Here is the next chapter!!
Much had changed ever since All Might's appearance at the kindergarten, as everyone had noticed.
Especially for the Midoriya's, which was really good, even though elementary School is another story there, but more on that in the next chapter, okay?
First off, all of their classmates had started being nicer towards them and even wrote apology cards to say sorry for how they treated them, especially towards Izuku. And well the older boys were still a little skeptical but Izuku was nonetheless quick to accept their apology much to everyone else's relief, if he accepted their apology then his brothers will too, though they kept a closer eye on their classmates to be sure, despite all the changes you can't really blame them for still being bit paranoid after all they've been through and it's understandable.
Seeing this made the teachers happy and even several them thinking twice about how they treated the boys in the past especially towards their quirkless little brother.
To say the principal was absolutely delighted by this news would be an understatement, not to mention to his relief at seeing all of these good changes in the student body.
Everyone got along pretty well from there on out.
Though there were several students that had to be transferred out of schools due to several reasons:
2 was because of parents getting a new job in another town.
2 were because of child welfare services as there parents were... (putting this nicely) not really suited to care for their children anymore. Why is unknown.
and 2 were because of a normal school transfer, one for a private school and the other for a school that was only for a specific gender.
There were some new students that transferred soon after, one of them, much to the boys surprise and delight, was none other then Yui Kodai.
They along with Kefu were happy together, though the other new students were a little weirded out about everybody else being friends with the quirkless boy but no one dared to opposed them seeing how protective that they are of him and of his brothers.
Except for one however, who wanted to be friends with the gang right away, and the gang accepted him upon seeing that he was a funny and fun loving guy.
His name was Denki Kaminari.
And as for Katsuki, he had spending far less time with anyone, even his posse, as he been keeping to himself and from what some of them had heard he been taking his anger management classes much more seriously and more frequently hence why he sometimes doesn't come to school at one point, even some therapy as of late. It was obvious that he had been thinking about everything up until now and wanted to set everything right, once he was sure that he was ready he would apologize to the boys once more and hopefully be friends with them again in person as the three boys also discovered apology notes from him on their desk one day as well.
To Toshinori's relief, happy to see that his actions had helped change the minds of the boys classmates, especially Katsuki's, relieved to know that they won't be bullied or hurt anymore.
Inko was just as relieved as him.
Speaking of them, the two had spend more time with each other now that they had a little less stress on their heads from what was but not anymore. Sure their jobs kept them busy but that didn't stop them from trying to spend as much time as they could with each other.
Feelings they had inside grew the more time they spend, The neighbors could clearly see that the two really liked each other but were too shy or oblivious to notice or admit it.
As much as they tried to deny it they couldn't help it feeling like they a were all right.
This became clear one night when Toshinori slept over for the first time due to being exhausted from a long work day.
Toshinori insisted on just call me a cab to get back home, But Inko insisted that it will not be a problem. Besides it was raining cats and dogs outside, and Inko didn't want him to catch a cold or get struck by lightning due to his tall height. He couldn't say no after some thinking, seeing the determined look in her sparkling emerald eyes, and felt that there was no use denying adorable little her. (Did he just thought she was adorable?!)
It was 12am when Toshinori was awaken by the sound of small feet pattering on the floor.
Despite being tired, Toshinori is a light sleeper as basically anything will wake him up, being the number 1 hero he had to jump into action and save the day when trouble popped up.
Groggy but otherwise awake and having his guard up, he sat up from his laying position on the couch (which was very comfortable), rubbing his eyes as he looked around, only to spot silhouette's of a small group of 3 going into the kitchen. Despite how dark it was, he knew that there was only one group of three that lived here with Inko.
Now fully awake from thos surprise, He turned on the side lamp as he softly called out to the 3, "Boys?"
Startled by his voice, the boys yelped as they turned to face him in surprise as he got a closer look at them from where he sat.
Izuku was wearing his All Might pajama top and bottoms while Kurogiri was wearing his Gang Orca pajama top and shorts along with Eraserhead slippers and night cap, both of them looked fine, however their eyes were filled with worry and both of them were shaking (though for Kurogiri it was only slightly).
And he soon saw why as he saw that Tenko, who was wearing a 13 pajama top and Backdraft pajama bottoms, had sweat on his face, his breathing was a bit irregular like he had been panting, and his eyes were a bit red like he had been crying not too long ago.
Immediately, knowing these signs all too well, He knows that Tenko must have had a nightmare, and his brothers were trying to comfort him, not only that, but upon seeing the other two boys shaking even more when a loud thunder crashed on top of them even though Izuku was shaking way more than the eldest was, he knew that the other two were scared because of the storm.
Smiling softly, giving off assuring comfort to them as he wordlessly coaxed them to come over and sit on the couch with him.
There was some hesitation before they soon walked over before they got seated, sitting on the left side of him.
"Its one of those nights huh?" He asked.
