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Today was her first patrol, and Emi's nerves were on edge as she prepared her new hero gear. She appreciated the Support Course students' help with the upgrade, especially the diamond circlet on her top—a failsafe for emergencies.

"I'm loving the new look," Kirishima said from his spot on the bed. He had come to offer support, and she was grateful, though her hand trembled while fastening her pouch belt. "But next time, maybe ask for a ruby instead of a diamond."

"Is that because you want to be honored?" Emi laughed, adjusting the lather pouch around her waist, filled with supplies she hoped she wouldn't need.

Kirishima leaned back with a smug grin. "Of course, I'm Red Riot after all. Maybe I'll get you a ruby as a gift."

Emi rolled her eyes and stepped closer, resting her head against his. "Even without a ruby, you'll be in my thoughts tonight."

"Promise me you'll let me know if Bakugo steps out of line," Kirishima said, wrapping his arms around her. "I'd be happy to step in."

"Oh, am I your girl now?" Emi teased, pulling back to see his blushing face. "That makes you my man, and I can't have you taking on someone who might actually outmatch you."

"Hey!" Kirishima protested. "You're probably right—I don't think I'd have the guts to hit my friend."

Emi laughed, appreciating his sweet nature. Kirishima's unwavering loyalty was one of the many reasons she liked him. "I promise I'll be careful," Emi assured him, her eyes meeting his with sincerity. "If Bakugo steps out of line, I'll handle it myself. And I'll keep you updated—expect to see plenty of texts from me tonight."

Kirishima stood up from the bed and moved in front of her, cupping her face gently in his hands. "You'd better. Every five minutes. No, make it every minute," he said, his voice laced with both concern and affection. He sealed his words with a tender kiss, as if trying to imprint his reassurance onto her.

His worry was undeniable. Despite knowing what she was capable of, the thought of Emi out there, potentially facing villains while he remained in the dark, was unsettling. He longed to be by her side, almost marching into All Might's office to request a permanent swap with Bakugo, just so he could be with her on every patrol.

"Maybe not every minute, Kiri. I do have a job to do, after all," Emi chuckled, reaching up to ruffle his hair affectionately. She glanced at the clock, noting the time with a sigh. "I've got to get going. Hawk's is sending a car for Bakugo and me any minute now, and I don't want to be late for my first patrol."

She stood on her tiptoes to give him another kiss, letting it linger for a moment before pulling back. Hand in hand, they walked to the door. Kirishima gave her hand three light squeezes in a row, and she mirrored the gesture, feeling comforted by his touch.

Downstairs, Bakugo was already waiting by the front door, his arms crossed and his expression a mixture of impatience and annoyance. "You're late," he grumbled, rolling his eyes.

Emi released Kirishima's hand to poke Bakugo playfully, sticking out her tongue. "I'm not late. You're just early."

Kirishima started to respond, "Bakugo, I swear—"

Bakugo waved him off with a dismissive gesture. "Yeah, yeah, I know, dumbass. I'll play nice." He let out a groan as Kirishima planted one final kiss on Emi, but a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Let's get moving, loose screws."

Emi's eyes lit up with excitement. "Hey! I finally got a nickname!" She followed him out the door, then paused. "Wait, loose screws is what you came up with?"

"It's a work in progress," Bakugo replied, rolling his eyes.

Emi laughed and teased, "You know, with how often you roll your eyes, I wouldn't be surprised if they eventually roll right out of your head."

Bakugo sighed in exasperation but couldn't help a small smirk at her playful jab.

____________________________

As the car dropped the students off in front of Hawk's building, Emi's anxiety began to rise. She hadn't wanted to see the Pro Hero again, but here she was. Bakugo remained as aloof and cocky as ever during the ride, while Emi had to endure the driver's incessant chatter. Now, they stood in front of a grand desk, waiting for Hawks to make his entrance.

When Hawks finally arrived, he barely acknowledged them as he settled into his chair behind the desk. "So, first order of business," he said, shuffling through some papers. "Tell me your hero names."

"Mercury," Emi responded simply.

