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[Midoriya "Deku" Izuku has been in the MMA fights for six full years, retiring at age 28, her record ending at 14 wins 1 loss and 0 draws. Her trainer? All Might, the legend of the male MMA world before retiring to train her. She's in the lightweight division, and she's an absolute terror in the ring. Every move of hers quick, deliberate and effective, a calculated strategy behind each and every one of her encounters. Often it seems like she knows her opponents better than they know themselves. The moment her opponents hit the mat, they're done for.
Except for her one loss. It was brutal, a crushed bone, a surgery, and being cautioned to stop doing the sport she loved so much. She heads their words to stop doing professional fights, but she can't just walk away when she's spent so long pouring herself into this.
Luckily plenty of people know her name, and the fact she relied on a mix of pure power and strategy in the ring. She's well sought after, and the person at the top of the bidding list is Todoroki Shouto. She notes the name, as in Endeavor's son?
Well, an offer is an offer, so she goes. Her own style is a mix of Kickboxing, Judo, Muay Thai and wrestling, with a heavy, heavy emphasis on grappling. After all, her wins were generally submissions. Her strikes are painful when they land, knowing just where to hit for the maximum efficiency. She might not be doing it professionally anymore, but it's clear her skills haven't deteriorated a bit.
It's been three months of this and she can see the improvement in Shouto. He's planning ahead, his quick, decisive nature is still there, but he's rounding himself out, picking up on her grappling and adapting it for himself.
Still, she's the one who's got him pinned to the floor today- like most days. And as always she's perfectly comfortable talking to him while he's stuck in an arm bar.]
Good job, Todoroki-kun. You've learned a lot haven't you?
Except for her one loss. It was brutal, a crushed bone, a surgery, and being cautioned to stop doing the sport she loved so much. She heads their words to stop doing professional fights, but she can't just walk away when she's spent so long pouring herself into this.
Luckily plenty of people know her name, and the fact she relied on a mix of pure power and strategy in the ring. She's well sought after, and the person at the top of the bidding list is Todoroki Shouto. She notes the name, as in Endeavor's son?
Well, an offer is an offer, so she goes. Her own style is a mix of Kickboxing, Judo, Muay Thai and wrestling, with a heavy, heavy emphasis on grappling. After all, her wins were generally submissions. Her strikes are painful when they land, knowing just where to hit for the maximum efficiency. She might not be doing it professionally anymore, but it's clear her skills haven't deteriorated a bit.
It's been three months of this and she can see the improvement in Shouto. He's planning ahead, his quick, decisive nature is still there, but he's rounding himself out, picking up on her grappling and adapting it for himself.
Still, she's the one who's got him pinned to the floor today- like most days. And as always she's perfectly comfortable talking to him while he's stuck in an arm bar.]
Good job, Todoroki-kun. You've learned a lot haven't you?
[ Some days, Shouto thinks it's unfortunate that even MMA isn't a co-ed competition, because they never met in the ring when they were closer in weight classes. Not properly. On one hand, it's good - because Endeavor would have been even more ruthless in his training and Shouto knows it, what with "Deku" being All Might's technical successor. But on the other hand, he would have wanted to fight her when she was at her prime. She regularly pins him down now, he can only imagine how it'd go if they were going at this seriously.
Not that their training isn't serious, given how these sessions tend to go. There isn't much of a point in him going to the gym on the days they meet, because this is a workout all on its own.
And unlike most people, especially his fellow fighters in the heavyweight class, Shouto is generally placid when Izuku pins him. The first couple of times he'd gone wide-eyed when his center of gravity shifted and the world seemed to tilt on its axis, but nowadays he just accepts his lot in life and settles in to catch his breath while they talk before he either breaks free, turns the tables, or taps out.
He flexes his wrist where she's holding it, testing how good the grip is. (It's great, as always.) ]
I'm still figuring out how to better incorporate your grappling techniques into my arsenal, but it's better than what it used to be. [ He's a fast, efficient fighter, but Endeavor hates ground fighting and grappling as a whole, so he never thought to train Shouto in it. Counter attacks to avoid it? Sure, but not actual grappling.
He knows why, looking at All Might and Izuku. But that's what makes this even better. Todoroki Shouto, after training all of his life in a limited field of styles, is brutal in speed and power, with a keen eye for defense - both his own and his opponents' - but has been looking for some means of rebellion for years now, taking every opportunity he can to spite his father and ex-coach. The best opportunity came in the form of Izuku's retirement from the fights, something that'd slap his father in the face and get Shouto what he wanted: someone that can fill in the blanks in his fighting style.
What he did not anticipate was friendship, though. The past three months have given him what he wanted, but also something he needed. ]
That took longer than last week, though.
Not that their training isn't serious, given how these sessions tend to go. There isn't much of a point in him going to the gym on the days they meet, because this is a workout all on its own.
And unlike most people, especially his fellow fighters in the heavyweight class, Shouto is generally placid when Izuku pins him. The first couple of times he'd gone wide-eyed when his center of gravity shifted and the world seemed to tilt on its axis, but nowadays he just accepts his lot in life and settles in to catch his breath while they talk before he either breaks free, turns the tables, or taps out.
He flexes his wrist where she's holding it, testing how good the grip is. (It's great, as always.) ]
I'm still figuring out how to better incorporate your grappling techniques into my arsenal, but it's better than what it used to be. [ He's a fast, efficient fighter, but Endeavor hates ground fighting and grappling as a whole, so he never thought to train Shouto in it. Counter attacks to avoid it? Sure, but not actual grappling.
He knows why, looking at All Might and Izuku. But that's what makes this even better. Todoroki Shouto, after training all of his life in a limited field of styles, is brutal in speed and power, with a keen eye for defense - both his own and his opponents' - but has been looking for some means of rebellion for years now, taking every opportunity he can to spite his father and ex-coach. The best opportunity came in the form of Izuku's retirement from the fights, something that'd slap his father in the face and get Shouto what he wanted: someone that can fill in the blanks in his fighting style.
What he did not anticipate was friendship, though. The past three months have given him what he wanted, but also something he needed. ]
That took longer than last week, though.
[Izuku was in the right place at the right time. Shouto might be his best friend be he'll always, always want to be a hero. And one day Shouto goes home early, Izuku lingers behind, gets bullied a bit- has his notes thrown into the koi pond.
He picks them up, he thinks about how much he wants to be a hero. Maybe, maybe through some sort of miracle he'll get in. Then he gets attacked by slime, All Might saves him- he learns about All Might. Said slime goes after another host- some boy with an explosion type quirk. He's sure that's the reason all these buildings are on fire.
Izuku goes after him, of course he does. He may not have a quirk, but he's got a hero's heart. His actions spur All Might into action- saving the both of them.
He doesn't see the boy again, but he sees All Might. All Might that says he can be a hero, and of course he accepts. This is his life long dream of course he'll take it. He does the training regiment and 'improves' upon it. He needs to work harder if he's going to catch up to everybody else.
Except he's half asleep every time he gets to class, looking completely overworked. By lunch he's yawning into his hand and almost asleep on his bento. It's been going on for weeks now.]
He picks them up, he thinks about how much he wants to be a hero. Maybe, maybe through some sort of miracle he'll get in. Then he gets attacked by slime, All Might saves him- he learns about All Might. Said slime goes after another host- some boy with an explosion type quirk. He's sure that's the reason all these buildings are on fire.
Izuku goes after him, of course he does. He may not have a quirk, but he's got a hero's heart. His actions spur All Might into action- saving the both of them.
He doesn't see the boy again, but he sees All Might. All Might that says he can be a hero, and of course he accepts. This is his life long dream of course he'll take it. He does the training regiment and 'improves' upon it. He needs to work harder if he's going to catch up to everybody else.
Except he's half asleep every time he gets to class, looking completely overworked. By lunch he's yawning into his hand and almost asleep on his bento. It's been going on for weeks now.]
[ Shouto is a naturally observant person. It's not to the same degree as Izuku, who frequently catalogues things, even goes so far as to write them down, but it's analytical all the same. He's quiet, around other people, when he doesn't have anything to contribute in his oftentimes brutally honest way. It allows for him to assess things.
But there's one person he's always keeping an eye on. After having met when they were younger, when Izuku spoke to him about All Might and becoming a hero, he's always kept an eye on his best friend. After all, he's also his only friend, really. And he wants them to become heroes together, even as Izuku's quirk never manifests.
So he sits there with his chopsticks halfway to his mouth, staring at Izuku as his head bobs every now and then, his yawns get bigger and bigger, the exhaustion sets in on him.
Without hesitating, he reaches over with his chopsticks and pokes him in the cheek with them. ]
But there's one person he's always keeping an eye on. After having met when they were younger, when Izuku spoke to him about All Might and becoming a hero, he's always kept an eye on his best friend. After all, he's also his only friend, really. And he wants them to become heroes together, even as Izuku's quirk never manifests.
So he sits there with his chopsticks halfway to his mouth, staring at Izuku as his head bobs every now and then, his yawns get bigger and bigger, the exhaustion sets in on him.
