A/N Chapter 28! i will *try and get a chapter or two done before I go away for two weeks so that i have them ready for upload. Hope You enjoy this! Thank you all for your follows and reviews ^_^ Enjoy!
The day before the weekend and I was finishing up helping Nemuri as she concluded teaching hero modern art history. I was supporting Eijiro Kirishima with the fine details and ensuring that Minoru Mineta was concentrating – that boy would make a great fashion designer one day if the hero business doesn't pan out for him! After all, he very attentive to the female physique!
When everyone had finished to go on off to lunch, it was just me and Nemuri that was heading towards the teacher's lounge for lunch.
Her sudden suggestion made me flinch as I was in my own world thinking what to get Toshinori for his birthday. Only three days left!
"Kasumi! I was thinking we should have a night out – just us two!"
"Huh? Wha? A night out? ….Sure! It's been a little while, and I could do with the change of scenery."
Her facial expressions became all sinister.
"N-Not Strip clubs Nemuri!" I tried to bury my head behind my satchel
"Well there goes my plan B."
"What was plan A"
"I need you to be my wing man"
I stopped in my tracks. Since when did Nemuri need my assistance in this department? She's been my wingman. But that would mean we're might be going to…
"We're going to a Gouk-"
She hurriedly put her hand over my mouth to usher, hauling me to one side.
"Shhhhh! Yes! But the others can't know I'm taking you – they can't even know we're going."
Pulling her hand away, I was even more perplexed.
"I can't see what the issue is though."
We made our way to my 'secret' garden area in the school so that she could explain to me what exactly what she wanted.
"I have a potential date tonight, and I said that I would bring some of my friends with me and he would bring some as well – if I brought Hizashi he would clear the room with that voice of his once he starts with the karaoke. Can't bring Shota because he's capable of killing the atmosphere with just a look. I have some in mind who I still talk to from time to time who'd want to join in."
"and where do I fit in?"
"I need you to organise the pairings so that everyone has someone they can go home to – also I need you to vouch for me."
"I assume you like this guy….?"
"I'm interested – but I need you there with me in case it goes awry."
I tucked into my egg fired rice and teriyaki chicken. If I'm lucky today I can finally eat my sweet onigiri!
"Since when? I know for a FACT that you can handle yourself – just a slight exposure to your quirk and BAM! They're out like a kipper. You know I'll help you out, that's a given. Just don't understand why the hush-hush that's all…."
"Do you remember that time we went to a friendly goukon as teenagers?" Her voice had almost become condescending waving a Takoyaki – eugh! I can't stand octopus!
"um….I think I know this one! Hizashi got over excited and made everyone's ears bleed trying to host the karaoke! I was deaf for 2 hours before my eardrums regenerated! Um, I don't remember much because –"
I was interjected via a paper fan wapped across my head
"Because your 'friend' found out! He and his mates had decided to join in the whole thing and ousted the first lot out of the door!"
"But you went out with Koji in the end, didn't you? And besides, it was just a coincidence."
A few moments of silence past by before I could see the imaginary cogs in her head turn – this can't be good.
"Ok Kasumi! I take your word for it but! For tonight….why don't we place a little bet."
"O-kay, I'm up for this! What is it?"
"After work, we go to mine, get done up and go to this goukon – if it goes without a hitch and uninterrupted then I owe you a week's worth of my wage"
I wasn't going to pass up on that! That could give me possibilities! I could take Toshinori out for dinner! I rubbed my hands together in excitement.
"Ok! I'm up for that! And if I lose?"
"Oh Dear Kasumi…."
Her sadistic laugh reverberated, making me wish I hadn't agreed.
"It's simple – you have to drink 2 bottles, that's two lots of 800ml bottles of Metronome one….after….the other"
I thought for a moment. This could go in my favour. As long as no one knows what we're doing exactly then that money is as good as mine! On the other hand, 1600mls of metronome – whatever it is would be a walk in the park for someone with a quirk like mine. Maybe it's to ensure that she looks better towards the guy she's got an eye on. Without questioning I took on the challenge.
"That should be easy! I accept!" Shaking her hand without her noticing her smirking manically at me. It was almost as if I had made a deal with the devil from the film Bedazzle.
