The Baddest Good Girl

Eijirou reached across the table, taking her hand in his. His voice was soft but firm as he said, “So are you, Sasha. Don’t ever forget that.” He gently ran his thumbs over her knuckles, his lips quirking up as her eyes flickered to their hands bashfully. For Sasha, this wasn’t just a date—it was a reminder of the happiness and love she had fought so hard to hold onto.

As they sat together in the cozy café, sipping their drinks and sharing small bites of cake, Sasha’s gaze drifted to the colorful menu on the wall. A nostalgic smile tugged at her lips, and she chuckled softly.

“Remember how we used to come here all the time with Denki and Bakugou?” she asked, her amber eyes gleaming with fondness. “We’d get boba, and Bakugou would pretend like he hated it but always finished his drink faster than any of us.”

Eijirou laughed at the memory, shaking his head. “Yeah, and Denki always ended up spilling the tapioca balls everywhere because he was goofing around.”

“Every single time,” Sasha added, grinning. “It’s like he had no idea how to keep the boba in his drink. Such a shame too, he always pays for extra boba.”

Eijirou leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful smile on his face. “We should do that again sometime. It’d be fun to have the whole gang together outside of school.”

Sasha nodded, her tail swishing lazily behind her. “I’d like that,” she admitted. Then, with a playful tilt of her head, she added, “But I have to admit, it’s nice having you all to myself for once. Seems like we’re never alone these days—with our classmates, family, and everything else.”

Eijirou’s crimson eyes softened as he reached out, gently taking her hand across the table. “Yeah, it’s rare,” he said, his voice warm. “But that’s what makes moments like this so special, right? Just you and me, no one else to interrupt.”

Sasha laughed lightly, her purring returning as she squeezed his hand. “True. Though knowing our friends, it’s only a matter of time before someone calls us. Probably a debate between Bakugou and Sero.”

He grinned, his sharp teeth peeking out. “Let ‘em try. They’re not stealing you away from me today.”

The two shared a laugh, the ease of their banter settling over them. They were so comfortable with each other, as if they’d known each other their whole lives. Touch, conversation, it all flowed so naturally between them.

The gentle buzz of conversation in the café was interrupted by a light knock on the glass window beside Sasha and Eijirou’s table. Sasha turned, curious, and her eyes widened in surprise when she saw none other than Pro Hero Hawks standing outside. His golden hair caught the sunlight from the skylight, his signature red wings tucked neatly behind him. Civilians nearby whispered and pointed, excitement rippling through the small crowd that had gathered, but Hawks seemed unfazed. He flashed a bright smile and waved directly at Sasha.

Her amber eyes lit up, and a delighted grin spread across her face. She waved back eagerly, motioning for him to come inside. "Hawks!" she exclaimed, her tone brimming with excitement. "It’s been so long!"

Eijirou, on the other hand, was caught completely off guard. He leaned closer to Sasha, his crimson eyes wide. "That’s Hawks! What’s he doing here?" he asked, his voice a mix of confusion and a hint of nervousness. He’d encountered Hawks a few times on the field, but this was his first time seeing him in such a casual, personal setting.

Sasha chuckled at Eijirou’s reaction. “I don’t know, but I’m happy he’s here,” she said, still smiling as Hawks pushed open the door and stepped inside. “I’ve been wanting to talk to him.”

Eijirou glanced between Sasha and Hawks, clearly trying to calm his nerves. He tightened his grip on Sasha’s hand slightly, as if grounding himself. “I guess he’s close with you?”

“Something like that,” she replied with a laugh, watching as Hawks approached their table, exuding his usual charisma. “We work together a lot. He’s kinda like my mentor—and kind of like my partner. You know I usually pair up with him when internship season rolls around.”

Hawks reached their table, his signature smirk in place. “Hey, Wild Cat,” he greeted warmly, using Sasha’s old codename and ruffling her hair. His sharp eyes flicked to Eijirou, then back to Sasha. “Looks like you’ve been keeping good company.”

“Hawks,” Sasha said with a playful roll of her eyes. “It’s Namir now, remember?”

“Right, right. Namir.” He chuckled, taking a seat in the empty chair across from them without waiting for an invitation. He leaned back casually, his wings stretching slightly before settling again. “So, you gonna introduce me to your boyfriend, or am I just supposed to guess?”

Eijirou’s face turned a shade redder than his hair, but Sasha laughed and gestured between them. “Hawks, this is Eijirou Kirishima. Eiji, this is Hawks.”

Eijirou nodded, extending a hand across the table. “It’s, uh, nice to meet you, Hawks. You know, officially. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Hawks shook his hand firmly, his smirk softening slightly into a more genuine smile. “Likewise. Anyone who can keep up with Sasha—and keep her smiling—gets my approval. She’s like the baby sister I never had.”

Sasha blushed at the comment but quickly recovered, leaning forward. “So, what brings you here, Hawks? Just passing through?”

Hawks shrugged, his demeanor as nonchalant as ever. “Had some downtime, thought I’d grab a coffee. Saw you through the window and figured I’d say hi. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

“Too long,” Sasha agreed, her smile softening into something more nostalgic. “It’s good to see you. I had something important to speak with you about.”

Eijirou noticed the subtle shift in Sasha's tone as her conversation with Hawks began to deepen. Recognizing the need to give her space, he offered her a reassuring smile. “I’m gonna use the bathroom and grab Hawks a drink. I’ll be back, babe,” he said softly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her cheek.

Sasha gave him a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Eiji,” she murmured, her eyes meeting his warmly.

He nodded and glanced at Hawks with a friendly grin before walking off toward the counter. As soon as he was out of earshot, Hawks leaned forward, propping his chin on his hand with a sly smirk. “So, Namir’s gone soft, huh? Look at you—completely smitten.”

Sasha felt her face flush, and she waved him off with a half-hearted glare, though the small smile tugging at her lips betrayed her. “Oh, shut up. Don’t act like you’ve never been in love before.”

“Touché,” Hawks said, chuckling. His teasing tone dropped when he noticed the seriousness creeping into her expression. “Alright, you’ve got that look. What’s going on, Sasha?”

Her playful demeanor melted away, replaced by a grave one as she leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “It’s the commission,” she said, her amber eyes darkening. “They’re coming back for me.”

Hawks straightened immediately, his golden eyes narrowing. “What? Are you serious?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.

She nodded, her jaw tightening. “They’re trying to manipulate me into coming back. Using my parents as bait.”

For a moment, Hawks just stared at her, his usually laid-back expression replaced with something sharper, more calculating. “Those bastards,” he muttered under his breath. “I should’ve guessed they wouldn’t let you walk away clean.”

“They’re desperate,” Sasha continued, her tone heavy. “They’re losing control, and they think bringing me back will fix it.”

Hawks crossed his arms, his wings shifting slightly as if he was readying for a fight. “So, what’s the plan? Because I know you’re not falling for their games.”

“I’m not,” she assured him. “But they’re persistent, and I don’t think they’re going to stop anytime soon.”

Hawks leaned back, tapping his fingers on the table as he thought. “Alright. First thing’s first—we’re not letting them get to you. You’ve got your classmates, Eijirou, and me in your corner. They’d be idiots to underestimate that.”

Sasha’s lips quirked into a small, appreciative smile. “Thanks, Hawks.”

“Don’t mention it,” he replied, his smirk returning slightly. “But you’d better keep me in the loop, Wild Cat. If they’re making moves, I need to know.”

She nodded, feeling a little lighter with his support. “I will.”

Hawks let out a soft sigh, his gaze shifting to the window as if searching for answers in the bustling world outside. “And if we’re being truthful,” he started, his tone lower, “I had a feeling something was up. Someone’s been tailing me for a while now.”

Sasha’s ears perked up as her eyes narrowed. “Tailing you?” she repeated, a mix of concern and frustration flashing across her face.

Hawks nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Yeah. When I confronted him, he had the nerve to ask about you before I kicked his ass.” His wings shifted uneasily behind him, the gesture betraying his usually calm demeanor.

Sasha let out a slow, frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair. “Great. So now they’re investigating you, too,” she muttered. “This is getting out of control.”

Hawks studied her for a moment, his sharp eyes calculating. “You’re thinking about something, aren’t you?”

She hesitated, then glanced at him. “Maybe I should talk to Hatasu and Hex,” she suggested, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

That caught his attention. Hawks leaned in, his expression shifting from calm to sharp intrigue. “What? Hex and Hatasu? Those bastards?” His voice was low, almost incredulous. He knew those names all too well. “They’re no joke, Sasha. Hatasu I can see playing it smart, but Hex? That guy’s a maniac.”

“I know,” she admitted, her tone weary. “Hatasu maybe, but I doubt there’s any reasoning with Hex.”

“Why talk to either of them at all?” Hawks pressed, leaning closer, his tone laced with concern. “You just said you weren’t seriously thinking about walking into their game, and you’re not, are you?”

She shrugged, looking away as she folded her arms. “I’m not giving up, Hawks. I’m just trying to understand why they’re doing this. Why now? If I can figure out what they’re after and set some boundaries, maybe I can stop them before this escalates any further.”

Hawks frowned, his jaw tightening as he processed her words. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Wild Cat,” he warned, his voice firm but tinged with worry. “These aren’t people you negotiate with. They manipulate, they pressure, and they don’t stop until they get what they want. You know that better than anyone.”

She nodded, her eyes distant but determined. “I know,” she said quietly. “But I need to try. I can’t just sit back and let them keep tearing at everything I’ve built since I left.”

Meanwhile, Eiiirou was wondering what they were talking about as he washed his hands in the bathroom. Still, he knew Sasha would tell him about it later if he asked, but their conversation seemed necessary and personal. 

A hooded figure entered the bathroom and walked over. Eijirou barely glanced at him. Eye contact was usually strictly a no-go for him in the men's bathroom. 

The guy washed his hands beside him, waiting a few seconds before speaking. "So, you're Sasha's boyfriend, huh?" 

Eijirou looked up and that was when Hex met his gaze with a mischievous smirk. "Who are you?" He rose an eyebrow. 

Hex chuckled and shrugged. "Sasha and I were close. Really close. I would even say I was her first love." 

Eijirou looked him up and down suspiciously. He didn't understand when Sasha would have had the time to be in love back then. She always said she hadn't even had her first friends until coming to UA. "First love, huh?" 

Hex nodded and wiped his wet pants on his own jeans. "Yup. And boy, has she downgraded..." He tutted and shook his head disappointedly.

 Eijirou glared and frowned. "Easy man. I've never heard of ya. So first love or not, you're obviously a part of her past she wants to forget." Eijirou finished drying his hands as the hooded figure leaned casually against the sink, clearly trying to get a rise out of him. 

Hex’s smirk faltered for a split second at Eijirou’s words before his mischievous demeanor returned. He crossed his arms and tilted his head, looking Eijirou up and down like he was sizing him up.

“Part of her past, huh?” Hex said, his voice dripping with mock amusement. “You know, people like her can’t really forget their past. No matter how much they try to bury it.” He leaned in slightly, his tone darkening. “It always comes back.”

Eijirou turned fully to face him now, his stance firm and unyielding. “Look, I don’t know who you think you are, but Sasha’s been through enough,” he said, his crimson eyes blazing with quiet intensity. “She doesn’t need some guy from her past stirring things up for no reason.”

Hex chuckled, but there was a cold edge to it. “Oh, I have a reason, Red,” he said, pointing a finger at Eijirou’s chest. “Sasha’s mine, whether she knows it or not. You’re just a placeholder.”

Eijirou’s fists clenched at his sides, his sharp teeth baring slightly in a low growl. “You’d better watch what you say,” he warned, his voice low and steady. “Sasha’s with me now. She’s happy, and she’s moved on from whatever mess you were a part of.”

Hex’s grin widened, as though he’d been waiting for that exact reaction. “Moved on?” he repeated mockingly. “You really think she can? With everything she’s done, everything she’s been trained to do?” He stepped closer, his tone dropping into a sinister whisper. “You don’t even know the half of it, do you?”

Eijirou didn’t flinch, standing his ground. “I know enough,” he shot back. “And I know that she’s stronger than whatever twisted game you’re trying to play. So, if you care about your face, you’ll back off now.”

For a moment, Hex stared at him, his smirk turning into a cold, calculating grin. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that,” he said, stepping back slightly. “But guts won’t save you from what’s coming. Tell Sasha…” He paused, his smirk returning as he backed toward the door. “Tell her Hex said hi.”

With that, Hex slipped out of the bathroom, leaving Eijirou standing there, his fists still clenched and his mind racing. He took a deep breath, shaking off the encounter before heading back to Sasha, his determination to protect her stronger than ever.

Eijirou walked back to the table and sat down, his expression unusually serious. Hawks, noticing the tension, chuckled to break the ice. "Where's the boba, man?" he joked, flashing a grin.

