You Need A Break

- JAPAN -

BREAKING NEWS: THE QUIRKLESS REJECTS HIJACKED JAPAN NEWS NOW AND BROADCASTING LIVE DECLARING WAR

"Hello, I'm Kyle. Today I am taking over the news for Shawn and Sherri as they recover from the attack that happened two days ago. Two days ago, the Quirkless Rejects hijacked the Broadcasting Live station and Japan News Now station and broadcast themselves all over the world to call out to other countries and apparently start branches overseas. Not only that, but the Rejects have also declared war on the world, calling it the third world war, or World War Quirkless.

This has riled up the authorities quite a bit. This has also got the governments of other nations and countries angry at Japan for Dragging us into your problems." The Rejects have claimed that they will be sending a means of communication over to the quirkless communities all over the world in ways that the authorities won't recognize but the quirkless community will.

There were quite a few casualties among heroes, police, the employees they kept hostage, and even the members of the Quirkless Rejects. Currently, the whole world is waiting on the edge for some sort of reaction, plan, or another action from the Quirkless Rejects. It's tense as we all sit in silence, not being able to do anything. The world as we know it is changing and not for the best. Stay safe, Japan."

_______________________________

- North America -

"Good morning, America! Just yesterday the whole world's news channels were hacked and diverted to Japan's news which had been taken over by the Quirkless Rejects, a criminal organization in Japan fighting for equality amongst the quirkless and quirked communities."

"Yes, I believe we have all heard of them and even a few gatherings and riots have taken place even here in the United States where equality is a big topic currently."

"Still, the US government was not too pleased, and I am sure that other countries are not happy to be dragged into this."

"I assure you, they aren't. The government is starting to take action. They have begun to regulate all forms of social media and contact with Japan and take action against the quirkless population. Those without quirks have been put under watch in fear of a terrorist movement."

"This has further agitated the quirkless population though. Just this morning, as I was driving to work, I saw in many windows signs that had words like 'Viva La Quirkless' or 'Quirkless rule, Quirks drool!' and some less than pleasant ones as well."

"I, too, think this is a little prejudice. It reminds me of how we used to keep the Japanese on the containment camps when we thought there were possible terrorists and spies."

"Quirks, the things that we used to think kept us together and protected are suddenly tearing us apart."

_______________________________

- China -

"We are losing our sense of unity."

- England -

"It is quite a dangerous place to live in. Stay safe."

- India -

"The quirkless are becoming dangerous. Shield yourselves."

_______________________________

- World -

!STAY SAFE, WORLD!

_______________________________

Ochako was watching the news in shock. Her boyfriend, or his, like, alter-ego or something, was starting a freaking war! Ochako liked Mikumo, don't get her wrong. But she was a heroin in training and Deku, who was something akin to a brother or just a body holder of the body Mikumo had, was a villain. He proclaimed vigilance but so did Stain. Ochako's parents poured so much of their already low funds to get her to this point, to get her into UA and an apartment of her own so that she could attend it. She couldn't give all of that up just for a boy.

She liked Mikumo, a lot. However, maybe it was the time that she turned that "like" into a friend-like.

"The third world war starts now, World War Quirkless." *Bzzt*

The power cut off.

_______________________________

Inko sat next to Rei in the mental ward. Their mental states had improved enough to allow them to begin to share a room. The news was playing and they both watched in shock. Her baby… Izuku was on television starting a war with the whole war! Well, Deku was. Still, it didn't do a mother's heart any good to witness this happening. She took in a shaky breath. I should just be happy to be able to have a relationship with Izu again. She looked over at Rei slightly.

Rei was looking down. Her son, Todoroki, was also there. The ice encasing the walls in the background of the scene was enough to tell her that. Why were they still in the mental ward after all of their progress? Regret. They might have "made up" with their respective children but they still had some lingering regrets that bombarded their minds and wracked their mental states enough to keep them here. After all, both of them, whether directly or indirectly, played major roles in turning their sons into villains.

"Please be safe, Izu," Inko whispered to herself as she turned back to the screen.

