My Hero Academia: The Observer Protocol.
Chapter 01: Fast paced catching up.
In a world where 80% of the population exhibits strange characteristics, all unique and varied in power from each other, it is a given fact that no one is born equal. That however didn't stop one of the greatest heroes in recorded history to seize the opportunity to save the world from annihilation, a humble 17 year old named Deku.
Jumping nine years into the future that same hero relinquished what would've made him an household name, his power or what the current civilized society would affectionately call a quirk, in order to keep the people he wanted to protect safe. Having achieved that, this same humble boy went on to become a homeroom teacher at the very school that nurtured the values he held so dear, United Alliance, or U.A for short, that however is not where our story begins.
An average man in his mid 20's in a business suit sporting a messy green hair and a few visible scars to contrast what anyone would otherwise call plain appearance was resting his head on the bench of the subway train as people passed him by with kids occasionally stopping to look at him with awe.
" hey….. aren't you the hero that saved Japan!?… the cry baby hero Deku…."
The same kid got a punch in the arm from his friend as he flinched which earned him another two for flinching as said child asked in surprise.
" what did you do that for?!"
his friend didn't waste any time as he shot back.
" you dummy, do you think he likes it when people call him the cry baby hero?!"
Deku, real name Izuku Midoriya gave them an awkward yet reassuring smile saying.
" don't worry about it, I don't mind it too much….. say by any chance did you want to ask me something?"
The boy who asked the so called rude question, shifted his hands and feet out of sheer nervousness presented his school bag as he quietly said.
" an autograph….. maybe?….."
Fishing out a marker from within his jacket Deku gave an appreciative smile saying.
" to whom do I make this to?"
With Deku signing the kid's bag said kid and his friends bid him farewell while he continued on to his destination. Having arrived to the intended train Platform Izuku Midoriya continued on foot towards a bar, a bar that previously was the hideout for a group known as The League of Villains, now owned legally by Shoto Todoroky, a former classmate of the green headed teacher. Having arrived at said bar after a few good minutes of walking Izuku Midoriya arrived to the establishment as he marveled at the impressively lavished yet modest structure before heading inside as he sheepishly asked.
" hello?….. hope I'm not late or anything….."
A warm yet quiet tone, the kind of quiet tone you would miss unless you really payed attention to said.
" Actually you're a bit early Midoriya, we still have thirty five minutes and thirty three seconds before anyone arrives, not counting delays and late arrivals."
The voice belonged to Shoto Todoroky, a pro hero simply named Shoto to the public, said man was about the same age as his friend, a man recognized by devilish good looks, a two toned hair style with white on the right and red on the left, rocking a David Bowie look with two different eye colors, grey on the right, blue on the left, formal yet still casual clothing consisting of a maroon buttoned shirt with black pants and the most pronounced feature, a burn mark over his left eye.
" I didn't know you were counting the minutes."
Todoroky said in a friendly yet dry tone.
"it was a slow day today."
As an unintentional awkward silence developed between the two good friends Midoriya cleared his throat asking.
" so… how's your family doing?"
Todoroky at that gave a subtle yet genuine smile as he replied.
" about as good as expected considering our drama."
Izuku Midoriya in turn nodded knowing what his friend meant as he ordered.
" may I have a glass of water in the meantime?"
Todoroki in turn prepared one glass of water and while that was going on a loud thud almost made Deku jump out of his skin as a loud and all too familiar voice boomed through the establishment.
" Icy Hot!, Scotch on the rocks."
Todoroki at that simply asked.
" do you mean ice or actual rocks?"
The owner of said booming voice, a young man named Katsuki Bakugo, an up and coming hero going by the moniker Great Explosion God Dynamight, tried his best to keep his for lack of better words volatile temper under control.
" half and half…. Are you a bartender… or a damn comedian?!….."
Todoroki at that didn't bother to respond or even acknowledge his friend, well maybe calling them friends was a stretch as Midoriya cut the tension by asking.
" you drink Kachan?, since when?"
The explosive young man kept quiet as he breathed in and out while he sat a couple of seats away from Midoriya as he evenly answered the question.
" ever since the old hag and the little missus found it amusing to make my life a living hell lately."
Their bartender friend interjected in a manner of fact tone.
" that what usually happens when a man decides to get married."
