Soft lips brushed her cheek. Cool, smooth fingers drifted down her bare arm. His gentle lips skimmed her forehead, her other cheek, her chin. Those silky fingers glided over her shoulder and along her collar bone.

"Melina," he whispered, his warm breath caressing her neck.

His low voice pleasantly stroked her nerves while his tender hands stroked her arms. Goosebumps sprang to the surface of every inch of her skin. He hovered over her, the warmth of his body penetrating the sheet and her nightgown, touching her body with the same intensity of his fingers skimming the length of her neck. He kissed her neck over the throbbing artery. Each beat of her heart was for him.

He whispered her name again, his lips grazing her earlobe. She inhaled sharply as a prickle of excitement raced down her spine. Her palms pressed to his chest, her fingers grasping the collar of his shirt to pull him closer. His enticing lips brushed hers teasingly. She moaned, shifting under his weight lightly pressing down on her.

"Are you trying to tempt me, Shoto Todoroki?" she asked him, tugging at his collar.

"Is it working?" He pressed a kiss under her earlobe.

"Yes," she responded breathlessly.

He placed another kiss to the hollow of her throat.

"You're a very bad boy..." Her voice trailed off into a moan when he kissed her collarbone. "In the best of ways."

"Mm-hmm," he agreed, his lips vibrating against her skin as they glided across to her shoulder. His teeth nipped at the silky flesh over her rounded shoulder thick with muscle.

"Mmmmm, Shoto," she moaned. Her eyes blinked open before his mouth moved any further downward. As much as she hated her next words, she had to say them. "You have to stop...before we go too far."

"I know." He sat up, his eyes connecting with hers. "You have to admit, it is a good way to wake up."

"It is," she sighed, pressing her palm to his cheek. "But -"

He pressed his mouth over hers to silence her. He knew the reasons why they needed to abstain. There was no reason to repeat them for the hundredth time.

"I have a present for you," he said, climbing off of her to sit on the side of the bed.

"Oh, a present!" she squealed happily, sitting up against her pillows.

Shoto held out a gift bag decorated in a watercolor garden scene. Melina rifled through the sheets of light and dark blue tissue paper. Her fingers contacted something squishy and fuzzy. She pulled out the six inch tall stuffed Peter Rabbit she had held at the baby store and remarked it was the same size as the baby. Tears filled her eyes, blurring her vision seconds before big fat tears rolled from the corners and down her cheeks.

"What's wrong? You don't like it?" he asked, reaching for the stuffed animal. "I can return it."

"No," she sniffled, catching his hand before he could take away the toy. "No. I love it."

A small smile turned up the corners of his soft pink lips. He looked happy, content; and exceptionally pleased with himself. That little smile bordered on a smirk that hinted he held a secret.

Melina cuddled the plushy to her chest. The singular tears eventually turned into a steady stream down both of her cheeks. Her eyes met his when he leaned toward her. They closed in anticipation of his sweet kiss which he gave her, fitting his lips to hers and leaving them there for several seconds to revel in the intimate contact.

"I love you," she whispered, her eyes flickering back to his. "You know that right?"

"Of course I know that. Are you happy?"

"I am genuinely happy. Everything is great. It's just...it's been a long time since I've been this happy."

"Are you afraid? Wondering when it will all go to hell again?" he asked, cupping her cheek.

"Y-yeah," she confessed.

"Me too," he admitted, pulling her into his arms and against his chest for a comforting embrace.

They heard Hana shuffle into the next room with breakfast. Shoto continued to hold her as the woman laid out their food on the table with only the occasionally light clinking of metal utensils against porcelain. Locked in each others arms, they waited to hear the scrape of wood against wood signalling the woman had left the room before speaking again.

"Do you want me to stay here with you today?" Shoto questioned her once they were alone.

"Absolutely not," she answered immediately. "You need to go. Have fun. I've already told you this. If it's not important to you, it's important to me. I've told you why."

"I know," he returned, releasing her from his ardent embrace. "We should eat breakfast before it gets cold."

"What made you come into my room this morning? You haven't tried to sneak in for quite a while," she teased him as they walked into the sitting room.

"You slept late this morning. You did not get up for your pre-dawn walk and dawn yoga session. I was worried."

"Oh, I didn't realize it was so late."

It was only eight in the morning. However, that was late for her considering she was usually awake and roaming around by five or five thirty. She guessed all of the excitement that occurred yesterday wore her out more than she thought.

Melina found it much easier to lower herself onto the cushions on the floor this morning. She picked up the white teapot decorated with pink cherry blossoms; her favorite of the many teapots in which the tea was served. Pouring Shoto's cup first, afterwards she poured her own.

Breakfast was rice porridge, sliced apples, and dry toast. Apparently Hana had been informed she might be feeling a little more nauseated than usual this morning. Actually, for a change, she felt fine. No morning sickness at all. She glanced at Shoto. Her insides warmed with the love she held for him. He was so thoughtful and attentive.

"Do you want to take your walk after breakfast?" he asked her, willingly eating the same bland breakfast with no complaint.

"Would you like to join me?" she asked, glancing at him flirtatiously over the rim of her tea cup.

"Are you sure don't mind? I know that's part of your alone time."

