The next few weeks are relatively easygoing.

It's a surprise coming off the commotion of the custody battle for Nagisa and the discourse over Damien, but for once Aguri doesn't have much to worry about. There's still the looming threat of death, of course, but she tries her best to bury that in the back of her mind. She's got much more important things to worry about right now. And although the closer March draws, the more it scares her, there's no harm in trying to be positive. Not when there are so many things worth being thankful about right now.

She continues to teach with Korosensei and the others. And when her days are done, she spends time chatting with him or perhaps going out on an outing with Irina. Karasuma is still shy, and doesn't particularly like spending one-on-one time, but he continues to be civil in the classroom, and does talk to her when given the chance. He tells Aguri about his budding relationship with Irina- well… if you can even call it that. Last she's heard they haven't even kissed!

She also spends time with Dad and the students. While Dad doesn't return home for obvious reasons, she makes a habit of visiting his new home on Saturdays. It's a surprisingly big place, and although he lives alone, he at least seems much less lonely than he used to be.

Things are still slightly awkward between them, but they're better, too. Dad seems to be processing that the new Aguri is here to stay. And while in some ways that's a shame, he's thankful to have her around, too.

When she's not keeping a careful eye on Nagisa or asking him about how things are with his dad, she's spending her remaining time with Akari and Itona. They're wonderful as always, and she treasures their presence. Perhaps that's why she asks them to come along one lazy Sunday afternoon. She's decided it's time to say hello to Damien again. And while she and Korosensei have stopped by a few times, it's never been with the kids.

Korosensei… told him he was welcome at the school, right? He hasn't taken him up on the offer, but if that's going to happen, then the kids need to be comfortable with him. And he needs to be comfortable with them, too. It's time they spent more time together. And if there's anyone else she trusts to break down his walls, it's these two.

Akari glances up at Aguri, inquisitive. She doesn't seem put off by the question, but she's confused at the very least.

"You want us to come and spend time with him?"

"You don't have to if you don't want," Aguri reiterates. "But seeing as how Korosensei and I have been doing it more and more, I figured I'd extend the offer. He'd probably appreciate it a lot if you stopped by. He doesn't get a lot of outside interaction, you know."

"I know," Akari replies, well aware that they're dealing with a charity case. Aguri hopes she's not pushing her too much. She knows how Akari can be- the way that she holds a bit of a grudge, but her intent is in no way to squeeze forgiveness out of her. If she doesn't like Damien, that's fine. But she does think the two of them have some similar interests, and if Damien is part of Korosensei's family…

Well, then he's technically a part of Akari's family, too.

"I guess there aren't many better things to do with my morning," Itona replies. "The gang and I were going to go out paintballing, but Muramatsu fell and apparently really twisted his ankle… so that's out the window."

"Oh gosh," Aguri replies. "Is he alright? Should I bring over some ice?"

"I think he'd projectile vomit if you did that," Itona says. "Which is to say… don't. He's fine."

"Alright, alright," Aguri says, still making a mental note to check up on him later. "I just worry."

Akari glances towards the other room.

"Is Korosensei coming? Or?"

"I'm afraid not," he replies, peeking through the doorway. "As much as I'd love to, I already promised Kanzaki I'd tutor her in chemistry this morning. And after that I've got some things to pick up in Finland."

"Usually I'd suggest we all just go later," Aguri replies. "But I actually told Okuda I'd help her out with something at that time. Pretty busy day, huh?"

"Indeed," Korosensei replies. "Packed right to the brim! But you know what they say: a productive day is a bright one."

"Drat," Akari replies. "I guess we'll have to carry your load, then."

"Pardon?" Korosensei asks, giving pause.

"Well, since you're so busy being a deadbeat, we'll have to hang out with your apprentice. Not that I mind too much, of course… but I may have to gossip with him about you. You know: the opportunity is just so ripe. And we have so much to share!"

Korosensei lets out a gasp.

"Akari Kayano Yukimura," he says, trying his best to sound stern. "Don't you even dare!"

"Just try and stop me," she says, giving a wicked grin. "What are you gonna do? Try and scold me? Not when my big sister is around!"

For a second there, Aguri had thought that Akari was asking if he was coming because she didn't want to spend time with him… but taking one look at that grin, she knows it's the opposite. Akari has really opened up to Korosensei in the past few months. Where she used to be distant- hostile, even, now she's amiable. She likes spending time with Korosensei, if only by virtue of him being Aguri's best friend. And Aguri is thankful for that. Maybe Akari doesn't hold as much of a grudge as she'd thought.

Korosensei rushes in and ruffles her hair. Giving her a playfully irritated look, he says, "I can't shout at you, maybe, but I can give you a boatload of extra homework. Is that what you want, young lady!? So much extra credit you'll drown!?"

"Like you can even do that!" She retorts with a laugh. "You're under Asano-sensei's beck and call. Now get off of me already. You're gross!"

"Am not!"

"Am too!"

"Am not!"

"Stupid, worthless wage slaveee!"

The thing is... Akari's never been quick to trust. It's not just that she used to hold a grudge against Korosensei. She's never been this way around anyone except for her sister. Maybe they really are growing to be a family. That comes as a relief. Akari needs more people looking out for her.

Aguri can't believe that there was a time that the two of them meeting was only a daydream. Korosensei and Akari had been parts of such different halves of her life. The thought of them getting to know each other… it was a pipe dream at best. And yet here they are- laughing with each other while sending sideways glances towards Aguri. It makes her feel warm inside.

The way that their family is… it's not how she'd imagined it'd be back then. A lot of things have changed since the time when Korosensei and Akari hadn't met. Back then, in the world she'd envisioned… Akari hadn't had green hair, and Korosensei hadn't looked like that. He and Aguri had been dating, and Itona hadn't even been a passing thought.

Somehow, she's not bitter about that. Things are different than what she'd imagined, certainly… but they're not bad. They're not bad at all.

"Alright, alright," Akari finally relents, pulling herself away from Korosensei. "I'll come. Anything to get me away from this guy."

"Awesome," Aguri replies. "Wanna fly there, or?"

"Nah," Akari says. "It's still early. We should walk."

Itona doesn't argue. Already halfway out the door, he motions for the other two to follow.

Aguri hurries after, but Akari takes her time. Grabbing a coat from the rack, she slips it on and then meets Aguri's pace. The three of them step outside. It's pretty chilly… and Aguri asks Itona if he'd like a coat, too, but he says that he's fine. He's not too sensitive to cold, after all.

"Alright," she says. "If you insist. You know I just worry."

It's about mid-November. Exam season is coming up, and it's starting to get cold. Any minute now, it'll be winter… and the snow will start to fall. Aguri thinks about that as she looks over at the frosty streets. She hadn't realized it before, but this'll be her last winter, huh?

...It makes her a little sad. She has fond memories of snowball fights and shoveling ice with Akari as a kid. Slowly but surely, their time is running out.

She thinks that's part of the reason why Akari's not in a rush. They only have so many moments like these left, after all. There's no point in squandering them.

She wishes she didn't have to worry so much, but it hurts to think about. The fact that Akari is aware their time is almost out… it's heart-rending. Especially considering the fact that Akari's not just going to lose one person in these upcoming months: she's going to lose Korosensei, too.

That'll be… very hard for her. After all this talk of trust and opening up, it's unfair to see that taken away. She's such a wonderful girl. She deserves better than that. If Aguri could do anything to change her fate, she would.

...But she can't. And so treasuring the small moments is all she can do.

Maybe that's another part of the reason why she wants Akari to meet Damien. She's not sure they'll be best friends, but they don't have to be. When the time comes, Damien will inevitably be reeling from Korosensei's death, too. Hopefully he and Akari can find solace in that. And in the rest of the class.

Because if they won't have Aguri and Korosensei, at least they'll have each other.

It's little consolation, but they've gotten through a lot before, haven't they?

('Nothing like this,' Aguri thinks. But she's not willing to dwell on it. Not for long.)

Instead she simply reaches out for Akari's hand and gives it a tight squeeze.

In no time at all, they arrive at Damien's motel. Aguri tries to think happier thoughts as they make their way up the stairs. They've got lots to talk about, and she hopes that the students will be a good influence on him. She still worries a lot about what he does, after all.

...Korosensei says he's fine with Damien staying as an assassin - that he doesn't want to nitpick, and that Damien doesn't need to hear it from him... but Aguri doesn't feel the same way. She thinks that it's not good for Damien- that he needs another way to express himself, and that this has hurt him more than it's helped. He's just a young man, after all. He's got his whole future in front of him.

If she shows him that there are other career paths… maybe he'll consider them. Being a teacher, too, one day. Or a botanist! Anything but what he's doing right now.

She knows it won't be easy, and she knows it probably won't be accomplished within her lifetime… but she's content planting the seeds. As long as she opens up some sort of other avenue for him, then she thinks everything will be alright.

They're coming up on his room when she spots someone standing in the hall. At first, she pays them no mind, going on her way… but Itona starts to squint, and all at once, Akari freezes.

