Here we go! More lead up to license exams and such! Hope you enjoy!


Ultimate moves?

For some quirks, this makes sense, for others, not so much. I look around my class. Midoryia's could be immense, the sheer strength he could wield is hard to grasp. Ura could float huge weights, maybe whole buildings? Who knows. Kirishima could become a walking statue; immovable, a total defence beast. Mina… oh Mina, my Alien Queen. Bakugo no doubt has something in mind already. Sho will no doubt end up with something incredible, a combination of both sides working together. He glances my way and I can't help the smile, he returns it for a mere instant before looking ahead again, listening to Nem. Ever the focused student. I need to talk to him. But I also need to focus on what the hell Nem is saying–she's already frowning at me. I sit straighter and listen to Ectoplasm. Okay, I can focus. Yes, ultimate moves, super important. I can't deny I'm really tempted to ask Dad what the hell his ultimate move is, other than trying to adopt yet another cat. But I hold my tongue.

What the fuck is my ultimate move gonna be? Hold things really still?

Okay no, sarcasm aside I have utilised my power far better than that. But still… I stare at my hands, wondering if my body can even handle this kind of workout right now. I'm sure the teachers thought of this though, I'll trust Recovery Girl has been referred to. If she hasn't, the teachers would get one hell of a scolding.

We head to gym "gamma" to start testing powers and I sit at the edge of the arena whilst explanations continue–I can stand well enough for long periods, or else I wouldn't be training at all, but there's no point straining myself. I can sit, so I will sit. Oh god… am I becoming a cat?

I slump against the wall and try to focus. Ultimate moves. Right. Fuck. I have no idea. Bakugo's will be intense, that much is obvious. He's moved to a secluded part of the arena, blasting away and trying different approaches. Stubborn yes, but not against going outside the box either. I guess Iida's might already be in place–oh they just said that. All he has to do is work on the side-effects. Sho… Imagining him using his ice and fire together, like in the Sports Festival, it's an amazing idea. No matter what, it'll be incredibly impressive. I mean, it's him. Duh. Everyone finds their own spot to work.

I smirk and try to focus on me instead. My Shield? Holding back natural disasters for entire crowds? Maybe. I guess my power surge is powerful, from what I've been told, but thus far I've had zero control. I don't even remember them happening. Shit, I need something. This is likely going to really help or hinder when it comes to the license exam. Think you idiot. Think!

"You feeling alright?" Dad crouches in front of me, pushing my hair from my eyes."Not in pain?"

"Nah, I just didn't wanna strain my back by standing for the explanation."

"And now that you should be practising?"

I bite my lip. "I started thinking myself into a corner." He sits next to me and nudges me with his shoulder to continue. "The heck am I gonna do for an ultimate move? I mean… I thought of my shield but that's hardly a showy thing, is it? Then I thought of my power surge, but so far I've got zero clue how to even activate it. Let alone control it."

He puts his head against the wall, thinking.

I watch my friends being brilliant, Ectoplasm helping each of them, and feel doubt pool in my stomach. What if I don't have an ultimate move? Does that stop me from being a hero?

Dad hums. "Would seeing the footage from the USJ help? I know you've basically avoided looking at it thus far."

I stare at a small piece of rubble that rolled over to us, likely blown off the obstacles by Bakugo or maybe Kirishima. After about thirty seconds my heart calms–echoes of the USJ dimming. I could probably stand to watch the footage now. Before, it turned my stomach to think of seeing Dad in that state again. With the Nomu looming over him, his blood scattered across the arena...

I purse my lips. My stomach churns. "Can you uh… Can you see–"

"I'm not in the footage, Alex. I wouldn't suggest it if I was." He leans against me slightly and gestures to the training area. "We could come back here later when the place is empty, to try the surge?"

"You don't think the shield is a good idea?"

"I think you seem more keen on the surge for showmanship." He shrugs, no judgement, just observation. "We can come by later, see what the exact parameters are. Test a few different things."

"Yeah… with no one else around to risk hurting. Sounds good..." And if that doesn't work, I guess the shield is a fall back. If I can even hold it further than a couple metres. It hasn't worked so far, my bubble being the most reliable form.

"C'mon, something else is bothering you." He has nothing but patience in his eyes and for once, I don't feel surprise in the back of my mind. "Spill."

"If I don't figure this out before the license exams… Do I automatically fail?"

He blinks and takes a second. "Why… Alex, of course it doesn't. Not everyone has an ultimate move, but they do come in handy."

I feel so stupid. "Oh."

"You really were getting yourself in a knot, huh?"

"I guess so." I snort and blush at his smirk. I shove his arm. "All right, I was being stupid. But uhm, back to the surge thing... How am I gonna trigger it?"

"Well, we can't rely on you being overwhelmed every time. Relying on emotion for quirks rarely works. Later, we'll do some exercises, test a couple things. We'll figure it out together." He cracks his neck and sighs. "This class is one of the more capable ones I've ever taught… except Mineta. But you're still one of the big hitters. Don't go downplaying yourself because you're having to tread lightly for the time being."

I smile and nod. Some of my class have a grasp on things already. I guess they were probably planning these moves since they were kids. I never really thought about an ultimate move, I never thought I'd have the opportunity to even be a Hero–it was a silly pipedream until Dad.

"Still plenty to learn." I hum.

"Kinda what school's about, kid."

