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Chapter Text

The final Horrocrux was destroyed and Aloe Potter was using her last remains of her strength to finish Tom Riddle off once and for all. Finally after all this hell and calvary, she would finally finish what Voldemort started 16 years ago when he killed her parents, just one more spell and everything would be over. 

She took a breath and aimed at Voldemort who was getting back up too, ready to attack her the moment he composed himself. 

“AVADA KEDAVRA” exclaimed the dark lord raising his wand. 

“EXPELLIARMUS” she exclaimed in retaliation. 

Both streams of light emerged from their respective wands, ready to carry out the spell their owners asked for them, one would think this final battle would take time but…

Aloe’s magic overpowered Tom’s easy enough making Tom Riddle get hit by his own killing curse and taking his wand off his hand and landing on Aloe’s waiting one. She watched as Tom just stumbled and died as he was, a human being. 

She sighed as she watched her enemy, the man that killed so many of his friends and family just lay there. She didn’t know what to think, after all this hellish years, all this pain and he was just gone. 

“ALOE” exclaimed two worried voices as they headed towards her. 

Aloe turned and saw they were Ron and Hermione. She smiled relieved that they were safe, after all those months running away, their journey finally was over. 

Aloe didn’t know what would happen after this but she knew that it was time for the magical world to heal and move forward.

Besides she had already beaten the worst dark lord history has ever had, what could be worse than that? 

*Two years later* 

Aloe sighed as she drank her tea, she was very tired of all that was happening around her. 

Ever since she defeated Voldemort all the magical world started to turn around and become so… dull. It wasn’t because she lost her love for her world and magic, she still loved it with all her heart but the new order of things was stricter and she wouldn’t admit it out loud but she also felt lonely. 

Still, she didn’t blame her friends, she knew they already sacrificed so much for her. 

Hermione, after the war, left to Australia accompanied by Ron, their goal was simple: find Hermione’s family and restore their memories. At first it looked like a quick goal but apparently it changed when both her friends enjoyed their stay in Australia and decided to stay there. Aloe visited them sometimes but since she was busy with the ministry’s procedures (such as death eater hunting and trials procedures) she couldn’t afford to visit as many times as she wished. 

Of course Aloe made one big exception for her friends’ wedding and traveled to Australia to be Hermione’s maid of honor since Hermione insisted a lot for her to be there and Aloe knew that her friends wouldn’t forgive her if she didn’t show herself to the celebration. 

The rest of her friends were either busy with their new jobs (like Neville who just started assisting professor Spout with her classes at Hogwarts) or were traveling around the world (like Luna who decided to look around the world for more fantastical creatures), Aloe even kept in touch with Draco Malfoy, rivalries aside, she thought that the Malfoy heir wasn’t all that bad things considered and sometimes the went out to get some coffee and reminisce old childhood memories were their biggest problems were the house cup and Quidditch tournaments. They didn’t have a romantic relationship (Aloe shuddered at the thought) but they considered each other as friendly acquaintances. 

It was a big change but still even if she couldn’t be with her friends as much as she wished she knew it was worth it. Besides she wasn’t that isolated after all she had a especial someone who kept her company and that was…

”Big sis Aloe, found you” said a cheerful kid voice interrupting her thoughts. 

She turned to see who talked to her and smiled, it was her dear godson in the flesh: Teddy Lupin. She saw as Teddy ran towards her and lunged himself towards her with the intention of hugging her. Aloe hugged him back with a small laugh. 

“Teddy, good to see you here kiddo but you know you can’t go out alone” scolded Aloe gently as she ran her fingers through Teddy’s hair making the boy lean more towards her touch. 

“Good thing he didn’t come alone then” said another voice as they approached them. 

Aloe turned to see who the other person was and smiled, it was Andromeda Tonks. 

“Auntie, it’s great to see you both” said Aloe as while still hugging Teddy. 

“We were worried about you my dear, you haven't visited us for a few weeks“ said Andromeda a little worried about Aloe. 

“I know, sorry about that, it’s just… difficult. The ministry and raids are getting very annoying and I end up tired” said Aloe. 

“Dear, you know you don’t have to go to the ministry all the times they ask of you, you’re just a girl” said the elder woman. 

“Well, technically I’m an adult…” Aloe was interrupted by Andromeda. 

“Still you’re too young, look at you. You look tired and older” interrupted Andromeda. 

Teddy let go of his hug and held Aloe’s hand as they walked towards the living room, Andromeda following close. They ssat on the sofa and started talking. 

“It’s just that everything is…different. I never imagined that after voldemort everything would be so difficult” said Aloe sighing. 

“I know what you mean my dear but still you don’t have to isolate yourself from others. There are many people who care about you” replied Andromeda. “Besides both Teddy and I really miss your daily visits, they really cheer Teddy up” 

“Yeah, Aloe is the best playmate in the world” cheered Teddy. 

Both women let a small laugh at Teddy’s enthusiasm, the kid really had Dora’s happy personality. 

“I guess I could try but still… i’m not comfortable with going outside to face the crowds” finished Aloe. 

Andromeda nodded and sat closer to Aloe in order to reach for her hand. “I know, to be honest I feel the same way you know? Ever since Ted and Dora… well I don’t feel comfortable with people around me, especially because of the stares they send Teddy” she whispered. 

Aloe looked at her understandingly. She knew that even after war people judged harshly werewolves’ children, even if Lupin was a war hero some people didn’t like the fact that he was one. “It’s not fair” Aloe finally said looking down. 

“Yeah, it’s not. That’s why i’m here Aloe, not only to get you out of your house but to ask you if you want to move out of the country with us” said Andromeda with a smile. 

Aloe just looked at her in shock “What?!” she exclaimed. 

Andromeda and Teddy let a laugh at Aloe’s expression. “Yes, I mean you don’t feel good here and so do we, besides you’re  family so what do you say? It would help a lot getting out of here and away from the magical world’s spotlight” asked Andromeda.

“Come on sis, it would be fun” encouraged Teddy. 

Aloe contemplated what they were asking for her, it would be a big change. On one hand, she would be leaving the magical world, the first place she felt like home and her the rest of her short childhood behind but on the other hand, it could be a nice change she wouldn’t be the girl-who-live nor a war hero, she would be Aloe. It sounded nice. 

Looking at Andromeda’s and Teddy’s hopeful expression, she decided. 

“You know what? Count me in, it would be fun” Aloe said with a slight smile earning a squeak of delight from Teddy. 

“Yay, big sis is coming with us!” cheered Teddy while getting up from the sofa and running around the living room. 

Both women laughed as they watched Teddy celebrate. Maybe things would look up for them and besides whatever happened in the future, they would be together. 

As a family. 

Chapter Text

After agreeing with Andromeda´s crazy plan, Aloe started to pack her stuff up. She still couldn´t believe she agreed to a great change like moving away from the wizarding world or even England for that matter.

While packing she couldn´t stop thinking about her life, especially the wizarding world. 

The british magical world, even if its goverment was flawed and slow at occasions, was still her home. Ever since she entered this world when she was 11 years old, she was in love with this place, its culture and their people. It gave her all she longed for: Friends, a home and now with Teddy and Andromeda, a family. It was true that right now it was getting on her nerves on some times but still... it had given her a life, one she always dreamed of when she was living with the Dursleys. 

Overall it had been a difficult choice but she still didn´t regret it. Besides, an end of something could start a new adventure and possibilities. 

Andromeda mentioned her that she was interested in moving to Japan, she had been fascinated by the famous ‘heroes’ and ‘quirks’. The magic world knew about special muggles who could get some power or ability without having magic but they weren’t keen on the idea of having relationship with them, they were scared that conflict could be created between ‘normal’ muggles, quirk users and wizards. 

Aloe, to be honest, was interested on quirk users too. She knew that in Europe there weren’t that many quirk users since they usually lived on the city capitals or away from the common public, she only read about a few of them through muggle newspapers, they seemed cool. However when Andy told her that Japan was practically infested with quirk users, she almost jumped of joy, call her childish but she knew that if there were more heroes around that meant less spotlight and attention for her. That was a bonus on her books. 

While thinking about what she could do for living, she heard a faint ‘BAM’ from outside that made her interrupt all her thoughts. 

“What was that?” she wondered out loud. She knew it couldn’t be a visitor, she had several charms around the house and blood wards to protect herself. Besides, all her friends (including Malfoy) told her firsthand they were visiting her so she knew they were coming, after war Aloe didn’t appreciate feeling surprised by sudden people appearing at her home. Teddy and Andy being the only exceptions. 

She took her wand and walked slowly towards the sound. It led outside at her garden. 

The more she approached the source, she could hear more and more sounds, they didn’t sound human like, it sounded more like squaking and grunting. 

“Who’s there?!” exclaimed Aloe, trying to sound threatening. 

“Over here” said a male voice. It sounded a little pained. 

Aloe looked around, trying to pin point the male voice, but she couldn’t find any other person besides herself. 

“Who are you? Where are you?” she exclaimed trying to look everywhere. 

“I’m close little chick” said the voice a little amused. 

”Chick? Why are you calling me that?!, pervert” responded Aloe angry at the male’s cheekiness. 

“You are, at least you are acting like a hatchling. So stop with your shouting” laughed the voice. 

“Where are you?!” she exclaimed. 

“Down here” said the voice close by. 

Aloe walked towards her prized lilies where planted, noticing that there was something above of her precious flowers. It looked like a creature, a bird perhaps?

Curious about it, she approached it and gasped at what she saw. It was a phoenix.

“A phoenix?! Why is it here?” she exclaimed shocked. 

“Hey, when you see somebody, you call them by their name. Honestly Albus should’ve teach you better manners” exclaimed the bird while puffing its chest. 

“Fawkes?! Is that you? And you can talk?” she said in shock. 

“Of course I can, I’m speaking to you right now child” he said making eye to eye contact with her. 

“Then why I never heard you talk before?” she asked curiously. 

“Oh, that. That’s an easy question. Phoenix can only talk with their kin or chicks” said Fawkes nonchalantly. 

“But, I’m not your chick” responded Aloe, not understanding what the phoenix was saying. 

“You are, you remember when you decided to fight that basilisk and I saved you. That moment you became my chick” responded Fawkes nonchalantly. 

“And what does being your chick means? Was Dumbledore your chick too?” asked Aloe curious about the bird’s antics. 

