Broken Pieces - Bnha OC x Shoto Todoroki (Multiple Personality Disorder/DID)

11 Finding Her Place

The days at U.A. started to settle into something of a routine, though Aki couldn't yet call it "normal." Each morning began with a gentle nudge from Eri, who would then dash off to get dressed, always eager to start her day. Aki, in contrast, moved slower, her mind still foggy from restless sleep and the hum of voices in her head reminding her to stay guarded.

Today, as she put on the same clothes she'd worn yesterday, she noticed the faded color of her leggings and how they clung tightly around her legs. The oversized sweater she wore felt like a shield against everything unknown.

When Aki and Eri wandered into the common area that morning, Yamada greeted them with his usual energy, holding up a warm smile as he set out some breakfast. Aizawa, half-awake with his usual mug of coffee, watched her with a knowing, quiet expression, taking in her tense shoulders and darting eyes. He always seemed to notice.

"You've got a few things lined up today," he mentioned casually after a sip, his tone soft and calm. "Another therapy session, and then, if you're up to it, maybe some time meeting a few more classmates."

Aki nodded, feeling a knot in her stomach at the thought. Therapy had been difficult, and each session left her feeling exposed in ways she hadn't expected. But she managed a small nod in response, if only to avoid disappointing them. Eri's excited face gave her a little comfort too; she seemed to believe in Aki more than Aki believed in herself.

They ate quietly - well, Eri ate, while Aki mostly pushed food around her plate. She still couldn't bring herself to eat much, the voices telling her to hold back, warning her that food could make her feel too comfortable, too soft and that she didn't even deserves it in the first place.

After breakfast, Aki follows Yamada into the therapy room, a cozy, private area with a few plush chairs and a window looking out onto the trees. Yamada set up in a chair across from her, giving her a gentle, encouraging smile.

"So, Aki," he began, his voice calm and reassuring, "I know this is new for you. If you don't feel like talking, we can focus on something else today. I want you to feel safe here."

She looked down, her hands fidgeting in her lap, avoiding his gaze. Part of her wanted to talk, to let him know about the voices, the memories that haunted her, but fear held her back. The voices whispered, telling her that revealing anything was a risk, a weakness.

Instead of talking, she shifted in her seat, staring out the window. Yamada didn't push her; he simply waited, offering her time and space, which she appreciated in its own quiet way. They spent the next half-hour like that - him talking softly about small things, offering her pieces of normalcy she wasn't sure she deserved.

After therapy, Yamada let her outside. Eri was led outside too from here therapy session, where they would have some free time now. Eri was eager, her small hand gripping Aki's tightly as they explored the paths and courtyards. From a distance, they could see Class 1-A gathered outside for training drills. Aki paused, drawn in by the sight, watching how they moved and interacted, a cohesive, energetic group so different from anything she had known.

Her heart pounded in her chest as she observed them. Watching from afar felt safer than actually being part of it, yet a strange pull made her stay. The voices were louder now, whispering of danger, of being unwelcome, but she fought to keep still, to simply watch.

From a secure place, they could see Class 1A members working with their quirks. Bakugo's explosions sparked loudly across the field, while Tenya Iida sprinted in circles, his engines roaring. Eri's eyes widened as she took in the sight, and Aki was equally captivated, though her expressions flickered between awe and apprehension.

"Look, it's Deku!" Eri whispered, pointing. Midoriya was practicing his movements, cautiously powering up his legs and arms as he moved through a set of drills.