My Hero Academia Oneshots

Reunion - Todoroki Family part 3

TW: one mention of abuse early on, discussion of Endeavor, and discussion of trauma (in reference of recovery) and therapy

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Everything was settled, Todoroki was now legally under the care of his two teachers. He saw his brother every weekend on either Saturday or Sunday depending on schedules, and sometimes his sister would join them too. Every few weeks they would all go together to visit Rei as well, she was happy to see them recovering from their rocky chidhoods.

This weekend, however, things were different. Touya was allowed visitors in his prison now, and Aizawa had asked if Shouto wanted to reconnect with him. Aizawa didn't like the idea himself, having fought Dabi before and knowing how desensitized he was, but he had been reassured Touya was going through extensive mental care and therapy processes. His manic violence was a response to trauma, and he was working through it steadily over the past few months. He wasn't 100% better, but no one who suffered abuse during development could ever be.

Despite his hesitancy, Aizawa wanted to leave the decision up to Shouto himself, who had also been working on his mental health through therapy. Regardless of his answer, he knew he would march in there alongside his illegitimate son, like the protective father he was.

Touya was doing well, from what Shouto could see. They hadn't spoken yet, but the skin graft-covered male sat on the other side of a one way window so they could speak while still being observed. Regardless of his progress, Dabi was still a smart and powerful man, and no one knew what escape plots could have been bubbling in his mind.

Todoroki's heart swelled at the sight of him. He would finally have the chance of talking to his brother, who he had barely known. The air was cool, stiff, and tense, just as the teen felt on the inside. He shuddered as he stood in front of the door, an officer opening it for him and Aizawa to walk inside.
Sharp cerulean eyes met bi-colored ones, a smile making its way onto the older's face as he stared fondly as his baby brother. The younger tried to hide his intimidated nature and hid behind the apathetic mask he used to always don as he pulled out the chair from across the infamous villain. Aizawa kept quiet and seemingly emotionless, leaning on the wall nearby. He was only there for his son in case something were to go wrong.

"Long time no see, baby brother," Touya started, his eyes crinkling as his smile grew more, staples pulling at his dimples.

"Hi..." The boy in question shuffled uncomfortably, his father's watchful eyes ready to end everything if he saw his sons breathing start to pick up pace.

"How have you been? I heard father got arrested alongside me, you been doing okay without him?" He cut right to the chase, his gravelly voice reminding Todoroki of their first encounter at the training camp. He winced as he remembered that night, trying to push out the negative thoughts.

"I've been good, actually. Better. My new... dads... are really great," his eyes flashed to the dark form leaning against the wall, "and I'm going to therapy now. How have you been?" He asked, trying to be polite.

"I'm doing alright, I guess." He shifted in his seat, fumbling his arms in an attempt to make the handcuffs more comfortable. "I'm also going to therapy, that's been helping a lot," he spoke quietly, eyes downcast, "the food sucks though," he ended with a chuckle. "How's mom doing?"
Shouto smiled at the mention of his mother,

"She's good, the doctors don't think she'll be able to come home, but she's enjoying the small things in life." He always admired his mother's attempts to find the silver linings in the darkest clouds. "She hopes you're doing well too."

Touya froze, he hadn't expected his mother to still think of him as her own. He expected her to loathe him, just like he did with everyone else. He was even surprised his siblings agreed to meet with him again, and that mental health professionals were willing to work with him. Even if he may never see the light of day as a free man again, he had people who for some reason cared about him, including people he had long turned away from.
If he had tears ducts to cry, he would have tears streaming down his face like waterfalls, or rain in a hurricane. But he couldn't have either, he was a forest fire, brash, impulsive, and destructive. His flames could not be dwindled by rain, no matter how hard it came down.
People cared for him, and he cared for them, yes, but he now realized that didn't make him weak. He was still a strong fire, even if now he was contained.

He smiled fondly at his own sibling across from him, chuckling slightly. "I missed you guys, you know? I'm so sorry I ran away, I'm sorry for everything I did, except for what I did against him." His expression hardened toward the end before it softened again, his features settling into a despondent look. "I did wish I could have done something for you."

Shouto felt stiff. He was shocked, he didn't know what to say. "We... we missed you too. Natsuo was so hurt, Fuyumi was heartbroken. I didn't know how to comprehend it, but we were all shaken. Natsuo never forgave him, and mom cried for weeks from what I heard. We all did."
The taller sighed, "I'm so, so sorry. I never wanted to leave you guys. I did what I thought was right, but I guess I was an idiot, huh?" He laughed.

"No, you were just hurt. It's understandable, to some extent. It's trauma."

"Well someone's been learning, huh?" He smiled down at his younger sibling, feeling proud of the powerful teen before him. "I wish I could ruffle your hair like a proper annoying older brother." He chuckled, raising his arms a few inches in reference to his restrained limbs. "But whatever. You're gonna go far, kid. You'll make us proud."

Those words made Shouto cry for weeks.

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Look who's back! I don't know how often I'll be writing, but the whole ~fiasco~ that kept me away before is over. Thank you all for sticking by while I was gone (or really just writing less?), especially those who left uplifting comments when I first posted I would be writing significantly less <3 you guys make the world a better place! ^-^

Also I know Touya seems kind of OOC, but that's just cause he's recovering from his trauma and getting help. It's important to note that his trauma is an explanation and not an excuse, however. He still committed several crimes and won't be released from prison any time soon, even if he is healing.

As always, stay safe, and try to remember to drink water and love yourself! <3
- your local mentally ill weeb :)

(Also my haikyuu oneshot book should be published sometime in the next month for those who are interested👀)