The tour of Might Tower was just as overwhelming as I'd expected, but I did manage to hold myself together at least. Toshinori suggested we start from the basement up, and I groaned at the idea of so many levels to explore.

"I have elevators, obviously," the hero chided my bemoaning dryly.

Impressive didn't even begin to describe the facility, and it was wonder that any place this grand could operate as a non-for-profit. I guess being number one paid really fucking well.

Speaking of number one heroes, Toshinori kept watching me when he thought I wasn't looking - he was probably nervous I was going to go into hysterics again. Don't worry, I've got a grip on it for now, I sighed internally. I was embarrassed I'd lost it in front of him like that last night. My anxiety attacks were less frequent now than they once had been, but when they did rear their ugly head I really preferred that no one be there to witness the way I was unable to control my own body. It wasn't so much that I cared about crying in front of him - he'd seen me cry plenty of times - but it was the vulnerability and weakness I'd never learned to afford myself.

Plenty of people stopped us on our tour wanting to greet or talk with All Might. For the most part, I was ignored until the hero introduced me. Each time, the person's eyes would go wide in shock. Those who didn't recognize me from the news were simply surprised that a new hero would start at the agency, while those who did recognize me usually tried to hide their immediate distrust in front of the boss.

Trust. That was at least one thing I could earn on my own… hopefully.

The place was almost like it's own little city: there was a cafeteria, two different gyms (a general one, and a personal one that could stand All Might's power at his peak), and a recreational area that was probably fantastic for company parties. There were departments dedicated to charity work and community outreach programs. There were also ones for search and rescue, natural disasters, terrorist attacks and international affairs, however these floors were mostly empty. "We're on hiatus," Toshinori stated simply, which made sense, of course. His eyes still held a bit of sadness as he said it, though. There were the usual departments possessed by any company as well - accounting, human resources, et cetera. There were conference rooms, and even a large lecture hall- type room he explained he'd used to hold press conferences in. The basement housed a garage that had several high tech vehicles in it, which certainly amused me.

"What did the super fast and powerful All Might need all these cars for?" I chuckled.

Toshinori shrugged. "Just 'cause they were a little redundant didn't mean they didn't occasionally have their uses. Dave designed a couple of these," he indicated a sporty red vehicle towards the back. "But some of the others I picked up because, well..." he paused and rubbed the back of his neck a tad sheepishly, "I mean, they're pretty cool, aren't they?" Never before would I have taken Toshi for a car man, but to find that he was struck me as positively adorable.

We stopped briefly in the cafeteria to grab some food, and I couldn't help but giggle at the way Toshinori really didn't act like he owned the place at all. In fact, it was refreshing how polite he was with everyone we came across, and even while we had a schedule (albeit a flexible one) he still gave his full attention to each person who approached him and every question he was asked. Obviously he wasn't in the office often - I knew that much simply because I'd lived with him for several months - but that probably wasn't out of the ordinary for this agency by now, and he obviously had people to keep the day-to-day stuff running for him. But when he was here, I could tell from just my short time watching him that he made the most of it. It was sweet, actually, seeing in his eyes how much he truly cared, and it wasn't until that moment I realized that to him this was still another way he could do some good. Here, he could provide jobs which kept families fed, and the community service and charities his agency still assisted even after his retirement helped even more. Even in retirement, he was still as much a hero as ever.

Smiling and twirling the straw of my drink with my finger, I watched as he looked out over the cafeteria fondly. We'd sat in the corner near the window, and despite the gorgeous view to my left, I only had eyes for the man sitting across from me.

"You're right to be proud of this place - it's amazing," I said, and he turned back to look at me again.

Shadowed, cyan eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled with genuine happiness, and I couldn't help but reflect the same energy back. "Yeah, it's quite something, isn't it?"

"Mhm," I hummed, sipping on my milk tea. "I like it."

"Do you?" he asked, and I felt guilty for the way a half frown distorted his smile a moment. Of course he wouldn't immediately believe me after last night.

"Yep," I nodded, accentuating my affirmation by making a popping sound on the end of the word. "I sure do." And I meant it too. It scared me shitless, sure, but I did still like it here.

The smile was back fully now, and I was glad to see him look so happy as he showed off the physical manifestation of the career he'd spent decades building. "Good. After lunch, I've got so much more to show you."

At the top of the tower were Toshinori's personal office plus the spacious modern penthouse we'd stayed in last night. When we stepped into his office, I silently admired the various awards hung along the wall and displayed with pride. What really caught my attention though was how impersonal the whole space was. There were no desk photos, or anything to even hint at the man underneath the hero suit - which also made sense, obviously. Standing next to me as I looked over the framed honors, Toshinorni crossed his arms in front of himself, and when I glanced up he had a look in his eye that was definitely one of reminiscence.

