(A/N: Apologizes for the later update to those who don't read the tumblr. I was off camping this weekend and came back today. But I give you lots of fluff as thanks for your patience. Read and enjoy! :D)
...
In order to decide what Disney movie to watch next, the group of teens settled for a game of janken and the winner would choose. Shouto opted out as he didn't have a preference. In the end, Hitoshi won and chose Frozen because he was curious how Shouto would react to watching a movie about another ice wielder.
After setting up the movie to play, the three boys made themselves comfortable in the bigger area of the pillow fort sitting on the floor with their backs propped up against the couch. They were positioned same as before with Shouto in the middle, Hitoshi to his right, and Izuku to his left. Then to Izuku's left Mei made herself comfortable in her mini studio sitting on some grubby looking towels being denied the nicer blankets until she cleaned up for bed. Though if she ended up falling asleep as is, it would not be the first time. Her babies came first before her own comfort every time. The number of sleepless nights, missed meals, and missed showers being proof.
As the movie started, Izuku and Mei were already quietly humming along while Hitoshi rolled his eyes. Shouto quietly took Izuku's hand in his in the space on the floor between them which the greenette gladly accepted as he repositioned his hand to better hold the other's. This connection between them allowed Izuku to feel Shouto's twitch of surprise when the first saw broke through the ice on the screen.
Much like the latter half of the first film they watched, Izuku and Mei sang along with the songs. When Elsa first started using her ice powers, the greenette peeked up at his friend to gauge his reaction and wasn't the only one as he saw Hitoshi was glancing over as well. The somewhat widened grey and blue eyes were the only indication of Shouto's feeling, showing his hidden intrigue on his otherwise stoic face.
As the little girl on the screen formed snow with her hands, Shouto brought up his right hand though whether consciously or subconsciously he couldn't be sure. But the element wielder looked between the screen and his own hand while forming a thin layer of ice over his palm. As if he was finding inspiration from the film for his own Quirk. Which would make sense since he and the character on the screen shared a similar power.
Being the analytical and prepared nerd that he was, Izuku reached into his pajama pants pocket and took out a mini notebook and pencil. Hitoshi, still side-eying their bi-colored friend saw this and rolled his eyes. The greenette stuck out his tongue but otherwise ignored him as he silently offered the notebook to Shouto. The other looked at the offered notebook with a perplexed raised brow before gently taking it from his hand. Grey and blue gazed into green as he squeezed their joined hands in silent appreciation before letting go.
Izuku already missed the feel of his friend hand in his. Somewhat regretting giving him the notebook if it kept their hands apart. But the separation was only temporary for as soon as the taller boy was done jotting down a thought, he returned his hand between them and took hold of his own once more. The act brought a shy smile to his freckled face as he brushed his thumb across the other's skin in approval which was returned.
Just in time too as on the screen one sister accidentally hurt the other with an icy shot to the head. The hand in his gripped tighter as the somber part of the story progressed. It concerned the greenette as he began to think that maybe watching this particular movie while knowing about Shouto's family life might not have been the best idea.
"Are you okay?" Izuku whispered as he leaned in close to his friend's ear.
The unexpected murmur in his ear made Shouto jump slightly as he jerked his head in the shorter boy's direction. The reaction caught the greenette by surprise as their noses briefly brushed against each other. Izuku did his best to not pay attention to how close their faces were and instead focus on his friend.
"I'm okay," the ice wielder replied with a confirming squeeze of his hand.
"Are you sure?" the greenette asked. "We can watch something else if this is making you uncomfortable."
"No, it's fine," Shouto assured with a subtle smile and a brush of his thumb. Which was true even if the movie was hitting closer to home than he had expected.
The fear of one's own power though for Shouto it was more so for his fire than his ice. The isolation even though his was because of his father rather than self-imposed. Essentially losing a sibling though for the her it was from her isolation while for him it was because his brother was believed dead. As well as parents in a way though his were both still alive. But he had only recently reunited with his own mother today after a decade of separation. As for his father…he would be perfectly fine not interacting with him ever again if that were an option. Which unfortunately wasn't possible in his current circumstances but a boy could dream.
