"...and then, I swear to god, he tied to crush us!" Mina exclaimed; her arms flailing in the air.
"Now we gotta do extra study..." Kaminari added with a sigh as his shoulders slumped down. I had joined my first year friends on their little shopping trip, much to my delight, and we were currently in some strange little store filled with accessories.
"It doesn't sound so bad! Besides, I'm sure you two had to really make Nezu think hard!" I chuckled; turning my attention to Kirishima, who was sifting through a rack of bandanas and mumbling to himself. Striding over, I tapped his shoulder. "What's up?" His eyes widened a little for a moment before he grinned back; scratching his neck.
"Oh, uh, I just can't decide which one to get. Bakubro blew my last one up, and I need it to keep my hair out of my face." He explained as I began scanning the colourful sheets of material.
"Hmmm...I think...this one!" I pulled out a (F/C) one and held it up proudly. "It's my favourite colour! It would look great on one of my favourite boys, don'tchya think?!" Kirishima seemed to almost short circuit; his lip almost quivering as he took it in his hand and puffed his chest out.
"I love it! Th..thanks, (Y/N)!" He almost shouted in my face before bounding off towards the register.
"Shit, he's got it baaaaaaad~!" Kaminari snickered; nudging Mina in the ribs. The pink-haired sweetheart nodded in agreement before slinging her arm over me.
"When's the wedding?!" My face began to burn, and I squirmed about under her weight.
"H..huh?! Y..you and your crack ships, Mina..." I laughed; trying to brush it off as a joke.

I hope it's a joke...

"There's nothing crack about it! Oh my gosh, don't tell me you're that dense to how much he loooooooves you?!" She gasped; her ebony scleras right in my face. A fluffy tail; matching the ones owned by my two precious pets, appeared from my rear and curled between my legs. A matching set of ears pressed flat against my head.
"He...so doesn't...I mean, he's one of my best friends!"

But so is Tamaki...and Fatgum said...

"A..anyway! I'm gonna go look at...uh...that cool looking store by the bathrooms! Y..yeah! That hardcore place!" I squeaked; starting to leg it out of the shop.
"You mean Hot Topic..?" Kaminari snorted; cupping his hands around his mouth so I could hear.
"I knew that!" Once I had escaped the pair of first years, I slowed my pace down to a lazy stroll. I didn't want to think about either boy having feelings for me. It was too much now that Dabi was in my life. I loved them all dearly, but it was just a big mess in my head. Sighing, I pulled out my phone and began texting the stoic ravonette.

To: Coat Brand Dabi ♥
-Hey, just wondering what sizes you wear?! :3

It didn't take long to get a response, which made me smile.

From: Coat Brand Dabi ♥
- Pervert.
- Large in top. I need room for my angst.
- why?

And your ego!

To: Coat Brand Dabi ♥
- It's a surprise! 😇💚

I pocketed my phone as I wandered into the store; making a beeline for the men's wear. I wasn't sure why I was intending on buying a gift for Dabi; I just thought that he deserved...something, and this store seemed to be up his ally. I hadn't heard of any of the bands presented on the T-shirts, but some of them looked awfully rough. I wasn't even sure if Dabi was into music at all, so I quickly dropped that idea. Pants were a no go, considering sizes could be all out of whack, so that left jackets. As I approached the rack, I noticed another person; or, rather, bird, browsing through what they had to offer. I recognised him as one of Kirishima's classmates, and smiled to myself.
"Hi there!" The poor boy almost jumped a good three feet in the air before composing himself and nodding to me.
"Hello..." He sure looked like he didn't want to be noticed, so I toned my voice down a little.
"Sorry about that, I'm just loud by nature! I'm (L/N) (F/N), second year at UA! I'm friends with Kirishima and Mina!" I stuck out my hand, and to my surprise he didn't hesitate to shake it politely.
"Tokoyami Fumikage. I just did not expect somebody as exuberant as yourself to be shopping here..." He explained as he turned his attention back to the clothes.
"Maybe she's a closet emo, like you! Fufufufufu!" I blinked once as something wafted from his chest; bright eyes without pupils watching me.

Hmm, what a fun quirk!

"Nope! Just buying a present for someone, but you sure are adorable!" I giggled; giving the looming shadow a scratch under the chin. My fingers almost drifted through it, and it uttered a pitched squeak before retreating back behind it's master.
"I..I know you are but what am I?!" It shot back; black suddenly looking awfully rosy.
"Pardon him. Dark Shadow, behave, please..." Tokoyami sighed; glaring at his quirk as it reentered his chest.
"No problem! I like making new friends, and I guess you're a two for one deal!" I beamed, and the boy seemed to squint.
"No beauty shines brighter...than that of a good heart..." He murmured, and I cocked my head curiously.
"Did you just call me beautiful?" I asked as I watched his dark face begin to glow.
"Y..you just reminded me of a quote, is all..." He mumbled; trying to hide his face in the selection of hoodies and sweaters. Shrugging it off with a laugh, I quickly found my lips sticking out in a pout.
"Hey...I don't mean to like, annoy you, but could you please give me a hand? I have no idea what to get for my...friend..." I asked a little timidly; embarrassed that I couldn't make a decision. Tokiyami hummed; his head nodding in response.
"Describe this friend of yours, and perhaps I could be of some assistance."

