The human body contains about four to five litres of blood. Unfortunately, once it loses about one point five litres of it, the body irremediably falls in a precarious state where it hovers between life and death. Should a transfusion, undertaken with donor whose blood is evidently compatible, be impossible, then it takes two to three minutes for the human body to shut down for eternity, which is the same amount of time for an average person to wait for a hot cup of tea to cool down.

Todoroki Shouto lost one point seventy eight litres in the minuscule space of seventy-two seconds. Instead of pooling on the ground and slithering down the sewers, the blood was gathered through plastic tubes into numerous cookie jars which were stored for later purposes. Fortunately, Midoriya Izuku had the brilliance to call for an ambulance.

Unfortunately, the blood transfusion will take fifteen hours more than Midoriya has planned, postponing his grand finale. His agents, who were impatient to execute the last step of the operation, were left to simmer, and Midoriya hopes that their zeal wouldn't need to be rekindle because of the unexpected and additional wait.

Hence his situation, watching from his stiff chair the blood dripping from a plastic pouch and redirected inside Todoroki's veins. Said Hero was staring at the wall blankly, bandages wrapped around his arms and his neck to conceal the innumerable gashes he received from his fight against the Leech.

His defeat against the Leech.

Todoroki hadn't uttered a word since he woke up, a few hours ago. The grogginess clouding his eyes had disappeared once his ears caught the news playing on the radio. The Judge had challenged Pro Hero Endeavor of all people by sending him a letter using the finest paper and written with the most sophisticated calligraphy. Despite the aesthetics, the message within was a provocation, an omen and a mistake, according to the main concerned.

"The Judge can come at me all he wants. I'll burn him to a crisp."

Todoroki had blinked at his father's words, then closed his eyes. Even when Detective Tsukauchi came to visit him, the Hero didn't move again. If Midoriya knew better, he'd say Todoroki was sleeping. The latter, however, was all but sleeping: he was reflecting on the recent events.

"Chief Tsuragamae dispatched his best agents to monitor the situation, even if Endeavor said he didn't need anyone to watch his back. They'll definitely catch the Judge. It'll be all over by tomorrow," Tsukauchi smiled before leaving with a light spring in his steps that expressed his certitude.

But neither Midoriya nor Todoroki wishes for the case to be over.

Yet if the case ends according to the former's plans, then he won't have to stay chained to the Hero's side.

"If the Judge gets caught, you'll see it wasn't me from the start," Midoriya tells him, not expecting a reaction but Todoroki frowns.

"He won't," he whispers as a matter of fact, his voice brittle and cracking. Midoriya hurries to pour him a glass of water that Todoroki accepts without emotionlessly. He doesn't bring the plastic cup to his lips, rather nurses it on his lap and gazes at it. "He's too smart for that."

"It's almost like you admire him."

Todoroki sighs and chooses this moment to drink, making Midoriya's leg jerks and his fingers grip the edge of his seat. "In a way, I do," he admits, reclining on his pillows. "It takes a lot of guts to confront Endeavor."

"I'm sure you have a lot of experience in that matter."

Midoriya finds himself the target of cold blue and grey eyes storming with unspoken fury. "I'm not elaborating."

Midoriya folds his arms as he can't help but feel a pinch of disappointment. Everything was going so smoothly.

"I simply stating a fact."

"Of course. How could I misinterpret," Todoroki mumbles, rolling his eyes.

But Midoriya wouldn't give him any respite. "Still, I'm a little envious. You see, I never got a father or anyone to fulfil this void. I love my mother, of course, but one parent can't be enough," he says through gritted teeth, inwardly begging his mother forgiveness for his horrendous lie, but it elicited the reaction he anticipated.

Todoroki props himself on his elbows, baring his teeth. "Do you even hear yourself speaking? If I could, I'd swap my parents' situation without hesitation."

"But your mother—"

"My mother was infinitely better and she deserved to live. I can't say the same for him."

Midoriya chews his bottom lip, shifting on his seat. "That's a serious thing to say, Todoroki-kun."

"I think every word I say," is the ultimate answer he's given. It's alright since Midoriya heard everything he desired.

Midoriya checks his left wrist, which doesn't go unnoticed.

