Lani POV:

"Dinner with his parents. I tell you to dump the guy, and instead you make plans to have dinner—with his parents?" Kai groaned.

I gave my best friend a guilty grin, continuing to sort through the mess of clothes inside my closet. "Uhhh, business dinner, with his parents and his....girlfriend's parents." I corrected, ignoring the sting of the 'g' word as I pulled another jacket off the hangers. "Now, how does this look?"

Kai only glanced at the jacket for a second, glaring at me lightly as she retorted, "Committed and unavailable."

With a click of my tongue, I quickly put the jacket back, continuing to look through my clothes. "Yikes. My commitment issues are quaking right now."

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't putting wayyy too much effort into finding an outfit for this 'Todoroki family dinner' tonight. Shouto had dragged me into it, and while I wasn't thrilled about the idea, I didn't wanna show up looking like a mess. Momo was probably gonna be wearing her best designer picks, and I wanted to look decent, you know.

My best friend lugged herself off my bed, swiping a particularly controversial item off my floor. "How about this?" She asked sarcastically, holding up my Mizuchi dealing jacket. "It really brings out the mess you've made."

I pursed my lips in fake contemplation, trying to brush off the uncomfortable truth with humor. "Okay, I'll admit, that was good. Ahh, no wonder you're a top writer. I'm stealing that line."

Kai had become relentless about the topic of Shouto and I. I swear, she was more against me dating a hero than selling drugs in the first place. It was a little nuts, where her priorities lied. Yes, I say that out of sarcastic annoyance...

"You know this is ridiculous. You and Todoroki—Shouto. Whatever the hell his name is...ugh." She rolled her eyes, tossing my Mizuchi jacket back on the ground. "It just doesn't make sense. I mean, fuck, you have more in common with Eiichi than him."

Ouch. Those words stung a bit...for more reasons than one. It seems everyone in the world, my best friend included, are against Shouto and I . Or, at least they're in agreement about the fact that Shouto has a much more sensible option right on his arm.

But, Eiichi's my ex for a reason....

"Why? Because we're both pieces of shit?" I uttered a bit dryly.

Kai's face softened a bit with sympathy, giving me a pointed glance, "Because you both understand each other."

The irony of it was almost hilarious. Sure, Eiichi and I understand each other. On some level. We understand we're bad people. We also understand we're angry about that and use each other as a way to lash out our self frustrations.

We understand each other's toxicity. And that's it.

With Shouto, I feel like I can read him like a book. I've come to understand so much about him and how he operates. He's like a puzzle, and once you finally fit that one piece, the rest effortlessly fall into place.

"I understand Shouto-" I uttered a little quieter, already regretting the words before they fully left my mouth.

Because Kai started laughing in a chastising way I recognized pretty well. She was judging me, and honestly, she's one of the only people left on this earth with the ability to make me feel like a dipshit.

"God, do you hear yourself?" She said almost in disgust, collapsing back onto my bed.

The two of us have been fighting a lot more lately, with Shouto always as the topic of agitation. It's exhausting, and not how I wanna spend my time with her.

"Kai, you really don't have any room to talk. You've barely seen Shouto and I together. What do you know?" I sighed a little more annoyed, balling up a possible shirt choice before tossing it on the foot of my bed. "And, besides-"

"He's hot. I'll give you that." She didn't give me time to really speak, twirling one of my pillows up in the air. "But, trust me when I tell you, that's all it is. He's no different from any other guy you've screwed. Look at you, the simple thought of committing has you changing outfits."

I rubbed my face in annoyance, throwing my head back with a groan. Didn't think she'd use a fun little moment against me, to be honest. It's like when you tell your mom a funny story, and end up with a lecture instead.

"It—that was just a knee jerk reaction-"

"Oh, so you want to marry this guy?"

"I never said that." I threw my hands up, more irritated than usual with Kai's bad habit of overdramatizing things. "How could I think about that when we aren't even exclusive-"

"I guarantee you, if you hook up with someone else, you'll see it's no different." Kai sat up in my bed, quickly pulling out her phone and scrolling through her contacts. "I could name twenty people off the top of my head who'd love to have you for a night."

