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

Chapter 36

Endeavor's car rumbled quietly as it moved through the city streets. The sun had dipped below the horizon, and the sky was a canvas of twilight hues. Niko sat in the back seat, sandwiched between Shoto and the window. The glass felt cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the simmering tension in the car.

After Hawks had left to take Raptor to jail, Endeavor had offered a ride. Bakugo, Tokoyami, and Midoriya had been dropped off at the U.A. dorms, and now, only the Todoroki family remained.

Silence wrapped around them, thick and unyielding. Shoto glanced at Niko, his expression a mixture of curiosity and caution. Endeavor, at the wheel, kept his focus straight ahead, his hands gripping the steering wheel with enough force to make the leather creak.

The Todoroki residence loomed ahead, its traditional exterior shrouded in the dim evening light. As they pulled into the driveway, Niko felt a weight settle in her chest. She had spent years imagining this place, but the reality was stark and unfamiliar.

Endeavor stepped out first, his broad frame casting a long shadow. Shoto slid out next, his movements quiet and deliberate. Niko hesitated, her hand resting on the door handle before finally pushing it open and stepping out.

The front door opened, and Fuyumi appeared, her expression a mix of curiosity and warmth. "Dad? Shoto?" Her gaze landed on Niko, and her eyes widened slightly. "Who's this?"

"This is Niko," Endeavor said, his voice devoid of its usual edge. "Your sister."

Fuyumi's lips parted in surprise. "Sister?"

Natsuo appeared behind her, his taller frame leaning against the doorframe. His expression was more guarded, his brow furrowing. "Another sister?"

Niko managed a small, tentative smile. "Yeah. It's... a long story."

Endeavor's presence loomed behind them, a reminder of the many unspoken things. "Get inside. We'll talk more once we're settled."

---

Inside, the atmosphere was warmer—soft lights, the scent of dinner lingering in the air. They sat around the dining table, Niko perched at the edge of her chair, her hands folded tightly in her lap.

Fuyumi had made tea, her gentle demeanor doing its best to bridge the gap between old wounds and new beginnings. Natsuo remained quiet, his expression difficult to read. Shoto sat close to Niko, a silent show of support.

"So," Natsuo finally spoke, his voice careful. "How did this happen?"

Niko's fingers tightened around her teacup. "My mom—Rei—she had me before she came back to this house. Before she had Shoto."

Fuyumi's eyes softened. "You mean when she... ran away?"

Niko nodded. "Yeah. She met someone else, and I was born. But when she returned here, I was... left behind. I found my way back eventually."

Natsuo's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. The weight of their family history pressed down on the room, a reminder of the fractures still healing.

Endeavor stood near the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest. His expression remained stoic, though a storm brewed behind his eyes. "We can talk more tomorrow. For now, you need rest."

Fuyumi rose, offering Niko a small smile. "I'll show you to your room."

Niko followed her down the hall, the walls lined with photos of the Todoroki siblings growing up. Shoto as a young boy, Fuyumi with a bright smile, Natsuo's mischievous grin. Niko's chest tightened at the thought of the memories she had missed.

The room was simple, the bed neatly made. Niko sat on the edge of the mattress as Fuyumi lingered in the doorway.

"If you need anything, just let me know," Fuyumi said softly. "We're all a bit... overwhelmed, but I'm glad you're here."

"Thank you." Niko's voice was quiet.

Fuyumi offered one last smile before retreating, leaving Niko alone with her thoughts.

---

The night deepened, and the house fell into a hushed stillness. Niko lay awake, the ceiling above her a blank canvas for her racing mind. Footsteps padded softly outside her door, and she sat up as it creaked open.

Shoto slipped inside, closing the door gently behind him. "You're still awake."

Niko nodded. "Hard to sleep."

Shoto hesitated, then spoke in a low voice. "Do you want to meet Mom?"

Her heart jolted. "You mean... now?"

He nodded. "She's at the hospital. Visiting hours are over, but I know how to get in."

Niko didn't need more convincing. She pulled on a jacket, and together they crept through the darkened house. They moved like shadows, slipping out a side door and into the cool night air.

The hospital was quiet, the sterile white halls bathed in dim light. Shoto led her through familiar turns, their footsteps barely more than whispers.

They stopped outside a door. Shoto's hand rested on the handle, his expression a blend of resolve and vulnerability. "Are you ready?"

Niko swallowed, nodding. "Yeah."

He pushed the door open, and they stepped inside.

Rei Todoroki lay on the bed, her silver hair framing her pale face. The soft glow of the room cast gentle shadows, and her eyes, closed in sleep, fluttered as if sensing their presence.

"Mom?" Shoto's voice was soft, a gentle nudge to the silence.

Rei stirred, her eyes opening slowly. When she saw Shoto, a tired but warm smile spread across her face. Then her gaze shifted, landing on Niko.

Her breath hitched. "Niko?"

Niko stepped forward, her feet feeling like lead. "Hi, Mom."

Tears welled in Rei's eyes. "My baby... I never thought I'd see you again."

Niko sat beside her, slipping her hand into Rei's. "I'm here. I found my way back."

Rei's hand trembled in hers. "You look so much like... like I remember."

Shoto sat on the edge of the bed, his presence a steadying force. "We're all together now."

Rei's tears fell, a mix of joy and sorrow. "I'm so sorry, Niko. I never wanted to leave you. I thought... I thought you were safe."

"I know." Niko's voice was thick with emotion. "And I'm here now. That's all that matters."

They stayed there, the three of them, sharing quiet stories and whispered apologies. Niko learned more of her mother's gentleness, of Shoto's quiet strength. They found solace in the small space, a fragile pocket of peace amid the chaos of their world.

As the night waned, and the first light of dawn crept into the sky, Niko felt something new—a sense of belonging.

For the first time in a long while, she was not just Niko. She was a part of a family. And for now, that was enough.