The rest of the day goes by in a haze. Aguri isn't really paying attention to most of it.

She tries, but it's a pretty tough process. Her head's still spinning… and despite her best efforts, her mind wanders back to her appointment later that night. She watches Korosensei teach from the back of class… pulls out a chair and awkwardly sits.

He invites her to teach, too, but she declines the offer. She's nowhere near in the right headspace… and it's not like she remembers the curriculum. She'll leave the heavy work to him. For now, she'd just like to rest.

The atmosphere in the classroom is strange… and nervous glances keep getting sent back her way, but eventually, the students do ease up some. They raise their hands- answering questions as Korosensei instructs, and Aguri forces a smile.

'He really was right,' she thinks, listening to them work. 'They've come a long way… haven't they?'

She can't remember exactly what the classroom environment was before all of this… but it certainly wasn't this open. It was oppressive. Cold.

(The students were scared.)

'They still are now, I suppose,' she thinks, meeting their uneasy gaze. 'But it's not nearly as bad.'

"It would be x³ - 6y², right? Since you can simplify 2y and 4y, but not x."

"Exactly. Though be careful when referring to x³ as just x."

She wonders why she could never get them to learn like that.

Korosensei continues to ask her to teach throughout the rest of the day… but she turns him down each time. She feels bad: she knows he's probably just trying to make her feel normal, but she doesn't think she can. She's… more than content watching the classroom environment he's fostered, and she wouldn't want to distract the students, anyways.

He lets out a sigh… nods. Somehow he seems disappointed, but he doesn't push.

She gets to see Irina teach, too. It's strange… and she keeps shooting Aguri weird looks from the front of class, but the students seem to like her, at least.

"Miss Johnson is a whore," they repeat monotonously, almost like they have a thousand times before.

"This is weird," one of them protests, shaking her head. "Do we really need to do this in front of her? It's embarrassing."

"Yes you need to do it in front of 'her,'" Irina huffs. "I wasn't informed there was a new chick! And so it's not like I had time to change my lesson plans."

"Your 'lesson plans,'" a student repeats, rolling his eyes. "Yeah. Sure. You've got those. We believe you."

And Aguri must admit… yeah, it's pretty weird. But all the same, who is she to judge this woman's method of education? And she does catch the students whispering to each other in English later that day.

(...Even if... it's mostly swears.

Whatever. Progress is progress.)

She notices all sorts of weird things around the classroom. It's not just Korosensei's appearance or Irina's strange methods of teaching. Now that she looks closely, all of the students have rubber knives on their desks. And somewhere near the back of the class, a strange black box looms over the room. Aguri sits there wondering what it is. At least until it speaks.

"Actually," a voice pipes up halfway through science. "The correct chemical compound would be ethyl acetate. C4H8O2 is an umbrella formula. It can also stand for butyric acid."

"Ah. You're right. Thank you, Ritsu."

The students must notice her staring in disbelief, because one of them turns back to lean her way.

"That's Ritsu," he whispers. "The friendly neighborhood A.I."

And for a moment… Aguri's brow furrows. 'Has there always been an A.I in the class?' she thinks. 'Or am I just going insane?'

Don't tell her she's forgetting someone.

"Nah," the student reiterates, giving a shrug. "She's new. Shipped in specifically to off Korosensei."

"Ah," Aguri says with a frown. "Thank you..." she drifts off- gives pause.

"Karma," the student finishes. "Karma Akabane."

That's right. The problem student. From last night.

(...And so even if she's not forgetting the robot, she sure has forgotten a lot.)

That afternoon Akari pulls her aside. As the rest of the students eat lunch, she asks Aguri if she'd like to peek out into the hallway alone. She says she's got some things she wants to discuss. Aguri hesitates- sending a sideways glance towards Korosensei, but ultimately doesn't want to turn down the offer. If Akari's got something to talk about then it's probably important.

"It'll be just one second," Akari promises, taking Aguri by the hand and helping her up onto her feet. "Don't worry. I won't let anything happen."

She guides her over to the doorway… nudges it open and helps her duck through. She never once lets go of Aguri's hand as she does— even as she sits down and pops open her lunch. Aguri sits down next to her… crouching, awkwardly, as the floorboards shift beneath her weight.

"What is it you'd like to talk about?" She asks. "Is something bothering you?"

It's a stupid question… and she feels ridiculous even saying it, but Akari doesn't berate her.

"Nah," she responds. "I guess I just wanted to have a moment alone… without Sensei." She pauses. Stares out towards the hallway. "Is what he said true? About how he met you?"

