A/N: last chap was a smut chap posted on patreon tiers 4-6 if you wanna read

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Lani POV:

"Hm, I dunno. Shouto's schedule's looking prettyyy full these days. If you really wanted him to make an appearance on your show, shoulda' spoke up sooner."

I rolled my eyes as the television producer continued to ramble sleazily on the other line, simultaneously typing on my laptop in hopes I'd make a dent in the countless offers and brand deals that have conveniently landed in Shouto's lap today.

It's safe to say that his career has, quite literally, blown up over the weekend, especially within the last twenty-four hours.

And, look, I don't wanna credit Momo as the reason for his success. Buttt, it's not lost on me that things didn't start picking up until she inserted her nosy, perfectly sculpted face into the picture. I have no doubt she's thrilled about the media attention concerning her and her FAKE new beau.

Ah, but fake or not, in the eyes of the public....her and Shouto are practically one now. They're, like, the new Brad and Angelina of this century. We can only hope 'Shomo' doesn't follow their decades long timeline. Ugh...

Look, from a publicist point of view, I know I should be thrilled. Shouto and I are no longer the underdog of hero season anymore. This definitely puts us on equal footing with Mai and Bakugo, possibly with the chance of surpassing the group and winning the number one spot. But, even if Shouto and I weren't....ya know, and even if Momo was actually a tolerable person to be around, the truth is, I still wouldn't be happy with this.

I didn't want Shouto's career to built on a woman he's dating. I wanted him to have more substance, to be known for more than just his looks and latest girlfriend. I spent the last month and a half working hard to make that happen, and all of that effort has been undone by Yuna and Momo within a single weekend.

Now, to the public, Shouto's substance is about as shallow as a puddle of water....in a drought.

I threw my head back in annoyance, letting the early afternoon sun bask my face. I'm usually one for eating lunch in my office alone, or skipping it altogether due to a lack of time. But, for some reason...I thought it would be nice to, ya know, get some fresh air and sit outside at Hero Commission Headquarters.

Who am I right now? Your guess is as good as mine.

I enjoyed the fresh air by taking another drag of my cigarette, drumming my nails against the iron table as the television producer rambled on and on about why Shouto should make an appearance on his show. But, truly, that boy's got enough upcoming media events to last him a lifetime. Any other publicist might jump at the offer to overwork their client, but I know Shouto.

I don't want to overwhelm him. He needs his breaks, too, and I'm the only one who can advocate that for him.

"The answer is no." I said firmly, propping my phone between my ear and my shoulder as I typed. "But, ya know, I heard Mr. Bakugo might have some openings. Just make sure to wear something fireproof on the day he arrives. he tends to get a little...testy with people who talk too much."

With that, I hung up the phone, scrolling through the outpour of media attention that Shouto received over the weekend. I froze once I stumbled across the homepage of Vogue, catching sight of the pictures from the 'Shomo' photoshoot yesterday.

Ya know...the one I where I gave Shouto a handjob in the dressing room, then ran away with his jizz in my panties to go play 'criminal?' Yeahhh, that one. That's a more interesting article premise, if you ask me.

But, as I scrolled through picture after picture of Shouto and Momo touching...and kissing....and gazing....I couldn't deny it....

Damn. That is one hot couple.

I lifted up my sunglasses with a small whistle, leaning back in my chair with a huff at how incredibly good they looked together. They were so aesthetically pleasing to the eye. They were both hot. They were both fit, and most of all, they were both some grade A, kick ass, famous heroes.

Huh. They really do make sense.

And I was no better than a man as my eyes couldn't help but wander to Momo's body, taking a deep drag of my cigarette at her impressively cinched waist.

Damn girl. You know, if she didn't look at me like a human version of the bubonic plague, I'd totally ask for her workout routine. I think she might have the best physique I've ever seen in my life....

And I hate that my mind immediately wandered to Shouto, because even if they aren't really together now, there was a time they were. He's touched her. He's seen her naked. Surely, he's had to have noticed how good she looks....

In all honesty, how is Shouto not obsessed with her? I wonder what he thinks....about our differences—Me and Momo, I mean. Sure, he's not a 'comparing' type of guy. But, sometimes, it's just natural, you know. And Shouto's so perceptive...

I'm not gonna lie, it's a little intimidating that he made such a drastic change from her to...me. Momo and I couldn't be more different—in every single way.

Agh. Insecurities. They're a bitch—and, also extremely annoying. Gross.

The smoke exhaled deeply from my mouth, and I made the amateur mistake of running my fingers up my own body now. Nahhh, there's no comparison. I know he downgraded with me, but I just wanna make sure it's not, like.....super noticeable.

