Izuku knew, as the class representative, that he had to address Cujo. However; there was something important that they had to discuss with Cujo. Something that Shouta decided was essential and needed to be learned that night before.
"Consent!" Shouta huffed and slapped his portable whiteboard. Izuku allowed Cujo to take over so he could take in everything he was taught.
"Consent?" Cujo hummed as he sat crossed-legged on the couch with Hitoshi sitting next to him.
"Yes, Consent. Cujo, for you we're learning about control, temptation, and, most importantly, consent." Shouta explained as he turned and started to write on the board. "Now, what is consent, you may be asking. Consent is asking for permission, or agree with another person on something. An example of this is: You ask me for permission to take my quirk and I say yes. That is consent. Because I gave you consent to do so. Are you following along?"
"Erm. I think so. So, you're saying I need to ask for permission in order to take a quirk? If they say yes, then that's consent?"
"Yes. However, if you ask and they say no, then that is not consent. Then you can't take the quirk, and by doing so you're doing so without consent which you should know: is bad." Shouta finished writing on the whiteboard and pointed to the word consent with the definition now written
"Now, there's something else that comes with consent, that both my boys also know about, consent can also be, is often associated with, sex and/or partnership. If someone touches you without your consent then you have every right to defend yourself. You need consent to touch someone and they need your consent to touch you. Following along?"
Another hum left Cujo's mouth. "Okay. It works both ways."
"Yes. It's important. I know the vestiges don't want you taking quirks. Period. However; this is an important lesson for you regardless of that. You know you can't just take quirks whether or not you want them, however, if someone consents to have their quirk taken. Like Inko Midoriya, for example, then it's okay. It can even go the other way. If someone comes to you, begging to take their quirk and you don't want to then it's okay not to."
"Okay. I understand."
Hitoshi leaned back. "I thought you knew everything Zuchan does, so isn't this all a little redundant?"
"I do know everything the other me knows. Things can still get muddled."
"Good point."
Cujo crossed one leg over the other and gently rocked his leg up and down. "But. I get it. Consent is key. Don't do it if they don't want me to do it. I mean… that might not stop me, however."
"Yes, our next lesson. Temptation. Yes, it's tempting to take certain quirks that you may deem powerful. However, as a quirk with the ability to take quirks it is on you to curb that temptation." Shouta pointed at the next word on the board. "I'm going to assume you know what temptation is and you don't need an explanation."
"Bakugo." Cujo gave a nod.
"Hm, you have an interest in his quirk?" Shouta inquired. "Why?"
"It's powerful and I don't like him."
"Honestly, I hate quirks that can take quirks, but that being said if he took Bakugo's quirk I wouldn't be opposed- gak!" Shouta's scarf shot out and wrapped around Hitoshi's neck. "Okay- okay!" He wheezed and his face started to rapidly change colors. "It was a joke! It was a joke!" it was only when a croaking noise left Hitoshi's mouth did Shouta release his scarf.
Cujo sweated a little as he looked from Hitoshi to Shouta. "So, this is where control comes in." He pointed to the third and final word. "Even if you want a quirk it doesn't mean you deserve it or you should take it. You need control over your actions. You need control. Izuku may not always be around to stop you if you get violent. Do you understand?"
Cujo could only nod in agreement. "Well, I do understand but it's all easier said than done."
"That's true. But I'm going to help you, as is Izuku." Shouta told Cujo as he got down so they were eye-to-eye. "I know it's not going to be easy, but we're going to be with you every step of the way."
"I can try and help too, but I don't know what good I'll be." Hitoshi gave his head a shake after he spoke. He propped one leg up on the couch and let his other leg dangle limply off of the couch.
"Actually…" Shouta looked at Hitoshi and then back at Cujo. It almost seemed like he was thinking on something before he shook his head. "I can't ask you to do that."
"Do what? I saw an idea. I might be down, you don't know."
"Well, Cujo, you've taken Hitoshi's quirk before, correct?"
"Many times. He was the second quirk I've ever taken." Cujo nodded.
"And you first came out in front of me you mentioned how you wanted to take his quirk again?"
