Art cred: tell me if you know

A/N: votes and comments are appreciated! I try to reply when I can <3

Shouto POV:

The smell of peach candies lingered in the air. I hate to say it's making my mouth water...

My first thoughts were of The Woman's mouth and how her breath smelled like the candies in the first place. Did she even realize her tongue had been stained pink from peach dye?

I caught a glimpse of it with every word she spoke. Artificial colors are known to be cancerous. Doesn't she know that? Someone should tell her.

It wasn't just that though. There was a scent on her body when she came close enough to me. It smelled like flowers, but it wasn't too overpowering. Just subtle enough so I'd have to lean even closer to catch another hint of it.

I never really cared for red lipstick on women—actually, I never really notice what women put on themselves at all. Everyone looks the same to me. Midoriya says I should keep those opinions to myself in case they hurt someone's feelings. I don't understand what's rude about telling the truth though...

But, the truth is, that deep shade of lipstick seemed to fit on The Woman's face naturally. She didn't look weird with it or out of place. If anything, it put more attention on her lips—was that her intention? She's annoying and seems to love attention from anyone who will give it...so probably.

Still though...

They were smooth and had a satisfying shape every time they formed her words. They were shiny and in my face as if she were trying to flaunt them off.

It's a waste of my time to even think about. The information seems unnecessary, and yet my brain remembers it.

It's only because she surprised me when she came so close. Everyone always knows to give me space. Even the girl I used to date knew to keep her distance.

That Woman's too bold...

Keilani. I haven't forgotten her name. I just don't want to call her by it. It feels embarrassing for some reason.

I sighed in annoyance, slouching a little in the office chair before glancing at the clock in The Woman's office.

It's been two-and-a-half minutes since she left. We agreed she'd return in five. That means she still has two-and-a-half minutes to get back.

Why did she leave anyways? First, she invades my personal space and then leaves me here alone in her office? She's so unprofessional. I should complain to someone.

My shoulders tightened in frustration the more I thought about her, starting to tap my foot against the floor to release the jittery energy that had built in my chest.

Seriously. Who does she think she is...

Becoming too impatient with sitting, I pulled myself out of the chair, starting to pace around her office.

It wasn't very big. Aside from a picture frame on her desk, there didn't seem to be anything personal in here.

With nothing else to do, I swiped the frame off the desk, flipping it around to see the picture.

The Woman was in it—and I was surprised to see such a big smile on her face instead of the usual annoying smirk she wears around. She had her arms around a guy, hugging him tightly. He was smiling, too.

He also had a name tag engraved onto the windbreaker jacket he was wearing, causing me to squint my eyes and make out the name.

"Raiga..." I muttered under my breath, studying the guy a little closer.

The Woman seems to really like him.

With a shrug, I placed the picture back on the desk, lazily throwing my head to the ceiling as I looked to the clock.

Still a minute-and-a-half to go. I don't like waiting—mostly because I usually don't have to wait for things.

The ding of my phone had me reaching in my pocket instantly, expecting to see The Woman's name flash across the screen and explain what's taking her so long.

But, it's just...

Text Message From: Midoriya
Good luck at the meeting. Remember, don't give up!
5:45pm.

I hummed at his usual positivity, simply closing the screen and sliding my phone back in my pocket.

He has nothing to worry about. I'm never one to give up so easily on things.

But, then again, it's been awhile since someone tested my patience like this...

Lani POV:

"You have no idea how much this guy is testing my patience!" I exclaimed, storming into my boss' office angrily.

Well, it happened. I let him get to me, and now I'm getting all emotional and dramatic about it.

Knowing Shouto was probably timing me from my office, I glanced down at my watch begrudgingly, hoping to make this quick—see? This is part of the reason I can't work with him. I don't want to spend the next eight months being his little bitch—he's supposed to be mine!

"Oh? Trouble in paradise already, Lani?" My boss Yuna said, barely glancing up at me as she grilled takoyaki atop her desk. "I can't imagine why."

