Mr. Midoriya, You're Quite Illusive

Chapter 3

The room was pitch blank, completely dark, who could or would live in this darkness. Perhaps it's only active in the presence of others. "That's far enough." That cold, calculating vocalization sent shivers in places I didn't even know existed. I was beginning to drown in a cold, I was unsure what to do with my hands as they fumbled about. "U-um, hello... Sir." I greeted unconfidently. Suddenly an overhead light shined down upon me, illuminating the area I stood in. With this newfound luminescence, I could make a chair and his silhouette. His leg was crossed, his cigarette firmly in between his fingers, the slightest shift gave away the outline of his hair but my vision betrayed me, disallowing any more insight.

"I'll admit, you're pretty." He grunted, drawing a breath of smoke into his lungs. "And your smart, deadly efficient. I like that in a woman." He complimented, earning a smile from me before standing up. His silhouette was tall, taller than my reasonably tall stature of 5'10. He walked up to me, snapping his finger when he reached the light's circular border. Bending to his will, the light source shrank enough for him to reach his hand inside without any risk of overextending his body and risk exposure.

I was expecting a brisk groping, so I prepared to turn him away but instead he grabbed my lower jaw. Gently, he turned my head from left to right before ushering me to give him my hand. I reluctantly and cautiously obliged. Carefully he held my hand in his, a smooth but cold sensation rubbing against my palm. After releasing me, he commented, "You seem useful." Well, he gets 0 points for tact. "U-um... What's your name?" I asked nervously. His hand fully retracted the light and he walked a few steps away as telegraphed by the sound of his shoes. "My middle name's Theodore." He answered monotoned. "You're American?" He seemed to be offended by my statement. "Of course not. Let's just say my Father had a debt to pay, ergo, my name." Ok then, I guess I can't complain.

"Are you tired?" He asked. He didn't sound particularly caring but instead, he was almost regal in his manner of speech. "No," I replied truthfully. "Good. Our work begins." I nodded. "What's my first assignment?" I inquired. "Training. You need two things to impress other businessmen. Money and a poker face." He trailed as he left my field of view. "Leave. Sleep. Tomorrow, get all the things you need. You won't be going to your hero work as scheduled." He informed, much to my disagreement. "Sir... T-Theodore... I'm still relatively new! I can't just-"

"You will because I said you will. Asset reallocation is key to my operations." He objected. Asset? How rude of him to refer to me as such. "I don't belong to you." I reminded him. "You're owned by your agency. I own the man who runs your agency. You. Belong. To me. So let me give it to you straight."

He paused for a second, the ruffling sound of pockets filling my ears and the telltale flame of a lighter flared. He lit a new cigar before explaining. "Contact with your family will be regulated. Contact with your friends however will be unchanged but I'll post guards with you during such times. Clear?" I balled my fists, regulating my breathing as to not make an outburst. How dare he try to control my personal life. He waited in silence, ready for my answer. I yielded with a soft sigh. "Yes sir..."

"Mm. Good. You may leave."

10 minutes later of crying, sulking and overall emotional breakdown.

Now that I have that out of my system, I can live again. I never planned on marrying someone I don't know, let alone someone who only sees me as an asset or employee. It hurts. I remember how Todoroki and I would flirt, break off from group outings, how we shared our first kiss. Our first kiss was... regrettable and enjoyable. It was graduation day, he stole me away from the party and into a closet. We chatted before it got so hot and I was so flustered. Frankly, I was drunk off the heat. It clouded my mind. When he kissed me it was bittersweet at best but I somewhat enjoyed it... Did he heat up the closet on purpose? Maybe, maybe not but either way I consented so I won't hold him in speculation.

This room is satisfactory. Standard size for a person like me. It has a decently sized bookcase, a nice queen-sized bed and everything someone would need to complain about. I sat on the bed and realized that there was a shower to my right and a change of clothes folded on a table. I couldn't help but feel watched though. I looked around the room, no cameras.

I guess I'll take a shower.

T.I.M.'s POV

"I expect my due in full, immediately," I informed, the man on my screen furrowed his brow and scrunched his face. "I need more time." Pleaded the man. "The deal was April 15th. It's April 21. It would be a shame if you... missed the 25th, wouldn't it?" I mentioned, causing his expression to fill with worry and fear. I liked it like that, an ugly reassurance that I'm in charge. He dares beg for funding in the hopes of returning my investment with interest and asks for more time. "I-i don't know what you're talking about..." He lied. Evidently, I need to... encourage him. "Orika is a beautiful girl, a nice body, a pretty face. It would be a shame if she were to... disappear." Oh yes, I'd go that far. His face said it all.

"I'll see what I can do. You'll have it by month-end."

"Plus 15%"

"But you said-"

"I know I said 5%. But evidently, you're holding out. I want 15% surplus by month-end."

Now the real fear came, his ugly expression morphing into an exquisitely stupid rage. Anger, pain, detriments. These are all tools, emotional leverages that I exploit to get what I want. "I-i..." He was at a loss for words. I have no use for wordless monkeys without any backbone to even try and stand up to me. "I see," I remarked, shifting in my chair. I ended the came, opening another channel which was only audio. "Here boss." The feminine voice answered. "How are you, Ms Goto?" I queried, I made sure to show the proper respect to one of my most efficient assets. "My kleptomania was itching so I may or may not have stolen a few rubies." She gleed with a smooth tone, earning a genuine chuckle from me. "I am pleased your keeping yourself sharp. I have a job for you."

I could practically hear s silent squeal hidden behind he dainty grunt of acknowledgement. "What's on the market, or do you need someone off it?" She questioned. "I'll forward a dossier. I need a wife and child taken care off. Traumatize the girl, I want the mother half dead." I demanded with a beaming smile rearing.

She giggled slightly before answering, "As you command, Mr. Shimura."

Theodore, Midoriya, Shimura. All of them are my names, but none of them are me. My name is Izuku, I have one rule.

"If I give you money, it ain't got free. "

Words 1245

Posted 12/11/2021