Aguri frowns… scratches at her arm.

"Of course it is," she says. "Why? Did you not believe him?"

"...Yeah," Akari admits. "Kind of." She sighs. "This is all new information to me. And it's not like I'd have believed him even if he shared earlier. I thought he had hurt you, but he was really trying to protect you all of this time? It's… a lot to take in."

"Yeah. I get that," Aguri responds. "But I promise it's true. Korosensei is my best friend. What happened to me… it was in no way his fault."

"That's good," Akari replies. "At least, I mean… kind of." She curls her knees in to to her chest. Averts her gaze. "I'm sorry I spent so much time trying to hurt him. He's clearly important to you. I don't know what I'd have done if I ended up doing something irreversible."

"Hey, it's okay. You didn't. That's what matters."

Aguri can't blame her for misinterpreting. She can't blame her for being scared and angry. She'd probably be mad, too, if she were in Akari's shoes. She thinks more than anything she's just sad. She can't believe Akari was suffering- stewing in her own hatred for all of this time.

(And here Aguri was thinking she wouldn't even care if she died.)

"I still could have, though," Akari responds. "I think that matters, too."

She shifts, slightly… pokes at the back of her neck.

(Fresh burns run down her nape)

"I hope you don't think I'm a bad person," she says. "For seeking revenge. I know it was wrong. But... I didn't know what else I was supposed to do. I thought I had lost you. And it made me- it made me so mad, " she clenches her fist. Blinks back tears. "I had to make whoever did that pay. Make them regret taking you away from me."

Her words scare Aguri. They're an indication of just how much she's been hurt and proof of her resolve all at once. Of course, all the same, Aguri doesn't hate her.

"I don't think you're a bad person," she says. "I would never. You were in an incredibly scary situation, Akari. No-one could fault you for not thinking it through rationally." She scoots in closer… considers placing a hand on Akari's shoulder, but hesitates. "Especially when you had those things in your body. I'm just glad that they're out of you now. That, and that you finally know the full story. Now you won't need to run around making assumptions based on half-truths anymore."

"Mmmm," Akari replies, scooting in slightly herself. She leans on Aguri… breathes deeply.

Even now she's got a tough face on. Aguri frowns and lets her know that she can cry if she'd like.

"I'm not going to judge you. Crying is all I've wanted to do since I got back."

Akari thinks it over, but ultimately shakes her head.

"Nah," she says. "I think I'm good. If I need to cry I'll do it when I get home. For now I'm just happy to be by your side."

"Alright," Aguri responds, wondering why. Her tentacles twitch as Akari rests on her shoulder, and yet… she doesn't pull away. Simply sits there calmly, breathing in and out as she reaches out for her lunch box and grabs at her food.

"You want any?" she asks. "You must be hungry."

"No," Aguri replies, only just now processing her stomach growling. "I already had a big enough breakfast. And besides… I'd hate to steal your lunch. Just worry about yourself right now."

"If you say so," Akari relents, shoulders slacking. "But you've gotta make sure to pack yourself a lunch tomorrow, alright? You're probably starving after what happened."

"Don't worry," Aguri says. "I will. I think I just forgot with everything else that's going on."

She knows it won't help her. Her stomach will continue to growl and her bones will continue to ache, but if it helps Akari even a little bit then it'll be worth it. She sincerely doubts she even needs to eat being what she is now, but she owes her sister the illusion of normalcy. That, and she must admit she missed it too.

...The little pleasures in life.

(A good smell wafts her way)

Yeah. She'd like to eat while she still can.

Ignoring her impending doom, she leans back and presses herself against the wall. A faint laughter reverberates out from inside. It quickly peters off- replaced again by the awkward silence, but all the same… she smiles.

"It seems the class is doing well," she says. "I'm glad to see you're getting along with everyone." She pauses. "It seems you've made some really good friends."

"Yeah," Akari replies, picking at her meal. "I guess I have. It still kind of feels like I don't deserve it, but…" she drifts off. "They've been extremely hospitable to me."

"You'll have to tell me about them sometime," Aguri instructs. "I mean, of course… I know about them," She awkwardly tacks on. "But not how they've bonded to you."

"Yeah," Akari replies. "Don't worry. I will."

"I'm glad that you can stay," Aguri continues. "I mean, that they'd be happy to have you. I don't know what I'd do if you got in a fight with your friends over something to do with me." She pauses. "You are going to stay, right? Here?"