The 3 nodded, Tenko's head still cast down, Izuku still shaking but tries still to comfort Tenko, and Kurogiri was the only one looking at him in the eyes though his eyes still said that he was nervous.
"Do any of feel comfortable enough to talk about it?" He asked them gently, To which in response the boys shook their heads, not feeling up to it.
It sadden him when they did but he understood and decided not to pry for now. When they were ready, they would tell him, but for now he will wait.
He knew they were shaken for different reasons, they needed comfort.
Inko was asleep and he didn't want to disturb her as she had an early shift in the morning after she drops the boys off at school.
So he'll have to step in for her, not that he had any problem with it, he was happy to be of help in any way he could, wether on duty or not.
He had to start with something simple to get the boys to cheer up and open up, and he knew just how as he asked them:
"Would you boys like to watch a movie and have some hot cocoa to get your minds off from it?"
They all perked up as the three looked to him, then to each other, a bit unsure but wanted to, before turning back to Toshinori as they nodded.
Toshinori smiled as he nodded back.
A few minutes later the 4 all had a big cup of hot cocoa with mini marshmallows as they sat down, after going through some choices, to watch "The Incredibles". (an old movie from before quirks first manifested and was still one of the most popular movies from before the age of quirks today)
The kept the volume and their voices down so to not disturb Inko from her sleep, but neither stopped them from enjoying the movie, the kids especially enjoyed it as it was their first time watching it and loved every minute of it.
Toshinori did all he could to not laugh when he saw (almost right on cue) Izuku pulled out his current "Hero analysis for the future" note book from the coffee table cabinet and began to take notes of the hero's powers breaking down pro's and cons and strategies for each one (even though these were fictional people that didn't change the fact that these Powers nonetheless were very well real in reality as there were people out there who had powers or similar powers like these in the movie), Tenko placing his hands over his mouth desperately to prevent himself from laughing out loud at the funny parts of the film though he was struggling (especially when it came to the phone conversation and interaction between Helen and Edna and the argument between Lucius and honey, to which eventually he couldn't take it anymore and grabbed one of the couch pillows and laughed into it to muffle his voice while kicking his feet in the air hysterically, Toshinori had also discovered late year that the boy really liked the comedy in movies), and Kurogiri pointing out aloud the pros and cons of plans that were made by the characters and what results it would have in reality if it were ever imitated even (it was a bit of a habit (that toshinori discovered last year too) that he tended to do whenever he was watching a movie be it cartoon or live action, most likely he got it from both his younger brothers observation skills and hobby).
Looks like they were getting back to their old selves, Toshinori saw this as he smiled in relief.
Soon came the time for the movie to end and for pro Hero to put away their cups from the Coco which they had gotten a refill for several times while watching a movie (apparently this latest batch that Inko had bought some time back was definitely the best they've had yet) as the boys quietly chatted about the movie they just saw (they were watching the movie on Netflix on the TV).
However, when Toshinori came back over to them after washing the dishes that were used, he noticed that the boys suddenly got quite.
Upon seeing their saddened expressions, this made him concerned as he knelt down beside the boys as asked them, "Is something wrong?"
However, just as he asked that, Forgetting for a moment that it was raining like mad out side right now, a huge crash of thunder was heard along with a bright flash of lightning came through the window as both of these made everyone jump as they all yelped, hearts pounding, shaken as Toshinori fell on his rear end from startlement as, immediately after that, he felt 3 small bodies crash into his chest as they all clung unto him like a life line, shaking violently as he, after shaking his daze, realize that Izuku, Tenko and Kurogiri were the ones clinging to him as they were all shaking, Izuku was already sobbing, Tenko had tears in his eyes but none fell and Kurogiri didn't look like he was going to cry but seem close to doing so if hearing his sniffling even if just slightly had any indication.
With a smile he pulled them closer to him as he hugged them in reassurance, feeling each of their heads lay their heads on his chest, rocking them slightly, taking the time to run his hand through each of the boys respective locks of hair, whispering to them that everything was going to be okay, to take a breath and relax, that he was here.
It goes without saying, weather he was Toshinori Yagi or All Might, he loved children, and it hurt him most to see them sad, crying, in distress, in pain, in severe trouble, in need of help but had no one to turn too, it hurt him, especially as he clearly saw how the storm had frighten these three.
He'd do anything to cheer them up, keep them safe, assure them and make them happy, children, like these 3 in particular, looked better with bright beaming smiles on their faces.
After a few minutes, and after now realizing at this point the rain had Finally lighten up, the boys shaking thankfully subsided as they all pulled away, Toshinori taking time to rustle through their hairs as he took a hankerchief from his pocket to wipe the tears from the boys eyes (Kurogiri eventually had tears in his eyes a little before they parted the hug).
"Feeling better?" He asked them as they nodded. He nodded before he checked the digital clock on the coffee table, it was getting pretty late, a little past 1am, he knew the boys needed to get to bed.