"When did you buy a watch?" Todoroki inquires, and before Midoriya can pull away, his hand has gripped the green, plastic strap.

"There's a vending machine selling some. Do you want me to buy one for you?"

Todoroki's fingers rub the cheap material, as if trying to find something hidden, then let go. "I'll pass. It's strange that you bought a watch when there's a clock on the wall behind you... or perhaps this watch has a goal other than showing time?"

Midoriya laughs, "How silly. A watch always shows time."

"Indeed, but our perspective of time may differ."

Midoriya deems it safer to remain quiet than to speak. He rises from his chair, stretching his legs and his arms, and winces when his neck cracks once he tilts his head to the side. Todoroki examines him, lips pursed, as he heads towards the exit.

"What are you doing?"

"Shouldn't it be obvious?" Midoriya snorts, not even glancing over his shoulder. "I made sure you survived the blood loss and now I'm leaving."

"If you go now, I can't confirm your innocence," Todoroki insists, and the rustling of blankets indicates that he's now in a sitting position. "Unless there's something you want to confess."

"Is this supposed to be a reason to make me stay? Well, it doesn't matter anymore. Tonight, everything will be over."

"Midoriya," Todoroki calls, and since it may be the last time the two of them can talk like this, Midoriya spins on his heels and grants him his wish. "Will I ever get to know who you really are?"

"Didn't I tell you, Todoroki-kun? What you're seeing is the real me."

And as he swivels and leaves the room, he's not sure who spoke between Midoriya Izuku and the Judge.

The man calling himself 'Stain' is a most peculiar individual. His eyes are of a piercing red, following Midoriya's every gesture and undoubtedly registering them for a future reference. He covers his face with bandages and hides his neck with a crimson, tattered scarf that always floats even if Midoriya swears there's no breeze. On his back, attached with straps, a pair of sheathed katanas remind Midoriya of the strength, speed and endurance his newest agent displayed when fighting against Todoroki.

Stain is not someone he can underestimate, for his blade seems fickle and may one day menace to slice Midoriya's neck.

Yet for the present moment, Stain is folding his arms, leaning in a corner of Todoroki's apartment, while Toga sits crossed-legged on Todoroki's futon and rocking herself, her hair swaying similarly as her body, and beside her is Dabi who is sprawled across the spare futon. Indeed, since there are no place Midoriya can think of to meet three dangerous criminals, he decided to convene them in the Hero's apartment.

"Thank you for coming," Midoriya begins, swallowing back his insecurity as Stain's eyes dart on him. "And I welcome our new member, Stain."

The latter only grunts at being addressed, looking like he'd rather sink into the wall than being the centre of attention. His gaze never strays from Midoriya but its fierceness decreases of a fraction.

"Tonight, we'll cause an uproar in the world of Pro Heroes. We're reminding them that even no one can run away from judgment and that their sins are indelible. Our target is Endeavor, Pro Hero Number Two, for he has failed the three Duties countless times. To achieve this, we'll—"

"If I may," Stain interrupts, "I've never heard of Endeavor breaking the last Duty you call 'honour'. He may be ruthless and focus on the villains more than the civilians, but he didn't sully his profession."

"It is common knowledge that Endeavor and his son are on bad terms. After delving deeper, I discovered Endeavor abused his wife and his son, which resulted in his wife's death and scarring his son. Now that this is clarified, we can proceed—"

"And you intend to frame his son, isn't it, by using his hatred towards his father as a motive to be the Judge?"

Midoriya clicks his tongue, glowering, "Yes. Is there any other input you wish to make or can I continue without your interventions?"

"Endeavor's son is a Pro Hero, isn't he?"

"Yes, he is," he snaps, noticing how Toga and Dabi inspect their verbal exchange as if trying to see who will have the final word. "What's your point?"

"As far as I'm aware, the young Todoroki didn't fail any of your Duties. He's been a respectable Pro Hero and yet, you want to frame him for the Judge's actions. For someone who abides by justice, condemning an innocent like the young Todoroki is against your ideals. There are hundreds of Pro Hero who failed at least one of the Duties and yet your choice fell on Endeavor's son."

"It is regrettable, yes, but Todoroki Shouto is the only suitable person since he has a grudge already existent against his father that makes a fine motive. Besides, he has suspicion about the Judge's identity, so we have to neutralise him before he can tell them to the Police Force."

