Turning back the clock, across town, under the deep purple hues of the settling night sky, Toshinori Yagi found himself standing stiffly outside the Midoriya apartment door. His usually steady hands were awkwardly fidgeting at his sides, and a few nervous beads of sweat rolled down his temples despite the cool evening air.

  In his prime, he had faced vilins that could level city blocks without flinching, but now, here he was, sweating bullets as he prepared to pick up Inko Midoriya for their "double date" dinner with the Bakugo family.

  Tugging at the colr of his button-down shirt, Toshinori swallowed thickly. ‘Come on, Toshinori. You’ve faced countless dangers. You can handle a date,’ he told himself, though the butterflies wreaking havoc in his stomach begged to differ.

  Finally gathering the courage, he wiped his palm discreetly against his scks, raised a hand, and gently knocked. A few anxious moments ter, the door swung open. And there she was.

  Inko Midoriya stood in the doorway, and for a moment, all Toshinori could do was stare. She was beautiful. Elegantly fit, her figure framed perfectly by a soft and dangerously tantalizing sweater and snug jeans. The sight of her nearly knocked the air from his lungs.

  “Inko...” he managed, a little breathless.

  But then, through the haze of admiration, he noticed the faint signs around her eyes. Redness, a slight glisten in the corners. She smiled warmly, but it didn’t fully mask the emotions she had clearly been wrestling with.

  “I’ll be ready in just a few minutes,” she said, her voice chipper but carrying a tremble only someone who truly cared could hear. “Please, come in, Toshi.”

  Stepping inside, Toshinori closed the door behind him, mind racing. It didn’t take much to put the pieces together. Izuku had moved into the UA dorms earlier that day. For a mother like Inko, so tightly bound to her son, this was a monumental, heart-wrenching change.

  Without thinking, he crossed the small entryway, and though he wasn’t in his “All Might” form, he gently wrapped her in a mighty hug. He was careful not to overstep, but firm enough to remind her that she wasn’t alone.

  Inko stiffened for only a second before melting into him, pressing her cheek against his chest. A few quiet sobs shook her frame, and Toshinori simply held her tighter, resting his chin lightly atop her hair.

  “It’s all right,” he murmured, voice deep and comforting. “You raised him right. He’s going to do great things.”

  “I know...” she whispered into his chest, voice thick with emotion. “It’s just… he’s always been my little boy.”

  Toshinori smiled faintly, feeling his heart clench in sympathy. “He always will be.”

  Inko sniffled quietly against him, grateful for the comfort. After a moment, she pulled back just enough to meet his eyes. “Thank you, Toshi,” she whispered, her smile a little more genuine now. “I’m sorry... I know it’s silly... but the house feels so empty now.”

  He gave her the gentlest smile he could muster. “It’s not silly at all. It just shows how much you love him.”

  Inko nodded, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue she plucked from the counter. With a final, calming breath, she stepped back and straightened herself. “Give me just a few more minutes to finish getting ready.”

  “Take all the time you need,” he said sincerely, stepping back to give her room.

  She nodded and disappeared into her bedroom to finish getting ready, leaving Toshinori to wander awkwardly into the living room. The cozy space was filled with pictures of Izuku from childhood, school, and even a few rare snapshots of him training. Toshinori found himself smiling at a framed photo on the mantel: a young Izuku, beaming widely, while in the arms of Inko. Of course, he had an All Might figurine in his hand.

  Part of him had long since disassociated that aspect of him, having seen his face on so many products. But it really hit home how his successor and, by proxy, his possible paramour, looked up to him. It was truly humbling.

  ‘He really has come so far,’ Toshinori thought.

  A few minutes ter, the sound of heels clicking on the hardwood floor pulled him from his thoughts. Turning toward the hallway, he caught sight of Inko and felt his heart skip a beat.

  She wore a soft blue dress that brought out the delicate color of her eyes, with a modest neckline but enough elegance to leave him absolutely breathless. It was then covered with a soft, cream-colored cardigan. Her hair was swept back in a loose, graceful style, and she wore just enough makeup to highlight her natural beauty.

  Toshinori could only blink for a few moments, then swallowed hard, tugging at his colr again as if trying to let out the pressure building in his chest.

  “Wow…” he said without thinking, his voice quiet with awe.

  Inko blushed lightly, her hand brushing at the skirt of her dress. “Is it fine? I haven’t worn anything this snug in a while… Hardly something an old woman like me should be wearing...”

  If he knew anything about Inko Midoriya, it was that she wasn’t one to bait out compliments like this. She truly felt this way about herself. He couldn’t have that. “Quite the opposite, you look absolutely magnificent. I’m beyond delighted to have the privilege of being by your side this evening.”

  Her blush deepened as she let his words sink in. Eventually, it was Inko’s giggles that broke up the silence that developed. “You are quite the charmer, aren’t you?” she asked, voice lighter now, more pyful. “Ready?”

