Chapter 1: The Thorn
"Who's the runt?" Tomura inquired as he peered at the young short boy that stood with his leader, Sensei, across the room, remaining unseen himself. He reached up and scratched his neck compulsively as if the green haired child were literally getting under his skin. "Fresh meat for the Doc's experiments? He has been complaining about lack of specimens lately. Didn't think little kids were fair game now, but good riddance to pests."
"No, Tomura Shigaraki. Young Deku is a new sheep to our fold." Kurogiri informed from nearby, watching the shaggy light blue haired teen as he observed the newcomer from around the corner. "He is to be Sensei's protégé as well."
The scratching stopped abruptly and Tomura turned to look at him, a lone visible red eye flaring through spaced fingers of the severed hand that was latched onto his face. "Protégé?" He repeated, curiosity in his tone though there was was something dangerous in the question.
Kurogiri shrugged as the teen glared at him. "The Master said he had great potential and he was ripe for the taking. I do hope you're not jealous."
Jealous? Never. Afraid? Perhaps... if there was another protégé for Sensei to give his attention to that meant less for him... but it also meant there was a backup, a replacement if he failed, if he disappointed his savior and teacher. Not that would ever happen; Sensei had saved him, giving him a home away from the fractured society that had abandoned and ignored him when in need while praising overly conceited and revered so called heroes, the Pros. He'd always be Sensei's First. Nothing would take away his Sensei, nothing would come between them. Nothing.
The bony unkempt teen let out a dry "Ha" as a smile appeared on his face, the urge to scratch growing. He glanced back at the child who stood before Sensei who'd eased himself into a throne like chair, looking amused. His hand was on his neck, his teeth set as he tried to not let his voice betray his true feelings, his voice rough and cynical, "Jealous? Of a pipsqueak whose name is Deku? From looks alone he seems useless. Bet his Quirk is crap too, Sensei is just going to harvest from him or use him as a Quirk mule."
"Actually, Young Deku is Quirkless."
His head snapped toward Kurogiri. "Quirkless?" What reason would Sensei have in a powerless brat, no matter the apparent potential? Sensei, known to those who feared him as All For One, was a genius on top of being well seasoned and talented, there was no way he'd make a mistake.
As much as hatred started to grow inside Tomura, furious he had to now share his teacher's attention and guidance, curiosity poked at him. How long would a Quirkless brat last in the underworld? The underbelly of society? A place where no heroes would save him from the fact that the world was cruel and scary. That lead to another thought, knowing Sensei's unique ability: Would the little snot rag be gifted a Quirk? What Quirk would Sensei give to him and why?
"Kid's got guts." He murmured begrudgingly as he continued to watch as Deku stood before the emperor of villains, insisting there be conditions of his own before joining the League. He heard Sensei chuckle and he prickled out of jealousy, starting to scratch out of irritation as his skin crawled.
Whoever this nobody was he'd have to keep an eye on him. Seemingly helpless or not, this brat Deku was going to be a thorn in his side.
Surely it was destiny.
"Here, Tomura Shigaraki."
Tomura turned to see Kurogiri extending his hand out to him, holding something. Wordlessly he reached out and took it with just a few fingers, careful not to activate his Quirk though touch. He looked at the item incredulously, gazing at it through dead fingers as his prized preserved hand clung to his face as always. "Lotion? What is this, Kurogiri?"
"Young Deku requested it on your behalf. Thought its medicinal purposes would be beneficial."
"Oh really?" He droned, frowning as his mind raced, trying to figure out the angle of the little worm who'd been with them for roughly just over two months since the end of April. Was it July already?
"Indeed."
"How thoughtful." His tone dripped with skepticism and irritation. The fourteen year old got up from his seat and headed off to locate the little twerp, Kurogiri seemingly not concerned. He'd get the answer out of him one way or another. Sure Sensei had taken him in as a second protégé but the child was still timid and jumpy, perhaps from some abuse Tomura was not aware of nor cared about, or maybe he was just a wimp. Apply some intimidation and Deku would spill.
