~𝔏𝔬𝔳𝔢 ℌ𝔞𝔰 𝔑𝔬 𝔅𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔡𝔞𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰~ (Tokoyami Fumikage X Reader)

Chapter 25

The night was still thick with tension, even as the League of Villains had retreated. Niko’s heart pounded in her chest, each beat echoing the confusion and fear that had built up throughout the day. Tokoyami stayed close by her side as Hawks remained with her, his serious expression betraying the gravity of the revelations he had just dropped on her.

Niko stared blankly ahead, her mind racing to make sense of everything. Dabi is my brother? Shoto, too? The realization hit her in waves, each one stronger than the last.

Hawks broke the silence first, his voice low but firm. “You should get some rest, Niko. You’ve had a hell of a night, and I know this is a lot to take in.”

Niko shook her head, her fists clenching in her lap. “I don’t know how to feel right now,” she muttered. “I mean… I’ve always wondered about my real family, but this… this is more than I ever expected.”

Tokoyami watched her carefully, unsure how to comfort her. His eyes softened as he saw the turmoil playing out across her face. He wanted to reach out and hold her, to say something that would ease her mind, but words felt useless in moments like these.

Keigo’s voice softened. “I know it’s tough, Niko, but you’re strong. You’ve made it this far, and you’ve got people who care about you. That hasn’t changed, no matter what you just learned tonight.”

Niko nodded absently, though her thoughts were still elsewhere. The weight of everything was settling on her, and the pressure was overwhelming.

“I… I just need some time to think,” she whispered, glancing down at the ground. Her voice was so soft, it was as if she was speaking more to herself than anyone else.

Hawks gave her a sympathetic look, then glanced over at Tokoyami. “I’ll be nearby if you need me, alright? But for now, I think Fumikage here can take care of you.” He stood, brushing off his feathers before stepping out of the tent. With a final nod to Tokoyami, Hawks disappeared into the night, leaving them alone.

The silence stretched between them for a few moments, and Tokoyami hesitated before finally speaking. “Niko, if you need space, I understand. But… I’m here for you. Always.”

Niko looked up at him, her eyes glossy but determined. She forced a small smile, grateful for his presence. “Thank you, Fumi…” She caught herself, the name slipping out almost naturally now. It was something that had become a comfort to her, a sign of how much closer they’d grown.

Tokoyami blinked at the sound of his name from her lips, a faint warmth blooming in his chest. He was not one for grand gestures, but hearing her call him by his first name sent a small spark of joy through him.

“I’ll always be by your side,” Tokoyami said quietly, his crimson eyes locked on hers. There was a tenderness in his voice that she hadn’t heard before, and it made her heart flutter despite everything she had just been through.

Without thinking, Niko leaned forward and hugged him tightly, burying her face in his shoulder. The feeling of his steady presence against her was calming, a solid anchor in the storm that was her mind.

Tokoyami froze for a moment, unsure of how to respond to the sudden embrace. His arms hovered awkwardly above her before finally resting around her, pulling her close. His heart was racing now, but he kept his composure, allowing her to stay there as long as she needed.

“Niko…” he began, his voice almost hesitant. He pulled back just enough to look at her, his face now inches from hers. The closeness between them felt electric, and for a brief moment, the chaos of the world outside didn’t seem to matter.

Niko blinked, her breath catching as she realized just how close they were. Tokoyami’s gaze was intense, but not intimidating. There was a softness to it, a vulnerability she wasn’t used to seeing from him.

Before Niko could think about anything she pressed her lips against his beak.

“N-Niko…” he stammered, unsure of what to say or do. His face grew warm beneath his feathers, and a part of him was glad that the dark shadows of the tent hid the blush that was rapidly spreading across his cheeks. She couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.

But before she could pull away, Tokoyami surprised her. He gently cupped her face in his hands and leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. The gesture was delicate, almost shy, but it spoke volumes.

As the night passed away she leaned her head against his shoulder again, this time feeling a little lighter, as though the weight of the world had lifted just a little. They sat there together in the quiet night, the events of the day fading into the background as their bond grew even stronger.

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To be continued...