"Shoto," Rosie said with a warm smile, "why don't you pick the next mission?"

He nodded in response. "I already have one in mind, assuming no one's claimed it yet."

"Perfect," Rosie replied as they entered the bustling town. "I'm heading to the market to restock supplies."

"I'll come with you," Katsuki grunted, falling into step beside her.

"Izuku and I are going to check out the equipment shop," Uraraka chimed in, a smile on her face. "We'll meet everyone at the tavern later."

Shoto glanced down at his hand, flexing his fingers thoughtfully. "I need to stop by the clothing shop. Most of my gear got damaged. Then I'll visit the Guild to see about the quest." Without waiting for a response, he slipped away into the crowd, his figure quickly disappearing among the bustling townsfolk.

Momo had already left earlier, making her way to the tavern where they were staying. Rosie turned to Katsuki. "Ready?"

He grunted in response, following her towards the market.


Izuku and Uraraka walked side by side through the town's bustling streets, heading toward the equipment shop. The late afternoon sun bathed the cobblestone roads in a warm glow, and the sounds of vendors shouting their wares filled the air. As they stepped into the shop, the scent of leather and polished steel greeted them, rows of weapons and gear lining the walls.

"Izuku, I'm not sure what to look for in a sword," Uraraka admitted shyly, her fingers brushing over the hilts displayed on a table. "I've been thinking it's time to upgrade, but I just don't know…"

Izuku smiled, the warmth in his green eyes reassuring her. "You've been doing great with your daggers, but if you're ready for something more balanced, maybe I can help you pick." He stepped closer, inspecting the blades with a thoughtful expression. "I've read a lot about swords. You need one that complements your fighting style—light, but strong enough for both offense and defense."

Uraraka watched him, the way his eyes lit up when he talked about things he was passionate about. Her heart fluttered, and she couldn't help but admire how thoughtful and kind he was, always trying to help others. She reached out to pick up a sword he pointed at, testing the weight. It was lighter than her current one, with a sleek, well-crafted blade.

"Try this one," he said softly, his fingers grazing hers as he handed her the weapon. The touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she felt her face warm slightly. "It's got good balance and a sharp edge, but it's not too heavy. Perfect for quick strikes."

She held the sword, giving it a test swing, and smiled. "It feels… right. You really know your stuff, Izuku."

He rubbed the back of his neck, grinning sheepishly. "I just want to make sure you have the best gear for what we face out there."

Their conversation paused as they both stood there, the comfortable silence filled only by the distant clatter of the shop. Then Izuku broke it with a more personal question. "Do you… miss your family?"

Uraraka blinked at him, surprised by the sudden turn in the conversation. She hesitated, looking down at the sword before setting it on the counter. "Yeah… I do," she admitted quietly. "It's hard sometimes. I left to make a better life for them, you know? I thought if I could make enough money adventuring, maybe I could help them get out of debt."

Izuku's gaze softened, concern and understanding reflecting in his eyes. "You're doing an amazing job, Uraraka. You're helping people and growing stronger with every step you take. I'm sure your family's proud of you."

Her heart swelled at his words. "Thanks, Izuku," she murmured, biting her lip. "How about you? Do you ever feel like… this life is tough? Adventuring, I mean. Being away from home."

Izuku nodded slowly, his voice thoughtful. "It's tough, but it's what I've always wanted. I feel like I'm learning so much, and with everyone—especially you—it's been… well, it feels right."

Uraraka blushed at his words, daring to flirt just a little. "Oh? Especially me, huh? I guess I'm lucky then." She gave him a playful smile, trying to see if he'd catch the hint.

Izuku's cheeks turned pink, and he laughed nervously, scratching his cheek. "I-I mean, you're one of my closest friends here! We've been through so much together, and… well, I'm glad we're doing this side by side."

She couldn't help but laugh softly at his awkward but sweet response. "I'm glad too, Izuku. I really am." Her voice was soft, and her smile lingered, hoping maybe—just maybe—he would notice how much he meant to her.

As they finished up in the shop, Izuku paid for the sword and handed it to Uraraka with a proud smile. "Let's keep getting stronger together, Uraraka."

"Yeah," she nodded, her heart feeling lighter. "Together."


