Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!” Endeavor roared.

They were at the PLF raid, and Dabi was taunting Endeavor, then Shoto showed up too, and Dabi taunted him. But then another villain showed up to fight as well. The next thing anyone knew, Shoto and Dabi collapsed to the ground and were now unresponsive. Even the other villains were confused, making it easier to clean this up.

“We don’t know,” Fat Gum said.

Endeavor tried to carry Shoto off the battlefield, but it caused both Shoto and Dabi convulse. The two could not be separated, so they had to put them both in the same ambulance to bring them to a hospital. They were both given IV's and put in the same room. Endeavor showed up to pace outside, soon Fuyumi, Rei, and Natsuo showed up.

“What happened?!” Natsuo asked.

“I don’t know!” Endeavor said. “They both just collapsed. And now they need to be near each other.”

The Todorokis all stayed at the hospital waiting to see what was going on, not knowing that inside the room were two members of the family. Soon a cop showed up.

“We found the culprit,” The cop said.

“So we can fix this?” Endeavor asked.

“No,” The cop said. “Dai-jin, as he calls himself. Is even confused. His quirk makes people relive a memory from the past, good or bad. He’s used it to distract people so he can steal things.”

“Then how did this happen?” Endeavor asked.

“When I said relive, I mean relive,” The cop said. “You are actually sent back into your past self. And sometimes if there are two people that are connected. And there's something they both want to fix. This happens. Dai-jin is just as confused as the rest of us as to how Shoto and Dabi have anything in common. There is no pulling them out. They have to pull themselves out or fix what they have to fix.”

All of the Todorokis looked into the room even more confused.

***

“Shoto time to get up,” Rei said. Shoto furrowed his brow and slowly woke up, he felt small, much smaller. He opened his eyes to see his mom, but she looked younger. “There you go sleepy head. It’s time to get dressed. Breakfast then preschool.”

Shoto sat up in his futon, and his hands were so tiny. His mom had said preschool, so he was four years old it seemed. But how had he gotten here? Rei was already standing up and laying out his little uniform before heading out to make breakfast. So he got up and got dressed, then saw himself in the mirror.

Shoto’s scar was not there, he should have realized since his mom was home, but he had forgotten what he looked like without it. He was distracted by that, and didn’t realize someone was in his doorway. He blinked and saw his oldest brother, he barely saw Touya at meals, yet here he was staring at him.

***

Dabi woke up in his old bedroom, no sound, no lights, no one waking him up or checking on. He hated the memories of this place, even in the league Mr. Compress or Psycho would check on him. But never in this house, especially in those last years.

Dabi didn’t know what was going on, but he did often dream of his time as Touya, and would wake up crying. So part of him assumed it was something like that. He saw himself in the mirror, he saw his white hair staring back at him, as well as his unscarred body, he hated it. A tiny picture of perfection, it has always been a lie, never showing who he was.

Dabi looked around his room and realized it was school day and put on his stupid uniform. He hated school, always teased for being tiny, and annoying assholes wanting to be fake friends because of who his dad was. No one ever cared just about him, always something else about him, but never him.

Dabi punched the wall, fighting a panic attack. Was he having another dissociative event? That hadn’t happened much since joining the league, but that day had been bad. The stupid bird, stupid pretty bird. There had been something between them and then the hero killed Twice and called in the other heroes.

Dabi had known, had smelled from a mile away, that it was all a lie, that the bird was a spy. But he still couldn’t help himself, he had let himself be honey potted just had fleeting moments of feeling loved. Dabi felt pathetic, he should have known, he was never the person who ever got loved. Even in this stupid house.

“Nii-san!” Natsuo said, opening his door. He was seven years old and still taller than Dabi. “Moms making breakfast. And he's not here this morning! Come on!”

Natsuo meant Enji, and Dabi knew that, also knew that meant he could eat with the family at breakfast. Enji had an issue with his eldest eating around Shoto, so when he was young, Dabi just ate at school or snuck into the kitchen after hours.

Dabi, now dressed, left his room and followed Natsuo for a bit, before he saw Shoto’s room. He stopped and stared at the four year old Shoto.

Chapter Text

The Todorokis waited as the doctors ran tests on both Shoto and Dabi to find any connections. Physical exams, blood tests and body scans.

“Anything?” Endeavor asked.

“Nothing seems wrong with Shoto,” The doctor said. “We will have to wait till the scans and blood tests come back for both. There was something strange with Dabi though.”

“Oh?” Endeavor asked.

“Dabi had sex shortly before the raid,” The doctor said. “With another man. There was still semen inside of him. We are running the sample.” Endeavor nodded, the doctor walked off.

“The big bad villain is gay?” Natsuo asked.

“Seems so,” Endeavor said.

“Already something Shoto has in common with him,” Rei said. Endeavor looked confused. “Shoto has a crush on one of his male classmates.”

“Nii-san was gay too,” Natsuo said. The family was somber after this.

***

Dabi sat in the office, it wasn’t even lunch time, but he had gotten suspended. One of his classmates, one he used to hang out with at times, was talking about how great Endeavor was. So Dabi being Dabi, punched him and set his hair on fire, he so missed his blue flames.

“Touya!” Rei said, running into the room. “Are you alright?”

Everyone at school had yelled at him, even when the brat fought back. Touya was sporting a black eye and his nose was still bleeding. The teachers had just let it go, so his mother reacting like this, shocked him.

“... Ma…” Dabi said. She used her ice to slow his bleeding nose, while turning to the teachers.

“What is wrong with you?” Rei said. “You let him just sit here bleeding?!”

“Mrs. Todoroki,” A Teacher said. “It’s Touya’s own fault he..”

“I DON’T care,” Rei said. “He’s still a child. You don’t just leave him to bleed!” She was mad at them. Dabi was confused; he never remembered his mom being like this for him, just his siblings. “You have your bag?”

“... Yes ma…” Dabi said.

“Okay,” Rei said. “Let’s go home.”

Dabi held his moms hand the whole walk home, even though he was twelve years old.

