Author's Note: SO I know I said I wouldn't update the rest of the week, but everyone's comments were so nice and I had the plot already figured out. A lot of your suggestions were things I am already planning so that makes me feel happy. Special Thank you to everyone who reviewed and fav/followed this story. I answered your reviews at the end.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything of the My Hero Academia universe, manga, characters, tv show, movies, etc. This is just for fun.
Chapter 3:
Despite a few stray icicles whenever his emotions became heightened, Shoto was pretty easy to take care of. The week practically flew by. They watched movies and played board games the entire time. Some of his classmates visited Aylee's dorm room to check in on Shoto. They hardly spent any time apart. If she was being honest, Aylee has never seen such a strong case of separation anxiety in a child before. But they were working on that, and Shoto absolutely hated it.
The woman began to leave for 30 minutes every day and continuously stayed out longer each time. It's not like Shoto was by himself, Aylee always made sure that he was overseen by either Kirishima or Midoriya to keep him company. So far, he could last about 2 and a half hours before demanding to see her, and 3 hours before a full meltdown. But, these things take time and you have to walk before you run. At least, that's what she tells herself when she begins to worry too much.
He grew from 3 years old to 5 practically overnight. And from this sudden growth, other things came along with it. Shoto began speaking more words and made his feelings regarding people and things more clear. Though, not everything was a positive trait from his rapid ageing. Aylee is still shaken up from the morning she discovered his scar.
She had just woken up and discovered the boy practically glued to her side on the bed they shared. His red and white hair flopped over almost the entirety of his face. The woman examined its long length and was contemplating giving him a trim when she saw something different about his appearance. Her hand shot out in the darkened room and fumbled for the lamp's light switch. Aylee's hazel eyes never left his face as the room brightened. A bright red mark now circled around Shoto's eye. Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be a newly formed scar.
Her screams woke up the entire dorm from the depths of sleep.
Aylee frantically ran to the bathroom in terror. She quickly doused a washcloth with cold water and dashed back to where the now wide awake boy sat. Aylee immediately pressed the wet cloth against his eye and ignored the confused expression he gave her. The woman had tears in her eyes and could faintly hear in the back of her mind, a pounding knock at her door. But she isn't focused on that, instead, she was trapped in her own guilt. All Aylee could think about was how she could have let this happen. None of the children in her care had ever been physically harmed beyond falling down and scraping their knee. She came back to the present when someone kicked open the locked door. The teachers all pushed their way into the small room with tired eyes and pyjamas on, but ready for any attack.
Midnight clothed in only a short robe asked, "What happened?! Is anyone hurt?" Whatever the UA staff expected to hear definitely didn't come close to what Aylee responded with.
"Fire me."
All of the teachers glanced at each other, wondering where this was coming from. "What?" Aizawa asked in a shocked yet at the same time bored tone. She looked at the group with tears in her eyes and removed the washcloth from Shoto's left eye. Revealing his prominent scar.
"I have failed in my duty to protect my charge. I can no longer trust myself to be his caretaker."
All of the teachers sighed in relief and relaxed their tense battle poses. They heard muttering and whispers behind them and guessed that the students woke up as well from the loud commotion.
All Might stepped out of the room and closed the broken door behind him. The worried students tried to peak in before the door shut but couldn't see anything over the group of teachers.
"Nothing to worry about children, back to your dorm rooms."
"All Might is Todoroki okay?" Kirishima asked and everyone else looked at the number one hero, eager for an answer.
"Yes, it's just a small misunderstanding. Young Todoroki's scar appeared this morning and alarmed Ms. Tanaka, who wasn't aware of it beforehand." The crowd of students let out a small sigh of relief and sluggishly walked back to their rooms.
Meanwhile, the remaining teachers left in the dorm room tried to calm down Aylee.
Aizawa spoke first, "Tanaka, it's not your fault."
She looked at him with tears flowing down her face and shook her head in denial. Mic tried to placate the shaking woman next, "Yeah, Todoroki has always had this scar since he started UA." The information started to sink into the crying woman and she looked back at Shoto. His expression showed sadness from seeing her tears but he tried to comfort her. He scooted up next to her side and nuzzled his head into her shoulder without breaking eye contact.