But Eijirou didn’t laugh. His face remained stern as he placed an arm protectively around Sasha’s shoulder. Sasha frowned, immediately sensing something was wrong. She gently placed a hand on his arm. “Eiji? What’s going on?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Eijirou sighed, glancing between her and Hawks before finally speaking. “When I was in the bathroom, some guy named Hex approached me,” he said evenly. “He told me to tell you ‘hi,’ Sasha.”

Sasha’s eyes widened, and she shot to her feet. “What? Hex was here? And he confronted you?”

Eijirou nodded, his jaw tight as he glanced around the café, scanning the crowd through the window. “Yeah,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with unease. “He was waiting for me in the bathroom. Said some stuff about you, Sasha. Tried to rile me up.”

Sasha’s amber eyes widened in a mix of shock and anger. “What did he say?” she pressed, stepping closer to him, her hand instinctively gripping the back of her chair as though grounding herself.

Eijirou’s arm stayed protectively around her. “He called himself your ‘first love’ or something. Said you’d ‘downgraded’ by being with me.” His tone was calm, but there was a flicker of hurt in his crimson eyes. “I didn’t buy it, obviously. I told him he’s just part of a past you want to forget, and he didn’t like that much.”

Hawks, who had been quietly listening, straightened in his seat, his easy going demeanor replaced by a sharp focus. “Hex,” he murmured, his voice carrying an edge. “So he’s making moves now. That’s not good.”

Sasha’s fists clenched at her sides as her tail swayed behind her in agitation. “He’s bold, I’ll give him that,” she muttered, her voice tight. “But coming after Eijirou? That’s low.”

Hawks leaned forward, his golden eyes narrowing. “What else did he say?” he asked, his tone serious.

Eijirou took a deep breath, trying to recall every detail. “He mentioned something about how Sasha can’t forget her past, no matter how much she tries. Said she’s his, ‘whether she knows it or not.’” His grip on Sasha’s shoulder tightened slightly, as if to reassure her and himself. “And before he left, he told me to tell you ‘hi.’”

Sasha’s breath hitched, and she turned her head away, her jaw tightening as she processed his words. Her ears flattened slightly, betraying her distress. “He’s escalating,” she said softly, mostly to herself. “First the subtle manipulations, now this? Confronting people I care about?” Her voice grew sharper, her anger bubbling to the surface. “He’s not going to stop.”

Eijirou’s free hand reached for hers, intertwining their fingers. “We won’t let him get to you, Sasha,” he said firmly. “You’re not alone in this.”

Hawks nodded, leaning back with a thoughtful expression. “He’s playing games, trying to mess with your head and make you second-guess yourself,” he said. “But that’s all this is—mind games. The fact that he’s trying so hard means you’re still in control.”

Sasha’s gaze flicked between them, her heart swelling with gratitude for their support. “Thanks,” she murmured, her voice quieter now. “Both of you.”

“We’ve got your back, Wild Cat,” Hawks said with a grin, his voice lightening just enough to ease the tension. “Now, let’s not let this ruin the day. Finish your boba and finish your date.”

After their talk, Hawks bid them goodbye with a warm smile, promising they’d catch up properly later. As he disappeared into the crowd, Sasha sat back down across from Eijirou, her mind still simmering with frustration over the encounter. She glanced at Eijirou, noticing the tension in his shoulders and the distant look in his eyes. She could tell he was still shaken, and it made her heart ache. She reached over, gently brushing her fingers against his arm.

“Hey…” she said softly, her amber eyes full of concern. “Are you okay?”

Eijirou sighed, his crimson eyes meeting hers. He reached up to rub the back of his neck, his usual confident demeanor replaced with quiet frustration. “I’m fine, I guess. Just… that guy,” he muttered, shaking his head. “He’s a total psycho. Was he the one who hurt you back then?”

Sasha nodded, leaning into him slightly. “Yeah,” she admitted, her voice steady despite the weight of the memory. “But don’t worry about me. I kicked his ass.” A small, proud smirk crossed her lips as she tried to lighten the mood.

Eijirou gave a short laugh, though the tension in his jaw didn’t fully fade. “Still,” he said, his tone firm, “if I’d known who he was when I saw him, I would’ve rearranged his face. No one messes with you, Sasha.”

Her smirk softened into a smile, and she placed a hand on his, squeezing gently. “I know, Eiji,” she said warmly. “But you don’t need to fight my battles for me. I’ve handled Hex before, and I’ll handle him again if I have to.”

“I get that,” he murmured, his expression softening as he looked at her. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t worry. I mean, the way he talked about you… like he owns you or something. It made my blood boil.” His hand clenched into a fist briefly before he exhaled and forced it to relax.

Sasha leaned closer, resting her head on his shoulder. “You don’t need to worry about him. He’s from a life I walked away from, and I’m not going back,” she said firmly. “You’re my future, Eiji, not him. Don’t let him get into your head.”

Her words seemed to ease some of the tension in him, and he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. “Okay,” he said quietly. “But if I ever see him again…”

Sasha chuckled softly, her tail flicking lightly against his leg. “I’ll let you take a swing at him. Deal?”

Eijirou grinned, his usual brightness returning as he kissed the top of her head. “Deal.”

Eijirou stirred his drink absentmindedly, his crimson eyes locked on Sasha, who was deep in thought. Hawks had left moments ago, leaving an air of tension behind.

“You okay?” Eijirou asked softly, breaking the silence.

Sasha looked up at him, her amber eyes reflecting a mix of frustration and exhaustion. “Yeah. I just… I wasn’t expecting to have any of these conversations today,” she admitted, brushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “Hawks knew, Eiji. About Hex and the commission tailing me.”

Eijirou’s hand froze mid-stir. “Wait, Hawks knew? And he didn’t tell you earlier?”

“He said he wasn’t sure at first, but when someone started following him and asking about me, he put it together,” she explained. She leaned forward, lowering her voice. “That’s why he came here. He wanted to warn me.”

Eijirou’s grip tightened around his cup. “So, they’re not just after you; they’re digging into the people around you too. That’s messed up.” And it explained the conversation he just had with Hex.

She nodded. “It’s getting worse. They’re desperate to get me back, and they’re not above using scare tactics. But I made my choice.”

“I know,” he said firmly, reaching over to take her hand. His rough palm was warm against hers. “But it’s not just about you anymore. If they’re targeting Hawks, they might come for the rest of us.”

“That’s what worries me most,” Sasha admitted, her voice quieter now. “I can handle myself. But if they hurt anyone I care about…”

“You’ll blame yourself,” he finished for her, his tone gentle. “But don’t. Whatever those commission jerks do, it’s on them, not you. You’re not responsible for their actions.”

Sasha squeezed his hand, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “You always know what to say, don’t you?”

Eijirou chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “I try. But seriously, what did Hawks say about all this? Did he have a plan?”

“He thinks I should focus on protecting myself and staying ahead of them,” Sasha said. “But he also warned me about Hex. He doesn’t think talking to him is a good idea.”

“Well, he’s right about that,” Eijirou said, his jaw tightening. “Hex sounds like a complete maniac. The guy’s unhinged.”

Sasha sighed, leaning her chin on her hand. “I know. But part of me thinks I need to face them eventually. Hiding isn’t going to solve anything.”

Eijirou frowned but didn’t argue. Instead, he stood and moved to her side, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Whatever you decide, I’m with you,” he said. “Always.”

She smiled up at him, her amber eyes softening. “Thanks, Eiji. That means a lot.”

He grinned, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “What are boyfriends for?”

Sasha and Eijirou finished their food quietly, their earlier conversation lingering in the air like a cloud. As they left the café and strolled through the mall, Eijirou noticed her expression—pensive and tinged with disappointment. Her amber eyes seemed to reflect the weight of her troubles.

Eijirou gently tugged her hand, leading her to a nearby fountain surrounded by lush greenery and soft golden lighting. The sound of the cascading water created a calming backdrop. He stopped, turned to her, and kissed her knuckles, earning a small, surprised smile.

"Hey," he said softly, his crimson eyes full of concern. "Sit here for a sec. Be right back, okay?"

Sasha blinked, tilting her head in confusion, but she nodded. "Alright," she murmured, taking a seat at the edge of the fountain. She watched as he walked off, his usual confident stride slightly more purposeful.

Left alone with her thoughts, Sasha’s mind wandered to what she knew had to happen next. After her next class, she’d have to face Hatasu. She’d have to tell him, in no uncertain terms, to back off and withdraw Hex from whatever twisted plan they were concocting. The thought of confronting her former colleagues—people she once trusted—gnawed at her. Would they even listen? Could she make them stop without everything spiraling further out of control?

Minutes passed, and Sasha rested her chin on her hand, lost in the noise of the fountain and her swirling thoughts. She barely noticed Eijirou return until his voice broke through.

"Hey, stranger," he teased, sitting beside her. His broad grin was contagious, but it was the playful glint in his eyes that brought her out of her haze. "This seat taken?"

Before she could respond, he revealed his surprise—a single, delicate rose held behind his back. He presented it to her with a flourish, a mock-serious expression on his face as though it were the most important gift in the world.

Sasha’s eyes lit up, a genuine smile breaking through her previous gloom. She took the rose gingerly, as if it were fragile. "Yeah," she said, her tone playful as her tail swished slightly behind her. "Taken by my amazing boyfriend."

"Good," Eijirou said, his grin widening. "Because no one else gets that spot."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "You’re impossible sometimes, you know that?"

"Maybe," he admitted, leaning closer so their shoulders brushed. "But I also know when the person I love needs a little cheering up."

Sasha’s smile softened, her free hand reaching to rest on his arm. "Thanks, Eiji. You always know how to make me feel better."

"That’s the plan," he said, his voice warm. "Now, tell me what’s really on your mind. Is it Hex? What did he say to you?"

Sasha sighed, twirling the rose between her fingers. "Yeah. I’m just trying to figure out how to deal with them without dragging anyone else into it. I hate that they’re still finding ways to control me, even after all these years."

Eijirou’s expression grew serious, but his hand found hers, steadying her. "Sasha, you’re not alone in this. You don’t have to face them by yourself. I’m here, and so is everyone else who cares about you."

Her amber eyes met his, shimmering with unshed tears. "I know. I just... it’s hard not to feel like it’s my fight. My responsibility."

Eijirou leaned closer, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "It’s okay to lean on people, Sash. You’ve been strong for so long. Let us be strong for you, too."

She smiled at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. She’d heard this plenty of times, but her thoughts had also bothered her plenty of times. She was glad to have so many people in her life who were happy to reassure her when she was down. "What did I do to deserve you, Eiji?"

He chuckled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Probably saved the world a couple of times. No big deal."

Her laughter echoed softly around the fountain, her head nuzzling against his shoulder. For a moment, her worries seemed lighter, held at bay by the strength and love of the boy beside her.

Deciding to throw in the towel on their date, Sasha and Eijirou made their way back to the dorms. The warmth of the familiar halls and the low hum of chatter greeted them as they entered. Their classmates, sensing that the couple wasn't in the mood to share details about their outing, simply offered them knowing smiles and brief waves as they passed. It was a silent understanding—something they were all good at after spending so much time together.

Eijirou walked Sasha to her room, his hand lingering on hers as they stopped outside her door. His expression softened, but there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "I’m sorry today wasn’t the break you needed," he said quietly, running a hand through his hair. "You’ve been through so much. You deserved something better than this."

Sasha’s lips curled into a small, tender smile as she shook her head. Standing on her toes, she reached up and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. In that moment, nothing else mattered. The world’s chaos melted away, leaving only the warmth they shared.

When they pulled apart, she rested her forehead against his for a brief second before whispering, "Every moment I get to spend with you is a break, Eiji."

Her words made his cheeks flush a deep red, and a dopey grin spread across his face. "You’re gonna make my heart explode, Sash," he mumbled, scratching the back of his neck. He leaned down and kissed her forehead gently. "Goodnight, love. Sleep well, okay?"

"You too," she replied softly, watching him walk down the hall before she turned and opened her door.

The second she stepped inside, the warmth from the hallway evaporated. Her playful smile dropped, replaced by a sharp, cold expression. Her leopard-like ears twitched slightly as she picked up a faint, familiar scent. The hairs on her tail bristled. "I knew I smelled Hatasu..." she muttered under her breath, her voice low and edged with a growl. She closed the door quietly, scanning the room for anything out of place.

Her eyes landed on her bed, and her breath hitched. Lying in the center of her neatly made covers was a single photograph. Her stomach twisted as she approached, her boots clicking softly against the floor. Picking up the photo with trembling fingers, her eyes locked onto the image.

It was a hand—slender, delicate, unmistakably feminine. Blood smeared across the pale skin, but it wasn’t the blood that caught her attention. It was the ring. Her mother’s wedding ring. A simple gold band with an engraving she knew by heart: Together Always.

The photo shook in her hand as memories flashed through her mind. Her mother’s hands, soft and warm, brushing her hair on quiet nights. Those same hands guiding her as they cooked together in the kitchen. Hands that once represented love and safety.

You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me," she growled, her voice rough and breaking. Her teeth clenched, and her nails dug into the photograph. The rage boiling inside her was only matched by the icy chill of fear creeping down her spine.

