R

21 . Tread Lightly.

[r4tpois0n]

PROFESSIONAL

+ Toyama Kazuko is a quirkless receptionist for Pro-Hero Uravity, and we learn just how far the sturdy and explosive heros are willing to go to get what they want.

+ Named reader insert and I am aware of how annoying it is, this will most likely be the last time I ever do this. for what its worth there is no appearance specifications.

warnings. none at the moment, but this will change with each chapter be aware this is a dark fic. big!Kirishima is a drug so my size kink coming out here oops

pairing. Eijirou Kirishima x reader. eventual Katsuki Bakugou x reader.

2.7k words.

Chapter two

Toyama had, in fact, thought about Red Riot some more that night. She had thought about him the next morning too, when he stood standing at her desk at 9am that Friday morning. She swallowed and pulled her mouth into a wide smile like she had yesterday. He was wearing his hero uniform again today, and it showcased to Toyama a large scar that ran from the centre of his ribcage, and around, disappearing behind his back.

“Good morning, Red Riot. Uravity is currently on a phone call, and she will be with you shortly” she said, her eyes flicking between him and her computer screen.

“Morning! Thank you, I don’t mind waiting.” He smiled, resting his huge forearm onto the cold ridge of the high desk. “Sorry, what was your name? I meant to ask” he said.

“No that’s okay,” She laughed nervously through the words. “I’m Toyama Kazuko.” Red Riot’s eyebrows pinched slightly, his gaze flickering through something else, something other than the constant softness she had only seen.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, and please call me Kirishima”

“That wouldn’t be very professional of me now, would it?” After the words left her mouth, something snapped inside of her, and Toyama realised that she was currently not being very professional. She opened her mouth to speak again but Red Riot beat her to the punch.

“I’m not like some of the other heroes; I’m just Kirishima at the end of the day” He said and cleared his throat after a short moment of pause. “Will you be attending the gala?”

“Oh, no,” She almost laughed, shaking her head softly. “No, I wish, Only Uravity’s PA will be going with her to make sure everything is in order.”

“That’s unfortunate, Kazu-” His word was cut short by Touko walking around the hall. She pushed her glasses up her nose with her manicured hands before speaking.

“Red Riot, Uravity is able to see you now. Have you been properly tended to as you waited?” She said, glancing over to Toyama through her sentence.

“Oh absolutely” He smiled and pushed off the desk. His eyes came back to her, and he winked before turning and walking down the hall towards the elevator. Toyama sat there in a state of shock for a handful of seconds before heat embarrassingly bloomed on her face, down her neck and deep down into her chest.

A certain kind of anxiety took ahold of Toyama throughout the rest of that morning, and she couldn’t explain why. She was anxious he would come back and she would have to speak and would inevitably make a fool out of herself. She was anxious for the chance that his wink was simply playful and nothing more. It sunk its teeth into her back and weighed her down as she walked down the road to a local café.

She stood amongst the flurry of suited men and women cradling coffee cups and rushing about like a school of fish, waiting for her order to be called. She couldn’t quite explain why anxiety had taken over her experience with Red Riot. Perhaps she had a crush on him like the rest of the world, maybe he saw that inside of her, the desperate little girl that never got kissed, the hopeful little girl who was picked last and laughed at regardless. Toyama flattened her hands over her grey pencil skirt, mindlessly picking at a loose thread along the side hem until a tray of coffees were placed onto the counter.

“Kazuko?” The lady asked. She thanked her and walked back out into the street.

Walking in high heels was something she had come to be accustomed to. Uravity wasn’t overly strict about her dress policy, but there existed an almost unspoken standard that she admittedly enjoyed being held to. She enjoyed the safety of routine, the rigidity of employment, the comfort of following policy. Over time, carrying a hot tray of coffees through the busy streets in heels became as easy to her as breathing.

Toyama lightly knocked on the glass door to Uravity’s office, and it was opened swiftly by Touko. She held her hands out to take the tray from Toyama before a voice interrupted her.

“Kazuko! Come in!” Uravity walked toward the door and held it open for her. Anxiety washed over her instantly, but regardless, she smiled happily and walked in, her hands still holding onto the tray of coffee.

