The thought of death crossed her mind. It left an ugly feeling in her, before fizzling out just as quickly. It was a feeling that rose up often, but it had no need to be here now.

Her head tilted more to the right, lining the scope better. Izuku's finger tightened around the trigger, and a muffled shot slightly echoed around her. Her eyes watched through the scope, as the man slumped forward onto his desk.

She was on top of a building across from the target office building. It was relatively small, and the building she was in was a nice apartment building. It was night, and the target always stayed late, keeping his office light on. Easy to see activity through, as he always left one of the blinds half open.

Right now she would have plenty of time to leave. But the quicker the better. Only one other person stayed in that building this late. They would find his body in about an hour. More or less.

Quickly dismantling her equipment and packing it up, she slipped back into the previously locked door. Right now she has a metal face mask that looks like sharp teeth covering her mouth. Underneath it had her black face cover, going up under her eyes, and covering her hair as well. She opted out of her normal heavy duty gear tonight, and wore a simple black hood over her, which disguised her easier.

Her bullet proof vest was a must, a back up if you will. Several packs lined her waist, hanging off her hips. Important things just in case something went south. She slid off the packs, hood, and mask. Slipping them into her bag, she pulled on a bulky jacket that covered her vest and outfit. She quickly pulled up some loose fitting pants, over her bottoms. A beanie was pulled over her hair.

She made her way down the stairs, going down to the bottom. When she left, she was positive she blended in. Not many people were out, but everyone was bundled up due to the cold weather. She looked like any other resident or visitor.

She checked her watch and hummed. A call should be coming soon. She shifted the heavy bag hanging from her shoulder. A slight ache forming from the pressure weighing down on a healing bruise.

After several blocks, she reached the airport. Her hotel would have all her belongings cleared for her already. It wasn't often she was to travel long distances like this mission. Getting through security was a breeze, when multiple governments were involved. A hit that clean cut and dry, she wondered faintly why she was pulled for it. It was too simple and small of a job.

When she arrived back in Japan, she took her time going back home. She stayed on autopilot as she took the subway and traversed the streets. Eventually she slowed as she got to her street, it was an area between low and middle class. Not much crime and people still stayed to themselves. No nosy neighbors.

The house was her current home base. Sometimes she could be gone for long periods of time, but she always came back to her home. Eventually arriving home, she unlocked the door and slipped inside, locking the door behind her. A wave of relief washed over her as she flicked on her lights.

"I need to clean."

She grimaced at the mess she left herself. It wasn't bad per say, but still would take a bit to clean up. That was a problem for future her though.

Izuku kicked off her boots and tugged off the jacket, along with the vest and gear she left on underneath. Peeling back her layers of clothes, until she was in her undergarments. Izuku reached for the partially open salve resting on her countertop in the kitchen. Her hands gently apply it to her shoulder.

Her skin was covered in cuts, bruises and old scars. The particular nasty one on her shoulder was from a week ago, when she had an unexpected physical altercation with a target and his crew. She had managed to slit her target's throat before she was tackled by a guard with a physical quirk. It was unplanned, as there was an unknown sensory quirk involved. It led to a restless night and irritation at her own recklessness. It was a dumb mistake. But she had been working off of several days with no sleep.

After she redressed, she opened her laptop and placed it on the counter in front of her while she made a snack before she went to bed. Within a second of her popping food into her mouth, the computer started ringing.

She clicked the answer button on the video call and sighed.

"Deku reporting. Connection clear?"

She leaned on the counter holding a plate of food that she shoved into her mouth..

"Connection clear. Communication is safe. Reporting, all video evidence has been scrubbed of you entering and leaving the building as a precaution. Police reported to the location up to an hour after your departure. No heroes were involved. It was a clean job."

"Understood. No issues on my end. Went without a hitch. No witnesses."

The person on the other side of the screen nodded their head and closed the file they had in their hand.

