Is It Okay To Move On?
Part 1/2
Amari: Age 23
Knocking on the surface lightly, the maids placed their slender hands onto the door as one of them hummed pleasantly a moment later, hoping today's result would end up in success.
"Miss, it's time to wake up."
Although after a long amount of silence, the nervous maid turned to her friend as the other woman only sighed, a teapot and tray in her hands. "This girl, I swear.."
Shaking her head, the woman then pushed the tray onto the girl next to her before moving towards the door, her elderly voice strict and firm. "Miss Izumi, it is imperative that you awake. You have class in an hour. The driver is already here for you."
Once again, the area was met with silence before the older woman shook her head in slight frustration as the maid next to her sighed. "What do we do? She hasn't been out of her room in days. If the Miss misses even more classes then…"
Placing a hand up, the head maid only replied plainly. "If the Mistress isn't worried about it then neither should we. Just leave her alone, that woman is impossible. Such disgraceful actions as always…"
Reluctantly nodding, the younger maid responded by placing the tray down by the door. "Where is the Mistress anyways?"
The old woman only narrowed her eyes at that. "She's at the office until tonight. You know how she is about being bothered at work. We will just bring it up when she returns as always, now come on…"
Turning away without another word, the woman moved away from the door before the other girl followed her, slight concern in her expression as she went.
She wondered if there was something bothering Miss Izumi and that's why she hadn't left her room? With her parents dead and her grandmother ever hardly visiting her either, that must have been tough for someone like her.
Sighing, the younger maid then quickly returned towards the door before whispering through the surface, hoping it would be enough for the Miss to gain a bit of encouragement.
"I'll bring your dinner later. Please try to eat something."
Although unknown to the maid's knowledge, behind the door wasn't Izumi.
In fact, the room was simply empty.
Pushing her hood up over her head, Izumi made her way through the crowds leading to the Bakugo Twins agency as hundreds of hopeful teens and young adults waited in the foyer in excited anticipation.
And it was well earned, knowing that this was the first time the agency had opened tryouts for the public, and it seemed like everyone had taken interest. Just the idea of becoming a sidekick for such well known heroes was an honor in itself.
In fact, the news was going crazy for them nowadays, with both twins getting their share of media attention, both positive and negative.
For Amari, it was mostly because she had trained under not only the previously ranked number one hero but also the number two one as well. That was impressive to say the least.
She had climbed the charts with rising speed and was now currently sitting in the number three spot comfortably.
Although that never lasted long as her and brother switched ranking almost every other month, always one after the other in a silent competition. It kept things interesting though, that was for sure.
And of course let us not forget that she was married to Todoroki Shoto, aka the pro hero in the number four spot, right behind his wife with a staggering number of saves and public support.
In fact, all three of the top heroes seemed to be battling for their spot constantly, the numbers constantly switching given the month.
It was one of the most exciting things about the hero chart nowadays.
For Katsuki Bakugo, well his lack of empathy had hurt him in the long run but people still seemed to admire his hero work more than anything, the man resting in the number two spot at the moment.
Yet no matter how hard he tried, it seemed like his childhood friend Deku still remained in the number one spot. Well, for now that was...
You see, although Amari's strength points were lower than her brother, her communication and public skills were certainly always higher than his, leaving the two partially on the same level in terms of the charts.
And either way, it was clear to everyone that the Bakugo twins were a force to be reckoned with.
That is why hundreds had shown up to their try-outs, all of the hopeful kids gossiping to themselves before Izumi overhead some of the conversations, and that only made her even more anxious than before.
"This is so cool. I can't believe we get to meet the Bakugo Twins!"
"Man, it would be so awesome to be a part of their agency!"
"Yo, did you hear about the recuse they did yesterday, the one with that old lady? I can't believe Ember ran through that crumbling building all by herself to get them out, without hesitation!"
"Or what about last week when Bakugo blew that villain away with only one blast! He made it look like the easiest thing in the world!"
Hearing about all the dangerous and crazy things the two had one only made Izumi even more worried, pushing her glasses up further into the face before she backed up and bumped into one of the kids a moment later. "Hey, watch where you're going!"
Izumi jumped at his words before bowing and quickly walking away to the outside corner of the room with a large framed picture of a red haired kid hung above her.
Why was she even doing this? The very idea now seemed utterly foolish, knowing that the idea that coming here to audition for some of the top pros in the county was crazy.
She should have never talked herself into this, into coming here just to meet the one person she had looked up to for years…
But that was besides the point.
You can do this Izumi. You told yourself you can do this. What am I kidding, I can't do this...I should just go home…
Frowning at the idea, the pink haired girl then balled her hands into fists before a loud voice was overheard from the crowds, one of the kids pointing towards the sky with excitement. "Whoaaa no way! It's Hawks!"
