midoryia grabs my wrist.

Initially I wanna tug free, demand freedom and scold his interference. But then I see his face; the fear and the shaking. He's shivering, his hand is practically vibrating against my skin. His lips wobble, unable to form words yet.

I look round, noting Shigaraki's retreating form, but then he vanishes. Shit.

What should I do?

"Alex." Midoryia chokes, pulling me into the seat Shigaraki had just vacated. "Don't. He'll kill civ-civillians. Please, st-stay." He stares at the ground, still clinging to my wrist despite the awkward angle.

That right… I can't leave them, not now. Ura is shaking, knees ready to buckle any second till I hold her up and swap places with her, giving her the seat. I kneel in front of them both. I'd dealt with Shigaraki since I was a kid, his looming presence and unnerving creep factor still hit me hard, but it's bulldozing Midoryia and Ura's nerves right now. They need me more than I need to win. The threat of Shigaraki can be dealt with later, with help, with back up. Right. I clasp their hands tight and do my best to smile. We stay like that for a couple minutes, by which time Ura has managed to call the police and Midoryia is taking a full breath.

"I thought I was gonna lose it." He closes his eyes and frowns. I stay still, almost feeling like I'm intruding. I hadn't seen them in weeks, but suddenly I had ended up in the middle of their day. "Kept nearly letting my power go and just… and just…"

"Let loose." I nod, knowing how that felt, the pressure that built in my mind as panic took over. Though I hope my bruises and broken bones aren't applicable to Midoryia. His power punished him a lot in the beginning, but he's been getting better. I hope that's still true.

Ura squeezes my hand. "Alex where have you–"

"Not the focus right now." I smile at her and she nods, though looks annoyed. They'll all want answers, of course they will. But not here. Not now. Shigaraki just wandered into a public space and has clearly made some threats to Midoryia. He hasn't said what yet, but I can see it in his green eyes. Words were exchanged, and his world is never going to quite be the same. I'm sorry Midoryia. I'm so sorry.

Midoryia looks at my hand holding his and squeezes. "How do you deal with it?"

"Which bit?"

"Knowing his power was right there, like… like it's crawled under your skin already." He shivers and grits his teeth. "He didn't even use it but... "

"The threat is enough." I nod and settle a pressure against the back of his neck with my power, a barrier of sorts to block any wind or any sensation beyond the hold. He jolts but soon enough seems calmer. "It'll take a couple hours, but the tingling will go away, I promise. The fear of it… I'm afraid that sticks around a little more." I smile softly, it fading before his angry look.

"Why're you smiling?"

"I just wanted… to uh… to help, to uh comfort y'know?"

"You know way too much about it, about him." Suddenly Midoryia's grip on my hand feels like a vice. He leans forward. "Stop looking after everyone else first Alex. You… You can't… D-Dammit, if this is how it feels to be near him for ten minutes, I can't imagine what it's like to look back on years."

I try to tug my hand free. "That's not the–"

"Problem? Point?"

My mouth closes.

His eyes shine. "Yeah, I know you wanna shove it aside. But it kinda is the point, Alex. Shigaraki is upping his game. He's got a motive now, a driving force that's gonna make him into a whole new level of threat. You can't keep acting like he's just a nightmare under your bed. He's a threat to us all now."

Ura puts a hand on his arm. "Izuku…"

"Are you coming back?" He glares, but the shine makes it clear I read it wrong. It isn't anger, it's passion, fear, a want to protect. He bares his teeth. "Alex?"

"I… Y-Yeah. I am." I look down and thankfully his grip loosens, my hand flexing as I lay it on my lap, skin prickling. Someone took my hand, no hesitation, no fear. If anything, a frustration at my fear. My hesitation. "Sorry Midoryia."

He sighs and hangs his head, bumping mine a little. "I didn't mean to get so worked up. I just can't… Can't stand the idea of you trying to take that guy on alone. You're not alone anymore Alex, you gotta know that. Right?"

The hope in his voice. Like me seeing myself as alone was a poor reflection on him. Dammit Midoryia… you're too good.

I get up and smooth myself down. "Yeah. It's starting to become clear."

He looks up surprised, but then his bright smile breaks through and the world seems a little warmer again. "Thank goodness!"

The mall is closing, announcements asking for people to gather by the exits so that the police can conduct a search. Time to go. The other voices of the class are ahead, searching for Midoryia and Ura as the commotion builds. Mina carries too many bags, and Kaminari is sporting some new shades. Kirishima is laughing at something and Iida looks worriedly all around, lips pursed as he seeks his two friends that sit before me. My class. My friends. I wanna see them so bad, but I'm not ready for their questions, I'm not ready to be in the spotlight.

