Author's Note: Hello again! Sorry so much time has passed between chapters. I hope you like the update.
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Melina finished unpacking her clothes since she could not sleep. Sleeplessness was becoming a habit and slowly turning into insomnia.
She missed the constant activity and noise of the dorm. Even in the wee hours of the night there were restless teenagers roaming through the house. Often they were getting a snack due to late night cramming in preparation for a test or finishing homework they put off due to have fun earlier in the evening. Sometimes they were just stressed or upset and needed a listening ear. She missed the kids so much.
After taking a bottle of water from the refrigerator, she walked outside onto the porch. A chorus of crickets sang her a song of summer. Stars sparkled in the black sky above. It was a gorgeous moonless night. The humidity closed in around her as if she were sitting inside of a sauna.
Melina sighed wistfully, leaning against one of the porch beams. This reminded her of a summer night at home. Had she done the right thing by coming here instead of returning to the place she had run away from?
Glancing to her left, she saw a red dot appear in the darkness at the end of the stretch of porch. She heard an exhale of breath and white smoke drifted into view from the shadows.
"Good evening, Melina," Enji Todoroki greeted her, rising from the chair he had been sitting in to walk toward her.
"Hello...uh, uhm, what should I call you?" she asked. "Mr. Todoroki? Enji? Grandpa?"
"Daddy?" he suggested, raising an eyebrow and giving her another rare glimpse at his playful, flirtatious sense of humor.
"Ah, ha ha ha...hell no," she shot back.
"What's on your mind, little lady?" he inquired, leaning against the wooden porch post across from her.
At least her called her little lady instead of little girl. Of course in terms of body size, not many people weren't little in comparison to him.
"Everything," she replied vaguely, not really wanting to pour out her heart to him of all people.
"What do your parents think of all this? Have you told them?"
A tight smile formed on Melina's face.
"My parents aren't saying much these days because they're dead. They died in a fire when I was fifteen."
Melina folded her arms, shivering slightly despite there being nothing cool about this night.
"Funny how life has seen fit to surround me with three men who possess a fire quirk to dominate my time and emotions. Life has a cruel sense of irony."
"So Toya is the father of your baby."
It wasn't a question. He was simply stating a fact. He had no reason to disbelieve her. His easy acceptance of that fact did surprise her. She expected him to demand DNA tests and other proof of paternal heritage.
"Yes. Dabi is the father of my child," she corrected him, emphasizing the name Dabi.
"How is he?" He seemed unfazed by the correction but refrained from using his name in any form.
How the hell was she supposed to answer that? Oh, he's great! He's basically the right hand man of Tomura Shigaraki and second in charge of the League of Villains. Aren't you proud he's come so far?
"He's alive. Hates your guts. Denies his name and denounces his family. I'm sure things are absolutely peachy for him," she replied, lacing her words with venom.
"You are a devil, aren't you?" Enji muttered, then quickly proceeded to say, "You still love him."
"Somewhere down deep...under all the pain...yes, I do," she confessed. "But he's made it quite clear he wants nothing to do with me."
Melina drank water to wet her parched throat that felt like it was sticking together every time swallowed.
"You're ability to compartmentalize is admirable. But you're a little bit stupid," he scoffed derisively.
"No. I'm not. I'm aware he pushed me away to protect me. He explained it a dozen times. I would have followed that man through hell to be with him," she said, her voice quavery.
"He knows that. Which is why he went to such extremes to make your stubborn ass listen and do what's best for you and the baby," Enji sighed, puffing on the cigarette making sure to blow the smoke away from her. "I know who Toya is now and what he does. I haven't had delusions about that for quite a while. So it's best you stay away from him like he wants. He knows the people he is dealing with a hell of a lot better than you."
Melina turned away, facing out into the night so she would not have to look at him. Tears stung her eyes but as a matter of pride could not let them fall.
"Why are you here?" she questioned him outright rather than contemplating if he had some ulterior motive. "I thought I was to stay here alone."
