Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Toga sat alone beneath the old oak tree, watching the birds soar through the sky. Her knees were tucked up to her chest, her gaze fixated on the majestic creatures.

She admired their freedom. The way they flew wherever they wanted, unbothered by rules or judgment. She loved them. She wanted to be them.

She needed to be them.

Her teeth unconsciously dug into her bottom lip, a habit she had picked up when her quirk had first developed. It didn't completely bury the desire, but it made it a little easier to bear.

Her thoughts were suddenly shattered by a high pitched, cheery voice that interrupted the stillness. "Hi! My name's Ochako Uraraka, what's your name?"

The girl plopped down beside Toga, their shoulders brushing. Startled, Toga looked to see a short brown haired girl with big, round eyes and a smile so wide it seemed to stretch to the horizon. The girl's yellow sweater and blue jeans were faded and looked old, but there was something warm and inviting about her.

Toga blinked, momentarily stunned. She was shocked that someone would come up to her despite all the 'monster' rumors floating around. Slowly, she lifted her head off her knees and smiled at the kind girl. "My name's Himiko Toga!" she said, her voice brighter than she expected. A smile spread across her face.

Uraraka's expression suddenly shifted, a look of concern spreading across her face. "Oh no! You're bleeding! Are you ok?! We should go find you a bandaid!!"

"Oh, it's nothing." Toga said quickly, licking the blood off her lips and ducking her head back into her knees. She wasn't used to people noticing, much less worrying about her. But there was no judgment in Uraraka's wide eyes, only concern. It made Toga feel strange, not in a bad way, just unfamiliar.

Despite her reassurance, Uraraka only seemed to become more concerned. She sprang to her feet and held out a hand for Toga. "Come on! We have bandaids at my house! My mom can help patch it up!"

For a moment, Toga hesitated. No one had ever offered to help her before. But Uraraka's smile wasn't fake, it couldn't be. She looked at the hand that was being offered and noticed three fingered gloves covering half of her hand. Her eyes lingered on the girl's gloves.

Did she wear them because her quirk scared her too?

Slowly, she reached out and took the girl's hand. Her fingers trembled slightly as she felt Uraraka's firm grip pulling her to her feet.

The next thing she knew, Toga was being dragged out of the field and into a neighborhood. The grassy ground and trees turned into concrete sidewalks and houses. Everything was happening so fast, she didn't know what to do. Her chest tightened, not with fear, but with excitement.

She was being pulled along by a girl she barely knew to a neighborhood she had never been to. Yet instead of feeling scared or nervous, as anyone would have, she felt alive. Her heart raced, and a smile spread across her face, never faltering as they darted through the streets.

While they ran, Toga took in the surroundings. They were in a small part of the city, and if she was passing by on her own she would have assumed it was abandoned. All the houses were tiny and looked like they could fall apart at any moment.

Their sprint turned into a fast paced walk, and Uraraka finally slowed, her breathing a little heavier but her grip on Toga's hand still strong. They walked up a small driveway, which had no car, and up the old wooden stairs that looked like they were about to rot away.

The peeling paint and crooked stairs should have made it feel unwelcoming, but instead, the house radiated warmth. Toga couldn't explain why, but in a way, it felt alive. More like a home than her cold, empty apartment had ever been.

"Come on in!" Uraraka said, practically bouncing as she pulled Toga through the doorway. "We don't have much, but my mom makes the best tea. You'll love it!"

Uraraka opened the door and pulled Toga inside. Surprisingly enough, the house looked smaller on the inside. It was cluttered, yet cozy. A pair of shoes sat haphazardly by the door, and the faint smell of miso soup lingered in the air. The walls were lined with photos, and the furniture was mismatched.

Soft, static filled music hummed in the background, as if it was coming from an old record player or rusty radio. The living room and kitchen were practically the same room with how pact together everything was.

There was a soft voice harmonizing with the music in the background, and Toga's gaze followed the voice to a woman standing in front of the stove. She didn't have a good view of the woman due to her facing away from them, but she was slightly swaying to the music as she stirred something in her pot.

"Ochako! Welcome back. How was your walk, dear?" She said as she looked away from the pot and paused stirring whatever she was making to look at the pair with a wide smile. It was then when Toga caught a glimpse of the woman.

She was beautiful, and looked just like an older version of Uraraka. With brown hair that went just past her shoulders, pink cheeks, and a radiant smile, the only thing different from Ochako was her deep black eyes.

"Oh, and who's the new friend?" She said with surprised delight in her voice.

"It was fun, Mama! And this is Toga. She got hurt, and I think she needs a bandaid." Uraraka spoke quickly as she kicked off her shoes and stepped further into the house, her hand still lightly gripping Toga's.

A concerned look crossed her mom's face. She turned off the stove with a quick twist of her wrist, wiped her hands on her apron, and walked over to kneel in front of Toga. Her eyes were soft, kind, and curious as she met Toga's nervous gaze.

"That's not good. Let's take a look, sweetheart. Where does it hurt?" Her voice was calm, like she'd done this a hundred times before.

Toga shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the floor. "It really doesn't hurt that bad... It's no big deal, it happens all the time." Her voice was small and quiet, as though she was trying to make herself invisible.

