Chapter 11: Breakthrough

Introduction

V/O (Kirishima): That's weird…

V/O (Todoroki): What's wrong?

V/O (Kirishima): Bakugou's not in his room...and it's pretty late.

V/O (Todoroki): That is odd.

[enter Uraraka and Midoriya]

V/O (Uraraka): What's odd?

V/O (Todoroki): Bakugo isn't in his room and it's late.

V/O (Midoriya): I was in the last few introductions with him. He mentioned going out to the store and to his parents place.

V/O (Kirishima): But you guys don't live too far away. right? Even if he stayed for dinner he should have been back by now. Wonder if something happened…

V/O (Uraraka): Maybe he got sidetracked.

V/O (Todoroki): Speaking of sidetracked… aren't we supposed to be doing the intro?

V/O(Midoriya): You're right! Though none of us are in this chapter...which is becoming common…I wonder what the writer is thinking! Why not have characters that are in the chapters do the intro? And why did she pair me and Kacchan up for the last three? *mutter mutter mutter*

V/O (Uraraka): Classic Deku!

V/O (Kirishima): This chapter probably has to do with what Bakugo is doing out so late!

V/O (Uraraka): That would make sense! Then we will go with that. Are you guys ready to end this?

V/O(Kirishima, Todoroki, Uraraka, and Midoriya): Plus Ultra!

It was quiet– absolutely quiet. Wasn't out of the ordinary though. Aizawa worked best when it was silent–no distractions, no interruptions from his noisy coworkers. Not to mention it was the part of the day he looked forward to, especially after having to teach a class of 20 students who were also noisy and somehow always up to something, giving him more of a headache day in and day out. Despite this, he wouldn't give up his position for anything in the world. His class meant everything to him. If only they would not get into trouble so often and could be a bit quieter it would make the day easier. So, yes, he loved the silence when he arrived back to his room, so he kept his room that way. Silent.

Unfortunately, despite setting up the right atmosphere to do reports, his mind couldn't focus. This only happened when one of his students was up to no good, which seemed to be a monthly occurrence. Three months ago, it was Mineta asking to use the bathroom once every day in class–turns out he was going to the locker room instead, trying to drill a new hole in the wall to peep at the girls. He squashed that one in three days. Two months ago it was Ashido. Every time he entered the classroom she would immediately start whispering–turns out she was trying to plan a huge party in the dorms. He squashed that one after the fifth day. Last month was Midoriya's turn. He was avoiding eye contact for the whole class–after interrogating him it turns out he had injured himself AGAIN in training and tried to hide it from him. He squashed that one the day of, immediately sent him to Recovery Girl so she could chew him out too.

Why would this month be different? It looked like it was Bakugou's turn now. He had a gut feeling something was up, however the problem child had every excuse in the book that just made sense. There wasn't much of a reason to speculate that he was up to something or hiding something because anytime confronted with a concern, he'd give a legitimate reason for it. He wasn't entirely acting out of the ordinary either, just little things here and there that would catch his eye. Besides the few bigger things like weird answers on his assignments or crying and running out of class, he also noticed Bakugou in more of a hurry to leave class. He was always rushing out but it's just a little more now. And then it doesn't seem like he is paying attention in class, like he is in his head. However, he can't say much about it being a problem either because Bakugou would answer right away when called upon with the right answer. So he shouldn't really be thinking anything is wrong. However, he couldn't help but think something was up. Just his gut feeling. He would probably have to wait for Bakugou to slip up, if the kid was up to anything at all.

Or maybe that time was now. He looked down at the clock seeing that it was almost 10pm. The sign out log happened to be up on his computer and he noticed Bakugou hadn't returned to the dorms yet. Bakugo said he would be back at 9pm. This was really unusual, but an hour late isn't bad compared to how late his other classmates have been before. And if it wasn't for his gut, he'd not be concerned about it. Everyone is allowed to act unusual. Just not Bakugou this time.

Aizawa brought up the student information directory and took his phone out.

. . .

Katsuki and Hikari made it outside. Hikari kept her eyes down on the ground. Katsuki didn't know what to say to her. He knew they should immediately head back to the dorms, however, it felt too soon for them to go back, especially after what just happened. To think they made it just in time for Hiroyuki to die...what a nightmare. Katsuki had just gotten her back on track and now another hurdle appeared to get over. He didn't know if it would have been better to not have ventured out. No, he knew this had to happen, no matter how painful it may have been.