"Yes! He erased my memories with his quirk, Therefore he doesn't deserve it! He could hurt me again…"
"Perfect. This a perfect example of temptation. Hitoshi hurt you therefore you want to take his quirk. However; you can't take his quirk because it's not right. Yes, Hitoshi hurt you, but that isn't an excuse for you to take his quirk." Shouta was gentle as he patted Cujo's hair. He then worked his fingers quickly to help rake Cujo's hair back and out of his face. Cujo looked Shouta in the eyes then he slowly nodded. "Good, and just so you know, Hitoshi isn't going to hurt you again. He knows better, right, Hitoshi?" Shouta looked over at Hitoshi.
Hitoshi undid his hair from its hair tie so he could fix it. Hitoshi only nodded. "It's over. I've been caught." He whispered once his hair was fixed and back in its hair tie.
Cujo relaxed a little at that, not completely, but a little. "So-" Shouta moved a little so they were eye to eye again. "-We need you to work on control without Izuku. We know that you were able to curb your temptation while close to Bakugo the other day. Starting tomorrow we're going to have you and Tokoyami have some after school training for an hour. Tokoyami knows what you and Izuku are going through as he also goes through it himself. Despite what you think-"
"-He doesn't have absolute control over Dark Shadow. I know. I've touched Dark Shadow so I know her abilities and how much stronger she is in the dark."
"She?" Shouta blinked at the pronoun change.
"It's what she likes. Now, she doesn't mind it if people call her they or even him, but I know she likes being called she." Cujo mumbled in a soft voice.
"What about you?" Shouta inquired and he finally removed his hand from Cujo's hair. "Do you have a gender?"
"Eh-" Cujo made a so-so motion with his hand. "I see no reason for a gender. I am happy with any pronouns you give me, as long as it isn't 'it' or 'thing'."
"Hm. Non-binary." Hitoshi told Shouta. Shouta nodded.
"Well, regardless, I think that covers our basics for tonight." Shouta reached over and gently erased the marker.
"Okay." Cujo gave a sudden and deep sigh, one that made Shouta pause and turn to face Cujo.
"Is something wrong?"
"No- no. It's just…" Cujo gnawed on his lip and moved so both legs were on the couch he was sitting on and he was kneeling on his knees now. "Can I ever truly be free from my past?" He whispered while looking intensely at the ground. "Is what we're doing worthless? Am I doomed to repeat the horrible way I acted in the past? Am I doomed to… to be another him?" Cujo gripped at his pants legs so tightly that Shouta was almost afraid he was going to tear at the fabric.
"No." It was Izuku that spoke up for the first time since he gave Cujo control. His eyes turned green, but like when Cujo takes control to speak, the hair stayed the same. Showing that Cujo was still in charge. "Cujo. You're making steps to change. Even though I don't have all my memories back, from what you've told me of the past, All for One treated you like a junkyard dog. He wanted you to be mean and unpredictable. So, he beat you. Why? Because he wanted a villain! Well, that's over now. You've proven you can change and that you want to change for the better. Do you not?- I do!- Then you'll remember what Dad has taught you tonight. What we're going to help you with. It's like I told the vestiges. You're not evil and you're not All for One. You're Cujo and you're going to show the world this!"
Cujo blinked and hung on Izuku's words. Then, after a prolonged silence, he simply nodded. "You're right, other me!" Cujo jumped from the couch with one big movement. He held his fists up by his face while he grinned. "I'm going to show them! I'm going to be the best damn hero there is!"
"Fuck yeah!" Hitoshi rose a hand up and Cujo paused while looking at Hitoshi's open palm. He then tilted his head. "High-five." Cujo blinked at this before lightly tapping his hand to Hitoshi's. It was barely a touch. "I'll take it." Hitoshi could only shrug and shake his head.
Shouta gave a weak smile. "Well, now that this is all out of the way. How about a movie?"
"A movie?" Cujo whispered while practically vibrating. "I've…I've never got to watch a movie before. I've only seen snippets of what the other me might have watched."
"Your memory is really good," Hitoshi commented. "I've only just realized you seem to remember a lot from back then."
"They're the only memories I have not being locked away from the other me."