Still worried but accepting his friend's answer, Izuku turned his attention back to the movie. Thankfully the story transitioned to a cheerier tone and he quickly found himself drawn back in by the Disney magic. Singing along with the catchy songs with Mei while Hitoshi hummed and Shouto quietly took it all in.
As the movie progressed, the story had its ups and downs. Moments of happiness paired with scenes of sadness. Whenever the mood of the film would drop Izuku would check on his friend through glances and briefly tightened grips. Always receiving reassuring ones back. Periodically the bi-color teen would let go of his hand to take notes but would always reinitiate the connection. It was comfortable and comforting but above all it was warm.
As the movie ended, Hitoshi turned to Shouto with a smirk and said, "So, Todoroki, do you wanna build a snowman?"
"I've never done that before," Shouto replied honestly. "But, uh…sure?"
He held up his right hand and his heterochromatic brows furrowed in concentration. Using his Quirk to make a defined shape was something he had never thought to try before. Not saying that it was impossible as his father could manipulate his fire into different shapes such as a spear. It was possible that sort of skill could be applied to both sides of his Quirk given time though not a guarantee.
Unsure of how or even if it would work, the elemental wielder focused on picturing in his mind the shape he wanted to make. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes to better concentrate. He could feel his power surging from his core through his arm to his hand. Beside him his friends watched in awe as ice started to form. Even Mei looked up from her baby to watch.
When he felt he was done, grey and blue eyes slowly opened to take in his work. It wasn't exactly a snowman but it was…something. The form was certainly snowman, or rather iceman, shaped but was clumpier and jagged rather than round. Still, it was something and his first attempt to ever do such a thing so he was proud of his odd little iceman.
"That's amazing, Shouto-kun," Izuku praised with a bright smile.
"Not bad, Todoroki," Hitoshi added with an impressed smirk. Because again, not bad for his first time trying.
"It's like his own version of the Snowgies from the short," Mei chimed in with a grin.
"His 'ice ice baby' you could say?" the brainwasher quipped.
"Yes!" the avid inventor exclaimed excitedly though missing the other's joke. "Ice baby, meet my baby!"
The pinkette held up her baby to 'meet' the bi-color teen's 'ice baby'. Shouto was a bit confused but brought up his little iceman near the gizmo. Mei beamed at his playing along with her antics before getting back to work. Hitoshi let out a huff of laughter as Izuku giggled before offering to store the Quirk-made figure in the freezer so it wouldn't melt. To which the ice wielder said that he could keep it as a gift if he so wished. With a bright smile and a chirped thanks the shorter boy left the fort briefly to put his new iceman away.
"So, what did you think of the movie, Shouto-kun?" the greenette asked once he was settled back in the fort.
"It was…informative," Shouto replied while looking down at the notes he had taken. "It gave me some ideas about how to use my ice. Ways I hadn't thought of before."
"That's good! Hmm…well, if you're looking for ideas on how to use your Quirk," Izuku said with a thoughtful hand on his chin. "Maybe you should watch Avatar: The Last Airbender some time."
"What's that?" the bi-color teen asked curiously.
"It's a show that takes place in a world where people can manipulate the elements," Izuku explained raising his fingers to count. "Water, earth, fire, air."
"Long ago…" Hitoshi interrupted with a dramatic wave of his hand before receiving a pillow hit to the face to shut him up.
Shouto quirked a brow in confusion but Izuku gestured to not worry about it as he continued, "Anyway, each element uses different wielding techniques based on real life fighting styles. They also have a lot of different ways to manipulate each element. It might be a good source of inspiration for you."
The element wielder hummed in consideration. A show that had people that could wield different parts of nature. Using it as a source for ideas for his own Quirk was an intriguing idea. And considering that Izuku, who was recognized for his analysis skills by Nezu himself, was the one suggesting it Shouto thought it was a legitimate good source for inspiration.
"I will have to watch that at some point," Shouto conceded.
"Really?" Izuku replied with wide eyes and a big smile that he was taking his suggestion.
"Yes. It would be beneficial to think of new ways to use my Quirk," the bi-color teen said with a nod. "Especially since I want to start embracing my fire. I don't know what exactly I can do with my left side so any ideas would be helpful to me."