“Hello, is there anything I can help with?” Toyama asked.

“It’s actually perfect you’re here,” She took a seat on the edge of her desk. “You know, Red Riot and I have been working closely surrounding the charity gala and whatnot” She began, and Toyama nodded long with her, placing her coffee onto the desk beside her.

“Well, Red Riot has come up with an idea that may support you professionally, as well as…” She thought for a second. “I guess bridge the gap between our agency’s connection for this Gala. Now, you do not have to say anything right now, but I was wondering if you would be open to acting as somewhat of the informant for Red Riot so that we are all on the same page, and allow us,” She motions between herself and Red Riot. “To take a step back and properly focus on expanding the charity’s reach on the night as a team, instead of two separate entities”

Toyama held onto the tray tightly, nodding along as she absorbed the offer. She cleared her throat and opened her mouth to speak again. “I don’t mean for this to come across the wrong way, so please forgive me…but…would something of this importance typically be Touko’s responsibility as your head assistant?” She almost cringed through the words.

“Typically? Yes, something like this would be up to Touko,” Uravity smiled and gestured towards her PA. “However, under these circumstances, Touko is entirely engaged by me for the needs of this gala, and Red Riot doesn’t feel his staff are equipped professionally for this job. Alongside that, you have shown an inept sense of precision that gives me confidence you are the best option for Red Riot considering Touko’s engagement with me” Uravity’s voice could make anything sound so sweet and fun. It settled the thrum of Toyama’s heart.

She glanced towards Red Riot, who’s smile hadn’t yet faltered.

“I deeply appreciate the offer for this; I would be happy to help in any way I can for this event.” She said and nodded her head. Uravity clapped her hands together in excitement.

Toyama then turned to walk towards Red Riot. He was sitting on the edge of one of the white plush couches across from Uravity, calmly sharing his thoughts on the matter. She bent down slightly to place his coffee on the small table Infront of him. As she did so, the arm of her navy blouse lifted, revealing the reddened burn still sitting there from the night before. Toyama watched his eyes flicker to it, then to her, and then back to Uravity. He thanked her as she stood and gave them both some distance.

“Essentially, Kazuko, you will be spending some time at Red Riot’s agency within the following weeks, kind of getting to know his associates that will be attending, as well as ensure there is a smooth flow of information regarding the charity initiative itself. You know, so that we are more unified…and I would like to express my gratitude for your hard work, and that it doesn’t go unnoticed by me, or apparently, by our visitors.” Uravity tilted her head towards Red Riot, whose smile wasn’t quite making it to his eyes anymore.

“Well, I appreciate your acknowledgement, and I will try my very best to help the Gala run smoothly.”

“Amazing! That’s all I wanted to say!” Uravity pressed her hands together, a huge smile taking over her face again. “Anything to add Red Riot?” She looks toward him.

“I’ll be in contact with you regarding the times we will be seeing each other. I won’t keep you long, my agency isn’t quite as…bright as this pink palace is” He laughed through the end of his sentence, sharp teeth revealed to Toyama. Uravity laughed alongside him, agreeing that she will forward him my email. It was almost as if he had snapped out of some trance, and his face had lit back up instantly like It had been before she handed him his coffee.

She walked out of Uravity’s office with excitement racing through her blood, simmering just under her professional composure. She felt like a giddy child with a balloon, anyone walking past her through the hall could probably see beams of light pouring out of her. Kazuko loved, more than anything else in the entire world, to be praised for her efforts, which may be a stock standard behaviour for most people, most people in life want to do well in whatever course they take. So, she tried not to think too hard on the feeling that followed that afternoon, the overwhelming happiness that made it hard to concentrate on the seemingly endless emails and phone calls regarding the gala.

The sun had begun to sink by the time she had finished up her work for the day, busying herself with the mundane closing tasks of the office when a small handful of her coworkers approached. At the front of the group was Rindo, who threw up a thumbs up as he opened his mouth to speak.

“Kazuko! You still coming out with us? We were thinking of just going down the road to Eve. Have you been there?” He asks, and the others he came up with smiled warmly at her.

