tie me up in red string

KEIGO "HAWKS" TAKAMI | Push Through

You stared out of the window from the apartment bedroom, watching the clouds roll by on this sunny day. In a way, it was a blessing to have windows that stretched from floor to ceiling, but staring with your head upside down from the bed wasn't the cure for this throbbing headache that refused to leave you alone. You groaned and exhaled with a huff, feeling that tension pool to the top of your head. This wasn't helping, in fact it made you nauseous. Pulling yourself back up onto the bed only made it worse, but staring out the window was more exciting than staring at the ceiling.

The sound of the front door opening then shutting sent a stabbing pain in your forehead, the wave of nausea washing over your skull before you tried to concentrate on your breathing instead.

"Dove? Are you home?" called out a voice from within the apartment.

All you could do was mumble in reply as loudly as you could without inflicting more pain onto yourself. You tossed on the bed, feeling the cool linen against your skin that only brought a small hit of relief with your back facing the door. The sound of footsteps edged closer behind you, however, you still laid unmoving, focusing on the feel of the linen.

"The Commission's given some case notes for a future mission," continued the voice before the footsteps drew near. "They're hoping you could give them some numbers..." The voice trailed, but you still laid still, drifting into a doze against the soft plush of the bed.

Hawks stared at your back, curious of your unmoving form while he immediately began to approach you quietly. His hands gently gripped onto your shoulder before a small whimper escaped your lips.

"Where does it hurt?" asked Hawks with a soothing voice.

"Everywhere," you mumbled. "Head."

You felt his hand leave you, his presence no longer there while you continued to delve into the feel of the linen against your head. It was all you could focus on, the tiniest minute feeling if only to keep your mind away from the throb that persisted and knocked again and again. Time seemed to slow for a while, realising you hadn't heard anything more from Hawks until the smell of something warm filled your nose. It was comforting and for some odd reason, it eased your tension until you slowly opened your eyes.

The sunlight had almost disappeared, turning the sky into a dusky orange. You thought it must've been hours since you last saw the sky filled with white clouds that drifted against the sea of blue. Every movement you made felt like you were moving in slow motion, turning your eye towards the open bedroom door to spot someone moving in the distance by the open kitchen. Your vision blurred for a moment until his figure appeared once more, holding a small breakfast table in his hands with a bowl of broth and a glass of water. The bed dipped a little before that same hand gripped you gently on the shoulder, enticing you to turn away from the windows.

"Come on Dove," coaxed Hawks. "Eat up."

You followed his command, slowly rolling over to find the breakfast table on the bed, welcomed by the warmth of the broth that sat there. Against your better judgement, you pulled yourself up, feeling that dizziness hit you like a brick wall. You swallowed the pain, breathing heavily once more until Hawks offered aspiring into your mouth followed by the glass of water he had ready for you. WIthout realising, he began to hand-feed you, taking in every sip of broth into your mouth after he had cooled it first.

It was only this comfortable silence between the both of you while he tended to your crippling headache, halfway into your broth before you lifted your hand to gently grab hold of his.

"Thank you Keigo," you mumbled. "I can take it from here."

Hawks chuckled before he handed the spoon over to you, watching you sip the last of the broth on your own. "We'll talk after you feel a little better to use that brain of yours," he cooed with a teasing grin.

"You can't cut me some slack, can you?" you questioned, your forehead feeling a little more at ease with the warmth that filled you.

"Never a dull moment."

He quickly made his way back to the kitchen with breakfast table in hand, leaving you to sip the rest of your broth in bed. Your focus drew to just that, feeling relieved to have something to eat before placing the now empty bowl on the bedside table. Now with some renewed energy, you slowly stood to your feet, dragging them along the floor to make your way into the lounge to join Hawks for the night.

Perhaps after some time, this headache will ease up further.

SHOUTA AIZAWA | First Day Jitters

Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork.

And the occasional ring-in.

You hissed from the incessant twang from your desk with a swipe of your hand to stop it, collecting the handset from the desk phone to your ear. "Endeavour Agency, how may I help you?" You sighed calmly while the throbbing escalated across your forehead and into your temples, while listening to the voice on the other line. You hummed and nodded to keep yourself present in the moment, but that headache was becoming a nuisance, more so than usual.

"Thank you, it's very encouraging to hear such kind words from good upstanding citizens," you replied with a tense lip. "I'll be sure to pass them along to the hard-working Heroes and Sidekicks here. Yes, yes, thank you. Yes, thank you. Have a terrific day."

With a clang, you slammed the headset back onto the desk, your head hanging low below your shoulders before you grabbed hold of your skull in the palms of your hands. This was unusual. The aches were like daggers this time around, stabbing into your brain at random intervals that prevented you from optimising your workflow. You tried to recall the last time you felt this way with your Quirk, feeling the searing pain gnash through whatever grey matter was left between your ears. It became unbearable to ignore.

"Why now?" you groaned under your breath.

The sound of your office door creaked open, which didn't help your situation while your eyes squinted from the pain. "Whatever it is, can it wait til tomorrow?" you called out with a growl.

"So, you called me all the way here for nothing?" spoke a calm gruff voice, one that you were very familiar with after all of these years, ever since reuniting with him on your ten-year school reunion with the man.

Shouta Aizawa stood by the door staring at you inquisitively despite the eyepatch he wore, holding a box of aspirin and a glass of water that he was able to procure from the agency's kitchen. There was a moment of silence until he saw your hand wave him over, entering your office and shutting the door as quietly as he could.

You still held your head against your desk, mulling over how this splitting headache came to be, wondering how much you've pushed your Quirk this very day to cause you this grief. You weakly opened your hand out, still with your eyes to your desk shut tightly from the pain.

"Hand the goods over," you groaned weakly.

"Hun, look up," ordered Aizawa.

You hated the idea, but slowly and surely, you lifted your head and peeked through your eyes to stare up at the man, noticing his tired eyes on you with a hint of a smile. You pouted through the tension that pressed between your brows, snatching the box of aspirin and quickly downing a couple with a large swig of water. Aizawa still smiled.

"This is your fault," you piped with a hiss.

"I'm not the worrier," he unapologetically remarked.

"That's what worries me."

"And that's why you're causing more harm than good to yourself."

"Aren't you a little concerned about Sana's first day of kindergarten?" you questioned while your eye twitched from the sudden spike that drilled into your brain.

Aizawa stared apathetically at your pain-filled expressions, finding your hand grabbing hold of your head again. He immediately reached out and gently held his hand atop your head, tousling your hair a little while he looked back into your eyes.

"We dropped him off at a very good school, you know that?" he reassured, while he calmly continued to massage the top of your scalp. "Eri will pick him up, and she'll drop him off to me before we come and see you."

You stared into Aizawa's eyes, well, at least one of them unhindered by the eyepatch he wore. In the back of your mind, you knew that the aspirin would take effect within the hour, and only take off the edge of your usual aches and dull pains for the day, but seeing Aizawa and feeling his presence did help with a sense of relief. Your head leaned into his hand that slid past your scalp and onto your cheek, feeling his fingers trail softly over your temples while he did so.

"Do you have to go back to UA?" you asked weakly.

"Not right now," he simply replied.

"Then pull up a chair and keep doing what you're doing for a little while longer."

With a slight rearrangement of chairs in your office, Aizawa ended up seated on your office chair while you sat on a small stool, your back on his chest while his fingers curled around your head, gently massaging into your hair. You ensured you gave him some room for his legs, especially for his right prosthetic that leaned against your desk.

For now, in this moment, it was bliss.

TAISHIRO "FAT GUM" TOYOMITSU | All Work and...

Children brought joy to the world. That has always been your motto for many years, back at home in Osaka, and now here in your new home of Musatafu. The sound of their laughter brought a smile to your face, and the sound of their cries took hold of you with a passionate rage. But now, on one of many bright days of the year, each cry and scream of joy only brought about the white hot pain of a knife stabbing into your skull multiple times.

You groaned on the reception desk with those cheerful sounds behind you, muffled by the walls and the glass. Even the sunlight was piercing while you covered your head in your arms, laying atop the desk. You drifted in and out of sleep, earlier hoping that a short nap could help soothe this oncoming headache that persisted. But alas, nothing helped. If anything, it only made the situation a little worse.

A tug at your shirt slowly caught your attention while you lifted your head slowly, finding a young boy stare up at you in his uniform.

"Are you okay?" he shyly asked with concern, only allowing a smile to cross your lips despite the dull throb in your temples.

"Of course I am sweetie," you reassured with a calm voice. "Go back inside and have fun with everyone else, okay?"

"I can make you feel better."

Through your tired eyes, you gazed curiously at the boy, watching him close his eyes for a short while before he snapped them open with a tiny fury. His eyes glowed red while his hair softly floated above, staring up at you with a sense of hope. You sighed with a smile, understanding his intentions before you laid a hand atop his head, involuntarily causing him to blink out from using his Quirk.

"Oh sweetie, I'm not like your parents," you explained while you reassured him with a gentle pat. "It's okay, I have a friend who's coming over to help me."

"Then I'll stay until they get here," he motioned, leaning his arms on your lap while you tousled his hair. You chuckled at his kind nature, breathing slowly through the pain before you leaned your head back onto the desk. It helped to have some quiet company after learning more about the boy that refused to leave your side. It was already mid-year of the school year, and children came and went, leaving behind memories of their beginnings onto hopefully bigger and brighter things. This boy was no different to everybody else, but seeing his kindness separated him from the rest.

You couldn't tell how long it had been while you sat in silence with the boy. You only focused on the pain that tore through your head and down your spine. You felt nauseous and faint for a while, most likely drifting off to sleep at some point, until a light tapping on your desk slowly woke you once more.

"Are you okay?" asked a boisterous voice from above.

You mumbled a little before you pulled your head up from your arms, feeling the weight of it press against your neck. There, standing before you was a very familiar friend, the one who convinced you to transfer to Musatafu after a week-long visit during his recovery. Taishiro Toyomitsu, well-known as Fat Gum, stood before you with a wide grin on his face. There had been the occasional visit to Cantros Kindergarten as his bigger self, always the star with the children when they see him, but lately you had been surprised to see him in his tall muscular self instead.

"Make them feel better," ordered the young boy next to you, his pout pulled down into a frown while he eyed the Pro-Hero standing by the reception desk.

"Will do, thanks for keeping them company Sana," voiced Fat Gum before the young boy hopped away with the rest of his class inside. "I told you you shouldn't have gone into work."

"We're down by one, and I can't leave only one of us to manage the desk and look after the kids," you explained before you opened your hand out to him, noticing the plastic bag that he carried in his arms.

"All right, come on then Dewdrop."

From inside the bag, he pulled out a small box of aspirin plus a water bottle, most likely recent purchases from a convenience store not too far away. Convenient for being a part of one of Musatafu's more populated regions in Esuha City. You gladly took the box, ripping it open to down a couple of aspiring before slowly sipping away from the water bottle.

"Sorry, I can't stay long, but promise me you'll take it easy today," asked Fat Gum, searching your eyes while you stared at the desk, still with water in hand sipping.

"I promise," you mumbled. You figured he had to leave again due to the workload and the job he had. It was a given for a Pro-Hero such as himself. You were more than glad he popped in to help while your eyes stayed shut from the sunlight.

Suddenly the sound of a chair pulled up at your desk, causing you to squint a little from the sound that attacked your temples. You peeked to find Fat Gum still present, sitting by the desk opposite you before he pulled out more items from that plastic bag he had. The smell of convenience store food hit your sinuses, each one enticing while he continued to lay them on the reception desk one at a time.

"What is this?" you asked with a groan, staring at the small banquet that lined up in a row. "Aren't you going?"

"I said I can't stay long, doesn't mean I'm leaving now," explained Fat Gum with a smile, finally placing the last of everything on the desk.

"What? Come on my guy, you said you'd give us another chance to beat your high score," whined one of the group, their eyes anticipating and almost pleading for him to join them.

"You go do that," he responded coldly. A short moment staring at them felt like an eternity waiting for anything more. They were all friends of his, but none that he would ever entrust his deepest thoughts or feelings to. They were of the outer circle variety, a social means in his school, but despite his aversion of growing close to others they had always been warm towards his demeanour. That much he was aware.

Despite the disappointment in some of their faces, they watched a small smirk appear on the tall redhead's lips, his eyes glinting a little with a cockiness about him.

"Photos or it didn't happen," he wagered, stoking a passion amongst the boys with smug grins of their own.

"Yes, Your Highness," they cooed before they went on their way, the group crossing the street towards the arcade close by. The young man frowned a little at the title while he watched the group disappear into the crowd of students who went about their afternoon. The title had stuck due to being proverbially crowned king of the arcade by his group of friends multiple times. It had become a nickname on school grounds, bleeding into the fact that it stirred the pot about his reputation, in and out of public.

Tohru Todoroki was built upon the legacy of his family, from his father and his father's father, and it didn't help that his older brother Haru Todoroki was also making a name for himself. He felt the weight of the world on his shoulders whenever the thought struck, having learnt at a young age about the extent of his family's reputation - good and bad. He was no stranger to the idle chatter and back talk about him specifically, burdened by the opinions of those around him that compared him to certain family members. It only irritated him, silencing those words as quickly as they were uttered. Many learnt quickly how violent his temper was.

Still, it was a usual school day, one that he looked forward to every week when time permitted for him to make the trek towards Aldera Junior High. It became routine every odd day to visit the school, having already grown up around the Pro-Hero circuit and making friends within his father's circles. However, he had also made a compromise to wait outside of the school's gates, soon reaching them and loitering by the brick-laid construction while students exited from the school.

Idling away his time, Tohru went straight onto social media, catching up on the recent news around Musatafu and keeping up with the trends regarding Pro-Hero activity. The usual suspects appeared in his feed, finding Deku making the headlines too often as of late. He would skim past entries of the Number One, finding no interest in the Pro-Hero despite his father being close friends with the man, but a few entries about Shouto had taken centrestage. He wryly pulled at his lips in slight embarrassment at the ridiculous titles of said articles.

Wonder Duo at it Again! Romance & Rescue!

Every so often, Tohru would come across anything revolving around the infamous Shouto also involving you - his mother. A part of him had accepted this fact that the media was oddly obsessed with this romanticised idea about his parents, but the nature of it was blown out of proportion. A read of the articles however would bring a smile to his face, finding that the synchronicity between the both of you was a sight to behold. It only brought back those thoughts of how he was compared, whether against his father, his brother... or his hardly spoken about uncle.

His reputation always preceded him. So much so, that he caught a few whispers from students who spotted him waiting by the gates. He simply ignored them and continued to swipe through his feed, recognising a few names here and there.

It wasn't long for him to find one article that caught his eye, spotting the familiar grenadier bracers in the blurry confines of the image. He immediately read the contents of the event, finding that Ground Zero had single-handedly thwarted a robbery of one of Mustafu's major banks. He intently read the outcomes, paying close attention to details that sparked his excitement in Ground Zero's speed, tenacity, and his well-known explosive power. The sheer force of Ground Zero's Quirk always fascinated him, seeing how a Pro-Hero was able to wield a dangerous force and turn the perspectives and expectations of people's views. To him, Ground Zero was his hero, until he suddenly caught himself with that wide grin on his face.

He sighed inwardly while he shook away his excitement, embarrassed at himself this time for that reaction, before he continued to idle at Aldera Junior High's gates, ignoring the glances of its students.

"Come on, give us a show," bellowed a voice past the gates, catching his ear.

"You think you're so tough because you're Daddy's little girl," sneered another that only forced him to put away his phone back in his pockets.

"Just leave them alone already!" snapped a young voice, the pitch of it almost screeching against her throat.

Tohru grimaced while his scowl deepened at the familiarity of that voice, turning to peer past the brick walls of Aldera Junior High to spot a small huddled group within. Most of the students had already left for the day, but a tall group of boys surrounded a few smaller students, looming over them while one stood before them, her head high and her shoulders rigid while her red glare stood firm. Tohru watched intently, still holding his ground outside of Aldera Junior High.

"What are you gonna do? Blast us?" continued one of the boys, his comment almost spitting on the young girl who stood between them and smaller students behind her.

"Bakugou, let's just leave, okay?" timidly suggested one of the students, tugging at the girl's uniform.

She turned towards the others, seeing their faces filled with a mix of fear and apprehension. However despite their pleading, she softly scoffed before her red eyes turned back onto the boys - the bullies that refused to let this go. She stood as tall as she could, though she was just as small as the rest, her eyes refusing to release their hold on the tall boys before her.

"No, you apologise to them right now!" she reprimanded, her voice wavering a little despite the loudness that projected from it.

Tohru continued to watch the situation unfold while he felt his blood boil. He hated watching any form of injustice occur, especially those toward the girl who stood for the rest. He contemplated entering the school, crossing the threshold of the gates to be at her aid, yet he knew he made this compromise with her to keep him at bay from Aldera Junior High school grounds. He growled under his breath, angered by the boys that surrounded her, for what good is he if he couldn't protect the daughter of his hero.

Aki Bakugou still stood her ground while she stared up towards the boys, hoping that her body despite her size would act as a barrier for the other students behind her. She was only met by mocking laughter while her body trembled, afraid herself for her choices.

"Look, the little princess wants to fight," mocked the largest one of them all, suddenly pushing Aki with a rough shove that almost tripped her over her own feet. She crashed into the other students who immediately caught her fall, but now she was in a heap amongst the others, surrounded by the bullies that jeered and mocked.

Through her tear-filled angry eyes, Aki growled under her breath, hoping that the anger would override the hurt she felt while she stared up at the bullies. No one came to her aid, nor the others while the boys loomed further, their shadows now cast over the students with sinister smiles. Behind their cackles, a sudden heat permeated the air, almost choking that even reached Aki's vicinity. She felt it prick her skin, yet that did not detract from something larger looming behind the bullies, catching one of them unawares.

"Hey, is it getting a little warm?" one boy asked, fanning himself with his hand before he felt a tap on his shoulder. A quick turn was met with a large palm in his face, before an intense wash of flames burst from it, knocking him unconscious. A loud bellow escaped his throat before he crashed to the floor, taking all the students by surprise, except for Aki who stared at the newcomer with his hair masking the glowing ice blue glare he held.

"Todoroki?" she uttered behind her tears.

"What?" exclaimed one of the bullies. "You're kidding me!"

"The Tohru Todoroki?" questioned the other, staring at the boy still with palm in the air from where he blasted one of their own. That heat surrounded them like a suffocating blanket, permeating from Tohru's body like an invisible force. His eyes only stared down at the boys that tormented Aki, his glare cold and uncaring. It made their blood run cold despite the invisible fires that licked from his presence.

"You have to the count of three," slowly warned Tohru with a curdle in his voice, his body unmoving. "One," he started, watching the boys frantically grab their fallen friend. "Two," he continued, eyeing them dragging their friend along, hoping they escaped from his firing range.

"Late," he sneered before he threw his arm, sending off a stream of flames towards the bullies. It only made them run faster, frantically with a surprising amount of strength to take their friend with them over their heads. The sight of Tohru's flames was mesmerising, almost bending light in their invisible cloak that only the trained eye could see during the day. Flickers of it dissipated in the air, leaving only this cool relief once the heat was lifted.

Aki stared up at Tohru, finding his aloof blue eyes on her slightly disappointed. With a nod of his head, he made his way back to the gates, leaving Aki to bid her farewells to whomever she needed before following after him. The walk from Aldera Junior High was quiet for some time, almost awkward while Aki peeked at Tohru's expression every once in a while, hoping to catch glimpses of his thoughts. For some time, she held her tongue until one glance caught his, staring down at her with a raised brow. They both held this gaze for some time before Tohru sighed heavily, his tone nonchalant in his words.

"I knew it," he uttered.

"Huh?" replied Aki, surprised to finally hear Tohru's voice, and less so when his eyes landed back on her.

"How many times have I told you to come to me when you're in trouble? I can tell when something's bothering you, and you've been acting weird for the past week."

"I had it under control," pouted Aki, still standing her ground.

"Didn't look like it," retorted Tohru dryly.

"I didn't want to trouble you with my problems. My problems are mine to deal with."

"You're so stubborn."

"Look who's talking?"

