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[When Todoroki asked him to watch a movie, he said yes. He honestly does like spending time with Shouto, and it's probably good for him to spend time around people his own age, even after classes.
Except... He can't really tell if this was supposed to be a date, or if Todoroki was just trying to be friendly, and it's really hard to tell with him. And now that he's started worrying over it, he can't stop worrying over it.
Still, he's there at the movie theater at the time that they agreed upon, and waves when Todoroki's in sight.]
Except... He can't really tell if this was supposed to be a date, or if Todoroki was just trying to be friendly, and it's really hard to tell with him. And now that he's started worrying over it, he can't stop worrying over it.
Still, he's there at the movie theater at the time that they agreed upon, and waves when Todoroki's in sight.]
[ Truth be told, Shouto... isn't quite sure about it, himself.
His mother had smiled softly when he'd asked her for advice when it came to wanting to do more for friends, when it felt like they were more than just your friend. And she'd given him some words to chew over, ones that he thought about repeating to Fuyumi to see what she'd say. Yaoyoruzu, too, maybe, but then he decided he ought to figure it out for himself after his mother's nudge.
Which is why they're at the movies, now. Shouto visibly perks when he sees him waving, and immediately weaves through people for him, going from aloof to something softer around the edges at the sight of him. ]
His mother had smiled softly when he'd asked her for advice when it came to wanting to do more for friends, when it felt like they were more than just your friend. And she'd given him some words to chew over, ones that he thought about repeating to Fuyumi to see what she'd say. Yaoyoruzu, too, maybe, but then he decided he ought to figure it out for himself after his mother's nudge.
Which is why they're at the movies, now. Shouto visibly perks when he sees him waving, and immediately weaves through people for him, going from aloof to something softer around the edges at the sight of him. ]
[It's his first day at work- and honestly he's a little surprised he got hired in the first place. He's a brand new graduate, yes, from one of the top colleges in the nation, but still, the Todoroki cooperation is known for only hiring the best of the best.
So of course he wants to make a good impression. Except, well. Maybe getting to the office two hours early is overkill. Especially when you don't have the keys to the office just yet.]
So of course he wants to make a good impression. Except, well. Maybe getting to the office two hours early is overkill. Especially when you don't have the keys to the office just yet.]
[ Though it's not necessarily his job, Shouto frequently arrives earlier than much of the rest of the staff to open up the building. It means it gets him into the office where he can work, where his father can't harass him as easily when there's people everywhere to witness him. Torodorki Enji has made a point to perfect his public image, after all.
He can say he's rather surprised to see someone else there already, though he doesn't quite recognize them. ]
You're certainly early.
He can say he's rather surprised to see someone else there already, though he doesn't quite recognize them. ]
You're certainly early.
[“When I asked you what you wanted to order, you said “you” and now I’m kinda blushing?? And you look mildly horrified??“
He has to have a part-time job until his hero agency really takes off. Sure, he's a fairly well known hero, but there are also plenty of other, more well established hero agencies.
But waiters? Plenty of restaurants need part time waiters, and the fact that this one is only a few blocks away from his office is a plus.
So he's there in his nice upscale waiter uniform (he's finally figured out ties) most nights, and Todoroki knows where he works part time. He pops in every once in a while, and it's settled into a nice rhythm.]
What would you like to order, Todoroki-kun?
He has to have a part-time job until his hero agency really takes off. Sure, he's a fairly well known hero, but there are also plenty of other, more well established hero agencies.
But waiters? Plenty of restaurants need part time waiters, and the fact that this one is only a few blocks away from his office is a plus.
So he's there in his nice upscale waiter uniform (he's finally figured out ties) most nights, and Todoroki knows where he works part time. He pops in every once in a while, and it's settled into a nice rhythm.]
What would you like to order, Todoroki-kun?
[ There's a few good things about having a hero like Endeavor as your father, even if you want to step out of his shadow. But Shouto will use every advantage he has until he wrings his father dry, even if he's not as vindictive as he used to be.
He's still pretty vindictive. And it means he can support his friends as they get established, too.
... his main reason for coming to the restaurant Midoriya works at, though, is just to see him. He can't even lie about that, but at least no one's asked him.
Having set up a routine, he should be able to recite his order without any problem. Instead, he looks up at Izuku, and the first thing out of his mouth? ]
You. [ ... wait. ]
He's still pretty vindictive. And it means he can support his friends as they get established, too.
... his main reason for coming to the restaurant Midoriya works at, though, is just to see him. He can't even lie about that, but at least no one's asked him.
Having set up a routine, he should be able to recite his order without any problem. Instead, he looks up at Izuku, and the first thing out of his mouth? ]
You. [ ... wait. ]
[The only way for your scars to disappear is when your soulmate kisses them goodbye.
It's hard to tell who your soulmate is, and it's not like just going up and kissing random people's scars is even a remotely normal thing to do. But sometimes, sometimes you get lucky, and the person you've decided to date is the one for you.
He's not completely covered in scars, sure there's the ones on his hand and his arms, and the normal ones that happen as a child. But mostly he's careful.
Izuku's one of the lucky few. And he realizes this while gently kissing the back of Shouto's hand, it's a small scar, he's not sure what it might have been, but it seems like an older scar. He didn't get it over the time Izuku's known him, that's for sure.
Still, he's amazed when he watches the scar just fade away as soon as his lips have left it.]
You... You really are my soulmate.
It's hard to tell who your soulmate is, and it's not like just going up and kissing random people's scars is even a remotely normal thing to do. But sometimes, sometimes you get lucky, and the person you've decided to date is the one for you.
He's not completely covered in scars, sure there's the ones on his hand and his arms, and the normal ones that happen as a child. But mostly he's careful.