***

It was almost eight p.m. and the family was still there when the doctor came running over. Panic and concern on his face and stopped in front of the family.

“What’s wrong?” Endeavor asked.

“We tripled checked,” The doctor said. The family looked confused. “Dabi… Is Touya.” The entire family stared in shock.

“N-nii-san?!” Fuyumi and Natsuo said at the same time. Rei was crying, then ran into the room. Fuyumi and Natsuo followed. Endeavor was about the follow.

“Endeavor,” The doctor said. “We also got the results for the semen in him.” Endeavor looked at him. “Hawks. Hawks slept with Touya. Less than an hour before the raid.”

Endeavor's eyes widened at what that meant, his face caught fire and turned on his heel and headed towards Hawks room. He had heard from Hawks’ intern about how Dabi had burnt Hawks wings. Remembering how Touya used to be, the boy never could handle rejection, and that’s how Touya would take a honey pot.

Touya always did have a thing for bird hetero-morphs, Endeavor could not remember when it started, but remembered enough to know. His son had turned into one the worst villains, and had been used by another hero who claimed to care about him. How had Hawks survived, why had he survived.

Endeavor reached the room Hawks was in, the commission President and her assistant were also there. Endeavor walked inside.

“Big guy,” Hawks said, coughing a little. “Never expected you to visit.”

“You honey potted Dabi?!” Endeavor roared out.

This past year had taught him a lot about himself. He regretted everything he did to Touya and Shoto. But to think Hawks could treat his already abused and abandoned son that way. It enraged him.

The president and Mera looked very confused. Hawks looked scared. They all looked at the hero in the bed.

“We did not authorize a honey pot,” The president said.

“I didn’t honey pot anyone,” Hawks said, his voice quiet, timid, and almost a little scared. Nothing like the hero Endeavor knew.

“They found your semen inside Dabi,” Endeavor said. Hawks looked at this lap.

“You slept with a villain!?” The president asked. “There will be consequences.” She turned to Endeavor, he did not like her smile. “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Please leave this to us. Stay with your son.” Endeavor didn’t move. “This does not concern you.”

“It does,” Endeavor said. “Dabi is Touya.”

“What?” The president asked. Hawks looked up, confused.

“Dabi is my son,” Endeavor said. “This is my business.” He glared at them. “I will talk to Hawks alone.” The president tried to stand her ground, but Endeavor was not budging.

“We will be back,” The president said. “With Agent Anchitaka.” Then they left, but Endeavor noticed the flinch of fear. This was the number two pro-hero, and yet that scared him.

“Hawks,” Endeavor said sternly.

“It wasn’t a honey pot,” Hawks said. Endeavor just looked at him. Hawks stared at the blanket. “I just wanted something for myself.”

“What?” Endeavor asked.

“I know, heroes and villains and all,” Hawks said. “It was just a simple undercover mission. Or it was supposed to be.”

“... I don’t need all the details,” Endeavor said. “Just a simple answer. What was Dabi to you?”

“If things were different,” Hawks said. “Or even if I could have gotten him to leave.” He took a breath and tears coming. “I wanted to be with Dabi forever. I was falling in love. But work came first.”

Endeavor just looked at Hawks for this moment.

“How did you survive?” Endeavor asked. “Touya never took rejection well. And there is no way your intern did that.” Hawks was quiet.

“...We used to have long talks,” Hawks said. “Dabi never mentioned being a Todoroki, but he would tell me things about his past. Heh… I can't imagine the hero that saved me from an abusive dad was hurting his own family.”

“What?” Endeavor interrupted. “I did what with your dad?”

“My father was a villain,” Hawks said. “A low level thief who killed a cop during one of his robberies. You are the hero who arrested him.”

Endeavor just stared, then a long forgotten memory resurfaced. Not of this thief or arrest, but of Touya at age seven. The first time Touya had a crush, the first time they found out he liked guys, and bird hetero-morphs. Touya’s pretty bird. Endeavors hand tung as he also remembered smacking his smaller than normal son.

“Okay.” Endeavor said. “How did you survive?”

“Dabi knew about my past, all of it,” Hawks said. “As he burned me. He said something to me.” Endeavor stared. “Fly free little bird.”

“As he burnt your wings?” Endeavor asked.

“My whole career has been centered around my wings and what they can do,” Hawks said. “Modeling had feather themed outfits, everything. It felt suffocating, it was all I was to the world. Dabi knew this.”

***

“NATSUO STOP TRACKING MUD IN THE HOUSE,” Rei yelled, trying to clean up after the seven year old.

Shoto was in his little pajamas and headed down the hall while his mom was distracted. He had forgotten how silly Natsuo was when he was little. He peered into the kitchen to find his Touya-nii, the one brother he barely knew and lost too soon.

Then he watched Touya pull out a strawberry milk pint from the fridge and put a straw in it. Shoto gasped, and Touya looked over.

“Touya-nii likes strawberry milk?” Shoto asked.

“... Yes…” Touya said.

“It’s my favorite!” Shoto said, excitedly. Touya just stared for a moment.

“Want one?” Touya asked.

“Yes!” Shoto said.

A few moments later they were both drinking strawberry milk sitting at the table. This was how Rei found them, and actually smiled. They boys didn’t notice, and Rei walked off giving them time alone.

“... Heh,” Touya said. “Who knew you could be comfortable to be around.” Shoto looked up at him confused. Then they heard Endeavor slam the front door and complain. Usually Touya would freak out or try to get attention. But this time he didn’t. “... Flaming pile of shit… Endeavor…”

Shoto looked over Touya-nii and never said that about their father. At least not in any of the memories he had. But he did know someone who would call him that. His eyes widened in realization.”

“... Dabi…” Shoto said. Touya turned and looked at Shoto with a shocked look.

Chapter Text

Dabi had trouble sleeping, this was a usual thing for him, but this was different. Shoto had called him Dabi, which means this was all real, and he had no idea how to react to that. He did eventually fall asleep, just to be woken right before sunrise.

Dabi's door opened, and he was awake instantly, it took a moment to remember he was stuck in the past.

