AN: Thanks for all of the interest and reviews everyone! I'm glad you're enjoying the rewrite so far!

As Inko ate dinner, she mulled over the conversation she had earlier in the day while Izuku rambled on about a villain attack he saw on the news.

"Izuku?" Inko spoke up, interrupting her son's rambling.

"Hrm?" Izuku looked up, his food hovering in front of his mouth. Quickly shoving the bite into his mouth, he set his chopsticks down and looked at his mom.

"You really like Himiko, don't you?"

Izuku felt his face heating up and he started rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah. She's nice! And well… she doesn't mind that I'm quirkless." Izuku internally winced at his admission and hoped his mom didn't notice the implication as he continued. "And I- Himiko needs a friend. A real friend - someone who knows who she really is."

Inko smiled at her son and folded her hands in her lap. "She needs more than that. I think she needs a family."

Izuku's eyes went wide. "Mom- do you really mean it?"

Inko looked at her son and he could see the fire in her eyes. "When I spoke with Nezu this morning, he made me aware of just how challenging it would be if we invited Himiko to live with us. It wouldn't be easy for either of us. But I've seen how much happier you've been the last couple of days." She offered Izuku a resigned smile. "And I'm sure if someone else fostered her you'd be spending a lot of time with her anyway."

"You really, really mean it?" Izuku perked up.

Inko picked up her chopsticks. "Nezu gave me the information to contact his lawyers tomorrow. We'll need to do a lot over the next few weeks if we want to foster her, which is why I wanted to make sure you were ok with it first."

Izuku nodded his head vigorously. "Of course! I'll help any way I can!"

As the days passed, Himiko found herself settling into her new routine at the hospital. Wake up, order breakfast, perform some light exercises to get the blood flowing, eat lunch, and have a session with the quirk counselor or a therapist. After that, she would wait around and see if she had any visitors that day.

Tuesday was just as bad as Kan had warned her it would be. Not only didn't she get to see the Midoriyas that day, but she was forced to talk to a pair of lawyers. Even though they claimed to be on her side and tried to be gentle, their questions were rough, forcing her to relive some of her darkest memories as they prepared both of her cases.

When they were done she was left alone, her dinner already cold as it sat next to her sink. She didn't have the energy to go heat it, and simply lay on her bed, holding the green rabbit plush next to her chest.

Maybe she could be selfish and ask for a second stuffed animal the next time the Midoriyas came around.

"Where do you want me to put these?" Izuku asked as he hauled an armful of old hero magazines out of their spare bedroom, which they had converted into an office to take advantage of the fact that most of Inko's work could be done remotely.

Inko looked up from the neverending stack of paperwork she was filling out to become a foster parent. "Do you want to keep any of them?"

She examined the well-worn covers with a critical eye. Izuku had always loved flipping through those magazines when he was younger, but she can't remember the last time he actually read any of them.

Izuku shook his head. "I actually don't need these anymore, I found a site that scanned the entire magazine run and posted them online!"

Inko chuckled and shook her head. "We should recycle them then."

"Okay!" Izuku carefully balanced them as he walked over to their recycling bin and dumped them inside.

For as bad as Tuesday was, the police visiting her on Friday was even worse. Even though they were escorted by Vlad King, she was still close to having a panic attack, begging the hero to not let them take her back to her parents. She missed their sympathetic looks, and when she finally calmed down they took her statement and asked questions.

After they left, she curled up on the bed, desperately clutching the stuffed rabbit and the new green bear that had joined it. She knew she was being selfish, and that she didn't deserve the attention that the Midoriyas have given her, but right now she desperately wanted nothing more than to feel the warmth of their hugs.

"What do you think about that bed?" Izuku asked, pointing to a bright blue-and-gold wooden frame.

"Are you shopping for yourself or for Himiko?" Inko asked her son playfully. "I don't think she's as big of an All Might fan as you are."

"You're right, sorry," Izuku apologized, rubbing the back of his head as he looked around the department store. "That one looks nice though!"