"... Good point."
"Any movie you had in mind?" Shouta inquired.
"I only remember one that caught my interest during that time. I never got the name… you'd watch it a lot, other me- Don't ask me- Good point."
"What do you remember about it? Maybe I can help. I was always by Izuku's side during that time. So if anyone were to know it's me." Hitoshi rested his back against the armrest of the couch while lazily stretching out.
"Erm. Girl and dog?" Cujo mumbled as he tried to put a picture in his mind. "Looked old. Other me had Tomachan watch it with him once."
"Girl and dog…looked old…" Hitoshi mumbled.
"Girl in a blue dress?"
"A little too vague there, Cujo." Shouta shook his head.
"Tiny dog?"
Both Hitoshi and Shouta shook their heads.
"Hrm…not a Japanese movie. Most definitely an American movie. And when I mean old I mean ancient. Pre-quirks- Oh!" Cujo snapped his fingers. "Music! Lots of music!- people would just burst into song- Wait! I think you're thinking of-"
"- The Wizard of Oz?" Shouta inquired once it seemed to click.
"That's it! I remember the music being super catchy!"
"Hm. I have no memory of Izuku watching that movie. So, I must have been in isolation during that time." Hitoshi sighed a little with a headshake. He then let his arms drape over his stomach. "But yeah, I haven't seen that movie in Eons. I'm down…even if it is for little girls…" Hitoshi whispered that last part.
Shouta never thought he'd be watching The Wizard of Oz with his teenage sons, but here he was on the couch. Hitoshi stared bored and glass-eyed at the TV while Cujo looked elated and fully invested in the whole movie. He even lightly bounced to the music. 'If it makes them happy…' Shouta shook his head. However; Shouta couldn't help but hear Izuku chime in on occasion mumbling the songs under his breath. 'But next time, I'm letting Hitoshi choose the movie.'
The class was going to start in ten minutes. Everyone was already in their seats just talking and waiting on Mr. Aizawa and now Izuku knew it was time to strike. When he opened the classroom and walked in a hush fell over the class- for about a second-
"Hey! You're okay!" Denki happily jumped from his seat and rushed to Izuku. Next thing he knew he was wrapped in a tight bearhug from the blonde. "It's nice to see those curls again, man!"
"Oof!" Izuku wheezed as the oxygen escaped his lungs and Denki even managed to lift him off of the ground a few centimeters. "Thanks, Denki." He warmly smiled back at his friend and returned his hug. "I'm perfectly fine. But, as Class Rep, I think I need to clear the air about Cujo and I-" Izuku took a step away from Denki so he could approach the podium.
"Right! Right!" Denki darted back to his seat, thus allowing Izuku to approach the podium. Izuku came up to the podium and cleared his throat.
"Alright, before I start I just want to say… thank you, guys. You've been accepting of Cujo and that's all I could ask for right now." Izuku said in a clear voice. A couple of hands rose and Izuku made a motion for his classmates to lower them. "Please, let me speak and then I'll answer questions." The hands lowered.
"So, I guess I'll start with the most obvious question. How have I been unaware of Cujo this entire time and why is it he's only come out now? Well. You see, I have the toe joint. The one that states I'm quirkless. While we established I am not quirkless and am in fact a false-negative, for a real long while we had no idea I had a quirk. You see my superpower quirk. The one I used to help you, Ochako, during the entrance exam, I only realized I had during the exam. At the time, I only thought I had my object attraction." Izuku focused on a pen on Mr. Aizawa's desk and brought it to his hand.
"Wait- you're saying you didn't even know you had that quirk when you saved me?" Ochako asked, completely stunned. Izuku shook his head.
"I didn't." He let this question slide because it was a good one, one to help his lies that was.
"When I used that power, it was directly tied to Cujo. So, once I used it, I woke Cujo up. The thing is, I didn't know about Cujo until recently because…it was only during a certain fight that I'm not allowed to speak of, did he come out for the very first time to protect me." Again, another lie. It was one that made Iida sit up a little straighter. In the back of the class, Izuku noticed that Shoto's eyes narrowed. He was caught in a lie and he knew it. It's fine he was going to tell the truth to Shoto anyways. However; Shoto wasn't the only one to narrow his eyes at Izuku's story. Bakugo had as well. Izuku pressed on without even looking directly at Bakugo.
