Hey guys! Another week, another update! Hope you enjoy ^-^ thanks for reading!
DABI
The hideout lay in a dim gloom. According to the pestering texts, Toga had gone to get food with Twice, and Compress had gone for a lie down. For some reason, the weird chick seemed to think Dabi required regular updates. He didn't. He said as much. Yet still they came. So, as he returned to the hideout, all was calm. Yet Shigaraki seemed irked; he stared hard at Dabi whilst sat by one of the grimey windows, blinds left askew to allow sight onto the road but not sight into the apartment. The front door clicked behind Dabi, leaving him alone in the dingy space, only a few metres between him and their so-called leader.
"Where've you been?" The raspy voice wheezed between chapped lips. "Toga was worried. Twice suggested you went to see the little traitor for her birthday. Toga got more worried. It was tiresome."
Dabi lit a fresh cigarette and perched on one of the split couches. He drew deep and blew slow, letting the smoke haze the picture of a petulant child. Since talking to Alex he'd just been wandering. Trying his best not to think, and failing terribly.
He shrugged. "What's it matter? I'm back."
"It matters because I say so. Where were you?"
"Out."
"Specifics, or I'm gonna get angry."
Blue eyes narrowed. "And? Ya think you scare me, or something?"
"I think you agreed to be on this team, that comes with respecting the system we have. Master wouldn't be glad to hear of insubordination."
"Pretty sure 'master' ain't got much of a say anymore."
Shigaraki bared his teeth, scratching his neck. "Mind your tongue."
"All I'm saying is, maybe don't call out daddy's name as a threat. Doesn't do you any favors." Dabi lounged and blew smoke rings.
It felt good to push back at Shigaraki occasionally, but ultimately Dabi knew he was stuck. The League had gained renown amongst villains, and fear from the public–they were no longer anonymous. It came with as many headaches as it did perks. Even getting cigarettes got complicated. So at some point, despite being difficult beforehand, Dabi knows he has to play ball. He also knows Shigaraki is aware–that, or the tantrums would be far worse. Maybe Alex had a point about who Dabi should be worried about...
He shrugged the thought away. "I went to say Happy Birthday, yeah."
Shigaraki chuckled. "It's not her birthday till February."
Dabi took a long drag. The freak knew far more than he was saying, and clearly Alex was a big chunk of that knowledge. It annoyed Dabi, though he couldn't quite pinpoint why.
Again, he shrugged. "It's when she celebrates it now."
"How'd you know that? She didn't have the date when you knew her. This is when that weirdo Pro took her in. That's after your time." Shigaraki leaned forward, finally stopping his scratching.
Dabi blew smoke. "I just know. She didn't question it, so why you gotta?"
Shigaraki laughed. "Did you stalk her or something?"
Dabi glared, reaching the end of his cigarette far too quickly for it to have calmed his temper. He lit another, trying to ignore the cackling.
Shigaraki got up. "That's just sad."
"Fuck off."
"Well, as long as you weren't followed to or from the school, I guess it doesn't matter."
Either way, Dabi had explained and Shigaraki got his win. That was the point, and Dabi hated it to his bones.
The door rattled with the return of Toga and Twice, food in hand. They greeted Dabi, Toga running her keen eyes over him like she searched for signs of a fight. Of course, she almost looked disappointed when she found nothing.
Then she handed out the food. "We got extras so we don't have to go out again so soon. People started staring and whispering. Got super weird."
Shigaraki picked at his food. "Before you eat, give the guise another go, Toga."
Dabi wrinkled his nose. "C'mon not when I'm fucking eating."
Toga tilted her head. "It grosses you out that much? I mean I get it, she's totally gross but–"
"That isn't what I meant and you know it, Freak." Dabi snarled. "I just don't fancy seeing some creepy doppelganger across from me while I eat."
She grinned. "But I gotta practise!"
"Like hell."
"I do! The weirdo Yakuza guy has most of the blood already, I only got so much to practise with now! The longer I can hold a shape with less blood, the better."
"Whatever."
