My Hero Academia: Akio Takeyama
Chapter 21
When I awoke, it was incredibly bright outside. The sun seemingly breaking through the drapes of the window to burn my skin with its outrageous heat.
It might as well have been saying, "get up," Its time."
Time for what? What was today? A Monday, Tuesday, ah, it was a Friday. Today was the last day for students to decide who they were going to intern with over the break. I had already decided, flames flickering info my mind at the thought of the man. The clash between Izuku and Todoroki.
Did the apple fall far from the tree? Perhaps not. I smacked my chapped lips and rose from under the covers. My teeth clattered against each other a clear reaction to the low temperature in the room.
I took a deep breath. White and misty smoke hitting against the palm of my hand.
I need a hot shower.
Before I could act on my wishes the brown doorknob opened with an audible creak. black hair was latched onto the door causing me to raise an eyebrow at the new color. Isn't it supposed to be red?
Lia positioned herself in front of the doorway and immediately rubbed her shoulder. "brr," Lia shivered, "We really need to get you your own heater."
"I totally agree," I nodded sliding my legs over the edge of the bed and placing my feet on the cold brown wooden tiles. "Although, it usually isn't this bad." I pointed out as my aunt's hair stretched and patted my hair.
"Go eat breakfast downstairs." She ordered, walking to the window and pulling the blinds to the side and opening the window to its apex.
I felt the sudden urge to hiss as the rats of light had so suddenly entered the room unannounced. The warmth, however, is a welcomed relief to my ice-cold skin.
"That should warm you up before you take those long hot showers you like." Lia then moved over to the closet, fishing through the racks of clothes on the line and pulling from the depths my black suit.
"Uh, is there a reason why you're holding out my old suit?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
She gave me a deadpanned look. "To iron it?" The rhetorical question was just met with a larger tilt of my head. Context, please? With a roll of her eyes, Lia hung the suit on her arm and walked over.
"Akio," Her hand took hold of my shoulder before dropping herself next to me on the bed. "Mika decided to move up the date."
I let her words sink. The confusion had been first, but the sudden realization that hit me was strikingly quick.
"Ah," I breathed, "The funeral is today." There was nothing more to say, knowing Miyuki as my sensei helped me understand her decisions were well thought out before execution. Although, what brought on such a change?
"Please go wake Toshiko," She paused, looking away and eyebrows creasing in thought, "Go be a big brother," Lia whispers, squeezing at my shoulder. I've never risen up to my feet so quick in my life, the mere thought of what the small girl was going through propelling me out into the hallway and down to her room in concern.
The thumping of my feet against the hardwood floor had attracted attention in the form of Miyuki barging from her room in a complete mess. I stopped abruptly, blinking once at her. That doesn't look good. My purple eyes shifted to her eyes - what was supposed to be a clean white around her pupils were faded red - she had been crying. Miyuki starts to blink, most likely confused at my silent staring and the sudden halt of my speedy pace.
She tilted her head, "Uh Ak-" I spun on my heel, my name getting stuck in her throat as I cupped my hands around my mouth. I think she needs someone. That person isn't supposed to be me rather the only other adult of the same age in the mansion.
"Aunty!" I called from down the hall. The volume of my voice 5 decibels too high with the relatively small distance from my room door. But it did the trick- perhaps a little too well because the now black-haired was leaping down the hall as if our lives were in danger. That's a little scary. Her quirk was activated at had seen it many times before but, not like this-not so big and long that it would encase the entire part of the hallway. Her quirk is definitely more effective in small and tight spaces like these.
Her face switched from one of complete and utter panic to confusion. Her hair zipped back it's normal waist length size falling flat against her shoulders.
"What the hell are you yelling like that for!?" Lia exclaimed, stepping in front of us with her hands on her hips. She flicked my forehead causing me to recoil in pain. "I had thought a Villain broke in..." She trailed off eyes flittering to Miyuki. Lia's hand slid slowly from her hips as she turned slowly to the widow eyes glued squarely to her face.
Miyuki said nothing yellow eyes dancing between me and my aunt.
"She's a mess." I bluntly announced causing Miyuki to flinch in shock.