"Suppose so." I smile and lean my head against his shoulder. "I managed a 3km jog at physio by the way. Not very fast but still, the endurance is coming along great." I'm glad to see him relieved. The longer distances had him worried about setbacks, so being able to present good news feels great. Occasionally my back twinges, and I have to sit to avoid it giving way, or a cheeky use of my power, but I'm getting there. The damage might be permanent, but I'll take a dicey back over being paralysed. Not everyone got that chance. I'll always be grateful for Recovery Girl, and my luck.

Every chance I've ever had is because of Dad. Because of his belief in me when I was just a rat in an alley. Someone he could have simply walked past and ignored.

Maybe this is a good time to ask him that question...

My birthday is coming up and as usual he's asked for some ideas to point him in the right direction for presents. Normally he aces presents, but the list keeps him calm. Not that the bar has ever been set high, the first year he asked me I just laughed and told him to stop playing games. Took me forever to take him seriously, I thought it was a joke. I'd never had presents, at least not ones I remembered.

Ok stop thinking, start asking. "Hey Dad, um… I was wondering something."

"Shoot." He's flicking through paperwork, pen balanced between his lips.

"Well, I'm gonna be sixteen soon… and I wondered–"

"You giving me a birthday list already?" He snorts and then blinks at my expression. I guess I'm more nervous about this than I thought. He sits up straight. "Sorry, go on."

"It's fine, I'm being awkward." I cover my face and laugh. My face is bright pink.

"Alex spit it out, this old man's getting worried."

"Would you consider maybe… I mean, you totally don't have to, no pressure but… Would you adopt me?" I peer between my fingers, not really sure why I thought a public space was a good place to ask this. If it's a no, I can try launching myself out the door from here I guess. Or a window. A window is always an option.

He stares. He blinks.

I'm about to pour the back-peddle out when he beams.

"I thought on your birthday I was meant to give you a present?" I don't miss the shine to his eye. He clears his throat and shakes his head. "You never cease to pull the rug out from under me, kid."

"Is that a…?"

"Yes, you idiot." He stares off for a moment. "I have to cling to whatever persona I've retained with the class, but I'll hug you later."

"G-Great." I bite my lip and hide behind my knees. Yes. He said yes. I'm gonna officially be a part of his family. I'm shaking like a goddamn leaf.

Alex Aizawa.

Sounds like something out of a comic book.

For the rest of the session I take notes on the others' approaches, and help Midoryia with some brainstorming over his potential ultimate move. I think he likes talking with someone who has a bit more context on what he's working with. An ultimate move with a quirk he only got a short time ago–my own struggle kinda pales in that perspective. Then I chat to Ura and Tsu, both of them giddy about their plans. Mina is cackling. I think she's pretty pleased with her progress–Ectoplasm's coat is ruined.

After training I take some time off–my friends continue to train elsewhere, but as I'm expected to be on a partial timetable once class starts again anyway, I'll take it easy. Recovery takes time. I keep the mantra going in my head, trying to cool the impatience.

At least it's nice weather. I wander back towards the dorms, enjoying the warmth as I scuff the path with my sneakers before sitting at a bench. I'd head to the library soon, get some extra theory work done, but for now some vitamin D would do me good. I close my eyes and stretch, wincing when my injury objects, muscles still intent on holding me back. Stupid things.

Someone clears their throat. "Are you Alex from class 1A? Eraserhead's kid?"

I peek, surprised to not see a camera in my face. A woman stands holding her handbag, spiky blonde hair shifting in the slight breeze. She seems familiar, but I'm not sure why.

I sit up. "Yeah, um… And you are?"

She jolts and sits next to me, holding a hand out to shake. "Sorry, I'm Katsuki's mother."

I shake her hand, it only takes a couple seconds for the penny to drop. Katsuki Bakugo. Duh.

I smile. "Lovely to meet you."

"I'm sure you've only heard bad things, the brat likes to pretend he has it tough with a mother like me." She smirks and I get the feeling we're going to get on well.

I shrug. "I doubt you've heard much good of me eith–"

"Pah!" She sits back. "At one point I expected him to bring you home as his girlfriend!" She laughs and I join in, shaking my head. "Powerful, sassy, kept putting him in his place. Sounded perfect. Doesn't hurt that you're a looker."

I blush at her wink. This is so surreal.

She laughs again. "Apologies, I don't mean to tease. But I am glad to finally meet you."

I pick at the sleeve of my hoody. "Why?"

"I kinda owe you a big-ass debt."

"Uh…"

"My brat had one hell of a good companion during the recent League nonsense. From what little I've dragged out of him, seems like you looked after each other."

I smile, looking at my lap instead of her admiration. It's the last thing I deserve. I kept Bakugo company, that's about it. For the first day or so I was trapped in visions, likely yelling names and pleading with figments of my imagination. Then I got scooped up by All for One's weird teleportation ooze… yeah I dunno that I was any help to Bakugo at all.

She sighs, bringing me back to the present. "He's been so strange since it happened. Sometimes so normal, but others… So so quiet. Have you noticed this?"

"Uh well… Kind of?"

The quiet moments, the "I totally don't remember seeing that" moments where he shed a couple tears or shivered in my hospital room, the few seconds in the dorms his gaze shifts when memories get in the way. I've seen them. I can practically hear the echoes running through his mind; Shigaraki's wiry voice, Dabi's snorted laughter, the heat of battle, the yelling of Kamino ward and explosions as All Might and All for One clashed. We've shared a nod or two when they strike, but that's about it. After our initial heart-to-heart in my hospital room, he's generally kept it light. For my benefit or not, I'm not sure.

I sigh. "I think he's just dealing with things as best he can. He's been to the counselors right?"

