Chapter Text
Shoto was a bright kid. Aizawa knew he had a lot of potential. He was academically gifted, but one thing bothered Aizawa—it was the fact that Shoto never showed any emotion, and he barely talked. He’d worked with Shoto since he was three, and he felt like he was more of a dad to the kid than Enji ever was.
Then one day, Shoto said something that still haunts him. Aizawa was about to leave for the night after tucking Shoto in, but Shoto jumped out of bed and ran after him, clutching his leg, crying.
“Please don’t go. He… he hurts me a-and Touya.”
He picked Shoto up, and the boy sobbed into his arms for about an hour before falling asleep.
Aizawa had never asked about how Enji treated them, but now he was concerned. He wanted to ask some of the other staff, but they were all trained to protect Enji’s image… except one.
I could ask that loud guy… I really do hate him, but it’s worth a shot.
Aizawa got up and walked out of Shoto’s room, locking the door behind him.
He made his way to the break room, and there he was—Hizashi Yamada. Though Aizawa called him Mic since he was so loud and reminded him of a microphone.
“Hey Mic, could I ask you something?” Aizawa asked, taking a seat across from him.
“Sure! What do ya need?!” Mic smiled, which caught Aizawa off guard. No one at work ever smiled. They’d seen too much…
“What does Enji do to his kids?” Aizawa stared at Mic, waiting for an answer.
Mic’s face immediately darkened. “You know the basement…?”
“I’ve never been down there, but I know of it…” Aizawa nodded.
“There’s a reason most haven’t been down there. He locks his kids in there for days on end with no food, barely any water. Then he goes down there to beat them up twice a day…” Mic grabbed Aizawa’s hands.
“It’s terrible. I’ve had to stand there watching him hurt those kids, and then I have to clean their wounds and tell them everything will be okay… and I know it won’t be.”
He seemed to genuinely care about the kids.
Aizawa decided it would be a good idea to ask if he wanted to help.
“Look, I’m gonna free those kids, and I’d like you to help me.”
Mic didn’t respond. He just walked around the table and hugged him.
“You’re a good person. I won’t let you down.”
Aizawa was too stunned to speak. He never really got hugged, but he hugged the man back—and for a moment, everything felt okay.
The next day, Aizawa was instructed to look after their fifteen-year-old son, Touya, who helped out with set design. Enji was looking after Shoto that day—he called it "special father-son time." Thinking about it made Aizawa feel sick.
He knocked on Touya’s door, and the boy opened it.
“Hey, Aizawa! Are you here to take me to work?” Touya tried to sound excited, but he just sounded tired.
“Yeah, I am. Come on, we can stop for breakfast on the way.” Touya’s face lit up at the mention of food.
“Really?!” he asked, not believing it.
“Of course, kid. You deserve some food before you work.” He led Touya to his car, and they got in.
“Where are we gonna get food from?!” Touya sounded super excited.
“There’s a really good one on the way. We can stop there.”
Aizawa’s heart broke, seeing how excited Touya got over food.
“When was the last time you ate, kid?” Aizawa asked casually.
Touya froze. “Um… if I tell you, will you promise not to tell Fa—Enji?”
Was he about to call him ‘father’?
“I promise, kid,” Aizawa said reassuringly.
“Well… I guess it’s been maybe two days… w-which is nothing!!!” Touya sounded nervous.
“That’s not good… If you’re ever hungry, come to me. I’ll get you all the food you want.”
Aizawa parked the car, and they walked into the café.
“So, what would you like? I’ll get you anything you want.” Aizawa smiled at him warmly—well, as warmly as he could.
“Uh… can I have a cappuccino, please?” Touya asked the barista.
Huh. He didn’t get anything to eat… I’ll take him to lunch later.
“I’ll take a black coffee, please.” Aizawa liked their coffee here. He liked any coffee, really, but they made the best one.
“Anything else, sir?” the barista asked kindly.
“That’s all, thank you.” Aizawa paid, and they got back into the car, driving in silence for a while.
“So what do I have to do at work today?”
“Your father informed me that they hired someone you need to train today,” Aizawa said while gripping the steering wheel.
“Ugh, I hate training people older than me. Like, if a fifteen-year-old can do it, you can too!!!” Touya exclaimed, sipping his coffee aggressively.