"Payment will be sent promptly. No new missions. Return to office tomorrow to give a formal report"

The call clicked off. Straight to the point, cut and dry. She was one hundred percent okay with that. The less interaction the better.

She finished her plate and cleaned up, and went to her room. When she laid down, she stared up at the ceiling.

Mid fifties, wife, three children, all successful. Active grandfather, father, and husband to his family. Was a family man. He was the head of an office supporting the media. His quirk was small and nothing of importance.

The man had been embezzling money for decades. Which wasn't the issue with her employer. It was what he was doing with it. He has been funding anti government and hero groups. With him taken out, she was sure she would be dispatched again soon, to take care of stragglers, once the branch he was helping dissolved.

Her arm covered her eyes as she recounted the ring in her ears, despite the silencer.

Despite her closed eyes, she didn't sleep a bit.

The next morning she dragged herself from bed. She needed to go in today. After a quick shower, she combed the knots and tangles out of her long messy green hair. She tied it into a simple bun.

She pulled on a black tank top and white graphic tee over it. It said 'T-Shirt'. She thought it was quite hilarious. It was one of her favorites. She slipped on a hollister on her pants, and tucked a pistol snuggly inside. As well as keeping herself strapped with a few knives under her pants, and one tucked in her combat boots, it most likely wouldn't see.

She shrugged on a light tan jacket. It and the Tshirt covered the hollister easily, and also covered her arms from old scars.

Izuku glanced in the mirror, and debated putting on makeup, to cover the horrid circles under her eyes, but decided it would take too much time. She wasn't trying to win any beauty contests. She slipped on a black medical mask and left.

It took about an hour and a half to reach the main building. As she approached the front, her eyes squinted at the small gathering at the front. It was the hero Hawks, surrounded by a small group of fans and a reporter.

She nearly ignored it, but as she went to push in the doors, she caught his eye for a moment, and it caused her to pause. He didn't look that good. He was grinning and talking to the small group, but a small sheen seemed to cover him, like he was sweating. His eyes, under the yellow visor, seemed the slightest unfocused. As well as the slight sway one would barely notice as he stood there.

She closed her eyes and leaned her head down in the metal door frame for a moment. She shouldn't get involved, but if something happens, it could cause a scandal if the pro hero Hawks suddenly collapsed.

Turning to the crowd she sighed. She put on a professional smile and waved largely at the hero, who seemed taken aback for a moment. She slipped on a lanyard she had shoved in her pocket with a badge on it.

"Hawks! You're late for your meeting, please hurry!"

The small group of people backed up and apologized profusely for making him late, and she slipped through them, and grabbed his coat sleeve. She pulled him from the group of people to the door. He turned slightly and waved to the group of people.

"Ah I'm sorry! Thank you so much for showing your appreciation! But as you can see I'm running a bit behind! You all have a great day! Don't forget to post those selfies we took!"

He winked and turned to her immediately as she pulled him into the building. She dropped his sleeve and His smile dropped and he seemed to sag into himself.

"You have no idea how thankful I am right now. While I am actually late for a meeting, I don't think you're for that. I've seen you around here several times, but haven't even spoken with you."

She sighed heaving and tore the badge from her neck and shoved it in her pocket. She hated the feeling of it.

"You didn't look too good. You should go to the med bay and get checked on when you're done reporting."

She said this in a low tone, and looked off, as to make sure no one overheard. His eyes narrowed and seemed to scrutinize her closely for a moment. But then he raised a black gloves hand to his hair and smiled as he ruffled his hair.

"That bad, huh? Well thanks anyways."

He saluted her and wandered off. He was probably curious because regular workers don't know about the med bay. Only certain agents had that knowledge.

She hadn't exactly met him face to face before, but she knew who he was and what he's been trained to do.

She made her way up to the top floors and knocked on the door at the end of the hallway.

"Come in"

She opened the door and let it click shut behind her. She nodded at the woman and stood upright, with her hands clasped behind her back.

"Welcome Deku. Everything went smoothly I assume?"