“Albus wasn’t my chick, he was my friend. I never acknowledged him as that and he was fine with that too. And being my chick means that we are connected in some way magically speaking, you can use some of my abilities as yours and we can speak mentally” commented Fawkes. 

“What? As a phoenix? Bloody hell” said Aloe looking at the bird in shock. She contemplated all that Fawkes mentioned and then asked on final thing “Fawkes, if what you said is truth, then why didn’t you help me with the war or stayed with me?”. 

She heard Fawkes sigh tiredly and responded carefully. “That’s because Albus asked me not to intervene with your ‘destiny’ as he called it, he knew that you had to face the war in your way and without handicaps nor powers… Besides, your familiar was very territorial. She was very protective of you and kinda scary.” Fawkes finished a little embarrassed. 

“Eh? Familiar?” asked Aloe confused, she wondered who could’ve scared Fawkes in such a way. 

“Yes, you know…Hedwig was it? Well she was a very scary owl…very maternal too, she didn’t want me to bother you with these stuff until you were older, said you were too preoccupied by everything else” responded Fawkes with melancholy. “You know, she really loved you” 

Aloe suddenly remembered her dear owl, even if she had another one, it would never have the same spot in her heart that Hedwig had. Hedwig was just that special, even if it was an owl, it took care of her when they lived at the Dursleys. Without realizing it, tears began leaking out of Aloe’s eyes. 

“Yes, she was amazing wasn’t she? I loved her too and I really miss her” responded Aloe through tears. 

“I know that I’m not her, but I really want to help you out. Besides, I fear that your powers may manifest soon and you need to train them, you need my help” said Fawkes looking at Aloe. 

“Well…it’s not like my life was already normal besides who knows this could be fun and having Phoenix powers could be handy” said Aloe trying to look at the bright side of things. 

She heard Fawkes laugh a little and he perched on Aloe’s shoulder. “You’ll see little hatchling, this will be great, just trust me in this one, after all phoenixes are the best creatures” he said proudly. 

Aloe chuckled at the bird’s antics and walked towards her home while making one final question “Fawkes, one more thing. How did you fall over those flowers?”

“Oh? Well…it was an accident, I felt your magic over here but I didn’t notice the barriers and…I crashed.” he finished a little embarrassed. 

Aloe let a big laugh at that while Fawkes made an indignant sound. She would have to talk to Teddy and Andromeda about their new family member but she knew they would love him too.

One week later 

After Fawkes permanent stay in her family, she decided to talk about the phoenix with Andromeda and Teddy. While it was an initial shock, both of them where very supportive about Aloe’s situation even with Teddy saying things like “yay big sis is part creature just like me” or him asking her to give him rides when she learned how to fly, making everyone in the room laugh at the boy’s excitement. 

They stayed one extra week so Aloe could learn a little bit of her newfound phoenix abilities with Fawkes, so far it wasn’t much but it was something. 

She could lift heavy objects like it was nothing, helping Andromeda with lifting some furniture downstairs si they could reduce their size and pack them easily. 

Also she learned how to heal with her tears, she learned after Teddy scraped his knee while running around chasing Fawkes. She didn’t like the idea of her using Teddy as a test subject but she was pleased she could heal him quickly enough making him cheer and tell her she was very cool. 

Sadly she still had some problems with her fire, she couldn’t produce it, she didn’t know how to and much less how to control it. She knew she only was fireproof at the moment because one time Fawkes came to her while it was one fire, it scared her but at least nobody got hurt. Also she didn’t know how to fly yet, she only could spread her wings. They were between red and orange, Fawkes colors. But, to her, they weren’t that useful if she couldn’t use them. So she tended to hide them. 

Regardless, both her and her family were satisfied enough with her results to continue their moving out plans. So looking around Aloe’s house last time, they all took their bags and apparated outside the airport. 

“Good, we’re on time” said Andromeda looking at her wrist watch. 

“I must say Andy. I’m still surprised you decided to buy plane tickets instead of teleporting to Japan or going to the Japanese magic ministry” said Aloe. 

“My dear girl, the japanese ministry is more liberal with their regulations ever since quirk users appeared, they mingle with the common people and pretend to be ‘normal’ quirk users or heroes” Andromeda responded with a smile. “Anyway, I wanted to travel by plane to let Teddy experience muggle flying” she added looking at her grandkid. 

“I wanna fly on the plane” said Teddy cheering. 

“Ok, so after we arrive what do you want to do?” asked Aloe. 

“That’s Already arranged my dear, I asked an old family friend from Japan about our situation and sold me the most charming house and even sold me a shop that is close by” said Andromeda winking her eye. 

“A shop?” asked Andromeda curious about her auntie’s business. 

“I’ve been planing to open a potion shop, something like healing potions and remedies for the general public, i’m sure some heroes would appreciate the help” said Andromeda. 

“That sounds fun. Can I help you?” asked Aloe feeling hyped by her aunt’s idea. 

“Of course my dear, you’ll see, this will be a new start for our family” said Andromeda while looking at her and Teddy with a fond smile. 

“Hey, what about me?” said a voice on Aloe’s mind. Right, telepathy with Fawkes. The first thing she learned while training with him. 

“Auntie, what do we do with Fawkes, are we putting him on a bird cage or do I send him out by himself?” asked Aloe. 

“A CAGE?! DON’T YOU DARE LITTLE HATCHLING” shouted Fawkes with indignation. Aloe just rubbed her forehead already feeling a headache at the shouting. 

“Oh right, sorry dears. This is the direction” said Andromeda handing a paper to Aloe. She read the direction and heard Fawkes say “on my way”. 

“That phoenix is going to be the death of me” muttered Aloe while rubbing her forehead one more time making Andromeda and Teddy laugh. “Anyway, Andy you really had all of this planned didn’t you?” she added looking at the other witch impressed. 

“Never underestimate a former witch from the house of Black” responded Andromeda with a smug smile. 

Aloe and Teddy laughed a little more and the three of them went to the airport and got ready for their flight. 

As they rode the plane Aloe said with a smile “Next destination, Japan” 

Little did they know that this change would give them new opportunities and meet the most notorious characters. They just have to wait and see. 

Chapter Text

After their flight ended to say that Aloe and her family were excited was an understatement. They really were impressed at what they were seeing. All kinds of people and quirks all around them in the city, it was incredible. 

“Amazing, this place is so cool” cheered Teddy looking around. 

“I must say, this is quite the change from home” said Andromeda with an amused smile. 

“No kidding” added Aloe. 

All kinds of people, muggles and quirk users, walking around and having their daily lives with their quirks. They even say that some people were anthropomorphic, having animal’s faces or body parts without any problem, making Teddy gasp in delight when people didn’t run away from them. 

“Look, that guy has a cat tail and ears” said Teddy in amazement. 

Aloe and Andromeda laughed a little at Teddy’s delight, of course the kid would be the happiest there, all his life was him being isolated because of his wolf condition and being here with people who were similar like him really cheered him up. 

“Now now dear, you know it’s rude to point at people” said Andromeda in amusement. 

“Opps, sorry grannie” said Teddy dropping his arm. 

“Well kids, hope you are ready because now we have to see our new home and then our business” said Andromeda clapping her hands together. “But first…” she added before taking her wand out, she discreetly casted a spell around them. 

“What was that about Andy?” asked Aloe curiously. 

“Just some precautions my dear, we don’t know how to speak japanese so I figured that we could use this spell to make things easier” said Andy offhandedly. 

Aloe looked at her for a second and said “Huh, that’s convenient”

Andromeda smiled and said “Well, no time to waste, let’s go home kids”. 

After getting their bags and stuff they called a taxi to take them home, it took them to a nice neighborhood who had a lot of traditional houses around. The place looked spacious and big enough, if anything too big for them. It looked like it had a nice backyard where Aloe hoped she could start planting her lilies and potions supplies soon enough. 

After paying the cab, Aloe felt something perching on her shoulder. 

“I must say, you really took your time little chick, I almost died of boredom over here” said a well known voice. 

“Sorry if planes can’t fly as fast as you” said Aloe sarcastically. 

“You should, after all it was so boring and i’m really hungry… this is abuse little chick, I may die” 

“Fawkes, you’re a phoenix, you can’t die” said Aloe rolling her eyes. 

“That doesn’t mean I can’t feel hunger” retorted Fawkes grumpily. 

“Hahaha, don’t worry Fawkes, I brought some dead mice from the pet store” said Aloe trying to cheer the bird up. 

“Are those common mice?” asked Fawkes wearily. 

“Nop, I brought a little of everything from hamsters to the most uncommon mice” responded Aloe. 

Fawkes made a happy squawk and preened Aloe’s hair in affection while Aloe laughed and entered the house after Andromeda and Teddy. 

They spent the rest of the day accommodating the house and its rooms and after a few hours, they finally had their home ready for them. 

“Finally” said Andromeda resting a little while sitting in the sofa. “So what do you kids think?” she asked. 

“I love it” said Aloe looking the room around, it was spacious and nice. For herm this could be a great home for them. 

“I love it too, it’s sooo big and I can play around” cheered Teddy. 

“I’m glad you love it. Aloe, dear, we can work with the potions shop right now if you’re up for it. I can show you the local and we can look around the city.” said Andromeda. 

“Sounds good Andy, let me just get my bag and we can go” said Aloe going to her room. She walked upstairs and went to her room, it was a really big size bedroom with several bookshelves and a spacious wardrobe on one side. There was also a big perch for Fawkes and a plate with food and water in case the bird got hungry. “See you later Fawkes” she said taking her bag. 

“See you hatching i’m going to take a little nap” responded the phoenix. 

“Okay” she said leaving her room. 

She went back to the living where she found Andy and Teddy looking at the chimney. It looked like they were going to the shop via floo network. “Wow Andy, I didn’t know it was the house already connected to the shop” 

“Of course it is as I told you before darling, don’t underestimate a ex member of the house of black” said Andromeda smugly. 

“And also an ex Slytherin I suppose” added Aloe in amusement. 

“Well, we were known as cunning” joked Andromeda as she stepped on the chimney. “WITCHES’ CAULDRON” shouted Andromeda and she disappeared. 

“Okay, Teddy you’re next” said Aloe looking at her nervous godson. 

