Here's the next chapter. Hope you enjoy.
Neo Infinity – Thanks so much. Yeah, Chitose has made an appearance a few arcs early. I was a little disappointed in the manga and the anime that she didn't have longer screen time. Especially in the anime as the episode where she first spoke was also the episode she died in. Ah well. I see what I can do with Fuyumi. She will actually make an appearance in this chapter.
FreakyFreak – Thank you. Lewis' interview will definitely have an effect on him and the rest of the universe. Wait and see what will happen when he meets the Hero Killer.
Guest – Thank you so much. Shoko will definitely be kinder to Lewis from now on and Lewis will understand her a bit more. I don't know whether you've read the manga 'Komi Can't Communicate' (It's great, I love it) but the MC in that story is able to understand the emotions of a stoic girl who has a speaking problem just by small signs that only he seems to notice. It's kind of the same with Lewis and Todoroki, I think it's going to be adorable. Chitose deserved more screen time and, I agree with you, she was very pretty.
Lelouch of Zero – I'm glad that you weren't disappointed. It just seemed to make sense with Lewis' personality. Yeah, Lewis is slowly and surely gaining friends. The reason I chose Manga from Class 1B is because he doesn't get a lot of attention in other's fanfiction. Well…not the fanfiction I read anyway. I'm also glad you liked the Lewis/Todoroki scene. It felt nice writing a non-hostile scene between them for once. Thank you as always and enjoy the next chapter.
MBS41 – Thanks so much. It would seem everybody likes how Lewis carried out the interview. Hopefully it won't come back to haunt him. Yeah…hopefully.
Djinn - You're spot on how the relationship between Lewis and Iida will become strained, however I think that there's another element which will be explained in the next chapter. I know it's a little bit early to introduce the MLA, but I guess it shows that they had always been there. Biding their time. Lewis might as well have painted a large target on his back. He'll be fine…maybe.
wellingtonlewis282 – No problem, thanks for reading.
Dudethatlikestoread – Hahaha! I know what you mean.
RubixJr – Thank you so much. Lewis is certainly lucky to go on…well I would consider going to a hospital and a revision study as dates, but they are certainly going to be great. Thanks again.
Bigboybardo - Thanks so much. I'm glad that you liked it.
Thank you all for reviewing :)
Language keys:
"English,"
"Japanese,"
Quirk analysis
Chapter 17: Two Days
It was a bright day as Lewis walked down the roads of a neighbourhood he didn't recognised. Todoroki had told him to meet her at her house before they leave to visit her mother. He could tell that she was feeling anxious about seeing her for so many years. She didn't express it on her face, but rather Lewis could sense it and he promised himself he will do anything to support her.
She had told him where she lived, and it turned out she lived on the other side of the city; however, Lewis didn't mind the travel. She also told him that she would leave the front gate of her house open for him and he can just walk inside.
Currently he was talking on the phone to his uncle and Lewis was not happy at what he had to say.
"The interview was broadcast over there," he groaned, "nobody told me it was international."
A dark chuckle came from the other end, "Relax. You didn't say anything wrong. Although you might want to keep your political agendas to yourself," Xaphan advised.
"I suppose," Lewis sighed.
"Anyway, what are you doing on your days off?" he asked curiously.
Lewis rubbed the back of his head with his free hand, "Well, I'm going to meet Todoroki today. I'm actually coming close to her hous-"
"Wait a moment," Xaphan interrupted, "Her? As in a female. You're going to see a girl?" he questioned in astonishment.
"…Yes. What's wrong with that?"
"Nothing. Nothing," Xaphan said, but Lewis could tell he had a wide grin on his face, "Just unexpected, because you're…you."
"Hey!"
Xaphan ignored his cry, "Todoroki, eh. Your classmate with the red and white hair. Came in second place. Endeavour's daughter. That one."
"Yes."
…
…
…
"Isn't she too pretty for you?" Xaphan asked half-jokingly.
"Hey!" Lewis shouted for the second time, "I mean, yes of course. But hey!"
Xaphan chuckled in amusement, "I can't believe it. My nephew, the shy wallflower, going out on a date. Japan has really changed you."
"It isn't not a date," Lewis sighed, "we're going to the hospital."
"You sure know how to treat a girl," Xaphan sarcastically muttered.
"She was the one who suggested it," Lewis insisted, "and it's not a date."
"Fine, fine," Xaphan said, "I was just excited for you, that's all. What are you going to do tomorrow?"
…
…
…
"Well?" Xaphan questioned.
"… I will be…meeting…somebody else for a study session," he replied hesitantly.
"Is that somebody another girl?" Xaphan asked, Lewis could practically see the teasing smirk on his face.
"…Yes," he admitted.
He held the phone away from his ear as Xaphan roared with laughter. Lewis sighed as his cheeks grew red. He really didn't want to talk about this to his uncle. Finally, after what felt like hours, Xaphan finally calmed down into a light chuckle before speaking again.
"I should have you sent you over there years ago," he joked much to Lewis' embarrassment.
Lewis sighed, "I have to go. I'm almost at her house," he informed.
"Oh okay," Xaphan said, "Well enjoy your day and be sure not to charm any other girls on the way."
Lewis rolled his eyes, "I'm pretty sure that won't happen," he said before saying goodbye and hanging up the phone.
Lewis walked along a white wall and stopped at a Japanese style wooden gate. After confirming that this was the right address, he pushed the gate lightly and saw that it was unlocked as Todoroki had promised. He opened the gate and cautiously stepped inside the complex.
If there was one word to describe the Todoroki household, Lewis would automatically go with Japanese. He stood on a path winding through a beautifully kept zen garden and looked up at the giant traditional wooden building ahead. Lewis was briefly surprised that his classmate lived here, although he assumed that being the daughter of the Number 2 hero has some perks.
He couldn't help but feel a little out of place as he walked up the path. It seemed too prestigious to even be here in the casual clothing he was wearing.
'Todoroki does have older siblings,' Lewis thought in worry as he approached the screen door, 'I really hope they're not as intimidating as her. I know she was separated from them, but they have known Endeavour longer.'
Lewis gulped as he pictured her siblings being just as stoic as her, looming down at him.