Strolling with him, hand and hand, through the picturesque garden would be wonderful. She put down her tea cup, reaching across the table for his hand. Holding his hand with both of hers, she caressed the back with her thumbs as she gazed directly into beautiful eyes. Another one of the many things she loved about him; those soulful heterochromic eyes.

"I think I've spent enough time alone. You're a part of my heart now. I've fully let you in. I want to make as many special moments with you as possible," she said, speaking straight from her heart. Her lips quivered as she smiled, more tears of happiness filling her eyes to overflowing.

"And you have the nerve to wonder why I fell in love with you," he said in return, turning over his hand to grasp hers. "I love the way you love me."

"Hmmmm, I should have said that," she murmured, closing her fingers as far as she could around his hand. "It scares me the way I love you. If things were just a little bit different..."

"There's nothing we can do about that. I've already told you. I'm not going anywhere. You're mine. I'm yours. You're stuck with me."

As a fresh batch of tears began to fall, she laughed. She laughed because of the impossible journey through their pasts that led them here. She laughed to dispel the fear threatening to encroach upon their happy present. She laughed because an uncertain future lay ahead of them. Although she was crying, she also laughed.

"Everything is going to be great," Shoto assured her, squeezing her hand in reassurance. "Whatever comes our way, at least we will face it together."

~\..'../~

Melina stood on the porch, waving to Shoto as Enji tore out of the driveway sending up a puff of white dust behind the Jeep.

"Oh, Lord that man is a terrible driver," she muttered.

As she was about to turn and go back into the house, she saw someone walking up the flower lined path from the main house. The young man dressed in jeans and a light blue t-shirt had short, white, attractively messy hair - a little bit like Bakugo's. He was built tall and thick, broad chested and muscular. He carried a small box under one arm and held the handles of a huge shopping bag in the other.

The heat enveloped her like a hot, wet blanket. A nervous sweat beaded across her brow and over her top lip. When he came closer, she would swear she was looking at a young, white haired Enji Todoroki. There was no doubt about the identity of the young man ambling toward her.

"Hello," she called, waving to him as he neared the porch. She met him at the bottom step. "Want me take something?"

"No. I've got it," he assured her.

"Please come inside," she invited him. "It's good to meet you, Natsuo."

"Nice to meet you too," he politely responded. "I know we're getting together for dinner tonight, but I thought you might be looking for these. They were just delivered to the main house."

"Thank you for bringing them. I wasn't expecting anything. You can put them there," she instructed him, pointing at the table in foyer.

Melina glanced quizzically at the plain white bag and unlabeled box. She had no idea what could be inside or if the packages were for her. Peeking into the bag, she mystery was quickly solved. It was the Peter Rabbit nursery items. The box must contain the lamp.

So this is what Shoto was doing when he disappeared back inside the baby store. Apparently he ordered the entire set to have it delivered today as a surprise. She was definitely surprised. If she had not cried so much earlier, she would be crying again.

She glanced at the red faced Natsuo. He was not embarrassed; just incredibly hot after walking in the intense heat.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," she apologized. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Yes, please," he gratefully accepted. "Water would be great."

"Sit down, sit down," she encouraged him, leading him into the sitting room. It felt weird and kind of rude to invite him into a house he technically owned. She pulled the chain on the ceiling fan until it began spinning at full speed. "I'll be right back with your water."

Melina rushed to the kitchen, searching for the biggest glass possible to fill with ice and water. For good measure, she filled a pitcher to bring with her in case he needed a refill.

"Here you go," she said, handing him the glass and setting the pitcher on the table in front of him.

"Thank you," he rejoined, quickly drinking the entire glass.

Natsuo had grey eyes and soft voice like his mother.

"You could have sent these things with your father. He was just by here to pick up Shoto," she nervously jabbered.

"I know," he stated flatly. "I must confess I was curious about you. I wanted to meet you ahead of time. Have a little talk. Just the two of us."

"O-okay," she stuttered as anxiety tightened her belly making her feel nauseated. This feeling was definitely not pregnancy related.

"You're not what I expected," he blurted, looking her over critically from head to toe.

"What were you expecting?" she demanded, wanting to hear his answer before she decided if she should be angry.

"An American Barbie doll. Fake. Arrogant. Self-centered. A gold digger. I figured all you wanted was money," Natsuo said. "You're pretty. You seem nice. Possibly sincere."

Melina grunted as if she had been punched in the gut. Although speaking in a soft voice, his words were like stones hurled at her head, hitting their mark every time. Disappointingly, he had the unreserved and venomous tongue of his Father.

"Uh...thank you?" she muttered growing impatient with his froward forthrightness.

"Oh, I actually meant that as a compliment," he assured her, refiling his glass.

"Are you sure? It didn't sound like one to me," she countered, narrowing her eyes at him. "It sounded like you were implying I'm only pretending to be nice."

"You are feisty but manage your anger well. Anger management is something the old man has always had issues with, but I'm sure you already know that."

"I do know that. Controlling his mouth is a problem too. Seems to run in the family."

The veiled insult flew past him going completely unnoticed.

