The Question
Amari: Age 20
"Whoaa and you fought those bad guys all by yourself?!"
The little girl practically jumped up at her own words, arms outstretched before Amari couldn't help but giggle at the display as she tried to mimic her signature explosion quirk with some added sound effects.
Throwing her head back, Bakugo replied playfully before pointing a finger towards her in explanation. "I sure did! I was super cool. Just when everyone thought I would fail, I sure surprised them, didn't I?"
Another little boy that was listening to her story then hopped onto his bed before crawling closer to her in excitement. "But weren't you sick like me? How did you get better?"
Looking down at the small boy in a hospital gown, Amari lowered her eyes before carefully reaching her hands up before plopping the little boy on her knee and wrapping her arms around him.
Then she smiled down as they locked eyes. "I was, just like you. But I learned that having a quirk doesn't make you a hero. Sure, it can be super cool and flashy to fight all those mean villains, but it's not everything."
"What matters are your reasons, what keeps you fighting. Sure, you can have the most powerful quirk in the universe but it means nothing if you don't believe in anything. Having a quirk is easy but learning what to do with it, now that's what separates the heroes from everyone else.."
"And if your reasons are strong enough, then you don't need anything but yourself to make that a reality. Anyone can be a hero, even people like us."
The little boy's eyes couldn't help but sparkle at that, a newfound hope inside himself as he nodded his head back in enthusiasm. "Really? So I can be one too? I can save people even if I'm not as strong as everyone else?"
Twisting her lips into a fake frown, Amari couldn't but pretend to be offended by the very idea. "Strength isn't always physical, so of course you can. In fact, all I can see in front of me right now is a bunch of heroes, and that goes for all of you.."
A loud resonance of cheers and gasps could be heard over the space before dozens of kids began talking over each other, their hospital gowns jumping up and down with unsaid excitement and passion, something that Amari wished she had when she was a child.
Feeding into the energy, Amari couldn't help but beam towards all their hopeful faces. "In fact, in a couple years I can't wait to see all of you at my brother and I's agency. We could use some strong faces like you guys on our team. What do you say?"
More talking and shouting appeared after that, all the kids excitedly spinning around in a circle and jumping on their beds as Bakugo couldn't help but laugh at the energy in the room.
She had been visiting these types of hospitals ever since Toya had passed away and it brought a sense of calm in her, being able to inspire past reflections of herself and him.
Because perhaps if someone like her had visited Amari as a child, then maybe things would have turned out different, maybe so many of them would have lost their way. The cycle was cruel but it didn't mean that she would just let it happen.
No, that's not what Toya believed in, what he sacrificed himself for, and staring at these kids could see such hopeful expressions in their faces, finally given a sense of reason unlike what others had probably told them.
She didn't blame them, the doctors for telling the truth, for giving them a reality with the fact that they would never fit into the same box that society that builds for others. But that didn't mean she couldn't urge them to fight, to try and change what was already set in stone.
That's what she hoped to inspire anyways, a new generation of heroes.
Blinking away her own thoughts, she paused when a little girl pulled on the edge of her pant leg, her voice giddy and excited. "Ember, Ember! Tell us another story about you beating the bad guys! I wanna hear.."
Almost immediately, the entire group quieted down before sharing their interest in the topics. "Yeah, tell us, tell us..!"
Laughing to herself, the girl nodded back before trying to calm the raging kids. "Okay okay, settle down. What if I tell you about the time I single handedly took down a Nomu during my internship at Endeavor's agency?"
Dozens of cheers and excitement filled the space before Amari put her hands out in order to start another story of her past, adding a little dramatic style to it as well. "So, there I was walking with Endeavor on our patrol when suddenly there was a loud explosion from right behind us…"
The kids leaned forward in excitement before Bakugo shook one of their beds for effect. "I turned around and immediately started running towards the burning building but Endeavor was not happy about the idea. But being the super cool and stubborn person I was, I didn't just run away from someone in trouble. Against all odds I ran headfirst into that building and that's when I saw it, a large winged Nomu blocking my path…."
Widening their eyes the children then clutched onto their own hospital gowns and friends arms before eagering awaiting the next part of the story, to see how pro hero Ember would make out of this one..
Although that's when Amari's phone rang in her back pocket, the girl sighing before pulling out the surface and seeing Kenji's name across the top. Ah man, just when I was getting to the good part.
Putting the phone up her ear, she then looked at the kids with sadness. "One second guys, I have to take this or grumpy Kenji will get mad at me."
Then she cleared her throat before answering the call. "What's up Kenji?"
Her phone echoed back a moment later, distaste in the tone. "Do you know what time it is already?"
Rolling her eyes, Amari checked her wrist before realizing she wasn't in fact wearing a watch and smirking playfully. "I don't know mom, why do you tell me?"
At her tone, she could hear the boy's grumbled response. "Don't give me that. You were supposed to be at the agency ten minutes ago. Your brother, Shinso and I are already here. Did you forget that tonight is the grand opening or did that slip your mind as well?"
The last part of his sentence couldn't help but make Amari's lips turn up into a small smile. That's right, today was the day, after all this time.
She could never forget that. In fact, the five of them had been working towards this for the last two years. It wasn't easy that was for sure. Having to work around the paperwork, the public's image and the commission was certainly a challenge but it seemed that after so long her and her brother's dream was going to be a reality.
Amari couldn't hardly believe it herself.
