Just in case you missed it, I added a couple scenes to the end of the last chapter.. so you might want to go and check that out.
================================

     The hospital door swung open, crashing into the wall. "Yo, Bakugo! Want something to eat?!" Yuji casually strode in, two brown boxes in hand.

     Bakugo didn't say anything. He just sat there growling like a little pomeranian as the other neared. Now with new sheets and blankets, the teen felt cleaner than he had in more than a week! This helped to ease at least some of his previous agitation. But still..

     Yuji stared out the window as he passed him, frowning a little at the blanket of gray clouds that still hung over the campus. "Sure hope it doesn't rain. I wanted to go on a walk today."

     "Just hand me the box already." Bakugo's stomach growled. All this food avoidance was really getting to him.

     "Uhhh, how are you going to eat it? It's sushi, by the way." Itadori set his own box on the couch and carefully opened Bakugo's. He grabbed the chopsticks inside and tore the two apart. "I heard it's really good~" holding out a piece in front of the blond.

     "You are not feeding me!!" Bakugo leaned back.

     "How are you supposed to eat it, then? Like an animal?? You just got all cleaned up!"

     "Grrbeghrbrrgrrrbrmrhrr..."

----------

     A movie played loudly on Bakugo's wall. Alien robots beating up other alien robots. All the entertainment he needed! Bakugo sat up in bed, watching with anticipation as the battle ramped up in intensity. "Come onnn, Optimus Prime!.. Pinky!" On command, a sushi magically appeared beside his bed. Bakugo leaned to the side and bit the food off the chopsticks quickly, eyes never leaving the screen. The chopsticks dropped again, placed in the blond teen's box. Sitting on the floor with his back against the side of spiky hair's bed, Yuji ate from his own box with his own chopsticks, watching the movie as well. "NO!!" Bakugo was a very passionate viewer as long as he chose the movie. The pink haired boy stifled a laugh every other time the blond shouted at the screen. "Pinky!" Again, Yuji hurried to pick up another sushi and raise it high over his head. This was a little silly, but at least the patient was eating now!

     Before long, Bakugo had eaten everything from his own box and now demanded more. His caretaker wasn't all that hungry, so he gave in and handed the rest of his food to the loud blond as well. After the food was all gone, it was just plain-old movie time.

     "Hey, uhhh, Bakugo! Want to go on a walk after the movie's over?"

     Bakugo's head twisted, staring out at the gray sky. He stared intensely for a little before laying back. "..I guess so." He was feeling really cooped up in here anyways.

----------

     "You're not putting a wig on me!!" Bakugo's foot shoved Yuji's face away. In Yuji's hands was a cheap, short curly gray haired wig, the younger presently stretching his arms out to slip it on the other's head even with the foot in his face.

     "Oh quit being such a fun killer!! You're the one who said you didn't want anyone to recognize you! I used some of my own personal budget on this thing! Come onnnn!"

     "That's only because you won't let me walk normally!"

     "It's not my fault the doctors want you to stay off your feet! Now just work with me here!!"

     "No!"

     "Yes!"

     "No!!"

     "Yes!!"

----------

     Bakugo was in a very harumf harumf mood as Yuji wheeled him out the emergency hospital front doors. This whole hospital was relatively new; constructed around the same time all that housing was back when UA was used as an emergency shelter. The sitting teen was wrapped in an assortment of blankets and wore the old granny wig on his head. Despite the effort put into looking like an old woman, it wasn't really fooling anyone.

     "Hey, Bakugo! It's good to see you outside! Nice costume!" Kirishima -- in a red and black plad shirt for whatever reason -- broke from his path to offer a wave and smile to his friend. The red haired teen wore a tool belt and carried a box of supplies under one arm as well. Bakugo only huffed, pretending not to notice the other. Kirishima was a little confused, but just smiled and waved at Yuji instead, who actually mirrored him.

     Not even a full ten seconds later, Uraraka descended from the UA wall, elegantly like an angel. "Hey, Bakugo! You feeling any better??" She smiled at him. Again, Bakugo ignored her, though his frown deepened a little bit. The brunette, like Kirishima, simply waved to Yuji instead.

     When the two thought that was it, Kaminari and Sero came walking down the same path but just in the opposite direction. "Hey, Bakugo!" "What's up, my man!" By the time those two left, Bakugo's face was redder than a tomato.

     "Gah! This disguise is useless!!" He shook his head around like crazy until the wig flew off. Still blushing profusely, he dug himself even more into his pile of blankets until only his hair could be seen. Yuji snickered quietly, retrieved the wig, and wore it himself as they continued on down the trail.

     "Those your classmates?"

     "Yeah..."

     "They're nice!"

     "Ok???"

     This was undoubtedly where a very grand battle had taken place. Surprised Yuji to think they even decided to stay here instead of moving like most people. Despite the threat of rain, pretty much everybody was outside slowly repairing the land!

