Disclaimer: I do not own Boku no Hero Academia.

Ayame spent the morning deciding her outfit for the day.

Yume had informed their parents about her surprise visit to the hospital, even teasingly added the part about Todoroki being the one to suggest it. Shiko and Hiroshi's reactions cannot be anymore different. Their mother was ecstatic over the news while their father was staring at his daughter seriously, trying to intimidate her into confessing about any secret relationship with her male friends.

Thinking back to last night, Ayame decided she cannot have Todoroki meet her father. Or mother again. Or even Yume! Something always happen when her sister sees them together!

They act as if I don't have friends, Ayame pouted to herself, pulling out a white top and black high-waisted shorts. Her eyes landed in a burgundy skirt to the side, pausing for one second to contemplate her choices before shaking her head. It wasn't like she needed to dress up fancy! It was a good thing Yume already left early in the morning or else she would have teased Ayame mercilessly about her choices.

Ayame brushed her hair back and settled to put the long brunette strands into a messy bun on top of her head to avoid the heat. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, deeming it satisfactory before grabbing her bag to head out.

"Yume left you some breakfast," Shiko informed as soon as she heard Ayame walk into the kitchen.

The girl looked at the counter and saw a plate of tamago, a small bowl of miso soup, and a bowl of rice set aside for her. Ayame smiled and ate the food happily, always enjoying Yume's cooking and noticed there was still ten minutes left before Todoroki would arrive.

"Morning, nee-chan!" Suzume greeted as she ran in from the living room, climbing up to the chair next to her and handed her a drawing. It was a brightly colored picture with a brunette girl and a boy with half-and-half hair.

Ayame nearly choked on her food.

"W-what's this, Suzu?" Ayame drank some water to wash down her food, looking at the confused expression on the younger siblings face.

"It's nee-chan and Todo-niisan!" Suzume tilted her head to the side. Usually, Ayame would praise her for the drawings. "Do you not like it?"

Ayame flushed and shook her head, carefully taking the drawing to admire the handiwork.

"No, no, I like it, Suzume. You're very good at drawing," Ayame praised with a pat to her sister's head.

Suzume beamed from the attention, leg swinging under her in happiness as she urged Ayame to keep the drawing.

"Will you show it to Todo-niisan later?" Suzume asked innocently and Shiko stifled a laugh from Ayame's other side.

"Y-yeah," Ayame folded up the drawing and tucked it into her bag. She ruffled Suzume's hair and silently wondered when Suzume got so attached to the boy.

A knock on the door brought their attention to it. Ayame finished up her food and put them in the sink, washing her hands and drying it on the white towel from the side. She smoothed out her bangs and noticed it was five minutes earlier than the expected time. Still, she calmed herself and ignored her beating heart, rushing to open the door and came face to face with Todoroki.

"Hey—morning!" Ayame greeted brightly.

Todoroki was wearing a simple white shirt and black pants; his bag was swung over his shoulder like usual and Ayame resisted the urge to blush. They were—accidentally—matching?!

"Morning," Todoroki answered back with a small nod.

She brushed a loose strand of hair away and turned away before he can see her blush.

"Okaa-san! Suzume! I'm going now!"

"Be careful!" Shiko called back.

"Bye-bye, Aya-nee!"

Ayame closed the door behind her and quietly, Todoroki raised his arm again. She held his right forearm this time, feeling a slight coolness on his skin but said nothing about it.

"Thanks for bringing me—sorry you got dragged into this again," Ayame began with an apologetic smile as they walked through the neighborhood.

"I offered," Todoroki said, not minding for their extended time together. If he was truthful to himself, he may have even admitted that he was uncertain when they would see each other next over the summer break. This was a perfect opportunity presented to him.

"It feels a lot better now," Ayame said, looking down at the still bandaged ankle. Although it did hurt when she walks, it was not as painful when she was first injured. "After I tattled to my mother about Aizawa-sensei, she immediately called him for an explanation. Unfortunately, he calmed her down but—I bet oji-san was nervous when she said 'what did you do to my daughter?'"