She nods. Her hands keep clasping and unclasping. Words brim her tongue, and clearly she needs to say something. I'd like to help, but I have no idea how. For all my toughness, I'm still just a kid, same age as her son, having gone through the same shit.

Finally her face falls, bottom lip nearly wobbling before she bites it hard. "I don't mean to bother you, sorry."

"It's fine. Bother me all you like if you think I can help." I lean forward on my knees to let the sun wash against my back. The warmth is nice.

She simpers. "He said you were kind."

"I highly doubt that was his wording."

She chuckles. "Mm, no closer to 'fuckin' sappy kind shit weirdo', but the translation is clear. You're a kind girl. I'm glad to find it for myself as well."

"A bit of kindness is the least I can do." I shrug, wincing when she suddenly glares–yeah, that's Bakugo's mum all right.

"What is it with you kids and the need to feel baseless guilt?"

That question is rhetorical, and it tells me more than intended. Bakugo is still wrestling with guilt. Shit. I guess I hadn't seen him anywhere near All Might since things happened either, but I just hoped I hadn't been around enough. Was he dodging All Might too? I don't think I'm meant to know that. Seems like I should leave, I'm only going to make her angrier, because I'm not going to pretend my own guilt isn't there bubbling under the surface. Being false helps no one.

I clasp my hands. "I'm sorry I upset you Mrs Bakugo, it wasn't my intention. I um… Have you seen your son, or were you looking?"

Her glare fades. "No I… Shit." She runs a hand through her hair. "Sorry kid."

"S'fine."

"No, it's not. You can see where my damn son gets his shitty temper from. Sorry, that wasn't right of me. I'm just a frustrated parent, trying to understand."

"I guess that's what we're trying to do as well." I pick at my sleeve again when she looks confused. "Not many of our classmates can understand, not many teachers either as they will have usually met their first big fight after qualifying. We… Me and Bakugo have… Well we landed in the shit early. And we're just trying to not fall back on our asses now that we've got back up and scraped it off."

She smiles. "He said you were blunt."

"Can't call him a liar." I chuckle.

She gets up. "Well… If you figure any of this out, can you help him? I think it's safe to say I'm failing in that department."

"You're not failing." I shake my head. "The fact you're still trying will help, even if the shithead himself won't admit it."

She snorts. "I guess so."

"If he'll let me, I'll try and help of course." I pause and then smirk. "Even then, I'll make him listen."

She grins. "Glad to hear it. Thank you, you've given me reason to hope."

I hold out my hand again and we shake. "Kinda part of the deal with being a hero, I guess. You're welcome. I hope I don't let you down."

"I doubt you could."

Don't go making it sound like a challenge...


After the rest of the students, including those from 1B, had finished for the day, I linger in the training area. Dad went to sort out some permissions for us, whilst I wait. Sho offered to wait with me, but I know he wants to visit his Mum–he's sweet, but his time with his Mum is precious. His ice would be helpful of course, but I can take painkillers occasionally. Along with that, I'm still not sure what to do about our closeness. I like it. I want it. In fact I want it to go further, I know I want that, it flutters in my stomach whenever he's near. But then, as my mind reaches to clasp his hand, all I see is a target. The risk I pose to him by proxy.

I sit in the middle of the big area, still littered by Cementos' structures, and focus on the present. One thing at a time, Alex. You might be just reading into shit anyway, who knows. People randomly linked fingers all the time and made excuses to be near people… right? No. No you giant idiot, I don't think they do. I'm making excuses. I'm being a damn coward. He wants to be as close to me as I want to be to him, and frankly I need to find a goddamn spine and talk to him about it. Right? Heh. I can feel my heart trying to crawl out my throat. This is pathetic.

I lay back. Okay focus. Training. Ultimate moves, tapping into a weird surge thing that I can do but not remember. Fine. Easy peasy shitting squeezy. I sit up with a groan and look around; this place is secure. I won't hurt anyone in here. Except maybe me. Can I do this? Can I control the surges? Making them more than a mistake would be amazing. To not lose consciousness would be great too. One step at a time.

The door closes.

I get up and spin round to grin at Dad, but instead I'm grinning at familiar purple hair and tired eyes. Oh shit.

Hitoshi stalls. I don't think he expected me either.

He frowns and looks around the arena, seeing that I am entirely alone. I'm still silent, because I'm a moron who is tongue-tied.

He blushes and looks to the side, holding up his hands as though in surrender. "Uh, shit. Sorry. I didn't know you'd be here alone. Mr Aizawa said–"

"I-It's fine." I brush myself down, this meeting was well overdue anyway. I go over and hold my hand out. He stares at my hand. I keep it there. "I've dragged my feet on making this apology anyway."

His brows slowly raise. "Uh… what?"

I keep my hand there until he finally takes it and I shake hard. "I'm really sorry for everything that went down. And I know I should have found you a lot sooner, Hitoshi. Or uh… what would you prefer to be called?"

"Shinsou's fine." He drops my hand and clenches his into a fist, still frowning. "I still don't get what you're apologising for though."

"I left you with likely a big chunk of guilt for no reason." I shrug and he blinks, he can't deny it, but I guess he somehow doesn't see that as my responsibility. "That day with the questions… You were trying to help. And in the long run you likely did. I reacted badly and that isn't on you, or your awesome power."

"I… But that day, you looked so… and I uh…"

"I'm fine. Seriously." I scratch the back of my head. "Can you accept my apology?"

"Easily. Can you accept mine? I'm sorry for my part, even if you don't think it was bad."

"Apology not needed, but accepted all the same." I wink and then look around the arena. "You training as well? Dad didn't mention it but–"

"Mr Aizawa didn't say? Aw fuck." Shinsou puts a hand over his face. "He told me he discussed it with you."