Toga sipped the shot of blood and Dabi braced for weirdness. Bit by bit, Alex's form rippled into place. Dark eyes that saw the world so distinctly, so unwavering. Red lips that quirked into a smirk even when trying not to, when trying to maintain a frown with those quizzical brows. And her hair. Now streaked in white like the many scars along her skin. Every single one a survival. A middle finger to the world that tried to crush her spirit and body.
Once the image of his friend, now the image of his enemy.
Dabi watched closely as Toga sauntered closer, biting Alex's lip and swaying her hips. Elegant but strong hands skimmed the sofa beside him and she was practically in his lap before he lit a hand and brandished in front of Toga's wolfish grin that didn't suit Alex's pretty face.
He growled. "Practise over there. The sooner you're out of her blood the better."
She laughed and clapped. "Only until we get a refill!"
His hand dimmed as she pranced backwards. Refill? He knew there were more plans for Alex, more intentions to try and drag her over to their side, to 'wake her up'. But this made no sense if that was the endgame. Why take more of her blood? Why play with her for–
Toga laughed. "She's gonna be too much fun to play later."
Dabi looked to Shigaraki. "You jerking off to Alex's image or something? Why the need for more?"
"It would be helpful for you to have a little faith in me, Dabi." Shigaraki sighed and returned to his perch. "Can't have doubts in our ranks."
"Then answer the damn question."
"No, I'm not 'jerking off' to her image. You know the blood samples help our Vision associate. Helps him get a hook into her mind, able to unlock it easier and hold on."
Dabi set aside his food. "I thought that shit was done with."
"What's the matter? Wanting to save her all of a sudden?"
Dabi pursed his lips. Shigaraki wanted an excuse to attack, to get rid of Dabi from the group. Not only did they clash in leadership potential, but Dabi knew his own quirk unnerved Shigaraki. The Freak needed contact where Dabi had range. But apart from anything else, the spotlight wasn't what Dabi wanted. All he wanted was change. And Alex was meant to be part of that. How could she be, if they kept trying to turn her into a nervous wreck, or worse still, reduce her mind to fearful soup?
"No. I ain't saving her all of a sudden, but I see little advantage in fucking with her head more. You want her on side, or sidelined?"
"At this point, either." Shigaraki giggled. "Any good villain has multiple plans. We're just keeping our options open."
Dabi shook his head and concentrated on his food. Alex was strong, she always had been, ever since the streets and only more so now. But even the strongest had a breaking point. What happened when her hair went fully white? What happened if she got another back injury? What happened if he couldn't wake her up before she was permanently put to sleep?
ALEX POV
Tartarus prison is big. It's deep underground. It's horrible. I'm glad, I hardly want this place to be a fucking pleasure cruise for the inmates, but I really don't want to be here. By the time the elevator reaches the right floor, I've already frayed my hoody's sleeve from all my fidgeting. We're led along a corridor, footsteps echoing somehow louder than my heartbeat. Can they hear it? It sounds like thunder in my head. Toshinori told me to be careful when in the room with All for One, to not give him anything to work with. Keep it vague. Keep yourself safe. Easier said than done–I tend to get mouthy when I'm nervous. Duh.
I have to go in alone. It's a condition All for One put in place, and at this point we're not really in the driving seat. He has information that the police want, and this is the supposedly only way to get it. Fuck. Dad isn't happy, but he'll be just outside the door, ready to pounce if something goes awry. Toshinori too–but of course that's more for emotional support. Despite the fact I still can't look at him. I'm glad Toshi's here, I'm glad I got to thank him for his lovely birthday present in person, but I'll bet if he were in the room with us, All for One would sense my guilt. He would exploit it. Toshinori doesn't know about the guilt yet, he doesn't need to. Not until I have a lid on it.
The door to the interview room looms as All for One is secured on his side of a partition. No chances are being taken. He is completely contained. I can't help but pity the guards that say this–either because they actually believe it, or think they can fool me. There's no way that's true, All for One's just waiting. For whatever reason, he wants to be in here.
The door opens and I freeze in the threshold. He sits, strapped in, breathing apparatus on and of course expression unreadable. But he's really there. Sitting. Waiting. For me. Having had a nightmare of that face every night since Kamino, I am strangely calm. Then again, the real thing pales slightly to the nightmarish creature. My imagination has to be given some credit.
