As days went on, Shigaraki became more and more overbearing. He was always around. The blue-haired villain was continually adding new rules and policing everything she did. His attitude became so erratic. Soon enough, he stopped allowing y/n to talk to Kurogiri or leave the main room without Shigaraki's watchful eye on her.

She's heard Shigaraki and Kurogiri talk in the other room at night when they think she's sleeping. Every night, she'd stay awake, trying to listen to the cloaked argument in the next room. It sounded like they were discussing something about her. Occasionally, she'd hear her name echoed through the wall. To no avail, she couldn't understand anything they were saying. The walls muffled their voices too well. It was frustrating knowing that they were talking about her, but she couldn't listen in.

Shigaraki was suffocating her. Y/n was mentally and emotionally exhausted, having to deal with Shigaraki. She ran out of both self-pity and tears to shed about her current situation. Instead, she did the only thing she thought she could do and just shut down.

For a while, warm memories from her past kept her going. Birthdays, holidays, even memories that previously upset her seem to pale in comparison to what she was dealing with now. Memories that were once terrible were now laughable. Eventually, not even memories were able to keep her sanity. Y/n had then given up both emotionally and mentally. She couldn't feel anything at all. Y/n lived in a constant state of being numb.

She long gave up trying to talk any sense into Shigaraki, giving up on figuring what caused this sudden bout of aggression. Y/n thought Kurogiri might have an idea, but she was unable to talk to him. Over time, she became even more distant.

Every afternoon, y/n would be woken up by Shigaraki. He'd pull her out of bed to accompany him. She'd stay by his side, almost entirely mute. Her silence would be broken whenever Shigaraki tried to talk to her. As much as she wanted to refuse Shigaraki's company, she knew he'd kill her if she refused to answer his questions.

Shigaraki only tried to talk to y/n when he was in a good mood. Sometimes he'd ask if she was done with the book he lent her. He'd talk about specific chapters or specific characters. Interestingly enough, other days, he'd vent to y/n about whatever was on his mind. Typically, people don't vent when they're in a good mood, but Shigaraki is strange. He'd complain about some issues with other members or whatever hero annoyed him for that day.

Shigaraki seemed to dislike a lot. She thought he hated an unhealthy amount of things. Even so, she would vacantly listen to whatever came into his mind. At the same time, she silently sat with her hands folded onto her lap.

This was the only time since meeting Shigaraki where y/n has ever prayed that he would be in a bad mood. On bad days, he's much more distant. Sometimes when he dragged y/n around with him, he'd keep a tighter hold on y/n than usual. Sometimes, he wouldn't acknowledge y/n as much. Those days, he would do his own thing around the hideout and won't bother talking to y/n. She'd relish in having some peace of mind and privacy on those days.

Shigaraki was sitting at his computer doing some secondary research. The other League members were becoming restless. Shigaraki had spent so much time working on y/n over the past three weeks, and he didn't have the time to give the others something to do. Working with y/n is a delicate and time-consuming process; however, he was still the leader of The League of Villains. Shigaraki needed to keep up his leaderly duties and keep his comrades satisfied with the plan's progression.

He had woken y/n up and sat her on the couch. He sometimes glanced over his shoulder to see if she had moved or if she was reading something. This time around, y/n was still in the same huddled up posture he had left her in. She was hugging her knees to her chest and hunched forward so her head could rest on her knees. Shigaraki assumed that she must be tired and is taking a nap.

Shigaraki grinned, pleased that his new comrade has been very obedient lately. She's been a perfect little angel for a few days now. Quiet for the most part but social when he wants her to be. He knew that forcing her cut ties with literally everyone, but him, would fix her. Now there wasn't anyone to taint her mind with their thoughts or opinions.

She hasn't had a crying fit in a while. It's been at least a few days now. Shigaraki was delighted that she seemed to be warming up to the idea of being a member of his League of Villains. All he had to do was fix her villain anxiety, and she'll be ready to send out with the rest of his League.

The blue-haired villain finished off his research. He left y/n in the room alone while he went to deliver his most recent set of orders to Kurogiri. Shigaraki opened the door. "I have a job for everyone. Tell them I want it done by tonight." He gave the details to Kurogiri. Informing him of a blood bank that seemed to be in an ideal location.

"Are you coming along with us?" Kurogiri asked. Shigaraki thought that was a stupid question. Someone had to watch y/n.

