Pacing around the studio hallway, he could hear Shinso talking to Eri in the changing room. They'd thrown him out when he began making noises about her outfit. Izuku wrung his hands, he still saw her as a Lollipop and the new look was more than he'd expected. He could hear the band on stage with the camerawoman he'd hired, they were busy taping parts of the song without the two singers. Everything was on track for a quick finish. The door swung open, Shinso smiled wide.

"My fucking masterpiece!" He moved aside. The look on Midoriya's face was all he needed, "see Eri, we fucking nailed it." He led her to the filming room. Izuku trailed behind them, still trying to recognize the girl he knew.

"You ready for us?" Shinso called out, the camerawoman was getting a close up of Kiri as he played one of the new riffs for their song.

"Yeah, just getting some close ups we can use throughout the video." She moved to Bakugou signaling for him to play the drums, he picked up the song from the middle. Stopping, she waved them over. Eri stepped into the harsh light of the stage.

"Fuck," Katsuki breathed out relieved. "Freak, I'm impressed." He was worried he'd bring her out in a completely inappropriate outfit. She didn't look slutty at all, in fact, she looked fucking scarier than shit.

"She looks amazing doesn't she!" He threw his arms out, laughing.

Her tight black dress could barely be seen, he'd found an oversized cropped studded leather vest that gave her an odd rough look. Her arms were covered in tight white and black sleeves which ran down past her fingertips. Over the dress she wore a long black skirt made of tulle which he'd ripped up the front to reveal matching black and white leggings and oversized black army boots on her feet. Her hair matched her arms and legs with new black streaks twisted into the silvery white. Her makeup was done in black, purple and red, horrific but it was done so perfectly, she looked amazing. Katsuki laughed nervously, she reminded him of a doll from a horror movie.

"She looks like a Lollipop that's been possessed!" Shinso danced around her, "she's perfect."

"I like it, Shinso," Kiri walked around the young girl, "I'll be honest, I thought you were going to do something that, well," he ran his hands through his hair. "Let's just say I'm glad I don't have to walk out."

"You too?" Sero's brows shot up.

"Sounds like we were all worried." Katsuki tapped his drums in a rapid beat.

"You didn't trust me." Shinso hugged Eri, he scowled at the guys. "You fucking know my past, I'd never make her look sexy, she's too young."

"Thanks, Shinso," Eri rolled her eyes, "so I went from a piece of candy to a nightmare."

"Which would you rather be?"

She sighed, giggling slightly. "Nightmare."

"Right and if you sing with us, no sexy shit until you're older, got it?"

"Yeah, I got it," she shoved him off of her, "you're worse than my mom."

"Good," Katsuki hit his symbols, "because now you got yourself four brothers."

"Five!" Izuku walked onto the stage, squinting at the bright lights, he heard a cough. "Oh, Ojiro makes six."

"You're screwed chickee poo, you went straight from the pan into the fire." Shinso grinned playfully, handing her a microphone.

"Yeah," Eri looked around at everyone, tears welling in her eyes. "I like that," she touched her cheeks, "I'll ruin your makeup, don't make me cry."

"Are you shitting me? That'll make you look better! Eri, we love you, we think you're the best, what else can I say to make you cry?"

"We need to film, I have another band coming in today," the young camerawoman interrupted them. "Go ahead and play the song and I'll film, we can redo parts or do solos depending on what you want." She looked at her watch, "if you still want to do that location, it would be best to do that later when it's getting dark, it will add more to the effect."

"Oh! I have props." Shinso lugged a trash bag out of the corner, dumping a pile of old dolls onto the ground. He lifted one that looked vaguely like Eri, "my source of inspiration."

"That's creepy," Kiri shivered.

The woman picked up one of the dolls, turning it in her hand, she nodded, "I have some ideas that'll work." She glanced at Izuku, he sat with a notebook open, he'd already recorded all the closeups she had taken, he nodded to her. "Let's start."

Shoto Todoroki pulled into the large empty parking lot of what appeared to be an abandoned building. Double checking the address, he grimaced, if it hadn't been Midoriya and Bakugou, he would have driven off convinced someone was trying to kill him. He saw a bright light shine from a broken window on the second floor, the shadows moving on a wall looked like someone playing guitar, he relaxed, he was in the right place. Closing the door, he grabbed his equipment, Midoriya promised him some serious scoop so he'd jumped on the first plane here. He hoped it was worthwhile, he was missing the lead up to the biggest music awards banquet of the year to come here today. Frowning, he threw his bag over his shoulder, he'd be the only one not showing up on the web with exclusive interviews of all the nominated bands. Finding the opening, he texted Midoriya letting him know he'd arrived. He found a littered dirty staircase and headed up to where he'd seen the light from the parking lot.

"He's here!" Izuku called out, racing to the back staircase looking for him. The camerawoman had suggested an abandoned building when he'd given her a basic rundown of what they needed, it was brilliant. He waved as he saw Todoroki emerge from the shadows. "Hey Todoroki."

"Hey Midoriya, you can call me Shoto."