Taking a deep breath, Lewis knocked on the wooden frame of the door twice. He waited for a few moments and considered knocking again when he heard footsteps on the other side. A blurred silhouette appeared and Lewis held his breath as the door slid sideways to reveal...
... a beautiful young woman.
She was shorter than him, but Lewis could tell that she must be in her early twenties. She had shoulder length white hair with small streaks of red hair, fair skin, and grey eyes. She wore a pair of glasses and a pink sweater over a white blouse.
She blinked in surprise at the sight of Lewis, leaned over to look at the opened gate behind him and then turned back to him with a sheepish smile.
"Sorry...Endeavour...don't do...autographs," she told him in English as she waved her hands before her in denial.
"Actually," Lewis replied in Japanese, "I'm here beacau-
"Oh no," the woman gasped, "you speak Japanese. Well I mean of course you speak Japanese. It's not like you're incapable of it. I just wasn't expecting it-not because you're western or I think all westerners couldn't speak Japanese. I just assumed- which I shouldn't have- you didn't speak our language very well. Which is rich coming from me. I mean I barely speak English. Well not very well. Well I know some stuff, but I'm not fluent yet so...yeah. Sorry," she said, awkwardly finishing her rambling whilst looking away.
'She's adorable!' Lewis mentally screamed.
"You're English is really good. So don't worry about it," Lewis told her bashfully, "My name is Lewis Fleetwood, I was supposed to meet Todoroki here."
The woman, who he assumed was Todoroki's sister, frowned in confusion before giving him an apologetic smile, "Hello Fleetwood. I'm Fuyumi. Sorry, but Natsu has a lecture today. Is he tutoring you? He's never mentioned you before."
"Oh no. Sorry, I meant Shoko Todoroki," he corrected himself.
Fuyumi's face turned blank. She blinked a few times, trying to confirm that she didn't mishear him.
"Shoko," she repeated unsurely.
"Yes, I…don't have the wrong place, do I?" he asked in worry.
"No, no, no," she rapidly said, "she's here…she just…I didn't…"
"She didn't tell you I was coming, did she" Lewis guessed, making Fuyumi nod in confirmation, "well I'm her classmate and her…friend."
He wasn't quite sure if they were technically friends. This has been the longest period that she hadn't be outright cold or hostile to him. However, as soon as he said the word 'friend', Fuyumi's face lit up in absolute joy.
"Friends," she squealed happily, "she has friends. That's amazing! Please come in. Would you like some tea? Something to eat?" she asked, ushering Lewis into the house with a welcoming smile.
Lewis stepped in and took his shoes off, "N-no thank you. I don't think we'll be staying for long," he told her as Fuyumi lead him to their sitting room.
"Are you sure?" she asked as he sat on one of their sofas, "Are you comfortable? Is it too hot? Is it too cold? Please feel free to ask for something," she rapidly asked.
'They don't get many visitors, do they,' Lewis thought good naturally as Fuyumi fussed over him.
Seeing that she'd probably won't calm down until he asked for something, Lewis decided to give in.
"Some tea would be lovely, please," he told her.
She seemed to brighten up even more and seemed to radiate a happy golden aura.
"Great, I'll be back in a moment with tea and Shoko," she said before hurrying out of the room with a spring in her step.
Lewis waited for a few minutes in silence before he heard two footsteps walking down the corridor.
"Thanks for letting me know, Fuyumi," came the monotone voice of Shoko from somewhere down the hall.
"Wait, wait," Fuyumi urgently said in a hushed voice. The footsteps stopped showing that the two women had stopped, "who is he? He said he is your friend."
"I suppose so," Shoko replied, her voice unchanging, "Why are you interested?"
"Why!?" Fuyumi silently cried, "He's the first person to come into this house that dad didn't employ, and he says that you're his friend," she excitedly explained before she became serious, "you didn't force him, did you?"
"No. At first I tried my best to get rid of him," Shoko replied, making Fuyumi sigh in despair.
"That's good enough, I suppose," she mumbled to herself, "Still that's amazing, Shoko. He must really care for you. Why didn't you tell me before? I could have been more prepared and made him something to eat."
"I thought you would be busy with work," Shoko plainly said.
"I would have made time. Do you have to go now? We can have some tea and I could get to know him better."
"No. Visiting hours for mum will be over soon," Shoko said before Lewis heard her walking down the hall again.
"Wait what!?" Fuyumi cried as she took off after her.
Shoko rounded the corner and entered the sitting room followed closely by Fuyumi. Lewis blushed slightly at the sight of her out of her uniform. She wore a dark blue jacket over a white shirt, grey jeans and her hair was tied up in a long ponytail. She may be wearing casual clothing, but Lewis thought she looked stunning.
"Todoroki hi," he greeted bashfully, standing up from the sofa and giving a small wave, "how are you today?"
Shoko raised an eyebrow, "Why are you blushing?"
Lewis blushed harder, "I just never seen…not wearing a school uniform before and…you look…wonderful," he told her shyly.
Shoko hummed plainly, making Lewis sweat drop.
'He's adorable!' Fuyumi mentally screamed.
"Let's go," Shoko said as she turned to the front door, surprising both Fuyumi and Lewis.
"W-wait," Fuyumi stammered before turning to Lewis with a sad expression, "about our mum. She's…" she trailed off as she tried to find the words. But Shoko cut her off.
"He knows," she informed.
Fuyumi's eyes grew wide as she snapped her head towards her sister and then back to Lewis.
"Yeah, I know," Lewis confirmed.
"Oh…right…" Fuyumi awkwardly said as she shuffled her feet.
"And he shouted at our father," Shoko added.
"What?" Fuyumi uttered, looking up at Lewis in confusion.
Lewis rubbed the back of his head nervously, "She didn't need to know that."
"And swore at him."
"What!?"
"She didn't need to know that either."
Fuyumi stared at the boy in a mixture of astonishment, disbelief, and awe, "And you're still alive?" Fuyumi gasped.
"That question pretty much summarises my entire life," Lewis muttered to himself before turning back to Fuyumi, "I don't regret it. He shouldn't have done that to you. To all of you," he said making the older sister bow her head sadly, "however…I want to overlook that in order to support Shoko as much as I can. I grew up without my mum and dad, so I know what it is like to lose a family. I don't want that to happen to anyone else… I can tell your family has been split up and so if you need anything I will help as much as I am capable and make sure your family is happy," he promised sincerely.
