Thank you for the beautiful art of Tombstone, theherofan! I hope this is to your liking! :)

A Medical Trial

What a slow day.

Takemi mindlessly thumbed her phone for entertainment. Sometimes she skimmed the medical journals from the latest articles, sometimes she just watched cat videos to beat the boredom. While Takemi was used to having slow days, she had rarely had one as slow as this. Especially after a certain number of events took place four years prior that boosted her popularity with the locals. But sometimes, nobody needs a check-up, and that left her with little to do.

And no guinea pig to talk to.

Takemi clicked her tongue and pinched the bridge of her nose. She did it again, thinking of her former 'employee'. It had been some time since she last saw Izuku and she was missing him more with each passing day. He had gone off to college, or some sort of academy that he was vague about, and made sure to bid her goodbye after his graduation from high school.

Takemi had nearly confessed her feelings on the spot, but restrained herself. She was afraid of the kind of answer Izuku would give, and also didn't want to be the reason he didn't go after a supposedly opportune career path as he put it. It had been painful to play it off as a somewhat sad but sweet goodbye. He even worked up the nerve to hug her, which took everything in her not to escalate.

It had been a little over a year since then. Izuku had stayed in contact and texted her almost daily. Updating her on his status and asking her how her day was. Sometimes it was something small, but every message they exchanged brought a smile to her face. But recently, Izuku hadn't been texting her. So she started to text first to check up on him. But his answers were often short and vague. Takemi had become a little nervous when things changed, assuming the worst. And by the worst, she assumed that he finally found a lucky woman.

The least he could have done was tell me. Takemi tried not to let the thought run wild, but it was hard not to with no patients to distract her.

*Ring*

Oh thank goodness.

Takemi turned in her office chair to face the client. "Welcome to Takemi's medical. How can I-" her breath nearly hitched when a familiar bushel of dark green hair passed through her door.

"Hi, Takemi-sensei! It's been a while!" His voice had noticeably become a deeper octave than she remembered. His jaw had become more prominent and his shoulders more pronounced. He had grown several inches by the end off high school, but it looked like he had grown another couple after leaving. But it was no doubt Izuku Midoriya standing at the front entrance.

It took Takemi a little time to process, eyes owlish as she stared at her former guinea pig. But as she reeled herself back in and attempted to lower the pace of her swift beating heart, Takemi hid her excitement well behind a playful smile.

"Well, well. The guinea pig has returned after so much time, finally." Her playful smile fell into an accusing frown. "Awfully brave of you to do so after going radio silent these past couple of weeks."

Takemi wasn't really mad, but felt she was entitled to an explanation. It had been rough since their conversations became so limited, and she didn't want to be so quick to forgive. Just yet.

His awkward laugh and smile was almost nostalgic, showing Takemi that despite how much time passed, he was still that stuttery kid who she teased the first time they met. "Sorry about that. I wasn't trying to ignore you, I promise! I was trying to surprise you since I knew I was coming back."

Takemi bit her bottom lip, fighting a smile that she felt tugging at the edges of her lips. It was hard to keep playing tough, honestly too happy to see him. Especially since his little stunt was for her surprise.

But she could still tease him. "Well… I suppose I can forgive it this time. But for that, I think you're in need of a 'medical trial'."

Izuku blinked, paling a little at the idea. The desired response. "A medical trial? I uh… wanted to make plans for other stuff today."

"Oh, it's not like I'll give you something that'll knock you out… maybe," Takemi giggled mischievously, spinning her chair around. "Now please head to the exam room, will you?"

"Alright…" Izuku sounded hesitant, but he did as she asked. A good guinea pig as always.

Takemi smirked as she stood from her chair, walking into the exam room from her side. As she walked through the door, she was able to get a full idea of how tall he had gotten. It was almost a little disappointing to have him be so much taller now than her. They used to be the same height, but Takemi's high heels gave her a little more height above him. Now she was barely to his neck.

Not to mention his broad shoulders.

"We should do an examination first." Takemi formed a devious plot in her head, smirk ever present. "Take off your shirt. We'll get an idea with a physical."

"Oh… okay." Izuku rubbed his neck but gave a smile that made Takemi blink. "If that's what the doctor wants." he gripped the bottom of his hoodie and shirt and peeled them off slowly. Takemi felt her heart pacen and her face heat up as Izuku unveiled what his clothes hid. Izuku had always been physically fit, but now he was built like a brick house. His shoulders had just been the start, his chest and arms well sculpted with rippling abs on his stomach. He had a few small scars here and there, but if anything they made him more attractive.