This back and forth was a staple for Tohru while his eyes met Aki's, finding the steadfast look that swam in her gaze while she was on the brink of tears. It was this situation alone that spurred his want to protect her, now afraid to cause any unwarranted and unneeded upsetment on the young girl. He swallowed his tongue, pursing his lips a little with a deep breath to calm himself. If there was one thing he didn't want, it was upsetting Aki. He had already seen enough pain from the unfortunate situations she surprisingly found herself in. Too good of a heart, and yet too stubborn to quit.

He wouldn't think of her less.

Tohru turned to Aki before he flicked her in the forehead playfully. She recoiled with a yelp, rubbing the spot that soon settled from the sudden jolt. Then without a moment to recover, a large hand sat atop her head, rubbing it gently and comforting her from her conflicting feelings and her independent nature.

"Next time bullies like that mess with you again, let me join in on the fun," smoothly offered Tohru, catching Aki's eye while she gazed up into his blue ones, finding that violent mischief in his stare and that wide grin on his face.

"You're weird sometimes," she pouted once more, swiping his hand away from her head.

Tohru couldn't help but chuckle under his breath at her reaction. It was a highlight whenever he could ruffle her a little, gleeful to be in her company every week. Walking through the streets soon was met with something eye-catching atop billboards in the city, spotting a news bulletin displaying live footage of that bank heist Tohru read earlier in his social feed. There emblazoned on the large screens were moments of Ground Zero and his heroics, as destructive as they were.

"Dad's at it again," commented Aki with a sigh, watching the screens along with Tohru. "Wouldn't be surprised if Mum decides on something special tonight."

A nonchalant and blase comment, but nonetheless, Tohru was struck by awe at the sight of Ground Zero in action. Aside from any family gatherings or the like, these news updates were the closest he would ever experience watching his hero. He smiled, his heart full of hope for the future despite the connotations and opinions of others regarding the nature of his Quirk, or his attitude for that matter. After all, if his hero, as brash and violent as he was, could turn the tide within a Pro-Hero capacity—

DING

Tohru's phone caught him unaware in his pocket, drawing his attention from the billboards to find a message from his friends back at Corusca Private. There were two photos - one displaying the newest high score above his own, and the smug smiles on his friends' faces. They even included the new name that took over the scoreboard, finding the letters JKR now the holder of the arcade game. What a joke, he thought, soon violently responding back with a text of his own, after having read their words on his screen.

The Joker stole His Highness' crown today! What will the Prince do?

"Did they beat your high score?" asked Aki, already reading the confused and yet irate look on Tohru's face. "Someone take your crown?"

Her teasing and playful tone only caused further embarrassment for Tohru, afterwards pocketing his phone away to suddenly grab hold of her cheeks. Aki cried out in pain from his own response to her teasing comment, but it was soon replaced with a smile from the young man, earning a flustered pout from Aki herself with her hands against his that now cradled her cheeks.

——

That intervention in Aldera Junior High did not come without its comeuppance for Tohru, now standing opposite the principal's desk. A day or two later came with unimpressed announcements and mediation between involved parties of the confrontation after school, earning Tohru a visit after school hours at Aldera for a formal apology. He believed an apology was unwarranted for what he did. He knew what he did, he even gave the perpetrators warning, but his actions were looked upon with unfavorable opinion. He stared at the principal of Aldera Junior High, her eyes expectant of his next course of action while he swallowed his pride.

"I'm sorry, on behalf of Corusca Private," he apologized with a bow, his eyes aloof and his voice blunt and monotone.

"We accept your humblest apologies," thanked the principal before Tohru took his seat, her eyes now pleased with the immediate result. "And thank you for rectifying this misunderstanding," she continued, her eyes now set on you sitting adjacent to Tohru, still in your Pro-Hero outfit.

"Of course," you simply replied cordially.

"I'd only wished Shouto would be present here. It would mean the world for our students to witness such an impeccable Pro-Hero in their vicinity, especially with his colourful reputation."

Tohru rolled his eyes at the statement, catching a glimpse of the principal's eyes on him. The one thing he hated about legacies was the expectation that trailed after. The so-called rivalry between Pro-Heroes felt like a joke to him, watching how others built their own social standings on the basis and foundations of Pro-Hero popularity. It was overrated in his opinion, knowing that Pro-Heroes and his father alike built themselves for themselves - a trait he admired across the Heroes of today. That word crossed his mind again - reputation. It made him assume the principal's intent about his family's history, as if she were digging a knife further into the chest cavity with a twist. His hands clenched against the arm of the chair he sat in, holding off any residual heat that surely seeped through if he had his way.

"Well, two of your best Pro-Heroes hailed from Aldera," you commented with a smile, catching Tohru's attention on the nuances of your tone and calming the warmth that slowly rose from his presence. "I'm sure there's plenty of that going around for your establishment, especially with young Bakugou still attending here."

"Why yes, absolutely," chirped the principal with a courteous smile.

"And to have us go out of our way for a minor incident is nothing compared to the supervisory board on conduct outside of school grounds."

Tohru eyed your form, sitting tall on the chair with your hands laid before you in your lap. There were certain things he picked up from you on the way you approached conversation with others, whether amongst friends or business colleagues in the field. You upheld courteous and polite conversation at best, but Tohru knew better how you handled underhanded words spoken in your presence. Your tone grew cold through the smile you wore, while your eyes held steadfast on the principal.

"Though my son did respond with the use of his Quirk outside of Quirk-usage jurisdiction, it was in response to a confrontation that involved young Bakugou," you highlighted with emphasis on the situation at hand. "I would have thought Aldera upheld justice much like their former students."

"Well–"

"My son did apologise," you interrupted without giving the principal a chance to breathe. "But his reputation is his own. I'd thought it best that judgement of character was reserved outside of schooling etiquette."

A creak of the chair signaled your motion to leave the office, prompting Tohru to follow suit along with the principal. Tohru still kept his eye on you, observing the way you stood and the way you held your gaze still on the principal, wary of your tongue and regrettably holding theirs.

"You should do well to remember this the next time we find ourselves here again. Perhaps with someone else you'd rather not rub the wrong way," you informed, still with a genial smile that somehow caught the principal off-guard, slightly tense at your opinionated barrage. "I'm glad we did sort out this misunderstanding, but imagine how Ground Zero must feel if he heard otherwise."

With that, you turned to exit the office, once again followed by Tohru who bowed lightly in respect before exiting himself. He trailed after you, a little unnerved and also silent. If not his father, you had been a strong advocate of voicing your opinion when required or needed. Being heard was important, and it was something Tohru instilled in his own life, if not for the rules and regulations getting in the way. Exiting the school was still wrapped in silence while Tohru walked beside you, his bright eyes watching you from their corners.

"Mum–"

"I know why you did it, but you need to reel it in a little," you interrupted, already knowing what Tohru had to say.

A deep sigh escaped his lips, turning away from your gaze but never slowing his step. "Yeah, well, they asked for it," he mumbled under his breath, his scowl turned towards the ground.

You watched him pull a pout on his lips, noticing the slight nuance of embarrassment in his stead. Tohru had always been the problem child, being the youngest but also judged profusely on his Quirk and his attitude. They both came hand-in-hand, smiling inwardly to yourself at the thought of how similar he was to—

"Bakugou would be proud," you muttered under your breath, catching Tohru's ear by curiosity. "About time we get home. Your father has taken the afternoon off to speak with you."

"Mum, I don't need another lecture," whined Tohru, almost droning the words from his lips while he was still in his head. His eyes turned towards the gates, finding two members of his family standing by, one in particular sporting a cheerful smile still in his UA uniform.

"What did you do this time, Tohru?" Piped Haru Todoroki before he ruffled the top of Tohru's head upon approach.

"Get off of me!" barked Tohru, swiping away Haru's hand only to be met by some roughhousing from the older boy.

You walked past the boys before standing by your partner and husband, Shouto Todoroki, still in his Hero outfit after collecting Haru from UA. While both boys continued to roughhouse amongst themselves, Todoroki cleared his throat, immediately halting both of his sons from continuing their childish antics. They both stood upright, standing side by side despite Tohru's inclination to slouch. Todoroki eyed both his sons, his eyes soon drawn to his youngest whose own blue eyes caught his.

"What you did was wrong," he started, earning Tohru's eyes to break away from his gaze. "But why you did it holds weight in the matter. I spoke to Ground Zero about the incident, and he's impressed."

Tohru's eyes lit up at the mention of his Hero's name, and more so on the fact that his Hero knew the situation.

"Unless you focus on your studies, he offered to take you on patrol for a sneak peek into what he does," bargained Todoroki, his aloof gaze watching Tohru's excitement light up inside. "As a thank you for looking out for Aki."

Tohru couldn't believe what he heard. To be in the presence of Katsuki Bakugou as Ground Zero felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Congratulations brother," warmly piped Haru, smirking at his younger brother earnestly.

"But don't take Bakugou lightly," warned Todoroki. "He can be... difficult to work with."

"Bakugou, well, Ground Zero is happy to take you next week, so long as you keep up with your grades," you added with a gentle smile and a slight stern tone. "And no more confrontations between now and then."

"Yes Mum," droned Tohru with respect before he turned to his father. "Thanks Dad."

A glimmer of a smile appeared on Todoroki's lips, soon in turn spotting a smug smirk on Tohru's. Everything that happened in the mundane felt like paper-thin weights dispersing into the breeze. Tohru attempted to contain the excitement, but his mind was blank, content that he could possibly spend a day in his Hero's shoes, figuratively speaking. He couldn't tell whether it was because of his father's somewhat friendly connection with the man, or if it was due to his recent mishap on Aldera grounds, but Tohru felt lighter and happier.

Water crashed atop Seek’s head in an icy cold wave, waking him from his induced state. He gasped loudly from the chill that violently ran down his spine and stabbed at his shoulders.

“Oh look, he’s awake,” sarcastically mocked Bakugou before the sound of an empty bucket clashed in the basement. The rest of the men stared at one another, questioning Bakugou’s actions in their silence.

“Hey, at least he didn’t blast the guy,” assured Kirishima with a lopsided grin.

Seek peered through his wet hair to find himself within the presence of the Heroes he had been playing with throughout Musatafu - all seven standing before him while he sat on the old creaky chair, hands bound and now dripping wet. However, their partners were nowhere to be seen, the ones he hoped to see again. He glanced at Kirishima who peered at him disapprovingly, that grin immediately fallen from his earlier quip.

“What happened?” Huskily asked Seek through the cold that clung onto his clothes.

“You passed out,” answered Kirishima.

“Oh, finally. Sugar’s kept me waiting for too long.”

SMACK

Seek almost flew from his seat. The force of the punch swam through his head before he caught his footing. He peered through the pain to find Kaminari before him, his eyes casting a venomous glare into his own.

“Great to finally meet you in person, Chargebolt,” he greeted, which earned another punch in the face, losing his footing and crashing onto the floor, still bound to the chair on his back.

“Kaminari!” Called out Kirishima, immediately grabbing hold of the blond’s shoulders. “Dude, we’re just as mad as you are.”

“No, let him go Shitty Hair,” interrupted Bakugou, smirking at the scene. “I’m impressed Dunce Face had it in him.”

“We still need him. Alive,” Shinsou sarcastically recalled in turn.

“I understand why you’re all mad,” muttered Seek with a grin, his snake eyes watching each of the men while he licked the corner of his lips, the taste of blood springing from within. “You can ask me anything. I’m an open book.” Still on the cold floor, Seek eyed each of the Heroes, before finding Midoriya approaching him. Without a moment to speak, Seek felt his entire being carried back in place, chair and all by Midoriya, somewhat surprised by the ease of the Hero’s strength to perform a feat. At the very least, he was sitting comfortably now.

Seek sat tall, leaning his back against the chair and pulling at his shoulders from the aches of Kaminari’s knee-jerked assault. That creak returned in his left shoulder, feeling the tension against his joint and catching Kirishima’s ear. It was no secret that he had caught the redhead’s attention about it.

“You wanted my prime suspect from Tartarus,” started Shinsou, his violet eyes scrutinizing Seek’s reactions. “Why?”

Seek only sat, his eyes staring deeply into Shinsou without a word, still smiling, always smiling. It was a waiting game with this man, watching Shinsou’s patience for a response, almost like a ticking bomb. He wondered to what extent Shinsou would wait until he took measures in his own hands, a thought driven by past experience.

Shinsou, meanwhile, couldn’t fathom what he felt, staring into Seek’s snake eyes. There was something deep and yearning inside them, something that he had been told time and time again in passing. He began to understand this strange affinity with the man, entranced by something unspoken, and yet, Seek never said a word.

“Why?” repeated Todoroki, snapping Shinsou out of his thoughts.

“They’re an old friend. I thought I answered that question months ago,” replied Seek with a smile. “But you need not worry about that. I no longer require any assistance.”

“You found them,” stated Shinsou, still searching only to be met with a smile. Silence fell over the group before Midoriya stepped forward.

“Did you find them?” he asked, his eyes drawn to Shinsou briefly in acknowledgement of Seek’s responses towards the purple-haired Hero.

“Not yet, but send my gratitude to your Network. They were very gracious,” answered Seek with no malice. His eyes trailed onto Midoriya, smile widening while he stared into his emerald eyes. Midoriya stared back, uncertain of Seek’s intentions, reading and interpreting his golden gaze as best as he could. Until a fist grabbed hold of Seek’s collar, pulling him up from the chair with a rough tug.

“You say one more word, and I’ll tear your throat out,” threatened Bakugou, his sneer enraged while he cast a deathly glare.

Seek’s eyes stared in surprise at the irate blond, which only incited another spout of anger. The outburst was out of nowhere according to his assumptions before he looked between Bakugou and Midoriya, wondering about what had sparked this mild confusion.

“Kaachan, wait,” interrupted Midoriya while he approached the blond.

“Give me one good reason why,” sneered Bakugou.

“Remember, what Shinsou said?” Asked Todoroki, his hand on Bakugou’s shoulder before it was violently shoved away.

“He’s not in charge.”

“Of course he’s not,” piped Seek, still with a smile. “After all he was the one who caught me, but you don’t care about that.” He stared into Bakugou’s eyes, the red almost aglow with intense and unbridled rage.

“Oh, I see, your Sweetheart runs the Network,” mused Seek nonchalantly, earning a tightened fist. “You want to keep them protected. I understand. Your Sweetheart will flutter around and before you know it, you’ll lose sight of them.”

“Was that a threat?” Growled Bakugou, his face violently edging close to Seek with a sneer.

“Why do people assume I’m threatening?”

“Bakugou, stand down,” calmly advised Todoroki, his hands now lingering behind the blond’s back. “Remember why we’re all here.”

“Yes, listen to the voice of reason,” continued Seek as if he seemingly joined in conversation, his eye on Todoroki. “Your reputation precedes you, and your Angel will always make sure of that. Such a waste.”

“Where are they?” Interrupted Kaminari, stepping into Seek’s face while he pushed Midoriya out of the way, fueled by rage.

“… I don’t know.”

“Guys, we’re not getting anywhere arguing like this,” reminded Sero while he pulled everyone apart. “Can’t you see what he’s doing?”

All men stopped, turning their eyes to one another in contemplation. Seek was an instigator, that much they had discerned over the months, while that smile still lingered on the man’s face.

“Sero’s right,” agreed Kirishima. “He’s playing us.”

“Well, there goes all the fun,” mused Seek with a grin, now turning his eyes on Sero. “Your Beijinho would’ve loved to witness this. They’re troublemakers by trade.” A rough shove into his seat silenced his coy remarks, leaving him with a sting along his back and handcuffed hands. His eyes watched the group before him, spotting Bakugou skulk back, his arms crossed with a deep frown. He couldn’t help but chuckle, finding himself back where he started - under scrutiny.

It was exactly where he needed to be.

“Where are they?” Slowly reiterated Kaminari with a slight edge in his voice.

“I don’t know. What did I say?” responded Seek, unwilling to look away from Kaminari’s glare.

SMACK

Seek blinked furiously from the force of Kaminari’s fist, holding himself up from the chair unsteadily. The scuffling of feet pulled Kaminari away, jerked back by Sero who held his arms at bay. Kaminari glared at Seek with spite. The past week had overhauled everything he cared about and cared for, and for that, he wanted to aim his anger at a physical target. Despite this, Sero pulled Kaminari away with the help of Kirishima whilst the others focused on Seek, now with a bloody lip.

“Enough of the games, what do you want?” asked Shinsou, exasperated by the turn of events. Again, Seek grew silent, still smiling yet never for a moment spoke a word. Shinsou knew how he played, hoping that in the violent bouts in-between that he would slip up and speak, but nothing. He saw something cunning about his motives and how he spoke to each of them, strangely feeling that he already knew them somehow.

“Where is the psychiatrist?” asked Midoriya, interjecting into the interrogation and bringing Shinsou’s attention to his knowledge. “I know it’s your case, but it’s Overhaul,” he continued with reason.

“I want what all of you want. Peace,” started Seek, sitting up while he rolled his shoulders, creaking a little more obvious to the ear. “Listen when I say this, because I will not explain, nor repeat myself. There’s a few things that you all should know.” That caught each of their ears, now standing before him ready to listen to his reasons and his answers. Seek rolled his left shoulder again, feeling that heavy and stubborn creak, louder than it had ever been over the course of his stay. It was becoming more of a nuisance, trying to ignore the fact that laid underneath his cloak.

“I don’t lie. I never lie. Everything that I had ever said to you or your loved ones are all true-”

“We’re going to believe this crap?” ousted Bakugou with a sneer.

“Kaachan, let’s hear him out,” reasoned Midoriya, earning a deep sneer from the blond before he stood down once more.

“I travelled here because I was ready to finally put an end to something that has long been a constant over and over again. You may not believe me when I say that I have met you all before, many times over. All different variations, but the same. The same names, the same faces, but each of you slightly off-kilter one way or another.” Seek’s eyes trailed between each of the men, reading their faces with varying reactions - confusion, anger, disbelief, and distrust.

“I don’t understand,” mused Todoroki, turning to the others in hopes for an explanation.

“Is this what Kitten meant?” asked Shinsou, his eyes scrutinising. “When they picked at your brain?”

All Seek did was smile.

“That doesn’t answer our questions,” stated Midoriya, realising the pattern Seek played when speaking with Shinsou.

“A word to the wise, Number One, don’t trust No-One,” remarked Seek, his smile fading at the mere utterance of those words. One by one, his eyes travelled around the group, peering into their untrustworthy gaze.

“Chargebolt, your home invasion was not a coincidence or some terrible happenstance. It was a setup, but I am not the one to blame,” he started, grabbing hold of the blond’s attention and striking a silent rage from within. “Sugar knew about the General, and it was no wonder that the kidnapping was arranged because of the fact.”

“You knew?” questioned Kaminari angrily. “You know this General?”

“I know now,” reiterated Seek. “I’ve never met her here, but if she is like her other iterations, she’s a medical professional of some kind, whether a counsellor or a doctor. So here’s a hint. She’s had ties to the Public Commission once upon a time, so my suggestion to you Chargebolt is to find out who from the agency has been on every case involving her.”

Seek stared into Kaminari’s eyes and watched, finding that cross look on his face almost familiar. He didn’t stop there with his eyes now locked on-

“Cellophane, that look on your face tells all. You know of this General, do you? This doctor?” questioned Seek while he watched Sero’s eyes widen with every word. “But of course, Beijinho was very fervent about locating Dabi, whom I’ve learnt does exist here, which only gives me more of a reason to locate your psychiatrist friend.”

Seek turned his gaze onto Shinsou with brows risen with affirmation on the suspect in conversation. With each revelation, Seek turned his eyes towards the men in question, fixating onto-

“Shouto, yes, I only learnt recently that your brother exists. Where I jumped from, his name was never uttered, which was strange for me at the time. But all the more reason to protect your Angel. They have greater strength than you allow them to be.”

Todoroki’s eyes filled with an offense to Seek’s assumptions, staring down into his smiling eyes before he broke away to-

“Ground Zero, I have no qualms with you. None at the slightest. You just amaze me everywhere I go. I only hope that your Sweetheart lives up to their reputation.”

