Disclaimer: I don't own Boku no Hero Academia.


Someone was banging on the door.

At first, Chiyo automatically went into a protective stance, prepared to defend herself if the need arose. Hiroto didn't seem fazed by it, however, and with a heavy sigh went to open the door.

Chiyo scrunched her nose at Hiroto's… carelessness. Wasn't he the least bit concerned about who he was letting in?

A mess of red hair barreled into the house, causing Chiyo to jump back. A short woman wrapped her arms around Hiroto's neck and pulled him down for a hug. While he didn't seem happy about, Hiroto didn't complain either.

"You will not believe how awful the traffic was," The woman stated, as she took off her shoes and tossed them to the side. "It took me about an hour to get here!"

Hiroto just nodded, as he took the woman's shoes and placed them in the proper spot.

"You're always such a neat freak," The woman tutted, as she ran a hand through her hair. "I wish I could be like you-"

"I thought you said I was a grouch with a stick up my ass," Hiroto stated plainly. The woman just waved her hand at that.

"Y'know… I didn't mean it like that," She said as she moved towards the couch. She stroked her chin in contemplation, before shaking her head. "Well…. I did. But, that was a long time ago,"

The woman then set her eyes on Chiyo and beamed.

"You're Chiyo-chan, right?" The bubbly woman questioned as she crouched down to Chiyo's height. The woman gushed and pinched Chiyo's cheeks. "You're so cute!"

Chiyo massaged her cheek as the woman started to tug on her hand. She had so much energy.

"I'm Asami! We're gonna have a lot of fun together Chiyo-chan," She stated happily, as she ran a hand through Chiyo's hair. It was now down to her mid back, but Chiyo wasn't exactly sure how to properly maintain it.

(Hanami had used to love braiding her hair-)

"It's hard being the only girl around here y'know," Asami pouted, as she went to take a seat at the couch. She pulled Chiyo along as she did so.

"Where's my good for nothing son?" Hiroto questioned roughly, as he brought out some tea "You'd think he'd actually want to spend some time with his old man,"

Asami just rolled her eyes at that and took the tea gratefully.

"You know he's busy at the hospital," Asami replied, as a sheepish look came over her face. "I should be at the bakery, but Suzu said she'd take over for the day,"

Hiroto snorted and shook his head.

"That girl should be in charge with the way you make her do everything,"

"Not everything," Asami defended, as she took a sip of her tea. "Besides, she loves working finance. I'm awful at it,"

Chiyo listened to the conversation half-heartedly, as she too chugged down her tea.

"I'm only in it for the baking," Asami replied smoothly "Everything else can go to hell. I don't understand why there has to be so much business involved,"

"Because you're running a business-"

"Details, details," Asami stated as she waved her hand. Hiroto just sighed, as he went to pick up their finished teacups. Asami then chose to look down at Chiyo once more.

"What do you wanna be when you grow up Chiyo-chan? Wanna join me at the bakery? Be a model?" Asami questioned as she grinned cheekily.

("Do you have any dreams?")

Chiyo shook her head sadly.

"I… I don't… really have any dreams. I don't know what I'm going to be," She stated as she hung her head. Asami gushed and pulled her in for a hug, Chiyo returned it almost as if it was second nature.

(She really really liked hugs-)

"It's okay Chiyo-chan! I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life until I graduated high school. You'll figure it out someday,"

"Hopefully she's more put together than you are when she gets to that point," Hiroto snarked as he walked into the kitchen. Asami just grinned at Hiroto's retreating back.

"You… you're Hiroto's daughter-in-law?" The girl questioned innocently. Asami's cheeks flamed, as she rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.

"Y-yeah," The woman replied avoiding Chiyo's line of sight. A shy smile made it onto her face. "I'm lucky,"

Chiyo nodded her head, as she saw how happy the mention of Asami's husband had made her.