Inko looked at the simple wooden frame that Izuku was pointing at and smiled. "Yes, much better."

Saturday was the start of Izuku's weekend, and after yesterday, Himiko was practically vibrating once her therapist left, watching the clock impatiently. By Thursday she already had worked out exactly when the pair would arrive, and she was counting down the time until their arrival.

They were late, but eventually a familiar knock was heard at the door before it opened to reveal a head of messy green hair.

"Sorry we're late!" Izuku said as he entered the room.

"I don't mind," Himiko casually lied as she smiled at the boy.

He didn't need to know that she spent the last twenty minutes staring at the clock wondering if they weren't coming.

"Since it's the weekend we decided to stay longer," Inko explained as she followed her son into the room. She held up a bag of food from a convenience store. "We picked up dinner on the way over, so we can have dinner with you, but Izu was being indecisive." She said playfully.

"Let me guess, he couldn't decide what hero-branded food he wanted?" Himiko said, the ghost of a smile forming on her lips. By their third visit, she had discovered how easy it was to tease Izuku about his hero obsession, and right now she wanted a little bit of payback.

"They had a special edition of fried chicken!" Izuku tried to defend himself. "With All Might packaging!"

Himiko couldn't help but laugh at the boy's ridiculousness.

Once Inko had deposited the food next to the sink, she turned to the blonde girl. "How was your meeting yesterday?" Himiko didn't reply, she simply opened her arms, silently asking for a hug. Inko gave the girl a concerned look before she closed the gap, hugging her. "They were only trying to help you."

"I know," Himiko said as she leaned into the woman's embrace. "Still hard."

"How are you otherwise?"

"Better," Himiko said. "I don't need my IVs anymore, and the headaches finally stopped. I still," She bit her lip as she tightened her grip around the woman. "I still want more though. Part of me feels like it'll never be satiated."

"Your body still isn't used to feeling normal yet," Inko said as she rubbed the girl's back. "What did the counselor say?"

"It'll fade over time. They keep reminding me that it's only been a week, and they praise me for my progress."

"You must be doing great then!" Izuku said from next to her. "I'm sure you'll figure it out in no time!"

"Thanks," Himiko said before she reluctantly pulled away. The three settled into their routine arrangement, with Himiko sitting on the bed and the other two sitting in chairs, forming a half-circle so they could talk.

When it was time for dinner, the pair left to find a kitchen, only to return with warm food a few minutes later. Izuku managed to rig up a makeshift table out of trays, and Himiko shared her first meal with the pair.

As she did so, she couldn't help but feel an intense longing building inside of her. These two strangers, over a single week, have shown her more love than she felt from her parents in a decade.

The feeling was addicting, and she wanted to selfishly hold it forever.

It was Wednesday when she found her routine broken again. Instead of the Midoriyas, when the door opened she saw Vlad King standing there, with Nezu riding on his shoulder.

The hero set Nezu on the ground, and he began to speak. "I have good news, Himiko Toga! My lawyers met with your parents today, and they quickly came to an arrangement. While they were ready to give up custody before we contacted them, that wasn't satisfactory for us. Fortunately, they weren't exactly enthusiastic about the prospects of going to jail. As a result, they readily agreed to our terms. In addition to giving up custody over you, they have agreed to pay a substantial child support fee for your future care."

Himiko felt mixed emotions. On one hand, she felt like a weight had fallen away, the icy grip of fear that had terrified her finally melting. On the other hand, they were still her parents. What kind of parent would so easily discard their own child like that?

"Is it wrong that I hoped that they would be in jail instead?" Himiko asked ashamedly.

"If it's wrong, then we are both wrong together," Nezu said. "However, for the sake of you and your younger sister, a smooth transition would be best." Nezu's face morphed into a predatory smile that caused Himiko to shudder. "However, while we have dropped our case, there is the matter of the student you attacked. His parents may still give you your wish."