Izuku's one of the lucky few. And he realizes this while gently kissing the back of Shouto's hand, it's a small scar, he's not sure what it might have been, but it seems like an older scar. He didn't get it over the time Izuku's known him, that's for sure.
Still, he's amazed when he watches the scar just fade away as soon as his lips have left it.]
You... You really are my soulmate.
[ Growing up in a world where soulmates are a proven thing, Shouto... well, when he was young, he'd been bright eyed and optimistic about more than just heroics. But after seeing the way his father treated his mother, he'd changed his tune pretty fast over the years.
But then he'd met Izuku. Then he'd started dating Izuku.
It hadn't really occurred to him that they could be soulmates, not until he was reminded that there were actually good things in his shitty life. And even then, he wasn't entirely sure whether he should say anything about it. Don't ruin a good thing.
The scar is old, one from his childhood, and he blinks as he watches it fade with him. ]
Oh. [ His voice is quiet, though no less surprised. He almost can't believe it, so shifts his hand, taking Izuku's beat up one. More than once, he's rubbed his thumb over his knuckles, apologetic but fond in spades.
This time, Shouto flicks his eyes up to his face, then brings his hand up to press his lips to the thick scar that bisects the back of it. ]
But then he'd met Izuku. Then he'd started dating Izuku.
It hadn't really occurred to him that they could be soulmates, not until he was reminded that there were actually good things in his shitty life. And even then, he wasn't entirely sure whether he should say anything about it. Don't ruin a good thing.
The scar is old, one from his childhood, and he blinks as he watches it fade with him. ]
Oh. [ His voice is quiet, though no less surprised. He almost can't believe it, so shifts his hand, taking Izuku's beat up one. More than once, he's rubbed his thumb over his knuckles, apologetic but fond in spades.
This time, Shouto flicks his eyes up to his face, then brings his hand up to press his lips to the thick scar that bisects the back of it. ]
I am a 21 year old quirkless college student, and a car that is one year younger than I am. I'm a waiter at a restaurant and I typically have late shifts. If you'd like to have me as your strictly platonic date for Thanksgiving or any other family gathering, but have me pretend to be in a very long or serious relationship with you, to torment your family, I'm game.
I can do the following at your request:
Start instigative discussions about politics and/or religion.
Propose to you in front of everyone.
Pretend to be really drunk as the evening goes on. (Not much of a drinker, but I know what it looks like.)
Start an actual, physical fight with a family member, either inside or on the lawn where the neighbors can see.
I require no pay but the free meal.
I can do the following at your request:
I require no pay but the free meal.
[ It's actually Jirou that suggests he think about finding someone to take to the family gathering that his father is bringing him to. Fuyumi and his brothers are allowed to skip it, but not him, the prodigy and Endeavor's masterpiece. Yaoyorozu tries to scold her, but she doesn't... necessarily tell them no. So.
Here he is, responding to the ad. ]
I'm looking for someone to take as my date to a family gathering. My family's traditional, and admittedly quirk elitist, as most of them wed through arranged quirk marriages. The only dealbreaker - for you, I mean - is that my father is the hero Endeavor, and while his media presence is amiable enough, he's a generally confrontational asshole when civilians aren't around and the cameras aren't focused on him.
He shouldn't get physical, but he's not a pleasant person to deal with, and is the person I'm primarily aiming to piss off. If you'd rather not have to deal with that, it's entirely understandable. But there will be a lot of free food throughout the day.
Here he is, responding to the ad. ]
I'm looking for someone to take as my date to a family gathering. My family's traditional, and admittedly quirk elitist, as most of them wed through arranged quirk marriages. The only dealbreaker - for you, I mean - is that my father is the hero Endeavor, and while his media presence is amiable enough, he's a generally confrontational asshole when civilians aren't around and the cameras aren't focused on him.
He shouldn't get physical, but he's not a pleasant person to deal with, and is the person I'm primarily aiming to piss off. If you'd rather not have to deal with that, it's entirely understandable. But there will be a lot of free food throughout the day.
[You know, when you're a witch you need to get herbs. And usually, you need to get them fresh, which means stumbling around in the forest with a book in your hand and trying to find exactly the right plants.
This would be easier if she was trained but alas, not everyone can be so lucky.]
This would be easier if she was trained but alas, not everyone can be so lucky.]
[ Not everyone can be so lucky in a lot of ways, to be honest.
Shouto has snuck off from his duties, determined to get out of the castle keep and away from his father and the court, the suitors, all the people breathing down his neck. So he takes to the woods on horseback, picking through the trees carefully but otherwise letting his mount amble at his leisure.
Even when he nickers and snorts, curiously following after the figure that he spots before the prince. ]
Shouto has snuck off from his duties, determined to get out of the castle keep and away from his father and the court, the suitors, all the people breathing down his neck. So he takes to the woods on horseback, picking through the trees carefully but otherwise letting his mount amble at his leisure.
Even when he nickers and snorts, curiously following after the figure that he spots before the prince. ]
[It wasn't that he didnt think that Shiro would make a formidable sparring partner, but it's completely different when he's actually sparring with Shiro. He never knows what to expect of the other until he's suddenly up against him. He had admired the other, but his feelings have done nothing to be quelled being around the other so much. It aspires him to try harder. To do better.To be able to be a worthwhile partner.
Keith is mostly speed and momentum and sheer will. He's not weak by any means, but his physique pales in comparison to others. Like against Shiro. Shiro was broad chested and towered over him in comparison. He couldn't overpower the other by a long shot, but he wasn't going to let that stop him from trying. Instead, he relied on momentum. Even he could throw Shiro over his shoulder with that under his belt.
They've been at it for a bit now. Both of them worked up quite a sweat and they were just down to shirts and pants. He has his hands up in defense before he starts charging at Shiro.] AAARGHHHH!!!!!