_______________________________

Shota sat in a different underground bunker, back in his normal clothes, next to fifteen hospital beds. There were many casualties, among them were Jester, Bubblegum, Doom, Grimlin, and Deku. But to him, it was Mikumo. And to him, Mikumo was his son. Jester and Doom were far better off than the rest of them but the others were severely wounded. Bubblegum had woken up once now after passing out when she exited the warp gate but fell unconscious soon after and hasn't woken up again, and Doom had all of the bullet wounds that he had received from the police helicopters patched up and was doing well. Gimlin had begun to recover movement after the electric shocks that were so powerful that it made his muscles and joint tense up to the point of becoming immobile. Mikumo though…

He had yet to wake up. It was hard keeping him, Bubble, and the few members that are also still unconscious stable after the power cut off. The city's power had been cut off for two days and with little power and only the work of black undersociety "medics", they had little to work with. It had come on yesterday so those unconscious began to receive some much needed medical attention. Animation had the bakery closed for the week posting a sign that read, "In light of the attack and family members hurt, we are closed for the week," on its front door. The mood was dark.

Shota sat next to Mikumo's bed. The gash on his head was stitched but he had gotten a major concussion. The large cut across his abdomen was hard to stitch with his broken ribs but they had all been wrapped up and his right arm was in a cast. He had lost so much blood that he had yet to wake and was on a breathing machine with that dreadful mask over his mouth because a rib had punctured a lung. Mikumo had a black cloth over his eyes. Doom thought it necessary since the members that weren't of the main group haven't seen him sans cover-up. Shota thought it just made him look more dead against his pale skin and damp hair.

Shota sighed as he leaned against the chair next to Mikumo's bed.

___

"I'm sorry, Dad."

___

"Aizawa," he turned his head towards Jester's voice. "You should head home. You come here every day after your classes." Shota shook his head. "I'm ok… Thanks though, Jester…" The kid nodded. The KID nodded. Mikumo, Jester, and many more of the Quirkless Rejects are just children that the world has pushed beyond return. He swallowed. It was sickening. Shota set the stack of papers he had been grading on the ground and turned to face Mikumo's bed.

"You're friends at UA are worried about you, kid. They saw the sign saying that the bakery worker's families had been injured. You gotta wake up some time to talk to them, you know?"

No reply, of course.

"Ah, your girlfriend too." Shota always came and told the sleeping Mikumo about his day at work. "Those few that come to the bakery and you talk with often, who was it? Ochako, Kirishima, Tsuyu, and Bakugou. Oh and Iida joined them recently, didn't he? Yeah, well, they cause another stir today. Apparently everyone thought we would cancel school when the power went out but we didn't. Bakugou almost blew up another table, he's ironically loud even while mute. Kirishima stopped him, again, with Iida being, well, Iida trying to calm them down."

He sighed.

"Then we had a test…"

Shota spoke to the unconscious form of Mikumo for a while longer before he got up. "Night, Mikumo." He walked over to the cot that he had personally set up for himself. Jester was right, Shota never left except for work. He was terrified of Mikumo waking up without him there. That sounded selfish but after the kid's last outbreak, that is what he decided to call it, Shota just felt like he should be there.

He felt bad for asking Hizashi to take care of his cat while he was away but Shota had a nagging feeling that the loud blonde knew something was up when he agreed overly happy.

Shota climbed onto the cot and pulled the covers over himself. He slowly fell into a restless sleep.

_______________________________

*BEEP*

*BEEP*

Deku tightened his eyes close.

*BEEP*

Slowly he opened them but there was no light. His eyes were open, right?

*BEEP BEEP*

I can't see… He took a breath. Holy cowl it hurts to breathe!

*BEEP BEEP BEEP*

He slowly sat up but the bandages across him shifted. Suck! That hurts! He clutched his head. Everything… hurts. A black cloth fell from his face. Huh?

Deku!

Mikumo?

I need control!

Wh- what? Why?

Da- Eraserhead! He- He-

*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP*

Deku remembered. He remembered it all. The news station attack, the heroes, Erasethe- HOLY COWL! After the way Mikumo passed out he's gotta be crazed!

Ok, Mikumo, you got control. Mikumo took present and immediately swung his legs off the bed. His vision tilted.

*BEEPBEEPBEEPBEEPBEEP*

"Deku?" He whirled his head to face around to see Jester and Doom sitting up from their… hospital beds? Wait? Where are we!? He lurched forward. I have to keep moving! He quickly stood up and stumbled.

"DEKU?!"

