Chapter 5: "Taking a Beating"
Shouto Todoroki woke up in the darkness of his hotel room.
He might have overworked himself again as he always did when it came to his hero work. The last thing he remembered: he was studying the pictures of Misako Tano's apartment in his hotel room. Tano was his best lead into furthering the investigation, and coincidentally, she was found dead in her apartment. She was dead – right when Todoroki gathered information about her - dead. It only left him with more questions and no answers.
Half-awake, his hand felt around for his phone on his mattress, but only felt the soft covers of the sheets. He let out a groan in frustration – nothing was going his way and finding a simple phone in the darkness was furthering his frustration. He wrinkled his eyes shut, feeling the air fill his lungs and letting it escape through his mouth. He must stay focused. The job was a challenging one, and yet, quite perfect for him given his knowledge and experience.
In the middle of his breathing, a noise startled him and his eyes immediately opened. The noise resonated from the corner with the sliding door of the balcony. His body shot upwards and he reached over to turn on the lamp light, now alert. Once the light illuminated the room, he set his eyes on the woman standing at the edge of his bed, his mouth agape in awe.
"Yaoyorozu?" he swallowed a heavy something when he said her name.
Momo Yaoyorozu, in the flesh, dressed in a temptingly short, dark green silk robe with the light dancing on its edges. The sparkle in her midnight eyes were prominent in the dimly lit room, devious and lustful – contradictory to her smile that was small and innocent. She stood still as the curtain of the balcony sliding door moved from the cold, night air.
"W-What are you doing here?" he did not understand the context of her arrival: to break into his room at the darkest hour of the night in an inappropriately sized robe.
"I am here to see you," her short, black tresses fell to the side of her face as she titled her head, placing her weight on her hip, fingers playfully swinging the tie of her robe.
"It is not suitable for a taken to woman to -" she pulled the tie of her robe, the shimmering silk falling off her body and onto the floor. All the sins of the world enveloped into the beautiful world before him – all of those sins he was tempted to indulge himself in.
The red laces decorated the trim of her bra and the hanging line of her thong that treaded along her generous hips. He felt his breath get heavier as he watched her slide her knee onto the bed and crawled on her arms towards him.
"Would you like me to leave?" Yaoyorozu asked so deliciously, her words making his chest throb harder with every pound.
Todoroki's burning sweat trickled down the side of his face. It would be rightful of him to send her home, but his mind couldn't process the words as he was caught in a trance. His brain was fully functional, his body said otherwise. She let out a triumphant breath at his lack of response and approached closer.
He kept himself sane when her fingers grazed through his hair. His breath came out heavier than he had wanted it to be, "What are your intentions?"
"I am merely doing what I have been wanting to do the moment I met you," her fingers traced over his scalp again, her nails scratching a little deeper. Todoroki bit his lip from the sensation.
"And what is that?" her touch was leaving him defeated.
The grin on her face grew wider at his curiosity. Slowly, she leaned forward, her lips touching the tip of his ear when she whispered, "Sit back and find out."
Yaoyorozu roughly pulled the blanket off him and carefully slid her hand under his shirt. Todoroki was frozen in place as her soft hands tickled the cuts of his abdomen. His hot breath steamed through his teeth when her hand trailed the crevice of his chest and pectoral muscles. She swung her leg over his hips, feeling her body weight cushion onto him. The night was cold, but his body only felt hot. He tossed his head back as her fingers massaged upwards to his collarbone then up his neck, closing his eyes whilst basking in her touch.
"I want you," her words heated his ear and her hand skimmed along his jawline. Each breath she took felt heavy on her lips, "I want you to…die."
Todoroki instantly snapped out of it when his neck was shoved against the headboard – there was a loud thump from the movement. Yaoyorozu's palm dug deeply into Todoroki's neck, her fingers curling into his skin. He gasped for air, unable to take off the metal cast that formed around her hand from her quirk.
He couldn't kick her off, the position of her body pinning him down.
He couldn't use his quirk – not on her, not on Yaoyorozu.
Not even with death becoming near did he summon his quirk to activate.
Death was becoming all too real – his chest tight, his mind dizzied.
Yaoyorozu was smiling as she choked the life out of him. The once onyx eyes twisted into ruby red, scorching through him. Those red ruby eyes were so familiar. Its scorching fire pupils glowing with his surroundings blacking out.
As Todoroki was losing what little air he had left, she was unbothered by it all, her small smile getting wider with every breath he lost.
Momo Yaoyorozu was killing him.
