CHAPTER FORTY-ONE - A SUNDAY ROAST - PART 2

Dinner with the Todoroki family was a somewhat uncomfortable affair. Even though Shigaraki had already had his formal icebreaker with Dabi's father, in which Endeavor chided Dabi over missing his training that afternoon and his resulting disorderly conduct - the seed of all deviance in our youth today, apparently, he wasn't finished. That was just the first course. He was saving the rest for dinner.

The only good thing, if it could even be counted as a good thing, was that Dabi wasn't alone this time. Shigaraki was there to quell some of Endeavor's cool disapproval and Takami acted as, probably, the bigger and better buffer - a golden angel in the eyes of Endeavor, he could do no wrong. Shigaraki thought it was kind of sickening. Though, considering their fragile relationship, it made sense that he wanted to puke.

Natsuo, Fuyumi, and Shoto, on the other hand, seemed to provide little ammo for Endeavor. He simply asked them how their days were and left it at that. Rei remained mostly silent, sparing her children neutral glances periodically, when she wasn't focused on making sure everyone had enough food on their plates. It was clear that Endeavor ran the Todoroki household, he was in charge, not that Shigaraki had thought otherwise.

It was hard to say, however, if Rei was concerned or content about that fact, or if she just tried to tune Endeavor out. When she did speak up, it was only to throw off her husband with something utterly out of place. Like;

"Dear, would you like some more sake?"

But her irritation was obvious at times, especially when Endeavor was speaking badly of or at Dabi, but she never asked him to stop.

"I had a chat with your teacher this afternoon." He began, referring to the three boys in Mr. Aizawa's class. Dabi did not look up or acknowledge his Father. Unlike Takami who was grinning ear-to-ear, his entire focus was on his idol. Shigaraki simply listened, watching Endeavor impassively.

"Toya." Endeavor addressed his son directly, in a tone that demanded the attention he felt he deserved.

Finally, Dabi looked up.

"Mr. Aizawa tells me you are starting your practice exams next week, to prepare for finals."

"Yeah." Dabi nodded but didn't elaborate any further.

"Well? Have you studied? Are you ready for them?"

Dabi shrugged his shoulders, "I guess. But that's why we do practice exams, to get us ready."

"Don't get smart with me."

Dabi rolled his eyes.

"What about you Shigaraki?"

"Ah, yes sir. I think i'll do okay."

"Shigaraki is one of the top students in our class," Takami interjected, grinning, "A close second to me of course."

"Pfft," Dabi snorted, "You don't have one modest bone in your body, do you?"

"Nothing wrong with being proud of your accomplishments, Toya." He returned, putting a long emphasis on Dabi's given name.

"Yeah, well there's plenty wrong with being an arrogant dick about it." Dabi snickered, joking.

"Toya! Watch your mouth."

"Sorry." Dabi said with a less than convincing grin.

Shigaraki bit back a laugh.

"He also mentioned something about an American style prom for the third-year students. Instead of a school festival." Endeavor questioned, looking none too pleased about it.

"Oh yeah! It's going to be a lot of fun! Getting dressed up, dancing. I can't give away too much because not everyone here was involved with the planning." He almost sneered at Shigaraki as the words came out of his mouth.

"I hope this committee does not interfere with your studies and your training."

Shigaraki could tell he wasn't entirely thrilled about extracurricular activities, especially not something like a ridiculous prom committee. And that was one point that Shigaraki could agree on. He had no interest in one, being on a committee and two, he had no desire to get dressed up all fancy and go to a school prom.

"Not at all, we're almost done." Takami answered, referring across the table to Dabi.

Dabi nodded his head in agreement, though significantly less enthusiastically than Takami.

"Oh! Is there like a theme? Do you ask a date?" Fuyumi asked, infiltrating the conversation and seemingly more excited than any of the boys were about it, she clapped her hands together. "Prom looks so fun! I hope we get one when I graduate." She sighed wistfully.

"Would you like to be my date, Fuyumi?" Takami asked, smirking.

"Huh?" She sat back, a blush creeping over her face. "Me?"

"No way in hell!" Dabi interjected, forbidding it.

"Toya. I was asking your sister." His golden eyes sparkled with mischief. "So? Fuyumi, will you go to prom with me?"

"Um. Shouldn't you take someone from school?" She asked, somewhat nervously. She obviously wanted to say yes, but also had a healthy level of respect for her older brother.

"Nah, I can bring anyone I want. And I would be honored to take you as my date."

Shigaraki scoffed. Takami really was harebrained, and he felt kind of bad for Fuyumi, he was putting her in an awkward position. Shigaraki was sure she was thrilled about being asked out by Takami but at the same time hoping he was just kidding around.

