#dad!kiri

It was worth it though. When Tamaki texted him, giving him the all clear to come back with the kids, he quickly understood that it wasn’t just Remi you were good with, Kaio took to you instantly. If he hadn’t known this was your first time meeting the boy in person he would have thought you never left his side since the day he was born.

You slipped easily from conversations with him and Tamaki right into one’s with the children, like a pro! Though, he didn’t find himself talking much today, not that he minded. You were catching up with Tamaki, learning all about Kaio, and also listening to his daughter tell tales of their adventures together. And Eijiro, he was more than happy to just sit back and take it all in.

It wasn’t often that he got the chance to watch someone he saved recover, see them get better and better each day, watch the light of their smile grow brighter. It was a reward he’d never been granted and he considered it a privilege to be at your bedside throughout your improvement.

The thing was, you weren’t just someone to him anymore. You weren’t just some woman who found his daughter in the park either. Now you were also friends with his friends, family to one of them, and to Remi, she looked at you as if you personally hung every star in the night sky.

To Eijiro personally though, he wasn’t too sure what you were just yet. But, damn was he eager to find out.

For now, he sat under the canopy of string lights that made up Tamaki’s and Mirio’s back deck. Remi had crawled her way up to his lap right about the same time Kaio had claimed Mirio’s.

“I still can’t wrap my head around the fact she’s really here. She moved here.”

Tamaki had been rolling the same question around all night long. Eijiro had done his best to stay quiet during these moments, not wanting to butt into family matters but the words slipped off his tongue.

“She just said she wanted a fresh start. Why’s it so impossible to think she’d want to do that here?”

“Because she had a life back there, Eijiro, and she just… left.”

Eijiro realized there were things you’d told Tamaki that you didn’t share with anyone else, the way the man carefully worded his sentences made that obvious. But, it was the way he said it that made Eijiro’s heart sink and he asked the question he wasn’t sure he wanted an answer to, “Did she leave anyone… in particular?”

“So, she hasn’t told you.”

“It’s not my place to talk about my cousin’s life.”

“Yeah, but, we can’t just let him think she did what Toki did to him and Rem.”

Tamaki sighed, staring down into his glass like it would show him all the answers. “My cousin was engaged, Eijiro. The wedding was in just a couple months.”

“And, and she just left the guy and came here? No explanation or anything?”

“No, no, nothing like that! She told me differences arose between them and he chose to leave but what those differences were, she hasn’t told me.”

So, a breakup mixed with some type of incident, or, that was what he assumed with the pieces you gave.

He noticed the thick scar along your side when a nurse came into give you a shot just yesterday and, like an idiot, he brought it up and apparently, the negative memories that came with it. He tried playing it off when he saw how defeated you looked, told you he knew all too well about the painful memories scars can leave even after they’ve healed but it took Remi slipping a colorful beaded bracelet on your wrist for you to smile again.

Eijiro hadn’t stopped thinking about it though, whatever you went through, could it have been what drove you to move?

His hand ran down the length of Remi’s back and then up again. “Well, whatever her reason for coming here, I say we give her the fresh start she wants.”

The couple looked at him, “It’s obvious something happened but at the end of the day, what that something is doesn’t really matter, does it? When things crumble around us, we either get buried or move forward. She’s choosing to move forward and we support her, do what we can to help.”

Tamaki’s face settled on a small smile while Mirio agreed wholeheartedly.

Not too long after, Eijiro was gathering up Remi’s bag she toted around to the hospital with her, full of coloring books and craft supplies. With the bag over his shoulder and his daughter in his arms, he said goodnight to Tamaki at the door.

“You’ve always been bright, ya know, I’ve always thought that,” Eijiro stopped and turned back to the man. “But, I sometimes forget how insightful you can be too.”

He chuckled. “You shouldn’t underestimate me, Tams.”

“I’ve learned that. I nearly get my arm dislocated in training when I do. Thank you though, for being there for her.”

“Of course.” He promised to keep being there too, as long as you wanted him to be. It was half past ten by the time the pair got home. Remi just waking up when Eijiro slipped her shoes from her feet.

“Little pebble, go brush your teeth, and then you can go to bed, okay? You can take a bath in the morning.” She groggily agreed but stopped walking when he hung up her bag, looking at the thing with her head tilted to the side. “What’s wrong, baby?”

She reached her hands up for it, making grabby fists until he lowered it into them. “He not here…” She spun the bag around, opening pockets and digging inside, “Daddy, daddy, he’s not here!”

He must have been tired because it took him longer than it should have to realize who 'he' was.

“We gotta go, daddy, gotta go right now and find him!”

The little plush Fat Gum keychain had been the first hero merch she got as a baby, well, the first besides his own. She took the little toy everywhere with her. No matter what other toys she received, Little Fat was always close to her heart.

And, so, Eijiro had to let her look. They went back down the block, searched in front of their house and he even called Tamaki but no such luck.

Eijiro finally convinced her to lay down though, wiping fat tears from her round cheeks. “Promise, Pebble, we’ll keep lookin’ tomorrow, okay? But, you gotta sleep so your eyes are wide open! You might miss’em if you’re too tired.”

That logic seemed to work for her. Remi’s tiny arms hugged the 3ft Fat Gum close to her and closed her eyes when Eijiro kissed the top of her head.