“No, I haven’t, but Ive heard its nice!” She replied, and one of her coworkers stepped forward. Asami Ashino worked in the social team and always said good morning when she walked in, and Toyama remembered always wanting to compliment her hair. It was a dark cherry red colour and was always pinned up or tied back in intricate ways.

“I’m so happy this idiot invited you out, I’ve been begging for another girl for a literal eternity.” Ashino said, her curly hair bouncing against her cheeks as she spoke.

“I’m so happy to have been invited!” She replied, looking behind Ashino and toward Ryuichi Itani, who stood looking slightly behind with a small smile tugging at one side of his mouth. He worked in the HR department with Rindo, and Toyama had, admittedly, only ever seen him in the kitchen as he made a coffee in a bright green mug.

“Hi! Its Itani, right?” She knew it was. He nodded at her, a smile erupting through his face, entirely replacing the slight unamused expression he had on his face before.

The group began to walk toward a rooftop bar called Eve. The air held an obvious twinge of that awkward first meeting tension. And it was through that twinge that Toyama realised that Ashino was a genuinely kind, bubbly person who tried hard to entwine Toyama into their conversations as if she was a friend of her own. The bar was, evidently, the place to be on a Friday night it seemed. People were everywhere, the entire floor buzzing with chatting and laughter and the small group found a place to settle by one of the high tables that overlooked the cityscape beneath them. Toyama looked over it all, at the lights as they poured from the streets and tall buildings around them…and then she saw it. The face of the building was darkened by night, casting deep shadow across the glossy windows but she couldn’t miss it, Red Riot’s agency standing proudly, his logo glowing through the darkness. She had been snapped from her thoughts when she felt someone touch her arm gently. Her head flicked toward Ashino, who was pressing a manicured hand to her.

“Sorry, Itani’s going up to the bar. You want anything?” She smiled.

“Are we all going up to order?” I asked.

“We usually just go for rounds one at a time!” The music made her lean in closer to my ear.

“Okay, sure” I turned to Itani. “Could I just get a cosmopolitan?” Itani gave me a thumbs up in response before he turned to go to the bar.

“So Kazuko, are you dating anybody?” Ashino asked, leaning her head in her hands on the table. I saw Rindo lean forward in the corner of my eye.

“No definitely not” She laughed.

“Girl why not?” Ashino asked, her face morphing into shock. “Are you on the apps?”

“I’m on and off to be honest.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I just feel like men these days just don’t try anymore” Toyama glanced to Rindo. “Sorry Rindo, I’m sure you treat your wife beautifully”

“Because she beats me into submission. That’s the key, Kazuko. Find yourself a man who will yearn.” Rindo sticks a finger between us, downing a huge gulp of his beer. Itani returned just as Ashido and Toyama finished laughing at his statement, setting down each drink.

As he set Toyama’s drink down, it slipped slightly and a little splash of hot pink liquid splashed onto her face.

“Fuck, Sorry.” Itani laughed. “Let me get a napkin”

“No no, it’s fine, it’s literally one drop. Ive got one in my bag anyways” She looked down and began to look through her purse when she got distracted by some of the notifications on her phone. Red Riot had emailed her already about her going to his agency. She skimmed the email so fast she didn’t even register what it was saying.

“Everything okay?” Rindo asked, glancing toward her illuminated phone screen, and then back to her eyes.

“No, yeah its nothing!” She dabbed the wet spot under her eye with her fingers. “it’s just the gala Uravity and Red Riot are doing at the moment. He’s just emailed me. That’s all” she said shrugging.

“He emailed you now?” Itani asked.

“Girl you should go for that” Ashido interjected Itani’s question.

“God no! He’s a Pro Hero, and I’m the girl who answers the phone. We’re like worlds apart. And what if he said no? Id have to quit my job” Toyama said, taking a large sip of her drink.

“You do not just answer the phone, Kazuko. Give yourself some more credit.” Rindo said, the alcohol slightly blurring his words.

“And you know what else? You wouldn’t have to quit your job because you know what? One time Touko once caught me stealing one of those little pink mints from Uravity’s office.” Ashino added, pressing her hand to Toyama’s arm again as if she were attempting to support her. It was working, and the whole group seemed to burst into a loud laughter that warmed her from the inside out. “if that can happen to me, and I still show up, you can try to get a little something from him.”