Himiko gave him a weak smile. "So what's going to happen to 'Fumi?"

"Unfortunately we were unable to separate your sister from your parents. However, as part of the arrangement, all three of them will have mandated counseling sessions with someone of our choosing. Also, as a personal favor to Vlad King, several police officers have volunteered to regularly visit your former family to ensure that Hifumi Toga doesn't suffer any consequences as a form of retaliation against you."

"She should be ok," Himiko explained. "She always knew how to appease our- her parents, and she has a cute harmless quirk, the kind my parents approve of."

"I wish we could have done more," Nezu assured her.

"It's ok," Himiko said as she looked down at her hands. "You've already done more than what I deserve."

"Now don't say that," Nezu chided her. "You deserve all of this and more. It's not your fault your parents chose to act this way against you. They are the true monsters here, not you."

Himiko nodded furiously, wanting to believe the creature's words. "So what's going to happen to me?"

As thankful as she was to be free of her parents, she knew the rates of adoption in Japan were terrifyingly low. However, if spending the next several years in the orphanage was the price to pay for freedom, she'd gladly pay it.

"Now that your parents have released you from your custody, you will be a ward of the state," Nezu began. "Fortunately, we were able to place you with a foster family. Given your delicate situation, an orphanage wouldn't be the ideal place for your recovery, and fortunately, we found a family that agreed with our assessment. They will care for you until a family formally adopts you or you turn eighteen, at which point the remaining funds we have acquired from your parents will be released and you can do what you wish with them."

"My foster family-" Himiko swallowed. "Are they at least local to Mustafu?"

Can I still see Izuku and Inko after I leave here?

"If you're worried about seeing Little Midoriya and Mrs. Midoriya, I don't believe you'll have any problems with that," Vlad King said, amusement lacing his words. Once he had Himiko's attention he walked over to the door, opening it. She heard him talking with someone in the hallway before he stepped aside, and two familiar figures walked into her room.

"Izuku, Inko!"

Himiko practically leaped out of her bed and ran toward them. She crashed into them, only to feel the arms wrapping her in a warm hug.

"I wanted it to be you, but I was worried!"

"After what you've been through, it was the least I could do," Inko offered. "I can't promise that I'll be the best parent, but I'll try."

Himiko buried her head in Inko's shoulder. "You- you've been a better mom to me this last week than my real mom has been for the last decade." She could already feel the tears or relief stinging her eyes.

"It looks to me like you're happy with our choice of foster family," Nezu chimed in from behind them. "Perfect! There's still arrangements to be made before tomorrow, so I'll leave you be. I'm sure the three of you have a lot to discuss."

"Tomorrow?" Himiko was confused.

Kan stepped forward and placed his hand gently on her shoulder. "Even though your court case hasn't happened yet, with this new arrangement I have no need to keep you in protective custody. As long as you promise me that you won't attempt to flee, we can discharge you into Mrs. Midoriya's care tomorrow."

"That means you can finally leave the hospital and come home with us!" Izuku said enthusiastically.

Himiko let go of Izuku and Inko and turned around to grab Kan, pulling him into a fierce hug. "I promise I won't run away again!"

She felt his hand rest on top of her head. "That's what I thought."

Himiko reluctantly pulled away from the hero and looked up at him. To most, his large build was probably imposing, but to her, he looked like a hero. "And this court case - I'll be ok, right?"

"Of course you will," Kan assured her. "Be strong, little Himiko. In a few weeks, this will finally be behind you."

"I can't wait," Himiko admitted before she turned toward her foster family. "I-"

I don't deserve this.

She swallowed the lump in her throat.

But they are still taking care of me anyway, because they're good people. Maybe they can help me become a good person too.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and bowed. "Thank you for- for everything."

Himiko couldn't sleep that night. She tried, but she was too excited! She had spent the last week feeling jealousy and longing building inside of her, and it terrified her. But that afternoon it had been swept away, replaced with that overwhelming warmth she felt whenever she thought about her two green-haired saviors. Sure they weren't her actual mother and brother, but she knew that it wouldn't make a difference for them.

