Disclaimer: I don't own jack!
Moments Frozen in Time
Moment Eight: Tomura Shigaraki
Shigaraki glanced up at the scarlet torii gate that greeted his presence. He always felt at odds here. This place was holy—a bridge that served to connect this world with the next. By all rights he had no business ever stepping foot here. Yet time after time the gates would still be here, welcoming his presence as if he were without sin.
A shiver ran up his spine.
It was an unpleasant feeling. Like the overly sweet gestures of strangers. He hated it. There was only reason why kept coming back here. Only one person he wanted to see.
"Tomura!" The familiar cry of his name drew his attention to the lone figure standing atop of the shrine's staircase. "Welcome back!"
A bright smile was flashed his way.
This was always the same.
No matter the amount of time that separated them, she always greeted with with that same happy smile.
He slowly came to her side,
His gaze drifted to the simple band that'd encased her finger. It was more symbolic rather than literal these days but he was grateful she wore it regardless.
"The kids are inside if you want to see them," She stretched her hand towards his. "They've been waiting for you."
She never touched him first.
Long ago, she realized his hesitation towards human touch. So she always gave him the opportunity to reach back. She never forced her affection on him. Not even once.
Shigaraki laced their fingers together at an odd angle—keeping sure that his quirk did not activate.
"I've already got dinner going. It'd oden this time in case you're able to stay." The smile painted on her lips was even brighter than he last remembered it.
"I have until morning," He stated simply. After that everything would change.
His gaze drifted towards the overarching boughs of the Goshinboku.
The woman beside him pause. She glanced at his still expression before shifting her attention towards the tree.
"It feels like it's been forever, doesn't it?" Her voice softened as he felt her grip tighten. "This place was where I first met you five years ago. Some days it all feels like a blur. Almost as if I blinked and it was gone." Azure eyes flicked to his, "Then other days, like today, it just feels as if it's been so long. Every day goes by so slowly except when you're here. Then they fly by too fast."
He felt the corner of his lips quirk upwards at that.
"Picky."
She laughed heartily at his comment, "I'll admit that I'm difficult to please."
She said it, not him.
Shigaraki gently tugged on her hand, leading her towards the main house.
"How's everything been?" He didn't clarify what he meant but he didn't have to either. She already knew.
The young woman followed beside him, "A little chaotic.
"Mayumi is getting around like there's no tomorrow. She can be exuberant and brave, so it's a struggle keeping her out of trouble." She grinned up at him, "She really is her father's child."
He spoke nothing at that. A faint flicker of pride shot through him as his lips pulled further upwards at the thought.
"Oh and her quirk manifested as well. As we thought, she inherited mine." She added afterwards. "She doesn't have much control over Crystallize but I've started teaching her how to use it. I'd rather not risk any accidents."
Shigaraki nodded.
That was to be expected.
Crystallize has always passed down to the first born female of Kagome's family. From her great grandmother on down to her—it was no surprise that their daughter had developed the power.
"And Tenko?"
Kagome followed him into the house.
"Colicky as ever. It's only been a month since we brought him home but he's starting to get into a routine." She lowered his hand in favor of heading into the kitchen. "I think they both take after you more than me." The young woman winked at him briefly, "They're upstairs with Souta if you want to say hello. I know they all miss you."
She didn't give him any room to object.
Kagome wandered off as he casually made his way up the tiny staircase. They really needed more room at this house. It was tiny and didn't have anywhere near enough rooms for their growing family. Add into the fact that it was technically on public property, it was a nightmare to try to stay here for more than a few days at a time.
Shigaraki stopped as he heard his toddler's familiar whine.
"But I want to go outside!" Mayumi's high pitched cry blared over the silence.
"Sis said no. It's almost dark and dinner will be ready soon," Souta sighed as he addressed the child. He was already in his late teens. As the only other surviving family that Kagome had, she often relied on him for help with the kids. Of course she'd always been careful not to overburden her sibling either. More than anything, Kagome had always wanted her brother to find his own path in life. He'd graduated from high school at the top of his class but chose to take a gap year between graduation and deciding on a career choice for himself. It was due to that, that he was even able to help his sister at all.
