Archive of Our Own

The breeze against Momo’s skin felt lovely. 

It was a warm, gentle gust that swayed her long dark hair over her shoulders. 

Momo reached up to brush back her hair, smiling to herself as she rocked the small child in her arms. 

Her son, Mitsue. 

A child she didn’t expect to meet so soon in her life but welcomed with so much love. It was a type of love she hadn’t experienced before—a mother’s love. 

With a year of motherhood under her belt, she’d come to find the peaceful moments like this filled her heart with so much happiness. Behind the huge mansion she shared with her beloved husband, she learned Mitsue seemed to find sleep easier when they sat in the beautiful garden.

It was a particular spot, deep within the grounds, away from the entrance, past the small bridge and in front of the tiny pond of koi fish. The bench was almost shrouded by the foliage but stood out against the beautiful flower shrubs scattered around. 

She recalled the day she found it was his favorite spot. 

It had been a hard week for her. Left alone without the help of Shouto. He had taken an important mission overseas, one where he couldn’t refuse after the government specifically asked for him. 

She missed Shouto dearly. 

The worry of not having her husband must’ve rubbed off on Mitsue. 

The poor baby didn’t give Momo a wink of sleep over the next few days.

It was until one day when she wandered outside aimlessly, exhausted mentally and physically. Her worry shifted from her husband to her fussy baby in her arms, trying any possible way to get him to sleep. 

When she finally realized where she was in the garden, Mitsue finally started to calm down. 

Mitsue started to stir, whimpering for a few short moments and took Momo out of her thoughts. 

“Shhh, it’s okay, my sweet angel,” She whispered as she admired his adorable face, His black hair was as dark as her own, his chubby hands gripped onto the soft blanket wrapped around him and a soft snore filled her ears. “You rest up as much as you’d like. You have a big day, my birthday boy.” 

She kissed his nose, giggling when she saw Mitsue’s small pink lips form a half smile. She continued to hum, waiting for his labored breaths to even out. Though now it seemed like he was more interested in her singing voice than sleep. 

His deep blue eyes sparkled up at her. She giggled, holding Mitsue up causing the baby to giggle as she kissed his stomach. “Your mommy and daddy love you so much,” She whispered, cradling him in her arms again. “You’re my best creation, you know that, right my sweet boy?” 

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Momo slowly opened her eyes and saw the soft sunlight filter through the curtains. The birds chirped outside the windows, rousing her from her slumber. Blinking away the sleepiness, she snuggles her back further into the person sleeping behind her. 

Shouto’s arms were tightly wrapped around her, she could feel his breath tickling the back of her neck the more she came to. As if he sensed her awake, he started to stir. His arms loosened a bit around her and he left out a yawn. 

“Good morning, my love,” He said as his arms snaked around her waist again. He pressed a kiss on her bare shoulder. 

“Morning,” Momo hummed with a smile as his kisses started to travel up to her neck and down her shoulder. “What are you doing?” 

Shouto stopped his kisses as she turned around in his embrace. With a sleepy smile, he pressed a soft kiss against her lips. “Happy birthday, Momo.” 

Momo blinked, remembering her dream was in fact a memory from long ago. Perhaps she was consciously reminding herself of her birthday. Which also meant…

She let out a gasp, closing her eyes shut as Shouto pulled her closer. With her body flush against his, she hiked a leg over his hip. Taking the opportunity, he ground his hips into hers. She bit back a moan, only for it to escape her lips as Shouto kissed her passionately. 

Her hands snaked up to his hair, tugging at the roots slightly as she kissed him back. His hands ran down her body, squeezing her hips then her ass. 

“You’re still as beautiful as I remember, even after all these years,” Shouto whispered huskily against her lips. “Happy…” he placed a kiss on the corner of her lips. “…birthday…” then another on her neck. “…my love.”

Momo giggled, a blush on her cheeks as she pulled away from him. He didn’t let her go that easily, but after managing to sit up, she placed her hand on his chest. Her fingers danced against his skin, tracing the huge x shaped scar. 

Although she would’ve loved some morning delight, her birthday also meant it was Mitsue’s birthday, too. “Shouto, we can’t stay in bed for long.” When he pouted she arched an eyebrow. “It’s also your son’s birthday. Remember?” 

“I could never forget.” Shouto said. “Eighteen…damn.” 

Even saying it out loud didn’t help Momo wrap her head around their eldest son—was eighteen. An adult. All grown up. 

“I have to make sure everything is ready for his birthday party,” Momo muttered, her mind already thinking of every possible thing that had to go perfectly for her son’s party.

Shouto chuckled, a somewhat sad smile on his face as he laid back onto the fluffy pillows. His hand on her thigh traced a few circles against her skin, every so often dipping lower then coming back up. “Don’t worry about it. The staff will take care of everything.” 

Momo pouted, crossing her arms over her chest as she looked at their bedroom door. Shouto was right, just last night she held a staff meeting. The various butlers, maids and cooks unexpectedly shared their excitement for this day. Perhaps it was because they also watched Mitsue grow up. 

It eased Momo’s growing anxiety a bit. 

“Momo,” Shouto said again as he sat up. He gently grabbed her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. “Everything will go according to plan, okay? Besides, it's still early in the morning. I doubt Mitsue or the other kids are up yet.” He then added, “The entire day will be about our son, Momo.” 

“I know, but I’m still not going to waste the morning. We have to make those pancakes for his birthday breakfast, like we always do,” Momo said, raising an eyebrow as Shouto’s hands started to stroke her thighs again. 

“Yes, I’ll make sure we’re out by then,” He smirked. 

“What do you mean by that, sir?” Momo teased back. Years of being together told her all she needed to know. The way her husband’s beautiful eyes darkened with lust her desire seemed to have taken over any logical thinking she spared that morning. 

“That means…” Shouto started with a handsome smirk. She let out a giggle when he suddenly pushed her against the mattress. His lips were back on hers, his hips buried into her core and his wet, hot kisses causing her mind to go fuzzy. She slowly opened her eyes, moaning as his hand slipped in between them and down her stomach. “…I will be sure to make sure this whole morning is about my wife.” 

Mitsue’s slumber was cut short when he noticed the constant vibrations from his phone. It buzzed every so often, rousing him awake further with each new notification. 

After coming to terms with not being able to fall back asleep, Mitsue yawned loudly and ran his hand over his face. As he blinked back the blurriness, he reached for his phone on the nightstand. 

With his curtains still drawn, he squinted at the brightness from his phone screen. It took him a couple of tries to focus his eyes on the number of notifications on his lock screen. 

Fifty notifications?! 

“What…” Mitsue muttered, realizing how scratchy his voice sounded even to his own ears. His deep blue eyes glanced at the date on his phone. “Oh,” he sighed. “Right.” 

As he scrolled through the various text messages from people greeting him happy birthday, he felt grateful. He only expected a handful of people to remember his birthday. 

A few notable text messages he got were from his two best friends, Kana Bakugou and Toshinori Midoriya. 

Kana: Happy birthday, Mizu! Level 18, huh? Can’t wait to see you cry tonight at your party! I thought about getting you a card, but then again, I don’t like you that much.

