How could I hide this one? There was no hiding this! Why?! Why did I have to take that blow?! Of course, I had to! Kayama was in trouble but she could have taken it! She could have healed up! But that's not the hero way! They don't let others take the pain because they can handle it. Heroes jump in the way and allow themselves to be the shield regardless.

Should I regret it? No. Never in a million years will I regret it…but…there is nothing I can do to avoid telling Mom. Mom will ask, and she will demand an answer from me. This wasn't like the other small bumps, bruises, and burns. The 'roughhousing' I claimed. No, this was so much worse.

It burns so badly. The pain, it's unbearable.

4th degree, the doctors said. There was something worse than a 3rd degree burn? Part of my right cheekbone was visible. They said it reached my ear. Some of my nerves are gone.

I was lucky, they said. Recovery Girl, of all people, was called to help treat my wounds. Sealed me up and recovered me just fine without the use of extensive medication treatment and overnight staying. I can be discharged tod-

Gods it hurts so much! I didn't have enough energy for Recovery Girl's quirk to help me ease through the pain!

I need painkillers! No! Push through it! Ignore it! Don't get addicted! I'll be okay! I can do this!

Discharged today…I left off there. Yes. I just need to wear this bandage over my face for a while.

All Might…what will he say? What will he think? He won't drop me; I know he won't. Injuries were planned and there is a way around this so I know I will be okay. But he will ask questions. Just like mom. All Might and Mom will ask a lot of questions.

And I have no way out of this.

What will I do?! How do I tell Mom about this?! How can I?!

Kayama. Is she safe? Is she okay? I hope nothing bad happens to her. Kacchan started it.

Tired. In pain…rest…I need to rest…

…Forgive me, Kayama.

Slowly, Izuku's eyes opened to the surrounding room. He wasn't in the hospital but in his room. How? When did this happen?

Confused and suddenly needing to use the restroom, Izuku stood up and wobbled toward his dresser for support. He was dizzy and had to readjust. But when did he come back home?

…Oh…right…the memories are beginning to slowly come back. He was discharged this morning after staying overnight but was still exhausted. His mom was scared but helped Izuku to his room to sleep.

Izuku looked out his window and saw it was sunset. The clock on his dresser read '7:48 pm'.

Izuku wondered if All Might was somehow in the know of his condition. Maybe. All Might had to have connections, so finding out what happened to Izuku would only take a couple of calls. Scary but realistic. Or he knocked on the door as Toshinori Yagi and came to check up on Izuku as a 'concerned individual.' What profession Yagi chose to disguise himself Izuku hadn't a clue but it was another possibility.

Izuku took a few minutes to allow his inner equilibrium to adjust before walking out the door; although he was still a bit wobbly.

Izuku rushed into the restroom and did his thing before going to wash his hands. When he was done, Izuku grabbed a rag before glancing at the mirror and doing a double take.

Izuku bore into the mirror as he saw the damage done to him by Kacchan's explosion. His right cheek had become scarred with one small noticeable line. It started at the lower end of his ear and reached the end of his lip. The angle it was at made it look like a permanent smile.

"That's where the bone was showing. Well…part of it. The line goes over my jaw and there is no bone in those areas," Izuku thought to himself and slowly felt his hand over it. It didn't hurt anymore. The pain was gone suddenly. Was he treated again? Did his body adapt to the pain?

Or was Izuku simply numb to the pain by this point?

There was no bandaging either so Izuku assumed he was okay without it.

Izuku signed heavily and wrapped up his business before going to the kitchen for some water. As Izuku popped open a fresh cold bottle from the fridge the front door opened and Inko walked through carrying a small bag.

"Izuku!" Inko cried out, closing the door behind her and running to her only son to envelop him in a big hug. Izuku, with a small smile, hugged back just as much.

"Hey, Mom, sorry to make you worry…" Izuku muttered apologetically as Inko rested her head on his shoulder momentarily before the two pulled apart.

"I'm so happy to see you up and walking!" Inko beamed and wiped away several tears, "I thought for sure you would be asleep all day again! Are you hungry? I made some katsudon not too long ago. It should be warm in the oven I think."

Izuku wasn't planning on eating but he will never turn down katsudon!

In just a few short minutes, Izuku scarfed down his katsudon at the dinner table with Inko looking on in glee. The small bag she had was prescription medication for Izuku to take to help deal with the migraines he might feel later. It was a precaution and there was a good chance Izuku may not need to take them if the migraines do not occur.

Izuku placed his chopsticks on the plate and let out a pleased sigh, "Your katsudon only gets better every time you make it, Mom."

Inko smiled and laughed lightly at the compliment, "I'm glad you enjoyed it, sweetie."