Shigaraki shook his head. "No. Not this time. I doubt that y/n would try to leave, but I'd like to be sure. I don't really want to resort to chaining her up when I leave. I don't think that would make her very happy."

Kurogiri paused as if he needed a moment to register what Shigaraki had said. "You... don't think she'd try to leave?" he asked; "might I ask by what you mean by that wouldn't make her happy? I don't think it would change her current feelings about her situation."

"Of course it would. Y/n is fine," Shigaraki argued; "she seems to have calmed down quite a bit, I think she's starting to like it here. Still, I know she probably misses her old home, so she's continuing to act distant towards me. I was thinking about going out and retrieving something from her old life. I think it'll make her feel a little bit better, and maybe she'd open up just a little bit more." Shigaraki looked at Kurogiri, almost expectantly, waiting for his input on y/n.

The fog-like villain had tried offering Shigaraki some advice before, but he refused to listen to him. Shigaraki insisted that he knew what he was doing. "Tomura Shigaraki, I don't think you realize that y/n is-" Kurogiri began before Shigaraki cut him off. Tomura informed him that it was not up for debate. Kurogiri let out an exasperated sigh and vanished into thin air to deliver the news to his comrades.

Shigaraki stepped out of the room and sat down next to y/n. He glanced over to her. She hadn't moved an inch while he talked to Kurogiri. He was pleased to see her being comfortable enough to sit still and wait for him to come back from the other room. He was excited to see if he can begin leaving y/n alone in the hideout soon.

"Look here," Shigaraki ordered. Y/n took a moment to respond, but she looked up, and her eyes met his. Shigaraki looked into her e/c eyes for a moment. He looked away and told her she could go back to daydreaming. Y/n immediately assumed the same position as before.

Kurogiri came back after yet another successful blood bank break-in. He immediately began to report the news to Shigaraki. Y/n stayed in the same position she had been in all day; even so, he could see her listening to Kurogiri's report.

The mist-like villain observed y/n's body language while he gave his report. He couldn't fathom how Shigaraki could believe she was okay. She looked like she was seconds away from having yet another breakdown. The h/c haired girl was beginning to look desperate.

It was clear to Kurogiri that his young leader was growing a little too fond of y/n. When it came to emotions and healthy human interaction, Shigaraki was clueless. Kurogoiri knew his leader was trying, but he didn't understand boundaries. Admittedly, Kurogiri accepted much of the blame for Shigaraki's stunted social skills.

Kurogiri gave it some thought. He was on the fence if his leader experiencing the beginnings of love for the first time would be a good thing or not. Kurogiri could see benefits.

Shigaraki could learn several social skills from interacting with y/n. He and his other caretakers have failed to teach the Yong leader while he was still a child. Patience and humility were the fundamental skills that came to mind.

Shigaraki isn't very personable, which significantly affects his ability to be a true leader. If The League ever managed to triple their numbers, Kurogiri feared that Shigaraki wouldn't be able to keep them on track. Shigaraki will lose his temper and start killing off the recruits that annoyed him, or he'd lose his patience and begin to make rash decisions.

The mist-like villain wished Shigaraki's mentor was still around. He would know what was best for Shigaraki. Kurogiri decided that he will allow Shigaraki to chase after his feelings. It might price to be a good thing. He agreed if y/n became too distracting, he would step in and put a stop to it himself.

This was a simple crush, Shigaraki wasn't known to be affectionate and will often lose interest in things quickly. Kurogiri didn't expect things to escalate any further than this. Especially considering how much y/n doesn't seem to enjoy his company anymore.

It wasn't too late, though. If Shigaraki dialed his attitude back some, it might still be possible to undo all the bad he's done. The two used to get along somewhat well, but at this rate, things won't ever go back to how it used to be.

It was decided. Once Shigaraki fell asleep, he will attempt to patch things up with y/n.

Kurogiri observed Shigaraki attempt to interact with y/n at a distance. Shigaraki was only occasionally talking to y/n with the same level of false friendliness. Due to his overconfidence, believing that he understood y/n, he stopped treating y/n so kind all the time. He was letting the guise slip, assuming y/n had accepted her fate in The League and was on the right track to whatever end Shigaraki was working towards.

