Saturday finally arrived.

Shine and Emi got ready together, as planned, with Momo's help.

"I gotta confess, Shine," Emi said, "I didn't think you'd go with black. You're usually wearing blue or metallic or green."

"Ah, I wanted to stand out less," Shine said, fastening on a cross necklace, "How do I look?"

[Design by Onerose. Original template by original owner.]

"Honestly, pretty dang good." Emi put her finger and thumb to her chin.

"I like your outfit too," Shine said.

[I picture this, minus the flower crown probably, maybe in green. It was so hard to find fan art for Miss Joke out of costume. Image by Tumgir.]

"Thanks," Emi said.

"You both look lovely," Momo applauded.

"I'll say." Midnight appeared. She'd come over kind of uninvited to inspect the other staff. "Why, Likstar, even a prude like you can manage to look halfway decent. Your boyfriend won't be able to keep his hands off you tonight."

"Nemuri, you have 5 seconds to rephrase that," Shine said.

"What I mean to say is, you'll pass," Midnight amended.

"What's so wrong with that?" Emi asked Shine.

"Because she's doing it to annoy me," Shine said, "Also, I don't want the kids hearing her implying weird stuff about Wally and I. It's bad enough Mineta is always listening for it."

"I'll never understand your religion's insistence on celibacy," Midnight said.

"It's not celibacy. It's against fornication," Shine said dryly.

Momo reddened. "I'm just going to go wait outside now..."

"There, you see?" Shine said to Emi.

--Who was laughing at her. "I get it, Shine, but, really, you're so easy to wind up on this one thing... It's kind of hard to resist."

Midnight was snickering too. "She gets it."

Shine looked put out, but then she shook it off. "Whatever, I'm not going to fight with you. I'll even be nice and say your outfit is more restrained than I would have expected, Nemuri."

"Gee, thanks. Not my idea, but we have to have standards," Midnight said flatly, "I don't know why we're bothering. As if everyone is not going to figure out that a bunch of heroes meeting in the same place is obviously a cover up for a strategy, sheesh."

"Perhaps you can finally explain to me why this needs to be a secret," Shine said.

Emi looked somber. "I guess Aizawa didn't tell you. The last time the heroes met openly for strategy, something got leaked. Maybe it was the press... I guess they are hoping calling it an anniversary party for one of the Top Pros would be less suspicious."

"Which top was it again?" Shine said.

Midnight snickered at her wording, but said nothing. She didn't like to push Shine too far.

"I think it's Edgeshot. At least, it's close..." Emi put a finger to her chin. "Anyway, you'll finally get to meet him. He's...well...edgy."

"That your best joke, really, Fukakado?" Midnight said.

"I was on the spot! I'd like to see you do better."

"Any joke I thought of would be rated R," Midnight said.

"Figures." Shine rolled her eyes. "And I suppose I'm stuck going with you too?"

"Well, by all means, portal yourself there. I thought you were staying under the radar, too. But don't worry, Fukakado." Midnight winked. "Eraser is coming too."

"Oh, tonight is all business. I'll be lucky to get one witty retort out of him the whole evening," Miss Joke sighed.

"Don't say what you were about to say," Shine warned Midnight.

Midnight pouted.

Shine grabbed her purse that matched her outfit. "All right, let's go. Where's Wally?"

"Isn't that a puzzle book?" Emi said, "No...it's Waldo.... Wait, is Wally short for Waldo by any chance?"

"No, it's Wallace. A good, Scottish name," Shine said.

"Oh?" Emi said, "That doesn't fit him."

"It gets worse. His full name is Wallace Rudolph West the 2nd...or is it third?" Shine rubbed her head. "I always forget." [Look it up, I kid you not.]

Miss Joke burst into loud laughter. "You're kidding me."

"I can see why he changed it." Midnight made a face. "What a crime against names..."

"The lady whose name means her quirk really shouldn't talk," Shine muttered.

Wally appeared downstairs shortly thereafter looking not very happy to be in a tux. "Do I have to go like this? I bet the Pros will be in costume."

"Not attracting attention, Wally," Shine reminded him, "And besides, you look good."

"Yeah, you do," Midnight said. "Those thirsty hero ladies might try to steal you away from Shine."