She grips Aguri's wrist. Hand drifting up from her palm, she clutches it. Tight. Teeth grit- eyes wide, she whips around.

"Change of plans," she says, tugging her arm. "Come on."

"Wait," Aguri says. "What's wrong?"

"We've got to go," A grimace. "Now."

The tension in her voice disturbs her. Head pounding, Aguri looks towards Itona. His expression is just as grim. He does a sort of double-take- almost like he doesn't believe his eyes, before turning around and nudging Aguri, too.

"She's right. We should turn around."

It's about now that the person down the hall notices them. Their head cocks a bit, and all at once, Aguri feels something electric run down her spine.

She… recognizes that outfit.

She didn't realize it at first- it's been so long since she's seen them- but those white cloaks, the billowing hood… they're familiar to her. Like a scene straight out of a horror movie, she locks her gaze with the person down the hall, and unconsciously takes a step back. She thinks 'No. I'm misinterpreting. It can't be.'

Where she steps back, he steps forward. Her heart starts to ring in her ears. She looks towards Akari- Itona, and the grip 'round her wrist tightens. There's a whispering, she thinks… but she simply can't make it out.

It's… him. Drawing ever closer: it's him. Some part of her wants to deny it- reiterate that the person is anonymous, but there's no way she can lie to herself. She's seen this person before, and as one cold eye rises up to meet her gaze, she feels her blood run cold.

(Yanagisawa. He's here for her.)

No. Nononono. What is he doing here!? Where Damien lives!? Is the boy in danger, or-?

Horrible thoughts run through her mind. Flashes of terror and bloodstains on carpets. There's no way that he's here for fun. He's here to hurt him! Or…-

Her. It's got to be her. No- forget Damien. He's here to take her back. What was she thinking!? Having two months to live!? He was still out there! Looking for her! And he's finally… finally-

It's over! Her life is over! NO! Forget her happy ending! He's going to make her regret being alive!

"Oh my," a booming voice says. "I wasn't expecting to see you here. I was well aware it was a possibility, but this still comes as a surprise."

She recognizes it. Like nails on a chalkboard, some primal, deep part of her recognizes it. It bores straight down to the bone: making her hands shake and her knees go weak. Her gaze flits up- down, and then straight towards him. It's a car crash she can't look away from.

Akari steps out in front of her. Eyes wide- voice a growl, she puts distance between Aguri and the man. Aguri so badly wants to reach out… stop her, but her limbs are locked. Utterly terrified, her knees buckle. She slumps to the ground.

"Go away," Akari demands, fist tightly balled. "What are you doing here!? Don't talk to her! Don't even look at her!"

She tries her best to be threatening, but it's just no use. Even with a fire behind her eyes… she's not weaponized like she was last time she met him. She's powerless - unarmed. All that she has are her words.

Yanagisawa isn't impressed. Giving a sneer, he says, "Don't worry, girl… I'm not here to cause trouble this time. I simply saw my fiance and figured I should say hello. Long time no see, after all, isn't it, Yukimura?"

Akari lets out a shout.

"What did I just tell you!?" She snarls. "What did I just fucking tell you!? STAY AWAY FROM HER! OR ELSE!"

"I'm afraid that's not going to work this time," Yanagisawa says. "As much as you put up a fight, you've since been defanged. You're nothing more than an insolent child who must be put in her place. And if it weren't for the circumstances, I'd do so with glee. You'd certainly deserve it for humiliating me. But I'm afraid now's not the time. Step aside, my sister-in-law. I'd prefer not to make a scene."

"A scene?" Akari asks, utterly erratic. "A scene!? I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!"

She tries to throw a punch, but Yanagisawa blocks it with ease. He twists her wrist back, knocking her to the ground. She's sent tumbling against the wall- slamming her head hard.

Aguri's not sure if the scream she hears is her sister's or her own.

Itona attempts to reach out for his phone, but that's no use, either. Yanagisawa strikes his arm, and when he still doesn't drop it, his chest, after. The phone goes clattering to the ground. Itona lets out a heavy breath… pants.

Slowly, Aguri scoots back towards the wall. Yanagisawa is looming over her- his very presence suffocating. He reaches out a strong, spindly hand.

"You see now what you're playing with, yes? The person you've dared to defy?"

He reaches out for her shirt… hoists her up by her collar. In an instant, Aguri is back in another world. She's still a person- it feels so immeasurably long ago, and yet he treats her the exact same way. He lifts her up with ease- rattles her back and forth.

('NO!?' he demands, enraged. 'Did you just tell me NO!?')

"You're free for now, Yukimura… but this encounter was most ideal. It's about time you were reminded of your place. The dawn of reckoning will soon be upon us, and then you will regret what you've done."

"I'll kill him," he whispers. "I'll kill him. I'll kill them all. I'll paint the walls with their blood… and only then will you go back to being mine. Only then will you once again belong to me."

"Look forward to that day or dread it. Just know, either way, that it is coming. You are running out of time. And when it's my turn back in the limelight, you will suffer more than you can possibly imagine. You and your sister… you'll wish that you weren't alive. But you'll have no such mercy from me. I'll make you pay with your pain."

'Akari,' Aguri thinks, ears ringing. 'He's going to hurt Akari.' She wants to think that it's impossible… that there's just no way, but then her gaze flits back towards Akari, still dazed on the floor. Her heart skips a beat. Her ears start to ring.

He says it with such a calculating coldness. Yanagisawa is an erratic person- more often than not enraged… and yet no anger drips from his tone here. He's utterly emotionless- gleeful, even… and Aguri knows what that means.

He's got a plan. Every word he speaks… it's the truth, and he has it thought through. He may have been lying back when he said he'd killed Korosensei and the kids, but there's no doubt he won't rest until he's made that future a reality. Aguri's worst nightmares… they're going to come true.

(And then she's going to go back to being...-)

She doesn't even realize what she's doing. There's a flash of pain- a terrified memory, and then nothing. She goes flying back towards the wall- letting out a scream and pressing herself against it in a desperate shock. Her limbs lock. Her eyes go wide. Tears stream down her face. More than anything, she just wants this to be a bad dream.

She doesn't want to die. She doesn't want to die. But there's no possibility- no avoiding it. She's helpless compared to him. She's always been helpless!

She curls her knees in up to her chest. Hyperventilating- outright gasping for breath, she pulls herself into a fetal position. She hopes- prays for some respite- some way to be safe… and then, to her horror, she feels it.

Squirming- suffocating her, her tentacles are reminded of their duty. Remembering the pain Yanagisawa's put upon them just as much as her mind does, it's once again written into her flesh. The fear- the utter terror… it consumes her. And in an instant, her body locks.

It's not just that she's frozen. It's not just that she can't bring herself to move. A wave of strength overwhelms her, and then she collapses. She goes limp. All control of her body's lost.

Yanagisawa creeps towards her. Making his way past Itona, and even past Akari, he reaches down to cup her cheek. He lowers his hood... gives her a vile, savage sneer.

"I'm glad to see you're just as afraid as you've always been," he comments. "But I'm afraid that it's time for me to go. I'll be seeing you, my lab rat. And remember: what you're feeling right now… this is what you'll always be."

Then, he's gone. Attracted by the screaming, people retreat from their motel rooms. He murmurs something about that being his cue, and he's off. He pulls his hood back up and rounds the corner, leaving Aguri crying by herself.

Akari attempts to follow after him. She stumbles to her feet- shouting that this isn't done, but it's no use. Itona blocks her off, telling her that now's not the time.

"What do you mean now's not the time!?" She demands. "He's right there! We've got to… we've got to finish him!"

"Alone!?" Itona asks. "We don't stand a chance! And besides, there are more important things to worry about right now." He points at Aguri. "Namely her. Are you alright!?"

"I…" Aguri's mouth can barely move. Her jaw feels heavy and her limbs are worse. "I dunno. I can't believe he came back for me. I can't believe he came back for me. It's really all over."

She lets out a low sob. She thinks that some part of her had started to believe that Yanagisawa was done with her… that because she was out, now he was bored. But he told her herself: he said that this was in no way over… and although he didn't take her today, he very well could have.

Akari and Itona: they couldn't have stopped him. No-one could have stopped him. He didn't hesitate out of powerlessness- fear. He hesitated because it was inconvenient! Because he has something else up his sleeve.

And that's terrifying! Oh my god, that's utterly terrifying!

Akari crouches down low. Still seething, her attention is returned to the situation at hand. She attempts to sling Aguri over her shoulder… making a feeble effort to stand. "Come on," she says, voice tense. "We should get out of here."

But Aguri can't. Try as she might to move her body, it's just no use. Her whole form feels heavy. Her muscles won't react.

"I… I can't," she whispers.

"What do you mean 'you can't?'" Akari asks. "Aguri- we've got to get out of here."

"I… I can't!" Aguri cries. Unable to even look around, she lies limp in Akari's arms. "I can't move my body! Something's wrong!"