Toshi: Happy birthday, bro! It feels like it was just yesterday when we both pissed our pants at the playground. Remember how panicked my dad was? Here’s to many more years until we’re old men. Then we can pee our pants again without much thought! 

Mitsue chuckled, quickly sending them back a text. He scrolled through his other text messages, seeing a few from his parents’ friends, his family members, even a couple from the senior Pro Heroes he worked with. 

It still didn’t hit him that he was eighteen yet. 

Which also meant it was his mother’s birthday.

Rolling over with a big sigh he made an attempt to sit up when his door was suddenly thrown open. Glaring at the impolite intruder, he felt his twinge of annoyance die down a bit. 

Just a tad. 

Yukiko, his younger brother, opened the door big enough to step in briefly. Before Mitsue could say anything, the white haired Todoroki threw something onto him. 

“What the hell?” Mitsue grumbled when a random bag of chips hit him square in the chest. “Yukiko–!” 

“Happy day of birth. You’re so old now!” Yukiko said before shutting the door. 

Mitsue was speechless for a bit, shaking his head as he looked at the bag of chips on his bed. Looking at it, he recalled it was the same one Yukiko bought yesterday on patrol. 

Rolling his eyes, Mitsue got up to stretch. It wasn’t long before there was a knock at his door. “Yeah?” He called.

“Mitsu-nii,” Haru’s voice said as he opened the door. “Oh, you got Yuki-nii’s present?” He tried to hold back a smirk. 

“It’s the same bag of chips he got yesterday,” Mitsue said with an eyebrow raised. 

“Yeah. Anyways, come down for breakfast. Mom’s been calling us to eat for over ten minutes,” Haru said as he turned on his heel. Before he exited the room however, the redhead Todoroki looked over his shoulder. “Happy birthday, oniisan.” 

Mitsue gave a small smile, reaching for his shirt and slipped it on. “Thanks, Haru.” 

“Look who it is,” Yukiko said from his seat at the cozy breakfast nook as Mitsue entered the kitchen. 

“Happy birthday, my sweet boy!” His mother’s singsong voice greeted him. 

Mitsue sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, smiling softly as his mother rounded the kitchen island. She cupped his cheeks and kissed them on either side. “Thanks, mom.” Mitsue said as he hugged her. “Happy birthday, too.”

His mother smiled, brushing back his bangs and patted his cheek. “Sit down, honey. I’ll get your pancakes for you.” 

“Oh, mom. You don’t need to do that anymore…” Mitsue tried but was cut off by his father.

“Happy birthday, Mitsue,” Shouto said as he walked up to him. His father was already in his Pro Hero suit. He hugged him and kissed the top of his head. “You’re making me feel old.” 

“Well, dad. You are old,” Miyuki teased from her seat beside Yukiko. Shouto raised an eyebrow and made a face, causing the youngest Todoroki to giggle. 

“Okay, everyone. I have to head to the agency for a bit. I’ll be back before noon,” his father said as he grabbed his thermal coffee mug. He walked over to their mother and gave her a kiss against the temple. “Please make sure your mother doesn’t overwhelm herself.” He said before leaving the kitchen. 

Mitsue took a seat beside Sora, noticing his sister was already helping herself to sausages, rice, and eggs. “Happy birthday, nii-san.” Sora said as she bumped his shoulder. 

“Thanks,” Mitsue said, taking a chance to mess up Sora’s already untidy hair.

“Mom, are we ready for tonight?” Haru said as he sat down across from Mitsue with his own helping of breakfast. 

“Yeah, I still see everyone running around,” Yukiko said before he took a bite out of his sausage. “Just throw many people, did you invite, mom?” 

“I invited everyone we knew,” Momo simply said from the kitchen counter. 

“Mom, you know my birthday isn’t a big deal,” Mitsue started, he turned around in his chair to see his mother make her way towards him. 

“Oh, nonsense, Mitsue! This is a big milestone for you,” his mother said as she placed the humongous helping of pancakes with whip cream on the top in front of him. “All of our family and friends will be there to celebrate your special day.”

“Don’t forget, mom. It’s your special day, too,” Haru mentioned. 

“Thank you, sweetheart,” Momo said as she kissed the top of Haru’s head. “But I’ve had many more birthdays than your brother. It isn’t about me.”

“Oh, shit!” Yukiko gasped, causing his mother to give him a glare. “I mean–Haru, we have to leave now. Mom, we have to be somewhere.” 

Haru nodded, standing up as he quickly drank the rest of his orange juice. 

Momo nodded, “Be careful, boys! Hold on a minute,” She said as she rushed to her purse on the kitchen counter and fished in her wallet for something. “Make sure it’s the right one when you pick it up….” 

Mitsue didn’t pay attention to them, his stomach grumbled at the delicious pancakes in front of him. 

Upon a closer look, Mitsue could make out it was chocolate pancakes, his favorite. 

“Whoa, is that really eighteen pancakes, mom?” Miyuki gasped as she leaned over the table, her face inches away from the stack. 

“Miyuki! Mind your manners,” Momo lightly chided as she gently gathered Miyuki’s long black and white hair back to avoid the food on the table. “Technically, yes. I made nineteen, one for luck.” 

“Can I have one, nii-san?” Miyuki asked with hopeful eyes. “Mom gave Sora and I the rejects.” She held up a floppy looking pancake. 

“They weren’t as bad though,” Sora added as she held up her own oddly shaped pancake. 

“Now, now, I made sure I make every pancake with love,” Momo chided as she looked at Sora. 

She gave Mitsue a loving smile. “Happy birthday, Mitsue.” 

Mitsue smiled softly,  “Thank you, mom.” 

“Are you almost ready, Mitsue?” His mother called from the end of the hallway. “The guests are showing up!” 

“I’m almost ready!” Mitsue answered back as he frantically tried to look for his tie. His usually tidy room was a complete mess, a few pieces of wrapping paper and boxes on the floor followed by his suit pants and blazer scattered across his bed. 

“Come on, nii-san!” Miyuki said, she poked her head through the open door. “So many people are here already!” 

“I know, I know!” Mitsue replied as he hurriedly buttoned up the last of his shirt. He slipped his blazer on and walked up to the mirror. 

Exhaling, he brushed back his hair. Pursing his lips, he quickly decided on a hairstyle. He walked over to his dresser, opened the tin of pomade and rubbed it against his fingers. Brushing his hair back, his reflection stared back at him clearly. 

He examined his skin, saw the old scar above his eyebrow. Seemed just like yesterday he slipped on his father’s ice and accidently cut himself. How clumsy he was. 

Satisfied with the hairstyle he was able to achieve minus the few stubborn strands of hair that fell into his eyes, Mitsue spun around, still looking for his tie. “Where the hell is that thing?” 

“Looking for this?” His father unexpectedly said from the door with his tie in his hand. Mitsue jumped a bit, causing his father to chuckle as he walked further into the room. 

“Where did you get it? I swear I had it the whole time,” Mitsue muttered as he took the silk black tie from him. 

“Your mother mixed up our ties,” Shouto said, gesturing to his dark blue tie. “She sent me to change mine and I saw yours on our bed.”

“Oh,” Mitsue said, stroking the soft fabric with his thumb. 