Without hesitating, he reaches over with his chopsticks and pokes him in the cheek with them. ]
[X
It feels like lately they haven't actually had that much time to actually train in their hero skills. Between the training camp and rescuing Bakugou from All for One- it's been a hectic few weeks.
But now they've finally got time to hone them, to really train them! To make their very own signature moves! He can't deny he's excited once he's gotten his suit upgraded and knows what direction he should be taking.
It's also why he doesn't notice the letter in his hood until he's switching out for his usual school uniform.]
... A heart? Oh- Uh...? A love letter?!
[He'll look at it- no name on the outside, but he doesn't think anybody would have left it in his hood if it wasn't for him.
So he'll pry it open, pulling the letter free.]
It feels like lately they haven't actually had that much time to actually train in their hero skills. Between the training camp and rescuing Bakugou from All for One- it's been a hectic few weeks.
But now they've finally got time to hone them, to really train them! To make their very own signature moves! He can't deny he's excited once he's gotten his suit upgraded and knows what direction he should be taking.
It's also why he doesn't notice the letter in his hood until he's switching out for his usual school uniform.]
... A heart? Oh- Uh...? A love letter?!
[He'll look at it- no name on the outside, but he doesn't think anybody would have left it in his hood if it wasn't for him.
So he'll pry it open, pulling the letter free.]
[X
Izuku's father got a raise and in response, they've moved up to a bigger house. She still doesn't see him, she knows he's busy. She has her mom and even if she's not exactly on the fast track of becoming a hero, at least she does well enough for herself, she, more or less.
And then she sees the kid from the neighboring house, bruised, battered and beaten and she can't just leave him alone.
She rushes over-]
Y-You need to go to a hospital! Right now!
Izuku's father got a raise and in response, they've moved up to a bigger house. She still doesn't see him, she knows he's busy. She has her mom and even if she's not exactly on the fast track of becoming a hero, at least she does well enough for herself, she, more or less.
And then she sees the kid from the neighboring house, bruised, battered and beaten and she can't just leave him alone.
She rushes over-]
Y-You need to go to a hospital! Right now!
[ There's no shortage of people in their neighborhood, even with their house being one of the biggest in the area. But people either turn a blind eye, or don't realize what's happening in their own communities a lot of the time. His mother is sent away, and no one knows why, except that the youngest son of the Flame Hero Endeavor has been hurt. But he's always hurt, it seems like, and no one thinks to question it. Boys will be boys, getting in trouble and skinning their knees. After all, his older brothers are always getting into scuffles, bruised and scratched up and having the times of their life. Why not the youngest boy, too?
On his best days, that could probably be a viable excuse.
On the worst days, though, are like the ones where the new neighbor sees him.
Shouto blinks his visible eye at her, a dark bruise making him look like a panda with an eyepatch. He brings a hand up, swiping his thumb under his nose to check and see if it's still bleeding - it is - before he shrugs his shoulder. Only one, though. He's trying not to disturb his other arm that much. ]
I never get taken to the hospital. We usually have a doctor come by, since my father pays them.
On his best days, that could probably be a viable excuse.
On the worst days, though, are like the ones where the new neighbor sees him.
Shouto blinks his visible eye at her, a dark bruise making him look like a panda with an eyepatch. He brings a hand up, swiping his thumb under his nose to check and see if it's still bleeding - it is - before he shrugs his shoulder. Only one, though. He's trying not to disturb his other arm that much. ]
I never get taken to the hospital. We usually have a doctor come by, since my father pays them.
[X
X
He was tiny, and as far as the military was concerned he wasn't allowed to join. He's got a laundry list of illnesses that denies him entry into the army, no matter how much he wanted to join. His best friend in the entire world is Todoroki Shouto, his next door neighbor- He enlisted.
Then Izuku ran into somebody one fateful day, said how much he didn't like bullies, and then he was suddenly in boot training. Apparently a perfect fit for whatever serum they created. Tied down to the table, and getting injected by it. The serum caused excruciating pain, but he grit his teeth and dealt with it for the chance of maybe really becoming the protector he had always wanted to be.
At first they didn't let him onto the field, he was a precious commodity after all. The only remnants of the One for All serum resided in his blood, and having him fall into enemy hands would be disastrous.
But then they sent him out to go entertain the actual troops, sent to Shoucchan's division and he isn't there. He goes for permission to go get Todoroki, but gets denied.
Shoucchan is Shoucchan. If Izuku has a chance to go get him, he is going, authority's blessing or not. Luckily for him, he's made friends with one of the women in charge, and she's willing to help him.
He manages it, getting Shoucchan and the rest of the prisoners out of the prison. Once they're safely out, Izuku's clinging to him and crying into his shoulder out of pure relief. His best friend is okay, he's not dead, he's real and solid and Izuku can still embrace him.]
X
He was tiny, and as far as the military was concerned he wasn't allowed to join. He's got a laundry list of illnesses that denies him entry into the army, no matter how much he wanted to join. His best friend in the entire world is Todoroki Shouto, his next door neighbor- He enlisted.
Then Izuku ran into somebody one fateful day, said how much he didn't like bullies, and then he was suddenly in boot training. Apparently a perfect fit for whatever serum they created. Tied down to the table, and getting injected by it. The serum caused excruciating pain, but he grit his teeth and dealt with it for the chance of maybe really becoming the protector he had always wanted to be.
At first they didn't let him onto the field, he was a precious commodity after all. The only remnants of the One for All serum resided in his blood, and having him fall into enemy hands would be disastrous.
But then they sent him out to go entertain the actual troops, sent to Shoucchan's division and he isn't there. He goes for permission to go get Todoroki, but gets denied.
Shoucchan is Shoucchan. If Izuku has a chance to go get him, he is going, authority's blessing or not. Luckily for him, he's made friends with one of the women in charge, and she's willing to help him.
He manages it, getting Shoucchan and the rest of the prisoners out of the prison. Once they're safely out, Izuku's clinging to him and crying into his shoulder out of pure relief. His best friend is okay, he's not dead, he's real and solid and Izuku can still embrace him.]
[ While he was growing up, he'd always had the dream of helping people. Of doing good in the world. It was only intensified by knowing Midoriya Izuku, who was frail and sick but full of fight anyways, wanting to help the world and then some, wanting to do good and ready for whatever it took. And instead of mocking him, like others did, he became fiercely protective.
But instead of staying, like he should have considered doing more than he did, he enlisted when the call to arms went out. Shouto has to wonder if things would have been different, if they'd both stayed. If Izuku hadn't found a means of getting into the war effort.
Well, doesn't matter now.
And Shouto can say, without a doubt, that he's thankful he came. Thankful that his friend doesn't take no, you can't for an answer. Because he doesn't know what would have happened to him, strapped down against his will and poked and prodded, cut and burned and effectively tortured, if Izuku hadn't come for him, saved him and the others with him.
When there's no risk of being captured, of being taken back, Shouto lets Izuku cling onto him like a bur. The tears don't register right away, not until he feels a wetness in his shoulder and hears him, but when he realizes what's happening - his mind is so fuzzy, he's so tired, but so, so relieved - he brings his arms up to wrap around his friend. Without hesitation, he slumps forward into him, dropping his face down into his thick hair and breathing deeply as he squeezes around his shoulders tight. ]
But instead of staying, like he should have considered doing more than he did, he enlisted when the call to arms went out. Shouto has to wonder if things would have been different, if they'd both stayed. If Izuku hadn't found a means of getting into the war effort.
Well, doesn't matter now.
And Shouto can say, without a doubt, that he's thankful he came. Thankful that his friend doesn't take no, you can't for an answer. Because he doesn't know what would have happened to him, strapped down against his will and poked and prodded, cut and burned and effectively tortured, if Izuku hadn't come for him, saved him and the others with him.
When there's no risk of being captured, of being taken back, Shouto lets Izuku cling onto him like a bur. The tears don't register right away, not until he feels a wetness in his shoulder and hears him, but when he realizes what's happening - his mind is so fuzzy, he's so tired, but so, so relieved - he brings his arms up to wrap around his friend. Without hesitation, he slumps forward into him, dropping his face down into his thick hair and breathing deeply as he squeezes around his shoulders tight. ]
[It's not often he gets a lot of time off for himself. He's usually needed for this or that, asked to go undercover, bring back information from this man or this company. He's great at what he does. Sure he's no super powered mutant or some kid with a radioactive spider bite, but he's skilled, and SHIELD knows what an asset he is.
Which is why he's finally getting a month of vacation time. Nothing seems to have blown up recently, the villains have more or less been dealt with- and he's free to go do whatever he'd like.
So he's in America, driving through the desert roads. When suddenly somebody crash lands from the sky onto the ground. Whatever or whoever it is, Izuku can't leave alone. He goes, rushes to the crater in the ground and- that's definitely a man.
He takes a moment to look up at the sky before jumping into the crater and settling himself on the man's stomach. He probably can't go anywhere with Izuku serving as a weight.]
