"Okay, hear me out, you two. You ready? It's a brilliant idea. I guarantee that it will solve all of our problems."

"Spit it out already, Uchiyama," Endeavor almost barked at the stout man across his desk. Sakura's own attention was instantly captured by the agency's PR Manager the second he walked through his office doors.

He fanned his hands out to generate unnecessary suspense before confidently spewing out, 'Magazine Photoshoot'. With a goofy grin, Uchiyama Sato hummed audibly to generate an immediate response from their boss before turning his gaze at her from where she sat on one of Endeavor's leather sofas to do the same. He looked so proud as if his idea deserved an applause.

Unfortunately, the only responses he received were a tired, almost disappointed, sigh from the Flame Hero and a soft sputter from herself.

"God no," Endeavor implored as he threw his head back and slumped his broad back over his office chair. His gloved hand came up to pinch the bridge of his nose as if it would help stave off a growing migraine before looking at her and gesturing with his hand as if Sato was just a common furniture, "Can you believe this guy?"

Still amused by the manager's proposal, Sakura shook her head and raised one shoulder before resuming to read the magazine on her lap. As Endeavor's Support Hero, Sakura's main job was to assist the Flame Hero with his hero work within his territory. Most of the time it involved capturing and detaining villains, reporting to the police, and rescuing people from the occasional accidents. However, on the days Endeavor's sidekicks were the ones scheduled to patrol the streets, Sakura spent her time in his company building. Particularly, in his office. The couch set across his desk basically became her unofficial work desk where she would help with the occasional paperwork to decrease his workload.

Today was one of those days. But later, they would take over.

Of course, being Endeavor, he didn't trust her with any office work at first, but he immediately changed his mind when he found out she could do her paperwork just as swiftly and efficiently as she was in the field. Though he'll never admit it out loud, but Endeavor's really relieved with the decrease of work on his desk. Unless the way his shoulders looked more relaxed said otherwise.

She sent a glance at her phone lying atop the coffee table next to a couple of binders stacked neatly atop one another. She was supposed to meet Toshinori the following day after the whole sewage-water fiasco. He sounded so eager the day before but he suddenly canceled at the last second. Saying that there was an emergency that he needed to take care of. Admittedly, she was disappointed. She was looking forward to that tour. She's been meaning to buy some souvenirs to send back home to.

But she supposed it can't be helped. Unexpected circumstances happen all the time. Plus, he's surprisingly shy for an older man.

"Oh come now, you two! What's with those reactions?! This is a perfect opportunity to boost our public ratings!"

At the mention of those almost-taboo words, Endeavor's shoulders returned to their usual tenseness and even Sakura had to wince. She knew Endeavor's public rating was bad but she didn't realize it was that bad until he started trusting her more with his agency's internal affairs. She almost felt sorry for all the times she teased him.

Almost.

"I'm sure you're both aware from watching the news that the Golem Incident only became a bigger deal because of Shamrock Queen," the PR Manager sauntered over from where she sat and made a rectangle with his fingers close to her face. A little too close to her face, "People have finally seen Endeavor's elusive Support Hero in action for the first time behind the screen and they're starving for more!"

Sakura reared her head back slightly at the older man's beaming face. She almost forgot about the manager's eccentric side.

"Your point, Uchiyama," Endeavor slammed his fist lightly on his hardwood desk, "And stay off my support's personal space."

At his boss' command, the over enthused man stepped away from Sakura only to start giving off his reasons with a flail of his arms like a showman.

"My point is, sir, that Shamrock Queen is our key to finally boost your image!" he took out his tablet and, on the screen, displayed some sort of social media site showing a list of words with the '#' symbol before them. Sakura had absolutely no idea what they were but she seemed to have gotten the gist of it based on the way he explained.

Apparently, the people outside of Konoha adored these instant communicating platforms behind screens. If something caught their fancy, whether it be an event, a person, or even food, they would just type out these- what did he call them? Oh! 'tags', on search engines and the system would automatically generate posted videos, photos, and articles related to their searches.