Just then, one of the kids poked her on the side of her leg before puffing his lips out in annoyance. "Ember, tell grumpy Kenji that we wanna finish the story!"
Widening her eyes at the nickname she had given the boy, the other kids seemed to join in the teasing, their little voices echoing over her own and into the phone.
"Yeah, come on grumpy Kenji, I wanna see what happens!"
"We wanna talk to Ember now grumpy Kenji, don't take her for herself!"
"Grumpy Kenji come on, we wanna know what happened to the monsters!"
Almost immediately, Amari could help the annoyance on the other side of the line, the blonde haired girl frantically trying to put her finger up to her lips in order to shush the kids before Kenji muttered back. "What did they just call me?"
Turning around immediately, Bakugo laughed nervously before answering as quickly as possible in order to get away from the situation and the explanations she'd have to give him later. "Whaaaa? I don't know what you're talking about. You must be hearing things Kenj. I'll get over there right now. Ha ha ha. Okay see you soon…"
Then she aggressively hung up the object before letting out a sigh of relief. Good save Amari, good save.
With new motivation in her eyes, Bakugo then texted a number quietly before turning back to the kids before giving her an apologetic smile. "Sorry guys, Look like I have to finish the story next time. I gotta get back to the agency so we can get ready for the grand opening tonight."
The kids immediately began to whine and boo and the development before Amari opened the window next to her before continuing. "But hey, this just means that when I come back, I'll have even more stories to tell you, right?"
This seemed to quell them a little bit, eager to hear more stories from the hero that was just like them, Amari now seeing a little girl wave back. "But Ember, if you have to leave then why are you opening the window?"
Baukgo couldn't help but smirk at that, pushing the object open further before sticking one foot out in question. "Because even though I have to go, I thought you'd want to see something cool.."
The children didn't really seem to understand, turning their heads in confusion before Amari looked towards the empty sky as her phone dinged inside her pocket. Ah, right on time.
Taking one look back to the confused little ones, Amari then playfully threw her hands up in a salute before lifting half of her body out of the window. "Till next time kids."
Then she willingly threw herself out of the seven story window as everyone gasped, immediately racing forward with fear and anxiety at the fate of their favorite hero.
Although that's when bright red wings appeared into their vision a moment later, everyone gasped at the sight before one of the kids pointed a wild finger in their direction. "WHoaa, it's pro hero Hawks!"
Giving them a small wave, the hero couldn't help but beam at the attention. "Heyo everyone! It's nice to meetcha! I wish I could stay and chat but chickadee and I gotta make sure her agency is the best it can be, right kid?"
Keigo then looked down at Amari who was nestled into his arms before nodding back with a small smile. "That's right. We'll be back soon though, okay? See you!"
The kids began to wave and cheer in response before Keigo lifted away from them, their happy little faces bringing a look of contentment on Amari's face. Even from just a couple seconds the bird could tell that she was doing something big for them.
Looking over towards the girl in question, he hummed. "They really like ya chickadee. I'm proud of you."
Amari couldn't help but recall their little faces before smiling to herself. "I know it's not a lot, but I want to help them. I want them to have the hope and support I didn't as a kid. They deserve it, they all do.."
And her words couldn't help but melt Keigo's heart as well, knowing that if someone like Amari had come into his life as a child, never just maybe things would've been better for him as well.
"I'm sure your words mean more to them then you'll ever know chickadee."
Making their way towards the newly finished building, Hawks quickly found the others before placing her down into the ground as Amari happily hopped out and waved to her brother, Kenji and Shinso a couple feet away. "Hey everyone! How are my favorite people doing today?"
Although her bubble of happiness was quickly dashed when Katsuki angrily spoke over her in order to yell at Shinso. "What the hell does that mean, you bastard?!"
Crossing his arms over his chest, Shinso sighed roughly. "It means that you got the time on the invitations wrong. It was supposed to say eight but you wrote seven. Go back and fix it."
Although the demand did nothing but make the blonde boy even more furious. "I'm not fixing shit, you go do it if it bothers you so much.."
Seeing that she had arrived, Kenji walked up the two before placing two hands to his temple in order to quell an oncoming headache. "Oh thank god, finally. The stress is making those two tear each other apart and I can't take it anymore. Do something."
Amari and Keigo watched the scene with disbelief before the girl placed a hand to the bird's chest, taking a step forward. "I got it."
Strolling up to the angry duo, she heard Shinso scoff under his breath. "Why do you always have to be so difficult? I'm just asking you to fix your mistake.."
But it seemed Katsuki was way too past that, his fingers immediately started to pop and spark. "Ha?! I think you did your ears checked cause I don't make mistakes! You said seven so I wrote seven. It's your damn fault that they are wrong.."
Putting her hand up, Amari tried to gain their attention calmly. "Guys.."
Although she was quickly talked over when Shinso frowned. "I think the one that needs their hearing checked is you, and maybe an attitude adjustment to go with it."
Amari couldn't help but bring her lips into a frown, trying and with a little more aggression. "Guys…"
Her brother was too distracted though, his eyes turning down in disbelief. "What did you just say?! I dare you to say that again to my face extra!"
Yet Shinso only crossed his arms over his chest in a lazy effort. "Gladly, I said.."
Although that's when Amari had snapped, his hands popping with her own fury before she threw a small explosion in between the two of them with a loud shout. "Hey, I said listen to me you idiots!"