I shook my head and leaned back against the wall, pursing my lips in discontent...

She just doesn't understand.

Even from her suggestion alone, I could tell Shouto was different. Because other people didn't appeal to me. Not a single bit. The only one I wanted....was him.

And....admitting that for the first time....scares me a lot more than I thought it would. To give someone that much power over me. To give them such a massive ability....to hurt me....

But, regardless, Kai's passive aggression on the topic has become more than noticeable lately, and I can't help but wonder if there's something I'm not picking up.

"It's almost weird that you're so against him..." I murmured, looking at a random spot on the floor. "It's getting hard to believe it's just because of the Mizuchi thing."

My voice went quieter and I kept my gaze on the ground. It was instinctive, and something I did every time I confronted her. Not that this could even be counted as a confrontation. But, any disagreement with Kai has always made me a little uneasy.

I could feel her gaze on me, knowing she could sense my discomfort. After a few moments of silence, she sighed and got off my bed, walking over to me with a lighter smile.

"Hey, I'm the only one around here who looks out for you." She said, grabbing both of my hands in her own. "Would I ever try to steer you wrong?"

Chewing on the inside of my cheek, I looked down at our intertwined hands, swallowing heavily at my next daring words, "Okay then. Suppose I tell....Shouto the truth." The possibility alone made me sick to my stomach, feeling foolish and naive at the false scenario I was painting. "And suppose, he takes it well-"

Kai scoffed and laughed, only further reaffirming how stupid this whole thing was. "Hah! Yeah, he won't-"

"But, let's just say he does." I persisted, not convinced of it myself. "Would you stop all of this and accept him? Accept us?"

Kai's lips pressed into a thin line, giving away her answer as she rolled her eyes and dropped my hands. I gestured her at with proof for her stubbornness, shaking my head in confusion.

"See? You wouldn't, and I don't know why. What's the real reason you don't like him and I together, Kai?" I crossed my arms.

Without a word, she walked over to my window, looking out of it blankly. I knew that look on her face. She had an answer. A detailed, exact one with a numbered list of reasons. And, normally, she wouldn't hesitate to lay 'em out all, and possibly even be extra enough to make a whole PowerPoint presentation about it.

But...

"I'm just afraid of you getting hurt." She said, letting her gaze fall towards my desk.

My eyes softened slightly at her words, losing all visages of annoyance. It was the reminder that I needed.

Kai has good intentions, and she's always had my best interest at heart.

I understood her to a point. She met me when I was a different person. When I was weaker and more vulnerable. She always had to protect me, and because of that, she's always been protective of me. Ever since we were kids.

She saved my life, and truly, I owe her everything for it. For accepting me. For loving me when no one else would, when she had every right to be ashamed of me.

She was the only one.

And from that day forward, I vowed that she would have my loyalty. That I'd never let anything come between us, and especially not a man. No, she's too important for that.

I pushed myself off the wall, wrapping my arms around her from behind for a hug. Her smell was comforting, and I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply as it calmed me.

"I'll be okay. I promise." I reassured, before she turned around in my arms.

"Oh, I know you will. Because if you're not, I'll make sure his life is a living hell." She murmured with light warning, brushing the hair away from my face.

I chuckled, releasing her from the hug before walking back over to my bed, settling on a shirt to wear for dinner. If I didn't get out of here soon, I'd be late. And we can't have Momo being too happy about that.

Figures. My punctuality is only because I'm petty.

Kai crossed her arms and watched as I shrugged off my current shirt, tossing it on the mess of my floor before sliding the new one on. She brushed past me as I quickly got changed, giving the small of my back a graze along the way.

Once I was ready to go, she blocked my path to the door, holding out a large wad of money. "Before you go. Here." She said, shoving it into my chest.

My jaw dropped slightly at the ungodly amount, already feel the stress and dread of such a pricey favor weighing in the pit of my stomach.

"What!? Kai-"

She immediately held up a hand to shut me up, "Don't give me that crap. I know you're short this month. Take it."

