Chapter Text
A hand reached towards her face, Midoriya and Mineta watching in fear. Shigaraki was too fast, yet everything seemed to move in slow motion. Tsuyu remembers feeling afraid, but in hindsight, she knows what happens here: Mr. Aizawa was able to activate Erasure at the last moment, saving her from Shigaraki’s Decay.
But it didn’t happen like that now.
Mr. Aizawa was either already dead, or just wasn’t fast enough- she couldn’t tell which one it was. But she didn’t have any more time to think, because Shigaraki’s hand connected with her face. Tsuyu felt herself go numb with pain. Her skin cracked, crumbling away like ash in the wind. It spread across her face, time seemed to move excruciatingly slow as it consumed her whole body. What was worse, is that Midoriya and Mineta were probably to follow suit, to crumble away like nothing, and there was nothing she could do. Her vision blurred. Everything was burning into her brain. The smell of Mr. Aizawa’s blood. The gasps of fear from her classmates. Shigaraki’s crazed eye peeking out from behind the hand on his face: the last sight she’d ever see. Choking on dust, which was remnants of herself. And the pain that came with it all.
“Ribbit!” Tsuyu woke up with a gasp. Sweat beads on her forehead, despite the winter night’s chill. She quickly flicked on the lamp by her bedside, her eyes adjusting to the sudden light. That’s not what happened. Tsuyu knows that’s not what happened. But the fear felt too real for it to be fake.
Wait, so does that mean..?
Tsuyu quickly ran her hands over her face, her heart racing. She quickly got out of bed, hopping over to the mirror she had in her room. Her face was fine; there was no trace of Decay affecting her anywhere. Tsuyu took a deep breath, trying to still her beating heart. She was safe in her U.A dorm. The USJ incident was months ago. There’s no need to be afraid, it wasn’t real. She repeatedly mumbled these things, but this small mantra did nothing to calm her down.
Well, she wasn’t going to go back to sleep anytime soon.
Rubbing the last bit of sleep out of her eyes, Tsuyu opened her door and started to head downstairs. Maybe some tea would calm her down, and she could go back to sleep. It was a school night after all.
As Tsuyu headed down the stairs, she heard a small crash in the common room. Her hero instincts immediately kicked in and she crouched, creeping towards the noise. Was someone breaking in? It seems her brain was still deciding to be irrational, because a thought wormed its way into her head. Slowly but surely, fear started to drown out her initial hero response.
What if it’s Shigaraki here to finish the job? You’ll be gone in an instant, and no one will notice your ashes in the air.
But then she heard a shush.
“Dark Shadow. You must be more careful. Do you want to get caught?”
Tsuyu recognized Tokoyami’s deep voice and peeked around the corner, relief quelling some of the fear she felt. He and Dark Shadow appeared to be making tea, based on the kettle on the stove. “ I wonder why he’s up so late.” Tsu thought to herself.
“I didn’t mean to knock over the pan, Fumikage! Don’t be so uptight!” Dark Shadow crowed back quietly, crossing his arms. Tokoyami sighed, rubbing his temple. “Perhaps I’m uptight because you won’t let me go to sleep.”
“Whatever.” Dark Shadow flew over to the kettle that had just begun to whistle. “ It’s ready! Now quick, pour me some!” Dark Shadow eagerly held out a mug with a tea bag inside. Tokoyami rolled his eyes. “Alright. But after this, let’s go back to our room. I fear that we’ve made too much of a ruckus already.”
Tokoyami pours the water into Dark Shadow’s cup, steam rising over the edge. Dark Shadow chirps, and starts to gulp down the tea. Tokoyami starts to pour the hot water into his own cup when he looks up to see Tsuyu peeking around the corner. Startled, his hand jostles, causing him to spill the hot water on himself. He hisses.
“Ribbit! Are you okay, Tokoyami?” Tsuyu rushes out from her spot. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“It’s okay, Asui. It’s nothing serious-”
“Call me Tsu. And here, let me help. I’ve had my fair share of water burns, ribbit.” She takes Tokoyami’s hand and looks it over, putting it under the sink faucet and turning on the cold water. Dark Shadow floats behind them with a concerned expression. “Is it bad?”
“No, it wasn’t anything serious, ribbit. But it doesn’t hurt to check.” She gives Dark Shadow a head pat of reassurance. Dark Shadow smiles back before he returns to his tea.
Tokoyami nods as he dries his hand. “You are certainly right, As-I mean, Tsu.” He picks up the kettle and continues to pour the water into his cup. “There’s more water left, would you like tea?”