*BEEPBEEP BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP-* The cords fell off him. He felt Doom and Jester grab him and tried to push him back onto his bed but Mikumo resisted. He struggled. "Let me go!"

"No, Deku! You need to calm down!" hollered Doom. "Someone get Eraserhead!"

"Dad!" Mikumo cried out!

He looked over and saw Grimlin shaking the hero awake. Dad sat up and looked around. Their eyes met and the man leaped off the bed. Mikumo pushed past Jester and Doom but his vision was spotting and his legs felt like they were going to give out. Mikumo reached forwards. His legs gave out and Mikumo felt himself start to fall when two arms grabbed and steadied him. "Kid, calm down!" Mikumo shook his head harshly. Dang, why is it so hard to breathe!?

"D- Dad- I just - You- The attack," he stumbled over his words, completely disoriented. He felt something wet run down his body but couldn't register as blood when his wound reopened.

"Mikumo," Dad calmly spoke, "you're hyperventilating. You need to breathe." Mikumo shook his head. "Can't- breath… Need to- say," "You need your machine-"

"I'm sorry-" Mikumo gasped out.

The room went silent, by now all other members who had woken up stared in shock. "Kid, you- MIKUMO!" He blacked out and collapsed into his father's arms.

_______________________________

Deku woke up again on his hospital bed, re-hooked up to the machines.

*BEEP*

*BEEP*

He was a lot more calm, between him, Izuku, and Mikumo. Mikumo seemed content in having seen Eraserhead and said his sorries. Deku sat up, more gently than the last time. Bubblegum walked over to him. "Deku, you gave us all a fright last night…" He looked down. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me." It was hard to breathe still and his voice was muffled by the breathing mask. She nodded in understanding. It wasn't until now that Deku realized that the rest of the main group was there. "We know," said Grimlin. "That's why we think that it would be a good idea for you to stay off the front lines for a good month or two." Deku whipped his head around, not the best idea if his aching head was anything to go by.

"What?"

"You are still our leader but you know very well that your mental state is a whole lot worse than the rest of ours." Deku averted his eyes. Yeah, kind of hard to not know. "Of course, we still need you to lead us," continued Grimlin, "just not on the front lines. We ask, as your family, Deku, and as people who genuinely care for you, that you don't go out to take on any more heroes or criminals in the next month at the very least? You can still plan attacks, direct the Quirkless Rejects members, and command us all as always, but we want you to take some time off to get back into your own mind, or minds."

Deku understood perfectly, he knew that this was all a very good idea but, "What about the bakery? Mikumo can't very well disappear from the bakery, it would cause too much suspicion."

"We know," said Anima. "Mikumo can still work in the bakery, we just don't want you fighting in the mindset you are in right now. Also, you are still very much wounded so even Mikumo will have to take it slow."

Grimlin nodded. "Go hang out with Todoroki and Shinsou like normal, be with friends like Kirishima and Uraraka, just calm yourself. Actually, this goes for all of us, even if it is just with members of the Quirkless Rejects, we all need to spend some time talking with others our age and of the same interests. We will always be family but I think it would be good if we made relationships with the other members and with other people."

"Are you okay with this, Deku?" asked Bubblegum. "You know we only want the best for you."

Deku looked up at the ceiling of the bunker. You know it makes sense, Deku, said Izuku. I feel like this is my fault, commented Mikumo. It's not, Deku replied. We all need this and we know it. No reply. Deku closed his eyes and gave a looooooong sigh before opening them and turning to his family. "Yeah, it's okay," he said with a strained smile.

They all smiled back.

_______________________________

Izuku woke up in the apartment. He had moved back to it two days after the talk with the other members and he was able to breathe without support. Honey was very happy to have him back, it was evident in the way she happily clambered onto him, careful to avoid his chest. "BARK!" Izuku laughed. "Hey, girl." He pet her for a good minute. Everyone else had gone to work, the bakery was opening back up today but Mikumo was getting a late start. Izuku was very grateful for that.

He got up and went into the kitchen. There was a note on the fridge stating food for him was inside. Izuku popped it in the microwave before going to get ready in Mikumo's uniform. It was a tad harder to accomplish with a broken arm but he'd make it work. Izuku looked in the bathroom mirror.

"I need a haircut," he commented.