     Heroes and non heroes alike used their quirks to clean up the broken bits of rubble, lay new foundations for structures, and carry away the loads of dirt that had been blown everywhere. Yuji stared at the flattened area with astonishment, trying to imagine what it looked like before...and what on earth could have caused so much destruction! Though presently curled up inside the blankets, Bakugo was enjoying the fresh air and background noises. Simply being out of that hospital room was so refreshing.

     "Hey, Bakugo, what happened to all those people who used to live here?" Yuji questioned.

     "Deika City." The blankets mumbled. Yuji twitched.

     "The place that seceded from Japan??"

     "Only so they could make up their own laws about quirks to defend the people living there.. Right now, it's the safest city for refugees... A couple other hero schools were attacked not long after UA, so Deika's where most of them live."

     "...Hm." Well, at least the people were safe. Yuji no longer had any specific 'civilian' type family or friends, but he still cared for and wanted to protect the innocent.

. . .

     There was something hauntingly captivating about the new sight the two stumbled upon. After rounding a nearly alright building, Yuji's eyes landed on a magnificent sight in the corner by the wall.

     Gigantic chunks of concrete and wood floated around in slow circles, one by one finding their place atop the building's foundation. There was no beeping of machinery, no shouting orders of men, and not even the clinking of tools! Just a still silence, accompanied only by the occasional crushing and bumping of the floating materials as they again came together to form one structure. Yuji stopped dead in his tracks, gasping in wonder. Curious as to why they stopped, Bakugo peeked his eyes out.

     "...Hhh, of course they're using him.."

     "Who???" Yuji's eyes snapped down to the blond, wonder in them. Who did this guy know that could even do something like this?!

     "..Mob." Bakugo uttered. He wasn't so amazed by the sight. It only made sense. Would even be an insult to assume Mob couldn't do such a thing.

     "Mob? Who? Where are they???" Yuji pushed the wheelchair along faster now, hoping to catch a glimpse of whoever was controlling all the rubble.

     "Ughh, he isn't actually here. He's not coming back for another couple weeks I think. So he must be controlling all of these remotely somehow."

     "Amazing.." Yuji shuffled along until they had reached the site itself, which the trail just so happened to boarder. "Wait so how is he-?" His eyes landed on the answer. On a mountain of other rubble stood Snipe with his phone out and aimed at the construction. Once the building was completed, good as new, the hero at last moved the phone.

     His voice was so distant and hard to hear, though not completely inaudible. "Thanks, kid. That should be good enough for today.. Hey, you should really start a construction company if being a hero isn't your thing~!" The hero switched the settings on his phone and held the device to his ear as he turned and dropped off the pile of rubble, out of sight. Yuji just stood there in awe, unsure if he witnessed that right.

     "You.. you saw that, right?!"

     "Yeah! What about it?!"

     "Oh, come ON! You can't pretend like that isn't cool!"

     "Eh. He also created an e tire island in one night. So what?"

     "...He... He did?!" Guess this school has its very own Gojo...

----------

     So Satoru wanted to know how normal people passed the time, did he~? Lucky for him, Reigen had already been semi-planning this for for almost a week~

. . .

     "Why do we have to buy shoes if we already have them?" Gojo.

     "To protect your feet, I guess." Reigen.

     "But these things are flimsier than my actual shoes!" Gojo

     "Just put them on.." Reigen.

     Reigen led the squad of men away from the front counter to have a seat and change their shoes. Accompanying Gojo and Reigen were Serizawa, Jin, and Toshinori (aka All Might). The dudes just wanted to have some time goofing around and decided last minute to bring Gojo along since he was currently in the process of being hired. And All Might was just hanging around hoping some of Reigen's good mentoring would rub off on him. That and he was invited and had some free time.

     They were bowling, btw.

     "How long do these rounds usually go?" The retired hero asked as he searched for a ball that could fit his hand. The struggle was real. Reigen, meanwhile, picked up a ball and swung it a little to get a feel for weight.

     "About an hour." The blond explained to the other blond. They already rented a lane to bowl in and Jin was going first... He got a gutter ball.

     "Um, Reigen.. What are these holes for?" Off on another world, Serizawa pointed at the rows of balls with a genuinely confused look on his face.

     "Uh! You put your fingers in them and toss it. Hey, have none of you ever played this game???"

   "Nope!" Jin.
   "Only a couple times as a kid." All Might.
   "I never really cared to." Gojo.
   "No.." Serizawa.

     His head twisting left to right, the con-man smiled, realizing he finally had the upper hand in this game!

     Good thing this place was empty. Not only was this a strange assortment of individuals here today, but pretty much every single one of them were going to suck at this game too!

     All Might finally found a bowling ball that fit his grip and headed toward the lane with it. "Just a heads up, I might not be able to stay for long. Young Midoriya will be needing his dinner here pretty soon."

     Reigen hauled his bowling ball to the lane as well. "It's alright. Make sure to tell him I said hi!"

     "Will do." :>

     "-AY!" A familiar voice called. All he men twisted their heads, spotting Elyse, followed by a clan of other women, entering with their bowling shoes in hand. "Yoo, pretty boy's here!" Pointing out Gojo, she laughed. Reigen flustered in the background. And then Gojo and Zeya saw each other, repeating the equivalent of the spiderman meme.

