Top pic credit: unknown

Ari POV:

"OI! OI! OI!!! THAT'S CHEATING. I KILL CHEATERS, YA KNOW!" Katsuki Bakugou screamed at me for the millionth time today, letting little explosions crackle threateningly from his palms.

I let out a loud, over-dramatic groan of annoyance, rolling my eyes so hard, I practically sprained my pupils.

"For the last time, Kranky Katsuki-"

"I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME THAT-"

"It's not cheating if I'm simply better than you." I finished, placing my hands on my hips as I shot him a cocky smirk.

Of course, I only said that because I knew it'd make him more mad.

And it definitely did as Bakugou's angry face contorted into something impossibly angrier, before he was storming his way over to me from across the training gym.

He looks constipated-

"I'm gonna kill you." He seethed out lowly, clearly all bark and no bite as he simply continued walking towards me, instead of letting out an explosion.

"Kacchan!!! You can't kill women!!!" Midoriya cried out, completely appalled and offended.

His genuine, voice cracked yell of panic caused me to immediately hunch over in obnoxious laughter, as I realized he actually took Bakugou's threat seriously.

Why does anyone take Bakugou seriously?

"She's not a woman. She's a devil." Bakugou spat, glaring his crimson eyes into me as he subtly slowed his walking pace towards my direction-so it would take him longer to reach my spot in the gym, of course.

He's trying to stall time.

"Ah, you think so? Well, no worries. Devils have more fun." I said with a click of my tongue, condescendingly waving him over to me so he'd move quicker.

"I agree with Ari. You're being way too annoying right now for six in the morning, Kranky Katsuki." Todoroki casually mumbled out from a few feet away, disinterestedly watching Bakugou tantrum stomp his way over to me.

"HUH? You're in on that dumb name, too, Icy Hot?!? Don't encourage her!" Bakugou nagged out in pure offense, giving himself an excuse to stop his path towards me and veer towards Todoroki instead.

Todoroki simply shrugged, absentmindedly tossing around a five pound gym weight in his hands as we continued waiting for our boss to arrive for the day.

"It's catchy. And it's more funny when you get angry about it. So, yeah." The hot and cold boy stated blandly, paying no mind to the way Kranky Katsuki began to visibly shake with fury.

But, apparently, Bakugou has been trying to work on his temper a little more, as he simply spat out a begrudging scoff, before giving me the ugly side eye.

"Whatever. You're only here because you got fired from your other job, anyways." Bakugou muttered under his breath, unintentionally striking a nerve with me now as the topic of my ex-boyfriend indirectly came up.

"What did you just say?!" I blurted out, mistakenly showing the weakness of anger to the Anger King, himself.

Bakugou's eyes immediately whipped towards me upon hearing my change in voice, before a devious smirk made its way onto his face.

Oh great. Now, he knows I'm mad.

"I said you got fired, you stupid extra!!!"

"I-I wasn't fired!! I was let go. There's a big difference there, buddy-"

"Hah! I don't see one-"

"Well, no one cares what you see, Kranky K-"

"L-Let's all just-"

"SHUT THE HELL UP, DEKU. NO ONE ASKED YOU!!"

"Hey! Don't yell at Midoriya like that, you feral, little shit!! You don't need to yell about everything. Okay?! We can all hear you JUST FINE!!!" I yelled out, feeling my hands itching to punch him in the face.

"Guys, seriously. Just shut up, already. You're giving me a headache with all the screaming. It's annoying." Todoroki huffed out, repeatedly hitting the back of his head against the wall as he'd clearly rather be anywhere else-

"What the hell is with all that damn noise?!" A new voice boomed out from the front of the room, causing the four of us to quickly turn in the direction of the sound.

At the entrance door stood Sunshine Enji, looking sour as ever as he began distributing a personal glare to each one of us.

I felt my heart jump up my throat when his angry blue eyes landed on me...refusing to move away from my direction.

"You." Endeavor asked lowly, pointing a powerful finger at me.

I chuckled nervously at the action, rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly.

"Who, me? H-Hah-well, anyways, beautiful morning, right Endeavor-"

"Are you already causing problems on your first day here?" He asked threateningly, crossing his arms stubbornly as he kept his disciplined gaze directed at me.

Shit. This is not the new intern impression I wanted to make on my first day. Especially, for the number one hero.