Katsuki at that pinched the bridge of his nose hard trying to pretend he didn't hear that damn stupid comment as Midoryia quietly told Todoroki to prepare a meal for their expressive friend before serving him any alcohol, thankfully the bartender was ten steps ahead on this front.
" knowing you, you'll probably shrug it off, so what's it really about?"
Kachan breathed in and out until he finally relaxed enough to let out an exasperated sigh.
" you know…. It really pisses me off how you can cut straight to the point Deku."
Deku sighed in return as he gestured Kachan to continue,
" I thought I'd spend my life beating villains to a bloody pulp and that will be enough for me but it isn't….. I think of becoming a dad, someone's old man you know?"
Deku in turn congratulated his long time old friend as a question popped into his head.
" so what's wrong with that?… knowing you, you don't hesitate once you've made your mind on something."
Kachan sighed as he genuinely said.
" I don't want to mess up or do a half assed job of it, I really want to raise a kid but I have nothing to offer in return… plus, how do you raise a kid when villains will always be there to be a pain in your ass, we fight and we fight but nothing ever changes….. not really anyway."
Todoroki at that served Katsuki a light meal quietly while the latter muttered quietly.
" thanks for the meal."
As Kachan began eating his meal the atmosphere began to relax amongst the three while Midoryia pondered on how exactly to help his friend get out of his funk before settling on the following.
" listen I'm not the best man to cheer you up right now but I can't help but remember what Allmight once told me about heroes…"
Kachan urged him to continue as he made it evidently clear he was in no mood for guessing games.
" all heroes have one thing in common, their bodies began to move before they could think things over… now maybe it's your turn again to move before you get stuck in your own head."
Kachan at that gave a small grin as he replied.
" leaved it to you to turn a conversation into an all out geek fest about pro heroes…"
Before Deku could protest Kachan decided to cut him off.
" thank you."
With that said and done Todoroky spoke up.
" how about some music to liven up the place?"
Katsuki mock scoffed.
" do what you want, you're the owner after all!"
As Todoroki went to turn on the TV Katsuki in return remembered.
" hey barkeep, I never got my damn drink!"
At that Deku sighed to himself as he bemusedly thought.
' some things will truly never change….'
By the time Todoroki got around to making Katsuki's drink, much to the latter's annoyance, music began filling the room, it was a duet cover of Only The Lonely by The motels as sung by two of Midoryia's high school friends, Kyoka Jirou and Denki Kaminari as he mused to himself.
"haven't heard that song for a while."
As luck would have it those two friends came in with pleasant smiles just as Todoroki handed Kachan's drink. Denki Kaminari, the once goofball and class clown of class 1-A now turned into a heartthrob pro hero took Bakugo's scotch glass with the intent of downing it as the latter remarked.
" keep that hand on the glass and you will lose it, take a drink and you'll lose your life."
Finding that glare comical instead of threatening Kaminari took a swig anyway as the temperamental blonde stated.
" hey ears…. Better start looking for a new guitarist!"
Kyoka Jirou, the one Bakugo casually referred to as ears, nonchalantly stated.
" okay have fun and rock out you two."
At that Kaminari gave her a comic shocked and disbelieved look before an even comical ruckus had occurred where Bakugo attempted to make the class clown wish he was never born while Midoriya tuned the noise out as he got into the song being played especially the following few lyrics.
'
You mention the time we were together
So long ago well I don't remember
All I know is it makes me feel good now '
Oblivious to the world around him Kyoka on her part took notice that Midoriya wasn't acting quite like his usual self, well not the usual self she knew at least. Not taking notes, not muttering to himself, not talking someone's ear off in the process, so she decided to probe subtly.
" hey, are you okay there Midoriya?"
Snapping out of his trance Midoriya took a moment to think before answering.
" I'm okay thanks for asking….."
Jirou didn't buy it though as she asked.
" oh yeah?, then why aren't you acting like your usual self?"
Midoriya at that knew that Jirou was sharp and almost good at reading people as himself so he decided to be completely honest.
" I'm just trying to reign in the parts most people find annoying, both for myself and others….. mostly others…"
Jirou smirked as she simply stated.
" that's so like you."
Remembering that it wasn't the first time he heard a comment like that he made his confusion known.
" I still don't get what people mean by that."
Jirou clarified with a disappointed tone in her voice.
" it means that you always put the needs of others before yours, even when it would clearly hurt you."