"So you're pregnant by my oldest brother," he stated rather matter of factly. "And surprise, surprise, he abandoned you. That's a lifelong habit of his...abandoning his family. Then you decided to sink your claws into my baby brother. Snatched that one right out of the cradle, didn't you?" He clicked his tongue, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "Shame, shame."

Was he kidding right now? Despite this technically being his property, she was ready to kick him out because at the moment she was the master of this house. She was two seconds away from rescinding the dinner invitation as well.

"You don't know what you're talking about," she returned, her voice quivering as she struggled to remain in control of her emotions. She stood to her feet as a hint for him to leave.

"Then please, tell me. What the hell is going on here?" he demanded, refilling his glass.

Obviously he had no intention of leaving until he received the explanation he requested. She did not owe him a damn thing, but she could not help but contemplate what Enji might have told him or did not tell him.

"What did your Father tell you?" she asked, turning her back on him to walk across the room.

"Why are you so nervous?" he questioned her.

"Wouldn't you be? I'm being interrogated, aren't I?" she shot back, pretending to take an interest in the painting of water lilies hanging on the wall.

"I suppose so. Well, dear old dad, fine gentleman that he is, told us that he has taken another stray woman into the household," he began, leaning back on the couch.

Melina did not miss the caustic sarcasm in his voice in the adjectives spoken about his Father. She turned around to look at him. His angry grey eyes met hers.

"What did he tell you? Exactly."

"He said that you found our long, lost big brother. Got knocked up by him. Now isn't that something? Two surprises in one. At first I thought for sure the old bastard was lying, that he had gotten one of his mistresses pregnant, and she had something on him to blackmail him. But then the story gets better when I find out my baby brother wants to marry this mystery woman who is now living on my family's dime. What are you really after here?"

Melina took several deep breaths before answering. She held his furious, stubborn gaze as she began speaking.

"The first thing you should know is I don't want your fucking money. I have plenty of my own. In America, heroes pay well when they fuck up and kill innocent citizens. It's not about the money."

Natsuo's eyes widened in surprise before quickly returning to angry slits.

"Is it about love then?" he sneered.

"I love Shoto. I once loved Toya. It's about trying to salvage a family. It's about healing and forgiveness and...and l-love," she stammered, tripping on the word as her emotions rose almost beyond her control. "I understand why you hate your father. When I first met him I hated your Father's guts. I understand the hatred you have for him. I know what he did to Toya, to Shoto...to all of you. Including your mother," she added, pausing to swallow the lump that formed in her throat. "I sincerely loved Toya. I wanted to be with him. The pregnancy was an accident. He rejected me over and over, until I finally got it through my thick skull that he didn't want me."

"He didn't love you?" he asked.

"Love," she scoffed. "I didn't say he didn't love me. He's a villain. How could we ever be together? He loved me and his child enough to send us both away because he did not want to bring a baby into that world."

"So you turned your attention to my baby brother. Settled on the next best thing, huh?" Natsuo inquired acerbically, trying her patience more than he knew.

"Shoto is second best to no one. He was not my second choice. Hell, he was never a part of my plan. I planned to go back home to the U.S. and be a single mom. He changed my plan. He loves me. And I love him," she added, a determination in her eyes when they met Natsuo's. "I don't give a damn what you think about me. But I love Shoto. I won't leave him. Or this family."

Natsuo poured water into his empty glass. The slosh of water and clink of ice cubes were the only sounds in the silence while she paused again to piece back together her crumbling self-control.

"Why is my family so important to you?" he asked her before taking a drink.

"Because all of you are alive. You have a chance to make this work. To be a family. I will never be with my family again," she sniffed, pushing back the tears. "I must confess, I'm being selfish. I want to be a part of a family. I want my baby to have a family." She rubbed her hand over her belly. "I would be okay alone. But this child deserves a chance to know their family, their real family."

Natsuo gulped loudly as he drained the glass of water. He stood up, quickly crossing the room with just a few strides with his long legs. Stopping right in front of her, he towered over her. He glared down at her without saying a word for an uncomfortably long time.

Melina refused to back down. She straightened her spine, standing to her full height of five foot four inches in comparison to his imposing height somewhere around six feet tall. She did not care about his height or even his width. She was not afraid or intimidated. He had stirred up her ire, greatly offending her with his assumptions and making her mad as hell. Making her angry was a huge mistake as his Father and both of his brothers learned the hard way.

"Hmph," he snorted, a smile lifting the corners of his mouth. "You're everything Shoto said you would be. I think I like you."

"What the hell?" she growled. "Was this some kind of test?"

"Of course it was," he admitted. "Would you expect anything less of a Todoroki than for us to push your buttons to determine your true intentions? I also wanted to see what kind of person you actually are for myself. I wasn't lying about that."

"You damn Todoroki men are killing me," she muttered, exhaling a long sigh of relief.

"I'm sorry about that," he apologized sincerely. "I just needed to know what kind of woman you are to protect my little brother."

"You're pleased with the results then?"

"Hell, yeah. You're pretty tough. A little bit scary too with those eyes of yours. They can look straight through a person. No wonder my Father is straightening out his shit. I still don't trust that bastard though," he confessed.

"No surprise there," she sighed. "It's understandable. Really."

"Well, I better be going. See you at dinner."