  “Shall we?” With a galnt offer of his arm, he escorted her outside. Parked just in front of the building was a sleek bck sedan, a car far nicer than Toshinori would ever normally drive. It was worth borrowing it from his own agency so that his date wouldn’t have to sit in his “rust bucket,” as Katsumi loved calling it.

  The drive downtown passed in a blur of city lights while soft music hummed through the borrowed sedan’s speakers. Toshinori kept sneaking gnces at Inko, still marveling at how composed she looked now compared to the tearful greeting earlier. His chest warmed with pride. ‘She really is so much stronger than she gives herself credit for.’

  Pulling into the valet ne of one of the city's upscale restaurants, a pce Toshinori had only been able to snag thanks to his alter ego’s connections at the All Might Agency, he handed the keys to the attendant and hurried around to open Inko’s door, offering his hand to help her out.

  Not long after, they spotted the Bakugo family waiting for them under the awning: Masaru in a neatly pressed suit, looking just as kind and easygoing as ever; Mitsuki in a sharp, stylish bck dress that matched her bold personality; and Mai standing elegantly at Mitsuki’s side in her fashionable purple ensemble, her snake like hair done up in a beautiful up-do.

  Masaru lit up the moment he spotted them. “Yagi! This pce is incredible!” he said with a warm grin, shaking Toshinori’s hand enthusiastically. “Thank you for setting this up!”

  Toshinori rubbed the back of his neck, feeling modest. “Ah, no need to thank me! I may have pulled a few strings. Not often I get to use the perks of working for a hero agency,” he said with a lopsided grin, his other hand waving vaguely as if shooing away the idea.

  Across from him, Mai ughed lightly, linking her arm through Mitsuki’s. “It’s true,” she said, voice rich with experience. “Sometimes it’s worth using those connections. As long as you don’t exploit them,” she added, winking good-naturedly.

  Mitsuki chuckled. “Hey, we’ve earned a few perks after busting our asses for years. Might as well enjoy it once in a while.”

  Inko smiled warmly at the easy banter, falling naturally into step beside Toshinori as the group was ushered inside by the ma?tre d'. The restaurant's interior was polished and refined, a soft ambiance filling the air with a sense of quiet luxury.

  Dinner was a lively affair, filled with good food, ughter, and easy conversation. At one point, after the appetizers had been served, the conversation shifted to their children, specifically, the sudden quiet that had settled over their homes now that Katsumi and Izuku were away at UA.

  Masaru chuckled, resting his chin on his hand. “Kinda weird, huh? Not even a day, and the house feels too big now. No Firecracker of ours stomping through the halls. It’s… something.”

  Mitsuki snorted. “Something, all right.” She leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. “It’s a relief not having to hear her yelling at her weights or toothbrush at 6 am. But still...”

  Mai chimed in with a knowing smile. “It’s an adjustment. No matter how ready you think you are.”

  Toshinori gnced sideways at Inko, searching for any flicker of sadness, but to his quiet relief, she was smiling, her eyes sparkling in the low light of the restaurant. She ughed softly at a story Masaru told about a young Katsumi climbing onto the roof to “prove she was already a hero.”

  Toshinori’s chest filled with quiet pride. His words earlier had taken root. Inko was stronger than she knew. She always had been.

  “You all raised fine heroes,” he spoke aloud, his thoughts, looking at his companions with a fondness he didn’t bother to hide. The proud parents blushed a bit at his words. They had no doubts that their kids were going to be fantastic heroes.

  It was around the time their entrees were being served when the tranquil atmosphere of the restaurant shattered. A violent crash echoed from outside, followed by a collective gasp from nearby patrons.

  All eyes turned toward the tall windows at the front of the establishment. Just across the street, a car had veered wildly off the road, smming into the corner of a brick building. Shattered gss and chunks of masonry rained down onto the sidewalk, and in the crumpled remains of the car, fmes were beginning to lick up from the twisted hood.

  Mai was on her feet in an instant. She barely tossed her napkin aside before bolting for the entrance.

  “Stay here!” she barked back to Masaru and Mitsuki, already pulling her hero gloves from a concealed pocket inside her purse. “I’ll secure the scene!”

  Masaru shook his head fondly. “There she goes... Can’t turn it off even for one night.”

  Before Toshinori could even think about it, he pushed his chair back as well, excusing himself hastily. “I-uh, nature calls! I’ll be right back!”

  Masaru and Mitsuki barely spared him a gnce, used to the awkward quirks of the tall, nky man. But Inko’s sharp green eyes followed him. She pressed a hand to her mouth to hide her smile. She knew exactly what was about to happen.

  Moments after Toshinori disappeared from view, a collective gasp rolled through the restaurant. Diners and staff rushed toward the windows as a figure appeared on the scene.

  Towering and radiant even without the spotlight of a formal stage, All Might arrived in a fsh, his golden hair waving dramatically in the night breeze. He swiftly moved to assist Uwabami, who had already begun clearing civilians away from the immediate danger zone.