"That's great!" the greenette chirped as he smiled brightly. "I could try to help you if you want. Observe you like I did before with your ice. Though it might be more helpful to find someone who can also use fire. But I don't think there's anyone else in our year who can manipulate elements like you can. I wonder if there's someone in a different year who…"
As per usual, Izuku ended up falling into a muttering spiral talking himself through various ideas of how to help Shouto train his fire side. Grey and blue eyes watched him fondly while Hitoshi rolled his eyes at his Quirk obsessed friend. Mei being Mei wasn't paying attention to them as she worked on her baby.
Leaving the greenette to it, Hitoshi turned his focus to Shouto and asked a random question that had been bothering him, "So Todoroki, what's with the matching pajamas?"
The bi-color teen looked down at his matching blue striped pajama set then up at the purple haired teen as he responded, "What do you mean?"
"You look like you stepped out of a movie or something," Hitoshi replied with a smirk and quirked brow. "Who in real life wears something like that?"
Shouto tilted his head in confusion as he said, "But I've always worn pajamas like these. It's what I was always given growing up."
It was the truth. The youngest Todoroki didn't have much say in his wardrobe. Not that he really had any particular opinion about what clothes he wore though. He was quite fine with the subdued array of colors and the overall style that he was provided. The cat shirt Hitoshi wore and the Hero one Izuku was sporting with both paired with cozy looking pants seemed comfortable enough. But he didn't see how one could be considered better than the other. After all they were only clothes.
"I guess if it's what you're used to," Hitoshi said with a shrug. "Though I prefer to mix and match myself."
The bi-color teen simply hummed in answer. It was at this time that Izuku managed to break out of his rambling session with the mini notebook in hand full of new notes. Though when he had taken it from Shouto's possession he didn't know nor did he offer an explanation. Instead, the greenette inquired what they should watch next. Mei, still focused on her baby, shot out the suggestion of 'Lilo & Stitch' which was agreed upon by the others. They also decided that popcorn was a great idea which the inexperienced Shouto was subtly excited for.
As Hitoshi queued up the next movie, Shouto joined Izuku in the kitchen to make the popcorn. The greenette found and took out the box of popcorn packets before putting the first bag into the microwave to heat up. He then went in search of bowls for them to use which he did on a high shelf that was just out of his reach. Curse being vertically challenged.
"Do you need help with that?" Shouto asked.
The greenette turned to his friend and gave him a nod with an appreciative smile. He knew the taller boy had said it in genuine offer. However, if it had been Hitoshi offering, he was sure it would have been paired with a teasing smirk. The lanky jerk.
The two in the kitchen made quick work of the popcorn. Though Izuku did wonder if Shouto could make popcorn with his Quirk. Like if he heated up one of those stove top popcorn tins with his left hand. Which also called to question if he could cook things on his left side in general. Like maybe fry an egg or something. Or could he possibly pull something hot out of the oven with his left bare hand? Not to mention the cooling capabilities of his right side such as making ice cream. Hmm. Possible food-related Quirk experiments for another time.
Once the popcorn was popped and ready, they returned to the fort with bowls in hand. They handed out the bowls, one for each of them, before settling back in amongst the pillows and blankets. Shouto took no time in holding his hand like before. Leaving their other hands free to eat the fresh popcorn from their individual bowls.
The beginning of the film with the trial against the doctor's genetic experimentation made Izuku question the choice of movie again. What with Shouto being the result of a Quirk marriage and all. But just like the last movie the bi-color teen assured him he was fine though silently with a squeeze of his hand. After all, Shouto had known he was born as a form of forced genetics ever since he was labeled his father's 'masterpiece' so the subject wasn't anything new.
If anything, the similarity helped him identify with the little blue alien on the screen. He also identified with the little girl. He too was basically raised by his sister after his mother was hospitalized, Touya was gone, and Natsuo escaped to college. His father was always annoyingly ever present but not in a paternal sense. Rather as the oppressive taskmaster hell bent on molding him into the perfect specimen to defeat All Might.
But those weren't thoughts he wanted to dwell on at the moment. Too heavy for the light atmosphere of the sleepover. Instead, he pushed them to the back of his mind to focus on more important things. Such as the movie playing on the screen, spending time with his friends, and the touch he was sharing with his special warm friend.