"Regardless, after he vanished from that fight, Cujo would reappear again, but he was a little too unstable to introduce him to all of you. We waited until he was er…sane for lack of a better word. Even still, if I hadn't been pushed by the stairs, I probably still wouldn't have introduced you guys so soon." He shook his head at this. "But. It's done and over with. So, I guess I should give you guys a heads-up about a couple of things regarding Cujo. You know what Cujo looks like when he takes over, yes. White hair and red eyes. However; there are times when I'm still in control but Cujo will join in a conversation. When that happens you just have to focus on my eye color, Cujo? A demonstration, please? - It's too damn early for this.- He's not fond of mornings." Izuku laughed a little.
"So, when Cujo takes over for conversation your eyes will go from green to red?" Shouji asked and Izuku gave a nod.
"Sometimes it's vice-versa. During the moments when I give Cujo control and I'll join in his eye color will change."
"Is it dangerous-" Tsu had asked and Izuku shushed her quickly.
"Not 'it.' and not 'thing.' Cujo hates being called those things. Just use pronouns. He doesn't care which. They/She/Him is all good pronouns for him. But as for your question…Cujo has a temper, but he's not dangerous. Think of him like Bakugo. He can get loud, but he won't hurt you."
"Fuck you, Deku! I'll kill you!" Bakugo slammed his hands on his desk as he roared in indignation. Steam left his nostrils as his eyes turned white in rage.
"Fuck you!- Cujo!- What? I don't like him!"
"Do you want to go?! I'll beat both of your asses!" Bakugo opened his palm and let out several loud pops of his quirk as he sneered nastily at Izuku (and Cujo.)
"Might want to make it three," Hitoshi grumbled. "Don't think I won't join in."
"You have no room to talk, you damn extra!"
Izuku swiftly jumped in. "No- no! Everyone calm down! Bakugo, sit down. Hitoshi don't get involved, and Cujo- What?- go back to sleep!"
Bakugo grumbled expletives under his breath as he took his seat begrudgingly.
"Now, I will say, just as one final warning. We're still training Cujo, and there may be times when he takes over as me. Everything he knows I know, and vice-versa. Just know, you don't need to fear him."
"So, I'm a little confused." Ochako suddenly spoke. "You said he woke up because he's tied to the superpower you used to help me during the entrance exams. So, that means that superpower came from him and that's his quirk?"
Izuku felt a little frown tug on his lips. "Not…exactly. Superpower woke him and he is tied to superpower but it is not his quirk. Cujo has his own quirk and… well… if I tell you…you may fear him and me by default."
The class broke into mumbles as they looked at Izuku. "Well…now you have to tell us. Just so, if it is that bad then we can be on guard if needed." Jirou was the next to speak out loud. Izuku clicked his teeth together in nervousness. The others leaned in, now curious, and on edge. It made Izuku tick his tongue a couple of times.
"Cujo can… he can identify your quirks once he touches you. He knows your quirks and what they entail-" A few more mumbles, Izuku noted that the most common thing said was 'that's not so bad.' from more than a few months. "-I'm not done." He gripped the sides of the podium tightly. This was a band-aid that needed to come off. "Cujo…can also take your quirk."
The room turned silent as a couple of students blanched at the idea of their losing their quirk.
"Fear not. We're making big strides in making sure that doesn't happen. Cujo is doing everything he can-"
"-But it's not a hundred percent that he won't?" Kirishima interrupted Izuku before Izuku could finish.
"No. It's not. But-"
The room broke into more mumbles. Izuku could only pick up on a few stay words-
"-Scared-"
"-Can't lose my-
"-It's everything I have, everything I am.-"
"-I can't trust it. Especially if it's out of the control-"
A sharp whistle suddenly broke through the room before the mumbles could get out of control. Eyes turned towards Todoroki who had his index finger and thumb in his mouth. "Let him finish before you make baseless assumptions," Todoroki demanded of his class and fellow peers.
