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

Chapter 37

The morning sun filtered through the windows of the Todoroki residence, casting soft rays over the wooden floors. Niko sat on the edge of her bed, her packed bag resting at her feet. Her mind was a swirl of emotions—from the revelation of her family history to the quiet, tearful reunion with her mother.

Shoto knocked gently on her door. "You ready?"

Niko nodded, slipping the strap of her bag over her shoulder. "Yeah. Hawks is expecting me back."

Fuyumi and Natsuo were waiting by the door, their expressions a mix of warmth and lingering uncertainty. Endeavor stood further back, his presence a quiet shadow over the room.

"Take care," Fuyumi said, pulling Niko into a soft hug. "And come back soon. You're always welcome here."

Natsuo offered a nod, his stoic expression easing into a small, genuine smile. "Yeah. And if you need anything, you've got us."

Niko returned the hugs, her heart swelling with an unfamiliar but welcome feeling. "Thank you. I'll be back."

Endeavor spoke last, his voice gruff but not unkind. "If you need anything... let us know."

Niko met his gaze, finding an unexpected sincerity in his blue eyes. "I will." Niko's voice was soft but firm. She gave a final nod to her newfound family before stepping outside with Shoto by her side.

The ride back to Hawks' agency was quiet. Shoto, ever the thoughtful brother, kept his questions to himself, offering only a gentle presence as the cityscape rushed by. When they arrived, he gave her a brief but warm hug. "Call if you need anything."

"I will." Niko managed a small smile. "And thank you—for everything."

Shoto nodded, his expression softening. "We'll see each other soon." With that, he turned, heading back to the Todoroki residence.

Niko took a breath, steadying herself before walking into the agency. The familiar hustle and bustle of heroes and staff was a comfort, a reminder of her normal life amidst the chaos.

Hawks was waiting for her in his office, his golden eyes lighting up the moment he saw her. "Niko!"

Before she could react, he pulled her into a hug, his wings wrapping around them like a protective cocoon. She relaxed into his embrace, the weight of the last few days finally catching up with her.

"I was starting to think you'd run off," he teased, his voice warm against her ear.

"Not a chance." Niko's voice wavered, a mix of exhaustion and relief. "I just... needed to see them. To understand."

Hawks pulled back slightly, his hands resting on her shoulders. "And? How are you holding up?"

Niko took a shaky breath. "It was a lot. I met my siblings. I saw my mom. Endeavor... he knows now. Everything."

Keigo's expression turned serious. "Did he give you trouble?"

"No." She shook her head. "It was strange. He was... decent. And my siblings were amazing. Shoto even took me to see Mom. She—she remembered me."

Keigo's expression softened, a mixture of pride and concern. "You've been through a lot, kid. You didn't have to do it alone."

Niko looked up at him, her eyes bright but tired. "I needed to. But I'm glad to be back."

His thumb brushed a stray tear from her cheek. "You're stronger than you know, Niko. And you're not alone. Not here."

A warmth spread through her, soothing the raw edges of her heart. "Thank you, Hawks. For everything."

He pulled her into another hug, a silent promise that he'd always have her back.

They spent the rest of the afternoon in his office, talking through everything. Niko shared every detail, not holding back. Hawks listened, his usual easygoing demeanor tempered with a rare seriousness. He offered advice where he could, but mostly, he just listened.

When evening rolled around, Niko felt lighter, the weight of her family's past no longer quite so heavy. She was about to suggest getting dinner when Tokoyami appeared in the doorway.

"Am I interrupting?" he asked, his voice as calm as ever but with a hint of hesitation.

Hawks grinned, his wings stretching lazily. "Not at all. I was just about to kick Niko out anyway. I need to catch up on paperwork."

Niko shot him a playful glare. "Paperwork, huh?"

Hawks shrugged, the picture of innocence. "Hero work never stops."

Tokoyami stepped closer, his red eyes softening as he looked at her. "I was wondering if you'd like to go out for a bit. Clear your head."

Niko's tired expression brightened. "Yeah. I'd like that."

They left the agency together, the cool evening air a welcome change. Tokoyami led her to a quiet part of the city, where the lights reflected softly off the river. They walked side by side, the sounds of the city a gentle hum around them.

They found a small café by the water, its soft lanterns casting a warm glow. Over steaming mugs of tea and quiet conversation, Niko felt the last of her tension melt away.

Tokoyami didn't push her to talk about her family, instead, he asked about their training, their classmates, even the latest book she'd been reading. His steady presence was a balm, his calm voice grounding her.

As the sky darkened, they found a bench overlooking the water. Niko leaned against Tokoyami's shoulder, her eyes half-closed as the stars began to appear.

"Thank you," she murmured.

He turned slightly, his cheek brushing against her hair. "For what?"

"For being here. For not treating me differently."

Tokoyami's hand found hers, his fingers lacing through hers gently. "You're still you, Niko. No matter what your past is. I care about you—all of you."

Her heart swelled, a warmth spreading through her chest. "I care about you too."

They sat in comfortable silence, the city lights reflecting off the river. For a little while, everything else faded away—the secrets, the danger, the uncertainty. All that mattered was this moment, shared between them, a quiet promise of more to come.