“I don’t know Aloe” he said a little nervous, he had never liked traveling through floo network, it made him nauseous. 

“Don’t worry kiddo, you’ll get used to it. Besides, Andy will be there to receive you” Aloe reassured. 

“Alright, just because you say so” sighed Teddy. Then he stepped up into the chimney, took some floo powder and shouted clearly “WITCHES’ CAULDRON” and then he disappeared. 

Aloe, before stepping into the chimney, she shouted “We’ll be back soon Fawkes, don’t get in trouble”. She heard the bird squawk in indignation, she laughed and took the floo powder and shouted “WITCHES’ CAULDRON” and she finally disappeared. 

She felt the well known and nauseous feeling of traveling through the floo network until she arrived to another fireplace. She reincorporated and composed herself as well as she could and looked around the place. It looked like it was the store backroom, she saw some shelves and old books covered in dust. After thinking that these room could be perfect to brew the potions and make some experiments with them, she went to the front where she found Andy and Teddy observing the place with a pleased look on their faces. 

“So what do you think Aloe?” Andromeda asked. 

“This looks perfect, this place is big enough for our business and we could sell so many varieties of our potions from powerful and potent ones to some simple ones, we could also sell salves and medicine for some diseases” said Aloe with a dreamy smile on her face “Oh, and even some magical candy like chocolate frogs and bertie and botts” added Aloe already seeing the potential. 

“Hahaha I knew I could count on you dearie, you will have a knack for this, I can tell”. said Andromeda smiling at Aloe’s enthusiasm. 

“How could I not? This will be so great, we will live a perfect and normal life without any drama and most importantly of all, peacefully” said Aloe. 

“Well, maybe but also who knows and maybe you will find a…special someone” said Andromeda with a teasing smile. 

“What?! Andy, I don’t think…” Aloe was interrupted again by Andromeda. 

“Just think about it, you meet a hero here as a client and he has a similar fire or bird quirk as yours, he trains you and you have so much in common you start dating and finally you get married and expand the family so much more” cheered Andromeda. 

“Yay more family” said Teddy cheering at his grandmother’s fantasy.

“Huh, guys I don’t really think so” said Aloe sweat dropping a little. “Besides, Romance for me? Not a chance, however I think that maybe having some friends could be nice” she said thinking about it. 

“Hmmp, just you wait, who knows Aloe maybe one hero from here could get your attention” said Andromeda smiling. 

“I think I have enough of heroes Andy” said Aloe forcing a small smile. 

“Let’s wait and find out, it won’t take long for you to notice someone” said Andromeda. 

“Wouldn’t it be fun If it were a villain?” added Aloe sarcastically. 

“As long as you are happy my dear” finished Andromeda humoring her niece. 

“I don’t get it, is big sis getting married?” questioned Teddy. 

Both women laughed at the kid’s innocence, left the subject to and started fixing the store. After all, they had some things to fix and work for the shop to open its doors in the next few days. 

But who could’ve thought that conversation would become truth when Aloe met a mysterious man a few days after?.

Chapter Text

After cleaning the shop and arranging the shelves and where they will put and order all the potions and remedies. They ended up all hungry and decided to go home in order to make something to eat for the day. 

Both Aloe and Andromeda wouldn’t say out loud but as much as they were excited by this whole shop project, they knew that this first day cleaning and setting up the whole place could really be tiring. So they decided to teleport back home via floo network again, apparating wasn’t a very good option since it tended to make them feel more nauseous than going through the chimney. 

They arrived without any problem whatsoever and after a well deserved rest, they all decided to eat something simple for the day. While they were eating, Aloe and Andromeda talked about several things they wanted to add for their shop from decorations to different potions they could sell or add later on. They also talked about Teddy´s enrollment to school, they did talk about the kid´s schooling options along the way and they decided that it would be the kid´s best interest to at least know the basics such as math, literature and more before he had magical training after all they were still debating between sending him abroad to Hogwarts or send him to Mahoutokoro, the Japanese magical school. 

After that, they noticed that it was getting dark so they all decided to rest on their respective bedrooms and continue their work for the next day.

Todoroki Residence

Fuyumi Todoroki knew she was a very lonely person even if she denied it, She knew that she didn´t exactly have a social life outside her preschool students and her family. It was a constant day of tasks, she just got up on the mornings, made her father´s and little brother´s breakfast, cleaned the kitchen, prepared herself for her classes, worked until late, came back home, made dinner and cleaned the rest of the house. It was her routine and as much as she loved her dad and her brother to death... it made her depressed.

She needed to have someone for her as a friend, someone she could count on too. Sometimes, she felt resentment at her little brother Natsuo for leaving home to college and never contacting them, she knew that Natsuo loved her but he didn´t want to try to make amends with their father, it was respectable but still, it did hurt her. And there was also Touya... her elder brother who died far too soon, too young and angry for his own good, she sometimes talked to him when she visited his shrine. She thought that maybe if Touya were here, he would support all her attempts of uniting their family back together. 

Today, Fuyumi did notice a slight change on her routine, she noticed that the house next door was finally getting ocuppied by new neighbors. Fuyumi, to be honest, was a little excited by this call her desperate but she wanted to get along with the new neighbors, who knows maybe she could find a true friend or company with them. With that in mind Fuyumi decided to bake the best cake recipe she knew and try to greet properly the new neighbors (and hopefully new friends). 

She was searching around her mother´s cookbook when someone talked to her. 

"Fuyumi? What are you doing?" asked a curious male voice. 

She quickly turned around with a surprised yelp and blushed a little at the embarrasment. 

"Shouto, Ah sorry I didn´t notice you" she apologized 

"It´s okay but... what are you doing?" he asked looking at his sister´s demeanor. 

"Well you see, we have new neighbors" she started with a nervous smile and geturing outside. 

"So?" he asked not getting what his sister was saying. 

"I wanted to make them a cake as a welcome gift" she said explaining herself. 

"Why?" he asked not understanding.

"Because, I want to get to know them, I mean they are going to live next to us so might as well try to get along" she explained turning around to get the cake´s ingredients. 

"I still don´t get it, I mean we didn´t exactly get along with our old neighbors, that´s why they moved" said Shouto looking at his sister. 

"And that is exactly what I don´t want to happen with the new neighbors, Shouto we need to get along with people, not just heroes but everyone else" she explained patiently to her little brother, she knew that Shouto didn´t have the best social skills. "Besides who knows, we can make some new friends out of this, we can only hope" 

"I don´t need friends, I need to be a hero" said Shouto with an angry tone. 

"And that´s why you need friends, Shouto. You need to have social skills when you become a hero not only a powerfull quirk" She said to her little brother. 

"Endeavor didn´t tell me that" said Shouto with an angry look. 

"And that´s why father isn´t...that popular among civillians" Fuyumi replied with a little hesitation, she didn´t like to talk bad stuff about her dad. 

"Fair point. Alright, do you need help?" asked Shouto as he watched his sister fumble with the ingredients. 

"Please" she said with a smile. 

And just like that both siblings started to get the ingredients in order to bake the cake. It took them a little longer since Fuyumi wanted to teach Shouto how to bake it from the start so he could learn how to do it in the future, besides she was a teacher it was in her heart the desire to teach younger kids some interesting and fun stuff. 

When they finished, the result was an acceptable cake, they decorated it and started to clean the kitchen. 

“Nice job Shouto, I’m proud of you” congratulated Fuyumi while finishing to clean the bowls. 

“I just did what you said Fuyumi” responded Shouto in a deadpanned tone. 

“Still, you managed to do it. I remember when I wanted to teach Natsu how to bake, he got too impatient and he took it out of the over before it was done, It was awful” said Fuyumi while cringing while she remembered the cake. “And don’t get me started on Touya, he made a really burnt one. God, that thing was inedible” she added. 

“Do you think they would’ve enjoyed the cake?” asked Shouto with an indescifrable expression on his face. 

“Oh Natsuo would certainly love it, good thing he’s not here though. He would try to steal it” chuckled Fuyumi. 

“And Touya?” asked Shouto hesitantly, he didn’t know anything about his eldest brother after all, his father took that chance from him. 

Fuyumi looked at Shouto and then smiled “He would’ve loved it, he was the one with the sweetest tooth out of all of us”. 

“I see” Shouto then looked at the cake and finally back to Fuyumi “And what about…mom?” he asked timidly. His mother just a very sensitive subject for him. 

Fuyumi smiled understandingly and then she patted her little brother’s head “I think she would really like one too” she said. 

“Right. Well, if you need any help with anything else…I’ll be in my room” said Shouto awkwardly and went back to his room. 

Fuyumi just nodded as she watched Shouto leave and then grabbed the cake and put it in the fridge to keep it cool for the next day. She didn’t know if this idea would work but in her eyes, this was already a success even if only made her a little closer to her younger brother. 

Next afternoon. 

Fuyumi was outside the new neighbors’ house holding the cake trying to gather up some courage. Even if it was her idea, that didn’t mean she wasn’t nervous or anything like that, on the contrary, she was very nervous. After all, she wanted this plan to work so she could have a nice relationship with someone, it didn’t necessarily mean she wanted a boyfriend. She just wanted someone talk to.

This was it. With a confident smile she knocked the door and waited for someone to respond. It didn’t take long when a female voice shouted in a little hurry. 

“Coming” she exclaimed hurriedly.

The door was opened and in front of Fuyumi there was a girl close to her age, long raven hair, round glasses adorned her face covering her emerald eyes, petite body and she was shorter than Fuyumi. The girl gave her a smile and said “Oh, hello” 

Fuyumi returned the smile and said “Hi, I’m Todoroki Fuyumi, I live next door and I wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood” 

“Oh, you’re the neighbor, hi. I’m Aloe Potter, or I guess Potter Aloe? I’m still having problems with that. Nice to meet you Todoroki-san. Sorry if we didn’t come out to introduce ourselves, yesterday was a tiring day and we couldn't go out much” apologized Aloe. 

Fuyumi gave her a smile “It’s quite alright Potter-san” she said. 

“Oh please, call me Aloe. I’m not used to people calling me by my name. Makes me feel like i’m in school” said Aloe laughing a little. 

Fuyumi laughed at that “Alright, only if you call me Fuyumi in return” 

Aloe laughed too “I can do that Fuyumi-san” Then Aloe realized they were still talking at the entrance. “Oh sorry, come in” said Aloe while entering the house with Fuyumi following behind her. 

