Chapter Text
“Wow, it’s already been a week, huh? Time sure flies when you’re having fun.”
Hawks grins ear-to-ear, but as much as you agree with his statement, you have to admit, it felt awfully short.
Apart from the Hosu incident (which you already knew was bound to happen anyway), you enjoyed practically every minute of this work placement. Actually, as absurd as this might sound, you didn’t mind what happened in Hosu all too much either. Once you realized Shigaraki wasn’t actually going to kill you, it was nice to be able to have a real conversation with him for once. It felt like he was really listening to you. Perhaps he didn’t quite understand, but it almost seemed like… he was trying to.
Also, it’s kind of a special feeling to be deliberately kept alive by one of the all-time most notorious villains. Which is just guaranteed to inflate your ego even more.
Oopsie.
“It’s no big deal,” you shrug, and Hawks flashes you a puzzled look. You clarify, “I mean, I can just come back next week. Let’s prolong the work placement, okay?”
“Haha!”
Hawks throws his head back for a moment, incapable of suppressing his laughter.
Clearly, you’re hilarious—which is nothing new, really—but jokes aside, you wouldn’t mind staying here longer. Even though it’s only been a week, getting to dip your foot in and experience what it’s really like to work as a hero has just made you all the more certain that this is what you want to keep doing for the rest of your life.
It truly is such an amazing job. Being the reason that people can afford to be happy and safe… what could possibly be better than that?
“As much as I love your suggestion, sadly, it doesn’t work that way,” Hawks chuckles. “But don’t worry. You have actual internships scheduled for later on in the school year, right? Both of you are definitely invited to come back here. And by then, you’ll have your provisional licenses. It’ll be a whole different experience. Way more hands-on.”
“Like kicking villains’ butts and rescuing people?” you ask excitedly.
“Yeah, exactly,” Hawks muses, somehow grinning even wider than before. “And I can just tell you’ll be kicking a lot of butts.”
“Well, probably. I’m great at pretty much anything I do.”
Tokoyami stares at you in disbelief, perhaps wondering how any one person can have that much confidence, and meanwhile, Hawks laughs again.
“You both did great,” he says, eyes crinkling at the corners when he smiles. “It was only a week, but it was more than enough for me to see how much potential you both have. You’re already making great strides with your Quirks, too. And again, I’m sorry for not being around during the Hosu attack when I should have been, but you handled it well.”
“Not really,” Tokoyami mumbles, expression turning downcast.
“No, you did,” Hawks insists. “Neither of you has your licenses yet, so you did the right thing by not using your Quirks in battle. [Name], you obviously had a much closer encounter with Shigaraki than you should have, and that’s my fault, but you kept your calm despite the situation. It’s really impressive. You might not even realize it yourself, but you should be very proud.”
“Don’t worry, I am proud,” you beam.
Hawks laughs for what feels like the hundredth time in a row. “In that case, I guess I really don’t have anything left to say. So then, it looks like it’s goodbye for now! We’ll be seeing each other again soon, though. I’m sure of it.”
Hawks nods in your direction, then in Tokoyami’s, and you’re once again elated that he’s the one you got to do your workplace experience with. You can’t think of anyone else who would have been as friendly, welcoming, laidback—and who perfectly matched your vibe.
Maybe that’s why you can’t help but let your inner fangirl soar for a few moments, as you blurt out your next words.
“Can I hug you?”
Hawks blinks. Just once at first, but then a few more times, as yet another smile settles onto his lips.
“Of course,” he says, opening his arms wide. “You don’t even need to ask.”
“Yay!” you practically squeal, rushing over to him.
It’s not the first time you’ve been nestled closely in Hawks’ embrace. He held you all those times while you were learning to fly, and he even caught you on several occasions, not to mention when he rescued you from Shigaraki. It’s certainly not an unreasonable request, but goodbyes really are better when a hug is thrown into the mix. It just makes the whole thing feel… complete.
“Tokoyami, you join in too!” you grin.
He bristles from your touch. “Uh, wait—”
Too bad. You’re not waiting, and setting his shyness aside, you know how much he looks up to Hawks. You’re positive he would’ve felt left out if you didn’t include him. That’s why, once he’s pressed in closely in between the two of you, he immediately falls silent and doesn't even try to protest.
Well, up until you get a little too cheeky and smush your face against his.
“Th-That’s enough!” Tokoyami stammers, nearly tripping over his own feet as he pulls away. He quickly clears his throat. “Um. Thank you very much, Hawks, for all your support and guidance. I’m very thankful to have had this opportunity… and clearly, [Name] is too.”
Arms still wrapped tightly around Hawks, you frown at him. “Really? What gave you that impression?”
“Yes, I wonder what it could possibly be,” Tokoyami sighs.
Hawks chuckles one last time as he affectionately pats you on the back. “Like I said, you’re both welcome to come back here whenever you want. In fact, let’s stay in touch. If you ever want to message or call me, I’ll respond as soon as I can. You’re bound to have a lot of questions as you learn more about what it means to work as a hero. The least I can do is offer a few tips of my own.”
“Thank you, Hawks,” you hum, giving him a big squeeze. “You’re the best! No wonder you’re the youngest pro hero to have ever gotten into the Top Ten! Ah, but don’t get too comfortable, because I think I’d like to try beating your record eventually.”
Hawks’ smile softens. There’s something quieter in his expression now—warm, sincere, and unmistakably proud.
“I’m sure I wouldn’t mind losing to you, so go right ahead.”
Shouto misses you.
It hasn’t even been all that long since he last saw you, because you stopped by the hospital recently, but this workplace experience was especially grueling in the sense that he barely got to spend any time with you.
…oh, and there was the whole Hero Killer thing too, he supposes.
But mostly he just wants to see you again.
“Are you all ready to go, Shouto?” Endeavor asks.
As of this moment, the week-long work placements are officially over, but oddly enough, he spent a good chunk of the last day at the hospital. Not by choice, though. Upon his father’s insistence. He’s worried about him, apparently. Ever since Endeavor rescued him, Izuku, and Iida from Stain, he’s been awfully fussy.
“I didn’t have to come back here in the first place,” Shouto frowns. “I told you I felt fine. I didn’t even need any additional treatment.”
Endeavor stubbornly shakes his head. “No. These things are meant to be taken seriously. Besides, you never know. Sometimes, an early diagnosis can be misleading. It never hurts to get a second opinion. And a third. And if needed, perhaps even a fourth.”
Ugh. What’s that thing Shouto’s heard you say on several occasions? It’s a way that you sometimes show that you’re feeling frustrated, or something along those lines. Seriously, what was it again?
Ah... right. He remembers now.
“Dude,” Shouto mutters.
Endeavor’s jaw drops open. “What did you just call me?”
“Nothing. I’m just expressing how annoyed I am right now.”
“What’s so annoying about your father wanting to make sure you’re healthy, huh?? Tell me! Shouto!”
Except Shouto’s already walking away from him, expression indifferent, as he unwraps the lollipop one of the nice doctors gave him earlier. Then he places it into his mouth and stares out towards the roads, arms crossed.
“I’m tired. I want to go home now.”
“Of course we’re going home,” Endeavor sighs. “Just don’t act recklessly. You put yourself in danger back there. I understand why you tried to help, but a hero shouldn’t overlook their own wellbeing. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to protect anyone else.”
He’s got a point there. It’s true that Shouto will be absolutely useless, should he end up with permanent, debilitating injuries. He hates the thought of that. He hates the thought of that because if he ever ends up in such a state, he won’t be able to look after you.
Heroes strive to save everyone, that just goes without saying. Heroes try to save as many people as they possibly can, but…
He’d be lying if he said you weren’t the most important person of all.
“Where’s the driver?” Shouto asks, gnawing on his lollipop impatiently. “I’m tired. I want to go home.”
Endeavor almost chuckles. “You already said that. Are you in a bad mood, or something?”
“Yes, I’m in a bad mood. I barely got to spend any time with [Name] this week. It was terrible.”
“Ah.”
For some reason, Endeavor instantly falls silent, but Shouto’s too preoccupied with his lollipop to even bother glancing over at him. At least, not until Endeavor awkwardly reaches a hand out and places it on his shoulder.
“Sh-Shouto,” he says, cringing as he trips over his own words.
“Yeah?” Shouto frowns.
“Uh. You know that… you know that you can talk to me about… these kinds of things. You know that, right?”
Huh. What the hell is this old fart saying now? And why does he look so uncomfortable all of a sudden?
Shouto finally turns to face him properly, brows furrowed. “What kinds of things? I don’t understand what you mean.”
“I mean, uh…” Endeavor has to clear his throat several times, and even then, his voice cracks slightly as he speaks. “I mean, you know. Things about [Name]. The… girl you have feelings for.”
The shock hits Shouto so fast, he barely has time to process it, and his poor lollipop falls helplessly onto the ground.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Shouto answers, absolutely horrified.
No. No, this isn’t happening. He’s not about to discuss his love life—or lack thereof—with his dad, for crying out loud!