She got smacked by Shine's purse for saying that.

Wally looked really embarrassed. "Midnight."

"I think she might be like this all night," Emi said wryly, "Parties have this effect on her. I remember one in particular she had a few drinks and--"

"Let's not tell that story," Midnight said, "Not to Likstar's virgin ears."

Shine smacked her again.

Momo, Shoto, and Bakugo looked weirded out.

"Well, uh, be careful," Shoto said.

"You should kick some a--," Bakugo said, "verbally, at least."

"And have fun. I mean, it's at least kind of a party, and you should get a chance to relax after such a long week," Momo said.

"Yes, mom, dads," Wally said, "We'll drive careful and not drink too much. Actually, I won't drink at all."

"I hope you're all ready." Aizawa opened the door. He was in a suit with his hair back.

"Oh, wow," Midnight said, "Nice get up."

"Please, don't start." Aizawa looked dead inside. "Joke, you're coming with us?"

"If that's all right," Emi said, surprisingly meekly, "I mean, I might as well, right?"

"No sense in you portaling away just to take a different cab. Let's go. Likstar? West? You're debriefed on how to act, right?"

"Uh, I think so--" began Wally.

"We'll go over it in the car," Aizawa said.

"Oh, boy..." Emi muttered.

"Ugh, snooze." Midnight feigned yawning.

* * *

"And you will not make any statements on UA." Aizawa was at the end of a long list of things they were not supposed to do.

"We wouldn't do that anyway, unless you had it coming," Shine said.

"You are not filling me with confidence, Likstar."

"Bro, it'll be fine," Wally said, munching on a snack, "It's all good."

"Lay off them, Eraser," Emi said, rolling her eyes, "I think they've been to these kind of things before. It's not even real, for crying out loud. In fact, how about we go over that? What's the plan?"

"Officially, it's for Edgeshot's anniversary of his debut," Aizawa said, "but unofficially, there's probably going to be booths or back rooms where select people will be mingling, talking about the situation at hand. The rest of the time, we're just supposed to look like we're actually having fun."

"Does this seem like a bad idea to anyone else?" Wally said, "Makes y'all look pompous, doesn't it? Like in the Hunger Games."

Shine nodded in agreement.

"Be that as it may, there's probably going to be press there the whole time, and it has to look good," Aizawa said, "If you really are as used to it as you say, West, it should be no problem for you. Likstar?"

"Oh, I hate the press. I always insult them," Shine said.

She got a frosty glare.

"I will endeavor to play nice," she sighed.

Emi chuckled. "I'll be sure to follow you around part of the evening. I'm never bored around the two of you. Rumi was going to be there, right?"

"Oh, yes, I wonder how she'll do," Shine mused.

* * *

Mirko had really not wanted to go out of costume.

"It's stupid. We all know what's really going on. Why does there have to be a dress code?" she said, annoyed.

"Darling, I don't know why you make so much fuss about it." Silk flicked a handheld fan out. "Gives excuse to get dolled up."

"I detest doing that." Mirko made a face.

"Somehow that is not big shock." Silk rolled her eyes.

"Come on, it wouldn't hurt you to put on a little makeup and a dress." Medea picked up part of Mirko's hair. "You've got some potential. I mean, you're decent looking if you'd put some work into it."

Mirko yanked her hair away. "Don't touch me!"

"I have makeup." Medea studied her. "And, hey, we could do your nails too. I have polish."

"Where did you get all that?" Silk asked.

"Stole it," Medea said. [Late edit: I just realized that I have a joke about stealing nail polish in the RWBY: Through Worlds fic also, from Emerald. I didn't remember it being here. So why do I subconsciously want to make jokes about stealing nail polish?{No I've never done that}]

Pause.

"Months ago," Medea clarified, "I wouldn't risk stealing it now and blowing our cover. But it's used, so what can you do?"

"You know, girl is right. You should at least try," Silk said, "You want to go in there and see all other female pros look more put together than you?"

"Really don't care." Mirko pouted. "Not my thing. I prefer to look awesome slaying on the field."

"You know, I'm starting to see where the stereotype of masculine female heroes comes from," Medea sniffed, "Girl, if you have to dress up, why halfa-- it?"