As the movie progressed, Izuku found himself getting sleepy and nodding off ever so slightly. At one point he even ended up accidentally resting his head on Shouto's shoulder. He immediately righted himself as he apologized but the taller teen assured him it was fine. The small smile he offered the shorter boy was enough to assuage his worries. To the point that when Izuku did it again, more on purpose this time, he didn't retreat.
Instead, the greenette gave the hand in his a squeeze in silent question and received an affirming one back. The subtle approval made him smile as he snuggled into the warmer than usual shoulder. The new shared touch woke him up some as he enjoyed their closeness. A shared feeling that Shouto apparently felt too as his head was soon resting atop of Izuku's own. He got a questioning short grip which he returned with ease. This touch was more than okay.
...
Beside them, Hitoshi side-eyed their actions with a warm half smile but said nothing. He was happy for his friends. Izuku may not know what his feelings were exactly and Todoroki's thoughts on the matter were a mystery. However, the purple haired teen could tell that whatever they were to each other it made them happy. Which was enough for him to approve of their closeness.
Though it did make him a bit jealous. Not of Todoroki or Izuku in particular, but rather the sharing of touches so easily. Yet another thing Hitoshi had been denied growing up. No parents and no partners. No one wants to date the Villain who could brainwash you into doing unspeakable things. But on the other hand, he would rather kiss an angler fish than date any of those judgmental assholes he had gone to school with before.
That didn't mean he was against finding a special someone for himself. In fact, he was actually very open to the idea. But he also wasn't actively looking for that either. Mainly because his focus had been solely on getting into UA's Hero Course. There had been a few bumps and curves in the road but he, along with Izuku, finally managed to get there. Well, starting Tuesday they will but still.
The fact that they would be starting in a whole new class was a bit stressful for Hitoshi. He hadn't put much effort into getting to know his 1-C classmates as he hoped to be transferred out eventually. It seemed like a waste of time to make friends he was going to leave behind. Not that he had expected to make any friends anyway. His track record wasn't the best when it came to that.
The students in 1-C weren't the worst people the brainwasher had ever met. There were still a few who tried to bash him for his Quirk as per usual. But Yamada had been quick to shut them up and inform everyone of UA's zero tolerance policy in regards to bullying and Quirk discrimination. A gesture Hitoshi really appreciated from his ex-homeroom teacher as no other teacher had really done that before.
UA is just so…different.
It was a recurring theme that Izuku and he had been learning since they started at the school. The teachers actually care. Not just for those with the blessed strong Quirks but everyone. The tall and the small. The confident and the shy. The Quirked and the Quirkless. All were welcome and cared for at UA. It gave Hitoshi hope that perhaps things could change for the better.
Though the brainwasher still doubted the magic would extend past the gates of UA. As if that could do anything in regards to his family, or lack of one, situation. Yeah, right. But he had already resigned himself to the fact that he would just have to wait to age out of the foster system. It was no big deal. He had been dealing with it ever since his Quirk had manifested after all. A few more years was nothing.
Besides, much like the characters on the screen who were making their own found family, Hitoshi had a pretty great one right here. It may have come up as a quip to Todoroki's conspiracy theory, but now that he thought about it, Hitoshi found he did feel as if Izuku was the brother he never had. And Mei could be his eccentric sister too. He would be fine with that. As for Todoroki…
If…no, when Todoroki and Izuku do end up dating eventually, I am so giving him the shovel talk.
The thought brought a smirk to the purple haired teen's face as he considered the future conversation. Probably receiving a confused and blunt answer from Todoroki like always. The ice wielder may be strong but there were certain things that he was completely clueless about. Like the fact that 'just friends' don't hold hands or cuddle as much as the two pining idiots sitting next to him do.
Seriously, just start dating already.
They were adorable. Absolutely. But they were also infuriating. Definitely.
Just kiss already, am I right?
Izuku seemed to be on the right path to figuring out his feelings so he would let them be. Hopefully Todoroki was doing something similar or else Hitoshi would have to take matters into his own hands. With some help hopefully as he had no real dating experience because again no one wants to date the Villain with the brainwashing Quirk. But he would be damned if he let his best friend miss having someone special over ignorance or a misunderstanding.
The Green Bean will be happy whether he's an idiot sometimes or not. And if that means the walking talking Peppermint Stick ends up happy too then so be it.