"I guess I kind of have to," Akari replies. "I'm already halfway through the year. I'd hate to back out now." She sighs. "And besides… I kind of owe it to them. Even if I have a lot of complex feelings about what happened there, they're right in that I owe them closure." She gives a frown. "They're right in that I owe showing them I can be a better friend."

"And hey," Aguri says. "Staying will give you a chance to get to know Korosensei, won't it? Now that you know he's not a malicious person you'll be able to bond for real. That's pretty nice."

"Yeah. I guess," Akari admits, curling in one knee up to her chest. She takes another bite of her lunch. Frowns.

"Are you going to stay?" she asks.

Aguri blinks.

"Pardon?"

"Here. In class," Akari specifies. "I mean, I can already figure that you're going to stay in the home… at least, I hope. But are you gonna keep teaching here? Or do you think you don't wanna do that anymore?"

"Oh," Aguri says. "I'm hardly sure." She knits at her hands… stares at the ground. "The government's yet to decide whether I'm a danger or not. I'd hate to stay around if it was at the expense of you all."

"It won't be," Akari stubbornly replies. "You're not a danger. You're just a victim in this situation. And besides, they let Korosensei stay, didn't they?" She shifts slightly. "He was a murderer."

"Now-" Aguri flinches. "That's not a very nice thing to say. And while I suppose that's true…" she pauses. "The whole situation is very complex. I couldn't blame them if they decided they don't want me around."

After all, 'just a victim' is a pretty broad simplification. She's still dangerous, and Karasuma doesn't seem to see her as a victim, anyways. He's probably right in that regard. Even if she didn't ask for this she knows she sort of brought it on herself.

"...I doubt I'd make a very good teacher, anyways."

"Yes you would!"

"..."

"You're an amazing teacher, Aguri. It's all you've ever wanted to do. And you actually have a degree, unlike Korosensei. You'd do a great job."

"I mean… if you say so," Aguri replies, shifting slightly. "But it's not like I remember much of the curriculum. Or… anything else, really. It's been a very long time. I'm sort of in a daze. And not to mention that I'm… this."

She stares down at her hands. Akari's quiet for a long moment, glowering. And when she responds, it's ice cold.

"Fuck anyone who cares," She says, voice blunt. "Seriously. Fuck them. It's not your fault. And if they can deal with Korosensei then they can deal with you." She pauses. Shakes her head. "Not that you need to be dealt with, but … we've adapted to plenty of things before, haven't we? If anyone complains then I'll deal with them myself."

"It's not that I'm afraid anyone is going to complain," Aguri clarifies. "...I don't think your friends would do that. But all the same… I don't want to distract them. I went through something very scary. They shouldn't have to think about that at their age. They've got more important things to focus on. I don't want to jeopardize their futures."

"You've got a future too, though, don't you?" Akari asks. "You should do what you want to. And if they can still look at Korosensei the same then they can do their work to accept you." She leans back on Aguri… furrows her brow. "I bet they would. I bet they'd be happy to have you. I know I would."

She's quiet for a long moment.

"Not that- you should force yourself, of course," she says, pulling away. "If you really can't then you really can't. I guess I'd just… feel safer with you around. You know?" She sighs. "I'm sorry. That's probably selfish."

"No," Aguri says. "It's not. I… appreciate it. And I'll think it over, alright? I just don't want to make any promises." She frowns. "I don't want to break your heart again."

"You've never broken my heart," Akari replies. "Everything that's happened to you… none of it has been your fault. I'm just happy you're here now."

"I'm… happy to be here, too. And for the record, I feel safer with you around, too."

They eat the rest of lunch in relative silence.

After lunch comes afternoon classes. First up: gym. Aguri and Korosensei watch from the window as Karasuma herds the kids outside. He still looks stressed, but maybe less-so, now, as he shows them how to brandish a blade. They laugh for a moment- triumphant, as they manage to strike him. But when they turn back to look at Korosensei expectantly that vigor fades. They see her standing by him and pause.

Akari called them the same… Korosensei and her. They've been through the same thing, after all. But Aguri simply can't see it that way. Not only are their demeanors wildly different with Korosensei's approachable smile, but it boils down to something even more apparent than appearance. It's about personality. And where Korosensei is capable of masking what he's been through- maintaining a smile: Aguri's… not. She never has been, and her scars are written all over her body.

(She's outwardly broken. And Korosensei? Well, he's not broken at all.)

He nudges food her way, asks her if she'd like to eat. He says that Akari told him that she skipped lunch… and that he's got plenty extra if she'd like.