Oh boy, where do I start?!

"Well...he's always kinda sour...like a big, lanky lemon...and he broods a lot, too. He likes acting tough, but he's really a sweetie pie...I think he likes black, a lot..?" I rattled off; listing each point on the tips of my fingers.
"What shade of black?" Tokoyami asked; his voice sleek and somehow comfortably eerie. Owlishly, I stared at him for an uncomfortable amount of time with an open mouth.
"Th..there are different shades of black?!" I nearly shrieked, and the few other lurkers in the store turned to glare at me.
"Yes..." Tokoyami sweatdropped, though I could see a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Let me see...If he enjoys putting on a ruffian front...then...perhaps this..?"

(Yeah ya girl spent ages going through Hot Topic stuff and this is the best I could find - we don't have any stores where I am so I don't know jack shit about HT)

I began to jump up and down; clapping my hands and squealing out in excitement.
"Yes! Yes, that's perfect! Thank you so much, Yami!" Throwing my arms around him, I think I may have broken the poor thing. "You're my hero!"
"Uh...y..you're quite welcome..?" Tokoyami gently pulled me away by my shoulders.
"Sorry! I have a bit of a problem with personal space, sometimes!" I laughed; bowing a little in apology. "Well, I should probably go back and find Kiri now, but thank you so much! You're an absolute hero!"
"Again...n..no problem...Uh, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, (L/N)..." He coughed; his quirk peeking out of his chest and waving at me.
"Bye bye, lady!" Waving back, I beamed as I skipped over towards the register with Dabi's gift in hand. As I was making small talk with the woman at the counter, something caught my eye; hanging upon the small jewelry rack.

That reminds me of Kiri..! He deserves a present, too!

.
.

Once I had bought the two gifts, I was wandering back towards the food court, where Mina had said they were headed. There was a spring in my step as I gazed around at all the people; a grin seemingly permanent on my face. I couldn't wait to give Dabi his new jacket, and I hoped he would be free to stop by later. Suddenly, my shoulder bumped against one of the people walking in the opposite direction, and I immediately turned to apologise.
"I'm so sorry, Sir! I wasn't watching where I was going!" I smiled at the man, who was clad in a black hoodie; oddly familiar tufts of pale powder blue sticking out.
"Actually...this is good..." The second he spoke, I froze.

Wait...isn't that..?!

Before I had the chance to react, I had been pulled aside; my back up against the wall.
"Make it look like we're old pals, right, you flea-ridden brat?" Carnelian eyes met mine, and I nodded stiffly.
"T..Tomura...f..fancy seeing you here..." I chuckled quietly; focusing on not allowing a tail to form and show my fear. His unpleasant, musty scent was too close; his hand planted firmly beside my head, aside from his index finger, which was hovering over the rest.
"I'll make this short and sweet, cuz I've got something to take care of...You know what I'm going to say, don't you?" He searched my eyes for a response, but I couldn't move. I knew exactly what he was getting at, but I didn't want to admit it. "That angsty barbecued bitch would've mentioned it, I'm sure...He was completely against it, after all. Your quirk, now that I really think about it...is useful..."

Not for what you want...I won't hurt anybody..!

"In four days, you're coming along for the ride...Welcome to the Vanguard Action Squad, (L/N) (F/N)..." He chuckled; an awful, cracked sound. His splitting lips were set in a godforsaken smile, and it made every cell in my body shiver. I could feel a fresh pair of canine ears pressing flat against my scalp, and I couldn't seem to push far enough into the wall behind me.
"I..I don't want...I...can't..."
"(Y/N)? Oi, what's going on?" Both Shigaraki and myself flinched, and our sights turned to find both Kirishima and Mina standing a few feet away; skepticism and worry written all over their faces. Shigaraki immediately pushed off me and reached out; my eyes squeezing shut as he petted my head with three heavy fingers, one of which brushed against my pitiful puppy-dog ear.
"I'll see you later, kiddo! Thanks for being so...understanding..." With that, the crusty man strolled off; his hands in his jacket pocket. I was well aware that I had been holding my breath, but it only released once a firm, familiar hand came down upon my shoulder.
"(Y/N), who was that? Are you okay..? Was he harassing you?" Kirishima ducked down so he would be eye level with me.
"He looked so dirty!" Mina added with a grimace as she moved to hover by my side. I didn't answer. Instead, I took a small fistful of Kirishima's shirt and pulled him closer, so I could hide my panicked face in his chest.
"Kiri...could you...take me home, please..?" I asked in a murmur; Shigaraki's words swimming around in my head. The first year's hands hovered over me for a second before he gave me a gentle hug; rubbing circles into my back.
"Of course..."

