Her Forgotten ~Tomura Shigaraki x OC AU~

Chapter 24: Storming

Illika

The rain is falling in heavy sheets.

Skating down my window in some drunken stagger, leaving behind little trails on the glass, making me think of a tiny highway. So intricate and complex, yet so basic and simple. Distinctly designed by the sky.

I lay outstretched on my bed, watching the rain fall as streaks of blue and purple illuminate different sections of the clouds, which are dense and heavy with moodiness. Then low grumbles roar, shimmying the building in some poetic ache. The storm rages so beautifully. So painfully.

So hypnotically.

I've been laying here for the last two hours, just watching it. I don't feel much like doing anything else. I don't feel like wandering these vast halls. I don't feel like going to any of the rec rooms. I don't feel like getting drenched on the balconies. I'm not hungry. Not tired. Not creative or daring. Nothing.

All I want is to lay here and watch the storm unleash her wickedness unto the land. To just simply be here, basking in her fury. And maybe to imagine the ocean at a time like this.

Storms and oceans. Both are already so unpredictable and chaotic on their own, each striking fear into people's hearts individually. A storm's wicked shrieks and snarls. The sea's open vastness. Both are mighty and powerful. However, the two together are a whole other force that no human born dare tempt.

The deep growls of thunder echo from the heavens as the wind blows, thrashing water against gray rocks. Waves sharpen into high walls that look black under the cloaked sky. Danger lingers in the air, buzzing like electricity. That is what I imagine.

It crosses my mind more than once. I can't explain why. I don't understand it. Maybe it's just because of the weather. Maybe it's because I haven't visited the beach in several days. Then again, maybe it's because of no one thing in particular.

Whatever, the mind is a weird place to be.

The minutes tick by, having rolled over several times to create two hours by now. All the while, I have laid here, outstretched on my bed. Still watching. Then, a sudden knock on my door.

Curious and brows knitted, I sit up and climb off my bed, then pad to the door. I'm not expecting anyone. Toga and Twice never mentioned coming by later. I don't believe Compress had mentioned anything either. So, I'm at a loss as to who my guest could be. That is until I open the door. And for a moment, I am taken aback.

Standing there, with eyes locked on mine and stance tall is none other than Tomura.

He looks at me, his expression a mix between surprised and expecting – both contradictory to the other – and his frame tall. And even in the dim gleam of the hall lights I can still make out the new dark circles forming under his eyes, causing my heart to drop ever so slightly. Still, despite that, I can't help but feel confused at his abrupt visit.

"Hey," I say with a swallow. My grip on the knob tightens. "This is a bit of a surprise. What are you –"

"I want to talk," he interrupts. His tone is dry and hoarse. It's as if I can feel the exhaustion in it.

"Okay. We can talk. Do you –"

"Not here." He looks at me, then past me, into my room...in the direction of my bed. He swallows. "Not here."

"Alright. Not here. That's fine." I reach behind my door and grab my shoes, then creep into the hall, closing the door behind myself. I look up at him. "Alright. Not here. So, where?"

"Let's just walk."

He starts to move, the soles of his shoes scuffing the smooth floor. I watch, observing his long strides – observing how there is a slight stagger. I frown. He must be utterly exhausted. He has to be.

But I push that thought aside and follow, curious as to where we're going and as to what it is he wants to talk about. He doesn't look at me, which doesn't allow me to draw my own conclusions, so I'm practically swimming in the dark in this one. Still, I follow, and still, I wonder.

Has he slept at all?

**Bello lovelies! Well, here's another chapter that I completely struggled with. Partly a filler (setting up for the next chapter). Which, I went ahead and split the two chapters because (should everything go according to plan) they would've been way too long together. As I said, should everything go according to plan. If you're a writer, then you understand that characters don't always listen. So, fingers crossed! That said, any ideas as to what Shiggy wants to talk about? Feel free to take a gander! Today was a beautiful day. So beautiful that I couldn't resist reading on my porch for a bit. I was out there (on and off) for hours. But I did read a bit of Ruth Ware's, The It Girl. If you've been around for a while, then you know that I am a huge fan of Ruth Ware. I just love her books. She has a new one that either was just released or will be released soon that I plan on getting. If you're a fan of mysteries and stories with twists, then I recommend her books (especially In a Dark, Dark Wood and The Lying Game and One by One – those are my favorites). Oof. Did it again. Got to rambling. Sorry about that! But as always, thank you so, so much for all the love and support! Y'all are the bestest! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross