Oh my goodness! Please forgive my absence and enjoy this chapter!

I do NOT own My Hero Academia. (Boku no Hero Academia)

Chapter 2: I Feel A Migraine Coming On, Pt. 2

"I uh, don't have one"

Insert blank stare.

"You're Quirkless"

It was more of a blunt statement than a question. The HandMans' tone not bitter, but not overly pleased either. I exhaled softly and tried my absolute best to keep my expression attentive and respectful, something that I did fairly well considering how intimidating Shigaraki was.

It was inevitable really; Yins' Quirk was right out in the open (so to speak), so it came as no surprise when the 'leader' of the League was curious about what I was 'granted' with. The whole conversation actually started with me politely asking who saved me (it was Kurogiri, surprise-surprise), we introduced ourselves, and shortly after that, well, I landed myself into the awkward situation I was in with the overly frightening man next to me.

Thankfully, Yin wasn't there to laugh at me and my sheepish attempt at being professional (he only wanted a drink, leaving shortly after he did so).

Oh well, it was a good life… "I know, I'm disappointing"

I flinched slightly as Shigaraki shifted, only so to face Kurogiri, the misty bartender casting me a glance before settling his gaze on the man in front of him.

"You should have just handed her over to the police"

I should've seen it coming but still –ouch dude

"She-"

"She has no place here, and you know it" Mr. FacePalm cut Kurogiri short. He sighed "Open a gate".

Without another word, Kurogiri opened a rift right beside me.

With a glare, Shigaraki pointed to the space/time tear "Now, get out". When I didn't move immediately, the Disintegration-Quirk user slowly stood, his patience clearly waning.

I still didn't move. Not out of stubbornness, nor out of fear, but rather because of the strong and unhealthy influence of determination.

"You're starting to piss me off…"

Determination for what exactly? To be honest, I hadn't the slightest clue. So, I remained seated as Shigaraki raised his outstretched hand slowly. Eyeing the approaching appendage that seemed to be moving that way for dramatic effect, the fingers of Death were literally an inch away from me before I decided to mumble a 'screw it' and leap backwards, something that surely shocked the irascible man in front of me. Think of something!

That shock only lasted a brief few seconds. "How do you…"

"I don't…" the best lies border on the truth "I'm just guessing that whatever you do with your hands will either kill me or really mess up my face". I pressed my palms to each cheek with an audible 'slap' "And I don't consider myself to be a narcissist, but, I do love my face the way it is"

His glare only intensified. I'm still gonna die, but at least I got to flash my comedic side…say, that portal is still open maybe –no, this is too much fun, Kurogiri continued to watch both of us, his yellow misty orbs brightened a little at my cheeky humor. Though despite that, were still very sad, poor guy would no doubt be the one to clean my ashes if I kept up the shenanigans.

"Cute, you know you're only making things harder on yourself right?" Shigaraki shuffled forward a couple of steps, still intent on doing…whatever. I guessed grabbing me and giving the old heave-ho through the portal. "All you need to do is go through that vortex, is that so hard?!"

Death was getting closer, yet I refused to comply. "Is it because I was nice?" I 'shivered' "Yikes, I can't imagine what you'd do to me if I was a rude jerk"

"Keep this up, and you'll find out the hard way". His irritation was increasing exponentially, that was for sure. I had to play things carefully. Self preservation mode activate!

"On a serious note" I glanced at Kurogiri "Do I really need to leave?"

Shigaraki paused, the tall man (or tall compared to me anyway) inches from me, his stance strongly hinting toward 'are you serious?!'.

"Human beings -and I don't mean to sound cold here- are a resource…" I trailed off, waiting for the killing strike. Nothing came. "I don't know what you guys are planning and who exactly you are, whomever you may be though, I can help in other ways" I refrained from sounding desperate as I appealed to Kurogiri "Are you hiring?".

That made both men jump.

"It is just me running this bar…" while Black Mist was in deep thought, HandyMan eyed me, his stare making it abundantly clear that we weren't done.

"Huh, you pulled a fast one there" Shigaraki snorted "Though I have to ask you this". He, with the speed and grace of a cat, placed both hands on my shoulders (both index fingers in the air). I stifled an 'eep'. "Can we really trust you?" his hand-covered face hovered closer "How do we know you won't run back to the police, or a Pro-Hero, once you step outside this bar?"

