Welp, I could have worked on stories I already had established, but I wanted to do a story like this for some time. Like always, I hope it is well paced. I have used a few OC's belonging to other people, namely Reimi and Katagi Yanagi, Reiko's parents, who were created by discord user, Kokeshi, but also a little easter egg for my friend Narret's OC, Michi. I have plans for them in the future. I already forget if I reference my own OC's but if not, trust me. They will come up.
A lot of easter eggs are in this, as well as headcanons from me and other writers, headcanons I liked and adapted. I hope I am able to take all those bits and bobs and craft a cute little one shot for you all to enjoy. I do love me some rare pairs and I have not done much with this one in a while.
I hope you all enjoy. Feel free to comment. If there are any inconsistencies or unfinished bit, please let me know. I probably missed a few things, even with beta readers, so I will fix things if they are pointed out. Happy reading, my bellas~ 3 G'night!
P.S. Cover art by Blamed Orange
Reiko sat on the edge of the bed. Concentrating her energy ever so slightly to ruffle her boyfriend's hair. She had woken up early and was unable to fall back asleep. A small black kitten named Siouxsie dozed off in her lap.
"Just ruminating on the upcoming arrangement. I am having trouble drifting back into slumber, even if I can afford to."
Shinsou stretched out and yawned, looking lazily yet sympathetically at his girlfriend. "You normally aren't this...verbose. You tend to call me 'bruh' if my hand slips while we snuggle. You ok, Rei?"
"Yeah, sorry. I sometimes slip into old habits when I get nervous I guess."
"Old habits?"
"Yeah...I used to say like...10 words when 2 would do. It's weird. I was really quiet early on, then I would speak like a walking thesaurus until…" the silver-haired girl paused, feeling her heart ache for a moment. SHe felt Hitoshi's hand on her shoulder, a simple gesture that made her body feel all warm and tingly.
"Hey, it's ok. To be nervous, I mean. I am too. It's a big step. We can take it slow. We don't have to do it right now. It has only been, what? 6 months?" The boy smiled reassuringly at her, bed-head still running wild. She could brush that hair with her fingers for all eternity. Alas, she did not have all eternity to rest.
Reiko sighed and smiled, fidgeting with her hands before picking up Hitoshi's and nuzzling it. He felt so warm, despite the cold demeanor he initially gave off. SHe could relate, she supposed.
"I know...we need to do it tonight though. I promised them we would show up at 4:30 today. Did you remember to ask Mr. Aizawa?"
"Yeah, he knows and will take that into account for curfew. Also, it's not like he's my dad. I have actual parents." the purple-haired boy chuckled, a rare sight to anyone but her. Nevertheless it was precious and she would fight for it.
"Could have fooled me with that photo of you, him and Eri in matching cat sweaters. Tempted to have you wear yours tonight. It's really cute."
"Yeah, I will pass on that."
"Too bad, then. Because you're going to have to wear a tie."
"That fancy, huh? Is your family rich?"
"We're well to do, but not like Yaoyorozu family rich. Well enough to put me into UA and my one sister into my dad and one sister can be… well, first impressions matter. If we get through this, they might let you come over again, in less formal attire."
"That's a relief. As long as I don't have to wear alien antennae or cat ear headphones to dinner."
"Shut up. I would never." Reiko rolled her eyes, trying to stifle a laugh. SHe tackled Shinsou onto the bed and rested her head on his chest.
Shinsou scoffed but had little time before his girlfriend nuzzled him. "Didn't you say we have to get ready? Not that I don't appreciate this."
"We have time. I'll let you know when it's time to get ready. Let's just cuddle a bit longer." Reiko sighed, looking up and brushing the hair out of her eyes telepathically.
"Hey Hit?"
"Yeah, Rei?"
"Sorry for being all mushy. It's a bit over the top...but I love you."
"I love you too, Rei. Thank you…"
"For what?"
"For being my girlfriend."
"That's gay dude." Reiko smiled as she cupped her favorite boy's face.
"HOW!?" Hitoshi reacted in exasperation. "That is the antithesis of gay. "
"Ssssh. Snuggles now. Speak later."
In a couple hours, Reiko knew she would have to get ready in time for her and Hitoshi to meet her family for dinner. It would be wise to strike while the iron is hot. And yet, she wanted to hold onto this moment as long as she could and not worry about anything anxiety inducing.
