"Damn it!" Kioku could barely see through the hazy vapor that filled the room from the explosions of fire and ice. The other three were trapped but Dynamite had moved too fast. Hunching over, he scurried across the office, slowing as he neared the couch. Reaching out, his fingers brushed the stiff leather of the cushions. Sliding his hand down, he touched a shoe. Pulling the gun from his pocket, he worked his way up Midoriya's body until he touched thick curly hair. "Bakugou!" He yelled over the others trying to get loose from their icy traps. "Give up or I will kill your precious Izuku!" He cocked the gun, letting the loud click emphasize his statement. "Do you hear me? Bakugou? I have a gun pointed at his head!" Squinting he tried to see any movement. Todoroki came up behind him and motioned towards the panel door.

"I think he went into the corner."

"Make sure you trap him too. I need to wipe all their memories," Kioku pressed the muzzle to Izuku's head. "Bakugou? Are you really willing to risk his life?"

"He's too fucking important to you," Katsuki darted to the side and crouched behind the desk.

"Not if he's alone, I need All For One too. If he manages to escape because of this nonsense, then this one is of no use to me." Kioku tapped the barrel of the gun on his head. "Such a waste," he sighed loudly. "But he's probably going to die anyway, you should see how pale he is becoming. The longer you take, the less chance he'll live, even if I don't shoot him."

"Leave him here then," Katsuki pressed his back into the desk trying to see around the corner. "I'll let you go, take your helicopter and get the hell out of here, but leave everyone, including Shouto."

"B-B-Bakugou!" Arisu shivered violently from the cold that was seeping through her clothes now frozen to her skin. "You do not have that authority-"

"Oi! Shut up!" He growled fiercely. "You're fucking frozen to a wall, what the hell are you doing to help? I don't give a shit about him!"

"But his quirk! He can erase-"

"Dammit Bakugou, don't be stupid and listen to her!" Shouta snapped, he'd managed to free his head and was now struggling to lift his body out of the ice.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Katsuki raged loudly slamming his head back against the desk with a solid thud. "There's always some asshole ready to kill us! This shit never ends! So, why the hell not? If I can save Deku and Sho, all of you! I'll do anything!" He surged to his feet holding his hands in the air for the Minister to see him. "Leave us alone and get the hell out."

"Don't negotiate with him," Shouto leaned closer to Kezu. "If I ice him, his fire won't hold up."

"But what about you?" Kioku whispered fiercely. "You've been using your ice quite a bit. How far can you push yourself?"

"I still have my fire."

"And burn down the building? This is already out of hand and your father is on his way now." He licked his lips. "I've messaged my transport team, they'll have a helicopter to the roof soon. I'll erase their memories and you stay here with them." Clutching his arm, he hissed sharply. "No matter what happens do not let them get to us! We'll contact you later."

"Do you really believe he's still here?" Shouto chewed his lip, he didn't want to be separated so long from the doctor.

"He said he was," Kioku managed to keep a straight face. He was beginning to doubt the doctor was even in the building but at this point but he needed to escape. As long as Shouto thought he was rescuing the doctor then he'd keep everyone away. "Bakugou," he was standing with his hands in the air, watching them closely. "If you'll let me erase everyone's memory right now then I won't kill your sweet Midoriya."

"Don't listen to him!" Kiri tried to chop at the ice with his hardened hands but he couldn't move enough to gain any leverage.

"Shut it dumbass." Katsuki blocked out their voices. They didn't understand. All he needed right now was to get everyone out alive. His eyes settled on Shouto, a jolt of fear shook him to his core. He couldn't let anyone die. Selfish as it was, he couldn't go through that pain ever again. "You can erase everyone but me."

"Are you shitting me right now?!" Kiri tried rocking his body back and forth, any small movement to get free. "Man, tell me you're fucking joking!"

"Do I sound like I'm joking?" He growled at Kiri. "Kezu Kioku, do we have a deal?"

Glancing around the room, Kioku nodded. "Fine but I'm leaving Shouto's memories intact as well." He looked at Todoroki, he was actually afraid to try to reach into his mind, whatever power possessed him could possibly lash out at him. "I may need him just in case you decide to double cross me." He leveled a sharp gaze on him, "it sounds like you assume we'll meet again."

"Yeah, I think that's what's gonna happen, someday," Katsuki stepped around the desk. "Okay, that's fine. You can leave him as well. I'm not sure what's going on in his head anyway, maybe it's better you don't mess with him."

Glaring at him, Shouto sat on the arm of the couch placing his left hand on Izuku's head. "Stop moving around asshole. If you do anything, I'll light him up."

Sighing, Katsuki stopped and put his hands back up, surrendering. "I'm not doing anything Sho." He pointed at the others, "hurry the fuck up Kezu, you need to get out of here."

"My quirk is not usually a speedy process," Kioku walked to Kirishima first, his red eyes narrowed as he snarled at him. "You're the strongest and biggest threat, so let's start with you."

"Bastard, don't fucking touch me."

"Relax," Kioku reached out and laid a hand on his exposed cheek. "Your skin is so hard, like rock."

"Will that interfere?" Katsuki shifted forward, watching in fascination, "it won't hurt him, right?"

"Not usually," he focused on the large man in front of him. "Kirishima-"

"Don't you touch him," Nakama snarled roughly. She was trying to stay conscious. The cold had been so intense that she had almost drifted off, the blackness overwhelming her. "You're fired Bakugou, hear me! Fucking off the force!"

"Yeah? Tell me something I care about. You're gonna forget all this shit anyway."

"Fuuuuck!" Kiri closed his eyes as the Minister's warm fingers seemed to melt into his cold cheek.

"Do you remember when you came in?" Closing his eyes, Kioku quieted himself, studying the images flowing through his mind. "Todoroki and Bakugou were fighting but it was a misunderstanding. Everyone needs to focus on finding All For One, he's somewhere in the building. You need to bring him to me before he manages to get away."

"But Shouto," Kiri's mind opened up to the memories of the destroyed door and the ice filled hall. "He was chasing Bakugou and Izuku."

"He thought Dynamite was possessed and was kidnapping your friend." Dancing around his thoughts he dropped the new truths into his mind.

"There's a quirk you have-"

"I'm quirkless, always have been." He reformed his memories. "It's Uchiyama that has teamed up with All For One and Dr. Garaki. They were the ones that set up a lab and possessed your friends. They need to be arrested."

"Wait!" Todoroki snapped his head up, "what do mean possessed by the doctor? Why would he need to be arrested?"

"Stop," Katsuki spun on him. "Don't get in his way."

"If he says that, they'll go after the doctor," panic tightened in Shouto's chest. He had to protect him at all costs. Pushing off the couch, he started towards the Minister, "leave the doctor out of it, say something else." Bakugou jumped in front of him. Shouto dodged to his left but Katsuki matched his movement and held out his hand to stop him. Slapping his arm away, the heavy bracelet spun on his wrist. "Get out of my way," a wry smile twisted his features as he glanced at the jewelry. "Those don't give you nearly the same power, do they?"

