Silhouette ✓ (⛔❤☁)

F I F T Y - F O U R

Katsuki found himself outside the building that evening, waiting with Kanna for her uncle. He was just so tired. He'd tried to keep up his usual farce, but god he was tired. He missed being younger and sleeping on the streets of Block 6. He missed that.

The sky was becoming dark, mostly everyone inside hanging out and playing games. Katsuki had managed to avoid Midoriya and Todoroki the rest of the day after that odd encounter.

"Purote?"

God he was just so tired. Tired of fearing his mother, tired of keeping strong, tired of trying his best and still failing.

"Purote?"

Katsuki wanted to go back to when he wasn't worried as much. He missed it when life was simple. Escape his mother when needed and live at Block 6. That's all he wanted.

"Hello? Purote?"

He even missed spending time with the Jade Bats. Back when they patched him up. Back when they taught him self defense moves and guided him through complex situations. Back when he got to follow Boss to meetings with the Jackals and the Vipers. Back when he could convince Boss that he was okay. Back when it was safe with the gang. Back when he had Touya. Back when he didn't have to worry about how villainous his quirk was, because all he needed was to protect his cherished ones.

"Oh, You're doin' the thing again..."

Katsuki was just so tired. He just wanted to go back to simpler times. Back when he knew he couldn't be a hero, back before he started dreaming about being one. Back before he started trying to convince the world that he could be one. That he would be one.

Back when it was simple.

"You're only coming because I don't want you drinkin' the whole bar empty. Gotta keep an eye on you" Boss said, grinning at him from the seat next to him.

Purote knew the man was joking, he'd learnt how to read the man; better than some of the members that'd known him for years. Perhaps it had to do with his upbringing, his ability to pick up on ques very quickly.

He liked Boss. Never once had the man had any negative actions towards him. The man gave him space when wanted, fed him as much as he wanted.

Boss was a good person, he'd decided.

"We seein' the Vipers?"

"Yeah, Jesse isn't paying the full amount"

"Really? I guess all women are cheap..."

"Cheap? Nah, just some. Ain't you staying on Block 16 anyways?"

"They're– That's different!"

Boss hummed, reaching out to ruffle Purote's hair. "Sure, kid"

As they navigated the dimly lit streets near Block 19, Purote's nerves were on edge. He had heard stories about Jesse's fierce demeanor and her intolerance for weakness. Despite Boss's assurances, Purote couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that ate away at his insides.

Boss glanced over at Purote, noting the tension in his posture. "You alright, kid?"

Purote forced a nod, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah, just..."

Boss placed a comforting hand on Purote's shoulder, offering silent support. "Don't worry, Purote. I'll handle Jesse. Just stay close to me"

As the car slowed to a stop in front of the rundown building, Purote's heart raced with apprehension. Through the tinted windows, he could see Jesse's crew gathered outside, their imposing figures casting long shadows in the dimly lit street. The sight sent a shiver down his spine, and he instinctively clutched the strap of his bag tighter, seeking comfort in its familiar weight.