"'Toshi?"
"Yeah, Rei?"
"Am I annoying?"
"I feel if I say no, you will redouble your efforts but honestly...no. Far from it. I am actually really happy like this." Hitoshi paused, allowing himself to turn the faucet on his emotions ever so slightly. He was a driven and guarded boy, and he had a long way to go, but he felt he was on the right track. "I'm where I want to be right now. How about you, Rei?"
Reiko was out like a light, passed out on Hitoshi's chest alongside Siouxsie. The two breathed lightly as they drifted into dreams atop the violet haired youth. He sighed blissfully and reached for his phone. "I better set an alarm or she'll kill me."
Hitoshi brushed the bangs from his girlfriend's restful face and felt his heart pond in his chest. He treasured this girl, even if she could be a handful sometimes. She might not have been as blatantly chaotic as Monoma or as puckishly mischievous as Tokage, but she was playful at heart and it was always a rush to see her peel back the curtain on another layer of herself.
X
A couple hours had passed. It was around noon when Reiko woke up to the beautiful music of Ghost blaring from Hitoshi's phone. That must have been his alarm tone. Siouxsie was roused about the same time and waddled off of her in order to jump off the bed.
She blindfolded her boyfriend so that she could get changed in the room without worrying over anything risque.
Hitoshi stood still, getting antsy as a hair brush levitated near his scalp and sculpted his wild, untamed locks into a more manageable form, not unlike the one his mentor wore at the UA press conference prior to the dorms becoming a thing.
Reiko looked up at him and placed a kiss on his cheek to calm him as she adjusted his tie. It was a bit much, she knew. However, the same could be said for Mieko. Besides, truth be told, as casual as she could be around her boyfriend, she did enjoy fashion and helping others look nice. If she could do it for her tomboyish best friend, she could do it for Eraserhead Jr.
"There. We are both more presentable. Also I suppose I can take this blindfold off. Sorry. I like teasing you. Besides, seeing you react to my outfit is a confidence booster."
Hitoshi breathed through his nose, standing in darkness as Reiko worked her telekinetic magic. After straightening his tie, she went to work on finishing her makeup and hair. Luckily she didn't have to do too much hair-wise. Her bangs were iconic enough that to move them out of the way might startle her family. Besides, it's not like she was marrying this boy yet.
It was way too early to think about this stuff. They were still first years in high school, practically children. They may have encountered life or death situations (or rather she had) but still. Besides, wishful thinking aside, she could not read the future. She didn't know if they would be together after UA or for how long.
It was nice to think about though. She did like picking out outfits. Maybe if UA ever had a school dance, she and Hitoshi could get dressed up for it. She knew he wasn't that fancy and she was fine with it. She wasn't one to get dolled up every day either. However, he could clean up rather nicely.
"Wow...I…"
"Guess it's my turn to make you unable to speak or move, huh? Your quirk must be rubbing off on me, Hit." the girl joked, a gentle smile on her normally calm face. "I take it I look good?"
"I'll say." Hitoshi responded, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Good enough to kiss my arm if I speak french?"
"I love you, Rei but I don't know if we're at Gomez and Morticial levels yet. Besides, I don't understand French that well." Hitoshi rolled his eyes and smiled, enjoying his girlfriend's humor. It was part of her charm, the porcelain doll with a mischievous spirit inside,
"Awww, but Mais je suis ton petit champion de pog~" the girl chuckled, waiting for her boyfriend to kiss her.
"Did you just...say you're my little pog champ in French? Oh my god, Rei…" the purple-haired youth groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. He couldn't believe this girl sometimes. Her only response was "oui."
Unable to resist and more, he held up his girlfriend's hand and kissed it all the way up her arm.
SHe giggled and tugged her arm away.
"You understood enough to get a kick out of it. Now allons y, Monsieur Clapcheeks, your not-dad is waiting to take us."
The two teenagers bit farewell to Siouxsie for the day as she found a new bed atop Reiko's weighted blanket, surrounded by a myriad of plushy yokai. Reiko shut the lights with her quirk and the two headed out of the doors of Heights Unity, the 1B dormitory building
X
The two walked to the faculty parking area, where Aizawa had his car parked. The engine was purring as the scruffy man leaned out the window, his hair styled into a bun. "You two look nice. Now get in. I'm taking Eri to the animal shelter after this to get a cat. She wanted to pick one out."