Aizawa laughed and parked the car in the studio parking lot.
“You’re in for a surprise, kid.” They got out and walked in.
“What do you mean I’m in for a surprise?!” Touya looked around, confused, as Aizawa led him to his room where he painted. When he opened the doors, there was a boy, maybe his age, standing in the middle of the room, looking at the art supplies in awe.
Touya dropped his empty coffee cup. His whole face flushed.
“You okay, kid?” Aizawa asked, holding back a smile.
“Y-yeah…” He walked into the room and up to the boy.
“H-hi. I’m Touya. What’s your name?” Touya held his hand out to the boy.
“I’m Keigo!” Keigo smiled and shook Touya’s hand.
“Are you alright? Your face is really red…” Keigo asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine… Uh, let me start training you!”
Touya took his hand and led him over to the desk.
The two boys worked amazingly together, getting closer the entire time.
Aizawa only watched Touya once a week; he was with Shoto the rest of the time. Shoto had been extremely clingy the whole week, confessing little things that started building a bigger and worse story.
“Aizawa! Look, I drew a picture for you!” Shoto handed him the paper, and he looked at it.
It was a drawing of him, Touya, and Shoto holding hands, with the word Family written on it.
“This is amazing, Shoto… I love it.” He hugged the boy.
“Aizawa?” Shoto looked up at him with full, curious eyes.
“Yes?”
“Is it bad that I sometimes wish you were my dad instead?”
Shoto’s question was so innocent—yet it broke something inside Aizawa.
“No, kid. It’s okay. But don’t tell your dad that, okay…”
Aizawa patted Shoto’s head.
A few days later, Aizawa was with Touya and Keigo again, watching the two hopelessly flirt with each other.
“And there—what do you think?” Touya asked, showing Keigo the prop he painted. But Keigo was too busy staring at Touya.
“Hm? Oh… you’re beautiful…” he mumbled.
“Huh? I meant the prop I painted, but hey,” Touya chuckled and gently lifted Keigo’s chin. “I think you’re beautiful too.”
The two boys had been working together for a few weeks, and Aizawa had watched their relationship slowly grow during his weekly visits.
“Hey, you two, I’m gonna go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”
He smirked slightly. I’ll let those two have a moment.
He walked out, leaving the boys alone.
“So…” Touya’s face flushed.
“So…” Keigo got up and looked through some of the supplies for something.
Then Touya suddenly got up and pinned him to the wall.
“Oh, uh… T-Touya…” Keigo didn’t push him away. He actually placed his hands on Touya’s waist and pulled him closer.
“Hey… could I, uh… you know…” Touya asked, moving his free hand to cup Keigo’s face.
“Yeah. I’d love that.” Keigo leaned in, and the two kissed. But then Keigo pulled away.
“W-what’s wrong? Was it bad? I’m sorry! I’ll do be—”
Keigo cut him off by kissing him again, then gently pressed his forehead against Touya’s.
“Shh. It’s okay. Don’t apologize. I was just kind of in awe…”
“Why are you in awe?” Touya asked.
“Because you kissed me. And I like you. And you like me… I think.”
“Yeah… I like you. I like you a lot.” He kissed him again.
“So what kinda nickname do you want?” Keigo asked, running his hand through Touya’s hair.
“Um… I dunno. I’ve never really dated anyone…” Touya looked down.
“Neither have I! I guess we can figure this shit out together!” Keigo smiled at him, and Touya smiled back just as Aizawa walked in.
“You kids okay?” Aizawa asked, smirking slightly.
“Yeah, we’re okay,” Keigo said, as the two boys quickly sat back down.
The next day, he and Mic were building their case when Enji walked in.
“What the fuck did you teach my son?!” he stormed over to Aizawa.
“What do you mean, sir?” Aizawa asked, sounding confused.
“Tell me why I found my son kissing a boy!?!” Enji shouted.
“I-I don’t know, sir!” Aizawa said truthfully.
“Well, it doesn’t matter. I’ve disowned him. He isn’t my son anymore! The kid can take his boyfriend and live on the damn streets!” Enji said, storming out.
Mic and Aizawa looked at each other, panicked.
“I’ll go find him!” Aizawa said, getting up and running upstairs.