As he was going to the door, she had one more question for him.

"Should I be worried about a test from your sister?"

"No. She's far more forgiving and accepting then I am. She loves Shoto to pieces so considering how happy you've made him, she'd be okay with you based solely on that. See you later," he said, turning and walking toward the foyer.

Melina followed him to the door.

"I wish I could say it was nice meeting you, but honestly, I can't," she admitted, opening the door for him.

"Yeah, I guess not," he chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously. "I really am sorry."

"Maybe the second impression will be better, hmm?"

Natsuo walked outside, turning back to look at her.

"Will you do me a favor?" he asked.

"Depends...what is it?"

"Please don't tell Shoto or Fuyumi I did this. They would kill me for upsetting you," he said, his face twisted in an expression of pain as if anticipating the beating he would receive.

She pulled her fingers across her lips as if zipping a zipper, then the mimicked turning a key in a lock and proceeded to throw that invisible key over her shoulder.

"It will be our little secret," Melina promised, giving him a big smile.

"Thanks," he returned, giving her a wide, toothy grin. "I owe you one."

"Damn right you do," she rejoined with a laugh.

"Oh, so you are the blackmailing type?" he joked.

They both laughed. He lifted his hand and waved good-bye before retreating down the steps. Rather than watching him walk away, she closed the door and leaned against it, sliding down to the floor.

"Young Miss," Hana called, appearing in the hallway.

Melina pulled her weary behind up from the floor. That encounter had exhausted her.

"What is it, Hana?"

"There is some chamomile tea along with lemons and honey in the kitchen for you. You probably need something to refresh you and give you a little bit of energy," she said.

"How right you are, Hana. Thank you."

She glanced at the bag and box. After her tea, she would take care of those and finish setting up the nursery. She wanted to show the family the baby's room tonight. If only Rei could be here, then the family would be complete. Well, as complete as possible.

~\..'../~

Melina rambled through the lower garden near the house choosing flowers for the bouquets she wanted to make to decorate the house before the arrival of her new family. She hoped her introduction to Fuyumi would be quite a bit less emotionally taxing than her meeting with Natsuo.

"Hello?" a woman called.

She glanced up from the crimson and white variegated rose she was examining. A young woman with white hair streaked with red strode toward her with a big grin on her face. Her Todoroki turquoise eyes sparkled with kindness and warmth behind the lenses of her red framed rectangular shaped glasses. Except for the color of her eyes, she looked just like her mother.

The Todoroki children were the most unique combinations of their parents. Fuyumi was like her Mother. Natsuo more like his Father. Shoto, well, the baby was a perfect blend of both - exactly like Enji wanted.

Then there was Toya, the oldest and the conspicuously absent Todoroki child and sibling - and father of her child. Melina pressed her hand to her belly as she stood to greet Fuyumi. She could not forget Toya. There would always be a reminder of him in her life.

"Hello, Fuyumi," she said, hugging the bouquet to her chest and extending her hand.

"It's so nice to finally meet you. I'm sorry I couldn't wait until dinner," she apologized, shaking Melina's hand.

Obviously patience was a virtue not a single Todoroki possessed. She could not help but return the woman's friendly smile.

"Would you like some help?" Fuyumi asked.

"Just making some bouquets. Keeping busy you know. I'm so nervous," she confessed.

"Why are you nervous?"

"I want to make a good impression, but I'm afraid that will be difficult considering the circumstances...which are kinda weird," she added, shifting self-consciously from foot to foot.

"Well, we're not exactly the most normal family so weird is kinda our thing," Fuyumi said with a self-deprecating chuckle. "Shoto has told me a lot about you. It's so nice to finally put a face to all the wonderful things I've heard."

Melina could feel her face warming as it flooded with color. Embarrassed to know he discussed her so much with his siblings, she also felt a rush of delight that he was enamored with her to the point where he had already told them all about her. Thank goodness their knowledge of her extended beyond Enji's opinions.

"I suppose we should go inside and get these flowers into vases and water," Melina suggested.

"We can also help Hana with the appetizers," Fuyumi said as they walked back to the house.

"If she will allow us to help," she chuckled, drawing a knowing giggle from Fuyumi.

"She is definitely a stubborn one."

When they entered the kitchen, Hana already had several vases sitting out for Melina to choose from. The woman always anticipated every need. She was truly amazing.

"Hana, can we - " Melina began only to be cut off.

"No, Miss. Once you arrange your bouquets, I will have tea ready to serve you in the living room," the woman informed her leaving no room for argument.

"Thank you, Hana," she replied.

"How about this one for the sunflowers?" Fuyumi suggested, picking up the plain but modern teak wood vase.

"And this one for the red spider lilies, I think." Melina picked up the tall, cylindrical glass vase that the bottom appeared to be melting over a round, purposely cracked, mirrored glass ball.

"That's beautiful," Fuyumi commented. "Did you pick it out?"

"I did. Your Father knows all of the best shops in the city." Melina carefully ran her fingers over the broken lines in the glass. "I like unusual, beautiful things. I particularly like the purposely flawed design of it."

"You see the beauty of imperfections. Maybe that's why you are able to see the beauty in the tragically scarred hearts of the men in this family and look past their bullshit."

