Chapter Thirty-Six
~Kana's POV~
The knocking on her door startled Kana into motion. To be honest Kana had simply been sitting at her desk after her shower, simply watching anime as time ticked past. She knew she shouldn't have been wasting time as Parents Day was today and her siblings were going to be arriving soon but she honestly couldn't help it. Anime was life!
"Don't come in I'm naked!" Kana yelled as she scrambled to get to her closet. She ripped off the towel on her head to allow her wet hair to breathe as she yanked out a random shirt.
"I'm sure it's nothing I haven't seen before." Kira's voice called. Kana paused as she poked her head out of the closet.
"Kira?"
"Yes?" The response came as if Kira was doubting her name. Kana walked over to the door and opened it enough to poke her head through. Kira was dressed in ripped jeans and a faded graphic tee with what looked like a pair of Converse that Kana had left behind at the Ugly House. "Hi, wow you really are naked huh?"
"Get in here!" Kana squeaked as she pulled Kira into her room. Kira chuckled as she entered the room. "I was just finding something to wear. It's taking me forever."
"You were watching anime again weren't you?" Kira asked as she plopped down on Kana's bed. Kana sputtered.
"I was… okay yes fine I was. I am so close to finishing the season. It's the only time I've been able to watch all week."
"Don't you go to bed at 3am?" Kira asked as she pulled one of Kana's textbooks to her before she threw it aside and grabbed one of the BL manga that Kana had lying around. Kana quickly removed her towel and started to get dressed in comfy sweats and a random shirt.
"Well I actually stayed up until 2am this morning. I managed to get three hours of sleep before I showered." Kana admitted. Kira clicked her tongue is disapproval.
"Are you sure you don't want to tell Shina what's going on?" Kana slowed down as she tossed her towel into her hamper thinking her strategy over again. "She may have some advice on your PTSD."
"I don't have PTSD." Kana denied. Kira glanced at her, blankly. Kana fidgeted. "I don't." Kana sat down harder than she intended on her desk chair. She winced slightly as she felt something in her thigh pinch.
"You can lie to yourself and your minions, but you can't lie to me." Kana rolled her eyes at Kira's sing song voice.
"I don't have minions." Kira snorted as she put the manga aside.
"I didn't get that impression when I was coming up here. A lot of boys were calling out thinking I was you." Kana sighed. She didn't hold this against any of the 1A boys as she and Kira were the same height of 5'2 with dark hair. In the right light Kira's red streak could be mistaken for pink as the red streak had faded some. Upon closer inspection though it became evident that Kira and Kana were different people. "They sounded concerned that you were heading back up to your room without saying anything."
"To be fair I haven't been very sociable the last week." Kana grumbled, thinking back over the past week. She hadn't talked much as she'd been struggling to stay awake for class and training. Any energy she had was saved for eating or doing basic tasks before she struggled to sleep. "If I say I'll think about it will you let it go?" Kana murmured as she saw Kira's mouth open to probably tell her she wasn't being 'healthy' about her coping mechanism.
"Alright." Kira allowed. She clapped her hands together before she stood up. "While I know hiding and sleeping feels good, we need to have a talk with Shina." Kana frowned.
"Why? I'm comfortable here. And I thought you said we weren't going to talk to Shina about my issues?" Kira nodded before she looked out Kana's balcony window.
"And we won't but we need to talk to her about something else. Something that came up this morning that I… can't tell you." Kira admitted slowly. Kana frowned at that.
"Can't tell me what?"
"I really can't say." Kira stated. Kana didn't like how automatic that had sounded coming from Kira. It almost reminded her of Kira's 'mission report' voice. Kira looked at Kana with her red and black eyes. "Trust me, if I could I would tell you but I'm afraid I don't have all the information on this. It's better if Shina tells you."
"Okay." Kana nodded as she got up. "We can go see her now. It'll probably take a while for us to find her. I'm sure a lot of students family have arrived." Kira nodded as a large smile spread across her face.
"Don't worry, we'll find them easily." Kira grabbed Kana's arm and pulled her to the front door.
"Can I put my shoes on first?" Kana yelped.
"I'll grab it!" Kira giggled.
"I don't like how happy you are to go back outside." Kana confessed as Kira threw open the door and put Kana in front of her so they were facing each other.
