[ Reaching up, Shouto feels the edges of his scar, blue eye closing for a second before he looks back up at Izuku. There's a lot ahead of them, but - the smaller clans at the borders of their lands, and his mother's so far north of them. That's a lot, to start with. ]
Having a clan with ice related quirks would help us, in the long run. Especially one with a purpose, and a direct connection in the fight.
[ That question brings the reality of this to the forefront, and Shouto almost wants to take back the entire plan. It'll be lonely, and he's going to find himself looking to the side and seeing empty space rather than earnest green eyes meeting him in sync.
But in the end, they both know what's to come with this task they've taken up. ]
Tomorrow would probably be for the best. No one will wonder where you've gone until you've come back.
[He'll miss Shouto, miss being that constant presence at his side. But for Shouto to succeed, this is necessary, and he's already started to mentally prepare himself for the temporary separation.
He just hopes nothing happens to his friend while he's away.]
Yes, Shouto-sama. Then shall I begin to prepare?
[Should he go now, or does Shouto want him for just a little longer before they part ways?]
[ Considering he's his father's greatest weapon, Shouto knows that nothing damaging will happen to him. But that's not to say that nothing will happen to him. What concerns him most is something happening to Izuku, should someone realize what they're doing.
But he has the utmost faith in him. Quirk or not, he's capable. Skilled. He believes in him.
He's quiet for a second, then: ] We should at least finish the tea, first.
[He gives Shouto a small smile and a nod. At least they have tonight before Izuku's gone. It's nice to know that they both want tonight to last just that little bit longer.]
Of course.
[He picks his cup back up and takes another careful sip, it's cooled off quite a bit after their discussion.
Izuku takes the time to look over Shouto, the man he'd do anything for. He'll miss these nights while he's gone, but he's promised to come back. He's sure they'll resume once he's back.]
[ If he has anything to say about it, their quiet nights and long talks will resume the moment that Izuku returns. After all, he'll have a lot to report, and Shouto's certain that he'll have seen things on his journey. He's been outside of the cage he calls home, but it's always been on his father's leash.
He wants to know about the world that he's trying to build alliances with. The state of things, unbiased by Endeavor.
He looks down at his tea, scrunching his nose. ]
No one's going to be able to make this right while you're away. [ It's a soft joke, but also true. No one makes tea the way Shouto likes - the way Izuku makes it. ]
[There's a small smile, it's true, and they both know it.]
It's unfortunate, isn't it?
[He kind of likes that though- being the only person to know Shouto's likes. It comes from being at his side for a year, a lot of trial and error before figuring out how to steep the tea just so.]
Please look forward to my return. [It's perhaps a bit forward to ask him, after all, he's the one who's agreed to leave.]
It is. I'll miss it. [ I'll miss you. The words don't come out, not right away, because what if that's a line that shouldn't be crossed? Todoroki Shouto is not a superstitious man, but he won't risk jinxing this mission before it even begins.
Won't risk Izuku.
But he straightens up when he asks that of him, and everything in his expression in sincere, even as his voice remains its usual even keel. Some things are worth risking. ] Every day that you're away, Midoriya.
I'll miss making it. [I'll miss you. The thoughts are mirrored all the same, even without them saying the words to each other. A buried promise in the words, Shouto is the only person he'll make tea for.
When he says those words, every day, there's a certain feeling of contentedness. Shouto cares about him- he knows, of course. But hearing the words... he ducks his head down as he takes another sip of his tea.]
[ There's no questioning that they both care about one another. Shouto is certain that if Izuku didn't, he would simply have left. It confuses him, frequently, to think that someone cares about him and his wellbeing, about helping him fight against the tyrant that calls himself his father. His sister loves him, and he knows this, but they're in this together.
Midoriya Izuku could leave at any moment, find safety with another daimyo, could go wherever he pleased with a clever mind and a caring nature, quirkless or not.
He stays by Shouto's side. He puts himself at risk to help him.
