Sometimes I wonder if it's my fault. It's my fault everyone's lives are like this. It's like everything I do gets ruined. Nothing I do helps or works.

"I'm sorry to tell you this so suddenly." Mr. Eto stops to cough before continuing. "Maybe I can see if I can take them with me."

"No it's fine! Your health is very important, especially at your age!" I snicker over the phone, but in reality I'm trying not to cry. I can't let anyone see me like this.

"I'm not that old!" He is right, he's not like a grandpa, but he's definitely getting there. "Will you be able to pick them up today?"

"Yeah. You should get your things ready, don't worry about the kids. They'll manage to prepare themselves."

"You're such a good kid Kaminari. I'll see you later."

"Goodbye."

Fuck

I should be grateful that school just ended. I originally was planning on going to work early today, but I guess I won't. At least it's a Friday, I'll just go to the dorms quickly and catch the next bus, but I have to make another call first.

ring....

ring...

rin-

"Who is it?" I can hear the roughness in his voice meaning he hasn't spoken to someone in days, probably since he's last spoken to me. Hopefully that doesn't mean he's drunk, but who am I fooling? I heard him slurring his words, but I think it's permanently like that. I haven't heard him without the slur since I was younger. He's always drunk. 

"It's uh, it's Kaminari Denki, sir."

"What is it that you want? Couldn't wait till tomorrow, is that it?" He's shuffling around in his room. Must've been in his bed.

"The kids will have to be home for a week or so." I ignore his question. He knows the answer to it anyway, so it's pointless. He just wants to rile me up for no good reason.

I look around the school grounds to check if I spot anyone I know. Luckily there's no one around, just some other students from other classes. Though I do see a familiar purple haired student under a tree. Normally I'd go over to him, but for now I'll just have to ignore him.

"Says who?" The shuffling on the phone stops and it almost makes it seem like he's asking a serious question.

"They won't need anyone to take care of them. It'll be like before. I'll come straight home from school, pick them up from the bus stop, and give them lunch. You don't even have to see them! I'll make sure they're quiet and listen to the rules." I try to bargain with him.

"And when you leave, who will take care of them?"

"I-I'll bring them with me! I'll make sure they finish all of their homework and continue their studying so they maintain their scholarships. As for anything else, I'll take care of it so you don't have to wor-."

"That's not what I'm concerned about." He cuts me off.

"Then what are you concerned about?" I whisper quietly so he couldn't really hear me.

Before I knew it I was already at the dorms. I opened the door to see only a few students in the common room. Though I don't want anyone to hear me or this conversation so I speak lower. Midoriya is sitting on the couch and he been smiling at me since I entered so I wave back in acknowledgement before making my way to the elevator.

"What about our deal? Don't tell me you've forgotten."

"N-no sir I haven't forgotten." My voice isn't it's normal cheery self when I talk to him, so I try to avoid any interactions with the class. Normally this would be easy, but of course not today. Before I could press my floor's number Kirishima tumbles in and presses the 2. It comes to a shock at first since I wasn't expecting someone to just bolt inside an elevator right after training with Aizawa, but I guess someone like Kirishima still has that kind of energy.

"Sorry about that." Kirishima says while undoing his tie. I wave it off to say it's fine before continuing the conversation with Mr. Akagi.

"Then you would've remembered the terms we agreed to." I know that he wants me to say it, but I can't. Kirishima is here and not even a foot away. There's no way I could just whisper it either since he'd most likely hear me. So no I can't do it. Not in front of Kirishima.

I'm gonna be in so much trouble after this one.

"Yes I remember."

"I forget, maybe you can enlighten me on what they are?" I can just tell he's smiling on the other side. I hate that smile.

"I can't right now sir." I glance at Kirishima to see him looking at me confusingly. I know he's not purposely listening in to my conversation, but he can't help but overhear some things. Especially if they sound off.

"In that case, I don't know if the brats can stay over. Keep them with that other man." I can tell he's about to hang up, already deeming that this conversation is over. He knows I wouldn't call without a purpose, so maybe he'll be willing to hear me out on this one.

I glimpse at Kirishima before averting my eyes to the ceiling. Why is it taking so damn long to reach 2 floors?!

"He's sick and can't take care of them! Please, I'll do anything." I whisper the last part, but it doesn't even matter, Kirishima is already looking at me like I've grown 3 heads. I don't think I did...

"Every time they come."

"Every day then?" I almost chock on the air.

"They don't have to stay here if you won't listen."

"No! It's a deal, I'll do it." The elevator dings and the doors start to open.

