Rikiya sits at his desk, his hands folded at his stomach with his thumbs tapping. It's still dark out this early in the morning. Gravitas sits nearby, her arms and legs crossed as she's in thought.
"It's almost 5am…" Gravitas states. "And he still hasn't arrived with the intel. Are you sure we should've trusted him?"
"Patience, Gravitas," Rikiya is calm. "My hunch feels right about Fallout. I don't doubt he wants to escape the Commission's shackles."
"Still…it's risky knowing his affiliation."
"Are you suspicious of him? Or are you eager to see him?" Rikiya pries.
"What?" Gravitas is astonished. "With all due respect - don't be ridiculous."
"All my years of knowing you, I've never seen a person fluster you the way he does. And you've only just met."
Gravitas keeps her eyes closed as she swings her foot. Their attention turns to the balcony where Hikaru has landed, the sun rising in the distance.
"You're late," Gravitas stands.
"I didn't give you a time, did I?" Hikaru replies. "I said by dawn. I'm right on time."
"The sun rose some minutes ago."
"You're keeping tabs on me already? This isn't even our first date."
"Shut up and hand me the intel," Gravitas demands as she walks up to him.
Hikaru holds a USB drive by its string. Gravitas reaches for it, but Hikaru pulls it away swiftly.
"How about a kiss on the cheek for it?" Hikaru smugs as he leans his cheek toward Gravitas.
Gravitas punches Hikaru in the face, causing him to lurch back. She uses her quirk to retrieve the thumb drive from Hikaru's hand and floats it over to Rikiya.
"Damn you can throw a punch," Hikaru is impressed as he rubs his face with a smile.
"Shut it," Gravitas sternly says.
"Can't help but notice you're taking it easy on me. You didn't use your quirk. I get the feeling you just wanted to touch my face," Hikaru teases.
"Get over yourself," Gravitas rolls her eyes.
Rikiya chuckles as he sets up his laptop. He explores the intel on the USB for a moment. Meanwhile, Hikaru stares at Gravitas as he stands a couple of feet to her left. She glances at him, receiving a smirk and wink. Her brows rise, and she quickly looks away.
"My, the Commission had a close eye on Detnerat for some time…" Rikiya has his attention on the laptop.
"I've been assigned to infiltrate a lot of syndicates in the black market," Hikaru explains as he eyes Gravitas. "It's very dangerous work," he tries to impress her.
"Hn," Gravitas grunts.
"Despite their investigation on Detnerat, it doesn't seem they suspect me as the leader of the Meta Army."
"Nope. Not a clue," Hikaru says.
"And how are we to believe his word?" Gravitas asks Rikiya.
"It's a good amount of intel to go missing from the archives… I should be receiving a call any minute now," Hikaru is relaxed.
"Hm?" Rikiya wonders.
Hikaru's phone rings, and he sets it on speaker.
"This is Fallout," he answers.
"You're needed back at the facility," an agent says. "A large file in the archives has suddenly gone missing. We need you to investigate."
"This early?" Hikaru fakes a whine.
"Report here ASAP before we notify the President."
"Alright! Alright! Lemme just get some breakfast, and I'll head on over as soon as I'm done."
"Copy that."
Hikaru hangs up and holds the phone up with a smug.
"That proof enough for ya?" Hikaru turns to Gravitas.
"It's still not enough," she replies.
"You're hard to please… I'm sure I can fix that," Hikaru gives her a flirtatious smile.
Gravitas' pale skin flushes with a faint pink at her face as she balls her fists.
"As amusing as this is…" Rikiya says. "Gravitas is right. I still need more proof of your loyalty."
"Do what you want with me," Hikaru keeps his gaze at Gravitas.
"We'll have to place microphones on you for surveillance," Rikiya says.
"I don't mind being bugged," Hikaru shrugs. "I've got nothin to hide."
"Says the Commission spy…" Gravitas mutters.
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove my loyalty," Hikaru dramatically bows.
"Excellent!" Rikiya is excited. "I'll go ahead and inform Skeptic to prepare some surveillance devices," he dials on his phone.
As Rikiya is talking on the phone, Hikaru gazes around the office. Gravitas takes this chance to peer over at him, but he catches her from his peripheral vision.
"Don't get any ideas," Gravitas sternly says. "I'm only watching you to make sure you're not plotting anything."
"Understood," Hikaru rests his hands behind his head.
The office door opens, and a tall lanky man with shiny black hair that reaches down his waist enters. He wears a long sleeved black turtleneck and jacket with dark pants.
"This is Skeptic," Rikiya gestures. "He's a leading member of the Meta Liberation Army."
"Geez, where'd you find this dude? In some underground rock band?" Hikaru comments.
Hikaru's comment causes Gravitas to scoff, holding in a laugh. Skeptic gives them both a serious stare, and Gravitas straightens her expression while clearing her throat.
"I've brought the devices as requested," Skeptic holds them.
"Please place them on Fallout here," Rikiya points to Hikaru.
Skeptic walks over and begins to firmly attach the devices on Hikaru.
"Whoa, no need to be so rough," Hikaru raises his arms.
"Stay still, and I'll get this over with," Skeptic says.
Skeptic finishes setting up the devices and opens his laptop. Hikaru peers over Skeptic's shoulder at the screen.
"Wow, you must be some computer geek," Hikaru says.
"Don't look over my shoulder!" Skeptic exclaims as he moves away.
"Noted," Hikaru replies.
"He's going to be an annoying one, isn't he?" Skeptic comments.
"You've noticed," Gravitas replies.
"Ya know, I'm right here. I can hear you," Hikaru says.
"It's done," Skeptic closes his laptop. "He's bugged with mics."
"Excellent. You're dismissed."
"Lemme know when your band is playing next," Hikaru teases.
"Hmph!" Skeptic walks away.
"He's not into jokes, huh?" Hikaru smiles.
Skeptic takes his leave.
"So how long am I going to be bugged?" Hikaru asks.
"For a month," Rikiya replies. "Could be sooner if I determine your loyalty before then."
"Cool. I'll be leaving now. Can't miss breakfast before heading back to the Commission!"
Hikaru heads to the balcony glass door and slides it open.
"Carry on your duties as usual," Rikiya instructs.
"Will do!" Hikaru nods.
Hikaru glances at Gravitas and gives her a wink before taking off.