He sprinted outside and found Touya and Keigo walking a few blocks away.
“Touya! Keigo, there you are!” Aizawa ran over and hugged them.
“Aizawa? What are you doing here?” Touya asked.
“I’m not letting you live on the streets. I’m taking you in—you can live with me,” Aizawa said.
“Really?! Um, c-can Keigo come? His parents disowned him too…” Touya took Keigo’s hand.
“Of course he can. Now come on, I’ll take you both to my place.” They walked to Aizawa’s car and drove to his apartment.
“Okay, so you two can share the guest bedroom. The kitchen is always available—you can eat whenever you want. I’ll cook you meals at night, and you're going to have to cook during the day since I’ll be looking after Shoto every day but Wednesdays.”
He looked at the two boys, who huddled together, looking around in disbelief.
“Does this mean you're gonna let us stay forever?” Keigo asked.
“Yeah, you can stay as long as you want,” Aizawa smiled at them.
After a few moments of silence, Touya spoke.
“Are you, uh, okay with us dating? I know it’s weird… I’m sorry,” Touya looked down. Keigo squeezed his hand reassuringly.
“Don’t be sorry. All that matters to me is that you’re both away from Enji.” Aizawa walked over to the kitchen.
“What about Shoto? Enji does so much worse to him, and Natsuo and Fuyumi never believe Shoto when he tells them…” Touya looked worried.
“Don’t worry, kid. Mic and I are making a plan to get Shoto back.” Aizawa got some things out and started cooking.
“Do I still have to work for Enji?” Keigo asked. Both boys walked over to the bar chairs and sat down.
“It’s your choice. I don’t think it’s the best idea, though,” Aizawa said, sounding concerned.
“I really don’t want to,” Keigo said, hugging Touya.
“That’s alright. Mic and I have come up with a plan, but now that you both live here, it’ll be easier to execute said plan.” Aizawa turned to face the boys.
“I wanna hear the plan!!” Touya said enthusiastically.
“Well, Enji intends to fire me soon. The day that happens, you both are gonna sneak into Shoto’s room and help him pack. Then you’ll sneak out to my car while Mic and I distract Enji. We’ll drive to the airport and fly to America to live there for a while.” Aizawa turned back to his cooking.
“Woah, we get to go to America!!!” Keigo said excitedly, looking at Touya, who was equally excited—just in his own way.
“Oh my gosh, can we go to Hot Topic when we get to America?! I’m sick of wearing shit Enji picked for me!!” This was Touya’s way of showing excitement.
“Of course we can. I want you both to be your own individual person—not one of Enji’s copy-pastes,” Aizawa said, serving the food to the boys, who ate like they hadn’t seen food in a week—which, sadly, might have been the case.
“This is really good!!! Thank you,” Keigo said, walking over to the sink to wash his plate.
“I can wash it for you, don’t worry, Kei,” Touya said, taking the plate from Keigo’s hands.
“Aw, thank you!” Keigo smiled, which made Touya’s face flush.
“Yeah, yeah, it’s no big deal. Just go get settled into the room,” he said while carefully washing the two plates.
“You know… you don’t have to, Touya,” Aizawa said.
“I know, but I’d like to help out as much as I can. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay you for helping me escape that place,” Touya placed the plates on the drying rack.
“Well, all you need to do to repay me is be yourself and stay safe,” Aizawa said, patting Touya’s shoulder.
“Is that really all?” Touya asked, clearly not believing him.
“Well, I was going to add keeping Keigo and Shoto safe to the list, but you already do that,” Aizawa smiled.
“Yeah, I promised Shoto I’d always be there… I’d keep that monster away. It was scary at times, but seeing my little brother hurt honestly hurt more than the beatings, so I sucked it up and let him hurt me,” he teared up.
“And you are so brave for doing that. I promise you—we’re going to have Shoto back by tomorrow.” Aizawa hugged Touya.
“Thank you… now um, could I go chill with Keigo… i-if you don’t mind…” Touya pulled away from the hug and wiped his tears.
“Sure, kid. I’m gonna go to bed, so I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight.” Aizawa squeezed his shoulder.
“Night!!” Touya called out as he walked toward his room.
He entered the room and saw Keigo lying on the bed, looking at something on his phone.