Fuyumi looked up at him in surprise. She wasn't expecting such a response. She had always wanted a happy family, but when her father started training Shoko and her mother was hospitalised, she felt as if they were drifting apart. This was exacerbated by her job and her brother going to university. However, for the first time in ages she felt hopeful that her dream can be achieved.
"T-thank you, Fleetwood, that's really kind of you," she said, earning a gentle smile from Lewis.
Shoko hummed at his miniature speech. She didn't really know what to make of it. She had only given up her aim to punish her father and she hadn't given any real thought what to do next. She decided that visiting her mother would be a start.
"Fleetwood," Shoko called out, "we should get going."
"R-right, of course," he said before turning to Fuyumi again, "It's lovely meeting you. I hope I can visit again," he said as he and Shoko headed to the front door.
"You do," she gasped before clearing her thought, "I mean…that would be great. Thank you for visiting Fleetwood," she chirped as they stepped outside and walked down the path, "bye!" she cheerly said, waving at them.
Lewis waved back just as happily while Shoko only gave a small wave.
Fuyumi waited until they left the gate before sliding the door closed. She bowed her head miserably and sighed, "That's not fair, my younger sister will get a boyfriend before me," she mumbled sadly.
The two walked to the hospital with Lewis on Todoroki's left. They hadn't spoken a word to each other since they left and Lewis was beginning to get uncomfortable, so he decided to start a conversation.
"So...how are you today?" he asked hesitantly.
"Fine," she plainly responded, not bothering to look at him.
Lewis waited for a few minutes to see if she'd say something else. However, it soon became painfully clear that she wasn't.
"Your sister is nice..." he tried again.
Todoroki just hummed in response.
Admittedly, Lewis wasn't expecting much from that last statement, but it was worth a shot.
He momentarily thought that she had changed her mind overnight and was back to being hostile to him. But then he noticed how her eyes looked wearily down at the pavement in front of her and how tensed her posture was. It was then that he realised that she wasn't being aloof...she was very nervous.
Lewis gave her comforting smile, "You know it's alright to be anxious," he said, making her flinch slightly, "I don't blame you especially after everything that has happened. Would you like to talk about it?"
She didn't respond for a few moments and Lewis was about to drop the suggestion before she spoke.
"It's been so long since I've seen her," Todoroki quietly said, "I don't know how she would react to seeing me. I should have visited sooner. Much sooner."
"I'm sure she would love to see her daughter just as much as you love to see her," he reassured.
Todoroki frowned unsurely and Lewis could tell she was not convinced.
"You know I'm practically the king of anxiety," he started, "I've got a lot of them. Public speaking, pollution, ticks (the insect), motorways, people thinking I shoplifted because I walked into a shop and didn't buy anything, big dogs, small dogs, medium sized dogs, accidentally setting of fire alarms, aeroplanes, public toilets, airport security, traffic jams, London Waterloo Station, the ocean, Ikea, needles, space, 2001: Space Odyssey (both the book and the film), Glasgow, self-checkout machines, one of those double decker trucks that carry cars to dealerships. You know how the cars in the back would hang of the edges that doesn't seem saf-"
He stopped when he noticed Todoroki giving him an odd look and realised that he was going on a tangent.
"...anyway my point is that the only way I can overcome those anxieties is by facing them. Once I'm done giving a speech, finishing a Stanley Kubrick film, or walking past one of the double decker trucks it was over. Sometimes I think back at how stupid it was worrying over something in the first place. It'll be fine. You've got me, remember."
As Lewis expected, Todoroki didn't respond, but look down at the ground again. But Lewis could see that her posture was more relaxed which meant she felt much calmer.
"I lied," Todoroki unexpected said.
Lewis blinked in surprise, "Lied about what?"
"Your glasses," she answered, "I said that I was just repaying a debt after I froze them. But I was lying."
"So... why did you do it?" Lewis curiously asked.
She hesitated slightly, not daring to make eye contact, "I...didn't want you to be mad at me," she finally admitted, "you had been the only person who was willing to talk to me and I was...afraid that you would stop. But then I told you to stop talking to me and you did for a while and I felt as something was...missing."
"So you didn't actually think I was annoying then?" Lewis hopefully asked.
"No, I did then and I still think you're annoying," she frankly responded, giving Lewis a plain look.
"Oh," he uttered with a sweat drop.
"But," Todoroki continued, looking away again, "I don't mind it as much. Everything about you that irritates me... I now like it. And I would miss it if it was gone. I want you to be near me. Always. Is that normal to feel this way?"
Lewis was a blushing mess. It totally sounded like a confession and Lewis didn't think he was in the right frame of mind to even process it. Thoughts were rushing though his a million miles an hour, doing calculations to comprehend what is going on. He was so distracted that he only just realised that Todoroki was looking up at him, waiting for an answer.
'Okay Fleetwood, just answer her and we'll figure out what's going later. Probably over a slice of cake,' he told himself.
"W-well," Lewis stammered, trying not to show how flushed he was, "Does it feel bad? he eventually asked.
Todoroki looked down thoughtfully before raising her head again.
"No. It feels good," she replied honestly.
"Then how bad can it be if it feels good," Lewis told her with a small smile.
Todoroki hummed as she mulled over his words before nodding in understanding. Lewis couldn't help but feel a little disappointed with the response, but, then again, he didn't really know what he was expecting.
"Your face is red," Todoroki said, snapping Lewis out of his thoughts, "Are you feeling okay?"
"Oh yeah...it's just a hot day and I don't really do well in the heat," he lie, rubbing the back of his head.
Suddenly, Todoroki grabbed his arm and pulled him to the other side of her, much to his confusion. Lewis gave her quizzical look which Todoroki glanced at before focusing on the street ahead of her.
"You'll be cooler on my right," she said in what Lewis assumed was bashfulness, "so stay on that side," she demanded, her cheeks flushing lightly.
'She's adorable!' Lewis mentally screamed for the second time today.
Musutafu Hospital
Lewis and Todoroki walked in through the revolving doors and into the foyer of the hospital. It was less busy than Lewis was expecting with only a few people in the waiting area.
They approached the reception desk near the back of the room. The receptionist, who frowning over some paperwork, automatically looked upon hearing footsteps on polished marble.