"Okay, you can call me Izuku." He blushed softly remembering the last time he'd seen him, he'd pretended to be asleep, Shoto had no clue he'd heard their conversation. In the glow of the camera lights, he studied his face. He could see why Kacchan had been with him, he was extremely handsome, his bi-colored eyes and hair made him seem almost ethereal. After they'd met, he'd looked up some of his past work, Shoto was a really good guitarist, he was surprised he'd stopped.

"What's up Izuku? I'm not sure if you know but there's a big awards show coming up on Friday and all of the pre-show interviews are going on right now."

"I know Shoto," Izuku could hear the irritation in his voice, "I'm so sorry you're missing everything, but I promise, no one's going to be looking at anyone's blog but your's after this, I'll even let you video tape some of the filming process going on right now."

"With the P.V.'s? I already got their big video."

"No, not just them," Izuku turned the corner, letting Shoto see the group currently playing it up for the camera. He could see Shoto squint at Eri, he tipped his head, he didn't recognize her.

"Who's that?"

"She was known as a Lollipop, now signed with Eighth Circle, Eri, currently dropping her last name as she is no longer a dependent. Today a judge granted her temporary emancipation from her parents."

"What!?" Shoto dropped his bag quickly, pulling out his small camera, "will you say this on film?"

"I promised you scoop Shoto."

"Fuck, but this isn't just scoop, this is earth shattering." He laughed, flipping on his camera, hands shaking slightly. "Izuku Midoriya, manager of the P.V.'s is telling me about their latest guest singer," eyes sparkling he panned the camera to show Eri in her outfit, holding a strange broken doll singing into the microphone.

The arena was packed by the time the first band finished. "Good set," Katsuki patted the lead singer on the back as the four of them headed out to go up to the stage. They had decided to keep Eri out of sight until the last possible moment. Setting up for their first song, Shinso was already riling up the crowd with his antics.

"Okay, I got the completed video from Mr. Aizawa along with my footage and I've uploaded everything, I can hit the live button from my phone." Shoto held up his camera, "I'm going to film us going up to the stage, then her first song and add that later tonight." Turning his computer for them to see, Todoroki hit play on the new video he'd created. "Check this out," he'd mashed together Eighth's promo of cutesy Eri to an immediate cut of her strangling a doll looking like she was death itself from their video. "If this doesn't freak everyone out, I'm not sure what will."

"That's really good," Eri breathed out, her nerves were on fire, she felt like she'd never performed in her entire life. "I'm so scared," she whimpered.

"Don't be Eri," Izuku soothed her, "remember Shinso's there with you, he's gonna help you out, all the guys are there." She took a couple of rapid breaths and smiled weakly.

"I know, I know," she sounded like she was trying to convince herself.

"Thanks, Shoto," Izuku turned to the bi-colored man, "sorry you're missing the awards banquet tonight."

Laughing he shook his head, "I only wish I could be there to see Kai's face when this all goes down tonight." Todoroki pushed his computer to the side, he sat back staring at Midoriya. "You're brave people, Kai is gonna come after you."

"I know," Izuku grimaced, "my uncle is at the awards banquet tonight. He managed to get a seat at the same table with him. He's hoping he can get the contract broken while he's not thinking clearly." Izuku smiled nervously at Eri, "this is going to go off like a bomb."

"I just hope you don't get sprayed with any shrapnel." Todoroki shrugged, "Kai is no one to mess with, I've seen him operate."

"Neither is my uncle," Izuku replied, realizing his voice sounded less than confident.

"Well either way I'm gonna owe you after this, my interview and blog will be reposted everywhere tomorrow, especially on the heels of Eighth's huge promotions, I heard they were even advertising internationally."

His phone buzzed, it was Kacchan. "This is it, ready Eri?"

"Yeah."

Ojiro, Todoroki and Izuku encircled her and moved quickly to the stage area. Shinso was doing the normal introductions, keeping one eye on the side stage. As soon as he saw her, he held up his hand to the crowd, Kiri, Sero and Katsuki glanced over at his signal. "Hey everyone, I want to introduce you to our guest band member tonight!" The crowd hushed slightly, cheering. "This is a very special person, someone you may or may not recognize but we've got a similar background." The crowd was getting quieter, they could hear the intensity in his voice. "As you know I was a Wonder," whistling and catcalls echoed throughout the crowd, someone screamed "I love you Shinso." He chuckled, "I love you too!" Everyone roared laughing. "Alright," he laughed with them, "I need you to listen up to what I'm sayin' here." He waited as the crowd hushed, murmuring rippled through the arena. "There's a certain person here tonight who's a little fed up, just like I was once, and she's ready to break the image being rudely distributed by a certain company I will not name." He walked down the length of the stage towards Eri. "In fact, we have a new song for you that she's gonna help us sing." A general uproar, people clapping, someone started chanting "new song." He waved to Eri, she stepped out on stage and grabbed his hand, there was more murmuring across the huge crowd. "This walking nightmare is none other than your favorite Lollipop, everyone welcome Eri to the stage!" He screamed, the crowd went quiet for a beat, then a roaring applause erupted in the arena. A synthesizer had been brought on stage, Sero stepped up to play the intro. (Star Fucking Hipsters, Until We're Dead).

