"Well I'll be... You sure recover quickly, Naoki. You're all fixed up so soon... I have no reason to keep you from going back to class, but I agree not using your Quirk for now may be a good idea, just to be safe." Recovery Girl advised.

"You also seem especially well-rested compared to the last time I saw you a few days ago. Whatever you did to get that sleep, certainly helped with your recovery, so I'd keep doing it. Well, I best let you finish preparing for class. Make sure you aren't late, and get some food in you before class starts."

"Thank you! And, I'll hold back on the Quirk usage for now. As for the sleep, well... I may be able to do that more often... Not sure yet though..." Naoki answered, finishing getting dressed for class as Recovery Girl waited on the other side of the curtain.

"Dad had a meeting until late last night. I assume it was about the attack... Wonder what they talked about." Naoki mumbled.

Tsukauchi, All Might and Yasumitsu had made sure Todoroki, Midoriya and Bakugou kept most of the incident quiet, especially with the tests at the clinic, though, none of the adults had yet to discover all three had listened in at various points to the conversation they'd been booted from the room for.

Naoki thought as he walked through campus to class. "Even with everything I could do, if dad and the teachers weren't there, and hadn't shown up... We... Probably would have been killed... I did everything I could, and it still wasn't enough... Heh. Dad... Really is strong..."

"The hell you mumbling' about, Eyepatch Freak?!" Katsuki shoved past Naoki, bursting into the classroom with the raven following.

When he entered, most of the students were talking about the attack, the news, being on TV... Naoki wondered if he'd ever made it to the news when All Might found him. He was lost in thought when the ash-blonde scared him, slamming a now charred piece of paper onto his desk.

"HEY! Next time you want to play Hero and stop a robbery all busted up, call someone who can actually handle themselves against pathetic thugs! At least I won't get myself kidnapped in the process!" Katsuki yelled.

"Eh... Um, Kacchan, I wasn't kidn-"

"Oh My Gosh! Are you alright!?" "You still did that when you were hurt!" "You were kidnapped!"

Naoki was bombarded, sighing in exasperation and using Ricochet to vanish.

"Hey... Where did he go?" "Guys, maybe he was overwhelmed..." "Well, we did kinda rush him..."

Naoki probably could have stayed hidden all day, but his Quirk was still over-worked, and after they backed away, calmed down and reseated themselves, he popped back right where he'd left from.

"Katsuki... Next time, keep a lid on it. I wasn't kidnapped... Just... Removed from a dangerous situation when I couldn't help myself... They kept smashing my skull back into the wall... I wasn't even conscious when I was pulled out... But, I owe that person..." Naoki smiled.

He'd worn the hoodie, and fiddled with the sleeves as he spoke, it being over his shirt, and his U.A. jacket over it.

"Tch! Whatever!" Katsuki grumbled.

"Besides, Katsu-chan~ You could have given me your number any time, so why now?" Naoki teased, making the blonde blush and curse back.

"Shut the hell up! You've had Deku's since middle school, so stop making a big deal about it! Why the hell was All Might so concerned about you specifically, anyways? Enough to ask Deku to drag Icy-hot and me over there to find you?" Katsuki asked.

"Huh? Oh... Yeah, he did mention that..." Naoki shrugged before continuing.

"He's... Close with my adoptive dad..." Naoki tried to cover, right hand rubbing his neck.

"You're such a liar! You do that every time you lie and it pisses me off!" Katsuki tried to start, only for Tenya to interrupt and stop him.

"Attention! Homeroom class is about to begin! Everyone stop talking and take your seats!" Tenya marched to the front of the room, and Naoki could have made the kid a cake... He was grateful their class rep stepped in in such glorious fashion.

"Uh... We're all sitting..." "You're the only one still standing."

Mina asked "Hey, Naoki, why are you back to class already? They made it sound like your injuries would have you out for a while..."

"Oh... I-um... After the surgeries, Recovery Girl sped up my healing, and... I was also finally able to get good actual sleep when I was with... So I recovered almost completely already... Just need to withhold Quirk usage for a day longer. I'll be fine tomorrow!" Naoki answered, smiling and happy.

"Wow... He's so bright..."

"So this is what your father meant when he said you were completely different when you were well-rested. Good to know. Now, everyone sit down and behave. Class is beginning." Aizawa came into the room, almost mocking Naoki.

"Good to see you, sir! I promise not to fulfill my own curiosity on if your Quirk will work on you!" Naoki mocked back.

"Even think about it and you'll be in detention until you're my age." Aizawa threatened in return.

"Woah... You borrowed Aizawa's Quirk!?" "That's not fair..." "That's scary..."

"Yeah, it came in handy to help in the attack, so that's why..." Naoki mumbled.

"If he hadn't I'd be much worse off. He stopped one of the Villains from being able to use his Quirk on me. So, Naoki, I am grateful, but it was still reckless and stupid, and you are not allowed to use it against your classmates outside school functions where it is warranted, like competitions. But keep it out of training exercises, understood?" Aizawa explained.

"Yes, sir. It was definitely necessary, but under any other circumstances, borrowing and using so quickly was detrimental to me in a lot of ways, so, I won't do that again. However, if there is a need for it in the future, I will use it if it's to protect my classmates or anyone I care for." Naoki finished.

"Good. Now, back to the matter at hand." He faced the class. "I know the last class was rough, but your battles are far from over." He paused, gauging the class's reaction. "The U.A. Sports Festival is about to start."

There were varied reactions, mostly cheers and hurrays of a sort, but a few students had other concerns.

Most were whether it was actually safe to have the Festival after the recent attack.

Aizawa's response was simple. "Apparently, the administration thinks, this is a good way to show the world that the threat has been handled. They are also beefing up security compared to past years. They want to prove that the school is safer than ever. This event is a huge oppourtunity for all students at U.A. It's not just something we can cancel because of a few Villains.

In past times, things like the Olympics drew the eyes of the world, but after Quirks, the Olympics were old news. If people wanted to see a real competition, they had one thing to watch, and they knew it. The U.A. Sports Festival."

Momo continued the explanation, "That's right! And, top Heroes and agencies from the world over, will be watching. This is where you get scouted."

Denki continued, "She's right, and after graduating, a lot of people join agencies as a sidekick."

Kyouko added in her thoughts, "Yeah, but that's as far as some people go. They miss their chance and stay eternal sidekick... Actually, Denki, that's probably where you'll end up... You're kinda dumb..." She teased, making the electro look to be short-circuiting.

"It is true that joining a famous Hero agency can garner you more popularity. That's why the Festival matters."

Naoki rose his hand, but quickly put it down. He had his own questions, but it may not be the time, place, or group of people to ask this kind of thing to.

"If you wanna go Pro one day, then this event can open up a path for you. One chance a year, three shots in a lifetime. No aspiring Hero can afford to miss this Festival. That means, you better not slack off on your training." Aizawa finished.

The room resounded in agreements, 'Yes sirs', and things went on, classes went on, and so did the day.

Soon enough, lunchtime arrived, and as Naoki made to ditch the room and avoid possible questions about this morning's interrupted conversation, he realised no one even seemed to remember it, everyone now obsessed with the Festival.

Tooru was wondering how to be noticed better, and Naoki spoke his own views on that. But was over-sounded by Masashirao, so Naoki stayed quiet.

"Naoki, were you going to say something?" She bounced over and asked.

"Ah... Um... Just... That you could always... Well, it's about that theory I mentioned in the combat training on the second day... About why you may not be visible... I think it's probable, so if you can find someone who..." He paused, having drawn the class's attention again.

"Naoki, you didn't... Um... Mention a theory, just that one... Thing..." Tooru replied.

"Oh! Crap... I must have forgotten to tell you..." He rubbed the left side of his neck.

"I think it may be possible that you aren't visible to anyone because... Well, it was a lot more probable when Ricochet allowed me to see you... But... Um... Dark Matter... It makes up 20% of the universe, and it may be what your body... Why no one can see you, yet I can when I hide my own presence..." He stammered out.

Based on the expressions, no one knew what in the world he had just said. He sighed as he continued.

"D-D-D.... Dark M-Matter... It's a substance in space, and m-makes up 20% of the universe, but, isn't seeable in any spectrum of light, because... Unlike what we can see, Dark Matter... Doesn't reflect l-light... So... It is unseeable to the human eye on any spectrum of light... It would make... Sense... S-S-Sorry..." He hated vocalising his theories... He hated anxiety and fear of social interactions...