(I wonder if I'll ever get something like that-)

"You'll understand what I'm talking about one day, Chiyo-chan," Asami stated happily, as she patted the top of Chiyo's head. "I'm sure all the boys will be fighting over you, once the time comes,"

Chiyo nodded her head once more in reply but didn't say anything else. Asami stared at her for a moment, before jumping up.

"I know! I can take you shopping. We could buy you some cute new clothes,". Asami's amber eyes crinkled "It'll be a great bonding activity,"

Chiyo froze and shook her head immediately voicing her displeasure.

(Everything was so bright-they were all moving so fast-)

"I… I'd rather not-"

"Nonsense. You can't let that sour puss over there be your only companion-"

Almost immediately, a spoon went to hit the back of Asami's head. Hiroto stood from the kitchen doorway, donning his pink apron.

"What was that Asami-kun?" He asked sweetly. It was jarring Chiyo noted as she inched away from him. The idea of Hiroto doing anything sweet made Chiyo uncomfortable. Asami just let out a nervous chuckle.

"Oh, nothing. Just saying how much of an amazing person you are,"

Hiroto stared at her blankly for a few moments, before retreating back into the kitchen. Asami rubbed the back of her head.

"He never changes," She mumbled, before turning towards Chiyo. A hopeful look took center in the woman's brown eyes. "I could just… show you around town if you want? We don't have to buy new clothes,"

Chiyo was about to deny vehemently but stopped as she saw the look in Asami's eyes. The insecurities hidden beneath her confidence.

(I just want you to like me-)

"I'll go," Chiyo whispered, digging her fingernails into her palm. Her wings wilted slightly but rose again when Asami gave her a cheerful hug.

"We're gonna have so much fun! We can go to whatever store you like!"

"Asami-san, I… I don't know any stores around here,"

"Right, right… wait don't call me that. I'm not some grandma. Just call me Asami,"

"... Asami then," Chiyo replied softly, testing the name out on her tongue. Asami grinned.

"We're gonna have a lot of fun together," Asami stated, as she went to grab her bag "Oi! Hiroto, I'm taking Chiyo-chan out for a bit,"

Hiroto just gave a wave of his hand from the kitchen, as Asami pulled her out of the house.


The car ride was quiet on Chiyo's part. Asami tried to fill the silence with her soft humming, but Chiyo couldn't help but feel incredibly awkward.

When they finally got to the first store, she froze.

There were so many people, Chiyo found herself unable to function properly.

(She couldn't do this-She couldn't do this-She couldn't do this-)

People gave her strange looks as they passed by. They turned away, however, when Asami glared at them.

(They were watching her, judging her. Just like Adachi had done-)

"Chiyo," Asami said softly, as she brought the girl closer to her. "You can't be afraid forever,"

Those words made something inside of Chiyo rage.

(What do you know about what I've been through? How dare you? What do you think gives you the right-)

She felt a wet moisture make its way down her cheeks, as she started to tremble. Asami tightened her hold around her.

"It's alright to show emotion Chiyo. It's alright to show how you feel-"

"I know that!" Chiyo let out with a hiccup, as she rubbed her nose. "I know that it's just… I can't-"

"Take a deep breath," Asami instructed, as she rubbed soothing circles onto Chiyo's back. "We have time,"

"I'm scared," Chiyo admitted as she tried to cover her face. "I'm scared all the time, and I don't know what to do,"

(She was being held down-cut open-green eyes stared at her menacingly-)

"I don't… it's… the same thing every day and I'm sick of it," Chiyo sputtered, as Asami directed her to the sitting area. The redhead brought out a handkerchief and wiped Chiyo's nose with it. Chiyo thanked her as she rubbed at her eyes.

"Chiyo-chan…have you talked to anyone? A … a therapist possibly?" Asami brought forth as she stroked Chiyo's hair.

"I… I'm not weak. I can handle this,"

"Seeing a therapist doesn't mean you're weak. It just means… you've been strong for too long," Asami replied firmly, her eyes softening. "Even though we just met… I can already tell you're an incredibly strong person,"

(I think you're really cool Chiyo-chan-)

"I know places like these can be a bit overwhelming at times," Asami said, a smidgen of guilt appearing on her face "I shouldn't have taken you here to start off. But, I just thought that maybe it could help you,"

Chiyo remained silent and just continued to dot at her eyes as the woman went on.