"Better get you 3 to bed before your mother finds out and make a fuss about it." He told them as they, though some what reluctant, nodded as he picked them all up in his arms and carried them to Izuku's room (As he learned a while ago that this was a sort of protocol they had whenever any of them were frightened, in distress or hurting, the older duo would hang or sleep over in their little brother's room, that second bit mainly was because he mattress was actually big enough for all three of them to fit on there to sleep while the olders respectively their's were smaller (Inko had gotten them on sale for half price and the mattresses were pretty soft, though strangely izuku's mattress was much softer)).
After he entered the All Might themed room, the only light in the room being from the All Might theme night light that izuku had plugged into the outlit above the night stand, he set the boys down on the bed, pulling the covers over them, ready to tuck them in.
"Mr. Yagi?" Hearing Izuku asked him caused him to stop as he turn to face the boy as he saw he and his boys looking at him, all with some sadness but mostly shame, as the green haired boy continued, "... We ...have a confession to make..."
Inwardly he felt warmth in his chest, smiling in relief on the inside that they were willing to tell him now after giving them space, outwardly he nodded as he sat by them on the bed.
The floor was open, and they had the stage, ready to speak.
Izuku was the first to start, "... Both me and Kurogiri are up because of the storm,"
"Though Izuku was more shaken then I was, still that does not excuse the fact then I too was shaken but I was trying to be strong for my brothers..." Kurogiri said next.
Toshinori was aware that Kurogiri would do all he could to help and be strong for his brother's even if it meant trying to hide his own fear and insecurities for their sake, much like Toshinori did to give hope, joy and reassurance to the people he saved and inspired.
Can't help but wonder if he somehow adapted to that habit of the hero or if he had always had it before the two had met last year.
"Though both of us were trying to ignore the storm so we can help Tenko," Izuku then told him as he and Kurogiri placed a hand on Tenko's shoulder, "He had a bad nightmare."
Toshinori nodded.
It didn't take him too long after meeting the Midoriya family to find out that Tenko had been having nightmares about his old life at the orphanage, same for Kurogiri though his was less frequent. Though the nightmares have been dwindling in occurrence the past year, they still occurred sometimes, more so for Tenko then Kurogiri.
He had asked them if they have been having nightmares, to which they said yes but didn't say anything more other then that they were from the time the two lived in the orphanage. The Pro Hero respected their decision to not tell him but they had told their mother, though he had told them to not be afraid to tell him about them only when they decided to, not wanting to force them.
Tenko, who had had his head down since getting into bed, finally looked up, eyes meeting as Toshinori saw the fear in them, to which he offered a friendly and assuring smile as a way to encourage him, telling him it was okay to tell him.
Nightmares were never fun. He knows that all too well. They were scary. Even if they cannot hurt you physically, they can mentally, emotionally and psychologically, even leave some scars that were harder to recover from more so then any physical scarring in reality.
But nothing hurt him more, not even any pain a villain could inflict on him, then seeing any of the trio before him, or any child for that matter, in pain, fear, distress and/or sorrow.
With a hesitant sigh, Tenko finally spoke:
"In the nightmares, I wake finding myself back at the orphanage, much to my horror believing that all the good things that had happened since running away was just a dream, sometimes I was there with Kurogiri, sometimes I was there alone, in that cold dark room, dirty, scared, hungry, sometimes it was just being trapped in that room with nothing but cockroaches for company..., sometimes it was getting beaten til bruises and bleeding cuts were all over me while they forced Kurogiri to watch as they held him back and sometimes I would feel like I was dying while those men laughed at my pain... sometimes it was getting chased around the orphanage trying to avoid getting shot at... Kurogiri has similar dreams like me but still his is less frequent and while he has an easier time getting over it I still have a hard time trying to..."
Just thinking about it brought tears to his eyes as he was trying to keep his voice steady as he continues, "There's just too many horrible things to count in my nightmares and I would rather not relive again... But still the common thing about each nightmare was that they were painful... frightening and ..."
Tried as he might he felt like his voice was caught in his windpipe, But Toshinori understood as did his brothers as the two boys wrap their arms around him before the adult male wrapped his arms around all three of them holding them close to his chest comforting the sobbing boy in the middle of the three in the group.
In there arms Tenko was reminded and knew that the past was over, those nightmares were not real, that he was safe, he and Kurogiri were safe and protected, they had a home, they were home with a family, their family, that everything was alright.
After sometime, Tenko had calmed down, wiping his tears before he started to yawn, his brothers yawned soon after as Toshinori smiled knowing that it was time for them to go to bed, being tuckered out after all that transpired that night.
But before he tucked them in, he chose to do something their mother would to so they may fall asleep smoothly, something that his mother and Mentor had done for him when some nights were very bad when he was much much younger, and something very few people who know him did, he'd sing to them a lullaby, and that's what he did as he closed his eyes:
A gentle breeze from Hushabye Mountain
Softly blows over Lullaby Bay,
It fills the sails of boats that are waiting,
Waiting to sail your worries away.