And right back to square one, I could respect his paranoia…sort of. "I…" my eyes widened as I remembered something, er, someone "I take it Giran hasn't told you". I still got a card left…

"Giran…"

"He wished to question her while I was off running errands" Kurogiri piped back in, snapping back from whatever thoughts he had about hiring me. "He left awhile ago; he didn't share any details of whatever conversation he had with her"

Shigaraki scratched his neck at that; I flinched as he did so. "I really don't like that guy…" he sighed and focused back on me, pointing as he did so. "Talk"

I explained everything (well, except the bit about being from another universe), and to be quite frank I felt like a broken record, but since everyone was up to speed on my predicament, it was worth the headache.

"So you think we're a charity or something?"

Almost worth the headache, Shigaraki made sure of that.

"Of course not!" the 'sweat-drop' made itself known as I shook my head frantically "I just want a new start is all!". I was earnestly afraid he would continue the questioning, given how he appeared to not be satisfied.

"Kurogiri, she's all yours". Thank GOD I was wrong. The tiniest spark of relief flickered in my chest as Shigaraki left through the door on the other end of the bar, even if it seemed like he did so just to avoid killing me.

With a big grin, I turned to the misty bartender. "So, I start now, right?"

Of course I never had any prior experience in bar tending before (as I pointed out immediately as he was showing me around the place), but I was more than satisfied with helping on other tasks, typically cleaning. It was, after all, my first day on the 'job', he, nor I, didn't expect me to do anything a trained bartender would do, that being so, he assigned me the duty of cleaning the glassware whilst he went off to take care of other matters. Without complaint, I went right to work, as if there was no task I couldn't do, it was menial, yes, but something I was no stranger to. Given that it was a new job in a new universe, I saw no need to abandon my (decent) work ethic. So I tackled (figuratively) the rather large cluster to glasses.

An hour or so later, I was still at it.

I've never felt so professional, I mused, humming a little tune that matched no song in particular, quite content in my uniform. I was lucky, to say the least, that we had found it in one of the storage boxes not that much later after I was shown around the joint. Even more so when it was a woman's AND my size, while also coming with a pair of low-heel pumps. The outfit was surprisingly breathable and comfy. If I didn't know I would look childish while doing so, I would have jogged and stretched in place. Oh well, at least it's made standing this past hour or two bearable…

"Just a couple more to go…" I set the polished glass, which was pristine thank you very much, onto its' respected place on one of the shelves behind me, immediately grabbing the next glass in line. I was in no hurry, though anyone that would've been watching me would have thought otherwise. I tended to work 'fast' when all outside distractions were not around, even faster when the same thing applied to 'inside' distractions. My thoughts were the only things that kept me from cleaning those glasses so vigorously they'd break. "I wonder what else I should do, Kuro didn't exactly leave me a list" I found my eyes darting to the door, no particular reason, but my thoughts did wonder to Shigaraki.

That really was a close one, why was I being so stubborn? I'd typically nod, thank them for their hospitality, and then hop into that vortex as if it led to the end of a frickin' rainbow…but, I winced, but I probably just ruined my good first impression, dear Buddha, I probably looked desperate, I swiftly finished my second to last cup, hand subconsciously grabbing the next while I continued to stare down that door. If it were a person, it likely would have been very anxious. Hmmm, I wonder where Yin disappeared to, never really said… I huffed I may not like him, but SOME company would be nice. I mentally cursed when I realized just how lonely I was (not the sexual kind of lonely, pervs). It got even worse once I finished my last glass. Ahhh shiiit, what now? I debated taking the initiative to find something to do, however, the bar was already spotless, and there was no need to take inventory because everything was fully stocked. And thus, boredom set in.

"All by myyy seeehlf-" I cut myself off once I saw (out of my peripheral vision) the television flicker on.

And as quickly as it arrived, boredom packed its' bags and left without so much as a farewell.

Now what was that? I cautiously tiptoed around the corner of the counter, very much like a cat, as I approached the T.V. set as quietly as possible. Could it be All For One?! Oh dear, that's definitely a call I shouldn't answer –wait, I stopped, and then took a few more hesitant steps forward, peering at the purple background. Can he see me? As nervous as I was, I took another step. Feeling especially brave, I waved at the television. What's the worst that can ha-

:"Why hello":

The noise that left me was a fine blend of a distressed bird and a startled cat. And to add to my humiliation, I left the ground by a whole two feet (no exaggeration), my body in no way, shape or form, ready for the harsh landing. However, I ignored my sore butt in favor of giving All For One my undivided attention. My eyes never leaving the television set as I stood back up. "I-I'm s-sorry a-about that" I held my hand over my heart, the jump scare still fresh in my mind "May I ask who's calling?". Thaaat's right, play it cool –This is too soon! What's with all these character introductions on such short notice! My head pounded in anticipation for an answer…

A chuckle.

