A/N: Hello! WOW! It is Report Card week and I have been scrambling. I finally got this story finished. In case anyone is curious, I basically rewrote another Tokotober moment in here because it was just super fitting for this chapter. I hope you are all well. I have been VERY busy! LOL. So, I'm sorry for the late chapter, but it is nice and long for you all.

Also, I feel super compelled to shout out an amazing story on AO3.

The First story is called My Land by Tenkku. It is an amazing fantasy AU about Tokoyami and Shoji! The relationship build up is amazing. The Lore created is wonderful. You all need to go read it! I am hooked!

Please enjoy the read and let me know what you think of this chapter.

Love you all,

Traditional Twist!

Chapter 23

"What's your problem?" Dark Shadow asked Fumikage as the elevator door closed.

"I'm just not in the mood to be with others." Fumikage waited in silence as the elevator took him up to the second floor. He entered his bedroom and closed the door.

Dark Shadow poked out of his back. "Hawks has Sora. She is fine. What is wrong with you? I'm getting so antsy." The shadow bounded about the room.

"I am worried I have made a mistake. I have now flung Sora into Hawks' care. She has had no say in any of this!"

Dark Shadow rolled his head. "You are being so dramatic! You need to get over yourself. Why don't we go to the gym?"

Fumikage thought for a moment. "Exercise is good for stress."

"You could even text Shoji. Get him to come." Fumikage jumped at the option. The Shadow snickered and continued. "You know you want to watch him lift all those weights with his large, muscular, hands."

Fumikage envisioned watching Shoji bench press. He shook his head to get out of his gaze. "I don't think I should do that." Fumikage turned towards his guitar. "I think I have other plans for what I would like to do."

An hour had passed since Fumikage left the breakfast. Shoji has remained downstairs. He was wondering if he should go up and check on Fumikage when his phone buzzed in his pocket.

Fumikage: Would you come to my room please?

Shoji placed the phone in his pocket. Fumikage was ready to be social. He quickly made his way up to the second floor. As he approached Fumikage's door, he noticed it was ajar. He pressed the door open. "Fumikage?"

There before him, the black bird-headed teen sat on the floor with his guitar in his lap. "Shoji, would you close the door and then sit down in front of me?"

Shoji closed the door and followed the instructions. He sat down and carpet and started at Fumikage. The other teen seemed nervous.

"Just listen," Fumikage said. He began to strum the chords of the guitar.

When I engage with your stare

I feel the sparks fly through the air

They ignite this feeling in my heart

I know in darkness that I thrive

It's no different within your eyes

They are the coal the fuels my soul

Your gaze is what keeps me whole

Thank the heavens you have so many hands

Now I know I can learn to stand

And if I fall, I know you will catch me.

With you, a hopeful future is all I see

You always keep me in your sights

You are always at my side to help the fight

Your body feels like a second home

When you're around I never feel alone.

I never would have imagined my heart could fill with peace.

And though my old life has seemed diseased

I know with you there; my happiness will never cease.

As Fumikage's fingers slowly fell off the strings, Shoji's mouth fell open and he stared. "You wrote that for me?"

Fumikage nodded. "I… It felt right." He rubbed the back of his neck. "You're very important to me, Shoji."

Shoji grabbed Fumikage's hand in a pair of his own. "Fumikage, please call me Mezo."

"Okay," Fumikage whispered.

He leaned his face towards the masked male. Shoji had the same idea. He leaned in to Fumikage while lifting a tentacle hand to his mask. He pulled it down, pressing his largemouth against Fumikage' beak. They held the position for several minutes. It wasn't a normal kiss, but it was a long meaningful one for the pair.

As they pulled away, the two teens smiled. Fumikage opened his mouth to speak, but the settle beeping of his phone came from his desk. Shoji nodded to him to go check his phone. Fumikage got up and grabbed his phone. He looked down to see a text message from Hawks.

Hawks: I think I get why you were questioning taking Sora shopping. We got a lot of stuff. Her bed is set up and she is staying here tonight. She can't wait to show you her room once everything is set up! You will see it tomorrow. By the way, this doll is you.

Attached was an image of the black-haired doll Sora Gad found and said was her brother. Fumikage shook his head at the text and chuckled. Shoji saw his reaction. "What's so funny?"

"Sora seems to have talked Hawks into buying a plethora of furniture and dolls. She will be staying there tonight."

Shoji smiled, pulling his mask back up. "So, it seems your schedule is completely clear. What do you want to do?"

"Come on! Please Go work out with him! You know we both want to see him flex those muscles," Dark Shadow whispered in his head.

Fumikage sighed inwardly. He couldn't deny it. "Would you be interested in some strength training?"

"Sure," Shoji said. "Let me go change masks." He stood up and walked towards the door.

"I will change into better clothes as well," Fumikage said.

"That's a good idea." Shoji grabbed the door handle but didn't answer. He turned his head back. A light blush creeping over his mask. "You should wear a tank top. You look good." He then walked out of the room.