Uraraka placed a reassuring hand on Toga's shoulder. "Her lip was bleeding earlier. I'm not sure what happened, but it looked painful." she said, as she looked to her mom for guidance.

Toga felt the weight of Uraraka's hand grounding her and for a moment, she froze. This was all so foreign. The way they cared, the way they noticed her at all.

"Let me see." Uraraka's mom said gently, leaning closer. Toga slightly stepped back due to the sudden proximity, but Uraraka's hand remained steady on her shoulder, keeping her from pulling away entirely. The woman's fingers were soft as they tilted Toga's chin up, careful not to startle her further.

"It looks like it's just some broken skin, nothing too big. We should clean it off just to be sure it won't get infected." She said with a warm smile. Her smile was like a cool breeze on a hot summer day, refreshing and reassuring.

Uraraka's mom gently stood up, heading toward the kitchen sink to grab a clean cloth and a bowl of water. "Why don't you two have a seat on the couch while I grab what I need?" she suggested, glancing back with that same reassuring smile.

Uraraka didn't hesitate, practically tugging Toga along toward the small, slightly worn couch by the window. "Come on, it's super comfy! You'll like it," she said, plopping down and patting the spot next to her.

Toga hesitated, her gaze flicking to the door for a fleeting second. It would be so easy to leave, to avoid all of this strange, unsettling kindness. But something about Uraraka's grin and the warm hum of the house made her legs move on their own. She sat down, the cushions sinking beneath her in a way that felt oddly comforting.

Uraraka leaned toward her, voice low, as if she were sharing a secret. "Mama's really good at this stuff. One time, I fell down while we were playing tag and scraped my knee, and she made it all better, like magic. I barely even cried!"

The thought of her new friend getting hurt made Toga feel a pang of sadness, but the image of Uraraka's blood flashed in her mind, another sensation stirred, one she couldn't quite suppress. The familiar excitement twisted her stomach, quickly followed by a rush of guilt.

What was wrong with her? Why did her thoughts always go there?

Toga clenched her fists, her nails pressing into her palms, the faint sting grounding her. She couldn't afford to let those feelings take over, not here, not now. Before she could say anything, Uraraka's mom returned, carrying a small bowl of water and a washcloth.

She set the items on the low table by the couch, her movements deliberate and gentle, as she knelt in front of Toga. "Alright, sweetheart, this might sting a little, but I'll be as careful as I can." Her voice was calm and steady, like a lighthouse cutting through a storm.

Toga stiffened, a whirlwind of feelings bubbling within her. Shame for letting her thoughts drift, anxiety about someone touching her so closely, and a familiar ache she couldn't quite name. But she stayed still, her eyes darting to Uraraka, who sat beside her, her gaze filled with encouragement and warmth.

When the damp cloth touched her lip, Toga flinched. The alcohol's sting was sharp but fleeting, yet it wasn't just the pain that made her want to pull away, it was the intimacy and care of it. More than her own mother had ever given her.

Seeming to sense her unease, Uraraka gently held Toga's hand, a light, grounding touch. "Don't worry, it won't hurt for long."

The words felt like an anchor, something to hold on to amid the chaos in her mind. Toga let her eyes fall shut and slightly squeezed Uraraka's hand, the soft hum of the music in the background helping her stay present.

"There we go," Uraraka's mom said, pulling back and inspecting her work. "All cleaned up. You'll be just fine." She smiled again, and for a moment, Toga felt a feeling that was somewhat bittersweet.

"Thank you," Toga murmured, her voice almost too soft to hear.

"It's no trouble at all." Uraraka's mom stood, wiping her hands on her apron and gathering the supplies. Her tone remained light, but her next words made Toga's heart skip. "It's getting a little late.. Do you live around here? Your parents are probably wondering where you are. I should let them know about the injury so they can keep an eye on it."

At the mention of her parents, Toga's face grew slightly pale, a sinking feeling creeping in. For a moment, she had let herself forget. Here, in this warm, unfamiliar house, it was easy to pretend she belonged. But reality crashed down on her like a weight she couldn't shake.

She didn't belong here.

Her gaze dropped to her lap, her fingers tightening around the fabric of her skirt. "I... I don't think they're home," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. It wasn't a lie, not exactly.

Uraraka's mom paused, her expression shifting to one of gentle concern and slight understanding. She crouched again to meet Toga's downcast eyes. "Well, you're welcome to stay for dinner. We'd love to have you."

Toga blinked, unsure how to respond. She stole a glance at Uraraka, whose face lit up with excitement.

"Yeah! Stay for dinner! It'll be fun!" Uraraka said, leaning closer and clasping her hands together.

The sinking feeling eased, just a little, replaced by something warmer, quieter. She nodded, the motion hesitant but genuine. "Thank you. That would be... nice."

Uraraka's mom walked over to the kitchen and got back to work, the warm smell of miso soup continuing to fill the air. The scent drifted from the kitchen and curled around Toga like a comforting blanket. Uraraka's mom stood by the counter, humming softly as she turned the stove back on low and began stirring the contents in the pot.

"Dinner won't take long," she said with a smile, glancing back at the girls. "Ochako, why don't you show your friend where to wash up?"

"Good idea, Mama!" Uraraka jumped to her feet, motioning for Toga to follow. "Come on, Toga!"