He doesn't want him to leave, but some things are necessary no matter how reluctant you are to let them happen. ]
I'll look forward to it. You'll have to tell me about everything you see, between here and the north.
[There is nothing in this world or any other that could make Izuku turn from Shouto's side. Not when he knows how lonely he is, when he's seen Shouto's caring side, the way he's locked up in a cage of a castle. He's taken it upon himself to be Shouto's friend, his partner, soldier, companion- anything Izuku could do for him, he wants to do.]
Of course. I'll be sure to keep a record, I won't forget anything.
[He'll leave for the beginning of a rebellion, but a part of him wants to stay. But... this is for Shouto, for him to be safe- leaving him for a month is a small sacrifice.]
[ A month is barely much time, in the grand scheme, and yet already Shouto feels like it's forever. His first real friend, his trusted confidant, his constant companion - gone for a month, at least. But he'll swallow it down and do what he can, on his end, despite the restrictions he has without Izuku there.
Strange, how he can't move as freely when he's alone. One would think it'd be easier, but not so in a world run by Todoroki Enji. ]
Even without a record, I'm sure you could recite everything from memory. You've never failed to impress me with just how much knowledge you've accumulated.
[He flushes pink, even all this time, he's not used to being praised like that. Of his skills as a taikomochi, sure- he's worked hard for those. There's no denying that he's great at all aspects of his job.
But to be praised for something that's just him- that's rare, that's to be treasured.]
[ It's strangely easy to smile, at least a little, when Izuku blushes like that. He can't help it - it's so endearing, so genuine and real, compared to all of the fake people that surround him in his father's fortress. Izuku, himself, is so genuine and real. Clever, brave, sweet Izuku.
Shouto shakes his head, focus directly on him, eyes keen. ]
[Warmth spreads through him at the words. Shouto really does like him, they're friends and if they can rely on each other...
Izuku will do everything he can to make sure Shouto never has to take those words back. He won't let him down in this mission or the next. He's thought so highly of for being a simple entertainer- turned more with this conversation.
[ With a small tilt of his head, Shouto sets his tea down and laces his fingers together, dropping them in his lap. The contrast between his sides is only obvious to him when he does this, because he's just so used to the way his quirk is, and it's - grounding. Which helps him think about what he wants to say, how he wants to say it. He either turns words and emotions over in his head until he has them down to the bare bones, something he can easily put into words, or he says the first thing that pops into his head.
For Izuku, for this, he wants the words to carry weight, meaning. He wants him to know just how much he means to him, as someone that he trusts and cares for. ]
I should be thanking you. For believing in me, and staying by my side through all of this. For going where I can't.
Izuku meant every word when he said anything. Whatever request, whatever mission, anything Shouto could ask of him Izuku would do to the best of his ability. He's seen the way Shouto's been used by his father, like he's nothing more than a weapon- like he isn't a person and each and every time he's had to bite his tongue or risk getting thrown out of Shouto's service.
If Shouto's going to be treated like this, at the very least he can have a friend by his side. With this request, he's turning from a friend and entertainer into a piece of the game of daimyo. Just as long as Shouto's guiding his moves he's certain he's in good hands.]
Someone should. [Believe in him. Stay at his side. Move where he can't.] If there's any way I can help you, I want to.
His mother did, when he was a child. She tried to shelter him from Endeavor as best she could, when she suffered through a great deal of the abuses that he did, too. She was a tool in her husband's plans as much as her son still is, and she was cast aside when she'd broken. Shouto wants to protect her, now, though he has no idea where to start considering he can't seek her out while he has Endeavor's eyes following him everywhere.
But Izuku can come and go. He doesn't want him to, doesn't want to feel his absence like that, but he'll do it, he'll weather through it. Because it'll mean that they're one step closer to a life without the tyrant that rules over them from every shadow.
