The flight with Korosensei isn't the first time Aguri's flown since her panic attack, but it's certainly one of the nicest.

It's a beautiful night out and she's in a good mood. Admittedly her mind is still heavy with thoughts of the conversation with Reaper, but the more she thinks it through, the more she's certain she did the best that she could do. She's on the right track, and so she'll try not to worry for now. Just keep her spirits up.

In no time at all, she and Korosensei land in front of the school. He cracks the door open and steps inside, saying "Ahh… and to remember when I spent all of my nights here."

If he wanted, he could have what he wanted to grab in an instant. But instead, he takes his time… savoring the moment with Aguri and slowly making his way across the school.

"Now that was quite a different time," he continues. "Sleeping in the classroom… setting up the TV to keep myself company. While I'll always love this place- even moreso during the day- I think I like my living situation now much better."

"Me too," Aguri says, sticking close. "I'm sorry you had to be alone for so long."

"It's not your fault," Korosensei says. "And besides, staying here wasn't bad. Just… different. I don't think I'd have given it up to stay with anyone else."

"Well, I'm glad to hear I'm an exception," Aguri says with a laugh. "And here I was thinking you're just glad I'm back because it means you've got somewhere to stay. Wouldn't that be sick?"

"No!" Korosensei says with a yelp. "Never-"

"I know," Aguri says, elbowing him. "I'm just messing with you."

She gives a small smile as they step into the classroom. Korosensei scoops his books up and turns back with a nod.

"This should be everything," he says. "I simply forgot to grab a few papers with the chaos of earlier today. Anything else you'd like to do together? Or are you ready to head home and pass out?"

"I think I'm ready to go back," Aguri says with a yawn. "As much as it's been nice, you're right that today's been crazy. We should get some well-deserved rest."

"Fine by me," Korosensei says. And with that, he's exiting the classroom. He's halfway down the hall when they hear a strange noise.

Aguri pauses.

"Do you hear that?" She asks.

"Hear what?" Korosensei responds.

"Someone's…" she drifts off. "I think I hear arguing."

Maybe it's just her imagination, but she can make out a strange voice. Unbridled anger and the soft sound of bickering. She tries to shake it off… tell herself that it's nothing- but that's when there's a scream. In a voice mad with rage, it echoes down the hall- causing her blood to go cold and her body to hide behind Korosensei's. She doesn't even process what she's doing: just that she can't stand it.

"I- I definitely hear arguing," she repeats, gaze flickering back and forth. "What's going on?"

For a single terrifying moment, she wonders if it's him. The same intonation reminds her of days spent in Yanagisawa's grasp. However, that paranoia quickly fades as she realizes what she's hearing is distinctly feminine. There's a woman outside of the school… no doubts about it.

'Who?' she wonders. 'We don't have any enemies that are girls... do we?'

Korosensei's quiet for a moment. But as the shouting continues to escalate and yet another shriek echoes down the halls, his face goes pale.

"You're right," he says, reaching a hand out to put some space between Aguri and the doorway. "It seems we have a guest. I'll… check it out. Hopefully, it's nothing." He takes a step forward, but shoots her a glance. "Feel free to come with if you'd like, but don't feel obligated. I can get this under control."

Aguri steps forward anyways. She's not sure she'd like to confront what waits outside, but she'd feel much safer with Korosensei by her side. Having to hear that voice alone… she thinks she'd splinter.

As such, they creep forward… make their way over to the entrance and press their faces to the door.

The first thing Aguri notices is a woman. Undeniably the one shouting, she shrieks at a figure in front of her… fist trembling with rage. Her lips are drawn back in a snarl, and spittle flies out as she shares her harsh words.

"I gave birth to you!" She bellows. "I have sacrificed everything! And this is how you repay me!? With disobedience!? All I've ever wanted is a child who's successful! But you've scorned me for that every inch of the way! Why!? WHY!? Isn't what I've done enough!?"

"It's not… I don't-" The person in front of her takes a step back, sounding close to tears he holds his hands up in front of his face. Desperately, he tries to make his own words, but nothing comes out. And the woman- his mother steps forward.

"It's not!? She demands. "It hasn't been enough for you!? What kind of ungrateful brat are you!?"

It's then that the light illuminates his face. Aguri swore she heard familiarity before, but this seals the deal. No- there's no doubt about it… the person standing in front of her: she recognizes him.

He's one of her students. He's Nagisa.

And it's only then that she realizes the third thing she has to be concerned about…: what lights up his face at all. Undeniably, it's flame. His mother is holding a torch.

"That's- that's not what I'm saying!" He cries. "I'm just-"

"Isn't it though!?" The woman interrupts. "You think I'm not good enough! You've always thought I'm not good enough! But I'll make you prove yourself! I'll make you prove yourself here and now! Destroy it! THEN YOU CAN NEVER GO BACK!"

Eyes wide, Aguri turns to Korosensei. Clutching at his arm, she asks, "What's going on!? Who… who is that!?"

Korosensei stares at the flames. The pure destruction reflected in his blank expression, he starts to say, "I don't know," but quickly drifts off. "I mean- that's his mother. But I have no idea why she'd be here right now."

Aguri's gaze flits back towards the flames. Mouth agape, she asks "Should we do something? We've… we've got to get him out there, right!?"

