The Proximation of Hello and Goodbye

25

"That explains why you're being so cooperative," Eijiro sighs. "It makes sense."

Katsuki stands and begins pacing the room. "I don't like this," Katsuki murmurs.

"What? Why not? He's cooperating, isn't he?" Eijiro frowns.

"Well, yeah. That's great and all, but I don't like the implications being made, especially with you trying to wedge your way further into the whole thing, it just spells a recipe for disaster," Katsuki grumbles.

Haru coughs and shakes his head. "No, I think that might be a smart decision. Unless you're higher up into the whole thing, you aren't going to get anywhere near Shinobu. However, if you're wanting to be amongst the people who know what he's up to, you might as well cut your losses."

Katsuki growls, "It's not worth it, Ei. What with that quirk of his and the samples you had to hand over. I don't like it."

"Come on, man. I already have a hearing tomorrow, it's not like I can just back out. Besides, I'm Red Riot. If he sets his sights on me, I think I can handle it," he jokes uneasily.

"Now isn't the time to start growing an ego, Ei. We have next to nothing on this guy as it stands, so if things go sour tomorrow there's no guarantee that we'll be able to get you out of it. Call it off," Katsuki says.

Ejiro shakes his head, "We should both know that isn't an option, Kats. We haven't worked this hard or waited this long to let it all go because there's a little risk involved. I know that. You know that. We both know what we were signing up for when we took this line of work. We can't back down and you can't expect me to."

Katsuki growls, popping sparklers off in his hands. Of course, Eijiro is right, but that doesn't change the fact that he wants to be selfish about it. The thought of losing his friends is aggravating. It wasn't a thought that occurred to him until recently. It's something he wishes he'd thought of years ago so that at least it wouldn't come so much as a shock now. "Fine, then what's your plan going into all this?"

"Whatever I can manage to do. It's not like I know what's going to happen," Eijiro shrugs.

"Then how do you expect to--"

Haru's voice can suddenly be heard behind him. "Shinobu is going to use whatever means he finds necessary to get what he wants out of you," he announces. "If he suspects you of ill will, he'll find out. If he wants to know how good you'd be at the position you're seeking out, he'll find out. It's part of what the samples are for. But, there is a way around it-- a method of escape, if you will."

"And what would that be?" Katsuki asks. "If you know something that would help us out, now would be the time to say it."

"His quirk, there's a way to break the hold. Only a few people know about it, the three and myself. I only found out because my sister used to be among the people who knew what he was planning, and she passed the knowledge on to me," he explains. "It won't be easy, but it is possible."

Katsuki crosses his arms over his chest, staring down at Haru, "Well, are you going to tell us what it is or what?"

Haru nods, "Only if you can guarantee my safety in return."

"If your safety is all you ask in return for that of my friend's, consider it done. I was going to ensure it either way. Now, start talking."

Haru nods, "Listen closely... Here's what you'll need to do."

Katsuki and Eijiro listen closely as Haru lays out what the red-head will need to do in full detail. They ask questions for clarification as they go, making sure that they leave no stone unturned. If there's any hope of Eijiro making it out of that hearing without saying or doing something he isn't supposed to, there can't be any holes that stand in his way. When it's all said and done and they both feel confident with what to expect as well as what to do they begin to wrap things up for the night. Katsuki nods and breathes deeply, trying to collect himself. He turns and faces Haru, "Thanks for your help, Haru."

"Don't mention it. I guess it's the least I could do after trying to take your friend hostage," he reasons.

"Heh, friend ," Katsuki laughs. "Yeah. Just don't try it again. You do, and Shinobu will be the least of your worries." He turns and nudges Eijiro with his fist. "Don't be stupid and stick to the plan tomorrow. Call me when you're home."

"You got it, man," Eijiro smiles.

Katsuki smiles, more at ease than he has been for the last 24 hours. "One more thing. Do you mind taking Haru to the commission on your way home? Tell them he's clear but needs to be monitored until this is all said and done. I guess in the grand scheme of things, making to-do lists isn't that villainous. Stalking people is pretty awful, but I doubt he'll be doing it again any time soon."

"You sure?"

"I think I am. Weird as it sounds, I think Haru is a good person that just got caught up with the wrong person. If we keep him safe until Shinobu is behind bars, all should be fine and dandy. Even so, make sure they keep those quirk canceling cuffs on him at all times."

"Got it. See you soon," Eijiro says, offering a thumbs up.

"Yeah. See you soon."