Midoriya sighed at that having no excuse to get him out of this conversation so instead he decided to be completely honest with himself.
" it's not that I don't get what you say but heroes are supposed to sacrifice a part of themselves for others and I'm no different."
Jirou after hearing that softened her approach.
" listen, we don't want you to become a martyr, we just want you to be truly happy."
To illustrate further the point Todoroki served him another drink stating.
" this one's on the house, in fact your money is no good to me so I won't accept it either."
Sighing Midoryia began drinking the second drink as he accepted the fact that Todoroki's sincere bluntness will be one of the things that would never change alongside Kachan's explosive personality while Jiro in turn ordered a chilled soft drink for herself. As the two classmates enjoyed the atmosphere and drinks together the musically inclined pro hero asked out of the blue.
" tell me something, out of all of us?, who did you look forward to seeing the most?"
Midoryia at that thanked god that he drinked his drink slowly because if not he would surely choke on it as he heard the question, still that didn't mean it wasn't an awkward subject to tackle so he chose to reply as follows.
" uhm… not to be rude… but why is that important all of a sudden?"
Jirou answered honestly.
" think of it as an exercise for what we talked about earlier."
Midoriya, after hearing that couldn't help but sigh before he mumbled to himself mostly.
" I wish you could've started with something more simpler."
Catching that Jirou hummed to herself as she decided to make it easier for her former classmate.
" tell me what you are sure about Uraraka then."
Midoryia chuckled nervously.
" I was being that obvious huh?"
Jirou just offered a knowing smirk that told him everything he needed to know.
" I can't help but feel really happy she's a part of my life."
At that Jirou offered her final words of wisdom for the day.
" hold on to that happiness for as long as possible"
Midoryia at that couldn't help but give his most genuine smile.
" thanks I will."
With that said and done the festivities continued as a few more of class 1-A came in to catch up on recent events or say a quick hi before heading their own way. With a couple more hours passing Midoryia noticed that the young woman on his mind hasn't graced the group with her appearance, however that didn't deter him as he noticed that early evening began rolling in. getting up he addressed everyone.
" well guys I had a great time, let's do this again soon."
Kaminari, strumming melodies on a guitar that Todoroki placed for entertainment value, asked curiously.
" are you sure you have to leave?"
Midoryia smiled apologetically.
" I wish I could stay but I promised I'd visit my mother as often as I can, plus there are still a few papers I need to grade before the holidays."
Without warning Bakugo tossed Deku his car keys as the latter caught it.
" go on take it."
Knowing what came next Bakugo smirked.
" I trust you enough, besides It's insured."
Returning that smirk with another of his own Deku tossed the keys back to Kachan stating.
" thanks but I think I'll walk back instead."
At that Kachan gave the following reply, putting emphasis on his tone to make sure everyone knows that he didn't lose any of his edge.
" don't come to me if someone mugs you, you damn nerd!"
Deku gave him a reassuring nod as he began heading out as a couple more of his classmates, Ojiro Mashirao, better known to the public as the martial arts hero Tailman and Toru Hagakure, the stealth heroine Invisible Girl, came in with their hands entwined stating together.
" everyone we have an announcement to make."
With that everyone gave their fullest attention as the duo continued their statement.
" we made it official everyone!"
With that said and done everyone took notice to what couldn't be mistaken for other than engagement rings. Before the festivities could continue any further, a particular young woman came in a rush as she stated the following.
" sorry I'm late, I tried to get here as soon as I could."
Said young woman was none other than Ochaco Uraraka, a beloved pro hero named Uravity that occupied Midoryia's mind, the woman in question was the textbook definition of the girl next door in both demeanor, lloks and appearance which was no surprise as to why everyone that came to know her was warmed by her presence alone.
" quit gawking, that isn't a good look for you."
Not noticing that he was caught staring Deku sheepishly replied to Kachan.
"…. sorry about that…"
Deciding to stay a bit longer and celebrate his friend's engagement Midoryia eventually said his goodbyes to his classmates as he began his trek to the train station, that is until.
" Deku….. wait up….."
Izuku Midoryia couldn't help but stop whenever he heard his nickname being uttered, for years it was an insult meaning as one who can't do anything or useless being thrown around by his childhood friend turned bully, then later rival Katsuki Bakugo, however that same name meant something different altogether until it was pointed out for him by that same young woman calling him, an encouragement, "you can do it".