Toga hesitated, her gaze lingering on the family photos hanging crookedly on the walls. A younger Uraraka grinned beside her mom, and a man that seemed to be her father, the three of them glowing with the kind of happiness Toga couldn't imagine being a part of. The sight left a hollow ache in her chest, a mix of longing and resignation.

Then there was a soft tug on her hand, that grounded her. Uraraka beamed up at her, her smile brighter than anything in the photos. It wasn't just for the camera, it was real, warm, and directed at Toga. The cutest smile in the whole world.

"Come on!" Uraraka chirped. Toga nodded, her lips twitching into a hesitant smile.

The bathroom was small, with only room for a sink, toilet, and a tiny shower. There were three towels hanging on a towel rack beside the shower, all old and worn but still intact. Uraraka pulled a little wooden step stool to the sink, her motions quick and familiar.

"You can go first since you're the guest!" she said, flashing a playful grin.

Toga climbed onto the step stool and turned on the faucet. As the water ran over her hands, she glanced up at the mirror, her reflection staring back at her. Thin golden eyes that didn't belong in a place like this, in a moment like this. For a second, she felt like an intruder.

"Oh, here!" Uraraka said, handing her a towel, her voice slightly startling Toga back into reality. The fabric of the old towel was surprisingly soft, and it gave Toga a hint of comfort.

As Uraraka washed up, Toga stepped back, watching her friend shake her hands dry with exaggerated flair. A smile was slowly creeping back on her face as she watched her friend's silly antics.

They returned to the living room just as the sound of bowls clinking filled the air. Uraraka's mom called them to the table, her voice carrying the same warmth as the rest of the house.

Toga hesitated at the threshold, but the pull of that unfamiliar comfort was stronger. She followed, drawn by the promise of something she didn't quite understand, but desperately wanted to.

Uraraka led her back to the couch that they were previously sitting on, Toga suddenly realizing that they didn't have a dining table. Uraraka's house was very unlike her own in many ways. Toga was starting to see the difference between a house and a home.

Uraraka's mom brung the food over on a worn out pan, her apron left behind on the small kitchen counter. She sat the pan down on the small coffee table in front of the couch and handed the two girls their bowls.

"There you go. Dig in while it's hot." She said as she took up her own bowl and sat beside Uraraka, the couch now almost fully packed.

"Thanks, Mama!" Uraraka said, and began scarfing down her portion.

"Thank you." Toga said quietly, staring at the bowl for a moment, the steam rising in soft curls. For a second, she imagined what it might be like to sit here every night, to be part of this rhythm of clinking bowls and soft laughter. It was a strange fantasy, dangerous even. She didn't deserve it. She was still a monster, just like her parents said.

"Hey, you okay?" Uraraka's voice pulled her back.

Toga blinked, realizing she had not touched her food yet. She forced a smile, though it trembled at the edges. "Yeah. I'm fine."

Uraraka's mom, leaned slightly forward, her gaze warm but searching. Even if she didn't know the full situation, she seemed to understand it enough to know just what to say. "Well, if you ever need anything, you're always welcome here. Okay, Toga?"

The words were simple, but they settled heavily in her chest. She nodded, unable to speak around the lump in her throat.

As they ate, Uraraka and her mom began talking about anything and everything, the buzz of conversation and the clatter of spoons filling the small space. Toga didn't say much, but she listened, soaking in every word. For the first time in a long while, the silence in her head wasn't crushing.

After dinner, Uraraka insisted on walking her at least out of her neighborhood, despite the darkening sky. The streets were quiet, the air crisp, and their footsteps echoed softly on the pavement.

"You should come back sometime," Uraraka said brightly, her hands clasped behind her back. "Mama really liked you, and so do I."

Toga stopped walking, her breath hitching. "You... you mean that?"

Uraraka turned, her brow furrowing slightly before her smile returned, softer this time. "Of course I do. You're my friend now, silly."

Friend. The word hung in the air, fragile and full of possibilities. Toga's lips parted as if to say something, but no words came. Instead, she simply nodded, a small, hesitant smile breaking through.

As they approached the city and slowly parted ways, Toga glanced back once, watching Uraraka's silhouette fade into the distance. Her fingers brushed against her palm, finding the faint marks her nails had left earlier.

Toga walked deeper into the city, the night air colder now without Uraraka by her side. Her fingers found their way to her palm again, pressing lightly, as though to remind herself she wasn't dreaming. Friend, she thought, the word feeling unfamiliar but not unwelcome.

Chapter Text

Toga couldn't stop thinking about last night. The warmth of Uraraka's home, the comfort of being surrounded by people who seemed to genuinely care, she had never experienced anything like it. It was so different now, in the cold, isolated silence of her apartment.

It was a bad night, more than usual with her parents being angry at her for coming home later than expected. They said that they were worried about her, but they acted as if they wished she'd never come home at all. They always did this, claiming to care about her, but the second she did something to make them upset, that facade quickly vanished and melted into a harsh punishment.

Her cheek still stung from last night's punishment, and the weight of her parents hollow words lingering in her mind like a bruise that wouldn't fade. She squeezed her eyes shut, wishing for comfort she knew she couldn't have. Not here, not in this place where love came with conditions and punishments disguised as care.