     "Elyse?? Why are you here?!" Reigen walked up to the new arrivals, who rented a lane right next to theirs.

     Elyse smirked. "I mentioned the event to Rumi and she begged me to visit y'all with her. Then Mei asked me if she could hang out. And then Zeya wanted to come, and All Might asked that I invite Inko..until we got to where we are."

     "Wait, All Might, you snitched to Inko??"

     Sweat-dropping, "She mentioned bowling one time so I thought she'd like to come.."

     Speaking of Inko, she skipped all the small talk and went straight for the lane with her chosen ball. Striking a near-perfect pose, the woman swung her arm back and tossed the ball down the lane. And boy that thing went flying!!

Crash!

     She got a strike first time, bringing fourth an eruption of cheers and confusion. The woman hit her hands together and smirked at them all. "I was in the bowling league in college~"

     That little ruckus stirred up the competition. Turned this fun outing into a competition between the boys and girls.

Reigen
Serizawa
All Might/Toshinori
Gojo
Jin/Twice

Vs.

Elyse
Mirko/Rumi
Mei
Inko
Zeya

     Inko alone was crushing all the men! Reigen was the best the men's team had, and he was mediocre at best. Next best was Gojo, who was still getting the hang of how this game functioned. But he had enough natural experience to make up for the zero bowling experience. 'Just imagine you're throwing a cursed spirit's decapitated head at a gang of other spirits..' That mindset got him a few pretty good spares and even a strike. All Might was their third best, though he was a little clunky and awkward at first. Took him a while to adjust to throwing the ball with his lanky arms. After a few tries, though, he was starting to catch-up in skill to Reigen, who had two strikes so far. Poor Jin and Serizawa kept getting gutter balls and almost spares.

     Though Inko was on their team, as a whole, the women weren't looking too hot as a whole either. Mirko was all about power! The staff had to make an appearance even to warn her not to throw the ball so hard, or else she might break their equipment. Other than power, though, she struggled a little when it came to actually hitting the pins. It wasn't exactly because she was a bad aim...but because her ball simply refused to slide like normal, flying over the pins instead! Again.. too much power behind her swings.

     Elyse was similar to, though a little worse, than Reigen. She laughed every failure off and strode back to her seat with sassy hips every time she did decently. She and Gojo got along a lot better than most expected. Their personalities led to the two having more flirtatious kind of banter between wins and failings alike, which Reigen took notice of and got a little flustered about.

     Mei was the opposite of Mirko/Rumi. Her throws were more like mere nudges forward. Her ball coasted along at a slow pace until eventually swerving off into the gutter. Elyse kept griping at her to put more power into her throws, but the younger woman just didn't have the energy for it.

     And Zeya's turns were simply entertaining to watch! So bad it was good. She had all the faults of everyone here and some! Accidentally tossed the ball in the opposite direction a couple times even!

     "Ughh! My stupid hands can't decide which of them is better at this!" Zeya glared at her hands after another gutter ball.

     "Just pick a hand and stick with it!" Reigen called from the sideline as he approached his team's lane.

     "I need to know which one's better first! I'm ambidextrous! This is a daily struggle for me!"

     "Just don't use whichever one is worse!" Elyse added on from behind. The men and women by now shared one big table they all sat at while waiting for their turn.

     "Aghgegeheh!" Zeya stomped back to the table where the others sat. The teen playfully slapped the back of Gojo's head as she passed him.

     "Hey!" The man twisted his torso around to get her back, but his eyes stopped on a lone, shadowy figure in the back of the large room. Mei, who sat across from him, was already staring at it with slightly widened eyes.

     Ryo Shimazaki leaned against the wall with an arm crossing over his chest, hooking onto his right elbow. The other hand casually twirled a black cloth on his pointer finger. Didn't take long for the white haired one to realize what the thing was. A pit formed in Gojo's stomach as the villain smirked. Ryo vanished the moment Elyse stood a little to peer over Gojo's shoulder. "What's over there?"

     "--Nothing." The man blurted, forcing himself to fake a bored smile. Elyse dropped it for now, but Mei didn't.

     ' 'He's stalking you too?' '

     The man's head shot her way. "And who are you?" He hadn't really even noticed this background character until now.

     ' 'Mei, the mind reader.' '

     'S###!'

     ' 'So what's going on with you then?' ' She leaned her elbows on the table, staring across it with mild interest.

     'Uhhh, why's he stalking you?'

     ' 'I'm his sister... Think he's just trying to get a scare out of me.' '

     Gojo blinked a couple times, his eyes widening with each blink. '...Well what a coincidence that we should find each other, then.'