Sakura had to admit it was quite innovative and she could understand why Outsiders were always so glued to their phones now that any information and forms of entertainment could easily be accessed and handed to them on a silver platter with just one click away.

She still finds it weird though but who was she to judge? The people back home have weird vices they indulge in too. Albeit most of the time it involved the physical and intoxication. Leaf Heroes were more concerned on how to survive in their Kill or Be Killed world. Even the civilians were more concerned on how they could become more useful to the village than anything. They were just wired to have that sort of deep patriotism.

Sato explained that people began talking since people first saw Sakura walk with Endeavor during his patrols. Things only escalated when the Flame Hero announced Shamrock Queen as his Support Hero. Though people began talking out of curiosity and the mystery about the pink-haired hero, it can't be denied that the attention it brought her subsequently affected Endeavor's.

It gave the public quite the shock considering he's well-known to be the solo hero. But the fact that he hired someone again after so many years made people start talking about him again and in a different light. Not because they thought Endeavor had a sudden change of heart but the fact that he had finally acknowledged a hero to stand by his side. The public's attention to the Flame Hero skyrocketed from there and the videos and pictures people uploaded online, especially the ones that showed their effective teamwork in the middle of a fight or rescue, greatly appealed to the audience. Saying they were a pair no one has ever seen before.

Endeavor was already powerful, but Shamrock Queen makes them indomitable. Whereas Enji has keen intellect, Sakura has sharp wit. And if he has charisma, she has peerless beauty.

"They're so in sync! The battles almost looked choreographed because of how well they move together!"

"No wonder Endeavor hired her! Shamrock Queen is amazing!"

"They're a perfect match!"

Were some of the widely agreed comments about the duo. Sakura could read the Flame Hero's movements like the back of her hand. Maybe because she grew to be versatile considering her demand as a combat medic. Sometimes she would be assigned on missions with different teams and she had to adjust quickly to create a dynamic that will not be detrimental to their mission. Endeavor, too, seemed to know how to read her just fine. Though he mostly took the lead, his trust and confidence in her makes a big difference in how they work together. Just like during the Golem Incident.

Not just in power, but people made comments time and time again about their differing yet similar personalities.

"Though the public is more focused on Ms. Haruno, as your support, the attention will still subsequently affect you," the PR Manager finished with a hopeful gleam in his eyes. He's certainly believed he's got this pitch idea in the bag. He suddenly appeared in front of her again, "She's perfect!"

"Get. Off. Her space," he annunciated. Sakura was too consumed in digesting what the manager said about how much she affected people to think about how Endeavor just told his own PR Manager off. Twice.

For a moment, Sakura actually thought Endeavor would agree with the idea because instead of just immediately dismissing it, Endeavor just ran his hand over his face and looked at her.

"Well?" Sato prodded.

The redhead heaved out a sigh, "We'll tell you our answer later. For now, you're dismissed."

There was a finality in his tone that easily silenced the eccentric manager. A look of protest was in his face but knowing the kind of man his boss was, Uchiyama just bowed and excused himself respectfully. First to Endeavor and then her. Sakura didn't just sit around idly to kill time during these days, after all. She made sure to make connections and acquaintances.

"We?" the pinkette raised a brow at her employer.

"You're just as involved in this as me. If not more," he answered before standing up. "But enough of that for now. It's time to work."

Though she wanted to ask more, Sakura pocketed her phone from the table before dutifully falling into step with her employer.

.

"He does have a point, you know," Sakura opened. Unable to hold back her thoughts anymore. She had been mulling over what the PR Manager had said over the course of their short patrol. The sun had already set an hour ago and they were heading back to his office.

Catching on, Endeavor raised a brow as he looked at her over his shoulder, "I expected that you would avoid the topic."

She shrugged her shoulders before picking up her pace so she walked beside him. His steps were two of her own. Damn him and his tall genes.

"You said you'd give him our answer later. So it's either you were going to order me, or talk it over with me once we get back. I figured I should just beat you to it," she said knowingly without needing to look up at him.

