Three Years Ago
Hikari: Age 17
One Month before Valkyrie
Warning:
There is an NSFW part in this chapter. You should know where it is towards the end if you've been following what happened in the past but I tried to make it short. Read at your own risk.
As Hikari took another uneven step on the pristine marble floor, she felt her feet immediately betray her as she swayed side to side with a gasp. Who decided to invent heels anyway, the devil? The girl wouldn't have even been surprised if that was the case given the struggles she was currently going through.
Narrowing her eyes in concentration, the blonde then pushed her lips together as she attempted to steady her own body all at once. That's it, just focus. You can do this. You can do this.
The boy beside her couldn't help but snort though at her antics, taking in her obviously uncomfortable stance before calling back to her with a heckle. "What are you doing, you look stupid.
Hikari frowned at his unhelpful comment immediately, pushing her arms outwards only for the swaying to finally stop. Ah there we go.
Gasping in excitement, the girl felt a surge of confidence go through her before forcing herself to take a step in order for him to eat his words. "Ah, Touya! I think I'm finally getting the hang of this!"
Yet as soon as her feet lifted up, the girl immediately caved under her own weight, gasping in surprise before her entire body fell flat on her face and rather ungracefully in front of the very boy she was trying to impress.
Feeling a wave of embarrassment course through her, Hikari's entire face began to burn with bright red, choosing to bury her face into the ground before she heard Touya's loud cackling laughter echo behind her.
Apparently he found her little stunt to be the funniest thing in the word, the white haired kid pointing at the fallen bird with soft heavy giggles. "I thought birds were supposed to be graceful. Maybe you really are a chicken after all."
Hikari gasped in offense at that, still not lifting her head from the ground in order to quell her embarrassment. He did have a point after all, she really wasn't the most graceful. "W-What, I'm not a chicken!"
Once again her annoyance caused Touya to giggle wildly, looking down at her heeled shoes before purposely crouching in front of her in order to poke the top of her head. "Really? Cause you could've fooled me. You even got the chicken legs to prove it."
Grumbling, Hikari quickly lifted her hand up in order to swat the boy away all at once. Except sadly she was only able to hit air, Touya watching with clear amusement at her attempt. "Ooooh youuu, stop it! It's not funny!"
The boy's smile softened at that though, turning his head in order to fully look at the depressed and fuming bird in front of him. "Actually yeah it is, it's hysterical actually."
Hikari frowned under the marble at that. Well at least someone was having the time of his life. Let's see him try to do this. I bet he'd be just as bad.
Yet that's when she felt her friend poke her once again, his voice far more gentle then the teasing tone he had used before. "Now come on, you gonna sit on the floor all day or what?"
Looking up from her depressed prison, Hikari then blinked only to find Touya's outstretched hand in front of her vision, the boy looking rather embarrassed at the kind gesture. Wait, was he offering to help her up? How sweet.
Not wanting to take this moment for granted, the girl's palm slid into his easily, ignoring the flutter of butterflies that filled her stomach at the action before he pulled her upwards onto her unsteady feet. "O-Oh, uhh thanks."
Yet even still, the boy didn't move his hands, instead sliding his fingers over to her forearms in order to make sure she didn't fall on her face again. "Idiot, I just don't want to watch you eat shit every time you walk."
She felt his strength keep her grounded onto the floor as the warmth from his quirk flowed into her body, causing her cheeks to flush with pure embarrassment.
They were only an arms length apart right now after all, and it was making Hikari's heart crazy.
Because of her stupid little crush, the girl couldn't think straight, only staring into his cerulean gaze and loosing any kind of response. Ah crap, she probably looked like an idiot right now, but she couldn't help. She just loved him that much.
And she wondered how he felt, if he was also at a loss for words or if she was just being foolish again? It had been years since they shared that kiss and still the boy had refused to mention it.
He had even given her the beautiful pendant around her neck in order for her to hide her wings for the party because he said he only wanted to bring her. And as much as Hikari had replayed those words over and over again in her pathetic lovesick mind, she couldn't help but wonder if she was overreacting.
Because his signals, they were strange and all over the place.
Pausing her own thoughts, she then felt Touya's arms disappear ever so slightly now that she could stand on her own, the girl immediately losing that safe warmth in an instant as she tried to read anything on his face. Just what are you thinking, Touya? Am I being foolish or do you feel the same as I do?
Although right when she started to finally feel at ease, the door to their left opened immediately in order for Natsuo and Fuyumi's out shouts of joy to enter the space, causing Hikari's fear to immediately spike. "Hey, new friend! How's everything going in here?!"
So much so that the girl took a step forward without meaning to as body fell forwards towards the ground once more. Ah, crap not again!
Yet, that's when she felt Touya's warmth envelope her, trapping her in his arms as he learned forward and caught the falling bird before she could hit the ground. Whoa, that was a close one.
Glaring in the direction of his siblings, the boy tightened his hold around Hikari before frowning at their new appearance, almost like he wasn't happy to see them. "Hey, watch it. Stop being so damn loud."
Natsuo threw up his hands in defense before fully stepping in and seeing his brother embracing Hikari. Ah how bold. So that's why he was all grumpy with their appearance.
Giving a sly smirk, the white haired boy teased playfully. "Sorry big bro. I didn't know you were busy. You want us to come back later so you two can have some more alone time?"
With a wiggle of his eyebrows, Natsuo then watched as Touya's face flashed with pure embarrassment, immediately forgetting about Hikari's balance issues in order to push her away from him with a flustered shout. "W-What kind of bullshit are you saying?! Stop making shit up."
All at once, Hikari squeaked in surprise by the push before her feet caved underneath her, the poor bird flailing her arms around wildly in order not to fall again. "Whaaa!"
Yet the attempt was for nothing as the girl felt her butt smack into the marble floor a moment later, the blonde groaning at the sudden and unexpected fall in order to curse the heels on her feet. Stupid shoes.
Touya's face flashed with slight concern for her ungraceful fall, his eyes showing signs of shame for his actions before Natsuo hurried over to Hikari in order to lift up a fabric bag in her direction. "Well, now that we've got Touya's approval it's time to eat!"
Blinking in surprise, the girl eyed the package with confusion. "Huh?"
Natsuo was happy to elaborate though, putting the bag on the ground before pulling out four sets of containers and a pair of chopsticks for each one. "You've been working hard for our big bro so Fuyumi and I made some snacks."
Looking down at the array of food, Hikari's heart couldn't help but twist with surprise. Touya's siblings had come all the way over here just to bring her some food? No one had ever done that before, well besides Touya.
Not knowing what to say, the girl touched the top of one of the containers before shaking her head. She didn't deserve all of this kindness. "That's so sweet. You didn't.."
Yet Natsuo clearly didn't want to hear it, plopping himself down next to the blonde haired bird and pushing a container towards her happily. "Nonsense, stop being too modest and dig in. You don't mind if I sit next to you, right?"
Touya couldn't help but watch the display with disgust, his lips curving down as he saw his little brother sit down next to his friend with a happy goofy grin. Weren't they a little close? Just what the hell was this idiot thinking?
Shaking her head, Hikari's eyes immediately found Touya's only for him to turn his gaze away and sit on the opposite side to her. Wait, why did he seem grumpy now? Oh no, she didn't do anything wrong did she?
Fuyumi's soft voice entered the space then, smiling gently in her new friend's direction as she picked up a pair of her own chopsticks. She was glad that Hikari liked this little surprise, she had spent all day on it after all. "So, how's everything going?"
At the topic, Hikari frowned, picking up a piece of egg before shoving it in her mouth with sadness and disappointment. "I don't think I'm cut off for this. I know you said I have to learn to walk in these for the party but I don't think I can do it."
From over in the corner, Touya added. "You got that right."
Although at the girl's clearly depressed expression, Fuyumi turned to glare at her big brother. Couldn't he tell that she was struggling with all this? "Touya, don't be rude. Of course you can do it. It just takes practice."