I clear my throat. "I need to get out of here whilst I still can."

Midroyia grabs my hand. "But you're serious, you're coming back?"

I nod and his grip loosens. "I am… I need to see Shouta first though. We need to talk, details need ironed out but… as far as I'm concerned, yeah. I'll be back real soon. Okay?"

They both nod and Ura bites her lip. No doubt she's feeling a little guilt about glaring earlier, but she has every right. They all do. I ran. I disappeared without a word. They had every right to be pissed at me for a long time. But again, conversation for another time.

I slink away before the others spotted them, and soon enough the police were there to ask questions as well. This would be on the news already no doubt. I had better head home, or else Shouta is going to be losing his mind all over again.

Okay… time to go home.


SHOUTA POV

A tap sounded at the window.

He kept stirring his tea, not even looking in that direction. He no longer even jolted at noises from the balcony. It was like the pigeons knew about his recurring nightmare and wanted to play tricks. Cheeky little shoits.

Another tap.

He took a long sip and ran a hand through his hair. It was nothing, it was always nothing. She said soon, that wasn't a timeframe, it could mean anything. Yet he found himself growing worried. And there had been some kind of commotion at a mall–

A tap, then a slap.

Shouta set his tea down.

A slow squeak followed, as something wet was dragged down the glass. That was far too familiar, and he was certain he was awake.

"Please no." He dashed over and threw open the screen door.

"Gah!" Alex stumbled, hopping on one foot, having apparently been leaning on the door as she cradled the other foot. "Son-of-a-bitch… stupid railing… fucking rain… Shitting hell..."

"Alex you're–" he jolted as he noticed the red patch on her hoody. Injured. But upright, speaking and able to hop, so it couldn't be too bad. He hoped. She lowered her foot and winced, flexing her ankle.

She grit her teeth. "Either there's a call for a bigger balcony, or non-slip railing. Fuck that stings."

"Agreed."

She sighed. "Sorry for the commotion."

He stepped aside. "You coming in?"

She nodded and stepped in, shuffling out of her shoes immediately and limping to the kitchen to perch on the island. The ends of her fingers were pinked by the cold rain, like the end of her nose and cheeks. Her hair was soaked like her hoody and jeans, and she soon shivered.

He closed the door and drew the curtains, having no need to allow the outside world to see his lights on. In all likeliness the lights hadn't made a difference to her. But they had to him. Knowing they might guide her home had helped. Anything had helped.

She kneaded her ankle. "Can I grab a shower before we jump into the awkward reunion?"

"Sure." He went to the cabinet. "Take some pain meds first, between that ankle and whatever you did to your side, you must need it."

"Mm." She didn't have it in her to argue, he wasn't sure whether to be relieved or not.

He passed over a couple pills and some water, setting them down on the counter to avoid any awkward momentary touches. When he first brought her home, when she was a kid, they passed everything via the counter. Skin to skin contact made her nervous, set her into fresh shivers and checking round corners. The counter became an unsaid rule for the first six weeks. The corner of her lips twitched as she saw his actions, and he dared to hope that it came across as endearing, rather than pathetic.

"Thanks." She took the pills, getting down from the counter before shuffling towards her bedroom, presumably to get fresh clothes. Her socks left wet patches as she went.

Once the bathroom door closed he breathed out and leaned on the counter, head against his arms. He was awake. She came home. She even spoke. Yes, she had an injury, and yes she looked too thin, but all in all she looked well. Strong. He smiled and thunked his head off the countertop, he should have expected no less. But he couldn't deny the news about Shigaraki appearing in that mall had shaken him. Of all times for the bastard to suddenly be in public, it was when Alex was meant to be coming home. The universe wanted to give Shouta a heart attack clearly.

About ten minutes later, having straightened himself out, he heard her shut off the water. How the talk was going to go, he had no idea. Alex had every right to rip him several new ones, to go entirely on the attack and vent all her anger. He had prepared for that. But her demeanour in coming into the apartment hadn't exactly been "fury and fire", so he wasn't sure. Regardless, he had texted Nemuri and Hizashi to let them know of Alex's return; they wouldn't come round till asked, but he knew they wanted to know she was safe. Part of him though, wanted them there. A buffer, a means to break the ice. But that was cowardly, and he knew it.

A thud made his eyes flick to the bathroom door.

"Fucking hell…" She groaned before there was another thump.

Slowly he approached the door, and as a third thump sounded, he knocked lightly. "Can… Can I help?"

She sighed and shuffling approached the door, it opened to reveal her towel swaddled form, hot water pinked face and hair all spiked from being partly dried. "You still got that stitch-kit in the medical box thingy?"