This wasn’t just a message, it felt like more than that. It was a warning—a cruel, calculated reminder that the commission knew how to hurt her.

“Training can’t be easy with that thing on,” Eijirou said with a grin, catching his breath as he straightened up after dodging her attack. He glanced at the belt wrapped around her waist, impressed. She had been pushing herself harder than usual lately, determined to get stronger.

Sasha smirked, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. “If it was easy, it wouldn’t be worth it, right?”

Eijirou chuckled, stepping back into a defensive stance. “Guess that’s true,” he said, his eyes gleaming with admiration. He couldn’t help but take in the sight of her—her blonde hair tied back in a ponytail, loose strands framing her face, and her skin glowing under the rising sun. But it was her eyes that always captured him most, those beautiful, determined amber eyes that never lost their spark, no matter how hard she pushed herself.

He felt lucky, so unbelievably lucky, to be with her. Sasha wasn’t just talented and gorgeous; she was driven, resilient, and kind. He had never met anyone like her before.

Sasha caught his look and raised an eyebrow. “What?” she asked, a teasing smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Getting distracted, Red Riot?”

Eijirou laughed, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “Maybe a little. Can you blame me? You’re kinda amazing.”

Her smile softened, and for a moment, the intensity of the sparring match faded into the background. Sasha felt her heart warm at his words. Even in the middle of training, he never failed to make her feel special and loved.

“Thanks, Eiji,” she said softly, then, with a quick move, she lunged at him, shoving him back with her forearm before sweeping his legs out from under him. “But don’t lose focus.” She grinned down at him playfully.

Eijirou hit the ground with a thud, blinking up at her in surprise before he broke out into laughter. “Okay, okay, I deserved that.” He shrugged, knowing he let himself get distracted. 

Sasha laughed too, reaching down to help him up. “You did, but I’ll go easy on you next time.” 

He grinned as he took her hand, pulling himself to his feet. “No way. Don’t hold back. You know I like a challenge.”

The two of them stood there for a moment, catching their breath, the morning sun casting long shadows across the field. Soon, their classmates would join them, but for now, it was just the two of them, sharing this quiet moment together before their day really began.

Sasha looked up at Eijirou, her heart full. “We make a pretty good team, huh?”

Eijirou smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Yeah, we do. And we’ll keep getting stronger together.” 

Without saying a word, they both leaned in, their lips meeting in a sweet, loving kiss. The world seemed to fade around them, just for a moment, as they shared this quiet, tender connection.

When they finally pulled away, they gazed into each other’s eyes, amber meeting crimson, both full of warmth and affection. Sasha’s heart swelled as she smiled at Eijirou, and he returned it with that bright, beaming grin that always made her feel safe and loved.

But the peaceful moment didn’t last long.

“Awww!” came a chorus of voices, followed by a few chuckles.

Sasha and Eijirou turned their heads, blushing in unison as they saw their classmates approaching. Mina, Sero, Denki, and even Jiro had amused grins plastered across their faces.

“Wow, morning workouts and morning makeouts? You two really do everything together, huh?” Sero teased, his grin wide as he slung an arm over Denki’s shoulder.

Denki snickered, nudging Sero back. “Gotta admit, it was pretty cute.”

Mina clasped her hands together dramatically, batting her eyelashes. “Love is in the air! I’m feeling all the romance vibes. You guys are too adorable!” She cooed at the pair.

Jiro shook her head but smirked. “You know, I should’ve known this is what we’d walk into,” She chuckled softly.

Sasha and Eijirou exchanged embarrassed smiles, their cheeks still flushed. Eijirou rubbed the back of his neck, laughing a little. “Guess we should’ve expected this, huh?”

Sasha playfully elbowed him. “Yeah, but I’m sure we can handle it.” She turned to their classmates with a grin. “Alright, alright, get your teasing in now, because we’ve got training to do.”

Their friends laughed but didn’t let up, playfully poking fun as they all stretched and prepared for training together. Despite the teasing, Sasha felt a warmth in her chest—surrounded by friends, supported by her teammates, and, most of all, loved by the boy who stood proudly by her side.

Once the playful teasing had died down, Sasha stepped forward with a determined gleam in her eyes. She knew the importance of learning new techniques, especially in the field, and today, she had something special in mind for her classmates.

“Alright, guys,” Sasha said, clapping her hands together to get their attention. “Enough fun for now. Today, I’m going to teach you all about pressure points.”

The group blinked in surprise, and Denki tilted his head. “Pressure points? Like... acupuncture stuff?”

Sasha chuckled softly. “Sort of, but we’re not talking about healing here. Pressure points can be used to incapacitate, disarm, or even knock someone out if you know what you’re doing.” Her tone shifted to something more serious, a faint echo of her days as an agent coming through. “Like I said yesterday, in a fight, knowing where to strike can give you an edge—especially against a stronger or faster opponent.”

The others exchanged curious glances, now fully focused on what she had to say. Even Bakugou crossed his arms and gave a nod, clearly interested in what Sasha had up her sleeve.

She motioned for Eijirou to step up beside her. “Eijirou here is going to help me demonstrate. Don’t worry, I won’t hurt him... too much,” she teased, flashing him a playful grin.

Eijirou chuckled, rolling his shoulders as he prepared himself. “I trust you. Let’s show ‘em how it’s done.” 

Sasha stood beside him, turning to face the group. “Alright, there are specific points on the body that, when struck with enough precision and force, can either knock someone out or incapacitate them. These can be incredibly useful in combat situations where you need to take someone down quickly, or when you’re dealing with an opponent that might be too powerful to take head-on.”

She gestured to a spot near Eijirou’s neck. “The first one is the carotid artery. If you strike it just right, you can temporarily cut off the blood flow to the brain, which can cause unconsciousness. It’s effective, but you have to be careful. Too much pressure for too long, and you can seriously hurt someone.”

She lightly tapped the spot on Eijirou’s neck, and he nodded in understanding, standing still as she continued.

“Another one is here.” She pointed to a spot just above his elbow. “This is the ulnar nerve. A sharp strike here can cause intense pain, possibly making someone drop a weapon if they’re holding one. This is one of my favorites.”

Denki shuddered, rubbing his own elbow instinctively. “Yikes, sounds painful.”

“Oh, it is,” Sasha said with a smirk, “but that’s kind of the point.” As she spoke, she could remember using that move against Hex. They’d argued on a mission and he threw a tantrum, attacking her with a blade. It was thanks to her knowledge on pressure points that she was able to disarm him.

She then moved her hand to a spot on Eijirou’s torso. “There are pressure points on the torso that can cause shortness of breath or intense pain, like the solar plexus. A well-placed strike here can knock the wind out of your opponent, leaving them gasping for air.”

Sero raised an eyebrow. “Have you used all of these…?”

Sasha hesitated for just a moment before nodding. “Let’s just say I’ve learned a lot of things over the years. I’ve been in a lot of fights with a lot of powerful villains. My quirk brings me a couple advantages like my claws and speed. But without skill and knowledge, they won’t help much.”

Mina raised her hand excitedly. “Can you knock someone out with just a light touch? Like in the movies?”

Sasha smiled. “That’s more myth than fact. Pressure points can be effective as they are in movies, but as I said earlier, you still need the right amount of precision and force. Still, if used correctly, they’re an incredibly valuable tool in close combat.”

She turned to Eijirou. “You ready?” She asked, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She didn’t know teaching could be so fun. Maybe she’d come back to UA as a teacher after she retired from being a hero. But that wouldn’t be for a long while. 

With fluid movements, Sasha demonstrated the strikes, her fingers brushing lightly over the designated areas without causing harm, but her explanations made it clear that if she had used full force, the effects would’ve been significant.

As she wrapped up the lesson on pressure points, she stepped back and faced her classmates, who were all paying close attention, clearly impressed by her knowledge and how many weak points were on the body.

As Sasha finished her demonstration, the sound of approaching footsteps caught everyone’s attention. The students turned, spotting their homeroom teacher, Aizawa, walking toward them, his familiar laid-back expression softened by the morning light. His hands were in his pockets, and his usual tired gaze seemed more thoughtful than usual.

“Mr. Aizawa!” Mina called out cheerfully, waving at him. The others quickly followed suit, calling out greetings as Aizawa approached.

Aizawa gave a faint nod in response, stopping just short of the group. His eyes flicked over each of them, taking in their confident stances, the sense of responsibility they shared, and the clear signs of improvement in their movements. For a moment, he didn’t say anything, and the students exchanged curious glances.

Finally, Aizawa spoke, his voice as calm and measured as ever. “It’s been a while since I’ve watched you all train like this.” He paused, his gaze lingering on Sasha and Eijirou before moving to the rest of the group. “You’ve all come a long way since your first year.”

The words, though simple, carried a weight that made the students stand a little taller, pride welling up inside them. Sasha’s heart swelled as she exchanged a glance with Eijirou, and she could see the same sense of accomplishment mirrored in his eyes.

Aizawa continued, his tone still casual but tinged with something that almost felt like fondness. “When you all started out, you were rough around the edges—hot-headed, inexperienced, and more than a little reckless. Some of you more than others,” he added, casting a brief, amused glance at Bakugou, who grunted and rolled his eyes but smirked nonetheless.

“But now, seeing how far you’ve come…” Aizawa’s gaze swept over the group again. “It’s clear you’ve grown—not just as fighters, but as heroes. You’ve learned to rely on each other, to support each other, and most importantly, to adapt.”

Denki scratched the back of his head, grinning. “Coming from you, that’s like the highest praise ever.”

Jiro nudged him, smirking as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Don’t let it go to your head, Denki.”

Aizawa gave a rare, almost imperceptible smile before turning to Sasha. “I see you’ve been sharing some of your skills, Namir. Good work.” He gave her a small nod.

Sasha blinked in surprise at the compliment, warmth filling her chest. “Thanks, Sensei,” she said, her voice steady despite the flutter of pride she felt.

“You’ve all been working hard,” Aizawa continued, addressing the group again. “And it shows. Keep pushing yourselves. I came out here to check on your progress, and I’m glad to see I wasn’t disappointed.”

Mina grinned, practically bouncing on her toes. “Hearing you say that makes me wanna train even harder!”

“Same here,” Sero added, cracking his knuckles with a determined grin.

Bakugo crossed his arms, trying to hide how pleased he was. “Tch. We’ll be even stronger next time you see us.”

Aizawa’s gaze softened just a little. “I don’t doubt that.”

The group exchanged glances, all of them feeling the weight of their teacher’s words. Aizawa was never one to give out praise freely, and hearing it now made them realize just how far they had come. They weren’t just students anymore—they were on their way to becoming real heroes.

“Now get back to work,” Aizawa said, his tone slipping back into his usual no-nonsense demeanor. “You’re all capable of more, so don’t get complacent.”

The students grinned, energized by the rare praise, and quickly prepared to resume their training. Sasha, still feeling the warmth from Aizawa’s words, glanced at her classmates. She could see the same pride and determination reflected in their faces. They truly had come a long way.

Sasha stood among her classmates, feeling the buzz of energy Aizawa’s praise had stirred in all of them. But as they prepared to return to their training, a sudden idea sparked in her mind. She glanced at Aizawa with a mischievous glint in her amber eyes, a smirk slowly forming on her lips.

"Hey, Mr. Aizawa," she called out, causing her classmates to turn their heads in curiosity. "Would you spar with me? I’d like to see just how far I’ve really come."

The air seemed to shift as her words hung in the space between them. Her classmates were shocked, wide-eyed as they exchanged glances. Mina gasped, while Denki, Ojiro and Sero's jaws practically dropped.

“Sasha… are you serious?” Hagakure exclaimed, not believing what she just heard.

Even Bakugo looked mildly impressed by her audacity, but he kept his usual cool exterior.

Eijirou was the next to speak up, his expression torn between pride and worry. “I love you, but… winning against Mr. Aizawa? That’s a stretch, Sash.”

Sasha smiled at him, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. “I’m not trying to win,” she said, her voice calm but filled with determination. “I just want to see where I stand, and learn something new in the process.”

Aizawa raised an eyebrow, his tired eyes watching her carefully as if weighing her challenge. After a long moment, he exhaled and slowly began pulling his capture scarf from around his neck. “Alright, Namir,” he said, folding the scarf in his hand. “But remember, this is a spar. Don’t take it lightly just because I’m your teacher.”

Sasha nodded, excitement bubbling up inside her. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Her classmates stepped back, creating a circle around them as the anticipation built. The sparring ground was set, and a thick tension filled the air.

Aizawa stood calmly, his body relaxed but ready, as always. Sasha took a deep breath, centering herself, and dropped into her own stance. She knew this was a tall order—Aizawa wasn’t just a seasoned pro hero, he was a master tactician. But she wasn’t aiming for victory. She wanted to push herself, to learn.

“Begin,” Aizawa said simply, and in the blink of an eye, Sasha moved.