Eri looked through the window and waved gently at Hitoshi and Reiko. Reiko waved back and grinned. She had gotten to know the toddler more than some of her other classmates. Eri tended to hang out with 1A and the big 3 but a few others had gotten the chance, namely Monoma in order to try and replicate her quirk.
X
Reiko straightened out her dress and grabbed the ornate door knocker, banging it against the mahogany of the door until she heard a familiar and soothing voice.
"If you're here to ask me to sign something, please leave. I'm dead."
"Hi papa. We're here. Is Keiko in yet?"
"Yeah, she is. Hi, Little Rei. You seem to be doing well." Reiko turned around and saw her older sister, sidekick to the Dragoon hero, Ryukyu.
"Keiko! It's good to see you. This is Hitoshi."
"I have heard so much about you. I hear you are aiming for the hero program at UA."
Hold on one second. He isn't in the hero program? " Reiko's dad butted in, raising an eyebrow. Hitoshi looked uncharacteristically nervous. Reiko intervened however.
"We can discuss it more at dinner, but Hitoshi is in general studies. However, he has been working hard to enter the hero course, even studying under Mr. Aizawa."
Katagi took a moment to rub his chin in deep thought before having a moment of clarity. "Oh yes, the scruffy gentleman who was with your homeroom teacher. I wish he had cleaned himself up more for his visit with the parents like he had for that press conference about UA's failure but oh well. At least your homeroom teacher was dressed much nicer. Also I can see the resemblance, Mr. SHinsou.""
"You don't have to call me Mr."
"Oh but I do. I do not know you, so I will not act familiar with you. You still have to prove yourself there, Mr. Shinsou. Besides,it is basic manners. I hope you understand."
Reiko felt the need to scream but kept it internal. She loved her dad, she really did. She just wished he could ease up a little.
"Understood. That is fine. I understand a thing or two about having to prove myself, sir."
"No need to be too formal. You can call me Mr. Yanagi, Mr. Shinsou," Katagi smiled, the softer expression on his face belying the more intimidating aura he was giving off.
X
Dinner started off awkwardly, with Katagi asking question after question. Reiko could tell he wanted to be a good host but he was a dad first. He could be more friendly when he needed to be. And yet diligence was key to him. Reiko and her sisters tried replicating that as hero students and Keiko had even managed to become a sidekick to one of the top pros under the hero name, Nightshade.
Reiko herself was happy that her boyfriend was able to weather what was essentially an interview, but she literally was hoping for a nice dinner with her family and her boyfriend. She secretly hoped it would go smoother when Hitoshi introduced her to his parents.
Katagi's voice became stern, dropping the social temperature of the room down to frigid levels. Hitoshi had steeled himself to enter the hero program. Reiko knew this. He might have lacked the experience his peers had, but he had come a long way and knew what he had to do. And yet here, he looked like a deer in headlights. Leave it to a man who raised three daughters alone and could speak with the dead to frighten her boyfriend.
"Papa, please."
"Now, now, Rei. This young man can speak for himself. You don't plan on using this quirk on my daughter, do you?"
"Dad!"
"No. It's ok. He is right. I can speak for myself. Mr. Yanagi...I am no stranger to such insinuations. All my life, people have learned what my quirk was and said stuff like 'that would be a good quirk for a villain' or 'think of all the messed up stuff you could do'. I tried brushing it off...but it stung each time. But that just made me want to chase my dream more, work harder for it. In a way I became jaded and single minded, not here to make friends or socialize, only accomplish my heart's desire of being someone who helped others...Reiko saw past the bluster and the frustration and helped me feel like I belonged. She reminded me that I am not the only hero student working with a handicap in regards to applications of their quirk. I would sooner drop out of school than do anything to take advantage of someone in that way, especially not her."
Reiko could feel her cheeks flush from the strong, impassioned words of her boyfriend. If it wasn't guaranteed to give her dad a heart attack, she would drag the boy upstairs in an instant and smother him in kisses. However, dinner had just been served and she didn't want to miss out on the Miso katsu. She loved her boyfriend, but she loved her dad's cooking first. Technically it was her mom's recipe, but she wasn't here to split hairs. That was more of a Mieko thing to do.
