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It's late in the afternoon when Toshinori starts his day out like any other. Heavy legs drag over the edge of his bed, feet planting on the soft carpet beneath him. It had been an excruciatingly painful month, though he was always in physical pain, having to deal with mental health was new to him. He had always done his best to ignore how he truly felt, he was too focused on his heroing work to think for himself.
But, ever since he had retired, ever since the war had started, he was left alone with nothing but his thoughts. And he had never been so miserable. He had the future set of heroes to keep himself going, to inspire their motivation and nature. But… was that it? Was he only living to inspire others? Others would say that was sad, he would say its worth it.
Groaning, he stood up. It was a Sunday, which meant he really only had some paperwork to be doing. He found it hard to sit and do that, though. It was hard for him to sit still, it always had been. He had an itch that could only be scratched when he was active, doing things he enjoyed, saving people. That itch had been burning him alive, clawing at his insides and twisting his guts up. Or, whatever's left of them.
Everything led back to his stomach. It was always throbbing. That pain spread to almost every single one of his scars, including the ones under his pecks and the ones littering his wrists. He took an unhealthy amount of painkillers to subdue the ache, which left him exhausted.
as he dressed, he thought about what exactly he had to be doing today. He wanted to check the shelters, offer them some extra food and drinks. Grabbing his phone, he checked the time, reading 9:34am. Good enough, he headed out of his room and into his kitchen.
He took his time preparing meals, about 10 Bento's with two waters for each. Putting the food into a backpack, and slipping it on, he walked to the front of his house, slipping on some sneakers. Wallet in his back pocket, he walked to his door. He took a moment to unlock it, before he opened it. With that, he walked through, shutting it behind him.
He spent a good few minutes leaving UA's barriers, and walking the ruined streets by himself. He knew this wasn't a particularly good idea, he was unarmed and quirkless, but that could never stop him from wanting to make sure people were okay. He felt saddened as he watched his surroundings, taking in the ruined city. It made him very sad, he had grown fond of this area, made lots of really special memories. And here it was, buildings destroyed, the roads split apart.
As he walked towards one of the shelters, he let himself think about Midoriya. That poor boy. He was gone, doing who knows what because of his own mistakes. He frowned, his hand ghosting over his wound. If only he had been stronger, told the young man it would be okay. Before he could let himself trail further into his own mistakes, he was roughly pulled into an alley way, a hand immediately covering his mouth.
He thrashed against the body, trying to pry the mans (?) hand off of him, to no avail. "Be quiet. Listen." A chilling voice hissed, which he quickly identified to be the hero killers. He stilled, his own hands still holding onto the others. But, he listened carefully, hearing two distant voices.
He couldn't place the people, but it was vaguely familiar. "They have been waiting for you, for some time." The hero killer stated, his hold on Toshinori tightening. Before Toshi could bark out a response, he was suddenly swept off the ground, being carried bridal style as Stain leapt into the air. He yelled out in fear, clinging to the murderer for dear life as they dashed from place to place. He was well aware of how quick the hero killer was, from various reports and sightings. But experiencing it first hand was something completely different.
Along with the fear, he felt... Excited? He hadn't cut through the air this quickly since his prime days, it was oddly nice. But he could barely focus on that, considering a brutal murderer was taking him someplace, and he could do nothing about it but struggle. He felt the hero killer slow down, so he took an opportunity to attempt and knee the man in the face, which was quickly shot down as a hand gripped his knee tightly.
"You should be more thankful, All might. Kneeing somebody who just saved you isn't very heroic." He stated flatly, finally coming to a full stop atop a roof, letting Toshinori scramble to get out of his arms. He fell onto his knees, feeling a bit shaken up after all of the moving that went on. He took a moment to regain his posture, standing up straight. He turned, glaring cold daggers towards the killer.
"No thanks?" Stain tilted his head, an unreadable expression settling on his face. "Hero killer, Stain." Toshinori glared again, as if his words explained all of his feelings. And, to be fair, it got the point across. "Correct, Toshinori Yagi." Toshi felt himself freeze, blinking a few times in confusion. His glare was turned to concern, looking the hero killer up and down.
"Wh-What?" He stammered, feeling quite awkward. "How did you?-" "The famous All might, called a fraud and a liar. How does one maintain such an image, one of peace, of justice, become so small and frail? Word spread like a wildfire, people started digging deeper. The number one hero's true name, plastered on screens before it all went to hell. At least, that's what I assume. I'm not one hundred percent sure, after all, I only recently was reunited with the outside world."