“Ah right, Aloe-san I brought some cake too, think of it as a welcome gift from my family” said Fuyumi gesturing the plate on her hands. 

”Really? Thank you very much Fuyumi” said Aloe taking the plate to the kitchen. When both girls went there, they found al older woman sitting there with a cute little kid. “Andy, Teddy. This is our neighbor Fuyumi, she came to say hello”

The elder woman gave Fuyumi a smile and greeted her “Hello dear, my name is Black Andromeda though I prefer if you call me Andy” 

Fuyumi gave her a small bow and greeted the woman “Nice to meet you too miss” 

Then the little kid stood up and gave Fuyumi a smile and greeted her cheerfully. “Hello miss, my name is Teddy and you’re pretty” he said innocently.

”Teddy, I told you not to say that to the visits” scolded Andromeda with an amused smile. 

“Why granny? She’s pretty” said Teddy not understanding the problem. 

Fuyumi and Aloe laughed at the kid’s comment until Fuyumi realized something “Wait…granny?” 

Andromeda let out a knowingly smile and explained “Yes, you see he’s my daughter’s kid” 

“Is he yours Aloe-san?” asked Fuyumi looking at the younger girl. 

“Hahaha, nope. He’s my godchild, Andy is my aunt” explained Aloe calmly. 

“Oh I see, my apologies” said Fuyumi a little embarrassed.

The other ladies didn’t mind the confusion. 

“It’s alright dear, it’s a common misconception.” said Andromeda laughing “Especially since Teddy tends to be by Aloe’s side almost every second of the day” added the woman, teasing Aloe in the process. 

“Haha auntie. Anyways, how about we eat the cake Fuyumi brought and talk in the living room with some tea?” asked Aloe.”Of course if that’s alright with you Fuyumi” she added looking at he other girl. 

Fuyumi just nodded happily. Even if she only just met them, she could already tell she would really love having this family as neighbors. She just hoped she and Aloe could become friends.

At the end of the day Fuyumi was really glad that she decided to visit her neighbors and she really looked forward to do it everyday. 

Chapter Text

Abandoned alley. 

”Another day, another fucking job” thought a male and lonely figured as he stumbled through the alley, he barely managed to escape from the heroes who ambushed him while he was finishing his job. He got close, one moment later and he would’ve been arrested and sent to the tartarus, real identity uncovered for the public and most importantly…for his family. 

“Fucking bastards and fucking Giran” he mumbled, he knew that the broker’s deal was too good to be truth. Bastard Giran didn’t tell him that his objective was a hero’s son, at least it wasn’t anyone from the top 10 but still, it got dangerous real fast and he still got badly hurt. 

He lost his footing and stumbled to the ground. His breathing got erratic and his head was hurting a lot. He wasn’t close to any of his safe houses and he couldn’t call Giran nor Toga in his condition. 

“Am I really fucking dying like this? All these fucking years and I won’t be able to at least fight Endeavor? Fucking shit” he cursed mentally. He could really feel himself slipping away but before he could close his eyes, he saw a flash of green coming closer to his way. 

“Huh, what a pretty green color” he mumbled before closing his eyes. 

And then the world turned black around him. 

With Aloe

She stayed overnight at the shop because she wanted to experiment more of the new potions, ever since she started adding phoenixes tears on the healing potions, she wanted to know if her tears were more or less effective than Fawkes’ ones, after all she needed to know the limits of her powers.

Since this experiment took various days of experimentation, she managed to take one spare bed and put it in the backroom so she could rest peacefully in the shop without alerting Andy or Teddy of someone entering the house overnight. After finishing today’s job, she was almost ready to get some well deserved sleep but then she heard a loud bang from outside and got worried. 

She wasn’t scared of a burglar or a low rated villain, her shop had the proper wards to expel non desirable people from there without getting into any harm but still someone could be hurt or in danger outside. So getting a hold of her old Gryffindor attitude, she got out and went to see what was that sound. It didn’t take her very long to see what that sound was. 

It was a black haired man face down in the alley next to the shop, he looked hurt, very hurt. She quickly ran to his side in order to help him and gasped when she saw him. He was burnt in a very unimaginable way, his face looked like it was put together by surgical staples and it looked like he was stabbed in the stomach. He looked like his conscience was slipping away very fast. 

“Hey, are you okay? Stay with me” she said trying to get the man’s attention on her. 

However the only response she got was “Huh, what a pretty green color” before he fell completely unconscious. 

Blushing a little by the guy’s comment, she looked around to call for some help and then she looked at her shop and thought about her healing potions, she knew that he needed quickly so with a determined and counting on her phoenix strength, she carried the man in bridal style and took him to her shop.

She quickly placed him on her bed and took his shirt off to see the damages, right there she gasped. The poor guy was hurt not only on his face but all his body. He was put together by burnt scars and staples around his arms, torso and It looked like on the legs too. The only different injury was a huge cut on his stomach and by the looks of it, it was bleeding in an alarming ratio.

Nodding to herself, she took out all the medical kits she had at her disposal. She took a bottle of Fawkes’ tears, healing salve,  blood replenish potion and pain relief potion and then took to work. She began cleaning the injury and put a little of the phoenix tears around the wound, making the man gasp in pain in his sleep. 

“Sorry, it’s okay. Don’t worry” she mumbled at the man, trying to comfort him. She only earned a soft groan from him but he didn’t move. 

With the tears making the wound small and helping the tissue regenerate, she prepared the salve to clean the infection and help the tears close the cut completely. He would need to have the salve applied and changed several times but it wouldn’t open if he rested the night. Finally she opened the blood replenish potion and coaxed the man to drink it. He did drink it after some of Aloe’s reassurances and also the pain relief potion. By the time Aloe finished, the man looked better and his healthy skin had a better color instead of a pale one. 

“That’s better, well at least it’s over” she whispered at the man. To her relief, he fell fast asleep in a more peaceful way.  “Well, there goes my calm night but at least I know how to use these better” she mumbled as she started to put the potions back into their place. Then she let out a blanket and draped it over the man and sat by his side. “I wonder how you made yourself those wounds” she said and fell asleep while sitting next to the bed. 

Several hours later - Morning

He woke up feeling a little disorientated and confused. He tried to remember what happened before opening his eyes. 

“I did that bastard Giran’s job, fought those asshole heroes, got stabbed and I lost my…wait Am I dead or something? I don’t remember getting to one of the safe houses” he thought as he opened his eyes. 

He expected to be in his shitty apartment, Giran’s house or in hell but instead he was in a small and nicely decorated room, there were some strange bottles on the shelf and a small table, he also noticed a chair next to his bed. He looked around carefully, did a random person healed him or something? 

That didn’t make sense, after all civilians never spared a glance at injured people and gave them a mean look of disgust. He knew that from experience when he escaped his hellish home and lived on the streets, he could still remember it very well, the hunger, the pain and those mocking people. However his thoughts were interrupted by an unknown voice. 

“Oh? You’re awake, are you feeling any better?” a melodious and soft female voice asked. 

He turned to see who talked to him, it was a girl around his age more or less She had long and straight raven hair but it looked wild to tame, she had black and round glasses and she had the greenest eyes he’d ever seen. She was short but petite and by the looks of it, she made some sport judging by well exercised figure. He could consider her pretty to be honest but right now, he was confused by the whole situation. 

“Who are you?” he asked bluntly, he didn’t trust her. “Did someone sent you to finish the job or something? Well tell them I won’t say shit” he wouldn’t cooperate with some heroes, if he gave away his contacts it would bite him on the ass in the future. 

She blinked confused “Well, that’s good I guess? But I was talking about your injury, your stomach, does it still hurt?” she asked in a confused manner. 

“Is this a trap or something?” he inquired confused. 

“No, I found you. I saw you fall outside and decided to help you. You were badly hurt on the stomach by the looks of it, I managed to stop the bleeding and bandaged you. It’s almost gone now though” she said offhandedly as she approached him and pointed at his stomach. 

He quickly realized that he was shirtless and with only a bandage covering a part of his stomach, he gingerly put his hand over it and remembered that the hero chasing after him managed to indeed stab him while chasing him. 

“I see” he said absently. 

“Anyway, I won’t ask about how you got injured. Not really my business to mind on someone’s life” she said getting another bottle from the shelf and sitting on the chair next to him. “Here” she said handing him the bottle. 

“What’s that?” he said looking at her and the bottle. 

“I assume it might still hurt, so It’s for the pain” she said still extending the bottle. 

He laughed darkly at the girl as if she was telling a stupid joke or something. “Just spare that thing, it won’t work shit. Believe me when I say that my body just fucking hurts in a regular basis” he said gesturing at himself. 

“I supposed those hurt too, I imagine those staples are pulling your skin and little healthy flesh. Am I right?” she said looking at his burnt scars. 

”No shit lady” he answered while rolling his eyes. 

“Anyway, just please try it, I can’t say for certain if it will work but I guess it’s better than nothing” she said still extending the bottle towards him. 

The man just sighed but didn’t object anymore, usually he would just scoff and try to get out of that place. But he was so tired and he didn’t think the lady would heal him to poison him. That would be stupid. So he accepted the bottle and drank a little from it. To his surprise, he felt better…all that pain from his burns and body was just gone.

”What the fuck? How did you… “ He exclaimed in surprise as he touched his burnt skin. 

“So it works, I’m glad. Anyways you can stay here until you feel better” the girl said with a smile. Then she got up and said “I’m going to bring some sandwiches for us to eat, just wait a bit” she said getting out of the room. 

He just sat there in shock as he looked at his body. Of course the scars and staples were still there but they didn’t hurt, he spent years and years of pain and almost overdosed with a lot of pain relief pills and this lady just took his pain away with that medicine. “What the fuck is this place and this thing?” he wondered out loud as read the bottle’s label on his hands. It was labeled ‘Relief Potion’. “Potion? The hell?” he said. 

“Oh, are you curious of it?” said the girl as she entered the room with a small tray carrying two plates with sandwiches. “It’s a product we are going to start selling soon in this place” she commented. 

“Is this a medicine shop?” he asked looking around. 

“Well, it will be. My aunt and I are trying to open it soon, it will have several remedies, from pain relief to stamina and nutrients, our idea is to help as many people as we can let it be heroes or not” she said simply.