Bakugou sneered at Seek with a step before Kirishima halted him, pressing a hand on his shoulder to keep him from a rash decision.

“Red Riot, you already know of my intentions, in fact, you’ve been nothing but silent as of late,” started Seek, grabbing hold of Kirishima’s attention. “I implore that you heed my advice. Deku, I have words, but not right now. And Persona, I fear for you the most.”

The room grew silent, leaving the men confused and speechless after Seek’s ramble. Kaminari stood despondent, but the others turned to one another, trying to decipher what had transpired moments ago.

“Did anyone catch all of that?” asked Sero, still reeling from the interrogation.

“It sounded like one long apology,” commented Kirishima.

“Look Asswipe, you better talk sense or else I’ll blast it from you,” threatened Bakugou.

“There is a string of events that will cascade, like dominoes falling over one by one,” sighed Seek, his golden snake eyes staring up at the group with genuine concern. “They are important, and you all need to be as vigilant as ever. No-One will destroy what you’ve all built.”

“He’s talking nonsense,” stated Todoroki.

“Still, we got something out of it,” reminded Shinsou before his eyes stared into Seek’s once more. “Now, can you tell us where that psychiatrist friend of yours is?” He only saw another smile, but this one no longer a taunt or some cocky disposition. There was something genuine now.

“No,” slowly answered Seek before a sudden hold took him over, his body seized by a power out of his control. His smile dropped and his eyes stared ahead, lifeless in their response.

“Finally,” uttered Kaminari with a sigh.

“Something’s not right. That was too easy,” commented Midoriya. “Shinsou, what are you looking for?”

“What’s that creaking?” asked Shinsou, unperturbed by Midoriya’s query. “Lift your cloak.”

As if pulled by strings, Seek attempted to pull his hands from his handcuffs, the metal cutting into his wrists while he tried to yank his arm. Not a breath of pain uttered from his lips, but his lifeless eyes twitched while sweat glistened from his feeble attempts.

“Shinsou, Shinsou stop!” Ordered Midoriya.

“Why?” stated Shinsou calmly.

“No, stop it Shinsou,” continued Midoriya before he ran to Seek’s aid, grabbing hold of the handcuffs. With an effortless tug, the chains pulled apart, releasing Seek from the pain he endured, his wrists red from the burn. Still under control, Seek immediately lifted his cloak only to show his uniform underneath. He only sat there, still under Shinsou’s command.

“Didn’t know you had it in you Eyebags,” interjected Bakugou, almost with a proud smirk on his face.

“We’re not the villains,” yelled Midoriya with anger. “Maybe this is all we get from him, but torture is unforgivable. We got what we needed. That’s where we’ll have to start.”

“So, we should all be on the case?” Asked Kirishima.

“No, we’ll be too obvious together. All of us here are already jeopardizing everything. We’ll wait to hear back from Kaminari.”

“So, we should go about everything as if nothing happened at all,” stated Todoroki.

“Well no shit,” spat Bakugou.

“Sero and I have business elsewhere, but we’ll have to lay low. Go about it one day at a time. We’ll keep contact to a minimum, and keep it between us,” suggested Midoriya. “Agreed?”

All men nodded, turning their attention back onto Seek who still held his cloak above his shoulder, the creaking sound still persistent from within his uniform. After a tumultuous interrogation, one filled with tribulations and confusion, Seek was once again restrained using cable ties available from the basement. With each Pro-Hero leaving, Midoriya was the last, having a few words with Shinsou before he departed, now in a rush to head home. However, before he approached the stairs ready to continue the day, a creak caught his ear from behind.

“Thank you Midoriya,” called out Seek, sitting up on the chair now no longer in a haze.

“I didn’t do it for you,” replied Midoriya, still with his back on the man. “But I have something to ask.”

“Shoot.”

Midoriya turned his eye back onto Seek, seeing that smile on his face, an almost cocky reply given his response. He walked up to him, pulling out an old wrinkled piece of paper from his pocket before revealing the water-stained notes that splattered across its surface.

“What are these?” Asked Midoriya, his eyes watching Seek’s reaction. He only saw a slight lift of his brow taken back by the note that still had a few numbers legible on its wrinkled surface.

“Ah, that’s where it went,” he commented nonchalantly. “They’re just scribbles. Nothing but ramblings.”

“172732014,” quoted Midoriya from the note, spotting the smile disappear slowly from Seek’s face. “Shinsou mentioned this number in passing after his partner informed of your whereabouts for my mission to capture you. And Little Red? Your name for my Cutie? Why are they connected with this Commander?” Midoriya’s eyes, filled with suspicion, stared into Seek’s watching and observing his move. “What are you playing?”

Seek’s eyes no longer smiled, staring up at Midoriya before he straightened his back against the chair, holding himself despite the cable ties that held him by its legs. “Protect them at all costs,” advised Seek, his tone now deep and sorrowful. “They’ve done so much for you. Show them compassion.”

Midoriya listened to those words. He agreed with Kirishima earlier when he described the tone in his voice. They were apologies, and yet Midoriya held suspicion, wondering about his loved ones. Not another word was shared between them before Midoriya walked behind him, and simply broke the cable ties with ease. He made his way to the basement door, back on Seek before he heard the man stand to his feet from the chair he was once bound to.

“You’re letting me go?” Questioned Seek suspiciously.

You sighed heavily, feeling the tension in your temples. For some time you still remembered the sound of Toka’s voice in your head, trying to reclaim this talent to speak with animals. However, it had only resulted in mild headaches and if not for the fact that you were still at home, your attempts could almost be seen as paranoia at this point.

Licking your wounds while you were still ahead figuratively speaking, you went about the day doing mundane tasks before you decided to sit by the sill with your phone, catching up on any gossip in town through the Local Hero Network. Too much excitement had caught everyone unaware ever since the building collapse in Esuha City, including the arrest of a mole in the Commission that has put the agency back under question. After the years that had transpired, it was a shock that they had not entirely learnt their lessons. Midoriya now had more on his plate, whereas the number of randomized assaults in Musatafu were being chased up by Bakugou, Kirishima, and Todoroki.

There were too many things going around, and not enough to catch the fires before they grew. No pun intended.

Still on your phone, you decided to send a text, your thumb hovering over the keypad before you decided to type.

Hope you’re okay.

Shinsou was at his agency, of course, but these random attacks on the city demanded his attention, having heard through the Network of who was involved. The suspects responsible for Overhaul’s escape had been spotted by witnesses, and this time out in daylight.

Thanks, so far so good. Was wondering if you can meet me at Chat Noir. Maybe around 3?

Strange, neither of you had ever visited the cafe for years.

Ok, short day?

That and it’s a safe spot. Still remember you dragging me there.

You smiled happily at the memory, recalling the hours spent organizing for his birthday the night prior, even though it was a short event. The surprise was the fact that Shinsou suggested the place to meet. Things had escalated to a degree that secrecy became commonplace, and primarily with your work at the Commission on hold, you were left with unanswered questions.

Toka mewled while she jumped into your lap, curling herself to lay comfortably on your legs. Her purrs were warm and inviting while your fingers lightly pat her neck, playing against her collar. It was only a few more hours until the time Shinsou suggested, giving you half that time to prepare yourself for travel.

I’ll see you when I do.

——

A bus ride through Musatafu ensured you reached the general area of where Chat Noir was located, making the rest of your way there by foot. You kept tabs on the notifications on your phone, reading on the news of assaults and acts of violence around the city. Luckily none had been listed close to where you were, considering Shinsou’s choice to meet at the cat cafe overall due to the climate. The streets weren’t filled with civilians, but many locals still roamed around, giving you a sense of security. Safety in numbers, at least you hoped.

Soon, the familiar sign was visible to see from a block away. You spotted some slight wear and tear in its large letters, but the small cafe still had some customers, and of course, its feline residents. You stared through the window watching all of the cats roam around the cafe floor, comfortable in their surroundings. You saw fairly new ones in the shop, but a few familiar faces were recognized as well. It only brought a smile to your face, not realizing a familiar figure standing beside you.

“Having fun?” Asked Shinsou with a smile.

“Just watching,” you simply replied.

“For a minute I thought you were reading their minds.”

A pout crossed your lips, staring up at Shinsou’s almost jovial smile. Your exercises at home did not go unnoticed by him, teasing you about your attempts to reclaim a talent you never knew you had. You haven’t seen him this happy for a slight hint of your misery, or at least this happy in general. “Everything okay?” You asked, trying to divert the conversation elsewhere.

“Let’s head inside,” suggested Shinsou, while he opened the door with the ring of its bell above its frame. He made way for you to enter first, soon following after with a gentle tug of the door. It looked as if you had stepped back in time, finding that the cafe had not changed much at all over the years since your surprise birthday gift. The resident felines prowled around, minding their business like usual while both Shinsou and yourself found a table to sit at, ordering your usual coffees in lonesome company.

“The media’s been going wild lately,” you commented, eyeing Shinsou’s firm gaze.

“You’re telling me,” he responded in a low whisper. “My agency’s been spear-heading all of the attacks across the city. I’ve kept in touch with everyone involved.”

“Have you heard back from Midoriya?”

“No, or Kaminari, but I’m not directly involved with their rescue mission.”

Your eyes frowned at the thought of being left in the dark. Ever since your suspect escaped, the city had been running rampant with assault after assault. They all seemed random, as if they were minor violent reactions with no purpose but to instil fear into the public. More so, you stared into Shinsou’s eyes, distracted in his own thoughts. Many of the events had hit him harder than most. You needn’t have to read his mind to see that.

“We’ll sort this out,” you reassured before your orders arrived at your table. “At least until I have the city’s permission to work back in the field somehow.”

“I’ll make sure my agency will give you privileges,” reaffirmed Shinsou, reaching his hand out to yours. “We need you. I need you, Kitten.”

You felt the warmth of his palms engulf your own, comforting with a smile with both of your coffees still warm sitting in-between. The smell of it was soothing, while you glanced at a feline visitor every once in a while, making themselves comfortable in your company. It was peaceful.

That was when you realized how peaceful it was, surrounded only by the cats that occupied the space. The staff were nowhere to be found, and whoever was in the cafe as a customer had all but disappeared.

“Kitten, there’s a lot going on,” started Shinsou while his thumbs rubbed against your skin.

“Well aware,” you murmured while you looked around, confused and a little suspicious.

Shinsou watched your reaction to the situation at hand. Of course, he figured you would’ve caught on to the strange realization that the both of you were alone, sans for the cats that still stayed on the cafe floor. He smiled, realising himself that he wouldn’t have pulled something off without raising your own suspicions. And yet, he was surprised you hadn’t thought to read his mind.

Which made him love you all the more that you didn’t.

“I’ve seen what everyone has done to you. Bullied, belittled, even ostracized you,” he started, catching your attention. “You didn’t have to tell me these things because even though you’ve never told those stories, somehow I knew. Even when we started off on the wrong foot back in school.” He stood from his chair before he took a quick sip of his coffee, almost like a form of liquid courage, at least that was what he convinced himself. He knelt by your side, his tall frame evident in the way he held his stature, staring into your eyes before he pulled a small box from his pocket. “I’ve watched you maneuver around those obstacles. I watched you grow full of love and kindness despite all the bitterness in the world, and I’ve been late on the bandwagon to say this.”

With a flick, he opened the small black box to reveal a ring, petite but firm that looked like it was carved from black glass. Despite him kneeling, the cats surrounded him, walking all over his legs and knees, yet he only had his violet eyes on you.

“Kitten, because of your love and kindness, I’ve changed for the better. You make me feel better, and do better, and I don’t want to lose you,” proposed Shinsou while he lifted the box.

The temptation was there to read his thoughts as you stared back into his eyes, but it didn’t feel right to do so. This wasn’t a matter of minds, but of hearts, overwhelmed by the sudden proposal in a cafe you had shared your first birthday present with him, for him. Without another thought to spare, you joined him on the cafe floor, kneeling before him to meet his level, surprising him with your reaction before you held his hands that cradled the small box in his palms.

“I don’t want to lose you either,” you answered before you offered your hand to him.

All you did was smile, as did he, pulling out the ring to slip it onto your hand. You both shared the moment together, kneeling before each other when Shinsou pulled you in for a gentle kiss. His lips were warm and tender while you returned him in kind, your arms holding him in your embrace before he gently laid you onto the cold floor, his body hovering over yours. You watched his eyes glaze over your form, his smirk almost intoxicating until a cold wet nose brushed against your cheek. A multitude of the cafe’s resident felines still hovered around, now joining in on some of the fun while you chuckled at the slightest touch, human or cat.

Shinsou chuckled at your happiness, watching small tears appear from the corner of your eyes through your smile. He was thankful the staff allowed to give him an hour or two alone with you for this proposal, to watch you enjoy time away from the madness that was turning Musatafu upside down. He stared at your necklace that still laid across your chest, its dusky orange hue glinting against the afternoon light that shone through the cafe windows. That was a promise, he thought, but now staring at the black ring that you wore, he felt that it was all becoming very real, swelling with joy while his tired eyes still watched your laughter.

He was finally able to make plans.

“Of course, what’s wrong?”

“Remember that bank heist a while ago?”

“How could I forget? You almost scared me a little.”

“Heh, you scared me.” Midoriya’s smile still brimmed from cheek to cheek despite the sentiment being shared between the both of you. He still could recall the day he had admitted his Quirk to you, gaining the courage to even speak about it knowing only three, including himself, knew very well of his circumstance.

“Anyway, that fifth member that bailed the operation, it’s an exact description of this thief Sero has been involved with for months,” he continued, pulling out reports of interest across his desk.

“Really? How’d you figure it out?” You asked while the creak of your office chair reached Midoriya’s ear.

“It wasn’t long ago. They interrupted Sero’s capture of the guy, but the way they operated was awfully similar to what those robbers described - travels through light.”

“Hey, I guess you're one step closer to finding them. Are you going to follow this up with Sero?”

“Most definitely, I’ll see if he’s free at some point.”

Midoriya focused on the words across the page, outlining the significant details to keep in mind. He was sure, absolutely about his deduction. Nothing else was logical.

“I’ll see you later tonight?” He continued.

“Of course, don’t overwork!” You chirped.

“You too. Thanks Cutie.”

You exhaled deeply after that phone call, smiling to yourself. Listening to Midoriya think out loud was insightful at times, but open communication was always second nature.

At least, you felt that way.

“I’m heading out. I’ll be back in a couple of hours,” you informed Bubble Girl with a tired smile.

“Okay, are you sure you’re alright?” She asked with a concerned look in her eye. “Maybe you should take the rest of the day off.”

“Nah, I can’t do that,” you reminded her still with that smile. “Who else is going to finish this week’s round up report?”

“Oh, one afternoon to yourself isn’t the end of the world. Go home and relax a bit. It’s been a quiet day so far, and you can get straight back into it tomorrow morning.”

It was no surprise that she was fervent about the matter, relaxing your shoulders while you packed a few reports away.

“Thanks Bubble Girl.”

——

Bubble Girl was right when she said it was a quiet day. There was hardly anything to note while on your walk from the agency. However, you kept alert of your surroundings while clutching onto the strap of your bag tightly. You peeked behind to ensure you weren’t being followed, even wondering if anyone at the office noticed you taking reports from your desk.

You turned into an alley, away from the public eye before you spotted the flap of a cloak in the distance. The tall figure loitered against the wall, arms crossed while his lazy snake eyes smiled. You noticed how exhausted he looked, rolling his left shoulder every so often. Perhaps his run-in with Sero gave him some trouble a couple of days back.

“I knew I could trust you,” he spoke in a low and quiet tone.

You pulled out a folder filled with classified reports, feeling a sense of dread while also eyeing the man suspiciously. “I have your word then? You won’t harm Deku?” You asked still with your fingers clamped on the folder.

“Of course not, I never said I would.”

A moment passed before you allowed Seek to take the papers from your hands, watching him scan through the words that laid on them.

“There’s not a lot of information on this perpetrator you’re looking for. This is the best that I could collect from the network. Unfortunately I don’t have any privileges to search further,” you explained, watching him closely.

“Is that so?” He asked, still scanning the files. “I saw you as more resilient than that, always setting things right.” He smirked at the thought, glancing an eye towards you in acknowledgement only to receive a confused stare, one that he was very familiar with. Yet he did not pay too much mind to the way you responded, merely skimming over the words on the pages of reports in his hands.

“They were at a den in Esuha City as well. Alone. Odd,” he mulled.

“Why’s that?” You asked, curious now of his nature.

“Sweets never went alone. Something’s different.”

You eyed him while he stood in thought, his snake-like eyes darting around as if he were collecting them in his head. You wished to prod through what he was thinking, but watching his movements only made you realize-

“You know where they are,” you spoke in an epiphanous tone. “You know them.”

“Thank you Little Red,” replied Seek, handing back the files to you as neatly as possible without a crease. “We can pretend this never happened.”

You reached out for the folder, slipping it back into your bag with your eye on him. He rolled his shoulders a little with a creak, something you swore you thought sounded mechanical inside. Perhaps keeping him occupied longer could help garner intel from the source himself, at least while he wasn’t on the move.

“What are they to you?” you asked, noticing his nonchalance prevalent in his demeanor.

“Uh, uh, uh, Little Red,” he tsked playfully. “They mean nothing to you, but they are someone worth my time. Seems that Esuha is the hotspot this time around.”

“Make sense, please!” Your frustration took him by surprise, slightly amused to find this emotion in your company. “What’s with the name?”

“Hm?”

“First it was Poppet, now it’s Little Red. You have a tendency to acquaint yourself with others fairly quickly.”

“Would you prefer I called you Cutie?”

You stopped and stared at the man, suspicious of his nature and yet was met with calm and docile eyes. Something was off about him. “Was that a threat?”

“No, I’m only trying to be polite,” he excused with a nod. “Many of you have made ties, some more questionable than others. But you, you have always been the first. The first to make contact, the first to gain trust, the first of them all to be graced here.” To and fro, Seek flamboyantly gestured with hands twirling in the air and fingers dancing along with them. He was pantomiming, almost like a magician, you thought, attempting to grab your attention with the display rather than his words.

“Little Red, you are the first. And I hope you won’t be the last,” he continued, staring with smiling eyes filled with intent.

“What do you want?” You asked, confused.

“A favour Little Red. Just a favour.”

All he did was smile. It was eerie in the way he moved and how he looked expectant of things. Was he stalling? Was he waiting? For what or for who?

“It really is you,” uttered a voice in the shadows of the alley, the tone familiar but somewhat rough, exhausted, almost… grieving.

You stared into the dark, your eyes adjusting while the silhouette of a cloak appeared, marred with dirt and torn to shreds. Its yellow caught your eye first, then the hilt of a broken blade, and then his face. Midoriya’s face stared back into yours, scarred in places you weren’t familiar with and with tired eyes, worn and weary. His stride, though large, was heavy with every step, hindered by the pieces of soiled and chipped armour plates that were strapped to him.

“I thought I lost you Little Red,” he spoke, reaching out his fingers to your face before you pulled away, confused by the look of such a man before you. The hurt was there in his eyes, filled with regret and burdened by the sight of you in front of him.

“It’s me Red,” he urged, longing to search for something in your gaze.

“Now remember, they are not exactly your Little Red,” warned Seek, watching this stranger’s eyes turn to the man behind you. “You need to return before you lose them forever to the Animus.”

“You,” uttered the stranger, pointing at Seek with sudden scorn. “You put me there in the first place.”

“I did, and I do not regret my decision, Commander Midoriya.”

“Commander?” You murmured, confused before the man’s heavy footfalls caught your ear, immediately halting the stranger from approaching Seek with your hands on his chest. Surprisingly, the man halted where you stood, yet Seek did not back away, still smiling at the man who glared at him angrily with what you thought you heard was a growl from his throat.

“Who is this?” You demanded with your eye on Seek.

“Just a specter. A ghost,” reassured Seek, which only spurred this stranger with an uncanny likeness to Midoriya step towards him, only halted by your interference in between. “He’s just not yours.”

