Work Text:
An alarm beeped in the distance. Sharp and unwelcome to Shinsou’s sleeping mind. He pulled himself up, head spinning as he tried to gather his bearings. When the room stopped rotating around him he looked up to see his adoptive father in the doorway. Aizawa was looking at him softly, just checking to make sure he was awake before continuing down the hall.
A shiver broke through Shinsou’s shoulders leaving him painfully aware of how cold it was outside of his blankets. The weather had been steadily getting cooler, but he knew that the feeling was primarily from the cold he had been battling for the past few days.
As much as he tried to ignore the fact that he had a weak immune system, it showed up randomly to bring him to his knees. In fact, Shinsou was surprised he had lasted this long without getting sick.
He had been living with Aizawa and Hizashi for 3 months now after they had graciously removed him from his last foster home. His last set of guardians hated when he was sick, sending him up to his room and refusing to let him leave.
Fun times.
Either way, Shinsou didn’t want to risk his current home over something as small as a cold. He felt worse today but he could make it, it was only Tuesday and he would stop for medicine after class. Hizashi had made it a priority to give him an allowance. Mostly because he knew how much trouble his son had with asking for things and wanted him to experience some freedom, at least financially.
This thought calmed him down enough to pull himself out of bed. School would be hell but at least he had an excuse for not talking. His quirk was connected to his voice and on days when it felt more out of control, he would switch to sign language.
It’s not like he talked a lot anyway and his voice wouldn’t be a red flag to most of the students who were preoccupied with their own tasks.
Getting ready is a long process but eventually, he shoves some money into his pocket and heads to the kitchen where Aizawa is holding a cup of coffee and talking to his husband. The couple turns to him, one man brighter than the other, and waves a greeting before returning to their conversation.
Shinsou sighs, relieved that he’s gotten this far before walking out the door for the short journey to school. It’s chilly out, but his jacket is warm. The air feels sharp around his eyes and nose. Prickling at his senses. In order to stay out of the house longer and avoid being caught, he told Aizawa that he would be training alone in the gym after hours.
It wasn’t an uncommon activity and there would be plenty of people there with him. However, he had no intention of doing any more than the bare minimum for training today. His head hurt, as did his ears, and he was pretty sure he had a fever by now.
This illness was going to be a long one, not that any of his were particularly short. Most of the time when he got sick, he wouldn’t be over it for at least a week. Usually, they lasted two weeks but he was feeling optimistic this time despite all of the signs that told him how horrible it would be. He shook his head lightly in the wind, allowing the warm sun to drift over his skin as he walked.
School came and went. Classes weren’t necessarily hard but he felt subdued by the effects of his fever. Aizawa eyed him uneasily during class but looked relieved when Shinsou stopped to ask him what was for dinner, signing the words quickly.
One of the biggest things that his son struggled with was expecting them to provide for him. Even things as simple as food or clothes were treated like luxuries and Aizawa remembered all too well the way that he had skipped meals if they didn’t explicitly say he could eat.
(“Shouta! “Shinsou! Food’s ready! It’s your favorite Sho!” Aizawa pulled himself up from the couch, drifting into the kitchen to look at what his husband had prepared for them. Hizashi had started cooking more now that Shinsou was living with them. Almost every other night for a couple of weeks now.
The boy slipped into the dining room, only being noticed when Aizawa returned. “Hey Shinsou” he smiled gently. The lack of a plate wasn’t lost on him but sometimes the kid would force himself to eat meals even when he felt anxious or tired and it made him feel worse so the hero didn’t question the situation.
Shinsou avoided his eyes, looking down at the table as Hizashi sat in a chair. The couple exchanged a worried glance but otherwise continued to chat lightly, being careful to not mention anything that would distress their kid more. Dinner was quieter than normal and Aizawa tried to catch the boy’s eyes as they looked wet.
Shinsou just sat silently, not moving much as he folded his hands in his lap. After his husband got up to put their dishes in the sink, Aizawa finally turned to the boy, just to see him standing up.
Shinsou wavered on his feet, grabbing the table as he lost balance for a few moments. The hero immediately grabs his wrist, feeling the boy’s heart rate jumping erratically as he steadies him.
“Hey kiddo, you alright” he asks softly.
“Yeah,” Shinsou stutters out hesitantly.
“You didn’t eat anything. You hungry?” If his blood sugar is low it could be causing his heart to race and making him dizzy.
The kid just turns away, “I’m okay”, he says.
“You sure?”
Those two words make him hesitate, fingers fidgeting nervously. “Actually, I am kind of hungry. I’m sorry. I know Hizashi said it was your favorite. I don’t want to take any from you.”)