  While Uwabami focused on guiding bystanders to safety and freeing trapped pedestrians from debris, All Might went directly for the burning vehicle. In one swift motion, he ripped open the crumpled driver's side door, carefully extricating the dazed driver. He handed him off to waiting EMTs just as the fire fred higher.

  Without a second’s hesitation, All Might cpped his massive hands together, creating a gust powerful enough to blow out the worst of the fmes, while also bringing down loose debris in a controlled colpse away from the crowds. His instincts were fwless: protect the people first, stabilize the structure second.

  When the danger finally settled, the street erupted into appuse and cheers. Uwabami gave the crowd a practiced smile and a wave, stepping forward to handle the official debrief with the emergency responders.

  As All Might slipped back into the shadows, unseen by most, only a few minutes ter, a slightly disheveled Toshinori Yagi returned to the restaurant table. His hair was a little less tidy, and the sleeves of his jacket were rumpled, but he wore an expression of perfect cluelessness.

  Masaru, watching the flurry of excitement through the restaurant’s windows, turned to him. “You just missed it, Yagi! Your boss was out there helping Mai clean up the accident! Man, what’re the odds, huh?”

  Toshinori blinked wide, putting on a mastercss of innocent confusion. “R-really? Here? Wow, what incredible timing... I was in the restroom. Must’ve missed the whole thing.”

  Mitsuki snorted into her wine gss. “You’ve got the worst luck, Yagi.”

  Masaru nodded, leaning back with a chuckle. “Guess you’ll have to catch the repy on the news ter.”

  Inko watched her date from the corner of her eye. She hid her amusement behind a demure smile. Taking a sip of her water, she leaned just a little closer to him and pced a hand on his thigh. Startled by the sudden contact, Toshinori turned to his date, only to find her continuing to smile at him. Dazzling him with it.

  “He really is a true hero,” she murmured, “It’s comforting knowing that when danger strikes… someone dependable is always nearby.”

  Toshinori nearly choked on his own breath, but he recovered quickly, offering her a small, bashful smile. “Y-yeah,” he said, cheeks pink. “Very comforting.”

  Mai returned to the restaurant table not long after Toshinori’s reappearance, brushing a few strands of her wild blonde hair from her face. She slid smoothly into her seat beside Mitsuki, who offered her a gss of water without a word.

  “Well,” Mai said lightly, picking up her utensils as if she hadn’t just saved a man’s life, “sorry about the disruption. Where were we?”

  Masaru chuckled, raising his gss in a small salute. “You heroes made it look easy.”

  Toshinori chuckled along, feeling a knot in his chest unwind. Their evening continued, picking up right where it had left off, ughter and soft conversation filling the space between courses. There was no more drama, no more emergencies. Just the comforting, steady rhythm of good friends and good food.

  By the end of dinner, Masaru was already suggesting another outing. “Next time, though, let’s aim for a night without falling debris and fming cars, huh?”

  Mitsuki snorted. “You’re the one that jinxed us by saying it was gonna be a quiet night.”

  Inko giggled softly, exchanging a look with Toshinori that sent a warm flutter through his chest.

  “Next time,” Mai agreed with a wink, “I’ll leave the heels at home… Just in case.”

  They all ughed again, toasting to the promise of many more nights like this, hopefully less eventful.

  Later, the cool night air wrapped around Toshinori and Inko as he escorted her back up to her apartment building. The city’s distant lights glimmered around them, casting a soft golden hue over the sidewalk. Neither of them spoke much on the walk up the steps. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it wasn’t quite as easy as it had been earlier, either. Something lingered between them. Unsaid, but impossible to ignore.

  Toshinori shifted awkwardly as they reached the door to her apartment. His hands hovered at his sides, not quite sure what to do with them. Finally, he gave her a soft smile. “Well, um, I guess I should be heading out now,” he said, voice a little rough with nerves. “Thank you for a wonderful evening, Inko. I had a great time.”

  He bowed slightly, beginning to turn to leave, yet he was stopped. Inko had reached out, her fingers lightly brushing his sleeve.

  “Toshi,” she said softly. “Would you… Would you stay the night?”

  He turned back, surprised at the sudden, gentle firmness in her voice.

  “It’s just… It’s been such a full day,” she added, her cheeks faintly pink but her gaze steady. “The apartment feels a little too quiet now with Izuku gone. I …wouldn’t mind having some company.”

  Toshinori’s heart pounded in his ears. Even he, dense as he was when it came to such things, could read the meaning behind those words. He swallowed hard. His throat felt dry, but he nodded once, warmly and firmly.

  “I’d be honored,” he said, voice low.

  Inko’s smile deepened, full of warmth and trust, as she opened the door and stepped inside, giving him room to follow.

  Without another word, Toshinori stepped inside, and she gently closed the door behind him.

  Weebvious