"Hey," I greet walking into my father's living room. My father has changed this house so much since my mother has returned. When I turned 18 years old, he brought her out of the home he put her in when I was child. I wasn't living here at the time this took place. I always wonder why then. Why not sooner? It would have helped me greatly to have my mother by my side during my high school years. They were rather difficult at times. Having my mothers love and support would have meant so much to me.
"Shouto!" exclaims mom running over to me. I chuckle lightly as she hugs me tightly. Her white hair is getting longer each week. She is on some kind of hair growth journey. She wants her hair to be waist length.
"Mom, you see me every week," I reply.
"And it's never enough!" she exclaims touching the side of my cheek. "Are you hungry at all?"
"I'm fine, thank you," I reply. I spot my father who is on the sofa nursing a drink, whiskey more than likely. I know it's Saturday evening but still. His eyes land on me grinning. He still looks the same except he now has gray hair starting to sprout up. It doesn't look bad on him at all.
"How you are doing, Shouto?" he asks standing up. I allow my father to hug me. It took me years to get over how much he ruined my childhood. I must admit when he realized the errors of his ways, he worked hard to correct our father son relationship. I didn't come around until I knew he brought mom home. It made me feel like he really cared about her, about us. Sadly his obsession for me to be the number one hero has never stopped.
"I'm fine," I reply walking to the love seat sitting down. I get mom worrying about me but not dad.
"Looks like you had a really rough week," states mom.
"It happens from time to time," I reply. "Nothing I can't handle." This week was a serious test for me. I literally wanted to kill these idiot criminals this past week. I don't understand why people just can't do the right thing. On the other hand, they do keep me in business.
"I'm proud of how well you have been doing!" exclaims dad. "I think you are finally going to break into the top 10. Oh yes! I can see you earning that number one spot in no time." I highly doubt I will be able to take that number one spot from Midoriya. He took over the number one spot from Hawks in a matter of 3 years. Hawks replaced my father some time ago and I won't even get into that. Let's just say they both were sore losers when they their number one spot.
"I'm fine just doing my best," I reply. "Will Fuyumi be coming by today?"
"She can't make it," says mom. "She's on a date tonight."
"Oh," I reply slowly. It is still weird knowing all my sibling are in a relationship except me. At 24 years old I am single as can be. I dated Momo for some time, but it didn't feel right. I ended the relationship after 2 years. My father was not happy about that ranting and raving about the kind of quirks our children would have had. Momo is currently dating Hawks. I didn't think he was her type at all. Despite the age difference I must admit they do gel well together.
"When are you going to start dating again?" asks mom.
"Rei, let him focus on his career," states dad. "He has so much to do. I know you want grandchildren and all but let Fuyumi take care of that." My dad mostly focuses on his agency, but he will always focus on how I'm doing as a hero.
"It's not just about grandchildren," she defends. "I want him to be happy."
"I am happy," I reply. Mom gives me a small smile.
"Everyone wants someone to be with them at the end of the day," she replies. "It's okay to want love." I have never been in love. I mean I was with Momo but I didn't love her. You can't miss what you never had. Sometimes I do feel lonely but it's okay. Things are the way they are for a reason.
"It's not something I would want to rush," I reply. Finding a life partner is a big deal. I don't want to settle or force a relationship.
"I can set you up on a date," says mom. "I know some of my friends have daughters that are available."
"Rei stop it," says dad. I agree with him. I would die if she set me up on a date. I know her and dad had an arranged marriage. They get along but look how many years that took. No thank you. I entertain my parents until it is getting dark outside. What should I have for dinner? Maybe I should have taken mom up on her offer. I decide to order out at my favorite family owned restaurant. I call in my order picking it up without issue. I arrive to my small home. It's just me, no need for a big property. I love it. Three bedroom, two and a half baths, a comfortable 1,700 square feet. No super close neighbors as I am almost in the country. I get close to the garage and spot a familiar patch of curly green hair. Midoriya? He spots my car head lights looking up.
He is still in his uniform. His curls are unruly, eyes red, face stained with tears. My breathe gets caught in my throat as I don't know what to do or say. I put my car in park getting out as Midoriya stands to his feet.