Grunting, Katsuki stood his ground, "enough power to keep you away so he can finish. I don't give a shit what he says, as long as he leaves and everyone is alive."

"You don't really believe you can defeat me, do you? I'm more powerful than you and you know it." Shouto slid one foot back and took a fighting stance. "It won't take long to make you so cold your explosions will stop working."

"We both have our limits." Katsuki snagged his left hand, jerking it upwards. His long fingers were blistered red and black. "Looks like you're nearly finished too. Are we really going to do this? Push each other until we're dead?" Holding his breath, Katsuki waited, he could see him working through his options.

"I can't let him betray the doctor," he ripped his hand from his grasp. Suddenly Bakugou lunged at him, plowing into him so hard they both sprawled to the ground. Shouto gasped as he landed flat on his back, Bakugou on top of him. The air burst from his lungs.

"Sho! Come to your fucking senses!" Katsuki looped his thick legs around his waist, squeezing tight. His arm snaked around his neck pulling him into a guillotine choke hold.

"Get off me!" Shouto tried to suck in a lungful of air but his airway was crushed tight in his bicep. A slow burn ignited deep inside of him as heat flushed through the left side of his body.

"You damn two-toned brat! Just let him erase their memories!" Katsuki buried his head against his shoulder, holding him tight. "I can't lose you, I can't lose him, none of you! Fuck! Please!" He begged.

"I said, let go of me!" He could barely breathe through the chokehold. The fire was building faster now. "Don't care, just… just the doctor," he gritted out trying to break the hold. Suddenly his body burst into flames.

"See it now, Kirishima?" Kioku dropped his hand at the blank look in his eyes as Eijirou soaked in the new memories.

"Yes," he nodded. "Garaki and All For One are working with Uchiyama. We need to find them and arrest them." Kiri's voice was flat, almost monotone as he worked through the images in his head.

Hearing the two fighting behind him, Kioku leaned into Kirishima, his voice barely audible. "They've possessed Shouto too, he's in league now with the doctor."

"But I thought."

"Shhh, just listen."

The Minister's lilting voice settled into Kiri's mind. "Shouto works with All For One?"

"Who knows?" Kioku practically giggled. "Maybe even his father is working for the doctor? Uchiyama has taken Enji into the basement on several occasions." He warmed up to his expanding story, this would keep them occupied while he slipped away.

"No! Eijirou, don't listen to him!" Shouta seethed, trying to turn his head to make eye contact with Kezu, he couldn't budge. "Damn!" Rivulets of freezing water trickled through his clothes, the ice was melting, but not fast enough.

"I think you should be next, Captain." Kioku maneuvered behind him. "But I need to watch those eyes," he sneered. "If I recall, you have the ability to erase as well." Touching his forehead from behind, he flooded him with the same memory that he'd planted in Kirishima's mind. "See the images Aizawa, understand what really happened. All For One and Garaki are who you are after. Uchiyama has been trying to take over my position using the Pro Heroes. She's using Lida, Kaminari and now Enji and Shouto Todoroki to take control of the government. They need to be arrested. Then the doctor and All For One must be captured and turned over to my custody."

"Yes… yes," Shouta gasped at the flood of information.

"I will also need you to escort me to my helicopter safely so that I can consult the Prime Minister." Kioku smirked as he added more for his benefit.

"Shouta," Arisu begged, "don't listen." Her voice was getting weaker as the cold started to rob her of her consciousness again.

"Aizawa, do hear me?" Kioku's phone vibrated, pausing for a moment, he didn't want to remove his hands. Most likely it was his team advising that the helicopter was on its way. "Damn," he muttered, he needed to get to the roof quickly but he'd never pushed information into a person's mind at such a fast pace. "This may be a bit painful." Opening his mind, he dumped the new memories into his mind in one gush.

"AHHHH!" Shouta's scream erupted as blurred images thundered painfully through his head. "That - that hurts," he squeezed his eyes shut, a slow trickle of blood began dripping from his nose.

"I was afraid of that, you may experience more pain than the others." Kioku sighed, he had no choice, "I really don't like hurting people." His soft lilting voice was reassuring. "You might go unconscious, my apologies." Aizawa's face went slack as his eyes closed. "I was right," he patted his cheek. "Two down and now for my once obedient little servant." Turning he faced Nakama, plastered against the wall, her dark lashes fanning her cheeks. "You look so peaceful sleeping in your icy coffin," he cupped her chin firmly, her eyes fluttering open then closed again. "You're quite the trouble maker, aren't you?" He could see she was about to go under from the cold. "I'm sure you'll survive this," he clicked his tongue, "you're tougher than I expected. I really thought you'd resign in the first few months." Thinning his lips, he placed his hand on her cold face.

The sleep was inviting and warm, pulling her further down. Arisu started to let go, she was tired of being cold. A searing heat touched her face, opening her eyes, she tried to focus, blinking rapidly as Kezu came into view. His beady eyes peered at her haughtily. The warmth drifted away, replaced by endless cold. "N-N-No," her teeth chattered involuntarily, "so cold."

"Yes, your lips are turning blue but, Nakama, I need you to listen to me." Kioku slapped her face, her black eyes snapped back to him, she was awake now.

"No!" Arisu gasped as a murky blackness seeped into the Minister's eyes. His fingers on her cheek burned as if his very essence was burrowing into her skin, soaking into her pores. Like black tendrils they snaked up her face and started digging into her mind. Twisting weakly against the vice grip of the ice, she opened her mouth and wiggled her jaw, trying to dislodge his hand. He pinched harder, nails digging into her flesh.

"It's okay dear, I've done this to you before, you just didn't know what was happening. Let me in, you can't get away from me." He concentrated, finding the right place to insert his images.

"NO!" She let the anger consume her, like a false warmth it kept her awake. "Fuck you!" She spat out, her body shivering violently as she used the last of her strength.

"Uchiyama is the person that tricked everyone, using her position to release Garaki from prison so he could experiment on the destructive force that was All For One and One For All." A strange echo reverberated as Kioku tried to work into her mind, her memories vanished. "What's this?" His brow creased. "You're trickier than the others," he blasted the images into her mind. "I'm afraid this is going to hurt for you too."

"Nng," Arisu felt the searing pain lance through her head, her eyes rolled back as her brain shuddered within her skull. "H-Hurtsss!"

"Yes, I imagine it does," he sniffed. "Stop fighting, it wasn't this hard last time."

She could feel him plucking at her thoughts, as if patiently untangling a thread, following her memories along some unseen weave of fabric. A surge of nausea swept through her body as she drank in his very being, like a black sludge oozing into her body. She choked on the force of the reaction. Sucking in a breath, she swallowed against the rising bile.