The two shared a small laugh before the mood died down. Both knew they had to talk about it, and Inko could see the uneasiness in Izuku's expression. It was a bit unnerving to look at the scar Izuku had developed. Although Izuku's lips were downward in sadness, that line pointed upward and made it look like a smile. This was a twisted spin on Izuku's 'always smile' attitude. The scar around it though was bad, but not too bad. Thank goodness for Recovery Girl's presence and care. Inko would have never thought a legendary doctor such as her would treat Izuku's injuries personally.

Shaking the thoughts away, Inko placed her hands on the table, "Izuku…"

"Mom, I-"

"I already know."

Izuku froze in place. Was this her already accepting Izuku's previous answers as the current one? No, this was too brutal to pass up as a 'roughhouse' incident.

Inko continued, "I was called by the principal and informed of the situation. You were an unlucky bystander in a scuffle between Bakugo and another student. Mitsuki also told me a similar story when I called her. You were trying to get away when Katsuki launched a stray blast in self-defense, and you were hit."

Izuku's blood ran cold. This was…this was a lie! A huge lie! That's not what happened!

Well, nothing Izuku did with Kacchan was exactly true, it wasn't kids being kids but more of Izuku being blasted for stopping Kacchan from bullying someone.

But Izuku didn't run. He jumped in front of Kayama. And Kacchan wasn't defending himself. He was attacking Kayama at that moment!

"The student was going to be expelled, but according to the principal, the other student's parent agreed to pay for the damages caused to the school and towards your medical bills in exchange for a non-expulsion agreement." Inko was vexed by this situation but breathed in and out to relax, "I don't like it, but we need this. Your bills were pretty hefty even with insurance. So…I guess it will have to do."

Izuku's head was spinning. The expulsion was avoided but suspension for Kayama?! For how long?! Is Kayama okay?! Izuku felt the urge to leave, but his legs remained in place. He just wanted to know if Kayama was alright, but he couldn't know! They never exchanged contact information!

Inko noticed the distressed look on Izuku's face and got up, "Izuku, is something wrong?"

Izuku glanced at his mom and did his best to remain calm, "Y-yeah…just…" Izuku grimaced, "The memories…" That wasn't a lie as the memories did flood in, but they were not the same as what Inko was saying.

Inko went to hug Izuku and rested his head on her chest, "Oh, Izuku, it'll be alright. Everything will be okay."

Izuku's heart was pounding and his vision began to blur. He was desperate to know if Kayama was alright, but there was nothing he could do. He had no access to her. Izuku will be forced to wait until they meet again at school.

Izuku stood up and walked over to the kitchen with his plate in hand. Inko was surprised by Izuku's sudden movements and followed him, "Izuku."

Izuku smiled at his mom, "I'm fine, Mom. Things happened, but it's like what All Might would say. I can't live in the past, and I have to move forward. That was yesterday, and this is today. I mean it was two days ago but…you know what I mean." Izuku muttered the last part as he cleaned his dishes.

Inko signed but smiled lightly. Inko knew Izuku was a strong child, but it was always a bit worrisome when he put such trauma in the back of his mind. Although Izuku never showed real signs of suffering mental issues from the trauma, maybe this was his way of coping with everything. Inko is no doctor, and she can't take him to see a therapist if Izuku isn't showing real signs of any issues or at least has hard evidence of it. Maybe Inko is lucky with Izuku's strong will? She doesn't know but Inko certainly isn't going to take it for granted.

Still, Inko can't help but know Izuku is hiding something from her. He's always been hiding it, but Inko hasn't found the willpower to confront Izuku about all the lies. The trust Inko had for Izuku has taken a huge blow over the years, but Inko was scared to find out how far the trust was truly gone. If Inko did ask Izuku why he was lying to her all this time would Izuku tell her the truth or simply lie again? This outcome had the potential to utterly shatter their relationship, and Inko was terrified of it.

"Izuku…" Inko mumbled and gave her only son a worried look, "Are you sure you're okay? I haven't even told you the extent of your damage, and I know you saw your image in the mirror. Was there anything in the story that I told you that wasn't true? I want your perspective, Izuku. Only you know what happened to you."

Izuku was torn. His mom would pick up on his issues, and as far as Izuku felt, he guessed his mom already knew he was lying but what if she wasn't aware? What if his mom did trust him and took his word? How would Izuku admit to his mom that he's been lying to her for a decade? Ten years' worth of lies that would make Mount Everest feel small.

Izuku could say the truth now. Start the road to being honest right now and pretend that nothing has ever changed! Yet, what if this single truth unraveled everything? Would it even matter if the lies were uncovered later? Maybe, but the outcome wouldn't change, only the amount of time that passed would.