"Problems? No problems! See, I'm not a problem maker, I'm a problem solver. Just like any good and reliable intern should be-" I pointed out casually, watching Endeavor shake his head dismissively at my bullshit answer.

"Parker, come with me. Now. The rest of you brats, work on that exercise we talked about yesterday. I'll be back soon to check your progress." Sunshine Enji commanded firmly, causing me to slump my shoulders tiredly as I realized I was already in trouble on my first day.

"Heh, enjoy the ass whooping." Bakugou smirked, watching me trudge away with a look of victory on his smug, little face.

I chose to bite my tongue this time instead of saying anything to Bakugou, staying silent and fuming as I trailed out of the room behind Endeavor.

The moment we were walking down the hallway, my mouth dropped open with profuse apologies.

I can't get fired from this job, too.

"Endeavor, I'm so sorry for causing problems. Please don't get rid of me. What would you like me to do for compensation? Mop the floors? Run laps? Get you one of those nasty, bitter coffees you like?" I suggested sheepishly, giving him a hopeful grin as I had to practically run down the hallway to match his walking pace.

I watched Endeavor's irritated, furrowed brows turn up in slight thought at my actions, fighting the smirk that threatened to curve on his face.

"Wasn't planning to make ya do anything, you damn over-achiever. But, you know what? Since you offered, yes to all of the above. And have it done by noon, too." He stated firmly, the joking tone barely evident under his harsh statement.

Taking in his words, I couldn't help but let out a small sigh of relief as we continued walking down the crowded hallway, passing by a plethora of sidekicks and workers for Endeavor's agency along the way.

"Ah. So, you're not mad then?" I asked warily, wanting to make sure I was completely in the clear before continuing on with my day.

Endeavor scoffed carelessly, giving his head a quick shake.

"I couldn't give two shits about what you and those brats argue about. Just don't do it in front of me, or on my time. I just called you out like that cause I wanted to see you sweat it." He muttered gruffly, scoffing slightly as one of his other interns suddenly shoved a document in his face for him to sign.

I felt an amused grin forming on my face at Endeavor's statement, looking up at him with disbelief.

"Endeavor, is it just me, or were you actually playing a joke on me, back there? Who knew you were funny?!" I beamed, feeling my mood take a sudden 180 degree turn at the thought of Enji and I bonding, instead of me getting canned on my first day.

Of course, after being called out, Endeavor's soft-or, softer glare immediately soured into one of annoyance as he signed the document and continued walking.

"Huh?! It wasn't a joke, you little imbecile. You ain't that special. Think of it as a hazing thing, got it?" He called out to me with threat, only causing me to chuckle.

"Nah, I know it was a joke. But, you know what? I'll pretend it was a hazing thing, as a way of saying thanks for taking me on as an intern. Seriously, I really do appreciate it." I smiled happily, watching another intern shove a pile of documents into Endeavor's hand.

Groaning in annoyance, Endeavor quickly shoved the pile of papers into my hands, muttering for me to keep up with him as we walked.

"It's not a big deal, so don't make it one. Look, you're already a third year in your last four months of school. There's not much left I can teach you at your level. I've seen you in action, so I know how capable you are. During this time at the Endeavor Agency, I plan to treat you as I would my sidekicks. That means, you'll be getting a lot of responsibility and working more as a pro hero, instead of an intern. Agh, but don't think that means you're getting out of doing all the intern paperwork. Got it?" He explained, acting as if I wouldn't jump through burning hoops to keep this job.

"Yes, sir!" I exclaimed, giving him an eager smile.

He nodded in approval for my positive attitude, letting out a gruff "hmph" of acceptance before relaxing a bit.

"Although, I've gotta say....I was pretty surprised to get your call, kid. When I offered you a spot at my agency, all that time ago, I specifically remember saying it was only if-"

"If things with that pigeon lunatic go south. Yeah, I remember." I finished softly, hugging the file papers tighter against my chest as we walked.

My sudden, meek change of voice instantly grabbed Endeavor's attention, yet I could tell he didn't know how to respond as he simply let out a small nod, instead of an audible reply.

I expected that. I didn't think Endeavor was one who knew how to deal with teenage breakups. Plus, I don't think he really cares, anyways-

"Damn kids these days....never seem to know what they want. Together one day, not together the next. Sheesh. So, what? Trouble in paradise or something?" He suddenly asked, his voice coming out much too rough for a question like that.