He let out a harrumph and crossed his muscular arms over his chest in that iconic pose of his. Sakura walked a few steps ahead before she noticed he had stopped. She turned to see Endeavor tilt his head towards the restaurant to his left. Its bright signage added to the colorful city nightlife.

"Well this is a first!" Sakura beamed brightly at his silent invitation and practically skipped her way towards him before stopping short and narrow her eyes suspiciously, "Wait. Are you buying or are we going to split the bill?"

She saw the corner of his right eye twitch followed by a snarl and Sakura knew she just unintentionally hit his ego. That particular tell was the first thing she learned about him. She just can't help being defensive, really. Too many had she fallen for Kakashi and Naruto's eat-and-run tricks. They still owe her a few thousand ryo.

"I'm hungry and you're asking nonsense!" he roared, gaining attention but Sakura just raised her hands in mock surrender. Her face were a mix of genuine apology and amusement.

It'd be more gentlemanly of him if he didn't act so defensively over everything.

"Sorry."

"Just get in there," he huffed and walked inside the restaurant. Sakura followed suit eagerly. It's been a while since she last had some yakiniku.

"Give us the VIP table," he said without missing a beat at the flustered waitress whom they obviously surprised by their sudden appearance.

"No need to go that far."

He raised a brow down at the pinkette, "We're here to eat and talk. Unless you want the attention?"

It was actually a rhetorical question. Endeavor wasn't fond of prying eyes on him just as much as she. Although seeing them together has already been a common sight, seeing Endeavor and Shamrock Queen outside of hero work is still unheard of. And they already shocked the other customers into silence. Though Sakura really hoped it's because of the fact that they're heroes and not take it out of context.

"You have a point," she surrendered and followed close behind him as the waitress ushered them to the inner part of the restaurant. They were led behind a shoji screen that showed a finer looking table and, obviously, a more private booth. No one would definitely disturb them here.

The second she sat herself on one of the zabuton, she couldn't hold onto her excitement any longer. Green eyes practically twinkled from the tatami floor, to the scroll paintings, and the table with a built-in grill at the middle.

"Haven't you been in a yakiniku restaurant before?" Endeavor broke her from her musings as he sat himself across from her.

"Oh contraire. I eat in this sort of restaurant quite often," Sakura thanked the waitress who came in again seconds later to hand each of them a menu and glass of water. Not once did her smile falter, "There's a famous yakiniku restaurant back home that's owned by the parents of a friend of mine. My boys and I always go there whenever we could drag another one of ours away from his favorite ramen place." she shook her head incredulously, "I still don't know how he's still healthy after eating ramen every day."

"Your boys?"

Something shifted inside her at his query. It was something she was wholly familiar with and one that she had reacquainted with during the last few weeks. She felt the corners of her smile curve gentler as a fonder look painted her face. A wistful yearning reflected on her mint green eyes.

"Yeah. They're technically my teammates, but I practically grew up with them. You could say they're as close to me as my own brothers. I'm an only child though, but we've been through so much together that I see them more as family than just friends and fellow heroes," her mouth just rambled without her knowing that by the time she realized what she just said, Sakura's entire face heated a cherry red. For the first time, Sakura felt embarrassed in front of Endeavor. So much so that she pathetically ducked her head behind her menu as if that would help spare her.

Knowing Endeavor, the pinkette already braced herself foe his oncoming remark but all that she was met with was silence. When she finally dared to look up, Endeavor's lips were fractionally parted as his teal eyes fixed on her. His expression was unreadable.

"S-Sorry," she broke the awkward silence with a fake cough and a bashful scratch to her cheek, "I've been missing home a lot lately. I didn't mean to ramble."

He was silent for a few more moments before finally saying, "It's fine. You've been away from home for months already. Do not feel embarrassed over something like that. You're surprisingly sentimental."