"Huh!? What? I-I don't know what you mean?" Miyuki shoulders were tense and she quickly attempted to straighten her image by smoothing out her chocolate brown hair. It did nothing but make it worse. More hairs were loose and sticking awkwardly into the air. However, it wasn't just that I was talking about her attempt at sedating my concern only increased it and I could tell Lia was having trouble holding back.
"Girl," Lia stepped forward and grabbed her wrist. "You look like a tornado blew through central Tokyo and had to be on a 24-hour disaster hero shift." I nodded not understanding a single part about disaster shifts. Yeah, what she said. Miyuki lips curled down into a frown and snatched her hand away from her. My eyes widened at the action - I've never seen her act like that before- my eyes drifted back to my aunt-especially Lia.
"Akio," Lia spoke slowly, her magenta orbs locked with lemon-colored pupils. "Go to Toshiko."
Not another word was spoken from me as I did what was ordered of me. I never glanced back to know what was happening even when Miyuki was raising her voice in protest to Lia holding her.
I wonder what happened between them?
- The Funeral - Present -
I never knew him. I never heard anything about him until today. A man who was loved by the community, a man who supported friends, family, and heroes and any way shape or form. Guilt washed over me at that moment. How could I come into a home and not know the man who made the blueprint for it to be constructed himself?
They called him the support hero, Toolbox. Murdered by one of the kingpins of the villain underworld Flex. Taking a fatal blow for his daughter. A man classified by scientists as quirks had the greatest quirk of all love and selflessness for the others around him.
These were words spoken by the number 2 hero Endeavor. A calm and collected voice clear of any emotion or sign of anger. His eyes were full an eery blue that told more emotions than his still lipped facial expression slack and loose.
Did it truly hurt him or did the man see it as a setback? A problem that needed to be solved, disappointed that he has to find a new support guy to maintenance his costume whenever he needed it.
"I believe," There was a pause from him that truly wasn't a pause. Perhaps a beat a slip of the tongue. "That we will all mourn in our own way. Some will shed tears, some will view it as a tragedy, and send empty letters of grievances expressing their sorrow." There was a fierceness an aggressiveness for his voice that didn't truly resemble Endeavor.
Who was it?
"Rather, it's up to the men and women who take up the mantle of his dream and carry on his legacy," There was a moment of silence as he let his words hang in the air. "Adam has done a lot for me and I would do my best to carry on his legacy through my work. To do my best as a hero to make sure something like this will never happen again." He closed his eyes and for a second I saw a snap of flame flicker under his nose.
He was angry. In turmoil but he was fighting against that of his usual demeanor - the fury that was building up inside of him. "I give my condolences, to his wife Miyuki and his daughter Toshiko."
At that, my eyes flickered to sensei, that poor woman. I knew she was strong physically perhaps mentally. Although one that merely could've been a facade. It made me think of how horrible I handled the situation, my lapse of judgment at the time. She never truly recovered didnt she? It made my lip curl down into a frown. My fingernails digging into my palm.
There was nothing I could do about it anyway, it's up to her to decide how to handle this.
My mind drifted back to the backyard, a place that I had visited quite frequently and had become my 'safe space' one could say. The green grass was grazed over my black socks being pricked at by the lime green grass.
"Your home early today." Her voice I could remember the croaky filter it had.
I shifted to my right, Miyuki sitting on the grass knees to her chest. I had expected when my eyes caught ahold of hers they would be a vibrant lemon, instead, they were dull medallion. They held no life. Red stained the white in her eyes. They were puffy and her cheeks were tinted red. A glint in the sunlight directed my eyes to her side where a half-empty wine bottle sat. A waft of smoke littered the air, a clear indication she had been smoking and finished not so long ago. I was stunned. Silent. No words would come out of my throat no matter how hard I tried.
Your home early today. No, I'm not. It was an hour past the time I usually came home. The gears in my head began to turn. She's drunk.
"Your drunk," My voice mirroring my thoughts. I took cautious steps closer just before she smiled wide wobbling side to side.
"Yeah-yeah, I'm drunk," Miyuki slurred in that croaky voice of hers.
