Chapter 19

Dabi's glare intensifies as he confronts Hato. "I already told you, you brat, I'm not your dad!" he yells angrily. "Now answer my question, or I'll turn you to ashes!"

Hato groans in frustration. "Just forget I said anything, okay?!"

"How am I supposed to forget that?" Dabi's voice rises with impatience. "Is Hawks pregnant, yes, or no?!"

"Shut up, please!" Hato pleads, but Dabi grabs the front of his turtleneck, yanking him up until their faces are inches apart. Hato winces as he feels the hard ground beneath him.

"Now you listen here, you little punk—" Dabi snarls menacingly, but before he can continue, he's interrupted.

"Dabi!"

Dabi releases Hato, who falls back to the ground with a grunt as his head hits the cement.

"Boss, I told you; I'm going by myself!" a voice interjects, drawing their attention.

"And someone has to make sure you don't get caught!" Shigaraki hisses angrily as he approaches the two.

Dabi rolls his eyes in annoyance as a voice calls out from the front door, asking if Hato is alright. Hato tries to shout a response, but Dabi covers his mouth firmly, warning him with a menacing look. Hato's eyes widen in fear, realizing the severity of the situation.

"Hato!" Setsuko's voice calls again, her footsteps approaching.

"One word, and she's dead," Dabi whispers harshly, his grip tightening on Hato's mouth.

Hato trembles, feeling a surge of panic. "I-I'm fine! You can g-go back inside, little cousin," he manages to stammer out as Setsuko's footsteps retreat and the front door closes.

Shigaraki glares at the direction of Setsuko's voice. "That girl is persistent," he grumbles. Turning back to Hato, he demands, "Make her go away!"

Hato's breaths come out unevenly as he struggles to maintain his composure. "I... I'm fine," he repeats nervously.

"Now, answer this moron's question, and we'll leave you be," Shigaraki insists.

"Never!" Hato responds defiantly, but before he can say more, Dabi delivers a harsh kick to his stomach, causing him to double over in pain.

Suddenly, a hand wraps around the back of Dabi's throat, four fingers pressing against his skin. "Let my cousin go, or you're dust," a voice threatens ominously.

Dabi's eyes widen in surprise as he turns, igniting his palm with blue flames. Hato watches in horror as everything seems to slow down. His cousin, his little sister, is in danger, and he's unable to move a muscle.

"NO!" The word slices through the tension like a knife, causing Dabi to freeze in his tracks, his eyes widening in surprise.

Natsuo stands protectively in front of Setsuko, his arms spread out defensively as frost begins to creep across the ground beneath him. His gaze is fixed on Dabi, his expression one of fierce determination.

"Harm her, and I'll kill you myself!" Natsuo hisses angrily, sending a shiver down Dabi's spine. Even Shigaraki is taken aback by the intensity of his resolve.

Growling low in his throat, Dabi reluctantly lowers his hand, the flames flickering out. He looks away, unable to meet Natsuo's gaze.

"Nat-" Shigaraki begins, but Natsuo cuts him off with a curt command.

"Leave before Endeavor notices," Natsuo says firmly, not giving Shigaraki a chance to argue.

Shigaraki nods, pulling Dabi along with him as they vanish into the night. Setsuko sinks to her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks, and Hato wraps his arms around her tightly, trembling with emotion.

"I was so scared," Hato sobs, his voice choked with fear. "I was never so afraid of my own father."

Setsuko's sobs mingle with his own. "I thought I was gonna lose you... What the hell am I supposed to do without you, nii-san?"

Natsuo helps them to their feet once they've calmed down, his concern evident in his gaze as he checks them for injuries.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?" he asks, his voice filled with worry.

"I'm okay, Dad," Setsuko assures him, wiping away her tears.

Hato winces, holding his side. "I don't think anything's broken, but that's definitely gonna bruise. And I hit my head pretty hard... Everything is spinning."

"Come on, let's go back inside," Natsuo says gently, offering his support as they help Hato walk.

As they enter the house, Natsuo turns to Setsuko with a questioning look. "How did you even know Hato was in trouble?"

"He called me 'little cousin.' He knows how much I despise that," Setsuko explains, her voice trembling with lingering fear. Together, they step back into the safety of the house, grateful to have each other by their side.

In the living room, Natsuo carefully lays Hato down on the couch, concern etched into his features. Rei rushes to Hato's side, her worry palpable.

"Oh my god! What happened?" she asks, her voice trembling with concern.

"Hato fell," Setsuko lies flatly, taking a seat nearby. Shoto eyes them skeptically, clearly unconvinced.

"Just in case you have a concussion, I'll make sure you don't fall asleep," Natsuo says, settling down next to Hato.

Rei turns to her daughter. "Fuyumi, could you get an ice pack?" she asks. Fuyumi nods and hurries to the kitchen, returning moments later with the ice pack. Natsuo gently places it on Hato's stomach, where Dabi's kick had landed.

"You don't get that bruised from falling..." Shoto remarks, his suspicion evident.

Natsuo shoots his younger brother a sharp glare. "Be quiet, Shoto. He hit his head," he says firmly.