Kiri turned on his amp letting the feedback from his guitar come over the soft music, everyone joined in with a gritty sound that blasted out over the crowd. Kiri's guitar sounded fierce against Bakugou's steady drumming and Sero's deep tones. Shinso and Eri started singing, their voices mixed together effortlessly, the perfect effect to the harsh music, the crowd lost it. Izuku watched as the camerawoman ran across the stage getting a close up of them, faces inches apart, then breaking off, going in opposite directions. Occasionally Eri would strike a pose looking exactly like a broken doll. The arena shook as feet and hands thundered along with the song.

Todoroki hung his arm over Izuku's shoulder, he smiled at him, holding up his phone "here we go," he mouthed, hitting the button and uploading the blog he'd created.

"And the winner is," the announcer paused, opening the envelope, "One Voice!" The woman held up the award, the glittering statue shining under the bright lights as the group raced up on stage, laughing, pounding each other's backs.

Kai sat motionless in his chair, he stole a glance at Shota, who was standing and clapping, Midnight behind him. Fuck, how'd they end up at the same table? Opening the printed ceremony list, he studied what was coming up next. He knew Eighth would take the next award, thankfully no one could beat out his new male popstar. He felt eyes on him and glanced back up, Shota had a strange smile on his face. "Fuck you," Kai said casually knowing no one could hear him over the clapping. Shota's eyebrows shot up, he'd known what he'd said, Kai smirked. Everyone sat down to listen to the nitwits talk. Once Eri hit the scene he'd be picking up even more awards, he'd always struggled in the younger categories against Purple, he was ready to gain some fucking ground. He tried not to look at Shota, but he couldn't help it. Seeing him so close again had been a shock, one he wasn't prepared for tonight. Giving him the once over he could see he still looked good, his face had aged a bit, but he was still the best-looking man in the crowd. What definitely had not changed though was that fucking 'I know more than you' look, it was plastered on his face tonight, the same one he'd grown to hate. Sighing he looked back up at the stage, fuck, these guys were complete morons. They lifted the award and ran off the stage. There was a murmur in the back of the room, hushed gasps, voices growing louder. People at the front tables turned to look. Kai started to glance back when he noticed Shota was staring at him, a cocky grin on his face. Chills ran down his spine, something was wrong. A hand tapped his shoulder, he turned.

"Did you see this?" The woman that he'd brought with him gave him her phone. He pushed it away.

"Don't be fucking rude," he thought her name was Neji or something.

"Kai, you need to see this," she insisted, pushing it back.

Picking it up, he was ready to throw it in her purse when he caught sight of the screen. His eyes widened. There was a crazy looking girl singing with the fucking purple Pointless Vandal singer. The music video stopped, Todoroki popped on, Eighth's promos of Eri were now playing behind him. Blood rushed to his head, a vein bulged along his neck, for a moment he struggled to breath, it was Eri, he dropped the phone. "Fuck," he hissed. He glanced up at those black glittering eyes staring at him. Sliding his chair back he stood, "stay the fuck here," he whispered to his date as he raced out. A seat-filler was running to his chair with another one behind him. "Fuck," he didn't look over his shoulder, he knew that meant Shota was trailing him. Emerging into the large lobby he didn't stop, he made his way to the private suites that were rented for the night. He threw open the door, "GET THE FUCK OUT!" He roared, a large group of musicians and partiers stopped and looked at him. "NOW!" He motioned for the bodyguards to get everyone out. Walking to the bar, the bartender stared at him wide eyed. "That includes you idiot." Kai snapped, he bolted out of the room.

"Sir?" A guard poked his head in the door.

"Let him in." Kai poured two shots of vodka, downing both, he poured two more, turning he stared at him, holding one out. "You fucker."

"Just returning the gesture," Shota sauntered into the room, stopping just in front of him. Cocking a brow, he reached out and took the offered drink, tossing the full shot in his mouth. The alcohol burned down his throat, he grimaced slightly. Kai's jaw twitched, another vein bulged across his temple. Shota set down the glass, "you're angry because I figured out what the fuck you did?" He waited for him to say something, but he stayed quiet, drinking his shot. Seeing a champagne bottle, Shota poured himself a glass. "If you don't mind, this is more my speed nowadays."

"You hated champagne."

"I hated a lot of things back then," he raised the glass, nodding to the man before him. "I've changed."

"I fucking haven't," gripping the vodka bottle Kai poured another drink, he raked his hand through his dark hair. "You asshole!" His voice shook with rage.

"Are you surprised? Did you ever get one by me Kai? Remember all the trouble you went to? And I still figured out you were cheating on me then, is this any different now?"

Kai looked down, the three quick shots were hitting him at once, his thoughts blurred for a moment. He shook out his shoulders, he slumped in the chair. "I'll fucking sue you for the money I laid out." Shota sat down across from him.

"Now you're pouting." The bottle flew, Shota ducked quickly as it whirled past his head, smashing into the corner, a wet sloshing sound as liquid poured from the broken glass. "That," He looked behind him, "would've hurt." Shota fingered the scar under his right eye, "you're right you haven't changed, have you?"

