Hello there!

Yall think Joue should be dating Nari?

Enjoy~

Joue's POV

I heard a car honk in my direction and I eyed the road as it turned the corner. I just crossed the street, ignoring if it had possibly been honking at me. There had been an original plan for Nari to come to UA so we could travel together, but she had gotten caught up at work instead. I made my way to the address she had provided and sat myself down at a table to wait for her. I eyed the bar, seeing that they had a crazy menu to choose from.

"Hey!" Nari greeted, seating herself across from me.

"Oh hey," I replied.

"Have to wait long?"

"No, I just sat down," I replied, shedding my jacket. She smiled at me and gestured for me to lean over the table to look at the drink menu.

"So those are all the ones you can choose from," she gestured and I followed it with my eyes, looking at the choices. I immediately decided on something with pineapple, as it was one of my favorite fruits, turning back to look at Nari. She was already staring at me and I of course remembered we were actually on a date. I smiled back at her.

"What?"

"You look really nice," she stated. "You didn't have to get all dressed up."

"I wouldn't call it dressed up, this dress has dinosaurs on it," I replied.

"Exactly, that's fancy wear," Nari said. I smiled and shook my head. "I love how you theme your clothes by like color or whatever. Like the little dinosaur earrings too."

"Thanks, I try my best," I replied. I had actually torn through my closet before leaving, Midnight complaining about how a date I had with a woman that was not with her. She refused to acknowledge the fact she was aromantic and I got way too attached to people. Either way, I had stressed about exactly what I was supposed to wear.

"I love when you wear strawberries," she added.

"I get it from my grandmother, she doesn't leave the house unless her outfit matches," I shrugged.

"That's so cute."

"Thanks. You look really nice too. You always do."

"Clearly, that's why you asked me out, so," she said, brushing her hair over her shoulder. "You want me to get your drink for you?"

"Sure, that would be great. I want the pineapple one," I stated. "And really, you can get something alcoholic if you want."

"I might, I don't know, I just really want to talk to you."

Aizawa's POV

"Why do you insist on making popcorn? You burn it every time." I asked, Mic putting it in the microwave.

"Joue isn't here to make it good, so I have to," Mic replied. I rolled my eyes leaning up against the counter. Mic started up the microwave and turned to look at me with great scrutiny. I peered back for a moment, waiting for him to let up.

"What?"

"Just...what is different about you?"

"...nothing?" I replied. I hadn't changed anything about myself, so I didn't know what he was talking about.

"Something is definitely different."

"No, I haven't changed anything," I argued.

"Nemuri!" Midnight popped her head into the kitchen, remote in hand.

"What do you want?"

"You're so nice to me. Just--is there something different about Aizawa?" Mic asked and I looked at her. She looked at me for a moment and then back to Mic.

"Yeah, kinda."

"There is literally nothing different about me, you're seeing things."

"Yes, seeing a difference," Mic refuted and I sighed. I crossed my arms, glancing to the floor before helping myself to a drink. I could feel Mic watch me as the microwave continued to run. "So I chose a scary movie."

"I know, you're a baby so I don't know why you did," Nemuri called from the lounge.

"I am not! I'll be totally fine."

That was a total lie, Mic was definitely a big baby when it came to scary movies. He was fine in dangerous situations yet he was afraid of slasher movies and bugs. It didn't make much sense to me. He was a resident scaredy-cat, as was Joue.

"AHA! There it is again!" Mic called.

"Lower your voice for once in your life, what are you talking about?" I asked.

"Your whole vibe is different and I just noticed it again, like you sent out weird vibes," Mic stated.

"Are you ill today?" I questioned.

"NO!"

"He's got a point, I'm sorry to say," Nemuri replied.

"Well, I genuinely don't know what you two are talking about," I stated, taking a sip of my drink. "Just get the movie started."

Joue's POV

I had been getting along great with Nari, whose face was rosy and amused.

"No, that's not true."

"It is! I swear," I replied, letting out a laugh. "I just gave my number to him, like an idiot!"

"I mean, he's at least bold," she stated and I smiled, taking the last sip of my drink.