Stain sniffles, his eyes a shade darker as he murmurs, "If you're so confident about your choice, then I'm not opposed to it."

"I am confident," Midoriya replies, ignoring his heart's fluttering. "Now, the plan, unless someone wants to speak up?"

Stain nods solemnly, though his arms still folded might indicate remnants of his previous protestation. Toga is all toothy smile, her cheeks redder than usual at the enticing prospect of spilling more blood. Dabi doesn't say anything but Midoriya's learned that his silence is a synonym of approval.

"Todoroki will be discharged around one this afternoon. To make it more credible, we won't act before two. There are three easy steps. One, Toga under the guise of Todoroki will enter in Endeavor's house. Two, Dabi and Strain will enter by the back while Toga distracts him. Three, you kill him and Dabi burns the house down."

"One of the Judge's marvellously elaborated plans," Dabi snorts, rolling on his stomach. "I can't wait to battle another fire user."

"I wonder if the father's blood will be tastier than the son's," Toga muses aloud, licking her lips with sparkling eyes.

Since Stain remains silent, Midoriya nods in his direction until he mutters, "This is not going to be easy, but we shall be victorious in justice's name."

"I'm going to keep Todoroki busy then leave him around two alone in this very apartment. Also, here," Midoriya says as he gives them each tiny earphones, "we'll able to be in contact with one another."

"Am I understanding that you're not coming with us, Judge?" Stain concludes as he takes his pair. "Shouldn't the leader lead the offensive?"

The tip of Midoriya's ears grow red as he stammers, "I'm not sure I should come... I mean, since I have no Quirk and all, I think I'd be a burden..."

"But didn't you kill Tozawa Anri with your bare hands? Someone who can kill is no burden but a weapon. You should come with us, Judge."

He searches for support from Toga and Dabi, but the former looks positively thrilled by his presence on the battlefield while the latter shrugs, but the hint of a smirk hints he's pleased with the turn of events.

"We need your guidance, Judge," he drawls, confirming Midoriya's suspicion.

"It'll be an awesome party!" Toga squeals, clapping as if she just witnessed a miracle. "We should all go to eat afterwards and the one who spills blood the less pays the bill!"

"That's not fair since you and Stain have a blood Quirk," Dabi counters.

Midoriya watches them banter, a faint smile curling his lips. The eclectic group, this ragtag team acting of justice, he formed would be the death of him. With their vigour renewed, Midoriya adjourns the meeting, heart heavy in his chest. Targeting Endeavor is a gamble he intends to win but at the expenses of Todoroki.

"I can't wait to see you in action, Judge," Stain comments before leaping out of the balcony, landing on the lower roof with a feline grace than dashing away.

"I'm not doing this," Dabi snorts as he watches Stain vanish. "Too hardcore for me."

"You're just scared of heights, not like Mr Stainy," Toga retorts as she browses through Todoroki's old Yuuei furniture. She takes out a pencil case and unzips it, watching its content scatter on the floor and cackling in glee. "You shouldn't hesitate to jump, Dabi. Of course, it'd be disappointing if you don't— Hey, look at that!"

She picks a folded piece of paper from amidst the pencils and erasers, brandishing it in the air and waving it like a flag. Midoriya's quick to snatch it away from her, noticing the faint traces of tear stains crinkling the paper and the worn edges as if it's been folded and unfolded countless times. He spreads it out in silence, Dabi and Toga hovering behind him over his shoulders.

"What does it say?" Toga asks, standing on her tiptoes to catch a glimpse of the sheet since Midoriya's taller than her. "I can't see!"

"I don't think we're supposed to read this," Dabi whispers, his voice devoid of his usual sarcasm. He averts his eyes and quits Midoriya's side to sit on one of the wooden chairs, hands clasped together. "We shouldn't read this."

But Midoriya is absorbed by the words scribbled in blue ink on the sheet of paper, old of over a decade according to the date written in the left corner of the sheet. Once he finished reading, he pockets it and, ignoring Toga's whining, heads towards the door.

"I want everything to be spotless before one in the afternoon. Pro Hero Shouto must not know any of us came here."

He shuts the door before any of his agents could answer.