Oh… oh my... Takemi bit into her bottom lip as she fought the urge to reach out and feel his muscles. Her mind was foggy and her loins burned as she struggled to formulate a sentence.

"So… Am I healthy enough?"

Takemi blinked, her senses returning as she drew her gaze back up to his charmingly cute face. He was smiling, his cheeks a bit red but clearly aware of her wandering eyes. Takemi felt her jaw drop and her cheeks redden as she realized that she got sucked into his game. Instead of flustering him up, she had fallen into his trap.

"... You've certainly grown bold, hm?" Takemi managed with a cough, pulling her eyes away to focus on a random spot on the wall. "You can… put your shirt back on. I'm suddenly… not in the mood for a medical trial."

"Are you sure? I figured you might want a closer look first." Takemi's eyes hovered back to him, and now his rather large frame was close enough for her to touch. She nearly did but fought back for control.

"No, I'm fine… just hurry up and put it back on." Takemi urged even as she snuck a lingering glance at him. Izuku silently nodded, pulling his shirt and hoodie back on. It was a little disappointing, but Takemi felt her heart's pace slow and her fluster fade.

Damn it. This kid got me all bothered instead of the other way around. The nerve of him. Takemi bit the top of her thumb as she drew away from Izuku. I'm the older one here. I need to turn this around.

"Since you don't want to do a medical trial…" Takemi paused, turning back to look at him bitterly. "Would you like to go out somewhere?"

Takemi stiffened, her gaze drifting from him. "I… thought you had other plans."

"Well, I wanted to make other plans with you. I just didn't want to lose time if we did a serious trial," was his answer, a sheepish chuckle escaping his lips. Takemi raised a brow as he said this, and she felt her cheeks heat up again.

"Oh, so you wanted to spend more time with me, huh?" Takemi gave a sultry smile, leaning back on her desk and crossing her legs over the other. "I thought you'd have some other friends to visit right now. Maybe a girl to take out?"

"I'm seeing my friends tomorrow. They don't know I'm in town yet, actually." Izuku conveyed some guilt saying that, but smiled with rosy cheeks. "But I wanted to see you today before anyone."

Takemi felt her heart pound in her chest and her stomach tighten. She picked up her clipboard and held it in front of her face to conceal her prominent blush, her eyes trailed away from him. Damn it. This kid's gotten real confident, hasn't he? Being the aggressor…

But this was good, wasn't it? This was what Takemi had wanted. Had longed for since all that time ago. Though to have the tables turn on her like this was almost baffling. He was obviously still a bit nervous, but bore his confidence proudly. Enough to throw her off.

Still, I can't let this slide. I'll turn this back around on him.

Takemi lowered her clipboard and wore a more relaxed smile. "Well, I guess you came on a good day for it. We might as well head out and do something since you came all this way for me." She pushed off the table and trailed a hand along his stomach. Both to elicit a response and to satisfy her own curiosity. "You've really grown, guinea pig."

"Th-Thanks. Let's go then!" Takemi smiled, feeling she was on the right track after hearing that familiar stutter.

I'll take the lead back… but god, you could grind meat on that thing.

Takemi trailed by Izuku's side as they walked through Odaiba Seaside Park. It had been a long time since she had paid a visit to the area, as she felt nothing compelling her personally to ever go back. Not alone, at least. And the few meager attempts by failed replacements of Izuku over the years could never convince her to go.

But the moment Izuku asked, Takemi was quick to accept.

Ugh. It feels like I just played into his game again. Takemi couldn't help but smile as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He's certainly gotten more charming. But I'll take this game back.

"It's pretty warm out. Why don't we treat ourselves to some ice cream?" Takemi suggested. "There should be a stand nearby."

"Sure! I think I see one just up ahead." Izuku pointed out for them.

"I'm glad to see that new height of yours is coming in handy." she joked, eliciting a small laugh from him.

"It's nice to be able to look out for you, now. You always were a bit taller than me thanks to your heels."

"True. It was fun being taller than you. I was a little disappointed every time I noticed you starting to get bigger. But…" Takemi gave a suggestive smile, snaking her hand around his arm and leaning on his shoulder. "Your new height has its advantages."

"O-Oh, Y-Yeah, I mean-" Takemi took his sputtering as her point. But before she could keep the ball rolling, they arrived at the ice cream stand. "Ah, right! What flavor do you want?"

