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Izuku has seen Todoroki upset before, but today takes the cake. His eyes are bloodshot, his hair was matted and tangled, no longer did his eyes hold the light that he came to love, and he was skinny. Shoto was more jumpy and scared, even having panic attacks and scars littering on his arms. And kept wasn't just him that notices, all of Class 1-A noticed Shoto's recent behavior changes. This time, he had a breakdown in the middle of class and today enough was enough.
Todoroki's POV
I'm exhausted, scared, hungry and just upset. It's been about three weeks since I last ate and my stomach hurts when it growls. I've been having nightmares about my father abusing me and my mom as a child. All of my classmates noticed my recent behavior and are going to ask me about it after school.
Later in the dormitories, Izuku had me sit next to him on the couch with the others. "Sho-kun, I know the there's something bothering you. We all do. We're all friends and a family. Please, tell us what's wrong," Izuku pleaded. Finally, I gave up and confessed, "I've been having nightmares about my father abusing me and my mom when I was little. I was created and used as a tool to surpass All Might and Endeavor beat me when I wouldn't listen to him. I'm frightened that he'll come to UA High and berate me for not listening to him and using my fire,"
Suddenly , I was enveloped in a group hug. "Sho-chan, you're safe here with us. We won't let anything happen to you. Never ever. You can count on us," Ochaco explained to me, but I still feel upset and exhausted. "You look exhausted, Sho-kun. You need rest and food. Kacchan can make you something warm to put on your stomach and afterwards, you're taking a nap. No questions asked," Zuzu ordered.
Bakugou made me some ramen noodles and some cookies with a mug of hot cocoa. The meal really made me feel better and more sleepy. Without thinking, I laid my head down in Izuku's lap. "Sho-kun, there's a special song that always made me feel better. Maybe it'll work for you," Izuku suggested. "Come on, Midoribro! Sing it for us!" Kirishima encouraged the blonde teenager. " Kirishima, Sho-kun, everyone. When Kacchan and I were little and growing up in the forest with our tribe, our mothers would sing a song about a special river called Ahtohallan, that was said to hold all the answers about the past, " Izuku explained before he started singing.
Where the Northwind meets the sea
There's a river full of memory
Sleep, my darling, safe and sound
For in this river, all is found."
After Izuku sang that, he started stroking my nose with his finger and it helped me relax a lot. Urara-san stroked my hair and Kyoka played a bamboo flute.
In her waters, deep and true, <>
Lie the answers and a path for you <>
Dive down deep into her sound
But not too far or you'll be drowned
Yes, she will sing to those who hear
And in her song, all magic flows
But can you brave what you most fear?
Can you face what the river knows?
Where the Northwind meets the sea
There's a mother full of memory
Come, my darling, homeward bound
When all is lost, then all is found
As soon as he finished singing, I welcomed the warm darkness that overtook me. Right before I fell asleep, Izuku pressed his lips against mine, with me returning the gesture and sealing my love for him. When I woke up in my bedroom, I felt much better than I did before. Checking my phone, I was shocked to see that I was asleep for a week.
But, all is found now that I'm with Izuku and all my friends. We're out own family and I wouldn't change it for anything else in the world. My classmates came in after school and were relieved to see me awake. "Shoto!" Izuku beamed as they surrounded my bed. " I'm glad you're finally awake. You must've been exhausted to have been asleep for a week. How do you feel? ". I thought for a second before answering, "Other than a little hungry, I feel fine. Bakugou-san, thanks for the meal." He nodded in response and started looking out the window.