But that was a problem for future Hitoshi. For now, he would enjoy his time with his found family. Mei his baby obsessed sister. Izuku his Quirk nut of a brother. And Todoroki who he might as well start calling Shouto considering he was going to be his future brother-in-law of sorts. While Inko his kind mentally adopted mother was in the other room. Being able to spend time with these people was a blessing in and of itself.
With that comforting thought, the purple haired teen left the pining pair to their own devices and turned his full attention back to the movie as he stuffed a handful of popcorn into his mouth.
...
Mei was happily working on the precious baby in her hands. Fiddle with a part here, tighten a screw there. All while watching Disney movies in a blanket fort with her friends! What more could an inventing genius ask for? Well, there was one thing and that was for the two lovebirds next to her to stop being so adorable. Or not because the adorableness shouldn't be stopped.
Ugh, the feeling of it being too much and yet not enough is driving me nuts.
The pinkette was happy for her fellow inventor and friend in the tier of best. Truly she was. Ever since Izuku had rushed back into the studio looking like a tomato after agreeing to a verbal contract in regards to hand holding with a certain boy. It was obvious to Mei's keen eyes without even using her Quirk that Izuku had a crush on the boy who could definitely use a temperature regulating baby. Not that she had much experience with crushes as she always liked to keep her focus on inventing rather than romantic feelings for others.
Perhaps it could happen. Or not. Either way Mei didn't really care all that much. Because to her the making of as many babies as possible was most important. Creating lovely and adorable inventions for Heroes to use. Like Izuku and Hitoshi would be. Her own personal guinea pigs but ones she was more emotionally attached to than normal. They were her best friends after all.
Todoroki wasn't at the best tier yet. Not for Mei at least though she would be open to the possibility. But the boy gave most of his attention to Izuku more than anything or anyone else. Well, him and maybe cold soba. Boy can that guy pack in those noodles dipped in tsuyu sauce. It's like he lived off the stuff much how Iida did on orange juice for his Quirk.
Oh right. Iida. I need to apologize to him.
Mei did feel bad about using her friend like that. Because after that talk she and Izuku had Mei agreed that the engine boy was her friend. Just not on the same tier as Hitoshi and Izuku were. But a friend none the less who she had used as her personal puppet to showcase her babies. Something she had felt slightly guilty about before but very much so after their talk. So, yes. She needed to apologize for what she did.
Unfortunately, that apology would have to wait. Iida had already left due to a family emergency before she could. So, she hadn't been able to talk to him yet. But that was ok. He had more important things to worry about like tending to his brother who had gotten attacked. Her apology could wait. Perhaps for when she sees him at lunch on Tuesday.
Yeah, that would work.
For now, the pinkette chose to focus on the here and now. Her three friends near her with two being in the tier of best. One of which was in the pair of pining lovebirds who were just too cute together. Like come on. Hand holding and resting their heads together? Just kiss already.
Mei had consumed enough romance audio books, movies, and shows to know they had it bad for each other. Hopefully they'll end her suffering watching from the sidelines soon or she would have to intervene. But how exactly? Hmm…perhaps Hitoshi had some ideas as he too seemed to find them annoyingly adorable same as her.
I'll give them more time to figure it out themselves. But if they take too long then Operation Get-These-Two-Lovebirds-Together will have to be commenced. Official operation name pending.
But again, she would let them try and get together themselves. No use working up a sweat for something that would work out on its own. That would be wasted effort she could use to make more improved babies. Like the one in her hands at this moment. Yes, that was what she would focus on to distract her from her pining friends.
...
The movie continued on and Izuku's previous tiredness was returning. But he wasn't too surprised because Shouto's warmth was so soothing and his contact with the other boy calming. Their heads resting against each other. Their hands conjoined between them with Shouto absentmindedly brushing his thumb against the greenette's skin. It was…nice.
Before he knew it, Izuku had fallen asleep but he could have sworn he only closed his eyes for a second. However, it had been more than that. One moment he was watching the movie and the next the credits were rolling. Shouto's head was no longer on his so the greenette lifted his own from his shoulder blinking the sleep out of his eyes.