I sighed tersely, knowing I had no choice. Even when I'm short on money, I'd rather let my water shut off than ask for handouts. But, with Kai, I'm more worried about saying no and offending her than anything else.

"Thanks." I smiled stiffly, placing the large sum of money on my counter. "I'll.......I'll pay you back the moment I get paid-"

"Ah, noooo don't worry about it." She waved me off with a smile, watching as I set the money down. "But, you know, maybe....in return, you could stop blowing me off for the hero every once in a while."

I nodded, immediately feeling guilty for neglecting her all these weeks. She's out here paying my rent and I'm ignoring her. Ugh, that's selfish as hell.

"Okay. Yeah, sorry." I sighed apologetically, rubbing the back of my neck.

She hummed in content, smoothing out the ends of my hair and picking a piece of fluff off my jacket. "So, then....I'll sleepover on Sunday, yeah?" She asked, or rather, said.

"Deal." I smiled, relieved when she smiled back.

"Good." She said, slipping another wad of money into my hands. "Oh, and here's a little extra."

*

Shouto POV:

I'd be lying if I said this wasn't the hardest decision I've had to make in...well, a very long time.

It was even harder than the one time I was fighting that criminal inside a bank, simultaneously trying to disarm a bomb before it blew up two skyscrapers and an elementary school. That was.....well, that was actually pretty easy. Common sense, even. When it comes to hero work, I always know what to do. 

But, when it comes to...this....I...I don't know....how people do it.

I glanced between the two shirt options laid out on my bed, struggling with the same question I've had for minutes. The one that's put me into this torment of wonder and overthinking....

Which one....should I wear?

It's a serious matter, I believe. Because.....well, if I wear the red one, I assume I'd give the impression of someone who's....bold (?), and possibly even bright—not necessarily intelligent, but just....bright, if that makes sense. But, the navy blue one—as I've been told by many random women for a reason I can't fathom.....brings out my....eyes (?).

I never understood that. How does one 'bring out' eyes anyways? Wouldn't it be more desirable and comfortable to...keep them...in?

Ugh. So many questions. This is so much harder than disarming a bomb...

I felt a headache coming on from all the stress of the shirts, grimacing and pinching the bridge of my nose before I asked out loud, "Which one should I wear?"

Midoriya blinked a few times from my abrupt question, continuing to sit at my desk while Bakugo snooped through the personal items on my table—he hates when I use that word, snoop. But, it's what he's doing, even if he pretends he's not. He's a snooper.

But, back to Midoriya, he looked from the shirts to me, and I knew him well enough to know he was....surprised (?) by my question. I couldn't imagine why.

"Wow, Shouto. I've never seen you care so much about what you're gonna wear." He gawked.

My brows furrowed, but I guess I realize....he's right. I don't usually do this, um....take this much time picking out my outfit, I mean. I usually go for the most...logical options, depending on the weather and activities for the day. But, somehow, I always get compliments about looking.....cool(?). Once again, mostly from women. And, also once again, I'm not sure why.

"Oh. Well, I normally don't care." I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling the heart attack symptoms in my chest intensifying from my next words. "It's just that......it's the first time Lani's coming over to my house and meeting my family. So, I feel it's probably appropriate to dress nice."

I suppose....that also might be why this decision is hard. Nobody except my friends have met my family. And....I guess if Lani is meeting them, it means she falls into that category as well. Actually....I'd classify her as more than just a friend, because I don't think you have sex with your friends. But....I guess, what I'm saying is that things between us just feel more....serious (?) now.

Maybe that's the wrong word. But, it's just....I realize, I haven't really told Lani much about my family. About my relationship with my dad, or my siblings....or my mom. Or....even how I got my scar.

She never asked, and I was always grateful for that.

It's not really common knowledge to the public either. Sure, a few articles came out when Touya revealed himself. But, the hero commission was quick to buy them off the shelves. Within a couple days, Herve the Hamster had become the new front page news. For good reason as well. Even I couldn't believe how long he had the ability to run on that hamster wheel.

I'm getting off track again...