She darted toward him with incredible speed, her weighted belt barely slowing her down. She threw a series of quick jabs, testing his defenses, but Aizawa sidestepped each one with smooth, effortless precision. His movements were fluid, almost as if he knew what she was going to do before she did it.

Sasha wasn’t deterred. She pressed on, increasing the intensity, launching a high kick aimed at his head. Aizawa dodged again, his capture scarf snapping into his hands as he blocked her next strike. His movements were minimal, almost casual, but he was always one step ahead of her, reading her attacks with ease.

Still, Sasha kept pushing, her mind racing as she tried to anticipate his next move. She threw a sweeping low kick, trying to knock him off balance, but Aizawa caught her foot with his scarf, expertly pulling her momentum forward. She stumbled but caught herself, spinning into a defensive stance before he could capitalize on the mistake.

“That’s it,” Aizawa said, his voice calm but approving. “You’re learning. If you aren’t able to read an opponent’s moves, you should be able to adapt to them quickly.”

Her classmates watched in awe, unable to believe how well Sasha was holding her own. Eijirou’s fists were clenched, both in excitement and concern. He knew how strong Aizawa was, but watching Sasha push herself like this made him swell with pride.

The spar continued, a flurry of movements and counters. Sasha was fast, skilled, and strategic, but Aizawa was simply on another level. Every time she thought she had an opening, he would shut it down with minimal effort, always staying just out of reach.

Then, in a swift motion, Aizawa used his scarf to disarm her, pulling her off balance. In the next moment, she found herself with his scarf wrapped tightly around her wrists, her arms pulled gently behind her back, signaling the end of the match.

Sasha let out a breath, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she stood still, the adrenaline coursing through her. She’d lost—but not without putting up a good fight.

Aizawa released her and stepped back, his expression unreadable. “You’ve improved, Sasha,” he said, tucking his scarf around his neck again. “You’re faster, stronger, and more focused than before. But you still have room to grow. You need to read your opponent better and anticipate counters. But your instincts are good.”

Sasha smiled, wiping the sweat from her brow. “Thanks, Mr. Aizawa. I’ll keep working on it.” She couldn’t imagine what fighting him would be like if she was actually a threat. She was glad Aizawa was a hero, that was for sure.

Her classmates burst into cheers and applause, clearly impressed by her performance. Even Bakugo gave her a short nod of approval, which from him, was high praise.

Eijirou rushed over, grinning widely as he pulled her into a hug. “That was amazing! I knew you’d do great.”

Sasha laughed breathlessly, leaning into him. “Thanks. I learned a lot.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. 

Mina beamed. “Sasha, you were incredible! I don’t think I’d have the guts to ask Aizawa to spar.”

Denki nodded rapidly. “Seriously, that was awesome! You went toe-to-toe with Eraserhead!”

Aizawa, ever the composed teacher, gave them all one last nod before turning to leave. “Good work, everyone. Keep pushing yourselves. And Sasha—well done today.”

As he walked away, Sasha smiled, the sting of her loss fading in the glow of her teacher’s praise. She had taken on the challenge, learned from it, and hopefully used the opportunity to teach her peers a few things as well. That was more than enough for her.

Sasha wiped the sweat from her forehead, still catching her breath from the intense sparring session with Aizawa. Her body ached, but there was a sense of accomplishment in her eyes as she looked at her classmates, all still buzzing from the match they’d just witnessed.

She took a deep breath and straightened up, rolling her shoulders as she focused back on the group. “Alright, everyone,” She said, her voice strong despite her exhaustion. “I’ve got one more thing to teach you today. Let’s talk about the major arteries.”

The others exchanged curious glances, and Sero raised an eyebrow. “Arteries? Like, the blood kind?”

Sasha nodded, her expression serious. “Exactly. Knowing where the main arteries are and how to target them can be just as important as knowing pressure points. This kind of knowledge can make the difference between life and death in a fight, for you and your opponent.”

She scanned the group, then locked eyes with Iida, who stood tall with a thoughtful expression. “Iida, come on up,” She said with a grin.

Iida immediately stepped forward, always eager to contribute to any lesson. “It would be my honor, Sasha. Anything to help the class learn.”

Sasha nodded and motioned for him to stand in front of the others. “Now, the thought of cutting into or hitting an artery might sound scary. And it should—arteries are vital to keeping the body functioning. But, in some situations, knowing where to strike can subdue an opponent without killing them. It can force them to slow down, making them lethargic and less able to fight, without putting their life at risk—if done properly.”

She gestured to Iida’s neck, touching lightly with her fingertips. “This is the carotid artery,” she said, indicating both sides of his neck. “You’ve already learned that cutting off blood flow here can knock someone out. But if you’re in a dire situation and need to incapacitate, a cut here will make them lose consciousness as well. Of course, this is risky and should only be done with extreme caution.”

Sasha moved her hand to his inner arm, near the bicep. “Next is the brachial artery, which runs down the inside of the upper arm. If you can’t reach the neck, this is another target. Striking here hard enough or cutting can cause major blood loss, but it also makes it harder for the opponent to use their arm effectively.”

The students were watching intently now, hanging on her every word. Bakugo seemed intrigued, while Mina and Denki exchanged nervous glances.

Iida, for his part, was standing still like a statue, ready to assist wherever needed.

Sasha then pointed to the inside of Iida’s thigh. “Finally, we have the femoral artery, located here in the leg. This is one of the largest arteries in the body, and a serious cut here can incapacitate someone quickly. They’ll be unable to move effectively, and blood loss will make them weak.”

She straightened up, her expression serious as she glanced at the group again. “I know this sounds intense. The idea of cutting or striking someone's artery is pretty terrifying, and I’m not teaching you this to encourage anyone to go around slicing people up. But knowing where these arteries are and how to control a fight with precision can give you the upper hand. It’s about understanding the body and using that knowledge to stop a threat without unnecessary violence.”

Sero gulped and raised a hand. “But… if you hit an artery, won’t they bleed out?”

Sasha nodded, but her expression was calm. “Yes, they could. But if you know where to strike and how to control the fight, you can incapacitate someone without killing them. It’s a fine line to walk, and it requires a lot of focus and control. And if something does go wrong, you need to know basic first aid to stop the bleeding.”

She smiled gently, trying to ease the tension. “The goal is to avoid permanent damage whenever possible. But in high-stakes fights, knowledge like this can be the difference between getting out alive or not. Use it responsibly.”

Iida, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. “Thank you, Sasha, for the insightful lesson! It is always vital to remember that as heroes, our priority is to subdue without causing unnecessary harm!” He looked out at the rest of his classmates. “But in extreme cases, this kind of knowledge is indispensable.”

Sasha smiled, nodding in agreement. “Exactly. It’s about balance. Protect yourself, protect others, but always aim to minimize harm.”

The group seemed to relax a bit after that, though they still wore thoughtful expressions as they absorbed everything Sasha had taught them.

“Any questions?” Sasha asked, looking around at her classmates.

Bakugo cracked his knuckles, smirking. “Hmph, sounds like something I could use.”

Sasha grinned back at him. “Just make sure you practice that precision first, Bakugo. Otherwise, you’re in for a mess.”

The group laughed at that, the tension easing as they absorbed the lesson, all of them more determined than ever to grow as both heroes and fighters.

Sasha watched her classmates practice the moves she had just taught them, a deep sense of pride swelling in her chest. Each of them was focused, taking the lesson seriously, trying out the safer strikes and techniques on each other under her guidance. The sparring session with both Eijirou and Aizawa had left its mark on her, not just physically, but mentally as well. She felt sharper, more grounded, but she was also tired.

As the morning wore on, she decided it was time for a break. “I’m gonna grab something to drink,” she called out to the group, waving them off as they continued their training.

Eijirou, always attentive, immediately looked up from his sparring with Denki. “Want me to come with you?”

Before Sasha could respond, Bakugou swung at Eijirou, narrowly missing him but grinning as he shouted, “Stay focused, dumbass! You’re not done yet!”

Sasha chuckled, shaking her head. “Bakugou’s right. Keep training, I won’t be long.” She smiled at Eijirou, reassuring him before turning on her heel and heading toward the vending machines at the edge of the training grounds.

The walk gave her a moment to breathe and reflect on the day. She felt good—stronger, more capable. Her mind wandered briefly to her sparring with Aizawa. It had pushed her limits, but it also reaffirmed how far she had come. 

As she approached the vending machine, her eyes scanned the options. She hesitated, trying to decide between an energy drink or water when she heard faint footsteps behind her. Her senses immediately heightened, and a familiar scent drifted through the air—Hatasu.

Sasha’s body tensed. She spun around quickly, her amber eyes narrowing as she locked onto the man standing a few feet away. Hatasu, with his calm demeanor, watched her with a neutral expression, his hands in his pockets.

“What do you want?” Sasha demanded, her voice steady but edged with suspicion.

Hatasu raised his hands slightly, as if to show he meant no harm. “Relax, Quinn. I just want to talk.”

Sasha didn’t relax, though. She knew better than to trust him, especially with recent events. “Talk about what? You know I’m done with the commission.”

Hatasu’s expression softened slightly, though it was hard to tell if it was genuine or just another manipulation tactic. “It’s about your parents.”

The mention of her parents hit her like a punch to the gut. She instinctively straightened, her guard still up but her heart aching. “What about them? Why do you both keep bringing them up?” She clenched her fists. Thankfully, she’d wrapped bandages around her palms to prevent her claws from penetrating her palms when she made fists. Normally, she’d wear special gloves with her hero suit.

Hatasu took a small step closer, keeping his voice calm and measured. “I know you’ve always had questions about their deaths. The truth about what happened… I have those answers. All you have to do is come back. Become an agent again, and I’ll tell you everything.”

Sasha’s fists clenched tighter at her sides. It was a low blow, using her parents like that. She shook her head firmly. “No. I’m not going back. You can keep your ‘answers.’”

Hatasu tilted his head slightly, his tone growing more persuasive. “Think about it, Sasha. Your parents were agents. You’d be following in their footsteps, continuing their legacy. Don’t you think they’d be proud of you for it? For doing what they did?”

For a moment, Sasha wavered. Her heart ached at the thought. She had always wanted to make her parents proud, to live up to the heroes they were. And part of her, deep down, still wondered what really happened to them and why they became agents in the first place.

But then she remembered their voices, the love they had for her, the way they always wanted her to be free to choose her own path. They had never pressured her to follow in their footsteps; they just wanted her to be happy, to live her life as she saw fit.

She straightened, her resolve hardening. “My parents wouldn’t want me to go down the same path that destroyed them. They wanted better for me.”

Hatasu’s calm mask faltered for just a second, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face before he regained his composure. “Sasha, you’re being stubborn.”

“No,” Sasha said firmly. “I’m being smart. I’m not falling for your manipulations anymore, Hatasu. I’m done with the commission, and I’m done with you.”

Hatasu sighed, looking at her with a mix of disappointment and frustration. “You’re making a mistake. The truth will come out, one way or another.”

Sasha held her ground, her gaze unwavering. “Maybe. But I’ll find it on my own terms. Not yours.”

Without another word, Hatasu turned and began walking away, disappearing into the shadows as quickly as he had appeared. Sasha exhaled deeply, her heart pounding in her chest.

As she stood there, her thoughts briefly swirled around what he had said. The temptation, the lure of knowing the truth about her parents… it had been real. But she wasn’t going to let herself be manipulated anymore. She was stronger now.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Sasha turned back to the vending machine, grabbed a bottle of water, and made her way back to her friends. They were her family now, her reason to keep fighting, and she wasn’t going to let anything—especially her past—pull her away from that. She cared for her parents, and she wished she had answers. But she had to move on.

She just hoped she could.

As the training session continued, Sasha remained quieter than usual, her mind preoccupied with the encounter with Hatasu. She watched her classmates, occasionally offering a small correction or bit of advice, but the usual lightness in her demeanor was missing. When they finally wrapped up, she let out a heavy sigh and gave the group a small, tired smile.

"You all did great today," she said softly, her voice carrying a mix of pride and exhaustion. "Let’s take a break and grab some lunch."

But her smile didn’t seem to convince them. Mina tilted her head, concern in her big eyes. "Sasha, are you okay? You’ve been kinda off since you came back."

The rest of the group turned their attention to her, their worry evident in their faces. Bakugou, always perceptive in his own way, narrowed his eyes. “Something happened, didn’t it?”

Sasha sighed heavily, not wanting to burden them but also knowing that they deserved to know. “Yeah… something did.” She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts, then finally spoke. “The commission… they’re trying to use the death of my parents to manipulate me. One of them approached me earlier, and said he had answers, but only if I became an agent again.”

Her voice wavered slightly as she admitted it, the weight of it pressing down on her. Before she could say more, she felt the warmth of Eijirou behind her. His arms wrapped around her gently, pulling her into a comforting hug from behind. His chin rested on her shoulder, his strong presence grounding her in that moment.

“That’s so messed up,” Denki said, his usual lighthearted tone gone. “They’re seriously using that against you?”