"I'd like to say yes," Korosensei responds, face a pale blue. "And yet I'm only afraid that will escalate the situation. She has a weapon. If we're not careful she could seriously hurt him."

Aguri feels her heart drop to her stomach. Lightheaded and utterly ill, she looks towards the flames, then towards Korosensei, then back towards the fire. 'And so there's nothing we can do?' She thinks.'That…- it can't be it! They're talking about her student here! Her sister's friend!

"Then what are- what are we supposed to do!?"

"Keep an eye on him," Korosensei instructs. "Make sure that things don't get worse than they already have. If we're lucky he will be able to get through to her with his words. And if not..." he drifts off. "Well, we cannot allow her to lay a hand on him or ravage the school. But I'd prefer not to step in unless absolutely necessary." He stares. "This is a truly dangerous situation. And he knows her better than anyone."

"You really think he can make her back down?"

Korosensei grips at the windowsill. "I'm not sure."

Nagisa takes another step back. Shying from the flame, he shouts, "You- you know I can't do that! I get that you're mad, Mom. But I don't want to…- it wouldn't be fair to my classmates! I've learned so much here at Kunugigaoka. Everyone's helped me so much. I don't want to… to…-"

"To what!? Show your mother that you care about her!?" his mom interjects. "I have done so much for you! Your classmates have never helped you like I have! I put food on your table! Make sure you have a place to sleep! And this is how you repay me!? Destroy it! With your own two hands!"

"No!"

Nagisa's trying his best to put on a brave face, but he's close to tears. His hands shake as he tries to fight back, and the shine of torchlight only grows brighter. Aguri thinks she feels sick.

She can't even imagine how scared he is right now. She feels scared enough just hearing it. That's part of the reason she doesn't move. It's not just Korosensei's words. She doesn't think she could leap even if he told her to. This… this person, the one staring at her son with such hate…

Now she's like Yanagisawa.

She thought that Karasuma was bad? Ha! What a joke! She must have become desensitized to it… forgot the sound of a voice so loud it turned into a roar. She sees his monstrosity in the woman in front of her, and even worse… sees herself in the boy.

She's got to do something! Now! Korosensei's saying that he can handle it, but what if he can't? Right now Nagisa is being faced with an impossible choice. And if he doesn't comply…

Well, he could meet a fate worse than death.

His mom leaps towards him- grabbing him by a pigtail. She shakes him back and forth violently… the flame dangling dangerously close to his skin. She shouts and swears at him, practically tossing him towards the building.

"You will listen to me!" she demands. "I brought you into this world and you should be thankful! I AM TRYING TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE! And so stop trying to pretend! Be what I want you to be! YOU ARE MY DAUGHTER! IT IS YOUR JOB!"

"I… I don't…" Nagisa's hands drift up to his face and his voice starts to crack. He presses himself up against the side of the building… desperately trying to hide from the torchlight. "I'm not…-"

"YES!" His mother shrieks. "You are!"

Aguri stares. 'Daughter?' she thinks, mouth agape. And all at once it clicks.

She'd forgotten it up until now, but it had happened on the first day of school. Nagisa had approached her, nervous... and let her know that the name on her roll call sheet was wrong.

"Really?" Aguri had asked. "Is there something else I should call you then? I could always address you by last name."

"No thanks," Nagisa had replied. "I'm hoping to get my last name changed eventually, actually. You see, my mom and my dad are divorced, and well…-" he drifted off. "Well, it doesn't really matter. But just call me Nagisa, alright?" His gaze had softened somewhat. He'd looked desperate, even. "Please?"

"Alright," Aguri said with a nod. "Nagisa works for me."

She'd thought nothing of it at the time. But the pieces start to fall into place. That name he didn't wanna be addressed by… the way his classmates tease him, and his mother's harsh words. It's not that she's simply delusional. They're an act of violence.

(He's trans!)

She feels like she heard something she shouldn't have. Now she doesn't know a lot about this stuff, but you aren't supposed to- she just outed him, didn't she!? On top of demanding he destroy the one place he's found solace… and on top of threatening him with physical violence, she's disrespecting him, too. That might not seem like a lot- but Nagisa looks crushed, and Aguri knows how words can stab like knives.

'It,' she thinks, reflecting on her time in the lab. That's what she was… an it. Maybe on the surface being called a 'she' seems a bit less bad- still in some way respecting Nagisa's personhood… but the truth is it's not. She's heard his mother's words. And while she's still not entirely sure what's going on, she knows one thing for certain:

She doesn't see Nagisa as capable of living his life for himself.

But he is. And he wants to! And suffocating him like this…

If they're not careful it could kill him!

The thought makes her sick. She doesn't know him as well as some of the others, but she knows him enough. Nagisa… her beloved student. Nagisa, her sister's friend. Nagisa, who stayed back that fateful night to make sure that Akari was alright. He's a wonderful person, and he's going through this!?

He's being told to burn down the school! Her school! The one place he can feel safe! And she's just supposed to expect him to talk it out by himself?

No. No way. Because as his mom opens her mouth to speak that one word Aguri won't hear- that name that means nothing, she spots tears trailing down Nagisa's face. And as she sees herself in him- recognizes that helplessness, she knows full well what happens when you tell someone like that no. You'll suffer. And she cannot allow that.