"Papa!" Mayumi suddenly turned to face him. Tiny arms wrapped around his legs as she threw herself against him.
Shigaraki lowered his hand to the crown of her head; still paying caution to his quirk's activation.
She was a near spitting image of her mother. Same facial features, same eyes and even the same quirk. The only difference were the bright silvery locks of hair and wild temperament she'd inherited from him.
"You're home!" She held onto his pant legs as she stood on the top of his feet.
"For tonight," He lifted her into his arms. "You wanted to go outside?"
Souta cast him a quick look before shaking his head silently.
Ah, Kagome must've told her no earlier that evening. If that was the case then he'd have to do it later.
Mayumi puffed out her cheeks, "Yes! I wanted to go back to the well house but mama said I couldn't!"
"Of course she did, it's dangerous for you to be in there." Her uncle chided at her. "The wood is all rotten and it'll break. You could fall right through and hurt yourself."
Mayumi's face turned a dark shade of red, "But it's not fair!"
Shigaraki glanced at his daughter, "What your mother says goes. Besides, I'll be home tonight so we can play after dinner."
Her eyes lit up at that, "Really?!"
"Have I ever lied to you?" Truthfully he had lied to her. The things he could never say would always linger in the back of his mind. His job, his goals, even his current line of work were all topics he could never discuss openly. At least not with his children. Kagome and Souta knew but they were different. They were adults and could comprehend the severity of revealing his location. Above all else, they cared enough to not jeopardize his plans.
"No," Mayumi wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you, papa."
He did not deny the flash of warmth or affection that went through him.
It'd taken him only a short time to assert his claim over Kagome as his partner. She'd been kind and accepting towards him in a way no one had been before. She hadn't shunned him for his appearance or his position as a villain. No, she always smiled and welcomed him with open arms. It'd only taken a few short weeks before he'd accidentally impregnated her the first time.
She'd been eight weeks along by the time he returned to her and discovered what'd happened. He'd expected her to demand that he stay with her and help her raise the child. Instead Kagome had just given him that same smile as before and told him to pursue his goals first. Their family would always be at the shrine waiting for him.
Kagome's quirk enabled her to not only support the family but his organization as well. She'd kept them funded even through the roughest part of their lives. It'd been a struggle but after merging with the Meta Liberation Army, things had gotten significantly easier.
He'd tried to be with her as much as he could through the first pregnancy. It'd been rough on her. Especially in the first trimester. The morning sickness always seemed to strike at odd times. Still, they persevered. He'd managed to attend Mayumi's birth as they'd taken her to a doctor that'd worked for his organization. Sworn to secrecy, only that person and the immediate Higurashi family knew of their connection.
The years that'd followed had been hectic but no less dangerous. Though they had support now, there'd still been threats of insurgency. He had to spend much of his daughter's early years ferreting out the moles within the Paranormal Liberation Front.
In the last year he'd visited Kagome however that time they chose to try for one more. Mayumi had been begging for a sibling and in many ways, he suspected that Kagome herself might've felt lonely without his presence. So he gave her what she'd wanted. In the process he'd presented her with a ring. He could not officially marry her—at least not at that time. However she was more than just a simple one night stand. She was his partner; the mother of his children. He wanted to offer her something to remind her that she was more than just a simple after thought.
The second pregnancy hadn't been as difficult despite his inability to be with her as much as he had before. She hardly suffered any morning sickness that time and the delivery had gone smoothly. The one thing he'd never missed was the birth of both their kids. No matter what, he refused to give that moment up for anything.
Since Tenko's birth, things within the organization had calmed. The heroes had found themselves stuck at a stalemate which meant that he was free to make his move. He'd kept his family a secret to protect them. It wasn't just the heroes that'd be after them. Other villains and vigilantes alike would take advantage of his softness towards them. They would've become little more than pawns for others to use against him. Now that his position was secure, he no longer had to squirrel them away.
He no longer had to hide her nor their children.
Shigaraki carried Mayumi downstairs. Kagome had already finished with preparations. Four plates of food were set up at the table. He didn't have to ask which seat was his. He placed his daughter at the chair adjacent to his and secured her in the booster—enabling her to see and reach over the table's surface without difficulty.
