Dr. Neko

"Kacchan!" I called out running after my crush but no matter what I do he is always out of my reach. Even when he turns to glare at me his ruby red eyes glistening in the light, that sexy smirk on his lips, his hands in his pockets, he just turns and walks away while I'm running as fast as I can.

"Kacchan!" I scream again only to blink to find myself sitting up in my bed, a hand stretched out in front of me grasping at nothing the image of him bloody and broken imprinted on my eyes and mind.

I was alone in my room, tears running down my face, I clutch at my chest trying anything I could to hold myself together.

"Everything is fine, Kacchan is upstairs in his own room, probably asleep." I whisper trying to calm myself down. It wasn't working.

I drank the glass of water from my bedside table but it only seemed to make me more thirsty. I get up and put on a shirt and loose pants making sure to clean my face before making my way downstairs. I didn't even look around, the kitchen would be empty, everyone had stayed up late and had passed out in either their rooms or in the common area. It's Saturday morning, early morning, like before dawn.

I wipe at my face again after downing another glass of water. "Why can't I ever just sleep?" I mumble to myself leaning against the sink. I rub a hand across my face trying to erase the nightmare but it really just wasn't helping. Not at all. I could feel my body trying to let out another sob but I won't let it. Kacchan would think I was looking down on him, I can't do that.

The mission last month really messed with my head, Kacchan had gotten hurt, hurt enough to stay in the hospital for over a week. He had fought and caught a very dangerous villain but when I found them, the villain was knocked out and cuffed while Kacchan...

Kacchan was covered in his own blood, wheezing as he breathed, one hand clutching at his side. It turned out that he had a broken rib and more than a few more were bruised. The reason he was covered in blood was because he kept coughing up blood even while he was fighting and he had fractured an ankle. The reason he was in the hospital for so long had something to do with how his body was reacting to the medication. Something about nitroglycerine wasn't supposed to be mixed with it?

I shook my head trying to make the images disappear but it wasn't helping. I was the one that found him. I was the one who carried his nearly limp body to medical personnel. I was the one who couldn't control their quirk after they took Kacchan away from me, leaving me alone and covered in his blood.

"Kacchan," I whispered his name, fighting the sobs that continued to try and force their way out.

It's not like he is still in the hospital or anything. He is fine, he has been attending classes and fighting during heroics classes. For anyone else it would seem like he was just as determined as before to be the number 1 hero.

But I can't stop seeing the blood.

I haven't been able to hang out with my friends or any of my other classmates since the event. I have had an excuse every time. Everything from going to visit my mom on the weekends to internships or other training after school. There was even one day that I volunteered at the pet shelter! Although to be honest that actually seemed to help a little bit.

"Maybe I should volunteer at the shelter again?" I mumbled, it really did help. Being able to help people pick out their new little fur babies or helping the vet hold the larger dogs or more fearful cats while they treated them. The ones that had been there for a little longer were more relaxed and would rub up against me. Okay maybe I spent more time with the cats than the dogs but they were so cute and cuddly! Even the scared or angry ones. I was scratched by one but after it had time to calm down it licked the scratch trying to make it feel better. Yeah I like cats.

I pull out my phone and scroll down to the Vet's contact in my phone and send a text. Even this early in the morning I knew she would be up, she said Saturdays were her busiest days and she had to get up "ungodly early" I chuckle at the memory.

Deku: Could you use another set of hands today at the shelter?

It took maybe half a second to get a response.

Dr. Neko: Yes a million times yes. When can you be here?

I laugh at the response before telling her to let me check the bus schedule. I turned around and quickly went upstairs to change and grab my wallet. Yes I really need to see all of those cute cats. Maybe that's the reason I like the Vet so much? Her name was literally cat. Dr. Cat. I laughed at my own thoughts but kept going.

I sent a text to Aizawa Sensei that I was volunteering at the shelter again today and he just sent a thumbs up in response. Usually he gets all suspicious and would ask a million questions when we want to leave school grounds but he came in while I was volunteering last time and he may have mentioned that this was a constructive use of my time before leaving. I was, at that moment, in the middle of about five cats climbing on me, one of which was on my shoulder licking my face.