It did not take long to find his target, given the lack of hiding places in the fair sized building they resided in, which was in part out of safety to reduce chance of being ambushed. In fact, the midget idiot was out in the open, waiting to be picked off given his guard was down. However it was clear he was attempting to avoid Tomura, keeping enough distance between them and staying out of sight.
"Hey, squirt."
The young green haired child flinched at the tone of voice and turned around slowly from where he sat on the floor, various notebooks spread out before him. He looked nervous at the sight of the masked teen, perhaps squeamish at the severed hand, "Y-Yes, Shigaraki-senpai?"
"What's this about? Trying to insult me? Wanna start something?" He held up the lotion in a disgusted manner, pinching it between his thumb and forefinger. His red eyes glared down at the interloper, his sneer unseen under his hand mask.
"N-Not at all! H-He told you? I thought maybe, you know..." Deku started mumbling and Tomura let out an exasperated sound, in no mood to try to decipher the words.
"Just spit it out! What, do you need dictation lessons from Sensei too?"
"I just thought since you seem to itch a lot maybe it'd help... since I can't leave I asked Kurogiri-san to get some. Extra strength, medicated, like what my mo..." Deku fell quiet, his gaze on the floor as he thought of his mother. While he'd resolved to leave his old life behind, including her, he felt yearning for her voice, her face and touch; however it was for the better of everyone that Izuku Midoriya simply remained vanished.
If only severing one's self from their past were so easy.
Tomura leered down at the smaller boy, his mind churning as he had flashes of a memory—a tender look, a concerned voice with talk about scratching and medicine—he blinked, the vision gone. His train of thought slowly made its way back, focusing on Deku. Had he ever been that small? That timid and frightened? No, as much as he hated it he'd been far more frightened, far more alone, afraid of himself, loathing others save Sensei, his savior, and to a degree Kurogiri who was a mere caretaker. Deku however was the opposite: he feared others and loathed himself.
Deku remained sitting, his gaze downcast as he balled his fists nervously. He said nothing as he felt the teen's heated gaze, unsure what would transpire next.
After a long moment Tomura squatted down in front to the boy, causing him to flinch in anticipation. While the teen had never laid a hand on him since he'd been with them, Deku clearly could sense the animosity and tried his best to steer clear when his polite attempts had been rebuffed. He took it as a sign the child wasn't stupid to sense the hostility, noting what little he heard of the conditions that were set upon joining; the kid did in fact possess a brain. The way he braced himself spoke volumes however as the green haired boy attempted a brave face.
Something deep inside Tomura screamed against ever considering raising a hand against a small child, though he couldn't quite place it; the feeling twisted his gut and he resigned, not that he would ever let others know about that seeming soft spot. It appeared whatever fragment of a conscience he had decided to stand firm on that and he complied, for the time being. There were other ways to torment someone without smacking them around or using physical force as a deterrent. Besides, who knew what Sensei would do if Tomura ever laid a malicious hand on the pipsqueak. His skin prickled and he wasn't certain which thought was the cause of the irritation.
Tomura started to reach up, his compulsive itch compelling him to scratch his neck but halted, resisting the urge. After another moment he spoke, his voice low. "That's wrong."
"H-Huh?" Deku stammered, bewildered, looking up to meet gazes with Tomura. Never had he seen the teen's face under that preserved hand that seemed permanently affixed; part of him worried he would be hunted by whatever lay underneath if that day ever came—an offense the older boy would surely not forgive.
Tomura let out a sigh and pointed at one of the notebooks, one of them labeled Elementary Mathematics. "That. Your equation is all wrong, that's not the formula. Your answer isn't even close to being right."
"O-Oh... kay... thanks."
"You're just wasting Sensei's time if you're slacking. Kurogiri shouldn't bother tutoring you like he does for me though I only have to do the subjects I'm interested in. Certain you're not dumb?"