Her thoughts drifted to Uraraka's comforting smile, the way her mother had handed Toga a warm bowl of soup without hesitation. She didn't deserve it, any of it. She didn't belong in that world, just as she didn't belong here.

A sharp ache bubbled up inside her, clawing at her insides as her teeth sank into her bottom lip. It didn't help, not like it usually did. The urge pressed harder, like a wave pulling her under. She bit down harder, but guilt crashed over her as she thought of Uraraka again, imagined her reaction if she ever knew. Uraraka would hate her too. Everyone always did.

Monster. The word echoed in her mind like a broken record.

Desperate, Toga raised her arm to her mouth, biting down until the warm, metallic taste of blood quieted the ache, just a little. Small drops fell to the floor, crimson against the dull gray of the apartment's carpet. Her breath was quick, coming out in short bursts. She couldn't stay here. The walls were closing in, the silence was suffocating. She needed to see her. She needed so bad, even though she knew she didn't deserve it.

Toga pulled herself off the edge of her bed, her limbs heavy with exhaustion. With trembling hands, she grabbed her coat and cracked the window open, letting the cool air rush in. Her parent's snores sounded faintly from the next room, a low reminder of the world she was leaving behind, even if it was only for a little while.

Step by step, she carefully climbed out onto the fire escape, the iron cold beneath her fingers as she made her way down. Early morning wind hit her cheeks, and she welcomed it. Anything was better than the suffocating stillness of her apartment.

When her feet hit the pavement, she paused, glancing up at the dark building towering above her. The alley was somewhat quiet, with only the distant hum of the waking city. The sky was still dark, a faint sliver of sunlight slowly coming over the horizon, beginning a new day.

This wasn't the first time she'd snuck out. In fact, it was most nights that she found herself escaping into the city, chasing a fleeting sense of comfort in its soft noise. Here, the sounds didn't judge her. They didn't serve a taunting remind her of what she was.

The streets were quiet, bathed in the soft light of the early morning. Toga's footsteps echoed faintly on the pavement, her breath forming pale clouds in the crisp air. The city seemed to hold its breath at this hour, the usual noise and chaos replaced by a somewhat comforting stillness. It was a space where she could almost pretend the rest of the world didn't exist.

She followed the familiar route, her feet carrying her on autopilot to a small park nestled between rows of aging apartment buildings. It wasn't much, simply having just a patch of grass, a set of rusted swings, and a bench that certainly seen better days. Yet, it had become her refuge, a place she could escape to when the suffocating walls of her apartment threatened to swallow her whole.

Toga sank onto one of the swings, the icy metal chains creaking softly under her weight. She wrapped her hands around the cold links, her fingers stiff from the chill. Dragging her feet through the frozen dirt, she let her thoughts swirl as aimlessly as the morning light ever so slowly grew brighter.

Her eyes lifted to the horizon as the first pale rays of sunlight peeked over the rooftops, painting the sky in streaks of pink and orange. For a brief moment, she closed her eyes and leaned her head back, letting the faint warmth touch her face. In that sliver of quiet, Uraraka's smile surfaced in her mind, shining vividly. It was the same smile that had softened something in her last night, a kindness so foreign it was almost painful to remember.

Her grip tightened on the chains as her chest tightened with it. What right did she have to hold on to something so pure? She was nothing but a monster, like her parents always said. Uraraka didn't know the truth about her, the awful thoughts that clawed at the edges of her mind. If she did, that warm, beautiful smile would vanish in an instant. Wouldn't it?

She kicked her feet lightly, rocking the swing back and forth, slowly and lazily. The motion was almost soothing, though it couldn't drown out the growing ache inside her. The memory of Uraraka's kindness felt like a beacon, pulling her toward something she wasn't sure she deserved, but couldn't bear to let go of.

Toga sat in the quiet park for a while, the rhythmic creak of the swing chains blending with the faint sounds of the city waking up. Her thoughts spiraled between the harsh reality of her home and the impossible comfort of Uraraka's smile. She could almost hear Uraraka's voice again, cheerful and unwavering, calling her a friend. It was a fragile thread she was holding onto, and she wasn't ready to let go.

The distant sound of footsteps drew her out of her thoughts. She tensed, her hands gripping the swing's chains tightly, but the figure that appeared wasn't anyone out of the ordinary. It was an older woman, one of the few people in the neighborhood who sometimes came out this early. The woman didn't seem to notice her right away as she shuffled toward the old, withering bench near the swings, sitting down with a weary sigh.

Toga glanced at the woman out of the corner of her eye. She looked tired, but peaceful in a way Toga couldn't relate to. The woman pulled a small plastic bag from her coat pocket and scattered a handful of breadcrumbs on the ground. Not long after, aflock of pigeons swooped down, chirping softly as they pecked at the crumbs.

The sight was oddly grounding. Toga watched in silence, her thoughts quieting as she focused on the simple scene. The woman caught her staring and offered a small smile, her expression kind but fleeting. Toga quickly looked away, her cheeks flushing. She wasn't used to strangers being so... nice.

She kicked her feet against the dirt, pushing the swing back and forth. Maybe she could go to Uraraka's house. Just being near her, even without saying anything, might quiet the ache, even just a little. But she hesitated. What if Uraraka's family was still asleep? What if they found it creepy that she came over so early in the morning? What if Uraraka started to notice just how broken she was?

