Echoes of Past Ties (Todobaku Fanfiction)

07. Misunderstandings and Mended Bridges

"Shoto... What are you doing here?"

 Bakugou's voice sliced through the thick tension in the air, his gaze scrutinizing Shoto's unexpected presence. Without hesitation, Shoto advanced, clasping Bakugou's hand firmly. "I'm sorry, Katsuki," he whispered, "for severing ties, for leaving everything behind."

Bakugou chuckled lightly, a rare softness in his eyes. "It's okay, Shoto," he murmured. "I forgave you a long time ago."

Tears welled up in Shoto's eyes. The burden of guilt he carried for years seemed to lighten with Bakugou's unexpected forgiveness. In the recesses of his mind, Shoto yearned for Bakugou to unleash his anger, to shout or blame him, finding solace in the familiar rather than this serene acceptance.

However, Bakugou, forever unpredictable, withdrew his hand, casting an unreadable look at Shoto. "Since we're clear," he began, a trace of mischief in his voice, "you can go back to your wife now."

Uraraka and Midoriya exchanged bewildered glances. "Wife?" they echoed simultaneously.

Shoto couldn't resist a chuckle. "You've got it wrong, Katsuki," he clarified, "Naomi isn't my wife. It was just a misunderstanding."

With a playful nudge, Shoto added, "By the way, during our brief encounter, you introduced Hina as your child. Care to explain?"

Bakugou's next words caught Shoto off-guard, dispelling the teasing intent behind Shoto's words. "You know, I really thought she is your wife," Bakugou murmured, his gaze profound and inscrutable. "You two would make a great couple."

Before anyone could react, Bakugou strode past them, heading to his room, leaving the trio in stunned silence. The currents of the past, interwoven with present revelations, rendered the room heavy with unspoken emotions.

Shoto stared at Bakugou's retreating back, navigating through a storm of emotions and information. The mention of 'wife' startled him, but Bakugou's belief in Naomi being Shoto's spouse was even more surprising. The atmosphere, which had briefly lightened with Shoto's chuckle, turned heavy again with Bakugou's parting words.

Uraraka, in her ever-conciliatory tone, tried to break the awkward silence. "You know how Katsuki can be," she started, "He probably meant no harm."

Midoriya nodded in agreement, "He's been through so much. The pressures of his job and the past might have affected his perception of things."

Shoto, however, seemed lost in thought. The relief of Bakugou's forgiveness was overshadowed by Bakugou's last statement. The word 'wife' echoed in his mind. But more than that, Bakugou's assertion that he and Naomi would make a 'great couple' stung more than he'd like to admit.

______

Morning sunlight bathed the house in a warm glow. As usual, Hina burst into Bakugou's room to wake him, only to find him engrossed in official papers. The sizzling sounds and the aroma of a delicious breakfast hinted that someone was already busy in the kitchen.

Bakugou, in his office suit, descended the stairs, engrossed in his papers. Uraraka, attempting to thaw the icy distance between the two men, cheerfully exclaimed, "Today's breakfast is made by Shoto Todoroki! You have to try it, Katsuki!" Her eyes sparkled with hope, shifting between the two men.

The mention caught Bakugou's attention. Todoroki, standing at the counter, felt his cheeks warm. The casual comment drew attention to him, and he had hoped to keep things light after the tension of the previous night.

However, Bakugou, ever unpredictable, didn't even glance at Todoroki. He headed straight to the fridge, grabbed a bottle of milk, and took a long sip. The atmosphere grew colder, with Midoriya and Uraraka exchanging concerned glances.

"I'll be leaving early today," Bakugou announced, his voice detached. Skillfully avoiding Todoroki's gaze, he focused on Hina, smiled at her, and patted her head. "Bye, troublemaker."

Before he could take another step, Todoroki's hand shot out, blocking his path. "Let me drop you at least," Todoroki offered, a hint of desperation in his voice.

But Bakugou's sharp eyes met his, cutting through him. "Kirishima is picking me up," he replied coldly. That single sentence, laden with indifference and the mention of another man, pierced through Shoto like a knife.

With that, Bakugou departed, leaving a heavy silence. Todoroki sank into a chair, a tumult of emotions swirling within him. He felt both rebuffed and concerned. Was Bakugou truly angry at him? Or was there something more beneath the surface?

Uraraka and Midoriya exchanged glances, their experiences with Bakugou teaching them that his walls were hard to break down, especially when he felt vulnerable. Hina, sensing the tension, clung to her mother's side, peeking at Shoto with wide, curious eyes.

"Shoto," Uraraka began, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Don't let Katsuki's reaction get to you. He has his own way of dealing with emotions. It's not about another man or anything; it's just him being... well, him."

Midoriya nodded in agreement, "Kirishima and Kachchan have been close friends for years, working together. Don't read too much into it."

Shoto sighed, the weight on his shoulders evident. "I know, I just... I thought if I made breakfast, it might be a small gesture to mend things. To show him that I care. But he just brushed it off."

Uraraka smiled gently, "You did a great thing, Shoto. And deep down, I'm sure Katsuki appreciated it. He just has a difficult time expressing himself."

Hina, in her innocent voice, piped up, "Uncle Shoto, your pancakes are yummy!"

Shoto couldn't help but smile, ruffling Hina's hair. "Thank you, sweetie."