Back at the tavern, Shoto gathered the group in one of the private rooms on the second floor. The low hum of the bustling tavern below echoed faintly as the party gathered around the table. Shoto stood by the window, the light casting a soft glow over the parchment in his hand as he unfolded the guild request he had just accepted.

"Alright," he began, his voice calm and steady as always, though there was a seriousness in his tone that drew everyone's attention. "I've picked out a request from the guild."

The others listened intently, leaning in to hear what he had found. Rosie gave him an encouraging smile, Katsuki crossed his arms with an expectant look, and Momo, who had just returned from her errands, sat down with a focused gaze. Izuku and Uraraka were the last to arrive, taking their seats near the edge of the table.

"This one's an escort mission," Shoto continued, laying the parchment on the table so the others could see. "We're to protect four important individuals while they travel to Wraucester, where they're attending a high-profile ceremony. The guild classified this as a critical mission, with the four being nobles of significant standing."

"Wraucester?" Momo raised an eyebrow. "That's a long journey from here. And a ceremony? Sounds like something big."

"Exactly," Shoto nodded. "They didn't provide too many details about the ceremony itself—only that it's exclusive to the nobility. The guild believes that there might be some threats along the way, which is why they're offering a high reward for the escorts. Only parties with six people and over are able to apply for this request, so I thought it was perfect."

Katsuki leaned back in his chair, scowling slightly. "So we're glorified babysitters now? Protecting a bunch of stuck-up nobles? Great."

"It's not just a simple escort," Shoto clarified, keeping his composure. "The roads leading to Wraucester have been dangerous lately. Bandits, rogue mercenaries, even potential assassins. If these people are as important as the request says, they will be targets."

Rosie nodded thoughtfully. "If it's a high-priority mission, it's likely for a reason. And Wraucester is known for its political power. The wrong people attending—or not attending—this ceremony could shift alliances."

Izuku spoke up, his eyes filled with determination. "If these nobles are being targeted, then it's our responsibility to protect them, no matter who they are."

Uraraka, sitting beside him, gave a small nod. "We should make sure they get there safely. But we'll need to plan carefully."

Shoto agreed, tapping the parchment. "The carriage route takes us through dense forests and several smaller towns, places where an ambush could happen easily. We'll need to split duties. One or two of us will ride alongside the carriage, while others scout ahead or stay back to keep an eye on the road."

Katsuki grunted but nodded. "Fine. As long as we get paid, I'll make sure no one touches that carriage."

Rosie turned to Shoto, her voice bright but serious. "You've put a lot of thought into this already. Good work. I'm with you."

"Thanks," Shoto said, grateful for the support. "We leave at first light tomorrow as we are to meet them in the city of Marllyn tomorrow night, where we will escort them to Wraucester. Make sure you've got everything you need. This could be a long trip, and we can't afford any mistakes."

As the group broke up to prepare, Shoto remained by the window for a moment longer, his mind focused on the task ahead. Escorting nobles wasn't the most exciting job, but he couldn't shake the feeling that this mission would be far more dangerous than the guild's request suggested.

Momo came over to him, "I have some knowledge on the areas we would be traveling through. May I see the map?"

Shoto handed it over, "uh yeah."

As the waitress entered the room to take their orders, Momo spread the map across her portion of the table, her fingers tracing over the parchment as she meticulously marked key points. Shoto handed it over willingly, standing close behind her, observing the way she worked with precision. Her focus was admirable, her eyes scanning the routes as she charted the safest places for them to camp.

The journey from Marllyn to Wraucester was no easy feat—a three-day trek through unpredictable terrain, and they couldn't afford any delays. The ceremony was in six days, which meant any outside interference, whether from bandits or hostile creatures, would need to be kept to a minimum.

"It's a solid plan," Shoto remarked, glancing over her shoulder as she marked potential ambush sites and safe resting spots.

Momo flushed slightly at the compliment, avoiding direct eye contact. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice carrying the faintest hint of embarrassment.

Shoto, ever the observer, noticed her subtle reaction but chose not to comment further. Instead, he turned to the rest of the group, calling Izuku over. "Midoriya, come here for a second. What do you think of this plan?"

