57The car ride was a silent one. Not one with awkwardness or peace.
It was a tense silence.
Kayama could feel the daggers being stared through her car seat and into her spine by Laura. When Laura learned that Kayama had agreed to take her and Eri in, she was surprised and irritated. Laura had argued to be given some kind of compensation and a home so she can take care of Eri herself, but Detective Tsukauchi was quick to deny it. Not only was it absurd and reckless, but it was also dangerous.
Detective Tsukauchi didn't want to say it, but he had to point out that Laura didn't have the first clue when it came to living in the real world. To cook food, do laundry, entertain and teach Eri, etc. Everything that everyone did was alien to Laura.
Laura looked ready to burst but held her tongue as she knew Detective Tsukauchi was correct. Once Laura backed down, the girls made their way to Kayama's car and drove off to their new home.
Kayama knew Laura didn't trust her, but above that, she didn't trust her with Eri. If Kayama's guesses were accurate, Laura's decision-making was based solely on what benefitted Eri the most. It was flawed given what transpired earlier, but Laura was trying her best in her eyes.
This is all just guessing, but Kayama knew she was in for an unpredictable future with these two. That is factual.
Kayama glanced at the car mirror and saw Laura giving her a death glare. Eri, meanwhile, was focused on the world outside and taking in the scenery. Kayama focused back on the road and stopped at a red light. They were near a couple of fast food restaurants and Kayama thought it would be nice of her to buy them food, but fast food seemed like a cheap way to gain their trust. If Kayama wanted Eri's vote of confidence and Laura's respect then she would need to put in real work.
Looks like dinner at home will be made for three.
When the light went green Kayama turned left and passed by the restaurants. Her chance for an easy meal was gone.
The tense silence was starting to get to Kayama. She wanted to say something to get a conversation going, but how do you talk to people who spent their whole lives in captivity? Do they like anything other than each other? What were trigger words or phrases that wouldn't see them having a meltdown in the middle of this ride?
Kayama felt a slow wave of anxiety beginning to build up inside her body; her lack of confidence in being a figure worth looking up to was starting to get to her but she had to put that aside! She had to think of something! Gah just throw something out there!
"What do you want to know about this world?" Kayama asked, her words slicing the air like a scalpel.
Eri jumped a bit at the sudden break as Laura lowly growled.
"Crap!" Kayama thought to herself! Her first mistake!
"Um…" Eri pondered her thoughts and began to think.
"Or is it?!" Kayama hoped Eri would think of something so she can earn her first points with the two.
"Why are you helping us?" Eri asked. As far as Eri knew, Laura was her only source of comfort as Midoriya was her hero so why was Midnight/Kayama helping them?
Kayama had hoped this question would come later as she didn't have the proper words to say yet. However, Kayama can't blame Eri for asking as this was the most important question. Why was Kayama doing this? What did she have to gain from all of this? Why?
Kayama took a small breath and spoke, "You need a home; a place to sleep, a place to eat and feel safe. To live in this world, you need a place to always go to feel most secure."
"But I have Laura," Eri said as Laura couldn't help but smile a little.
"Yes, and not to say that Laura doesn't count, but I mean somewhere you can always go to and stay. Laura is a person, Eri, but she's not a place," Kayama was being very careful with her words and tiptoeing on a dangerous line, "But there is more. If I didn't take you in they would have sent you to a foster home or in an adoption center."
Laura's ears flicked and her teeth grinded at the thought of it. To be given away like toys to random strangers and not have a say in the matter.
Kayama continued, "I felt that wasn't good for you two. Not to mention how cruel it would be if someone bad was going to take care of you. I want to give you two a good home, and I want to be the one who will take care of you the right way. To give you a chance at living a normal life."
Eri and Laura exchanged looks with Eri looking for answers through Laura. Kayama could see they were reading each other's thoughts with Laura clearly debating if Kayama was being sincere. Laura placed her hand on top of Eri's and gently squeezed it.
Eri understood what this meant. Laura did it each time they ran away and each time Laura promised to see her the next day.
"Um…" Eri looked to the ground for a brief moment then to Kayama through the mirror, "Thank you."
"That's positive points! That's good!" Kayama thought to herself as she smiled at Eri before pulling into the driveway of her home.