Mirko sighed. "I don't even have a dress with me, big surprise. I didn't think it would be important to pack that. I don't want to run home for one."

"Not to worry, darling. Silk is on this." Silk rubbed her wrists. "And it will be comfortable too. Just give me a few minutes."

"Holy crap, you can make actual clothes?" Medea said.

"Yes, darling, I make all my own. I have sensitive skin-- silk is best for me. Cotton and polyester and rayon is itchy," Silk said.

"I thought it was just your look. So you wear it for other reasons, huh?" Medea studied her. "Cool."

"Silk...great..." Mirko muttered.

But the end result wasn't so bad. Medea made her borrow a choker to go with it.

[Design by Onerose. Original template by original creator.]

"You know, it could be worse." Medea was not very complimentary...

"What? She looks passable," Silk said, "Don't insult my handiwork. Maybe if you'd smile though."

Mirko just gave her an annoyed look.

"Maybe if we got a guy's opinion," Medea said, "Too bad there aren't any in the LOV." She chortled.

"Oh, very funny," Silk said, "Haha. Where's Spinner?"

"No, don't ask him," Mirko said.

Too late. Silk was already calling him. He appeared holding a comic.

"What?"

"You think this is passable for party?" Silk asked.

Mirko was giving him a death glare.

Spinner swallowed nervously. "Sure, but why does it matter?"

"It's the principle of the thing," Medea said.

"But why do we care?"

"The principle!" Medea and Silk yelled in unison.

"Men!" Silk said.

"They just don't get it," Medea agreed.

Poor Spinner felt like it wasn't fair to call him in and then berate him for it.

"Don't worry, slugger." Mirko grabbed her bag and a jacket and rolled her eyes. "I don't get it either. This is reminding me of Uwambi in all the wrong ways."

"Oh, that Snake Hero?" Spinner brightened. "She's hot."

"That's...so typical," Mirko said.

"It's just an observation." Spinner blushed.

[That would be a weird ship... Not planning on writing it, but I wonder if anyone has made fan art of that.]

"Don't you want to be attractive?" Medea hurled after Mirko, "You can't really be indifferent."

"Really am."

"That's something only pretty people say," Medea sniffed.

"That's the truth," Spinner agreed, "I ain't ever heard an ugly person say that."

"Thanks for the compliment, but it really has nothing to do with hero work to be hot," Mirko said.

"All the rankings beg to differ," Silk said dryly, "especially for female pros. You think you'd be number 5 if you were ugly?"

Mirko thought. "Nah," she admitted, "but all the more reason to break that glass ceiling." She made a fist.

"You're hopeless," Silk sighed.

"You just keep your eyes open for any suspicious activity." Shigaraki appeared, not interested in any of this conversation. "Who knows where the Originals might be lurking? This party idea is stupid."

"You just say that because you've never been to one," Medea jeered at him.

"It's like broadcasting where all these pros are," Shigaraki shot back, "If it were the LOV, we'd easily stage something."

"So why don't we?" Compress said.

"Because that ruins our chance to see if the other groups will," Shigaraki said, "It would be better if one of us was uncover though... Toga?"

"I don't have anyone to go as, unless you want me to swap out with Bunny Girl," Toga said, pulling out a knife.

Mirko edged away. "I'm going."

"I have a fantastic idea." Compress snapped his fingers. "Why not send Silk as Mirko's Plus One? You can do that, right?"

"Yeah, but I don't. I work alone," Mirko said, "What would happen if I showed up with someone?"

"Oh, say it's a friend from out of town who wanted to come."

"No, our Plus Ones are supposed to be heroes," Mirko said, "just ones who wouldn't get a personal invite. That's all."

"So say she's a hero. You really think anyone would care? And she can go around unnoticed, unlike you."

"That's not a bad idea, Compress," Shigaraki admitted.

Silk tugged her hair. "Is true, I could infiltrate. What would it hurt?"

My pride, Mirko thought to herself. But she had a feeling the LOV wasn't going to quit until she gave in, and she was already going to be late if she didn't get going.

"Look, if you want to sneak in with me, I can't stop you, but I won't babysit you either," she said.