“Kazuko” Itani stated, and she snapped her head to him. “emailing on a Friday at night in the corporate world is pretty much like sexting.”

“Fuck right off, that is not true at all!” Ashino yelled out, finishing off her drink in one final swig. Itani’s mouth fell open and he looked over to Rindo for him to back him up and all he did was hold up his hand, the golden band twinkling in the soft light.

The night trailed on until the early morning, and something that night had grown inside of Toyama that she hadn’t felt in a long time. It was something bright, something that went, for so long, unseen for her. Toyama tasted friendship for the first time in a long time, and she loved it. She let the Red Riot slip past her as she enjoyed her night, but there it sat in her phone

Kazuko,

Thank you for accepting the offer and offering your time to this cause, and me. I apologize that I am emailing you during your personal time, I have had my thoughts consumed on other things and wanted to ensure we were both on the same page.

We have about three weeks until the gala, and I would like it if you came to my agency each Monday & Friday from 12-5. Uravity felt that two half days would better suit her, so rest assured she is happy for this schedule as well. My agency is a five minute walk from Uravity’s agency, and I hope that this shift doesn’t intervene with your commute if you have one.

I’ll see you Monday.

Yours Sincerely,

Eijirou Kirishima – Red Riot.

[r4tpois0n]

PROFESSIONAL

+ Toyama Kazuko is a quirkless receptionist for Pro-Hero Uravity, and we learn just how far the sturdy and explosive heros are willing to go to get what they want.

+ Named reader insert and I am aware of how annoying it is, this will most likely be the last time I ever do this. for what its worth there is no appearance specifications.

warnings. none at the moment, but this will change with each chapter be aware this is a dark fic.

pairing. Eijirou Kirishima x reader. eventual Katsuki Bakugou x reader.

2.4k words.

Chapter one

Toyama Kazuko had come to understand a few simple things about the world before the age of 18. There are monsters that lurk in the shadows, that haunt alleyways and under bedframes, and slink through the world to hurt good people and ruin good things. But there are also monsters who exist in the light, who swell with admiration, love and garner fans and cronies. They are monsters deep down inside, it’s in their heart, weaved into the fabric of their souls. She had admittedly carried with her more fear of those monsters, than the ones that sit behind bars. Because some monsters will be free for their entire lifetimes, blazing pain and hurt behind them all the way down to hell and they’ll do it smiling.

She had not been born lucky like most. She was born quirkless. That stood as the apparent testament of her as a person, the culmination of her character. The impression was like an unspoken idea, an unanswered question without beginning or end. Without a quirk, She was a lesser than version of everyone else, something to be warned about – a liability at the end of the day, or at the start of a new job.

“it would be for the best if you list your quirk on your resume, looks more appealing to future employers”

She had been told that when she went for her very first internship while studying in her first year of university. Toyama had, at the time, just nodded and agreed with the overweight balding man who had done nothing but scoff at her and lick the corner of his lips the entire interview. She had been offered the job, but didn’t take it. She should have, in the end.

Luckily enough, she had landed a job working as a receptionist at pro hero Uravity’s agency within the same year, and it was all because of her dad’s personal connections to the Hero commission. On the rare occasion, Nepotism can work to one’s advantage just when you need it most, which was something that Toyama had come to learn when she first walked into the agency.

Uravity was a kind, thoughtful boss who very often was consumed in her work that occurred outside of the office. She was always off visiting schools or charity events or out on patrol doing the things that heroes do. Which meant that Toyama spent a lot of her time sending and replying to emails, answering the phones, and the occasional shopping trip for when Uravity’s PA was too busy. Which is exactly what she had been spending that sunny Thursday morning doing. There was a big summer charity gala coming up for the pro’s, which meant stopping into the labels that sponsor Uravity, and choose to blast her face on billboards and the sides of buses.

She glanced down at her watch moments before the doors to the local Chanel store opened before her. She huffed out a breath as she entered, and the man behind the counter laughed briskly in her direction.

“Everything is still being prepared” Genji pointed one finger towards the upper floor and smiled. “At least you’re on time this time around”

“You know the guys at Hermes take forever. For fuck’s sake, I went in to get a throw blanket for her couch, and they make me wait 20 minutes!” Kazuko laughed, causing one older woman nearby to shake her head as she browsed.

