Chapter Twenty
Toya & Tira- 23 Years Old
Fuyumi- 22 Years Old
Natsuo- 19 Years Old
Shoto- 15 Years Old
Tira woke with a start as she felt a hand cover her mouth. Startled awake her body had reflexively tensed but as she realized she could feel the hand covering her mouth, she relaxed, it was Toya. Her eyes fluttered open and she spotted Toya kneeling next to her on her bed. He held up a finger to his lips urging her to keep quiet before pulling his hand away.
"Nii-chan." She threw her arms around him and smiled as he hugged her back. Even when they were children, she'd always felt safe and warm in his arms.
Toya chuckled softly as he caught her in his arms, "not so loud." He chided her and smirked as he noticed her cheeks flushing scarlet with heat.
"What are you doing here?" She whispered as he helped her up.
Toya noticed a slight tremble in her petite frame, she must have used her quirk a lot earlier in the day, "I was thinking of stealing you away for another late-night adventure, but maybe that's not such a good idea, you seem tire-."
Tira's eyes lit up, "I'm okay, can we please go on an adventure?"
Toya smiled, she looked so excited at the prospect of being let out of her cage he couldn't say no, "alright, but there are rules."
Tira looked to him curiously, "what are the rules?"
"As soon as we leave this room, you're only allowed to call me Dabi, not my name or Nii-chan." He went to her closet to find her some suitable clothes.
"Okay." Tira agreed with a faint pout.
Resisting the urge to smile at her, he continued on, "you're not allowed to leave my sight, for even a second."
Tira nodded, "okay."
"last rule, if you get tired, lean on me. Understood?"
"Understood." Tira was smiling again as he handed her an outfit. Remembering the last time, he'd whisked her away in the night and she had gotten flustered when he'd tried to help her change, Toya turned so she could change out of her pajamas and into the dress and sweater he'd brought her. Once she'd finished changing, she wrapped her arms around Toya's middle, "where are we going?"
"Aside from watching fireworks, what's your favorite thing to do?"
"Watching fireworks isn't my favorite thing to do." Tira pointed with an adorable frown.
Toya looked to her curiously, "oh yeah? Then what is your favorite thing to do?"
"Spend time with you." She beamed as she slipped her hand in his causing his heart to flutter in his chest. He'd almost forgotten how disarming her sweet smile could be.
"You're really too cute for your own good." Toya smirked as he tugged on her hand and pulled her into his arms.
"What do you-?" Tira's words were stolen away in a kiss. A soft sweet gasp of surprise escaped her and her body froze up at first. In the back of her mind she heard a tiny voice telling her this was wrong but she ignored it and melted into his kiss. Even if it was wrong, she couldn't say no to him. He was her everything, he'd always looked out for her, he'd always been there for her, she felt she owed it to him, to let him do as he pleased, even if it was wrong.
Toya broke the kiss and smiled down at his innocent twin, "aside from spending time with me and watching fireworks, what's your favorite thing to do?"
Tira thought for a moment, "ride on the merry-go-round?"
Toya nodded.
Tira nearly let out a squeal of delight but cut off as Toya sighed and clapped a hand over her mouth to muffle her. Her cheeks reddened and she smiled bashfully as he slowly removed his hand, "oops."
Toya bit his lip to keep from smiling at her, "nuisance."
Tira smiled shyly as she slipped her hand in his again, "sorry."
Toya shook his head and helped her into a pair of comfortable flats before hopping out her window. Tira scrambled to keep up with him. The twins crept out of the Todoroki estate with ease. It was like second nature to Toya, and with his help Tira didn't have any trouble keeping up and learning the best way to sneak out of the estate. She felt a fleeting moment of guilt grip her as she remembered their father worrying about her sneaking out the last time. She paused as Toya gave her a boost over the fence.
"What's wrong?" Toya asked her quietly as he noticed the serious expression on her face.
"I should text Dad to let him know I'm sneaking out again." Tira frowned as she sat atop the fence waiting for Toya to join her and help her down on the other side.
