Chereads / Grit (BNHA AU Female Reader Insert) / Chapter 6 - Ch 6: A Simple Test

Chapter 6 - Ch 6: A Simple Test

---- yawns and wakes up to the smell of amazing food, she looks up and sees Dabi.... no.... Touya working on breakfast. She watches for a moment and admires him, he is in sleep pants as he uses his quirk to cook the food to perfection. Sitting up ---- sees a robe next to her, she gets up quietly and puts it on, it is short but it functions well. She hears a bird chatter and Touya protest at the creature.

" Hey, you mind your manners your feathery asshole, this is for ----." Touya snaps at it.

Looking at what is going on its Edgar perched near Touya, ---- smiles and walks over towards the pair. She wraps her arms around Touya who turns and grins at her presence.

" Your bird was demanding to be let in so I let the little shit in, he keeps trying to eat your breakfast but I keep telling him no." Touya glares at Edgar.

" Hey Edgar is back! Little guy must of been with his family or something." ---- smiles and looks over to the pair.

Touya looks over at ---- with concern, he finishes the omurice with beef and prepares the dishes. Killing the heat he looks over at ---- and cups her face in a gentle way.

" Are you alright?" Touya asks.

" Of course Touya why?" ---- asks confused.

" So you don't?.... nevermind its good you are doing better then." Touya just shakes his head.

" Wait what happened last night?" ---- with a worried look on her face.

" Well...." Touya starts to speak.

He stops and looks at her, should he tell her or should he keep it to himself? No.... he needs to tell her.

" You woke up in a panic but.... you weren't awake. You were rambling a bunch of names and crying as you began crawling around. I kept close and followed you around for a bit, once you stopped I sat next to you and did this gently." Touya explains as he cups her face.

Instantly ---- tilts her head to his touch and closes her eyes, she holds his hand and looks at him with a somber gaze.

" Were one of the names Fisher?" ---- asks.

" Yah why?" Touya nods.

" It was.... it was a memory, a very bad memory. Fisher and the other people I was naming in my.... episode, they were my seal team I was paired with. They all died when.... when the Hero's came, they thought the warehouse we were going into was just full of the terrorist group we were hunting. But there were over 100 prisoners in there, my parents were among those numbers. We were sent to take out the terrorists quietly but the Hero's were for some reason sent by the Commission to take them out.... I was in shock when they found me, I was crawling around the rubble looking for them, calling for them. I was extracted and they put me through more reconditioning to kill my emotions more, I was 15 at the time this happened.... at the time I was transferred to some secret facility in Japan and that is where more abuse started...." ---- holds her head in pain.

Touya embraces ---- and strokes her head, he is silent and lets her vent. All this reminds him of the torture of his life, which he promised to tell her about.

" I feel your pain, I am the eldest son of the Todoroki family. I showed so much promise as the best with my flames that could melt anything and turn things to ash. But as I got a little older we discovered the horrifying truth that I didn't get my fathers resistance to flames. I got my mothers ice resistance instead, it didn't stop me and I so badly wanted to be like my father.... he would beat me relentlessly if I used my quirk. He would tell me it was for my own good but.... I couldn't believe it. Soon after Natsuo was born, then Fuyumi.... then Shoto who was the perfect child for my father and his ambitions.... he threw me away and Natsuo and Fuyumi just told me to get over it.... eventually I asked my father to come see how powerful I have become on the mountain he trains on. He never showed and my quirk nearly consumed me, I was dead on record.... I was asleep for a long time and when I woke up I didn't remember much. Heh.... that's how my pathetic story started I guess." Touya explains.

" Don't say that!.... Don't say your life is pathetic Touya.... you complete me and make me happy, you are an amazing person in my eyes.... don't say that.... ok?" ---- scolds him.

Touya looks at ---- thoughtfully, no one has ever scolded him for being too harsh on himself. He just smiles and hugs ---- tighter to his chest.

" Let's eat breakfast and get you back." Touya smiles and kisses her nose.

" It smells delicious." ---- nods.

" Omurice with beef." Touya shows her plate and sits her down.

The pair sit down and eat, ---- is impressed by how good it tastes and digs in more.

" You're an amazing cook Touya." ---- hums in satisfaction.

" When your alone as long as I was you learn to fend for yourself." He nods.