"I've actually heard about it. It's a pretty scarcely researched branch of astrology, since there's not really a way to study it, but it would make sense... Especially if he can see Hagakure with Ricochet..." Todoroki spoke up.

"Now that you mention it, I think I may have come across it while studying chemistry and molecular biology to help with my own Quirk..." Momo added in as well.

Silence permeated for a few seconds before everyone slowly returned to their earlier conversations. Naoki sighed in frustration, embarrassment and self-loathing.

After a while, it was like his interjection was forgotten and swept under the rug, so he just stayed silent and withdrawn. Izuku didn't really know how to help, since he didn't exactly understand it either, and was drawn into other conversations as well.

Ochaco went berserk, and everyone slowly trickled to lunch, Naoki lingering behind the main group, feeling so far out of place, even among Izuku and his normal friends. Izuku, Tenya and Ochaco were stopped, talking, and Naoki stayed back, out of sight and out of mind, slowly drowning, or that is what it felt like...

That is, until a much needed and greatly appreciated face poked into the room, relieving Naoki from his building stress.

"HEAHAHAHAHAHA! Young Midoriya! Naoki! You're both here!" All Might burst in, grand entry and all.

"Woah, All Might! What are you doing here?" Izuku asked, surprised. Naoki didn't respond, not sure what to say, but luckily, All Might was often uncannily able to tell if something was bothering Naoki, if he caught it in time, before Naoki buried it.

"LUNCH! Do you two wanna eat with me?" He pointed to three packed lunches, as Ochaco basically spewed 'adorable' out of her mouth. Naoki vanished, walking over to All Might, tapping his arm to let him know he was there, but upset. "What do you say?" All Might added after feeling Naoki's sign.

Izuku followed after, and once they were away from the class- just a few meters- Naoki reappeared, making Izuku freak out a bit.

"Sorry." Was all Naoki responded with, but not more than a mumble.

。。。

"Only 90 Minutes!?" Izuku questioned, responding to All Might's explanation. Naoki was still quiet, but now for more than his earlier upset.

"Yeah. I overused my power too many times. That Nomu was a real tough customer. He took a lot outta me. At this point, I can barely even look like All Might for two hours. But, it would have been even worse without your help there in the end, Naoki. I know you weren't conscious, but that Quirk saved my skin in the end. I know you don't use it yourself, and only keep that Quirk close at hand for my sake, but it really came through. Still, though, my time was shortened..." Toshinori finished, pouring tea as Izuku listened and Naoki picked at the food. He knew it may have 'helped', but it didn't save him from losing more time, and that, Naoki considered his own fault- and his own failure.

"I'm so sorry... I should have just-" Izuku began, being cut off by Toshinori's hysterical laughter.

"You don't need to apologise for anything!" Toshinori began, then wrapped an arm around Naoki as he continued.

"And you! No blaming yourself either! You both did your best, everything you could have in that situation. Naoki, I know you've had a rough time, and you want to blame yourself, Izuku, you're going to feel like you're responsible too. But, don't. Either of you!

Man, we three are a lot alike in that! And it's neither an all bad, nor a solely good thing. Not bad because- to some degree- I can understand you both, and predict how you may react or feel about things, atop that, I have an idea of how to help you both... But, not good, because the more I do it in front of you both, the more you'll end up doing it too! And, that also means the only advice I give you, you may end up treating the same way I do! Have some tea, both of you. Naoki, Ginseng, as you prefer."

Izuku took his cup, glancing at Naoki, wondering what exactly the deal was with that ring, and why it seemed to matter outside what its perceived function was. At the same time, he felt it was... Just normal too. He couldn't get a read on it at all.

Meanwhile, Naoki began cooling his tea and cup by redirecting energy to his hands from the liquid, smiling in soft satisfaction at the warmth on his fingers.

"I brought you here, Izuku, to talk about the Festival. Naoki, for that and a few other things, plus, I couldn't leave you there with that sour expression! What kind of dad would I be? I mean, I'm technically a teacher, yours, but I'm still your guardian and dad, so I need to do better about it!" He grappled Naoki in a hug, since Naoki had sat beside him, while Izuku took a chair.

"Now, back to what I mean about the Sports Festival. I'll cover yours first, Midoriya. The problem is you still can't fully control One For All yet. So then, what's your plan?"

Izuku thought for a second, "Wait! I did once! No, twice! The first time was against that brain Villain, the second when I went to jump toward you at the end. There was no backlash from the punch or the jump... When I went to go smash that brain Villain."

"Oh! Right! You did mention that. What was the difference? With the punch specifically?" Toshinori asked.

"Let's see... We were facing real Villains and I didn't have much time to think. But maybe that's part of it, since I knew that wasn't just more training..." Izuku squeezed his fist. "But, this is also the very first time, ever, that I used my power against another person..."

"Hmmm... Sounds like you succeeded on subconsciously putting on the breaks so you didn't have to kill anyone... Hey! That's some kind of progress, at least..." Toshinori began before Izuku asked a return question.

"But, I don't understand why it also didn't backlash when I jumped later... If that is the case with the first one, then why..." Izuku trailed off, thinking. He missed Naoki glancing at Toshinori, the Pro giving a small nod.

"That is from the ring... This one. Well, technically, the Quirk..." Naoki held up his left hand, where the ring Todoroki had thrown to All Might during the fight rested, the same one Naoki cherished.

"Think of it as... One of my Quirks being set on it... It's one I can't use on myself at all... Anyway, since you had already subconsciously mastered some control over One For All, even such small control, when All Might had this Quirk is when you also jumped and didn't get injured... It's because of the Quirk... On here.... It enhances one's control, given they have some to begin with... From what we've been able to tell, anyway. It does this without increasing the backlash... Even though dad had it, it is your Quirk now, so it temporarily leveled the control he has over One For All, to meet half-way with your own control... It bridged your control with his... So, in that sense, learning to actually control it now will be far easier for you, since with the Quirk your body and mind have both felt and seen that control.

I-I can try to help you with it before the Festival. No guarantee you'll be a master, but you should at least be able to avoid destroying yourself completely, Izumi..." Naoki explained, saving Toshinori the trouble.

"Waaahhhh! That's so... So unique!!!" Izuku fawned. "But, I'm declining your offer. You need to train for the Festival just as much as I do."

"O-Okay... And yeah. It's neat, but I can't use it myself, which is more than fine. Its called 'Enhancer'." Naoki added, sipping his tea again.

"Eventually, I want to find a way to use Enhancer to help others on the field, but for now, it's safest right here... Besides... Only people I have given permission to- or, really- handed the ring to personally can use it. I did so with dad before, and you as well, Izumi... Other than that, though... No one else... Not anyone I remember, anyway, since I don't remember my past and that mess." Naoki finished.

"Yes, thankfully there was someone who had a theory of how to do that- putting such a Quirk on a ring... I'll explain the other part for you now, Midoriya." He walked to the window. "Frankly, even with the help of Enhancer, I don't have much time left as the world's Symbol of Peace. Soon, I'm going to have to put that title to bed. There's no helping it. Some Villains out there are already noticing that. Someone has to step up and keep the people safe. There's always a saying that nothing lasts forever, and I am no exception. But with you, Midoriya, my title, as the Symbol of Peace, can continue. But, there are other things you need to know about this power."

He spun to face Izuku, who had stood from his seat. "I gave you my power for one reason! 'Cause you will be the Hero who takes my place!"

"All Might... I always wondered. Naoki is so skilled, so talented, and his Quirk would work so well with this power, so why not him? Why me?" Izuku interrupted.

Naoki spoke next, answering Izuku's inquiries. "Because, honestly, I don't want it... I'm sure you saw what happened in class today... I'm not cut out to be the center of attention, and I crumble under pressure and too much attention directed at me.

I also have no identity. No past, no memories, no family... If anyone were to dig and find that out, it'd be incredibly hard for me to be accepted. Remember when dad said the world needed to believe their symbol of peace was a natural-born Quirk user?

