Toshinori received a report from the police department about a special assignment. Apparently, they had been investigating a certain warehouse near the docks in Sendai that was known to have many experiments done with animals that have quirks. The only reason anyone had thought to go into the case was because an underground hero had captured a few of the scientists with Trigger.

"So, you want me to break in and beat everyone up?" Toshinori asked. He wasn't oblivious to the damage he could cause and if they were working with supernatural, living animals, he couldn't possibly be the best for this job.

"I know the caution you have when it comes to protecting civilians. I don't only want to get the Trigger out of that lab, but the animals too. Any other hero would just leave the poor creatures there to suffer more. Please, All Might." The chief detective pleaded.

Toshinori felt his smile split wider to cover his anger. Any hero who refused to save even animal lives didn't deserve their license. "If you're sure, then I'd gladly work this case with you. Just give me the time and I'll make sure those animals and the drug get out safely. He even saluted, silly as it felt.

The chief gave him a bright smile through tired, bloodshot eyes. Toshinori knew that the heroes and police working on this case had not slept a wink in days, if not weeks. He owed it to them to do the job right.

…

The initial break in was easy. With Nighteye to predict everyone's moves and a second ear piece to help him map out the maze of tunnels and labs, Toshinori was able to burst in and knock out a good dozen of lab workers.

That was about as easy as it got. After the villains had realized that he was here -he did shout it out, after all- they began packing up their drugs and animals. A few stronger villains used some samples of the drug to keep him away for long enough to escape. That was when Toshinori realized just how much he hated Trigger.

A fist the size of Toshinori's head knocked him back, making him stumble. The villain laughed at him and threw another punch, but missed. The Trigger did nothing for the villain's speed, which to Toshinori's luck, but it did make every blow he managed to hit worse. A well timed hit to the stomach had him embedded into the wall behind him. He was cornered and still getting hit.

One For All buzzed just under his skin, begging to be used. He threw a punch of his own, hitting the villain in the jaw and sending the giant man backward. He landed on some of the animal cages and Toshinori started to panic. If he killed an animal through his lack of control, then he'd never forgive himself.

Flying forward, Toshinori flipped the villain over and pinned him down. There was a time limit to Trigger, so if he just waited it out, the animals should be safe, right? A roar of a car engine reminded him that he didn't actually have time to wait for the trigger to wear off. He had to get to that truck and fast.

Wrapping a large pipe around the villain's arms, Toshinori sped forward and grabbed both sides of the truck just before it drove away. His hands dented into the metal and smoke started flowing up from the tired, a burnt rubber smell lifting through the air. One of the villains opened the back doors to try and knock him off, but that just gave him the opportunity to throw that villain behind him and get a better look of what they actually took. Seven animal cages and several cases full of what he assumed was Trigger.

"You're not going anywhere!" He beamed, kicking one of the wheels of the vehicle, sending the tire flying. The truck went lopsided but at least it kept it from driving off. He let go of the truck and ventured to the front. The driver fell out of the side door, landing on his head. He was out cold. Toshinori sighed to himself. That made his job a little easier.

"I have a car full of Trigger. Send someone to retrieve this and I'll look for any other run away cars." He spoke into his ear piece, receiving an affirmative from the chief and his sidekick. With a few jumps, he was across the dock and chasing down another car.

By the end of the night, all traces of the drug were gathered and the few animals that the villains had left alive were being transported to a local vet. One specific cage seemed to jump out to Toshinori. Slowly, he walked away from the crowd of police officers -and paperwork- and looked at the small cage. It looked like something had chewed through the bars themselves. He touched the bend of each, trying to think through all of the animals he'd seen. What could've done this?

A flash of white had him turning around. He saw the small, bleeding face of some kind of mouse thing before it ran off into the alley way. When he looked down the dark alley, it was long gone. Something told him that it was better off on it's own. An animal with a quirk could do many things. He hoped he wouldn't find the poor thing in some cafe, scaring all of the patrons out.

"All Might?" A soft, feminine voice whispered behind him. He turned around quickly, nearly hitting the short woman in the face as he turned. Hanten.

He didn't know what to say. "Are you…" He trained off, thinking of all the things that had changed about her since he'd last seen her in person. She looked tired but surprised, as if he wasn't real. She had changed her hero costume as well, but didn't he already know that?

"You're...tall." She spoke simply, a small smile playing on her lips. "Taller than you were, which is surprising." She acted as if nothing had changed between them. It was refreshing.

"I...um...yeah." He muttered, stupidly. "H-how have you been? Oh! That's probably a stupid question, huh? It's been…" How old was he again? He'd lost track of the years.