It's going to be a dangerous game. He'll have to think over his moves more than he does his words, to ensure that every piece can return safely - but Izuku, most of all. His most treasured piece, his partner in all of this. ]
I know. [ He squeezes his fingers where they're laced together. ] You do every day, Midoriya.
[Nobody keeps eyes on a lowly entertainer. He's a piece that's free to move as he wishes. There are very few people in the kingdom, let alone in Japan that would suspect much from his class. It's better this way, it's easier to come and go as he needs.
What Izuku wants and what Shouto needs are two separate things, and he's been willing to accept that ever since they became friends. Shouto's needs are always going to be put above his own desires, a decision he's never shared with anyone, but he hopes it's obvious enough in his willingness to serve.
He hears his name and he thinks, it's fine to call me Izuku, we're close, aren't we? A full year of Izuku standing at Shouto's side during all the times Endeavor's burnt a peace treaty. Izuku slowly learning just the way Shouto liked his tea and their companionable late night talks. But perhaps he's being too presumptuous. Maybe it's a closeness Shouto can't afford to acknowledge just yet.]
I'll continue to help you, whatever you ask.
[Another promise. Whatever happens, he'll be back to Shouto's side.]
[ Closeness means having something he can lose. And he's realized, in recent days weeks months, that Izuku is someone that he doesn't want to lose. This is why he struggles with sending him away to forge the alliances that he himself can't, to spread word that there's someone inside of Todoroki Enji's forces that wants to usurp him and free the people that he's supposed to be protecting, aiding, helping to grow.
Izuku might be an entertainer, but he's also more than that. He's the one person that can do this and it's because of who he is. The things he can do. And what he means to Shouto, himself.
He looks up at him from under his bangs, before lifting his head up properly. If you could stay, I'd ask that. If we could run away, I'd ask that.
[There are some things in life that no matter of wishing can change. Izuku is a kindhearted commoner, with no quirk and no status to fall back upon, just the skills he's trained. Shouto is the future daimyo of the Todoroki clan with a powerful quirk, and of high ranking status. But between them both they make an effective team. They have what the other doesn't, freedom to cages, power to skill.
There's no scenario where they could successfully run away. If they want this, they fight for it, a slow but steady rebellion by gathering up allies. And hopefully when all of this is done, Izuku gets to once again stand at Shouto's side as an ever steady presence.]
I will.
[It's a promise he fully intends to keep. Whatever happens, by the end of this month he'll be at Shouto's side once again.]
[ Running... running isn't an option, despite the illusion the mere concept grants. Just leaving all of his problems behind. The problem is that Shouto was bred to forget the concept of running away, to disregard it. Battle was all that mattered. Is, all that matters. But it's more than that now. In the past year, he's been reminded of what he wanted to be.
And that's a hero to the people, the way the daimyo is meant to be beneath he shogun's power. They fight for those that can't. They provide for those that need it.
So that's where they stand, now. And for as appealing the idea is, Shouto won't run. He'll send Izuku out into the world, and he'll build his side of the board up piece by piece. There will be no more burnt treaties. ]
[Izuku doesn't have his upbringing weighing him down the way Shouto does. He doesn't have a responsibility to people under his care- his one and only loyalty rests in the hands of Todoroki Shouto and he trusts him entirely. The man who is kind and heroic and just- that is man Izuku's pledged his life and loyalty to.
He gazes at Shouto for a long moment. This man who he's come to love after a year of working at his side, and quietly pledges that he'll never become someone Shouto loses. Slowly, silently, he'll become something more valuable, an unassuming pawn into a queen- a piece that can move where his king cannot.]
You'll be the first person I see when I return, Shouto-sama.
[ If this could be easier, Shouto isn't sure if he'd want it to be. Would things be the same, if they were? Would he be the same person he is now? Would he have become like his father, known Izuku, come to this decision, become the weapon he was bred to be? He doesn't know. Has no way of knowing. This is his life, this is his path. He'd gotten lost, before, but here he is, now. Out of the darkness and at the edge of the light.