"I wouldn't ask, darling. Between two of us, I think I have more social grace by far," Silk said, "Just give me two minutes. I get ready."

She stepped out.

She came back shortly wearing a traditional style dress, hair ornaments, and a wrap.

Compress did a double take.

"Nice," Medea applauded, " A little old, but nice."

"Is classic," Silk said.

"Whatever, let's go." Mirko gestured at the door. "And don't slow me down."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Silk muttered, following her.

"Let's just hope something goes wrong," Spinner said, "so all that wasn't for nothing."

"You want to hope something goes wrong when our girl is in there?" Compress said.

"Why send her in at all if it's not?" Spinner said.

* * *

Upon arriving, and getting their ID passes, Mirko had second thoughts. "How do I know you're not just going to spy on the heroes' plans?"

"Simple, darling. I won't know any Pro heroes well enough to be let in on their little game." Silk waved her fan. "I'll just mingle. Look out for anyone who seems like they shouldn't be there, other than myself, of course. Besides, I don't care about the Meta war. We've distanced ourselves from it. Still, you not think of this before? You sure are dull for a hero."

Mirko gritted her teeth. "I didn't get much of a chance."

"Ah, boss man says good idea and you can't help but think so, eh?" Silk said, "He does have that odd effect. Maybe is charisma."

"That's not it." Mirko scowled. "You all didn't let me really talk."

"And you need us to let you?" Silk looked toward the huge restaurant building that the top floor of was rented out for the party. "Wow...I never been anywhere this fancy in my life..."

"Try not to swoon," Mirko said flatly, "And look bored." 

She didn't have any problem following her own advice. She just tried to avoid the paparazzi. In the past she'd have humored them, but as she couldn't shake the feeling the Originals might be watching her every move, she preferred not to put herself on camera more than necessary.

Inside it was mostly the same, like the assemblies she had to go to all the time.

They got through the press and up the elevator somehow.

Entering the bigger room, they saw it was packed with the early bird heroes. Most who didn't seem in a very festive mood.

Mirko sighed. This was going to be such a drag.

"Rumi." Hawks flew over. He was wearing his usual outfit. Go figure. "Wow, look at you. Didn't think you'd dress up for this."

He eyed Silk. "You brought a friend."

"More like a nuisance," Mirko said, "and she can go off now."

Silk made a face at her before sauntering away.

"You brought a villain to this?" Hawks said in a lower voice, "What were you thinking? I thought your deal ended."

"It's none of you business," Mirko said, also low, "Pet. Go report it to your boss if it bothers you so much. Should you really be talking?"

Hawks flinched. "Rumi, you can't bring that up here, of all places."

"You brought it up," Mirko said, turning her back on him, "At least my illegal activities don't endanger other Pro heroes with me. Fly away and leave me alone, Hawks."

Hawks shook his head. "Fine...I can't talk to you... What else is new?" He moved away.

Mirko sniffed. Idiot.

She spied Shine and Wally over with Miss Joke and some UA teachers. She moved that way. Might as well look busy till things really got going.

"Rumi," Shine waved, "Or should I say Mirko, for now? Hi, wow, you look great. Nice dress."

"Not really," Mirko said, "Silk made it."

"Silk has talent." Shine was impressed.

"You look a little less scary." Wally gave her a thumbs up.

"And you look only slightly more moronic," Mirko said.

He winced.

"Wow, Mirko, I almost didn't recognize you," Midnight said. She didn't care for the Top Pro too much. Mostly because of jealously. "You look so close to being a female."

Mirko glared at her. "I see they still let you in. Hope you're not out past your bedtime, Midnight. Someone your age really should be careful."

"What?" Midnight looked livid. "As if you're any spring chicken? How old are you now, 30!?"

Aizawa slapped his forehead.

"Ladies, let's not do this," Miss Joke said, "Surely we can be above this."

"Oh, you stay out of it, you little smiler," Midnight said.

"Yikes, cat fight." Wally edged away. "I'm just going to get refreshments..."

Shine grabbed Midnight by one arm and Mirko by the other and yanked both of them. "Knock it off, or I'll send one of you one way and the other a different way."

Midnight sulkily backed off. "Well, she ought to keep a civil tongue in her head."