Aguri takes him up on the offer if only to get her mind off of things. By the time she's done she's still hungry and sore, but she supposes that doesn't matter. She thanks Korosensei for the favor… and quietly returns to her seat as the kids parade back in.

The rest of the day goes by in a haze. She thinks there's one or two more subjects, but she hardly remembers them. And abruptly the bell rings. The students stand and begin to disperse.

Akari motions to join her, but doesn't get a chance. Karasuma enters the room and waves her and Korosensei over. Says that it's time to head out, then. He hopes she's had ample time to prepare.

Of course, she hasn't. But she doesn't voice that. Instead, she thanks him for his patience, and clings to Korosensei tight as they make their way to the lab.

(She's thankful he doesn't push her away.)

The two of them tell Akari to go home. She doesn't want to, but they force her. 'Aguri will return safe and sound,' Korosensei reassures. And while Aguri doesn't believe that, she also doesn't want Akari to see whatever it is that's going to go down tonight.

Eventually, she relents. But she makes Karasuma promise, too.

He answers with empty eyes.

Quite frankly, Aguri doesn't remember what happens in the lab, either. She's far too tired. They walk for a long time… and then enter through a pristine set of white doors. Men aim guns at her as she shuffles past- but Korosensei holds up a hand: tells her that they can't lay a hand on her… and she tries her best to believe him.

Eventually they arrive at a plain center-room. There plenty of important-looking people are already waiting for them… scientists and politicians. They freeze up as they look at her. She freezes up, too.

(She hates the sight of lab coats. She hates being seen)

Korosensei shares her story for her. When asked what happened, it's he and Karasuma who explain. She stands there, silently, as they speak for her. Korosensei tries his best to go about it gently, but Karasuma occasionally butts in when further detail is required.

The men scrawl notes as the two of them speak- interjecting with questions… 'hmms,' and 'haas.' They don't particularly ask for Aguri's input. They're content with the story they're given. And it's not like she would contest it, even if she could.

('That's what happened,' she thinks, listening to Korosensei speak. He uses big, frightening words. 'Human experiment' and 'Held hostage.' Despite their weight, they don't seem to make the government agents look at her with any more sympathy. In some way, she's thankful for that.

...She doesn't want to trouble them any more than she already has.)

They instruct her to hold her arm out and allow them to perform certain tests- but Korosensei places himself between them. He says in no uncertain terms that they'll be doing nothing without her permission… and that: again, he'd like proof they could escape at any time before they progress further. The government agents moan, but eventually point out a hatch in the ceiling. They say that if it comes down to it Korosensei and Aguri can leave through there… but they'd much prefer to get things out of the way before it comes to that.

Quietly, Aguri admits that she's alright with having chemicals swabbed on her skin. She's also okay with them taking a sample of her DNA. She'd just like to avoid needles, if possible. That, and being strapped down. She doesn't think she could handle it.

"You heard the lady," Korosensei responds. "Get to it."

The government agents seem stunned hearing her speak. All the same, they work quickly: pressing Anti-sensei particles to her shoulder, and flinching when it earns no reaction. Other 'potent' materials are tested as well… although they don't bother to explain what they are. She tries her best to ignore the potent chemical smell, and the thick, protective gloves they wear as they work.

Other men question Karasuma, but he repeats what he's already shared. He says that he observed no noticeable weaknesses, and that this morning was the first time he met Aguri. He hadn't expected this, either.

"'Shiro' reported simple stolen supplies from his laboratory. There was no talk of a human experiment in the first place."

'Shiro' Aguri thinks, feeling her stomach do flips. And so that was Yanagisawa's code name. She hates to hear them mention him… think of him out there unsupervised.

Dutifully, a government agent removes a tentacle from her skin. It takes a great deal of effort… and maybe forty-five seconds just to saw it off, but eventually but he does get through. Aguri flinches, slightly, as he does… but doesn't actually feel the pain. Her skin's numb, and it's not like she hasn't been through far worse.

(It's more about the idea of it than anything)

Korosensei holds her hand throughout the whole process. Although as the government agent finishes, he holds out his other hand, unfurled, in an offer. He says that if they'd like they can test the blade on him as well… if only just to reverify what they already know.

Sure enough, his skin combusts at a single touch… and the government agents' faces go pale. The one who'd worked on Aguri hurries off, tentacle writhing in his hand as he goes to stash it somewhere or another.

"And so… it's true," a formal looking man exclaims, brow furrowed. "She really does have an entirely different set of weaknesses. This could be troubling."

A faint whisper washes over the room. And Aguri sees a few hands shake. Professional as they are, even these men can't hide their fear.