Izumi couldn't help but widen her eyes at that, turning towards the sound only for the winged hero to land a couple feet away from her, his grin blinding to say the least.
"Hey kids! Wow, this turn out is pretty great, I gotta say.."
Although the pink haired girl could only watch in horror, quickly pushing up her hood even further so he didn't recognize her.
Oh no, what was he doing here? I thought that ad said he wasn't going to be here...I'm so screwed...I have to get out of here…
To answer her question, a kid of the far left called out to him first. "I thought you couldn't make it Hawks? This is so cool, I didn't think you'd be here today…"
Lowering her head, Izumi frowned as the red winged hero only threw up a wink. "I know know but I couldn't resist having a look at all the little future heroes while supporting my two favorite trainee's, now could I?"
The crowds cheered with excitement as Hawks started to take some pictures before Izumi quickly slipped through the crowds in order to find an exit.
This was bad, this was so bad. She thought the coast was clear because Hawks had other things to do today, she thought she could be in and out without getting caught but it looked like that was wishful thinking.
One look from him and it would be all over, she'd be so dead.
Quickly picking up her speed, Izumi moved further down the hallways in order to get away from everyone as she placed a hand to her chest in order to calm her erratic heartbeat.
This was a mistake, the worst kind of mistake and the girl wasn't sure how to get out of it without quite literally being doomed in multiple ways. Where even was the exit anymore?
Although she froze when a hand touched her shoulder a moment later, the very idea caused the girl to flitch before Izumi's mind immediately went into flight or fight.
"Hey, what are you doing here?"
And just like her grandmother taught her, she chose to fight.
Not being proud of her next move, the girl quickly spun around before aiming her fist right in the strangers face, the action just an automatic response to her fear.
Hearing the sound of her fist connect with his features a moment later, the stranger groaned before stumbling backwards, his hand cupping the newly black eye that he would have later.
"What the hell…?!"
And it seemed that was when Izumi realized the situation she was in, the girl gasping in surprise before fixing her gaze on the purple haired boy that she had so clearly punched in the face, panic now on her features.
It was just, after so many years of getting kidnapped and blackmailed, Izumi learned to attack first and ask questions later. Although, that little idea had caused her to make one of the worst mistakes of her life.
Because the boy that she had punched was none other than Shinso Hitoshi.
Holding his face, Izumi immediately began to flap her hands around like some kind of beheaded chicken, unsure on how to fix this situation.
She had just punched the very boy that she had come to see, what was wrong with her?!
Although for Shinso, he only looked at the crazed girl with confusion and annoyance, the blood from her punch leaking onto his fingers. Shit, that was a good hit though, he had to admit. The girl had skill.
"Seriously? I just asked a question. You didn't have to punch me.."
Widening her eyes, Izumi immediately shook her head before bowing in apology, the purple haired boy slightly interested that she hadn't said a word yet. Maybe she was just in shock?
The boy then pushed his lips together in a frown before relying back plainly. "What, no apology? I take it this is something you do often then?"
Gripping onto her the lower part of her dress, Izumi then began playing with the hem before forcing her lips to make a sound, anything that would get him to forgive her.
"I-I'm...sor..sorr…"
Although Shinso was certainly surprised when her voice was barely above a whisper, like she was just barely speaking and stumbling on each word.
Twisting his eyes, the boy then flinched at the pain only for Izumi to watch him curse under his breath at the sensation. "Shit, that hurt.."
A large ball of shame poured into the girl at that, knowing that his pain was caused by her careless action. He was hurting and it was her fault. This isn't what she wanted for him when she met him..
Shinso then watched as the pink haired girl's eyes grew cloudy with unsaid sadness at his words before immediately reaching forward and placing her palm on his cheek, the heat from the surface causing the boy to immediately widen his eyes.
"Hey, what are you doing now?! I swear…"
Yet he was stopped when an overwhelming feeling of calm seeped into the boy a moment later, any moment of pain or hurt completely erased by her touch.
What the hell was this? It was like he couldn't even feel the bruise anymore..
Staring into the strange girl's eyes, Shinso watching as she stared back at him, the concentration on her brow fully evident before letting him go a second later.
And then all at once, that feeling of warmth was gone the minute she pulled away, pushing him back into reality before lightly touching the place where her hand was.
Although when he ran his fingers across the bruised skin, this time the boy didn't flinch or feel any pain. No, he only felt calm. Almost like that's what she had wanted him to feel..
"W-What did you just do? Is this your quirk…?"
Izumi's eyes only crumbled at his question though, the girl looking almost ashamed before quickly reaching into her bag and pulling out a cute little pink heart band-aid and pressing it into his hand a moment later.
"H-Here.."
Once again her words were shaky and uncertain, causing Shinso to narrow his eyes before Izumi bowed once more before hurrying in the other direction as fast as she could.
The purple haired boy only starred in silent confusion though, looking down at the small pink band-aid before closing his hands around the surface.