Slowing down his pace enough for Ochaco Uraraka to catch up, said young woman couldn't help but beam up to him with a heart warming yet genuine smile.
" how long has it been since I saw you last?"
Self conscious Deku could only slightly blush as he fumbled through his answer.
" not since….. last spring… if I remember correctly….."
Getting a little too close for comfort Uraraka simply replied.
" that long?!…. Well we've got a lot to catch up on…."
Walking at a leisurely pace towards the train station the two began conversing as they shared stories about what had gone down with their chosen careers. Deku after listening intently to Uraraka talk about her quirk counseling cases, in particular her latest one took a moment to process before asking to make sure he got her right.
" really?!… a four year old who manifest a fish for a head as a quirk?"
Uraraka hummed to herself stating.
" believe me I was surprised as you were… I mean, not to complain but how do you begin with consoling a child who had his world turned upside down by something he had no control of….."
Hearing the distress and concern in her voice Deku got himself together as he did what he knew best, meddle.
" would you like me to help you out?, I can do some research, give you some good leads to start with."
Cheering up a bit Uraraka let out a giggle.
" you haven't changed a bit have you?"
Deku only gave a small smile in return.
" I guess I haven't."
Having fallen into a comfortable silence the two continued on their way to the train station as the air began to drop a bit. Noticing that Uraraka clothes weren't warm enough for the weather Deku made sure to empty his jacket's pockets before draping it over her with a confident smile.
" hey wait!…. I can't accept that, what about you?"
His confidence never wavering, Deku simply replied.
" don't worry, the cold doesn't bother me….."
His shoulders and upper back told a different story as a shiver ran through Deku's body as the latter pushed through the discomfort, still determined to repay his kindness Uraraka decided to move in closer to keep him warm in return. As they got closer and closer to the train station the two became aware that a few couples were walking passed by them as both became painfully self aware, each stuck in their own mindsets.
" say Uraraka, may I ask you something?"
Uraraka stayed quiet but still gestured for Deku to continue.
" say I had this friend who fell in love with a beautiful girl a long time ago and well….. he feels like he waited too long to confess it to her… any advice on what he should do?"
Curious Uraraka asked.
" do we know him by any chance?"
Deku, now a ball of nervous energy, simply answered.
" I know him very well…. In fact all too…. Well…"
Noticing that something was off Uraraka decided not to push further as she knew how Deku could get with this kind of nervous energy as she instead decided to ask.
" what happened to this girl he likes so much?"
Taking a few breaths to calm himself Deku continued the story.
" he told me that she became an incredible woman who went on to have a wonderful career."
Uraraka followed along as she asked the next logical question.
" what stopping him from confessing now?"
Deku at this point continued talking in a soft and quiet tone, making it feel like it was guilt.
" well… mainly insecurity….. you see he can't help but feel that the girl he's in love with could actually find someone better than him that could actually make her truly happy…. Besides….."
Out of sheer nervousness Midoryia couldn't help himself from starting to mutter and ramble on incisively however Uraraka took the chance to calm and quiet him down as they paused the conversation for a moment.
" thanks, that means a lot."
As they entered the station, bought their respective tickets and checked how much time they had between arrivals and departures, both concluded that roughly had twenty minutes each as Uraraka decided to break their silence.
" tell me something, we're both adults here right?"
Deku nodded urging her to continue.
" there is no actual friend, you're talking about yourself sren't you?"
Deku out of sheer respect for her admitted quietly.
" yeah."
At this point Uraraka asked an honest, yet tough question.
" then why are you being so hard on yourself?, from what I know you were as much of a hero even before you had One For All."
Deku at that surprised her by giving her a reassuring smile.
" because I meant what I said when I say that I wish you all the happiness in the world, even if it's not with me."
Uraraka seeing the sincerity in his eyes and words allowed a small smile of her own as she said.
" since we're being brutally honest with each other, allow me to return the favor."
Giving her the time and space to continue Uraraka took a deep calming breath before she continued the conversation as such.
" right around the time we moved into the dorms I developed a crush on you….. at the time I didn't act on it because I didn't know how to handle it, not to mention life got in the way….."
Deku at that gave a soft smile.
" and boy what a life we had so far."
Genuinely laughing at that understatement of the century Uraraka gained even more confidence as she continued the conversation.