I swallow hard and step inside, the door sliding shut behind me to seal the room. He doesn't speak. I don't know if he's even aware I'm there yet, it's not like his eyes can stare into me, blind under their extensive scar tissue. But I guess he has some kind of sight, he certainly doesn't fight like someone blind.
My steps echo before I sit down in the little metal chair in front of the divider, and clasp my hands on my lap. I can't let him get to me, can't let him rile me. The idea that he intended for me to kill him, to jumpstart Shigaraki's rule as the new super villain, echoes in my mind. It feels so possible. It could have been the plan all along. I cannot let All for One win like that. No. I can't rise to that bait; I will not kill him.
I take a deep breath. "You wanted to talk to me."
"Indeed, Miss Aizawa. You look well. I am impressed to see you walking around so freely, or is that only due to you using your power to hold yourself together?"
My hands tighten. "My recovery is going well. Was there anything specific you wished to discuss? Small talk doesn't really seem appropriate."
He tilts his head, and I hear the camera in the corner adjusting focus. The large mirror to our left will be where everyone is watching: Dad, Toshinori, the police. They're right there. Yet I know if he really wanted to, All for One could overpower everyone. I guess Toshi must know that to some degree. I wonder if he is shaking as much as I am.
"Why inappropriate? A scintillating conversation never did anyone any harm."
"Inappropriate because I have no inclination." I shrug and he chuckles, his shoulders juddering. I lean back in the chair, crossing one leg over the other and folding my arms. Whether he can see or not is irrelevant, I need to keep myself contained, and without actually curling into a ball, this is the next best thing. I clear my throat. "Should I assume you had no specific conversation topic in mind, then?"
"You can assume nothing, my dear. I think you know that."
I roll my eyes and pick at my nails. Entering the ring with him in mind games was pointless, I'm a confident person I think but I'm not an arrogant idiot. This guy has been a super villain for decades. I know nothing of how to deal with his shit.
He straightens. "All business. You really are Eraserhead's daughter. How has his recovery been going? I saw the footage of him being taken to hospital following the USJ incident. Looked rather extensive."
"He's recovered."
"Still able to serve as a hero and everything. It's admirable how they just… keep going. Isn't it?"
"Very."
I won't kid myself into thinking this was all All for One intended. Small talk isn't the end goal. He's leading me somewhere, and I know I'm not gonna like it when we arrive. Though I do wish he'd step on the gas. I also don't miss the 'they' as though I'm not included in the list of heroes. As though my inclination is undecided. Bastard.
He sighs. "Is he a good parent?"
"Very." I click my tongue. "Why am I here, One for All?" I surprise myself with how smoothly his name tumbles out of my mouth.
"This generation is so impatient." He shakes his head. "I just thought you might enjoy some insight into your real family. Was I wrong to presume such a thing?"
My nails bite into my palms. "Still pretending to know details about my family? All right, I'll bite. What do you know?"
"A lot."
"Grand. Care to share the details?"
"Aren't you curious as to why I insisted on seeing you?"
I clear my throat. "Because you like to stir shit up, so instead of just complying you had to add a little theatrical nonsense to the mix."
He laughs.
It was probably more than I should have given, it might even be giving him ammo somehow, but I can't stand it. He's right there. The temptation to squeeze the life out of him caresses along my spine. Do it. He's right there. Reach out and squeeze. His heart, his brain, his lungs, an artery. Just make him suffer, make him understand he is under my power as he dies. But I don't. I won't. I stay still and keep my power dormant. I will not give into that darkness, I will not let this bastard win.
"You are an adept Hero already, my dear. I am most intrigued to see how the world fares under your care in the future."
"Odd considering how adamantly you seemed to want to kill me before." I dig my nails further into my palms. Keep it vague. Now he knows I think about his want to kill me. Shit. I bite my tongue and sit straighter.
Again he tilts his head. "I knew All Might would refuse to bring Izuku Midoryia before me. And I know Katsuki Bakugo is likely too shaken by our encounter to even string a sentence together. So naturally I thought of you."
