"I'll go with the girl."

Shigaraki turned to the tall man with the skull-face who stood from the card table. You too were surprised as you haven't heard him speak yet.

"Really, Grim?" Tomura asked, "Feeling social?"

The man still had blood-stained clothes from that evening. You gulped, and prayed someone else joined in.

"Why don't a few of us go? Not Dabi, obviously," Tomura snickered, "Kurogiri, can you get us here?"

Kurogiri took Shigaraki's phone and examined the screen thoughtfully, "Certainly. However, this seems to be a mere parking garage."

Toga groaned loudly, "Why do we need to go at all? I'm bored of chasing (Y/N)'s lame boyfriend. I want to try other people's blood - maybe her other friends!"

Blood..?!

"Stay behind then," Tomura said, "Someone has to watch Bakugo... Maybe Compress or Spinner should stay too."

Compress elegantly raised his hand, "I shall go. I'm interested to meet another who appreciates the arts."

"Think you'll need backup?" Spinner asked, "How dangerous is this guy anyway?"

"We'll find out soon enough," Tomura said.

Kurogiri set the phone on the counter, "Is going immediately after a mission wise?"

Tomura glanced in your direction. You wanted - no - needed to go, tonight. It was late and you were already exhausted but it was your only window until...

You remembered what Dabi said about Tomura being a softy for you. What "soft" meant to a villain you weren't sure but you hoped it meant you could somehow manipulate the situation.

"It doesn't hurt to look, right?" You held one arm behind your back and reached for the other elbow; a good stretch and it opened up your figure.

If I have it, use it, I guess.

You hid your triumph when Tomura's gaze left your face and went further down.

"Chances are, he won't be there tonight, anyway," you said, taking a few steps towards his seat, "We could even go... just us two."

It was the first time Tomura actually looked embarrassed. His cheeks turned a dull rose color.

He regained his composure and cleared his throat, "Maybe one day. It's still too early for me to totally trust you," he eyes trailed down to the floor, "I look forward to when I can, though."

He swiveled in his chair to face you and gently grabbed your hand, careful of his fifth finger, and guided you to him. Since you were trying to win him over, you went with it, even when he helped you onto his lap.

You resisted the urge to shiver. It was also totally embarrassing, which made you think he was getting revenge and being extra flirty now. Your legs lay across his and your shoulder snuggled into his chest.

I guess this is the perfect crowd to be openly promiscuous...

"One of you get Bakugo for me," Tomura said, and your heart leapt.

"I'll get the big meany-head!" Toga cheered and took off into another room you hadn't seen yet. Your felt your shoulders tense-up, concerned with allowing the psycho, stabby-girl near Bakugo, but Tomura secured you to him with four fingers against your waist.

Spinner breathed out his nose and grumbled, "I'll see that she doesn't kill him..."

"Where is Twice?" You asked. Keep asking questions. Paint a picture.

This was your other task.

"Blowing off steam with Magne I think," Tomura leaned his head against yours, "They'll be back when we need 'em."

"You really do have a little family here, huh."

He didn't answer but seemed to ponder on it. You felt something cold against your knee and looked down. Tomura was examining the marks on your legs. His fingers were like ice cubes in comparison to Dabi's and the contrast was most welcoming, even if it gave you goosebumps.

"Dabi's doing?" He asked.

"Your henchman was being a little extra," you scoffed.

Hopefully, you could get out of here before Dabi wakes up, you thought while keeping one eye down the hallway at Tomura's room.

"Hmph," his grip tightened, "Once everyone sees you as my queen, they won't touch you like that again."

... Queen?

"I'm sorry?" You weren't sure you heard him right.

"I plan on being king of my new world, didn't I tell you," he said excitedly, "It feels like ages since you questioned my convictions. I've done some thinking since then... and I want to completely crush this society; where trash like All Might get worshipped."

"And I'm the queen in this fantasy scenario of yours?"

"Of course!"

"... I think you need to find someone with the same morbid desires," you looked over your shoulder to meet his crimson eyes.

"You don't?" He tilted his head, "Even when the media is trying to get everyone to hate you? What do you owe the world? Nothing!"

"I don't have to be liked to do the right thing," you felt like you were trying to convince yourself, really.

