Despite It All: Himiko Toga x FEM! Reader (Sequel to Partners in Crime)

Top of the Staircase

A/N: I would have published this chapter earlier, but my ADHD practically kicked me in the shins. My apologies, mi amigos.

The limo ride to the masquerade was nothing short of uninteresting. You and Toga, along with the driver, occasionally discussed the usual, boring things. Politics, the weather, careers, and so on were topics, none of which you or Toga were interested in. Not to mention, it was warm inside of the vehicle, meaning you were squirming out of your seat every few minutes, awaiting the very moment you got out. 

It didn't help that you, uncharacteristically, were anxious about the event. You knew top-rank agents—who wouldn't hesitate to put a bullet through you and Toga's skulls if they found out your true identities—guarded the event. 

Feeling a hand grasp your own, you smiled and tightened your own grip, immediately aware of who had been sitting beside you. 

"You look great, Y/n," she said, leaning her head against her shoulder. "I mean, you always do, but you get it."

"And so do you, Himiko," you replied. 

Himiko's golden eyes lit up with stars as the limo pulled up to the masquerade, which was being held at one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. Sure, it was odd that there were two luxurious hotels within a 100-meter radius of one another, especially considering that you and Himiko were staying at one, but you didn't have time to voice your thoughts before your lovely girlfriend dragged out of the car.

"Ready?" she asked, her tone laced with eccentric enthusiasm as she gripped onto your arm. 

"Yeah, just be careful," you warned, putting on your mask and watching as she did the same, a small smile lining her lips as she did so. "And hold onto me, will you?"

She fake pouted, making you attempt to hold in your laughter. "But why?" she questioned playfully, grabbing onto your arm and leaning her head against your shoulder and staring up at the very, very  large building. 

"Remember that time we broke into the mall, wandering around until you somehow got lost?" you teased, relaxing as you lead her into the hotel. "We were the only ones there, and yet, it took you about an hour to find me, sitting in the empty food court to realize how you have the cognitive capabilities of a plastic spork." 

She laughed and playfully hit your arm, dragging you to the table where pastries and beverages were. Of course, you grabbed a cupcake and bit into it, scanning the room. Business owners, pro-heroes--basically anyone who was wealthy or famous--were there, enjoying themselves and indulging themselves in conversation. 

"Hey," Toga whispered, tugging on the sleeve of your suit. "I think that's him." 

You followed her gaze, your eyes widening as they landed on the top of the luxurious staircase in front of the two of you. The purple and spiky hair stood out from the crowd of raven and brown-haired business men and pro-heroes, who didn't bother to approach the staircase. 

You watched as a callous smile lined his lips as he shook a hand of one of his associates--a tall, buff man with a stern gaze, which opposed the man with purple hair. 

"Got a name?" you questioned, gently and casually leading her to the staircase. You didn't want to, as the man could easily murder either you or Toga and walk away scot-free, but what else could you do? He was the leader of the opposing league, whom Shiggy had sent for you to get rid of from the inside. And as stupid as Shiggy was, he didn't target anyone—except for civilians and pro-heroes—that he didn't seem to be 'worse' than his crusty ass.

"No," she replied, giggling while continuously glancing at him. You chuckled, pretending to be in deep conversation with her. You both were lucky that your acting skills had developed over the course of the year you both had been together. "But that's obviously him."

You nodded and grasped her hand, leading her up the staircase as if you were heading to the other beverage and pastry table on the second floor. You passed through many familiar faces, with some being wealthy business executives, while other equally wealthy pro-heroes said nothing as they silently glanced, likely noting your familiar appearances. 

"Excuse me," you said, intentionally bumping into the man's shoulder. Of course, it looked as if it were an accident, but he didn't know that. 

"Don't worry about it," he grinned, showing off his sharp teeth. His eyes lit up in realization, and before you could comprehend what that likely meant, he wrapped an arm around your waist and dragged you to his side. 

"What?" you snapped, looking towards Himiko to see her golden eyes laced with blood-lust. Her fists were clenched and her shoulders were tight, with a small, eccentric smile lining her lips. She was strange like that, but that's why you loved each-other.

"Don't be so difficult, Y/n," he replied, leaning into your ear, his breath hitting your ear. "Or is 'Rogue' more suitable?" 

Wait, how did he know your name? And why would he refer to you as your first name?

Despite the feeling of chills going up your spine, or the goosebumps that washed over your body, you faked a polite smile. "Y/n is suitable." You glanced towards Himiko who seemed to get the hint.

She out-stretched her hand and shook his, another polite expression lining her flawless features. "I'm Himiko Toga," she said, glancing towards you, a flash of concern washing over her golden eyes.

"Pleasure to meet the two of ya'," he said, finally letting you go from his icy grasp. "Name's Hiroto Suzuki." Finally, you had a name. The only thing you had to know was to meet that pesky associate. "Listen, I am the leader of a group of villains."

Himiko perked up, gently grasping your hand and giving a gentle squeeze. "Oh, really?" she inquired, her tone deadly convincing for an actress. "Care to give us a name?" 

He chuckled and out-stretched his hand, awaiting a handshake. "I'm afraid not, as we don't wish to label ourselves." 

You took initiative and shook his hand, a fake, yet sweet expression lining your features. "Well then, we accept."