Keith is mostly speed and momentum and sheer will. He's not weak by any means, but his physique pales in comparison to others. Like against Shiro. Shiro was broad chested and towered over him in comparison. He couldn't overpower the other by a long shot, but he wasn't going to let that stop him from trying. Instead, he relied on momentum. Even he could throw Shiro over his shoulder with that under his belt.
They've been at it for a bit now. Both of them worked up quite a sweat and they were just down to shirts and pants. He has his hands up in defense before he starts charging at Shiro.] AAARGHHHH!!!!!
[ Sparring has always been a great means of learning more about other people. While he's a noncombative person unless provoked, or in the midst of battle, Shiro can at least concede that a good, friendly match is a great way to better familiarize yourself with someone while keeping you both in top form. It lets you know how you mesh with others, too, and it's a great way to help even established partners with their drift.
It would probably be easier if you weren't attracted to your sparring partner? Keith is quick, all raw will behind his movements, stubborn to a fault but it's gotten them out of so much trouble that he can't even judge him for it. His movements always keep him on his toes, but when they get to this point? Shiro's own movements are instinctive, because he's so focused on the way lean muscle moves under his shirt, the way sweat gathers.
So.
Rather than do anything expected, any actual combative move, Shiro just evades - and then he grabs Keith around the middle, like he doesn't weigh a damn thing, and takes their combined momentum to slam Keith down into the mat beneath their feet. He goes down with him to pin him in place, moving to take his flesh and bone hand to hold one of Keith's above his head. ]
It would probably be easier if you weren't attracted to your sparring partner? Keith is quick, all raw will behind his movements, stubborn to a fault but it's gotten them out of so much trouble that he can't even judge him for it. His movements always keep him on his toes, but when they get to this point? Shiro's own movements are instinctive, because he's so focused on the way lean muscle moves under his shirt, the way sweat gathers.
So.
Rather than do anything expected, any actual combative move, Shiro just evades - and then he grabs Keith around the middle, like he doesn't weigh a damn thing, and takes their combined momentum to slam Keith down into the mat beneath their feet. He goes down with him to pin him in place, moving to take his flesh and bone hand to hold one of Keith's above his head. ]
[He's passed out on the ground, and he can feel somebody shaking his shoulder, trying to rouse him.]
Uh...? Huh...?
[Slowly he opens up his eyes and looks at one grey and one blue eye staring him down. That's a lot closer than he'd expect anybody to be.]
Who are you...?
Uh...? Huh...?
[Slowly he opens up his eyes and looks at one grey and one blue eye staring him down. That's a lot closer than he'd expect anybody to be.]
Who are you...?
[ When Izuku had been knocked out, Shouto hadn't quite known what to do about it. So here they are, and he can't help but feel relieved when he finally opens his big, green eyes.
And then his own mismatched ones widen at the question, his hand withdrawing quickly, uncertain. ]
You don't remember me.
And then his own mismatched ones widen at the question, his hand withdrawing quickly, uncertain. ]
You don't remember me.
[ Frankly, Itsuki has been terrified of this day just as much as he's been excited about it.
Ever since he was a kid, he'd known that he was a romantic at heart. It's sappy and most guys probably don't think much about it, but damnit if he did even when he was younger. That probably had a lot to do with the chilhood love of his life, who was - and still is, frankly - the most beautiful girl he's ever known in his entire life. He'd spent years and years happy to be her friend, just because he could be there with her and support her and just know her, but there's no denying that he would ask her every once in a while if she'd want to go on a date with him.
For a long time, she said no. Itsuki was fine with that, had just nodded and accepted it and helped her pick out clothes for dates with other boys that weren't him. It was fine. So long as he could support Mei, it would be.
And then she said yes.
And then she said yes.
Which is why they're where they are now, and Itsuki has had one anxiety attack today alone over the asinine thought that Mei would change her mind. And he'd promptly started crying the moment he saw her walking down the aisle, and didn't stop until well after they'd done vows and he'd kissed her - one, long kiss before he'd pecked her on the lips once, twice, three times in a row. He just can't help it, not when he knows he's loved Narumiya Mei since the day they met.
Now, he can hold his hand out to her with a big, cheek splitting smile and wet eyes. ] Ready to dance?
Ever since he was a kid, he'd known that he was a romantic at heart. It's sappy and most guys probably don't think much about it, but damnit if he did even when he was younger. That probably had a lot to do with the chilhood love of his life, who was - and still is, frankly - the most beautiful girl he's ever known in his entire life. He'd spent years and years happy to be her friend, just because he could be there with her and support her and just know her, but there's no denying that he would ask her every once in a while if she'd want to go on a date with him.
For a long time, she said no. Itsuki was fine with that, had just nodded and accepted it and helped her pick out clothes for dates with other boys that weren't him. It was fine. So long as he could support Mei, it would be.
And then she said yes.
And then she said yes.
Which is why they're where they are now, and Itsuki has had one anxiety attack today alone over the asinine thought that Mei would change her mind. And he'd promptly started crying the moment he saw her walking down the aisle, and didn't stop until well after they'd done vows and he'd kissed her - one, long kiss before he'd pecked her on the lips once, twice, three times in a row. He just can't help it, not when he knows he's loved Narumiya Mei since the day they met.
Now, he can hold his hand out to her with a big, cheek splitting smile and wet eyes. ] Ready to dance?
[Izuku knew what he was doing when he signed up for a job teaching at UA. It was his and All Might's alma mater. It's not as though his hero career is going to be over any time soon- but it would be nice to teach, he thinks.
And he's also fairly certain that he's naturally a better teacher than All Might was.
So when he walks into 1-A in his hero costume, he gives the class a big smile.]
Hello, I'm Deku. [But everybody already knows that.]
I'll be teaching Hero Studies.
And he's also fairly certain that he's naturally a better teacher than All Might was.