     "Mhm..." Mei rested her chin on her hands, head turned to watch Rumi finally get a strike. All the other girls cheered for the hero. Mei just smiled slightly. Gojo stared at her through the corner of his eye, trying to decide whether she would be safe with his secrets or not. ' 'So you're hiding something too, hm?' ' The tall man shot her a look. ' 'Don't worry. I'm not the kind to gossip.' ' She calmed him with a simple sentence. Staring with a distant, emotionless look in her eye, the woman sighed. ' 'Everyone has their secrets. Take this group for example. Every single person here has something they are trying to hide from everyone else.' '

     '...Like?'

     ' 'Hmh, so eager to learn everyone else's secrets when you're too scared to share your own, eh?' '

     'Nevermind.'

     ' 'No, I get it. It's just basic human nature to be curious, especially about the things held close to another's chest... Guess I can share a few of the harmless secrets.' ' Smirking, the young woman side-eyed Gojo. ' 'Reigen doesn't have a clue who he is.' ' The blond in question was having a go at the time, so the two watched him throw the ball and get a spare. ' 'I think he's more anxious about how others perceive him than even he realizes... While I'm on the topic, I suggest you stop being so flirty in your banter with Elyse. I know you don't mean anything by it, but Reigen's worried Elyse will leave him now.' '

     Gojo chuckled. If that was the case, Reigen wasn't all too bad at hiding it. The blond approached the group, slapping All Might's hand as he passed by him. But, now that the thought was on his mind, Gojo caught Reigen giving him a very specific look. Brief and subtle, but he believed he understood now. '...Yeah, good idea.'

     ' 'Mirko's mind is the most entertaining to read right now.' ' Mei chuckled slightly. ' 'She's in denial about having a little crush on Serizawa.' '

     'Who??'

    ' 'Brunette behind you.' ' Gojo spun around. He made awkward eye contact with Serizawa for a moment before turning back around.

     'Kinda plain for a top hero like her.'

     ' 'That's what she keeps telling herself too. That and a few other things.' ' Mei smiled just a little. ' 'All Might and Inko won't stop worrying about Midoriya, so it's kind of hard to get a read on their personalities.' '

     'Midoriya?'

     Mei shrugged. ' 'Inko's son, I guess. Sounds like he's a hero or something.' '

     "Ah.." Gojo didn't recognize the name. He was usually pretty up-to-date with all the top heroes. 'And let me guess. Zeya back there thinks I'm her dad or something?' Smirking.

     ' 'No, she's actually...' ' Mei turned her head around with a sort of saddened look in her eyes. ' 'She's apparently been suicidal most of her life. It's so ingrained in her thoughts, I don't even think she notices anymore... I've been considering telling her aunt for a while now,' ' gesturing to Elyse. ' 'but I don't think that would help anything. I was pretty suicidal too as a kid, and it only made it harder to form bonds and keep them when people knew. But.. who knows? It could just as easily make things better. ... At the very least, I know that her quirk seems pretty reliable, as it has apparently stopped her in the past from doing anything stupid.' ' Zeya broke from her dazing and glared questionably at the adults staring at her.

     "What?" The two turned away right after.

     'D###.. your quirk is pretty op now that I think about it.'

     "Mhmhm.." ' 'And now that you know their secrets, I am contractually allowed to share all of your insecurities with them as well.' ' Smirking.

     Gojo's neck almost snapped from the speed at which he turned his head. 'Don't you dare!'

     ' 'Relaaax, not that one... Though I will tell you now, I am not on board with your plan.' '

     'Okay, then what the heck are you talking about? What insecurities?? Other than the shock of being quirkless, last I checked, I don't have any.'

     "Pff!" The young woman covered her mouth. ' 'You sure?!' '

     "Mei! Your turn!" Elyse walked up to and rubbed the darker haired one's shoulder. The woman swatted the hand away and pushed herself up.

     Glancing back at the white haired man as she departed, ' 'You maaaay want to get a better mirror.' '

     Gojo rubbed his temples while looking at the two competing score boards. With all their points added up, the men and women were nearing neck-and-neck, in large part thanks to him. Gojo had a look around at all these people he only moments ago saw as complete strangers... Knowing someone's personal insecurities sure does put them under a new light! The world Mei lived in must truly be completely different than the rest. But, looking around now, Gojo was rather thankful to have even a piece of that life. To know he wasn't alone in his troubles.

     For the first time in all his life, he felt so small. And though a little weird, it wasn't as bad as he feared. Because for the first time...

     He was just another person.

     One of many.

----------

     "Just pretend I'm the dentist.." Yuji stood at the side of Bakugo, allowing him to stare at himself in the mirror while brushing his teeth. Bakugo kept side eyeing the pink haired teen, annoyed after finding out the other was a whole half an inch taller than him!

     "I hate the dentist." Bakugo sputtered and almost choked on toothpaste.

     "Just chill out, man! At least this is better than me having to help you go to the bathroom." The bidet was a godsend.

     "Ugh.. Don't remind me..." This had to be one of the worst days of his life. The fact that each 'worst day' somehow managed to outdo the last was what worried him. Bakugo had developed a complex against physical touch so strong over the years that his nerves would fake literal pain every time someone touched him. It was something he never really cared to talk to people about and even convinced himself that it was a good thing sometimes. But now that he had to have someone consistently by his side, helping him out with literally everything, he was basically forced to face that complex head-on.

