He knows he must be very still while he waits.
"Don't move from your room, Shouto." Her words had been very clear despite the strain in her voice. "Don't make a sound. Mummy will come back."
She still isn't back. The room's cold, plunged in darkness, and he's huddled in a corner with his hands rubbing his forearms. Only his left side can provide him with warmth but this isn't the warmth he was seeking. He wants his mummy's. Still, he doesn't dare defying her orders by searching for her in the vast house. She ever so rarely demands something, but when she does, there's always a definite purpose. If she wants him not to move, then there's a reason.
Shouto jolts when he hears the distant sound of something shattering. Their house's devoid of any knickknacks or heirloom vases. Either someone crashed in a mirror or dropped a glass. He can't be sure which one was preferable.
The doorknob twists but the door doesn't budge. He curls around himself, his breath quivering. His mother's back but she isn't alone. Shouto buries his face in the hollow between his knees and his chest, wincing as his father kicks the door once, twice, thrice.
"Where's the key?"
"He's not in his room, I told you."
"And I tell you where's the key?"
"Are you deaf? He's not in his room."
A terrible sound echoes, like lightning hitting a tree and shattering its trunk. His mother cries out. Shouto screws his eyes shut.
"I'm going to burn this door down if I have to."
"He's only five…"
Shouto doesn't like the sound of her voice. It's still gentle — he rarely ever hears his mummy rising her voice — but instead of conveying comfort it's fraying, defeated. A lump's stuck in his throat and even if he tries, he's unable to swallow it down. He's the reason of her despair.
"He's been ready since he was four."
Then the door explodes. Shouto shields his face as splinters hurtle in his direction. Some prick him and get stuck in his skin, but it hurts less than the look on his mother's face. In front of her stands his father, towering, clad in flames. His expression's austere as he gazes down on him.
"Get up," he growls.
Shouto glances at his mother. She's hiding her face in her hands, her body half-turned away as if she's about to leave. Even from afar, he can catch her shoulders trembling in silence.
"Don't be childish, Shouto."
He himself is quaking in fear, but he remembers his mummy telling him not to move. He won't move until she tells him he can. Thus Shouto shakes his head, pressing his back against the wall as if he can glue himself to it.
His father glares, "Stupid boy."
He takes one step forward. It happens faster than Shouto can comprehend. A barrier of ice is separating him from his father, spikes ready to skewer Endeavor if he dares advancing. Behind him, Shouto's mother breathes deeply, one arm outstretched, fingers splayed.
"You won't touch him."
His father snickers at her words and puts one hand on the barrier. Flames engulf her creation, melting it. Shouto can't see his parents' face because of the evaporating water creating a curtain of steam between them.
"Why are you so protective? I would never hurt him."
"As if I can believe it."
"Let's ask Shouto then. Would I hurt you?"
His mummy was caressing his cheeks, whispering, Don't make a sound.
Silence is his answer and it doesn't please his father.
"Is this entire family against me?"
"Maybe if you acted like a father, your family as you say wouldn't hate you."
His father whirls around, one hand slapping her face. The impact's so violent she collapses on the ground, her begging to leave Shouto alone interlacing her own pleas not to hurt her. Shouto wants to reach out, to wipe her eyes, to stand tall between her and his father but he's paralysed.
It's not because of his mummy's order, this time.
Shouto watches in horror as his father proceeds to drag her out of the room by her hair. She isn't protesting, this time. She's like a limp doll cast away without any regrets. The door slams. Shouto wants to shrink on himself as his father's attention darts on him.
"Now that your mother won't interfere, let's have some quality time together, son."
Mummy will come back.
But she didn't.
Todoroki wakes up to his smoke detector ringing. He groans and buries his head under his pillow, trying to muffle his ears. It's the third time this week. If it continues like this, he wonders if he'll get kicked out of the apartment block for disturbing the residents' peace.
Taking a deep breath and searching for motivation, he rises from his futon and glances up at the detector, squinting. In an outburst of annoyance, he throws a spike of ice that pierces through the batteries and englobes the entire detector. The machine lets out a faint whistle before before shattering in tiny shards that rain on him. He doesn't feel any better as a dozen tiny fractured reflections stare back at him.