Well, it'd be all too easy to reduce me to nothing more than a lab rat, an experiment or a controlled puppet gone wrong or who escaped, no better than the Nomu we saw... That's why I told dad that I wouldn't take it, and I didn't want it... No matter what... I won't even dare borrow it... My own Quirks do far enough damage on me. And even after you spent months building yourself up, you still get busted... I'd be more likely to kill myself since I can't even increase my weight by much, or my muscle mass either... I'm less suited than a corpse..." Naoki finished, surprising even All Might with the last sentence.

But from there, with occasional worried glances toward Naoki, Toshinori continued after checking if Izuku understood. He did, but was also worried by Naoki's down behaviour.

"Do you still feel the same way as when we met? Do you still want to be a Hero?" Toshinori asked Izuku, but his question also drew Naoki's attention.

"Yes!" Izuku responded, no hesitation, no doubt.

"Excellent! The time has come for you to prove it! This Sports Festival. It's something the Pros- No, the entire country- will be watching very closely. I want you to think of this Sports Festival as your debut! You are the fledgling Symbol of Peace! The next ALL MIGHT! Izuku Midoriya! I want you to introduce yourself to the world, and proudly say: I AM HERE!!"

。。。

After his talking to Izuku was complete, he seated himself again, now turning to Naoki before lunchtime ran out.

"Now, Naoki... I want to talk to you, as your father, but with time short on what's left for lunch, I will do so after classes are over. For now, I'll discuss what I've been asked to reguarding your own Quirk and the Festival.

Some of the school staff has asked that I, as your teacher, speak to you reguarding your Quirk, and how you'll use it at the Festival... They have asked that you strictly use Ricochet, so you aren't-"

"I won't participate... There. That'll simplify everyone's problems, won't it? I won't draw unwanted attention, and I won't disturb anyone when I don't react to pain, or won't cause an uproar when I use more than one Quirk. Better for everyone if I just don't eve-" He felt the slap across his face, stunned blue eyes and mismatched ones looked to furious green ones.

"I-I'm sorry, but I can't stand hearing you talk that way about yourself! You have just as much right as every other student here, even more than me, to take part in the Festival! So what if you are unique, we call them Quirks because they are unique to every individual!

If anyone condemns you for it, that's on them! All Might and I know you, Naoki! Everyone in our class, who saw you at the USJ, everyone knows you! We all have seen how capable you are, how special and how unique you are!

I don't know about our class, but All Might and I, we both have seen your care, your compassion and your concern for others! Anyone who sees that and still thinks less of you is wrong!

You got into the Hero Course! You!

So what if you don't have any memories! Like All Might said before, what matters is who you are now, who you made yourself into, what you have done as the you you are now! Not the past 'Naoki', not who you could have been before, none of that matters!

You saved Aizawa, our teachers, our class, you helped when no one else could! You were the only one of us capable enough to even help!

It's your Quirk! So don't you dare hide who you are, and what makes you who you are! I have admired you since I met you... Even when I didn't know you had a Quirk, you still stood up to bullies, you still were able to hold your own!"

He paused, calming down and speaking more gently.

"I know you feel upset, about more than I can probably understand, and I can see you've been struggling a lot, right in front of me, and I didn't know how to help. When you talked to me the other night, about recognising that Shigaraki Villain, I didn't even know what to say, so I said I would think on it...

I could tell right away when I saw you in class this morning, that it's still bothering you and you don't even know who to talk to because even I couldn't help... You won't open up to anyone as much as I saw in the past because you are scared of bothering others with your problems, and I only made that worse...

You didn't tell anyone in class about you not sleeping at all, not even All Might knew, and when I heard it, I was so angry at myself for not even noticing... You walked me home, saying it was to talk, and while it was, you were more worried about me walking home alone than that, even though you were the one who was hurt...

Not only physically injured, but hurting inside... I saw it, but didn't know what to say or do to help... And then when All Might called and said you'd not been back yet, I was terrified... I thought through thousands of possibilities of what could have happened. But when we found out that you were found safe, fine, and better than when you'd left my place, I was so relieved, but... Now I'm concerned even more after today...

In class, you seemed more relaxed, until Kacchan questioned why All Might was worried about you. I can't even imagine how hard that's been...

In middle school, everyone else was always confused why you never had classmates over, or why no one had even met or seen your dad... My mom even wondered if you actually had one or if you just lived on your own and made him up... I knew it must have been to keep him out of the spotlight, but it was also to keep him safe too...

When Kacchan asked that, it actually dawned on me, the other reasons why you never ever revealed it.... And, after you tried to talk to Hagakure, how everyone acted, I could tell it was eating at you, but I didn't say anything or help at all... I didn't know how to, sure, but I also didn't try...

And, what you just said! 'No better suited than a corpse'... It was hard to hear you say that... To talk that way about yourself, and then to say you wouldn't even take part in the Festival, and the way you said it... I know I'm not the best, I don't always know how to help, but I could try, and so could your father, if we knew what was going on in your mind to begin with... I am worried about you, and if I am, then All Might must be too..." Izuku rushed out, not allowing for a single interruption.

After he'd finished, and the words sat for a bit, Izuku spoke again. "I'm sorry I hit you. There's no good excuse, and no justifiable reason. I was angry that you said things like that, that was all."

With a stiff, short movement, Naoki nodded once, words vanishing from his thoughts as he cracked a finger, trying to keep his tears back.

"I agree with Midoriya, but, I am also to blame... I haven't been a good father figure, not even a father since you both enrolled here... I've rarely been home, and I haven't made time to sit and spend with you since this came about...

I didn't even notice any of what Midoriya did... And, to be honest, it may have remained that way if all of it hadn't been brought to my attention from outside sources...

Naoki, I didn't... I didn't agree with having you only use Ricochet. I argued against it. I was going to explain that once I explained the other staff's wants.

I was asked if it was me disagreeing as your teacher or your father, and I said both for a reason.

As a teacher, I don't want my students to have to inhibit their own potential or growth to appease others' ideals and wishes. I also don't want them to feel like they need to fit into the flow, and be status-quo, to be Heroes.

But, as your guardian, your parent, I don't want you to be treated like that. They aren't asking it of anyone else, and as Midoriya pointed out, so did I.

Quirks are unique to the individual. Yours is no different. Sure, it is unordinary, and to be honest, extraordinary, but that means you can grow exponentially in an environment where you feel safe to.

Having memories or a past, or a family, makes no difference. And it shouldn't, because you are still human, just like everyone else. There may be no proof right now, of who you were, but, there's no evidence, hint, sign and certainly no 'proof' of you being an experiment or a lab rat, and you are nothing like that Nomu.

You have a mind of your own, you are intelligent, creative, strategic, and so much your own person... I often forget you are only a child, same as young Midoriya, and every other child here... But, you haven't had near the same amount of time to grow and mature as they have.

You have nothing but these past few years to lean on, and that's not much. You always seem so grown up, so capable, so mature for your age, that it's easy for me and others here to forget you are a child, yes, but one who has had more struggles and troubles than any others here, not even including the lack of memories... You have no basis for how to react to peers, adults, others in general, and I've overlooked that. I dismissed the sleep issues because I assumed you had it handled. I am your father, I shouldn't have assumed, I should have talked with you, helped you handle things... Not left you to figure it out alone... Not left you to try and figure out the entire world alone...

And... I did notice you never asked to stay over anywhere, or invite friends over, never had group projects... Nothing normal kids do... But I wrote it off, didn't think twice... And, that's not what I should have done. I didn't even realise why... Didn't see it was for my sake. I took that for granted, took you for granted... And, I'm sorry. Naoki... I failed you... As a teacher, as a father, and even as a Hero..."

Naoki hated crying... Everyone seemed to think it was a sign of weakness, of failure... But, sometimes, he wanted to tell 'everyone' to bite a boulder and suck on an icicle in winter, because in times like this, their words made him all the more sick of crying. He was hugged tightly by both of them, and he returned it. It was a much-needed talk between them, mainly Naoki and Toshinori, but Izuku was always good at breaking walls down.

Naoki went to give his own reply, but realised everything he could say was already, finally, understood, so just enjoyed the comfort of his first friend and his dad.

After they had all calmed down, and Naoki had had two more cups of chilled tea, both Toshinori and Izuku doing their own little calming things, Toshinori spoke up. "You two best return to class. I'll see you soon."