" Well you never need to worry about that anymore you are stuck with me." ---- giggles.

" Well I don't mind, I'm your pain in the ass you gotta deal with now." Touya smirks.

" Pain in the ass." Edgar mimics.

" Shut it you feathery asshole, I get enough shit from Hawks when I'm forced to work with him." Touya scolds the bird.

" Be nice to Edgar you know Ravens and Crows have generational memory and they teach their babies who is good and bad." ---- giggles.

" Yah yah, he ain't so bad." Touya rolls his eyes.

" Ugh I am working with Endeavor again today.... also apparently Jeanist too. Why in the hell are they having me pair up with him too today?" ---- ponders.

Touya gets a message on his phone as well, he opens it and sees it is Redestro, he sees the text and it makes sense now.

" They are testing you, here have a look." Touya shows the message to ----.

" Dabi, today we are going to secretly test how quick Hydra can prepare for attacks and other factors with civilians present. Just some standard testing before we meet her, Skeptic wants data on her so make sure things go as planned." ---- reads off.

" Redestro sent that, he bought your contract so show off baby. We spoke earlier in a meeting and we believe you have way more power then you can currently tap into." Touya tells her.

" Yah that has been a theory, they refuse to remove the small pod and because of it rumor spread about me that it is to cap my quirks. The training and serums they pumped into me caused my quirks to lose control as a child. I nearly leveled an entire base because it it, they said because my body was small at the time I couldn't properly contain the enhancements, so they put me in a coma like sleep for a month while they created the pod that is inside my body. When I woke up I was able to use my powers properly, as I got older they would grant me small increases but nothing more." ---- explains.

" So you aren't even using 100 percent of your quirks?" Touya asks.

" No, your looking at only at most 15 percent if I push myself hard enough. I am the apex of what the UN have dubbed the Nephilim Project, people with quirks who are enhanced beyond what is physically possible. They want soldiers who can make All Might look like a push over, it was to spit in the face of Quirk Singularity." ---- shakes her head.

Touya's hands twitch at the last thing she said, he hides it but ---- notices his change in posture.

" Touya.... what is wrong?" ---- asks.

" I'm fine babe." He smiles softly.

" Touya...." ---- presses.

" Yah yah.... Quirk Singularity.... I suffer from it...." Touya glares at his skin.

" You have flames like no other but.... your skin isn't resistant to it.... it's not having your fathers flame resistance?" ---- asks.

" Yah...." Touya nods his head.

---- is silent and seems to think for a moment, she looks up at Touya and touches his hand which gets his attention.

" Are their doctors and scientists in Detnerat?" ---- asks seriously.

" Yah the best of the best in the world why?" Touya asks.

" My blood, my quirk Cell Manipulation, if they can synthesis a serum from my blood and my cell quirk. We can make a serum that stops Quirk Singularity in its tracks, no more quirks that hurt the user. Touya you will gain a simple version of my cell manipulation quirk and you can use it to make yourself resistant to your flames!" ---- tells him in an excited manner.

Touya if he could would cry right now, he looks in shock and simply holds her hand tightly. Lowering his head he smirks and looks back up at her, he is overjoyed.

" You would do that for me?" Touya asks.

" Yes, of course I would Touya, your my boyfriend and I love you more then anything. If this serum works then we should give it to the world after we fix you first, because I know if the UN gets their hands on it they will hoard it." ---- tells him as she finishes her food.

" That will never happen baby, you have a good heart still, you may say you aren't a Hero but your heart still is." Touya smiles as he gets up and grabs the plates.

" I guess I'm not a lost cause yet." ---- giggles.

" Not to me baby, lets get you back before they question where you are." Touya tells her.

" Will I be seeing you in the shadows today?" ---- asks playfully.

" Maybe, Hawks will be working with you too as well today, not sure what is going on but go with your training." Touya warns.

" I'll keep that in mind thanks babe." ---- nods as she gets dressed.

Touya gets fully concealed in his outfit as ---- gets dressed in her outfit and collects her gifts Touya got for her into her backpack. Looking over she sees Touya hand her a sleek looking motorcycle helmet, she cocks her eyebrow when he grabs his and walks out with her. Going to a nearby garage he brings her to a blacked out motorcycle, he hops on and gets ---- to sit behind him.

" I didn't know you had a ride." ---- giggles.