The point is (I think?), I just never bothered to ask what Lani knows about me and my family from her own research, and now that I think about it, I don't really know anything about her family either. I know she has a brother. Raiga, who's sick. But, I don't know anything about her parents, or her home life, or even what she was like growing up.

It seems, we still have a lot to learn about each other.

But, I don't mind that. I'd like to know. I'd like to know everything there is. Her likes, her dislikes. Her secrets that she hides from the rest of the world. I'd.....I'd read a book on her life and take notes if I was able to.

"Heh. Waste of time." Bakugo's voice broke me from my thoughts, plopping down on my bed and crinkling my shirts. "You look stupid in everything you wear, so don't bother."

I looked at him in annoyance, trying to tug the navy blue shirt out from under his body. "I don't think you should be talking about looking stupid. Your jeans have holes in them."

"Oi! For the last damn time—they're supposed to!" He growled, and then the whites of his eyes streaked red like he has a condition. "That's the style, ya moron!"

"You pay to put holes in your clothes? It sounds like you're the idiot then." I scoffed with full judgement, admittedly impressed with the way he was able to make his ears emit steam every time I spoke.

I wonder why that happens.

"A-Anyways..." Midoriya spoke up before Bakugo and I could continue. "I didn't realize you were hanging out with Lani tonight, Shouto. I heard from Uraraka that you were having a family dinner with Momo. I guess I was wrong about that."

"No, she was right. Momo and her family will be there." I said, pulling off current shirt. "But, it's not a family dinner anymore. It's now a....business dinner. That's part of why I invited Lani to come as well."

Midoriya and Bakugo both froze now, glancing at each other with a look I didn't understand. I didn't think much of it. It happens a lot.

"Oh. You...invited her?" Midoriya said cautiously, making me furrow my brows in confusion.

"Yes? Was I...not supposed to?"

He chuckled breathily and shook his head, but still, he seemed....I don't know....uneasy(?) about the whole thing. "I'm just surprised. You never invited anyone to....anything."

I suppose that's true. It's not usual that I invite people to many events. Mostly because I don't have many....events to....invite people....to....?

But, also....I've never really had to. Midoriya and the others usually invite me before I have a chance to invite them. And....I never have to invite them anyways because it's just unspoken that we do things together. We've all been together for a long time, and at some point, it's just assumed that we attend things as a group.

But, with Lani....I guess it's different. She's not someone I knew from high school, and we're not teenagers who grew up together. No, this isn't high school anymore, and nothing is assumed.

This is...what being an adult is like, I suppose. Being the one to invite people to things...

I mean, I understand that's not the entire premise of being an adult, but I do think it's....part of it. Maybe.

Lani isn't like the people I know from high school. She won't wait idly like Momo until I'm finally forced to acknowledge her. She'll just leave instead. She won't burst out into tears if I don't text her back, she'll just...not care at all and move forward. And, she wouldn't be meeting my family tonight if I didn't...invite her to my house.

She's not a teenage girl. She's a........The Woman.

She's also a glimpse of the world, the world outside the bubble I always kept myself in since I was fifteen. She challenges me to go outside of what I normally do. To push myself, because if I don't, then I might not get the things I want.

We wouldn't even be...more than friends if I didn't push myself. To address unspoken things and be assertive. That's something I never could have done even a year ago.

I guess...that's another part about being an adult. You're no longer given things or told what direction to take. Instead, you have to...make things happen yourself and decide where to go next. I suppose...

Oh. But...back to Midoriya...

"Yeah." I shook away all the loud thoughts in my head, deciding on a curt answer as I put on the navy blue shirt. "I guess I've never had a reason to invite people to things before."

That will have to do. Saying everything I just thought in my head would be too exhausting. I can't even remember half of it now because I'm rethinking my shirt choice again...

Midoriya hummed, and I could see in the reflection of the mirror that he was glancing at Bakugo again. It was almost a...suspicious look the two shared. I didn't know why.

"Huh, okay. Well, when you're done with dinner, do you wanna meet up afterwards?" He changed the subject. "Drinks are free at the karaoke bar up the street tonight. Bakugo's gonna sing Celine Dion. Again."