“Oh, hi Touya!” Keigo smiled at him and put his phone down.
“Do you wanna go up to the roof with me?” Touya asked.
“Um, sure. That sounds cool.” Keigo got up from the bed and rummaged through Touya’s clothes, pulling out a hoodie.
“Hey, isn’t that mine?” Touya asked jokingly.
“Yes, it is—but I don’t have any of my stuff, and you have a lot, so we have to share… if that’s okay with you, of course!” Keigo said, his face flushing as he put the hoodie on.
“It’s fine. I don’t really care. Now come on, let’s go!” They walked out of the apartment and up to the building’s roof.
“You’re not, like, planning to jump or something?” Keigo asked while holding onto Touya.
“Nah, I’m not,” Touya said, sounding chill.
“Then are we, like… I dunno, dancing under the stars romantically?” Keigo asked, his face going red.
“Uh, I thought we could just talk… also, I kinda suck at dancing…” Touya said, looking embarrassed.
“Oh, I’ve been waiting for this day since I was in the womb!” Keigo said, taking Touya’s hands.
“Um, what are you doing?!” Touya asked, sounding panicked.
“Teaching you to dance! I used to sneak into dance lessons with my friends all the time, so I’m like a pro!” He placed his hands loosely around Touya’s neck.
“Uh… how do I do this?” Touya asked, looking and sounding confused.
“Well, slow dancing is kinda made for boys and girls, so in this situation, I’m the girl and you’re the boy. You just have to put your hands on my waist and then we kinda just… I dunno, sway in a circle?” Keigo explained simply.
“How do you not know?” Touya asked, laughing.
“I didn’t honestly pay much attention in those classes. I was just there ’cause my friends wanted to learn, and I didn’t wanna be left out,” Keigo admitted.
They laughed and tried dancing for a while—and they didn’t suck!
“So… you’re my boyfriend?” Keigo asked, breaking the silence.
“I guess so…” Touya said, looking into the other boy’s eyes. They were more beautiful than the stars—Touya could probably stare at them for hours. The moon was probably jealous of how bright Keigo’s eyes shone.
“Can I call you Starshine?” Touya asked.
“Sure, I like it! How’d you come up with it?” Keigo asked, smiling that warm smile that made Touya’s chest feel warm.
“I guess I stared into your eyes for too long and, I dunno, saw the stars reflecting off of them?” Touya shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal—though it was to Keigo.
“You’re so creative!” He kissed the other boy, smiled, then took his hand and led him to the stairs.
“Come on, I wanna go inside—I’m pretty cold,” Keigo said as they made their way down.
“Alright, Starshine,” Touya said, smiling and talking in a calm voice… a voice he usually used to keep Shoto calm, but now found himself using often around Keigo.
“Hehe, I love it when you do that voice,” Keigo said, smiling as they walked into the apartment and into their shared room.
“Oh, you like my calm voice? I can never really decide if I like it or not… it sounds good, but the memories of me using it fucking suck,” Touya said while getting into bed.
“Well, why not make better memories around it then?” Keigo suggested, moving closer to Touya to share his body heat.
“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea…” Touya said, wrapping his arms around Keigo.
“Are you nervous about executing the plan tomorrow?” Keigo asked, his voice soft and sleepy.
“Maybe a little… but you’ll be with me the whole time.” He ran his hands through Keigo’s hair, and eventually both boys fell asleep.
The next day, they got up early and drove over to Enji’s house. Everyone was nervous…
Once they arrived, Aizawa parked around the corner, near the part of the fence that was broken so the three boys could slip in and out quickly.
“You got this. I’m counting on you two. Text me when you get into the car—then Mic and I will get out of there,” Aizawa said, smiling at them reassuringly.
The two boys nodded and got out of the car.
“Okay, Starshine, be quiet and careful. Shoto’s room is that one there. You keep watch while I help him pack.”
They squeezed through the fence and ran to Shoto’s window.
“Big brother? You’re back!!!” Shoto ran over to Touya and hugged him.
“Hi, Sho. Yeah, I’m back—but we need to pack…” Touya hugged him back.
“Wait, why? A-and who’s that?” Shoto’s bottom lip wobbled.
“That’s Keigo. We’re getting you out of here,” Touya spoke gently, which helped Shoto calm down.