"Thank you, Todoroki." Izuku bowed his head towards Todoroki and then faced the class again. "If Cujo loses control and takes a quirk I know how to return quirks. So, as I was trying to say. Fear not: I can easily give you your quirk back. Even still, Cujo is trying to be better. He's making big strides in bettering himself. He knows he can't just take the quirks that he pleases and if he does take your quirk then it was on accident. Besides. Did you guys not spend an entire period with him? He didn't take a quirk."
The class's shoulders slowly relaxed at Izuku's words. "Whoops…" Kirishima rubbed the back of his head.
The rest of the class almost seemed to follow suit as they looked away, ashamed by their reactions. "Sorry, Cujo." Momo was the very first to apologize.
Jirou rubbed under her nose. "Sorry, Man."
Kirishima gave his head a good shake. "I'm sorry, Cujo. I just- you have to understand why we may be a little fearful of a quirk like yours."
"May I?- Go for it."
Cujo kept Izuku in control as addressed the class. "I mean you guys no harm. I truly mean it. I understand that my temperament can use some work and I can be loud and even a bit combative if the situation calls for it, but-..." Cujo looked at Hitoshi and then looked back down at his hands. "I once hurt someone with my actions. I hurt them…a lot actually. It caused them to lose all faith and trust in me, which I deserved. I hurt them because I was angry at the world and they were the closest thing for me to take my anger out on." He scratched at the podium and then shook his head violently. "I never want to do that again. I realize I was wrong for what I've done in the past and I- I want to be better! I have to be better for the other me and for myself! I- I am no villain! I will never be a villain!"
Cujo breathed in and out heavily as he let the words sink in. He gave it a couple of seconds before he addressed the class again. "So, if I do take a quirk without your consent then I will absolutely give it back. I don't- I won't be like a villain. Because- I'm like the rest of you. I want to be a hero and I'll do everything in my power to do so and prove that I have what it takes to be one of you!... that is all.- Cujo…" Izuku looked off towards his left. To the class, he was looking at nothing but he was really looking at Cujo.
Cujo, though a simple specter to Izuku, was just standing there observing the class for several seconds until they locked eyes, and then Cujo's specter form was gone. Izuku tipped his head in a bit of respect. "Well, you heard it from the quirk himself. Any questions for Cujo or myself?" Izuku turned towards his classmates.
Momo's hand was the first to hesitantly rise amongst the class. Izuku nodded toward her, she cleared her throat and then proceeded with her question. "It's really a question for the both of you. But I couldn't help but notice that Cujo often refers to you as 'other me.' or something similar. Why is that?"
"Er…well…he's always referred to me as 'other me.' and I've never really felt the need to correct him- Because we are one and the same. I am him and he is me. Therefore he is the other me.- Thank you, Cujo. Now, for a while I also referred to him as 'other me.' or even 'white-haired me.' but thankfully we found a name for him.- I've never had a proper name before- so it became easier when speaking about or to him."
"Hey, that brings me to the question I've had since yesterday!" Denki raised his hand, though it was a little too late. "Why Cujo for a name? Isn't that a little- erm- mean?"
"That was dad's doing." an awkward laugh left Izuku's mouth and he scratched at his face. "He called him Cujo and well…it just stuck. -I like it. It has a nice ring to it and like I said…I was never given a proper name before so…" Cujo mimicked Izuku's movement by scratching at his face in the same spot while he blushed.
This time Tsu raised her hand. "Izuku, are you and Cujo telepathic since you share a body."
"Yes! We speak with our minds a lot, though sometimes I may slip up and speak out loud when talking to him. I nearly did yesterday a couple of times."
Izuku was sure the class had more questions and he would have been more than happy to answer any and all they had, but the door knob rattled suddenly and Izuku realized time was up. He ran to his seat and nearly threw himself out of his own chair with the force he used to get into his seat before his dad came in. He only just managed to sit and look respectful when that door opened and in walked Mr. Aizawa just as the final bell for class rang. "Good, I was worried talking about Cujo to the class would have you out of your seat. I'm glad you know better than to let things drag on."