     A couple people like Kirishima and Kaminari had helped him out with this a little back in UA. Their constant bugging him, with the side hugs and friendly punches, helped to bring his imaginary pain down to just a slight sting. But his skin was still easily irritable.

     "Turn your head to the right a little." Yuji ducked to get a better view of the blond's top molars. Bakugo grunted but did as he was told. Once Yuji was done, he brought a cup to Bakugo's mouth and the spiky haired one spat out the soapy water. "Nice! Now we just have to do this for... however long it takes you to get those arms... How long will that take?" Yuji leaned to the side, in front of Bakugo. The tall standing boy glared down at the other.

     "...They said the prototype would be done in only a few days, however they also said it could take weeks of practice and testing before I can use them right.."

     "Oh..."

     Frowning, Bakugo shoved past Yuji and crawled into his bed. He didn't get in normally. Instead, he shoved his head into the blankets first and wiggled in there the rest of the way until he was entirely hidden. Completely turned around, head where his feet should be, the blond curled up in a ball and breathed in and out deeply.. slowly.

     Yuji allowed it, since there was nothing really bad about simply sleeping differently. He rounded the bed until he was by the wall with the window. He reached up and pulled on a cord in the wall, tugging down with it, a bed fell from the wall. Yuji pulled out another ledge of sorts from the other wall in the corner to help hold up this bed.

      The pink haired kid, after seeing that his bed was made and ready for the night, grabbed his cloth bag of things and headed toward the restroom.

     "Yell if you need me." He said softly. As expected, the caretaker didn't receive a response. He entered the bathroom and locked the door behind him. After a couple minutes, Bakugo heard the shower being turned on. Finally, had the air all to himself...

     Bakugo's vision was darkened and blurry as he stared at the pain infested nubs that had replaced his once fully functioning arms. The very things his quirk relied so much on. Now, he was discovering just how important those appendages really were. How much importance they had in his life. Looking past his work, he missed being able to eat without the help of another! He missed drinking, bathing, changing, brushing his teeth without the help of someone else!

     ...This wasn't the life of a hero...

     Thinking of all the things he could no longer do. All the things other people now had to do for him, his heart just couldn't handle it.

     This wasn't even a life.

     He couldn't have cook-offs with Uraraka and Sato. He couldn't carry Eri around on his shoulders. He couldn't slap some common sense into Kirishima while tutoring him. Deku would only laugh at him if he ever tried to be threatening. Heck! He couldn't even point and shout at people any more!

     Large, hot tears streamed from his eyes, soaking into his sheets and mattress. He forgot how to breathe properly as sob came after sob. He allowed himself to cry for the simple excuse that Yuji could no longer hear him.

     ...But he could.

     Though faint, Yuji could hear those miserable cries. He stood in the shower with a distanced expression of hurt. A couple small tears appeared in his own eyes. He sniffed and dipped his head into the light downpour to soak his whole face in the steaming hot water. The only thing he could think of to help was to be a good friend...

     The one thing he had not long ago failed so miserably at.

----------

     "And that's why girls are better than boys!" Zeya.

     "Only because you had Mrs. Midoriya on your team." Reigen.

     "You're taking Inko home, right?!" Elyse.

     "Yep!" Toshinori.

     "Alright, just make sure to have her back by eight!" Elyse laughed as the two groups parted, turning away before she could realize how awkward she made the elders.

     All Might and Inko departed from the main group in the parking lot after exiting the building. The remaining eight all hung close together as they headed toward the denser part of the city. It was all rather fun talk and chatter from here, since the gang didn't have to worry about crime so much in this district of town.

     The city of Mustafu could be broken into three levels of crime-rate among the districts. Level one was this part of the city. Though a little more run down and imperfect, it was generally the same as before, the only difference being there were a lot more heroes patrolling the area to ensure it stayed that way.

     A level two district was a lot more run down, though still functional. Because if there'a anything more relentless than villains, it's business owners! Half of the shops were still open, though their owners usually had to hire their own personal guards to make up for the lack of hero patrol. Instead, police were seen a lot more commonly watching the streets. This was where most vigilantes and the like could be found as well.

