Midori's Harem
Author's Note: Part 2 of the Mirio arc. We'll be getting some wholesome Papa Might action as well.
Chapter: Thank You, Senpai!
"You want me to introduce you to Sir Nighteye for a work study?" All Might turned in his chair to look at Izumi.
"Yes, please All Might." She looked at him with eager eyes, her hands clamped together in a pleading position. "He's one of the few heroes who have worked under you. Gran Torino said he would be the best candidate for me."
"I see," All Might sighed thinking of his former teacher. He wondered just what the old man had been thinking trying to set up this meeting. "I'm afraid I'll have to decline."
"Eh!?" Izumi's lips pursed in a pout that had All Might's heart twisting up.
"Don't give me that look, young lady. I have my reasons, three to be in fact." He held up three fingers. "The first is I was one of the ones who opposed the idea of having first years take on internships. Two, you have already been targeted twice by the league of villains and I think it's unnecessarily dangerous to put yourself out there right at the moment. Three, Sir Nighteye... I just really don't want to talk to him."
"Aren't you being a little emo there All Might?" Present Mic teased, but stopped when he got an intense glare from the former pro. "I'll be quiet now."
"Papa…"
All Might tensed up at Izumi's use of that word. He always got a little tug in his heart whenever she referred to him in a fatherly sense. He slowly turned to face her, and as expected looked into a pair of intense green eyes that he always had a hard time saying no to.
"I told Kacchan and Shoto that I was dedicating all of my time to my training and studies. I hurt them by rejecting them, and choosing to look after myself. I don't want to regret my decision by not putting every ounce of my energy into improving. I know you're worried about me… but these internships are important, and I need the experience to take the next step in my training. Please have faith in me." She bowed to him. "Please!"
"Little Midori…" he sighed and lay a hand over her curls. "I'm sorry, but I won't introduce you." He felt her tremble a bit, and could hear the first hitch of tears. "Emphasis on the word "I." There's someone else who may be able to help you."
~A few minutes later~
"Oh yeah! All Might is… eh Midori-chan?" Mirio opened the door to the teacher's lounge, and was surprised to see Izumi in the room. He'd thought about her a lot since their last encounter, and it gave his heart a little jolt to see her sitting and having tea with All Might. "What are you doing here?"
"Mirio-Senpai?!" Izumi's face went red and she looked just as surprised. "Erm, well I was just uh…"
"She's the reason I've asked you to come here, Young Mirio. Please have a seat." All Might held out a hand towards the couch.
"Oh! Sure! I'd love to join you." Mirio put on a smile and took a seat. He noticed Izumi scooch all the way to the far end and focus on sipping her tea. "Is this about what happened a few days ago? If so I'd like to apologize to you, Midori-chan. I didn't mean for you to see my-"
"It's okay!" Izumi went even redder as the incident popped back into her mind. "I'm pretty sure that's not what this is about, but I accept your apology nonetheless."
"I'm glad to hear it?" Mirio sat up straight again, his calm and casual smile easing any tension in the room. "I was actually really excited to be called on by All Might. Is there something I can help you with?"
"I've asked you to come here, Young Mirio, because I heard you're currently taking a work study at Sir Nighteye's agency." All Might explained and the embarrassment was immediately erased from Izumi's face. What replaced it was shocked delight.
"Wow, really Senpai?" She turned to finally face him fully.
"Yeah, I've been with him a whole year now." He sent her a dazzling smile, and was happy to see her return it.
"Oh wow!" She practically bounced with excitement. "You're practically guaranteed to be a sidekick after graduation!" She scooted just a bit closer to him. "That's so cool."
"Haha," flattered and glad that she wasn't avoiding his gaze anymore, Mirio rubbed the back of his neck. "Thanks, Midori-chan."
"It's good to see you two can get along, because I have a favor to ask of you Mirio." All Might interrupted and nodded his head to Izumi. "Izumi here wants to take a work study under Sir Nighteye, and I'd very much appreciate it if you could introduce her to him for me."
"I'd be happy to help. I was actually already thinking that Sir would like Midori-chan... but wouldn't it be better for you to call him directly?" Mirio wondered. "I mean he watches your videos whenever he has free time. I'm sure he'd be overjoyed to hear from you."
"I have personal reasons for not being able to contact him. As such, do you think our little Midori has what it takes to work under him?"
"Hmmm…" Mirio rubbed his chin and glanced over at Izumi. Her hands were clenched in her skirt and she gave him a nervous glance as he assessed her. "I'm not sure… just what kind of hero do you want to be, Midori-chan?"