"Got a thing for kids, good to know." I raise a brow and glance at the mirror, hoping I got a chuckle from at least Dad. I'm tempted to defend Bakugo, but I can't give details. I don't want Bakugo in this asshole's head any longer than he already has been.
I'm glad to agree that All Might wouldn't bring Midoryia here. I want Midoryia focusing on what's possible, not giving into nightmares like this bastard. Let people like me have this mess. I'm okay with that. The messy parts, the shadowy things kept away from the cameras. Midoryia will inspire, that smile could truly be the new Symbol Peace. A symbol that I will help shine all the brighter, I will do anything to help my friend reach that goal. Why? Because I'm some selfless Saint? Far from it. I'll do it because Midoryia is meant to shine, he'll outshine us all for the people we want to protect. For every kid looking up at the screens, secretly hoping they might one day be worth saving. I'll just be one of the heroes standing behind him, propping him up, helping him keep going when the weight gets too much or the lights too bright. A pillar, but not alone.
I clear my throat, focusing on the current filth in front of me. "So what's this nonsense you're claiming to know about my family?"
"Why do you assume nonsense?"
"Because it's a convenient thing that you should know something about my family."
"Convenience needn't make it impossible."
"No, just improbable." I snort and shake my head. "I also have zero reason to believe you. Anything you say could just be another ploy for power, to get a rise out of me, to simply stroke your gnarled little ego."
"Seems you've made up your mind. It'll be intriguing to see it unravel."
I grit my teeth and grip my arms tighter.
He chuckles. "You're doing well my dear, but your young heart is still easily bruised, I fear. That is a shame. I worry you won't weather the storm to come as well as I originally hoped."
I purse my lips and refuse to answer. A storm to come. I'll suffer. Okay. I guess that counts as information in some shape or form, even if it's only to goad me into losing my temper. None of us were under the impression that Shigaraki would stay silent in the meantime. He'll be busy. The League as a whole will be busy. Dabi said there were plans. Dad had not been very pleased when I finally got round to mentioning that encounter to him this morning on the way over, but thankfully he hadn't scolded me much beyond 'don't be a dumbass like that again, use the alarms you troublesome brat'.
All for One draws a deep breath. "I suppose it doesn't matter if you believe me or not, I'll at least know I tried to hand you the truth whilst the rest seek to hide it."
I roll my eyes. The pious arse-hat was really going for it.
He nods towards the mirror. "They're too afraid of how you'd react if you knew the truth. I can only imagine at least Eraserhead has connected the dots over the years. Your age and the terrible crime he's heard of. I don't believe he investigated it himself, I believe it might have been his friend Midnight, but that sort of story gets around. So horrific. So terribly horrible."
"If you tell me this, does this satisfy your need to speak with me?"
He nods.
I mirror it. "Then by all means. Enlighten me."
"I'll set the stage first, these things tend to work better with a little background, don't they?"
"Sure." I sigh, curling slightly more and preparing myself for whatever filth he was about to conjure. Then again, why mention Dad if it was without foundation? I push this down. No. That's what All for One wants. Focus. Deny. Ignore. He's just playing games.
"We start with a young married couple, together perhaps five years, happily raising their baby girl. Happy and venturing into a new chapter of their lives, when one day disaster strikes. Their little girl had a quirk, but no ordinary quirk, a very powerful and dangerous one. Objects could be flung at will, and bruises appeared all too easily when a tantrum struck–on the child as well as the parents. They were frightened, they reached out for help. They found me."
Did the guards make it colder in here, or is it just me?
He continues.
"I of course was keen to meet this powerful child, this telekinetic prodigy terrorising her own parents. Though, only hurting them due to not being able to understand her own power at that point. But that kind of inclination can always be honed." He chuckles and leans forward in his bindings. "They came to meet me one day. I accepted the charge of their brilliant child, and they would visit on weekends as she progressed."
"Visitation, how good of you." I said, keeping my voice bored and level. Somehow, I managed it.
"Indeed. It would have worked out very nicely. But ah… Fate it seems, did not like our plan. As the parents handed the child over, she grew frightened. They left, walking down the alley away from their little girl. She cried out. She didn't want them to leave. Tears sprung to her eyes and she reached for them. Her power reached too."
Familiarity tickles my spine.
