if you worked as a detective on their cases…. Part 2!
|| If you worked as a detective on their cases ||
Part one here .ᐟ (includes kegio, bakugo, and aizawa .ᐟ)
shoto todoroki, Mirio togata, Shinsou Hitoshi .ᐟ
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was pretty indifferent when you showed up.
you both had a job to do, okay cool.
During meetings you both never talked much, he thought you were pretty, but what of it?
But he started to notice you not simply for your smarts, but your kindness.
He judged people’s characters harshly. If you were an asshole on the inside, he wanted nothing to do with you.
He surrounded himself with deeply intuitive, genuinely caring, reflective, growing people (Bakugo has his moments, but he has improved.)
You? You were all that with the bonus factor of being an insanely intelligent, beautiful human.
The first time he came to this conclusion was on his way home from work.
He liked to walk a lot, cut through alleys sometimes to avoid the public.
One evening, after a later-day briefing, he noticed you across the road, you must’ve been walking home too.
A moment later however, he saw you again, calming down a frantic child who’d lost their parents in the crowd.
It was a simple act, which was resolved only minutes after you’d found him, but it told him a lot about you. He liked that.
Your smile was genuine to the boy, and when his parents waved him over you looked relieved, happy to help.
He didn’t say anything about it, but he tucked it into the back of his head along with that feeling of warmth.
Meetings were still plain, although behind his neutral expression, he was hiding surprise.
Okay.. yeah, maybe you were really smart, and it was even more impressive when he knew you weren’t cocky about it.
Confident, but definitely not egotistic, that was another thing he noticed.
Another time after a briefing, your colleague forgot her umbrella on a particularly stormy day. Before Shoto could even say anything, you acted first.
Without even acknowledging her protests, you shoved your umbrella in her hands saying, “I’d hate for you to get sick out there. I’ve got a shorter walk than you, so don’t worry!”
But you didn’t have a short walk. He knew this because he’d passed you on his way home.
You gained nothing from this. Maybe good rapport with a coworker, but that didn't seem like a fair trade, so why were you doing this?
Were you really that nice?
Just like the day you helped that little boy, there was a sudden warmth in his chest when he watched you.
Before you walked out, he stopped you.
You turned around, eyes focused solely on him, and for some odd reason, it made his heart flutter to capture your gaze fully. You seemed beautiful, inside and out.
“Here, I can keep myself warm, you should at least take mine.” Handing you his far too expensive umbrella, you smiled, so genuine, so real, it felt like a friendly embrace.
“Oh, I can’t take this from you.” You shook your head, politely handing it back. “I would feel guilty knowing you’re gonna walk out in that storm.”
“So would I.” He handed it back again, eyes trailing to your clothes, realizing you didn’t even have a jacket.
“Seriously,” He avoided your gaze, suddenly feeling awkward. “I’d feel terrible if you got sick, at least your friend has a raincoat.”
Even if his delivery was stiff, you understood that it would be weirder to decline at this point. Plus, the other part of you felt a little seen, you were being looked out for and not the one looking for others.
So with a small nod, you said thank you and left.
He told himself next time that if you forgot to give it back it wasn’t a big deal. But he assumed based of your character, you probably wouldn’t, and weirdly enough, he looked forward to your next interaction.
So when the time came, the next meeting ending as everyone walked out, you stopped him at the door.
“…Shoto, I...” You trailed off, hands frantically rummaging through your bag. “I forgot your umbrella at my place. I’m so sorry, really, I promise to bring it back next time.”
“Oh, it’s no issue.” He lightly smiled. But he didn't want this to be the end of your conversation. For reasons he couldn't explain, he enjoyed talking with you last time, even if it was small, brief.
He wanted more time to talk, he couldn't let it stop here.
So he clenched his hands with nerves, and although his heart raced in his chest, he mustered,
“I’m pretty sure we walk the same way, I could grab it from your house today if that’s okay.”
You squinted your eyes, head tilting in skepticism.
“You know the way I go home?”