She nodded.

"You may sit."

The woman had short brown hair, and glasses perched at the end of her nose. She was the epitome of eloquence, in the way she carried herself. Her form sitting straight up, and not a stray hair even sticking out.

The woman tapped her pen against some papers and pushed them across the table.

"Fill these out, in detail. You know the drill. Leave nothing out."

Izuku nodded and went to work.

She knew not to speak unless otherwise requested.

While she was an important figure to the government, she was a toy to the commission.

The government trained and made her, but she was partially granted to the commission, as there had been some agreements made.

While the commission excelled in heros, the government still had the military. She had been trained since she was young, and was well known through the military. The commission was a thorn in their sides, using the media and Heros to steer the population's mind and manner.

The government's been working on the program, with the commission for ages. While Heros were necessary, the complete lack of control over the population, and rampant crime, was a disaster compared to other countries.

Recently they had a meeting with the commission, and relinquished her to them as a temporary 'gift' per say. The commission knew she was a spy, and were careful around her with information. But they also treated her like a dog. Sending her on operation or missions, they wouldn't spare their own agents for.

They had terrible methods for punishment. Torture, as it was, was still not enough to dismantle them. She needed more information to give. Just how they treated their operatives was nowhere near enough.

The woman sitting in front of her was definitely on a power trip when it came to her. Having sent her in for 'correction' multiple times, over small mistakes.

She finished the paperwork and pushed it back over silently and clasped her hands together behind her back.

The woman took the paperwork and slid it into a file.

"You are dismissed. You will be summoned again when needed."

Izuku left and when the door shut behind her, she slouched and rubbed her eyes. That woman made her tense.

She took the elevator back down, and wondered if for a moment she should go to the med bay? She mulled the thought around for a moment and decided it wouldn't pose an issue.

Exiting the elevator, she made her way to a back area, and took another elevator down this time. It went down a few floors, finally coming to a stop at the medical area.

It was a long room that looked like an empty emergency room. Which it kind of was.

She walked to the end of the beds to where one of the curtains was drawn, and her curiosity caused her to lean over to take a peak.

To her surprise the bird man took her suggestion. He was hunched over gripping his side. She spied the darkened skin. Must have been a bad hit.

She pulled the curtain back slightly catching his attention. He jerked up, and took a second to realize she wasn't the nurse. He schooled his expression and looked her up and down.

"Didn't think I'd see you again so soon."

Izuku shrugged and started rummaging through the drawers and cabinets. She pulled out a salve and some bandages. He was guarded as she set some supplies near him.

"Don't be so tense, I'm not intruding. Well maybe I am actually. But it takes ages for the doc or a nurse to get off their phones and help you if you aren't dying. So might as well help since it doesn't look too bad."

His shoulders dropped a bit and his wings flicked slightly. He raised his hand from his side as she unscrewed the salve.

"Alright then. You're not wrong. Have at it."

For just a moment her gaze traveled along his tone body, before she started to apply the salve. He jerked slightly and pulled back.

"Don't be a baby"

She snapped and continued. He scrunched his nose and she could see the baffled expression cross his face momentarily. He grumbled when she began wrapping his middle. The pressure should help with the pain.

"Please if it hurts of course you're going to jerk. You sure don't have bedside manners huh miss nurse?"

She rolled her eyes and tossed his crumpled shirt to him. Rude. Then again she really had no need for them. She's more likely to kill someone than help someone. Shes had to play medic once or twice before. What's the need for bedside manners when focusing on stopping someone from bleeding from a cut off limb?

Hawks fumbled to get his shirt pulled over his head and watched her as she started going through the cabinets again.

"What are you looking for?"

She ignored him and finally caught sight of what she was looking for on the top shelf. Izuku was on her tip toes, when she felt him behind her. She hissed and elbowed him. He hunched over groaning.

"God damn that hurt. So much for returning the favor. Here."

He let out another groan, and held the bed and handed her the item she was looking for.