Kagome trailed her hand along the length of his shoulders before she took her seat. By the time he'd gotten to his, Souta had already made his way down as well.
"Thank you for the food," Shigaraki states calmly. It was a habit his partner had instilled him from the early days of their relationship. She'd always made sure that he was fed and offered his thanks during meals, although that seemed to be the only thing she was strict about when it came to him. Anything else and she often went out of her way to actively spoil him. Giving her this much was the least he could do.
The other three followed suit.
"So," He addressed Kagome's sibling, "Have you decided what you wanted to do?"
The teen rolled his shoulders, "I've picked up a few jobs to help out around the house but nothing I'd call a career." He kept his eyes focused on the food in front of him, "I decided that I didn't want to go to college. It's not only too expensive but for the price of the degree there isn't much return."
Shigaraki kept silent.
No college and not a hero course student. Much of the jobs left available to Souta would be of the blue collar kind. They were difficult and considered hard labor but the money was often fairly good. It was a logical choice in that regard.
"Also," Souta glanced up at him. "I heard about your organization. I wanted to know if you had any openings."
"Souta!" His sister chastised him.
Shigaraki raised his hand. Kagome pressed her lips together before sliding back in her seat. He knew that she was protective over her sibling. She'd raised him after all. To her, he was more akin to a son than a brother. More than anything, she just wanted to make sure that he was safe. If Souta joined the Paranormal Liberation Front then his life would be put at risk. Even his own influence wouldn't be enough to fully secure his safety if he chose to enter their ranks as an official member rather than simply being accepted as an extended part of his family like Kagome and the children would be. The path Souta wanted to take would be dangerous.
"There is," Scarlet eyes thinned at the determined expression that flickered across the teen's face. "However it won't be easy. You know what we do. There can't be any hesitation."
The teen straightened his back, "I know that. I'm not an idiot. You guys are on the news every single day. Plus I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do." He lowered his gaze to the plate of food before him. "Ever since I was a kid, I was just someone that other people had to take care of. I've never been independent. At least not really." He curled his fingers in towards his palm, "I don't want to keep living that way. The more I see you guys the more I asked myself why I wasn't doing something similar. I want to be more."
Shigaraki eyed him in a contemplative manner.
Unlike his sister, Souta had a quirk that belonged to neither of their parents. He possessed the ability to control water. He could not produce any on his own but anywhere that moisture existed, he could extract it. His quirk also gave him the ability to manipulate the water in a person's body—effectively taking full control over them. Although he could only manage it for a short time.
The boy was talented, he'd give him that. He could easily fly up the ranks of his organization without any additional aid.
"Three months," Shigaraki began. "That's how long you'll have to decide." He shifted his attention to the woman beside him, "I was going to tell you tonight but that's how long it'll take to make preparations to bring you over." He paused for a moment, "All of you."
"Tomura," She opened her hand to him. He grasped at her fingers wordlessly, showing her the minimum amount of comfort he knew that she needed. "Are you saying that you want us to join you at your new location?"
He nodded, "Yes. I had kept you here as a safety precaution however things are starting to change. We have enough backing and members to keep you and the children insulated from possible problems." Shigaraki kept his wording vague so as to not frighten their daughter. Mayumi shifted her head from left to right as confusion played across her features.
"Souta, if you want to join the organization as an official member then you must do it at that time. I will not reveal our connection. You'll have to earn your own successes. If you think you can handle that then the opportunity will be waiting for you." It was simple enough. He just had to drop the boy on Dabi or Twice and allow them to test the boy's mettle. They would ultimately be the ones to decide if he was worthy of joining their group. They could afford to be picky now since their numbers had grown exponentially.
For Souta to truly become independent, he would first have to prove himself.
Kagome spoke nothing. Her brows furrowed as she took in her sibling's hard expression.
The shrill wail of their newborn broke through the silence. She moved to stand however he grasped onto her fingers a little more tightly.
"I'll handle Tenko. You should eat." He hasn't noticed it earlier but now that they were so close, he could spy the dark circles that hung beneath her eyes and the paleness of her cheeks.
