Wow it deffs has been a while since I last updated but here I am, updating once more. Enjoy the chapter.

Disclaimer: My Hero Academia doesn't belong to me

Chapter 14: Then and Now

Midnight. Hawks' apartment. Todoroki Fuyumi stirred awake. She hadn't intended to wake up but her body was auto pilot. She smiled when she felt Hawks' arm around her. She always did enjoy staying over with him and this was one of the few times she could enjoy being in his arms. On other occasions, by the time morning came, Hawks was already up and getting ready to leave so it was nice to still have him there with her.

Fuyumi reached over to the bedside table to grab her phone. 1:18 a.m. on the eighteenth of January. No wonder she'd woken up.

Tōya's birthday. One year since she and Hawks met.

One year since he'd found her sitting alone in the park and came to join her.

Fuyumi carefully got out of bed, making sure not to wake him, and walked out on to the balcony. It was freezing and the sky was covered in clouds just like it had been back then. It looked like it could start snowing any minute now.

Fuyumi held herself tighter against the cold and sighed, a puff of white escaping her lips.

"You know it's been a year since we met?" Fuyumi heard the balcony door open and close behind her. Hawks came and stood next to her, leaning against the railing.

"It doesn't feel like it's been that long." he looked up at the sky with her.

"So much has happened since that night, a lot has changed between then and now."

"And yet one thing remains the same." He started, Fuyumi didn't respond but gave him a curious look. "Both times you've been out on your own."

Fuyumi silently agreed. That was how they'd met afterall.

"Today's clearly very special to you."

"It is..." her voice was low. "Some years I can't sleep on his birthday. I'm always thinking about him. My older brother, Tōya." Fuyumi answered pensively, Hawks gave her a surprised look, she lightly smiled. "I'm the second born. Tōya's a year older than me but uhm..." she felt herself getting choked up, "We lost him in a fire back when we were kids. My family's never been the same since." Fuyumi wiped away a tear.

"I'm so sorry." he felt his heart breaking hearing her speak, the pain so evident in her voice. Fuyumi moved closer and wrapped her arms around him, wanting to be held and Hawks more than readily put his arms around her.

"So much was going wrong in our lives back then and then we lost Tōya and everything crumbled even further." she'd gone over the story thousands of times in her head when she'd been preparing to eventually tell Hawks everything but even with all that preparation, she couldn't keep her emotions from bursting through.

There were a number of times that Fuyumi had wanted to tell Hawks the full story of her family but she'd never felt ready and the turmoil and pain were too overwhelming to bring it up on some occasions. But now that they were together and they'd come so far in opening up to each other, she wanted him to know.

She told him everything: about her father's dark obsession with power and being the best and how he'd treated his family as a result. Their mother withering away then being sent to the hospital because of her father's actions, Tōya desperately trying to win their father's acknowledgement and prove himself and how he'd ended up with burns as a result.

Fuyumi loved her father, she really did but, the image of him back then, so violent and angry, looming over them all and shouting. As much as he'd changed, that image of him would remain with her forever.

She told Hawks about how she took on a lot of the household tasks to fill in for their absent mother, how she had to take care of her brothers and about the day her father told them all the news of what happened to Tōya.

Their household was already in shambles but when their father broke the news about Tōya, the damage had been irreparable. They might have all still been in the same house but their lives had gone in separate directions, each living in isolation. Fuyumi had tried to be the lifeline, wanting them to come closer together not move further apart at the news of Tōya's death but that proved impossible.

Their father got even more obsessed with his goal and drove it into Shōto. She and Natsuo still weren't allowed around him much, Natsuo lived his life like their father never existed and moved out the second he was old enough to.

And as for Fuyumi, she watched her family fall apart, wanting to do something, anything to change things but she'd been too afraid to confront the myriad of problems they were all facing. She hadn't even faced her own until recently.

By the end of her story Fuyumi was crying in Hawks' arms.

"We're still not perfect, we've definitely still got a long way to go but things are different. I wish he was here to see it." Fuyumi wiped away the last of her tears. "I wished for the same thing last year when you found me."

Honestly speaking, if she hadn't gone out that night in an effort to clear her head and heart, she never would've officially met Hawks and they wouldn't be here right now. Wrapped in each other's arms and in a loving relationship.

At least something good had come out of her self-isolation, her tendency to seek solitude whenever her emotions became too much.

"I wish I could've done more for my brothers."

"You did what you could." he rubbed her back. "You were a child too."

After a few minutes in silence together, it began to snow. Tiny white flakes drifted from the sky to the ground.

"We should head back in before the snow picks up." Hawks spoke up.

"You go on ahead, I wanna stay out a bit longer."

"You sure?" he looked down at her and Fuyumi nodded. Hawks kissed her on the forehead before going back inside.

Fuyumi stretched out her hand and watched as a snowflake slowly fell into her hand. She was glad she'd told Hawks her story but still needed some time alone to clear her head.

