-x- Izuku -x-

When Shoto got out of the car with black windows, Izuku ran to him and gave him a big hug. It had been over a month since they last saw one another. But Shoto hugged him back lightly. "I missed you," Izuku said sadly.

"Me, too. I'm good now. Look, I'm in the sun," Shoto said softly. There was a tiny bit of pride in his voice. Izuku grinned up at him, reassured and happy that he could go outside. He could live a more normal life. "Can… do you want me to, y'know, meet your mom?"

"I want to meet yours first," Izuku replied, of course his foster mother hearing, being a vampire and all. She came out and walked over with a smile. She was very pretty with black hair, red eyes and a kind face. Looking happy with Izuku, she shook his hand. So soft like both his and Shoto's. "It's nice to meet you, Tanaka-san."

"Call me Mikaela. It's nice to meet you, too, Midoriya. I'm very glad that Shoto has someone to be friends with." Izuku agreed, feeling the same. She asked to speak to Inko, and the three vampires headed inside, where they knew the mother had been watching from the window. They walked up the stairs, Izuku grasping onto Shoto's arm, really so relieved everything worked out.

He had a kind foster family that welcomed Izuku to be his friend, and had even enrolled him in the same school. He was starting tomorrow, the first Monday of the month and a half remaining. Inko opened the door immediately, and welcomed them in, looking happy to meet Shoto, and not an ounce afraid of either of them.

It warmed his heart that she wasn't scared of these strangers who were also vampires. It wasn't like either of them would hurt her. And if Shoto did lose control, he had the shock collar on to stop him. He'd spoken to him when he was in rehab over the phone that it reacted perfectly each time. He had gotten better at delaying the reaction himself, but it happened eventually. This was as good as anyone really thought he'd get for now.

"Mom, this is Shoto, Shoto, this is Inko," Izuku introduced. Shoto bowed politely, thanking her for allowing him over.

"Of course! Izuku really cares for you, so I've been looking forward to meeting you."

"Oh… um, he talked nice about you, too," Shoto replied. "This is my foster mom, Mikaela. I'm Sho - oh, Midoriya already said it." God, he was so awkward, but it was very endearing. He knew his mom loved him already. She invited them in further.

Walking inside, the two vampires sat at the table, but Izuku invited his friend into his room. Shoto did so, and looked surprised at just how obsessed he was with All Might. "You're such a fanboy," he said honestly. Izuku laughed shyly. "That's a lot of collectables," he commented at all the unopened All Might figures. Yes, many would sell for quite a price if he were to try. But he wouldn't. At least, not anytime soon.

"What's your room look like, now?"

"Simple. I don't really have any hobbies or interests," he admitted, looking down. "I'm just not that interesting."

"Well, now you have the freedom to find things you like! And you're not boring, even if you don't convey many emotions. You helped me a lot at rehab, and I'll always be thankful for that," Izuku said sincerely. Shoto nodded, and moved to the book shelf to look at what Izuku had. "If you want to borrow books, you can totally do that."

"Mikaela said I could go to the library if I wanted. I've never been to a library before. Or really anywhere, but when I went to the mall for shopping. Do… do you look down on humans, Midoriya?" Shoto asked. Izuku shook his head, but assumed Shoto still had trouble with that. "A girl fell down the escalator at the mall. When I saw it, I thought she was a stupid and weak human. It made me feel really bad. But Mikaela said that I'd only get better at that by being around other humans."

"That sounds true. It's not like you really knew good quality humans before, either. I think it's really understandable to have trouble changing things like that. Besides, it isn't like you chose to think this way." Shoto nodded, running his fingers along the spines of the books, not making eye contact.

When Izuku was about to offer to watch a movie, Shoto spoke again. "Mikaela told me something that made me feel really good. She said that it's not wrong to drink from people directly. And it's normal to have that urge. She said that to ever feed off people, there needs to be full consent on both sides, and the vampire needs perfect self-control.

"I always thought I was evil for wanting that, for only thinking of them as food. But its something that just came with my vampirism. I'm not evil for feeling something natural and hardwired in my brain." He gave a soft smile. "They're all such nice people."