"Well…" Izuku mumbled and looked around, "I…I didn't run. I jumped in front of her to protect her."

Inko was surprised momentarily, but became saddened, "Izuku…"

"I couldn't just let her be blasted like that!" Izuku exclaimed, "It wasn't my business, but Kacchan would have seriously hurt her!"

There wasn't an answer that Inko could say that wouldn't make her sound like a horrible person. 'Just let her be hit' or 'You should have run anyways' would be hurtful to Izuku. Inko had the feeling that Izuku wasn't running away; he never does. Inko knew it was a falsehood but wanted to hear it from Izuku first.

Inko grabbed Izuku's hands and held them gently in her own, "I understand your need to help people. I couldn't be more proud to have a selfless son, but…please think about the situation more. I'm not saying you should have allowed that girl to be injured but look what happened to you." Izuku's eyes darted to his left cheek and although he couldn't see his new scar he could visualize it. "Izuku, I don't know what to say other than be more thoughtful and careful next time." Inko's mouth was opened as if she had more to say, but Inko relented knowing that the next few words would have been the most painful.

"You're quirkless and are more vulnerable than everyone else," Inko said in her head rather than out loud.

"I know, Mom, I know," Izuku shook his head with his eyes closed, "But I couldn't. I wasn't thinking. I wanted to protect my friend."

That stalled Inko's train of thought, "Friend?" Inko asked with curiosity and several blinks.

Izuku smiled lightly and nodded, "Yeah! Her name is Laura Kayama! I ran into her more than a month ago with her little sister but it was brief. Funny enough, Kayama transferred to the school two weeks later and we started to talk afterward."

Inko couldn't believe her ears. Her Izuku had a friend?! For about a month?! And she didn't know! But more importantly…

"MY LITTLE IZUKU HAS A GIRLFRIEND?!" Inko cried out with a river of happy tears.

Izuku immediately revolted with a deep blush, "N-N-N-N-NO! KAYAMA ISN'T MY GIRLFRIEND!" Izuku tried to explain but to no avail.

"YOU'RE GROWING UP SO FAST!"

"MOM!"

"OH, I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET HER AND HEAR ALL ABOUT YOUR LITTLE DATES!"

"MOOOOOOOOOOM!"

Laura looked over to the nightstand and at the alarm. It was 9:30 PM. Laura couldn't sleep; her mind was occupied. Everything was happening pretty fast. A few days ago Nemuri, Eri, and herself all came together on the same page after Nemuri apologized to Laura about everything regarding the incident with Bakugo and Midoriya. Then Nemuri had taken the girls out the following day for some 'quality time' as she calls it, and Laura was given a new phone.

What brand it was mattered little too Laura, but the little device was amazing. Plus, Nemuri gave Laura a little more legroom with a special debit card that only Nemuri can reload so that Laura can buy things if she so desires. The balance was tracked on a banking app so that Laura can keep track of her money, and as Nemuri puts it, 'to help you build your financial mindset now.'

Laura was taken aback by all of this. Free money and a phone? It was a lot to take in because Laura was never given anything for free. Everything came at a price. A horrible price. The phone may be small compared to everything Eri's been getting, but it did wonders that Laura could only dream of. Games, videos, music, reading, whatever. It was all in this tiny device!

Laura wondered if Midoriya had a phone. Midoriya probably does but never pulls it out at school for whatever reason. According to Nemuri, people can talk to each other through phone/video calls or texting through the phone. It would be nice to talk to Midoriya still since Laura will be unable to go to school for two weeks.

Laura's mood soured. The last image of Midoriya she had was of him covering his face in pain from being blasted. He was screaming in agony. Laura hates that more than anything. Screams of agony. That was a common noise in her life alongside Eri. Screams filling a room with endless pleas for mercy or…just an end.

"Neither of you can understand what higher purpose you're serving. You're both doing the world a favor and one day you'll understand it. Why else would the universe have brought you to me?"

"The price of two is better than the price of the entire species. Don't you two get it?! Your lives matter little compared to all the lives you'll save from this infection!"

"Only people with a fulfilled purpose get an end. You haven't fulfilled yours yet."

Laura rolled over to the side and looked at Eri as she slept quietly on her side of the bed. A sight Laura could only dream of was this. A sleeping Eri that was at peace. It was enough to make Laura weep a little the first night Eri slept without crying for her comfort.

Maybe Laura is being too harsh on Nemuri. Maybe…maybe Laura should be more accepting of Nemuri's actions. Yes, Nemuri did mess up but she is trying. She's always been trying since they first met. Just like Midoriya, Nemuri jumped in to save them without a care for herself; took them in when they needed a home, gave them affection and care, and apologized for being wrong.