"Nakama! I said stop!" Kioku struggled to find her memories, he dug his nails deeper into her skin, cutting into her flesh. Letting out a growl of frustration, he thrust himself deeper into her mind. A scene flashed before him, the image of all them bursting into his office, he smiled wide. "There! See! You came through the door and Todoroki hit you with ice. He's being controlled by the doctor and came to kill me. For our safety you need to evacuate all of the ministry staff since All For One is still loose on the campus." Her thoughts suddenly danced away from him, slipping just out of reach. Diving after them, he wound deeper into her mind. The image of Midoriya on the couch floated into her thoughts. "See?" Kioku licked his lips as he panted hard using all his strength, plucking an image of Shouto from her memory he put him next to Izuku. "Todoroki is killing our precious number one hero, One For All," he grunted fiercely. "He's dying right here by the hands of his friend."

Baring her teeth at him, Arisu snapped trying to bite his hand. She'd never experienced someone in her own mind, she'd only ever pushed out her own thoughts into others. My thoughts into him. Her body stiffened as waves of blackness poured into her. Would it work? She'd never tried to use her quirk as a weapon. Taking a deep breath, she felt the familiar warmth of her power spread through her body like fire flooding her veins. She concentrated on the image of Izuku on the couch, Shouto's hands on his throat. Midoriya's breath slowed as he gasped for air until his chest finally went still.

"That's it, you see him there, helpless and dying." Kioku shot his black tendrils into the new scene, creating the memory in her head.

As if from afar, Arisu circled around everything, watching how he was forming the memories. She studied Midoriya's face. "Not him," she breathed. Like a fierce forge blowing out white-hot flames she ignited her own quirk. "It's not Izuku," she focused on the body. The black ooze cracked and bubbled as she stripped it away and recreated every part of the image until slowly as the flames died down Kezu lay on the couch, mouth gaping as death settled on him. "You're the one who's under Shouto's hands."

"What?" His voice faltered as his grip loosened slightly, the vile blackness snaked back.

That was it! She focused on his dead body. "See there? On the couch is the body of Kezu Kioku." Expanding her mind, she waited as his blackness swirled around the image. The fiery furnace of her mind pulsed outward through the hand on her cheek, scorching a path into his mind. The pain and sorrow of news of his death, the headlines from the media, masses wearing black at the funeral. "Kezu Kioku will be missed," she hissed softly, continuing to make the memory of his death real in every way.

"S-Stop it," Kioku blinked, the blackness of his eyes faded at the edges as the echo of his death pinged through his mind. Her thoughts entwined tightly with his own, a tangled web so intricate he couldn't figure out which were his. He tried to focus on Midoriya's face but it morphed and changed until his own face showed. "Wait," he reeled back from her but the image continued to spin through his mind. Every thought she was pushing into him grew louder like an amplified feedback loop ringing painfully in his head. Kioku's eyes grew wide. "It can't be, it's not possible," he stammered but her grief was overwhelmingly real, mixed with his own black tendrils the new image seeped into his mind. "Is it true? I'm…I'm dead?" Tears formed in his eyes as the horror of his demise solidified into his memory.

Walking through the empty administration area, Enji heard yelling behind the second set of doors. Punching in the code on the keypad, he turned the handle slowly. A flash of fire blazed followed by a howl of pain.

"DAMMIT! Shouto, that fucking hurts!"

Recognizing Katsuki's voice, Enji opened the door further, both of them were on the floor. Bakugou had Shouto wrapped up in a bear hug despite the fact that flames were shooting out of his body. Swearing loudly, he rolled them both over trying to put out the flames that were spreading to his clothes. A soft whine to his right caught his attention, the Minister was standing completely focused on someone in front of him. Stepping into the room, he saw the others encased in ice. "What's going on here?" Shoving the Minister back, he fired his quirk and began heating the ice.

"Sh-shit!" Arisu dropped to her knees, the warmth prickling her skin painfully. "The Minister," she pulled herself up to her feet, "don't touch him." The sound of ice cracking filled the room as the other two fell from their traps.

"Endeavor, are you here to attack us too?" Shouta shook his arms trying to get the blood flowing through his body, he'd never been so cold in his life. "I never thought I'd have to fight a friend."

"No!" Arisu pushed her wet hair from her face, she grabbed Shouta and pulled him away from Todoroki. "Enji! Kezu messed with his mind. Don't listen to him."

A loud wailing sounded on the far side of the office. Spinning, Endeavor saw the Minister crawl to the couch where he stopped and began rocking himself. "What the hell is wrong with him?"

"If I'm right, he thinks he's dead. We need to subdue him without touching his skin and then-" A blast of flames flew up in her face. Throwing up her arms, she fell against the wall.

"Stop him!" Kiri lunged across the room and came down into Shouto's chest with his knees, his body completely engulfed in flames. Hardening his skin against the fire, Kiri drove his sharpened hand down aiming for his heart.

The flames from Shouto's quirk were searing through his clothes, burning everything on his body. Katsuki fired off his own quirk, the activation seemed to give him some protection from the scorching heat. His sparks suddenly exploded as they mingled with Shouto's fire, creating a fierce sheet of flame that shot across the room. "Damn," if his explosions were going to create an inferno, he needed to pull him further from Izuku. He couldn't risk the couch catching fire.

A heavy weight slammed down on top of both of them, crushing him. Twisting, Katsuki saw Kiri straddled over them, his arm raised to pierce Sho in the chest. Releasing his grip, he threw a quick punch into Kiri's bicep throwing off his aim, his knuckles splitting open against his stony skin. "Get the fuck off us, Eijirou!" He swung his leg up and hooked it around Kiri's stomach. Squeezing with every ounce of strength, he managed to snap him straight back over his heels, two bodies now caught in his vice grip.

"Arisu?" Shouta tried to move his legs, everything was still so numb he could barely move.

"It's okay," she gripped him harder. "Don't believe what's in your mind, trust me, can you do that?" He stared at her hesitantly, pain rippling through his head.

"We need to arrest Uchiyama and stop Shouto and his dad. The Minister, he needs to get to safety," he wobbled as fleeting images fought for a foothold in his mind.

"Fine," Arisu steadied him. "We can do that, arrest Uchiyama and make sure the Minister's safe. Just don't hurt anyone, especially Enji or Shouto." He jerked his hand back.

"No," Shouta shook his head, "we have to stop them both. If I can get close, I can neutralize their quirks."

"Okay," she glanced at the entwined bodies on the ground barely visible through the smoke. "Look" she pointed, "Bakugou and Kirishima have him subdued. Whatever we do, we don't hurt anyone. He's not doing this on purpose, he's been possessed in some way." Just like you. She clamped her mouth shut against that thought, no use getting him upset, he was clearly struggling with whatever Kezu had done to him.

"Kirishima!" Enji watched in horror as Kiri plunged his deadly hand directly at Shouto's chest. Bakugou managed to block him, his hand crashing harmlessly into the floor, tearing a gash into the carpet. Enji lurched forward and caught the red-head under his arms and jerked his body back hard, he didn't budge. Looking down, he could see he was caught in a leg hold. "Let go, Dynamite! I've got him." He twisted hard pulling back, his muscles flexing just as Bakugou let go, the unexpected release sent them both flying backwards. Kiri recovered first and slammed his elbow directly into Enji's neck, grinding down into his throat. Gasping as his throat collapsed, he smashed his first into Kiri's hardened face, flames burst out as he connected with his stony skin. The force of the blow knocked Kiri back, but he laughed as he somersaulted and stood.