She weakly raised a finger. "I'm also depressed." Miyuki once again slurred out smacking her lips. "And sad." She leaned back and chuckled.
"And exhausted."
I know.
"And heartbroken."
I know.
"And angry."
I know.
"And-and I dont know what to do?" She looked up to me tears welling up in the corner of her eyes.
I know.
I dropped to my knees and snaked my arms around her. "It's okay sensei." It's okay. It's alright to feel that way. To not be strong. "You dont have to hold it in. No one will know if for a moment you break down. No one will see. I won't tell. I know you dont have to be strong all the time."
I know that better than most. Pain, regret, heartache, depression, name an emotion and I've felt it. I've gone through the motions. I dont know the exact thoughts going through her head but I have an idea. Sometimes they just need a shoulder to lean on in a moment like this.
"Okay." She breathed out.
The grass got plenty of water to drink that day. But it wasn't like she had been the only one up to this point.
I looked closer to my left at her daughter, and perhaps my niece? Though she was more like a little sister to me, a child-like her doesn't know how to cope with things like this. Maybe she put it to the back of her head, her attempt at not letting it affect her, and pull her into that darkness. Was it effective?
"I'm Home!" My call was met with a quiet and surprised hello from Lia. Her magenta eyes darted to the kitchen, a worried glance before stomping over.
I took a step back, cautious and confused as to why her approach had become aggressive.
I let my bookbag straps slide off my shoulder just as she snatched my arm and forcefully pulled me down the hall.
"Toshiko please speak to me," Miyuki spoke softly to Toshiko but the girl never once lifted her head to look at her. Immediately, the scene before me was alarmingly disturbing. The kitchen was a mess bowl of food, cookies crushed against the floor, and water pooling at the floor.
I didn't even go look at Sensei. "Get a mop." I could feel Lia's feet hit the floorboards as she stepped away quickly. How long? My eyes went to the dining table where Toshiko sat her head down on the table covered by her arms.
There was a sharp intake of breath from Miyuki. "Akio, please-" Her pleas were quieted suddenly when Toshiko straightened head snapping up her lemon colored eyes staring at me. They were red and puffy from tears. My heart leaped out of my chest befuddled at the look of utter sadness. The way her brows were knitted together, the frown on her lips, and the way she trembled.
A childlike he shouldn't have a look like that. A look of utter pain and turmoil.
She hopped down from the chair and painstakingly took her time with each step. Toshiko didn't stop until her forehead hit my thigh.
I pursed my lips my fingers trembling and my body shaking. Splashed with a raw wave of emotion I struggled to mot say anything, to not move, not until she was ready.
Her small fingers snaked their way up my pants leg to the hem of my uniform blazer to grip it. I could feel it now the trembling, shivering, and shaking her body was emitting. Toshiko looked up, eyes pooling with water, and her voice trembling.
"I-I miss-father!"
"I hate it without him here!"
Toshiko didn't cry, shriek, or scream. A contrast to a few days ago. She was concerningly quiet throughout the funeral service. I wondered if she was feeling alright, this mourning when I visited her she all but never wanted to leave the bed.
"Can I stay a little longer?" I agreed, to 10 more minutes reluctantly but only if I could join her. She agreed happily climbing into my lap and wrapping the pink puffy sheet around us as I held her. As if feeling my eyes on her Toshiko shifted, craning her neck to look up at me with her big doe eyes. I blinked, How are you feeling Toshiko? She looked down at my arm before reaching over and with her fingers pinched at the sleeve of my suit blazer. It was then I knew the small child was only hanging on by a thread.
"It's okay," I whispered, fingers snaking through her straight brown hair.
Todoroki Enji lowered his head, "May he rest in peace." No one said anything as the giant of a man stepped away from the coffin.
The rest of the time there wasn't much of a blur. It was long and grueling. As the wake progressed such did the emotions of the people start to rise to the surface.
"He had one wish and his one wish was to serve the people any way he could. 'Although I won't be able to be there directly, I can send my support in a way that can indirectly help and that's okay too. Building a legacy off the back of heroes.' He thought it was pathetic. I thought it was the most admirable thing I ever heard." Her own frown seemingly disappeared, replaced by a bright reminiscent smile. Her croaky voice slowly edged its way back to a tone of clarity.
