A/N: Dadzawa and Shouto getting the help he needs!

Chapter 16

The ride to Aizawa's apartment was quiet. After a goodbye like what he had just experienced, Todoroki didn't even feel like quizzing Aizawa on exactly why he was staying with him in the first place.

When they arrived, he grabbed his bag and followed Aizawa into a small but nice apartment. The hero led Todoroki to a small room, where he put his things down. Aizawa gave him a quick tour of his place before leaving Todoroki to himself in his room. He came back a couple of hours later to get him for dinner. After they had eaten, Aizawa led Todoroki into the living room.

"I told you that I would explain everything to you. Before we start, though, do you need anything? Because we might be here a while."

"I don't need anything right now, Mr. Aizawa. Please begin your explanation." Todoroki replied rather stiffly.

"Okay, then. You're probably wondering the most about why you're here, in my apartment. Well, after the villain put you back together, you were unconscious for a few days. In that time and the time after you woke up, All Might and I did some research about your home life."

Todoroki's eyes widened. "What?! Why would you do that?"

"We're not blind, Todoroki. All Might and I both saw what happened in the Infirmary when Endeavor came to check on you. No child in a normal situation would have reacted that way to seeing their father. You're red half looked like he was going to attack him. All Might and I agreed later that we would find out what was behind that. And, luckily for you, you have good friends."

Todoroki looked confused for a moment. Then it clicked.

"Midoriya."

"And Bakugou," Aizawa added. At the curious look he got, "Bakugou confirmed everything that Midoriya had told us. Apparently, he had been listening to your conversation. Don't be mad at either of them, though. They did the right thing in helping their friend."

"But getting back on topic, once they told us what they knew, we did some more digging and found plenty of evidence against Endeavor to wrestle custody of you out of his hands. I am your official guardian right now and you may choose either of your siblings or even a teacher, if they're willing, to transfer the custody to until you're of age."

Aizawa sighed. "Look, I know this is a lot to pile on you now of all times. But it needed to happen and we had to make the decision. At this moment, you don't need to worry about anything other than getting better, okay? You can stay here as long as you need or want."

Aizawa suspected that a response would be a long time coming, so he was surprised when only a few moments passed before Todoroki spoke.

"So, he's gone? I don't have to go back to him? Ever?"

He spoke with so much hope that Aizawa almost did a double take to see if it was still Todoroki.

"No. You never have to see him again, unless you want to."

The hope dimmed a little at his next statement.

"What if he comes for me?"

"If he does or if he tries anything, he'll be arrested. He has no right to see you ever again," Aizawa said with conviction.

Aizawa could tell that Todoroki was fighting back tears as they stared into each others eyes. Then, so quickly he almost didn't realize what happened, Todoroki was in Aizawa's arms, hugging him for dear life.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Todoroki mumbled thanks like that several more times. Even after he stopped, he didn't let go of Aizawa. They stayed like that for a while, until Aizawa realized, listening to his slow, steady, breathing, that Todoroki had fallen asleep. Not wanting to disturb him, he carefully picked the boy up and carried him to his new bedroom.

He placed the sleeping child, for that was what he was, on the bed and grabbed a blanket to cover him. Aizawa tucked Todoroki in and ruffled his hair affectionately. With a small smile, Aizawa turned off the light and closed the door behind him. If Aizawa had a wet spot where Todoroki had buried his face in his chest, he didn't mind. Fortunately for Todoroki, his teacher would be watching over him very closely. Todoroki's sleep was dreamless that night.