Where did you come from and what are you here to do?
[Who knows if he can even speak any language on Earth?
RIP vacation.]
Which is why he's finally getting a month of vacation time. Nothing seems to have blown up recently, the villains have more or less been dealt with- and he's free to go do whatever he'd like.
So he's in America, driving through the desert roads. When suddenly somebody crash lands from the sky onto the ground. Whatever or whoever it is, Izuku can't leave alone. He goes, rushes to the crater in the ground and- that's definitely a man.
He takes a moment to look up at the sky before jumping into the crater and settling himself on the man's stomach. He probably can't go anywhere with Izuku serving as a weight.]
Where did you come from and what are you here to do?
[Who knows if he can even speak any language on Earth?
RIP vacation.]
[ When you hear someone's run away from home, you probably expect some kid looking to join the circus, dirty knees and watery eyes and a determined wobble to their chin. They can't go back, they won't go back.
In this case, it's... a little overdue, honestly. And a lot further away than the circus.
Shouto's not entirely sure where Yaoyorozu sends him, though he knows that she sends him as far as she possibly can, as fast as she can, to get him away from his father before he tries to use him to decimate a civilization that's done nothing more than breathe in his general direction. He's tired of being his weapon, of doing what he wants to further his conquest, his legacy. So what better way to spite him than to go to the very civilization he's trying to smite out of existence and warn them? Maybe even side with them against the "hero" Endeavor?
Which is how he's found himself with a random person sitting on him, in a crater, disoriented and confused. But he blearily looks up at them - they're asking him questions. Yaoyorozu tried to prime him for Earth languages, but it takes him a second to really switch over mentally. He did just crash into the middle of nowhere. ]
Yuuei. [ He brings a hand up to rub at his head, dropping it back into the ground with a dull thump and a soft groan. ] The second question will take longer to answer.
In this case, it's... a little overdue, honestly. And a lot further away than the circus.
Shouto's not entirely sure where Yaoyorozu sends him, though he knows that she sends him as far as she possibly can, as fast as she can, to get him away from his father before he tries to use him to decimate a civilization that's done nothing more than breathe in his general direction. He's tired of being his weapon, of doing what he wants to further his conquest, his legacy. So what better way to spite him than to go to the very civilization he's trying to smite out of existence and warn them? Maybe even side with them against the "hero" Endeavor?
Which is how he's found himself with a random person sitting on him, in a crater, disoriented and confused. But he blearily looks up at them - they're asking him questions. Yaoyorozu tried to prime him for Earth languages, but it takes him a second to really switch over mentally. He did just crash into the middle of nowhere. ]
Yuuei. [ He brings a hand up to rub at his head, dropping it back into the ground with a dull thump and a soft groan. ] The second question will take longer to answer.
[Izuku died during the incident with Muscular.
Luckily for him he doesn't remember, but he's also not entirely sure where he is. Actually, it seems as though the only thing he remembers is his name and that he's dead- so that's something. Though every time he thinks about being dead there's a certain amount of dread.
It makes enough sense, who wants to remember how they died? Should he just stay here until somebody gets him...? Is somebody going to show up for him? Nobody's really explained anything.]
Luckily for him he doesn't remember, but he's also not entirely sure where he is. Actually, it seems as though the only thing he remembers is his name and that he's dead- so that's something. Though every time he thinks about being dead there's a certain amount of dread.
It makes enough sense, who wants to remember how they died? Should he just stay here until somebody gets him...? Is somebody going to show up for him? Nobody's really explained anything.]
[ When he's told that he has a shinki waiting for him, Shouto isn't entirely sure what to anticipate. He's been given the basic rundown of everything, of what he's meant to be doing here, of what it means for him, but the idea of using someone else as a weapon... it doesn't sit well with him. He thinks of his father, of how he was meant to be Endeavor's tool for his legacy, and he doesn't -
He doesn't want to repeat that.
But when he's given the name of his shinki, it feels like his right side has overtaken him, his blood going cold and leaving everything frigid in him. It takes a while for him to really feel ready to come and get him, but he forces himself to, if only because it's not fair to make him wait without any answers.
So he - all he can do is stare at him, when he sees familiar, curly hair, easy to spot when you're seeking it out.
Shouto takes a deep breath, and then he approaches. ] Midoriya?
He doesn't want to repeat that.
But when he's given the name of his shinki, it feels like his right side has overtaken him, his blood going cold and leaving everything frigid in him. It takes a while for him to really feel ready to come and get him, but he forces himself to, if only because it's not fair to make him wait without any answers.
So he - all he can do is stare at him, when he sees familiar, curly hair, easy to spot when you're seeking it out.
Shouto takes a deep breath, and then he approaches. ] Midoriya?
[He's an established hero, for that matter, everybody in his graduating class is now. He isn't the only one who settled into becoming a teacher, Shouto's there too.
He finds he actually likes teaching, he likes helping students realize their potential and hone their skills into becoming great heroes.
Unfortunately, he's also a ball of stress at the beginning of the school year- he always is, without fail. What is he stressed about? All the things that could possibly go wrong this school year, starting with failing to teach his students anything of value to what if they have another villain incident. Never mind that hasn't happened in literal years, if it happened once it might happen again.
He can be found in the teacher's lounge in the morning, going through his lesson plans, smiling blankly at the pages as he thinks over all the possible ways this year could end in disaster.]
He finds he actually likes teaching, he likes helping students realize their potential and hone their skills into becoming great heroes.
Unfortunately, he's also a ball of stress at the beginning of the school year- he always is, without fail. What is he stressed about? All the things that could possibly go wrong this school year, starting with failing to teach his students anything of value to what if they have another villain incident. Never mind that hasn't happened in literal years, if it happened once it might happen again.
He can be found in the teacher's lounge in the morning, going through his lesson plans, smiling blankly at the pages as he thinks over all the possible ways this year could end in disaster.]
[ To say that he hadn't expected to go into teaching, even short term like he plans, would have been an understatement. Shouto is bad with the media, bad with most people, but when he was asked to teach some lessons... he sort of fell into it.
Especially when one of his students came into homeroom in the morning looking battered in a way that was all too familiar.
At least he can say he's not as bad as All Might was, even though he tried a great deal. But his kids are all relatively starstruck by him, and hero Deku down the hall. Who is probably going to work himself into a stressed fervor that will give him greys before he's out of his twenties.
So when he doesn't find Midoriya in his classroom - after dropping something off in the top shelf of the podium - Shouto heads for the teacher's lounge. He's capable of approaching him without the other hero looking up, which is... fairly telling of that blank smile.
Reaching out, he taps a finger against the table he's seated at. ] Midoriya.
Especially when one of his students came into homeroom in the morning looking battered in a way that was all too familiar.
At least he can say he's not as bad as All Might was, even though he tried a great deal. But his kids are all relatively starstruck by him, and hero Deku down the hall. Who is probably going to work himself into a stressed fervor that will give him greys before he's out of his twenties.
So when he doesn't find Midoriya in his classroom - after dropping something off in the top shelf of the podium - Shouto heads for the teacher's lounge. He's capable of approaching him without the other hero looking up, which is... fairly telling of that blank smile.
Reaching out, he taps a finger against the table he's seated at. ] Midoriya.
[Heroes don't usually get vacation days, when there's trouble they tend to be called in.
But... this is a little different, isn't it? The heroes Shouto and Deku have finally gotten married, and just about everybody they know have told them to just hole up somewhere for a week and enjoy it.
So they did, booked a hotel far, far away from their work, and on the first day, Izuku's the first one up. It's not surprising, Shouto's not the morning person of the pair. Even so, he can't exactly leave with his husband's arms around him- not that he was planning to.
Izuku just smiles at him with the most love struck expression, gently cupping Shouto's cheek in his hand.]
I love you. [He's probably still asleep, but he can't help wanting to say it.]
But... this is a little different, isn't it? The heroes Shouto and Deku have finally gotten married, and just about everybody they know have told them to just hole up somewhere for a week and enjoy it.
So they did, booked a hotel far, far away from their work, and on the first day, Izuku's the first one up. It's not surprising, Shouto's not the morning person of the pair. Even so, he can't exactly leave with his husband's arms around him- not that he was planning to.
Izuku just smiles at him with the most love struck expression, gently cupping Shouto's cheek in his hand.]
I love you. [He's probably still asleep, but he can't help wanting to say it.]
[ Heroes don't tend to have very private personal lives, what with the villains cropping up at all hours, and the media twice as persistent as them. But they've been one of the favorite couples for the media, mostly because of how prolific they are as heroes.
Wedding plans were tricky for both these reasons. So was the whole vacation thing. But with a nondescript hotel, and a week to themselves, he's looking forward to the honeymoon. No news, no phones, no villains. Just them.
And a lot of sleeping in.
Shouto lets out a small, sleepy noise, snuffling a little even as he nuzzles into Izuku's hand. It's all instinctive, and so is the way he hooks his arm around him a little tighter.