"I didn't?" Dad drawls from the doorway, fresh coffee in hand and a confused expression in place. I shake my head. He goes wide eyed for a half second and then sighs. "Shit. Sorry, I genuinely thought I had."

"Dreaming it and doing it are different Dad, we have had this conversation before." I laugh and he chuckles with me. Shinsou almost joins in, but his nerves keep it as more of a nervous titter than actual laughter. I can only imagine how awkward he feels. I tilt my head. "So what was it that my Dad failed to discuss with me?"

Shinsou clears his throat. "He thought my power might come in useful for triggering a surge if you uh… if you can't tap into it yourself." He purses his lips as sweat dews on his brow. God dammit Dad, the poor kid had only just got an apology from me for the last incident.

Dad sets his coffee down and approaches. "Apologies, I really did think I'd mentioned it. How do you feel about that, Alex?"

I smirk. "How did I react in the dream?"

He rolls his eyes. "You called me an idiot for worrying and agreed as long as I got you sushi afterwards."

"Sounds about right. With extra tuna." I wink and then pat Shinsou's shoulder. "Sorry about the mix up."

"It's fine." He nods. "Glad you're not put off working with me."

"Ha, more like working with you gives me a chance to figure out how to beat you."

He narrows his eyes and we both slowly grin. He snorts. "All right, sounds fair."

I clap my hands. "Great! So I'll try and get it going myself, and then what? You order me to surge?"

"Something like that, yeah."

"All right, though are you okay with this Shinsou?"

"What uh…" he looked to Dad and then back to me. "What do you mean? I can do it."

"I know you can but don't feel you have to."

He blinks. "Oh. Uh yeah, it's fine. Happy to help. Seems like the least I can do."

I want to push further, to try and make it clear to the guy that I hold no grudge against him. He doesn't owe me anything, but I think time is gonna be the best defense here.

I head into the middle of the arena, rolling my neck and shoulders. I can do this. If I can get it to trigger without the need for Shinsou's power, even better. Then no guilt needs to be involved. I clench my hands and try to think back to when the surges took place; in the USJ and… well I guess that was probably the only one I was fully conscious for. I had endured others, but all during times of being knocked out by injuries. Guess that was something I should try and avoid as well. Dad wouldn't always be there to stop my bullshit or–

"Get out your head." Dad barks from the sidelines before taking a sip of coffee.

Right.

In a battle I won't have time to stand around and zen out. I have to be able to click it on like my normal power. I take a deep breath and reach deep. The weight on my spine returns and my body tingles. Normal. All right, but I'm not looking for normal, I'm looking for a surge. A big area around me for impact. Come on. I concentrate, I try, I soon have blood running down my upper lip and my back pangs in pain. I put a hand there before I can stop myself and I gasp. Bugger. My eyes flicker open.

Dad's on his feet and holding a hand up. "Okay, stop."

"But–"

"Let's discuss what you were trying. Then we'll see if Hitoshi can activate it for you via his quirk."

I head over and sit with them. I explain what I attempted and Dad makes notes, he's as patient as ever and Shinsou just occasionally glances at the paper. Dad taps the pen against his lip, getting lost in theories.

To kill time, I tap Shinsou's knee. "You been thinking about an ultimate move?"

"Yeah, I heard it was being done by the hero course, so I started looking into it. If I can, I'm aiming for a blanket control. Like an AOE."

"Wow, that could be so powerful." I grin. He's such an industrious guy. I hope he can get into the hero course soon, it would be all the better for having him taking part. I'd love to compete against him day-to-day.

Shinsou nods. "Yeah, that's the idea. The main thing is trying to apply it to multiple minds, some of whom might not have spoken. It's tricky so far… but Mr Aizawa's been helping me a lot."

I glance at Dad as he scribbles something else down.

I smile. "He does that."

Dad stands. "All right, go to the centre of the room again, Alex."

I do as told, checking and confirming the pain had stopped in my back. Shinsou takes a couple steps forward, ready to try whatever it is that Dad just whispered into his ear.

Shinsou shifts nervously and clears his throat. "Ready?"

"Yea–" My body is no longer my own.

The return of this situation immediately has me trembling from head to toe, my heart thundering in my ears. But it's fine. This was part of the plan, I had agreed to this. The shivering lessens, panic ebbs.

Shinsou speaks. "Use your power, but relinquish control. Aim for as large an area as you can, or at least think of it. Keep the arena in mind." He adds as that would rather counteract the idea of losing control.

My mind fizzes and my body thrums with the power as it activates. I concentrate on the feeling. If I can recall it, I might be able to use this on my own. It's good. My eyes roll back as my body lifts into the air, I think my hair's standing on end and my limbs are limp. I must look possessed. The power pulses with my heart, spreading and seeming to fill my body like light. I imagine the training area, the whole thing. I keep that picture in my mind as I draw a deep breath and sigh, the power surging out–releasing every single inch of tension in my body.

I land in a heap on the ground. Ow.

A couple seconds pass before control returns to my body and I hear them rushing over. I blink. The ceiling is above me and a pain throbs in my lower back. Ow, again. No warmth runs along my upper lip though, so that was an improvement. I try and sit up, but my bones might as well be made of jelly. I barely twitch.

"Alex, you awake?" Dad appears, kneeling by me, leaning into my field of view. He winces when looking into my eyes. "She's out of it."

"S'fin." I burble, swallowing and chuckling at my slurred voice. "Jus-gim a sec…"

Shinsou bites his lip. "It's like that Kaminari guy, right?"