"I'm going to run to the restroom, stay here," I replied. I got up, headed towards the back where there was a neon sign stating 'restroom'. I cleaned myself up a bit, looking at myself in the mirror. I noticed my face was flushed and the back of my neck was slightly damp. I wasn't feeling tired or anything, but my eyelids were heavy. I headed back to the table, hand pressing past tables until I reached Nari.

"Hey! I was thinking we could go get some food or like ice cream," she stated.

"Yeah, sure," I replied.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, I don't know, I just realized I'm all hot," I said.

"Oh you are," Nari joked. "You feel sick?"

"No?"

Nari examined me for a moment and I fanned myself lightly. I was feeling...actually very good, just hot.

"Can I see your cup?" she asked. I nodded, handing her the cup. She gave it a sniff, shrugging. "It doesn't smell like alcohol or anything, I ordered virgin."

"Hah, virgin," I laughed and she glanced in my direction. I placed a hand over my mouth, stopping for a moment. "Maybe I am drunk."

"I'm going to talk to the bartender, stay here," she stated as she got up. I watched her leave, staring down at the cup. Each of the drinks were sealed by the bartender, so there couldn't be anything wrong with it. I just sat patiently, staring at a man who was tossing up cherries and catching them in his mouth to impress a woman. "Oh you're going to hate me."

"Huh?" I asked, looking her way.

"The bartender gave me the alcoholic version of your drink when I ordered alcohol in mine," Nari said. "I am so sorry, I should've mentioned yours first or double checked, I know how serious you are about not liking that stuff--"

"It's okay," I stated, looking back at the man.

"It is?"

"Yeah, the bartender fucked up, not you," I stated. She glanced in the direction I was looking, catching a glimpse of the man tossing up cherries. "He looks stupid."

"Oh I'm sure."

"He has the talent of a dog," I added, smirking and Nari smiled slightly.

"How many drinks did you have?"

"4...I usually don't drink much," I stated.

"4?"

"Mmhmm."

"And you've never had anything to drink in your life."

"N o p e."

"Oh goodness," she stated. "You have been rather lively this evening, it must be kicking in by now."

"You are so smart," I nodded.

"Yeah, you're smashed. Can I take you back to UA?" she asked. I gave her a sly look and she glared in my direction. "Just put on your jacket."

Aizawa's POV

"GAH!"

"Oh get over it, he's alive."

"Yeah but his leg!" Mic called. I leaned against the arm of the couch, smiling ever so slightly. Mic, like expected, had been lying about his ability to handle scary movies. I watched as the protagonist tumbled into darkness, dirt covering himself and his clothes. I remembered Joue always hated movies where people were physically covered in grime, turning to point it out to her.

I realized that she was not here and turned back to the movie, my eyebrows furrowed. It still smelled like burnt popcorn in here, which it wouldn't if Joue had been here. It was sort of disappointing that she had gone out for the evening. She had become a part of their small gatherings, and it always felt more full when she was here. It was always better to have 4 in their group, it just worked.

I let out a breath, focusing back in on the movie.

"Oh, see how dumb do you have to be?" Mic asked, throwing his hands up in the air.

Joue's POV

"Hey, what kind of lesbian are you? Like fairy or mermaid?" I asked.

"Pardon?" Nari asked, letting out a confused laugh.

"Like as a kid were you really into fairies or mermaids. I'll also accept pirates or a combination," I explained.

"Uh...fairies?"

"You like the Disney ones?"

"Sure."

"Which one is your favorite?"

"I liked...the water one?" Nari replied. I smirked at her and she furrowed her eyebrows as we walked from the train station to the school. "What?"

"That's really gay."

"Oh yeah? Well which were you?"

"I liked fairies and stuff, Silvermist was also my favorite. But I was also really into pirates and mermaids too," I replied.

"Can't decide?"

"Yeah, that's why I'm bi."

"I don't think it's that simple," Nari said, laughing.

"Maybe it's because I sit weird," I mused and she shook her head.

"It appears that drunk you is very...philosophical."

"Oh you know," I said, brushing her off rather dramatically.

"You need me to walk you in?" Nari asked and I looked to see that we were suddenly at the school.

"What the--"

"Joue, we walked," she said. "You need me to bring you in?"

"Nah, you'd have to check in," I refused and she nodded.

"Well hey, text me when you get into bed or when you wake up. I'll text you to remind you," she said.

