Epilogue
“Is everything unpacked?” Hawks asked as he set down a cardboard box atop the kitchen counter. He turned to his boyfriend who just entered the room.
“Yes,”
“Are you sure?” The blond asked, paranoid. “I want to make sure we didn’t miss anything before we leave tonight.”
“Trust me babe, I triple checked everything,” Touya made his way over and pressed a reassuring kiss to Keigo’s forehead. “We’re good to go.”
Since Dabi and Hawks had gotten back together things have changed. The winged hero released the tape recording to the public, causing a country-wide panic among society and the media. The hero world shook from the information Hawks uncovered.
Endeavour’s image was soon ruined, his license revoked as an arrest was warranted. He got justly incarcerated for the abuse of his wife and children and the attempted murder of his son and his boyfriend. The flaming hero’s rank plummeted and Hawks took his place.
The public’s perception of Hawks rose as Endeavour's dropped. The blond was seen as a saviour for leaking the recordings and #saving the Todoroki’s as Twitter liked to call it. Hawks didn’t mind the media attention that much, but he stopped doing hero work as often as to avoid the rampant press. They both wanted to keep their family life private.
Dabi on the other hand changed himself entirely. He began going by Touya again not long after quitting the League. He still dyed his hair black from time to time, but no more were the prominent scars etched upon his skin. Instead were less severe burns held together by healthy stitches. He looked better.
Hawks had persuaded the Commission to pardon Dabi of his past crimes. On account that he only ever burned and killed lowly criminals and the fact that he was mentally unstable due to Endeavour’s abuse. Of course it was Yuki who swayed the hero society to let Dabi off free and only sentence him to do community service. Keigo had never been more grateful for his fans.
Although the man quit villainy, he still visited his old friends once in a while. They were still family to Touya, and even if he couldn’t participate in murdering a bunch of people, you bet he can join in on a weekly game of Monopoly.
As for Yuki, Shigaraki still remained her grumpy uncle. Toga and Twice were still banned from looking after (though they still had fun with supervision), and Compress was the kid’s official guardian. Next to Rumi who of course thought Yuki was the most adorable thing in the world.
Just because Dabi left the life of crime didn’t mean he could forget the bonds he built with the LOV.
And now, Keigo and Touya were finally moving in together. In a bigger apartment where they can live with their daughter whom they both love dearly.
“Hey baby bird!” Hawks cheered as Yuki stumbled in the kitchen behind Touya, holding her Hawks plush.
Touya ruffled her bright red hair. “Wanna check out your new room?” He smiled.
“Yes! Yes yes!” The child jumped excitedly.
The couple led her to her brand new bedroom, and by the looks of it you could tell Touya and Keigo spoiled their daughter endlessly. After both having shitty childhoods—who wouldn’t want what’s best for their kid?
“It’s so big!” Yuki exclaimed, stretching her arms out. “And I have a balcony!!”
“Yep,” Hawks smirked, popping the ‘p’, “a balcony will be useful for when you finally learn how to fly.”
Touya leaned over. “You did put those child safety locks on the doors, right? You know she could fall off the railing.”
“Yes, of course.”
“I love you both so much!” Yuki chirped, hugging both of their legs tightly. “You’re the best daddies ever!”
It had taken a while for Yuki to get used to the idea of a family outside of Dabi and the League. Eventually Yuki warmed up to everyone and started calling Keigo her dad alongside Dabi. The day that happened Hawks began crying so hard he lost his voice the next day. Needless to say they were doing okay.
“We love you too, firecracker.”
They are anxious to arrive, Dabi fidgeting with the collar of his buttoned up shirt as the three of them stood in front of the doorsteps to the complex.
“Don’t worry so much, babe,” Keigo had Yuki in one arm and was stroking the small of Touya’s back with the other. He leaned in to press a firm yet short kiss on his boyfriend's lips. “Tonight will be fine.
“Can’t help but be nervous,” Touya mumbled, slipping his hand into Keigo’s as he rang the doorbell.
“You’ve seen your mother plenty of times. She’ll be happy you came.”
Touya nodded as the door opened, revealing a short white haired woman. “Auntie!” Yuki chirped upon spotting Fuyumi, leaning away from Hawks to give her a small hug.
“I’m so glad you guys could make it!” Fuyumi exclaimed, greeting Keigo and her brother. “Everyone else is inside, dinner's almost ready.”
The family followed her inside, taking in the interior of the humble abode. Not long after Endeavour’s arrest, Rei got released from the hospital. The Todoroki residence was burned to the ground, but Rei was happy to buy a new house to create better memories for her family. Touya couldn't be happier for his mother, she looked much better nowadays.
Hawks and Touya entered the living room, seeing Natsuo and Shoto talking. They soon turned towards them, joy lighting their faces.
“Touya! Hawks-bro, you made it!” Natsuo left the couch to give them enormous bear hugs. He turned towards Yuki. “Wow you’re growing, Yuki-Chan! How old are you now?”
“Five and a half!” Yuki replied proudly, chirping when Natsuo ruffled her messy hair.
“Moms making cold soba,” Shoto stated, smiling. “All of our favourites.”
“Where is Mom anyway?” Touya scratched the back of his neck.
“In the kitchen.” Fuyumi replied, motioning towards the hall. “She insisted we relax while she cooks something up.”
Touya nodded. Keigo set Yuki on the couch with Shoto and the couple headed to greet Rei, spotting her in front of the stove, humming happily.