My mind aches.
"She cried and squealed. She reached harder. They didn't look back, I had told them not to as it would only make the separation harder. They wanted what was best for their little girl. So they kept going. The little girl was distraught. Her power peaked. Do you know what happened next?"
I shake my head, despite how the base of my skull is buzzing.
All for One shook his head. "Denial, even now. Her parents fell to the ground, limp and lifeless. She stood with her little arms outstretched, power fading as panic gave way to confusion. Floating, about an inch or two back from where her parents had been standing floated two disconnected spinal chords. Hanging like tacky halloween decorations. Eventually she dropped them and herself, crying against the alley. Very sad."
My eyes are stinging. My breathing's thin.
He sighs. "Such a terrible scene. The police suspected a serial killer to be starting a rampage. They were on high alert for weeks. But the killer never struck again. But of course… They also never found the little girl."
The door opens behind me and someone stands next to my chair. A hand lands on my shoulder, and it's only then that I realise how much I'm trembling. Was it true? Had this actually happened in an old unsolved case? Could I be the murderer? Did I… Did I tear my own family apart?
Dad speaks calmly. "We're done."
All for One laughs. "Do you deny knowing of such a case, Eraser?"
"Goodbye." Dad helps me get up and leads me towards the door.
All for One laughs loudly. "Be sure to ask your Father about it, young Alex. It should be quite the conversation!"
I can still hear his laughter echoing once the door has slid shut behind us, leaving us in the cold corridor.
I stare at the wall opposite, mind buzzing with the likelihood that it could be true. It could be. I have no way of denying it. But surely I would have remembered such a thing? Or did I block it out? Or did All for One take me away and do something to make me forget? He said Midnight had been part of the investigation. Can I ask Nem? Would she tell me the truth of it, or try to protect me? Shit. Shit, he's in my head. No. Get a grip. It's just a story. Just a well thought out and convincing story...
I look down at my hands, finding them completely steady. I don't know if that's good or bad. Or just that I'm in shock. I guess when it comes down to it, I don't know much of anything.
I killed my parents.
...
Maybe.
"Let's go." Dad leads me back to the elevator, hand gently pressing into my back.
Toshi doesn't reappear, nor do the police. No one is saying anything. Is the silence somehow worse than the laughter? I enter the elevator, the doors close and Dad removes his hand. At first I think he's gonna hug me, but then he just leans on the wall of the elevator as we start the slow ascent to the surface. He's got his arms folded, eyes fixed on the door. His jaw is tight and his hands are in fists.
The silence is killing me.
"Is it true?" I whisper, voice cracking.
"I don't know." He shakes his head. "The case is familiar, but you're not the only kid on the street Alex, and telekinesis isn't the only quirk that could have done that. Let me… Let me look into it, all right?" He pinches the bridge of his nose. "I knew this would be a shitshow."
"You promise to be honest with me about it?" I gulp and he nods. "Th-Thanks."
"Alex, if it's true–"
"It's ok." I choke, leaning against the railing for fear of falling over, my back is trembling, like my injury wants to give way any second. I guess stress makes it flare.
Dad watches me as I fight the words out, heart racing as sweat dews my spine.
I grit my teeth. "You can… If it's true, you can take back my birthday present." I take as deep a breath as I can in this metal box and bite back the tears. "You can revoke the adoption."
Silence hovers over the whirring of gears. The doors rattle and the elevator continues to climb. Odd really, considering how I feel like I'm falling into a pit.
"Don't put words in my mouth." I'm not sure if it's anger in his voice, but there is an edge to it. He takes a couple slow steps towards me, and puts a finger under my chin to get me to look into his eyes instead of at his stubble. His eyes look so tired. "If it's true, it changes nothing."
Some tears escape. "But Shouta–"
"Nothing. You're still Alex. You're still my brilliant daughter. And still well on your way to being a hero."
"If it's true... I murdered my parents." I sniff and his hand moves into my hair, pulling me against his chest. For a second I don't respond, not wanting to taint him any further. But then I think of the roof. Of the pain I caused him holding him at arm's length. No. We're in this together. He wants to be let in. I hold him tightly, I never want to let go.