After lunch, Class 1-A were in the throes of Foundational Hero Studies. Of course it was a cat and mouse game to which everyone were in teams of two and the idea was of course catch me!
"Are you ok with this Miss Yakota?" Mina asked, hardly containing herself because this was the first time in a while since I joined in an activity that didn't involve a limb of mine to go missing.
"Of course! All each team has to do is catch the long red flag attached to my hip. I think there are no rules in this is there All Might?"
Again, he resorted to his piece of paper with his notes. The class and I flatlined in our expressions before he roared confidently with laughter.
"Only to keep damage to the gamma city to a minimum. Remember also, Miss Yakota is a villain in this exercise, and she will do her best not to be caught so! Without further ado, I'll give her a two-minute head start once the first team and herself have entered the arena."
As I walked out with Hanta and Denki, All Might pulled me to one side and whispered in my ear, making my cheeks flush.
"No secondary quirk and try and keep your gloves intact."
"Hn, of course All Might. This is just a warm-up for them ready for when they do the end of term practical exams – so I'm happy to oblige."
of course, we still had to remain professional at work, but it again didn't stop him from rubbing the back of his neck as I ran off, wishing the students good luck.
It was a fun afternoon! I leapt from building to building trying to dodge Momo's projectiles. I even got to taunt a few of them! All in good jest of course and good 70% managed to grab the flag. Using doors as Frisbees and shields were entertaining also! particularly seeing a few of the students get knocked out of the air.
It was also challenging to avert myself from going all out though, especially when Bakugo just went all in with guns blazing. I ended up unfortunately, knocking him out with a hard, direct hit on the bridge of his nose, only to have Kirishima take the flag from me because I was too distracted.
Well played my angry little ferret and his pet rock. That bruised the ego of my interrogator-self.
I slung Bakugo over my shoulder, amused that this little fireball had come up with a strategy to 'capture me'. I might need to keep an eye on this one in the future and watch his training videos. I believe he'll be a more formidable opponent when he's older. I look forward to it.
"Sorry All Might, I was really into the villain role!" I did my best to explain my actions as Bakugo was taken to the infirmary by the medi-bots as the students left and finished to go to their homeroom.
"As much as I admire your dedication to the role, you went overboard. That strike could be heard from up here!"
"But It wasn't enough to comatose him at least! I would know how to incapacitate people effectively and efficiency with minimal damage after all…"
All Might sat down on the swivel chair and ran his hands through his hair in frustration. I on the other hand, had my arms and legs crossed and sat on top of the small filing cabinet defensively.
"I can't help you if you're going to do reckless things like that. You need to be alert with your actions and to your surroundings Miss Yakota!"
"You're….you're worried about my other quirk, aren't you? You don't live a quirk like this for decades and just 'forget' that it's there suddenly! Honestly, if you can't trust me with this then who do I trust?"
"That's not what I said." All Might relented in exasperation "I'm trying to give you a critique for next time. I gave my word to Chief that if I could keep your secret till I retire then, we could…."
I released my arms to my sides, softening my stance.
"Could what? What did happened yesterday when you said that you'd speak to him?"
He leant back in the chair, almost in a prone position and his hands rested behind his head in confidence, smiling to himself.
"…..Let's just say it finally went in my favour."
Before he could divulge on the matter the final bell of the day went, It dawned me that I had to meet up with Nemuri.
"Uh…..ah! Is it that late? Tell me later All Might! Sorry, but I'm off out with Nemuri tonight!"
I could see his 'antennas' twitch in surprise. His inquisitiveness was getting the better of him.
"Out?" All Might tried to pry as he got up to walk with me out the door and towards the front door entrance of U.A.
I waved him goodbye, cheekily grinning from ear to ear as if somebody brought me a new bio-chemistry anthology in apothecary (nothing exciting I know, but it means I can get creative with my quirk!).
I don't want to say too much though because everything's got to go smoothly. As I said, I'm off out tonight with Nemuri and some of her friends so I can also brush up on my social skills some more. This is like a side mission for me!
"Yup! It's a woman's night out so….. that's all I can say on the matter! Enjoy your evening marking paperwork!"