It was almost as if she had used her quirk to apologize to him. Why did she just say that then? It was like the girl was scared of speaking for some reason..
Although Shinso jumped when he felt a hand on his back, a familiar head of blonde hair staring down at him with confusion. When did she even get there? How long had he been zoning out like this?
"Toshi, are you ready to go? Whoa, what the heck happened to you?"
Amari couldn't help but reach forward towards the bruise only for Shinso's heart to beat erratically as he pushed her arm away in a playful manner to hide his feelings.
"Some crazy girl was lost and when I asked her a question she punched me in the face…"
The girl stood there in silence before lifting her hand to her lips in a loud chuckle, wishing she could've seen that one. "Damn Toshi, she got you good, didn't she?"
Yet Shinso only grumbled before already turning away, embarrassment on his features. "Yeah yeah whatever. Let's just go already…"
He then began walking away only to unfold his hand in order to glance at the pink band-aid before shoving the object in his pocket roughly.
Who the hell even was that girl?
As Amari, Katsuki, Hawks, Shinso and Kenji moved into the space, the group took their seats on the second floor balcony before all of the hopeful kids filled the training arena, the blonde haired girl giving all of them a small wave and smile.
"Hello everyone! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to show your interest in our agency. It means the world to me and I can't wait to see what all of you can offer to our team!"
At her words, the kids seemingly gushed, looking at the small hero before newfound determination filled them a moment later.
But for Izumi, the girl had just blended into the crowd, knowing that trying out was now out the question, given that Hawks was here in the stands as well.
The last thing she wanted was for him to make the dreaded phone call that she was trying to avoid.
Although she watched as the girl's brother shuffled to the front a moment later, his eyes fixated in a glare.
"Alright extras, don't screw this up. You'll be showing us your quirks by being paired off with one of us. Obviously you won't win but we want to see how well you can handle yourself in the field. It doesn't matter if you fall down, what matters is how you get back up..."
The kids seemed to gossip quickly after that, not knowing that the test was going to be against the pros. Maybe this wasn't going to be as easy as they thought after all. They would have to be at their best.
Nodding her head, Amari continued. "Exactly. Don't worry about winning, just focus on using your quirk and strength to the best of your ability. The first ten minutes of each battle will be used without quirks just so we can see how your hand to hand combat is and then the last ten quirks will be allowed."
The girl couldn't help but give a small smile at that, nostalgia in her expression. "You see, quirks aren't everything and there will be situations where you can't use your full power. We just want to see how you adapt, that's all."
All of the kids seemed to soak up the information before nodding their head. This way of testing was really different then what they had expected but of course that was the Bakugo Twins for you.
They never did anything by the books.
Flapping his wings in excitement, Hawks then finished proudly. "The matches are posted in the foyer so while you wait, take your time to find out who your opponent is and how you can face them. We will call you in by number and the rest of our agency will grade your score. Good luck kids!"
After his speech, all of the constants made their way into the entryway in order to find who their assigned partner would be for their test. Although, between the choices of Amari, Katsuki, Hawks, Shinso and Kenji, they weren't sure which choice was lucky and which one wasn't.
Either way it seemed like this was going to be a hard test, one that not many would pass.
Out of curiosity, Izumi glanced towards the list before someone handed her the number two in her palm, causing the girl to sigh.
She knew she wasn't going to actually try out anymore but the girl was curious to see who they paired her up with..
Although to her misfortune, the pink haired girl pushed up her glasses only to lay her eyes on the words Number #2 V.S. Ember before feeling her breath stop completely.
Oh god. No, no no no anyone but her. The number three top pro hero, they wanted her to face Amari? Absolutely not, that girl would kill her. She had no shot and Izumi knew she had to get out of here quickly.
Yet her words were cut off when another volunteer glanced at her number before immediately pushing her shoulders towards the ring. "You, what are you doing here?! You're up next. Come on…"
Izumi then felt her heels scrape against the floor before finding herself in front of the training hall once more. Well crap, it looked like her escape routes were now down to zero...
"Next please, you can enter.."
Pulling the hood even further up around her head, Izumi pulled her strings on her sweatshirt before taking a deep breath, hoping and praying that someone in the universe didn't absolutely hate her, that she could get through this without Hawks figuring her out.
The volunteer then pushed her into the room before immediately shutting the door, causing the girl to jump in surprise before turning to Amari who was watching her with a smile.
She was wearing her hero costume, the black and gold shimmering as she made her way across the floor. "Hello, it's nice to meet you. Are you ready?"
The girl's entire aura seemed calm and gentle, like wasn't referred to as one of the most brutal and destructive heroes on the charts right now. Her and her brother, they certainly were more than they seemed.
Nodding back once, Izumi quickly glanced towards Hawks who was watching her before pushing her head down. She could do this, she just had to last ten minutes and then he'd never know..
