A/N: you guys can read the uncensored NSFW version on tiers 4-6 of patreon. This chap is prob my fav smut I've written for any of my books so i can tell you it's definitely worth reading the original! 🔥

*

Lani POV:

"Alright, let's go over it one more time, Shouto."

The two of us walked down the bustling streets of Tokyo side by side with me holding onto his arm in the most platonic way possible for the public.

Truly though, I would have held onto his arm regardless of our...involvement together, because Shouto's brain tends to go on autopilot whenever we're in public together. It's like he becomes my passenger princess to literally every single thing, following me around and looking to me for guidance.

Not to mention, the amount of telephone poles I've stopped him from running into is actually insane.

Ehhh, I kinda like when he's like this though. I've had a little bit of a glimpse of him in action during his hero work, and I know that he's strong and perfectly capable of taking care of himself. He's just not afraid to rely on me and I love that.

Shouto reflected on the game plan we spent all morning creating for today, looking way too good while doing it. He adopted my habit of wearing dark black sunglasses while out in public, and the wind rustled through his fluffy hair perfectly. He looks camera ready, and if we didn't have plans today, I'd definitely spend the day continuing to build up his instagram.

But, this day's gonna be a little different than just our average publicity day. This is Vogue, baby. He's in the big leagues now.

"Okay." He nodded, furrowing his brows in intense thought. "Um...just...'smile and wave' (?) whenever people talk to me. Go to the bathroom and complain of a stomach ache if the photoshoot people start asking me too many questions. And—oh—if I have to kiss Momo, I should just think of Midoriya while it's happening."

"Correct!" I grinned proudly, prompting him with my next question. "And whyyy should you think of Midoriya?"

"Because Midoriya is a rule follower and he'd kiss someone if he was in a contract relationship." He said too loud, gaining a few questioning eyes. "So, therefore, I should, too."

I nodded and casually pulled Shouto out of the way of another telephone pole, "Right. And remember, for the kiss...it's, uhhh, just a peck."

The last part wasn't something we talked about in our 'Vogue Game Plan' this morning. I just kinda slipped it in there and hoped he wouldn't notice. But, you know...Shouto is Shouto.

He furrowed his brows in question, "A...what?"

I tutted, trying to play off the moment as casually and nonchalantly as possible. "I mean...when you kiss Momo, it should barely be anything. Just a peck."

Shouto's confused face only became more intense. "A...peck? Like....something a...chicken would do?"

"No. A peck like a kiss. But, ya know, it's just a..." I mimicked the motion for him, "...peck."

He watched me do the motion, narrowing his eyes in question, "You look like you're having a neck spasm. Chickens only peck when they want to fight for food."

"I'm just saying you don't have to shove your tongue down her throat. Kay?" I grumbled more quietly, cursing the way my face began to heat up.

I was trying not to draw attention to this moment so my jealousy wasn't so obvious...

"Okay? I wasn't planning to...shove my tongue down her throat (?) I don't think anyone would find that enjoyable." He said in concern, quickly blinking away whatever disturbing image appeared in his head. "But, aren't you the one who said kissing itself doesn't matter? That it's just about what I feel when I'm kissing?"

I opened my mouth to say something, yet my words fell speechless when I realized he was right. I did, in fact, say that...

Damn him for always listening to me.

"Wow, suddenly you're a love expert, huh?" I quipped with a bit of sassy snark. "Look, I didn't think this was gonna be such a big deal to you-"

"When did it become a big deal-" He matched my tone like the brat he was.

"If you wanna give her more than a peck, be my guest." I shrugged, letting my passive aggression get the better of me. "Hell, might as well just fuck her on camera at that point."

"Um, that would be highly unethical and a violation of article twelve in the HPSC handbook." Shouto pointed out, completely oblivious to my jealousy. "One of my classmates—well, two of them—actually got written up by the university for-"

"Whatever. All I'm saying is that I don't care what you do with Momo." I concluded curtly.

I assumed the subject was over as Shouto and I walked the next couple seconds in silence. Until he spoke, "I actually think you do care. Because you only cross your arms like that when you care."