Deku tensed but rather than adverting his gaze he stared right back at Tomura, defiant. "I'm not dumb! I am smart, I'm going to get better, be better! I'm still learning! Sensei believes in me and I'll make him proud! I'll fulfill my end of the bargain."
"Oh?" Tomura cocked his head, amusement in his voice as his curiosity was piqued. Deku immediately clammed up once more, flushing either out of embarrassment or frustration. He watched the boy for a few more moments, letting him squirm as he could see the youngster fighting to be brave and confident, even if it meant he challenged Tomura and rocked the boat.
"Here, can't let you embarrass Sensei. Even if you are inferior he chose you for a reason." He finally responded, pocketing the lotion while he held his other hand out, pointing to the workbook. Deku eyed him nervously before slowly complying, handing it over.
As the book passed between them, Tomura grasping it, Deku flinched as if in actual pain. The boy recoiled as the book left his hands, clearly anticipating.
"What are you twitching about? I'm not going to disintegrate it. Sensei bought these, it'd be disrespectful to him." Tomura scolded, looking critically, somewhat offended at the silent accusation. He twist his hand around, revealing he had one finger raised to prevent his Quirk's activation.
"Just... habit. Sorry…" The freckled boy confessed and Tomura wondered just what hellhole this kid came from. While he lacked physical scars like himself, the psychological trauma was evident though not nearly as much. He turned his attention to the book and noticed various notes scribbled down that were unrelated to math.
Quirk analysis? It looked like a few pro heroes and perhaps some of people Deku knew personally. Tomura couldn't help smirking at a tiny note that seemed to indicate him, nothing malicious scribbled. Shocking.
"You're a dweeb, you know that? A real nerd."
Deku's eyes went to the floor, his bravery shaken, "I-I know."
"That's not a bad thing. Clearly Sensei thinks it's important and values that." Tomura reached over and hit Deku over the head with the book gently, causing the boy to flinch in surprise. "And as much as it pisses me off, believe in Sensei's faith in you. His faith will become your own in time, it did for me."
Deku tentatively touched the top of his head as Tomura pulled away. As he felt his hair he peered up at the teen, bewildered. Was this some sort of test? Was he being lured into a false sense of comfort?
"Come on, squirt. Let's get this sorted out. Would hate to disappoint Sensei." Tomura slowly rose, his near skeletal form easily towering over the younger boy. "I'm supposed to be your senpai, right?"
"R-Right... thanks, Shigaraki-senpai."
A smile formed on Tomura's face though there was no way for Deku to know as the boy stood up to follow him. Sure he had occasional underlings to boss around under Sensei's delegation but this felt different. A sense of responsibility perhaps? A form of amusement in a fledging within his grasp to help nurture or crush?
His hidden smile widened as Deku followed him, a form of trust being born from the boy. The teen then noticed he wasn't scratching conclusively despite his internalized annoyance at the boy for making him share Sensei, for making him take the runt under his own wing now.
Perhaps this thorn could be endured.
"What the hell is all this, Kurogiri?"
Tomura stood glaring at the scene before him with his exposed left eye, refusing to look at the mist man as he beheld the atrocity. The detached hand on his face did little to hide his indignation as his tone and body language said it all.
"What it looks like." Kurogiri patiently replied, cleaning a glass with the uttermost care, inspecting it carefully for any imperfection. The mist man was the picture of practiced calm in the face of an impending storm.
Tomura glowered, fingers twitching as he looked at the box that sat on the table. Inside through the plastic cover he could clearly see what the offending object was. Around it were some red balloons in an attempt to accentuate the festivities but all he could see was red.
"A cake?" Jealousy prickled at him and he let out a low groan, knowing fully well that he was not the intended receiver. A hand flew to his neck and the scratching began, though annoyingly less ever since he had used the prescribed lotion. However nothing stood the chance against a psychologically caused itch. Even now he had the urge to disintegrate the stupid bottle due to its association. How dare he even think of letting his guard down around that worm!