Did he do something to her? Panic rises up from her chest. She tries, desperately, to do so much as flex her fingers, but even that won't work.

More tears start to flow. Panicked and at a loss, she tries to feel anything. But she can't. It's impossible. It feels like she's floating!

"Here," Itona says, voice serious. "We'll carry you." He lifts Aguri's remaining arm up over his shoulder. "We've got to get home. Come on. Korosensei will know what's going on."

"What?" Aguri asks, breathless. "No! We can't just go! What about Damien!? We've got to make sure he's alright!"

If she could, she'd writhe. That's why Yanagisawa was here, right? To do something to him!? There's no other reason he'd be in this motel! He's in grave, grave danger!

"That doesn't matter right now," Akari insists. "Listen: Aguri, I know that you're scared, but we've got to focus on you. Checking up on Damien comes later. First, you've got to be okay."

"No!" Aguri says. "No! He could have been experimented on! Murdered! We can't just sit around!"

It's not his fault she's a freak, after all. Her not being able to move- just how scared she is of Yanagisawa, that has nothing to do with him! If he's depending on her, she can't let him down!

"Please. Pleasepleaseplease," she begs. "You've got to let me see him! We've got to make sure he's alright!"

Her scream is so loud her voice aches.

"Okay," Akari says. "Okay. But we're getting out of there quick. We're just checking up on him and then we're gone, alright? We can't stay in a place like this. It's far too dangerous."

"Alright," Aguri says. "...Alright. Please just let me see him. And then we can get Korosensei."

They painstakingly drag her to his motel room. It takes quite a bit of effort, but eventually they arrive… knocking firmly on the front door. As always, it takes a minute for Damien to respond- and Aguri even fears her nightmares might have come true, but eventually it opens with a creak. Damien stands in the doorway, unharmed.

Aguri lets out a sob. Still unable to wipe at her eyes, she hiccups and says, "Oh thank god! You're alright!"

Damien does a bit of a double-take. Glancing towards Akari, then towards Itona, then back towards Aguri, he says "Of course I am. Why? What's wrong?"

"Only her abusive ex showing up at your house," Akari retorts. "Seriously. What on earth? What the hell was he doing here?"

"Did he hurt you?" Aguri rasps. "That's why he had to have been here, right? Don't tell me he tried to break in- experiment on- kidnap you!"

"No," Damien replies, quick to reassure her. "No. He did no such thing."

"But he was here?" Akari asks.

Damien doesn't respond. Stepping out from the doorway, he joins them in the hall.

"Come on," he says, a strange look in his eye. "We shouldn't stay here."

"Wait," Akari says. "Where are you taking us? No-one gave you permission to lead the way."

Damien stops.

"I'm an assassin," he says, point-blank. "I know all sorts of places to hide out. Now do you want to lay low or not? I thought you were trying to avoid seeing this guy again."

Akari scowls, but doesn't argue any further. Instead, still keeping Aguri slung over her arm, she follows after.

"This better not be some kind of trick," she warns. "I'm not fucking around today."

Damien glances back over his shoulder. Careful, but sincere, he says, "It's not."

The tension between them puts Aguri on edge. She hates herself for it- but their tempers seem short. Additionally: Akari's words put foul thoughts in her head… minute worries that this really is some kind of trap. That makes her panic- both because the thought frightens her, and because it fills her with guilt.

'Of course it's not a trap,' she thinks. 'Yanagisawa just showed up at his motel room and then left him.'

(Unharmed?)

Her head swims. It takes all her effort not to throw up. The figures around her suddenly seem unfamiliar… and even when she recognizes their persons- their intent, she can't shake the feeling that they're in horrible danger. She remembers the feeling of Yanagisawa's palm on her cheek.

Itona is starting to struggle. Looking over at Damien, he asks "Can you help us carry her? If we've got a while to go, we might need help."

"She can't walk?" Damien asks, perturbed. "Did he do something to her?"

"We don't know," Itona says. "She just told us she can't move. We're going to try and get more information from Korosensei."

Damien straggles back. Looking directly at Aguri, he says, "Are you alright with that? I don't want to touch you if you're not comfortable."

"...Thinkso," Aguri replies, a bit of a slur to her tone. Something about this feels wrong, but she's not going to refuse his help.

Fully focused, he picks her up on his back. She can tell it's a struggle… but he's able to carry her alone. Itona and Akari peel off to the side. They don't say it aloud, but they're relieved to be free of the weight.

"I'll call Korosensei, alright?" Itona states. "He'll know what to do. Just wait."

He must have picked his phone up after all the commotion. There's a new, massive, crack in it, but it does seem to work.

Aguri feels sick to her stomach again. Surely he's watching them, right? Is it really okay to get Korosensei? What if that's the intent behind his presence here today? She'd never forgive herself if Korosensei was hurt because of her.

(He said that he was going to kill him. He's fantasized about it so many times. What if today is the day that that nightmare finally comes true? The world he described to Aguri where her best friend and her students lay covered in blood?)

"Tell him to be safe," she begs. "Tell him what happened, and tell him to be safe."

She can't resist the allure of his arms around her right now. She's simply too scared to face this alone. She hopes that's not being selfish. She hopes a warning's enough.

"Of course," Itona replies. "I'll make sure to tell him everything."

She can hear him speaking over the phone, but her hearing goes in and out. The ceiling lights are dizzying… and Damien's steps feel huge as he walks. Her stomach does lurches. She thinks that she's going to pass out.

'No,' she thinks, blinking weakly. 'I can't pass out. I've got to make sure that everything's alright.'

(But it's not. Nothing is at all alright.)

She thinks she can hear Akari promising to protect her… that he won't dare approach her again, but it's hard to believe. The way he flung her across the hall is seared into her mind. Akari thinks she's so strong… that it's her job to keep her sister safe, but the truth is she's just a little girl.

She… never should have been wrapped up in any of this. Aguri feels bad for getting her wrapped up in this. Her mistakes… her bad decisions- her relationship… they never should have affected her sister.

She still remembers what Yanagisawa said about her- that he was going to make the both of them suffer. It makes her whole body quake.

'And so he's going to kill her,' she thinks, staring down into her eyes. 'He's going to kill her.' A pause. A wave of pain wracks her body. '...That, or make her like this.'

More tears flow. She'd rather die than let that happen. She can't agree with everything Yanagisawa said… but he was right about one thing: she's certainly been put in her place. Forget having two months left to live. She's got to die now.

(Or else she might lose everything it is she loves)

'What if it doesn't work, though?' comes a nagging fear. What if she kills herself and it still doesn't mean anything? Yanagisawa… might still try and hurt Akari. Maybe she needs to be there to protect her.

But how? Aguri's never been any good at protecting anyone. She's useless.

She lets out a pained, low sob.

She hopes that Korosensei gets here soon. She just can't do this alone.

(She can't do anything without him!)

Damien takes her through a series of twisting alleyways. She thinks he's trying to lose Yanagisawa, but she's not sure if it'll work. The constant turning leaves her lightheaded. Her body's still heavy, and she's utterly exhausted.

Eventually, the four of them stop. Damien steps into an abandoned apartment, where Korosensei is already waiting for them. He hurries Aguri's way, scooping her up into his arms.

"Aguri," he says. "I'm here now. It's alright. I'm so sorry I wasn't there." He pulls her in close to his chest. "I never would have agreed to the tutoring if I knew something so terrible was going to happen while I was gone."

It doesn't feel real. For a split second, Aguri's mind wanders back to the lie that Yanagisawa had told her when she was still in the lab. He'd said that he killed Korosensei. She knows that that's not true now… but it simply feels like fact again. He may not be dead yet, but who's to say he won't be soon?

"Not your fault," she replies, sniffling. She wants so desperately to lean into his embrace, but it's impossible. And even if she could, it'd feel like a cruel reminder.

"...I'm glad you weren't there," she continues, struggling for breath. "If you were who knows what could have happened? Don't- don't apologize. Just… just-" she drifts off. "Don't let him hurt you, alright? Please don't let him hurt you. And please don't let him hurt my family, either."

"He won't," Korosensei replies. "I promise. Nothing is going to happen to me, Aguri… and nothing is going to happen to you, either." He gives her a gentle squeeze. "I won't let him lay a hand on you. I swear."

He says it so confidently, but how can he be sure? He hadn't been around before, after all. If Yanagisawa had wanted to, he could have done anything to Aguri. Korosensei… isn't invincible. What if they really don't stand a chance?

He wipes at her tears, but hardly has more to say to genuinely console her. He knows as well as her that they're fallible, and so, instead, he simply asks, "Is it true that you can't move? Itona told me something was going on."

Aguri tries to nod. When it doesn't work, she blinks back tears and says, "...Yeah. I don't know what's happening. Why?" Her breath hitches. "Do you think something's wrong?"

"No," Korosensei says. "Not at all." He brushes a tentacle from her face. "I'm not certain, but I believe this could be something akin to the Ultimate Defense form I told you about. Perhaps… you were so frightened that you went into pure fight or flight mode. If I had to make a guess, your body is putting all of its energy into defending you right now. That's why you can't move."