Amari noticed the girl's nervous demeanor though, moving to the other side of the ring before giving her a gentle push of encouragement from afar. "Hey, it's okay. I know this can seem really scary but just do your best, okay? Remember, it's not about winning.."
Although from the stands Katsuki could only scoff towards his sidekicks with a mutter. "I give them two minutes before they give up.."
He was quickly cut off by the sound of a buzzer though as Izumi forced herself to snap into the mindset that was instilled in her as a child, the one her grandmother forced her to learn against her will...
10 minutes, that's all it took to get out of here.
Amari approached without a second later, her fist outstretched when Izumi easily stepped to the side, dodging under the pros fist before taking a step back to survey the situation.
Even the blonde haired girl found it surprising, a small smirk appearing on her face at that very smooth and grateful dodge. "Oh, how interesting. I knew I liked you..."
After that, Amari raced forward again, focusing on sweeping her legs out from under the girl as Izumi saw the opening before ramming her fists into the pro's chest, knocking all the air out of her lungs in the process.
Although the female Bakugo didn't even give her a moment of victory, turning around before appearing behind her in a single second, pushing her feet under the girl as Izumi fell against the matts with a heavy thud.
Rubbing her stomach, Amari couldn't help but be impressed by her power. "Damn, that hit was pretty powerful too. Gotta say, I'm interested, number two..."
Izumi rolled away before she could even finish, struggling to the feet before the pro came at her again, the pink haired girl using her hand to grab onto Amari's arm before twisting it backwards a moment later.
While this was happening though, all of the members of the agency couldn't help but watch in surprise at the amount of trained skill this stranger had over Amari.
They weren't some nobody, that was for sure.
Although Hawks couldn't help but watch the movements with a sickening feeling of nostalgia. It was true that the kid was talented but there was something else about them that didn't sit just right.
The way they dodged so gracefully, the way their hits were angled as they didn't pull away a bit of their were trained, professionally trained by someone. And not only that, they fought like a soldier, like a robot...
Like a commission member.
But that was impossible, right? There was no way someone from the commission would even set foot in their agency. He must have been imagining it. Yeah, that must have been it.
Stepping to her left, Amari then smirked before ramming her knee into Izumi's chest, causing her grip to loosen before another buzzer started to ring, signally that ten minutes had already passed and they could use their quirks.
The pro then chuckled before pressing her hands onto Izumi's arm before a gold shimmer filled her space, causing the stranger to yelp in surprise and finally let go.
Oh, so she's a girl? That's even more interesting..
Feeling the explosions started to pop in her hands, Amari then eyed the mysterious girl before racing forward a moment later, her quirk fully at the ready. Although it seemed like the girl wasn't doing the same. Why was that?
Izumi dodged the girl a moment later before Amari reached for her hood in order to pull it down, the object starting to slip from her head as the pro grabbed onto the surface.
Crap, this was bad, she had to finish this before she was revealed.
So much so that as soon as Amari approached her once more, Izumi closed her eyes in slight shame of what she was about to do before muttering under her breath. "S-Sorr...Sorry..."
Then without another thought, Izumi pressed her hands on the pros forearm before using her quirk to will whatever emotion she could think of into the girl.
She had to make her stop, just enough so she could get away...
And Amari did stop, looking down at her arm before an overwhelming feeling of sadness and devastation crashed into her like nothing, pushing her down as hot tears began to cloud her eyes without permission. "W-What did you..."
Although she was quickly cut off when the girl fell to her knees a moment later as the tears cascaded down her cheeks. Why did she feel so empty, so broken? It was like every single regret, every terrible thing had smashed into her all at once...
Even her breathing grew labored, like she was about to have a panic attack even though one never relieved itself. What the hell was this feeling?! She hated it..
Katsuki seemed to notice this immediately, rising out of his seat before quite literally throwing himself off the railing and racing up to his sister before using his explosions to land.
Then he rushed to meet his sister, concern and pure anger on his brow. "Amari! What the fuck did you do..?! Fix it, right now..!"
Slightly flinching at his tone, Izumi then immediately let go, and as she did so all of the negative emotions that Amari was feeling faded away into nothing, like they were never there to begin with.
Amari then placed a hand to her brother before wiping the stray tears away. "Stop it Katsuki, you're overreacting. I'm okay, it was just overwhelming..."
Shinso couldn't help but stare in complete shock, now seeing the full extent of her quirk. It had manipulation qualities, just like his brainwashing.
It was almost like their quirks were a pair, one for external and one for internal emotions. How interesting. He had never seen anyone like that before..
Taking in a breath, the blonde haired girl then raced forward before grabbing to the stranger's hands, awe and wonder in her expression. "Hey, was that your quirk? That was so cool..! It was kinda like Toshi's..!"