It was a small house that had no flash to it. It looked the same as every house you'd ever seen. A tan color of paint, a brown roof, two windows on the top and one big one on the bottom right. The front lawn was perfectly cut and even though it was night, the grass seemed to flow healthy with the gentle breeze.
Kayama turned off her car as the lights sprang to life. Kayama unlocked her doors and motioned for them to exit. As they were, Eri had to take a double take at a building that was further away but clear. It was massive; the biggest building she has ever seen!
"What is that?!" Eri asked in astonishment as Laura lifted her into her arms. Eri pointed at the building far away from her, "It is so big!"
Kayama smiled as she knew what Eri was talking about, "That is U.A High School. The most prestigious hero school in the world. It has produced more heroes than any other with some of the best heroes of all time doing their training and graduating from there. Heroes such as All Might." Kayama name-dropped All Might not in reference to his reputation, but to show Eri and Laura how credible the place was.
"Wow!" Eri was amazed by it, "The big guy went there?!"
"Yup! And so did I," Kayama laughed lightly, "I actually work there now as a teacher."
"A teacher?" Eri asked, "What is a teacher?"
"Someone helps you understand things you don't know," Kayama explained simply.
"Oh…" Eri pondered the thought, "So you are teacher us right now?"
"Teaching us," Kayama giggled at Eri's mistake, "And I guess you can say that, but I teach big kids. People about as old as Laura here." Kayama said and walked towards her front door.
Laura remained vigilant in her silence as she followed Kayama inside. Everything seemed okay and so far Kayama has been nice to them, but that meant squat to her. No one is to be trusted, and no matter how hard Kayama tries, she'll never earn Laura's trust. Laura will use Kayama to her advantage and leave with Eri when she has the things she needs.
The trio entered the house to a humble home. The decor was modest but charming. The floor was made of pristine white tile with a small rug at the front entrance. There were paintings of old-looking houses, flowers, people, and nature set in various spots that made the house seem bigger than it actually was. A small desk and neatly filed papers were just on the right with a photo of two men on the opposing sides of Midnight.
Some flashy eccentric guy with sharp yellow hair, sunglasses, and a black vest was on her left. On the other side was what Laura could describe as a hobo who's seen better days. Were these friends of Kayama's? If so, she needs to find better people.
Setting Eri down, Laura examined the rest of the living room as Kayama closed the door behind them. This was just the front portion as the rest of the area was just past a wall. With Eri and Kayama behind her, Laura walked past the wall and saw more of the house. There was a large TV leaning against the wall, some black leather couches, and a single remote just sitting on the right side of the couch. There was also a red and blue rectangular device next to it with several buttons on it. Laura didn't know what it was but also didn't care.
Looking behind her, there was a kitchen with a marble countertop. Inside were numerous devices that seemed to have different purposes, but Laura was only familiar with the stove. She sliced several of those to cause distractions through gas leaks, but Laura wasn't looking to do that. …Yet.
Just on the right was a medium-sized squared table with four chairs; one for each section. On the table was a fake potted plant.
Kayama was relieved she was a naturally clean person. Cleaning was a chore and bore, but if these two stumbled upon a mess then Kayama would be setting a terrible first impression about her personal cleanliness.
Without much waiting, Kayama gave them a small tour of the house. She pointed out to the closets, restroom, and bedrooms. Kayama had two bedrooms. Why she had two Kayama never knew. It was meant for guests but no one really stayed over, and when they did…they were gone before the night was over. Well, at least it has a purpose now.
Kayama showed them their room and told them they could shower while she got about getting them some clothes. Kayama had to find something for Eri to wear and was hitting herself over the head for not taking them to the store first! They had no clothes! Laura could probably fit just fine, but Eri?! She had nothing! Kayama wanted to make a quick run but knew she would need to drag them with her and she didn't want to upset them already!
First thing in the morning: Get Eri and Laura new clothes, and then plan out what to add into their room such as another bed; repaint the room perhaps, some entertainment like puzzles, a computer, board games, toys, and maybe phones. Maybe.
These next few days are going to be difficult, but not as problematic as trying to convince Laura she needs to attend school now WITHOUT Eri.