She reached up and traced the edge of the bright red mark with the tips of her fingers. "Aylee, I always suspected that his scar would appear at the age he became injured. I didn't expect it to happen when he was this young though. I apologize for not informing you earlier and indirectly causing you to be distressed."
Aylee broke her gaze from Shoto's and gave the worried teachers her full attention. "I am sorry for alarming everyone this early. Can someone please watch Shoto for a bit so I can process this?" After a glance at Aizawa's dead eyes and Present Mic's troubled expression, Midnight volunteered herself.
"I'll watch over him Aylee. Take as long as you need."
Aylee solemnly nodded in thanks before she faced the newly turned 5-year-old. "Peppermint, Midnight is going to watch you for a little bit while I grab some coffee and breakfast. Ok?"
Shoto looked down at his lap but reluctantly nodded. She kissed the top of his head and walked him over to where Midnight was patiently waiting. "I'll only be gone no more than 2 hours sweetie. It's just like what we have been practicing."
The boy didn't say anything and Aylee could tell they were going to have to talk later. "Thank you again," she looked to Midnight.
And after 2 hours she came back with a clearer head and ready to resume her responsibilities. Aylee walked into the dorms and knocked on Midnight's door. The hero opened up with a small smile that graced her lips.
"How is he?"
Midnight sighed and nervously tapped the doorframe with her fingers. "He hasn't said a word."
Aylee sighed but expected something like this from the boy.
"Okay, well thanks for watching him."
"No problem everyone needs some time to themselves once in a while. Let me know if you need me to watch him another time."
"Thanks, I'll remember that."
"Shoto, Aylee is here for you." Midnight announced loud enough for the quiet boy to hear her.
Soft footsteps made their way to the door and walked past Midnight to stand by Aylee. He didn't look at her at all.
They left and started to walk back to Aylee's room together in silence. Once she shut the door Shoto just stood in front of her with his head tilted towards the ground, as if waiting to receive a punishment. The woman knelt on the ground in front of him and tried to catch his eyes. He avoided them at all cost.
"Shoto, please look at me."
A tense silence hovered in the room before Shoto finally said in a whisper, "I don't want to scare you again."
Aylee's heart broke a little at the lack of emotions she heard in his monotone response.
"Peppermint, I am not scared of your face. I was worried that something happened to you right under my nose. I can't bear the thought of you getting hurt."
He peaked through his hair covering his eyes to see her concerned but sincere expression.
"Really?"
"Yes! I care for you and while it is a shock to see your scar, it doesn't make me afraid of you."
"You left me though."
Aylee nodded, "I needed some time to process the idea of you getting hurt. While you may be used to seeing your scar, it's still very new to me. I just want to protect you and at that moment I thought I failed. I always planned on coming back though, I'll never leave you peppermint."
The tension disappeared between the two and Shoto practically threw himself into her arms. She rubbed his back while they embraced.
"Now let's get you ready for the day."
Back to the present
It still makes Aylee sad sometimes when she looks at Shoto's scar, but she is slowly getting used to seeing it all the time. Despite his scar, Shoto is the same shy boy he was when she found him. He is slowly talking to more people and doesn't mind being away from her as much since they have been doing it every day.
Aylee has something special set up for 5 year old, today. She is really hoping it goes well for everyone. She'll even take it as a victory if Shoto doesn't use his ice quirk at all.
"Ok peppermint it's time to clean up, there's a surprise for you today."
He looks curious as to what the surprise could be but doesn't question her.
They walk together to the common room side by side and hand in hand. Shoto looks very content and calm at the moment.
This calmness disappears when they enter the room together. The boy stiffens when he spots the flame covered man sitting on a couch with a scowl on his lips. Beside him sits his older siblings, Fuyumi and Natsuo.
His grip on her hand tightens in fear as the pair moves to sit on the couch opposite of the Todoroki family.
Aylee notices the change but figures it's just nerves from his family seeing him like this.
"It's okay Shoto, why don't you say hi."
Fuyumi smiles at her little brother and opens her mouth to speak, but Endeavor beats her to it.
"How could you let this happen Shoto? Maybe I wasn't hard enough on you in your training because you allowed yourself to be turned into a child."
Fuyumi frowns and says, "Dad, go easy on him."
But the Number 2 hero wasn't listening, "No, the boy brings shame on the Todoroki name and my own reputation."
