AN: Thanks for reading! If you like the chapter, feel free to leave a review :)

Izuku felt a cool sensation wrapped around him when woke up. As the memories of the previous evening came flooding back, his eyes snapped open to see Ochako's white hair pressed against his shoulder. Her pale gray skin poked out of her clothes, informing him that she still had a long way to go. As he admired his girlfriend's beauty, even in this form, he wished one of his hands were free so that he could card his hands through her hair. But he didn't want to disturb her sleep - she needed it.

Still, he had to admit to himself, it was nice feeling her wrapped around him like this. He was worried how her emotions would change when she was like this and-

"Good morning, Izuku," Ochako said sleepily as she lifted her head. As her eyes locked with his, he noticed her irises had started to regain hints of their mocha color.

"You're up?" Izuku asked.

"Yes," Ochako said, her head tilting as she saw his face. "What were you thinking about?"

"I was just… worried," Izuku admitted.

"Worried?"

"About us," Izuku felt his face heating up in shame. "I was worried about your emotions this morning."

Ochako responded by leaning forward and placing a kiss on his cheek.

"W-what was that for?" Izuku squeaked out.

"To assure you that everything is okay. My emotions are dulled," Ochako admitted as she rested her head against his chest. "The chemical responses are not as strong as they normally are. But having you in close proximity helped. I have also not forgotten all of the pleasant memories we have created together."

"I'm glad," Izuku admitted as he shifted slightly, freeing his arm. Running his hand through Ochako's hair, Izuku continued. "I'm sorry for doubting you."

"Do not be," Ochako assured him. "I was concerned as well." She began tracing a finger along his arm. "But our connection has not been severed."

"And how about the rest of you?" Izuku asked, peering down at his girlfriend.

"My body is still weak - restoring all of my blood will take some time," Ochako let out a sigh as she balled her fist. "In the future, I will have to provide Himiko with less blood more frequently, so I am not disabled in such a way again."

"I'm sorry," Izuku said. "I should have split the burden with you or-"

"Do not be," Ochako cut him off. "It was my fault for hurting her as much as I did. I acted out of anger."

"You were worried about me," Izuku's gaze softened as he tightened his grip on his girlfriend. "It's a natural reaction."

"I appreciate your attempts to comfort me, but I need to do better," Ochako said.

"You're doing great," Izuku assured her. "Most of us still make mistakes, and we've had to deal with feelings our entire lives. You've only had them a couple of weeks."

"Thank you," Ochako said, feeling a faint warmth in her stomach. Lifting her head again, her lips found Izukus as they shared one last kiss before she began pulling away from Izuku. "And as much as I would like to spend time with you, I do not want to keep you from your responsibilities either."

Izuku felt a brief moment of disappointment as he suddenly missed the cool presence of Ochako pressed against him before he sat up himself. "Is there anything I can get for you before I go to work?"

"If you are okay with it, I could use more sugar and calories," Ochako admitted. "I could eat a whole box of pastries from that nearby bakery."

"If that'll help, I'll do it," Izuku replied. "Do you think you could drop me off at work in exchange?"

"I think I can still walk my boyfriend to work," Ochako looked up at him and he saw the barest hint of warmth in her eyes, "Yes."

"It's a deal then." Izuku swooped in for another kiss. "Let me grab a shower, and then I'll get you your breakfast."

After paying for more baked goods than he probably needed, Izuku thanked the baker and grabbed his bag. Stepping out on the street, Izuku began the short journey back to his apartment.

Actually…

Thinking about it, Izuku shifted his bag to his other hand so that he could retrieve his cell phone. With trepidation, he unlocked it and searched for the right number. As he stood on the sidewalk, he stared at the name for far too long before pressing 'Dial.'

"Izuku, if I didn't know better I'd say you were trying to avoid me," The monotone voice of Shoto answered.

"S-sorry Shoto," Izuku apologized. "It's actually been really busy the last few weeks!"

"I can imagine. Dealing with the supernatural must be a full-time job."

"S-Shoto!" Izuku sputtered. "I told you-"

"I'm kidding," Shoto deadpanned. "Although your response is suspicious. Are you finally calling to arrange that dinner?"

"This is about something else, actually," Izuku said nervously. "I'd like a favor…"

"Oh? This isn't like you."

"It's not for me. There's a girl I know from college - she's trying to escape from a bad situation. I was… Well, I was wondering if I could take you up on your offer and you could rent an apartment for her?"