Ayame snickered to herself as she recalled that night. She did not have the intention of getting her uncle in trouble, as Aizawa would normally talk his way out of it, but it was still fun imagining the normally bored man trying to appease his older sister over the phone.

"Does that happen often?" Todoroki asked, curious about the family life Ayame had shared with him. Aizawa was their homeroom teacher and does not share parts about his life with his classmates but ever since Ayame had revealed their relationship with them, Aizawa was more open and—lively with their upperclassman.

"Not until recently," Ayame hummed, "When Yume-nee was in school, she kept their relationship a secret for all three years. She never said anything about oji-san bullying her in class but I think it's because he plays favorites," Ayame made a face—only to laugh off that remark because of how untrue it is. "Just kidding! Oji-san treats us all fairly."

Todoroki can see that as the case too. Although Aizawa often had a lazy indifference on, he was attentive to Ayame's schooling and listen to the sisters well.

"Ah, enough about me," Ayame said and shifted her attention to him, glancing at the snow white hair and deep, colorless eyes with curiosity. "I've always wanted to know—with your Quirks as they are, do you feel the change in weather? It's already summer and I must leave the fan in my room on or else I can't sleep."

After all of their physical contacts, Ayame had been wondering this little question for quite a while. His left side was a bit warmer than hers due to his Flame Quirk but his right side was slightly colder than hers due to his Ice Quirk. Was the rest of his body just as split perfectly down in the middle like so? During the Sports Festival, she does remember half of his shirt being burned off due to his flames…

Todoroki blinked, not realizing someone would ask him such a random question. Maybe it was because of the change in weather recently that prompted Ayame to wonder about the mundane things like this.

"I do…but it's probably not as prominent as you. If it's hot, my ice would counterbalance it. If cold, the heat will keep my body warm. If in extremities, I would feel uncomfortable," Todoroki answered after some thought.

True, he would use his Quirks to balance the other if he ever felt that way. As summer rolled around, Todoroki would admit to playing with his Ice Quirk just to feel the coolness the power would leave behind. As for during the winter, despite the chill, his body heat would just be comfortable enough to warm him.

"Ahh, how nice," Ayame sighed wistfully. "I wish I had a Quirk that could regulate my temperature."

Ayame looked seriously contemplating that Todoroki could not help but smile faintly. The arm she wrapped around suddenly dropped in temperature, causing wide lilac eyes to look at the exposed skin in surprise at the feathery white chill leaving his body.

"Ah—cold—" Ayame took her hand back, bringing the cold hands to her warm cheeks in bewilderment—before laughter left her lips. "Shoto-kun, if you indulge me like this, I might take advantage of you."

Her tone was teasing and revealed no harm but to him, Todoroki thought that wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

"You already are, aren't you?" Feeling a bit playful himself, Todoroki turned the question to her as he continued to lift his arm, indicating for her to return her hold.

Ayame assumed he meant using him as walking support and was quick to defend herself—even if she did hold his arm again.

"Weren't you the one that volunteered?" Ayame reminded, trying to sound confident and not at all embarrassed.

Todoroki hummed; he was not referring to that but decided not to correct her. Yet.

"Then you're not taking advantage of me," Todoroki answered calmly. "But, even if you do, I'll make sure I won't be the one to lose out."

Ayame froze, eyes widening by his casual yet hidden remark. She was only joking! Of course, Ayame would never use others as such.

"Remind me to never cross you then," Ayame mumbled to herself.

He smiled but said nothing more.

At that time I thought

If I use my Quirk

just to see you laugh

it was only a small price to pay.

[Entry 15]

Once within the hospital, the two separated from each other. Shoto had instructed (not suggested, instructed) Ayame to find his mother's hospital room once she was done. Ayame numbly nodded her head and suddenly, her head was filled with questions regarding the woman that she could only hear so much about but—not once meet.

Ayame wondered of her appearance, if her personality to be cold and stoic like son—or playful yet firm like her mother. Due to hearing about Shoto's childhood, his treatment by both father and mother, there was a complicated feeling within her heart as she remembered the original reason the Todoroki matriarch was sent here.