" You deserve the best baby, I know you like walking but you deserve to ride in style, hold on tight babe." Touya smirks.

Starting the motorcycle up Touya feels ---- wrap her arms around him. He sighs softly in a content way as he revs the bike, it emits a loud roar as he drives off back to UA. He pulls up near the dorms, helping ---- off he grabs her helmet and straps it to the back. He pulls the helmet up ever so slightly, Touya leans in and kisses her privately.

" I'll text ya later baby doll." Touya grins.

" I look forward to it, be safe babe." ---- smiles and hugs him.

---- waves Touya off as she heads inside, walking in everyone is in their sleepwear and are just getting up.

" Oh hey ----, where were you last night?" Midoriya asks.

" I met up with family and family friends from the states, I went to their house not to far away and kinda fell asleep there sorry." ---- apologizes.

" That's fine, did you have fun?" Shoto smiles.

" A lot yes, I love it here in Japan." ---- nods.

" Hey you got work with Endeavor and Best Jeanist today right?" Kirishima asks walking over.

" Yah apparently, eh I don't mind I suppose, work is work." ---- shrugs.

" You seem to be doing a lot better, its great to see." Shoto smiles.

" I'm away from the military and the UN on most days now, I have become more relaxed." ---- smiles back.

Bakugo's phone rings, he answers it and hears its Jeanist, he nods and listens to what he has to say.

" Shit, yah we will suit up and meet you down there." Bakugo nods.

" Hey man whats wrong?" Kaminari asks.

" Villian's, one guy has a quirk but he also has explosives strapped to his chest too, he is in a crowded bank holding hostages." Bakugo sighs.

" LET'S DO THIS!" Kirishima yells out.

Everyone gets suited up and they follow Bakugo to the site where all the Hero's have converged to contain the area. They see Hero's dealing with villian's around the bank, ---- approaches with the others near Jeanist and Endeavor who are discussing the situation.

" I'm here with the others, what's the situation?" Bakugo asks tbe others.

" Disgruntled quirk user, he was rambling about losing his job to someone with a better quirk then him or something like that." Endeavor explains.

---- perks up to the conversation and listens, meanwhile from a safe distance Touya along with Redestro, Skeptic, Curious, Shigaraki, Toga, Magne and Twice watch from a distance at the test.

" Let's see how my investment plays out." Redestro smirks.

As the others listen to the situation, ---- walks towards the bank with her hands up.

" HEY STOP!" Bakugo yells.

" I got this stand by." ---- tells them.

---- calmly walks in and sees the man with the explosives, she looks and sees the hostages who are terrified. The man looks over and seems to get agitated, ---- calmly pulls out a pack of cigarettes and strides over casually.

" STAY BACK!" The man cries out.

" Cigarette?" ---- asks calmly.

" W-What?" The man asks in shock.

" Want a cigarette? They are hand rolled." ---- asks.

" Uh.... y-yah.... sure.... BUT NO FUNNY IDEAS!" The man yells.

" I have no intention to do so, may I approach?" ---- asks.

" Yah...." The man replies in a sad way.

---- takes 2 cigarettes and lights them, she takes one and hands it to the man, she sits down on the ground casually and smokes her cigarette. The man relaxes as well and sits next to her, he smokes as well and they stay quiet for a bit. Redestro, the Hero's and everyone watching are watching in awe at how she is handling the situation.

" What's your name?" ---- asks.

" Ito Haru.... I've seen you on the news, your Hydra." Haru tells ----.

" Yep, its nice to meet you Haru." ---- tells him.

" It.... it is?" Haru asks.

" Yah, I like meeting new people, I'm American so my time in Japan is exciting." ---- smiles.

" American? What is America like?" Haru asks as he turns to face her.

" It's incredible too, a melting pot of people and ideas, massive food portions and some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Its nice, I liked to spend most of my time in Florida, swimming in the hot springs and beautiful calming rivers. It is definitely different from here, but I like Japan too, everyone has been so welcoming." ---- tells him.

" Woah.... that sounds so cool." Haru looks in awe.

" So not to be intrusive but, why are you here doing this?" ---- asks.

" I was hired by a man in a black mask, he was very tall and had a black suit. He spoke so calmly, he came to me after I lost my job to someone with a better quirk then me...." Haru explains.

" What's your quirk?" ---- asks.