“Natsuo?” Dabi asked hesitantly. Natsuo used to sneak into his room a lot to hang out. Then he heard small quiet feet.

“Dabi,” Shoto said.

“Shoto,” Dabi said.

“Why are we here?” Shoto asked. “Why are you in my Touya-nii?!” Dabi sat and just stared at Shoto.

“... Because we are just in our younger bodies,” Dabi said. Shoto eyes widened.

“You're my brother?” Shoto asked. “But what? How?”

“Enji bought ma for procreation purposes,” Dabi said. “Did those fancy schools not teach you sex education?”

“That’s not what I mean,” Shoto said. “How did you become Dabi?”

“You’ve met our old man,” Dabi said. “Are you going to tell me you never once hated him enough to destroy him?”

“... Yes…” Shoto admitted. “But you left the rest of us to that. And then what? Tartarus?” Dabi sat there quietly staring at his youngest brother for a few moments.

“I never meant to leave,” Dabi admitted. “That was an accident. I was in a three year coma being held by that stupid doctor that makes Nomus. When I got back, ma was still gone and he hadn’t changed. And you all moved on like I didn’t matter.” Alway the emotional child, Touya was crying. Shoto put a little on Touya’s hand. “No Tartarus though, I was going to die taking him out.”

“Mama went catatonic,” Shoto said. Dabi just looked at him. “When nee-san told her you died. She was catatonic for around a year. Natsu-nii keeps getting angry at father every year. We never moved on.”

“Wha..” Dabi asked, this confused him. None of this has made sense, but then neither had his mothers niceness yesterday. “I knew that quack experimented on me. But I am starting to think it was more than I realized.” Shoto looked confused. “I think my memories were tweaked to make me angrier and forget the rest of you, only Enji.”

Shoto suddenly stood up next to his brother and just hugged him. Dabi was confused, and froze. Other than his Birdie no one had hugged him for years. And he just cried more. Before he realized he was hugging little Shoto and crying.

“We need to fix this,” Shoto said.

“Right,” Dabi said. “You would want to go back.”

“You don’t?” Shoto asked, with furrowed brows.

“Nothing to back,” Dabi said. “Just vengeance.”

“Are the other League members your friends?” Shoto asked.

“They are all more annoying and whiny than you,” Dabi teased. “Well, original you at this age.” Shoto pouted. “Toga’s kind of like a sister. But way too obsessed with your best friend. Broccoli boy.”

“Midoriya?” Shoto asked.

“Yeah,” Dabi said.

“No one else to go back to?” Shoto asked. “I mean you still have us, even if it will be a little strained. “

Dabi shook his head, though he kept seeing images of Hawks in his mind. And more tears came. He finally had his pretty bird, just to learn he never really had him.

“...Shoto was quiet, thinking, for a bit. “Then we fix something here. So we don’t lose you.”

“I’m not worth saving,” Dabi said. Shoto frowned more.

***

“Why is Hawks in the same room as nii-san and Shoto?” Natsuo asked.

“So we can watch him better,” Endeavor said. “Keep them all safe.” The rest of the family looked confused. “Hawk is who Touya was sleeping with and the commission isn’t happy. He’s in danger from them.”

“Is that why your sidekicks are outside?” Fuyumi asked.

“Yes,” Endeavor said. “It’s rather complicated. More heroes are coming by later.” Endeavor felt this was the best he could do at the moment. Hawks had meant that much to Touya, that even when mad at him, he just wanted the young hero to be happy. So Endeavor would keep him safe, for Touya’s sake.

The rest of the Todorokis walked in, just to find Hawks standing next to Dabi, stroking his hair.

Chapter Text

Since Dabi was home all day, because he got suspended, he just sat in room. He was certain no one in this house wanted him around, but Natsuo was talking to him when he was home, his mom was nice. and now Shoto. He was really starting to wonder how much that doctor had messed with his memories.

He had never been home during the day, unless he was very sick before. So he had no idea what the day would bring. Enji came home for lunch, so Dabi stayed in his room. His mom hadn’t even told Enji he was suspended yet, and he didn’t want to get lectured by that asshole.

That’s when Dabi heard Enji berating and belittling Rei, and it sounded like this was a normal thing. Dabi never remembered this before, when the children were home he was nice to her, only really a problem when she started getting in the way of him training Shoto. Had she kept this from them, honestly it would make sense if she did.

Then the fight got worse, Dabi heard Enji slap Rei, his feet were moving before he realized. He heard his mom fall to the floor and some glass breaking, before Enji left. Enji never even knew Touya was home, Touya made his way to the dining room just to find his mom on the floor crying and broken glass around her.

Dabi went to get the broom and dust pan, and wondered how often this happened and he just never knew about it. He went back in and started sweeping up the glass. Rei flinched at first, then she saw it was Touya.

“T-Touya?” Rei asked. “You don’t need to.”

“It’s okay ma,” Dabi said, as he got up all the glass. “Are you okay?” Rei nodded, even though she still had tears. “Why don’t you go sit in the living room.

“But,” Rei started.

“I got this,” Dabi said. “Go rest.” Rei thought for a moment but then did as her son said.

Dabi made sure to get all the glass, even checking for places in our eye-shot. Then cleaned the lunch from when Enji ate with Rei and took them to the kitchen. Shoto had asked him if there was anything he had regretted in life, Dabi had lied and said nothing. But the truth was, Dabi was still haunted by the time he yelled at Rei.

Dabi had always thought he broke his mother, since that was also the day she hurt Shoto. He spent the rest of life feeling like that was his fault. How much else has he not seen, not understood at the time. He decided to make his mom some chamomile tea, and brought it to her in the living room.

“Touya?” Rei asked.

“I thought you could use some,” Dabi said, he handed his mom the cup of tea,

“Thank you,” Rei said, a small smile on her face.

“Did you get to eat?” Dabi asked.

“No,” Rei admitted. “Your father hated the lunch that…”

“I’ll go make us something,” Dabi said. He headed back to the kitchen.