Speaking of Mieko, it was the middle sister's time to interrogate Hitoshi. "Such impassioned words. You seem to have enough conviction. However, your history as I have seen it contradicts what you have told us so far. You were the one during Reiko's sports festival debut who had brainwashed some of her classmates, correct? I was told you could brainwash one person at a time, but you seemed capable of more than that. Plus, you didn't actually make it into the hero program yet, did you? I would not like to think of my dear sister settling for anything less than she is deserving of." the longer haired girl deadpanned as she sipped tea from one of the ghost-themed tea cups the family owned.
"Can we please pile on the food instead of my boyfriend? Please and thank you, Mieko." Reiko glared, casually using her quirk to bring the miso katsu closer to her. Before she could, Katagi calmly snapped his fingers. "No quirk use at the dinner table, Rei. Remember?"
"Yes, papa." Reiko sighed before moving on to make faces at Mieko and vice versa. Keiko felt the need to step in but was too entertained. Instead, she decided to ask Hitoshi some questions too.
"Don't worry about them. They really do care, even if they can be overbearing. I do want to ask though: what inspired you to want to be a hero?"
Hitoshi's expression softened, feeling taken aback but also relieved at such a simple yet welcome question.
"When I was a kid and my quirk came in, everyone was obsessed with being a hero. THe idea of saving the day and being praised for it appealed to a lot of people I suppose. Maybe I wanted to fit in, maybe I just liked the idea of people thanking me for doing the right thing. However I would be a liar if I said I didn't do more dubious things during the SPorts festival to reach my goal. I… I still remember when I was about 5 years old, I saw this newscast of a villain attack. The hero who helped was swift and wished to remain out of the spotlight. He wasn't really a media sort of guy like All-Might or one of the flashier heroes.
I suppose I liked that, the idea of someone who could use their wits and determination and who didn't need to shine brightly in the daylight to save lives or make meaningful action. "
Reiko couldn't help but grin. Of course Eraserhead was his idol, even if he didn't outwardly gush like others she knew. Why did he have to be so gosh darn cute?"
Keiko laughed and took a bite of eel before swallowing it and looking Hitoshi over. "You seem like a good kid, Shinsou. You certainly seem to have grown quite a bit since the sports festival. It sounds like you got to train with AIzawa too, so that must be a dream come true in more ways than one."
Reiko took a break from arguing with Mieko to see how her oldest sister was treating Hitoshi. It was honestly calming and put her in better spirits.
Even Katagi seemed to calm down after that. He didn't want to be so cautious. His daughters were all he had left, aside from the voices of the dead. He was surprised he even let Reiko stay at UA after the villain attacks. Both homeroom teachers for the first year hero students had shown up and it took convincing from Keiko to get him to relent.
X
"So, Mieko, right? What can your quirk do, if you don't mind me asking. You look slightly like your sisters. Are you telekinetic too?"
Hitoshi wasn't particularly obsessed with quirks. Midoriya from 1A might have had that trait, but it wasn't in the purple-haired boy's personality. STill it was a decent question to ask.
"A peculiar time to ask, but I suppose it is an obvious question to ask, Shinsou. To elaborate, I can coat my arms in ectoplasm, not to be confused with my dear younger sister's favorite pro-hero growing up. No, see, mine can-"
"Mieko, Can you turn your arms into a pencil sharpener and get to the point?" Reiko teased.
"Rei, be nice to your sister. Mieko, you could help to speed it up a bit. Mr. Shinsou would probably like to engage in the conversation too."
"Hmph. Very well, I shall expedite things. My arms can transform into elegant and ethereal tendrils, which can stretch out and be used to enhance my reach and my attacks, should I have to resort to fisticuffs."
Hitoshi took another bite of the Miso Tatsu, savoring the flavor and texture of the meal. It was well prepared. Reiko stole a glance at the boy, smiling as she sat next to him and enjoyed one of her favorite meals. She wanted to feed him, be playful like normally. However, she kept reminding herself there was a time and a place.
Her mind drifted to the training camp, and how one of the owners of the compound, Mandalay of the WIld Wild Pussycats, had telepathy. It would have been a useful ability to have. She was happy with what she could do on her own, but checking in with Hitoshi mentally would have been nice. She supposed she would just have to ask his thoughts towards the end of the night.
