strangled

²⁶caught in the act

here's the next chapter early :)

Two long days later, you find yourself in the front yard of the Todoroki household.

After the completely unexpected date Shouto had with you the other night, he has been acting unusual. Instead of leaving for work early in the morning to avoid you, he waits for you to wake up just so he can plant a kiss on your cheek before he leaves. His words are soft-spoken now as well. Not one hint of hate is in his eyes when he looks at you.

Despite his goal to act different he continues to spend an excessive amount of time at work. But you can't complain just because he's focused on doing his job. It's what brings the money into the house, and his father would be so angry if Shouto decided to take a break from working.

You want to say his change in behavior is too good to be true, but you don't want to jinx it.

Most of today you were feeling slothful. So you decided to visit Natsuo. With your husband acting like a brand new person, you are in higher spirits. You don't feel the need to dissociate from everyone anymore. Though, you still want to relax a bit more before you jump back fully into villainous life with the League.

Shouto was at work when you left the house so you took his bus pass to travel with.

It felt different to being such a large vehicle surrounded by strangers with Shouto nowhere nearby. But you concluded that you will have to get accustomed to it. When you finally get out of your forced relationship you won't be able to have a husband following you around.

It's surprising when you knock on the front door and get greeted by someone other than Enji. You have to do a double take to make sure you are seeing correctly.

No way, the person standing in front of the door is his wife.

Your lips part in shock and you hold your hands over them.

Rei looks older now of course. Her hair is longer, eyes shining brighter than they ever have. The wrinkles of old age never looked more beautiful on a person's skin. Gone are the stressful gaze and hair loss. Now, she is visibly--and clearly mentally--healthier.

She gives you a small smile, humored by the astonished expression you obtained. "It has been a long time since I last saw you, (f/n)."

You can only gasp out four words.

"Oh my God... Rei..."

"Please don't stay outside." She quietly laughs, stepping to the side. "Come in. Enji isn't home if that is what you are worried about."

As soon as you walk into the house you throw your arms around the older woman. Rei doesn't hesitate at all before hugging you back. Once you hold onto her you feel as though you can't let go.

When you got your memories back, you realized your real mom acted almost exactly like Rei.

The white-haired woman holding onto you is the closest thing you'll get to having your own mom back in your life.

"I remember you used to be such a stoic little girl." She whispers. "I'm happy to see you have grown out of it."

"No actually she can still be a bit expressionless at times."

You release Rei to turn around. A playful glare is sent to Natsuo, who is leaning against the doorway to the living room wearing only his boxers. He looks as though he enjoys watching you interacting with his mother. His gaze is soft as it moves back and forth between Rei and you.

You laugh, "Shut up and put on some clothes, Natsu."

"Why?" Natsuo smirks then pulls you into a tight hug. You can feel your face heating up because how close you are to an almost naked man. Who also happens to be well-built and extremely attractive. And you have subliminal feelings for. "Don't you like seeing me like this, cutie?"