The younger vampire was surprised with the words. But he was glad they helped Shoto think of himself as less a monster. And it wasn't like she encouraged him to do that, she just assured him that it wasn't bad. Izuku really liked her so far, too! And Shoto talked about the foster siblings and father, too.

He deserved a happy life with good people surrounding him. He deserved the world after what he'd been through. Izuku would be a good best friend. Not just because he felt for Shoto, but he also did his best to be a good friend.

Shoto ended up having dinner with them, Mikaela leaving and then planning to pick him up afterwards. Izuku explained how school worked as best as he could, and clearly he was getting nervous. But it was normal, he'd never stepped a foot in a classroom. Inko asked him some things about himself, and Shoto replied in his awkward ways.

"What kinds of things do you like, Shoto-kun?" Izuku had told her Shoto didn't go by his surname for a mystery reason.

"Um… I like to sleep." He had no other answer, and his cheeks turned red. "Though sometimes I have nightmares," he added.

"I think it's clear what Izuku's favorite thing is," she said in a teasing voice. Shoto nodded, stating that he liked All Might.

"He talked about him a lot, with his stuffed doll." But he didn't sound judgemental at all. A stuffed doll was nothing to be ashamed of. At least, not to him. Though he'd probably never had one in his life. His father only cared about making him strong and behaving properly.

Inko then asked him what his quirk was, just out of curiosity. "I can attract small things to myself. It's nothing amazing, but is helpful around the house."

Shoto replied, "I can control ice and fire, but I only use my ice." Inko rose her brows, and Izuku looked surprised, too. He hadn't known Shoto could use fire. "I guess I didn't tell you about that… sorry," Shoto said to Izuku. "I just never use my fire." Izuku wondered why, but didn't ask, as he assumed it was a sore subject if he never wanted to talk about it.

The rest of the dinner was spent talking about more trivial things, with Shoto doing most of the listening, like always. When he left, Mikaela had some blood waiting for him that he drank quickly. Izuku wondered if he'd been uncomfortable and didn't want to take any of his blood supply.

If he was in pain, he did such a good job of hiding it.

When Shoto was gone fully, out of earshot, Inko smiled at her son. "He's so sweet!" she said, unsurprisingly. "So awkward, though."

"He's never had a friend before me."

"Is he always that calm?"

Izuku helped clean up the dishes and wipe down the table as he spoke. "He takes medication that is part of what causes him to not look so expressive. It helps with mood swings, and he's happy he doesn't show so many emotions. He's quiet, and mostly does the listening, but always pays attention," he explained with a smile. "I hope school goes okay."

"Me, too," Inko agreed. "I'm happy for you. He does seem to care about you a lot." Izuku nodded with a smile. He was so happy he had a friend! Finally, after so long of being all alone. He did wonder how Shoto would react to bullying. Would he lose it, or would he take it and think he deserved it? Izuku would do his best to at least not let him be bullied.

In the morning, he hurried to school, running the whole way, as it wasn't far from home. When he got there, Shoto was standing at the entrance gates, fists balled and nervous. He looked up when he heard and smelled Izuku. "You're finally here," he said brightly.

"I'm really nervous." Izuku noticed he had brown contacts in, hiding the red. The green haired boy asked about his eyes. "Mikaela said it would be easier to hide it if I don't have red eyes. My eyes were originally gray and blue. Gray on one side and blue on the other." That was so cool, and asked if it was like his hair. "And my quirk. Half and half pretty much everything," he said.

Izuku looped his arm around Shoto's, knowing his presence would be best for him, even if it brought him trouble by just being affiliated to Izuku. But he knew something like bullying wouldn't make Shoto leave him as a friend. When they walked inside, students were watching them, and Shoto looked at the floor.

Izuku lead him to their classroom, and sat him down in the empty desk beside him. Nobody wanted to sit next to a quirkless loser, after all. He hung his backpack on the back of his chair. Based on the sounds coming from it, there were multiple bags of blood powder and a canteen. Students looked at him.