So when he walks into 1-A in his hero costume, he gives the class a big smile.]
Hello, I'm Deku. [But everybody already knows that.]
I'll be teaching Hero Studies.
[ Not many people can say they're worse teachers than All Might, although he'd certainly done his best to help them. At least Deku can say that he's closer in age to his students, which probably helps? Who knows.
Shouto's certainly curious about the teacher that stands before them, even with his steady, quiet stare, cheek propped up in his hand.
He doesn't join in the whispers that travel through the class, but he does join the greeting, if quietly. ]
Shouto's certainly curious about the teacher that stands before them, even with his steady, quiet stare, cheek propped up in his hand.
He doesn't join in the whispers that travel through the class, but he does join the greeting, if quietly. ]
[There's a lot of things he is, he's smart, clever, observant, heroic down to his core- but the one thing that really hits him is that he's quirkless. And of course there are plenty of people who would make fun of him for it, who tease him for being so weak- there's no room for a hero who has no quirk, after all. A hero like that would just be a liability out on the field.
But his next door neighbor is Todorki Shouto. Shouto would be there for him, help him with whatever he wanted, and would stop people from constantly bullying him. All Might might be his number one hero, but Shouto is his childhood hero, and that makes an impression.
It's Shouto who recommends going the support path at UA instead of the hero path. Sure, he wouldn't be a direct hero like the people he looks up to, but in a way, he's a hero to the heroes. He's there to make sure that whatever hero that comes to him has the best gear possible and a way to mitigate any potential drawbacks of their quirks.
He's kept records on all the pro heroes ever since he could write, knows their strengths and weaknesses like the back of his hand. Especially Shouto, he's gotten to watch him grow up, knows the way he fights- reading Shouto is as easy to him as breathing. It's not much of a jump for him to learn how to develop useful gear.
Today is the day the results came in. Shoucchan got in on recommendation, but he had to sit there and take the written and practical- the written is the same as the hero's but the practical was completely different. After all, he had to make something.
He takes a deep breath before he rips it open- and the video message confirms that he really has gotten into U.A. plays.
Right after telling his mother, he's calling up his best friend, it's late and he's honestly a little terrified of Endeavor otherwise he would have just run over.]
Shoucchan, I did it! I really made it into U.A.!
But his next door neighbor is Todorki Shouto. Shouto would be there for him, help him with whatever he wanted, and would stop people from constantly bullying him. All Might might be his number one hero, but Shouto is his childhood hero, and that makes an impression.
It's Shouto who recommends going the support path at UA instead of the hero path. Sure, he wouldn't be a direct hero like the people he looks up to, but in a way, he's a hero to the heroes. He's there to make sure that whatever hero that comes to him has the best gear possible and a way to mitigate any potential drawbacks of their quirks.
He's kept records on all the pro heroes ever since he could write, knows their strengths and weaknesses like the back of his hand. Especially Shouto, he's gotten to watch him grow up, knows the way he fights- reading Shouto is as easy to him as breathing. It's not much of a jump for him to learn how to develop useful gear.
Today is the day the results came in. Shoucchan got in on recommendation, but he had to sit there and take the written and practical- the written is the same as the hero's but the practical was completely different. After all, he had to make something.
He takes a deep breath before he rips it open- and the video message confirms that he really has gotten into U.A. plays.
Right after telling his mother, he's calling up his best friend, it's late and he's honestly a little terrified of Endeavor otherwise he would have just run over.]
Shoucchan, I did it! I really made it into U.A.!
[ It had been a passing comment. Shouto was always going to go to Yuuei, with or without his father's name carrying his weight even if he didn't want it to. But he'd been trying to think of ways to bring Izuku with him, somehow, because it wasn't fair that someone with a hero's heart was told he couldn't be a hero. And then he'd thought of the support tech that was sent to his father, trying to get endorsements for their products with a man who looked down on them.
But Midoriya Izuku, he's brilliant and kind and heroic. He'd be able to spin circles around someone like Endeavor, who saw no use in support tech. His notes - taken for years and years in an attempt to study - on heroes will come in handy, especially when juxtaposed with the information he's got filed away on villains, too. What will work, what won't. What will help.
Even before he gets his recommendation letter to UA, Shouto knows that he'll gladly and proudly showcase that hard work, should his childhood friend present him with tech. After all, he's about the only thing that's kept him from sliding down the slippery slope of resentment that he carries every day for his father. It's there, but held at bay.
So he waits with bated right alongside the Midoriya family, even if he keeps hush hush about it around home. Only his mother and Fuyumi know about Izuku's plans.
And, now, they come to fruition. ]
I knew you would. [ Simple and confident. But he's curious - ] What did you wind up sending in?
But Midoriya Izuku, he's brilliant and kind and heroic. He'd be able to spin circles around someone like Endeavor, who saw no use in support tech. His notes - taken for years and years in an attempt to study - on heroes will come in handy, especially when juxtaposed with the information he's got filed away on villains, too. What will work, what won't. What will help.
Even before he gets his recommendation letter to UA, Shouto knows that he'll gladly and proudly showcase that hard work, should his childhood friend present him with tech. After all, he's about the only thing that's kept him from sliding down the slippery slope of resentment that he carries every day for his father. It's there, but held at bay.
So he waits with bated right alongside the Midoriya family, even if he keeps hush hush about it around home. Only his mother and Fuyumi know about Izuku's plans.
And, now, they come to fruition. ]
I knew you would. [ Simple and confident. But he's curious - ] What did you wind up sending in?
[Izuku's been working in this shrine for most of his twenty years of life. It's been handed down for generations and generations and once he's old enough it'll be his to take care of. For now though, he's just in charge of keeping it neat and clean.