My thoughts were interrupted as a plate of food was carefully set in front of me, quickly slamming my laptop closed before Shouto could see the screen. I smiled up at him, watching the way his pretty dual colored eyes glinted off the soft sunshine. God, he really is so handsome. A picture perfect face for a celebrity.

"Um...your entree came with a side salad." He said, clueless of his beauty as he set the tiny bowl off to the side. "I....I didn't know if you wanted it, but....the lady put it on the tray before I could respond, and then....it felt wrong to put it back."

He sat across from me with a slightly exhausted huff. He's been out playin' hero all morning, and the evidence of it is still present on his slightly scuffed up face.

"Thanks, handsome." I nodded, switching out my main plate for the tiny bowl. "That's actually perfect. I think this little salad is all I'll be eating for lunch anyways."

Ah, ah. Look, I know what you're thinking, and don't say anything. It's a canon event.

Call it a sudden 'motivation,' or insecurity, but we've all been there, right? You see something in the media that makes you wanna suddenly....change. It's not Momo's fault for looking that good. It's my fault for believing it's attainable when I know better.

I feel like a teenager again, trying to replicate a look from a pretty supermodel in hopes that somehow her celebrity, famous boyfriend will magically teleport to my house and fall in love.

Oof, it's about as cringy as kid me doing cartwheels in the swimming pool, trying to impress the lifeguard. Roast me all you want, 'cause I'm with you.

Shouto froze slightly as I pushed my food aside, giving me a subtle glance of concern, "Oh. Do you...not feel well?"

I waved him off, taking a giant forkful of kale leaves between my teeth. "On the contrary. I feel great."

His brows furrowed, glancing between me and the spread of food, "Then...did you not want steak today? I suppose I could have gotten the chicken. But....I know how much you enjoy the steak cutlets. Especially the breading. I even asked for them to be....extra breaded. For you."

Damn. He knows I'm a sucker for extra breading. Ughhh....stay strong. What was that toxic 2012 tumblr post again? Nothing tastes as good as air? Something like that.

With a hum, I finished the two bite salad, chugging the bottle of water before sitting back in my chair. "Mm, I'm stuffed. No need for the extra breading." I grinned, giving my empty bowl a tap. "Mark my words, Shouto. Starting right now, I'm going on a diet. To fix my figure."

He blinked a few times, and honestly, I've never seen him look more confused than he is right now.

"But, your figure's not....broken." He uttered slowly, looking at my stomach before back to my face.

I shrugged, chugging more water and desperately trying to ignore the mouthwatering smell of the meat just a few inches away. "Maybe I think it's broken."

Now he looked utterly bewildered, looking from my face, to my body, to my face again all in the span of a silent ten seconds. Then he leaned forward slightly, catching me off guard as I looked up from the table with question.

"There......must be something wrong with you." He concluded seriously a few seconds later, causing me to scoff musingly.

"What-"

"Well, it's just—do you not know what you look like, or something?" He went on another one of his technical lessons. "Statistically, you're very proportionately balanced. A doctor would also tell you that, and you can't argue with a doctor. Also, um.....I've....seen your figure and....well, I'd agree with the doctor."

I chuckled at his awkward attempt at a compliment, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed about the conversation. I wasn't looking for him to validate me when I said it. I was just kinda...saying what's on my mind and voicing my insecurities, you know. It's a little too easy to do that when it comes to him.

Guess I was also embarrassed because....for once, I didn't really believe him either. For as long as I can remember, my appearance has been something I've always been insecure about...

'You're so disgusting, Lani.'

Past experiences, you know. I can't possibly fathom that Shouto, or anyone....would truly think I look alright. I've been so ingrained to think differently.

With a soft snort, I tried to brush off the conversation and thoughts in my head, picking up my phone and fiddling with it randomly, "Whatever you say, handsome."

I thought that would be the end of it, but I could feel Shouto's eyes on me as I navigated to the calendar screen of my phone pointlessly. He readjusted in his seat, clearing his throat to try and appear serious.

"Um, if that's the reason you don't want to eat, then....well.....it's not allowed." He concluded.

I looked at him over the rim of my sunglasses, closing my phone and giving him a lopsided tilt of my head. "Heh. It's not allowed? And what are you gonna do about it? Punish me?"

It was an open attempt to flirt and say something suggestive, but you know Shouto...

"I'll do a lot of things." He said obliviously, folding his hands atop the metal table. "First, I'll take you to the infirmary to have your vision checked, and then, maybe to the doctor for a head scan."

I shook my head musingly as he picked up a few pieces of steak with his chopsticks, dropping them into my salad bowl.