In addition to this, because of this situation, Hikari had no freedom to be out and about in public. Even though she was not with Despair, and Hikari would agree that she was in a better place, Katsuki still felt he was basically trapping her in his room. It wasn't right. Maybe giving her at least a little sense of normalcy would be the best right now. What could go wrong?

/We both haven't eaten today...eating out shouldn't hurt considering we are both in disguise.../

He looked around, until he saw a large yellow M.

"Hey...let's get something to eat," He pointed at the building. Hikari looked up to see that they were at McDonalds. Her stomach growled, which upset her. She didn't feel all that hungry but her body was telling her otherwise. Her eyes moved down to the menu plastered on a triangle stand. Her eyes widened a little bit.

"Their Mighty Meal comes with a Pro Hero toy…"

"Are you a child?"

Hikari didn't respond. She looked pretty pathetic staring at that menu. This empathy thing was really beginning to get on Katsuki's nerves–a thin, taut line, ready to snap.

"FINE! I'll order ya a Mighty Meal...at least try and look like you're happy 'bout it…" He huffed, looking away from her.

"You get one too…"

Katsuki snapped his head back toward her.

"HA?! No way, I'm not a child like you," he growled, gritting his teeth. It was going to be embarrassing enough to get one kid's meal, but two? No way.

"But if you get one, then we have a better chance at an All Might toy…"

"No…"

Hikari looked away from him, in a pouting kind of way. But way more pathetic. She was definitely like a package with a Fragile: Handle With Care sticker slapped on it; he had to tread lightly. Clearly she was desperately looking for any sort of pick-me-up. It just happened to be for an All Might toy, something so embarrassing and childish.

Katsuki clenched his fist and glared at her.

/Why is she dragging me down to her level!? Why do I have to feel like I had a bad day!?/

"Ugh, fine! Come on," Katsuki abruptly made his way into the McDonalds and up to the counter. Hikari followed behind him.

"Good evening, welcome to McDonalds, how may I help you?"

"Yeah, 2 burger Mighty Meals…"

"Uh...o-okay." This lady was definitely judging them.

"It better include the toy," Katsuki mumbled under his breath but just loud enough for the clerk to hear him.

"Yes, sir; of course…" The woman rang in the order. Katsuki pulled out his wallet and paid, then grabbed the two cups that the hostess put in front of him.

"Here, get us drinks, then go sit down. I'll take a Coke."

Hikari grabbed the cups and went over to the drink machines. It took her a minute, and someone else getting impatient and dispensing their drink, to figure out how the machine worked. Her brother always had her bring food to the table, not get the drinks, considering she was too short to reach the machine when she was young. It also didn't help that these machines looked different from what she remembered. She could have sworn there used to be a silver lever that you would push the cup into to dispense the liquid. Now it's buttons. After getting the drinks, she found a table sort of secluded from other customers.

The meal came out and Katsuki brought the food over and sat down where Hikari was.

Hikari looked fascinated by the All Might shaped kids box the food came in. She immediately opened the box and grabbed the toy first. She ripped it open. Her eyes beamed a bit, though hiding behind the colors of the shades.

"It's All Might!" She said in a quiet voice, holding it out to slightly irked him. There was no need for him to get himself a kid's meal.

"Open yours…."

"Stop telling me what to do!" Katsuki growled. He grabbed the toy out of his own box and opened it. It was also an All Might toy.

"It's the same!"

"Great...now ya have two All Might toys," He tossed it at her. She caught it and examined it for a moment. She then put one of them right back in front of Katsuki.

"I'm giving you this one." It was the one she originally opened.

"I don't need this…"

"It's a gift...this is the only thing that's mine that I can give you to thank you...because of you, I got to see Hi-chan for the last time...you're risking a lot right now to keep me safe...I'm grateful…"

"Idiot, ya coulda just trained harder and stopped bein' a pain…also I'm the one who bought the damn meals…" He looked at the toy for a moment before shoving it in his pocket.

"Thank you. I'll pay you back someday."

"Shut up and eat...we have to get back." Katsuki grabbed his burger and began eating. Hikari did the same. Although it was typical fast food, the two of them thought that it was the best thing they've tasted in a while.

"Can you order a few of these to take back with us?"

"Hell no! I'm not stockpiling kid's meals…"

"But the lunch boxes...aren't as good.."