"We're here to visit Rei Todoroki," she plainly requested to the receptionist, "I believe she would be in one of the private rooms."
The receptionist looked stunned by what she said. Mrs Todoroki had been one of their longest staying patients by the request of the number two hero. In that time, nobody has ever been in to see her. The receptionist wasn't even quite sure she was allowed guests.
"Err…well…" the receptionist stammered.
Todoroki leaned forwards slightly and stared down at the receptionist. To Lewis, Todoroki wasn't trying to be threatening at all, but the receptionist was definitely intimated by her cold expression.
"My name is Shoko Todoroki and I'm her daughter. Will that be a problem?" she asked innocently.
However, the receptionist took it as a threat, "No, no of course not," she said rapidly shaking her head. After typing on her computer for a few seconds she smiled nervously at her, "She's in Room 315. Take the elevator to the third floor."
"Thank you," Todoroki stoically said as she leaned away.
But before they could leave, the receptionist stopped them suddenly.
"Sorry, but family members only," she said, looking directly at Lewis.
Lewis' eyes widened. He wasn't expecting this.
"Err…I am a family member," Lewis lied sheepishly.
The receptionist gave him a sceptical look.
"Adopted," he explained himself, "They don't talk about me much…or let me out."
The receptionist turned to Todoroki with a raised eyebrow.
"It's true," she lied naturally, "we try to keep him a secret. You can see why."
The receptionist was convinced and allowed them to continue to the elevator. Lewis pressed the button and, as soon as it arrived, they stepped in and pressed the third floor button. After the doors closed and the elevator started going up, Lewis turned to Todoroki with a frown.
"What did you mean by that last sentence," he asked, feeling insulted.
Todoroki's only reply was to the lift the side of her lips up slightly for a second before going back to her stony exterior.
'Looks like she does have a sense of humour after all,' Lewis thought to himself.
A bell rang as they reached the floor and the doors opened promptly. They stepped out and followed the signs to Room 315. The two had found the door and stopped right before it. Todoroki just stared at it while Lewis waited patiently for her to knock or enter or…do anything.
After what felt like ages, Todoroki stepped back away from it, "She's probably sleeping," she said although Lewis wasn't quite sure it was to him or to herself, "we should come back another ti-"
Knock! Knock!
Todoroki stared at Lewis in betrayal as he knocked for her. Lewis gave her a teasing smile.
"No turning back now," he told her.
Todoroki was about to scold him when they both heard a soft voice from the other side of the door.
"Come in," it said, making Todoroki lose all her anger and stare at the door.
She reached for the handle and opened the door to a spacious room. Well, it was spacious for a hospital room. It had a comfortable looking bed, an ensuite bathroom, a chest of drawers, a couple of chairs, and a window overlooking the hospital's garden. Lewis wouldn't mind living there for maybe a few weeks, but he couldn't image staying for any longer. Let alone years.
Sitting on the bed and looking out the window was Rei Todoroki. Despite her age, Lewis would still consider her very beautiful. She had long white hair, fair skin, and soft pale eyes that turned towards them as they entered. Lewis hated to admit it, but she looked frail as if a feather could drop on her and she'll shatter to pieces. Despite this, Lewis could see that she was strong. Strong enough to put up with years of abuse. Strong enough to be shut inside for years. And strong enough to overcome the trauma of her past.
Rei smiled delicately, but warmly as she saw her daughter after so many years apart.
"Shoko," she softly said in happiness.
"Mum," Todoroki replied just as softly.
A few moments past as the mother and daughter continued to look at each other in silence. Lewis could see that Todoroki was very anxious as she tried to find a way to start the conversation. However, there was an aura of relief surrounding her that Rei didn't instantly reject her.
Lewis needed to give the two encouragement otherwise they'll be hear all day.
"Hello, Ms Todoroki," Lewis greeted as he stepped out from being Shoko and gave a friendly wave and smile, "my name is Lewis Fleetwood. I'm a friend of your daughter," he said giving the woman a small bow.
Rei turned her eyes to Lewis and gave him a welcoming smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you Fleetwood. You're Shoko's friend. That's wonderful," she happily said, holding one of her hands to her face.
"Yes, he's my classmate," Shoko said as she found her voice, "I invited him here."
"Wonderful," Rei repeated before standing up and gesturing to the chairs near her bed, "please take a seat. Would you like some tea? I can ask a nurse to bring some up."
They took both her offers. While they sat by her bed and waited for their tea, Rei decided to start the conversation this time.
"So, you're her classmate. What school do you two go to?"
"U.A," Lewis answered.
"U.A," Rei softly repeated before turning to Shoko, "Well done. I'm so happy for you," she said as she turned back to Lewis, "Shoko has always wanted to go to U.A and become a hero. When she was younger, she would steal her sister's old dolls and pretend to save them from imaginary dangers. Although, one time she accidently set fire to them and cried about it for two days," she told him with an amused giggle.
"Mum," Shoko sternly said in embarrassment, causing Rei to chuckle more.
Lewis chuckled as well, but an annoyed look from Shoko stopped him instantly.
"We would also watch the All Might cartoon series together," Rei continued, "Although we would have to be careful because her father…"
She trailed off at the mention of Endeavour and her warm smile dropped. She looked down uncomfortably at her fidgeting hands while Shoko frowned in anger.
Lewis, seeing the mood drop, decided he needed to turn things around, "She's also one of the top students of our class," he said, earning an interested look from Rei.
He then proceeded to tell her about the first training exercises and what school is like for them while Rei listened intently. Todoroki noticed that he was leaving some parts out like how she was completely hostile to him or how she froze his feet over on the second day.
She appreciated it.
Really appreciated it.
Lewis was telling Rei about what he does in the Support Department when he felt a tug on his sleeve. Looking down he saw Todoroki holding on the hem of his sleeve to get his attention. He noticed the shyness in her eyes as she looked down at the floor.
"Can I…speak to my mother…privately," she hesitantly requested.
"O-of course," Lewis said, getting the hint.
He finished the tea that had arrived a while earlier, stood up, and gave the two women a bright smile.
"I'm going to…check out the hospital's garden. I'll be back in a while," he said as he started to take his leave.
He left through the door and closed it behind him with a relieved sigh. Things had gone much better than he had hoped. Especially now that Todoroki was now talking to her.