The white haired boy grunted in response before stuffing his face with his own food as Hikari sighed roughly. "No, Touya's right. I just wasn't made for this kinda thing. I mean, when I was a kid I saw all these movies on TV and I always dreamed about going to a fancy party like this but in reality I know I'm gonna stick out like a sore thumb."
This caused her to awaken something in Fuyumi, her white hair bouncing with intrigue before leaning forward all at once. "Oooh what kinda movies? Tell us!"
Hikari obviously didn't expect her new friends to be interested in her little side comment though, the girl immediately lowering her head. The last thing she wanted was to bring up her past. They didn't care about that. "N-No, that's okay. I don't want to bore you."
Natsuo playfully put his arm around her shoulders though, something that made Touya tighten the hold on his chopsticks just a little more as his brother gushed. "Aw come on you won't bore us, we wanna know."
Feeling slightly uncomfortable with the contact, Hikari's mind then flashed to a familiar boy with red wings as she smiled weakly. It still hurt to talk about Keigo like this but if her friends wanted to know then she supposed she could tell them.
The girl then sucked in a heavy breath before recalling the past all at once. "Oh okay. Well, my big brother and I used to sneak out of our beds sometimes and catch the movies that were playing on the TV. He liked the ones about fighting and heroes but I always liked the ones about big fancy parties and ball gowns."
She giggled in slightest nostalgia at the memory, still hearing her big brother's voice as he gushed over the latest action sequence or crazy stunt he just saw. She loved those moments the most, when everything was so simple and their dad was passed out from whatever drugs or alcohol he'd taken that day.
She missed that, she missed him.
Gushing immediately, Fuyumi seemed to know exactly what she was talking about, pushing her hands together in a day dream. "Oh, I like those too! Especially the ones that are really romantic! Those are my favorite!"
At the words, she vaguely heard Touya scoff. "Romance? Now that's disgusting.."
Yet Hikari didn't seem to mind, her lips curving in a light smile at the nostalgia as she pushed herself further into the memory. "Sometimes, Kei-chan would pretend to be my prince and swing me around the room. We'd dance to the music on the TV and I always asked him if I could ever wear a pretty dress and be like the girl on the screen…"
She vaguely recalled the moment, about how she asked her big brother to be just like the princess on the screen and have someone special just like the girl in the movie. It was a fantasy of hers, something she loved to imagine as a child.
Before she realized what the world really was like.
Widening her eyes, Hikari then realized that she was getting too wrapped in her own thoughts. Ah shoot, what was she doing? They probably didn't care about her sad pathetic memories of her brother. They were stupid, she was stupid back then.
And as she looked back towards Touya, the boy seemed to be equally bothered by her topic of conversation, his eyes not reaching hers in order to focus on the food in front of him and push it around silently. That proved it, she did annoy them.
Immediately shrinking back into herself, the girl sighed as she pushed the happy moment from her mind. "Ah, sorry it's stupid. Never mind."
Yet that's when Natsuo scared the bird once again, rising to his feet with a newfound determination before outstretching his hand for Hikari to take. "It's not stupid, and here. I'm gonna prove it."
Blinking in surprise, the girl took his hand with confusion, gasping as he pulled her back onto her shaking uneven feet. "What are you doing?"
The boy only gave a quick wink in response before holding onto her shoulders to keep her from tumbling again. "Lucky for you, dance lessons were a requirement in our household. Everyone knows how, even grumpy big brother over there. That's why I'm going to teach you myself so you can complete your dream!"
Touya's eyes immediately snapped to his brother at that, displeasure creeping into his chest at the very action. This bastard was already being overly touchy today and now he was going to teach her to dance? It's like he was trying to piss him off.
Glaring in the direction of the two, the boy couldn't help but scoff at the very idea, his eyes never leaving the spot where Natsuo was touching Hikari, not even for a second. "Don't be ridiculous. Princess is a lost cause."
His brother only smiled though, enjoying the way he was making Touya so emotional. Even the smallest things set him off because of her. Interesting. "I guess we'll have to see. That is, unless you want to teach her instead, big bro?"
Widening his eyes at the suggestion, everyone watched as the boy immediately turned his head away before a light pink showed on his cheeks all at once. "No way in hell. Leave me out of that pussy shit."
Satisfied with the reaction, Natsuo chuckled to himself before turning his back on his brother in order to move Hikari's hand to his shoulder before placing his own on her waist respectfully. "Alright, you heard him. Now grab onto me."
Hikari jumped at the contact, before shaking her head in apprehension. He didn't need to do all this for her. She just told a stupid little story, that's it. "O-Oh, I don't know Natsuo. My feet are still really wobbly."
Grabbing onto her hands, Natsuo then straightened the two of them in a traditional dancer's hold before smiling under his breath, remaining strong and firm to show her everything was okay. "That's why you lean on me. I won't let you fall, silly."
Then all at once, the boy took a step forward as Hikari clung onto his hold for dear life, feeling her feet start to betray her. But to her surprise, Natsuo was indeed right, and by leaning on his body that gave her the stability she needed to not fall anymore.
Step by step, Hikari and Natsuo moved together until she felt slightly more confident, the very hold causing her to recall the happy memories with her brother. Maybe she wasn't so bad at this after all.
Yet that's when her eyes fluttered towards the white boy before she pictured another in his place. What would it be like for Touya to hold her this way? What would it feel like? She couldn't help but smile at the idea.
And just from the mere suggestion, Hikari felt her cheeks light up with a heavy blush. The thought of Touya touching her like this, of him kissing her again and dancing together under the moonlight. It made her heart beat erratically and all at once.
Nudging him in the side, Fuyumi glanced at the two before giving him a knowing look. She didn't look like a lost cause at all. "What are you talking about, Touya? She's a natural."
The boy only turned his head away at that, feeling his heads begin to smoke at the very idea of that stupid bird and his idiot little brother dancing together. And he knew that Nastu was doing this to fuck with him, he just knew it. "A natural loser."
Fuyumi frowned at his side comment, pushing his shoulders once again before clapping her hands together to enjoy the fairytale scene before her. "Oh shush, let her enjoy the moment. Natsuo was really sweet to offer this. Hey, do you think he likes her?"
Widening his eyes at the outrageous phrase, Touya's face began to fill with unkempt rage. Just thinking about that possibility was enough to make him snap. Just what the hell was his sister talking about? There was no way Nasu liked Hikari.
That idiot didn't even know her, not like he did.
Scoffing loudly, the white haired boy turned to his sister with a glare, ignoring the slight fear in the back of his throat that appeared just as quickly. "What? Why would he like a stupid bird like her?!"
Fuyumi only narrowed her eyes though, glancing behind them at the couple before pointing a finger in their direction, almost like she wanted Touya to look behind him. "I don't know. Why do you?"
The phrase was enough to make the boy freeze completely, the words playing over and over in his head like a haunting memory. What was she talking about? He didn't like that bird. He was just using her, just wasting time with her. It didn't mean anything. She didn't mean anything to him.
She couldn't mean anything to him anyways, not after everything.
Yet, against his better judgment, Touya turned his head around only for his eyes to widen at the very sight before him, a slight that maybe his heart squeezed with unruly jealousy and pain.
Because there in his brother's arms, Hikari was blushing.
The very sight caused the boy's chest to fill with a suffocating amount of discomfort and hurt. What was she doing, that idiot had only ever blushed because of him. So why was she now doing it for his little brother? Was what Fuyumi said true, did they really like each other?
Touya forced himself to push the idea out of his mind immediately, not noticing the skin under his bandages start to smoke and spark with unruly emotions. Princess was supposed to be his, she was supposed to smile and blush and be all cute for him, not Natsuo.
Just then, the boy's quirk activated without his permission, no one even realizing as the smoke started to create small quick sparks before it covered his entire arm.