“It’s unforgivable,” Iida added, his expression firm, as if he were ready to march over to the commission himself. “How can they exploit such a personal tragedy like that?”

Mina’s face was filled with empathy, and even Mineta, who was usually quick with a joke, just shook his head in disbelief.

asha nodded, feeling their concern and anger for her. “It is messed up,” she admitted quietly, “but I’m not going back. My mind is made up.”

“We know,” Eijirou said softly in her ear, squeezing her a little tighter. “We trust you. But… we’re worried about you. This is a lot to deal with.”

Bakugou crossed his arms, his usual scowl in place, though there was a softness in his eyes. “Yeah, you’re strong, but don’t be an idiot and act like this stuff doesn’t get to you..”

The others nodded in agreement, their faces full of genuine concern. Sasha could feel the warmth of their support surrounding her, and for the first time since her encounter with Hatasu, the weight on her chest felt lighter.

Her heart swelled with emotion as she looked at her friends—her family. They were worried, but they believed in her, and that meant everything.

She smiled, this time a true, heartfelt one. “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice steady now. “It’ll be okay. I’ll be okay. I promise.”

They nodded, still watching her with protective eyes, but it seemed to ease the tension in the air. The bond they shared was strong, and in that moment, it only reinforced Sasha’s earlier thoughts. She couldn’t do anything about her parents death, so her focus would be on her new family.

With a deep breath, Sasha stepped out of Eijirou’s embrace and clapped her hands together. “Alright, enough heavy stuff. Who’s ready for lunch?”

They all let out lighthearted cheers and began to make their way back to the dorms, Iida leading the way and telling everyone how proud he was. 

Ochako was excited to shower. 

Momo offered to make tea, and Sato said he had cookies to go with it. 

Bakugou and Eijirou argued over who won their match. 

Izuku was jotting down everything he learned as they walked, Todoroki looking over his shoulder.

Mineta fawned over his female classmates and Mina smacked the back of his head when he ran his mouth too much, with Ojiro, Hagakure and Asui laughing at the sight.

Denki planted a big kiss on Jirou’s cheek and she scolded him, but blushed and smiled nonetheless. This led to them being teased this time by Sero.

Koda spoke with a few birds and chuckled when they landed on Shoji, who moved stiffly.

And Aoyama spoke with Fumikage, the two being total opposites who surprisingly got along more than anyone would think.

Sasha looked at all of these amazing people bustling around her. Normally, so much noise would overwhelm her, but this was different. There was comfort in her classmates and their shenanigans.

This was what she was protecting. 

- Elsewhere… -

Hex paced back and forth, his frustration bubbling over as he glared at Hatasu. His sharp eyes narrowed, his hands fidgeting with a knife he casually tossed and caught. "This peaceful crap isn’t working, Hatasu. We should’ve grabbed her when she was alone, taken her by force. We could've broken her by now, made her realize she doesn't have a choice."

Hatasu remained seated at the rickety table in the center of the room, calm as always, his fingers drumming thoughtfully against a suspicious-looking folder. It was thick, well-worn, and bore the name "Quinns", with “Confidential” stamped under it in bold red letters. His gaze was sharp, calculating, as he considered Hex’s outburst.

“We haven’t failed yet,” Hatasu said smoothly, not even glancing up at his partner. “Remember, patience is key. She’s stubborn, but everyone has their breaking point.”

Hex sneered, his temper flaring. “You keep saying that, but it’s been a week. She’s not taking the bait. We should’ve made our move today while she was away from her little group of heroes. We had the perfect chance.”

Hatasu finally looked up, his expression unreadable, though a flicker of annoyance crossed his features. “Kidnapping her would have been messy. Her classmates would’ve noticed she was gone, and the police would be hunting us. Not to mention the heroes she’s surrounded by.”

Hex scoffed, but Hatasu held up a hand, stopping him mid-rant. “We push a little more. That’s all we need. She’s already shaken. I can see it in her eyes every time we meet. She’s fighting it, but deep down, she’s still curious. She wants answers, and that’s what we’ll use.”

Hex crossed his arms, clearly unconvinced. “And if that doesn’t work? Then what?”

A slow, calculating smile tugged at the corner of Hatasu’s lips as he lowered his gaze to the folder in his hands. “Then we bring out our trump card.”

He ran his fingers over the folder, lingering on the name “Quinns.” The contents inside were enough to break anyone, even someone as strong-willed as Sasha. He knew that if she wasn’t swayed by the promise of the truth, this file would push her over the edge.

Hex watched him, eyes narrowing as he noticed the shift in Hatasu’s demeanor. "What's in there?"

She paused, as if choosing her words carefully. The weight of what she was about to say hung in the air. She didn’t what she spoke of to affect her friend’s dreams, or to make them feel hopeless. Still, she didn’t exactly want to sugarcoat her own experience.

“When I was younger, they found me. The Commission recruits promising kids who show potential early on. They asked if I wanted to be a agent. They barely gave me a choice.” She sighed, running a hand through her hair. “They asked me if I wanted to find my parents, and I did. They said that it as the only way. I was enrolled in their training program before I even knew what was happening.”

“That sounds... intense,” Denki muttered, his usual carefree tone replaced with unease. 

Sasha nodded, her gaze hardening. “It was. The training wasn’t like UA’s. It wasn’t about making you stronger or better. It was about breaking you down. They push you past your limits—mentally, physically. Day after day, they forced me to fight, to hone my Quirk until I could barely stand. And if you failed? They’d make sure you regretted it.” 

“They... punished you?” Ochako asked quietly, her voice filled with shock. She wasn’t the only one who was already concerned as to where the story was going.

Sasha’s lips twisted into a bitter smile, and her gaze seemed to glaze over for a moment. “Punished isn’t the word. It was torture. They’d isolate you, deprive you of sleep, food. They’d put you in situations where you had no choice but to fight for your life—against simulations, sometimes against other trainees. And they’d watch. Always watching, recording everything. It was all just... experiments to them. To see how far we could go before we broke.”

Izuku’s eyes widened in horror. “That’s inhumane! How could they—”

“They wanted perfect agents,” Sasha interrupted, her tone sharp. “Not heroes. They wanted weapons they could control. They didn’t care about what we wanted. They didn’t care about what it did to us. We weren’t meant to be adored and cheered for. We were meant to get the jobs done that the public couldn’t handle. That the heroes couldn’t handle.”

Todoroki’s voice was cold when he spoke. “They treated you like tools. Like a means to an end.” That was something he knew well, and it seemed Sasha had experienced it to the extreme.

Sasha nodded slowly. “Exactly. I wasn’t Sasha to them. I was ‘Agent Wild Cat.’ Just another agent in their system. They tried to erase our identities, made us believe that being a hero was about following orders, no matter how wrong they felt. We were trained to act without thinking about morals or our own feelings, to obey, no matter the cost.”

“What about Naomasa?” Eijirou asked, wondering where Sasha’s guardian had been this entire time. Sasha could understand, that seemed like a pretty obvious question.

“Don’t be too hard on, Nao. I made his life hell until he agreed. Just like everyone else, of course he had faith in them, it hadn’t even occurred to him that they’d do all the heinous things they did,” She sighed, laying her head against Eijirou’s shoulder. “And he still doesn’t know.”

“You didn’t tell him?” Bakugou grunted, finally speaking him with a look of disbelief. “We’re findin’ out before him?”

“I’d just tell him I was spending the night at the agency, which wasn’t a lie. I was spending the nights to get ‘punished’, but I couldn’t tell him.” She looked up to meet his gaze. “How could I? He’d have done everything in his power to get me out. And, fine, that sounds right now. But back then? I was a child, and I was fairly new to living in Japan, and I was missing my parents. It felt like the only choice I had.”

Momo, who sat across from her on the couch, placed a hand on her knee. “Sasha, why didn’t you tell him after you left?” She asked softly, not wanting to make Sasha feel like she was being blamed for her own suffering.

Feeling her intentions, Sasha smiled and placed a hand over hers. “How are you supposed to tell someone something like that, knowing that they’d only blame themselves. I don’t know how to tell him.”

Eijirou gently rubbed her shoulder, holding her close to him. It broke his heart to see all of the apin she had been carrying. It was no wonder she had a bad habit of keeping secrets. It was the only way she’d been able to protect the people she loved from getting hurt all this time.

They gave her a moment before they asked her anything else, and she appreciated it. She hadn’t realized this would be so hard to talk about after so many years. For a while, she’d suffered from nightmares after leaving the commission, but those had died down. She figured that was a sign that those memories had  no hold on her anymore. 

God, she hated being wrong about these things.

Then came the question that was on everyone’s mind for a long time now. A question no one had really had the nerve to ask. “Did you ever—” Denki began, but Sasha cut him off. She could tell from his expression, he wanted to know if she’d ever killed anyone.

“They trained us to be perfect agents,” Sasha said, trying to keep her voice calm. She really hated talking about this, but it was about time she did. “But that wasn’t just about learning how to fight or survive. They taught us how to follow orders without question, to carry out missions no matter what... even if it meant hurting people. Civilians, sometimes. Other agents. Anyone in the way.”

Her words hit the room like a punch to the gut. They had already known the answer, but hearing it from her was something else altogether. No one could imagine what it must have been like, being manipulated into being a soldier who hurts anyone.

“I’ve hurt a lot people,” She said, her voice wavering a bit this time. “People who were scared, confused, just trying to live their lives. And I did it because I was told to. I didn’t question it for too long. It was easier not to.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “They told me it was for the greater good, that it was necessary for peace and order. And for a long time... I believed them.”

Ochako’s eyes filled with sadness as she reached out, her voice soft. “Sasha, that wasn’t your fault. They conditioned you—”

“But I still did it!” Sasha snapped, surprising herself with the force of her words. Her whole body tensed, her emotions finally spilling over as she spoke faster, her voice growing more frantic. “I can’t just say it wasn’t my fault and walk away from what I’ve done. I still see their faces. Every single person I hurt. I remember the way they looked at me, the fear in their eyes.”

Sasha’s eyes burned with unshed tears, her breath coming in short, ragged bursts. “And every night... I would see them in my dreams. No matter how hard I tried to forget, they were always there. Haunting me.” She looked away from them, hoping that it would aid in hiding these feelings she’d kept locked away. 

The room was suffocatingly quiet, but the weight of her words hung in the air like a storm cloud. Sasha could feel their eyes on her, but she didn’t want to meet them. She didn’t want to see the judgment, the disgust that she thought surely must be there.

“I dont have those nightmares anymore, not often anyway, but I don’t need to be asleep to be reminded of what I’ve done.” She paused to wipe her amber eyes, though that didn’t stop her from tearing up all over again  I try to tell myself I’m different now, that I’ve escaped, but... those things I did... they’ll never leave me.”

Eijirou’s voice, surprisingly calm but firm, broke the silence. “You were manipulated, Sasha. Used. They twisted you into something you weren’t meant to be.” He said, nuzzling his face into her hair. 

Sasha shook her head, her voice dropping to low murmur. “But I let them. I let them turn me into a monster.”

“No,” He said, his eyes fierce. “You’re not a monster. Not now, not ever. You were forced into something terrible, but you chose to leave. You chose to be better. That’s what matters.”

“What if I can never make up for what I’ve done? What if those faces never go away?” Sasha bit her lip to stop it from trembling. 

“They might not,” Todoroki said, his tone somber but full of understanding. “But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to heal. I’ve done things I regret too... things I can’t take back. But that doesn’t mean we stop trying to be better.”

Eijirou continued to speak with a quiet intensity, fiercely believing in every word he spoke. “You’re here now. You’re in UA because you want to learn to be a real hero. That’s what counts. You didn’t let them break you.”

Sasha finally looked up, her eyes shining with unshed tears. The sight broke Eijirou’s heart into a million pieces. It wasn’t often Sasha cried, so this must have been bothering her for years. He should have asked sooner. “But what if it’s too late? What if I’ve already done too much damage?” She asked, leaning into her boyfriend.

Bakugou, who had been silently listening for the most part, scoffed. “Too late? That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.” He stood up straight, his hands shoved into his pockets, but his voice was serious. “We’ve all screwed up at some point. Some more than others,” he added, glancing toward Izuku with a solemn, almost apologetic, look in his eyes. “But you don’t stop fighting just because you’ve got some dirt on your hands. You keep going. You keep moving forward.”

Izuku nodded in agreement. “Kacchan’s right. Being a hero isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making choices that count now. You can’t change the past, but you can decide what kind of hero you’re going to be from here on.” He spoke in that voice that made everyone admire him. That voice full of conviction, the one that made everyone feel like they could move forward.

Sasha looked around the room, seeing not judgment in their faces, but understanding. Compassion. Even from Bakugou, in his own abrasive way. She had braced herself for rejection, for them to see her the way she sometimes saw herself—a villain masquerading as a hero. But that wasn’t what she found in their eyes.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to forgive myself,” Sasha said softly, “but... I want to try. I want to try to be someone better. Someone who makes the people around them proud, not sad. Someone who saves people and doesn’t hurt them.”

