Work Text:
Midoriya Inko wrinkled her nose at the downpour of rain. It wasn’t often that it rained like this, but when it did it was unpleasant. Debating on whether or not to close up early as it was unlikely anyone would be showing.
Just to prove her train of thought wrong, the bell chimed.
Looking up, Inko watched the strikingly attractive newcomer dressed in business attire shake her umbrella and find a seat near the back (but with a clear view of the door). Inko didn’t miss the way the woman scanned the cafe before landing on her.
“Who that?” Izuku, Inko’s eight-year-old, asked looking up from one of his journals. The boy wanted to become a hero. Inko couldn’t blame him, but damn if she wasn’t going to be stressed.
“I don’t know. New customer,” Inko responded quietly, still watching the beautiful lady. Izuku nodded, studying the woman with furrowed brows for a moment longer. So, it wasn’t only Inko that found their customer familiar.
Pulling out a chopstick — Inko peered closer, it was a chopstick, just like you could get from restaurant, huh — from a carefully twirled hairstyle (one Inko would have no hope at replicating) the businesswoman allowed her long black tendrils to fall down as she toed off her heels. Making herself at home as Tsu — short for Tsunami — the long-hair tabby cat greeted her. Quickly, Tsu nestled herself in the woman’s lap.
Inko noticed that Gorgeous — oh dear, she was already gone, she started referring to her as Gorgeous — was clearly enjoying the cat’s attention and intending to stay for at least a short while. Straightening up, Inko put on her ‘customer’ smile.
Crossing the short distance, dark eyes jumped up to meet Inko’s. Dark circles echoed her eyes, reminding Inko of her early days of her old job. The cafe owner did not miss those odd hours.
Inko was more willing to bet those were the hours for this woman. Offering a small, but genuine smile as she informed Gorgeous, “You don’t have to get anything, but you will have to pay for an hour. Do you want anything during your stay?”
The woman’s posture relaxed, a smile stealing onto her face. “Yes, a coffee would be great. I’ll buy an hour.” Still stroking Tsu, she leaned forward. Inko’s heart leapt even as she cursed it. She wasn’t some teenager anymore. She was experienced. She had a steady job. Even ran her own business. Her knees didn’t buckle at someone’s attention. “Are you are available too?”
Feeling her cheeks flood with heat, Inko gaped. She couldn’t remember the last time someone genuinely flirted. Especially after she slacked off of her training. It didn’t help that the woman was one of the most gorgeous people she had ever seen.
“I… well… what about that coffee?” Inko stammered, unsure how to react. Spinning on her heel, Inko scurried into the kitchen and ducked out of sight. Inko missed Izuku’s confused and curious look as she tried to calm her rapidly beating heart.
Leaning back against the wall, Inko hid her face in her hands and whined softly. Why couldn’t she just calmly react? It’s not that hard to believe that someone would flirt with her. Serious or not.
Sucking in a breath, Inko forced her hands down and started on the customer’s coffee. Finding the familiar routine calming, Inko hummed along to the song on the radio. Heart still beating a rapid tempo, she swallowed and closed her eyes. Leaning against the island, she rocked while the coffee pot dripped.
Hearing the machine stop, the cafe owner slowly, reluctantly opened her eyes. Dreading going back out and facing her embarrassment.
Inko slapped her cheeks before pouring the mug of coffee and filled a dish with little cream shots. Sharpen up, Inko! You’ve faced far more dangerous things. This is a walk in the park compared to that.
Steeling herself, Inko nodded. She will possibly sit with the customer and chat, it’s not like she had any other ones to tend to.
Walking around the corner, Inko strutted across the room with far more confidence than before. Smile easing onto her face, posture relaxing a little, as she spotted Izuku’s confused look. Probably thinks I’m being weird. Letting out a soft chuckle, Inko relaxed further.
“Here’s your coffee!” Inko announced cheerfully as she set it down.
“Thanks,” Gorgeous said, smiling before ducking her head. Inko’s smile fell as she saw Gorgeous’ smile turn to a frown. “Look, I’m sorry.”
Inko blinked. “Sorry about what?”
Gorgeous looked up with a raise eyebrow and an incredulous look. “You serious?”
“Do I look like I’m joking?”
Gorgeous shook her head. “I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable.”
