? Benevolence ?

[I meant to post this christmas day but I got super sidetracked.]

"Mom, Dad? I... I have a problem."

I glance down at the gravestone before I continue. Logically, I know they can't respond but...

"I think I found someone's secret... or something. I don't know if I should look into it since it isn't really my business but they think he's dead. If I'm right- if he's the same person- I should tell them... right?"

I pause, listening quietly. I'm not sure if I expected a response of some kind or a feeling letting me know what they think but nothing happens. I sit with them for a few more minutes before taking my leave.

On the way back to UA, I catch a sight of white hair with red highlights. Todoroki's older sister carries several bags as she walks down the sidewalk and his name flashes through my mind.

For a moment, I wonder if this is the universe telling me to go ahead and mention the connection between the man I met and the boy they lost.

Before I can make a decision, Fuyumi waves me over, giving me a bright smile. "Meraki! What are you doing here? Is Aizawa escorting you?"

I shake my head before fishing out my hero license. "I don't really have to be escorted anymore since I've got this. I was just on my way back from visiting my parents."

"Are they doing well?"

I laugh nervously. "Uh... I meant I was visiting their grave. I should have been more clear. Sorry."

Fuyumi pales. "Oh- no, I'm sorry! Natsuo mentioned- I should've thought before I spoke."

"Really, it's fine. Uh, I can help you with your groceries if you'd like." I gesture to the bags in her arms and she smiles gratefully.

"Only if it's no trouble!" She hands me a bag and begins leading the way towards the Todoroki household. "I typically have Natsuo around to carry the heavy stuff but he's been busy with school and hasn't come by much after the attack... thank you for saving him, by the way."

I smile softly. "I wouldn't be much of a hero if I didn't save people."

"Yes, well, I just couldn't help but notice the little connection you both have. If you aren't careful, he might try to turn you into a little brother." She laughs as we reach the house and she moves to unlock the door.

My cheeks flush and I look away self consciously. "...I never had any siblings but I don't think that could be so bad."

Fuyumi laughs again and leads the way to the kitchen. "Well, you're more than welcome in our house anytime. Shoto mentioned you a few times before we had the chance to meet you. He respects you a lot."

I flush again, ducking my head as I help her put everything away. I try to come up with a response but all I can manage is a quiet 'I respect him, too'.

Once everything is put away, she turns back to me with a soft smile. "Was there anything you needed?"

This is my chance. I have to ask.

"Actually... would it be alright if I asked about your brother, Touya? It's fine if you don't want to. I get that it might be a tough subject."

"No, no, I don't mind." She brushes a strand of hair behind her ear. "What would you like to know?"

"What was he like?"

A fond smile grows on her face, soft and nostalgic. "Touya was always very kind to us from what I remember. He fit the big brother role perfectly. Always cheering us up and playing when he could but with father... he had a temper, I suppose. I'm sure you've come to realize our father made... mistakes."

I wince, thinking back to what I've learned. "...you could say that."

She sighs, looking down. "They would fight pretty often. I think Touya did it on purpose to distract father from- from training Shoto. I don't think it ever got really bad but overtime he became more angry. He was still the protective brother we always knew but... I think he started to hate father. And then- well, you know."

"Can I... do you have a picture of him?"

She nods, pulling out her phone to show me an image of a small boy with fluffy white hair and bright blue eyes. Looking closely, I can see the resemblance immediately. I know those eyes. Something must show on my face because Fuyumi touches my shoulder, frowning.

"Is everything alright?"

I start to nod before I stop myself. "Fuyumi, I don't know how to tell you this but... I think I've met Touya. Recently. It could just be a big coincidence but..."

Fuyumi starts to speak when something hits the floor. In the doorway, Natsuo stands in shock.

"You... you've seen Touya?"

He crosses the room and grabs my shoulders. "What- where?! Are you serious? What happened?"

Fuyumi interrupts before I can respond. "I'm sorry but that's impossible. Touya... he's dead. We all went to the funeral. There's no way."

Natsuo shakes his head quickly. "I never saw a body. None of us did. If there's a chance..." He trails off, gazing at me pleadingly and my heart breaks.

"I... the man I met had burns on his hands. The first time I saw him, I was at a store and noticed them. I offered to buy him something to help treat the burns and he eventually let me. I thought that was it but..."

I pause, glancing down.

"I never told anyone about this so I'd appreciate if you didn't tell Aizawa."

Fuyumi's brow furrows but she remains quiet, listening while Natsuo nods quickly and I continue.

"The second time, a group of upperclassmen cornered me outside the school. They wanted me to use my quirk to take them somewhere and they were... upset when I said I couldn't. But before they did anything, the man from the store showed up. He told them to leave me alone or he'd make them. I stopped them before they got in a fight and the upperclassmen left me alone."

I take a quiet breath.

"This time I asked for his name. He said... he said I could call him Touya but to keep it to myself. The thing about him I really remember were his eyes. He kept himself pretty covered up but his eyes were bright. It just..."

Natsuo crushes me into his arms, shaking slightly. "That- that sounds just like him. He'd step in to save any kid and fuck- his quirk-"

Fuyumi shakes her head softly. "It can't be. I want to believe it but Touya is dead. We can't change that. Meraki, I appreciate you telling us but-"

Natsuo cuts her off, meeting my eyes with a sharp look. "I believe you. Touya, he just had this light in his eyes. Made them brighter than anything."

I nod slowly. "His eyes were so bright."

Fuyumi sighs again, running a hand through her hair. "...thank you for telling us. Have you mentioned this to Shoto at all?"

Natsuo speaks up when I shake my head. "That's fine. I don't think he remembers much of Touya."

I drop my eyes. "I'm sorry if I caused any trouble or upset you guys."

Fuyumi offers me a gentle smile. "You're fine. I liked talking about him. Thank you, Meraki."

Natsuo gives me another hug before I leave, murmuring in my ear. "If you see him again and it's really our Touya... can you tell him I miss him?"

"Of course."

I think over the situation as I leave, heading back to UA. I'm almost certain that he's the same Touya but from what I know of Fuyumi, there's no way she believes me. It's fair, I suppose. I don't think I would believe someone who said my mom was still alive.

---
An update!
Someone commented about reader mentioning the connection and I just couldn't help myself!
There hasn't been much in the manga for me to go off of lately!
Hopefully this doesn't ruin any reveals that could possibly happen in canon!
Thank you for your support!!