Todoroki sighs and turns on the radio, rubbing his eyes with his knuckles.
"It's seven o'clock sharp and you're listening to Hero News!"
He opens the fridge, staring at the few items on his otherwise empty shelves. He'll have to replenish his food stock… or he can order takeout like yesterday, and the day before that as well, or the entire previous week. He's not sure his wallet will cooperate, though.
"Today we're reviewing our Heroes' last feats and we're receiving in our studio Pro Hero Number Four, Bean Jeanist. However, before that, I have an important announcement."
Todoroki stifles a yawn and folds his futon, storing it in one of the numerous cardboards lingering in his small living room. It's been close to a month he got this apartment but he has yet to unpack. To be honest, he doesn't think he'll stay here for long with his smoke detector always ringing.
"We learned that a Pro Hero was hired by the Police Force to work alongside Detective Tsukauchi to solve the Judge case that began a three weeks ago."
He stills, turning around to look at the radio.
"To refresh your mind, the Judge already claimed three victims, all Pro Heroes. The Police Force prioritises this case above all others and offers a bounty on his head. If you have any information, please contact them or Pro Hero Shouto."
As if on cue his cellphone buzzes, drawing his attention. He winces as he catches the ID and answers after turning off the radio.
"Yes?" He asks, clearing his throat.
"Explain."
Todoroki grimaces and sits down, leaning against a cardboard box. "I was about to tell you, I swear, but I've been busy with the case and all..."
"How much are they paying you?"
"That's why you're calling me?"
"Todoroki, I'm serious." He grimaces at her voice's seriousness. "How much are they paying you?"
He struggles to find a plausible lie. "Enough."
"You paused before you answered."
"I didn't."
"You did. It's not enough."
He sighs, his head hanging low. "Yaoyorozu, I don't need your charity."
"It isn't your charity because I'm not giving you money, I'm lending you money. Also, I wouldn't lend it to anyone but since you're my friend, I'm doing it with pleasure. If I were you, I'd be glad I have such caring friends."
Todoroki chuckles, one hand kneading his forehead. He can't rival with Yaoyorozu's implacable morality and ingeniousness. Leave it to her to switch the tables and change your perspective.
"I'm glad, trust me. I'm thankful."
"Then I'm sending you the same amount as last time?"
"Yes, thank you."
He's not sure where he would be without her help. Stranded on the streets, perhaps, in an igloo he would've created with his Quirk. Still, he has to swallow his pride and accepts help given so generously by one of his few friends. He has to trust his comrades, like she always told him.
"How is it with the Police Force? You're not overworking, right? Wait, I'm talking to Todoroki Shouto. Of course you'll overwork."
"I'm trying not to but it's hard when you have to catch such a dangerous criminal."
"Any leads?"
"Midoriya thinks the Judge's targeting Pro Heroes guilty of specific crimes, not just because they're Pro Heroes. To be honest, this hypothesis seems most reasonable."
"Midoriya? Is he your new friend?"
Friend? More like reluctant partner whom Todoroki doesn't trust.
"Colleague," he rectifies but the damage is done.
"I have to meet him."
"Absolutely not," he scoffs.
"Is he free today? Ask him if we can go eat."
"Yaoyorozu—"
"I'll be paying. How about we go to the new soba noodles restaurant that opened near Yuuei? You told me you wanted to go."
"I already ate soba with Midoriya, thank you very much—"
"So you two had a date?"
Todoroki is grateful they're not having a face to face conversation or else she would've caught his cheeks flushing with embarrassing scarlet.
"We talked about work," he corrects but it sounds fake even to his own ears.
"Call him."
"I'd rather not."
"Then you leave me no choice. I'm going to come at your office and borrow him for a while."
Todoroki wouldn't believe any other girl but since it's her, he can never be sure of anything.
"Yaoyorozu, that's not—"
"I'll come on Monday then. See you there."
Even if she hung up on those words, he can't bring himself to dislike her for a second.
"Welcome back, troublemaker."