Very much so.

Maybe we could ask one of the members?

"Perhaps. Deku, can you check on it later?"

Sure thing.

"Thanks."

Izuku heard the microwave go off so he quickly finished up and left to get his food. Izuku ate his rice as he looked out the window and Honey ate hers. It was good to be home. He wondered how Mom was doing. She must be worried. Ah, the sky is pretty. Oh, a bluebird. The weather is getting chillier.

Just simple observations but it was peaceful to be in his own mind alone. He began to nod off.

Izuku.

"Wha- huh?"

Wakey wakey.

"Sorry," he apologized.

You know, I don't have to work if our body isn't ready for it just yet.

Izuku stood up sharply, greatly regretting it due to the sharp pain in his chest, and carried his bowl over to the sink. "Nope! All good! Mikumo you have free reign for the day!" Ok, if you're sure. Mikumo took over and left with Honey, pulling on his black work cap.

_______________________________

"One coffee with three sugars, same as usual, Marice." Mikumo handed the cup to the man and received the payment. Working efficiently was hard with the consistent pain in his chest and with one immobile arm but he made it work.

"Thank you, Mikumo. It is good to see you back. I hope your aunt is okay after the attack, I had no idea she worked at Japan News Now." Mikumo laughed and his eyes flickered over to Himiki, who averted her eyes and looked back to Marice. Since when do I have an aunt?

"She is, thank you for your concern. I'm glad you and your family are well after the sudden power outage."

"Thank you, it was quite a shock for our little girls but we got threw it. Have a good day, Mikumo."

"You too, Marice."

Ah, this is nice. It's good to be back at Soft Blossom Bakery. Honey yipped cheerfully from the corner as if she had read his mind and agreed. Mikumo chuckled and turned to the next customer.

*Ding Ding*

Mikumo turned his head to the sound of the front doors little bell that rang when a customer entered. "Ah! Uraraka!" His girlfriend gave a week wave as she approached Mikumo who was behind the bar. He picked up on it immediately. Something is wrong. "One caramel mocha, I presume?" He smiled at her. Uraraka nodded. "Yes, please." Please? Why so formal? "Coming right up!" He got to work on her usual beverage.

"U- um Mikumo, are you on your break soon?" Yeah, something's up.

"Yup! I'll be out in a few," he said as he passed Uraraka her drink and received the payment. She nodded. "Thanks."

Mikumo went to the back as she left and took off his apron. Jester took his place at the coffee machines. He went out after washing his hands and getting a strawberry banana smoothie. Mikumo sat across from his girlfriend at a table in the corner. "Heya," he greeted cheerfully. "Hi," she quietly replied. "How's school been? We haven't talked in a while, you know?" The brunette shrugged. "It's fine." ... "I- I saw the news, Mikumo." There it is. "Oh that was wild wasn't it?" He played ignorant. Uraraka nodded stiffly. "Uraraka. You have something you want to say," he stated. Uraraka was silent for a while before she finally met his eyes.

"Let's break-up, Mikumo."

Yeah, I thought so. As much as Mikumo was prepared for it, 'cause it was bound to happen, it didn't hurt any less hearing her say it. "Why?" He asked. "You know why," she said. The greenette nodded. "You're right, I do. I want to hear you say it though or neither of us will be able to let go. You know it, too."

Uraraka gulped. "I- I'm a hero in t-training and you, or Deku, are a villain a-and I can't give up my future for a villain boyfriend."

Silence. Then…

"Okay." Her head snapped up. "Okay? That's it?" she questioned, sounding almost hurt. Mikumo nodded. "Uraraka, I told you that I would never force your hand, and I still hold true to that. If you want to break-up, then I will break-up, no matter how much it hurts. I do not want to see you hurt because of something that we do."

Uraraka looked down. He saw a few tears drop from her brown eyes. "O- okay. Then I guess that's it…"

"That's not all, though?" Her head snapped up again.

"N- no, it's not. Mikumo, I- I'm going to tell my teacher about you." Mikumo suppressed a grin. "A- as a future hero, I cannot let this slide."

