Hitoshi Shinsou | Pro-Hero AU | 172732014

Charity & Envy

Oftentimes it was safest to just stick to familiar territory rather than wandering off on your lonesome, but both Shinsou and yourself were self-proclaimed risk-takers at times, discovering new places when the need arose.

This wasn't one of those moments.

Despite the city suffering a blow from Overhaul's resurgence, and from the Front's involvement, it was nothing compared to the backlash the Commission suffered once more from secrets and lies. The major blow from such scandals wasn't only reputation, but also financial stability to upkeep the agencies in the protection of Musatafu now with the growing threat that loomed around them. In retaliation, Shinsou's agency decided the best course of action was to inject confidence and trust into the public by holding an appeal for philanthropic societies.

In other words...

"We're charity cases?" you questioned with a sigh, walking alongside Shinsou after being dropped by a taxi not too far from the function. "Were those the exact words they said?"

"Yes and no," answered Shinsou nonchalantly while he pulled a little at the tie he wore. "Thank Overhaul for the position we're in now."

It was no surprise to you now that things were said and done around the agencies. Due to Shinsou's involvement into Overhaul's case and his new soldiers by the sounds of them, the public eye saw him as the struggling Pro-Hero ready to right the wrongs that the Commission had failed to rectify. A sole survivor, a one-man-band who had come face-to-face with them and stared them down. All half-truths, and half-lies.

You stepped in line with Shinsou while you fixed your own suit, opting to dress as close to your usual attire while at work. Despite this charity you were attending as part of a pair with Shinsou, it was still work, at least in your own perspective. Rounding the corner and down the street your gaze was transfixed on the decor of the Hero's Association, coloured with banners and lights. It looked almost like a circus - outrageously-

"Ridiculous," you murmured while you pat yourself down for any final checks with your clothes.

"Shall we?" Invited Shinsou, hearing the sarcasm in his voice.

"Careful Hitoshi, you don't want them to catch on."

"If I'm lucky, they'll just laugh it off."

A chuckle escaped your throat before you cleared it, following Shinsou into the Association's building, ready to mingle with the crowd that overran the floor.

You really had no choice.

You eyed the floor, spotting familiar faces amongst the crowd, realising that they too were probably coaxed into attending this function for the sake of Pro Hero etiquette and decorum. Surprisingly, you found Bakugou making the rounds while he kept his fiancé close. Todoroki wasn't far behind along with his fiancé by his side, while Midoriya and his fiancé stood back to back while mingling with potential donors. Kirishima wasn't too far away, hearing his thoughts momentarily amongst the noise, but the thought dawned on you after finding your former classmates and colleagues within the vicinity.

Your hand immediately slipped the ring from your finger, dexterously holding onto it in the palm of your hand before you pocketed it away in your suit. After the media fiasco about weddings abound amongst the top Pro-Heroes, the last thing you needed was any news leaking about your engagement with Shinsou, eyeing him beside you still with his eyes scanning the room.

It was just a charity, you reassured yourself. Walk in, sweet talk as best as you could, walk out.

"You take the left, I'll take the right," suggested Shinsou. "The sooner we get around to everybody, the sooner we can leave."