She always sounds so condescending and sarcastic...

"That guy is absolutely impossible to work with." I walked over to her, gesturing to the empty room as if Shouto's clueless ghost was lurking right next to me.

Yuna hummed with disinterest, more focused on flipping her little takoyaki balls in the pan. "Really? Tell me more."

I chuckled dryly, pacing her office and thinking about where the hell I should even begin.

"He's cold. Clueless. Stubborn. My pet goldfish has better social skills than him-"

"Sounds like a sweetheart." Yuna awed distractedly, popping a piping hot takoyaki into her mouth.

Of course she's enjoying this. She loves to watch me struggle because I never crack under pressure at work. Being emotional...stressed....this isn't me.

It's not supposed to be anyways...

And as much as I'd love to call her out on it, the fate of my career rests in her greasy, takoyaki hands.

Clearing my throat, I folded my hands properly, giving the best bow I could muster. "Yuna, I'd kindly like to request twenty-four hours to find a different candidate."

She almost spit the food from her mouth with the next laugh, quickly grabbing a napkin.

"Ha! And why on earth would I allow that?"

"Because I'm telling you right now—no one in the world can turn that guy into a charming hero." I protested, feeling a migraine forming from the mere memory of his stoic face. "It physically can't be done."

She chewed in silence, pulling out a container of strawberry jelly from under her desk as she mulled over my words.

The stiff anticipation almost killed me, slowly leaning forward as her lips opened to speak.

"Then I think this is a good challenge for you."

No!

"But-"

"Part of earning that promotion is working for it, Lani." She eyed me suspiciously, starting to slather her takoyaki with...strawberry jelly. "If you don't have the drive to take on the challenges that come with it, then I don't see any reason to give it to you."

I slumped my shoulders and scoffed unprofessionally at her words. It's clear she's just talking out of her ass and the real reason she doesn't want to help me out is for her own entertainment.

But, it's not as if I can do anything about that.

I lowered my head in defeat, mourning any idea of peace for the next eight months I'd have to work with this guy.

"So, in or out?" Yuna smirked knowingly.

What other choice do I have...

"I'll handle it." I muttered, turning on my heel before walking out.

With thirty seconds to spare, since Shouto's timing me. Ugh.

"Great. Put the binding contract on my desk within the hour!"

***

I trudged to my office as quickly as possible. However, the newfound weight of defeat chained around my ankles surely slowed my pace.

Five minutes later on the dot, and I practically threw my door open, trying to get back on time so I wouldn't have to hear it from him.

Through soft huffing breaths, I zeroed my eyes in on the seat I left him in, surprised when it was now empty-

"You're back." That monotone voice announced from my office chair, holding as much displeasure as it did before. "Right on time, too."

He's really in my chair? God, this guy is so bold—ahhhh....so bold...

And, yet I held my tongue of the curses I wanted to spew at him, knowing I'd unwillingly taken the role of needing to please him.

I'm a schmoozer. Part of the job. Not to mention, now that I know I won't be allowed another candidate, I can't have him backing out...

I said nothing to his bland greeting, narrowing my gaze at him as I closed my door with a passive aggressive thump.

He didn't even spare me a glance as my heels slowly clacked towards him, more focused on fiddling with the All Might figurine that had been resting on my desk before I left.

Crossing my arms, I walked right up to him, stopping myself between his lazily parted legs.

Still, he didn't look up. But, judging from the way he just swallowed so awkwardly, he's clearly aware of my position.

Wow. This motherfucker is actually testing me right now. Apparently, he's not as dense as I thought.

Shouto POV:

I was testing her. She continues to hurt my pride with her criticism and close distances. It's more than most people can say and I won't stand for it.

Her way of acting caught me off guard in the beginning. But, now that I know how horrible, annoying, and evil she is, I won't let her have the upper hand.