"Trust me, this way is faster. All you have to do is not scream." Kana blinked at Kira.
"Eh!"
"Shoto! Now!" Kana glanced behind her as a sudden rush of cold air slammed into her backside. A large icy blue half pipe formed behind her. Shoto stood at the end of the hall with the stairway opened. In an instant Kana realized what happened just as Kira shoved Kana backwards into the tunnel slide.
"KIRAAAA! I HATE YOUUU!" Kana screamed. She didn't try to grab onto the ice as she was afraid that her nails would come off, or worse, she'd get freezer burn.
"No you don't!" Kira's voice called after her. Kana screeched as the tunnel suddenly curved downwards like she was sliding down the stairs. The ice tunnel brightened when she was back in sunlight before Kana screamed again as the tunnel looped upwards before sharply going down. The slide finally opened up into direct sunlight as Kana shot out of the slide. Kana gasped as her butt went from ice cold to wet and slightly muddy. Kana gasped and panted as she took stock of her new surroundings.
"Wow you really made an entrance huh?" Kana looked up to see James and Kai standing to the side, smirking at her. Shina was looking behind Kana to what was probably the slide before she looked at Kana.
"I call dibs on being next." Kana weakly groaned as she fell backwards to look up at the sky.
"I hated that." Kana's racing heart and adrenaline-fueled smile belied this statement. James and Kai helped Kana up onto her feet a few seconds later and helped her warmup by handing her a blanket. The ice slide had melted by this point letting Kana know that Shoto had no need for the slide any more.
"I'm assuming that Kira planned this out?" Kana asked as Shina handed her a bottle of water.
"Yeah she said she wanted to cheer you up." James stated.
"Only because the furry said you weren't feeling too good lately." Shina ratted him out.
"I never said that!" James half-shouted at Shina who gave him an unimpressed look.
"He may have implied this." Kai admitted to Kana.
"Betrayal!" James gasped, staring at Kai. "Of the highest level."
"Calm down boys, or go have your argument elsewhere. I need to talk to Kana." Shina shooed the boys away. They didn't go far though, maybe only 10 feet away as Kira had come out with Yuto and some snacks from inside the dorm. Kira nodded at Kana's glare and gave a thumbs up before she started chatting with Yuto and James. Kana looked at Shina.
"I'm not liking all the secrecy that everyone is implying on you and I needing to talk." Kana admitted. Shina tilted her head in acknowledgement.
"Yeah I can understand that and I'm sorry about that."
"So why do you look like that?" Shina frowned at her.
"Like what?"
"Like someone just ran over your kitten?" Kana frowned. "If you need to tell me something just tell me. I don't like how you guys are tippy toeing around this sudden need to talk." Shina looked at the ground, her fingers were nervously pulling up grass and ripping them in half.
"I'm not sure how to tell you this except to say that I have some bad news for you." Kana's frown deepened as she looked around making sure no one was listening to their conversation.
"Is it the entitled, traumatized freeloaders?" Kana hinted at the LOV. Shina snorted.
"I wish. No, it's something that grandma made me aware of this morning." Kana nodded slowly thinking about her grandmother's health. Had her grandmother fallen? Or gotten sick? Did she need money? Money was easy to offer but sickness wasn't something so easy to brush off. Given how old she was, Kana wasn't going to count that out. Instead of voicing the many possibilities, Kana instead asked,
"What could possibly be so bad?" That was a dumb thing to ask and she knew it. There was always something worse. This was noted as Shina let out a heavy sigh and met Kana's eyes. For once, her golden eyes were dim.
"…Your father promised you in marriage to one of his jail buddies sons." Shina's face twisted as Kana blinked at her. "You're… engaged to be married in the old ways in four days." The silence was echoed in Kana's head as she processed what she'd just been told.
"…"
"…"
"I-I'm sorry." Kana's voice came out half strangled. "Did you just say I'm ENGAGED?!" Shina flinched. Kana started to sputter incoherently as her brain refused to comprehend this new information. It wasn't long before she effectively shut down from information overload.
~James POV~
James had been shamelessly eavesdropping on Shina and Kana's conversation as he wasn't sure what the subject was about. Shina had refused to tell him even though she'd let him know that Kai and Kira already knew. James had wanted to know but Shina refused to tell him until she'd told Kana that something had happened with her father. The big reveal that had just gone down had James whipping his head around before he started stalking towards Shina. "I'm sorry I must have something in my ears, what do you mean Kana's ENGAGED?"