“Hey, Mom.” Touya called out and Rei spun around, grinning brightly upon seeing her sons.
“Touya! Keigo!” She approached them, kissing them both on the cheeks. “Now our family dinner night is complete.”
“We brought you flowers!” The blond lifted the bag that hung around his forearm.
Rei took out the bouquet, gasping lightly. “Rindou! My favourite!” She turned to her eldest son. “How did you know?”
The ravenette smirked. “Who do you think left you flowers all those years?”
Rei brought her son into a brief hug. “Touya, you spoil me.”
Hawks observed the interaction, his heart warming at the sight of his boyfriend finally mending his relationship with his mother. It’d been a wild ride to get where they are now.
“Now where’s Yuki?” Rei placed the flowers in a nearby empty vase. “I can’t wait to meet my granddaughter.”
Although Touya and Rei had rekindled their bond months ago and visited each other, Rei was yet to meet the child that brought her family back together.
Touya smiled. “She’d love to meet you.”
“Hi, Yuki,” the white haired woman bent down to the five year old’s level. “My name is Rei, I’m your grandma.”
Yuki looked at Rei with her curious golden eyes before smiling wide. “You're very pretty!” The child held out her hands and ran them through Rei’s snow-white hair
The woman laughed light-heartedly. “And you’re very cute.”
The family of seven sat at the dining room table, eating, talking, and enjoying each other’s presence. Yuki had trouble slurping her soba noodles from time to time, but with help from Rei she managed.
“So how are you and Keigo doing?” Fuyumi asked, using her chopsticks to pick out some seaweed. “You’ve guys settled in to your new place?”
The blond sighed. “We finally finished unpacking. It only took two weeks.”
“It must be exciting for Yuki to move for the first time.” Rei commented, gazing fondly upon her granddaughter.
“I have a big room!” Yuki chirped, making a mess of her soba.
“You know what? I actually did forget to put those safety locks on the balcony door.” Keigo facepalmed, earning a swat on the shoulder from his boyfriend.
“You bird brain,”
Natsuo chuckled. “Let’s hope Yuki makes it to her sixth birthday with you as parents.”
“Hey!” Touya defended. “I took care of her by myself for four years and she turned out fine! Don’t insult my parenting, Natsu.”
“Define fine,” Shoto deadpanned. “She totally let herself get kidnapped by complete strangers.”
“Woah! I did not kidnap my daughter!” Keigo crossed his arms. “That would be impossible.”
“You kinda did steal Yuki, birdie.” Touya shrugged. “You weren’t even certain she was yours.”
“I agree with Touya,” Fuyumi added. “I’ll never forget the day Hawks burst in the house carrying a stolen child.”
The winged man groaned and put his hands in his face. “Please stop embarrassing me. I was right in the end and we all made up!”
“Water under the bridge, pretty bird,” Touya slung an arm around Hawks’ chair. “If it weren’t for you finding Yuki we probably wouldn’t be here.”
Rei smiled. “And I’m very grateful.” Seeing her family, even as they bicker, brought joy to her heart. Rei may not have been a great mother to her children in their youth but they were willing to forgive her and the universe gave her a second chance. She’d make amends by being the best grandmother to Yuki, that’s for sure.
The doorbell rang, causing everyone to tense up. Keigo on instinct went to protect Yuki, sharpening his feathers. Natsuo stood up from his seat in a hurry. This was too familiar. “Mom are you expecting anyone?”
Rei shook her head. “No, I’m not.”
Touya cursed. “Is this a repeat of last time, what if—“
“Actually,” Fuyumi interrupted. “I am expecting someone.” She made her way to the door and everyone’s tension eased up. So it wasn’t Endeavour.
The door opened to reveal the Number five hero, dressed in her casual attire and holding a small box. “Hey guys! Hope you don’t mind me intruding!” Miruko walked in and waved at everyone.
“Rumi!” Hawks exclaimed. “What a surprise!”
“Heh, yeah. Yumi invited me.” Miruko blushed, which caused Fuyumi’s face to scarlet as well.
Natsuo turned to the winged hero as they fist bumped their hands. “Knew it.”
“I really hope you don’t mind if I join you guys for dinner, Yukimura-san.” She held out her box. “I bought carrot cake for dessert–“
“Please, just Rei,” she smiled. “Any friend. Or more of Fuyumi is welcome here.”
Or more. Fuyumi blushed as she grabbed a seat for her girlfriend. “Mom! You're embarrassing me!”
“I’m your mother, that’s my job.” Rei smirked.
Everyone at the table laughed as the airy conversations continued. The night went on with the family having fun and enjoying Rei’s delicious food.
Touya looked at his siblings and mother with fondness. I can’t believe I missed out on this for four years. Looking back on it now, Touya never understood why he never got in contact with his family. But he was glad he’s back now.
The ravenette noticed his daughter, smiling and giggling next to Rei. He was so glad Yuki could finally meet the rest of her family. It’s something Touya would never deprive her of again. As a dad, he would do anything to see Yuki smile as brightly as she does in the presence of his mother.
He then turned to the blond beside him, who was too distracted talking to Natsuo to notice his gaze. Touya couldn’t believe he managed to win Keigo back, despite everything he’s done. He loves the bird brain so much that it would probably kill him to spend another four years without him. And the best part? Keigo loved him back.
Touya could feel the weight of the small velvet box tucked in his back pocket.
Yeah, he’s doing alright.