Melina experienced a rush of heat from her head to her toes. She felt like Fuyumi was giving her far more credit than she deserved which flustered her. Accustomed to dealing with mouthy, insulting men, she was not sure how to react to the civil conversation and gracious compliments.

"Well, some make it far easier than others to like them," she said, desperately trying to offset her unease.

"Like Shoto?" the woman probably her same age ventured while pouring water into the vases.

All of the siblings were incredibly protective of their youngest brother. Even Toya, as offensive as he had been at the time, had in his own bizarre way put Shoto's best interests ahead of his own.

"Are you really going to marry him someday?" she continued when Melina remained silent. "Do you sincerely love him?"

"Yes...to both of your questions," she answered, cutting an inch off of the ends of the spider lilies before putting them in the vase.

"What are you hoping to accomplish here?"

Melina looked up from the sunflowers she was trimming to fit into the shorter wooden vase. Her eyes met Fuyumi's to convey her sincerity.

"I want the same thing you want. I want to see this family healed and whole again."

"That's it?"

"That's it. About the only ulterior or selfish motive I have is to have a family again for myself. I haven't had a family for a very long time."

"Yeah. Shoto told me what happened. I'm sorry."

Instead of feeling embarrassed or even angry that Shoto had shared those details, Melina sighed in acceptance.

"You haven't had a family in a very long time either," Melina said, focusing on the sunflowers to avoid feeling awkward. "So I suppose we have a common goal in mind." She stopped fussing with the flowers, extending her hand across the table to Fuyumi. "So friends? To work together toward that common goal."

"No," Fuyumi returned coldly, walking around the table to stand face to face with her.

She flung her arms around Melina's neck causing her to inhale sharply in surprise. At first she was not sure if the woman meant to throttle her or simply embrace her due to the intensity of the hug.

"I'll call you my sister," the woman said. "I'm so happy to finally have another woman, an ally, in this godforsaken testosterone zone."

Melina giggled. An unusual reaction to the strange situation, but it was the only thing she could do, once again, to keep herself from crying.

"I'm home," Shoto announced, walking into the kitchen. "Oh, hi, Fuyumi. I didn't expect to see you here this early."

When he saw the two teary eyed women, hugging and generally acting bizarre, he stared at them quizzically.

"What's. Going. On?" he inquired taking extended pauses between each word.

The two women broke apart with a self-conscious chuckle, swiping at the unshed tears brimming in their eyes.

"Just a little female bonding. That's all," his sister assured him.

"Okay. Melina?" He turned toward her as if expecting a different answer. Or at least a more detailed explanation.

"How did it go at the water park?" she questioned him instead.

"Fine," he replied vaguely.

"Did you have fun?" she pried further.

"Yes," he answered succinctly.

"Well?" she pressed.

"Well, what?" Shoto countered.

Fuyumi's head swung back and forth as if she were watching a tennis match while the two conversed.

"Did any girls hit on you, baby brother?" Fuyumi interjected.

"N-no," he stuttered, his cheeks reddening from the blunt question.

"No? Or not that you noticed?" his sister teased.

"Sis..." he murmured, rubbing the back of his head self-consciously. "Does it matter?"

"No, not really," she returned, punching him in the shoulder.

His eyes met Melina's, squinting slightly, as if to say 'now do you see why I hate it when you do that?'. He never has liked it when she treats him like a best friend or, more to the point, like a little brother.

"Young Master, I added a cup for you," Hana informed them as she passed by with the tea tray.

"Shall we?" Melina inquired, indicating for them to follow the woman who obviously wanted them out of her kitchen.

"So when is the baby due?" Fuyumi asked, on the way down the hall.

"In December. I'm hoping the baby waits until Christmas," she returned, unaware of the fact she massaged her barely rounded belly.

"Oh, wouldn't that be the most perfect Christmas present?!" her future sister-in-law exclaimed excitedly.

"Exactly!" she agreed enthusiastically, entering the living room. "Hana, this is fantastic! Thank you!"

"Please enjoy everyone." And with those polite words, the small but mighty woman who bent people with her gentle will was gone to return to her blissfully empty kitchen.

Hana cobbled together an English tea for them. A fancy triple tiered rack held plates of finger sandwiches, pink and white petit fours, and scones with little pots of lemon curd and clotted cream. There were two tea pots, one containing a strawberry tea and the other a green tea as indicated by the little tented pieces of paper in front of them.

There were three different cups, each one chosen for their specific recipient. For Melina, a white china English teacup with pink and red roses on it with a gold painted rim sitting atop a matching saucer. A delicate pink porcelain teacup with curved edges that resembled a tulip for Fuyumi. For Shoto, a traditional Japanese teacup, poppies etched into the white ceramic and painted red.

"Oh, these are lovely," Melina gushed, carefully examining each one.

"Apparently, Hana wanted us out of the kitchen for the rest of the day. She has really outdone herself," commented Fuyumi, pouring them all a cup full of the strawberry tea.

"I can't wait until dinner," Shoto said, picking up one of the sandwiches. "I'm starving."

"You had fun today, huh?" Melina inquired, sitting on the cushion on the floor and curling her legs under her to the side since she was wearing her yellow sundress.