"I… I can't even begin to imagine what you and those other children went through," Asami said softly, her usually vibrant eyes dimming. "I'm… I'm sorry you had to see how bad the world can be from such a young age,"

Chiyo didn't reply to that, but she did lean in closer to Asami's side.

"If you don't want to talk to a therapist," Asami started off once more, her amber eyes engulfed with… with pity.

(I don't want your pity, stop-)

"You could always talk to me if you want. I know I may not be the best choice, but I'm a good listener y'know? I'm here if you need me,"

"You're fine," Chiyo sniffled, as she blew out her nose. So embarrassing. "T-thank you. For listening,"

Asami just winked and ruffled her hair once more.

"Hey, don't worry about it! You're family now aren't you?"

She was their family…

She didn't quite know how to respond to that.

Her past life was no better than a blur to her. Anything that happened before the lab, and during the lab she had tried to subconsciously block out. Family, if she had ever had any during that life, was a complete and utter mystery to her.

In this life, she had only had her mother. A mother she hadn't been able to properly speak to for the longest time. A mother who…

(A mother who she had abandoned-)

"Breathe," Asami commanded. Chiyo's bottom lip wobbled, as she raised her gaze to meet Asami's.

(She had always made fun of Toga for crying. But that was all she did nowadays-)

"It's alright to cry Chiyo-chan. It doesn't mean you're weak, it just means you've been strong for too long,"

(Strong for too long-)

She was so tired of it.

She leaned into Asami's side, as she let out the rest of her tears.


After she forcibly got herself together(Too many people had stopped to ask if she was ok. It was embarrassing.) Chiyo and Asami went onwards with their shopping trip.

She mostly followed Asami's lead as they stopped by numerous shops. She couldn't really find anything that she liked.

She was however fascinated by the different altercations that had been done to specific outfits. Fashion designers now had to take into account the different body types each individual had due to the reveal of quirks.

They had compensated for tails, wings(her own wings twitched happily at that), and even multiple limbs. Chiyo had never seen so many different types of clothing.

Even though all the clothing looked nice, she still couldn't find the right type of clothing for her. Asami chuckled at the frustrated look on Chiyo's face, before thrusting something into the younger girl's hands. Chiyo looked down at them curiously.

"You're always squinting I noticed. I thought your eyes might be sensitive to light," Asami relayed happily "I thought… that these might help,"

In Chiyo's hands were a pair of dark sunglasses. She looked down at them wordlessly for a moment, as Asami started to shift nervously.

"You don't have to wear them. I just thought-"

Chiyo cut off Asami's rambling with a tight hug around the older woman's hip. Asami returned it with a sigh.

"I was worried you'd hate them,"

"No," Chiyo replied immediately "They're perfect. Thank you,"

Asami just beamed and held her hand out. Chiyo grabbed it and fell into step easily enough, she slipped her sunglasses on.

Almost instantly, she felt relief flood her senses. She had gotten used to the slight burning in her eyes.

They continued to walk through numerous shops with Chiyo coming up short each and every time.

She just… she didn't know what was needed to have a decent wardrobe. For the longest time, all she had worn was rags and hospital gowns. She didn't know what was deemed fashionable.

Eventually, she sighed and looked towards Asami.

"I… I really don't know what to pick," Chiyo stated sadly "Could you just pick it for me?"

She was met with an immediate no.

"Things like these are important Chiyo-chan," The redhead reprimanded, mock-sternly "I'm not the one that's going to be wearing the clothes now am I? You have to decide for yourself,"

Chiyo sighed and just looked at the rest of the stores balefully. Asami eventually took pity on her.