It certainly didn't make a difference to her.

Inko arrived early in the morning, opening with an apology as she timidly held up Himiko's new school uniform, the only outfit she had bought for Himiko so far. Himiko shook her head and took the uniform and darted to the bathroom, thankful to finally be in anything that wasn't an uncute hospital gown.

After spending far too long combing her hair and tying it into a ponytail, she came out to see a nurse already going over a stack of paperwork with Inko. Himiko bit her lip as she saw just how large the pile of papers was, and worried that it would scare off the woman.

Inko seemed to sense her worry, looking up at the blonde girl and motioning for her to sit down. Hesitantly Himiko walked over to the bed and sat next to Inko, before daring to lean into the woman's side. To get a better view of the paperwork, she lied to herself, not because she wanted to feel the woman's warmth and never let it go.

"Are you sure this is ok?" Himiko whispered.

"Of course dear, Nezu warned me ahead of time."

Himiko swallowed the lump in her throat and looked down at her hands. "Thank you."

It took over an hour, but finally the stack of papers came to an end, and they were able to leave. Putting all of the paperwork into her bag, Inko stood up and Himiko followed suit.

Himiko gave one last look around the room. "It's weird, but I'm going to miss this room."

"Why's that?"

"Too many happy memories," Himiko admitted.

Inko smiled and put a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll make many more happy memories now."

"But I still met you and Izuku here," Himiko pointed out.

"Actually, you met us in an alleyway," Inko countered. "I'm sure if you asked, Izu could show you the exact spot."

"I- maybe," Himiko admitted, her permanent blush spreading across her face.

Without another word Himiko allowed herself to be led out of the hospital and to the Midoriyas' apartment. Once they arrived, Inko opened the door and gestured for her to go in.

"Welcome home, Himiko."

Himiko couldn't keep the smile off her face as she stepped inside and removed her shoes, before following the woman deeper into the apartment. "Are you tired dear? You were yawning the entire time we were on the train."

"A little," Himiko admitted. "I didn't really sleep much last night."

"Well, Izu won't be home for a few more hours, and he'd be heartbroken if we took you shopping without him. Why don't you take a nap in the meantime?"

"That sounds great!"

Inko led her down the hallway past a room where she saw Izuku's name on a hero-themed nameplate to another door and opened it. "I'm sorry the room is so small, but we did what we could."

Himiko looked around. There was a tiny desk, a bed with a single pillow and simple black sheets, and against the far wall she saw the doors to a closet. There wasn't much room for her to move around, but she didn't care. She walked over to the bed and let herself collapse on it, rubbing her hands along the fabric.

The room already felt more welcoming than her old room ever did.

Her body betrayed her with a loud yawn, and she felt her blush spreading as she heard Inko chuckle. "I guess this works for now?"

"Yes!" Himiko insisted. "It's perfect!"

"I'm glad," Inko smiled. "Well, rest up, and if you need anything I'll be right here."

"Sure thing!"

Once Inko left, Himiko crawled out of bed just long enough to open the shades, allowing the last rays of morning light to shine on her bed. Smiling in satisfaction she lay back down and closed her eyes, falling into an easy sleep.

Himiko woke up hours later, a smile on her face. Crawling out of bed, she smoothed out the wrinkles in her clothes and then gently opened the door, quietly making her way to the living room. There, she saw Izuku sitting at the dining room table, his legs swinging back and forth as he worked on his homework.

He seemed to sense her coming and looked up from his homework. "Oh! Hi Himiko! Mom told me not to disturb you."

"Thanks," Himiko blushed. "I guess I was more tired than I realized."

"You had a long week!"

Himiko forced herself to laugh. "You could say that."

"Mom said we can go to the department store whenever you're ready."

Himiko nodded and smiled. For the first time in as long as she could remember, she felt excited to go shopping - ready to find all sorts of cute clothes for herself.