"Well, I suppose my daughters are right. Mr. Shinsou might be too formal. However, I do still have more questions. You must understand. I grilled Keiko on her girlfriends when she brought some home. "
"That seems only fair. Father would do the same for me as well." Mieko took a sip of her tea, which she brewed for herself. She had brought it home from Seiai with her and was gifted to her by the head of her class.
"You need a date for that to happen first, not just some girl you and all your classmates simp for." Reiko sipped her tea as well, giving the older girl a side-eye.
Katagi cleared his throat before his daughters could argue again, looking to Keiko next as she tried to stifle a giggle. He once again addressed Hitoshi. So, Shinsou. What are your parents like? I am curious to learn what kind of person my daughter brought home, and while you gave a satisfactory answer before, I still need more to go off of. The last boy my Reiko brought home bailed after I met him. He is a hero student too. He went to middle school with her but is at Isamu.
Reiko wanted to say "Because you scared him off?" but he had apparently pursued a new girl a week after they broke up, so she felt like she had dodged a most well off when I was born.
"My mother and father...they care for me but weren't home a lot. They both worked all day, with my mother being a sales representative for a company that provides textbooks to schools. Given her quirk, persuasion, she moved up in the company. She wanted to provide for me, since we weren't the most well off when I was born. Dad works in a warehouse for a large firm and drives trucks for them."
Katagi listened patiently, taking mental note of the boy's story and how it could have influenced him. It seemed consistent enough with what he said before. He would have asked the boy where he saw himself in 5 years, but that was already established earlier. Besides, Hitoshi wasn't finished. His daughters listened intently as well.
"They care, but it wasn't a childhood I was exactly happy with. I was provided for but most of my time was spent with my grandma. She would watch the news a lot. And that's when I first saw heroes. Everyone was obsessed with All-Might but I latched onto Eraserhead. My mom and dad tried finding me merch for him, but he wasn't exactly the media type, so they ended up giving me a Present Mic figurine instead. I still have it with me at the dorms."
Katagi observed Hitoshi, taking note of his expression, which looked troubled but not distraught. He was lost in his thoughts upon retracing his family. He didn't seem to have any siblings to speak of , so he was an only child.
Keiko took the moment to ask a question too, deciding to ease the tone of the dinner. As the one closest to pro-hero status, she had to know how to deal with the public, and as an older sister, it was her responsibility to look out for her sister and see if this guy was a keeper or not.
"I mean, I have been so focused on my goals of wanting to be a hero, but I enjoy horror movies and games. I have played every Biohazard game and the Silent Hill series. Also helped my class put on a haunted house for the culture festival." the boy perked up a bit, having nearly finished his plate.
Keiko and Mieko both perked up. Reiko's last boyfriend was a horror movie fan too, but he had never done haunted houses before. Plus from what Reiko had told them, they had been dating for 6 months. They must have played games together.
"I see. What's your favorite kind of horror? I am quite fond of eldritch horror, the strand of terror that tears at your mind and leaves you in a cold sweat while gripped by screaming existential dread" Mieko spoke, almost activating her tentacle arms in excitement. It was the most animated she had appeared all night. He could definitely see hints of her younger sister in her behavior.
"I mean, I'm not picky. I like it all, I guess. Big fan of monsters and slashers, things that hide in the shadows. I can definitely appreciate a good psychological horror though. One that makes you question everything and keep your doors locked. Also while western horror is pretty great...I am kind of a stickler for stuff like Ju-On and the Ringu." Hitoshi grinned, "Other than horror though, I kind of like cyberpunk stuff, any medium really, except for that one game… we don't talk about it."
Keiko nodded in approval, her calm demeanor starting to fracture and show approval. She was just as interested in seeing what kind of boy her sister had fallen for and so far, she approved. "How about music, Shinsou? Got any faves?"
"I like industrial, a bit of shoegaze, goth type of stuff, but like, I'll listen to some more upbeat stuff while I ride my bike." Hitoshi replied.
"Not bad. We all kind of fall into some subcategory of goth i guess, though Mieko here is the more preppy of us. I like a lot of the classics from the west but call me a homegrown girl, I love the punk and goth scenes here in Japan, as well as some more classic styled music, regardless of origin. Or I just listen to whatever Ryukyu has on at the office. It's funny, she has this refined elegance about her, but when she is off duty, she dresses like a university student." Keiko laughed softly.