" when life returned into a somewhat kind of normal I was just grateful being able to spend my time at U.A with you and all of our friends until graduation."
Deku at that led on the conversation as both began moving towards their respective platforms as he asked.
" what about after graduation?"
Uraraka smiled in return though, the ever observant young man Deku was, noticed a small trace of sadness on Uraraka's face.
" like you said, trying not to force anything and ruining a great friendship between us, I tried dating around for a while, but every date had the same problem."
Uraraka surprised him as she gently took and squeezed his hand while ending of her musings.
" they weren't you…."
Seeing this moment as a challenge of introspection and a test for his maturity Deku weighed in on how to respond to Uraraka's subtle but still upfront confession, he said the following words with convictions.
" I don't know where life will take us or if there's a greater destiny in store for us, so let's make a promise between us."
Uraraka at this point urged him to continue, giving him her full undivided attention.
" no matter where we are or what happens between us, let's never stop loving each other okay?"
At that Uraraka couldn't help but close their distance between them as she began sobbing, however at this point they were tears of joy. Comforting her long enough for Uraraka to get a hold of herself, she eventually gave the following reply.
" that's a promise."
Noticing that their trains were getting closer and closer, they reluctantly broke apart as they both asked simultaneously.
" until next time?"
At that both shared a warm and affectionate smile with each other before they bid their farewells as a creeping thought came over Midoriya's mind.
' wait a minute… did I say earlier 'never stop loving each other'?…..'
At this point in time Midoriya would've expected from himself to start muttering, stammering or blush up a storm from embarrassment however the thought itself and the phrasing seemed right to him as he boarded the train back home determining he could live with that as now unbeknownst to him a certain young woman was going with the same motion.
By the time Midoriya was halfway home already closing time came closer and closer at the bar holding class 1-A's reunion as the last of the guests were wrapping up conversations while others were beginning to head home already as a certain barkeep was taking his time straightening the place waiting for another someone who hasn't made an appearance yet, about fifteen minutes though that soon changed. As Bakugo left the bar quietly and surprisingly sober a tall young woman with raven hair and onyx eyes has made her entrance, to the public she was known as the everything hero Creati, to her close friends though she was simply Yaoyorozu Momo. To any other man the beauty of Yaoyorozu Momo would cause feelings of inadequacy to manifest but Shoto Todoroki wasn't just any man.
" for a bit I was convinced you weren't going to show up."
Momo at that hummed saying.
" well a hero's work is never done you know….. do you remember my usual?"
Todoroki at that nodded as he went to prepare her usual as he asked casually.
" so, how's law school coming along?"
Momo shrugged.
" not that different than what we went through with U.A, minus the crazy adventures and villain attacks we found ourselves in."
Serving her a cup of Gold Imperium tea Shoto remarked.
" so in other words boring."
Momo in turn laughed elegantly.
" I see there's no point in asking about your side of things."
Todoroky at that gave a small smile while replying the following.
" actually I've gotten slightly better with catching onto social cues."
As Momo quietly enjoyed her cup of tea she couldn't help but ask.
" say are you happy with where you are at life?"
Shoto at that pondered on how to answer said question before he settled on the following.
"well my home life is relatively peaceful, I keep getting better with my quirk every day and there's still plenty of hero work for me to do so I can't complain, why the sudden question?"
At that Momo gave him a sad smile before she said the following bluntly.
" be honest with me, do you think me wanting to be a law maker was a mistake?"
Todoroky did exactly what she asked him to.
" first define what you mean by a mistake."
Yaoyorozu sighed as she stated.
" well my parents think I'm unsuitable to be a politician, my cousins have already began planning for a family while I still remain single and even my hero work suffers a bit since I haven't been that creative since our time at U.A."
Todoroki thought about what he could say to cheer her up however, he instead relied on his strongest asset, he let his actions speak for him. Delicately and with precision he used both his fire and ice quirk to make a simple object, a hair pin and not just any hair pin as Momo recognized it as she started to ask with astonishment.
" is that what I think it is?"
Shoto at that said quietly as he asked for permission from Momo to place said hair pin on her head.
" it's still not the exact one shape wise but I'm trying to get better…
Before he could finish Momo began tearing up with joy saying.
" it's beautiful, I can't believe you noticed."