It was sweet, and admittedly, his actions thawed out my stone cold heart a little bit.

"Mm. You're dumb." I murmured warmly, biting down on my bottom lip as he added more food.

His eyes barely softened, and I realized he understood I was teasing that time. "Um....if I am, then.....well, I must have learned it from you." He chimed back a little awkward and soft, glancing up at me a few times.

I knew him well enough to know he was trying to make one of his rare, rareee jokes.

My jaw dropped in fake offense to encourage him, picking up a little cherry tomato from my bowl before tossing it at him. "Damn! Sassy boy!" I chuckled, causing him to shoot an even rarer half smile.

His cheeks went a soft pink, and his next breath held very subtle tinges of a laugh, flashing just a quick little glimpse of his white teeth. God, he was so adorable.

I caught myself admiring and cringed slightly, trying to shake the simpering away. Shouto and I were starting to feel a little too couple-ly for my taste. He's slept over the past five nights in a row, and we text each other every minute we aren't together.

This morning, we showed up to the hero commission headquarters and planned to do some media work. But, his boss called him in to do some hero work instead. So, instead of leaving things there, we took the unnecessary step of making plans to meet back up for lunch at the HPSC Headquarters. Yeah, you heard right. A lunch date. Might as well trap me with a ring on my finger at this point...

It's weird though, you know. Being so...smitten with someone. Even in the previous relationships I've had, it was never like this—not that Shouto and I are exclusive. But, regardless, there was always a barrier between me and the other person. An emotional one that wouldn't ever go away.

With him though, it's different. It's actually harder to put up a barrier with him. It's foolish, and it's incredibly dangerous considering everything I'm involved in. I should be trying extra hard to hide myself from him.

Reminders of the Mizuchi constantly loomed over my head, and quite honestly, I was beginning to feel a little paranoid every time Shouto had to quickly duck out every time he got an 'emergency' at work.

It makes me wonder how close the heroes are to catching the Mizuchi—to catching....me.

I rubbed the back of my neck at the weighted dread that squashed the fun, deciding to do some dirty work and pry a little. "Uh—anyways, how was work this morning?" I asked as casually as I possibly could, unable to resist eating the steak in my bowl. "Aizawa better have a good excuse for stealing you away from me."

Shouto only started eating once I did, taking a quick, big bite of soba noodles like he'd been dying to for minutes. "Oh, he did. I actually need to head back right after lunch." He said between bites. "We're making a lot of progress on this one case."

I faltered slightly in my chewing, feeling the stress creeping up my neck. It wasn't lost on me that Shouto was actively investigating ties to the Mizuchi. But, I didn't know just how deep he was in all of that. The first and only time I'd heard of it was at Kai's party when Shouto stumbled upon a pill bag.

In a perfect world, that would've lead to a dead end, and Aizawa would be forced to move on.

"Oh yeah?" My eyes remained on my bowl. "Anything you've talked to me about?"

....ugh. that was casual, right....?

Shouto wiped his mouth with a napkin, furrowing his brows in thought to the mission that was troubling him. "I think it's better we don't talk about that sort of stuff until after it's been solved." He explained, glancing at my emptied bowl before placing some of his soba noodles into it. "Information changes all the time. So.....what's true one moment might not be the next, and I don't want to confuse you."

I nodded a bit strained, trying to brush my worries aside. Ah, whatever, so he doesn't tell me. No biggie. Surely, if Shouto was that close to catching me...

...I'd have some way of knowing it, right?

The moment was interrupted as a pair of heels clacked loudly into our space. I groaned immediately, not needing to look up to recognize who had come to interrupt us.

"Shouto, there you are." Momo reprimanded, placing a hand on her totally cinched waist. "I've been calling and texting you for the last ten minutes straight."

Shouto's eyes closed momentarily, and it was usually around Momo that I could see he was visibly annoyed. Apparently, Momo herself didn't seem to get that memo though.

"I left my phone in the office." He said curtly, looking at her with subtle sass as he slurped up his next noodle. "But....I probably wouldn't respond to you anyways. If you look at all the previously not-responded-to messages, you'd know that."

Oof. He's so unintentionally savage.

I pressed my lips together at the awkward silence that ensued. Momo's eyes glowered in offense to his words, causing me to clear my throat and attempt to lighten the mood. "Ah—hahhhh, Shouto!" I faked a laugh, hitting the table repeatedly like he'd said something funny. "What a jokester he is. Right-"

Shouto furrowed a brow to my behavior, watching his soba broth threaten to spill from all the rattling I was making, "Huh? But, I wasn't-"

"Anyways, what brings the beautiful Miss Yaoyorozu all the way over to this side of the hero commission building." I quickly cut him off, eyeing Momo through my dark shades. "Hm?"