Those vacation days are suddenly coming in handy now.
One week later
"I AM NOT DOING THIS, NEMURI!" Laura shouted as she was sitting in the passenger seat of the car fuming. Her hair was done straight and rid of tangles, something Laura never thought would be possible unless it was cut off, and she smelled like a peach which she despised. What Laura also hated was the clothes she was wearing. She wore a pure black outfit with a big red scarf around her neck that was shaped into a bow over her chest. Laura had a black skirt, but due to Laura ripping it off multiple times to the point where it tore in half because it was uncomfortable, Nemuri had Laura settle for black slacks. Her shoes were black combat boots as Laura's preference when they went shopping.
Nemuri was agitated on the inside. Laura's rebellious and combative behavior was a common thing at home, but Nemuri also understood that Laura had every right to be untrustful towards others. Nemuri signed and looked behind her to see Eri was startled by Laura's outburst but refused to say a word. Eri was wearing a simple white dress with brown slip-on shoes. Her hair was done in a ponytail.
"Laura, please, you need to do this," Nemuri pleaded in her case, "It's part of our law in Japanese society that you must get an education, and I was barely able to pull this off."
"And I should be grateful?" Laura spat and crossed her arms, "Now that you own us you're just gonna toss us whenever you don't want us around?!"
"Laura, it's not like that!" Nemuri raised her voice, "I'm not doing this because I am tired of you! I'm doing this because it's the rules! The law says so, and if I don't do what I have to for you and Eri, you two will be taken from me!" Nemuri pulled up to the curb and looked over to Laura, "Please, Laura, it'll be okay, I promise! This is how it is in the world. I know it's not a popular choice, but if you want to adapt to this world, you need to understand its laws and people. And one of the best ways to do that is to go school where you can be given a good education and develop social skills to interact with your peers."
Laura seemed unconvinced and was ready to grab Eri and leave; however, what stopped Laura from doing so is seeing how comfortable Eri had become. Eri quickly adapted to life at Nemuri's home and was doing much better in that than in that room. Laura didn't have it in her to ruin Eri's happiness; she's never been that happy since…
Since…
"Laura? Sweetie?" Nemuri softly spoke and was about to reach over to Laura before the younger female snapped back into reality and flinched with a scared look on her face. Nemuri gasped lightly and pulled back as Laura looked at Nemuri's hand before scrambling to get out of the car.
"Let's just get this over with," Laura said as she exited the car, grabbing the yellow and blue backpack from under the seat. Going towards the back, Laura aided Eri with stepping out of the car.
With another sign, Nemuri also exited her vehicle and readjusted her dress. Nemuri did her hair flat today to divert eyes from recognizing her established spiky hair. Nemuri's outfit was a black dress that hugged her body that went to the knees, and wore a gray blazer over it that was unbuttoned. Nemuri's heels were her hero heels since they went with the outfit. Nemuri's nails were painted a lighter pink color; thin black glasses accompanied her with sunglasses resting on the blazer's pocket, and her purse was black as well with no trade markings on it.
With her car locked and the children by her side, Nemuri took Laura and Eri inside the school that was selected by the government: Aldera Junior High.
Nemuri did her research on the school and had doubts about its credibility. There were plenty of rumors about this place, but the one that was most troubling was the one about an explosive child who practically runs the place like a tyrant and physically heckles a quirkless kid on a daily basis. Nemuri immediately thought of Midoriya when she heard of the quirkless child. Nemuri hoped Midoriya was having it better than whoever this poor kid was.
Nemuir was hoping that the bully didn't pick on Laura. As a matter of fact, Nemuri was praying that no one heckles Laura at all. Not for Laura's sake but for theirs.
Laura was angry and confused. She met the principal of the school alongside Eri and Nemuri, and Laura could already tell he was a piece of crap. A lying, self-centered, lazy, sleazy vermin. The man dressed and looked the part, but Laura saw right through him. Laura also saw the way the man was sneaking looks at Nemuri, and although Laura has her reservations about her adoptive guardian, Laura wanted to cut that man down for the disgusting behavior.
The Japanese government sure knows how to pick the best schools; let alone the principal's boss for finding the right leader.