"A while." She finished. "I really shouldn't be seen talking to you but...I wanted to tell you that I don't hate you."

She didn't? He'd left, told her to move on and made her cry. How could she not hate him? "Oh? Ah, thank you. Ah! I mean, um...thanks. For telling me." The corners of his lips instinctively turned upward.

Her expression shifted. Her smile fell and her eyes seemed sad now. It wasn't a good look for someone like her. "It's true then. What they say about being at the top." She gestured to him. "I barely recognize you under it all." She muttered it to herself and likely didn't want him hearing it, but he had.

He laughed instinctively. "It's not all bad." He couldn't think of an example. "Um...I didn't expect you to go into the underground business. I admire it though."

She knew he was avoiding that conversation but she played along anyway. She trusted him too much. "Actually, I'm planning on retiring soon."

Toshinori's eyebrows rose immediately. "What? But you love hero work, don't you?" He had to take a step back now. Underground work was different from the stuff he did. They tended to retire and die sooner than most other heroes. "I'm sorry. I understand that underground work is taxing at the best of times and I respect you for going into it. I just didn't expect you to retire so soon."

Thankfully, she smiled. "I have a family now. A little girl of my own and my hero work just...isn't good for the life I have now. I love this, Toshinori. I really do, but I love my family more."

In that moment, she reminded him of Nana. A hard working hero, one more than deserving of the title. Someone who had found love and grew a family. The only difference was that Nana couldn't just quite. She couldn't stop being a hero for her family, because she had to make sure he didn't do anything stupid. He pushed the suffocating guilt away, like he always did. "What will you be doing now? For work, I mean."

"I'm going to work in physical therapy for retired heroes. Sure, it doesn't really go well with my quirk, but I still want to help others and I think that's a good way to do it."

Toshinori saw her in a different view. Instead of her hero suit, he saw her in scrubs, helping someone who had ruined their body to protect the world they lived in. It fit her well. He could also imagine her, with her family. Her partner or spouse laughing with her, caring for her child. It was something she'd likely never known she wanted. It was something he could never have.

"Who knows." Her soft voice broke his train of thought. "Maybe I'll help you out when you get old."

He laughed at that, long and hard. It might have drawn a few gazes, but he didn't care. "That's bold to assume I'm not already old." After a soft sigh, he felt his chest lighten a little. "I'll look forward to it then."

He could tell she wanted to hug him like she used to, but it wouldn't go over well if anyone saw. He could see the scandalous headlines and the rage of whoever she'd fallen in love with. He didn't need that on his shoulders. Instead, he gave her a firm handshake and tried to relay all of the affection he felt through that simple gesture.

They were both called away inevitably. Toshinori knew he had stacks of paperwork to get through and even more work to do tonight before he got the change to sleep. Hanten disappeared by the time he had finished talking to the chief of the police. Standing alone, Toshinori whispered to himself. "I'll look forward to it, but I doubt I'll live to see it." His chest hurt just to think of it.

…

Toshinori received an email from Dave that contained both a picture of him and his wife -who was still pregnant- and an invitation to the baby shower. He'd booked a flight to America the next day and left his agency with a gusto of proud uncle cheers. Nighteye had promised up and down that Japan would continue to live without him, though Toshinori didn't need the encouragement.

He was able to pay for a full week into a local hotel even though both Dave and his beautiful wife Emma both insisted that he was welcome to stay with them. We wouldn't be able to use the guest bedroom as it was so it was a perfect place for Toshinori to stay. He had to politely decline. They knew that bed was far too weak and small for him to sleep in over a full week.

The hotel had been very kind to him and his outrageous body proportions. They'd given him the largest bed they had -which was roughly the same size as all the other beds. He'd had to curl up in the center and hoped by the love of the world that it didn't break. Why were American heroes not 600 lbs by average?

On the night of the baby shower, Toshinori showed up to the overly crowded home of the Shields with his distraction gift for the couple. His real gift was already parked in their garage.

"Toshi!" Dave burst through the front door before Toshinori could knock. "Get in here, Man! It's been forever!" The short brunette then turned to the rest of the occupants of the house and shouted. "The Symbol of Peace is here!"

It was funny how nearly everyone froze but the few that had met them in college. He wasn't nearly as popular in the states, but his American looks, fighting style and colors typically gathered their attention. He was also well known for the collaboration he'd done with America's number one.

"Come over here! Come over here-" Dave pulled Toshinori through the house, telling him to discard his gift -it was larger than most others, but it's not like it was a competition- and then sat him down with Emma, who was trying to cook her own party food. Dave had tried to stop her, no doubt but the woman was stubborn naturally. Pregnancy had only made that worse.