An apology. To many that may seem small, but to Laura, that went a long way. To hear someone admit they are wrong and be sorrowful for hurting her was alien to Laura. Laura couldn't remember a time when anyone said they were sorry. There probably was never a time.

Taking a deep sigh, Laura slowly crawled out of bed and walked over to the window, and placed her hands on the window stool. Laura looked out and examined the sight just outside. Bright lights with a few cars passing by on the street. U.A High School is just visible from afar. Laura wondered if that was her next school. Nemuri said she would be more than happy to help Laura apply to U.A. so the trio could be closer together at all times since Eri would be allowed on a technicality granted by both the school principal and the government.

Laura closed her eyes and began to empty her mind before slowly opening them and staring out the window once more. It was peaceful.

…

….

….

"Laura?"

Laura looked to her left and saw Eri was now awake and standing next to her. Eri probably noticed Laura was gone from bed since the duo became practically aware of each other when sleeping. Some nights one of them just disappears back at the bunker for 'testing.' Getting to know when the other wasn't around would alert the other.

The tragedies of survival.

Laura lifted Eri into her arms and held the small girl as they looked out the window together.

"Are you okay?" Asked Eri.

Laura smiled and stroked Eri's soft hair, "Yeah. Just…thinking."

Eri leaned her head on Laura's chest, "I don't want this to end, Laura…"

Laura knew what Eri was talking about, "It won't. We fought too hard for this to let it be taken from us. We're finally free. You're finally safe."

Eri nodded her head and snuggled into Laura a little, "You're safe too."

"I know, but all I wanted was for you to be safe. To be happy," Laura replied as her eyes followed a green car passing by. It reminded her of Midoriya.

"You make me happy," Eri said and placed her left hand in Laura's right, "I love you."

"I love you too," Laura pecked Eri on the head as the duo watched the green car slowing down before coming to a stop at a house.

"Is it true?" Eri asked, "Do you go to school with Midoriya?"

Laura chuckled lightly, "I wanted to surprise you, but yeah, I do."

"That's so cool!" Eri happily said as Laura shushed her quietly.

"Not so loud, you'll wake up Nemuri," Laura said. Eri giggled in return.

"Sorry. I am happy that Midoriya is with you," Eri looked a bit disappointed afterward. "I wish I could see him again."

"Do you want to?" Laura asked. Eri nodded her head as Laura suddenly reached for the window, "Then let's go see him."

"Now?" Eri was stunned by Laura's quickness, "It's bedtime."

"Eh, he's not that far. Maybe about 20 minutes away if I run all the way," Laura said as she carefully opened the window and let Eri out first before climbing out herself.

Eri quickly got onto Laura's back as Laura slowly closed the window but left about an inch of it open just small enough for one blade to fit in and push it back up.

"Do you miss him too?" Eri questioned as Laura usually was more patient about such rash decisions.

Laura shrugged her shoulders, "I guess I do. I mean he's the only friend I have. He's been nothing but nice to me since we met again. And I want to talk to him again, but I can't do it if I don't have his number." Laura made sure Eri was hanging out tight before she started to sprint down the street. Eri couldn't help but smile the whole way. Not only was she going to see Midoriya again, but Laura was pretty happy about seeing him too!

Midoriya snuck out and went to the beach to make up for lost progress. It was bold, but a necessary risk to get back on track. Yes, the plan All Might had had room for injury makeup because anything can happen at any moment but Midoriya figured this would work too. Plus it was also a way to get his mind off of everything that happened.

His mom was so happy about Kayama's presence in his life and how positive it was for him. But as usual, his mom overthought the situation and practically made the pair a couple in her head. That was embarrassing for Midoriya. It was made even worse when his mom talked about marriage and about how she remembered 'dad.'

Dad was always an odd subject for Midoriya. Sure, he was grateful for everything he did but Midoriya had no connection to the man. As far as Midoriya knew, he was a stranger. Midoriya was unsure about ever meeting his father, and even more unsure if his mom and dad were still married. His mom says they are, but Midoriya never sees a ring on her hands. Midoriya's never seen a wedding or engagement ring at all. Was she saying that they were married to protect Midoriya? Midoriya doesn't know but if they were divorced it wouldn't bother Midoriya much personally. Midoriya cleared his head and went back to work.

The beach was slightly cleaner. All Might chose this place because it became a dump and he wanted to see its natural beauty again. Also, it was the perfect spot for Midoriya to build up his physical conditioning. With all the junk around and it varying from the smallest of items to things as big as refrigerators, there were plenty of objects to use.

Midoriya took his shirt off, clapped his hands together, and got set to work. He would only do a light amount considering he didn't want to sleep in his sweat, and showering late at night would wake his mom up.