A week has passed and the office hasn't changed since Midoriya last stood here. Medusa, the cactus, plant, or whatever it really is, is as healthy as ever. Apparently Tamakawa took care of it when they were gone. His colleagues all look weary, shoulders drooping as they stare at files or at their computer screen. On the wall Tsukauchi's mind map hasn't expanded. All signs point to stagnation.
"Where's Todoroki-san?"
Midoriya shrugs at Tsukauchi's question. How should he know? One lunch didn't miraculously change their relationship. Todoroki didn't even keep his word of texting him for another lunch in the same week. To think Midoriya was glued to his phone waiting for that message like a fool makes him disgusted with himself.
"Maybe he took a day off."
The detective's pensive expression doesn't change but he moves on. "Midoriya-kun, I want you in the archives today. Subaru drew a list of potential criminals who could be the Judge and I'd like you to find their files."
Why did I bother coming here today again?
The archives, located in the basement, have been spared from the fire. It's a room all in white, with immaculate walls, ceiling and floor, the shelves filled with binders all neatly organised by chronological order.
Midoriya spends the next five hours searching for files he doesn't care about, knowing how useless his work is since his mind's already set to frame someone in particular. Todoroki isn't the perfect candidate and no one will be, but he's the closest he's going to get.
When the clock nears noon, Midoriya trudges back to the office. To his surprise, none of the senior members are present. Instead, Todoroki's lounging at his desk and opposite him is a woman in a chic suit, sitting on Midoriya's chair. She turns to him, her mouth shaped like a perfect 'o' as she watches him like one of the world wonders.
"Is this him?"
"Yes, he's my partner, Midoriya Izuku."
Midoriya doesn't understand why Todoroki's emphasising the word. Perhaps the Pro Hero has trouble admitting it, his tone full of disinclination. But what strikes Midoriya is how the constant tenseness in Todoroki's shoulders has vanished and the fire lighting up in his normally dull eyes.
The woman, however, leaps on his feet and bows, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Midoriya. I'm Yaoyorozu Momo, Todoroki's friend."
That's when Midoriya remembers. Todoroki mentioned her when they were discussing. Plus, Midoriya searched all of Todoroki's old classmates and listed down their name, their Quirk and analysed their strength. Yaoyorozu Momo was one of the names figuring on his list as a redoubtable opponent with her Creation Quirk, allowing her to create any non-living material, and her intelligence ranked as outstanding.
Todoroki sighs and then, abruptly, he's back to being the Todoroki Midoriya knows. "Yaoyorozu was about to leave."
"What are you saying, Todoroki? I'm enchanted to meet one of your friends."
Surprisingly, Todoroki doesn't deny it. Midoriya's ready to bet his money that an alien replaced his partner, but then again perhaps that's how Todoroki perceives him. Midoriya shakes his head. The idea's inconceivable. Perhaps that's what Todoroki told Yaoyorozu about their relationship to appear more admirable.
"You were on your way to eat, right, Midoriya? How about we lunch together? Todoroki told me he had to treat you this week but he had so many calls at his Hero Office that he was forced to postpone his plans with you."
Midoriya's narrowed eyes flicker to Todoroki, searching for any deceit. He can't say if it's the truth or a lie since he has no information on his doings as Pro Hero. It's logical that Todoroki was busy as a Pro Hero since it's his primary job. Helping Tsukauchi catch him the Judge is secondary, and Midoriya agrees with this way of thinking. Pro Heroes should focus on saving citizens, not on catching someone who's judging them like they should be.
Yaoyorozu gasps, "He didn't tell you, did he?"
Midoriya frowns as she elbows Todoroki as if she wants him to say something. It comes out as quite unconvincing, Todoroki's eyes avoiding his.
"I was busy," he mumbles.
"Just forget about him, Midoriya. Todoroki, you don't mind if we lunch together, do you?"
Todoroki looks like he does mind, his whole face paling and his lips parting to say something, but Yaoyorozu's arm has already snaked around his neck and she's dragging him out of the room. Midoriya feels anxiety rising within him like the tide; he knows little to nothing about her except for her status as Pro Hero. He also has no anecdotes to share about Todoroki to entertain her.
It's just lunch.