Shoto begins to wilt at every scathing word his father shot at him. Aylee begins to see red and finally snaps in his defense.
"Enough, you were invited here to bring support and empathy to your son. Not degrade and point out his failures. This experience isn't easy for him and yelling at him won't solve anything."
Natsuo's eyes widen in shock and Fuyumi's mouth falls open. Shoto just looks up at her in fear of what his father's reaction will mean for her. But Aylee's sharp gaze remains on Endeavor, almost challenging him to defend himself.
"How dare you speak to me that way. I am his father and will discipline him as I see fit." Endeavor's flames grow bigger, engulfing the angry man, and she looks uninterested at them.
"If this is how you discipline, I now understand why your son is so afraid in his current state."
Now enraged Endeavor growls out, "Why you!" while grabbing her by the neck and raising her up in the air.
Aylee's feet brush against the carpet and she holds back from wincing at the flames burning her skin. Shoto shoots up from the couch in alarm and starts kicking Endeavor's shins, viciously. Without mercy. Endeavor pretends to not feel the sharp pains being inflicted on him by his son.
"This will teach you to stay in your own place." The hero's flames grow and begin to lick more of the helpless woman's skin.
Now feeling pure rage, Shoto's left side begins to blaze. Fuyumi and Natsuo jump back in shock at the hot flames coming from their now even younger brother.
"So this is who you chose to use your left side for? A weakling? A nobody." Endeavor spits out while gazing at his furious son. Engulfed by new flames from Shoto he releases her reddening neck and stares down at his greatest creation.
A raspy chuckle meets the hero's ears, "Wow a nobody. That's a little harsh don't you think?"
Endeavor's turquoise eyes narrow at her sarcastic tone. He watches closely as the woman pulls his son towards her while her eyes flash from hazel to emerald green. The flame hero is confused about what she is doing until he sees little snowflakes begin to fall on Shoto's nose. Shoto's flames slowly extinguish themselves and at his calming expression, Aylee begins to softly hum in his ear.
The small boy clammers into her lap and she sways them side to side as she makes the snowflakes turn into little butterflies. Endeavor remains silent as he watches the interaction between his son and this woman. Her soft voice breaks the quiet and the shock the group feels.
"You've surely heard of A. Lee. Correct."
Fuyumi answers before Endeavor could. Wanting a little payback from his earlier interruption. "Do you mean the infamous artist who paints portraits of notable pro heroes?"
"Yes, it's an alias. My alias. I grew in popularity because of my ability to combine paint and illusions into one piece. Many heroes want their greatest battles and victory to be preserved forever for the public to remember them. To revere them. There's a year-long wait list as I'm sure you are well aware of Endeavor. Coincidentally, my assistant reminded me that you have an appointment with me tomorrow, correct? Well, considering the circumstances, I will have to cancel that appointment. Also, I will be keeping your security deposit which is outlined in the contract you signed months ago."
Endeavor is surprised and almost wants to admire the balls on this petite woman. Almost.
Aylee continues her rant, "Hurt your son physically, emotionally, or mentally again, I dare you. I can play this game as long as it takes."
Her eyes flash ice blue and Endeavor can suddenly see All Might cutting a red ribbon on a wall mural of him and a crowd cheering for the number one hero. Endeavor's hands ball up into tight fists in anger at what she made him see.
Shoto reaches up and places his right hand on her burned neck. A light layer of frost appears and coats the fresh burn mark, cooling the irritating sensation.
"Thank you, sweetie." Aylee kisses his forehead while he stares at her in adoration. Shoto snuggles backwards into his caretaker's lap, never looking away from her smiling face.
Endeavor growls under his breath at being ignored and humiliated. The embarrassed pro hero swiftly gets up from the singed couch and leaves without acknowledging anyone.
"Wow," Natsuo breathes out once their father leaves the room.
"Are you really going to paint him still?" Fuyumi asks the strangely brave woman with curiosity burning in her grey eyes.
Aylee lets out a small giggle and moves her attention to Shoto's sister. "Probably. I think I'll have to triple the usual price and create another All Might piece first though."
The two siblings laugh at her response and she winks at Shoto when she spots him still staring at her. The boy is looking at her like she is his personal hero. Like he has never seen anyone stand up to his father and live. After the brief conversation with his father Aylee begins to wonder where his scar really came from. She decides to investigate the matter a little more later.