"A birthday cake. I noticed that Young Deku's birthday was nearing some time ago and I procured a cake in preparation. Sire is presently out for business but will be back in a few hours to celebrate. However he did say to start without him as he could be delayed."
"You know when that stray's birthday is? I thought you just picked him up somewhere."
"I have my ways. And you know we do background checks for our members through a reliable third party; though I admit sometimes information is limited on some of our more obscure members. Besides, Young Deku is quite capable of divulging information, all highly accurate and legitimate, especially if it's about himself; one simply needed to ask him. That aside, Sire was quite insistent with the festivities."
"Sensei… planned this?" The urge became greater and the scratching grew more fierce. That little interloper, getting special treatment…
"Yes. Well, I brought it to the Master's attention and he gave his approval."
A growl escaped Tomura as he clawed at his neck, his heart racing. Sensei had acknowledged the brat this much already in just a couple of months. He, Tomura Shigaraki, had been with the League, Sensei, for around ten years now. Was he truly being replaced?
"Here." Kurogiri spoke and using Warp Gate, promptly set a red balloon in front of the moody teenager. "Apparently red balloons are a big deal. There's a song about them and even some old horror movie; I do not recommend approaching any sewers with any near it. Perhaps it can alleviate some stress?"
Tomura without hesitation grabbed the balloon with all five fingers, Quirk activated in full force. The balloon instantly grayed and disintegrated as the rubber decayed rapidly, so fast it didn't get a chance to give a proper pop, simply gasping out what little helium remained. His eyes flared as he breathed rapidly, furious, acting as if he were out of breath from a long marathon.
"Shall I fetch you another?"
"So annoying, I don't get it." Tomura muttered, scratching as he glared at the cake, wishing it could simply combust as he seemingly collected himself, showing some restraint. "Why?"
"You've been getting along so much better with Young Deku these past few weeks, I'd hoped celebrations could go smoothly?"
"Barely tolerable, he's like a puppy. He listens to me, he needs me… but he's not dumb." Tomura admitted, his scratching slowing. That was the worst part. He seemed to both revere and fear Tomura but the twerp was indeed smart, not one to be lead astray after being trolled twice. He excelled at his studies once set in the right direction, proving himself a diligent student which naturally delighted Kurogiri as well as Sensei, much to Tomura's chagrin despite Sensei having praised his tutorage with Deku.
"If it's Sensei's orders… then I will comply." Tomura resigned bitterly, ceasing the assault on his neck. "But I don't have to like it."
"When it's your party you can cry if you want to."
"What?"
"Some lyrical wisdom."
Tomura's mood furthered soured at the quip. He whirled toward the table and stomped over, glaring at it. In a swift motion he grabbed the cake slicer off the table and pivoted toward the closest balloon assaulted it, delivering repeated precise stabs that caused the balloon to pop rather loudly with a resounding bang. His attention flew to the others but stayed his hand, debating.
"I do believe you're thinking of the wrong classic horror movie."
"Shut up, Kurogiri." He huffed, tossing the slicer back onto the table as he'd managed to not touch it with all five fingers. "Let's get this stupid thing over with. The sooner the better."
"So glad you're getting into the mood. That's the party spirit Sire requested. I look forward to giving my report of the celebration."
Tomura wheeled toward the mist man, realization hitting him. "You… you snitch!"
"Nothing of the sort, how uncouth. Sire asks for a briefing and I comply. As it stands I am your guardian while the Master is out."
"Kurogiri… if Sensei didn't need y-"
"I-Is everything alright? I heard a bang." A now all too familiar voice asked tentatively, interrupting the confrontation and thus Tomura's heated threat as his dangerous tone was cut off.
"Ah, Young Deku! I was just about to fetch you." Kurogiri recovered gracefully, placing down the glass he had been cleaning.
"You were?" The green haired boy looked at the mist man then back to the scene, seeming slightly confused at the tense Tomura and the apparent decorations, wary of whatever this may be. He hovered near the corner, as if ready to bolt should the situation turn dangerous.