And he looks at the source right across from him. The piece that earns him ground every day, and is willing to do so much more for his sake. ]
Then we'd best send you on your way, so that you'll return sooner. [ With an alliance, ideally, but to have him back at all is enough for a selfish part of his heart. He has to remind it of their mission, their plan, the one they must ensure will come to fruition. ]
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Having a clan with ice related quirks would help us, in the long run. Especially one with a purpose, and a direct connection in the fight.
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Yes. If they'd ally with you, you'd have a strong backing.
[Because as much help as Izuku is, he's not tied to any strong clans.]
Shall I set out tomorrow?
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But in the end, they both know what's to come with this task they've taken up. ]
Tomorrow would probably be for the best. No one will wonder where you've gone until you've come back.
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He just hopes nothing happens to his friend while he's away.]
Yes, Shouto-sama. Then shall I begin to prepare?
[Should he go now, or does Shouto want him for just a little longer before they part ways?]
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But he has the utmost faith in him. Quirk or not, he's capable. Skilled. He believes in him.
He's quiet for a second, then: ] We should at least finish the tea, first.
[ Shouto wants him for just a little longer. ]
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Of course.
[He picks his cup back up and takes another careful sip, it's cooled off quite a bit after their discussion.
Izuku takes the time to look over Shouto, the man he'd do anything for. He'll miss these nights while he's gone, but he's promised to come back. He's sure they'll resume once he's back.]
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He wants to know about the world that he's trying to build alliances with. The state of things, unbiased by Endeavor.
He looks down at his tea, scrunching his nose. ]
No one's going to be able to make this right while you're away. [ It's a soft joke, but also true. No one makes tea the way Shouto likes - the way Izuku makes it. ]
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It's unfortunate, isn't it?
[He kind of likes that though- being the only person to know Shouto's likes. It comes from being at his side for a year, a lot of trial and error before figuring out how to steep the tea just so.]
Please look forward to my return. [It's perhaps a bit forward to ask him, after all, he's the one who's agreed to leave.]
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Won't risk Izuku.
But he straightens up when he asks that of him, and everything in his expression in sincere, even as his voice remains its usual even keel. Some things are worth risking. ] Every day that you're away, Midoriya.
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When he says those words, every day, there's a certain feeling of contentedness. Shouto cares about him- he knows, of course. But hearing the words... he ducks his head down as he takes another sip of his tea.]
I'll make tea as soon as I get back.
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Midoriya Izuku could leave at any moment, find safety with another daimyo, could go wherever he pleased with a clever mind and a caring nature, quirkless or not.
He stays by Shouto's side. He puts himself at risk to help him.
He doesn't want him to leave, but some things are necessary no matter how reluctant you are to let them happen. ]
I'll look forward to it. You'll have to tell me about everything you see, between here and the north.
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Of course. I'll be sure to keep a record, I won't forget anything.
[He'll leave for the beginning of a rebellion, but a part of him wants to stay. But... this is for Shouto, for him to be safe- leaving him for a month is a small sacrifice.]
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Strange, how he can't move as freely when he's alone. One would think it'd be easier, but not so in a world run by Todoroki Enji. ]
Even without a record, I'm sure you could recite everything from memory. You've never failed to impress me with just how much knowledge you've accumulated.
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But to be praised for something that's just him- that's rare, that's to be treasured.]
Then I won't start letting you down.
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Shouto shakes his head, focus directly on him, eyes keen. ]
I know you won't. [ Ever. ]
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Izuku will do everything he can to make sure Shouto never has to take those words back. He won't let him down in this mission or the next. He's thought so highly of for being a simple entertainer- turned more with this conversation.
He bows his head down, smiling softly.]
Thank you for believing in me, Shouto-sama.
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For Izuku, for this, he wants the words to carry weight, meaning. He wants him to know just how much he means to him, as someone that he trusts and cares for. ]
I should be thanking you. For believing in me, and staying by my side through all of this. For going where I can't.