"You started it," Shine reminded her crisply, "And why do you feel the need to cut other women down in this manner wherever you go? If you have deep seated insecurities based on your appearance, Nemuri, I'm sure Cece would be happy to help you with that. But don't take it out on Mirko. She's clearly stressed enough."

"Excuse me?" Mirko said.

"Did someone call my name?" Cece walked up. Tensei Iida was wheeling behind her.

"Hi." He nodded at Mirko and Midnight. "Been a while, hasn't it?"

Midnight looked kind of uncomfortable. "Uh, hey... Uh...wow, how have you been?"

"Oh, you know, hanging in there," Tensei said, "I don't think I'll be running any marathons anytime soon, but other than that, no complaints."

Mirko chuckled. "That's the spirit. Finally showing your face in public again, huh, Ingenium?"

Cece shot her a look.

"Yeah, figured it was time," Tensei said, "even if I'm useless..."

"But you have experience," Shine said, "and that's more useful at these events than anything else. You're like a veteran."

"That's nice of you...Likstar, right? My brother's supervisor.... I remember you. You were kind of...uh..."

"Blunt?" Shine said.

"Annoying?" Midnight said.

"Difficult?" Mirko suggested.

"Memorable," Tensei said.

"Oh, I thought you'd say she was too outspoken," Cece said, then, "Uh, I better grab some alcohol..." She walked away.

"She's fun," Shine said.

"Yeah," Tensei agreed, "She's something else all right."

"Ew," Mirko muttered to herself.

"Got something against love?" Midnight said to her snidely.

"It's a d----d waste of time, but other than that no," Mirko said, "Just think I shouldn't have to listen to it."

"You're a real riot at parties," Midnight said.

"Hey, Midnight," Miss Joke said, "why don't we go say hi to some others? I think I see Ryuku over there now. Come on." She dragged her away.

"For the record," Shine spoke to Aizawa, "you don't deserve her."

"Likstar, don't overstep," Aizawa muttered.

"All she knows how to do," Mirko said.

"I guess I'd better mingle," Shine said, "or just get snacks... I really don't like parties with strangers much." She walked away.

Aizawa hoped the night would pass quickly.

* * *

About an hour later there were hundreds of heroes around.

Really, why did they even need security? Who would be mad enough to try something here?

Silk floated around, keeping an eye out, but she didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

Endeavor came in at some point-- and Best Jeanist. Edgeshot was there around corners.

Mirko avoided them, mostly. She stayed by Shine, who gave her colorful commentary on the other Pros that was actually kind of entertaining. Turned out, Shine could be kind of fun to hang around with when she wasn't directing that sass at you.

Wally hung around laughing at what she said too.

"Get a load of him," Mirko directed Shine's attention to Best Jeanist, "I mean, talk about a ridiculous outfit."

"Yeah, he does look pretty uptight," Shine said. She frowned. "Actually, I can't stand him. Bakugo told me more about his internship with him over time, and it was awful. Guy's real stuck up."

"Considering the source was Bakugo, are you sure?" Wally said.

"Bakugo is many things, but he's not much of an exaggerator. I doubt he embellished," Shine said, "and, if looks are anything, the guy looks like a snob. But perhaps he's nicer than he seems."

"No, that tracks," Mirko said, "Actually, I hate him."

"I think you said that before, but why?" Shine said.

"Well, for starters, that outfit," Mirko said, "I just never thought it was practical. And his belt is around his ears. How does he see? But the main reason is, he's never liked me."

"But you're so easy to warm up to," Wally said wryly.

"Oh, don't be a smarta--," Mirko said, "It wouldn't matter. He just thinks my style is too rough and tumble for a hero. I'm not 'couth' or something like that. Mr. 'Your attitude should be as sharp as your jeans'."

"The guy is a little weird, huh?" Shine said, "I mean, he had all boys at his agency, who he makes perfect little angels. And makes wear jeans...and does their hair.... Am I the only one finding this weird?"

"Shine, not sure we should speculate..." Wally said.

"You think he looks like a twink." Mirko was not tactful.

"No, I wouldn't say that." Shine seemed like she was thinking it. "I just think it's weird...obsessive, even."