It was hard for Laura to say bye to Eri. It was heartbreaking for them both because this was the first time they were separated. Eri was bawling her eyes out as Laura did her best to stay strong for her. Laura had to ease Eri and assure her that she will be back soon. Eri needed to stay with Nemuri and be strong for her big sister. God was it difficult for Laura to not break down with Eri, but she needed to keep her composure for her.
It took a while, but when Eri was ready to go, Laura waved them goodbye and was guided by a staff member around the school. Laura took note of everything and everywhere. The school looked decent but there were random scorch marks scattered everywhere. From the walls to the lockers, the floor, and even the roof. Who did this? Certainly, it wasn't natural nor was it an explosive device. This was man-made: a Quirk.
Wonderful.
When the tour was over, Laura was led to a classroom that had just started. Supposedly, this was her 'home class.' She would be staying here through the rest of the year. Simple enough.
When Laura entered the classroom, the teacher was quick to greet her as all of the students took note of the newcomer. Laura shrugged their gazes off as she communicated with her new teacher.
"Welcome to the class!" The teacher spoke in a friendly manner, "My name is…"
Laura zoned out immediately. This guy looked stupid. Laura has no idea what fashion is but that haircut proved this man had no shame. Not to mention that suit. Again, Laura was brought back to reality the second time today as the teacher asked a question.
"Would you like to introduce yourself to the class?" The teacher asked.
"No." Laura honestly said.
Some students laughed and snorted at Laura's abrupt answer. The teacher was caught off guard and strengthened himself. With a small yet stifled laugh, he proceeded, "Then I will do so." Looking towards the class, the teacher spoke, "Class, this is Laura Kayama. She is a transfer student from her home school. Please be respectful as she adapts to the classroom setting."
Laura looked over the class and couldn't be any more annoyed. So many useless smiles, some winks, waves, etc. Only two kids stood out. This ash blonde with his feet on his desk who wasn't even listening and…
Laura's eyes widened in surprise as she made eye contact with the green-haired kid that saved them! What was his name?!
"You can sit next to Izuku Midoriya on the left. Midoriya, raise your hand!"
Izuku Midoriya! That's his name!
Laura walked over to where Midoriya was and sat in the empty desk in between him and the window. Midoriya gave Laura a welcoming gesture and a simple smile. Laura, not knowing what to do, just nodded her head. That was enough for Midoriya it seems as he went back to his notebook.
At least there was one familiar face, and it so happens to be Eri's 'hero.' Laura couldn't wait to tell Eri that she goes to school with Midoriya now, which will make Eri more at ease.
Lunch could not have come any faster. By far this was a better day than anything in most of her life, but Laura was slowly losing her mind by how boring school is! Japanese studies, Japanese history, hero history, science, math?! Laura was hating most of this but science and Japanese history. Science had an interesting twist as it was telling Laura how everything and anything came to be, and history was talking about the dark ages. When Japan was ruled by a tyrant who had, at that time, the most powerful quirk in history. It is still regarded as one of the most devastating quirks to ever exist to this day.
As for the other history, hero history, Midoriya was very well versed in that class. He seemed like an encyclopedia of hero history.
Regardless, Laura was told by Nemuri that food was served at school; however, Nemuri was weirdly adamant about making Laura her own lunch for today. Whether it be Nemuri trying to get on her good side, or Nemuri knowing something about this school's food that she doesn't, matter little to Laura. Laura would starve endlessly back in the room just to keep Eri's stomach full. To her food wasn't necessary, but it was still a delight.
Sitting alone under a tree in solitude, Laura opened up a box with vegetables, rice, meat, and some sauce in small cups with fruit punch being her drink. There was also a note next to a wrapped brownie.
"Enjoy! Hope you're having a nice day!"
- Nemuri
Laura felt a little touched by this note and the food. Laura had to give Nemuri some credit for her efforts to reach out to the sisters, but Laura knew better. Never trust anyone because everyone wants something from you. They'll use you for their own means like a weapon.
Laura looked at her right knuckles and glided her left hand over them. She could feel them underneath her skin. The curse that will never leave her; something that can't be ripped out no matter how hard she tries. They are just as bonded to her bones as Eri's bond to Laura.
Except Eri is a blessing whereas this is a curse in her bones.