I took the bus and the moment I rang the bell the door opened and I was pulled inside by my shirt.

"Thank God! I just got a call right before your text telling me there was going to be a half dozen kittens and four puppies brought in, all abandoned outside of town. I had no idea how I was going to take care of them all while taking care of all of the patients already here. You are my hero!" The doctor was talking so fast all while racing around, dragging me with her, checking all the cages, identity cards and photos to see who she needed to take care of next.

"No problem Dr. Neko! What can I do to help?" I smiled, thankful that I could take my mind off of my nightmares for even a minute.

"Okay, can I have you feed and water all of the animals? Make sure to check all of their cards to make sure they don't have surgery later, they can't have any food until after that is done but they can still have water. When that is done the felines in cages K through T need time out of their cages to play, supervised! They can not be left alone for even a minute! If you need to use the bathroom or something just put them back and then go," I nodded at her instructions before she was again running away, this time not dragging me with her.

I quickly fed all the cats and dogs in the shelter and just as she asked, making sure to clean litter boxes as I went before I took out the cats from K-T. My favorite was in this one. Most of these don't have names yet but this one was a blond tabby with green markings and bright red eyes. She was also the one that scratched me.

"Hello again," I cooed at them all while they played in the area. I made sure to close the gate to prevent any of them from trying to sneak off. I pet them each before sitting down with some kind of feather toy that almost all of them chased after. I threw a few stuffed mice watching a couple run after them abandoning the feather. It didn't take long for them all to get comfortable, several just laying down in the sunny window while watching the younger ones play.

The tabby however was still hiding by the door. Once I was sure she had relaxed enough around me I gently pet her until I tested picking her up, when she didn't protest I pulled her to my chest and she started purring as I loved her. She must not have forgotten me because she saw what was left of the scratch on my hand and licked it before looking at me and meowing.

"You are just so perfect, you remind me of someone. Angry and defensive but brave and strong. I bet you'll be adopted very soon," I nuzzled her and she returned it. In fact she climbed up on my shoulders and curled around my neck, purring loudly as she did. It wasn't long before it was time to put them away again and recheck the feeding dishes but I just couldn't bring myself to cage the beautiful tabby.

"If you are a good girl and stay on my shoulder I'll let you stay out a little longer. I'm sure Dr. Neko won't mind so long as you don't cause trouble," I whispered and she purred in my ear. I took that as a yes and quickly went about my work with the tabby across my shoulders.

Whenever I would start mumbling she would meow and bring me back to the present and I would scratch her chin. Honestly I think I got more done today than last time thanks to her, I kept getting lost in my own thoughts the last time I was here.

I heard the front door open but considering I was in the middle preparing the special diet dog food I just ignored it. I wasn't supposed to deal with customers anyway. I mixed the food while thinking about how I bet Kacchan would love it here. I know he hates dogs but I think that he would tolerate them considering all of the cats here as well.

The female on my shoulder purred nuzzling into my neck before licking my ear. I couldn't help giggling, I would have pet her but I had dog food on my hands.

"You are so sweet, I wish I could take you with me. I bet there isn't a better cat in the whole world," I giggled some more before a thought hit me. "Well, unless you count my friend Kacchan. His real name is Katsuki but... Well nevermind, he doesn't really like me. So I guess he isn't really my friend is he? He tells me he hates me all the time but all I want is to be close to him. Guess I'm just weird," I tried to laugh but it didn't come out right. I could feel the sobs coming again.

"It wasn't all that long ago that I saw him really hurt, I never thought he could get hurt. Not really, I mean I know he is only human, amazing quirk or not, he is human. But I never really thought he could get hurt, he has always been my hero. You know?" I paused and the red eyed beauty on my shoulders meowed gently, as if she could actually understand what I was saying.

"One day I'm sure he really will be the world's number one hero, not just Japan but the world!" I fed the dogs making sure that the proper food was given to the correct dog as I did. The cat on my shoulders meowed, getting my attention again once the cages were closed.

"Seeing him hurt. It hurt me, it changed the way I saw hero work. I mean of course I get hurt all the time. But that's me, I'm useless. A nobody really, but Kacchan? Kacchan can take on the world and win. He is amazing." I kept talking to the cat on my shoulders as I worked going from one cage to the next, being careful to check each and every single identity card, giving medicines or milk or whatever they needed as I talked.

