The Proximation of Hello and Goodbye

9

Katsuki's eyes grow wide, "What? Why is that self-explanatory?"

Shoto rolls his eyes as he stands across from the couch, "It doesn't take much that you're... fond of him. But, Kiri is right, with the light of recent revelations, it is somewhat disconcerting that you two are so close."

Eijiro chuckles, "He's not just fond of him, I think it's more than that. Did you see how quickly he—"

He growls, "Shut it, shitty hair."

"What? I just think it's amusing. I didn't think I'd ever see you so love-struck. It's a good look on you," he says.

"This isn't a tourist trap, I said to shut it," he grumbles.

Kyoka frowns, leaning back on her arms. "Yeah, yeah, Katsu's in love, but what's so upsetting about that? He seemed alright to me."

"Oh, right. You weren't there for that," Eijiro realizes. "Well, you know how Shoto and I have been infiltrating the organization from within, trying to work our way up the ranks and all that fun stuff?"

"Yeah."

"Well, they have a legitimate company that they hide behind, Controlled Solutions. It makes sense because of the amount of work they do behind the scenes with drugs. Thing is, although they have perfectly innocent and oblivious employees at this location, you don't get sent to this location unless you're a key player in the muck of it all," Eijiro explains. "I preface this next part with all of that because I think it's important to remember that there are innocent people there. That said, the fact that Izuku's boyfriend works there is a bit alarming."

Katsuki laughs, "The only thing alarming about that guy is how much of an asshole he is. If you're worried about his boyfriend being caught up in all of this, don't be. The guy is quirkless."

Shoto nods, his chin resting between his thumb and index finger, a sign that he's thinking. "That's somewhat relieving, but it's still a little off-putting. Why doesn't Izuku know what he does?"

"It's just the way things are. Izuku's boyfriend comes off as the kind that likes to be in control. He's manipulative and abrasive by the sounds of it. He made Izuku drop out of school to be here and what money Izuku does have to spend is whatever tips he leaves at the store for safekeeping. He has all of Izuku's checks wired to his account," Katsuki murmurs. "He's an asshole, but not a threat. Even if he is involved, which I doubt he is, it won't be hard to take him out."

"Right," Kyoka sighs. "So, we get Katsu to see if he can find out more, that way we can make sure this guy is clear of suspicion."

He frowns, he doesn't like the sound of that. He doesn't want his relationship with Izuku to be used for gaining intel throughout his mission. The very thought puts a sour taste in his mouth. "I don't like the sound of that," he declares.

"I can tell you don't want to use your friend as a game piece or get him involved at all, but it could really help us out. It doesn't have much, at least ask him if he knows about a guy named Shinobu," Shoto reasons.

Katsuki crosses his arms with a pout, "I still don't like it. What else have we got?"

Eijiro chuckles, "We better get comfortable. I think we'll be here a while."

The four of them settle into place, getting as comfortable as they can for the time being. They listen as Eijiro and Shoto go over what they've learned during their time climbing the ranks in the organization. They start with the process of getting in, which allows them to discover Shinobu's actual quirk. Shoto sets his food on the table, "His quirk is Compulsory Curdle. It's similar to Stain's in the way that he has to ingest someone's blood to activate it. Upon activation, he can either paralyze like Stain did or he can influence their thoughts and actions. So, upon entrance into the organization, you're required to give up five samples of blood."

"Why only five?" Kyoka asks.

"Two for guaranteed use, and three as warnings. If he has to use your samples three times for something other than what he has planned, you're a goner," Eijiro explains. "We've only seen it happen once since we've been in, but one step out of line is enough for Shinobu to activate his quirk. He seems to keep samples stored in a safe so that if he catches word of any scrutiny all he has to do is send someone to gather the designated sample and bring it back. He can use it no matter where you are."

Kyoka's mouth hangs agape. "So, you just willingly handed over samples of your own blood?"

"That's complicated," Shoto murmurs. "We gave two genuine smiles and three duds. We just have to hope that he doesn't catch on to it until it's too late for him to do anything about it."

"That seems risky," Katsuki grumbles, sitting forward. "Why not just hand up five genuine samples?"

Eijiro nods, "I wondered about that too, but if things get hairy and he realizes it's us and decides to use those samples, it gives us a better opportunity of getting by unscathed."

"Makes sense," Kyoka sighs. "As long as you've got each other's backs I think we'll be okay."

Shoto and Kirishima look at each other with soft smiles and pink cheeks. Katsuki can't help but feel jealous. They've liked each other for years since high school even. It wasn't until a little over a year ago that Eijiro worked up the nerve to do something about it. They've been together since then, but they still love each other the way they did when it all began. They still act like two nervous teenagers who have crushes on each other despite the fact that Kiri plans to propose as soon as this mission is over. He can't help but wonder if he and Izuku would be the same way one day. Stop it. This is not the time.

He closes his eyes as they continue to talk. They go over some details about the way things are structured from within and how people move up, most of which he and Jiro already knew. From there, they move on to locations and names. They know little about any targets as they have yet to catchword on that, but they suspect it will be soon. From there, Jiro shares what she has. By the time they finish, it's well past midnight, the clock staring back at them with a time of 3:57 in the morning.

Katsuki yawns and stretches as he stands from the couch. "Well, this has been enlightening, but I need some rest. I'll see all of you tomorrow. Don't be late for dinner," he says.

"You'll text us right?" Eijiro asks.

"Yeah," he nods. "You're coming too, Kyoka. I'll come to pick you up. By the way, no flirting at dinner, you'll scare the shit out of Izuku, got it? You're supposed to be cousins, so show restraint and act like it."

Shoto looks plainly at his boyfriend and back at Katsu. "I thought we've been pretty good about it," he announces.

"You've been all over each other tonight," Katsuki murmurs.

Eijiro laughs. "Of course we have. We're in the comfort of our own temporary home with people who know the truth. And don't you forget you're supposed to be a taken man," he teases.

"Yeah, everyone gets it. Play the part. Can we just go now?" Jiro yawns.

"Yeah, let's go. Good night, you two," Katsuki waves as he walks out the door. He smiles to himself at the thought of getting to share dinner with Izuku, his mother, and their friends tomorrow night. It's almost enough to keep him wide awake if it weren't for the physical exhaustion he feels.

Working double time is tough, but it's so worth it.