'Oh,' Aguri thinks, unsure how to feel. She thinks she remembers Korosensei telling her about that, but she's not sure if it's a good or a bad thing. What does…- does defending her mean? She's already nearly invincible, isn't she?

(Does that mean in this state she's immune to-)

She doesn't get the chance to think it through. Damien puts a hand on Korosensei's shoulder.

"Keep walking," he says. "There's no use in standing around in the hall. I've got a secret hideout in one of the apartments upstairs. Follow me. I'll make her something to drink."

Akari murmurs something about this whole situation being weird, but Korosensei trails after. He continues to stroke Aguri's face. For once, though, she hardly feels calmer.

True to Damien's word, he's able to jiggle the lock of one of the apartments and step inside. It's dusty, and Aguri's nose wrinkles as she stifles a sneeze, but it does seem lived in.

"...You weren't lying," Akari says, deadbeat. "You really do have a lair here. Why?"

"Exactly for situations like this," Damien retorts. "I'm not sure if you've forgotten, but I'm one of the most infamous serial killers on the planet. For every city I hide out in, I have two or three alternative locations to go to in case an emergency pops up. The last thing I need to do is go and get caught."

He points to a couch over in the corner. "Place her down there. Take a bit to try and calm her down and get her to explain her situation. I'm going to make some tea in the meantime. I think I have some spare ingredients."

Akari opens her mouth to speak, but it's no use. He retreats into the kitchen. He's on edge now more than ever, and that's saying a lot. It leaves a weird taste in Aguri's mouth. On one hand, she knows that it's likely he just feels awkward having to deal with such an emotionally tense situation… but on the other, there's still this strange, uncanny look in his eye.

(It's almost something like guilt.)

She tries not to think about it too much. Stifling a whimper as Korosensei places her down on the couch, she closes her eyes. She hates this whole situation. She feels trapped in her body- and even if Korosensei reassures that it's just trying to protect her, it reminds her of nights strapped down to an operating table. Safety is what she wished for back, right? But she doesn't feel safe at all… not even like this.

(Of course she doesn't, she notes. She could pretend, but she was never going to feel safe, regardless of what happened to her. She's Aguri Yukimura.)

She hopes that Yanagisawa doesn't show up now. The rational part of her brain knows that he won't. He already said he's not interested, and Damien took every effort to avoid being tracked, but it still makes her heart skip a beat. After all…: she's a liability. She can't even fend for herself. If Yanagisawa were to try and hurt her right now, Korosensei would have to fend for them both. He might not be able to handle that. The way that she is might be the reason Yanagisawa's threats come true.

She murmurs sorry again and again, but Korosensei says he doesn't know what for. He sits down on the ground next to her and rests his hand on her shoulder.

"I just…-" she hesitates. His hand rises and falls with her breaths. "...I'm so scared something bad is going to happen because of me."

She doesn't want others to get dragged down with her. It's bad enough thinking about herself suffering… but her friends and family? It's unfathomable. She'd almost rather just stay and be a punching bag. Maybe that way Yanagisawa would leave everyone else alone.

(It's a brave thought, but not one she humors for too long. No. She already knows she just can't handle that. She's far too weak.)

His hand drifts up to her cheek.

"That won't happen," he says. "I in no way mean to undermine your fears, but nothing will happen. You know I would never let Akari or myself get hurt- especially not now. After what Yanagisawa said to you, I'll be on high alert. I'll make sure that nothing like this ever happens again. I swear."

Aguri hesitates. She knows that's not possible, but his touch feels so comforting nevertheless.

Sniffling, she imagines leaning into it.

"Alright," she says, voice a murmur. "I'll try and believe you."

She hopes that this isn't temporary. Some part of her hopes that he never even pulls away. There was a time when she was convinced she'd never see him again. Talking with Yanagisawa had reminded her of that time. She never wants to have to feel that way.

Korosensei…- she needs him.

She says sorry a few more times, but he's quick to reassure her. He continues to stroke her cheek… squeeze her arm, and promises that today was just a fluke. She doesn't believe him, but she does think he'll try his very best. She lets out a shaky breath. She… appreciates that. It might not be enough, but it's good to be cared for.

(Yanagisawa had… said he'd hate her. He'd said a lot of things that weren't true about Korosensei. It's not much to go off of, but it's nice to know he was wrong about one thing, at the very least.)

Quietly, she treasures his company. She thinks she'd cling to his hand if she could.

"Can you…- can you tell Okuda I might not be able to tutor her today?" she asks after what feels like forever. "I don't want to- I really shouldn't fall out on my plans, but-"

"No," Korosensei says. "It's alright. I'm sure that she'll understand." He tilts his head back a bit. "Itona, can you give her a call?"

"Of course," Itona replies. "Should I tell her what's going on, or?"

"Just that something important came up. If we want to share the full details we should do that in front of the class."

The thought frightens Aguri. She knows that it's necessary to protect them, but she hopes that they don't worry about her. That, and that she's not putting all of them in danger just by being around.

('I thought you got over those worries,' a voice in the back of her head nags. 'I thought you were getting better. What happened?' And she's not sure. She was getting better, but with a single moment it feels like it's all crashing down.)

Akari is pacing. She looks like she wants to comfort Aguri, too, but that she's too caught up in her own worries. Her shoulders are still tense. Her teeth are grit. She sends a sideways glance back towards the kitchen, before, quietly, she speaks.

"What I still don't get is how he even figured out where you were. Was he stalking you?"

"Could be a microchip," Itona suggests, looking up from his cell phone.

"He doesn't have Korosensei microchipped though, does he?"

"No."

"How would we even get something like that out?"

Akari's voice is fraught, but something tells Aguri it's not Itona's suggestion that's got her on edge. She stops, crossing her arms over one another.

"No," she says. "That definitely doesn't feel right. I- I dunno. I've just got a weird feeling about this." She lowers her voice further- leans in. "The location is too much to be a coincidence. Am I the only one who's thinking that guy is involved?"

And there it is again... the accusation. She's blaming Damien. And to her surprise, Aguri thinks it through.

She hates herself for humoring the thought. 'Of course it's not Damien,' she tells herself, but the pieces do seem to add up. He's an assassin… an expert at hiding his feelings, and Yanagisawa did show up at his motel. There's a bounty over Aguri's head, and while he said he forgave Korosensei, what if he still wants revenge? There… is a bit of a chance.

'No' she thinks, blinking hard. 'It's not possible.' Sure, she feels sick to her stomach, but… Damien wouldn't do that to her! He might be a killer, but that's giving him way too little credit. He led her here to get her away from Yanagisawa!

(Unless… it was a trap?)

"I've gotta admit you're half right," a voice speaks up. "But I wouldn't freak out yet."

Aguri's blood runs cold.

Damien stands in the doorway, hot tea in hand. He gives her a strange look.

"W… what?" Aguri whispers. "What did you just say?"

"I said your sister's almost correct," Damien reiterates. "She's right. I was in communication with your ex for a little while there. I'm not going to deny that."

"H… huh?" Suddenly every eye is on Aguri, and there's a huge pit in her stomach. Damien says that so straight-faced- but why? How long has he been talking with…-

With…-

"What- what do you mean!?" she demands, her every instinct telling her to flee. "You… you were- you're working with him!? Why!? Since when?" She can't even crane her head. "Is he here now!? Did he follow us!?"

And there come the tears once more. Panic overtakes her. She knows if they're attacked they don't stand a chance.

Damien takes a step closer, and even opens his mouth to speak… but Aguri feels her breath hitch, and Akari puts herself between them. She stares daggers at Damien, holding an arm out protectively.

"He better not be!" she warns, eyes narrowed into slits. "I knew you were bad news, but this is fucking low. Don't try and trick us! We beat you once, and we'll beat you again. If you seriously brought him to us, we'll make you do a whole lot more than just regret pushing your luck."

Her words are like knives… but frankly they only do more to amplify Aguri's fears than ease them. She saw it herself earlier- that Akari isn't capable of standing up to people like this on her own. She could be in grave danger!

"K-Korosensei," she croaks.

He, too, wastes no time. He swiftly stands up, placing himself in front of Akari.

"I think it's about time you explain yourself further," he states.

"I agree, believe it or not," Damien says. "So watch yourself before you throw around accusations. But, no- to make a long story short, he's not here. In fact, if he were, I'd kill him."

There's a certain defensiveness to his tone, but it's not directed towards Aguri. Where he's wounded- standoffish, in his behavior towards Korosensei, he seems uncomfortable, almost, with her. He sends her a sideways glance.

"He did not follow," he reiterates. "This is not a trap, and you're not going to be harmed. I simply figured it was something I should tell you."

He passes the tea off to Itona... says "Go. Bring that to her. It should help soothe her nerves."

"Not until you prove you mean even half of that shit," Akari interjects . "You were working with Yanagisawa! Who's to say you're not trying to poison her?"