"An award itself has no real value - it's just a bit of metal, or a piece of paper - but it's what these medals and certificates represent that makes me glad to have each and every one of them. These tell a story of the people I've helped and the lives I've saved. Every frame on this wall tells me that I did some good in the world," he said, and dammit if I didn't have to quickly wipe a bit of moisture from the corner of my eye at his words. If Toshi noticed, he didn't say anything.

"You did a lot more than just some good," I reminded him softly and he nodded, still staring at the decorated wall.

"I did."

"And you'll help me do some good too, right?" I asked, leaning into his side.

"Of course," he replied immediately, and when he looked down at me his eyes were a mix of emotions: pride, determination, and happiness. I had to force myself to look away from that intense gaze as I felt simultaneously like I could do anything with this wonderful man's help, and also like I was doomed to fuck everything up.

Walking up to the giant wooden desk, I unceremoniously hopped up on it's edge, kicking my feet where they dangled off the ground as I sat looking at the thin blonde man before me. I didn't even bother crossing my legs as etiquette would dictate, given I was wearing a skirt. "Okay, level with me," I said, and Toshi's eyes instantly narrowed as he caught on to the mischievous tone in my voice. "You had to have banged at least one secretary against this desk."

Coughing, blushing, and stuttering instantly ensued, and I laughed aloud as the retired hero flustered over my tease. "Of course not!" he managed to choke out.

"Shame," I giggled. "It's almost a crime to have an office this nice and not bend someone over your desk at least once."

"Is that an invitation?" he growled with his hand still covering his mouth but his eyes burning, and I didn't bother trying to hide my smirk.

"It might be," I purred, leaning forward with my hands gripping the edge of the desk to keep my balance.

Toshinori's eyes didn't leave me as he wiped the blood away from his mouth, and when he started walking towards me the most delicious shiver ran up my spine at the near predatory look gleaming behind sky-blue irises. Planting his hands on either side of my body on the wooden surface to cage me in, he leaned over me while easily stepping between my legs, pushing them further apart. God damn sometimes I really forgot just how tall he was, but with him looming over me like this now in such a tantalizing way, it was much easier to recollect.

"You said it was 'almost a crime', hm? Well, as the former Pillar of Justice I certainly can't have that on my conscience," he said lowly, breath whispering over my ear as he leaned his head closer.

"No, I think you should remedy that as soon as possible," I agreed breathily, feeling my pulse start to increase.

Warm, soft lips closed over mine, and I kissed him hungrily. One hand immediately found its way into my hair, and he pulled my head back gently, angling me so he could deepen the kiss. By now I was used to the coppery taste of blood that almost always seemed to linger on his tongue, and I barely paid the metallic note any mind. Meanwhile my hand grabbed a fistful of his tie and I pulled him harder against me as well. His hips pressed against the inside of my thigh, making me moan when I felt his arousal through his suit pants.

My hands moved to his hair at the same time his left mine, and it skated down the side of my neck and over my breasts before disappearing under the hem of my skirt. I gasped into his kiss as his fingers teasingly brushed over my core through the fabric of my underwear - fabric I knew he could tell well enough was already damp with anticipation.

Sure enough, Toshinori groaned, stroking over me again with slightly more pressure this time. On the next pass over, his fingers brushed aside the fabric to just barely dipped inside of me, making me whine with want. Slowly he sank his pointer and middle finger to the first knuckle, but much to my frustration he stopped there. A moment later he pulled away completely, stepping back as he withdrew his hand. I opened my mouth to tell him exactly how unhappy I was with that action before I caught the hungry gleam in his shining blue eyes. As if in a trance, I watched with unabashed desire as he brought his hand to his mouth and deliberately licked his fingers. He returned his hands to my thighs then, sliding them down to grip my knees and instructed, "Scoot up to the edge." Heat pooled in my belly as I immediately did as he asked. Strong, thin hands moved up again to the inner part of my thighs as he kneeled in front of me.

Holy shit - the real crime is how unfairly gorgeous he looks right now, I groaned internally.

He smirked up at me, obviously enjoying whatever expression my eyes held as I watched him settle, before he leaned forward and brushed his lips along the soft skin exposed after he pushed my skirt up further. This close, his breath blew torturously over the spot I really wanted him to put his lips over, and I could feel him smile against the inside of my leg when I whimpered. "The skirt was a good choice," he complimented playfully, breath tickling again as he teased.