Time seemed to have passed quickly because it went from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM in an instant. Many items were placed into a nearby garbage bin, as well as two dishwashers next to it, that All Might had brought. They were on the heavier side, but not heavy enough to make him work for it. As he promised himself, Midoriya would only do a light workout.

It was when Midoriya placed the second dishwasher down that Midoriya felt like he was being watched. That was not good. Midoriya glanced around and took note of everything around him. There was too much debris for Midoriya to see the stalker properly and Midoriya knew he had to make a break for it. Grabbing a nearby pipe, Midoriya sprinted towards concrete stairs to get into an open area when heard something to his left.

Midoriya looked over, and to his utter surprise, saw the Kayama sisters watching him on top of a refrigerator. "Kayama?!" Midoriya shouted as Laura did not look pleased.

"About time you noticed us," Laura jumped off with Eri still on her back, "I swear your senses need to be trained more than your body."

"Midoriya!" Eri shouted as she scampered off Laura's back and ran over to hug Midoriya, "I'm so happy to see you again!"

Midoriya laughed lightly and patted Eri's head, "Hey, Eri! Long time no see. Have you been doing well?"

Eri nodded her head frivolously, "Yes! Laura and I've been adopted!"

"Adopted?!" Midoriya shouted in more shock.

"Eri!" Laura hushedly screeched as Eri wasn't supposed to divulge that.

Eri looked back to Laura and knew she was in trouble, "S-Sorry…" Eri mumbled quietly. She was too excited and couldn't contain it.

"Wait…so…you two were…" Midoriya wanted to ask but felt unsure if he had the right to know.

Laura signed and walked towards the two with a shaking head, "It's a long story. One I would prefer to not say yet."

Midoriya nodded, tossing the pipe he had behind him, "Understood. I won't ask."

"Thanks," Laura examined Midoriya and noted his body. He was getting some muscle but it was nothing to brag about. "I see you're getting a workout done. Must explain why you overpowered those two bubs."

Midoriya remembered that he was shirtless and became beat-red, "G-G-Give me a minute!" Midoriya ran off to go get his shirt and took about two minutes to arrive with a gray breathable shirt now on. "To go back to your statement, yeah, I've been working out recently. I…um…figured I should get ready for the U.A Entrance Exam in the next few months."

"There's an entrance exam for that?" Laura asked and crossed her arms.

"Yeah," Midoriya nodded and pondered for a moment, "A physical and mental exam. The mental exam is to challenge your intelligence in various categories and see if you academically qualify whereas the physical is for those looking to enroll in the hero courses."

The second test sounds easy. The first one…not so much. Laura isn't dumb, but she knows she wasn't educated properly. If Nemuri wanted to enroll Laura into U.A. then how was she supposed to qualify if she isn't 'intelligent' enough to do so?

"I have to ask but how did you two find me?" Midoriya had to know this. Where did the duo come from? Were they secretly following him? Was it another coincidence that the trio lived close by as well?

"I followed your scent," Laura nonchalantly answered.

Midoriya blanked out, "My…scent?" Midoriya knew he could probably smell after a workout but damn!

"Yeah," Laura said, "Everyone has a certain scent that I can trace from miles away. It's how I was able to tell if Bakugo was close by or not."

Now that Laura mentions it she was always accurate when it came to knowing where Bakugo was at all times. Although that doesn't explain how Bakugo avoided detection when he attacked them.

Wait…if Laura could track people like a bloodhound, wouldn't that mean…no…no way…

"You have three quirks?!" Midoriya was amazed by this! Duo quirk was rare, but triple was almost impossible! Only nearly a hundred people since the dawn of quirks have ever been recorded with three quirks!

"You and your quirk talk…" Laura could already see what was going to happen. Midoriya was fascinated by quirks and wanted to know everything about her healing factor when the subject was first broached. She didn't like it when Midoriya kept tabs on her quirk as it reminded her of Kai. He always kept track of them. Laura wanted Midoriya to stop but didn't say so due to her feeling Midoriya meant no harm to it.

"Three quirks! Three quirks!" Midoriya shouted in excitement and awe, "I wished I had my notebook to jot this down! Agh! The one time I need it and I don't have it! I should be prepared but I didn't think I would need it right now!"

As Midoriya was going on about Laura's third quirk, Eri shuffled back to Laura and gave her a confused look. Before Eri could speak, Laura said, "There's worse than that. Sometimes he'll get into a creepy mumbling spree that will never end. Had to smack him on the head a few times to shut him up." Laura signed as Eri giggled. Laura rolled her eyes and shouted, "Quit it already! We came to see you not to hear you jabber about me!"

"Sorry! Sorry!" Midoriya laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his head, "I just can't help it. You're pretty amazing, Kayama."

