He woke up in the middle of the night. Why there wasn't a fireplace sound? Why was Oboro laying on- Ah.
He was back in his world.
... and Touya was gone.
He sighed and surrounded Hawks with his arms.
"...nji?" came the murmur.
"'M okay."
"Are you?" The golden eyes were open now, looking at him with concern.
"I am, love. Gonna have to pee."
"Mmm, golden showmmph."
"Gross."
Izuku and Katsuki were lying, cuddled together peacefully, completely unlike how their relationship seemed to be during the day. This was the boy who kept hollering and calling his Izuku names all the time. And, also, this was the boy who had shielded Izuku with his chest. This seemed so complicated, and Enji would lie if he said it didn't worry him.
Tenya and Shouto were also in one bed, facing each other but they had their pajamas decently on and weren't even touching each other, only with their hands intertwined. They seemed so innocent and pure together Enji wanted to preserve this pristine love for eternity, wanted to shield them from whatever problems, quarrels, or even heartbreaks the life might bring them.
Fuyumi was curled up around one of her big childhood plushies and deep asleep. The tiredness bled out into her features. Enji could only imagine how terrible had to be to wait for the outcome of the battle, to think about her father and brother fighting the monstrous villain who had crippled the very All Might and had already proved he could easily kill Enji. And to think about another brother of hers, trying to murder his own family. He kissed her gently and stroked her hair.
Untenmaru wasn't asleep. He was grimly browsing the family photo album.
"Hey. It's almost two. Don't make me be the one to bother you about the sleeping hygiene."
Untenmaru sighed and closed the album. "How are you really, Enji?"
"...Horrible. But I know now for sure there is reincarnation in this world." Enji would trust Untenmaru with his life. The man was tough and nobody would get anything from him, Enji was sure of that. And seeing the pain in the old man's eyes, he just couldn't keep the truth to himself. He just couldn't.
"Huh?" Untenmaru's eyes widened. "How can you know that?"
"You saw... what happened in the aftermath of our battle?"
Untenmaru frowned. "People are saying bullshit in the news. About that scientist who stubbornly claimed long time ago the Universe was created by the person with Singularity Quirk. All those years he was ostracised by everyone and now suddenly they all recalled him and his theory? And wouldn't it make a user like that a God?"
Enji looked at his hands. "...yeah. Sort of."
"Enji?"
"It seems our Shigaraki was the center of AfO's attention because of this very Quirk."
The silence fell.
"...so, the world is ending?"
"No. He actually had been very helpful to me. He showed me Touya's future life. So... it's not the end."
"Didn't he... just try to mess with your mind?"
"No."
Untenmaru fell silent and Enji suddenly realized where the thoughts had to take the old man.
"Yeah, your wife is living somewhere, with a brand new life."
Untenmaru smiled the softest smile. Enji didn't think he ever saw him like this. "...Thank you for telling me this," he said quietly. "It is strictly confidential, isn't it?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
And the last and definitely least...
"Why the bloody flaming hot hell are you fucking still working?!" hissed Enji the quietest he could, his Quirk burning threateningly. "Do you think you can stop fucking taking care of yourself just because you have your stomach and lung back?"
Toshi looked properly cowed, just as intended. "Enji-san, so much is happening in the world th-"
"And you intend to face it exhausted tomorrow! And what can you even do!"
"That's n-"
Enji cracked his knuckles ominously. "Now that you're no longer sick, there is nothing stopping me anymore, you know that."
"Don't be ridiculous, Enji-san," Toshi actually dared to try to frown. So Enji took him, along with his chair, up in the air easily.
"You are being ridiculous! Put me down!"
"I did it to Shouta, you thought I wouldn't do it to you?"
"You're unbelievable. Wait until I gain my muscles back."
Enji snorted. "Like I couldn't lift you even back then."
"...I just can't stop thinking about Tenko," confessed Toshi when put back on the ground.
Oh, dammit. Oboro would be mad but Enji couldn't look at those sad, worried, guilty eyes. Apparently, some of Izuku's attitude to Toshi rubbed off on him.
"I really am not supposed to speak about it... But I know for sure he is slowly recovering. I am in contact with him."