"Until Shoto arrives, I'm going to stay close to you to protect you. I already know you did something stupid to put yourself on Tomura Shigaraki's radar. It must be bad for Toya to go through the lengths he did to shove you away all for the sake of protecting you," he said, approaching her.
Melina did not bother correcting him this time because he had make it quite clear he was not confused about his wayward son's identity. His heavy hand on her shoulder made her jump and wrench away from him.
"You're skittish as a feral cat," he commented, backing away from her.
"Can you blame me?"
"Not really. But you have no reason to be afraid here."
She hoped not. That was why she gave in to Shoto's crazy idea of her living in this house.
"Will I get to meet your other two children?" she asked.
"Eventually. They don't know you're here yet. Besides, I'm a little nervous about you meeting my other son. I don't want you to corrupt him in the strange way you have with us Todoroki men."
Wasn't that the damn truth? The way he presently spoke about her made her feel like the Todoroki men's dirty little secret and their Kryptonite.
"I'm hoping I've corrupted you in a good way, Enji Todoroki," she stated flatly, hugging her arms around her body as the chill sank deeper into her bones.
"I fear you've completely ruined my other two sons, Killer Queen," he said, taking a long draw from the cigarette. "I'd rather you not destroy the third."
"Well, you don't have to worry about that. Besides, I never intentionally set out to fall in love with Dabi. Shoto drew me in and made me care for him because he cared for me so purely and deeply. That boy needs love and deserves it. He would like to have yours, you asshole. Just like Toya. Just once before he ran away, all you had to do was say with sincerity, I love you, I'm proud of you. But you just couldn't do it, could you?" she asked, her voice shrill with intense emotion; a mixture of righteous indignation, unadulterated fury, and sorrow from the needless tragedy of it all. "Don't let Shoto slip through your fingers too! Or your other children!"
Melina inhaled to say something else but was rendered speechless when he enclosed her body with his strong arms and pulled her in for a fatherly embrace. Her body stiffened, remaining ramrod straight in his arms.
His body packed with bulky muscle mass was not like being pressed into a brick wall as she had she expected it to be. He was warm and comforting, holding her gently but firmly. A hug like Shoto's; one that told her 'I won't let you because you need this.'
"This is weird," she whispered, unable to find her voice and speak louder.
"This is really weird for me too," he confessed, letting her go.
Enji assumed correctly that if she was being a smart ass, she was okay to be freed his embrace. He retreated quickly to his previous position by the porch post, at least four feet away from her. He refused to look at her, keeping his face turned toward the yard to avoid eye contact.
Melina wished she could see more than the vague image of him in the dim light from the numerous stars above. She would love to see a blushing Enji Todoroki.
"So all of a sudden you're claiming Toya as your son again," she said to change the subject.
Usually people will shift to a less uncomfortable topic of discussion, but not Melina. Sometimes she truly could be a masochist.
"How else am I supposed to refer to him when speaking to you? I won't call him Dabi. That's not my son," he muttered, taking one last drag from the cigarette before dropping it onto the porch to stomp it out with his heel.
"I suppose that means your son pretty much doesn't exist. So then how are we supposed to handle this? What do we tell people about the pregnancy? Am I supposed to hide away here until after the baby comes? Then how do we explain the child?" she questioned him since he seemed to decide every action and word of those people in his circle of influence.
"Honestly, at this time, I'm not sure. I'll figure it out," he assured her, convinced of his own ability to determine how everyone perceived him and his life.
"I knew I could count on you. You seem to have an answer for everything. You're the number one hero after all. If you can't save your own dignity, what can you save?" she sighed, turning in preparation to walk away.
Talking to Enji Todoroki wore her out emotionally and physically. She was tired. Going to sleep should not be a problem now.
"Hey," he said, taking hold of her arm to stop her.
Melina reluctantly turned her head to look back over her shoulder at him. She held his intense gaze confidently. Small flames exuded from the skin of face allowing her to see his eyes more clearly in the soft glowing light giving the beautiful turquoise color a luminescence.
"I want to save my family. Not just myself."
She searched his eyes for sincerity as he stared at her, shockingly without intimidation. He looked sad, remorseful, yet determined. Her belly quivered with excitement and hopefulness. She hoped he meant those words.