When the bell rang, Shoto had taken out a pencil alone, not knowing what else to bring out. "Just wait for the teacher to tell us what to do." They were whispering way too quiet for humans to hear. Shoto nodded. He wasn't happy much when Tomiaka-sensei asked him to introduce himself. He stood up, and gave his name. Then he sat down.

He'd shown no emotion while he spoke, like most times. When they were told to do things, what to get out, Shoto did so. Izuku was kind of jealous, but also happy for him, when he breezed through all the school work for the day. So he was resigned to just sit there and doodle.

"Shoto-kun, have you done all your work?" the teacher asked, since there was still a lot of time allotted for the activity. He nodded, and showed his paper. "Alright, I'll grade it now," the sixth grade teacher said pleasantly. She came back with a smile a few minutes later. "What a great start. Full marks."

Izuku smiled while he worked. Shoto nodded, and said, "Um, thank you."

"You're welcome," she said, already looking at him in a fond way. She knew both of them were vampires, but had never treated Izuku differently because of it. And she was considerate and also didn't call Shoto by his last name.

After they were done with that topic, it was recess time. He and Shoto headed out, and he was drawn to the jungle gym. "You're allowed to play on this, right?" he asked, pointing to it. Izuku nodded. Shoto climbed on and started to swing upside down. Some others came over, smirking at them, looking mean. They were Izuku's normal bullies.

"Got a friend, finally?" Bully #1 said. Izuku didn't acknowledge their names, even to himself.

"Yes," Izuku said. When he was grabbed by the shirt, and didn't fight back, ice climbed up his leg, immobilizing him. Everyone was in shock but for Izuku. "Shoto, we can't use our quirks on school property," he said.

"But, how do you protect yourself?" he asked, dropping down neatly from the bars. The bully was freaking out, his legs in pain from the ice being on his bare skin. Izuku had no answer, because he had no way to protect himself. He was physically weak and a coward. But Shoto melted the ice. The bully went running away while everyone else was shocked at his quirk and the control he had over it.

Shoto had told him he'd always been fairly good at using his ice powers. He was about to ask something before Kacchan walked over, eyes narrowed. He asked who Shoto was. "My friend."

"He knows?" Izuku nodded.

"Are you Midoriya's friend?"

"Of course not! No way am I Deku's friend, idiot!"

"Oh, okay," Shoto replied flatly. "Why do you call him Deku? He said his name is Izuku…" Shoto asked in confusion.

"It's my nickname for him, because he's useless and quirkless!" Shoto looked to Izuku, who shook his head minutely. Being called that was just something he was used to, and it didn't really hurt anymore. He knew he'd never get respect from Kacchan. It was fine, he had a friend with him, now!

Bakugo then asked what Shoto's quirk was. "I can make ice… you can blow up, right? It must hurt."

"It doesn't hurt, you idiot!" Shoto was kind of surprised with the insult, but didn't retaliate. He was completely under control, and Izuku was glad of that. He looked to Izuku, not knowing how to handle this situation.

"Oh. Sorry, then," he said. Then he walked to go get a drink of water. Kacchan was left not knowing how to respond, as Shoto hadn't reacted negatively to his insult. Seemed sort of detached. "There are rude people here," he said when he got back.

"Unfortunately, yeah," Izuku agreed. Well, he'd warned Shoto, so he couldn't be too surprised. After the bell rang, they returned to class. It was math next. Again, the new student flew through the multiplication sheet, and got 100% again. People were listening in by now. Izuku could see many were looking conflicted. Maybe they wanted help. But some others looked annoyed.

The quirkless vampire knew Shoto wouldn't be confident enough to tutor just anybody. Only Izuku, as they were friends and had already been study buddies at the rehab. When lunch came, Shoto had food made for him from his foster mother. It smelled delicious, and Izuku could tell the chicken had been marinated in blood. Shoto dug into it, but offered Izuku a piece of the chicken.

He took it gladly. It was fantastic. "Mikaela is a good cook," Shoto said. "She makes good special food." Izuku knew that meant it was vampire food. "Maybe I could bring some to you," he added, shaking his canteen before drinking the bloody water. It was diluted and looked more like fruit juice or Gatorade. The blood powder smelled just as strong as normal blood. It really was very interesting.