She knew he added that last bit at the last second, but she couldn't help the grateful smile that tugged on her lips at his words. As shocked as she was at first. It's always been about business between the two of them and Sakura's only ever shown him this professional side of hers. So this slip and sudden sharing about her personal life, about something she held so dearly, made her anxious about what his reaction would be.

He's surprisingly understanding.

Thankfully they were spared from another round of awkward silence when someone entered their booth to take their orders.

Being well-versed in the meat-dominant restaurant, Sakura ordered a dish that reminded her more of home. As well as a bottomless order of their house-blend iced tea.

"You're not going to order sake?"

Sakura peeked up from her menu, a hopeful gleam in her eye, "Can I order sake?"

The redhead huffed and handed his menu to the waiter, "Bring us two glasses with your best bottle."

"And make it chilled please," she added as she handed her own menu. The waiter smiled and bowed to them politely.

"I should fire him," Endeavor said once he was sure they were completely alone. A delicate pink brow rose at him. She already knew who he was talking about.

"Don't," she drawled the word to hide the bit of warning, "Uchiyama-san can spout some outlandish ideas sometimes but even you can admit that his plans are good most of the time. It's thanks to him that your approval rating hasn't plummeted to the ground after all."

He sent her a glare at that comment. Even though he knew by now that his intimidations don't work on her, it didn't stop him. Plus, it would be weird for her if he stopped anyway.

"He's basically suggesting to use me as a leeway to boost people's opinion of you," she added with a wave of her hand, "Seeing a pretty face first would definitely get people's attention."

"I don't need someone to help me boost my ratings," he nodded at the waitress who brought them a bowl of karaage and fried squid rings to share as an appetizer, "I don't even want the attention."

"Well neither do I," she plucked her share from the bowl and onto her plate. Sakura chewed on a piece of fried chicken before continuing, "But you have to admit his idea this time is really good. Even at my expense."

Endeavor swallowed the squid ring he was chewing, "I thought you of all people would be opposed to this the most."

Sakura shrugged, "Believe me. If I knew ignoring the media would get me all this attention, I would've answered to an interview a long time ago. I just never thought my presence would create such an impact. I expected some, knowing who you were, but not by this much."

"Neither did I. I should've just burned your application form the second I saw it," he threw her an almost playful glare.

"And yet you're here, treating me to dinner like the good boss you are," she brought her elbows on the table and cupped her cheeks, a playful smile on her lips, "Either you've gone soft or you just like me. I say that's a big leap in our relationship, don't you think?"

"You know I can order you to pay for dinner, right?"

She stuck her tongue out at him, "Mean."

The shoji doors opened and in came their food. Platters of different seasoned, raw meat were neatly displayed before them and they were each handed their own steaming bowl of rice. Noth heroes sat in silence as they watched their servers prepare the hot pan built-in with the table. There's even a bowl on unmixed okonomiyaki ingredients.

"Would the guests like to cook the food instead or would you need assistance?" asked the waitress.

Sakura shot her employer a quick glance before smiling at the waitress, "It's fine. We can take it from here."

The waitress bowed dutifully before finally leaving them alone. Endeavor raised a red brow at her, "You're going to cook? Do you even know how to cook okonomiyaki?"

The pinkette huffed, almost offended, as she grabbed for the provided tongs, "I know how to cook a lot of things. You're not the only one who's used to fire just because you literally are one. Now, which one would you like first? The chicken or beef?"

"Chicken," he answered nonetheless and Sakura held her hand above the pan. Once she deemed it hot enough, she began laying down the slices of chicken breast in neat rows. Sizzling meat assaulted their ears and noses the second they touched the pan.

As they waited for their meat to cook, Sakura sipped on her iced tea while Endeavor drank from his glass of water. His ever-present flames dwindled down in consideration of the environment he's in. He completely snuffed the ones coating his boots, considering they had to take them off for this booth, but the flames on his shoulders and face were still there. Albeit significantly less intense. It's probably the closest Sakura would ever see of his nude face.

"Why the sudden change?" he suddenly asked after a bite of his karaage, "Are you feeling pressured? Is that why you're considering Uchiyama's proposal?"