He sighs. "If it's true, you were a child with a power you didn't understand. Powerful children are always a confusing thing to try and tackle. Especially if you have no contacts. If it's true… Your parents panicked, tried to help, and ran. You were just… You wanted them to stay. If it's true, it was a terrible accident."
"Would make for a good villain origin story though, right?"
"Good thing we're not in a movie." He kisses my hair. "Even if the case exists, it doesn't make it true. It could just be a villain using a story to get into your head. We need to properly look into it, Alex. Please… Please keep that in mind."
I nod, doing my best to just stay standing. "What should I tell Sho and the others? They all knew I was coming here today… But… But if I tell them…"
The idea of my friends hearing the words, of turning away from me, it hurts like hell. Revulsion. Fear. Disgust. I can barely imagine it on their faces, maybe other than fear. But I'd only seen any of them afraid when we were being attacked by the League. Can they look at me like that? Shit. Can I handle it, if they do?
No one wants a rat, little Alex. You belong nowhere but here.
F-Fuck you Shigaraki.
Dad takes a deep breath. "Do whatever you feel comfortable with, but keep in mind that All for One will expect you to hide it. And secrets are a useful tool for a villain like him. By telling your class, you risk their judgement, yes. But you take the power away from that shithead downstairs."
The elevator reaches the lobby.
I sigh. "Good thing I have you, Dad. I'd be so screwed without you."
"You'll always have me, Alex. If this story is true or not. Do us both a favour and keep that in mind as well."
Outside the lobby the media lay in wait. I hold onto his hand tightly, and he nods. Attachment isn't something he likes to display, but right now, it's exactly what I need.
The second we leave the front doors, cameras are flashing and questions are thrown. Dad leads me to the car. If I want to, I can make an official statement later. Otherwise, I wouldn't be talking to the press. As we get into the car and I'm returned to a bubble of quiet, my stomach churns. I don't think I can talk to the media about this. Any of it. The League will be watching closely, if they don't already have an inside man. It was hard not to wonder about that with the League always knowing things they shouldn't.
Dad starts the engine. "Home? Or are you okay to return to dorms?"
"D-Dorms. I wanna tell the guys what happened. Even if… Well… Even if that means I have to hang out with you for a while because they're all disgusted with me." I put on my seatbelt.
"I doubt it, Alex. 1A aren't idiots." He pauses. "Except Mineta."
I snort, but as we pull away from the prison, I clasp at the change in subject. "Why haven't you got rid of him?"
Dad rolls his eyes. "His parents have deep pockets. Unfortunately the Principal can't afford to get rid of the little shit right now. The second he can though? The perverted little grape-shit is out."
Good to know.
The drive back is slow, and as a gentle rain begins to fall, I just hope the police are able to garner some useful information from All for One after that nonsense. Maybe it was all bullshit. I just let him get to me. It's not like I remember All for One even being there when I was in Shigaraki's care. But if I've been forced to forget my parents, maybe there's a lot missing from my past. Unless, again, it's bullshit. It would be so nice for that to be the case, but the sinking feeling in my gut is telling me otherwise.
"Dad?"
We're sitting at a red light, and he's drumming his fingers on the steering wheel to some unknown beat. "Mm?"
"Is there a way to unlock memories?"
He frowns and we roll along as the lights change. His fingers speed up a little. "I'm not sure. We could always ask Hitoshi again, he might be able to order you to remember. But I'm not sure how it works, it could just lead to your mind fabricating something to remember."
I lay my head against the glass. "Is it possible I just blocked it out?"
"If what All for One said is true? I'd not be surprised if you had. To see something like that so young… Your mind will have refused to keep hold of it." He sighs. "If it's true."
He'll cling to that as long as he can. And whilst it's already grating on my nerves, I can't blame him for one second.
The world beyond the car rumbles along like normal, like something earth-shattering didn't just happen. I smirk. It didn't, not to anyone else. This is just another normal day. I blink, pretending those aren't tears in my reflection, just more raindrops on the glass. Potentially, All for One had raised me, but because I knew a happy home beforehand, perhaps that's why I rebelled? So, with that logic in mind; had Shigaraki ever known a home other than All for One? If what Dabi said was true, all he had ever known was a punishing home that pushed him to hatred. So, can I really blame them now? Can I point the finger and cast them as simply 'evil'? I guess not.