"What kind?" Izumi rocked back and forth a little as she gave it some thought. The image she'd wanted to portray had changed since she was just a kid. Back then she would have been happy just being able to stay by Kacchan's side and helping people with a brave and fearless smile… but now?
"I want to be able to save everyone with a smile, and give hope to those that have none." Her smile warmed and she held her hands over her heart. "I want to grow stronger, and become a hero everyone can rely on." She turned to Mirio, a look of sheer determination on her face now. "I want to be the greatest hero the world has ever seen!"
"I see…" moved by her words, Mirio took her hands in his and nodded his head in approval. "Alright then, Midori-chan. I'll definitely help you achieve that goal!"
Mirio felt the flutters in his heart increase as the light in her eyes brightened and she beamed a smile at him that nearly blinded his retinas.
"Thank you, Senpai!"
~Later~
Mirio walked back into the classroom practically floating on air. Hado and Tamaki immediately went to him, curious and worried.
"How did your meeting with All Might go?" Hado questioned and Mirio gave a thumbs up.
"Great! He just asked me for a favor… and I gotta say I think he did me one back." Mirio took a seat and cupped his face in his hands. "Not only did I get to see Midori-chan again… but he wants me to introduce her to Sir Nighteye so she could do a work study with him." He let out a lovely sigh. "Can you believe it? I didn't think I'd ever see her again, but now we'll both be working under the same hero. Talk about luck."
"I knew it! It's fate!" Hado slapped her hands on his back. "So are you gonna ask her out? Well?"
"Not yet… I want to make sure she nails this interview with Sir Nighteye this weekend. Even though I'm pretty sure he'd like her, I also know he's very strict on the people he works with. I'm picking her up at the dorms bright and early so I can give her a lil pep talk beforehand. Once we start working together I'll be able to get to know her better and see how things go from there."
"I want to support you, Mirio…" Tamaki fidgeted in place. "... but I think you should know that I've heard rumors about her. Supposedly she's engaged to the son of Endeavor."
"Eh?" Mirio slowly sat upright. "I'm not so sure about that, but I'll ask her about it the next time I see her." Mirio assured him with a bright smile. "For now I just wanna enjoy spending time with her."
"So bright…" Tamaki turned towards the wall. "Mirio you're too bright and pure for this world."
"Hahaha! Come on, man I'm not that bright. Just look at my test scores."
~Several Days Later~
Izumi passed Nighteye's test, though it was a close call. He made it very clear that he thought her ill fit to be All Might's successor, and was only accepting her to prove that Mirio was the better choice to wield One for All.
The sheer fact that All Might had hidden the fact that Sir Nighteye knew about his quirk, and that Mirio had been a previous choice, was a deep emotional shock for Izumi. On top of all that, All Might followed it up by explaining the real reason he'd been avoiding seeing Nighteye was because many years ago when he'd first fought All for One, Nighteye's quirk predicted that he would die in a horrific battle against a powerful villain.
Izumi didn't want to believe it. She didn't want to even think there was a possibility that she might lose her mentor and father figure. Yet the weight of that knowledge sat on her chest like a heavy rock, making it hard for her to breathe.
"Izumi…"
After hearing her name, Izumi turned towards the source of the voice and saw Todoroki walking up behind her.
"Shoto…"
"Are you going to the station? Mind if I walk with you?" He clenched his hands in his pants pockets. "I'd like to talk to you alone."
"What about exactly?" She gripped the strap of her bag. "Also can it wait until later? I'm headed for my work study and I don't want to be late."
"I don't want to wait… I'm worried about you." He lifted a hand, brushing a stray hair from her face. "You haven't been your usual cheerful self lately, and it's concerning a lot of us."
"I'm sorry, Shoto. I've just got a lot on my mind, what with the work study, my daily training, and all that school work. I meant what I said to you and Kacchan the other night… I'm keeping my priorities focused."
"I understand that you're carrying a huge weight and responsibility on your shoulders, Izumi…" Shoto shifted his hand to lay it on her cheek and let his thumb brush over her freckles. "Just don't let it change who you are."
Izumi blushed at the contact, and she grabbed his wrist pulling his hand away from her face.
"The only thing that's changed, Shoto… is my resolve." She lifted her head up and opened the door to step out.
"MIDORI-CHAN!"
"WAH! Senpai!" Izumi fell backwards, Shoto catching her before she could stumble back.
"Sorry, did I startle yah?" He chuckled and eyed Todoroki. "Nice catch, but I'll take it from here." He took Izumi's hand. "Come on, we don't wanna miss our train."
"Excuse me, but who the hell are you?" Bakugou suddenly showed up putting a firm hand on Izumi's shoulder to prevent them from leaving.