"A girl? What happened between you and Ochako?"

"Nothing!" Izuku said a little too loudly. "Ochako and I are fine. Better, even! But this girl's fled from a bad spot and I can't really have someone else staying at my place. Especially since Ochako and I-" Izuku's eyes went wide as he realized what he was about to admit before he cut himself off.

"Ochako and you are what?" Shoto asked suspiciously.

"We're…" As much as Izuku would like to avoid answering the question truthfully, he realized that it was the best way to avoid dealing with any other assumptions Shoto would make. "...we started dating a couple of days ago."

"I knew it," Shoto said with far too much satisfaction in his voice. "She was more than just a friend."

"I wasn't lying at the time!" Izuku insisted.

"You certainly seemed close to her when I was there."

"Ok, maybe I had a small crush on her!" Izuku admitted. "But I didn't know it was mutual until we talked about it!"

"I see. I am surprised you are willing to date someone who believes in magic."

"I've been your friend for years, despite your theories," Izuku grumbled.

"And yet you remain in denial."

"Because magic's not real!"

"Someday you will believe me."

"Look- can we get back to the original subject?"

"Very well. What is going on?"

"She's a girl from college - an old classmate of mine. Apparently, she was in a toxic relationship and just needed to get out. So she hopped on a bus and came to Mustafu, looking for a fresh start."

"What is her name?"

"Himiko Toga."

"Himiko Toga," Shoto mused. "You've never mentioned her before."

"She… wasn't really a close friend," Izuku lied lamely. "I was surprised she asked me. But I wasn't about to turn her down."

"Of course you wouldn't. I'd be worried if you did. So why an apartment?"

"Himiko's trying to start her life over. If she can get a job she's gonna be in Mustafu for a while - hopefully, she can eventually take over the rent from you, even! Besides! I know the kind of suite you were going to put Ochako up in. An apartment is cheaper in the long run!"

"Fine," Shoto conceded. "I'll do it."

"You will?"

"Izuku, I know you. If I don't then you'll try and juggle rent for two places on your own."

"Ehehehe," Izuku laughed nervously. "I don't think I'd go that far…"

"I'm sure you'd find a way," Shoto said, and Izuku could picture the self-satisfied smirk on his face from here. "Is there anything else you need?"

"No," Izuku shook his head. "She only ran away with whatever she could cram into a duffel bag, so she needs a lot of basic things, but I can cover those."

"Hmm, I will add furniture to the list then."

"You will?" Izuku asked, his voice cracking from nerves.

"I can't let you do everything by yourself."

"H-how can I repay you?"

"Dinner," Shoto said flatly.

"Oh," Izuku let out a sigh. "Alright. As soon as Ochako's feeling better-"

"I knew it! What happened to Ochako?"

She's feeling a bit monochrome right now. Izuku joked in his head, almost wanting to say that to hear his friend's reaction.

"She came down with an illness. We're not sure if it's food poisoning or if she came down with something else…"

Shoto was silent for far too long before he finally replied. "If you say so."

"Shoto-" Izuku warned.

"I'll keep my side of the arrangement and you keep yours. You can't escape the truth forever."

"Alright, I promise as soon as she's feeling better I'll tell you."

"Good. Text me the apartment number and I'll get in contact with your complex. It shouldn't take more than a day or two to arrange it."

Despite how exasperating Shoto was being, Izuku felt himself smiling. "Will do! You're a lifesaver, Shoto!"

Hanging up the phone, Izuku crossed the final street back to his apartment complex. He can't wait to tell Himiko the good news tonight!

Himiko woke up to a strange sensation around her. Eyes going wide, she bolted upright, only to see the comforter slip off of her. She felt herself relax slightly as it pooled around her legs.

"Right, those two weirdos," Himiko said as she laid back down and pulled the blanket back over her head.

She had to admit, that while it didn't do much to soften the concrete, simply having a blanket and pillow again was a wonderful feeling. It let her lie to herself and pretend that things were alright.

Then again…

Himiko cracked her eyes open and saw the cell phone lying on the chair several feet away, the cord running into the wall where she thankfully found a working socket. It was another small thing, but having her own - legal! - phone felt like she had a lifeline again.

Maybe things were finally turning around for her?

Deciding she should probably get up for the evening, she crawled out of the makeshift bed and smoothed out the wrinkles in her clothes. Carefully folding up the bedding and placing it back in the bag, she finally turned her attention to the phone.