The feeling in the venue had transitioned to something brighter and more light with each passing moment as she recounts happy memories of her precious time with her husband. The laughter that filled the room had become a stark contrast from the moody and emotional feelings common with such events.
Toshiko's cheeks were round and puffy with how hard she was smiling. I gently rubbed her head. "See, in these moments, when you mourn loved ones, you have to cry about the happiness they brought you," I say for the first time. Toshiko grabbed my hand and slowly brought it down in front of her.
"Thank you."
Toshiko held her hand against mine it's size morphing her own. She opened her mouth, pausing as she looked to Lia who nodded.
"Big brother."
"My condolences. Adam was a very respectable man. The honor, love, and care that went into every single piece of his work isn't a trait that every man has." Kamui Woods bowed to Miyuki-sensei. "I truly shed tears when I heard of his passing." The two shared a tight embrace before he lowered himself to Toshiko's height and rubbed her head.
"How are you holding up little one? The last time I saw you were-" He paused and made a motion with his hand, "-this small!" Toshiko giggled and went in for a hug. Kamui chuckled as he returned it. My lips curled up into a smile at the gesture. He must have known her father personally. It seems Adam was a more than renowned support designer for the pros.
I wonder what kind of costume or gadgets the man would've built for me if he was still alive? That reminds me I should put an order in for new additions to my costume before we attend our internships and a-what just tapped me on the forehead?
"Are you okay Akio?" The voice immediately made me flinch as I refrained from kissing my teeth. I blinked focusing my attention on my mother as she wore a normal black dress holding a basket of Lilies in her hands. So, she also came to pay her respects. Her purple orbs took in every bit of my presence and she let a small smile grace her lips. I furrowed my eyebrows, How come I didn't see you during the start of the Wake? It was the first question on my mind, but immediately I refrained from verbalizing it.
Leaving my trepidations about her for another day. Today was supposed to be a day of mourning and perhaps closure.
So instead, "I'm happy that you made it." And truly what I said held some truth. No matter how much I don't want to see her, it's that nagging piece of me that throws the possibility of actually amusing a certain idea; one that would have me spend time with my mother. Mend what was broken.
At my words, Yu smiles leaning down to place a kiss against my cheek. "I'm happy to see your alright Akio." She used her free hand to cup my cheek. I sighed into her touch ghosting my fingers over the back of her hand. This is supposed to feel like fire right? An uncomfortable feeling started burrowing its way into my stomach, one that had everything to do with her touch right now.
My fingers gripped her hand and pulling it away, "No." I said all to suddenly.
My mother made a sound holding her hand against her chest where her lips pressed into a thin line. She must have known then that she did something wrong.
"I'm sorry." Her apology was met with me looking away and right into the eyes of Kamui Wood. Had he been watching our interaction just now? I wish I knew what his expression is right now but he's wearing his hero mask. Although like a deer caught in headlights he said nothing before darting his attention away to Yu who snorted against her hand.
What the heck is happening?
"Uh..." He paused to put a hand on the back of his neck. "I heard you decided to decline my offer." At the inquiry, I opened my mouth with an 'oh'. I shrugged my shoulders putting my hand out for a shake, one he immediately took and nodded at.
"It was shocking to see you had given me an offer. Which don't get me wrong," My lips curled up into a smile? "I'm was very honored by but decided someone else was a better suit for me." Kamui nodded his eyes closing in somewhat of an appreciative smile, I almost didn't catch that. At that, a frown graced my lips. As I pointed a finger at Yu.
"Unfortunately, my mother didn't even give me an offer," To even think I bothered attempting to look for it. Although that isn't the reason I said what I said just now my eyes narrowing at Kamui. He seemed to freeze every motion in his body stopping function. It actually made me raise an eyebrow. Is he okay?
I looked to my mother whose mouth was jaw dropped. Oh, did he not know? Did you not tell him that you had a son? To keep that pretty little image of yours right? To be exactly what your not? A fire burned within my stomach but the cold on my fingertips was beginning to numb my fingers. My mother's bottom lips quivered and she took a step forward.
"I didn't think it was true."