"Whoa what?" Yuto asked from behind him. Shina rolled her eyes in exasperation,
"Can you not eavesdrop on everything for once?" James felt his ears twitch as he flashed his fang.
"It's hard with my furry ears okay. Now explain this nonsense." He demanded. Kana had been frozen looking at Shina this entire time. James took one look and knew she was in too much shock to even ask any questions at this point.
"I'm confused, who's engaged?" Yuto asked.
"Kana is." Kai stated. James whirled around.
"You knew this why didn't you tell me?" Kai didn't respond in anger as he just stared at James.
"Shina said not to. Not until she told Kana."
"It's bad enough we knew, Kana had to be the next one to know." Kira added. "It does concern her." James growled as he turned to Shina for answers.
"Who dared to marry her off?"
"Her dad." Shina answered simply. James blinked.
"He's in jail! How is he making marriage deals in jail? Why is he making marriage deals in jail?" Shina ran a hand through her hair as she sighed. James was too engulfed in his own surprise and shock to notice Kira was trying to soothe Kana while Yuto and Kai were suspiciously silent. Since they were behind him he was assuming they were also waiting for Shina to explain. Well at least Yuto should have been.
"I'm working on getting this figured out, I only found out about this today okay?" James growled ready to shake Shina for answers, at least that was his intent before he felt a hand on his shoulder. When he looked over he saw Yuto had been the one to grab him. Yuto's eyes were covered in black as he stared James down.
"Ease up James." Yuto murmured. "I know this is a shock but calm down. You're starting to get too loud."
"Get any louder and your classmates are gonna come over." Kai warned from his other side. "They're already looking over here at us." James huffed as he looked past Kai and indeed he saw Momo, Tsu and Iida looking at them.
"Whoosa! I'm sure Kana is finding this hard to believe as well." Yuto said. James shook Yuto's hand off him.
"Fine I'll calm down." As a show of his submission, he forced himself to crouch down, keeping his arms on his knees in a casual display. Truth be told all his muscles were tense. The tip of his tail, he could feel, was flicking in agitation.
"Thanks boys." Shina gave a small smile before this was wiped off her face. "I don't know why Uncle Jailbird is making deals in prison. From what grandma told me, he was being forced to make a decision. His life or Kana's life."
"That's a crappy deal." James snapped.
"Yeah that's what I said." Shina said. "Just know that if that decision ever comes down to it I'll risk my life instead of any of yours okay?" James didn't have to nod as he knew that was true. James looked over at Kana who was staring off into the distance unseeing. Kira sat beside her with her hand on her shoulder, silently offering support. James wasn't sure if she was even paying attention at this point. He was honestly a bit scared at how she'd shut down, normally she'd be making a big fuss over this kind of thing.
"Can you break this engagement?" Kai asked bringing James back to the discussion.
"It was made in the old ways." Shina said sounding tired. "Before the white colonization of our clans and 'legality' became a thing, we didn't have much in the way of 'laws' besides the obvious ones. I'm not well versed in the old ways anymore. I've forgotten a lot of traditions over the years. I'd have to ask grandma about them."
"What do you know?" James huffed. Shina narrowed her eyes at him.
"I know that because of the laws of the white men, I have legal precedence over you three. Pending legalization over our four Russians. As such, I am Kana's legal guardian and since I am I have the final say as if they try to take her by force then I can contact the authorities and have them all arrested." James nodded along and by the end of it he was feeling okay with Shina's impromptu planning. He would have preferred a cleaner break in news like Shina admitting she had a surefire way to get Kana out of this but he would take this loophole. He wondered if Kana's betrothed had many any clauses on their end of the deal if Kana wasn't presented in the four days.
"Is it legal if it's been forged?" Kai asked.
"Considering Shina has a paying job and the lawyers to back her up if necessary," Yuto mused. "No one's going to bother looking too closely. Especially if they see the Ugly House. It's obvious we're being taken well cared for. I'd say the only issue would be if whoever Kana's been betrothed to, has a failsafe in whatever they agreed upon." Good Yuto, being on the same wavelength as James kitty brain. James looked at Shina as she considered this.
"What do you mean?" Kira asked. James answered this as he watched Shina.