Izuku had to level his breathing out to make it look like he wasn't currently panting like a dog, still, he was glad he had this discussion with the class out of the way.
Class would continue as if nothing happened, but Izuku, and Cujo, would notice a few odd looks coming their way. More specifically from Ochako and Iida. It was like they were looking for something, trying to catch him in the act. Of what? He didn't know. Then again, Izuku could just be paranoid about this and they could still just be wary of Cujo, right?
Right?
No.
When the school day ended Izuku and Hitoshi got ready to pack up. " Here's your pencil, thanks for letting me borrow it." Hitoshi handed Izuku's pencil back and then hoisted his bag over his shoulder. "Ready for an awkward therapy section with Hound Dog?"
"God, no. But I have to train with Tokoyami first."
"Yeah, I'm going to be with Denki in Gym Be…ta…er… Can we help you?"
Chaos has brewed. Now it's time for the fun.
Honestly, it was Cujo's voice that made Izuku stop his packing to look at his friends and classmates. Ochako, Iida, Hagakure, Mina, and Ojiro were all surrounding them. Izuku felt himself immediately bristle at this. 'A fight? No, this isn't middle school…' It's safe to say the last time Izuku found him and Hitoshi surrounded like this it wasn't a fun time for either boy. But this was UA and these were his friends…
Right?
'Was I not clear enough about Cujo? Are they still fearful?'
"What are you all doing?" Todoroki pushed his way through the crowd that surrounded them so he could stand with Hitoshi and Izuku alike. He wasn't the only one. First Izuku saw Denki jump around a few classmates to see Izuku and Hitoshi before he wedged himself through.
"Look, if this is about Cujo-" Izuku quickly tried to squash any and all of their fears, but Ochako shook her head suddenly cutting him off.
"This isn't about Cujo. Izuku, this is about you and Hitoshi. This is an intervention between you two and the class."
Hitoshi stiffened, he visibly stiffened as he glared in her direction. He didn't speak, probably a wise move on his part.
"What do you mean by that?" Izuku narrowed his own eyes at her, then at Iida who was standing by looking rather…uncomfortable…in fact, now that he looked at all of them…they all looked uncomfortable.
She pointed at Izuku. "You're my friend and I care about you! You know that, right?"
"...Yes, but does my relationship with my brother have to do with it?"
"What-" She looked exasperated as she breathed out and made big movements with her arms for a moment. "Izuku, you told me you had a crush on him! That's- that's disgusting! That's your adoptive brother!"
There were several seconds of uncomfortable silence. Izuku felt like someone poured ice water on him as he shook his head. Then- "Pbth!" Cujo put his hands to his mouth as he tried his hardest to contain his laughter. "Cujo, it's not funny.- HAHAHAH! It's hysterical!-" Cujo made Izuku double over as he burst into a fit after laughter. He put his hands to his face while he continued to just laugh. "I like you, Princess-"
Ochako sputtered in shock. "Princess?-"
Izuku straightened up while he continued to laugh a dark chuckle. Then, with his hands still over his eyes. His laughter changed from dark to almost ominous. Then, he peeked between his fingers revealing red eyes. "But still I have to ask. Are you dumb? The other me was not talking about Toshichan when he rejected you, but you misconstrued what the other me was saying and twisted it around back to Toshichan. Toshichan is not the only tall person in this class, nor is he the only blunt person. The other me was being polite in being vague. Now look what you did-" Cujo lowered his hands as his hair started to straighten out and turn white. "-The other me is too embarrassed to come out now…." Cujo looked at his hands as he was given full control.
A snort suddenly left Hitoshi's mouth. It made Cujo look at Hitoshi, Hitoshi started to laugh softly behind his hand as his face turned red, like he was trying to hold back his laughter. "Forgive me- really- I shouldn't laugh! I've heard so many rumors in Middle school about Izuku and I that I shouldn't be surprised that it's the same in high school-" Hitoshi turned his head as a few more chuckles left his mouth. "But did you- you rallied over half the class because of this instead of…talking to Izuku about it? Literally, not one of you, not just Ochako, but you, Iida! Didn't think to talk to us about it!? C'mon. You're better than that." Hitoshi straightened up and turned serious. "Shame, on all of you. I hope you all feel bad."