Inko smiled. She was already gone, damn it. “Thank you for your concern, but I was far from uncomfortable. More like a nervous schoolgirl — do you mind?” Inko gestured to the seat across from the customer, a shake of the head from Gorgeous and Inko sat down. “I’m flattered, truly. I don’t normally have someone flirting at me. Though, most customers have been here since I first opened. Did you recently move here?”
Gorgeous shook her head. “I’ve been here since high school, well in Musutafu, just not this neighbourhood.”
“Ah yes, I should’ve specified. I’m Midoriya Inko, by the way.”
“Kayama Nemuri.” A flash of a smile nearly had Inko melting.
“Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Kayama smirked. “I assure you, the pleasure is all mine. It’s not everyday you meet someone as beautiful as you.”
If it hadn’t been for her past experience with flirting, Inko might’ve fainted from the amount of blood rushing to her face.
“Mom,” Izuku called, the little boy somehow crossing the short distance with his journal. A frown on his face. He must’ve hit a snag.
“Yes, sweetie?”
“How do you—“ Izuku waved his hand. —“Colorshock’s quirk?”
“Well, Colorshock’s quirk is color related, but from what is seen the area they affect—“
“Switches colors and contrasts. A form of…”
“Blindness.”
“Blindness!” Izuku parroted excitedly. “That’s it! Wait… what does blindness mean?”
“Blind means without sight. So…”
“Blindness is a different form that means the same?”
“More or less.”
Izuku wrinkled his nose at the phrase. Inko couldn’t resist ruffling his hair.
“Thanks,” he murmured, grinning at her. Offering the journal, Inko took it and examined it. ‘Ohh’inh and ‘aww’ing.
“It’s looks amazing, Izuku! But Colorshock’s suit has a black strip across the chest and it’s reflective tape that adjusts to the swapping of color. Another part of their quirk is blending into the background because they can manipulate the—‘
“Their body!” Izuku finished excitedly. “Quirks are so cool!”
Inko chuckled and nodded before he ran off. Takashi, another longhair, headbutted Inko’s arm, demanding for attention.
“That’s your kid?” Inko tensed, a knot forming in her chest. “He’s pretty cute. Loves quirks?”
“And heroes.” Kayama straightened up a little bit in the corner of her eye. Interesting.
“Oh? Who’s his favorite?”
Inko’s lip twitched, scratching Takashi head. “There’s a system. But number one in his heart over everything, is All Might, but he loves all kinds of heroes and quirks. Izuku is good at finding and thinking of possible usages for them.”
“That’s super cool! What ideas does he have for—“
The doorbell chimed, another customer seeking shelter shuffled in.
“Sorry, I have to go,” Inko apologized. Kayama nodded.
“It’s your job. It was lovely to meet you.”
“You as well.”
~~
Before she had had the chance to go back, Kayama was gone. Leaving only a note and the exact amount plus a tip for the hour and her cup of coffee.
The numbers had Inko grinning. Plunking them into her new contact info and sent a short text.
Inko : Hi! It’s Midoriya from Nekoffee .
Pocketing her phone, Inko ducked into the kitchen and sidled up next to one of the part-timers, Koko.
“I’m going to take my lunch break. Lee should be showing up soon,” Inko informed. Koko nodded continuing to stir the dough. “What are you making?”
“Scones,” she answered. “Go, there are sandwiches in the fridge.”
Inko smiled. “Thank you!”
Koko nodded, again, smiling.
Grabbing the sandwiches, Inko set them onto separate plates. Ducking through the doorway, Inko flashed a smile to Lee as he passed into the kitchen. Setting the plates down, the woman pushed the plate across the table.
“It’s lunchtime, sweetheart,” Inko said, settling onto the chair across Izuku. The boy nodded, picking up the sandwich and kept on reading his book. Inko watched him for a moment before scanning the cafe.
The four patrons were sprawled around the room. A regular, dark long hair with tired eyes -- Inko had her suspicions that he was an underground hero, going on his practical but possible defensive scarf — if it wasn’t just a scarf, if she was a betting woman, she’d bet on that -- laying down with five cats around and on him — Timos, Kiki, Haruhi, Andre, and Killian — across from another regular, a blonde with glasses and a small moustache who stroked Tsu. Another was near the door with a book in hand and the brightest pink hair Inko had seen, a cat curled on their lap. The last one was smack dab in the middle and ordered a lot of food, the college student had their work spread out over the table with the laptop on (and taking advantage of the cafe’s free Wifi).
