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Earlier that day in class, Aizawa lead the class discussion with the question that corrupted you and your peers' minds: Should work studies be opened up to first-year students? Obviously, majority of the class was for it, all except for Bakugo (who sulked because he didn't attain his provisional license). Ultimately, it was up to the staff to decide what was best. The verdict was that agencies with proven track records that are willing to take on first-years will be acceptable.
To your dismay, Mirko wasn't an option; she preferred to do hero work in her own style. You respected her independence and even admired her for it. As for Hawks, his agency was located in Kyushu, which was way too far for you to travel everyday. They both felt bad about the situation, agreeing they would take you out one night to your favorite restaurant in return.
The silent breeze coming into your room through the open window caused the fly-aways in your hair to sway. The setting sun's rays caused a glare on the television, which served as background noise while you aimlessly scrolled through social media. You looked up from your phone in complete dissatisfaction. You almost wanted to give up, you didn't have any other connections with heroes who would be willing to take you on.
You stood from your desk, making your way to the comfy bed that sat in the corner. You flopped on the bed—the feeling of defeat sunk into your body. Everybody else in your class would have joined an agency by now. You felt you were falling behind. The work study wasn't required, but it's an opportunity being presented on a silver platter and you wanted to take advantage of it.
You felt a vibration coming from the phone in your hand, instantly, you picked it up. You gawked at the call coming from Hawks, it was an unusual thing for him to do out of the blue. You curiously answered, concerned for what news the blonde had for you.
"Hey, kiddo. Are you busy?" You could see the grin on Hawks' face clear as day by the way he spoke.
"No. What's up?"
He hesitated, sucking his teeth before he could get a word out. "So, I pulled some strings and I was able to get you a work study." The smile returned to your face once you heard this information. You were about to thank him, but he continued, "Buttt I don't think you'll like who it is. And trust me, if I could, I would totally move my agency to be closer to you, but you know, that would take weeks."
"Who is it?" When Hawks didn't say anything the giddy feeling you had before perished into the back of your mind. After the moment of silence you made a joke to lighten the mood, "Its not Endeavor, is it? That would be evil of you if—"
"It's Endeavor." You wanted to scream. Not only was Endeavor the public's number one enemy in your mind, but you also kissed his kid. Sometimes you forget they're related; Todoroki acts nothing like his father. You wondered if Todoroki told him or if he found out somehow. Surely, if the Aizawa told Mirko, he had to have told Endeavor. Hawks took your laconism as a sign to carry on, "He wants you to meet him tomorrow morning at his office. He made an appointment for you and took the time out of his hours just to talk to you. (Y/N), not only does he, but I expect you to be there."
"Really?" Was all you could rally in your vocabulary.
"Really." Hawks sighed. He knew you wouldn't be happy about it, but he figured it was better than having no work study at all—and you could agree with him on that. "I've gotta go, but we can talk about it after, okay?"
"Okay. Thank you, Hawks."
"No problem, kid. And it's Keigo when we're not on the job, alright?" Hawks said, he could hear the disappointment dripping in your tone. Regardless, he was stern about you going to the meeting tomorrow. "Get some sleep, (Y/N)."
"Goodnight, Keigo." You hung up. You started chewing on your nails out of bad habit. The rough, uneven tips poking at your lips as your nails made contact. That night, you laid in bed, thrashing in the wave of sheets and comforters. You wouldn't sit still at the thought of seeing Endeavor's smug face again. You hated him.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
The elevator's ding signified the opening of the doors to Endeavor's office. His empty yet glamorous office was intimidating due to the lack of personality it held. All that sat in the room was a tiny desk with Endeavor himself, sitting, gawking at his computer. He closed the laptop, looking up at you. He took note that you arrived in your school uniform instead of your hero costume.
You stepped onto the shining marble floors of the office, observing the room in a full perspective. The pillars basked in the morning sunlight making the area look like it was apart of a palace.
"Take a seat." Endeavor pointed to the chair in front of his desk, opposing his position. His fingers intertwined in the mahogany wood of his desk as he waited for you. The chair had cushions, so at least you wouldn't be uncomfortable while the gathering took place. Once you were settled, he began, "It's come to my attention that you would like to pursue a work study under me. When Hawks called, it surprised me, given our history and conflicting opinions. But I figured if I can't have my son in your place, then why not appease the public by taking another U.A. student under my wing."
It was clear the only thing he wanted was to appeal and meet societies standards as a hero who 'cares' for the next generation. Not even a minute into the conversation and you already wanted to walk out, but you kept your cool. You reminded yourself that this is what you wanted, to grow and practice disregarding whoever it is that helps you.
"That's right." You nodded.
Endeavor noticed your shortness in words, finding it odd for someone who liked to run their mouth so much. He liked it like that. Someone who wouldn't talk back because he knew you depended on the approval of this work study. He was ready to stamp your contract, with the condition that he will work you to the bone. "This will not be like work studies offered in other fields, which may range from a day to a week long. You will be working here one month minimum, with compensation, naturally. As a first year with many classes, you will need to take numerous excuses absences. As such, you will fall behind your classmates."
"I'm willing to take that risk. I keep up in my classes enough that I shouldn't fall too behind." You crossed your arms and leaned back in the chair, feeling more at ease and collected after hearing the arrangement you would be committing to.
"While working at my agency, you can expect to patrol the cities and put a stop to everyday disturbances such as theft and other crimes committed. You will also have paperwork. After each incident, you will file a report and solidify your case. That'll be your homework." Endeavor sighed as he continued to drone on about other possibilities that would be included in your stay. "You won't have an office, not that you should've been expecting one, but it's just a heads up."
"Sounds great." You pulled the piece of paper from your pocket—the contract to ensure the terms and conditions. Endeavor opened a drawer, pulling out a small stamper compared to the size of his massive hand. He paused just before the stamp came in contact with the paper.
"This won't be easy, (Y/N). Work study is different than an internship. Now that you have your provisional license you're expected to do more."
"I know." You took a deep breath, exhaling before you continued. "I'm sure I want to do this." You spoke as if you were telling yourself more than reassuring Endeavor's doubts.
Endeavor's eyes softened, slamming the stamp onto the slip then handing it back to you. The red inked letters bled through. "Be ready. Your first day will be easy. We're leaving here tomorrow at three after school."