They stayed inside and didn't go to recess. "Let's play hangman."

"You… hang people?" Shoto asked in shock and mild horror. Izuku chuckled and explained the game. "Oh, okay." He wasn't very good at it, not good at trying new things, even if they were small. After awhile of that, Shoto brought out a deck of cards. "Asahi gave it to me and taught a few card games."

"Ooh, wanna play them?"

"I forgot the rules," Shoto said honestly. Well, Izuku had games he knew just fine, and taught Shoto them. They got to playing Speed, and he was in control of how fast he moved. He looked like a normal person, but it was clear to Izuku that pacing himself, restraining himself, was difficult. He could smell some sweat from trying so hard.

They stopped when the bell rang. "Midoriya? I'm sorry if I get annoying."

"You're not annoying. It's nice showing you new things." Shoto nodded once, and they returned to class. Once it was over, they put their backpacks on, and walked to Izuku's house. He thought today had gone well. His friend hadn't reacted badly at all. No violence or aggression. He was happy with how it went, and hoped that he wouldn't be bullied. And maybe being affiliated with someone with such a good quirk would keep him from being bullied anymore, too.

After Shoto was picked up, he explained the day to Inko. "I'm glad you're there for him, honey. You're a good friend."

"I want to make him happy like he makes me."

"I never expected you to be the talker in a friendship, to be honest," she admitted. "You've always been the quiet one."

"That's… maybe because nobody ever bothered to listen to me before," he replied. "He listens well."

"He did seem that way," Inko said. Izuku was glad she liked him, not that he thought she wouldn't. He was proud of his friend.

-x- Shoto -x-

The first day of school didn't make him respect humans any more. Sure, his teacher was nice, but the kids were rude at best and cruel at worst. Though he was happy for himself. He felt no urge to maim, even after Izuku was grabbed. He had been under control of his emotions. Or at least, his meds had.

When he got home, he had a ton of blood, and then went to the breakfast table and did his homework. His foster mother came out and waited until he put his things away, finished, to speak to him. She sat across from him, and asked, "How was school?"

"They were kind of mean… To Midoriya, and I got called an idiot," Shoto said bluntly. "I did good on the academic stuff, though. And it was nice being around my friend, and the jungle gym was fun, too. Went good and bad, I guess."

"Well, Midoriya-kun did warn you."

Shoto nodded, knowing that. "I didn't get violent." Mikaela smiled proudly. "And none of them smelled especially good. My teacher seems really nice."

"That's great!" the foster mother said. Shoto nodded, thinking that maybe things hadn't gone too bad. It wasn't like he needed more friends. Izuku was enough. But he would try to not make any enemies, either. The bully, Bakugo, seemed confused as to what to say next when Shoto didn't really react to his insult. Maybe, if he didn't react, they bullies would get bored of him.

The next day, he met up with Izuku at the gates a second time, standing where nobody could see him well. He knew his friend was there before the other saw him. "Ready for day two?" Shoto nodded. The two of them headed to class, and Shoto took something out of his pocket. It was a candy.

"Try it," Shoto said. Izuku unwrapped it and popped it into his mouth. He looked surprised by the taste. "Maya made them. Blood candies. Made with melted sugar and blood." They really were good. And they didn't leave a bad afterbreath. He handed Izuku three more, and he pocketed them with a smile.

When they entered class, they were all told to write a short essay on the book they were reading. Shoto had read the book before starting school there to keep up. He was very book smart, even if he was socially awkward, and was able to write and read above all the other sixth graders.

His hand writing was perfect, and he ended up writing a three page essay. He didn't know why it got so long. Maybe he went into too much detail. But he wasn't sure if he was allowed to turn in something so long. But first, he proof read it a few times, fixing misspellings or punctuation. He raised his hand for the teacher to come get it.

"I made it too long… sorry," he said quietly.

"We can work on learning to summarize and paraphrase at lunch, if you'd like." Shoto nodded, taking her up on that offer. Izuku's was the right length, and everyone was still writing, so he took out a book and started reading that. It was from the school library. He'd gone that morning when it opened. Left early.