Toshinori ushered them both out. Naoki went and washed up first, returning to class a few moments after Izuku, and taking his seat in the busy classroom as they awaited Hero Basics 101.

Toshinori then asked to speak to Nezu and Aizawa, surprising them both when he said, "I think, no... Today, since class will be picking up again soon, I am going to inform the class about myself and my son... And, it's about time I finalise the adoption, legally... I've been hesitant to, but that was stupid of me... Just me hesitating to take responsibility, and that led to so much more suffering on Naoki's part..."

He sighed, "I'm going to make a call and have the paperwork faxed over. I'll fill it out before I go to teach the class. I'm aware of the potential consequences, but it's past time I did this."

Aizawa and Nezu both spoke their warnings, that if he was going to go through with it, he had better take responsibility properly, and he'd have to be there for Naoki, since it would reach the media like lightning.

Aizawa also made sure he was aware how much danger this would put Naoki in, make him a target for anyone trying to get to All Might, Naoki would be a prime weakness to seize advantage of, and with that, Toshinori almost stopped, until Aizawa made his own promise- another back-up even therein that was otherwise unknown to the trio of adults, and with that to settle All Might's worries and hesitance, he marched forward, smiling.

。。。

"Good afternoon, class!" All Might burst in, ten minutes late, but happier than ever with his smile showing it.

"All Might, sir, class started ten minutes ago." Tenya said, having been trying to keep the peace in the Pro's absence.

"Ah! Yes, I am aware, but I had to finish something very important!" He said, proudly.

"What could be more important than teaching your class?" Momo asked, sounding a little offended, but not in an overly rude way.

"I finally finished some long-overdue paperwork!" He answered, waving a document in the air that he seemed to pull from nowhere.

"So, with that!" He marched up to the front of the room "I have an announcement to make! But first! A little story!"

As the attention shifted fully to their teacher, he began. "As a Hero, even before returning to Japan, and even before being considered the Number 01, I have seen many things. Some good, some bad, as to be expected.

But, one of the most heartbreaking things I ever have seen in all my time as a Hero- was coming across a smaller township that believed there was a ghost or spirit wandering in the woods, nearby residents claiming many stories and local tales were the responsibility of this entity, and thusly, never allowing their own children to go there.

So, as I was passing through, I decided to look into it.

It turned out to be a nothing horrible or worthy of such tales as they had. This 'entity' was but a child, injured but never recovering. The child's clothing still tattered, charred and torn where scars were torn open.

After finding the child, the first thing he did was stand completely still, waiting to see what I would do. When I didn't flee, didn't attack or try to harm him, but remained where I was, arms outstretched, he slowly walked toward me, frightened, terrified at first, doubting and untrusting.

But, once he was in arms reach, I gave him what I can only assume he had not felt for many years, and with that hug and statement that everything was going to be fine, because I was there, he collapsed.

For the child's sake and safety, I ensured the event and story was kept out of the media's reach and knowledge.

The next seven months, he was comatose in the hospital, no signs of waking, and the open wounds he still carried weren't healing at all. The only things myself or the doctor monitoring him knew was that his Quirk, whatever it was, had to be the reason he'd survived such trials. We had an idea of what his name could be, but weren't certain. We had no idea of age, except an approximate guess.

He was suffering from dehydration, starvation, and had severe injuries, most of which, normal people would have succumbed to, yet, despite all his open wounds, had not suffered exsanguination. Atop this, it seemed that the attire he'd been in was the same he'd worn when he'd received the burns that were slowly scarring into his back.

But, alas, hope was there, for he awoke. However, not without its own troubles. He was beyond terrified when he'd first awoken, but once calmed, we found he had no memories of anything about his past, not who he was, where he was from, no family, not even an idea of how he'd been so grievously injured. But, what we had assumed was his name, he did know, was his own.

It was a mere seven days into his initial treatment when I made an oath to that child, that when he awoke, he would never have to live like that again. That if he wanted a family, a father, a home, and no one had yet claimed him when he awoke, that I would take that responsibility.

Originally, it was a duty as a Hero, to see things through to the end, no matter how bitter it could be. But, as time continued, it was less a duty, and more a desire.

To have the chance to be a father to a child who needed it, and to learn all that could mean as well.

It has been over two years since I found him, two years since I made that oath. And, I've put it off for long enough. Even as Heroes, we can be afraid of things we do not understand. But, what matters is that we do it anyway. We see things through, and we keep our word, even to a child who could not remember that oath.

So, with that, I give my announcement. As of today, you have a home, family, and young Naoki, a father." All Might walked, progressively toward Naoki as he'd spoken, now handing him the adoption certificate. "Welcome home, young Naoki."

Everyone was... So much more than stunned... It was inconceivable to most of them, what had just happened, and Naoki could care less. He hugged the Pro- no- his dad. Because even though he'd been taken in, he never thought- ever- that he'd actually belong, end up actually being given a home, a family. None of that ever seemed possible or in his reach, not more than a fantasy. But yet, it just happened.

After a whole lot of tears, shock, congratulations and questions, class was almost over but, that meant All Might had only a little time to explain the full scope of what this decision would mean, so he called the class back to attention.

"Now! Listen up! I know this is a lot all at once, but now is where I need to explain things responsibly, as a father and teacher, as well as an adult should.

Naoki, as the son of the Number 1 Pro Hero, I will hold you to a higher standard and I expect you to act as such. I will not pull strings or grant you favours, as it will only hinder you in the long run. I will not cover or fix mistakes you make in all awareness because it will make things harder for you as you get older.

On a different note, by finalising the adoption, no matter how well it is kept under wraps or hidden, people will find out, I imagine it has already left this room, in this short a time. As such, Naoki, you will have a significant and unavoidable target upon your back now. I know this was the right decision, but I am still worried about what this will mean for you in the future. So, be careful, be safe, rely on your teachers, your friends, Heroes, and myself. Don't try to handle everything alone or face things without care. And, please, please, be honest, if you are being threatened, if you feel unsafe, if you think something is amiss.

You have relied on your instincts much these past years, and it has served you well, so heed their warnings, but don't hide them. If anything feels off, don't dismiss it, don't ignore it, hide it or suppress it. I am here with you, and I will help when things are too much. Leave the media to me, just focus on your own studies, your grades, your relationships, your life. Focus on becoming the best Hero you can be, reguardless of what is the norm in other's eyes.

If things become too much, you have friends, allies, you have your teachers, other Heroes, you have Hajime, and I need you to always know, no matter what, you have me." All Might focused back to the class as a whole.

"That goes for all of you. You are still students, and like it or not, children. Rely on those of us who can help, and rely on each other. Help each other, support each other when there is a need, and lastly, all of you need to be careful, stay safe. I know this was an unorthodox class, but it did have a lesson, however small. With that! Class Dismissed!" All Might finished.

。。。

After a few more conversations, chats, questions and the like, Class 1-A began to depart.

Naoki noticed Katsuki giving him an assortment of analytical looks, Todoroki as well, whatever fondness from the USJ now replaced with an ice-cold front. Again.

Luckily, it seemed no one in the class had spoken outside them about the events, so going home that evening was the same as normal.

The following day, though, was anything but... Thankfully, the school kept Toshinori and Naoki's residence well protected, but the school gate was another story entirely...

。。。

"Dad... Why did you do it today? Why not after I graduate, or even after the Festival?" Naoki asked over dinner.

"I did it because of the Festival, if anything is needed outside what I explained. But mostly, it is because I did put it off for far too long. And because you deserve the finality of a family. A home.

Back in the lounge today... When you were willing to just throw away the chances it could offer because of what you were feeling, I felt I had to do something.

I have what most see as an extraordinary Quirk, so it will make it a lot easier for you to be accepted and not immediately written off as what you feared if you are seen as my son beforehand, even by a week or two. I don't want you to ever have to feel like that, what you felt when you said those things... I know you don't like excess attention and to stand out, but your Quirk will do that no matter what you do. At least this way, they will see it through my own image, for better or worse, rather than just whatever they assume right away.

I may not always or exactly know how it will also make things difficult, but this way, you'll not be singled out and ostracised right away.

I agreed with Midoriya. You have a special and unique Quirk, so much potential and yet, so much self-doubt and self-deprecation. So much fear. You fear yourself, your Quirk, how others see you, how others will think of you, but it pained me that you also feared how all of that would reflect on me, even by chance. I hesitated to come out and claim you as my son out of fear on how it could harm or endanger you. Because of this hesitation, you suffered unnecessarily.