"Sort of, except she looks high as a kite, not braindead." Dad waves a hand in front of my face and my eyes roll back. Rainbows trailed behind his hand and it was hard to watch. "Alex? C'mon, I need you to focus or I'm gonna have to call in Recovery Girl again. And you know that means another lecture."

"I said… gimme a second." I groan, taking a deep breath. The pins and needles calmed in my arms and legs.

The fuzzy sensation dims in my mind. Bit by bit, breath by breath I come back to myself. Ah. Oh bugger. Then comes the nausea. Oh goody. I roll away from them both and brace against the dirt to vomit.

"Fuck. Sorry." I retch a couple more times, but I'm just bringing up bile.

Dad runs his hand up and down my back and hands me some water once I've managed to move away from the revolting pile. He helps me back to the side, Shinsou lingering by my other arm in case.

I sit heavily and take a few more sips. "Well that's a shitty side-effect."

Dad is already taking notes. "Not unexpected though, there's no telling the kind of pressure that builds in your body."

"Mm… Excuses sound great." I sip, ignoring his nudge to my shoulder. "So did I even do anything? Or did I just sound drunk and puke?"

Shinsou snorts. "Uh… yeah, you did more than that."

I finally manage to hold my head up and gape at the arena. The working area is entirely flattened, the small obstacles left in place all smooshed to the walls of the building, and nothing but dust remains. Well, other than a small pile of vomit now. I'd obliterated the whole area. A long crack runs along each wall. I could have brought the building down.

I hiccup. "Well… Shit."

Dad laughs softly. "Indeed. If you can tap into that by yourself, you'll be well on your way to an ultimate move, even more so once you can aim it. Imagine that going against a rogue vehicle or something." He's scribbling away, and I can't tell if he's more excited as my Dad or my mentor. Perhaps a little bit of both.

"Yeah… Thanks. Both of you." I smile, leaning back and staring at one of the cracks in the wall. I did that. My power did that. Shit… maybe I can do this?


SHOUTA POV

To say Alex was doing well with her quirk was an understatement. Shouta could barely contain how proud he felt of her, surmounting every damn challenge with barely a pause. Since they started Ultimate move training a couple days ago, she had gone from strength to strength and could very nearly summon her surge alone. Nearly. Plenty still to do, but she'd do it all.

He leaned on the railing of his balcony, enjoying the last few lights of the day, beer in hand and for once mind at peace. The adoption papers would take some time, but there was no need to worry any longer. She asked. She wanted his name. He smiled and hung his head, hair falling in front of his face, framing the bottle. He planned on asking her on his birthday, for it to be his gift from her. Great minds think alike. He chuckled. Nemuri and Hizashi had both laughed their heads off, both in joy, and at the nerves he had felt when he told them his hopes for his own birthday. They loved being able to say 'I told you so'.

For so long. Since those thugs attacked and caught her in the crossfire, he worried she was simply stuck with him. Of course she loved him, just like he loved her. But he'd never known how much she wanted to stay his family once grown, once trained for the world. But on the brink of sixteen, the brink of her hero career, she wanted his name. Alex Aizawa. He sipped his beer, nodding up to the sky, thanking whatever had given him some luck. The clouds skimmed past and a smile pulled on Shouta's lips–his friend always said he had a way with kids.

Alex was doing well, she was even building new bridges. Her and Hitoshi would do well as a team, Shouta was glad his own mistakes hadn't got in the way of that. From strength to strength she soared, taking any obstacle in stride. The optimism made him pause. He took a long sip of beer and calmed his mind. Things were going well, but there was no need to get ahead of himself. She survived. Thus far. But clearly the villains weren't finished. Something else would be coming.

"Bastards."

Alex said they took her blood, and lots of it. She also said the vision guy seemed to be practising on her, specifically her, like trying to know the way into her mind would pay off later. Like learning a puzzle.

All for One was in prison, but how far did the plans stretch without him? Was prison part of the plan? Or was paranoia starting to take hold of Eraser in his later years? Shouta smirked. Hopefully. If it was just paranoia, he would eventually be proven wrong. Sometimes, that was best.

On the lawns outside he spotted the girls gathering with tea, sitting on the grass to enjoy the last few rays of the sunshine for the day. Ashido laughed loudly about something, nearly spilling her tea until Alex held it upright with her quirk, facepalming as everyone fell into more bouts of laughter. Friendships blossomed where he feared they might have struggled. It wasn't that Alex wasn't easy to get along with, but he had worried her walls to keep people out. Maybe she intended that, but like Todoroki and likely Hitoshi once he was finally brought into things–the paperwork was driving Shouta insane–the rest of the group had ignored the walls and barrelled onwards regardless.

The exam loomed. He knew she would ace it, she was a damn good student in theory and practical, the only doubts were over her physical recovery's progress. Recovery Girl was keeping a close eye, and thus far seemed happy to allow her to participate. But special measures would be in place, monitors assigned specifically to minding students, Alex included. It was a measure to try and aid the ongoing issue of public image–hardly the top of Shouta's concern list–but also to help those that had endured recent traumas. Whilst Alex was perhaps the most potent example, with Bakugo next in line, the whole class and class B as well had endured Villain attacks. That couldn't be ignored. It wouldn't give them free passes or anything, but it would be kept in mind for how they tackled the test.