"I expect you to help me do this." He spun her around as if she were a ballroom dancer and placed his hand flat on her belly.
Melina grabbed his wrist, her eyes never leaving his despite the apprehension that tightened her throat and made her body shake.
"You and this child can be what saves us all," he said, meaning every word as he held her gaze.
"I think that's a little unfair. We don't deserve that much credit or responsibility. It's up to you Enji Todoroki. You broke your family. You fix it."
"That's what I want to do. But I don't know how," he admitted, taking his hands away from her.
Enji ran his hands through his hair. He looked exhausted and frustrated.
"Me either," she murmured. "I don't even know how to help myself right now."
"I know," he sighed, turning his back to her.
Seeing him vulnerable, his guilt over the past and present misgivings about himself laid bare before her, made her afraid. Previously, she only saw this man as an impenetrable brick wall with no emotions except when he was trying to manipulate her.
Melina went to him, reaching out. Unsure if she should touch him, she pulled her hand back at first. Then she forced herself to be brave, to take a chance on him since he seemed to be willing to take a chance on her, risking emotions and affection to form a new familial bond.
She stretched out her hand, placing her fingertips on his back. When he started from her touch, she resisted the urge to draw back. Instead, she flattened her palm against his back between his shoulder blades.
"Somehow we'll do this together. Obviously steps have already been made in the right direction since Shoto reached out to you for help. And you reached back, offering your assistance. Thank you for that. But...for the first time in your damn life Enji Todoroki, be a father instead of a hero."
"I don't..." His voice trailed off and his shoulders sagged. "I don't know how."
"Well..." She placed her hand on her belly. "I don't know how to be a mother. I guess we all have a lot of learning to do."
Melina could actually see him transforming emotionally as he raised his head and straightened his shoulders, visually putting up the wall in front of her. She immediately stepped back from him.
"Hana will bring your breakfast to your room in the morning. I'll be here at one to pick you up for your appointment. You should get some sleep. It's important for you and the baby to rest properly," he said, dismissing her in a surprisingly polite and caring way.
"Yes, sir," she responded respectfully since he sounded so much like a real father at the moment.
Melina lay down on the soft bed, sinking into the fluffy feather mattress pad. He had taken great care to make her as comfortable as possible here, including all the creature comforts and then some. She found his thoughtfulness sweet and heartwarming. Seeing a kinder, gentler Enji Todoroki gave her hope that her child would grow up with a loving, happy family.
~\..'../~
True to his word, when Melina awoke she found the little table in her sitting area laden with a traditional Japanese breakfast including salmon, rice, miso soup, and a salad as well as green tea. All extremely healthy food for her and the baby.
She sat down to eat, pleased the food was still warm. Enji Todoroki ran his household with business like efficiency and precision. Hana had worked for him for so long she probably knew what the man needed before he did.
After breakfast, Melina finished unpacking the rest of her belongings in an attempt to settle into her new home. She placed her grandmother's book on the bedside table, her fingers drifting down the sky blue cover.
A glimpse of the clock nearby told it was a little after noon. Time to take a shower and get ready to see the doctor. Father would be coming soon. The thought of formally calling him Father would probably irritate him which made her chuckle.
When she exited the shower, the smell of food caught her attention. Once again, Hana quiet and stealthy as ever, had made another delivery of healthy food.
Melina would be a spoiled princess in no time at this rate, living like royalty in the house of the King of Heroes. She had expected to continue do things on her own only having the benefit of living rent free.
Promptly at one, there was a tapping on the door of her sitting room.
"Come in," she called, finishing her rolled omelet from the bento box Hana had made for her.
"Young Miss, the master is here and waiting for you in the driveway," Hana informed her with a bow.
Melina stood up, straightening the skirt of her pale yellow sundress before grabbing her purse and running for the door. Her stomach fluttered nervously. Today would be her first official check up for the baby.