“Don’t go there anymore, tell Uravity we will never keep her waiting.” Genji smirked, resting his head in his hands.

“Except right now, evidently”

“What do you think this is Kazuko? A sweatshop?” He rolled his eyes at her, taking a small bottle of sparkling water from another attendant and handing it over. She thanked him and slowly sipped at the cool bottle. As she took another sip, a large black bag was brought toward the counter, a large white flower pressed to the front.

“I need to double check everything is in order. We have the pink gown with the small clutch and shoes in white?” She asked, and Genji nodded along with her.

“It’s all there, Kazuko” He smiled, and handed over the bag.

“Pay to the usual account, please” She smiled and began to walk out of the store.

It was a short walk back to the office and given the location and high density of pro hero agencies, Toyama was assured no one would try to steal the outfit from her. She set it onto Uravity’s large marble desk in her office and walked out. For as long as she had the job, she tried her very best to be as professional as possible at all times. Kazuko loved her job, and coworkers, and no snoop would be worth losing it now. She had hoped in a year or two she would be bumped up to Uravity’s PA. Until that day, she would keep on trying her best with the opportunity she had been given. Toyama settled back into the sunken desk facing the revolving doors of the agency, the cream marble cutting through the view of the door. She got to work, the sound of keyboard clicking drowning out the last few hours of the working day until the revolving door carried through it a person – a hero. Her lips curled into an immediate smile as she had done all that time before, and watched the large man walk towards the desk.

“Hello, Red Riot. How can I help you this afternoon?” She smiled up at him, ceasing the movement of her fingers to offer him all of her attention. His mouth spread open into a handsome, genuine grin.

“Good afternoon. I have a meeting with Uravity at 2…fuck, I’m too early, aren’t I?” He scratched the back of his head, grin unwavering.

“Please, don’t apologise. Uravity is currently out touching base with the charity gala organisers, and she should be back very shortly. You’re more than welcome to take a seat and I will check up on how her business is progressing” She replied, offering a sympathetic smile towards him. Within that moment, a realisation had come crashing down onto her, and it was that Pro hero Red Riot may just have been the best looking man she had ever come across.

“Great, thank you” He nodded, and turned to take a seat in the sitting area just next to the desk. She watched him as he walked away, observing his bare back in his hero uniform. It was almost as if he were carved out of stone, each divot and ridge of his muscular back entirely uniform, completely perfect. It wasn’t surprising, and she had expected nothing less from the number 3 ranked hero. She pried her eyes off of his body and toward the phone, quickly dialling Uravity’s PA to see where they were up to in their day. When she had an update, she stood from her seat and straightened up before walking over to Red Riot. He was sitting on one of the large pink couches offered to guests, seemingly lost in thought when Kazuko approached him.

“Sorry to interrupt, Sir” she smiled down to him, and Red Riot snapped his head in her direction, out of whatever thought had taken ahold of him and back to her with that grin over his face again. No wonder everyone loved him. “Uravity is on her way back to the office now, can I offer you anything whilst you wait? I can get you a sparkling water, coffee, tea, juice?” She offered.

“Are all of Uravity’s employees this professional?” He asked, and she watched his eyes flicker over her body briefly before they settled back onto her eyes. Kazuko’s head fell to one side and she smiled deeper somehow, and the sensation travelled down her ribs, warming her all over.

“Only the best of us” she said. “So, is there anything I can get you, Sir?”

“Please, call me Kirishima” He rubbed his hands over each other as he spoke. “Thank you for the offer, I’m alright though”

She turned and walked back to the front desk, sitting down and hiding away from sight so he wasn’t able to see her try to catch her breath. His demeanour oozed a type of kindness that a lot of men these days seem unable to show. It was undeniably attractive and went hand in hand with his looks and heroic persona.

Uravity came through the doors after a handful of silent minutes, her PA visibly ticked off as she followed our cities number 6 pro. Red Riot stood and warmly greeted her like good friends typically would before they walked down the hallway and towards the elevator. The aforementioned expression of Uravity’s PA, Touko became understood when she marched over to Kazuko as the Heroes left the vicinity.