Shoto nodded. “Should I pack my bag?”
“Yeah, I’ll help you.” Touya took Shoto’s hand and began helping him pack.
Then they heard Enji stomping down the hall.
“SHHHOOOOOOTTOOOOO!!!” Enji screamed.
“Shit!” Touya zipped the suitcase up and the three boys ran out.
“Okay, Sho—get in the car!!” Touya opened the car door and they all jumped in.
Moments later, Aizawa and Mic rushed out of the house with two men in suits following them.
“Damn it, Aizawa, this did not go as we planned!!!” Mic shouted, fumbling with the car keys.
“Just drive!!!” The car started, and they sped away fast.
“Okay, we’re all good… Now, how about we all introduce ourselves?” Mic suggested, trying to ease the tension.
“Okay, I’ll go first!!! Hi, my name is Keigo. I’m 15. I like dancing—and Touya!” Keigo smiled, and Touya buried his face in his hands.
“I wanna go!!” Shoto said, looking a little confused.
“Go for it, kid,” Aizawa said, smiling at the young boy.
“Okay… my name is Shoto, I’m 8, and I like… uh… sleeping?” He tensed, waiting for something—as if he were afraid.
“That’s really cool, lil’ dude. Why do you like sleeping?” Mic asked.
“’Cause he can’t hurt me in my sleep. And if he does, I won’t remember it,” he said, staring out the window expressionlessly.
“O-oh… alright then. Who wants to go next?” Mic looked both shocked and horrified.
“I’ll go next,” Touya said, having recovered from his embarrassment.
“I’m Touya. I’m also 15. I like art—and the dark.” Touya patted Shoto on the head to comfort him. It didn’t do much, but his eyes lit up just slightly.
“Well, I’m Mic! I like talking loud!!! And I think Aizawa is cool. Oh—and I’m a doctor!” Mic glanced at Aizawa.
“I’m Aizawa. I’m a teacher—and I like coffee.” Aizawa looked back at the kids and smiled.
“Now, who’s ready to go to America!!!” Mic asked enthusiastically.
“I’m so excited!!” Keigo beamed.
“Me too!” Touya smiled and glanced at Shoto, who looked confused.
“Why are we going to America?” Shoto asked innocently.
“We’re taking you away from Enji,” Aizawa said—and saw Shoto look up at him.
“Forever?!” Shoto asked. He wasn’t smiling, but his face looked lighter.
“As long as we can, yeah,” Aizawa said.
They made it to the airport and got on the plane.
While they were in the air, Keigo and Touya were playfully flirting.
Then they kissed, and Shoto looked confused.
“Touya?”
“Yeah, Sho?” Touya looked over to him.
“Why are you and Keigo kissing?”
His face flushed. “Uh… ‘cause we’re dating…”
“But you’re both boys…” Shoto looked even more confused.
“I know… and that’s okay!” Touya shrugged.
“Really?” Shoto looked up at him curiously.
“Well, yeah. You can date anyone—as long as you love them and they love you,” Touya smiled at him.
Shoto blinked. “So do you both love each other?”
“Yeah… I guess we do…” Touya blushed, and Keigo squeezed his hand.
“That’s good. I think it’s cool,” Shoto smiled a little.
“I think it’s pretty cool too!!!” Keigo said, smiling wide.
The plane landed shortly after. The group got off and went to the car rental place to get a vehicle.
“I’m so sleepy,” Touya said, rubbing his eyes and groaning.
“I agree—I’m dead tired,” Keigo nodded.
Shoto yawned and walked over to Keigo. “I’m sleepy…”
“I know. Me too…” Keigo ruffled his hair.
Touya wandered out the doors and around the corner of the building—when he saw something move.
“Who’s there?!” Touya looked around and spotted a silhouette.
“H-hello…” he walked toward the figure.
“Please don’t hurt me!” a small voice said, sounding terrified.
Touya walked over and bent down. “Hey… are you okay?” he asked gently.
The boy sniffled. “N-no… my foster parents left me here. They said I should die…”
“Hey, I’m sorry. I could take you over to my, uh… dads. They can help you.” Touya held his hands out to the boy, and he took it.
“What’s your name, kid?” Touya asked softly.