This caused the area to go quiet, the girl huffing out a breath before running an anxious hand through her hair. "Now is not the time for your bitching and arguing. I know you're stressed about our opening but that doesn't mean you guys can just be jerks to each other. We are a team, so start acting like it already..!"
As her eyes flicked in anger, both Shinso and Katsuki immediately ceased their fighting, knowing that her Bakugo side was fully displayed before turning away in a silent huff.
Letting out a frustrated sigh, Amari then turned to Kenji before relying. "Hey Kenj, can you fix those invitations for me?"
Yet the boy only rolled his eyes before scoffing at the order. "Why do I…"
Although he was quickly stopped when he saw slight pops and sparks escape her palm as she glared at him, a clear sign that she should not be messed with right now. "Fine, but you owe me."
Amari's shoulder fell in relief at that, silently thanking the boy for going along with her request. The two still weren't exactly friends but they had more of an understanding of each other now.
He was less harsh than before but the two still sometimes found it hard to work together, almost like with Katsuki and Shinso. Those two seemed to snap at each other every chance they got. It was exhausting to say the least.
Keigo could see this too, his wings fluffing up before placing a supportive hand to her shoulder. "I'll go with the kid so you can finish things up here."
Nodding back, the girl thanked him, watching her friend leave before turning back to the matter at hand, her glare immediately cutting through Katsuki and Shinso.
They would be lying if they said they weren't slightly afraid of the girl, her own stress causing Amari to be ten times scarier than usual. "Seriously? It's been two years. I know you don't like each other very much but we gotta work together if we want this agency to work.."
Shinso was the first to respond, noticing the slight bags under her eyes before sighing. "It would be okay if Bakugo didn't try to pick a fight every second he got.."
Raising his brow in annoyance, Katsuki scoffed. "It's not my fault this bastard keeps pissing me off.."
Amari only grumbled to herself before crossing her own arms over her chest in a huff, a heavy frown plastered on her face. "Look, I know you guys don't like each other but you better pull it together by tonight if you don't want my foot up your ass.."
Her tone was strangely calm yet Katsuki still decided to test the waters, a small smirk on his face. "Like you could do that.."
Although the girl only replied plainly, causing both boys to shiver. "Try me."
They could practically feel the sparks radiating off of the girl, her growing anger and frustration for their petty fights about to break free any minute.
Yet, that's when they heard a small voice behind them and Katsuki watched all the fury dissipate in a single second. "Amari, is everything alright?"
Blinking in surprise, the girl then quickly turned around before locking eyes onto Todoroki before her eyes sparkled with joy, practically hopping up to the man. "Ah, Shoto you're here!"
Katsuki and Shinso couldn't help but feel the whiplash from the conversation, letting out a breath they didn't know they were holding before silently thanking Todoroki for saving them from a very angry Amari.
He looked between the two boys before turning back to her, immediately seeing her slight bags under her eyes and using his fingers to lightly touch them. "You seem tired, you've been getting enough sleep right?"
Laughing to herself, she couldn't help but sigh. "Yeah, things are just crazy right now with the opening tonight and everything. I still have so much to do and so little time to do it.."
Todoroki's hand then reached down to lightly grasp hers before speaking plainly. "I can help if you'd like? I hate seeing you so exhausted."
Amari couldn't help but give him a light smile before thinking about all of the things on her list she had to get done before tonight. A little help might be good now that she thought about it.
Although that's when she seemingly remembered something before her eyes widened suddenly. "Oh wait. You haven't seen the finished product yet, have you?"
Shaking his head, Todoroki looked towards the finished building before replying. "No, I haven't. You told me I couldn't until it was done, remember?"
Bakugo turned her head before recalling the words just as he said them. Ah, that's right. She was keeping it a secret from him. That was the whole point of the surprise. How could she forget that?
Lifting her arms up, the girl laughed in response. "Oh, right. Well, now it's all ready to go! You want to see?"
Todoroki couldn't help but nod his reply, already eager to see what kind of place Katsuki and Amari had built from the ground up. It was a long two years of waiting and it seemed like he could finally see their future agency first hand.
Although that's when Amari raced forward before standing on the tip toes and placing her hands over his eyes. "Close your eyes, it's a surprise."
Her fingers just barely covered the surface before Todoroki closed his eyes in order to help her out so she wouldn't be hobbling through the doors. "Alright."
Giggling with excitement, the girl then moved in front of him before taking his hand and having him step into the building while she muttered to herself. "Watch your step, that's it.."
He held the door open before she let go of him a moment later, taking a couple steps away before Todoroki heard her call excitedly. "Alright, open them!'
Todoroki did as instructed, his eyes opening a moment later before the boy felt his own jaw drop to the floor in surprise and shock.
It wasn't just because the place was beautiful, shining with gold and white colored accents that represented the two twins, it wasn't because of the clean and well managed look of the place,
No, it was because right in the center of the entry hall, standing proud with a portrait on the wall, was Toya.
The picture was enormous, taking up the entire space as a small little red haired boy smiled gently back at him. Where did she even get this picture? He had never seen it before in his life.
Although it seemed that Amari read his mind, her eyes glancing towards the oldest Todoroki brother before smiling. "Endeavor gave it to me. After I told him what I wanted to do, he fished through some old scrapbooks and found this picture. I think it's the only one he had of him smiling.."
He then watched as Amari smiled bitterly. "I don't want anyone to forget him. I don't want his story to just be something that people throw away. I want Toya to stand for something, not as a villain but as a hero."