"Apparently," I gasped. If I wasn't having to hold onto the desk to keep my balance I'd have my hands buried in his hair right now.

Toshinori kissed the inside of my other thigh before finally, he hooked a finger under the edge of my underwear and pulled them to the side. The cool air was only a shock for a few seconds before the warmth of his lips closing over my clit immediately sent my nerves into orbit. Thank god there were no other offices on this floor, because there was no way I'd be able to hold back the noises I was making now otherwise. My fingernails scraped against the desk as I gripped the edge tighter, and I could feel him smile, along with the breath and vibration of him chuckling leisurely at my reactions. As if his tongue and lips weren't enough sensation, when he pressed one long finger inside of me I cried out. When he added a second, I nearly screamed.

"Fuck, Toshi," I moaned, drawing out the vowel on the end of his name so that the words turned into a hiss. I threw my head back, squeezing my eyes shut as I gave over completely to the sensations, and it wasn't long at all before he had me screaming and seeing stars. Even as I came, he continued working me with his mouth.

When I came back to earth he leaned back, fingers still buried in me and lips glistening obscenely as he grinned. "You're right. This is definitely the best use of my office - way better than paperwork."

I chuckled breathlessly, still feeling pretty lightheaded. "Mhm," I hummed distractedly, "Glad I'm more fun to do than paperwork."

"Much more fun," he agreed with a nod.

"Although I'm pretty sure I said it was almost a crime not to bend someone over your desk," I mused, smirking as I regained the slightest bit of clarity again.

His grin spread even wider. "So you did," he simpered, voice deep and gravelly with arousal as he stood and withdrew his fingers. His touch was still firm but gentle as he pulled me off the desk and guided me around so that my back was pressed against his chest and his hips ground against my rear. The juxtaposition of the warm softness of his body behind me, and the cool, hard wood of the desk he had the front of my hips pressed against was a much headier combination than I would have ever guessed, and I gasped as the hand at my waist began to wander farther south. Lips locked over the side of my neck this time, kissing, licking, and nipping just below my ear as his other hand snaked around to slip under my shirt and knead my breast. Toshinori was always so gentle with me, and now was no exception - despite the fact that actually I would be very much okay with him not being so gentle at the moment.

"I won't break," I voiced my thoughts aloud.

He chuckled, and I could feel his chest rumble against my back. "Tell me what you actually mean," he purred.

"You know what I mean," I growled, starting to feel frustration as his touch deliberately turned teasing again. Was he trying to drive me insane?

"Say it," he taunted coquettishly.

"Dammit, Toshinori!"

"Say it."

"I want you to fuck me!" I groaned, and his grip on my body tightened at my admission.

"If you insist," he said in a voice that was low, and rough, and dripping with desire. Even so, before he moved a muscle he added in a slightly softer tone, "If I hurt you or I'm being too rough, please tell me."

"I swear to god, if you don't actually bend me over this desk right now, I'm going to-" my threat was abruptly cut off as I was sharply shoved forward, and the hand that had previously been caressing my side moved to press down just above the small of my back and push my torso flat against the work surface - I was pinned. Even without his muscles All Might was stronger than he looked.

"Finish that thought," he breathed, leaning forward to brush his lips along the shell of my ear, pressing me down further with his body as he did so. "Make threats like a villain, and I'll treat you like one," he teased darkly, sending a jolt straight down to my center.

"How heroic of you," I managed to gasp, "to threaten right back."

"Not a threat - a promise," he growled, grinding his hips against me again, and at this point I was sure I was going to spontaneously combust if he didn't take his pants off right fucking now.

As best as I could, I turned my head to look back at him - which was quite difficult given the way my face was smooshed against the cool wood and my hair fell in my face messily - and it took every ounce of my remaining concentration and self control to pull some semblance of a lazy smirk across my countenance. "Prove it, All Might."

If anything, it turned me on even more the way Toshinori looked like he was about to lose his mind as he fumbled with his belt buckle, pupils blown so wide the shining cyan of his irises was almost completely hidden. All pretenses were gone as he shoved my underwear to the side once more (idly I thought about the fact I'd probably have to throw this pair away by the time we were done, which was a bit of a shame since I liked these) and finally - blessedly - he pressed the tip of his erection against my entrance before jerking his hips forward and burying himself in me in one quick movement. I cried out at the sudden and much needed feeling of overwhelming fullness, and even after our warm up a few minutes before it still was a lot to accommodate all at once. Sure, the internet had speculated plenty - after all, the fact of the matter was that the famed hero stood at seven foot two. Even if he was only proportional to his height, he'd be boasting quite a package. But what I knew and the internet didn't, was that All Might was doing better than 'just proportional.'