" It's a plant based quirk.... its not really manly but I was able to provide for my wife and child. She is pregnant again and I worked as a florist of a major business chain and got paid well...." Haru explains.

---- is silent for a moment as she remembers Uwabami is hiring for a head florist for the commercials she is in often.

" What if I could see about another job for you?" ---- tells him.

" You.... you could do that for me? But.... I'm a villian now.... I can't...." Haru begins to sob.

" I will negotiate things for you on your behalf, you are not a bad person Haru. For this to work I need to make a quick call and the Hero will come in here, don't worry they will not do anything to engage you Haru.... you have my word." ---- calmly explains.

" Ok, I trust you Hydra." Haru nods.

---- pulls out her phone and calls up Uwabami, she puts it on speakerphone and Uwabami picks up the phone.

" Hello Hydra, I'm watching what's going on is everything ok?" She asks.

" Yes things are well, I need you to come in here with no intention to go after Haru here. I wish to have a quick meeting with you, come alone because if you don't I will stop whoever breaks my rules here." ---- explains to her.

" Understood, I'm entering now." Uwabami agrees.

---- hangs up the phone and the pair watch Uwabami come in alone, she walks towards them and stops a slight distance away.

" Hello Hydra, who is your new friend here?" Uwabami asks with a smile.

" This is Ito Haru, Uwabami I remember seeing something about you looking for a florist in your agency." ---- introduces.

" Yes actually, is Mr. Ito a florist?" Uwabami asks.

" Y-yes ma'am, I use to have a job but was replaced by someone who they thought was better at the job. I have a wife and child, she is pregnant again and I just want to provide for them.... I'm no villian I just needed money.... I'm so sorry!" The man sobs.

" It is ok Mr. Ito, here lets get this off of you and we can go to my agency. Let's get you started with your new life, you seem like a good person with good intentions." Uwabami smiles.

" Haru, go with her, keep your life clean and work for Uwabami, she will take care of you ok?" ---- tells him.

With the explosives removed the man looks at ----, with tears in his eyes he runs to Hydra and hugs her tightly. ---- hugs him back and comforts him, he pulls back and walks over to Uwabami.

" Thank you so much Hydra, I will never forget your kindness here today." Haru smiles.

The explosives start to beep, everyone looks in shock as they start to scream in panic and fear as it beeps faster. ---- puts her body over the explosives and surrounds herself and the explosives in her own bone. The explosives go off which makes the Hero's run in, they look and see ---- not moving. Running over ---- groans as they help her up, they look in horror to see a massive gaping wound in her midsection. Her intestines are hanging out and they see her heart beating through her shattered ribcage. Her lungs expand and contract with every labored breath, her spine twists and contorts with every move she makes in a broken way.

" WE NEED MEDICAL NOW!" Shoto yells for help.

" I'm fine.... fuck I didn't have enough time to reinforce my abdomen and chest.... just give me a moment...." ---- coughs up large amounts of blood.

They watch her focus and they watch as her body repairs itself, she pushes her organs back into place as her abdomen and chest close up. Her armor and outfit also heal which impresses them, ---- takes a sigh of relief and sits up properly.

" Thank you for your concern Shoto but I can regenerate remember?" ---- smiles.

Watching on the cameras attatched to clones in the bank, Redestro and the others smile and are impressed at ----.

" Wel well Dabi, you were right like usual. Hydra is very impressive, contact her and tell her I want to speak today. I wish to move up my meeting now." Redestro tells him.

" Yah right." Touya nods and walks off into the shadows.

Touya sends complex directions to ---- through a text, ---- gets the message and slips away from everyone unnoticed. She travels the labyrinth of alleyways to where Touya described. Touya sneaks up behind ---- and pins her against a wall, kissing the back of her neck he chuckles.

" You never cease to amaze ----." Touya hums.

" I do what I can babe." ---- moans softly.

" Fuck.... your body is so obedient to me...." Touya chuckles.

" Touya.... we can't here." ---- whisper yells.

" No one will know as long as you arent too loud." Touya smirks.

Rubbing over her clothed sex he starts to undo her costume and pulls her pants down. Slipping his hand down her panties he finds her clit and starts to rub her, a soft moan escapes her lips as she tries to quell her moans. Touya starts to unbuckle his belt as he rubs her slit, his lips stay attached to her neck. Grabbing one of her hands he has her grab his cock and stroke it.

