Like a Brother Would

Chapter 5

The two brothers were now home alone together, and an opportunity for a heartfelt conversation presented itself.

Shoto glanced at Touya, his gaze a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "Touya, can I ask you something?"

Touya, sitting on a nearby armchair, looked up from the book he had been reading. His eyes met Shoto's, filled with a mix of weariness and regret. "Yeah, go ahead, Shoto. What's on your mind?"

Shoto took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. "I've always wondered... Do you regret leaving us when you were younger? It was hard for all of us when you disappeared. And I couldn't help but think that maybe... maybe you didn't want to be part of this family."

Touya's expression softened, a flicker of pain crossing his features. He leaned back in his chair and sighed. "Shoto, I've thought about that a lot over the years. And the truth is, I regret everything. I regret leaving, I regret the pain it caused all of you, and I regret not being there for you when you needed me."

Shoto's eyes widened in surprise. He had expected a defensive or dismissive response, but Touya's admission caught him off guard. "You... you regret it?"

Touya nodded, a hint of sorrow in his voice. "Yes, Shoto. When I left, I was consumed by anger, bitterness, and my own twisted perception of the world. But as time went on and I saw the consequences of my actions, I realized the gravity of my mistakes. I missed out on so much, not just in terms of family, but also the chance to become a better person. And then... Shigaraki..."

Shoto's face softened, and he found himself understanding his brother's pain more deeply. "Touya, we've all made mistakes. And while it took time, I forgave you a long ago. We're family, and family sticks together through thick and thin. I'm just glad you're back now."

Touya's eyes glistened with unshed tears, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Shoto. I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I'm grateful for it. I want to make up for lost time and be there for all of you, especially you."

Shoto nodded, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "I believe in you, Touya. We all do."

Touya's concern deepened as he watched Shoto's smile fade into an expression of discomfort. The sudden shift was evident, and his worry grew as he saw Shoto's face pale considerably. Without warning, Shoto's hand shot to his stomach, and his steps faltered.

"Shoto?" Touya's voice was laced with concern as he followed his brother's erratic movements. He reached out, placing a supportive hand on Shoto's arm. "Are you alright?"

Shoto's response was a strangled grunt, his face contorting in pain. His grip on his stomach tightened, and his breaths grew shallow and rapid. Touya's heart raced, feeling a rush of panic as he witnessed his brother's distress.

"Sho!" Touya's voice grew urgent, and he steadied Shoto as best he could. "Let's get you to the bathroom."

Touya guided Shoto, who was now swaying on his feet, towards the bathroom. Shoto's steps were unsteady, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. The pain seemed to be intensifying by the second. When they reached the bathroom door, Shoto's face turned a sickly shade of green, and he staggered towards the toilet just in time.

Touya's heart ached at the sight of his brother violently retching into the toilet. He knelt down beside Shoto, placing a hand on his back and rubbing soothing circles. He could feel Shoto's body tremble with each heave, and his own helplessness gnawed at him.

After what felt like an eternity, Shoto's body finally began to relax. He leaned back, panting heavily, his face now damp with both sweat and tears. The pain hadn't completely subsided, though; he still clutched his stomach, his brows furrowed in agony.