"Ugh... You sound so noble I could die," he facepalmed (lol 😀😅) , "People like me aren't the only ones being oppressed in this society bound by rules. What about Bakugo? He has more fire than any kid I've seen pushed through UA. And you..."

Tomura shook his head and laughed, but it lacked real joy, "You hold yourself back so much - it must be so frustrating!"

"What about you?" You retorted, "You've hardly done anything yourself. You keep sending your pawns to do stuff for you - and you're supposed to be the 'king'? Who is going to believe that!"

"(Y/N), everyone knows a king has loyal servants!"

Toga and Spinner returned, this time carrying a simmering Bakugo. He still wore his quirk-suppressing cuffs. His burning eyes were glued to you even when they secured him to a chair like a sad captive.

Sitting with Tomura became a million times worse. You could feel the confusion coming from the blond boy and wished so badly you could explain.

Soon... when we're out of this mess.

"What do you losers want now," his normally loud voice was a bit tired and rough sounding.

"Just in time! We were about to miss the show," Tomura said.

What show was he talking about?

"This is still just a game to you," you said to Tomura, "You think you've figured it out but nothings changed."

"Things have changed, though," he beamed, "I have you. And the media is loving it."

Tomura stood up, forcing you to your feet as well, "Want to see what your justice-obsessed society is doing to your beloved teacher?"

You watched as he sauntered towards a small television. The outside world hadn't even crossed your mind yet. What did everyone think of UA now? And who thought you, Shinso, and Bakugo were either dead or villains...

The screen lit up and you immediately saw your teacher's face. He was speaking at a press conference and even got cleaned up to be in the spotlight (his least favorite thing!)

"Look at Eraser," Tomura's raspy laugh taunted, "Trying so hard to defend you. I'm surprised he's keeping his cool. They aren't going easy on him..."

Hearing the questions reporters were asking made your blood boil.

"These students weren't chosen at random," one reporter said, "Bakugo showed violence and uncooperativeness at the sports festival. And we all know about (Y/N) and Hitoshi Shinso. That boy's quirk is too dangerous. How can you not be concerned they'll all become villains?"

Aizawa sat at a table with the other staff from UA while the questions continued to come at them. They were tiny of the television screen but you knew your teacher well enough to recognize his trying-not-to-murder-you-dead face.

"Why are the heroes being criticized, I wonder?" Tomura asked, "Everyone makes a mistake or two, sometimes! Right?"

You glared but continued listening. Aizawa did his best to remain calm even when the questions or accusations got heated. These were all things you've heard before, but it was strange to hear them said about Bakugo.

Finally, Aizawa stood up and addressed the audience, "You're a reporter, correct? You write articles based on facts, or perhaps your own facts from your own perception of truths shown to you."

Everyone for quiet. Even the villains in the room with you wanted a listen.

He continued, "So, forgive me by correcting you in saying that you have no idea about (Y/N) or Shinso. The only 'facts' you think you have are fear-driven opinions from ignorant sources. And Bakugo's outbursts are a result of my poor teaching, which I will accept responsibility for. What you don't see is his fierce determination to achieve his goals. If you think the villains can easily sway him, you are wrong."

A smile grew on your face.

Tomura turned the screen off, clearly upset Aizawa didn't lose his shit, "Strange isn't it? You try so hard to be decent, and depending on the needs of society you're either accepted or cast out."

Now he had the attention of you, Bakugo, and the League.

"These citizens will come down on those who are different rather than encourage them. And then, when they find their 'ideal' candidates, they put them on pedestals for money and glory," Tomura expressed with his hands, "Our fight is to question; what is a hero? And is our society truly just? We'll have the world wondering..."

You still felt like you were watching some young maniac getting excited about his ideas, but it was as Dabi said earlier. You were confused. Was society more corrupt than you realized?

"You think your lame monologuing will somehow change our minds?" Bakugo barked, "As soon as you let me out of here you're all dead."

Tomura chuckled lightheartedly, "Funny - I don't think you realize how perfect you are for this team! You still have one more chance to reconsider."

Kurogiri opened a warp gate and Bakugo watched as you joined Grim and Compress in preparing to depart.

"Where are you going with her!" He demanded.

"It's a secret," Tomura said, "Or rather, it'll take too long to explain."