Laura grunted at the compliment but that didn't stop Eri from joining in on the praise.

"Laura is amazing!" Eri beamed with pride, "She's powerful, strong, kind, smart, and the best big sister ever!"

"Oh I bet she is, and she's a great friend too!" Midoriya added with a big smile of his own, "She is everything you said and more! Cunning, strategic, protective, an incredible fighter, clever, and just an awesome person!"

Laura was getting embarrassed by this high praise and placed her arms over her chest and glanced towards the beach. Admiration outside of Eri was still a new thing to her, and to hear it coming from Midoriya was a bit flattering.

Huffing and not looking, Laura decided Midoriya could use a boost of confidence too, "I mean…you're pretty great too."

Eri's smile could not be any wider as well as Midoriya's.

"Oooooo Laura likes you!" Eri gleefully cheered as Midoriya's face reddened lightly.

"I guess you could say that," Laura rolled her shoulders and looked back at the duo, "I can't tell if your face is red or if the light isn't shining on your…" Laura's expression dropped as she recalled Midoriya's screams of pain. "...You're okay, right?"

Midoriya and Eri were both confused but Midoriya caught on quickly, "Oh. Yeah, I'm doing good. I don't feel the pain anymore. It went away some time ago."

"You weren't hurt too badly, right?" Laura asked in a somewhat more guilty tone.

Midoriya instantly reached up to his right cheek and glanced downward, "I mean…" Midoriya let his hand fall and looked back up at Laura, "I…"

Laura could tell Midoriya was holding something back. Eri would pull this move a lot when she wanted to hide something. "How bad was it?" Laura questioned.

"Kayama, I-"

"How. Bad." Laura demanded with a stern yet somewhat desperate expression.

Eri hadn't a clue what was going on but knew this was serious. Whatever happened involving two of her favorite people was getting serious.

Midoriya shuffled in place and hesitated to tell her. Midoriya knew Laura had a temper and if Laura was able to snuff out Midoriya from her house then she can surely track Kacchan. Midoriya believed Laura wouldn't be too bold to do that but then again Laura was a bold person.

Deciding to take matters into her own hands, Laura sped walked towards Midoriya, grabbed him by the arm, and yanked him into the light.

"Kayama wait!" Midoriya cried out but it was too late. Laura, now able to see Izuku's face clearly, saw the burns on his face and the new scar that accompanied it. Eri gasped and was shocked to see Izuku hurt. Laura, however, looked devastated. "Kayama…"

"You're…scarred…" Laura whispered, "I…I got you scared."

"Kayama, this wasn't your fault," Midoriya said.

"Why didn't you let me take it?" Laura asked, still gripping onto Midoirya's arm, "Why didn't you let me take that blow?!"

Midoriya grabbed at his arm and looked at Laura, "Because I had to! I couldn't let you take that!"

"I could have healed from that!" Laura countered back.

"I know that!" Midoriya said and gripped Laura's wrist, "But I had to protect you! You don't need it, but I couldn't stand watching you get beaten like that!"

"I don't need protection!" Laura snarled and flared up, "I just need for you to not be an idiot and get yourself killed!"

Midoriya flinched at the words but firmly held his ground, "I can't do that, Kayama. I can't!"

"Why not?!" Laura demanded.

Eri went to hug Laura by the waist and held on tightly hoping that might calm down her sister, "Laura!"

"That's what heroes do, Kayama!" Izuku strongly stated, "They throw themselves into danger at a moment's notice and become a shield for others!"

"Oh, you and your stupid hero beliefs!" Laura gnashed as Midoriya's aura dropped hearing that, "Has it ever occurred to you that maybe not everyone needs saving?! That some people can handle themselves?! You said it yourself, I don't need protection, but you did it anyway knowing I can regenerate from it! You can't, Midoriya! And look what that got you!"

"I got this from protecting my friend!" Midoriya pointed to his burnt and scarred cheek, and regained his stance, "And I will do it again every single time! You may not like that answer but I will always do it! Even if you weren't my friend I would still do it! Ask everyone in the school and they will tell you that I always jump in front of others no matter if they need protection or not!"

Laura was getting more and more upset by the second. She could see Izuku was faltering but he wouldn't quit. This served to only infuriate her more, "I don't need you to be my damn hero! I didn't need you then when I was protecting Eri, and I don't need you now!"

"LAURA!" Eri screamed suddenly as both teenagers were caught off guard by the little girl's sudden outburst. Eri had stopped hugging Laura and was standing in between the two, "Why are you being so mean to Midoriya?! He just wants to make sure you aren't hurt like how you don't want me to be hurt!"

"Eri, this is different!" Laura said but Eri rapidly shook her head.