Shoto at that gently placed the hairpin made of both ice and flames in Momo's hair as he gave her a genuinely disappointed look as she in turn asked.
" what's bothering you?"
Shoto replied as follows.
" I'm afraid that hairpin wouldn't last very long no matter how much I want it to."
Momo in turn gave him a gentle and knowing smile.
" well then, I guess that you'll be making more of these in the future."
Shoto returned the gesture stating.
" as long as you accept them."
With that said and done Momo invited Shoto to sit next to her as she in turn shared her favorite tea with him which he accepted graciously, once the two were about done Todoroki excused himself saying while preparing to lock up.
" as much fun as it is I need to change and start heading on patrol."
As Shoto changed rather quickly he returned to Momo in less than five minutes in stylish yet practical street wear asking her with a slight nervousness in his voice, though he managed to maintain his composure.
" say would you mind accompanying me on patrol this evening?"
A small silence befell upon the two as Momo eventually gave a small yet charming giggle.
" why if I didn't know any better, one might assume that you're asking me on a date."
Shoto never lost his composure as he simply stated.
" if you want to call it a date, then a date it is."
Momo at that felt a bit embarrassed and anxious as she stated.
" I don't think you should've agreed so quickly, it was playful banter after all….."
Todoroki replied in a serious tone.
" dully noted."
As the two closed the bar Shoto Todoroki began moving quietly as Momo asked.
" so where are we patrolling?"
Shoto at that replied in a matter of fact manner.
" we're going towards Yokohama."
As the two began walking they fell into a comfortable silence, enjoying each others company as Shoto notice that Momo sneaked a few glances at him every now and then as he asked.
" is there something on your mind?"
In a curious yet amused tone Momo responded with.
" just wondering how many women you've taken on 'patrol' before."
Caught a bit off guard Todoroki kept his eyes straight ahead while stating.
" you're the first."
Slightly surprised Momo asked bluntly.
" don't tell me you've never asked girls to go out with you?"
Sighing Todoroki came clean saying.
" I do find women likeable but I've never found the one to push me to do something out of my comfort zone."
Changing the conversation in hoping not to make the situation any more awkward and uncomfortable Momo asked.
" where exactly are we patrolling Yokohama tonight?"
Shoto answered with a genuine and warm smile on his face saying.
" telling you would ruin the experience so instead I suggest that you keep your ears open and listen carefully."
Doing just that Momo began hearing faint sounds of horns being played in the air, more precisely Saxophones, electric guitars and keyboards as she deduced.
" street performers."
Shoto Todoroki confirmed it as they both continued walking amongst the crowds on the streets as various performers performed various catchy and familiar tunes, many among them were covers of popular songs such Duran Duran Rio, Candy Dufler and David A. Steward Lily was here and Foreigner Urgent just to name a few. As Momo began losing herself to the sound she quickly got back on track asking Shoto who in turn walked besides her.
" so what's our objective in this patrol?"
Shoto at that simply and nonchalantly answered.
" simple, we cement the public's faith in heroes by preventing thieves from taking a score tonight while helping people with their problems using our own quirks, no matter how small their troubles are."
Momo at that gave him a genuine smile, a big one at that.
" I can see wwhy people love you."
A bit flustered and flattered at the same time, Shoto opted to say quietly.
" thanks but I don't really think it can really be called love, maybe they're just grateful."
At that Momo gently yet playfully smacked him on the back.
" you really need to learn how to accept a compliment."
Shoto at that was about to give a reply as another voice, a familiar voice at that rang out from the crowds.
" Yaomomo?!, what are you doing here?"
Said Voice belonged to Kyoka Jirou a dear friend from their school days, practically Momo's best friend, as she acknowledged Shoto too.
" oh hey dude, didn't know you were big on the whole music scene."
Shoto at that honestly replied.
" usually it isn't, I'm just here with Momo on patrol."
Jirou at that caught the bit where Shoto used Yaomomo's first name as she thought to herself while smirking.
' since when the two of you are on first names basis?…..'
Shoto at that caught the smirk that formed on Jirou's face as he was made aware of his Freudian slip but before he could open his mouth a familiar blonde with lightning styled black markings in his hair caught the punk rock young woman by surprise as he snaked his right hand over her right shoulder.
" hey don't tease the love birds, besides you know you don't like it when it happens to you my angel voice."