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Izuku meant every word when he said anything. Whatever request, whatever mission, anything Shouto could ask of him Izuku would do to the best of his ability. He's seen the way Shouto's been used by his father, like he's nothing more than a weapon- like he isn't a person and each and every time he's had to bite his tongue or risk getting thrown out of Shouto's service.
If Shouto's going to be treated like this, at the very least he can have a friend by his side. With this request, he's turning from a friend and entertainer into a piece of the game of daimyo. Just as long as Shouto's guiding his moves he's certain he's in good hands.]
Someone should. [Believe in him. Stay at his side. Move where he can't.] If there's any way I can help you, I want to.
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His mother did, when he was a child. She tried to shelter him from Endeavor as best she could, when she suffered through a great deal of the abuses that he did, too. She was a tool in her husband's plans as much as her son still is, and she was cast aside when she'd broken. Shouto wants to protect her, now, though he has no idea where to start considering he can't seek her out while he has Endeavor's eyes following him everywhere.
But Izuku can come and go. He doesn't want him to, doesn't want to feel his absence like that, but he'll do it, he'll weather through it. Because it'll mean that they're one step closer to a life without the tyrant that rules over them from every shadow.
It's going to be a dangerous game. He'll have to think over his moves more than he does his words, to ensure that every piece can return safely - but Izuku, most of all. His most treasured piece, his partner in all of this. ]
I know. [ He squeezes his fingers where they're laced together. ] You do every day, Midoriya.
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What Izuku wants and what Shouto needs are two separate things, and he's been willing to accept that ever since they became friends. Shouto's needs are always going to be put above his own desires, a decision he's never shared with anyone, but he hopes it's obvious enough in his willingness to serve.
He hears his name and he thinks, it's fine to call me Izuku, we're close, aren't we? A full year of Izuku standing at Shouto's side during all the times Endeavor's burnt a peace treaty. Izuku slowly learning just the way Shouto liked his tea and their companionable late night talks. But perhaps he's being too presumptuous. Maybe it's a closeness Shouto can't afford to acknowledge just yet.]
I'll continue to help you, whatever you ask.
[Another promise. Whatever happens, he'll be back to Shouto's side.]
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Izuku might be an entertainer, but he's also more than that. He's the one person that can do this and it's because of who he is. The things he can do. And what he means to Shouto, himself.
He looks up at him from under his bangs, before lifting his head up properly. If you could stay, I'd ask that. If we could run away, I'd ask that.
There's much he can't ask of him. ]
Come back. [ But this, he'll let himself have. ]
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There's no scenario where they could successfully run away. If they want this, they fight for it, a slow but steady rebellion by gathering up allies. And hopefully when all of this is done, Izuku gets to once again stand at Shouto's side as an ever steady presence.]
I will.
[It's a promise he fully intends to keep. Whatever happens, by the end of this month he'll be at Shouto's side once again.]
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And that's a hero to the people, the way the daimyo is meant to be beneath he shogun's power. They fight for those that can't. They provide for those that need it.
So that's where they stand, now. And for as appealing the idea is, Shouto won't run. He'll send Izuku out into the world, and he'll build his side of the board up piece by piece. There will be no more burnt treaties. ]
That's all I want, then.
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He gazes at Shouto for a long moment. This man who he's come to love after a year of working at his side, and quietly pledges that he'll never become someone Shouto loses. Slowly, silently, he'll become something more valuable, an unassuming pawn into a queen- a piece that can move where his king cannot.]
You'll be the first person I see when I return, Shouto-sama.
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And he looks at the source right across from him. The piece that earns him ground every day, and is willing to do so much more for his sake. ]
Then we'd best send you on your way, so that you'll return sooner. [ With an alliance, ideally, but to have him back at all is enough for a selfish part of his heart. He has to remind it of their mission, their plan, the one they must ensure will come to fruition. ]
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you!!!
THIS IS THE HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY
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