Here we go with ch11. Tasuke and Shōto finally talk.

Disclaimer: My Hero Academia doesn't belong to me.

Chapter 11: Collide

Momo sat up in bed, sunlight peeking through the curtains. She reached for her phone on the side table and scrolled through her messages from last night, doubting that conversation had actually happened because of how crazy it seemed.

Last night Akemi had texted her, and claimed she wanted to discuss Tasuke and potentially help Momo.

Momo, of course, didn't believe her immediately.

"Yaoyorozu-san, I really need to speak to you about Tasuke. It's urgent. I know this may seem strange especially with the timing, but I think Tasuke is going too far."

Momo didn't know what to make of the message. After thinking it over for a few seconds she responded.

"Before I consider hearing you out, I need proof that you're really Akemi-san. It's not difficult to make a fake account."

"I can tell you something only a select few people know."

… [Akemi is typing]

"Tasuke's quirk isn't fully registered. People think he's quirkless because his family has the only copy of his quirk registration document."

Momo stared at her screen in shock. Her information matched what Tsukauchi had told her. Outside of those on Kouske's payroll, members of the police were also aware of Tasuke's true quirk. The general public didn't know and even those in the same social circle as Tasuke himself had no way of knowing that information. An impersonator or hacker couldn't get this kind of knowledge, but someone like Akemi, his girlfriend, could.

The Fuji family only ever flaunted their wealth but not much about their personal lives. It seemed that she was telling the truth.

However, based on how things had been going for her since Tasuke's story went viral, it didn't make sense for Akemi to come forward now or even at all. Why sit back and willingly let your boyfriend run wild and pursue another woman then suddenly change gears and try to stop him?

Momo also considered the possibility that this could be a trap. A part of Tasuke's plan where he uses Akemi to get to her. There were too many unknowns in this situation, but if she was telling the truth and being genuine in trying to stop him…

"Fine. We can meet and talk tomorrow. I'll see for myself if I can really trust you."

And with that Momo ended the conversation.

It was mid afternoon when Momo heard a knock at her door. In order for this meeting to happen, Momo had set a few ground rules: firstly that she would be choosing where the meetup would happen and secondly, Akemi couldn't tell anyone why she was going to see Momo that day. Once Akemi agreed to those two terms, the meet could happen.

The meeting place for them was in Momo's office at her agency. This served as another test for Akemi. There wasn't a single person in the city that didn't know Akemi and that she was dating Tasuke. If she was willing to walk through the doors of the person her boyfriend had been lying about and threatening, in broad daylight, then maybe she was serious.

The one thing that surprised Momo more than anything was how eerily similar they looked when Akemi wasn't wearing makeup. Every picture of Akemi online, be it at events, or even personal images, she always had makeup on. So to see her now in a floral summer dress, probably from the family collection, long black hair loose, grey eyes, and no makeup on, it almost felt like looking in a mirror.

Suddenly it all made sense, and it was very sad.

Akemi walked in and sat down at the couch in front of the reading corner in Momo's pastel pearl coloured office. She immediately recognised the look in Momo's eyes and offered a small smile.

"Never thought you'd meet your look-alike like this, huh? Makes it easier to understand why Tasuke wanted to date me."

"He's quite shameless, that can't be denied." Momo stood up from the chair at her desk and went to join Akemi. "So what brought you here today? Why are you stepping in now?"

There was a pause, Akemi looked into her lap. "He's changed so much recently. It's like he's a completely different person." Akemi finally looked up and met Momo's gaze. "Our father's have been friends since we were kids but Tasuke and I barely ever interacted. It was only around when you made your official debut as a hero after graduating that Tasuke started pursuing me. I put the pieces together quickly enough. It wasn't difficult to figure out why he suddenly started pursuing me. He's wanted you from the beginning."

"If you knew the reason, then why?"

"That's the big question." she sighed, "My answer is kind of boring though. The truth is, I honestly fell in love with him. Even though he was only interested in me because of how much I look like you, he was genuinely caring and sweet in the beginning. It was after his father became the new head of the Hero Public Safety Commission that Tasuke really started changing."