He sang softly as he rocked the three in his arms gently. The boys, as he continued, listened as they closed their eyes.
It isn't far to Hushabye Mountain,
And your boat waits down by the quay.
The winds of night so softly are sighing,
Soon they will fly your troubles to sea.
Soon the boys were snuggling into his chest, listening also to his heart beat as it felt like it was in tune with the song being sung right now.
So close your eyes on Hushabye Mountain,
Wave goodbye to cares of the day,
And watch your boat from Hushabye Mountain
Sail far away from Lullaby Bay.
By the end of the song, Toshinori opened his eyes to see the boys were dozing off, ready to fall into the gentle arms of slumber land any minute.
He smiled more as he slowly laid them back in bed, before tucking them into bed, gently rubbing his hand threw each of their heads soothingly as each of them smiled youngest to oldest.
"Good night boys, sweet dreams." He whispered as he got up and walked towards the door quietly.
"... Goodnight... Dad .."
He heard them all say soft and sleepily as he shut the door behind him. It was only when the door closed, and after a brief moment of relief did it strike him like a ton of bricks as he froze, eyes widened and feeling like his heart had skipped a beat.
'Did ... did they... just...' Toshinori thought, recalling briefly before it really dawned on him, '...They called me Dad...'
Did... did they really see him as .. a father...?
It was true that the boys didn't have a father, or even a father figure to look up too. Best Jeanist was more of an uncle to them, same went for some of the neighbors.
Looking back, he knew that Inko was single, Tenko and Kurogiri were orphans, and Izuku never made mention about having a father or rather he didn't have any clear memories of his own father, which makes sense.
The trio always seem to look up to him (not just because of his obviously towering height to the kids), they always looked forward to his visits, they loved spending time with him, each one of them seemed so happy, at peace like it was always meant to be, since meeting them that rainy day he too had enjoyed being with them as well when he wasn't busy, when he had time off after work or if he had the occasionally day or two off (considering his occupation it was understandable), each one of them made him feel needed, wanted, with a feeling that he never felt before nor never felt uncomfortable with as it felt nice... warm... just... right... like it was always meant to be.
Looking out for their safety, their health, happiness, making sure they knew right and wrong, teaching them new things and helping them with their homework, occasionally helping them when they trained when he had the chance, making sure they were taking care of themselves, if they were doing well in school, bringing them gifts on an occasion such as (recalling one of the times): some All Might themed notebooks, pens and pencils and even the nightlight that was in his room now for Izuku, A puzzle book, a Rubik's cube and a some special cream polish for maintaining and rejuvenating metal like bio exterior around the neck for Kurogiri, and a fun and sturdy stress toy (to help with nervousness, stress and anxiety), an arts and crafts activities book along with a new pair of special gloves for Tenko (so he won't accidentally activate his quirk). Doing however he could to make them (and their mother) happy, supporting them on their dreams, giving them helpful tips here and their. And more.
He loved children (why wouldn't he?), but how he felt about these three was always different... but never bothersome in anyway, welcoming, as he helped Inko take care of her children those feelings seem to grow and seemingly so without his knowledge... though this confused him as he never questioned why in the past.
But, now having heard them call him "Dad"... it all started to click...
'Is this what it feels like to be a father...?'
Placing a hand on his chest, where his heart was, it beated with a warm feeling inside, a feeling that made him smile the more he thought about it, the more he realized the more he had accepted as he sighed in content.
'It makes sense now.'
"Feeling fatherly?"
This startled Toshinori, though thankfully he didn't Yelp as he held his breath just to keep it in, as he turn to his right, upon seeing Inko in a light blue night gown and a dark green robe smiling he quietly sighed as he nodded shamelessly.
"I thought so... since meeting you, I've noticed that the boys have really taking a shine to you, always seem to look up you like a children would their father, you've always been there for the boys however you are able to regardless of how busy you sometimes tend to be, you've been very supportive and you've done a lot for me and for them." The more she talked the more her smile to to shine as her eyes glistened with admiration, "Your kind, funny, strong, responsible, encouraging, you're basically everything that a father should be. So knowing that the boys do see you as a father and you realizing that too, makes me very happy."
He chuckled softly as he couldn't help but smile back, "I'm glad." But then the question popped into his head as he realized something, "Wait how long have you been watching us?"
"Since i heard the boys doors open from my bed room, I couldn't really sleep and was almost about to until I heard them coming out of their rooms." She explained.
How had he not notice that she had been watching them the whole time, Toshinori may not know although he was guessing that she might secretly be a ninja but that would be a bit far-fetched.
Blushing a bit for not noticing, he rubbed the back of his head a bit embarrassed, smile was a bit nervous too as Inko cannot help but giggle at this.
"Anyways, since it seems like I'm not going to be able to get to sleep anytime soon, and I don't really mind staying up for a little while longer, would you care to join me for some tea?" She asked him.