Toya shook his head, "that defeats the purpose of sneaking out."
"But he was worried last time..." Tira protested as she pulled her cell phone out of her sweater pocket.
Toya scaled the fence with ease and landed swiftly beside her. He took the phone from her before she could text their father, turned it off and pocketed it.
"Ni-." She tried to protest but he placed a finger to her lips.
"What was rule number one?" He sighed.
Tira leaned back and turned her head to break away from him so she could speak freely, "please, I don't want to make him worry again."
Toya frowned, "let him worry."
"But-." Tira cut off with a gasp as she sensed a darkness within Toya in that moment. There was a murderous rage broiling within him that was threatening to bubble up to the surface. She shut her mouth and surrendered the battle over the phone.
Realizing he'd upset her, Toya sighed and leaned forward to kiss her atop the head. "I'm sorry for upsetting you, but I will never forgive him."
Tira chewed on her bottom lip, "I kn-know." She sniffled.
Toya wrapped her in his arms and felt himself immediately begin to calm down. "Come on, I can't take you on an adventure if you start crying."
"That wasn't one of the rules." Tira argued back cutely as she hurriedly wiped at her eyes to try and calm herself down.
Toya chuckled softly, "I suppose you have a point, but I'd much rather see you smile." He held her securely in his arms and leapt off the fence landing swiftly down below.
Tira managed a smile and relaxed in her brother's arms. Before long the twins found themselves at the pier where Toya used to take Tira on dates when he worked a part time job at a café. It was surprisingly open in the middle of the night, though there weren't many other patrons.
Toya set Tira down once they reached the boardwalk and smiled as he watched her face light up in wonder at all the bright lights and rides. She slipped her hand in his.
"Where to?" He asked her with a smile.
Tira beamed and tugged him in the direction of the merry go round. There wasn't a line or anyone else on it as it was much too late for anyone to be here with the children. The ride attendant was in the middle of smoking a joint and looked surprised to see them. He hurriedly hid his marijuana and let the twins onto the ride.
Tira looked to her twin curiously as they stepped away from the attendant and got on the merry go round. "What was he smoking?"
Toya nearly laughed aloud, she was so innocent. He placed his hand on the back of her head and pulled her toward him before kissing the top of her head. "Don't worry about it. Which horse are we riding?"
"We?" Tira looked to her twin curiously, "is that allowed?"
Toya smiled, "yep."
Tira didn't feel like he was being completely honest and frowned at him but gave in and went to find the perfect carousel horse. The attendant was spaced out enough they had plenty of time and were able to make two laps in search of the perfect horse. After their second lap, Tira scrambled to a pretty unicorn with a lavender streaked periwinkle mane and tail.
"This one." She beamed.
Toya felt a lightness in his chest as he saw how happy she looked. He gently picked her up and placed her sidesaddle style on the horse delighting in the endearing blush that spread across her pale cheeks at the princess treatment. He chuckled and hopped onto the horse behind her causing her face to redden more as he wrapped a strong arm around her waist and held her tightly against him.
The attendant shrugged and started the ride. The cheery classical merry go round music began to play as the ride started up. Tira relaxed in her brother's arms and enjoyed the ride. As the ride was nearing its end, Toya looked to the attendant who smiled and started the ride again. Tira giggled as she realized they got to go again.
Once they'd had their fill of the merry go round, Tira politely thanked the attendant and allowed Toya to pull her away. They rode a few other rides and Toya tried to convince her to go into the haunted house though found it to be a losing battle. Momentarily he'd thought he'd convinced her, they got to the entrance and the music freaked her out too much that she started crying.
Instead of the haunted house he took her to the Ferris wheel. It was the busiest ride as it was a popular make out location. They got into the enclosed gondola that could easily seat four people but Toya gave the attendant a sharp look when he'd thought about getting another couple to join them thus giving them privacy. Tira was in awe of the view from high up. The city beyond the pier was aglow with lights. She turned to Toya with a bright smile, "Thanks, Dabi." She'd nearly fumbled and called him Nii-chan but managed to remember in time to catch herself.