Dabi used to make snacks for Toga when she was upset or well the whole league. He liked cooking, it was a hobby he picked up while living on his own, even doing it as a job here and there. It took him out of his own head, and he didn’t have to feel the overwhelming loneliness he felt while he cooked.

Dabi walked back into the living room with two bowls of chicken stir-fry soba, twenty minutes later. He made this alot for him and his Birdie, since that blond was obsessed with chicken.

“How?” Rei asked, looking confused.

“Just something I picked up,” Dabi said, with a shrug. They both started eating. They ate in silence, because that’s what you did in this house.

“I don’t think I’ve ever tasted anything that good before,” Rei said, once she had finished. Dabi blushed.

“I just threw it together though,” Dabi said.

“Do you like cooking?” Rei asked.

“... Yeah…” Dabi said.

“I could teach you more recipes,” Rei said. “If you would like.” Dabi just nodded, afraid he would cry again. Rei smiled at him

Later that day, Rei was getting ready to pick up Shoto from preschool.

“Ma?” Dabi asked. She looked over. “C-can I come too?”

“You want to come with me to pick up Shoto?” Rei asked.

“Yes,” Dabi said. Rei stared at her eldest with disbelief.

“If you really want to,” Rei said, finally. Dabi just nodded, and went to put his shows on too. They walked together to the schools.

“Mama!” Shoto said, running to her. “Touya-nii?”

“... Hey…” Dabi said.

“Touya wanted to come with me,” Rei said.

“Mrs. Todoroki a word?” Shoto’s teacher said.

“Oh umm,” Rei said. “Shoto stay with Touya.”

“I got him,” Touya said. Rei went off to speak to the teacher.

“Is everything okay?” Shoto asked.

“Enji’s a bigger douche than I thought,” Dabi said. Shoto looked confused. “He didn’t know I was home from school, and he came home at lunch and hit ma over what she made.”

“What?” Shoto asked. “I thought he only hit her when she step in to protect me.”

“So did I,” Dabi said. “If we fix anything. It’s ma. She needs a better life.” Shoto looked up at big brother, never realizing he cared about their mom.

“I agree,” Shoto said.

“I’m still annoying the hell out of Enji though,” Dabi said.

“How?” Shoto asked.

“It’s almost stink bug season,” Dabi said. “I think I am going to put a ton in his office, just for fun.”

“Ooo I help! I help!” Shoto said, bouncing in place and raising his hand. Dabi raised an eyebrow. Shoto stopped. “Sorry I’m around four year olds all day. And I have to pretend to be one.” Dabi just laughed.

“Okay,” Dabi said. “You can help you little penguin.”

“Penguin?!” Shoto asked.

“Yes,” Dabi said. “You are a penguin!”

“Then what are you?” Shoto asked, pouting.

“An alley cat,” Dabi said.

Chapter Text

Friday night Touya actually made dinner for the whole family on his own, so his mom could have a relaxing bath. Enji was in his office the whole time and didn’t even notice. Natsuo tried to be his normal seven year old self when suddenly Shoto was there.

“Shoto?” Natsuo asked.

“Back to your room!” Shoto said. Natsuo had no idea how to react. “If you ruin mama’s night Touya-nii will set your bed on fire.” Natsuo looked half amused and half confused.

“Yeah right,” Natsuo said. Shoto just stared him down. “Nii-san!” Natsuo heading towards Touya’s room.

“Touya-nii is in the kitchen,” Shoto said. Natsuo looked confused, but went there. Touya was indeed cooking. “Wha…? Nii-san you can cook?”

“A little,” Dabi said.

“Natsu-nii tried to bother mama,” Shoto said, pouting. Dabi glared at Natsuo.

“Listen here you giant!” Dabi said. “You will not bother ma. And you will start behaving! She has enough to deal with.” Natsuo just looked confused. “Go do your homework!”

“Wha…” Natsuo said.

“You heard me! Dabi said, waving a spatula at him. Natsuo was so confused he actually did so. Shoto stayed in the kitchen after that watching Dabi.

***

Enji was in his office doing paperwork, he had smelled the food cooking, and just figured Rei was cooking. Then the smell stopped, was the food ready? No one came to get Enji. A few moments later he actually heard happiness and laughter from the dining room.

So the number two hero got up and headed to the source of the sound and found a site he never expected. Rei was at the head of the table with Natsuo and Fuyumi on one side, Touya and Shoto on the side. Enji glared, those two were not supposed to be near each other.

“What is going on here?!” Enji roared.

“It’s called dinner,” Dabi said, snark evident. Fuyumi’s eyes widened.

“H-her father,” Fuyumi said, moving a bowl towards him. Enji walked in and sat down.

“What is Touya doing here?” Enji asked, then took a bite. “What is this? Did you order in without permission? It’s too good to be your cooking.”

“Touya made it,” Rei said.

“It’s called Chico Ramen with Roasted Chicken Dashi and Shoyu Chicken,” Dabi said. Enji just eyed him suspiciously. “What? You told me to get a new hobby.” The word asshole wasn’t said, but Shoto knew it was there.

“Boys don’t cook,” Enji said.

“This boy does,” Dabi said, glaring at Enji. The room went deadly silent after that.

That was until Shoto slurped his noodles, then Dabi did the same thing. Soon everyone was eating. Enji was quiet but it was obvious he was not happy about this situation. Once everyone was one done, Rei stood up.

“I’ll take everything to the kitchen,” Rei said.

“Oh!” Dabi said. “I made a cheesecake for dessert.”

Even though he cooked, he helped his ma carry the dishes back to the kitchen. A few moments later he they both came back in with plates and the cheesecake. They all ate it, everyone but Enji talking about how good it was, causing young Dabi to blush. He never got praised before by his family, ever. Hawks had complimented his cooking before though.

***

In the future though, the family was still in the room waiting for Shoto and Touya to wake up. There were heroes inside and outside of the hospital now. All Might had even been called since he knew a ton more heroes and had higher connections then the commission.

“What’s going on?!” Natsuo said, looking at Shoto. They all looked as his face scar started to lesson and disappear.