Toshi's eyes widened immediately, lit with hope.
"I'm doing my best to help him."
And there it was, mushy, sappy gratitude of Toshi's, with all the melting features and soft eyes. Urgh.
"Thank you, Enji-san. If it's you, he is in good hands."
"Yeah, I'm known for it." Touya would beg to differ, thought Enji turning his eyes away. Which was a mistake because suddenly he was being hugged. Toshi really started taking liberties around here.
"I know you, Enji-san. You are a great father. You are. I am so very sorry Touya did not give you another chance. You deserved it." The arms held him tightly. Enji wanted to protest or at least give the line he had given everyone but he realized it felt different to hear those words from your family or from friends much younger than him, and different from the man he had been pursuing whole his life, who had been wise enough not to start his own family if not feeling up to the task, and who, had been capturing villains like Enji for years, abusive parents and husbands like Enji, and who would still decide against condemning Enji.
"You're so stupid. I'm not a kid on the podium to be thrilled by your hug," he said nevertheless.
"...you hugged me just yesterday, Enji-san."
"...I was in a shock. My son died. I wasn't thinking at all. It doesn't count."
"You'll never change, Enji-san, won't you?" Enji could hear a smile in those words. Stupid saps, both of them, a thought crossed his mind.
"Don't think I forgot about you going to bed right now."
"En-"
"Right now."
888
It still was extremely early when he woke up again but he did not feel like closing his eyes again, the weight of last days still heavy on his chest. He kissed his Hawks and attempted to quietly get up only for a feather to gently stroke him on his cheek.
"Jiji," murmured Hawks. "How are you?"
"...My wealth would double if I got a grand every time someone asks me that," he smiled.
"What, thousand yens? What can you even buy with a thousand yens?"
"Mans, of course, birb."
"Birb," repeated Hawks smiling. "So, feeling a little better, if possible?"
"Knowing it's not the end..."
"Right, that story of yours wasn't a dream."
"No."
"Damn. I always knew life was surprising but this really makes me wonder if I'm not lying in the hospital right now, in a blissful coma."
"What am I supposed to say? I was there."
"Why didn't you bring me anything to eat?"
"You do realize, birb, the food would just appear in my hands, from your perspective?"
"Aw."
"You don't even like Skyrim."
"I like food. Which brings us to a very important topic, is that Fuyumi in the kitchen whom my feathers detect?"
The breakfast was slow and rather quiet, everyone's eyes on the concerning news from abroad. As expected, it seemed like in every single country every single religious person started marching on the streets, demanding preparing for the coming/return/appearance of the Messiah/God/Angels/Demons/Apocalypse, whatever you could think of. And, of course, they all demanded their particular faith to become a national one and to purge all the sins that stained their country – Quirks, homosexuality, women's rights, premarital sex, technology, infidels, rich... At least in Japan things were relatively peaceful, people having quite enough of fighting, their minds more on close ones they had lost during this war, on their damaged homes, on rationed food, wanting nothing more than things to get back to normal. After All for One's death villains also evidently decided it wasn't the best time to bring heroes' attention to them, especially since said heroes were all unscathed thanks to the phenomenon. So, hopefully, at least their homeland would slowly be heading toward peace even though Enji had no doubts any wars in neighboring countries would affect their already ruined economy greatly. Since long ago Japan wasn't the country able to provide food for its citizens without relying heavily on import, being a mountainous archipelago with so many people squeezed on the islands. Still, high prices of it were still better than a civil war and people dying on the streets.
Enji appreciated nobody was bothering him or Hawks, even though they both were Japan's Number Ones. He would thank Mera for that later. Best Jeanist ably and with typical for him grace took on the mantle of dealing with media and leading the hero world while Endeavor and Hawks seemed to have disappeared, shortly replying that both leading heroes were doing an undercover mission now. Enji needed to thank him, too. Before he had thought he would want to be as soon as possible again in the whirlwind of hero duties to take his mind off everything, but now, looking at his family, he decided that maybe that little pause wasn't bad for him.