As he walked down the hallway, he wondered what they would be talking about. He thought they are just catching up on what has happened and discussing the current situation they are living in. However, that was none of Lewis' business.
He decided to check out the hospital's garden.
A couple of hours later and both Lewis and Todoroki were making their way back from the hospital.
When Lewis returned to Rei's room, they had both finished talking. By the plain expression on Shoko's face and Rei's soft features, everyone would assume that it was uneventful. But Lewis saw some red in both their eyes and some tear stains on their clothing and deduced that it was in fact very emotional.
Lewis decided not to comment.
They spent the rest of their visit talking over tea and some snacks the nurses bought up. Lewis did most of the chatting as the two women were not great conversationalists, but he could tell that they were more than happy listening to him talk.
Soon visiting hours were ending and they both had to leave. Rei had told them that they should visit again and that she had enjoyed the time they spent together. They promised her that they would and took their leave. Now they were talking together in comfortable silence. Lewis could tell that Todoroki was much more relaxed and happy, judging by the small smile on her lips.
"Fleetwood," Todoroki said as they approached her house, "Thank you for today. It's been...good."
"You're welcome. I enjoyed meeting your mum and your sister. Maybe next time I'll get to see your brother," he said, making Todoroki nod.
They stopped outside the front gate and Todoroki turned to Lewis.
"Fuyumi would probably invite you to have dinner with us. Would you like to?" she asked with some eagerness in her eyes.
However, it disappeared when Lewis sadly shook his head, "I'm sorry. I would love to, but I have some class rep duties to do before we go back to school," he told her, "Iida has been...absent."
"Yes, I heard about it on the news," Todoroki said.
Iida's brother's attack had reached that morning news and had caused shockwaves across the country. Ingenium was a well known hero that had come from a prestigious family and for him to be attacked and made crippled by Stain the Hero Killer was frightening. Lewis wanted to do some research on Stain but realised that it might come off a bit disrespectful.
"Yeah," Lewis said, "I don't think he will be turning up to school after the break so Yaoyorozu and I are doing as much as possible without him."
Todoroki nodded plainly, "I see. Good luck with that," she said as she opened the gate.
Lewis was about to say goodbye when Todoroki turned back to him as if she wanted to say something else.
"Todoroki?" Lewis questioned.
"Shoko," she said, "from now on call me Shoko," she demanded with determination in her eyes.
Lewis was taken back by this, "Are you sure? I don't mind calling you by you-"
"You call Ashido by her give name," she firmly interrupted, "so do the same with me."
"Err...yes. Of course...Shoko," she seemed pleased when he called her that, "and feel free to call me Lewis," he happily replied.
"No. Fleetwood is fine," she told him sternly before stepping though her gate, "goodbye," she said as she closed the gate behind her,
...
...
...
...
"...well I suppose that's progress," Lewis admitted with a shrug.
Lewis' House
The next morning, Lewis opened his door to a smiling Mina wearing casual clothing consisting a loose black shirt and jeans. Under her arm was her workbook, an English to Japanese dictionary, and a case full of coloured pens and pencils.
"Morning Neko chan," she greeted cheerily as Lewis let her in.
"Good morning Mina," he replied in a slightly confused tone, "you seem unusually happy. Considering that you have been dreading a study session since yesterday."
Mina shrugged as she took off her shoes and made herself welcome, "I know, but I'm actually excited," she said, spotting the snacks Lewis had laid out for them on the dining room table and making a bee line towards them, "English is hard, but I still want to speak it. It would be so cool."
She took a biscuit from a tray, bite into it and chewed as she faced Lewis again.
"Besides," she continued in a shy tone, "I get to…spend the day with you."
The two teenagers blushed when she said. Lewis cleared his throat as Mina looked away.
"Should we…" he started.
"Yeah, let's start," she quickly answered as they both took a seat at the dining table.
Mina opened her workbook and showed the assignment that Present Mic told her to work on. Lewis overlooked it and smiled.
"This shouldn't be too difficult," he told Mina, who grinned in reply.
"Great, I'll master it in time," Mina gleefully said.
20 Minutes Later
"I don't get it," Mina cried as she laid her head on the table in despair.
Lewis hummed in concern, "What part don't you get?"
"Everything," Mina replied, her voice slightly muffled by the table.
"But what specifically don't you get?"
"Everything."
Lewis sighed patiently, "Mina I can't help you if you don't tell me what's wrong."
Mina lifted her head, "I don't get...what are they called again?" she asked pointing to a workbook.
Lewis looked at what she was pointing, "Do you mean 'prepositions'?"
"Yeah, pepo-...repo-...those things," she said, giving up on saying the word, "also why does 'there, their and they're' all sound the same? It's so confusion."
Lewis smiled sympathetically, "I know Japanese doesn't use preposition but it's something you have get used to as you learn. As far homophones," Lewis chuckled good naturally, "Now you know how I feel with the word 'Kō'."
Mina rubbed her fluffy hair sheepishly, "Fair enough."
(A.N According to a language website こう (pronounced kō) has 45 homophones. I have no idea if this is true or not so please correct if I'm wrong.)
"It's all about getting used to it. People are more likely to pick up a language if they surround themselves with native speakers. Maybe I should speak to you in English and you have to do your best to reply back," Lewis suggested.
Mina groaned and rested her head in her hands, "Can't we take a break. We have been at this for ages," she complained, earning a sigh from Lewis.
'It's been twenty minutes,' Lewis mentally said glancing at the clock on the wall, 'perhaps I should try a different tactic.'
"Mina how about if you complete all the work today; we can go somewhere. Your choice," Lewis suggested.
Mina instantly sat up in excitement, "Really?" she squealed, "Because I heard there was cat café nearby that looks..." she trailed off as she saw the blank expression of Lewis' face staring back at her, "...good." She frowned in confusion at Lewis odd behaviour, "Are you alright?"
She gulped when she saw determination ignite in his eyes, his hands clenched into fists and his eyebrows furrowed into a deep frown.
"Are you saying that there has been café...where I can meet...and pet...and cuddle cats and they are in walking distance to my house?" Lewis asked in a tone that made her shiver.
"Err...yeah," she unsurely answered.