Mei was still working though he could tell her energy levels were low. Hitoshi was showing Shouto some cat pictures on his phone. However once Izuku had stirred, those pretty grey and blue eyes turned their attention to him. The greenette smiled at him sleepily and suggested that it was probably time for them all to go to bed. The other two boys agreed while the girl tried to protest but ultimately agreed too.
The pinkette left to go get ready for bed with a shower and a change of clothes. It wasn't long after that she came back in comfortable black shorts and a grey tank top with a picture of a gear followed by the word 'up'. Since she was done, the boys took turns in the bathroom to brush their teeth before all four settled back down in the pillow fort.
Mei slept in the cleaner part of her makeshift studio gifted with the promised clean blankets. Hitoshi took the couch claiming a pillow and blanket for himself. Which left Shouto and Izuku on the floor but they were both perfectly fine with that. There were plenty of soft fluff things to make the floor cozy. With the lights out and being surrounded by blankets and pillows, it wasn't long until Izuku fell back asleep.
A few hours later the greenette woke up in need of the bathroom. Mei was conked out to his left and Shouto was asleep on his right. Even Hitoshi was out cold on the couch. Something that Izuku was thankful for since the insomniac could use all the sleep he could get. As quietly and as carefully as he could, Izuku extracted himself from the fort and made quick work in the bathroom.
It wasn't long until he was back and saw that everyone was still asleep. Good. He'd hate to disturb anyone's sleep in the middle of the night. Just as carefully, he reinserted himself into the fort and settled down under the blankets to join the others in slumber once more. Only he had been wrong in thinking the others were all still asleep as he suddenly felt arms, one cool and one warm, wrap around him from behind.
"Shouto-kun?" Izuku whispered as he turned to face the other boy. "Sorry, did I wake you up?"
"No. Well, yes but it's okay," Shouto said quietly in the small space between them. Those alluring eyes of grey and blue gazed into captivated green. "Is this ok?"
The taller boy brushed his hands along the shorter one's back to show he meant the embrace. The action made Izuku let out a slight gasp at the sensation of the other running his hands over his clothed skin. Another small addition to their collection of touches that made the greenette's heart flutter.
"Yeah," the greenette breathed out, glad that the dark hid his blush.
The bi-color teen gave him a modest but warm smile as he shifted closer to his friend before asking in want of clarification, "Cuddling, right?"
"Right," Izuku replied with a reassuring smile and short huffed chuckle.
The two shuffled a bit until they were both comfortable in each other's arms. They were both laying on their sides facing each other under one blanket. Izuku's head ended up tucked under Shouto's chin much like when they had hugged earlier. It was warm and comfortable and did not take long for both of them to fall back asleep.
The next morning found them still cuddled together though slightly shifted. Shouto was on his back with Izuku tucked into his side and his head resting on the warm side of his friend's chest. The greenette carefully tilted his head up expecting the other to still be asleep but instead found his friend already awake reading something on his phone.
"Morning," Izuku whispered with a dusting of pink on his freckled cheeks as green eyes were met with grey and blue.
"Morning," Shouto mumbled back as he lowered his phone, his voice sounding somewhat rough from sleep. Izuku didn't know why but he liked it.
"Did you sleep well?" the shorter boy asked quietly, not wanting to disturb the others.
"Yeah," the taller teen answered as he brought a warm arm around his friend to bring him closer. "One of the best night sleeps I've ever had actually."
The blush of pink grew a shade darker at the action but Izuku did nothing to stop him. Instead, he stuttered out, "M-me too."
The pair stayed like that for a while. Izuku tucked his head back under Shouto's chin. His green locks tickled the bi-color teen's skin so he brought his warmer hand up to brush the strands away. The greenette leaned into the touch as he always enjoyed fingers running through his hair. Taking the hint, those warm fingers gently stroked his curls and Izuku let out a satisfied sigh.
It was in that moment that he heard the sound of a picture being taken. Green eyes that had previously been closed in contentment shot open in surprise. Izuku surged into a sitting position leaving the bewildered element wielder's embrace. The greenette searched for the picture taker and first looked to Hitoshi who he would not put it passed to do such a thing.
"Enjoying yourself this morning, are we?" the purple haired teen jeered with a smirk.
Green eyes glared at him but saw no sign of his phone. He continued his search to Mei who was currently rubbing the sleep from her yellow eyes so he ruled her out. It wasn't until he looked outside the blanket fort to see his mother standing there with a fond smirk while shaking her phone in front of her.