As expected, she relaxed slightly at the flattery, smoothing out her tight dress a bit knowingly. "I've come to inform Shouto that tonight is family dinner." She said with a formal nod.

"Family dinner?" I asked, looking at Shouto in question.

For once, he didn't seem confused. He seemed to know exactly what was going on, and judging from the way his sweaty, scuffed face tensed slightly, he wasn't thrilled about it.

"Our families host a dinner together once every month." Momo explained before he could even think about getting a word in. "Every month, we switch off who hosts the dinner, and this month, it's Shouto's turn to host. It's always been a standard procedure for us ever since we started dating."

I chortled slightly at the word, unable to resist getting a little mock in, "Wow. A 'Standard Procedure', huh? Talk about sexy and exciting."

Momo's lips tightened as she glared at me slightly, yet I simply sipped my water, giving her a cheeky wink over the rim of my glasses.

Shouto placed his chopsticks down, leaning back in his seat and rubbing his face in distracted thought. I could tell the gears were turning in his head, and knowing him, he was probably trying to find a technical flaw in all this 'logic' to get out of it.

"But...." He was forced to speak quickly when Momo's mouth threatened to move again. "Um....that was.....the dinners were something we did when we were actually dating. We're only...fake dating now. So...family dinner rules wouldn't apply anymore, right?"

I pursed my lips in approval, giving him a little cheers with my water bottle, "Nice one."

Momo's gaze faltered slightly, sensing that she was losing the opportunity. And it seems that while Shouto and her were practically strangers in every other aspect, the one thing she knew how to do was manipulate him into complying. Or, at least, paint the situation in her favor.

"W-Well....it's more of a....business dinner than anything else." She rephrased, fiddling with her manicured thumbs nervously. "My parents would like to ask you about...work-"

"Oh." It instantly clicked in Shouto's mind. "That changes things."

Momo smiled and breathed in relief, "I couldn't agree mo-"

"If it's a business dinner about work, then Lani has to come." Shouto said, causing my eyes to widen in dread. "She's my publicist, and should be involved in anything to do with my work. That's her job."

I coughed slightly on my next bite, peering up to see the both of them looking at me now. Well, really, Momo's look was more of a glare. Silence ensued as their eyes continued to burn into my face, causing me to let out a strained chuckle.

"Ah. Shouto. I really don't-" I didn't even get to finish my disagreement before Momo spoke over me.

"E-Exactly, Miss Hidaka. I knew you'd understand." She laughed nervously. "Besides, there's no room for any....outsiders-"

"Outsiders?" I questioned in annoyance before Shouto obliviously chimed in.

What a mess.

"If it's my month to host, then that means the gathering will be at my family home. And I know for certain there's enough room for Lani to attend. My family won't mind either."

What now....

"Your...family..." I grit under my breath, grimacing slightly at the idea.

Meet the family already? Shouto and I haven't even talked about what we are and it's already coming to this...?

Egh, not my cup of tea. I'm not into....parents. Yeah, you can thank my own for that wonderful bit of trauma. Not to mention, I didn't even meet Eiichi's family until almost a year into our relationship. And, on top of all that...

Shouto comes from a family of prestigious heroes. Well, one hero. But you know, that's enough, considering who that big guy is...

And now I wonder if Endeavor knows I'm the one who wrote that article a few months ago about his double D tits. Look, I'm a changed woman now—no, I'm not, and I'd write it again for a single stick of gum.

Momo's mouth opened and closed like a fish, and for once, I was no different, trying and failing to think of any way out of this. I wanted to get out of this just as much as she wanted me out. Look at that, we finally agree on something.

"I-I-" Momo stumbled before the timer on Shouto's phone made us jump.

"Oh. Lunch is done. I'm glad it's settled, I have to get back to work." He rose from his seat, looking directly at me with his next words. "I'll text you later."

I grimaced slightly, sliding down in my chair as Momo's jaw dropped. Oblivious Shouto left a wake of continuous damage in his path once he was gone, leaving Momo and I to remain, awkwardly and tensely as we watched the direction he left for much longer than necessary.

Drumming my fingers on the table, I pursed my lips deciding to cut the awkward tension and just go for it, "Hey, so....like, what's your workout routine?" I asked her casually.

Momo looked at me incredulously, scoffing before she quickly walked off with a huff.

I whistled lazily at her attitude, leaning back in my seat with a nod, "Alrighty, then. So, I guess the first step is being a frigid bitch. Noted."