“And you will,” Izuku said firmly, a determined smile on his face. “Because you’re not alone in this anymore. You have us. You have everyone, Sasha.”

Eijirou smiled down at her softly and pulled her into his lap for a bear hug. His big, strong arms felt so loving and reassuring, enveloping her like a security blanket. “We’re all trying to be better, one day at a time, babe. That’s what makes us heroes.”

Tears finally slipped down Sasha’s cheeks, but this time, they weren’t just tears of pain. She quickly moved to wipe them, letting out a emotional laugh. “Thanks, everyone..  You guys mean so much to me.”

Todoroki gave her a small nod, his expression softening. “We’ve all got our demons, Sasha. But you don’t have to face yours alone. Like Izuku said, you have us. So lean on us sometimes.”

…

As Sasha stepped out of UA’s main building, the cold autumn air hit her like a wave, but she didn’t mind. After the heavy conversation with her classmates, she needed space to think. Her thoughts swirled like a storm in her mind, but the crisp air helped clear it, even if only a little. She’d only shared a part of her past, she knew this wouldn’t be the first conversation they had. 

Baby steps.

They let her go, but not without hesitance. Eijirou didn’t want to leave her alone, but she’d said she needed space, so he wouldn’t deny her. He just hoped that she had truly started to believe what they said. That she wasn’t out there beating herself up, and that she could heal now.

The campus was quiet now, the late afternoon sun starting to disappear behind thick clouds. As she walked along the path that wound through the training grounds, she took a deep breath. Her classmates were right. She wasn’t "Agent Wild Cat" anymore.

That name had once filled her with purpose, but now it only brought memories of pain, regret, and the broken person she had been forced to become. No, that wasn’t her anymore. It had been years since she walked away from the Commission, and every step she took was a reminder that she had left that part of her behind.

Now, she was "Namir."

“Namir,” she thought to herself, letting the name roll through her mind. It was who she chose to be now. A hero who fought for hope, not for orders. She was no longer an agent for someone else’s twisted vision of peace. She was her own person—a hero trying to make things right.

As if the universe had decided to match her mood, the first raindrops began to fall from the gray sky. Sasha felt a cold drop land on her cheek and looked up as the rain began to pick up, soaking through her clothes almost instantly. She sighed, shaking her head with a humorless laugh. “Just my luck,” she muttered.

The sky opened up, the rain falling harder, and for a moment, she stood there in the downpour, feeling the weight of the water on her shoulders. She had expected to feel more alone out here, but oddly, she didn’t. Maybe it was the conversation, or maybe it was the fact that, for the first time in a long time, she knew she wasn’t carrying her burdens alone.

The sound of splashing footsteps broke through her thoughts. She turned around, blinking through the rain, and saw a group of familiar figures approaching her, huddled under their umbrellas. Bakugou, Denki, Sero, Mina—and at the front, holding the umbrella high with his seemingly unbreakable smile, was Eijirou.

“Sasha!” Eijirou called out, his voice filled with warmth. “Are you okay? We came to find you, you shouldn’t be just sitting out in the rain.”

Mina gave her a playful pout as she stood under the umbrella. “You didn’t think we’d just let you brood out here all by yourself, did you?”

Sasha felt a smile tugging at her lips despite the rain. Eijirou came closer, holding his umbrella over her head to shield her from the rain, the others crowding around as well.

“Come on, dumbass,” Bakugo grumbled, though his voice lacked its usual sharp edge. He stuffed his free hand in his pocket, looking away. “You’re gonna catch a cold if you stay out here.”

Denki shot her a thumbs up, grinning at her brightly. “We can’t have you getting sick, Namir! You’ve got hero training and well… Now you’ve got to train us. Something tells me we’re gonna need our new teacher.”

Sero nodded, balancing on the balls of his feet as he looked up at the umbrella. “Besides, the rain’s not gonna make things better. Trust me, we’ve all tried that at one point. You just end up cold!”

She laughed, a real laugh this time, the kind that felt like having a weight lifted off of her chest. It wasn’t loud or dramatic, but it felt... right. “Thanks,” she said, her voice softer than before, her heart warming at the sight of her friends gathered around her. And then her eyes drifted up to Eijirou. He gave her that encouraging look that always seemed to make everything just a little bit better.

He took her hand in his, squeezing it gently. “You’re not alone anymore, Sasha. We’re here with you. So let’s get out of this rain, yeah?” He suggested, tilting his head. 

Reaching up, she cupped his cheek and gently brought him down, pressing a loving kiss to his lips. Eijirou seemed to pause, surprised by the sudden action, before returning the kiss. She could hear the others “aweing” and whispering, excluding Bakugou who gave an exasperated groan. 

She pulled away after a moment and grinned up at him. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m thinking some hot chocolate or some of Momo’s tea sounds good right now,” She suggested, squeezing his hand back and linking their fingers.

As the group made their way back toward the dorms, the rain continued to come down around them. Sasha walked close to Eijirou, feeling his steady presence at her side, but it was Bakugou’s voice that broke through her thoughts.

“Oi, Cat,” Bakugo called out, glancing over at her, his voice gruff but not as loud. “I get it, y’know. About having regrets.”

Sasha blinked, surprised that Bakugou, Explosion Boy, of all people was about to open up. She raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue. Kirishima and the others listened, too, a little curious about where this was going.

Bakugou shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, his eyes fixed on the ground ahead. “I’ve screwed up, too. More than once. When I was younger... I was a real asshole to Izuku. Like, way worse than I was when we first met. Treated him like trash, like I was better than him.”

Denki and Sero exchanged glances, clearly not expecting this level of honesty from Bakugou, but no one interrupted him.

He huffed, almost embarrassed. “Looking back on it now... it’s pretty damn humiliating. The guy was the only real friend I had, and I treated him like crap. Didn’t realize it at the time, but that... it’s one of the things that haunted me.”

Sasha’s eyes softened. She hadn’t expected Bakugou to admit something like this, and she could feel the weight of his words. Even Bakugou had regrets, and they were clearly still with him, just as hers were.

“But here’s the thing,” Bakugou continued, his voice growing firmer and his gaze getting sharper. “You’ve gotta move on from your screw-ups, or you’ll never get better. If you let that shit hang over you forever, you’ll always be left behind. And I don’t know about you, but I’m not planning on being left behind by anyone.”

Sasha couldn’t help but smile. The way he said it was classic Bakugou—rough around the edges but real, and his message hit home. She chuckled softly, feeling lighter than she had in a while.

“Aww, you big softie,” she teased, playfully bumping his shoulder.

Bakugou barely had time to react before her nudge sent him flying, his feet slipping out from under him as he fell backward into a large puddle with a loud splash. The water and mud splattered everywhere, covering him from head to toe as he sat up, looking absolutely furious.

For a moment, there was dead silence—then everyone burst into laughter. Kirishima doubled over, clutching his stomach, while Mina and Sero pointed at Bakugou, tears of laughter streaming down their faces.

“Oh man, Kacchan! You okay down there?” Denki wheezed between fits of giggles.

Sasha stood there, her hands covering her mouth as she tried and failed to stop laughing. “I-I’m so sorry!” she said, barely able to speak through her laughter. She stepped forward, offering her hand to Bakugou. “Here, let me help you up.”

Bakugou glared at her but took her hand, pretending to accept the help. Just as she began to pull him to his feet, his lips curled into a wicked grin. Before she knew what was happening, he yanked her down with him, sending her tumbling face-first into the mud beside him with a gasp.

Now it was Sasha’s turn to be soaked in mud. The others exploded into fresh laughter as she sat up, covered in muck, her hair plastered to her face. She blinked, shocked for a second, before a grin spread across her face.

“You jerk!” she laughed, shoving Bakugou, which only made him smirk.

“Payback’s a bitch, huh?” he said, leaning back with that smug expression.

Sasha couldn’t help it. She lunged at him, tackling him back into the mud, laughing as they wrestled in the puddle. The others cheered them on, Mina and Denki practically rolling on the ground from laughter.

Kirishima shook his head, smiling fondly as he watched the scene unfold. “Well, that’s one way to cheer up. I’ve got my bet on Sasha!” He joked, wiping tears from all the laughter.

Eventually, Sasha and Bakugou sat up, both covered head to toe in mud but laughing nonetheless. Sasha wiped the grime from her face, still smiling as she looked at her friends– Her family. They weren’t just classmates anymore; they were people who cared about her, and in this moment, despite everything she’d been through that day, she felt a sense of peace.

…

Sero grinned. “At least you’ve got a new style going on, man. I’d say the muddy look really suits you. Might wanna add it to your hero suit!” He teased the ash blonde, pomeranian like man.

“Shut up,” Bakugou growled, but there was no real bite in his words. Even he couldn’t help but fight the urge to crack a smile.

When they entered the dorm, the rest of Class 1-A was lounging around in the common room, and immediately, everyone turned their heads. The moment they saw the state Sasha and Bakugou were in, the teasing began in full force.

“Oh wow, you two look like you had a fun time outside,” Koda joked, grinning from ear to ear. “We were worried about you when it started raining.”

Jirou smirked, shaking her head as Denki sat beside her, putting a wet arm around her shoulder “Yeah, the mud wrestling championship came early this year.”

Sasha rolled her eyes but smiled. “Alright, alright, laugh it up. We’re going to shower.”

Eijirou laughed along with everyone but gave her a warm smile as she walked past. “We’ll wait up for you, Sasha.”

She gave him a quick smile in return before heading to the showers, grateful to wash off the mud and the heaviness of the day. As the hot water poured over her, Sasha let herself unwind, her muscles relaxing after everything that had happened. The mud and the tension from earlier seemed to wash away down the drain, leaving her feeling lighter and happier. 

A good shower really could do wonders for the soul.

Once she was done, she dried off and pulled on a pair of Eijirou’s old sweatpants and one of his shirts, the soft fabric and his familiar scent comforting her more than she could explain. Her hair, still damp, was tied back loosely, and her leopard tail swayed gently behind her as she walked to her room.

When she opened the door, she found Eijirou waiting for her, sitting on her bed with a bright smile that immediately warmed her heart. His crimson eyes lit up when he saw her, and his whole face beamed as soon as he saw her face. “There she is,” He said softly, standing up and walking over to her. “The national muddle puddle wrestling campion.” 

Sasha smiled, feeling her heart swell at the sight of him. She padded over to him, her bare feet quiet against the floor. “Hey,” she said, her voice gentle. “I’m all clean now.”

Eijirou grinned, his eyes dropping to the shirt she was wearing. “You look good in my clothes,” he said, a soft chuckle escaping him. “But you always look good.”

She laughed softly and playfully nudged him. “Charmer.”

Without saying anything more, he gently took her hand and guided her onto to the bed with him, sitting her down. He moved behind her and started running his fingers through her tail, carefully brushing out the damp fur. His touch was gentle, calming, and Sasha felt herself completely relax under his care.

“Mmm, that feels nice,” She murmured, leaning back slightly as he continued to brush her tail. His touch was always so tender, so full of love, and she felt safe with him—like all the weight she carried melted away.

Eijirou’s hand moved gently, brushing through her fur as he leaned forward slightly, his breath warm against the back of her neck. “You deserve to relax, Sasha. You’ve been through a lot... I’m proud of you for facing it.”

Sasha’s heart fluttered at his words. She leaned into him, her back resting against his chest as she tilted her head back to look at him. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” She said softly, her voice full of sincerity.

His eyes softened as he looked down at her, his hand still resting on her tail. “You’re stronger than you think, Sasha. I’m just lucky I get to be by your side.”

The warmth in his voice and the loving look in his eyes made her heart swell. Slowly, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment before he pulled back just enough to look into her eyes.

Sasha gazed up at him, her heart racing as they shared a moment of perfect peace, their connection deeper than words could express. She reached up, gently cupping his face, her thumb brushing over his cheek as she whispered, “I love you, Eijirou.”

His smile grew even brighter, his eyes shimmering with warmth and adoration. “I love you too, Sasha,” he whispered back, his voice full of emotion.

And then, slowly, he leaned down, his lips meeting hers in a tender, loving kiss. It was soft at first, full of warmth and care, but it deepened as they held onto each other, the world fading away around them. In that moment, it was just the two of them, wrapped in each other’s love and the comfort they brought one another.

When they finally pulled away, Sasha rested her forehead against his, her heart still racing but filled with happiness. Kirishima smiled, his hand moving to brush a strand of hair from her face, her gorgeous face. 

“Whatever happens,” he whispered, “we’ll get through it together.”

Sasha smiled back, her heart full. “Yeah. Together.”

And with that, they settled into the peaceful quiet of the evening, wrapped in each other’s warmth as the rain outside slowed to a gentle patter.