"No, it isn't!" Eri balled up her hands into fists and raised them to her chest, "You always told me back in the room that the people who care the most are the ones who protect others! Midoriya cares a lot about everyone, that's why he protects other people! That's why he protected us when the sludge monster was going to attack us!"

Laura wasn't prepared to have Eri be against her. This was the first time in Laura's life that Eri ever opposed her.

Midoriya gently releases his grip on Laura's wrist and instead places his hand on her shoulder, "Kayama, please, understand that this is who I am. I can't allow others to be hurt when I know I can do something about it. It's not even about being a hero, it's about just being a good person." Midoriya signed and looked into Laura's eyes, "All my life, Kayama, I've been hurt. I've been bullied, pushed around, and called all kinds of names from mocking nicknames to derogatory insults. I've been beaten down nearly every day of my life; pulverized, blasted, you name it. I've gone home singed, with burn marks, torn clothes, bruising, and bloody. Sometimes I even came home with a broken bone or two, but that didn't matter to me because every time I was hurt someone wasn't. I do this not because I like it but because that's what a hero does. They take the pain for others whether or not said person can handle it or not."

Midoriya's eyes sharpened as now it was time for Laura to flinch lightly. Midoriya's passion cut through her like butter, "I don't for a second think about my health when it comes to helping someone else. Heroes are selfless, so that means I have to be selfless. Heroes are strong, so that means I have to be strong. And heroes are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for others, and I proved that I will do just that when I pushed you and Eri out of the way from the sludge villain under that bridge. Was I ready to die? Of course not, I don't want to die, Kayama. But I don't want someone else to die either knowing I can prevent that."

"You're crazy…" Laura mumbled, spooked by how adamant his words were.

"Maybe I am crazy," Midoriya laughed, "Maybe I am. But I do know that if I hadn't pushed you two out of the way then I would have always regretted it for the rest of my life. I would risk my life for you two every time because not only is it my choice, but it's always because I want to protect you two. I know you, Kayama, don't need it. Eri does, but not you. You don't need it, especially not from some quirkless Deku like me but All Might said I can be a hero, and a hero I will be! So I am sorry, Kayama, I truly am sorry, but no matter how many times you tell me to not be a shield I always will be one! You can hate me or stop being my friend all you want but I will never change that part of me."

Midoriya looked down to the ground and gritted his teeth, "If that part of me changes then I will lose my way. I will lose my purpose, and my life would mean nothing! All the hardships I endured, all the pain, the trauma, the people I protected, the belief All Might has in me would be for nothing! Everything I ever worked for would be meaningless. So, no, Kayama, I will not stop being myself because if I ever do then what the heck have I been fighting for?!"

The Kayama sisters were at a loss for words. Midoriya practically emptied his heart and let them know his purpose in life. It was to be a guardian of sorts. To be a shield and hero for everyone. To have everyone feel safe when he was around.

To Eri, Midoriya reminded her of Laura's tenacity to be a protector. No matter how brutal or tortuous it was, Laura would take it all if that meant Eri was spared. Midoriya was just that. He nearly died for the two and if that doesn't say anything about who Midoriya is to Eri then this was it.

To Laura, this was…different. Everything about Midoriya was different. How could someone as weak as him be so strong? Be so iron-willed to be the next great hero knowing he was at the worst disadvantage. Nothing mattered to Midoriya. None of the obstacles, the haters, the pressure, the genetic fraud mattered to him. Midoriya was going to be a hero against all odds. And anyone who got in his path wouldn't be destroyed but find themselves being enthralled by his compassion and kind-heartedness.

It was like looking at a bizarro person. The last person Laura knew with this type of tenacity was Chisaki. Whereas Chisaki sought to hurt, Midoriya sought to protect.

In a way, Laura was finding herself being invested in Midoriya more after this. This was the person she wished for when Eri and herself were first experimented on by Chisaki. The hero that would take them from his clutches and bring them to a better world. Although that never happened, Laura could see that Midoriya was being groomed to be that hero she dreamed of.

What's more…there wasn't any hate in Midoriya's eyes. There was never any hate for Bakugo now that Laura thought about it. There was fear, there was sadness, and there was somehow hope. But never hate. Hate was never on Midoriya's mind whenever Bakugo was around. Laura couldn't understand how someone who was always being hunted like prey couldn't hate their predator, but Midoriya just wasn't capable of it. It wasn't that Midoriya couldn't but he wouldn't.

Midoriya wouldn't allow himself to fall into hatred. Something Laura fell into.

Slowly, Laura began to loosen her grip on Midoriya's arm as Midoriya removed his hand from her shoulder.

Laura couldn't muster a response but saw Midoriya smiling that stupid infectious smile of his. Giving out a small laugh, Laura smiled lightly while Eri was pleased to see the fighting had stopped.