It was reasonable for Aizawa to be concerned after situations like that. Thankfully that one had a simple solution and he’d explained to the boy that they would never cook something without offering it to him unless it could harm him.
Since then Shinsou wasn’t skipping as many meals but he still had days where he would rather sign than talk. Aizawa didn’t mind at all, already knowing JSL from his husband who had gone deaf years before. He packed up his things quickly, eager to get out of the school. Shinsou would be training for a bit so he left with just Hizashi, enjoying the walk home with his partner.
The cold air bit at Shinsou’s cheeks as he turned and coughed roughly into his arm. His throat had only felt a bit painful before today but he had been outside for a while and it had gotten considerably worse.
He was almost at the convenience store closest to their house. It wasn’t close at all though, almost an hour's walk, not exactly convenient like the title suggested.
He didn’t exactly have a choice though, this cold was only going to get worse and if he wanted to be able to go to school and stay with Aizawa and Hizashi then he needed to pick up medicine. Thankfully the store was relatively empty, with only a young woman looking at soda in the drink aisle.
Shinsou scanned the various cold and flu medicines. Each one seemed more expensive than the last as he searched the shelf. His eyes finally landed on a small box that claimed to hold 30 tablets for about half the price of the rest of them. It probably wouldn’t work as well but he grabbed it along with a couple travel packs of tissues.
Anything else seemed wasteful. He really just needed the basics.
He handed the items to the cashier who graciously didn’t make eye contact as he took the money in exchange for the small bag. Shinsou signed thank you quickly, doubting that he would recognize it and only doing it out of habit.
The walk home would be about thirty minutes which wasn’t that bad. Hizashi would be cooking by the time he was back and he would only have to sit through dinner before doing a couple of chores and going to bed. Easy stuff, he could get through it.
The sun was setting when he reached his porch, steeling himself to put on an act for just a bit longer. He’d taken two of the pills despite the recommended dose only being one every four hours. He felt lighter, less sick, and calmer than he did before. His voice still sounded bad but he didn’t have to talk.
Shinsou opened the front door, immediately greeted by Hizashi who was setting a dish down on their dining room table. The meal went well, with him signing enthusiastically to cover for his glossy eyes and lack of appetite. When he returned to his room he tried to use the concealer he still had to cover how red his nose must be. It worked well enough, covering not only his nose but also the flush of his cheeks. He would just have to put it on in the morning as well.
The next day and a half passed roughly. Although his secret was still hidden, his cough had gotten worse and his nose was running almost constantly. He was almost out of the meager supply of tissues he had gotten two days before and he needed to stop at the store again tonight if he wanted a chance at keeping this to himself any longer.
As much as the guilt weighed on him for needing more medicine, it simply wasn’t an option to continue this way. His fever had slowly been rising, not even the cheap cold medicine lowering it anymore even though he was taking more than he should. Thankfully the concealer was waterproof, saving him from the embarrassment of letting his illness show on his face.
Dark clouds gathered above him, shadowing the ground ominously. Another gasping cough broke out of the boy and he scrambled to contain it, choking as it became too much. He hadn’t seen much of Aizawa or Hizashi in the past few days. It’s not like he was avoiding them, just trying not to let his cold be too obvious for fear that they would think he was being dramatic. It probably wasn’t that bad, maybe he didn’t even have a fever.
(Shinsou walked into the grimy house, coughing hoarsely. Suddenly his foster parent was at his side. A loud smack echoed through the house. The child yelped and ran across the room wincing in pain.
“Shinsou get over here right now!” A voice pierced through the rooms.
A young boy slowly came forward, head hanging low and limping pitifully. “Yes ma’am?”
“What do you think you’re doing in my house spreading around your infection? The last thing I need is a sick, snotty kid on my hands. Get out now, before I make sure that your illness is the last of your worries!”
She yelled at him harshly, uncaring of the way that he flinched and resisted the urge to cover his ears. When he didn’t move outside fast enough for her, she grabbed his arm, yanking him to the door before pushing him out. He stayed there for a few hours, long enough for the cold to seep into his bones. When she finally came back to get him, her breath reeked of alcohol.)
That had been the worst of the experiences. Almost all of his foster parents claimed he was overreacting if he so much as showed a single symptom. Most just groaned in disgust and sent him to his room. A few tried to hit him because of it but he managed to dodge the majority of the smacks that came his way.
Hizashi and Aizawa probably wouldn’t react like that. Which was exactly why he didn’t want to tell them. They might realize he wasn’t worth the trouble. This was a lot of effort over one small cold and they would likely just be disappointed that he couldn’t handle it.