"Ya sure got over yourself quickly! I'm not doing it."

"Stingy!"

"Moocher!"

"I don't think I can get stronger on lunchboxes from the convenience store…"

This girl was really trying Katsuki's patience. He glared at her and she just glared back. He could feel himself lightening up to the point where he felt a smile coming on. He was actually happy she was back to her normal self. Normally he'd squash that, she was being irritating and he needed her to know that with this stupid staredown. But, for whatever reason, he didn't want to. Her glaring was actually kinda cute.

"I'll bring leftovers up from the kitchen at the dorms…I should be down there sometimes anyway...don't want the others to start asking questions about why I'm never around…" Katsuki replied, turning away from Hikari before she could see the smile on his face. He walked his tray over to the trash, mumbling to himself.

Hikari stood up quickly, bumping into someone who was walking by. She was about to say something but remembered not to speak, so she turned to the guy, bowing to show she was sorry. The man scoffed.

"Watch it, loser. I coulda dropped my food! Then what? You don't look like you could afford me another one, why else would a teenager buy a kid's meal?"

Hikari just bowed again, trying to express she was sorry.

"Can't talk? Or are you too good to talk to anyone?" The guy put his tray down on the table next to him.

Hikari started to feel irritated. What's this guy's problem? Just then she saw her All Might toy in his hands.

"Such a child! You actually like this crap? I'm surprised they are still making this shit. All Might's time is over!" The guy laughed. Hikari looked at him, now pissed off. She went to grab her toy back, but the guy played keep away and continued to laugh.

"Maybe if you say 'please give it back,' then you can have it." Hikari jumped and kept trying, but the guy was too tall. Katsuki came from behind the guy and swiped the toy. Without saying anything, he handed it back to Hikari.

"Looks like your boyfriend came to save you." The man made kissy sounds. The thin, taut line snapped. This guy was intentionally trying to start a fight, at least in Katsuki's mind.

"Too bad yours isn't here to save ya from me. He probably wouldn't recognize ya after I beat the shit outta you," Katsuki taunted and smiled, a deadly one. The guy's expression changed from cocky to irritated–it was satisfying to Katsuki.

"You have some mouth on you, kid. You're years too young to be picking fights with me," The guy frowned and cracked his knuckles.

"And you're just asking to get your ass handed to you. Making fun of a mute and playing keep away with their shit. You're just a bully and bullies need to learn their place." Katsuki took a step toward the guy and looked him straight in the eyes, posing himself, making himself as intimidating as possible and smiling confidently, something fierce. He hit his palm with his fist, smaller sparks emanating from impact. The guy glared back, then clicked his tongue.

"This is a waste of time." The guy said, grabbing his tray and walking away.

Katsuki gave himself a satisfied grunt, then looked over at Hikari.

"Let's go," Katsuki said, turning to leave the building. Hikari followed.

"Hey Katsuki…I realized that my quirk didn't affect that jerk." Hikari said, once they were out in the streets.

"What are ya goin' on 'bout?"

"I was really angry when he was laughing at me, and I felt my quirk activate when I made eye contact but his eyes never glowed."

"Glowed?" Katsuki thought for a moment, then remembered Hiroyuki's eyes glowed when Hikari used her quirk on him. Guess with him dying he had forgotten to ask her about it. "That happened with your brother…"

"Yeah, like that! I know my quirk hits when I feel it happening and the person I made eye contact with, their eyes glow for a moment. That guy's eyes didn't. I wonder why?"

Katsuki thought for a moment.

"Maybe it has to do with the sunglasses…"

Hikari's eyes widened with excitement when he said that. This means if she just wears the sunglasses she wouldn't bother Katsuki as much with her quirk. This also brought some relief to Katsuki.

"We should try it out later! Make sure it works!" Hikari said.

"Yeah, yeah…let's just board the train and get back to the dorms," Katsuki responded. Hikari nodded and the two walked to the station.

Once off the train, Hikari immediately went back into the duffle bag, Katsuki dragging her behind him. The two of them talked more about her quirk. She made mention that the color the other person's eyes glow determines what feeling she sent. Red was anger, orange was worry or anxiety, yellow fear or surprise, green was happiness, blue was calm or sadness, and purple: disgust. The darker the color the more intense and scary the feeling she was sending was.

"That puts you at a disadvantage if the bastard has allies. Though if you're capable of sending intense feelings and overpowering them, then it really doesn't matter if they know what feeling they're being affected by…or that they're being affected by your quirk."