"Fuck," Kai pursed his lips, his face felt hot, he touched his cheeks. He hadn't meant to throw the bottle. "I'll sue for defamation, release her from her contract." He pulled out his phone and started typing quickly. "My secretary will have it out in twenty minutes, her parents will pay, they're in it up to their eyeballs with me. I bailed the dad out of his stupid shit."

"Go ahead."

Kai glanced up at his blasé tone. Shota looked like he was having fun. "You don't seem worried."

"Because that rock won't have much blood," he sipped his champagne.

Glaring at him, Kai leaned forward, "what the fuck is going on?" Icy tendrils of fear lanced down his spine, there was clearly more based on the smug look on his face.

Shota pulled a folded piece of paper out of his pocket, he held it out. Snatching it out of his hand, Kai scanned it quickly, his face going white. Shota pointed to the paper. "She's emancipated, just today, officially no last name, chose to just go by the name Eri."

Kai read and re-read the document, his stomach clenched, he threw it on the table. "I'll sue you then."

"Why me?" Shota put the paper back in his pocket, his face remained quiet, a slight hint of a smile.

"As the new contract holder." Kai furrowed his brows, "stop acting so fucking stupid, I hate it when you do that, I always did," he slammed his fist down on the table.

"I'm only the sub."

"What?" His face contorted in confusion.

"Katsuki Bakugou is the name you might want to write down, he's the one that signed with her.

"Kat fucking who?"

"He's the drummer for the Pointless Vandals, I believe he wrote the song they sang tonight, quite a good one, the video is already breaking the charts."

"I'll get every fucking penny!" Kai growled as he pushed back his chair, standing he scowled at the man he'd once loved, his body trembling. Hatred poured through his veins.

"It's not about the money Kai, come on," Shota patted the chair next to him, "sit down."

"You're right Aizawa, It's about you, asshole. Taking you down a fucking peg!" Stepping back, he turned away from him. He bit his cheek keeping his emotions in check.

"I forgave you a long time ago Kai, why do you continue beating yourself up?" Shota steepled his fingers, settling his chin on them.

Kai glanced over his shoulder, eyes bloodshot, he snarled. "Typical Shota, you act so fucking innocent, but you know why I cheated on you. So, fuck you! You're a damned know-it-all asshole."

"Fine, be that way," Shota stood. "Here," he held out another small piece of paper. Kai stared at his hand. Rolling his eyes, Shota pushed it out further, "just fucking take it."

"What now?" Kai finally snatched it out his hand, he fought the urge to crumple it and throw it in his face.

"It's an offer, what Bakugou is willing to wire to you tomorrow morning for full release. Back down quietly and every penny is yours, no expensive courts or lawsuits, no mudslinging."

"I just look like an idiot," he focused on the paper in his hand, looking at the number his brows shot up.

"Better than you thought?" Shota chuckled, "like I tried to tell you, it's not about the money."

"Fine," he threw the paper on the table. "Wire it in the morning, I'll have the release any moment and send it over."

"Nothing else?" Not looking up, Kai shook his head. Shota bit his lip. "I'm sorry this couldn't have been a better situation, I liked seeing you." Shota reached out touching his hand, Kai snatched it back. "I've always told you I'll be waiting for you, if you ever decide to change your mind, if you can ever forgive yourself." Turning, Shota adjusted the white scarf around his neck and headed out of the room.

Sitting heavily, Kai tapped his fingers on the table. Picking up the phone, he waited for the voice on the other end. "Boss?"

"Dig up every piece of information you can find on Katsuki Bakugou."

Sitting in his office, Kai watched as the sun sank low on the horizon as late afternoon slipped to early evening. Looking back down at the pictures, he threw them on his desk. "Fuck," he muttered. There was a knock at his door.

"Come in."

"Boss?" his assistant popped her head in through the door. "That reporter is still sitting in the waiting room."

"He is?" Pausing, Kai looked at the time, "he's been there almost ten hours."

"He has and," taking a quick glance back over her shoulder, she leaned her body further into the office. "He's really getting on my nerves," she whispered loudly.

Smiling Kai nodded, "Romero tends to be that way, but he gets what he wants."

"He swears he's not here to interview you."

Standing up Kai removed the vodka bottle from his bar, he waved his hand. "Fine, I'm almost done for the day. I might as well see what shit he wants to swill around." Romero being a kid band reporter was clearly here to talk about Eri. Kai had steered clear of everyone, declaring no comment. The last two days had been a hailstorm of media outlets trying to get their hands on the story. The only one so far though had been Todoroki, the asshole, he'd been able to get an exclusive. His story had been reposted so many times it was all anyone was seeing or hearing. Kai knew there'd been a relationship at one time with him and the drummer, but he paid so little attention to that shit, he wasn't sure. He'd need to have his investigator go down that angle on Bakugou, nothing else they were turning up was working.

"Hello? Mr. Chisaki?" Romero stepped into his office.

