BNHA Siblings: The Anxious & The Exuberant

Work Studies

Ninety-degree angle bow making Hiroko's hair fall in front of her face, "Thank you so much for taking me on for this work study! I promise to not disappoint you! Sir!"

She stands up straight immediately with her hand at a salute. Fat Gum is smiling wide as usual. Tamaki pulls his hood down to cover his face. A familiar head of red hair steps into the office.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I was told to come straight here no matter what," Kirishima takes in the room after his interruption.
"Kirishima! What are you doing here?!" Hiroko throws her arms wide enveloping Kirishima in a bone crushing hug.

Fat Gum lets out a full belly laugh seeing all the energy in the room. From Hiroko's quick change in personality of overly formal to completely casual. Kirishima's hesitance to a wide smile. Even Tamaki is acting more coy than his normally all-consuming shy self.

Hiroko turns to face Fat Gum, still holding Kirishima in a hug, "My apologies Sir. That was very unprofessional."

Out of panic she releases him and stands at attention. Only to cringe when she hears the thud.

"Shit, sorry Kirishima!" She bends to check on him.

He smiles, "No worries. I'm fine. I am surprised to see you here though."

"Me too," she offers a hand to help him up.

"I can explain that," Fat Gum gestures them to sit down.

"When I Tamaki told me you were both interested I was hesitant at first since I am not the biggest company and thought it might hurt your development if I had too many work study students. But Tamaki here advocated for both of you and I couldn't ignore that passion," Fat Gum smiles wide enough that it covers his whole face.

Tamaki hunches his shoulders and pulls his hood further down trying to disappear entirely.

Hiroko bumps her elbow into him and whispers, "Thanks."

"DUDE THAT IS SO MANLY!" Kirishima shouts making Tamaki to somehow shrink more.

"Yes," Fat Gum brings attention back to himself. "After his explanation I realized it may help both of you become better heroes if you can cooperate with each other. Learning to deal with mistakes and have better responses next time."

Kirishima's smile grows as wide as Fat Gum's earlier. Hiroko looks into her hands being more pensive. Fat Gum glances at her and notices Tamaki peaking out from behind his hood as if analyzing her.

"With that lets get you started on patrol. Tamaki take Kirishima to the locker room to change into his hero suite."

"Sure," Tamaki states and walks away assuming Kirishima is directly behind him.

"Oh now?! OK! See you soon Hiroko," Kirishima follows after him.

The door closes and Fat Gum clears his throat, "Do you have something to say Karisma?"

"What? Me?" She points at herself confused.

"Yes. You should get used to your hero name since that is how we will exclusively be referring to each other in the field," he continues smiling.

"Yes. Of course Mr. Fat Gum." She pauses. "I guess your answer to why you accepted me doesn't quite make sense to me. I know Kirishima was probably thinking about the League of Villains attack."

Fat Gum nods in confirmation to knowing all details of that time.

"Reflecting on my actions during that time. I don't see any of them as mistakes; only unfortunate risks that needed to be made."

Fat Gum laughs surprising her, "Tamaki was right you are confident."

He gives a soft smile this time," Let me explain better. You are going to have to deal with a lot more tough circumstances than either Tamaki or Kirishima because you were put in the spotlight as a villain. I want to make sure you get a fair opportunity to be seen as a hero and not just showing off your strength. Make sense?"

Hiroko's face scrunches while she looks off to the side, "Yes? Especially since I won't wear my mask anymore."

Fat Gum pretends to ignore the questioning tone, "GREAT! Then lets get out their and show people you can be the hero we all know you can be."

Hiroko holds back her blush from the compliment but can't hide the goofy smile that forms on her face even when she tries to suppress it.

"FAT GUM! WE ARE READY!" Kirishma comes barging in again.

Fat Gum stands, "Perfect let's go RED RIOT! We will all be patrolling together so you learn the main route."

All three of them follow Fat Gum out into the city. Hiroko bumps into Kirhishima when she sees his nervous habit of clenching and unclenching his hands.

"Red Riot you are going to do great!"

"Thanks, Karisma."

Both of them feel more at ease knowing they have a friend to lean on if things get rough. As they take in the city and start noticing small details they never used to notice until Fat Gum gives them tips on how to patrol.

Kirishima takes a step closer to Hiroko after overhearing some comments as they stand in the middle of the square.

"Why is that villain with Fat Gum, mommy?"

"That is Karisma sweety."

"Oh! Her scar is kinda scary."

The mom makes eye contact with Red Riot, flinching from his disapproving stare. "That's not nice. Let's go home."

Similar comments can be heard, but Karisma does not react to any of them. Fat Gum has circled the team a few times and has gone up to people talking about their day and introducing his team.

Karisma steps away from the group and makes her way to a food stand at the corner. People move out of her way. Tamaki and Kirishima share a look knowing this isn't a fair reaction after seeing everyone eagerly approach Fat Gum when he made the effort.

Hiroko makes a calculating turn towards the alley before lighting it up in flames. The crowd turns toward the bright light and immense heat.

"KARISMA! Get back in formation!" Fat Gum runs over to her.

Tamaki and Kirishima get into attack stances facing her. Whispers become louder. Hiroko doesn't listen and stays perfectly still.

"Is she vandalizing the block?"

"Glad the heroes are here to take her in."

"Why are they hesitating?"c

"GET OUT OF THE WAY! They're armed!" Hiroko yells while pulling herself to the other wall for protection.

Knives come flying out of the alley then retract back into the darkness of the alley. Fat Gum pulls her back to the group, protecting her from the danger of the knives coming out one more time.

Three figures emerge from the alley making their presence known.

"What luck! What luck!"

"I can't believe we got a whole patrol of heroes."

"I told you they would come this way eventually."

Hiroko speaks loud enough for her team to hear, "There is one more. I'm sure of it."

All the heroes subtly nod their heads.