Checkmate (ShinDeku)

23

Izuku and Hitoshi were the power couple of the year.

C'mon- what other duo would be trailing a police officer like badasses in the dead of night?

They followed in the shadows, always staying at least ten feet behind the woman in case she noticed them, that way they could stroll away without seeming overly suspicious.

Little bits of trash littered the streets, making it seem more rundown than it actually was. He had to step carefully, calculating how much of a noise each movement would take with empty takeout boxes and plastic blocking their path. 

Izuku was well aware the commission would have a hissy fit if they caught wind of this, actually, they'd probably have a full-on meltdown over the fact he was hanging out with someone who was supposed to be in hiding, but this would be a close second.

The woman turned, her long braid swishing out as she moved, leading them further and further away from the main bustle of the city. The streets were narrower here, making it harder to blend in.

There was another turn, a different set of people eyeing them, and then they were alone with the officer on a street Izuku had never been down.

She stopped suddenly, the light from a glowing billboard a few blocks down illuminating half her face as she turned her head to the side, listening. Thin lips were pursed together like she was about to say something but had suddenly changed her mind. Boots swiveled around and Izuku could see the whites of her eyes before Hitoshi latched onto his arm, yanking him back around the corner before she could see. 

"Good save," Izuku mouthed, smiling despite almost getting caught. He couldn't help it, being with Hitoshi was far too exhilarating. Not only did he get to show off his amazing hero skills in front of an audience, but they made an excellent team. Izuku was the brains and Hitoshi was the quick thinking and reflexes.

He held his breath, listening intently to hear if the officer's footprints retreated.

Upon seeing her name hidden in the long list of people, her numbers and reports had been off slightly, not by much, something the station probably didn't have time to look into.

Luckily for them, Izuku had all the time in the world.

They'd made plans to follow her on her route and see if she really was who she claimed to be. If LOV's connection had been cut off and their leader humiliated, it made sense they'd resort to trying to weasel their way into the police, gain intel, and come up with a second attack strategy. 

Hitoshi held up a finger, motioning for him to stay put as he poked his head around the corner.

His eyebrows furrowed and he pulled back, leaning close to Izuku with a question in his eyes. 

Upon seeing his look of confusion, Izuku pushed past him, peeking out at the officer. 

She was now leaning against the far wall, legs folded under her and she sat. For anyone that walked by, it would appear she was waiting on something...or someone.

If she really was working with the League, her plan made zero sense. Why meet with a villain while still in a police uniform? That would just make it easier for her to be caught.

Had the great Shigaraki actually become that desperate?

She scooted out so her legs were now propped more comfortably in front of her like she expected to be sitting here for a while.

His heart jumped into his throat.

This was a decoy.

Izuku grabbed Hitoshi's hand a little too hard, whispering frantically, "We need to go. NOW."