(All at once, her terror is replaced with rage.)

She barely even processes what she's doing. Korosensei attempts to grab her shoulder, but it's no use. She barrels out the door. And as his mother creeps closer… attempts to thrust the torch into his hands, Aguri finally leaps between them, bellowing with a roar.

"Leave him alone!"

The world seems to freeze. Nagisa lets out a gasp and his mom tenses up. The torch goes clattering to the ground and extinguishes before rolling away. Aguri swears she hears Korosensei say something but it's in one ear and out the other. Her gaze is fixed on Nagisa's mother and his mother alone.

"How dare you!?" She snarls. "What makes you think you can treat him like that!? That is your son, not your possession! And you can't just make him do whatever you'd like!"

She's hardly sure what to say. It's not as if she's convincing. And she's not sure she's trying to be. She barely knows if she can get through to this woman… but that doesn't matter. What matters is that Nagisa hears it, and that someone removes him from this situation before it's too late. Consequences be damned!

The mother is staring at her. Wild terror in her eyes, she stumbles back and points. For once Aguri doesn't care. She's well aware of what she looks like… that she must be seen as a monster, but that's beside the point. She wants his mother to hesitate. She wants her to be afraid. At least then maybe she'll hesitate! Perhaps this gruesomeness can be put to some use.

After all, this is what happens when you grit and bear mistreatment, right? Detached flesh… discolored skin? She wants this person to see that! She wants her to know what she's getting into! And as such, she lets her color darken… her jaw groan and creak. Her tentacles writhe wildly, and her whole body shakes.

Nagisa is the first to speak. Before his mom can even react he's shouting. Confused and afraid, he exclaims, "Yukimura-sensei!?"

His mom's eyes go wide. Filled with terror and disgust, she shrieks, "What is that!? WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!? What's going on!?"

She points towards Nagisa… whips her finger his way. "Do you know this thing!?" She demands. "Have you been interacting with…-" She drifts off. Just about bowels over. "Oh my god!"

"I didn't…-" Nagisa sputters. "It's not that-"

"I'm his teacher!" Aguri snarls, stepping forward. "It's my job to protect him! And I saw what you did out there. How dare you!? How can you say those things!? How can you threaten him like that!? You're all he has! He's depending on you!"

It's getting hard to breathe. Struggling for breath after ragged breath, Aguri's heart pounds in the moonlight. Her eyes start to go wild. Her head starts to go dizzy. But she doesn't back down yet. No way.

"Yukimura-sensei," Nagisa repeats. "It's okay. I wasn't actually going to…- you know I wouldn't endanger the school!"

"I know that!" Aguri replies. "But that still doesn't make this okay! What the hell was she saying to you!?"

Her voice cracks a bit, and fat tears stream down her face. She's not sure when she started crying- just that she is. She feels helpless… confused; unsure of what to do and lost. All she knows is that she can't let this continue. And it breaks her heart so much it aches.

It's only now that his mom starts to regain some of her composure. Her disgust... her terror, replaced with rage, she lunges forward desperately. She reaches out a hand and says, "Get the hell away from my daughter!"

Aguri doesn't let her. Blocking her off with a gut-churning tendril, she lets out another growl. Continues to sob and says "No! You stay the hell away from him!"

His mom lets out a scream as she sees the tentacle up close. Still- she doesn't retreat. Enraged and downright hysterical, she claws at Aguri "What do you know about parenting!? GIVE ME MY CHILD BACK!"

"NO!"

She's not sure what she's doing- not sure where to even begin. But the one thing she knows is that she cannot let this woman anywhere near Nagisa. Not right now. Not ever!

He collapses to the ground. Terrified and pleading that it's nothing, he covers his face with his hands. But Aguri doesn't listen… she can't. And as she opens her mouth to speak once more, a whip rings out through the air.

For a split second, she fears it was herself: that she actually struck his mom. But as everything stops and no-one dares move, she comes to the horrifying realization she's being watched. All of them are. And that means there's a fifth presence here.

"Man," an unfamiliar voice says. "The hell did I walk in on?"

Standing in the darkness is a person that Aguri doesn't recognize. Tall and gaunt with a whip in hand, he stares at them with analytical eyes. Almost instantly she processes that he's an assassin. It's not just the weaponry… it's his aura, too. It's filled with danger- bloodlust, and much like Reaper's, it makes her hairs stand on end.

"And here I was thinking this'd be an easy mission," he drawls. "Turns out I was about to get involved in a whole lotta family drama."

The mom's gaze flits back towards Aguri for just a split second. But she soon hones in on the stranger, demanding, "And who on earth are you!?"

"A mercenary," the man explains. "You see, I'm here looking for the bounty put on this school. I spotted the cephalopods flyin' this way earlier and was planning to take em' out when they left. But by the time that I got here, you'd already beat me to it." He pauses. Gives a grin. "The distracting them that is. Not the killin'."

"K… killing? The mom repeats, utterly taken aback. She stumbles backwards… presses her back to the wall. "Something is seriously wrong with you people! I'm calling the police this instant!"

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," the man tsks. She's started to whip out her phone, but it's no use. His whip lashes out with an alarming accuracy- shattering it as it comes crashing to the floor.