Takemi allowed the moment to slip away, tapping her chin in thought. "I'll take a green tea scoop."

"Okay. Two green tea cones, please!" Izuku ordered for them, pulling out his wallet.

"So, this new opportunity you've taken keep you stable?" Takemi decided to venture.

"Yeah, it does. If I wanted to, I could get an apartment in Tokyo. Oh, that reminds me!" Izuku smiled, turning to her. "I was planning to tell you, but I guess now works. My training's over, so I'll be moving back into Leblanc!"

Takemi felt excitement bubble back up in her stomach, but she veiled it well. "Well… I suppose that's good news. I guess I'll be seeing you around a lot more now then?"

"Yup! I'll have to travel sometimes, but I'll be operating out of Tokyo for the most part." Izuku seemed positively pleased as he spoke, and Takemi couldn't say she wasn't either.

But it did give her another opportunity to strike.

"Well, I'm glad we have you back. But are you really going to move back into that old attic space?" Takemi and Izuku took their ice creams from the vendor, beginning to walk along the park again. "Seems like you could use a change of scenery."

"I did think about that, but… I am pretty comfortable living in it now." Izuku let out a chuckle as he rubbed his neck. "Besides, it's close to home. Close to Sakura-san and Futaba-chan, and… close to you." He blushed as he said that, but the radiant grin he gave was able to compensate for his nervousness.

Takemi fought the blush building on her cheeks, looking away as she tried to get her wits about her. Come on, Tae. Don't let this kid outmaneuver you. She put on a small smile of her own as she turned back, trying to battle the blush that she knew was still prominent and likely was to worsen with her next words.

"Well, that's fine I suppose… but you know, you could always move in with me."

Izuku let out a half choked sound, and she could see his face heating up like a tea kettle. That line might have made her own mind race with possibilities, but she was experienced enough to keep her poker face in place. Though she would admittedly have a problem if he were to call her bluff.

Though… I suppose I wouldn't be against the idea.

Takemi watched as Izuku tried to cool himself down by smacking away at his ice cream, unable to answer her flirtation back. Takemi saw this as another victory for her, triumphantly beginning to eat her own ice cream as they walked in relative silence.

Well, the advantage is back in my corner. Takemi slowly licked at her ice cream. Should I play around with this a bit? Seems like a bit much, but… whatever gets a reaction out of him.

"Ah, Takemi-sensei. You have a little on your nose."

"Huh?" Takemi turned to look at Izuku, stiffening when he gently extended a hand and thumbed off the bit of ice cream she failed to realize was sitting at the edge of her nose. He then made the surprisingly bold move to lick the ice cream off his thumb, giving a shockingly innocent smile.

"All better. I'm glad we stopped and got some."

Takemi stared up at Izuku, her jaw slacking as she processed what he just did. It was her turn to blush, as the gentle brush of his hand on her face had elicited a heart stopping reaction out of her. Izuku seemed to process what he just did, as he suddenly stiffened and became red as a tomato. "A-Ah! S-Sorry if that was too far! I-I…"

"Don't…" Takemi put a hand over his mouth as she looked away, swallowing a lump in her throat. "Don't get in your own way, guinea pig." She quickly dropped her hand and started to walk ahead of him, focusing back on her ice cream.

Damn it. I let him get back ahead.

The rest of the day had been a lot of back and forth between Takemi and Izuku, though admittedly much weaker than what the two had done during their initial walk. She begrudgingly had to admit that they both had likely taken a step back, likely so that they could both recover. Or perhaps save their best material for their final date spot:

The ferris wheel.

Takemi guessed that he was going to suggest it, so she made sure that it was her who first brought up the idea. He seemed a little surprise but in no way reluctant. The two now sat across from each other in the comfy seats of the wheel car, slowly elevating higher to get a view of the dazzling sunset that illuminated Tokyo beneath them.

"I forgot how beautiful Tokyo looked from up here. It's been so long…" Izuku peered through their car window, eyes glued to the horizon.

"It's been a while since I've seen it myself. It's nice to be able to get out and see it again." Takemi smiled, taking the moment in as she allowed herself to be distracted by the view. Izuku spared her a look from the side, though he quickly tried to focus back on the sight. Not letting the moment go, Takemi let out a snort. "What? Were you thinking of saying something like 'it's still not as beautiful as you'?"