“I would love some. Although I hope I’m not intruding.” Tsuyu says. Dark Shadow quickly grabs a mug, bringing it back over. “We don’t mind!”
The two sit wordlessly as Tokoyami puts a teabag in Tsuyu’s mug. Dark Shadow finished its tea and disappeared back into Tokoyami, leaving the two alone. Despite the silence, both Tokoyami and Tsuyu were comfortable in each other’s presence, not feeling the need to fill the space. Tokoyami hands her the mug. “Thank you.” Tsu says gratefully, breathing in the tea’s warm fragrance.
“It’s my pleasure.” Tokoyami grabs his own mug. “If you don’t mind me asking, why are you awake? Has the everlasting darkness claimed your thoughts and soul as it has mine?”
Tsuyu hums in amusement. The way Tokoyami talked always intrigued her. “Sort of. I…Had a nightmare.”
Tokoyami’s brow furrowed. Asui, having a nightmare? Nightmares were a horrid thing that even a creature of darkness like himself despised. He hoped that this wasn’t something that his classmate had often. His thoughts of worry stop when Dark Shadow’s voice breaks through his mind. “Well don’t just sit there gawking! At least say something.” At his quirk’s jeers, he cleared his throat, causing Tsuyu to look up at him. Scarlet pupils meet black ones.
“Would…You like to talk about it?”
Tsuyu takes a sip of her tea before nodding. Her fear left her rattled, moreso this time than her other nightmares. This was the time to talk, and she trusted Tokoyami. “You…Remember the USJ incident, right?”
Tokoyami nods. “Yes. How could anyone forget our first meeting with Shigaraki?” At his words, he noticed the hand holding Tsuyu’s mug started to quiver slightly. She didn’t speak, her mouth set in a grim line. Tokoyami has never seen Tsu panicked before, and the fear in her eyes makes him wish he’d never have to see it again.
He opens his beak to speak, but Tsuyu starts to talk again. She explained her close encounter with Shigaraki. She recalls how he had almost killed her , but Aizawa was able to stop him, even in his tortured state, which was a whole other can of worms. Tsuyu noticed her eyes started to feel wet, but she held back the tears. She was supposed to be strong, calm and collected. She didn’t want to cry, especially not in front of him. “Experiencing it was horrifying. I never really talked to anyone about it, but I probably should have, ribbit. In my n-nightmare, it was different. He succeeded. He touched my face and I could feel the pain of crumbling away under Decay, my face being a critical hit. I could hear the people surrounding me, reacting to what happened as if they were right by my ear. I don’t know why I had a nightmare about it, it happened so long ago and I know I’m safe now. But it felt so real, and all the fear I had in that moment came rushing back.”
The more Tsuyu talked, the more Tokoyami’s heart ached for her. Why had she been carrying this burden by herself for so long? He’d missed out on most of the action during the fiasco, so he’d hadn’t heard her side of the story before. The USJ incident was nothing to scoff at- it was the start of an ongoing battle between his class and the League. They’d just started their path to be a hero, and she’d already accumulated a scary amount of trauma. They all had. The League of Villains made the girl in front of him, the usual calm foundation of the class, fearfully explain a nightmare in shuddery exhales. It gave him another reason to fight.
Tsuyu sighed, looking down at her mug of tea. When it was clear she was done talking, Tokoyami hesitantly reached out his hand, putting it on her shoulder. Tsuyu looked up at him with a confused ribbit. “Tsu, I’m sorry you had to carry that by yourself for so many months, or go through that in the first place. This… may be something we must get used to as heroes, but please don’t think you can’t confide in others because you’re too busy worrying about their welfare. That’s why you haven’t told anyone, correct?”
Tsuyu shrugs. “I mean, it never really came up. I didn’t want to bring it up since it’s such a sensitive topic for everyone. I’ve been trying to work on having a filter.” She mumbles the last part, hints of self deprecation in her tone.
“I understand. But in regards to your fear itself- Asui, you’ve grown so much stronger since then. God forbid we do any more times than we already have, but if we run into the League again, I’m sure you’ll be able to show them you’re no victim. You’re Froppy: a powerful heroine. But you must know that you’re safe here, among those who care about you. You don’t need to be afraid, but when you are, there are people here who’d be very willing to help you.” His thumb brushes back and forth a bit across her shoulder, an extra gesture to show his support. He just hopes he’s said the right things to comfort her. At that moment, Dark Shadow makes its appearance.
“Yeah! And we’ll help protect you, no matter what!”