"I did. Thank you for making me go," he said, taking another sandwich that looked like ham salad. "Eat one of the watercress and cucumber. You'll like it."

Shoto picked up the sandwich he suggested and pushed it into her open mouth.

"Making him go?" Fuyumi interjected, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. Mr. Recluse there wanted to stay home. I'm forcing him to get out and get a life," she joked, making light of the situation so Fuyumi would not assume she was controlling and bossy.

"Oh, you really are good for him. I'm glad. Shoto, you need a life beyond school and being a hero," his sister lovingly admonished him.

"Yeah. Don't get fixated on the hero thing like our Father," Natsuo added, entering into the room from the hallway leading to the kitchen.

"Where did you come from?" Fuyumi demanded.

"I tried to sneak in through the kitchen. Hana sent me on my way." He held up his sky blue traditional teacup with a darker blue line painted around the rim. "With this."

"Wow...she's serious about tonight's dinner," Shoto mumbled around his mouthful of food.

"It is a pretty big deal," he agreed, sitting down on the floor beside his sister and across from his brother.

"I guess we're getting started early on the family thing," Melina remarked, cutting open one of the biscuit like scones to spread on the lemon curd and cream. Instead of eating it, she handed it to the hungry Shoto. "Try this. It's savory and sweet."

Shoto crammed the whole thing in his mouth. "It's good. Will you fix me another one, please?"

"Sure."

The two people across from them froze with their cups half way to their mouths to watch their little brother and the woman they just met. They already acted like an old married couple.

"That's weird," muttered Natsuo.

"But cute," added Fuyumi.

The conversation turned to their daily lives. Natsuo's girlfriend and his upcoming classes at university next semester. How Fuyumi needed to complete her fall lesson plan during the last couple of weeks of summer break. Shoto's plans for the rest of summer break which included further outings with his friends.

Melina was happy. She stayed quiet, listening to the pleasant and benign conversation between the siblings. They were catching up on each other's lives, getting reacquainted with each other. She sipped her tea and nibbled petit fours.

As she listened to their discussion about getting together for Christmas and their hopes for the new year, it was then she realized she had no plan for her future beyond bringing the baby safely into this world and years down the road becoming Mrs. Shoto Todoroki. What would she do with herself in the interim? What were her aspirations and dreams for her life? She didn't know. The need to survive had pushed aside the will to dream.

"Melina? Are you all right?" Fuyumi asked, her white eyebrows drawn together in concern.

"Oh, I'm fine. Just thinking...giving you all a chance to catch up. Don't mind me," she said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

Heavy footsteps pounded on the wooden stairs outside. Seconds later, the front door opened. Enji Todoroki stood in the arched doorway to the living room staring at his children who gaped at him. He placed his fists on his jean clad hips unintentionally striking a hero pose.

"What the hell is this? Did you kids start the party without me?" he inquired in an accusatory tone.

Natsuo made a sound like a growl, preparing to stand up. Fuyumi slammed her hand down on his shoulder, squeezing as a warning for him to stay put.

"Well, actually this works out great. I have a surprise for all of you," Enji announced, turning to look toward the door. "Come on in, honey. They're all here."

Honey? Who the hell was he talking to?

Melina's heart raced as they waited for the unknown person to appear. Those few seconds felt like several minutes due to the nervous anticipation.

Rei Todoroki stepped into view, anxiously pushing a lock of her perfectly coiffed, freshly cut and styled shoulder length bob behind her ear. She was wearing a below the knee, light gray skirt with a baby blue silk tank top and light summer weight white sweater over that. She was wearing make up, her lips painted a light pink spreading into a smile as she looked at each one of her children in turn. She was gorgeous.

"Mom," Fuyumi gasped, hopping to her feet.

"Hello, sweetheart," she said, opening her arms to hug her daughter. "It's so good to see you."

"Oh, my god, this is the best surprise," she sniffled, holding onto her mother. "But how - "

"The doctors agreed it would be a good idea for her to come see you all away from the hospital. It's only for a few hours but..." Enji stepped aside for Natsuo to put his arms around both his sister and his mother. "But it's still a few hours to be a family. A good beginning."

Melina backed away from them to allow Shoto to moved closer. Unaware of the tears that flowed steadily down her cheeks, she watched as he tentatively moved toward his mother on shaky legs.

His siblings moved out of the way so he could greet her. For a moment, they stood in front of each, staring. Tears trickled down both of their cheeks. Rei reached out, pressing her palm to Shoto's scarred cheek. Her thumb moved over the mark she gave him so many years ago.

"My baby, my baby," she whispered, "I'm so - "

"Don't!" he exclaimed, rushing into her arms. "Don't apologize. We've been over this. I'm so happy to see you, Mom. I love you."

"I love you too, baby," she murmured, holding him tightly.

Melina pressed her hand to her mouth to hold back the sob which devolved into a little whimper. She picked up one of the small napkins to wipe away the tears that had dribbled all the way down her neck.

"Melina," Shoto called to her.

He went to her, taking her by the hand when she did not move. With a steadying arm around her waist to support her on her wobbly legs, he pulled her forward.