Todoroki shot up from his bed, gasping for air after waking up from his nightmare. His hand grabbed his neck, feeling himself breathe and letting himself know that he was well and alive. His shirt was damp from the perspiration of his body, the image of Yaoyorozu's eerie face left him shaken and his throat dry from his unrhythmic breathing.
He was thankful of his cellphone's persistent ringing for bringing him to. Shouto poised himself before he answered Awase's call, rubbing his hand over his face, and once more for good measure, then spoke, "Awase, good morning."
"I apologize for calling you so early," the chief of police spoke over the background noise of the police station.
Shouto did not realize the time. He pulled his legs to the side of the bed, printed pictures of Misako Tano's apartment and his documents scattered with his sheets. Sleep must have befallen him in the midst of his research. He continued, "It is fine. What information do you have for me?"
"Tano died of a drug overdose."
He was more focused on Awase's tone, who was obviously tired. It was no means credit to Todoroki's hearing ability, just more so the fact that Awase sounded genuinely tired. Having to balance out his regular chief duties, supervising his employees, and then helping Todoroki. Todoroki was more than thankful.
"I see," their suspicions about a drug overdose were correct. All that was left to do was validate those theories.
"That's all I can tell you for now. Kirishima offered to help me gather more information. I'll call again when I find anything."
Todoroki thanked him and let him go. Succinct as it was, the phone call was helpful. He picked up the photos that were spread around his bed and taped it back to his standing whiteboard. The death of his only lead was a step back, yet it was not a total loss.
After Awase called him to inform him of Tano's death, Todoroki met him at her apartment. With the permission of the Chief of Police, he was able to take pictures of the crime scene. Without wasting any time, he thought it best to visit the casino she frequents – the Plaza Hotel. There, he gathered enough information to get him started on his next target.
Todoroki cleaned himself up, intending to head out to the casino once more, when he heard a knock on his door. He did not expect any guests nor did he receive any notice of company. Curious and cautious, he opened the door carefully.
Shouto caught a breath. He nervously felt the choke in his throat at the sight of Yaoyorozu at his doorstep – his nightmare still fresh in his mind and the empty grip on his neck still scalding.
"Good morning, Todoroki," Yaoyorozu has a gentle smile on her face. It was a blaring opposite to the devil-grin she had on her face as she was ending his life in his dream.
"Yaoyorozu, hello," he managed to speak out collectively when his mind was scattered, "What brings you to my hotel room?"
"I thought I could have someone join me for coffee," she told him, poised and professional in her posture, "Perhaps that someone could be an old friend of mine?"
"You would like me to join you?" Todoroki blinked more than usual at the request. Yes, she wanted to get coffee with him – he heard that, he knew that, but his mouth had just had to ask. His eyes shot to his room, an organized mess of photos and paperwork, then back to the belle standing in front of his door, "For coffee?"
Yaoyorozu must have read his actions too clearly, "Is this not a good time?"
"No, I was just reviewing what I have gathered so far," he told her truthfully.
"Ah!" she clasped her hands together so cutely – the same gleaming look he had seen when their classmates had asked for her help, "I am happy to assist you with that!"
"I don't want to bother-"
"Nonsense," she waved a hand to dismiss his statements, excitedly, "Let's talk about it over coffee."
Todoroki had no reason to distrust her. Yaoyorozu was the one who told him about the casino in the first place. His dreams were only that, it was nothing to worry about. He shouldn't be bothered. He shouldn't feel like he couldn't breathe.
"What's 20 minutes?" she took a step closer and leaned on the door frame. Yaoyorozu was far more forward with him in these times. He would have never imagined her getting this close to him. All too clearly, he pictured Yaoyorozu in nothing but her underwear – just as his dreams had shown him.
Todoroki turned away, unable to hold his gaze on her.
He opened his mouth to say something, his thoughts processing, and then closed it to rescind his first answer. Shouto opened his mouth once more, letting out his final answer, "I-I'll get my phone and key."
Yaoyorozu brought him to one of the best tea shops in the district. They had chosen a spot outside on the corner of the shop where they weren't too noticeable. It was a nice day: the sun was hot on their skin, but the awning of the shop had shielded them from the sun. The smell of delicious pastries and coffee was in the air. Many cars, bikers, and people have passed by - Todoroki might not have noticed. He had only seemed to enjoy the company he had in front of him.
Her eyes flickered from his stare back to the pictures. There were times when she had caught him, just staring at her, then times when he had caught himself and became himself. She didn't have to observe him so closely to see that he was looking at her. Momo had decided to refocus him.