As he went to say something else, I had turned heel and dashed off to meet Nemuri. Sorry All Might – but I can't tell you what we're doing tonight. I'm sure he'd understand if he knew of the situation but a bet's a bet (and I'm doing this for the cause that is his birthday!). We were going to buy some outfits for tonight and then get ready to hit the nightclubs and Bars. Even Hizashi couldn't hold us back as we scurried off to the high street.
We must've been a few hours before settled on one shop. My feel kill!
"Did you say anything to anyone?" Nemuri coaxed, a hand on her hip as she piled on various clothes from a shop for me to try on.
"I only said that we're having a woman's night out – nothing sinister. Why so many clothes? Aren't you getting an outfit?"
"Oh me?" Placing a finger on her lips in a 'mock-coy' like manner. "I have my outfit already. Who did you tell my little blue fuzzball?"
"Toshinori-Kun of course…I didn't say anything else! Cross my heart and hope not to regenerate!"
Her laugh became lightly moronic, rolling her eyes in an 'oh you' type of manner. It was like having an older sister at times, but that's why I've enjoyed her company all these years – she was caring, and yet I still had lots to learn from her.
"Kasumi, I'm sure when it comes to him, your common sense goes right out of the window. Did anything happen when you told him?"
"Um….his bangs twitched! Does that count for anything? Nemuri?"
Her devious grin slid into a smile.
"Oh no…no...nothing at all. Why don't you try this one!" Pulling out a white, raunched plunge dress, making me pull a 'what the heck' face.
"I'm not so sure on that one; I've always gone casual or comfy Nemuri" As she made me drop the others and shunted me into the dressing room in such a hurry. Did she spot someone?
"What's wrong? Did you spot an ex?" trying to see why she was so eager to stuff me behind the fitting rooms.
"Just keep quiet, let's just say the scouting party is about….. That was pretty quick."
I peeked out of the curtain, whispering low towards her as she was also hiding.
"what scouting party?"
"some of the students from 1-A. I can also just make the big guy out standing outside giving autographs…"
I shook my head. Honestly, she's just paranoid now. People do go shopping after work and heroes have outside jobs as well!
"It's just pure coincidence Nemuri – you're overthinking now. Do you want to check this outfit out? Personally, I think my chest is spilling out a bit though….. Wonder how Momo copes with her costume?"
I know I'm D cup but seriously – how do those with larger chests than mine deal with it? Like Mt Lady? Maybe I could sew the dress so looks like a v-neck. If Nemuri allows me that is….
Nemuri sneaked into where I was. After checking the outfit's fitting, she bit her bottom lip in approval.
"It suits you so well! Just need to straighten your wavy hair, and you'll be perfect. Don't change the dress also! you know I've never, ever seen you look like this and if I was Toshinori…..well, actually I'd like to be a fly on the wall on that one…."
"Nemuri, I'm going to look like the French flag at this rate from blushing so let's just pay for this and get ready at yours ok? Please?"
The thought was just too much for me, and I was hitting my left arm to stop an old tic from raising its ugly head. My phone rang, causing me to grab it clumsily but today, it decided to be a bar of soap – got it!
"Hello? Oh Hello mother!" I pointed to my yellow cell phone to signal to Nemuri who was paying for the outfit. When she found out it was my mother, she was over the moon and chatted with her for five minutes before giving my phone back.
"I see Nemuri is spritely as ever Kasumi dear."
"Yeah, she and I are going to going one of that blind-date thing….Goukon"
"I thought you liked Toshinori?" Her voice hinted slight concern.
"I do!" Protesting "Very much so! I-I'm just her wingman tonight so that her date goes well."
"Just be careful ok? You ring that nice man if you get into trouble ok?"
If she could see my face now, it would be that of a 'deadpan' expression.
"You know I would mother – but I'm sure I'll be ok. You can't expect him to come running over things like this. There are muggings and worse things out there that would make better use of his time ok?"
"At least you're sensible – well ok dear, I'll go phone him now….."
"NO! MOTHER!? Don't you dare Ph – dammit she hung up!"
Everyone in the shop was staring at me. I had Nemuri pulling me out of the store because I was leaving a trail of pendulum tears as I silently cursed my mother. I just want her to trust me and leave me to my own devices….is that so hard!?