Toya leaned toward her and caught her rose petal soft lips in a kiss. Her body tensed against him caught off guard by his actions. His lips pulled into a smile against hers as she slowly started to relax. He hooked an arm around her waist delighting in the soft squeak of surprise that escaped her as he pulled her onto his lap. She trembled in his arms as her senses began to flood, overwhelming her.
Tira felt hot, not uncomfortably so, but it was unfamiliar and strange. Her emotions ran wild as she melted into Toya's kiss. Unsure of what to do she froze up on his lap clinging tightly to the front of his dark jacket so she wouldn't lose her balance. His arms tightened around her eliciting another soft squeak from her as she found herself pressed against his lean torso.
Toya paused as he felt her delicate frame tremble against him. He slowly broke the kiss and met her gaze. There were tears in her eyes that she had yet to shed. She closed her eyes as he leaned forward. Tenderly he kissed her closed eyelids as he felt sick with guilt for overwhelming pure Tira. Hesitantly, Tira opened her eyes as she felt Toya pull back and ease his grip on her.
She bit her lip worrying she'd messed up, "I'm so-." Her apology cut off with a squeal as he lifted her into his arms as the Ferris wheel came to a stop.
Toya carried her off the ride and spotted a food vendor selling chocolate covered strawberries. He set her on her feet and led her over to the vendor to get some chocolate covered strawberries. Tira noticed the man with the circular glasses that had been at the arcade Toya had taken her to. He stepped into a nearby dark alley between two gaming booths with a duffel bag in hand. His eyes darted around before he stepped into the alley lingering on the twins for the briefest of moments. He offered the pale girl a polite smile and nod of his head before disappearing into the alley.
Tira looked to her brother ready to question him but jumped as she found a chocolate strawberry hovering in front of her face. Her cheeks reddened and she shyly took a bite of the strawberry he offered her.
"Yum." She beamed as she savored the deliciously decadent dessert.
Toya smiled and took a bite managing to get a piece of chocolate stuck to the side of his lip. Tira stood on her tippy toes and kissed the side of his mouth to wipe the chocolate away before pulling away from him with a blush. Before either of them could say anything, Toya heard a loud voice from behind him.
"Hey Boss, that chick's pretty, what about her?"
The twins glanced in the direction of the loud voice to see a group of thugs heading their way. They were all muscular and frightening looking. Tira instinctively clung tightly to Toya.
"Get lost." Toya growled as the rage inside of him began to slowly boil over.
"Think you can do anything to stop us small fry?" One of the thugs chuckled and made a move to reach for Tira.
Tira lightly tugged on Toya's arm trying to pull him away as she felt the rage inside of him grow. "c-come on, let's go." She tried, to no avail, to get him to move. "I'm scared." Her soft sweet voice stirred something within him.
Toya felt momentarily conflicted but reluctantly let her pull him away from the thugs. They darted away from the ruffians though Toya wanted nothing more than to burn them all alive for even daring to think perverse things about Tira. He'd seen it in all of their eyes and it made him shake with rage. They made it to the gaming booths and it seemed they'd lost their pursuers and slowed to a stop.
Tira breathed a sigh of relief, she'd been worried Toya would do something violent. She could practically feel his rage, like it had a physical form and had taken shape around them. As she took a step away from him to look at the different carnival style games, a strong hand grabbed her by the wrist and wrenched her away from Toya. She couldn't feel their touch but from the look of how tightly they were gripping her arm she was sure it should have hurt and she'd be bruised from it.
"D-Dabi!" Tira yelped in a panic.
They were surrounded in a matter of seconds. Toya turned to see Tira being held by one of the thugs that he knew had been thinking lewd things about her before. He didn't want Tira to see what he was going to do to all of them. Tira struggled against her captor who backhanded her the moment she tried to run. He struck her with enough force the light faded from her eyes and her delicate body dropped to the ground being partially suspended by her captor's grip on her wrist.