“Oh, oh no that’s not-“ He shook his head, hands waving in front of him.
But to his surprise, you laughed.
"I'm just messing with you! I've seen you out there too, but you sure you want to walk with me? I'll talk your ear off." You teased, grin a little too playful for someone who always seemed so reserved in his meetings.
"No it's really fine, I like hearing you talk. It's nice."
You blinked, and before he could even register how painfully honest he just was, you giggled even more.
But it wasn't cruel, it wasn't a laugh at him. It was the flustered, face-reddening type of laugh that made you look so happy he wished he could make it happen more.
Was that what being attracted to someone felt like?
He wasn't entirely sure. Growing up, life never really spared the time for Shoto to explore dating. Feelings were not his forte, it took a lot to bring them out...
But as you two walked the streets, he never felt more than in that moment, and he wasn't sure why.
Did his feelings come from your smile or your laughter? Maybe it was the way you told stories, he wasn't completely sure, but he loved it.
This raw flow of his emotions was so strong, he never wanted it to end. Even as he waited at your door while you grabbed his umbrella, he was anxious for your return, simply to hear your voice again.
"Thanks for walking with me Shoto, this was nice." You smiled, handing over his umbrella.
But as you headed to the door, he felt his feelings slow down from their high.
You paused at the sound of his voice, hand on the door handle as you turned your head back to him.
"On the walk, you said you like that ramen shop we passed. Would you want to go sometime? Maybe after work?"
"Have you ever been there?"
"No, but I'd like to with you."
"Then let me take you, as a thanks for using your umbrella."
He smiled, not the same as your toothy, cheek-pinching kind, but the tight-lipped one he knew.
From that day on, you two went for food after your briefings each week.
You weren't sure how, but it snowballed from ramen, to soba, then all sorts of others.
They weren't dates, not until he asked you once what you considered them as.
Between sips of your drink, you asked, "Well, would you want them to be dates?"
"I would like that a lot, but only if you would."
"Well then, dates they are!"
It was hard for you both, neither of you living a very relaxed lifestyle, but you made it work.
Meetings weren't too different, but people definitely noticed how he stared at you, gaze lingering too long for it to be purely platonic.
The only time anything was confirmed, was when you both walked in together....both late...at the same time.
But at this point? Shoto couldn't even care if you both skipped. He had a tough time showing it, but he felt like he was floating when he was with you.
Life brightened with you in it, and he adored how you seemed to do that for anyone around you.
Super impressed when he first met you!
Like hello! You're pretty, determined, and smart? What a catch!
Detective only in your early twenties? What a hard worker!
It didn't take long for you two to talk. He introduced himself after the first day, eyes bright as he told you how cool you were.
"Seriously! You're so on top of life! How awesome does it feel to be you?"
Needless to say his personality grew on you. And really, how could it not?
You made sure to come a little early to every briefing, talking to him as much as you could beforehand.
The bubbly personality he had was like a cool tidal-wave on your pit-fire of stress. No matter the chaos of your life, Mirio made you feel like you could handle the world.
When you presented leads, he watched with proud eyes, rooting for you like you were already best friends.
Since day one he was already falling for you, fast.
Talking to you, learning about your interests, it was his favorite thing to do! And he loved when you asked questions back, made him feel like he was building something with you.
He liked how you analyzed everyone, how you'd point out his best attributes. Your compliments were always creative, things many never pointed out, and they always felt amazing to hear.
You made him feel seen! Yeah he was already outgoing, but you saw through all his layers. You were so intuitive, and you bounced back his energy in a way he always dreamed he could find in someone else.
On the worst mornings, where you'd come in absolutely exhausted before everyone else. He'd help you take out your folders, grab you a coffee from the vending machine and let you put your head down for five as he set everything up.
You couldn't tell if he was always this nice, but it felt extra personal one day when he came in with your favorite book.
"I hope you don't mind me giving you this! I found a signed copy, and well- I just couldn't help but think of you!"
Wow, okay this guy was really kind.