In mock anger Jirou elbowed Kaminari in the ribs while jabbing him verbally.
" I'm not the one teasing them, and what did I tell you about surprising me like that?"
Comically Kaminari whined in return.
" but if I do nothing you'll start to complain that I'm not being pro active and stuff, so what gives?"
Before the conversation could get anymore awkward Momo cleared her voice as she said.
" since we're all here, how about you two join us on patrol?"
Hearing no objections from anyone the impromptu quartet began touring the streets together as Momo and Jirou took the lead as Shoto and Kaminari brought up the rear, noticing the hair pin Kaminari asked.
" wow, did you make it Shoto?"
Shoto's response was simple and to the point.
" as a matter of fact it is, why you ask?"
Kaminari smirked.
" I was just surprised you didn't make a wedding band."
A bit caught off guard Shoto asked.
" why would I do that?…. I'm in no rush to commit to something like that….."
If he was caught off guard before, this time Kaminari's response both surprised and stunned him as the faint melody of Glenn's Frey You belong to the city filled the streets.
" I was the goof and class clown but I can clearly see this, Yaomomo is a one of a kind lady that you won't meet very often, not in life and in our line of work, don't waste a second with the opportunity to make something really special with her… and no I'm not talking about kids exclusively."
Noticing that Shoto stood there almost completely motionless Kaminari began to worry as he asked timidly.
" oh man!….. did I cause you to short circuit or something….?"
Todoroki eventually snapped out of it as he quietly replied.
" no, you just gave me something to think about."
Jirou, as if she was listening all along and with her quirk it's definitely a likely possibility, chimed into the conversation.
" Kaminari gave you something to think about, did hell just freeze over?"
With that the group continued on patrol with Kaminari comically moping over that indirect jab Kyoka gave him as the hours passed quickly. At some point the musical duo bid their farewell from Todoroki and Yaoyorozu with the former checking the time on his cellphone.
" 23:35, that seems like a good time to call it a night since it's been more peaceful than usual."
At that Momo asked.
" don't you usually go on patrol well into the next day?"
Shoto answered as follows.
" I usually go at it alone but tonight I had company, besides I couldn't let you make your way to the train station at this time of night."
Allowing herself to tease him just a bit Momo stated with a bit of mirth in her tone.
" oh my, what a gentleman."
Showing that he was a good sport about the friendly teasing Shoto stuck out his arm for Momo to interlock with it as a small smirk etched on his face. With that said and done the two began walking in an even and leisurely pace as the streets began to quiet down a bit as an instrumental version of Sting Englishman In New York filled the streets by those artists still choosing to perform at this hour.
" this has definitely been a nice evening."
Momo's only reply was.
" agreed."
As they made it to the closest train station Shoto escorted Momo all the way to the platform as the thought of their patrol becoming more like an actual date with every second made her blush a bit while inquiring.
" is there any particular reason you've escorted me this far?"
Shoto's response came a bit dry at first stating.
" I believe in being thorough….."
A twinge of disappointment began to overcome Momo however Todoroki continued.
" but if I may be honest, I enjoy your company very much and I simply didn't want it to end."
Emboldened just enough Momo asked Todoroki for his phone as he obliged, jotting down a note in the cellphone as she was saying.
" meet me at that address in two weeks time at seven o'clock."
Before having a chance to response Momo gave him a kiss on his cheek as her train arrived on the platform. As the passengers began pouring out Shoto was left to stare at Momo boarding like a deer caught in the headlights, a distraction happening at the wrong time as an older gentleman with an intense look on his face passed by Shoto. At a quick glance that man was about 6'4, had the appearance of an aging rock star even though his attire was immaculate and a full head of shaggy hair complimentary with an equally long silver haired beard, leaving an impression of a wizard or a druid from a fantasy novel only existing in modern times.
Before he could take further notes on said man the person in question vanished from Shoto's views and memories as if he didn't exist to begin with.
" strange….. I could've sworn I was looking at someone….."
Checking that his mind wasn't playing tricks on him for a while, Shoto eventually took a closer look at the note Momo left on his phone as he mused to himself.
" two weeks from now at 19:00….."
At that point in time none of class 1-A could've imagined what will they be going against next…
Next Chapter: Mindhunter.
Author's notes: compared to the other stories I wrote this will be one of the shorter ones I've done but no less thrilling, see you next time.