Midoriya was waiting outside the hospital with his umbrella gathering droplets when he distinguishes Todoroki confirming his departure at the main desk. He stands straight, silent as he waits for the nurse currently rummaging through her papers. She gives him his coat along with a spare umbrella, gesturing outside at the rain, and when Todoroki's eyes follow the motion that's when he notices Midoriya standing. The latter waves with a small smile.

Todoroki looks shocked, but Midoriya will never know if it's because of his presence in particular or of a presence, that someone, anyone, is waiting for him. Then he frowns, his eyes cast downward and he turns around, his back facing Midoriya who blinks numbly. When the Hero steps out, craning his neck as he observes the light rain enveloping the city, his eyes were flickering as if trying to fend off an inner darkness. Wordlessly he opens his umbrella and strolls to Midoriya's side.

"Do you feel any better, Todoroki-kun?"

"I've been thinking about the reason the Judge chose Endeavor as his next victim," he replies with no preamble. "My father is guilty of crimes that are unknown to the public. Only people who know the Todoroki family are aware of them and I can count them on one hand. There are two possibilities. One, the Judge is one of these people or two, he gleaned it from these people."

Or three, the Judge is a member of the Todoroki family.

"I've reached the conclusion once again that you are the Judge. It pains me," Todoroki adds before Midoriya can deny it. "The enemy I swore to arrest happens to be the only one caring enough to wait for me as I get discharged from the hospital. Then again, the attack was surely your doing, wasn't it?"

Midoriya shrugs, "The Leech and the Judge are two independent entities."

"I see," Todoroki sighs. "Let's go then."

"Where?"

"To see my father, of course. If the Judge attacks him today, then we'll get to catch him."

Midoriya's blood turns cold. Todoroki's right, the Judge will be there, but the true Todoroki must not under any circumstances be present as well.

"Your father will refuse your help so it's pretty useless to show up," Midoriya counters as he tries to search for Todoroki's face, conveniently shielded by the Hero's tilted umbrella.

"I thought you were as adamant as I am to catch the Judge, so why the sudden reticence?"

"It's not reticence," he's quick to answer, perhaps too quick, for he notices Todoroki's grip around his umbrella tightening. "It's cautions and common sense."

A slow smile curls Todoroki's lips but he doesn't push. "Then what can I do for you? Coming here once I'm discharged, surely you wanted something?"

Whatever he was expecting certainly wasn't the bow he receives from Midoriya, their umbrellas bumping into each other. As if to make sure he's seeing right, Todoroki straightens his one to have a better look, failing to hide eyes wide in surprise.

"I wanted to thank you."

"What for?" And Todoroki is honest as Midoriya takes a peak, watching his lips slightly parted and the interrogation marks dancing in both eyes. "I thought you disliked staying with me."

"I did but I... don't anymore," he admits with his eyebrows furrowing, displeased with his revelation. "I know you wanted to watch me and it didn't entail taking care of me and my injury, but you did with patience and diligence. So I thank you."

Todoroki acknowledges him with a small nod, still struggling to school his features in his usual emotionlessness. "There's no need to thank me, and don't think you can change the topic so easily."

Midoriya smiles or else he would've winced. "I was thinking of celebrating. My knee's doing good, you've been discharged and the Judge will be arrested tonight. How about lunch?"

"Only if you pay."

"Well, you're the one who has the better salary."

"Says the man who invited me to dinner yet refuses to fulfil his responsibility as initiator?"

"Alright, you got me," Midoriya chuckles, holding his hands in the air. "I'm going to pay."

While the rain isn't bother, the humidity seeping into their bones make them eager to hide from the weather. The closest izakya is full of people huddled against the counter as they devour bowls of rice, elbows hitting each other as a battle to have more space. In the end, they wait outside the small restaurant squeezed under a parapet, their umbrella dripping more puddles on the asphalt, as they listen to the city's lulling noises.

Todoroki stares ahead with half-lidded eyes, following the cars passing by with apparent laziness yet Midoriya recognises the sharpness deep within his orbs. They're so often concealed by indifference, by this mask he's constantly wearing, believing he can truly fool people. And as Midoriya keeps watching him, he realises that perhaps it takes a person donning a mask to know when another dons one well, that perhaps both of them think they're obscure while they are transparent to each other.