"You see: the contract I'm partakin' in prevents me from hurting the kids. And I've got a pretty low chance of harming the octopi now that they know that I'm here. But you? Well, you're free game, you whiny old hag. And that means I'm gonna need everyone to cooperate with me."

He moves in an instant. Grabbing Nagisa's mom by the arm, he pulls her in close and holds his whip up near her neck. He gives a snort.

"Alright. You listening now? Good. My whips' real sharp and if I want I can slit this little lady's throat in an instant. So I'm gonna say what I need to say and you're gonna listen… understood?"

The mom lets out a gasp. Struggling to get away, she looks back and forth. But it's no use. The assassin's grip on her is tight... and the threat of the weapon is far too much.

"What's- what's going on!?" She cries. "Let go of me!"

Briefly, Aguri considers going after her. If she wanted, she thinks that she could probably get her away. But she hesitates. No. Right now she's got to focus on protecting Nagisa. This person could very well endanger him, too. And that means his mom comes second.

She backs up a bit… holds an arm out. But Nagisa doesn't move. Instead, he simply stares up at the assassin, a blank look in his eyes.

Slowly, he stands.

The assassin doesn't seem to notice. His gaze is fixed on Aguri. He looks back towards the building... towards Korosensei, and gives another toothy smile.

"Alright. Now that we're all good and quiet, what I'm gonna need you to do is come over here. Don't try anything funny. You let me take you out and that's that. You gotta. After all, if you don't… well, this little boy won't have a mom."

Nagisa continues to move. Attempting to maneuver his way in front of Aguri, he shoots her a look. She stares, bewildered, and thinks, 'What is he doing?'

'Just trust me,' he mouths. 'I've got a plan.'

Aguri hesitates. It's more than clear what he's going to do. He's going to approach that person, right? Can she seriously let him? This is a trained assassin. And it's not like Nagisa is weaponized…

All the same, his conviction doesn't seem to die down. And she spots something strange behind his eyes. It's not just fear- sadness at the thought of losing his mother. It's confidence, too. He meets her gaze like he's sure what he's doing. Like he knows that his plan will work. And to her surprise, Aguri believes him.

Of course she does. These kids are skilled. They just helped take down Reaper the other day, right? They know assassination. And so…

(Her gaze drifts back towards the strange assassin.)

This isn't what Nagisa needs to be protected from.

She'd stepped in because he wasn't able to stand up for himself. Because his mom was walking all over him, and because if she didn't something terrible might happen. But this isn't his mom they're dealing with now. It's a killer. And Nagisa is... more equipped for that, actually.

He is willing to stand up for himself. At least in certain contexts. And if this is one of them, then that might just be for the best. This is his chance to talk to that person- his mom who won't hear him. And unconventional or not, he deserves that.

Slowly, Aguri meets the mother's gaze. And then stepping to the side, she relents. A fire behind her eyes, she thinks 'Let's show her what we can do.'

Nagisa doesn't wait a second more. Marching out from behind Agur, he approaches the assassin. And then looking to his mother he speaks.

"Mom, whether you believe me or not, I'm putting everything I have into this class. I'm going to do something great before I graduate, I swear. And when I do… I'm going to cut my hair. I'm going to cut my hair and pay back every scrap I owe you. Make it up to you, but also be true to myself. I hope that'll be enough for you to forgive me for everything I've done, but if not, then that's okay too. Because I won't just graduate from here. If need be, then, well… I hate to say this, but I'll graduate from you too."

He stops in front of the assassin. The killer gives pause- cocks his head, but doesn't seem particularly frightened. Wrinkling his nose, he asks, "And what's this?"

Nagisa blinks, but his expression doesn't shift. Instead, still determined, he simply says "Proof of what I can do."

And in an instant, a sound rings out. He brings his palms together and out comes a clap. It echoes across the night… making Aguri stop. Nagisa freezes and his mom does as well. Although, the real effect is on the killer. He stumbles back with a startled sort of noise... gurgles a bit and then locks up. Finally, then, he comes crashing to the ground- letting go of the mother as his body goes limp.

Briefly, Aguri wonders if he's dead, but she soon spots the tell-tale rise and fall of his chest. 'No,' she thinks. 'Of course he's not dead. Nagisa wouldn't do that.'

The boy takes a step back, an introspective look on his face as he meets his mom's gaze. She seems to have barely processed the fact that she's free now. She's still standing shock-still as she looks down at her son.

'Out of surprise for his actions or his words?' Aguri wonders. Nagisa said some very big things. She's proud of him. She knows how hard it can be to put your foot down. But Nagisa's done just that. And for that, she's thankful.

Some part of her wants to think that she spurred it on... that she helped inspire him. But looking at the way he stands tall, doesn't so much as even shake, she knows she didn't. He's had this inside of him all along.

His mom seems much less excited by that. Stumbling back and glancing back and forth, she asks "What… what just-? Who are you? What is all of this!?"

That's when Korosensei shows up. Stepping out of the building, he says, "I've finally arrived. I apologize for the delay."

The mom stares at him too, but he doesn't pay her much mind. Instead, carefully picking up the torch, he continues, "It seems you've witnessed quite a bit you shouldn't have. I'm sorry for that as well. Nevertheless, I hope you've learned your lesson. I'd recommend you stay away from here at night. Some unsavory folks tend to show up."

