Suicidal Ideation『Depressed Todoroki』

#16 | You Got Your Armor, But I See Your Flaws

"Hi," Shouto mumbled awkwardly, because really, what can you say to someone after they just witnesses your self-harm episode?

Aizawa slowly walked up to Shouto- attempting not to startle him- and raised his arms gradually beside his figure. Shouto watched with intent as the other moved. He nodded his head, causing Aizawa to steadily wrapped his arms around the other, leaving enough room for Shouto to leave anytime he wanted.

Then, the dam broke loose.

Shouto let out a heartfelt sob as tears pricked his eyes and slid down his face. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't stop myself. It's all my-...It's all my fault," he amplified while clutching the back of Aizawa's shirt.

Aizawa shushed his cries, murmuring soothing words while rubbing Shouto's back. Hizashi took the opportunity, leaving the kitchen to give the two of them some space. Shouto didn't abstain from pouring out his very heart and soul, allowing all of his grief and regret to leave his body along with his tears.

Once the boy's tears had finally run dry, sniffling took its place. Shame crept along his back, and he slowly departed from Aizawa's grasp.

"Are you alright now?" Aizawa asked when Shouto finally met his eyes.

Shouto blushed at his sorry display, turning his head and mumbling a quick 'yes'.

Aizawa nodded, rising from his sitting position. "Come on, we need to clean your cuts before they get infected." He made his way to the living room with Shouto trailing behind.

"Sorry." Shouto played with a string of his sleeve at the idea of Aizawa having to clean up after his mistake.

Aizawa came to a stop, startling Shouto who stumbled into him. He turned to look at the other, stooping down to his eye level. "Shouto. It's not your fault. I should've done something when I noticed your behavior change. I promise I'm not mad or annoyed." He smiled while ruffling Shouto's hair, "You can always talk to me."

Shouto leaned into the touch, a wave of relief crashing over him.

They strolled into the living room, spotting Hizashi who was content on glaring daggers at an article he was reading. Spotting the two walking in, he quickly abandoned his phone in the safety of his pocket.

"Sho and Sho!" He exclaimed happily, disregarding the glare Aizawa sent him.

Aizawa huffed, "I thought I told you to not call us the same name. It's confusing."

Shouto took his seat on one of the couches, satisfied on listening to the couple's bickering. Aizawa sat next to him, opening a first aid kit that Hizashi had grabbed from the washroom.

Shouto's breath shuttered as the antibiotic came in contact with his wounds. Aizawa paused, glancing up at the boy, before returning to his previous objective. It stung and now and then Shouto let out a discomfited noise. He grabbed the bandage, carefully and ideally wrapping it around the other's scars.

Shouto gazed absentmindedly at the thin paper-white bandage that covered his mistakes. He cut himself. Again. All his progress, gone, in the blink of an eye. His breath quivered, tears punctured his eyes as he attempted to hold back a sniffle.

Aizawa enveloped Shouto in a hug, no words exchanged in between the two, but the gesture was more than words could express. Hizashi, with all his glory, easily brought back morale by declaring a movie night. The entire night was filled with a bunch of questions - spoken by a confused Shouto - and amused answers - delivered by Aizawa and Hizashi.

And much to Shouto's embarrassment, they ended up sleeping bundled up next to each other on the couch. Waking up to the position had been humiliating. Shouto had been attacked with a blush-fest, and annoyingly, all Aizawa and Hizashi had done was laugh. He cursed them out while colliding a pillow to their faces.

But Shouto couldn't deny the small smile that managed to creep up onto his face.

Words: 1271

The title is from the song "Welcome To The Fire", by Willyecho

Yes, it took me two weeks to write a chapter and what did I come up with? A mostly fluffy, half-assed chapter that is short and isn't even beta-read.

Unfortunately, if you want longer chapters, there's going to be a long wait in between. School started up, and I am already falling behind. Not to mention my motivation completely wavers at moments and I feel no desire to continue this story. And when I do gain motivation by some miracle, it's extremely minimal that lasts me about 5 minutes.

I'm also currently practicing my writing and finding out what works best for me. The next few chapters might be wonky as I explore, but bear with me, please!

I appreciate your patience, kudos, and all the amazing comments I've received. You guys are the only reason I have enough motivation to continue.

Have an amazing Morning/Afternoon/Night!

I love you all, byee!

✰__startover✰