A deep, rumbling chuckle came from the television. I'm screwed…?

:"You may call me Sensei":

Just like that, damn, and he sounds so friendly, I winced upon remembering his face (or what was left of one) from the series. And how, and why, it got there.

:"And, if you don't mind me asking, who are you?":

I'm really doing this, having a friendly chat with the main villain of this series, "…Cassandra…" I shuffled toward one on the stools, oh dear, I need to sit for this.

There was a pause, then:

:"Giran mentioned you":

I nodded, calm. On the inside, I was in turmoil. "Word travels quickly" I smiled, but it was to hide my growing discomfort, owwww, my head hurts like a son-of-bitch

:"Indeed, it does. How is your head?":

"Better" Maybe

:"That's good to hear":

More silence. "Hey, Sensei" so I decided to be the one to break it, as a way to show that I wasn't socially awkward. I heard a faint hum come from the television, he was listening. "Did Giran mention anything about my, er, Quirk situation?"

:"You are Quirkless":

Yep, this guy doesn't miss a beat, "Yeah…that…" I hung my head "sorry 'bout that".

:"And yet, here you are":, his tone wasn't hostile, the complete opposite actually. He sounded as if he were smiling. :"I couldn't help but notice you are wearing a bartender's uniform. How did that come to be, hmm?":

"I sweet-talked my way into a job" I giggled a little at that, either because I could hear the amusement in AFO's voice, suggesting that he had an idea why I was wearing the uniform, or because I recalled how I (myself) had gotten it.

"If you got yourself to where you are now, then there is no reason why you should leave": there was a voice in the background, who it was, I had no idea. :"I must take my leave now, take care Cassandra":

What- "Wait! Don't you want to leave a message? This call was intended for Shigaraki and Kurogiri, right?"

I couldn't see him, but I swear I felt a 'grin', and it gave me the chills.

:"No, no it's fine, I'll call later": not a second passed before the transmission abruptly ended, the screen going black once more. I gaped at the blank television, not sure what to do as the inanimate piece of technology seemed to mock me. I should have just hid behind the counter…

I stiffened upon hearing the door behind me open, but relaxed once I saw a familiar bluenette stroll on in with a few other people (that weren't Roach, or Colossus), his 'pet' growling right beside him.

"Wow, that's a cute outfit, not quite slutty maid material though" Yin smirked, walking up to the counter and leaning on it.

Snapping out of my shock of talking to AFO, I gave the bluenette my best glare, followed by a grin. "First off, dumbass, this is a bartender's uniform. Second…" I eased myself off the stool, preparing to roast myself for the better, or worse, as I ambled over to Yin and proceeded to poke the hell out of his chest with every word. "One cannot be a slut WHEN they haven't even lost their virginity"

Shockingly, I didn't get any snarky quips, but instead a puzzled expression complete with a light blush.

Grinning, I marched behind the counter, eyeing the new faces behind Yin. All of which were either chuckling, or giving me suggestive looks; thankfully, those went away as soon as a sixth body entered the room. Oblivious to the malicious stares that were previously present, Kurogiri walked behind the counter, disappearing ever so briefly (probably to hang up his coat) behind the purple curtain, only to reemerge with an apologetic gaze.

"Forgive me, I was gone longer than I wished to be" he glanced at the three men (excluding Yin) and one woman near the door. He placed a misty hand on my shoulder as he examined the glassware, yellow slants widening with approval. "You have done a swell job…" with a pat, he removed his hand, and pulled something out of his pocket. Yen, it seemed to be.

Oh my, I need a refresher on converting Yen to U.S. dollar amounts, whatever the amount though, I was grateful as he handed me the money. So grateful, I had no restraint whatsoever as I hugged him with a suppressed squeal.

What? I'm sure there are plenty of people in the fan-base that would want to hug the guy.

And it wasn't as if it was a lasting hug either, because I can only guess (by the way Kurogiri lightly brushed me off) that the guys -and girl- behind us were making inappropriate gestures. Sure enough, I turned around to find Yin with his signature smirk back on his face.

"If you two are done, I could use another drink"

"Are you seriously carding me?!"

"Yes, I seriously am, now let's see it" I held my hand out, eyes narrowed at one of the recruits. His buddies chuckling as I retained my posture. In case you were wondering, yes, I was carding him, why you ask? Because I was instructed to do so, I didn't believe it at first, but I swiftly accepted Black Mists' idea on NOT letting minors drink. Or in my case, a minor drink.