"Forget it bird brain, she's not going with you."

"Toya," This time it was Endeavor who interrupted, "If Takami wants to take your sister, then he has my blessing."

"What?" Dabi said, exasperated. "You're joking, right?"

Shigaraki looked over at his boyfriend. The protective big brother act was not something he expected from Dabi but considering some of the indecent stories he had heard about what happens at prom, he understood the concern for his sister.

"Not at all." He shook his head, "Honestly, I was a little concerned that Takami was going to ask you to the prom, Toya." He said awkwardly, like just the idea itself disgusted him, "I am very glad I am wrong."

"What?" Dabi and Takami said in unison, shocked by Endeavor's assumption. Shigaraki almost choked on his sake.

"Well, you boys are very… close."

Dabi reeled back. "Ew. No. Ew."

Takami laughed. Hard. "Sleep easy big guy. I do love Toya, but not in that way. He's more like a brother to me. Friends only, no benefits."

Endeavor's face turned sour hearing those words - friends with benefits - but relief instantly followed, glad his son was not going to the prom with another boy.

Shigaraki dropped his chin down to his chest, feeling extremely anxious, and habitually he scratched restlessly at his neck.

Endeavor liked Takami. A lot. He may have even cared about him like he was his own son, yet the thought of Dabi dating the golden bird actually disgusted him. What did that mean for Shigaraki? He was a fucking nobody. It wasn't a good sign. And Dabi looked equally as distrubed, slumped back against his chair.

"How about you, Toya? Do you have a special lady in mind to take to prom?"

Shigaraki wasn't sure if it was just him but it seemed like the entire room went dead silent. Everyone stopped eating, everyone stopped drinking, and all eyes turned to their seats at the table. The bridge of Natsuo's brow was raised in anticipation, he looked between Shigaraki and Dabi, Fuyumi looked somber, worried about what was going to happen next. And Rei was equally as worried, that was completely clear. She knew, she had to know about their relationship which is why she was so troubled.

What was Endeavor going to do? How was he going to react?

"Actually, I ha-" Dabi started but stopped when he spotted Takami across the table subtly shaking his head no, warning him not to say it.

Dabi narrowed his eyes, silent for a moment before he started to speak again. "I'm going with S-"

"He's going with Rumi!" Takami announced loudly, before Dabi had a chance to finish his sentence.

Shigaraki's head snapped up, astounded, then he turned his cheek slightly to look at Dabi, to observe his reaction. He didn't really care about going to prom, but this was… different. This wasn't about prom; this was about their relationship. Was he going to say it?

"Ah-" Dabi stuttered, completely shell-shocked.

"Rumi?" Endeavor seemed to perk up a little then, "Who is she?"

"Um. Wait. I'm not-"

"Rumi Usagiyama." Takami began talking again, not letting Dabi get a word in, "Hero name, Mirko. Bunny ears." He explained, making a gesture with his fingers as a visual.

"Ah, yes. I do remember her from the sports festival." Endeavors grin slowly grew wider. "I'm impressed, Toya. She's a very pretty girl."

Dabi didn't respond. He didn't say a single word or make any kind of movement. Was it the praise from his Father that kept his mouth shut or was it the fear of what might happen if he did admit he was in a relationship with another boy?

"Is there maybe something more serious going on there?" He questioned further. "It's about time you got a girlfriend. I'd love to meet her."

"Well, they have been spending an awful lot of time together. She is on the committee too." Takami said when Dabi didn't. "There have been some rumors going around school too, so…"

Shigaraki laughed softly under his breath, incredulous, his head shaking ever so slightly. He couldn't be sure whether Takami was being helpful by keeping Endeavor clueless and leading him in the wrong direction or if he was actively trying to sabotage their relationship. Shigaraki suspected the latter, Takami was shrewd enough to do something like that. But honestly, Shigaraki really didn't know how to feel regardless.

On one hand, he felt like a fucking fool, but on the other, he sort of understood why Dabi had not corrected Takami and told his Father what was really going on. Coming out to your family was not an easy thing to do, Shigaraki would never know that kind of pressure, yet he thought Dabi was braver than that, he thought Dabi loved him enough to surpass his fears. That's why he was there, sitting down to dinner with his family. Dabi was the one who wanted his family to know about their relationship.

"What about you Shigaraki?" Endeavor asked. Polite, but indifferent. Like he was only asking because that was the socially acceptable thing to do. "Will you be taking anyone to the prom?"

Shigaraki was so caught up in his head that he hadn't heard Endeavor's question. The first time anyway. When it was asked again a second later, he simply shook his head. "I haven't really thought about it, but no. I probably won't go. It's not really my… thing." He shrugged, apathetic.