You were a child too. He'd said to her and while that was true, it was so simple that it had never crossed Fuyumi's mind. Back then their world had fallen apart and as the oldest she decided that she had to step up and be the adult. She had to make sure Natsuo and Shōto were taken care of, that they always had meals ready and waiting, that they could worry as little as possible about home and focus on themselves. To Fuyumi it hadn't mattered that she was twelve when she'd started stepping up, it had to be done and it had to be her.

Did that mean she'd completely given up her childhood? Yes, but, as hard as those years were, she didn't regret her decision. Her family needed her and she'd always be there for them.

And things were different now. Both of her brothers were relationships of their own and growing into themselves. Their mother was finally back home with them and Fuyumi herself was in a relationship with the man of her dreams.

So when she eventually went back inside and cosied up to Hawks to warm herself, and he'd put his arms around her, she fell asleep with a content smile.

Later that evening, Fuyumi and Hawks arrived at her house. They took off their shoes at the front entrance and made their way inside. Natsuo and Shōto had already arrived since their shoes were already there.

Fuyumi took Hawks' hand and lead him to the room where Tōya's altar was. They both walked in in silence, sat before the picture of the eldest Todoroki and clasped their hands together in silent prayer. Before they left, Hawks took in Tōya's appearance: striking teal eyes just like Endeavor's and white hair like Rei's and his siblings. The picture of him at such a young age made Hawks' heart feel heavy, gone way too soon. They had all been children having to deal with such a tragedy.

Afterwards the two went to greet the rest of the family. Rei was finishing off preparing dinner when they'd walked in. She hugged them both, happy at how full the house was now that her all her children were back and Hawks, whom she'd grown extremely fond of over the many times he'd come to visit.

And as much as Hawks loved visiting, he admitted that he felt a bit out of place since the family was gathering for Tōya's birthday, a moment he felt like he was intruding on. But Rei dismissed his worries almost immediately and reminded him that he was always welcome in their home.

He couldn't admit it out loud yet but Hawks was beginning to feel more and more part of the family. Part of him was always on guard and ready for reality to shatter his hopes and remind him that he could never be part of a family but that moment never came. If nothing else, his place of belonging got more and more solidified. Even before they'd left his apartment, Fuyumi too had reassured him that his presence at dinner that evening was welcomed. She wanted him by her side today.

Fuyumi and Rei finished up in the kitchen, Shōto was setting the table while Hawks and Natsuo were outside on the walk way. Natsuo wanted to talk to him and suggested they go outside.

"I'm guessing Fuyumi told you about today… and about Tōya?" Natsuo asked looking out into the garden.

"She did. She also said how much it affected you all, and how much it affected her."

"Then you know how much she's put in to keep our family together. And how much the 'hero' title and what comes with it hurt us too." Hawks nodded in response. "Fuyumi cares a lot and when she feels that way about someone, she goes above and beyond. That's why I was weary of her dating a hero at first, and you're the number two hero no less..." Natsuo took a breath and thought over his next words.

That was fair. Fuyumi had been in danger and attacked because she was involved with him and even going forward, she'd still be a target. Villains always enjoyed using the loved ones of heroes to make them suffer.

"But, it's impossible to overlook how much happier she's been since she started dating you. Fuyumi's been happier this past year than I've seen her in a long time. You mean a lot to her."

"She means a lot to me, too." Hawks' answer was almost immediate. That would never change.

"So from one person who cares about her to another, I know you can't keep her safe from absolutely everything but..." this time Natsuo turned so he was facing Hawks and looking directly at him. "Take care of my sister, okay?"

"I promise." Hawks answered resolutely. He'd protect her with his life if need be.

Dinner had been delightful and delicious as usual, the combined cooking efforts of Rei and Fuyumi had been amazing. The Todoroki siblings updated each other on their lives and swapped stories and memories about Tōya, although Fuyumi and Natsuo did most of the talking on the subject of their older brother. Hawks listened attentively and smiled seeing Fuyumi enjoy herself with her family.

Unfortunately Hawks had to leave early since he had to go The Commission Headquarters early the next morning so he'd said goodbye to the family before Fuyumi walked him out.

"See, I told you. Nothing to worry about. You're over all the time anyways, today wasn't any different." Fuyumi put her arms around him. "And I'm pretty sure mom would have you over all the time if she could." she grinned.

"Well in that case, I'll come over twice as often." he chuckled and held her closer, "Do you guys get together like this every year on his birthday?"

"We've never done anything like his before. Tonight was our first time." Fuyumi was pensive for a moment. "It's always been difficult talking about Tōya and this is the first year we've had mom home so, it was very special. I think we're going to keep doing it, though."

"I'm glad." he kissed her hand. "It was good to see you unload and talk like that with your brothers."

"And I'm glad you were with me." Fuyumi answered before she leaned in and kissed him. Hawks wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground, getting an excited laugh from Fuyumi.

Xxx

"Do you remember Tōya-nii?" Fuyumi asked Shōto as she wiped the remaining dishes and he packed them away. As soon as he put the glasses away, he stopped in thought.