"Come on, lady"

I almost chuckled at the notion that a bar, run by villains, would set the standards of a regular bar. Kurogiri even took the time (whilst mixing drinks for the others) to remind me that the drinking age was 20 in Japan.

"Sorry junior. No ID, no booze"

Mumbling obscenities, the young man looked through his pockets. It must be embarrassing, being the only one, out of the whole group, to be singled out, it was pretty easy, even in anime-dimensions, the other recruits looked to be older, presenting more 'mature' features. And, hearing their voices certainly helped.

"Where is…aha!" the cocky bastard slammed a drivers' license in front of me "read it and weep, bitch!"

Oh, it is on you little shit, with a sweet smile, I meticulously eyed the card. Hmmm, says he's 22, okay, I looked through the print, and pursed my lip, maybe he really is…wait… scanning the picture, my smile grew even wider. Gotcha

"Your eyes are blue…" I stated, glaring at the 'kid' in front of me. "…in this picture, the man has bluish-green eyes and a very faint scar under his lip" I tapped the picture; I got a gulp as a response.

"How-"

"Attention to detail, now shoo"

Mumbling more obscenities, he shuffled toward the stool closest to the blonde woman. "Wait" I pulled out a jar, getting curious stares all around, "Pay up".

"What-"

"You heard me"

"BAHAHAHA what is that supposed to be? A swear jar?! Oh please-"

"It's not a swear jar"

Everybody listened in, curious to hear just what I had planned. I'll tell you, it was good, at least in my head anyway. "It's an impudence jar"

"The hell-"

"She wants you to pay a fee for your rude behavior" Kurogiri piped in from the far end of the counter, his glare fixated on the rude little ass-wipe in front of me. Oh boy was life good.

"Well that's too bad, 'cuz she can suck my-"

"Pay"

Now THAT is a no-nonsense tone, I bit the inside of my lip as Kurogiri impatiently pointed to the jar. It was instantly effective.

"Fine, fine!" the kid submitted with a frown, digging out a coin and depositing it in the jar.

"Pleasure doing business with you"

"B-" he bit his tongue upon seeing Kurogiri still glaring at him, "you too". And, turning on the ball of his foot, he sat next to the blonde woman.

"It's not much, but I'm sure it will suffice" Kurogiri pat the surface of the bed, any dust that was still on the surface (that being very little, a negligible amount really) dispersing through the air.

"I'm not picky" I really wasn't, it also helped that the room itself was already quite clean. I could only imagine that Kuro was a housekeeper as well as a bartender. 'Jack Of All Trades' as one would say. "And even if I was I wouldn't complain, this room is pristine" I smiled and picked up a very familiar mirror. It only made sense that I was to be boarded in the same room I already slept (and bled) in, some blood staining one of the pillows. Although it would been more convenient if I was put in a room closer to the bar, I didn't complain. I was also sure 'my' room was the furthest from the HandyMans', assuming that he lived in the same building.

"Thank you, I try my absolute best to keep this place clean and orderly…" he said proudly, though the second half was barely audible muttering. Must've commented (to himself) that the property never raked in any customers or tenants…for obvious reasons.

It was a shame really, Kurogiri was a gentleman. People would have surely flocked in from all over the country to buy a drink (or a room) for just that reason.

Which reminded me…

"Kurogiri?"

"Hm?" he winced as he pried off the bloody pillowcase and replaced it with a fresh one. Squeamish…?

"Do…do you need me to pay rent?" despite being a permanently 'vacant' lot that was shut-down years ago and was currently a hide-out for villains, it would have been wrong of me to NOT ask.

Cuz' I'll get two jobs if that's what it takes…hmmm, I wonder if I need to have a new identity forged? It will certainly help when applying for a job –or anything in this universe

"As long as you work here, you don't need to" he regarded me with an amused glare. Hehehe, right, stupid question, I exhaled softly and shuffled over to the drawer, placing the mirror gently on it, all while gentle footfalls passed me to exit through the door. Only to pause ever so briefly, "I almost forgot…" as Kuro pulled out some gauze and heavy bandages, "I trust you know how, and when, to use these?".

I nodded, grasping the medical supplies graciously.

"Alright, goodnight Cassandra" with a gentle 'click' of the door closing fully, I was, once again, all by myself.

With a soft sigh, I went to take a shower, redressing the cut on my head afterward.

Soooooo what'd y'all think? Did I do okay with keeping in character? How about character interactions? How about the 'impudence' jar? :D

BTW, IF you're interested in seeing what Yin looks like, he's on my DeviantArt.