It was in this same hospital—that Shoto had found her and confided in her the secrets he rarely reveals. It was here where their views of each other began to change, where mother-son relationship also began to change once more.

It felt…intimate.

Although Shoto had suggested it offhandedly, there was still anxiety in Ayame's heart to meet that person. His mother had impacted Shoto's life as much as Endeavor had. Whereas he was here reconciling the lost family bond from the past decade, Ayame was merely an outsider in the Todoroki household.

Those thoughts kept Ayame occupied the next hour as she waited to be examined. Even with a doctor checking her ankle and reapplying some ointment, then bandage, Ayame's head was elsewhere. She mindlessly noted that the doctor had mentioned the same thing Recovery Girl did before. The sprain will heal in a few days and continue to apply the healing ointment over it.

With a polite 'thank you' and bow, Ayame went downstairs to the pharmacy to collect the new bottle. Then, she headed back upstairs…to the hospital rooms holding patients within.

It wasn't long until Ayame found the room with the correct number, staring at the nameplate on the wall and reading the kanji for 'Todoroki Rei' in neat strokes. The door was ajar just the slightest, not enough for Ayame to peek inside but wide enough to hear the mumbling of voices within.

She raised one hand up hesitantly, doubting herself to intrude on such a delicate moment between mother and son—but her knuckles already rapped on the wooden door before Ayame can pull away.

Inside, Shoto and Rei paused in their conversation at the light knock.

Shoto got up wordlessly to the door, as if already knowing who was on the other side. Rei looked at her son thoughtfully; he had mentioned in the beginning that he brought a friend with him to the hospital. But, what surprised her was Shoto personally getting up to open the door, greet the other person with a soft 'hey', and carefully took her hand to lead them back to his mother's side.

Rei's colorless eyes softened, a hidden shine in them as she saw the two teenagers walk over to the small table. Her attention was fully on the brunette with wide lilac eyes.

She's pretty, was Rei's first thought.

The girl quietly separated from Shoto to bow to her; neither formally but—just polite enough to show respect.

"H-hello! I am Sasaki Ayame, Shoto-kun's senpai. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!"

Rei smiled. This was the girl her Shoto often mentions in passing. Although her son had told her about each of his classmates (no matter how vague some can be), it was not as much as his upperclassman. Plus, he allowed her to call him by his first name. That already gave way to how close these two are.

"Please, no need to be so formal," Rei's voice was kind, soft in tone and gentle in her ears. The woman gestured to the empty chair on the table, silently glancing at her son to help. "I am Todoroki Rei, Shoto's mother. Thank you so much for taking care of my son."

Ayame straightened up and glanced at Shoto when he pulled out a chair for her. She sat down, albeit shyly, and waved her hands.

"Oh no—if anything, he's the one taking care of me!" Ayame laughed, glancing down at her injured ankle before looking up again. But, her gaze met the beautiful woman across from her and felt like there was something hidden behind the smile. It reminded Ayame of her mother—of Yume—and felt the corners of her lips twitch.

Is that…amusement?

Rei continued to smile and took her hands off resting on the blanket on her lap. She reached for the teapot and poured a small cup for Ayame, gently sliding it to the girl between the little colorful confectionaries.

"I am thankful there is someone by his side when I am not," Rei said meaningfully, causing both teenagers to look at the older woman in slight confusion. "Eating all these sweets cannot be good for us. Shoto, can you pick up some fruits from the cafeteria?"

Before Shoto was able to sit, he was tasked with something. Ayame felt like an intruder and moved to help.

"I'll go instead—"

Shoto pressed a hand down on her shoulder before she even got out of her seat.

"You're injured," Shoto reminded, a slight scolding in his tone that was not missed by either woman. Ayame quieted down and Rei smiled again.

"Thank you, dear."

Shoto exited the room, gently closing the door behind and leaving Ayame with his mother. Quietly, the brunette studied the woman in front while slowly sipping the tea.