" Heh.... how did I not notice your piercings before?" ---- giggles.

" You were so blissed out and ready for my cock you didn't even notice I guess, thats ok though I forgive you baby...." Touya chuckles.

Before she can say another word he has her brace as he sheaths himself into her pussy.

" Oh fuck!" ---- whimpers out.

" Shhhhh.... don't get too loud baby, if you do I'll stop fucking you here and now. Leave you needy for my cock." Touya tuts.

To make it harder on her Touya grabs her hips and drills into her at a punishing speed. Gripping the wall until her quirk activates on her fingertips, ---- digs her fingers into the cement in front of her.

" Touya.... I'm about to cum...." ---- pants.

" No! Not yet, if you cum I will punish you...." Touya growls into her ear.

He can feel it, he can feel her insides struggle to not fall to instincts as his cock and piercings hit every spot inside her. He knows he needs to hurry as well, thankfully he is close this time around and he goes harder. ---- lets out small whimpers as she fights the urge to cum, Touya turns her head to face him, she looks into his eyes as he starts to growl in a low tone.

" Fuck.... such a submissive little slut, my slut only.... no one.... no one elses!" Touya growls.

While holding her hip the other hand travels to her clit and rubs it in quick circles. ---- cries out as her will is slowly being broken, Touya can see this as he feels his cock pulse.

" Fuck cum for me baby, cum on my cock you cute lil fuckin slut." Touya moans out.

" Shit! Touya!" ---- moans out.

---- feels her walls clamp violently around his cock and milk it, her orgasm makes her eyes roll back and she nearly passes out. Touya seeing this feels intense pleasure erupt up his spine as he slams his cock in and out of her pussy.

" Fuck yah baby, take it all.... take all of me...." Touya growls out loud.

With every rough snap of his hips Touya paints her walls white with his seed. His forehead is slick as he braces himself as well as ----, leaning forward he kisses ---- deeply as his hips still and his tip is nested against her cervix.

" Fuck.... you're so beautiful ----." Touya sighs out.

" I love you Touya." ---- whispers as she strokes his cheek.

" Love you too ----." Touya smiles slightly as he leans into her touch.

Touya and ---- stay in this intimate embrace for a little while as they bask in the afterglow. Soon Touya pulls himself out and the pair fix themselves back to normal, ---- pulls 2 cigarettes out and looks for her lighter. She growls and realizes it probably exploded when the explosives his her.

" Allow me baby." Touya smirks.

Holding her head steady as the cigarettes are in her mouth Touya summons a small blue flame at his pointer finger. He lights the cigarettes as ---- primes them both, once ready she hands him the other and they both relax.

" So I guess I'm here for a reason babe?" ---- asks.

" Yah, couldn't resist you first though. But Redestro wants to see you earlier then previously talked about. After all this meet me at my place and we will be teleported to Detnerat. There everyone wishes to properly meet you and talk about your place among us." Touya tells her.

" Guessing he likes what he saw." ---- comments as she takes a drag from her cigarette.

" You blew everyone out of the water, they are impressed with your negotiation skills, your ability to pacify, and most of all your quirk. You scared me at first but seeing you calm, I knew I had nothing to fear babe." Touya tells her.

" Glad I'm doin something right, I'll slip back and finish up with the others. Be safe babe ok?" ---- finishes her cigarette.

" Im always safe, I'll see you later baby doll." Touya grins and finishes his.

---- kisses Touya softly and parts with him, Touya waits for her to get back with the others before he starts to move. He starts to walk but hears someone behind him.

" What does your feathered ass want Keigo?" Touya sighs.

" Well I was lookin for you Dabster when I stumbled upon you and Hydra, got a sweet little bit of ass on the side eh buddy?" Hawks smirks.

Touya turns and grabs Keigo by the neck violently, he heats up his hand to near burning as his other hand holds a large flame close to his face.

" First, the name's Dabi to you, second, you ever speak ill of my girl again Keigo.... I'll burn your nugget ass till you're a pile of ash.... do I make myself clear?" Touya sneers.

" Heh ok ok, didn't take you for the dating type but congrats man I'm happy for ya. Anyways I came to find you and see how things were going." Hawks calmly replies.