"I dunno," Itona says, staring down at the tea. "...Maybe we should try and hear him out. You know as well as I do that Yanagisawa is manipulative. He wouldn't have taken us to a secondary location if this was all part of the plan."

"Says you," Akari argues. "For all I care, he could be trying to get us away from the public eye. Maybe he wants to attack us somewhere he won't be seen!"

Another laborious breath. Aguri wants to believe what Damien is saying, but Akari's words send shockwaves of anxiety running through her body. What if… what if he is lying? Is every second they spend just drawing closer to their doom?

Despite herself, she hyperventilates. So badly, she wants to look over her shoulder. She wishes she could get out of here now, but how can she possibly ask that? Korosensei is protecting the kids. If she makes this about her safety, they might just get hurt!

"A fair point," Damien says. "But once again, not the truth. 'Working' with Yanagisawa is a gross exaggeration, and even if we did talk, it was never about this." He takes a step towards Aguri. "It was never about you."

"What about, then?" Korosensei asks, giving him no leeway.

"At least let me look at her. I'm admitting this to her, not to you."

"He can't fucking do that!" Akari snaps. "We don't know we can trust you!"

"You're right," Damien says. "But that's why I'm trying to tell her this. Yukimura-san," he pushes past Korosensei, his voice deathly stern.

"I'm sorry."

Akari had been moving in to restrain him, but she stops abruptly at that. Even Korosensei's head tilts. Damien lowers himself to the ground. It's not quite a bow, but he does place himself on Aguri's eye level.

"P- pardon?" she gasps.

"I was fraternizing with the person who hurt you, and for that I'm sorry."

There's a strange stiffness to his tone. And for a second, Aguri even thinks it's insincerity. But as she meets his eye, she slowly realizes it's something else. It's not that he doesn't mean the words he says… they're far too awkward for that. If he were pretending, he'd be prepared.

But he's not. In the way Damien almost never is, he's genuine. He doesn't sound like a person apologizing- she'll admit that, but…-

He's never really said sorry before, has he?

"You see, he approached me after I first met you, but before we got to know one another. He said he knew who I was and that I hated the old man. He told me that he hated him, too. That he could help me get revenge on him, even. I thought that that was bullshit, of course, but still an avenue worth considering. Especially with what more he offered me."

"He told me that if I wanted, he could make me like the two of you: an unstoppable beast. I wasn't particularly attached to the idea of being altered, of course, but the prospect did fascinate me. I'd spent my whole life chasing after the fame that my predecessor held. If I were not only the one to kill him- but to do so by becoming even stronger than him, then surely I'd outlive his legacy."

"And as such, I agreed to communicate for a short while. We were never particularly affable, but he did come to my motel a few times. That's why he was here today. He was not only trying to get my agreement to the plan we were considering, but to extract information from me as well."

"I never told him we were communicating, but he was somehow well aware. He repeatedly asked me about your location- your motives, but that I never shared. Hell, I shared very little even about myself. I never once considered the man a friend. I don't work for anyone- after all, and I had no intent to be manipulated. The only thing I was truly considering was his offer for those powers of yours."

"I… now understand the consequences of doing that. In even humoring him, I was placing you dangerously close to someone you considered your worst nightmare. I thought I could do that without issue- that I was too smart… too powerful to possibly be used, but he confronted you anyways. I thought that I was the one manipulating him- that it was fine since I was playing both sides… or that it just made us even because you were interacting with the old man as well. But I get now that it wasn't even."

A pause. "...Seeing your reaction solidified that. I hated Korosensei, but not in that way." A slight narrow of his eyes. "Not to that extent. I was angry at him. But not afraid. Never afraid. I haven't been scared in… a very long time."

"You went out of your way to be kind to me, and I disregarded that. It's not that I didn't appreciate your compassion…- I did from the beginning, but I still felt there were things I had to live up to." He points a finger at Korosensei. "Namely, I thought I had to take him down… and I thought cooperation with that man was the only way to do it."

"Of course… eventually I dropped that ambition, at least for the most part, but the desire to be like him never faded." He shakes his head. "It wasn't just that Yanagisawa was offering to give me your powers. He gave me praise, too. And ashamed as I am to admit it, briefly, I fell for that."

"He… told me I was powerful. He told me I was so close to living up to my potential- that I just needed him to hone that. I knew it wasn't realistic- I knew he was trying to butter me up, but in a way, it did feel good. If I didn't have an alternative, I would have leaned into that for sure. I would have chased that flattery to the ends of the earth."

"But I… did have an alternative. I had you praising me, and in a much different way. The things you said about me- they always felt true. They still do. And as such I'm… sorry for letting this go on so long. I don't intend to interact with that man anymore. Your reaction has made it more than clear what I'm putting at risk. You don't have to believe me, but I mean it: I swear."

"I'm on your side now. I almost led him to you, and I'm sorry."

It's a lot to take in. Aguri's not sure what she'd expected Damien to say, but it hadn't been that. His betrayal is already hard enough to believe. That he's apologizing on top of that? It's almost unfathomable.

He… has to mean it though, right? Some part of Aguri is hesitant to think so. She's always been too quick to trust. It's gotten her in trouble time and time again. Akari- Korosensei... they told her from the start that she was putting herself at risk by interacting with someone like Damien, but she did it anyway. Why?

Well, because this is why. He's looking at her in a way he's never looked at her before. Guilt... it's not like Damien. Isn't this a big step for him? Even if it's scary for her, it makes her feel warm inside, too.

...Maybe she's just stupid, but she thinks she believes him. He wouldn't have any reason to tell her this if he was lying. He's manipulative a lot, yeah… but this isn't helping his case. If he really wanted to hide his motives- whatever he was planning, he never would have shared this… but he did anyways. He shared something that was so shameful for him. And he did it because he cared.

She… believes that too. She believes that he cares. Her heart doesn't stop pounding and her ears don't stop ringing. She's not sure that she's safe or that she ever will be, but she is sure that Damien will try his damn best. And even if Akari and Korosensei are staring daggers at him, she's sure that…

Well, that she's terrified, but that everyone makes mistakes. And if she could forgive Korosensei for almost getting her killed, then she can forgive Damien for doing the same.

(As long as he means those words, at least.)

Finally, she looks up to meet his gaze. She still can't move her head, but she looks right into those pale golden eyes... and blinking slowly, she instructs:

"Give me a hug, why don't you?"

Damien's expression falls. Confused, he asks, "Wait. What? Why?"

"I can't hug you right now," Aguri says plainly. "But that's the best way to say 'I forgive you.' Please hug me instead, in that case." A pause. "...Because I do forgive you, and I think we could both use that right now. After all, you're a victim, too."

Damien hesitates. Akari stares, shaking, and Itona opens his mouth to speak, but he reacts before either of them can intervene. Finally, pulling in, he heeds Aguri's word. He rests his head on her shoulder and wraps his arms 'round her tight.

He clings to her like a child clings to a security blanket. Shaking as well, he lets his nails dig into her back. He doesn't cry… he doesn't even come close, but that's alright. Aguri has enough tears for the both of them, and it's not hard to sense his sincerity, anyways.

She looks up at Korosensei and the kids, still laying limp. 'I hope you can also forgive him.' she thinks, giving a sad smile. 'I know that you're scared- I am too, but somewhere along the way your pupil became mine as well.'

And feeling him cling to her form, she can't help but think that she taught him something truly unique.

"...Thank you," Damien says, voice strained. "Thank you. I know I should have already expected this with the kindness you've shown me before, but I can't even word how appreciative I am. I'll make it up to you, I swear. I'll make sure that this never happens again." He drifts off- thinks. "...I'll take care of him. No matter what, he'll pay for this."

And once more, Aguri's heart skips a beat. It's not hard to pick up on what Damien is saying. For a second, she's stunned. He went from being caring to calculative in just a split second. But then again, that's how he shows he cares, isn't it? He's an assassin, and he's saying he'll...-

"No," Aguri replies before she can even think. "You don't have to do that. I mean…-" she'd wince if she could. "I don't want you to do that! I get that you're worried about me, Damien, but…" she drifts off. "I couldn't ask you to kill him. I don't want him to die at all."

Akari gives her a look. It's not hard to tell she thinks quite the contrary. She's wanted Yanagisawa dead for months now. But Aguri can't seriously…- she's not going to agree to murdering him! Not only does she think that'd be bad for Damien, but it'd be bad for her, too.

"You're sure?" Damien asks, skeptical. "But he made you- you're currently fearing for your life. You'd be safer without him around. "

"That… I'm not arguing with," Aguri admits. It's the kind of thing that makes her even consider Damien's offer. But she's not going to budge. Murder is just plain wrong, even if it's Yanagisawa. "But I still don't want him to die. I… don't want him to suffer at all." She blinks. "If he were just to leave me alone for the rest of my life, I'd be content. He doesn't need to 'pay.' I just want him to stop threatening me."

"That's not going to happen, though, is it?" Damien asks. "He made that well known."

