Izuku woke up, his heart pounding, the nightmares still fresh in his mind. The first thing he noticed was the empty spot on his left, and then the sounds of a shower. "Ochaco?" he called out.

"Good morning, My Heart. I was afraid you would not be awake before I left," she got of the bathroom, wearing her armour.

"You could've woken me, y'know?"

"You went to sleep rather late last night. And you seem to have used up all my shampoo in the process of cleaning yourself last night; my hair is a mess," she ran her fingers through her hair as if to show him. Though Izuku didn't notice anything different from the usual.

"It look amazing, as always."

"Flatterer. And thankfully, you seem to have cleared the Cambion blood out of your hair before you came to bed. But I have to go, dearest. Kendo is waiting for me downstairs."

"I could always come with you," he offered.

"I know, beloved. But you have things to do...the last threads of your old life to tidy up."

"Just...just stay safe. Both of you. Come back to me," he hugged her.

"Always, My Heart. No matter what."

They went downstairs to meet Itsuka, who had Eri riding on her shoulders. "Papa! Mama! Good morning!"

"Morning, Little Snowball. Had a fun night?"

She nodded, then talked about how she and the girls had fun playing card games and watching movies as Itsuka put her down.

"Morning, Master. I'm here to escort the Queen."

"Thanks, Itsuka."

Noticing his expression, she said, "I'll make sure she's well taken care of. We'll be back by New Year's Eve."

"I know. I'm just..."

"Itchy you weren't there to protect her?"

"Yeah. Especially with some demonic assassins hunting us."

Itsuka huffed and put her hands on her waist. "And how do you think I feel about this, Master? Dealing with critters like that were supposed to be what Hunters are for. And I'll be away in Camelot, when we both know they're hunting you."

"I can take care of myself, Chosen. Protect my wife. That's all that matters."

Noticing Izuku's stubborn tone and expression, that utter lack of care if something happened to him if those he cherished were okay that she tried to change within him for more than half a decade, she sighed. "Okay, Master."

"Thanks, Itsuka," he smiled. Izuku didn't say anything, but he found that to be too easy. "Ochaco?"

"We will be back soon, My Love."

"I love you. Stay safe," he kissed her softly. He watched as they went downstairs to the basement. The silence that followed felt heavier than usual - perhaps because of the recent assassination attempts, or maybe just the general unease of being separated when threats were looming. He was about to head back upstairs when Midnight rolled her eyes.

"You poor dear, Izuku. All alone; whatever will you do with yourself? I'm sure you'd be bored senseless," Midnight rolled her eyes.

Then the sound of the bell rung and a woman stepped inside. Redheaded with hazy green eyes, wearing a white top and black jeans.

One look at the redheaded woman and Izuku realized something that he thought was strange.

"Hi? Is the bar open?" the girl shyly asked.

"Not yet. But we have a seat. You need to order something?" Izuku played along.

"I'm here for a part time job that was advertised? I'm Kath."

"What part-time job, Nemuri?"

"I did advertise for some staff to help me out. You won't be around to help run the pub much longer, after all."

He scanned Kath. "Redhead. Fit. And moves wrong for a human. Are you a Werewolf, Kath?" he asked, his voice deep and commanding.

So commanding, in fact, that the girl instinctively saluted, her back stiffening and her legs snapping together. "No, Sir. I'm most definitely not a Werewolf."

"You can just call me Izuku. It's hard to keep your cover if you salute to me like that, Kath."

"Sorry, sir. I mean, Izuku."

"Itsuka sent you? You said you're not a Werewolf, so...a Werecat?"

"N-No, sir. Werelynx," she answered, her face flush from shame. She sighed. "Haah. She would chew me a new one. I was supposed to do this without you finding out. Also, why a Werecat, if I may ask?"

Izuku shrugged. "I have a particular fascination with cats," he eyed Midnight in the corner. He gave her a wry smile. "Also, you don't have to be so formal." Her demeanor reminded him of Itsuka when they first met. "So you're supposed to be in full armor? That's going to be a downer," he sat to one of the table and gestured for her to do the same.

She followed his instructions, not for decorum but because of the authority that the man radiated, as if he was marionetting her.

"No, Sir. She called in a favor to get me pouring drinks and keeping my eyes open for a few days," she smiled as she shrunk her shoulders, making her appear smaller in front of the gigantic man. "The bar is the obvious place to hit you and, according to her, you're at least as dangerous as a full Squad. All you needed was a heads up if something's trying to sneak by."

Izuku nodded. "That could work. I take it you're good at that?"

She perked up. "I'm no bruiser, Sir. But sneaking and finding...noone's better."

Izuku noticed that her expression was like that of a puppy trying to get a treat.

"And I'll do the bruising. Don't worry, Kath...If there's one thing I'm good at, it's breaking things."

"That's what I was told, Sir. If you don't mind...how did you know?"