"Sensei sends his apologizes for being absent but he will be here later." Kurogiri informed, causing Tomura to grit his teeth at the reminder. Kurogiri warped over to the table, out of Tomura's reach, as he gestured to the cake. "This is your first birthday as Deku, and with us, after all. There is much cause for celebration."
Realization dawned on the boy after a few seconds, his green eyes widening and tears starting to well up. He gazed at the scene once more, getting a better look, his expression one of disbelief and deep emotion.
"What are you crying for? Upset this isn't fancier, no piles of presents?" Tomura taunted, though his tone came out rather dry, thinking of Kurogiri's report.
"Tomura Shigaraki, I believe that's, as the youths of today say, weak sauce. Please refrain from making Young Deku cry."
"The hell it is! And I didn't make him cry, he started by himself!" It took everything the light blue haired teen had to not start scratching at himself furiously though his hands twitched with restraint.
Deku shook his head, looking down as he covered his face with one arm, attempting to contain himself. He'd made a promise to himself to no longer be a crybaby and yet… "I just… a-am so happy."
"What, never had a real birthday party?" Tomura dared to ask, curious as well as feeling a bit of glee at the thought though all his birthdays with Sensei and Kurogiri could hardly be called parties themselves. Usually it was a simple candle in a cupcake, if that, and perhaps some practical gift.
"I did… but then…" The boy faltered, looking hurt and then angry, his voice gaining an edge, "But then I was diagnosed as Quirkless and it became a pity party. After a few years I just asked not to have one; the kids that would show up only mooched on freebies, bringing an obligatory gift and just go back to ignoring me at school. And if I wasn't ignored…"
Tomura noticed the boy clutch his arm, his face taunt from some unpleasant memory. His eyes narrowed at the body language, taking note.
"This is the first birthday I've spent without Mom… I always spent my birthdays with her; I told her I rather do something special with her instead since my dad was… is always overseas…" Deku's grip on his arm tightened, his gaze shifting to the ground as his voice wavered, "I didn't think anyone would care."
"Boo hoo. You got a cake. I didn't get squat for mine." Tomura snapped, jarring the boy out of his sentiments.
"As I recall, you said you 'don't want any crap, leave it alone.' Your proclamation was simply honored."
"Huh?" Tomura drawled dangerously in disbelief, whipping his head in the direction of the calm commentator, "I said no such thing! Take it back!"
"You did. But I admit you still got a present, though not a conventional one with wrappings and a bow," Kurogiri assured, his gaze shifting from the moody teen to the emotional birthday boy. Sensei certainly had a talent for picking them.
"When's your birthday, Shigaraki-senpai?" Deku inquired, fishing for a distraction though he seemed genuinely interested. Tomura let out an annoyed sound at Kurogiri, pissed off at himself as well as the infuriating polite yet literal man for paying heed to his moody teenage tendencies. After a moment he muttered in response, "Doesn't matter."
"April 4."
Tomura snapped his head toward Kurogiri, shooting daggers with his one visible eye. If he killed the mist man while Sensei was out, would he be given some grace? Then again he was useful to the League, he couldn't just kill their means of transportation so impulsively. His hands twitched once more with minimal self control.
"We can share."
"What?" Tomura looked over at Deku, his patience wearing thin for the day. This was all for the newcomer, not him; but Sensei had ordered it and he had to bear with it for a while longer. His hand was near his neck now, a few fingers ready to brush as the itch screamed to be scratched.
"My cake." Deku clarified, gesturing to it. "Since you didn't get one this can be both of ours! I know it's a bit late, but it can still count."
What was this kid's game? An act to get him to lower his guard before being stabbed in the back by the seemingly sweet-faced child who had no business in the underworld? What was the potential that Sensei was apparently so interested in? He couldn't help but utter, "Why?"
"As thanks for you helping me and to keep things fair. I don't mind, senpai."