Yes, just lunch. There's nothing to fear. If anything, he can try to gain more information about Todoroki from her. Taking a deep breath, Midoriya struggles to steady his breathing as his mind spins. Did Todoroki tell her about his Quirklessness? What if she has no idea? Would she be repulsed when she'll learn about his state?
It's just lunch.
But the words blurt out of his mouth. "Are you sure you don't mind a person like me?"
Midoriya hates the insecurity leaking through his words, but Yaoyorozu pats his shoulder with a wink. "Todoroki's friends are my friends."
The reply's immediate, shoulders hunching down a little. "I'm not his friend."
"You lasted two week, right? That's enough proof for me."
Unsure of how to feel, Midoriya replies with a nod. He doesn't even know if she knows and frankly, he assumes it doesn't matter.
Yaoyorozu leads him to a small restaurant. It looks charming, with frames depicting harbours and boats in the raging sea. Plants are bathing in sunlight near the windows, reminding him of Medusa. There aren't a lot of tables but they're the only customers. They sit at a table near the window and Midoriya's attention latches on the people strolling outside.
"It'll be on my bill," Yaoyorozu told the waiter as soon as they entered.
"I don't want to be a bother," Midoriya whispers, cheeks rosy.
"You brought yourself. I think that's the greatest gift you can give someone."
Midoriya observes him, realising she's honest. Her eyes shine with gentleness, a smile brightening her countenance. Midoriya forces himself to slacken his stiff posture, to adapt to this casual setting.
"Thank you, Yaoyorozu-san."
She winks at him, leaning closer to him as he's about to tell her a secret.
"So, why are you here?"
Midoriya hesitates, "I'm sorry if I misheard but I thought you–"
"Midoriya, let's face it: we're strangers. Nothing forced you to accept my proposition. Surely you had a reason to come here?"
He smiles shakily as he clasps his hands together. "You insisted so I wouldn't hold a grudge against Todoroki. You do have his interests at heart."
Yaoyorozu swats an imaginary fly. "That was an excuse. What's your real reason?"
"I..." He falters, wondering what her reaction would be. "I want to know more about him."
"I can't tell you anything about him," is her reply after a short moment of silence, "but I can show you the way. Todoroki's a tough nut to crack but I'm sure that after this, you'll know how to approach him."
Midoriya feels like an invisible burden was lifted off his shoulders. That's all he needs, really. By gaining her trust, he can gain his. He's able to smile at her, completely at ease.
"It would be most appreciated."
"So, are you good at hand-to-hand combat?"
The question's so unexpected that he has to think not to stutter like a beginner. In all humility, he considers himself skilled. With Tsukauchi mentoring him and his own personal daily training, he has sharp reflexes and endurance.
"I manage," is all he can think of. "How did you know about that?"
"Just a gut feeling, that's all. How about with guns? Sniping?"
"I manage," he repeats, but this time he's closer to the truth.
"Tell me, why did you accept to be on the Judge's case? If you only manage as you say yourself, shouldn't you let the experts catch the big fish?"
Yaoyorozu, despite her carefree air and friendliness, is a clever one. Even if she's subtly pointing out his Quirklessness, Midoriya doesn't feel as attacked as usual. She suspects him of something but what scares him most is that he has no data on her, no inkling of what he's being suspected of.
"I'm Tsukauchi-san's protégé, so the decision isn't mine."
"He must really like you then," she answers back, "or you're better than you let on." Midoriya's beginning to feel uneasy when Yaoyorozu pulls back, sheepish. "I apologise."
"… there's no need to."
The awkward situation dies when a waiter comes to take their orders, and since Midoriya didn't even open his menu he orders the same thing as Yaoyorozu. When the waiter is gone, he turns to her and almost startles back in fear. Her eyes have grown cold and he feels crucified under her gaze. She hasn't moved from her seat but she looks taller, bigger, her presence crushing him.
"Did the Judge hire you to kill Todoroki?" Midoriya almost chokes but the woman's terrifying eyes stops him. "Don't even think of lying to me, Midoriya."
"I swear I'm not. I'm working with Todoroki, not against him."