"Why are you attacking me?" Kiri spit blood on the ground, his skin was hard but the power behind Todoroki's fists had managed to knock a tooth loose. "Is it true?" He narrowed his eyes, "are you working for All For One as well?"

"Me?" Enji growled, "you little shit." Charging, he crashed into him, their bodies hurtling through the open office door and colliding into the desk in the outer office. Kiri took the brunt of the blow, his rock-hard body shredding the furniture as splinters rained down on them. Moving quickly, Todoroki\\\\\ climbed on top of him, his giant legs pinning his arms underneath him.

"Endeavour!" He heard the guards shouting from the hallway. "Do you need help?"

"No! Stay out there." Staring down at the man underneath him, he clenched his jaw. "Fire doesn't work on you, does it?" He landed a solid blow to his chest, his knuckles scraping off of him but the force of his blow caught Kiri off-guard. "I can still knock your ass unconscious to keep you out of this fight."

"Hold it right there Todoroki," the cold metal of a gun barrel pressed into the back of his head. "Move off him now or I'll shoot."

"You won't kill me, Aizawa."

"I'll shoot you in the arm or the leg, that'll put you down."

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" He scowled, turning his head slightly. Aizawa pulled back the hammer with a loud click.

"I said don't fucking move. There's nothing wrong with me. I'm here to arrest everyone working against our country."

"Yeah, well me too, dumbass."

"Then why the fuck are trying to knock Kirishima out? I know you work for All For One."

"You too? Geez, I'm trying to keep this idiot from killing my son!"

"Get off of him, slowly," Shouta pursed his lips, "then get on your knees, hands behind your head."

"I'm already on my knees and you told me not to move."

"Todoroki, don't get smart with me, get off of him."

"Fine."

"Shouta!" Arisu stopped short, seeing him with his gun against Endeavor's head. "Would you stop! He's-" Another blast of heat singed her back, rolling sideways, she jumped to safety on the side of the couch. Ducking behind the small edge, she could see the carpet flare as flames began to spread quickly. "Dynamite!" She screamed. "You're gonna burn this place down!"

Swinging both arms around Shouto's neck, Katsuki tried to get him back into his guillotine hold, but he squirmed away. Hauling him back again, Shouto suddenly spun and slammed his forehead straight down onto his, their skulls crashing together. Stars flashed in his vision as a wave of nausea rolled through him. He fell back stunned. Shaking his head, he blinked several times trying to clear his vision.

"A little ice makes my head harder than yours for once," Shouto smirked, warming his forehead. He ran to the Minister, who was hunched over Midoriya on the couch, muttering nonsensically. Shoving him out of the way, Shouto pressed his fingers into Izuku's neck looking for a pulse.

"Is he, am I?" The Minister scurried back. His eyes were owl wide and completely black.

"Dead?" He pushed harder.

"Hands in the air!" Arisu popped up from the end of the couch and leveled her gun at Todoroki. Disregarding her, he bent over Izuku. "I said, hands in the air," she commanded.

Flicking her an annoyed glare, Shouto focused on Izuku again. "Nakama, the office is on fire. If I were you, I'd get out or you're going to get burned alive."

"Listen to her, Sho" Katsuki managed to pull himself to his feet, his head spinning from the force of the blow. "Take your hands off him."

"Why?" Shouto felt the weak pulse barely moving. "Are you afraid I might kill him?" A sudden warmth rushed up through his finger from Midoriya's neck. Glancing down, he tipped his head. Hadn't his skin just been cold? Firing his quirk softly he tried to cool his hand. A jolt of tingling heat blasted up his arm electrifying his body. Jerking away, he furrowed his brow. "What the hell was that?"

"Todoroki, I'm not kidding around, I'll shoot if you don't get away from him right now." Arisu could feel the heat of the flames now behind her.

"Don't fucking shoot him!" Katsuki pulled out his gun and pointed it at Nakama.

"Not again, you blonde shit, point that at him, not me!"

"And I said, don't shoot him!"

Chuckling Shouto cupped his hand around Izuku's neck and began to squeeze. "Now this is interesting, If I kill Midoriya, Nakama will kill me and you?" He raised one brow at Katsuki. "Are you going to shoot the wall?"

"Fuck you," Katsuki didn't take his eyes off Nakama. "He's right though Arisu, I've shot two people today by accident, friends. I don't want to do the same to you."

"Dynamite, not only are you fired but I'm arresting you after this." She hesitated, finally letting her gun down.

"Now get rid of it, don't get fancy, just toss it on the floor."

"And if he kills Izuku?" Arisu tipped her head.

Looking back at him, he clenched his jaw, "don't do it Sho, listen to me. You love that man as much as I do, as much as we love each other."

"Love?" Shaking his head, Shouto stared down at the helpless green-haired man under him. The jolt from earlier had left a hot numbness in his body. The blizzard in his head was blowing fiercely, the intensity of the storm growing. The flame flickered again, this time so low it barely burned. "The doctor," he looked back at Bakugou, "I need him, is that love?"

"Man, they've screwed up your brain so bad. C'mon! Can't you try a little fucking harder than that," Katsuki gave him an exasperated look. "Look at me, really think about it." A gunshot rang out from the outer office. Nakama spun startled and ran to the double doors. Seeing his chance, he came up behind her and shoved her into the other room, slamming the door shut. Aiming his gun, he shot the keypad, the bullet spraying fragments of metal and debris across the office. He stomped at the burning carpet, putting out the flames licking towards the couch.

"A decent shot up close?" Shouto laughed sarcastically. "Now what?" He looked at the Minister huddled in a ball, muttering and crying to himself. He sighed, "I guess it's time for me to leave."

"And go, where?"

"I'm not sure, but I know the doctor will contact me."

"You're fucking nuts Sho," Katsuki kept his gun pointed at him. "Would you take this seriously?"

"I am… in fact," Shouto smiled wickedly ignoring the increasing numbness in his body, a low humming started ringing in his ears. "I'll let you choose," he waved him closer. "Get right next to me, this way you can't miss. Choose Katsuki, me or him."

"What?" He flinched.

"If you don't kill me, then I'll end his life."

"Don't… fuck, don't do that."

"Well, I figure if I kill him, that ends this strange connection that I have with him. And you, he pushed that thought away. "Then I'll head out that hidden door and get away." He smiled slightly, "I'll let you go with me, if you want, sort of like a police escort."

"You will?"

"But he has to die," he shifted uncomfortably as the humming rang louder in his head. The flame burning in his mind was growing brighter, the light clear now through the storm.

"Why? Let's leave now, no one can stop us if we fight together." Katsuki heard the desperation in his voice.