Fumikage was stunned. His beak fell open as Dark Shadow flew out of his chest and danced around the room. "He was thinking it, too!"

The teen smiled. "We better hurry up and change."

Hawks yawned and stretched his arm. He looked around the room. Sora's bed had been assembled. She had a dresser that was yet to be pieced together. All the dolls sat on top on the dresser.

The winged hero scoffed at the dolls. He felt like they were mocking him and his inefficient speed at assembly. He truly didn't realize how much they had purchased.

The piece that had taken the longest, was a fire pit Hawks found to place in the girl's room. The pit was surrounded by large cutouts of red stone in the shape of a heart. He had gotten some advice from Endeavor who told him what type of flooring he could get that would be fireproof. He had the floor completed right after the court hearing.

Sora danced around the fire pit. "Can we turn it on? Please!"

"It's almost finished. I need to make sure there are no leaks. I know you have no problem if the house catches fire, but I have a greater concern." Hawks tore a piece of electrical tape with his teeth and wrapped it around the connection to the fuel tank and tube. "Okay let's turn it on." Hawks hit a switch and the flames danced up.

Sora jumped up and down and chirped. "It's amazing!"

Hawks wiped his brow. "Phew! I'm glad that's done."

Sora raced over to Hawks and latched herself around the winged hero's neck. "Thank you! Thank you so much!"

"Of course," Hawks said patting the child on her back. "I'm glad you like it."

"I love it! I've never had more than a lighter! And I get my own bed, and my own room! You are a great new dad!"

Hawks rubbed the back of his neck. "I uh…" He wasn't sure how to respond. She had accepted him as a father so quickly.

Sora ignored the sounds Hawks made. "Fumi always stayed with me. And dad was only around if he had a girlfriend to watch me. You're not like that. That's a good thing."

"Thanks Red." Hawks squeezed the small girl. "I think we should stop here tonight."

"I can't wait to seep in my bed." Sora jumped off Hawks and dove onto her bed.

Hawks laughed and pulled out his phone. "I'll text Fumikage to let him know you are staying here."

"Why wouldn't I" Sora inquired.

Hawks shrugged. "Not everything is set up."

"I have all that I need. This is great! I even have clothes." She yawned and dove under the dark, floral comforter.

Hawks laughed. "Yeah we have done a lot today. You must be tired."

"I am." She yawned again and then extended her hand towards the red, burning doll they had bought earlier that day. "I want to sleep with the phoenix doll."

The winged hero grabbed the doll and handed it to the child. She hugged it tightly and laid down. He smiled and patted the girls head. There you are. Are you really ready to go to bed?"

Sora yawned. "Yes."

Hawks laughed. "Okay. Goodnight kiddo." He stood up and walked to the door. He turned out the light.

"Goodnight Hawks. I love you." Sora rolled over in the bed. She seemed to be swallowed by the comforter.

Hawks flinched. This kid was going to kill him. "You too." He closed the door and walked to the couch, collapsing face down on the pillows. He was exhausted. Taking care of a kid, building furniture, and just adapting to this new life was something different. Just as he did everything, Hawks fell asleep.

Sora woke up to the sound of something crashing. She sat up in her bed. "Hawks?" She called out.

Feet pounded on the ground. There was a grunt, and a crashing noise. "Red! Hide! Run!"

Sora's eyes weld up. Something was wrong. Hawks told her to hide. She was going to listen. Her eyes darted around the room as the sounds of fighting ad crashes got louder. She looked to her fire pit. It was still on. Sora jumped off her bed and into the fire pit. She turned to ashes as the flames licked her body.

At that moment the door was kicked open. A figure holding a knife entered the room. As he entered, his burned skin could be seen from the flames. The knife he had was covered in red. He dipped the blade into a clear knife case on his belt, before raising a hand with blue flames.

"Come out, come out," a cool voice said. The dark-haired villain tore through Sora's bed. He opens her closet and pulled out everything inside. "You can't hide forever!"

"Dabi! Stay away from her!" Hawks limped into the room using one of his feathered swords as a cane. His coat was stained with blood.

Dabi engulfed his arm in flames. "Where the fuck is she?"

Hawks looked around. He saw no sight of Sora. "She's a good listener. She ran."

Dabi yelled and kicked the fire pit over. Flames landed on the edge of Sora's dresser caught fire. "She couldn't have gone far!"

Hawks smirked. "She's smarter and faster than you think."

"We'll see about that." Dabi hopped on the dresser and pulled open the window.

"What do you want with a kid?" Hawks coughed.

Dabi glared at the winged hero. "You heroes always forget about the common man. Not everyone can have access to top notch medical care. That girl's quirk… it would be quite valuable."

Hawks gasped as the villain leapt out the window. The dresser was still on fire. He hobbled over the flames and removed his jacket. He then began beating the fire down until it's just a simple ember. Hawks collapsed as the last piece of flaming wood was put out. There was a popping noise behind him.

"Hawks!" Sora squeaked and rushed over to the injured hero. "You're hurt." The small girl leaned over his side and began to cry.