His insistence frightens her. She knows that Damien's right, but it doesn't change her mind. All it does is make her feel cornered. She knows the only options are to subdue him or to live the rest of her life in terror, but that's still not a decision she's willing to make.

That's… someone she loved at one point. She doesn't want him to suffer like she did.

"And I'm still not asking you to take his life," she says, voice firmer this time. "Maybe it would end my worries, but I could never wish that on him. I could never wish that on anyone. It's simply too cruel. And I know that…- I know that maybe that's stupid, but I'd feel bad for the rest of my life! I'd never be able to forgive myself!"

Akari's brow furrows. Aguri knows her words trouble her, but she's not going to take them back. She averts her gaze… frowns.

"You don't always need to be the bigger person, you know," Akari reminds her.

"Maybe not. But I'm still not wishing for anyone to die."

Korosensei must sense just how defensive Aguri feels, because he returns to her side. Reaching out for her hand, and then turning his gaze back towards Akari, he says "Perhaps your sister has the right idea."

"I… cannot deny that perhaps Yanagisawa deserves to pay. No- that he most certainly does. If I were given the choice, Lord knows what I'd do with him. However, there's no use in bending Aguri's morals. If she does not want him harmed, then he will not be harmed. She's right in that revenge is a dangerous path, and there are other ways to take care of this situation."

"It does not come down to her captor's death or the inevitable loss of her freedom. We can protect her by keeping him away from her in the first place. That is all you need to do, Damien. Cut contact with Yanagisawa or lead him down the wrong path, away from her. That is how you can serve her- not offering up something she does not wish for."

"But that's…" for a second, Aguri thinks Damien's going to say 'So much harder,' but that's not what comes out. His eyes narrow. "That might not work. What if I'm not strong enough for that? What if he sees through my bullshit?"

"You've never doubted your abilities before. It is not the time to do so now," Korosensei replies. "And besides, you are not in this alone. The rest of us will take measures to make sure that Yanagisawa's words won't come true as well. I promised Aguri that she will be safe- and I do not break my promises."

"But just letting him run free?" Damien argues. "That's a disaster waiting to happen! We have to do something at least. We can't just play on the defensive. Let me…- lure him into a trap. Surely if he was apprehended then that would set things right."

For a split second, Aguri's heart flutters. It's not a bad idea. She knows that Karasuma and the others have been looking for Yanagisawa. But all the same, the holes in Damien's plan soon show... and the most drastic one weighs heavy on the heart.

"You say that like you wouldn't be apprehended as well," she replies. "I understand that you got away with betraying Korosensei, but that's not going to work here. The government…- they're going to see a serial killer as way worse than just an abuser. What if you get in trouble as well?"

"That won't happen," Damien insists. "Even if they tried, I'm capable of getting away."

"You say that," Aguri states. "But your mentor thought the same."

Slowly, Damien's gaze drifts towards Korosensei. He clenches his jaw a bit.

"I don't want you getting in trouble just to protect me," Aguri says. "I get that you're worried, but you don't have anything to 'repay' me for in the first place."

"And so what?" Damien asks. "It's only okay if you go out of your way to put yourself in danger for others? Why don't you get that some people are willing? You aren't less important than anyone else!"

Aguri wants to flinch. It's a kind thing to say, and she'd be touched if it weren't for the circumstances, but she's still not going to budge. She can't make herself budge. Not when there's so much on the line.

"I… know that," she lies. "But I still can't let you confront him. It's not what's right for me, him, or for you."

"And besides," Korosensei says, quick to intervene. "No-one needs to be put in peril in the first place. Making sure you play it safe does not mean sacrificing Aguri's wellbeing. I will make sure you're all alright. I know you don't want to hear this from me, but please, listen to her, Damien. Getting yourself into danger- imaginary or not, is the last thing she needs right now. Stop collaborating with Yanagisawa and simply take care of yourself. That's all that she's asking of you."

Damien frowns. Still unsure, he asks, "And that will be enough? After everything I've done to you? After the danger you're still in?"

Korosensei starts to speak, but Damien stops him.

"I'm asking her," he reiterates. "Tell me, Aguri. Is that really all I can do for you?"

Aguri's quiet for a moment.

"It's all I want from you," She decides on. "And yes, it's enough. I'm sorry that you think I'm not taking care of myself, but that's no excuse not to take care of yourself as well. Do as I say, not as I do. Just stop interacting with him. I know Korosensei breached the idea of you leading him down the wrong path, but I'm not sure if I like that, either. I don't think you should have continued contact with him at all."

"Just go. Talk to him one last time if you need to… tell him whatever you can to make him stay away from me, and then go. After that, you never have to see him again. You can hide out somewhere where he'll never find you. And then… I won't have to worry about you anymore, at least. Doing that is more than enough to satisfy me… more than enough to make me happy. I'd say more than enough for me to forgive you, too, but I already told you I wasn't ever mad."

"Hopefully… once you've made it known you're done with him, he'll leave us alone for good. That way I won't have anything to worry about. It's not very realistic, but it's a start, isn't it? Stay away from him. Maybe then he'll finally stay away from us."

'Unrealistic' is an understatement. Aguri knows that's never going to happen. Yanagisawa told her he'd be back for her, and that this is in no way close to finished. But if she can, she wants to keep Damien out of that. Whatever happens next is her problem to deal with.

Damien knows it's not the truth, too. His lip twitches a bit. But finally, he does pull away and give a small nod.

"Fine," he says. "I'll simply cut contact. If that's what you really want."

And like that, it's over. What caused Aguri to meet up with the monster from her dreams is resolved. Somehow, though, she doesn't feel any better. She thinks more than anything she's just exhausted.

"I… should probably go now," she admits. "I'm not mad at you, but-"

"No," Damien says. "I get it. There's no guarantee that this place is safe." Slowly, he looks around. "I'll be finding new hideouts. Just make sure that you stay safe, too. Does he know where you live?"

Aguri doesn't reply. She knows that the answer is 'yes,' but she hates to say it. That's her childhood home they're talking about… the only one Akari's ever known. She can't seriously tear that from her.

"...I'll be fine," she insists. "I've got all of you looking out for me."

Korosensei scoops her up. Carrying her carefully in his arms, he asks, "And so you're ready to go home?"

"Yes," Aguri replies. "I think so."

"I'm not mad at you either," Damien says as they make their way towards the doorway. "I hope that that's obvious, but I know what it can be like when you think that everything's your fault." A pause. "...I'm not mad at any of you. I'm sorry if it seems that way. I am mad, but it's mostly just at myself. At him. I wish there was more I could do."

"You're doing plenty," Korosensei reassures. "Thank you for telling us the truth today, Damien. And please keep what Aguri requested in mind." He reaches out to place a hand on his shoulder. "...Neither of us want anything happening to you."

"Of course," Damien says, voice a bit stiff. "I wouldn't want anything happening to you, either."

And then they're gone. Korosensei exits the abandoned apartment, Aguri in his arms and the other two trailing behind. They seem as listless - frustrated, as Damien had been. Although Aguri can't quite tell with who.

Akari, in particular, keeps her gaze towards the ground. What is it Aguri had been thinking about earlier today? How haunted she must be by the fact that they only have two months left? For a second there she must have thought they were going to lose even that. That has to be scary. That has to be heartbreaking. She hopes that her sister's not disappointed in her.

"I'm sorry," she whispers, body unmoving, but gaze fixed on Akari.

"For what?" Akari asks, exhaustion in her voice.

"For…" Aguri drifts off. "I guess just for making decisions you might not agree with. I'm sorry if you think I'm stupid for forgiving Damien. I'm sorry if you think I'm stupid for not wanting Yanagisawa hurt."

"I don't think you're stupid," Akari replies, sounding a bit wounded. "Making a mistake, maybe, but not stupid." She sighs. "...I'm not going to ask you to change who you are. I just hope that this isn't going to make things worse down the line. I... hope this isn't you accepting your fate."

"No," Aguri says, quick to console her. "Of course not." But she certainly has her doubts.

She's… had the fate of a bloody end accepted since the start. She'd been sure of Yanagisawa's words. She wouldn't dare tell Akari that, but it's the truth. She knows what's coming for her.

And regardless of what she said to Damien- what she's saying to Akari now, she knows a confrontation with Yanagisawa is coming whether she likes it or not.

She just hopes it doesn't hurt. She hopes no-one else gets hurt along the way.

'That's all I can wish for,' she thinks. 'With my death written in stone, all I can ask is that he was wrong about what he said he'd do to you.'

"I love you, Akari," She finally says. "Try not to worry too much. I'll do my best to be fine."

"Yeah," Akari says. "I know. And… I love you too."

They walk the rest of the way home in silence.

When they arrive, Korosensei asks her if she'd like to sleep. Aguri says she would. She's not particularly tired... in fact, she's totally on edge, but what else can she do? She doesn't want to be a burden forcing them to keep her entertained while she can't move, and who knows? Maybe some rest will ease her troubled thoughts.

Korosensei nods, promises the other two that everything will be alright, and then carries her into the bedroom. He lies her down gently in her usual spot. She hadn't noticed it up until now, but the indent is bigger than it used to be.