"That's true I guess. Never thought about it that way…"

"Clearly. Bet you haven't tried to see if you can vary the level of feelings you send to others, right?"

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said, stupid. So making someone have a need-to-use-the-bathroom stomach ache versus a doubling-over-in-pain stomach ache."

"..Oh…I wonder if I can do that…"

"We'll have to try it out…it would also be good to know if you can vary the level, if you were to use the same intensity on two different people, if it would affect them the same way…have you used your quirk on more than one person before?"

"Yes, that I've done."

"How many at a time?"

"Uh…I think five people at once…"

"Any side effects? Like you have a limit?"

"Not that I know of."

"Was it the same feeling?"

"Yeah…"

"What happened? Did each one get affected differently?"

"I…actually don't remember. I think I blacked out after that time. It happened sometimes when Despair had me using my quirk on others."

"You said there were no side effects. Think maybe if you use your quirk on too many people your head couldn't handle it?"

"I don't know…maybe…I just feel like I didn't black out because I overused my quirk…"

Katsuki hummed to himself. It was interesting to say the least. Maybe they could just have her use her quirk back to back and see how far she could go. Didn't necessarily like the thought he'd be the guinea pig, but who else was there? It would be good to know if she blacks out from quirk overuse or if these sudden pass outs are from something else. He didn't want to think about it, and clearly Hikari sounded like she didn't want to either.

"Anyway, we'll at least have to try out the sunglasses theory at the dorms. We should also try regular glasses, too. Have some lying around in my desk drawer."

"You have glasses? I never seen you wear them, embarrassed or something?" Hikari teased.

"Shut it, crybaby! I got them as a secret santa gift…"

"Oh, and you participated?"

"Like I had a choice…"

"What did you give as a gift?"

"Hot sauce…"

"Sounds like you."

"Whatever. I had extras and I wasn't gonna go outta my way to get something…"

"Also sounds like you. You know…I've only known you three, four days? And yet, I already know you way too well. I bet you don't even remember who got your gift," Hikari chuckled.

"You wanna die?! You're not some mystery either. I bet you would have gotten something with a pro-hero on it to give. Probably one of those grab bag toys. "

"You're just saying that because I wanted to get a Mighty Meal toy! You're just guessing!"

"No, I'm not! A toy or key chain is a safe choice, because you'd be upset if the person ending up with your gift didn't like it. There really aren't many pro-heroes that someone dislikes so it works. You are way too considerate for your own good, thinking about others before yourself…so you'd want to please everyone. But because everyone's favorite pro hero varies, you'd pick the grab bag so that there was a chance someone got their favorite. That's if you couldn't afford a whole set…but you'd also probably work to get the money to buy a whole pro-hero set to give anyway. So either option, you'd choose."

Hikari was stunned. That sounded like her.

"Also, I bet you'd be happy with any gift you got, even if it was a broken rock."

"That's rude. What do you take me for?"

"You're too damn considerate. You wouldn't want to hurt the giver's feelings by not liking their gift. You'd glue that rock back together, decorate it, and give it a name. Then you'd get attached to it and cry over it if something happened to it."

"You're making me sound pathetic…"

"You're just an idiot…not pathetic. You appreciate the things you have and what you got, even if it's something small and worthless. Always trying as hard as you can to bring out the best in everything, make 'em shine or whatever."

Hikari's face felt warm.

Guess being together for days really can make you learn things about others, even when you don't necessarily talk about yourselves. Just days and it wasn't just her learning about him but the other way around too. He was watching her. He noticed things about her she even had to think about for a second.

"Wow…I hate to admit you're right…"

"'Course I am!"

"But, you didn't answer my statement before…you don't know who got your gift, do you?"

Katsuki paused for a moment.

"No…"

Hikari laughed, so hard she was holding her stomach. It hurt from laughing so hard. Katsuki wanted to blast her, but found himself smiling instead. Today was a shit day. And she was laughing. It wouldn't last, this little bit of happiness, but a little bit of him in the way back of his mind wanted it to. He wanted her to be happy.

Katsuki looked up to see the dorms in sight, then two figures standing in front of the entrance. His smile quickly became a frown as his eyes focused on the two figures and they became people he recognized. He stopped in his tracks, abruptly, making Hikari stop laughing immediately.

"Shit…"