"Hello there, Melina," Rei greeted her, the words soft and kind.

"Hello, Rei," she responded, taking the woman's outstretched hands.

"Why haven't you come to visit me? I've missed our little talks."

Guilt closed in on her, squeezing her chest.

"I'm sorry," Melina apologized breathlessly. "There's something I've needed to tell you. I just didn't...I just d-didn't know how. I'm - "

"I know," Rei said, letting go of one of Melina's hands to press it to her belly. "I'm going to be a grandmother. I know the baby is Toya's."

"I'm s-so s-sorry I couldn't tell you," sobbed Melina, collapsing into the woman's comforting, motherly embrace.

"It's okay, dear. Everything is going to be okay," she assured her.

Melina was beginning to believe it the more she heard it.

Hana entered the room, serene as ever. The only thing different about her was the big smile on her face. She knew about Enji Todoroki's surprise for his family. She bowed deeply to her mistress, the one and only true Queen of the Todoroki castle.

"Welcome home, Mistress. Appetizers and drinks will served shortly," she announced.

Melina reluctantly let go of Rei. She needed to be with her children, to continue her long overdue reunion with them, as a family.

"I'm...I-I'm going outside. F-for a w-walk. Fr-fresh air, y-you know," she stuttered helplessly, her nerves completely rattled.

Shoto seized her wrist when she tried to walk past him.

"I'll go with you," he offered.

"No. You need to stay here," she said, twisting her wrist free of his strong grip. "You need to be with your family."

"But you're a part of this family. You should stay too," he insisted.

"No...not right now," she protested, leaning forward to press a kiss square to his lips. "This needs to be all of you. I really do j-just n-need..." She paused to inhale a steadying breath. "I just need a moment."

"Okay," he returned, gazing at her dubiously. "If you're sure."

"I'm sure. I'll be out in the garden. I'm not going far."

"All right."

Melina could feel his eyes on her, full of worry, as she walked away. If she stayed, she would feel like she was intruding on a special family moment. Too bad the family wasn't exactly complete.

She meandered through the garden, absentmindedly allowing her fingertips to drift over velvety petals or through the tall decorative grasses. The sound of the trickling fountain caught her attention as she strolled toward the Pergola. As she neared the area, she saw someone sitting on the couch. A man, his back to her, black spiky hair, upturned black collar. His horribly scarred arms visible from the forearm down under the elbow length sleeves with the thick metal cuffs.

"Why do you waste your breath swearing you will never come back when you always do?" she said, stopping a few yards behind him.

"When I say the words, I mean them," he replied without turning around. "Then, before I know it, I find myself where I swore I would never go."

"You're such a damn liar, Dabi," she growled viciously.

"That's the least of my crimes," he muttered.

"I'm aware. We've said all this before," she sighed noisily in exasperation. "We always have the same damn conversations. It's the same...always. The same insults. The same lies. The same..." Her voice faltered, her breath hitching and coming in a quivering gasp. "The same pain."

She squeezed her fingers into fists until she could feel her fingernails biting into her palms. The physical pain pushed back the tears.

"Why are you here? What do you want?" Melina asked.

"I don't know." Dabi stood up, turning to face her, but remaining on the other side of the couch.

"Are you expecting forgiveness? Acceptance? To be welcomed back with open arms?" she needled him with acid in her tone.

"I don't know!" he yelled at her. "I just can't stay away from you no matter how much I want to!"

Melina was the only one who could provoke him to the degree of anger to shout. Others could make him raise his voice in aggravation, but she made him want to scream in fury.

"If you came for me, you wasted your trip. But..." she said, directly meeting his gaze. "Since you're here, why don't you go inside? You arrived just in time for a second in a lifetime chance...or possibly third. Hell, I don't know. You've had so many chances to make things right and fucked them all up, I've lost count. Your entire family is here. You're the only one missing. Your Mom is here."

"Mom is here?" Dabi asked, his narrow eyes widening into big round circles.

"Yeah. Your Mom too. Everyone. Just go. You should join them and not screw up another chance to be a family again."

"I can't. I won't. It will never happen. We'll never be a family again."

"How do you know if you don't at least try? Your Father extended an invitation to you, Toya," she said, ignoring the explosive flare of rage in his glowing blue-green eyes when she used that name. "You don't need me to explain what a big deal that is. Do you think it was easy for that man to humble himself, to ask you to forgive him, to almost beg you to be a part of the family again? God, to hate him so much, you sure are a hell of a lot like him."

"I'm nothing like him!" he shouted.

"You're EXACTLY like him!" she shrieked back. "Selfish, stubborn, prideful...a gigantic pain in the ass! You are your Father's son no matter how much you to try to fight it. It seems like the more you try NOT to be like him, the more you are! Goddammit, Toya!"

Melina ran forward grabbing him by the lapels of his jacket. Whether it be the rage, the hormones, a rush of adrenaline, her raw strength, whatever it was, something enabled her to grab him and shake him mercilessly like a mad dog that has attacked its prey.

"Just try! They're willing to forgive you! Why can't you forgive them?!" she screamed, still shaking him. Tears streaked down her face and wet her neck, soaking into the top of her dress. "Why can't you just try? Try to be a family! You have a chance! Please, please, take it!"