Even still, Touya didn't notice, the boy far too caught up with the disgusting display before him.
Suddenly, the sprinklers above the group started to activate due to his quirk, a heavy amount of water pouring from the ceiling as Natsuo and Hikari immediately gasped at the cold liquid in order to break away. "Ah!"
Quickly gathering up the soaked food, Fuyumi scrambled to her feet as Natsuo let the girls away from the surprise shower and towards the door to the hallway on the other side. "Come on, Touya. We gotta save the food!"
Blinking back to reality, Touya looked around the space before gasping at the smoke around him and quickly forcing his quirk to deactivate in fear of starting a fire with his unkempt emotions. What the hell, what did he just do?
He didn't really have time to think though as Natsuo, Fuyumi and Hikari all hurried down the steps of the building, stopping at the lobby with a heavy sigh. "That was a close one. What happened?"
Shrugging her shoulders, Fuyumi frowned. "I don't know. I guess it was a malfunction."
Natsu couldn't help but sigh at that, turning to his dance partner before hanging his head in shame. So much for making her dream come true today. "Sorry, we didn't get to finish our lesson."
Hikari only nodded back though, glancing as Touya met up with the group at the same time. She was glad he was alright also. "It's okay."
Sighing to herself, Fuyumi then looked out of the small window by the door before noticing the sun was about to set. They hadn't meant to stay that long but she supposed it was finally time to part.
The engagement party they were all planning for was tomorrow after all, and there was a whole lot to do before then. "Hey, it's getting dark. We should be heading back. Touya, make sure to walk her home, okay? We don't want any scary villains snatching her up."
She expected her brother to throw out a grumpy comment at that, to reject her words.
Yet she was pleasantly surprised when Touya went along with her request, instead seemingly grumpy that they hadn't left yet. "Whatever, just get out of here already."
Moving up to Fuyumi, Hikari then placed the empty container in her hands before smiling softly and the sweet gestures the girl had done for her. "Thanks for the food."
The white haired girl didn't seem to mind though, only taking the plastic with happiness as she waved her hands in a goodbye. "Anytime. I'll see you tomorrow for the big day!"
Hikari's face couldn't help but flush at that. It sounded like she was talking about a wedding or something and not what it actually was.
She didn't really mind though, the thought of her and Touya getting married instead of ruining someone else's engagement sounded far more romantic anyways.
A thick silence replaced their presence after that, Hikari looking down at her drenched hair and clothes before running a couple fingers through the wet surface. Ah, just great. It was getting cold out there to which meant she was going to freeze.
Almost as if on cue, the bird felt her nose twitch before covering her mouth and sneezing loudly into the empty open area, the quiet now ruined by the soft sniffles and the cold chill that blew past her.
Just then, the girl felt something wrap around her shoulders, the bird turning to find Touya's jacket firmly on the surface. The fabric was already dry surprisingly but she guessed that was because of his fire quirk.
Turning towards the boy in question, Touya only shoved his hands in his pocket before facing away from her almost like he was ashamed of something. But of what? It's not like he caused the sprinkler malfunction. "You know, only idiots get sick like that."
The girl touched the fabric once again, already moving to remove it so he didn't think she was some kind of weak princess like he always did. She could take care of herself now. "That's okay, I don't.."
Yet Touya seemed to already know what she was thinking, pushing his hands to stop her before popping the warm jacket back onto her shoulders with a huff. "Just take it. The last thing I need is for you to get your snot and sniffles on that dress I bought tomorrow.."
Nodding once in understanding, Hikari accepted the object reluctantly before nuzzling into his smell with a small smile. It almost felt like he was holding her like this and she couldn't help but wrap the entire jacket around her because of it. He was always so sweet to her, even if he didn't want to admit it.
Once he was satisfied, the boy then grabbed onto her arm before pulling her out into the night air, his own arm looping onto hers so that she didn't fall on her face because of her heels. "Let's go slowpoke. Keep up before I leave you."
Hikari knew he didn't mean those words though, hooking her arms around his own and she leaned into him for support.
Of course, she wasn't going to say anything about it though, considering he'd probably pull away if she did. He was always like that, not wanting to admit his kindness.
Although the moment she took a step, Hikari's feet began to throb and pinch from the long day, the girl gritting her teeth as she focused on the road ahead of her. Oh no, she knew she shouldn't have worn these demon heels all day. Now she had to pay the price.
The girl was even so caught up in her pain that she didn't even notice as Touya turned into the closest park on their left, which also happened to be the complete opposite direction of Riku's compound for some reason.
She only noticed the change in scenery when the boy stopped completely, turning towards the girl in question before pointing to the small park bench in front of them. "Sit."
Blinking in surprise, Hikari turned her head in confusion before Touya simply let go of his hold, causing the girl to tumble ungracefully onto the cold bench in the next moment. "Whaa!"
She groaned at the hit before turning back to her friend with a scoff. She thought they were having a nice moment. What happened? Why was he pushing her now? "Hey, what do you think you're.."
Yet that's when the boy simply moved down towards the ground, kneeling before her and aggressively grabbing her heeled foot with a groan. "Idiot, how can I keep going when you're obviously in pain? Just give me your damn foot already."
Blinking in surprise, Hikari was dumbfounded. Wait, he noticed something like that so quickly? She didn't even tell him in fear of him getting annoyed or calling her foolish and a chicken again. So why was he acting so sweet now?
Then she watched as Touya carefully unbuckled the thin straps of her shoes before looking down and seeing the ugly blisters that covered the surface.
They were the ones that she had gotten because of him after all, the ones that showed she really was trying her best for him.
He didn't like them, he didn't like seeing her push herself for his own selfish desires. "If they are bothering you that much then just don't wear them anymore. You're already doing enough.."
Hikari only frowned at that though. These scars and blisters were honestly nothing compared to the training Riku put her through so she didn't really understand his concern. Besides, she was doing this for the boy she loved so that already made everything worth it.
Smiling softly at the reason, the girl then moved her fingers in order to touch the crystal pendant he had given her to hide her wings. "I can't do that. Fuyumi said that I gotta learn how to walk in these if I want to blend in tomorrow. You got me this necklace and picked me for this and I want to help you the best I can. I want to repay you."
That only seemed to make the boy even more frustrated though, his anger far too immense to be just about a simple pair of heels. "You don't get it, Princess. Stop acting like all of this isn't selfish, like I'm not using you to get what I want."
And although Hikari didn't fully understand, there seemed to be multiple meanings to his sentence, that there was something eating away at his heart unknowingly. And even though she wanted to pry, the girl withheld.
Even so, she smiled softly at his guilt. He didn't need to feel ashamed for dragging her into all of this. Because of him, she had gained a comfort and love she never thought she would receive. She had gained her first love and her best friend all because of him.
So because of that, the girl decided to answer honestly, knowing that her words wouldn't ever change even in years to come. "It might be, but we are a team. Parents in crime. Never forget that, wherever you go, I go. That's the deal."
Touya's face seemed to twist into an unreadable expression at that, Hikari once again wondering just what the boy in front of her was thinking. She thought she knew everything about him in the years they were together but it was clear that a part of his brain was still closed off to even her.
She wondered what dark secrets that part of him held, what kind of regrets and thoughts harbored his mind in the overwhelming silence they shared together. Maybe one day he'd tell her, she hoped so.
Yet even so, she then watched as the usually stoic and closed off boy began to laugh, his tone extremely gentle as a soft blush crept into his cheeks, likely without permission. "You're ridiculous, Hikari. You know that?"
The girl didn't have time to linger on the out of character moment though as Touya rose to his feet a second later before reaching down and grabbing onto Hikari's waist and hosting her over his shoulder.
Gasping at the motion, Hikari stuttered. "Ah! What are you doing?! Put me down!"