"Every deal or contract has a loophole and/or a failsafe, at least in my experience. If one side fails to uphold whatever was agreed upon the other side can technically enact a failsafe that they put into the contract if one side didn't uphold their end. Assuming it was agreed upon by both parties, however since Uncle Jailbird is in jail I doubt he was given much to work with as it sounds like he was forced into this deal. There may not be a loophole or failsafe we can work with."
"You never know, he could have been smart about this." Yuto said. "All we really know is what he told grandma and what Grandma told Shina. A chain like that usually means something is left out. Shina would have to contact Uncle Jailbird to get the full scoop though."
"Which means I would have to head back to America." Shina sighed. James was about to ask a question when Kana's brain seemed to come back from her shut down as Kana cried out,
"I can't be married! I'm only 16! I'm a child!"
"That's not what you said when you were trying to hop over to California for that concert." Shina instantly responded making Kana blink. Kana averted her eyes from Shina's before she mumbled,
"That was different." Kana seemed to remember her spine as she straightened up. "I can't be married. Especially to someone I've never met. This isn't a Disney movie!"
"Bold of you to assume we'd be Disney." James stated. "I'm hoping for Marvel."
"Nah, DC is better." Kai stated. James tilted his head to look up at him.
"Face it dude, your entire DC franchise was ruined by WB's poor planning."
"I'm not talking about the movies. The comics are better anyways." Kai snapped back.
"Can we please not get sidetracked?" Kira asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Please." Shina agreed. "Kana, trust me I know your feelings on the subject of marriage or engagements. I have those same issues. I won't let this happen to you. Which is why I'm going to head back to America to get this resolved."
"Can't you just use Kana's portals to get there and back?" Kai asked. "It'd be faster."
"Normally I would but Kana needs to be focused here on this job. As should you two." Shina said looking at James and Yuto. "I'll take the jet there and back. It's longer but at least I won't have to wait on Kana to wake up from her nap time to bring me back." James watched Kana's face flush before he asked.
"So when are you going? And who's going with you?" James refused to believe Shina would go into this alone. If she said so however, he was willing to have Kana drop one of them in America to beat Shina there.
"I was hoping Yoshi and Kaito would go with me." Shina said. "Kai and Kira can handle the fort fine with the other freeloaders. You three need to stay in school and do your best here." James nodded as did everyone else. Personally, he didn't like it. No offense to Yoshi but he would have felt better if Kai had been the one to go, he was better in a fight. Yoshi was more technical and relied on his own Wi-Fi system to function.
"What if you can't break this?" Kana asked in a small voice. James suddenly became aware of how tired Kana looked in that moment. It wasn't something he should have just realized but when she slumped into Kira he could see the dark circles under her eyes. Had she always had that or was that just from today? Surely he would have noticed that sooner… okay well maybe he wouldn't have. He was a cat, he was a bit self-absorbed at times. Noticing these changes in his sister, made him feel bad.
"I'll find a loophole." Shina responded with a shrug like it was no big deal. James wondered for the first time if there was going to come a time where Shina wouldn't be able to get them out of trouble. "Promise." James grunted as he stood up.
"Guess that's all we can look forward to now huh?"
"Unfortunately." Kira uttered. James moved over to the side of the lawn as he figured that was the end of this conversation. James sat down in a nice sunny patch as he watched Kana and Kira talk with Shina some more about her trip to America.
"You think Shina will be able to succeed?" Kai asked as he sat down beside him.
"If she doesn't then we can always go back into hiding." James responded.
"That would be hard to explain." Yuto murmured as he came over to James and Kai. "I've grown quite fond of this place and our fellow students." James grunted. "Speaking of, I promised Tokoyami I would meet his parents. I'll be back later." Yuto turned to go find Tokoyami while James watched his brother's back.
"Does that seem odd to you?" Kai asked.
"Kind of?" James admitted as he wondered when the Shadow Boys had become a thing. Course this was Yuto so he probably hadn't even been thinking along those same lines. "I've never met my friends parents before."
"Is that because everyone you've befriended were orphans already?" Kai asked. James thought about it. Everyone they had met had been on the job as a thief. The few he'd managed to get close to lived on their own or they were orphans…
"Huh, you have a point." James frowned. "But then why haven't any of my friends asked me to meet their parents?" Surely Mina or Momo would have asked him. He'd already met Endeavor so Shoto got a pass. James wasn't sure if he considered Bakugou or any of the others a friend. Maybe he should put in more effort to make friends, course that was such a hassle as it involved getting close to people. More hearts to break once they left.
