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It was no secret that the Todoroki family wasn't as put together as it seemed, even before Shouto came clean about the abuse and neglect that everyone had suffered for so many years. In the wake of the scandal the number two hero paid off anyone pressing charges and any media outlet that threatened to cover it in a negative light. Before long only Shouto's word remained and the supporters of the teen were few and far between.
With a diploma but no pro hero license to his name yet, he was forced to stay home again while he completed his sidekick work. That meant he had to face his father every day and pray Fuyumi didn't ask about his internships at the usually silent family dinner.
He knew things were different when his father had his quirk extinguished except for his beard. Then he noticed the extra person at the table: a young woman who looked to be about his age with dark hair and green eyes she kept down. Shouto immediately knew something was wrong. Endeavor didn't invite guests, nor did he have friends with children.
The Flame Hero cleared his throat and the girl flinched. "Shouto, this is Sayu Takada."
"A pleasure to meet you," he said carefully. "To what do I owe the honor of your presence?"
"Sayu's parents have so graciously offered her hand in marriage to such an esteemed graduate of Yuuei," Endeavor interrupted.
His food suddenly tasted sour. "Marriage? I've only just graduated!"
"Her parents insisted," he said through clenched teeth. "I'd advise you not to let this opportunity go to waste."
Her parents offered, hmm? Or did you pay them some immeasurable sum for her quirk? What could her quirk possibly be that he'd deem her worthy of marrying me?
Telepathy, said a soft voice in his head.
His fork slipped from his hand and Fuyumi looked horrified. "If I may be excused for a minute," he managed before practically sprinting to the bathroom.
He splashed some water on his face and examined his reflection, noting the crazed look in his eyes. This has to be some kind of dream... or a nightmare.
You're not dreaming, the voice said. I wish it was only a dream but I've been sold to you.
He'd helped with dinner. Had the cream for the sauce been spoiled?
It's me, Sayu. Just picture me and you should be able to complete the connection.
He tried to remember what her face looked like. How is this even possible?
You're practically shouting! You made me jump and your father is staring at me again. Stop panicking and imagine you're whispering. It's my quirk.
Telepathy?
Yes, and if I use it for too long I get migraines. Maybe we could finish this conversation later? Everyone out here seems suspicious.
He made sure not to look at her as he rejoined his family. "So, a quirk marriage," he said offhandedly.
Both girls nearly choked but Endeavor began to chuckle. "That term is so old fashioned, Shouto. This is simply something Miss Takada's parents offered when they learned you had graduated. Consider it a gift."
"A person is just what I wanted," he said, unable to keep the venom out of his voice. Fuyumi kicked him from under the table but he was expecting it and had coated his leg in ice. He tried not to smile as she winced.
"Are you saying Sayu isn't a beautiful young woman? You don't want her?"
"I don't want you to talk about her like she's some kind of object that I just came to possess. She's a person and she has feelings."
"Shouto!" his sister snapped, ice coating the handle of her fork. She was furious if she let her emotions get the best of her quirk. "Regardless of the implications that come with such a gift, you should still show some gratitude."
"...I'll be sure to thank her parents when I have the time."
The rest of the meal was silent save for the scraping of silverware on plates. He couldn't take it after awhile and pushed his dishes back. "I seem to have lost my appetite," he said before leaving for his room.
After a few minutes there was a knock at his door. Only one person would bother to knock. "Go away, Fuyumi."
"You're being terribly rude to our guest."
"It's not like she'll care. She's stuck with me no matter what I do."
"That doesn't mean you shouldn't treat her with decency. Isn't that what you lectured him about?"
He opened the door enough to let her see his annoyed expression. "It's a quirk marriage. You of all people must understand what that means."
She chose instead to stare at a stain in the carpet. "...Even if you're forced to marry this girl I'd rather you show her compassion. I can't bear the thought of her winding up like Mom."
"You have no right in bringing her up," he said lowly.
"I didn't, Shouto. You did when you accused me of not seeing this for what it is."
"Just shut up!" he snapped. "He's never cared about you in the slightest. You don't know what this is like at all. Hell, the only reason you're allowed near me is because he knew I needed some kind of female figure in my life! If you were a guy you'd have wound up just like them years ago!"
She drew back, hands covering her mouth and tears filling her eyes before she took off down the hall. He could feel things shake as she slammed her door and he realized just what he'd done.
"Fuyumi, wait! I'm sorry!"
Sayu had shrunk down even more as she heard the argument building above her, and the screamed insult had been the final straw. "The early reports were right about you," she whispered, pointing a shaking finger at the Flame Hero.
He simply grunted and continued to eat. "They're still such children, even after all these years."
She couldn't handle it anymore. She got to her feet and fetched her shoes, struggling with the buckles as she tried to stop herself from shaking. "You're all mad. Every last one of you!"
He watched with little interest as she grabbed her bag and stormed out with as much dignity as she could manage.
"Shouto!" he barked. "I hope you're happy! Now I have to get back that money and find you another girl with a powerful quirk! Honestly," he hissed, "you can't do anything right."
If all it took to stop a quirk marriage was to make the poor girl uncomfortable, he'd have no problem running the gamut with every woman his father found. All he had to do was apologize to Fuyumi and explain his new plan. He'd never marry someone he found. That was a promise.