My mother stopped in her tracks. Kamui woods seemed to snap out of his stupor snapping his head to the right ad taking a step back. There stood none other than the number 2 hero Endeavors son, Todoroki Shoto. He was dressed in a regular suit his hands placed firmly in his tie his mismatched orbs looking straight at me.
What? Why is he here? Dammit, maybe I got a little too ahead of myself there. Looks like I'll have to deal with the repercussions of my actions here and now.
He tilted his head, staring into the air before looking at Kamui Woods than my mother. "I never thought that Kamui woods would be your father though."
...
...
...
"Huh!?" I exclaimed with a horrified look on my face. I crossed my hands in an 'X' motion, "Absolutely not!"
Kamui woods choked in his masked and Yu almost passed out from the shock of it all. Her lips quivered and she let out a hoarse laugh.
"Him?" Yu put a hand to her mouth and laughed. "Oh-oh god- this went from serious to funny way too quick." Kamui Woods was quick to recover pointing a finger at the woman.
"You and I are going to have a serious talk after this is over!" Kamui exclaimed in hushed words. Yu doubled over in laughter only stopping to catch her breath and wipe a tear from her eye.
"No-no," She waved her hand in a shooing motion, "I told you and that Akio was my son after the U.A. festival remember?" Yu beamed at Kamui Woods and all I could do was watch with shock. Wait, she did what? She didn't keep me a secret?
Kamui actually flinched tking a moment to blink a couple of times before shaking his head. "I had thought that was another one of your jokes," Kamui said in slight disbelief. "I'm so sorry." He seemed ashamed looking down at the ground while rubbing the back of his neck. It seemed it had all been a misunderstanding.
"It's fine," Yu reassured putting a hand on his shoulder. "I wouldn't believe me either, a 22-year-old who is already a mother of her own teenage child," She then paused her purple orbs drifting to Todoroki. "But see that's the thing..." She walked over to me and pulled me close her touch still burrowing that uncomfortable feeling in my chest.
"It's supposed to be a secret...for his protection." Her voice got oddly low as she grabbed Todoroki by the arm and pulled him close. Whispering into his ear. I stood oddly to the side as I watched Todoroki's expression of indifference switch to slightly perturbed. It was only his eyes that had the most reaction by only widening just a smidge. It was the only indicator that whatever my mother had told him had garnered a reaction.
"Alright, that's enough," I decided, pulling my mother away from him. "Leave him alone. He's my...friend and I rather not have you petrify him with whatever you just told him."
Yu smiled and waved a dismissive hand in front of her face a chuckle escaping her lips. "It's fine, Right Todoroki-Kun?" She questioned clapping her hands together.
I twisted Todoroki by his shoulder and started pushing him away. "Yeah, Yeah. Please go give your offering before the day is over." I said refusing to let Todorki turn around as I forced him forward. Once we were a good couple of feet away I let go of his shoulders and let out a sigh.
"You've got to be kidding me." I breathed out in disbelief.
This can't be happening right now. Why now of all times?
"...I apologize."
I shook my head.
"You weren't supposed to hear that." I ran my hands through my blonde hair lifting it up into the air. "Now you know where I get my looks from."
It seemed we were pretty far from the venue most of the family members beginning to spill off into their own groups behind us. It should be fine to talk here. I look at Todoroki to see him staring off into the distance. His face once again was that cool indifference as if the previous events never affected him at all. I furrowed my brows, lips curling down into a frown before I grabbed his arm. That got his attention.
I stared into his mismatched orbs and pooled every ounce of irritation into my expression.
"What's your deal huh? Why were you even there in the first place?" I questioned, suspicious of his exact intent.
He looked at me eyebrows raising ever so slightly, "I just wanted to say hi." He answered with little emotion.
I blinked in surprise. He answers me as if what he just heard wasn't a big deal. Does he not care that with one slip of his tongue everything I've built up till now would crumble and no amount of quirks in the world would be able to mend it? My fingers with my free hand curled tightly into a fist. I trembled slightly in place as I tightened my hold on his arm.
"Are you happy now?" I asked through gritted teeth. "Did you get what you wanted?"
I think I know who your mother is...