He chose three books, and all of them were in his backpack. It wasn't heavy to him, of course. Rarely anything was heavy.

At first recess, he went back to the jungle gym. It was really fun! He did flips and all, garnering some stares in shock. Izuku was sitting on the top ladder. Shoto felt bad for him for not getting any strength or speed traits from his turning. He didn't complain about it, though, and never discouraged or made Shoto feel bad for using it himself.

He hung upside down from his bent knees, letting the blood rush to his head before pulling his body back up with an upside down pull up. Someone finally came over, and asked how Shoto was so good at everything. It made him uncomfortable, because he wasn't good at everything. Book smart and physically able. But he was awkward even talking to his friend and foster family.

"I work hard," Shoto settled with. Others gathered, and he started to get nervous. "I gotta go to the bathroom," he said and escaped. Izuku followed at a slow pace, and met him on the bench around the corner of the building. "I don't like lots of people focusing on me," he admitted. "How do I get them to go away? I… don't want to be rude. But I need personal space…"

"You act awkward and shy already. I know them, they'll eventually move on when it's clear you have no desire to help out or make friends."

"I don't need more friends, I have you." Izuku smiled, but hoped some day they'd both find more friends. "Maybe. But I'm okay with one good friend cause you already know everything." Izuku smiled brightly and nodded.

When they got back to class, he heard some mutters about him being unfriendly, but he wasn't too bothered by that. But the bullies in the class were making plans about jumping them after school. They'd just go another route, then. Simple fix.

But something new came, PE. He would need to not go overboard. But maybe if he came across as strong, they'd leave him alone, feel threatened. They were doing a run around campus. He didn't go overboard, he decided to run next to Izuku. The bullies of his new class ran up after them, but the moment he tried to tackle Shoto, he moved to the side, and the bully went sprawling and landed hard on the concrete.

He started to cry, and Shoto didn't give a look back. He did glace to the side, and Izuku's mouth was clamped shut, trying not to laugh. Shoto gave a tiny smile. Maybe he could make them destroy themselves and he didn't need to get violent. Defend himself without actually landing a blow. He would rather conceal his strength.

When they made it to the spot, Shoto wasn't tired at all while Izuku was panting. He got some water with blood powder in it from his canteen that was hanging on his hip, and gave his friend some. He took a big sip, and felt much better after that. "I wish I could get some of that. Seems so easy."

"It's only cause I need so much," Shoto replied simply. Izuku nodded. Others had already made it before them, but they hadn't been dead last. Shoto couldn't really figure out why his friend was bullied so much. It wasn't like he was "ugly" or a "loser" - whatever that meant in this context. He wasn't rude or annoying either.

Was it really only because he was quirkless? "Midoriya, do people only bully you because you're quirkless?" Shoto asked. Izuku nodded, looking sad. "Even the ones with the most useless quirks? I mean… being quirkless, wouldn't that be better than some real quirks?" Shoto asked innocently. His face showing genuine confusion.

Izuku shrugged. "I'm the minority, I guess. That might be why."

"I just… don't get it…" His friend smiled at him, and shrugged. There were some others listening to the conversation, Shoto could tell. It wasn't like they were talking anywhere private anyways. The teacher sent them all to get some water. A few brought their own water, so Shoto drank some of his.

On their way back to the class, it was a girl bully this time that spoke to him. "You don't get it because you aren't a quirkless loser. But you're in for a load of bullying by just being around him."

"... But your quirk looks like it only makes your fingers into wooden sticks. Doesn't that get in the way of things?" Shoto wondered lightly. She turned red in the face and hurried off. "Did I say something mean?" he asked his friend.

Izuku shook his head. "It wasn't like you were trying to be rude or anything. And she's said worse than that before. But I feel better with you here already." Shoto nodded, a tiny smile on his face, glad that he was making things easier for his friend. When they reentered class, it was AR reading time.

They could read any book they wanted, and then would take computer tests on them. Shoto was reading his thick book. It was 800 pages, but he was undaunted by the size of it. Everyone else had fairly thin books. Shoto wasn't reading this because it was advanced, but it seemed interesting.

