Well. I came home today and wrote this all in one shot. I was joking with myself yesterday that I might do that, but I'm actually kind of surprised I actually did it. Like. Wow. It's been awhile since I've written so much in one sitting. And I don't think it's a bad chapter, if I do say so myself. Then again, if a chapter was bad, I'd revise it, so hopefully I wouldn't be putting up any chapter I thought was bad.

Enjoy!

Upon my return to the school, I'm immediately lead to the counseling department. This teacher says nothing about the smoke stick in my mouth and just takes me where I need to be. That alone is enough for me to relax a bit. The last thing I need after such an episode is Mr. Aizawa taking away my shots of nicotine, and that was my top concern when I finally walked back through the school gates.

With the moonbeams streaming in through the wall-spanning windows, the hallways have long been abandoned. Only a select few classrooms still have their lights on, presumably containing teachers working overtime for one reason or another. And, of course, the window of the door to the counseling department releases light from inside. Whichever poor soul is in there, their overtime work is courtesy of me.

The teacher leading me pulls open the door, and I pause, fingers trapping my cigarette with the intent of momentarily freeing it from my lips. I stand a moment, ignoring the urgings of the teacher to go inside, and absorb the identity of the person awaiting me. Then I finish my motion, releasing the cigarette from my lips briefly and sighing out smoke before replacing it. Then I head inside.

I seat myself across from the emaciated hero, who leans forward with an elbow on his knees, one arm in a cast, and his minuscule blue pupils set determinedly on me. I throw one leg over the other and cross my right arm over my chest, taking my cigarette in my other hand.

"What an honor," I muse dryly.

"I believe this is the first time we've met," the man begins, his tone formal. "It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Ms. Kyou."

I snear. "Please, the pleasure's mine, Mr. All Might. But let's get to what I'm here for, shall we? I happen to like my sleep."

He sighs, dropping his head. When he raises it again, he reviews, "It's only your second day here, and this is the second time you've left school grounds without permission. We brought the students on campus to ensure their safety. We can't do that if they're constantly coming and going. Do you understand?"

"Sure. It's not like it's complicated." I inhale my cigarette deeply, averting my gaze. I don't need this tonight. Not from anyone, but especially not the hero of heroes. The nicotine doesn't entirely alleviate the tightness in my chest, though.

"Then I ask that you please follow the rules. You may have gotten in on a recommendation, but so did other students. You aren't given special privileges because of it."

I raise a brow. "They had me talk with the all-powerful All Might just so he could ask me to behave?"

"I asked if I could be the one to talk to you."

"Oh did you now?" I lean forward and extinguish my cigarette on one of the coffee table coasters, causing All Might to flinch. Immediately acidity swells in my heart, and I have to forcefully retain it. Is he really so weak, now, that I intimidate him? I always kind of thought that if there was one person other than Shouto who would never fear me, it would be the Pillar of Justice. Disappointment strangles my throat as I sit back.

"I felt obligated, as I have been helped by your father in the past."

I scoff. "I assume that's how I got here, then, despite late students being a folktale at UA. Thank you so much, oh mighty hero. I am forever in your debt." Oh, wait, does he even count as a hero anymore? I watch him out of the corner of my eye as I pop a mint in my mouth, searching for any sign of distress.

"I will admit I vouched for your admission," All Might confesses. He apparently isn't fazed by what I said. "However, the decision was made primarily out of trust of your father, as well as the undeniable strength of your ability. Everyone thought it would be prudent for us, specifically, to foster you."

I fully realize he doesn't mean for there to be anything hidden beneath his words, but I read between the lines, anyway. They all thought it was their responsibility to keep me on the path of 'justice'. They know I could make a formidable villain yet. Even if their instruction were to fail, they will have kept a close eye on me, and will be able to easily apprehend me if I do something stupid. Unfortunately, I'm not stupid.

"So what's your point, Mr. Hero?"

"I may not have had the opportunity to teach you yet, because of unfortunate circumstances—" I glance at his cast. "—but I am still your teacher, and as your teacher, I want you to be happy. I came to talk to you today to ask why it is you're constantly so hostile."

I blink. Is he serious? Does he think I'm just gonna spill my guts because he asks me to? Weak, and an idiot, too… I can't help but grimace as the image of the awesome All Might shatters before me. The acidity that boiled up earlier begins to burn again, this time searing in its heat, and every muscle in my face tenses with my effort to suppress it.

All Might clears his throat. "Forgive me if I'm wrong, or I'm overstepping my boundaries, but are you by chance acting out because of your mother?"

My mother? "What does this have to do with her?"

He rubs his neck timidly and my teeth nearly splinter against each other. "It's normal for some children who don't have both parents to lash out, but it's not a healthy behavior. I know nothing can replace your mother, but you should be thankful for who's still in your life. Your father still cares about you a great deal, and us teachers do, too, and you also have a wonderful class full of caring students to help you."

I can't get anything out of my mouth as I sit there, dumbfounded. Just how...how stupid can this guy be? If that had anything to do with what's wrong with my life, his words just now would have had me at his throat, not thanking him for his concern! How can he think that's okay to say to someone he thinks hates the world because they lost a parent?