Shoto huffs and crosses his arms, clearly dissatisfied with the explanation.

Rei tenderly strokes Hato's head. "Oh, you poor thing," she murmurs sympathetically.

The twins exchange a questioning glance, silently communicating their curiosity. Setsuko subtly mouths "I'll tell you later," and they nod in understanding.

Once Hato feels well enough, they bid farewell and leave.

"Get better soon," Rei says to Hato, leaning down to kiss his forehead. "It was so nice meeting all of you!"

Rei and Fuyumi wave as they climb into the car, ready to depart.

Before Setsuko can leave, Natsuo stops her. "Tell me the truth. I'm your dad, and you're not from this time, right?" he asks softly.

Setsuko nods, meeting his gaze. Natsuo offers her a tender smile and presses a kiss to her forehead.

"I already can't wait to meet you in the future," he says gently.

Setsuko smiles, her heart warmed by her father's words, and with that, they leave, ready to face whatever challenges the future may hold.

As they reach the dorms, they are surprised to find Hawks standing in front of the doors, still bandaged in places.

"Hey, guys!" Hawks waves, offering them a smile despite his injuries.

"Hawks!" Midoriya exclaims, taken aback. "What are you doing out of bed?"

"Just visited Tsukuyomi. Don't worry, I'm still supposed to rest, but Recovery Girl gave her okay," Hawks explains.

Midoriya nods, chuckling. "I hope you get better soon!"

"Thanks, finger-breaking kid!" Hawks replies with a grin.

"Oi, Hato, a quick word," Hawks motions for him to come over.

"You guys go ahead," Hato tells the others. They nod and head inside the dorms.

"What's up?" Hato asks, trying to mask his nerves.

"I wanted to thank you for saving me," Hawks says sincerely.

"Oh, that was nothing!" Hato waves off the gratitude.

"No, it wasn't. I mean it, thank you," Hawks insists.

"You're welcome?" Hato replies, a bit confused.

Hawks sighs, shaking his head. "I heard you, you know."

"What?" Hato's heart skips a beat.

"Don't play dumb. When you brought me in, I was conscious for a bit. You called me mom and told me you love me."

Hato falls silent, absorbing his mother's words.

"Hey, I'm not mad," Keigo continues, his voice gentle. "You must have been really scared back then. I understand that, though I may not understand how you got here. I was so worried when that Nomu attacked, I thought I lost my baby and feared I'd never get to meet them. But thanks to you, I got another chance. Two even, I get to meet you twice... you're perfect, I love you."

"Mom..." Hato's voice trembles, overwhelmed. Tears gather in the corners of his eyes.

Keigo looks at him with tenderness before enveloping him in a warm hug. Hato leans into the embrace, seeking comfort in his mother's shoulder.

As they hold each other, Hato winces in pain. Keigo immediately releases him, concern etched on his face. "Sorry!" he apologizes.

Hato shakes his head, tears still lingering in his eyes. "What even happened to you?" Keigo asks, scanning his son's figure.

Hato remains silent, his gaze fixed on the ground.

"Hato?" Keigo prompts, his voice tinged with worry.

"Dad attacked me..." Hato finally confesses, his voice barely above a whisper.

"WHAT?!" Keigo's eyes widen in shock.

"Shh, you'll wake everyone!" Hato urges, trying to calm his mother.

"Oh, that flaming bastard!" Keigo's rage flares.

"Calm down, Mom, you're still injured," Hato reasons.

"No, how dare he hurt my baby?! I'll fly over there right now and give your father a piece of my mind!" Keigo's protective instincts kick in.

"Mom!" Hato interjects, trying to soothe her.

"What?" Keigo's expression softens, concern for his son evident in his eyes.

"I'll be fine," Hato reassures, mustering a small smile.

Keigo sighs heavily and takes a deep breath. "Okay, okay... sorry, I didn't mean to shout."

"It's okay," Hato reassures him.

"Why would he even attack you?" Keigo's voice carries a mix of confusion and concern.

"To get answers," Hato responds, his voice tinged with discomfort.

"For what?" Keigo presses, his brow furrowing.

Hato winces, a hint of guilt evident on his face. "I may have slipped up and told him you're pregnant."

"Hato!" Keigo's tone sharpens, a blend of reproach and surprise.

"I'm sorry!" Hato quickly interjects, his expression reflecting regret.

Keigo pinches the bridge of his nose, his frustration palpable.

Hato rushes to explain, his words tumbling out in a hurried manner. "But he doesn't know for sure! I just said, when he asked if you're okay, that you and the baby are fine. Then, my own dad stalked me the whole day, and told me to repeat what I said because he obviously didn't get it! Which means, he doesn't know for sure!"

"Okay, good. That means I can still tell him myself when I get out of here. You should go to bed, it's late and you look exhausted," Keigo suggests, trying to ease the tension.

Hato nods, understanding his mother's concern. "Good night, Mom. I love you," he says softly.

Keigo leans in and kisses his son on the forehead. "I love you too, dove."

With that, Keigo heads back to the infirmary, while Hato retreats to his room in the dorms.

As the night progresses, everyone eventually drifts off to sleep, leaving behind the events of the day to be processed in their dreams.

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