Evil....Maybe Not

Hibernation

Deku's POV:

Ever since the argument, Kirishima has been keeping his distance from Kaachan. He manages a smile and a wave in my direction, but I can sense the turmoil he's trying to hide. It's as though a shadow of the past lingers between us all, casting a chill over the usual camaraderie.

This week, Kaachan is set to embark on a trip with Todoroki and his intern, Endeavor. They're heading to an island off the coast of Japan, responding to threats of a potential villain attack. The departure is scheduled for tomorrow morning, and I'm oddly excited for him. I help him pack, the task feeling more like a chore we're sharing than a prelude to separation. "Do you have all your essentials?" I ask, trying to be helpful.

"Yes, I double-checked," Kaachan replies, his voice a mix of irritation and appreciation as he stuffs the last of his gear into the bag. I sit on the bag to zip it up, realizing neither of us is particularly skilled at folding clothes neatly. Instead, we squish them in, a tactic that seems to work just fine.

"Well, you should go to bed now since you have to get up early," I advise, trying to sound more like a concerned partner than an overbearing one.

He rubs my already disheveled hair affectionately. "Alright, nerd, don't need you bossing me around." I chuckle, settling myself on the bed. Kaachan comes in and nuzzles his head into my chest, a soft hum vibrating against me as we drift off to sleep. His warmth is a comforting presence, anchoring me through the night.

I woke up the next morning to the sensation of rough hands gently brushing against my forehead. "Morning, bed head. Time for me to go," Kaachan's voice is gruff but laced with a touch of affection.

"Who are you calling a bed head? Look at you—spiky like your personality!" I retort, groggy but playful.

"Damn nerd, always saying some shit," he growls, though there's no malice in his tone. I laugh, half asleep, "What did you say? I couldn't quite hear you."

Kaachan shoves me slightly, his touch firm yet not unkind. He pecks my lips quickly before giving me a hasty goodbye and heading out the door. His stubbornness is endearing, even if it's frustrating at times.

I try to go back to sleep but eventually get up around 9 AM. Groggily, I make my way downstairs, my stomach growling in protest. Our room's kitchen is stocked with only the basics: eggs, chips, and some fruit. It's a far cry from what I'd expect from a school with such a reputation.

I locate the cereal and pour myself a bowl, leaning against the counter as I eat. The comfort of the cereal is interrupted by a peculiar scent—pine trees mingling with burning firewood. It's a comforting aroma, yet unsettling in its intensity. I'm not sure which alpha is releasing pheromones so early in the morning, but it's throwing me off balance.

My breathing becomes erratic, and my vision starts to blur. The scent in the air mingles with my own pheromones, which my body has decided to release today without warning. The ceramic bowl I'm holding slips from my grasp, shattering on the floor. Panic surges as I struggle to steady myself, the alpha's scent growing stronger with each passing second.

Despite their hero status, not all alphas are trustworthy. I think of Endeavor—his harsh treatment of his children is a grim reminder of how flawed even the most revered can be. The scent I'm detecting is calm, almost too calm, which only heightens my anxiety.

Just then, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn my tear-streaked face slowly and see Todoroki standing there. I thought he was with Kaachan on the trip, but it seems he stayed behind after an argument with his father. "Are you alright?" he asks, concern evident in his voice.

I back away into the corner of the kitchen, his hand retreating as I make space between us. "Do you want me to get someone?" Todoroki offers, his eyes reflecting a genuine worry.

I nod weakly, and he pulls out his phone to call Kaachan. After a brief conversation, Todoroki turns back to me. "Is there anyone here that you would be comfortable being with for this week?"

The first person that comes to mind is Mina. "Mina," I manage to say through my distress.

Todoroki leaves and soon returns with Mina. Her presence is a beacon of relief in my chaotic state. "Hey sweetie, how are you doing?" she asks gently, sitting down next to me and taking my hand.

I flinch at first, but she draws me closer, her touch soothing. "Let's get you back to your room, okay?" she suggests. I nod, and she helps me up, guiding me through the halls with a comforting hand.

Once we reach my room, Mina uncovers the bed. "Go ahead and get in; you need rest," she instructs. I crawl into the bed, the softness of the sheets a welcome relief. Mina goes to find something in the closet, returning with clothes and a stuffed animal from our childhood.

She arranges them around me, creating a cocoon of familiarity. "Do you want me to stay in this room?" she asks.

"Yes," I reply, feeling more at ease with her presence.

Mina sits at the end of the bed, turning on the TV. I start nesting instinctively, pulling the clothes and stuffed animal close to my nose. The scent of caramel and iron—Kaachan's distinct aroma—provides a strange but comforting solace. I fall asleep, the warmth of the bed and Mina's presence making it feel like a cozy sleepover.

IThe next morning, I wake up feeling exhausted and feverish. Mina had returned to her room the previous night, promising to come back later. I spend the day in a haze, watching TV and reading... well, let's just say I indulge in some light reading. I take several naps throughout the day, each one a welcome escape from the discomfort.

During my last nap, I wake to Mina entering the room. She waves me down, signaling me to relax, and sets a tray of treats beside me. It's filled with a Subway sandwich, some chips, and my favorite candy—a Hershey chocolate bar. "Eat this when you get hungry, okay?" she says softly. I nod in gratitude, and she returns to the TV, settling in at the end of the bed.

Mina proves to be an unexpectedly great friend. I didn't think we'd click so well, but her honesty and care have been a comforting constant. I'm grateful for her presence and hope our friendship will continue to grow.

Later, I eat the food Mina provided and drift off to sleep again. I wake up at 3 AM, my body still struggling to recover. Mina left a note on my nightstand:

"I went back to my room because it was getting late. I didn't want to wake you up to check on you, so I wrote a note instead. If you need anything, you have my number!"

"-Mina"

I place the note back where it was and settle into the bed once more. My heat has been more intense than ever, reminiscent of my worst times with the League, but it has somewhat calmed since being with Kaachan.

As I lay there, I remember Todoroki's scent—strangely reminiscent of Dabi's, though with notable differences. Todoroki's scent carries hints of pine trees, whereas Dabi's was pure burning wood. Perhaps it's due to Todoroki's quirk, or maybe it's just a peculiar olfactory memory.

Eventually, I fall asleep again, this time for what feels like an eternity. Three days later, I wake up from what seems like a forced hibernation. I've had rough heats before, but this was on a whole new level.

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1282 words