"Romero Fujimi," Kai turned, he stared at his face. "What the fuck happened to you?" A large surgical bandage was fitted over the entirety of his nose, fading bruises made him look like an ex-boxer. "Did you get a nose job?" Kai tried not to laugh.

"Some asshole broke my nose so badly I had to have it reconstructed, couldn't even fucking breath," he patted the bandage lightly.

"Well, I guess one of the hazards of being a persistent reporter." Kai held out a drink, "care to join me?"

Nodding Romero took the glass, eyes sweeping the office. Plush and luxurious, all these guys had it good, he tamped down the simmering jealousy.

"Why are you here Romero?" Kai sat back down at his desk, sipping his drink. The tension of the day finally ebbing away.

"Like everyone else, I know what fucking happened, but I only came to offer up any help." Romero gulped his drink, walking across the office his gaze landed on the stack of pictures on the desk. A rush of venomous anger shot through his body, his eyes narrowed. "Help getting him," he pointed to a large blow up of Katsuki Bakugou. Kai glanced at the picture, it was a close up of his face, red eyes and blonde spikes.

"What do you mean by 'getting'?

"He's the fucker that did this to my nose." Romero sat down, gulping the rest of his drink. "I'd be interested in doing anything that you may want done to him."

"Done to him?" Kai stared at the man across his desk, Romero shifted uncomfortably. He laughed lightly, "I'm not that petty Romero."

"I - I never said you were."

"You thought it," Kai raised his brows, "that's why you're here now, isn't it?" Pushing the top picture aside, he pulled out the one underneath. Romero leaned forward to see the picture of Katsuki with his arm draped over a green-haired man.

"Oh yeah, the manager of the 5 L's, probably why the Eri thing went down." Romero picked up the picture, "I guess they grew up together."

"That's what I read from their last press conference before the tour, he and the guitarist as well."

"I guess a leopard never changes his spots," Romero mumbled to himself. Kai squinted at him.

"Spots?"

"Oh," Romero shrugged, "was just thinking, you know, his reputation with the managers, fucks and dumps them. It's interesting though," he looked at the photo again, "when were these photos taken?"

"Yesterday."

"Wow, the tours over half way done and they're still together?"

"Why is that special?" Kai studied the reporter closely, if he was lying, he'd know.

"You hear stuff, I know the lead singer so I follow their band." He threw the photo back on the desk. "This guy usually fucks around, doesn't stay with one person that long. Todoroki was an exception, but they never hung out, not like that." Romero pointed to the photo.

Spreading the rest of the photos out across his desk, Kai moved from one to the next. Each one was the two of them, talking, kissing, the blonde always with his arm around the other. "Holy shit," he laughed, lacing his fingers together, he tapped his chin methodically.

"I thought you weren't petty?" Romero cocked a brow.

"I'm not," he flicked an annoyed look at the reporter, "just laughing."

"Laughing because you thought of something."

"Are you serious?" Kai clenched his jaw. "If something happened to the new manager of Eri, who do you think they would question first?" Kai shook his head, "I have too much at stake to do something that stupid."

"Then you'll do something less stupid?"

"Romero, I let you in because I was curious, but you can leave now, I think we're done."

"At least tell me if you're doing something, I want to know." Romero leaned back casually, "if something happens, I can pin it back to you, let people know you had these photos on your desk." He almost giggled, to have something on Kai Chisaki would be perfect.

"You're a children's music reporter, right?"

"I like to think of them as aspiring stars," his lip curled slightly at the insulting tone of his voice. "Maybe that attitude is why Eighth has no success in that area of music," Romero smirked.

"Yes, we do seem to be lacking in that part of the industry. But, that's not your concern at the moment." Pushing another envelope across the desk, Kai propped his head in his hands. "You should be more worried if these were ever distributed." Picking it up cautiously Romero opened the clasp peering inside.

"Where the fuck did you get these?" He choked out, eyes wide with fright.

"I have shit on everyone Romero, fucking sitting in my waiting room for ten hours, you think I wouldn't be suspicious." Closing the envelope Romero stuffed them into his briefcase. Kai curled his lip, "you fucking sick prick, enjoy those, you can use them to jack off, but I have copies, so your mouth stays shut unless you want to lose your reputation and career."

"Fine," standing quickly, Romero walked briskly to the door.

"Oh, and Romero," Kai called after him.

"What?" Reaching for the handle he didn't turn, his mouth curved down into a frown.

"You are banned as a reporter from all Eighth Circle bands," Kai chuckled. "I believe the same ban that Purple High just announced?"

"Fuck you!" Ripping open the door Romero raced from his office.

Sighing Kai, picked up another photo. So, Shota had been telling the truth, it wasn't about money, it was about love. The ex-manager of the Lollipops had wanted to save his little Eri so the fucking drummer had doled out his life savings for this little piece of ass. "What a fucking sap," Kai took a drink, "fuck love." His hands were tied, he couldn't get back at Bakugou in any way that would make the press or the cops land on his doorstep. Twisting his lips, he tapped the photo, fucking with his life in a underhanded way though, that could work. As long as he didn't get caught.

"Thanks, Kacchan," Izuku hugged him as they walked out of the airport. "Eri looks so happy."