An awkward silence fell upon them, more so for the younger Todoroki as he tried to come up with the courage to ask. Shouto, however, was patient and knew when his son wanted to say something. 

“Let’s–” Shouto started. 

“–Dad?” Mitsue interrupted him. “Can you please help me…tie my tie?” Mitsue’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. He didn’t know why he felt this way, there were countless times he’d ask his father to help him. 

Thankfully, Shouto didn’t acknowledge the obvious embarrassment. Instead, he wordlessly stepped forward, took the tie from Mitsue’s hands as he threw the fabric around his neck. 

Mitsue looked over his father’s shoulder, thinking the orange sunset through the window was much more interesting. His father crossed one strand over the other. 

“You know, your mother would always help me with my tie back in the day,” Shouto said. 

“I can believe that,” Mitsue commented with a small smile. The image of his parents around his age and his mother fussing over his father’s tie was amusing. He glanced at his father’s hands. “I ought to learn how to tie it myself.” He started, quickly catching his father’s eyes. “I can’t expect you to always be there to help me.” 

Shouto hummed, crossing the wider strand over the other again then fed it through. “Don’t worry. I’ll always be here to help you.” He said, slipping the end of the tie through the little loop and pulled it tight. “I’m your father, that’s what I’m here for.”

Mitsue stepped back a bit, fiddling with the tie as he looked at himself in the nearby mirror. “You don’t think I’m too old to ask you for help? Especially with my tie…”

“Of course not. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get the hang of it eventually,” Shouto said as he walked up beside Mitsue. Looking at their reflections, although Mitsue was still growing, Shouto was still taller than him. He wondered if he’d grow as tall as him. 

If father is 193 cm and I’m 177 cm now it means I still have time to grow, Mitsue briefly got lost in thought. 

His father adjusted his own tie and brushed back his hair. “When you start to learn how to do it yourself, you’ll learn to do it in a way you prefer.” He chuckled softly. “It’ll be a nice thing to see.” 

Mitsue raised an eyebrow. “What? Me trying to tie a tie?” 

His father’s expression softened. “Seeing you realize you don’t need me anymore.” 

Mitsue blinked, surprised. His father wasn’t one to say such things. Not to say he wasn’t vulnerable or emotional, no. In his life, Mitsue never heard his father show that kind of fear. He always made it known that he won’t leave their sides, he did so a few minutes earlier. 

Pursing his lips, Mitsue lifted his head to look at their reflection. His father was adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves, but Mitsue could see the hint of sadness in his heterochromic eyes. 

“I don’t think there’s ever a time when I won’t need your help,” Mitsue said as he stepped closer to him. He copied the unnecessary fiddling with his cuffs. “I’ll figure things out, get older, but I think I’ll always be asking you ten questions before really getting the hang of it.” Looking at his father’s reflection, he relaxed. 

Shouto had a small smile on his face. “Ten questions, huh?” 

Mitsue shrugged. “I have to make sure wherever I go, you can always follow.” Licking his lips nervously and averting his eyes for a brief moment, Mitsue playfully bummed his father’s shoulder with a shy grin. 

Shouto’s smile grew. “That’s right.” 

Hurried footsteps startled the two as it got closer to Mitsue’s room. Yukiko popped through the door, slightly catching his breath. Like the other two Todorokis, he was in a rather fancy looking suit that complimented his snow white hair. “Dad! Mother said you have to help Haru greet the guests!” 

“Why is Haru greeting them?” Mitsue asked. 

“Because Dad’s here,” Yukiko replied. “Mom said she has to run around to do a few things. I think Haru will collapse with all the social interaction.” 

“Oh my poor boy,” Shouto muttered under his breath. 

“Dad!” Yukiko repeated. 

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Shouto sighed, giving one last smile to his eldest. He made a move to mess up Yukiko’s hair, but the boy quickly dodged his hand, leaving his father chuckling down the hall. 

As he left the room Yukiko walked up to Mitsue. Judging on the goofy grin on his face, Mitsue knew he was about to say some shit. 

Before he did, Yukiko eyed Mitsue’s hair. He arched an eyebrow, “What’s with your hair?” 

“Nothing?” Mitsue said, furrowing his brow and quickly checking his reflection. “Does it look stupid?” 

“You don’t look crusty,” Yukiko said, playfully hitting his brother’s arm. “Are you going to ask Kana-san to dance with you?” 

“Can you shut up!” Mitsue’s cheeks turned red causing Yukiko to laugh out loud. He scurried out of the room and narrowly avoided a few–non-lethal–arrow shaped water. It splashed against the wall in defeat. 

“Yes, please send those out!” Momo said to the staff holding the tray of hors d’oeuvres. “Please be careful and make sure each guest has a taste of them!” 

She picked up the long skirt of her dress, accounting for each waiter that left the kitchen doors. Satisfied, she spun on her heel and headed towards the ballroom. 

Soft, melodic music came through the doors, echoing in the halls along with the clicks of her heels against the wooden floors. She smiled at a few of her colleagues, waving hellos as they entered the massive room. 

“Where is that man?” Momo muttered under her breath upon closer look at the doors. Her son, Haru was doing his absolute best with greeting every guest. He looked as handsome as ever, yet she could see he was looking for every way to get out of that situation. 

With perfect timing, she felt hands around her waist. Not even glancing behind her, she made a headcount of her children. “I told you not to stress,” her husband’s voice said in her ear as he gently kissed her cheek. 

“Don’t tell me to not stress when you’ve been taking your time upstairs,” Momo replied, though she was more relieved he was there. She smiled, letting go of her annoyance and turned around to kiss him properly. “You look very dashing, my love.” 

“You even more so,” Shouto hummed as he pressed another kiss on her lips. Momo felt the butterflies in her chest as his hands ran up her waist and slightly slipped to her bum. “I can’t wait to take this off of you later tonight.” 

She felt hot and bothered immediately but knew she had to stay strong for a little while longer. 

Momo rolled her eyes, slapping his hands away. “Go save your son.” She gestured towards Haru, desperately inching away from a group of their relatives. 

“I’m going,” Shouto said, slipping away from her and intercepting. 

Haru quickly left the moment Shouto steered the group of elderly people into the ballroom with ease. Momo laughed to herself, surprised with how much Shouto had improved. 

“Please don’t let me do that again,” Haru sighed beside her. “Mom, why do they always ask me if I have a girlfriend?” 

Momo laughed as she straightened his tie, “That’s what they do. They’re just teasing,” She kissed the top of his head. 

“Go mingle, have fun. I still have to look for your big brother.” 

Before Momo could leave the ballroom, she saw a few familiar faces. 

“Ah! Hello, Momo babe!” Camie Bakugou said in a singsong voice as she closed the distance between them. Behind her, Katsuki, Kana, and Takeo. 

“Hello, Camie!” Momo smiled, hugging her friend tightly. “Oh don’t you all look so lovely!”

“Happy birthday, babe!” Camie smiled. “You look gorgeous as ever.” 

“So do you! I love that color on you,” Momo said as she exchanged a few greeting hugs with Kana and Takeo who left the adults quickly. The Bakugou siblings found their way towards the Todoroki siblings. “I love how you and Katsuki are matching.” 

