Neutrality Order (TomBoo)

N.E. - Chapter 5

Sometimes, Tommy thought as he walked down the street in a minor disguise, disappointment was worse than absolute rejection.

Several hours ago

Tommy was up earlier than he had to be and out of his dorm to meet up with Connor in front of UA before they headed to the train station together. The way there wasn't going to take long either way, but getting an early start on things was sure to get that approval ball rolling...or so Connor told him.

The two chatted on about each others' mentors en route, filling in a few gaps the other was missing about things. Connor seemed surprised Tommy hadn't heard Crow Father mention Sir Nighteye before, and Tommy became informed that Connor had no idea Crow Father had taken up a mentoring role in Tommy's life. The train stopped and both boys disembarked, Tommy following Connor around the unfamiliar city, one hand around his costume case and the other holding his backpack strap, feeling both excited and nervous.

"You'll do great!" Connor said, smiling. "You're just the kind of person Sir really likes! He values humor and lightheartedness as a part of a hero's job, and you've got that in spades. If you can make him laugh, you're a shoo-in!"

"As long as I don't step in it first."

Connor laughed, shouldering at Tommy. "See? You'll do great. Got your form with you?"

"In the case to make sure it stays neat."

"Perfect." He walked inside, nodding at the receptionist and others working before stopping in front of a long hall. "Okay, I can only get you this far," he said, his voice serious. "But I know you can get the rest yourself. Show Sir what you're made of, Tommy!"

Tommy smiled. "Thanks, Connor," he said, taking a deep breath and walking down the hall, knocking on the door.

The 'come in' was a little less warm than he wanted, but it was fully expected. Tommy walked in, eyes immediately drawn to the Crow Father paraphernalia everywhere, mentally nerding out at the absolute RARITY of some of them. He forced himself to focus on his work and turned to Sir Nighteye, who was staring at him oddly.

'Sort of like the look Kacchan gives me when I annoy him,' he thought, but instead kept smiling; he'd done nothing to annoy Sir Nighteye, as far as he knew. He wasn't all that great at making people laugh, but what he could do was smile and be lighthearted. He loved doing that, full of faith in others and himself that he could accomplish what he could to the best of his ability. "Your collection is incredible," he said, eyes flicking to the 10th Anniversary Commemorative poster that was framed and polished lovingly. "I'm looking forward to-"

"Your first impression leaves much to be desired," Sir Nighteye interrupted, unblinking eyes drilling holes into Tommy's skull. "What is it you are here for?"

'A trick question?' Tommy thought, straightening his back, intent on not losing his smile. "To pursue a work-study under you," he replied. "I did look through several different options, but my own research and Connor's shining endorsement made your agency the right choice."

Sir Nighteye tented his fingertips, mulling it over. "'The right choice', hm?" he said finally. "Interesting choice of words. Do you have your form?"

"Yessir," Tommy said, promptly fishing it out and handing it over. Sir Nighteye set it down on his desk, picking up a seal.

"Once this is stamped, a contract is made," he said, not even looking at it. "This will not be like work studies in other fields. You will be working here, a month minimum, with compensation. As a first-year, you will need to take numerous excused absences, and you will fall behind."