Unchained

Chapter 59 - After The War

A/N: Second to last chapter!

Tomura slowly worked out of his road-trance as they approached UA, recognizing the school. "O-Oh... we're there already..."

"Yes, I'd hope so, I went almost 4 times the legal speed limit." Todoroki pulled into the gates, happy he didn't have to talk to any of the guards, since he had his student ID on him.

"I'll get us as close to Recovery Girl's office as I can, but you're going to have to walk and go up some stairs. You think you'll be alright?"

Tomura nodded, getting a little fidgety "I hope I can see Dad soon..." He admitted, looking out the window.

"I'm sure he'll come see you as soon as he can, in the meantime, I'll stick with you. I'm sure Dabi and Daichi would be happy to, as well." He pulled into the farthest spot he could, getting out of his car and walking to Tomura's side, trying to offer help if he needed it.

He nodded in return "I really hope they're all okay..." Opening the door, Tomura tried to get out; and almost immediately fell "sHIT-" Luckily, he caught himself on the door "Uh... I think I-I need more help than I expected... My legs feel more numb than normal..."

Nezu stood at the gate, face filling with relief as he eyed his son in front of him... Mostly, in one piece.

Well. Those bones would heal eventually... He urgently paced towards the two, barely containing his urge to take off into a sprint (no, that would be decidedly undignified for someone of his position...). "Tomu! Todoroki-san..."

Tomura looked up, seeing Nezu and tearing up once more, with a frail smile on his face "Dad..!" He tried his best to keep himself upright, while managing his ability to not disintegrate the car door he was clinging onto for balance.

"Tomura..." Nezu smiled, carefully, before attempting to regain a more serious demeanour "The rescue operation of your sister... is proceeding smoothly. We don't expect any resistance that cannot be handled, now that you have... taken your mentor out of the picture."

"Congratulations. To the both of you, for a mission done, about as well as one could hope. Against an enemy like that-"

Nezu staggered a bit, searching for his words. "You, gave me a bit of a fright there, Tomu... I must say. I - don't think I've been this terrified of anything, since, at least, well..."

He stopped, breathing heavily. After a few moments - the principal moved up to the boy - and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, for coming back. I, really don't know what I would have done..." He looked up, still clinging to his son's leg, and gave him a grin, eyes watery.

Tomura gave a wider smile in return, the moment making it likely the seventh time he'd cried today.

Wordlessly, he let himself sink down slowly to the ground, to let his legs rest a little more, and meet at Nezu's level "N-No... Thank you, and everyone else for making something for me that's worth coming back to... I really wouldn't have ever been able to do it if you weren't there, D-Dad, serious.." His tone was genuine as can be, even though his voice kept cracking every other word spoken.

"Now don't undersell yourself like that, Tomura." He admonished, no malice coming through in his voice. He heaved himself onto Tomura's shoulder, and sat down. "How about we go inside, then? You need rest. And, I am sure there are people that will be glad to see you!"

Tomura chuckled a little, wiping his eyes as he struggled to fully stand up "Y-Yeah... I'm not sure when this adrenaline's gonna drop" he joked as he got himself onto a solid stance on his feet "Best that I'm inside by then... Gonna hurt like hell-"

"Ah... sorry, I can get off, if you want to." Nezu looked at him, concerned.

Dismissively, Tomura reassured "No, you're fine, Dad." He gave an awkward smile "The weight doesn't bother me, just might be a bit more... shaky" He started heading towards the nearest entrance into the school.