He nodded.

She looked down for a second and then back up with a slight glare. "Don't make fun of my attempt beforehand, but… I could do with a steadier hand for the redo on my side."

She needed his help. No. She wanted his help.

Shouta did his best to not lose his shit right there and then.

He cleared his throat. "Chuck on some clothes then give me a shout, just roll up your top, right side, yeah? Below your ribs?"

She nodded. "Fuckin' observant as ever…"

He dared to smirk. "Obviously."

She closed the door and he got the kit, flexing his hands in the hope they might stop shaking. About two minutes later she called out and he headed inside the bathroom, where she was perched on the edge of the bath. Her t-shirt sat bunched up under her arms, exposing her stomach and ribs and back. Her sweatpants hung loose, and the lines of her ribs were too prominent. He swallowed those concerned for now. Focus. The cut ran along her right side, pink and angry, the stitches she had done on the street weren't so bad considering past efforts, but they weren't great either. Blood trickled, hitting the toilet paper she held underneath.

He knelt beside her and took out the tweezers, cleaning fluid, cotton buds, bandages, stitch glue and some fresh thread with the needle. The cleaning fluid smelt deadly as ever, sloshing against the cotton buds and staining them a medicinal blue. He tilted his head and she nodded, biting her lip in preparation.

Even so, she gave a barking whimper and then a growl. It really did sting like hell.

He dabbed the wound. "What happened?"

"Freak show fancied my sleeping spot. Y'know I'm shit at covering this side in a fight." She sighed and ran a hand through her damp hair.

He kept dabbing, getting a new bud as he started to remove her old stitches. Despite the obvious lost weight, there weren't obvious signs of any other injuries. He wondered if his subconscious had kept her fighting issues in mind, that being why he imagined the wound on that side in his nightmare. Was it worth mentioning? No. Too familiar. It would sound weird, she had no reason to know about his sleeping issues. He wasn't the focus. She was. The wound will have no doubt bled a lot at the time, but it wasn't too deep. Painful no doubt, but not nearly deep enough to hit vitals.

After a final swipe with the cleanser, he threaded the needle. "You want a towel to bite on?"

"Nah, it's fine." She shrugged and her hands curled, nails likely biting into her palms. She used to do that with nightmares, ending up with little half moons all over her palms by morning.

He worked carefully but quickly, pressing a bandage into place afterwards. She had been steadily bleeding until the new stitches and glue had been applied. The glue would simply help the wound clot properly, dissolving on its own next time she showered. But it came as no surprise when she wavered on her seat. Between lacking food, sleep and blood loss, she probably had barely fumes left.

He pulled her top over the bandages. "Make it to the bedroom yourself? You need some sleep, kid. We can talk once you're rested."

"Mm…" She nodded, getting up and stumbling a bit, but holding herself up on the sink and waving his hand off. "S'okay Shouta, I got this. Thanks for the… For the stitches. I'll… Can we talk… In the morning?"

"Of course." He stayed nearby as she walked to her room, glad to not hear the lock slide across before she flopped into her bed. Soon enough she was breathing deep, asleep as soon as hitting the pillow. He smiled and laid his head against the door. "Welcome home."


She slept for two days, only appearing to use the bathroom or eat some toast before disappearing again. He allowed it, they could talk when she had rested, no doubt she had barely slept for her three weeks away. Having been sleeping rough, she wasn't sleeping deeply. Occasionally he checked on her, hearing her mumble in her sleep or move things with her power. If he opened the door, he would see her eyes flutter, her body shifting with every sound. Uneasy. Scared. Nervous. Whatever it was, it had a firm grip on her. Shouta sat nearby her door and kept his quirk ready if he heard her cry out–she had already dismantled the shelving unit, and he didn't want her to accidentally hurt herself instead. He tried his best not to think of what she had been dealing with to cause such uneasy sleep, she would tell him when she wanted. If she wanted. With any luck it was just the streets in general...

Nemuri and Hizashi were being patient, but the texts grew more frequent.

As the third day came, early morning, he heard Alex pause before returning to her room. He had been dozing on the sofa after reading the paper, so he stayed still as he heard her approach. He wondered what she would do.

"Stupid old man…"

The draping of a blanket over his slumped body made his heart clench. Even then, simply seeing him sleeping without a blanket, she was compelled to look after him. The failure that drove her away would likely never cease to sting entirely. He blinked and shifted, as though roused by the blanket and not eavesdropping.

She stared, caught out completely. He gave a small wave and she returned it, moving to perch on the armchair across the coffee table.

She played with her pajama t-shirt sleeve. "Your shoulders are gonna hate you for sleeping there."