She yelped as Lewis stood up with out warning and pointed at Mina with fire in his eyes, "Mina Ashido, nothing will stop me from teaching you English," he boldly declared with a wide grin, "you will complete all your work and we will go to this great place and I will cuddle every single cat there!"
...
...
...
"O-okay," Mina stammered.
"LET US BEGIN!" he proclaimed raising his fist into the air.
Mina frowned in concern, "Where was this enthusiasm during the Sports Festival?"
Cat Café
Lewis basically dragged Mina all the way there. Lewis was a great tutor, but, now he had the right motivation, he turned out to be best teacher she has ever had. She couldn't believe that she had completed all her work in record time.
'Something to keep in mind for the future,' she thought to herself.
Lewis gasped when he sat the café, swung the door open, and ran up to the counter, surprising the receptionist in the process. The cat café was split into two sections: the foyer, where customers can request a table or buy treats for the cats, and the dining area, where all the cats are kept.
"Hello, table for two, please," Lewis requested as the receptionist recovered from her shock.
"Err...yes of course sir," the receptionist said, "welcome to the-"
She had only blinked for a second and Lewis had disappeared. Mina was just as confused as her as they looked around to see where he had got to. They both heard some cooing from the corner of the shop and turned to see Lewis already cradling a calico cat in his arms.
"Wow," the receptionist uttered, "I never seen one of our cats become so friendly with a customer so quickly," she said in astonishment before turning to Mina, "Is that his quirk?"
Mina shook her head as she continued to stare at the adorable sight, "No, not at all," she tore her eyes away and gave the receptionist a friendly smile, "Like he said, we would like a table for two."
The receptionist nodded and booked them in on their system, "We offer a deal for couples if you like?"
Mina eyes grew wide and her cheeks flushed, "Oh no, we're not together like that," she told her before glancing back at the very happy Lewis and the purring cat. She blushed harder as she turned back to receptionist, "Would he have to know if we get that deal?" she shyly asked.
The receptionist gave her a knowing look, "Of course not," she said.
Once a table was free, the two entered the dining area and looked around the spacious room. It looked like a typical café with comfy chairs, round tables, and the smell of coffee and confectionary. However, surround the place were a number of cat trees, perches, and walkways overhead. But what really caught Lewis' attention were the number of cats laying all over the place, meowing and being petted by other customers.
"This is paradise," Lewis whispered in awe, his eyes sparkling in joy.
Mina giggled at how cute Lewis was being and went to an unoccupied table. She sat down, picked up a menu from the table and looked over it.
"This looks good," Mina said, seeing a delicious looking cake. She set the menu down and looked over at Lewis, "what are you going to- how did that happen!?" she cried as she saw Lewis completely covered and surrounded in cats of all colours and sizes.
There were some perched on his outstretched arms, one on each shoulder and even one lying on his head. Lewis smiled in joy as the cats around him purred in chorus.
"I'm pretty good with cats," he said nonchalantly as one of the cats rubbed its face against his cheek.
'Pretty good! You're an expert!' Mina mentally shouted.
Lewis shuffled his way to the table and sat down on the other unoccupied chair. The cats followed him and basically swarmed around their table, waiting to be petted by Lewis. Mina looked around in astonishment.
"Are…you sure cat magnetism isn't your quirk, Neko chan?" Mina asked, half-jokingly, but also half-serious.
"I wish," Lewis laughed as he rubbed a ginger cat that has leapt onto his lap, "I have always been good with cats. The only reason we don't have one back at home is because my uncle is allergic to them. But I've always wanted one or two or four cats."
"That's a shame," Mina said before she took out her phone, "I will have to take photos of you because the others back in school will not believe me."
Lewis shrugged gently, "I'm fine with that."
After taking a lot of photos, Mina and Lewis talked over tea and cake about school, hobbies, and other such things. Lewis had learned a lot from Mina. Apparently, she used to do break dancing which is why she was very acrobatic. However, he also learned that she used to be bullied in elementary school for the way she looked. Lewis was saddened when she told him that, but Mina didn't seem to be bothered by it and shrugged it off. She said that it was a long time ago and they were only kids being stupid. Despite this, Lewis reassured her that she looked perfect the way she is, causing her to blush brightly.
When their time was up and they needed to leave, Mina had to drag Lewis out of the café as he (and I quote) 'didn't want to leave his precious children'. The workers of the café said that he could visit anytime and that convinced him.
It was mid-afternoon when Lewis walked Mina home despite her protests. Lewis was confused at first and thought she didn't want to be around him anymore. However, as the ventured closer to where Mina's house, Lewis could see that was getting more restless by the second. It was almost as if she didn't want to see where she lived.
Mina stopped outside a medium sized house not too far away from where Lewis' house and gave him a broad but nervous smile.
"Thanks for walking me home. You can go now," she brightly said, her eyes glancing to her house for a second.
Lewis was taken back by her behaviour, but smiled back nonetheless "O-oh okay, I'll see you tomor-"
Suddenly the door to Mina's house opened and outstepped a woman who looked to be in her late thirties. She had fluffy black hair, pink skin, and was dressed in a white blouse and blue skirt.
"Mina," the woman called out making said girl freeze in shock, "are you-"
Ste stopped when her eyes fell on Lewis. She blinked a few times, her face became blank, her mouth hung a little open. Lewis thought he had down something wrong until the older woman gasped in joy, smiled broadly (rather like Mina's) and ran up to them.
"A boy! Mina's brought home boy! That's totally awesome!" she squealed as she stood in front of Lewis, smiling up at him, "What's your name? How did you meet my daughter? Are you dating her?"
"Mum!" Mina cried in embarrassment.
"Er…my name is Lewis Fleetwood, I am in the same class as Mina and no I am not," Lewis answered politely.
"Fleetwood," Mina's mother repeated, "Fleetwood, Fleetwood, Fleetwood," she turned to Mina with a teasing smile, "Mina Fleetwood has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
"Mum stop!" her daughter shouted; her cheeks have turned completely purple.
Mina's mum giggled and turned back to Lewis, "My name is Sakura Ashido, but please call me mum," she brightly said, making Mina groan, "would you like to stay for dinner?"
"Well…" he hesitated, looking from the annoyed Mina to the pleading Sakura, "…I don't want to be a burden."