When Ayame first walked into the room and saw an older woman sitting down at the corner, the first word to pop in her mind was 'beautiful'. With shoulder length white hair that looked softer than snow and deep, colorless eyes that soothes one soul, Ayame nearly forgot to introduce herself if not for Shoto leading her in.

When she spoke, her voice was gentle yet elegant—a bearing that was long taught in the traditional households made to tie the red knot between her and Todoroki Enji. Although there were a few creases under her eyes from the years left in the hospital, she was still youthful and beautiful—nothing like anyone who birthed four children.

Ayame was in a daze.

Todoroki Rei…was nothing she had imagined. In truth, Ayame tried not to let her imagination run wild but she had not expected Shoto's mother to be so…clear-minded. It felt as if any worries Ayame thought of her before was not there anymore. But…because she could remember Shoto's story—can see his scar—Ayame dared not to look in Rei's eyes longer than two seconds.

Ayame cleared her throat. She should not be so nervous for their first meeting. Shoto had always been courteous to her own mother and Rei neither had an easy life. After all, Shoto loves her so much—and Ayame can see why.

"How long have you known my son?"

But Rei was the one to speak first, gentle yet inquiring about the two's friendship. Ayame blinked and looked up, subtly straightening her back to look just as refined as the woman before her.

"Since school began. Our commute to U.A. is the same but it wasn't until recently we became friends," Ayame answered honestly.

"I see," Rei had said but there was a solemn look in her eyes as she looked in her long cooled tea. The smile on her lips lessened just the slightest, her words soft as she continued, "I've never met Shoto's friends…or Fuyumi's…or Natsuo's…or Toya's… He was only five when I left… The days here began to meld together and before I knew it…ten years had already passed."

Ayame stayed quietly, listening to Rei's soft confessions with slight curiosity and confusion. Why…was she telling her this? Should Ayame pretend to not know anything—should she respond? And—why did Rei spoke as if she had left willingly when Enji sent her away?

Because in the end, Rei did leave willingly. She had poured boiling water over her own flesh and blood—mentally and physically damaging the child at the tender age of five and could not face him again in fear of doing something worse. Rei was damaged; beaten and broken and regretted accepting a marriage that had once promised luxury and settled life.

But she never regretted having children. Rei never regretted the four beautiful children resulted from this arranged marriage. She loved them all and could only wish she had more time to spend with them. She had wished Enji would not obsess over All Might, would not separate the children from each other, would not constantly 'train' Shoto and ruin his childhood.

Yet the more she urged Enji to stop, the more he hurt her until she turned docile and scared of his every move, every breath he takes—where even a color could remind her of the man she called her husband.

And, Rei snapped.

That late night in the complex, her anxious call to her mother—trying to keep her sanity from the years or torture, the kettle emitting a high pitched whistle over the stovetop, and her fearful confession of wanting to escape it all. The soft call of the dear 'okaa-san' made her veins turn ice, worried that someone had overheard and would speak to Enji—would ruin her plans—and the boiling kettle was in her hands and she saw Shoto but not really Shoto because there was red on him and turquoise in his left eye and—

It took Rei years to accept what she had done.

It took many years for Rei to not collapse into tears and agony as she recalled that memory. The guilt was still there, eating up within all these years and wishing there was something she could have done. In the past decade, Rei drifted through time in a mindless haze, always wondering what she could have done to be a better mother, always wondering if there was ever a way for her to right what was wrong.

And, she wondered about her children. The eldest ones were sensible and grew up to be fine men and woman when she was not there but—they also needed to escape that household. Rei understood. She was just the same. But she could not be there for them when they needed her, trapped in this hospital with memories and guilt of the past.

Rei never took the initiative to ask about Shoto, too scared to know who he had become, too scared to know if he hated her as much as he hated Enji. Fuyumi would offer little facts but none too intimate, hesitant and awkward because even she knew him just as less as Rei.

So, Rei waited. She waited for Shoto to come first—for him to subside his hatred for her and come to accept her apology. Rei have imagined hundreds of scenarios to apologize to Shoto, to seek his forgiveness, and prepared her heart on the day of seeing him again.