Mikumo nodded. "I understand, but I cannot guarantee Deku will think the same." She flinched. "I know…" Mikumo felt his heart tighten. "Uraraka, please look at me." She did. "Thank you for being my girlfriend, even for a short while. Thank you for being my friend as well." She reached up and undid the butterfly necklace Mikumo had given her. "Here, you can have it back," she said holding it out. Mikumo shook his head. "Keep it, as a sign that you met me, that you were my friend, and as proof of my existence." Her brown eyes widened. Mikumo stood up with his drink. "You are always welcome at Soft Blossom Bakery, caramel mocha," he said before turning and walking away. Mikumo suppressed his tears as he put his apron back on and retook his place behind the bar. "Bark?" He gave a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine, Honey."

Uraraka got up soon after and left. She turned and looked across the room at Mikumo. He smiled at her and waved. "Come again, caramel mocha!" She didn't reply and left. Mikumo walked out from behind the bar and went over to her empty table. He stared.

The necklace chain was left without the butterfly pendant. A note was under it. He picked it up and read it.

"Until we meet again, barista boy."

Mikumo sucked in a breath. He put the chain around his neck. Mikumo wiped away a single tear before returning to work.

_______________________________

Shota stared at the young teen in front of him. When Uraraka had asked to speak to him after class, in private too, this was not what he was expecting. While he did have the smallest inkling about it, he was not ready for it so soon. Uraraka walked up to him after her classmates had left.

"Aizawa-sensei, you go to the Soft Blossom Bakery often, right? I see you there sometimes."

Shota nodded. "That's right. Your boyfriend works there, correct?" She looked away. "No, we aren't dating anymore." What? When did this happen? Is Mikumo okay? "Ah, ok."

"Actually, this is about my ex." Calling him 'ex' already, huh? "Look, Uraraka you are my student, I'm not really allowed to get tangled up in your pers-" "My ex is the leader of the Quirkless Rejects, sensei."

…

"What?" I assumed she knew but to go so far as to tell a pro hero? I guess she is a heroin in training after all. "My ex, Mikumo, has been using a worker at the bakery as a cover-up when in reality he is Deku of the Quirkless Rejects," she said sternly.

"It was good of you to tell a hero but why did you not tell Principal Nedzu?"

"I see you talking with him sometimes and believe you should know before I tell the principal."

Hold up, that's not happening.

"Thank you for the warning. I will do some investigating as the hero in charge of the Rejects case and if I find anything I will tell Nedzu asap." She bowed slightly. "Thank you, Aizawa-sensei." Uraraka began to walk out of the classroom before she turned back. "You really didn't know that Mikumo was Deku?" With the most leveled, cold voice he could, Shota looked his student dead in the eye and said,

"No, I had no idea."

Uraraka's stare lingers before her usual peppy smile returns. "Okay! See you tomorrow, Aizawa-sensei!" She leaves the room.

Shota grabbed his phone.

<Aizawa has come online>

Aizawa:

Your girlfriend just told me that you were Deku.

…

…

<Mikumo has come online>

Mikumo:

Oh.

Aizawa:

Right.

Your ex. What happened kid?

Mikumo:

She couldn't be a villain's girlfriend. I don't blame her.

Aizawa:

You ok?

Mikumo:

Yeah.

I didn't expect it to last long, sadly.

So what did you do?

Aizawa:

I told her that I'd investigate and handle it.

Mikumo:

Thanks.

Aizawa:

No problem, problem child.

Mikumo:

Problem child?

Aizawa:

Am I wrong?

Mikumo:

Touche.

Aizawa:

I'm coming to the bakery.

Mikumo:

Okay, see you soon Dad.

Aizawa:

See you soon.

<Mikumo has gone offline>

<Aizawa has gone offline>

Shota put his phone in his pocket and left with his folder of papers to grade. On his way out he passed Uraraka 'walking back' because she 'went the wrong way.' He briefly glanced at her. "Stay safe, just in case he follows you." Uraraka looked stunned. "A- ah, right! Thank you, sir!" Shota kept walking.

Best keep your eyes straight, Uraraka. What lies in the dark might scare you.

_______________________________

Mikumo sat across from Dad with his strawberry banana smoothie. Honey sat nearby, as per usual. "Are you really okay, kid?" Dad asked. Mikumo nodded sadly. "Yeah, just a little depressed, you know? I should have known it wouldn't have gone further than that. It was wishful thinking."