"Big Mistake." Toya hissed; she was the only thing keeping them breathing. With Tira unconscious his rage ran wild. Blue flames sparked to life in his hands. He launched a massive plume of blue flames at the surrounding thugs, it practically exploded off his body engulfing them all in a hellish inferno.
Their wretched screams of agony were cut short. He'd lost control of himself and nearly swore as he realized they'd all died far too soon. He hadn't made them suffer nearly enough for putting their hands on Tira. Once his flames dispersed, he stepped forward and scooped up Tira's unconscious form.
"You should probably scram, kid." A voice sounded from behind him.
Toya turned ready to incinerate whoever had spoken. He paused as he spotted a familiar looking man with greasy pale hair and circular rimmed glasses. He'd been at the video arcade before, he was a procurer in the criminal underworld. Toya's eyes narrowed into a glare.
"I'll take care of things here; you should get her out of here." The sleazy looking man said in a calm voice.
"Why would you help me?"
"Consider it me taking care of my interests." The sleazy man said with a shrug.
Fire sparked to life atop Toya's head like wicked blue flaming horns.
"You might be an asset to me in the future, let's call it a favor for a favor." The man smirked.
Toya could hear sirens in the distance. He didn't have time for this. He shot the man one final glare before racing away with Tira's unconscious body cradled tightly against him. He managed to avoid the police and safely get Tira back to the Todoroki Estate. He paused outside the main gate as he heard a familiar voice beyond, their father.
"Have you seen Tira? She's not in her room." Enji approached one of the evening gardeners as he stepped out of the house in his pajamas. He'd awoken in the middle of the night and went to check on Tira only to find her room empty. He'd asked her to let him know the next time she was planning on sneaking out. He feared she'd fled.
Toya gently lay Tira's unconscious body outside the entry gate before pulling her phone out of his pocket he turned it back on and made sure the volume was on before setting it atop her stomach. He knelt beside her and kissed her sweetly on the lips. "I'll steal you away soon." He took a step away from her and hurriedly hid in the shadows to watch over her.
A moment later her phone started to ring.
Enji looked toward the entrance gate as he heard Tira's phone ring as he called her for the tenth time. It was the first time it didn't go straight to voicemail. He sprinted for the gate and hurled it open. His heart fell as he spotted Tira lying motionless on the ground.
"Tira!" Enji scooped her into his arms. He did a quick scan of the area but didn't see anything. He hurriedly brought her inside and called her doctor for an emergency home visit as he noticed bruising on her face. She'd been hit and because of her condition couldn't feel pain to tell how bad it was.
Tira stirred awake, "Nii-chan?" She mumbled in a daze; her vision hazy at first as she opened her eyes. After a moment her vision cleared and she found herself lying in her bed. Her father was sitting on the edge of her bed and looked over as he heard her soft voice.
"You were with Toya?" He frowned.
Tira flinched reflexively before nodding.
Enji sighed and pressed an ice pack against the side of her face to help with the swelling it looked like she'd been hit hard, there was dried blood at the corner of her lip and under her nose. She didn't react to the ice being pressed to her face. He'd taken off her sweater and discovered a massive bruise on her arm.
After a quick full body exam from the doctor, her arm was wrapped as the portable x-ray machine revealed she had a minor fracture, though Tira felt nothing. The doctor suggested some over the counter pain killers since her body was in pain even if she couldn't perceive or feel it but her body temperature had spiked as a result. Enji thanked the doctor and sent him on his way before returning to Tira's room.
"I'm sorry for not telling you." Tira bowed her head as she sat up in bed.
"There will be consequences if you do this again without letting me know." Enji said sternly and felt instant regret as she flinched at his harsh tone. His voice softened, "how did you get hurt?"
Tira strained to remember but she was having a hard time recalling what had happened after she'd gotten off the Ferris wheel. "I don't really remember." She frowned.
Enji nodded, "alright, get some rest, we can talk more about it in the morning." He stepped forward and handed her some pain relievers and a glass of water. "Take these."
Tira did as she was bid without argument before settling back into bed.
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