"My other children had come to see me between the years but…Shoto was the biggest surprise. I… To him… I, as a mother, had failed him," Rei smiled bitterly and did not meet Ayame's gaze, clutching the cold teacup within her hands as the only comfort. "I understood if he never wanted to see me again."

"Shoto-kun never blamed you," Ayame was speaking before she could even think. She felt as if the suppressed emotions within Rei were similar to Shoto—too heavy to bear for one person. "He—loves you so, so much. It's true that things in the past are regretful but—what matters now is the present and future. The only thing you—anyone can do now, is to move forward."

There was no more unease in Ayame's voice as she comforted the woman, lilac eyes strong and unwavering from Rei's. The elder woman blinked in surprise, the corner of her eyes wet with unshed tears as she forced it back in. Rei does not know how much Ayame knew about their family circumstances—do not know the reason for her sudden boldness. But, Shoto must have told her something for her to react this strongly.

And those simple words: Shoto-kun never blamed you, was something Rei did not expect. When Shoto had come to see her, Rei had apologized and wished to move forward, scared to hear Shoto's true feelings and could only seek salvation as he walked down the path to be a hero of his own.

"I…had said the same thing when he first visited," Rei calmed down, the tears disappearing before she could blink but lowered her head again to avoid Ayame's gaze. "No words will ever be enough for me to apologize to Shoto. The times we have lost can only be made up now. That's why, I am truly grateful to see someone so kind by his side."

Ayame wondered if Rei purposely sent Shoto away just so she can tell her this. It was true; Ayame knew more about the Todoroki family than one could expect. She had seen the once-lost teen overcome his own hurdles in these past few months and become better from it. Although Ayame had always insisted she did not take any part in Shoto's growth, as she was the one to lash out in anger, Shoto had reminded her time and time again that she did. It made her wonder exactly how big of an impact she had in his world now—and how deep it was that it seemed even his own mother could see it.

"Shoto-kun has a lot of friends in 1-A," Ayame reassured, "As his senpai, it is my duty to look after him. You don't need to worry about him too much. If anything, I think he's happiest when he visits you."

Rei looked up, grey eyes meeting shining lilac ones and felt that she could trust this girl. A kind, yet playful smile was on Ayame's lips, trying to lighten the mood and comfort the guilt-ridden woman. Rei smiled again and reached one hand out to gently touch Ayame's.

"Thank you," Rei said earnestly, trying to convey the complicated feelings in her heart with just a simple touch but—Rei felt the weight lift off her heart to see such a sincere person.

The cold touch reminded Ayame of Shoto's before remembering that he had inherited his Quirk from both sides of his parents. Rather than feeling awkward, Ayame felt the cold to be comforting at Rei's subtle show of fondness. The weariness in her eyes had diminished and in place was genuine gratitude and affection for her son.

Maybe—it was because Ayame was speaking with Shoto's mother than she could not help but be reminded of her own. Here, Rei was showing a weakness to Ayame that Shiko never expressed to her. Maybe it was because they were strangers that Rei felt comfortable to confide in Ayame.

And as she stared into those deep, grey eyes, Ayame realized she had not been able to see the same, overflowing affection from her own mother.

"My mother is blind," Ayame blurted out, startling Rei into looking at girl with slight shock and the brunette dipped her head low. "She—was injured during her hero years and was forced to retire. My mother—never told me or my sisters about her suffering so we…never brought it up."

Ayame felt as if she was sharing something unnecessary and blushed, looking off to the side awkwardly about how bad of a daughter she was.

"I think—it's very brave of Todoroki-obasan to be truthful with your son. If a child sees their parents suffering, they will also be in pain. Thank you…for telling me all of this. I hope your relationship with your children will only be closer now."

Rei smiled at that girl's pure gaze.

"You are a good girl, Ayame-chan. So please, call me Rei," the woman squeezed her hand once before letting go. With that pink blush spreading over Ayame's cheeks; it was simply adorable at how she can be flustered by the littlest things. "Your mother is proud of you. I believe if you speak with her, like how you did with me, she will also understand your suffering."