Yeah, he's not awake, but the feeling's mutual. ]
Wedding plans were tricky for both these reasons. So was the whole vacation thing. But with a nondescript hotel, and a week to themselves, he's looking forward to the honeymoon. No news, no phones, no villains. Just them.
And a lot of sleeping in.
Shouto lets out a small, sleepy noise, snuffling a little even as he nuzzles into Izuku's hand. It's all instinctive, and so is the way he hooks his arm around him a little tighter.
Yeah, he's not awake, but the feeling's mutual. ]
[He's been officially taken in as Todoroki Shouto's familiar, and there's a bond there. It's not strong, not yet, but he can tell that it can become something.
He's heard of the Todoroki family, he's pretty sure every familiar has at some point, a big family of powerful witches. Strong, dedicated- he never thought that their youngest would pick a bunny rabbit like him. And he's nervous, he can't help it.
He's in his witch's hands as he offers a tentative Hello?]
He's heard of the Todoroki family, he's pretty sure every familiar has at some point, a big family of powerful witches. Strong, dedicated- he never thought that their youngest would pick a bunny rabbit like him. And he's nervous, he can't help it.
He's in his witch's hands as he offers a tentative Hello?]
[ When he was told to head to the Sanctuary, his father had said to get a powerful familiar like his. Shouto took one look at Todoroki Enji's regal, smug lion and simply frowned at him before he left. He had to carry on the legacy, as his offspring with the greatest amount of magical potential, but...
Instead of something big, something that dominates the room with sheer size, he picks a dark colored, fluffy tailed rabbit. There are no other familiars he feels even an inkling of a spark with, and a vindictive part of him is looking forward to his father's tantrum. And he's cute, too.
Holding him carefully - Midoriya, they'd said when they'd bemusedly signed them out - he rubs his thumbs along the hinge of his jaw. He hears him. It makes him a little warm, even as he realizes the familiar will feel that. ]
Hey.
Instead of something big, something that dominates the room with sheer size, he picks a dark colored, fluffy tailed rabbit. There are no other familiars he feels even an inkling of a spark with, and a vindictive part of him is looking forward to his father's tantrum. And he's cute, too.
Holding him carefully - Midoriya, they'd said when they'd bemusedly signed them out - he rubs his thumbs along the hinge of his jaw. He hears him. It makes him a little warm, even as he realizes the familiar will feel that. ]
Hey.
[He's been pulled into the human world, hundreds of times before. Nothing about it is pleasant, even when you get used to it. The sudden tug of his essence and suddenly he's in a pentagram in the human world.
He assumes the form of a black panther, letting the smoke billow out as he stalks around the pentacle, it's surprisingly well made, considering the age of the boy who's gone and summoned him, a high level djinn.
The boy... he can't be any older than twelve, he thinks. He's hair's unusual, so is the scar, but what's really unusual when it comes to magicians these days?
He stares him down with unblinking eyes, before taking a swipe, he knows he can't get past the barrier, but there's always something fun about taunting the magician that brings him to Earth instead of leaving him well enough alone.
Who knows? Maybe he's inexperienced enough to stumble out of his pentagon and Izuku can go right back home.]
He assumes the form of a black panther, letting the smoke billow out as he stalks around the pentacle, it's surprisingly well made, considering the age of the boy who's gone and summoned him, a high level djinn.
The boy... he can't be any older than twelve, he thinks. He's hair's unusual, so is the scar, but what's really unusual when it comes to magicians these days?
He stares him down with unblinking eyes, before taking a swipe, he knows he can't get past the barrier, but there's always something fun about taunting the magician that brings him to Earth instead of leaving him well enough alone.
Who knows? Maybe he's inexperienced enough to stumble out of his pentagon and Izuku can go right back home.]
Edited 2016-09-21 05:03 (UTC)
[Izuku's mother had been captured by the beast in the castle. And of course he couldn't let her stay there, his mother is a sweet, little lady who deserves better than being stuck in a castle for the rest of her life for the 'crime' of getting stuck in the woods after dark and needing some shelter.
That's the reason Izuku's arrived, he's hugged his mother told her not to worry about him. And so he steps through the doors of this dreary, drafty, old castle. And he's nervous, of course he is, everybody's heard the tales of the beast in his castle- but he needs to be brave. He needs to live here from here on out.]
H-Hello?
[His voice wavers, even as he tries to stop it.]
That's the reason Izuku's arrived, he's hugged his mother told her not to worry about him. And so he steps through the doors of this dreary, drafty, old castle. And he's nervous, of course he is, everybody's heard the tales of the beast in his castle- but he needs to be brave. He needs to live here from here on out.]
H-Hello?
[His voice wavers, even as he tries to stop it.]
[ When the older woman arrives in his castle, Shouto reacts poorly. After everything he's been through, it's rather difficult for him to process decisions on what to do with intruders. Some are kids, teens, coming in on a dare that travels to nearby cities and towns that border the woods. Others are people who think themselves brave warriors. Others still are just lost travelers.
They're all much the same to him, at this point. His solitude is the only shield he has, really, despite his power being ehat it is. But there's no real desire to hurt these people. Even if he makes very, very poor decisions.
(A part of him remembers his own mother. That's the part that aches when she arrived, and aches when she goes.)
That's why they're here, now. The woman is gone, and probably for the best. But her son replaces her, and Shouto moves along the shadows on all fours, assessing, lion-like tail held aloft to keep it from dragging and giving him away. ]
That was rather selfless.
They're all much the same to him, at this point. His solitude is the only shield he has, really, despite his power being ehat it is. But there's no real desire to hurt these people. Even if he makes very, very poor decisions.
(A part of him remembers his own mother. That's the part that aches when she arrived, and aches when she goes.)
That's why they're here, now. The woman is gone, and probably for the best. But her son replaces her, and Shouto moves along the shadows on all fours, assessing, lion-like tail held aloft to keep it from dragging and giving him away. ]
That was rather selfless.
[Instead of the guy with the sludge quirk, Izuku was taken by Sensei- effectively disappearing from the world. After all, with this many villains gathered up to go fight the heroes, of course they'd need somebody who'd take their injuries for them. It only made sense, after all, they could keep fighting just as long as they weren't injured.
That's how Midoriya Izuku ended up with a quirk pushed onto him. It's useful for the people around him. It's a touch based one, whoever touched him transfers their recent injuries to him.
He's not allowed to go anywhere, he's constantly chained to the bar, and constantly in some state of injured. The bullets that Shigaraki took- he had to deal with them. The knife wounds? Also immediately transferred onto him as soon as Shigaraki could stand.
Still, he believes in heroes. Eventually, one day, somebody will come. He's sure of it.]
That's how Midoriya Izuku ended up with a quirk pushed onto him. It's useful for the people around him. It's a touch based one, whoever touched him transfers their recent injuries to him.
He's not allowed to go anywhere, he's constantly chained to the bar, and constantly in some state of injured. The bullets that Shigaraki took- he had to deal with them. The knife wounds? Also immediately transferred onto him as soon as Shigaraki could stand.
Still, he believes in heroes. Eventually, one day, somebody will come. He's sure of it.]
[ The day comes, by virtue of where they take Bakugou Katsuki.
No one but them would be able to know what they felt when they saw each other again, after months and months and months of a quirkless Deku missing. Emotions were already high as it was, with Kirishima adamant and Todoroki guilty. If he'd just been a little faster, if he'd just reached a little further... the villains wouldn't have taken Bakugou. But they have a plan, and no intentions of fighting the villains while the heroes swoop in to wipe them out.
But Shouto sees someone else, as he and Yaoyorozu are escaping. He sends her on ahead to get help, promising that he'll be careful, and he slips into the wreckage of the bar, low to the ground. He has to move quietly, quickly as he can, to find out if it's someone they can help. If it is, then... they can't leave them behind, either. ]
No one but them would be able to know what they felt when they saw each other again, after months and months and months of a quirkless Deku missing. Emotions were already high as it was, with Kirishima adamant and Todoroki guilty. If he'd just been a little faster, if he'd just reached a little further... the villains wouldn't have taken Bakugou. But they have a plan, and no intentions of fighting the villains while the heroes swoop in to wipe them out.
But Shouto sees someone else, as he and Yaoyorozu are escaping. He sends her on ahead to get help, promising that he'll be careful, and he slips into the wreckage of the bar, low to the ground. He has to move quietly, quickly as he can, to find out if it's someone they can help. If it is, then... they can't leave them behind, either. ]
[A person he's never met in a strange outfit calls out to him, "Izuku!" The city around them seems to ripping apart at the seams, pieces are falling or floating, he can't quite tell which. There's a storm above them as he hears his name again, anguished, despairing-
He wakes up. He forgets.
Midoriya Izuku is possibly the most plain person in the world. He lives in an apartment with his mother and has a few friends. Nothing special, nothing grand. Today is just like any other ordinary day, he picks up the toast his mother set out, hugs her goodbye and runs to Yuuei.
Ordinary.
Ordinary except for a transfer student, red and white hair, gray and blue eyes (everything about the boy is striking). The most unusual part of the day. Yuuei usually doesn't get transfers in at this point of the year.