Shutting the door quietly behind him, he finally let his mind spiral, she couldn’t have really lost the thing, right? It had to be some place! He didn’t even want to think about the bidding wars he’d get into trying to win her another one since that particular item was retired.

After he rechecked Remi’s bag and all around the front of the house, he had one more thing he could try before opening up eBay.

Eijiro pulled up Taishiro’s messages, nearly midnight was too late to call the guy, and he asked if by some chance he still had a few tucked away some place but, before he sent it, his phone chimed and your name popped up.

Curiosity among the chaos made him open your message first and he was instantly relieved when he did.

Your face was pressed up against the little stuffy and the comment below: Found this little guy tangled up in my sheets. Tam said it was Remi’s. Thought I’d let ya know he’s safe and sound with me.

He breathed slow and steady, his heart finally slowing down. Eijiro even got up and peaked in Remi’s room to let her know but miraculously, she was already asleep.

That left him to collapse heavily onto his sofa, laying on his back while he typed out: I hope you know you’re a lifesaver. Remi’s been a mess.

You were quick to respond, He’ll be here waiting for you two tomorrow. Or tonight if she’s really missin’ him.

She’s actually asleep, but thank you so much! And now his heart was hammering again, you were already planning on them coming up tomorrow even though it hadn’t been talked about, you were even willing to let them back tonight. Speaking of sleep, shouldn’t you be doing that? You look far too awake in this photo.

He was already setting it as your contact ID in his phone when you sent, I don’t sleep well in hospitals, or new places in general.

I’m sure they could give you something to help.

I’ll be alright. They’re telling me one more day of observation and I should be able to go home the following day. Hopefully staying at Midoriya’s will be better.

THAT’S GREAT NEWS!

Yeah! So, two more nights of crappy sleep and then a good night's sleep is all mine.

Eijiro flipped a pillow behind his head, If you’re not sleepin’ then what are ya gonna do?

Watch mindless television that I know nothing about… stare at the wall…

Sounds boring. He hesitated before typing out, You could talk to me instead. And sent the followup message.

It took you a moment longer he noticed but he smiled to himself reading your response, Why don’t you call me then?

But call how… a phone call was the safer option but he really just wanted to see your face too. Was it worth the risk? He could say it was an accident if you declined it… yeah, he went for it.

It was dark when you picked up but he heard your quiet whisper of a hello and what sounded like shuffling as you put headphones in. A dull yellow light flicked on behind you and then you were filling up his screen.

“Hey.” Eijiro felt around the floor for his obnoxiously long phone cable and plugged it in. “How are you?”

“All good over here. What about you?”

“Yeah, same here.” He watched as you rolled on your side, balancing your phone on the little table beside your bed and his heart flipped when he saw Little Fat resting against your pillow. “Hey, why are you whispering?”

“I dunno,” Oh, now you were smiling at him, pulling the blanket up around you, “Kinda feel like a kid sneaking around after bedtime trying not to get yelled at by her parents.”

“Think the doctors are gonna yell at you for being on your phone?”

“They might!” Even your laugh was quiet.

He settled in, tucking his arm under his head, he told you about dinner with Tamaki and Mirio, what you guys had for dinner, and then listened to you talk about the first time Tamaki got you to eat takoyaki. He could have listened to you talk about anything for hours.

And that was exactly what he’d done.

You shared stories back and forth just between the two of you for the first time. He was able to curse and not need to panic that Remi had heard him. You closed your eyes laughing over something he’d said and so many times he had to mentally remind himself he couldn’t laugh at full volume because Remi was asleep. But, Eijiro couldn’t remember a recent time he’d had so much fun on a phone call, he didn’t want it to end… and technically, it didn’t.

> > > < < <

“DADDY!” He jolted awake, falling off the sofa and onto the floor right by Remi’s feet, “Daddy we gotta go find Little Fat! Right now! Who dis? Hello!”

She had his phone before he could grab it, “Hello!” Your startled face came into the frame, “Ms. Y/N… oh…” Eijiro inclined on his elbows watching his daughter closely inspect the phone screen, “Ms. Y/N, you have a Little Fat Gum too?”

He pulled her with the phone down into his lap to explain, “Actually, baby, Ms. Y/N found Little Fat last night all tangled up in her blankets.”

“Why was he there?”

“Well, remember how Little Fat makes you feel better when you’re sick or sad?” She nodded, “I think he was trying to make sure Ms Y/N felt a little better too.”

You’d remained quiet, a sleepy smile on your face while he explained but then Remi held the phone up to look at you fully. “Did he help? Are you feeling better?”

“I’m feeling so much better, kiddo! Thanks for letting me borrow him!”

“You’re sure? You can keep him for a little longer if you gotta.”

Eijiro thought he might have seen tears in your eyes. “Remiru, you are the sweetest little girl. He helped me so much last night and I think he’s ready to be picked up.”

Remi spun in his lap, dropping the phone square on his ankle bone, “Okay, daddy, you heard her. We gotta go get Little Fat now.”

“Yes, baby. Go pick out clothes and we’ll go in a minute.”

He pulled himself back on the sofa, rubbing the last bit of sleep from his eyes. Damn, how long had you two talked for?

“Nice bed head.” He looked at you between his fingers, you were smiling with another laugh on your lips.