"Great Explosion Murder God Dynamight," Bakugo declared with confidence. Hawks scoffed, and Emi saw a flash of anger cross Bakugo's face.

"Sounds like you're overcompensating, kid," Hawks said, leaning on his elbows. "Maybe consider shortening it."

Before Bakugo could retort, Emi interjected. "We're here for our patrols, as you know. If you could give us our assignments, we'll be out of your hair. Or feathers, I guess." Her jab was met with a chuckle from Hawks.

"Actually, I have a different plan for today," Hawks said, standing up and moving around the desk to face them. His overconfidence was palpable, and Emi could almost gag from the overpowering scent of his cologne. "Emi, I need your help with an investigation—a task I believe will be quite educational for you."

"What about me?" Bakugo asked, his frustration mounting.

Hawks waved a dismissive hand. "I think you could handle some paperwork or something."

Emi felt a surge of anger, wishing she could wipe that smug expression off Hawks' face. She was here for patrol, not to sit in an office. She had to stay professional, even if she wanted to let him know what she really thought. "I'd appreciate Bakugo's help with the investigative work, if that's alright with you," she suggested, hoping to shift the assignment.

"You'll be working directly with me," Hawks replied.

Emi's heart sank. Being alone with Hawks, especially with his clear ulterior motive, was not ideal. Bakugo bristled beside her, clearly conflicted.

"With all due respect, we're both here to learn and improve. Sending Bakugo off to do paperwork is a waste of our time and yours," Emi said, keeping her tone steady. She wanted to argue more, even demand a different Pro Hero, but for now, she had to settle for this.

Hawks groaned, rubbing his face in frustration. "Alright, fine. No need to be so pushy, princess."

"And I'd like to request that you stop calling me 'princess,'" Emi said sharply, her voice cutting through the air. She wouldn't stand to be belittled.

"Fine. Any other special requests?" Hawks asked, hands on his hips. Both Emi and Bakugo shook their heads. "Good. Let's get started. Bakugo, go ask my assistant for a laptop; she's three doors down. Emi, help me start gathering the files."

Bakugo locked eyes with Emi, sensing her unease. He wanted to stay close, feeling that something was off the moment she faced Hawks. If anything went wrong while he was away, Kirishima would have a few choice words for him.

As if she could read his thoughts, Emi gave him a nod. Bakugo excused himself, and once the door shut behind him, Emi turned to Hawks with her arms crossed. "Alright, we're alone now. This is what you wanted, right?" she snapped.

Hawks looked taken aback by her defiance. What were they teaching these students? he wondered. "Your principal seemed strongly opposed to me asking about our last encounter. I figured this would be my only chance."

Emi met his gaze firmly. "Ask what you need to, but remember, I'm not under interrogation here. I'm free to refuse to answer."

Hawks leaned against the front of his desk, gesturing for Emi to take a seat. Once she was settled in the chair, he began with a direct question. "Who was that villain? You mentioned you knew him."

Emi straightened in her seat. "As I told you that night, he was a former classmate of mine from America. I only knew him during my first year."

Hawks pressed on, his gaze sharp. "What's his name?"

"Kazuo Otsuka," Emi replied.

Hawks' tone turned accusatory. "Had you been in contact with him before that night or afterward?"

"No," Emi said, her frustration evident. "I hadn't heard from him or seen him since he left school." She was aware she had already given Hawks all the information she had, and her lack of further details was frustrating.

Hawks sighed and leaned back slightly, his demeanor softening a bit. "Do you want to find him?"

Emi wrestled with the decision of whether to tell the truth. She faced a dilemma: Hawks might use her to track down Kazuo, or she could turn the situation to her advantage and use Hawks to find Kazuo herself. She was determined to find Kazuo first, to speak with him alone, and to avoid his arrest if possible. "Yes, but only on my own terms. Whatever you're planning, it's not going to work."

Hawks raised an eyebrow. "I'm only suggesting that we might be able to help each other. I've been trying to track him down, and with the recent cases of blood loss among heroes, it's clear he's still active."

"You have no proof it's him," Emi snapped, her frustration boiling over. "My classmates mentioned another villain named Himiko Toga. What if it's her instead?"