Yet his voice was only light and airy, swinging the girl around before picking up her discarded heels in order to walk the path once more. "Just enjoy the view, Princess. We have a big day tomorrow and I'm not going to let you hobble into that engagement party because you were stupid and pushed yourself too far."
That's when a blush of her own reached into her cheeks, Hikari realizing what he had meant by that. He had just picked her up so that she didn't have to walk on her sore feet back to the compound, didn't he?
Feeling her heart begin to swirl with butterflies, the girl then closed her eyes before pushing her head into his shoulder to stop the swirl of embarrassment. She felt like a Princess right now, being carried by her grumpy prince. It was enough to make Hikari blush even more at the idea.
God, she loved him. She loved him so much it hurt.
So much so that Hikari twisted her eyes in silent thought, wondering how the boy would react to her confession. Would he be disgusted, would he blush, would he turn her away and never see her again?
Or would he say he felt the same as well?
Pushing her lips together, the girl felt her lips start to move on their own, her hands gripping the fabric of his shirt as her tone turned small and vulnerable. "Hey Touya.."
The boy only hummed in response, not noticing the change in tone or rather ignoring it all together. She wasn't sure. "Hmm?"
Feeling her heart start to beat out of her chest, Hikari struggled to find the words she was looking for, the ones that explained how much she loved him, about how much he meant to her all of these years they were together. "I…"
Just then, a small part of her stopped herself, closing her mouth entirely. What would happen if she confesses everything to him? Just that very thought was extremely scary, considering she didn't know if she could even live without him at this point.
He was her lifeline, he was everything to her, he was the very reason she was still alive. She adored him in every shape and form and if he disappeared before her eyes because of her own foolish feelings then she didn't know if she could take it.
Because of that fear, Hikari then lowered her eyes before finishing her thoughts all at once, knowing now wasn't the time or place. Right now they had work to do. "I'm excited about tomorrow."
Touya didn't seem to notice the reluctance in her tone though, the boy only wrapped up in his own excitement before lifting his head outwards to the idea of finally being noticed again. "Damn right, Princess. Times to show those fuckers who deserves to be the real successor of the Todoroki family."
And that was enough for her, being here with him was enough for her right now. Yes, first they would get through tomorrow and then she'd tell..
She'd tell him everything.
As Fuyumi helped her zip up her dress, Hikari couldn't help but shiver in anxiety and fear. The next day had come far too quickly and now the moment Touya and her had planned for was finally here. The engagement party.
Picking up a pair of gold colored earrings, the girl put them on before sighing to herself with a thousand untapped nerves. She felt slightly bad for Touya's marriage partner, considering they were about to wreck the entire announcement, but the very thought of the boy being with someone else was enough for her guilt to subside.
Maybe she wasn't a good person after all.
Gushing at the girl before her, Fuyumi clapped in excitement before picking up another gold colored pin in order to put the flower decal further in her head. She had practically jumped at the opportunity to help Hikari after all. "Oh, you look so pretty! That other girl doesn't stand a chance against you."
Hikari smiled softly at that, ignoring the guilt for this whole event that was about to take place. "Thanks for doing this. But, don't you think this is kind of wrong? I'm about to ruin your dad's plans and that party.."
In fact, the girl did find it rather weird how both Natsuo and Fuyumi were just okay with screwing over their father like this. Perhaps they didn't have the best relationship with him either?
Sighing at her words, Fuyumi's eyes fell. "Yeah, it does feel weird but I don't think Dad is right about this. He shouldn't have put this on Touya so I'm happy to help in any way I can. Besides, I can't wait to see how our big brother reacts to you."
At the small tease, the bird's face flushed before turning her eyes away with a cough of embarrassment. "I don't think he'll care that much."
Her hands then touched the small chair she was sitting in, spinning the girl around as the female giggled all at once. She was pretty sure that Touya was going to care."I guess we'll find out. She's ready!"
Urging the bird to stand, Hikari then rose to her feet before the door beside her opened to reveal her best friend standing a couple feet away, his eyes widening at the very sight.
Fuyumi moved past the two of them at that, giving her big brother a quick wink before heading towards the entrance with a smile. "I'll leave you two alone. See you out there."
An awkward silence appeared after that, causing Hikari to shift around in the crimson colored gown as Touya continued to stare at her, eyes wide and mouth hanging open in some sort of shock.
So instead, the girl decided to make up some kind of joke, pointing towards his black colored suit before smirking. "I didn't know you could dress up, considering you always love that emo hobo look of yours so much."
Finding her joke hysterical, Hikari giggled before realizing that the boy still hadn't broken eye contact in the slightest, his voice null of words as the girl's laughter paused. Oh no, did he hate it?
A sense of doubt entered her throat at that, wondering if this was a bad idea after all. She was clearly going to be a laughing stock if Touya hated it. "Why are you looking at me like that? Does it look bad? I told you I didn't suit it.."
That seemed to blink some sort of life into the boy's eyes, Touya blinking back the surprise only to realize that he hadn't processed anything she was saying before. "H-Huh?"
Frowning at that, Hikari replied. "I know it's bad, okay? I told you this was a bad idea."
Yet that's when the boy stepped forward before swallowing harshly and turning away in order for her not to see the embarrassment on his cheeks. "I-It's not the worst. Anyways, the party's already started. We should get out there.."
That's when Hikari noticed the clear stutter and unease in his own voice, almost like he was nervous or flustered about something. Well, at least he didn't absolutely hate it. That was good.
Touya then reached forward as if to steady her only for the girl to smile and lift her hands up with pride. "Oh, that's okay. You don't have to baby me anymore. Fuyumi gave me shorter heels so I can walk better now…"
As if to prove her point, the girl pointed down at the heeled shoes before lifting her feet up and staying steady. It was a good thing too, considering those other shoes would've completely embarrassed her.
Yet the boy didn't seem to be happy with the information, his lips frowning at the sight as Hikari took a step forward in question. She thought he'd be happy with the fact that he didn't have to hold her all night. "Touya?"
Reaching forward, Touya then looped his arms through hers before scoffing at her confidence in order to pull her closer to him. "I still don't trust it. Knowing you, you'll still find a way to fall flat on your face. Come here.."
And as his warmth enveloped Hikari, she couldn't help but turn her head in confusion. Wait, he was still doing this even though he didn't have to anymore? It was almost like he wanted her to lean on him all along.
The girl didn't argue though, enjoying his touch as the boy pulled her towards the loud noise and distanced music a couple yards away. You know what, never mind. She was glad he still wanted to support her cause this was terrifying as hell.
So much so that Hikari stopped in her tracks automatically, the fear getting to her as she thought about the commission and danger they were about to place themselves in. "Touya, I'm nervous. What if they recognize me? What if they laugh at me?"
She expected a snarky comment from him, she expected him to brush off her worries in order to make some kind of joke. That's usually what Touya did, considering he didn't really know how to deal with emotions very well.
But Hikari was surprised when the white haired boy turned towards her before lifting his fingers in order to brush a stray piece of hair from her face, his palms gracing her cheek with so much care that the girl felt herself crumble entirely.
And when he spoke, his voice was so incredibly gentle, soothing her in an instant. "Just focus on me, Princess. I'll make sure no one will be looking at you. They will only look at me, okay? We're partners in crime, remember? Don't pussy out on me now."
Recalling the same words she told him yesterday, Hikari's eyes couldn't help but fall. Of course it was in the plan to have the boy take all the attention but even still, she couldn't help but worry. "I'm not. I just.."
Still feeling her reluctance, Touya then reached down before intertwining his fingers through hers, holding her hand and giving it a small squeeze all at once. "Look, I won't let go the entire time so if you get nervous then just squeeze my hand. I can take it."
The warmth of his quirk soaked into her immediately, Hikari's gazing down at their intertwined hands before gaining a new sense of confidence for their mission. Touya was counting on her after all. She couldn't let him down. "Okay.."