She hummed over her drink to ponder over her thoughts for a moment until she let go of the straw with a soft pop; missing the way Endeavor's jaw clenched.

"Maybe a little," she confessed, "But thinking about it smartly, I suppose it would be unwise if I say no to this too."

"How come?" he grounded; jaws still subtly clenched.

"Disregarding the fact that we both don't like attention; public approval rating is still one-third of the criteria the commission uses for the rankings. Even if you say you don't care about what others think of you, you can't deny that their opinions still influence your spot in the top ten," she squared her shoulders back and looked at him straight in the eye, "and let's be frank here. The only reason you're not number one, despite having the most resolved criminal cases in history, is because All Might's approval rating far outscores yours."

The flames on Endeavor's shoulders flared and a scowl once again painted his face. Whether because she said the truth or for mentioning his rival's name, she wasn't sure. Sakura waited for him to cool down before continuing.

"I know you're not the type of hero to pursue the limelight, and I really respect you for that; I can't imagine the day you would willingly stand before the cameras. That would be very… uncharacteristic of the Endeavor I know," she flashed him a small smile before returning to look down at her thumbs caressing the trepidation of the cool glass of her iced tea, "I do care if it will affect your position though. It won't skyrocket your way into top one, but if it would help you relieve the stress on that, then I wouldn't mind doing that photoshoot and interview. Who knows? It might even be fun."

She smiled brightly at him this time. Her eyes closed as the corners of her lips pressed her cheeks up for that wide smile. This time, she missed the way Endeavor's shoulders tensed and just took his silence as a sign to continue.

"As for the logic on my part, if doing this interview would finally get that paparazzi off my back, then by all means! See? It's like hitting two birds with one stone! You get your ratings up, and I can finally shut those trash magazines up about what they've been saying about us."

"Us?" he finally found his voice.

"Yeah. Apparently, to the marginal population who actually reads that crap, I'm your sugar baby."

Endeavor had to rear his head back at that. Obviously put off at what he just heard. His flames flared up in anger.

"What?"

Sakura nodded and sighed tiredly, "I know, right? One article even said I seduced you for the position. That's why you haven't allowed me to do any interviews. They said you were too embarrassed to admit it. I'm pretty sure Uchiyama-san already knew about that part. That's why he focused his explanations on what a good influence I've become. He wouldn't want you to explode on his face."

"The nerve of-!" he had to bite back his tongue before he could do something he would regret in such a public setting just because he couldn't control his emotions. Though the way his flames billowed wildly with the nonexistent wind showed just enough how much it affected him.

Endeavor balled his fists so hard the fabric of his gloves audibly strained from the pressure. Sakura waited it out and let him seethe while she flipped and portioned the cooked chicken between them. She was just as peeved as he was when she first read it one night after passing by a convenience store. It had her hero name printed on it so she became curious. Sakura had to thank all her lucky stars for being able to hold in her anger until she reached the forest and practically decimated the area. It was all over the news. Thankfully their dessert raids weren't public knowledge.

Sakura unscrewed the green colored sake bottle and poured her boss a cup. He finally looked up once she held out his glass.

"Drink with me?" she tilted her head to the side with a small sympathetic smile on her face.

The redhead graciously accepted the glass and downed the alcohol in one shot. He let out a 'pahh' as he felt the liquid instantly sear a trail down his throat before reaching for the bottle to pour Sakura's own glass. She refilled his.

In sync, they raised their glasses to each other. A sort of silent understanding passed over them.

"Cheers," they said in unison and drank.

It took five bottles of sake later before the Flame Hero finally felt the effects of alcohol numbing his system. He managed the first few times by using his quirk to 'burn' the sake, thus allowing him to stay sober and drink more than the average person. However, even that fun little trick could only do much before reaching its limit. She already knew, based on observations and after working with the man for the last few months, that the risk of him using his quirk was the danger of overheating his body. Unlike Sakura, who could fight for hours and hours as long as her (higher than normal) calcium reserves are full, Enji had to keep his battles short and overwhelming lets he burns himself inside out. Literally.