     And finally, a level three district was pure mayhem. Anarchy infested. The government simply hadn't the resources to cover such a zone. And because of that, no shop was functional, no heroes or police could be spotted. They were essentially ghost towns where rivaling Yakuza met up to settle disputes, and those who were homeless crafted their own small villages out of tents and rubble. Places where those with destructive quirks could run around smashing whatever they wanted without any fear of consequences. Essentially, a grown man's sand box.

~~~

     "...Why are you walking like that?" Reigen finally noticed Elyse's uneven strides along the sidewalk. She tucked her chin into her jacket a little more, staring down. After the man had observed her a little longer, he smiled. "Ohhh, so that's why? Tfh!" He chuckled.

     Elyse frowned. Trouble always followed after someone found out about her tendency to avoid stepping on the cracks in the sidewalk.

     "Oop, you stepped on one." Smirking.

     "Stop."

     "Ouh, barely missed that one."

     "Pff. Shut up." The woman elbowed him, a faint smile peeking through.

     Bright pinks and blues painted the clouds with color as the sun set out of sight. The towers stretched high above their heads, reminding everyone of just how big the world could be.

     Mirko, or as she was starting to be called more often again: Rumi, dragged her feet along in the back of the group. Elyse and Reigen bugged each other at the front of the group, laughing on occasion. Zeya was busy bothering Gojo and Jin about where they were going to eat and what food they all liked. And Mei as always was off to herself, in the middle of the group but not involved in any discussion. The only one kinda just straggling along like she was was Serizawa, who remained polite about being spoken over by the loud mouth Zeya for simply trying to join the conversation.

     She rolled her eyes at the sight. What weak, stupid, a pushover of a man. Couldn't believe she was actually having feelings for him earlier. What a joke...

     ...Yet she kept wanting to know more about him. She kept asking Elyse about him to the point that the woman started to catch on and tease her about it. And she, through her denial, simply couldn't stop thinking about him and those kind, gentle eyes.

     Rumi kicked a wad of paper out of her path, hands in her pant pockets. ... For her, this kind of liking to someone was one of a kind.

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

     I don't really know what it was about "girl talk" that I always liked so much. I was a little different from the tomboy stereotype, because I loved to hear all about the gossip and boys! It wasn't nearly as big a part of my life as becoming a hero, of course, but it was special to me in way.

     I liked to hear the way the other girls talked about boys. The stories and intriguing twists and turns. I, however, was never interested in involving myself with men. At least not in that way. I just had no interest. Simple as that.

     It didn't stop me from enjoying a little romance dramas from time to time. A form of passing the time I dare not tell anyone else just because, well it's just embarrassing for whatever reason!

     A lot of people started to assume I was gay. Understandable, but I wasn't interested in girls either. Being a hero was my passion. I was ready to give it my all and die any day if it meant saving a life! And that was going to be my life until I eventually retired and then...well... I didn't really have any plans.

     But then I saw his face... Honestly don't know what it was that drew me to him. He just looked awkward and I thought I could help. Since saving people is my thing, you know. But then, when he pointed out my bravery, my struggle, and all-the-like while bringing up the thing about my prosthetic... I'm going to be honest and say it was really hard to pay attention to what he was actually saying. There was just.. something about his eyes.. his smile... His whole composure. I had never seen anything like it before!

     So...guess that was when I started to get curious. That was when I searched for him on social media, only to find nothing. So, Elyse became my only source of information about this man.. aaaaaand, a saving of the other's tush each later and here we were. Me questioning why the heck I even felt this way.

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

     A cold, sudden drop, like the tapping of an icy finger, landed on Gojo's head. "AAG!" He jumped, frantically looking around everywhere for what had so rudely assaulted him. Zeya looked around as well, until a cold drop of rain fell on her forehead. The teen smiled and laughed, pointing out the tallest one's stupidity.

     "PFFFHHAAAA! You jumped so high just cuz'a the stupid rain!" She wheezed. Gojo, frowning, shoved the child into Jin. Another rain drop pelted his head and he flinched again, then again when a third one landed on him. Everyone in the group started to turn to him with little smirks for acting like each drop brought him physical pain.

     "Oh no, does the petty boy need an umbrella?" Elyse smirked, sliding the leather jacket off of her shoulders. "Here." She tossed him the jacket. "Just hold it over your head or something."

     "Nah.. I should be fine." But the woman was already walking away. Reigen followed with lower shoulders, eyes on the ground.

     ' 'Just tell her how you feel, idiot.' ' Mei's thoughts entered his mind. He jumped and spun his head around.

     'Who gave you permission to prod into people's personal lives??'

     ' 'No one. I'm just bored.' '

     "Ghhhh!" She had a point, though... If he didn't talk about this now, who knows what terrible things could happen?

     His hands on Zeya's shoulders to stabilize the child, Jin recommended everyone look for a place to escape the rain before the real shower came. They all agreed, walking briskly now into the depths of the city.

     All hurried but one. Rumi turned around and stopped as she realized they were leaving one of their own behind.