"This is fascinating," Momo screened through the pictures of Misako Tano's apartment after hearing all of what Todoroki had to say. She was acting as if she had no knowledge of the deceased. Based on the photos she had seen, it was wise to have Katsuki as her partner. No signs of his presence were left behind in Tano's apartment.
"She died of an overdose," Todoroki sighed, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed.
"You are troubled," Yaoyorozu noticed the crease between his eyebrows. She placed the photos back down on the table and picked up the teacup on the table, "What ails you?"
"Am I so readable for you to ask me that?"
"It is not that you are so readable," she explained, smiling as she took a sip of her tea, "People are simply predictable."
"People, you say…"
She let out a chuckle and put her tea back on the table. Her elbows propped on its surface and she laid her chin on her palms, "But you are no regular person, are you?"
Todoroki had a surprised look on his face, unsure of what to say to her compliment. It took him a while before he replied, "I can say the same for yourself, Yaoyorozu."
"Do not be so modest, Todoroki," she giggled softly. Momo almost felt sorry for it to be this easy, "Now, about your theory?"
"I was correct when I suspected that she died of a drug overdose."
"It makes sense for an addict."
"Not for one who was in debt. How could she afford so much to kill herself when she could barely afford her rent?"
Yaoyorozu made herself seem pleased with that information, "And you believe that someone gave her the drug knowing she would overdose."
"I do. I intend to visit The Plaza casino once more to collect information."
"Once more?" she had to ask the question. Her mother had already informed her of Shouto's visit to the Senator's casino. For the sake of face, it made sense to ask.
"Yes," Todoroki placed his finger over his lip then to his chin, gathering his thoughts, "I went there to see what I could find, but an employee must have told the manager of my visit. That's when the senator showed up."
"Wow, that is quite an honor," she joked. The mention of the senator made her bite her tongue when her smile was kept sweet.
"I thought it would be an short greeting, but he was quite insistent. He followed me everywhere: offering anything and everything."
The senator screwed it up for himself, Yaoyorozu saw through the spineless senator. If the senator had let Todoroki slide and do his investigations on his casino, the senator would have never fallen suspect. The senator's pride and reputation got the better of him.
"While it may have been his job as a host, it was suspicious. I assured him I did not need anything and he dismissed himself. However, I noticed one of his personal guards stalking me from a distance."
"I could see how that could be damning," she might have stirred her tea a little too roughly. The sound of the tapping catching Todoroki's attention, but not enough to change the topic.
"It is apparent to me that the senator is trying to hide something."
"You are quite skilled," she complimented him, "But your presence at the casino might not be the best move. The senator will better prepare himself for another one of your visits."
She took out a card from the pocket of her button-up top; Todoroki immediately redirecting his sights when he saw where she was pulling it out from. Momo felt him jolt after she placed her hand on top of his with the card under her palm. He flipped his hand upward, their palms touching with the card between them.
"It's the address to an underground nightclub," Yaoyorozu fiddled with the card, playfully caressing his palm until the card went under his sleeve, "I talked to a friend. Show the card and get in. You might be able to find out more about the Senator there."
The card was handed off, but their hands lingered on each other. His eyes stared at their hands, then up to meet hers.
Her lips were curled into a small, albeit, sweet smile, "You have the card, yes?"
His eyes widened after coming to the realization, retracting his hand a little to suddenly that it shook the table. Her tea tipped over to spill on her dress pants and she let out a small yelp. He reacted immediately at her response, "Yaoyorozu!"
He grabbed the napkins on the table and, down on one knee, he dabbed the tea that spilled on her leg. Momo was taken off guard, "No, Todoroki, this is unnecessary."
"I am sorry, Yaoyorozu," he paid no mind to the awkward position and continued cleaning it up, "Please, it is no trouble to me."
Momo didn't bother looking around, she already knew people have been staring. She didn't bother stopping him, watching him pay his kindness, oblivious to how this looked for the both of them.
Momo didn't know what to expect when she told him, "I used to have a crush on you in high school."
For a moment, he stopped, his napkin almost slipping out of his hand. She knew he wouldn't have anything to say, so she continued, "It was hard to focus, but at the same time, it was so easy with you there."
His fingers brushed over the bare skin of her thigh, feeling if it had dried enough. She had wanted to look him in the eyes, seeing him beneath her, his eyes having to stare up to her. Her hand lightly grazed his hair, the strands of his red hair tickling her fingertips, "At times, I thought my heart was going to burst out of my chest."
He squeezed her thigh, and she did not know whether he was aware of himself or not, but the sensation made her bite her bottom lip. In a low voice, in a tone she had not been familiar with before, he asked, "And what of now?"