I didn't even realize I'd crossed my arms until he said that, looking down at them in surprise before quickly uncrossing them.

"I do not."

"That's also what you say when you care." He pointed out bluntly.

I scoffed and turned towards him with a light scrunch of my lips, and it was only now that I noticed his eyes had barely softened. It was in that moment, I realized, he was trying to tease me.

The two of us deadpanned and looked at each other for a few seconds of silence before I was the one to crack first, letting out a small chuckle to his rare antics. Now his entire face had softened and a minuscule smile crossed his face when he realized he got me to laugh, looking extremely proud of himself.

"Just head inside, you cheeky little shit." I rolled my eyes lightly, giving him a soft nudge towards the Vogue building.

*

"Everyone hold the applause. The star is in the building!" I announced as Shouto and I walked onto the photoshoot set.

The photographer scoffed at me, and I knew he would, grumbling under his breath cattily, "Fifteen minutes late, might I add, Lani."

Yeah, so that was totally my bad. You ever in a rush when all of a sudden you gotta poop?

But, not to worry. I planned for this. I always do when it comes to my job or, you know, my other hoodrat activities. Ass kissing is my specialty.

"You can't put a time limit on talent, sweetheart." I said, rummaging around in my bag. "Besides, Shouto wants to make it up to you all, and also give you a little thank you gift for such an amazing opportunity."

Smirking at the photographer over my shades, I tossed him the little gold box, and his eyes widened immediately when he saw the exclusive designer logo brand stamped on the top of it.

Yeahhh, I never gave the hero commission back their black card. But, like...when did that become a crime? Well, it is a crime. But, let's face it, that's probably the least harmful law I'm breaking lately.

"This charm bracelet isn't supposed to come out until next season!" The photographer gasped as he opened the box, swooning and fawning. "Shouto, what impeccable taste you have!"

The clueless half and half man next to me simply blinked before giving a hesitant, half hearted wave, trying to make good on our plan of 'smile and wave when spoken to.'

It seemed to work as the Vogue photographer put a hand to his chest and sighed over dramatically at Shouto's simple actions, quickly getting back into boss mode as he snapped his fingers. "Hair and makeup, let's go! Get it on Shouto now, we're already fifteen behind schedule!"

A posse of people scurried over to Shouto and he backed up a few steps, overwhelmed and quickly looking to me for direction.

"Don't worry. You already look pretty so that won't take long." I said, giving his shoulder a squeeze of reassurance. "I'm not going anywhere, kay? I'll be right over here."

He nodded unsurely, but complied as the hair and makeup team pushed me aside, ushering Shouto to the little chair closer towards the set.

I settled against the wall to ensure I had a good eye on him, popping a piece of gum into my mouth before pulling out my phone.

I'd only opened one work email before I saw an expensive pair of high heels approach me, holding in a groan as I already guessed who they belonged to...

"It's unusual for Shouto to show up late to such important events." Momo scolded me passive aggressively. "If you were unsure where the building was, I could have picked him up this morning and carpooled."

And while she was already a hundred percent grinding my gears from that first snippy comment alone, I'd be damned to let her see that.

I kept my eyes on my phone, blowing a bubble with my gum. "Aw, really? Aren't you a doll." My voice came out dismissive and sarcastic.

Momo huffed softly, smoothing out her expensive dress. "Well, regardless, he'll be coming home with me today after the photoshoot. My parents would like to see him."

I chuckled with challenge, putting my phone away now and looking at her through my black shades. "Oh? If he wants to, then sure. But, you need to ask him if he wants to go with you, not tell him like he has no choice. Shouto's not a piece of property you can just take whenever you want. He's got his own opinions and feelings, you know."

"How insulting that you would imply I think otherwise." She furrowed her brows in offense. "I've never met a woman as hostile as you, Miss Hidaka."

"Really? You must not have met a lot of people then." I pursed my lips with fake thought, giving her shoulder a heavy pat. "Now get on set and break a leg—Miss Yaoyorozu."