“Yeah. Yours looks pretty cute too. All this way and that.”

He watched you dramatically flip it while he got up and stretched. “Well, I guess I’ll be seeing you shortly. I’m gonna stop for breakfast on the way, how about I sneak you in something? What wouldya like?”

That night was indeed supposed to be your last in the hospital. Eijiro and Remi stayed in your room while you had a few final tests run, they even left and managed to sneak you in some boba around lunch time. Dinner was the finest pizza the hospital had to offer. Demolished by the three of you until there was nothing but crumbs of crust left.

Being your last night, Eijiro hadn’t meant to stay that late. He knew you’d have a busy day tomorrow, getting settled into Izuku’s apartment and all that, and yet, the clock ticked later and later and he found himself not wanting to leave.

While you helped Remi fold a paper airplane he found himself wondering if you’d still want to do this, want to spend time with the two of them. He had no clue how to ask and he probably wouldn’t but he hoped he’d get more moments like these with you. With you and his daughter. He wondered if you really would help her swim or if you’d like to go with them to the duck park. Or would he only see you at work or at events with all your friends.

In case the latter came to pass, he decided to soak up every moment of this day that you’d give him. Even when dusk clung to your windowsill, when he noticed Remi rubbing her eyebrows (the telltale sign she was fighting sleep), Eijiro still didn’t want to leave.

Remi asked you to read her a story and you agreed in an instant. Eijiro should have called it a night. He knew darn well when his daughter snuggled in against you she was tuckered out but he let your voice fill the room with tales from the children’s book. His heart clenching when you dramatically read a line or squeezed Remi close at a particularly cute part.

Her inky black hair spilled over your shoulder, eyelids so heavy that they closed before you got to the end of the story so when your words trailed off, he stood from the chair knowing it was time.

“I-I don’t mind.”

“What?”

“I mean, I don’t mind, if you don’t.”

There was technically no reason for him to stay. He should have packed up Remi’s things and taken her home but she looked so damn peaceful snuggled up against you and it flooded his chest with adoration. She’d been so guarded since her mother left, careful not to let anyone that she didn’t already know into her life. And yet, here you were. Your fingers absentmindedly trailing up and down her arm and so Eijiro sat back down.

He felt lighter somehow, as if that was even possible. But, his shoulders dropped and he swore he could even breathe a little easier too. For a moment, surrounded by only the chirps and beeps of machinery, Eijiro let his eyes close too.

“Thank you,” He cracked open an eye when he heard the two little words from you, “‘M not sure if you usually visit people when they’re in the hospital but you’ve made being here a lot easier.”

“Well, I do tend to visit the children’s wing when I can and I’ve been the big jolly guy at a couple hospital holiday fundraisers if you catch my drift but, no, I don’t usually make a habit of hanging out for several days.”

He thought for a moment, trying to find the right way to say, “I was kicking myself for not getting your name that day in the park.” But the words were just tumbling from his mouth, “And then you were at the crash, and you know my friends, you’re related to one of them, and my kid, hell, she’s crazy about ya.”

He finally took a breath and realizing he couldn’t take it back now so, “I don’t make a habit of hanging out in hospitals but I hoped I’d get the chance to get to know you.”

“I expected you to stop showing up.” You admitted with a sheepish smile. “I wouldn’t have blamed you, obviously! Guess I’m just a little surprised you kept coming back.”

“What can I say, I like you, Y/N.”

“I like you too, Kirishima.”

Four days in the hospital felt like a lifetime.

Four days and your life had changed in ways you couldn’t have planned for and that you certainly hadn’t expected.

Tamaki had shown up bright and early to the hospital, fully prepared to spend the entire day with you and help you get situated into your new home which was good since you didn't get released from the hospital until the early evening.

You insisted he really didn’t need to help, you didn’t have many belongings, but he reminded you that you just had extensive surgery, not to mention with the lack of daily quirk healing injections, you were likely to start feeling some pain.

There was paperwork to be signed and then you were on your way to the hotel you’d been calling home. Tamaki helped gather up the few clothes you put into the dresser while you packed up your toiletries and within a half hour he had your suitcase in hand and your duffle slung across his chest.

“So, Midoriya’s apartment is about five blocks from our agency,” He told you on the cab ride, “And you’re in a really good location too. Lots of good food but the building itself is really secure and quiet. Midoriya spent a lot of time picking this place out.”

You pulled up to the high-rise and the green-haired hero was waiting for you. He pulled you into a careful hug. “I’m sorry I didn’t visit you more! Work has just been kinda busy.”

“Don’t worry about it. I had good company. Someone’s gotta be out here saving the world, right.”

He nodded and held open the door for you and your cousin. “I’ve already explained to the doorman, the head of staff, and the head of security that you will be staying at my place. There is a heated rooftop pool you can access and a gym, any time of day.” He pointed out the area in question enclosed in all glass windows.

Izuku handed you a sleek black card. “This gives you access to both those areas and the elevator. I can also set it up to access the apartment but I preferred using the thumbprint feature Melissa created.”

There was no possible way he could hide his beaming look when he talked about his fiancé's inventions, explaining to you that he’d scan your thumbprint with his phone and would give you access, Tamaki's too, just in case you needed anything.