"So, now what?" Katsuki finally asked the question that surely was on everybody's minds when they were drinking their tea, watching TV. The boy was sitting with his legs crossed, as always the perfect image of a ruffian, three cats in his lap, while Izuku was sitting on the couch by his side, slightly leaning against his boyfriend, looking peaceful despite everything.
"We'll think about it later," replied Tenya glaring from the other couch where he was sitting by Shouto, their sides slightly touching, as Enji immediately noticed, hands clasped together.
"It's okay," said Enji. "Well, the war is over but we still have our duties as heroes. We have to work hard on making people safe and making people feel safe so that normal life could restart so that people wouldn't be scared of coming back to their homes and businesses."
"Unless Shigaraki topples it," murmured Katsuki with his usual cheerfulness.
"Kacchan," Zuku pinched Katsuki lightly. "I told you it won't happen."
"Fine."
"Let's believe in his ability to pick his life up after AfO's machinations and influence," said Toshi.
"Still, even if he won't wreak havoc, what will he do?" continued Katsuki stubbornly. "He surely will use his power." The red eyes were on Enji's, obviously seeking an answer.
"Well, let's stick with what Nezu said during the meeting I took part in – let's see this as a chance. So far, people were healed, heroes too."
Katsuki did not seem convinced.
"Let's look at the future optimistically. Like Dad says, this power can do a lot of good," they heard Fuyumi. "Let's just do our best in building a better world."
Toshi smiled warmly at that, and so did Izuku (damn, were they more and more similar in their expressions? Toshi was really influencing his son, anyone could see that. He better not influence him with stupid ideas and reckless behavior, Enji huffed internally). "Yes, let's concentrate on that!"
The breakfast ended and everyone had to go back to their own families. Rei, just as Enji, lost her son, and was left only with Natsuo while Fuyumi and Shouto both were with him, the thing that had not escaped his attention. They were worried more about him than her, obviously, after... ...the last time. Tenya should celebrate with Tensei instead of sitting here commiserating with Enji. And Katsuki had his own family too.
Soon it was only their little unit again, him, Zuku, Hawks, and Untenmaru.
And-
"I'll have to g-"
"You're going nowhere," said Enji. "Where do you think you want to go?"
"Maybe you need some time for yours-"
"I'm not even listening to this bullshit," announced Enji. "If you're going anywhere, it's only to get us something decent for lunch."
Toshi beamed at that.
"I'll go with All Might!"
With Izuku and Toshi gone Enji made a call he had been thinking about since yesterday, torn, unsure... but he couldn't do this to her. He just couldn't. They could punish him however they wanted later but she needed to know.
Nobody answered the call.
Damn.
Well, the supervisor of the multiverse was most lik-
The woman appeared in front of them, making Untenmaru and Hawks flinch.
"Good day to you. Oh, hello." She crouched and let Cow sniff her hand. "I also have way too many cats at home," she said.
"I know I'm asking for a lot... but can I tell Rei? I mean my-"
"Of course," said the woman simply, stroking now two cats at once. "You probably want to show her too, Touya's future."
"I would be grateful."
"Of course," she smiled again.
"Untenmaru-san, this is the overseer of our part of the multiverse. The name... I'm afraid I do not know," said Hawks smiling his most brilliant seductive smile.
The woman stood up and bowed slightly. "Hajimemashite," she said. "It is a pleasure to meet the dearest family of Endeavor, Enji Todoroki. I am grateful to you for everything you have been doing to support him."
"Ah, my surname is Chigira," said Enji, a little bit surprised.
She blinked. "Chigira?" Then her eyes went unseeing for the shortest moment. "Ah," she said as if realizing something. "Ah, most unique."
"What is?" asked Hawks curiously.
"Well, that is the nature of alternate universes, some things are different." What did she mean? Didn't he marry Sparkle in other universes? Come to think of it, what was his life there? And did he actually really want to know that? "Anyway, please do call me the Girl, as everybody does. Douzo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu."
Untenmaru looked at the woman approvingly. People with manners always got a lot of starting points with him.
"So... you like my Enji, right?" asked Hawks curiously.
"Enji Todoroki of universe 3002 is a dear friend of mine, so I do, indeed, think highly of all his counterparts."