"A=Ah! No, nothing like that! Haha…" Takemi wasn't sure if she completely believed his awkward denial, but she let it slide. As they returned to their view, Takemi's mind drifted back to their day of back and forth flirting and hinting. Before the day started, she never knew if she would have the chance to capture the young man next to her. After everything was said and done though, it was clear they were both interested.

So why are we still competing like this? Takemi stole another subtle glance at Izuku, seeing his hand gripping the side of the car close enough for her to grasp. Was she just being competitive? Were they both? She felt secure enough in his presence and how they spent their time to confess outright and know what answer she would get.

Perhaps… he's trying to get me to say it first? Takemi silently laughed. Izuku was being aggressive while also trying to be the one to get confessed to. A little cocky of him, isn't it?

Takemi smiled, deciding to play her one last game. We'll see who holds out longer.

"You know, one thing I do like about the ferris wheel…" Takemi moved to his side of the car before he could say anything, sitting right against him. The surprised squeak he let out was both dorky and adorable. "We have plenty of time to ourselves up here."

"Y=Yeah?" Izuku's voice nearly cracked as he suddenly pushed back against his seat, though not completely running away from her. "I guess we do…"

"You know… it would be a prime opportunity for a guy, wouldn't it?" Takemi gripped the back of his seat as she propped up her knee on the seat, slowly edging toward him. "Opportunity to make a move on a girl. A girl who clearly wants him just as bad…"

"Y-Yeah, I suppose…" Izuku was cornered, face hot red as he could only cower back as Takemi stooped over him, their faces only inches away.

"All he has to do is ask…" Takemi let her soft breath brush against his lips, eyes conveying her clear intent as she let her voice drip with sultry intent. Izuku's breath became shaky as sweat trailed down her face. Takemi's poker face might have been good, but the anticipation was killing her. She was so tempted to spring on him, waiting for his next move.

With a shaky breath, Izuku lowered his head in defeat. "I really… can't compete with you huh, Takemi-sensei?"

Takemi let a satisfied grin spread across her lips, though she made no move to pull away from him. "No, you can't. But you did make a valiant effort, my little guinea pig. Now, be a good guinea pig and confess."

"... I-I… I love you, Takemi-sensei. I have for a… for a long time."

Takemi stiffened when the words finally left his lips, her smile falling as her feelings spilled over and her face heated up. Her heart pounded in her ear and she felt that same compulsion to jump on him. The happiness springing forth in her body almost made her lose control. She decided not to fight it so hard. "W-Well… see? Was that so hard?" Takemi steadied her voice as she stretched a hand up and stroked his cheek. "Now, you can get your reward."

Takemi leaned forward without further delay, pressing their lips together. She had the clear experience he didn't, her lips spread gently as her tongue slid its way into his mouth. He was still as a stone at first, but he finally answered back, his tongue wrestling with hers as he reached an arm up and wrapped it around her waist.

She didn't care for his inexperience or clumsiness with their kiss though. In fact, she relished the moment, taking great joy in finally being able to make her long held feelings clear after holding them back for so long. And nothing made her happier than to have it returned.

Takemi finally broke the kiss, her and Izuku breathing hard as they finally allowed air back into their lungs. She leaned her forehead against his, letting out a soft, somewhat giddy giggle. He did the same, his more awkward but no less warm.

"Not bad, guinea pig. You could use some work, but… I'm sure you'll learn quick," Takemi stroked his jawline, his face warm to the touch.

"I… hope you'll be able to teach me a lot, Takemi-sensei." He answered with a shaky grin. She couldn't stop herself from giggling, leaning back in her seat to let him up.

"Oh, I have plenty to teach you. More than you think," Takemi winked, and it got the desired effect, his face nearly exploding. "But we'll take it slow. I don't want you melting that quick on me."

"T-That sounds good…" Izuku hunched his head forward as he struggled to meet her eyes.

"So… are you going to say it now?"

Takemi raised a brow before quickly understanding. Her eyes fell away as she suddenly felt nervous. But she gently gripped his hands in hers.

"Yeah… I love you too."

The End

I know this was pretty sickly sweet at the end, but sue me, I'm a sucker for fluff lmao

This was my part of the art exchange with theherofan for his work on Tombstone's design! I'm only more impressed everytime I look at it and wanted to make sure I wrote something that would be to his pleasure. He made it easy too, asking for TakemixIzuku which while might not be happening in story has still be one of my most desired ships personally so it was nice to be able to indulge on the idea XD

I do hope you all enjoyed, most specifically theherofan. It's been awesome working with you and looking forward to doing it again!