The urge to see her friend gnawed at her, restless and insistent. She couldn't stay in this park forever, and she would rather lay in a ditch than go back home right now. With a sharp exhale, she pushed herself off the swing. The sound startled the pigeons, and they fluttered into the sky. She watched them until they disappeared, then turned her feet toward the only place she could think to go.

She knew the way to Uraraka's house by heart. Every turn, every landmark, it was all engraved into her memory as if she'd walked it a hundred times, even if she had only been once. That visit had been too special to forget, every detail felt sacred. But as she passed familiar streets and landmarks, doubts began to creep in, the whispers in her head getting louder with every step.

What if Uraraka was busy? What if her mother didn't want her there again? Worse, what if Uraraka was starting to realize the truth, that Toga was nothing more than a monster clinging to scraps of kindness she didn't deserve?

The thoughts floated around her head replaying over and over, almost as if her own mind was taunting her. The familiar brick building slowly came into view, its edges softened by the morning light. Toga's steps faltered as she reached the front step, her stomach twisting with nerves. What was she even going to say? The warmth she'd felt yesterday suddenly seemed so distant, like a dream she'd woken from too soon.

She hesitated for a long moment before finally summoning the courage to knock. The sound was light, almost tentative, as if she could take it back before anyone noticed.

As the seconds passed, Toga's heart pounded in the silence, and the doubts she'd had on the walk over still sounding in her mind. She thought about leaving before they could open the door, saving herself from any embarrassment.

But then the door creaked open, and there stood Uraraka, her hair slightly ruffled and her eyes squinting against the early light. She blinked in surprise, then broke into a smile that chased away Toga's fears, at least for the moment.

"Toga!" Uraraka said, her voice warm and tinged with curiosity. "What are you doing here so early?"

Toga's mind scrambled for an answer. She shifted awkwardly, her hands gripping the hem of her coat. "I... I just wanted to see you."

Uraraka tilted her head, her smile softening. "Come on in! Mama is making breakfast. Are you hungry?"

Toga blinked at the invitation, feeling a knot in her chest loosen ever so slightly. She nodded, stepping inside. The warmth of the house wrapped around her again, and for the first time that morning, the cold began to fade.

As Toga stepped inside, she was greeted by the kind, familiar face of Uraraka's mother, her expression a mix of surprise and delight. She was in the same spot she was last time Toga had walked through the door, this time in new clothes, yet wearing the same smile. But then, her gaze quickly shifted to a new presence in the room, a man sitting on the other side of the room on the couch.

He was tall, noticeable even as he was sitting down, with sharp facial features and piercing eyes that were the same warm brown hue as Toga's sweet friend. His short, dirty blond hair was neatly trimmed, and a thin beard framed his strong jawline. He sat on the couch with his legs crossed, a newspaper in his hand. He was wearing a construction uniform, most likely about to head off to work.

Toga hesitated for a moment, her stomach tightening under the weight of his strong gaze. He wasn't smiling like Uraraka's mother, just watching her with a quiet curiosity that made her feel a little unsettled.

"Toga, what a lovely surprise! What are you doing here so early, dear?" Uraraka's mother asked, her voice carrying that same warm curiosity Toga remembered from the night before.

Toga hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her coat. "Oh... I just wanted to visit... if that's okay?" Her voice was soft, almost fragile, as her eyes darted between Uraraka, her mother, and the man sitting beside her.

"Oh, of course it is, you know you're always welcome here, sweetheart." The reassurance felt like a blanket draped over her doubtful thoughts.

Uraraka brightened, stepping forward to grab Toga's hand. "Oh, yeah! You haven't met Papa yet!" she said, her excitement bubbling over as she tugged Toga toward the couch. Toga followed without resistance, her attention flickering back to the man whose quiet, assessing gaze hadn't wavered.

"Toga, this is my dad! Papa, this is Toga!" Uraraka announced, her voice bubbling with excitement as she gestured grandly between them. "She's the girl I told you about last night, remember?" Her wide smile was impossible to miss, brimming up at her father with an amount of joy Toga never thought could be possible.

"Ah, yes, I remember now. I've heard a lot about you, Toga." Her father's sharp features softening into a warm smile as he leaned forward, extending a hand. "It's nice to finally put a face to the name."

Toga blinked, her gaze flickering to his outstretched hand. For a second, her nerves bubbled up again, but Uraraka's reassuring presence beside her pushed her forward. Hesitantly, she shook his hand, her own smaller and colder against his firm grip.

As Toga pulled her hand back, she noticed how different Uraraka's father seemed compared to her own parents. There was no cold judgment in his eyes, no weight of disapproval lingering in his voice. Instead, there was genuine kindness, a warmth that mirrored Uraraka's.

"It's nice to meet you too," she mumbled, her voice quiet but sincere.

Uraraka's father gestured toward the couch. "Well, don't just stand there. Have a seat. I'd love to get to know the person who made such an impression on my little Ochako." He said, ruffling Uraraka's hair a bit, making her giggle.

Toga hesitated, her feet glued to the floor for a moment before Uraraka tugged her gently forward. "Come on, Toga! You're staying for breakfast, right?"

Toga glanced toward Uraraka's mother, who smiled warmly from the kitchen. "Of course she is," her mom called over the clatter of pans. "We don't let guests leave on an empty stomach around here."