"So, would you grant him his wishes?" continued his bird. What was going through his mind, thought Enji a little suspiciously.
"Your Micchan will be safe," she replied. "Oboro will have a great use of him in the future."
"Oboro meaning a person whom I know as Tomura Shigaraki?"
"Indeed."
"Sorry I have told him b-"
But the girl just nodded at Enji. "Hawks is trustworthy in my eyes. ...and also a dear friend from the same universe."
"Oooh," Hawks eyes glinted with what certainly was a million ideas of how to use the fact. Enji cleared his throat warningly. The woman turned back to him and said, "I will be ready when you are."
888
They were sitting in silence in their garden, waiting for Izuku and Toshi.
"So, this is how things actually are?" said Untenmaru finally.
"It seems so," answered Enji.
"Makes sense. Never could believe there is some omnipotent, omniscient, watching your every move God. That there are just powerful people makes more sense," said Hawks, sipping his beer slowly.
"So why is our world the way it is?" murmured Untenmaru.
"Exactly because they are people," answered Hawks. "They are not perfect. And we are people too. There is only so much we can do."
"Couldn't they, for example, create plenty of food for everyone?"
"But we do have plenty of food," said Hawks. "The system is the problem."
Untenmaru sighed.
"We'll work on it with Oboro, we need to give him time."
"I believe in you, Enji-sama. If not you, then no one can solve those problems." Untenmaru smiled fondly at Enji. God, Untenmaru smiled of his own free will, again!
Hawks must have been thinking the same. "You're not dying, aren't you, Untenmaru-san?"
Untenmaru scoffed and Enji grinned, watching their cats pursuing each other among the flowers.
"We are here! With food!"
The lunch went peacefully. It was a pleasure to see Toshi devouring things even if Enji was sure that was unwise with his stomach being brand new.
"You'll end up vomiting it all," he warned, to Untenmaru's nodding.
"I need to regain my muscles as soon as possible!" Toshi grinned. "I want to get back to active heroing as soon as possible!"
"Hmph," said Enji. The blond was already planning to overthrow Enji's hardly-earned Number One place. But there was a way to play it cunningly. Enji wouldn't get where he did if he wasn't smart. "True, time for you to retake your position."
"Ah, no, I don-"
"I'm sure it will be just a matter of time."
"No, I-"
"It's okay. Everybody knows I did not deserve that title."
"Enji-san," Toshi seemed horrified now.
"I have come to terms with that a long time ago," Enji smiled at Toshi kindly, making sure benevolence and amiability shined from his features. "And I'm sure my Izuku will soon get over his sadness, right? He was so happy for me."
But Izuku saw his play through, of course he would, and actually dared to roll his eyes. This had to be Katsuki's influence, it just had to be.
"I don't know about Izuku but I will be pouting to the end of times," said Hawks. "Enji solved more cases than you, Toshinori-san," he shot his best arrow.
Toshi got a little pink, evidently conscience-stricken now.
"He did, our Chigira-sama," agreed Untenmaru, his eyes piercing poor Toshi.
"It's not my fault the Commission decided that! I don't really care about positions in the ranking!"
"Stop harassing All Might."
"Who, us?" smiled Hawks innocently.
"Yes." Izuku glared at them but there was no power in those glares, they would be always dulled by the sheer cuteness and benevolence emanating from this child.
"Give it up, Zuku, glaring is simply not part of your built."
But Zuku did not reply, eyes on his phone buzzing.
"Sorry, Dad, it's Kacchan. He rarely calls, so it might be important." With that, he politely left them.
"So," said Untenmaru in a menacing voice. "Katsuki Bakugou."
"I know," sighed Enji. "Maybe it's just a phase. You know, first loves are sho-" He shut up realizing Untenmaru married his first love and never regretted that.
"I am the last one to tell Izuku-sama who he should take for his partner but." Untenmaru's face showed clearly what 'but' meant.
"I think you should give more credit to young Bakugou," protested Toshi. "He might be unpleasant in behavior but aren't the deeds that matter most?"
"He did shield our Izuku with his body."
"He did?" Now that was something Untenmaru clearly not expected.