That seemed to be the confirmation the boy needed to keep working, his hands never leaving her as they stepped into the very crowded, very loud ballroom all at once, stopping everyone in their tracks as they realized something very wrong with the situation.
Loud whispers and mummering began as Hikari squeezed onto Touya's hand for dear life, her feathers automatically sharpening under all the pressure around her. Her necklace started to shake from the very action, forcing itself to stay connected as they moved through the crowds.
Everything was so incredibly scary, Hikari wondering why she always romanized this kind of thing considering that now that all the eyes were on her, the girl wanted nothing more than for it to stop. She hated it, the stares, the whispers, the rude comments. She hated it all.
But the thing she focused on the most was Touya's warmth, feeling his fingers press against hers as they finally made their way to the center of the room as the boy spoke. "Sorry to burst your bubble but there isn't going to be an engagement today."
The entire crowd gasped at the words, causing the boy to smirk, drowning in the attention he was getting from all of this. It was about time he was noticed. "Let me get something straight now that you are all listening. I Todoroki Touya will be the next successor, not Shoto. I will beat All Might and I will be the greatest hero the world has ever seen. Mark my words, you haven't seen the last of me.."
Feeling his skin start to sizzle and smoke, the boy laughed maniacally at everyone's shocked little faces before staring straight at his stunned father and shouting proudly. "So remember it, remember my name for years to come. I will not be sold off like some sort of shitty cattle, I will not retire. I am not finished yet!"
Then before anyone could interject, Touya turned around and walked out of that ballroom with Hikari dragging behind him as chaos ensued, everyone shouting, whispering and gossiping for what they had just heard.
Running down the empty hallways, Hikari then watched as the boy gave a carefree chuckle, his eyes at peace for the first time since forever. And whereas everyone was seemingly outraged about his outburst, Touya was ecstatic.
So much so that the two didn't stop until they reached the gardens towards the back of the hall, the boy leaning down with pure joy and amusement as he held his knees with glee. "Did you see that, did you see that Princess? How they finally pay attention to me?! That will show them, that will make Dad rethink his decisions. Now the world knows I'm serious!
Hikari couldn't help but feel a sense of discomfort from the way he was acting though, it was strange and different, far more unhinged and psychotic than she'd ever seen before. It was almost like he was a completely different person.
She had seen it back when he first brought up this plan also. The hatred in his eyes, the overwhelming laughter when he thought about the suffering and pain of others. And although she understood his anger, Hikari was still rather afraid of the way he expressed it.
But even still, the girl smiled weakly at his happiness, knowing the boy went through a lot of hardship to get to this point, even if she didn't understand the measures he took half the time. "I'm happy for you, Touya. You deserve to be recognized for your talents."
Her voice seemed to awaken something inside of him though, the boy straightening his body before sharply turning his cerulean gaze at the blonde beside him. It was almost as if he had forgotten she was here.
Then reaching forward, Touya plopped a hand on her head before smiling softly in her direction, grateful pride in his eyes. "And it's all because of you, Princess. No one else has ever taken me seriously except for you."
Hikari only smiled though, answering honestly. "Hey, it's nothing. It's the least I can do since you've done so much for me. I owe you, remember?"
Touya couldn't help but falter at that, casting his eyes away in shame.
Just then, a sharp pain coursed through her veins as Hikari gritted her teeth before pulling back and grabbing onto the crystal pendant with a hiss, much to Touya's concern.
Of course, she had already expected this. "Sorry, I'm not used to wearing this necklace yet. All those crowds made me nervous so now my sharpened feathers are fighting against it. It's just a little uncomfortable though, nothing I can't handle."
In fact, as nice as this necklace was, sometimes it was slightly uncomfortable, almost like putting on a pair of shoes that were five sizes too small. And after the display in front of half of Japan, Hikari's nerves couldn't help but make her feathers still slightly defensive.
She paused her thoughts a moment later when Touya's fingers reached down in order to wrap them around her pendant as Hikari gasped in order for him to stop. What was he doing, she couldn't reveal her wings like this! What if someone saw?! "T-Touya, what are you.."
Yet that's when his voice moved two octaves lower, his fingers never leaving the object as he pleaded with a needy rasp for something unknown. "Let me see you, Princess."
Widening her eyes at his request, Hikari's hands began to soften as the boy pulled the pendant from her neck, allowing her broken deformed wings to outstretch from the cramped space all at once.
And looking down in the small pond at her reflection, a wave of self loathing couldn't help but push into her. Why did he do that? Now she felt even worse about herself.
Giving a sad chuckle, the girl frowned. "Kinda ruins the dress, doesn't it?"
Just then, she felt his fingers lightly touch the bottom of her chin before forcing it upwards and breaking Hikari out of her downward spiral in order to find comfort in his clear cerulean eyes.
Lowering his eyes towards the red objects, Touya then reached forward before touching the soft bristles in extreme care as a wave of pleasure and surprise coursed through her sensitive feathers. "I told you before, I didn't give you that cause I hated them.."
Then before the girl could question, the boy's arm reached down in order to grab her own arm and pull her into him before placing his hand on her lower back, mimicking the very same spot that Natsuo had touched just yesterday.
Wrapping his hands around the surface, Touya then began to move his body with hers, swaying back and forth before muttering something into her hair as if he was embarrassed. "Didn't you say this was a dream of yours or some shit? Now, shut up before I change my mind.."
And that's when Hiakri felt her heart jump and flip in complete and utter shock. They were dancing right now, weren't they? Touya and her were dancing under the moonlit night just like she had always dreamed about.
Allowing herself to drown in his scent, Hikari couldn't help but giggle to herself against his chest, recalling what his little brother had told her in passing. "Natsuo was right, you do know how to dance."
Touya seemed to find the humor in it as well though, the boy scoffing before tightening his hold on her waist in order to pull her closer. "Stupid brother, giving away all my secrets. Don't go telling anyone, okay?"
Smiling under her breath, Hikari replied lightly. "Wouldn't dream of it."
The two then fell silent, just enjoying each other's company as the distant music played in the background from the party they had just destroyed together. But it didn't matter, nothing mattered right now except for him. Touya, her Touya.
It honestly felt like a dream, something she never wanted to wake up from. All these years she wished for something like this, for a hero to sweep her off her feet and love her unconditionally and now it had really happened.
Sure, Touya wasn't the picture perfect man. He wasn't a prince but to Hikari he was everything. He was the only person she had willingly given her heart to, the only person that she had placed her trust in.
Just then, he heard his voice echo back to her, the tone far softer than before, almost as if he was about to say something extremely serious. "Hikari.."
At the sound of her real name, the girl smiled before waiting to hear what her first love was going to say, giving him her undivided attention. "Yes?"
Feeling his hands tighten around her waist once more, Touya's head moved further into her hair before muttering back softly. "Thank you, for everything. I know I'm a piece of shit and I don't deserve it. But even so, thank you."
Him saying thank you wasn't something Hikari had expected, the girl nuzzling her head into his chest even more as a response. He didn't need to thank her. She should've been thanking him for being her reason for living all these years.
Although that's when Touya's hands tightened on her body even more, almost like it pained him to say his next words. "And I'm sorry.."
Opening her eyes in confusion, Hikari felt her mind race. What was he saying? What could he possibly be sorry about? "Sorry, for what?"
Yet that's when the boy's voice began to sadden, forcing her further into his chest so that she wouldn't see the shame on his features or the regret in his eyes. "The future."
Still not understanding, Hikari couldn't help but feel a sharp spike of fear enter her chest. Why did those words make her so afraid? She didn't even know what they meant.
Was he hiding something from her?
"Huh?"
Yet before he could answer, a loud booming shout broke both of them out of their trance, his voice dripping with pure and utter hatred for the display before him. "TOUYA, YOU BETTER EXPLAIN YOURSELF. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?! "
Feeling herself immediately flitch in fear at the tone, Hikari broke herself away from Touya's hold only to come face to face with the one man she never ever wanted to meet.