"She does, but wait 'til she finds out how hard I'm gonna make her work," he chuckled, squeezing the nerd close, he kissed his curls. The soft earthy scent drifting into his nose, he took a deep breath. "You always smell so good."

Sniffing his sleeve, Izuku shrugged, "I smell like maple syrup." They'd taken Eri for a late breakfast before putting her on the plane back to Purple High. "I guess you have a thing for breakfast smells." Izuku laughed, holding his hand. "I think Eri's ready to work Kacchan, she loves all the music you showed her and I liked her ideas."

"Me too, but she's still a kid, I want her to have fun." Katsuki waved down a taxi, giving the driver the name of a museum.

"Where are we going? Aren't the guys waiting for us at the hotel?"

"I texted them that we're taking the day to ourselves." Sliding into the taxi, he hauled him up against his body.

"We are?"

"There's an art exhibit I wanna go see, so we're going there first, if that's okay?"

"Sure, I didn't know you were into art."

"Not generally but I did a photo shoot once with this artist. There's an exhibit of his stuff."

"Paintings, like Cezanne or something?"

"Sort of but he does modern art, crazy shit, his paintings are really chaotic, he even has Godzilla in one. I've been watching him get more popular."

"When did you meet him?"

"One of my first shoots, so I was fucking scared as shit, this guy was cool, talked to me like I was a human."

"Isn't that how everyone talks to you?"

"Not in the modeling industry," Katsuki smiled weakly, brushing back the memories, "but I saw his stuff was here in the city, so I wanted to take you, share it with you."

"I'd like that Kacchan," Izuku settled next to his side, playing with his big hand, watching the city move by them. The museum wasn't far from their hotel, tucked into the middle of the downtown area. As the cab dropped them off, Izuku saw huge banners showing several exhibits. Walking down the quiet corridors, they found the side wing where they were hosting Murakami. The room was white with bright lights and natural sunlight streaming in through big skylights. The white contrasted with paintings on the walls and a multitude of media around the room, huge flowers, glass balls and statues, the color array was dazzling. "Wow!" Izuku tried to take it all in at once.

"Pretty incredible, isn't it?" Katsuki smiled at his reaction.

They walked slowly through the gallery, enjoying the quiet of the museum, a few other people were moving around the room. They'd seen everything when he noticed Kacchan looking at the pamphlet.

"What's wrong?"

"There's one missing, my favorite" he pointed to the pamphlet, "it says it's here." Looking around he noticed a small room off the main area. "Let's go in there." Walking into the smaller brightly lit room, there was a huge painting on the back wall. "That's it," Bakugou stopped, "this was the painting they used in our shoot, it's called Infinity."

"Why this one?"

"I don't know, it was a new painting and the producer raved over it, so they had ordered it for the ad." Stepping up in front of the painting, he thought about that day. "I'd been gone about ten months by then, it was right after my birthday."

"I remember we used to always have spicy ribs on your birthday." Izuku remembered the first time he'd eaten them without his friend. A burst of sadness rippled through his mind at the memory of celebrating without him. He blinked back the tears that formed. He glanced at Kacchan, what had it been like for him that day?

"Yeah, it was my first year without them." Memories washed over Katsuki, going out to dinner with Shinso and Sero to celebrate and how empty he'd felt eating, even with his new friends. Then at the photo shoot the next day, he'd been off, feeling strange, nothing right. "At the photo shoot everything was going wrong. The set up was going really shitty, they kept yelling at me to change my face or the way I was standing. They hadn't set up the paintings yet so they told me to go chill the fuck out."

"Oh, were they nuts?" Izuku smiled, squeezing his hand.

Katsuki shook his head, "they were right, I wasn't focused. So, I took a breather and the artist was in the break area, he was pulling out the paintings, this one was right in front of me." Bakugou's voice quieted. "I asked him the name, he said Infinity, we chatted a while and he left, the painting just sitting there. I remember staring at it, thinking why the fuck would anyone want to paint infinity?"

"It's interesting," Izuku took in the glaring modern art that was surprisingly attractive. A huge infinity symbol in bright blues outlined in black dominated the entire right side.

"I mean, it's just fucking nonstop, always looping. I thought who the fuck would want to go around and around endlessly?" Katsuki looked at the nerd, he was absorbed in the painting too. "I'd always been laying out my path straight, thinking of where I was going, which was usually away from wherever I was at the time."

"Where did you want to go?"

"That's just it, I didn't know, I just didn't want to be where I was, so I had to get away. But getting away hadn't made me feel any better. I was fucking tired at fifteen and standing in that break room I felt sick thinking about forever. Infinity sounded like hell, I wanted to throw this painting out the window, I hated it so damn much." Katsuki snorted, "who wants to keep fucking going around and around doing the same shit that got you nowhere in the first place."

"Wait, I don't understand," Izuku's brows shot up, "I thought this was your favorite."

"It is, because I finally figured it out." He pulled the nerd into his arms letting him lean back against his chest. Katsuki rested his chin on his shoulder. "It's not about your path, that can go anywhere, it's the people." His fingers ran along his arms. "If we're lucky, the ones that we lose that really mean something to us will loop back through our lives. Especially if we fucking screw shit up the first time." He kissed his neck, "think about it Deku, the friendship that we had, everything we've done, I don't think it's by chance."

