Syphon's Peace

Chapter 4: A Stubborn Woman

After the EMT finished treating her ankle, leaving behind a slightly less angry burn, a weak muscle, and orders to take it easy for a day or two, Reina gingerly walked over to where the other heroes and officers had gathered, giving statements and taking a breather. She knew she would have to give her statement on what happened on her end, but she hoped it wouldn't take too long. It was already ten-thirty and she needed to get back to her apartment so she could shower and change for her class at noon.

The fire was finally out, the uncontrollable inferno seeming to dissipate after the perp was knocked unconscious and taken into custody. Perhaps his quirk allowed him to keep the flames burning at a hotter temperature, making it harder to stop?  It would make sense, and she made a mental note to discuss the possibility with Gregory after class later on.

Noticing her approach, Visage waved her over, a massive grin on his face. With a small smile, she joined him and the rest of their team from their agency.

"Whoa, Syphon, Visage was telling us about how you were kicking ass out there!"

"Yeah, we didn't know you had combat experience!"

Reina smiled sheepishly. "I actually don't. Just a bit of training. It really wasn't that big of a deal, guys!"

"Nonsense." Visage said, pushing his long dreads over his shoulder, shooting her a look that told her she was crazy. "You were amazing out there. If it wasn't for you, I would have been a goner. Don't sell yourself short kid."

Reina felt herself blush before she nodded once at the ebony rescue hero before her. He patted her on the back as the police came over to take their reports. Just as she finished giving the last of her statement, Reina felt a blast of wind at her back, she turned to see that Toshinori had landed behind her, next to the ambulances, with two people draped over his massive shoulders.

He passed them over to the EMT's before he turned, his smile blinding as he caught sight of her. Making his way over, Reina noticed how the people around him stopped to gawk at the hulking mountain of a man as he passed, and she couldn't contain her amused giggle at the sight. He raised one blonde eyebrow and tilted his head to the side curiously, his smile never faltering as he reached her stopping a couple of feet in front of her.

"Ya know, big guy, with the way you make people stop and stare, it's a wonder you haven't caused any accidents." Reina said with a chuckle, earning a booming laugh from him.

"You know, our mutual friends have pointed that out to me several times. I never noticed until recently how right they were." His smile widened as he caught site of the rest of her team as they were snickering behind her. Following his gaze, Syphon looked back at them, raising a quizzical brow, which only caused them all to laugh harder.

"Sorry, Syphon, but you're so short, you're literally eye level with this guy's belly button." Visage cackled, making her flush and swat at him playfully.

"RUDE!" she yelled, though she couldn't stop herself from laughing with him. It wasn't that far from the truth.

"How is your ankle, Syphon?" Toshinori asked after they had all calmed down from their laughing fits. She smiled at his concern.

"It's a little on the weak side, but the muscle was damaged a bit so that's to be expected. Other than that, it's just a mild burn. I'll be alright."

Looking down at her watch, Reina's eyes widened as she saw that it was now eleven. Cursing loudly, making everyone around her stare at her, she started limping back to her bike as quickly as possible, shouting her goodbyes over her shoulder. Behind her, she could hear Toshinori jog to catch up with her.

"What's the matter Reina?" he asked, startled by her change in attitude.

"Sorry, Toshinori. I just have a class at noon and I still have to go back to the apartment and shower and change." she explained as she swung her leg over her bike, which he was gawking at.

"Do you think your ankle is well enough to be riding that?" His voice had softened in concern, making Reina smile at the warm feeling it gave her. It felt nice to have someone care about you, even if it was a friend you just barely knew.

"I'll be fine, sweetie." She smiled at him as his expression told her he wasn't convinced.

"Well," he started, seemingly coming up with an idea as his massive smile once again graced his face, "I'm heading that way too. I'll watch over you from above."

She couldn't help but laugh as she fired up the bike, the roar of it vibrating in her chest. "Well, I guess it's a race then."

He had just opened his mouth to protest when she spun the bike around using her good foot and took off with a gleeful laugh. Chuckling, he jumped off in pursuit, amused by her playful daredevil ways. He also knew she wouldn't win. He had this in the bag.

"Alright, spill, how fast were you going?" he asked, astonished as he got to the building to find her waiting in the lobby.

She placed her hand over her heart, feigning indignation. "Why Yagi-san, are you suggesting I'm a speeder? The audacity!"

He rolled his eyes at her bravado as he started leading her to the elevator. "Yeah yeah. You just magically appeared here, huh?"

"Precisely!" She grinned up at him, her hair wind blown and tangled, and he thought she looked like an adorable mess. Blushing at the thought, he turned away quickly, ducking down to get on the elevator.

Once inside, she leaned against the wall, exhausted and trying to keep the pressure off of her ankle. She hated to admit it, but Toshinori had been justified in his concern earlier. Shifting the gears on her bike had caused her more pain than she cared to admit, and now the injury was burning and aching painfully. She sighed, she'd have to re-wrap it no doubt. Possibly even go to a proper doctor after class.

When the elevator dinged, she was surprised when Toshinori picked her up bridal style once again and started carrying her to the apartment. She opened her mouth to protest but he just shook his head.

"I'm more perceptive than you think, Reina, I can tell you're in pain. Let me help you. Dave warned me you were a stubborn woman." He shook his head with a chuckle. "He was right of course. And it's admirable to be able to stand on your own, but it's important to remember there are people that are happy to lend a hand should you need it."

Reina stared at him for a second before she felt herself smile. "You know, Toshi, you're a good man. We're going to be good friends."

He grinned as she reached down to unlock the door to her, no their, apartment. "I think I would like that."