"Maybe they don't want to admit they're friends with you." James whacked Kai who started to laugh at him.
"You half-drowned rat." James growled as they continued to snipe at each other. James and Kai spent the rest of their hour near each other. The only disturbance was when James saw Aizawa walking towards Shina. She had managed to get Kana and Kira onto the subject of manga and anime but paused their conversation when she saw Aizawa.
"Ooh someone's in trouble." Kai whispered.
"Shut up." James snapped as his ears flicked forward.
"Hello girls, Kana do you mind if I talk with your guardian in private?" Kana nodded.
"Come on Kira, let's go talk to Kai and James." The girls got up and walked over to them.
"You're listening right?" Kana asked James as she sat down beside him. Kira sat in front of him to act like James was talking to her instead of listening to the 'adult' conversation behind her.
"Of course." James said, slightly offended that she would even ask.
"Is there a problem Aizawa?" Shina asked.
"No I'm merely making rounds to all the parents and guardians to give an update on how their children are doing so far. It also gives you the chance to ask me any questions you have on their progress."
"So impromptu parent-teacher conference huh?" Shina asked. Aizawa nodded. "Okay, do you want to sit?" Aizawa didn't need to be asked again as he literally flopped down.
"Wow Aizawa will take any chance he can to lie down huh?" Kana asked.
"Is he really lying down?" Kira asked, amazed. James rumbled in warning.
"Yes now shush." Both girls apologized before they went silent. James caught Shina glancing over at them before she asked,
"How's James doing in his training?" Aizawa had indeed flopped over and was lying on his back looking up as he answered.
"James has always been a heavy hitter when it comes to his Quirk. His talent to destruction is unparalleled." James felt pride as he saw Shina sigh.
"Do I need to write a check to the school to repair anything?"
"No need. UA has the necessary funds to repair these as we expect our students to cause damage while training. Were you aware James' Chaos Sphere energy and cat-like reflexes were not his only talents?"
"They're talking about me and my Bad Luck." James muttered. Kana and Kira started to laugh while Kai threw a rock at their noses.
"Shh."
"You mean his Bad Luck? Yes I knew. I take it from your expression and tone of voice that you and your class were unaware of this aspect until you had to live with him?"
"He has caused 7 major blackouts, 9 cracked mirrors, 5 electrocutions, 7 trips to the school nurse and 23 elevator mishaps. Safe to say his classmates have become adept at first-aid and problem solving." Shina snickered before she coughed.
"I-I'm sorry! I don't mean to laugh at this." Shina coughed again before stating, "James has always had this Bad Luck aspect to his Chaos energy. It increases whenever he uses his Quirk." James hissed.
"She just confirmed that I know how to use my Quirk!"
"What?" Kana yelped only to have Kira pinch her leg. "Ow!"
"Shh!" James snapped.
"Hm, your children seem very adept at using their Quirks. They have control over their Quirks that none of their classmates do."
"And Aizawa made the connection and knows we all know how to use our Quirks." James grumbled.
"If he hadn't been wondering before this I would be concerned." Kai admitted. "You three aren't very subtle when it comes to lying about how to use your Quirks."
"Well excuse us for being ourselves." Kana growled.
"Shh!" Kira shushed the two of them before James had a chance to.
"You're wondering why this is." Shina stated slowly before she hummed. "I was wondering if I should have brought it up but I wasn't sure how to approach you or Principle Nezu about this. Japan is not our homeland as you can clearly tell by our 'exotic' physical features. Our homeland is not like the rest of the world. We are not ruled by the American government as we are a sovereign nation. When Quirks first started to appear in our people, we took a different approach to how the rest of the world did. To us, Quirks are seen as gifts and are encouraged to be used when we first develop them so that we can harness them before we reach maturity. It also helps that we have wide open spaces to practice in case of destructive Quirks. Everyone in our nation uses their Quirks freely without licensure as long as it's in our nation."
"I see. They've remained well trained through the years in that case."
"I try to keep them active when we have to move different countries." Shina stated. "They didn't have the stability as we were constantly moving once I finished a contract. Having them use their Quirks was my way of making it up to them. It's the one stable thing they could control."