“She wouldn’t have let me leave the house if we didn’t,” Katsuki grumbled. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and handed her two small boxes. “Happy birthday, Momo.”

“The other one is for Mitsue,” Camie winked as Katsuki wrapped his arm around her waist. “Where is the birthday boy?” 

“That’s who I’m looking for. He should’ve been here by now!” Momo huffed as she glanced around. “Help yourselves to the drinks, I believe Kyouka and Denki are inside.”

“Did Izuku and Pink Cheeks show up yet?” Katsuki grumbled. 

“Oh, I see them. Let’s get inside, you big grump,” Camie giggled, rubbing Katsuki’s chest. She already helped herself to a glass of champagne and led the explosion pro hero into the venue. 

Momo smiled, picking up her skirt and briskly walked towards the main staircase in search of Mitsue. 

“Miyuki, you better slow down on the food. We’re still going to have dinner, you know,” Sora said as she bit into a rather scrumptious stuffed mushroom. 

“I’ll be fine!” Miyuki said with a stuffed mouth. A glare at her sister made the youngest Todoroki roll her eyes. She swallowed properly then said, “The food is so delicious! How are you not eating more?” 

“I’m making room for dinner,” Sora said. She spluttered when Miyuki suddenly stuffed the mushroom into her mouth. “Miyuki!” She gasped after chewing then swallowing frantically.  “You could have stained my dress!” She frowned. 

“It’s good, right?” Miyuki laughed, causing her black and white hair that was gathered into a high ponytail to sway.

“These non-alcoholic beverages are quite tasty, too,” Haru said from beside her, unbothered by Sora’s soft grumbling. 

Sora raised her eyebrows at the twins. “Are you two trying to act grown?”

“What? No!” Haru blushed, lowering his glass. “Shut up, Sora.” 

Yukiko didn’t acknowledge her comment. He sipped on a ginger-ale, hand in his pocket and eyes looking at the crowd. “Oh, look. It’s Kana and Takeo.” 

“Hey, guys,” Kana greeted. 

“Yo,” Takeo said, his eyes lingering on Sora for a brief second. His gaze caught a pointed look from Miyuki, however, who smirked and wiggled her eyebrows. He glared at the younger Todoroki who simply went back to filling her plate with food. 

“So where is your brother?” She asked, trying to sound as casual as she could, but the Todoroki siblings weren’t convinced. 

“He’s probably still getting ready,” Miyuki said. “Why?” 

“I need to tell him I didn’t get him a gift to his face,” Kana smirked, flicking her curled, caramel-blonde hair over her shoulder. Takeo rolled his eyes in response. 

“I bet she got him a different kind of gift,” Yukiko whispered into Sora’s ear. 

“That’s why it’s not wrapped or in her hands,” Haru added. 

Sora grimaced, “Disgusting.” 

“What did you guys say?” Kana asked, arching an eyebrow at them. 

Yukiko grinned, stuffed his hand in his pocket and tilted his glass towards her. As if he was practicing that motion the whole morning. “Nothing, we said you look lovely.” 

Kana rolled her eyes, “Liars!” 

Mitsue had got to the end of the staircase, thankful the guests weren’t permitted to enter his family’s private quarters. He was later than expected, searching his room for his cologne. He frowned to himself, knowing his mother would give him an earful the moment she found him–

“There you are, sweetheart!” His mother’s voice said from the bottom of the staircase. 

“Sorry, mom,” Mitsue said as he reached the bottom. “I was looking for my cologne. Yukiko ended up taking it.” 

“That’s okay,” Momo said, a small smile as she looked at his hair. She placed her hands on either side of his shoulders. Mitsue stood still, not knowing what to say when he saw his mother’s face start to soften. She retracted her hands and placed them over her heart. 

Getting a better look at him now made her realize how much her baby boy had grown. He looked so handsome in his suit, reminding her of his father, but also still had that special glint in his eyes. The same he had since he was a child. 

Yet now, he was no longer a child…

“Mother?” Mitsue asked. “Are you okay?”

Momo nodded, “Everything is perfect. You just look so handsome. I can’t believe how much you’ve grown.” She willed herself to not cry, she couldn’t mess up her makeup yet. “Now, off you go. You have to be there to greet your guests.” 

“Mother,” Mitsue sighed. “I love you and everything you and father has done for me.” He walked up to her. 

When did he get so tall? Momo wondered to herself. 

“The party is already wonderful. But I don’t want you to forget it's also your birthday.” Mitsue continued. “I’d hate for it to be just about me.” 

Momo's heart swelled with love, and the fact that her son was so selfless made her proud. He’d grown into a respectable young man… but he wasn’t her little Mizu anymore. 

“Please enjoy yourself too, mother,” Mitsue said. He wasn’t asking, however. 

Feeling a wave of tears threatening to spill, she took a deep breath. She squeezed his shoulders and grinned, “I will as long as you do.” 

The night went on as perfectly as his mother had expected. Various guests ranging from family members, close friends of his parents, and even their work colleagues all enjoyed the delicious food, drinks, and company the Todoroki mansion provided. 

After an amazing dinner and unexpected toast from his Uncle Denki to Mitsue and his mother, the dancing and fun really began.

The dance floor was already full of the younger kids, and more than a few adults who had too much to drink. 

Mitsue sat with his two best friends, Kana and Toshinori. Also at the table were his siblings and their childhood friends; the Kaminari girls, two Midoriyas, and the Kirishimas. 

“Pfft,” Kana giggled behind her hand. “Your mom is trying to embarrass your dad so hard, Toshi,” she said to Toshinori. 

“I think she liked the cocktails a bit too much,” Mitsue laughed. 

Toshinori grimaced, shaking his head at how his mother dragged his dad onto the floor. She began to sway her hips, throwing her head back when his father, who, not so rhythmically, tried to follow her movements. “At least they look happy.” 

“I don’t know about that…” Kana said, nodding in the direction of Toshi’s little sister, Rini. The younger kids sat across from them.

The green-haired girl’s grimace was deeper than his own. It didn’t help that Miyuki and Utano were giggling beside her. “Poor Rini, looks like she won’t sleep tonight.” 

“Oh shut up, you two!” Toshi sighed, causing the other two to laugh. Luckily for the Midoriya kids, their parents were persuaded off the dance floor with drinks from Uncle Denki. 

Aunt Kyouka took up the stage and began to sing. Her voice was familiar to Mitsue, beautiful and melodic. 

Toshinori took a sip of his fizzy drink. He had taken off his blazer, easing back into the chair. “Oh, look at Auntie Mina,” He gestured towards their eccentric pink-haired aunt as she pulled her husband, Red Riot, or better known to them as Uncle Eijirou onto the dance floor. 

It wasn’t rare for them to be stuck in the fancy gala parties due to their parents’ line of work. However, this time around it was much more comfortable and enjoyable. 

The music slowed down as the band started a beautiful instrumental piece, and all the couples started to relax. The three teenagers watched as spouses pulled their partners to the dancefloor. Much to their surprise, they watched Takeo lead Sora into the crowd, and how he gently held her hand as they began to sway with the music. 

“Um…?” Mitsue started as he glanced at Kana, who shrugged her shoulders. 

