CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR - TENKO SHIMURA
Previously… "You, Shigaraki are a direct relative of the amazing Nana Shimura."
Shigaraki didn't know what to think. In just one moment, he had gone from being a nobody, just another student at UA High trying to make it as a pro-Hero, to the last living descendant of acclaimed pro-Hero, Nana Shimura.
Tenko Shimura.
Fuck.
The minutes following the exposure were a complete blur to him. He knew people were saying words and asking him questions - that he obviously did not have the answers to - but he didn't hear a single thing. All he could see were the dumbstruck faces of all the people in the room, exclusively staring at him in wonderment. Everyone from Cho to the cameramen to the assistants holding the boom lights and mics. Everyone.
Shigaraki glanced restlessly around the room, meeting their gazes, and becoming increasingly anxious as they leaned into their closest work companions and shared secret whispers. What were they saying about him?
His hands shook as he lifted his arms, pushing the hood of his sweatshirt back off his head. He felt hot, so very hot like his blood had turned to liquid heat and was burning through his veins. He couldn't process anything that was happening.
"Shigaraki?" There was a moment of silence and then his name was called again, the sound almost distant and muted to his ears. "Shigaraki? Hey."
A tall figure cast a dark shadow over him and then seemingly out of nowhere Mr. Aizawa appeared in his line of sight. Though, Shigaraki was mostly distracted by all the gawking people in the room.
"Shigaraki. Look at me." Mr. Aizawa insisted, reaching out to him.
When Shigaraki turned to him, Mr. Aizawa sucked in a breath. He swore Shigaraki's red irises were glowing, unnaturally luminous.
"Is he okay?" Cho asked, trying to peer around Mr. Aizawa. "I can get some water or-"
"I think he's just in a bit of shock." Mr. Aizawa explained. Which was a complete understatement considering what he himself was also feeling about the extraordinary reveal. He could only imagine what Shigaraki was feeling.
"I'm calling this. The interview is over." Mr. Aizawa declared, frowning a touch. He really felt like he had let Shigaraki down, he should've proofread and approved the interview material prior to it taking place.
"Yes, of course."
"Where is your producer? Mori." Mr. Aizawa asked.
"I-I don't know." Cho stuttered, like she was just realizing the severity of the information she had leaked to an entire room of people, information that would also soon be shared with the world.
"Well, go find him." Mr. Aizawa advised, brushing the side of Shigaraki's face. "We need to talk with him."
"Yes." Cho snapped her fingers for one of the many assistants standing by. "Find Mr. Mori. Bring him here. Please."
"On it." The assistant nodded her head and then shuffled off, but not before giving Shigaraki a long, hard look.
Mr. Aizawa blew out a hard breath, trying to compose himself. The last thing he thought he would be doing that day was damage control. This interview was just supposed to be an entertainment piece, not a breaking news story.
"Shigaraki, I'm going to get you out of here, okay?"
Shigaraki nodded but didn't say anything in return.
"Come on." Mr. Aizawa encouraged, gently gripping his forearm.
Without much of a conscious thought, Shigaraki stood up to his feet and the paper proof of his lineage slipped from his hand, floating to the floor. He didn't care, or maybe he didn't even notice. Either way, it didn't matter, the damage had been done.
"Tomura?" Dabi said, trying to get through to his boyfriend before he was taken away from him again.
"I'm just going to get him some fresh air. We'll be back." Mr. Aizawa reassured him, ushering Shigaraki ahead, towards the exit and leaving Dabi heartsick yet again.
"Cho, no one leaves this room until we… figure this all out."
"Understood."
As soon as they made it out into the hall, sound started to return to Shigaraki along with an oncoming panic attack. Suddenly, he felt like he couldn't breathe, his chest rising and falling with short, fast pants. Great, just fucking great.
"I need a minute." Shigaraki mumbled, covering his face with his hands and falling limply back against the nearest wall.
"Just try to breathe, okay?"
"Yeah." Shigaraki replied, his voice was hoarse as he inhaled and exhaled with rapid, distressed breaths.
Mr. Aizawa wasn't sure there was anything he could say to relieve some of Shigaraki's anxiety so instead of trying to talk him through it, he laid his hands gently down onto Shigaraki's shoulders and rubbed them purposefully in what he hoped felt somewhat soothing.
"You're okay."