"The bartender better not kick me out this time." Bakugo grit through his teeth.

I kept my eyes on the mirror, running my fingers through my hair to make sure it looked okay. Lani likes it best when it lays naturally. She said it's good for....'pulling.' I was quick to learn she does not mean that in an aggressive way. Good, taking her to prison for assaulting a hero wouldn't be ideal.

"I think Lani and I will be spending the night at my family home, and it's on the other side of town." I said, giving my hair a little shake in the mirror. "So maybe tomorrow."

Midoriya and Bakugo froze again, giving each other the same look they've been giving all night. "She's...spending the night, too?" Midoriya asked, causing me to sigh a bit at the constant questions.

It almost feels like I'm in an interrogation room...

"Yes."

Silence filled the space, and I like silence so I didn't mind, continuing to get ready for the night while imagining the possible scenarios inside my head. I wonder what Lani will wear. I also wonder how she'll act around my family. They can be....overbearing at times. I also wonder-

"Shouto." Midoriya's voice broke me out of my thoughts.

He sounded serious this time, so I turned away from the mirror, looking between him and Bakugo in question.

"Are you and Lani....you know..." Midoriya trailed off, causing me to furrow my brows in question.

"I don't know?"

"Dating." He clarified bluntly, ensuring I'd understand this time.

The room went silent again, but this time, the air felt more...tense? I mouthed a small 'oh' of realization, speaking the first thought that came to mind.

"Oh. Yes, we are."

Midoriya and Bakugo's eyes simultaneously widened now, both of them immediately rising to standing.

"What?!" Midoriya exclaimed before Bakugo pointed at me in the same manner he pointed at those orangutans in the zoo.

"Hah! I knew it! See!? I told you!" He yelled to Midoriya. "I told you!!-"

"If you knew then I'm not sure why you asked me." I uttered plainly, brushing past the two as they continued to yell. "Usually people only ask questions when they don't know the answer."

Midoriya threw his head up towards the ceiling like he was incredibly surprised, slapping both hands over his cheeks before he asked, "H-How long have you two been dating?"

"Approximately one week...and three days." I answered casually, before his next question made my shoulders feel a bit heavy.

"And Momo's okay with this?"

I froze now at the....reminder of my situation, sighing a bit.

Oh. Her...

It was only instinctual to answer Midoriya's initial question. I sort of understand Lani's reasoning for wanting to keep our situation private, but I don't see why that has to apply to Midoriya. He'd never tell anyone. Um...so long as he knows he's not supposed to...

"Well, Momo doesn't know." I said, leaning back against my desk with crossed arms. "Actually....no one does, except you two now. I'd appreciate it if you don't say anything. I don't think Lani would want it getting out."

Bakugo laughed like he was up to no good, grinning like one of those feral alleycats, "Because it would ruin your chances at winning hero season, right?"

I knew him well enough to know that was a threat. Bakugo's always been a fan of....blackmail, I think it's called. I'll have to check with Mina again to verify.

"Bakugo-" I stated with warning before he waved me off with disinterest.

"Calm your tits, Icy Hot. I ain't like you, trying to use cheap shots to cheat my way to the top. I can do it without any of that. You'll see." He scoffed, intentionally knocking into my shoulder on his way to the kitchen.

I think....that means he won't tell anyone?

My shoulders relaxed slightly before I looked back at Midoriya. He was back to sitting at my desk, muttering quietly under his breath. That usually means he's stressed out.

"Oh. Is there something wrong, Midoriya?" I asked, causing him to quickly cease his speaking and look at me.

He smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck, "I-It's just....I'm surprised—again. Lani...she doesn't seem like your type."

"Do you know my type?" I asked genuinely, furrowing my brows in question.

Because if he did, I'd love if he could share the information with me. I don't know myself. I just know I like Lani, and that she makes up everything I want. But, if there's a....guideline of sorts, I'd appreciate to be...informed.

"I guess I always saw you with someone like Momo." He said. "You two looked really good together. You were compatible."

The invisible weight on my shoulders immediately got heavier. The noise in my head a little louder, and suddenly, the world seemed a little more....overwhelming.

