Third person pov

Seconds after telling Shoto what was going on, Fuyumi had received an address and specific instructions to go knock on the door and wait for him there. Neither of the two women were sure where it led, but Fuyumi knew she couldn't bring her mother home. They had to keep Endeavor in the dark for as long as possible, and that meant Rei Todoroki could never return to the estate she'd been trapped in in the years leading up to her being instated in the mental hospital that had served as her home for the past seven or so years, maybe more. 

"D...Do you know where we're going?" Rei asked her daughter quietly. She wondered belatedly if this was all a dream. She'd long since resigned herself to the fact that she was going to live out her days in that hospital. Rei was sure she'd spend the remaining years of her life staring out the window and wondering just what it would be like to go outside. She had access to a TV and got to see the news, but it was her only connection to the outside world.

Stepping out of the hospital had been like stepping out of a dream. It wasn't a particularly good dream, but it hadn't been bad enough to be a nightmare. They'd been kind and understanding to her there. She was safe and could refuse to see her husband the few times he'd tried to come speak with her, and she'd make some friends. It hadn't been the absolute worst it could have been, but she was relieved to be out nonetheless. 

Rei had always dreamed of doing simple things and living the mundane life she'd always dreamed of. Going to a cafe with friends or browsing through a bookstore. Having lunch with Fuyumi and gardening in the evening. Rushing to catch a train or getting caught in the rain. Cooking breakfast in a real kitchen and sitting at a real table in a real home. They were all such small things, some not even good. But she missed them. She missed them dearly.

They were close to UA, pulling into a cozy little neighborhood that had nice houses, but not too nice. Fuyumi slowed, eyes nervously darting from the road in front of her, to her GPS, and then back again. She was very clearly uneasy due to all of this. Knowing this was against her father's wishes, there's no way she couldn't be. The fear that came with the mere thought of getting thought had to be crushing. Rei felt horribly guilty for putting her child in such a place.

"Is this it?" Fuyumi asked hesitantly as her GPS chimed, alerting them that they'd arrived at their destination. It was a modest house, not too big, but not too small either. The front yard was beautifully groomed, with flowers planted neatly in the bed out front. Momentarily, Fuyumi wondered if this was where Shoto was staying. Anytime she or Endeavor asked, he'd simply respond with the vague yet explanatory answer 'a friend.' Fuyumi didn't blame her youngest brother for not telling her or Natsuo. Doing so would risk Endeavor finding out. 

"I...I suppose so." Rei's eyes darted from the house to the GPS. It was the type of house she'd have liked to live in at a time. It seemed like somewhere she would have preferred to raise her kids. It wasn't the nicest home in the world expense wise, but it was modest. A modest, nice home that made her heart ache and her mouth downturn into a small frown as she dwelt on all she'd missed out on. After all, her babies were all grown up. There was no one left to raise.

"...Come on. If Shoto sent us here, I'm sure it's safe." Fuyumi offered a smile that didn't reach her ears, but the reassurance sounded weak even in her own ears. Rei appreciated it nonetheless, her smile small but loving as she carefully climbed out of the car. She took a moment to regain her balance. It had been so long since she'd last rode in a car; it felt weird to get out of one. 

They took their time shuffling up to the front door, both radiating unease. Fuyumi's phone gave a ping, and a quick glance at the screen told her Shoto was on his way and would be there as soon as possible. The young woman took a deep breath, putting on a brave face for her mother as she boldly reached out and rung the doorbell. The chime startled Rei only slightly. The white-haired woman glanced around as though expecting Endeavor or one of his colleagues to jump out at any given moment. 

There was the sound of footsteps before the sound of a lock clicking out of place caught their ears. Fuyumi tensed, while Rei held her breath. She didn't know what to expect. A part of her thought another hero would answer the door, or that this was all some cruel trick her husband had orchestrated, and he'd be the one on the other side. It was neither of those things. In fact, a rather normal looking woman answered the door, though she did look rather sweaty all things considered.

She was a bit taller than Rei, with her locks of pale blue hair dragged back into a bun that looked ready to fall apart. She had a pair of deep purple eyes and wore a bright smile, her cheeks flushed. There was nothing at all intimidating about her, but Rei still felt nerves creep up her spine. Fuyumi seemed to almost deflate at the sight, relieved to see someone so... so normal standing there. They'd both expected something more. They were glad that wasn't the case.

"I'm Mihoko Shinso! You must be Shoto's mother, Rei." The woman stuck her hand out. "We just finished cleaning out our extra room. Lillian was going to take it, but she doesn't mind sharing with the boys!"

