A Little Split

Results

Todoroki knew what his results were gonna be.

After all, with a family history of early-presenting, a childhood of abuse, and a caregiver older sister, it was obvious.

The only problem was that it was the wrong classification. 

No child of Enji Todoroki was going to be classified a Little, at least not officially. 

Which is why Todoroki's hands trembled and he kept glancing Endeavor's way as he answered the nurse's questions. 

He was only 14.

Though, of course, Touya was even younger when he presented. 

Todoroki wasn't there when it happened but he heard all about it from the gossiping of the houseworkers.

It was a hot summer day. Touya and Fuyumi had gotten into an argument over something stupid, as siblings do, when something happened. 

It was never clear to Todoroki what actually caused it.  

Maybe someone said something they shouldn't have.

Maybe someone threw an object at the other.

Maybe someone just finally broke. 

And suddenly two scents filled the air. 

One of warm, fresh laundry. The comforting, soft embrace of a blanket fresh out of the dryer. Something that would put anyone at ease.

Caregiver.

And one of toasted marshmallows. The sticky sweet innocent joy of a sugary treat warmed by the fire that just melts into your touch. 

Little.

Fuyumi was 11 and Touya 12. 

They were swooped to the closest classification clinic to be tested, Endeavor yelling at the chauffeur to hurry to the car.

Todoroki remembers that part, standing with the nanny as he watched Fuyumi doing her best to calm a hysterically sobbing Touya as they both were ushered into the car. 

They came back later, when it was dark and Todoroki sat in front of the TV watching some sort of cartoon.

He'd glanced into the hall to see Fuyumi walk by holding a paper and Touya carrying a small orange bottle. His eldest brother's face was emotionless, though his eyes were red and puffy. He looked so tired. 

Todoroki didn't know then but he knows now what was in that bottle.

Suppressants are illegal for children to use.

But Endeavor being Endeavor, he was likely able to pull a few strings. Probably on the promise that it was just temporary while he went through more...shady avenues to obtain refills. 

Unfortunately, or maybe luckily, Touya disappeared not too long after that. 

So now Todoroki sat in this uncomfortable office, fluorescent lights just a bit too bright and air just a bit too thick. Or maybe it was all just in his head. He couldn't be sure. 

"Okay, the doctor will be in shortly with your preliminary results!" The nurse said, voice feeling too cheery for the clear tension hanging over the Todoroki's. 

"Okay." Endeavor said simply, watching her leave. 

Silence filled the room.

And hung there until the doctor entered.

"Hello Shoto, Mr. Todoroki! It's not usual for me to see early-presenters, I'm--" She began.

"What are the results?" Endeavor asked, wanting to get straight to the point.