“Don’t look at me! I didn’t know my brother had the guts,” Kana said. Mitsue rolled his eyes, but he made sure to check if Takeo’s hands were appropriately placed. 

Beside them, Toshi turned quiet. It wasn’t until he let out a deep sigh when the two looked at him. Mitsue frowned, knowing how his friend felt about his sister. Perhaps it was the protective older brotherly instincts in him that silently cheered Takeo on. 

“I’m going to get dessert.” Toshi muttered as he quickly stood up and walked away.

They fell quiet, watching the couples dance while the music filled their ears. 

Beside him, Kana sighed. She slouched slightly in her chair, her caramel-blonde hair was prettily tied into a high ponytail with tendrils framing her face. The makeup she put on was noticeable, but looked very natural. 

Her plump lips were painted in a pretty dusty rose, her eyeliner, bold yet elegant. And the natural blush on her cheeks didn’t look entirely like makeup. The bronze colored…eyeshadow–Mitsue thinks that’s what it was called– brought out her beautiful scarlet eyes.

She wore a stunning, cream colored halter dress. The skirt covered with a sparkly tulle fell all the way down to her feet. As expected from the daughter of Camie Bakugou, Kana also loved her heels. Although her sparkly, strappy heels weren’t as tall as her mother’s, they matched perfectly. 

Mitsue just realized how pretty Kana looked tonight. Well, prettier than usual. Wait, usual?

“Look at those idiots…” Kana said with a small smile. She watched Sora and Takeo dance, the two smiling wildly as Takeo awkwardly tried to follow Sora’s lead. Despite everything, Mitsue also found the sight quite adorable. The skirt of Sora’s black dress spun rather impressively as Takeo twirled her around. “They seem to be having fun though…” She trailed off, unaware she said that out loud. 

Acting on a whim, Mitsue stood up abruptly, earning an arched eyebrow from Kana as he offered her his hand. She looked at him quizzically. “What are you doing?” 

“Would you like to dance with me?” He asked, trying to keep the nerves out of his voice. 

“D-dance? What are you talking about? Why would I want to–” she spluttered, her cheeks fiercely red and eyes wide.

“Just say yes before you explode during my birthday party,” Mitsue joked, charming her with a handsome smile. 

Pursing her lips, Kana looked at his hand, then back at him. Rolling her eyes, she gently took his hand. “Fine…since it’s your birthday…”

As he led Kana to the dancefloor, Mitsue felt that the word “nervous” undersold the way he was feeling. Despite all the years of knowing her, being this close and holding her hand was an entirely new experience for him. He resisted the urge to look into her eyes, and felt a few gazes on them as they found an empty corner of the floor. 

Swallowing away the lump in his throat, he finally took the courage to look at her. Her scarlet eyes, somehow more beautiful under the dim lights and that rosy blush on her cheeks, didn’t make it easier. But he managed to ask, “May I?” 

Kana blinked, clearing her throat as she replied in an uncharacteristically squeaky voice, “Y-yeah.”

She lifted her arms as Mitsue respectively placed one hand on her waist. She rested her hand on his shoulder while the other clasped his own. 

Mitsue let out a nervous laugh, causing Kana to glare at him. 

“What’s so funny?” She hissed, her body rigid and blinking more than usual. 

“I’ve never seen you this nervous before,” Mitsue admitted. 

“You’re one to talk!” She said, though there was a smile on her lips. 

Mitsue shrugged in response. He started moving before she could retort, recalling a time when his mother made him take ballroom dancing classes. Even though it was just one class, it did take up a summer of his. 

Not too far away from the children, the older Pro Heroes were taking their time to catch up. With Shouto’s arm around her, Momo felt the stress of the party starting to disappear. He sipped on his drink while talking to Katsuki and Camie, and every so often he’d rub her back gently. 

“Are you planning anything for Kana’s birthday?” Ochako asked as she leaned into Izuku’s embrace.

“Of course we are! Kana already has everything planned: the venue, color scheme, everything!” Camie smiled as she patted her husband’s chest. “She got her daddy wrapped around her finger, he’s going to pay for everything.” Katsuki scoffed into his drink as he took a sip. Camie rolled her eyes with a smile. 

“I couldn’t resist if I wanted to,” Katsuki huffed. 

“Ah, I get that, Kacchan,” Denki grinned while leaning back in his chair and resting his head against Kyouka’s belly, earning a few affectionate strokes through his hair from his wife. “Being a girl dad is so expensive.” 

“That’s because you don’t know how to say no either!” Kyouka sighed. 

“How could I?” Denki chuckled. “Before we know it, Ayane will turn eighteen, and I know she’ll be asking for a car.” 

“I can’t imagine my Rini at that age yet,” Izuku sighed with a small frown, causing Ochako to giggle.

She soothed her husband by gently massaging the back of his neck. “She’s still at that age where she likes to go to the mall with me.” 

“Believe me, I didn’t expect my boy to grow up so fast. But look at us now, before I know it it’ll be the twins turn then…” Shouto started to say but trailed off. Choosing to take the last big sip of his drink. 

Izuku laughed and gestured towards Shouto’s drink. “Need another?” 

“Please,” Shouto said as he handed Izuku his glass. 

“Anyone else want refills?” Ochako asked, ready to follow Izuku towards the bar.  

“Ooo, another glass of champagne please, hun,” Camie smiled.

“We’ll come with you,” Kyouka insisted, pulling Denki up with her, leaving the two couples alone. 

As Momo zoned out of the conversation as the corner of her eyes caught Mitsue moving to the dance floor. Her head tilted in curiosity when she realized he led Kana in hand behind him. 

Oh, she thought. 

“Look,” Momo simply said with a soft smile of adoration on her face. She gestured towards Mitsue and Kana as they awkwardly started to dance. 

Camie laughed, sighing with a hand on her chest. “Aw, Momo. Look at them! They look adorable, don’t they?” 

“They look lovely,” Momo admitted as she leaned her head against Shouto’s chest. 

As they swayed throughout the dance floor, Kana’s body seemed to relax in his arms. Their hands warmed up to each other, no longer the clammy grip but instead a comfortable one. 

“You know, I expected you to step on my toes by now,” Kana joked, her hand on his shoulder fanned out and at ease. 

Mitsue rolled his eyes, “Did you forget I took dance lessons when I was younger?”

She laughed, throwing her head back. “I didn’t forget! I was your partner, remember?” She smiled as she twirled out, extending his arm then pulled her back in. 

Camie smiled. “Remember when they were just babies practicing how to dance?” She tapped Katsuki’s chest, but didn’t get a reply. 

“That just gives him an excuse to touch our daughter,” Katsuki hissed. 

Camie lightly slapped her husband’s arm. “Oh shut up, Katsuki! Mitsue is a gentleman! Sorry, Momo,” Camie sent an apologetic look to the both of them. “Sorry, Shouto. You know how this grumpy old man can get.” 

“It’s okay, he’s been a grumpy old man for as long as I remember.” Shouto replied, causing Camie to laugh. 

Still, Katsuki’s eyes were like a hawk. Momo could almost see his scarlet eyes zoning into Mitsue’s hand placement on his daughter’s waist. 