"Mom!" Izuku exclaimed in embarrassment.
"Just documenting Shouto's first sleepover, Izuku," the mother said innocently.
The younger greenette let out a groan while Shouto sat up beside him. The bi-color teen watched Inko walk away to go start on breakfast. Mei successfully woke herself up enough to assess the situation.
"What'd I miss?" the pinkette asked in a groggy tone.
"Oh nothing," Hitoshi replied still smirking in amusement. "Just Izuku and Shouto being cuddle buddies in this fine A.M."
Yellow cross-haired eyes studied the pair. Izuku was flushed in red shyness while Shouto sported a miniscule smile with no sense of shame for being caught. It was almost non-existent but nothing went amiss under her Zoom Quirk. The sight of their reactions and their close proximity to each other was pleasing to her Quirked eyes.
"I see," Mei said with a smirk of her own.
"Not too shocking, ne?" the purple haired teen quipped.
"Not at all," the pinkette answered. "There is definitely obvious electricity between them."
"Quite the spark, I'd say," Hitoshi added with a lilt.
"Yes, it hurt," Shouto interjected with a hand on his stomach. He missed the teasing entirely but the mention of electricity reminded him of losing to his friend by a practical taser to the gut.
...
The other two laughed at Shouto's comment though he wasn't sure why. Nor did he understand why they had gotten a pillow to the face each from Izuku before his friend turned to him to apologize. But Shouto said it was fine since it was during a sanctioned match. He didn't even really remember it all that much as it had happened so fast. All he could recall was the feel of the shorter boy's hand on his cheek and small waves of heat as fire leaked from his left side. Then a jolt of energy coursed through his body which knocked him out. Beyond that, all he knew was that one moment he had been in the fighting ring and the next he woke up in the nurse's office.
It hadn't been the ending Shouto had expected for their fight. Well, the entirety of their fight wasn't what he had expected. The way that Izuku had pushed his way past all his barriers while keeping his ice at bay with his Support Items. Using his words to break down his long-built walls enough for his repressed fire to escape into the world. Though he hadn't expected it, he didn't feel bad about losing to the other boy. In fact, he was grateful. Because that match had been a real wake up call to how he had been holding himself back from the kind of Hero he wanted to be.
But not anymore. Shouto would be a Hero. He would save people as a Hero should. He would use this Quirk he was born with to help as many as he could. Just like Izuku said was possible. Because his friend may be Quirkless but he had such deep knowledge and understanding of Quirks and Heroes that the element wielder would take any advice from him to heart. Knowing that it was given in hopes to help him and by extension anyone he saved in the future.
The bi-color teen looked at his green haired friend who was chatting with the others. To many, when they looked at the boy all they saw was that he was Quirkless and thereby less than those who are Quirked. Like those people in the crowd. Endeavor. Bakugou. But to those who actually knew him, Izuku was more than his Quirk status.
Izuku was kind. Seeing the best in people even though they hadn't done the same for him. Izuku was caring. Always reaching out a hand in aid despite the years of it being slapped away. Izuku was smart. Able to pick a person and their Quirk apart to find the best solution to any given situation. Izuku was a Hero. Driven by the instinctual need to save people no matter who it was.
And now, with Izuku placing first in the Sports Festival and Hitoshi following in second, they would both be joining Class 1-A starting Tuesday. Entering the Hero Course to learn to be the Heroes they longed to become. Shouto was happy for them both and he looked forward to them being in his class. Especially Izuku as he enjoyed his company the most out of all his friends.
It was true. Shouto didn't understand why exactly but he did. Out of the many friends he had made at UA, he enjoyed spending time with Izuku the most. Not that he didn't care for his other friends. Which the fact that he had friends was still kind of odd to him considering how he grew up. Isolated even from his own family and forcibly given the sole purpose to surpass All Might since he was born.
But here he was sitting among friends in a blanket fort during a sleepover. A scenario Shouto had never thought was possible. Or ever entertained really. Because before UA, other than Yaoyorozu, no one else his age had shown any resemblance of genuine interest in him past him being the son of the Number Two Hero. All the students in his private junior high school who had shown any interested in him were only out for the notoriety of being close to the progeny of Endeavor.