I shrugged softly, feeling an embarrassed cringe form on my face as Endeavor pried around in my personal life.

"Ehhhh, something like that." I muttered quietly, not having the energy to keep up the pep I'd been giving out just a few minutes ago.

Endeavor caught onto my sudden mood change, shoving more papers into my hands as he figured out what to say.

After walking in busied silence for a few moments, I thought that meant we'd already moved on from the conversation-that is, until the genius words, apparently, came to him.

"Yeah, well. He's a moron, alright? Didn't I already tell you that, before? Do better than him next time." He consoled poorly, his advice causing me to suddenly break out into genuine laughter.

"It's not as if there's a plethora of men lining up to see me, you know." I pointed out, causing him to scoff.

"Not with that shitty attitude." He replied bluntly, making me smile once again.

I have to admit, I rather enjoyed this gruff style of comfort from Endeavor. I've been spending the past two weeks moping around and feeling sorry for myself, so this tough love approach from Enji was a nice breath of reality. If anything, I kinda welcome it. Maybe, it will help me get out of my slump.

"Heh, you have a point there. Nice advice. Guess you're not number one for nothing." I shrugged, feeling my mood pick up slightly as we made the rounds to all of the agency workers.

"Yeah. Cause giving bad breakup advice to bratty teenagers is my real specialty...." Endeavor snorted slightly, actually letting out a very small chuckle before he handed me another paper.

I was about to shove it in the stacked sea of documents in my hands, before he stopped me.

"No. That paper is for you. It's your transfer approval from the Hawks Agency to the Endeavor Agency. I signed it, and the bird brain's signature just came back this morning, so it's official now. Feel free to put it on your resumé whenever." He suggested, nodding for me to continue our walk.

Of course, my mind had immediately become pre-occupied with one particular thing that Endeavor said, causing me to blurt out my inner thoughts before I could suppress them.

"Wait-Hawks signed this....today?" I asked much too eagerly, quickly scanning the signature line under his name.

If Hawks signed this paper today, then that means he's alive-

"Yeah. Well, I assume he did. Miss Bitch from the hero commission faxed it over here a little while ago, and his signature is on there. I'm sure you can piece together the rest." He pointed out, quickly stopping our walk to speak with one of his sidekicks.

I wordlessly stood next to Endeavor, tuning out his conversation as I looked at the signature on Hawks' line.

My eyes narrowed in focus as I did a double take on the printed ink in front of me. As someone who's seen Keigo's signature every single day for the past eight months, I can safely say...

"This isn't his signature. He doesn't sign like this." I muttered quietly, talking to no one, other than myself, as I tried to piece together this situation-

"What do you mean it's not his signature? It's on there, isn't it?" Endeavor suddenly asked, his abrupt invasion of my thoughts causing me to jump.

I'd been too concentrated on trying to decipher Keigo's writing, that I didn't even notice Endeavor's sidekicks had left some time ago, allowing Mr. Flames to accidentally hear my small revelation.

But, now I'm faced with a dilemma.

I know this isn't Keigo's signature. If anything, it's probably Diane's signature, signing in Keigo's place.

And if she's doing that, it means he's probably still secretly considered as missing from the hero commission.

I don't have enough power or resources to find out what's going on with Keigo. And I know Diane won't tell me anything, either.

But...

Is there a possibility that Endeavor would be able to find out?

I remember the promise I made to myself awhile back. A long while back....

So long as I know Keigo is okay, I will respect the boundary of not telling anyone his secret.

Yes. As long as Keigo is safe-or, as safe as he can be....then I won't spill the secret of his infiltration mission to Endeavor. I completely understand that no one is supposed to know about this, except Diane.

But, the only question...

Is Keigo okay?

I really don't know. This entire change from him came without any warning.

Yes, that's right. It came without any warning, at all, Ari. Didn't it....

The breakup, especially.

Think about it....why would Keigo breakup with you, after he just promised to marry you a few days prior?

I furrowed my brows in concentration as I felt my brain finally starting to work properly again, now that the initial shock and heartbreak of the breakup with Keigo began to wear off.

Think practical.

Why would he have broken up with you, Ari? Why?

My mind went back to the day Keigo left me crying in his apartment...

"Sorry to say, sweetheart. But, you don't know me like you think you do."

....Yet, he's always saying I know him better than anyone.

"What I'm saying, is that this has been fun while it lasted, but now it's time for the number two hero to get some work done!"