"Um…hi…"
Laura looked up and saw Midoriya nervously standing a few feet away, "Do you…mind? I…sit here too."
So much for being alone, but Laura was technically invading his turf. Shrugging her shoulders, Laura scooted over to allow Midoriya to sit under the shade too.
Midoriya sat down with his food also packed. The two sat in awkward silence as Laura was tempted to leave but felt it would be useless. Laura's been in worse positions and this was puny compared to those situations. Plus, Laura needed to tell Midoriya something anyway.
Glancing over to Midoriya, Laura slowly parted her lips, "Hey…Midoriya."
Stunned at the general feeling of being talked to, Midoriya turned his head to Laura, "Yeah, Kayama?"
"Kayama?" Laura asked, confused, "My name is Laura."
Midoriya was quick to pick up that maybe Laura didn't know traditional name-calling. Must be the home-school environment kicking in. "Well…yes, I know, but in the traditional sense, calling someone by their first name is a sign of a bond. Like family or lovers." Midoriya explained, "Out of respect for you, I called you by your last name given we aren't that close."
Laura tilted her head and took in the information. So, last names are used when speaking to someone in general? First names are reserved for closeness? Rules are weird.
"Regardless," Laura continued, "I never thanked you for what you did for my sister and me a few weeks ago. You saved us, but more importantly, you saved Eri. We're grateful for that."
Midoriya blushed red and waved his hand, "I-I-It was nothing! Anyone would have done that!"
"I find that hard to believe," Laura replied and shook her head, "Still, thank you. I would have survived but Eri…" Laura looked down and hung her head in shame.
Midoriya hastily spoke when Laura seemed to be thinking dark thoughts, "Eri is okay! She's with you and that's all that matters, right?" Laura glanced up to Midoriya trying to figure out his meaning, "I mean…you're both okay. You're both alive and doing well. What happened was horrible, but we can't stay in the past forever. We can only strive to do better next time." Midoriya hoped he said the right words here as he was unfamiliar with what to say to someone who almost saw their sister get hurt or worse. That last sentence felt completely unnecessary but it was already said.
Laura took in Midoriya's words and had to admit to agreeing with them. Laura used this train of thought when it came to escaping Chisaki. If Laura stayed hung up on each failure then they would have never escaped. Each failed attempt hurt worse than the last, but in the end, they did escape.
"Ha! Look at Deku, trying to make nice with the new girl!"
"Really, Deku? She's way out of your league! Then again, any girl with a brain is out of your league, and that's 100% of all women!"
Laura was bewildered by the word, 'Deku.' She's heard it before and knew its meaning, but who was being called Deku?
Laura looked to Midoriya for information and was baffled. Midoriya was shaking and looked afraid. Turning towards the voice, Laura saw the ash-blonde kid from before and two no-names on each side.
The one with the long fingers spoke first, "Kayama, I know you're new, but Deku here is nothing but a loser! A wimp!"
Loser? Wimp? Laura would beg to differ.
"Yeah, the guy couldn't win a fight even if he had a quirk!" The other person said as his wings flapped behind him. "You seem like a cool person. Ditch this idiot and come hang with us!"
"Will you two shut up?!" The ash blonde yelled at them causing everyone, minus Laura, to flinch, "I don't care who she is! Don't forget who leads this group! And I'm not here for her anyways!"
"S-S-Sorry Bakugo!" The two boys sputtered out.
Midoriya gulped and knew what was going to happen. He was going to get beaten down in front of Laura. It's all he's good for anyways, being a disposable body to be used as a meatshield.
Bakugo stared Deku down as Laura began to get irritated. It wasn't just the three aggressors coming, but a lot of the students from around the school began to crowd the group with many watching from various places.
"You thought what I did to you before was bad, Deku?" Bakugo sneered through his teeth, "I'm going to make everything pale in comparison to what will happen to you every day if you don't revoke your application at U.A.! Don't waste your time trying to be something you will never be! A hero!"
That was enough.
Laura stood up, and in a moment that paused time for everyone watching, stood in front of Midoriya!
Everyone was shocked, especially Midoriya! No one has ever put themselves in front of him.
"Leave, or I will make you," Laura simply told Bakugo and his goons.