Ayame's eyes widened. She didn't want to say she was the one hurting. But, Ayame wasn't able to refute her words when Rei gave her such a kind gaze, clear and gentle and Ayame could only nod her head.

It was hours later when Shoto walked Ayame home. The sun was still high in the sky, the civilians bustling about, and teenagers were plentiful as summer vacation finally arrived. However, Ayame had been oddly quiet as she allowed Shoto to escort her home once more, causing heterochromia eyes to glance at her every so often.

After Rei and Ayame's little talk, Shoto returned with an assortment of fruits. They had taken turns in peeling the skin and passing the apricot and peaches between the three of them. Shoto and Rei fell back into a natural conversation regarding school and his summer vacation; Ayame only spoke when prompted. As she listened to their simple conversations, she realized they would avoid specific matters regarding their family—specifically, the father.

When Ayame was lost in thought, Shoto naturally knew she was distracted. But he did not ask about anything, only sneaking the occasional glance here and there and would pass the fruit for her to eat in a daze.

Rei saw—and merely smiled.

"Did my mother say something to you?"

Now, Ayame snapped out of her thoughts to look at Shoto in wonder. What prompted him to ask her that? Rei was nothing but polite and kind when it was just the two of them.

"No—of course not. Why would you think that?" Ayame asked in confusion.

Shoto shrugged.

"You seem distracted."

It was true that she was distracted…but it was because Ayame was thinking of her own situation. Meeting Rei had eased her heart knowing that the woman was as generous as she was beautiful. She never told him—ever since Shoto had revealed what his mother had done to him; Ayame could only guess what type of woman would…do such a thing to her own son…

But, Rei was regretful and mournful; the years spent in the hospital had cleared her mind. There was still a lot Rei needed to make up for but—she was prepared to face them…face her children…

"Your mother is very beautiful," Ayame complimented suddenly, "I can see where you got your looks from."

Although Shoto's right side resembled her mother with white hair and grey eyes, Ayame was more referring to the soft facial features between the two. Enji's eyes were sharper and cold, his face rugged, jaw square, and a long nose. Rei was more feminine, possibly even more than most women Ayame passed by in the streets with gentle eyes framed by long lashes, a small nose, and a heart-shaped face.

And Shoto looked just like her. His chin was pointed, his cheeks soft, a small nose, and beautiful heterochromia eyes. It still carried a sharpness in them as his father but overall, he had similar features to his mother and—that made him just as attractive.

Once again, Ayame thought that Shoto was very handsome.

"When I was a kid, I thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world," Shoto replied nonchalantly, causing Ayame to look at him in surprise—then excitement at how cute young-Shoto was.

"And now?"

He glanced at her—saw her sparkling lilac eyes and loose brunette hair framing her face—and felt his heart skip a beat.

"It still stands," Shoto's voice did not waver and Ayame laughed at that response. But, he held her gaze then, their steps slowed and the laughter subsided when he said, "But, very few have come close."

A small part of Ayame wished he meant her.

But that part was immediately trampled and ignored. Ayame forced a smile on her face, nodding her head and urging them to continue their walk home—her home.

"Those girls are quite lucky then!" Although minimum, Ayame's voice cracked in the beginning before quickly corrected in the end.

Shoto hummed but…he did not understand why that was considered 'lucky'.

"How is that 'lucky'?" So he pressed on, wanting to understand why Ayame was suddenly walking a step faster than before.

Ayame startled—and turned her head to look at him as if she could not believe the words that left his mouth.

"Because you're beautiful," she blurted out—only to immediately gape and panic and her heart was racing while her face was red and—cursed herself again—why, why, why does she not have a filter?! "I-I'm not calling you feminine—I just mean you're attractive! Girls would be honored to be called pretty by you—and—and—uh—I—"

Seeing her as a fumbling mess, Shoto did not want to save her from this conversation. It was not that he was offended, far from it. He merely thought it entertaining to see her try to explain herself from this compliment and felt the rare stroke of his ego flare up at her bashful gaze.