“Go on, try it out.” You pressed the digit against the matte black pad just above the door and, sure enough, there was a little click and the door opened for you. “There is a place for a key though, just behind that pad, if you ever need it. Other than that, welcome home!” He held his arms out in a grand gesture. “I stocked the fridge and got you some of the essentials since I wasn’t sure what you had with you. Feel free to rearrange things or decorate however you like! The master bed and bathroom is down that hall,” he pointed off to his left, “and down this way is a guest room, office, and half bath.”

“Oh! And speaking of guests,” He continued on, “they don’t have to sign in or anything but they do need an access code for the elevator or they’ll have to go to the front desk. Someone will call you then and verify they’re allowed up. Security measures and all that.”

You were trying so hard to take in everything he was saying but really you were a little stunned with the place you’d now be calling home. It was top of the line, state of the art, in fact. All modern with sleek edges and crisp design. You’d made decent money as a Pro in America but you certainly didn’t make enough to afford a place like this.

“And, if you need anything right away, Kacchan and Kyoka live just above you, I wrote their unit number and the elevator code on the fridge for you.”

“Izuku, I really cannot thank you enough-“

He held up a hand. “There’s no need to thank me. You’re our friend Y/N, we just want to help take care of you, okay?”

You nodded and accepted the help. “I also wrote down a few restaurants that you might like to try, but, made sure to grab a few of those cup-o-noddles you like so much too. They’re in the pantry.”

Damn, you nearly forgot how you used to live off those things. “Are you hungry? We could all go out for a bite?” Tamaki asked but you shook your head.

“Thanks but, I think I’d like to just get settled in.”

Both men were more than happy to respect your decision. You tried to give thanks to Izuku again but he just repeated how none was necessary.

Tamaki though, he lingered after Izuku had said he’d see you on Monday and took his leave.

“I’ll be alright, Tam, I promise.”

“You’ll call if you need anything at all, right?”

“Of course.”

“Or Bakugo if it’s urgent.”

“I will, Tamaki. Ya know, I did use to be a pro like you.”

He looked to the ground. “Yeah, I know. I’ll always worry about you though.”

You wound your arms around his middle and felt him rest his chin atop your head. “If you keep worrying, this pretty hair of yours is gonna start turning grey.”

“It already has. Kirishima dyes it for me.”

You chuckled at the thought of the two men up to their elbows in indigo dye but, “Why Kirishima?” You asked, “Why not have Mirio do it?”

“Because Mirio hasn’t dyed hair before. I know I could ask him and he’d do it for me but Kirishima’s been dying his hair for over a decade now.”

“Really?”

It was almost impossible for you to imagine the man with anything other than the bright red hair and you’d just assumed that Remi got her ebony locks from her mother but, now you were wondering if it was from Kirishima… what he’d look like with that same dark hair…

“Alright. If you promise me you’ll reach out if you need anything,”

“I promise.”

“Then I’ll get out of your hair.”

With him gone, for the first time in five days, you were alone. No friends, no family, no doctors or nurses. Just you.

With the lights off, you laid in your new king-sized bed with the comforter hiked up to your chin. It was after midnight, by all accounts you should be dead tired, however, you were currently the opposite.

Of course, you spent ample time going over your new apartment. Learning where things were kept, trying out the amazing rainfall shower, opting to save the jacuzzi tub for another day. But, after a cup of those noodles Izuku had been so gracious to stock up on for you, you were finally feeling a little sleepy and thought to take full advantage.

The problem was, you were now under the covers with you were wide awake.

The new job was lingering just around the corner, it wasn’t that you were scared exactly. You worked as a pro hero for nearly seven years, were a sidekick before that, and an intern before that! By all accounts, the job should be fairly easy for you to acclimate to.

Still, you didn’t know everyone. The personalities, the way they liked things handled, there was still so much to learn, and damn you really would hate disappointing people who were being so very kind.

Gods, how did people like their coffee? Who all liked coffee? Were you responsible for coffee? Why did you suddenly care about fucking coffee so much!

You shoved a pillow over your face to muffle your groan and almost didn’t hear the trill of your phone.

Kirishima’s name popped up with a new text message and despite everything, you were subconsciously grinning.

Kirishima: I really hope you were able to get to sleep alright. I know you said you have trouble being at new places though, so, if ya can’t, you could call me again. Just wanted you to know that.

He’d called you for the last two nights, even yesterday when he got home, after he put Remi to bed, the man still called you. Of course, he asked if he could first, he was respectful in that way… and in many others.

You kept thinking about what Tamaki had said before Kirishima and Remi arrived the other day, “If you were gonna be saved by someone other than Mirio or I, I’m happy it was Kirishima, he’s a really good guy.” And everything the redhead had done only further supported your cousin's claim.

You: If we keep talking every night, pretty soon it’ll become a habit.

A couple of minutes passed and this time, your phone was ringing with another FaceTime call that you promptly answered.

“Not all habits are bad, ya know?” His voice was cheery despite being quiet, “Making a habit to drink 8 glasses of water a day, that’s a good habit to have.” There wasn’t much light in your room but you wondered if there was enough that he saw your eyes rolling as you laughed.

His screen was almost pitch black, you could only see the parts of his face illuminated by the light of his own phone, his cheeks especially when he smiled for you.

“You look like you’re in bed. Probably means you should get some sleep.”