The mom glances at him, then at Aguri, then back at him. Sounding like she doesn't know whether to be disgusted or horrified, she says, "You're… you're-"

"I'm Nagisa's teacher, yes," Korosensei replies, unphased.

"What are you things!?"

Aguri flinches a bit, but decides to let Korosensei handle the situation. He's clearly calm, and he's got a reputation for being much more level-headed than her. She'll let him talk to that person. She's got something much more important to focus on right now, anyway.

She stumbles towards Nagisa. Practically collapsing onto him as she wraps him in a hug, she asks, "Are you alright?"

Nagisa tenses a bit, but nods.

"I… think so," he says. "The assassin didn't manage to hurt me at least." He scratches at his arm. "And I'm glad my mom's okay. I was actually really scared for a second there."

He says that, but his face doesn't betray it. He's calm, mostly. The tears have since faded… and he speaks in a numb sort of voice.

Aguri only hugs him tighter. She's not sure it'll help much at all, but it's all she can think to do. Briefly, she considers cussing out his mom more, but soon decides against it. It feels like all the energy's been drained from her body. And besides, she's not really sure that's what Nagisa wants to hear right now.

And so, instead, simply rubbing little circles in his back she says "...You did a good job."

"Mmm," Nagisa replies, giving a shrug. "It wasn't too tough. He wasn't a scary assassin."

She senses movement behind her. When she looks over her shoulder, she can spot the mom approaching… and feels her shoulders tense. But Korosensei reaches out to put some space between them: says:

"Now then, before you reunite, you should consider what you heard tonight, Miss Shiota. Nagisa's got a lot of growing left to do… that I agree with. But he needs space and freedom to be able to do those things. Try not to be as worried as you have been about the direction he's heading in. I can reassure you: he'll be alright. And what he needs isn't to be smothered, but rather a mother who'll support him regardless of what he decides to do."

"I… apologize for all of the chaos that went down tonight," he continues. "But I promise you: you and your son will never be put in a situation like that again. And while this school is strange, ultimately, it's his decision to decide whether to stay or not. I hope you can accept that. And I hope that… you didn't take my coworker's words too personally." A pause. "We're simply worried about him too. You know we all want what's best for him."

"M… hmmm," his mom replies, but her heart isn't in it. She looks at Korosensei wide-eyed before her gaze turns towards Nagisa. And starting to shake, her knees buckle. She collapses to the ground... exhausted.

"Mom!" Nagisa cries, pulling away from Aguri. But Korosensei catches her before they have anything to worry about. He cradles her in his arms… makes sure she's not hurt.

"Is she- is she alright?" Nagisa asks, panicked.

Aguri's not sure how she feels watching Nagisa dote over her. This is the same mom that was just degrading him, right? But… she guesses she gets it. Of course she gets it. She cared about that person, too. And this is Nagisa's mom they're talking about. She'd be worried too if she were in his shoes. She hopes that she hadn't managed to scare him by arguing with her. It's not some personal distaste she has for the woman. She just… doesn't want to see him get hurt.

"Don't worry," Korosensei reassures. "She's fine. Simply a little bit surprised by all she's had to process tonight. With some rest, she'll be good as new. And so why don't I take you two home? I've got a feeling both of you could use some sleep."

"Are you… sure that's a good idea?" Aguri asks, glancing back over her shoulder. "She just put him in a whole lot of danger. We can't seriously send him back, can we?"

"We've got to, I'm afraid," Korosensei responds. "What just happened was inexcusable, but a lot of feelings were shared tonight. I've got a feeling that the two of them will be able to better understand each other in the future. And hopefully, that means that nothing like this will ever happen again. The dust should have settled, right, Nagisa?"

"...Right," Nagisa replies, weary. "Yeah. I think that I… I just wanna go home."

Even Aguri knows better than to argue with him right now. There's so much she wants to say- concerns she has to share. But much like his mom had to learn, he's the one making the decisions right now. And if he wants to go home then he deserves to go home. All she can do is hope that he'll be safe through the night.

They make their way over to the car. It belongs to the mother and so Aguri feels a little weird using it, but Korosensei seems to think it's an okay idea at the very least. He slides into the front seat as Nagisa takes shotgun. They place his mom lying down sideways in the back… and Aguri sits next to her.

She hates it, she thinks. But Korosensei's the one driving. And her taking the seat is better than Nagisa having to.

They're silent for a long while. Korosensei starts up the car and drives away from the school. As streetlights go by, Aguri wonders if anything could possibly actually breach the situation. Her mouth feels dry, and Nagisa shifts uncomfortably from the front seat.

"So," he says after what feels like forever. "...What did you tell her?"

"Hm?" Korosensei asks.

"My mom. She saw you two. How did you explain? Am I gonna be allowed to stay?"

"Well," Korosensei says, tapping his finger on the side of the wheel. "There's no knowing for certain, but I have a feeling that you will. You did an excellent job getting your point across… showing your conviction and all. I sincerely doubt she'll be able to argue with that." A pause. "And then as for what I told her: simply that we're eligible to teach here and that we're legitimately employed. Nothing about our classroom or the assassination efforts. As proud as I am of the environment we've fostered, something tells me she wouldn't take it well."