“Hmmp” he said while shrugging his shoulders. “I see, I guess it’s interesting” he commented.

“I guess. Oh here, you must be hungry” she said extending him one of the plates with a sandwich. “I made them quickly, hope you like them”  

He shrugged and took one bite, he didn’t really trust her but he knew she wouldn’t try anything against him at this point. 

“Oh right, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Aloe, Aloe Potter. Nice to meet you” she said while sitting next to him and eating her sandwich. 

“You’re not really from here aren’t you?” he asked nonchalantly with a bored expression. 

“Is it the accent? Am I too obvious?” she asked with a small embarrassed smile. 

“Painfully so” he responded with a dry tone. 

She sighed “Well, I moved here with my aunt and nephew a week ago from England so I guess I don’t notice it yet” she said with a small goofy smile. 

“Don’t tell me, you came here because you’re an All Might fan or something?” he asked while rolling his eyes, it was common to encounter several foreign people moving to Japan because they all wanted to be close to their ‘Oh so great hero’. 

“All Might? Who’s that?” she asked confused. 

He looked at her with a little shock “You know who, All might? Mister number one hero in the whole world?” he said. 

“Nope, never heard of him. To be fair in my country we never mind that much the world of heroes and quirks. I think there were only a few famous heroes back home but i’ve never heard of this All Might” she said shrugging her shoulders while still eating. 

“I- I see” he said still not believing what he heard. All his life his stupid father complained about All Might being the most famous and loved hero around the world and this girl right in front of him never heard of him. It was laughable to be honest. 

“Do you admire this ‘All Might’? Did I offend you? Ah I’m sorry if that’s the case” she said a little in panic, she still had a lot to learn. 

“Huh? Not really, It’s okay. Anyway, what are you planning to do with me? Are you calling someone like a hero or somebody to take me away?” he asked with curiosity. 

“Huh? Oh no. Not really, I guess you can stay until you feel better and if you want you can leave” she said offhandedly. 

“I see. Still I don’t get it, what do you win with all these? I didn’t exactly buy your ‘remedies’. You just healed me yourself” he said not understanding the girl’s motivations of helping her. 

“Huh, I suppose I did do that. Well you actually did help me in a way. Some of these potions were in a small experimental phase and I was planning on using them, of course I knew they weren’t harmful. But still, I’m glad they didn’t cause you any drawback. So, I guess we’re even in that way. You helped me and I helped you” she said thinking about it.

”I see” he responded looking away from her, he seemed to be contemplating something and then he added something more with hesitation “And it’s Dabi” 

“Huh?” She asked not understanding. 

He turned to look at her and repeated what he said “I said that my name is Dabi” 

She smiled at him and responded “Nice to meet you Dabi” 

He turned again, not really knowing how to handle her smile aimed at him. 

They just continued eating in a somewhat comfortable silence. 

After spending the rest of the day with Aloe working on her potions and constantly coming in and out of the room in order to check on Dabi’s wounds, she deemed that he was recuperating well enough for him to walk. 

“Alright, it looks like it will heal completely by tomorrow” she said looking at his wound. 

“I see…thanks Aloe” he said as he gingerly touched his bandaged stomach and finally stood up. 

“Not a problem, as I said. You needed the help” she commented. 

“Hmmp” he said a little offended by that comment. “Anyways, can I go now? I have stuff to do” he asked her. 

“Oh, right. Just a moment” she said going to another room and coming back with two bottles. “Here, you will need those” she said giving him the bottles. 

“What are these?” he asked gesturing the bottles on his hands. 

“This one is a healing salve, you need to apply some on the wound so it can properly close completely and the other one is a pain relief medicine, it helps to numb the pain. However I don’t recommend drinking a lot of it, just a spoonful. It’s very potent and you could get really sick if you take a lot of it” she said. 

“Why give me these? Don’t want to owe you anything” he asked her, Dabi knew that kindness usually came with a price. 

“You need them and you are hurt. Besides, you helped me trying some of these potions out for me. Think of it as a thank you gift from my part” she said with a smile. 

“Alright, I guess if that’s the case we can be even” he said looking at the bottles a little embarrassed. 

“Sure are. Oh and also if you know someone who might need them, perhaps put a good word of this place? I would really appreciate it if you do that” she said with a sly smile. 

He rolled his eyes but didn’t object, he knew that some of his contacts could be interested on some of her products or at least Giran would. “Alright, sounds fair” he said. 

She led him outside the shop and with said “Well, so this is it. If you need my help another time, you know where you can find me. I’ll really appreciate a friend around to be honest” 

“I’m not really what you can consider a friend, don’t misunderstand.” he said. He had to get out of the shop, the girl was making him feel very strange, not uncomfortable but his chest tingled a little when she smiled. 

“Haha ok. I guess, friendly acquaintance?” she laughed. 

“You really are a weird woman” he said looking at her one final time. “Anyway, see you around I guess and…don’t trust strangers too much, you could get in trouble in this city”. And with those final words he left without sparing her any more glances. 

Aloe smiled as he left the shop, she had a feeling this wouldn’t be the last time she would meet the mysterious Dabi. 

“Oh shoot, I have to clean the shop. We are having the grand opening tomorrow” she exclaimed in panic as she ran back inside and took out her wand to clean the place up. She knew that if Andy found the place dirty and not ready for the next day, she would be angry and an angry woman from the house of Black was…dangerous. 

With Dabi. 

To say that he had a weird day was an understatement, never in his seven years living on the streets he had met someone so… carefree like that woman. 

To be honest, he really expected her to hand him over the heroes, to try and get something from him or make him pay her with a favor but she just helped him and the let him go, not questions asked nor whatsoever. Are all foreigners this strange? Or was that woman just a rare case?

To be honest, he hadn't bothered being with her, she hadn't treated him badly, and she hadn't looked at him in disgust because of his burned skin and scars. From thinking so much about what had happened to that weird woman, he hadn't realized that he had already arrived at Giran's bar.

”Hey Dabi, I thought you died or something when you didn't show up yesterday, did you fulfill the customer's request?" Giran asked casually while smoking a cigar and a glass of whiskey in hand.

"Burned and destroyed to the ground, Still ..." he approached the broker and set his hand on fire. "I don't appreciate you hiding customer information from me, that bastard hero almost killed me."

"Chill out a little Dabi, it was irrelevant information for the job and you know that you are not in a position to deny requests" said Giran calmly without feeling intimidated by the blue flames.

"Don't do it next time or else, I swear I'll burn this shitty bar" said Dabi calming down a bit and sitting down at the bar.

"Anyway, where have you been? I've been calling you all day and I looked for you in your apartment." asked the older man.

"Let's say I made a new contact, one that I think could benefit me," said Dabi gesturing at the bottles he had in a plastic bag.

"Oh? Any potential new clients or partners?" asked Giran interested.

"I'm not sure, all I know is that this person is ... interesting" said Dabi looking at the bag with a curious smile. He still didn't know if the strange woman could be an advantage but he knew she was intriguing enough to see her again.

And next time, maybe he could see if she was worth it. 

Chapter Text

Next day. 

Aloe and Andromeda were very excited, the shop was ready to open officially to the public. Today they would finally receive their first clients. 

That morning, Aloe invited Fuyumi to drink a cup of tea before leaving to their respective jobs, during the days when Aloe and Andy were organizing and cleaning the shop for it’s grand opening.

They had been receiving constant visits from Fuyumi. They were not bothered by these visits, on the contrary, they enjoyed the presence of their new neighbor at home. Fuyumi in the few days that they had met her had managed to win both of them with how friendly and sociable she was.

Andy was very grateful for this since they met Fuyumi, Aloe seemed to be happier and talked more, she knew that Aloe had become a very reserved person since Ron and Herminone had moved to Australia and despite having her and Teddy around, Aloe also needed people her age to talk to. 

“Finally, today’s the day. I’m really excited” said Aloe drinking her cup of tea. 

“As you should be, you’ve been working a lot for this. I know that you’ll do just fine” said Fuyumi smiling while drinking her tea too. 

“Hehe, well I want to make a good impression in the first day. After all, I know there are already many special quirk clinics and remedies out there” said Aloe thinking about the competition. 

“Don’t worry, you’ll do great. Besides, I know your shop will be the best one. After all that medicine you gave me really worked amazing. Shouto was really impressed with it and believe me when I say that’s rare from him” responded Fuyumi trying to encourage her friend.

Several days before, Fuyumi commented in one of her visits that she was taking her of her brother because he got hurt during training, it wasn’t anything severe but Fuyumi said he got several cuts on his arms and legs. Noticing this opportunity, Aloe gave Fuyumi some of her remedies for free so he could try them and tell me if they were effective. Little to say, that Shouto’s injuries disappeared next day to the boy’s shock and his sister’s happiness. 

“I’m glad, I hope that he recommends me with his friends at UA” said Aloe half joking. 

“Oh trust me, my brother is an honest and blunt guy, if someone asks him, you will have the UA kids and teachers going to your shop in the near future” said Fuyumi with a cheeky smile. 

Aloe just laughed at her friend’s comments while they were enjoying their tea. 

However at that moment, the wooden clock rang alarming both girls that it was 9:00 and with alarming them at how late it was. 

“Oh no, I was supposed to be with Andy right now” exclaimed Aloe a little in hurry. 

“And I’m supposed to be going to school right now, sorry Aloe-chan I have to leave. We can talk later” said Fuyumi leaving in a hurry. 

“Bye Fuyumi, have a good day” shouted at Fuyumi as she saw her friend leave. 

“YOU’LL DO FINE, DON’T WORRY” shouted Fuyumi as she ran to catch the next bus to school. 

“Ah, I should’ve told her I could teleport her there or is it too early to tell her about magic?” mused Aloe to herself sweat dropping a little as she watched her friend run. “I guess I can tell her next time, well I do have to hurry. Andy is very strict with doing stuff on time” 

Aloe quickly teleported herself to the shop and appeared in the backroom, then she went out the front where Andy was taking care of the last details. “Sorry for being late, I was talking with Fuyumi and we didn’t realize the time” apologized Aloe. 