"Wh-What?" Rei blinked as Fuyumi dazedly shook her hand, looking confused. Mihoko's smile turned softer. This was a bit much for the two Todoroki women to take in. Was she implying that Rei was going to be moving in? That's what it had sounded like, but that was too much! Rei couldn't impose on this woman. Not to mention that they were both total strangers. How could this woman trust Rei?

"I know quite a bit about your situation, and I can safely say that I don't Endeavor very much. At all." Her smile turned menacing only for a moment before it was gone. "Your son is staying here for the time being, and you're welcome as well! We can go shopping later. Don't worry about cost!" She turned around and ushered them to follow. Hesitantly, glancing just briefly at her daughter, Rei stepped in and followed. Fuyumi did the same, closing the door behind her.

A black cat brushed past Rei's legs as she entered the house. The sound of hammering was coming from down the hall. All in all, it wasn't that big of a house on the inside. It was nice and organized, but still looked well-lived in. There was an element of disarray her home had that the Todoroki estate never held. She could see traces of her son here, along with others. It made her smile and relax just a little. This was truly a home inhabited by teenagers.

"Are you sure I can stay here? I don't want to impose." Rei swallowed heavily. It had to be a big trouble. She was an entire person. One who probably couldn't get a job unless she got a fake ID of some sort, and even then it was risky. She could be recognized, or worse, she could be spotted by Enji. That was the last thing she needed. Being caught by him would be the end of the line. 

"Oh, I've already taken in..." Mihoko paused, face going blank just for a moment. The fact that she had to think about it was concerning. She brightened again, "three teenagers, one adult, and possibly a pro hero if things keep going they way they are. Oh, and probably a little girl. Not quite a toddler, but pretty close. At least size wise."

"A pro-hero?" Fuyumi chimed, concern leaking into her voice.

"He's okay. If he's not... oh, no matter." Mihoko said, waving a hand and laughing a little in a way that was moderately threatening. Rei shivered, raising a brow ever so slightly. She wasn't sure if she should be afraid, comforted, or both. "Sorry for the noise. My husband is putting together a bed."

"O-Oh, no need to go to the trouble. It sounds like you've already got a lot to deal with. You've already done so, so much for my son." Rei sputtered out. Mihoko smiled pleasantly. At this rate, she was going to need a much better house. She'd sworn to herself that she wouldn't take in any other kids. That she'd focus on the teenagers she had and get them everything they needed. 

Shoto was withdrawn and didn't talk to her much. He cleaned up after himself, and was so quiet she sometimes forgot he was there. So when he'd frantically texted her, explaining what had happened and begging her to allow his mother to stay until they could figure something out for her, even promising he'd move out and trade himself out for his mother, of course she'd immediately decided that Rei would be moving in! Shoto was such a sweetheart, and Endeavor was such a not. If she could do anything to go against that asshat, she would.

"U-Um... if it's not too much trouble, we were thinking of dyeing her hair just to... to help, in case she needs to go out or wants to. I was going to go pick up some dye, if we could maybe borrow your sink." Fuyumi tired to stay bold and confident, but this whole thing threw her off severely. She came to visit her mom, and before she knew it she was being pulled aside by a nervous doctor and, soon after, clutching her mother's hand in a death grip while fleeing with only a small bag of stuff.

"I have some hair dye lying around, actually! Shoto was thinking of doing his." Mihoko strayed off, and they followed, unsure of what else to do with themselves. Mihoko popped into the bathroom, pulling open the cabinet above the sink and pulling something out with a small frown. "There are a few boxes in here. They're all... well, they're all black."

Fuyumi smiled a little, glancing at her mother, who smiled too.

"That'll do just fine."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shoto and Hawks left soon after arriving. Nobody was too sure what was happening. Through a mouthful of food, Hawks grumbled something about this being nothing new and not to worry before he was dragged off and forced to pick Shoto up and take flight. Mic looked like he had questions, but didn't bother to ask them as Lillian excitedly bounced Eri on her leg. Bakugo tried not to be curious as to why she was so ecstatic, just like he tried not to focus on how seeing her smile sort of made him want to smile as well. Just a little. It was proof that they were friends, he guessed.

"So Hawks' name is Brad?" Mic asked as Chad picked up his bowl of ramen, bringing it up to his face and sniffing it experimentally. Bakugo took a few noodles in his chopsticks and shoved them in his mouth. A few chews told him they were spicy enough, which made him wonder why Lillian had ordered it. She was such a mild, generally soft person. He couldn't see her eating anything spicy.

"Y-Yeah, I think so." Lillian smiled a small, hesitant smile. In stride, she shoveled some of her food into her mouth with her fork. The fact that she still managed to struggle with chopsticks was beyond him. She had said her not-mother was American, so perhaps that's where it came from. He leaned forward ever so slightly, barely registering the slurping coming from Chad as she chewed and swallowed. Not seeming to notice his intent gaze, she pushed more into her mouth.  He was a little impressed. Just a little.