You could see him shake his head against his pillow. “‘M fine. If I wanted to sleep, I wouldn’t have offered to talk.” He rolled and set his phone against a glass of water, muttering a prayer that it wouldn’t fall over. “I would just go out to my living room but Kaminari is currently splayed out across my sofa. Have you met him yet?”

“Nope.”

“He’s a good guy, a bit of a wildcard, but good all the same.”

“Does he work at the agency?” You asked, fluffing a pillow and positioning your phone against it.

“He does! Yeah! Actually, most of our graduating hero class works there, and others too but, we kinda founded it all together.”

“H-how many people were in your class?”

“Twenty of us in each but only a handful from B class joined.”

Your mouth ran dry. An executive assistant for at least twenty different people?

“Hey,” He squinted into the phone, “I can’t see ya all that well but you look worried. Has the idea of work been bugging you? That what’s keeping you awake?”

“What? Do you have a secondary mind-reading quirk I don’t know about?”

His white teeth flashed with a smile, “No, nothing like that. I’ve just gotten good at reading people. If I knew what was in that head of yours, I wouldn’t have to ask.” When you only gave him a half-hearted smile in response though, he asked again, “Is it?”

“All those people… it’s just a little daunting.”

You heard him stifle a laugh. “What!”

“You’re not responsible for all of us, you goof!” He apologized for laughing, “I figured Bakugo or Midoriya explained this to you: We have about forty five pros working at Alliance right now and just as many sidekicks but we’re all broken up into little teams, squads and stuff. The squad you’re working with is made up of Bakugo and Ashido, who you’ve already met, and there’s also Kaminari and Sero, oh, and myself. And we have three sidekicks who also work with us.”

So, 8 people, that was a little better than what you were thinking.

“Why don’t I take you by the agency tomorrow so you can check the place out before your official first day? I’m not goin’ back until Monday anyways!”

“You’d do that?”

“Yeah!” He sealed his lips shut for a second, obviously listening to make sure he hadn’t woken up his daughter but his enthusiasm had warmth blooming across your cheeks. “Yes, I’d be happy to give you a tour and introduce you around. I just gotta make sure my mom can watch Remi. I try to keep her out of the public eye as much as I can. But, she usually has no problem. I can pick ya up at noon?”

“That sounds great.”

A silence fell between you and your eyes started to feel heavy. “Want me to stay on the phone until ya fall asleep?”

“Do you mind?”

“Not at all.”

“Thanks, Kirishima. When I start snoring you can hang up.”

His rumbling laugh made your stomach flutter. “Alright, you’ve got a deal.”

Except, Kirishima must have fallen asleep around the same time, once again, the call hadn’t ended and you were awoken by Remi catapulting herself onto her father’s chest. “Daddy! Good morning! I would like pancake please, I help put in chocolate chip… Daddy.”

His voice was thick and he had one arm slung over his eyes, “Yes, baby girl?”

“You had another sleepover with Ms. Y/N. Not fair! Next time we all have sleepover together! I cannot believe you...”

You two had been the only ones in the agency late at night. The task force you'd both been brought in on had hit a roadblock and it was driving the both of you out of your damn minds. You'd returned to the headquarters, surprised to find you weren't alone, even more surprised it was the explosive blonde that was pouring over the information you gathered since he seemed the least interested of the three heroes Japan had sent to America to assist in the task force.

He'd had an idea, he told you and you had to pester him relentlessly for about 15 minutes to get him to explain exactly what that idea had been. Begrudgingly, he spun the laptop he'd been working on around to face you.

"Noticed somethin' on the footage we uncovered from two of the suspected locations but thought it was a coincidence," He pressed play and two clips from surveillance cameras played side by side. They weren't terribly pixilated but still dark, "Watch."

The feeds were full of people but Bakugo pointed out someone specific slipping inside the building you'd been watching. Average height and build, sports jacket, and a ball cap with some logo on the front that you couldn't make out. The video went on and you saw nothing more on either feed. You let it play for almost ten minutes before Bakugo spoke again, "There."

On the right feed, a man of average height and build wearing a sports jacket and ball cap came walking out of another building across town, blending right into the crowd, "Same guy."

"These buildings are miles apart... That doesn't really prove anything though, maybe it's the guy's quirk?"

He shook his head, one hand typing, pulling up something and his other hand threw a folder at you. "'S not his quirk." You flipped through the pages he'd gathered, staring at a photo of a pretty ordinary-looking man while Bakugo pulled up another photo for you to reference. "Followed this guy for over an hour until I caught his reflection here. He's one of the physicists that we think has gone off the fuckin' rails. I checked, his quirk deals with nervous systems, nothing that could make him travel that fast."

"But, that doesn't mean someone else could have sent him..."

With a heavy sigh he began vigorously slamming away at the keys again, this time bringing up a long list of names, "This is everyone who has access to be in those two buildings that late at night. None of them have a quirk registered to do that! We wanna know where they're workin', what the fuck they're doin', it's got something to do with these two buildings! I ran test after test, there's no route that he could walk, run, or fuckin' flying even in that time, not without it being in a more direct line."

And that meant there was only one way he could have traveled that quickly. "So, do you have the blueprints?"

A feline grin spread across Katsuki's face. "Hell yeah, I do." He flicked them up, "Problem is, I think they've been doctored. Was thinkin' of going and seeing if I'm right."