"What do you mean?"

"He started acting like the world owed him everything, that he could just do and take whatever he wanted. And that's when his interest in you turned to obsession. He was determined to have it all and started making plans. That night when you rejected him was the final straw for him to put everything into place. And as for me, I don't know if I'm foolish or naïve but, I thought he'd come to his senses. But I also just wanted him to be happy. I wanted to do whatever he wanted as long as I was there by his side. Which is why as much as I didn't agree his plan to use his quirk the way he did, I didn't try to stop him at first. I also won't make excuses for myself. I'm just as responsible for your suffering as Tasuke is. If I wasn't so scared of losing him and scared of him now, I would've tried harder."

Momo listened to Akemi's words intently. Taking everything in. By the way she sat and her body language as she spoke, Momo could tell that Akemi was being honest and looked remorseful for her actions.

"It may be too late to say this, but I'm really sorry for everything that's happened to you so far."

"I appreciate it." Momo gave her a small smile, still trying to come to terms that this was really happening. It would take a while for her to digest everything. "You said in your text that it was urgent that we meet. Is what Tasuke has planned worse than what he's done so far?"

"I'm assuming Todoroki-san told you that Tasuke tried to talk to his sister's daughter?"

Momo raised her brows in surprise.

"Tasuke told me himself. I was with him before he left. He—

Akemi's breath caught in her throat, unable to finish the rest of her sentence as memories from yesterday came rushing back to her. How Tasuke had assualted her then left without saying a word. Akemi took a deep breath to calm herself. She dismissed Momo's concern when she asked if she was okay.

"Is he trying to go after the people I care about?"

"No, that was an accident. Not long after I texted you, Tasuke came to my penthouse, sober, and told me everything. That after I'd argued with him that morning about going after you, he left to clear his head. No one expects the rich son of the Commission President to be walking the streets so he dressed and as casually as possible and left. He's done it many times. He didn't know they were there, but he overheard someone in another aisle mention that Hawks' family was there and that's when he went to talk the daughter. It was an 'in the moment' decision. But as for what he wants to do with you, he's considering asking some of his father's contacts for help." it was at this moment that Akemi turned to fully face Momo.

"You need to understand that Kosuke Fuji has a lot of friends in dark places. Some even to the extent of the criminals the police and you heroes put away. I don't know who he plans to contact, but I can guarantee they'd consider coming after you or using the people in your life against you." There was a fearful look in Akemi's eyes as she explained to Momo.

How deep did all of this go? And what was really going on with the Fuji family?

It had been thirty minutes since Akemi had left. Momo sat back at her desk, thinking over everything they'd just discussed. Tasuke's quirk was about to lose its affect soon enough and the news story about her photoshoot with Shōto would return to normal soon. The effects of Tasuke's ability would also ware off soon and things would be as they were.

If Tasuke was planning to do something in retaliation against her successful hearing, he needed to have it ready soon.

Momo leaned back in her chair and sighed, "All this from an obsessed entitled fan." she said to herself. Threatening her career and credibility hadn't worked, so the next best thing would be to go for most people's soft spot: their loved ones.

Her parents, her friends, and their loved ones, none of them were safe. Momo's heart began to race at the thought of anything happening to them. And also, memories of a past and nearly fatal mission also sprung up in her mind.

Dammit! Why now? Momo's breathing became uneven. Was it fear creeping up on her? Tasuke's initial threats up until then had wrecked her life for sure, in some ways immeasurably so, but the fear of anyone she cared for getting hurt because of her, made her heart sink to her stomach.

The more she tried to think of something else, anything else, the more images from that terrible mission rushed up to the surface of her mind.

Though the circumstances were different, someone had gotten hurt because of her. Two years into her career, a dark case had landed in her lap. One she couldn't refuse, and one she thankfully hadn't had to face alone, but unfortunately her partner had gotten just as injured as her on that mission.

The villain had been stopped and put away, but Momo still hadn't quite forgiven herself for what happened.