A glance was shared between Seek and this Commander, something unspoken. You needn’t use your Quirk to witness that exchange before you watched this Commander stand down from his advance, his eyes still on Seek with distrust. The way he moved or gestured down to the smallest finest details in his mannerisms were undeniably true. This Commander was every bit like Midoriya, but with some minor adjustments. Who had ever thought he growled the way he did earlier, you thought. It was every bit like Ground Zero to some degree. This wasn’t an illusion, or a hallucination. Surely. Seek had not done anything. Or had he?

“Kaminari sent you here I assume,” gestured Seek, bringing the Commander’s attention solely on the man who brought you here. “He has the ability to take you back when you’re ready. What did he say to you before you found yourself here, hm?”

“That you saw this coming,” replied the Commander. “That you knew where I played in his grand scheme of things.”

“Yes it would be like him to tease when the chips had fallen. Look, Commander, Little Red may not be themselves, but this one is. Don’t let their appearance fool you. They are different, but they share the same essence if you will. For whatever you have gone through, I only hope this one can help guide you.”

Guidance? For what it was worth, this encounter was doing your head in. This Commander’s hair, his eyes, even the way he stood despite the odd outfit that was worn to shreds screamed Midoriya. After all, you only spoke to your Midoriya not too long ago over the phone, while he sat at his desk uncovering a fugitive. But this man, war torn and weary, felt the same. Your eyes glanced towards Seek, only spotting that unassuming smile on his face. The same one he held throughout just before this strange encounter.

“He has been through much,” he suggested, standing by without any inkling of running off. It was as if he was waiting for a result, patiently waiting to see what may unfold.

You turned back to the man seeing the pain in his eyes behind the anger and the scorn. Seek wasn’t lying, you thought, he couldn’t be. After all, he never did according to interrogation reports earlier.

“Am I Little Red to you?” You asked, earning a stern nod from the man. You grabbed hold of the Commander’s gloved hands, holding them close and recalling the way they felt and the way they were shaped - exactly like Midoriya’s. You stared into your clenched hands, feeling his fingers tighten around yours before the glint of your ring caught your eye, promised by Midoriya, engaged and soon to be married. Staring into the Commander’s eyes brought about your love for the man you were soon to marry, despite it staring into a set belonging to a stranger. Yet the green of his weary eyes were familiar.

“If they and I are alike, for whatever has happened, it’s not too late,” you reassured, still with no context but driven by your love nonetheless. “It’s never too late. You can still make amends, save them, find them, or whatever it is you’re trying to do. If they are like me, they will forgive you.”

“I’m sorry, Little Red,” spoke the Commander, lifting his hand towards your cheek before it hovered, unsure whether to even lay a finger on you.

A sudden plume of darkness appeared from behind all three of you, a dark inky portal that stood silently on its own. You stepped back from it, turning your body into the man’s arms while he held you from behind, his grip comforting.

“Do not fear Commander,” reassured Seek with a smile. “Kaminari is waiting.”

Realizing you were in this man’s arms, you stepped back from him, keeping a friendly distance away before he reached out and hugged you tightly. It took you off guard, unable to pull away but unsure how to respond. He felt every bit like Midoriya.

“Thank you,” he whispered before he released you, immediately walking into the dark before it dissipated into thin air like smoke. You watched before distant footsteps caught your ear, spotting Seek’s cloak flap in the alley while he walked away.

“What was that?” You asked.

“My favour, and you've performed marvelously,” he replied with a smile. “Thank you Little Red. I now owe you one.”

And just like that, you were left alone with more questions and less answers.

RING

Your cellphone’s vibrations caught your attention while you dug for it in your pocket. Finally pulling it out, you spotted a familiar name on the screen, clearing your throat in hopes that it would clear your head before answering the call.

“Izuku?”

“Cutie, everything okay?” Asked Midoriya on the other line.

“Uh, yeah, of course, why wouldn’t it be?”

“Bubble Girl told me you left work early. I just thought to check in.”

“Oh, right, she said I could take the afternoon so I’ve been having a stroll in the city before I make my way home. Where are you now?”

“I’m heading over to Shinsou’s. Something happened this morning and both Kaminari and Sero are heading there too.”

“Wait, what happened?”

“I’ll explain a little more later. Right now, keep your calls to a minimum until tonight, okay Cutie?”

“… okay, be careful.”

“You too.”

That dial tone echoed in your ear, feeling the pump of blood rush through as well. Did this have to do with Seek? With the culprit in questions about Tartarus? Did Midoriya catch on to what you were doing? Too many questions and very little answers only made you feel queasy in your stomach fraught with worry.

You froze in place on the hammock, hoping that any creak from it would go unnoticed. Your eyes drifted to your clothes, still hanging by the corner of the room. After all, you were still in the large tee that Sero had offered the night before along with a pair of shorts you found scrounging around his drawers, indulging in their comfort, at least up until this point. You had not heard anything else following that request from the front door, opting to take that first quiet step towards your clothes. You slowly lifted yourself from the hammock, the slight creak of its anchors filling your ears louder than they should.

"Come on Sol, he's not home," spoke another voice while your feet slowly crept across the floor, avoiding creaks if any. "He's probably at work. You know how Pro-Hero life is."

"Babe, it's the weekend."

"It's my day off today."

"Yeah, you're different. You're a Sidekick."

"I take offense to that."

You slowly pried each piece of your outfit from the hooks on the wall, now air dried from last night's mishap before quickly making your way towards the bathroom, lucky enough that you had discovered where it was in Sero's place earlier this morning. Eavesdropping was difficult to avoid, seeing as how loud the voices projected through the door, catching the last few words of their conversation. Sero wasn't kidding when he added that note about his neighbours, you thought.

That was until-

Click

"Come on, I'm sure he won't mind if I-"

Midway across Sero's apartment, you froze with eyes as large as saucers, staring at two men, who in turn stared at you in surprise. The way this looked was beyond any comprehension, especially since you were still in Sero's clothes. The silence was deafening, until one of the men blurted a cry in panic.

"Oh-my-god-we're-sorry-for-barging-in-like-this-so-sorry," exclaimed Sol in a flurry of words before he immediately slammed the door shut. You jumped in surprise from the sudden outburst that broke you out of your frozen state, still staring at the door for any further signs of movement. You wondered, even entertained the idea, so against your better judgement, you walked to the front door, clothes still in hand, and slowly opened it. There standing before you were two men, impeccably dressed despite the casual look they exuded. One eyed you curiously, while the other looked away, his lips turned into a nervous frown.

"May I help you?" You asked clearly, turning your gaze between both men.

"Forgive us for intruding, my partner thought Sero was home," explained one of them, gripping onto the shoulders of the other.

"Oh, I guess you missed him this morning," you commented with a lopsided smile. "Don't know when he'll be back though."

"God I'm sorry," mumbled the other, his head shrinking slightly in his built shoulders.

"No need, he warned me about his neighbors. I just never knew you had the keys to his place."

"Heh, it took a while for that level of trust, believe me," explained his partner with a grin. "Oh, sorry for the rudeness, name's Rainmaker, and this is Sol."

"G'day," spoke Sol, raising his hand to greet you yet his eyes peeked from his downturned gaze.

You looked between the two, mulling over Sero's note, but also recalling a certain conversation you overheard months ago at that reunion you gatecrashed. You smiled at the thought. Maybe you'd have a little fun while you stayed in his apartment, knowing his neighbours had no inkling about your true identity at least.

"Rainmaker?" You questioned, eyeing the man with a raised teasing brow. "I doubt that's what your parents called you."

Chuckles "Well, I don't know your name, and you'd probably have heard of my Hero moniker," explained Rainmaker with a haughty grin.

"Actually, I've only heard it once, but if I hadn't I wouldn't know who you were."

Sol chuckled at your response, only receiving a slightly frustrated sigh from Rainmaker. You could judge their personalities like open books for you to peruse, yet your curiosity was still piqued about their significance, especially for your own investigations.

"So, if you don't mind me asking, what did you need Sero for?" You asked curiously, leaning on the doorframe.

"Well, uh..." Sol's voice trailed while he collected his thoughts, wary of asking a stranger for a request, let alone one that was dressed in his neighbour's clothes.

"Hey, it's okay, you don't need to tell me," you reassured him.

"Sol wanted to ask Sero about a friend of his," continued Rainmaker.

"Only because of work. He's one of my clients," explained Sol in kind.

"Oh, snooping around for some dirt?" You asked teasingly.

"Not like that mate. I just wanted to make sure he gets the best sessions at work," continued Sol.

"Besides, I'm more curious how you came to be here," interrupted Rainmaker with a sly look in his eye.

You stared at the man's forwardness, knowing what kind of game he was playing with a smirk of your own. "Sero and I have known each other for a good half year now."

"Wait a minute, really? We hardly hear anything from the guy."

"It's an on and off kinda thing."

"Babe, stop snooping around," groaned Sol, embarrassed of Rainmaker's forwardness. "It was nice meeting you.... Uh..."

"Oh, sorry, my name is-"

"What's going on?"

All three of you froze, turning towards the sound of the voice to find Sero standing by the apartment railing, in his Pro-Hero outfit, his eyes widening at the sight.

"Hi Sero!" you happily greeted, waving towards the Hero while he approached the group by his front door. "Sol here was-" Suddenly his hand reached out for yours, pulling you back into his apartment while standing between yourself and his neighbours. It shocked you to see how panicked he looked behind that cool facade he wore.

"Sorry guys, I need to speak with them for a bit," he explained, now standing in the doorframe.

"Whoa, hey, chill," spoke Rainmaker, a little confused by Sero's sudden over-protectiveness. "We were just getting to know each other."

"Babe, leave 'em be," spoke Sol, smiling a charming grin towards Sero. "It's all right mate. They're cute. We'll catch up with you later?"

"Uh, yeah sure," agreed Sero, unaware of any context to the conversation.

You peeked over his shoulder, watching his neighbours walk away from his door. Seeing how dressed they were, you had figured that they had prior engagements somewhere else before the impromptu introductions. You smiled at the couple, now aware of Sero's description of his neighbours before you moved back into his apartment when Sero shut his front door.

"Wow, I never knew you felt so protective over me," you teased, until Sero turned to face you, stern, grabbing the clothes you still had on your person before taking you to his bathroom.

"You need to get out of here," he immediately quipped.

"What? Huh? Why?" you quickly asked, allowing him to take you.

"People know you exist."

"Yeah, well, that's what happens when you're a thief."

"No, I mean, you're a target. People know."

Staring into his eyes, you found something unlike him about his behaviour and his reactions. Something must have happened while you enjoyed his hospitality, seeing his eyes fraught with worry.

"You need to go dark, hide somewhere, wait for everything to blow over," he continued, throwing your clothes into the bathroom and pushing you inside as well.

"Hold on, how do you know this?" you asked, turning to face him.

"There was an incident. I needed to speak with a friend about you and then something happened at his place-"

"You talked about me?"

"With Chargebolt, he was the only one who knew-"

"Well, who else does? Do they know about your reunion? Christmas? Our romantic rendezvous?" you teased.

Sero grumbled and heavily sighed under his breath, frustrated by your candidness at this time. It wasn't your fault, he knew this, but the sooner he could help you leave, the sooner you could-

"Deku knows about you," he admitted. "And he wants me to help him capture you. He knows that you were involved in that bank heist months ago, and he knows that you were with me last night."

Your face faulted, your smile dropped upon hearing the news he had to give. The thrill of secrecy, the chase, the cat and mouse, all went up in a plume of smoke before your eyes. It was something you had grown to be intimate with the Tape Hero, something that was only between him and you now broken.

"... right," you answered, slowly and sadly.

"You need to get out," he suggested, his eyes searching in yours now downcast. "Find a place to hide, don't do anything huge. What did you steal?"

"Huh?"

"At the bank, what was it?"

"Bucky-"

"Midoriya told me."

All Sero was met with was silence. You said nothing to defend or explain yourself.

"Look, just don't do anything," he advised.

"No," you replied back, taking him by surprise. "I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing, and I'm going to keep looking for the Doctor, with or without you."

You shut the door in Sero's face, turning to your outfit that laid haphazardly in the bathroom. A sadness washed over you, knowing that whatever secrecy you had, whatever advantages you gained, have now been destroyed. You couldn't hear anything on the other side of the door while you began to change into your clothes, but the sadness that overwhelmed you was the betrayal. You wished it wasn't that feeling. It was one you hated the most.

Sero meanwhile stood beside the bathroom door, contemplating on his options now. He had agreed to help Midoriya, only because he had no other choice. What excuse or reason would he have to refuse? He kicked himself mentally on how he had handled the situation, on how he had explained it all, but all he wanted was to give you a headstart.

He heard a familiar sound from inside the bathroom after hearing the door unlock, turning to open the door slowly to find his shirt and shorts on the floor. Flecks of light floated against the tiles, fractals of them soon disappearing before he found his bathroom window ajar. Not a single goodbye, not even a note. Sero collected his clothes from the floor before he made his way back into his apartment, hoping that whatever happens from here on out, he could always give you a headstart.

He was referring to that moment for a bathroom break, one that went along without any comeuppance, except for a broken mirror. You found Seek to be trusting, at least while he was here, with no attempt to escape or flee without warning. Then again, in the back of your mind, you had read reports from Shinsou's partner and their few interrogations with the man that sat before you.

You carefully placed breakfast on a bench before you hesitantly took out the keys to Seek's cuffs, given to you by Shinsou who had apprehended the man. Releasing him from his bounds left him still sitting on the chair before he reached out for the bowl, indulging in the meager meal. You only watched him. He made no attempts again, even with the basement door unlocked for him to take flight.

"Why are you being compliant?" You asked with suspicion.

"Curious, aren't we?" He teased while he finished his meal quickly, rolling his left shoulder with what you thought was a mechanical creak coming from it. "I needed some relief just as your friend did. Why wouldn't I be?" He noticed that look in your eye again, smiling up at you before he took a sip of water you brought for him. "I understand your suspicions, but I'm merely here because there is nothing more I can do. And I'm waiting, Pearl."

That name again. You heard that knight speak it before back on Nabu Island. And Seek calling you during the chase. He was often calling others by a name - a nickname - but one you weren't familiar with. And why, you wondered. What was its significance?

"Who are you waiting for?" You asked, ignoring your thoughts.

"That's a secret," he replied in jest. "I can't give away the next chapter of the story. All I know is, I'm waiting for the next turning point."

"Who are you, really?" You asked again, watching Seek reach his hands out to you, wrists ready to be cuffed again.

"A very old... friend," he answered.

You placed his handcuffs on with no sign of struggle. He allowed himself to be captured, but why, you continued to wonder.

"There is something I should tell you, specifically you Pearl," voiced Seek, his eyes docile and filled with what looked like guilt. "You are his one and only, don't forget that. Whatever obstacles stand before you is nothing compared to the... love you hold for each other. Let nothing stand in the way of that. Don't let No-One tell you otherwise."

You were struck with confusion before a knock at the door caught your ear, leaving Seek cuffed while you headed towards the large double doors behind you. You smiled up at the familiar toothy grin of Eijirou Kirishima, his smile and eyes beaming brightly while his form was backlit by the morning sunlight that streamed into the dark room.

"Hey Thumper," he greeted, his eyes scanning the room before they laid on Seek, his gaze turning grave. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, he's been... cooperative," you replied, still hesitant about this change in behavior and his last words.

"The others are on their way. Shinsou's partner returned to normal this morning."

"That's good to hear."

"Yes, it is," piped Seek's voice from behind.

Kirishima stared at the man, untrusting of him until his large hand gently took you by the shoulder, guiding you to the side out of earshot from Seek. "Has he done anything to you?" He asked, still eyeing him from afar.

"No, no he hasn't," you answered again, spotting that glare of Kirishima's - something that was unlike him. "Eijirou, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, it's just... I don't like this. Ever since Shinsou caught the guy."

"Like he wanted to be here?"

Kirishima turned to you, surprised by your insight before your eyes fell downcast.

"I've felt that the whole night," you explained, agreeing with Kirishima's sentiments. "He had every opportunity to escape, but chose not to. I even let him take a bathroom break. Something's... not right."

Kirishima turned his gaze back onto Seek, spotting that gentle smile on his face again, the same one he wore back on Nabu Island. He immediately stomped towards him, his heavy footsteps echoing in the basement before he grabbed hold of Seek's collar, pulling him up from the chair.

"Eijirou!" You called in surprise, taking steps towards him before his free hand signaled you to stop.

"You were right," started Kirishima, capturing Seek's ear. "I wouldn't harm anyone who is unarmed. But you hurt Thumper. That I would never forgive."

"I wouldn't expect less," commented Seek, his smiling eyes staring into Kirishima's scrutinizing glare. "Thumper, Pearl, Sweet Pea, you care for them with all of your heart, no matter who you are. You're a knight through and through. You are deserving of them, whichever way we go, that I know."

That smile was still plastered on his face as if the threat of any form of violence did not faze him. It irritated Kirishima.

"Why did you make it easy?" he asked. "Why now?"

"I'm waiting."

"For what?"

"For someone," you answered, catching Kirishima's eye while his fist pulled at Seek's collar. "He's waiting for someone."

"Who?" demanded Kirishima, his snarl turning back onto Seek.

"He won't say," you continued. "Maybe we should wait for the others to arrive."

"Yes, the more the merrier," stated Seek with his smile. "But your company is good enough when the time comes."

Kirishima grumbled under his breath before he dropped Seek back onto the chair with a rough heave of his fist. Seek only chuckled while he righted himself back onto the old chair, still with that smile, staring back up at both Kirishima and yourself. It was odd, it had always been odd for the whole night on how cooperative and compliant he was. The way he spoke was as if he was aware of what was going on - otherwise it was a ruse, a mind trick to throw everyone off.

Still, what Shinsou had relayed in his partner's reports stood against that train of thought: this man never lied.

You eyed the exchange and felt the tension that aggravated Kirishima, slowly pulling him away from the man and to the side, again out of earshot.

"Eijirou, are you really okay?" you asked, your eyes searching in his.

"I'm sorry," apologised Kirishima, his large hands tenderly rubbing your arms in comfort, more so for himself while he calmed. "I couldn't sleep last night knowing that you had to look after... after what he did to you back on that mission, I can't trust him with you alone."

It immediately crossed your mind about the events that have occurred involving Seek and who else was involved. The night spent knowing this man was in your basement didn't go without digging into all the information accumulated over the past month or so. Your first stop was the Nabu Island incident being the most major event, his capture under Kirishima's watch. Excerpts from interrogation reports had disclosed that no catastrophic event should follow after that incident, however, Seek's movements had been suspect after he had fled the Commission's building.

Seek's interest in a fugitive connected to Shinsou piqued your interest, especially due in part that they were centered around the man who escaped Tartarus, one that was heavily involved in Kirishima's history. His whole purpose behind his shenanigans around Musatafu was to locate this person who freed Kai Chisaki - as written in Shinsou's reports as well as the interrogation reports that coincided with them. Yet he didn't make any attempt to bring this into conversation last night, or even try to dig for information knowing how close you were to Kirishima's own connections amongst the Pro-Heroes today.

It only dug up more questions than answers. You noticed something else about him - that shoulder of his was a liability hidden under his cloak. What it was you couldn't tell. You felt it during that fight weeks before on the chase, finding his strength surprising but waning in that shoulder, cracking with every movement he made, like cogs seizing up against each other. But you saw no signs of pain on his face or in his voice. Seek was a calm individual.

Then the past week crossed your mind after learning more from hearsay. Midoriya's sudden mission to locate a fugitive that could be closely related to numerous cases, which included Sero's involvement over the months patrolling Musatafu. And then the most recent incident about Kaminari's place being ransacked-

"Hey, look, I agreed to this when you asked," you reassured while you grabbed hold of his hands. "I didn't sleep last night. I couldn't, but you wouldn't have asked if you didn't think it was important."

"I should've stayed with you," admitted Kirishima. "Rookie mistake to leave you alone with... a villain."

"I know you don't trust him. I don't either. But I trust you, and you trust me, right?"

Kirishima smiled warmly, his hands still rubbing your arms tenderly before he pulled you into his chest, engulfing you in a warm hug. He felt every part of you against him, unwilling to let you go, while you felt his heart thrum against your ear. The warmth of his hug almost lulled you into a doze, content to be in this moment despite the circumstances that led you here. For once, you were free to empty your mind of all of the questions that plagued you the night before.

