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

13 Settling in

A sliver of sunlight slips through the window, gently waking Aki. She blinks, slowly coming to, and turns to see Eri still asleep, her small form wrapped up snugly in the blanket. For a moment, Aki lets herself enjoy the quiet, peaceful calm, focusing on the soft sound of Eri's breathing. This calm, she reminds herself, is precious.

But the voices begin to stir, muttering their familiar doubts and warnings as her mind fully wakes.

You should run.

Take her and rub far away.

It's dangerous.

Why aren't you running yet!?

Useless.

She clenches her hands, grounding herself before quietly getting out of bed and dressing in the school uniform Aizawa had given her a few days prior. The fabric is still stiff and foreign against her skin, and she's not yet used to the way it hugs her shoulders and waist. She takes a breath, trying to accept the strange feeling.

Aki glances back at Eri, debating whether to wake her, but just then Eri stirs, blinking sleepily up at her with a small smile.
"Good morning, Aki!" Eri says softly, stretching.

"Good morning, Eri," Aki replies, her voice quiet but warm.

Together, they head into the small common area where Aizawa is already waiting with a steaming cup of coffee. Yamada is up as well, fixing a simple breakfast for the two girls—toast with a spread of jam, a small bowl of fruit, and yogurt.

"Morning, you two," Yamada greets, a cheerful smile on his face. He gestures to the plates as they sit at the small table. "We've got some breakfast ready."

Eri's face lights up, and she eagerly digs in, but Aki's appetite is barely there. She takes a bite of toast, chewing slowly, feeling the voices whispering again, telling her to be careful, to stay guarded, to eat just enough to keep going. It's a struggle, but she makes herself take another bite, just to keep her strength up.

Aizawa watches her carefully, a subtle look of concern in his eyes, but he doesn't comment. Instead, he clears his throat and says, "Today, I'll walk you through the usual routine again, Aki, so you'll know your way around U.A. better."

Aki nods, unsure what to say but grateful for his presence. Knowing she'll be walking beside him calms her, a bit like an anchor holding her steady.

Once they finish breakfast, Aizawa stands, motioning for Aki to follow him. Eri gives her an encouraging wave before turning to Yamada, who's already suggesting a list of morning activities to keep her busy while Aki's in class.

They step outside into the crisp morning air, the campus quiet and still. Aizawa leads her along the same path they took before, through the hallways and classrooms that have become a comforting familiarity over the past few days.

As they walk, Aizawa speaks calmly, pointing out rooms and landmarks, the layout of U.A. now becoming ingrained in her mind. They stop briefly near the gym, and Aki watches a few early students jogging past. She feels exposed, vulnerable, and the voices seize on her discomfort, whispering that it isn't safe here. But Aizawa's calm presence beside her helps, a steady reassurance that anchors her against the panic.

"You'll be in the classroom today, observing," Aizawa tells her, his voice quiet yet firm. "If you need anything, you know where I am."
Aki nods, offering a small, grateful smile. Despite the unease, she's learning to trust him. Slowly but surely.

The day's lessons begin with three back-to-back classes. Aki sits near the back, her gaze flickering between the students and her notebook.

She jots down notes, more out of habit than understanding, as she tries to focus on the teacher's instructions. But the material, the equations, the analyses, feels foreign, like she's trying to decipher a language she never learned.