"I mean…." Denki gave his own laugh. "The most Izuku would have done is give you a bit of a verbal lashing, take it from someone who thought the same thing."
Shoto shook his head. "I hate to play devil's advocate, but…you two are close. Was it right that they thought this? No, but you almost can't blame them. At the beginning of school, you two were practically hanging off of one another."
"True as that may be, we are brothers. You all know this now. You know what we've been through as children and you know why we've always clung to one another! This was the first time in since I was a child that I've actually managed to branch out and not cling to Izuku as I once have!" Hitoshi turned furious. "I am sick of having this fucking conversation! The fact that you would still think that Izuku meant me when he meant Todoroki is just disgusting!"
"Todoroki…oh… Oh my god…" Ochako breathed out once it clicked. "I'm sorry-"
"-Save it." Hitoshi pushed past her in his fury. "Just save it. And here I thought this class was better than the rest."
"Hey! Wait up!" Denki followed right behind Hitoshi. "We'll still on for the gym, right? You can take your anger out on a punching bag!"
Cujo chuckled before whistling lowly. "Now that was fun." He tapped his leg while sitting on the desk. He then shook his head. "Other me? Care to come back?" Cujo turned his head to the right, away from the others standing around. "No? Hmph." He shrugged then. "I got training to do anyways. You guys should really work on your apologies for tomorrow! Other me likes Pork Katusdon and Toshichan likes Miso Soup with fried tofu!" Cujo gave them all a sweeping bow before literally skipping out of the classroom while humming.
Family therapy with Hound Dog was…eventful. Surprisingly not a lot of yelling, but that's to be expected. It was what Hound dog had to say that left everyone a little speechless. "You allowed them to codepend on one another Eraserhead and you never corrected it until it was way too late, Please read this." Hound Dog moved from his chair and grabbed papers off of his desk to hand the three of them.
What is codependency?
-You focus on other people's problems and needs in the form of caretaking, controlling, advice giving, and worrying about others.
You can be controlling and perfectionistic. You want things to be done a certain way and may resort to telling others what to do and how to do it. You can be critical of others because they often don't live up to your expectations. Your high standards also make it hard to ask for or accept help.
You struggle when things don't go as planned. You crave predictability, structure, and certainty — things you probably didn't have in your childhood family.
You're self-critical. You also set unrealistic expectations for yourself and are harsh and critical of your imperfections and mistakes. Your self-criticism is a result of your low self-esteem and the harsh criticism you've gotten from others.
You feel responsible for everything and everyone, even other people's happiness.
You're afraid to upset or disappoint others (people-pleasing). So, you're always dependable and responsible. People count on you, but this can lead to over-extending yourself and exhaustion.
You have trouble with boundaries, speaking up for yourself, and saying "no". At times, you let people mistreat or take advantage of your kindness because you don't want to hurt their feelings, let them down, or create a conflict.
You ignore your own feelings and needs, often "stuffing" them or numbing them.
Since you focus in on others and you don't feel worthy, you generally ignore or put your needs last.
In addition to denying your feelings and needs, you may have a hard time seeing how unmanageable or unhappy your life has become. These are forms of denial.
You base your happiness on what other people are feeling or doing. For example, if your spouse is in a good mood, you can relax and enjoy the day. But if s/he's angry or depressed, your day is ruined. You have a hard time separating yourself from other people's feelings, needs, and experiences.
You define yourself in relation to others (I'm Johnny's dad) and lack a strong sense of self (knowing who you are, what you believe, want, and like).
You're very hurt. For some, the pain is close to the surface and for others, it's buried underneath anger and denial. The pain of being abused, lied to, cheated on, ignored, cursed at, rejected, or invalidated has never fully healed.
You feel guilty and ashamed. Guilt and shame are the roots of low self-worth and low self-esteem. For a long time, you've felt there was something wrong with you.
You act like a martyr, taking care of everyone else, giving without receiving, and then feeling angry, resentful and taken advantage of. Sometimes helping and taking care of others makes you feel good (needed and worthwhile) and other times it makes you feel angry and resentful. You may complain, yell, or passive-aggressively let people know you're upset about "having to do everything", but chances are you continue your pattern of martyrdom.