And yes, I felt pretty lucky to have first hand experience with that tidbit of knowledge.

The pressure of the hard edge of the desk biting into the crease of my hip was oddly pleasurable, in the way that it just added another layer of sensation, as Toshinori began to move. Just as I'd asked, he didn't treat me like I was quite so fragile now. Much to my surprise (and perverse delight), when I tried to rise up slightly, the hand planted in the middle of my back pressed harder, forcing me back down, and I cried out as he rammed into me deeper. The angle he was taking me at felt so intense, and each sensation - the sting of his body smacking against my ass, the crushing pressure pinning me down, and stretch of being overfilled at this relentless pace - had me swimming in a sea of pleasure that I had no intention from surfacing from any time soon.

"You have no clue what you do to me, Mei," he grunted, breathing heavily as he kept up the punishing pace. When I managed to peek back at him it was a beautiful sight to see the flush in his face and the lust in his eyes along with the sweat beading on his brow. His wild blonde hair was even more tousled than normal (probably from my hands), and damn did it all make for quite the sight as he continued to move.

"I think I have some idea," I panted, and he groaned as I deliberately bucked my hips back into him.

The desk really was a good solid piece of furniture and it didn't budge an inch across the floor, nor did a single wooden joint squeak. The smooth finish of the work surface wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as it probably should have been, given the left side of my cheek was squished against it, and how the retired hero's hand still had my upper body pinned against it too. Any more pressure and it would be hard to breathe - it would turn from pleasure to discomfort quickly - but yet again the hero showed the subtle signs of his complete and utter muscle control. Retired and atrophied, he still had more unconscious restraint than he probably even gave himself credit for.

My body was awash in heat like it was aflame in a way that had absolutely nothing to do with my quirk, and it felt like a coil tightening in my belly as he drove me higher and higher. I was so close, and judging by Toshi's increasingly labored breathing, he was too. Far past the point of being able to articulate a coherent sentence, I keened in need, and thankfully the man still seemed to have enough clarity left to understand my stutters and gasps as he changed his angle. The hand planted just below my shoulder blades moved to grip my hair and pull at me to arch my back, and the hand steadying my hips rocked my body in time with his thrusts. He leaned forward over me, and the brush of his bangs tickled my back before the whisper of his lips against my shoulder reached my senses next. His tongue darted out to taste the skin just above the collar of my shirt as he moved his attention higher, following next with the graze of teeth on my ear.

"Come for me, Mei," he whispered sinfully.

And I did. Hard.

I screamed - loudly - as I came again, and with my ears ringing I barely even heard Toshinori shout as he followed behind me, slamming home one last time before collapsing over me. He was a bit heavy (and sweaty), but I didn't honestly care enough in that moment to make him move. We caught our breath together for a minute or two before the tall man grunted and pushed himself up on one arm so that most of his weight was off of me.

"You okay?" he murmured adoringly, peppering my shoulder with a handful of small kisses that left me giggling with how stinking cute he was.

"More than okay," I sighed happily. "See? Told you I wouldn't break."

"Hm. I'll try harder next time then," he replied dryly, and I giggled again. There was no way I was going to tell him I'd probably have several small bruises - I didn't regret a single one of them, though.

He pulled away, giving me room to push myself up and off the desk and we went about cleaning ourselves up as the smell of sex lingered in the air. My underwear was pretty much ruined, and after a moment's debate I shimmed the stretched and soiled fabric down my legs, kicking it into the trash can beside his desk. Toshinori watched me with an almost smug expression before grinning even wider when I raised my brow at him.

"Well that's just incredibly distracting - how am I supposed to focus on anything the rest of today knowing you're not wearing anything under there?" he asked, coughing lightly.

"I'm that distracting, am I?" I snickered knowingly.

"Of course," he snorted, rolling his eyes as he redid his belt.

"Guess you're just going to have to deal with that," I said with a wink as I purposefully bent in a very unlady-like way to collect the numerous items our activities had knocked from the desk onto the floor. Even with his face still flushed from sex I swear his cheeks had turned even darker when I peaked up at him again.

"Dammit, woman. You really are trying to kill me, aren't you?" he groaned.

"Quite the opposite, love. Sex is good for you, didn't you know?" I beamed.