Melina let him go, shoving him backwards away from her. Dropping to her knees onto the gravel path, the tiny stones scratched her knees. She pounded her flat palms on the rocks, scattering them everywhere and cutting her tender palms. She wailed and sobbed, releasing the sadness, the fear, the anger, the resentment - all the hurt she held bottled up inside of her.

Dabi knelt down in front of her, pulling her into his arms. He held her despite the fact she tried to push him away, fighting him with all of her might. He continued to hold on when she resorted to punching him in the back of his head and his shoulders after he refused to let her go.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," he apologized over and over, stroking the back of her head.

"Don't tell me! Go tell your family!" she squalled, thrashing about in his embrace.

"You've got to calm down. For the baby's sake. Please," he pleaded with her. "Please, for our child...stop!"

Melina stilled in his arms. Between fighting to escape his arms, burning through her adrenaline dump, and wearing herself with her violent crying, she had exhausted herself. Panting for air, her chest aching with her need to breath, she leaned heavily against him.

"Goddamn you," she croaked, her voice hoarse due to her raw throat. "Goddamn you to hell, Toya Todoroki."

Without relinquishing his grip on her, he moved his arms, one enclosing her shoulders and leaning her back for the other to work its way under her knees and scoop her upwards. Standing to his feet, wavering uncertainly a few times as he struggled to stand, he held her close to his chest.

She felt like a rag doll in his arms as he carried her to the house. Helpless. Whimpering. Pitiful. Completely at his mercy. But the only thing he felt was the need to protect her - and shame. That little woman had dumped great, heaping amounts of shame onto him which was not exactly undeserved.

The kitchen door opened as he approached the house. Hana stood there looking alarmed. Her old eyes were usually hidden behind layers of wrinkles and appeared to be closed. At the moment they were wide open and staring at him in shock. Their barely blue color was covered by a layer of tears.

"Master Toya, what happened?"

"A fit of temper, Hana. Nothing more. She'll be fine," he said.

"Bastard," Melina growled, raising a fist that softly contacted his chest. "Put me down."

"Bring her in," Hana told him, stepping back from the open door to allow him to enter.

"Dabi? What the hell?" Shoto asked, distracted more by seeing his wayward brother than the half-conscious Melina in his arms. "What the fuck are you doing here? No one invited you. Get the hell out of here."

"Shoto," Enji Todoroki said, his loud voice and the heavy hand on his shoulder silencing his youngest son. "Actually, I did invite him here."

"But why?"

"If we can be a family again, we should try. All of us."

"But Dad - "

"Shoto, take Melina to her room. Take care of her. I want to talk to Toya first," Enji said.

Shoto went to his brother, staring him down. He slid his arms under her body, never losing eye contact as they made the exchange.

"What the hell, man?" Shoto muttered to his brother in a low voice so only they could hear.

"I didn't come here to hurt her...or you," he returned, becoming unsure of exactly what the hell he was doing here and if he had made a terrible mistake.

"Toya?" Rei called, pushing past her large husband blocking the doorway.

"Mom," Dabi inhaled, his breath wavering.

"Toya!" she cried out, running to him and enveloping him in her arms.

"Mom," he repeated, wrapping his arms around her small, frail body.

Melina closed her eyes, more tears streaking down her cheeks as she listened to the loud sobbing echoing from the kitchen, a disturbing mixture of joy and sadness, mourning even. The sound tore at her heart and shredded what was left of her emotions.

"Are you okay?" Shoto asked when he felt her trembling in his arms.

"No," she confessed. "But I will be. We all will be, I think."

"Yeah," he returned, sounding less than convinced.

Shoto carefully lay her on the bed, allowing her body to sink into the soft mattress and pillow before he took his arms from under her. He kissed her forehead, promising to return before he disappeared into her private bathroom.

Melina hauled her heavy, tired body out of the bed. She was sore all over as if she had engaged in strenuous physical activity. Actually, she had in her battle with her own emotions and physically with Dabi. Though not a real fight, she had wanted to beat the hell out of him but her overwhelming emotions required too much of her strength to hold them in check at that time.

She walked up behind Shoto who was running water over a washcloth to clean her many cuts and abrasions. Taking the cloth away from him, she turned off the water.

"Go. I can take care of myself. Go be with your family. They need you right now," she said, nudging him away from the sink. "I'll be okay."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. Go."

Melina waited for him to leave, then leaned against the counter to hold herself up. She quickly washed her hands to rid her palms of any remaining tiny rocks or debris. After haphazardly brushing off her knees with the damp washcloth, she stumbled back to the bed to lie down.

Her belly cramped lightly. Probably from all the crying. Her back ached as well. Rolling onto her side, hugging a pillow for comfort, she curled into a fetal position.

As she lay there, her heart pulsing in her ears, she felt an unusual fluttery sensation in her tummy. The feeling was like butterfly wings brushing against her insides.

"Oh," she gaped, pressing her hand to her belly. "The baby is moving."

Once again she was driven to tears. However, joyful tears were not the same as sad ones. She wanted to share the good news with Shoto. But it would have to wait.

Cradling her belly with her arms as if holding her baby already, Melina fell asleep.