Work Text:
Todoroki’s thin fingers trace over a wooden bookshelf in the unfamiliar doorway, a small collection of dust gathering at his fingertips. He can’t help but unclench his jaw as he takes in the fragrance of vanilla, a lit candle’s scent wafting all throughout the small apartment. It’s bright in here , the teen notes, squinting as his eyes adjust.
A startled gasp leaves his lips as something brushes his leg, the room gets a bit colder. Looking down, his lifted shoulders fall again, fear replaced with awe. A cat . He leans down to rub at its head, relishing at how soft the white fur is.
“Her name is Snow,” says a voice from behind him, who joins him in his cat petting. “She’s a rescue.”
Todoroki hums, letting the cat lick away at his hand. Her tongue is rough and unfamiliar, but Todoroki, to his own surprise, doesn’t mind the contact.
“Sensei-”
“Dad is fine.”
Todoroki’s breath hitches, his jaw is tight, and he can feel the backs of his eyes begin to burn. Blinking away his tears, he continues.
“-dad,”