"And your current work contract is stable enough for them to come to school here." Aizawa stated. "That explains Yuto and Kana's knowledge in that case."
"How are they doing?"
"They're talking about Yuto and Kana now." James stated.
"Yuto is doing well in this Quirk training. He has recently figured out how to mold weapons and supplies from his shadows though half the time he ends up falling into the shadows he summons. He has a good work ethic that is encouraged by his friendship with Tokoyami."
"I'm glad to hear that. And Kana?"
"She is strong that much is obvious. Both mentally and physically." Shina nodded before she sighed and murmured.
"She's been having trouble sleeping lately. I'm sure you can see that from the bags under her eyes."
"Yes. She is trying to deal with what seems to be PTSD in her own way. I will continue to watch over her but the moment she tries to overdo it, I will talk with her."
"You don't think she should be talked to now?" Shina asked. James flicked his eyes to Kana who was playing Thumb War with Kira. He quickly looked away before she noticed him watching her.
"If I attempt to talk with her about this, she will clamp down and insist that she is fine." Aizawa stated. "She's stubborn."
"Yeah she is. Alright we'll do this your way." Shina allowed. "She's under your care Aizawa, keep my girls safe."
"Don't you mean 'girl'?"
"I know what I said." Shina stated. "How… How are they at making friends?"
"Yuto has a friend in Tokoyami Fumikage. I believe he is meeting his family right now." Shina nodded. "Kana seems to have befriended a few of the boys in class. She seems to be making friendships with Mina Ashido but it seems she prefers the boys company to the girls."
"That doesn't surprise me. Kana's not a girly girl and has difficulty making friends with the girls for the simple reason that she would rather be alone or doing something other than shopping or painting nails. It doesn't help that her brothers have practically turned her into one of them."
"Hmm, James has a friend in Shoto Todoroki, Momo Yaoyorozu and Mina Ashido and it looks like he may be making another friend in Katsuki Bakugou. He is resistant to engage with any others so far."
"Yeah he's a strange child indeed. He doesn't like making new friends and prefers to stick with who he knows. I was hoping public school would help him make more friends."
"And now they're back to talking about me." James grumbled as he put his chin in one of his hands.
"Either you're their favorite or they love to gossip about you." Kira stated.
"That still makes him the favorite." Kai snickered.
"Unless it's something bad or degrading?" Kana asked.
"They're talking about how I don't have that many friends." James stated.
"Well, you don't have that many friends." Kana said. "You only hang out with Shoto or Momo. I'm surprised you don't hang out with Mina since you like her."
"Maybe he doesn't really like her?" Kira stated making James look at her in surprise only to see the sly smile on her face.
"Wha-I do to like her!" James practically shouted. "I wouldn't spend time with her if I didn't!"
"You sure about that dude?" Kai asked. James glared at him.
"Not you to!" The three of them started to laugh as James continued to glare. "I wish this day was over already."
When Parent's Day came to an end James was happy but also sad to see Shina, Kira and Kai leave. Unfortunately, they did tease him about making friends again so he wasn't to sad about trying to scratch their eyes out. Kana had opened a portal under him and had him land back in the common room back at the dorms.
"Grr, she'll pay for that." James grumbled as he got up. There wasn't anyone around so he figured he may as well sulk inside his own room. At least there no one would bother him. James grabbed a water bottle from the fridge before he headed to the elevator only to pause. It would probably be better if he just took the stairs. He didn't want to get caught in a broken elevator again.
James took his time climbing the stairs to the second floor. All the while he was muttering about Kana and how he wished Shina couldn't get her out of her engagement just so he could see the look on her face about it again. Of course, he didn't really want this, but he shoved that voice deep down as he was more concerned with his own feelings now. Maybe if he had gone through with selling Kana to that Arabian Prince they wouldn't be having this issue. Course if had done it and Shina had found out, she would have murdered him. Either way it was a lose-lose situation here.
"Whoa dude who died?" James looked over to see an open elevator door. Midoriya was getting off the elevator but behind him were Denki, Bakugou and Sero.
"Not now dunce face." James snapped.
"Whoa!" Sero exclaimed as Denki blinked at that name calling. "You've never called Kaminari that before, what's wrong?"