- “Yasei no neko” Apartment Complex, 11:38 PM -

In a dimly lit, rundown apartment, the faint glow of a single lamp flickered, casting long shadows over the peeling wallpaper. The apartment was bare, save for a few chairs, a rickety table, and a dartboard nailed haphazardly to the wall—Sasha’s face glaring back from over the bullseye. Agent Hatasu sat in one of the chairs, his posture calm and collected. Across from him, his partner Hex paced back and forth, his movements jerky, restless, the sharp gleam of a pocket knife twirling between his fingers.

“I’m telling you, we should just grab her,” Hex growled, frustration etched onto his expression. “Drag her back to the Commission and force her to comply. Torture if we have to. It’s the fastest way to get her in line.”

Hatasu looked up from the old notebook in his lap, his cold, calculating eyes meeting Hex’s fiery gaze. His expression didn’t change—no anger, no annoyance, just that same unsettling calm.

“That method,” Hatasu began, his voice smooth and measured, “is far too messy. You’re thinking like a thug, Hex. Sasha—Namir—isn’t someone we can simply break. Not anymore.”

Hex scoffed, his temper flaring. He hated how composed Hatasu always was, how nothing ever seemed to rattle him. And he hated how he referred to her as that “stupid” name, Namir. “She’s soft now,” Hex spat. “All cuddled up with those idiot hero wannabes. She’s not the agent she used to be, but she could be. We break her spirit, remind her who she really is, and she’ll come crawling back.”

But Hatasu only smiled faintly, closing the notebook and setting it aside with deliberate care. “And if we break her? Then what? A shattered agent is no use to the Commission. No, we need her intact—mentally, physically, emotionally.”

Hex scowled, clenching the knife tighter. He hated this part—the waiting, the subtlety. It wasn’t his style. He wanted action, and he wanted it now. “So what, then? We just wait for her to come back?”

Hatasu stood slowly, walking toward the dartboard with an eerie grace. His fingers traced the edge of the dartboard, right over Sasha’s printed face. “We use what’s already in her heart. The loss of her parents... it still haunts her, as it should. We keep planting the seeds, reminding her of the pain, of the guilt. Eventually, she’ll look to us for answers.”

“And then?” Hex snapped, his impatience barely contained.

Hatasu turned, his eyes gleaming in the low light. “Then, we offer her the one thing she wants most in this world—closure. We make her believe we can give her that. And when she trusts us enough... She’ll come back of her own accord.”

Hex rolled his eyes but couldn’t entirely dismiss the plan. Hatasu’s methods were slow, sure, but they were often effective. Still, the idea of waiting pissed him off. He needed action, violence—he needed to make her pay for leaving, for thinking she could turn her back on the Commission.

With a frustrated snarl, Hex threw his knife, watching as it embedded itself with a thunk right between Sasha’s eyes on the dartboard, and right between Hatasu’s fingers. Still, the close-call didn’t mean anything to either of them. “I still say we should just take her out. But fine. We’ll do it your way.”

He crossed his arms, glaring at Sasha’s image as if it were the real thing. “But I swear, I’ll get her one way or another. Just wait and see, Wild Cat.”

 "The commission? The agency you worked for before you turned your life around?" Aizawa's eyes narrowed. “Why is it that you think they’re after you? What happened?” Aizawa studied her for a long moment, his gaze penetrating. Sasha felt like he could see right through her, straight to the secrets she was desperately trying to keep hidden. 

Secrets like the dangerous encounters with Hex, the relentless agent sent to retrieve her, and the unsettling truth that Hatasu, another agent, had infiltrated her life by disguising himself as one of her teachers. But she couldn't tell Aizawa any of that. Not yet. Hex and Hatasu had made it clear: if she spilled the truth, her friends would pay the price. Sasha wasn't ready to gamble with their lives.

“I’m sure I’m being watched. I can just tell.” Technically, it wasn’t a lie. That was how she found Hatasu out in the first place. Her skills from the commission are still helpful sometimes, even if she hated the commission. 

Aizawa crossed his arms, deep in thought. "Why do you think they're after you now?" He asked. It had been a few years, after all. Had they been lying in wait?

"I don't know," Sasha murmured, her voice low. "But I have a feeling it has to do with my skills. I was trained young, which is rare for commission agents. That makes me more skilled and effective as an agent."

Aizawa frowned. "They may also believe you know too much. The public wouldn’t take it well if they knew the commission was raising child soldiers,” He pointed out, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"Exactly," Sasha replied, her eyes meeting his. "I can’t shake the feeling that things are going to get very dangerous soon.”

Aizawa sighed and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll figure this out, Sasha. You're not alone in this."

Sasha managed a weak smile, grateful for his support. 

Aizawa's hand remained firmly on Sasha's shoulder, his eyes searching her face for any sign of deceit. "Have you told your classmates about this yet?"

Sasha shook her head, her lips pressing into a thin line. "No, I haven't. I didn't want to worry them unnecessarily."

Aizawa's expression softened, but his tone remained serious. "They need to know, Sasha. If there's a threat, they should be prepared. The last thing we need is to be caught off guard."

Sasha's mind raced. She couldn't expose Hex and Hatasu directly—not without endangering her friends—but Aizawa was right. They needed to be prepared for any potential danger. A thought sparked in her mind, and she looked up at Aizawa, her eyes bright with a sudden idea. 

“What if I just warn them about the danger in general? I don't have to go into specifics about Hex and Hatasu," She thought to herself. "That could work. It would give them a chance to be on alert without revealing too much. Just like what she was doing with Aizawa.”

Sasha felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was glad a bit of this secret would be carried off her shoulders. "You're a genius, Aizawa."

He shrugged off the compliment with his usual stoic demeanor. "No need for compliments. But remember, be careful. And come find a hero if anything goes wrong.”

Sasha bowed her head a bit in thanks, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I'll talk to them right away."

As she headed off, Aizawa called after her, "I'll do my own investigation into this. If the commission is involved, we need to know what they're planning."

Sasha turned back to him, grateful for his support. "Thank you, Aizawa. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Stay safe," he replied, his voice carrying a weight of unspoken concern. “That’s all I need from you.”

Sasha nodded and left the classroom, her mind already racing with how she would break the news to her friends. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but with Aizawa's guidance, she felt more confident that they could face whatever was coming their way.

The walk back to the dorms was peaceful, the campus bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun. Sasha tried to relish the moment, taking deep breaths to calm her racing thoughts. Her conversation with Aizawa had filled her with hope, and she was mentally rehearsing how to break the news to her friends when the peace was abruptly shattered.

Hex suddenly appeared beside her, his presence instantly setting her on edge. He was too quiet now for her liking. His smile was easy, almost friendly, but Sasha knew better. "You look good, Sasha," he said, his tone deceptively casual, as if they were old acquaintances catching up.

She stiffened, her eyes fixed straight ahead, willing herself to ignore him. The last thing she needed right now was another confrontation with Hex. But he was persistent, undeterred by her silence.

"Why not just come back to the commission peacefully?" he continued, his voice smooth and persuasive. "You know they want you back because of your skills. Make it easy on yourself. Use this as an opportunity to bargain with the commission. Think of the advantage you have.”

Sasha stopped abruptly, turning to face him with a defiant glare. Of course he’d advise her to think about using and taking advantage of the very people his loyalty was pledged to. Hex was truly loyal to no one. "No, Hex. Get lost." Her voice was cold and steady, and she continued walking away from him.

Hex halted as well, letting her gain a few steps of distance before he spoke again, his words laced with a sinister promise. "I could tell you where your parents' remains are."

Sasha's heart stopped. The world around her seemed to blur as his words echoed in her mind. She whipped around, her eyes blazing with fury and desperation. "What did you say?" She hissed, but Hex was gone, disappearing into the wind as swiftly as he had appeared. 

Sasha stood there, rooted to the spot, her fists clenched so tightly that her claws dug into her palms. She was shaking with a mixture of rage and frustration, the cruel bait of knowledge about her parents' remains almost too much. She wanted to scream, to cry, to lash out at something—anything to release the storm inside her.

But she couldn't afford to lose control. Not now. She took a deep, shuddering breath, forcing herself to gather her composure. She had to stay focused. Aizawa's words echoed in her mind: her friends needed to be warned. She couldn't let Hex's taunts derail her from her immediate goal.

With a renewed sense of determination, Sasha resumed her walk back to the dorms, her mind swirling with chaotic thoughts. She needed to protect her friends, to keep them safe from the looming threat. Yet, the tempting hint Hex had dropped about her parents bothered her, a bitter reminder of how much she still didn't know. 

Sasha knew one thing for certain: she couldn't rest until she had the answers she sought. By admitting he had knowledge of her parents, Hex had lit a fire within her, and she was determined to see it through, no matter the cost. 

As she approached the dorms, she steeled herself for the conversation ahead. Her friends needed to know about the danger, and she needed their support more than ever. 

Sasha pushed open the door to the dorms, the familiar hum of conversation and laughter a stark contrast to the worry inside of her. The common room was bustling with her classmates unwinding after a long day of training and learning. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for what she was about to do.

"Hey, Sasha!" Mina called out, waving her over excitedly and drawing everyone’s attention. "Come join us! We’re just about to start a movie."

Everyone greeted her with smiles, making way for her. Eijirou’s eyes seemed to light up at the sight of her. He hadn’t seen her for a bit, and had been wondering where she’d gone.

Sasha forced a smile, making her way to the center of the room where her friends were gathered. "Actually, I need to talk to you all about something important." 

The lighthearted chatter died down as her classmates turned to look at her, their expressions shifting from joy to concern. Eijirou, always perceptive to her feelings, was the first to speak. "What's going on, Sasha?" He asked, putting an arm around her shoulder.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I have reason to believe that we might be in danger. There's a chance that someone from my past is coming after me, and I don't want any of you to get caught in the crossfire. Still, you should know."

The room was silent for a moment, the weight of her words sinking in. Bakugo was the first to break the silence, his voice sharp and gruff. "Who are we dealing with?"

Sasha hesitated, careful not to reveal too much. "It's the commission I used to work for. They've been trying to get me back, and they're not above using force to do it. I can't go into details, but I need you all to be on high alert."

Ochako stepped forward, her eyes filled with concern. "Why didn’t you tell us sooner, Sasha? We could have helped." She said, cupping Sasha’s hands in her own. She could see how much this was bothering the girl.

"I didn’t want to worry you or get you all hurt," Sasha admitted, her voice strained as she looked at their hands. "But things are escalating, and I need to make sure you’re all prepared."

Todoroki, ever calm and collected, nodded. "We appreciate you telling us now. That’s what matters. We’ll do whatever we can to help and stay vigilant."

Sasha felt a surge of gratitude for her friends' support. "Thank you. I’m not sure when or how they might make a move, but I need you all to promise me you’ll be careful. Stick together, watch each other's backs, and don’t go anywhere alone if you can help it."

Eijirou gently rubbed her arm, a smile on his face. Still, his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. "You can count on us, Sasha. We’ve got your back." He reassured her, gently knocking his head against hers.

She nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "I knew I could count on you guys. Just... be careful. These people are dangerous, and they won’t hesitate to hurt anyone who gets in their way."

Izuku looked at her with determined eyes. "We’ll be ready. And if they come for you, they’ll have to go through all of us first."

Sasha smiled, a genuine one this time. "Thank you, everyone. I can’t tell you how much this means to me,” She said, leaning into Eijirou’s arms. “And I was thinking we could train together, maybe this weekend. I could teach you guys lots about how to defend yourself against agents, just in case.”

Hagakure gasped softly. “Does that mean we’ll get to learn more about you? And what does it mean to be an agent?” She asked, moving closer.

Sasha, surprised by her excitement let out a small chuckle and nodded. “Yeah, I guess so. You sure seem excited though. Are you that curious?” She watched as her classmates glanced at each other, and she realized that they’d all been curious. “Why did you guys never ask?” She tilted her head.

“Well..” Izuku started, scratching the back of his head. “We never wanted to bring up something that could be.. Touch-y for you,” He explained, giving a small smile.

“Ah,” Sasha understood where they were coming from now. It probably wasn’t a subject they’d bring up themselves, she might have done the same in their shoes. After all, how do you ask a former child soldier what it was like to be a child soldier? 

Small sigh, she shook her head and gave them a smile. “I’ll tell you guys anything you want to know when we start training together this weekend, I promise. So prepare your questions okay? No need to step on eggshells,” She assured them.

“Hey, it’s late, so let’s not think too much about this before bed,” Denki said, though she could tell he was nervous through his fidgeting fingers. “Let’s watch this movie and get back to this later.”

She knew that was a conversation she’d have to have later, but decided to put a pin in it for now. He was right, this was probably the worst subject to sleep on. 

There were murmurs of agreement, and soon everyone settled into their usual spots, the room filling with a sense of  relief. Sasha found herself wedged between Eijirou, whose arm remained around her shoulders, and Denki, the warmth of their presence comforting.

The movie started, and for a while, the tension melted away as they got lost in the story unfolding on the screen. There were laughs at the funny parts, gasps at the dramatic twists, and even a few tears during the touching moments. Sasha found herself genuinely enjoying the evening, her worries pushed to the back of her mind by the comforting presence of her friends.