"Of course, if you do not mind." He replied
"Not at all."
As the two we're making their way out of the hall way, due to its still being dark in the room even though there was the light on coming from the living room from the lamp but not enough to illuminate the whole room thus making some things in the dark still unseen, Inko's foot got caught on something and she started to stumble forward as she yelped, upon seeing is Toshinori sprung into action and made the attempted catch her only for him to trip as well, both yelped as they hit the floor.
Their eyes having closed when they both fell and brace for impack, upon regain awareness both felt that something felt strange in the way that they were positioned when they landed on the floor.
Upon opening their eyes, they were both stunned and a bit dazed as they processed the situation, Inko was on the floor, her back pressed against it, and Toshinori was on top of her with hands on the floor with her face in between, and one thing that stood outside the rest...
... Toshinori and Inko's lips were pressed against each other... Basically kissing...
Upon becoming aware of that both had snapped out of it as Both of their eyes widened in shock.
Well.. this is ackward...
Toshinori was the first to act as he got off of her, face glowing red like a Ruby as he immediately helped her back on her feet, nervousness, embarrassment, shame, and worry were in his stammering and stumbling voice with his eyes cast down:
"I-i-i-so-so-sorry! I-i-didn't-m-mean-to-d-do -that!! I-p-promise!! I-i-was o-only-trying t-to-stop-y-y-you f-f-from falling!! T-t-that-was-! I-i-i wasn't-t-t-trying to-! I-i-i-promise-i -w-w-wasn't g-going-to-try-!"
He, already having let go of her, was then stopped by Inko as she had her right index press against lips to stop him and she too had her gaze casted to the ground, blushing like him.
Both were silent for a while as Toshinori still felt bad about what happened moments ago, he felt shameful, he the symbol of peace and #1 hero in a situation like this, doing something (inadvertently) so stupid and embarrassing.
He felt like such a fool, an idiot, he won't blame her for thinking he was (and he absolutely wasn't nor did he ever want to be) a pervert after that trip, it was not intentional yes but she is a woman, that (intentional) move was not okay.
Gran Torino (whom he haven't even told him about his recent activities nor has he called him in a long long time) would yell at him until the cows came home after giving him a good kick in the gut, Chiyo would whack him in the head with her syringe shaped cane before berating him, Sir Nighteye frown disapprovingly and cool him a fool, if any of them found out what happened.
He would not blame her for thinking ill towards him now, nor if she decided to toss him out and-.
His train of thought was abruptly interrupted as he felt a soft and gentle left hand cup his cheek, rubbing it with a thumb (unconsciously enjoying the calming pleasant sensation of it) as he turn to who was doing that, surprised to see that it was Inko doing that.
Her face showed no disgust, anger, fear, none of that nor anything that told him she was upset in some way, instead she smiled, faint blushing present on her cheeks, her face showed...
Assurance... unwavering kindness... and an emotion he had only seen from some of the few people who he was (who he allowed himself to be close to him) very close too.
Could it be...?
"It's ok." she told him, "I'm not mad, i know you didn't mean for that to happen, it was just a clumsy accident."
She paused for a few moments as she looked back down, as if she was thinking carefully about she was going to, what she wanted to, say to him, before she looked back up to him saying:
"You're so sincere and sweet, earnest and very considerate, always thinking of others, putting their needs and concerns above you own... you're just so wonderful and handsome to boot, Honestly its a wonder why you don't have a girlfriend."
This made Toshinori blush more but this time in surprise as Inko continued, stopping him from speaking, noticing that her voice started to show concern in her tone:
"Though I understand that with you job it would be hard to have a relationship like that, you work hard to help people in it... but surely you need a break every now and then, don't you? All work and no rest and play will wear you out and run you ragged, you know? You gotta take care of yourself as well after all."
He felt his eyes widened, she practically hit the nail on the head, even though it wasn't the entire truth, she did nail down an idea there. But there was a bigger reason why he is not and never planned on being in a romantic relationship, his job was very dangerous, and those who know the truth would be put in severe danger if word got out. That thought alone tormented him and upset him as it made his head cast down, sadness he tried to hide started to pour forth.
There was so much he had to sacrifice in order to protect as many people as possible, while it was his dream to become a symbol of peace ever since he was very young and he had already achieved it, he was well aware of several things one of them being that he was human and there would always be some people that he wouldn't be able to reach or cry for help and he wouldn't even know it as he may be a hero but there's only so much he could do alone, another being that he had to make sure he kept his identity a secret from both the public and any enemies out there so he had to make absolutely sure that his life as a regular civilian and life as a pro Hero was kept as separate as possible and make it seem like he and All Might were two completely different people to everyone else, not to mention that there are many things he had to give up in order to achieve his dream, that includes trying to find a significant other to spend the rest of his life with. Even though there was many great things that came out of all he had sacrificed, that wouldn't change the fact that the things he had to sacrifice in order to achieve peace still brought sadness within him.