Tsuyu blinked, a bit caught off guard. A few moments passed, and Tokoyami physically withdraws.
“...Apologies.” He mumbled, and he removed his hand from her shoulder. Sensing his master’s displeasure, Dark Shadow slunk back into Tokoyami. There was a reason Tokoyami didn’t like confrontation- it was for the fear of saying the wrong thing. With Asui’s reaction to what Dark Shadow said, a being that often spoke his unfiltered thoughts, his paranoia pulled him back into his shell. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” He turns away, planning on leaving all together, but Tsuyu catches his hand. “No, wait.” Tsu’s voice was quiet. “Do you really mean that?”
Despite Tokoyami’s previous hesitance and his new anxiousness regarding what he said, his answer was immediate. “Yes.”
The hand holding her mug clenched, and Tsuyu put it down. Her eyes fall to her lap, and she finally allows the tears she’s been holding back all night to fall.
If Tokoyami wasn’t internally panicking before, he was now. “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you-”
Tsuyu suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a hug.
Tokoyami thanked his genetics, because dear God if he didn’t have a bird head, his shocked blush would have been painfully obvious. Dark Shadow wolf whistled in the back of his head.
“No, no. It’s okay.” Tsuyu says. “It’s just, it’s so strange to have people in my life who would do that for me, ribbit. I guess I’m not used to it. I never really had a lot of friends.” She wiped at her eyes before continuing. “I was always busy because I was taking care of my siblings, so I didn’t really search for any. But at the same time, no one really made a move to be my friend either. I know I look and sound a bit off-putting since I’m a frog, and I guess I have a weird personality. Not many people like it when I’m blunt, ribbit. So having someone say that… It feels nice.”
Tokoyami started at Tsuyu, keeping his arms respectively at his sides. Personally, Tokoyami didn’t mind her bluntless; honesty was a value that many lacked. Even with her said tendency to speak what’s on her mind, he was surprised at how much she’s kept suppressed. He could never have guessed that his strong, kind classmate could have these insecurities. Even more surprising, was how she was opening up to him of all people.
“Maybe because she trusts you a lot.” Dark Shadow whispers in his mind.
Tokoyami blinks, a warm feeling sneaking its way into his heart. Perhaps he and Asui were more similar than he thought- he was never good at making friends either, so having earned one's trust was a new, yet welcomed feeling of joy. He hoped he could live up to the trust she had in him.
“Oh, sorry, ribbit.” Asui pulled away from their hug. “I didn’t mean to make... I guess I can be blunt with my actions, too.”
“As-Tsu. Please don’t think like that. I didn’t mind at all, nor do I mind your bluntness. The people of your past missed out on knowing you, so don’t let their absence weigh on your conscience. You are wonderful, and don’t forget that.”
Oh. Wow.
Her heart began to beat quicker, but not from the fear she had previously felt. She couldn’t even place what she was feeling, but it made her feel warm and jittery at the same time. Her eyes wandered up to meet Tokoyami’s.
Scarlet meets black once more.
If there’s one thing Tsuyu is good at, it’s reading eyes. As a result, it helps her get a better handle on reading other people and helping them with what they’re feeling. Eyes are a gateway to the soul, and portray so much emotion if you know how to see it. Now, she knows that Tokoyami wouldn’t lie to her, but regardless, there was such an… unwavering depth to his ruby orbs. There was true sincerity behind them. Tokoyami isn’t very expressive, from genetics to his overall demeanor, but his eyes can do plenty. He could send a villain running with a glare, yet bring reassurance to those in need. Tokoyami held duality: the eyes of a hero. And right now, his eyes told all he wanted to say.
“You’ve got nice eyes.”
Tokoyami’s feathers puffed up, and Tsuyu laughed for the first time that night. “I’m just being honest. You said you didn’t mind my bluntness.”
“A-ah, I don’t. Um, thank you, Tsu.”
“You’re welcome.” Her eyes wander to the floor. “Oh, was that what you knocked over a bit ago?” She points at the stray item that silently sat forgotten through their conversation.
“Ah, yes. Dark Shadow had gotten a bit excited and wasn’t looking where he was going. I’ll get it.”
“I’ve got it.”
At the same time, they go down to pick it up, only to knock foreheads with each other. “Ribbit! Sorry Tokoyami, I should have let you get it.” She chuckles, rubbing at her forehead.
“The fault is mine as well.” He picks up the pan and hangs it up. Interestingly enough, the collision had spurred a memory in his head. An idea came to mind, and he turned around to face his classmate.
