an ODST among Heroes.

S3-4

"The look suits you, Halsey," Shoto remarked, his gaze appraising the new police uniform that both Monika and Izuku wore. They sat across from Endeavor and his son at the restaurant, the faint hum of conversation in the background.

Izuku gave a modest smile. "Thanks. And Enji, I really am sorry for that thing I did."

Endeavor's intense eyes shifted towards Izuku, narrowing slightly as if evaluating the sincerity of his apology. After a brief pause, the pro hero waved it off. "No need for apologies. We all have our moments. What's important is what we do next."

"Fair enough," Izuku said, feeling somewhat relieved. He was still adjusting to this new dynamic with the top-tier heroes of his world, but it was hard not to respect the man sitting across from him.

"So," Endeavor said, his voice taking on a more curious tone, "you're Izuku Halsey." He extended his hand, firm and confident. Izuku reached out and shook it, feeling the weight of the gesture. "It's an honor to meet a fellow hero."

Izuku nodded, matching Endeavor's seriousness with his own. "Thank you, sir. It's an honor to meet you as well."

Endeavor’s eyes flickered with a mix of scrutiny and acknowledgment. "I understand you and my son fought together in the field."

Izuku glanced at Shoto briefly, then turned back to Endeavor. "One of the finest I had under me, sir. Shoto... he’s got heart. I just wish the mission had gone better. But at the end of the day, I’m glad we came home with everyone we could."

Endeavor's stern expression softened just the slightest bit, and he nodded, his voice low but approving. "You did good, Halsey. There’s no shame in that."

Monika, who had been quietly listening, added, "Izuku doesn't like to take credit, but he really earned it today." She gave Izuku a slight grin, a silent acknowledgment of the weight he carried.

Endeavor’s gaze lingered on them for a moment, then he leaned back slightly in his chair. "Well, after all that... order whatever you want today, Halsey. You've earned it, and more, with the help you’ve given us."

Izuku looked momentarily surprised but quickly smiled. "Thank you, sir. I appreciate it."

As they settled into a more relaxed conversation, Izuku found himself feeling a sense of camaraderie with the pro heroes. Despite their differences and the battle that had just passed, they were united in their shared goals. And for a brief moment, it felt like everything could be okay.

---

After the debrief, Izuku and Monika headed home together. The weight of the day’s events hung in the air, but there was a quiet calm between them as they made their way to the apartment. The world outside had settled into its usual pace, but for them, everything felt different. The adrenaline from the fight, the tension of the mission, and the burden of responsibility all seemed to melt away as they walked side by side.

They arrived at the apartment, and after stepping inside, the door clicked shut behind them. Monika took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing as she let go of the tension that had built up during the day. "Feels good to be home," she said softly, a hint of exhaustion in her voice.

Izuku nodded, moving toward the couch. "Yeah, it’s nice to have a quiet moment for once." He set down his gear, letting out a sigh as he finally allowed himself to relax.

Monika, however, didn’t sit down. Instead, she turned to face him, her gaze soft but intense. "Izuku," she began, her voice quiet but carrying a weight of unspoken emotion, "there's something I’ve been wanting to say."

Izuku looked up at her, his brow furrowed slightly, unsure of where this was going. "What’s up, Monika?"

Before he could react further, Monika closed the distance between them. In a swift, unexpected movement, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a gentle, yet firm embrace. Izuku’s eyes widened in surprise, his body instinctively tensing, but it wasn’t long before he relaxed into the warmth of her arms.