It's admirable how they just… keep going. Isn't it?
They. Like I don't count as a hero yet, like my journey is still being decided. I guess it is. In a way. What kind of Hero will I be? What kind of hero can I be, with this in my past? Or does none of that matter, and my actions will speak louder? My head aches. Fuck. The world isn't black and white, good and evil, it's a mess of greys rippling over each other, lightening and darkening with each choice. Maybe anyone could become a villain. Had Sho never warmed to the world, could he have been driven there? Or Bakugo even, with his rage. It's hard to picture, but we all have our limits. What would push me to that darkness? Oh wait… I already nearly went there. I nearly tried killing All for One. Shit. It's so simple. So… horribly simple.
"Have you considered any other Hero name options?" Dad asks, laying a hand on my shoulder as we wait at another set of lights. He's so kind. Trying to bring me back from getting lost in my thoughts, keeping me focused on the future instead. Is that the Teacher skills or the parenting ones? I dunno. Maybe both.
I wipe my eyes and turn to him, giving a small smile and shrug of my shoulders. During the Ultimate move training I'd handed him a list of possibilities. I couldn't decide.
Stasis.
Holding Shit Still Woman.
Telex (get it? Telekinesis and Alex merged!)
And a few others that I forget.
I sniff. "I was kinda leaning towards Stasis."
He nods, squeezing my shoulder before returning the hand to the wheel as the green light appears. "It was my favourite of the list. Though I admit, Holding Shit Still Woman rolls off the tongue brilliantly."
"Gotta make it catchy, right?"
"Absolutely." He chuckles and glances at me with a smirk when I join in. "Nearly got a smile that time."
"Nearly."
"You're gonna get through this, Alex. And you don't have to do it alone."
"I know Dad, I do." I smile and close my eyes, hoping the headache might calm down before we get back to dorms. I have to tell my classmates and that makes me hope the car journey never ends.
We finish the drive in silence until reaching the dorms. The rain's got heavier, but I keep us dry with one of my quirk umbrellas.
Everyone's in the common area when we come back, milling about, playing games or chatting. Rainy monday afternoons. So normal. I toe off my shoes as the room goes quiet. Everyone knows where I've been, I saw no reason to hide it due to the media frenzy that would happen. It's already on the news, so I guess I was right. Dad heads upstairs, knowing I don't want him to linger–I want my friends to react openly, not held back by the stern watch of a teacher.
I sit on the sofa, and Sho sits beside me, putting an arm round my shoulders. The gentle heat is welcomed, helping with the shivers. Bakugo lingers nearby, but in the kitchen area. I don't blame him for keeping some distance. If I could, I would.
Iida nods to me. "How did your visit go?"
"It was uh… an experience." I hug my knees close, like I had wanted to do in that small windowless room. I bite my lip. "He wanted to tell me something about my parents."
Bakugo scoffs. "Still pretending he knows shit?"
His smirk fades as I fail to smile. "I… Yeah, at first I said the same. Then he referenced an old case and… A-And it seems like my Dad knows the case. They're gonna investigate the claims but uh yeah… It could be true."
They all lean in.
I knew they would want to know, it was why I had said it. The words are on my tongue. I may have killed my parents. Maybe. I might have torn them apart. Maybe. I swallow hard and Sho runs his hand up and down my arm, the motion helping me time my breathing. Saying it removes the threat from later, it saves it from becoming something to haunt my steps later in life. It takes the power away from the villains. Say it. Fucking say it.
Midoryia tilts his head. "What could be true?"
"That I uh…" I grit my teeth so hard they ache. "W-When I was really little… I uh… I accidentally kill-killed my parents."
Silence.
I put my head against my knees, expecting the room to empty, for Sho to suddenly get up from the sofa and leave. For someone to suggest I leave. But there's nothing. After a few moments, I peer over my knees and see only concern shining back. Ura comes over and kneels in front of me, taking my trembling hands tightly in her own.
"Alex… Do you really think he could be telling the truth?"