Because Ayame called him attractive.

So she does see him as a male.

"—o-oh, um, I—right! Suzume wanted me to show you this!"

Shoto watched as Ayame fumbled around in her little bag, pulling out a neatly folded white paper before unfurling it and turned it to him. It was a hand drawn picture in colored pencils and crayons, simple yet colorful with two people in the middle. One looked to be a boy wearing a regular navy shirt and black pants, hair split in half red and half white style with mismatched eyes. Next to him was a girl with long tan hair wearing a white and pink dress.

Shoto continued to stare at the picture, silently amused and admiring of her little sister to draw such a piece. But as the silence drawn on, Ayame felt self-conscious by his lack of reply and moved to hide the picture again.

"Uh—she just—I have no idea why she drew it—she—can be silly sometimes," Ayame hastily explained and Shoto finally snapped out of his daze, reaching out to take the little picture before she can put it away.

"This is good," he said, though lightly but filled with sincerity, "Can I keep this?"

Ayame's hands froze and her eyes widened again.

"S-sure," she stuttered without a thought and Shoto took the drawing to his own hands. He folded it back into the little square and tucked it neatly in his pocket, a half smile on his face before helping her home again.

When they neared her house, Shoto slowed his steps just for a bit, pondering over something to himself before shifting one grey eye to Ayame. She had been a little quiet today, more than usual, and although curious, he did not pry. Shoto believed that if she had something troubling her, she would share it when she's ready.

But as for now…

"This summer vacation," Ayame looked up, turning her head to listen to him talk, "Let's meet up again."

Let's meet up again.

He said—

Ayame finally realized, it was summer vacation. School was out and students were out to play. She would not know if it was possible to see the other classmates again if not for a meet up.

And Shoto was the one who asked—who indicated—he wanted to see her again.

"Yeah," Ayame smiled, I would like that—"It would be fun!"

But she suppressed her imagination from going wild, convincing herself he meant that as friends since it was normal for them to go out at least once in the summer. Ayame would meet up with plenty of friends over the summer, going to at least one outing during their little vacation, and would be assured 2-A have something planned.

So she tried not to overthink about Shoto's invitation, tried to keep the smile on her face from wavering, and avoided looking him in the eyes.

My mother told me

the day after she met you,

'I like her. Bring her back again'.

Years later,

when I began to seriously court you,

she laughed and said,

'about time'.

[Entry 4]

That night, Ayame set aside her hesitation and approached Shiko.

Yume was not home yet. Hiroshi was helping Suzume study. It left Shiko alone in her bedroom, the television turned on to a minimum and when Ayame saw her eyes, she looked to be in a daze.

But, at the slightest movement, Shiko had turned her head to the doorway. The blob of colors merged together and she only saw brown hair and black clothes.

Shiko does not know who was standing there.

"Yes?" But she still put on a smile because she knew it was one of her daughters.

Ayame walked in and sat on the bed, Shiko's eyes followed every movement. Once close, she saw the grey corneas again, where once there was a deep, abyssal black like her uncle's. Now, it was foggy and grey where light barely entered her eyes and was not filled with the shining emotions Ayame saw as a child.

Rei's conversation today really affected her. It made Ayame nostalgic and pensive as she thought of her mother who was once a hero people revered. Ayame can only scratch the surface regarding Shiko's disabilities, only guessing herself with the torture she felt and went through but—was never courageous to ask.

Now, as Ayame sat on the bed with her mother, she cannot remember the last time they hugged.

"Okaa-san," her voice was soft, unlike the usual liveliness, and Shiko felt the dip on the bed to grow deeper next to her. Then, she felt a body (head?) roll next to her side in a curled up position, startling Shiko because Ayame was never one to look so vulnerable.

Ayame may be loud, she may overreact, may get in trouble but—she never showed a weak side like this to her family. Since young, Ayame learned that her little issues were not something to be concerned about.

'Yume is the older sibling so you must listen to her.'

'Suzume is still young, try to understand. She's just a kid.'