The words sent a pang through Toga's chest, the casual kindness sending that familiar, foreign feeling through her veins. She swallowed hard, nodding as she allowed Uraraka to pull her onto the couch.

"What would you like to eat?" Uraraka asked as she plopped down beside her. "Mama makes the best pancakes in the world, but if you don't like those, we've got eggs, or we still have leftover miso soup from last night."

Toga opened her mouth to reply, but the warmth of the room, the smiles, the laughter from the kitchen, the soft hum of the morning, seemed to choke her words. She simply nodded again, her voice caught somewhere between gratitude and guilt.

"So pancakes? Great choice!" Uraraka said, seeming to read Toga's mind. "It's a good thing you came over this morning! Usually we just eat left overs from dinner for breakfast, but once in a while when papa gets a good job, we celebrate with pancakes and lots of syrup! Do you like syrup, Toga?"

Toga blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Syrup?" she repeated, almost uncertainly.

"Yeah! The sweet, sticky stuff that makes pancakes even better!" Uraraka said, getting excited.

Toga thought for a moment. She couldn't remember ever having pancakes before, let alone syrup. Breakfast at home was always rushed and cold, if it happened at all. Usually her parents were rushing her out of the door before she could even think of eating any food. "I... I think I do," she said softly, not wanting to admit the truth.

Uraraka's mother chimed in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. "Well, you're in for a treat, dear. Ochako's been pestering me for extra syrup all week, so I made sure we had plenty this time."

Uraraka giggled, nudging Toga playfully. "See? Told ya. The syrup stash is fully loaded!"

A smile was slowly forming on Toga's face. She loved seeing this family all together and happy, even though she knew she wasn't a part of it. She loved it, even though she knew that once they found out who she truly was, they'd toss her out and never speak to her again.

"So, Toga," Uraraka's father began, his voice warm but casual. The sound startled Toga slightly, she still wasn't used to the extra presence being in the room. "Tell me a little about yourself. Do you and Ochako have the same class together?" His question was genuine, lacking the scrutiny she was used to.

Toga stiffened, but the man's gaze wasn't harsh or prying, unlike the sharp, demanding stares she was familiar with. "No, I don't think so," she replied honestly.

Uraraka grinned. "I don't even know if we go to the same school now that I think about it. If we do, I haven't seen you around!" She laughed.

Uraraka's father leaned back slightly, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "That's interesting. So, how did you two meet, then?" he asked, his tone still casual but clearly curious.

Toga hesitated, her mind scrambling to put the right words together. Her interactions with Uraraka weren't something she ever thought she'd have to explain before. "I... uh..." she started, her gaze darting to Uraraka for help.

Uraraka, practically reading her mind yet again, chimed in cheerfully. "Oh, we met while I was just walking around the neighborhood! I saw her sitting all along under a big tree and thought she looked like someone I wanted to be friends with!" She said it so matter of factly, as if befriending Toga was the most natural thing in the world.

Toga blinked at her in surprise, her heart tightening at how effortlessly Uraraka made it sound. "Yeah," she added softly, nodding along. "Something like that."

Uraraka's father nodded approvingly, the corners of his mouth lifting in a small smile. "Well, I'm glad you two found each other. Friends like that are rare," he said, his tone sincere.

Just then, Uraraka's mother appeared from the kitchen, balancing a plate stacked with golden pancakes. The sweet scent of syrup and butter filled the room, making Toga's stomach growl softly, a sound she prayed no one else heard.

"Alright, dig in!" her mother announced, as the plate down in the center of the table, handing each of them a plate and fork of their own. Uraraka wasted no time eagerly piling pancakes onto Toga's plate, as well as her own, before she could protest.

"Eat up, Toga! You're gonna love them! Mama's pancakes are life changing!" Uraraka said excitedly, already pouring a generous amount of syrup onto her own plate.

Toga stared at the plate in front of her, warmth bubbling up inside her despite herself. The only other time in her life being so included being the night before, in the same home, surrounded by the same people. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice almost too quiet to hear.

As Toga took the first bite, her eyes widened in shock, the flavors melting across her tongue. Sweet, buttery, and impossibly fluffy, she had never tasted anything like it. Each bite seemed to hold a warmth she couldn't quite explain, as if the care that went into making the pancakes seeped into every crumb.

At her apartment, the meals were an afterthought, often tasteless and rushed, just enough to keep her fed. Her parents always brushed off her hunger as an inconvenience. But this? This felt special, as if it had been made just for her.

Toga didn't realize she'd let out a quiet hum of delight until Uraraka's mom chuckled softly. "How is it, dear?" she asked, her warm smile directed straight at Toga.

Toga paused, wondering how that could even be a question. Words couldn't even begin to explain how it was. "It's... really good!" she blurted, louder than she intended, her voice bursting with unfiltered enthusiasm.

Uraraka laughed, her own mouth full of pancake. "Told ya! Mom makes the best pancakes ever!"

Toga looked down at her plate, her chest tightening with a feeling of gratitude and warmth. This was what it felt like to be cared for, a feeling she wasn't sure she deserved but couldn't bring herself to resist.