"I more or less expected this, to be honest. My Chosen might always be loyal, but that's never stopped any of them from working behind my back. Not to mention, I've got years to observe how she moved."

"'Chosen,' Sir?"

"Nevermind that. We should probably work out a plan, right?"

They talked about various things, like the entrances to the pub and which of them were warded.

"We're good," she nodded. I believe I'll be at the bar from today and until New Year's?"

"Yeah. You're aware of what you're looking for, right?"

"Deep Elsewhere critters, according to the Sergeant. Stuff like the Cambion from last night. Possibly a Púca or other freelance nasties."

"That's about it. If I can see it, I can likely take it. The only caveat is collateral damage."

"So you risk thrashing the pub if you go all out? That's gotta be a problem for a bounder," she chuckled.

"No, Kath...I risk thrashing the reality if I go all out. Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

She was about to laugh it off but saw the serious expression. She gulped. "Yes, Sir."

"I'll see you at the bar. I'm going somewhere. Take care."

Izuku needed a distraction from the gnawing worry about Ochaco, and spending time with Eri seemed perfect. The mall wasn't far - just a short ride away - and it would give them both a chance to pretend things were normal, if only for a few hours. Maybe they'd get ice cream, or browse the toy store. Anything to keep his mind off the fact that somewhere out there, assassins were hunting him, or worse, maybe his family too.

He looked down at Eri's smiling face as they climbed into the taxi. At least one of them wasn't worried.

The ride was quick, and Eri seemed content to stare out the window and watch the buildings pass by. They pulled up in front of the mall, and Eri practically dragged him out of the car and toward the entrance.

The inside was busy, crowded with people. It wasn't exactly a surprise, given the season. Maybe because of it, he thought. The atmosphere was jovial, and everyone seemed to be in good spirits. A small group of carolers were singing Christmas songs by the fountain.

He went and bought Eri an ice-cream from a store near the entrance. There, he handed over Eri's apple ice cream, which he didn't know was a thing before, and ate his avocado-flavored one. The look of pure joy on her face as she tasted it made him smile - these simple moments were worth protecting, even with all the chaos in their lives.

Eri's footsteps echoed against the marble floor as she skipped along beside him, her mouth already stained red from the ice cream. Her smile was infectious, and he couldn't help but smile back at her.

Izuku took her to various stores and bought her a triangle and ate lunch. They went to buy her school supplies, despite her being taken out of the regular school, being a princess.

As they walked, Eri grabbed his hand, lacing her tiny fingers grasping his. He looked down at her, and she looked up at him, grinning. They were looking at some crayons when they heard someone call behind them.

"Midoriya-kun?"

They turned back, and saw Fuyumi were holding a basket filled with books and a few boxes of chalk and pens. "Fuyumi-san," Izuku smiled at her.

Eri's eyes alternated between them, and greeted the woman. "Good afternoon."

"Hello," Fuyumi crouched and greeted the little girl, "Who might you be, sweetie?"

"I'm Eri," she smiled and looked up at Izuku, then back at Fuyumi. "He's my Papa."

"'Papa'?" she stood and faced him, a little surprised.

"Yeah, Eri's been part of my family for a little over three months now," he said, crouching and patting his daughter's head.

"That's wonderful, Midoriya-kun," Fuyumi beamed. "I didn't realize you had a daughter. She's very cute," she added.

"Thank you," Eri said.

"How old are you, Eri-chan?"

"Six," she answered, holding up her fingers.

"You're a big girl, huh? You're with your Papa to shop school supplies?" she asked, her gaze meeting his.

At first glance, it wouldn't be unreasonable to assume she's her daughter, with their matching hair color except for Fuyumi's highlights. Though the eye color not matching either 'parents' would put a dent on that theory.

"Yeah. Figured we might as well, since we're here already. By the way, are you going to be busy?"

"Not really. Why?" she tilted her head.

Izuku shrugged. "Just wondering if you'd like to hang out, that's all."

Fuyumi was a bit surprised by his invitation. But a smile graced her lips.

"It'd be a pleasure, Midoriya-kun. Eri-chan."

"Cool. Let me carry that for you," he offered but she was hesitant, at first. She didn't want to impose, but realized that Izuku likely wouldn't even notice the difference even if he carried the entire store so she relented.

"So, what's the occasion, Midoriya-kun?" she asked, glancing sideways to look at him.

"Nothing. I just figured it'd be nice to spend some time together, y'know? How were you these past few days?"

She let out a strained laugh. "Busy, I guess. Lots of paperwork, even with no students until next month, a teacher's job is never done."

"I thought the teachers were only working half-days during winter break?"

"They are, but we have a lot to catch up on."

"Sounds like a pain," he chuckled. "Still, you're free now, right? No plans for the evening?"

"Not really. Unless you count a stack of paperwork on my desk, no."