Endeavor.
And although Hikari was terrified, Touya seemed to be thrilled at his pressure, stepping in front of the girl with a crazy laugh. "This is what happens when you don't take me seriously, Dad. Maybe you should've changed your mind before. I am not backing down until you realize I'm right."
Endeavor was far too furious to listen to him though, the mans' flames growing with his own rage. I HAVE NEVER TAKEN ANYTHING YOU'VE SAID SERIOUSLY, BOY. CAN'T YOU JUST GIVE IT A REST ALREADY? YOU WILL NEVER BE WORTHY ENOUGH FOR THE TODOROKI LINE.
Twisting his lips together in order to mask the hurt, Touya lifted his hands out before shouting back. At least his father was talking to him. "Yes I am! You just don't realize it yet! I can make you proud again, I can prove myself to you. You just have to look at me. I'm exactly what you want. I can be exactly what you want!"
As if on command, small sparks of blue escaped his arms as his father only shook his head, almost like he was disappointed in a small child. "WHY WOULD I LOOK AT SOMETHING THAT'S JUST A WASTE OF MY TIME? I GAVE YOU AN OPTION, I GAVE YOU A FUTURE WITH THIS QUIRK MARRIAGE BUT YOU STILL DEFY MY WISHES. YOU STILL WON'T LET IT GO."
Thinking back to that horrible conversation a couple months ago, Touya growled back. He couldn't stand the idea of him settling down and forgetting his dreams. That wasn't an option for him. "I don't want that to be my future! I haven't been training for years just to settle for some random bitch and give up! Mark my words, I will be the Todoroki successor, even if it kills me in the process!"
And he meant those words, knowing that without his fathers approval and the foundation he had always known, then he would rather die than live as an eternal disappointment. No, he was made to fight. It didn't matter if his body wouldn't let him, Touya refused to listen
He refused to be nothing.
Endeavor could clearly see that as well, hearing the boy talk about his death so easily and so unafraid. And at the time neither Hikari or Touya realized that but his son's words made the flamed hero terrified beyond reason.
Knowing he wouldn't give up without a breaking point, Endeavor then reached down towards his son before picking him up by the collar so that Touya could read every bit of fury and passion in his words. "AND MARK MY WORDS, YOU WILL NEVER BEAT SHOTO, YOU WILL NEVER PROVE YOURSELF TO ME, AND YOU WILL NEVER BECOME A HERO. I WILL MAKE SURE OF IT. YOU ARE JUST A DEFECT, ALWAYS HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL BE."
Then all at once, Touya's eyes began to fill with realization as Endeavor then shoved the boy away, completely turning his back and ignoring his face altogether. Almost like he was sick of him. "GET OUT OF MY HOUSE. I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE AND I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING MORE ABOUT YOUR DELUSIONS. IS THAT CLEAR?!
And it seemed like that completely broke the boy entirely, getting the message loud and clear. It didn't matter what he did, what he said, what he tried. The boy was never going to go back to the past, he was never going to be his fathers golden child again.
Feeling tears reach the corners of her eyes, Touya then took one look at his father's rejection before balling his first with devastation and running in the opposite way as Hikari gasped. "Touya…wait…!"
Yet that seemed to be a mistake as her shouts made Endeavor finally realize who was beside him, the man turning towards Hikari aggressively as she tried to visibly flitched at his rough tone. "AND YOU.."
Jumping backwards, the girl folded her wings behind her back before her body began to visibly start to shake. She couldn't help it. This man reminded her so much of her abusive dad that she couldn't help it.
Not liking her silence, the flamed hero stepped forward in fury, obviously looking for someone to take his overwhelming out on. "JUST WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, RUINING MY PLANS LIKE THAT? YOU DIRTY HOMELESS BIRD. STAY AWAY FROM MY SON. STOP FILLING HIS HEAD WITH SILLY FANTASIES."
Feeling any sort of words leave her lips, Hikari gasped before forcing herself to speak, each word coming out extremely small and stuttered. "T-They aren't fantasies. Touya really loves you and he wants.."
Endeavor didn't want to hear it though, immediately throwing his hands upwards as Hikari flitched in memory of how her dad used to hit her. "I DON'T CARE WHAT HE WANTS. THAT BOY DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE WANTS."
Yet even so, Hikari ignored her shaking body in order to try to stand up for the boy she loved. He had worked so hard and she couldn't cave under the pressure now, she had to say something.
Sucking in a nervous breath, the girl began again, her small just as small and scared as it was before. ""H-He does, and I-I think that.."
Once again, the man only cut her off, gazing at her deformed and shaking wings before turning his lips in disgust. "WHO ARE YOU TO TELL ME WHAT TO THINK? YOU ARE NOBODY, JUST A BROKEN BIRD WITH AN UGLY QUIRK. A WASTE OF SPACE IN EVERY WAY."
Gasping at his words, Hikari felt body shrink into herself. No, this was exactly like her father, and now she was acting the same way as before. So much so that Hikari felt tears start to cloud her vision a moment later. "I-I'm not a nobody, I'm…
Endeavor only laughed at her pathetic attempt of bravery before stomping even closer in order to get the point across. YES YOU ARE. YOU ARE A NOBODY. AND SINCE YOU DON'T BELIEVE IT I'M GONNA SHOW YOU.."
Reaching down, the man then forcibly wrapped his hands around her left wing before pulling harshly in an unnatural direction as Hikari yelped in pain, his eyes full of misdirected anger and frustration.
Pulling her closer, Endeavor then spoke to the girl before him, his words dripping with a special kind of venom that would haunt Hikari forever. "MARK MY WORDS CHILD, YOU WILL NEVER AMOUNT TO ANYTHING."
Hikari widened her eyes at his cruel words as her trembling body grew even more terrified. This was the guy that Kei-chan wanted to be like? This was his role model? No, this guy was a monster. He was pure evil in the worst way possible.
Suddenly, Endeavor's hand was ripped away only for Natsuo to stand in between him and his father, eyes wild and full of unmatched anger for the situation. "Whoa whoa Dad! Stop it. She's innocent!"
Hikari twisted her head in confusion for the boy's presence. He must have heard all the commotion and checked to see what was going on. That's why he was here. He must have watched his father hurt her.
Not having time to think, Natsuo then gestured behind him with a quick shout, his arms still outstretched so that Endeavor couldn't reach her anymore. "Get out of here! Quickly, I'll take care of it. Just go find Touya."
At the command, Hikari's eyes couldn't help but light up with a new kind of fear as she took a shaky step back in order to get away from a monster before her and to find her best friend to make sure he was okay.
Praying that Natsuo would be alright, the girl then turned on her heels before racing off in the direction she saw Touya last, his fathers loud booming voice calling back to her as an ever constant reminder of how much she didn't belong. "I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU NEAR THIS FAMILY OR MY SON EVER AGAIN. YOU HEAR ME?"
Hikari closed her eyes in invisible pain at his words before fully taking off into the streets without a second thought, the girl using her feathers to search every area she could as her heart pounded out of her chest. Please Touya, please be okay.
Feeling a panic attack work its way into her throat, the girl forced it down before turning around and running in the opposite direction when the trail ran cold. No, not there. Where could he be?!
She ran and ran until her heels dug into her feet, the girl not paying any mind as Hikari felt sweat start to pour down her cheeks and her breathing to strain with a fearful breath. Why was she so useless! Keigo would've found him by now. Come on stupid feathers, find him!
And it took about twenty minutes before Hikari's feathers picked up on a very familiar voice as the girl's heart ceased in intense desperation before running into the villain part of town without a care only to find the boy she was looking for just a few feet away.
Finally stopping for the first time in her panic, Hikari's chest heaved up and down over and over again as she watched the boy she loved with his head down, leaning against a nearby wall filled with heavy graffiti and unsavory words.