Izuku could feel the frustration radiating off of Himiko as they walked through the clothing section.

When they first arrived she was dashing around, looking at the various racks of clothing trying to find the 'cutest clothes.' It didn't take long for her to come back to the cart, an oversized beige cardigan in her arms that she declared 'both cute and super comfy.'

However, her excitement quickly gave way to frustration as she found herself simply overwhelmed by the sheer options available to her. Before now, her parents had done all of the shopping, picking her outfits for her, and now that she had freedom, she didn't even know where to begin.

"Ugh, there's just too much to choose from!" Himiko exclaimed. "It was so much easier when I was just told what to wear."

Izuku nodded sympathetically, his eyes scanning the racks as he began muttering, analyzing the clothes as if it were a problem to be solved. Unfortunately, thanks to Katskui's influence he hasn't had much interaction with girls his age, so he didn't even have that as a point of reference.

Lost in thought, he wandered through the women's clothing section until something caught his eye. A selection of dresses, among them one that was a deep crimson color. Izuku felt a smile tug at his lips as he remembered Himiko's love of the color red. "Maybe…"

Turning around, he rushed back to where Himiko stood, still venting her frustrations.

"Himiko, I think I've got it!"

"Got what?"

"I think I found something you'd like!"

Curious, Himiko followed as Izuku led her to the dress section and held up the crimson fabric.

Himiko bit her lip as she examined the rack, before finding her size and picking it up. "I think I like it?" It came out more like a question than a statement, uncertainty filling her voice.

"Why don't you go try it on?"

"Sure," Himiko nodded as she walked toward the dressing room, staring at the dress in her hands. Once she went inside, Izuku found his mom and brought her back to the dressing area so they could both see the results.

A few moments later Himiko came out wearing a sleeveless dress. It hung a little loose and cut off right above her knees, but she thought it was cute, and if what the doctor said was true, she would soon fill it out as well. She posed for the pair before she performed a little twirl. "So, what do you think?"

"I think it looks good on you."

"Oh, red is definitely your color!" One of the nearby employees chimed in. She crossed her arms and examined Himiko. "It just needs a little something though, come with me!" In her excitement, the employee grabbed Himiko's arm and began pulling her to another section despite her protests.

A few minutes later the duo returned with Himiko holding an armful of additional garments before the employee sent her back to get changed. When Himiko returned, she now sported a pair of black leggings and a small black jacket made out of thin fabric. "How about now?"

"It looks wonderful, Himiko." Inko chimed in.

"Yeah, it looks good on you," Izuku added. "It seems to fit you."

Himiko stood in front of the mirror and looked at herself, watching as a smile spread across her face. "I think I like this too."

She dashed back into the booth and changed back into her uniform before she dumped the outfit into the basket. Turning the tables on the store employee, it was her turn to grab the employee's arm. "Can you help me some more?! I have a couple cute ideas, but I could use your help!"

"S-sure!"

Without another word, the two disappeared back into the clothing section. Left alone, Inko just looked at her son and saw the disbelief on his face.

"Is she the same girl we've been visiting at the hospital?"

"I think her true personality is starting to shine through," Inko said.

"I guess so," Izuku rubbed the back of his head.

With renewed confidence and armed with a helpful employee, Himiko was able to create several more outfits for herself. She stuck primarily to black and red colors, although at the employee's suggestion she added the occasional blue or green accessory to add some variety.

Once she was satisfied with her selection of clothes, it was time to split up. Izuku led her toward the home goods section to find things for her room, while Inko left to get Himiko a phone.

The search for essentials went far better for Himiko. After picking out a few accessories for her room, Izuku led her to the poster section. She chose a few posters that she liked the look of, not knowing the context of any of them besides the single Vlad King poster Izuku found. But she vowed to look them up later when she had settled in. For now, being nice to look at was good enough for her.

The hardest part done, Izuku guided her through the rest of the store and the two filled the basket as they went.

