The Proximation of Hello and Goodbye

27

The need to take a break sits heavy in Izuku's arms and legs. He's been going non-stop since sunrise. Of course, he didn't have to work a double, but when the opportunity arose, he took it. He'd rather be exhausted than filled with the dread associated with having too much time on his hands. He knows if he were to take a moment to sit down and be with his thoughts that all he'd be able to do is think about Masashi and if he's really heard the last from him or he'd wonder about whether or not Haru is going to try and come for him again... Or if someone else will. He'd also wonder too much about Katsu and what he's up to, what his next step is, how his mother is doing now that she's returned home, or any other number of things. So, working himself to the bone seems to be the only feasible option there is. There's really no chance to think if all you're doing is everything else. Even so, the thought of having something else to do nearly brings tears to his eyes. He hopes against all odds that Akasuki will just send him home. At least if he were to be sent home now, he could sleep rather than stay up.

Well, in theory.

Not that it matters, because his luck doesn't appear to be that good. He walks back into the cafe to see Ena, Akasuki, and one of the other employees running around in order to serve customers. He makes his way behind the counter, trying to head to the break room for a short moment before approaching Akasuki again for a new task. However, sneaking past her has never been an easy task, and that much is clear when he hears her call his name from the counter. "Izuku! Good to see you're back. I know you just got back from the warehouse, but would you mind heading back over? Dad meant to send some stuff back with you but he lost track of time and you were gone before he could get to you," she explains. "I usually wouldn't ask, but he's making a pretty big deal over it. I think it's some promotional materials and a couple of other things."

Izuku frowns, "Would Ena be able to go? I can help at the store for a while, I just don't want to walk all the way back over there."

Akasuki glances over her shoulder, "E, would you be able to head to the warehouse for a moment?"

"'Fraid not. I'm expecting someone soon and I need to be here to sign some paperwork when they do," she explains, putting a lid on the drink she's just finished making and handing it off to the other person.

"Paperwork? For what?" Akasuki asks incredously.

Ena turns her back to them both and returns to her work, "Don't ask questions you don't want answers to, Su. And trust me, you don't want answers."

She sighs and turns back to Izuku. "I'm sorry, Zu. It looks like that won't be happening. I'll make sure to do something nice for you as a thank you. It really does mean a lot that you would stay and take care of these errands for me so that I can help cover Akkio's shift and do the paperwork that needs to be done before the end of the shift. It helps a lot more than you know."

Izuku tries to offer a genuine smile, but he knows that it looks about as half-hearted as it feels. "Don't mention it. Is there anything else I can do while I'm out? I'd like to try and make this my last trip out if at all possible."

"Hmm," Akasuki hums, pressing a finger to her chin as she ponders. "Actually, there is one more thing. Do you think you could swing by the store on the corner and grab some supplies for the store? I can get you a list. We're mostly short on paperclips, envelopes, and a few other things."

He nods, "Sure."

"Great. I'll make you that list real quick and send you along your way," she smiles.

"Alright. I think I'm going to go grab a snack from the break room while you do that."

"Actually, I warmed up a pastry for you earlier. It's sitting on the counter by the drink station. Go grab that and hang out around the front in case they need you while I'm gone. I won't be long," his friend rushes.