"I'm not fucking okay." Shigaraki snapped. He didn't mean to sound so angry, not towards Mr. Aizawa because this was not his fault. But he was mad.
"I know this is hard for you, Shigaraki. It's… a lot of information to unpack, but we need to talk about what you want to do next."
"Fuck." Shigaraki groaned and pushed his hands back through his hair. The sound was almost painful, strained.
A few minutes of silence passed while Shigaraki slowly gathered his composure. Long, deep breaths replaced his frantic panting until he finally felt like his panic attack was subsiding and the present, fucked up reality started to become very clear.
"I don't need this shit." Shigaraki dropped his arms, forcing Mr. Aizawa to do the same, and he breathed a long sigh. "I mean… what the fuck?"
Mr. Aizawa chose to ignore Shigaraki's ongoing expletives, he felt the situation kind of necessitated it. He rubbed over his chin, the stubble scratching his hand. He wanted to say something to comfort Shigaraki, or at least offer him some advice, but words eluded him. Now that the seed of information had been planted in his head, he couldn't help but scrutinize Shigaraki. His hair, his eyes, his face. Was he really the grandson of Nana Shimura? At a surface level, they didn't seem to have any shared physical traits. Or did they? It had been so long since he had seen a picture of Nana that now he couldn't see anything but Shigaraki in what he remembered of her.
"Please don't look at me like that." Shigaraki frowned. This was exactly what he feared the most. He knew what society was like and he didn't want people treating him differently because of some unvalidated discovery about his family lineage.
"I'm… sorry." Mr. Aizawa finally said, snapping out of it.
Shigaraki scowled.
"Look, I don't know what our options are when it comes to cutting the story, but I'll do whatever I can, if that's what you want."
"That's what I want." Shigaraki nodded, "But what about all the people in there that heard it too?"
"That may be a little more difficult." Mr. Aizawa admitted. "You can't ask someone to unhear something like that. But… depending on what the producer says, we may be able to get them to sign a letter of disclosure. Or something…" He said, words trailing off in thought.
"A letter of disclosure?"
"Yeah." Mr. Aizawa nodded, "So, basically they can't talk about it."
Shigaraki nodded in understanding and then let his head fall heavily backwards until it thumped hard against the wall.
The sound of heels clicking against linoleum echoed down the hall broke their contemplation and both Shigaraki and Mr. Aizawa turned towards the sound, expecting to see the Big Boss, the producer or anyone who could rectify the dismal situation but instead, it was the one single assistant returning to the studio alone. And she looked flustered.
"Well?" Mr. Aizawa prompted as she approached.
"Mr. Mori is available." She explained, clearing her throat. "Please come back inside."
Shigaraki turned a questioning gaze over to Mr. Aizawa. Was this good news or bad news?
"Hm." Mr. Aizawa mumbled, unsure. "After you." He said, motioning for the assistant to proceed ahead of him and then, "Shigaraki."
Shigaraki breathed a calming breath before following her inside the studio. It didn't help. His heart began to pick-up its erratic beating once again and continued to remind him he was uncomfortable as soon as all eyes in the room returned their attention to him.
Mr. Aizawa placed a hand on his shoulder for support.
Cho and Tokuda immediately greeted them, while Dabi and Takami remained seated, their heads turned towards the small group by the door.
"So, Mr. Mori is just on a call but will join us in the studio shortly." The assistant explained to Cho and Tokuda. "He recommends we review the source of the information prior to him joining us."
Cho tapped a finger against her lips, Tokuda nodded his head in understanding.
"Source of the information? What does that mean?" Mr. Aizawa repeated, acting as counsel on Shigaraki's behalf.
"If I may," Tokuda began. "He is referring to where this information came from. And I want to assure you, it was all gathered in a perfectly legal way."
"Is that sol?"
"Yes. I did the research myself. And the information is readily available to the public if you know who to talk to and where to look. Thankfully, being a journalist has its perks."
That made Shigaraki's blood boil further. This wasn't a fucking perk; it was an invasion of privacy.
"I understand, however, how was it possible to link Shigaraki to Nana Shimura? What hard evidence do you have that they are related?"
"DNA."
"Excuse me?"
"Eraser Head, all heroes, whether they are licensed or promising, are required to supply DNA samples. You know this."