"Get out. Really?" Hitoshi was intrigued. He wasn't an avid observer of the hero billboards. He liked the heroes he liked and tried to emulate those skills and approaches. Still, it was surprising in a fun way. He knew one of Reiko's classmates was a fan of heroes like Ryukyu and Godzillo. He wondered if she knew that.
Katagi watched everything go down, he saw his daughters seem to welcome this young man. Reiko seemed to be awfully fond of the boy. He had been finding himself starting to be swayed too. However, he had to be sure. He couldn't just dogpile on the kid, even if some part of him wanted to. But would he upset his daughters in the process of trying to keep them safe? Reiko was the youngest, just a child. Sure she was in the throes of adolescence but that was still a child to him; his child. He thought to how his wife would approach things if she were here, but nothing entered his head, no call from beyond.
"One last question, Shinsou. Well, two. First off, how are you enjoying the meal?" Katagi finished off his plate and asked his daughter's boyfriend while wiping his mouth with a napkin.
"It's...one of the best mealsI have had in a long time. And I say this as someone who goes to a school with a top chef in the cafeteria. I feel a lot more privileged than I ever expected to be. But yes. This is very good."
"I am glad to hear and I am sure my… my wife would love to hear too. She cannot join us right now but I am sure she would love to hear that. Now my next question… What are your plans for my daughter?"
Reiko could feel her eyes open wide. Things had seemed to be going pretty well. There was no fighting (aside from the ribbing between her and Mieko, but that was just how they were.) She wanted to abject and stepped in, but Katagi gently lifted his hand.
"Let him speak, Rei." The older gentleman said calmly, turning his gaze to his youngest child's dinner guest.
Hitoshi looked thoughtful for a moment. He didn't have an answer prepared, but then again, how could he. He wasn't going to say anything cliche, like marriage and a house in the suburbs. They were too young. Plans didn't always work out anyway. He had some psychic-ish abilities but he could not read the future. He could only prepare to the best of his ability. The truth is, they lived in a rapidly changing world and were studying for a dangerous, if not popular, line of work. People were already turning on heroes and some had even died. It was hard to say what would actually happen.
But he knew how he felt now. He stood up from the dinner table, surprising Reiko. She looked at him and reached for his hand, asking what he was doing. Was he getting scared off? No. She knew better. He wouldn't, but he also was a bit more stoic and not one to deliver impassioned speeches. He didn't mince words either, so all she could do was look up at him and wait patiently.
Keiko was ready to turn to her father and ask him why he was still going? Mieko was disappointed, hoping to get to know this boy more, maybe ask some more questions of her own.
would actually happen.
"Mr. Yanagi, sir. I do not know what you wish to hear. I can't make any grand promises. I am only a teenager who hasn't even entered the hero course yet. If I do, I don't even know which class I will be in, which dorm they will move me into. I don't even know where society will be by the time we graduate, so I can't say if there will be wedding bells or not… but Reiko makes me happy. She has this calming presence, haunting yet assuring. She has helped me realize what kind of hero I want to be past just being a hero. She helped me get dressed for this dinner, has helped show me what I can expect as a hero student, and is just...man, she can be a handful sometimes but I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't say this lightly but...I love your daughter and I want to be by her side… in battle, at graduation, playing video games, and everything beyond that."
Reiko could feel her heart beating a hundred miles a minute. He had told her he loved her in private, but right in front of her father, and with such conviction? She hoped this would be enough. Mieko tried to seem passive and unfazed but was a near-blubbering mess. Keiko couldn't help but give a genuine clap, a slow clap but one with heart in it
ALl eyes fell to Katagi. He was stunned. That was not a word to be used lightly, though that certainly didn't stop everyone who used it. He still wasn't sure how things would pan out. If this boy hurt Reiko, he would deal with the boy as a father would. FOr today, however, the man was satisfied fully, at least for tonight. He sighed and offered a hand.
"Well, I can't argue with that. Just don't go breaking her heart, or I will come for yours," the man grinned, sending slight shivers up Hitoshi's spine. WIth that, Reiko got out of her seat and grabbed her boyfriend's hand. "I love him too. ANyway, thanks for dinner. Can I show him my room briefly? I want to grab my jacket."