I guess part of me wants to make things even and show her I won't be pushed around.

The Woman's not the only one who can overstep and be annoying. I'll show her.

She brings out the worst in me and I've only known her for a day—two if you count yesterday, which I don't.

Lani POV:

What a little brat. How old did he say he was? Twenty? Three years younger than me and he definitely acts like it...

I burned my gaze into him as he continued to mess around with the All Might figurine, lightly tapping the inside of his thigh with my knee.

"You're in my seat." I raised a brow calmly, watching his expressions closely.

His face remained unbothered, still not paying me a glance and remaining planted in my spot. "This one's more comfortable."

Finally losing interest in the figurine, he placed it back on my desk, looking up at me for the first time since I came back.

He'd clearly prepared for this, ensuring his face was as stoic and cold as possible. His gaze went to my lipstick momentarily, confirming something about it for himself before looking back up to my eyes.

What the hell was that about? Probably criticizing my makeup. He's so judgmental....

"Out." I stated lowly, raising a disciplinary brow at him.

Still he didn't move, causing me to pull my trick from earlier and slowly close the distance again.

Resting my hands on the arms of the chair, I caged him in and spoke in a whisper. "...before I make you."

Getting this close got him flustered enough to cave last time. I have no doubt I can do it again.

Curling my fingers around the arms of the chair, I leaned in dangerously close to his face, smelling a fresh hit of peppermint waft straight from his breath.

He must have put in a new stick of gum while I was gone...

His teeth and tongue fiddled with the gum just like the first time, making me realize it must be a nervous habit.

But, still, things didn't go my way like the first time. He was clearly more prepared.

"You'll make me?" He countered plainly, melting back into the chair as my body came closer. "How would you do that?"

While his face and voice came out composed, I don't think he noticed how frantically his knee was bouncing up and down against my leg. He obviously wasn't used to this proximity or initiative from people.

Good thing I am.

With a soft smirk, I rested my forehead inches away from his own, inserting myself just a little deeper between his parted legs.

"I'll just sit on top of you." I murmured confidently, almost able to reach out and tug his gum with my teeth. "I bet you'd hate that."

His composure left as quickly as it came, unsure how serious I was about the offer.

Heh. Guess his lack of social skills comes in handy for some things.

"That's...unprofessional." He muttered quieter, letting his eyes fall back to my lips.

Clearly, he was trying to stay defiant and failing.

"So is sitting in my chair."

Shouto POV:

There's that scent again. The one that smells like flowers. The one that's subtle until she leans in closer.

Her lipstick still suits her—possibly more than I realized now that my attention had already noticed it once.

I can feel her knee grazing my inner thigh, practically burying my spine into the chair as her presence drowned me from all angles.

My blood pulsed in frustration—frustration that this woman already manages to get under my skin so easily.

I can't stand her. I...

Right now, I'm...

....exhibiting all the symptoms of a heart attack. I must be dying. See? She's literally killing me.

Once again....I caved. It's not like me to continue doing so.

Exhaling an irritated, unintentional puff of smoke into her face from my rising body temperature, I swallowed my pride for the countless time.

"Fine. I'll move."

She bit down on her lip with victory, displaying a shiny set of white teeth.

"That's a good boy."

Instantly, her presence had disappeared, giving me the space to get out of the chair.

The moment I stood up, I felt lightheaded and my legs were...wobbly?

See? Heart attack.

Lani POV:

I smirked to myself as he brushed past me with defeat, giving me my seat back and plopping into his assigned chair.

A moment of silence filled the room as we got situated, moving forward from the moment like it never happened.

"Why did you run out earlier?" Shouto asked, running a hand through his hair.

Because I was trying to get rid of you, idiot. It didn't work.

I whistled a lazy tune as I opened my file folders, searching for the dreaded contract that would bind us together. "Just needed to sort some work stuff."

"Shouldn't you have taken care of that before I came here?" He raised a brow, sounding simultaneously serious and nagging all at once.