Squeezing his eyes shut, the light was starting to become almost blinding. "No," Shouto pressed his hand down harder on Izuku's throat. "Get the fuck out of my mind," he snarled.

"What?" He lowered his gun, something was wrong.

"Nothing," Shouto shook his head, the storm raged harder. The light twisted and turned in the cold wind, the burning flame flickered and grew weak again. Taking a deep breath, he felt calm, the humming died away. Turning back to Katsuki, he smiled, a purple light lanced through his eyes. "You have to choose. And remember if you shoot me, better not miss or I'll kill him."

"Please," Katsuki begged. "What's wrong with you Sho?" Pounding on the door reverberated in the office, a black mark flashed across the wood.

"Here comes my dad," Shouto narrowed his eyes. "What's your choice? Me or him?"

Stepping closer, Katsuki pulled back the hammer of the gun, his hand shook. "Right now, you're not really Shouto, are you?" Tears spilled from his eyes. Pointing it directly at his head, his trembling finger found the trigger. "You know that I love you? Right, Sho?"

"More than him?"

"I need both of you."

"You can't have us both, so if you can't choose, I will." Shouto closed his hand around Izuku's throat, squeezing hard. A gasp came from Midoriya as his mouth popped open, he started to writhe under him. Squeezing his throat tightly, the metallic taste flooded his mouth as a blinding heat ripped through him.

"NO!" Katsuki screamed, squeezing his eyes shut as his arms absorbed the recoil of the gun, the smell of burnt gunpowder filled the air.

"Kat?" The word hung on his lips as the light in Shouto's mind exploded in a brilliant flash of white.

"Boots?" Ochako did a double take, he looked completely different.

"Officer Uraraka," he jumped up from his chair nervously, smoothing his freshly cut hair.

"Wow!" She beamed, "look at you."

"You look great." Kiri clapped him on the back.

"Thanks, I, uh, thought I'd clean up now that I'm able to visit her." He twisted his beanie in his hands.

"Did Mac come with you?"

"Nah, he decided to let me come alone today. He'll come next time, well," he blushed, "if he's allowed."

"Yes, of course, they want her to see people, maybe try to reconnect with some memories." Ochako laid a hand on his arm. "You do understand, she probably won't remember you?"

Nodding Boots smiled tightly, "you told me, but I still wanted to come."

"Let's go up, she's still in the secure wing." Taking the elevator to the private floor, Ochako checked them in with the guard and nurse. Pinning a visitor badge to his new shirt, they walked down the hallway to her room. "We'll take you in, she knows us now because we come to visit pretty often." Knocking, Ochako opened the door. "Suguta? It's Kiri and I."

"Ochako!" Ren sat up straight, tightening her sheet around her waist. She had on a vibrant blue top and someone had pulled her hair back into a braid.

"You look really nice," Ochako sat at the end of her bed, Kiri sat on the other side.

"Thanks for coming," she peeked past them at the man hovering in the doorway. "Is…Is that him?" She whispered apprehensively.

"It is, come on in Boots."

Shuffling in, Boots shoved his beanie in his pocket and smoothed his hair down again. "Hey, hi Candy, uh, I mean, Suguta."

Standing there at the foot of her bed, she watched as the slide show began to flip slowly through her mind. Like static images popping in one after another, one stopped. She recognized the face. "Boots?"

Ochako turned back startled, "you know him?"

"I - I think I do." Staring down at the crisp white sheet, she tried to see the slide that had stopped in her mind. "It's dark though, confusing. I can hear the sound of," she concentrated on the memory. "It sounds like trains?"

"Oh yeah! I found you in a train station." He chuckled, "you'd taken my favorite napping spot. It's one of the few areas not all lit up by the overhead lights."

"I remember," she nodded her head vigorously. "You gave me food." Her face broke in a wide smile at the memory. Tears seeped into the corners of her eyes. "I can remember you!" Giddily she patted the side of the bed. "Boots, Boots," she chanted his name, "sit down, Boots." Her body vibrated with happiness. "I can't remember anything, it's all gone, but you," she blushed, "you, I remember!" She grabbed his hands as he sat.

"Ah, Candy, I missed you." He laughed, tears wetting his own cheeks. "I was worried about you. Not sure if you remember Mac, but he was just as upset about everything."

"A shack, right? He lives in a little room?" She paused, "surrounded by monsters?"

Boots let out a loud laugh. "Not monsters, just junk. We both live there now. Been getting some odd jobs from the businesses in the area. The lumberyard even talked to me about doing some security." Lifting his foot, he showed his glossy red boots. "My old ones were past saving after all the walking in the rain. I found these at a thrift shop."

"They're gorgeous, I love them," she touched the thick leather. "Perfect for you."

Kiri glanced at Ochako and tipped his head to the door. "We'll be out in the corridor when you're done here." Moving out of the room, the two never even glanced at them. Ochako closed the door quietly.

"Wow."

"Yeah, wow." Bursting into tears, Ochako laid her head on his chest.

"I know, me too," Kiri hugged her.

"It's not bad, I'm happy, really," she sniffled into his jacket.

Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her hair tenderly. He stood quietly holding her, tears in his own eyes. "So much went wrong but seeing them together."

"And she remembered him."

"That was magical."

"It really was." Ochako sat down in one of the chairs that lined the hallway, Kiri sat next to her, kicking out his long legs. "Now what Eijirou?"

"Well, I'm definitely thinking about Nakama's offer."

"You said that the other day."

"You?"

"I am too, but I need some time." Ochako took a deep breath. "I need to process everything."

"It's been pretty crazy these last few months," he glanced at his watch. "We're doing the thing tonight with everyone?"

"Yeah," she nodded, letting out a deep sigh. "Izuku is finally out of his cast."

The door opened slightly and Boots popped his head out. "Would it be okay if we had lunch together? We're both hungry."

"Oh sure," Ochako jumped up, wiping at her eyes, "we can go get something to go."

"And why don't you two join us, we'd like that, Candy and I." Opening the door wider, he let them into the room to figure out what they wanted to eat.

"I don't see them," Shouto stood on his toes trying to scan the crowd, he hung their coats on the front rack.

"Dunce Head's here, we'll be spotted any-"

"Todoroki! Bakugou!" Both turned to see Kaminari waving excitedly from one of the back rooms.

"Like I said," Katsuki chuckled, taking Shouto's elbow as they wound their way through the restaurant to the private room.

"You made it!" Kiri grabbed them both in a hug as they stepped into the room.

"Hey guys," Ochako poured two beers and slid them down the long table. "Sit anywhere you like."

Grabbing both glasses, Katsuki scanned the room. Deku was talking with Tenya, a smile on his face, his green eyes twinkling. He glanced over at them and grinned wider. Tenya turned and waved.

"Follow me, I saved some seats," Denki worked his way to the big table.

"If I can get there," Katsuki tried to get through the throng. The room was fairly crowded, everyone from UA that could come was there. He couldn't move more than a foot without someone pounding his back or trying to shake his hands, which were filled with beer. Finally sitting down, he realized Shouto was still trapped by the door, Sero and Mina chatting with him.

