Sunsets

Hand-holding

Aizawa had finally arrived to the dorms a quarter till four. He had gotten at UA and immediately entered Nezu's office to relay the day's news.

They discussed the news on Midoriya's lead, the death of Endeavor, and Todoroki's family status.

Nezu pointed out that Todoroki might have to go into a foster system until they were able to assess Rei Todoroki's mental state and order her release. He also pointed out someone from UA could become a temporary guardian of the teen.

Aizawa was hesitant to do so. Todoroki seemed to be untrusting towards the UA staff, plus the fact that they were all heros who commonly did patrols and worked late hours. Todoroki needed someone who could be there for him and help him cope. That much was a given.

The teachers couldn't provide that for him.

But foster parents were out if the question as well.

Nezu told Aizawa to think of a solution fairly fast because of the recent circumstances. They had to stay on top of the ball, and recently the ball had been kicked out from under them. Time to play a game of catch-up.

Nezu told Aizawa to talk to Todoroki about the ordeal, but not pressure the teen into a breakdown.

Aizawa nodded and promptly left.

After arriving in the dorm, Aizawa saw the common room empty. Yet there was soft sounds coming from the kitchen. He carefully made his way to peer into the cooking space.

Inside are a handful of students. Uraraka was standing above the stove, cooking something with the help of Koda. Both seemed to be slightly struggling as they point and whisper at the pots.

Asui was standing off to the side, her hand holding Todoroki's, who was stationed next to her. They seemed to be quietly talking with Bakugo.

Iida was bracing his hands on the table and leaning down slightly, analyzing a paper on the desk.

After a moment he got up, and moved over to Koda and Uraraka before pointing something out. Koda smiled shyly before Uraraka asked a question.

Aizawa was happy to see both teens out of their room. They seemed to be doing better, though it was odd to spot Todoroki showing affection with someone else.

Bakugo also seemed subdued--actually talking to people without yelling.

Aizawa walked into the kitchen, alerting others to his presence. Deciding to act causal for the time being, he leaned against the counter and made eyecontact with Iida, Tsu, and Uraraka who had all turned their head in his direction.

"What are you all making?" Aizawa strained his neck slightly to try and look inside the pot. It smelled a little burnt but overall not too bad.

"Curry." Uraraka answered.

"We messed up a few times but overall I think it looks exceptional for our fourth try." Iida butted in, leaning over Uraraka to peer into the pot.

Bakugo rolled his eyes at the two. "You idiots burnt it. I told you the oven was set too high." He crossed his arms and leaned on the closest wall.

Uraraka puffed air from her cheeks in annoyance, "Well, if you know how to cook sooooooo well, then why don't you come over here and finish this?!" She moved her arms around, exasperated.

"No. Screw off," Bakugo glared at girl.

Tsu lightly giggled at the interaction, squeezing Todoroki's hand.

Todoroki finally looked up and observed the self-proclaimed chef's and Bakugo. He felt the tips of his lips curl up in a small smile before turning his gaze to his teacher.

Todoroki was out of it. He was there physically but mentally he was unfocused. Too many things were happening at once and his brain couldn't handle it.

He wished he was holding Midoriya's hand. Midoriya knew how to comfort him the best. Tsu was the runner-up of comfort. But Midoriya had helped him first, and Todoroki felt anxious now that his brother was gone.

Tsu squeezed her friend's hand once more, sensing his whirlwind of emotions.

Aizawa maintained eyecontact, observing all the events. "May I speak with you for a moment, Todoroki?"

Tsu, Bakugo, and Iida looked at Todoroki, mentally asking if he wanted to go talk with the teacher.

If Todoroki gave any signal of feeling uncomfortable or unfit to talk to Aizawa, they would make sure he didn't feel pressured. However, Todoroki nodded and felt Tsu let his hand go after a final squeeze. It was comforting.

Aizawa nodded, "Thank you. We will be right back." He then left the room, waiting for Todoroki to follow.

They made it to the common room where Aizawa sat down on the couch, and the duel-haired teenager followed. Each took up one end, leaving the middle open.

Aizawa ran a hand through his hair.

How do I approach this?

He sighed before beginning, eyes flickering across the floor. "I presume you heard about your father?"

Out of the corner of his right eye, Aizawa saw the teen nod solemnly. His lips were pursed and shaking, as well as his eyebrows partially furrowed.

Aizawa continued. "I know your mother is still in the hospital, but we are working to free her from there as we speak. However, you will still need a temporary full-time guardian. Nezu and I were thinking it could be a trusted friend of ours or a UA teacher. However if you know any adult you trust enough, then feel free to bring them up. We want you comfortable, safe, and happy."

Todoroki looked at his palms which rested on his knees. He nodded absently.

Aizawa nodded in retaliation, "For the meantime, you will stay in the dorms and so will I. I'm staying so you have at least one adult you know near you in case you need or want anything, okay?"

A strained okay was heard from the boy.

"I'm sorry everything is happening, especially so quickly. You don't deserve it, neither does anyone else." Aizawa felt the need to speak about the whole of the events recently.

Todoroki finally looked up, meeting Aizawa's dark eyes with his teary ones.

Even though it was illogical to apologize for events he could not fix, Aizawa didn't regret his statement.

"About Midoriya," Aizawa began, voice slightly thick with emotion. Todoroki perked up, hope filling his eyes and his features softening slightly. "We think we have a lead and his whereabouts. Heros have been sent out to search. I'll keep you updated."

Nodding, Todoroki's shoulders sagged in relief. They finally had an idea on where to find Midoriya. That was good news.

"Thank you." It was barely a whisper, but Aizawa heard it.

"No problem, kiddo." Aizawa got up and moves towards Todoroki, ruffling the teen's hair.

He squatted down in front of the teen for the final round of news.

"A visitor is going to come to the dorms around four, which should be in a few minutes. I'm warning you so you don't freak out, okay?" Aizawa looked into Todoroki's eyes meaningfully.

Todoroki gazed into his teacher's eyes for a second before looking down again. "Okay."

Standing up once more, Aizawa backed up slightly before holding his hand out to the teen. Slowly, Todoroki accepted and stood up. Aizawa then guided him back to the kitchen. Koda was the first to spot the two and made his way over to greet them.

"Thank you once again." Aizawa said before depositing Todoroki with his friend. Immediately Koda took Todoroki's hand and they walked over to resume conversation with Bakugo and Tsu.