The cat on my shoulders purred, listening to every word, every now and again meowing when I would start to do something wrong. I swear it was like she could read the cards herself but that was silly. There was even one point that I checked around and when I was sure that there was no one around I confessed to her about my crush.

"You think I'm dumb don't you?" I asked as if she would really answer but she just kept purring anyway. "I know it's wrong, not only are we both boys but he hates me. I just can't help it though!" I whined.

"I even tried to make myself like someone else, there is this girl in my class, Uraraka and she is really nice. She really is but I don't know, I just don't like her. Not like that anyway. And there is even this other guy in my class, Todoroki, he is so sweet and nice but I can't see him as more than just a friend either." I huffed, frustrated with myself. "I just want to be happy and I'm so tired of being alone. I have good friends but I want someone I can cuddle into after school or work and just relax. You know?" The tabby just watched me, her red eyes sharp as she listened to me vent.

"And here I am complaining to a cat, a beautiful one no doubt," I grinned at her before scratching her chin and continuing on. "So not only am I lonely but I'm also crazy. Guess I really am useless after all." I let out a dry chuckle but she kept purring and nuzzled into me.

"I wish I could adopt you, but I can't afford the paperwork and I don't even have any cat food or toys. But if your new family isn't good to you just come and get me and I'll bring you back here. Where it's safe." I let out a yelp. She managed to bite my ear but then she started licking me again as if she were trying to make it all better.

"In a perfect world Kacchan would like me back and we would adopt you and live happily ever after. Maybe have a kid of our own or even adopt one, after all we both want to be heros so it would be kind of dangerous if one of us got pregnant." She sneezed from her place on my shoulder as if that idea was ridiculous.

"Hey don't give me that! This is the era of quirks, men can have babies if they want to!" I defended myself only for her to lick my face.

"I really wish I could bring you home, I wonder if Koda would tell me what I have to do to bring you back to the dorms with me?" She meowed, rubbing up against me, her purrs getting louder at my words. "Okay, okay I'll ask." I giggled and pulled out my phone and messaged my classmate. It didn't take long and after a quick call to Aizawa Sensei who immediately approved it I called my mom. She agreed so long as I took care of her.

"Looks like I'll be taking you home, I'll talk to Dr. Neko when she isn't so busy and get the paperwork filled out. So I guess that leaves picking a name for you?" I smiled and she meowed loudly in my ear before snuggling into me again. Over the next few hours I would ask if she liked certain names but she would either sneeze or a couple times she even hissed. Okay then, Angel and Destiny are no. Just no, never in a million years kind of no. That's too bad, I really liked them too.

It was almost time to leave and it wasn't until now that I realized, I never did eat today. Oops, I guess that I'm just terrible at taking care of myself. I'll need to do better with this little beauty and I told her as much.

"Make sure that if you're ever hungry you let me know. I'm the worst at remembering those kinds of things, believe it or not I haven't eaten anything all day and I only noticed now," she growled at my words and I just nodded agreeing with her. "I'll try to do better, but will you help me?" I asked and she meowed and started purring again. It's official, I'm talking as if she can actually understand me and that I could understand her. I am a crazy cat owner.

Dr. Neko came in exhausted and sat down next to me before thanking me for all of my hard work again today. "I don't know what I would have done without you," she whispered, leaning back in her chair letting out a sigh. It was now that the tabby meowed, getting her attention.

"Oh why hello, and who do we have here?" She asked sitting up and she looked right at the beautiful tabby in my lap. She kept meowing or purring or making other noises and the doctor just listened and before I knew it she jumped up excited.

"That's wonderful news!" She turned to me before going on, "You want to adopt her? Why didn't you say so before now?"

"How did you-?" I started but she started laughing.

"My name is Dr. Neko for a reason. My quirk and those in my family are able to talk to felines, be it lions, tigers or," she paused, giving the tabby in my lap a smile. "House cats. I'll get the paperwork for you. Lucky you, shelter workers and volunteers get discounts on everything from adoptions papers and medical treatments to food and toys. Don't give me that look, she told me about your concerns about adopting her. Just be sure to come in about once a month to volunteer and you'll continue to get the discounts." I heaved a sigh of relief and hugged my new fur baby.