Sadness and more concern appeared on her face upon seeing how his expression changed as Inko asked him, "Sometimes it feels like you're hiding things from us though none of us ever really pryed.. Do you feel like... you need to hide what things you do in your job because you don't want others to worry or feel like they'll be hurt for whatever reason?"
He was too sad to really wonder if she had the ability to read his mind, but she hit the nail on the head again as he gave a very short but still visible nod.
It was already dangerous enough allowing the select few close to him in his life, if anyone else knew it may cause problems later, or even worse... and it would break his heart.
"Is is... does it feel... dangerous?"
Again he nodded.
Yes, very much so.
Still, If only it didn't have to be this dangerous, then he could pursue a more relaxing life, find a potential girlfriend, hopefully get married and have kids of his own, and stuff like that... but sadly, he knows that something like that, such a sweet dream, wasn't that simple to achieve when you were the symbol of peace, its more complicated and tougher then just being a pro hero, even more then being in the top 10 in the pro hero bracket.
Without becoming aware of it, he was slowly showing his depression to the one woman as a friend he felt very close to. "Do feel like... there are others out there who want to hurt you or others you care about because of it? And... there are only a few people that actually know things about you, who you are close too but want to protect?" she ask him, to which she got another nod from him, going deeper into depression as he didn't realize that he's been unconsciously replying to her questions.
He had enemies, too many too count, just far too many. Including the most evilest of them all, the one who killed his mentor/Tenko's grandmother and caused so so much chaos and harm for over a century, maybe two. If he knew then all of those close to him, especially the kind heart and loving Midoriya family, would be killed or kidnapped and who knows what harm would befall them, all to make him cripple and stand down, surrender, and most of all, Suffer.
The villain who is the worst of them all whom he have been hunting down in order to end his vile reign of terror once and for all, ensuring that the sacrifices of all the other predecessors before him would not be in vain, so that the world be free from this monster at long last.
Toshinori would never forgive himself if anything horrible happened to all those innocent people and even those he was close to because of him.
For everyone's sake he isolated himself from everyone, allowing only a small number close to him, some smaller who know the real him, smaller still of knowing what was his real quirk and everything about it and the past connected to it.
Don't get him wrong he is friendly around everyone and loves to be around others, and getting close to others to save them does not stop him from doing his job, but knowing the dangers he had to make though sacrifices, at times trying to keep contact with civilians at a minimal.
He did all he could in order to keep that ... that Monster from being known by the public, if word got out about who this guy was, what he does and what he is capable of, what his quirk was and how truly cruel and monsterous he really is, no one, literally No One, would ever feel safe in their own homes, in their beds, or even in the streets Ever again. There would be chaos, constant fear and terror, even all out war and protests that could lead civilization to a dark and grim era, or maybe even worse. Other then him and a select few, the only ones who know about him would be criminals who work close to him in the dark criminal underworld, and finding them to find that man was just as big a challenge as it was.
It wasn't easy being in his position, it was very very tough, yes that was obvious, but...
"Do... do you feel like... you're all alone...? Do you feel... no... Are you... lonely?" She asked him hesitantly, feeling like there were tears about to well up in her eyes, to which that earned her a deeper frowned from him, showing an internal conflict and sadness giving her the answer.
The Fact that was there as obvious as a beacon in the night...
No matter what he did.. no matter how much he had done in his life...
...It would never change the fact that he, All might, Toshinori Yagi himself, no matter whats going on and whats happened and been happening, no matter how many great things he had achieved, he himself...
...Was lonely... and painful so...
His smile, which he wears on his face to give the people hope and assurance, the smile he wears when as All Might to inspire others, the smile which he wears to shine a light to others to ensure them that there is a brighter future for all of them... was nothing more but a mask which he wears to camouflage his own internal fears and doubts and insecurities, to hide his own trama and pain, wearing that smile to try and trick the fear inside of him telling himself that everything would be alright but even when the day is saved in the end that doesn't dissuade his own fears.
Every hero out there get scared, even him. Fighting against enemies or stopping disasters or combating against something far worse was no easy task let alone something that could just as easily be confronted without fear, times like that could be pretty traumatizing as he was well aware that there were some heroes out there that even retired early or very well much after their prime due to being so traumatized from all the horrible things that they had encountered with in their lives as heroes. It takes true courage to face the thing that you're scared of, though that never change the fact that you're scared first before you decide to confront that scary thing or you still feel pretty shaken after facing it.
He can smile genuinely, but as a hero when he smiled for the people sake, like when his mentor smiles, while he can smile genuinely as a hero too that would not change the fact that there were times that he only smiled to hide his burdens as he didn't want anyone else to be discouraged and scared or have to shoulder it because of his fears and not wanting to trouble anyone.
