Sketchbook Boy- A Tododeku Story

Chapter 29 - Pristine Truth

Todoroki's POV

I can't explain what it is, but as I stand in front of Midoriya's room there a new, unusual feeling resting at the bottom of my stomach. Nerves? Excitement? Dread? All of the above? Whatever it is is brand new and frightening and makes me want to turn back and run away in panic. And if it wasn't for a certain shortie behind me, I would be but even without turning back, I know she is scowling intensely at me. 

The door is different to what it looked like when I had been here before, there's kick marks and scuff marks like multiple people have been trying to claw the door down, and the abridged lock and broken splinters on the floor tell me someone did, instantly making me fill up with  worry. When did this happen? Did they take Izu? Who could want to take Izu, or rather who out of the people that DO want Izu kicked the door down. Out of pure worry I briskly walk forward and push the door forward, which swings effortlessly to the counter, where I can see in full view the sleeping greenete sprawled along hissed, snoring softly. The overall cuteness of the situation makes all the negative feelings and the put in my stomach disappear temporarily. But that moment of bliss is quickly washed away as the stench of bleach rushes at me like a tidal wave, infecting my nostrils followed by the stench of BO and blood making me want to gag and filling  me with worry again. I glance around the room to see books, clothes and empty packets thrown everywhere, as if Izu walks in, throws his clothes on the floor, studies a bit while eating and then goes to sleep, only to repeat the cycle in the morning. "IZ-" I start to shout but I'm interrupted by a harsh shh from Tsuoi as she hits my back, making me glance back at her. 

"He's still asleep you idiot, and don't you dare wake him up. He's had a rough week." she hisses, glaring at me threateningly making me raise my hands up in defence. I can't exactly explain why, but the way she's caring for Izu annoys me and I have to suppress a scowl. The way she's looking at me makes me daren't get on her bad side - just the murderous look in her eyes makes me quiver. Opting to look away from her manelovent expression, I walk over to Izu's bed and sit next to him but it takes all I can do to restrain myself from engulfing the greenette in a tight hug and never let him go, instead I find it sufficient to stroke his hair back, out of his eyes and off of his forehead, clearing a space that is just asking to be kissed. If Tsui weren't here I would've definitely done it, but of course, she's here and I'm denied the chance to kiss him. 

It's not that I'm slightly bitter and I totally don't give her the side eye as she sits on the sofa that me and Izu had sat on together back when we were.... good. And I totally don't roll my eyes when she pats the space next to her. Okay, so I'm slightly annoyed by the whole thing but who can blame me. She comes out of nowhere suddenly caring about Izu after two years of ignoring him and then proceeds to act like she knows what's best for him. AND she is the reason I'm not kissing Izu's forehead. And maybe I'm being petty, but it's the only thing I can latch onto to understand this feeling in my stomach. 

Begrudging, I walk over to the sofa and sit next to her, leaning forward an6d letting my head lay in my hands, sighing deeply. This whole thing is way too stressful for me or my body to take, and just in that moment I feel a sense of relief, my shoulders temporarily relax and I feel myself about to break down. I wish I could forget the bruises on his fists that are clutching onto the duvet cover or the dried blood on his vest and arms. I wish I could remove the image of his distressed face, that is the living embodiment of an oxymoron, it looked so relaxed yet so panicked and disturbed. I wish I could lay by him and hug him tightly and protect him from the rest of the world. I just wish Izu could act like a normal 19 year old and not have to worry if his father's ex co-workers are going to knock down his door and demand the money. I just wish Izu was safe. I feel tears threaten to fall out of my eyes but I refuse to cry, especially in front of someone that isn't my family or Izu.