You weren't one for letting things like that go, this was something you'd appreciate forever.
Mirio was so easy to enjoy being around, each time you talked it felt reviving, and he loved making you feel that way! Your relaxed smile said it all!
Exchanging personal numbers was the best thing you'd done. With the texting and the random calls, you grew closer fast, but it was good!
Remember that book? Yeah you sure did, because three weeks later you handed him a card.
"It's nothing crazy." You waved it off, trying your best to hide your grin. "Open it when you get home tonight, text me when you do."
And oh man, did he text you.
Tickets to a comedy show?! This guy felt like he was flying!
Usually he was the one doing this stuff, so having the girl he likes doing this for him? Yeah this was like fireworks in his chest.
You, him, and his favorite thing.
This was going to be the best day ever.
You chose something easygoing, a smaller bar near you that hosted professional comedy nights. All you had to do was buy two general admission tickets, it wasn't anything crazy, but thoughtful for sure.
Mirio was already there when you walked in, laughing with the bartender as he sat waiting for you.
And no matter what jokes he'd hear that night, nothing made him smile wider than seeing you.
Was this how it felt to be in a movie? To watch the gorgeous girl walk in? Your eyes sparkled from the bar lights, and your makeup enunciated your best features.
You looked beautiful and did it make him.... nervous? That wasn't common!
He wouldn't let you sit down without a bear hug, arms squeezing you tightly as he thanked you a hundred times.
Finally, when the show did start, he'd stretch an arm behind your seat, his knee bumping yours. And when the crowd laughed, his would rumble against your skin in a way that made you think you could hear it a million more times.
Near the end, he'd whisper in your ear how thankful he was you did this for him, how much he appreciated you.
Your face would grow red and you'd elbow his side, teasing him how it was only to repay him for the book.
But really, you both knew it was more.
By the end, you’d both head outside to the chill air, Mirio demanding you a ride home when you mentioned you'd walked (which you said yes to.)
"That was awesome! Now I gotta find something you like!"
"Mirio! That was the book!"
"Who said I was stopping at the book? I have to keep you around somehow silly!"
That night changed how you two interacted.
Texts were more frequent, calls were longer, and hangouts would happen the second you had the time.
Whether it be a cafe, a show at the bar, or a movie theater (watching a comedy or thriller, of course) it was exciting as long as you had each other.
Briefings didn't change much, because you two had never not sat next to one another.
You two woke up extra early to grab coffee before, both of you usually laughing as you walked in together.
Your coworkers seemed to enjoy watching you brighten.
Yes, your workload was tough, grim even, but Mirio made everything seem a little lighter.
You kinda scared him at first.
This chick walks into his meetings with eyes that look like they can see right through him? Yikeeesss.
No matter how much he'd grown, he was still painfully insecure about his quirk and man did it seem like you could tell from one glance.
Your eyes were piercing... but your smile? Okay yeah, you looked cute.
Sometime's his thoughts would trail to you, how attractive you were when you spoke so smart-talk. Did he understand your theory boards? Hellll no, but hey, you looked good explaining them.
His thoughts were one thing, they stayed in his head. He definitely liked you a little, but he kept his distance, only talking when he needed to and cracking a few jokes here and there.
You on the other hand, you were curious about him.
You ended up learning about his quirk in the briefings, but it never bothered you, in fact, you felt pretty impressed.
He’d heard it once, when you were arguing about leads and he'd walked in a little late.
"...with Histoshi's quirk, I don't see a problem. Guy's got one of the best freaking powers, I say he goes.”
When you caught his eye as he walked in, his cheeks turned pink, face not being able to remain neutral from your compliment.
One of the best? Okay, maybe you didn't hate him. But it still didn't change how standoff-ish he was.
But one night, when he was torturing himself once again with a 3am patrol, he saw you.
He was walking into the convenience store to grab coffee when he caught you already at the station.
"Sheesh, I thought I was the only zombie out here tonight."
You turned at the sound of his voice, tired eyes crinkling from your soft smile.