"Not now scotch elbow." James growled as he continued to walk towards his room.
"Oi furface the fuck's wrong with you?" Bakugou yelled at him. James growled at Bakugou, not wanting to answer as he was pretty sure his insult was going to cause a fight. He didn't want a fight right now. He honestly just wanted to cuddle his plushies and maybe play his game if he was up for it. "I'm talking to you!" Bakugou yelled again.
"Uh Kacchan! I don't think that's a good-"
"I don't care what you want damn deku!" Bakugou's voice had grown louder as evidenced by the sudden hand that grabbed James tail. James tensed up as the yank on his tail caused his spine to give a tinge of pain that made him yowl. "Now answer the fucking question cat boy!"
James hissed while his thoughts ran a mile a minute. If he admitted that he was upset because of his own feelings... nope no way, like hell he was gonna tell them that. As far as they knew he was a grouchy cat boy. But nothing else jumped into his mind except Kanas betrothal. Anything before this would have already run through the gossip mill of 1A. Which honestly left him with one option. Kana was gonna murder him, but better that than letting the boys know he was upset about his own emotions on the subject.
"Grr, Kana's engaged!" James shouted. The hand on his tail immediately let go making James whirl around to hiss at Bakugou. "What did I tell you about my fricking tail!" James tail came up so he could inspect where he'd been grabbed. The pain was only to his ego as the yank on his tail had only been brief.
"What did you just say?" Deku asked. James looked up to glare at Bakugou only to see a blank expression on his face. The other boys looked visibly shocked at what James had yelled. James grumbled under his breath.
"Kana's gonna kill me for telling you this. I'll blame boom boom boy for it but, Kana's been promised to some guy back in America. Our grandmother called my sister this morning and told her the news. Apparently Kana's dad made a vow to this and now Shina's trying to find a way out of this while Kana has a meltdown."
"That's… insane." Sero whistled.
"I'd be having a meltdown too. She doesn't know who this guy is?" Midoriya asked. James shook his head.
"No. It's an arranged marriage."
"That can't be legal anymore right?" Denki asked frantically looking between the boys. James noted how Bakugou was still frozen before he shrugged.
"Our homeland is different." James stated simply. "We're all shaken up."
"How did Kana's dad make this promise?" Sero asked. "Isn't he dead?" Shit he'd forgot about that.
"It was made a long time ago. Apparently our grandmother's memory isn't as good as it used to be, and she forgot until now. Guess the grooms family called her and asked when Kana wanted to have the wedding." Lying like this wasn't good for James health. He was gonna need a directory or list to keep these lies straight soon. "Do me a favor if you see Kana don't ask. She's already upset about it enough."
"Yeah sure thing." Sero nodded.
"Okay." Midoriya nodded.
"Can I still talk to you about it cause, I'm still trying to believe this." Denki admitted.
"Sure I guess." James shrugged. "You good Bakugou? You haven't said anything."
"I'm fine." Bakugou snapped. "So what if Kana's engaged? The jerkface doesn't deserve her." James hummed at that before a slightly insane and honestly wicked idea appeared in hie head.
"Eh, if he can make her favorite bread and foods I'm pretty sure she'll agree to that wedding in no time." The scowl Bakugou gave him was worth it. "What?"
"I'm out of here!" James, Denki, Sero and Midoriya watched as Bakugou stalked away in a huff. When he had gotten onto the elevator and saw them staring he glowered. "YOU GOTTA FUCKING PROBLEM DUMBASSES?!"
"No!" The four of them chimed. When the elevator doors closed Denki asked,
"We all saw that right? I'm not hallucinating am I? Cause after the electrocutions from this past week I don't trust my eyes."
"Oh yeah." James muttered. "We saw that."
"And uh, are you okay with that?" Sero asked hesitantly. James sighed.
"As long as it's not Kirishima."
"What do you have against Kirishima?" Midoriya asked curiously
"I don't trust anyone that friendly." James glowered. "There's always something hidden under all that rainbow, sunshine, puppy dog thing."
"Midoriya has that." Sero pointed out.
"Eh what?" Midoriya asked, flustered.
"Yeah but his dark side is very apparent." James stated as he opened his room door. "It's called Bakugou."
GM NASAI: So how are you all liking the chapters? Cause I'll be honest, I'm doing a wheel for more plot between arcs. It's ridiculous.