"You don't?"

"No, I think that's what the artist meant, that when you see something come around again, maybe it's supposed to be part of your life and you gotta grab it, hold it close." He squeezed him gently. "If we hadn't held onto each other this time, I wouldn't be here with you." He sighed, kissing his cheek. "And since I'm not fucking sure what could happen tomorrow, I'm not missing my chance again."

"Your chance?" Izuku held his breath, "to do what?"

Turning him around so he could see into his brilliant green eyes, Katsuki smiled, "my chance to tell you that I'm falling for you, Izuku Midoriya. I think that you're supposed to be in my life."

"Kacchan," Izuku whispered, his eyes glassy with tears, he leaned into his chest.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry." Katsuki hugged him, people were looking at them as they walked by the painting. "There's a staircase over there, let's head up to the balcony, get some air."

"Okay," Izuku covered his face, blindly following Kacchan as he led him up to the outdoor balcony. The wind whipped at his curls. Kacchan's arms came around him again, peeking out he could see they were in a quiet corner along the fencing, overlooking the city.

"I wasn't going to say that to you here, I was going to tell you tonight."

"Tonight?"

"We're going to dinner at a new restaurant, it rotates on top of one of the bigger buildings here, so you can see the entire city as it turns." Katsuki tucked a curl behind his ear, the wind pulled it free immediately. The nerd's wide green eyes sparkled with tears. "There's nothing better in this fucking world than your eyes."

"I'm glad you told me now, with the painting," Izuku hugged him, "I got to see a part of your life that I never knew."

"How about you? Taking everyone to the dojo but me," Katsuki groused playfully. "I was so angry to miss seeing you there."

"Sorry, I was a little overheated back then, anytime you walked in the room I just about exploded."

"Here I thought you hated me, you were just horny?"

"Kacchan! I wasn't horny!" Izuku sucked in his breath, "I - I was," he stopped, emotions rushing through his mind like a whirlwind.

"Was what?" Katsuki kissed him again, "you didn't want me?"

"You know Kacchan," Izuku whispered.

"Pretend I don't."

"Okay," Izuku held his face in his hands. "From the day I met you, I've wanted to be with you Kacchan," he watched as his red eyes blazed, changing to a deep crimson, "After you left, I tried to forget you and that kiss, but I never could."

"Why didn't you come find me when you moved to the city?"

Izuku breathed deep, he looked down. "There was a part of me that wondered if you would want to see me."

"Of course I would, we were friends."

"We were but," Izuku shrugged, he splayed his hands on his chest. "You didn't come back to visit me so I thought I'd lost you to your new world." He thinned his lips, "you changed a lot Kacchan, you had a lot of new people in your life."

"I know nerd, I did, but I was the one who was lost," he kissed him, "without my fucking green eyes," he smiled wistfully.

"Kacchan," Izuku held his face tightly, "having you in my life again is everything to me, this time though let's try not to lose each other." His green eyes searched his face, "I don't think I could survive waiting for us to cross paths again." Standing on his tiptoes, hair blowing wildly, he wrapped his arms around his neck tightly, kissing his full mouth with every ounce of desire that ran through his veins.

The cab stopped at their hotel, letting them out onto the busy sidewalk, they headed up into the lobby. Izuku wasn't walking anymore, he was floating. After the museum, they'd gone to the movies to see one of the latest action films they both loved and then to the restaurant. He'd been so interested in the movement of the room, that he'd barely touched his food, Kacchan had finally made him sit down and eat. The entire day had been better than any day he'd ever lived, it was officially going into his notebook. Walking across the lobby, Izuku heard someone call his name, he turned to see Pinky jumping up and down at the bar.

"Pinky's at the bar, it looks like she's with the guys and some Babies." Izuku grabbed Kacchan's hand, he started for the bar, he was pulled backwards and wrapped up into his arms.

"I don't want to see them today, I only want to see you," he breathed softly in his ear.

"We've already been spotted, so I'll be quick, besides I need to do something."

"Quick?" Katsuki raised his brows.

"I promise," Izuku nodded and led them to the group.

"Hey Zu, did you guys have fun today?" Pinky hugged him, "how's my favorite Baby." She teased, taking a sip of her drink.

"Good Pinky, I'm glad you could come this weekend, I've missed you."

"Me too," she frowned, "I can come to a few more, but I can't believe it'll be over soon, only five more weeks."

"What happens after?" Izuku glanced at Kirishima.

"Eijiro?" She followed his gaze, "he goes back to the city, playing his music."

"You don't ever try to see each other?"

"I'm just a Baby, Zu," she shrugged, "he's got other stuff going on, I'll see him next time."

"I think you're wrong Pinky," Izuku squeezed her hand, "he likes you, you're really special." She blushed and kissed him on the cheek.

"I like you Zu," she took a deep breath, downing her drink, "but that's just my life and I'm okay with it," she hugged him. "You should take a lesson from my book," she whispered in his ear, eyeing the drummer sulking next to him.