“Why do I have a memory of nii-san cooking for us?” Fuyumi asked.

“They did say they had to work together to fix something,” Rei said. Fuyumi gasped.

“They’re fixing our family?” Fuyumi asked.

“Seems like it,” Hawks said. He was still in the room, holding Dabi’s hand.

“I hope Enji doesn’t get in the way,” Natsuo said. Hawks was confused by that statement. They were distracted by Shoto’s scar disappearing, no one noticed that Rei looked younger and less tired.

Later that night, Hawks was alone in the room with the two brothers, and he climbed into Dabi’s bed. On the side opposite of the IV was in, and just cuddled Dabi.

“I’m sorry,” Hawks said. “I never wanted to hurt you.” He closed his eyes and sighed. “Dabi…. Touya… I love you. It doesn’t matter if I have wings or not. I love you. I will never want anyone else.” Hawks knew he was simplifying what happened too much, but he hoped Dabi would understand. He kissed Dabi’s cheek, and cuddled him all night, sleeping there.

***

Dabi woke up in bed at three am, tears rolling down his face, but he was not bawling. He felt warm on the inside, not from his quirk, but from his heart. He also could have sworn he heard his pretty bird tell him he loved him. But that wasn’t possible, Hawks wasn’t here. Hawks was in a whole other time, and the bird had only used him; hadn’t he?

Dabi stared up at the ceiling as the tears came, he missed his Birdie. Hawks was the first thing Dabi ever had truly to himself. Even growing up, he was the oldest. Always having to share his parents with other siblings.

But it really felt like he finally had something just for him, someone just for him. Someone who wouldn’t leave him, someone who cared. Then everything happened. Dabi rolled over and hugged his pillow and cried even more. He had loved his birdie, for longer than he even knew Hawks.

Dabi cried till he fell asleep again, dreaming all about his pretty bird. Part of him just wanted to be back in his bird's arms. He always wanted to forget the whole hero and villain bullshit too. Just be Touya and Keigo, and forget what the world had made them. So this is what Dabi dreamt of, of a life he never thought he could have.

Chapter Text

“Nii-san!” Natsuo said, walking back to Touya’s room with Fuyumi. “You wanna play ball?” They reached the door and opened it. Touya was not in his room.

“Nii-san?” Fuyumi asked.

Fuyumi and Natsuo were confused, where was Touya? He was usually in his room, school or with them. They walked around the house and found their mom just watching something in the garden.

“Mom?” Fuyumi asked.

“Have you seen nii-san?” Natsuo asked. She just motioned to the garden. They both looked.

Touya was in the garden, with Shoto, both with a jar on hand, collecting bugs. The siblings and mom just looked on in shock.

“Loo look!” Shoto was saying. “I found more.”

“Good job penguin,” Touya said, rubbing his brother's hair.

Rei, Fuyumi and Natsuo just stood there watching the two hunt bugs and get along and do things.

“Father isn’t home is he?” Fuyumi asked.

“No,” Rei said.

“I thought bug catching was just for me and nii-san,” Natsuo said. Rei reached over and one arm hugged Natsuo.

***

Two full jars of stink bug later, Dabi and Shoto went back into the house headed to Enji’s office. Just to get stopped by an upset Natsuo, who looked like he could cry. Dabi had no memories of Natsuo ever being that upset, unless Enji was being an asshole.

“Natsu?” Dabi asked.

“B-bugs are our thing!” Natsuo said, very upset, tears forming. Dabi and Shoto looked confused. Shoto’s eyebrows furrowing. “You replaced me!” It took a moment for the memories of catching lightning bugs with Natsuo to come.

“What?” Dabi asked. “No. You and I do lightning bugs when it’s too dark for the peppermint to be awake.”

“But but…” Natsuo said. Dabi held up the jar.

“Stink bugs,” Dabi said. Natsuo looked confused.

“We are going to put them in father’s office!” Shoto said. Natsuo stared wide eyed.

“And you didn’t invite me?!” Natsuo said, still upset.

“Uhh…” Dabi said. He was confused.

Dabi barely remembered his time in this house, other than Enji being an abusive asshole. He remembered the beatings, the being thrown into walls, even the punch he received from being attracted to another male. But none of the good things, what was going on. He knew Ujiko had done things to him, but he never thought memory modification was one of them.

“Nii-san?” Natsuo asked.

“Touya-nii?” Shoto asked.

Dabi was lost in his thoughts, wondering what was going on and what all was done to him. He didn’t even realize when dropped the jar, breaking it and stink bugs going everywhere. His breathing picked up and he squatted down and started gripping his hair. Was everything he thought a lie?

“MOOOOOOM!!!” Natsuo screamed.

“Touya-nii?!” Shoto asked, putting his little hand on Dabi’s shoulder.

“What?” Rei asked, running over. “What’s wrong? Touya!?” She squatted down. “Touya baby, what's wrong?” Dabi just cried. Rei held him. “Okay, okay,” She picked him up, he was that small and light. “No one touch the glass. Natsuo get Itoshi-san and ask her to clean this up.”

“Okay,” Natsuo said, running off.

Rei then carried Touya, and led Shoto away from the mess. They ended up in Touya’s room. Dabi just cried into his mothers shoulder as she rubbed his back, he was never good with his emotions.

***

Later on, while Rei was still dealing with an upset Touya, Shoto went to Natsuo’s room.

“Natsu-nii?” Shoto asked. Natsuo looked over. “Did… Do you and Touya-nii really go bug hunting?”

“We used to,” Natsuo said. “Every summer. Sometimes even getting bugs to bother nee-san.”

Shoto frowned, Natsuo never did that with him when he was little the first time. He never even knew that was an option, originally Touya-nii wasn’t even allowed to play with him. But even after Touya left, no one played with him.

“Am I not allowed to do normal things?” Shoto asked with a quiet voice. He didn’t even realize he said it out loud.

“What?” Natsuo said, he sat up straight.