"I knew you'd listen." He hangs up the phone. I stay frozen. Kirishima didn't leave. Why didn't he leave?!

"Denki, what was that?" Kirishima finally speaks. I don't answer. Just leave already

"You wouldn't do anything to hurt us, right?" My head whips to him only to see his frightened eyes. Does he think?

"Of course not, Kiri." I smile.

"Come to think of it, you were one of the people who didn't get injured during camp." He continues.

"What are you implying?"

"Nothing! I'm just jumping to false conclusions." He scratches his neck and I can tell he isn't comfortable around me anymore. Though it wasn't noticeable, he definitely took a step back.

I don't have time for this.

"Oh okay then! I guess I'll be going then." I walk out the elevator.

"But this isn't your floor!" Kirishima calls after me, but I've already entered the staircase.

Quickly I made my way up the next floor and into my room.

What was I thinking going into the elevator?

I can't do anything right.

I don't know what to do about Kirishima, but I can't worry about that now. I have to go and get the kids.

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

"Denki!" Sumie tackles me into a hug in which made the other kids do the same. Multi colored fluffballs hurl me on to the concrete. They're gonna end up killing me one day. I feel old.

"Hi Sumie." I smile softly at her. Her plum hair is in two neatly placed pigtails meaning Haru probably did it before she went to school. I should get more hair accessories for her.

"I thought Mr. Eto was gonna pick us up. Why are you here?" Koji smart as ever asks. His hair is still as blonde as ever, but it's definitely not as yellow as mine. It's sticking up everywhere which means he didn't brush it this morning. Though it doesn't really matter, he never brushes it anyway.

"He's sick. So you're going to be with me for a while. Is that okay with you?" I finally manage to get all five kids off of me before I start walking in the direction towards the house.

"Of course!" Toshi screams which scares a bird on someone's lawn. He's usually not quiet, but he's never this loud. His curls are still prominent though he probably didn't do anything to them. His brother is still hiding behind him as usual. Kai gives a little wave once he notices I'm staring.

"Let's not make too much noise okay? You'll be with me all day, but we have some time before I go to work."

"Are we going to go to the playground?" Sumie's pigtails bounce whenever she takes a step and I can't help but find that adorable. I missed these kids so damn much.

"Nope. We're gonna do something else." This gets them all to stop walking, even Haru. "Do you guys remember what day it is?"

"I know!" Koji raises his hand high as if he was still in school.

"Yes Koji?"

"September 4th!"

"Good job!" I clap until the kids start walking in front of me again. "Do you know what that means?"

"Pumpkins?"

"No, but good try. It's almost Koji's birthday." It's not his real birthday, I don't know when he was actually born. He was brought to some orphanage when he was still young and they didn't care when his birthday was there. So I just gave him the date when he came to live with Mr. Akagi and I. September 14.

"Really?" He looks back at me in awe. I hate that they all forget their birthdays since they aren't used to celebrating them, but I'll change that.

"And this year you're getting 2 presents!" His eyes lit up in happiness. I try to save up for each of their birthdays to get them something special. This year might be my last with them seeing how everything is going on in school. If it is then I want them each to have a memorable birthday before they all get some parents that will spoil them rotten.

"Am I really getting 2 gifts?" The other kids stop and process the words.

"Of course! I wouldn't lie to you."

"Thank you! Thank you!" He runs up and gives me hug. I almost feel like crying. I'll miss these kids.

"Don't thank me yet. Let's wait until your birthday, okay?" He nods in head in agreement.

"Are we going to get his birthday presents then?" Sumie looks at Haru for an answer as if he just heard what she said.

"Shouldn't it be a surprise?" Toshi is holding his brother's hand and keeping him from falling.

"It will be, but I need his help with this present."

"Why?" Sumie asks too many questions for her own good. Though all of them seem to be wondering the same thing.

"I'll tell you when we get there, but first we're going to stop by the house." I see them physically tense. I despise the fact that they have to mentally prepare themselves to go into their own house. No one should be doing that.

"Is he gonna hurt Denki again?" Kai whispers.

"No, we're just going to talk okay? But I'll need you to go into your room and keep the door locked." I rustle his hair a bit, but that doesn't ease his worry. "What are the rules?"

"Keep the door locked." Koji starts.

"Put a chair under it, just in case." Sumie continues for him.

"Don't open the door for anyone, unless it's Denki." Toshi grabs his brother's hand again.

"Don't make any noise." Kai whispers.

Haru puts his hands over his ears. Don't listen.

The fact that it's ingrained into their heads is scary.

I have to find them a better home.