"Of course," started Kirishima. "I trust you, Thumper. I'll stay until the others get here."

Seek's eyes watched from afar, smiling at the sight before he watched something glow, surrounding both of you like a shield while it snaked between your arms and your hands.

"And there it is," he whispered to himself. His smile widened, happy to witness the glowing red threads that bound you to Kirishima with no sign of them straying away from their paths. He felt relief, something foreign that he had yet to feel for a long time. He only hoped the steps he took, the risks he chanced, the measures he needed to enact, were enough to withstand what laid ahead.

He wished to save this one this time.

"Thank you Fourteen," he mused, content, until something violently seized his mind. His breath hitched, unable to control his thoughts before a melancholic tune played in his head. His brain felt like it was splitting in two, feeling a strike of pain through his temples and his forehead. This time was different from that rainy night days ago before he breathed sharply in pain and succumbed to the wave of emotion that flooded his head.

"What's happening?" you asked in panic, turning to Seek who writhed in pain moments ago before sitting limply in the chair.

"Hey!" called out Kirishima, stomping towards Seek with a growl. "No more games! What are you-?"

Seek sat up quickly at attention, his eyes vacant but now with a dim glow that flickered weakly. He was silent, a first for you considering how chatty he was earlier. Both Kirishima and yourself stared into his eyes, while you waved your hand in front of his face, finding no reaction at all. He only stared ahead as if he were empty of life.

"Help... me," he uttered, his voice melding with another's. "Help... find me..."

"I'm calling Shinsou," you immediately announced, pulling out your phone and attempting to locate his number.

"Since when did you get his number?" asked Kirishima quizzically.

"Since you've asked about my basement."

Kirishima eyed you in mild surprise before he felt Seek's eyes on him, staring as if he were inspecting his face. It unnerved him a little, still fueled by distaste from the man until he saw something in his eye. Was he crying?

"Friend..." he uttered slowly, as if the word was difficult to speak.

"I'm not your friend," spat Kirishima. "What trick are you pulling this time?"

"Friend... Kaminari..."

Kirishima's eyes widened at the words and the sudden realisation of the voice that mingled with Seek's. He had not been close with Kaminari's case, yet he knew of this person who was almost attached to his hip, ever since the school reunion, and that Christmas at Midoriya's. Though he was drunk on both occasions, he did not forget Kaminari's plus one, and their own Christmas cheer.

"Where are you?" he asked, his eyes staring and searching in Seek's dimmed irises. He could see the light was fading, but it still held, flickering every so often.

"Sea... the sea..." uttered Seek once more with tears streaming down his face. "Home..."

"Okay, um, what can you see? What can you hear?"

"Birds... flowers... lots of flowers..."

Kirishima contemplated the words, attempting to string them together but with very little understanding of their meaning. He grumbled under his breath, grabbing hold of Seek's arms and shaking him in aggravation. "Tell me a name!" he yelled into Seek's face. "A place, a location, where are you?"

Seek's eyes, now no longer his, stared into Kirishima's, the tears unending while he searched into his scrutinizing glare. "Docks... Home... Please find me... Find... Denki-"

A cry of pain surged through Seek's head while he convulsed in the chair, shaking abruptly from the tension that threatened to crack his skull in two. Kirishima still took hold of Seek's body, keeping him seated in the chair while he shook violently from whatever had taken hold of him. As quickly as he convulsed, he suddenly fell limp and silent with his head hanging by his shoulders. Kirishima drew in a deep breath while he gently laid Seek into the chair, no longer awake or present.

"Did you get a hold of Shinsou?" asked Kirishima, finally turning to you with the phone still to your ear.

"Just now," you answered before switching into speaker mode. "You're on speaker Shinsou."

"I'm almost there," he spoke through the phone, his voice with a slight echo in the now silent basement. "I've got Todoroki and Bakugou with me."

"Is Kaminari coming along?" asked Kirishima.

"No, why?"

Kirishima and yourself shared a look before you spotted the concern laced in his brow. With the few words you overheard while Kirishima took care of Seek, you felt uneasy about the situation. As if sensing this worry, Kirishima immediately wrapped an arm around your shoulders, still holding you to him.

"We need him," he advised. "I think he's going to want to talk to Seek."

"That's the last thing you want him to do," advised Shinsou in return.

"No, he's right Shinsou. Kaminari is going to want to speak with Seek," you added, supporting Kirishima's advice. "His witness spoke through him just now." Your eyes stared at Seek's limp body that laid haphazardly on the chair, his wrists still bound behind him and the only thing keeping him upright. For once, you witnessed this man sleeping soundly, despite the traumatic episode that occurred not too long ago.

"All right, I'll give him a call, but we're on our way now so don't do anything else until we get there," ordered Shinsou.

"Got it," replied Kirishima before the phone call ended, the dial tone ringing through the earpiece before you turned it off, pocketing the device away.

You stood with uncertainty with your arms hugging onto Kirishima's waist, while he did the same. You felt drowsy, exhausted from last night with very little sleep before you laid your head into his chest, closing your eyes a little to ease the exhaustion that came in waves. Kirishima felt the same, yet he held you up on your feet, feeling your weight grow heavier while you began to doze into his chest. He smiled warmly before he lifted you in his arms, hearing a slight groan escape from you.

"I'll wake you up when the others arrive," he suggested while he made his way to a free seat, holding you on his lap.

You only mumbled while his warmth soothed you into a light sleep. Last night's information dump wasn't the most exciting thing - in fact it was draining. It only reminded you why you hated desk jobs, but you swore in your own findings that Seek was a man who thought ahead. You witnessed it in his escapes around Musatafu, but it seemed he had planned it all, ever since the Nabu incident, where he had trapped you somehow before knocking you out.

In between your deep breaths, you huffed through your nostrils, shaking your head at Kirishima’s remark. Since his invitation to train and spar together, you discovered the advantage and merits in the exercise, learning and adapting how both of your Quirks relatively countered each other. Every week you found different ways of implementing how to utilize your Quirk effectively against a titan such as Kirishima. It was a surprise alone that Fourth Kind allowed this kind of work-related training for you. Perhaps your reputation had preceded you more than you realised. Or Fourth Kind had an odd sense of humor to keep you in close quarters with the Red Riot.

“Excuse me Mister, but who decided to charge in on that mission three months ago?” you perked with a tease, flexing and stretching your limbs to relieve the tightness in your muscles.

“That was called for,” rebutted Kirishima. “I had control and restraint.”

“You were ready to march on in without hearing from the agents inside. I wouldn’t call that restraint.”

“But I was in control of my urges.”

A toss of your towel slammed into his smiling grin, whipping it from your person while you still hopped about. You couldn't help but pout at his remarks with every statement you made. No matter how much they sounded like excuses, you couldn’t argue against the truth behind them. Despite the few months on the weekly seeing Kirishima for these work-related training sessions, you attuned to his personality and quips. You found him to be an awful liar, but also a man who acted first. The media had him painted so heroically in their articles that this more casual, if not softer side of him, was overshadowed. You felt a sense of privilege learning more about him in close-quarters, combat or otherwise.

Kirishima had already packed down his training gear while he picked up his large gym bag still with his towel wiping away whatever sweat remained on his brow. His eye landed on you while you hopped once more on the spot, your toes bouncing against the vinyl floors of the training room.

“You go ahead, I’m going to keep cooling off for a bit,” you announced between hops.

“Sure, you know the way out?” he asked, receiving a quick thumbs up from you. He swiftly pulled a fresh towel from his bag, tossing it into your face playfully while you snatched it mid-air, pouting at the slight interruption in your flow. “Don’t stay up too long,” he advised.

All he received was a smile before he found you wrapping the towel loosely across your shoulders. Kirishima left you to your devices, self-assured that you could lock up the room despite you being a free agent outside of Fat Gum’s Agency. He turned his eye on you before reaching the exit, watching you perform simple cooldown exercises.

It was strange, encountering someone with a Quirk that affected their physical day-to-day outside of those who were Mutant types. Every session thus far had pushed both of your limits, but had also extended your cooldown process, spending longer periods of time before leaving the premises and even going so far as to acquaint yourself with the occasional night guard. It had been a few months, a week at a time, and he smiled at the thought of this kinship nurturing between each other.

Rejuvenated from the showers and dressing for the night, Kirishima had planned to meet friends for a night out - a rarity due to their work lives but knowing Sero’s birthday was fast approaching, and hearing Bakugou taking some leave, it all fell in place to celebrate and catch up with the old academy gang. Funnily enough, the night was organized between Ashido and Kaminari, the two most unlikely to achieve such a feat since UA, but with Kaminari working closely with the Public Hero Commission and Ashido taking more hands-on responsibilities managing within her agency, it was a pleasant surprise. Drinks were abundant and conversation was rowdy, but it felt good to reconnect with friends again, even though Kirishima still worked closely with a few.

“Heard about the crackdown effort in Esuha. Dude, you’ve practically uncovered the plot,” congratulated Sero, a little jolly now with drink in hand.

“At least we’ve stopped the shipments for now,” chuckled Kirishima embarrassingly. “And Shinsou is following up on it internally from here, so I get to focus on the street.”

“Man, I haven’t heard from the guy for a while,” commented Kaminari with a grin. “How is he?”

“Never got a chance to talk with him. I was… inundated.” A wry grin pulled on Kirishima’s face, recalling how the mission all ended trapped under rubble from the collapse of the warehouse behind the smuggler’s den. He remembered the dim light from your phone and the way it shone on your face, close to his while he was in his Unbreakable state. Back then, it was a tight situation, adrenaline pumping from the fight, but now, thinking back to the look on your face and how in awe you stared at him, it made his heart flutter.

Why was he feeling this way?

“Say, you were supposed to tell me about this special someone you’re looking after,” Sero followed up with a smirk while he eyed Kaminari across the booth. “I deserve that much.”

“Just because it’s your birthday doesn’t mean I’m going to let you in on everything,” chimed Kaminari.

“Wait a minute, you didn’t tell me this!” Piped Ashido. “If I knew I would’ve organized an extra seat.”

“It’s not like that. It’s just work, I arranged to keep an eye on someone as part of their Witness Protection Program,” explained Kaminari while he enjoyed his beer.

“So you are a glorified babysitter,” teased Sero with a smug grin.

“Bodyguard!” Corrected Kaminari.

The conversation soon became a drone in Kirishima’s ears despite the colorful tones of his friends chiding and teasing away. Despite him enjoying the night, his thoughts returned back to you, wondering if you got yourself home safely. He knew you were a capable Pro-Hero with respect in your own right, but that didn’t stop his thoughts from wondering if you were okay with the amount of strain you placed onto your well-being after every session with him.

He recognized the tells despite your reassurance. The way you shook your limbs, rolled your shoulders, even how you hopped informed him of where you suffered from your Quirk. He was amazed to hear that you hadn’t looked into finding support to ease the tensions and strains of performing your Quirk on patrol, learning how you self-managed instead. But that didn’t halt his concerns, wondering if there was some way of convincing you to look into preventative measures not only for your professional life, but for your own personal freedom.

“That extra still there?” Asked Bakugou, eyeing Kirishima with an expectant look in his eye.

Kirishima snapped out from his thoughts, realising he was still out with friends, catching the middle of conversation about Kaminari’s life before turning to Bakugou next to him. The blond stared inquisitively at him through that scowl, nursing the bottle of beer in his hand and waiting for a response.

“Yeah,” answered Kirishima with reluctance. “They should have left by now.”

“Then quit worrying. You’ve been sulking the whole time we’ve been here.”

“Bakugou, be nice,” warned Ashido with a teasing pout. “One of these days Kirishima might just invite them to hang out. And I can finally meet them face-to-face and judge them for myself.”

“Yeah, when are we going to meet this mysterious pupil?” Asked Sero, his attention now focused on Kirishima’s waking life.

“They’re not… we’re learning from each other. There’s no teacher-student dynamic going on,” explained Kirishima with his fingers tapping against the beer bottle he held in hand. “I think it’ll benefit both of us on the field, especially because of Fat Gum partnering with other agencies lately.”

“Come on, you said you invited them to weekly sessions, as part of a “working” relationship. Smart move,” piped Kaminari, a little relieved that the attention was taken away from him.

“It’s not like that.”

“Now you’re sounding like Kaminari,” chirped Sero.

“Hey! Mine is work!” Exclaimed Kaminari defensively.

“You should invite them over instead of leaving them at the agency,” suggested Ashido with a grin. “We’re all curious who has gotten our Red Riot distracted lately.”

“I’m not distracted,” defended Kirishima.

A scoff interrupted the conversation, slightly condescending at Kirishima’s response. It was no surprise to everyone who that was, turning to face the irate blond who took a swig of his beer nonchalantly. Bakugou eyed his scowl towards Kirishima, laced with irritation from the to and fro in conversation that became repetitive overtime. His attention still laid on Kirishima, eyeing that aloof if not unaware expression that only irritated him more.

“You invite them, you organise your day and time for them, and still after all these months you can’t accept what Dunce Face, Raccoon Eyes, and Tape Arms have been saying in the last two minutes,” explained Bakugou, strangely with a calm tone in his gruff voice. “We know you Shitty Hair. You wouldn’t have given them the time of day unless you felt the need to. Otherwise, forget inviting them anywhere near us. They’re just an extra after all.”

Everyone fell silent after Bakugou’s proclamation and observation over the matter, leaving Kirishima back in the swell of his thoughts, staring at his beer bottle. He wasn’t surprised at all from Bakugou’s insinuation over his dilemmas. Though meeting up with friends was difficult to come by, he had called him every once in a while and had been vocal about you in conversation. In hindsight, Kirishima wondered if Bakugou grew sick and tired of hearing about his feelings about you, but behind Bakugou’s irritable nature, Kirishima saw the good behind his words.

Kirishima continued to think back to you, probably already having left the agency and hopefully made your way home during this time of night. The words that were shared between his friends became a drone once more, lost in his thoughts while he eyed the bottle in his hands again.

“Kirishima?” Called Sero in his jolly state, poking Kirishima’s shoulder. “Hey dude?”

“Shitty Hair!” Yelled Bakugou, surprising Kirishima while he clumsily grabbed hold of his beer from tipping onto the booth.

“Did you hear what we just said?” Asked Ashido, a little concerned about Kirishima’s awareness.

The table fell silent once more, awaiting for a cohesive response from the redhead after he straightened himself from the momentary scare. He stared blankly at his friends, unaware of what had transpired before a sigh from Kaminari broke the silence.

“Let him be. He really is distracted,” casually commented Kaminari with a shrug.

A scoff, a sigh, and a facepalm later, the group continued the night whiling away with drink and fun. Still, Kirishima’s mind returned back to you every now and then, taking Bakugou’s words to heart.

Perhaps he should take that leap.

——

A deep breath helped ease the tension in your lungs and your back, finally feeling a little normal now after the cooldown. You grew concerned over how long it took this time around, finding that the time was way past closing hours for Fat Gum’s agency. Luckily you were given a visitor’s pass to enter and exit the premises, more so that you were acquainting yourself with a few of the night guards who patrolled the agency floor.

An hour and a half. That was twice as long as you normally cooled off from patrols and encounters in the city. You were exerting more than your usual share training with Kirishima, with his range of skills and his tenacity to add on top. The prospect of utilizing support items was becoming more enticing of an idea after Kirishima had suggested to look into it, even going so far to suggest agencies that could help find ways of improving your routine.

“You’re still here?” Uttered a low voice from the doors, turning to find Tamaki Amajiki ready to leave the agency for the day.

“Just finished my cooldowns,” you replied while you rolled and shook your shoulders.

“Longer than usual?”

“Well, Kirishima suggested I look into getting some support items. Maybe I should…”

Your voice trailed while you thought more on the topic, only to find Kirishima before you with his grin. Every session he seemed to light up when you arrived, happy and ready to get underway with the afternoon. You smiled to yourself seeing his smiling demeanor, something unlike how the media had painted his image. There was a sense of privilege learning about Kirishima behind the papers and the gossip. It was humbling in its own right.

“You should do something about that,” uttered Amajiki, staring at your distracted expression staring off towards the training room floor.

Dumbfounded, you turned to Amajiki, your mind momentarily blank after being taken from your thoughts.

“You don’t know what I’m talking about, do you?” He continued, eyeing you curiously from behind the door frame.

“Not really,” you sheepishly replied.

“I believe that you’ve grown a liking to Kirishima.”

“Yeah, I think he’s great.”

“I mean, you really like him.”

Your heart dropped momentarily in your chest with a sudden heat flourishing in your cheeks. “What? No! I mean, I do, but that’s besides the point-“

“You should tell him,” interrupted Amajiki, surprised by his forwardness. “It’s plain to see on your face.”

“No, I mean, Kirishima is a great guy,” you started, attempting to ignore that sudden rush of heat from your thoughts. “He’s supportive, holds back no bars, very attentive-“

“Chances like these don’t come by easily. Trust me, I’ve lost my chance years ago, and I can’t get over it.”

You gazed at Amajiki, finding something odd about the way he expressed these feelings. Normally he was a recluse, a reputation he was well-known for despite Fat Gum’s overwhelming accolades for the Pro-Hero, but there was another layer in his gaze that caught your attention. Was it regret?

“Just think about it,” concluded Amajiki before he turned to leave, waving farewell as he did.

Left alone in the large room, you contemplated over his words, taking stock of the emotions that ran rampant from the adrenaline that waned. Just what was that sudden heat that made your cheeks boil? It had been only a few months, a week at a time, but Kirishima’s open and welcoming nature was a flood gate that opened to greet you. It was indescribable in words, they were all feelings.

Avoiding this overload of emotion and information, you stared around the room, learning that the acoustics were amazing in your opinion. In consideration how late it already was, you turned to your large gym bag and pulled out a small speaker, compact and lightweight that connected to your phone. Perhaps some expended energy in the healthiest way would help alleviate the confusion you felt, at least you hoped it would before you selected a good bop to dance to.

It was an opportunity you couldn’t pass up, finally able to dance to your heart’s content, free from roving eyes.

——

The night was long but filled with joy after catching up with friends and wishing Sero a happy birthday. Kirishima, drunk from the alcohol but conscious enough to direct himself, opted to leave his motorcycle at the bar, courtesy of Ashido who organized safe parking options for those who had to travel. He wasn’t the only one with Kaminari having to leave his car behind as well. At least there was a chance to see him again upon collecting their rides.

It was a decent walk through the city, eyeing the street lights that painted the walkways and keeping the chill at bay. He was lucky to bring his thick jacket, but with the way the night transpired, he felt luckier that he left his belongings back at Fat Gum’s agency. Despite the sway in his step, he made his way back only to collect his things and head straight home to sleep the night off.

Kirishima entered the agency, empty of life and bypassing the night guard who was, as usual, asleep by the reception security desk. He shook his head behind his sleepy eyes at the man, walking with his footsteps echoing around him to find the locker rooms behind the foyer and through the corridors. The agency was quiet, something he wasn’t used to being surrounded by his peers, until something thrummed and echoed against the walls. It reached his ears, the bass striking his temples that made his eye twitch through his tipsiness.

Was that music?

And was it playing from the training rooms?

Curiosity took hold and brought Kirishima’s feet back to where he was hours ago, holding a session with you and leaving you for his rendezvous with friends. Surely you couldn’t still be here, he thought, wondering if you were a little worse for wear than you would have reassured. Thinking of you only made his mind wander back to his friends, keen to meet and learn more about you, but more so about his reluctance to do so. He questioned what held him back, slowly realising his inclination towards his concerns. It was a professional relationship, all work, at least he wanted to believe that. Bakugou’s words returned, realising the meaning behind them and re-evaluating his keenness to learn more from you and about you.

Kirishima sighed deeply, feeling his heart pound a little faster in his chest, almost in time to that music that echoed around. He found it surprising how the night guard hadn’t woken from his sleep before he turned to find the doors still open from the room he left you behind. Peeking past the door frame, he still found you there, but no longer performing any exercises. Instead, you bopped in a different way, dancing across the room in reckless abandon. The way you moved differed from how you fought him earlier today, yet he recognized some smooth transitions that played a role in your form. In fact, he recalled his comparison between you and Ashido, knowing the pink beauty utilized her dancing prowess in how she moved in battle.