Her nose scrunched in disgust before she subtly shrugged my touch off her body, wiping it off her shoulder like it was the plague. Without another word, she walked back towards the set, causing me to give her a mocking, lazy wave.

Shouto's minimal hair and makeup had been finished, and—god damn. He's so naturally sexy, they barely did anything different to him. He honestly looks the exact same.

I held back a proud smirk, biting on my thumbnail to hide the remnants of it that managed to creep onto my face.

The smile fell off naturally once Momo approached the set, saying something to Shouto I couldn't hear clearly enough while standing with the off camera crew. She stood next to him, and I inhaled deeply and narrowed my eyes behind my sunglasses, watching curiously to see how this whole thing would play out.

Look, I'm not about to be clingy or anything like that just 'cause we fucked, alright? It's whatever. This is part of Shouto's job, and I can be mature about it. I'll prove it right now.

"Alright!" The photographer said, holding up his camera in front of the 'happy' couple. "Get in closer, you two. Closer...closer."

Momo had no trouble leaning in, but Shouto immediately stiffened up, blinking his eyes towards the ground before shifting his feet in a single step.

"Good. Now, Momo put your arm on Shouto's shoulder and kinda lean into him." The photographer instructed, causing me to loosen up a little.

Ah, see? Just an arm on the shoulder? That ain't nothing. This'll be a piece of cake—and I'm super mature. Remember?

Still, Shouto looked stiff and uncomfortable, searching for me amongst the bodies of people off camera. I gave him a small wave and thumbs up, reassuring him as he forcibly scooted closer to Momo.

"Beautiful, Momo. You're by far the most beautiful woman in this room, dear!" The photographer praised, causing everyone to murmur emphatically in agreement.

I said nothing, keeping a stone cold face and crossed arms. But, even so, I couldn't deny their words. Momo truly looked stunning, and she was a beautiful woman. She was one hundred percent Vogue worthy, her body was absolutely to die for, and she's definitely the most beautiful woman in this room. That's just facts.

But, Shouto's brows furrowed in question, seeming entirely unconvinced. My heart jumped when he looked my way before his view was immediately obstructed by the photographer.

"Uhh, Shouto? Try not to look so confused, honey." He said, looking into the camera and snapping his fingers with attention. "Come on, eyes this way! Eyes on your future here!"

The camera flashes shuttered rapidly, and it was honestly a little humorous to see such a difference between Shouto and Momo's stage presence. Momo was striking a different pose every few snaps, and Shouto continued to stand there like he woke up his parents at three in the morning, telling them he threw up.

I snorted softly and snickered, finding this whole thing actually kinda amusing—you know, until the photographer's next instruction...

"Momo, place your hand on his stomach, and Shouto, turn your mouth in towards her forehead."

Now my smirked fell off my face like melted ice cream, watching the progression of the shoot with a more blank expression. Momo pressed her hand to Shouto's stomach, going a step further than the photographer's instruction and stroking up and down on it slightly.

It's fine. I'm mature, remember?-

"Good, good. Now, Momo, slide Shouto's shirt up with your hand and rest it on his abs. Shouto, pick up her thigh and wrap it around you!"

I fidgeted a bit when Momo's hand slid under Shouto's shirt, slowly lifting it up. Her fingers grazed his bare abs, and she blushed immediately, looking up at him.

"O-Oh. Have you been working out more? You're even fitter than you used to be." She said, causing me to inhale a deep, slow breath.

"No big deal..." I murmured to myself quietly, starting to tap my heel against the ground a little impatiently. "Mature. Super mature..."

Shouto said nothing to Momo's comment and looked everywhere but her, barely shooting his eyes towards me before the photographer yelled orders at him. "Look into each other's eyes. Shouto, slide her dress up until your hand touches her bare thigh. Then grip it, boy! Grip it like you wanna get dirty with it!"

"Dirty?" Shouto questioned, causing the photographer to unintentionally snap a picture of his signature confused face.

Trying to follow instructions, Shouto's hand stiffly slid up Momo's thigh, exposing her bare skin to everyone.

...and now I felt my teeth gritting.