I only now realize, this was the first time I ever got Midoriya's perspective on my...dating life. I guess, I was never in a situation before where I needed it. The only woman I was involved with before Lani came into my life was Momo, someone Midoriya went to school with as well. Someone who was just as much his own classmate as mine. He never said he didn't like her. I mean, he never said he did. But, it was assumed. He was very accepting of my relationship with her.

This is the first time....something like this has come up.

"Oh." I couldn't hide my....disappointment, feeling my gaze fall to the floor.

Midoriya didn't know the full extent of my lackluster relationship with Momo. I never spoke about it, as my emotions are always something I've kept private. And even at times I want to share them, my mouth always goes dry for words.

Except when I'm around Lani. That's when things become easier to say and feel. But, Midoriya doesn't understand that either. He doesn't understand how different it is with Lani. How much the idea of her and I make sense...to me.

Perhaps, I should try and explain that to him.

I didn't know where to start, once again, feeling my brain stalling once it comes to speaking about my emotions. "Um....I know Momo and I...made sense to everyone else. But...I guess, I didn't really feel the same way."

He looked confused now, apparently only realizing this for the first time.

"Really? How come?"

I had a list of reasons. All to do with Momo, and how dry my life felt with her in it. All to do with obligation, and how duty isn't as important as one's feelings. About feelings and how I only recently discovered I can have them for someone. Because Lani's the one who brought them out of me. She's helped me discover who I am, and she understands that better than anyone else.

She makes the noise in my head calm, and the world quiets down whenever she's there. She even disproved my ideas about biology, and how it's nothing compared to the arousal that emotion can bring during sex. Or how much I realize I enjoy it, for that matter.

Because it makes me vulnerable in a way I've never experienced, and Lani liberates all the tightly locked away pieces of myself I never knew how to open....

But, in the presence of company, the presence of Midoriya, my best friend who almost seems disappointed I've moved on from the most 'logical thing,' my words...my thoughts...

...just ran dry.

"I...don't know." I simply said, frustrated with myself for being unable to say what I was feeling.

Because I did know. But, at the same time, I didn't. All of these feelings are new. Ones I haven't experienced for twenty-one years. Lani brought them out of me, and....it almost feels like I need her to be there while I figure them out, too.

Midoriya wasn't a mind reader though, but it would be really helpful if he was. So, he looked at me with a gaze I couldn't ever understand in the time I've known him. And because of that, I've labeled the gaze as 'empathy,' since it's something I don't have. Something I want, but can't ever seem to process.

"Would it be so bad if you tried to rekindle something with Momo?" He asked, causing my body to feel crushed now by the invisible weight on my shoulders.

For once, I wish so badly I could clearly translate what I was feeling. Because maybe then, I wouldn't feel so trapped every time the topic of Momo and I come up.

She never lets me speak. And it seems, that bad habit has carried over even when she isn't here.

"Um, yes it would." I breathed out tiredly, thankful I was able to at least get that part out. "Goodnight, Midoriya."

Midoriya garbled at my exit, one that most people call abrupt. But, I don't know how else to end a conversation....slowly? Especially when there's nothing left to say.

So, I turned on my heel, walking towards the front door to leave before Bakugo stood in my path. He was eating a banana, ripping the next piece off with his teeth violently before speaking with a mouthful...

"You're gonna regret this, icy hot."

I narrowed my eyes at him, feeling my agitation rising, "Is that a threat?

"It's a fact." He chuckled, standing a little taller once we were face to face. "That bitch is sleazy. She's gonna eat ya alive-"

"Kacchan-"

"Don't call her that." I harshly knocked into Bakugo's shoulder to move him out of my way.

He chuckled snidely, and I could feel his eyes glaring at me as I opened the door. "Heh, only good thing about her? After five years I finally found a way to get under that skin of yours. He mused, narrowing his gaze at me as I turned towards him with a scowl. "Enjoy your....date."

I left my apartment without another word, unable to shake the thoughts that entered my head as I walked towards the elevators...

Bakugo's never one to be ominous, but for some reason, in that moment....it felt like he was.