Her hand dropped down to his chin, picking his head up so she can give herself the satisfaction of admiring his heterochromatic eyes after he had said that. His gaze was locked on her, the pounding in his chest felt out of sorts against her knee.
"Now?" she crossed a leg over her other one, playfully tracing his jawline. Oh, the things she could do to him – those very sinful things that would push the boundaries of their relationship. It would be fun – yes. But no, she would not do something so unholy. Not today. Momo lightly pushed his face away and let out a chuckle, "Now, I think you should get off the floor."
He gave her a smirk before retreating to his seat. It was an interesting smirk. Perhaps he knows a bit about flirting; Momo was curious to find out. High school Todoroki was skittish and panicked at every opportunity. High school Momo was no different. As adults with more experience, it might have been more interestingly. She should test it out sometime.
"I think I was just as infatuated with you," Todoroki outright admitted, a neutral expression on his face. She was impressed, unbelieving that he would admit it.
"We were teenagers," she explained. She pulled her hair behind her ear, giving him a smile to dismiss him, "You're a good man, Todoroki, I'm sure you will find someone perfect for you."
"Do you feel the same way about Awase?"
It was a blunt question. Coming from Todoroki, it was intended to be innocent, "I like him."
Todoroki let out a hum, which made Yaoyorozu raise her brow, "Is there something you would like to say?" She knew why he was comparing himself with Awase, and what it would lead to.
"No, I just expected you to say more about him."
"Now, now, I wouldn't want to make you jealous."
He shook his head, but his smile made her know that he was enjoying it, "I did not think you would be interested in someone like him."
"Oo, that's a bold statement," she was willing to hold his conversation, "Who do you think I would be interested in?"
Todoroki drifted his eyes downward, then back to her, "You were interested in me."
Maybe she should have changed the topic earlier. In a hushed voice that sounded more disappointed than she had intended, she replied, "Yes, but you did not stay long enough for us to find out, did you?"
He thought about it, as he should. It was unfair to make such judgement calls. By no means should she feel offended – Awase was just her tool in the game afterall. Still, it was thoughtless of Todoroki to say such things. Eventually, he nodded his head silently in agreement.
"I guess we will never find out," he added.
Momo checked her watch, realizing she may have overstayed, "Ah, I believe I must get going." She got up from her chair, but Todoroki reached out to her as if he was going to grab her arm. He didn't, of course.
"I didn't mean to make you upset," he was concerned about the awkward conversation they have just finished.
She waved it off with her hand, "It wasn't that, Todoroki, I really must get going." Momo teased him, "Did you wish for me to stay longer?"
"I like being with you."
It was sweet. Maybe there was some intentions behind it, but Momo genuinely could not tell and she didn't want to know what they were either. Todoroki was not so easy.
Momo placed her hand on top of his, giving him a lingering hold and kind eyes, "Goodbye, Todoroki. We shall see each other again soon."
She walked away from him. Her head didn't turn back to see him. If she did, she might have stayed a bit longer.
Momo stepped into the dark office, closing the door behind her. The lights of the room was turned off, only the multiple screens of the computer illuminated the way and heroine that sat in front of it. The screens displayed security cameras, criminal data, hero rankings, the latest news, and other videos Momo wasn't familiar with. The person watching them all swiveled the chair, face-to-face with Momo and dawning Knite's signature kabuki mask.
"It's just me here, take off the mask," Yaoyorozu demanded.
"How long were you going to wait to tell me about Todoroki?" Knite asked, ignoring her command
"Apparently, as long as it took for your people to finally tell you about it," Momo huffed, crossing her arms, "For people who deem themselves better than the FBI at data collection, I would think they would have let me known the moment Todoroki stepped his foot on my district, Kyouka."
"It isn't exactly easy to find people to trust and with a specific set of skills at the same time. My people did their best," Knite huffed, turning back to the computer screens, "What are you planning with Todoroki?"
"I can handle it," she leaned against the wall, "For now, he's distracted enough to lose focus on his work."
Knite choked back after hearing that then, let out a stifled chuckle, "Distracted him? That sounds like something from a children's cartoon."
Momo stepped towards the swiveled chair and spun it back around to face her. She stripped off the mask and threw it aside, "I told you take off that mask, Kyouka."
Jirou pressed a finger to Momo's forehead, "And I've told you to tell me everything, and I still don't have an answer from you."
Yaoyorozu stood tall, crossing her arms over her chest, "I just want him far away from here." She averted her gaze elsewhere, embarrassed of her own plans, "I have to woo him."