"Mmm," Nagisa says, giving a halfhearted nod. "I… hope she won't tell anyone else about what she saw. I don't know what I'd do if you got in trouble because of me."

"We won't," Korosensei says. "She's got much more important things to worry about right now. And besides, even if she did share the truth, it's not like many would believe her."

That seems to sate Nagisa. Letting out a quiet sigh, he falls silent and rests his head on the window. He watches city streets pass. Stares up at the moon.

"Y'know, I've been thinking… and I think I don't wanna be an assassin, actually."

Aguri blinks. Sending a glance his way, she wonders if this is about class. He's certainly not the first person to show hesitance, and yet somehow his tone feels different.

"You don't?" Korosensei asks, intrigued.

"Nah," Nagisa says. "I was so certain that was all I could be good at, but… there are multiple ways to be good at one thing, right? I don't want to hurt anyone." He's quiet for a bit, thinking. "I want to protect them. Like I protected my mom tonight. And not by…- well, not by putting myself in danger. That's way too much stress to put my family through."

"A good decision, Nagisa," Korosensei says, reaching out to place his free hand on his head. "Of course I'd have supported you in whatever you decided to do, but I agree. You're much more suited for something where you can take care of yourself as well."

Are they talking about… actually? The thought hadn't even crossed Aguri's mind. She'd known that career discussion had come up recently, but she hadn't realized something like that had been on Nagisa's radar. If she had she would have said something.

She thinks that she's… glad he's decided against it. It's not that she'd have been disappointed in him if he decided to go down that path, but she knows it wouldn't have been good for him. She's met plenty of assassins by now: people like Irina, and Reaper, and Korosensei. And their pasts have all damaged them. Outside of the needless violence, it's a career based on numbing yourself. They're still relearning how to feel now.

Nagisa doesn't need something like that. He already has enough trouble letting himself get emotional as is. To think that he'd almost gone off the deep-end…-

Well, it breaks her heart.

Briefly, she's upset that Korosensei hadn't brought this up to her. But she thinks she gets why. It's been a busy past few days… and she'd been dealing with Reaper. She's sure it would have come up sooner or later. It's just now that it doesn't need to. It's over and done with.

Nagisa is safe.

(Her gaze drifts towards his mother in the back seat.)

...Ish.

"I still don't know what I'm gonna do, though," Nagisa admits. "I haven't actually thought a lot about my future before. I've just kind of… followed the path my mom set. And so I don't really have a plan."

"That's alright," Korosensei reassures. "You've got plenty of time to figure it out. Don't rush yourself, alright? I'm sure it'll be clear eventually."

"Yeah," Nagisa says, still sounding weary. "I know."

Soon, they arrive at his house. Korosensei pulls up into the driveway... opens the door and lets Nagisa step out.

"Would you like help carrying your mother in? Or do you think that you've got this?"

"I've got this," Nagisa says, pulling her out of the back seat. "Though do remember that this is my mom's car. You might wanna leave it here, Sensei."

"Oh," Korosensei says, jolting. "Right!"

He hurries out of the vehicle. Giving an overdramatic bow, he says "I was well aware of that! I simply wanted to- I was trying t- you deserved to head home first!"

"Yeah, yeah," Nagisa says, cracking the tiniest grin. "I believe you."

Aguri steps out as well. Crouching just to make her way through the door, she slides onto the pavement. She looks at Nagisa for what feels like forever… listens to the cicadas chirp and tries her best to savor that smile.

She's worried about him. She's so, so worried about him. But Korosensei doesn't seem too stressed, at least. He seems to think that this is over and done with, and his confidence carries over to Nagisa as he makes his way towards the door.

"Try not to worry, alright?" Korosensei asks. "I know that things are hard right now, but… tonight was a big moment for you. And so give yourself some credit. Just try and remember that communication is important. And that if you make yourself heard, I'm sure your mother will listen."

"Yeah," Nagisa says. "I know."

He pauses for a long moment; unlocks the door, but stands there, hesitating. He doesn't look back their way, but seems to be deep in thought. How couldn't he be?

Briefly, Aguri considers calling out to him. She's not sure what, but it still feels like there's something to say. Perhaps 'you don't have to sit and take it' or 'what happened tonight wasn't alright, alright?' but no words come out. She wants to tell him he's in danger. Wants to tell him that this might not end with this. But he's not stupid. She's sure he already knows that. And that's… not what he needs to hear right now. And if he believes that things are alright, then she'll let him have that for now.

Her worries can wait. Her worries can be discussed with Korosensei. All Nagisa needs to hear right now is:

"Goodnight, Nagisa. I hope you sleep well. We all love you a lot, okay?"

Nagisa doesn't react right away. Quiet, like he's trying to even fathom that, he stands in the doorway. But he soon turns around and gives a bright smile back, saying, "Yeah. I know. Don't worry." before making his way inside, mother in tow.

Aguri and Korosensei don't talk on the way home. It only takes a split second, and they're still processing what they saw. They unlatch the door and step inside… realize it's pitch black. 'Akari and Itona must be sleeping already,' Aguri notes.

(She glances towards the clock. It's 1AM.)