Momo found it amusing. 

So did Shouto. Chuckling, his hand on her back slipped lower to her waist, squeezing her slightly.  Momo hummed, “They look at one another like we did when we were their age.” 

Shouto nodded, “They do.”

“And that’s the best thing,” Camie added with a wink. 

Katsuki seemed to soften, his body relaxed and his arm around Camie’s shoulders slipped to her waist, similarly to how Shouto held Momo. 

Tilting her head to the side, Momo watched as Katsuki sighed. His scarlet eyes finding theirs, briefly holding their gazes with nothing but understanding. “Your kid better not mess with my daughter’s feelings or I swear.” 

Although it wasn’t a threat, it didn’t come off as a warning. 

“Don’t worry,” Shouto replied. “We taught him better than that.” He looked over at his son, watching how gently he spun Kana in his arms.  “He’s grown so much since then.” 

Momo looked at their son again, for some reason the emotions she tried so hard to hold back started to resurface. She was only keeping it together to not embarrass Mitsue. 

Yet now, as she watched Mitsue look into Kana’s eyes with the same love she experienced at their age, she knew he wasn’t a baby anymore. 

“I think we did a good job with him, don’t you?” Shouto said beside her, his lips against her ear. 

Blinking back tears, Momo nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Thankfully, Shouto was too distracted to see her quickly wipe a few stray tears in the corner of her eyes. 

In the corner of her eyes she could see Izuku and the others coming back with their drinks. Thinking quickly, Momo cleared her throat. “I’ll be right back, okay?” She said to Shouto as Kyouka handed him his drink. 

“Hurry back,” Shouto replied, missing the look on her face as she spun on her heels and headed towards the garden gates. 

“How could I forget?” Mitsue smiled back at Kana, doing the same motion but this time on the other side. Her dress spun beautifully with the movement, her hair perfectly framing her face as she spun back into his arms, her back against his chest and those shy scarlet eyes looking into his. 

They were completely unaware of their parents watching them. 

“You didn’t?” She asked in a soft voice which took Mitsue by surprise. Before Mitsue could reply, she resumed the starting stance, and they continued to move across the dance floor, their movements perfectly in sync. 

Mitsue could see her attitude changed, not for the worst, but in an adorable way. She still relaxed in his arms, the redness in her cheeks and how she couldn’t hold his gaze. Smiling to himself, he tapped the back of the hand he was holding with his finger. 

Raising an eyebrow, she finally looked at him. He lightly squeezed her hand. “Do you remember what happens next?” Mitsue asked. 

A small smile appeared on her lips again. “Is this the part where you drop me?” 

Mitsue let out a laugh, causing her to giggle as well. “I won’t drop you this time, I promise.” 

“Are you sure?” She smirked. 

“Do you doubt me?” He arched an eyebrow. She leaned in.

“Prove me wrong,” Kana whispered. 

As gently as possible, Mitsue kept his grip around her waist firm, extending slowly as he dipped her back slightly. Mitsue almost had to remind himself to keep his footing because as she dipped, he thought she couldn’t have looked more beautiful than she did in that moment. 

Kana leaned back up, her eyes gently closed. She extended her neck a bit, a few tendrils of her caramel-honey hair grazing her collarbones. The way the light hit her skin illuminated it tenderly. 

When it was time to lift her up, Mitsue couldn’t take his eyes off of her face. Kana kept his gaze this time, a rare look of shyness on her face as they stood still in each other’s arms. 

Before they could speak, the music changed from slow dances to an upbeat tune. Reflecting each other’s smiles as they dance floor became littered with more people, Mitsue pulled her close with the arm already around her waist. 

“Want to get some air?” He whispered against her ear. 

“Yes, please!” She giggled, taking his hand as they weaved through the crowd. 

“I haven’t been here in forever,” Kana said as they ventured into the garden. She spun around under the moonlight, fingertips grazing a few flowers.

Mitsue smiled softly, following her as she found a bench further down the path. Kana sighed, plopping onto the stone and stretched out her legs. 

“I forgot how beautiful it is,” Kana said, showing a small vulnerable side even Mitsue wasn't familiar with. 

“I used to come here all the time when I was small,” Mitsue said, undoing his tie a bit. In similar fashion, he also stretched his long legs. “It’s especially beautiful at night.” 

Kana nodded, leaning back and stared up into the starry sky. “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?” 

Mitsue’s heart skipped a beat, slowly turning towards her. “Yes,” he replied as his gaze traveled to the sight above them. His breath hitched in his throat as the pretty stars twinkled back at him. The moon was bright, illuminating her in its pale light. “It is.”

Suddenly, he felt her warm hand on his.  A bit too shy to address it, he decided to not say anything. Instead, he intertwined his fingers with hers as she scooted close to his side, using him for warmth as a slight gust of breeze hit them. 

“I just remembered. I want to tell you something,” She said, eyes still on the moon above them. 

“What is it?” 

“I didn’t get you a birthday present,” Kana grinned playfully, finally looking into his eyes. 

“I figured,” Mitsue laughed. “I didn’t see a wrapped gift so I assumed.” 

“But you know…” Kana trailed off, her hand squeezing his for a second. “…not all gifts are wrapped.” 

“I suppose…” Mitsue replied, not sure why his heartbeat started to pick up. “Kana?” 

“Do you think so little of me?” She joked. 

“Of course not,” He replied quickly. 

“Then let me give you your gift,” Kana leaned closer, her face a few inches away. Her lips, slightly parted and eyes peering nervously into his. She bit her lip. “Close your eyes, Mizu.”

The corners of Mitsue’s lips twitched into a small half smile. “What did I say about you calling me that?” He leaned back a bit, causing Kana to move forward slightly. 

She glared at him, cheeks blazing and lips in a pout. However, she straightened up. She pulled his hand onto her thigh, making Mitsue blush wildly. “I don’t want to ask you again.” Her fingers laced with his on her lap.

“Then ask me nicely,” Mitsue interjected with a confident grin that didn’t match the nerves raging in his body. 

She rolled her eyes. “Please close your eyes, Mitsue.”

Doing as she said, he closed them. He felt the breeze of the cold wind hit his cheeks. 

But not for long. 

Kana’s soft lips kissed his, gentle, awkward and completely timid. Mitsue’s heart thudded in his chest as he kissed her back. Fumbling a bit, pressing his lips against hers until they found that innocent rhythm. 

With a sigh, their lips started to finally respond to each other. Although his quirk was based on water, for a moment he thought he was on fire. Her lips were so soft and intoxicating the longer they kissed. 

When their brains demanded air they finally broke apart. Their eyes opening slowly in unison, cheeks as red and lips swollen they turned away immediately, embarrassed. 

Kana pulled her hand back, immediately twirling one of the curled hair tendrils framing her cheeks. “T-there. Happy birthday, Mitsue.” She made a move to get up, but Mitsue caught her hand. 

“I think…that was my favorite birthday present I’ve ever got,” Mitsue mumbled rather adorably. 

Kana raised an eyebrow, embarrassment flushing away with warmth that seemed to calm Mitsue down. She walked closer, squeezing his hand once again. “Are you sure? You sound quite confident, Mizu.” 