"Now I just need to pick a name for you," I whisper to her, rubbing my nose against hers before she nips at it and then licks me again purring.

Dr. Neko laughed and after a moment she told me why, "She already has a name. I just haven't gotten around to putting it on her card yet. Her name is Aiko."

"Aiko?" I looked at the beautiful tabby and smiled. "A beautiful name for a beautiful girl." She meowed at me her purrs growing louder and I quickly filled out the paperwork and paid the fees, she even helped me pick out her favorite toys and food that agreed with her best.

"Now make sure to give her a bath every Sunday and clip her claws like I showed you the last time you were here. This will keep her healthy and keep your home safe from her scratches as well." Dr. Neko reminded me and I agreed happily. I took the bags and carried them, opting out of getting a pet carrier altogether because Aiko liked riding on my shoulders and promised to behave or walk next to me while we were out. We said our goodbyes and started the walk to the bus.

The bus driver gave me a look and rolled his eyes but otherwise ignored me. We rode back to the dorms and just as Aizawa Sensei demanded, I stopped by his classroom so that he could meet the newest "problem child". Aiko gave him a look, meowed and rubbed against his hand before jumping back onto my shoulders.

"If she needs to come to class for a few days, you have permission. I know that being in a new environment can be hard on them." Aizawa Sensei coughed and I smiled just happy that I could keep her with me. Aiko meowed and jumped down purring as she rubbed against his legs this time before jumping back onto my shoulders.

I may have left out the part where Dr. Neko said she could read and understand everyone just fine. Aiko has been living at the shelter for a long time and Dr. Neko didn't see a problem with teaching her when she had the time. After a few more minutes he dismissed me after I told him I would take him up on the offer and I walked back to the dorms. Aiko comfortably on my shoulders and I smiled as I talked to her scratching her chin as I walked. 

When I walked into the dorms everyone was just lounging around doing different odds and ends. I think this is the first time I have walked in smiling in a long time. I walked to the elevator and told her where we were going before I hit the button for my floor. She sunk her claws into my shoulder at the jerk but she quickly relaxed and started purring again. I unlocked my door and pointed at my name so that she would be able to find it anytime and she meowed before we went inside. I set up her things and then we decided to go back downstairs and to the kitchen. I am still hungry.

She sat on my shoulders purring lightly as I cooked myself a hot ham and cheese and she even licked my ear reminding me to get some kind of side. Well if that was her intention or not I don't really know but she started purring when I said it and I'm going with it.

I ate quickly and Koda came in and he saw her sitting on my shoulders. He asked if he could talk to her and I nodded while still eating. Koda thanked me before leaving and especially when he got permission to talk to her anytime she was okay with it.

I cleaned up after myself while feeling free and, if I'm honest, light. When was the last time I wasn't plagued by my nightmares even during the day? When could I smile without forcing it? Has it really only been a month?

I was cleaning the dishes when I heard Kacchan exploding in the common area, so I turned my head to look at Aiko. "That was Kacchan, his quirk is explosion, he sweats this stuff called nitroglycerine that he can set off with his hands. So don't get too scared by the loud noises. Okay?" I waited but she just purred meowing in my ear before licking me. I laughed and made my way to the common area.

The smile was still on my face when I walked in and found Kacchan screaming at Kaminari, something about him being a dunce face and having horrible taste in movies? I walked by right as Kacchan set off another explosion and Aiko meowed at him. She wasn't scared or even really frightened at all, if I had to guess I would say she seemed curious.

"What the fu-?" Kacchan turned confused but he stopped when he saw her on my shoulder. He was so surprised that he let go of Kaminari who just slumped to the floor staring at my little girl.

I just scratched her chin and she meowed again, purring. She started walking along my arm and I stretched it out for her only for her to reach a paw out to Kacchan?

I blinked but before I could pull my arm back he took a couple steps closer and at a safe distance set off another small explosion. She just meowed again before reaching her paw out again and he held his hand out to her and she rubbed up against him purring.