His answer is relatively calm even if he doesn't feel so confident. Yaoyorozu's eyes don't waver from him. They're unmoving, lacking of the warmth they showed earlier, and Midoriya fleetingly thinks that she might have suspected him to be an enemy the second they met, that she invited him here to isolate him and conduct this interrogation. He's been so focused on watching Todoroki acting unlike himself that he forgot to assess her. It could've been a mistake costing him his life, but then again he isn't lying.
As long as Todoroki acts like a worthy Pro Hero, the Judge won't kill him.
"Alright. What about his father?"
"His father?"
"Did Endeavor hire you to spy on Todoroki?"
"What?" What does Endeavor have to do with anything? "The hell, no."
Yaoyorozu relaxes, leaning on the back of the seat. Even if remnants of suspicion are visible in his orbs, she regains his amiability.
"Good. I hate threatening people. I know you think I'm crazy with this interrogation, but I'd rather not take any risk."
Midoriya, still shaken, stares at her, immobile. "I understand."
"I know how irritating he can be, how he prefers to be alone and isn't the best to express his emotions. I have no objection that you think of killing him, really. Even I do sometimes. As long as you don't do anything, of course."
"Sure?"
Yaoyorozu's face is tinged pink. "I'm not always like that. I just worry about him. I don't see him very often so... would you mind informing me?"
He can't believe what he's hearing. "Wait, I'm having a hard time following you. One second ago you were threatening me if I worked for someone and now you want me to work for you?"
"It's nothing like that. I just want to make sure he's alright, so you don't have to tell me everyday. Once in a while's enough. I can even pay you if you want."
For the first time since the conversation started, Midoriya feels like he's the one in control. He doesn't understand how Todoroki of all people managed to befriend someone as dedicated as Yaoyorozu but he can use her concern to his advantage.
"Since we're partners, I think it's my duty to make sure he's alright. His wellbeing will affect our work, after all. You mentioned his father before. What did he do?"
She frowns, shifting on her seat. "I'm not sure it's my place to tell you."
"Yaoyorozu-san, you know how reserved Todoroki is. I have to know what I'm looking for if I want to have a chance to understand him."
After a second of silence she yields, sighing, "Alright, I'll tell you."
Midoriya has to grab his napkin and wipe his lips to hide his grin. Right into my hands.
"Todoroki and his father have a rocky past. I won't tell you all the details but I can tell you that the simple mention of Endeavor puts him on edge. If Todoroki stays silent for too long it's not a good sign. He also may try to leave the room or if he can't, avoid eye contact and recoil from touch."
The signs are familiar. Todoroki was lost in his world after Chief Tsuragamae had mentioned his father and when Midoriya touched him to pull him out of his thoughts, he had jerked away like he'd been burned. Plus, the question Midoriya asked about the person who influenced him the most… Todoroki had busied himself with washing dishes, hiding from him.
"Alright but what did his father do?"
"He… He didn't act like a father."
It's as far as Yaoyorozu's willing to go. She's fidgeting, perhaps wondering if she betrayed Todoroki by making Midoriya privy to his situation. Too bad for her if she regrets or doubts her decision. Midoriya, however, is truly grateful.
"I'll make sure that what you told me won't go to waste."
"Can I count on you to stop him from doing anything stupid?"
Midoriya never would've dreamed of hearing 'Todoroki' and 'stupid' in the same sentence, but Yaoyorozu's looking at him intently.
"Please, it's important. I need to know if you'll look after him."
"I'm sure he can look after himself in a fight, so I'll look after him… in the aftermath."
"I thank you."
She bows her head so low it almost hits the table. It's so solemn that Midoriya's sure he's about to receive a certificate proclaiming him as Todoroki's personal bodyguard. Then the sensation flies away as Yaoyorozu's smile effortlessly curls his lips. She enthusiastically catches her glass in one hand, the water almost spilling out.
"Let's cheer to your friendship with Todoroki."
Midoriya copies his movement, smiling. "Cheers."
He downs his glass, beaming at her.
Too bad it won't last long.
"Judge, are you alright? You look pale suddenly."
Midoriya blinks, his breathing short. His eyes dart all on Tomura and Kurogiri's impassive expressions before focusing on the computer screen. He's not seeing anything but he feels how imposing All for One is, how overwhelming he is.
"I... I think I should sit down."