This particular shrine is one for the goddess Inari- which seems to suit it well enough in his books. After all, they're right at the edge of farmland. It's exactly where it needs to be, and Inari seems to bless the farms that leave her tokens. He's proud to serve his shrine, even if it's not the most glamorous job.
It's in the middle of the day, while he's sweeping off the steps that he hears the sharp, pained howl of a fox.
Which is unusual, did somebody set out traps for them? Foxes are supposedly Inari's messengers, most people know that so why would they want to hurt them...? He only worries about it for a moment before dropping his broom where he was and looking for the presumably trapped fox.]
[ Ever since he was young, Shouto's mother would tell him about the blessings that Inari would bestow upon the people that followed her, that worshipped her and gave her offerings. With her fur as white as snow, she often would deliver these gifts and messages in Inari's stead, weaving through the shrine and crops and making appearances to bring hope and lift their spirits. The crops flourished, and everything was good.
Until his father, of course. A small part of him, even now, years and years and years later, feels some measure of responsibility for the poor crops that came from their marriage, when the honeymoon period was over and the effects of his father's presence did more harm than good. So he's spent quite some time, since his father's departure from the shrine, trying to mend things where his mother can no longer.
... of course, the job is a little harder sometimes due to human interference.
The kannushi and miko aren't much trouble, and help a great deal when it comes to tending the shrine and helping with prayers. Things that he can't have a hand in. But there are trappers, both just looking for a quick buck and seeking out the supernatural, that are dangerous.
Which is how Shouto's found himself in a trap, one that he can't melt with foxfire. The metal teeth dig into his leg, and the pain is almost excruciating, but he still tries to free himself, all six of his tails lashing. Between these two things, he doesn't notice that there's someone coming. ]
Until his father, of course. A small part of him, even now, years and years and years later, feels some measure of responsibility for the poor crops that came from their marriage, when the honeymoon period was over and the effects of his father's presence did more harm than good. So he's spent quite some time, since his father's departure from the shrine, trying to mend things where his mother can no longer.
... of course, the job is a little harder sometimes due to human interference.
The kannushi and miko aren't much trouble, and help a great deal when it comes to tending the shrine and helping with prayers. Things that he can't have a hand in. But there are trappers, both just looking for a quick buck and seeking out the supernatural, that are dangerous.
Which is how Shouto's found himself in a trap, one that he can't melt with foxfire. The metal teeth dig into his leg, and the pain is almost excruciating, but he still tries to free himself, all six of his tails lashing. Between these two things, he doesn't notice that there's someone coming. ]
[The Todoroki clan rules over a small chunk of Japan, they've only come into power recently but bit by bit their influence is growing. Perhaps its their youngest son's quirk and potential that makes other rulers second guess themselves, making an enemy of the Todoroki clan seems unwise when they hold the power of flames and ice at their command.
Izuku is hardly so distinguished, he's a taikomochi, available for conversations, dancing, music- anything an entertainer was needed for, Izuku could do. (Other than warming people's beds.) But his most prized position was at Shouto's side in a battle, discussing military strategies well past midnight.
Over the year he's been employed, they've managed a warm kind of camaraderie, and Izuku is sure there's no one else he'd rather work for. Shouto's kinder than he seems, unlike his father, who's petty and ruthless. A few times he's seen the current daimyo burn peace treaties and Izuku just had to bite his tongue. A few times he's snapped at his own son, and Izuku would just step to Shouto's side, a steady presence, an attempt to remind him his father was wrong.
Tonight he's in Shouto's room, setting up some tea and snacks. Nothing quite as elaborate as a tea ceremony, but a soft reminder that Izuku is here for him.]
Shouto-sama, please try not to dwell on your father.
[As difficult as Shouto's face might be to read for most, Izuku's spent plenty of time trying to decipher it. And that face, a bit sour, a bit bitter- that's the face when Shouto's thinking of his father.]
Izuku is hardly so distinguished, he's a taikomochi, available for conversations, dancing, music- anything an entertainer was needed for, Izuku could do. (Other than warming people's beds.) But his most prized position was at Shouto's side in a battle, discussing military strategies well past midnight.
Over the year he's been employed, they've managed a warm kind of camaraderie, and Izuku is sure there's no one else he'd rather work for. Shouto's kinder than he seems, unlike his father, who's petty and ruthless. A few times he's seen the current daimyo burn peace treaties and Izuku just had to bite his tongue. A few times he's snapped at his own son, and Izuku would just step to Shouto's side, a steady presence, an attempt to remind him his father was wrong.
Tonight he's in Shouto's room, setting up some tea and snacks. Nothing quite as elaborate as a tea ceremony, but a soft reminder that Izuku is here for him.]
Shouto-sama, please try not to dwell on your father.
[As difficult as Shouto's face might be to read for most, Izuku's spent plenty of time trying to decipher it. And that face, a bit sour, a bit bitter- that's the face when Shouto's thinking of his father.]
[ Growing up the daimyo's son, Shouto has grown up under the same iron fist that Todoroki Enji has used on the very lands that he's come to seize. Bit by bit, he's watched him extend their reach ever since he was young, and in recent years he's been the very instrument that's caused them to get so far. There are people that will stand up to his father, to him, but there are very few that come out of it without suffering repercussions.
The other rulers around them learned very quickly that if they didn't bow to him, if they didn't endeavor to reach his high standards and follow every wish he had, they would suffer greatly.
His mother had, after all. His father'd essentially made an example of her, after the incident that'd left him scarred. But it'd also made an enemy out of his own son, as Shouto resists every command that is issued to him. Now, even moreso, with a constant reminder that there's better things - better people - out there than his father and the people that are under his command, happy to follow orders and laugh when they watch the peace treaties go up in flames.
Much like Shouto feels he's about to, now, until Izuku's familiar voice draws him back from that sharp edge of anger.