1 new message.

Frowning, Himiko swiped the screen to unlock it, only to see a message from… Izuku? Opening it, she rolled her eyes.

"Of course they want to know when I'm up."

With a huff she typed out a reply, saying she had just woken up and was getting ready for the evening. Why did they care anyway? Ochako already said she'd need several days to recover from what she did to her.

Maybe they weren't as earnest as they'd have her believe.

Dropping her phone back on the chair, she began carefully hiding her things again, on the off-chance someone finally decided to come up here. She knew better than to let her guard down - the moment she did someone would come up here, and she'd lose the few things she still had.

She was partway through securing her space when her shoulders tensed. Seconds later she heard the telltale sound that informed her that Ochako was creating one of those portals. Guard up, she spun around to greet her guests.

"I thought you were going to leave me alone for a few days," Himiko said as soon as she saw Izuku and Ochako come through the portal. "Since she has to recover." She tilted her head toward Ochako, who still looked primarily gray-and-white, even if she saw traces of color on her cheeks and in her eyes.

"We were, but we've got good news!" Izuku said enthusiastically. "We've found you a place to stay!"

"What?!" Himiko exclaimed.

"Yeah!" Izuku said enthusiastically.

"He has been waiting all day to tell you," Ochako explained as the rift closed behind her. "He would not let his phone out of his sight as the sun went down."

Himiko opened and closed her mouth. Was Izuku for real? How has he managed to survive for as long as he did? As she thought about it that annoying sensation came back. Blinking, she felt a tear slowly working its way out of her eye.

"What did you do to me?" Himiko asked in annoyance as she swiped at her face to swat away the tears.

Ochako tilted her head as she looked at the vampire. "What do you mean?"

"These- these feelings!" Himiko said as she blinked, trying to keep the tears from returning. "I started feeling them after I drank your blood! And the cute blush marks on my cheek! You- your blood's doing something to me!"

"I do not understand," Ochako admitted. "My blood should be no different than a normal human."

"Well, it's not," Himiko grumbled as she sniffled. "I can smell the difference. It tasted sooo good but you could have warned me about the drawbacks!"

"But that does not explain why you are experiencing emotions," Ochako continued. "My body did not initially produce the chemical reactions that humans associate with feelings until recently. And even now those sensations are not consistent - right now they are dulled. I am just as perplexed by these feelings as you are."

"What does that even mean?!"

Izuku laughed nervously as he stepped between the two. He could already tell this was going to become a common occurrence. "Ochako's trying to say that she doesn't know how emotions work. She's…" He rubbed the back of his head. "...been trying to figure it out. But she's in the same situation as you - she shouldn't be feeling emotions."

"Great," Himiko sighed. "So that makes two of us."

"Are they really that bad?" Ochako tilted her head. "I had initially thought so as well, but Izuku had convinced me otherwise. As someone who used to have emotions, would you not wish to reclaim them?"

"Maybe if there was anything good to reclaim," Himiko grumbled. "You heard what I've been through last night."

"Then perhaps it is a good thing you are experiencing emotions again."

"Says you," Himiko said. "You're the one who is immortal here, and can afford weakness."

"And you aren't?" Izuku asked nervously. He flinched at the glare he received from the vampire, but continued onward. "I saw what Ochako did to you - no mortal could have survived that. Plus the legends…"

"Except I need blood to keep going!" Himiko countered. "Unlike her!"

"This body needs to be sustained as well," Ochako pointed out. "While it is true that I do not need a specialized substance, I still need food and rest to recover. And as you can see, it takes me significantly longer to repair my own body than it took you last night."

"Hmph," Himiko spun around to hide her face. Looking down at the bag partially sticking out of a hole in the wall that she had made, she felt the corner of her lips tugging upward. "You shouldn't reveal your weaknesses like that. Someone could take advantage of you."

"Would you, though?" Izuku asked.

"That's a stupid question," Himiko frowned as she spun around to face him. "If I was going to take advantage of you I could just lie and say no."

"But you're not denying it," Izuku gave her a shaky smile. "I think that tells us everything we need to know."

Himiko rolled her eyes at them. "Someday that positivity's gonna bite you in the ass, and I'm gonna have front-row seats to watch it happen."

"And I will be there to protect Izuku from anything biting him in the ass," Ochako said, her appearance giving her words a hint of menace. "He makes the world a better place by his mere existence."