Hikari took a step closer, signaling the boy of her presence all at once as he didn't even make an effort to move. And as she approached, Hikari could see the damage that his father had done to him.
He wasn't the same Touya she had always known. No, the boy before her looked dead.
His eyes were cloudy and dull with tears pouring across the sides in an emotional line as any sign of life was drained from his face, not even noticing as a cold chill blew through the space.
Standing before him, Hikari couldn't help but ball her fists at the sight. She hated it, she hated that he had finally lost his fight after so long. How dare his father destroy his dreams like that and leave him a hollow shell of himself.
The girl then took another step closer before allowing her voice to come out, soft and fragile. "T-Touya?"
Even so, the boy didn't make any effort to move, his eyes still glued to the floor like a mindless broken zombie as if she wasn't even there. No, it seemed like he was still trapped in his own mind for that.
Not knowing what to do, Hikari then recalled when she was first assaulted on her mission, feeling a familiar emptiness pool into her chest all at once. Back then she thought everything was hopeless also, didn't she?
She thought her life was over before Touya brought her back to life with his words.
And given how many times the boy had helped her, Hikari knew she couldn't walk away from him now. No, everyone else had walked away from him but she wasn't about to give up. Her Touya was still in there somewhere, she just knew it.
That's why the girl then reached forwards towards the broken white haired boy before uttering five little words, the same five little words that saved her all those years ago. "Do you want to forget?"
Cradling his cheek lovingly, Touya seemed to register the weight of her words, lifting his head and finding those same warm kind amber eyes that always invited him back. "What?"
Hikari only lowered her eyes though, taking another step closer with a heavy breath at the distance they now shared. "You helped me before. So let me help you, let me help you forget."
Pushing his lips together in overwhelming conflict for something unknown, Hikari closed her eyes in order to give him permission for whatever he needed. Anything to make him feel better, anything to make him feel loved and alive again.
Then all at once, Touya roughly grabbed her wrist before flipping her back to her wall in order for his lips to collide with hers, pushing her body against the surface as if some sort of invisible string had broken in his mind.
And although she was surprised with the force of the motion, Hikari quickly melted in his touch, feeling a spike of nerves overtake her when his hands reached in between the slit of her dress and grabbed onto the bare skin of her upper thigh with a groan.
His lips were hungry and needy, searching for an affection that the girl was happy to give him as her hands wrapped around his back in order to pull him closer. It's okay Touya, it's okay. I will give you as much love as you need. Just don't disappear from me.
Craving to know what was inside his brain, she felt Touya's fingers travel upwards before he seemed to realize what he was doing in order to pull away with a heavy breath of restraint before flopping his head on her shoulder.
The girl then heard his voice, clearly frustrated and fighting with himself every step of the way. "I-I can't hold myself back right now. I don't know what I'm going to do and my control is shit so you should push me away..."
Yet even as he said that, his body seemingly betrayed his words, pushing against her as Hikari's eyes softened. He was sweet for caring about her wellbeing but even she knew the truth, the truth that he didn't have to be careful with her like this.
Seemingly knowing what he wanted, Hikari then grabbed onto his hand before moving it down and placing it back on her thigh and meeting his eyes with a small smile. "Touya, I already decided a long time ago that my body and my heart are all yours."
Still sensing the apprehension in his eyes, the girl then leaned forward before pressing a loving kiss on his lips as a sign of encouragement. "It's okay, I'm okay."
And that seemed to be all the confirmation Touya needed as his lips crashed into hers a moment later, the boy squeezing the soft flesh on her thighs before moaning in breathy need for her affection, something that Hikari was happy to provide.
Slipping his tongue in between her lips, Hikari felt a wave of pleasure overtake her before moaning as well, pushing herself forward and into him to deepen the kiss.
He happily complied, the boy giving a feral growl that made her skin grow goosebumps all at once before he roamed her body with his hands, feeling and squeezing every grove and exposed piece of skin.
Then, lifting her up by her thighs, Hikari wrapped her legs around his waist all at once before the man hurriedly walked into the building across the street, opening the door only for the girl to see a mattress and a set of clothes in the corner.
Wait, was this his place?
As if he was reading her mind, Touya quickly broke away from their kiss before giving a breathy and rushed response, almost like he couldn't care less about such meaningless conversation. "This is where I go when I leave home. Use it to get away from shit. Figured you deserve something better than an alley."
Not giving her time to think, the boy then moved over to the mattress before throwing HIkari onto the surface in order to climb on top of her in order to press his lips on the sweet spot on the side of her neck with a needy groan.
Moaning at the sensation, Hikari looked at the boy before recalling every single time she would replace her abusers faces with his in order for her to imagine what being loved by Touya was really like.
And now it was actually happening, she was being loved and adored by the one boy that she cared about more than anything. It felt like a dream come true, one that she never wanted to wake up from ever.
Seeing her dazed look, Touya then began to unzip the back of dress, the fabric falling with it before he immediately began to lay claim on her body, leaving rushed and hungry hickeys and bites on the surface all at once.
Yet due to the action, Hikari felt herself tense up given that his moves were something her abusers would use on her. She just couldn't help it, the wounds were still flesh from things she couldn't control.
Almost immediately, Touya noticed her change in tone before his head filtered away in order to lovingly stroke her cheek with visible concern. "Do you want me to stop?"
Feeling a spike of fear at the idea, Hikari shook her head sharply, a look of shame on her features. "Sorry, I've just never done this with someone of my choice so I'm not used to it. I think my body doesn't want to believe it."
Touya only flicked the top of her forehead with annoyance though. He couldn't be mad at her for things she couldn't control, as sad as they may be. "Stop apologizing, dummy."
Groaning at the hit, Hikari frowned before reaching her hand up in order to loosen the tie from his suit all at once, her eyes serious and strong. "I don't want to stop though. I want to get over this fear."
And as much as she hated the paralyzing fear that crept in her throat at this moment, she knew that it wasn't because of that man before her. It was simply because of all the horrible things she was forced to do previously.
Touya had taken her to his place, he pulled away when she was uncomfortable, he had asked about her and was ready to stop. That was enough for her brain to understand that he wasn't the same as every other man that laid claim to her body.
No, he actually cared about her. He didn't think she was just some random hook up, he didn't think she was just a distraction from ordinary life. No, he was the man she wanted to give her heart and mind to, he was the first person she wanted to intrust everything.
He was the first person she trusted with every vulnerable part of her.
And Touya seemed to realize this as well, carefully reaching down before pulling the rest of her dress form her body as his lips breathed against her kiss, far softer then she'd ever experienced before. "Well then, allow me to help you, Princess."
Then the boy began to kiss every part of her, starting from the tip of her head down to her chest, stomach, thighs and legs, truly showing her the amount of respect and love that she deserved.
And every bit of it made Hikari melt, gasping as the boy grabbed onto her wings before running a couple fingers through her feathers as Hikari moaned in unspeakable pleasure, much to his surprise. "Oh? I didn't know they were that sensitive. How dirty, Princess."
Even so, he didn't stop his sweet torture, enjoying her breathy moans before the boy took off his jackat and shirt as Hikari reached out and felt his bare muscles all at once. She could really tell he spent every waking hour in the gym cause, wow.
Chuckling at her interest, Touya then leaned closer before unhooking her bra in order to look at the woman before him, the one that was so forbidden and yet so irresistible that it made his mind forget the dangers.
Hikari barely noticed though, far too busy sucking on the sweet spot on his neck as Touya felt her breasts between his fingers, massaging the two mounds with a groan before pinching her nibbles and causing the girl's eyes to roll back with ecstasy.
Moving his hands down, Touya then found what he was looking for before thrusting two fingers roughly inside her, something that made Hikari's gasp and moan ever louder than before as she clung onto him for dear life.
And the boy loved hearing that sound more than anything, growing far more aggressive in his motions as HIkari's moans turned into breathy quick gasps, showing him that she wasn't going to last very long.