"Going into the buildings? Tonight?"

"Not the buildings, ya damn elf," He pointed to a map of the city block, "Here, that's a sewer access, and if there is an underground passage, it'll be there."

"We're going to go crawling around the sewer?"

"I didn't say anything about a we."

"Bakugo, we're dealing with a group of people playing around with chemical weapons and you think I'm just going to let you go investigate on your own? Hell no, we should be calling-"

"I'm not calling anyone!"

"Why not? This is a great lead, we should let the others know."

He snatched your phone right out of your hands. "I said no. I need to verify I'm right before telling anyone else."

You folded your arms. "Don't like being wrong, huh?"

"Tch," He tossed your phone back at you, "Don't act like you know me."

Seriously though, you could not figure out the chip on this man's shoulder in the three weeks you'd worked together. Sure, he was one of Japan's hottest up-and-coming Pros but he had such venom to him.

"Fine. But, if you leave me here, I will just call someone and tell them what you're up to." Ruby eyes narrowed but you didn't flinch. "Guess you should probably take me with you to make sure I don't do that."

And that was how you ended up walking down a long-forgotten passageway at two in the morning with Katsuki Bakugo. That is, until you'd come to the thick door in your way.

"Bakugo, we should-"

Too late, he was already open firing on it.

"Really?" You asked when the noise died down and the smoke cleared.

His manic grin faded. "Do you have any idea what's on the other side? It's just us!"

"Whoever it is, I can take 'em."

He grunted and shoved his weight against the door, explosions trying to blast the handle until his sweat-slicked palm slipped and the handle wobbled.

"It's unlocked?"

He looked at you with the same question on his face, why the hell would something like this be open?

Water had been your element of the day, and when Bakugo used the toe of his boot to nudge the door open, hands at the ready, you pulled some of the sewer water to use as a weapon of your own. He looked back at you to your surprise, he was giving you a chance to back out but you were sure if he'd follow.

So, you nodded. Cautiously, he stepped into the dimly lit room with you on his heels. The door slowly shut behind you while your eyes took in the room, the very plain room.

"What the hell is this?" Bakugo grumbled, his hands lowering slightly.

"I've no idea."

It was entirely bare. New walls painted white, pinprick holes high in the walls filtered in barely any light at all.

"We need to call this in. This doesn't feel right."

To your surprise, Bakugo actually agreed.

"I don't have service." He mumbled and when you realized your phone didn't either he suggested leaving and going back to the surface to make the call.

But when you walked back to the wall, retracing your steps exactly, your hand only met a smooth surface. Your fingers felt around the wall, the area you knew the door had been only to find nothing at all.

"What are you waiting for, elf, open it already."

"It's not here."

"The fuck do you mean?"

"Bakugo, there's no handle. The door's gone."

The light from his phone illuminated the wall and he cursed with disbelief. His fingers trailed the wall looking for a seam, anything at all, but found nothing.

You ran the length of the room to the opposite end hoping for another door but no such luck, instead, your hand depressed against a portion of the wall and a pad lit up,

CARD ACCESS REQUIRED

ROOM CONCEALMENT IN: 1 MINUTE 24 SECONDS

"BAKUGO!"

Katsuki shifted in the uncomfortable pale pink chair across from Eijiro's bed as he told his best friend the story he'd kept hidden.

"The little fuckin' holes sealed off, it was totally dark besides our damn phones. We tried everything we could think up to get out of there. Ya see Y/N's quirk isn't air manipulation like you thought it was, it's elemental control via consumption. Whatever element she consumes is the one she can control for a 24 hour period. That day she'd used water."

Eijiro was listening to every word, just trying to keep up with the truth Katsuki was finally letting him in on.

"We went so far as her pulling the sweat from my body to try and bomb ourselves out... it didn't end well. Once everything was over, fuck, Kirishima, we nearly passed out from lack of oxygen. Izuku came into the agency early and found my work and, like the nosy shit he is, figured out where we'd gone."

He exhaled slowly because the next part had been so hard to come to terms with. "I was captured by the fucking League, been in so many fights that could have ended my damn life but I always came out on top but we nearly died down in that fucking room. Just two years out of school, I'd barely done anything! And I was gonna die because I couldn't breathe anymore!"

"Katsuki..."

"Save it. We're fine now, we got out."

"Kyoka though, she left during that trip and when she came back you and her we're-"

"Yeah. Yeah, I called her the second we got out. Y/N had passed out beside me after we talked for a bit because apparently being that close to death makes me have feelings, ya know, heart-to-heart shit! I felt sleepy. But, Kyo, she was the last person we talked about. I promised Y/N I'd stop messin' around if we got out and you know damn well I keep promises." His voice dropped to a whisper, "But, I didn't think I was gonna get out of there. Put on the first damn playlist Kyo and I made back in first year, closed my eyes, and it felt like she was right there with me going to sleep."

"So, she knew?"

He nodded, "She's the only one. And it's only because I told her before the task force got a hold of us. It's why I couldn't tell you or anyone else." Katsuki stood like it would better help him explain himself. "The room we found was this holding area, and on the other side was what they thought was a lab but the whole damn thing was cleaned out. We don't know if it was before we got there or if it was Y/N and I who caused them to flee. They threatened to take our license for acting without proper authority and because they didn't catch anyone, we were sworn to never speak of what we'd uncovered. They hoped if we just left everything alone, someone might come back."

