Sorry for the delay, we had mad power outages here in Texas so I didn't the the chance to upload :(

But here's the would-be Valentine's Day Brunch~

As always, thank you so much for all your kind comments and follows, it highkey makes me day :')

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Steam plumed gently under a distracted gaze as Chisaki poured "breakfast" into one of his pre-approved mugs. He'd been respectful the night before, leaving an hour or so after discovering his new favorite pastime "Oral Examinations with Dr. Watanabe" as the good, but hopelessly corny doctor put it, but his eyes never left her as he opted to stake out her place for the remainder of the night. What usually would have been lackey work became top priority. Of course, it was in large part due to how enraptured he'd found himself with Nanami, but the smaller, more sinister part was concern. And if he were capable of truly feeling the emotion anymore, he might even dare to call it fear. As he waited for the sound of familiar footsteps, he did the impossible: existing in two places at once. One version of him stood in the kitchen of his lovely girlfriend, pouring coffee as she got ready. The other version stood still, a small, dirty-covered child writhing and raging in the vice grip of his own past, now contemplating what or who it might cost him at present.

In a world full of ordinarily evil humans with extraordinarily inhuman power, fear was ubiquitous, but at a young age Chisaki had learned to hone the double-edged sword that was his pragmatism. Logically, he knew this Dr. F had to want something from them alive and unharmed. If not, he would have used whatever over-powered quirk he had to extinguish the both of them by now as opposed to this elaborate setup. By that fact alone, he felt a sense of confidence that they could strategize their way out of this predicament. However, unlike his usual planning, this time he had a true weakness. Despite his plotting, it would be on full display as it strode into the brunch with him this morning, wreaking of lavender and obstinance with silver hair in a sensible up-do.

The long-awaited sound cut its way through his thoughts as Nanami both strode and padded over to his place in the kitchen, the pronounced way she cleared her throat to steady her voice giving away her nervousness. "Ready?"

"I should be asking you that."

"Maybe, but you're not because no matter what you say or do, I'm going. You remember the rules."

His gaze hardened at the thought of being ordered around, but this was no time to let pride interfere. Earlier that morning they'd received a text from an encrypted number with the specific location, time, and expected conduct for their meeting. The phrase "Don't bring or forget anyone you're not comfortable losing~" hanging heavily in the air as both bringing reinforcements and hiding Nanami were no longer options. "You're correct, I don't need a reminder. Shall we?"

"Let's."

The drive was tense as they both mulled over how best to deal with the host of their nerve-wracking brunch. Following the navigation, they found themselves going in the opposite directions of the mountains and straight towards the cluster of skyscrapers and luxury buildings downtown. Nanami's brow furrowed in confusion as she saw the head of an equally perplexed Overhaul tilt quizzically from the driver's seat. It wasn't uncommon for villainy to hide in plain sight under the guise of a corporation, but this seemed different.

As they pulled up to the destination, they passed it, thinking it best to park a block or so away. Stepping out, they blended into the crowd before slipping into the building indicated in the invitation. Nanami's jaw remained clenched as she toyed with the metallic marbles stashed in her jacket pocket, ready to transform them into a tool or weapon of her choosing if the time came. She was sure she'd run out of saliva to swallow as she gulped for the umpteenth time in anticipation, her palms edging toward clamminess as they traversed the foyer towards the inner entrance doors. Overhaul on the other hand wielded his anticipation in a different way, his gaze going cold and heartbeat slowing as they closed in on their target, wanting desperately to maintain his role as the predator in this long-awaited exchange.

Looking towards each other, a final nod was given as Overhaul went to push open one of the oversized double doors, only to be met with an absence of resistance as someone on the other side opened it for them. ''Welcome, honored guests." A man in traditional steward attire greeted cheerfully as their eyes adjusted from the dimmer foyer to the bright, natural light of the extravagantly decorated room before them.

