It took a damn while for us to finally pull away from each other, tangled up in that raw, pent-up passion. Part of it was the intensity we'd both been bottling for too long, part of it was Himiko's wild, reckless fire. She burned like a flame that wouldn't quit, lighting up that dim room, and I couldn't resist her pull. Her hands roaming, those deep kisses, that hypnotic stare - it dragged me into some other world where feelings and reason melted together, impossible to untangle.
I don't even know why my head went blank this time, locked on her and nothing else. Empty as hell. Maybe 'cause I was the one riding shotgun - she took the wheel, and I couldn't fight it, just let her steer.
By the time it was over, dawn was creeping in.
My body was a wreck - bite marks, scratches, bruises, energy tank on zero. I hauled myself to the shower, rinsing off the sweat, then suited up in my hero gear. Mask stayed off for now - too flashy. I tucked Himiko in - she was out cold from exhaustion - left my credit card and PIN on the table so she'd have cash for food if she woke up hungry. Can't cook for shit, so that's the least I could do.
Time to hit Manual's office for the day's orders.
…
Stepping out of the hotel, I sucked in a deep morning breath, letting the crisp air shake off some of that bone-deep fatigue. The city was stirring - early risers trickling through, even though it was barely 5:30 a.m. Traffic was light, a few 24/7 convenience stores glowed, and some food stalls were just firing up.
When I rolled into Manual's office, it was dead - except for Ida, already decked out in his hero suit. Guess the other pros were either on patrol or still dragging ass this early. Manual probably just woke up or was prepping, not here yet.
Ida spun around at my footsteps, his usual serious-as-hell vibe lighting up his face. "You're early, Onodera! I figured you'd sleep in a bit."
I smirked, masking the exhaustion clawing at me. "Same every morning - used to it. You're ready quick too. Manual not here?"
"Yeah, he texted he'll show at six, but I thought getting here early to prep was smart," Ida said, all grit and determination.
I nodded. Same old Ida - living, breathing clockwork. Here I was, fighting to stay awake, and he's buzzing like he just plugged into a charger. If I could borrow that energy for one damn day, shit wouldn't be half as messy.
"By the way… what's up with your neck?"
I flinched at his question. His hand pointed right at it, eyes curious but tinged with worry. Instinct kicked in - I touched it, and bam, flashback to Himiko's "artwork" from last night. Bruises and teeth marks, loud and proud, still not faded.
"Fuck me…" I grumbled under my breath, scrambling to keep cool, but my face probably screamed panic.
"Little… technical issues last night," I said, forcing a casual grin.
Ida squinted, not buying it one bit. He stared like he was piecing a puzzle together. "Technical issues? What's that mean? Did you get hurt training or something?"
No clue about personal boundaries - if he had one, this sure as hell wouldn't cross his mind.
"Exactly," I shot back, deadpan, shutting it down fast. Not scared of him knowing - just didn't feel like wasting breath explaining. He nodded, sorta accepting it, though his eyes still flickered with doubt.
"Good, but be careful. Even small injuries can screw us in a pinch," he said, all by-the-rules as usual.
I gave a half-laugh, not bothering to argue. Silently thanked the universe he didn't dig deeper.
Ten minutes later, Manual strolled in, all easy smiles and chill vibes. "Morning, you two! Early birds, huh? Ready?"
Ida snapped to attention, saluting like a model student. "Yes, Manual! We're prepared!"
I just grinned and nodded. Couldn't match Ida's pep - better to stay quiet and handle my business. Actions over words.
"Let's roll!" Manual waved us out, and the three of us hit the streets for routine patrol.
The morning was calm as we weaved through Hosu's alleys and corners, eyes peeled. Manual led, breaking down how he ran his turf - handling small stuff like helping locals or directing traffic when needed. Not a top-tier hero, but his dedication and care? Respectable as hell. Even Ida was impressed.
We paused at a busy intersection, early sun spilling over the pavement. Manual signaled us to stop, his tone shifting serious. "Patrol's not just walking and watching. Slack off a second, and you miss trouble brewing. Look around - spot anything off?"
