Veronica had managed to get a decent amount of sleep that night, which meant that she was actually awake and had showered by the time Shoto arrived.
"What would you like for breakfast this morning?" Shoto smiled as he handed Veronica her morning cappuccino, leaving her to follow him into the kitchen.
"I can make these myself you know?" She set down the blue travel mug he'd handed her. "And I do know how to make my own breakfast, contrary to how it looked yesterday."
"I know," he let out a low chuckle, the sound sending shivers down her spine. "But I'm your boyfriend now. I'm supposed to take care of you."
He's your boyfriend... he's supposed to protect you... Katsuki's words rang through her head. She quickly shook away the memory. He's wrong! It's not Shoto's job to look after me. I'm in training to be a pro hero, god damn it! I can look after myself.
"Besides, I love spoiling you," Shoto whispered, so low that she almost didn't hear him. He started to rummage around in the fridge for ingredients, pausing suddenly. "You'll tell me if I'm too... if I'm interfering too much, right? I don't want to scare you away..." he trailed off, his grey and turquoise eyes filling with unspoken sadness and fear as he looked towards you.
"Shoto..." Veronica walked towards him, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling him into a gentle hug. "You won't scare me off. I've known you since we were kids, we're best friends remember?" He slowly wrapped his arms around her, tightening the hug. They stayed like that for a few minutes, the sound of Shoto's breathing and rapid heartbeat filling Veronica's ears, his familiar pine scent surrounding her. She pulled back slightly looking up at him, a teasing smile appearing on her lips. "Coming here in the morning may be a bit much for the beginning of our relationship, but I'll let it slid for today. How about you just come to pick me up for school for now?"
Shoto nodded slowly. "I can do that... but on one condition." Veronica raised her eyebrow questioningly as he shot her a small smile. "I still get to bring you your morning cappuccino."
"Deal," she laughed lightly, finally stepping away from his embrace.
Their walk to school that morning was filled with a pleasant silence. Shoto's hand felt warm and comforting as it intertwined with hers, the smell of vanilla filling Veronica's nose as she happily sipped her drink. This feels so nice... She snuck a peek at Shoto, a warm feeling spreading through her body when she saw his sweet smile, his thoughts elsewhere. They'd always found comfort in each other's presence, and today was no exception. Birds chirped from nearby, the sun shining brightly through the trees that lined the street, casting small dancing shadows on the sidewalk. Is this what love feels like? Veronica gasped softly at her own thoughts, drawing Shoto's attention as she tried to hide her blushing face by looking the other way.
"What are you thinking about?" His breath fanned her neck as he leaned down to whisper in her ear, his low voice sweet and full of humor.
"N-n-nothing!" She stammered, dropping his hand and taking a step back, waving her hands around in front of herself. "Nothing at all!"
Shoto's eyes sparkled with mischief as he took in Veronica's flushed appearance and frantic gestures. "Were you-"
"President Unmei! Todoroki!" A familiar voice called. Shoto frowned, clearly upset with the interruption as they turned to see the green haired first year smiling and waving as he ran.
"Hey Midoriya," Veronica smiled as he came to a stop in front of them, thankful for the distraction from her embarrassment. "What's up?"
"Oh, hi," he smiled nervously, fidgeting. "I just happened to see you guys and thought that maybe we could all walk to school together since we're going to the same place."
"Sure," Veronica nodded, glancing at Shoto who reluctantly followed suit. Ha! Can't talk about what you wanted to now. She smirked, glad to be off the hook and away from what would have been a very embarrassing conversation.
"Really?" He smiled brightly at them. "That's great then, let's go!" Midoriya started off to school.
Shoto grabbed Veronica's hand quickly as she went to follow Midoriya, stopping her as he leaned down to whisper in her ear once more. "Don't think you're off the hook just because he showed up. We'll be finishing this conversation later." He started to walk away, pulling her along as she stared at her feet, face on fire.
What the hell?! I've never seen him act like this before... Veronica gulped, remembering that Shoto wasn't a little kid anymore. In fact, he was a teen quickly growing into a young man. And that young man is going to be my husband...
Veronica was finally able to push aside Shoto's flirtatious words as she chatted aimlessly with Midoriya on the way to school. Shoto remained silent, watching intently as she discussed Midoriya's hero journals with him.
As they approached the school grounds, a mob of reporters began to surround the three of them. What the hell? This must be about All Might... Pushing through the crowd and dodging their questions, they were finally able to make it past them to UA.
"Oh, would I be able to ask you about your quirk now?" Midoriya smiled as they walked through the front gate.
"School's going to be starting soon, so we should probably be heading to class," Shoto interjected.
"Oh, yeah, I guess you're right," Midoriya deflated.
"It's okay," Veronica smiled at him reassuringly. "We can always talk about it after school. I should be free, and you'll be able to find me in the Homework Heroes club room. But just in case," she pulled her cell phone out of her school bag. "Let's swap numbers so that we can contact each other in case something else comes up."
"Oh, okay," Midoriya pulled out his phone, blushing slightly. "If it's not too much trouble, then sure."
"Of course it's no trouble," she laughed slightly, waving away his concerns. "I'm your senpai, remember? It's my job to answer all of your questions and help you in any way that I can."
Katsuki was furious. Why the hell is that stupid nerd talking to her? That fucking Deku! He glared as he watched the scene unfolding before him, his hands forming fists as he watched Veronica swap numbers with Midoriya. What the hell gives him the right to get her fucking number?!
"We should get going," Shoto squeezed Veronica's hand, pulling her towards the school as she turned slightly and waved goodbye to Midoriya. He's not jealous, is he?
"Shoto..." Veronica started, making him turn to face her, raising an eyebrow in question. "You aren't... upset? With me talking to Midoriya and giving him my number I mean..."
Shoto smiled, chuckling. "Would you prefer that I was?"
"No, I just... I mean, wouldn't most guys be upset about that?" She bit her lip, unsure.
His expression turned serious. "Veronica, I know you aren't that type of person. I trust you, okay?" He smiled sweetly, a feeling of guilt slowly sinking into her stomach. I'm such a terrible person... I have to make sure that I don't have any more contact with Bakugo unless absolutely necessary. "You're allowed to make friends, even with guys. I'm not going to stop you."
She nodded, giving him a weak smile. "Okay."
"YOU GOD DAMN DEKU!" Katsuki threw Midoriya up against the wall, explosions erupting from his hands. "YOU STAY AWAY FROM HER YOU HEAR ME!"
"But Kacchan-"
"SHUT UP!" His crimson eyes flashed. It was bad enough that he'd have to get through that half and half bastard, he didn't need to worry about someone else. "THIS IS YOUR ONLY WARNING!" He threw Midoriya to the ground, storming off.
He hadn't been able to get that stupid girl out of his head since yesterday. It's her fault that I lost to Deku! I couldn't think straight because of her! He'd been mad enough when they'd been interrupted in the classroom, Deku winning and witnessing the power of that half and half bastard had just been salt in his wound. He'd seen the look in Veronica's eyes when he had her trapped against the door. She'd clearly been feeling the same thing he was, and there was no way he was going to let her get away next time. Stupid girl, I won't allow you to escape so easily.