It was calm, for Nekoffee. At least it gave her time to eat her lunch in peace for once.
Glancing back at her son as she munched on her sandwich, her eight-year-old busy with whatever hero he was analyzing this time.
A sharp ding jolted Inko. Her eyes ran over the room before she realized it was her phone. Just… her phone.
Releasing a slow breath, Inko relaxed.
Pulling it out, a smile etched itself across her face.
Kayama: Hello there, Midoriya. Would it be too forward for me to ask for a date?
Midoriya: Does 8 work for you?
Kayama: It’s purrfect.
~~
Too bad things couldn’t stay calm in her life. Must be a Midoriya curse or something, Inko thought to herself.
As if time slowed down, Inko felt sluggish as she stumbled backward when the frenzied crowd rushed away as fast as possible.
The villain’s eyes gleamed maniacally as she let out a boisterous laugh, the cement cradling her in the middle of the street.
Horns blared, sirens screamed, someone in the crowd shrieked. Another body rammed into her, knocking her into another. Huffing, Inko drug her eyes over the scene, blocking out the mass of noise.
Cars, people -- where is a small item when you need it? Then again… size is relative...
Tilting her head, Inko peered past the villain.
Ah, right there.
Adjusting herself, the (semi) retired hero made the crowd give her room. Raising her hands to give herself a push, she called out.
The villain’s laugh was cut off with a shriek as a traffic light sent her toppling forward and dropped hard onto the cement. Inexperienced at using her quirk to this level.
Inko threw herself forward into the crowd, thanking her need to keep in decent shape as she elbowed people. There was more shrieks from her pushing into people.
There was an angry scream, the cement shifted once again.
Straightening up, the villain towered over her corralled crowd.
“What--” the villain was physically shaking --”was. That!”
Inko stopped, now much nearer to the villain. Most of the civilians glanced at each other and kept quiet, shaking with fear.
Where are all the heroes?
Squinting at the villain… Inko was almost certain there was a shake that wasn’t anger. The villain’s eyes glared down on them, eyes just barely open. Black lines arced up the woman’s neck, making her veins bulge.
Hasn’t built up enough stamina for this level of an attack. Why would she do it then?
Something dark -- blood? -- dripped down the corner of the villain’s mouth, her eyelids twitching as another track of the maybe-blood flowed from her nose. Eyes widening, Inko swore.
“The ghost wanted Sys-sys-” Dark eyes disappeared as the woman slumped, cutting off whatever she had been about to say. The bottom of Inko’s stomach dropped out as quick as the cement returned to its original state.
The crowd didn’t wait around, ready to spread out. Inko stole her chance to weave towards the woman.
“Everyone, take a step back,” Inko ordered, hero instincts still there after nearly 9 years since she was on active duty. Luckily, it still worked. The crowd retreated as she stalked forward, her work face on. The only thing missing was her uniform.
The familiar sound of police sirens grew closer.
Crouching next to the unconscious villain, Inko pressed her fingers to the woman’s pulse. Confirming what she already figured.
Dead as a doornail.
How the hell did he get out?! Inko clenched her jaw, narrowing her eyes at the villain. Taking in the civilian clothing. As if she was just going out shopping--
“Mom!” a young voice cried out. Head snapping at be met with the picture of a woman grabbing a child -- maybe eight-- before he could come any closer. He scratched at the woman’s arms, his voice begging as he screamed and kicked, obvious confusion and fear on his face.
“ Hell ,” Inko hissed.
“Ma’am, if you would step back from the body--”
Straightening up, Inko brushed off her clothes -- despite the fact that there was nothing on it. Pulling out her wallet, Inko dug through the card. A small noise of triumph, she found what she was looking for and stepped towards the fresh-faced police officer in a near mint-condition uniform. Looking up and down, Inko thought, He’s clearly in his first few years, going by the fresh look on his face. His uniform was in good condition, hasn’t been used much. The young man looked around nervously, but… he was probably a stickler for rules.
Holding up the ID card, Inko waited for the look of understanding.
“Look, I’m sure you’re all and well being here, but your job is done and I have to look after the dead body. Now, miss--”
“Now, sir, I have just as much right to be here as you. I know what happened. Would anyone want to explain how Ghostify got out of prison to me?”