"Yes. He could have easily died with wounds he received."
Both Enji and Toshi smiled seeing Untenmaru's attitude shift by 180 degrees at the information Katsuki had been willing to die for Izuku.
Some minutes later the latter was back, with serious expression.
"Zuku?"
"Kacchan's parents want to meet with you and... say their condolences. Of course, if, and whenever, that would be fine with you, Dad."
888
It's been so long since he had seen Mitsuki and Masaru Bakugou it almost seemed like it had been in a different life altogether. To think they used to visit each other at the very beginning of him taking care of his tiny back then broccoli before he had decided to stomp into their life without thinking twice, with no proper empathy and imagination. How stupid he had been back then.
They were tense, obviously, and did not say any words for a moment. Katsuki was by their side with crossed arms, looking irritated. So Enji decided to use the pause and bowed.
"I am sorry I have behaved like I did towards you. I should have never said those words."
He heard the quietest 'I told you' from Katsuki. Enji straightened and saw the nerves draining out of both parents by a small fraction.
Mitsuki' features hardened a little bit as she seemed to gather the resolve to plunge through with whatever she came here to tell him. "No, you were right."
Katsuki opened his mouth with a face obviously telling he was going to protest but she just shook her head. The boy obediently said nothing, to Enji's surprise.
"I mean, you were an idiot to come like you did and threaten me. I am not a person to let anyone treat our family like you did but..." She sighed. "You were upset and I suppose if the roles were reversed I'd do exactly the same. But in the end... you were right. I... don't blame you for anything. It is me who should apologize for what I have said when you... prevented Katsuki's expulsion and forced us into therapy. Thank you and I'm sorry." This time it was she who bowed to him deeply, and so did Katsuki and Masaru Bakugou, too.
"It's okay," said Enji hastily. "It's all in the past. All I care about is..." he hesitated.
"Our Katsuki not bringing the... bad behavior patterns into his relationship with his Izuku, right?"
Enji wasn't sure how to respond to that, especially with Katsuki standing right by them. "I think... it would be good for Katsuki to... work on some sharper edges." He had a distinct impression Katsuki barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes.
"I feel no sharper edges," said Izuku's voice from behind. "So far we're very happy."
"So far we have been together for three days," said Katsuki this time actually rolling his eyes.
"And those were very happy three days."
Katsuki just shook his head at Izuku.
"Well, as long as they both are happy," said Enji in a conciliatory tone. "I don't know if Katsuki told you, but he saved Izuku's life."
"Now that's bullshit!" Katsuki roared suddenly. "I was fine! He'd be fine too! I just decided at that moment it was a strategically better course of action!"
"No, he never told us," said Mitsuki.
"It was nothing! It's enough that stupid nerd makes a big deal out of it!"
"I never thanked you, Katsuki," said Enji. "I should have." He bowed to the boy.
"You people are idiots! I just did what was the best choice back then!"
"You'll tell us about it later," murmured Mitsuki.
"Hell if I will," Katsuki growled at that, to her sigh. She really seemed to have changed. Much more than Katsuki. Well, he was just a teenager; therapy during this difficult time was not always successful, from what he heard from his own therapist. She, on the other hand, was an adult and responsible for her child, too, so it was to be expected. Good for their family.
"More importantly, we are extremely sorry for your loss. We can't even begin to imagine what you are going through. If there is anything we could help with..."
"Thank you," said Enji, bowing slightly again. "If anything I would be glad if we could... have better relations from now on."
Mitsuki nodded. "Yes, I want to be in contact with you in case we need to talk to Katsuki about... anything."
Katsuki just crossed his arms angrily.
"Auntie, I told you everything is fine," Izuku made his best pout mixed with a dash of sadness. A very effective method, Enji knew that well.
"That's good, then. We'll take our leave; I'm sure you have… enough on your mind today. Though our Katsuki wants to stay, apparently."
"We might be needed for hero work," shrugged Katsuki. "Better to work in a team."
"Right." Mitsuki's eyes glinted showing that she wasn't buying this feeble excuse.
"Well then, shitsurei shimashita."
"Not at all."
When they left Katsuki approached Enji, his expression thunderous.