Izumi didn't know how to take this though. She had never met anyone that had thought of her quirk as "cool". They were usually terrified after she used it on someone. "I...uh..."
Although that's when a new pair of feet appeared in front of her, his voice filled with a new kind of suspicion as he fluffed his wings in slight wait.
"Yeah kid, that was pretty crazy. Your fight was pretty impressive too. Can ya tell me where you trained?"
Yet at the sound of Hawks' voice, Izumi immediately put her head down, causing Amari to frown. "Stop it Kei, you're scaring her. It doesn't matter where she trained. Her skills show that she's talented. That's all that matters.."
Helping the poor pink haired girl off the floor, Amari than beamed. "Thank you so much for showing us your quirk and talent. The test is over, you can join everyone else in the foyer now and relax. Good job number two. Color me impressed."
Izumi then quickly got up from the floor before bowing and then exiting without another word as the group watched her go, Katsuki scoffing. "Weirdo."
Although Amari only elbowed his side before sticking her tongue out. "Oh stop it. So she's shy, what's the big deal? You saw the fight, the girl's got talent. I think we should keep our eyes on her."
Shinso couldn't help but shove his hands into his pockets at that, immediately feeling the band-aid that she had given him earlier. Who even was that girl? "She's the one that punched me in the face earlier."
Amari couldn't help but turn at that, clapping her hands in excitement. "Really? See, I like her already..she's got spunk..!"
The purple haired boy could only frown at that, wondering why she was hiding her face for the test? It seemed suspicious to say the least. She had shown him before.
Shrugging her shoulders, she then added. "What do you think, Keigo?"
Yet when she turned to her friend, the girl found him still staring in the direction that she left, nodding his head with a hum.
"Mhmm yeah sure. Do you have the file on that girl? I don't know why but I have a bad feeling about her.."
Frowning at the idea that he had not listened to her in the slightest, Amari pointed back towards the second floor. "Yeah, they are all on the desk up there. Why?"
Then without a second thought, Keigo sent a few of his feathers to retrieve her file from the stack, flipping through before opening the surface as he quickly muttered.
"Shinso, you said you met her before, what did she look like?"
Not really expecting that question, the purpled haired boy shrugged before answering plainly. "Uhh she had big round glasses and pink hair, kinda a scaredy cat I guess...?"
Nodding his head, Keigo then finally found the strange girl's application before widening his eyes as the realization smack into him all at once.
No, it couldn't be...
Although the group only seemed confused at his surprise. Well, that is until Keigo turned towards them with a serious expression, holding out her photo before speaking darkly.
"Call her back here, now."
Finally Izumi moved towards the exit, excited to finally leave this horrible space when someone seemingly appeared in front of her, his eyes fixed in a frown.
"You're contestant number two, right? My name is Kenji. I've been asked to escort you."
Not understanding, the girl tried to back away only for the boy named Kenji to take a step with her. "I should warn you, if I don't bring you to them then they'll find you themselves. It's easier just to get it over with in my opinion.."
The man then appeared behind her before practically pushing her towards the door of their offices, the girl gulping before Kenji gestured to knock. "They are already expecting you so you can just go right in..."
Feeling her hand shake on the doorknob, Izumi then turned the surface before seeing Amari sitting at her desk, with Katsuki and Shinso standing next to her.
"It's so great to see you again. Sorry about calling you back here so suddenly.."
She breath seemed to relax though when she realized the lack of a certain red winged hero in the room. It was only the Bakugo's and Shinso...
Although that's when the door then slammed behind her, causing the girl to jump before two feathers reached in front of her and pulled down her hood a second later, Keigo's voice ringing back to her left.
"Izumi, what are you doing here?"
Izumi didn't even know the bird was there, jumping at his presence before locking eyes with the hero. "H-Hawks..."
Sighing roughly, the bird immediately threw his wings up in exasperation. "I knew it, I knew that fight looked familiar. God, what do you think you're doing here? Do you know how much trouble you could be in..how much trouble I could be in?!"
Yet the girl only shrunk back, causing Amari to frown. "Sorry Kei, but I still don't see the big deal. You still haven't told me what this is about and why you're freaking out..."
Throwing his hands into his face with a groan, the hero then lifted his hands before pointing to the girl in question. "Well, you know the commission president? The one that you threatened and now hates your guts.."
Amari only crossed her arms at that though, not seeing the point. Those weren't really serious things to her, lots of people still hated her. "Yeah, what about her?"
Although that's when Keigo groaned before finishing with slight regret. "Izumi, she's her granddaughter."
And that caused everyone in the room to widen their eyes in shock and surprise, staring at the scared shy girl as the events of today suddenly made sense.
She was the commission president's granddaughter? Well that was certainly something she hadn't put together.
Katsuki seemed to share the surprise, rolling his eyes with a groan. "Oh for fucks sake, you are kidding me? You're related to that bitch?"