"Nonsense," Sakura told him waving her hand dismissively, "we would love for you to join us. Isn't that right sweetheart?" she asked her daughter.
Mina sighed in irritation, "You don't have to if you don't want to," she told Lewis, her head bowing in depression.
Lewis hummed thoughtfully, trying to think what to do. He decided to take on Sakura's offer since she was polite enough to offer.
"I would love to have dinner, Ms Ashido," Lewis said, making Sakura squeal in delight and Mina to look up in surprise.
"Awesome!" Sakura cried, "But honestly call me mum," she told him before skipping back into the house whilst humming happily.
Mina and Lewis watched her leave before facing each other again.
"Is your mother the reason why you didn't want to study at your house?" Lewis asked.
Mina sighed, "Yeah. She's like that anytime she even sees me anywhere near a boy. She then acts like that until she scares them away. I'm sorry about that. You really don't have to stay if you don't want to."
Lewis shook his head, "I do want to. I think she's fun," he told her honestly, "Besides it's going to take more then that to scare me of from spending more time with you"
Mina was startled for a moment before her usual smile returned, "Thanks Neko chan," she softly said with a small giggle.
"Mina!" Sakura cried from the front door, a house phone in her hand, "I just called your father to plan your wedding. When would you like it?" she asked innocently.
"Okay, that's a little scary," Lewis admitted with a small frown.
"Mum stop!" Mina shouted at her.
En Route to Lewis' House
It was evening when Lewis was making his way back home after a dinner Sakura had cooked up. Mina's father, whose eyes were similar to Mina's, turned out to be nice person and greeted him warmly once he got home from work. He also apologised for his wife's eccentrics, but Lewis told him that was fine. Sakura seemed to have calmed down after a while and Mina's worries were reassured. Although she did tell Lewis a lot of embarrassing stories from when she was young, much to her annoyance
After a great dinner and saying goodbye to Mina and promising Sakura that he'll return another day, Lewis walked home. Mina's father, Kurome, offered him a ride home, but Lewis kindly denied since it wasn't that far.
Lewis breathed in the cool, evening air as he walked down the quiet streets. However, he couldn't get over the feeling that he was being watched. He looked around, but there was not a single soul. Lewis considered using his quirk to travel the rest of the way but didn't want to get in trouble just because of a bad feeling.
He decided to ignore it and take a short cut through a park, making sure he kept to the to the streetlamps overhead. Lewis travelled through the dark, empty park, deciding halfway through to speed walk the rest of the way.
Suddenly he tripped but caught himself at the last moment. He looked down and hummed in annoyance when he saw that one of his shoelaces were untied. He spotted a bench on the side of the path and hopped towards it. Taking a seat, he bent down to tie up his shoe.
He thought he saw a flicker of movement at the corner of his eye, but when he turned towards it there was nothing.
It was just Lewis in the cold, deserted park.
It was when he finished tying his shoe and sat back up that his instincts screamed at him to run.
However, it was too late.
Something very cold and very sharp pressed threatening into his throat. He felt somebody lean on his upper back and a person's hot breath on the back of his neck. He gulped as he looked down and saw an arm holding a knife to him. The arm was covered by a yellowish pale sweater, but that was the only thing Lewis can identify from his attacker.
In a high pitched feminine voice, his mysterious attacker spoke to him.
"Hi," she greeted with a small giggle.
The voice sent shivers down his spine. There was something very sinister hidden within her sweet tone and Lewis knew that she wasn't any old mugger. She sounded young, probably around his age, but there was no way he can confirm that. But just in case, Lewis raised his hands so the girl can see them and took deep breaths to keep himself from panicking.
"My wallet is in my right trouser pocket and my phone in my left. I can take them out for you," he calmly suggested.
Xaphan has taught him how to deal with muggings and the best and safest way is keeping calm and do what they say. When Lewis asked why he couldn't use his quirk to escape, he told him that you won't know what sort of quirk they have and it could get him into more unnecessary trouble.
However, the attacker gave a girlish giggle.
"Silly. I don't want you're money," she told him as she leaned close to his left ear, "I saw you on the news and I wanted to meet you in person."
'News?' Lewis thought before he realising what she meant, 'she must mean the interview. But why does she want to meet me?'
"Okay," Lewis said to her, "Would like to sit down next to me and we can talk. You can still have your knife, but I promise I won't run away."
The girl hummed thoughtfully, "Nope. I quite like you under me," she giggled as Lewis felt her other hand squeezing and rubbing his chest, "plus I can feel you up. You're very strong and tight. I wonder what it would like if I coated in your blood. I bet it would look beautiful."
Lewis grimaced as she molested him and tried his best to ignore...the last part. However he kept his nerves under control.
"Alright. So you saw the interview. What did...you think?" he asked.
The girl stopped touching him and placed her chin on his shoulder while still keeping the knife at his throat, "You looked like a little rabbit surrounded by hungry wolves. I found it adorable. But then you mentioned your views on hero society and I was very interested, little rabbit. You see, I don't really fit in normal society. Stupid people can't see me for who I am. What you said spiked my interest. I want to change society. I want it easy for me to live in. And you want it too. Unless..." her tone went from menacingly sweet to very deadly in an instant, causing Lewis to gulp, "...you were lying. Just another crowd pleaser spouting bullshit so people would like you. I hate liars, little rabbit and I will gut you no-"
"I wasn't lying," Lewis sternly replied, interrupting her, "What I said, I meant it. Every last word. Society can be improved for everyone and you can finally fit in and find your place. It won't be easy, but it can happen if everyone just tries."
"How do I know if you'e telling the truth?" she asked with a small growl.
Lewis frowned, 'There's no possible way I could do that. She doesn't seem like the type of person who would take promises.' That's when Lewis thought of a way. It made him sick to use this, but his life was on the line.
"Have you...done what you are doing to me with...others?"
"A few," she casually answered.
"What did they do?"
She hummed in thought, "Screamed, begged, cried. I think one guy soiled himself."
"Am I doing any of those things right now?"
"...No," she admitted curiously, "No you're not. It's weird, but I like it. Not so noisy."
"That's because I'm engaging with you," Lewis told her, "I want to hear what you got to say and I'm doing my best to give you a genuine answer. Do you believe me now?"