His fingers trailed along the smooth, perfectly toned muscles of her thigh, grabbing it very loosely. Momo placed her hands on his shoulders to steel herself, suddenly beaming a little too hopefully in her eyes.

"Look at each other's lips." The photograph said, causing my heart to drop as I knew where this was going. "Lean in closer. Closer....closerrr..."

And I don't know why it matters so much to me. I'm the one who told Shouto last night, 'kissing doesn't matter, it's about what you feel when you kiss' or some shit like that. But, guess what? I don't care because I'm immature as fuck, and all I hear from that right now is blah, blah, blahhh.

Nah. This fucking sucks-

"Now, kiss!"

I couldn't stop the visibly grimace of dread that crossed my face at the command, quickly correcting it in the eyes of the public and watching closely. Just like a chicken, Shouto pecked Momo's lips exactly how I instructed, quickly pulling away before they barely had the chance to touch.

He turned his head to look off set, but Momo quickly turned it back towards her, already leaning back in before the photographer yelled his next instructions.

"Deeper." He said, rapidly snapping on his camera. "I wanna see tongue, you two!"

Momo slid her hands to the back of his neck and pulled him in, humming softly in pleasure when she pressed her mouth to Shouto's with more pressure. His eyes remained open and he stiffly moved his mouth back, instinctively pulling away when her tongue crossed past his lips.

Momo kept her hands anchored on the back of his neck, furrowing her brows in desperation for his attention before trying to bring him in for another kiss. But, luckily, she was unsuccessful this time.

"Anddd, break!" The photographer cheered, causing Shouto to exhale in relief and immediately create distance between him and Momo. "Those were some good shots, you two. Alright, let's move onto the next outfit pieces."

I sighed quietly in relief as well, and only now registered the slight burning on my thumb, looking down to see small trickles of blood seeping out of it.

Shit. I was picking at my thumbnail again. I only do that when I get anxious.

I scoffed and cursed myself out quietly, reluctantly bringing my thumb to my mouth and sucking off the blood. Honestly, I was embarrassed with myself for getting so worked up over this. I've never been this jealous, this insecure during my past relationships...

Because I never cared enough. I never let anyone in...

The styling team grabbed an outfit from the hangers and handed it to Shouto, "Shouto that shirt laces up in the back, and it's very complicated, so you'll need someone to help you change."

With hawk eyes, my gaze immediately slid over to Momo, watching her open her mouth to volunteer. And while I stayed quiet at the banquet the other night whenever she wanted to get involved, I couldn't stop myself from biting back today.

"I'll help him." I quickly said before she could. "It's my job as his publicist and I've done it dozens of times."

"Yes, please." Shouto replied immediately, brushing past Momo and walking my way.

Momo attempted to speak again, unable to as the photographer unintentionally beat her to it, "Alright! Ten minute break, everyone. Get Momo back into hair and makeup for the next look."

I glanced back at Momo as she was involuntarily dragged away for hair and makeup, watching her brows furrow at me in annoyance.

*

Shouto and I left the bustling set and entered the quieter hallway. We walked it in unusual silence, and I could feel his eyes on me. But, I said nothing, too afraid my vulnerabilities might show. What am I supposed to say? That me—someone you're barely hooking up with—am jealous of your fake girlfriend? Makes no sense, right....

We reached the dressing room at the end of the hall and I opened it, gesturing for Shouto to head in first.

He walked in and I came behind him, closing the door and locking it. Once again, his eyes were on me and he wiped Momo's kiss off his mouth, watching me focus a little too hard at untangling his crazy outfit.

"Okay, uhhh....what is up with this shirt?" I laughed lightly, trying to mask the annoyance in my voice. "Is Vogue really going for a pirate theme right now? Hello again, 2006-"

And if it was anyone else, it would have worked.

"Lani." He interrupted me, his voice so incredibly knowing for someone who was supposed to be socially clueless. "I...I didn't want to kiss Momo like that."

Part of me felt embarrassed for being that obvious about my feelings if Shouto was able to tell so easily. Once again, I always felt like I was under the microscope with him. But, at the same time, his words reassured me. Selfishly so.

