Interlude - We have ice cream at home.

I considered for a moment as Deku stared at me, looking like a hurt puppy, that I hadn't clued him into the rescue of Haruto.

There was no rescue of course. But Deku sure seemed to think I rescued him from a villains lab. How do I know? I can read his surface thoughts or the close approximation of them at least, off of his emotions. One of the benefits of 150% mastery of trance.

I dared not dwell deep in his mind for fear of the seven squatters that call his head home. If they can repel AFO and he was 100+ years old, what chance did I stand against them. Stupid question.

39%. Laplace Junior answered.

Nope too low. I like my chances to be in a good 200+% before I attempt to mindfuck Deku.

I dissipated the trance jacks. No point trying with those odds.

How do I increase the odds? I asked.

Practice.

Experience.

Came the answer.

So the problem wasn't a lack of power but skill?

Yes.

That's great. And I had just the practice targets in mind.

I looked at Deku assuringly and explained.

"It was a spur of the moment thing. Didn't have time to call you." I said.

"I understand. But please don't bear all the burden by yourself Haru-chan. You have a bad habit of doing that. I am your friend aren't I? I can help! That's what friends are for. Didn't you teach me that?!" He said, crying.

Oh goodness. Not again. Deku seriously needs more friends. This is getting uncomfortably clingy now.

"I'll see." I said.

"No. You won't! From now on I'm coming with you." Deku said.

"Are you seriously saying you'll stalk me like fucking ghost if I don't allow you to come along?" I asked.

"If I have to." He replied.

"Fine. I'll tell you when I do this again. Happy?" I said, annoyed.

"Yup. And you better!" Deku said as he turned to go home.

"You sure you aren't gay?" Himiko asked from the sidelines.

"Why don't I show you right now?" I said, pulling her closer.

"Whooo..no. Not in front of Haruto!" She giggled.

"So you don't wanna?" I asked.

"I didn't say that..." she said blushing.

"Let's go to my house. We'll put Haruto to sleep and then..." she added.

"No. I have school tomorrow and my parents are probably worrying as to where I am. Maybe this sunday?"

"Uhun!" She leaned close and gave me a kiss, before whispering, "I can't wait. I want to make one of our own little Harutos."

"This early in the relationship?" I asked.

"Why not?" She said, "Are you planning on leaving me?"

"Not particularly." I said.

She slapped me playfully on the shoulder.

"Never a straight answer from you huh?"

"Hehehehe. Now where's the fun in that?"

"Papa! Can we get ice cream?" Haruto interrupted.

"We have ice cream at home. Now you," I said, handing him over to Himiko, "go with Mama, okay? Papa will come and see you on sunday."

I kissed him on the forehead.

"Ok." He said, a bit sadly.

"Good boy!" I said and waved goodbye to Himiko and Haruto and returned home.