Himiko gave the two a flat stare, ignoring the familiar pang of jealousy she was feeling. "Ugh. Get a room, you two."

"But we already have a private apartment?" Ochako tilted her head curiously.

"Ehe," Izuku whimpered out. "I'll… explain later," Izuku said awkwardly before he turned toward Himiko. "For what it's worth, I'm not immortal, and I think it's good you're feeling things. Emotions - they're what make us human."

Himiko felt a twisting in her stomach as she stared in awe at Izuku. Shaking her head to try and clear it, she let out a huff and crossed her arms. "I'll let you lecture me on feelings later. For now, they're not getting us any closer to finding the city's vampires."

"So what do you plan on doing tonight?" Izuku asked, changing the topic.

"Same thing I do every night," Himiko said. "Just with less hunting in the park before dawn." She quickly appended. "Going to walk around where there's a bunch of people and hope I pick up somebody's scent."

"Let us know if you find anything," Izuku said hopefully.

"I will," Himiko promised. "I'm not gonna break our deal."

"That's not what I meant!" Izuku protested.

"Right," Himiko said as she turned around and finished securing her things. Not because she felt a pang of guilt for doubting Izuku, but because she wanted to get going, she told herself. "And what will you two do?"

"My body still needs to recover so I will be resting with Izuku," Ochako explained. "He has high-calorie foods and distractions ready to go."

"Sounds lovely," Himiko said, jealousy laced in her words.

"Once you're settled in you can come over for movie nights," Izuku said. "If you want to just… pretend you're human for a night?"

Himiko felt a smile tugging at her lips as she remembered going out with friends a lifetime ago, seeing a movie and just forgetting about her parents' plans for her for a few hours. She thought she had forgotten those feelings, but Izuku had a way of unlocking the door and dragging them out. After everything that has happened since then, they felt almost nostalgic.

"Maybe I'll take you up on that."

After wishing Himiko luck and returning home, Izuku prepared a plate of treats while Ochako chose a movie and settled in on the couch. The two settled in with Ochako resting against Izuku's side, and despite her best efforts she quickly fell asleep.

With Ochako's cool form pressed against him and the noise of the television his only distraction, Izuku found his mind wandering. It's a habit he's noticed he's been doing a lot more often nowadays, although the cause was obvious. As his eyes traced along the still-gray skin of his girlfriend, he reviewed their brief conversation with Himiko from earlier.

Wait!

Izuku's eyes went wide as he looked at Ochako's gray skin.

How did he miss this before?

"Ochako," Izuku said softly, gently nudging his girlfriend.

"Sleepy," Ochako complained, burying her head deeper into Izuku's shoulder. "Want to rest more and let this body recover."

"This- this could be big!" Izuku said. "Well, big for you!"

"Okay," Ochako conceded with a small sigh as she pushed herself upright, her mocha-dotted eyes opening to stare sleepily at him. "What is it?"

"Your emotions are currently still dulled, right?"

"Yes," Ochako bobbed her head. "They have been steadily getting stronger throughout the day, but the sensation is still weak compared to when my body is healthy."

"And right now your body's currently still well… mostly monochrome," As if to emphasize his point Izuku examined her to take in her gray skin and dark hair.

"Where are you going with this?" Ochako asked curiously, tilting her head.

"Well… did you notice how Himiko looked?"

"She was extremely pale for a human, which makes sense considering she is technically an animated corpse."

"Except!" Izuku smiled brightly as he pointed to Ochako's cheeks. "Last night and tonight she had two permanent blush marks!"

"Are you implying that my blood had something to do with that?" Ochako said tiredly. "I already explained to Himiko that-"

"No!" Izuku held up his hands defensively. "It doesn't have to do with your blood." Izuku gestured between the two of them. "It has to do with us!"

"Us?" Ochako blinked. "I am sorry, I do not understand."

"You heard Himiko," Izuku said. "She hasn't really had a positive experience in years. Simply offering her a place to stay and a steady supply of food - she didn't know how to deal with that. And her constant talk about betrayal…" Izuku let out a sad sigh.

"So you think the blush is related to her feeling emotions?"

"Yeah!" Izuku said enthusiastically. "This may sound strange, but I think that somehow it's related to her well… connection to her emotions."

"That would make sense," Ochako said thoughtfully as she examined her hands. "I did not start feeling them until my body was fully formed, and then they dull based on me exerting my powers." She looked up to stare at Izuku. "But Himiko is a vampire, and completely different from me."