My mint falls onto my tongue, having been suctioned to the roof of my mouth, and I finally pull myself back together. Hardly able to keep from laughing in shock, my words come out sounding amused when I say, "Mr. All Might, Sir, if you have nothing else you want to talk about, I'd like to go back to my dorm room now."

"Of course, I don't wish to keep you from sleep, but just know that if you ever need to talk, I'm here. And before you go I need to tell you you're being punished for your misdemeanor. You're to be put on house arrest until the day of the provisional license exam."

"Oh really? They're taking away my chance to prepare for the exam?" The dazed amusement still lingers in my voice.

"They believe you have a chance of passing even without preparation."

Well that's fair enough, I guess. I haven't really had the experience of the other students taking the exam...but meh. I can hardly bring myself to dwell on it in the aftermath of All Might's little moment.

"I'm gonna head to bed, then."

"Do you know your way back to the dorms yet?"

"I'll find it. I promise I'll head straight there without fooling around." With that, I stand on almost unstable feet and walk out, as simple as that. I try to shake off my bewilderment as I first find my way to the 1-A classroom. By the time I've reached it, and have turned to puzzle my way back to the dorms, most of the shock has worn off. In its place, however, the venom in my heart has begun to erode bitterly. That was the Pillar of Justice? I had seen the moment he turned frail on screen, but he had still been the courageous, steadfast, loyal hero he'd always been. But that man I just met…cowardly and clueless...

He didn't smile at me even once.

I click my tongue and snap on my lighter, spitting out the shrunken mint to replace it with a lit cigarette as I step out of the main school building. My feet move quickly in my agitation, and the stick has barely burned halfway through by the time I've reached the 1-A dorms. I loiter outside the doors for a minute. Then, with a low growl, I toss my unfinished cigarette on the ground and stomp it before entering.

The lights are off. Of course they are. No one in their right mind would be up at this hour after intensive training, and they've got the same training again tomorrow. Even if someone's still awake, they'll be in their rooms winding down. It's only sensible.

...Except there's still a lamp on in the living area.

And a certain boy with red and white hair sits on the couch, head hung over in a way that suggests he either must have fallen asleep sitting up, or he's reading.

My heart freezes. What is he doing out here?

After a moment, I slowly start towards him, my footsteps silent.

"You smell like smoke."

I lock in place. A small thump sounds as he closes his book and turns to me, resting an arm atop the back of the couch. Instinctively, I lean back to step away, but I hold myself in place. He couldn't have been waiting for me, could he? Why did he wait until so late? What made him think I would even come back? Why would he even want to wait for me? He used his left side on me! Unless...he just waited so he could scold me more?

"Where'd you run off to?"

Bingo.

"Why do you care?" I hiss, digging deep to regain my fury towards him.

"You're going to get in trouble for it."

"I already have." I pull myself straighter, flipping my bangs out of my eyes. "I'm under house arrest until the license exam. What's your point?"

He looks away. "My point is it's ridiculous. You've always been assertive, but you're taking it too far."

"What does it matter? It doesn't affect you, does it? You're just your daddy's little soldier, marching along to the tune of his drum." He stiffens the second I mention his father, his his eyes burning icily as he turns his glare on me. I curl my lips back in a snarl. "Am I wrong?"

"Very."

"You've gotten pretty used to using your left side. You're aiming to be a hero, too. The way I see it, you're doing exactly what he want you to." My voice sinks dark with my last few words. "Am. I. Wrong?"

"This quirk," tongues of flames lick off his fingers, "is mine. It has nothing to do with that failure of a dad."

"Likely story."

"Kyou. You're pushing it."

Kyou, Kyou, Kyou. I've never hated my family name so much in my entire life! "You gonna fry me? I'd like to see you try."

We remain like that, tense, each of us ready to attack the other at our weak points. Then his hand closes and his flames evaporate.

"You don't even need your quirk. You're a nightmare enough without it."

My neck muscles pulsate as I quake with rage. I don't hesitate. I whirl and dash to my room, slamming the bedroom door behind me and slamming my fist into the wall hard enough that, when I lower it away, my hand shakes with pain, not anger. Breathing heavy, I stand, staring at the knuckles that are sure to bruise overnight.

How could he? How could he?

Why am I even here? Why am I even bothering to try to become a hero? For Shouto? He sure as hell doesn't want me here! Maybe I should just run off and join the league of villains! I'd like to see his face then!

But...that would mean turning my quirk against him.

The thought smashes through my anger like glass, and my fist falls limply to my side. I can't do that. My quirk is bad enough as is. If I used it to torment Shouto…

My lip quivers, but I suck it up and throw myself in bed. It would be better if I just sleep. At the very least, I know he has the tact not to let me see him tomorrow.

Touchy, isn't she? You know, I still haven't heard anything from you guys comment-wise, but the likes and favorites tell me you guys are enjoying it. I'm glad. Of course, I'd like to hear specifics, but it doesn't really matter so long as it's entertaining. So. Does anyone have any guesses as to what her quirk does? I'm kinda curious to hear what you guys think it might be. Oh, and sorry for keeping you hanging as to what it is. I'd love to share, but Megumi isn't one to go around using it willy-nilly, so you're gonna have to wait a bit longer to see her use it. Look forward to it, and I'll see you guys again next chapter!