How would Alex deal with it? By gritting her teeth and getting on with it–but really that was part of the problem. She still swept things under the carpet. Not due to thinking of herself as a burden–at least he liked to think that was less prevalent now–but because she didn't want to be left behind. He hoped the exam went well, both for her confidence and her grade. Confidence wise he was worried most. Doubts had started to creep in. After her surge blasted the arena on their first day trying her ultimate move, she had immediately assumed nothing happened beyond her own nausea. Immediately. Not even a glance around first to see how she had done. It likely didn't mean much, but a small sign like that meant a lot to him those days. Not to mention the ongoing nightmares. He knew they were persisting, the days she had shadows under her eyes were the hardest not to pry.

His beer bottle lifted from his hand and floated in front of his nose.

"You okay old man?" Alex yelled from the lawn, the other girls giggling and covering their mouths as they tried and failed to avoid their teacher seeing their amusement. He rolled his eyes and held his hand out for the bottle.

"Just fine thank you, leave an old man in peace, noisy brat."

"Fine, geez."

The beer landed back in his hand, a tug occurring on his hair before she returned to talking with her friends. His daughter. Alex Aizawa.

He hummed and headed inside, closing the balcony door and setting himself up for getting grading done on the coffee table. It had been a weird day for everyone. Most notably due to the almost accident with All Might.

The new fragility to Toshinori's situation was hard to ignore. Bakugo had dislodged some concrete in the arena, and it had been on its way to toppling into his withered frame. Many had moved, intending to help, but it had been Midoryia to make the saving blow. It had been a surreal moment. The rest of the class topped and stared, but Alex stood from her rest and gave a huge whoop for her friend's accomplishment, ran over and refused to let him brush off the praise, making him accept every moment of it as the rest of the class gathered to give their approval. As a class, they were so strong.

He smiled and finished off the bottle.

Alex would do great, and if she stumbled, Shouta would be there to catch her, set her back on her feet and watch her try again. At least her stubbornness had a couple perks.


ALEX POV

I wake from yet another nightmare, hand clamped over my mouth to muffle the noise. It's 2am. The image of All for One looming, laughing and bragging, ripping my power out of me cell by cell, fades. Fuck. It's the third time I've woken tonight. Time to give up. My mind's wired and my body aches all over from all the shivering. It just keeps replaying; All for One stands over me, the dimly lit room's darkness deepens with every step he takes closer. His mask shines against the light from the monitor. He reaches. My shield fails. He starts ripping my power from my body, like he's unpicking a tapestry. Stitch by stitch. Repeat. Repeat. I'm starting to wonder if it's ever going to fade.

I sit up and scrape my hair back. No. There's no way I'm getting back to sleep. I can still hear All For One cackling in my ear. So close. Dammit. Again I put a hand over my mouth, though this time it's because my stomach is churning. This is pointless. There's no need to panic right now. I'm safe. I'm in the dorms, well protected. Initially I think to head for Dad's room, to knock on his door feebly, not say a word when he opens it in a huff and just hug him. He'd ask no questions, he'd close the door and let me stay there to sleep. But he's working so hard lately. He needs a full night's rest. If I'm still shaking after some tea, I'll go see him. For now, I can just try and calm myself.

I pull on a long jumper that skims past my pajama shorts, and head for the kitchen. I won't disturb anyone down there. I might even be able to breathe. There's still two days until the exam, I need to get my head on straight. Or at least half attached.

The street lights from the main path peek through the big windows in the kitchen downstairs, all facing into the gardens. I think it might be raining. The kettle starts to warm, and I put a camomile tea-bag in my favourite mug. My hands continue to shake. Guess they would for the rest of the night. Darkness always makes the fear harder to deal with, like the shadows are just waiting to turn into some new horrible memory.

As I wait for the water to boil, I put my head against the pane glass door. It's cold. I was right, outside the rain pours, rippling against the patio. So normal. So mundane. Life continues despite the noise in my head. It feels strange to look back on today, on that surreal moment All Might was in danger and everyone thought they were about to see him wiped out by a simple accident. In the end, Midoryia saved the day and was amazing. But for those few seconds, the new situation sunk deep into them all. For all intent and purpose, All Might, Toshinori, is a civilian now. He's vulnerable. My back aches just thinking about that; someone so iconically strong could be made so small. So what does that make me? I need to work on my endurance. That's what's holding my ultimate move back. I guess it's what's holding me back in general.

A reflection of red and white hair catches my eye.

I smile. "Don't suppose you were already awake?"

"Was woken by a lack of a text message, actually."

I chuckle and shake my head, going back to the counter.

Sho approaches. "Fancy some company?"

"Wouldn't mind."

As he approaches, the chill leaves the room–though I do mean literally, he's come a long way with controlling that side of his body. Soon enough he's close enough to touch, his presence right there, gently warming me. Always so comforting. The kettle whines and he takes it off the heat, pouring the water into my mug, and then making a cup for himself as well. Seems like I'd have company for a while. I'm both grateful and nervous. The more alone time I have with Sho now, the more I'm aware of how my body angles towards him, how I want to stand closer. I want to touch him, even if only his arm or grazing my hand against his. Something. Please. And yet, I know it's dangerous. Then again, if he does actually like me, it isn't only my decision. I should say something.

He hands me my mug. "Probably a foolish question, but how're you feeling?"

"Like I'm on a loop."

He waits.

I continue. "I just keep seeing the same shit."

"It's not been very long. It's going to take time to–"

"To accept I got kidnapped, nearly died and was completely useless?" I sigh as he stares into his tea. My voice didn't raise above our hushed conversation, but the snap was clean. I clench my jaw. "Sorry, I'm being an ass."

"You're in pain, it's fine."

"You've been nothing but kind to me, the last thing I should be doing is lashing out at you." I blow on my tea and stand closer to him at the counter.