“Ah, if you don’t mind, I want to try something. It’s something that I was taught as a child, and did it with Dark Shadow when I needed to calm down. I think it might help you, but I-I want your permission first, because it requires physical touch.” He pointed to his, then her own forehead, to which she was still rubbing. Tsu looks at him curiously, then nods. “We already knocked into each other once, ribbit. Why not one more?” She says in good nature. Tokoyami’s beak twitches. He sucks in a breath, summoning his courage.
With his eyes closed, Tokoyami leans a bit closer, his forehead gently leaning against hers. “I’m sending positive thoughts from my mind to yours. This way they’ll travel faster, I’m sure. Let our energies mix to spark a calm anew, and the bliss of peace stay steadfast in you.” He recites quietly. Tsuyu closed her eyes with a small smile. The two were at peace with each other, like kindred souls. She felt the words echoing in her head, letting her know that everything will be okay.
Tsuyu knew that Tokoyami was quiet, mysterious, and a bit withdrawn, but the Jet Black Hero had a soft side, one that she was just given the privilege to see. She felt his feathers tickle her head. He was so close, she could almost hear his heart beating at the same tempo as hers. She felt safe. In those moments, all fears she had were completely forgotten.
He moved away, causing Tsuyu to look back up again with a small pout. “Why did you pull away, ribbit?”
“Apologies. I didn’t want to-” he yawns, covering his beak with his hand. “-do that.”
Tsuyu croaked softly. “It is rather late.” She looks over to their abandoned mugs, both have started to go cold. She puts them in the sink. “Thank you for the tea. And for… Everything else really.”
“It was my pleasure, Tsu. And if you ever have a nightmare again, let me know. I’ll most likely be awake. The night is when the darkness can be the most welcoming, after all.” He stands up. Dark Shadow appears, crooning. Tsuyu gives it a couple head pats. “I will. Thank you Tokoyami.” She pauses for a moment. “Oh, I can’t believe I didn’t ask. What are you doing up? Did you have a nightmare too?”
The bird-headed teen shook his head. “Not this time. There are just some nights where Dark Shadow is a bit restless. Nothing to fret over.”
“Not this time? You have them, though.” Tsuyu says quietly, putting a finger to her cheek. “Are they bad?”
“They can be. But nightmares can be seen from a subjective standpoint.”
“I disagree. If it wakes you up at all, it’s valid.”
“...I suppose you’re right.”
Tsuyu shrugged. “If you’re not comfortable, don’t say anything. But someone’s got to look out for you Lords of Darkness, especially since you’re always up at the latest times.”
Tokoyami quirked an eyebrow. “Lords?”
“Dark Shadow, too.”
“I really don’t want to burden you, Tsu. You already do so much for the rest of our friends, I don’t want to add one more thing to it.”
“You’re not a thing, Tokoyami.” Tsuyu says bluntly. “And how I spend my time is my decision. I know we don’t talk all the time, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be there for you. The offer still stands.”
“Hm. Another time, perhaps.”
“Another time then, ribbit. Well, I’m going to try and get some sleep now. I’ll see you in class tomorrow?”
Tokoyami stuck his hands into the pockets of his hoodie. With the smallest of smiles, he brushed past her, slipping into the shadows of the dorm. “See you tomorrow. Rest well.”
When Tokoyami reached his dorm and closed his door, he flopped onto his bed and covered his face with his hands, hoping that sleep would finally take him. But Dark Shadow had other ideas. “What a night! Now that it’s over, I’d like a thank you.” Dark Shadow said, floating above him.
Fumikage removed one of his hands. “What? Why?”
“Because if it weren’t for me, you’d never go down to make tea, and never run into Tsu!”
He sighed. “Curse you, Dark Shadow.”
His quirk cackled. “Close enough!”
Tsuyu flopped onto her bed and covered her face with her hands, replaying the night’s events in her head. “I can’t believe I opened up like that, ribbit.” she mumbled. She turned onto her side, gripping a pillow and staring into space. She will admit, it felt good to tell someone about the feelings weighing down on her. Coming to UA was such a blessing. She’s grown so much as a hero, and has been able to make so many good friends that she’s rarely gotten the privilege of having.
And she’s never had one quite like Fumikage Tokoyami.
Tsuyu turns off her lamp, the darkness swallowing up her vision. As she laid in her bed, her eyes drooping closed, Tsuyu was no longer afraid. With Tokoyami’s “positive thoughts” lingering in her mind, she was able to sleep soundly.