"But maybe it's some… er… common rule across species?" Izuku suggested helpfully. "Himiko was deathly pale until she started blushing - maybe over time her skin will look healthier as well? Maybe that's how it works for vampires?"

"Perhaps," Ochako nodded her head thoughtfully. "It is an interesting theory, but I am not sure how it helps us?"

"The Gemini Parasite," Izuku said. "It, well - it made its host black and white, right?"

Ochako paused, recalling the encounter. "Yes, it did."

"Well, it also made its host, well, monochrome. Didn't it?"

"You are right…" Ochako said thoughtfully. "Are you suggesting that we could expand our search for people suffering similar conditions?"

"Yeah!" Izuku bobbed his head. "I know it's not much, and we don't even know if it's correct, but it opens up another avenue to search!"

Smiling, Ochako adjusted herself so that she was on Izuku's lap and kissed him. "Thank you Izuku."

Izuku smiled at his girlfriend and wrapped his arms around her. "I'm just trying to figure out more about you. The rest was just a nice bonus."

Ochako raised her hand to trace her fingers along the side of his face. "I wish I was healed so that I could properly experience the feeling of love I have for you right now, but even the dulled sensation fills me with warmth."

"I'm glad," Izuku said as he wrapped his arms around his girlfriend and leaned in for another kiss. Her lips were cool and the raspberry taste was even stronger than usual, and he loved it. "I just hope it's still there when you're feeling better."

"It will, do not worry," Ochako said as she opened her eyes before she lowered her head to rest against Izuku's shoulder. "But now I just want to recover even quicker." She let out a soft sigh. "I would have been happy to spend all eternity not feeling the sensation known as impatience."

Izuku chuckled as he rubbed Ochako's back. "Mind if I change the show if you're going to just fall asleep again?"

"I do not mind," Ochako said as she raised her head. "You do make a wonderful pillow."

Izuku flushed as Ochako pushed herself off of him, quickly reaching forward to grab the remote before Ochako could see his cheeks heating up. As Ochako got comfortable leaning into him he switched to a superhero anime - one of the shows he had fallen behind on ever since Ochako had appeared in his life. Wrapping his arm around the woman, he pressed play before gently tossing the remote back onto the table.

Ochako was asleep before the opening was done playing.

As Izuku was winding down for the day, his phone rang.

Looking down at the number, he smiled as he picked it up. "Hey, Shoto."

"I'm surprised how easy the process of renting an apartment is," Shoto said on the phone. "I just had to sign some paperwork."

"Ehe," Izuku rubbed the back of his head. "So it's all done then?"

"Yes, I told them that you would be responsible for the apartment when I'm not there. They know who you are and said you can swing by the office to get the keys whenever you're ready."

"Great!" Izuku said as he went to shut down his computer. "Thank you so much for doing this."

"What are friends for?" Shoto said. "Even when they're not telling me everything."

Izuku paled. "Shoto-"

"I'm kidding," Shoto said. "Although I am still looking forward to an evening talking to Ochako when she's feeling better."

"Right," Izuku winced, quietly dreading that conversation. "I'll let you know when she's recovered."

"Thank you Izuku. Let me know when you want me to buy furniture."

"I'll ask Himiko," Izuku replied as he grabbed his bag. "But I really should get going - I want to get the keys before the office closes!"

"Of course, talk to you later Izuku."

"Bye Shoto!"

Standing up and stretching, Izuku began to hurry out of the building. He couldn't wait to tell everyone the good news!

That evening, Himiko wasn't surprised to see a message waiting for her. Curious as to what surprise was waiting for her today, she responded before getting ready for the evening.

Sure enough, a few minutes later Izuku and Ochako appeared. As soon as he stepped out of the rift Izuku held a key up.

"We got you an apartment! Well, my friend Shoto did…"

"What!? Already?" Himiko exclaimed

"Izuku is very determined when he puts his mind to something," Ochako explained. Tonight her hair was showing hints of brown, even if her skin was still a pale gray. "It is what makes him so special."

"I noticed," Himiko grumbled as she looked at the couple. With the way they acted, she was glad they got her a separate place - she wasn't sure she'd be able to survive dealing with them full-time.

"As soon as you are ready to move out of here we can show you your new place," Izuku said brightly.

Himiko looked down at the half-packed bedding and her oversized duffle bag that she had been living out of. Smiling, she looked at the couple. "Just give me a few minutes and I'll be ready!"