My sour mood slowly melted away, my tone of voice unintentionally turning softer again now that it was just us two. "I know. It's not your fault. I'm not mad." I chuckled a little dryly at the irony. "I don't have any reason to be."

Because he's not technically mine. We haven't exactly put a label on things. But, then again....we sure act like we have. I'm afraid to ask Shouto what he thinks we are. I'm not even sure myself right now.

I knew that starting something like this with him wouldn't ever be casual. He's not that kind of person, and I don't intend to play around with his heart. But, with the Momo situation, and also the Mizuchi, it doesn't make sense for us to be...'official.'

Ahh. This whole thing's kind of a mess, huh...

Shouto watched me untangle the laces of the stupid pirate shirt, looking lost in thought as he removed his shirt and pants. "When the kiss was happening...um....I thought about you. About last night when we..." He trailed off, blushing a bit when reflecting on how I rode him into the mattress.

I stopped fiddling with the laces and looked at him, raising my brows with interest—and, also, surprise. Shouto's not normally so forward, especially not when it comes to sexual things. I could tell he was making an effort to let me into his head.

"And?" I asked lightly.

He was left in nothing but his briefs, letting out a small sigh and leaning back against the narrow walls, abs tensing at his reflection of the photoshoot so far.

"And...it didn't make it any easier to do it." He said. "Because...well....she's not you."

He shot me a quick glance before looking away. He didn't understand the concept of awkwardness, but it continued to show through his attempts at intimacy.

It's adorable.

I smiled softly and tossed the pirate shirt on the floor, taking two steps forward until we were chest to chest. The dressing room was incredibly tiny.

Shouto's eyes slowly traveled back to mine now, his face softening ever so slightly. When it came to romantic relationships, I've never been the type to be lovey dovey, or even open up. Instinctively, it was always my goal to never get too close.

Because of that, I never felt a connection to anyone. At some point, I started to believe I was incapable of doing so.

But, with Shouto, I can't help it. He forces me to be blunt. To say what I'm thinking out loud, and he doesn't realize how unusual that is for me. How vulnerable it makes me. Hearing my own thoughts come from my own mouth, the ones I usually hide...

I don't even know why I tell him. I just....need him to know. I need him to....

And it's easy to do because it feels safe with him. I know he won't judge me. I know he won't put me down.

"It's harder than I thought to see you kiss and touch her." I whispered, groaning in embarrassment with myself. "Ahh, it's so silly, but....I'm jealous, Shouto."

I placed my hands on his bare chest, and he didn't tense up from my touch, welcoming it with a soft, wanton sigh instead. It almost felt like he was waiting for this. Waiting for the moment I'd finally touch him again.

"You don't have to be. Jealous, I mean." He said, melting his body into mine when I wrapped my arms around his neck.

My eyes fell half lidded when our foreheads touched, and suddenly, I didn't feel close enough to him. Even in this small dressing room. Even though we were body to body. I didn't feel close enough.

"How can I not be?" I murmured, feeling the ends of his hair tickling my cheek. "She's the prettiest woman in the room."

Shouto immediately shook his head, letting his fingers stroke along my jaw as he spoke...

"She's not."

I wasn't looking for validation when I complimented Momo. I was just stating a fact. A blunt fact of why I'd been jealous.

So it caught me off guard when Shouto refuted it. When he....when he so obviously looked at me as if I hung the moon and stars. It was overwhelming. And, dangerously, it made me fall so much deeper.

For a man who never knows what to say, he always says the right thing.

It's always unintentional from him, but he always says exactly what makes me break. What makes me cave to him and go weak at the knees. He says words that make him utterly irresistible to me.

Maybe it's because he's so genuine with it, maybe it's because the concept of leaving things unsaid is something he doesn't understand.

And he surprised me once again when he was the one to lean forward, cupping my jaw and tilting my head up as he captured my lips in a kiss. I love to be the one in control, but I also find Shouto's initiative so attractive. Because it's out of his norm.