"Are you ok Shoto?"
Shoto doesn't verbally respond but he gives a small nod before grabbing a piece of her long hair. He begins to twist and play with the brown strand with intense focus and interest. Fuyumi watches his actions sadly, she knows that he didn't have a mother for very long as a child. It almost makes her thankful that this woman is giving her little brother a second chance at having a mother figure. Even if it is just temporary.
Aylee gently takes the now ruffled strand of hair from his hands and pulls Shoto away from the comfort of her lap. He slightly pouts as she helps him stand up and gestures a hand towards his two siblings.
"Ok Peppermint, let's not let this family visit go to waste. Go say hello to your siblings."
Hesitating, the red and white-haired boy approaches his siblings that he was isolated from for most of his life. Fuyumi immediately pulls him into her arms tightly, saying how cute he looks. Natsuo rolls his eyes at her reaction and ruffles the little boy's hair with a simple, "Hey little man."
Aylee is very glad this family visit didn't go completely down the drain and watches the somewhat awkward interaction between the Todoroki siblings. From her close examination, they were only a few steps above being acquaintances, not even friends. This makes her question their upbringing, even more, ideas and theories keep picking at her brain. Demanding her full attention.
Instead, she pulls out her cell phone and gets the family's attention. "Okay, I'm going to take a picture so everyone needs to get closer together, please." Fuyumi beams at the idea and gives a bright smile for the camera. Natuso wraps an arm around Shoto and puts up a peace sign along with a smile for the picture. Shoto is the only one looking confused and isn't even looking in the direction of the camera.
An idea comes into Aylee's train of thought. Quickly, her eyes flash a pale yellow and Shoto now sees a bowl of cold soba in front of the camera. The 5-year-old's eyes brighten and his lips quirk up at the ends into an almost smile.
Aylee snaps the picture. "It's perfect! Would you like me to send it to you?" Fuyumi bounces over to take a look at the photo.
"Yes! I want to get this framed. It's a cute photo even though Natsuo looks like a dork." She comments while inputting her contact information into Aylee's phone.
"WHAT! I always look cool. I mean look at these arm muscles!"
Fuyumi and Aylee giggle at his dramatic reaction and Shoto just stares at his older brother blankly. A loud yawn breaks his stare.
"Oh looks like it's time for a nap," Aylee says to her now sleepy peppermint. "Why don't you say goodbye first."
Shoto runs over and hugs Fuyumi and Natsuo and they are shocked by the physical contact. "Bye Yumi, bye Natsu."
The older siblings' eyes widen at the new nicknames and marvel over how much he's changed since the last time they saw him. Shoto lets go of them and flashes them a tiny smile before running back to Aylee. He immediately grabs the woman's hand and she leads him away.
The siblings are in awe at how much this woman has brought their brother out of his shell in such a short amount of time.
"I've never seen him smile that much before," Natsuo whispers to his sister.
Fuyumi has her gaze locked onto the retreating pair and the way her brother clings to the woman. "He's finally experiencing some happiness."
Review Replies:
1SL4ND3R - I'm sure this chapter answered your theory about his fire quirk and how his anger comes into play. I'm not going to spoil future chapters but you're on the right track regarding the other stuff. Baby Shoto will definitely get territorial over Aylee's attention soon. It's like you read my mind!
HovernyanML - :) thanks for the smile!
Ella - baby Shoto is definitely the cutest and right now he definitely needs all of the cuddles he can get.
RealJayUtopia39 - I think this chapter already answered your question about his scar. He definitely recovers his memories bit by bit as he ages back to normal. So he definitely remembers his mom pouring boiling water on his face now but he doesn't remember his 1A class yet. It's hard for me to explain, but it's like they are familiar to him but he doesn't recognize them. Thanks for the good questions and the compliments!
M - Yeah I laughed while writing Aizawa's reaction to Shoto becoming a kid just because I love his blunt and honest attitude. Expect to see more of Aizawa acting like this in later chapters.
paulavara140 - Thank you! I'm not used to writing cutesy stuff so this is a completely different style for me.
Thanks for reading and reviewing everyone! I will always try to answer them as best as I can.
~ Mad About Love