Before she could spiral further into her thoughts, her phone rang. Shocked out of her thoughts, but thankful nonetheless for the distraction, Momo answered the call.

"Mother..." her voice was slightly shaky.

"Momo, are you alright? You don't sound well."

"I'm... I'm fine, just a little tired." she brushed through her hair, "What about you? Are you alright? You usually don't call until I'm off work."

"I just wanted to check on you after what happened with your father. Has he spoken to you since?"

"He tried to call, but I didn't answer. There's a lot going on right now and I didn't want to argue with him again. I don't have the energy for that anymore." she turned in her chair to look out the window.

"I asked him to call you. I confronted him after you left, but if you don't want to speak to him yet, that's okay." Haruki's voice sounded uncertain.

"Is that really the only reason you called?"

She heard her mother sigh on the other side of the line, "Momo, darling, I'm currently staying at your aunt's right now."

"Oh, okay… are you visiting for the week or…?"

"No, I'll be staying with her for the time being."

"What does that mean?" confusion swirled in her mind.

"I was upset with how your father spoke to you and we're not on the same page right now. So I'm taking some time way." her mother sounded tired.

"Are you serious? You and dad are fighting because of me?" and now panic slowly started to set in. What if this became a permanent thing. Would her parents get divorced because of her?

"It's not your fault." her mother tried to assure her.

"I keep hearing people say that, but things keep falling apart the longer this goes on." she couldn't do this anymore. She had to end this whole mess with Tasuke as soon as possible. "I'll talk to you later, I need to sort something out." before her mother could respond, Momo hung up.

She needed to speak to Tasuke. Momo texted Akemi.

It was early evening as Shōto drove through the city, his mind clear on his mission. It had been way overdue. He was tired of seeing her suffer. Dark grey clouds gathered in the sky above, a storm was likely on the way. It had been considerably hot that afternoon, the rain would provide much needed relief.

After ten minutes of driving through the city, Shōto finally made it to the affluent neighbourhood on the north side of the city. Not long now.

Tasuke had just finished drying his hair, after taking a shower, when he heard the main butler of the house knocked on his door and inform him that he had a visitor. Tasuke was confused at first because he hadn't arranged anything. And if it was Akemi, she'd just walk into his room like she usually did. So who could it be?

He put on a plain white shirt and sweat pants and walked to the foyer to see this mystery guest. Of all the possible options, no matter how unlikely or improbable, Tasuke never would've guessed that he would come to see him, especially not in his own home.

"Well, well, well..." he walked down the stairs with a smirk, towards where his guest with monochromatic eyes, glaring at him, stood. "If it isn't my favourite Todoroki. Although, I guess I should say second favourite now, your niece is truly adorable." he chuckled when he saw icicles appear on Shōto's arm.

"Don't you dare." Shōto warned.

"Give me a break, I'm just teasing. Why don't we take this conversation somewhere private? I get the feeling I'm going to get yelled at." he pretended to be afraid, but the amusement on his face was clear.

Tasuke lead the way upstairs and Shōto followed wordlessly. Most of the house staff had been listening in on their conversation form the kitchen. They were just as surprised as Tasuke at Shōto's unexpected visit.

Once they made it to Tasuke's room, he closed the door.

"So, to what do I owe the pleasure, number three? I never thought you'd ever set foot in my home. You must really be desperate." he walked over to his study desk and leaned against it.

"Desperate isn't the right word to use. Restrained works better because I'm using every drop of self-control I have to not jump you right now!" Shōto remained where he was in the middle of the room.

"Oh? And what have I done this time to deserve all this attention?"

"Keep playing the fool you are, but you better keep your shit the hell away from my family!" He'd never forgive him making Harumi cry like that.

"Ah, so its about that. I'm guessing your sister told you everything. Relax, I wouldn't want two pro heroes coming after, what with Hawks being her husband and all. Running into your family wasn't intentional. I argued with Akemi and in my drunkenness I left the estate. I didn't even know they were in that store until I overheard some people talking about them, so I went to check. That's it, nothing sinister planned." he went and sat on the edge of his bed, "Even if it was accidental, it was definitely worth it, seeing you this pissed off." Tasuke let out a boastful laugh.