Hawks countered smoothly. "What if it's them working together? If you haven't heard from your friend in two years, how can you vouch for his character?"

Emi sprang to her feet, her defiance palpable. "Because the last time I saw him, he was just a sweet teenager. I choose to believe he hasn't become this maniacal villain."

Hawks finally seemed to relent, his interrogation tapering off. "Listen, Emi, I may be a Pro Hero now, but I was a kid once too. What I'm suggesting is that we work together to find him. If you have a grand plan to save him, go ahead and try. But if it comes down to a confrontation, I'll have to arrest him."

Hawks was partly sincere; he was curious to see what Emi could achieve. However, he also recognized that she was his best chance at locating Kazuo. By keeping her in the dark, he could more easily pursue his own objectives. Let her believe she was in control and that her motives would lead the way.

Unbeknownst to Emi, she had walked right into Hawks' trap. "Fine. But we do this on my terms. If I get even a hint that you're using me, I'll find Kazuo on my own and warn him," she said, crossing her arms defiantly.

"Sounds good to me," Hawks replied, suppressing a smirk. "One more thing: your friends can't know about any of this."

Just then, Bakugo returned to the room. He immediately moved to check on Emi, who was still standing and glaring at Hawks. What had happened during his brief absence? The tension in the air was suffocating him, but he managed to sit relaxed in a nearby chair, opening the laptop and preparing for further instruction.

As Hawks excused himself to speak with one of his sidekicks, Emi sank into a chair beside Bakugo, her body visibly slumped. "I hate that guy," she grumbled, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration.

"I do too," Bakugo replied, his tone reflecting his own irritation. "We're not here to be treated like interns."

Emi shook her head, her voice laced with disdain. "I'm definitely asking Tokoyami about this when we get back. Maybe he had a better experience, but in my opinion, Hawks is a dick."

Bakugo's concern was evident as he asked, "What happened while I was gone?"

"Nothing major," Emi answered, glancing at him. "He's been pestering Principal Nezu to question me about the night I encountered that villain. I guess this was his way of making it happen."

Bakugo's anger flared. "Did he interrogate you?"

Emi chuckled softly at Bakugo's reaction, touched by his concern. "No, just asked a few questions. I can handle myself, don't worry."

Bakugo scoffed and rolled his eyes, his defensive facade back in place. "I wasn't worried. I've seen you fight."

Emi was uncertain about what Hawks had planned for their side mission or when it would actually start, but she began brainstorming her own ideas. She hadn't spoken to Kazuo in two years, and a flood of questions overwhelmed her: Where could he be now? What was he doing in Japan? Her mind raced with possibilities until one of Hawks' sidekicks entered the room.

"I've been instructed to supervise you two while Hawks goes out on patrol," the sidekick announced, taking a seat at Hawks' desk and immediately pulling out his phone. Both Bakugo and Emi sighed in frustration but had no grounds to protest. They were given case files and access to the database to start digging for information.

The remainder of their time was spent hunched over computer screens, a far cry from the excitement of patrolling. The initial adrenaline had faded, leaving them both drained. When it was finally time to head back to the dorms, Hawks had not returned to the office to bid them farewell. Emi was relieved, but she left with lingering questions and a sense of unresolved tension.

_______________________________________

"You're telling me he didn't even let you guys leave the office?" Jiro asked, her disbelief evident as she and the others gathered in the common room, eager to hear about the patrol. They were met with a less-than-thrilling update.

"Nope, and now my eyes are killing me from staring at the computer screen for hours," Emi complained, rubbing her eyes wearily. Kirishima, ever the comforter, was gently massaging her neck as she sat on the floor between his legs.

"That guy is a real jerk," Bakugo growled, shooting a sidelong glance at Tokoyami. "I don't get how you liked him, but Emi and I definitely don't."

"Well, my first meeting with him turned into an interrogation," Tokoyami said, shaking his head in frustration. "Maybe things will improve with time."

"That's exactly what happened," Bakugo said, sitting up straighter with realization. "He had me leave the room, and when I came back, Emi was being interrogated alone."