The walls were crowned and sculpted as though taken directly from a Parisian chateau, the columns framing the interior of the space and corridors embellished with Corinthian carvings, and the carpet—my goodness how could you miss the carpets, Nanami effused inwardly as she noted the intricate detailing of the Rococo-styled flooring underneath the equally-posh furniture. The steward was polite and prompt as he offered them drinks, and to relieve Nanami of her jacket which she promptly declined. It was nothing if not gaudy and ostentatious, but the air of covetiveness lingered as though it was all a well-curated trap for anyone with a champagne taste. They were fully prepared for a frontal assault as they both had been training more intensely after the night of the raid, but the cordial treatment and elegant air of the event was off-putting; their guards never dropping, even in the face of the steward and his cordial colleagues presenting them enough sparkling waters to drown a country club.

Just as Overhaul's near-translucent patience began to thin, they were guided to the inner-sanctum where their host and possible fate waited. As the steward opened the doors, they followed the long dining table to the chair seated at its head, where a man sat bored, absentmindedly placing petit fours in his mouth as he read the paper, licking his fingers of the icing before turning the page. Yup, Kai is gonna hate this guy. Nanami thought as she could feel the disgust rolling off of Overhaul at the sight of the man's lackadaisical hygiene. He was of average height and older in age, though he didn't look feeble. He was aptly dressed, a tailored purple waistcoat and white button down evident, though partially obscured by his long white beard. If anything, Nanami found him to be uppity as he sat cross-legged, an air of condescension rolling off him though he hadn't even spoke to them yet. Like a Boujee Victorian wizard. Yeah, that checks out. She thought to herself. The man remained unaware and unbothered by their presence until the doors were opened further, causing one to creak at it hinge. That was what ultimately captured his attention. The man's eyes widened as they followed the source of the offending noise, landing on the steward opening the door. As though he knew he'd made a grave mistake, the once-composed steward began to tremble under the man's gaze.

"I thought I told you to get that fixed before our guests arrived."

"Yes sir, my apologies, we were so busy with the other preparations that this must have been—"

"Forgotten?"

"Oh no sir, not forgotten. We just prioritized our tasks and thought—"

"So, you think you're in a position to decide what is and isn't important in my home?"

"No sir, not at all."

"For a butler, you sure do say no a lot. All I've heard since you came in are no's, excuses, and squeaky doors. Let's see if you can't make a different sound." The man smiled, though it failed to reach his eyes. One of his hand's left the paper lazily as he waved it in the steward's direction, a snapping sound following immediately after. Following the sound, Nanami noted the steward's arm was now bent at an unnatural angle as he clutched it desperately to withstand the immense amount of pain he must have been experiencing, only a small noise resembling a squeak leaving his lips.

"See, now you're starting to get it! That terribly annoying noise is exactly what I don't want to hear and now you see exactly how much it pains me to hear it and be embarrassed in front of our honored guests. That door is making noise too, so fix it with as much urgency as you do that arm of yours, ok? 'Only squeaky wheels get oiled,' and such and so forth. Now, leave us be and go squeak your way to the infirmary and hope I don't call and tell them to ignore you before you get there." He piped a bit too happily for anyone's liking as the steward hobbled out obediently, somehow managing to close the door quietly as he left.

During the exchange, Nanami's grip on the balls of metal in her pocket became painful as she channeled both her disgust and fear into the tight hold. Sensing this, she saw Overhaul glance at her by his side, showing her the deep breath he took, his gaze urging her to follow suit as she took a deep, centering breath before the man's attention focused back on them. They stood in silence for a bit, the man's smile never wavering as he stared at them with unabashed adoration before speaking.

"Well don't just stand there, come in, come in," He called enthusiastically. They looked between each other before cautiously moving forward towards the only other two chairs seated at the table near the head. As they went to grab their respective chairs, their hands were shooed away as the man hurriedly went to pull them out for them. He continued to dote as he poured mimosas into the glasses set in front of them before motioning towards the smorgasbord of pastries and food lain out in front of Nanami and the more hygienic, individually wrapped treats in front of Overhaul removing any doubt this was all for them.