“I just wanna do things with my brothers,” Shoto said. “But Natsu-nii is upset. I’m not allowed to do normal things.”

“Sho?” Natsuo asked. Shoto said nothing, and he just shuffled out of the room on his little legs.

***

That night Touya was still in the room, all cried out and he fell asleep without dinner. Natsuo snuck in after bedtime and woke him up.

“Huh?” Dabi asked, sleepily.

“Nii-san,” Natsuo said.

“Natsu?” Dabi asked, sitting up.

“I didn’t mean to upset you,” Natsuo said. Dabi just stared, still sleepy. “And then I upset Shoto too.”

“What?” Dabi asked.

“I don’t want you to replace me,” Natsuo said. “But I also made Shoto think he’s not allowed to do normal things.” Dabi was still confused.

“I am not replacing anyone,” Dabi said. “And what happened with Shoto?” Natsuo explained better. Even Dabi had not thought of things from Shoto’s point of view before. “We are all brothers. We should have Shoto be involved in things. Doesn’t matter what Enji thinks.”

“I still get nii-san time?” Natsuo asked.

“Yes, you giant,” Dabi said, reaching and messing with his hair. “Just give it time. We need to figure it all out.”

“Okay,” Natsuo said.

“We should also do things with the three of us together,” Dabi said. “And you should do something special with him too.”

“Like?” Natsuo asked.

“When his quirks come in,” Dabi said. “You two can make snowmen in the summer.” Natsuo laughed.

“Nee-san wont even do that with me,” Natsuo said. “Always saying no unauthorized quirk use.”

“Screw that,” Dabi said. “Just don’t randomly ice the road while people are driving!” He internally laughed at him, the villain giving such advice. “Just snowmen in the yard.”

“Okay,” Natsuo said.

“Feel better?” Dabi asked.

“Yeah,” Natsuo said. “I just have to get used to sharing the best big brother ever.” Dabi just stared, he wasn’t that great. “And if you're going to bother father, let me be involved!”

“Okay,” Dabi said, laughing.

“Brother sleepovers with Shoto?” Natsuo asked. Dabi thought about it, it would bother Enji.

“We probably should,” Dabi said. “But tonight we both need sleep.

Natsuo nodded and headed back to his room.

Chapter Text

The next morning Rei got up to make breakfast, just to smell food cooking on her way to the kitchen. Then she heard her sons talking.

“I’m sorry about last night Sho,” Natsuo said. “I’m not used to sharing nii-san.”

“We have to learn how to be brothers,” Touya said, then he sighed. “I have no idea how to fully do this but we have to try. Enji doesn’t care about us. So we have to stick together.”

“And we have to help mama!” Shoto said.

“Yes,” Touya said. “That means you have to behave more Natsuo. Especially on Fridays. It’s ma’s special bath night from now on. You need anything you come find me. Okay?”

“Okay,” Natsuo said.

Rei had tears forming in her eyes, as she wondered what she ever did to deserve such sons. There was a small part of her that wondered what caused Touya’s sudden change, but she really didn’t care if it helped everyone. She wiped her tears and headed into the kitchen.

“Morning boys,” Rei said. They were already dressed too and Touya was in her sky blue apron rolling some eggs.

“Morning mama!” Shoto said, hugging her leg.

“Shoto,” Rei said, bending down to hug him.

“Morning mom,” Natsuo said.

“Ma,” Touya greeted.

Rei smiled and went around hugging and kissing all her boys on the temple, only Natsuo complaining. This was how Fuyumi found them.

“Morning,” Fuyumi said. “Nii-san your cooking again? Are you trying to upset father?”

“If helping ma upsets Enji,” Touya said. “Then yes.” He went back to his eggs. “I also cut up some honey dew and put out pickled Daikon in case anyone wants.”

***

The family and Hawks were still in the hospital room waiting for the boys to wake up, when more changes started. Hawks gripped the bed with sudden back pain.

“Hawks?” Rei asked.

Hawks fell to his knees and let out a painful grunt as his wings suddenly grew back in full force like they had never been burned. Rei rushed over and waited for him to calm down before putting her arms around him in a mom hug.

“I’m okay,” Hawks said. “Just happened so fast.”

“I wonder how long till we even lose these memories,” Natsuo pondered.

“Who knows,” Hawks said. The only Hawks cared about now was if he could keep his Dabi.

***

Enji got home from work that afternoon and heard laughter in the courtyard, he thought the eldest three were playing. But then he saw Fuyumi in the family room reading, so he looked outside. Touya and Natsuo were outside laughing and giggling and collecting bugs, with Shoto.

“SHOTO!” Enji roared and went outside. The three boys stopped and looked over. “What have I told you!”

“I play with Touya-nii and Natsu-nii,” Shoto said, and turned his back on Enji. He went to grab his youngest, but then Touya got in the way.

“Go do paperwork or something,” Touya said, glaring. “We are busy.”

“Get out of the way, brat,” Enji said. Touya just continued to glare while standing between Enji and Shoto.

In a second Touya was across the courtyard as Enji tossed him aside, he hit a wall, knocking over a lot of books on the other side of it. Touya was in a lot of pain and there were tears in his eyes, but he was still mentally Dabi. And Dabi had been through worse and was up and running before Enji could even drag Shoto into the house.

Touya did not have his blue flames yet, so he thought quickly about what he could do. Plus any excuse to hurt Enji, he leaped on his old man's back, still having the best high jumps. Then he latched on and bit Enji’s ear hard. Enji let go of Shoto as felt the pain and reached behind him and yanked Touya off him and threw him to the ground.

By now even Fuyumi, Rei and even the housekeeper were watching this fight. Touya on the ground trying to get up, blood coming down his mouth. Eji just stared in confusion, not even a month ago Touya was alway trying to get his attention and train with him. But now he was bruised, attacking Enji and looking at him with such hatred. Hatred only reserved for the villains he fought.

“Nii-san!” Natsuo and Fuyumi said.

“Touya-nii!?” Shoto was shocked.

“Touya!” Rei said, running over. She looked him over and helped him up while glaring at Enji as well. “Are you alright dear?”