     Alone Serizawa stood as rain started to dampen the ground. The pitter-patter of the elements were a calming sound to him. The water, though a little cold, was a welcome feeling after such a warm day. The man, wearing a simple brown shirt and dark gray pants, stood alone in the equally plain world. But he looked up to the sky, which was so beautifully lit up with color. And as the gentle tapping of rain bounced on his skin, the brunette closed his eyes and smiled. His arms stretched out a little on either side of him.

     Even if every little thing wasn't going exactly as he would like for it to. Even if there were times when he worried everyone was leaving him behind... He still had these small but crucial moments in life to look forward to. Times when he got to simply breathe.. remembering that he was free.

     Rumi stared. She had no words. As the rain pelted her head and ears, she could only wonder at what about this could bring him such joy. Such peace...

     Again, she had no rhyme or reason to even attempt to explain it... But it was at this moment that the wall she'd quickly built to block out her feelings crashed again, leaving behind nothing but a soft, gentle longing. One which was persistent but patient. And so painfully aware...

     She didn't like Serizawa.

     ...She really liked him.

     And she wanted him in her life.

...

     Gojo's face was downcast as the persisting rain pelted his back. What an embarrassment that was. Stupid him on autopilot thought his Infinity barrier was up to shield himself from the rain. So when suddenly something managed to break through to his skin, his first reaction was to assume it was a dangerous weapon sure to kill him! He had calmed down since, the embarrassment leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. Conversation wandered around him. Even Zeya could tell he was in no mood to talk. So, he was left alone for now, trying to process how to handle a situation like this in the future.

     ' 'Wanna trade?' ' Mei wandered up beside him.

     "Huh?"

     ' 'Jackets. You look stupid holding that small women's jacket over your head. Here. I always buy clothes too big for me anyways.' ' The black haired woman unzipped her large black hoodie she wore and offered it to the tall guy. He hesitated a moment before taking it, handing her Elyse's jacket instead. Gojo threw the hood over his head to keep his hair dry. Mei didn't care so much about that.

     'Sorry of this is too personal, but you mentioned being suicidal as a kid... When did that stop?' Staring ahead, Gojo's eyes followed the silver haired teenager who was presently bothering her aunt about where they were going to eat, as well as teasing they get some drinks at the bar for her.

     Mei was completely silent for a while as she too stared ahead, except with a much deader look. Gojo began to worry she hadn't even heard him.

     ' 'It didn't really stop until I got my first job as a detective's assistant.' ' The short one started up suddenly. ' 'I know it's a little basic, but I was just glad to finally have a place where I felt like I really belonged. Able to help out people who really needed me... That girl's in a hero school, so I'm sure she's headed down a good path. Just needs to find her niche and get a little more stubborn about things...' ' Gojo side eyed the woman, smirking a little at the sight of a little smile on her lips. She caught him looking her, dropping the smile immediately. ' 'The h###'s that look for?' '

     'Does anyone here know how much you really care about them?'

     Mei rolled her eyes. ' 'What are you even talking about? People annoy me to no end. And you're no exception.' ' Mei's eyes widened a little as she leaned forward to peer past Gojo some, while the white haired guy laughed at her comment. ' 'You don't have to act natural, but don't scream either.' ' Mei's arm slipped around Gojo's waist as she stepped closer to him. The man lifted a brow, confused for a moment until he turned to see what Mei was looking at. Ryo stood leaning against a light post on the other side of the road. ' 'Just play along and it'll make him angry.' ' A hint of mischief was in Mei's tone. Gojo smirked at the villain as he wrapping an arm around his sister's shoulder. Ryo's brows tightened closer together, head straightened confusingly.

     "Pff.." The white haired man snickered. Mei too was smiling. Both enjoyed the look on their stalker's face.

     It didn't take too long for the tall man's smile to slip away. 'Heh... That black hair.. the way his bangs fall a little over the side of his face. That pointed jaw, pursed-lip, closed-eyed grin... I know it's just a coincidence, but that's a h### a lot of coincidences...'

     "Hm?" ' 'Who are you thinking about?' ' After Ryo teleported away, the two let go of each other.

     Gojo sighed. 'Just...an old friend of mine. We practically grew up together. ..He was my best friend... The only one I could consider my equal.'

     ' '...Oh..' ' Mei's eyes slipped off of him. ' 'And then he died?' '

     'I had to kill him.' Mei gasped slightly, head jerking back his way. 'I was the only one who could...' The man clenched his fists. 'Because I was the strongest... They couldn't-.. there was no one else able to stop him. ...It just had to be me.. It was either that, or sit idly by as he massacred the quirkless... Monkeys, as he called them.'

     Mei's eyes turned back down to the ground. ' '...I see... That's gotta be tough...' '

     'Give me a break with that fake sympathy. You try growing up so unlike everyone else that you have a hard time depicting right from wrong. That when you finally meet someone who is not only as strong as you, but also developed a personality and morals separate from that power... I was like a moth drawn to a flame... He was my compass. My everything... I didn't even know what to do after he was gone. ... Sometimes I still see him in crowds... specifically the ones that cheer me on...' A warm trail of water slid down the man's cheek. 'I should...really stop thinking about this, shouldn't I?'

