Every Rose Has Its Thorn || ShojiNeta

11||The Truth Revealed

Mineta groggily opened his eyes. Everything hurt less, but there was still an ache in some areas. His leg where his father had viciously struck him. His shoulder and his back where he was stabbed. His chest where his ribs had been cracked. All four were bandaged and still had a dull pain. Once he took note of this, Mineta took a look at his surroundings.

I ... I'm at Recovery Girl's. But ... how did I get here?

As soon as he wondered this, his eyes widened with realization.

He didn't remember much after the attack, but he did remember being carried by Shoji.

My mind was so foggy in that moment, I thought it was only a dream. Is it possible that ... it actually happened?

"Ah, good. You're awake," Recovery Girl said. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired, for the most part," Mineta said.

"Those were some pretty bad injuries you received. How did they happen?" Recovery Girl asked.

The memory of his father's attack immediately flooded his memory. The slap to the face that stung. The knife digging deep into his back and shoulder. The kicks that were strong enough to crack his bones. His mom getting smacked aside. The pain. The angry yells. The tears.

Mineta felt said tears return and he quickly wiped them away. "I ... don't know how to put it ... it's a really uncomfortable subject."

"It's okay, dear. Take your time," Recovery Girl assured. "Maybe you'll have an easier time talking to your teacher. Aizawa's waiting for you. Him, and one of your classmates."

Mineta's eyes widened at this. "Sh-Shoji?"

"Yes. He's the one who brought you in. I usually see him so calm. It was a little unsettling to see him look worried," Recovery Girl explained.

He was ... worried about me? The very thought of this caused Mineta's stomach to flutter. No. Don't get your hopes up. He'd be worried for any classmate. That's just the kind of person he is.

Then again ... he's known to be good at hiding his worry.

"Is it possible I could talk to them?" Mineta asked.

"Yes. I'll go get them." With that, Recovery Girl left the room.

Mineta took a look around. He noticed a poncho on one of the waiting chairs.

That's Shoji's winter poncho! He realized. He looked out the window at the freshly fallen snow. He remembered the way he was held when he momentarily regained consciousness.

I ... was wrapped in that poncho .... Mineta thought, a blush rising to his cheeks. I need to be sure to thank him!

Mineta's thoughts were interrupted when the door opened back up. Aizawa and Shoji rushed in and went straight for his bed side.

"You okay, Problem Cild #19?" Aizawa asked.

"You're awake! How're you feeling?" Shoji asked.

Aizawa's expression was unreadable, but Mineta could hear the concern in his voice.

As for Shoji, Mineta had never seen so much worry in the boy's eyes. It made his heart clench.

"I'm fine ... just tired. My injuries ache a little, but it's tolerable," Mineta explained.

"What happened?" Aizawa asked.

Mineta fell silent and shifted a little uncomfortably in his bed.

Aizawa immediately had a hunch. "It was him, wasn't it?"

Mineta didn't even need to as who "him" was. He averted his eyes and gave a small nod.

Aizawa clenched his teeth in anger. I should have known something like this would have happened. I know the kind of place that is, yet I allowed him to go back. I should have done more to stop him!

Meanwhile, Shoji grew more concerned. Who's "him"? Why would he do this? He had questions, but he didn't want to push. He knew it wasn't his business. Plus he could tell it was a touchy topic.

"Mineta, I'm sorry this happened. Feel free to spend the rest of Winter Break here at UA. I insist you do so. It's for your own safety. I should have known better than to allow you to go back," Aizawa said. He clearly looked guilt-riden and angry with himself.

"Don't feel bad, sensei. I was the one who got careless," Mineta assured. "It wasn't your fault."

Mineta looked over at Shoji. He could tell his crush looked worried and confused. He probably wants answers. I don't blame him. Should I tell him?

Well ... he WAS the one who saved me. He deserves to know what's going on.

"Mr. Aizawa?" Mineta hesitantly said.

"Yes?" Aizawa asked.

"Is it okay if Shoji and I talk in private for a bit?"

Shoji's eyes widened a bit in surprise. But then he nodded in agreement.

Aizawa looked at the two. "All right. I'll leave you two alone." And he proceeded to do just that.

The two sat in awkward silence for a bit.

But in that silence, Mineta's mind was racing.

Okay, I'm alone with him. I can do this. Just try to stay calm and dON'T GET FLUSTERED!

"T-Thank you for saving me," Mineta finally said, his cheeks turning pink. So much for not getting flustered. Idiot!

"You're welcome. It wasn't a problem at all," Shoji replied. Heh. He's kind of cute when he's flustered- wait, what? What am I thinking? As soon as he thought this, his cheeks heated up as well.

"Um ... you're probably wondering who Aizawa and I were talking about," Mineta said, visibly growing nervous.

"I am," Shoji admitted. "But you don't have to share if you don't want. I can tell the subject bothers you."

Ugh, he's so caring! Mineta thought, blushing more. But he knew he had to shake the thoughts away. "Well ... it was my dad who did this to me."

"What? Why would he do that, if you don't mind me asking?" Shoji asked. A sense of anger was rising in his chest. A sense of ... protectiveness.

"It's because ...." Mineta's eyes welled with tears as his body trembled with rage and sadness. It put Shoji more on edge. "He's both abusive and homophobic."

"He found out, didn't he?" Shoji asked.

Mineta sniffled and nodded. "You and I both now being gay isn't a choice...."

"Of course it isn't," Shoji agreed. "It's who you are."

"I know that, too," Mineta assured. "But he DOESN'T!"

"I'm sorry," Shoji said, struggling to hide the anger in his voice. "I won't let him hurt you anymore."

Mineta's tears stopped as soon as he heard that. "R-really?"

Shoji's eyes softened with sympathy. "Yes. What kind of friend would I be if I can't help?"

Friend.

That kind of stung, Mineta will admit that, but he wasn't surprised. "Do ... you have an idea in mind?"

"I actually do," Shoji assured with a warm smile.

What's the idea, I wonder? Find out next chapter!