Kagome hadn't been resting well in the month that they'd brought their son home. She mentioned that he was colicky. Perhaps it was time they changed a few things to fix that.
Shigaraki made his way towards the nursery. The walls had been painted a vibrant green. Pictures of foxes, owls and other woodland creatures dotted the otherwise blank spaces. Kagome had always been rather adamant about not using the typical blue or pink color scheme. Instead they'd gone with yellow for their daughter and settled on green for their son. All the times he'd visited throughout her pregnancies, the nursery room had been a mark of pride for her. Everything had been set up and taken care of by herself alone. She said that he already did enough to support them so this had just been her way of returning the favor. Personally, he knew that she just enjoyed it.
Not that he faulted her for that. She'd always been rather good at decorating. It seemed to be a favorite pastime for her when she wasn't busy with the kids.
Shigaraki stopped in front of the crib. The boy was tiny. He was a little more than half the size of his sister when she was his age. Kagome has gone into labor two weeks early. There hadn't been any complications during the birth itself but Tenko was born small.
Scarlet eyes peered up at him. Tears still streamed down the child's cherubic face. He lowered his hands and carefully brought the boy into his arms. He cradled his hand within his palm, keeping his pinky lifted as he did so.
He wasn't an overly affectionate type. So humming and singing to a newborn wasn't exactly his forte. Instead he pressed the child close to his chest and allowed him to hear the rhythmic beating of his heart.
Tenko sniffled as his cries slowed to a dull whine.
It was possible that the boy merely needed his presence from time to time.
Shigaraki walked around the nursery, carefully rocking his son as he did. There was no question about the child's parentage. Even as young as he was, Tenko had inherited nearly all of his features from him. They had the same eyes, nose, mouth even the same subtle furrow of their brows. He did inherit Kagome's dark hair although it was unclear whether or not he would develop the Decay quirk at a later date.
When they discovered that they were having a son, Kagome had asked about giving him the name he bore in his youth. She felt that giving him the name 'Tomura' would probably get confusing as he got older and other people would need to address them separately. However she made it clear that she wanted their son to take his name to some degree. Eventually they'd settled on Tenko. It was a name he discarded, but that didn't mean that he couldn't offer it to someone else.
The boy slowly fell back to sleep within his arms. He held onto him for a little longer.
After tonight it would be three months before he could see them again. He would have that time to make all the preparations he needed to bring them over permanently. He was done with being separated from his family. If he was going to protect them then he would do it with them at his side. The doctor had pitched a fuss at first—claiming that they would become a burden. Then the lower ranking members began talking that a successor would need to be chosen soon. That a clear line of inheritance would need to be established for the organization to survive long term. Upon hearing the gossip spread, the doctor reluctantly agreed that having his family on hand would put the gossip to rest.
The only person who took a mild issue to it was Dabi. Alas that was mainly due to the fact that the man knew he'd be placed on 'bodyguard duty'—a role he was none too keen to play.
"Tomura?" Kagome interrupted his train of thought. "I went ahead and took care of the leftovers. I have extra in the morning if you wanted to take it with you." Her smile softened at him, "Mayumi is waiting for you. Says she won't go to bed until you fulfill your promise."
He gently laid his son back into his crib.
"She's starting to sound like someone else I know." His lips quirked upwards are the bright flush that crossed her cheeks.
"I don't know, you ought to see the temper tantrums she throws when she's upset." He felt her lips press against his cheek affectionately. "It definitely reminds me of someone I know."
"You do realize that you just insulted the leader of the largest villain organization currently in existence." He wrapper one arm around her waist and pulled her close to him.
She coiled her arms around his neck, "I'll take that chance."
It wasn't much.
These moments weren't much in the grand scheme of things, however they were important. It was these few moments that he wished to freeze in time and remain within them. Soon, so very soon, he would bring his family over to the Paranormal Liberation Front. When he did, he would finally give Kagome his name in the true sense of the word. She was more than just his spouse.
She was his everything.
All for One once told him that he would reign as King over the underworld. Now that he successfully secured that position, there would only be one woman capable of bearing the title of 'Queen'.
Shigaraki lowered his mouth towards hers.
In three months they would truly become his.