---------------------------------------------------

I hadn't really spoken the entire trip back home, which seemed to concern Kirishima even more. He stuck by my side, even when we entered through my front door.
"He didn't try to...touch you, right..?" He asked slowly as we moved into the kitchen; Nagisa running up to sniff at his ankles whilst Karma was nowhere in sight.
"N..no...he just...got a bit too c..close for comfort..." I said quickly, whilst fetching the boy a glass of water. "I'm okay...Thank you..." Giving him an attempt at a smile, I handed the beverage to him as he spun one of the dining chairs around and sat down.
"As long as you're sure..." He sighed; taking a sip and turning his attention to Nagisa, who was already trying to climb up into his lap, despite her size. I chuckled quietly before I realised I was still holding my bags, and I realised it was as good a time as any to give Kirishima his little present.
"Hey, I was gonna wait to give you this, but I think now would be better! Seeing as you were sweet enough to walk me home!" I found a new zest as I pulled out the small bag and held it up with a smile.
"Y..you got me something..?" Kirishima's brows lifted and his cheeks darkened in colour. "Y..you didn't have to..."
"Shush! I wanted to! You worked so hard in your exam, you deserve a little something!" I pushed it into his hands and leant back against the table; hoping he'd like it. Carefully, he reached in and pulled it out. A gold necklace, embellished with faux rubies and a big, diamante R hanging from the front. When he didn't say anything, I began to doubt my choices.

(Bling for my Shark Toothed King)

"Uh, I know it's pretty kitschy..! I just saw the red R and I thought of Red Riot..! Wearing something like that probably isn't what you'd call manly, but I-"
"I love it..." When I refocused on Kirishima's face, it was the brightest shade of red I had ever seen. His bottom lip seemed to quiver as he dragged his eyes up to meet mine. "C..could you help me put it on?"

Thank god...I thought he hated it!

Beaming, I took the necklace from him and walked around to his back; reaching and bringing it around his neck. He smelt like cooked meat and Axe deodorant, which was surprisingly pleasant. Once I fixed the clasp, he stood up and turned around; his fingers lightly brushing the faux rhinestone R that sat over his clavicle.
"You...really are the best, (Y/N)..." He said softly; surprising my by pulling me into a tight embrace. His pulse was going berserk, and his hand came up to brush through my hair. "Seriously...the best..." It was strange. This hug was entirely different from the usual ones we shared, and I felt myself getting a little flustered.
"Kiri..." I said his name softly; leaning back so I could look at his face.
"Eijiro...p..please..." He stammered; his hairline almost invisible due to how flushed he had become. Everything about him was red, except the flags.
"Eijiro..." I wasn't sure why I didn't back away when he began to move in closer, but I knew it was wrong. I was frozen solid, but just before his lips brushed against mine, an awful smell hit the both of us; breaking us from the trance.

Something was burning...

"Shhhhhhhh....ivers!" I pushed away and darted towards the scent; finding my way to the downstairs bathroom, where the frame of the door, right over the light switch, was charred and smoking.

D..Dabi..?!

"What the hell happened?" Kirishima was beside me now; inspecting the scorch marks and wrinkling his nose.
"Uh...I..I'm not sure..? M..maybe the light switch blew..?" I coughed; palms sweaty as I hid them behind my back.
"But it wasn't being used..?" Kirishima sounded unconvinced as he touched a finger to the frame; immediately hissing and retracting from the heat.
"Y..yep! P..pretty sure this house is haunted! Happens all the time!" I rambled with a high pitched laugh; ankles crossing and un-crossing. Kirishima cocked a brow; a hand on his hip.
"That's...concerning..." He mumbled; face still red from our encounter only moments before.

I gotta get him out of here...

"Um...Hey! Didn't you tell Mina and Kami that you'd meet them back at the mall?!" I said quickly; trying to usher him out with a hand on his back.
"Oh, crap! I forgot..! Uh, are you...um...sure you'll be okay on your own..? I could...stay, if you w..want..?" He peered down at me from over his shoulder, and I felt guilty. Not only for trying to make him leave, but because I'd have a lot of explaining to do to Dabi, if he was even willing to hear me out.
"I'll be fine! I promise! I'm a tough cookie, and didn't Kami want your help with finding a new phone case..?!" I was in a state of internal panic; hoping he'd understand and just go, before things got more...heated.
"That's true...But, uh, call me later, okay? Cuz I'll miss you when I'm away at camp..." He sighed; giving me a sweet smile that made me start to hate myself. "And thanks again for the necklace...I love y...it...I really love it..."
"O..of course I will! And I'll miss you too, Ki...Eijiro...S..seeya!" Finally, the boy left, and I released a long, shaky breath once I heard the front door open and close.

Oh my gosh, that was close...what am I gonna do..?!

"He's awfully fucking friendly..." I clamped my hands over my mouth as that dark, gritty voice spoke out. Turning around, I caught the moment when the shower curtain ripped open; revealing Dabi with his teeth grinding against each other almost audibly.
"D..Dabi...I...um...I...what...?!" I couldn't take my eyes off him as he stepped out and stalked closer; making me back up against the wall for the second time that day.
"Tenderfoot..." I squeezed my eyes shut when his hand stretched towards me, and I braced myself for something bad.

Wh..what am I gonna do..?!

***3k words cuz I feel bad about failing with updates lately! Poor Kiri baby I hate hurting him!***