Beneath the table, Shigaraki felt the sweep of Dabi's hand over his thigh, searching for his hand and as soon as he made contact, Shigaraki drew it away, moving it up to the table so Dabi wouldn't try it again. He really wasn't in the mood for handholding or any affection from his boyfriend.

"Well, I can relate to that. I am kind of an introvert myself. Being a hero takes a lot out of you. You need some time alone to recharge."

Shigaraki was expressionless and flatly responded,"Right."

Once the threat of a calamity had died down, the room seemed to deflate, and a more light-hearted atmosphere superseded. The conversation became more casual, the Todoroki siblings bickered playfully, and Endeavor and Rei turned their attention to their youngest child. It was only Shigaraki, Takami and Dabi who remained silent, though Takami looked extremely pleased with himself as usual. The other two boys remained muted and introspective, brooding over the results of their conversation with Endeavor. Shigaraki had officially just become Dabi's friend and apparently, Dabi was almost dating Rumi. How had it escalated so quickly?

"I'm sorry." Dabi whispered when he thought the coast was clear, that no one was paying them any mind.

"Don't," Shgaraki replied, "Just… I don't need it."

"I didn't mean for it to go that way, I wanted to tell them bu-"

"I understand." Shigaraki interrupted, completely cool and calm. "You don't have to explain it to me."

Across the table, Takami was snickering to himself, casually inspecting his black manicured nails as he listened to Dabi's half-assed apology.

"It was probably for the best, you know." He said.

"Shut up! Why do you have to stick your nose where it doesn't belong?" Dabi spat at his best-friend and maybe a little too loudly because Shoto jumped, scared by the sudden outburst from his brother and whimpered like he was about to cry.

"Hey!" Endeavor intruded, "Cut it out! What is wrong with you two today?"

"He is in a bad mood," Takami replied, "Not looking forward to Monday."

"Oh yeah, that's it." Dabi said sarcastically.

Takami chuckled in return.

Shigaraki ignored the banter and instead, moving almost unconsciously, pushed his chair back from the table like he was going to stand up.

"I am going to rip off one of his wings."

"Don't. It's not worth it." Dabi said, grabbing Shigaraki's forearm. He held on for a moment before releasing him.

"Ouch. That's a genuine threat, huh?" Takami said, unfazed. He knew Shigaraki would not do something stupid like that, not in front of Endeavor. Though, behind his toughened superficial exterior, there was some fear. He wouldn't always be safeguarded by the number two hero.

"Maybe you'll find out later." Shigaraki sat back in his chair and folded his arms neatly over his chest, eyeing Takami with a real threat of hostility.

"Hey," Takami said, lifting both his hands up in submission, "I'm just trying to help."

"Keep talking." Shigaraki warned.

Takami scowled and smartly, for his own welfare, did not say another word.

Shigaraki stared at him for a moment or two longer before he did finally stand up from his chair.

"If you'll excuse me."

"Where are you going?" Dabi asked.

"To the washroom."

"Oh. Well, I can-"

"Hey," Natsuo suddenly said, "I'll show you where it is," And he was already up and moving around the dining room table. When Dabi went to get up too, Natsuo put his hand on his brother's shoulder. "I got it, bro."

Shigaraki followed him out into the hallway and when they were out of earshot from the rest of the family, he cleared his throat and turned his head back over his shoulder to look at Shigaraki.

"Can I… ask you something?" He started, tentatively.

"I'd rather you didn't." Shigaraki replied as they came up to the foyer. He was almost tempted to call it a night, put his sneakers on and escape the Todoroki house. He started to scratch at his neck again.

"I'm going to ask anyway. So, um." He started, "You and my brother are like, a thing right? You're dating?"

Shigaraki shrugged. "Apparently he is dating Rumi Usagiyama."

Natsuo scoffed. "Bullshit."

Shigaraki made a sound that almost sounded like a laugh.

"You can't blame Toya for what happened in there." Natsuo said, "He was going to say something but… well, you don't know our dad."

"I think I know what I need too."

"Yeah." Natsuo replied, rubbing his hand over the top of his head, "Toya, he'll make it right. I can tell that he cares about you. The Rumi thing, it's just a cover up."

Shigaraki looked at Natsuo, silently regarding him.

"You know, he's never brought anyone to our family dinners before. Well, obviously besides Takami, but I think that counts for something. It has to, right?"

Shigaraki wanted to trust the words Natsuo was saying, he really did, but all Shigaraki could think about were the rumors going around at school about Dabi and Rumi. What if they were not entirely… false?

"I don't know," Shigaraki shrugged his shoulders again, "I hope you're right."