"Listen, I know it makes you upset that I'm with Izuku," he said without any preamble.
"Kacchan," came the irritated voice of his son.
"And you bet I told him he is an idiot to want to be with me of all people." Suddenly Enji was reminded of that day, on the roof, when he was trying to convince Sparkle he was a monster, unworthy of falling in love with. And Katsuki wasn't half that bad, he had no sins like Enji's burdening his conscience, he was just a kid. "But he is a stubborn fu- idiot, so blame him, not me."
That said he entered the house, not bothering to wait for Enji to answer.
"Kacchan!" hissed Izuku and followed his boyfriend.
Hawks appeared from behind the corner where he was obviously eavesdropping. It did not seem he would ever drop this secret service agent habit.
"Looks like our Katsuki needs some support here."
"Yeah." Though Enji had no idea what exactly could he do.
Hawks watched him closely. "I mean, he evidently feels he is not good enough for Zuku, or at least he is guilty about their past. You know what that means?"
Enji wasn't sure where Hawks was going with that.
"He might consciously or subconsciously try to push Zuku away. Prove him he should find a better boyfriend. And that wouldn't be good for any of them."
Ah, true. Enji did not realize Katsuki might end up mistreating Izuku for a reason like that. "So, we should show him he is accepted."
Hawks smiled. "Yes, we should. And that is what Izuku wants from us too, doesn't he?"
Enji sighed. "I'll do my best. He is not... unlike me."
They went back inside and Enji sought out Izuku. It seemed he was with Katsuki in his bedroom, his voice quiet but Enji could hear it was both persuasive and determined. And with the tiniest note of irritation, a rare one when it came to his Zuku. Apparently, Katsuki could spark it even in a saint.
He hesitated but knocked instead of leaving.
"Yes?"
"It's me."
"Come in, Dad."
They were sitting on Zuku's bed, his broccoli child smiling kindly at Enji, Katsuki with his arms crossed, irritated as usual.
"Hey. Can I talk with you, Katsuki?"
"Don't bother. I don't wanna no lies about you not minding me being with Izuku."
"Everybody wants a perfect partner for their kids, Katsuki." Izuku glared at Enji. "But nobody is perfect. I am worried because I know you can be difficult. I am worried because you remind me of myself and my wife's marriage to me was a horror. I-"
"Izuku said you lost your child and it clouded your mind."
Ah, so they've been speaking about it? "That's no excuse."
There was a pause.
"What I want to say," continued Enji. "I'm worried you might be a decent person and still hurt Zuku. But I'm not saying... you shouldn't be with him. I was blessed with a saint of a husband after my divorce and he never regretted being with me. We were happy together and I know you can be too. But I was going to a therapist and listened to people around me to be able to work on my behavior."
Katsuki made an even more sullen and rebellious face. Enji recalled the boy's words from his internship. "We can find you a better therapist. If you hate yours he is clearly not doing his job well."
"So, in other words, you don't accept me as I am," the boy did not growl but it was just a degree or two less aggressive and angry than a proper growling.
Enji sighed. "That's not-"
"That's exactly it. So what exactly is so horrible I'm doing?" The red eyes glared into Enji's, challenging.
"I... you could be kinder in words. Words matter."
"Ah, words matter, right? So if I'm gonna be sweet-talking it's gonna be fine?"
"I'm not saying words matter more than deeds, but they still matter. I know, because I used to be terrible with those, and just like you, I expected people to judge me only from my deeds."
"So shouldn't you be the first not to judge only because I call your sweet perfect child stupid nerd?"
God, Enji had no idea how he was supposed to break through this stubborn conviction of Katsuki's. Maybe the boy simply needed to grow out of his teenage phase.
"Words can help. Imagine, if you have a victim of rape shouldn't you be careful with your words?"
That shut up Katsuki.
"Words do matter. I'm not saying I'm gonna judge you for your constant shouting at Izuku but time will come when he'll have a very bad day and you'll have to learn to shut up or even say something nice. And that's not only the problem. You're constantly angry. Don't tell me it won't affect your relationship because I know how constant anger clouds your mind."