“...Ma…” Touya coughed out. Only now fully feeling all the injuries his little body had just been dealt.

“Stay out of my way boy,” Enji said, before grabbing Shoto and taking him to the dojo.

Rei was preoccupied with Touya for the first time and Touya was too sore to stand on his own anymore. Touya cursed though, and muttered about being a failure. Rei hugged him and carried him to his room to look him over more. Natsuo followed, Fuyumi just stood there, still in shock over what had happened.

***

Later that night Touya limped into Shoto's room, to find his baby brother covered in burns.

“Shit,” Touya said, looking at him.

“Touya-nii,” Shoto said, sitting up with some pain.

“Sorry runt,” Touya said, going over and sitting down.

“It’s okay,” Shoto said. “You tried.”

“It wasn’t good enough,” Touya said. “I’m never good enough.”

Shoto blinked and looked up at his big brother, who would become Dabi. Was this how his Touya-nii always felt? He always wondered how villains become villains, but after finding out Dabi was his brother; he wondered even more. Yes he knew Enji was an asshole, but to hurt other people.

“Touya-nii is twelve years old now,” Shoto said. “Even mama had problems. Father is just a bad man. It’s not about being good enough.” He even put his little hand on Touya’s arm, causing his big brother to just cry more. “We just have to keep trying.” Touya just nodded.

Chapter Text

More weeks passed, and Endeavor was not happy, he expected things to go back to normal after that day. They did not, in fact Touya and Natsuo both seemed to be undermining him when it came to Shoto and doing things with him. He tried to yell at Rei over this, Touya walked in and threatened to stab with a fork. By the next day all the western silverware was out of the house.

Summer vacation came and Endeavor tried to do a family vacation without Touya. The day they were set to go, only Fuyumi was ready, no one else would go without Touya, even little Shoto. In fact little Shoto was glued to Touya like he mattered more than Endeavor. The pro-hero then set the front door on fire during this.

The family got back at him though, Endeavor got home early from a mission on festival day. Just to find the house empty, Rei had taken the children to a local shrine for the event. Then he paced all day waiting for them to get back, he tried to get the cops involved. But even they realized the day, and told him to wait.

***

Rei could not believe this day was happening. She woke up to Touya cooking breakfast again and then he had this suggestion for the family. Enji was not home and there was a festival at the local shrine. They never did anything like this, unless it was New Years and Enji needed it for optics.

So here they were, at the local shrine, dressed in their kimonos having fun. All four of her children were happy, smiling and laughing. Touya was holding Shoto’s hand and being the best big brother ever. Rei even made sure to get a ton of photos of everything on her phone. She wanted to keep these rare moments of happiness.

They got hope after dark, Shoto was all excited about the goldfish Touya had won for him. Natsuo had won a ton of toys. They walked in the house just find a very upset Enji.

“Where the hell have you been?!” Enji asked.

“We went to the festival,” Touya said. “Can’t you tell?” He even rolled his eyes.

“Touya-nii got me a fish!” Shoto said excitedly, holding up the bag. “I think I’m gonna name him Katsuki.”

Touya just looked at his baby brother remembering that bomb-boy. He was going to laugh, till Enji took the fish bag and set it on fire in front of them, roasting the fish. Shoto started crying, Rei picked him and hugged him

“What the fuck is wrong with you,” Touya said. Everyone looked at him for his langued. “It’s just a fish. I used to think you just hated me. But no, you're just an asshole.”

“Father is a bad man,” Shoto said, clinging to Rei. The whole family was upset with him.

Touya grabbed his mom's hand and led her to the kitchen, Natsuo and Fuyumi followed. Once there he sat them down and started making tea for his mom, and pulled out two strawberry milks and two chocolate ones. He was complaining about Enji the whole time, but took care of his mom and siblings.

Shoto took his strawberry milk and drank it with a straw, and he finally stopped crying. Fuyumi was quiet with her chocolate milk, she knew the family had problems, but she never expected her father to kill an animal, goldfish or not.

***

As time went by, Enji spent more time at work, but was still an asshole when he was home. He usually worked on Christmas, most heroes wanted the time off to spend with their partners. But Enji had no romantic feelings towards Rei so he always worked.

Touya found out once he left the house in the original timeline, that Enji had an understanding with his wife over the holidays. Enji would lie and say they had their own time separately. Always acting like he had a wonderful home life and marriage and said that Rei would do western Christmas with children.

There was never anything western that happened in the Todoroki house. This also stemmed from Endeavor vendetta against All Might. New Years was the same though, the whole family went to the shrine, Endeavor had to be seen as a family man. It was after this that things got worse.

Shoto’s quirk came in two days before he turned five years old, just like it did last time. But this time Shoto didn’t announce it, only telling his Touya-nii. They both decided to keep it quiet for the time being, knowing how Enji would react.

Enji was home for Shoto’s birthday, thinking something amazing would happen. But Shoto still had memories of fifteen years of quirk control, so nothing happened. Enji was disappointed. Then a week later was Touya’s thirteenth birthday. Enji decided to work.

Rei though, who was not in the middle of breaking down this time, made him a cake and threw him a part. It was actually the best birthday Touya ever remembered having. Only his mom and siblings were there, it wasn’t until that night that he got sad. He wished his Birdie was there, not that Hawks would come, he still felt it had been fake for the bird.

A few days after turning thirteen, a major snowstorm happened. In the first timeline Rei was already in the hospital, this time was home. This was also when Touya cooked everything with his quirk, and Shoto insisted on helping. Meaning this was how Rei, Fuyumi and Natsuo found out it came in. Though everyone but Fuyumi understood why, Shoto decided to keep it a secret.

After breakfast Touya disappeared, only to be found by Rei and Shoto outside drawing cardinals.

“Touya and his birds,” Rei said, with a smile.

“What do you mean mama?” Shoto asked.

“Your big brother is fond of birds,” Rei said. “Especially red ones. He found one of Enji's arrest reports when he was seven with a little boy with red wings.” Shoto just looked confused.