He reaches over and pinches the singed material of his dobuku, cooling it and keeping it from actually catching fire. His temper is easier to manage with Izuku around, he finds, but sometimes it still rears its head, causing him some manner of trouble. The agitation he feels is real, though. And much harder to cool, even as he turns again to look at the taikomochi that's become his companion in the past year.
Breathing out a stream of steam, he moves to drop down and take a seat. It might not be a tea ceremony, but he appreciates the gesture more than he knows how to express. ]
It's hard not to, when the bastard goes out of his way to ruin every alliance we could possibly have when they won't bow down to what he wants.
The other rulers around them learned very quickly that if they didn't bow to him, if they didn't endeavor to reach his high standards and follow every wish he had, they would suffer greatly.
His mother had, after all. His father'd essentially made an example of her, after the incident that'd left him scarred. But it'd also made an enemy out of his own son, as Shouto resists every command that is issued to him. Now, even moreso, with a constant reminder that there's better things - better people - out there than his father and the people that are under his command, happy to follow orders and laugh when they watch the peace treaties go up in flames.
Much like Shouto feels he's about to, now, until Izuku's familiar voice draws him back from that sharp edge of anger.
He reaches over and pinches the singed material of his dobuku, cooling it and keeping it from actually catching fire. His temper is easier to manage with Izuku around, he finds, but sometimes it still rears its head, causing him some manner of trouble. The agitation he feels is real, though. And much harder to cool, even as he turns again to look at the taikomochi that's become his companion in the past year.
Breathing out a stream of steam, he moves to drop down and take a seat. It might not be a tea ceremony, but he appreciates the gesture more than he knows how to express. ]
It's hard not to, when the bastard goes out of his way to ruin every alliance we could possibly have when they won't bow down to what he wants.
[She's heard of these, of course. Even before she met Todoroki, she knew about them. She was also sure she was never going to be a canidate for one of these, since she was well, quirkless. Nobody married somebody for their quirkless nature. Their personality, maybe.
But she ended up with One for All, and for all intents and purposes it looks just like a genetic quirk. Which is probably the root of the reason that she's somehow ended up engaged to Todoroki after the sports festival.
She doesn't even like Endeavor, but she hasn't shared that with her mother, busy as things tended to be at school. She likes Todoroki, even as awkward as she tends to be around most guys, he's surprisingly easy to talk to. But she's also sixteen and she's fairly confident in saying the only thing she's committed herself to is her studies. Marriage hasn't been in her plans.
It's not until they move into the dorms that she receives the formal letter of her (as far as she knows under negotiated) engagement. Does Todoroki even know about this? Did his father go behind his back to get this approved?
It looks so formal she's probably bound to it by law. If it's about heroics, she knows it down to the finest detail-- but if it's outside of her scope, like wedding laws, she's woefully uninformed.
She stands in front of Todoroki's door, letter in her hand. She's looking at it with trepidation before managing to gather up her courage and knocking.]
Todoroki-san?
But she ended up with One for All, and for all intents and purposes it looks just like a genetic quirk. Which is probably the root of the reason that she's somehow ended up engaged to Todoroki after the sports festival.
She doesn't even like Endeavor, but she hasn't shared that with her mother, busy as things tended to be at school. She likes Todoroki, even as awkward as she tends to be around most guys, he's surprisingly easy to talk to. But she's also sixteen and she's fairly confident in saying the only thing she's committed herself to is her studies. Marriage hasn't been in her plans.
It's not until they move into the dorms that she receives the formal letter of her (as far as she knows under negotiated) engagement. Does Todoroki even know about this? Did his father go behind his back to get this approved?
It looks so formal she's probably bound to it by law. If it's about heroics, she knows it down to the finest detail-- but if it's outside of her scope, like wedding laws, she's woefully uninformed.
She stands in front of Todoroki's door, letter in her hand. She's looking at it with trepidation before managing to gather up her courage and knocking.]
Todoroki-san?
[ Considering the fact he's his father's "masterpiece," Shouto has always had the suspicion that he'd wind up having to shoot down the idea of a quirk marriage. It'd broken his mother in ways that would never truly mend, and his family is in disaray despite what the great Endeavor would tell you. Now that he's the number one hero, though, even if it's not the way he wanted it to happen... he just assumed that he would lose interest in the thought, for a while.
Apparently not.
When he hears the knock, and that familiar voice, he pushes himself up from where he's been lounging on his floor. (Let their dormmates say what they want, his room is comfortable with the mats.)
There's no hesitation in him to answer, not when Midoriya is the person that he talks to the most out of everyone in his class. Leaning in the doorway, casual and calm compared to how he would've been before the sports festival, he blinks down at her. ]
Something wrong? [ Because if there's anyone that wears their heart on their sleeve, making them easy to read, it's her. When something's up, all it really takes for Shouto to realize that is a look, and he's immediately on point. ]
Apparently not.
When he hears the knock, and that familiar voice, he pushes himself up from where he's been lounging on his floor. (Let their dormmates say what they want, his room is comfortable with the mats.)
There's no hesitation in him to answer, not when Midoriya is the person that he talks to the most out of everyone in his class. Leaning in the doorway, casual and calm compared to how he would've been before the sports festival, he blinks down at her. ]
Something wrong? [ Because if there's anyone that wears their heart on their sleeve, making them easy to read, it's her. When something's up, all it really takes for Shouto to realize that is a look, and he's immediately on point. ]
[Midoriya Izuku has always wanted to be a hero. The world had other things in mind. The first strike against him was being quirkless. It's definitely not true that all men are created equal, not in a world like theirs. Even then he would have kept waiting, wishing, hoping that somehow he could become a hero, quirkless or not.