"Chiyo-chan, what's your style? What type of clothes do you like?" Asami stated before looking off to the side guiltily "I guess I've only been taking you to stores I thought were cute,"

Chiyo just squeezed her hand, a silent it's okay rang between them. Asami nodded her head at that before questioning Chiyo once more.

"Like… what's your favorite color?"

"Red," Chiyo had said immediately before blushing slightly. Asami just laughed.

"Any other colors?"

Chiyo hummed softly as she mulled over the question once more.

"Darker colors are nice I guess," Chiyo mumbled as she dug her fingernails into her palm. Asami saw the action and immediately unclenched them. "I like black,"

"Then let's start there! What about this store?" Asami questioned as she pointed at a much smaller store than the ones they had previously visited. Even though the store was smaller, the different items the store held immediately caught Chiyo's eye. She let go of Asami's hand and walked into the store hurriedly.

This, Chiyo thought as she carefully touched the different clothing items, this was what she had been looking for.

The clothing in this store had a much darker feel to it, Chiyo realized. It was drawing her in closer and closer.

Chiyo looked up at Asami through her sunglasses, and for the first time in a long while… she smiled.

Asami looked taken aback at the notion and dropped her purse. She continued to stare at Chiyo for a moment, before going to gather her fallen belongings.

"Asami," Chiyo stated happily(When had she ever done anything happily?) "Can we buy the clothing here? I really like this skirt!"

She felt giddy, as she held up a red and black checkered skirt. She felt… as if she was finally taking control.

(When had she ever been able to choose anything that she actually liked? It was always for other people-)

Asami beamed back at her once more.

"Whatever you want Chiyo-chan. Don't worry about the money, pick out the whole store if you want!"

Chiyo beamed back as she went to go deeper and deeper into the shop.


Chiyo skipped beside Asami, as she sported her new outfit. Black knee length boots, black leggings, the red and black checkered skirt, and a black t-shirt with the words Heavy Metal placed in the middle.

She knew it was stupid to get worked up over a pair of clothes, but they made her feel free.

She vaguely thought about the type of clothing Hanami and Toga would have chosen.

Hanami would have gone for something pink Chiyo thought as she perused over the other items they bought, maybe a few red items. Toga… Toga would've probably run around naked if she had the choice. Hanami would probably end up picking clothes for her as well.

Hanami had always been the responsible one, doing whatever she could to look after the both of them. Even if Chiyo hadn't realized it at the time, Chiyo realized that Hanami's intervention had saved her at multiple turns.

She looked down at her boots for a moment before slapping her cheeks abruptly. Asami looked towards her in alarm.

"Are you ok?'

Chiyo nodded her head slowly(Stop making people uncomfortable- stop being so moody-smile dammit-) and just tightened her hold on the older woman's hand.

"Never better," Chiyo replied, before freezing in her tracks. She let go of Asami's hand and walked into a large store that housed multiple stuffed animals. A white fluffy rabbit caught her eye.

("Don't worry about it, we'll get out of here soon-")

She groaned and placed her head in her hands for a moment. Her head was throbbing. She looked at the rabbit once more and picked it up. She felt Asami sidle up behind her.

("I love you Chiyo-chan-")

"Could we buy this please?" Chiyo questioned as she stroked the rabbit. "I… I used to have one like this,"

"Of course!" Asami said almost immediately, amber eyes shining. "Anything else you want-"

"No," Chiyo said softly as she hugged the rabbit closer to her. "This is fine,"

The redhead was silent at that and just nodded her head as she went to pay for the item.

Chiyo breathed in the rabbit's scent and continued to hold it close to her.

("It felt warm and safe. A time when she was happy-")

Chiyo smiled.


Dinner that night was… nice.

Hiroto and Chiyo were quiet by nature, but Asami always had something to say. She filled the silence with her cheerful banter.

Chiyo chewed her food slowly, as she pushed her bangs out of her face. Her hair was getting much too long, and she had no idea what to do with it.

She gulped down her food and peeked up at Asami.

"Asami," Chiyo started off slowly. "Could you… could you cut my hair? Please?"

Chiyo swore there were stars in the older woman's eyes.