“She’s talking about nii-san’s pretty bird,” Natsuo said, coming over.

“Touya-nii likes red bird hetero-morphs?” Shoto asked.

“Yes,” Rei said.

“Nii-san’s wanted to marry his red since then,” Natsuo said.

Shoto just looked at his Touya-nii and remembered Hawks, and how he was undercover with the league. Endeavor wondered how the number two hero got in so quickly, especially with Dabi as his connection. Now it made sense to Shoto, and he started to wonder if Hawks had picked up on an attraction and abused the situation. He wondered if his, now favorite, big brother had been hurt by two heroes.

Chapter Text

In the future the family and Hawks were just waiting in the room, it had been six months. When suddenly Enji groaned and they all looked over and watched his primary hand just disappear on him and in its place a stump. Everyone looked shocked before the memories came. Then Enji just disappeared entirely from the room.

***

Just before April, Enji realized that Shoto’s quirk had come in and he was furious. This led to a huge argument, which turned violent as Rei tried to protect Shoto. What neither of them expected was for Touya to come running out in socks, sliding a little, and got in between his parents. Touya then took the hit for his mother and baby brother. And went flying into a wall.

“TOUYA!” Rei screamed.

Fuyumi and Natsuo were in the next room, Fuyumi curled into a ball and cried like she always did. Natsuo ran to the home phone.

“Get out the way boy,” Enji said. “This has nothing to do with you!”

Enji went to get Shoto again and then Touya was there again. Then Enji hit him again before throwing him into a second wall. And yet Touya got back up and limped over, and glared at him. Enji raised his hand again.

“This is why you will never beat All Might,” Touya said, crying again. Enji’s fire raised. “He would never hit a child or woman protecting a child.”

That seemed to break Enji and went to use his fire at full strength on his smaller than average teen son. Touya, crying, screamed and went to fight, and then his fire turned blue. This time in the house and not alone in the forest.

This caused the family to stare at Touya, even Enji. But Touya knew this would come at some point and had an idea of how to control it. So suddenly there was a blue fire dragon attacking Enji and it took off his left hand. Before Touya’s body passed out and blue fire disappeared.

“Touya!” Rei said. Rushing over.

“Touya-nii!” Shoto said, also going over.

Fuyumi was still huddled and crying. Enji fell to his knees just staring at his hand in shock. Natsuo dropped the phone and ran over.

***

“Emergency services,” A person answering the phone. “How can I help?”

“He’s going to kill nii-san!” Natsuo said.

“What?” The person asked.

“Father,” Natsuo said. “He was hitting mom and nii-san got in the way, again.” Natsuo was crying. “Please help us.” He whispered out.

“I need an address,” The person said. Natsuo didn’t say anything, but the person could hear everything going on. From the crying, the screaming, and even the sound of Touya being thrown into walls.

A trace was run and then just sent to the locals, the operator had no idea whose house this was. They just gave the address and described the scene they were hearing.

When the cops got to the house, they hesitated for a second, since they knew whose house. But only a second and rushed in just to see the last bits and short boy bruised and bleeding still trying to pretend his mom and younger brother. They watched the last bit play out including the quirk awakening.

“We need two ambulances,” A cop said on the radio. “I repeat two ambulances.”

“I want that brat arrested!” Enji said.

No one answered Enji, but a cop did go to check on the child and Rei. Rei had a black eye forming from the first hit that got Touya running. The ambulances arrived within five minutes. Enji was placed in one, and Touya went in the other with the family going with Touya.

***

Shoto woke up first, and looked around the room, before sitting up.

“Shoto!” Rei said, hugging him.

“Mom,” Shoto said. Then Natsuo hugged him, followed by Fuyumi. “Where’s Touya-nii?” They all looked to the second bed. He was still out and Hawks was there just holding his hand. “Hawks!”

“Shoto?” Hawks asked. Shoto actually got out of bed and walked over to Hawks.

“Did you use my Touya-nii!?” Shoto asked.

“What?” Hawks asked.

“Did you use my brother!?” Shoto asked. “While trying to get into the league. Touya-nii’s been through a lot and he deserves better than to be honey potted!”

“What?” Hawks squawked out. “There was no honey pot!”

Shoto started to lecture the winged hero to never hurt his favorite brother. Hawks was actually a little confused and scared. And neither of them noticed how Touya woke up.

“... Ma…” Touya said, crying. Not even away all the staples and purple skin were gone.

“Touya!” Rei said, hugging him. “My baby. Why did you tell me you were alive?”

“I’m sorry,” Touya said. Rei just stroked his hair. “I was upset that you never saw me back then. I never realized.” He sniffled. “I never realized you couldn’t see me, because no one saw you.” Rei started crying and hugging tighter and kissed his forehead.

“It’s okay baby, it’s okay,” Rei said.

“Where’s the runt?” Touya asked, after a few moments. Then everyone heard Hawks squawk loudly and they all looked over. “Birdie?”

“Dabi!” Hawks said, before rushing over and engulfing him in a bone crush hug. Rei got out of the way very quickly. “You're okay!”

“Birdie?” Touya asked. “What?”

“I’m sorry,” Hawks said, looking Touya in the eyes.. “It was never a honey pot. I swear! I love you.” He didn’t care that all the other Todorokis heard this. Touya just stared at him in shock.

“You.. You love me?” Touya asked.

“Yes!” Hawks said. “I love you.”

“... I love you too..” Touya whispered. Hawks smiled and kissed him.

“Icyhot!” Bakugo said from the doorway. “How are you holding up?” Everyone one looked over and their eyes shifted for a moment like memories were being switched.

“Katsuki?” Shoto asked.

“Kacchan was worried,” Deku said, coming in. “You and your big brother were attacked by a villain during your lunch date.”

“Feathers freaked out so bad,” Mirko said, poking her head in. “I thought he was going to lose his feathers. He was going on about how hurt the love of his life was.” Hawks just blushed, Mirko laughed.

“I’m fine Birdie,” Touya said, grabbing Hawks’ ass and pulling him in for a kiss.