By this point, they were both near bewilderment by their treatment and what they'd witnessed. After expecting to possibly fight to being catered to and served, they found themselves even more on guard and tense, a fact that didn't escape their host as his brows knitted upward dramatically, his mouth pouting. "Please, relax. You're my beloved guests and I've long-awaited this meeting to see your gorgeous faces—well at least one and a half of them," he chuckled to himself at the quip, gesturing towards Overhaul's mask. Neither laughed as they looked between each other in confusion before he continued," Oh come now, I won't be harming either of you today. As smart as both of you are—and by my darling butler's little faux pas, you must know that if I wanted to truly hurt either of you it would have come to pass long ago, I do hate to waste time, you see. So please, do it for me, please?"

"And who is this me, rather who are you that we're doing this for exactly?" Nanami spoke first, unable to hold her tongue any longer as the situation seemed to be getting weirder by the second.

"Witty and beautiful as expected," he cooed, "I fancied you a bit more preceptive than the average bear, but if you need it spelled out, I will happily do so. Hello, my dears, My name is Dr. Faustus Mephistopheles, but you may call me Pa—no, it's much too soon for that. You may call me Faust if you'd like."

"Enough with the pleasantries," Overhaul intoned, annoyed with how happy this Faust character seemed to be that they had come.

"Oh, quite right! We should get down to business. Ever the impatient one, my sweet Kai has found his voice. You've come such a long way since that… gentleman took you in. I tracked you all the way across town like a lost puppy and here you are, a strapping young man. How wonderful!" He exclaimed, reveling in a moment he was thoroughly alone in, "But don't be too hasty, I set aside this time just for the two of you. So, despite how eager you may be to take off those lovely gloves and how ready Nanami seems to use those metal marbles in her pocket, I would have to advise against it." Faust warned teasingly as he took a dramatic sip from his glass through a straw.

"And why would we listen to any of your advice, Faust?" Nanami queried with an obviously forced smile, his name rolling off her tongue like a curse.

"Because I have the answers to all those hypotheses you too have been mulling over this past year. It's been so adorable seeing you two grow and prod at all these big questions, but I'm here to help. Here to answer."

"Sounds like bullshit."

"Nanami! Language! Keep talking like that young lady and I won't tell you how to get your parents back." He tutted,"And Kai, I'd keep that beautiful, but very murderous, gaze you're sporting right now to yourself if you want to know where you came from. I'm sure you'd like to remember what happened before you met that old man you call your "father" in the park. Aren't you both curious?"

Nanami gulped, seeing Kai was equally surprised, angered, but ultimately curious. Talking it is. "Alright. Then who are you really? You keep talking like you know us, but we don't know you."

He gasped, feigning offense as he placed a hand on his chest, "But you do, my dear. You both do. We are bound by destiny," he effused, a far-off look in his eyes as he seemed to be recalling what were fond memories to him. "Let's start from the very beginning: For over a hundred years, we've accepted quirks as a natural part of our society, the strength and frequency increasing with each generation as scientists have struggled for an equally long amount of time to unravel the mystery that was the 'glowing baby'." He began, now walking around the room to the large windows as he continued to speak, his gaze fixed on something distant, "In the midst of that hullabaloo, quirks have grown well-passed the point that many can control—the world took a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon and perverted it into the grotesque vision you see today."

"Well, aren't you open-minded. What's grotesque to you is life for the rest of us," Nanami retorted, annoyed with how full and sure of himself he was after what they'd been put through.

"What else would you call it? Almost every man, woman and child is flaunting power that we can't even begin to fathom and power without control—power without balance—is a threat. That is where you," He turned around and gestured to them in adoration," come in. You are the salvation for our eroding humanity. A living testament of what can be accomplished when balance is restored."

"And what is that exactly?" Overhaul asked, hoping he'd get an answer without all of the flowery language he'd come to loathe already.