Kurogiri continued with his day as he usually did. He brought Shigaraki and y/n food. As usual, Shigaraki wouldn't allow y/n to get her food because that would have to include either talking or making eye contact with Kurogiri. Instead, Shigaraki would accept whatever Kurogiri brought for both of them. Kurogiri watched as Shigaraki and y/n ate together.

The shadowy villain couldn't help but wonder what end Shigaraki was working towards. His goals for y/n seemed to become more and more blurred as the days went by. Every interaction Shigaraki had with y/n seemed to shift his plans slowly.

Shigaraki made it very clear when he first introduced y/n to The League of Villains. Her quirk was perfect for Shigaraki's most recent plans. Unfortunately for Shigaraki, that perfect quirk belonged to a person who couldn't hurt a fly.

At first, he seemed to have no interest in y/n; his fascination was solely around her quirk. If Shigaraki's dear master, All for One, were still around, Shigaraki would have undoubtedly opted to extract her quirk and killing the girl.

Now that Shigaraki was developing these new feelings, it was becoming unclear if he wanted y/n's quirk or her companionship.

Kurogiri couldn't place where precisely this shift began. It seemed to be so gradual. He decided that the change had to be around the time y/n's probationary punishment began.

Kurogiri waited for the perfect time to intervene. During that little window between when Shigaraki tends to go to bed and when he wakes up. It was time for y/n and Kurogiri to have a heart to heart conversation about their leader and his intentions.

It was early morning, and Shigaraki had just gone to sleep. Kurogiri opened up a portal right above y/n's bed. He reached into the portal and delicately pulled y/n through. He shushed y/n before she had a chance to ask any questions. "We need to talk. I want you to listen to what I have to say before speaking. Do be sure to keep your voice down."

Y/n nodded. She hasn't talked to Kurogiri in days, Shigaraki wouldn't allow her to do so. She was willing to hear out Kurogiri.

"It seems Tomura Shigaraki is misunderstanding your most recent body language. He's never been one to pick up when other people are upset or unhappy in their current situation. Though, I suppose I share some of the blame. You must understand that he's socially stunted due to his upbringing. My apologies for putting you in such a situation." Y/n listened to Kurogiri. There was a lot she needed to dissect.

Since Kurogiri was speaking what was on his mind, y/n decided she needed to say what was on hers. "I just really want to go home. I miss my friends and my family. I didn't ask for any of this. The only reason Shigaraki knows me is that he happened to stumble into my house, and I decided not to call for an ambulance when I should have. I feel like I'm being punished when I didn't do anything wrong." Y/n's voice cracked in the middle of her last sentence. She was still very shaken up, and Shigaraki hasn't done her any good. Y/n looked Kurogiri in the eyes. "Please, I'm begging you, let me leave. I'm not cut out for this. I don't even know how to use my quirk correctly."

"I cannot send you back. If I did, both you and I would have to pay consequences." Y/n's face dropped. Although she previously felt hopeless, Kurogiri's words confirmed her feelings. "Miss y/n. I know it's probably too much to ask but can you please play along with Tomura Shigaraki. I'm sure things will work out more favorably."

Y/n couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had been playing along with him, that's been her plan since the beginning. Do what Shigaraki wants, so he doesn't kill her. Then, as soon as she has an opening, leave, and find a hero. Somehow that seemingly foolproof plan backfired on her.

She has done everything Shigaraki has asked of her. Y/n nearly died recruiting with Dabi, and her hand still had the small scar to prove it. When Shigaraki changed his mind and asked her to work with Giran, she did that too without question. Y/n thought she was good at the stuff Giran was teaching her, but then Shigaraki decided she shouldn't go back. She was even advised how to better improve her skills with her quirk, Shigaraki got mad at her for trying. Shigaraki was giving her mixed signals, and y/n didn't know what else to do.

Y/n was at a loss. "What more can I do? Haven't I played along enough?" she asked, there was a hint of desperation and confusion in her voice. Y/n has had enough. She wanted nothing more than to go home.

"We need your quirk for a particular task. Allow us to use it. I'm sure Tomura Shigaraki would agree to let you go free after that." Y/n listened to Kurogiri's words. She didn't want to help The League do anything. Her conscience wouldn't allow her to do anything that might get someone hurt.

Y/n was trapped in a corner. She had to fight every urge to lie to Kurogiri and convince him to agree to take her home. Shigaraki would find out the second he wakes up. Considering how temperamental he has been, he undoubtedly would hunt down all her family and friends. No. I can't use my quirk here — not a good time. I'll get caught. I'll get my loved ones killed if I don't use my quirk at the right time, she reminded herself.