"Did you lose your partner?" Denki twisted around to see Todoroki.

"He'll follow along soon enough." Eyeing his arm wrapped in the sling, he shifted uncomfortably, "I thought you'd be out of all that by now?"

Patting the thick blue fabric Denki shook his head, "almost, at home I'm out but when I'm in a crowd I wear it to keep from getting bumped."

"Sorry about that," Katsuki drank a large swallow of beer.

"Bakugou," he sighed, "you've apologized too many times and I've told you that I don't really remember anything that happened."

"Shouto's the same. Shit, still feel like crap that I shot you though."

"I know, I almost didn't wear this tonight because I knew you'd be bummed."

"Okay, now I'm really sorry." Spinning his glass, he laughed self-consciously, "I won't apologize again."

"I didn't realize you knew how to say sorry," Shouto slipped in the chair next to Kaminari and leaned over grabbing his beer, he winked at Kat.

"Hey Todoroki, good to see you. Oh! Funny! You guys look like twins," Denki laughed, pointing at them both. Both men's eyes glinted menacingly.

Running his hand self-consciously over his shortened spikes, Katsuki frowned. "Never mind that apology, Dunce Head. Stupid ass."

"What?! You do! Have you seen yourselves?"

"Every fucking day." He groused. Shouto began laughing, Katsuki glared at him, "what's so funny?"

"He's right," he laughed harder, running his hand over his own short hair. "I've been thinking that for a while now."

"See! Todoroki thinks so too!"

"He can, not you." Taking a drink of his beer, he side-eyed Shouto, who was bright red from laughing.

"Hey Shouto, how are you feeling?" Denki leaned on his good elbow and tapped his head. "Anything changed?"

"Pretty much normal." He shrugged, ignoring Kat's eyes on him, he had been hounding him since the hospital but there was nothing to tell him. "Seems like I escaped any real damage."

"I heard a rumor that you're joining Midoriya and Bakugou at their agency."

"Where the fuck did you hear that one?" Katsuki snapped.

"From Momo, she said Mina told her." Denki frowned, "it's not true? Damn, I was excited for you guys."

"It's true," Shouto dropped his gaze to his beer, smiling.

"Really?" He glanced at Bakugou and then back at Shouto. "That's amazing! I gotta tell Momo," he pushed back his chair and ran to the other side of the room.

"Well, so much for you moving over to our agency quietly," Katsuki saw Momo turn and look at him, eyebrows raised. He lifted his beer. "I like her new haircut."

Looking up, Shouto nodded, "I never thought she'd cut off her ponytail, but your right, short hair looks really good on her." Suppressing a laugh, he patted Katsuki's newly sprouting spikes, "almost as good looking as you." Kat gave him a dark look. "Sorry, I couldn't resist."

"I never realized someone else's fire could burn like that, I would've been more careful," he coughed and downed the end of his beer. He eyed him, Sho's own short silky locks were brushed back, one strand had fallen over his forehead enticingly.

Laughing Shouto, ruffled his hair. "Well, if we're comparing, I think you look a lot better than me. I just look like a clean-cut office worker. Not you… you look really sexy," he slid over into Denki's abandoned seat and bumped his shoulder playfully.

"Yeah?" A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Hey guys," Izuku sat down and poured himself a beer from a pitcher that was moving past them. "What did you think of the new office space?"

"I liked it, Izuku, it's definitely better than the last one we looked at, it's more centrally located."

"Best part is the garage," Katsuki winked. "I need a place for my new car."

"So, you really bought a car?" Ochako sat across from them and pushed several shot glasses towards them. They all stared at the alcohol. "Just one shot!"

Picking up his glass Izuku bit his lip, smiling, "you've changed Ochako." He let the alcohol burn its way down his throat.

"It was about time," she drank from her own glass. "Wait! Is that good or bad?"

"Definitely good," Izuku grinned.

"Thanks," she leaned on her elbows. "I heard the big news, the three of you are back together?"

"What the hell, how did everyone find out?"

"Oh right," Ochako rolled her eyes, "like you're getting anything past this group right now. We're all into each other's business these days."

"How about you?" Shouto sipped his sake.

"I decided to work with Dragoon again for a little while until I decide what I want to do," she swirled the cloudy alcohol. "Nakama asked me to come work with her at NPL headquarters."

"Really?" Shouto sat back studying her face, she was trying to stay stoic, but he could tell she was excited. "That would be a great opportunity for you." A blush raced up into her cheeks. "Are you thinking long term?" Shrugging she sipped her drink.

"Going political on us?" Katsuki barked, "well don't forget us peons out here once you get high on the government ladder, both you and Lida will be running the country in about twenty years."

"Talking about me?" Tenya sat next to Ochako and pointed to her drink, "do you have any more of that?"

"Sure," she grabbed another bottle and poured him a glass.

Lifting it, he touched her glass with his, "to those of us who will be running the country." Sighing, he pushed up his glasses and drank, "and keeping it safe from people like Kezu Kioku."

"They handed down the verdict yesterday." Izuku pulled out his phone, "guilty, but since he's not completely aware of his situation, they managed to get the insanity plea."

"Well, he deserved what he got," Katsuki grumbled. "After screwing with who knows how many minds, his got twisted into his own quirk."

"Nakama said she had really bad headaches for about a month," Ochako grimaced.

"At least you'll be on her team now." Tenya elbowed her gently, "you can keep an eye on her."

"I'm not sure, I know you want to keep working at the ministry Tenya, but I'm still deciding. She gave me time to think about it."

"So, you decided not to work with Nakama after all?" Kiri reached between her and Lida for a beer. She glanced down into her drink, cheeks still blazing red.

"I don't know, same status as yesterday." She peeked up at him, "what about you?"

"Wait!" Tenya spun back looking up at Kiri, his red eyes sparkling mischievously. "You're joining Nakama too?!"

"Hell yes!" Kiri rocked back on his heels smiling. "She offered all of us jobs, well everyone but him." He tipped his head towards Bakugou. "I think she fired him, unofficially."

"Worst decision she made," Katsuki clicked his tongue. "Hell, Sho and I cracked the entire case."

"As if." Ochako rolled her eyes.

"Sho?" Izuku quipped playfully.

"Can it, Deku."

"Just having some fun." He loved that Kacchan was sensitive about his relationship with Shouto, he finally had something to tease him about.

"Speaking of which," Shouto lifted his glass, "since everyone seems to know everything anyway, a toast to us, we signed a lease on an apartment together."

"You...you're living together?" Kiri sat down hard. "I thought you were worried about, well, you know about coming out."

"I was worried about the police force but these past three months," he smiled wistfully, "everyone's been so supportive. We figured it didn't really matter, maybe us being out might help change some laws in our country."

"I'll be the first to push those through," Tenya grinned.

"Not sure how that has anything to do with the defense ministry."

"Katsuki, I'll be rubbing elbows with all of our country's leaders, the right words in the right ears can mean a lot."