"Thanks, Red. I'm really glad you heard me. Where were you?"

"I hid in the fire pit."

Hawks smiled. "Good girl." The slit in his side slowly closed. "I'm really glad you're good at healing."

"Are you hurt, anywhere else?" Sora asked. She hopped around the hero and gasped. "Your wing!"

Hawks winced as he moved his left wing. "He burned one of my wings. Don't worry, it will grow back eventually."

"I can fix it," Sora said. "I just need to feel really sad."

"You sure?" Hawks questioned.

Sora nodded. "If we put on Quirks of Our Lives, I'll feel sad."

Hawks laughed and slowly pushed himself up. "I think maybe some Quirks of Our Lives will do both of us some good."

They walked out to the living room. Hawks positioned himself in a comfortable sitting position on the floor as Sora turned on the television and sat behind him on the couch. Hawks pulled out his phones to send a quick text as he felt the calming tears of Sora landed on his wing.

Hawks: Endeavor, I have royally messed up. I need you to meet me at my place.

"Who are you texting?" Sora sniffled as she continued to cry.

"Endeavor."

"Your doll hero?" Hawks nodded and Sora squeaked with a cheer. "He's like your dad, right?"

"I suppose," Hawks said with a thought. "So, he is my grandpa!"

Hawks laughed. "I don't know how he'd feel about that," Hawks mumbled. His phone

buzzed.

Endeavor: What did you do? I will be there shortly.

Hawk sighed a breath of relief. Endeavor would be there soon. He could assess the damage.

After an exciting and pleasant trip to the gym, Fumikage went to lunch with Shoji. The two chatted throughout the day. Hours past and so did the daylight. The two made their way up to the roof to stargaze for a bit. It was a romantic setting. Fumikage wouldn't change any moment of the day.

They sat quietly next to each other. Each lost in thought staring at the stars. Fumikage took the initiative to set up a blanket for them both to lay down on. But since then it had been quiet.

Suddenly, Fumikage felt a warmth around his left hand. He turned to see Shoji, intertwining his fingers with his. He faces was stunned by the euphoric physical contact.

"Is this alright?" Shoji asked noting the surprised expression from Fumikage.

"Yes," Fumikage whispered. He squeezed Shoji's hand to keep a firm grasp.

Shoji chuckled. "I won't let go. I'm not going to leave or anything."

"It' just, this is so nice," Fumikage said, still looking at the multi-armed teen.

"Why are you staring at me, Fumikage?" Shoji asked.

"Because you are absolutely breathtaking," Fumikage sighed. His beak turned red as soon as he realized what he had said. It didn't keep him from looking away.

Shoji blushed, the redness seeping through his mask. "You are too much sometimes." He squeezed Fumikage's hand gently.

Fumikage's eyes saddened and he turned back to the stars. His right hand traced the pointed edges of his beak. "Sometimes I feel this beak is a curse. I would give anything to be able to kiss you on the cheek, but that idea is just like the stars; in sight, but out of reach."

"Fumikage," Shoji rolled onto his side and stroked the bird teens hand with another arm.

"I'm overwhelmed with emotions and feelings for you, Shoji," Tokoyami continued. "I feel like they are trapped. I am not equipped with the ability to physically express them all. Perhaps I am mentally trapped as well. I fear that expressing them will just lead to some sort of pain."

"Fumikage, I don't want you to feel like you trapped in a relationship with me," Shoji said.

The bird-headed teen shook his head. "I'm not trapped with you. I trapped from you. You are on the outside. Your stunning aura reaches into the cage of feelings I have trapped myself in. My physical limitations alone keep me here. I don't feel i have a choice in how I express my feelings for you. I don't know how to express it. I've never felt like this before. It's wonderful yet infuriating because I can't let it out. Dark Shadow tells me I will find a way to express myself. I just hope I don't lose you while in the midst of this process. You should know how much I appreciate you."

Fumikage felt a pair of lips brush against the top of his beak. Shoji had extended another arm and formed it into a mouth. It was busy kissing all around Fumikage's beak.

"I admire your beak, Shoji stated boldly between kisses. "And your feathers, and your whole head. There is nothing I would change about you. You are one of the most unique souls I have ever met. I don't think that the traditional form for physical expression would work for us."

Fumikage rolled onto his left arm, still intertwined with Shoji's fingers His right-hand caressed Shoji's cheek and he gently rubbed his beak against the other teens mask. "Then what can I do to show you how much I feel for you?"

"Do what you can, and what you are doing. Tell me."

Silence filled the air for several minutes. Both teens had turned back to staring at the stars. Fumikage had not moved since he rolled onto his back again. Shoji just sat in silence, assuming the other had fallen asleep when he heard a small whisper.

"Shoji."

"Yes Fumikage."

"I…. I love you."

Shoji smiled. "I love you too," he said with his main mouth.

The two held each other in a tight embrace and continued to watch the stars in silence. They knew, that they had exceeded the norms, but with such extraordinary feelings and extraordinary quirks, both lovers would do what was right for them, and nobody else.