"I want people to come into our agency and look at him, ask about him and I want people to be inspired by him. About the boy that gave his life in order for others to change, the boy who wanted to be loved, the boy who wanted to be accepted more than anything in the world."
Realizing that she was thinking too far into her own thoughts, Amari snapped out of her state before turning back to Todoroki with a smile. "Or something like that I guess."
Although her smile slowly dropped when she realized that the boy was just staring blankly at the picture with no emotion, causing Amari to immediately freak out. Oh no, did I say something wrong, was he offended by it? Maybe I shouldn't have said that..
Yet that's when she watched Todoroki's lips curve up into a small smile before a wave of emotions appeared in his eyes. "I think it's wonderful."
Seeing his reaction, Amari relaxed and started to talk about something else but the boy was just too focused on how much he loved the girl in front of him.
She had defeated all odds and yet somehow she was still fighting for Toya, still trying to make his wishes come true even after death. No one in the past would have ever had the strength to do something like that, to acknowledge him, not even his own family.
But Amari, she acknowledged him and she loved him when no one else did.
And it was still the same now, even if he was dead Todoroki knew that Amari would make sure he lived on, remembered just like he always wanted to be.
Todoroki wasn't a very emotional person but just the idea almost made him want to cry. Nothing had changed since the day she told him about her time limit during the first day of school. He meant it then and he definitely meant it now.
This girl was the strongest, most amazing person he had ever met, and he loved her with his entire heart.
He pushed his own thoughts away when Amari's eyes met his with confusion, moving up with him with slight concern. "Shoto, is everything okay? You're looking at me kinda strange.."
Yet the boy only closed his eyes with a smile of acceptance before replying but plainly. "Yes, everything is perfect."
Not really understanding, Bakugo was about to reply when her phone suddenly went off in her pocket, the girl grumbling before reading the text and gasping. "Oh crap, I was supposed to pick up the cake ten minutes ago.."
Then she gave Todoroki an apologetic squeeze of his hand before speaking. "Shoto, I'm so sorry. I have to go finish up the desert selection for tonight. I'll be right back, I promise..!"
Seeing how frantic she was, the boy shook his head in response. "I understand. How about I help Bakugo over here while you get that done? It will be faster if we break it up.."
She felt slightly bad about the idea though, raising an eye in concern. "Are you sure? I know how you two are and I don't want you killing each other."
Yet Todoroki didn't seem intimated in the slightest. "It will be alright. Take Shinso and go finish everything while your brother and I take care of things here."
Still not fully supporting the idea, another text caused Amari to close her eyes in frustration before being forced to go with the plan. "Alright, but text me if anything happens."
He agreed to her request before Todoroki watched the girl and Shinso leave together as Katsuki scoffed besides the boy, turning on his heels back into the agency. "Just great, now I'm stuck with you. You better pull your weight icy hot."
Todoroki didn't start moving though, his eyes fixated on Amari's brother before taking a small step forward with courage. "Actually Bakugo, I was wondering if there was something I could speak to you about?"
Half listening, the explosive blonde haired boy only scoffed before hanging up some streamers near the doorway for the party tonight. "What the hell is it now? I'm busy so hurry the hell up already.."
Although that's when Todoroki reached into his pocket before taking out a small box and showing the boy who still wasn't paying attention with his back facing away. "Well, I've been thinking about this for awhile and I believe that now may be the right time…"
Katsuki twisted his eyes in annoyance, not getting any of his words, before turning around to face him in order to fully understand. "Oi, what the hell are you.."
Yet his words were quickly lodged in his throat when he found something staring back at him, something that the boy had dreaded for years, something that he couldn't run away from anymore.
Because sitting in that small little box, was a ring.
The entire agency was silent as Katsuki looked at the glittering gold and diamond ring before speaking out his wandering thoughts. "You're going to propose?"
Nodding back at the words, Todoroki couldn't help but turn his head. "I believe that's what it's called yes. Tonight, I'm planning to to ask Amari to marry me."
Bakugo only stared look with disbelief, a thousand thoughts passing him all at once before he quickly closed his eyes and turned away from the object, now far more focused on the party decorations than before.
Seeming confused by the reaction, Todoroki followed the boy with the ring in hand before speaking. "Is everything alright Bakugo?"
Although the minute the boy caught sight of the object, he felt his stomach turn before pushing him away from his vision. "Don't bring that shit closer, I don't want to see it.."
And what Todoroki didn't know that somewhere in the back of his mind, Katsuki knew that this day was coming, that someday he'd save to say goodbye to his sister, he'd have to live with the face of her taking another name and not being his twin anymore.
Yes, it was stupid. Of course Amari would still be his twin but with the idea of marriage came new family, new relationships and Bakugo didn't want to be forgotten, he didn't want that be brushed aside for the Todoroki's.
Because of that, Katsuki could only see that ring as a sign that he was going to lose her.
Of course, Todoroki didn't know anything, just watching the boy with confusion as he huffed back. "Why are you even asking me this?"
Looking towards the floor for a moment, the boy put away the ring before placing it back inside his pocket. "I suppose I'm asking for your blessing..."
And that made Katsuki widen his eyes, already knowing his words were bullshit. He wasn't stupid, he was sure that his blessing didn't matter.
He could already picture it, his stupid mom and dad jumping for joy at the idea. It was cruel to ask him cause it wasn't like he had a choice, it wasn't like that bastard cared. Everyone one else probably already said yes.