“Shouto, what you’re feeling is perfectly normal,” Endeavor insists, despite his own obvious discomfort. “I remember when I was your age—”
“Stop it! Stop! Leave me alone!”
It’s nothing short of a miracle that the driver shows up at that very moment, and Shouto wastes no time before sprinting towards the car, then diving headfirst into the backseat.
“Drive,” Shouto grits out. “Just go. Now. Please.”
Endeavor’s chauffeur, Kurumada, is a man with a bushy mustache, a stern face, and is very much in the habit of not taking anyone’s shit. Needless to say, he gives Shouto a look that seems to imply, “Bitch, you can’t be serious.”
Shouto knows that look all too well. It’s the same look you always give Katsuki when he’s acting like a fool.
“And what exactly is the issue?” Kurumada scoffs.
Shouto furiously shakes his head. “You wouldn’t understand. Just drive, please. My dad can easily find some other way home.”
“Ohh, of course!” Kurumada retorts sarcastically. “Well, why didn’t you just say that? I didn’t realize you’re the one I’m supposed to be taking orders from, but now it all makes perfect sense!”
“Please, you really don’t understand—”
“Shouto, don’t run away from me,” Endeavor cuts in, opening the passenger side door and frowning as he steps inside. “This is an important discussion. I’ve been thinking about it ever since I saw what happened during the Sports Festival’s award ceremony.”
Kurumada twirls his mustache. “Ah, you mean when he accidentally kissed that girl.”
“Yes, [Name]. The one he has a crush on.”
“Shut the hell up!” Shouto cries out, face burning crimson. “It’s supposed to be a secret!”
There’s a heavy pause, while Kurumada and Endeavor exchange a long, knowing glance.
And then they both turn, muttering in unison—
“It’s definitely not a secret.”
The rest of the ride home is remarkably uncomfortable, and Shouto has to cover his ears in a desperate attempt to escape the situation. Yet again, he’s both shocked and appalled by the fact that people know. He’s been trying so hard to hide that he has feelings for you, but it seems he’s far more obvious than he wants to be.
No wonder Katsuki was able to tell. Apparently… apparently, he’s hardly fooling anyone.
You still haven’t realized it yourself, however. His conversation with you during the banquet is proof of that, but if he’s not careful, he’ll blow it. You’ll catch on eventually, before he even has the chance to properly confess.
“—and that was my first love,” Kurumuda mumbles wistfully. “I’ve regretted not confessing for the better portion of my life. Don’t let the moment slip away from you like I did. If you like this girl so much, you should be honest with her.”
Goddammit. Shouto made the mistake of uncovering his ears for a few seconds, and now he finds himself grimacing all over again.
He wants to say that he’s lucky they’ve just arrived in front of the house, but he has a feeling this one-sided discussion isn’t over yet—even though he desperately wants it to be.
“It’s good that you care about her so much,” Endeavor insists as they both step out of the car. “I thought she was a bit ridiculous at first, but I’ve since come to understand her. Which means I also understand that she only thinks of the two of you as friends. If you want things to change, you’ll have to be much more direct. Shouto? Shouto! Don’t walk away from me when I’m talking to you!”
“I’m not listening!” Shouto snaps back, ears covered once more. “You have no idea what you’re talking about! You’re stupid!”
“Don’t call your father stupid! Hey! Shouto!”
Their bickering doesn’t stop, even as they enter the building, but the streets finally fall silent as they disappear inside.
Silent, yes, but for one person in particular, he feels far from at peace.
Dabi takes a step forward, lips parted in bewilderment. He stopped by here on a whim. He’s not sure what exactly came over him, but after hearing that speech you gave him the other day, about how clinging to hatred causes more harm than good, it reignited old memories. Not that those memories had ever disappeared, but here he is. Curiosity got the best of him.
He couldn’t help but want to see what’s become of his family since he last gazed upon them, and what does he find? He sees his disgusting, trash heap of a father talking to one of his sons about his crush. On you, no less.
They were arguing just now, but it felt oddly humorous. There was no real anger or conflict involved. In fact, Dabi even caught Endeavor smiling to himself as Shouto stormed away from him with his ears covered.
Is it because of you? Is this the effect you’ve had on the Todoroki family? He already figured as much from the first moment he saw you and Shouto together, but things really have changed. There’s happiness now. Joy and warmth, where there never used to be.
“Ha,” Dabi scoffs.
On the surface, it sounds like a good thing. A family getting along can’t possibly be bad, right?
And yet it is.
It’s completely, utterly wrong.