"Try that crap again and I'll—

"You'll what?" Tasuke wasn't laughing anymore, his face serious again. "Pros like you shouldn't make threats they can't keep. Now, I know you didn't come all the way here just to tell me to back off and puff your chest out at me. Why are you really here?" Tasuke matched the same glare Shōto had.

"I wanted to see you in person to get your answer." Shōto's intense stare continued.

"And what's the question?"

"When are you going to stop?"

"Are you seriously trying to appeal to me?" Tasuke scoffed, "What are you not understanding here? I don't stop, I won't stop until she's mine."

"But at what cost—

"I don't care about the cost, as long as I get what I want when I want it!" Tasuke stood up and walked towards Shōto.

"You have no idea how much you've upended her life because you're too damn selfish to see it. She already rejected you, many times even." Shōto clenched his fist.

"A mistake on her part. This is all because of her. If she'd just said yes I wouldn't have had to do any of this. She forced me to! She's mine!" Tasuke yelled in his face. He refused to be lectured about this. Not when he deserved to have her. She belonged to him and him alone.

"You're insane!" hearing how entitled Tasuke sounded made him sick. The anger building inside him followed as well. That someone this pathetic could be causing Momo so much pain was infuriating. And because of his feelings, his quirk responded.

"Spare me your good guy act. Cool and calm Todoroki Shōto, but not tonight, huh? Not very above book of you to come all the way to a civilian's home in the evening to make personal demands. Why don't you stop pretending and just admit you're just like me?" Tasuke was right up in Shōto's face now. The temperature in the room plummeted, Tasuke's words came out in puffs of white.

"We're nothing alike!" Shōto could see his breath as well, but still hadn't registered just how cold he'd made the room.

"You sure about that? Because just like me, it looks like you're doing all this to keep Momo to yourself. And just like me, you're willing to do anything to get what you want. You being here now is proof of that." he poked Shōto in the chest as he spoke.

"That's not true!" he grit his teeth.

"You think if you fight hard enough she'll let you spread her legs?" he laughed spitefully. "Because that's the first thing I'm doing when I win this game." a chill ran down his spine at his own words.

"You better stop talking about her like that." Shōto grabbed him by the collar.

Unbothered by Shōto's actions, Tasuke continued, "Does she know? Does she know that you're here right now making threats like this? What would happen if she found out?" he taunted, before he took a deep breath and let out a light chuckle, then asked his final question, "Does she know you're in love with her?"

Shōto immediately released him, taking a step back. Tasuke smirked seeing the genuine shock and confusion on Shōto's face. "Ooh, I wonder which question that face is for." he smoothed over his shirt. "Face it, Shōto, you can't stop me. Not unless you're willing to cross a line to do it, and as much as I think you have the potential, you won't do it."

The silence between them remained as they glared at each other.

"Now are we done here? Or do you want us to go to another room for you to potentially freeze over?"

It was only then that Shōto looked around the room to see a light dusting of frost everywhere. The desk and bed stood out the most. Shōto ignored him and turned to leave.

"I'll see you soon Shōto, right when I make my next move." he waved as Shōto walked to the door. "And don't worry, your secret's safe with me. I won't tell her you were here."

Shōto's hand stopped on the handle, "I don't need you lying for me. Do what you want." He threw the door open and left. His footsteps faded away and Tasuke walked to his window to watch Shōto drive out.

"That's exactly what I plan to do, Shōto." he saw the car drive off. Tasuke picked up his phone and scrolled through his contacts.

He'd only planned on making the phone call in the morning, but seeing Shōto so desperate to stop him got him too excited to wait any more.

It was time for his new plan to come into effect.

Well that was something, Tasuke really knows how to get under Shōto's skin unfortunately. Anyways hope you enjoyed the chapter, let me know!

Well that's it from me-

Until the next chapter:

Ketsui Tasogare :-)