I exhaled a quiet moan and kissed him back immediately, tangling my fingers tighter in his hair. My entire body felt like it was on fire. I'd become dizzy. My heart was wild, my head stuffed with cotton. And, immediately, I knew...I'd never felt like this before.

It feels so different with him-

"It feels so different with you." Shouto breathed into my mouth, and I didn't realize our thoughts had been synced. "It's so different, I-I'm confused. How someone....can make me feel like this. How it can happen...at any place or time. Is...is it supposed to be like this? For...everyone?"

He didn't give me a chance to answer, pressing his lips back to mine. For that, I was grateful because I didn't have an answer for him. Is it supposed to be like this for everyone? This lustful? This passionate? This connected and intense? It doesn't seem like two emotionally stunted people like us would know.

But, god, he was utterly lost in the kiss, and I physically ached for him. Everywhere, I ached for him. In my body, my soul, my heart. Those were two things I was absolutely sure of.

I pushed him deeper by the back of his head, letting my mouth partly hotly when he slipped his tongue into it. I could feel my muscles tightening with insatiability on the highest level.

Shouto continued to take control, placing his hands on my waist and walking forward until my back was against the wall now. I felt like I was drowning in him, gripping the muscles of his back and dragging my nails down them lightly. I needed him closer. It was pathetic, it was crazy. He physically couldn't be any closer, but I just....I craved him. So much, I couldn't think.

I broke away from his lips for air, throwing my head back against the wall. Shouto's lips chased my presence, burying into the crook of my neck. My breath hitched and my brows furrowed in pleasure as he mouthed along my pulse point, placing wet hot kisses to it, so slow, so sensual.

At the same time, one of his hands trailed up my side and towards my chest. He was becoming less hesitant, more comfortable touching me. It only made his desire show as he cupped my breast, squeezing softly through my shirt. He continued kissing my neck, and I was a mess, arching my chest into his hand and fidgeting wildly.

"It's overwhelming for me, too. I...hahhh...I don't usually feel like this." My lips became too loose, instantly catching Shouto's attention.

"Really?" His breath exhaled hotly against my neck.

His face nuzzled up against my jaw, trailing upwards and pressing sweet kisses to my cheek. My eyes rolled back in pleasure, feeling so aroused from such an innocent action.

"I...I just wanna touch you." I whispered. "All the fucking time. God, Shouto."

I gripped both sides of his face and pulled him back to me, kissing him deeply and humming in frustration.

"You taste like her." I huffed against his mouth.

I was unable to think about it for too long as Shouto's hand slid to the back of my neck, tilting his head and kissing me even harder. His hand remained on my breast and he tangled his tongue with mine. For once, I was the one unable to keep up. He left me a panting and moaning mess, only pulling away once he was sure he made his point.

"I only taste you." He said so honestly, sliding his thumb up to my bottom lip.

My mouth parted as the pad of his thumb glided against it, gently stroking my lip ring. My hands slid lower down his back, landing on his hips before trailing lower and grabbing his ass.

His breath hitched immediately and I knew why, kissing his thumb hotly as it remained on my lip.

"Someone's excited." I murmured musingly. "You can't go back out like that."

His breath rolled onto my face, slowly becoming deeper. "I'm aching...for you, I think." He panted.

I slowly took his thumb between my teeth, meeting his eyes as one of my hands trailed up from his ass, gliding along the waistband of his underwear...

"I can fix it." My tongue grazed his thumb, lightly stroking my fingers up him.

His eyes were already going half lidded from my touches, "H-Here?" His voice came out hoarse and low.

I looked down and exhaled needily at the sight of him. "Yes, I'll be quick. But, you gotta stay quiet, handsome. Can you do that for me?"

Shouto nodded eagerly, "I...I believe I can."

With a mischievous hum, I nipped his lip and pushed on his chest until the back of his knees hit the bench in the dressing room. Shouto fell onto it and I immediately climbed into his lap with a loud clatter.

Heh. So much for being quiet.

*

A/N: the rest of this chap is on patreon as I said above. See you guys next time!