The second, and most damning, was getting kidnapped by a villain organization. He's weaker than them, with their quirks, and him with no fight training. If he was the only person they were threatening, then he wouldn't have minded going against their wishes, no matter the punishment. Injury? Loss of limb? Potential death? He wouldn't have minded, this is so far away from the person he wanted to be.
But it isn't just him they have on lock. They have his mother and if he doesn't comply with their every whim, they say they'll kill her. There's no better motivator for him, even as he feels absolutely sick to his stomach at their requests.
Here he is again, fighting a newly minted hero, injure him until he's no longer a threat, they've ordered. He knows of Todorki, he's watched the U.A. sports festival every year, has never stopped admiring them. When it comes to his "job" this is the part he hates most.
He's already beaten up for failing to injure the last hero to the severity they asked. A black eye, some bruises, bandages on his arms to cover the cuts they've subjected him to as punishment. It's fine, the thinks. It's fine just as long as his mother is fine.
But he's been pinned by ice, his sickle blade clattered to the pavement long ago. Todoroki is stronger than he is, faster, better trained. (Of course he is, he went to U.A., his first year's showing was so impressive it was burned into Izuku's memories.)
He looks up at Todoroki, tired as hell, worried, tears pricking at his eyes.]
I can't-- Please, Shouto. My mother-
[It's hard to think with the biting cold of ice on his bare skin.]
The second, and most damning, was getting kidnapped by a villain organization. He's weaker than them, with their quirks, and him with no fight training. If he was the only person they were threatening, then he wouldn't have minded going against their wishes, no matter the punishment. Injury? Loss of limb? Potential death? He wouldn't have minded, this is so far away from the person he wanted to be.
But it isn't just him they have on lock. They have his mother and if he doesn't comply with their every whim, they say they'll kill her. There's no better motivator for him, even as he feels absolutely sick to his stomach at their requests.
Here he is again, fighting a newly minted hero, injure him until he's no longer a threat, they've ordered. He knows of Todorki, he's watched the U.A. sports festival every year, has never stopped admiring them. When it comes to his "job" this is the part he hates most.
He's already beaten up for failing to injure the last hero to the severity they asked. A black eye, some bruises, bandages on his arms to cover the cuts they've subjected him to as punishment. It's fine, the thinks. It's fine just as long as his mother is fine.
But he's been pinned by ice, his sickle blade clattered to the pavement long ago. Todoroki is stronger than he is, faster, better trained. (Of course he is, he went to U.A., his first year's showing was so impressive it was burned into Izuku's memories.)
He looks up at Todoroki, tired as hell, worried, tears pricking at his eyes.]
I can't-- Please, Shouto. My mother-
[It's hard to think with the biting cold of ice on his bare skin.]
[ With Endeavor as his father, there was no doubt in the hero community that he would rise in the ranks the moment that he hit Yuuei. Going there had just spurred him forward faster, left him making a name for himself in a way that started to leave his father behind. True, it'd taken him a long time to accept the part of him that came from Endeavor - his third year at school, to be exact - but he's a hero that's making headlines on his own, now.
So that means there are people out for blood. His father's enemies fixate on him, thinking he'll be a weak link in the chain for Endeavor. He earns his own as he fights them, stopping petty crimes and bigger without hesitation or remorse. They'll definitely say that he's more merciful than his father, but it's not by much, only tempered by the thought of his sister, of his mother, who he's been working on mending his relationship with now that he's stepped out of the looming shadow of the man that hurt them both.
When he's targeted, this time, Shouto of course puts up a fight. But every second of it, for all the ice and fire that he uses, there's never any sign of the supposed villain's quirk. Quirkless crime isn't exactly uncommon, but for someone that would go after a Todoroki to, well, go after a Todoroki to be quirkless...
He wants to know the motivation, there.
He gets it.
My mother.
Shouto stops, his hand reached out. My mother. He's met plenty of villains that have said things, given him crocodile tears, in some vain attempt to get him to stop from taking them in. But this time, there's something real, genuine, in the plea. In the tears.
His fingers twitch, and his hand lowers, but he doesn't decrease the ice. There's still plenty of wariness telling him to be logical. ]
What about your mother. [ Not a question - a quiet demand, really, but there's none of the coldness of his ice in the bluntness of his voice. ]
So that means there are people out for blood. His father's enemies fixate on him, thinking he'll be a weak link in the chain for Endeavor. He earns his own as he fights them, stopping petty crimes and bigger without hesitation or remorse. They'll definitely say that he's more merciful than his father, but it's not by much, only tempered by the thought of his sister, of his mother, who he's been working on mending his relationship with now that he's stepped out of the looming shadow of the man that hurt them both.
When he's targeted, this time, Shouto of course puts up a fight. But every second of it, for all the ice and fire that he uses, there's never any sign of the supposed villain's quirk. Quirkless crime isn't exactly uncommon, but for someone that would go after a Todoroki to, well, go after a Todoroki to be quirkless...
He wants to know the motivation, there.
He gets it.
My mother.
Shouto stops, his hand reached out. My mother. He's met plenty of villains that have said things, given him crocodile tears, in some vain attempt to get him to stop from taking them in. But this time, there's something real, genuine, in the plea. In the tears.
His fingers twitch, and his hand lowers, but he doesn't decrease the ice. There's still plenty of wariness telling him to be logical. ]
What about your mother. [ Not a question - a quiet demand, really, but there's none of the coldness of his ice in the bluntness of his voice. ]
[Izuku's new to the idol scene, but as far as he can tell, he's been carving out a niche for himself. He's not great at this yet, but he's putting in his all. Izuku throws his entire being into something he's passionate about, and is is no exception. He often comes home exhausted from dance practice. At least talking to his small fanbase is refreshing, whenever he gets the chance.
He ended up in the business because of his childhood idol, All Might. Though, admittedly, he has a very different kind of appeal. He's fairly certain somebody called him light and fluffy at least twice. As... as long as he's being talked about positively, he supposes?