I can't say when the last time I saw Kacchan look so happy, in my life. I know that he loves cats, but cats tend to avoid him once they find out about his explosions, they like him before that because he runs a little warmer than everyone else but once that first explosion goes off they don't come back. Aiko on the other hand didn't seem to care and was more than happy to rub up against him. I let him pet her while she was interested but she must have noticed my arms dropping, it is exhausting to hold out my arm holding her, no matter how light she is. She walked back to my shoulder and meowed at him again reaching a paw out and he took a couple steps closer to keep petting her.

Kacchan was standing right next to me; calm, his breathing slow and his body completely relaxed petting my beautiful girl.

"What's its name?" He asked quietly, as he scratched her chin.

"Her name is Aiko, I adopted her after my shift at the shelter today." I smiled happily as I reached up and scratched behind her ears, her purrs loud as she enjoyed our attention.

"Midoriya! I hope you followed school policies and didn't just bring an animal-" Iida started but Kacchan turned and started setting off his explosions and as angry as he was I honestly wouldn't be surprised if he was actually ready to commit murder.

"It's okay Iida, I talked to Aizawa Sensei before I even filled out her paperwork. He even gave me permission to bring her to class for a while until she gets settled in," I smiled and it didn't escape my notice that Kacchan relaxed again before turning back to the unfazed Aiko.

She let out a meow and when Kacchan started to reach up to pet her again she jumped instead and landed on his shoulder, making Kacchan freeze. He just didn't know how to react and Aiko just purred rubbing up against him walking along his shoulders before she meowed, licked his cheek and jumped back onto my shoulders.

"I'm glad she likes you Kacchan, I was a little worried that she would be scared hearing you yell but she doesn't seem to mind." I smiled again but she meowed in my ear reminding me that I still had things to get done in my room.

"Sorry, Aiko. Let's go get your dinner now okay?" I smiled and she purred, rubbing her face against mine. I turned back to Kacchan and saw him visibly disappointed but he remained silent. "Sorry Kacchan, unless you want to come to my room I need to go." I smiled and left to do as I said. Not only do I need to feed her but I also need to set up her litter box and install her bed and toys. I managed to buy her a little cat condo tree thing but that won't come in until tomorrow anyway, I need to make space for it now.

I went up to my room and we walked inside, she jumped off my shoulders and onto my bed before she jumped down and walked over to the food and water dish I already put out earlier. I filled her bowls and started cleaning up my room.

I don't really know how long I was cleaning when I heard a soft knock on the door but I quickly went to the door, and I noticed that Aiko was sleeping at the foot of my bed on her little pillow I got from the shelter.

I opened the door and saw Kacchan and he looked extremely angry but before he could yell I motioned for him to be quiet, "Aiko is napping." I smiled and motioned the shocked into silence Kacchan into my room. He came in and found her sleeping peacefully but now he looked confused as to why he was here. I close my door letting the lock click but shrugging it off. It's not like Kacchan can't just unlock it when he goes to leave. I sat on my bed next to her and absently pet her only for her to stretch and purr happily but she stayed where she was.

"So what did you need Kacchan?" I asked, keeping my voice low but not quite a whisper. Aiko's purrs filled the room as she rolled onto her back letting me pet her belly, Kacchan didn't answer and was instead watching her quietly. I let out a small giggle and asked, "Do you want to pet her?" He nodded, still not willing to actually say anything.

I pat the bed next to me, motioning for him to sit down and he actually did before I got a little brave and grabbed his hand to rub her belly. "Be careful, she doesn't like her belly rubbed most of the time so you have to be gentle or she might bite you." I kept my hand on his for a minute and I felt him relax, allowing me to control how much pressure he used and how she actually liked her belly rubbed.

We stayed like that for a couple minutes before I thought I was holding him for too long and had to let him go. When I did though Aiko meowed, protesting and Kacchan grabbed my hand and put it back on his. When Aiko relaxed again she purred loudly as we rubbed her belly.