"I do. Maybe not as much as you and Natsu-nii since I was so young, and it didn't help that dad kept us apart the whole time but I do have some memories of him." Shōto answered truthfully.

He remembered constantly wanting to spend time with his siblings so many times but his father had made sure they were kept separate from each other at all times. It was always training, training, training for him. No time for a normal childhood or to even play with his sister and brothers. His father said it was because he was special, above his siblings but he'd never felt that way. And if it meant he could go play outside like other children then he didn't want to be special.

There were exceptions though, when their father wasn't home because of work and Fuyumi was taking care of them, he did get to spend time with his siblings then but that had been after they'd lost Tōya and there wasn't of an atmosphere for fun anymore.

That had slowly changed as they all grew up and now he could say he had a genuine relationship with his older brother and sister.

Shōto was pulled from his thoughts when he felt Fuyumi hug him. It caught him by surprise.

"Nee-san?"

"Despite what you've been through, you turned out pretty amazing." she hugged him tighter.

"Where's this coming from?" he slowly hugged her back.

"I just figured I haven't told you that enough. I'm really proud of you, even if I didn't do much for you as a big sister."

"Don't say that." a small smile on his face. "You think I would've turned out okay with just Natsu-nii looking after me?" he joked.

"I heard that." the brother in question walked in since he'd finished wiping down the table, and decided to join in on the hug for heck sake.

The three siblings shared a group hug. They were usually never affectionate like this but because of what day it was, it felt appropriate. It suddenly weighed on Fuyumi, how they were supposed to be four but they'd forever be three. That feeling made her hold her brothers just a little tighter. She loved them so much.

Rei stood at the entrance of the kitchen and remained silent, she didn't want to intrude on her children's moment together. The sight of them embracing filled her heart. They really had been through too much but nonetheless there they stood as individuals who were doing well for themselves and as their mother she was more than proud of them.

Of course, her heart would never heal from losing Tōya but, she could, at least, smile at the fact that she had a second chance to be a part of her children's lives.

"Mom?" Fuyumi had noticed her first and the siblings separated.

"I didn't want to interrupt." Rei admitted and joined them in the kitchen

"You weren't interrupting. We were just talking, and Shōto and I agreed that Natsu would've been hopeless taking care of Shōto on his own." Fuyumi teased.

"I still disagree." Natsu countered but the amused smile on his face said he wasn't bothered by it.

"I think Natsu would've been just fine." Rei agreed with her second son.

"Thank you." he now stood on his mom's side and gestured at Shōto and Fuyumi. All three of them started laughing and to Rei it was music to her ears, hearing them all so happy.

"You've all grown so much but sometimes you really remind me of when you were just kids." Rei put her arm around Natsu who then leaned his head on her shoulder. Not long after Fuyumi hugged her from the other side and Shōto was in front. Rei was completely surrounded by her children and she couldn't be happier.

"I love you all so much." she brushed through Natsu's hair.

"Love you too, mom."

It was close to midnight, the rest of the house was already asleep but Fuyumi was still awake in bed. Tōya's birthday was almost over and it got Fuyumi thinking. In the span of a single year her life had changed so much. She could remember her first meeting with Hawks as if it just happened yesterday.

She'd been missing her brother so much that she'd gone out to the park, the park Fuyumi now associated with some of her fondest memories spent with Hawks. Both times he'd comforted her and been there for her. They'd started off as friends but that built up into something too beautiful to put into words.

Fuyumi sat up, remembering that she was still wearing her necklace. She carefully took it off and held it in her hand, it still sparkled in the light of her bedside lamp. When he'd given it to her on her birthday, she'd almost cried. She chuckled to herself and her heart filled with even more love for him. He really was an incredible boyfriend and sometimes she'd imagined them being something even greater to each other.

Imagining a life together wasn't difficult and in fact Fuyumi sometimes fantasised about what it would be like if they'd gotten married.

Fuyumi hadn't mentioned any of these thoughts to Hawks yet though, because she knew if she did, he'd propose the first opportunity he got.

That wasn't necessarily a bad thing but Fuyumi was perfectly happy continuing with what they had right now, their relationship was still new afterall. She wasn't in a rush to get married, but she couldn't say that it wasn't on her mind at all.

Fuyumi put her necklace on he table, turned off the lamp and got comfortable in the blankets. Before drifting off to sleep, she wished Tōya a final happy birthday and fell asleep grateful that the past year had brought so much good into her life, and how much closer she'd grown with her family, and of course how happy she was that Keigo was in her life.

And hoping they'd stay together for the rest of their lives.

And there you have it, ch14. I really felt like some family feels with this chapter and I wanted Natsu and Hawks to talk after Natsu's talk with Fuyumi after she got attacked by Kemuri, so I decided to add that in. I'm also kinda in my feels cuz this fic is gonna end soon and I've had such a blast writing it but there's about one or two more chapters until this story comes to a complete close. So to everyone keeping up with this fic until now, thank you so much!

Well that's it from me-

Until the next chapter:

Ketsui Tasogare :-)