Izuku, who had been chatting with Uraraka about the equipment they'd seen earlier, stood and walked over to the table. He leaned in, examining the map with a serious expression.

"Hmm," Izuku murmured as his eyes flicked across Momo's markings. "It looks good, but we should be cautious in these forested areas." He pointed to a section of the map. "They're perfect for ambushes, especially since it's easy for people to hide between the trees and catch us off guard. But if we time it right, we can rest here during the day and push through at night."

Rosie, sitting nearby and sipping from her mug, chimed in with a grin, "I agree. Plus, if anything happens, Katsuki's explosions can clear out any ambush, right?" She raised her mug toward him teasingly, and Uraraka, who was sitting beside her, let out a small giggle, taking a sip from her own drink.

Katsuki, who had been quietly watching the entire exchange from his seat, gave them a scowl but didn't argue. "Tch. As long as nobody slows me down, I don't care when we travel. Just make sure you keep up."

Uraraka leaned over to look at the map, her cheeks slightly flushed from the drinks. "It's actually a really good plan. If we can get through the forest quickly, we'll avoid most of the danger. The key is making sure those nobles stay calm and don't get in the way."

"They won't," Shoto said, his voice firm. "We're in control of the mission, not them. As long as we stick to this route, we'll make it in time."

Rosie placed her mug down with a satisfied sigh. "Sounds like we've got ourselves a well-thought-out plan, then. We just need to be prepared for whatever comes our way." She flashed a bright smile, her excitement evident.

Momo gave one final look over the map, ensuring her notes were clear. "I think we can manage it. We'll need to move quickly between stops and set up camp efficiently. We don't have the luxury of lingering anywhere for too long."

Izuku nodded in agreement. "Right. And we should stay vigilant, especially at night. We can take turns keeping watch to make sure no one sneaks up on us."

Katsuki leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed. "I'll take the first watch. Let's see if anyone's dumb enough to try something while we're around."

Uraraka giggled again, her eyes flicking toward Izuku, who smiled back. "Well, I'll take a later shift. I think I'll need a nap first," she said, still laughing lightly.

Shoto watched them all—Rosie sipping her drink, Katsuki looking as grumpy as ever, Momo diligently checking her plans, and Izuku and Uraraka exchanging quiet smiles. A strange warmth settled over him, a sense of friendhship that he didn't always show outwardly, but deeply appreciated. This group, with all its oddities, had grown closer through their adventures, and he was certain they would pull this mission off together.

With a final glance at the map, Shoto nodded. "It's settled then."

Rosie raised her mug. "To a successful mission!"

The others lifted their glasses, mugs, and cups in agreement, the clinking of glass vibrated.


The sun had yet to rise when everyone gathered in the tavern, the cold morning air still clinging to the edges of the night. They moved in a quiet rhythm, checking out of their rooms and heading to the stables where their horses waited, gently chewing on their morning feed. Each of them was packing their saddlebags, adjusting their gear, and making final preparations for the journey ahead. The silence was companionable, the sounds of early birds and horses the only things filling the air.

Katsuki finished securing his gear, the leather of his gloves creaking as he flexed his fingers. His eyes shifted toward Rosie, who stood by her horse, Divine, feeding her the last of her apple slices. Something about the way her hand brushed over the horse's muzzle, the smile she wore despite the lingering bruises on her neck—it all tugged at him. He swallowed, feeling the weight of the small object hidden in his hand, the one he had carried for weeks, waiting for the right moment.

Now seemed like that moment.

"Hey," his voice came out gruffer than intended, the rasp of morning still in it.

Rosie turned at the sound, smiling up at him. "Good morning, Katsuki," she greeted him warmly, her voice soft as she stroked Divine's mane. The horse nuzzled against her side, content.

Katsuki's eyes flicked briefly to the purple bruising on her neck, his jaw tightening. Momo's healing had done wonders to reduce it, but the enchanted collar had left its mark—something neither of them could forget easily. Every time he saw it, a sharp pang of guilt twisted inside him. It should've been him wearing that collar, bearing those bruises, not her.

"How's your neck?" he asked, his voice low, trying to mask the frustration that came with the question.

