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

Chapter 28

(Recap)

The bell signaling the end of the first day of the new semester at U.A. rang loudly, reverberating through the hallways. It was time for the students to face a new kind of challenge-work studies, where they would be paired with professional heroes in the field.

In Class 1-A, there was a buzz of anticipation. Midoriya had been pulled aside by All Might earlier, revealing that he would be working under Sir Nighteye, one of All Might's former sidekicks. Asui and Uraraka were headed to work with Ryukyu, a top-ranked pro hero. Tokoyami, however, was more than prepared for his mission-he would be teaming up with Hawks, someone he had already worked under and admired.

Niko couldn't help but feel the excitement in the air, but there was also a nervous energy. She hadn't been assigned yet, but her connection with Hawks meant that she might get involved alongside Tokoyami, something that filled her with both excitement and a bit of nervousness.

Later that afternoon...

Niko sat with Tokoyami during lunch. The cafeteria was noisy with chatter about work studies, but there was a calm atmosphere between them. Tokoyami had just gotten the news about working with Hawks again, and he was already preparing mentally for what that might entail.

Niko looked over at him, her lips curling into a soft smile. "So... you're going back to Hawks. How does it feel?"

Tokoyami gave her a small nod, his expression calm but determined. "It feels like a responsibility, not just an honor. Hawks is sharp. He doesn't tolerate complacency."

Niko nodded in understanding, her fingers brushing lightly against his on the table. It was a small gesture, but the brief touch sent a spark between them. Tokoyami glanced down at their hands, but he didn't pull away.

"I'm glad you'll be with him," she said quietly, "I know he'll push you to grow even stronger."

Tokoyami's eyes softened. "And I'll have to push myself harder, especially now." His voice lowered. "I can't afford to be weak. For you... and for the others."

Niko felt her heart skip a beat. It was moments like these, where the quiet affection between them surfaced, that made her realize how much their bond had grown. She squeezed his hand gently, feeling the warmth spread through her chest.

Before she could say anything more, Midoriya and Uraraka joined them at the table, both looking excited about their assignments. The conversation quickly shifted back to work studies, with Midoriya eagerly explaining the details of his meeting with Sir Nighteye and the seriousness of the missions ahead.

(End of Recap)

---

Time Skip: The Beginning of Work Studies

A few days later, the students of Class 1-A were spread across the city, each paired with their respective mentors. Niko watched as Tokoyami flew off with Hawks, his dark silhouette blending into the sky. The missions were getting more dangerous, and the stakes were higher than ever before.

As Niko herself was called in for her assignment, she couldn't help but think of the growing threats looming in the distance. Her connection with her newfound family-Dabi-still weighed on her mind. But for now, she had to focus. There was no room for distractions in the world of heroes.

Still, there was a comfort in knowing that no matter how intense things became, she and Tokoyami had each other. Even as their missions led them into separate challenges, the quiet strength of their relationship was something neither of them would let go of.

---

The sun was setting as Niko joined the others for the start of their first work-study mission. The city streets were quieter now, though the tension of recent villain attacks weighed heavily on everyone. Niko had been partnered with a smaller hero agency for surveillance duties-a task that required her to patrol the streets, looking for anything suspicious.

Meanwhile, Tokoyami, under Hawks' guidance, had been sent to investigate a rumored villain gathering in the eastern district. Their paths had diverged for now, each hero-in-training focused on their own missions. Niko tried to shake off the nerves as she patrolled the streets, her eyes scanning the shadows of alleyways, always on alert.

---

The mission itself had gone smoothly. Nothing too serious-just some petty criminals trying to break into a store. Niko had handled it swiftly, feeling confident in her abilities. The agency had dismissed her for the night, and now, as the moon climbed higher in the sky, Niko continued to walk the quiet streets, her thoughts wandering to Tokoyami.

It was in that moment of peace that she felt a presence. Her instincts immediately kicked in as she slowed her steps, her eyes darting to a narrow alleyway to her left. The faint scent of smoke filled the air, and her heart dropped.

Stepping out from the shadows, Dabi appeared, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers.

Niko froze, her body tensing. "D-Dabi..." she stammered, unsure whether to be afraid or curious. The last time they met, the revelation of their familial connection had left her reeling.

Dabi, his face half-hidden in the dim light, leaned casually against the brick wall. "Didn't expect to see you out here, little sister," he said, his voice calm, almost playful.

Niko's throat went dry. "What do you want?" she asked, taking a step back. She wasn't sure what to expect from him now. Was he here to hurt her, or was there something else?

Dabi pushed off the wall, walking slowly towards her. "Relax," he said, noticing her defensive stance. "I'm not here to hurt you. I told you that before." His eyes softened, just a hint, and that threw Niko off guard.

"Then why are you here?" Niko asked, her voice steadying despite her nerves.

Dabi stopped a few feet away from her, his gaze drifting to the sky for a moment before he looked back at her. "I've been... thinking. About you. About us."

Niko blinked, not sure how to respond. There was something different in his tone, something vulnerable that she hadn't heard from him before.

"I've been trying to figure out why you make me feel this way," Dabi continued, his voice quieter now, almost contemplative. "I don't usually care about anyone. But you... you're different."

Niko's heart raced, confusion and unease swirling inside her. "I don't understand," she whispered. "You're... a villain."

Dabi's mouth twitched, almost like a smile, though it was a bitter one. "Yeah, I am. But that doesn't change the fact that you're my sister." His eyes darkened slightly, but there was no malice behind them. Instead, there was a strange warmth-something protective.

He took a step closer, and Niko didn't move, caught between fear and curiosity.

"I'm not here to drag you into this mess," Dabi said quietly. "But I wanted to see you. To make sure you're okay." His hand reached out, hesitating for a moment before gently brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear and cupping her cheek. The touch was so uncharacteristically gentle that Niko couldn't help but feel a strange warmth spread through her.

"You're... worried about me?" Niko asked, almost incredulous.

Dabi let out a low chuckle. "Yeah. Guess I am." He said caressing her cheek

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Niko's mind raced as she tried to make sense of everything. There was a tenderness in Dabi that conflicted with everything she knew about him. It was unsettling, but at the same time, she felt a strange connection-a bond she couldn't deny.

Dabi slowly pulled her into a hug leaving Niko shocked. But surprisingly she melted in his embrace returning the hug but being careful not to hurt his stapled burnt skin.

"D-dabi..." A hoarse whisper left her throat that made Dabi chuckled softly and spoke "Call me Onii-chan" Niko froze for a while her heart skipping a beat. "Onii-chan" She repeated, earning a satisfied humm from Dabi.

"I'll tell you something..." Dabi spoke. His voice slightly deepening. "My name is Touya...Touya Todoroki" He spoke. Taking his family name bitterly. Niko reapeated his name "T-touya. I- Onii-chan...I like your name" Dabi couldn't help but smile slightly.

To be continued...