She immediately turned around and gave him a big hug. "Oh! Toshi!" their hug was spread wide due to the height difference and the baby growing inside of her. She released him after a tight squeeze and looked him over. "Cut shirt." She smiled and pulled him back toward the main party. Most people were still staring, but he was used to that by now. "How've you been holding up, Toshi? Tell me about being the Symbol of Peace in Japan."

He chuckled and sat down in a too small chair. This felt familiar, normal. He loved it. "I honestly don't know what to say." His English returned naturally. It was like he'd never left. Toshinori talked about the strange rescues he'd done over the past few years -the vinegar one sent her and quite a few others into long laughing fits. The conversation then shifted to the star of the party: the unborn baby, Melissa.

"Oh, she'd been kicking and kicking all night long. Dave's been sleeping on the couch for a little while now. I got mad at him the first night, but he still works. It just makes sense." Emma sighed out, rubbing a hand over her bump.

"I'm sorry. I know how hard it must be to sleep alone in a time like this. The last few months are typically the hardest for both of you." Toshinori rested a large hand on her shoulder. He knew the feeling of waking up alone every day, but their situations were very different. She was used to waking up to a loving husband. He'd never had a chance.

"Oh, don't get all sad. We're still going strong. I only have a few days left but the doctor's thinking she'll be late." She flipped her blonde ponytail over her shoulder and huffed. "I just want this baby out." She groaned.

Toshinori chuckled and leaned against the side of the couch. They could hear Dave playing host in the other room. "Just imagine how rewarding this will all be. As soon as she's out, you'll have your very own little person." He wanted it too, so badly, but he could be happy for his friends.

Emma gave him a soft smile and hugged him tight again. When she spoke this time, it was quiet, like they were sharing a secret. "I know you want to have a family, Toshi. You deserve nothing more than to have something like this." Her hands felt so small when they were wrapped around his waist. "You're an amazing friend, you know that? There have been so many people who've doubted us or bragged about their own family, but you've been so patient and kind. We owe you the world."

"Hey now! I'm just doing what any good friend should. There's no debt involved, alright?" Now he was starting to question whether buying them a car was a good idea or not. They needed one, but he didn't want them to feel bad.

Emma sniffed, releasing him from her tight embrace. She wiped at the streams on her cheeks and gave him a big smile. "I'm glad you're here, Toshi." She leaned in closer to whisper again. This one was likely an actual secret. "Don't tell Dave, but you're my favorite guest."

He laughed and took a long sip from his cup. American tea never tasted good. "Of course I am. I'm the Symbol of Peace, after all." He made a show of flexing by habit. "Besides, Dave would likely agree."

They laughed together and decided it was about time they joined the rest of the party. Dave needed a break from entertaining guests at some point. As soon as Toshinori walked into the room, the attention was on him again. He gave them a peace sign and a wink before suggesting they start eating baby themed cakes and giving out gifts. Tonight was about them, not him.

The cake was a little disturbing to eat. It was shaped like a pregnant woman's stomach and each cut made him cringe. He'd almost forgotten how strange Americans were when it came to food. If only he could show Nighteye. Maybe then his sidekick wouldn't blame his American ways for his strange diet. The thought made him chuckle, but he didn't share it. No one else really knew Nighteye well enough to find it funny.

Most guests seemed to have the same ideas for gifts. There were three onesies, seven pairs of socks and two complete sets of twenty girl toys. Emma almost cried over every single one of them. By the time everyone left and his distraction gift was filed away with everyone else's -he'd gotten them an All Might brand mobile for Melissa's crib- he was able to get a real conversation out of the couple.

"You know...I didn't actually get you a mobile for Melissa." He admitted with only a small smirk.

Dave immediately stared at him in disbelief. "Toshi, no. you didn't-"

"Just walk outside with me." Toshinori stood up and started walking toward the front door. The couple shouted protests at whatever they thought he'd gotten them. They did follow him, however. Just as he managed to walk out of the doorway, Emma gasped and fell to her knees. Their new Honda Accord stood just outside, a large bow on the top. He moved to let Dave get a better look. "Since the Mightmobile's gone, I assumed you'd need a new one, especially with a new member of the family coming soon."

Both of them cried and thanked him more than he felt he deserved, but he accepted the praise. This wasn't about him and causing a fuss would only make it worse.

…

The baby came the very next day.

Toshinori had been showering at the time, getting ready for an outing with the couple in just a few hours. After hearing the phone ring not once but twice, he shut off the scalding water and towel down as best he could. He only slipped a little on the wet floor and once he'd made it to the small phone in his hotel room, he felt anxiety rise. Why would he be getting a phone call from the local hospital?