“Well, there’s one thing I can say…” He stood up and surprised her as he cupped her cheek. “…you’re the sweetest thing I’ve had.” Kana was speechless - even Mitsue didn’t know where he pulled that out from. Yet he rode his high, kissing her cheek earning an adorable squeak from her. “T-thank you…for allowing me to kiss you.” 

Kana rolled her eyes, playfully hitting his arm. “You don’t need to thank me, dummy.” She pulled him towards the ballroom entrance again, but he didn’t budge. “Are you coming in?” 

Mitsue lamented for a moment, then shook his head. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.” She frowned but he quickly squeezed her hand in reassurance. “I have to make sure I look as normal as possible before your dad sees and decides to kill me.” 

Kana laughed, though she didn’t deny it. “Well don’t take too long or else your mom will think you were kidnapped.” 

He rolled his eyes. She sweetened her words with a bold kiss to his cheek before leaving him with the cool, comforting breeze. 

Slipping his hand into his pocket, he turned back to the garden. He didn’t know why the sudden urge to take a nightly stroll took him. But between the moon and the comfortable silence, he thought it was as perfect a time as any. 

Momo found herself walking aimlessly through the garden, her fingertips reaching out and brushing against the rows of flower buds. She realized she hadn’t had a walk in the garden for so long. 

She sighed as she felt the crisp wind against her backless dress. Momo picked up her long skirt and crossed the wooden bridge. As the soft sound of running water ran under her feet, she was suddenly transported to a distant memory. 

With a smile on her lips, she watched the memory manifest itself as if it were in front of her eyes. Her Mitsue, all of five years old, ran ahead of her onto the bridge. 

His deep blue eyes, sparkling with excitement as he’d point at the koi fish in the pond. She’d call out to him, most likely warning him to be careful as he ran up ahead. 

The image of Mitsue as a child disappeared, slowly at first as he got a few feet away from the bench at the end of the path. It left Momo alone at that very same bench, now only surrounded by the shrouded foliage. 

She took a seat, stretched out her legs, and fondly watched as another memory resurfaced. This time, Mitsue was older–he had to be around ten. He sat beside her, tears streaming down his face with an adorable, determined pout. 

Momo recalled herself wiping away the tears and snot as her towel dried his hair. The memory was still crystal clear in her mind, she could still see the frustration in Mitsue’s eyes as he mumbled an explanation for his actions. 

The sound of footsteps nearby brought her back to reality. She tensed, quickly assuming Shouto had come out to find her after her abrupt departure. Not many people knew this particular spot in the garden, and a very few would venture that far. 

She wasn’t in the mood for the party at the moment. 

“Shouto, I’ll come back in a few minutes. Just needed some air,” She said, fiddling with the fabric of her dress. 

“Don’t worry, I’m not dad,” A voice that certainly didn’t belong to her husband said, causing Momo to look up in its direction. She relaxed immediately, smiling widely as her now eighteen-year-old Mitsue walked towards her. 

“Oh, hello honey,” Momo said, “What are you doing here, love?” He sat down with a big sigh, slouching a bit as he stretched out his legs similar to her. 

“Needed some air,” Mitsue replied. 

“Seems like we both knew the perfect place for that,” Momo smiled. 

They fell into a silence, enjoying the subtle breeze and the ambient sounds coming from the party inside. Although the moonlight illuminated the garden, the dim lights from the ballroom offered some sort of light as well. 

“Do you remember when you were young and how you'd always drag me out here to watch the fishes?” Momo suddenly said as she looked off into the distance. 

Mitsue nodded, “Yeah. I remember dad scolded me once when I brought Yukiko and Haru out here without telling him.” 

Momo laughed, “He was so worried. He couldn’t find you three for so long.” She shook her head. 

“Weren’t you home when that happened?” Mitsue had a grin. 

“I was, but I believe I was asleep. That was around the same time Sora was born,” Momo recalled. 

“That’s right,” Mitsue laughed. “I brought the two out here without thinking of how cold it was. I told them the fishes must’ve had sweaters of their own to keep themselves warm.” 

They laughed. 

The memory she recalled earlier came back to her. “I think the last time we’ve really sat out here was when you had that incident in the training room.” 

“Which?”

Momo softly laughed. “Do you remember when you tried to use your quirk in our training room…but ended up almost flooding it entirely?” 

Mitsue’s lips formed an O in revelation. He sheepishly smiled, “Hey, I tried to do that thing dad does with his quirk.” 

“It looked like you were trying to create his ice wall,” Momo arched an eyebrow. 

“I thought if I focused hard enough, I’d turn my quirk into ice, like his,” Mitsue admitted with a chuckle. “I was so upset I didn’t get either of dad’s quirks…I didn’t even get your creation quirk.”

Momo hummed, leaning back into the bench. “You got something greater though.” She glanced at her son, he gave her a look as if he knew what she was going to say. “You really were our greatest creation.” She held back a laugh at the eye roll he gave her. 

“Mother, whenever you say that, I feel like I’m an experiment,” Mitsue said, holding back a smile.

“Mitsue, you know we never look at you like that,” Momo huffed with a grin. “But it’s true, you took the greatest parts of your father and I.” She reached out to brush back a few strands of hair that broke free from the gel he applied. “Each of your siblings has a little something from the both of us…yet you take our traits and make it your own in ways that make us prouder than ever.”

Mitsue arched an eyebrow. “Really?” Momo nodded. “What would you say I did?”

Momo hummed, “Well, you certainly took your father’s determination and my patience.” 

“You knew that right away.”

“Of course I do, you’re my children,” Momo replied matter-of-factly. She cleared her throat. “You were very upset with your water quirk, remember?” 

Mitsue nodded, “I was.” 

“And what did you do to turn it around?” 

“…I did things only I could do, made my quirk special to me,” Mitsue answered after a while. His response made Momo smile. 

“Exactly. You did that without any help from your father and I,” she pointed out. “From then on, we watched you grow. Oh how wonderful it was to see you start to grow into the man we knew you’d become.” 

This time Mitsue’s smile faded and the similar heat in his cheeks he felt with that bonding moment with his father returned. Momo only smiled as her son decided that his hands were much more interesting than meeting her gaze. 

“What are you really doing here?” Momo then said, breaking the awkwardness from her son’s end. “The party is still going. Some people might be looking for you.” 

Mitsue blushed and cleared his throat. “I told them I‘d be back. What about you? People will be looking for you.”

Momo rolled her eyes, “Most of them are more concerned about the alcohol than me.” She peered at her son, still seeing the blush on his cheeks. “Don’t tell me you’re here because something happened?” She peered at him with a knowing smile only a mother could have. “Could it be something related to Kana?” 

Mitsue’s eyes widened and the blush on his cheeks got deeper. “Nothing happened, mom! Can we please talk about something else?”

Momo laughed, saving her son from her own assumptions and rubbed his back in reassurance. She looked into the beautiful night sky then back at him. 

“Mom,” he suddenly said, eyes still on his hands. “Thank you for saying that earlier.” He fiddled with the ring on his fingers. “Everyone kept telling me how much I’ve grown. Part of me doesn’t feel different, but another part realizes how much of my life relies on my shoulders. But I don’t feel scared.” He sighed, turning to look at her with a crooked smile. “I can only thank you and dad for that.” 