"Oh. Right." Mr. Aizawa nodded, rubbing the bridge of his nose. He legitimately forgot about that bureaucratic crap because it was rarely an issue. It just never came up. Unless there was some serious trouble. "In the first year, all students provide a sample. Just in case."
"In case of what?" Shigaraki interjected. He hadn't even thought about that day they came to collect the student samples, it had been so long, and at the time seemed so inconsequential.
"Something goes wrong." Tokuda replied. "A Hero goes awol. Villainy. Several reasons. The government likes to keep tabs on their… assets." He explained. "I just put one and one together, the information presented itself. It is valid and it is the truth. You are a Shimura."
Shigaraki shook his head. "But my birth certificate…" He mumbled, more to himself than to anyone. How could this be?
"My guess? It was forged. The real one is probably on file." Tokuda went on to theorize. "Someone was trying to cover up who you were. I wish I could tell you why, and who that was, but I don't have that kind of information. I'm not sure anyone would."
Shigaraki continued to shake his head. He just couldn't believe it. And more importantly, what was he supposed to do with this kind of information?
"Shigaraki, why don't you go sit down?" Mr. Aizawa suggested, walking him a few steps towards where Dabi and Takami were still sitting in the director style chairs. They hadn't moved as were told. "We can talk more about this when Mr. Mori gets here."
Shigaraki nodded and instinctively sat down, though he was so completely lost in his own head that he did not acknowledge Dabi or Takami talking as he joined them again.
"Baby?" Dabi said softly, while hesitantly reaching over to place a hand on Shigaraki's forearm. When Shigaraki turned his anxious gaze over to Dabi, he smiled tightly. "Hey."
Shigaraki's expression remained tense and he did not return any sort of smile.
"He does not look happy." Takami piped in.
"Shut up." Dabi said without looking at him.
"I don't know why he's unhappy." Takami continued to talk. "Finding out you are actually 'a someone' has to be better than being a no one." He huffed. He was resentful, jealous even, because while Shigaraki just learned he was related to a prominent Hero figure, Takami remained a no one.
"Don't listen to him." Dabi said and moved his hand to the side of Shigaraki's face, his thumb slowly caressing the skin. Shigaraki had bigger things to worry about than Takami's smart mouth so he didn't need Dabi to tell him to ignore the bird. He was actively trying to shut everyone out.
"Are you okay?" Dabi asked.
Shigaraki shook his head. "No." He was mentally exhausted.
Dabi frowned and leaned in closer, dropping his forehead down against the side of Shigaraki's head. He wanted more. He wanted to have Shigaraki completely wrapped up in his arms and he wanted to kiss him so badly but knew that would be a terrible idea. Shigaraki looked agitated, more so than usual with Dabi, not happy as Takami had so graciously pointed out, and they were in a room full of other people who could easily leak out photos or information about their relationship if they caught them in an intimate moment.
Thankfully, Shigaraki did not reel away from the mere affection Dabi was offering him, and actually, Dabi was sure the contact eased some of his restlessness. He wasn't sure it would last though, so he wanted to hold onto that feeling for as long as he could.
"It's going to be okay; you know. You're still the same person you were an hour ago, it's just a name." Dabi said, his voice low. "Mr. Aizawa will get you out of this."
"There is no getting out of this." Shigaraki corrected him.
"But how do they-"
"DNA."
"Oh, Wow. Fuck."
"Fuck." Takami echoed the sentiment but his reaction was much more belligerent.
"So, are they going to cut out the story for the interview?"
"I don't know." Shigaraki replied, shaking his head. "That's what we're waiting to find out."
And that wait would be a lot sooner than they expected. The producer, Mr. Mori, had entered the room and everyone became quiet. He was a short, round man whose confidence almost made up for his lack of height. He had a pompous look about him, clearly, he thought he was pretty important, but then again, the reactions around the room suggested he probably was.
"Eraser Head, a pleasure to see you again." He held out his hand to Mr. Aizawa who shook it immediately. But it was a quick handshake, the kind you did just to be polite.
"I wish I could say the same but considering the circumstances." Mr. Aizawa said.
"Mm yes." Mori agreed. "One of my staff members has filled me in. You wish to cut out the Shimura reveal when the story is released."
"That is correct. It's not the right time." Mr. Aizawa explained.
"Where is he?" Mori asked. "The Shimura boy."
"It's Shigaraki." Mr. Aizawa corrected him, motioning for Shigaraki to come over.