"Fine," Laura caved in, "I won't ask you to do something that is against your nature, but promise me you'll be careful. I don't want you to get hurt because of me."

"That hurts her, Midoriya," Eri said, knowing Laura wouldn't say it, "She hates it when others get hurt for her."

"Eri…" Laura muttered. This girl was going to reveal everything about her by the end of the year.

"I know," Midoriya replied, "We're the same like that. I know it hurt Kayama so much. If I could do it another way where neither of us got hurt I would have done it, but I do promise to be more careful. For you, Kayama."

Laura felt a pang in her chest at that last sentence. Did he promise her? Of course, it was for her, Laura did ask, but something was warming about hearing how it was for her.

Eri tilted her head, "Now you're getting red, Laura."

Laura hated this feeling but also didn't. But why was her head getting hot though?! Gah this is getting too long, and enough time has passed! Eri needs to go home and sleep!

"I should get Eri to bed, it's way past her bedtime," Laura said as Eri deflated.

"Awwww…" Eri looked upset, "But I wanna stay with Midoriya more!"

"We know where he lives now we can always visit," Laura rolled her eyes at Eri's whining, "And Nemuri will be mad if she catches us. And this time it would be warranted on my end."

"Nemuri?" Midoriya muttered, "Kayama….Nemuri….Nemuri Kayama….Nemuri Kayama. Nemuri Kayama!" Both girls looked to Midoriya as his face started to light up and Laura knew at that moment Midoriya had found out who their adoptive parent was, "Midnight is your mom?!"

"Will you shut up?!" Laura barked and Midoriya clamped up, "Yes, but no one is supposed to know so keep your mouth shut!" Laura flashed her teeth at Midoriya, "If you tell anyone I'm going to kick your ass! Got it?!"

Midoriya nodded frantically and laughed anxiously, "Y-Y-Y-Yeah, Kayama! Message received loud and clear!" Midoriya was curious to know why Kayama wanted to keep this a secret but it wasn't his business to know.

Laura pinched her nose and tapped her left foot, "I swear you're too smart for your good. But I guess that's something I like about you. You're not an idiot. Smarter than 99% of everyone I know, that's for sure."

Midoriya continued to laugh both in fear and happiness. He'll take that compliment.

Laura stopped her antics before looking over to Eri, "One more hug, then we're leaving."

Eri smiled and went to hug Midoriya one more time, "It was nice seeing you again, Midoriya!"

Midoriya smiled and hugged Eri back, "It was great to see you too, Eri! Be safe, and watch your sister for me, yeah?"

"I always do!" Eri giggled with Laura not finding this amusing. Okay, maybe just a tiny bit.

Eri and Midoriya broke off the hug as Eri ran back to Laura before Laura grabbed Eri under her arms and gently placed her on her back.

Just as the two were about to part, Laura snapped her fingers, "Oh right. I almost forgot to ask you for your number."

After all that had happened tonight, being asked for his number is what made Midoriya return to his clumsy, shy self. Laura couldn't believe this whereas Eri found it funny.

Once the numbers were exchanged and goodbyes were said, the two girls returned home safe and sound. Nemuri hadn't caught them, or at least Laura hoped so, but that would be answered in the morning. Laura and Eri quickly changed into different sets of pajamas to hide evidence of their nighttime activity and going to bed.

For Eri, her dream was of having fun with Laura, Nemuri, and Midoriya in some wacky world.

As for Laura, hers was peaceful. A repetitive dream since it first happened several years ago. It was one of herself and Eri sitting together with Eri in her lap as they watched the sunset from a distance on a grassy field. It was quiet, relaxing, and comforting.

This time, though, another person was with them. Midoriya was sitting next to them. And behind her was Nemuri. Laura never dreamt of the two until now. It was a bit strange but welcoming. Laura didn't mind it. It felt right to her.

It made Laura feel protected.

Author's Note:

So…we are almost getting to the fun part where the journey takes us to U.A. As of now, it is now month two since the sludge villain attack and that leaves us eight months left till the U.A Exam. As of now I do not plan to stay on the Alder Junior High arc for much longer but as you can probably guess I need to wrap up several storylines together with the biggest being Alder Junior High's principal.

I have also come with a request because I know I am not the best storywriter. Take a look at my other stories and you can see I have my faults. (Except for the one-off chapter in Iron Maiden, that was a bet I lost lmao.)

And because of my faults I wanted to see if anyone had any questions for me regarding the story or just in general. Ask about the other stories if you want too, except With Great Powers, Comes a Great Alliance.

Again, I ask you all to question me if you want too as I am happy to answer any confusion you may have.

Till then, have a nice day.