Her baby…no longer the same child he once was. Mitsue had grown into a handsome young man. His Pro Hero work even as a rookie straight out of U.A. was something her and Shouto was proud of. 

Everybody was looking at him and his future. 

Yet…Momo still clung onto the past. Of how his adorable deep blue eyes would twinkle when he’d run up to her to hold her hand. The way he’d smile as he’d tell her about his day at school. Or the way he’d snuggled up beside her after eating his favorite lunch. 

Tears started to fall down her cheeks, she didn’t realize she was crying until Mitsue’s widened gaze shocked her. “Mom! What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” He exclaimed, hands reaching out to her but not quite touching her, unsure on what to do.

Momo shook her head and waved dismissively. She smiled, instinctively creating a handkerchief out of her hand to wipe away at her tears. “I’m so sorry, honey. I didn’t mean to cry.” 

“What’s wrong, mom?” Mitsue frowned. “Are you hurt?” 

“Quite the opposite actually,” Momo sniffled, wiping away the last few drops of tears. She looked into Mitsue’s eyes and smiled sadly.  “I am so proud of the person you’ve become, yet I am going to miss you.”

Mitsue’s dark eyebrows furrowed together. “Miss me? I’m not going anywhere?” 

“No, not like that. I meant…I’m going to miss it when it was just you and I. When you were my little Mizu, following me around and being so adorable–” Momo sniffled, only letting out a few more tears. “I am sorry, honey. I think the realization of you growing up is finally hitting me.” 

“Erm,” Mitsue started, looking around hoping to find his father or something to help comfort his mother. Luckily for him, the tears were kept at bay. “Hey, mom?” 

“Yes, sweetheart?” Momo said, looking at him as she lowered the handkerchief. 

“I’m not going anywhere,” Mitsue said again, this time a small reassuring smile on his face as he gently held his mother’s hand. “I know I said I don’t feel scared, but that’s only because I know you’ll still be there for me.”

Momo blinked and sniffled. 

“I know no matter how many times I fall, I can come back to this bench and see you here, waiting for me.” Mitsue said. His smile made Momo’s heart relax, her tears still streaming but this time with acceptance. “You’ll be here, waiting for me with all the scoldings and lessons I need to hear. Won’t you?” 

Momo laughed, playfully slapping his arm before hugging him tightly. She closed her eyes, hugging her big baby, and for a moment, she felt as if he was a child again. Hugging her tightly with those little arms.

“Yes, of course, my love,” Momo sniffled as she pulled back. She kissed his cheek. “Remember this, I spent nine months creating you and you still are my greatest creation–” Mitsue was about to protest until Momo held up a finger to stop him as she continued, “–but most importantly, you are my best birthday gift the universe could ever give me.”

Mitsue laughed, “You’re welcome.” Momo rolled her eyes, bringing him in for another hug. “I love you, mom.” 

“I love you, too.” 

“Hey! I found them!” Miyuki’s voice startled them. The youngest Todoroki broke through the bushes and almost fell onto the ground. Luckily, Momo was quick, creating a pillow to catch her daughter’s fall. “Ooof!” She landed face first into the cushion. 

“Miyuki! You have to be more careful!” Momo said as she and Mitsue quickly rushed over to her to help her. 

Miyuki shook her head, still laying on the pillow. “We were looking everywhere for you two!” 

“Here they are!” Yukiko suddenly appeared from behind Miyuki. He didn’t acknowledge Miyuki lying comfortably on the out-of-place pillow. 

“Dad, we’re at the bench. Yeah, that spot,” Haru said from behind Yukiko through his phone. “What are you guys doing out here?” 

“We were looking for you both everywhere!” Yukiko added. 

“Why? Is something wrong?” Momo asked. 

“Nothing is wrong, honey,” Shouto’s voice said as he joined the group with Sora behind him. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize we were gone for so long,” Momo said. 

“How’d you find us?” Mitsue asked. 

“Dad said we should look here and lo and behold,” Yukiko said. 

“Let’s go, mom. Let’s go Mitsue! We were looking for you two for the last ten minutes,” Sora mentioned as she dragged Mitsue with her. 

“You don’t need to drag me,” Mitsue mumbled, but allowed his sister to drag him along. 

“Did you forget already?” Shouto chuckled as he stood beside Momo. “The party is wrapping up and we planned to take a family photo.”

“Oh, that’s right!” Momo gasped as she gathered her long train. “All of you, hurry! We have to make sure we take photos with everyone!” 

With Miyuki’s help, the two girls dragged Mitsue ahead of them. Trailing beside them, the twins were on either side of the birthday boy. Judging by the smirk on Yukiko’s face, Momo knew her boy was asking Mitsue about Kana. 

“I bet that’s why you’re out here!” Yukiko’s voice said. 

“Don’t tell me you kissed Kana, oniisan!” Miyuki giggled. 

“Of course that’s what happened, why do you think he came out here?” Sora added. 

“It’s painfully obvious, nii-san,” Haru chuckled. “I mean, look at your face! It has guilt written all over it–”

“Can we please stop talking!” Mitsue tried only followed by laughter. Hearing her children laugh and have a good time only elevated Momo’s happiness. 

Before she could take another step, however, Shouto’s arm wrapped around her waist. She yelped in surprise, a blush on her cheeks as he brought her close. Her hands rested on his chest while his hand dangerously toyed with crossing her waist and her bottom. 

“Shouto,” Momo protested with a few giggles as he kissed her neck. “We don’t want to make the photographer wait longer than he already has!” 

Shouto chuckled, taking a moment to carefully look at her face. “Are you okay? You look like you’ve been crying,” he said. He gently cupped her face, wiping away a few lone tears. His face turned serious. “Momo?” 

“I’m okay, I’m okay,” Momo reassured him with a passionate kiss. Before Shouto could deepen the kiss with the impatience he’d been keeping at bay all night, Momo was quicker. She slipped out of his arms and crossed the bridge, leaving him at the other end. 

With a playful smirk on her lips she looked over her shoulder at him. “Hurry up now,” she said in a playful voice. “The longer we take, the longer you have to wait to get me out of this dress.” 

Shouto smirked and crossed the bridge, taking her hand and pulling her close. “You’re trying to distract me, aren’t you?”

Momo bit her lip as she led him through the garden. They headed towards the lights and squeezed his hand. She didn’t reply, only sending him a wink. 

“Okay!” Momo said, clapping her hands as they entered the ballroom. Everyone gathered and gave her attention. With her closest friends, family, and children there she felt the happiness course through her once more. 

“Let’s have the birthday girl and boy take a photo first!” Mina suggested from the side of the room. She caused their group of friends to laugh. 

“Oh, yes! That’ll be super cute!” Camie added from beside her. 

“Perfect!” The photographer said, gesturing for Momo and Mitsue to the middle. 

Momo quickly did a look over for Mitsue, brushing off some leaves from his suit, fixing his tie and hair. With the final touches, Momo nodded, satisfied. 

Mitsue then surprised her with a soft, “Happy birthday, mom.” 

Smiling once more, Momo cupped his cheek. “Happy birthday, Mitsue.”