In bed that night Shouta took a deep breath before he spoke up.
"I took Hitoshi to the cemetery today, to see Mom and Oboro."
He caught the inhale, Hizashi clearly having been caught off-guard by the comment.
"I didn't think you visited at all."
"I like to go at least once a year." He explained.
"I miss him so much." Hizashi admitted.
"I told him about our plan to have our own agency together."
"Oh yeah, that was like the smallest of our plans back then." He smirked. "Awww the rooftop gang, that's when Nemuri used to pretend to hate us, I still think she was the one who stole Sushi by the way, I know she had him last. I'm honestly amazed that we only have two cats considering your tendency to become the mother to any kitten or cat you found."
"The woman at the store always used to give me weird looks when I'd buy a whole pack of kitten milk. There was an abandoned litter at the back of UA I used to go and feed, the council took a pathetic amount of time to come and collect them."
Hizashi smiled as they reminisced.
"You know, I see a lot of Hitoshi in you."
Shouta pulled a face.
"That's insulting to Hitoshi."
"Oh shut up, he is and you know it, that's why I think you like the kid so much."
"We have… similarities I'll admit."
"Shou he is identical to how you were back at UA and now you're gonna' be training him so I'm just prepared to come home one night and see him wearing your capture weapon."
"Well…"
Hizashi's eyes widened in joy.
"You've got him one haven't you?!"
"I thought it could be part of his training."
"Eeeeee!" The voice hero squealed. "That's so cute."
"Shhhhh."
"Sorry I'm just very excited."
Shouta smiled.
Hizashi's phone buzzed.
"Who's that?"
"Fumiko."
The slight grumbled reply said all it needed to.
"Look, she doesn't hate you."
Shouta scoffed.
"Sure she doesn't."
"Why don't you believe me?" Hizashi asked.
"Because I've met the women multiple times and it's painfully obvious."
The voice hero exhaled.
"I wish you two could just get on."
"Hey I didn't do anything to make her feel that way."
He heard the sound of Hizashi clicking the bedside lamp off.
Not wanting them to go to sleep fighting Shouta reached out a hand and gently stroked a hand down his husband's cheek before pressing a kiss to his lips.
"I love you."
He felt his husband smile.
"That was a dirty move."
Shouta smirked.
"But I love you too you big softie."
The kiss was returned a few seconds later.
"Goodnight."
He shuffled against the pillow until he was comfy before his husband gently came to rest against his chest.
"Night, Zashi."
He wasn't shivering anymore. That was bad, right? He couldn't remember. His brain was fuzzy and it was so cold. He tried to curl up further but it made no difference.
He couldn't help but wonder if he went to sleep whether he'd even wake up? He wasn't sure if he even wanted to.
"Inko! Help me take these out!" Came a voice before a door was heaved open.
Shouta held his breath.
A cry later and he knew he'd been spotted.
"Holy shit is that a kid?!"
Footsteps trudged through the snow before soft, warm hands came to rest on his cheeks.
"Hey, are you okay?"
"Fuck, Inko, we need to get him to a hospital." The louder woman stated. "Come on; let's get him inside before he gets any colder."
He groaned as he was lifted, his weight supported between the two women.
"Jeez kid, how long have you been out here?"
"Two weeks."
"How the fuck aren't you dead?!"
"Mistuki!" The other woman scorned.
"Oh come on Inko, have you seen what it's been like? Kudos to you kid, you're clearly made of tougher stuff."
Shouta eyes flickered.
"Woah, woah." They quickly readjusted to keep him on his feet as his body felt heavier and heavier by the second. "Kid, stay awake, okay? Kid? Kid!"
"Mmmhm." He groaned as he cracked an eye open.
The scent of hospital hit his nose confirming the women had taken him in like they'd said. Reaching out a hand he came across numerous heavy blankets thrown over him.
Frantic footsteps approached from the hallway before the squeak of rubber soles making an abrupt stop.
"Shouta!"
He furrowed an eyebrow.
"Oboro?"
His sprinting friend burst into the room before he found himself engulfed in a warm, desperate hug.
Oboro's cheeks were wet.
"Where the hell have you been?" His weak tone asked. "I've been so worried."
"I got kicked out."
"Then you should have come to mine, what you did should never even have been an option. What were you thinking?"
"I'm sorry; I just didn't know what to do." Shouta answered honestly as he lip quivered. "Did you see it?"
"Yeah, it was in the paper, Dad found it."
Which is exactly what he was terrified about.
"And?" He sighed.
"And what?"
"Well they can't possibly want you to be anywhere near me."
"Shouta they're more worried about you, Mom was furious. That paper shouldn't have even been able to publish something like that because you're too young, it's illegal."
"Didn't stop them though."
"Shouta."
It was the voice of his social worker, Sakura. He heard her walk towards the bed.
"Don't you ever do that again, do you hear me?!" She shouted before he found himself pulled against her in a hug. "God I was so worried."
"So what happens now?" He asked unenthusiastically.
"I've got you an emergency placement. One of the women who brought you in has filled out the forms to get checked and approved as a foster parent, because of what's happened I've rang around and got them expedited so they should be ready in the next day or so. If they are approved then you'll be staying with her."
Shouta furrowed an eyebrow.
"They really give that much of a shit?"
"You're a good kid; I've been telling you that for years, Shouta."
"He won't have to move schools, right?" Oboro asked nervously.
"No they live nearby. And, they're also close to UA too."
Shouta's eyes widened.
"Really?"
"That's awesome!" Oboro exclaimed. "That means if we get in we can walk together!"
"Do they let blind kids go to UA?"
"If they try anything like that then they'll have to endure the wrath of me, I'll get them sorted out don't you worry, Shouta, you just focus about getting the grades you need." Sakura stated defensively.
Shouta smiled.
"Thanks."