He makes sure that her pillow is positioned comfortably and folds the blanket over her body. Then, when he's satisfied, he plops down next to her. He doesn't lie down…- clearly not tired in his own right, but he sits at the foot of the bed. He looks over at her, an introspective feel to gaze.

"You're not going?" Aguri asks.

"I'll go if you want me to," he replies. "The last thing I'd want to do is keep you up, but I figured you might like the company. It's no good to be all alone."

'Company,' Aguri muses, weary. He says that, but she knows what he really means. He thought that she might like the protection.

(And she does, but-)

"I'm not bothered by it," she says. "I just thought there were things you might like to do with your day."

"Not in particular," Korosensei reassures. "I was planning to outline some worksheets, but that can be done from the comfort of home. Why not stay? I like spending time with you."

"I guess I just…-" Aguri drifts off. "I don't want you to force yourself, you know? You don't have to do this if you don't want. I'll be fine. You don't have to hover over me just because I'm scared."

"I'm not forcing myself to do anything," Korosensei states. "Believe it or not, Yanagisawa's words scared me too." A pause. "...Please don't feel like a burden for being frightened right now. We all are. I disagree with a lot of what Damien said, but he was right about one thing: you've got to be kinder to yourself. Don't see others going out of their way to look out for you as burdening them. See it as what it is...: a sign that they love you."

That's what everyone's been telling her, but it's hard. She knows it's the truth… she's gone out of her way to do the same thing for others, after all, but somehow it feels different with her… like she doesn't deserve it. She still doesn't get why she's loved most of the time, but she guesses that he's right about one thing:

She is. Whether she understands it or not, they're not going to budge.

"And if that still doesn't persuade you," Korosensei continues. "Then consider allowing me to stay a favor towards me instead. I'm not doing this just because I think it will make you feel better." A pause. "I want to be here because I'm worried about you… because I don't want what he said coming true. Please, allow me to stay by your side. It'll do wonders to ease my troubled mind as well."

"Very well then," Aguri says. "...I'm sorry for scaring you today."

He scoots in a bit closer.

"No," he says. "Don't be. And now get some rest, alright? If anything happens, I'll be here to protect you."

Surprisingly, she drifts off in no time. She hadn't expected it with how tense she'd been, but she guesses there wasn't much more to do when trapped unmoving. And besides: Korosensei's presence is comforting. She listens to his quiet breaths… watches his chest rise and fall.

And then, she's alone.

Her dreams are like shrapnel. They come with sharp fangs- broken glass. As she drifts in and out of slumber, she feels herself coming back to that lab. She can't move... and it's because she's pinned down by her wrists and ankles. Yanagisawa is staring at her, and it feels like her body is on fire.

They're dead, just like she knew they'd be. Nagisa… Itona… Korosensei, their bodies litter the floor. Everyone that she loves is gone. Everyone except Akari, that is. She's screaming down the hall… she's screaming bloody murder. Aguri recognizes the pain in her voice all too well. It's a reflection of her own suffering, and she feels her heart split in two.

Even as she tumbles down into darkness, however, she's acutely aware it's not real. Just as she'd known that the dreams of a normal life weren't real back when she was in the lab, she knows this future isn't written… not yet. If she's not careful though, it will be. After all- if she never thought a normal life was possible back when she was in the lab, then who is she to decide a return to that fate is impossible now? She simply can't... and the cries shake her down to the core.

When she awakes, she's more tired than when she began. Her body is tense and her eyelids are heavy. Slowly, she forces them open. And as she starts to stretch, her fingers give a twitch.

'I... can move,' she thinks, stunned. Some part of her thought that would never happen again. Quietly, she sits up.

Korosensei is waiting for her. Looking over as she moves, he says, "You're awake. And it seems you're back to normal. That's a relief."

Aguri gives a small nod.

"How did you sleep? Was it well?"

"It was okay," Aguri replies, blearily looking around. The sunset is creeping in through the window. "...What time is it?"

"A little bit past seven," Korosensei says. "You slept like a rock."

Aguri rubs at her eyes. She'd been planning to go meet Damien at ten. Does that mean she's been sleeping for upwards of nine hours?

"I guess that only makes sense," Korosensei continues. "Utilizing your Ultimate Defense Form had to take a lot of energy out of you. How are you feeling?"

"Tired," Aguri admits. But then again, that's not exactly new. While today certainly scared her, she's not actually sure it made her any more exhausted. She's felt lethargic and sore all the time recently. She has ever since she got out.

Korosensei told her that the strain on her body would lessen as she got used to her new form, but that hasn't seemed to have happened. The way she slept today… it's something she'd wanted to do for a while now, actually. And so the encounter with Yanagisawa hadn't caused her fatigue- simply made her acutely aware of it.

Korosensei gives her an understanding look.

"I can't exactly blame you," he replies. "But I'm glad you got some rest, at least. If you're still tired tonight then you can go back to bed. And if you're not, then who knows? Maybe we can pull an all-nighter."

He gives a wry smile. It's clear he's trying to cheer her up, but it doesn't exactly work.

Aguri gets to her feet. Korosensei walks over to her side.

"Come sit by the window with me," he says, taking her hand. "It's a beautiful day out. You're up just in time for the sunset."

Aguri's not sure it will help, but she complies nevertheless. She allows Korosensei to lead her over to the window. She stares out at the sky with a blank look on her face. Korosensei's right: It's painted with breathtaking golds and pinks... yet no hope stirs inside of her.

When's the last time that they did this? They watched the sunset together when she confessed to him, right? She'd felt so hopeless at the time. It's downright shocking how minuscule that all seems now. Sure: she still loves him…- she loves him a lot, but she's got much bigger worries on her plate.

Back then he'd said that… he wanted her to find beauty in her life. She still doesn't see it all of the time- she's certainly not now, but she really did think she was getting better. There are… a lot of things she's come to appreciate- legitimately. That's why she's so scared to let them all go.

"It's nice," she says, but her expression doesn't shift. "...I just wish I didn't have to live knowing this might be the last sunset I ever see."

"It won't be," Korosensei reassures, still not letting go of her hand. "I already promised you that. All of us did. You still have so much left to do… so much you're going to see."

Weary eyes and tired limbs disagree with that. Still, Aguri doesn't voice it. She simply leans on his side.

Korosensei doesn't complain. It's funny…- now that she thinks about it, he never has. He'd said that he wanted to keep a safe distance, so as to not let her get too dependent on him, yet he's taken every lean, hand hold, and hug in stride. Perhaps he could tell when she really needed them. Perhaps he still can.

"Yeah," she says. "...I know that. Or at least everyone keeps telling me so, but it's still going to end eventually, isn't it?" She blinks slowly. "Whether it's tomorrow or in March, this is all going to go away one day. Doesn't that scare you?"

"Of course," Korosensei replies. "But that's life, isn't it?" He cocks his head. "We're not special. Everyone dies eventually. That doesn't mean there's no use in treasuring these things while we still can."

'Everyone dies eventually.' It's something Aguri's thought through a lot. Or at least… 'you will.' She's accepted her death for a very long time now- even before she was this. That's why it's so hard to face it, right? She was prepared to die, but she didn't. She'd been made to wish that she had, and now she's here. She's free, and she doesn't think that she wants to die anymore- but she has to. After a lifetime of chasing that feeling, that stings.

Especially knowing that… her perspective may change eventually. She thinks that she's happy now, but what about if things really do go wrong? She'd wanted to die so badly back in the lab, but had had no autonomy. What if her only chance to make that decision is now?

'Don't be silly,' she tells herself. 'You know you can't do that. What good would that do?'

"Mmm," she says yet again. Her agreement is half-hearted, but she's not going to leave him in silence. "I just hope that… when we do go, it's peaceful. I don't want to hurt anymore than I already have. I don't want what Yanagisawa said would happen to come true."

"It won't," Korosensei says. "Nothing's going to happen to you, and nothing's going to happen to Akari. When it is time, you'll be surrounded by the people you love." He squeezes her hand. Tight. "You have nothing to live in fear over."

It's a nice thought, and one for that a while she even humored. But today had shattered that illusion. She knows that there's no peace from here on out.

"He's going to be back," she says. "Please don't tell me he won't be."

"I know he will," Korosensei replies. "I never once disagreed with that. But I promise you, Aguri: we'll be ready to face him when he does."

...How? Aguri knows she's not strong. She'll be doomed if he confronts her when Korosensei's not around. And even if Korosensei is around, it's not like they have a plan of attack. They can't talk him down…- that's already proved more than useless, but what are they supposed to do, then? Kill him? Aguri's said time and time again she doesn't want that. But what option does that leave them? Trying to put him in jail? That feels like a joke.

Some part of her tries to psych herself up…: tell her that she knows what she needs to do, but no matter how hard she tries, she just can't change her mind. She can't wish death on him. That won't make her feel like she won.