"Peace."

"Speak plainly, please." Nanami requested, exasperated with a hand reaching to massage her temples. That's my girl. Overhaul couldn't help but the bit of pride welling in him at her curt response.

"Sugar and spice I see," He jested before granting her request, "Haven't you felt drawn to one another? Balanced and comforted being near? It was all by design, my design. You see, I was given a special gift, a great sum of knowledge. And with that knowledge, I found that while the glowing baby remains a mystery, quirks as a whole do not. They are not merely the result of genetic lotteries—they can be given. And as the bearer of such remarkable knowledge, I knew, as well as both of your parents, what had to be done—what had to be created: An equal."

At this their eyes met, both of them coming to grips with the myriad of possibilities Faust was insinuating. Before their minds could run further, he continued "As countries come to grips with the fact that many with ill intentions now have immeasurable power, a final solution has come to pass. That is where my research plays a vital role. A role which you two have proved beyond my wildest dreams." A sinking feeling came over the two of them as Faust neared the point, "You two are those equals, the first of your kind. On that beautiful, cloudy day I was brought two babes; one with the ability to build and the other with the ability to dismantle. It couldn't have been more poetic, more fitting."

"… You're saying that… that we were created?" Nanami asked, trying her best to steady her voice.

"No, my dear, the two of you were balanced. You each were born with quirks much too powerful to be left unchecked. With the earliest fruits of my research, I gave you a piece of each other. You both can choose to create or destroy and if one falters or threatens the other, you have the power to end one another. After all, in war there's an advantage given to those with bigger and better tools, but what's a tool if everyone has one?"

"A control." Overhaul responded.

"See, isn't that fun? A science pun and it's true. What more could one ask for?" Faust beamed as he could tell by their faces that the revelation had fully dawned on them. A somber silence filling the room as they came to grips with the reality. "Oh, don't be so glum, this is wonderful news, is it not? My dear Kai, your whole life you've had a burning desire to eradicate the world of quirks, for the world to be clean and pure again of what has been a blight on our society. Would this research not be invaluable to your cause? And my sweet Nanami, you've longed to better yourself, to learn more in the hopes of stopping quirk research—to gain atonement and to prove your worth to yourself. Would this last project not accomplish that and then some?" He queried; his eyes aglow as he illustrated the temptation of the ideal future he had envisioned for them. Temptation. "After all, isn't that what brought you together? What brought you here, your hunger for knowledge?" What is this oppressive feeling? Like… pressure? Nanami thought as the feeling intensified, the more Faust spoke," I've long awaited this moment. There are two slots reserved especially for you. Make a deal with me and we will change the world together." His hands outstretched to both of them in anticipation of a handshake.

As Faust prattled on, Overhaul had been theorizing. He was indeed shocked by the revelation that his fate had been so predetermined, that he could possibly be that which he loathed: infected with this societal virus. But above all else, he was determined to destroy his maker. Knowing all of his and Nanami's suffering could be traced back to one singular, selfish entity gifted him with a focus he had never experienced before. Looking to Nanami who looked equally enraptured in thought, and more beautiful than he remembered as her strength persisted, even in the face of such a daunting reality. His gaze softened, a small, soft smile making a home on his now-relaxed feature as his eyes remained trained on her, now certain of what gift she truly deserved. His smile deepened as she met his gaze, her eyes near-black in anger before recomposing herself to give him a look of reassurance. I'll give her his head.

"I see." Nanami said simply as she shifted her gaze from Kai to the teacup in front of her, absentmindedly stirring it with an ornate teaspoon sat next to it. "But there is one thing I don't understand, why such emphasis on the making of a formal deal?"

At this, his smile faltered for a moment before recovering, a detail that did not go unnoticed by her or Overhaul. "Such a grand endeavor necessitates it does it not? If we are to do this, we should do this properly, don't you agree?" He replied easily.