Bakugo was not intimated. Not one bit. In fact, he found this just as infuriating.
"What did you say to me?" Bakugo growled as everyone knew what that voice was.
Midoriya was quick to get up and stand in between Laura and Bakugo, "K-K-Kayama! It's okay! I'll handle this! I've known Kacchan since we were kids!"
Laura looked at Midoriya, and for a brief moment Laura took her eyes off of Midoriya, Bakugo shoved Midoriya as hard as he could to knock him and Laura over with Midoriya landing on top of Laura as they crashed onto the floor.
Everyone began to laugh at the two as Midoriya, blushing as red as he ever had, scrambled to get off with Laura helping him with a shove of her own. Furious and embarrassed, Laura made the crowd silent.
Laura got up and decked Bakugo in the face which made him fall to the ground.
In one blow, Bakugo was knocked down but not knocked out.
Midoriya, who was still on the floor, watched in horror as Bakugo got back up and gave Laura a death glare.
"Alright, you stupid bit-" Bakugo didn't get to finish his sentence as Laura was all over him wailing him with calculated punches to his midsection and face. Bakugo tried to hit back but Laura grabbed Bakugo's arm and flipped him over her body and onto the floor with a hard thud that knocked the air out of him. Laura, in a state of instinct, placed Bakugo's forearm under her arm and was about to attempt an armbar that surely would have broken Bakugo's arm if Midoriya hadn't stepped in and grabbed Laura's arm.
"Kayama!" Midoriya shouted and held Laura's arm as tight as he could, "Stop! It's fine! It's over! Calm down! Just please don't do it!"
Laura breathed heavily and glared at Midoriya for a moment before releasing Bakugo's arm and tossing it onto the floor. Laura looked down to a startled and speechless Bakugo, "Come after him again, and I will make this feel like a love tap." Laura said as she stepped over Bakugo to add more insult to injury as she went over to grab her belongings and take off. Laura took a few steps before stopping and looking back to Midoriya, "You coming or what?!" Laura shouted at him.
Midoriya, knocked out of his state of complete emotional turmoil, rushed over to gather his stuff and meekly followed Laura.
Bakugo, not done yet, barked at Laura with one last ditch effort to embarrass Deku, "You know he's quirkless, right?!" Bakugo got up and grinned. This always worked! Once someone learned that Deku was quirkless, they left him!
Laura didn't care to reply as Bakugo grew more frustrated and shouted again.
"You like that quirkless bastard?! Do you actually enjoy his company and support him?! He's nothing! A waste of space! Someone who could die alone in a ditch and no one would even notice!" Bakugo kept wailing more verbal insults, "He doesn't know anything about this damn world and lives in his own fantasy where he thinks he'll be the next All Might! How is someone as weak as him supposed to save anyone when he needs someone to save his skin?!"
Laura signed a breath of rage and annoyance as Midoriya was ready to stop her again. Just turning her head and torso towards Bakugo, Laura spoke, "I know he's quirkless; I've known that for a while. It doesn't matter to me. He's already done something you'll never do; something you will never act on if you didn't get praise and glory. What that is I'll keep to myself, but just remember that I don't care if he has a quirk or not. If quirks are what is needed to judge someone based on their character and status then this world is already far gone due to people like you." Laura centered her body again but not without one last insult, "If anyone is a Deku. It's you."
With her last words said, Laura walked through the crowd as they separated in both admiration and fear as Midoriya followed behind her shyly. He dared himself to look back but quickly regretted it when Bakugo was giving them the evilest glare he's ever given to anyone.
Midoriya and Laura could hear the whispers about what could possibly make Laura stick around Deku. Did Deku save her? Did Deku have blackmail over her? Were they a couple?! Did Deku make it to home base with her?! So many rumors were instantly started that day but no one was ever on the right mark.
Laura had her answer. The only reason she'll protect Midoriya is that he is their hero, especially Eri's. Laura had respect for Midoriya and appreciated his self-sacrificing knowing he was going to die to save them, but did it without a second thought. Laura owed him that much, and if Midoriya needed protection, then so be it.
It was just a nuisance that Laura knew she was going to have Nemuri on her ass when she heard she got into a fight already.
School is for chumps.