The police officer froze, confusion stealing onto his forced calm expression. He really had no clue. “What are you talking about?”
Inko sighed heavily, tapping the card. “Do you mind if I hitch a ride to the station with you?”
“I--”
“Why would you need to go to the station?” A tired voice drawled. Glancing out of the corner of her eye, the underground hero caught sight of a black jumpsuit and a white scarf, eyes moving up the yellow goggles came into view. Eraserhead.
“Because, Eraserhead,” Inko started turning to the Eraser Hero. “I need to speak with the chief. What happened here wasn’t your usual villain attack. Going on the black, bulging veins and the dark goo on her face, as well as how she died, I would say it was possession.”
“Possession?” Eraserhead repeated with a cautious, almost disbelieving tone. Tone aside, Inko knew that they were thinking the same thing. Thank God for some competent heroes. After all, he had been on the same case… just never saw her in her civilian clothes.
“Oh, you know, like the victims of Ghostify,” Inko said simply. His lips thinned into his own form of a frown.
“We can just go together then, I suppose. I’m sure the officer here can look after the crime scene.” Eraserhead nodded at the young officer.
“I, uh, yes,” he stuttered, nodding back. “I have this handled.”
“I suggest getting the forensic team here soon as possible.”
“Yeah,” he said slowly as the two underground heroes disappeared into the crowd.
~~
Inko’s fingers hovered over the screen of her phone.
Eraserhead had been staring at her for the past five minutes and hadn’t said anything yet, neither had she.
When he had said they’d both go, she had imagined a car. Like an automobile. Not a train car. Somewhere maybe to sit and travel. Not pressed against far too many people and hanging onto Eraserhead because he had long enough arms to reach the bar above their heads.
Kayama: Sorry, something came up at work. Rain check?
Midoriya: Yes, something happened on my end too. Take care and be careful.
Inko worried that it was too much to say that so soon, but it was already sent. Not as if she could change it.
“Do I know you?” Eraserhead asked, finally speaking.
“We’ve met before,” Inko answered coyly. “You just never saw me in this kind of dress. You were fresh out of being a sidekick last time I saw you.”
“You know the signs.”
Her lip twitched. “Which ones?”
“The ones the woman had.”
“Oh, yes, those ones. I do know those ones.”
“She wasn’t the only one tonight with those signs.”
Inko hummed. So, that’s where all the heroes were. That was why she was worn out so quickly, he pushed her too fast.
“You know who Ghostify is.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes.”
“How?”
Inko smiled, looking up at him. “I brought him in.”
Realization shone in his eyes. “Long time, no see then.”
Good at hiding his hero worship for one of the few underground heroes when he was in school. Hell, she had still been one some when he got out. Not nearly as much, but here and there.
“That it has.”
~~
Nemuri was going to lose her shit.
First, she actually scores a date with a hot woman, had her outfit picked out for the date. Which never happened because, two, there was a sudden amount of villain attacks that caused her to have to work even though she technically wasn’t on duty. Three, she was stuck in the police station. Four, said hot woman just walked in with Shouta and they were talking like old friends.
What did she miss?
“Kayama!” Midoriya exclaimed, surprise flickering on and then off of her features. “What are you doing here?”
Shouta looked between the two of them, his goggles already hidden away once again. “You two know each other.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes,” Nemuri answered, tone sly. Shouta closed his eyes and sighed, already regretting making a comment. Looking back at the civilian. “But, not to sound rude, but why are you here?”
Midoriya opened her mouth to answer. Approaching footsteps stopped her, Nemuri’s eyes skipped past her to the police detective.
“Midnight, Eraserhead, good you’re here.”
“Hello, Detective Tsukauchi,” Midoriya greeted, turning to the police detective.
“Long time, no see, Midoriya.” The dark haired man smiled.
“That’s what happens when you try to retire.” Midoriya brushed off nonexistent dirt from her skirt.
Tsukauchi coughed. “ Semi .”
“What was that?” Midoriya raised her eyebrow, the detective smiled innocently in response. Midoriya shook her head fondly.
“Hate to take away from the touching moment, but why did you want us here?” Shouta interrupted, tugging at the bottom of his scarf. Tsukauchi’s expression lost all humor, turning grim.
“This is better discussed in the meeting room.” Tsukauchi lead the group towards the group.