Tomura stared at Deku in silence, seemingly stunned and unsure how to react to this apparent act of selflessness, though the boy had not realize what he was truly asking. True in the past two weeks or so he'd shown better tolerance in regards to the twerp, had that been mistaken as a sign of acceptance? Was he accepting the interloper subconsciously?
"Now, given Tomura Shigaraki got a gift, albeit a bit late, it would only be fair that you got one too, Young Deku. Especially since you two are sharing the cake." Kurogiri smoothly cut in, gaining control of the room momentarily.
"Oi, oi, oi, I never said-"
Kurogiri ignored Tomura's protests, producing from a Warp Gate a neatly wrapped box. He walked over to Deku and courteously placed the gift in the young boy's arms. "Happy birthday, Young Deku."
Deku stared at the wrapped red box, noting the green bow that sat on top where a tag poked out underneath: Happy Birthday, Deku -Sensei and Kurogiri. Tears pricked at his eyes but he blinked them away, solidifying his resolve. He pocketed the tag and began to unwrap the box, his wide eyes betraying his excitement as he tried to maintain his manners by not shredding the paper wildly. As he pulled off the lid his eyes brightened and he let out a gasp. Tomura frowned, jealous at the excitement and half curious as to what lay inside to cause such a reaction.
"Wow! Thanks, Kurogiri-san!" The boy declared, looking into the box and back at the mist man, grinning. He turned toward Tomura, still beaming as he reached in and pulled out what lay inside to show it off, "Look, Shigaraki-senpai! We match!"
From the box came a pair of red shoes with white soles and shoelaces.
Tomura blinked. Excitement… over shoes? And more over, the fact that they seemingly matched? He stared at the shoes for a few more seconds before glancing at his own red pair. Indeed, they were nearly identical, despite him remembering the child owning a different pair of red shoes when he first joined. Just what was Kurogiri up to?
"Mine are that color because of the blood of my enemies." He abruptly deadpanned, unable to contain himself. His red eye moved from his shoes to Deku's face, eager to see the response.
Satisfyingly, the boy had a look of confusion as well as horror that had a hint of skepticism.
"Please work on your jests, Tomura Shigaraki." Kurogiri urged, somehow looking exasperated despite his featureless face and ever collected tone. "I got both pairs from the same store; rest assured, Young Deku, there was no blood of thy enemies used as dye for them."
Deku's shoulders seemed to slack slightly with relief, a slight smile tweaking his mouth despite the remaining confusion. A small laugh escaped him as well as a tear which he hastily wiped away with the heel of his hand. "Thanks, both of you."
"My pleasure, Young Deku. Though I am not certain what Tomura Shigaraki has done to warrant gratitude." Kurogiri looked pensive, as if truly perplexed though something about his extreme polite tone seemed to hint sarcasm, "I don't recall him bequeathing you a gift."
"It's okay!" The boy quickly protested, waving his hand as an ominous aura began to emit from Tomura as a dagger like gaze shot between him and Kurogiri. "I don't need anything! Just being here with someone for today… it means a lot. That's the best gift." He stared at the shoes in the box, smiling to himself, his heart swelling with emotion at the simple yet meaningful gift. "I'm really thankful to you all, Sensei too. Taking me in… doing so much for me. Really, thank you."
"If that is your sentiment then I shall humbly accept it." Kurogiri bowed as silence fell over the room.
Tomura remained still, his lone visible eye trained on Deku. After a few moments of calculation he took a step forward, extending a hand. Kurogiri tensed, ready to use Warp Gate if the intent was harm, watching how many fingers were reaching toward the smaller boy. As it stood even with the threat of Sensei's disapproval, Tomura was still an impulsive immature being who could lash out due to frustration, momentarily disregarding any long term consequence.
"Hey." A lone finger tapped Deku on the forehead, startling him to look up from the shoe box. Tomura stood over him though in a far less intimidating way compared to past times. As the boy looked at him, baffled at the straightforwardness, Tomura reached up and removed the disembodied hand from his face.