You would have something going for you should he introduce you to her soon.

The beat ramped as did yourself, feeling it course through you and soothing the joints like oil to a squeaky chain. You stepped in time, twirling and kicking in the air if only as a refresher, but soon slipped into your own meditative trance. Music was your lifeblood outside of the Pro-Hero grind, swaying your hips and shoulders and kicking up the dirt with every consecutive beat. The bass was tantalizing and addictive, each beat a warm comfort inside your chest that brought a grin to your face.

Soon smiling at the red eyes that stared back at you from the door.

You stopped while the music played, staring into Kirishima’s eyes watching you for who knew how long he was standing there.

“Sorry,” he apologized loudly. “I didn’t mean to interrupt-“

“Oh, no, it’s fine! I’m about to leave anyway!” You blurted, immediately grabbing for the speaker to switch it off as quickly as possible. “Is it this late already? Ha, I should've checked the time!” You couldn’t help pulling that smile on your face, one that was forced from showing the sheer level of embarrassment you felt. How long was he standing there for?

“I didn’t know you danced?” He asked, curious while he entered the room.

“It’s a hobby, not much really,” you briefly explained in haste while you tried to pack your bag. “I get carried away sometimes.”

“Hey, nothing wrong with a hobby. Do you perform often?”

“Uh… not publicly. I just loved EDMs growing up because of their bass levels and… wait, why are you here? Shouldn’t you be at home?”

Kirishima reeled back from the question, recalling his reason to return back to the agency before being sidetracked by your music. He chuckled inwardly, his eyes looking away in embarrassment, wondering what to say to explain his presence.

Meanwhile you smelled something odd from Kirishima - stale alcohol. He didn’t appear drunk, but he was a little laxed compared to this afternoon. The chipper energy he had dulled but it revealed a warmer side to him, calm despite the alcohol he had earlier. Amajiki’s words returned in your mind, wondering if this was the chance to take considering the situation.

“Say, if you’re not tired, I could teach you a few moves,” you suggested, spotting the surprise and the twinkle in his eye. “There’s a club not too far from here that’s still open. It’s not rowdy, but it’s enough to have a good time, and we could relax a little so it’s not so late for the both of us.”

Through the inebriation sobering up slowly, Kirishima smiled widely at the invitation. He didn’t expect this turn of events. He hoped to find a moment next week considering the remarks his friends mentioned, but this was out of the blue. He didn’t expect this.

“Sure, as long as we come back here afterwards,” he bargained. “You can take one of the rooms. I don’t want you walking back home this time of night.”

“Roger that,” you agreed with a smile, collecting your things before being led out of the room with Kirishima.

“So, where is this place? It’s not the Red Light District, is it?

“Ew, no, that place is tacky.”

Kirishima snickered under his breath with his toothy grin wide and bright at your response. He wasn’t a connoisseur for night clubs, but Esuha being entertainment central for Musatafu had taught him a few of the bigger names around.

“All right Thumper, lead the way,” he playfully ordered, allowing you to lead.

“Thumper?” You questioned, more so out of curiosity.

“Well, aren’t you?”

IZUKU MIDORIYA | Day Off

There was hardly ever a day when either yourself or Midoriya had found a free day together. Aside from the usual public holiday, it was once in a blue moon. Yet here the both of you were, lying in bed, forgoing the sound of both of your alarms, tangled in the linen and staring into the sunlight that lit the room.

"Still complaining about the bed?" Asked Midoriya while he playfully tangled his fingers through your hair.

"Haha funny," you teased, sticking your tongue out at him.

He only chuckled at your childish reaction, nuzzling his nose onto yours and tickling you from the touch. He smiled at you from above, watching you lay on the soft pillows, feeling your body next to his.

"What was it like?" You asked curiously, turning your eye onto Midoriya. "You know, looking after me?"

"Oh, um... it was really awkward to be honest," answered Midoriya with a sheepish grin. "I never guessed you were a fan, at least like the way you acted."

You pouted while you lowered your head slightly towards the covers, keeping your eyes away from Midoriya out of embarrassment. The memories were hazy at best, but you did recall a few moments that you wished didn't see the light of day, such as the boundless enthusiasm you held when you tried to interpret the speed and trajectory of All Might's attacks. Your reaction did not go unnoticed though, finding Midoriya gaze down at you lovingly beside you.

"I think it was cute," he admitted, only giving you more embarrassment. "I hope we have a child who's just as enthusiastic as the both of us combined."

"... you do?" You slowly asked, staring up at him now with piqued interest.

"Well, of course. Whatever they're excited about, I want them to be as happy as they can be."

You smiled endearingly up at Midoriya, hearing the sincerity in his voice and filled with joy about his perspective on the future. Despite the fact that your wedding had yet to be organized, you loved his eagerness and his own take on the situation. He was an opinionated person when you got to know him intimately.

"I just hope they're not as messy as you," he added on top, causing that smile of yours to fall momentarily.

"How about I mess with you for a bit before we get some breakfast?" You piped, grabbing his scalp and messing his already curly bed hair. Midoriya laughed out loud before he grabbed a hold of your waist, pushing you into the bed while the both of you tossed and turned, throwing pillows at one another.

All that surrounded you was your laughter and his, overthrown by the happiness in the moment.

DENKI KAMINARI | The Night Of...

With the roll of his sliding front door, you helped carry Kaminari into his home with his arms draped across your shoulders. Despite his height and his inebriated faculties still aware of the situation, he clumsily dragged his feet. It wasn't helpful to keep him still.

"Cherie, we're almost there," you reassured softly while you tightened your grip on his wrist to keep him upright.

"Oh good," he cooed. "I'm getting a little tired now."

You sighed at his oblivious responses, realising how much of his energy was zapped at his reunion. You were lucky to convince him to hand over the keys to his car so that he wouldn't have to drive. Although, you were advised to take a cab back instead, seeing that it was safer for his car on school grounds. You reluctantly agreed to the plan, after witnessing Kaminari's jolly drunkenness first-hand.

"You almost drank your friend under the table," you commented with a smile.

"And I would've won too," he cheered to himself.

The stairs seemed like a feat in themselves while you directed Kaminari to lift one foot over the other. He grabbed a hold of you a few times in his sway, but only laughed it off, smiling up at you with that cheeky grin. You focused more on getting him to his bedroom, but with his arms hugging your waist constantly, it was becoming troublesome to keep him on his feet.

After some trial and error, you held Kaminari while you spotted his bed ahead, slowly moving towards it before you gently coaxed him to sit on the edge. You sighed in relief seeing that you were able to safely get him to bed in his loft until he reached out and grabbed a hold of your arm, pulling you back in towards him. That smile greeted you before tossing you into bed and immediately wrapping his arms around you in his embrace.

"Um... Kaminari?" You whispered, earning a hum from him. You laid still, staring up at Kaminari whose drunken eyes drowned in yours. The smell of tonight's punch lingered on his breath, but without another word, he planted a gentle kiss on your forehead, his lips trailing until they reached your own. He was delicate with his touch, unsure and yet wanting to be close before he released you while running his fingers through your hair.

"You should sleep," you advised, pressing against his chest. He only hummed again, almost whimpered by the suggestion before he wrapped his arms tighter around you while his fingers combed through your hair. You smiled sweetly at his drunken stupor, but his fingers were difficult to ignore while they caressed and messaged, feeling each tip almost electrify tantalisingly against your skin.

You soon succumbed to his need to hold you, falling asleep in his arms for the first time.

HANTA SERO | Tag, You're It

The city skyline was a sight to see. It was your only escape and refuge with what had transpired over Musatafu. However, while you admired the dying light, you made your way towards a street corner, having received word from one, if not, you're only favorite Pro-Hero in the city. It was odd to find that he sent you a message this time around. Yet you wondered if this was a trap, knowing the delicate situation at hand, but it wasn't his style to leave behind a message.

Meet me after 5 at Tatooin Station

Public place full of people. Smart, you thought while you finally appeared atop the station's rooftop, your light bursting into fractals against the twilight sky. You watched for the street corner below, filled with pedestrians that went about their day without a care. You saw nobody there, nor could you find any agents or suspicious persons nearby. Perhaps Sero was alone after all, despite you being unable to locate him.

You quietly made your way towards the corner, finding that there was a small alley close by. Heading into the shadows, you leaned against the brick walls and waited, keeping your eye towards the street. It was already the allotted time he requested to meet, yet not a sight or word from him anywhere.

"You made it."

You turned to find him in the alley, hanging upside down by his tape and without his helmet. If it wasn't for the cheesy entrance, his wide grin was a happy sight to see.

"And so I have," you replied in jest, swaggering towards him. "What do you want?"

"... I need your help," he slowly requested while he still eyed you upside down.

"Oh? What for? Haven't you spent enough of your energy chasing me down Bucky?"

"As opposed to you sneaking into my agency?"

You froze, recalling that eventful afternoon when you snuck into the halls of his agency only to find him in a less than convenient state. The thought of it was tantalizing but you only shook your head from the thoughts that brewed. "Don't turn this on me," you spat.

"You did that to yourself," retorted Sero. "Look, I still want to help you. You don't have to do this on your own. That's why you told me about your past, even if it was a little. I won't ask about what you stole, but I think there's a way for you to get to the bottom of what happened with that student years ago."

His words piqued your interest, listening intently to whatever he had to offer while you stood with arms crossed.

"Help my friends," he continued, still dangling from his tape. "They've located where the Paranormal Liberation Front is based and are planning a coup."

You couldn't believe the words you heard, staring into Sero's eyes despite his upside down manner. He was genuine, as far as you knew, he hadn't lied to you despite twisting the truth about your existence and his affiliations. Yet, this was almost a godsend of news.

"Just stick with me," he offered. "I'll inform Deku if he needs to know, but we need all the help we can get. And you can finally get some answers."

Mulling his words in your head came briefly with a list of consequences, unsure about this flimsy plan. You reached out to Sero before you held his head in your hands, running your fingers through his short black hair that dangled from his scalp. "Let me guess, I'm going to walk in and we're all going to be best friends forever?" You questioned, staring into his eyes.

"I'll figure something out," he ensured while his own hand reached out for your cheek, sliding up to your hair with a comforting palm. "I always do."

"Pfft, yeah right Bucky."

With the light disappearing from the sky, turning dusk to night, you approached Sero before pressing a kiss onto his lips. He returned in kind, indulging in this moment while the both of you drowned in the silence. Pulling away was difficult. You had always felt his closeness time and time again. But now, on the brink of danger and discovery, the both of you found some calm.

With a deep breath, you pulled away from his lips, your fingers through his hair while he was in yours. You stared into his eyes, watching his grin widen with that boyish charm of his.

"Well, that's my part," motioned Sero before he strung up another tape to pull himself upwards. "You're it!"

Kenji Kaminari sat alone on the couch of Class 1-B’s dorms knowing his close friends were in the dorms opposite, either 1-A or 1-C. He was alone, or so he thought, before he began to strum the strings of his guitar, playing chord after chord, humming his melody that lived without lyrics. There was an uplifting feel to it, something that he rarely showed in public, or even among friends for that matter, but the sadness was instilled throughout, laced with his rhythm and attached to the essence of his own free spirit. He drowned in his play, mesmerized and consumed by it, unaware that a guest entered into the dorm’s foyer, sitting by the couch as he reached the end of his work-in-progress.

“What’s that one called?” Asked the newcomer while she smiled at Kenji with curious eyes.

The voice caught him unaware, a little frazzled until his heart sank back into his chest upon his eyes falling on the green-haired girl. “Geez, Aimi, don’t sneak up on people like that,” he advised with a sigh. “You’re just as bad as Haru.”

“Is that really a bad thing?”

“Please don’t make me answer that,” warned Kenji with a scrutinizing eye, placing his guitar beside him on the couch. “What are you doing here?”

“I… got bored?” admitted Aimi with a shrug. “And I wanted to check up on you, see how you’re doing.”

“Nice to know that your boredom spurred a caring thought for me,” replied Kenji sarcastically, instantly spotting a slightly hurt look in Aimi’s eye.

“Yeah, that didn’t sound all that good, huh?”

Kenji sighed heavily at himself, realising his own folly in his remark. He knew well to keep his replies in check when it came to one of the most sensitive people he had been graced to befriend in his life. Aimi Midoriya was a kind and compassionate person, even more so that it was her that helped him pass into the Hero Course during the Physical Entrance Exam. Always the porcelain doll, the one that needed protecting, at least in part from everyone they knew, and the other half being the only daughter of the Number One, Deku.

“Sorry, you caught me at a bad time,” he apologized.

“I could come back later-“

“What’s the problem?” He interrupted. “I’m cutting to the chase so there’s no hippity-hopping, unless you have some lead up to the question.” Kenji eyed Aimi, waiting patiently for her answer. It was a habit of hers that he, and everyone else, were aware of, watching her mind at work, ticking in her head on the words she contemplated.

“Please don’t be mad at my dad,” she finally replied. “He didn’t mean what he did in the exam. I spoke to Satoshi about how his First Term went down with Uncle Todoroki and-“

“Wait, who said I was mad at your dad?”

“Aren’t you?”

“No,” bluntly replied Kenji. “In fact, I was shocked that I held him back for as long as I did. Mum would be proud.” He smiled to himself recalling the First Term exam, and witnessing the brutal onslaught on all the Hero students. He was surprised at the turn of events and for how long he was knocked out for afterwards. His classmates in Class 1-B swarmed him for days when he became conscious, but not before his friends checked up on him first.

“So, who’s mad at your dad?” He asked, curious of Aimi’s concerns until he read her eyes. “Kosuke, huh?” Kenji watched Aimi’s eyes draw away from him, staring at a spot on the hardwood floors and confirming his guess. “No surprise there, he idolizes him.”

“What do I do?” Asked Aimi immediately, unable to hold in her anxiousness. “He hasn’t said anything about it.”

“Really? I thought he’d be thrilled seeing that we passed.”

“Yeah, but he’s been… quiet.”

Kenji pulled at his lips in thought. Despite him holding back the Number One Pro-Hero, he was told that Kosuke carried him towards the escape gate while he was unconscious. He watched back the exam after he woke, filling in the blanks that he missed out on and discovered that Kosuke single-handedly knocked Deku out long enough for him to make it to the escape gate. He also remembered the look on Kosuke’s face when he regained consciousness, finding him broody and, as Aimi had stated, quiet.

Very unlike him.

“Have you thought of tying him up somewhere and forcing it out of him?” Suggested Kenji thoughtfully.

“Kaminari!”

“I kid! I kid!” He remarked quickly to stave off Aimi’s anxiety. “Why do you think he’s mad if he hasn’t said anything?”

“Because he hasn’t said anything,” reasoned Aimi. “He’s not said a word. He hasn’t even teased me for the smallest thing.”

“Bet Haru would be thrilled to hear that.”

“I’m serious.”

“I know.”

Despite his reading nature, Kenji reeled himself back once more. It was too tempting every time when he had the opportunity to push buttons. Still, this was Aimi, someone he actually revered out of all of his family friends.

“Well, I don’t know what to tell you, but it sounds like you’re doomed to face the silent wrath of Kosuke’s own disappointment,” finalized Kenji with a smirk.

“What? Really? How do I change that?” Exclaimed Aimi, leaning in towards Kenji in hopes to hear more advice.

“You don’t,” he calmly responded, catching Aimi off-guard. “I’m not as close to Kosuke as you, but I can tell the guy’s hurting. He got taken down a few pegs and that can bruise someone real bad. But I have a feeling that it was out of his control. The guy’s a walking signpost flashing neon lights that reads ‘Hero Prodigy’ along with Aiko and Seiko of course. And you haven’t noticed how he had been trying to fly under the radar about his Quirk?”

“You know?” slowly asked Aimi, afraid to hear Kenji’s answer.

“Please, when I was holding your dad back from pummeling him into a pulp? Yeah. Cliche as it is, give him time. He’ll come around… eventually, maybe, after he’s taken some of his frustrations out.”

Kenji was met with silence, watching Aimi reel through her thoughts and spotting her eyes darting while she speculated on his advice. It was a given to allow her time to process and consider what options there were. He decided to collect his guitar once more, sitting it across his lap while taking his plectrum in hand. He sat for some time while leaning his arms across the guitar’s body, draping it ready to strum once more until-

“So, what are you working on?” asked Aimi, her eyes now focused on him.

“Just… something,” he replied vaguely. “I’ve been messing around with the melody lately. Won’t be long until I figure out lyrics, but… I still don’t know what I want to say.”

“You know, for someone who says so much about everyone else, you don’t know how to express yourself,” commented Aimi, earning a sarcastic gaze from the dirty blond.

“Thanks for the boost of confidence,” he sarcastically remarked. “Keep that up, and you’ll sound almost like me.”

Aimi chuckled, finding the humour in Kenji’s reply, which to his surprise, made him smile.

“You sure you’re okay after the exams?” she continued, still with worry laced in her voice.

“Um… yeah, I’m good,” slowly replied Kenji, smiling at the girl. He watched her stand to her feet, leaving with a content smile while she made her way to the dorm’s front doors.

“Heading to Kosuke?” he asked after her.

“Actually, I was going to meet Satoshi for a bit. Want to join me?”

A tempting offer, he thought. He always considered Satoshi to be one of the wiser few, considering his sister’s behaviour most of the time. Still, with a flutter in his chest, he swallowed it down, shaking his head to turn down the request.

“I’ll be alright,” he solemnly replied, watching Aimi leave.

Kenji was once again alone in the dorms, strumming aimlessly on his guitar until his phone vibrated on the couch. Collecting it in his hands, he spotted the name of the call, immediately picking it up and waiting for the camera to switch on. Across his screen, he found his father and his mother by the couch at his family home, their faces taking up the space with smiles.

“Hey Dad,” greeted Kenji while he held his phone up before him.

“Hey kiddo, how did your exams go?” asked Kaminari with a grin. “Did Midoriya give you a real hard time?”

Of course, he hadn’t called his parents about the results, but was taken back by his father’s knowledge about who he had faced in the exams. Perhaps it was passed around in conversation, seeing that his father and the Number One were once classmates, at least that was what he was told, and shown.

“Nothing that I couldn’t handle,” replied Kenji with a wry smirk. “Some.”

“Glad you're okay. Your mother was worried sick when she watched the playback on screen.”

“Wait, what?”

Soon, you leaned into frame, your hands signalling towards the screen while you mouthed the words you wanted to say, despite no longer being able to voice them. Kenji watched as he interpreted them, smiling at them.

“You're not hurt are you?”

He looked around the dorms, signalling to hold your thought before he maneuvered around the room, leaving his guitar by the couch. He soon made a makeshift stand for his phone, sitting it atop a pile of books on the large coffee table before he comfortably sat back on the couch, hands at the ready.

“No Mum, I’m fine. Better, even,” he replied, signalling the words on screen.

“Thank goodness. Or else he’ll hear from me.” You replied, signalling back.

“Hey, hey, Kenji’s fine,” reassured Kaminari while he rubbed your back slowly. “He’s okay and in a safe place. I mean, my exam was catastrophic and look how I turned out.”

Kenji sighed, exasperated by his father’s optimism. He started well, and then not so reassuring to hear that he ultimately failed his First Term exam when he was a student. Although, it clicked in Kenji’s mind about his father’s experiences here at UA.

“Wait, Dad, who did you face?” he asked, genuinely curious.

“Uh… the Principal at the time,” answered Kaminari.

“Harsh.”

“Are you okay?” You interrupted with a flurry of your hands, catching Kenji’s eye immediately.

“Yes,” he replied with a smile.

“If you need to talk, you can talk to me, okay?”

Kenji couldn’t help his smile when he looked at your worry. Learning that he had inherited your Quirk came with its unusual upbringing. He appreciated the lessons, but overtime, your voice disappeared, unable to speak. It was years of learning sign language between himself and you, along with Kaminari who was fascinated but also thought it best that he needed to understand. The thought crossed his mind that would explain your concern, knowing that you watched the footage that covered his First Term exam, and possibly how he had handled his Quirk in the process. It only brought that smile.