So much so, Katsuki only turned his lips down in disgust. "Let me guess, the old hag already said yes…"
Although that's when Todoroki lifted his eyes in confusion before saying something like it was the obvious answer. "What do you mean? You are the first person I've asked."
Even Bakugo couldn't help but widen his eyes at that, turning around in disbelief. "What? Why the hell would you do that?"
Todoroki only answered plainly though, like it was the only answer possible for his question. "Because you are the most important person to Amari. She loves you Bakugo, and I want to honor that more than anything else."
Then he locked eyes with the boy before finishing gently "That is why besides her answer, your answer is also the most important to me."
Katsuki could hardly believe what he was hearing as Todoroki spoke such honest words to the explosive twin. He thought that the bastard was doing this out of selfish desire but he seemed so considerate, so much so that it pissed the boy off.
Balling his hands into a fist, the boy scoffed before his overwhelming emotions started to leak out, gritting his teeth as Todoroki questioned. "Bakugo?"
How dare this bastard want to take his sister away, how dare he speak so kindly when he was asking to join their family. He hated it, he hated not being able to do anything, he hated being powerless in this whole thing, not wanting to take his own sister's happiness away but still being selfish about his own.
The truth was, the boy was scared, scared of being forgotten.
So much so that Bakugo lifted his hand up before letting off an explosion in Todoroki's path, the boy jumping away just in time before his own misery and fear started to leak out. "You..what makes you think I'll say yes to that?! You shady bastard!"
Already seeing the boy approach, Todoroki put up an ice wall just as the angry twin broke through it a second later. "What do you mean? I love Amari…"
Although Katsuki only scoffed, rotating around before landing behind the boy roughly. "I know you do! Fuck, I hate it but I know exactly how you feel about her. That's why I'm so god damn pissed off..!"
Still not understanding, the boy remained silent before Katsuki spit back angrily. "I don't have any fucking say in this and it pisses me off. I just got her back, I finally understand her and know I have to watch some bastard like you take her away..."
Widening his eyes, Todoroki couldn't help but reply to that. "What..?"
Yet it seemed Bakugo was too far gone, reaching forward to grab the boy's shirt before feeling his own shaking hands start to tremble with rage and anxiety. "I know exactly what's going to happen and I hate it, I don't want to see it...I don't want to be left behind again…"
And this caused the boy to widen his eyes, looking at Amari's brother with a newfound light. "Bakugo, I'm not planning on taking away your sister. I could never do that, she loves you far too much for that."
Katsuki remained quiet at that, causing Todoroki's eyes to soften. "I love your sister, more than anyone I've ever met. She is the most important to me and I want to spend the rest of my life with her, but not at the cost of your relationship."
It was no secret that the two didn't have the best relationship but Todoroki could understand Katsuki's feelings slightly, his voice coming low and quiet. "That's why I asked you first if it was alright to proceed. I want your blessing, I want you to be okay with this before I ask anyone else…"
And as much as it hated it, Katsuki just couldn't hate the boy after those words, knowing that he had his feelings at heart as well.
Yes he hated the idea of Amari taking another name, he hated the idea of her going off and possibly forgetting him but what could he say?
His sister loved Todoroki, he could tell, and it wasn't about to ruin her happiness with his own selfishness. No, he had done enough of that over the years already.
Tightening his hold on the boy's shirt, Bakugo then gritted his teeth before punching Todoroki across the face once, all of his anger and fear behind the swing as the boy stumbled towards the ground.
The boy groaned at the hit, taking his response as rejection before looking up and seeing Katsuki's hand outstretched to him a moment later, his tone rough. "If you hurt her, I'll kill you…"
Looking at his outstretched hand, Todoroki only stared, obviously not getting the hint before Bakugo shouted back roughly. "Well, are you going to get up or what?! I'm going to leave you here in a second.."
Todoroki then blinked in surprise before realizing exactly what his actions had meant.
It was his blessing.
Grabbing onto his hand, Katsuki hoisted the boy to his feet before scoffing the turning away, already going back to work on the decorations. "What are you still doing here? Damn Todoroki, you better hurry before I change my mind.."
The boy couldn't help but winded his eyes at the use of his last name, something Bakugo had never uttered to him before today. Perhaps he had finally accepted him.
Todoroki couldn't help but smile to himself at the action before touching the small box in his pocket and turning towards the door, ready to change his life forever.
Walking down the streets with dozens of items in her hand in preparation for tonight, Amari quickly moved through the crowds with a bunch of boxes in her face, her small stature highly at a disadvantage more than ever.
Shinso was busy organizing the media so it was up to her to bring all of these boxes to the agency herself. Although, it's not like she minded.
Just then, the three biggest boxes seemingly disappeared from her sight before revealing Fuyumi's concerned face. "Whoaa, be careful there Amari. It looks like you could use some help."
Seeing her face made Amari immediately relax before swaying the remaining boxes back and forth. "Oh, Hey Fuyumi. It's okay I could have handled it. Although, thanks for the help. I think one more and I would've been in trouble. What are you doing here?"
Although the girl only turned her head to side. "Sho sent me to check on you. Are you almost finished with everything for the party? It's been a couple hours.."
Bakugo smiled in response before replying happily. "Yep! I just have to get ready. Can't really wear my sweatpants to a grand opening, now can I?"