Gradually, her pregnancy would become even more of a reality. Presently it was still easy to detach from the truth of the matter. She could convince herself she was not actually pregnant. Soon she would hear the heartbeat, then feel the little kicks inside of her. Eventually, she would see the undeniable proof of the ultrasound - the first picture of her baby.
Running out onto the porch, Melina stopped short when she saw the red Jeep sitting in the driveway rather than the limousine she anticipated. Enji Todoroki sat in the fire engine red, sporty vehicle with no top and no doors on it. He was wearing mirrored aviator sunglasses to combat against the blazing sun.
"Seriously?!" she yelled, placing her hand on her hip and not moving from the porch. "That doesn't look safe!"
"What's wrong? You don't trust me? It's a beautiful day for a drive!" he exclaimed, revving the engine.
Had anyone ever gotten to see this side of him? Maybe his girlfriends. However, they most likely never saw this aspect of his personality either. It wasn't his personality they were after.
"Come on! We need to go or you'll be late!" he shouted at her, growing impatient and scowling at her.
Seeing a glimpse of his usual self was somewhat comforting, alleviating her anxiety. She ran down the steps and hopped into the vehicle.
"Seat belt," he prompted her.
Once she was buckled in, he shifted gears and hit the gas. The rocket like take off pushed her behind and back into the seat.
"Safe, huh?" she shrieked over the wind, grabbing her hair that whipped her face. "And no, I don't trust you. You're scaring the hell out of me with this charming and laid back, good guy act!"
"What makes you think it's an act?"
Melina glared at him with a raised eyebrow.
"I'll give you one thing, Miss Zusa, you're honest! I guess you're just going to have to trust me!"
"You have no idea what you're asking!"
"Actually, I do," he said in a normal voice as they pulled to a stop. "I'm painfully aware it's not going to be easy for anyone to trust me."
"Trust and respect is earned. Not demanded. You've got an even more difficult road to travel with your family."
"I know."
Enji slammed the Jeep into gear and took off like a shot.
"Whoa! If this ride doesn't kill me, I'm going to kill you!" she threatened.
Enji gave her a lopsided, mischievous grin and shifted into the next higher gear.
Melina kept her mouth shut and hung on for the rest of the ride. By the time they reached their destination, her hair was hopelessly tousled and frizzy. She did her best to tame it with her fingers since she did not have a comb or brush in her purse.
"Why are we at the hospital?" she inquired, recognizing the building despite being parked on the front side.
She was accustomed to entering through the back after walking through the park every time she and Shoto had visited Rei.
"The doctor's office is on the fourth floor, the same floor as the maternity ward. Since he delivers babies, the location is more convenient don't you think?" he asked sounding only the slightest bit condescending. Old habits die hard - and slowly.
"Makes sense," she agreed, hopping out of the vehicle rather than waiting for him to help her out.
"You're too damn independent," he muttered.
"Sweet terra firma!" she exclaimed.
Although getting down on her hands and knees to kiss the ground was tempting, she digressed because she didn't want to mess up her dress. Her hair was already a disaster and that was enough.
"My driving is not that bad," Enji grumbled, walking toward the hospital and leaving her behind due his lengthy strides.
"Yes, it is!" she argued, almost having to break into a full run to catch up with him.
No one seemed to take notice of the number one hero as he strode past them. Did they really not recognize him simply because he did not have his flames showing and was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with sunglasses on his face? It was like a Clark Kent/Superman thing. Glasses and a suit had done wonders for Clark Kent, hiding his hero alter ego. Apparently it worked for Enji Todoroki too.
By the time she caught up with him at the elevators, the doors opened for them to go inside. After reaching the fourth floor, he stepped out without waiting for her. He was making her get her exercise by forcing her to try to keep up with him.
"Can I help you, sir?" the receptionist inquired cheerily, smiling broadly.
She seemed to recognize him by the gleam in her eyes and excessively wide grin on her face. However, she remained professional without addressing him by name. Apparently he had requested the highest degree of discretion when making her appointment.
Well, damn! He possibly could manipulate the public at large and how they not only perceived but treated him and his family.
"We're here for the two o' clock appointment," he said, leaning on the counter in front of her.