"Well, it is," Mirko said, "and better hope he doesn't come over here."

"I was told not to talk to him about UA," Shine said.

"Uh oh, I think he is heading this way," Wally said.

Unfortunately, Hawks and Endeavor were too, and Best Jeanist was tailing them, probably trying to get them to step aside and talk about the matter at hand. But neither of them really seemed to want to talk to him.

"Hello, Miss Likstar." Endeavor saw her and used her as an excuse. "And...West..."

"Hey." Wally nodded over his punch. "How's it going?"

"Hey, West." Hawks nodded at him nonchalantly. He didn't make eye contact with Mirko. She pointedly looked the other way.

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure," Best Jeanist said, looking at Shine and Wally, "Which Pro Heroes are you, might I ask?"

His tone sure was imperious enough. But maybe it was just how he talked, they thought.

"They are Supervisors at UA. They oversee my son," Endeavor ruined their shot at not mentioning it by saying.

Though he was trying to be nice.

Shine managed to give a forced smile. "And you are clearly Best Jeanist... Nice to meet you."

"You work at UA?" Best Jeanist said, "What do you supervise?"

"What do you think?" Mirko said flatly, "Endeavor just said it."

"I was just asking to clarify, Mirko," Best Jeanist said coolly.

"They oversee the class's activities," Endeavor explained, "for security and guidance, at times. They work wonders."

He was trying to be so nice, and making this so unfortunate for them. What was it with the Todorokis and doing that?

"Oh, interesting," Best Jeanist said, "I hope you've been able to do something with that reprobate Bakugo, then. He was completely resistant to my instruction."

Wally sighed and shook his head.

Shine frowned. "You mean on his internship?"

"Yes, of course," Best Jeanist said. "Not that he didn't have spirit, but completely unteachable."

"Well," Shine took a sip of her punch, "maybe it was your approach."

Silence.

That wasn't the kind of thing you were just supposed to say to a Top Hero...any Hero.

Mirko choked on a laugh.

Hawks was hiding a smile too.

Endeavor looked actually alarmed.

"Excuse me?" Best Jeanist looked at Shine very frostily.

"Did I stutter?" Shine said, taking another sip.

"What would you know about my methods?"

"I heard about it, the whole monkey suit, hair styling, all that," Shine said, "I mean, we all know, hair gel is the way to reform someone's character." She smiled innocently. "But really, what topped it all off was the verbal abuse that was described to me."

"Verbal...? Do you even know what you're talking about? Did Bakugo tell you that?" Best Jeanist said.

"Oh, he'd never use those words. In fact, he didn't even criticize you," Shine said coolly, "The boy is not that disrespectful. But I could tell from what he repeated. I believe you told him he was disgraceful or out of control or something like that, and you'd make him into something more...I don't know, acceptable? Would that be about right?"

"I did say something along those lines. Is that a problem?"

"I suppose you can say it if you like," Shine said, "I just wouldn't complain, then, that the kid didn't listen to you. I wouldn't if you started in with that speech. I don't know any self respecting person who would." She took another sip pointedly.

"Whew." Wally mimed blowing smoke off a 🔫pistol. "Dang."

Mirko was enjoying this. The look on Best Jeanist's face was classic.

"I'm sorry," he said, "do you really think you have the right to comment on this? If the boy is under your guidance now, then you're doubly responsible for what he does. It seems like your style would just leave him as he is."

Wally shook his head at Best Jeanist behind Shine's back. The denim-clad Pro just gave him an odd look.

"Just leave him as he is?" Shine said, eyeing her glass, "You mean, like you did?"

Silence.

Even Endeavor felt that burn.

Mirko relished watching Best Jeanist try to think of a come back for that that wouldn't make himself sound just as bad as Shine... Failing, he instead asked, "Well, did you ever influence him for good?"

"You know, come to UA sometime. See for yourself," Shine said, "Why should I boast? But, hey, if you don't want to take the time for it, I get it. You're a busy man about town, got all that bad outfit styling to do, and hey, I'm probably wrong anyway in your mind, so just ignore it if you want. Guess we'll never know if a guy like Bakugo can be changed."

She very smugly turned away and went to get a refill.