Dad nodded. "Maybe so. As a hero I found that it was irrational to have a family of my own," he said. "That was until you came along, you dang problem child messing up my plans." Mikumo smiled slightly and looked up at his father. He stuck his tongue out. Dad scoffed.

"Either way, don't worry about it." Mikumo nodded again.

They sat in silence for a little bit as Dad graded his papers. Mikumo looked down and swallowed a sigh. "You… you might lose your job over this." Dad's pen stopped, hovering over the papers. He looked up at Mikumo. He's not replying… Mikumo bit his lip. Mikumo, what the heck are you doing? questioned Deku. He's our ace in the hole! Mikumo swallowed. I know… I know but…

"So?"

Mikumo looked up slightly. "I became a hero because, despite not being able to have a family of my own," Dad continued, "I wanted to still have that sense of being needed and helping, whether I portray that well or not. While I still enjoy being a hero, now I have found a family, someone worth giving that up for." Dad smiled softly. "You, Mikumo Aizawa, my son."

Tears swelled in Mikumo's blue eyes.

Dad leaned over and pat his head. "Such a crybaby." Mikumo chuckled. "S- sorry. But thank you, Dad."

Dad looked at him. "No problem, kid, but please don't apologize. The last time you said those words I almost had a heart attack."

Mikumo sputtered and laughed. "Haha! Sor- Pfft… What else can I say then?"

Honey yipped happily.

_______________________________

Deku, in his casual wear, but still with sunglasses and mask on, walked through the warehouse with Fox on either side and Ruske on his left. "Okay, when will the website be ready to be put on the black web?" "Next Tuesday," Fox said in unison. Mikumo nodded. "Ruske, how is the coding going so we can post the site under the table on the Quirkless Pals website?"

"Grimlin and I have been working on it a lot the past week so it is almost ready, Chief. Can we have until next Friday?" Deku nodded. "Sure thing, just contact me or one of the Lights when they are done." It was odd calling the main group: Grimlin, Fox, Bubblegum, Doom, Jester, and Animation, 'Lights' but that is what the members of the Quirkless Rejects had deemed them so he called them that when referring to the group around other members.

"Yes, Chief Deku," replied Ruske.

Chief, too, was odd, being called that, but it was getting more common and Deku found that he quite liked it. "Alright, I've got to talk with some other members so unless your dark undersociety employer needs you, go and enjoy yourself for the rest of the day. Fox, you should probably get back to your ice cream stand starting tomorrow. No need to attract suspicion." The three nodded and departed from him. Deku approached a group of three at the couch in the far left. Since the Kyota Bridge gathering, the large group living here has really made the bottom floor a home, aside from the construction of a new wall to block off a portion. They were planning on welcoming more members coming this Christmas. Speaking of Christmas…

"Animation, Jodie, Jester! How's the Christmas party plans going? Only two weeks away!" The three waved at him. Jodie was a quirked member but she had purple butterfly wings that were cracked and was rejected by society for having a 'faulty quirk.'

"Heya, Chief."

"Chief Deku!"

"Hey, Chief dude!"

Deku sat on the armchair to the side, grateful to sit down finally. His chest had been aching all day. He sighed. "Did you take your pain killers?" asked Jodie. He nodded. "I did but that was hours ago. I may drink every once in a while but I'm not a druggy, Jodie." The purple-haired female quickly shook her head. "N- no! I wasn't say-" Deku laughed. "I'm just joking with you, Jodie. Don't worry. Still, I don't want to focus on that, let's hear how the Christmas party is coming along."

Animation pulled out some papers. "Well," she started, "we will be hosting a Christmas tree decorating day tomorrow to set up and decorate the Christmas tree we are planning to set up in the middle of the first floor as well as decorate the room." His sunglasses shown happy. "Sounds like fun! Did we decide on the buffet food for the party?" Jester nodded. "Yuppers! We are going to have an assortment of various ethnicities holiday foods, punch, and multiple members have volunteered to make the desserts."

"As for party games," began Jodie, "we have Dirty Santa, find the baby in the cake, an ugly sweater contest, slap neck Christmas bingo, and the Christmas talent show."

Deku nodded, looking over the papers and costs. "We will have just enough in the budget to get Dirty Santa gifts for everyone, and a few extras for the new recruits. You said tomorrow is the decorating?"