This bet is becoming less and less in my favour.
We got to Nemuri's place. It had a unique vibe to it, there was the wine rack of course, but the whole living room area looked…..grown up. I thought mine did, but hers was in a way – the opposite of her heroine personality I guess.
"You can look all you want Kasumi – you won't be able to find my secret room."
I opened a few doors only to find a closet, the toilet and a cleaning cupboard. Darn it!
"You told the guys back at the bureau that one time you had one!"
"Maybe I do…..Maybe I don't – who knows? Get dressed, and I'll do you up" She jovially teased as she patted the foot stool in front of her dressing room mirror.
"It's your date - remember? Who is the guy? Do you or I know him?" As I went into the bathroom to put on the dress, she brought me.
"Naomasa… Tsukauchi"
I paused for a moment. Now, where have I heard or seen that name…
"How did you guys meet?" I tried to wrestle some more information out of her.
"He's on the police force; we got chatting after those incidences with the villains and prior to that when there were incidents of trigger users….. It's just a friendly meet – but it goes well then yeah! Let's hope it does ok? Why the sudden questions?"
The reason is on the tip of my tongue – but I can't put his face to the name! I should know this because we work closely with them! Argh! This is annoying!
"Oh, just an old interrogator habit of mine" I shrugged, sitting on the footstool as she began to straighten my hair. By the time she was done even I couldn't recognise myself! I had to blink a few times and stare at the mirror at a few times. I've only ever put on waterproof mascara but what she's done is amazing!
"Why are you in the hero business? This is miraculous!"
"Calm down Kasumi. It's just basics. Just going to get ready myself – shan't be long. I'll bring some make-up emergency supplies as well tonight ok?"
Well, it was just gone 10 pm by the time we got out of her apartment. She went for a Little black dress with a metal chain hoops in a belt fashion and a leather jacket. Black high heels of course with the heel embellish with elegant patterns.
Friendly meet my left foot! Speaking of feet, my shoes were white sandal wedges so I could walk with some comfort.
Three other girls were waiting outside the One-Above-All Bar. I was introduced to Miko, Akane and Hisa.
The raven Haired Akane was more outgoing than Hisa, but then again, Miko had that gentle, sunny personality that if any brighter – I'd be blinded. We all went inside and brought light alcohol just to get the three of them to relax. For now, I was drinking water.
"I'm so nervous Kasumi!" Came the timid voice of Hisa, her jade eyes burning into me.
All I could do was swirl the ice cubes with my finger – at least I was wearing the 'second-skin' gloves, so my hands looked normal.
"I can't imagine why though. It'll be fine trust me – sit down over there with the rest have a drink to calm your nerves. If need be, just imagine them in their pants or something – No NO Hisa stay with me here! You're melting! Is wax your quirk or something? Keep it together soldier!"
I could hear Nemuri laughing her ass off as I dragged Hisa to where she and others were.
"Honestly Ladies, it's going to be OK! what do you want to dr-"
Miko Stretched her arm out to catch the glass that I had somehow now forgot to keep a grip.
"Evening ladies, Nemuri."
"Evening Naomasa!" They all chorus – except for me. I was transfixed on the guy next to him who doing his best to suppress his cough – amongst other things. We in turn, introduced ourselves to each other. I was next to Nemuri, who was triumphantly smiling at me smugly while I, on the other hand, endured defeat. If my soul could leave this body, it would - and won't come back until tomorrow morning when it's all over.
"Looks like I've won this Kasumi..."
"I-I-I honestly didn't think in time – I knew I recognised that name somewhere."
It was on the signed paper work on All Might's desk when I was on that mission not too long ago. He did his filing and was one of his close friends. At least Nemuri and Naomasa are hitting off well so far.
Naomasa and his friend got up.
"So! what is everyone going to have? Kasumi?"
"Metronome – please" I relented, replying to Naomasa. I couldn't help but look directly at Toshinori as he was being such a gentleman getting the others their orders.
Quietly smiling to myself, I'm beginning to realise that It's becoming harder to contain myself.
A/N: Chapter 28 done! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! :)