Izumi only lowered her eyes before giving a small silent nod as Hawks sighed roughly. "The prez doesn't like to advertise it but it's true. I met her a couple times during my time as an agent. Although I have no idea why she would be here. How did the president even agree to this?"
Yet the pinked haired girl only turned her head away as Keigo's eyes widened once more. "Oh no, don't tell me you snuck out? That's it, I'm so dead..."
Although as all this was happening, Shinso couldn't help but stare at that girl with unknown curiosity and surprise. So the girl that punched him was some kind of big shot? Well, that made sense. She did have a good hit before.
Crossing her hands in front of herself, Amari spoke up then. "Izumi, why did you come today? Did you actually want to try out for our agency or was it something else?"
Izumi only felt her breath catch in her throat before forcing her words out a moment later, gripping onto her dress at the same time. "I..I..w-wan...want..to..be a he..hero.."
The winged hero couldn't help but gasp at that, knowing the president's wishes like the back of his hand. "What?! No no, absolutely not. You know your grandmother rejected that idea years ago. Going behind her back like this is..."
Although it seemed like Amari didn't mind her stuttering, the girl gave her a gentle smile before putting a hand up to pause Keigo's freak out. "And why do you want to be a hero Izumi?"
Almost immediately, Izumi's eyes traveled to Shinso who turned his eyes in confusion before the girl pushed her gaze back to the floor. "No..r-reason.."
The female Bakugo couldn't help but notice the exchange though, immediately figuring out that her reasons had something to do with her friend Shinso. How interesting. Maybe this girl was a fan?
And it was obvious to tell that Shinso was also very interested in the girl, his mind clearly clouded as Amari couldn't help but smirk, teasing him into the conversation.
"What do you think Toshi? She punched you in the face, right..?"
Jumping at the introduction, Shinso couldn't help but roll his eyes in embarrassment before locking eyes with the girl and speaking plainly.
"I think it doesn't matter what anyone else wants, only her."
The purple haired boy had learned from experience that it didn't matter what everyone else thought of his dreams, it only mattered what he wanted to do. That's why he said that.
Perhaps it was because the two had similar manipulation quirks or because she was clearly talented but the boy didn't really know why he felt so strongly about this. It's like he saw a reflection of him in her eyes of something...
Izumi couldn't help but widen her eyes at that, feeling his support flow into her before blinking in disbelief. Was he, standing up for her? No one had ever done that before.
Amari seemed to notice that as well, sharing a glance with her brother who only gave her a small nod before she replied.
"Well that settles it then. We are moving you on in the interview process.."
Gasping in disbelief, Keigo immediately stepped forward, his wings twitching in clear anxiety. Sure, he trusted Amari but she had no idea what she was getting into with this. The president, she was so dangerous, especially if it involved her own blood.
"Whoa whoa hold on there chickadee. Did ya hear anything I just said? We can't do that. If the prez finds out that Izumi is working to be a hero here, she'll try to shut us down. We will be making enemies with one of the most dangerous organizations out there."
Yet Amari didn't seem bothered. "Aren't we already enemies? I think that ship sailed when I told her off on live TV. So she hates me, that doesn't scare me.."
Although Keigo only shouted back with exasperation. "It should! I get that you like to be reckless all the time and usually I'm fine with that but you gotta trust me on this one. This is a can of worms you don't want to open..."
He was stopped when Katsuki only scoffed though. "You think we are afraid of some stuck up old hag? Keep dreaming. Bakugo's don't run away like scared little extras."
Nodding back, Amari added. "Keigo, didn't you tell me that she was impressive? Why wouldn't we want someone like that on our team?"
The hero knew that she had him there, using his own words against was so dirty, he must have been rubbing off on her.
"Yes, but that's only because the person that trained her was the commission president! Don't see the problems here, the ones you're walking into by agreeing to this?"
Izumi couldn't help to let her shoulder's fall at that, the rejection pouring into her.
Although that was when Shinso spoke up once more, his eyes narrowed. "So you're saying that because of her background she can't audition?"
He didn't know why but the boy didn't like how he was shutting her down immediately, like her previous talent and determination didn't matter. It was like how people used to treat him in school.
Feeling his mouth run dry, the bird replied back quickly. "N-No, but..."
Amari picked up on his argument though, rolling with it. "Toshi is right. It doesn't matter who Izumi is related to, the only thing that matters is what she wants to do. If she wants to audition for this agency, then I'm going to respect that..."
Throwing his hands up in exasperation, Keigo ran his fingers through his hair before mentally preparing his will for a later date. "Unbelievable. I can't believe you're doing this.."
Yet he honestly shouldn't have been surprised by now. It seemed that the girl didn't ever know when to run away from danger. No, sometimes she just welcomed it like the crazed chickadee she was.