Mic was confused, but not due to Lillian. His brows were furrowed, his lips pressed together in a questioning manner. "Did... Did you just chug ramen?" The blonde voice hero asked Chad experimentally. Next to him, Eri cracked open a fortune cookie with an air of wonder floating around her.

"Nobody will ever believe you." Chad said in an off handed manner. 

"Is that shit not spicy to you?" Bakugo checked. It could be that she simply had a good poker face and was hiding her pain. The clear surprise she displayed told him that wasn't the case. Again, he was a little impressed. He'd never met anyone who could be on par with his resistance of hot foods.

"N-Not really?" She seemed a bit lost as to why he was asking before glancing at Chad. "So... Are you going to tell me what you guys did to end up like... that?"

Bakugo grinned and complied. His chest puffed out with pride at how enraptured her and Eri seemed, glad to provide a story. His retelling was dramatic at least, and brutally honest at most. He was excruciatingly detailed in his revisit to the memory of him and Chad kicking ass. Lillian didn't seem at all surprised that Chad had automatic weapons that were probably illegal, honestly. He could readily say she looked thoroughly amazed as he told her all he did.

They ate quickly all things considered. Mic bragged and gushed about Lillian, to which Chad agreed dutifully like any Uber dad would. On the other hand, Eri sat quietly between Lillian and the voice hero, eating fortune cookies and snatching the occasional spring roll. Bakugo had never felt more engaged with someone conversation wise. He and Lillian got along like a house on fire, and he was pretty much reveling in it. He'd never made friends easily, but he and Lillian clicked in a way he really hadn't expected. 

Things went without a hitch barring the whole Todoroki and Hawks racing off thing. Or at least, they did until they exited the restaurant. Chad wanted to clean off all the blood he was covered in before he got the police called on him, or worse, caught an STD of some sort. Bakugo wanted to try and terminate 'The Termination' itself before it was time for bed, and Eri... well, she was attached to Lillian's leg, but they were working on it. Mic was still worried about Aizawa despite Hitoshi's reassurances. That wasn't the weird thing. No, it was...

Someone walking past stopped all of a sudden. It was a man, maybe around Chad's age or younger, and he stared for a moment. Bakugo was going to tell him to fuck off, as he did to anyone who stared. It wasn't a surprise considering the Sports Festival had just ended. He was still a bit sour about not placing in the top three, but he couldn't be mad. Lillian and her two idiotic friends technically won fair and square, even if the only reason those two buffoons made it so far was Lillian herself. That being said, she may have been left behind without them as well.

The possible college student gasped, "I saw you hangin' out with Katelyn yesterday!" 

"What th-" Bakugo was cut off.

"Rebecca, it's not what you think!" Lillian blurted out, eyes wide and cheeks going red with panicked embarrassment when she realized what she'd done. She froze immediately after. Mic's face slowly drained of color, and Chad was unfazed, slurping his drink loudly and swiping through his phone. Bakugo's brows shot up.

"I won't hesitate, bitch." The man raised a finger gun threateningly, breaking out into a grin before whipping out his phone and insisting he needed a selfie. Lillian sputtered and went red, shooting pleading looks at Bakugo. Her eyes were begging him to blow the guy up. Mic looked like an awed parent, hands clasped in front of his chest as the male took a picture with the freckled girl. Bakugo's confusion stalled him considerably. 

"We've got to get out of here." Mic said in an amazed daze as the male rushed off with a wide grin still on his face and a bounce in his step. "If he posts it or tells, more will come. Then it'll be too late."

"What the fuck was that? Do you know that guy?" Bakugo said it without thinking, wondering belatedly if he'd just let a child predator escape unscathed. The expression Lillian was wearing could really mean anything, ranging from 'that's my uncle' to 'I saw that man murder my pet dog when I was twelve'. There was no way to gauge. It was one of the things so oddly intriguing about her, but in an almost bad way.

"Lillian has fans now!" Mic squealed. "I knew putting her on my radio show was a good idea! She'll have confidence in no time flat."

Bakugo stared blandly. "You were on his fucking radio show and got popular? You should have mentioned that shit!" He would have tuned in to see what the hype was. He knew she was playing a part, but didn't know she now had a fan base. He wasn't sure how likable she was by other people's standards, but he himself was pretty stubborn. If he could stand her, others probably adored her.

"S-Sorry. It didn't s-seem like... I-I don't know!" Lillian panicked, eyes wide. That had just happened. She'd just taken a selfie with a total stranger. Did she look okay in it? No, scratch that. She never looked okay. She was a rotting piece of garbage waiting to be washed away by the ocean that was society. It was only a matter of time now! She was going to drown. Drown and die. There was no going back. Her death was imminent. 