A dry chuckle cracked in my throat. But, it wasn't one of humor. It was one of pity. For myself. For having to deal with him for the next eight million years.

"God, you're charming—anyways..." I changed the subject blandly, glancing at him once I pulled the contract paper free. "Let's get this over with, yeah?"

On cue, I slid the paper across the desk, watching him swipe it without interest and read it.

I propped my chin in my hand as he looked it over silently, raising an impatient brow at him. Seriously, I've never had someone actually read it before. Usually, they just sign it and move on like a normal person.

But, as I continue to find out, Shouto's just a different breed.

Shouto POV:

I didn't have a clue what I was reading. It just felt appropriate to make her wait more after all the waiting she made me do today.

Lani POV:

He let out a small 'Hmph' after a few agonizing minutes, placing the paper contract back on the table before looking at me.

"I need a pen."

Without urgency, I swiped a pen from the holder on my desk, handing it to him with deflation.

Not a word was spoken as he carefully pressed the pen tip to the page, slowly gliding the ink along the signature line.

Shouto Todoroki

So, his last name's Todoroki. Why does that name sound familiar?

I looked at the signed document closely, feeling my eyes widen when it instantly hit me.

Todoroki.

"Oh my god. You're...you're the son of Endeavor!?" I asked in full surprise, suddenly seeing the veryyy minor resemblance.

Literally just the hair and eye color on the left side of his face...

You're telling me I've been talking to the son of the number one hero all this time—and I almost turned him away?

Not that it matters. He still sucks, even having those powerful genes.

Still. I'm surprised he didn't even think to mention it-

"Isn't it your turn to sign?" He muttered in annoyance, sliding the paper back over to me quickly.

Oh?

Clearly, he still doesn't wanna talk about it...

Interesting.

Shrugging and dropping the subject I'd suddenly become very curious about, I held my tongue and plucked the pen from him, ripping my fate off like a bandaid and signing my name under his-

"I thought your name was Keilani." He questioned abruptly, causing me to jump as I didn't realize he was watching me write.

Ah. So he does know my name? You'd never know from the way he's never respectfully addressed me even once.

"It is." I agreed casually, blowing on the ink slightly so it dried. "I just go by 'Lani' though."

"Shouldn't you write your full name for a formal document?" He questioned, seeming more serious than nagging this time.

I chuckled and slipped the signed paper back into my file folder.

"Trust me, Shouto. Nothing is gonna get us out of this situation, not even me signing my nickname. I'm yours, and you're mine—for the next eight months."

The two of us shared the same reaction of irritated disappointed, silently judging the other person before he was the one to break the quiet.

"So, what now?"

I thought about my past experience of Hero Season, deciding to follow a similar format for how I've usually done things.

"Well, this is the point where I observe you in your natural environment." I explained. "You know, see how you normally operate as a hero."

His eyes went half lidded in annoyance, clearly already imagining the idea of having me follow him around all day.

Yeah. I can't say I'm tickled pink about the idea either.

"Do you have to?" He sighed, slouching back in his chair and looking towards the window.

I kept my chin propped in my hand and looked at him boredly, unable to hide my own disappointment about this partnership. "Don't sound so excited about it."

He let out a small huff before looking at the clock, seeing our time was up. Thank god.

"My shift starts tomorrow at 4:30am. I'll be at HPSC Headquarters to clock in before heading out." He practically mumbled his schedule, standing up from the chair to leave.

Out of professional courtesy, I stood up with him, giving a small nod that he didn't return.

Ahhh, the urge to punch him in the dick grows stronger with every passing second.

"Tomorrow then. See ya bright and early." I said as he approached the door, not giving a damn about how dry I sounded.

He opened the knob and looked back at me one more time with that stupid sass.

"Unfortunately."

With that, he was gone, causing me to plop back in my chair tiredly.

Fuck. This is gonna be a long eight months...

***************

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