"Whoah, taking him up to your room so soon? I just gave the boy my approval, but…" Katagi objected but was cut off by Reiko. He had a feeling she meant something else.
"Chill dad, I just need to get my jacket. It is colder out right now and there is someone else I should introduce Hit to. Can you drive us there? SOrry for the short notice.
The man was confused at first, wondering why they would be visiting someone else at this hour when they were visiting him, but then it clicked. He could feel tears welling in his eyes. Damn kids, making this old man feel older. He really was proud.
"Ok but first, you two have to help with dishes. Can't leave all the work to me and your sisters."
"Come on, dad, that's enough people to do the dishes. DOn't be silly. " Reiko pouted. Still, she obliged." We will clean the table at least."
"That's my girl" Katagi, grinned. Keiko walked over and started washing some dishes while the entire family cleaned up. After that, it was time for one last meeting.
X
With Dinner finished, the temptation to just chill in her old bedroom and curate it to her boyfriend was tempting, and Mieko had considered playing some games with her sister and her new beau. However, the last item on the docket was decided.
It wasn't a far drive. Reiko sat next to Hitoshi, holding his hand and looking upon him fondly. Her gaze was downward however, affixed on his hands.
The family got out of the car but stayed behind, allowing the moment to transpire. The night air was moderate and filled with the sounds of crickets and other nocturnal insects. The ground plodded beneath the shoes of the two teenagers as Reiko led her boyfriend by the hand.
They made their way to the Yanagi family plot, past her grandparents and at least one cherished family pet until they made it to a modest but beautiful monument adorned with night owl roses. The name on the monument was Reimi Yanagi. Several offerings surrounded the stone, tributes from those who missed her, including a mysterious card with a skeletal cat on it and some shintoist saying that Hitoshi didn't quite get. It didn't have a signature on it but essentially said that spirits never died.
Reiko knelt down, her face serene on the surface, but the tears started to flow as Hitoshi looked closer. She was as still as the monuments surrounding them feeling at home among the tombstones, but really, anywhere her mom was.
"Hey mama. It's been a while. I've been working hard at UA. Things have been a bit wild and hectic. A lot of things are changing, not all of them are good. I try to be the best I can though… made some friends I told you about...and well… I met someone. I brought him if you don't mind. Dad was… well… dad. He means well, but I hope you aren't as hard on him as he was. Anyway, this is Hitoshi." She introduced the boy at her side and allowed him a moment to gather his thoughts. It was a bit unorthodox, she supposed but in this world, who wasn't?
Hitoshi nodded silently at Reiko. He could feel her hands. They were similarly calm but with a light tremor to them. Even after all these years, the wounds had not healed and her heart would probably never be the same. Reiko wanted to remain strong, her mother's little ghoul. Hitoshi put a hand on her shoulder and knelt down next to his girlfriend, speaking softly to the gravestone.
"Hey, Mrs. Yanagi. It's nice to meet you. I know...you probably can't hear me, but if you can...you have an amazing daughter. Girls like her are something rare"He said to himself, Reiko smiling as the boy spoke to her mother and paid his respects. She even let the paraphrased song lyrics slide as it was cute. She loved seeing this side of him. Even if it took her dad a while to see it and would probably take a bit longer to stick, she would always stand by the young man she knew Hitoshi was.
The young man continued. "Your family certainly didn't make things easy but I am ok with that? Kind of used to having to work past that sort of thing and those assumptions in order to accomplish my dreams, and it's how I met your daughter. She didn't make things easy either but honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm not used to being this sappy… especially not in front of someone's parents...so I think I will stop here."
The boy was about to get up until he remembered something. "Rei, we almost forgot. I hope your mom doesn't haunt us for this."
"I'm sure she won't , but yeah. Good catch, Hit. Allow me," the girl whispered, closing her eyes and opening the car door with her quirk in order to pull the small basket from the floor of the backseat. Inside were some snacks and desserts, including Reimi's favorite when she was alive: Red bean Manju made to look like little ghosts. It was something passed down to her grandmother by her grandmother and so on. There was also a blanket, which Reiko, spread out with a flourish.
She stood up with Hitoshi and stepped out of the way. Once everything was set, the girl opened her eyes and beckoned her family over. "You are all welcome too. The whole family is here, right?"