"Kacchan! Oh… that's right you and Shoto haven't met him yet. Senpai, these are my classmates Shoto Todoroki and Katsuki Bakugou… Guys this is Mirio Togata, he's a third year and he's the one who helped me get the workplace training with Sir Nighteye."
"Tch…" Bakugou gave a shrug of acknowledgement as Shoto bowed respectively. "Senpai, huh?"
"Yep. It's a pleasure." Mirio saluted the two boys and gave them the once over. Shoto Todoroki, he thought, was supposedly the guy she was engaged to… but who was this other boy? "Are these the two who were under house arrest with you?"
"Yeah, long story." Izumi laughed it off. "At any rate, we'd better get going." Izumi waved to Shoto and Bakugou. "I'll see you two at dinner, okay?"
"Nice meeting you both." Mirio took Izumi's hand again and led her away from the dorms. Bakugou's temple throbbed with annoyance.
"Well they're certainly chummy…" he grit his teeth, not caring for the way Mirio had assessed him.
"They do seem to get along well…" Shoto had to agree, and felt the flames on his left side flicker with annoyance.
…
"I don't like him." They declared together.
~Nighteye Agency~
The Shie Hassaikai…
Her first assignment as a legit hero was to go on patrol near the base of the Yakuza group known as the Shie Hassaikai. Their second in command, Kai Chisaki, was seen acting out of the norm and had made contact with the league of villains. It was hers and Mirio's job to just browse the outer perimeter, whilst Nighteye and his sidekicks stuck close to the base.
Needless to say Izumi was nervous, but excited to be seen out in public. Her costume fit her like a rubber glove; tight and flexible. Mavis Hatsume who had made the design choices and alterations sought fit to improve her flexibility and durability with added supports on her arms and legs. The boots had thick steel soles, and were secured by bracers on her legs that went up to her thigh. Her belt, with the pouches for her first aid and mini notebook, hung at her hips, accentuating the curve. She still had the same mouth guard, and hood from her original costume design, but the overall look was much cooler and far less "playboy" bunny.
"Ah Heroes!" Two teenagers squealed, one snapping a quick picture of the two of them. "That's the girl from the sports fest! You know the one who got kissed by the son of Endeavor!"
"Wow, you're right!" The two giggled and Izumi groaned, lowering her head.
"Of course that's what people would remember about me." She muttered but sent a polite wave as they passed.
"So, this Todoroki guy, is he your boyfriend?" Mirio asked curiously. "There was a rumor going around that the two of you are engaged, but from the way you guys act that doesn't seem to be the case."
"No, no, no…" Izumi waved a hand in front of her face. "We dated for a short while, and his father got overly excited. He invited me to intern with him to see how Shoto and I worked together, and got together with my mom to discuss an arranged marriage. Shoto and I both agree that's not how we wanna do things. As it is we terminated our relationship after internships."
"Oh yeah!" Mirio bopped a fist into his palm. "Your first internship was with Endeavor, right?" Mirio asked.
"Yes, and it was pretty informative, but some things happened and I wasn't able to get the complete experience." She scratched her cheek nervously. "I got injured during a fight, and wound up spending the rest of my time in the hospital."
"That sucks… but don't you worry, I'll be sure to teach you all you need to know." He pumped his arms excitedly. "Just follow me."
"Hmmm…" Izumi offered a small smile, but then her eyes grew distant. Mirio, she thought, was a promising hero. He was kind, thoughtful, and always eager to help. It was no wonder he'd been a candidate for One for All.
Mirio saw the look on Izumi's face, and wound in his excitement. He'd noticed that she hadn't been as perky and cheerful as she'd been before. Something Sir had said to her must have rattled her confidence some. Well… he thought… he'd just have to change that.
"By the way, I don't think we've told each other our hero names."
"Hmmm? Oh!" Izumi snapped out of her daze and casually folded her hands behind her back. "You can call me Usagi."
"That's cute, and the name really suits you." He jerked a thumb to himself. "My name is Lemillion. I don't have as lofty a goal as saving everyone, but I've decided to save 1 million. Hence, Lemillion."
"Mmm I like it!" She tilted her head smiling.
"Stay alert, Usagi…" he turned, his cape whipping up. "Once our costumes are on, and we're out on the streets, we're heroes. Don't ever let your guard down."
"Yessir, Lemillion!" She gave a little salute, and cheered up some at the excitement that bubbled inside. When he continued to walk, so did she, letting him take the lead a bit so she could admire him. He had such a strong walk… bold and brave. She felt a familiar little flutter in her chest that she recognized as attraction and had to slap both her cheeks to snap herself out of it. "Focus, Usagi! Don't ever let- WHOA!"
Izumi stumbled a little when she felt something run into her leg. She turned and saw a little girl fall to the ground.
"Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry, that must have hurt." Izumi crouched down to eye level and stretched out a hand to help the girl up. She flinched away as if worried she'd be hit, making Izumi hesitate. "Are you okay? Can you stand?"
Gently Izumi picked her up and felt the tremble in the girl's limbs. Instinctively she held her closer, trying to soothe.
"Now you know it's not good to cause trouble for others, Eri." A raspy and muffled voice spoke from the shadows of the nearby ally. Izumi's head whipped up, and she felt the girl cling onto her. "I apologize for my daughter's behavior, heroes. She likes to play a lot and is quite clumsy. I have no idea what I'm going to do with her."
It was Izumi's turn to start shaking as the figure became more apparent. The picture she'd seen in the file came to life right in front of her eyes. The beedy gold eyes, the deep short crop of hair, the long beak plague mask…
"Kai Chisaki…" she whispered the name and let out a small surprised sound when Lemillion tossed her hood over her head. The fear and shock must have been apparent on her face, and Lemillion smoothly covered for her.
"Your mask fell off again, Usagi. It's probably fitted wrong." Lemillion offered Chisaki a smile. "We're sorry too for bumping into her. With that lovely mask, you must be from the Hassaikai, right? You guys are famous around here."
"Yes, but I wouldn't worry about the mask. It's for health purposes, I've very sensitive to filth." Chisaki spoke politely and then eyed Eri and Izumi. "It's my first time seeing you young heroes in the area."
"We're both still students, it's actually our very first day so we're pretty nervous." Mirio laughed it off in a brilliant display of acting.
"Oh really, what agency are you with?" Chisaki probed.
"No one's yet, like I said we're both still students so it's a bit presumptuous of us to claim that we're a part of a hero agency." He held his hands out defensively and laughed. "Now then, partner, why don't we head out and finish our patrol, huh?"
"Oh, right!" Izumi started to stand and let go, but Eri's hands fisted in her uniform.
"No… please… please don't go." Eri whimpered. Izumi looked down, saw the total fear in her eyes and her heart instantly dropped. She held the girl to her, and her eyes went fierce and protective.
"Did something happen to your daughter? She's positively shaking and refuses to let go."
Her eyes met Chisaki's.
"She's upset because I scolded her… she's quite temperamental you see."
"And these bandages?" She motioned with her head. "They don't appear to be for scrapes and bruises. I'm sorry but this isn't normal."
"Normal?" Chisaki said in a warning voice.
Mirio's shoulders tensed as he assessed the situation himself.
"Usagi…" Don't do it, he silently pleaded her. It's quite obvious Chisaki doesn't want you to pry. "Every family is different. We should leave them to their business."
"I'm sorry, Senpai…" Izumi stood up, keeping the girl in her arms and glaring at Chisaki. "... but I can't just abandon a frightened girl. So I'll ask you, sir… what have you done to this child?"
Overhaul glared at Izumi, reading every intention in her eyes. He sighed and gave a shrug.
"I understand, heroes are very sensitive to these kinds of signs in people. I'm afraid the details are a bit embarrassing, so if you're gonna cause a scene, why don't we move someplace where we won't be seen by the public?"
Izumi nodded, and gave Mirio an apologetic look. So long as this frightened girl held onto her, Izumi refused to let go.
"To be honest, I've been having a lot of trouble with Eri. No matter what I do, she just keeps defying me." Chisaki kept his voice calm and casual for the most part… but as he kept talking his tone grew thick and Eri recognzied the warning. "Children are so hard to understand. They feel like they can and will do whatever they want… and just won't listen."
Izumi started to speak but felt Eri push her away. The girl ran from her and obediently went to Chisaki's side.
"Done with your tantrum already?"
"Eri…" Izumi stepped towards her but Mirio placed a hand on her shoulder.
"We apologize for prying." Mirio told Chisaki. "Let's go, Usagi."
"But…"
"Izumi…" he whispered her name, his eyes looking sharp through his visor. "Trust me. We need to go."
"Mmmph…" Izumi glanced back over her shoulder at Eri wondering why the girl had obeyed Chisaki so quickly. Still she knew it was foolish to press the issue. They didn't have the means to take on Chisaki right at that moment… and they needed to report to Nighteye on their findings.
So… with a heavy heart… Izumi turned her back to Eri, and let Mirio's comforting arm wrap around her shoulder as they walked away.
~Ask Briry~
Bri: This ship man… I don't know why I like it so much, but I just do. The whole Senpai and Kohai relationship is just… Shojo Manga gold! Add some suspense, and drama, and you've got yourself a hit!
Next Chapter: I'm sorry, Senpai!