"And did they?" He'd already been invested in the story but Eijiro was practically on the edge of his seat now, or bed rather.

But Katsuki just shrugged. "Dunno. We were removed from the task force briefings, sent to do stupid brainless tasks instead. Even Izuku got kicked 'cause of me."

"It wasn't just the two of you who went though... Amajiki, he'd been the senior hero for that trip."

"Yup. By request of Y/N herself."

Red brows knitted together, "They know each other?"

"They're related, Shitty Hair. They're cousins. You said she seemed familiar like you could trust her. It's because you trust squid hands! She's like, a more confident version of him or something!"

Eijiro just blinked as it clicked into place why you felt so damn trustworthy.

"I just, I never said anything about her 'cause if I did then you'd find about what happened and I didn't wanna risk it at the time, but here we fuckin' are."

"You know I'm not gonna rat you out or say anything, come on man!"

He ran a hand through his blonde hair, "It was my license on the line, Shitty Hair!" There was no worse look than one of disappointment from Eijiro Kirishima. "Stop it! You and those damn eyes. My fucking license, Eijiro!"

It took him a minute but Eijiro finally sighed. "Any more secrets you'd like to secrets you've been hiding?"

"Oh, fuck off, man."

Later that day, Katsuki had stopped in to say he was heading out for the night, to make sure you knew you could call if there was anything you needed.

It was odd seeing him again after so many years. Barely keeping in touch, only seeing snippets of him in news articles or press releases. But, he married the girl he'd introduced you to with the purple hair and shy smile and, damn if you weren't proud of the guy for keeping true to his word.

You'd been dying when he made the promise, you wouldn't have blamed him if he chickened out or just forgot about it entirely but, he looked almost happy? Even Tamaki thought so.

Izuku promised they were vague enough that your cousin didn't know you were in the country, they just made it seem like they were checking in, but it piqued his interest anyways; he'd been blowing up your phone all day. Once you got a charger for your phone (somehow not smashed to pieces, just a badly cracked screen) you had several missed calls, five voicemails, and at least fifty texts.

Tam Tam: Bakugo and Midoriya called and asked about you today and it made me realize we haven't talked in a couple months.

Tam Tam: Actually, those two haven't asked about you in while. Did you guys reconnect?

Tam Tam: This doesn't have something to do with that task force, does it?

Tam Tam: I called your agency since you're not answering just to check and they said you don't work with them anymore. That's wrong, right? You would've told me if you changed agencies.

Tam Tam: Why aren't you answering?

Tam Tam: Why aren't you calling me back?

Tam Tam: It's been like 8 hours. Where are you?

Tam Tam: You have until the morning to answer me and then I'm getting on a plane.

Tam Tam: This isn't funny. I'm worried!

You groaned and not just from the pain of your injuries.

All you wanted was time to get your life sorted. To make it seem like you had everything in order and you didn't just decide to up and move with all your belongings shoved into a single bag. You'd planned this move, you just wanted to make it seem like you'd been planning it for several months, not two days.

Of course, Katsuki and Izuku were now hell-bent on helping you get situated. Izuku offered up his apartment in the city for you to stay in and Katsuki explained there was an executive assistant position open at their agency.

They were skeptical when you explained you were taking a time out from heroing. Izuku asking question after question while Katsuki silently judged you with folded arms, trying to read you rather than listen to your words. They settled for you saying something happened and you needed a break. They didn't need to know that break was for the foreseeable future.

But both of them insisted you'd be the perfect executive assistant role. You knew all the ins and outs of what their duties demanded, every facet of the job, and it paid well.

"Just let us know when you're cleared from the hospital and we'll set up your first day."

"Don't I need to interview or something?"

"Fuck no." Katsuki scoffed at the very idea. "I'd rather have you in charge of all that bullshit rather than some ditz who doesn't understand how timezones work."

Izuku just nodded emphatically with agreement and it was decided.

Still, you didn't feel settled, not home and cozy like you hoped you'd be when you showed up at your cousin's door with the surprise of your relocation.

A soft couple of knocks on your door removed you from your unease and you muttered for them to come in, assuming it was a nurse or doctor but instead another patient stood in the doorway. One with bright red hair and a soft grin.

"I'm so sorry!" Were the first words out of your mouth.

His laugh was much softer than that day at the park but just as genuine. "Why the hell are you sorry? You're the one who fell off a train."

"Yeah, but I dropped the stuff that went into your back and you had to have surgery!"

"It comes with the job. I knew what I was signing up for and, believe me when I say, this isn't the worst shape I've been in."

You noticed he was still lingering in the entryway. "Would you like to come in?"

He stepped through and closed the door softly behind him, shutting out the various beeps and chatter, the usual hospital din, and sat on the wheeled chair that the doctor usually used. A quick glance and you realized with his size there was a decent chance he wouldn't be able to fit comfortably in the flimsy pink chairs.

"So, you're doing okay then?"

"Better than okay. I'll be out of here tomorrow they said. But, what about you?"

You told him the doctor's report and followed it up with your own personal assessment of how you were handling the pain. "It's honestly better than I thought I'd be doing. Guess I'm just lucky I got here as quick as I did. Thanks for that, by the way."