"One minute, please." The woman lowered her eyelashes and blushed as she picked up the phone to make a call.
"Oh, my god," Melina muttered, rolling her eyes and turning her back on the flirty scene.
"Right this way, sir," a young woman called to them from a door beside the receptionist's desk.
Melina entered first with Enji behind her. They followed the nurse to a with a room with a chair, a scale, and cabinets full of medical paraphernalia. She asked the basic questions including the date of Melina's last menstrual cycle. She honestly had no idea when her last period had occurred so she gave her best guess going on Recovery Girl's estimation of the length of her pregnancy and the subsequent time that has passed.
The nurse took her vitals; blood pressure, pulse, temperature, weight, logging each result in a paper chart rather than a computer. Then she drew four vials of blood. After that, they were led to an examining room.
The doctor entered, and he barely looked older than her. Melina had expected a kindly old doctor who had delivered all of the Todoroki progeny not a recent medical school graduate.
He poked and prodded her abdomen then asked Enji to leave the room when the nurse returned and prepared for a more intense examination. When that was over, the doctor pulled out a device that looked like a small plastic box with old school headphones and a stethoscope attached to it.
"Well, you do seem to be about ten weeks along," the doctor confirmed, placing the headphones on his ears. "Want to hear the baby's heartbeat?"
"Oh, yes, please," she answered, tears springing to her eyes. All of this was happening almost too fast.
"Bring the grandfather back in," the doctor ordered the nurse as he gave Melina a second set of earphones.
"Grandfather," Melina repeated, giggling to herself.
Enji returned to the room, his face pinching into a worried expression when he saw her lying on the table with her belly exposed and the doctor pressing the stethoscope in random spots.
"Is everything okay?" he asked.
"Everything is fine," she nurse assured him, handing him a set of earphones after plugging them into the doppler lying on the small metal instrument table. "You're going to hear the heartbeat."
The doctor continued to press the bell of the doppler to her abdomen, searching for the tiny baby inside. All three of them listened intently only hearing a noise not unlike the wind on the ride to the hospital.
Then an odd sound, like a mechanical drumbeat could be heard ever so softly among the static background noise. The doctor moved the stethoscope toward her right side and the sound grew louder. A fast but steady rhythm of the somewhat robotic thumping filled their ears.
Melina's eyes met Enji's. Her body trembled with both fear and happiness simultaneously over receiving one more confirmation of her pregnancy and her impending motherhood status. She closed her eyes as the first tear fell.
"Oh, my god," she sniffled.
Enji took her by the hand, squeezing it. He gently stroked her head as she cried.
"It's okay. Everything will be all right," he assured her.
"Maybe. Maybe it will be."
She wanted to believe with all of her heart everything would be fine. She wanted this baby to be the blessing he seemed to think it would be, the glue that would repair the shattered, broken family and hold them together. The fact this child was already so important to him gave her great comfort and hope for the future.
After the appointment, Enji took her to the downtown shopping district. He bought her an ice cream cone, a large scoop of chocolate with ribbons of peanut butter running through it.
"So is this my treat for being a good girl at the doctor's office?" she joked, digging her spoon into the ice cream nestled in the waffle cone.
"Well, I think the occasion called for more than a lollipop. Don't you?" he teased back, taking a big bite of the chocolate dipped vanilla ice cream cone of his own.
Melina gazed into the wide display window of the store. She saw little baby and toddler sized mannequins dressed in pastel clothing decorated with cartoonish animals. Furniture, cribs and swings and playpens, along with dozens of toys created a nursery scene around them.
"We should start shopping for those things soon," Enji suggested, looking into the window with her.
"Not yet. I need...I need a little time. Besides, we should wait. You know, just in case..." She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.
"Nothing will happen. The doctor said everything is fine," he said, then his voice turned lower and a little grim in tone. "I'll make sure nothing happens to you. You'll bring a beautiful baby into this world. Safe and healthy. A new generation of Todorokis."
"Yeah."
Hopefully a new legacy would begin - a legacy of love. Family ties rebuilt between the members of the Todoroki household and further strengthened by that love.