     ' 'Hey..' ' Mei tugged on his. Technically her jacket sleeve. He glanced down at the young woman, other hand wiping the tears aside. ' 'It's okay... You're just a man. Even before, when you were super powerful.. you were just like the rest of us. Human. And we all have those forbidden emotions from time to time. ... So, I say you're allowed to cry. No one here will judge you... No one's going to think you're weak... especially me.' '

...

     ' '...I'm gunna let you in on a little secret... No one here cares about how powerful you were. You could be completely Quirkless like Arataka or be able to destroy the planet if he wanted to like Kageyama!.' ' Arataka..huh? Wait, Kageyama Shigeo?! ' 'That's probably why I've stuck around as long as I have... Because even though the rest of the world seems to be getting more hostile towards people either with or without powers...that isn't the case here. So... be yourself!' ' Patting him on the back in a friendly manner. ' 'No one will care as long as you're a nice person!' ' Mei elbowed Gojo to emphasize her claim. He rubbed his arm a little. ..Still was weird that people could even do that. Touching him without his permission..felt off.

     '...You're serious?'

     ' 'Basically. ... So, if I were you.. I'd live that normal life I always wanted while I had the chance. You can stress about getting your powers back later.' '

     Gojo stared up at the sky for a moment, forgetting to watch out for the downpour that assaulted his face.

     "Gahh!" Wiping his face clean, the man laughed a little. Warm, salty water joined the mess of rain on his face. He kept wiping the water away, but now his eyes were creating tears on their own. Yet, the edges of his mouth were pulled up into a smile. "I guess... It wouldn't be a bad idea to enjoy what I have..while I still have it." Maybe he really could extract some positive experiences out of all of this.

     Because now he could finally figure out who Satoru Gojo really was.

     ' '-How did Ryo beat you anyways?? If you were so powerful?' '

     'Oh..THAT. Eh.. I got a little cocky and started playing around. Didn't expect him to literally rip something out of his neck and stab me with it!'

     ' 'Yikes!!' '

     'I know, right?!'

...

     "Hey..?" Reigen tapped on Elyse's shoulder as the two led the teen of young adults somewhere dry. He clearly had something important on this mind, which the woman noticed the moment she turned her head to look at him.

     "What is it?? Are you okay?"

     The man's hands fidgeted with one another, pushing his shoulders back to stand tall beside the woman. "I- I just.. you know.. wanted to ask that you not be so... flirty with other guys..."

     Elyse's brows furrowed slightly. "What do you mean?"

     "You know-- how you've been bantering with Gojo is what I'm mostly talking about." His shoulders sank a little. The woman still appeared to be genuinely confused.

     "...That's just my personality though. You saying you want me to change who I am??"

     "No!... Okay.. maybe just a little. ... Hhhhhh..." A long, drawn out sigh came from the blond as he thought of the best way to put this. "...You know how you sometimes get defensive when you see me with female clients?" Elyse instantly blushed. That one feeling she got after walking into Reigen's office to see him giving another woman a massage was definitely a rage she would never forget. She thankfully did not blow up in front of the client or anything. Just hid in the bathroom casually having a panic attack for a little bit.

     "...Ahhhhh..."

     "Ahhhh~ See, now you know what I'm talking about?" Reigen nodded along as he watched the lightbulb turn on him his girlfriend's eyes. "Point is... I've had to make some changes in my life to make sure you know I'm not going to leave you..." Rubbing the back of his neck. "All I want is to know that you're willing to do the same for me."

     Elyse aggressively rubbed her forehead. "Alright, alright. I see what you mean. But how do I stop?? I'd have to stop being friends with every other guy I know!.. which is a lot, by the way." Now it was Reigen's turn to get all flustered.

     "To- to be honest, I don't really know! Maybe just be a little more self aware of what could be considered flirting and not..?" It was an idea. Elyse rubbed her chin a little.

     "I guess I can try... But then... Where will all of that flirtatious energy go~??" Side-eyeing the blond, a seductive kind of smirk played. Sweat mixed in with the rain water on his face as every inch of his body slowly faded to a cherry red. "What are you doing tonight, hot stuff~?"

     "M!"

     "Ewwww!" Behind them, Zeya shoved the couple away from her. "Get a room for that crap!"

     "Oh, gladly!" Elyse wrapped an arm around her boyfriend's waist. He had the derpiest "help me" face but was also too flustered to say anything about it. Knees locked up and awkwardly trudging along. She turned to him and kissed the man on the cheek.

     "Wait-no-wait! You're both Asexual!!" They had Zeya blushing now.

     ' 'Gojo's safe, by the way. You two can stop being suspicious now.' ' From further behind.

     Elyse craned her neck to peer over her shoulder. 'Thanks, Mei, for looking into that!'

     ' 'Whatever... You owe me dinner, though.' '

     'Already on it!' "Hey, look!" Elyse Tugged Reigen toward the restaurant they almost passed. "This one looks empty enough!" Indeed, every restaurant at this hour was filled with people. One after another, the gang trickled in, having finally found where they were going to eat.

     So...this was what weak people called a "normal" day..

.

=========================
Don't worry, guys. I had a cookie and am feeling fine.

Also, no, I'm not shipping Gojo and Mei. You are free to ship that if you wanna, but it was never my intention to ship anyone with Gojo in this. Just so ya know.

Gojo: "Your honor, I'll have you know I only did the fake dating trope in SELF DEFENSE."

Mei: *hates people*
Also Mei: *literally everyone's therapist*