"I understand," Mitsuru replied. "My colleagues and I had our trust violated by an academic mentor figure as well," she said sadly. "I lost someone very dear to me..." she trailed off, surprised with herself for sharing so much with people she'd just met. But the similarities of their experiences astounded her.

"I... lost my brother," Hiro said with a somber look.

"My father," Mitsuru said, fighting to keep her composure. Hiro blinked, looking at her in compassion.

"I'd discovered you and your friends brought that professor to justice. Well done," Mitsuru added. "Another reason I wanted to meet you all. I believe we share a common bond," she said and gave a slight sigh.

Hiro and his friends looked in shock at each other at these words, protective of their hero identities out of caution for themselves and loved ones.

"Don't worry.  Your secret is safe with me," Mitsuru said simply, making eye contact with each of them in turn.

"Wow, well um--  Thanks.  We definitely have a common bond," Hiro replied. The others shared meaningful looks at the more personal turn the meeting had taken.

Aigis stood, holding her smartphone. "I suggest lightening the mood with a commemorative photograph," she said.

"That's a wonderful idea Aigis," Mitsuru said, rising from her seat.

"Oh... yeah," Hiro agreed, still a bit downcast. "There'll be more room in the front lobby," he said, as he stood and held the door open for everyone.

Everyone exited, with Baymax considerately being next to last, just before Hiro.

As they walked down the hall to the elevator, Wasabi looked to Mitsuru and asked, "How long are you staying in town?"

She glanced over at him as they reached the elevator. Wasabi hit the call button. "Just until Sunday," she said curtly, as the group entered the large elevator. Baymax had partially deflated at Hiro's request well before reaching the elevator to better fit with everyone.

"I'd always wanted to visit San Fransokyo, and finally have a free weekend. So tomorrow I plan to do a bit of sightseeing with Aigis before going back," she said, as the elevator stopped and everyone exited. After Mitsuru and Aigis walked ahead, Wasabi looked to Honey Lemon. She whispered to Hiro, and word was quickly passed on by the time they reached the nearby lobby.

The group lined up, Hiro and Mitsuru in the middle. Baymax, who had returned to full size, was behind them. Aigis held the phone out and was preparing to take the picture.

"Hold on, Aigis. You need to be in the picture," Honey said. She left her spot in the back row after spotting a young man with a backpack walking by. "Oh, excuse me-" she called out. After he stopped, looked at the group, and Honey holding out her smartphone, he smiled a bit. "Can you take our picture?" she asked sweetly.

"Oh sure," he replied as Honey and Aigis joined the others. "Smile," he said, and pressed the button she'd shown him, then handed the camera back to Honey.

"Thank you!" she said happily as the student waved and went out the building's exit. "Aigis, let me send you the picture," she said to Aigis, who quickly brought the Kirijo phone back out of the briefcase.

"Of course. Thank you, Honey Lemon-san," Aigis replied. After they finished, Mitsuru bowed slightly to the group.

"Well, it's been a pleasure..." Mitsuru started until she noticed Hiro leaning forward with a hand half-raised.

"Actually... Ms. Kirijo, we talked it over, and if you wouldn't mind... we'd like to give you a ride back to where you're staying," he said a bit shyly. "And maybe help you with sightseeing tomorrow since we know the city so well," he added with a hint of eagerness.

Mitsuru smiled. "Thank you very much," she said. "I actually considered asking about that for tomorrow, but wouldn't want to impose."

"No problem," Wasabi said. "I think most of us kept tomorrow open since we knew there might be a chance of this," he added.

"It's not every day I meet someone like you and Aigis," Go Go said looking at the visitors with a small smile, as the group exited the building into the cold air.

"Too bad the weather's not a little warmer for your visit," Hiro said, hands shoved into his bulky jacket's pockets.

"Not a problem," Mitsuru replied, looking ahead as they went down the nicely landscaped path. "As long as I'm dressed for it, I'm quite comfortable with the cold," she said glancing at him, then Aigis with a smile. Hiro and Wasabi noticed the smile, curious about what may have been an inside joke between the two.

They reached Fred's limo in the parking lot. Fred, Honey, and Go Go parted from the others after a brief goodbye.

At Wasabi's car, which was returned from the bay and restored for his birthday, Hiro, Aigis, and Baymax took the backseats. Baymax had deflated in advance thanks to Hiro's foresight to fit inside.

Mitsuru took the front passenger seat, and after Wasabi went through his quick safety check, they were off, and into the evening traffic.

"I know a good place to start your tour tomorrow," Hiro said. "The Lucky Cat Cafe. My Aunt Cass owns and runs it," he said happily.

"That sounds nice," Mitsuru replied. "We'll take a cab from the hotel, and I'll plan of having tea there," she added.

"Maybe Cass can help take a look at that contract for us," Wasabi said as he entered downtown traffic.

"And we can at least trust Professor Granville," Hiro added.

They soon reached the curbside passenger drop off zone in front of a large luxury hotel. Mitsuru and Aigis exited the car, and Hiro moved up to the front passenger seat.

"Thank you, Wasabi-san. Hiro-San," Mitsuru said. "I'll see you tomorrow morning around 9 AM at the cafe?" she asked with a slight bow.

"Sounds great. See you!" Hiro replied. Wasabi gave a brief wave, smiled, then pulled back out into traffic.

"Well, I don't usually make plans to 'hang out' with people I've just met..." Mitsuru trailed off, as she and Aigis entered the hotel.

Aigis nodded in assent as they walked through the impressive lobby, decorated elaborately for the upcoming Christmas holiday. "But you knew right away, didn't you?" Aigis asked. "That they are kindred souls. Different personalities bonded together to fight for the greater good. And to share their deep friendship," she said.

"Well said, Aigis," Mitsuru said, as they reached the elevators.  Aigis hit the call button. Mitsuru smiled at her dear friend, happy with how the day had turned out, and anticipating tomorrow.

What did you think?  Interested in a followup?  Any ideas on what you'd like to see?

Hope it was a good read for you. Feel free to review, vote, PM, etc. And thank you!