How sweet. Princess was waiting for him for a while, wasn't she?
So much so that Hikari's eyes lowered before turning to look at Touya in breathy need. "T-Touya, I need you. Please."
Then all at once, Touya's control snapped as well and the next thing he knew, he had already put a condom on from his drawers in order to slide into the desperate and beautiful girl in front of him without a second thought.
Sure, he probably should've made everything last longer but the boy was both too far gone and so emotionally desperate for love that he couldn't help it.
And that beg from Hikari had completely sent him over the edge
The girl didn't seem to mind though, holding onto Touya for dear life as she felt tears pour down his cheeks from the horrible night they had shared. But even still, she held onto him in order to give him as much of her as she possibly could.
Moving at a faster rate, the two began to grow sloppy with their movements until both Touya and Hikari's voices echoed throughout the space, allowing all of their unkempt shame and fears to disappear with it.
Just as she felt herself pour over the edge, she heard Touya's desperate and needy voice in his ear, so emotional and so full of passion that it made her gasp with desire. "H-Hikari.."
And in that moment, the only thing Hikari could possibly think was one single solitary phrase over and over again, drowning her with every fiber of her being as she desired to scream it out loud.
I love you
I love you
I love you, Touya.
Lulling her head to the side, Hikari opened her tired her eyes before realizing she was fully eloped in an overwhelming warmth, turning to find Touya sleeping soundly beside her.
She couldn't help but blush at last night's events before playfully poking him in the forehead with a soft smile. Everything felt so perfect right now, here with him. "Wake up sleepy head. You're gonna get wrinkles if you sleep too much."
Touya groaned at the action before swatting her hand away only to open his eyes with a sleepy yawn. "Isn't it a little early for you to be so annoying?"
Hikari couldn't help but pout her lips at that, leaning forward before shaking Touya's naked body around with a giggle of pure joy. "Sorry, I can't help it. I'm just so happy right now."
Lifting her wings upwards to prove her point, the boy only rolled his eyes before sitting up. It seemed like sleep was impossible for him now with this squawking bird next to him. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Princess.."
Yet Hikari was far too gone to realize his words, sitting up herself before smiling softly. She supposed there was no harm in telling him her feelings now after what happened last night, considering he felt the same. "I just wanna say something, if that's okay?"
Touya didn't deny her though, running a hand through her messy hair before she continued lightly. "Right so, I just want to say that I really care about you Touya. I mean, you're the one that's been around with me since the beginning and helped me through so much."
Pushing her hands together in order to look at the surface, the girl narrowed her eyes in knowing thought. "And last night, that was the first time I ever felt okay about..you know.."
Not being able to say the word "sex" Hikari somehow knew that wasn't the right word for what happened last night. No, last night wasn't just about sex, it was about making love with the person she cared about the most.
Touya seemed to know what she meant though, choosing to remain quiet as she aggressively ran her fingers through her hair with a crazed shout. "Ah! I can't find the right words to use so I guess I'll just spit it out…"
Just then, the girl turned back to the boy before her as she gushed happily, a gentle smile reaching across her entire face. "I just, I love you, Touya. I love you so much."
Pushing her head back into the blankets, the girl then squealed to herself before her entire face lit up with pure and utter embarrassment. "Ahh! I said it. I really said it.."
Yet very quickly she was met with silence, Hikari turning her head upwards only to see a rather strange look on Touya's face. He didn't look happy in the slightest about her confession.
No, he looked like she had just told him the worst news of his life.
Blinking in confusion, Hikari moved forward before turning her head with a frown. It couldn't have been that much of a surprise to him given what she told him last night. So then why does he look so strange now? It didn't make sense.
Then all at once, the boy stood on his feet, already mindlessly grabbing his clothes strewn across the room with a wordless blank stare as Hikari called out to him in question. "Oh, are you going out?"
Nodding back robotically, Touya then dressed himself before turning back to the naked girl on his bed with a rushed reply in order to pause for a millisecond. "Yeah.."
Hikari couldn't help but feel a sense of fear inside her chest at that, pushing it down quickly in order to nod her head once. Nah, you are just being paranoid. He probably really did have something do and you're just acting clingy.
Yet the slam of the door couldn't help but make HIkari flitch, turning her head before tracing her fingers on the outline that once housed his body with a sigh.
Perking up, the girl then shook the lingering anxieties away before finding her own clothes and putting them on with a small smile. He was probably still upset about Endeavor so she should do something nice for him when he comes back.
Yes, that would make him happy again. She just knew it.
The sun had just begun to set as Hikari made her way back towards the small building at the edge of town, her hands full of groceries and little surprises that would make Touya smile. Sure, she may have used the money Riku gave her for food but it would all be worth it to see him happy again.
That's the only thing she really wanted after all.
Yet as she approached the door, the girl was surprised to hear a variety of noises coming from Touya's room at the end of the hall. Huh? Was he back already? She thought for sure she'd beaten him.
Moving towards the surface, Hikari's body then froze in her tracks when she realized just what those strange sounds were. They were moans, female moans.
Not understanding, the girl felt her mind start to spin with endless possibilities before feeling her breath immediately start to pick up. Wait, what was going on? No, there's no way. Touya wouldn't do what you think. He's too kind, too nice. He slept with you just last night. He wouldn't' bring another woman here right after that.
Yet against her better judgment, the girl found herself opening the door only to see her absolute worst nightmare right before her eyes.
Because there was Touya with another woman on top of him, her black hair draping across his shirtless body as she straddled the boy in order to touch his face lovingly.
No.
No, it couldn't be.
Feeling herself freeze in the doorway, the woman only turned to smirk at Hikari before Touya seemed to notice as well, his half lidded eyes uncaring and cruel in every way imaginable.
Wait, that wasn't her Touya, that wasn't the man she fell in love with.
The boy then moved forward before pushing the random female closer to him as he watched Hikari's eyes brim with tears, almost like he was enjoying the sight. "Princess, what are you doing here? Oh, don't tell me you actually thought that last night meant something, that I had feelings for you?"
Hikari felt herself get slapped across the face with those words, her mouth running dry for any smart comeback or remake. No, right now the only thing the girl could feel was complete and utter heartbreak.
Was she fooling herself this entire time? Did Touya really only see her as a means of boredom and entertainment? Of course that's what he said in the beginning but Hikari didn't really believe it until now.
But now, now she wasn't even sure she even knew who the man in front of her really was.
And as tears poured down her cheeks in a silent angry line, the bird turned her back to the display before running out of that room as fast as possible, her own heart suffocating her with so much self loathing and hatred.
She should've known, she should've known that she meant nothing to him.
Once she was gone from sight, Hikari then fell to her knees before allowing her hyperventilating breaths and sobs to overtake her all at once. Stupid bird, stupid stupid bird. Why are you so stupid!? You were fooling yourself all along.
Pushing her shaking hands to the ground, the bird couldn't help but close her eyes as every single good thing about Touya, every interaction and kind word from him played on loop like a constant and everlasting nightmare.
Although little did she know that this night, this horrible awful disgusting night..
Was the last time Hikari ever saw Touya alive.
Whoo! I spend all day on this and it's almost 3Am. But I was so excited cause this chapter and the ones coming up are things I've outlined since the start of chapter one so I'm so excited to piece this story together
And I hope you enjoyed this semi cute, semi depressing fluff cause it's' all downhill from here let me tell you. You aren't getting another happy chapter for a while.
So now you can see why Hikari and Dabi don't really have the best relationship at the start of the book and why they have their guards up, considering the last thing they talked about as Touya this happened. Now when you go back and read about their problems it makes sense.
Also that Hikari and Endeavor interaction. Oof. Now you can why she doesn't like him that much previously. Of course now we know the man was just being harsh to save Touya from killing himself with his quirk but mmmm. He foes about it the wrong way for sure.
Next Chapter: Liberation Attack.