The rest of the breakfast passed in silence, not the heavy, suffocating kind that choked every meal back at Toga's apartment, but a gentle, restful quiet. The only sounds were the clink of forks on plates and the occasional hum of satisfaction. It was the kind of silence that felt full, wrapping Toga in a cocoon of warmth and comfort that she was not yet used to.

Uraraka's father was the first to finish, his plate scraped clean. He stood, stretching as he grabbed his coat. "Well, I'm off to work now. I'll see you guys when I get off." He said, walking over to ruffle Uraraka's hair and give her mom a quick kiss on the forehead. "It was nice meeting you, Toga. I hope to see you again sometime." he said with a kind smile that lingered just long enough to make her feel seen before he disappeared out the door.

Uraraka, meanwhile, was in a race against her own hunger, scarfing down her food with all the finesse of a whirlwind. Toga tried to keep pace but couldn't help lingering over every bite. She didn't want it to end, savoring each crumb of pancake and every last drop of syrup like it was something sent straight from heaven and onto her undeserving plate.

Uraraka finished her food not long after her father left, with Toga and her mother eventually following suit. As Uraraka's mom began clearing the plates that were now nearly licked clean, she smiled warmly at the girls. "Did you enjoy the food?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of pride.

"Yeah, Mama! It was so good! The best pancakes ever!" Uraraka declared with boundless excitement, practically bouncing in place as a began to kick in.

Toga nodded in agreement, still savoring the lingering sweetness on her tongue. "They were amazing. Thank you so much." she murmured, the words sincere, unused to expressing such gratitude.

"I'm glad to hear it!" Uraraka's mom said with a soft laugh as she stacked the plates. "Now that you two are all sugared up, why don't you go let out some energy while I tidy up." She suggested, already at the sink and begin to do the dishes.

"Good idea Mama! Come on, Toga let's go play!" Uraraka said, gently pulling her friend's hand toward the door while grabbing her coat and messily throwing it on.

"Okay!" Toga said, a genuine smile spreading across her face.

When the pair stepped outside, the crisp morning had made way for a golden mid morning glow. The sky was fully lit, the sun casting a soft warmth over everything, while the air held a comfortable chill, radiating with the feeling of fall.

"Hey, I have an idea!" Uraraka chirped, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's race to the big tree where we first met! Last one there's a rotten egg!" She crouched slightly, getting into an exaggerated racing position, her grin wide and infectious.

Toga's heart skipped a beat at the challenge, and a flicker of excitement sparked in her chest. She hadn't raced anyone in years, not since the days when things were simpler, when smiles weren't something she had to fake.

"Alright!" Toga said, lowering herself into a racing stance beside Uraraka. Her smile matched her friend's, wide and competitive.

"Ready... set... go!" Uraraka yelled, taking off like a rocket before the word "go" had fully left her mouth.

"Hey, wait up!" Toga laughed, sprinting after her.

The crisp autumn air whipped past her face as her feet pounded against the ground. Leaves crunched underfoot, swirling as they darted past houses and streets that turned into trees and patches of tall grass. Uraraka was fast, her short legs moving like a blur, but Toga had a spark of determination that pushed her harder with each step.

The towering oak tree came into view, its branches sprawling like welcoming arms, and Uraraka threw a glance over her shoulder. "Better hurry, Toga!" She teased, her laughter ringing out.

Toga narrowed her eyes, pushing herself to close the gap. Her breaths came quick and sharp, but she didn't care. There was something thrilling about the race, the rush of the wind, the sound of her friend's laughter, the way the world felt so small and simple in this moment.

With a final burst of energy, Toga surged forward, her feet skidding to a stop just as Uraraka reached out to touch the tree.

"Ha! I win!" Uraraka said between heavy breaths, grinning from ear to ear.

Toga leaned forward, hands on her knees, her own grin breaking free. "You cheated!"

"Did not!" Uraraka said, sticking out her tongue. "You're just slow!"

The two burst into laughter, their voices mingling with the rustling leaves. For the first time in a long time, Toga felt something close to peace, a fleeting, precious moment of normalcy.

Uraraka crashed onto her back, laughing softly as she stared at the sky. The clouds drifted lazily overhead, and a crisp breeze rustled the leaves around them. Toga followed suit, lying down beside her, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath.

For a few moments, the world felt still, the only sounds being the distant chirping of birds and the occasional whistle of the wind.

But as Toga's gaze lifted to the birds soaring overhead, that familiar ache beginning to swell within her. The sight of their freedom, their wings carrying them wherever they pleased, it clashed with the constant feeling of being trapped in her own skin.

Her jaw tightened, and she instinctively bit her lip, the sharp sting grounding her, even if only for a moment. She was about to press harder, to drown out the ache, when Uraraka's soft voice broke through her spiraling thoughts.

"Toga? Are you okay?"

Toga flinched at the sound, her eyes darting to her friend's face. Uraraka was watching her, her head tilted slightly, a small furrow of worry creasing her brow. The concern in her voice was genuine, and Toga suddenly felt exposed, like Uraraka could see every crack in the mask she worked so hard to keep in place.

"Y-Yeah," Toga stuttered, forcing a smile. "Just... out of breath. You totally wore me out." She said, trying to joke her way out.

Uraraka's expression softened into a grin. "Well, yeah. I am the reigning champion of races." She stuck out her tongue playfully before lying her head back down, seemingly content with the explanation.