“Thanks Mum,” he uttered while signalling the words with his hands. He immediately eyed his guitar, collecting it once more into his lap. “I was working on something new. Since you’re here Dad, want to jam?”

“Sure, as long as your Mum’s allowed to stay,” reasoned Kaminari with a grin, his large hands engulfing yours warmly.

Kenji, despite his sarcastic nature, couldn’t help but smile at the sight of his parents, at how Kaminari nurtured and treasured you. “I think Mum would enjoy it,” he agreed, picking up the plectrum once more to strum his melody.

Kenji sat alone in Class 1-B’s dorms, his guitar now playing along with his father’s across the screen.

“How about these for the dressings?” Harked a voice from behind while you pondered on the fabrics in the store, turning to find Midoriya holding out a deep forest green in his hands.

“Your inclination to the colour doesn’t surprise me,” you chuckled while you approached him, your hands lightly gliding across the fibers he held. “We could go with rich colours to offset the tone, but what about the theme?”

“Hm, it’ll be spring. Cherry blossoms and all if we get the timing right.”

“That'll be the day, but the backup would be the beach park?”

Midoriya nodded, agreeing to the plan that both of you spoke aloud to each other. An early start in the store was a smart decision after having perused through the vastness of its wares, unsure where to start. Both of you had already decided on the smaller details, such as the welcome box and wedding favors for the guests, despite it being a small event in hindsight. But the overall look was still up in the air.

“It is a pretty place,” you remarked while you still stroked the cloth in Midoriya’s hands.

“Huh?” Piped Midoriya.

“Takoba, I was surprised and proud to hear that you cleared all of that junk from it years ago, at fourteen.”

Midoriya chuckled inwardly, a little bashful about the event and even more so about him recounting the event to you. However, he was met with a loving smile, watching your pride shine through for him.

“Thank you so much, for letting me in your life,” you continued with content.

“Hey, let’s leave the speeches for the wedding, okay Cutie?” Assured Midoriya while he wrapped the cloth in his hands, placing it in the basket he carried alongside with him.

“Want to divide and conquer?” You asked, catching him off-guard. “I’ll take florals seeing that we’ll be matching the cherry blossom season, and you take your pick of the colours?”

Midoriya contemplated the decision, wondering if it was best to leave you to your devices on any decision-making, but a partnership was a two-way street. He sighed inwardly at the thought of your indecisiveness sometimes, soon agreeing to your tactic before you made your way towards the large section of plant life across the way. His eye would soon be seeing colours of most shades, keeping the forest green he still had on hand. The more he thought about the choice, the more he could see the wedding in sight, covered with drapery and cascading with the falling petals of spring. He could see his family and his friends, his loved ones who were still on this earth, and foremost you walking down the aisle.

It brought a flush to his cheeks wondering what outfit you’d be wearing on the day.

“It’ll look better than organza I think- oof!”

In his absent-mindedness focusing on the colours and his thoughts, Midoriya accidentally bumped into someone in the aisle, almost tripping over himself. He clutched onto his basket to turn and find-

“Ah!”

What a surprise, he thought, finding Bakugou’s fiancé before him, with basket in hand and already with a few samples in the store. It seemed the store was the talk of the town if he found them perusing through it, let alone bumping into them for that matter. A bit of small talk between the two was made, soon turning the conversation onto Midoriya’s own wedding plans.

Little did he know, you weren’t too far from him, unable to ignore the conversation over yonder with a smile. It was adorable to overhear, despite the idea of eavesdropping being a little rude, but you couldn’t help how the voices carried quite easily between aisles.

“Oh when is it?” interrupted Bakugou’s fiancé with excitement. “Sorry, if it’s a secret or anything-“

“Oh not at all,” started Midoriya with a smile, thinking about you. “It'll be some time in spring.”

“You can’t do that!” Roared a very loud familiar voice, the footsteps almost stomping towards them.

You flinched, almost gasping in surprise before you quietened yourself. Of course Bakugou would be here with his fiance, just as much as you were here with Midoriya. However, that twinge of rage in his voice was difficult to ignore.

“We’ve already made plans in spring, so you better move yours,” threatened Bakugou angrily.

“You’re planning spring as well? When?” asked Midoriya, genuinely curious.

“Does it matter?”

“Yes it does.”

“I proposed first.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

The sound of their voices rising with each statement made your head lower between your shoulders, curling a little from the oncoming confrontation that you could feel from across the aisle. Bakugou’s fiance had the right idea to interrupt them before it escalated any further, only for you to decide to do the same.

“Izuku?” you called out, hoping your voice hid the slight nervous energy you felt from the small yet heated argument Midoriya had with Bakugou. Soon, you heard footsteps headed your way, finding Midoriya appear from behind the shelves and meet you amongst the florals, still with basket in hand, but a little flustered from the encounter earlier.

“Are you okay?” you asked, spotting Midoriya’s mood a little less hearty than it was before.

There was a pout on his lips while his eyes looked away. He was in contemplation over the confrontation, mulling over Bakugou’s irate snap over wedding plans of all things. You saw it in his face, recognizing that processing stare of his all too well.

“Izuku?” You called again, gentler with a hand on his arm that pulled him away from his thoughts. He turned to you, now a little embarrassed for his absent-mindedness.

“Sorry Cutie. I’m just a little… confused,” he admitted.

“Sounds like Bakugou is on his high horse again,” you commented.

“It’s not that. I just didn’t expect him to be so… pushy about this.”

True, the years you had learnt about Midoriya’s friendship with Bakugou had been both rewarding and mind-boggling. It took some time for you to realize that they were alike in the smallest ways, as if they were two sides of the same coin, cut from the same cloth at the very least. Yet overhearing the earlier encounter also brought some questions to mind.

What was Bakugou so protective and angry about?

“Come on, let’s head over to dining. Maybe we’ll start small,” you suggested, taking Midoriya by his large hand through the aisle.

Midoriya only smiled, attempting to forgo the little mishap to spend the day with you. After all, there were very few opportunities in the future to spend some quality time given the work both of you endured in Musatafu.

An hour or two perusing the store came with very little peace after the run-in with Bakugou. Every so often the both of you heard him across the store, carrying his voice while he made comments about choices he and his fiancé were considering. It was as if he were announcing the choices they made, as if to communicate their plans for the both of you to hear. It was no surprise that they were more so directed to Midoriya, and the tone was almost brutal at times. Despite this, you both considered a few things for your own wedding, having chosen the theme, the colours, and now whittling down to the style. Roaming the aisles came with a few discussion points, but it resulted in the following decision that you had yet to make: the venue.

“Well, it’s either the stage in the park, or the beach,” you mused while eyeing different textured decor along the aisles. “Whichever place we decide should play a role in our choices.”

Midoriya hummed in agreement, his eyes scanning around the store.

“Do you think maybe we should just stay at the beach park? It’ll be away from the public eye, at least a lot less than the city park,” you continued, considering the availability and the media fiasco that would potentially be rampant when they discover this event.

You heard nothing from Midoriya. In fact, over the course of the visit, he had been more alert about Bakugou’s presence than his own.

“Hey, Izuku,” you called, your hand on his arm to pull him back with you. “We could come back another day if you want.”

“No, no, it’s not that, it’s… I need to speak with Kaachan,” he explained, his eyes on you while he held your hand in his, clutching onto it tightly. “This here is what I want, but, if Kaachan is holding his wedding in the same season-“

“You won’t get what you want,” you concluded, your mind seamlessly on the same page of Midoriya’s thoughts. Despite Bakugou’s penchant for announcing loudly about what he was planning for his special day, it didn’t overshadow the one thing Midoriya wanted for his own. Discussions and decisions were made between the both of you long before this outing, mostly during work hours and brief moments crossing paths.

“Maybe have a talk with him,” you suggested. “Find a moment when he’s not so… forceful, I guess. If it is timing, we haven’t even decided on our venue. We could move it around.”

Midoriya thoughtfully considered your words, perusing his mind about your plans and how things could easily shift. That was what he loved about you - the way your mind worked. How you shared with him all possibilities and considerations, and how there was always a backup plan. He smiled and chuckled before he leaned in for a gentle kiss on your forehead, content with your suggestion.

“Good plan,” he murmured with his lips and breath close to you. “You know what? Let’s have it at the beach park. The sunset is gorgeous there.”

“So no complaints about sand?” You questioned with a smirk.

“That’s a future us problem.”

“Have you thought about having that conversation with him first before you go about spitting fire in his face again?” Interrupted a voice opposite the aisle both of you stood in, your attention drawn over the shelves. “Let me rephrase, before you blast him.”

You couldn’t help but stifle a chuckle before Midoriya joined in with both of your shoulders shaking from the statement. Ironic that the subject of your conversation was the next aisle over, soon spotting the familiar top of the blond’s head just over the shelves.

“I think we should move on,” you suggested in a whisper. “Leave them be. We’ll pick out some more dressings for a beach wedding.”

“Good idea,” agreed Midoriya. “I’ll find time to speak with Kaachan when we leave unless he leaves first.”

“Just make sure you do it when you can. We don’t want him bursting a blood vessel too soon.”

Midoriya chuckled again, holding back in case it carried so closely into the next aisle over. Despite all that the man had gone through his life, that smile always brightened any dull and darkened day. It was what you loved about him the most.

——

Nearing the end of the day came with a more lighter mood now having made solid decisions on the special day. You still have to book the venue, but that would come under garnering assistance from friends a little into the future. You recalled Asui was happy to help with any paperwork for the location, whilst Yaoyuruzu had a decent pull into council and local matters. Even with the Number One status Midoriya held, proper channels still need to be made. It was the right thing to do.

Once at checkout, Midoriya excused himself, having spotted Bakugou ahead already at the cashiers himself. You chuckled inwardly at the cross look on his face, wondering if he had enough of shopping today. You watched as Midoriya pulled him over to discuss the matters he needed to speak with the blond, and soon landed your eyes on his fiancé taking care of their goods. You couldn’t help yourself, having spoken with them many times crossing paths and at events held by their partners, but something niggled at the back of your mind.

You decided to excuse yourself from the cashier, asking to continue your purchase while you made your way towards them, their back to you while they were focused on their own purchases for the day.

“Still deciding?” You asked before they turned around with a momentary lapse of recognition.

“Oh, yeah well, I figured we needed to keep things simple enough before the absolute go ahead,” they explained. “I’m practically planning most of it.”

“No wedding planner?”

“Well… most of the major decisions have been made thanks to Katsuki.”

You weren’t surprised to hear that after the kind of day that had transpired today.

“I’m sorry about Katsuki’s behavior,” they apologized, catching you off-guard. “I mean, we know he’s a little rough, but I didn’t expect him to act this way today.”

“Think nothing of it,” you reassured with a shake of your head. “You’re right, he is rough around the edges.” The both of you giggled, agreeing with sentiments shared. Bakugou’s fiancé had known Midoriya and him longer than you had, but it felt kindred to share with someone who was on the other side of this tumultuous yet endearing friendship.

“I’m sure the boys will come to some agreement,” you voiced, your eyes turning towards them aside from the store’s checkout lanes.

“I hope so too,” agreed Bakugou’s fiancé, sharing the sentiments once more.

The crickety sound of a large cart made its way towards you across the way, spotting the cashier parking it close to the exit before they signaled you for finalizing payments. You made your farewells with a quick step to do so, leaving Bakugou’s fiancé to do the same.

Eventually, you trekked with the cart to the modest car in the parking lot, unloading everything into it while you eyed the exit of the store. Midoriya had yet to leave, wondering if the conversation was still in discussion, or if anything worse came out of it. You only wanted the world for that man, soon packing everything inside neatly, and locking the car before leaning on its side.

It wasn’t long until you noticed that familiar tall build of Midoriya’s walk across the parking lot, his eyes locked on you with a wide smile.

“Ready Cutie?” He called out from across the parking lot.

“Packed and good to go,” you replied back, tossing the car keys to him.

With a successful catch in his hand, Midoriya waltzed up to the car, joining you as he unlocked it and entered into the driver’s seat.

“So I’m guessing it went well,” you conjectured while spotting the look on Midoriya’s face.

“Better than I thought,” he replied, leaning in towards you. In unison, you did the same, your lips touching his in a kiss, one that lingered a little longer than you anticipated.

You couldn’t help but smile, feeling his breath against you just as he did with yours. That wide smile of his was addicting sometimes, filled to the brim with joy and content. You guessed he got what he wanted in the end, unscathed from Bakugou’s wrath, but something else spoke volumes in his eyes, almost twinkling with happiness.

Midoriya stared into yours, elated to share the news.

You chortled a little before you cleared your throat still with a wide smile on your face. The unannounced wedding was the talk of the city after a few of your engagement photos were printed in a magazine, courtesy of the photographer who shot more than her fair share of the both of you. You couldn’t take a step out on patrol without being followed by paparazzi or journalists nowadays, always watching behind your back.

“So… had any more thoughts about dates, venues, canapés, the kind of catering service you want,” you started while your eyes glazed over everything in the store, almost mesmerized by it. “You know whatever catering your reunion used was pretty good, but I guess you’d prefer to have them less than clumsy.”

“Let’s just get this over with,” mumbled Bakugou. “I already set a date, it’s just, choose what you want to fill it with.”

“Katsuki, Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

“Yeah but they laid bricks every hour, so, choose what you want and we can make a decision on the schedule while we’re at it.”

“Katsuki Bakugou, you don’t let up, do you?”

“I’d be less of a man if I did.”

You smiled at his brash comment, deciphering it as mere conjecture on his part. He bragged about his achievements, but never about his humility, hidden away in his mannerisms or his speech. Traversing the store was almost like a maze despite its colorful way of organizing sections. There were just so many things your eyes soaked in.

“If you’ve set a date, do we have a venue?” You asked while you perused through a few shelves. “So we know how to fill it?”

A flap of a brochure flicked near your ear, finding it on your shoulder while Bakugou held it out, walking past you while he glanced every now and then at the items in the store. You quickly snatched the brochure from his hand, spotting the font that emblazoned across its page, the name catching you by surprise.

“Oh, oh wow… oh wow, oh my god, Katsuki?” You uttered while your eyes scanned the pages quickly.

“What?” He retorted.

“Tokyo Sky Egg? In spring?”

“Thought you’d like the view.”

“How?”

You peered up from the brochure, meeting with a slightly annoyed Katsuki Bakugou whose jeer curled the bridge of his nose. “Never mind,” you uttered nervously, and in part surrendering to his choice of venue.

“You deserve the best, and nothing less. Besides, what’s wrong with me getting the best?” He questioned haughtily, his legs taking him through the store without a second glance at its wares.

You giggled under your breath, aware of his trepidation when it came to status and such. He has mellowed a little over the years, growing a little humbler about his career and his way of life, but it never stopped him from showering you with the necessities.

You started to wonder how anyone would be able to stand shopping for their wedding. It crossed your mind why Bakugou hadn’t thought of hiring a wedding planner, but with his mind already set on a date and the venue, you figured that his own way of getting things done outweighed receiving help from a stranger, if anything. Bakugou had responded with some grumbling on some of your questions, soon easing into the fact that whatever fashionable taste you were drawn toward became the focus for the day. He merely became the packhorse, lack of a better word, while you eyed the fabrics and the wares.

“Hey Katsuki, how do you feel about silk?” You asked, mindlessly walking around a few fabrics that drape on display. “It’ll look better than organza I think- oof!”

In your mindless wander, your body bumped into someone else, somebody who was built by how solid their body was in the accidental bump. You turned to find very familiar emerald eyes with his arms carrying a basket already filled with a few samples in the store. It was a momentary lapse of judgement until-

“Ah!”

The both of you exclaimed in surprise, staring at each other’s presence.

“Midoriya? What are you doing here?” You asked, shocked to find him.

“Shopping?” He replied, lifting the basket in hand with a wry smile. “Uraraka suggested this place.”

You sighed at the thought, wondering if nothing escaped the gossip within Pro-Heroes nowadays. Still, to find Midoriya shopping at this particular store at the same time as yourself and Bakugou was eerily coincidental.

“So, uh, is Kaachan around?” Asked Midoriya, his eyes scanning around the store.

“Yeah, but I guess I’m deciding on the theme,” you replied, revealing a few items in your basket as proof of such a statement. “Are you alone?”

“No, I'm here with Cutie. They’re taking charge of this one, with my input.”

“Oh yeah of course. Any luck?”

“A little, we’re planning the date so-“

“Oh when is it?” You interrupted with glee, only realising the sudden surprise in Midoriya’s eyes at your elation. “Sorry, if it’s a secret or anything-“

“Oh not at all,” started Midoriya. “It'll be some time in spring.”

“You can’t do that!” Roared a voice from behind, causing your shoulders to stiffen from the abrupt interruption in your conversation.

“Kaachan?” Called out Midoriya, eyeing Bakugou on the approach.

That presence was almost at boiling point. You turned to find your fiancé, stomping towards the both of you with that scowl deepening along his forehead and the bridge of his nose. The aura that radiated from him was immense as if his rage oozed out in a fiery plume.

“What do you mean spring?” He asked with a growl in his tone, his red eyes staring menacingly into Midoriya.

“Well, after some discussion, Cutie and I decided that the cherry blossom season would be the best time,” calmly explained Midoriya, watching the anger in Bakugou’s face deepen. “They’re already looking into venues.”

“We’ve already made plans in spring, so you better move yours.”

“You’re planning spring as well? When?”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes it does.”

“I proposed first.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Guys!” You shouted, interrupting the heated argument and earning an angry glare from the both of them.

“Izuku?” Called out a voice from the other side of the store, perking Midoriya’s ear. You watched the anger almost melt away from his face before he bade farewell to both Bakugou and yourself.

“I gotta go,” he muttered before he left with a half-hearted wave, disappearing behind a shelf of cutlery in the myriad maze of this store.

Left in silence, you turned to Bakugou, also noticing that fiery rage disappear but left with this sulking pout on his lips.

“What was that about?” You asked, confused with Bakugou’s reaction to an innocent conversation.

“Damn nerd, first he proposed at the same time, and now he’s having his wedding at the same time as ours?” Spitefully retorted Bakugou with that anger returning in the tone of his voice.

“Actually, he proposed a couple of months after.”

“Same difference.”

You sighed deeply at Bakugou’s sense of reason, seeing how childish he acted about this wedding. You had thought that you would fret the most, but seeing Midoriya and the rearing head of Bakugou’s competitive nature against the Number One wouldn’t have come as a shock. For years they had been competitive, more so Bakugou than Midoriya. You figured it was always because of his need to prove something, whether it was to the world, or perhaps to you. You still loved how competitive Bakugou was, but it was starting to become more of a nuisance now after realising you've put this competitive idea in his head in the first place.

The day was eventful, at least in bite-sized portions with Bakugou always eyeing Midoriya from across the store. Wherever Midoriya walked with his fiance, Bakugou would consciously move someplace else to avoid him, dragging you along. It grew to become problematic when he eyed what he was possibly purchasing and planning, soon becoming commenting every now and then to one-up your wedding against theirs, even going so far to yell across the store to make his comment directly to Midoriya.

“Katsuki? How about some crystal for wine glasses?” You asked, turning to him for an answer.

He only grunted, his scrutinizing eye still on Midoriya some distance away.

“And we go with strong dark colours for accents?” You continued, receiving another grunt.

“… would you like a doily per guest at the reception?” You sarcastically asked.

Again, that affirmed grunt uttered from his lips.

You stopped with your basket in hand, facing Bakugou who still walked until he noticed you standing before him, eyes peering up at him. “You’ve been on edge all day. Isn’t this supposed to be a little relaxing?” You asked, with a questioning smirk.

“What do you mean?” He asked, oblivious.

“You’ve basically said yes to most of my choices without a thought.”

“So?”

“Don’t you want something for this wedding?” You asked, your emphasis on the fact that the wedding was and is a shared experience. “You've been eyeing Midoriya and his fiancé from across the store this whole time.”

“No I haven’t,” denied Bakugou, his eyes staring back into yours angrily.

“You literally said yes to doilies a moment ago.”