"T-todoroki…" he chokes out. He sniffles wrapping his arms around himself as if he is trying to keep it together. "I-I'm sorry are you busy?"
"No," I reply. "You didn't have to wait outside for me." He surprises me with a light chuckle.
"It's not like I have a key to get inside," he replies. That is true. I guess I feel bad because I don't know how long he was waiting here for me. He sniffles before taking a deep breath. "God….."
"Let's head inside," I reply. "I will take it that you ran here."
"I did," he replies. "I ended my shift early. I didn't realize where I was going until I stopped here."
"I see," I reply. "Let's get you inside." I get back inside my car opening the garage. Midoriya walks inside with me closing the doors. I turn off my alarm before opening the door to enter my home. I love my alarm system. I do have cameras, but my alarm system is set to go off if a window, door, or my garage door is opened. I can also have the alarm on while I am in the house. I don't use that feature. No need. Midoriya has been here plenty of times and knows where to go. He cuts on my lamp to the right on my sofa table.
"God I'm so dirty," he says lowly looking down at his uniform. "Fuck….." My eyes widen because he barely curses.
"Midoriya, are you okay?" I ask sitting my food on my sofa table. He shakes his head no.
"I'm so sorry for coming here," he cries. "You're the only person I wanted to see." My eyes widen because sure we hang out from time to time. The first person he thought to see in his emotional state is me? It's surprising. He begins to sob. I take him into my arms hugging him gently. Midoriya buries his face into my chest crying harder.
"Hey, it's okay….." I say delicately. "It's going to be okay."
"I know it will be," he weeps. "Someone I know is dying…..it hurts so badly. I think they only have a year or less to live." He starts bawling at this point. Someone he knows is dying. I can see why he came here. Iida wouldn't have known what to say, Uraraka would have been too positive, Bakugou….well….it's Bakugou.
"Midoriya, why don't you shower and then we can talk," I reply.
"B-But…." he stammers.
"No buts," I reply. "You head there now, and I will grab something for you to wear." Midoriya sniffles.
"Thank you," he says whispers. I watch him sulk off towards my guest room. I head into my room to grab him some clothes. Lucky for him it is not super cold out yet. It's a nice September day with perfect weather. Not too cold not too hot. I head to my draw with my night clothes knowing I want him to stay the night. The way he looked…..I don't want him to be alone. I grab some red and black flannel PJ bottoms with a red top. His favorite color is red so I believe this will make him happy. Midoriya has stayed the night before and he always had his own clothes with him. I head into my guest quarters hearing the shower running. I open the door hearing Midoriya crying. It's at least softer. I sit the items down not wanting to disturb his peace.
I almost wish I knew what to do. He is clearly upset. I don't know how I can make him feel better besides these few things. I grab my meal off the sofa table going into my kitchen splitting for two. I know he hasn't eaten. I set everything up at the table before washing up. I get changed into my house clothes. I swear nothing is better than sweats or a comfortable tee shirt. I head back into the kitchen deciding to fix some hot lemon tea. Midoriya will certainly need something to soothe him enough to go bed.
"Shouto…" he gasps lowly causing me to look up. Midoriya will use my first name but not often. His hair is now fluffy, but his poor eyes are as red as the shirt. His eyes marveling at the table where I have our meal set up.
"I know you're hungry," I reply before turning back to cutting the lemon.
"You brought dinner for yourself though," says Midoriya walking over to me.
"It was enough to share," I reply. "Don't worry about it."
"What's that?" he inquires.
"Lemon tea," I reply. "It will be ready in a moment. You can go ahead and have a seat."
"Your so kind…" he says lowly. He lightly touches my shoulder before walking away. I hold in a sigh as I'm very worried about him. I finish the tea sitting down at the table. It didn't take too long. Midoriya and I say a quick prayer before we dive in. He appears to be a little better as he eats. "Oh this is good….."
"Yes," I reply.
"Where did you get this?" he inquires.