"Okay," I nodded. Nari eyed me for a moment before kissing me on the cheek and wishing me a goodnight. I smiled, watching her walk off. "Hey!"

"Yeah?"

"Text me when you get home safe," I said. Nari smiled widely at me and nodded. She turned to walk away again. "Hate to see you leave but love to watch you walk away!"

"Drink some water!" she called back.

I just headed inside, still feeling a sweaty buzz over me. I made my way to my door before stopping. I fumbled with my keys before recognizing that I was alone. Where was everyone?

"Mic's party!" I stated to myself, heading upstairs instead.

Aizawa's POV

We all heard a knock at the door and Mic glanced around from the kitchen. The movie had finished and we were all just going to sit around and talk.

"I got it," I stated, getting up to answer. When I opened it, Joue was standing there. "Joue?"

"Hey! You guys still partying?" she asked, smugly smiling at me.

"I suppose...aren't you supposed to be out with Nari?"

"Yeah, but we cut it a little early. It's late." She did have a point, it was around 10:45. I eyed her for a moment, seeing that she was carrying herself oddly. Her face was all hot and flushed and her head was tilted lazily as she looked up at me.

"Who--Joue!" Midnight called as she saw Joue.

"Midnight!" Joue called back, pushing past me. "Let me just tell you something."

Midnight looked to me for a moment and then back to Joue.

"Yeah?"

"You are so cool," Joue said, waving her hands in the air to signify just how cool Nemuri was. Mic glanced in from the kitchen again.

"Oh hey, how was the date?"

"So good!" Joue stated, flopping down on the couch.

"You feeling alright Joue?" I asked.

"Super fantastic spectacular all of the above," Joue listed and I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Are you...inebriated?"

"If you mean wasted, then yes," Joue said, smiling up at me.

"Wait, you were drinking?" Midnight asked.

"Yes ma'am," Joue replied, smirking. "The bartender made a mistake."

"Wait really?" Mic asked, skidding into the room.

"I think I should take her to her apartment," I stated.

"Wait! We're not going to make her drink more, I just want to hang out with her for a while. I want to know what she's like," Mic stated, seating himself next to Joue. She leaned towards him with a smirk.

"I like your mustache."

"Thank you."

"It's like a little animal on your face."

"Thank you Joue."

"Do you guys have games?"

"Like what kind of games?"

"I dunno," Joue said, flopping against the back of the couch.

"What about 20 questions?" Midnight asked. "I'd love to hear more from you."

"Did you know, that if you sleep on top of another person that you're technically sleeping on a 70% water 30% bones and meat bed?" Joue asked.

"Not...the kinds of questions I was thinking about," Midnight stated.

"Well then you ask one, damn," Joue scoffed.

"Okay...how was the date? What did you guys do?" Midnight asked.

"That's 2 questions. And I thought you were a teacher," Joue scoffed. I felt a flush of amusement come over me, but it was overtaken by the guilt I felt. Joue was not a fan of drinking and I wasn't exactly sure why. She was adamant about not passing judgment onto others that drank, unless it was warranting of her concern. She was harsh on herself, she didn't want any of that stuff near her. I didn't understand why because she hadn't told me, but now as we sat letting her blabber on under the influence...it just felt wrong. "It was good, Nari is real nice. I feel bad the bartender made a mistake and she thinks its her fault. What a numbskull."

"That's too bad," Midnight stated.

"Have you guys ever wondered if a straw is one or two holes?" Joue asked suddenly.

"She's so philosophical," Mic said, grinning at me.

"What's the craziest thing you've ever done? You won't answer me sober," Midnight asked. "We're talking crazy."

"Like killed someone?" Joue asked.

"Have you killed someone??" I asked.

"It's a hypothetical, how else am I supposed to get an understanding of the scale," Joue asked, as if that were obvious.

"A little less than murder," Midnight replied. Joue pondered it for a moment, very visibly and obnoxiously thinking as she sat.

"Uh...I dunno. I don't do much," Joue replied.

"There's really nothing?"

"Mmm, nope."

"Nothing. I'm kinda boring," Joue said, pursing her lips.

"Damn..." Midnight sighed, "Who's the craziest person you've ever dated?"