Kyouka slapped her forehead so hard, the slap made an echo in the room, "Are we back in high school? Is that where the both of you are picking it off on?"
"It worked with Awase," she sat down on the armrest of Kyouka's office chair, "I will do what I must."
"Do what you must," Jirou patted her friend for comfort, "How do you feel about him now?"
"Whatever I felt in high school is gone now."
She pursed her lips forward, almost in disbelief of her words, "What about Bakugou?"
Yaomomo slumped back into the armrest of the chair. She hissed when she uttered his name, a lasting grudge that she held onto since their argument, "Katsuki has not been helpful since his arrival either."
"Easy for you to say. You don't work under Dynamight and deal with his temper tantrums."
"Oh, trust me, I have had my fair share," her hand massaged circles into her temple, "He also acts like he's still in high school."
"If only it were that simple."
"Katsuki Bakugou is not a simple man. As much as Kats hates Todoroki, both him and I don't want him to be killed."
Jirou laid her head on Yaoyorozu and sighed, "I don't think any of us want that." She looked up at her friend and saw the tiredness in her eyes, the stress on her face. If it wasn't for Jirou, Momo would have never gotten so far in the Yakuza business. Jirou had voluntarily agreed to help Yaoyorozu in her efforts without so much as a complaint, collecting and relaying valuable information. Like Bakugou, Jirou had to learn how to separate her hero life from her villain life for the sake of Yaoyorozu.
"You said this is only temporary, YaoMomo," Kyouka reminded her bluntly, "When will you stop?"
Momo didn't return her stare, blankly looking at the multiple screens of her best friend's computer. Of course, she felt shame and guilt for what she was putting her through. All of what Kyouka has worked for could be laid to waste the moment she gets caught. Alas, Momo had to look above that - her cause needed to meet its end and she couldn't do it without her help. "Give me time."
Jirou didn't make a sound in response. She never did argue or put up a fight on Momo's whim – such was the woe of a person when they care so deeply for the other.
"Kyouka, I'm going to need you to do something for me."
Kyouka made a hum to acknowledge that she had heard her.
"I'm going to need two women to go the Underground Bar."
She didn't hesitate to go on her phone and scroll through her contacts, "What for?"
"They are going to meet Todoroki and plant information."
Todoroki readjusted the sunglasses on his face to peer into the darkness of the alleyway. It was hard to see with sunglasses at this time of day.
"Awase?" Todoroki whispered loud enough for only someone close to him could hear. The alleyway was too dark, but it was where Yosetsu Awase agreed to meet him, "Awase are you here?"
"Todoroki?" the man that was leaning against the wall of the alley responded to him. He did not wear his token headband and his hair was slicked back – he looked nothing like Awase but it sounded like him, "Why are you wearing sunglasses?"
"Todoroki slid down his face mask to speak more clearly to him, "I am sure you have noticed the scar on my face. Its prominence is quite popular and recognize-"
"No, no – I mean, why are you wearing shades for the nightclub?"
"It is what some clubbers' fashion. Regardless of the time of day, sunglasses are a choice fashio-"
His partner waved his hand in front of him to prevent him from continuing his explanation further, "Alright, I get it."
"You look good, Awase. I didn't recognize you at all."
"It's the headband and try not to say my name too loud. We're undercover," He pointed towards the road whilst reading the card Todoroki had given him earlier in the day, "If the address is correct, then the nightclub should be over there."
When Awase looked up, Todoroki was already across the street. Awase mumbled something under his breath and caught up to him. He came to a stop when Todoroki did. The only thing in the alleyway was an abandoned underground subway station with caution tape all over it.
"Maybe the card is a dupe," Awase eyed the card, continuously flipping it front and back, "Where did you get this card anyway?"
He heard a stretching of plastic and saw that Todoroki had already made his way down the abandoned station. Awase placed the card in his pocket and said to himself, "What did he even need me here for?"
"Awase! Come look at this!" Todoroki yelled from inside the station. He hurried on his heels and quickly and carefully made his way down the stairs of the station, which smelled like a concoction of piss, alcohol, and body odor. The fire and ice hero seemed unfazed, staring at the station's card reader.
"Scan the card here," he pointed at the said reader.
"Todoroki, I don't think thing works. Look at this place!" he lifted his arms as to show him the dilapidated surroundings, "It's a obviously a dupe!"
"The subway card reader only seems like it, but if you hand me the card, you'll see," he opened his palm and Awase curiously handed him the card. Once Todoroki scanned it, a piece of the wall opened up. Awase had left his jaw open at the sight of it, then closed it to scratch his head bewildered as if all of what he's been doing until now has been wrong.