As the credits rolled, Sasha felt a deep sense of gratitude, feeling lucky in this moment. Her friends were prepared to face whatever came their way, and that gave her strength, made her feel a little more at peace. They joked and chatted as they cleaned up, the earlier tension replaced by a reassuring sense of everything going back to normal, though she knew it was far from normal..

Later, as she lay in bed, the weight of the day pressing down on her, Sasha allowed herself a moment of reflection. Hex’s taunts still lingered in her mind, but now, she wasn’t alone. Her friends would be prepared, and together, they would confront the dangers ahead. 

Sasha was just beginning to drift off to sleep when a sudden knock at her door jolted her awake. She sat up, her heart pounding in her chest, and glanced at the clock. It was late, too late for casual visits. Her mind raced with possibilities as she climbed out of bed and made her way to the door.

Opening it, she was relieved to see Eijirou standing there, but the relief was short-lived. The look on his face told her something was wrong. "Eijirou, what are you doing here? Is everything okay?"

"Can I come in?" he asked, his voice unusually serious.

"Of course," she replied, stepping aside to let him in. She could tell he was upset, and it made her heart ache. They walked to the foot of her bed, where they both sat down. Eijirou took a deep breath, clearly trying to find the right words.

He looked at her, his eyes filled with concern. "Sasha, I need to ask you something. The wound on your arm... was it from an agent attacking you?" He asked, straight to the point.

Sasha's breath caught in her throat. She had hoped to keep that particular detail hidden, not wanting to worry him more than necessary. But now, faced with his earnest gaze, she knew she couldn’t lie. She hesitated before nodding. "Yes, it was. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I was worried about you."

Eijirou's expression softened, a mix of sadness and understanding. "Sash, you don't have to do this alone. We're a team, remember? You can always tell me what's going on." He knew how much she cared for others, and he knew how far she’d go for her loved ones. That worried him more than the commission.

She frowned and looked down, guilt washing over her. "I know, Eijirou. I just didn't want you to be in danger because of me. I'm so sorry." She said, confirming his theory on why she hadn’t told him. It was almost endearing how well he knew her, even in hard times like these.

Eijirou shook his head and pulled her into a hug, his arms wrapping around her protectively. "You don’t have to apologize. I didn’t ask too many questions because I trust you. I’m just sad that you felt like you had to handle this on your own. We’re in this together, okay? No matter what." He laid his cheek against her head and a small sigh.

Sasha buried her face in his shoulder, feeling the warmth and comfort of his embrace. For a moment, the weight of her worries lifted, replaced by the reassuring presence of the person she loved. "Thank you, Eijirou. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

He pulled back slightly, just enough to look into her eyes. She looked so gentle, so vulnerable. He counted himself lucky to be one of the few people to see this side of her. It meant she trusted him just as much as he trusted her. "You don’t have to find out. We're all here for you. And I’m here for you. Always."

They sat in silence for a few moments, the room filled with an unspoken promise of support and forgiveness. Finally, Eijirou spoke again, his voice gentle but firm. "We’ll figure this out, together. And we’ll keep each other safe."

Sasha nodded, finally giving him a genuinely happy smile. "Okay," she said softly, squeezing his hand. "Together."

Eijirou smiled, a genuine, warm smile that made her heart swell with love. "Together," he echoed. As they settled back into the quiet of the night, Sasha felt a profound sense of gratitude.

…

The weekend approached quickly, each day passing without further incident. The lack of action from the commission left Sasha feeling uneasy. She couldn’t shake the suspicion that they were plotting something, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. But she couldn't afford to dwell on the unknown; she had a task at hand. Her classmates needed to be prepared, and it was up to her to ensure they were ready for whatever might come.

Saturday morning dawned bright and early. The common room was transformed into a makeshift training area, furniture pushed against the walls to create an open space. Sasha stood at the center, her eyes scanning the group of friends who had gathered, all of them eager to learn and ready to defend themselves.

“Alright, everyone,” Sasha began, clapping her hands to get their attention. “Today, we’re going to focus on self-defense techniques. These are skills that could make a big difference if we find ourselves in a dangerous situation.”

Her classmates nodded, their expressions a mix of determination and curiosity. Sasha felt a surge of pride for their willingness to learn and support her.

“We’ll start with some basic moves,” she continued, demonstrating a simple but effective defensive stance. “This is the foundation. Always be aware of your surroundings, and keep your balance. This is kinda similar to the normal stuff we were taught when we learned hand-to-hand. But sometimes, schools tend to skip out on details because they believe quirks more than make up for a few missing steps.”

Midoriya was the first to step forward, mirroring her stance. “Like this?” he asked, his eyes focused.

“Exactly,” Sasha said with an encouraging smile. “Now, let’s add some movement. Step forward with your left foot, then follow with your right, keeping your stance steady.”

One by one, her classmates practiced the movements, Sasha offering corrections and tips as they went along. She demonstrated various techniques, from blocking and parrying to basic strikes and escapes. Her instructions were clear and precise, her experience evident in the way she moved and taught.

Bakugo, always eager to prove himself, caught on quickly. “This is good,” he grunted, practicing a block. “Useful in a fight.”

“Remember, it’s not just about strength,” Sasha reminded him. “It’s about using your opponent’s momentum against them. Efficiency and precision are key.”

Eijirou, always the supportive boyfriend and wanting to impress her, was determined to master every move. “Thanks for doing this, Sasha.” He grinned at her.

“I’m glad you all understand the importance while enjoying it,” Sasha replied, adjusting his stance slightly with a giggle. She cupped his cheek gently, quickly pecking the other. “It’s better to be prepared and not need it than to need it and not be prepared.” She backed away, smiling at his blush.

The training session continued, with Sasha introducing more complex maneuvers and situational tactics. They practiced escaping holds, defending against surprise attacks, and even some basic disarming techniques. She was impressed with how quickly her friends adapted and learned, their confidence growing with each successful move.

Uraraka, typically cheerful and lighthearted, showed a surprising amount of focus and determination. “This is really empowering,” she said, catching her breath after a particularly intense drill. “I feel more prepared already.”

“That’s the goal,” Sasha said, smiling at her. “To give you the tools and confidence to handle whatever comes our way.”

She continued, pacing in a small circle. “With that being said, I need to know I’ve really helped you guys. So… Bakugou,” She said, stopping before him and smirking. 

“Ready, Bakugou?” Sasha asked, settling into a defensive stance, challenging him to a friendly sparring match.

Bakugou grinned, a spark of competitive fire in his eyes. “Always. Show me what you’ve got.”

With that, the rest of the class gave them distance. This was the last sparring match they’d want to be caught in, quirks or not.

The sparring began with Bakugou lunging forward, aiming a swift punch at Sasha’s midsection. Sasha sidestepped smoothly, using a parry to deflect his attack and redirect his momentum away from her. It was a move she had emphasized during their training, focusing on using an opponent’s strength against them.

Bakugou recovered quickly, spinning around to launch a kick toward her side. Sasha blocked the kick with a well-timed forearm, then stepped in close to disrupt his balance. She grabbed his wrist, twisted, and performed an arm lock, a technique designed to immobilize without causing harm.

Bakugou grunted, but he wasn’t finished. He dropped to one knee, using the move to pull Sasha off balance. As she stumbled slightly, he took the opportunity to roll away and regain his footing. He sprang up and launched a flurry of quick jabs, each one aimed to test her defenses.

Sasha focused, her movements precise and calculated. She blocked each jab with open palm blocks, redirecting the force away from her body. As Bakugou stepped in for another punch, she executed a swift low kick to his shin, disrupting his stance. Taking advantage of his momentary imbalance, she pivoted and swept his leg out from under him, sending him to the ground.

Bakugou hit the mat and rolled, springing back to his feet with a determined glare. “Not bad, but I’m just getting started.”

He charged again, this time faking a punch before attempting to grab Sasha’s shoulder in a grappling move. Sasha reacted instantly, using an aikido-inspired move. She shifted her weight, allowing Bakugou’s grab to pull her forward, then twisted her body to execute a lock. She used his momentum to flip him over her shoulder, sending him sprawling.

Bakugou landed hard but immediately rolled to his feet, shaking off the impact. His eyes narrowed as he assessed her. He rushed forward once more, this time faking another punch before attempting a low sweep. Sasha saw through his feint, jumping back to avoid the sweep and then stepping in quickly to close the distance.

She grabbed his outstretched arm, twisted it behind his back in a classic come-along hold, and applied pressure to force him to the ground. Bakugou struggled, but Sasha maintained her grip, using leverage and technique to keep him pinned.

“Yield?” Sasha asked, her voice calm but playful. She wasn't hurting him after all, just keeping him immobile.

Bakugou gritted his teeth, trying to push against her hold, but eventually nodded and gave in. “Fine. I yield.” He rolled his eyes.

She released him immediately, stepping back and offering a hand to help him up. Bakugou took it, grumbling softly. “You got me this time, Cat. Good fight.”

Sasha smiled, a mix of relief and pride in her eyes. “Good fight, Explosion Boy. You put up a hell of a struggle.” She rolled her shoulders, sighing softly.

The rest of their friends applauded, cheering for both of them. The sparring match had been intense but respectful, showcasing the effectiveness of the self-defense techniques Sasha had taught.

Ojiro stepped forward, grinning. “That was amazing! You both were incredible.”

Ochako nodded, her eyes wide with admiration. “Yeah, that was really impressive. Sasha, you handled those moves perfectly.”

From what Sasha remembered, these two were very talented in hand-to-hand combat. She’d have to exchange notes or spar with them sometime.

Kirishima clapped Bakugou on the back. “You did great too, man. Tough match, especially up against Sasha,” He spoke with some pride. He always loved seeing Sasha spar and fight. 

Bakugou shrugged, a small smirk playing on his lips. “I’ll get you next time, Sasha.”

Sasha laughed, feeling the friendship and mutual respect between them deepen. “I’ll be ready.” She placed a hand on her hip.

With the sparring session over and a sense of accomplishment hanging in the air, everyone began to help put the furniture back in place in the common room. The atmosphere was lighthearted, filled with laughter and playful banter as they moved chairs, tables, and couches back to their original positions.

Kirishima and Midoriya teamed up to lift the heavier pieces, while Uraraka and Mina arranged the smaller items. Sasha found herself next to Eijirou as they worked together to push a couch back against the wall.

“Nice moves out there, Sasha,” Eijirou said, giving her a warm smile. “You really showed Bakugou what you’re made of.”

Sasha grinned, feeling a pleasant flutter in her chest at his compliment. “Thanks, Eijirou. He definitely put up a good fight. It was an amazing workout, though.”

Eijirou laughed, his eyes sparkling with admiration. “You’re incredible, you know that? I’m really proud of you.” 

Sasha leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a playful whisper. “Oh? Is that why you couldn’t take your eyes off me the whole time?” She teased, smirking.

Eijirou’s cheeks flushed a light pink, but he didn’t miss a beat. “Guilty as charged. How could I not? You were amazing.”

She giggled, feeling a warm rush of affection for him. “You’re pretty amazing yourself, you know. Strong, supportive, and always having my back.”

He reached out and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ll always have your back, Sasha. No matter what.” He nodded, meaning every single word.

Their friends, noticing the flirting, started to tease them good-naturedly. Bakugou called out, “Hey, you two lovebirds! Are you going to help or just stand there making goo-goo eyes at each other?”

Sasha rolled her eyes, but her smile didn’t fade. “We’re helping, we’re helping!” she called back, then turned back to Eijirou. “Guess we should get back to work, huh?”

Eijirou chuckled. “Yeah, probably. But let’s finish this quickly so we can spend some time together.”

With a shared glance and a smile, they resumed moving the furniture, working side by side. Despite the playful teasing from their friends, they managed to get everything back in order quickly.

The room filled with the warm buzz of conversation, Sasha felt a sense of calm wash over her. The day had been productive and fun, and for a moment, she almost forgot the looming threat of the commission. It was in these moments of peace that she found solace and strength, knowing she wasn’t alone.

Izuku, who had been deep in thought, suddenly spoke up, breaking the comfortable chatter. “Sasha, would it be okay if we asked you some questions about your life at the commission?”

The room grew quiet, everyone’s attention shifting to Sasha. Her heart skipped a beat as memories of her time with the commission flooded back—times filled with anger, pain, and a burning desire for vengeance. She remembered the grueling training, the missions that left her questioning her morality, and the constant struggle to maintain her humanity in an environment designed to strip it away.

She took a deep breath, her mind drifting back to those dark days. She had been consumed by anger, driven by a relentless need for revenge against those who had wronged her. But amidst the darkness, she had found a glimmer of hope in the form of her friends and loved ones. They had given her the strength to break free, to turn her life around and seek a better path.

Sasha looked around at her friends, their faces filled with concern and curiosity. Eijirou squeezed her hand gently, offering silent support. She felt a wave of gratitude for the people who had helped her find hope and redemption.