"Todoroki-kun," he begins, unsure. He doesn't look at her; somehow, his palms become clammy and his throat, dry. "Todoroki-kun, when you saw me waiting for you... Why did you look so sad?"

"Some memories, sometimes they drag me down. I'm not like you, Midoriya," he explains, turning to him so now he has his full attention. "I don't have a free life."

"But you do. You chose to be a Pro Hero. A good one, even."

"That doesn't make me free."

As he speaks, he doesn't frown but rather sighs. He glances towards the izakaya's door and groans when he notes it's still closed. He throws his head backwards against the wall with a dull thud.

"You can do it," Midoriya whispers and startles when Todoroki stares at him again. "Well, you want to dissociate yourself from your father, right? That is your ultimate goal."

"I don't think I can achieve it."

He shakes his head, his messy hair bobbing, "You don't need to think. Just believe it."

Todoroki avoids looking at him, replying, "It's not like I didn't try but I'm a man of facts. It's not everyone who can dream and see them come true. You're lucky, Midoriya."

"I know," he murmurs breathlessly, thinking of his loving mother, of the house whose doors are always wide open for her, of the comfortable albeit dull life he settled in since working in the Police Force, but most of all, thinking how lucky he is to know Todoroki. "I know."

But when I look at you, I don't see Endeavor at all.

Silence returned, overwhelming the splashes of water, the cars rushing by, the laughter of the people eating, and enveloped them in a world they could call their own. The red lanterns attached to the parapet sway as the wind snakes between them, the kanji dancing on the wrinkled bonbori.

"You know, Todoroki-kun, you don't have to stay with me," Midoriya tells him. "I apologise that I dragged you here quite forcefully."

Todoroki's eyes regain some energy and intensity as they pierce through him. "I'm fine. If I'm here, it's because I've chosen to be here. I wouldn't be anywhere else now."

Midoriya almost chokes on his own saliva. He doesn't know if they were intended to him or to his invitation to the restaurant, but his heart skips a little without his approbation. He searches for Todoroki's gaze but it's set on the door swinging open, two salarymen opening their umbrella as they step outside.

"It was about time," Todoroki grumbles as he stalks towards the izakaya.

Midoriya checks his watch. The salarymen are disappearing around the corner. The izakaya's light red drapes that conceal the entrance and the restaurant's only window dangle. Taking a deep breath, he reaches out for the the Hero.

"Todoroki-kun!" Their fingers brush, a spike of heat coursing through his hand as if Todoroki's Quirk latched onto him. Their eyes meet and lock, and Midoriya can't breathe. "I'm sorry."

He had one second to take out a small device from his pocket, stab him in the gut and slam down the button. As much as he wants to screw his eyes shut, he keeps them open while Todoroki's roll in their orbit and close. Midoriya removes the taser, his breath shuddering as he watches Todoroki's body convulsing on the ground, his clothes soaking up.

With shaky hands, he pockets his taser back and staggers back, leaning against the wall. He's never seen Todoroki sleeping, or even unconscious, and it doesn't make things easier. The rigidity in his bones is gone, his face also slackening and losing the hardness of his jaw and the furrow of his brow. His muscles are more supple and his face, more peaceful.

How can you believe you have anything to do with your father?

With an umbrella balanced in one hand, Midoriya secures one of Todoroki's arms around his neck, supporting his dead weight and dragging them towards a particular alley. He's reaching his destination when the watch on his wrist goes off, a shrill alarm beeping.

"Where do I drop you?"

Midoriya beckons Todoroki with his head, "His apartment. I assume you know where it is."

Kurogiri nods, turning away from him. "You're fortunate that Tomura knows nothing of my involvement in your scheming."

"Come on, it's the only time I'm scheduling you," Midoriya retorts, readjusting his grip with Todoroki. "Besides, you have All for One's approval."

Midoriya nods, hauling Todoroki with him towards one of Kurogiri's portals. He has one half of his body engulfed in the darkness when the villain speaks again.

"I'm impressed you decided to frame an innocent for your crimes. You've changed, Midoriya Izuku."

Yes, he changed, so much that the thoughts clouding his mind are contradictory to everything he strove to accomplish so far.

I don't want to do this.

I don't want to frame you.

I'm sorry.