"Nah, I don't think that's what it is. You want to know what I think? I think you need us to make a deal with you. After all, why go through the trouble to try and convince us if you could do this on your own?" Nanami postured challengingly.

His smile turned into a hard line across his face as he looked between them, the façade seeming to fall for a beat. It returned stronger than before, with an air of sincere happiness that unsettled her, "This is why I've chosen you as my own version of offspring. So strong, so calculating, just like your Papa." Seeing the horror beginning to creep upon their faces he clarified, "Don't worry you're not related, that's just disgusting. I made sure of that, so breeding is still a very viable option. So, don't be shy on my account." He winked as Nanami discovered the image of that alone would prove to be the most potent contraceptive.

"Wait wha—Breeding?"

"Anyway," He continued, ignoring her question, "the beauty of your progeny is that though I may lose the structures, I retain the blueprints. Choose wisely my dear children, I would hate to have to start from scratch. Toodle-loo." He abruptly rose, leaving the room, the door closing with a sound thud.

They sat in silence and astonishment, the few minutes that passed feeling like years as it felt like they were allowed to breath for the first time in an hour. The second the door closed, and the sound of footsteps disappeared, they silently rose with stoic faces, escorted out by the other stewards who still had the full use of their arms. As they arrived at the car, Nanami gracefully got in as Overhaul opened the door for her and made his way to the driver's seat. Pulling off, she remained poised, looking straight ahead until she caught the sight of downtown in her periphery, vanishing from view. Hearing a steady exhale taper off into ragged breaths, he glanced over to her, worry evident in his features.

Her hands and every other part of her body trembled as the full weight of the interaction sat heavily on her shoulders. The hyperventilating began and in the next moment they were pulled over on the side of the road, her hand slapped over her mouth as she nearly rolled out of the car, making a b-line for the drainage ditch on the side of the road. She wretched violently, trying her best to collect herself and failing. As the rain washed away the expelled contents of her stomach, the moisture wetting her clothes was suddenly blocked as a familiar shadow loomed over her. "I really am a monster. An abomination. I—I shouldn't even exist…"

She continued to shake, now leering at trembling hands as though she was disgusted they were attached to her. From the corner of her eye, a handkerchief came into view as he bent down, carefully wiping the corners of her mouth before draping a spare coat over her shoulders, bringing the umbrella closer to cover her fully. He continued to clean her up but remained silent, his gaze almost bored if not for the concern slightly marring his features.

"So, would you like me to call your colleagues and patients?"

"What?"

"To tell them they shouldn't exist, of course," He replied evenly, discarding the handkerchief as he squatted next to her.

"You know that's not what I mean…"

"Or is that just how you feel about me since we are the same?"

"Wha—no, of course not! I just…"

"You just what? Either you wish they didn't exist and think I'm an abominable monster, or you're having a tantrum and giving into despair. Which is it?"

"It's not just a tantrum!" She erupted though his face never changed, "I—no, we, just found out that we were created. Bred and then implanted in a lab to be the way we are and for what? To fulfill some uppity asshole's ridiculous vision. Our entire lives reduced to someone else's whims! I—I'm angry! We've been through hell. Absolute hell because of that monster. My parents… our childhoods…and everything since have been tainted and I feel this unsurmountable, terrifying rage I'm scared I won't be able to put back. And then… "the tears began to fall as her fists clenched in frustration that had been building for a lifetime, "And then I'll just prove myself right."

"There's the truth. If you're angry, that's fine, but don't give into despair and grovel. It's not fitting." He intoned harshly while gently tucking a few stray strands behind her ears, "We have been through hell, and yet here we are, perfectly fine, throwing up in a dirty drainage ditc—actually, let's continue speaking in the car." He paused, helping her up as they walked back, Nanami making a mental note to laugh about this later. The door shut and the pitter patter of the rain was dulled as they sat in the quiet. "You have to exist. You must. Don't ever say anything like that again."

"I'm… I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. Just be. That's enough for now."

"I can do that."

"Good, because I have a plan."