MHA: Harbinger of Fear - Male Reader x Midnight

Part 61

Dark, cold walls. Overhead lights that shined bright but were dimmed by a fine layer of dust. Gym machines and equipment that left small cracks or scuffs on the concrete floor.

It was all very simple to comprehend and quickly forget. The main interest for Rachel was an unsuspecting computer. It booted up fine and showed what she thought was its default wallpaper.

She sighed and rolled her eyes. She figured Y/N would have had some time for the costly machine but it looked to be for nothing more than business.

A distant tap of the foot and light presence cleared her mind but did little to sway her attention.

"This thing's a little outdated. When'd you buy it?" She asked. She couldn't help herself, everything in the aged machine was lacking in terms of speed and power.

It was expensive, yes, but at the rate technology developed her own computer made it look like a relic.

"I can't say I've bought it." A weathered voice replied. The unfamiliar sound made Rachel tense and her hands ball up into soft fists.

"Oh, er," She turned her chair and cleared her throat. Until now Torino had only shared brief glances, but now she saw his tired demeanor up close. "I thought you were Y/N."

"Mm." He descended the stairs at a relaxed pace. He wasn't making any sounds of effort so Rachel felt less guilty watching. "I thought you were a local at first. I had no idea you were American."

"Er, do locals—look like me?" Rachel asked. She didn't bother to correct him on her background.

"Some." He said vaguely. "You usually introduce yourself here. And I was wrong for assuming so."

"Is that why you looked grumpy?" She asked.

"Hmm." His hum flowed into a chuckle. He closed his eyes and raised his head in a half-nod, lightening the air. "I'm Sorahiko."

He held his hand out and Rachel took it. As she shook it, she wondered if that was his first or last name.

"Peters." She nodded. "Rachel's fine, too."

"Hmm." Torino seated himself on the floor, earning an awkward glance he didn't catch. "Y/N speaks highly of you."

"Oh," She chuckled with a blush. "It's not all that complicated."

"Have you considered working for an agency?"

"Mm, I don't think I'm familiar with what they do."

"They're support heroes." He nodded. "I'm not familiar with it either but I know it has a lot to do with what you do."

"Huh." She frowned in thought and shook her head. "It sounds... I dunno. I like to stay put."

"Most heroes stick to their own cities. Y/N has Musutafu and All Might once watched over Tokyo."

"So, hypothetically, if I were to join an agency I could do everything in the same room??"

"From my limited experience, yes."

"Were you in an agency?"

"No." He huffed an amused laugh. "I was a hero many, many years ago. Although I never had an agency of my own."

"Ohh, that explains a lot."

"I'm surprised Y/N hasn't told you."

"He's... told me a lot of things, but I haven't known him long." She crossed her arms and leaned into her chair, getting comfortable.

"From what he says he knew you in America."

"I guess you could say we were friends." Using the word now was pushing it. At best they were acquaintances, and at worst they were strangers.