“Shinso… I’m 8,” he sniffled, clutching Touya’s hand tightly.
“I’m Touya. Don’t worry—everything’s going to be okay.” He led him inside and over to Aizawa.
“Oh, Touya—there you are! We got the ca—who’s this kid?” Aizawa looked alarmed.
“His name’s Shinso. His foster parents abandoned him. Can you help him?” Touya asked, desperate.
Aizawa nodded and knelt down to Shinso’s level. “Hi. Are you alright?”
Shinso shook his head and wiped his eyes.
“Do you want to come with us, or should we take you to a police station?” Aizawa asked gently.
“N-no… I wanna go with you…” Shinso mumbled.
“Alright then. Let’s go,” Aizawa nodded at Mic.
“I’ll fetch the car!” Mic ran outside to find the rental.
Shoto walked over to Shinso, curious.
“H-hi…” he mumbled, peering into Shinso’s eyes.
“Hi…” Shinso looked at him, slightly confused.
“What happened to your face?” Shoto asked innocently.
“My mom poured boiling water on me ‘cause of my dad,” Shoto said, face still expressionless.
“That sucks.” Shinso patted his shoulder.
“It’s okay. It doesn’t hurt anymore.” Shoto’s face stayed the same—but Shinso didn’t seem to mind.
They got along well for the two years they all lived in America. Then, they decided to go back to Japan for a visit…
“Hey, Starshine, do you think my outfit looks weird?” Touya asks. He was wearing a black studded hoodie half off his one shoulder with black jeans that had lots of pockets and his Converse.
“No, baby, you look fucking hot!” Keigo blushes.
“You really think so?” he asks nervously.
“Why would I say it if I didn’t think it?” Keigo says, and Touya kisses his forehead.
“Thanks, love,” Touya smiles.
“Hey, lil listeners, we gotta go!!” Mic shouts from the other room.
“Coming!!!” Touya shouts back, grabbing his bag (which had both his and Keigo’s stuff in it) and walks out of the room, Keigo following behind.
“Woah, you look so cool, Touya!” Shinso looks up at him in awe. He really wanted to dress like Touya, but they don’t make his style clothing in Shinso’s size…
“Thanks, kid,” Touya ruffles his already messy hair.
“Come on, kids, get in the car, we’re late!” Aizawa says, loading all the stuff in as fast as he can.
They all get in and race to the airport, but halfway there, Aizawa stops the car.
“What’s wrong, Dad?” Keigo asks.
“Did you see that boy too?” Shoto asks, pointing to a boy sitting on the side of the road alone.
“Yeah, I did, and I’m going to go get him!” Aizawa gets out of the car, and Shoto follows. He’s had this habit of following people around, making sure they don’t leave him.
“Hey, kid, are you alright?” Aizawa asks calmly.
“Um, yeah, I’m not hurt,” the boy smiles.
“Where are your parents?” Aizawa looks around.
“Uh, I dunno. They just told me to get out of the car then drove off…” He looked kinda upset but wouldn’t allow himself to show it.
“What’s your name?” Shoto asks.
“Eijiro Kirishima. What’s your name?”
“Shoto… just Shoto.”
“Cool!!” Kirishima smiles and gives Shoto a thumbs up.
“Do you want to come with us, kid? We can take you to the police and find your parents,” Aizawa suggests.
“Uh, maybe we can skip the whole find my parents part…” Kirishima stands up.
“Why?” Aizawa looks concerned.
“’Cause I don’t really like being a punching bag…” He looks down.
“Well then, do you want to come to Japan with us?” Aizawa asks.
“Yeah, sure!” Kirishima smiles
and follows them to the car.
“Hi, I’m Kirishima!” He waves at the others.
“I’m Keigo!” Keigo high-fives Kirishima.
“I swear we attract lost children,” Touya mumbles to himself jokingly. “I’m Touya,” he smiles at Kirishima.
“I’m Shinso…” Shinso looks up, smiles a little at him, and gets a smile back.
“And I’m Mic!! Or Papa, whichever you prefer!!!” Mic shouts from the front seat.
Shoto sat there feeling… happy, which was strange. He hadn’t felt genuinely happy in a while, but being around them made him happy.
Then he snapped back to reality, watching flames dance around him.
It was all over…