"Then let's not waste the day."

"Okay," she giggled, looking at him. "Let's not," she smiled.

They walked out of the store, with Izuku carrying the bags and holding Eri's hand while Fuyumi observed the two. Eventually, Eri's feet started getting tired and they took a break by the indoor tree.

Much like the other girls, Fuyumi started doting on Eri once the three sat down. "Oh, would you like some candies, Eri-chan?" she offered one from her pocket.

The little girl looked towards Izuku's direction and the man nodded. "Go ahead."

"Thank you, Fuyu-nee-chan," she said and accepted the candy.

"She's adorable, Midoriya-kun," she complimented. "The other girls must be infatuated with her. It must've been hard getting your little girl back."

"Thanks, and yeah. The girls dote on her. Though I'm thankful for them, in that regard. I can be busy sometimes."

She giggled. "I noticed. You haven't even texted me when you got back."

"Yeah. Sorry about that."

"It's fine," she rested her head on his arm. The sheer height difference made it so that was the only one she could reach without stretching. Or just sitting on his lap. "What's important is that you're back safe."

"Thanks, Fuyumi-san."

"Any time, Midoriya-kun," she looked around, seeing the families and couples. She couldn't help but wonder.

"Say, Midoriya-kun. Is Eri-chan your only daughter?"

"Daughter, no. But I'll have a son soon," he said as his face lit up.

"A boy?"

"Yeah. Ochaco's carrying him right now," his voice was filled with pride and happiness.

Fuyumi's smile faltered for a moment, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. She quickly masked her expression, but the pang in her chest lingered. "Oh. I see."

Izuku looked her. "Something wrong, Fuyumi-san?"

She quickly shook her head. "Not really. Congratulations, Midoriya-kun. Your first son."

Izuku looked at her for a moment, but couldn't find anything wrong with her expression. Maybe he imagined it. "Thanks. It both feel real and unreal. I can't explain it well."

Looking back, this is how she would've wanted her own childhood to have been. But while she wasn't blessed with a loving father, she was happy to think her own child, eventually, would have one.

"It's understandable. It is a unique feeling. I imagine a parent would understand better than I could. But I'm sure you'd be a good father to him, too, seeing how Eri-chan looks at you."

"What about you, Fuyumi-san? Ever thought about having kids?"

Her face went red, and her heart skipped a beat. She cleared her throat. "Ah. Not really, no. It's not like we're near that point, yet." She paused, fidgeting with the strap of her bag. "Though I would like to focus on my career first...at least for now. Sorry..."

Izuku looked at her and then patted her head. "No need to apologize, Fuyumi-san. It's your choice. And besides, there's no rush, right?"

"Y-Yes," she looked up at him, her blush deepening. "I-" her words died in her throat. Her thoughts scattered, leaving only the man beside her. The warmth of his palm. His scent. How close they were. Her arms, pressed around his bicep.

As they continued in silence, Eri joined in and hugged Fuyumi from behind. Later on, they ended up going to the movie theater after buying some snacks. They watched a children's movie, which turned out to be surprisingly touching, and by the end of it, Eri was a mess of snot and tears.

When the movie finished, the sun was already starting to set, and the cinema was slowly emptying. They went outside the mall and Izuku waited with Fuyumi for a taxi home.

"I can't believe it's so late already," Fuyumi murmured, glancing at her watch. "I guess time flies when you're having fun."

"Time flies when you're with good company," he corrected her, giving her a smile.

Her cheeks turned pink, and her stomach fluttered. She smiled, and tucked her hair behind her ear.

His fingers traced and held her chin, his face inches away from her. Her heart skipped a beat as he drew closer, and their lips met.

Fuyumi could've stayed like that forever, lost in his kiss. His lips were warm, and she could taste the avocado ice cream he had eaten earlier.

Izuku pulled away, and her face burned. "Thanks. For accompanying us."

Dazed, she looked at his eyes, as if trapped by a spell. His emerald eyes were so full of life, and so, so beautiful. It was as if she was looking into a field of green grass in summer. She cleared her throat, her cheeks still pink. "Y-You're welcome, Midoriya-kun."

Then a taxi pulled up and she broke eye contact. "Oh, I think this is my ride."

"We should do this again some time. Just the two of us."

"I'd like that," she nodded, smiling. She opened the door and climbed into the cab. "Bye, Midoriya-kun. Bye, Eri-chan," she said before closing the door.

Izuku and Eri waved goodbye as the car drove off, the windows open.

Thanks for reading this chapter!

Pretty short chapter since the next one will contain a little more.

We're nearly closing in on the end of Izuku's time as just a hero-in-training. The next chapter will introduce some important characters. It'll probably be the last Crowley-focused chapter.

So it'll be this chapter before the New Year's. And...well, you'll have have to see.

Next up: Final Shifts at The Crowley