Neither of them motion to head towards the bedroom. She's tired to the bone and her whole body aches, but she knows there are more important things to focus on. And so she stumbles over to the couch- Korosensei following after.

"I… apologize that you had to see that," he says, sitting down next to her. "I was not aware that this was going to happen."

"It's not your fault," Aguri insists. "And so this is what you were talking about earlier? The parent giving you issues?"

"Yes," Korosensei says with a deep, tired sigh. "I knew that she was unstable, but…" he drifts off. "I never could have predicted things would escalate to this level."

"Oh, Nagisa," Aguri whispers, burying her face in Korosensei's chest. "What are we going to do? You told him that everything was going to be alright, but it won't be, will it? He can't just communicate with her."

Korosensei's quiet. One hand resting on her shoulder and the other on her lower back, he tries to reassure her; say "Well, I'd like to believe he can, but…-"

Even he's at a loss for words.

"Nagisa did a very good job of asserting himself," he decides to say instead. He straightens himself up slightly, fixing his tie. "It's not like him to state his feelings so clearly. Hopefully, his mother will be able to take that as a sign- understand where he's coming from."

"And if she can't?" Aguri asks. "If it only makes her more mad?"

Her mind drifts back to her own scenario. This isn't about her… not even remotely, but she remembers the way it felt. The times standing up for herself earned anger hot as coals. 'Please don't insult the students' got her a bruise the size of a grapefruit, and 'please don't hurt me' got her so much worse.

Maybe it's just that she hadn't been firm enough, but she doubts it. Anything more and she'd be dead right now. People like that… they're not the kind of people where you can push your luck.

She'd learned that the hard way. After all… it was standing firm that got her into all of this mess, wasn't it? Yanagisawa had asked her to do the impossible, and she'd finally said no.

("I won't kill Reaper.")

Manic eyes and cold white rooms. Fearful shrieking and the glow of torchlight. They're not really so different, are they?

Her defiance had earned her months of misery… psychological torture and a body that she hates. She'd told herself 'just a few more months.' 'Just gotta make it to the end of the year and then I'll change things, I swear.' But she hadn't. And waiting it out: it made her this.

(Hair pulled up in pigtails. Hands so shy and eyes that stare towards the ground.)

If they're not careful what will it make of Nagisa?

"We… can only hope that that doesn't happen," Korosensei says. "Hope that she's learned her lesson for real. I know that that's hard, but what other choice do we have? That's his mother. He loves her."

They're words that sting. She knows they're from the heart, but they are not a satisfactory answer. They only make her worry all the more. And the truth is she can tell he's projecting.

(He wants to think there's good in her… like there's good in himself. It's a noble cause, but Aguri can't fathom it. Not right now. Not when Nagisa's there.)

"That doesn't mean he's safe with her," Aguri whimpers, nuzzling further into his chest. A few tears stream down her face. "He's in so much danger right now. He's gonna get hurt…-"

Korosensei opens his mouth to speak, but must think better of it. Instead, he simply stares down at Aguri, a dark shade of blue overtaking his face.

She hiccups into his shirt. Pulling him in close as she can, she snivels and weeps. "We've gotta do something," she begs. "We've gotta. I saw it myself, Korosensei. He's not okay. He's gonna… he's gonna…- she's not going to stop hurting him. And if we don't hurry up…-" A breathless sob. "I don't know what's gonna happen."

"I know," Korosensei says, rocking her back and forth. "...I know."

She wishes she could see what he sees. He seemed so confident telling Nagisa that things would be okay, and yet she can't even humor it. She knows that a lull doesn't mean peace- that a temporary agreement doesn't spell freedom. And irrational or not, she cannot feel like all's well that ends well right now. In fact, she's terrified.

"Please don't…- please don't think I'm just being negative," she begs. "I'm not trying to look down on her. I just can't…- it's too- I'm worried about him. I'm worried and scared and can't stop thinking 'what if it's too late for us to do anything at all?'"

"I'm sure that's not true," Korosensei reassures. "I'm… sure there's something we can do. We've always been able to help out before, haven't we?" He pauses. "I know that this is stressful, but, please, Aguri: try and have faith. If not in the people surrounding Nagisa, then in yourself. I promise we'll make sure that everything works out."

"And I would never think of you as just being negative," he continues. "I know your worries are coming from a legitimate place. As much as I'd like to see the good in his mom, I know that's something we have to meet in the middle on. You're the one with experience here, after all."

"But this isn't something we can fix in one night… and crying isn't going to do anything. And so, why don't we try and get some rest, alright? We can… see tomorrow if Nagisa's allowed to stay in class. And if he's not allowed to, then," A pause. "Well, I'll back you up on whatever it is you decide to do."

'Whatever.' What a hopeless-sounding word. Even Korosensei doesn't have an idea as to what they can try. It's not like they can just take him into their house like they did Itona. Nagisa has a family… and he loves them. How do you wean someone off of that? Is it even their place?

She doesn't know. She feels exhausted and helpless and scared and she doesn't know even a little. All she can do is hope that Korosensei feels as scared as she does- that she's not alone, and hope that there's some truth to his words.

"Okay," she says, not sure how to argue. "...Okay. We'll see if he can stay. And if he can't…" she drifts off. Chokes up. "We'll make sure to figure something out, right?"