He gave a nod. "Probably."

Her eyes didn't linger for long, soon returning to the fascinating loose thread. A new cut ran along her cheek and an old bruise on her jaw. Cheekbones were more prominent, and her hands shook as she picked at her top.

She nibbled a biscuit left on a plate beside his coffee. "Did you get my note?"

"Mhm." He sat up and leaned forward on his knees.

"You seemed to be having a pretty messed up dream when I came in." She kept nibbling. He nodded again. She lowered her hand. "What was the nightmare about?"

He hadn't intended to explain, but as she asked… "You."

She flinched and gave a breathless laugh. "Still think I'm a villain, hm?"

"Of losing you." He clarified and her smirk faded. She chewed slowly, refusing to raise her eyes again. He cleared his throat. "You turned up bloodied and poisoned. I couldn't save you."

"Don't need you to save me, Mister."

"Thought we agreed on Shouta?"

"Thought we agreed on no collars?" She moved to sit on the chair properly and clasped her hands. He closed his mouth. She had him there. Her knuckles were bruised and there were a couple new scars on the backs of her hands. "Never seen you drink before, now I find you passed out on the sofa with half a bottle of scotch? Was I a sober streak or something?"

"I said I got the note."

"I never heard the answer though, did I?"

Shouta shrugged. "Just an attempt to stop the nightmares."

"How long you been having them?"

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "How long were you gone?"

It was all too easy to recall the look of outrage and hurt in her eyes that day he got Hitoshi to make her answer the questions. Clean cut betrayal. Of all the expressions he had seen pass her face, he lamented it most. Even when she had been distraught at seeing him in pain during the USJ, or suffering her own injuries. Nothing came close to how much he loathed knowing he hurt her that deeply with his actions. Nothing would fix that completely, even if she did come home and somehow manage to forgive.

A silence hung between them; the kind that usually followed him explaining what went wrong on patrol, or her trying to justify some stupid move with her training. It was almost nostalgic. Any second now, he expected to wake up again, in his own bed, drowning in an empty apartment.

"I hated you." She whispered, biting her lip in an attempt to hide the wobble.

"I know."

Her frame tensed, and he guessed she didn't like voicing her honesty. In all likeliness she probably expected him to argue, to debate. But he couldn't. He agreed that he had been terrible. Eventually he would help her know that. Perhaps even trust it.

She sniffed. "You had no right to drag those things out of me."

"I know."

She grit her teeth. "But do you understand that? Do you understand why I left?"

"I do." He didn't waver when she met his eyes. "Regardless of justification… I fucked up. I took your trust in me and I fucked it up in a need to understand."

She shivered. "Correct."

He got up and put the kettle on for some tea, offering her one of the blankets from the cupboard as he returned. She took it and wrapped it round herself. He made them fresh drinks and left hers on the table, steaming gently.

His hand shook as he set his own down. "Am I correct in hoping I heard you use past tense for the hatred?"

She gave a slow nod. "You are."

"Thanks. That's more than I deserve."

She bit her lip. "I… I should also say that I understand why you did it."

He did a double-take as he took his own seat. It had been his hope that she might eventually understand, but he hadn't expected it without her grilling him. Tears rolled down her nose. He settled on the sofa, the side closer to her, but stayed very still, afraid to spook her. Or to let his guilt swallow her words.

She continued. "Over the last few weeks I… I put myself in your stupid shoes." She paused and glared. "Your stupid, block-headed, stubbornly shitty and kinda cruel shoes."

He nodded. All fair.

Then she continued. "If I found you on the roof, thinking like I was, I'd have been scared, I'd have wanted to know the truth. I-I was an idiot on that roof, and I drove you to a stupid place. We both fucked up."

He just stared, unable to believe his luck. Not only was she a great kid, she happened to also be far too good a person for him to have dreamed. Eventually she looked up again. She sniffed and winced, putting a hand to her side as she grit her teeth.

"I'm sorry I left. It w-was childish. But I… I wanted to get some space. To think."

"I always said you could leave." He got her more pain meds. "Just wished I hadn't pushed you to doing it."

She nodded and held her hand out for the pills, blocking him putting them on the table. He hesitated, but set the pills into her palm. Her hands were a little cold. He returned to his seat as she sipped her tea and took her medicine. A few moments later, her breathing steadied.

She bit her lip again. "I have to confess something though…"

He shuffled forward slightly. "Go ahead."

"I didn't manage to find them."

He blinked. He had no idea what she was talking about.

Alex put her head in her hands. He tried to translate her words, but he came up empty. At least he hoped he did. Had she been tracking Shigaraki the whole time?