"M not you and nothing clouds mine," murmured Katsuki but he seemed less incensed by Enji now.
"Anyway, I just want you two to have a happy relationship. That's all I want. Which means I want you both to be happy. It's easier to be with someone if you're not miserable."
"I'm miserable when I listen to bullshit like that," murmured Katsuki but Enji noticed twinkling eyes and tiniest smile on Izuku's face. So maybe he wasn't totally butchering up this plan of helping Katsuki out.
"So, anyway, you two enjoy yourselves while you can, I won't be bothering you today anymore."
888
"Shouto!"
"Hey," said Shouto throwing off his shoes.
"You're not staying with your Mum?"
"She's got Fuyumi and Natsuo. It's only fair I'd stay with you and Izuku. Two kids each."
"You don't have to," said Enji though his heart filled with joy as always.
"I know I don't have to."
"How is your Mum?" asked Enji in a more concerned voice.
"Natsuo told me she took it very badly at the beginning but now she seems more.. resigned I think?"
Enji carefully did not let his face betray anything. "I suppose... it's good."
Shouto sighed. "Not that we can do anything. I know I sound horrible... but Touya made his choices. Even if he hated you... he tried to kill our Izuku."
Ah, now that explained why Shouto wasn't as shaken with his brother's death. His love towards his half-brother always shone through their relationship and evidently made it difficult for Shouto to be more empathic towards Touya. So Enji just sighed.
"Who's home?"
"Zuku and Katsuki, but they're in Zuku's room now." And considering it was evening already they probably would stay there. "And Toshi, working, as usual, and Untenmaru and Hawks."
Shouto hummed. "You're taking it awfully well. Izuku and Katsuki, I mean."
Enji shrugged lightly. "What can I do? Only an awful parent tries to force away their children from their first love."
"Between us, I kinda expected you to get an aneurysm or something, old man."
"Shouto."
Shouto just smirked as they went to the empty kitchen.
"While at that, I am really happy for you, Shouto, though a little surprised. I clearly remember you telling me you're not interested in anyone."
Shouto, to Enji's surprise, went red and irritated. "Yeah, and I said that in front of Tenya! I almost ruined everything! I'm glad he did confess despite me being an idiot."
Enji blinked.
"I mean, yeah, I wasn't lying. I wasn't in love with anyone in particular... It would never even occur to me to be because... you know. I was sure they wouldn't love me back anyway."
"Shouto! I never knew you had such low-"
"Yeah, yeah," Shouto waved him away.
"Don't 'yeah, yeah' me, Shouto! This is important! That's something to work with a therapist on! You're amazing and if you-"
"Are you sending everyone to a therapist?"
Enji recalled Katsuki and got a little pink. But there wasn't anything wrong in doing that, right?
Shouto smiled softly at him and Enji lost track of his thoughts.
"I know it worked well for you but not every single thing has to be solved with a therapist, old man. I'm fine. The very fact that Tenya wants to be with me of all people shows perfectly well apparently whatever faults I have they're not that bad."
Enji beamed at that. "Of course they aren't!" Then a thought occurred to him. If Shouto had not really liked anyone before and had a little low self-esteem...
"Shouto, love," Shouto rolled his eyes at that. "don't be angry at me for asking, but you haven't agreed to Tenya's proposal only because... you wanted to be with anyone have you?"
Shouto looked a little guilty at that. "I... kind of... You're not completely wrong... I am not in love with him like he is with me. I have told him that. And, yeah, I... I am drawn to the fact that..."
'That someone fell in love with you at all,' Enji finished in his mind. He knew that feeling well.
"...that he loves me. But at the same time, I really truly like him, I like many things about him, and I want us to try. But I have told him everything. I would never ever lie to him."
"Well," murmured Enji. "It's not unlike what I had with Sparkle and Hawks. They were in love with me long before I even thought about it."
Shouto's eyes were drilling into his now, actual curiosity and investment in the conversation plainly visible.
"Yeah, I noticed... some things we may have in common."
Enji wasn't sure whether it was a good thing. No, probably not. "Sorry about that," he mumbled.
But Shouto paid no attention, frowning, pondering about something.