The chief of police turned to Todoroki, "How did you-"
"I observe a lot of things," Todoroki shrugged his shoulders and walked into the suspicious and much-too-literal hole in the wall. It only took them a couple of steps to hear the blaring club music echoing the walls. The opened the steel door of the nightclub, and it looked like any other one: the raving lights, deafening music, crowds of dancers. It might have seemed like any normal dance club except that most of its occupants were some criminals and villains.
"Shit."
Todoroki could hear Awase take in a heavy swallow. A few would be easy to take on, but this many criminals many could make anyone nervous. With Todoroki's experience, it was nothing new.
"Remind me, who gave you the card to this place?" Awase joked to seem like he was not shaking in his shoes.
Todoroki signaled for Awase to stay close behind him and snaked his way through the crowd. Todoroki pushed himself to a space at the bar, Awase flinching when Todoroki might have pushed his neighbor a little too hard, but said neighbor was too drunk to care. Todoroki whistled and signaled the bartender to order drinks. The bartender nodded and went to make his order.
"Don't you think that's a little to much for a nightclub?" a woman teased after snapping the band of Todoroki's face mask.
Todoroki lightly tapped her hand away, "I wouldn't want you to catch anything."
"And the shades?" she was persistent.
"It seems like you are trying to get be bare," Todoroki charmed, "Allow me to buy you drinks before you do so."
He heard Awase gasp over the club music. Todoroki paid him no mind and put his attention on the woman laughing.
"I'm Aiya," She was a touchy one, placing a hand on his shoulder, "I'll be with my friend over there. Why don't you join us there?"
Todoroki nodded and the girl left their presence. Todoroki signaled the bartended to change his order.
"How can you stay calm?" Awase was somewhat irritated with his ability to keep his composure.
He thanked the bartender after he placed their drinks down, "Do not fret - your shakiness and panic blends you in with the crowd. You look as if you are taking as much drugs as they are."
Awase narrowed his eyes at him at the back-handed compliment, "Thanks, I think. So, what do we do next?"
The bartender brought over four drinks and Todoroki handed the cash. Awase raised his brow, "Don't tell me we are going there."
"These are offerings," Todoroki explained, handing two drinks to Awase and, once again, taking the lead without more information. He was heading towards a table with two young ladies, smirking and giggling amongst themselves. Awase lightly bumped Todoroki to get his attention, his hands full with two drinks, "Hey, hey! I have a girlfriend! I can't do this!"
"You can't have drinks with the opposite sex?"
"I-I can, but-"
"What is an innocent drink with two lovely ladies?" he didn't miss a step and placed the two drinks in front of the women, who were now observing the two, "Ladies, it is a pleasure to join you."
Awase was now shaking more than before, then nervously shoved his drink to Todoroki's chest. One of the two ladies did not seem amused by Todoroki's advances.
"How 'bout you and your friend get comfortable with each other," the friend mouthed off.
Aiya didn't seem to like it and lightly nudged her with her elbow "Mai! That's not how you treat men who just bought you the most expensive item on the menu," Aiya said to her mouthy friend, putting an emphasis on its price, "Not everyone asks for this drink and you two don't seem like you're from here."
"Perhaps if you grace us with a seat at your table, we will be more than happy to oblige," Todoroki bargained.
"Only if you're willing to buy us another round of these drinks," Mai demanded after taking a sip of the drinks.
"For ladies as beautiful as you both, how about for the night?" Todoroki said in his monotone voice that was meant to sound flirtatious. They let out a chuckle and gestured for the both of them to sit, Awase sitting on the edge of the circled table, unknowing how his charm worked on them with such a deadpan tone.
"You found this place by accident or what?" Mai eyed them curiously, but mostly set her eyes on Awase.
"One wouldn't stumble this place on accident, especially not ones who were invited with the pulls of the senator," Todoroki smugly took a swig of his drink, redirecting her attention.
The expression on their faces were hard to read as the two women gave each other a look. Aiya spoke, "We are so sorry. We didn't mean to offend the guests of Sir Senator."
Awase almost spit out his drink. Todoroki had not told Awase of his suspicions of the senator. To hear someone in political power have ties to these criminals, was baffling to the Chief of Police. He cleaned himself up before he spoke, "Sir Senator, a wealthy man, a wise man – yes, of course."
Todoroki showed a face at Awase – Awase's words sounded more of surprise that statement.
"His money was no accident," she let on, unbothered by Awase's surprise, "If it weren't for the drug money that the Yakuza brought in, he'd be less than shit."