He's introduced as Todoroki Shouto, and he quickly claims the seat beside Izuku's.]
Um... it's nice to meet you. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
He wakes up. He forgets.
Midoriya Izuku is possibly the most plain person in the world. He lives in an apartment with his mother and has a few friends. Nothing special, nothing grand. Today is just like any other ordinary day, he picks up the toast his mother set out, hugs her goodbye and runs to Yuuei.
Ordinary.
Ordinary except for a transfer student, red and white hair, gray and blue eyes (everything about the boy is striking). The most unusual part of the day. Yuuei usually doesn't get transfers in at this point of the year.
He's introduced as Todoroki Shouto, and he quickly claims the seat beside Izuku's.]
Um... it's nice to meet you. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
[ Shouto keeps track of the loops.
Loop one, he's still excited. Still has hope. He'll do all he can to help Izuku with whatever he needs, he and the others. They'll work together. (Izuku becomes a Witch after Iida dies. Shouto resets.)
Loop two, Shouto contacts Kirishima. Bakugou hates this as much as he hates everything that they do, especially when he tries to tell them all the truth about Witches. Kirishima takes it in stride, Bakugou swears at him, Izuku frets and yet steels his determination. (Bakugou becomes a Witch. Kirishima goes down with him. Izuku lies to him, at the end, and uses a grief seed to purify his soul gem. Tells him to kill him. Shouto does. He resets.)
Loop three, Shouto has already stopped smiling. He fights alone, keeps Izuku from forming a contract with Kyuubey. Things are fine, mostly. He misses Izuku next to him in battle. (He can't defeat the Witch alone. Izuku forms a contract anyways. He becomes an even more powerful, destructive Witch. Shouto resets.)
It continues on, and on, and on like this, and each time Izuku forgets him. And each time, it breaks his heart a little more. Sweet, kind Izuku, who is clever and brave and giving, who befriends him every single timeline, who puts his life on the line every timeline, so that the world can live on when he does not. And Shouto - Shouto can't stand that thought.
So he resets, in some vain hope that he can give Midoriya Izuku a happier ending. One where the world is as bright and warm as he is, without him having to pay the ultimate price. Even if it means that Shouto suffers, watches the one person he loves most look at him like a stranger - ]
Nice to meet you. I'll... be sure to do that.
[ - again, and again, and again. ]
Loop one, he's still excited. Still has hope. He'll do all he can to help Izuku with whatever he needs, he and the others. They'll work together. (Izuku becomes a Witch after Iida dies. Shouto resets.)
Loop two, Shouto contacts Kirishima. Bakugou hates this as much as he hates everything that they do, especially when he tries to tell them all the truth about Witches. Kirishima takes it in stride, Bakugou swears at him, Izuku frets and yet steels his determination. (Bakugou becomes a Witch. Kirishima goes down with him. Izuku lies to him, at the end, and uses a grief seed to purify his soul gem. Tells him to kill him. Shouto does. He resets.)
Loop three, Shouto has already stopped smiling. He fights alone, keeps Izuku from forming a contract with Kyuubey. Things are fine, mostly. He misses Izuku next to him in battle. (He can't defeat the Witch alone. Izuku forms a contract anyways. He becomes an even more powerful, destructive Witch. Shouto resets.)
It continues on, and on, and on like this, and each time Izuku forgets him. And each time, it breaks his heart a little more. Sweet, kind Izuku, who is clever and brave and giving, who befriends him every single timeline, who puts his life on the line every timeline, so that the world can live on when he does not. And Shouto - Shouto can't stand that thought.
So he resets, in some vain hope that he can give Midoriya Izuku a happier ending. One where the world is as bright and warm as he is, without him having to pay the ultimate price. Even if it means that Shouto suffers, watches the one person he loves most look at him like a stranger - ]
Nice to meet you. I'll... be sure to do that.
[ - again, and again, and again. ]
Edited 2016-09-27 08:20 (UTC)
[X
It's midnight when Izuku finally leaves the college library, a few new books on myths had come in and they were just too tempting to leave alone.
There's no evidence of anything supernatural, of course, but Izuku had been drawn in by the myths and legends ever since he was a child. As for himself, he's a pure blooded human just as far as he can tell. It's not like he wants to become a creature of the night, exactly, but there's a certain dangerous allure and well... his life is pretty ordinary. If he did come across a werewolf of a vampire he could help them somehow- without dying, maybe.]
It's midnight when Izuku finally leaves the college library, a few new books on myths had come in and they were just too tempting to leave alone.
There's no evidence of anything supernatural, of course, but Izuku had been drawn in by the myths and legends ever since he was a child. As for himself, he's a pure blooded human just as far as he can tell. It's not like he wants to become a creature of the night, exactly, but there's a certain dangerous allure and well... his life is pretty ordinary. If he did come across a werewolf of a vampire he could help them somehow- without dying, maybe.]
[ Nighttime is the only real time that Shouto can actually do anything. Dusk to dawn is the generally acceptable time for vampires, sure, but come midnight is when it's guaranteed safe to be out, the number of people dwindling down and the sunlight completely faded. Usually he just ducks out, finds something (or someone) to eat, maybe visits Momo and a few of the others in the community that he knows, but...
Other times, he just wanders. Like tonight.
Which is how he winds up walking into the path of someone. Shouto doesn't even realize it until it's too late, startling and moving so that they don't crash into one another. They still bump, but it's not going to send either of them onto their asses - or, more likely, the other person in question. ]
Other times, he just wanders. Like tonight.
Which is how he winds up walking into the path of someone. Shouto doesn't even realize it until it's too late, startling and moving so that they don't crash into one another. They still bump, but it's not going to send either of them onto their asses - or, more likely, the other person in question. ]
[They're good at their jobs, that much is clear.
Izuku blends very well into the background of whatever mission he's on and nobody's ever managed to realize what a threat he is. That is until he's got his thighs wrapped around their throats and has them begging for mercy and willing to give any information he could request. Plain but effective, that's practically his tag line.
And now they're being send on a honeymoon cruise, act like you're married they said. You're good actors, they said. There's been some information of a villain and his wife going on a cruise. You two are the ones in the best age bracket to go and gather information.
They have no idea what they're asking Izuku to do. He's been in love with Shouto since the first time they worked together. It's was a rush job, they barely knew each other back then. But they worked together splendidly, skills complimenting and making up for each other's gaps.
Okay Izuku, this isn't that hard. Just be a professional about it. That's probably how Shouto sees it too. It's just a job, just an undercover mission. There's nothing more to this. At all. No way.
Which is why he's intertwining his right hand's fingers in Shouto's left, and giving him the most love struck smile he can. (It's too easy, he means it too much.) He doesn't let go as they get shuffled through the line to board the ship.]
Ready for the rest of our lives together?
Izuku blends very well into the background of whatever mission he's on and nobody's ever managed to realize what a threat he is. That is until he's got his thighs wrapped around their throats and has them begging for mercy and willing to give any information he could request. Plain but effective, that's practically his tag line.
And now they're being send on a honeymoon cruise, act like you're married they said. You're good actors, they said. There's been some information of a villain and his wife going on a cruise. You two are the ones in the best age bracket to go and gather information.
They have no idea what they're asking Izuku to do. He's been in love with Shouto since the first time they worked together. It's was a rush job, they barely knew each other back then. But they worked together splendidly, skills complimenting and making up for each other's gaps.
Okay Izuku, this isn't that hard. Just be a professional about it. That's probably how Shouto sees it too. It's just a job, just an undercover mission. There's nothing more to this. At all. No way.
Which is why he's intertwining his right hand's fingers in Shouto's left, and giving him the most love struck smile he can. (It's too easy, he means it too much.) He doesn't let go as they get shuffled through the line to board the ship.]
Ready for the rest of our lives together?
[ Where Izuku is perfect for blending in, Shouto was practically designed to stand out. He's striking, visible, but he makes that work in his favor rather than letting it be a cause for concern. He's vicious and efficient, quick. Ruthless. Sometimes he'll disguise himself, but he's found that just being himself is effective enough.
Especially if he has Izuku there as his partner on an assignment.
Like now.
But after that first time together, back to back and side by side, it had been a slow realization that he had feelings for the other spy. At first he hadn't been sure what to call them, what they meant, but after some self assessment and contemplation, he'd managed to figure it out. And he'd been doomed, because they work together so well that they find themselves on assignment together fairly frequently.
"Congratulations on your status as a newlywed," Yaoyorozu had said to him, smiling sympathetically despite her teasing. Easy for her to say, Momo doesn't have to deal with this kind of shit because of her position in the tech and design department.
At least he can say that he is a good actor. His resting face is constantly neutral, even when he's out of his element, so this is... fine. It's fine.
His fingers flex when Izuku laces their hands together, but it's to adjust for the touch, settling into it like a second skin. (This is dangerous already, especially with that smile. It makes one curl a little at the corners of his mouth, too. But Izuku can't know, he won't know - ) ]
So long as you don't get seasick. [ He knows he doesn't. But the newlywed banter, the dry tease - that's natural, and it helps the backstory. ]
Especially if he has Izuku there as his partner on an assignment.