She sucked a breath between clenched teeth. "I couldn't find a fucking trace of Shigaraki's base or his stupid League. Not till I went and bumped right into him."

"You're insane for trying." He groaned and scraped his hair back. "Were you at the mall?"

She nodded.

He hung his head. "Alex, what would you have done if you had found the League?"

"S-Something."

Shouta ignored every instinct telling him to scold the bold move, to admonish her for being so brazenly foolish. She looked so small. So he also ignored the other instincts, the ones screaming at him not to go near her, every old habit telling him to just stay put and let the girl thaw out at her own pace. That hadn't worked before. He nearly lost her to that instinct. And he couldn't lose her again. He went over, knelt by her and pulled her close.

She trembled, but didn't move away.

He ran a hand up and down her back. "Alex I know my questions will have sent you through a loop, but it's not like I thought you were working with them."

"S-Sounded like it."

"Dammit, I was just scared there were things going on that they were using against you." He held tighter, wishing he could hug the shivering away. The idea of her tormenting herself for another three weeks, thinking she had to take it all on alone in order to prove her innocence. He rather wished the guilt would stop piling up–he wasn't tall enough.

She sniffed. "I'd have stopped them."

"You're one kid." He met her glare when he leaned back. "Don't go being stubborn now. Just know that I didn't expect you to take down a villain syndicate, okay?"

Her glare softened. "Sure."

She tugged him back into the hug. They stayed like that until she had stopped trembling. It took a while, not that he minded. Having her in the same room was great, to be able to hold her again was pure joy. Alex was his daughter. He was glad to feel that typical nuzzle into his collarbone, to hear that sniff and soft cough before her hands curled into his jumper, holding tight. Old habits really did linger. Even when he had fucked up so badly. His heart ached.

He looked down, gently brushing her hair from her face. "You don't have to apologise for leaving by the way. Fully justified."

"You're not angry?"

"If I was, it was with myself. By now I'm just… I'm just glad you're back in one piece. Or mainly." He added with a gesture to her side.

She smirked and nodded before another wince. "I could have got him in the mall, I could have. But I didn't. Midoryia asked me to stay. He was… Well he was really shaken up."

"I'll bet."

He handed her the tea and grabbed his own; for a few moments they simply sat and sipped in the quiet. But the question kept pulling on his tongue. He had to ask, regardless of how much it scared him.

He set his mug down, loosening his hold on her, just in case. "Alex… Are you coming back?"

"I still can?"

He raised a brow, but her worry was real. No sass. No smirk. Just complete uncertainty. The nonchalance had melted as she drank her tea. All that remained was an unsure, shivering child. Even when he first met her, first took her in, she hadn't looked that lost. Or she had been better at concealing it.

He set her mug onto the table before scooping her into his arms, blanket and all. "Of course you can come back, this is your home as long as you want it, kid. And I'm so fucking glad you do still want it."

She laughed through a sob. "I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too."

"I'm so sorry Dad." She mumbled, gripping his jumper.

He held her close, heart set to burst with gratitude. The fates had been kind to him a second time. He got a second chance. He hoped he wasn't about to wake up.

He pressed his lips to her hair. "How's that side feeling? You looked in pain before."

"Stupid stitches… It'll be just bruising. Another day, another scar, right?"

"Another survival." He smirked and she grinned.

For a moment, he dared to hope.


Thanks so much for reading, hope you enjoyed! Thanks to everyone who has faved, followed and reviewed! You guys are awesome, and I love being able to respond to readers! Shoutouts below as always! It's so great having a connection to readers! Especially when they spot my mistakes, THANK YOU!

See you soon with a new update ^-^ as I start to catch up with myself, I may need to slow down the updates to the bi-weekly status they were meant to be originally, but I shall, as always, keep you folks posted on what's happening! See ya!

SHOUTOUTS:

Proguest: I'm glad you're liking the Alex and Todoroki interactions, I am having so much fun writing them. Todoroki is a lot of fun to write in general tbh, he's so reserved I have to look for those tiny details to make emotion clear haha, as I want him to be as in-keeping with his character as possible of course ^-^ thanks for reviewing! Hope you continue to enjoy!

Zikashigaku: I'm so so glad that Alex and Shouta's relationship works for you! The Father daughter dynamic is so fun to work with! I hope you enjoyed how it developed with the Shigaraki situation ^-^ and yes, Alex is very very stubborn haha. Silly gal. Haha which Attack on Titan story did you try out? Thanks for coming back for more punishment lol! But I will say, its a different fandom, with a different tone, BUT I make no promises for how this ends :P but I do promise that there is PLENTY still to come! Thanks so so much for reviewing, made my day!