Deku's green eyes widened, his mouth popping open just a bit in surprise but quickly shut it. For the first time he really saw Tomura Shigaraki, whom he called "senpai" out of obligation and in part actual respect. He took in the sight, his mind racing: red eyes that seemed almost dead yet intense, wrinkles around said eyes—perhaps a side effect of a health issue—the lack of eyebrows as his forehead was seemingly cracked from chronic dry skin, a scar that went vertically across chapped lips, another scar over the right eye and a little tiny mole on the right side underneath the lips.
Tomura's expression was one of indifference, gauging the impending reaction. He waited for the recoil in horror, the sound of disgust, or even a dry mouthed response; part of him wished for it so he could delight in terrifying the out of place wholesome child. The underworld was an ugly place, the kid had better get used to that. If he wasn't cut out for it then he should be cut loose as soon as possible; it was for the sake of the League and Sensei that he Tomura Shigaraki would weed out the weak and unworthy.
"It's nice to meet you, Shigaraki-senpai. I'm Deku." The boy spoke after a few moments, blinking away any surprise. He beamed at him, no fear or disgust in his eyes or tone of voice as he extended his hand, seemingly unafraid as if he'd been hit with clarity in regards to the older boy. "Looks like my freckles match your mole!"
"How do they match, you idiot; they're totally unrelated things." Tomura flustered, unsure how to respond to such a sincere comment and feeling exposed as his mask wasn't there to hide his expression. His eyes flickered to the outstretched hand and the accepting look on Deku's face, no pity in his eyes just understanding.
A few moments passed and he reached forward, grasping Deku's hand, keeping his pinkie lifted so his Quirk wouldn't activate. From behind him Kurogiri relaxed, seemingly heaving an inward sigh. Tomura let out a scoffing sound, his red eyes looking to the side, muttering, "Happy birthday, Deku," clutching his detached hand, fighting the urge to put it back on immediately. If the squirt could look him in the eye unflinching then he wasn't going to backdown either.
"Thanks, senpai! Happy belated birthday to you!"
This earned another grumble but that was all from the moody teen.
"Very good, now, shall we cut the cake?" Kurogiri inquired, holding up the cake slicer that Tomura had wielded only minutes ago to murder an unsuspecting balloon.
"We could! But should we wait for Sensei?" Deku looked excited before turning thoughtful, looking at Tomura as he released their handshake. "What do you think, senpai?"
"Do whatever." Tomura resigned his tone flat but that did not deter the excited look on the interloper's face who hurried over to where the cake sat, eager. Something stirred inside Tomura, a familiarity that perhaps stemmed from his fractured past as he looked at the grinning boy who talked excitedly with Kurogiri, eyes shining as he looked at the cake, inquiring about where it was bought and if the baker used some kind of baker specific Quirk. His hand seemed to tingle from the warmth he'd felt from Deku's small hand, nostalgia poking at him though it didn't feel bad, just confusing.
The thorn was growing frustratingly tolerable day by day; how had he not noticed it before? Was it even a thorn anymore? Had it even been that or simply a figment of the imagination and one's jealous psyche?
Tomura frowned slightly, gripping his mask with resolution, mildly irritated but not driven to start scratching.
No matter, it was his thorn and he'd hold onto it for as long as he could given Sensei had brought it to him, given it to him perhaps as a means to build endurance… Though maybe it wasn't a thorn at all but a burr holding a seed to start something new. Something to replace what was lost to suppressed and broken memories in a time before Sensei and the League.
A thought struck him, causing him to pause as he looked at Deku and Kurogiri, taking in the sight. Deku glanced up at him with unusual bright eyes and a smile, the first genuine excitement he'd seen since the green haired youngster had arrived, motioning at the teen to come over.
Sensei had brought the child into their fold and entrusted Tomura to help look after him, who was he to doubt his master, his teacher? He wasn't going to let Sensei down even if it meant having a rival in the household.
Besides, how big could such a shrimp get?