Prodigies - My Hero Academia

The Sacrifices We Make

Hands neatly placed on her lap, a young woman watches the scenery of early morning street life from the back seat of the family car. White hair with streaks of flaming red just passes her shoulders in length. Rectangle framed glasses sit on her nose over a pair of muted brown eyes. Her lavender turtleneck sweater is tucked into a pair of slacks and an unzipped, heavy coat covers her figure. Coming to a stop outside a small, cozy café, she steps out of the vehicle then tells the driver a time to return and closes the door. Todoroki Fuyumi, the only daughter of number two pro hero Endeavor, waits for her younger brother to arrive for a quick breakfast date before school begins.

As planned, she is early. Reaching into her coat pocket, she pulls out a package of cigarettes and lighter. Unbothered by the cold, brisk air, the woman lights the end of the cigarette and expels a puff of smoke. Her nerves have been swallowing her whole all morning. Inhaling, she pinches the cigarette between her middle and index fingers, pulling it from her lips to exhale another gray cloud. Ash falls to the sidewalk. 

Fuyumi has heard all the warnings. This habit is unhealthy, harmful even. Those people, however, don't understand that this foul smell of smoke brings her a sense of comfort, warmth, and relief. The smell brings her back to moments of a tender touches, fingers lacing and stroking her hair. While all the children were supposed to be asleep, her mother would hide in the central yard of their home to smoke every night. Fuyumi, young and yearning at the time, felt obliged to sneak into the yard to accompany her mother in these times of high stress. Oh how the world would be so quiet and still then. Even though they rarely spoke, the pair would find enjoyment in one another's company. That was enough.

Traffic continues to pass by, four teenagers in school uniforms hurry to catch the bus, and a couple walks their dog across the street. Reality settles in. The world is so loud now. Extending her arm, Fuyumi distinguishes the bud of her cigarette on a provided ash tray then disposes of it in the trashcan placed directly below. Quickly spraying perfume onto her clothing, she enters the café and is immediately greeted by staff. Local and popular, this is the only café in the area that takes inspiration from French bakeries. Not to mention it was directly at the halfway point between home and U.A. campus. She notices fast that the place is packed with the morning rush, but manages to grab two stools up at the counter. 

Fuyumi drapes her coat over her lap. Soft, ambient acoustics play over the house speakers. She is soon acknowledged by an androgynous employee and orders a hot Assam tea. 

Shoto arrives at the meeting destination, entering casually with a neutral expression. He recognizes his sister and approaches the counter, taking the open stool just as she receives her cup of tea.

Turning her attention toward him, "Good morning, Shoto!", she offers a welcoming smile.

"Morning, sister." 

The employee makes their round behind counter, stopping to take his drink order before running off again. Awkward silence thickens the air around them, weighing down her chest.

After taking a sip of her tea, "So, ah- I haven't heard from you since you started school. How's it going? Have you made friends?"

"I have." He admits.

When applying to U.A. meant nothing more than working to become the next number one hero, he had no interest in friendship. His father made sure to drill into his head that he needed no one to succeed. Adding anyone to his life created excess weight and distractions from his training. That is until Midoriya came into the picture. The Todoroki family name often brought out a certain side of people. Either they are so overtly kind or they bow their heads in fear. Not once in this lifetime did he think someone so selfless and sincere would choose to stick around.