"Family owned restaurant close to my parents' home," I explain. "They make the best meals. They offer so many traditional meals. I honestly don't know how they do it." I order a medium rare steak rib eye 22 oz which is why I knew I could share it. A side salad with kale, romaine lettuce, carrots, broken up flat bread with a sweet tangy dressing. My absolute favor salad. This family own restaurant makes traditional Japanese meals as well as few other America style dishes such as a cheeseburger.
"This was a lot for you to eat," notes Midoriya.
"I earned this meal after the week I had," I reply. "Sounds like you do too." Midoriya smiles at me. He sips some of his tea before having some of the salad.
"I know you have a lot of questions Shouto," he says breaking the silence. "I appreciate you giving me some space." I don't say anything because Midoriya knows me better than anyone. That includes me. It use to freak me out but now I have adapted. I must admit it is nice to not have to explain myself. "I have known this person for years. We have a strong connection." I feel my heart thump inside my chest. What is he saying? Midoriya chuckles. "Relax. I have a connection with them as I do with you but it's different."
"You don't have to explain," I reply feeling embarrassed. I'm blushing because what he said sounds so intimate. I shouldn't be surprised that Midoriya has a connection to someone else out there in the world.
"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," states Midoriya. "I can relate to anyone I come into contact with. It's a blessing and a curse. This person helped me more than anyone in my life. Knowing that they are going to leave me, leave this earth…..it's too much." He said so much in that statement alone. Amazes me how deep he can be without even trying. "I can't help but noticed that you give me PJ's instead of clothes."
"I did," I reply. "I don't want you to be alone tonight." Midoriya blushes a little nodding his head. He still gets flustered very easily. Sometimes I get annoyed when he gets fluster because it makes me blush as well. I don't know why that is. I have long ago given up trying to understand why my body and mind responds to him in the way it does. It hasn't hurt anything, and it works well for us. We finish up our meal with Midoriya helping me wash the dishes. Nice having someone help with the cleaning.
"Thank you for doing this," he replies toweling off his hands. "I feel so much better."
"I'm glad," I say slowly. I cough nervously. I have never asked this of anyone yet alone Midoriya before. "If you want to talk at any time, please let me know. If you need anything just tell me."
"Are you sure?" he asks with his eyes watering.
"I am," I tell him confidently.
"Can I lay beside you tonight?" he asks with his voice shaking. "I can't….." He just made my heart jump because I have not slept beside anyone in years. I know Midoriya is a pretty sound sleeper for the most part.
"Yes," I reply. Midoriya smiles appearing relived I didn't turn him anyway. If this was anyone else, I would. Midoriya follows me into my room. He has been in here a couple of times but not often.
"What side should I sleep on?" he asks.
"I usually sleep on the left side of the bed so you can take the right," I explain. "I have my air purifier on with low blue lighting. Is that okay?"
"That's fine," he replies walking to the right side of the bed. "I'm surprised you don't sleep on the whole bed. I mean it's a American king size."
"I brought it simply for the fact I am tall," I reply. I kept to myself the fact that I wanted to train my body to sleep on side in the event one day I would marry. I didn't want to be seen as a bed hog. I walk over to my dresser turning on my air purifier. I love the soft sound it makes along with the color.
"Your room is so calming," says Midoriya getting under the covers. My room is decorated in white and beige. The only color I really have is the bamboo throughout my room. I have a one in the corner between one of my windows and tall dresser. A smaller one on the dresser close to my air purifier. I also have one in my bathroom as well. Sometimes I will try and change up the colors but I always end up going back to what I originally selected.
"That is what I was aiming for," I reply settling beside him. The room is dark except for the blue light. I lay on my back closing my eyes. It is not long before the soothing sound takes me. I usually don't wake up at all during the night. The crying I hear causes me to open my eyes. I turn to my right seeing Midoriya is curled up in a ball trying to keep his cries down. I roll over draping my arm over his waist. His cries soften.
"Shouto…" he whines lowly.
"Shhh…" I tell him pulling him closer to me. In the back of my mind, I wonder if I'm too close to him but I can't picture comforting him any other way. I hold Midoriya rubbing his side up and down to calm him. Once he stops trembling, I know he is asleep once more.