If you said anything, you'd be called a liar, branded an outcast, or worse... I had to make the first and final step, and made you endure so much pain and loneliness by my indecision.

With it like this, even if they try to dig, they won't be able to suppress or destroy the fact that I adopted you, not the other way around, started by a child's words, as it may have been interpreted.

I've sent the original reporter the okay to respond to any uproar with the coverage she'd first planned. She asked for an interview with us both, and I said I would talk to you about it.

She's a pretty understanding reporter, but most aren't. You've seen that when I first began my tenure at U.A. So, I want you to be careful, and try not to reply when I am not there. If you are in a position where I'm not there, you may have to answer, or at least entertain them.

Don't let things get to you. If they ask questions you don't know how to answer, say just that, 'I don't know'. If you get frustrated and overwhelmed, well, you've seen me run out on those kinds of things, so borrow that tactic and use it.

I know you do better with what to do, than what not to do, so I'm trying to work with that in mind here.

I know what I told Midoriya about the Festival, but you'll have to do the same. And, should you two end up against one another... I leave it up to you how you handle it. Fight him fair, or let him win. With either, there are pros and cons, and you know how you react best, but don't just let him have it, or he'll be frustrated too. I can help you both only so far, but, I will do my best. Luckily, Doctor Shinsou- I mean- Hajime wasn't too upset, and is willing to help out with this however he can. So we have that, at least."

。。。

They made it just around the corner toward U.A.'s campus and were spotted, immediately swarmed by press and reporters.

Naoki stayed as positive as he could, which was surprisingly well. It helped that the first thing All Might did was demand one question at a time, else he'd deny any whatsoever.

There were typical questions, easy ones, a few odd ones, and a few that were more tricky for Naoki. One of the worst was why he wanted to be a Hero. They were casually saved by Aizawa right then, who, the press already learned wasn't a talker, or a pleasant person at best.

Once inside the campus, Naoki sighed, almost becoming a puddle of de-stressed Naoki, but was reminded the press weren't the only ones who knew now.

So did the entire campus. A few whispers, a few stares, but nothing overly or outright demeaning or negative that he could see. A few came up and asked questions, a few wanted handshakes, a few to be friends, not too much negative attention, so' Naoki did fairly well. Still... Attention was attention to him in many ways.

His classmates were supportive and really kind.

Kacchan ended up being a little overbearing, in his silence, quick glares, and just intimidating nature.

Izuku, Mezo, Tenya, Ochaco, Tsu, Tooru, and Momo were really comforting to be around. Momo, Izuku and Tooru overprotective when they noticed Naoki stuttering and getting overwhelmed.

When it was closer to class time, Aizawa stepped in, breaking up the crowd and basically dragging an exhausted Naoki to class.

That sigh of relief was felt by the entire class. Mina gave Naoki some fruit snacks, Denki brought apple juice, apparently having asked Izuku what kinds of things Naoki snacked on when stressed, because even Naoki stress-snacked.

"Thank you, guys... Everyone... I would have died out there... And, that's not actually a joke- well, kinda... I don't handle crowds well... The students are somewhat manageable, but the press... They're scary..." Naoki tried to joke, actually getting the whole class, aside from a certain ash blonde, to laugh or chuckle.

Todoroki was back to his usual silent, stoic self, but unusually passive when Naoki did catch glimpses. He was almost outwardly ignoring Naoki too, though. More than normal, back to how he'd been to Naoki before the USJ, maybe worse.

I wonder what's on his mind... I hope I haven't made things harder or bad between us... He seems like someone who is a sincere and loyal friend once you get there... And... He also... Has scars, both visible, and emotional... Plus... No... Never mind... There's no way...

Only a few minutes left of that class, and Class 1-A's doorway was swarmed.

Normally, it would just be scouting out competition, but with the news that they had a student in their class adopted by the Number 1 Pro Hero, a lot of attention was on their class, and specifically, Naoki.

Naoki was once more bombarded with stares, questions, and since the competition was nigh, verbal judgements.

"Hey! Get outta the doorway. Scouting competition is one thing, but harassing another student is an entirely different thing. You wanna harass someone, I'll do it back. At least now you know what future Pros look like. Now move it, extras." Katsuki asserted, leaving the classroom, but not without a subtle... Encouragement? To Naoki, and if that was the case, discouragement to the students bothering Naoki, or seeking to.

"Eyepatch Freak? You coming out, or you gonna wait and let everyone crowd you when you decide to man up and leave?"

"Eh... Um..." Naoki was a little put off by the blonde's words, so was scrambling to gather the rest of his things, and also scrambling for an answer as he made towards the door, rushing to put his bag's strap over his shoulder. Katsuki waited, barely, then made forward again.

Before he got out the door all the way, though, Katsuki stopped as Naoki heard a familiar, chronically tired voice he recognised, but lighter than the one he was used to.

"So this is Class 1-A. I heard you guys were impressive, but you just sound like an ass. Is everyone in the Hero Course delusional, or just you?"

Bakugou growled as Naoki's theory was true, seeing the spiky fluff of violet hair, tired eyes, also violet in hue, in the speaker's tired voice.

"How sad to come here and find a bunch of egomaniacs. I wanted to be in the Hero Course, but like many others here, I was forced to choose a different track. Such is life.

I didn't cut it the first time around, but I have another chance. If any of us do well in the Sports Festival, the teachers can decide to transfer us to the Hero Course, and they'll have to transfer people out to make room.

Scouting the competition... Maybe some of my peers are... But I'm here to let you know, if you don't bring your very best, I'll steal your spot right out from under you. Consider this a declaration of war."

While most of the class was frightened, intimidated, or Katsuki, Naoki had vanished and was aiming to make a bit of humour out of it. Hajime-san's kid was right there, he couldn't pass up the chance to formally introduce himself, as more than All Might's new son, but as Hajime's charge as well.

Why not?

Popping up right in front of the violet haired kid of his doctor, with a "Hitoshi-san!" He hugged the violet, weirding him out.

"Who are you? Why are you hugging me? Why do you know my name?"

"Hey, that's the kid All Might adopted... How does he know this kid?"

"I'm Naoki. Hajime-san was right, you do look a lot like him!" Naoki was excited.

"Huh? How do you know my dad?" Hitoshi asked, still confused, but, with Naoki not hugging him, his hand was rubbing his neck.

"Eh... Oh... Right. Patient-confidentiality. Hajime-san was my doctor while I was recovering. Also, one of the first people I met after waking up, so I really admire him, and he's also one of the first people I ever talked to or trusted. So, I owe him a lot. Which means, I also heard a bit about you too! You are hardworking, and Hajime-san is proud of you... Also... Sorry about the other day too... I ended up keeping him at work late to check over my injuries, so I apologise...

And... Sorry if I upset you or stepped out of line. Just my actual first time meeting the kid of one of my first Heroes... Is special for me... So, with that, do your best, and we all will too!" Naoki gave a solid smile, and a signature thumbs-up, like All Might had during the attack on the USJ.

"Heh... You're an odd one... Maybe not all of Class 1-A are egomaniacs." Hitoshi eyed Naoki, bemused by the raven.

And, the mood was interrupted by the silver-haired aggro of Class 1-B, yelling and acting threatening.

When Katsuki was told to clean up his verbal mess by Kirishima, his only response was to say, plainly, "These people don't matter. It only matters that I beat them. Eyepatch, I'm leaving. I only offer something like this once, so take it or leave it."

"Eh... I-um..." Naoki's phone buzzed. He grabbed it, since class was out. He'd gotten a new phone, after telling All Might he'd been given the cash for it by the person. He still kept their identity to himself, and All Might was unusually okay with it.

"Ah... He... I gotta go...!" Naoki vanished.

。。。

He didn't even try for the exit, going out the window instead, and landing softer than a step, reappearing as soon as he did. He pulled his phone out once more, calling All Might.

"Hey, dad, I'm already out... " He paused, seeing his dad round the corner.

"Hey, Naoki. I was wondering why you don't come out the front... You should be careful doing that too much. They'll figure it out eventually. Now, are you up for that interview I mentioned? It will simply be the three of us, aside from a camera crew. No others are going to be there in the interview room, so it'll be as relaxed as I can get it. The questions are common ones that were sent in over today and since the news got out, so nothing too bad, I hope..." Toshinori explained.

