Midori the Phoenix

Bonding Time

“Mama?” Finnick stepped into the room, his eyes blinking a few times. “That is you, isn’t it?”

“Finnick…” For the first time in a long time Midori felt Izumi push forward. She wanted to cry, want to run to the little boy and cuddle him to her breast. 

The sound of running feet thankfully forced her to put on the breaks and she snapped her attention upward when Yuuichi jogged in.

“Ah, there you are. Sorry, Phoenix, I was actually looking for him so the three of us could talk.” 

“Yuuichi…” thankful for the opening, Midori calmed her breathing and hardened her gaze on her partner in crime. “What is he doing here? Who brought him here?” 

“Uh, I did… technically… listen he kinda snuck into the group and well apparently The King and his Dad gave him the okay to join us. So long as you gave the thumbs up, that is.” Yuuichi explained, patting the top of Finnick’s head who still stared wide eyed at her. 

“Oh they did, did they?” Midori growled between her teeth, forcing a smile, and flames flicking through her curls at the rise in her temper. “Funny… how does The King expect me to get results if I’m taking care of a child?” 

“I can help!” Finnick snapped his gaze when Phoenix started showing off her temper. “Mama I can-” 

“Mama?” Yuuichi looked down at Finnick, then up at Midori… suddenly he put two and two together and his face went white. “Holy shit! No way, is he-” 

“YOU-” she pointed a finger at Yuuichi and instantly shut him up. “-will keep that information to yourself. I’ll figure out how to handle this situation, so go finish making the preparations for tomorrow’s mission.” She waved her hand dismissing him. Once Yuuichi backed out of the room, she used her quirk to slam the door closed so that she and her son could have privacy.

Finnick, suddenly afraid and wary of his mother’s foul mood, fidgeted as Midori approached him. He looked up with fretful eyes, and swallowed hard. He’d heard all kinds of stories about his mother’s wicked temper, and unforgiving nature… but he’d also known about her kindness and eagerness to help others.

“I’m sorry… please don’t be mad at me.”  He pleaded, hoping that despite her current mood, he could appeal to that kindness. 

Midori’s temper simmered and she crouched to her knees looking her son in the eye. So many emotions swelled up in her as she examined this little boy head to toe.  Four… no… five years had gone by since she last saw him. This was hardly the reunion she’d planned, or wanted for them. To see her son so frightened and intimidated by her, was causing both guilt and sadness to well up. 

“Show me your hands.” She told him calmly.

“What?” Finnick blinked back tears as his eyes met Midorii’s. Green on green. 

“Show me your hands, Finnick.” She held hers out. Finnick hesitated before laying his out on top of hers. She gripped them gently, forcing them into a boxer’s stance. “I don’t know how much the King and his followers have taught you… but if you’re gonna help me, I need you to pull your weight. So I gotta see exactly what I’m working with.” 

She let his hands go and then held up her palms. 

“Punch my hands… as hard and fast as you can.” 

“You want me to punch you?” Finnick started to lower his hands but stopped when her eyes hardened. 

“You won’t hurt me, Finnick. Do as I say.”