Midoriya almost collapses on the couch, not even waiting All for One's answer. The world's spinning slowly and he blinks again to clear the haze.
"I wasn't tempting you, Judge. What I'm saying about giving you a Quirk is the truth. You proved your loyalty, so the least I can do is repay you in any way possible."
"Please stop talking." Midoriya startles at his insolence, noticing how Tomura's about to tear him to pieces. "My apologies, I shouldn't act like this when you show me kindness."
"It's quite normal to feel emotions. I personally think that if channelled correctly they can act as a catalyst for awakening or strengthening your power. I'm wondering about yours."
"You must've realised I don't have any kind of power. I'm a waste of time."
"You're not a waste of time. Never say that again."
Midoriya's taken aback by the gentleness in his tone. Had All for One been present, he pictures him approaching silently like a predator cornering his prey.
"Besides, you do have some powers. I feel strong emotions burning deep through your soul. You don't have a Quirk but you have potential. I sense something extraordinary about you."
Midoriya wonders if the villain truly believes his own words or if it's a joke all along. "Surely you must be mistaken... There's nothing special about me."
"We both know it's a lie. Didn't you orchestrate three murders?"
Midoriya has to agree with him. He's Quirkless yet rallied two villains to work for him. He should be proud of his accomplishments yet he feels like something's lacking. He may have killed Tozawa but what about Liliana Schmidt, what about Natsuhiko Arata? Collateral damage, his mind whispers, but did he ruin those lives by avenging dead ones? Should he focus on saving the living or avenging the dead?
"I know how you feel," All for One tells him, his honeyed words bringing him back to reality. "Such power is dangerous."
"I don't need more power," Midoriya declares although he's torn. If he has a Quirk, he knows he won't be able to back down but why is he even considering backing down? "I'm fine how I am."
"Who is it?"
The question catches him off guard. "What?"
"There must be a person who sparked your thirst for justice?"
The only name that comes to his mind is All Might, but All Might is a noble Hero whom he respects, whom the Judge will never select. Yet there was no Hero who prompted him to be the Judge. He can't think of anyone but himself.
"Who is it that sparked your desire?" Midoriya counters.
"No one in particular, but I admit I don't deal well with anyone who acts against peace and justice."
"And what are you willing to give for peace and justice?"
"No one gives something to gain something; he sacrifices it. I would sacrifice myself for both."
But where are you? Don't tell me this society's justice system isn't flawed. "Would you... act against peace and justice to gain them once and for all?" Midoriya inquires, though already knowing the answer.
"If ultimate peace and justice is the result, then yes."
"I dreamed of having a Quirk when I was younger but today my dream's changed," he whispers. His conscience's still debating if it's a good decision to confess this to a person he doesn't truly know. "I'm not at peace myself and I'll surely never be but… that's who I am. I want to be a Hero but at first the Judge, this person I've created, exists to to redefine what it means to be a Hero."
"But are you powerful enough to do so?"
Midoriya breathes out, knowing that this was a trapped question. By admitting his weaknesses and destroying his foundations, All for One might seek to replace them with his own. His words are precise double-edged swords and his sentences, carefully crafted.
"I'm going to get stronger with my own abilities."
"Two is stronger than one. Let me help you, Midoriya, to accomplish your dream. I'm ready to entrust you with a Quirk because I believe in your strength, in your passion, in your dream."
"Thank you, All for One." He bows his head in respect and he almost feel a man's hands settling down on his shoulders with the grip of a father with his son.
"Don't bow your head, Judge. We're equals."
"But I'm rejecting your offer."
Midoriya ignores Tomura's derisive snort, rather focusing on steadying his breathing. It's unsettling not to see the villain's face and knowing that his own, however, is being examined. Is this how it feels when a criminal is being interrogated, knowing that two inspectors stand on the other side of the one-way mirror?
"If it's your choice then I won't insist."
Midoriya nods, his heart knotted. He's the one who said that it's the wielder who brings out the best of his Quirk. Quirks are amazing but they aren't what a person is about. He of all people knows that one shouldn't be judged on the greatness of one's Quirk.
He's enough.
And just like that, he hears Todoroki's voice whispering in his ears, That's a good answer.