Although to Izumi, the girl couldn't but blink in disbelief before watching Amari stand from her desk before meeting her with an outstretched hand. "I think this calls for a proper introduction, if you are seriously thinking about joining our agency that is..."
Smiling back, the pro hero continued. "Todoroki Amari, it's nice to meet you."
Izumi carefully grabbed her hand before the girl pointed towards her brother a moment later. "And this grumpy ball of joy is my brother, Bakugo Katsuki. But don't worry, he's all bark and no bite..."
To that, Katsuki couldn't help but slam his fists on her desk. "Ha?! What the hell did you just say.."
Although Amari only ignored him, pushing her hands towards her purple haired friend a moment later, watching with interest as Izumi's eyes widened at his presence.
"And this is Shinso Hitoshi. I also believe you've met our other sidekick Kenji as well. Oh, and of course we have Hawks, but you know him already.."
The pink haired girl only bowed in response, forcing herself to speak out a reply to the purple haired man that she had assaulted earlier. "It's..nic..nice t-to meet..you..."
Shinso only gave a small nod though before Amari clapped her hands together as she wrote down something on a piece of paper.
"Perfect! Here is the information about the next part of your interview. I'll be seeing each candidate individually and help them in some training to see how well you'll match with the agency."
Giving the paper to the girl, Izumi only bowed once more before heading towards the door as Amari waved happily. "See you Saturday Izumi."
The shy girl didn't know how to handle that though, just leaving silently before Amari moved back to her chair, kicking her feet onto the desk. "Ahhh finally that's over. I think that went quite well.."
Although she was quickly taken out of her own fantasy as Keigo replied a moment later, exhaustion in his tone. "Went well? You just put a target on our back as an agency. You and your brother I swear, you are going to be the death of me..."
Amari only waved it away though. "Oh come on Keigo, it's not that bad. So what if that president bitch gets pissed. I'm a full ass adult now, she doesn't scare me at all. Besides, I think I really see something in Izumi, she just needs to get a little more confidence..."
The bird could only shake his head at that, knowing the woman was twenty three and still acted like a complete and reckless child. "You better be right, or we are dead."
Shrugging her shoulders, the girl then pointed to Shinso. "Oh please, it will be fine! Even Shinso likes her. I've never heard him stand up for anyone like that before."
And that was true, In fact, Amari was certainly surprised when she heard that the purple haired boy was passionate about inviting her on the team. He hardly cared about anything.
Although as soon she turned to him in order to get his usual cocky response, Shinso only remained still, staring off into space as the girl frowned. "Hellooo earth to Toshi?"
Her words seemed to make him snap back to life, turning towards his friend before blinking in surprise. "Huh?"
Well that was weird, it was almost like he was lost in thoughts, like he was distracted by something...
That's when a hard realization crossed Amari's face before slamming her hands on her desk before jumping up with surprise and disbelief. "Hold on, you like her, don't you?!"
Widening his eyes at her words, Shinso immediately coughed before covering up his surprise. "W-What are you even saying? Of course not.."
Yet Amari couldn't help but catch the slight pink to his cheek, a growing smirk on her face. "Oh my god, you do, don't you?! Toshi finally has a little crush, aww how cuteee!"
Her words were ironic to say that least, Shinso having had feelings for the girl in front of him for years and she never noticed. To say that he had a crush on anyone other than Amari was ridiculous.
"Would you stop that?! I don't have a crush. I just think she's interesting that's all. We have similar quirks..."
Amari only shoo-ed his words away with her hands. "Mhmmm sure sure. That's how it always starts. Is that why you defended her too?"
Pushing his lips together, Shinso quickly shook his head at her accusations. "What, n-no...I mean y-yes. ..Listen, I only did that cause I know what it's like for someone to reject you because of your background. It's not about liking anyone..."
The blonde haired girl wouldn't quit though, Amari pushing her hands towards her chin with a playful grin. "But you think she's cute, right?"
Almost immediately Shinso answered before he could even think about the question, regretting it in a single second. "W-Well yeah, but..."
Yet that's when the boy froze, Amari raising an eye in amusement. "Yeah but..?"
Keigo seemed to join in as well, knowing he had messed up. "Yeah but..?"
And even Katsuki picked up on it as well, speaking to mess with him. "Yeah but..?"
That's when Shinso threw his hands up in the air before moving towards the door, his face fully red from embarrassment. "AHH you guys are ridiculous!"
Why did he even agree to her stupid question in the first place? Of course he thought she was cute, but why did those words have to pour out of his mouth? He didn't even like the girl, he just was interested in her background and quirk.
That was it, that's all there was to it.
So much so that Shinso left the room a moment later, the reaction causing Amari to smirk back in silent victory. Oh yeah, there was something up with him.
He was just too dense to realize it.
Rolling over at the sound of his phone going off, Shinso groaned before picking the phone up to his ear a moment later, his voice still half asleep as he yawned. "Hello?"