Their eyes flicker up towards the hatch... and the ravaged moon above.

"Well… thank you for your work, Karasuma," the formally-dressed man says, his voice strained. "It was good of you to report this as soon as possible. And we will try our best to concoct a solution. Things may seem bleak right now, but there are still numerous tests for us to run, and we'll need those before we can make any concrete decisions." He pauses. "While we're waiting for those, all we can do is question the parties involved. Send a memo for everyone to be on the lookout for Shiro. And as for the other…"

He turns to face Aguri directly.

"We have a few queries for you."

Much like his underling, he has the most frightening eyes. Unlike the rest of the agents, however, Aguri spots no trace of fear on his face. Instead, annoyed more than anything, he's deadly serious... and impatient, too, at that.

"Y… yes?" She replies, voice still hushed. "What can I help with?"

"I couldn't help but notice that the story given to me was shared by your accomplice here almost in its entirety. Can I simply receive a confirmation that all of the information shared with me is true? That it was this man, 'Shiro,' who made you?"

Aguri frowns, fiddling with her hands. On one hand… she's pretty sure that Korosensei wouldn't lie, but on the other hand she hadn't really been paying attention to his tale. She'd been far too focused on the soldiers surrounding her. Will this man be mad at her if she answers 'yes?' She thinks Korosensei didn't get any details wrong.

"Made her like this, actually, " Korosensei interjects, staring down the man. "Yanagisawa didn't create Aguri, and that's a rather important distinction."

"I don't believe I was asking you," the man replies. "But very well then. Is it Shiro who made you 'like this?' We need to know so he can be appropriately punished."

"...Yes," Aguri replies. "Yes. It was him. He… made me into this."

Her gaze drifts down to her mangled hands. She hopes that answer is satisfactory.

There were some other scientists involved she's pretty sure, but it's not like she can remember their names at this point. And besides… it was Yanagisawa who was the key figure. Yanagisawa and her. But she's not going to share the latter, either. She's already overshared far more than she'd have liked to with these strangers.

"Noted," the man says, putting something into a keypad. Around him government agents scramble to take notes. People shuffle in and out.

Aguri's gaze drifts back up towards the hatch in the ceiling… but she knows she can't leave. Not yet.

'Just a little bit longer.' she thinks. 'I've just got to stick this out.'

"Do you have any other questions for me?" She asks. "Sorry. I'm just starting to get a bit…- bit claustrophobic. But obviously, I don't want to leave before you're all done."

"Just one more, I believe," The man replies. "But it's important. Miss… Yukimura, was it? I'm going to need you to pass on any observations you heard this 'Shiro' person make. We haven't been able to get our hands on his notes yet… but we believe he may have come to some conclusions that we don't yet have the resources to find. Did he figure out any weaknesses of yours? Perhaps reverse engineer your DNA?"

"I understand that this is a frightening question," he continues, expression gaunt. "But it is for the sake of the entire world. If you are allowed to continue to exist and this man is allowed to continue to operate as he wishes, then life as we know it could come to an end. Do you have any valuable information to pass onto us?"

Aguri pauses. Hands shaking, she knows that there's one fact she should probably share. All the same, her mouth goes dry… and she's back there in the lab. They've just discovered her invincibility, and Yanagisawa is pissed. He strikes her again and again and again.

And despite all logic, he mars her flesh.

She does have one weakness, and she knows it. But like she couldn't share it with Karasuma earlier she cannot share it with this man. She doesn't want to go that way. And as such… ashamed, she shakes her head.

"No," she says. "I'm sorry."

She pauses.

"Yanagisawa… the things he said to me: they were often confusing and contradictory. Sometimes I didn't even know where I was. I'd help you if I could, but…" She frowns. "I wouldn't even know where to start."

A grimace overtakes the room, and government agents look scared. The man grows indignant, furrowing his brow… but he doesn't speak. Karasuma turns away.

Aguri feels horribly selfish. She knows she deserves every bit of this scorn. Who on earth is she? Leading these men to believe that their lives will be over in a little less than a year?

'No,' she thinks. 'I won't let them.'

She's… not willing to go that way, but she'll go. She'll make sure of it. Their frightened eyes only solidify that conviction. If she has a deadline, then she won't let it take out anyone else with her.

Instead, she'll take this into her own hands.

She'll… treasure what she can, if only for Korosensei and Akari's sake. And then when Korosensei is 'dealt with' she'll deal with herself as well. He has seven months remaining, and that's less than her estimated time left. As such, she'll just snip a bit off the end there, and...-

She won't risk destroying the world.