If they got mad over anything it would probably be for him spending the money that Hizashi gave him on medicine he didn’t even need. With that final thought, Shinsou ducked into the corner store, heading for the cold aisle he’d visited just two days ago. Cough drops are less expensive than cough medicine so he picks up a bag of them. The price isn’t horrible so he also grabs a couple more packs of tissues.
During the short walk to the checkout, he glances out the glass door to see that it’s pouring outside. Raindrops spatter onto the glass, making sharp sounds. He rubs his ears again, the dull pain has turned into more of a constant ache and the pressure is killing him.
He doesn’t want to spend any money on something that isn’t visible, that’s just pointless, so he hands the few items to the cashier.
This time the young man bagging his things comments on the cough drops. “Have you tried these lozenges before?” Shinsou shakes his head, smiling despite wanting the man to just give him his stuff. “I know it’s none of my business but they taste kinda gross. Sure you don’t want another brand? A dollar or so can make a difference.”
Shinsou shakes his head again, politely declining the man’s offer. “I’m alright” he croaks out.
“Woah sounds like you need those. Stay safe out there, it’s raining pretty heavily.”
He nods his thanks while feeling his face burn at the comment on his voice. He didn’t use it much today, choosing to spare his throat from the torture of speaking. Now it seems like he definitely made the right decision.
After unwrapping a cough drop, he ties the bag tightly around itself, hoping to keep water out. The cough drop is placed on his tongue when he realizes that the cashier was definitely right about how bad these were. He spits it into the grass, struggling to get the awful taste out of his mouth. His school bag is completely full from the day or he would shove the plastic bag in there. He’ll just have to move quicker when coming in so that neither of his parents see it. Pulling up his hoodie briefly, he steps out into the rain.
The walk is terrible, he’s soaked within five minutes, shivering and coughing as he tries to step carefully around puddles. He fails, miserably. His shoe slips directly into one, leaving his foot soaked and cold.
By the time he reaches their house, the concealer has been wiped off. It might be waterproof but he’s rubbed his nose raw with his sleeve and he can see the streaks of pale makeup on it. He knows how bad he looks, even standing on the porch for a few extra minutes to prepare for walking inside.
He opens the door, immediately locking eyes with Aizawa. The hero’s gaze focuses on him, rushing over to Shinsou before he can even process it. “Shit, you’re soaked kiddo. Why didn’t you call me to pick you up?”
He stays quiet, knowing his voice is wrecked. “Didn’t know how bad it was raining.”
“You still could’ve texted me. Jesus, drop your bags here. We need to go to the bathroom to clean you up” he says, leaning down slightly to Shinsou’s level. That’s when he notices the spots of red on his cheeks and nose. He looks like he’s been run over by a truck not just a little wet. His eyes are glossy and his lips cracked. “Oh, Toshi. You don’t look so good” He presses his hand to the younger boy’s forehead, feeling the heat immediately. He removes his fingers and wraps an arm around Shinsou’s shoulder. “Alrighty, let’s get you dried off and then we’ll worry about that later.”
The boy stays silent, afraid to make a sound even though the burning need to cough is swallowing him whole. They make it up the stairs and down the hall before he has to turn to the side, coughing sharply into his arm while trying to hold it back. His breath continues to catch wrong and he feels the weight of Aizawa’s fingers on his back, slowly rubbing in circles.
When the wet, shaky coughs slow down he’s led into the bathroom to sit on the toilet while his parent wraps a towel around his shoulders. Aizawa turns to leave, he wants his kid to shower and get his skin warmer before changing into clean clothes.
But Shinsou panics when he sees the hero leave, his eyes watering as he blinks back tears. He knew this was too much and he still let it happen. Guilt washes over him in waves. His fingers feel cold and stiff and he can’t even feel his feet. Shaky breaths in and out keep him steady so that he can stand.
He needs to get out of here, Aizawa was so disappointed when he saw him.
Unfortunately, the hero returns just as Shinsou stands and he immediately pushes the child down gently. “Sit for a bit longer. I went to get you some comfy clothes so you can shower. Do you feel up for that?”
Shinsou just blinks, confused beyond words. He nods. If Aizawa wants him to do it then it can’t hurt. And if this is the thing that keeps his parents believing that he is a good honest kid who doesn’t start things then he doesn’t mind at all. He’d rather fall into bed without even changing but this will do.
The hero leaves his clothes on the counter, giving him privacy as he steps out. Warm water flows over him in shiny streams. The ache in his bones lessens slightly. This is nice. He usually wasn’t allowed this luxury once his parents knew he was sick. He’d get stuff dirty so they generally kept him in his room. A hot shower was heaven compared to that even if his instincts turned him away from it at first. He washes his hair and body, soapy water slipping down the drain as he stands for a few moments just soaking it in. His fingers still feel cold but his feet have warmed up.