Principal Nezu, Naomasa Tsukauchi, Gran Torino/Sorahiko, Recovery girl/Chiyo Shūzenji, Sir Nighteye/Osamu Mirai, were the only ones who knew about his Quirk and about its history, the people he had let into his life, of course there were others that he was also close to but they didn't know about his Quirk such as Eraserhead/Shota Aizawa, Present Mic/Hizashi Yamada, Midnight/Nemuri Kayama, Fatgum/Taishirō Toyomitsu, and the rest of the staff working at UA along with the wild wild pussycats.
Would they be able to handle it if he told anyone else? Would others leave him out of fear or frustration at him for keeping all of that in him? Would they-?
His train of thought was interrupted again when he felt the hand leave his face before he found to arms wrapped around his body and something laying against his chest, looking down he was surprised to see that it was Inko who was hugging him as she laid her head on his chest.
Even though he was surprised, he saw that she was trying to comfort him this way as he sighed softly as he returned it, laying his chin on top of her head.
Honestly, this felt very nice, and even felt like he really needed this as he let his sad and dark thoughts drift away.
They stood there for some time before Inko finally broke the silence yet again:
"It's okay if you do not want to tell me all the details, but it's not okay to just bottle up your emotions believing that no one would want to help you to lift some of those burdens off your shoulders, it's more detrimental to your own well being than helpful. You have a right to vent out your emotions just as much as anyone else can," She told him, "Trust me I had to learn this the hard way years ago. But tell me, do you at least have some friends out there you can talk too? You do you know that you have just as much a right to make friends and tell them how you really feel as everybody else does, right?"
Toshinori, not really sure if he can trust his own voice, simply nodded several times.
"... Toshinori, you know that you can tell me anything as well, I am your friend aren't I?"
He nodded again.
"I understand that you don't want to feel like you're going to burden me considering I have enough on my plate already, but that's just plain silly, you haven't and you will never be a burden to me or the boys in any way." She told him, hugging him closer to her, or at least as much as possible considering how strong a muscular his physique is. 'We have hugged before, but still no matter how many times I have a hugged him I'll never get over the fact that he's just so strong.' She thought inwardly before she continued, "Its okay to let any of us, know how you feel, just to let out some of your pent-up thoughts and feelings, I mean you have done that before, you remember right? Like when we first met when you found out who Tenko was related to?"
He nodded, how could I ever forget about that? It was that day he discovered his mentor's grandchild and promised that he would do everything he can to be there for him and new his family however he was able to.
That was when he blushed and realization hit him as he blushed.
Upon feeling it, Inko could not help but giggle, "You see what I'm saying?"
He nodded.
He had told them before how guilty he felt for never knowing what had happened to his mentors family and felt horrible about never backing out of the promise that he kept for her just so he could go to her family and be there for them, he felt even more guilty for never knowing what was happening to his mentors grandson and his friend and what was happening to all those innocent kids for the past couple of years back at that horrible orphanage.
Yet none of them felt nor were ever burdened nor angered by what he had told them, they forgave him and told him that it wasn't his fault as not even he could have known what was going to happen.
Infact, they quickly accepted him into their little circle, and look at all that has transpired since he had met them.
They accepted him, cared about him, they did what they could to help him just as he had for them, they saw him as part of the family.. and that made him realize more that he saw them as part of his.
He... really cared about them... and vice versa...
That that alone made him finally smile, blush fading after some time as he hugged her more, Sighing softly as he finally spoke: "Thank you Inko."
"You're welcome." She replied, nuzzling into his strong, warm and comfy chest as he nuzzles into her soft, gentle but think hair.
"... Toshi?"
As of a few months ago, he had told her that it was alright to call him Toshi, because that was his nickname that his friends called him. Considering how much time they spent with one another since day one he eventually told she could call him by that.
"hm?"
"...Thank you... for all that you've done for my family and I. Really... you really brighten up our days, you're just a delight to be around."
"... You're welcome, and Thank you... And I want to say thank you to you and your son's for being a part of my life as well, really I feel exactly the same as you do... I found myself wanting to spend more time with all of you, you all have a way of making someone feel very welcomed and at home especially after a long day."
"You're welcome.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Toshi?"
"Yes?"
"There's something I've been wanting to tell you for some time, something I've been been wanting to tell you, after some careful consideration, and self evaluation, well..."
"Yes?..."
"... ... ... ... I've always liked you, much more then just a friend. ..."
Toshinori blinked at this before he looked down to face her, as her face looked up to face him that same emotion from before was within her eyes.
Does she...?
"Well... the truth is..." Inko tried to say, Blushing a bit again, but couldn't as she looked down for a bit before she looked back up to him and then said "Well, to put it simply.."
What she did next made him freeze up as she stood on her tippy toes and wrapped her arms around his neck to pull herself up as she pressed her lips against her is with her eyes closed.
His eyes widened. Heart skipping a beat.
She... she was... she was kissing him, but on purpose this time.
Does that mean... that she really does ... with no doubt... she loves him?
He was stunned and didn't know what to say let alone could say anything.