Still, his label's pulled some strings and managed to get him prime booking- as long as he performs a song with Todoroki Shouto. The Todoroki Shouto, the person who glares down cameras. It's intimidating, but it would be a big step for him.
He can do this! He looks over the lyric sheet again, "Mattete Ai no Uta"? It's a love song, a longing love song. It seems a little more like him than Todoroki, but he was the one who sent it. At least, Izuku's pretty sure about that.
Izuku takes a breath before knocking on the dance studio hall's door and pushing it open.]
He ended up in the business because of his childhood idol, All Might. Though, admittedly, he has a very different kind of appeal. He's fairly certain somebody called him light and fluffy at least twice. As... as long as he's being talked about positively, he supposes?
Still, his label's pulled some strings and managed to get him prime booking- as long as he performs a song with Todoroki Shouto. The Todoroki Shouto, the person who glares down cameras. It's intimidating, but it would be a big step for him.
He can do this! He looks over the lyric sheet again, "Mattete Ai no Uta"? It's a love song, a longing love song. It seems a little more like him than Todoroki, but he was the one who sent it. At least, Izuku's pretty sure about that.
Izuku takes a breath before knocking on the dance studio hall's door and pushing it open.]
Edited 2016-09-01 00:07 (UTC)
[ The life of an idol is certainly an... interesting one. The Todorokis aren't any strangers to show business - his parents met because his mother was a musician and his father was... well, Endeavor. He figures that alone speaks volumes of his heritage and how entrenched he is in all this.
But it'd be easy for him to say that he hates it, on a regular basis. Not enough to leave it - he loves it, also, enjoys the performing aspect and the creative one, the outlet where he can sing and dance. But he doesn't like the media, and he's not particularly fond of his father's iron fist, but he's come up with ways to rebel against that and make his own name for himself.
Which is why this is happening, probably.
Shouto looks up from where he's seated on the floor, his bicolored hair held off his forehead by a thin, elastic headband. He's meant to be practicing right now, and while he did do his warmups and a quick run through, he'd slipped away to grab a drink and scroll through his phone. People usually leave him alone when he isolates himself to a corner, especially when he's near an entrance - he's been known in recent months to just up and leave, sometimes, with an exasperated sigh.
(Fuyumi's been trying to get him to work on his temper. She's claimed more than once that she's certain he's steamed in the past, so. Walk away, instead of say what comes to mind.
It only works sometimes.)
Taking a drink from his sports bottle, he looks Midoriya up and down, before lowering it so he can speak. ]
You're the new guy.
But it'd be easy for him to say that he hates it, on a regular basis. Not enough to leave it - he loves it, also, enjoys the performing aspect and the creative one, the outlet where he can sing and dance. But he doesn't like the media, and he's not particularly fond of his father's iron fist, but he's come up with ways to rebel against that and make his own name for himself.
Which is why this is happening, probably.
Shouto looks up from where he's seated on the floor, his bicolored hair held off his forehead by a thin, elastic headband. He's meant to be practicing right now, and while he did do his warmups and a quick run through, he'd slipped away to grab a drink and scroll through his phone. People usually leave him alone when he isolates himself to a corner, especially when he's near an entrance - he's been known in recent months to just up and leave, sometimes, with an exasperated sigh.
(Fuyumi's been trying to get him to work on his temper. She's claimed more than once that she's certain he's steamed in the past, so. Walk away, instead of say what comes to mind.
It only works sometimes.)
Taking a drink from his sports bottle, he looks Midoriya up and down, before lowering it so he can speak. ]
You're the new guy.
[ When Souma had set off on his journey, after his father's stories and lessons all had come to an end, years and years after they started, he wasn't quite sure what to expect. But the one thing that he's mastered over the course of his own life is the art of just going with the flow. Whatever happens, happens, and he can turn a bad situation into a favorable one through sheer determination and a cool head.
The tasks he takes on are difficult, but he lives for the challenge. His opponents are skilled, but he learns from his fights and competitions with them. He meets new and interesting people everywhere he goes, gains a few favors with them and makes new enemies out of others. It's great. He's been living for his quest, waiting for the chance to take it on.
So, you know. Of course he finds himself at an impasse? And at first, the swordsman apparently sent to stop him from advancing any further is another challenge that he has to defeat.
But then their fight gets fun. Souma always enjoys a good fight, especially since it'll sharpen and hone him just as much as it'll wear on his sword, but this one is... different. And he has to back off when he nearly gets his head taken off, as he's distracted by the realization just as much as he is the sharp blue eyes that keep staring him down. He manages to duck in time, but not without a casualty that... at least... isn't his own head. He already has a scar from a similar situation, for stupider reasons. He doesn't need another one.
He pulls his kasa off, now that it's been nearly cleaved in two, letting it fall to the ground. ] I liked that hat...
The tasks he takes on are difficult, but he lives for the challenge. His opponents are skilled, but he learns from his fights and competitions with them. He meets new and interesting people everywhere he goes, gains a few favors with them and makes new enemies out of others. It's great. He's been living for his quest, waiting for the chance to take it on.
So, you know. Of course he finds himself at an impasse? And at first, the swordsman apparently sent to stop him from advancing any further is another challenge that he has to defeat.
But then their fight gets fun. Souma always enjoys a good fight, especially since it'll sharpen and hone him just as much as it'll wear on his sword, but this one is... different. And he has to back off when he nearly gets his head taken off, as he's distracted by the realization just as much as he is the sharp blue eyes that keep staring him down. He manages to duck in time, but not without a casualty that... at least... isn't his own head. He already has a scar from a similar situation, for stupider reasons. He doesn't need another one.
He pulls his kasa off, now that it's been nearly cleaved in two, letting it fall to the ground. ] I liked that hat...
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