It hurts her heart a little to think that Akari is going to have to deal with that. But the truth is that Akari is going to lose her either way. Her death is written in stone… and she'd have to be horribly narcissistic to take everyone else down with her just for a few extra months. There is nothing she can do to prevent what's to come.

All she can hope to do with the time she has left is find a way to make it easier on Akari, even just by a little bit.

She'll help her move on before she even has to face that. Yes, she'll die right this time. And she won't hurt anyone else in the process.

Of course… she doesn't voice any of that. Not only is it shameful, but Korosensei's right there. She'd never disclose her plan to him. Not when she's sure it would break his heart as well.

"That said, however…" she murmurs. "I'm sure you'll find a way to take me down. I'm- er- not exactly a strong person, and I'm sure you're all doing your best." She frowns. "I'll have you know that I don't want the world to be in danger, either. So let's work together as much as we can to fix this… alright?"

She forces a smile. The government agents still look apprehensive… but she tries her best to convey comfort with her eyes. It's a pretty sad thought when she doesn't even feel comforted herself.

Their meeting ends soon after. They test her with a few more things and then give her permission to go. She's told she's allowed to stay around school premises as long as Asano's permission is obtained… but she must understand that, like Korosensei, she is at a 'risk' of being attacked at any time.

"No-one will go easy on you. We will be doing everything in our power to take you out. Is this understood?"

"Of course," she replies, no emotion to her voice.

...She would never expect someone to go easy on her. Not at this point.

Ultimately, she and Korosensei don't leave through the hatch. After a curt, formal sort of agreement, they're simply ushered out through the door. Karasuma leads them away from the government facility… although he doesn't talk much as he does.

"It seems I'll be in charge of you as well," he comments, not looking her way. "I expect you to be on your best behavior."

"Of course," she replies, mind still full of thoughts of ending herself. "I'll try my very best."

The three of them split soon after. Karasuma heads off towards wherever it is he lives, and Korosensei walks Aguri to a house she doesn't even remember the location of. He helps her inside… nudges her up the stairs and opens the door for her. There, Akari is waiting.

She jumps up from the couch and hurries to Aguri's side… asks her how it was. She says she'd been worried about her. Thought she'd maybe not come home again.

"It went… fine," Aguri replies. "All the people involved were very nice. I think we've come to some sort of agreement."

To die by the end of the year. But she doesn't say that.

Akari asks if the students will be expected to kill her, but Aguri says she doesn't know. They simply said something about not going easy on her… sending people after her either way.

Akari shifts uncomfortably, but says that she'll protect Aguri. That the rest of the class will, too. Korosensei makes a joke- asking if he gets the same privileges, or if that's 'a bit above their paygrade,' but Aguri's hardly listening.

...None of them try to think about her deadline.

They eat dinner in relative silence. Akari occasionally glances towards Aguri, but other than that there's a stiff awkwardness to it. Even she can't pretend that things are normal. And as such, she simply treasures her presence. Aguri tries to treasure Akari's presence, too… tell herself that standing by her for now won't only hurt her further in the end.

(She knows that's a lie. It's time to disconnect. But all the same, she'd like to hold on for now.)

Korosensei ends up staying. They don't even talk it over. It's an unspoken agreement that Aguri wants him here right now. Akari seems uncomfortable with that to some degree… but she doesn't argue. Simply nods, when Aguri says she's going to head off to bed and when, in turn, Korosensei follows.

"I'll see you in the morning, alright?" She asks. "Sleep well. And… I'm still really glad you're back."

"I'm glad to be back," Aguri replies. And for once, she kind of means that.

She feels exhausted right down to her bones. But at least she has a plan. And at least feeling lost is better than feeling in pain.

(At least Yanagisawa is away from her for now)

Ultimately, Korosensei sleeps with her, but not next to her. He says that he'd like to stay close, but 'not intrude, of course.' Aguri feels her heart waver, but doesn't complain. Instead, savoring what little warmth he gives off, she drowns in his presence and thanks him for accompanying her throughout the day.

"I don't know if I could have done it by myself."

"That's alright. I'm more than happy to help. And I'll be here as long as you need me."

Still, there's a gap between them. And Aguri will have to accept that. Whether he admits it or not, they'll never be the people they were back in the lab. And there is nothing she can do about it.

...Simply drift off, uneasy, into sleep.

To her surprise and her thankfulness, Aguri doesn't dream.