"So... how have you dated them, after they confessed? You also... weren't experienced, right? What blunders I should be wary of?"
Shouto... Shouto was asking him for romantic advice! Those weeks truly seemed taken from a fantasy novel. All this was beyond surreal. A part of Enji was exhilarated, since this was what parent-child relation should look like, no, actually many parents of parenting groups complained their children did not consider them close enough to speak about such things! So Enji had really reached an amazing achievement!
But also he was terrified. He and romantic advice?
"Um, first thing, which was difficult for me, is to be honest. Like, I mean not lying, but simply be honest about small things that you don't like, small things that you expect. Don't bury stuff that bothers you and don't expect your partner to guess."
Shouto hummed. "I thought my honesty could actually ruin things."
"Tenya chose you knowing you, Shouto. He probably realizes it's better to be with someone who is straightforward than someone hard to communicate with."
This resulted in another small smile on Shouto's side. "And apart from that?"
"Later on try not to let the routine kill little signs of love."
"Like?"
Enji got a little pink. "I don't know what Tenya will like. But me, I buy flowers, say nice things, ask about things they care about."
"Flowers. You sure that's something they like, not just you?"
"They do like it, at least my husbands," said Enji certainly. "Don't let anyone convince you a man can't be gifted flowers."
Shouto hummed again.
"You will probably face some things you won't like. Everyone is different. It's important not to force them to be always the side that yields and also not to quietly accept you're the one always giving in. You should talk and find solutions that won't stiffle any of you.
Shouto nodded. Maybe Enji was saying obvious things? Then something important occured to him.
"Um, Shouto... ...and how is... the touching? I know you hate it. It wouldn't be good for you if-"
Shouto shook his head. "It's completely different when it is with someone I like. I don't mind... Tenya..." His pure boy went pink a little. "He can. And he doesn't mind taking time and doing things little by little. I... also like that about him very much." There was a soft smile on his Shouto's face again.
"I am very happy for you, Shouto," whispered Enji, watching this smile almost reverently.
888
"Someone is in an exceptionally good mood."
Enji immediately felt guilty. "I know, I shouldn't be."
"Enji," sighed Hawks. "It's not a sin. You have the right to be happy with your other children's lives."
"Still... Touya just died."
Hawks took Enji's large hand and kissed lightly the fingers before squeezing it. "And you made sure he'll have a good life."
"I hope," murmured Enji.
They were quiet for some time.
"I think you did a very good job with Shouto."
The joy was again blooming in his heart. "Tried my best. Felt like I was maybe saying truisms."
"You did well," smiled Hawks.
"...my Shouto, getting so close with me... I'd never thought it possible!" Warmth flooded his heart.
Hawks' features softened at Enji's happy face. "You see? I told you. You deserve that."
Touya's hateful face appeared before Enji again.
"Hey," said Hawks.
"Well, I can't change the past," murmured Enji.
"No. So let's look in the future, big guy."
Enji turned his head to look at the dark sky, with so few stars compared to Skyrim. Were they even real stars, in that place? Was that sky real? Which brought his thoughts to Oboro, a boy who apparently needed and wanted Enji despite his flawed past as a parent. ...so many children were broken in this world. But now... now they had the Singularity Quirk. And it was up to Enji to work on a better future for every single one of them.
"Despite this all, love," he murmured. "I can't help but look at the future hopefully. Just weeks, I mean days ago in this timeline, we were facing a total collapse of our society, we were facing the deaths of all of us. And now, look at us. You're alive by my side with your wings intact, my children are alive, experiencing the sweetness of first love. our friends are alive and healthy, All for One is dead, and Shigaraki, that is Oboro, is willing to listen to heroes, or at least, to me. Despite everything, despite how horrible this world is, for the first time I think we may truly change how things are for the better. I did not believe that for years."
Hawks planted a couple of soft kisses on his cheek.
"I told you. I told you we're going to create the world in which we heroes have time to kill."
Yes, Enji knew Hawks always had been clinging to that hope, despite all the adverse evidence surrounding them. Enji had not shared that hope, even if he had never said it out loud.
"You were right, love. There is a better future for all of us. For everybody."