" Things are fine, ---- is under contract and her use to Redestro is determined by how she will perform in the future." Touya says in a vague way as he releases Keigo from his grip.

" Sounds interesting." Hawks cocks an eyebrow.

" Don't know much about his plans if that's what you are wondering." Touya mentions.

" A little but I suppose that cant be helped." Hawks shrugs.

" If we are done here I'm leaving." Touya abruptly waves him off.

" Before you go I have one question.... who are you exactly?" Hawks asks him.

Touya stops in the alleyway as a portal opens up in front of him, he starts to laugh for a good while before he turns silent.

" Only one who knows that is ----, and she ain't talkin." Touya laughs.

Touya disappears into the portal, it vanishes leaving Hawks alone. He flies back to the others and sees Hydra working with the Hero's as they clean up the mess.

Shoto stands next to ---- as they watch over the police putting the other villian's into trucks for transport to special jails. Shoto touches ---- shoulder which gets her attention as she looks over.

" I know you said not to worry but, you sure your ok?" He asks.

" I appreciate your concern, yes I am ok after that, I'm extremely tough Shoto not to worry." ---- reassures.

" I.... sorry just those injuries.... your organs.... you were holding them in and it.... it was scary for everyone around you." Shoto blushes as he tries to explain himself.

" I understand, I didn't think you were all going to come charging in like that either. I didn't have enough time to reinforce my entire body so I just focused on making sure the explosives never made it out." ---- nods.

" That quirk is so incredible." Shoto tells her.

" It is quite the ace up my sleeve, oh about Mr. Ito " ---- mentions.

" Uwabami took him to her agency, she is going to hire him and help get him and his family back on their feet. Thanks to you an innocent man has a second chance." Shoto praises.

" I'm glad, he wasn't truly evil, he just was desperate.... desperation can drive even the softest and purist hearts to the depths of depravity." ---- sighs.

" Well thanks to you and to our clean up we took care of the true villian's running around and saved many people. We should finish up and head back." Shoto suggests.

" I would but I have a private meeting I must attend to." ---- tells him.

" Ah more military stuff?" Shoto asks.

" Yes, its all I can say, my apologies." ---- nods.

" No apology needed, go and take care of your meeting we will see you tonight." Shoto nods.

---- nods and waves bye, she goes to the others and tells them she has another engagement to go to and they also wave bye as well. ---- heads to Touya's place and sees he is waiting for her, he opens up the door for her and they walk in.

" There you are, you ready baby?" Touya asks her.

" Yep, let's do this." ---- nods.

Touya messages out to Kurogiri that they are ready, after a minute a portal opens. Touya holds onto ---- as they walk through, ---- looks around the large room and sees a bunch of people. They all clap and cheer for her which makes her look at them in an odd way.

" You were absolutely brilliant earlier, you made me a little jealous at such negotiation skills." Trumpet smiles.

" Sometimes my force isn't needed." ---- shrugs.

" Your regeneration is nothing short of incredible, tell me is it the serum or pure training?" Curious asks.

" The serum plays a part but it is through all my years of intense training." ---- answers.

" Come now everyone let ---- rest, she has had an eventful day." Redestro calms everyone as he approaches.

---- looks up towards him and she waits for any command he might have for her. Instead he simply studies her for a moment as he sips hs wine.

" My my, they really know how to build a weapon don't they? But you my girl are more then that, you are a living human with thoughts and emotions. Dabi has told me much about you, you love animals and food, you are rather innocent to new things, you love people despite them fearing you, and you have big dreams." Redestro speaks.

" All true yes.... so.... what is it do you want to know more about?" ---- asks.

" First we all eat, like Dabi he said you are fond of Beef, I have some fine beef ramen waiting for you." Redestro tells her.

" He has been doing his homework then, I would love some thank you for you hospitality sir." ---- bows in respect.

" Such manners, walk with us." Redestro smiles.

Redestro and everyone walk to the dining room, inside Redestro seats ---- next to him and Touya at the table. Everyone sits down and waits for Redestro to take the first bite, once he does everyone starts to eat as well.

" So Hydra, tell us more about yourself." Curious asks.

---- looks up from her ramen bowl and finishes her bite, placing it down and leaning back in her chair she swallows her food as she pans her gaze around the table.

" That is a very broad request, tell me.... what it is you wish to know?" ---- asks as she folds her hands together in front of her.