His heart was pounding, a small blush appeared once more on his face as his mind started to think about what he thought of her.
She was both a wonderful friend and a mother to her three children, she always did however she could to provide for her family and was a hard worker too, since the day he met her it was quite obvious that she was so kind and gentle, sweet, loving and caring, at times she was not afraid to scold someone whether her children or an adult if need be, quite obviously she was very emotional but that did not mean that she was weak, she may be a waterspout crier along with her biological son but that just shows how expressive they both are. She cared so much for others well-being and would do wherever she could to help those she cared about and even helping a stranger if needed, her cooking pretty much rivalled his, just like him she never wants to be a burden to anyone, She may look thin and weak but inside she had her own kind of strength that he came to admire so much, so friendly and responsible, she loved her family and friends so very much that he had no doubt that if ever the situation calls for it she would do whatever it takes even giving up her life if it means they would be protected upon seeing how protective she was of those she cared about.
Her quirk was weak in the beginning was now starting to grow stronger with some training here and there she had done from some of the advice He had given her, she was the one that made her Quirk stronger (strong enough to now lift a whole basket full of dirty laundry for a good couple of minutes before she felt any mental strain), she achieved that by her own efforts as he saw the fruits from her labor (figuratively speaking).
She was honest, a very pleasant woman to be around, made him feel like he was at home, safe, like he could tell her anything, her voice was very lovely especially when he heard her sing a lullaby to her boys once or twice, and...
Lets face the facts, she was outright adorable and cute, her emerald green hair always seem to sparkle with such happiness, her hair which was also the same color as her eyes, seemed to shine as bright as her eyes do and, from when he felt it, felt as soft as a silky pillow pile, but even deeper ...she was... she was beautiful... both inside and out.
She seem to make the room brighter just by being in the presence of everyone around her.
It was a wonder why she didn't have a boyfriend, nor even a husband, though she said she was single and had been fine being single, he hadn't thought to asked her what happened to her husband as it seems like a touchy subject to her, but really to him she deserve to have somebody by her side, someone who would not only care about her and love her but also care about and love her sons, someone who could help take the load off of her shoulders so that she can spend a bit more time with her boys and with that special someone.
Though that might be a bit difficult as she had told him that it might be hard to find somebody who was willing to go out with a woman who already had three kids, and she was kind of afraid to find a partner because she had seen some of those stories about how children are mistreated by their single parents lovers so very much to the point where they were either abandoned by both the parent (after having their thoughts and their minds twisted by the lover) and lover without another thought or the children would have to runaway from home or they would be sent away or worse. She couldn't bear to think of that happening to the boys, she could never forgive herself if that ever happened. There was also the fact that she would have to choose carefully if she did want to have someone to love her and vice versa as there was some people that might take it too far.
All of that was perfectly understandable, he could not blame her for that, that kind of stuff can happen which did break his heart as much as it did her. Though to him it seemed unfair...
Again She deserves to have someone special be by her side, to love and care about her and her kids, to nurture them, who would treat them right, to be there for them however they were able to no matter what, to protect her, to spend the rest of their life with her and her kids.
...She... She loved him...
It was there clear as day.
His heart started to pound as he looked back on the memories that he had with her and her boys, all the great times that they had and some difficult ones, and about his feelings towards her in particular as of late.
Slowly he came to realize it all started to make sense now.
Why kept feeling that way towards her and everything, why he kept coming back as much as he possibly could, why his Heart would pound whenever he thought about her and even more why he felt so warm just thinking about her. Why he had feelings towards her that he been trying to deny and trying to be oblivious to.
As it dawned on him more then ever as he too close his eyes and leaning towards the kiss wrapping his right arm around her body and wrap his left hand around the back of her head to hold her up. It was clear as crystal...
He felt stupid for not accepting it sooner but at the same time for not realizing it sooner, he just couldn't take it anymore, he couldn't deny it anymore, who cares about keeping his distance? The thought of not having her in his life just hurt him more, yes he admits it...
He loves her too.
Their was nothing but warmth and love between the two as a blissful silence befell them.
The feelings that they both had been trying to deny and at the same time were pretty oblivious to was now present, upon accepting those feelings they both felt at peace with the other, the more they accepted the more love that they felt towards the other as they leaned in closer to the other.
Action speaks louder than words yes but words also need to be said as much as actions need to be done.
When the two parted, their eyes meeting upon opening them again as they both smile gently and said:
"I love you."
Hushabye Mountain - Chitty chitty bang bang
So sorry for the delay like I said, writer's block is a pain in the neck and getting distracted ain't fun once you realize how much it takes away work time.I believe you all were expecting this to appear late last night or this morning but it couldn't be helped that I was so tired that I ended up sleeping in this morning due to being up all night, I did wake up this morning but then I end up falling back asleep due to being so tired still but that can happen to anyone, right?I hope you you all enjoyed this and all of you have a great day!! Please leave your review for this and tell me what you think? Until next time, TTFN!