The next morning goes much like the one before. Jolting, slightly, as she awakes… it takes Aguri a moment to process that this is even real. But as she catches Korosensei sitting up on the bed, she lets out a deep, relieved sort of sigh. He waves to her… helps her to her feet, and lets her know that he was actually just about to wake her.

"School's very soon, you know. I'd hate to be late." A pause. "Are you coming again today, or would you prefer to stay at home?"

"I… don't know," Aguri replies. "I probably should. I don't want the kids to worry. But I don't know if I'm ready to make any permanent arrangements."

"That's fine. How about you just come with? You don't have to do anything if you don't want to , but you can at least watch. That, and we can try to work something out with Asano-san. Nothing permanent, of course… but we should at least let him know you're around."

"Al… right," Aguri replies. "But you do most of the talking. I wouldn't even know where to begin."

"Of course. Karasuma-san and I will take the lead. You just answer any questions he has and then the school day can begin for real. Hopefully everything goes off without an issue."

The thought gives Aguri a headache: Karasuma and Asano in the same room. She seems to remember her boss being a pretty scary man. But all the same, she can't complain. She supposes it is Karasuma's job to babysit her, and he's going to need Asano's permission before she spends extensive time around anyone. She just hopes that he doesn't kick her out. As better as it would probably be for the students, she thinks she does want to see them for just a little while longer.

She eats breakfast with Korosensei and Akari. Akari's already up- having made breakfast again. Korosensei tells her that she doesn't need to work so hard… that he can make breakfast at the very least as thanks for letting him stay at their home, but Akari refuses… says that all she's doing is paying Aguri back for years of support.

"I'm happy to help out. And so don't worry about it, yeah?"

She also makes sure that Aguri packs lunch. Aguri feels sheepish being doted on by her younger sister, but there's little she can do. She's certainly not going to turn down her help. She just hopes she won't become a burden to her.

(She hopes she hasn't already been.)

They're out of the house by eight. The walk's still surreal. Akari limps along… trying her best to ignore her bad leg, and Aguri slithers. Korosensei supports them both: a hand on each of their backs as the sun beats down on their face.

At least it's a nice morning?

They meet up with Karasuma halfway up the E-Class mountain. Aguri flinches despite herself. It makes her feel terrible. She's really judging this man harshly, isn't she? That's not fair. It's not his fault he's got an aggressive demeanor, and he's probably kind deep down. But she's just… scared. She hopes she's not making him feel unwelcome despite his patience. She doesn't mean to.

(She tries her best to purge his rude comment from yesterday from her mind. That doesn't count, after all. She wasn't supposed to hear that.)

Korosensei attempts to make small talk, but Karasuma's hardly receptive. He's quiet- deep in thought as he trails his way up the mountain, and only humors Korosensei with short, one-word answers. Aguri frowns, but Korosensei doesn't seem bothered much… and simply chats with Aguri and Akari as he follows after.

To Karasuma's credit, they aren't particularly receptive, either.

To their surprise, someone is already waiting for them at the crest of the hill… and it is not one of the students. Aguri hardly even notices him at first, but Korosensei stops, suddenly, and gives a wave.

There, in the doorway, stands a serious-looking middle-aged man. He waves back to Korosensei, a sardonic smile on his face as he beckons them over… and Korosensei motions for Aguri to follow.

"Who...-?" Aguri whispers, glancing back and forth. She swears she recognizes the man, but she just can't place her finger on it.

With nearly combed auburn hair and a deep maroon suit, he leaves a strong impression. One arm crossed over the other as he taps his foot quietly, he observes them with an almost analytical intensity. He has tired eyes… and a small golden button pinned to his lapel.

"Ah!" Korosensei shouts. "Asano-san! I see you've arrived. Did Karasuma get into contact with you?"

The man chuckles… shaking his head.

"I'm afraid not," he says in a rather deep voice. "I observed what was going on on the security cameras yesterday and figured that I'd stop by this morning to figure out what was going on myself. Now then… what is this? I don't remember making any further arrangements with the government."

"That's because… we haven't had the chance to get into contact with you yet," Karasuma quickly replies. "I apologize for the delay, Mr. Principal, but we weren't informed about what was going on either. She showed up to the classroom yesterday without any announcement. I had to make do with what time I had."

"Ah," the man replies, rubbing his chin. "Well then… who is she? And why has she shown up here on such short notice?"

And all at once, he turns towards her. His sharklike eyes laser-focused, she recognizes him instantly.

'Asano-sama.' 'Mr. Principal.'

Gakuho Asano. Her boss.