After reuniting with Inko and paying for everything, they finally left the department store, many bags in hand.

As they walked back to their apartment, Himiko couldn't help but steal glances at her foster family, feeling a warmth that she has already begun to associate with Izuku and Inko's presence.

If this is what normal is supposed to be, I can get used to this.

"Himiko, you're smiling."

Himiko blinked in surprise at that. Without warning, she couldn't help but hear her parent's voices in her head.

Your smile is creepy!

Stop smiling all the time!

With practiced ease, she dropped her smile and looked at the ground. "S-sorry."

"Why'd you stop?" Izuku asked in confusion.

"My smile's creepy because of my fangs," Himiko explained.

"There's nothing wrong with your smile! I think it looks good on you." Inko insisted. "Just because the Togas didn't appreciate it, doesn't mean we won't."

"Really?" Himiko blinked in surprise.

"It's like what the doctor told you, they're a part of you," Izuku said, tilting his head in confusion. "Why would you bother to hide them?"

She felt her face heat up. Swallowing the lump in her throat, she forced herself to drop her neutral expression and let herself smile. The two returned her expression with smiles of their own, and then they resumed their journey.

Once back at the apartment, Inko deposited her bags in Himiko's room before she left to make dinner, leaving Izuku and Himiko alone to sort through everything.

The two started with her bed. With Izuku's help, Himiko added a mattress pad and replaced the sheets with something cuter than the basic black ones. Once they were done she unpacked her new clothes and put them away, while Izuku unpacked and sorted out the decorations and supplies they picked up. When they were done, Himiko sat down on the bed, and Izuku joined her, keeping a respectful distance between them.

"What do you think?" Izuku asked.

Himiko's gaze swept the room. It wasn't much: a couple of posters, her two stuffed animals, and a few interesting trinkets that caught her eye. "It feels like… home." She bit her lip. "It's-"

I already feel like I belong here, more than I ever felt like I belonged at the Togas.

"Hrm?"

Himiko shook her head and forced herself to smile. "It's nothing. Come on, let's go see if dinner's ready!"

As they entered the living room, they saw Inko as she finished frying the pork cutlets. "With everything going on, I forgot to ask what your favorite meals are, so I just made a pork katsudon. It's Izu's favorite. I hope you don't mind."

Himiko shook her head. "I don't mind!" She paused and put her index finger to her lip. "Normally I prefer meals with raw or rare meats or those restaurants where we could grill the food ourselves." She felt her blush spreading. "It makes sense now after… everything."

Inko seemed to think it over, before bobbing her head. "I think we can work with that. I also didn't forget about the final part of your meals." After taking the last cutlet out, Inko walked over to the fridge and pulled out a carton of blood. "The doctors told me that pig's blood would satisfy your daily needs. We're going to have to experiment on how to incorporate it into your meals, though."

As Himiko watched, Inko poured a small portion of blood into a bowl, before she added a sauce and mixed them together. "Here, try this."

Himiko took the offered bowl and grabbed a chopstick, swirling it around in the sauce before bringing it to her lips. Her eyes went wide as she tasted it. "This is really tasty!"

"Mom's cooking is the best!" Izuku chimed in.

"I was worried that the flavor may be off," Inko admitted with a smile. "But the doctors did say that your palette is different from ours, and registers the taste of blood differently. Let me know if something doesn't work, ok?"

"You don't have to go this far for me," Himiko said as she gently set the bowl on the table. "I could just drink blood from a cup instead - that's how they gave it to me in the hospital."

"But you're not at the hospital, you're with family now."

Family.

Himiko felt like she was just hit by a truck. While it was true that they were nothing more than her foster family, the distinction didn't matter to them. They still wanted to help her, to make sure that she was happy. That there was nothing wrong with her. That she was normal, just the way she was.

She felt the tears running down her cheeks as she sat down, shaking as small sobs escaped her.

Where were these people all my life?

It didn't take long for her to be wrapped in a warm hug, which she quickly leaned into.

"T-thank you."