Toshinori nodded slowly, clearing his throat. "Right. So, are you going to kill me? I assume that's why you saved me. To kill me yourself." He coughed lightly into his hand, blood splattering his palm. Stain watched with a confused look, at his words and the blood. "Kill? ridiculous. You have done nothing to drive me to such thing, unlike others. You are the very image of a hero, I've not a reason to take your life." He stated simply, arms crossed over his chest.
"...Right, your conviction." He said quietly, wiping the blood onto his pants. "Why are you bleeding, did one of my weapons hurt you while we were moving?" Stain asked, curious. Sure, he had been stalking the man ever since he escaped prison, but he never stalked long enough to witness his coughing fits. "Ah, no. This is just a side affect of my condition." He said awkwardly, backing up a bit as stain walked closer.
Before he could protest, Stains hands were all over him. He grabbed both sides of his face, lifting it to examine his skin. He turned it to the side twice, huffing as Toshinori grabbed his arms, pulling them away. "Quite touchy for a murderer." He stared down at the black haired man, attempting to read his face. But, it was proven to be a difficult task. The man had this crazed expression in his eyes, he couldn't read past them. His mouth was almost always pulled into a frown, but it wasn't a sorrowful one. More of a neutral frown, and of course he couldn't see his eyebrows, so he was left with nothing to go off of.
Though, he was able to slightly read his body language. He was tense, but whenever he had his hands on Toshi, he seemed to relax. That definitely confused him. "Right, this was nice but.. If people are after me, how do you suppose i go about my day? I don't exactly have a way to protect myself." He said stiffly, scratching the back of his head. "I would like to offer my assistance. I could protect you from gang members that escaped tartarus, in return you give me shelter." Before Toshinori could shut down the idea, Stain was suddenly down on one knee, head bowed, one hand on the ground and another on his knee.
"I have zero intention of harming you, or any other hero. This includes the students. I do not approve of what is happening, innocent lives are being taken away because of the incompetence of many men. I understand my past, and I do not intend on halting my murders either. But understand, I do not aim to kill innocents. This is a war, we've nowhere to put these hundreds of prisoners. Very little options are left, and murder is one of them. Accept my aid, and I will devote my time to protecting you."
Words couldn't even form in Toshinori's mind, let alone out of his throat. He attempted to respond, but he just started coughing into his hand, blood once more spilling. Stain quickly stood up, holding the taller man as he hunched over, body trembling from the force of the coughs. He took a minute to collect himself, his cheeks slightly burning red as Stain tore off a part of his bandana for him to wipe the blood on.
"S-Sorry about that, thank you. I normally... Wouldn't be one to accept help from someone like you. But, we are very short on support. If you swear to me you will abide by your rules, not go back on your word, and protect me, including the students, I will give you shelter." Stain's eyes widened, if only slightly, he then pulled out a dagger. Toshinori was about to back up, but he put his hand between them.
"I promise to you, All Might, I will protect you." He sliced the palm of his own hand, glancing down to Toshinori's. "A blood oath, let me make this official, please. If i go back on my words, you have all the reason to stick everyone after me. This is something i take very seriously, so lend me your hand." Toshinori hesitantly offered his hand, and Stain took it gently. He slashed the skin, but it was clean, unlike the one on his own hand. He flipped the blade into its holster, before he grabbed Toshinori's hand with his own sliced one, their blood merging as they shook.
"So much for not hurting me," He joked lightly, Stain didn't find it very humorous. He cleared his throat, holding his bleeding hand with his clean one. "Okay. Let's go back to my place, I will take care of your wound. I assume you are hungry, I made plenty food for people." Toshi said in a soft tone, making Stain flush. He huffed, picking up Toshi again. "Let me take you." He said quickly, which made Toshinori pause on a response.
"...Okay. Wait, but how do you know where to-" He was cut off as Stain jumped from the roof they were on, making him yelp at the lack of warning. He held onto the strange new ally tightly, no longer fearing what would happen to him in his presence. It didn't take long for them to arrive at his place, where he was finally let down. Once more, his legs were shaking, but he didn't fall to his knees.
He opened his door, letting his new roommate inside. He followed behind, kicking his sneakers off by the door. "Wait here, I'll grab first aid." He slid the backpack off his back, handing it to Stain. "Food, eat." Was all he said, before disappearing into a different room. Stain took the bag, unzipping it and looking at all the Bento boxes. He took one with red coloring, setting the bag onto the floor gently.