Anima nodded. "Yes but you might still want to take it slow, you know?" "If that was the case then so would Jester, he got cut in the leg, right?" Jester lifted up his pant leg to reveal the stitches. "Yes, but they weren't as deep. I'm fine." "And I am too," claimed Deku. "I will take it slow but I don't want to miss out on decorating with the gang."

Deku stood up with a huff. "Alright, you guys can take the days off unless your jobs need you. Jodie, you have a public identity, am I right?" "Yes, Chief," she replied. "Mk. As always, keep safe." "Thank you, Chief."

Deku walked away towards the stairs leading to the second floor. It was draining being all 'businessy' and all that junk. That tied together with the bakery, the pain, and the painkillers that made him really drowsy and Deku was just about done with the day. While he longed to go out and fight, Deku will admit, he is very grateful for being able to stay back and rest some. He looked up the stairs in disgust.

How much do I really want to hang out with Todo and Shin? He asked himself.

A lot, commented Izuku. Izuku, while not present, was actually fond of the two, surprisingly.

Enough to go up two flights of stairs?

Yup.

Deku sighed because he knew that he, too, wanted to just chill with the boys. Sometimes, he, Izuku, and Mikumo just needed to be a teenager. Deku and Izuku weren't really present at the bakery and even if Todo and Shin and Izuku didn't interact, hanging out with them was how both Deku and Izuku got that 'normal teenager' feeling.

Deku resigned himself and began the hike up.

About halfway up, Deku remembered that, Oh, Todo and Shin are both still working in the dark undersociety. And, Oh, they won't be back till really late. He stopped midstep. He thought about turning around and walking back down but didn't. Stupidly, he thought that he could stay up late enough to greet them when they got back. He had a key to their room, they gave him one, so Deku finished the climb up and entered their room.

Deku sat on the floor with a grunt. He took a shaky breath.

The greenette looked at the digital alarm clock on Todo's counter. "Oh, I can take my pills now!"

Wonderful! He didn't feel like he could make it back down those stairs without them, or the night in general. It's not recommended by doctors to take pills on an empty stomach or without a liquid but Deku pulled the bottle from his pocket and popped three dry.

Deku pocket the bottle again and put in his earbuds. "Three hours, I can last till then."

Liar.

_______________________________

Hitoshi and Peppermint, aka Todoroki but we won't discuss what lead to Peppermint, ran into each other in the back of the warehouse, each just getting back from 'work.'

"Ah, Cateye," we won't discuss that either. "Peppermint." They didn't converse much but somehow words weren't a necessity between the two former UA students. In silence, and with trained soundless footsteps, the two entered. Two of the Lights, Jester and Animation, and Jodie, a fellow quirked member, were moving boxes around.

Hitoshi and Todoroki waved as they passed. It's funny, really. The most well known 'villain' organization being this peaceful and serene, the original members preparing a Christmas party even. It is not really what one would expect from such a crowd but you know what? Hitoshi couldn't care less what outsiders think. This is the first place he felt like he belong, where he was accepted. This was home.

He knew that many, if not all of the other members felt the same.

Hitoshi and Todoroki walked up the stairs to the second floor. Todoroki suddenly put his arm in front of Hitoshi to stop him. "What's wrong?" "Look," the bicolored make replied, tense. Hitoshi looked where Todoroki indicated. Their room's door was slightly ajar, light filtering into the dark from it. Now, Hitoshi didn't think anything was wrong. If something were, the few downstairs would have told them or wouldn't be there in general. Still, as technically villains and workers for the dark undersociety, Hitoshi and Todoroki both were trained to react cautiously when something seemed out of the ordinary or off.

They approached the door quietly. When the light was close enough to touch their skin, Hitoshi lightly nudged the door open. What was inside, however, made them both chuckle. Deku, the leader of the Quirkless Rejects and one of the most wanted 'villains' known in Japan today, was leaned against Hitoshi's bed sound asleep. A single earbud hung down while the other was still in his ear.

"Wow. Scary," commented Todoroki with his odd sense of sarcastic humor. Hitoshi snorted. "Very."

"That can't be good on his wound."

"Probably not."

…

They both simultaneously turned and held out their hands. "Rock. Paper. Scissors-" "SHOOT!"

…

Deku slept on Hitoshi's bed that night while Hitoshi slept on the floor.