Mieko smiled curtly and walked over, Keiko striding more briskly through the tombstones, embodying not just the energy she brought to her career, but how she was in her teen years. Katagi watched in awe, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over him as he observed his children. He looked at the gravestone where Reiko and Hitoshi were and could feel something familiar in his bones, as if he was looking at a photograph he had not seen in years, except it was happening right now.
"I don't know what you're worried about. I like him, Katagi," the man heard in his ear, a familiar lilt tugging at it and shaking his heart. He wanted to say he was imagining things, but with his quirk, he knew he probably wasn't. He honestly couldn't tell anymore.
With a grin and a shake of his head, the older man adjusted his glasses and joined his family in their picnic.
X
The night wound down successfully, with Katagi seeming to relax his stance on Hitoshi for the time being, giving him a chance. Aizawa pulled up alone, having dropped Eri off at UA with their new furry family member so that both could get some rest.
Hitoshi and Reiko piled into the back, with the latter resting her head on the former's shoulder. The night was awkward at first, as she expected. However she was ultimately happy with how things ended. Hitoshi made a good enough first impression that he was invited over again in the future. Reiko turned to the boy beside her, the boy she loved.
"So when do I get to meet your parents? I mean, your birth parents, not Mic and Eraser Senseis," She teased, holding onto Hitoshis arm and tugging it playfully.
"I dunno. They have been busy lately but they should be free next weekend. Maybe I can introduce you then." Hitoshi smile
"Awesome. Can you wear the cat sweater?"
"No." the purple haired boy declared emphatically,gently touching Reiko's head and they walked towards the dorm buildings.
"Fine, spoil sport. I was going to wear one too if it helps. Actually, is it weird to wear matching turtlenecks when we meet your family?"
"Honestly, I am cool with it." Hitoshi smiled. "You do look good in a turtleneck."
"Reiko could not help but tease her boyfriend. He had been questioned incessantly through the night and probably needed a break, but the ghostly girl could not help herself.
"I bet I do." She deadpanned, betraying the slightest hints of a smirk, wiggling her eyebrows as she gently nudged him. Perhaps she spent too much time with Tokage, but she could live with that.
"Quiet you. I will use my quirk." Hitoshi groaned as he playfully flicked her hair out of her eyes. Reiko called his bluff and kissed his nose, before nuzzling into his shoulder, leaving him too flustered to do anything, not that he ever would. Resigning himself to his fate, the young man reclined in the back seat and listened silently to the engine of the car.
When they arrived back at campus, they bidded their teacher good night before heading to bed.
Their steps echoed as they walked across the campus towards Heights Unity and entered the door, waving tiredly at their classmates before retiring. Some of the boys were doing something goofy that their brains couldn't comprehend right now, but tomorrow was a day for questions. Now was time for sleep
Reiko swung the door open telepathically and closed it behind her as she removed her clothes in a tornado of fabric, quickly folding things and putting them away as she changed into pajamas. She felt like a magical girl, but a very exhausted and satisfied one. WIth the aid of a dampened rag and some makeup wipes, her detransformation was complete
After that, she plopped onto her bedding, crawling under the covers. "Today was fun. Glad it went so well."
"Same," Hitoshi said, still changing out of his clothes, slightly red faced despite the fact that he didn't really see anything. The fact was that two times in one day, he was in the room while his girlfriend changed."Glad it did. Your family seems cool. Keiko seemed the most well adjusted but I think they all care a lot about you. By the way, when did you learn to do that just now? WIth your clothes?"
"Reiko shrugged. "About a month. I thought blindfolding would be more fun though, as I like seeing your reaction afterwards."
"You are a tease, woman." Hitoshi laughed, slightly surprised at how jovial he felt around her, but also very much at peace. He felt as blessed as the hero students he fought against in that first sports festival so long ago.
"But you love me." Reiko smiled, kissing his nose once more and brushing a hand through his hair. THe exchange continued between the two young lovers.
"Yeah, never gonna let that go, are you?"
"Nope. "
"Good. Neither am I."
"Love you too."
"Good night, 'Toshi~."
"G'night to you too, Rei."
And with that, the lights were off, allowing the couple to drift into dreams until the morning greeted them. It was a wonderful night and the only way to truly end it was the way they started the morning, in each other's arms. As Reiko felt herself drift off to sleep that night, she could swear she saw her mother in the corner of her room, smiling, but it was probably just imagining things.