“Kazuko” Touko said her name as if she were addressing something on the bottom of her heel. She winced as Touko said it, a burning sensation replacing the bubbles that lived there moments before.

“I trust you are aware of my role at the company, and you are aware of yours.” She stated, staring down at Kazuko through her thin glasses. She nodded her head slowly. “I do not need you to call me to remind me of Uravity’s appointments. It is my job to do that and ensure she is where she needs to be at all times, to ensure all of her needs are met swiftly.” Touko’s tone lingered between two things. Embarrassment and anger. Kazuko wanted to ask her if she had forgotten, if she had let Red Riot slip through the cracks? She opted to keep it to herself.

“I apologize, next time I will advise the visitor that Uravity will be with them shortly” she replied, offering a smile like she would to everyone else. Pain stung the inside of her chest at the thought of doing something wrong. It was an innate, and inescapable sensation that had existed since she was small. Any spilt drink, broken toy, any small mistake was a devastation. It felt as though she travelled through the world making continuous mountains out of inevitable molehills, and it killed her all the same each time.

She seemed pleased with Kazuko’s submission and nodded, turning and clicked herself down the hall to follow her boss. She fought the burn in the back of her throat and got back to work for the rest of the afternoon. 5pm dragged its heels through the agency, her coworkers slowly slipping out of the doors one by one. Kazuko was doing some filing when one of her coworkers approached the desk. She looked up to him and smiled.

“Hey, Kazuko” He tapped his knuckles on the desk once. “Me and a few others are going out for some drinks tomorrow night, and I wanted to extend the invitation to you as well” He said, smiling back at her warmly.

“really? Oh, that’s so kind. Id love that!” Kazuko had allowed her excitement to get the better of her in that moment. She had spent a lot of her life without friends to be entirely honest, so the idea of being thought of seemed to flood her with contentment.

“Don’t sweat it, it’ll be a good time! Anyway, have a good night Kazuko!” He called out as he left the building.

There was a new kind of spirit that had been ignited in her as she stepped onto the train that evening. Growing up, Toyama had always felt abnormal, and it showed fourth in all of her relationships with friends and peers. She remembers the way she would sit and watch the more popular of her peers during recess. it was only ever out of admiration, and would watch the way they did their hair, or how they laughed, how their hands would move and the kind of shoes they would wear. She tried her hardest to copy their mannerisms, to make herself act more like them, act more…normal. She could never figure it out, why, exactly what seemed as easy as a breath to them, took active effort from her. Maybe that was why she poured everything she could into her work ethic, because the loneliness of estrangement would be harder to face than a warning from her superior.

She stepped off the train and into the cold night air, and her arms instinctively shot up to wrap around her middle. Toyama walked the short, illuminated distance to her apartment building. It was old, and not as flashy as what some of the apartments her coworkers rented, but it was hers, her home. She walked up one flight of stairs and opened the door, dropping her bag to the floor and kicking her heels off before making her way to the bathroom. Toyama bent over the bathtub and twisted the squeaky faucets, holding her wrist under the rushing water to know when it was hot enough. As she waited, her mind drifted away to Red Riot, the sight of his back, his smile, his sharp teeth erupted in her memory: white hot and incredibly distracting – so distracting, the sharp burn of boiling water on her skin is what tore her from him again.

“Fuck” She hissed, pressing her wrist to her chest. Toyama held it there momentarily before peeling it back to reveal the damage. The skin was red, but nothing more and it would soon fade away as if it never happened. She sighed and pressed the plug into the bottom of the tub, squeezing in more than enough soap to create mountains of bubbles to sink into.

She stripped down and stepped into the shallow bath, promising herself that one day she would live in a home with a deep bath, deep enough to where she could let her whole body disappear under the water. Until then, she would just have to stare at her toes peeking up at the end of the tub. Toyama’s mind travelled back to Red Riot, he wouldn’t even fit in here he’s so big, she thought. She squeezed her eyes shut and shook the thought away, shutting him out. She spoke to the ridge of the bathtub, like some kind of silent oath.

“I will not think of him anymore” She whispered to herself, letting her head fall to the side edge of the tub.

Thank you for reading! love!