Fully understanding, the girl then turned her eyes to the floor before already walking in a certain direction, a small smile under her lips. "Alright, let's go…"
Grabbing her hand, Amari twisted her brow in confusion, noticing that they were going the complete opposite direction of before. "Whoa, hold on. That's not the direction of my apartment.."
Yet Fuyumi only giggled before replying. "Oh, I almost forgot. I have to go get something at my house before the party. Do you mind if we make a stop?"
Not really understanding, Amari could only nod before checking her phone. It would be tight but she should have enough time before she had to get ready. "Okay.."
Making their way towards her parents house, Fuyumi let Amari through the gates before stopping in the Fourier only to find a pink box with a clear white bow in the center of the stairs.
Amari couldn't help but raise her eyes in curiosity before turning to ask Todoroki's sister what the object was only to find her completely gone. "Fuyumi?"
Turning around in a circle, the girl twisted her brow in confusion before making her way up to the box before seeing her own name in tiny cursive writing on a tag attached to the object. Wait, this was for her?
Bakugo then slowly undid the bow before looking at the light pink color with curiosity. A part of her felt kind of wrong to open this without anyone here but it was addressed to her so..
Pulling open the top, Amari then removed the white sparkly tissue paper before gasping at the contents inside. It was a dress, light blue in color and far different than the one she had originally taken out to wear for the party.
Bakugo then brushed her hand across the fabric before noticing a small white card on top. Narrowing her eyes, the girl opened the surface as she then widened them with each word.
Amari
I already know you would look beautiful in everything but please accept this small gift regardless.
Todoroki Shoto
His words were simple but they still made her smile, looking down at the blue fabric before lightly picking up the dress with a gasp at the beauty and detail. Small gift? Shoto, this looks so expensive. You shouldn't have..
Just then, Fuyumi's voice cut through the space, looking over her shoulder with a small smirk. "I think it's time we get you ready. What do you say?"
Turning around at the woman, Amari then looked down at the fabric before nodding her head. She must have disappeared so the girl could find the present. Very clever.
"Yeah, I think so too."
Fuyumi helped her get into her new dress before zipping up the sides as Amari couldn't help but gape and herself in the mirror, glancing towards her curled hair and matching silver necklace and earring set. "Wow.."
Even the woman couldn't help but giggle, handing her a pair of winged crystal heels to match before gesturing towards the door. "Come on, he's waiting for you.."
Not fully understanding, Amari slowly followed the woman back out towards the entryway before she turned and found Todoroki standing on the bottom level, a bouquet of white roses in his hands.
Eyeing her as she descended the stairs, it seemed the boy was utterly speechless, not moving until she had fully approached him as his breath seemingly stuck in his own throat at the sight. "Amari, you look.."
The girl couldn't help but giggle to herself, seeing his mouth practically dropped to the floor. "I know, I clean up good right? It's all thanks to your dress."
Although the boy couldn't help but shake his head before extending the roses to her in a single motion and speaking with such passion it made Amari's heart stop. "You are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
And even the girl didn't expect that, her cheeks immediately turned red as she grabbed the roses and held them up to her face in utter embarrassment. "O-Oh, uhhh thanks.."
Nodding back, the boy then gestured his arm out for her to grab before Amari lightly brushed her hands under his as he spoke. "Are you ready to go?"
Bakugo couldn't help but gaze at the clock though, checking the time before humming. "Shoto, we are a little early. The party doesn't start for another hour or so.."
Although Todoroki didn't seem to mind, already turning towards the door with a hopeful smile. "Yes I know. I would like to take you somewhere first, if that's alright?"
Amari couldn't argue with that, already fully trusting the boy with absolutely anything yet still somehow curious what he had planned. "I don't mind, but where is it?"
Yet the boy only turned his eyes away before thinking of the same words Amari said to him just a couple hours prior, her hand traveling to his lips before he kissed the surface lightly.
"It's a surprise."
Letting him lead her wherever he wanted, Amari was surprised when they had stopped in front of a very familiar small sign with gold cursive font across the front, the girl widening her eyes in realization.
This was the place he had taken her for her birthday six years ago.
One look from Todoroki showed her that he recognized the place as well, pushing open the door only for the waiters to all bow at his presence. "Hello Todoroki, Bakugo, we've been expecting you two.."
Looking around the space, Amari couldn't help but widen her eyes in shock. What was usually a restaurant bustling with people and crowds was now completely empty, except for one singular table in the center of the room surrounded by white rose petals.
The waiter then grabbed their menus before leading them over to the table as he gestured towards the area warmly. "Here you are, as requested. Let me know if you need anything else.."
Not fully understanding, the girl couldn't help but question the change of scenery. "Where is everyone else?"
Although she was stopped when Todoroki carefully pushed out her chair from behind her as he replied plainly. "I rented it out for tonight."
A ball of emotion appeared in her throat at that before carefully sitting down in the chair. "What? Shoto, that's so sweet but you didn't have to do that."
Yet the boy only shook his head before picking up his own menu. "Yes I did. You deserve only the best, and that's what I'm giving you. Now, order whatever you'd like."
She wondered just how much work it was to rent an entire restaurant out on a busy night, how much planning this boy had gone through in order to get all of the flower petals, candles and everything else all set up.
Just the idea made her cheeks light up with a pink hue. "Alright, if you're sure.."
The boy only nodded though, watching her take in the scenery with awe as they talked before and after their meal, the candlelight on her face making her look so beautiful that Shoto could barely even stand it.