Kirishima's ears perked up, and concern washed over his face. He leaned forward, peering around Emi to ask, "Wait, he interrogated you alone? Are you okay?"

Emi offered a reassuring smile and patted his face. "It was just a few questions. I wouldn't call it a full interrogation. Besides, I know how to handle an egomaniac. We deal with Bakugo every day."

"YOU SHUT UP!" Bakugo bellowed, his frustration palpable. "I was all set to come back and defend you, but let's see if I feel the same way next time."

"Aw, Bakugo, you softie!" Emi teased, placing a hand over her heart with dramatic flair. "You really do have feelings!"

Bakugo muttered something under his breath, then abruptly stood and stormed out of the room. Emi and the rest of their classmates burst into laughter, watching as he left the room, steam practically rising from his head.

Kirishima rested his head on Emi's, his smile warm as he asked, "Do you want to talk to Aizawa about what happened today? Maybe see if you can switch your Pro Hero?"

"No, I think I can handle Hawks," Emi replied. "Besides, he might actually be useful." She kept quiet about the deal she'd made and her reasons for staying with Hawks. If Kirishima knew, he'd probably offer to help, but she didn't want him to be in danger if things went wrong. This was her responsibility alone.

"So, who's up for patrols next?" Shoto asked. Kirishima and Sero both raised their hands.

As the group buzzed with excitement over their upcoming patrols and schedules, Kirishima gently scooped Emi up and settled her on his lap. She felt a rush of warmth and knew she was blushing. Kirishima looked up at her, his eyes twinkling, and asked, "Ems, after my first patrol, would you like to go on a date with me?"

Emi's grin widened as she nodded eagerly. "Absolutely! What do you have in mind?"

Kirishima leaned in, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. "That's a surprise," he murmured before pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. "Can't spill all my secrets, now can I?"

Emi giggled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Ooh, do you have a special signature move or something I don't know about?"

"Maybe, maybe not. You'll just have to be patient and see," Kirishima replied, his breath warm and tickling her skin as he nuzzled his nose against her neck.

"Um, guys, you do realize we're all still sitting here, right?" Hagakure's voice broke through, and Emi glanced around to see their friends either looking away or grinning with amusement.

Kirishima shrugged, his tone nonchalant. "I don't care." Emi burst into laughter, giving him a playful shove.

"Sorry, I guess someone's a little extra needy after my first patrol," Emi teased, only to squeal as Kirishima began tickling her sides.

"Okay, I'm gonna go throw up now," Sero announced, standing up and pretending to gag dramatically.

Emi gave Kirishima another playful push, wagging her finger at him in mock disapproval. "Behave," she warned, causing him to pout exaggeratedly in response.

"If you two are going to be all over each other, take it upstairs, lovebirds," Uraraka joked with a wink at Emi.

"Sounds like a great idea," Kirishima replied, grabbing Emi's hand and pulling her off the couch. "After you, m'lady."

"Why, thank you, kind sir," Emi responded with a laugh, giving a theatrical bow to their friends.

As they made their way to the stairs, Ida called out, "Keep your door open and please obey the rules!" The room erupted in laughter, everyone teasing Mr. Class Rep with playful jabs.

Kirishima barely registered their friends' laughter as he practically pulled Emi up the stairs, his urgency barely contained. When he nuzzled her neck, the intoxicating blend of lavender and vanilla made his head spin, heightening his desire to kiss her. The scent wrapped around him, intensifying his longing to be as close to her as possible. Despite her frequent updates during her patrol, he had been anxious the entire time she was away.

He guided her into her room and shut the door with a firm, decisive push. "Why do we always end up in my room?" Emi asked with a teasing giggle.

"My room's a disaster. Yours is warm and inviting," Kirishima said with a grin, locking the door behind him. "It's really that simple."

Emi's heart raced as she faced him, a nervous knot forming in her stomach like a hot stone. Kirishima's intense gaze made her feel both thrilled and vulnerable, her instinct to retreat battling with her desire to stay.

"Oh, I have a plan," Kirishima said, his voice low and playful as he closed the distance between them, his hands finding her hips. "But only if you give me the green light."