"Y-Yeah... I think I can pull through it okay... But, can I... Go back there... And get some rest tonight?" Naoki asked, a little nervous to ask.

"Yes. I don't see why not. Just be safe and don't be seen. Let me know and check in like we talked about, okay?" Toshinori agreed, after a small sigh.

"I'm glad you found somewhere you can actually get sleep and be safe. Most parents would want to meet the person, but, for your sake, and theirs, I won't ask for that just yet, straight off the bat, just promise me you will be careful, okay?" After All Might inflated, they began walking for the gate, still crowded by press.

"I promise. But... How do we get through?" Naoki asked, gesturing for the now riled up press, at seeing the No. 1, and his new son.

"Lliikkkeee SOOOO!" He grabbed Naoki, dragging him as he ran and jumped over the crowd, landing safely, and running as they hit the other side.

Once they were a safe distance, they stopped for breath.

"Dad... You literally ditched... Them... That was.... Cool, but... Kinda embarrassing..." Naoki was catching his breath and trying to not laugh.

"It is not the first time, besides! Their answers will be quelled soon enough. Or, better, at least, this evening. Now, off we go, can't afford to be late. Once we're done, you're free to head out."

"Alright!" Naoki accepted the challenge before him.

They walked briskly to their necessary location, avoiding crowds and large groups, walking into the building where the interview was set, a news station with an interviewing room for special broadcastings.

"Ah! All Might's here. That kid must be the one... He's so tiny compared to All Might..."

There were other whispers, mumbles and mutterings, but Naoki blocked them out, focusing on relaxing enough for this.

He followed as a secretary led them through the building, to the interview room. Once seated, they were offered beverages, Naoki shocked when he saw root beer, not hesitating to go for the can since it was still sealed. If it wasn't, he wouldn't have even touched it.

After getting offered make-up, getting set with mics, and everything else, they were soon to begin. Naoki finished the can, holding it in his palm, when one of the staff asked what he was doing.

"Ah... I'm compacting it so it'll take up less space when I throw it away...?" Naoki answered, a little confused.

"With your Quirk? If that's the case, can we save it for the interview?" She asked.

Naoki looked to All Might, who said it was his choice.

"I... Think I can do that... If it's not too much trouble..." Naoki was rubbing his neck with his left hand.

。。。

So, after a few more minutes, the interview went underway.

Most of the questions were the same as earlier, what he remembers, what he did for hobbies, how he spent free time, what it was like living with the No. 1, what his daily life was like... All relatively simple things, to help ease him into the bigger ones, bit by bit. The first 'big' one, was what he'd been stumped by that morning. Why he wanted to be a Hero. He'd thought about it over the day, and had a pretty good idea of how to answer.

"I am doing it for a few different reasons. I have a powerful Quirk, and, if I can save lives with it, then I'd like to be able to. Stopping crime, as well.

I look up to my dad, a lot, but also even just everyday citizens, like the doctors who looked after me, the police, and I want to return what they've done for me, even without realising it... Even people from my past, although I don't remember or know them, I want to help and give back where I maybe couldn't before. Being a Hero fits a lot of that.

If I can use this Quirk to protect those who cannot protect themselves, then all the better. But, I also want to prove something to myself as well... That I am capable, that I can overcome something like what has happened, whatever did happen, and I can be stronger, for myself and those around me, as well as those who once were. That even without knowing who I was, I can become a Hero as well... So, there are... A lot of reasons." Naoki finished.

The next few were small again, as planned. Favourite food, drinks, best subject in school, then a little about how he'd gotten into U.A.

He explained how he'd spent his first year in school, catching up on every previous year the rest of his class had taken, then halfway through second semester, finally started on their class's assignments.

He loved root beer and tuna nigiri. His favourite subject was science, and his best was also science and mathematics, since they helped with his Quirk. Though, he tended to dislike mathematics more often than not. He loved biology and enjoyed physics. He struggled a bit with chemistry, but once he got into the swing of that section or lesson or chapter, he did pretty well.

Then, there was another big one. "Naoki, what is your Quirk? You've mentioned it a lot, but can we have a better idea as to what it is?"

All Might started first, explaining how they discovered his Quirk's true nature while he was recovering, when they began trying to see what it was. He left out how many Quirks Naoki had, in exact, for many reasons.

After that, Naoki explained. "My Quirk is called 'Borrower'... I can borrow Quirks. It's pretty limited and restricted as far as how I can end up borrowing them, and how I use them or learn them and whatnot, but it has already helped me protect my classmates, even if only a little."

After that, All Might explained that for Naoki's safety, and as he was only a student, child, and minour, revealing much more of his Quirk could put him in danger, as it could with anyone, but as Naoki's father, he was stepping on that question where it was.

A few smaller ones again, before a rather big one, "What will you do if your memories come back, and you find out things that contradict what you believe and care about now?"

Naoki gulped, he never knew how to answer this, because he did cherish something from his past, above a lot. He was holding his left hand to his chest, rotating the ring on his finger, afraid to answer.

"I still seek certain things from my past, that is true, and if anything, understandable, expected. And, that is a past, the past... But, it's not me. I seek my last name, that's still true, but for a different reason than before... Because the only person who can tell me, may have been someone I cherished, and who felt the same, or similar toward me. I still want to know them, who they are, and what they meant to me...

But, what happened to me, I don't really worry about that too much anymore. If the person still worries about me, then being able to tell them, show them and prove to them that I'm okay, I'm alive and safe... I owe them at least that..." Naoki finished. A clever dodge, but only halfway dodging the question. He answered it in a roundabout way.

"Alright. One last question! Then you're off the hook, kiddo. When is your birthday?"

Naoki blinked again, frozen and eyeing All Might. "I... Have... Um... Dad?"

"HahaHA! Naoki's birthday is another thing we weren't able to learn, so I imagine until we find out, I can just go with... The day he woke from his comatose state!" All Might happily jaunted.

"Which was when?" the interviewer asked.

"August 31st, at 1300 pm!" All Might finished, after thinking for an unnoticeable second.

"And, that's a wrap! Thank you, All Might, sir. Naoki. It was good to have you both. This will be aired tonight and reaired until it runs itself dry of content. It's been a pleasure, as always, All Might. It was good to meet you as well, Naoki. You're free to go, just return the mics to a sound guy, and have a safe journey home!" She bounced, shaking All Might's hand with gusto, Naoki's a lot more delicately.

"There was one other question, but I threw it out, as Naoki is still a minour. It was asking to see his scars, and that's... Not okay for public viewership, especially since he's a minour. Didn't even mention it to anyone else, so it's sealed as history!" She winked, smiling to them with a thumbs up.

"Thank you, you're as reliable as it gets with the media and press. I really appreciate you doing all this. I know this story has been gathering dust on your shelf for a while, but now it's able to be recognised and published. Have a good rest of your day." All Might replied, ushering himself and Naoki out as he finished talking.

Once outside the building, there were a few stragglers who stepped over to meet Naoki and get a few words, or give a few, but, after that, it was clear as they went into a small store, All Might going into the restroom, Toshinori exiting, dressed a bit different.

"C'mon, kiddo, let's head. I'll walk with you to the convenience store, then head on home. You be safe, and check in when you're out of the public's eyes." Toshinori insisted.

"Okay... Thank you... A lot..." Naoki went in for a hug, getting one back without hesitation.

He messaged Dabi as they were walking.

Hey, Dabi-san, are you home? The reply was almost instant.

On my way. Went to grab food. Why?

I was wondering if you'd mind me staying over again.

Meet you partway. Be safe.

Will do! Thank you!

After a few minutes, there was another message. Ale or beer?

Then, there was one right after, clarifying. Pop, for the record.

Naoki chuckled as he replied. Root beer, unless the ginger ale is with sorbet.

Naoki sent, typing his next message right away, but got a reply.

Don't even offer to pay me back.

So, Naoki sighed, a little embarrassed that he'd been predicted so easily.

I can sense your embarrassment from my house.

Naoki laughed at that last message, explaining it to Toshinori when he got an odd look.

"What's funny, Naoki?"