Toga let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding, her smile wavering. Lying next to her friend, she wondered how long she could keep up the facade, and whether Uraraka would ever see the monster she tried so desperately to hide.

Toga's gaze shifted to Uraraka's hands, noticing the familiar three fingered gloves she had seen last time. A pang of hope stirred within her, a fragile thought that maybe Uraraka might understand.

"Hey, Uraraka," Toga began hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah? What's up?" Uraraka tilting her head to look at Toga, her usual bright curiosity shining through.

"Can I ask you something?" Toga's fingers fidgeted nervously, her hands twisting in her lap.

"Of course! You can ask me anything!" Uraraka said with an encouraging smile.

Toga swallowed hard, her heart racing as she mustered the courage to speak. "What's your quirk?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Uraraka didn't hesitate. "Oh, my quirk? It's nothing super flashy or anything. Basically, I can make things float when I touch them," she said brightly. "But I'm still learning how to control it. That's actually why I wear these gloves! Mama made them especially for me." She said, lifting her hand to show off her gloves.

Toga's fidgeting stilled as she listened, her attention fully captured by her friend's enthusiasm.

"What about you?" Uraraka asked, leaning forward slightly. "What's your quirk, Toga?"

The question made Toga stiffen, her hands curling into tight fists in her lap. She turned her head away, the weight of Uraraka's gaze pressing on her like a boulder. Her words felt tangled, caught somewhere deep in her throat where she couldn't reach them.

"I... uh..." she stammered, the ache in her chest growing stronger.

Uraraka blinked, her curiosity softening into concern. "Toga?" she asked gently. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to..."

"No!" Toga said suddenly, her voice louder than she intended. She flinched at her own outburst, then let her gaze lift to the sky. "I mean, it's fine. I just..." She took a shaky breath, trying to find the words.

Her mind raced with all the things she wanted to say, but couldn't. How her quirk made her feel like a monster. How every time she used it, she felt farther and farther from being human. How she urged to drink the blood of others, even though she knew it was a disgusting thing to want. How could she possibly explain that to someone as pure and kind as Uraraka?

"It's... kind of weird," Toga finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Weird?" Uraraka tilted her head, her brows knitting together. "That's okay! Weird quirks are cool. Mine is kinda weird too, floating stuff isn't exactly normal, you know?" She smiled, her warmth unwavering.

Toga's fists unclenched slightly at Uraraka's words, but the knot in her stomach remained. She bit her lip, hesitating. "I don't think you'd think it's cool..." she mumbled.

Uraraka leaned closer, her eyes filled with comfort as she gently took Togas hand into her own. "Toga, I'm your friend. I don't care what it is, I'll still be your friend no matter what."

The words hit Toga like a gentle wave, washing over her fears. Even so, the ache inside her refused to fade completely. She knew she couldn't reveal everything, not yet, but a part of her wanted to believe that maybe Uraraka really wouldn't hate her.

Toga's grip on Uraraka's hand tightened as she hesitated, her voice trembling. "When I drink people's blood... I can turn into them," she whispered, the words barely audible.

She braced herself, closing her eyes tightly. She expected the look of disgust, the sharp intake of breath, the harsh words that always followed when she told someone, and the inevitable shift in Uraraka's view of her that would tell her everything was ruined. The ache in her chest grew unbearable as she waited for the rejection she was certain would come.

"Toga!" Uraraka's voice broke through, filled not with fear or disgust, but with excitement. "That's not weird, that's awesome!"

Toga's eyes snapped open, disbelief washing over her. Uraraka was now sitting upright, staring down at Toga in amazement. Toga stared right back at her, her breath hitching as the knot in her stomach unraveled slightly. "You... think it's cool?" she asked cautiously, as if daring to believe it could be true.

"Are you kidding?" Uraraka beamed, her eyes sparkling with genuine enthusiasm. "That's like, the coolest quirk I've ever heard of! You could be anyone you wanted to! That would be a great quirk for a hero!"

Toga blinked, the weight of her fears momentarily lifting. Her heart thudded in her chest, the warmth of Uraraka's acceptance flooding through her.

The pair sat in a comfortable silence after Uraraka's declaration, the words lingering in the crisp autumn air. Toga felt a warmth in her chest that she hadn't experienced in years, or actually, ever. Her lips twitched into a small, genuine smile, one she didn't have to fake or force.

"Thank you, Uraraka." Toga finally said, her voice soft but steady. "You're really something else, you know that?"

Uraraka laughed, a sound so bright and carefree that it made Toga's heart ache in the best way. "I'm gonna take that as a compliment!" she said, playfully bumping Toga's shoulder with her own. "And you can just call me Ochako from now on."

Toga smile brightly at that, not believing how much she lucked by having a friend like this. As the sunlight filtered through the leaves above them, Toga allowed herself to believe, just for a moment, that there was a place for her in this world after all.

"Come on!" Uraraka suddenly jumped to her feet, holding out a hand. "Let's go find something fun to do before Mama calls us back for lunch!"

Toga took her friend's hand, letting herself be pulled up. The ache in her chest hadn't fully disappeared, but for the first time, it felt manageable. As they ran off together, the sound of their laughter filled the air, carrying with it a fragile hope that Toga clung to desperately.

For once, the world didn't feel quite so heavy.