He really was so incredibly lucky to have her.
Although he paused when a hand waved in front of his face, Amari called to him lightly. "Are you sure you're okay? That's the second time you've stared at me today. Is there something you want to talk about?"
Todoroki couldn't help but curse to himself internally at her words, knowing he needed to pull it together or else she'd figure him out. She was smart like that.
The boy just couldn't help it though, just the idea of spending the rest of his life with someone like her was making him rather lovestruck already. "Everything is alright, I just can't stop looking at you I suppose.."
Obviously not expecting that, Amari turned her face away as her heart skipped a beat. "A-Ah, I see. Well I guess that's not a bad thing.."
Just then, the waiter came back with the same exact small white cake with a sparkler on top from six years ago, the one that she had cried about when she realized he cared about her.
Looking down at the same pink swirls on the top, Amari gasped. "Shoto, you didn't.."
Yet the boy only nodded his head before pointing to the object with a smile. "The one from your favorite bakery. Do you remember it?"
Already feeling the emotions build their way into her throat, Amari couldn't help but blink away her tears before nodding back once. "Of course I do. Thank you."
So much had happened since that day, so much that the girl couldn't have even imagined and that's why she couldn't help but get emotional now.
It was like a symbol of how far they had come.
Humming to herself, Amari happily walked hand and hand with Todoroki down the streets as he led her unknowingly to their next destination. Honestly, she didn't care where she was going as long as it was with him.
Although she certainly did gasp when the small view of the city overlooked from the hilltop, just like the place he showed her on that day.
It was their spot, the one he had given to her when she needed it most.
Putting her hands on the railing, Amari leaned forward before closing her eyes and feeling the breeze blow past her. "I haven't been here in so long. I really missed this place.."
Todoroki couldn't help but watch her smile before gaining his own, looking out towards the city landscape with wonder. "It's strange, it's as if nothing has changed and yet so much has at the same time. I don't know how to describe it.."
Nodding back, Amari hummed. "I know what you mean. Six years ago we were so young, dealing with so much. Back then I was just happy enough to have you next to me, even if it wasn't going to be forever.."
She tried to remember what it felt like on that day, to finally realize that there was someone that was looking out for her, someone that cared about her in the way Todoroki did.
At her words Todoroki couldn't help but cast his eyes down. "I didn't understand what love was at the time, I couldn't even begin to comprehend how much you meant to me. I just knew that I wanted you to smile instead of cry.."
Laughing to herself, the girl recalled her drunken nights before replying. "Yeah, I was a mess, right? Thank goodness you came along or who knows what would've happened.."
Then her stance fell just slightly, lifting her hand out towards the city. "You really were a miracle Shoto, one I never thought I was worthy enough to have. Without you, I would never have gotten this far.."
Staring at her peaceful expression, Todoroki then reached forward before grabbing one of her hands with a light squeeze. "It's the same for me. I would have never given my family a chance without you. You make me stronger, you make me believe in the things I thought were once impossible.."
Amari then brushed a hand against his scar lightly before smiling. "I didn't do anything Shoto. I only brought out the wonderful amazing man I've seen since day one, since the day I saw you on the first day off school.".
Just then the girl giggled to herself in a joking manner. "Me on the other hand, I'm honestly still surprised you deal with my crazy self half of the time, especially back then, she was sure something..."
Although Todoroki only lifted his hand before touching the side of her face in a single motion, his eyes filled with such passion and utter admiration that Amari's breath caught in her throat. "I love her, both then and now. That hasn't changed.."
Widening her eyes, Amari expression melted before placing her own hand on top of his in order to brush her face against his warmth. "I feel the same. In fact, I think I just became an even bigger member of the Todoroki fan club then before.."
At the sound of one of her old jokes, the boy couldn't help but smirk before removing his hand as Amari giggled under her breath. Before he found the title annoying but now it was just kind of cute. "It seems so."
Placing her hands on the railing once more, the girl replied. "I know this is going to sound really cheesy but let me just say this once, okay?"
Then she began to smile to herself. "I always thought I wasn't meant for love, that I should just quietly survive in the background until my number was up. And when I found out I loved you, I really tried to suppress the feeling because I was just too scared to drag someone down with me, to ruin them with my own fate.."
Sucking in a breath, the girl continued. "But through everything, you still stay by my side. It's just, so unbelievable to me. I must really be the luckiest girl in the world or something because God, I'm just so unbelievably in love with you right now that I can't stand it…"
" And I want you to know how much you mean to me, how much you will always mean to me and…"
Amari then shut her mouth before shaking her head a moment later. "Geez, I sound like I should be in a romance manga or something. Just ignore everything I just said, I guess I'm just sentimental right now.."
Although that's when Todoroki spoke up for her, the girl turning her face away from him in order to hide her own blush. "I can't ignore that, especially when I feel exactly the same."
Still not moving her face, the boy continued. "I sometimes think it's still a mystery to me why you would have wanted to get closer to someone like me. I know I'm not like everyone else and my isolated upbringing can make me act strange sometimes.."
"I'm not the best at expressing my emotions most of the time and I don't understand many jokes but in the end you still chose me, and that's something I will never be able to believe."
"Even when my father threatened you at the sports festival, even when my own family was tearing you apart, you never walked away, you never once called me strange or unsightly like everyone else in my life did."