When they were done, Izuku asked, "I'm surprised your foster mom let you read that! It's really violent and all…"

Shoto looked at his book. "I mean… that doesn't really phase me, you know." Izuku laughed at himself. It was a stupid question. Shoto had already killed four people, he was past being affected by violence like a normal child might. His innocence was ruined already, he could read or watch violent things.

During lunch, he shared his again with Izuku. Then they stayed inside so Tomiaka could help him learn to summarize. "When you get later into school life, long essays will be abundant. If you can do this then, you'll be ahead of the others." Shoto nodded, happy to learn something new.

He enjoyed the class part of school so far. He just didn't really like his peers. He didn't respect them, truly looked down on them for being weak. He could break them just with his ice. But he respected and liked his teacher a lot. So he wondered if it was only human kids that were jerks. He was unsure. Most of the humans he cared for at the facility had been adults.

It was a question he had nobody to ask, really.

When the two were out of school, Shoto had some money, and asked if his friend wanted to get ice cream with him. "Sure!"

They headed off campus, and came across their bullies. Izuku's long time and Shoto's new. "Look who came this way. Looks like you're ready for a beating!"

"No, we're just going to get ice cream," Shoto replied. "This was the only route." His bluntness and unconcerned expression was really pissing them off. They rushed at the two, and Izuku looked worried, backing away. Shoto hated seeing him afraid, and at the last moment erected an ice wall. Both bullies slammed into them, and cried out. Shoto melted the ice and saw both of them had bloody noses. One of them was bent to the side, broken. The older vampire took Izuku's hand and walked past them, heading to the ice cream shop.

Izuku looked sad. "What's wrong?" Shoto asked as he ate his strawberry ice cream in the shade of the umbrella's outside the store. The sun didn't scare him so much lately. It was a big improvement, in only a few days! He was proud, really.

"I wish I could fight back, too," he said quietly. "I don't want you to have to protect me."

"But they were going to hit me first. It was self defense. And you can heal faster, so being hit wouldn't last. Well… it hurts, so that doesn't make it okay. Being hit is awful." He knew by experience. A huge fist slamming into his face or gut for not being good enough.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't complain about this trivial stuff when you went through so much…"

"I don't want you to compare it to me. We both have had problems. There's no competition to it to me," Shoto replied honestly. "You're past and pain is valid, too." Izuku wiped his eyes and nodded, going back to his ice cream with a small smile. The desert was delicious, and Shoto was glad he bought two scoops.

-x- Izuku -x-

Shoto pushed Izuku on the swing, holding on with his hands for dear life as his strong vampire friend pushed him hard enough to swing higher and higher, reaching a height nearly level with the top bar. They were at a small park between their houses, both able to walk there. Though Mikaela drove them this time and was in her car, paying attention.

His friend had had a very violent night terror, and ended up having his heart rate speed up and make that reaction that he was elecrocuted. Izuku felt so sorry for him, and offered they go somewhere to hang out. So, here they were. After Izuku told Shoto to stop pushing, he took a breath and leapt off of it, flying through the air before he landed on his front with an "oof!"

Shoto hurried over, but Izuku was fine, and laughed it off. "I wish I could fly!" he said brightly. Then they both heard shouting about a theft. The sounds of pounding foot steps, someone running and another behind them, Shoto did something and coated the ground in ice, making the man slip.

Izuku caught the stolen briefcase, and the small moment of stalling allowed the hero to capture him. Shoto melted the ice, all that was left was a tiny puddle, most of it having evaporated with the heat.

The thief's hands were ziptied. Mikaela hurried over, and Izuku handed the hero the case. All three of the vampires could smell money inside. Dollar bills smelled distinct, just like different coins had their own scents. Shoto would be able to tell how much money was in someone's wallet just by scent alone.

Well, bills all smelled the same, no matter their value. So he could tell how much change and bills, not the true total. "Thanks, kids," he said. "I appreciate the assistance, but next time, don't use your quirk against criminals. Only heroes can do that." But he gave them a big smile. "But that quirk could be very useful some day! Keep up practice." And he left with the criminal in tow.