"Ah, Shinsou, how goes it?" You yawned, hands snapping the lid onto your cup before stepping aside for him.
"Well, I came here for the same reason you did, gotta stay awake."
You hummed in agreement, watching as he meticulously went about his coffee routine.
"But," He started, eyes still focused on stirring cream into this coffee. "I have to be awake, what are you doing up at this hour?"
You sighed, shoulders deflating as you groaned.
"Well, I've noticed I make the best connections at night. When I start them I can't seem to stop, before you know it, it's sunrise."
"That sounds like too much thinking."
"Trust me, it is. Sometimes I like to stare at a wall and do nothing for awhile afterwords."
He chuckled at that, relaxing slightly.
Suddenly, out of concern and his own personal desire to talk to you, he asked to walk you home.
"You sure? It's not far from here, really, I know how to take care of myself."
He shrugged, hand opening the door for you.
"It's slow right now, need to stay awake somehow."
It was slow, but he was perfectly awake once he had coffee.
Nonetheless, he walked with you, the ten or so minutes granting a small kernel of information about you, eventually leading into topics he never could've guessed.
"Yeah, actually my cousin has a quirk like yours, not the exact same, but pretty close."
Shinsou quirked his head.
"I'm not lying, she isn't a pro-hero, but she has a license to use it in her field."
"First responder nurse, she makes witnesses repeat things to her, they tell her things they can't even remember. Helps a lot for leads on suspects and hidden injuries." You chuckled, looking down as you kicked a rock with your boot. "I've always been jealous of her."
He whirled at you, eyes wide like he didn't hear you right.
"Jealous? You're joking?"
"Why wouldn’t I be? It might not be in the traditional sense you think of. But it's an amazing quirk to have, you've got a power that can help thousands."
Too stunned to realize he was at your door, you thanked him and said your goodbyes before heading inside.
And ohhhh that walk back? All he did was replay your words.
Knowing now, with backed up evidence, that you weren't put-off by his quirk changed how he acted with you.
That really was the only thing holding him back from talking with you more. Now that he seemingly didn't have to worry about that? Oh yeah, he felt good.
The next few briefings he'd talk to you about coffee shops he liked, eventually writing a list down for you.
"If you're gonna live off it, you can't keep drinking the 7/11 stuff every night."
"But.... don't you drink it too?"
"Only sometimes, if you're awake at 3am again hit me a text. I get slow around that time, maybe I'll show you a better spot." He winked, a little too playful for 8am in the morning.
Oooo he was so much more confident now.
And he held true to his word, because 3am rolled around and you did text him.
He met you a street down from your place, walking you to what would be the first of many late-night meet-ups.
And when you got there, you both sat down at a small table, empty chairs around you and the smell of coffee beans filling the air.
It was only for about thirty minutes before he had to go patrol and you had to go back to your boards. But you enjoyed talking with him, his rambles entertaining you, not annoying you like he feared.
Suddenly, a one night standalone, turned into two nights each week.
You’d both walk to a coffee place nearby, tired but excited to see one another. Then if you had a briefing the next day, you both look at each other like you had some secret inside joke (everyone else thought you’d slept together, which you’d both had to quickly deny.)
Eventually as the weeks went by, you realized that maybe you’d finally broken down his closed off wall. You saw real smirks, genuine laughs, even a few more winks.
He had at least a dozen hidden gem cafes that were open late, and he told himself he’d take you to all of them.
You both unfortunately started to realize, hanging out at night was not functional for either of you.
So at one point, about a month in, he asked you to a proper hangout.
It was 2am, you were both laughing over coffee at another new cafe you’d never been too when he mentioned it.
“No no, I mean like- dinner and a movie. Something where we can go to bed preferably before 11.”
He snorted, eyes rolling as he said, “What is that crazy? You too much of a hot-shot for me, detective?”
Yeahhhh he called you detective a lot, and he flirted like it was all he knew how to do.
But hey, it did land a chance with the scary girl from work!
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thank you for reading .ᐟ (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)