"Don't even get me started on Missy's death," Mai made a shooing motion with her hands, "That crack whore got what was coming."
"Ah, yes, Misako," Todoroki nodded his head.
The girls were curious at how he used her name so loosely, "You knew Missy?"
"My friend here used to grab from her," Todoroki placed a hand on Awase's back.
They let out a friendly giggle, "No wonder you're all jittery," Mai slid to Awase's open side, massaging his shoulders, "Let me help you with that."
Todoroki heard him utter some curse words, but failed to hear it over the club music. He was more focused on hearing what they had to say. He spewed out, "I found it strange for her to overdose. I am aware that what she was grabbing was more than her pay grade."
"Oh honey, you must really be new around here," she shook her heard, whilst elbowing a knot on Awase's back, "Everyone knows that Knite keeps these crackheads under control."
Tororoki bit the inside of his cheek at the mention of his name. He had heard that name a many – nothing good, "I assumed he was a myth."
"You are too cute," she admired Todoroki's false innocence, "How about you take those glasses and face mask off so I could see that handsome face."
"I can't turn down such a command, but it is only fair that you take off an article of clothing for each of mine."
The woman scooted closer to him, grinning at his proposal, "I'm going to need more alcohol than that."
"I can fix that," Todoroki signaled a passing waitress to order another round of drinks.
They talked for a good amount of time as the drinks kept coming. Todoroki asked the questions he needed, once in a while throwing out flirtatious lines or touches. It was enough to keep the women interested in both him and Awase, keen to Todoroki's forwardness and Awase's shyness. As much as Awase wanted to protest, he knew Todoroki needed this, and maybe a little bit of him was enjoying the massage from an attractive woman.
"I can tell you are a hard-working man," Mai as she rubbed Awase's hand.
"I am, I very much am," Awase put a lot of force into his nod for emphasis in his alcohol-induced state.
"You must be so tired," Aiya whined, stroking his chest.
"So, so tired."
"It seems there are no waitresses available," Todoroki patted his friend's back to cue him, "Let's grab our drinks for these fine ladies at the bar."
Todoroki dragged him along before he could say anything in response. He stood behind a crowd at the side of the bar. When they seemed like they were gone from sight, they slowly retreated amongst the busy crowd until they were outside the nightclub and into the abandoned subway station.
"I got all that I needed," Todoroki stated, making his way towards the steps of the exit. He faced his friend and gave him a look of approval, "You did better than I expected."
"Please don't tell, Momo," Awase pleaded with begging hands, the realization suddenly coming to him all at once, "That's not cheating is it? Oh, shit."
Todoroki chuckled to himself and made his way up the stairs with Awase still in a panic, "This Knite fellow - I need to find out more about him." He stopped in the middle of the stairway to turn to his friend, "Where can I get cocaine?"
Awase was mumbling to himself, probably saying a prayer to every and all gods, completely unhearing Todoroki's question.
"You might have had too much to-" Todoroki's eyes widened once he saw what was about to happen and commanded Awase, "Get down! Now!"
Awase flinched at his command and tripped on a step from shock. Todoroki shot an icicle at the person behind him, who was able to dodge the attack on time. With his fast reflexes, he was able to grab Awase by his shirt and threw him safely at the top of the stairs, then creating an ice wall between himself and the perpetrators so that he may be beside Awase.
The drunken Awase scrambled to get on his feet, "W-who? What's happening?"
"Ready yourself," Todoroki gathered himself, standing safely beside Awase and facing the upcoming threat, "What do you want?"
Two people: one woman and one man appeared from behind Todoroki's ice wall. They rushed out from behind the wall and the woman immediately screamed at them.
"You've been asking too many questions 'round here!" he stomped his foot forward to seem threatening.
The woman didn't give any chance for them to respond and spoke right after her partner, "We don't appreciate you guys sniffing around here! If you know what's good for you, you'd leave and never come back."
"C'mon," Awase pulled on Todoroki to signal him to leave as sober as he could, "We can't blow our cover."
He didn't move from his spot, a smirk forming on his face. It was just the opportunity he was seeking.
"Please, please, Katsuki! I need you!" Momo screamed. Her eyes were swollen, her throat harsh and dry. She was a pitiful mess, begging on her knees for Katsuki Bakugou to stay, bowing her head and sinking herself lower than the dirt of the earth, "Say something! Please!"
He just stood there at the door; it was wide open for him to leave. Bakugou had not said anything since he had told her he was leaving. This was a fight unlike any other.