"I don't know." I suck in a breath. "I was ready to throw it back in his face, but then he referenced a real crime, and Dad seemed to recognise what was described. It… It doesn't mean it was me of course, but the n-nature of the deaths fits my quirk."
Iida pushes his glasses back into place. "But you have no recollection of the incident?"
"None." I sniff. "But as he was saying it, I got this weird sense of deja vu… So I dunno what that was about."
Bakugo is very pale. I don't ask him what's on his mind, but I do look at Kirishima and then back to our fiery friend. Kirishima goes over, nudging Bakugo and encouraging him to head to one of their rooms. I'll find them later. No one questions the sudden disappearance. Thankfully they all still understand that Bakugo is not disconnected from this. We were both taken.
Sho leans against me slightly. "Even if it is true, it doesn't change who you are to us. You've saved our lives and helped so many… If it is true then clearly you were just a frightened kid with too big a power."
I sniff and put my head against his shoulder. "That's what Dad said."
Midoryia steps forward and gives a firm nod, soft smile in place. "Mr Aizawa and Todoroki are right."
I see agreement in them all. From one face to the next I either see saddened concern or supportive understanding. In all honesty I can't believe my luck–not because they're judgemental or anything, but because I can barely believe I deserve this understanding. Mina scurries over and hugs me from behind.
I smile shakily. "Thanks guys."
Tsu leans forward. "No need to thank us, ribbit. We know you. This doesn't change that."
Ura nods. "Exactly! We're your friends."
Mina sniffs. "You're still our awesome badass."
Midoryia puts a hand on my arm, my scarred arm that looks more like a quilt than anything else. And he smiles. He'd never consider killing would he? Nah. I doubt it. Wouldn't come into that amazing head of his, there's too much hope there. Yeah, I'll do fucking anything to keep that smile shining. He has to shine.
He squeezes. "Do you think talking to him helped?"
"At this point… I dunno. At least I've helped the police start their inquiries."
"I'm sure they're grateful, All Might as well. You were so brave."
I blink back the tears. "I dunno about that. I was shaking the whole time."
Sho nudges me. "I'll wager he didn't know it."
Thankfully a normal conversation takes over from there. Kaminari asked if I'd seen a new show they'd been considering watching, and the room thaws. Momo gives me a big cup of fancy tea. It smells delightful. Sho runs a hand up and down my arm; we'll talk later, I know that. For now, I just need to let my body accept that they hadn't shunned me. My friends are amazing. Truly amazing.
Soon people head for studying, or for some late training. I assure Sho he can go ahead with his usual routine, there's no need for him to be stuck at my side. Normalcy. It's important.
Plus, I have to go see Bakugo. Sho wishes me luck, and I think I'll need it.
So there we have it... Do you believe All for One? Should Alex have just killed him? What the heck is Dabi intending or not intending to do?! Huehuehue sorry I like asking rhetorical questions... BUT thank you for reading, thank you also to everyone faving, following and reviewing, my shoutouts to you are below! I love the replying to reviews so much, having a dialogue with readers is so awesome ^-^ cya next time!
SHOUTOUTS:
zikashigaku: I am quite enjoying not knowing what's coming tbh. I have read ahead in other fandoms and... it kinda took the joy out of watching the anime. Between knowing things, and indeed when things differed, it just totally changed the experience. So I guess, fair warning, I will eventually be going totally off-piece in terms of canon events! Once I reach the same point as the end of season 4 I guess.
Sho is such a fun character to write, even now when he's that bit warmer etc. I keep thinking "ok this works, now make it more awkward" lol! Issues shall arise yes, they're both too stubborn etc. for them not to haha. And yeah I know what you mean about the portrayal of relationships. I guess in my mind, there should be a level of this functionality, or else... why are you together? Just my take.
And yes! Alex Aizawa, OFFICIAL! I love Dabi as a character - not in the 'oh gosh he's hot' way, because... sorry but he's done some fucked up sturf. But in a writing sense, he's sooo interesting. And with my interpretation on top of that, I'm having loads of fun. I am intrigued to see what you thought of the League scene! And the All for One bit of course :D thanks again soooo much for commenting, really does light up my day when i see your name pop up in my emails!