He opened it, setting the lid below the container. He greedily started eating, Scarfing down the food like it was a gift from the heavens. And in his opinion, it was. It was made by Toshinori Yagi, All might. The greatest hero in the entire world. Normally, he would savor the food. Especially something made by All Might himself. But, he was far too hungry to care about that. Toshinori soon walked back into the common area, first aid in hand. He motioned for Stain to come forward.
Stain kicked off his boots, before walking towards Toshinori. He offered his sliced hand, letting the man take it and wipe the blood away. He watched as he poured gauze over it, rubbing it over the wound carefully. After he finished cleaning it, he wrapped it in bandages. He smiled. "There we are!" He said cheerily, failing to take care of his own hand.
Stain lifted up the first aid, grabbing the cut hand. Toshi watched as Stain stared for a while, he could tell he was thinking of something. "Um, If you want to do something, you can do it, you know." That was all Stain needed to hear, though he was certain Toshinori had no clue what he was about to do, as he leaned down and straight up licked the blood off his wound. Toshi yelled, jerking his hand back in shock, face flushing red. "W-why would you lick it?!"
Stain snorted in amusement, grabbing a small packet of gauze. "Blood is kind of my thing," He paused as he used his teeth to open the packet, grabbing his hand again. "Plus, I've always wanted to taste your blood. At least once." He said casually, pouring the gauze over his wound gently. He spread it over his palm, being careful as to not put too much pressure on the wound. He grabbed the same roll of bandages, carefully wrapping up his hand. "Not to mention, I wanted to see your reaction." He grinned, looking up at the flustered man.
Toshi huffed in annoyance, putting the bandages back into the first aid kit. His thumb rubbed over his bandaged wound, averting his eyes. "T-Thank you." He said quickly, before turning away, back into that room to put the first aid away. Stain waited until Toshi came back, this time with nothing in his hands. "Okay. Since you're living with me, there's going to be rules. So listen carefully, alright?" Stain nodded, his hands awkwardly hanging at his sides.
"You cannot go off without at least leaving a note. I don't have it in me to be worrying about where you are. Weapons go on the table while you're inside the house. No secret knifes in pockets, or socks, or boxers. You may not tell anyone you are in alliance with the heroes. We may need you to go undercover, to get information on the Tartarus gang. I don't know who exactly I'll be informing about your allyship, but whomever I tell, you keep it between them and us. Lastly, you will tell me your full name."
Stain nodded to everything, but he was caught off guard at the last rule. He scowled, but didn't complain. "As you wish, All Might. My full name is Chizome Akaguro. But you continue to call me stain, got it?" He poked his chest, earning a sigh from Toshi. He nodded, "And stop calling me All Might, it feels impersonal. Call me Toshinori." He said in a serious tone, but it only made Stain snort. "Will I be staying on the couch? Or will I be allowed in your bed, Toshinori?" He pulled himself closer to the taller man, Head tilting up to stare at his face.
Toshinori's face lit up, pushing him away almost immediately, coughing up a bit of blood. "C-Couch- or, um, I will have to think about this." He stammered, brows furrowing. "I will make a proper meal, for now you can rest on the couch." He lead the other to his living room, taking his weapons as he laid. And, Jesus Christ, this guy had too many Knifes. His katanas were laid by the couch, off of his back. He took the daggers into his kitchen, placing them on his dining table. He would have to buy, or make something to store these weapons.
He spent about an hour preparing a meal, technically two separate meals. One to accommodate his lack of stomach, and a regular meal for Stain. Deciding he didn't care for eating at his table this evening, he took the plates into the living room. He sat next to Stain, handing him a large plate of food. "Not quite sure what foods you like, so i made basic stuff." He said awkwardly, earning a look of confusion from the killer. "Why do you care what I like?" Toshinori blinked at him. He couldn't tell if he was being rude or not. "Because, I want to make sure you like what I made for you."
Stain stared, eyes wide. "I'll like it no matter what it is." He said, way too quickly, making Toshinori's cheeks burn. "Ah, either way. If you don't like anything I made, tell me. I will be sure to make something better next time." He smiled, before starting to eat. Stain slowly nodded, staring at the man still, even as he began to eat. He didn't mean to, honestly. He wasn't aware he stared a lot, especially when he interacted with people up close. He couldn't help it.