And thus, another reason why they make such a good team.

The pinkette nodded to him in thanks when he refilled her glass for the nth time. She drank the tangy flavor of in one shot before doing the same with his. By normal means, Sakura couldn't hold her liquor than the average occasional drinker, unlike Tsunade. The only reason she hasn't knocked herself out for intoxication, was because she's using her quirk for an underhanded tactic too. Her frequent closing of eyes could easily be attributed to her trying to stave off the alcohol when she's actually hiding the evidence of using her second quirk. Her mint green eyes would glow a shamrock green color whenever she used her H-Type quirk. She had been using it since they popped the third bottle to increase her liver's metabolism. It's the very reason why she could still feel perfectly fine whereas her boss already has a red tint on his cheeks and a looser tongue.

"-and then there's Shoto. That ungrateful brat!" he practically slammed his fist on the table; clattering the newly brought dishes. High quality wagyu beef now sizzled on the pan. Even when he's intoxicated, his pride was still unshakable.

"Ahh I take it Shoto's your youngest?" she asked before taking a bite off her beef. Their talks shifted from work to their personal life. At first, Endeavor shared his personal opinion of what makes a hero, his complaints about All Might, and people and other heroes that annoy him. Sakura wouldn't normally abuse her quirk this way but she'd be damned if she'd miss the opportunity to know more about her employer personally. She made sure to contribute in the conversation by sharing little facts of her own and voicing her opinions. If she ever mentioned something about home, she made sure to omit their names.

"Yeah," he snorted, "That kid's got an amazing quirk, but if he keeps rejecting my help then his skills would be no different from a kid who only knows how to show off!"

She watched him drink down his shot before refilling it again. Her hand cupped her cheek as she hummed sympathetically, "So he's at that age, huh? He's a teenager, Endeavor. They get into that rebellious phase all the time. It'll pass."

"I'm lenient with him because I know he's going places in the future, but at this rate, he's not going anywhere! Shoto's going to be a great hero… An even greater hero that would surpass that American-wannabe All Might. I'll make sure of it."

There was a grim expression on his face as he spoke those words. But Sakura just passed it off as the alcohol talking. Still, those words of his really caught her attention.

"Oho?" she was obviously impressed. Unless the way her eyes brightened meant otherwise.

Ever since she got here, especially since the Golem Incident, she'd been hearing nothing but praises about the blonde hero that's always smiling. From how great of a hero he was, to how children wanted to grow up just like him. Honestly…

She's getting sick and tired of it.

Sakura threw her head back and laughed out loud. She laughed so hard she had to clutch her stomach and tears welled from her eyes. This was probably the first time she ever laughed so hard.

"What's so funny?!" Endeavor roared.

"Oh sorry, sorry. I wasn't making f-fun of you, honest!" she spoke in between her laughs. The pinkette let out the last of her laughter before she continued; a smirk pulled at her lips as she propped her chin over her hand. There was a dangerous glint in her eyes, "I was just really impressed, is all. I knew choosing you was the right decision."

Teal eyes narrowed at her, "You're not going to say my words are morbid?"

Green eyes went wide, "Morbid?! You kidding me? That's the best thing I've ever heard since I got here! I don't know about you Outsiders, but back home, making a vow to surpass someone, is worthier of praise."

It was his turn to look surprised. Albeit with his eyes widening only slightly. No one could tell the difference unless they were looking for it in the first place.

With a sincere smile this time, Sakura added, "I really hope your son succeeds. I would love to see that day happen."

Silence passed over them as they finished the last the sake bottle. It was unspoken, and it would probably remain unspoken, but something changed between them at that moment. Like a click. Neither of them knew what it meant or what it would cost them yet, but one thing's for sure, their professional relationship would become more casual than there.

"-ird…"

"Sorry?" she looked up at him before she downed her shot. That was the last cup of their, hopefully, last bottle of sake.