"Hello?"

"Toshi! Hey, um, I'm at the hospital right now. Emma just went into labor." Dave sounded panicked.

"Oh! I'll be on my way! Don't panic!" He smiled on instinct and threw on whatever he could find before leaping -slightly illegally- toward the California Hospital in record speed. The receptionist had been more than frustrating to deal with, but he kept his smile in place.

"I'm a very close friend and asked me to be here. I promise."

"I'm sorry, but until you're 's husband, you can't go into the delivery room. That's just the rules here."

Toshinori huffed out and ran a hand over his face. Stupid rules. Stupid hospitals. Stupid labor. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid-

"I signed him off. He's a hero, Ma'am." Dave ran down the long halls. His long hair was definitely unbrushed and Toshinori wished he'd brought a brush. Maybe he had enough time before the actual delivery to get one.

The receptionist looked between them before nodding, letting Toshinori join Dave in the hall. They rushed down the hall to the delivery room but he didn't go inside until a doctor gave him permission. He still wasn't her husband and didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable.

"Toshi. Dave." Emma smiled at the two of them. Her hair was in a messy bun, her skin was shiny with sweat and she was obviously exhausted. Even though she hadn't gone through the main course of labor yet, the contractions before were still horrible to endure.

"Hey, Honey. Just hang on tight, alright? It's going to be alright." Dave took her hand in his and kissed it gently. Another wave of pain washed over her and Toshinori cringed in sympathy.

He turned to the closest doctor. "How long until she's fully dilated?" Dave gave him an odd look. "I was thinking of getting them some breakfast and maybe a few other things for comfort. Would that be allowed?"

The doctor looked him over. "I'd say about three or so hours, but there's really no telling just yet. She's at a three right now but that could change really quickly." The doctor looked through a few things before continuing. "What kinds of things would you be getting?"

Toshinori ran through the items on his mental list and tried to translate each into English. He'd had to learn quite a few baby themed terms lately. "Um, I was going to get a pillow and their baby blanket, for Melissa." He gestured vaguely. "I shouldn't take long at all." He hoped there wouldn't be a villain attack on his way.

"We have a lot of pillows in storage here but a blanket would be okay. Make sure that you include some fruits and natural energizers into their breakfasts as well." The doctor nodded to him and continued their work. With a wink toward the couple and a thumbs up, he ran from the room -only using a bit of his quirk- and toward the Shields home.

He'd gotten a spare key from Dave once he arrived in America in case something like this happened. It was easy to find the baby blanket -it was purple with lilacs on it- and a good breakfast for the two of them. He could wait to eat after.

Just as Toshinori was making his way back, an American officer stopped him. Anxiety shot through his veins and he quickly gave a bright smile. He usually didn't have to worry about getting in trouble with the police, but he wasn't in Japan anymore. "Hello, officer. What seems to be the problem?" He had a good guess.

"Sir, do you have a license to be using your quirk freely?" The officer looked at him from under her sunglasses.

Toshinori fought back a sigh and got out his hero license and passport. He'd left his visa at the hotel and didn't have his insurance cards either. Not that they would be much help. "I haven't been in America for a little while and I sometimes forget that I'm not a hero here anymore." He rambled from the nerves. Dave and Emma were still waiting for him.

The police officer took her time looking over his passport, but her eyes went wide once she was his license. "All Might?! You're Japan's Number One, aren't you? You did that team up with Wonder Woman! That was so cool!"

Toshinori was not a rude man by any means, but he did feel the urge to just snatch away his ID and leave. Instead, he set himself into his fanservice mode. "Yes, I guess I'm kind of well known here too, huh? Well, I'm in a bit of a hurry and-"

"Could I get an autograph for my daughter? She loved Wonder Woman and loved your team up! She even has a poster of it!" She was already fishing out a pen and paper.

"Oh! Of course!" His smile felt more forced and he signed his signature a lot faster than he should've but he could let his manners down this once. "There you are!" The officer looked at it for a long while, touching it softly. He cleared his throat and when she didn't pay attention, he decided to let go of his smile. "May I have my license and passport back?"

She finally looked up again and smiled awkwardly. "Of course! Just make sure to take the train next time." She handed his card back and smiled as he walked away. Shoving the annoyance back, he decided to run to the hospital this time. No one would know if he ran just a little over the natural speed, right?

He had to hurry.

Author's Noted: This one's a bit longer and I finally got my footing for this part. I wanted to establish a good relationship between All Might and Dave's wife to make his relationship with Melissa better as well.