Like now.
But after that first time together, back to back and side by side, it had been a slow realization that he had feelings for the other spy. At first he hadn't been sure what to call them, what they meant, but after some self assessment and contemplation, he'd managed to figure it out. And he'd been doomed, because they work together so well that they find themselves on assignment together fairly frequently.
"Congratulations on your status as a newlywed," Yaoyorozu had said to him, smiling sympathetically despite her teasing. Easy for her to say, Momo doesn't have to deal with this kind of shit because of her position in the tech and design department.
At least he can say that he is a good actor. His resting face is constantly neutral, even when he's out of his element, so this is... fine. It's fine.
His fingers flex when Izuku laces their hands together, but it's to adjust for the touch, settling into it like a second skin. (This is dangerous already, especially with that smile. It makes one curl a little at the corners of his mouth, too. But Izuku can't know, he won't know - ) ]
So long as you don't get seasick. [ He knows he doesn't. But the newlywed banter, the dry tease - that's natural, and it helps the backstory. ]
[It's not that he really wants to learn how to dance. It's that it's become a requirement of the position he's in. Pro heroes get invited to social functions like balls and Izuku, as good of a hero as he is, never learned that.
So in an effort to not completely embarrass himself at the ball he's been invited to in two months, he's enrolled himself in a class. Unfortunately for him, everybody else in the class thought to bring a partner with them. So that leaves him standing awkwardly in front of Todoroki, who's part-time job is apparently this.
He should've researched more carefully. How is he ever going to manage this weekly? He already works with Shouto often enough in their hero careers. At least then he's too distracted with work to think about his growing feelings. Here there's not much to distract him from the attractiveness of his friend- and if they're partnered up- that means having their hands on each other and-
He needs to stop thinking about this.]
Um... I'm sorry if I step on your toes, Todoroki-kun.
So in an effort to not completely embarrass himself at the ball he's been invited to in two months, he's enrolled himself in a class. Unfortunately for him, everybody else in the class thought to bring a partner with them. So that leaves him standing awkwardly in front of Todoroki, who's part-time job is apparently this.
He should've researched more carefully. How is he ever going to manage this weekly? He already works with Shouto often enough in their hero careers. At least then he's too distracted with work to think about his growing feelings. Here there's not much to distract him from the attractiveness of his friend- and if they're partnered up- that means having their hands on each other and-
He needs to stop thinking about this.]
Um... I'm sorry if I step on your toes, Todoroki-kun.
[ Ever since Shouto was young, he's known how to dance. It was his mother that taught him, initially, letting him stand on her feet as she taught him the one-two-three of it, the rhythm that came with the movements. It was a fun way to pass the time together, simple playtime, but in the end it'd been for a different purpose entirely.
The parties and balls and galas that his father took him to, shoving him off like some particularly grim arm piece. He hates it.
But ever since he was seventeen, he's taught the lessons for a parttime job. It works, even if the day's finally come where he's wanted to walk right out the door. ]
Trust me, you will not be the worst person I've had in one of these lessons. You know how to fight, you can figure out how to dance pretty quickly. [ It is, however, the most difficult partnership he's ever had. It's one thing to work together on the field, but this is... close proximity. ] If I'd known you needed lessons, though, I would have just given them to you outside of class.
[ He doesn't realize how that sounds, just being honest. ]
The parties and balls and galas that his father took him to, shoving him off like some particularly grim arm piece. He hates it.
But ever since he was seventeen, he's taught the lessons for a parttime job. It works, even if the day's finally come where he's wanted to walk right out the door. ]
Trust me, you will not be the worst person I've had in one of these lessons. You know how to fight, you can figure out how to dance pretty quickly. [ It is, however, the most difficult partnership he's ever had. It's one thing to work together on the field, but this is... close proximity. ] If I'd known you needed lessons, though, I would have just given them to you outside of class.
[ He doesn't realize how that sounds, just being honest. ]
[Izuku has a little corner store a few blocks away from his apartment. It's not well known, despite the big sign that says "Midoriya Necromancy" in as friendly a font as he could find. But then necromancy isn't considered a friendly branch of magic when compared to almost anything else. Raising the dead is dangerous, it's taboo- but there are things that are simpler than humans, and much less worrying. Much less exhausting to do long term as well.
That's what Izuku specializes in. Bringing back pets and plants, anything small and that wouldn't be too difficult to breathe life back into. Despite so few people knowing about and using his services, there's a small, loyal bunch of customers. He sees some people to revive their goldfish, some for their plants.
Without fail he sees Shouto at least once a week for his plants. (He's starting to wonder if Shouto's just here for the company.) Today is one of those days as he sits at his table with his laptop.]
Is that a new plant?
That's what Izuku specializes in. Bringing back pets and plants, anything small and that wouldn't be too difficult to breathe life back into. Despite so few people knowing about and using his services, there's a small, loyal bunch of customers. He sees some people to revive their goldfish, some for their plants.
Without fail he sees Shouto at least once a week for his plants. (He's starting to wonder if Shouto's just here for the company.) Today is one of those days as he sits at his table with his laptop.]
Is that a new plant?
[ After having his father try to stuff necromancy down his throat as a kind of magic he should learn - along with other, equally taboo arts that he's known for - Shouto had decided he wanted basically nothing to do with it. So he learned the more reasonable skills, the far less illegal ones, just to spite him and to make his mother proud.
For the most part, it's meant that he's wanted absolutely nothing to do with necromancers. They're all of a type.
Unfortunately, he effectively sucks at taking care of plants. Because his mother still has troubles sometimes - disassociation, shaking hands, attacks that wrack both mind and body - he tries to help her with the plants that she's allowed to keep in her hospital room. Brings her new ones to brighten up the room. He... he isn't very good at it.
Midoriya Izuku is the exception to the necromancer rule, and can help when he fails to keep them alive for long. (He's starting to come to terms with the fact he's not trying very hard to keep them alive, although he hopes Izuku hasn't cottoned on yet.)
He looks down at the recently deceased potted hyacinth in his hands, flatly exasperated and sheepish in a way that only Shouto can accomplish. ]
It was.
For the most part, it's meant that he's wanted absolutely nothing to do with necromancers. They're all of a type.
Unfortunately, he effectively sucks at taking care of plants. Because his mother still has troubles sometimes - disassociation, shaking hands, attacks that wrack both mind and body - he tries to help her with the plants that she's allowed to keep in her hospital room. Brings her new ones to brighten up the room. He... he isn't very good at it.
Midoriya Izuku is the exception to the necromancer rule, and can help when he fails to keep them alive for long. (He's starting to come to terms with the fact he's not trying very hard to keep them alive, although he hopes Izuku hasn't cottoned on yet.)
He looks down at the recently deceased potted hyacinth in his hands, flatly exasperated and sheepish in a way that only Shouto can accomplish. ]
It was.
[Midoriya Izuku is the only successor of the kingdom of All Might. You'd think a princess would be composed, dainty, ladylike- she can manage that much in public for a few hours at a time, but it's her putting on a front.
Because the moment she's out of the spotlight, she's slouching in relief, hand held up to her chest like it'll somehow calm her pounding heart. It doesn't, but she's never stopped using the gesture. Whenever she's done meeting with her potential marriage candidates she wraps her arms around her head to try to hide her nervous blush.
Basically, as soon as she's out of the public eye, she's a nervous disaster. But at least she has Shouto, at least she has her knight. Izuku always feels calmer whenever her friend is by her side.
Today is one of those meeting a potential marriage candidate days. Iida Tenya is a sweet enough guy once you get past his intensity. But...
She's gone to her room and slouched in a chair. Exhausted from the facade.]
... It would be easier if I could marry you, Todoroki. I don't get nervous around you at all.
Because the moment she's out of the spotlight, she's slouching in relief, hand held up to her chest like it'll somehow calm her pounding heart. It doesn't, but she's never stopped using the gesture. Whenever she's done meeting with her potential marriage candidates she wraps her arms around her head to try to hide her nervous blush.
Basically, as soon as she's out of the public eye, she's a nervous disaster. But at least she has Shouto, at least she has her knight. Izuku always feels calmer whenever her friend is by her side.
Today is one of those meeting a potential marriage candidate days. Iida Tenya is a sweet enough guy once you get past his intensity. But...
She's gone to her room and slouched in a chair. Exhausted from the facade.]
... It would be easier if I could marry you, Todoroki. I don't get nervous around you at all.
[ Truth be told, both aspects of the oujo are ones that Todoroki Shouto has accepted as simply being Izuku. She likes this version more, the one that doesn't have to act composed the way the world expects her to, the one that can be relaxed and speak freely. She has a sharp mind and a soft heart, and she means the world to Shouto.
Shouto, who rebelled against her father's expectations and became a knight for the kingdom of All Might. She doesn't regret a damn thing, looking at the princess slouching where she is.