"You, Haruno… you're a very weird woman."

She felt a nerve tick on her temple, "Pardon me?"

But instead of another witty retort, all that met her ears were light snores and the bare face of her employer. Surprised and bewildered, Sakura could only blink her eyes for the next few seconds as she tried to comprehend what just happened.

"Geez, seriously?" she threw her hands up and rubbed the back of her neck frustratingly, "You couldn't even give a girl a proper compliment when drunk?"

More light snores. Sakura rolled her eyes before taking out the phone in her pocket. She visibly winced at the time and moved her thumb straight to her contacts.

"Hello, Untenmaru-san?" her hand pulled back in recoil at the following bout of angry shouts, "Yes, yes… no, I'm sorry I called you out so late… Well, Endeavor and I got a little sidetracked… Yeah, so could you come over to the yakiniku restaurant near the shopping district at- yeah, that one… Great, I'll see you then."

With her phone tucked inside her pants pocket again, Sakura heaved a sigh and stood from her seat. She gently opened the shoji doors and was immediately met with the sight of a waiter snoozing by the side of the door.

"Excuse me?" she gave his shoulder a gentle shake and the young man nearly fell in his sitting position from surprise.

"S-S-Shamrock Queen!" he flustered before scrambling himself up; trying to act professional, "C-Can I get you anything?"

Sakura sent him a sympathetic look, "A pitcher of water and the bill, if you please."

Relief washed over his features and the stab of guilt in her heart twisted at the sight. The waiter dutifully fetched her orders. While she waited for them to calculate the bill, Sakura returned to Endeavor's side, who was still sleeping soundly, and filled an entire glass of water.

Sakura took a moment to memorize the redhead's bare face. For a man nearing his fifties, age has definitely been good to him. she shook her head incredulously at him. Even when asleep, his arms remained firmly crossed over his chest. If it weren't for furrow of his brows, he'd look almost peaceful.

"Come on, big guy, don't pass out on me yet. You still have a bill to pay," she shook his muscled bicep gently and Endeavor grunted with a small flutter of his eyelids, "Here. Drink this."

She held out the glass of water to him and with half-lidded eyes, Endeavor drank down the water in measured gulps. His half-asleep state allowed her to freely use her quirk as she pressed a hand to his back, in the general direction where his liver was and helped his body process the ethanol even just a little bit.

The pinkette made him drink the entire pitcher and helped him make his way to the bathroom. When he tried to protest, she just shot him a glare that matched his and spoke to him in a tone she reserved for stubborn patients. It was at that time when the waiter came to them with a long bill to charge their meal. In a final act of pride, Endeavor slipped his card towards the waiter before making his way inside the bathroom with a subtle sway.

In the meantime, Sakura went over to the bar where a handful of the staff members gathered and bowed deeply both in apology and gratitude for letting them stay so late and for their outstanding service. She expected them to be angry, and she had already braced herself for a couple of shouting and complaints, especially from the manager who also stayed behind, but instead they replied her with flustered words and dismissal waves.

"It's thanks to Endeavor and Shamrock Queen that our district is always safe and out of trouble. It's the least we could do for the heroes who risk their lives for our sake every single day," were the summation of their words.

Feeling deeply touched, Sakura willingly signed autographs and took selfies with the staff. When Endeavor's chauffeur finally arrived, the Flame Hero came out of the restroom just in time and they escorted his wobbly feet out of the restaurant and into the late night.

"Come on, we're almost there," she whispered to him gently. Her hand secured around his back (because it was too broad to wrap her arm around) while the other held his arm thrown over her shoulder like he weighed nothing. She held him steadily as they made their way to the front door of his house. All the while she prayed it wouldn't be too awkward to explain to his children, or worse- his wife, why she's bringing him home so late at night drunk to the point of near-unconsciousness.

"Father?"

Sakura looked up to see a young woman a few years her junior standing by the door. The pinkette smiled awkwardly at, whom she could guess as, Endeavor's eldest daughter as Untenmaru-san resumed her place on the other side to assist his boss after informing his daughter about what happened.