He looked adorable with a little color rising in his cheeks.

"I'd like to say anytime but I really hope I don't have to pull you from another accident, ever."

Conversation flowed easily between you two, shifting from one topic to the next until he finally said how he was sorry for not knowing who you were in the park, that he would have offered you a job on the spot if he'd known your relationship to Tamaki.

"He- he doesn't know I'm here yet!" You abruptly cut him off but he only grinned.

"Yeah I know, Bakugo told me as much." He held up two large hands to show he meant no harm, "And I won't be the one to tell him. I'm just saying, Amajiki is a real good friend and I wouldn't feel right not offering his family help if I could. Seems Bakugo and Midoriya took care of the offering part though..."

"That's right. New executive assistant for the Alliance Hero Agency, at your service." The title felt a little odd rolling off your tongue but not bad.

"I hope you know you're gonna have your work cut out for you with Bakugo."

"And you, Red Riot? Are you gonna give me trouble?"

"Me?" He feigned offense, "I'll be the least of your problems. You'll barely even notice me around."

Right, because over six and a half feet tall was easy to not notice. "It won't be too bad though. We might seem like a pretty busy agency and, we are but we're also a real close group too. You won't be in this alone."

You were pretty sure you shouldn't have found his smile as comforting as you did, it was probably just the pain meds.

"Thanks, Red Riot, I appreciate that."

"It's Kirishima, please."

Before you had a chance to respond a nurse had knocked on your door, "Pardon the interruption but Mr. Kirishima, you have visitors."

All you could see from over the shoulder of the nurse was a head of curly pink hair but from around her legs bolted a very familiar little girl.

"Daddy!"

Kirishima was already standing when Remiru launched herself at him. "Baby girl! You've gotta take it easy on your dad! Remember me telling you about all his ouchies."

"'S fine, Mina." Though his gritted teeth told another story.

The woman with light pink skin and hair the color of bubble gum hurried right in, spouting apologizes. "I can take her back to your room-"

"Windy hero?" Remiru muttered, red eyes peeking over her dad's shoulder at you.

"Heya, kiddo." They lit up and she began wiggling, trying to physically climb over Kirishima to get to you.

"Easy, Pebble, wait a sec. Remember how daddy had to have surgery to fix his boo-boos?" She nodded, "Well, Ms. Y/N did too but she had to have a lot more, so you're gonna have to ask before climbing. You can't go jumpin' on her like ya can with me."

He put her on the ground and she slowly approached. "Ms. Y/N? Can I come up?"

You held out your hand for her to use but Kirishima was quick to give her a boost. The little girl settled against your knee after her dad had scooted her away from your hip.

"Are you okay?"

"I will be. You don't have to worry."

"You saved me and my daddy saved you."

"Yeah, kiddo, he sure did."

"Ah, but, don't forget, Ms. Y/N saved other people at the crash too, I can't take all the credit."

You rolled your eyes at how humble he was.

"'M glad daddy saved you in case I need saved again."

"Are you planning on chasing ducks anytime soon?"

A single tiny pointed tooth poked out when she tried to hide her grin. "No..."

"Pebble," He buried his nose in his daughter's neck making her giggle, "We talked about you fibbin'."

"If I see duckies, I chase duckies! I can't help it!" She shrieked. "But, you saved Ms. Y/N so if I do chase duckies she can be there for me."

There was nothing quite as pure as the logic of a toddler. "Maybe, you could learn to swim, then you could save yourself if something happens when you're chasing duckies."

Her face set into a frown that made you nearly laugh. Hiding it away behind little hands. "I can't. I tried. I can't do it."

"You just haven't done it yet." You remembered what Kirishima had said over a week ago, "What if one day you could swim with turtles?" Her fingers spread to watch you, "Orcas?" They slowly lowered, "What about seals?"

"I like seals. But, my favorite is sharks 'cause they got teeth like me and daddy do."

"Ah, yes, well, if you learn to swim then one day you could swim with sharks too!"

She seemed to consider this, fidgetting in her spot, "Would you help me?"

You glanced at Kirishima who looked amazed his daughter was even considering what you were saying. "When I'm better, sure, kiddo. As long as it's okay with your dad, and your mother, of course." You didn't want to leave his wife out since she was standing right there. Remiru made it seem like she wasn't around but...

"Mother?" Mina croaked a laugh with Kirishima.

"Mom doesn't care." Remiru sassed.

"Hey, she's right there, I'm sure she cares!"

Remiru looked around the room, very confused. "Mommy's not here. Just Daddy and Auntie Mina."

"Oh, oh gods, I'm sorry!"

"It's fine." Both Kirishima and Mina told you through a fit of giggles and Kirishima quickly explained the friendship he and Mina shared.

"Mr. Kirishima," The nurse had returned, "We need to take you for that follow-up set of X-Rays now."

Mina had picked up a reluctant Remiru. "Wait! Can I see you tomorrow!"

"Aw, sweetie, your dad's going home tomorrow, you won't have to come back here."

"But!"

Kirishima took his frantic daughter. "Hey. Calm it down a notch. I don't mind bringing you back to see Ms. Y/N if that's alright with her."

"Can I?" She pleaded with those enormous eyes.

"That's fine with me."

"Great. We'll see you tomorrow then."