Although he paused when the person on the other end coughed before sniffling, Amari's voice came back shaky and light. "T-Toshi? I'm really sorry about this but I'm feeling well today. I don't think I can make it into the office.."
And that caused the man's heart to drop in his chest, knowing about her health conditions from her past. Did she have a relapse?! Was she okay? "What's wrong, where's Todoroki, did you go to the hospital yet?"
Yet the girl cut off his worry a moment later. "Don't worry it's just a little cold. Shoto already knows and is keeping an eye on me."
Shinso felt himself relax at that. "Okay good. So why are you calling me then?"
Coughing once more, Amari replied back with a slight rasp. "I have to meet with one of our potential sidekicks today and I don't think I'm going to make it. But I don't want to let them down, someone is supposed to observe them.."
Shinso knew that if someone didn't cover for her then that idiot girl would go instead, risking her health and making her cold worse. That was just the kind of person she was.
So because of that, the boy sighed before bruising the hair out of his face. "I can go to the meeting in your place if you want. Whatever you do, just stay at home..."
The girl couldn't help but call back at that. "O-Oh, are you sure? I don't want to burden you. It's okay, I can probably make it in if I..."
Yet the man cut her off instead, shutting down the horrible idea. "Short stuff, get off the phone and go back to bed. I can handle this. Just focus on getting your cold under control, you idiot."
He heard a dry chuckle through the phone before the girl gave in, more easily then he originally thought it would take. "Alright, I understand Shih tzu. Call me if you have any problem. I left all the information on my desk in the office."
Nodding back, Shinso then hung up the phone before forcing himself out of bed in order to get dressed for whatever meeting he had to face today.
Chuckling under her breath, Amari looked at her phone before smirking. "Perfect."
Although that's when Shoto rolled over from his side of the bed, propping himself up before gazing at his wife in sleepy confusion and concern. "Amari, what is that? I heard you coughing. Are you alright?"
Yet the girl only shook her head before turning to Shoto and giving him a quick kiss. "Oh my love, don't you worry about that. I was just doing a little acting for my friend..."
Not fully getting it, Todoroki saw the devious smirk on her face before yawning. "What did you do this time?"
Amari only hummed though, recalling a certain event at a sports festival that the girl had to face without permission. Now after all these years, it was his turn.
"Oh nothing, just repaying an old favor. Or maybe it could be classified as revenge? Who knows..."
Giggling with evil delight, the man only turned his head at her actions before yawning once more and wrapping his arms around Amari as he rested his chin on her shoulder. "If you're finished then come back to bed.."
Amari felt the warmth of his left side course through her before the girl nodded her head, giving his hair a quick caress before reaching for the covers. "What, is my husband the great Todoroki Shoto lonely without me?"
Grumbling under his breath, Shoto then reached forward before pulling his wife against his chest, pushing her down so that she was snuggling into his chest. "Mmm Maybe. It's only because my wife keeps moving around so much.."
Amari fake gasped before lightly hitting his chest with a pout. "Hey, I do not! I'm trying to match make over here.."
The man only shook his head though, wrapping his arms even tighter. "You can finish tomorrow. For now, allow me to be selfish and have you all to myself..."
That caused the girl to giggle before twisting her eyes in a playful tone. "I suppose I can honor your request, since you asked so nicely.."
Yet Shoto only smiled under his breath before resting his head on top of hers, squeezing her arms before closing his eyes. "Goodnight beautiful."
She couldn't help but smile at that also, closing her eyes as well before whispering back to the man all at once. "Goodnight my love."
This is going to be a two part-er cause it's 1AM and there is so much more information to add to this little chapter with Izumi. But oh boy, you didn't think we'd be done with the commission yet, did you? Nah, I gotta tie up all those strings, remember?
There's a reason why she's so shy and soft spoken btw, that will be explained in the next chapter. Hint though, it has to do with her quirk and her upbringing.
I love how Keigo is like "nah don't do it" and then Amari and Katsuki are like "Yo we gonna do it. We don't care." Queen and King energy.
Also I knew it's weird for Amari to immediately figure out Shinso's little crush and still not know that he has been crushing on her for years but you gotta remember that Amari only has eyes for Todoroki. Always have and always will.
Sure she doesn't know about Shinso's feelings yet but that's only because the girl has always only been looking at Todoroki. There has been no other competition or change of heart in her entire life so obviously any romantic feelings from anyone else would just be written off as nothing. Also there is a part of her that thinks no one other than Shoto could love her romantically.
But for Izumi, Amari saw the signs because it doesn't involve her, it doesn't have anything to do with her life. It's a whole lot easier to see when she's not the one in the picture.
Also you know I had to add some cute wife and husband moments between Amari and Shoto. They are just too cute and happy. My children, we are going to let them be happy.
Next Chapter: Love in the air?