Chapter Text
It was late into the night. The moon was already high, and the stars twinkled in greeting as it passed by the darken sky. Young Touya was little hungry. His last training session lasted longer than usual so his dinner was cut short. That and he didn’t want to stay there eating alone with his father. To sit there silently listening to the hero’s nagging about his flawed technique. That didn’t exactly sound appealing. If he tried to talk back it would have ended early anyway. So, he left the dinner table sooner than he would have liked. He just could not get the move his father was trying to teach him as fast or as good as the man wanted. He got a few new burns because of it. They still sting even with the soothing ointment and bandages. They would be gone within a week or so. Still Touya couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed. The bandages felt so uncomfortable every time he moved. This was the price he had to pay he supposed. Being the only child with potential.
Don’t get him wrong he was grateful for the chance. His father’s aggressive encouragement was more of a help than a detriment. He wanted to be a hero ever since he knew what they were. They were too cool. Of course he wanted to become one. He even had pride for being the son of the number 2 hero. All the cards were stacked in his favour. It was just a lot harder than anyone would expect. Even at this tender age he was starting to feel the pressure of his father’s expectations. There are times where he feared he would never reach them. He could only imagine the disappointment of his father as well as his rage. It wasn’t a pleasant image. Honestly, it scared him.
His fearful thoughts were soon interrupted with a cry. “Awh…” it was faint. Like it wanted to give up crying, but it kept going. So, he followed the sound and entered the hidden room down the hallway. Little Izuku’s room.
Once inside he peered over the crib. The baby was swaddled properly this time. It rocked in his bindings wailing weak cries. Then it noticed the young Todoroki and smiled. Happily, the baby gurgled at the sight of the read haired child.
The smile was contagious. It was only natural Touya would smile too. “Hi there, Izuku,” he gently whispered. “I see you’re still awake. Don’t tell dad I sneaked out this late. He’ll be really mad so this will be our little secret.” He winked while placing a finger to his lips. It was hard to tell if the small baby understood, but he’ll take their nonsense babble as a yes. Then he reached into the crib and patted the baby’s head. They closed their big green eyes peacefully at the contact. See this, Touya slowly removed his hand. “Ok I’m going back to my room. Sleep well.” Silently, he turned around ready to tip toe out but then…
“A…ah…agh… wah!”
The boy instantly turned back at the sound of crying. He leaned into the crib to see the baby crying again. Yet again the second they saw his face they calmed. This time they closed their eyes and peacefully started their journey to dream world. confused. Touya tilted his head. “Are you lonely?” he asked the baby.
Of course, the baby did not answer. He wanted to go to dream world now.
Touya hummed as he watched the little baby rest. “I guess you would be pretty lonely huh?” He knew his siblings don’t come by this room. They both say the dark hallway to get here was too creepy. They also knew the baby was not one of them so their interest in them was low. They knew the baby was there they just paid no mind. Someone else will be there. But his father was busy with work and his mother was slowly growing into a mess. He has seen her try and do her job as a mother, but he has seen her break down twice as much. It was worrying whenever he sees his mother try and force a smile for any of them. He himself was busy. If it wasn’t training it was schoolwork. He had little time to see the baby let alone play with them. The only person that he assumes that was with Izuku regularly was the help. They are not needed at night. Worry so settled in. If he leaves, they baby might cry again. He didn’t like that thought. So, he had a different idea. He hurriedly unclipped the ended of the crib.
Hearing the rucks, Izuku woke up again. His little head curiously turned and watched his brother bring down the bars of his cage. His eyes grew even wider than they were. Sparkling with admiration at the power of the young Todoroki. He tried to hit those bars before. They don’t move one bit.
Once the bars were down Touya carefully crawled into the crib. Luckily, the crib was big, and he was small enough to fit in. It was surprisingly comfy with the amount of padding it had. His father only buys the beast. He then careful reclosed the crib before cuddling next to the baby Izuku.
Izuku was still starting at Touya with such wonder his eyes.
Touya just had to chuckle. It was just too innocent and dumbfounded. He loosely held the swaddled baby close to him. “Go to sleep, Izuku.”
As if on command Izuku did just that. He closed his tired eyes. His little face still facing the Todoroki.
Smiling, Touya held the baby a little closer. Making sure not to hurt him. He wondered what he will be like when he grew older. He hoped his parent’s issues will be resolved by then. They did not need another child with issues. Even more so now since this one didn’t originally belong to his family. At the very least he needed to drag his siblings in here to keep the baby company when no one else will. He couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for the baby. He has no idea what happened to them. It’s not their fault he got wrapped up in his family issues. He could only hope that he grows up normally with his other siblings. Maybe even find their birth family. Although all that might be thrown out the window if he shows a quirk his father desires.
Touya’s fist clenched at the thought. Instinctively, he held the baby closer. “Don’t worry, Izuku. I’ll keep my father’s attention on me. You can be a normal kid with Natsuo and Fuyumi. You don’t deserve to be brutally trained by father. Not if I can help it,” he swore. “Being his successor is my burden.”