"You already knew didn't you?" I ask grip on his arms loosening slightly.
Todorki eyes met mines for only a moment before they drifted to the side. "My Father told me." He said as quietly as possible. His eyes lowered ever so slightly his fingers curling into the fabric of his black suit. "I didn't quite believe it until just now."
I turned away from him before reaching up to massage the bridge of my nose. The number 2 hero Endeavor knew who my mother was? How could he even get his hands on information like that? If he had been looking into my background than he must have revealed to Todorkoki who my father was, right? I immediately spun back to face Todorokoi, eyes wide and a look of actual desperation on my face.
"Do you know?" My question only made him raise an eyebrow. "Do you know who my father is?" I clarified.
His mouth parted slightly but he said nothing. His eyes usually devoid of emotion seemed to hold some sort of confliction. That had been it. That was all I needed. Todorkoki seemed to realize it too as his lips closed into a thin line and his eyes drifted from my gaze once more.
"Who?" I stepped closer to the person who held a piece of the puzzle. "Tell me please." I pleaded grabbing ahold his arm once more.
Todoroki's eyes stared hard at something I could feel his muscle tense as he reluctantly drew a breathe in and turned back to me.
His lips parted once more this time wide enough to speak his thoughts.
"I can't. It's not my place."
That Sunday, Todoroki paid an unexpected visit to my home.
"Would you like something to eat Todoroki-san?" Miyuki was holding up an empty bowl. I stared at him as I picked at my soba. He was staring directly at my plate. "I just made some Zaru Soba."
His answer was immediate, "Yes, please."
...
"So Zaru Soba huh?" I smiled at him, as we stood side by side on the train. He blinked and turned to me.
"It tasted good." He admitted with a nod.
"I'll make sure to tell her that." I chuckled turning back to the window of the train as we passed through the city and into a smaller community of buildings. He didn't say anything when he randomly rung the doorbell nor did I question him when he asked me to follow him somewhere.
What is this? An apology for last week? If it is, it's a waste of time there is nothing to be forgiven. I sighed and rolled my shoulders as we reached the stop and filed off the bus. It was a silent walk from the station and turning multiple corners of streets I've never been to. The area seems to be particularly vacant because if I had to assume it was a residential area. Most of the buildings seemed to be apartments or houses a stark contrast from the busy city streets.
We descended a small hill and at the end, there was a tall building. There was a small sign, "building E", it stated. The ones you would usually see at a hospital. Wait. I paused and looked up at the building entrance. Todoroki continued to walk forward to the sliding door although I had clearly stopped from the name of the building.
"Hey." Todoroki stopped at my call. "Why are we at a Mental hospital?" I asked him as I caught up to him at my own pace.
"There's someone here you need to meet," He answered looking up at the building sign. She? I raised an eyebrow at Todoroki watching him stare hard at the building sign. I wonder if it's someone close to him? Or is he trying to say I'm crazy or something? I motioned with my hand.
"All right. Lead the way."
The hospital staff was quite shocked to see me. Their eyes were practically glued to us the moment we walked side by side up to the front desk. The lady smiled her eyes darting between us both. "I'm here to see her." His voice nothing but calm had somehow made the women jump.
Her blue eyes darted between us. "Uh-y-yes. Right. Just put both of your names here please and I'll let her know that you've come to visit with a friend." She pulled a book from somewhere and pulled it open in front of us. We quickly signed our names with a pen and waited until the lady got off of the phone. I glance around the facility taking in the marble floor and sky blue walls. Light chatter coming from the staff around us but nothing more. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath. Of course, this was a mental hospital and it was supposed to be quiet.
"Akio." My eyes snapped open at the call of my name. I turned to Todoroki with a raised eyebrow. "My mother she's in the garden. Come."
"W-wait did you j-" I am at a loss for words. Having been caught off guard by the reveal of why we are in a mental hospital. That person he wanted me to meet had been his mother this entire time. My mind flooded with questions that needed to be answered before the day was over. Was he feeling guilty about learning who my mother was? It had to be. Was this Todoroki making amends?