She fumbled an apology out and felt her cheeks heating a tad. Oh man was that awkward. SHe almost felt a little bad.

She opened her palm and grinned. That's what she came down here for. She dropped it to the floor and stomped on it causing plastic to scatter.

Hawks jumped back a bit with his hands up. He wondered what the hell was wrong with this lady.

Izuku bent down and started picking up blue pills. Once she had a handful, she pocketed most and grabbed his hand and put a few in it. He blinked in confusion looking down at the broken plastic bottle and pills scattered on the floor.

"It's pain meds. They keep them easy access for when people are here, but they have a quirk lock on them. Lucky for us, it's a stupid plastic bottle so you just gotta break it to get some. Take those. It will help your side and any other aches you may have. I'm sure you've been given them before."

He marveled suddenly at the tiny blue pills. He had been given them before. Only a few times when he had been hurt extremely badly and they needed him out in public immediately. And back then they only gave him one each time. How often did she take these? Was this girl a drug addict? Was that why she was here? He was getting suspicious that she was supposed to be there.

She yawned and stepped over her mess, boots making a stomping noise. Her hands shoved in her pockets as she damn near skipped away. He followed after her, grabbing his jacket on the way and shrugging it on.

"What did you say your name was?"

"I didn't. But my name's Izuku. Nice to meet you Hawks."

She turned around and stuck out her hand smiling. He stopped and took her hand. He searched her face for a moment. Nah she wasn't some smart intruder. Just strange.

"Likewise."

He fell into step beside her and entered the elevator. She shuffled impatiently playing with her badge. This was so awkward. She turned to him.

"You look a lot worse up close by the way. You should really get more sleep. Next time you're in the med bay, sleeping pills are always on the opposite side. Just in case. But like. Seriously." She looked him up and down with squinted eyes.

"I appreciate the honesty. Maybe next time."

He chuckled and shook his head. What a strange person. It's a wonder he's never seen her before. He also made sure to pull the visor down more. Just in case.

As they left the building she waved awkwardly and shuffled away quickly. He shook his head and walked in the opposite direction. What a strange day.

Later that evening Izuku banged her head against the table. She felt so awkward. She never speaks to anyone and the first regular interaction shes had in days, was shoving pain pills at her coworker.

What a joke.

She jerked as a coffee was placed in front of her. She thanked the waiter. A small wince left her as her leg started throbbing. Her hand fumbled into her pocket to grab a couple of the pills and downed them with the coffee.

Her head hit the table one more time and she ran her hand through her unkempt hair.

Well she had time between jobs. Maybe a night or two. Maybe more. There was so much she needed to do while she had time. Her home was an absolute mess. Her laundry pile was so damn high it made her sick to look at. God the dishes… maybe she should just buy some new ones.

Another groan left her. She flipped out her phone and began scrolling through socials to pass time. She caught a video of Hawks an hour ago or so fighting a villain. He seemed to be moving a lot easier than the past few days. Maybe he took her advice and took a pain pill or two. God knows they were a life saver.

She laid her head down in her arms and sighed. What to do, what to do.

As she contemplated all the things she was procrastinating, her attention was grabbed as someone sat across from her.

"Uh, hi?"

The person across from her grimaced. They had the prettiest purple hair, and eyes to match. He was dressed in hero garb, and was undressing in front of her. Well not undressing all the way but still.

He pulled off the metal mask and pale scarf and shoved it next to him in a small crossbody duffel bag, and pulled out a hoodie. He shrugged it on and it did a good job of covering the body suit underneath.

Izuku stared. A small grin forming. Ah. The underground hero 'Mind Beak'. She pushed her coffee forward and reached into her purse and pulled out a beanie. She tossed it at him. He caught it quickly and shoved it over his purple hair.

"Oh my, a little striptease. I wouldn't mind if you went a bit further."

She sat back, eyes wide open and a grin on her face. He smirked back and downed the cup of coffee she pushed towards him. He gagged immediately.