Shigaraki sneered. Hearing that name, Shimura, it was just too soon. He didn't want to have to fight for his fucking name, but he reluctantly left the comfort of Dabi's presence to join the adults.
"So, you are the eminent Tenko Shimura?" Mori asked, tipping his head upwards. Shigaraki was a lot taller than he was.
"Apparently."
Mori raised a brow. "You don't seem very happy about it."
"Why would I be?" Shigaraki questioned. "If you or your team had bothered to look just a bit further into my past, you'd know that it has no bearing on my life whatsoever."
"But you. You are related to 'the' Nana Shimura. Nana Shimura! Amazing!" He repeated her name like just saying it would change Shigaraki's feelings. Obviously, it didn't, and Shigaraki remained impassive to his little speech.
"Let me tell you, when Tokuda first brought this discovery to my attention, I was over the moon. Our whole team was. And we have been waiting weeks, keeping this a secret so we could tell you today. I thought you'd be happy."
Shigaraki's eyes narrowed as he watched Mori pace slowly around the room.
"Mori, I don't think it would be a wise decision to disclose this kind of information to the public right now."
"Oh? And why is that?"
"Shigaraki is going to be bombarded by his own peers, by reporters, by God knows everyone. He is about to graduate and does not need that kind of distraction or attention." Mr. Aizawa started, "And what about All Might? I don't think it's fair that he hears this first from an entertainment outlet."
Mori nodded along as he listened to Mr. Aizawa. "Of course, of course."
"Remove the Shimura piece. You have the interview, the photoshoot."
"You bring up some good, valid points, Eraser Head." Mori agreed, with another nod. "But to be quite frank, this is the biggest story Juzo News has seen in several years."
"Okay, sure. But I think Shigaraki has the right to choose if this information is released. It will have a huge impact on his life."
"You would think so, but no." Mori argued, "You see, as I am sure Tokuda has already explained..."
Tokuda nodded.
"...The information is already public, we're just…" He waved his hand around like he was trying to come up with the correct phrase or wording. "Bringing it into the light. Juzo News owns the photos and the interview, all of its content including the research that went into it."
"That is bullshit." Shigaraki spat out. Mr. Aizawa stopped him from saying anything further and placed his hand on Shigaraki's arm. Hostility was not going to get them anywhere. He didn't expect anything less from Shigaraki, he had a right to be upset, but it still wouldn't help.
"I'm sorry it had to come out this way, I don't mean any disrespect to either of you, All Might, nobody. But my answer is a firm, no. We will be running the story this coming Friday."
"Come on, Mori."
"I did, however, anticipate some… challenges. And Juzo News is willing to make you an offer, Shigaraki."
"What kind of offer?"
"A generous one." He grinned, his teeth were perfectly straight and very white. "Firstly, I will ensure this information stays with the people in this room, until the story is released. You have four days to notify All Might and anyone else who you deem worthy of the information."
"How is that a generous offer?" Shigaraki sneered.
"I'm not done." He replied. "Juzo News is also prepared to offer you reparation for your cooperation."
Shigaraki scoffed. "I'm not giving you permission to run the story."
"Yes, yes. I understand, but we don't need your permission." Mori grinned and reached into his jacket pocket, producing a sealed white envelope, he held it out to Shigaraki. "But as payment… for your cooperation."
"You think this is going to make this easier for me?" Shigaraki said, almost offended. He did not accept the envelope; he didn't want to touch it.
"It's a lot of money. Take it or leave it, it's not going to change my decision."
Shigaraki rubbed his hands roughly over his face and then pushed his fingers back through his hair.
"Mori, there's got to be something you can do."
"Sorry, my friend." He started, shrugging his shoulders. "The CEO won't let this one go. He's very excited."
"Okay." Mr. Aizawa sighed and looked worriedly at Shigaraki, before returning his gaze to Mori. "Can I meet with the CEO?"
"Sure. You can make an appointment." Mori said, not much in the way of help at all. "And take the check." Mori whispered, slipping it into Mr. Aizawa's hand. "He might not want anything to do with it now, but I think he'll change his mind." He slapped Mr. Aizawa firmly on the back and then started for the exit. "Cho, Tokuda. Disclosures, please. Before anyone leaves. Then come and see me in my office for a wrap up."
To be continued…