I did not have much time to ponder his attentions. The strong scent of lavender, fruits, and lemon as we stepped out and into the garden. The garden, open and filled to the wall with an assortment of flowers had been fitted with different benches to relax.
White hair wasn't hard to miss especially if the person was sitting in the middle of a huge garden. Todoroki didn't hesitate to walk over but I did. I stood like a statue feeling as if I was out of place watching as he went to his mother. When she looked up and saw him she sprung to her feet wrapping her arms around him. Her smile had been ear to ear as she slowly moved his hands to his face. It was the movements of a loving mother.
It brought nothing but a frown to my lips forcing me to cover my mouth and look away from the two.
I wish my mother and I could do that without that burning feeling in my chest. Without wanting to vomit. I hate it. But I can't help but still harbor some hate for her as well. I envy Todoroki. He must feel nothing but happiness when he interacts with his mother. He must have nothing but good memories of her. I'm jealous. I know but yet I can't help it. I can't help but hate the world and whatever god above that stuck me with a mother named Yu Takeyama.
I hate you.
A hand lightly touched my arm causing me to jump in place. All those feelings had suddenly been thrown to the back of my head. I imagined it as a closet filled to the brim with things no one needed to see or know ready to burst open at a moment's notice but somehow I managed to shove it inside and slam it shut. Immediately that fake smile of mines had been plastered on my face. It hurts. My purple orbs had caught ahold of old washed ice blue eyes.
I forced my lips to curl a bit more. "You must be Todoroki's mother," I said earning a small smile and a chuckle from the women. She looked just like Todoroki. I can tell he got his nose and his softer features from his mother.
The women nodded and turned to Todoroki who stood at her right. "You never told me you were bringing someone?" Her question had me tilting my head in confusion and Todoroki leaning back his mouth slightly ajar. I narrowed my eyes at him, you son of a bitch. His blue and grey eyes darted away and to the air. His mother had never wanted to meet me...he just said that to get me to follow him.
She turned back to me, "Your my son's friend from school correct?" The corner of her lips curled up a little further as if just saying that brought her nothing but joy. I nodded and rubbed the back of my neck.
"I mean I would consider us more on the lines of rivals-" His mother seemed to blink in surprise, but still smile and nod nonetheless. "-than friends."
"I see." She took my hand and placed another over it. "Well please, call me Rei."
Rei Todoroki. I nodded, "Akio." I responded with a smile. "Akio Takeyama." Her face seemed to glow and her eyebrows raised in some form of realization and shock.
"Your Takeyama's son?" Rei asked, blinking and turning to her son again. Todoroki sighed and raised a hand to the back of his neck. He had been caught no doubt about it. "So that is why you asked me about that?"
I froze. Asked her about what? My eyes narrowed at half-half. If I could I would have him set on fire right now but, that probably would burn down the whole garden. I wasn't surprised when he nodded putting his hands into his pockets. What was the point in hiding anymore?
"Akio has a lot of questions about his mother and her situation," Todoroki told his mother and she nodded along humming in understanding. She patted my hand comfortingly.
Her blue eyes were icy but they held such a warmth that you couldn't find in her husband's eyes. "Your mother loves you. The less the world knew about you-than the more safer you were from your father and the pressure of the media." Rei's words hit me like a truck. It left me tongue-tied but the smile on her lips never left. It was comforting.
Protection from my father?
"He's a villain." Now that someone else was telling me. It was more firm coming out of my mouth. That burning feeling in my chest started to build up again.
Rei eyes lowered and her lips pulled down into a frown. "Poor girl. I can remember the appointment like it was yesterday." Again I was being bombarded with new information. "The day I had to break the news to her and the mother. About her pregnancy." My breathing was starting to become labored.
"Akio. You shouldn't blame your mother for all those years she spent away." She stared up into my eyes as she talked. "When people are in a dark place, their state of mind starts to deteriorate and eventually we do things impulsively." Rei looked down ashamed.
"I know it hurts-" The burning feeling in my chest had become increasingly uncomfortable as I reached a hand up to grip the fabric of my shirt. Rei furrowed her eyebrows and squeezed my hand. "-but please find it in your heart to forgive your mother."
Is it just me or do I feel like the quality of my writing is starting to deteriorate?