After a few surprised blinks of her own, the white-haired girl with red streaks flustered about as she opened the doors fully. Based on her state of attire- in pajamas and a blanket over her shoulders- it couldn't be more obvious that they disturbed her sleep.

They made it pass the genkan but because of the subtle use of her quirk, in ordering his muscles to relax, he practically slumped over the raised platform if she hadn't held him back.

"Whoa, easy, easy there, big guy," she said gently as she positioned him in a sitting position on the hardwood floor next to his daughter's feet.

"Where?" he grunted groggily, one hand running up his face.

"You're back home, Endeavor. I called Untenmaru-san and we brought you back to your house," she explained before finally turning her attention to his daughter. There was an odd bewildered expression on her face, as if Sakura had two heads. "You're Fuyumi, right?"

"O-Oh! Yes, I am," she seemed to have snapped from whatever reverie she was.

Relieved that she didn't sound too angry, Sakura smiled apologetically, "I'm Haruno Sakura. I wish we could've met in better circumstances but for now, I'm just here to bring your dad home."

Endeavor shot her a look but just brushed it off. She continued, "We didn't realize it had gotten this late while we were out drinking so I'm very sorry for disturbing your sleep."

"Ah! N-No, it's fine just- t-thank you for bringing him home," she bowed politely.

Sakura shot her employer a teasing look, "Wow, your daughter's nothing like you, Endeavor. You should learn a thing or two from her. God knows how much lesson you need to give someone a proper compliment."

"I'm drunk, not deaf, Shamrock Queen," he scowled and his flames flashed around his face for a few seconds, "I ought to punish you for insubordination."

"It's not insubordination if I'm just stating facts, boss," she looked up at Fuyumi again, "Anyway, I made sure to make him drink a lot of water so he shouldn't have a bad hangover tomorrow. I'll be leaving him in your care now. I'm very sorry for the disturbance again, Fuyumi-san."

The younger girl stared at her oddly again and Sakura took this cue to turn on her heel and leave. Her movements were still graceful and fluid as if she didn't just drink five whole bottles worth of rice wine.

"Oi, where do you think you're going?"

Sakura stopped midstride and looked at her employer over her shoulder. He's still rubbing on his face as if it would help brush off his sleepiness.

"Uhh, home?" she answered dumbly.

"At this late hour?"

The pinkette half-turned and placed her hands on her hips in a defiant gesture. She didn't waste the opportunity to look down on her boss this time, literally. Well, she was offended at his implication, "You're drunk, Endeavor, not Alzheimic. And between the two of us, we definitely know who can hold their liquor better. I'm a big girl, hella strong, and a hero. Even if I'm drunk, I'm still sober enough to kick some villain's ass. So don't give me that crap because I know you know that I'll be just fine."

Because she was too busy warning her boss telepathically to dare and say otherwise, she missed the utterly shocked expressions from his chauffeur and daughter. The Flame Hero may be her boss, and she does respect him as she properly should, but when the situation calls for it, she won't hold back in speaking her mind.

Because she's not afraid and she's definitely not afraid of him.

Besides, she's been through worse than just going home late in the night.

"Do what you want," Endeavor said with a stubborn huff before taking off his boots.

Sakura let out a chortle before addressing the other people in the hall again. She ignored their shocked expressions, "Well that's that. Have a lovely rest of the evening. Sweet dreams, Endeavor. I'll see you at the office tomorrow morning. If you're sober enough, that is. I'll make sure to cover for you when you decide to come up late."

"Shut up!" he roared weakly. Too tired to argue anymore at this point.

With that said, Sakura bid each of them goodbye- one more apologetic look for Untenmaru, a polite bow to Fuyumi and Endeavor, and a wiggle of her fingers to the boy with bi-colored hair and eyes watching from the corner at the end of the hall.

Two days later, Heroes Weekly released their newest issue with Endeavor and Shamrock Queen on the front cover. They were immediately sold out before lunch.