Her job is, again, as a knight, not an attendant. Still, she doesn't call for any of them, and instead goes to Izuku's wardrobe to fetch a robe for her in case she wants to change out of her finery from the meeting. After all, she knows that Izuku prefers to be in more comfortable clothes than the ones she's expected to wear as the princess when in the public eye. ]
I'm sure you'll meet someone else that you feel that way with. [ But something in her chest does tighten as she considers that. She has to push it aside, coming to stand in front of the chair that she's seated in with the robe. ] ... but if I may be so bold, it would be nice, I think.
Shouto, who rebelled against her father's expectations and became a knight for the kingdom of All Might. She doesn't regret a damn thing, looking at the princess slouching where she is.
Her job is, again, as a knight, not an attendant. Still, she doesn't call for any of them, and instead goes to Izuku's wardrobe to fetch a robe for her in case she wants to change out of her finery from the meeting. After all, she knows that Izuku prefers to be in more comfortable clothes than the ones she's expected to wear as the princess when in the public eye. ]
I'm sure you'll meet someone else that you feel that way with. [ But something in her chest does tighten as she considers that. She has to push it aside, coming to stand in front of the chair that she's seated in with the robe. ] ... but if I may be so bold, it would be nice, I think.
[Izuku never got married. In between being the number one hero of their time and having the biggest, most unrequited crush on Shouto- he just didn't have the interest or the time to pursue any romantic engagements.
It didn't seem fair to his potential dates when he knew his heart already belonged to somebody else. He was even there when Shouto got married, congratulated him and his wife during the wedding. She honestly seemed like a nice lady and he hoped that it would work out- he still cried over it when he got home and tried to move on. Or at least not try to dwell on it. Though it's hard, since he sees Shouto almost every day at work. They're the number one and two heroes, after all. They still have a much better relationship than Endeavor and All Might did.
Despite all of that, Izuku still ended up adopting a little girl. A villain attack, a girl with no family, young, barely old enough to remember her own family and no relatives who could take her in. Right then and there, Izuku knew he was going to take her in. By four Tomone grew into a... still shy and hesitant child, but she also picked up Izuku's gigantic heroic streak.]
It didn't seem fair to his potential dates when he knew his heart already belonged to somebody else. He was even there when Shouto got married, congratulated him and his wife during the wedding. She honestly seemed like a nice lady and he hoped that it would work out- he still cried over it when he got home and tried to move on. Or at least not try to dwell on it. Though it's hard, since he sees Shouto almost every day at work. They're the number one and two heroes, after all. They still have a much better relationship than Endeavor and All Might did.
Despite all of that, Izuku still ended up adopting a little girl. A villain attack, a girl with no family, young, barely old enough to remember her own family and no relatives who could take her in. Right then and there, Izuku knew he was going to take her in. By four Tomone grew into a... still shy and hesitant child, but she also picked up Izuku's gigantic heroic streak.]
[ Truth be told, the marriage had been one that Endeavor had set up for Shouto with a student from Seiai Academy - but it was one that didn't end terribly. He'd been livid when he'd found out about it, but his betrothed was just as reluctant to be a part of it and they bonded over the arrangement that their parents had strongarmed them into. By the time they graduated high school they were friends at the very least.
And, as part of the contract for their quirk marriage... there's Rikka.
With her grandfather's hair (save for a long, white streak), along with her father's eyes and same intensity, but a more open personality (that Rei is certain Shouto would've had, if his childhood wasn't the way it was), she shares the same heroic streak that Tomone does. She'll go to UA, just like him, and become one of the top heroes too. She's boasted it every day he's tucked her in, every time they've seen Izuku and Tomone.
But it's about the time that Shouto and her mother have agreed on. It's not a loveless marriage, necessarily, but they've both loved other people for years. He's just never told anyone, and has never thought to until it's gotten closer. ]
Tomochan. [ Rikka runs ahead of him at the dropoff, the second she sees the Midoriyas, her Deku backpack's ears bobbing behind her. (Traitor.) (As if he doesn't have Deku merch, too.) ]
And, as part of the contract for their quirk marriage... there's Rikka.
With her grandfather's hair (save for a long, white streak), along with her father's eyes and same intensity, but a more open personality (that Rei is certain Shouto would've had, if his childhood wasn't the way it was), she shares the same heroic streak that Tomone does. She'll go to UA, just like him, and become one of the top heroes too. She's boasted it every day he's tucked her in, every time they've seen Izuku and Tomone.
But it's about the time that Shouto and her mother have agreed on. It's not a loveless marriage, necessarily, but they've both loved other people for years. He's just never told anyone, and has never thought to until it's gotten closer. ]
Tomochan. [ Rikka runs ahead of him at the dropoff, the second she sees the Midoriyas, her Deku backpack's ears bobbing behind her. (Traitor.) (As if he doesn't have Deku merch, too.) ]
[X
The most beautiful man in the world lives in her apartment building. With his mismatched eyes and two tone hair, he's absolutely gorgeous. Stunning, beautiful, she could look at him all day.
If every single time she ran into him she didn't look like a disaster. She's certain she looks like a normal attractive person sometimes! But every time she runs into The Most Beautiful Man in the World she's a wreck. Biking home in a dress with no helmet, paint spilled all over her white shirt. And today, two giant bags of popcorn and a candy bar stuffed into her mouth.
He definitely heard her say that it was all for her to the doorman. But in her defense, 'leveling' still meant 45 students in one of her classes. She deserves her junk food. She just wishes The Most Beautiful Man in the World didn't see her in various stages of disaster.]
The most beautiful man in the world lives in her apartment building. With his mismatched eyes and two tone hair, he's absolutely gorgeous. Stunning, beautiful, she could look at him all day.
If every single time she ran into him she didn't look like a disaster. She's certain she looks like a normal attractive person sometimes! But every time she runs into The Most Beautiful Man in the World she's a wreck. Biking home in a dress with no helmet, paint spilled all over her white shirt. And today, two giant bags of popcorn and a candy bar stuffed into her mouth.
He definitely heard her say that it was all for her to the doorman. But in her defense, 'leveling' still meant 45 students in one of her classes. She deserves her junk food. She just wishes The Most Beautiful Man in the World didn't see her in various stages of disaster.]
Edited 2016-10-11 05:52 (UTC)
[ Shouto, in his defense, does not always look like the Most Beautiful Man in the World. There have been numerous all nighters pulled when he has deadlines he needs to reach, and nights that he just loses track of time, where he wanders out of his apartment in a vague sort of daze. Mornings, of course, are always a disaster. Not that they've run into each other (yet) when he's like that, but it doesn't change the fact that he's fairly convinced that the woman he sees practically every day is endearing and cute in spades.
For instance, now. He gets to the elevator before her, having been in the lobby when she came in - he did hear her talk about her junk food, glancing back to see everything she had - and rather than just leave her there he holds the doors open for her with an arm across one.
He does look a little bit amused by the sheer amount of popcorn, eyebrows raised, but it's not meanly. ]
For instance, now. He gets to the elevator before her, having been in the lobby when she came in - he did hear her talk about her junk food, glancing back to see everything she had - and rather than just leave her there he holds the doors open for her with an arm across one.
He does look a little bit amused by the sheer amount of popcorn, eyebrows raised, but it's not meanly. ]
[Izuku's been quickly promoted in the department of defense. He was always a big fan of the superheroes on television, but fiction is fiction, and this is the real world. Still, the essence of heroism, that's protecting people- which is exactly how he got started in the department. After four years of hard work he's been promoted all the way up to Private Secretary of the Minister of Defense.
At his level he's been assigned a bodyguard and he just doesn't know what to expect. The hire should be at his new office by the time he gets there and, well, he's a little nervous. He's not likely to be the target of much. He spends most of his day indoors and sending out emails to and from the Minister to the rest of the department.
He pauses in front of his door, name carefully printed onto the metal plate. Deep breath, and opens it.]
... Hello?
At his level he's been assigned a bodyguard and he just doesn't know what to expect. The hire should be at his new office by the time he gets there and, well, he's a little nervous. He's not likely to be the target of much. He spends most of his day indoors and sending out emails to and from the Minister to the rest of the department.
He pauses in front of his door, name carefully printed onto the metal plate. Deep breath, and opens it.]
... Hello?
[ Now that he's been working on security details for a few years, Shouto can easily say that he's had some interesting assignments. It's mostly been the kids of politicians, and some celebrities, but this one is the most... interesting, in a way. Because it's someone that's being entrusted with much the same job as he has.
Just on a wider scale.
So he doesn't question the assignment, and instead accepts it and opts to go in early to meet the new Private Secretary. He has every intention of doing his best, as he always does, because no job is half-assed.
When the door opens, Shouto turns, looking at the new arrival with quiet curiosity. He recognizes Midoriya Izuku, of course, between the news and from being given a rundown of his new charge. But he doesn't really... know him. So best to start on neutral ground. Besides, for a first meeting, he figures he ought to not walk around with his holsters showing. ]
Pardon the intrusion, Secretary Midoriya.
Just on a wider scale.