Ten minutes later, the three emerged into the living room of Izuku's apartment.

"So this is where you live huh?" Himiko said as she looked around the place.

"Yep!" Izuku said brightly. "Well, where Ochako and I live." He gestured toward the door. "Your place is just down the hall!"

"Lead the way," Himiko said.

Opening the door, the three entered the hallway and walked four doors down. Stopping in front of one of the doors, Izuku inserted the key he had been holding. With a click the lock turned and the door swung open. Stepping aside, Izuku indicated the place with a sweeping gesture.

"After you."

"Such a gentleman," Himiko giggled as she stepped inside. With her keen senses, she didn't need to turn the lights on, but for Izuku's (and Ochako's? Could she see in the dark?) sake she flicked them on.

"Sorry there's no furniture yet," Izuku said as he followed in behind her. "Shoto said he'd pay for it but we want to wait until Ochako's fully recover… Himiko? Are you okay?"

Himiko fought back tears as she looked around the apartment. It was small and modest, a single large empty room with a kitchen set off to one side with a small stove, a sink, and a refrigerator as well as an island to provide her with counter space. Off to one side she saw a small hallway with two doors - she spotted a bathroom behind one of the doors, but couldn't get a good view of the other one. Turning around she wrapped herself around Izuku. "This is more than I was expecting!"

Izuku let out a startled squeak as he suddenly found himself under attack by a vampire's hugs. "I- I'm glad."

Pulling away, Himiko ignored the spheres of light that were forming over Ochako's shoulders as she wrapped the eldritch woman in a hug. "You both-"

"As Izuku would say, we are just trying to do what is right," Ochako said. "Even if this is mutually beneficial for both of us."

"It is!" Himiko promised as she pulled away. "Or it will be!"

Pulling out his wallet, Izuku set 30,000 yen on the countertop. "I know you still have to wait for furniture, but hopefully this'll be enough to help you buy what you need. Since, well…" Izuku's eyes drifted over to the bags.

Staring at the money, Himiko felt the tears falling again. "This - I can't stand you guys! You- you keep making me cry!" She sobs out.

"Sorry," Izuku said sheepishly.

"We can leave you alone if you would prefer," Ochako said.

"Yeah," Himiko bit her lip, trying to get these annoying feelings under control. "I'll spend it wisely. Not needing food means it can last longer," She barked out a short laugh. "More for your girlfriend."

Izuku laughed nervously as he looked at Ochako, who tilted her head curiously at him. "Let us know if you need anything else."

"No," Himiko shook her head as she swatted at the tears. "You've done more than enough."

The two left quietly, leaving Himiko alone in silence. Once they were gone she stabbed herself with a sharpened nail to ensure she wasn't dreaming. After watching the wound close she dared to look around the apartment more thoroughly.

The bathroom didn't have a tub, much to her dismay, but the thought of having actual hot water again, for what limited sensation she felt, was exciting. The bedroom and living room both had a single window, which she frowned at - she'd have to get some thick cloth while she was out to hang over them to keep herself safe while she slept. There was a closet with shelves and rods for her to hang clothes from, and a couple of places she identified as potential places for her to create her own hidden storage area.

Returning to the living area she opened her bag and began sorting her things. While Izuku implied he could give her more money, she didn't want to rely too much on his good nature. Fortunately, one of the few useful skills her parents had given her, as much as she was loath to admit it, was the ability to budget money. Slowly separating her clothes and creating a shopping list for herself, she was startled by a knock at the door.

Her eyes narrowed. Was it a neighbor looking to greet her? Or were Izuku and Ochako back? Grabbing her knife and tucking it into the back of her pants, she approached the door. Peering through the eyehole, she saw a tall man with two-toned hair and what looked to be a burn scar on the left side of his face. Curious, she opened the door.

"Can I help-" Himiko started, before she froze when she caught his scent.

"You must be Izuku's friend. He wasn't answering his door and I wanted to make sure everything was alright," Shoto said as he stepped back and gave a polite bow. "Allow me to introduce myself-"

Himiko stepped back defensively, hand already on her knife. "Izuku didn't tell me you were a Magus!"

AN: And we're back!

Sorry for the delay - I had a plan for this arc involving Himiko, but then Shoto decided to get involved and messed everything up. But I've finally worked it out and the next few chapters are already written, so expect weekly updates for the next few weeks!