The steel door hissed shut behind me, the sterile white of the VA (Vigilante Academy) hallways a stark contrast to the grime and neon I'd just left behind on my patrol. Reporting to Shira, Aizawa-sensei's older sister, was never fun, even if she was less… intense than her brother. She always had that scrutinizing look, like she could see right through my Superman façade to the anxieties churning beneath.
After my report, I turned toward the exit, needing to get home and hopefully catch Momo before she went to bed, but my phone buzzed. It was Dabi. My gut clenched. Dabi was a walking, talking, scarred disaster, but he was also a friend, in his own twisted way.
I opened the message, and my breath hitched.
Dabi: Hey I found out....the kid is mine...apparently its mine, Shigaraki and Hawks kid..
My mind blanked for a second. Dabi? A kid? Shigaraki and Hawks? What the actual hell was going on?
Me: How what the hell? when?
Dabi: We had a one night stand ok, you already know how
Me: ...
Me: Ok now what...
Dabi: No idea....I haven't been able to reach hawks at all....
Me: I will look into it...How are you and father hood?...
Dabi: Pretty good the kid got fire in him, very nice.
Me: Aww. well good I will check in time to time ok?
Dabi: Yea oh and sorry about you and Momo
Me: Huh? what are you talking about?
Dabi: Didn't you and Momo break up?
Me: No...why would you think that...
Dabi: Shoto said she told everyone you guys were on a break...
Me: No...she didn't tell me anything...
Dabi: Well shit...I wish you luck.
Me: Yea thanks same to you
My head was swimming. Dabi was a father? That was…a lot to process. But Momo…Shoto said she told everyone that we were on a break? But she hadn't said a word to me. My jaw tightened. This was not good.
I shoved my phone in my pocket and continued towards the elevator, a knot forming in my stomach. The universe really had a twisted sense of humor. I was a reincarnated Superman, working as a vigilante, mentoring a group of troubled teens, and now this? My past life was definitely less complicated.
The elevator dinged, and I stepped out onto the lounge floor. The sounds of chatter and laughter washed over me, a strange comfort in the face of the chaos that was my life. The rest of the members was here, unwinding after a night of… well, let's just say they weren't exactly arresting jaywalkers.
I grinned, a genuine smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. I sat down next to Simon, who was animatedly explaining the finer points of his water control quirk. He was a good kid, a natural leader, even if he struggled with the weight of it sometimes. Lexi and Jiax were belting out some anime opening at the karaoke machine, surprisingly in tune. Avis and Kyto were locked in an intense game of Uno, glares sharp enough to cut glass. Kyu and Takai were huddled together, watching a movie – something about birds. Birds of Prey, maybe?
This was… peaceful. No drama, just vibes. For a brief moment, the churning in my stomach subsided. But then Dabi's words echoed in my head.
"…Shoto said she told everyone you guys were on a break…"
Why would Momo do that? I'd tried talking to her the other day, but she'd been distant, evasive. I knew she was hiding something, but not this. Was that why she looked so guilty?
I pulled out my phone again, my fingers trembling slightly. I needed an answer, and I needed it now.
I texted Diamond. Maybe she knew something.
Me: Hey, you free to talk?
The response was almost immediate.
Diamond: Always for you, Anos! What's up?
Me: Did Momo tell you guys we were on a break?
I held my breath, waiting for her reply. The three dots appeared, then disappeared, then reappeared. Finally, the message came through.
Diamond: Uh… no? Why?
My heart sank. So, she hadn't told Diamond. That made things even weirder.
Me: Shoto told Dabi that she told everyone. She hasn't said anything to me.
Diamond: Wow. That's messed up. I had NO idea. She's been acting weird for weeks though, ever since you left for that last mission. I just thought she was stressed about hero work.
Me: Stress doesn't equal faking a break up... Thanks, Diamond. I appreciate it.
Diamond: Anytime, Anos. Seriously, if you need anything, let me know. And don't let her get away with this!
I groaned and shoved my phone away. I needed an answer, but what was I supposed to do? Confront her? Demand the truth? I ran a hand through my white hair, the stress headache beginning to pound behind my eyes.
"You okay, man?" Simon nudged my arm, his brow furrowed with concern.
I forced a smile. "Yeah, just… tired. Long night."
He didn't look convinced, but bless him, he didn't push it. I got up and headed for the pool table, needing to hit something besides my own head. I hadn't played in ages, but the familiar weight of the cue in my hand was strangely grounding.
Simon and Avis joined in, and we played a few rounds. The clack of the balls, the friendly banter, the competitive edge – it was a welcome distraction. It felt good to be with them. They understood, even if we didn't always talk about it. We didn't need to.