"He's getting food, and I was going to offer to pay him back, and he jumped the gun, saying not to even offer... Then said he can sense my embarrassment from his house... He's dorky, and kind in a strange, unique way...

Kinda like how you said Aizawa is kind in his own way... I know he's just reading me really easily... But it's still funny... I've been talking back and forth with him since I got the new phone, and he's... Different. He's not rude, or perverse. He's a little short-worded, but he was in person too... He isn't degrading or provocative... He's just... Quiet and gentle when we talk. Like... Even over text, just that is really relaxing and calming... And I still don't feel anything bad or negative... He still makes me feel safe..." Naoki spoke fondly of the mystery person he'd been in contact with.

With that, Toshinori countered, "Naoki, I already said this, but your instincts are a good asset. If you feel fine, safe, even, around this person, then I have no qualms. Just promise me you'll be safe, nonetheless. You don't need to sell them to me. Knowing that you feel actually safe and comfortable enough around them, enough to actually be able to sleep, is enough. Especially when you still can't sleep at home yet. We're almost there."

When they reached the store, Toshinori had Naoki follow him inside. "Here, grab a few things to snack on, and I'll send you with a little cash too. If you have any left, just keep it for later. Let me know when you're there, and check in. If you want to stay longer than a night, let me know. Eat well, and be sure you get your homework done. Don't slack off on your training either, but most importantly, get some sleep. Call me if you need anything, check in, and let me know when you're planning to head home. I'll meet you here then, alright?" Naoki had picked up a few snacks, and a big bottle of water and another large bottle of tea.

"Yep. Got it." Naoki put his things up onto the counter, smiling at Tsuki, who was the clerk that night.

"Seems I don't need to be worried either. But, Nao-chin... Remember, you've got my and Yasu-chin's numbers too. That'll be... Zero charge~ Boss's orders~" Tsuki smirked to the shocked customers.

"I'm not lying. Boss said if you come in, so long as it's under 1500 yen, you're scotch free, little guy. Well, until further notice. I doubt it'll be permanent... But, it's the least we can do for the help you gave us the other day." He lifted his hands in surrender, "And I promise, there was no intimidation from me or Yasu-chin involved."

"Uh... Th-Thank... Thank you, Tsuki-san..." Naoki replied, not sure what he should do.

"Yes, thank you, but we won't accept this after today. Oh yeah, Naoki... Do you need anything from home before you head out?" Toshinori turned to ask Naoki as they left the store, both faring Tsuki well before leaving.

"No, I should be okay... They're a little loose, but his clothes do fit well... If I stay over more often, though, I may take clothes over there for when I stay, but I should ask first... See ya, dad. Be safe too, and let me know you get home alright too, huh?" Naoki asked.

"Will do. Off you go." Toshinori pulled Naoki in for a quick hug, before letting him loose. Naoki let himself vanish, heading off toward the direction where Dabi's home was.

Needless to say, he saw the hooded jacket, surgical mask and sunglasses before Dabi saw him. Vanishing for a few steps, he popped up.

"Hey." Dabi was a little stunned, but recovered quickly.

"Hey, kid. Let's get back before it gets dark."

"Good idea. I probably should avoid being out at night too much... Not exactly safe right now, with things going on..." Naoki mumbled. He felt the taller pull him in close.

"Nothing's getting to you when you're around me, so try not to let that kind of thing bother you, alright, kid?" Dabi stated, Naoki already warming up and comfortable. He hummed his agreement.

"Tired, huh?" Dabi chuckled. "You really don't sleep do you?" Dabi asked.

"Hmm. No... The first time I ever remember sleeping that long, or that well, not even considering both of those, was the other day..." Naoki spoke out, smiling and content, just where he was.

"Yep, you're an odd one..." Dabi teased, reaching up to the door that lead inside his small home. "So, you still don't feel anything bad about me? Still feel safe? I take it that's why you came back, or even messaged me at all?"

"Still nothing bad, everything good... Sorry to disappoint you." Naoki teased back, spinning a bit around the small room, still dark as the last time he was there.

"Heh... Definitely odd." Dabi locked the door behind him, heading to the small kitchenette and grabbing a package with one hand, two cans with the other. "I take it you haven't eaten for a while?"

"Hmm? No... Been a busy day... Do you have a TV? I don't like them over real conversation, for sure, but most people do seem to have them... Though, we do, it's only connected to DVD and I can plug my laptop into it and use it for my work, or my viewing pleasure, of the internet, that is~" Naoki asked, plopping down on the floor and laying spread out.

"No. Don't really have a use. I don't like keeping unnecessary or overly heavy things where I live. As bad as this neighborhood is, I doubt people would steal a bed, clothes or what little kitchenware I have... The lamp, though... That gets stolen and it is war... Here. Just from a convenience store, but it's edible."

Naoki took a bite of the offered food, humming contentedly. "From the one where we left last time?" He asked, recognising the familiar label and enjoying the tuna sushi, even from a convenience store, it was still just right to Naoki.

"Yeah. Not anywhere else I trust this kind of low-cost food from. Food poisoning is not on my bucket list." Dabi joked- or tried- as he sat down as well, digging in and pulling the tab on his soda open. "I grabbed you root beer. Mine's cream. Figured I'd leave the beer for you and I'll drink the cream. On sale, half off both." Dabi sipped at the drink, finishing his food before Naoki had eaten half of his own. "Weird, though. That clerk didn't give me his usual look, and discounted the entire purchase by half."

"Oh? That was nice... They did something similar today with us too... Tsuki-san and Yasuki-san are nice, though... Yasuki's good with advice, and helping me understand my emotions when I don't get what I'm feeling... Tsuki's cynical and can be a real ass, but he's overprotective and reliable... They are kind of like older brothers, in a sense..." Naoki explained his analysis of the two over-night clerks.

"Seems like you know them pretty well." Dabi observed, a hint of... Something unknown to Naoki in his voice as he gulped down the rest of his soda right away, like he was trying to swallow something stuck in his throat.

"Not that well, actually... I just have a pretty good eye for unnoticeable details, sometimes... Some people's behaviour is far easier to read than others, and some even wear it like a mask... Then, those who have masks up in so many layers, that breaking one takes enough time for three more to grow behind it... Humans are both completely simple, and endlessly complex... So, what do you normally do here?" Naoki asked.

"Sleep, eat, think... Not much else... Work a few hours a week at a shitty job, but it pays for what food I do eat, and the rent... Sometimes..." Dabi attempted humour again.

"You are odd in your own way, too, Dabi." Naoki yawned, scratching his arm lightly as he stretched.

"To bed with you." Dabi scooped Naoki up as he stood, making the smaller panic just a little, at first, only to calm down once he was stably grasped. "Feels like you gained a little weight. That's good, considering how thin you are." It wasn't said with any humour or sigh of insult,, just genuine 'good' in the words, voice and tone, so it wasn't Dabi's typical teasing.

In the bedroom, Dabi set Naoki on the bed pad's edge. "I'll grab you a change of clothes. Sleeping in that can't be comfortable. Sit tight." Dabi moved to the corner, where the small shelving set was, sorting through the clothes, since the lamp was on.

"Here. This should work." He tossed a pair of still-rolled under shorts, gym shorts and an over-stretched tee to Naoki, pointing to the other door they'd not just come through.

"Shower's in there, wash off if you want to. I'm going to put the leftovers away, and take care of the trash. Water will stay warm about five minutes... If no one else has used it in the last six or seven hours... If it gets cold and I don't hear that reaction, just call out and I'll come and heat it up." Dabi left the dimly lit room, leaving Naoki to his devices.

Dabi had been right, Naoki had not even fully rinsed his hair of the shampoo when it went cold. Having long hair had its banes. He couldn't help the shiver as he continued rinsing his hair fully. He wanted to do that before calling for Dabi.

"Hey? Is it- Why didn't you tell me?" Dabi asked, feeling the cold water splash on him when he opened the door. He wasn't able to see Naoki, the small corner shower having a curving curtain, but the closing part was split just right between the two halves, splashing any intruder with the frigid water.

"You'll get yourself sick doing that. I'm coming in. The heater is in there too. Tell me when you're done and I'll let you in peace." Dabi came in, now in his white tee, the hoodie removed and his feet bare, showing where the burn scars stopped on his ankles.