You're reactive. Anger and resentments build up over time causing you to seemingly overreact at times.
You tend to overwork and overschedule yourself as ways to prove your worth or distract yourself.
Intimacy, open communication, and trust are difficult because you didn't have role models for healthy relationships and you've probably been hurt and betrayed in your relationships.
You're controlling, nagging, and often critical of others outside of your circle.
You're afraid of anger, criticism, rejection, and failure.
You may experience anxiety and/or depression.
"Now-" Hound Dog sat back down in his seat. "Each and every one of you has displayed at least two of these. Yes, Shouta, that includes you. Hitoshi, you absolutely show signs of a martyr as well as a manipulator, however, I'm also acknowledging that you're hurting due to your past and what happened to your parents. You put Izuku first in everything and often forgot about caring for yourself, on top of going as far as to gaslight and make Izuku forget his very memories in an attempt to 'save' everyone. You can also come across as critical of others to the point of pushing them away." Hound Dog clasped his hands together neatly in his lap as he moved on to Izuku.
"Izuku. While you're a victim of your brother's manipulation, you also show signs of overworking yourself to the point of hurting yourself to 'prove' or worth. On top of also being a martyr but in a different direction of Hitoshi. While you were also trying to put Hitoshi first I've picked up on the fact that you would also try this with your classmates. You need to learn how to put yourself first especially when the situation calls for it. You also show signs of a caretaker when it comes to your classmates."
Now for the hardest one. Hound Dog turned to Shouta. "I am not codependent on my children."
"Shouta. While you're not as intense as Izuku and Hitoshi, it's clear that you can take your love for them a little…erm. Far. Let's start with the most obvious one. You're controlling." Shouta opened his mouth and Hound Dog put a hand up. "Let me finish…" Once it was clear Shouta wasn't going to interrupt Hound Dog resumed. "You had them fake their last name for years. You're critical of others: You assume the worst if you don't immediately know the family and don't get me started on Toshinori-"
"Hey! That man has crossed nearly all my boundaries regarding my children." Shouta defended himself.
"While it's true, Toshinori had made some baseless accusations regarding your children and he has done some questionable things in the past, you're still very critical of him. But that's not your biggest problem. Your biggest problem is that you ignore your own feelings and either try to cover them up with anger- Toshinori- or you try and overwork and overschedule yourself to ignore them the best you can. You ignore your feelings on matters and try your hardest to stuff them down. The thing is, you've always been like this, but your children have caused it to increase. So, you stuff your feelings down until there's only one feeling. Anger. And who exactly has received the brunt end of your anger these last few months? How many times have you attacked Toshinori? Enough for me to be surprised the man hasn't tried to get you arrested… also, if you really want to go there we could even address Ms. Midoriya. Now, I wasn't there, but I was told that you weren't exactly kind when she said she wanted to fight for custody. While I understand you were frustrated at the time-"
Shouta snorted as he reread the list in front of him. "Okay!... Okay... Has it really gotten that bad?" He mumbled and rubbed at the back of his head.
"Yes, and the first step of healing is for all of you to realize that you're all in need of help. This isn't just one of you. All three of you have reached critical levels of codependency. Now, it hasn't become toxic, not yet. We still have time to fix this. We just need to take this one step at a time." Hound Dog looked at all three of them before nodding and looking at the time. "That's all we have for today and that's fine. I'm just glad I got to address the issue with you all. Next week we'll start taking steps to end this harmful cycle you all have created for yourself."
It was an experience, for sure, but one that they desperately needed to help and open their eyes.
"How does Hound Dog know all of this?" It was explained to him it just wasn't shown. Also, like Nedzu would leave out juicy details once he learned that Shouta was going to Hound Dog for family therapy.
Cujo: I'm going to beat Bakugo into the ground if he keeps it up.
Also Cujo: *Skips away while humming 'we're off to see the wizard' under his breath*
He's a menace and I love him.
Me: *after reading all of those codependency examples and seeing a lot of ME in like 90% of the examples* I'm in danger…