Chad looked up from his phone, eyes falling on the slow rolling black car coming down the street. Whoever was inside hadn't spotted them yet, but looking down at himself, Chad was pretty noticeable. The blood was a dead give away, and Eri had moved from Lillian's leg to his. That, and Bakugo was... well, he was Bakugo. The guy was loud. One stray explosion and it was all over. Chad couldn't afford to have that happen. He had an order to deliver, and he always came through. Even if that order was an asskicking, meant to be taken to the Yakuza. 

"Yo, Bakugo, Tot. It's time to bounce. Tsukauchi is on my case." Chad threw his phone on the ground and crushed it under his heel, glancing at Lillian. "Text my second number if you need me."

"G-Good luck." Lillian managed to sputter, giving them a small wave as they ducked into Chad's car, which was parked just in front of the restaurant. Bakugo groaned and gave Lillian an awkward goodbye, looking a bit like he was going to briefly clap her on the shoulder before seeming to decide against it and cringe away instead. Either way, they ducked into the car and were speeding off with a squeal of Chad's tires in mere seconds. The black car sped up as well, speeding past.

Mic wasn't sure what to think about Lillian's choice of friends, but he couldn't think about that. Lillian had fans! Of course, that was a given. But one had recognized her and stop her on the street. Unfortunately, that was also a slight problem. Nobody recognized him in his civilian attire. Present Mic contrasted heavily against Hizashi Yamada. Lillian, however, had been broadcast out of her hero wear as... well, herself. She was pretty recognizable in her costume anyway, but that didn't change the fact that there wasn't too much she could do to hide save for invest in some sunglasses.

"That was eventful. Chad is a lot... different than I expected." Mic noted to himself before grinning. Lillian eased slightly, giving a small smile back. "Let's go check on Shota!"

Lillian brightened, giving a nod. "Y-Yeah!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"...How did you do that in twenty minutes?" Aizawa was distracted, but not distracted enough not to ask any questions. He'd just finished stocking the closet chock full of sweaters, shirts, and other things that could be hung up. Hitoshi knew her sizes, her preferences, and pretty much everything Aizawa needed to know. It was almost like having Lillian herself there. He knew her favorite color, her favorite foods, what she would and wouldn't wear, the fact that if her socks were a certain material, she wouldn't wear them due to the itchiness. It was all very intriguing.

"I've put together a lot of beds." Hitoshi looked physically pained by the realization. Aizawa simply raised a brow. He really didn't want to know. 

The doorbell rung, interrupting them both. Lillian's room was fairly well put together so far. There were a few things missing, but they were things they couldn't buy. Hitoshi had taken a look a the room and known immediately what they could get so that she still had plenty of room for all her other belongings. Aizawa was also having a bigger, better tank for Yeet delivered that would be here in a week or so. He'd been hesitant to let a snake in the house, but it was Lillian's pet. He wasn't about to say no.

"I'll get it." Hitoshi offered, knowing who was at the door. Telling Mr. Aizawa that would probably cause him to hiss and flee out the window. The guy wanted Lillian to be his kid, but he was hesitating. It made sense. He was afraid. There was no telling how Lillian would react. The issue was that Lillian wasn't... going to react if they didn't tell her. 

Aizawa's apartment was a mess. Boxes were sitting around, bags, and opened packages for various things were scattered about. The effort Aizawa had put into all this was painfully obvious just by looking around. Hopefully, Lillian would see that. Hitoshi was pretty sure she'd be overjoyed. Shocked, maybe a bit panicked, but happy in the end. He knew her pretty well. Well enough to say that having Aizawa as a father would make her exuberant.

Opening the door, he almost didn't recognize Mic. The man looked vastly different out of costume. If not for Lillian's photo updates she sent to the group chat that had him in the background. The girl herself looked a little worse for wear, and he wondered if she had Yeet with her. He didn't want to ask and risk her pulling him out of her bra. That was still a bit weird to him, and Mic... yeah. 

"I-Is he okay?" Lillian asked quietly as Mic bounced in, looking moderately nervous. "Y-You said he f-found out he has a kid?"

"Yeah." Hitoshi sighed. "It's... uh, you, by the way."

Lillian stared at him. Hitoshi stared back. Okay, maybe saying that outright wasn't the best idea. He'd sort of panicked. Not that it showed on his face, that is. He'd just sort of jumped right in! He hadn't exactly meant to or anything. It wasn't his intention to freak her out or jump the gun. By the stunned look on her face, she hadn't suspected it in the least. So much for Aizawa telling her. 

"...I-I need to make a call."

Hitoshi blinked. "Why?" He asked.

"T-Todoroki's having a good day. I-I see no reason n-not to make it better."

She was taking this surprisingly well.