The King is Dead

Malice

If he was asked to describe the relationship he shared with Shouto, Aizawa would deny everything relating to the words fond, caring, warming up to, etc. Because it just isn't true.

Aizawa woke up early every day, not on purpose but because sometimes even sleeping seemed like way too much to handle and he didn't want to deal with the thoughts that were plaguing his mind. So when he woke up early, he liked to start his day early as well, shower, coffee, school.

Todoroki, apparently, also liked to start his day early. Or maybe he was just used to it. Who knows? Anyway, the first time he'd seen Todoroki awake in the early hours of the morning, he'd jumped and shouted out of surprise, Todoroki didn't make a sound but he jumped as well. Neither seemed to have noticed the other had been there.

They never said anything to each other, not that Aizawa expected Todoroki to. He
mostly kept a watchful eye on the boy, making sure he wasn't planning another murder.

But today was the first day of school so he figured he should say something to the student he would be riding to school with. Granted, it was Hizashi's responsibility. Aizawa was a (kind of) supportive boyfriend. He helped with the panic attack only because it was cruel not to. Even if Todoroki had murdered someone, it was Aizawa's job to help people. Todoroki was still a person.

"Oi, can we talk?"

Todoroki turns slowly, like he was afraid of what he would face. His shoulders relax when he sees it was just Aizawa. Who did he think it was...?

Todoroki makes his way to the counter, Aizawa nods to a stool and Todoroki sits there, posture straight and eyes glued to the counter. Aizawa knows he isn't going to speak, so he starts.

"Before we go today, I want you to make sure you want to be here. If you think you might drop out don't even attend. We'll set something else up for you." Aizawa watches as the boy tenses again, his tone must've been too harsh.

"I'm not angry, I just want you to be sure. Once you attend the first class your options immediately get fewered. If you want to go to a different course or school, say so now."

Todoroki shakes his head, and his hands move to sign something. Aizawa tries to make out the words but he hardly knows JSL, it was a futile attempt to understand.

"I don't know what you're saying, kid. Is there something else we can do here? Maybe write it down or-"

"English," Todoroki speaks with a very, almost too heavy accent but it definitely wasn't Japanese. And his voice wasn't as shaky, Aizawa thinks he feels more comfortable like this; Endeavor possibly didn't know English, the kid didn't want Endeavor to understand.

Terrifying.

Todoroki hasn't accepted that his father is dead, even being the reason for it.

"Okay, English." Aizawa nods. "Repeat what you said before."

Todoroki signs along with his words, like he's translating the English from the motions. "I i- want to stay at UA." He almost speaks in Japanese, but corrects himself before the word slips. "Please."

Aizawa nods. "Are you absolutely sure? Last chance to change your mind."

Todoroki nods, affirming his choice. And Aizawa can't help but wonder how all this will turn out. Will Todoroki actually become a hero, despite his upcoming and the things he's done? Aizawa almost hopes he does, but if Todoroki has some thought where killing is an escape from bad, it won't turn out well.

"Okay. That's good. Also, I wanted to tell you that in class, when you're working with classmates you might need to use your voice. I don't know your reasons for staying quiet, but if you need a break you need to tell me, in English or... why don't you teach me how to sign it? That way you don't have to talk if you're overwhelmed." Aizawa was trying to be nice, like befriending an opponent so they don't attack you. If Todoroki needed a break, it's better than killing a classmate because he got too stressed.