Toshinori knew he was staring, it was actually very hard to ignore. But, he didn't say anything. He continued eating, taking longer to finish than Stain. Even if he had a smaller portion, as well. He couldn't eat too much food at one time, due to his internal issues. He ate carefully, finishing not too long after Stain. He took both their plates, standing up and taking them to the kitchen. He rinsed them off, placing them on a towel to dry. Stain had stood up, standing between the living room, and the dining area.
Toshinori turned, looking at the man in front of him. He thought for a moment or two, before speaking. "I've decided, where you can sleep. I... Wouldn't mind sharing a bed with you. My couch isn't the most comfortable place, and I don't want you to be sore. Follow me." He said with a red face, quickly turning to walk towards his room. Stain followed a little too eagerly, taking in the house before him. It was pretty simple, but it didn't bother him. There was a few photos of what he assumed to be the other mans mother, and a few of that green haired kid he fought at Hosu.
Toshi brought the man into his room, scratching his arm. The room was almost as plain as the rest of his house, But there was a few posters and banisters hugging the walls, along with some more photos. It certainly wasn't ground breaking, but it gave more character to the house than any other room. He looked at the bed, and man was it big. It looked like it could fit roughly 10 people sleeping normally, and perhaps a phew sleeping sideways. "I have clothes you can borrow, I imagine that leather jacket isn't the most comfortable thing to sleep in." Stain nodded, slipping the jacket off his shoulders.
He had a ripped black shirt on underneath, bandages covering both of his arms. Toshi turned, looking through his dresser for clothes. He pulled out a black long sleeved shirt, along with some dark red pajama bottoms accompanied by a pair of All Might socks. He hadn't bought them, it was a joke gift from Nighteye a few years back. The memory made him feel a bit sad, but he gave the pair of clothes to Stain nonetheless. "Change in the bathroom, its the door right there." He pointed to one of the three doors in his room, before he grabbed is own pair of pajamas.
As soon as Stain shut the door, he stripped. He pulled on a White tank top, putting on a fluffy pair of white pants to match. He rolled black socks onto his legs, sitting on the edge of his bed by the time Stain walked out. Stain stared at Toshinori, his eyes instinctively going to the many scars covering his arms. He knew they weren't from hero work. For once, he knew he was staring, and he had to peel his eyes away as he walked towards the bed. Toshinori laid all the way back, sighing softly as his back laid against his plush pillows.
Stain crawled into the bed, seating himself a feet or two away from Toshi. He pulled the thick blanket over his body, sinking into the bed. He enjoyed the weighted blanket thoroughly. Toshi was already under the covers, turning onto his side as he closed his eyes. It was very easy for him to fall asleep, considering how exhausted his pain medications made him. It took Stain an hour or two to finally fall asleep, his mind racing as he thought about the events that played out this day.
When Toshinori woke up, he was very warm. He felt arms wrapped around him, and a nice added weight on himself. He leaned into the touch, before he registered what was going on. His eyes shot open, sitting up extremely fast. Stain rolled off of him, waking up at the rude movement. He groaned, face planted in the mattress. Toshi stared with wide eyes, his face red.
This was so... Odd. He didn't know why his heart raced, he wasn't scared. It almost felt similar to whenever he was in America, any time he would see Dave, his heart was pounding. But, he didn't have time to figure that out. He threw his legs over the edge of his bed, stretching. Playing what just happened off. Stain sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes under his bandana tiredly. He slowly got out of the bed, yawning.
He knew he asked for a place to stay, but it was still new to him. He never had a stable home, especially as a kid. He was an orphan, he stayed at many places. Many people tried taking him in, but they all sent him back. He was 'too creepy', or, 'had a weird obsession with blood', or anything along those lines. Eventually, the fostering system kicked him out. His only hope in the world to keep going was All Might, which eventually lead to the birth of Stain.
He never thought he would find something like soft pants endearing. He turned his head to look at Toshinori as he heard his phone ring, watching as he picked it up. He could faintly hear the voice on the other end, Eraserhead. He respected that man. He continued to watch Toshinori, seeing how his expression went from sleepy to serious immediately. "Right. Thank you, Aizawa." Was all he said, before hanging up. He turned to look at Stain,
"I think I figured out who to inform about you. Lets get ready, then we head out. When we leave, you keep to the shadows. Like i said yesterday, nobody is allowed to know about your alliance." Stain simply nodded, pulling himself out of Toshinori's bed, planting his feet on the carpeted floor. Today was going to be a ride, he thought to himself.