I don't know how long we sat like that, holding hands and rubbing Aiko's belly but I ended up leaning against Kacchan's shoulder yawning. What time did I get up again? Was it two or three this morning? I looked over at my alarm clock to see it was already 7:39 pm. No wonder I'm tired. I closed my eyes completely relaxed, Kacchan's sweet caramel scent only serving to relax me more.

"Good night Kacchan," I whispered, not even slightly concerned that he was still in my room. I just adjusted so that I was comfortable and closed my eyes snuggled into his neck and shoulder. My hand was still on his as I relaxed.

***

I wake up to find Aiko sleeping on my chest and Kacchan cuddled against me. Oh my dear All Might! What happened? I think back and remember falling asleep on Kacchan's shoulder while he is petting Aiko. How much more embarrassing can it get? 

I look down and see Aiko watching me purring loudly and I can't help smiling and reaching up to scratch behind her ears. She really is the best cat ever. My movement seemed to wake Kacchan because he started stretching against me before relaxing again and reaching up to pet her too. He didn't say anything at all, he just snuggled against my shoulder and his other arm seemed to wrap around my back pulling me closer to him.

"Kacchan?" I was confused.

"Shh, you might scare her." He whispered only for her to meow and stand up stretching only to lick my cheek again. I couldn't help the giggles that came out and Kacchan's grip tightened around me.

"Kacchan, she is already pretty used to me. She even licks my ears when I start mumbling to get me to stop." I smiled sleepily but I still snuggled into him anyway feeling him freeze up at the motion. This must be a dream because there is no way Kacchan would hold me like this, even with Aiko on my chest. So armed with that knowledge I kiss his forehead and tell him, "I love you." Before I relaxed to let sleep take over again but at the same time I didn't want to wake up. I'm sure that is what will happen if I "sleep" now.

"You love me?" He asked almost too quietly to hear but I still heard him anyway.

"Of course, Kacchan is always amazing." I smile at the thought. "I remember when we were kids and they were setting off fireworks but all the adults and big kids were in the way." I giggled at the memory before continuing on, "So you set off your quirk to make up for it but then you kept getting mad that you couldn't do different shapes and colors but you did it anyway."

I let out a yawn and smiled as more memories surfaced, "I remember you always getting the mean older kids' attention whenever they came by to bully us and how you scared them off all the time. How once you even got a black eye because one of the kids tried to hit me and you stepped in saying that you were going to be the next number one hero and that they were nothing but extras."

Aiko walked off of me and onto Kacchan and I was able to turn and hold him to me. "I will always love you, you are amazing," I yawned again now holding my crush close. "Even if this is all just a dream, I will always love you." I whispered and soon sleep was pulling me under again but not before I felt Kacchan's arms around me.

***

I woke up holding and being held by Kacchan with Aiko laying on both of us preventing either of us from moving without disturbing her. Wait, was that all a dream? Or was it real? How would I even find out? At first I felt the need to run away to hide because the moment Kacchan wakes up, whether that was a dream or not he will be so mad if I am holding him. But at the same time I know that Aiko will start meowing if I move and that would only wake him up faster. What should I do?

"You could just shut the hell up and enjoy it," Kacchan grumbled while pulling me closer. Wait, was I mumbling again? I must have been but if he is really okay with it then there isn't a problem now is there? I take a deep calming breath and relax into his arms only for Aiko to betray me and jump down. Why?

But instead of Kacchan pushing me away or getting up he just snuggled closer and held me tighter. We laid there like that for a long time, before Kacchan started to pull away and I just really didn't want to let him go. He looked at me with his clear red eyes that seemed to see my very soul and he smiled. "I love you too, Nerd." He stretched a little but when he was done he curled around me again this time in a much more comfortable position.

I held him and I refused to let him go. If this is a dream then God is cruel, but if it's real I never want to let him out of my sight.

"There is a new All Might movie playing later today, if you want we could go and see it? Together?" I asked, holding my breath.

"Sounds like fun, it's a date but I don't think they will let Aiko come so she'll probably have to stay here." Kacchan answered and I swear I could hear him smiling as he held me.

"Yeah," I couldn't really think of anything else. Kacchan said yes, for that matter HE called it a date! I could hear him chuckling and saying something like "Cute Nerd," but I can't be exactly sure. Regardless, I have a date!

End.