“It’s alright dear, you came just in time” Andromeda took a last look around making sure she didn’t forget any important details. “Okay, the medicines are ready and lined up, the potions are recently made, we have enough candy for the kids and Teddy is with Fawkes…are you sure they’ll be okay by themselves?” she asked looking at Aloe in concern, she was very protective over her grandson. 

“Don’t worry, I left all the wards and protection spells up before leaving and Fawkes is old enough to take care of a kid. Besides we’ll be taking turns in the shop, we have to be here just and hour and then one can leave back to them” reassured Aloe. 

“Right, okay then that’s perfect. Okay dear, open the shop. Now” said Andromeda. 

Aloe flicked her hand and the ‘CLOSED’ sign at the door changed to ‘OPEN’. 

“I knew practicing wandless magic would be useful” said Aloe puffing her chest proudly. 

Andromeda just sweat dropped “My dear, don’t tell me that you learned wandless magic for simple things like that?” 

Aloe responded proudly “Of course, anything to makes things easier” 

Andromeda just laughed even if her niece became more powerful than before it looked like she just wanted to use her powers to make her life easier. 

“Anyway, it’s open for the public so get ready Andy” said Aloe smiling in excitement. She already took a peek outside and there was a small crowd looking at the place curiously. 

And then clients started to enter the store. 

Hours later - afternoon

Aloe was attending some more clients, thankfully after all the ruckus that happened in the morning. To say that the grand opening was a success was short to say. A lot of curios people visited them today and bought some of their remedies after they asked what they were for. Aloe made some demonstrations for the skeptical clients who said that they were trying to scam them. She even said that if they failed they would refund them, no questions asked or complaints on both Aloe’s nor Andy’s part. 

Andy left after three hours, she was worried about keeping Teddy alone with only Fawkes as his nanny which was understandable, Aloe knew that Fawkes was capable but he was still a phoenix and Teddy couldn’t understand him as well as Aloe did. Besides, Aloe could manage to attend the clients better after the crowd dwindled some more. 

For the first day, Aloe thought that this grand opening was a success, it just a matter of time the place would gain more reputation but so far so good. However, Aloe had something that always had to ruin her day and that was non other than…her infamous Potter luck. 

When she was closing the shop apparently one person entered the shop, it was a burly and intimidating man who looked really shady and intimidating. With a cocky grin the man came closer to her and exclaimed to her “Okay missy, no funny business just hand over all the money and I won’t harm you” 

Aloe just looked at the man with a non impressed expression and with her arms crossed. Then she just said “Look mister, it’s been a long busy day, how about you leave me alone and I don’t call the police or the heroes after you?” 

The burglar just laughed thinking that Aloe was trying to intimidate him but she was just an small girl that was as intimidating as a cat. 

“Hahaha, how funny. Now hand me the money or else I will desfigure that pretty face of yours” said the man smugly. 

Aloe just moved her hand and the magic inside the shop acted and kicked the man out of the establishment. Aloe calmly walked outside in order to scare the man away but she saw that the burglar was still outside but now with an angry expression on his face. 

“Sir, I really suggest you should leave” said Aloe with her arms crossed as she leaned against the front door frame of the store. 

“YOU BITCH” exclaimed the man as he charged towards her. 

Aloe prepared herself to throw the man away…However the man was thrown away from her before he could reach her. 

“Now now, you really shouldn’t attack a lady, specially someone so pretty” said a male voice in a suave manner. 

Aloe turned to see who was the newcomer and she gasped a little. 

It was a blond guy with yellow tinted glasses, he was wearing a black shirt with a wavy golden pattern like a ripple in a pond, over which he has a tan jacket with a high collar. He was short yet slightly taller than Aloe and he also looked slightly older than her. But what really surprised her were the big red wings on his back, she never expected to meet someone who could have some similar abilities than hers. 

She unconsciously put her hands on her back trying to touch her wings and then mentally scolded herself for forgetting she was hiding them. She was about to talk to the man but the burglar beat her into it. 

“You-You’re the hero number three” said the man a little scared. 

The blond guy laughed a little, obviously amused by the criminal’s fear and responded “Haha it looks like my reputation proceeds me, now can you tell me why are you attacking a poor girl at this hour?” 

“I-I…” the criminal couldn’t respond because something small attacked him and stumbled him against the ground, knocking him unconscious. 

Aloe looked over and saw what knocked the man, it was the blonde’s feathers. She looked at the blonde in wonder. 

“How did you-?” she was interrupted by the blond. 

“What can I say, when I see a pretty girl in danger I get serious” said the blond with a smirk. 

Aloe just looked at him non impressed by the guy’s comment and sighed, then she said to the blond in a tired manner “Thanks for the help Mister Hero”

”Mister Hero? Hahaha, that’s cute. Call me Hawks” said the man with a flirty tone. 

Aloe just rolled her eyes, she wasn’t liking this guy’s attitude. “Anyway, thank you very much. So, I must get going, I have to close my shop and go home” said Aloe walking towards the shop’s entrance. She thought that the hero would leave of she just ignored him but what she didn’t expect was Hawks following her “Ummm…What are you doing?” 

Hawks just looked at her with a smile and tilted his head. “Well of course I’m going to accompany you home to make sure you get there safely” 

Aloe just raised her eyebrow and gave him an skeptical look, she needed the hero to leave so she could use the floo network. So she just said in a normal manner “No thanks, I’m going to be fine. So don’t worry about it” 

Hawks just let out a small laugh and said “Yeah, it looked like it back there” 

Aloe turned to look at him with a frown on her face. The nerve of this hero. “Excuse me? I had that perfectly handled, If you hadn't meddled, I would have taken care of him” 

“Oh? So are you some kind of pretty vigilant or underground hero?” asked Hawks getting closer to Aloe. 

Aloe pushed him a little making Hawks stumble by the girl’s surprising strength. 

“You would be surprised” said Aloe crossing her arms again and frowning at him. “Anyway, do what you want. But don’t bother me” she finished as she was closing the shop’s backdoors, then she beckoned Hawks to go out of the shop with her and closed the place completely. She knew that the guy would follow her regardless and it was better for her to resign and end this at once. 

During all the walk towards Aloe’s home, Hawks tried to talk to her about anything and everything from her quirk to her family. In other circumstances she would be fine to talk a little about herself but… he annoyed her a lot, it wasn’t because the guy wasn’t disrespectful but he was flirting with her every three sentences. 

“Come on, we can’t be in silence all the time. I just want to speak a little with you” said Hawks pouting a little at the girl’s attitude. 

“You’re annoying, you know that?” said Aloe rolling her eyes. 

“Haha you’re not the first one to say that, my friend always says that to me. She always tells me that i’m a parrot guy” says Hawks laughing a bit. 

“Smart friend” said Aloe “Besides, it fits with your quirk” she added after seeing his wings briefly. 

“Hey, that’s mean but I’ll let it pass because you’re cute” he said flirting once again. 

“Can you please quit calling me nicknames? You’re acting like a pervert” she said still walking a bit ahead. 

Hawks increased his pace too to keep up with her “Well what’s your name? You didn’t exactly introduce yourself” asked Hawks looking at the girl’s annoyed face. 

Aloe sighed and responded “My name is Aloe, Aloe Potter” 

Hawks smiled “That’s a cute name for a cute girl, nice to meet you Aloe-chan”

Aloe just facepalmed as Hawks continued his incessant flirting.

She really had a tiring day today, she just hoped to reach home soon enough. 

Chapter Text

Hello, sorry for this notification but It has come to this. Because a spammer has been putting porn links to ALL MY FANFICS (Shadows house, Yugioh, Blue lock, Hamefura, Ace attorney, etc) I’m going to restrict the comment section of all my stories. I’m really really sorry. But I can’t be deleting Everyday this comments. 

Still, to all my non member readers I still hope you continue reading. I know some of you really look forward to these chapters. I need to sort some things out but I’m still writing some drafts for this and the other fandom stories. 

Also I must say, I’m specially surprised this fanfic has a lot of acceptance. I really been trying to write and rewrite the next chapter for this one (really difficult to be honest) I’m still trying to put stuff together in an organic way and not to rush it. Don’t want to make Aloe the Mary Sue that can do everything and is godlike (don’t like that archetype) so I really beg you to be patient on this one. 

Chapter Text

Several weeks had passed since the 'incident' Aloe had had at the store. Ever since that day, both Aloe and Andromeda had taken comfort in knowing that their security spells were working efficiently.

However, and to Aloe's chagrin, since the day of the incident they had managed to get...

"Ally-chan~" said a cheerful voice as they entered the store.

…A very annoying(on Aloe’s opinion) usual client.

“Bloody hell” cursed Aloe while whispering and hiding behind the counter. 

Andromeda just giggled at her beloved niece's annoyance and antics, ever since hero number three had started visiting, Aloe had started to act a little more like a girl her age and not like a veteran who faced war. 

It even reminded her of the stories that Sirius had told her about Lily and James before they died. 

"Oh? So now he calls you Ally-chan, doesn't he dear?" teased Andy with a smile.

"Andy please take his order, I'll give you whatever you want, I'll take care of Teddy during full moons if you want" Aloe said begging a little.

"I'm sorry dear but taking care of my grandson is one of the few pleasures I have in my life, besides I think it would be more pleasant for the hero if he talks to someone he knows" said Andromeda trying to convince Aloe to come out of hiding .

However, before Aloe could think of any excuse to run away, Hawks reached the counter and pretended not to see Aloe who was obviously hiding from him. She hid so badly that Hawks was actually trying not to laugh at her obvious attempt of not talking to him. 

"Good afternoon Miss Black, how are you?" Hawks said with a friendly smile.

"I've already told you Mr. Hawks, don't try to flatter this old lady by calling her miss" Andromeda said with a smile.

"And I've already told you that you look too young to be considered old and don’t call Mister, just Hawks is fine" replied Hawks, smiling.

"Oh darling, don't say that, you'll delude this old woman with that kind of flattering" Andromeda answered, shaking her head with a smile.

"I would never delude someone like that Mrs. Black, hero's honor" said Hawks making a boy scout sign.

Andromeda and Hawks laughed a little, since the hero came to the store, unlike Aloe, they had a more fun and cordial relationship.

"I suppose, dear boy, you came to see my dear niece?” Andromeda said with a smile.

"What can I say Mrs. Black, guilty as charged" Hawks said giving her a smile "Can I assume that Ally-chan is busy?" asked the hero pretending not to see Aloe hiding under the counter.