"Oh my god i forgot how sweet you drink coffee. Blasphemous. Should be black."

Izuku gasped and clutched her non-existent pearls.

"Take that back you heathen."

He rolled his eyes and sat back. He waved over the waiter and ordered her a replacement and him a new coffee. Izuku hummed and propped her chin up in her hand.

"So how's it been panda? Haven't seen you around in a hot minute."

He tilted his head back and sighed.

"It's been. Been dealing with some… stuff."

He nodded towards the door as a few people in suits entered. He looked away and cupped his drink. Izuku glanced backwards and nodded. Panda boy looked more annoyed than nervous.

"How worried should I be?"

He glanced at her and furrowed his brows. He shook his head slightly and looked out the door.

"Didn't think you'd be one to be worried."

This time she rolled her eyes. She kicked his shin under the table causing him to jump. Unfortunately that drew the attention of one of the men. He wandered over standing at the end of their table.

"You wouldn't happen to have seen this man have you?"

He slid a picture of Hitoshi on the table. They shook their heads. Izuku feigned concern and grabbed the photo and looked as if she was studying it harder.

"I can't say I have. Is he a criminal? Should I be worried?" She frowned and looked around.

"That's none of your concern ma'am. Have a good day with your boyfriend. Thank you for the help."

She nodded and grasped Hitoshi's hand from across the table. He gave her a deadpan stare as she hid a smile.

"How scary babe! Better be on the lookout huh?"

He leaned forward.

"Of course kitten. You don't have to worry, I'll make sure you're safe."

Boy did he purr. She swallowed the lump in her throat and sat straight up. A hand pulled away and she waved her heated cheeks. He sat back looking smug. Fucking panda.

"Bitch." She mumbled. She glanced behind her and the crew looking for him had left. She looked back and stuck her tongue out at him. He winked at her.

"Well who was that crew anyhow?

"Not a good one. Was doing some information gathering, but got caught at the end. Already turned over all their important documents though. So they are just trying to track me down to at least get some payback. Unfortunately I can't bring some of them in due to their connections. They should back off soon though."

He nodded towards her

"So, how have you been? It's been awhile since we've met up huh?"

He crossed his arms, glowering slightly. He looked like he was pouting. She snickered.

"When you change your number, it's common knowledge to let others know."

"Well, who said you needed it? Don't whine. Gimme your phone."

He tossed it to her and she easily caught it. She typed in her number and took a quick selfie flipping off the camera.

He snatched his phone and shoved it in his pocket. She kicked him under the table causing him to wince. She reached across the table and yanked the beanie off his head and shoved it in her bag. His hair looked wild and he had an affronted look on his face.

"Rude. But okay."

He tried smoothing down his messy hair unsuccessfully. He had to swat her hand away when she tried to launch over the table and ruffle it up again.

"They are about to close down soon. So I might go ahead and head out. Would… would you be interested in going out for a drink?"

She studied him closely and his awkward fumbling. He played with his phone, not looking up at her.

Izuku wondered for a moment if she should. Doing something other than being home does sound nice. And she really did enjoy his company. But at the same time she was leery about putting herself in the position to be inebriated.

She ran her boot up his leg under the table smirking as he jumped and stared at her across the table.

"I'm sure you would like that hm?"

Izuku enjoyed his blush despite his scrunched up face. He was trying to hide it. How adorable. She laughed.

"I wouldn't mind. It would be nice to get out and about ya know?"

He perked up immediately and waved the waiter over and handed him a bunch of cash. He grabbed Izuku's hand and tugged her from the booth. She squeaked and followed behind.

"Excited much?"

He looked back as he dragged her from the coffee place. He looked excited as hell. His face lit up like a Christmas tree.

"You NEVER agree. Oh my god it's a miracle. What happened in the time I haven't seen you? I'd think you were an imposter. But hey I'm not one to pass up the opportunity."

She rolled her eyes and let herself be dragged off.