So he doesn't question the assignment, and instead accepts it and opts to go in early to meet the new Private Secretary. He has every intention of doing his best, as he always does, because no job is half-assed.
When the door opens, Shouto turns, looking at the new arrival with quiet curiosity. He recognizes Midoriya Izuku, of course, between the news and from being given a rundown of his new charge. But he doesn't really... know him. So best to start on neutral ground. Besides, for a first meeting, he figures he ought to not walk around with his holsters showing. ]
Pardon the intrusion, Secretary Midoriya.
[X
Izuku's a shapeshifter, completely fine with himself and his powers. It's easy enough to put on somebody else's face and even simpler to look like a girl when he's been assigned one to be. And it's so strange the way people treat women so differently. They're so willing to relinquish secrets and tricks of the trade to a cute face. They should really be more cautious.
This is just the fourth time they've worked together, but she's starting to grow fond of her partner. He's there when she needs him and he's great at his job. She wouldn't mind if they were permanently teamed up- she should say something to the agency.
This time they've been sent in to get the plans to a villain's most recent doomsday device. Go talk to him or distract him, figure out a way.
She's using her sweet voice into their communication device (not entirely hers, but shapeshifting), pleased with herself and how quickly this mission's going to be over with.]
Todoroki-kun, I have the combination to the vault.
[They should just be able to pick it up and go back. Provided he doesn't have any more locks or traps in there. He didn't say anything about them, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's nothing.]
Izuku's a shapeshifter, completely fine with himself and his powers. It's easy enough to put on somebody else's face and even simpler to look like a girl when he's been assigned one to be. And it's so strange the way people treat women so differently. They're so willing to relinquish secrets and tricks of the trade to a cute face. They should really be more cautious.
This is just the fourth time they've worked together, but she's starting to grow fond of her partner. He's there when she needs him and he's great at his job. She wouldn't mind if they were permanently teamed up- she should say something to the agency.
This time they've been sent in to get the plans to a villain's most recent doomsday device. Go talk to him or distract him, figure out a way.
She's using her sweet voice into their communication device (not entirely hers, but shapeshifting), pleased with herself and how quickly this mission's going to be over with.]
Todoroki-kun, I have the combination to the vault.
[They should just be able to pick it up and go back. Provided he doesn't have any more locks or traps in there. He didn't say anything about them, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's nothing.]
Edited 2016-10-17 15:56 (UTC)
[ When Shouto first met his new partner, it'd been as a cat and he hadn't even realized it right away. He could sense magic, but that's not saying much - a lot of animals these days contain traces of magic, just by virtue of the world as it is now. Today, Izuku is masquerading as a girl. This one suits him, he thinks, something about how she looks. The others that he's seen don't quite fit what he knows of him, in the short amount of time they've worked together, but who knows if that's a proper judgment or not.
They have a good rapport, is all he really cares about. There are few people he works well with, but in this case they're a good match. It's nice to know they can take care of one another, like the first three cases were the trial period and it turned out to be great for them.
He's waiting patiently for Izuku to contact him, keeping on high alert, ready for the cue.
His head tilts when she comes through, looking off to make sure the coast is clear before he speaks. ]
Do you want me to come down and meet you?
They have a good rapport, is all he really cares about. There are few people he works well with, but in this case they're a good match. It's nice to know they can take care of one another, like the first three cases were the trial period and it turned out to be great for them.
He's waiting patiently for Izuku to contact him, keeping on high alert, ready for the cue.
His head tilts when she comes through, looking off to make sure the coast is clear before he speaks. ]
Do you want me to come down and meet you?
[Izuku is painfully normal, certainly not strong enough to fight any villains, but he's clever and quiet. He knows just about everybody, his information network spans the whole city.
He's very often in the "right" place at the "right" time and either taking pictures or just straight up asking the villain about their motivation to attack this specific place, these specific group of people- He's a good journalist, even if he seems to get into trouble far more often than the average. The amount of danger he gets into is an outlier, and shouldn't be counted among the statistics. Considering how often he's just there, he's probably gotten in trouble completely on purpose.
Though before he gets himself into whatever situation, whatever hero is going to the scene of the crime gets very detailed instructions on how to get in and out of the area from Izuku.
This time however, he's run a piece on Endeavor, it's not flattering. Yes, he did his job, but he's also a terrible person? Who left him in charge of rescue operations?
And the day after in runs, there's Shouto walking into his office. It's not exactly a secret Shouto dislikes his father- at least for anybody who's paying enough attention. And Izuku's sharp, Shouto never looks at ease when he has to work with Endeavor.
He rises from his chair once Shouto's stopped in front of his desk.]
Shouto-kun? Can I help you?
He's very often in the "right" place at the "right" time and either taking pictures or just straight up asking the villain about their motivation to attack this specific place, these specific group of people- He's a good journalist, even if he seems to get into trouble far more often than the average. The amount of danger he gets into is an outlier, and shouldn't be counted among the statistics. Considering how often he's just there, he's probably gotten in trouble completely on purpose.
Though before he gets himself into whatever situation, whatever hero is going to the scene of the crime gets very detailed instructions on how to get in and out of the area from Izuku.
This time however, he's run a piece on Endeavor, it's not flattering. Yes, he did his job, but he's also a terrible person? Who left him in charge of rescue operations?
And the day after in runs, there's Shouto walking into his office. It's not exactly a secret Shouto dislikes his father- at least for anybody who's paying enough attention. And Izuku's sharp, Shouto never looks at ease when he has to work with Endeavor.
He rises from his chair once Shouto's stopped in front of his desk.]
Shouto-kun? Can I help you?
[ The first time he met Midoriya Izuku, it was because he'd been thrown through the wall of his office by the bad guy of the day. Shouto had a sprained wrist and needed five stitches afterwards, but he'd learned very quickly as Izuku helped him out of the debris that he knew far more than anyone else would have expected, keen observation and knowledge helping him take out the villain and ending the chaos of the afternoon.
Ever since then, he's appreciated his presence. They don't talk too much, but he's about the only journalist that the hero Shouto will talk to, beyond a few words. He just doesn't like them, and frequently avoids them or keeps discussion to a minimum rather than lingering for long.
Which is why, when the piece on Endeavor runs, Shouto is coming down to his office. Much of the rest of the staff rubbernecks as he passes by their desks and offices, moving with ease and determination. He pays them no mind, eyes only for the person he's come for.
He shuts the door behind him, confidentiality at its finest for the time being. ]
I was wondering if you'd be interested in running a followup on your Endeavor piece.
[ Because, for years, Shouto wanted to keep his mother safe. If the world found out about what he'd done, they would attack her instead - especially given the demographic that comprises Endeavor's fanbase. But now that he's a pro hero in his own right, he can protect his mother himself, keep people from finding her, harassing her. ]
Ever since then, he's appreciated his presence. They don't talk too much, but he's about the only journalist that the hero Shouto will talk to, beyond a few words. He just doesn't like them, and frequently avoids them or keeps discussion to a minimum rather than lingering for long.
Which is why, when the piece on Endeavor runs, Shouto is coming down to his office. Much of the rest of the staff rubbernecks as he passes by their desks and offices, moving with ease and determination. He pays them no mind, eyes only for the person he's come for.
He shuts the door behind him, confidentiality at its finest for the time being. ]
I was wondering if you'd be interested in running a followup on your Endeavor piece.
[ Because, for years, Shouto wanted to keep his mother safe. If the world found out about what he'd done, they would attack her instead - especially given the demographic that comprises Endeavor's fanbase. But now that he's a pro hero in his own right, he can protect his mother himself, keep people from finding her, harassing her. ]
[They've been doing singles for a year now, at twenty. Today isn't exactly an Olympics level tournament, but only one of them's signed themselves up for it. It's a local competition, nothing too fancy.
But he spots Todoroki in the crowd and immediately brightens. He might be his rival, but more importantly than that, Todoroki Shouto is his best friend.
He makes his way over past the crowds and grabs Shouto's hand, pulling him into the prep room.]
I'm glad you could make it.
But he spots Todoroki in the crowd and immediately brightens. He might be his rival, but more importantly than that, Todoroki Shouto is his best friend.
He makes his way over past the crowds and grabs Shouto's hand, pulling him into the prep room.]
I'm glad you could make it.
[ While Shouto has no problem skating in local competitions, likes doing it, he decided to pass on this particular one so that he could focus on his personal training for the next big competition. It doesn't mean, however, that he's going to completely skip out on it.
Izuku is competing today, after all. He wouldn't miss that.
And he certainly doesn't miss his friend coming out of nowhere to lead him off by the hand. He doesn't even bat an eye, though, and instead allows him to be pulled along and into the prep room, the corner of his mouth quirking a little. ]
I told you I would.
Izuku is competing today, after all. He wouldn't miss that.
And he certainly doesn't miss his friend coming out of nowhere to lead him off by the hand. He doesn't even bat an eye, though, and instead allows him to be pulled along and into the prep room, the corner of his mouth quirking a little. ]
I told you I would.
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