Automatically I'm right beside him, arm touching his. I sip again and set my mug down. As our hands hang by our sides, again his fingers brush mine. I should run, I should tell him to stay far away. And yet? I link our fingers faster this time, and as his hand takes mine, I can't bear to let go. I'm shaking.

I whisper. "I was so scared."

"You didn't show it. Not for a second." I don't think I'm imagining how impressed he sounds. His warm thumb runs along my skin. "But the cameras aren't here now, neither are the villains. You can show it now if you need to."

It only takes the tiniest tug of encouragement and all my resolve is gone. I can show it now. He said so himself. I turn and hold on tight, arms around his shoulders and head against the crook of his neck–I'm about a head shorter than him now, aren't I? Guess I hadn't noticed. I'm a shivering wreck as his strong hands hold me tight. No words are needed. He holds me steady and lets me fall apart. I have no idea how long we stand there, but all the while he just strokes my back and gently sways.

The nightmares, the media following me, the training, the exams, the threat of whatever Shigaraki is doing now, lurking in the shadows. Fear. Uncertainty. Weakness. They saturate my days like rain into a blocked drain. Yet right now I can smell Sho's shampoo and feel his warmth through his thin pajama top. A little peace is found.

Eventually I can breathe again. I put my head to his chest and loosen my arms, hands still hooked on his shoulders in case my back gives way.

I sniff. "Why're you so kind to me, Sho?"

"You deserve kindness. You deserve a lot of things." He hums and his lips press to my hair.

I lean into the contact on sheer instinct. He grows still. So do I. What were we doing? On one hand I'm flabbergasted. On the other, my heart aches like it's relieved, like it's wanted this for a long time. I look up as he looks down.

My grip on his shoulders tightens slightly, and he leans down. Our noses are just touching, eyes scanning each other for the reaction. His eyes shine in the dim light from outside, the street lamp making the blue eye almost glow. His pupils grow larger as his hold on my back tightens. He brushes his nose against mine.

I bite my lip. "Sho, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"In the coffee shop, you said you liked me..."

He nods, hands pulling me a shade closer.

I keep going. "Did you mean only as a friend, like I assumed? Or did you mean... more?"

"The latter."

"I see." I smile as our noses touch again. "Guess I kinda fucked it up, didn't I?"

"Not at all." He smirks. "I was vague and awkward… Like always. And let's face it, the timing was terrible." He rolls his eyes. Then he focuses back on me and swallows hard. "Why're you asking now?"

"Just had a lot of time to think lately." My fingers start threading through his hair. It's just as soft as I imagined. "You said I deserve a lot of things."

"Mm."

"So, d-do I deserve you?"

He nods. "Of course. Though I can't say for certain that I deserve you back..."

I simper. "Sounds like you're about to say 'but'."

His eyes crease at the sides, a real smile gracing his handsome face. "But, I think you'd probably tell me off for such thoughts."

"Damn right." I laugh, his own drifting over my lips. My fingers trace patterns against the back of his neck. I don't think I imagine him shuddering. "Gotta ask though, why wouldn't you deserve this mess of a person?"

He raises a brow. "Because this mess is resilient and talented. She's also a stubborn mule who has no time for people's nonsense, especially mine." He drew a deep breath. His hands pull me till I'm pressed against his body completely. He's so warm. His lips purse before the breath is released in a sigh. "Truth is, I've adored you for a while now, Alex."

I think my face must be glowing pink by this point. "Kinda realising that… Yeah."

He laughs breathlessly and puts his head against my shoulder. "I was so scared you'd find it creepy."

"I'm gonna need a better word than 'idiot'."

We laugh softly together. I want to just stop talking and kiss him. I want to see where this might lead. But that fear prickles the back of my mind. My hands slip down to his chest, and he leans back a little, watching me intently.

"Sho, remember what I told you about Shigaraki's threats? That he… He intended to use anyone near me to– "

"But you can't let him win, right?"

My eyes feel warm. Dammit I want to just agree, I want to tug Sho close and kiss away the need for words. I wanna feel alive again instead of like I'm just waiting for the next attack. For my chances to run out. But the threat's right there, hanging on my heart like manacles.

"If you got hurt because of me…"

"I can look after myself. Just like you can look after yourself." He tilts his head. "Would be nice to occasionally have someone there to help though, right?"

I nod, my hands gripping his t-shirt. "There's… There's one other thing."

"Another threat?" He searches my face, concern clouding the moment. Trust him to assume it's me in danger.

"N-No. Not… Not really. I don't even know if it's true." I have no idea how to put this. 'Hey an old pal of mine from the streets claims to be a long lost brother of yours, and I'm terrified that he might one day wanna hurt you simply to hurt Endeavour'. It's my fear. I know it is. Dabi's view on the world has only grown more warped and dark in the years since I knew him, I wouldn't be surprised if he saw Sho as a means to teach Endeavour a lesson.

Sho waits patiently, thumbs rubbing small circles into the small of my back.

I clear my throat. "Do you remember the villain with the blue flames quirk?"

"The guy who took you, who burned your arm…" Sho's hand moves, fingers tracing my arm where the burn scar remains under my jumper. It's faded, but a mark will always be there. "What about him?"

"His name is Dabi, or at least that's how he's always been known to me. But recently… when I was in Hosu, we ran into each other and he claimed to be… well… he claimed to be your brother."

Sho goes very still. His body trembles for a moment, and he looks down with widened eyes as his mind takes my words in. I stay still, I stay quiet. This is either about to end in him laughing at my foolishness, or wondering if it could be true. I know nearly nothing about the Todoroki family, other than Endeavour being a shithead.