"Do you… think I made a mistake when talking to Damien earlier?" She asks. "I'm pretty sure I disappointed Akari when I didn't take him up on his offer, but I just didn't…- I can't want that. Is there something wrong with me for feeling that way? What if I'm putting us all in danger? He wouldn't be around to threaten you or Akari, after all, if he was… was-" She hesitates. "You know. "

"Gone?" Korosensei asks, repositioning himself slightly. He seems to think Aguri's words over… bringing his hand up to his chin.

"No, I don't think you made a mistake, per say," he decides on. "It is not the decision I would have made, but that does not make it a mistake. You aren't obligated to feel one specific way about the person who hurt you. There's nothing wrong with not being mad. People react in all sorts of ways to being abused. And while it's true- yes, that some people get angry, and there's nothing wrong with that reaction, there's nothing wrong with shrinking down into yourself, either. In some ways that's only natural."

"You… do not have to wish him dead. He'd deserve it, maybe, but that doesn't have to rest on your conscience. That doesn't make you a bad abuse survivor. That doesn't make you weak. And that doesn't mean you're not protecting the people around you. He's hurt and has intent to hurt you every bit as much as he does us. You are a victim as well. And you're not wrong for standing by your ideals."

"This is what you believe in after all, yes? You're not making a special exception for Yanagisawa. You have always stood against hurting people… even the most depraved ones. And while that can certainly hurt you, it's something I've always admired about you, too. You have a kind heart. You should be proud of the fact that what he did to you didn't change that."

"Of course… you'd still be kind if you changed your mind," he continues. "I wish to reiterate that: you will not be bad, or cruel, or careless, if you decide it's for the best that he's hurt one day. Anger is a valuable emotion, too. But if you don't want to see him harmed, that does not mean you're making a mistake, and it certainly doesn't mean you're stupid."

"You're standing by what you think is just, even though it's frightening… even though you had to stand up to intimidating people such as me and Damien. That's a sign of bravery, and if you really meant what you said, then I'm not going to disrespect that. It's alright not to want to kill him. We will find another way to resolve this… and one that does not put you at risk, either. It doesn't have to become a choice between 'Do something you think is terrible' or 'Give yourself up.' I will protect you. I will protect Itona and Akari and, of course, myself. We will make sure he is subdued- we will make sure he is punished without punishing you as well."

"You don't deserve to live with that guilty conscience. While revenge is certainly how some people deal with mistreatment, and there's nothing wrong with holding a grudge- it is not the only path. Others heal by forgiving… and some simply move on- try and forget what happened without saying 'it's alright.' Whatever route you take, it will not be the wrong one. The only thing that matters is that you heal eventually… regardless of how you find that solace. Regardless of how it'll surely be something unique to you."

He leans in closer; places his other hand on her back.

"You're fine, Aguri. I'll make sure that this isn't a mistake. I promise."

Aguri lets out a deep breath. Admittedly her hands are still shaking, but Korosensei's words console her some. It's easy to assume that she's a bad victim… that she's handling this wrong. Being told that she's not- and that she isn't necessarily thrusting herself back into danger… it's a relief. There's more than one way to react to being hurt. It's alright to not want to hurt him back. All she needs to do is make sure that she's not hurt further, and hopefully, that's a goal with many paths.

"Thank you for consoling me," she says. "Thank you for… everything. I know that I'm asking a lot of you, but-"

"No," Korosensei says, shaking his head. "You're not asking too much at all."

He rubs circles in her back. Aguri lets out another shaky breath.

"Maybe not," she says. "But I still appreciate everything you've done. Everything you've said you're going to do. I promise that… I'll try my best in the future, too. That whatever happens next, I'll help you stand up to it. I won't… I won't freeze again."

He must detect the waver in her voice, because he says, "Hopefully not. However, if you do, try not to take it too hard. I'll always be there to support you. That's just what friends do."

Another nod. Aguri leans into his touch. Her eyes water a bit, but she doesn't cry.

"I hope that you're right," she says. "...That this really won't all come crashing down. That he won't be back to hurt us. I want to have these last two months. They already feel like so little. I don't think I could bear seeing them cut short."

Korosensei's quiet. His hand drifts from her back, though his other hand remains in hers. He looks out towards the horizon, thoughtfully fiddling with his tie.

"I still have two months left, you know. You could have more."

It's a cruel reminder. His voice is gentle, but it's the last thing she wants to hear.

"I don't want to risk that," she says. "You're right, I could have more time, but what if I miscalculate? I don't want Akari and the others going down with me."

"Of course not," Korosensei says. "But that's not all, is it? Even giving yourself leeway, I'm sure you could afford more than just until March."

Aguri's heart catches in her throat. Some part of her wishes she could refute Korosensei's statement, but she realizes with a sad acceptance that it's no use. She can tell from the look in his eyes. He's already long since seen through her.

"Well, I guess I could," She murmurs. "But… the truth is, I probably can't do it without you. That's the real reason I can't see myself living past that time. You've spent the past four months looking out for me. Once that time is over I don't know what I'll do. Surely I won't be able to face it."

"That's nonsense," Korosensei replies. "I know you can. You're a strong person, Aguri. And I'm not all you have to lean on. You'll still have Akari and Damien and Itona and your father to be there for you after I'm gone. Irina, Karasuma, Nagisa and the rest of the E-Class, too. It's not like you'll be alone. You're very loved. They'll have your back. I know they will."

And Aguri knows too, but it doesn't console her. She… still doesn't think she can take it. She isn't ready to live without Korosensei, just like she isn't ready to live without any of those people. She appreciates their support… she really does. But it's not that she doesn't know that she's loved. She's just not strong enough.

Korosensei must note her lack of a response, because his hand drifts back to her shoulder. He shakes his head.

"And besides, that's not something you should be worrying about right now, anyways. No-one can predict the future. You shouldn't be dreading when you…- or I have to go away one day. For now, we're together. For now, you don't have to do this alone. Why don't you just try and treasure that? We're here. We're alright. That's what matters."

He gives her palm a squeeze. Aguri looks over at him. The sunset is shining down on his face. He gives her a kind glance.

"Of course, I'm not trying to undermine your grief. I know how scary it can be. I know how terrible it is to have to live missing something you thought you couldn't live without. But things get better, I promise. Life has a way of surprising you. It certainly surprised me." He cocks his head. "...You're here, after all, aren't you? I can say without a doubt I certainly didn't expect that."

Aguri gives a small nod. She thinks he has a point. As unfair as being back here again can feel sometimes, having a deadline and all, at least it's more than they ever anticipated. Just a year ago they'd never have thought they'd be standing together. They'd have thought their time would run out... but here they are, and they're lucky for that, even if it has to come to an end.

(She knows that it's her he's talking about when he mentions grief. She's the one who put him through that. She can't imagine what that felt like… to think she was dead. Maybe it's only fair, then, for him to do the same to her when it's his time. Only, then, there won't be some kind of secret happy ending. He'll be gone for real.

And soon after that, her.)

"I suppose I am," she replies. "I'm here. Despite everything."

"Throughout everything," Korosensei rectifies. "You're someone who's persevered, Aguri. You should be thankful for that."

"...Mmm."

"I know I certainly am. I've said it once, I will say it again: I am so relieved you're here by my side. Whatever happens next… whatever becomes of us, I'll be content with my time, just knowing I spent it with you. These past four months have been a delight. Perhaps without them, I'd be impatient for March. I've enjoyed my time with the students, of course, but I always carried a certain sense of dread. Not anymore. I've managed to let go of that. And that's because of you. That's because I don't have to wait to see you again."

"I… want these final two months to last as long as they can. I want them to last exactly as long as you want them to. I want to make sure I make the most of them, even if before I didn't. Because this is time I know I can treasure them. I'm looking forward to and I love my life. I hope that one day you can feel the same, regardless of what happens to me. I know that sounds hypocritical- and it is. But life is just so beautiful, and there's still so much for you to see."

Aguri feels another pang of guilt. In some ways, she wishes she could give Korosensei her time. But then again… she doesn't know if he'd want it. He just said it himself, after all- that they're similar. He carried the same weight. And yet she'd expected him to go on twelve whole months without her. Can't she do the same for him?

(She's hardly sure. She can barely see herself as being worth anything without him, much less being safe. But she's obligated to humor the thought, isn't she?)

She... doesn't know.

Either way, she simply leans on his shoulder and stares back out towards the sunset.

If there's one thing she's thankful for, it's his concern. All of their concerns. Aguri's right in that she's terrified… and she's right in that she might not be able to make it without him by her side, but Korosensei is right about something too: and that's that she's very loved.

She was shown that today. In Korosensei's kind words… in Akari's protectiveness, in Itona's understanding and the way Damien had offered to kill Yanagisawa for her.

Whether she deserves it or not, she's loved. And perhaps that's what spurs her to say what it is she says next.

"Yeah," she admits. "I hope these two months last a very long time. And I hope I can come to enjoy whatever comes next, too."

('If,' she thinks, remembering Yanagisawa's cold grip. 'I get to have that time at all.')