"I don't know that I'd ever give you a red light." Emi told him, her breath already hitching in her throat. After she spoke, Kirishima's lips crashed into hers. She opened her mouth at the contact, letting loose an accidental moan as she melted into his body.

Kirishima took that chance to slip his tongue past her lips, feeling as though he needed to explore every inch of her mouth. He could feel her hands grab onto the back of his shirt tightly, pulling him in as close as possible. God, he could do this every second of every day, he thought. Her lips tasted like cola, and the sweet noises she was making were sending him over the edge.

Emi had lost all sense of self, wondering if she might burst into flames at any moment. Every second that Kirishima took to pull away for a breath she felt cold until his lips returned to hers. They stumbled back towards the bed, with Kirishima taking a seat and pulling her onto his lap, straddling him.

"If you want me to stop-" he spoke between kisses, "-tell me when."

She could only nod, unable to form a coherent sentence. Emi knew they should stop at some point, but the devil on her shoulder pleaded for more. His lips crashed into hers again, this time sloppier and more passionate.

Kirishima moved his hand to the back of her neck, using a light grip to keep her close. He was practically panting like a dog every time her lips parted for his tongue. He couldn't believe how insane she was making him feel but he wouldn't be able to stop himself if they kept going. Kirishima pulled away one final time, trying to calm the blood rushing south, and took a deep breath.

"You're amazing," Emi whispered, her voice tender as she brushed a stray strand of hair from Kirishima's face. Her lips were flushed and slightly swollen, a small indent on her lower lip from his nibbles between kisses. She was so captivated by him, but he wished she could see herself in a mirror to understand just how amazing she truly was.

"I think you might be talking about yourself, sweetheart," Kirishima replied softly, his fingers gently caressing the back of her neck, his thumb making slow, soothing circles on her skin. "You drive me absolutely crazy."

"Then why'd you pull away?" Emi's lips formed a slight pout, and she couldn't help but let self-doubt creep in. Did her kissing not meet his expectations? Did her breath smell?

"Don't start second-guessing yourself," Kirishima said, tapping her gently on the temple, as if he could read her thoughts. "I had to stop for my own sake. If we'd kept going, I'm not sure what I would have done."

"Oh," Emi murmured, a blush creeping across her cheeks as she glanced down at where their hips were pressed together. "That makes sense. Does it hurt?"

"Not yet," Kirishima chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "But if you keep kissing me like that, it might." His laughter was contagious, and Emi couldn't help but giggle along with him. "I told you nothing would go further until you gave the word, and I meant it. Your comfort is my top priority, Ems."

Emi kissed him again, softer this time. A show of appreciation and affection. She thought he deserved the world and more with how amazing he treated her, and she wondered how she got so lucky. Kirishima had been one of the best things to happen to her within the past year and for that, she thanked whatever God was out there.

_____________________________

Outside of the U.A. Dorms

A set of footsteps crunched through the trees, getting ever closer to the dorms. He'd done plenty of research, figured out where the building was located and which room she was in. Fourth floor balcony, he could make that work.

Using all his strength to climb up, almost slipping once or twice, he'd succeeded in landing softly right outside of her balcony door. This could be his chance; get her alone, convince her to change her mind, and take her if he had to.

But when Kazuo peeked through the curtains, his blood only boiled as he froze in place.

Emi was sitting on her bed, kissing some other guy. Some spikey haired man had her hand in his. Kazuo couldn't believe his eyes. She was being tainted by a hero when she was better than that; and she should have known she was better. He could see more in her, past the idea of becoming a hero.

Kazuo stood and watched as she laughed with this guy, obviously too comfortable with him. Anger surged through him as he could only witness the sight before him. If he had more time, he could wait until the mystery man was gone and then he could sneak in, but with what he did to get here it wouldn't be long until they were looking for him.

He huffed, shaking his head in disappointment before descending to the ground. When Kazuo did run into Emi again, he'd tell her what he witnessed and exactly how much she was screwing up her life.

He'd guide her to seeing reason; or he'd make her.

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A/N: Kazuo you sneaky little creep (╥﹏╥) BUT GOD EVEN I WAS FLUSTERED WRITING THAT LAST HALF