"I suppose," he mumbled, taking a drink of his beer, hiding his smile. They'd debated heavily over the last few months about coming out about their relationship. Everyone knew. Even though Deku was aware, they'd told him first, officially. Since they were all working together it made sense. He'd been thrilled for them. It was nice having their friends so supportive.

"Are Momo and Denki joining Nakama as well?"

"No," Ochako looked up at the two chatting on the other side of the room. "I heard Aizawa is starting up his agency again and invited them both to join him. Not sure if they will, but that could be a strong group."

"I feel like the world just stopped existing for six months," Kiri tipped his beer and sucked it down. Wiping his mouth, he took a deep breath. "I've been saying this to everyone, but I'm serious. I don't care where you are, what time it is or who you're fighting, if any of you need my help, I'll always be there for you."

"Shit Kiri, making us all sappy, we're trying to celebrate," leaning back, Katsuki cocked a brow. "Me too Red, same goes for me."

"All of us," Tenya glanced around the room, "losing you Izuku, it was more painful than any of us imagined. It's brought us back together again, I feel so much closer. Over the past ten years I felt like we'd drifted apart, except for the occasional jobs we'd work with each other."

"It's true, like tonight," Ochako wrapped her arm around Tenya and laid her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad so many could make it, I hope it doesn't stop."

"It won't," he kissed her forehead.

"How's your quirks Izuku?" Kiri grabbed some peanuts and threw them into his mouth. "Bakugou was telling me you can use a few of them again?"

"Yeah, I've been relegated to office hunting while these two do the real work, but these past two weeks I've got a few powers back. I'm hoping everything will be good by the time we move."

"How's your dad by the way Todoroki?"

"Happy," Shouto shot Tenya a quick smile, "he's back to Pro Hero work, which he loves."

"Did he sell his business?"

"No, he hired someone to manage it that likes finances more than he does, he's also still on the board of Base One. Turns out it was a legitimate business. Kezu had created it through a shell corporation to fund some of his personal projects. It was complicated but it pointed back to Yusa and Akio, who were working for him. They both disappeared that same day.

"Didn't Akio kill your appraiser?"

"He did, fucking found him stuffed in a mattress up north," Katsuki groused. "I'm still angry that we couldn't go after him, that might've saved his life."

"Poor guy," Tenya shook his head.

"Let's drink to him," Ochako held up the bottle of sake.

"You said only one!" Izuku yanked his glass back, "I've got work tomorrow."

"Oh, c'mon Midoriya," she huffed, "you can handle one more."

"If he doesn't want one, leave him alone," Katsuki pushed his glass under the bottle. "I'll have another one though."

"You're so protective Bakugou."

Glancing at Deku, Katsuki grimaced, he really was being overprotective. Ever since the day he'd seen him slumped against the wall in the vault, he'd hovered over him like fucking mother hen. "I know," he drank the shot of sake, "but then again, I never thought I'd see him again."

"Thanks, Kacchan," jumping up Izuku gave him a quick hug. "Actually, I need to talk to Kaminari, he had some ideas around a new system for our agency that sounded really advanced. Don't leave without saying goodbye."

"Leave!?" Kiri yelled, "no one's leaving tonight."

"Speaking of which, I'm fucking hungry, who's in charge of food?"

"I am!" Tenya scooted back his chair and headed to the door, "I'll get the server."

"So," Ochako tapped her glass on the table, "is he really doing okay?"

Shouto raised his brows and shrugged, "you know Midoriya, won't talk much, puts a smile on his face all the time but he is getting his powers back, slowly."

"Too fucking slow," Katsuki mumbled. "Whatever happens to him though, we figure it's affecting All For One too."

"And you?" Ochako reached across the table and squeezed Todoroki's hand. "How are you?"

Clicking his tongue Katsuki looked at Shouto, he had been asking that damn question for the last three months, the answer was always the same.

"I'm fine, I can't remember much," he saw Denki showing Izuku something on his phone. "I guess Denki and Tenya are having a lot of weird dreams," he frowned, "for me, it's nothing. A blank canvas that fills in every now and then with fragments of memory."

"No thoughts of Garaki or All For One?"

Taking a deep breath Shouto had tried to verbalize what ran through his mind on a number of occasions, but it was hard to explain. He knew Kat was frustrated that he couldn't say more. "I can't really put it in words."

"Try," Ochako prodded.

"Why? Is it important?"

"We think so," Ochako glanced at Kiri. "Mentally we all took a beating one way or another. You were hit worse." She frowned, "you were in a coma for almost two weeks."

"Believe me Ochako, I've tried to figure out what's happening in my mind."

"I know," she sighed. "It's just that, we were all talking and at some point, we are going to run into those bastards again and if that asshole Garaki or All For One still have any type of hold on the three of you, that could be bad news for us." She nodded towards Katsuki. "Your partners deserve to know they can trust you in any situation."

Shouto turned to Katsuki, "Do you trust me?"

"Yeah, I do," he answered without hesitation.

"In any situation though? Against Garaki and All For One?"

Dragging his lower lip through his teeth, Katsuki looked away, "I guess we'll find out if we ever get there."

"I'm… I'm not sure what to say," Shouto looked between the three of them. "I don't feel the same compelling desire to protect him, but I admit, when I wake up, sometimes I feel," he paused trying to think of the right words. "I guess it's almost like a sense of loss. I wake up wondering what's wrong, I go through everything in my mind and there's nothing obvious, but I can sense a disconnect."

"Really?" Katsuki grabbed his hand. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Because of that reaction," Shouto sighed, bumping his shoulder. "I know you're worried, all of you are, and you're right Ochako, for the sake of everyone we need to make sure nothing could compromise us again."

"I already talked to Tenya and Denki, they said something similar, but they feel like the hold has lessened with time."

"Maybe somehow you're linked to Midoriya and All For One," Kiri mused. "As their quirks return, you'll be free completely."

"That's what Dr. Chito theorized," Shouto thinned his lips. "Look, I appreciate the concern and if anything changes drastically, I'll make sure everyone knows."

"We'll find out, even if you don't tell us," Ochako shot her drink and giggled, wiping her mouth dramatically.

"Fucking extras," Katsuki narrowed his eyes, "back to being annoying."

Clearing away the empty bottles, Kiri laughed, "the way it should be Bakugou." He pointed to the doors of the room. "Lida's coming with food, let's eat. I'm starving."

"Deku?" Katsuki trotted up the stairs of their new office. "Nerd!" He heard a muffled holler from the far office. Striding down the short hallway he pushed open the door. "You here?"

"Yep!" Izuku's head popped up from behind his desk. He was sweating and his green hair was plastered to his face.

"I thought you were all moved in?" He glanced around the office. Books and figurines cluttered the shelves and bookcase. A huge poster of All Might hung prominently on the wall behind him.

"I am but," his pale freckled face turned bright red. "I'm organizing."

Walking to the desk, Katsuki peered over at piles of papers and magazines stacked on the floor.

"What's all that?"

"My mom," Izuku grumbled.