Aizawa brought him sweatpants and a plain shirt he sleeps in occasionally. A pair of socks and clean boxers have also found their way into the pile so he pulls them on first, trying to protect his feet from the cold tile. When he’s finished he hesitates to walk out the door. He can breathe better in here and the burn of his fever has been replaced by a steady ache in his head and limbs.
It’s not horrible and it's a big improvement from twenty minutes ago. He has to face this though. Whatever Aizawa wants to do will happen no matter what. He can’t hide away forever hoping it’ll change his mind.
When he walks out of the bathroom the cold air hits him like a slap to the face. He coughs heavily for a second, catching his breath only to notice that his parent is standing beside him, arm outstretched to comfort. Shinsou flinches away, moving outside of his range while avoiding eye contact.
“That sounds pretty rough kid. Let’s sit down.” Aizawa moved them into Shinsou’s room, easing them into the bed. He held onto the kid’s shoulder, bracing him for their conversation.
“You sound like you’ve caught a nasty bug Toshi.” He liked that Aizawa called him that. It was personal and unique. No one usually gave him nicknames. He would really miss that. “So here’s what we’re going to do, I’m going to grab some fever reducers no matter what but we can see what your other symptoms are so I know what else to give you.”
When Shinsou nods at this he continues. It doesn’t pass by the boy that he took medicine about two hours ago and it’s too soon for another dose. One glance at his alarm clock confirms this, he has at least another two hours before he can take anything else. He’s already going over the limit as is.
“Also, I’d like you to lay out in the living room with me. I have some tests to grade so I won’t bother you and you’ll be able to rest but I’d like to be closer to you considering the fact that you showed up completely soaked on our doorstep tonight.
Shinsou just blinks. Maybe he should’ve gone to his dorm, he never spent much time there considering the fact he lived with them now but it would’ve been safer for Aizawa and Hizashi if he didn’t bring his sickness into their house.
Wait, Aizawa wants him to sit out there and sleep? That sounds like a nightmare. Mostly for his parent. Why would he want to be anywhere near Shinsou like this, he was quite frankly, disgusting.
“Why?” he says without thinking, clapping a hand over his mouth when he realizes he spoke. He asked a question, to Aizawa, while sick. Now he definitely has it out for himself, he probably thinks Shinsou is trying to brainwash him.
“Hey hey hey, it’s alright. You’re okay, does your throat hurt? It sounds sore.”
He coughs uncomfortably, “It’s fine.” “Yeah okay, how about I get you set up on the couch and then we’ll figure out medicine. You’ll have some time to think about what you need.”
“Do I have to go to the couch?” Shinsou loved sleeping on the couch. Once he realized that his parents didn’t mind it, he took most of his naps out there. But this was just asking for trouble. Why else would Aizawa ask him to come downstairs while he was sick to be closer to the hero?
It didn’t make any sense.
“I just” he stutters when Aizawa looks at him confused, “I’m not going to be good company.”
His father smiles, tousling his hair gently, “That’s fine. I know you’re tired and don’t feel well. You’re just going to be resting near me so I can keep an eye on how you’re doing.”
That was strange at best. He didn’t want to impose on his dad’s night. He would be loud and gross and overall an unpleasant sight. Aizawa just rubs his shoulder and says “I’d feel better if you were in my field of vision.” And Shinsou can’t argue with that.
If the hero wants it then he should just make sure it’s the exact way he wants it. Maybe he wants Shinsou to help him with the tests he needs to grade. Or he’ll end up cleaning the living room for a bit. That’s fine, he doesn’t mind a bit of work in return for the large amounts of kindness Aizawa is offering.
They move downstairs slowly, Shinsou sits on the couch while his dad grabs a few bottles from their medicine cabinet in the kitchen. Hizashi rarely got sick but Shota tended to fall ill whenever the seasons changed so they had pills in the bathroom and kitchen. Hizashi had also long since decided that he wouldn’t let his husband spend his colds in agony and bought more name-brand products than he could count. They actually worked though so no complaints were made.
He carries NyQuil, cough syrup, fever reducers, and a thermometer to the couch, depositing them onto the coffee table before turning to his kid. “Okay, you have some options on what you can take but I’d like you to at least take something.”
Shinsou is fidgeting nervously like he does when he wants to say something. Aizawa stops, giving him the chance to speak. “I um- I already took something about two hours ago. I think it’s too early for anything else.”
This makes his parent pause, “What did you take.”