The fights – the constant fights – were loud. He had told her to give up on her Yakuza business, give up her revenge, give up her hate and anger. Bakugou had told her that her obsession was getting the better of her. He had tried everything to reason with her, to argue with her, and now, he was silent. He had given up and there they were: him, standing quietly at the doorway ready to leave – her, pitifully groveling on the floor as if her life depended on it.
"I cannot do this without you, Katsuki! I need you! I need you here," her voice was pained and shaken. She was going to lose him, "Stay by my side…"
Her eyes looked through the tangled mess of her hair, the tears blurring her vision. She stared at the man who didn't have the heart to face her. His back was still towards her and his fist gripping so tightly to the door he could've broken into pieces.
"I can't do this anymore, Momo," he gave her one last glance, a quick one, but it felt like forever in her eyes. The emptiness behind those once-burning red eyes cut a hole in her heart. He had let her go, and she knew it.
Bakugou closed the door.
Her hand reached out to the doorway, grabbing onto the air, grabbing onto whatever he had left behind him, hoping to clasp onto something that would bring her back up. But, it was only air.
Her hands fell to the floor, clenching onto fists so tightly she might have cut her palms. The tears clapping as they fell to the wooden floor, its sound mocking her. Her heart twisted so tightly in her chest it felt like she couldn't breathe. She dropped to her elbows, the weight of her pain pulling her down.
Shaking so badly, it rattled to her bones, to her core. Momo pressed her forehead to the floor and screamed. She screamed as loud as she could, as long as she could; wanting, and so badly, hoping to let out her insides, to remove the scraping and gnawing pulled in her stomach. It did not work. There was no other pain like heartbreak – a wound that had no cure.
When nothing would come out, she stopped. Her eyes finally opened, staring at the floor, into nothing. The tears that puddled onto the floor. What had she fulfilled? What were these tears for? Momo had to get a grip of herself.
Momo had to endure.
She was alone and no one was there to save her – just as it would be.
How it will always be.
Looking back to those days, Momo was thankful Bakugou had left her. From then, she had learned to adapt – learned to not waste her tears on anyone.
Broken glass scattered all over the floor of Momo's hotel room. Her coffee dining table had been destroyed after a framed painting had been thrown at it. A few random items here and there thrown about – none of it she really cared for. His screams blaring in her ears, her head pounding from his voice. Momo had said words, but they were empty. No words get through to him in his blinded anger.
"Do you even fucking think about the shit that you do?" Katsuki growled, the veins prominently surging on his skin.
If she had to tell the truth, a part of her felt good for getting him like this Payback for the time he had abandoned her.
Momo almost couldn't wipe the smile from her face, "You have no reason to be upset-"
A mug flew to the wall and shattered immediately from force. She didn't flinch from his aggression- she knew to stay out of his range or she would have gotten the repercussions as it has been done before.
Momo sighed, gulping her glass of wine and pouring another, "Everyone will hear you."
"They will hear me? The fuck with them!" he screamed as loud as he could, spite causing his last words to be even louder.
"I didn't anticipate the Senator's lackeys to be at the night club."
"Of course they would fucking be there! The Senator is a wimpy little shit! What the fuck were you thinking sending half-and-half there, Mo?" he squeeze his fists so tight his knuckles turned white. The red in his eyes twirling of madness.
In this state, she was to stay solid, "I spoke to Kyouka and she sent two girls at the nightclub to leak information. They were supposed to lead him towards Knite, not the Senator."
His breath was seething out of his teeth as he approached her, his body towering over her as she sat on the end of the bed, "You don't tell me shit."
Momo didn't back down as Katsuki looked down on her. She looked up at him, glaring at him through her lashes, her voice had become a hiss, "I do not need your approval."
Bakugou groaned and shoved his hands toward her face, his fingers counting down with each of his statements, "Your first fucking mistake was not telling me anything. Second was sending him to that bar – fucking guy even brought your fuck boy-"
"I wanted him to bring Awase."
"Would ya let me finish?"
Momo blew out a loud scoff to piss him off, "You have been throwing a tantrum all night and you can't let me let out a sentence."
"You're so fucking spoiled! I do all this shit for you and you don't tell me shit!"
"You think I need you here?" she stood up, face-to-face with him, "You know you could leave."
Bakugou's jaw clenched, but nothing came out of his mouth. The fire in his eyes were there – should could practically feel the heat of his anger surging in his body. Nothing came out of his mouth.
With nothing more to be said, Momo stepped away and put on her jacket. She left no trace of emotion in her voice, "Don't leave my place without cleaning this mess up."
Bakugou heard the door close behind him. He had not moved from his spot.
If she could get away without telling him anything, he could do the same.