He placed four fingers on your back and shoved you through. You gasped as you fell through the darkness for the third time now.

When you blinked, the hideout was gone, and you were surrounded by walls of concrete. Compress was already scouting ahead, lurking in the shadows of the parking garage, so the one to catch you before you ate the cement was Mr. big, tall, and scary.

A rock-solid arm caught you around your shoulders. When you looked up at your savior, behind his mask, were two black, soulless eyes. He may as well be a hallowed-out skull.

"Thanks..." you muttered and scurried away. You were pretty sure his bloodied jacket got some stranger's blood on you.

Grim said nothing. His cold, blank stare expressed more than you wanted to hear anyway.

Tomura exited the portal next. This part of your plan was a success; you got out, with Hawks tucked safely away inside your costume.

Knowing Hawks's speed, he could show up in minutes or seconds. And from what you could interpret, another team was already coming for Bakugo and the hideout.

It was difficult to communicate when Hawks couldn't use actual words, but he seemed to understand the situation Shinso was in and went along with your idea. You could barely hide your fear and excitement from the others with you.

But now you had a lead - as much a lead as the League did - in finding Shinso's captor.

It was time for your great escape.

There was still a looming uncertainty in the back of your mind. The pros would be able to find Shinso on their own after this, right? Had you done enough? You couldn't stop the plan that was already in motion but were you doing the right thing?

"Something on your mind?"

Tomura put his arm around you - a gesture more out of security than friendliness.

"I want to find this guy. That's all," you said.

"What do you think you'll do?" He asked, "If we find Valentini. Will you kill him?"

"No, I... I don't think that's..."

Tomura hummed giddily, "Hadn't thought about it yet? You might have to. Are you willing to break your noble hero-code?"

"If I have to," you shrugged, "Then I would assume I had no other choice..."

"Sure, sure," he just smiled, "Now, I guess we search the place for anyone who looks like they're buying and selling bodies."

"Tomura."

He stopped, "Yeah?"

"How did you know?" You asked, "About me, I mean. Obviously, it was a big secret to me my whole life, so how did you know about the Butcher and me?"

It was a random conversation to have right now, but you may not have the chance again if Shigaraki and the League were arrested tonight.

"My master," he said, simply.

"Your... master? Like, a teacher?"

"You could say that. He's like a father to me. But he knew all about you and your quirk. I'm not surprised," Tomura added, "He's been around for a long time."

"Where is he? Who is he?"

"Time will tell, (Y/N). Just be patient."

Now there was another villain to worry about? One who knew about your family and your quirks before the world did? The secrets never end with you people!!

"Shigaraki," Compress called.

The two of you looked up. Compress was waving Shigaraki over, but held a finger to his lips.

"What, are we actually trying to be stealthy?" Tomura asked.

"A failed attempt I see," Compress sighed, "Come have a look, tell me what you make of this."

He descended down the ramp that lead to the lower level of the parking garage. They didn't invite you over, which was curious, but this could be your golden opportunity.

Your eyes shifted to Grim. He stood casually with his arms folded and his focus on your every move. Great, another bodyguard. His quirk was still a mystery to you, but considering his cool demeanor and apparent taste for bloodshed, you didn't want to find out the hard way.

You did your best to not look conspicuous as you explored the upper level of the garage. It was late so hardly any cars took up the spaces. If you stood close enough to the walls, Hawks might be able to snatch you from the ledge to the outside.

Something red caught your eye and your heart skipped a beat. When you turned to get a better look however, your joy quickly turned to dread. The red didn't come from wings, but a rose.

It sat on the edge of a far wall, alone without a master. The petals moving slightly from the breeze, and the peering moonlight made the stem light up like a mini lightsaber. You swallowed your fear and approached, being cautious of any sudden movements.

"What is it?" Grim asked, taking notice.

"I don't know yet," you whispered back.

You made it to the rose without interference and let out the air you'd been holding in. No trap?

When you reached the ledge and went to touch the flower, your gaze went to the ground below. The streets were quiet and dark - only faint street lamps illuminated the figure standing on the corner.

At first, you thought nothing of it, until you realized the stranger hadn't moved and his face looked up at you...

"You've been searching for me for so long. So I have come."

😂