Kayama froze, realizing that Midoriya was following them. “Wait, Midoriya, why are you coming?”
The woman smiled grimly. “I’m apart of this too, Midnight .”
Nemuri opened and closed her mouth, Midoriya continued on unbothered.
Once in the meeting room, Midoriya didn’t stumble over choosing a chair. Unlike most do when it is their first time being there. She sat straight up in her seat, combing the room with a blank expression. Nemuri settled herself in for a wait.
Midoriya broke the peaceful silence. “How did he get out?”
Nemuri’s eyes snapped to Midoriya, her attention fully set on the gorgeous woman. What on Earth was she talking about?
Tsukauchi just sighed. “We’re not sure.”
“How can you not be sure? He was in Tartarus . How ?” The only outward distress was Midoriya fidgeting with her hands. Clenching and unclenching her fists. Rubbing her fingers together.
“We don’t know, we were just notified of what had happened. Just before the… villain attacks started happening.” The detective was tapping his notebook with a pen, eyes on Midoriya.
Midoriya’s expression was tight. “Any clues as to what he’s planning? Did his possessed say anything?”
Tsukauchi fiddled with the pen. “We’re waiting until the rest of the heroes are here. The more hands on deck, hopefully the quicker we’ll catch him.”
Squaring her shoulders, Midoriya’s tone held no room for argument. “I have to be on this case.”
Tsukauchi blinked, clearly shocked by the statement. “Are you sure?”
“What about your son?” Nemuri blurted out.
Midoriya flicked her eyes to meet Nemuri’s. “My son can stay with a friend. For now. I know Ghostify the best. I brought him in before.”
“Systematic brought him in,” Nemuri spouted out. Eyes flicking to Shouta, who was observing the conversation silently.
Midoriya’s nose twitched. “That is me.”
Nemuri’s jaw dropped, Shouta not reacting. That bastard ! He didn’t tell her! “You’re--” She nodded, a small smile ghosting her face. The 18+ hero leaned back in her seat. “Woah.” Rocking back forward, Nemuri asked, “If we’re working together, does that mean that we have to hold off on our date?”
Midoriya let out a startled laugh. Tsukauchi’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Shouta squinted at the two of them before shaking his head, clearly not going to show any outward interest. Already learned from the earlier comment not to get into it.
Nemuri couldn’t believe how little he was reacting. She had a front row seat to his hero worship of the Stealth Hero during their school years. Sure, she knew she wasn’t much better. A gorgeous hero who was badass and good at her job, of course she was sold on that! He was the only one with more pictures and knowledge of Systematic than her because he was an underground hero. That reminded her, next time they went out drinking she needed to bribe him for some of those pictures.
Giving a nervous smile, Midoriya stood up. "Hold on, boys, we're going outside of the room to chat for a second while we wait for the other pros to arrive."
Hopeful, Nemuri followed her. Midoriya stood just off of the wall, shifting back and forth on her feet.
“So?” Nemuri prompted, letting her tone be hopeful. Midoriya studied her for a moment.
“Well… On the date… I think that… no.” Nemuri’s heart lurched. Damn it, she was looking forward-- Midoriya continued on, as if she picked up on Nemuri of though. “I don’t think so. I would rather not hold off on that. On our date. Who knows, maybe we can double a date with looking over information.”
Relief blossoming in her chest, Nemuri hummed. A grin making its way back onto her face as she leaned into Midoriya’s personal space. “If that’s your kind of romantic, I’ll woo however it takes.”
Midoriya’s cheeks flushed a beautiful scarlet, but not moving away, rather she chuckled under her breath. “Is that a promise?”
“Not the only one,” Nemuri purred suggestively.
Tsukauchi cleared his throat, causing them to look away from each other and to him. Neither moved to take a set back. The detective appeared to be uncomfortable, if not awkward, for intruding on their moment . He pointedly tilted his towards the door as he cleared his throat again. “The others are here.”
“Ah, then, we will continue this conversation later,” Midoriya conceded, being the first one to move. Slipping by both Nemuri and Detective Tsukauchi with ease.
“Is that a promise?” Nemuri asked, wiggling her eyebrows as she followed.
“Most definitely,” Midoriya promised, winking over her shoulder.
It was Nemuri’s turn to flush. And no, that wasn’t just because she stopped to appreciate Midoriya’s figure.