"Hmm, now that you mention it, Ally must be just about..." Andromeda began turning around and waving her hand discreetly.

Aloe felt Andy's magic pull her up, forcing her to get up and face Hawks.

"Right here," Andy finished with a mischievous smile.

"Ally-chan nice to see you~" Hawks crooned with a smile.

"Yeah, I guess. Andy, I have to go. I have to ask for more orders" Aloe said looking for an excuse to leave.

"I just placed the order dear, don't worry" said Andy amused by the situation.

"Oh? So I have to clean the back" Aloe said looking for excuses.

"I also cleaned the back" said Andy pointing towards the back 

"Make more potions?" Aloe asked a little desperate 

"We have for a while" responded Andy smoothly 

"Ehh, take care of Teddy?" Aloe with full desperation

"My shift is ending soon, I can do it for you" Andy replied while holding back the urge to laugh. With each excuse, Aloe became more and more desperate to leave.

"I can take care of him" the girl quickly offered.

"My dear, don't take away from this woman the pleasure of taking care of her only grandson" Andromeda said with a smile. "You wouldn't do that to me would you?"

"Yes ally-chan, wouldn't you be able to take that away from someone like Black-san or not?" added Hawks, amused.

Ally growled in annoyance and crossed her arms. It was not fair.

”Fine, you go home. I’ll deal with this parrot” Aloe sighed. 

"PARROT? Ally-chan that's mean" Hawks said while clutching his chest.

Andy chuckled a bit as he started to get ready to go home. Maybe she hadn't seen what Lily and James's relationship was like before they got married but she had an idea that it was something similar to this.

As Andy left, Aloe folded her arms and glared at the hero. "Hawks, I told you not to call me that in front of Andy"

"Come on Ally-chan, the nickname suits you very well" Hawks told her with a smile as he leaned on the counter.

"Yes of course, whatever and tell me something, do you need something? or did you just come to delight me with your presence?" Aloe I ask.

"Hmmm, well it's true that I'm very good at delighting people, but I need to buy a couple of stamina drinks and some pain relief potions" Hawks said with a smile.

Aloe rolled her eyes as she went for the potions, at least the hero this time if she was going to buy something today.
However after finishing the purchase, Hawks still did not leave.

"Huh? Do you need anything else?" Aloe asked as she raised a confused eyebrow.

"Hmm? Nope I was just looking at how pretty you were Ally-chan, you'd get a boyfriend if you were nicer" Hawks said teasing her.

"WHY YOU-" however was interrupted

"YOU, I FINALLY FOUND YOU TWEETY" an annoyed female voice yelled as she walked through the door.

Aloe and Hawks turned to see who the newcomer was, she was a tall, tanned woman, with well marked muscles, her suit was a hero's and she had a pair of long rabbit ears.

Aloe recognized her as the hero Mirko. One of the best in the city, however, the woman seemed annoyed.

"Ahh Mi-Mirko, good to see you" Hawks stammered with some nervousness.

"YOU BIRD OF PREY, WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE PATROLING HOURS AGO" she yelled at Hawks annoyed as she grabbed his shirt threateningly. "AND I FIND YOU HERE FLIRTING?"

"N-It's not like that, it's a mistake Rumi, I swear" Hawks tried to say trying to save himself from her friend's wrath.

"Oh yeah, He was flirting a lot" Aloe said denying Hawks “I’ve been trying to kick him out” 

"THAT'S IT MISTER, YOURE SO DEAD" Mirko said as he practically dragged Hawks away.

"Ahhh Ally-chan, see you later" Hawks yelled as Mirko led him away. 

"STOP FLIRTING AND WORK MORE" was heard as the store door closed.

Aloe just waved her hand with a smirk. At least she would have peace for the rest of the day.

Chapter Text

Aloe was in the back of her garden, she felt very upset.

The reason?

She had spent hours trying to improve his skills. Some like controlling their strength had been too easy that they felt they no longer needed to practice. However, she had only progressed with that part of her quirk.

Apparently it was very difficult to fly with her wings, no matter how much she flapped them or hopped, she simply couldn't hover in the air for more than 10 seconds, after which she fell in increasingly humiliating ways much to the amusement of Fawkes who was supervising her training.

"Bloody wings, they are useless" the girl cursed with annoyance.

'It's not your wings' fault, chick. It's the fault of your technique, a bird has to feel like flying, you just jump into the air’ said the phoenix trying to explain her flaws.

“This is how birds learn, I am technically half one. It should be simple” Aloe complained as she now flapped her arms.

Fawkes flew over to Aloe and pecked her shoulder in annoyance 'You're not a bird, you're a phoenix. Part of a lineage of the most majestic creatures, in the world, you should be proud of that'

Aloe, for her part, narrowed her eyes. “Phoenix, bird. It's the same, maybe if I was half, I don't know, toucan, I could fly”, she said without expression.

Fawkes croaked annoyed and began to peck at her in a scolding way. "It's not the lineage's fault that you're a slow learner, more respect, little chick."

"No wonder Hedwig drove you away from me, you're abusive" Aloe complained as she tried to push the phoenix away.

The phoenix flew away a bit and also sighed 'Let's move on to the fire part of the training, try creating some flames on your hand'

Aloe stretched out an arm and began to breathe. However, there was no fire on her hand, not even a small flame. "Now what?" The girl exclaimed as she tried to force her arm.

'Hatchling I told you to breathe,' Fawkes scolded as he flew a little towards her.

"I can't if the flame doesn't come out" Aloe said as she tried to force fire into her hand. “I can't make a sad flame either. Fucking hell, I'm not good for this” the annoyed girl complained.

‘You will be able to one day, you just have to keep trying, a phoenix-“

“Fawkes, I'm not like you. I'm human, only a part of me is a phoenix, you can't treat me like one of yours” said the frustrated girl. "I can't because I can't learn like a hatchling of your kind, our constitutions are different"

‘Still you have to try Aloe, you have to be able to. It's your Quirk and Gift' Fawkes reminded him 'And I promised to help you, so don't get frustrated. Just take a break today and try another day, okay?' suggested the phoenix.

Aloe looked at Fawkes for a few seconds and then sighed tiredly. "Okay, we're done for today."

Fawkes parched again on her shoulder and batted a wing comfortingly 'Don't worry, everyone learns at their own pace. You will see that you will be able to master all your skills’

Aloe smiled tiredly 'thank you Fawkes' she said as she stroked her friend's head. With one last look around, Aloe entered the house feeling very tired.

"How did it go honey?" Andy asked as she finished preparing dinner.

Aloe just walked over to the dining room table and groaned in defeat as she put her head on the table.

“I think she did bad Granny”  Teddy said as he colored in the living room.

“Poor dear, you must be exhausted. My dear, will you be in the mood for dinner?" Andy asked with a calm smile.

"I guess" Aloe said without lifting her head from the table.

“Fawkes, would you like to have dinner with us? I made steak” said Andy looking at the phoenix that had been placed on the table.

Fawkes squawked merrily.

"I'll take it as a yes. Come on guys, let's have dinner” said Andy as she used her wand to set the table. Quickly, the table was set to perfection, the plates and cutlery arranged neatly.

“Grandma, is mine raw? I don't like roasted” Teddy asked as he looked at his plate.

“It's the way you like it, medium raw and juicy,” Andy said as she sat down next to Teddy and across from Aloe.

"YAY" the boy celebrated happily as he began eating his steak. 

“Aloe dear, try to cheer yourself up. Let's eat” said Andy encouraging Aloe to eat.

Aloe gave her a small smile "Thanks Andy"

Fawkes just went over a plate that was for him and devoured his food at a fast pace. 

And after a very unsuccessful training, the Black family dedicated themselves to a relaxing and delicious dinner time. 

OMAKE (Shady clients)

A shady looking man was very interested in what Dabi had told him, apparently there was a store that was capable of making all kinds of remedies and medicines that far exceeded those found in elite hospitals or the Yakuza.

Certainly being able to buy them wholesale and resell them to various contacts he had was a tempting offer.

Shrugging his shoulders and liking his idea, the man entered the store.

He did not doubt that it would be difficult to convince the manager, from what Dabi had told him, the girl was very trusting and kind despite the appearances of others.

"Good afternoon" he said as he entered the store.

It would be child's play to convince the girl.

However, the person who attendees him was not exactly a girl like the one Dabi had described.

She was a woman of about 30-40 years of age, She was a tall woman with long, light brown hair. Her face had a strong jaw, a thin mouth, and wide brown eyes. She was really gorgeous. 

“Good afternoon” said the woman looking at him with a raised eyebrow.

“Say, I'm looking for the owner of this place. I'm interested in purchasing several of your 'potions' in bulk and on a long-term basis,” the man said casually.

"The owner is me and my niece and I'm sorry but we don't do that kind of deal, we sell our products to those who need them" the woman said calmly.

"Hey? If it's for the money, I can pay you very well, miss," said the man trying to convince the woman.

“Thanks but no thanks” said the woman narrowing her eyes.

"Please don't be like that. Besides, I think that you and I can reach a good deal” said the man trying to flirt with the woman a little.

The woman glared at him with annoyance.

Hours later

"Hey? Giran, you look like shit” Dabi said as he poured himself a drink.

Giran just groaned as he placed his head on the table “Dabi, I was horribly rejected. That woman was beautiful but really mean” he lamented, careful not to further hurt his already cast arms and torso.

"Huh? Are you flirting with women while Toga and I work? Dabi said looking at him with a glare.

“Dabiii~ don't be like that, poor Giran got his heart broken…and his upper body” said a blonde girl with fangs while laughing. "When you find a girl you will see what it feels like"

Dabi just clicked his tongue as he walked over to a shelf to grab a bottle and took a drink of it. "Huh, it's already running out" the black-haired man said as he looked at the bottle.

"Huh, is that alcohol?" Said Toga looking at the bottle that her coworker had.

“My pain medicine” replied Dabi shrugging his shoulders “I'll have to go for more soon”

Strangely enough, Giran groaned at what Dabi said.

Chapter Text

Aloe was in the garden, standing in front of a small tree while watching the wind stir the leaves, trying to calm her frustration. She had spent the afternoon trying to fly, but her control over her wings was still a mess. Every time she tried to lift off, she either crashed or couldn’t keep her balance. Her movements became erratic and uncoordinated, something that had once come so naturally to her.