We scanned. Cars crawled by, a few pedestrians chatted, workers fixed a sidewalk across the street. Normal… but something felt wrong.
Down the road, near a little café, a guy in a hoodie stood still. Too still. Didn't care about the bustle - his eyes were glued to a woman's purse next to him.
I pointed. "That guy… looks shady."
Manual nodded, sharp-eyed, sizing it up. "Nice catch, Onodera. Ida, your take?"
Ida zeroed in fast. "He's fixated on that bag. Could be a snatch-and-run."
Manual grinned, pleased. "Spot on. Small details matter. Keep an eye on him - don't jump yet."
We watched from a distance. Tension crept up as the guy edged closer to the woman. Then, bam - he snatched the purse and bolted.
"Go!" Manual barked, and we took off.
Ida's speed was insane - blasted ahead, tackling the thief in seconds while Manual and I were still hoofing it. He moved like a damn gust, nailing a precise block that sent the guy sprawling, purse flying free.
We caught up moments later. Manual pinned the thief while I grabbed the bag, handing it to the woman to check. She took it, trembling, confirmed nothing was gone, then thanked us over and over, tears welling up, half-scared, half-grateful.
"Thank you! I don't know what I'd have done without you…"
Manual smiled, voice steady and warm. "It's our job. Glad you're okay."
Cops rolled up, took the guy off our hands. Manual gave them the rundown, hyping me and Ida as the clutch players. Once it was squared away, we kept patrolling 'til dusk.
"Great work, both of you! Quick moves and sharp eyes - learn from each other," Manual said, flashing a thumbs-up and a grin.
…
Shit was smooth so far, but then Manual dropped a bomb that froze us both. "So… why'd you two pick this place for your internship?"
Silence hit hard. Ida and I stared at him, caught off guard. That question dug into something we hadn't braced for.
Ida snapped out of it first, straightening up, adjusting his glasses, voice firm. "I chose this spot to learn how a hero protects their community. I admire how you handle the little things that mean a lot to people's daily lives. To me, a hero's not just about fighting villains - it's about bringing safety and peace to everyone around."
Manual's eyes narrowed - he wasn't buying the full pitch. "You're here for Stain, aren't you?"
The air turned heavy as hell. Ida, all confident a second ago, went pale, eyes darting like Manual had ripped his soul open.
"No… I…" he stammered, no solid denial coming out.
Manual crossed his arms, stern but not pissed. "Don't lie to me me, Ida. I clocked it from the jump. A standout like you isn't here just to 'learn' or 'protect,' right?"
Seeing he'd hit the mark, Manual kept going. "I get it. Stain hurt someone you love - you want to end it yourself. But you know how dangerous that is? You can't let feelings override reason, not when you're carrying a hero's title and duty. Revenge isn't our call. We don't judge or punish, no matter how evil they are. Quirk laws let us fight, but vigilantism? That's against everything. Get caught acting solo, and it's a crime - way past what a real hero stands for."
Ida clammed up, shame creeping in. His fist clenched, face wrestling with itself - doubt eating at him.
No surprise there. Original timeline says Stain moves tonight, and the League'll drop three Nomu to fuck up Hosu. Killing Stain's a must to dodge worse fallout later, but if it's kicking off today, the butterfly effect's already in play.
No one can know or stop this. Gran Torino, Izuku, Endeavor - they'll roll in tonight. I've gotta take Stain out fast, then pivot to the Nomu.
When Manual cut us loose to rest, I shot Himiko a text - might be late tonight - then grabbed Ida. "Tonight. We find the bastard who hit your brother. I've got a bad fucking feeling."
Ida stopped cold, turning to me, eyes swirling with conflict. Manual's callout had shaken his resolve, but mentioning his brother - the guy he idolized, his whole damn reason - lit that fire back up.
"Tonight?" he asked, voice wary but hardening.
"Yeah. If you want Stain done and wanna face him, this is it. One shot. But keep your head - don't fight for hate. Fight for justice, for what your brother believed in, for the people he's hurt." I locked eyes, dead serious, hammering it home.
Ida's lips tightened, gears turning hard. Silence hung for a beat, then he nodded, steel in his gaze. "Got it. I'll be ready tonight."