Bakugou exasperatedly uttered with a questionable gasp to hear that he agreed to doilies, finding it ridiculous before his mind caught up to him. He had been absent-minded ever since he bumped into Midoriya, well, since he crashed into the conversation between him and you, but his pride drove him since. He turned to you, now genuine but frustrated.

“Why the hell is he planning in Spring?” He questioned angrily. “I thought long and hard about getting the perfect place and time for this, and he’s going to ruin it.”

“Really?” You piped questioning his intent. “Before the doilies I thought you were having a mini contest with him in your head, except for those loud remarks you carried across the store.”

Bakugou only pouted while he glanced into your teasing smile. Second-hand embarrassment was very unbecoming of him, feeling nothing but love for you despite the situation. He soon grabbed hold of your cheeks, pinching them to halt your smirk from making him feel embarrassed and only receiving laughter instead.

“Ow! Katsuki stop!” You resisted while you tried to grab a hold of his wrists.

“I expect that kind of smile only at our ceremony, got it?” He barked.

“Okay! I’ll make sure to bring it along.” Your laughter broke through the words every now and then while Bakugou’s fingers laid on your cheeks, feeling his large hands engulf you. “Have you thought about having that conversation with him first before you go about spitting fire in his face again?” You asked warmly while you held onto his hands. “Not that you can.”

Bakugou stared incredulously at your remark, aware of his recent behavior, but also disbelieving your assumption of his ability to cause irreparable damage. That look in his eye did not go unnoticed by you, sighing in hindsight.

“Let me rephrase,” you corrected. “Before you blast him.”

A distant cacophony of laughter caught both of your ears, turning to find Midoriya and his fiancé opposite the aisle where the both of you stood. Their voices were low whispers, but every now and then a chuckle escaped from their vicinity. You watched Bakugou’s eyes focused on their presence, staring at their interactions and being not so discreet about it. Still, that look in his eye spoke volumes of a different breed, you thought, while you watched Bakugou’s reactions. It was no longer fueled by anger as he was for most of the day. It held something different.

“This is why you’re best friends,” you reiterated, your eye on Bakugou before he turned back onto you. “Even though you try to dismiss that fact.”

Bakugou only pouted once more, his hands lowering from your cheeks and now being held by yours between the both of you, fingers trailing in his palms with reassurance.

“Right,” he mumbled, his eyes looking elsewhere but yours.

You smiled before you continued the trek through the store, pulling him in tow before making another comment about the doilies to his dismay and irritation. The sound of your voice did not go unnoticed, being watched by a green-haired friend in the opposite aisle, his eyes following the back of Bakugou’s head.

——

It was a fair few hours in the store while you pointed out the kind of materials agreed upon to plan for the wedding. You thought it best to keep notes on certain items while picking up smaller sets and samples to purchase for now before solidifying the final decision. Bakugou had no qualms in your decision-making and management of the wedding, as long as you were satisfied with everything. That was what mattered to him.

You questioned that logic of his a couple of times given his passive-aggressive behavior with Midoriya, but now at the checkout, you began to purchase a small cart of items to peruse and decide upon. Bakugou stood by the cashier ready to leave the store, despite his comfort level surrounded by its wares, until a familiar yet cross face approached him.

“Kaachan, we need to talk,” demanded Midoriya calmly.

Bakugou glared at the green-haired man before glancing towards you halfway through purchasing your items.

“Go ahead, I can take care of this,” you reassured with a knowing smile.

With a huff, Bakugou walked away, secluding himself and Midoriya from earshot. Both men stood before each other, Bakugou aloof about this conversation while Midoriya stared at him with dismay.

“This whole day you’ve been breathing down my neck,” started Midoriya, scrutinizing Bakugou’s behavior. “Seriously Kaachan, what the hell?”

Bakugou glared into Midoriya’s eyes, unable to deny his childish behavior all day, but refusing to show even the slightest sense of embarrassment to the man. He knew his pride got in the way, but it felt logical for him that his wedding took precedence over Midoriya’s. However, after that short talk with you, you had proven a point earlier for him to speak with Midoriya before jumping to any more wild accusations. He loved you for it.

“We can’t have the same kind of wedding, on the same day,” refrained Bakugou, now listening to how absurd his sense of self felt about the day.

“Wait, that's it?” Piped Midoriya in confusion. “Because I’m organizing mine at the same time, that’s why you’ve been aggravated? More than usual.”

Bakugou didn’t say a word to warrant a response to Midoriya’s questions, which in turn only gave Midoriya the answers he needed. He understood Bakugou’s cues a little, at least enough to know when to back off, but it felt a little left field to interrupt the day between him and his fiancé shopping for their special day.

“I’m sure Cutie can organize it differently if that was a problem,” reassured Midoriya before noticing Bakugou leaning against the wall behind him, arms crossed while he stared back, fueled by his arrogance. “Just talk to me about that.”

Bakugou fell silent, embarrassed by the ordeal and how he approached his emotions and the situation. Over the years he and Midoriya had butted heads many times, realising the stubbornness in Midoriya that reflected his own. He held mutual respect for him, now more than ever, knowing his desires for the number one spot diminished over the years. Still with arms crossed, he stood tall, staring into Midoriya’s eyes with purpose.

“One, I proposed first, so my wedding should happen before yours,” he started with a gruff undertone, matter-of-factly speaking. “And two, well…” His voice trailed a little while he recalled your little advice, clearing his throat for the next words he was about to speak.

“I’ve been meaning to organise it sooner, but I wanted you to be my Best Man. If we had our weddings at the same time, that would be impossible and you’d ruin mine all because you damn well planned to have yours during the same season.”

Bakugou turned away immediately, refusing to look Midoriya in the eye after his request. He decided to leave it at that, waiting for a response from his childhood friend, only to hear nothing. He imagined he surprised him, probably confused him a little, or maybe stoke the fire he ignited when he began to instigate against Midoriya’s choice of season. However, he turned his eye back onto Midoriya, seeing eyes glazed over processing his thoughts.

“Well spit it out,” threatened Bakugou, only earning a genuine smile from Midoriya that slowly beamed with joy.

“I’d be honored Kaachan!” He piped happily, his goofy grin brimming ear to ear.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever nerd.”

“But I would’ve thought you’d choose Kirishima over me.”

“Kirishima is still in the bridal party… but Lightweight and I talked about it.”

Midoriya smiled cordially at Bakugou’s admittance, despite it being vague and aloof. Kirishima and he had always been close friends since high school and would often hang out with one another despite it being on Kirishima’s terms more than Bakugou’s. Still, he felt a swell of happiness knowing now how Bakugou valued their friendship, competitive or not.

“I’ll talk with Cutie about changing things up. They’re pretty good to reschedule ours anyway,” reassured Midoriya in passing.

“What?” Asked Bakugou dryly.

“We haven’t locked anything in yet,” admitted Midoriya. “We were just talking about it while we were here.”

“You didn’t have it planned this whole time?”

All Bakugou was met with was a nervous chuckle. It only seethed in him while he growled in frustration at the man.

“Would it help that I want to return the favor and ask you to be my Best Man, Kaachan?” Asked Midoriya, a little unnerved by Bakugou’s irritation and disarming it almost immediately after his question. Bakugou calmed a little, honored by the question posed and putting an end to his frustration. He smiled, genuine in this strange feeling of acceptance. Sometimes Midoriya just irritated him for the better.

“Sure thing, Izuku,” he agreed with his hand open out to Midoriya.

With a hearty handshake, both men formed a truce, aligning with each other just as they always had. It was a strange occurrence, but Bakugou couldn’t deny the friendship he still held with Midoriya for all of these years. In his handshake, he gripped onto Midoriya’s tightly, smirking at the man before him, now with a challenging glare.

“But this doesn’t mean that I’m going to go easy on you,” he warned. “My wedding is going to be the talk of the town.”

“Who said anything about pulling a media stunt?” Questioned Midoriya, also with a playful smirk. “I wouldn’t need any when mine is due.”

Whatever that truce was had solidified, but was only replaced with a bit of harmless rivalry.

——

You stood by the front doors of the store with all of your purchases, waiting by Bakugou’s car to unload them. It hadn’t been long, but seeing how Bakugou had left to have a solid talk with Midoriya, you could forgive him for having more time. Although, you had thought that maybe Bakugou’s anger probably got the better of him as well. The conversation, whatever it may be, could have gone both ways. You sighed while you glanced mindlessly around the parking lot, wondering on the themes of the wedding, before a familiar figure stomped towards you, his red eyes directly on you.

“So did you end up pitting against each other for the right to matrimony first?” You asked, part curious and part anticipatory of Bakugou’s answer before he reached out to hold you in a kiss. It consumed you while he drove his lips into yours, melting into his embrace and the overwhelming wave of passion he exuded. You weren't against his love, but this was out of the blue, until he gently pulled away, pressing you against his car, barred by his arms that leaned against its frame and engulfed you within his embrace.

“Katsuki?” You asked, still held in his arms, while he smirked at the sight of you flushed and caught by surprise.

“I’m going to make you the happiest you’ve ever been, every day,” he sultry announced to only your ear, his breath lingering close to your skin.

The beep of his car broke the moment, finding that Bakugou unlocked it to help load the purchases from the store. As soon as he did, he spotted Midoriya across the way, his eyes meeting with the man and sharing that accord with one another.

The creak of the large doors caught your ear, jumping at the sight of Tsuyu Asui exiting from the chambers, rugged up in a warm coat while she stepped into the chill you’ve been drowning in since waiting. You stared at her, anticipating her remark before her big eyes turned to you with a smile and a thumbs up along the way. The elation exploded in your heart, hopping towards the woman with a large hug.

“Thank you Asui!” You exclaimed happily.

“Anything for Midoriya, kero,” she assured, returning your gesture. She pulled away with a triumphant smile before she noticed a forlorn look cross your features.

“Why are you still nervous?” She asked, curious of your sudden shift in demeanor so quickly.

“It feels so close now, and I’m worried about the state of things at the moment,” you thoughtfully explained. “Everything could flip like a coin at any minute.”

“Are you having second thoughts? Or cold feet?”

“What? Cold feet? No! It’s just…” A sigh exasperated from your lips, an attempt to keep your worries away on such a festive day. Today was meant to be thankful and merry, to be with friends and family, to reflect on the year, which in turn only made your concerns exacerbate. The abrupt rescue mission led by none other than Denki Kaminari revealed the Front’s existence, and when the city felt like it was about to collapse in itself, the swift organization of the Charity Ball only stirred the pot between everyone - Pro-Hero and law enforcement alike. To you, it was a mess.

But the greatest burden was the off-the-books rendezvous with Seek. Though confusing as it was, it kept you in the dark now that he was under custody once more. The nature of his escape baffled many, but his capture under Endeavour’s agency has successfully reignited the public’s opinion on the Pro-Heroes again. The politics was overwhelming. Still, there was something dirty about the way you felt, due in part to Seek's cryptic words, and of course, meeting another Midoriya other than the man you intended to marry. The rendezvous still lingered, trying to rationalize what had happened, but now left you with no heart to openly admit to Midoriya, your Midoriya, of what transpired. After all, how would you open the conversation in the first place?

“You’ll be fine,” piped Asui, snapping you out of all the thoughts that ran through your mind and harboured fear. “We can ask Yaoyorozu for extra security on the day, and Iida can help with that too, kero.”

Although she was not aware of the intricacies of your worries, between the deceit and the truth, Asui only smiled, unassuming while she grabbed hold of your hands firmly. “Don’t underestimate us. We all want the both of you to be happy.”

Throughout the course of your relationship with Midoriya, you felt this swelling feeling of love from his friends that always held steadfast to his side. From Ochako Uraraka who admired his devotion to heroism, to Tsuyu Asui who stood before you not long ago ensuring that everything ran smoothly for your upcoming wedding plans to the man. Midoriya was not short of friends within his circle to come to his aid, including the prickly Ground Zero himself, as if he was their foundation and that everyone gravitated towards his gravitas to say the least.

You returned Asui with a smile of your own, gripping her hands in solidarity. “I guess I’ll see you at Todoroki’s tonight?” You asked, eyeing her reply with attentive glee that replaced that worried brow you held not long ago.

Asui’s smile widened, agreeing to your query. Despite waiting for a good hour or two outside of the city’s council chambers, it was all worth it before you bade Asui farewell and parted ways. Now rugged up in the chill, you trudged through the snow, finding a reprieve from the snowfall that was soon set to start before night fell. The city was still bustling with people who still rushed for last minute gift purchases, scrambling through the snow between stores while you steadily made your way through, thankful that you weren’t a part of the lot that hurriedly panicked. You were more than relieved that Midoriya and yourself planned ahead despite the busy schedules you both held. It still bothered you though that you hadn’t discussed what happened back in that alleyway that day.

RING

Your phone vibrated in your pocket before you eyed the screen with a smile, a little saddened given the last thought you had before you pushed it out of your mind, focusing now on what mattered most.

“Hey Cutie, how did it go?” Asked Midoriya through the phone, the faint sound of his feet in the snow barely audible through the static of the call.

“Swimmingly! Asui was a great help,” you chirped happily. “Are you on the way to Todoroki’s?”

“With cookies and cupcakes in tow. Meet you soon?”

You affirmed before hanging up on the phone to quickly make your way through the small crowds that busily occupied the streets. The route wasn’t far from where you supposed Midoriya may be, at least in your mind, traversing a few blocks through the city before spotting the tall familiar head of hair in the distance carrying a few bags easily in one hand. You carefully jogged towards him over the snow-covered pavement, calling out to grab his ear from afar, watching him peek at the sound of your voice.

Izuku Midoriya glanced your way with a smile while you hopped towards him, reaching his side before you gave him a small peck on the cheek feeling the cold against his skin, thanks to the winter chill. He immediately grabbed a hold of your hand while you offered to take a few bags from his person, eyeing the baked goods inside while noticing another bag filled with envelopes of thick card stock, envisioning their designs.

“You sure you’re okay with me handing them out tonight?” You asked, watching Midoriya’s reaction to your query and finding his happy smile in return.

“Of course, at least while we have half of the guests present,” reassured Midoriya. “We’ll just have to mail out the rest.” In fact, he had already mailed out a few himself, already confident that Takoba Municipal Beach Park was the wedding ceremony’s location despite the approvals that needed to be organized prior. It was a risky move, but somehow, Midoriya caught onto moving things along to ensure numbers were finalized for other facets of the day - catering, seat numbers, parking if required, all information that the reception’s venue needed to hurry things along. That day at the bridal shop definitely tapped into some competitive streak.

You glanced at your ring, its sheen glistening a little against the daylight before it would submerge over the city’s horizon. “It’s not long, huh?” you asked, musing out of the blue.

“Yeah…” slowly uttered Midoriya with a sense of hesitation in his tone.

“… Second thoughts?” You asked, wary again.

“You feel it too, huh?” He replied with a question of his own, seizing your heart a little in anxiety. “Anything could happen in this city, and I don’t want it to ruin what plans we already made.” His eyes looked elsewhere more so in thought, his attention drawn into his mind. You had gathered he would have his mind and concerns on the safety of Musatafu, yet to hear his own side of this impending social event in your lives felt like a relief.

Soon, you had to discuss about Seek, from your side and his. But for now-

“That’s why we kept a tight lid on the whole thing, but a good friend of yours reassured me that everything will be fine,” you reassured more so towards yourself once more, recalling Asui’s aloof attitude earlier, but caring all the same.

“Careful, you don’t want to put too much trust in my friends,” warned Midoriya with a grin. “They could go overboard with their good intentions.”

“As opposed to trusting you with your decisions on the field?”

“I take… professional risks.”

That smile returned - that happy, joyous, cheerful smile that brightened the darkest times, whether in public for the city, or inside your very home. It hurt a little, but for now, it remedied what worries you felt in the back of your mind.

“Todoroki!” cried out Midoriya, glancing towards the townhouse ahead in the setting sun.

A turn of your gaze landed on the hosts for the night standing just outside of their home together, returning Midoriya’s greeting with one of their own. Seeing how Todoroki’s fiance was faring after Seek’s capture, it brought a smile to your face, finding them healthy and well despite the cold in the air. “Merry Christmas you two,” you piped loudly with a smile of your own. “We brought some Christmas treats.”

Soon you were welcomed into the warm home, helping out with the setting and decorations before other guests arrived. Both Asui and Uraraka cheered happily upon their arrival and joined in placing the final touches before setting out to help with the festivities. It came as a larger surprise once Iida and Yaoyorozu graced the door, followed by a rather large cart behind them, thanks to Iida’s Head of Research and Development - the mechanic responsible for the rather frightening experience back in Halloween. You questioned suspiciously about the cart, finding that each item had to be brought in one by one, however, they reassured nothing surprising would come out of it, only pleasantries they hoped.

Once night fell, the dinner and the company blossomed into moments that faded the most worrisome and troubling thoughts. Joy and cheer surrounded the home, now warm with the bodies of guests around the kotatsu table filled to the brim with the comfort and tantalizing scents of dinner. After handing out the baked Christmas favours Midoriya brought, and the very generous gifts from Iida’s very loud plus one, you eyed the small bag with the handful of envelopes and cards distinctly embossed with invitation. You smiled warmly at the pile before you brought them into your lap, spotting Midoriya watching you with a warm and gentle smile.

A moment of agreement and clarity crossed between you, comforted by Midoriya’s hand on your knee. With not a word uttered amongst the conversations that bounced around the home, you began handing out each invitation, finding a look of surprise from every recipient. Your eyes landed on the hosts, finding Todoroki reading the card in his fiancé’s hands.

“We thought while everyone was here that we took the opportunity to give out your invitation to possibly a very anticipated event,” you reasoned after giving the last of the envelopes, soon leaning into Midoriya who hugged you lovingly.

“Well then, here’s yours Midoriya,” announced Todoroki, eyeing his fiance who happily handed him an envelope of their own, written in cursive calligraphy with Midoriya’s name. It caught everyone by surprise once Todoroki followed suit, handing out his invitations to his upcoming wedding himself.

“I can’t believe you guys!” Exclaimed Uraraka with glee.

“I’m surprised no one’s caught onto the engagement all this time,” motioned Yaoyorozu, quizzical about the nature of the media lately.

“I guess we should thank Bakugou for that,” you insinuated with a wry smile. “And maybe you too, Todoroki.”

“Why?” Questioned Todoroki dryly.

“Uh, nothing!” Piped Midoriya anxiously, hoping to drop the conversation quickly. It only made you giggle at his nervousness, more so that Todoroki’s fiancé chuckled alongside.

The festivities went into the night with everyone enjoying the company and briefly trying out the myriad of gifts in person, all support items for the new year, at least in the eyes of the mechanic who awed at the sight of each of their innovations fitted and working organically with their patrons. It wasn’t as drunken a night as you thought. You never had seen Todoroki as the man to host that sort of gathering to begin with, and in a way, it was a relief. You recalled the cleaning trail last year after everyone had their fair share of drinks.

Your eyes roved around the invitations that laid on the table and still sat in the hands of guests everywhere. To imagine that everyone present may be a part of your life from here on, soon landing your gaze on the invitation in your fingers, the calligraphy emblazoned on its card stock with your name and his.

“Everything will turn out okay,” reassured Midoriya beside you, his attention only on you amongst the glow and warmth of his friends’ company.

That smile, again it almost brought you to tears. The strangest feeling of sorrow and yet happiness swelled like a storm, just like that first day bumping into him back at the Heroes Association building. Just like that solemn meeting at a ramen shop disclosing his secrets to you. Secrets that you thought the both of you would share as friends, never knowing you would sit by his side where you were today. But secrets seemed to bind you together. He had his own, and you had yours, all surrounding the man that sat at Tartarus during this time, awaiting judgement and further interrogation once more.

“Pinky promise?” You perked with your pinky before you, catching Midoriya’s curiosity. A childish thing, but it felt right somehow, wanting the warmth of his finger around yours. A familiar feeling, at least to your liking.

Midoriya’s smile widened before his large hand covered in scars reached yours, his pinky wrapping around with a warmth that radiated between you. A small shake solidified this childish pact until he pulled your hand to his lips, pressing gently into the small skin of your pinky finger.

“I don’t need another broken bone,” he commented with a laugh, his breath washing warmly over your hand.