'Right now…your mother…'

A self-deprecating part of her had believed that her issues were not as important as the rest of the family. Ayame understood ever since the accident, many things had changed for her—for her family—and she should not add onto the troubles. So Ayame never concerned her family with things she cannot solve on her own. She became the light in the house, always smiling and reassuring, picking up the chores Yume left behind and taking care of Suzume in ways Shiko cannot.

"What's wrong?" She immediately asked, one hand reaching down to comb through the tan tresses and although her eyes can scan over her body, Shiko cannot determine if Ayame was injured or not. "Are you hurt? Did you get in trouble with Aizawa-ojisan? The police? Tell me, I won't be mad."

Ayame's heart was warm at first for her mother's consideration before quickly slowing down again. A pout was on her lips though Shiko cannot see it.

"I'm not a troublemaker," Ayame whined; why do they always assume the worst first?

"Could have fooled me from how you've been in the past semester," Shiko replied back just as unconvincingly. But, she calmed down her worries and continued to stroke her daughter's hair, wondering for this sudden visit. "What is it? Did you not have fun today with Todoroki-san and came to complain?"

Okay, how did the conversation turn to him now?!

"No—that's not it!" Ayame refuted, her voice raised once more to her usual tone and Shiko smiled. That was the daughter she knew. "I just—today—…"

But Ayame trailed off, thinking about something again and Shiko waited.

"I met his mother today," Ayame began, hesitant about how much to share while Shiko gave her the time she needed. "She…was put into the hospital for a long time. When I spoke with her…she sounded very sad and…regretful. But, in the end, she was happy… Happy because of her children and…had come to terms with a few things herself."

"Oh?" Shiko hummed, showing that she was listening to Ayame's tale and knew there was something she was hiding. Being married to Endeavor does not sound like an enjoyable life. Although Shiko had heard bits and pieces regarding the Flame Hero, she was not acquaintances with him.

"Yeah," Ayame said absentmindedly. She felt that was as much she can speak about the Todoroki household and lifted her head, looking at her mother's calm face. "That's why, if okaa-san have issues, she can come to us. Like…the government notice. I won't be a spendthrift anymore."

That was not Ayame wanted to bring up but—it was a stepping point.

"Oh—why, you," Shiko was shocked for one second before smiling, her heart warm and cheeks hurt from how wide her smile was but—it's genuine.

She reached out to Ayame's face, stroking it in familiar manner of her soft cheek—before gently tugging on the skin. It was a habit Shiko had done so often to her because, although Ayame refused to admit it, she was a notorious troublemaker in their household. It was so common that Yume had also adopted that notion and only initiate it when she wanted to scold her younger sister.

"When did you become so sensible?" Shiko teased but her tone was warm. But, she could sense her daughter's undertone and knew what Ayame wanted to comfort but—did not bring it up. Shiko was appreciative of her thoughtfulness; her fingers stopped pinching the reddened cheek. "Thank you, Aya, but don't be too hard on yourself. Your parents are here for a reason."

Although her eyes were blinded now and it no longer held the vast emotions within them as Ayame once seen as a child, Ayame felt the love just the same. It was foolish of her to doubt her mother when—all of Shiko's actions had proven otherwise.

Shiko may not be able to see but her smiles had always been comforting and reassuring. Her tone was just as playful and loving. What she had once affectionately look at them with those pitch black eyes was only replaced by the need to hold her children longer and frequently.

Ayame smiled and nodded her head. Quietly, she laid her head down again so her mother could stroke her hair, both listening to the echo from the television together.

A/N:

I felt like the manga/anime did not really go in depth with Rei's recovery and emotional status so I improvised. I kinda wished we got to see more of her regretting and apologizing to Shoto… The anime did show really impactful scenes on Rei's downfall so I hope I wrote it well enough. I apologize for the dark themes but I tried to keep it vague as possible.

Still sick…still coughing a lot… Taking a short break from writing for now ;o;;;

Please review if you enjoy this series. I see a lot of silent readers and I appreciate all the ones to reach out to say something for this story. It really means a lot to me.

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