....But, he hates referring to himself as the number two hero whenever we're alone.

....and then, when I said...

"Are you saying you don't love me, anymore?"

Keigo's response was pulling me in for a kiss, instead of giving me a straightforward reply. It was a real kiss, too. The same type of kiss he uses when he's Completely Keigo. It was a kiss so desperately immaculate, that it's almost as if he was trying to tell me something.

....but, what, Keigo? What were you trying to tell me? What did you want me to understand?

Are you even alive? Should I even bother telling Endeavor, if you're not alive? Should I tell him at all? Should I wait?

What do I do? Keigo's left me alone with the biggest secret the hero world of Japan has to offer, and I don't know how to proceed with it.

What if I'm just in denial about the breakup, and I'm overthinking everything? Is this just my way of giving myself an excuse to pine over something that's no longer there between Keigo and I?

What if I'm just wasting my time, trying to search for something that doesn't exist?

Damn it. I'm so confused. So conflicted.

And as if fate knew about my sudden intentions to now open my mouth and tell Endeavor everything that's been going on in Keigo's life for the past eight months....

My phone dinged with a text message.

The sound pulled me free from my thoughts, making my heart jump slightly as I realized I probably haven't spoken for a few moments....no doubt, looking like I was having some weird premonition....or an acid trip, for that matter.

This was only made more obvious by the incredibly suspicious look Endeavor was giving me. His arms were crossed. His eyes were narrowed, looking at me like he already knew there was more to this story than what I was telling.

He's given me this look before. It's the same type of suspicion he had at my celebration ceremony...

I muttered a small, frazzled apology to him, quickly pulling my phone out of my pocket to check the text.

My eyes practically bugged out of my head. My heart jumped up my throat in excitement, relief, and pure anxiety at the sender.

Text Message From: Bird Boy🐥🔥

You're asking if I'm dead? Jeez, dollface. I know you can't See me, but if you wanted to talk so bad, all You had to do was ask. Sorry for the late response! I've just been doing a lot of staying In and reading lately. Things are fantastic where I'm at! For One thing, I've never felt more liberated in my entire life. It's as if I'm packing a month's worth of knowledge into two weeks. Who knows what the next Month will hold! Talk to you soon :)
6:27am.

What a weirdly worded text message, coming from Keigo.

If we dissect it, the first red flag is that he made a conscious effort to call me dollface. I've come to learn in the time that I've known Keigo...he only calls me dollface when he's hiding behind Hawks....especially, if we're in front of villains. It's almost like a nickname that's become a code to the two of us-

"And who are you texting? Seems pretty urgent, judging by that ridiculous look on your face." Endeavor suddenly asked.

His quiet, yet pondering tone of voice caused me to quickly close my phone and put it back in my pocket, before I could process the contents of Keigo's message.

But, for now....the only main thing I could process from it, was that Keigo is alive.

I know his words were stated oddly. I'm starting to understand that there's more behind this situation, than what Keigo originally displayed on the surface.

That's usually how he works, after all.

And because of that, I need more time to figure things out for myself, before I drag Endeavor into this.

Clearing my throat nervously, I quickly shot Endeavor a beaming, naive smile, turning on my heel so we could continue our walk down the hallway.

"I'm just texting a boy." I stated happily, not necessarily lying about that part.

Endeavor was quiet for a moment, clearly trying to gage my demeanor and mood for anymore suspicious actions.

He took awhile to respond, making me think that maybe he was onto me for good this time.

And judging by his response, he either didn't catch on....

....or he did and he was hiding it from me.

"Already? You rebound quick." He simply replied, looking more bored now as the suspicious look in his eyes quickly faded away into nothing.

"Mhm. It's like you said, right? Can't mope around forever. Not when there's work to get done and people who need me." I stated casually, already trying to think back on Keigo's text message inside my head.

Endeavor nodded absentmindedly to my reply, keeping his fierce eyes locked on the hallway path ahead of us.

"Point taken. You know, Parker....I think you're a lot more clever than people give you credit for." He muttered, his conveniently timed statement making me wonder if he was referring to something other than just my witty banter.

Ah, but again...Endeavor's not that smart. Right?

Laughing off his words, I simply shot him an innocent, clueless smile....mistakenly underestimating the intuition of the number one hero.

"Appreciate it, Endeavor. Now, how about that coffee?"

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Next Chapter Title: Just In The Neighborhood