Sho draws a deep breath. "He… Well… I mean technically…" He frowns and looks to the side, not loosening his hold on me at all as his thoughts churn. "I'd have to ask my older siblings. They might know more about this…"

"So it doesn't sound stupid?"

He blinks. "No, no of course it doesn't. Sorry. I just don't know… Why did you want to tell me so badly though? You seem worried about something beyond a family connection."

"I'm worried he might try to hurt you."

Sho frowns. "For what purpose?"

"To teach Endeavour a lesson, to take away his 'prize' son." I shrug. "It's only theories. But if Dabi is telling the truth, the way his mind has been going recently… I just couldn't risk you being blindsided by him. By his mania."

Sho's hands press flat against my back and he stands straighter, looming a little, but in a way that just makes me feel protected. How is it one man's looming can be terrifying, and yet another's feels like a safety blanket?

He leans close again, nose brushing mine. "Has he ever hurt you? Beyond the burn at camp, I mean?"

His mind has gone in a weird direction, but okay.

"I… No. Not… Not physically."

"Non physically?"

I sigh. "I have no idea what I even am to him anymore. Sometimes I think I was just a tool to be used whilst on the streets, other times I think we were genuinely friends. But it doesn't really matter anymore. He showed his hand. He took me from the camp, burned me and left me to Shigaraki… Whatever bond we used to have, he's burned that." I trace Sho's collar. "Sorry if I shouldn't have said anything, I just couldn't stand the idea of him hurting you for his demented vendettas…"

"Even now, you're protecting me." Sho hums, touching my chin to make me look up again, his eyes shining in the lamplight from outside. His thumb runs along my bottom lip, a decision rumbling around his thoughts as his hand grows warm. "You have no idea how kind you are, do you?"

"Kind?"

He swallows hard. "Sorry if this is an inappropriate time to ask but… why does it matter if I like you or not?I have to ask. I've already missed the chance so often, and I nearly lost you. I-I've nearly lost you so many times."

"Sho–"

"The USJ, the Hosu incident, the camp a-and then everything else that came after that."

"It's not inappropriate, you idiot." My hands return to his hair. "I asked because I like you too, I think it was kinda inevitable once you let me see past that cold demeanour. I'm so glad you did."

"Me too." He hums putting his forehead to mine.

I shiver and look into his mismatched eyes, only seeing pleading there. He wants this as much as I do. And he was right; we can look after ourselves and each other. Shigaraki's threat shouldn't be ignored but it shouldn't stop me living either. Like Dad said, I'm not alone. I don't have to fight alone. Shigaraki doesn't have to win. I can live. I can thrive.

"Alex?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I kiss you?"

"Please."

As our lips finally meet.

A warmth that has nothing to do with his quirk spreads down my body. My hands pull him closer by his hair, and I feel him smiling as the kiss deepens. I sigh as I taste his toothpaste, mixing with my tea. His hands clasp me so close, arms winding round my waist. I'm lifted an inch from the ground, my arms around his neck, fingers messing up his hair. My jumper slides up, his hands moving along my body slightly. But no higher than the bottom of my ribs. Still timid. I'm glad, because right now even that is driving me mad. His fingers grazing my skin, holding tighter, warm palm and colder one flush against my back, seemingly unbothered by the patchwork effect of my scars. His touch moves like someone admiring the beauty of a tapestry, each caress and squeeze making those scars feel a little more faded. Everything fizzes like I have pins and needles. My heart starts to thunder, my mind having finally gone blank for a few seconds. Blissful. I only know the caress of his tongue against mine, the warmth of his body pressed against me, and the touch of his hands against my skin. Perfect.

I lean back at last and laugh breathlessly. I feel drunk.

He's beaming, panting softly as he caresses my cheek. "Thank you."

"For what?" I laugh and lean into his hand.

"Giving me a chance."

This guy is ridiculous. "Then thank you, as well."

"For what?" He leans in again, nose brushing mine.

I grip his t-shirt. "For taking it."

It's so fucking cheesy, but I can't bring myself to be worried about that. This is nice. No, it's more than nice, it's good, it's great. It's amazing. I bite my lip and go onto my tip toes, eager for another kiss, to know that fizzing under my skin again, to blast the last of the nightmares away for a few more moments.

A mug clunks against the countertop.

Uh oh.

Me and Sho stare into each other's wide eyes for a second before the bored but harsh voice of my Dad rumbles into place and has us jumping apart.

"Have I ever told you about the stick I keep under my desk?"

"Dad don't be an arseho–"

"I upgraded it to a cattle prod…"


DUN DUN DUUUUN. I love a slow burn... can ya tell? Hehe! Thanks to everyone that has faved, followed and reviewed ^-^ I love responding to you folks, so be sure to check the Shoutouts below if you've reviewed! Makes my day every single damn time to know people are enjoying my daft stories. ^-^ thanks everyone! See ya next time!

SHOUTOUTS:

zikashigaku: I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the press conference scene, it's been one I've looked forward to for a long time. And the Todoroki with Bakugo scene was soooo much fuuuun to do haha, so glad you enjoyed that as well. I'd been wanting to try out a Bakugo POV for a while, and it seemed like a good spot to try it out. Haha and yes, Alex is STARTINGt to accept how much she is loved, I like to think that shows some growth lol. I am so looking forward to Mirio, that's all I'll say haha. Thanks for taking the time to review again, really means the world to know someone's still really enjoying these chapters ^-^ plenty still to come, thanks again!