Giving him a curious look, Katsuki laughed. "Why's your mom giving you all this shit?" The Nerd rubbed the back of his neck, blushing a deeper crimson.

"She'd been going through my stuff after," he sighed. "Well, she thought I was gone and started packing up my stuff. That's when she found this," he gestured to the mess. "My hidden stash," he fell back in his chair.

"Hidden stash?"

"Yeah," he groaned, "all the stuff I've written and collected over the years about Pro Heroes."

Spying a magazine with a picture of Deku on the front cover, Katsuki smiled wryly. "Including yourself." Looking up, he was now lit up like a Christmas tree. "Get any redder and you're going to set on fire." Popping off a spark, he winked, "maybe a new quirk?"

"As if," he snorted. "Aren't you and Sho going somewhere?"

"Kat?" Shouto's voice echoed from down the hall.

"In here!" He called back. "Yeah, we came by to pick up the car." Shouto strolled into the office.

"Hey Izuku, what're you doing here on a Saturday?"

"Just organizing," he sighed audibly.

"Well, I'd offer to help, but we need to hit the road."

"No problem," Izuku waved at him. "I can do this on my own. I hope you have a good time. Oh!" Shuffling around on his desk he found a small pamphlet and handed it to Kacchan.

"What's this"

"I had it from when I went to Kyoto with my mom years ago." He thumbed over his shoulder, "something good to come out of this junk. I thought the two of you could use it to figure out what sights to see if you haven't already done that."

"Thanks," Katsuki cocked a brow at Sho and handed him the pamphlet. "For when we go sight-seeing." Chuckling Shouto opened the flier and looked at the different photographs.

"I recommend the Shinto Shrine, it's right at the bottom of Mt. Inari."

"Thanks," Shouto bit his lip, folding the paper and pushing it into his pocket. "If we have time, we'll go there."

"Time?" Izuku furrowed his brow, "you're going for three days." He laughed, "what else are you going to do?" Green eyes flicked between his two friends, he blushed. "Um, never mind. I don't wanna know," he sat back, crossing his arms.

"Yeah," Katsuki grinned, "you don't."

Well, we're outta here," Shouto waved at Izuku. "Remember, no wild parties, fires or general mayhem while we're gone," laughing as he pulled Kat out of the office. Slamming the door shut to Izuku's mumbling, he threw his arm over Katsuki's shoulders. "The car is packed up, are you driving?"

"What kind of question is that?"

"A normal one. We could take turns."

Tossing the fob in the air, Katsuki snorted as he went to catch it again. "I'm driving the whole way." Sho's hand darted out and grabbed the key.

"Unless, I'm faster." Breaking out in a run, he raced down the stairs to the garage. "First one to the car gets to drive."

"You brat!" Racing after him, Katsuki jumped the entire flight of stairs catching him at the bottom. Swinging him around, he tried to wrestle the fob from his hand. Shouto burst out laughing as he sagged against him. Smiling he leaned into him, inhaling his subtle cologne. "You smell good."

"Do I?" Letting go of his hand, he wrapped him up and gave him a kiss.

"Okay," Shouto dropped the fob into his hand. "You win, you can drive."

"You're so easy," swatting his ass, Katsuki unlocked the car.

"Is that a problem?"

Laughing, Katsuki shook his head as they climbed into the car, "no, it isn't."

"All right then," Shouto chuckled, buckling his seat belt. "I guess all you need to do now is choose."

"What?" Katsuki jerked back, staring at him. Sho looked at him quizzically. "You want me to do what?" Chills swept across his body.

"Choose," he gave him a sultry smile. "Is that too hard for you?"

"Choose what?" He rasped as memories of Shouto choking the nerd flooded his mind.

"I'll let you choose… Me or him"

"Hey," Shouto gripped his arm, his face had gone pale, a sweat broke out along his forehead. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Katsuki leaned his forehead on the steering wheel. "It's just-" he stopped.

"Oh," Shouto dropped his hand. "What are you remembering?" Frustration mounted, he knew, it was something from that day. "I hate not knowing."

"I'm glad you don't." Katsuki sucked in a breath and turned to look at him. "You're beautiful," he smiled, his red and blue eyes blazing. Reaching out, he ran his fingers through his short silky strands. "I love you." Sho's face softened, grabbing his hand, he brushed his lips across his knuckles.

"I love you too." He tipped his head, "not going to tell me, are you?"

"What did you want me to choose?" Changing the subject, he gave him an apologetic smile. He would never tell him, that was the only way. He could never tell either of them. Letting the image of Shouto sitting there kissing his hand erase the memories clouding his mind, he focused on him.

Thinning his lips, he knew by the look on Kat's face that he wasn't ready to tell him yet. Shouto decided to let it go, for today. "I just wanted you to decide who's buying dinner tonight." The incredulous look on his face made him chuckle. "Alright then, I'll choose. I want-" Kat lunged across the center console, kissing him, a desperate, almost pleading kiss.

"Sho, there's only one thing I want anymore," he paused, looking into his eyes. "I want to eat dinner with you for the rest of my life. I don't care who pays, just be by my side, from now on. Can we do that?"

His eyes were shining desperately, like a little kid hoping he was loved. Shouto smiled softly. "Yeah, we can do that," kissing him back, he mused. "You've been so emotional lately."

"Is that bad?" Katsuki mumbled, starting to push away.

"Stay here," he hugged him. "I kinda like it." Chuckling as Kat clicked his tongue, but he didn't move, instead he buried his face into his chest.

Shouto had grown quiet just holding him, Katsuki turned, pressing his ear to his chest. His heart beating was the only sound he could hear, closing his eyes he listened to the most beautiful sound in the world. Shouto was alive. "I guess we should get going," he finally pulled back, his voice thick with emotion.

"Are you okay to drive?"

"What?" A blonde brow arched, "sensitive doesn't mean I can't fucking drive." Sliding his glasses on, he took a deep breath and started the car.

Laughing Shouto pulled a bag from the back seat. "I packed some food for us to snack on, maybe we could just skip dinner."

"Ha! As if, it's obvious you want me to pay." Pulling out of the garage, Katsuki merged into traffic. He felt better than he had in the last few months. This is what he needed, they both needed. Time alone.

"Pfft!" Shouto laughed, "you're so full of yourself."

"Am I?" Katsuki pulled down his glasses and winked, "you sure about that?" Shouto's face lit up, he turned to hide his blush. "See," he looked back at the road. "It's obvious, you want me Icy-Hot, my two-toned sweet little brat."

"Little?"

"Well," Katsuki glanced down at his lap, "maybe not that little."

"You shit," Shouto hit his arm. A burst of desire welled through his body. "How long is the drive?"

Laughing louder Katsuki pointed ahead, "there's a hotel, should we stop? Start the vacation early?"

"No, shut up and keep driving."

"Whatever you say Sho, your wish is my command for the next five days."

"I only have one command."

"What's that?"

"Don't stop loving me."

"That one's easy Sho, too fucking easy."