“Nothing from you guys don’t worry. I just took some over the counter stuff.”
Aizawa’s confused look doesn’t shift as he asks “Can I see the bottle or box?”
“Yeah um, sure. Let me grab it.” He gets up slowly, walking to where his bag is sitting by the front door, pulling out the box of blister packs when Aizawa’s voice interrupts him,
“Can you bring that plastic bag over here too?” Shinsou freezes, shit now he’s really going to get it. There's a receipt in the bag. A coughing fit interrupts his thoughts. He brings both over and hands the box to his parent who reads over it before opening the flaps to peer inside.
“Oh, Shinsou. How long have you been sick? More than a third of this is gone.” Guilt wraps its slick fingers around his neck as he tries to answer the question. “Um, I think I’ve had a fever since Tuesday but I didn’t actually measure it.” That answer is a bit different than what he asked but Aizawa gets the message that his kid was definitely sick since before Tuesday.
“You know you could tell me or Mic right? We won’t judge you. We just want to help. Where did you get this medicine?”
“The convenience store a few blocks from here, we stop to get Hizashi drinks there sometimes. I paid for it don’t worry. With my own money.”
He used to steal medicine but it just wasn’t necessary now. He could pay for it on his own and move along like an adult. Adults wouldn’t involve other adults in things like this.
“So you went there a couple days ago? And I’m assuming today as well? That’s a long walk, especially in the rain.” An ashamed nod makes its way out of Shinsou.
“Oh kiddo, you don’t have to do that anymore. Me and Hizashi can handle all of that. We can handle the medicine, we aren’t going to be mad if you need something.” Tears are flowing down the boy’s face now, hot and shiny.
“Can I see what’s in the other bag?” Shinsou reluctantly hands it over. Aizawa has been nothing but kind over this but there's still a chance that he’ll be angry that he spent money on something like this.
“Yeah, me and Mic can handle this. We can buy you cough drops and tissues. Better than this off-brand stuff. Trust me I know from experience that these are horrible.” He chuckles pulling out the cough drops which finally gets a small smile out of Shinsou. Aizawa sighs, hand rubbing his kid’s shoulder gently.
“We’ve got you. Now would you like cough syrup?” he asks, unwrapping a pack of travel tissues and handing it to his son. Shinsou nods and takes the small cup he’s offered, downing it in one go. He wipes his nose with a tissue afterward, appreciative of the gesture.
Aizawa sighs, ruffling his hair. “Now, I’m going to go grab a comforter and you are going to lay down and sleep for a bit.” The boy nods, understanding the arrangement even if he doesn’t understand the motive.
When Aizawa returns he covers the couch in the cozy blanket, leaving a spot at the end of their obnoxiously long couch for himself. He moves his tests to the end as well, setting up a pillow for his kid before sitting down and motioning for Shinsou to do the same.
“You’re okay with me laying there?” The pillow is conveniently placed beside Aizawa’s leg, his head might even touch the man if he moves too much. “Yeah, of course, lay down. It’s okay.” Shinsou relaxes into the blankets, allowing himself to melt into its embrace. When Aizawa starts to card his hands through the boy’s hair he sighs softly. His cool fingers feel like heaven on his aching head as the teacher just grades papers quietly.
Aizawa was right, this is much better than just being in his room. He feels safe, wanted, and comfortable. He isn’t used to it but maybe one day he will be.
Hizashi arrives a few minutes after Shinsou falls asleep, his head peacefully lying on a pillow by his husband. Aizawa’s fingers were still stuck in his hair. He goes to the kitchen to make soup, knowing after only a few glances what the boy needs. He should know, after all, this is what Hizashi did for him one of the first times he got sick.
(“Leave me alone Zashi, I’m sick and tired.”
“Oh come on that’s no fun, let me in. I want to say hi!”
Aizawa stumbles to his front door, letting his boyfriend walk in and coax him back to the couch. He’s been sick for too long and hasn’t gotten nearly enough sleep. Hizashi is only going to make that worse. To his surprise, the other hero sits on the couch and places a pillow on his lap.
“Come here, I can tell that you have a headache. I’ll give you a head massage!”
Aizawa doesn’t move at first, hesitating strongly before Hizashi pulls him onto the couch sinking his fingers into long black hair instantly. It relieves the pressure and Aizawa almost cries how much better he feels. His eyes close, instantly being lulled to sleep.
“Thanks, Zashi” he mumbles from underneath three blankets.
“Anytime Sho.”)
Hizashi smiles at the warm memory. He will help his husband through this. They will help each other and one day Shinsou will trust them more. As for now, his lover is comforting their child in their house and he couldn’t be more content.