"Mmm, prolly this one guy in high school. Well, I never dated him, but he used to call me Juicebox which was weird," Joue explained. I eyed the situation with more and more dismay. "He really liked me, like for real it was nasty and he had already dated 2 of my friends. He was just so weird, he had so many weird kink--"

"Alright, I really think Joue should head back," I interrupted.

"Wait! I was just going to suggest another game!"

"No, she's got to go home," I stated. "Joue, come on."

"Kay," she stated, pushing herself up sloppily to walk beside me.

"You're no fun Shouta," Midnight scrutinized.

"That, you have correct," I stated. I placed a hand on Joue's back, leading her towards the hallway. "Thank you for tonight."

"Stay sexy!" Joue called and I pressed her through the doorway to stop her from embarrassing future hungover her. I shut the door on Midnight and Mic.

"Head on down," I gestured and she walked along, eyes heavily lidded.

"You know, if you take the first letters of all our names, its J.A.M.M."

"I did not."

"The more you know," Joue stated. "Oh and guess what?" I watched her hand skim the wall beside her and I took in the sight of her. It wasn't too pleasant, seeing her so...not herself.

"What?"

Joue grasped me by the scarf, tugging me down to whisper in my ear.

"You're my favorite," Joue whispered and I narrowed my eyes. She had obviously been spouting nonsense all night, but this was the first coherent thing that she had said.

"I'm your favorite what?"

"One in the group. Don't tell Mic, it would crush his tiny little heart," Joue said, hiccupping ever so slightly over her words. For a unique moment, I was met with a jealous confusion. If I was her favorite, then why had she skipped out on tonight's festivities? All for what? To get accidently drunk?

"Thank you."

"I think it's your hair," Joue continued, a dopey smile on her face. I looked in her direction and she raised her eyebrows at me, making a face. "Well you all have nice hair. It might be your facial hair then, but Mic's is so GOOD."

"What is this scale on?"

"I dunno," Joue shrugged. She peered at me with narrow eyes, hands grasping my face. "I like your face, but I really think it's because you're so secretly kind."

"What?"

"You don't let anybody really know, but I can see it. You're just so good," she said, patting my face. I pulled away from her, placing my lips together tightly. I just led her down a floor to our apartments. I let her inside of her own place, watching her struggle to take off her shoes.

"Do you need--" The shoe came off her foot with a violent tug. She smiled at me, dropping it with a sudden thud.

"I get why people get turnt," she said casually, looking around obviously. "Don't shave your stubble by the way or I have legal obligation to kill you." It was clear she was looking for Uno, who was already asleep as the independent cat she was. She was distracted though, so she would never find her cat.

"You intend to do this again?"

"Oh no way, I can't," Joue said, shaking her head. She wandered into the kitchen and I followed her.

"I can get you what you need, let's just get you to sleep," I stated, herding her away from the various kitchenware she could definitely hurt herself with in this state. She groggily headed for her room and I felt my curiosity get the better of me. "Why can't you?"

"I don't like it," Joue said, as if it were obvious. That should've been my cue to stop, but I pried further.

"More than the average person, wouldn't you say?"

"I guess," she yawned. It was clear she was very distracted, like she was looking for something but she actually wasn't. She just sat down on her bed with a solid sigh.

"Why?"

"I don't mess with any addictive things," Joue said, "My own personal rule, I've seen what they do to addiction patients I've worked with. I've seen it in my father. So I don't touch this stuff...I guess...not on purpose."

I paused in my attempt to subdue my curiosity. It most certainly wasn't my place to really know or ask, and in trying to get her home safe and sound--I was creating a problem myself. I watched Joue and she watched her hands. She didn't seem all that sad, probably too distracted to really think about it. It was a little too real sometimes, thinking about how different people's lives must be from mine. The bad things that people were holding onto and what made them who they were. That was Joue's job, her everyday.

Maybe that was why she didn't like her father all that much.

"I feel sick. I haven't thrown up since second grade, but I feel like it might happen," Joue stated.

"Right, let me just--"

I set her up with a garbage can, the one she kept in her restroom, in case she did have to throw up. She put herself into pajamas like I had instructed. She continued spouting different facts or asking theoretical questions as I set her up for bed.

"What if the songs stuck in our head are just our soulmate singing?"

"That would be interesting," I entertained,