She inches back slightly… but Korosensei is willing to answer for her. His voice surprisingly calm, he says "This is Aguri Yukimura. You may recognize her as a former employee of yours. She's made her return to observe this fine institution."

Slowly, Gakuho's eyebrows arch. Looking back and forth between her and Korosensei, he whispers that that seems to imply some interesting things about Korosensei… and asks how she ended up in this state.

"Last I checked, you know- I was under the impression that you were dead."

"I… um…- was. It's kind of a long story."

She doesn't know why, but he suddenly gives her the creeps. It's funny… because she wasn't intimidated by him at all before, but now something's different. Is she just… afraid of everyone now? Or is something about him that's changed?

"I've got all day," Gakuho replies, unfazed. "Please… share the story. I'd be delighted to hear."

"Before you hear anything-" Karasuma butts in. "I'm going to need you to sign another NDA. This is top secret information. Usually, I wouldn't be inclined to share any of it with you… but I understand that this is your school and we're operating under your rules. I just need you to agree to ours, too, first."

"Of course!" Gakuho replies with a hearty chuckle. "I'm happy to sign anything you need. You know I'd never use this information against you, Karasuma-san." He pauses. "Though… I'm also going to need more hush money, naturally. If this woman intends to stay on my property and you intend to bring more weapons onto the premises then I must be financially compensated. I wouldn't want a risk to my poor students, after all."

He curls his lip… turns to face Aguri.

"You do intend to stay, after all, right? That's why you're here? You'd like to teach again?"

"Um… kind of."

"It's a complicated situation," Korosensei admits. "She is not sure she wants to teach at the moment, but I at least wanted her to hang around the classroom and see how the students were doing. It's been a very long time since she's seen them, after all."

"Ah," Gakuho exclaims. "I see! Noble. All the same… additional strange adults around will require additional payment. Especially ones in such strange circumstances." He holds a hand out to Karasuma: gives him a cold look. "Is that reasonable?"

Aguri frowns. Is… the government seriously going to pay him just for her to stay here? Is that what they've been doing with Korosensei, too? That kind of goes against the point of a paycheck...

"Of… course," Karasuma replies, voice stilted. "I fully intended to talk this over with you today and come to an agreement. You've been more than helpful with our operations so far, and I'd hate to take that generosity for granted. We'll make sure to come to a deal that you're satisfied with. You are an ally of ours, after all."

"Wonderful!" Gakuho says with a clap. "Let's leave to discuss things then… shall we? I'm a very busy man, and I'd like to get this ordeal over with as soon as possible."

Karasuma nods. "Of course," he says. "Would you like them to come with… or-?"

"No," Gakuho says. "They have students to supervise. And I'm sure your perspective will more than suffice. I'll talk with them again later. For now I'm more than happy to discuss matters with you."

"Very well then," Karasuma replies, wheeling around. "Let's make our way over to the main campus. This is a conversation I wouldn't want anyone overhearing."

Gakuho nods! Giving a wave, he says goodbye to Korosensei and Aguri.

"As I said: I'll be seeing you around soon. And I hope you can continue to keep up the good work. After all…" his tone shifts slightly. "Adequate performance will be expected regardless of your circumstances."

And with that, he's gone! Aguri stares as Karasuma and he make their exit. She's not sure why… but something about his demeanor freaks her out. His words were polite, but even she can't help but pick up on the thinly veiled threat.

He looks at her for a long moment over his shoulder as he walks. And she swears she makes out a smirk. Is he… gauging her reaction?

Creep.

'No,' she thinks. 'That's a little harsh. I'm sure he's just… observing you. Making sure you're qualified for the job.'

After all, she probably isn't. She can't blame him for having his doubts.

Korosensei must notice her unease, because he places a hand on her shoulder. Shaking his head, he says "Pay him no mind. Despite his oppressive aura… Asano-san is a good man. I'm sure he's delighted to see you back."

"Mmm," Aguri replies, shaking off her apprehension. Korosensei's right. She doesn't remember having any huge qualms with him before. She's probably just… shaken up after everything that happened.

And it is not fair to take that out on him.

Reminding herself to be as polite as possible and hopefully a little more talkative next time she sees him, she straightens herself up. She looks towards the doorway and frowns.

"We should probably get heading in then, huh?" She asks.

"Indeed. I'm sure the students are waiting. And they, too, will be excited to see you another day."

Aguri's hardly sure about that, but they're late enough as is. And so… nodding, and with Korosensei and Akari by her side, she slithers her way into the school building for another day on the outskirts of what she once knew.