Rosie brushed her fingers over the bruises gently, her expression softening but determined. "It's getting better," she replied, her fingers grazing her skin, barely flinching at the contact. "I just wish it would heal faster, but I guess that's how it goes with enchanted wounds."

Katsuki clenched his fists, his frustration bubbling just under the surface. His mind replayed the moments from their last mission, how close she had come to being hurt worse, how powerless he had felt. But instead of lashing out at the memories, he took a deep breath. He wasn't here to relive the past.

He promised that he would let it go.

And he would, when her bruise disappeared.

"Close your eyes," he said, his tone soft but commanding.

Rosie blinked, a little confused but trusting, and immediately did as he asked, her eyelids fluttering shut. She felt Katsuki's hands gently move her hair aside, brushing it over her shoulder. Something cold touched her neck, a slight weight settling around it.

"Okay, open your eyes," Katsuki murmured, his voice closer now.

When Rosie opened her eyes, Katsuki handed her a small mirror. She took it, her breath catching in her throat as her reflection stared back at her. Around her neck was the choker she had admired in the jewelry district of Marllyn, one she had desperately wanted but chosen not to buy. She had passed it by, not wanting to spend money on something that felt like a luxury rather than a necessity.

The choker was breathtaking, more beautiful than she remembered. White gold twisted elegantly into the shape of delicate vines, adorned with clusters of soft pink quartz and tiny diamonds that resembled flowers blooming across her throat. The jewelry covered the bruises completely, hiding the physical reminders of their last mission while accentuating her natural beauty. It was more than just a necklace—it was a symbol of care, of thoughtfulness, of something unspoken between them.

"How did you…?" Her voice was barely a whisper as she turned her gaze to Katsuki, surprise and gratitude welling up in her chest.

Katsuki scratched the back of his neck, avoiding her gaze. "I, uh… I followed you that day," he admitted, his voice rough but honest. "You were heading to the market, and I just wanted to make sure you were safe. I saw you looking at it. I could tell you really wanted it, so I bought it for you as a… gift."

Rosie blinked, processing his words. "You've had it all this time?"

He nodded, his eyes darting between her and the ground. "Yeah… I didn't know how to give it to you before. Thought it might be weird or… whatever. But now seemed like the right time." His voice faltered at the end, the vulnerability in his tone something Rosie hadn't heard from him before.

Without a second thought, Rosie surged forward, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face in his chest. The soft compress of his shirt smelled like ash and earth, comforting and familiar. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I'll cherish it as much as I cherish my ring."

Her words hit him deeper than he expected. Katsuki stood there, momentarily frozen, before his arms circled around her, holding her in a way that felt both protective and tender. He wasn't used to this kind of affection—his instinct was always to fight, to protect through strength, not softness.

But with Rosie, it felt right.

She pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at him, her eyes sparkling with emotion. Standing on her toes, she leaned up and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. The warmth of her lips against his skin sent a jolt through him, and for a second, Katsuki's tough exterior cracked, his usual scowl softening.

Their relationship had always been one of partnership, a strong mutual respect built on battles fought side by side. But now, as Rosie stood there with her new choker and her smile, and as Katsuki stood, awkwardly holding her, something had shifted. No, that wasn't right. When he kissed every inch of skin that the bloodsucking bastard had kissed was when something had shifted…The affection between them was no longer just the friendship of allies; it was deeper now, moreintimate. They weren't just partners—they were something more, though neither of them dared to name it yet.

Rosie pulled away, but the warmth between them lingered in the air. "It's beautiful, Katsuki," she said softly, her fingers tracing the vines of the choker. "I love it."

Katsuki nodded, clearing his throat as he tried to regain some of his usual bravado. "Good. It looks better on you than it did sitting in some shop."

Rosie chuckled, the tension melting away as Divine nuzzled her side again, sensing the closeness between the two. She glanced over at the rest of their group, who were busy packing up, unaware of the quiet moment they had just shared. Turning back to Katsuki, her voice softened again. "You know, you don't have to always be so tough. You're a good guy, Katsuki."

He grunted, his cheeks heating slightly. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get all sappy on me."

But despite his words, Katsuki couldn't stop the small smile that tugged at the corners of his lips as they both prepared to ride out together, something unspoken and meaningful growing between them.