"Yes! I thought you'd never ask. Not saying there's anything wrong with your hair, but it's suuuper long-"

Chiyo tuned the elder woman out, as she thought about what hairstyle she would want.

She wanted something expressive, something free and wild. Something that was the complete opposite of how she was now.

She blew her bangs out of her face and put her hair behind her ears. She definitely wanted something short. Something that was easier to manage.

Asami placed a hand on top of Chiyo's head, and for once… Chiyo found herself not flinching at the contact.

"I have just the perfect style for you," Asami whispered as she winked. "You're going to look great,"

They went on discussing hairstyles for the next couple minutes before Hiroto eventually interrupted.

"I'm assuming he's not coming," The man asked as he went to clear the table. One plate had remained noticeably untouched.

Asami sighed and shook her head.

"It's not you Hiroto. It's just… you know how seriously he takes his job," Asami said as she helped to clean Chiyo's mouth. Spending all that time in the lab hadn't exactly given her proper dinner etiquette skills.

Hiroto just scoffed and shook his head as he went into the kitchen. It was hard to ignore the slight glimmer of hurt in his usually clear eyes. Asami sighed and put her head on the table with a groan.

"Is… Is your husband not coming?" Chiyo questioned as she hesitantly patted Asami's head. The redhead just shrugged.

"Who even knows," She said somewhat bitterly. Much different from the bubbly persona she had displayed throughout the day. "Don't worry about it Chiyo-chan. You'll be able to meet him some other time-"

At that moment, the front door swung open.

"I am so sorry I'm late," A somewhat low voice blurted out. Chiyo froze. "There was a bus accident, and they needed more people on-"

Clear eyes that were identical to Hiroto's(She knew she had seen those eyes before) stared down at her in shock.

"Chiyo-chan?" Akito questioned as he took his jacket off. His eyes widening. "I didn't know you were the- how have you been?"

Chiyo just continued to stare at him. She blocked out all other disturbances and drank in his presence.

(She knew that kid had looked familiar. She just knew it-)

The smile Akito gave her was blinding as Asami looked between them.

"Eh? You guys already know each other?" Asami questioned as she got up to walk towards Akito. The height difference was rather comical Chiyo noted, as she continued to stare at Akito. Asami was a good foot shorter than him. Asami pressed a quick kiss to his cheek and pinned a stern glare on his person.

"You hurt Hiroto's feelings-"

"Not like it's my fault," Akito interrupted, before cowering under his wife's gaze. "Look… I know I said I'd be here earlier, but a lot of things came up. I'll make it up to him later kay?" Akito gave Asami one last hug before turning towards Chiyo. He held his arms out towards her and gave her an easy smile.

"Not even a hug Chiyo-chan?"

Chiyo didn't need to be told twice and rushed towards the elder man. Her right wing knocking the chair over.

"I missed you," Chiyo whispered, as she tightened her hold on him. Akito just hummed.

"Missed you too,"


Author's Note: Here's Meraki chapter 7! Not a lot happened plot-wise, but we had a lot of character interactions and some growth on Chiyo's part. I hope you guys enjoyed it, and I'll try my best to update some of my other stories. School's starting up again(this summer went by way too fast) so I don't know if I'll be able to update as much when that happens. Next chapter will deal with a time skip, so be prepared for that. We'll also be getting our first canon character(other than Toga of course) appearing next chapter. I addressed this in an earlier chapter, but this fanfic will follow the manga. I just want to address some things before that happens.

Questions I have for you Guys:

What canon characters do you think Chiyo will meet next chapter?

What do you think of Chiyo's character so far? (I know I asked this in an earlier chapter, but I like to see if people's opinions have changed)

P.S. I love reading your reviews, so please don't forget to leave one and tell me what you think! I'll try and update one more chapter of this before I go back to school.

P.P.S. In case you're interested, Chiyo's clothing style is very punk rock. Just in case you want a better visual of some of the clothes she'll be wearing.

P.P.P.S. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!