Kurogiri did just give y/n an out. Now she had something to consider. What was the price she was willing to pay to go home? Even y/n didn't know the answer to that. She wanted to forget this whole thing and live a boring life more than anything, but she wouldn't kill a person for it.

Maybe it would be best if I stay here after all? She thought to herself. Immediately, she regretted even allowing herself to believe that. No matter what angle y/n looked at her situation, someone was going to be hurt or killed. At this point, she had to take what she wanted into consideration as well. Staying with The League was not an option.

"Oh yes," Kurogiri suddenly said. Y/n's train of thought was broken, and her attention was on the shadowy man standing in front of her. "Tomura Shigaraki said he was going to bring you a gift. I suppose it was meant to be a secret, but I thought it would give you something to look forward to."

"A gift?" she echoed, caught a little off guard. "Why is he doing that?" That sounded very out of character for Shigaraki, so y/n was immediately suspicious.

"He feels you have been missing your home. Our talk confirmed that you certainly do. He wanted to bring you something of yours as a keepsake." Kurogiri mentioned that he wasn't precisely sure what Shigaraki had in mind. Still, it seemed like his leader has been thinking long and hard about what he could offer her. Kurogiri leaned forward. "Tomura Shigaraki tolerates you. There aren't many who can wear that medal. I must ask you again if you'd be so kind as to give him a few more chances. He hasn't quite gotten used to socializing, but I can promise you he's trying his best."

Y/n raised an eyebrow. "Being a control freak is doing his best?" That didn't sound right to her, then again, Shigaraki is nothing short of a psychopath so she wouldn't put him past it.

"He's never had to share a friend with others before. I believe he's going a bit overboard," Kurogiri replied in a somewhat apologetic tone.

That's a colossal understatement, y/n thought to herself. Y/n thought about what Kurogiri said again. "A friend?" she echoed, sounding very suspicious. Friend didn't seem right. Y/n thought she was more in a hostage situation more than anything.

"Yes. Shigaraki seems to be close to you. Maybe even more than I," he replied. Y/n didn't know how to register what Kurogiri said.

Y/n blinked and gave it some thought. "You two are close?" It was hard to tell sometimes. The two argued quite a bit. Shigaraki barked orders at Kurogiri every chance he got. When he wasn't ordering him around, they were completely ignoring each other. On Kurogiri's end of their apparent friendship, he seemed more like a parental figure that was more or less tired of their child rather than a friend.

"Didn't I say he's not the best at socializing?" Y/n decided to take his word on that. She's known Shigaraki well enough by now to see it. Still, y/n didn't feel like his friend, nor did she want to be. Y/n could see how he doesn't have many friends with his attitude.

Y/n sighed. "Fine. I'll be a little bit nicer to him." She didn't like that she was being guilted into being kind to a villain. Especially Shigaraki. However, Kurogiri did promise that Shigaraki might let her go if she cooperates with him. At this rate, this is the best she could hope for. "Why does Shigaraki need my quirk?"

Kurogiri informed her that it wasn't his call to tell her the details. If y/n was genuinely willing to cooperate with The League, then she should talk to him directly about it. Y/n didn't feel good about agreeing.

Y/n reminded herself that people were going to die regardless if she helped The League or not. She should also be looking out for her best interest. No one is entirely selfless, everyone has to be selfish every once and awhile.

Kurogiri sent her out of his room. Shigaraki was still sound asleep on the couch. As quietly as she could, y/n sat down on the mattress and picked up the book, Giran had given her. She began to read as she patiently waited for Shigaraki to wake up.

While she waited, she mentally psyched herself up to begin cooperating with Shigaraki. She reminded herself over and over that she had to look out for herself and her loved ones no matter what. Working with Shigaraki was the best way to make sure that she and everyone she loved will be safe. Y/n recalled what Kurogiri had told her. He needs my quirk for one task. Just one task. I can do one little thing. After that, it'll be over. I'll never have to think about it ever again.

Y/n glanced above the pages of her book from time to time. She could see a tuft of light blue hair peeking out from the side of the couch. Y/n closed the book and rested her head on the palm of her hand, suddenly lost in thought. She tilted her head and thought long and hard. If I was Shigaraki, what kind of gift would I give someone?