The girl fell silent as she thought over his words. It was only a few seconds but for Lewis it felt like hours. The knife at his throat was starting to dig. It would only took one swift motion for her to end his life.
"I suppose," she sighed, "but it doesn't really convince me. I'm just going to kill you."
"W-wait," Lewis stuttered, feeling her dig the knife in, "you like blood, don't you?"
Lewis had no idea why he said that. He just panicked and said the first thing that came to his head. However, it seemed to do the trick as the she pulled the knife away.
"I don't like blood. I love it," she told him, going back to her disturbingly sweet tone.
Lewis gave a mental sigh in relief, "What do you like about it? Out of curiosity."
"Everything," she giggled, "its colour, its smell, the way it moves, its taste. I love people covered in their own blood. I think it's so beautiful, so pretty. How do I describe it?" she pondered before gasping in realisation, "Have you ever been in love, little rabbit?"
Lewis gulped, "Can't say I have."
"I would like to fall in love one day," she sighed dreamily, "that's all I want. To love and be loved. When I see blood I can't help but fall in love with. I would love them, I will kill them, I will drink their blood. I want to be them. I want to be the one that I love. Do you understand, little rabbit?"
"Why?"
Lewis could feel her glare drill at the back of his head, "What do you mean why?" she angrily spat.
"Why do you want to be somebody else?" Lewis questioned further, "Is it because you don't love yourself?"
Lewis knew he was on thin ice at the moment.
Very thin ice.
But he needed to keep her occupied so either someone comes along and informs a hero or she'll somehow leave him alone. Both were very unlikely options.
"Perhaps, subconsciously, you feel guilty about the people you killed or you actually hate that you love blood. Maybe you're tired of people thinking that you don't belong with them. So you want to become someone else and forget your past and what you like so you don't feel alone anymore," Lewis explained, trying to keep an even tone, "I can't say I know how you feel, but I would like to underst- Ah!" he cried in pain.
The girl had dug her knife into his throat, opening a small cut. It wasn't deep, but Lewis could feel some blood roll down his gullet and down his chest.
"I didn't ask for psychiatric help," she snarled, "Your annoying me now."
'Bad idea! Terrible idea!' Lewis scolded himself, "Sorry. I didn't mean to-"
"I'm bored with you," she sighed.
At that, Lewis knew that he was going to die unless he does something now. He felt the cold steel about to dig into him and panicked and did the one thing that could stop her in her tacks.
Lewis flicked his left hand and made a card appear. The one he used to cut Shiozaki's vines during the Sports Festival. Before his attacker knew what was going on, Lewis held the card loose in his hand and pressed the sharp edge into his palm with his thumb and slid the card upwards, slicing his hand open. Lewis gritted his teeth in agony as he dropped the card onto the ground, followed closely by the steady dripping of his blood.
Lewis could tell that it caught the girl's attention. He felt her stare at the blood, watched it pool into his hand, and slowly dropped onto the ground. He heard her laboured breathing in his ear and the sickening sound of her licking her lips.
"You cut your hand," she whispered, "its bleeding."
"Yes," Lewis said before being his hand closer to hero, "would you lik-"
Before he could finished, she grabbed his hand, pulled it towards her mouth, and began licking the blood hungrily. Lewis grimaced in pain and felt like he was going vomit. However, he fought the bile down and glanced to his left. He didn't see much because of the knife still firmly at his neck, but he did see the girl's blond hair and her honey yellow eyes.
And her smile. Her very wide and menacing smile.
The image of her licking his wound will haunt him for the rest of his life.
Lewis pulled his hand away from her and she complained, "More," she demanded.
"No," Lewis firmly told her.
She growled, "I said more."
"And I said no," Lewis repeated, "Do you know what's wrong...one of the things wrong with you? You lack empathy. People have treated you differently because of what you loved, but have you thought about the people you've killed or the reason why people people are put off by your love of blood?"
"No," she answered coldly.
Lewis showed her his cut hand, "Do you what would happen if I let you drink all my blood? I will suffer a slow painful death. Do you think I would want that?"
"Where's this going?" she questioned impatiently.
"You said people treat you differently and don't see you as you, but have you once emphasised with another person" he crossly explained, "You want society to change, but change isn't easy. You need to work with others, see their point of view and understand them. What you are doing is being greedy and expecting everything to be served to you."
"I'm warning you," she growled threateningly, but Lewis wasn't having none of it.
"Go on then. Slit my throat. Kill me," Lewis told her, "but I will die knowing that I was right and you'll live the rest of your life knowing that you were wrong."
Silence fell between them. The only thing that made a sound was their heavy breathing and the wind through the evening air. Lewis had no idea what was going through her mind, but he hoped that somebody would spot them and she'll run off. He just wants to go home.
However, to his absolute shock, the knife dropped from his neck and the girl wrapped her arms around the back of his neck in a hug.
"You meant it!" she happily cried, "you really meant it! You weren't lying! I'm so happy," she said into his ear.
"Err..." Lewis stammered in confusion.
"You didn't beg for your life or try to lie your way out. You must be the real deal; you even wanted me to kill for your beliefs," she giggled, "see you around, little rabbit. Thanks for the talk."
She suddenly unwrapped her arms around his neck and left. Lewis looked around, but she had disappeared into the darkness. As if she was never there.
Lewis took a deep breath and used his quirk to teleport back to his house.
He didn't really care for the laws at the moment.
Without a single thought, he dressed and cleaned his wounds, got undressed, and got into bed. He stared at his bedroom ceiling, playing the events that just happened through his mind. He felt the cut on his throat with his uninjured hand and felt a sob escape from his mouth. Tears streamed from his eyes as he tried to get some rest after almost dying.
He didn't get much sleep that night.
That was quite a nice chapter...until it really wasn't.
A lot of new characters introduced in this chapter. Some of which I made up. I named Mina's parents Sakura and Kurome, because the mother had pink skin (like a cherry blossom) and Kurome literally means black eyes (because of his...well black eyes).
I love cats. Lewis loves cats. That's all I'm going to say on the subject.
I might do a scene where Aizawa, Shinso, and Lewis are all in the cat café.
Hope you enjoyed it. Next time will be hero names. I didn't really like some of hero name's they got in the manga (for example: Pinky, Invis-girl, Shoto) so I might give them new ones.
Thank you :)