Dabi grinds his teeth against each other. He can’t believe it. They all think he’s dead, but look at them, closer than ever before. Even Endeavor seems to have softened up. He’s taking an interest in his child’s life, for fuck’s sake. He’s caring about his children beyond simply viewing them as tools meant to surpass All Might and further his lineage. He’s actually acting like a father.
But why the fuck couldn’t he do that when Dabi was still around?
No… when Touya was still around.
As expected, even though your intentions were kind, genuine, you just don’t understand. You don’t understand what it’s like to come from a broken home, where no one values you. Although you were raised unconventionally, in the yakuza, you’ve been showered with more love than any person could ever dream of.
So, you really don’t understand.
You’ll never understand.
Dabi clenches his fists, eyes blazing with hatred, and walks away.
Only a week has passed while you were away from school, but somehow, it feels like it’s been longer than that. You’ve got a spring in your step as you navigate U.A’s hallways. Your workplace experience was an indisputable success, and now, you’re even more excited to become a hero for real.
You already have so many loyal fans and supporters, too. So many people who were overjoyed to encounter you while you were out on patrols. Seeing all their faces light up the moment they laid eyes on you… it was amazing. You can’t believe you ever lived life so devoid of any connection to others.
It almost feels foreign now, like your past life wasn’t even your true self. Which it wasn’t, in all fairness. You didn’t know what really mattered back then. You were just going through the motions and sluggishly getting through each day.
Thank goodness you got a second chance. A chance to actually live.
Lips holding an impossibly bright smile, you turn towards the first-year wing of the Hero Department, and cross paths with a familiar face.
Oh.
“Good morning, Monoma,” you say, still smiling.
He doesn’t say good morning back, though. Instead, he freezes in place for a few moments, like his feet are glued to the ground. His cheeks also turn violently red. So red that you’re almost worried about him.
“D-Don’t greet me so casually!” he stammers, and without warning, he makes a beeline for his classroom.
Which is rather embarrassing, because he trips, cries out as his knees skid across the ground, then glances back towards you—shamefully—before disappearing inside the room.
Wow, that was hard to watch.
You end up chuckling without meaning to. He’s obviously still hung up on your accidental kiss together from the banquet. You’re not sure how it happened, but you’re quickly becoming the queen of accidental kisses, and you’re determined to put a stop to it.
If you’re fated to end up kissing people anyway, you’d much rather it be on purpose, at the very least.
Anyway, setting that amusing reaction aside, you’re excited to be back with everyone. You had a lot of fun at Hawks’ agency, but you’ve missed being here a lot more than you expected.
So, you slide Class 1-A’s door open, step inside, and—
“Good morning, [Name].”
Holy shit, that was fast.
Shouto, Izuku, and Iida are there to greet you practically the second you enter the classroom. Maybe they’re still worried about the whole Shigaraki thing. Honestly, though, you haven’t been losing any sleep over it. Like, at all.
“Good morning,” you smile. “How are you guys feeling?”
“Better now,” Shouto says eagerly.
“Now that what?”
“Now that I’m seeing you again.”
You giggle, wrapping him in a quick hug, which of course makes Shouto’s entire face instantly light up.
Yes, it’s truly a mystery how other people have figured out he likes you.
Such a mystery.
You’re about to check in with some of your other classmates (Tokoyami, for one, is quietly waving at you from his desk), but before you can, several people break out into laughter. Really loud laughter.
“AHAHAHAHA! For real?? No, for real, Bakugou?!”
Katsuki just stepped into the classroom, and lo and behold, he has his trademark preppy schoolboy hairstyle now—courtesy of Best Jeanist.
“Don’t you dare laugh,” he mutters darkly. “I said, don’t laugh! I’ll kick your asses, you bastards! Shut your damn mouths!”
Unfortunately for him, Kirishima and Sero are both laughing so hard they have tears in their eyes, but before he can snap at them again, his gaze shifts, landing on you instead.
Now, he’s the one who looks like he's about to cry.
“Don’t… don’t say anything,” he gasps, mortified beyond belief. “I didn’t choose to do this! That asshole Best Jeanist gave me no choice! And I keep trying to wash it, but no matter what I do, it’s stuck and won’t go back to normal!”
In all honesty, you are kind of tempted to laugh, but you feel like it’d be a bit of a low blow to tease him right now. So, you won’t laugh. You definitely won’t laugh.
“I-It looks nice,” you lie, but you hardly last a few seconds before you have to hurriedly cover your mouth with your hand, trying with all your might to keep from laughing aloud.
It was a good effort. It was a really, really good effort.
Sadly, it doesn’t stop Katsuki from turning red as a tomato, and screaming from frustration.