His voice had a mildly upset edge, but Naoki knew why, given how badly he got cold thanks to Blood Tempter, which Dabi already seemed to have picked up on.

Dabi also wore a pair of longer pajama bottoms, keeping most of his legs covered. His arms were burned from the wrists up, going a little over the tops of his hands. All of the places burns met healthy skin was held together with metal fixtures- be they staples or wire. That was painfully familiar to Naoki.

Almost right away, the water coming out was warmer. "Tell me if it gets too hot." Dabi yelled out a little louder than he normally spoke, to ensure Naoki would hear him over the shower.

Naoki quickly finished, to avoid making Dabi use his Quirk so long, since he figured that was what he was heating the water with.

He stepped out after Dabi left the room, seeing the scarred arm holding a towel in the doorway. "Thank you!" Naoki said as he took the towel.

"No problem. Need anything else?" Dabi asked.

"No, th-"

"Don't thank me for every little thing, kid. Others may expect that, but I don't. Once a day is enough, if you must. Same with apologising. Just don't. Unless it's something... No, never mind, just don't apologise." Dabi turned to joking at the end.

"You are the type to apologise about everything, so if I give you any reason to, you'll do it every chance you can."

Naoki peeked out the door, shirt still off and towel on his shoulders. "How did you guess that?"

"Not hard to read you in that sense. You dressed?" Dabi asked, his eyes shut as he leaned on the wall outside the bathroom door.

"Y-yeah... I normally don't sleep with a shirt... I toss and turn, and the fabric tends to rub... At home at least... I-I can put one on if you'd rather..." Naoki was flushed, embarrassed he'd done that. He had no precedent to learn from, or any idea how he was supposed to act.

Dabi just chuckled. "You're good. Stay how you're comfortable. Believe me, I know what you mean by fabric rubbing... Mine also catches. C'mon. I want to sleep." Dabi was short-spoken as usual, gesturing to the futon. He crawled to the side touching the wall, pulling the single blanket up for Naoki.

Naoki had almost forgotten Dabi must have seen them already, given their first meeting and what he inferred or guessed had happened. That was why Dabi answered as he had.

Naoki crawled in, already feeling the warmth he found comforting.

。。。

Over that weekend, Naoki stayed with his out-of-place friend, getting some much-needed sleep.

On Saturday, he pulled out schoolwork, already done, but reviewing for reference and checking for errors. Dabi peeked over his shoulder.

"I knew there was no way you were an idiot, but damn kid... What grade are you in?" Dabi asked, head leaned on Naoki's right shoulder to look at the page.

"Uh... This is higher physics than my classmates... It helps me learn if I'm challenged above what everyone else does, since that is pretty boring to me... Finished most of it last year... I struggle a bit in other subjects, though... But I am almost always able to finish while at school...

That said, though, I do need to study other things these coming weeks... And, I don't exactly know anyone well enough from my class who would actually want to help with it, since it's a competition... My close friend has his own routine, and I'm... Not exactly cut out for it, he's a lot more physically-fit, so me being... Well, me... Not a good match... But..."

Naoki was a bit at a loss for words. He knew he needed to train, but had no one he could ask. All Might would be focused and busy, and with how strong Naoki was, there was little chance he could get anyone from his class to help him out, adding the announcement from All Might, it would be even slimmer. He was more competition than anyone, even perhaps classmates like Katsuki, Todoroki, and... Izuku...

"I may not be the best for what you can do, but I'm not incapable. Plus, I'm not an idiot, so it will be good for you to practice with someone who can give you experience on that side, and- I imagine- a different kind of Quirk than you are used to. Don't worry about hurting me, I'm fully capable of handling myself." Dabi offered.

"I... I am grateful for the offer. I will not go easy, but if I hurt you, I'll repair it. But... First... Where can we do it? I really don't want to risk wrecking anything..." Naoki asked.

"Heh." Dabi smirked at this, asking a question before answering Naoki.

"I wanna know why. Why don't you want to risk such a thing?" Dabi asked. Naoki was a little confused until he realised the two possible reasons for Dabi's question.

It could be to see why I would worry about that, or why I want to train where I don't have to worry, when I should take those kinds of things into consideration... I can answer both.

"For one way of answering, I would like to avoid collateral damage to the homes here, since this is just training, I'd rather their homes and lives not be risked. On the other hand, while I can see the benefit of learning how to use my Quirk with those things included in my fighting, I also don't want to either risk an accident or draw any excess attention, for both our sakes.

Heroes seem to constantly overlook the damage they cause to the areas around them when they fight, and I don't want to be like that. I have a home now, and it is precious to me. I have you and your home, and they are special on an entirely different level. I'd never want to see people lose their livelihoods because I was too reckless and didn't control myself properly." Naoki spoke as he and Dabi made to head out.

"Heh." Another seeming-chuckle "I see. Good answer. So Naoki, what then is your opinion on how the Hero Society works?" Dabi asked, his mask now on as he shut the door behind them, gesturing Naoki follow after him.

"Hmm... Well, Personally... I don't know how to put it... But, I think it's kind of flawed... Heroes who- no- people with the better advantages in life are always ahead, even now. I saw kids with powerful Quirks and normal ones bully someone they considered 'lesser', and the teachers never did a thing.

One even told the kid to jump off a roof, maybe he'd have better luck in his next life. People with flashy and attention-drawing Quirks get a lot of glory and better chances, while those with equally strong, or even stronger Quirks that aren't physical or flashy get shoved aside... Not to mention those with potentially dangerous Quirks. 13 is an exception, but she was incredibly lucky. It's not typical... Or- people with Quirks they aren't built for... I have control over Blood Tempter, mostly... But it is fully capable of killing me, and can easily kill others... It falls under both sides of that... So does Ricochet.

People with those traits, which aren't their fault or under their control, and definitely not their choice... They're discarded, written off as useless. Weak, too dangerous or not good enough... That's wrong... All of that... They're human beings, just the same, so why are they treated less, even by many Heroes...?

Then, what decides a Hero's 'ranking' is based on their ability to draw attention, which determines their pay, their career, and their livelihood... That's impractical. I'm not very charismatic, and I don't do well in groups, but I do have a unique and useful Quirk... A contradiction that could set me back, everyone says. But I'd be fine with that... I'm not eager for a spotlight, I'd actually much prefer they focus anywhere else...

And that aside, I don't know how I feel about Heroes being paid such a ridiculous amount... You would think, if someone had the capability to help someone in need, they could do it without requiring a payment first, or expecting it later. Without becoming a vigilante because they don't have a license... I don't understand that... Maybe it's because I don't know a lot about how the world works, but... It is still how I feel...

I could understand a livable wage, since they do it for a living. That, and Heroes and Villains alike get injured in battles, so medical bills are a thing... Additionally, maybe a small incentive if they do something that averts catastrophic loss of life without expecting to get rich out of it... But not this... Not how it is now." Naoki paused, allowing his memories of his past- what fragmented, broken and disappearing pieces he still held onto- to show in his emotions and his words as he finished.

"But... How certain people even become Heroes to begin with... Is unbelievable, despicable, and it is disgusting. There's one person in particular who embodies that feeling for me... But, that's still an empty memory, nothing more than a shell of a thought, a passing, barely visible few seconds..." Naoki finished his explanation.

Dabi kept quiet for a time, Naoki trailing behind him as they traversed. He didn't respond to Naoki's answer, the subject dropping eventually.

"We're here. This outta the way enough, Naoki?" Dabi asked as they came out from a wall of trees, having trekked a ways by then.

"Woah! This place is beautiful... If we weren't here to train, I'd sit and admire the view..." Naoki looked at the clearing they were in, one side kept closed off by a sheer cliff that dropped off to the right, a waterfall close by. There was a steep drop to the river below, and another similar cliff across the ravine with a lot more trees. The side they were at was an area with fewer damageable or destructible obstacles.

"Alright, let's go, Dabi-san." Naoki shed his, or rather, Dabi's hoodie he'd borrowed previously, getting into an open, readied stance.

"That's an odd stance. Tell me if I hurt you. I will do the same, but for your sake, I won't hold back, so you'd better not either, Naoki." Dabi readied, or so Naoki assumed when he looked even more cold, relaxed and flat than normal, one hand in a fist, the other facing backward behind him but still open and looking relaxed.

***REWRITTEN VERSION***