"Right," Korosensei says, running his hands through her hair. "I promise."

He starts to stand, but she reaches out for his shoulder.

"Wait," she says. "Not yet."

"You don't want to sleep?" He asks.

"No," Aguri says. "I think I need a bit more time to… I don't know." Her voice cracks. "Think about it, I guess."

"Very well then," Korosensei says, settling back into his spot. "I'm here for as long as you need me."

She's not sure how long they sit like that… tears streaming down her face as Korosensei murmurs empty reassurances. He tries his best to be a pillar, but she knows he feels as lost as she does, and she hates it.

(She wants to believe in him. She wants to think he can fix this like he says he can. But as helpless as she feels right now, she can only imagine Nagisa feels all the more lost, and she's not sure if anyone can fix that.)

By the time she stands, her head is pounding and her eyes are puffy. Korosensei stares at her, before saying, "You'd like to lie down?"

"I think so," Aguri says. She still doesn't feel ready, but that extra moment of comfort is the most she could hope to ask for. He's right in that she can't spend all her time crying right now. She's going to want to get a good night's rest… have a clear head on her shoulders if she's going to help Nagisa in the morning.

(That is if she gets to see him at all.)

"Alright," Korosensei says. "I apologize for trying to rush you. Let's go to bed now." He reaches an arm out. "I'll hold your hand."

She can tell he's trying to make her feel better. She wonders if he feels guilty for attempting to stand up for the mom. She's not mad at him- at least she doesn't think so. She knows he was just saying what Nagisa wanted to hear. But all the same, she can't help but wonder if that was foolish.

'Who are you to doubt his judgement?' she asks herself, bitterness clawing at her like knives. 'He's the real teacher here. He was just trying not to upset him.'

She knows Nagisa's going to be upset either way, through. And maybe he shouldn't have heard what he wants right now, but what he needs.

She's not sure. Not even remotely. Either way, she takes Korosensei's hand. She loves him and he makes her feel warm and she hopes that's not selfish. She hopes it's not selfish to want to feel safe right now when Nagisa inevitably feels so not. She's just not sure what more she can handle.

They make their way to the bedroom. They slither down the hall and slowly creak open the door. Itona's already sleeping there; resting on a futon on the floor, and Aguri tries to tell herself that this'll go just like that

Who… cares if Nagisa and Itona's situations are different. Itona was still hurting and she was able to help him, right?

She slips into her pajamas. Korosensei sits down and motions for her to lie next to him. She creeps in a bit closer than usual, but just this once he doesn't complain.

"I know this is a big thing to ask, and I know you feel like you shouldn't, but… sleep well, okay? We will get this settled."

Aguri hesitates. Staring into his eyes she feels a shred of doubt. And she knows there's nothing he can do about it, but…-

"For real?" She asks.

Korosensei's quiet.

"If we're going to fix things, I want them to be for real. I don't want him to just be allowed to stay in class. I don't want him to just be safe in one place. I want him to be safe everywhere. I want him… to never be yelled at like that again. Do you think we can really do that?"

"Well…" Korosensei sighs. "I can't say anything for certain. All I can say is that whatever we do, it needs to be at Nagisa's pace. We don't want to pigeonhole him into anything he feels he's not ready for."

"Of course not."

"His happiness comes first and foremost. Ultimately we can't do anything without his consent."

"...And if he just thinks he's happy?"

"Then we'll get it figured out eventually."

Korosensei reaches a hand out, places it on Aguri's shoulder.

"You've got a good heart, Aguri. But remember we've just got to take this one step at a time, alright? You wouldn't have wanted to be forced into anything you didn't feel ready for, right?"

"...No."

"Then try and understand it's the same for him. We'll do everything we can to keep him safe. But it might not be instantaneous, and… that's alright."

"Right."

Aguri rolls over. Stares at the wall.

"Goodnight, Aguri. I hope you sleep well."

"...Goodnight."

She stays there staring for even longer than she'd cried. And heart aching, she thinks her own hesitance is the reason she hates this so much at all. Of course she wouldn't have wanted to be taken away from her situation without her consent. But look at what happened to her because she stayed. She made the wrong decision.

(And what if… Nagisa is too?)

She doesn't know. It feels cruel to undermine his autonomy. Surely he knows what he's getting into. He knows he's in danger and he's made peace with that. Saying… she doesn't respect that sounds mean-spirited. Un-understanding. And so it's not that she doesn't get it, she just…

(What? Doesn't trust him because she doesn't trust herself?)

Of course she doesn't trust him. He's fourteen! And even if Korosensei is right, maybe there are some decisions people shouldn't be allowed to make.

(Some people they shouldn't force themselves to face off against.)

She's not sure. She'll never be sure. But, either way, she feels the spark ignite in her chest yet again... and she knows she won't rest until it's been made clear that he's safe.

Not just because he's her student. Not just because she sees herself in him and because he's Akari's friend. No. It's something even more than that.

It's because she saw that smile of his: the way he hesitated and looked back over his shoulder standing in the door. And she understood that smile- no: saw through it. And she got what it really was.

It was fake. Plain and simple. And if he feels the need to make himself be palpable- look well for them, then she can't just take no for an answer.

She's going to make sure his mom never lays a hand on him again, whether she believes it's possible or not.