"I'll be a beacon of health in no time then," he scoffed, but his eyes were happy and relaxed as he stepped into me and pressed a kiss to my lips. "Come on, let's get going," he prompted. "We need to head back to campus before the day gets too late."

As we left to head to the station a little while later, bag repacked and my new badge tucked away in my pocket, I cast one last glance over my shoulder at my future place of employment. So long as Toshi was around, I figured I could have a pretty good time there.

The sun was just starting to set when we made it back to the faculty dorms, and Toshinori set about making some tea while I went to put away my things. When I entered the kitchen a few minutes later and he pressed the steaming mug into my hands, I couldn't help but notice the small furrow of his brows as he seemed to be deep in thought about something. I opened my mouth to ask what was on his mind, but was surprised into silence when he beat me to the punch.

"So how did your meeting with Nighteye go the other day? I never did ask."

It was so nonchalant the way he said it, and as I worked through my shock at him knowing about that meeting I searched his face for any sign that he might be upset with me. Almost unbelievably, I found none, and relief coursed through my veins as I realized I might have been worried for nothing.

"Huh. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you knew - not that I was deliberately trying to hide it from you, but I'll admit I was worried you'd be mad I went and talked to him even though you didn't want to," I said, sipping my tea and grimacing when I realized it was still too hot.

Toshinori frowned. "No, I'm definitely not mad at you. You were right to go, and I should have too. I'm sorry I keep letting my own weakness get in the way when it comes to dealing with him," he muttered with a hint of shame creeping into his tone and he stared off at the corner of the room as he blew on his own tea to cool it.

I couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes. "Yeah, well even you can't be perfect all the time," I teased lightly. The mug clinked against the counter slightly as I set my cup down and stepped forward, reaching out to place my palm on the side of Toshinori's face. He closed his eyes, leaning into my touch tiredly, and in a moment of clarity I realized the truth and my subsequent mistake at once - that my omission of this information had weighed on him a lot more than his offhanded approach initially suggested. "I'm sorry too, for not telling you," I apologized.

Toshinori sighed, opening his eyes again. "It doesn't matter," he said, but I wasn't entirely convinced. However, he continued on, "So was he able to get anything from the information? It wasn't much, but maybe there was something he could use given his current investigation."

Trying to hide my chagrin as I recalled the conversation, I shrugged. "He wasn't very forthcoming with any of his own information - which I totally get, you know - so I have no clue if it helped him or not, really. And he made it very clear he thought I had no business being involved in any of this."

He nodded, not at all surprised. "I figured as much."

"So, where do we go from here then?" I asked, picking up my tea again and taking a sip now that it had cooled some.

"Pardon?" Bright eyes grew wider as he looked at me sharply.

I ducked my head slightly, suddenly feeling like I was doing something wrong. Am I? I wondered belatedly. "I mean... aren't we going to do anything about this? About Shigaraki or Overhaul?"

The hero frowned. "If Nighteye won't let you become involved with his investigation, then I think this is as far as you can legally go with this," he said slowly as if he was wary of my reaction.

"What about you?" I prompted, and his frown deepened.

"What exactly am I supposed to do, Mei? I don't have a quirk anymore, and I'm no detective. I was always more of a 'jump in and beat up the bad guys' kinda man," he half growled and half sighed, tone a mix of exasperation and resignation.

It was the answer I knew he'd give - it was the realistic answer, after all - but I still wished he'd given a different one. The vigilante spirit in me was a hard one to let die. However, I fought to keep my face neutral as I nodded, wondering if I actually had the strength to let this go - truthfully I didn't think I did, and a quiet voice at the back of my mind warned me that I better learn to do so anyway. "So... we've done our part then," I relinquished, and the hero nodded.

"We have," he agreed, not meeting my gaze.

It was clear All Might hated being useless as much as I did.

A/N: Apologies for my tardiness... again lol. I promise I wont make a habit of it. Work has been very stressful lately - too many patients, too few staff members, and not enough hours in the day - and honestly any free time I have anymore, all I want to do is sleep. I've already gotten most of the story written, but somehow editing it lately has just been exhausting. I will do my best to do better for you all though! I'm still very passionate about this story and I can't wait to see it through till the end. While I still have a few more chapters to write and haven't exactly decided how I'm going to space this last bit, I think I'm going to cap it at about 55 chapters... which is a long ass story - too long to give up on at least, that's for dam sure lol.

Anyway, I could especially use some supportive comments this week if you have any to spare. Currently, I'm checking under every rock for some extra energy that might be lying around. If I find any, I'll stash it away until I can edit more.

Cheers, everyone. Stay safe out there!

- Erin