Izuku drooped. He wished so much that he had a quirk. Not a bad one, like Shoto had pointed out, but something. He just wished he wasn't alone in this. He'd never met another quirkless person. Not that most advertised that, they kept to themselves and had more normal jobs. They could hide in plain sight.

But Izuku wasn't that lucky. Everyone knew already. They always found out. He just hoped when he was an adult things would get better. Shoto took his hand, knowing how he felt. Izuku was glad he didn't apologize, because it would have made him feel guilty. Like he was shaming his friend because he was sad and slightly jealous.

Izuku was dropped off at home, and Shoto was driven away to his. Staring where his friend's car disappeared, he felt sad that he was so worthless and a burden. He didn't think he was the reason Shoto was a target now. He wasn't being mocked for quirkless, but was made fun of for his social issues, how he took everything so literal, and never showed expressions.

"Plain-face" was his nickname. Izuku knew it was hurting his feelings. Being targeted because he wasn't good with people, which was an insecurity he tried to fix, but was having trouble. And it really didn't do humans any good to him. In a way, Izuku was grateful he wasn't being bullied by affiliation. But he'd rather Shoto not be in emotional pain.

The next day, Shoto was quiet. More than usual. Izuku thought something must be wrong. So he wrote a note, asking if things were okay. I saw my father on the street. I hid before he saw me, though.

Izuku's brows furrowed. He rubbed his friend's arm in comfort. It didn't seem to help, and he was silent most of the day. But, beneath his sadness and bank exterior, Izuku found he was really very angry. It just wasn't showing. Couldn't show. It only became apparent when he hit a bully in the face hard enough to break his jaw.

It was after a rock was thrown at his head and hit hard. It left blood. After that, he'd punched him in the face. As the bully screamed and cried, there was a flash of a look Izuku hadn't seen before: disgust and disdain. He looked that way he felt. Looking down on humans. An ambulance was called.

But, Shoto didn't get into much trouble other than detention because someone was filming the thing, already knowing the plan. So there was record of a large rock striking the back of his head. It could have given him a concussion, could even kill him with that size. But he was lucky he healed, and nothing came of it.

After that, though, nobody messed with him. Izuku stopped hearing whispers. He stopped seeing the nasty looks. And nobody teased or mocked Izuku. This lasted for a week. Shoto had gotten into trouble at home, but not much since he was attacked brutally first. But Izuku sort of forgot that Shoto only didn't show his feelings. They were dimmed by his meds, but it didn't mean they weren't there, below the surface.

Izuku wasn't afraid of him or thought he'd kill anybody, but still. He couldn't believe he'd forgotten such a basic thing. And he felt dumb and clueless. When he called Shoto, he got a voice mail. He expected him to call back, but he didn't. And Izuku grew worried.

It was when he was asleep that he got a text. He woke up from it, fully invested in whatever Shoto was going to say.

I'm sorry about today. I've been in a bad mood. I know I let out too much emotion and must have bothered you.

Izuku frowned. Do you feel guilty for your emotions? You're not wrong to feel them, even if you don't want to.

I wanted to hurt him.

Well, I did, too. He threw a rock at your head!

Even after breaking his jaw I wanted to do more. I'm lucky the shock collar didn't go off before I calmed down. Izuku rubbed his hands down his face. He didn't know how Shoto felt. He'd never been angry enough to wish to inflict pain on someone. Or maybe it was because he knew he wasn't strong enough to do so.

But you didn't.

Only cause I didn't want you to see me like that. I'm still so messed up in the head. They shouldn't have let me out.

You resisted, it doesn't matter the reason. And you should not go back. What did Admin say? You're still talking to him, right?

He said if it continued, I should up my dose of meds. Because I grew irrationally angry. Izuku didn't want him to be drugged even more when it already affected him so strongly. But if it continued, then maybe it would be safer for him and everyone else if the dose was upped. He was still Shoto, he might just be even less expressive.

But Izuku wouldn't leave him as a friend for that. Never would he leave him because he needed more medication. Shoto said he was going to sleep, and see him the next day. Goodnight.

Goodnight.