"Why can’t I do it? What’s wrong with me?" she thought, massaging her temples as frustration overtook her. She didn’t understand why her body wasn’t responding the same way, or why her wings seemed to move in opposite directions, as if they were alien to her. She couldn’t keep going like this; she had to find a solution.

At that very moment, Fawkes interrupted with an unexpected suggestion.

"Why don’t you ask that human with wings for help?"

Aloe jumped back as if she had heard something strange. Hawks? she thought, not fully understanding. Why would she want to ask him for help? But the voice in her head continued, calm and with a suggestion that, though absurd, made her think.

"He has wings too, even though they’re human, and he has experience flying. Maybe he’s a good starting point. Don’t you think you could learn something from him?"  asked the phoenix

Aloe crossed her arms, irritated by the phoenix’s interference. "No!" she said, with a sigh that mixed frustration and confusion. "I’m not asking that flirt for help." Hawks’ attitude had always irritated her. It wasn’t just his arrogance or his "I know what I want" smile, but the fact that he seemed to think all women fell for him. And Aloe was not one of those.

"Do you seriously think I’d let him help me? No way!" she muttered, looking at the horizon with disdain. "I don’t need a guy like him, especially not for something this serious."

Fawkes, however, seemed as serene as ever. "I’m only suggesting it because he has wings and good control over them, he´s a top hero, isn´t he?. Maybe he can teach you something you couldn’t get otherwise. And most importantly... maybe he’ll help you see things from a different angle."

Aloe took a deep breath, feeling a pinch of discomfort. The phoenix didn’t seem entirely wrong, but the thought of asking Hawks for help still made her feel foolish. Why would she go to him when there were so many others? she thought, but the answer was clear in her mind: No one else had wings like him. And he did know how to fly.

Still, her pride was stronger than her logic.

Ten minutes later

Aloe was in her room, sitting on the bed with her phone in hand. She stared at the screen, her finger hovering over the virtual keyboard, but she didn’t dare to type the message. She knew she had to ask for help, but something was stopping her. What if he takes it the wrong way? she thought. What if he laughs at me?

Every time she imagined the kind of comment Hawks might make, her cheeks flushed, and the same thought began to run through her mind: I shouldn’t even be considering this...

But then she remembered what Fawkes had said, and what had happened earlier. "I can’t keep turning my back on this problem," she thought as she gripped the phone tighter. If he doesn’t help me, who will?

Suddenly, another thought struck her: Damn it, Andy... In the end, it had been her aunt who, after hearing her complain so much about her difficulty with flying and months with no progress, had taken the step of asking Aloe directly to go to Hawks.

"You have no excuse," Andy had said with a mischievous grin. "Ask that nice young hero for help. Or do you want me to do it?"

The order had been clear, and of course, Aloe couldn’t say no, even though everything inside her screamed to avoid it. "Why do I have to listen to her? This is crazy!" she exclaimed angrily

But there she was, contemplating whether it was really such a bad idea.

Her finger began to type, but immediately stopped. What if Hawks takes this as an invitation for something else? She imagined his mocking smile and playful gaze. 

Then she thought of Fawkes, who had insisted she do it. "Do it for yourself, Aloe. Just ask for help, nothing more." And there, in the stillness of her room, she finally decided to send the message.

"Hawks, can you help me with something? I need help and I think you’re the right person. Can we meet tomorrow?"

She pressed "send" and then stared at the screen for a few seconds. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, but there was no turning back now. She had taken the first step. Though her face was still flushed, at least she had done it.

With Hawks and Mirko

Hawks had just finished his patrol with Mirko. They had been covering a dangerous area in search of information about certain suspicious movements, but the day was finally coming to an end. While Mirko was jumping from building to building, Hawks was flying over the city when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled out the phone and saw a message from "Ally-chan."

Hawks’ heart skipped a beat. Ally-chan... that cute, small girl who was so prickly yet reminded him of a wary kitten. He smiled involuntarily. Curiosity took over him as he opened the message.

"Hawks, can you help me with something? I need help and I think you’re the right person. Can we meet tomorrow?"

Hawks grinned even more. Of course, he thought as he quickly typed, "Sure, I’ll be available. See you tomorrow, Ally-chan." He pressed "send" and put the phone back in his pocket, a gleam in his eyes.

Mirko, who had already jumped a little closer to where Hawks stopped midair, raised an eyebrow. "What’s with that stupid smile, Romeo?" she asked teasingly.

Hawks, now slightly blushing, tried to hide his excitement. "Nothing, nothing. Just made plans with that cute girl from the store," he said casually, though his voice sounded a bit softer than usual.

Mirko shot him a skeptical look, clearly not buying the story. "Did you kidnap a relative or something from her?” she mocked. "Because, you know, sometimes your ‘hero’ smile is suspicious."

Hawks, now completely red, glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and let out a nervous laugh. "Don’t tease me, Mirko," he said, trying to sound annoyed but knowing it was more of a friendly jab.

Mirko studied him for a moment, knowing she had touched a nerve, before smiling and patting him on the back. "Good luck, Romeo," she said as they arrived at Mirko’s agency. "Looks like tomorrow’s going to be an interesting day for you."

With Aloe

Aloe collapsed onto her bed, her hands covering her face as frustration took over her. “This can’t be! It can’t be that he accepted so quickly!” she thought, feeling overwhelmed. Every time she thought about it, she felt a pressure in her chest, as if everything was about to explode. “Why am I so...?” she mentally complained. Stupid, idiot! A sigh of frustration escaped her lips, and her head sank into the pillow. The situation was irreversible; she had accepted the invitation to meet Hawks, and now there was nothing to do but wait.

Suddenly, the door to her room opened, and Andy appeared with a playful smile on her face. Aloe didn’t lift her head, already knowing who it was. Andy, however, didn’t waste time approaching, crossing her arms and observing the situation.

“What’s wrong, Aloe?” Andy asked in a soft but clear tone, knowing something wasn’t right. “Do you have such bad luck that you get the chance to learn something and get frustrated about it?”

Aloe slowly lifted her head but didn’t say anything. She just made a disdainful face and sighed in irritation. “I don’t want to talk about it…” she murmured, unable to hide her discomfort.

Andromeda moved closer, sitting on the edge of Aloe’s bed with a warmer expression. “Why don’t you give yourself the chance to learn a little from him?” she suggested in a much more relaxed tone. “Hawks seems like a nice young man. A nice young man, although he’s a bit flirtatious and, in his way, charming.” Andromeda smiled softly, knowing that Aloe was usually reluctant to such suggestions.

Aloe frowned, looking at Andy with a mixture of discomfort and confusion. “I don’t want to, Andy. I really don’t want to,” she said, almost automatically, as if that was her only argument.

Andy didn’t get discouraged. “Aloe…” she insisted gently, “sometimes what we need most is to have friends, not just spend your days at work. It’s important that you relate to people your age too. I know you have Fuyumi, but… I’d feel a lot better knowing you have a broader circle of friends. People you can share more than just responsibilities with. It would make you feel a lot better. And Hawks… well, he’s a little flirtatious, but he’s a good guy. I really think it would be good for you.”

Aloe stayed silent, thoughtful. The pressure of the situation and the sincerity in Andy’s words made her feel a knot in her stomach. She knew she was right, but her pride was stronger than logic. She looked to the side, then turned back to Andy with a mixture of doubt and frustration. “I’ll try... but I can’t promise anything.”

Andromeda smiled widely, visibly relieved. “That’s all I’m asking, Aloe,” she said affectionately. “Just give it a chance. You have nothing to lose.”

Aloe frowned, looking at Andromeda with a mix of determination and exasperation. “I’ll try, but if he flirts with me, I’ll hit him, or at least throw a Confundus on him,” she said, her tone serious but with a hint of humor in her eyes. She was completely determined not to let Hawks get away with anything too forward.

Andromeda let out a soft laugh, her expression relaxed and amused. “That’s all I need to hear,” she replied, barely holding back her laughter. “Good luck, darling.” She gave Aloe a gentle pat on the back before standing up and leaving the room.

Aloe, still a little nervous, stayed there for a moment, thinking about what she had just said. Despite her tough attitude, something deep down felt like this meeting with Hawks might be... interesting. At least she had Andromeda by her side as backup, and that comforted her a little.

“Well, let’s see what happens,” she murmured to herself, before mentally preparing for what was to come.

OMAKE – Giran’s Revenge

Giran, determined not to give up, watched the shop assistant carefully. She was attending to other customers, but he couldn’t miss the chance. His crooked smile and confident attitude were ready for another attempt.

This time, instead of diving in with a coffee offer, he decided to go more direct. He approached the counter and, with a confident look, said, "You know, have you ever thought about dating a man with so much... style?"

The assistant, for a moment, looked at him with an expression that seemed to mix amusement with a bit of tiredness and annoyance. However, without losing composure, she simply smiled in a forced but defiant way. "Again with the same thing? Don’t you learn?"

Giran, feeling more confident than ever, tried to keep his attitude. "The thing is... when a man like me looks at you, you know there’s no way you can resist."

But before he could continue, the woman raised her hand and motioned for him to calm down. "Look, I already told you last time. Don’t insist. Take a step back." Her tone was firm but friendly, though it was clear that could change quickly.

Giran didn’t take it well, and just as he was about to open his mouth to make another attempt, the assistant, with a precise and calculated movement, gave him a push that sent him flying backward. Giran hit the floor with a loud thud, his body slamming against the cold shop floor.

From a distance, Dabi, who had been watching the whole thing from the start, just sighed. "Idiot never learns," he murmured as he slowly gathered the shopping bags he had bought without rushing.

Seeing that Giran was still on the ground, Dabi walked over to the counter, indifferent to what had just happened, and began to pay without changing his expression. The assistant, for her part, smiled with satisfaction as she handed Dabi the change. "Come back soon," she said with a playful smile, though it carried a touch of sarcasm. "And preferably, come back without your friend."

Dabi just nodded, picked up the bags, and gestured to Giran, who was still lying on the floor. "Come on, oh great conqueror," he said mockingly. "That’s enough for today."

Giran, still on the floor, could only stare at the ceiling, defeated. "I hate you..." he muttered as he tried to get up, still feeling completely beaten.