"You were the first person to tell me they loved me, you were the first person that I wanted to better myself for, you were the first person that I couldn't imagine my life without…"
"You are everything to me Amari. Back then and now, the only thing that has changed is that my feelings for you have only continued to grow with everything you do. Even when you don't realize it, I find myself wondering how this beautiful, wonder and amazing woman came into my life, how she changed everything in me and loved my flaws, how she makes me want to become a better person for her and how much I love her with each passing day.."
His words were so incredibly sweet, so emotional that Amari couldn't help but choke down a ball of emotions before turning to the boy with a smile, wanting to tell him how much his confessions meant…
Although as soon as she turned around, the only thing she could see was Todoroki on one knee besides her, and a ring outstretched in her direction.
Almost immediately, everything within her stopped as she heard Todoroki's words once again, except this time she was just too stunned to even move.
"Amari, what I said before our provisional exams, it means the same to me now. I want to have a future with you, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, to wake up next to you every morning, to have a family of our own and grow old together. I want everything with you, if you'll let me..."
Feeling her hands immediately shake, Todoroki then smiled to himself before asking one the one question that he had been waiting years for. "That is why I ask with my whole heart.."
"Bakugo Amari, would you do me the honor of marrying me?"
His words processed into Amari's head one by one, tears already filling the corners of her eyes before forcing any words to come to her lips, any sort of answer that she could give without falling apart.
But all of that failed when the girl opened her mouth, immediately placing a hand to her lips before nodding her head once. Y-Yes, yes yes yes!"
Then she reached forward before tackling Todoroki in the hug before he could move the ring out the way, her tears filling up the entire space as he wrapped his arms around her with a light smile. "I-I love you Shoto.."
Nodding back, the boy then lifted the ring out of the box before placing on her left finger carefully. Then he lifted her the very same hand before kissing the surface once. "I love you too."
Then Todoroki lightly brushed his fingers across her cheek before Amari pushed herself forward, pressing her lips into his as her own tears poured down her face in utter happiness.
As the lights and camera flashed towards the Bakugo agency, everyone was eager to see the twins in order to get some news for the front page of the paper.
Although what they hadn't expected was for Todoroki and Amari to emerge together, with a ring on her finger.
Everyone seemingly jumped in excited as they made their way through the crowds, Todoroki giving the girl a reassuring small squeeze from his hand as they went. He knew she was better but still not great with crowds.
Yet that didn't stop them from hearing the immediate gossip.
"Oh my god, is that a ring?! Did he propose?!"
"Are Japan's hottest couple finally engaged?!"
"Pro hero Ember, could this mean what we think it means?!"
But the two didn't really pay much mind, waking into the agency before locking eyes on all of her friends and family who were mingling around.
Although as soon as they approached, the Todoroki siblings and Amari's parents immediately approached them, getting the attention from all the other guests. "Ahh! They are finally here.."
Jumping up and down in a small bounce, Fuyumi quickly replied. "Well?! I am dying to know. What happened?!"
It was obvious to tell that both the Todoroki's and her parents had already known the plan but people like Deku, Shinso, and Hawks seemed very equally confused strolling up at the noise as the bird asked. "What's going on chickadee?"
Although that's when Amari silently looked towards Todoroki before lifting up her left hand in order to show the ring..
And that's when everyone lost it.
Loud echoes of screams in excitement and joy filled the space before Fuyumi tackled the poor girl in a hug. "Ahhh I knew you'd say yes! I have a sister now!"
Natsuo also seemed to partake, elbowing the girl in the side in a knowing smirk. "What did I tell you? I was right after all. I knew you were gonna be a Todoroki someday."
A light blush appeared on her cheeks as Hawks couldn't but gush at the ring on her finger. "Damn, that's an impressive rock you got there."
Even Endeavor looked over from his spot near the wall before crossing his arms over his chest with a small smile, already knowing the plan weeks beforehand.
Glancing towards the painting of Toya in the center of the room, Amari felt hot tears prick her eyes before that feeling of overwhelming love crashed into her once again. Thank you Toya. I'll protect them, I'll protect them for you always.
Although Katsuki could only watch the interaction with lowered eyes, now seeing all of the Todoroki's surround her with love and admiration, a bitter taste in his mouth at the sight.
And he was by himself, standing alone and watching the interaction with an unsaid sadness and fear. This is what he was afraid of, seems like it was already starting.
Yet that's when Amari turned to look at her brother before waving her hand in his direction, a happy expression on her face. "Katsuki..!"
Not really understanding, he then watched as his sister broke away from the group before hopping up to him as he scoffed. "What do you want?"
Smiling to herself, Amari then raced forward before wrapping her arms around his waist, her head pushing against his chest as she whispered so only he could hear. "Shoto told me everything, and I just wanted to say thank you..thank you for your blessing…"
Bakugo widened his eyes at her words before looking down at his sister with surprise, his eyes filling with emotion before shoving it down a moment later.
He always thought that once Todoroki proposed that would be Amari's whole world, but here she was just as annoying and the same as always. Maybe he was wrong after all, maybe becoming a Todoroki didn't mean losing his sister like he had once thought.
Then he reached forward before wrapping his arms around his sister, knowing that she wasn't going anywhere. "Idiot.."
(cries)
Amari is going to be a Todoroki and I cried man. I read the first season of this story before I wrote this so I could take elements from CH7 and dangggg. Everyone has come so far and I just...
Next Chapter: We gots ourselves a wedding my peeps!