"Pinky-" Shinso grabbed him in a huge hug, cutting him off.

"Midoriya, Bakugou!" He lifted the manager up off the floor.

"Put him the fuck down Freak." Katsuki grabbed Shinso's arm, jerking it off of the nerd.

"Ah, such a spoilsport," he pouted playfully. "Wait, wait, you gotta meet the newest Baby. Turning he swung his arm over a petite woman, her blonde hair twisted into two messy buns on her head. She was gazing up at him with an adoring look on her face. "I'd like you to meet our newest Baby, Himiko Toga." Her pale skin turned red at the attention, she twisted her foot inward and looked down.

"Hi Toga, nice to meet you, I'm Izuku Midoriya, this is Katsuki Bakugou." She looked up, her eyes wide.

"Oh, the drummer!" She looked back at Shinso, "you told me there was one more."

"Right, so now you've met all the Vandals."

"Great to meet you both, I'm excited to finally be able to join you."

"Himiko lives near here so she and her friend decided to look up an old Wonder they used to like," Shinso wrapped her up in a hug, "isn't she the cutest?"

"Yeah, good to meet you," Katsuki flicked an annoyed glare at Freak. He was glad to see he had a new distraction but he had been hoping to have the whole day to themselves. "We're heading up to the room."

"Bullshit, we're going out tonight, you gotta come."

"No, we don't, nice to meet you, Toga."

"Thanks, you can call me Himiko," she waved at the bartender to order another drink.

"Come on," Shinso whined, "we have to do everything together." Katsuki arched a brow at him. "Okay," he shrugged, "not everything," he glanced at Izuku. A knowing smile played on his lips, "got some big plans tonight, Bombshell?"

Izuku jumped between them. "Uh, Kacchan, can I talk to Shinso for a moment?" Kacchan looked at him, his eyes darting between the two. Not waiting for an answer, Izuku started to push the singer towards the tables in the back of the bar. "Band stuff, I need to get something finished tomorrow and I need his input," he looked over his shoulder.

"Why do I have to leave then? If it's band stuff?" Katsuki peered at him. The nerd flushed a deep red. Sighing, he turned to walk towards the elevator. Whatever lie Deku was going to come up with wasn't worth it, he'd grill him later.

"What's up Midoriya?" Shinso followed him as they sat in an empty booth.

Sitting down across from him, Izuku swallowed, giving him a shaky smile. "I wanted to talk to you about the other night."

"The fight?" Shinso was surprised it'd taken him this long. Putting his arm over the back of the booth he nodded, "what about it?"

"Well, the deal, I want to talk about that."

A wide grin spread across Shinso's face, he looked around the bar, the Babies were just gearing up for the night. "You wanna fuck the drummer?" Midoriya glared up at him, freckled cheeks aflame. "I suppose you don't want me to fuck him in return?" Clearly Bombshell hadn't told him the deal was off, he chuckled, the manager was fun to mess with, almost as good as the drummer.

"No, I'm telling you to drop the deal, not your choice," Izuku kept his voice hard. "Anything to do with that stupid bet or deal is off, you hear me Shinso?"

"Nothing to do with the Bombshell over there grabbing your ass?" Hooded purple eyes sparkled with laughter. "You getting horny manager man?"

"Does it matter? I'm your manager, I'm telling you to drop it," Izuku clenched his jaw. "I deal with each member of the band professionally, my personal life is not your business."

"Yeah, you do," Shinso nodded, "you really fucking do, I'm surprised, he gets no special treatment from you at all, how the fuck do you do that?"

"I just do," Izuku's face softened in surprise, "I like you and the band, I'd never want to be accused of playing favorites, if I did that, then I'd quit or," he fidgeted with his fingers, "well I'd quit."

"That's where you draw the line then? Him? If we made you choose?" Shinso sucked at his lip, glancing over at Katsuki waiting in the lobby, glaring at him. "You sure he's got the same feelings? Would he choose you over the band?"

"I - I," Izuku closed his mouth, after today Izuku knew how much Kacchan liked him and had asked for him to be in his life but over the band? He realized he wasn't sure of that answer, he took a deep breath. At this point he didn't really care, he was finally with the man he'd always wanted. "That's for us to figure out, not you." Izuku looked at Shinso's heavy rimmed purple eyes, "Personally I'd rather not choose. I think I can do both, but maybe you think I can't?"

Shinso looked up at the tall ceilings, huge chandeliers hung around the bar, "I think you're the best thing that's happened to all of us Midoriya, even if we only got part of your attention." He looked back down and smiled, "all I ask is that when the dust fucking settles, you'll stick with us, even if Bombshell pulls his usual stunt."

"Usual stunt?" Izuku crossed his arms.

Shinso flicked his fingers at his face, "your smart manager man, I don't think I need to spell it out."

"You're right, you don't and yes, if something does happen, I'll do my best to stay with you, if it's possible."

"Well, that's all I can ask for Midoriya, you horny little fucker." Standing up he patted him on the back. "Deals off manager man, go fuck your tour buddy."