His friends at UA however were different. At the very beginning of the school year, Shouto had fallen into old habits of staying isolated from his peers. Assuming they would only try to befriend him because of his father. As well as wanting to concentrate solely on being a Hero using only his right side. Then he had met Izuku or rather the Quirkless boy had introduced himself while questioning his lack of use of his whole Quirk.
Shouto had been cold. Not just because of the ice that had encased his cursed left side. But also by attempting to brush off the strange boy who had the audacity to question him. At the time he was a nobody. If only his past-self knew how important that boy would be in the near future. It almost made Shouto wish he could go back and knock some sense into himself for being so cold to the sunshine boy.
He couldn't though but that was okay. Shouto was happy where they were at now. Izuku and he were friends. Not typical friends which was obvious even to him and his lack of experience with friendship. But he didn't care. The bi-color teen enjoyed what they had. Whatever it was. Even if he didn't know what it was, he didn't mind not knowing because he was content. With the friendly touches and mutual understanding between them. It was calm, comforting, and above all warm.
...
The group of teens sat chatting in the blanket fort for a bit. Well mostly it was Izuku himself chatting with Mei while the other two would add their own comments when warranted. It wasn't long until Inko called out that breakfast was almost ready. Meaning that it was time to start dismantling the blanket fort since the dining table chairs were part of its structure.
The greenette was sad to have to take it down but if they wanted to eat at the table they must. They didn't completely tear down the fort as that was a task to tackle after breakfast. Instead, they broke it down enough to extract the chairs leaving the main area and Mei's mini studio a mere pile of blankets and pillows bunched on the floor. Again, sad but blanket forts were always temporary refuges destined to be dismantled eventually. But also to be build back up again whenever desired.
By the time they rescued the chairs, breakfast was ready. The teens and mother enjoyed a meal of grilled salmon, rice, and miso soup while happily chatting together. Once they were finished, Hitoshi and Mei offered to help clean up as thanks for letting them stay over. Inko tried to say it wasn't necessary but they insisted. Besides, they had been over enough that they knew where everything went.
While they were busy with that, Shouto and Izuku got to work on taking the rest of the blanket fort down. The other two quickly joined them after finishing the dishes. It took no time at all with all four of them working together folding blankets, collecting pillows, and separating anything that had gotten dirty like the grubby towels set out for Mei.
Once that was all put away and the table returned to its place, the four teens didn't want to call an end to the sleepover just yet. Remembering something from earlier, Izuku suggested playing Mario Kart again since Shouto had enjoyed it yesterday. Everyone agreed and so they played numerous rounds of that. With the passing of each race, the bi-color teen was getting better and better as they played. He even managed to win two races which he was stoically proud of.
They played that game for a while before switching over to Super Smash Bros. to introduce Shouto to something new. The inexperienced boy ended up button smashing with no clear idea what he was doing but he had fun with it none the less. While the other three were beating the crap out of each other's characters and became even more competitive whenever the Smash Ball would appear.
As it got closer to noon, Inko came back out to make lunch. Feeding the warring troops once more before they finally called an end to the sleepover. Much to Shouto's delight, the mother decided to serve cold soba having learned the teen loved the dish. With her gut feeling about possible issues with his homelife, she figured he could use a pick-me-up.
They all enjoyed their lunch especially Shouto who ate it with his usual enthusiasm. A stoic intenseness as he carefully prepared each bite and slurped the noodles up. It made Izuku smile as he ate his own portion of the meal. The other boy really really liked his cold soba and it was endearingly adorable.
...
Once they were done eating, Shouto asked if he could help Inko with the dishes. Typically, she would try to refuse as she had with Hitoshi and Mei earlier until they insisted. But the bi-color teen had seemed to enjoy the activity so much yesterday that she gladly accepted the help. Izuku stepped in to help as well to put dishes back after Shouto had dried them. Forming the three people team just like yesterday.
While they were busy with that, Hitoshi had gone to pack up his bag that was in Izuku's room. Mei double checked she had all the parts of her baby and her tool kit before doing the same. By the time they were finished with the dishes, Izuku followed by Shouto and Inko met Hitoshi in the hallway dressed for the day and ready to go with bag in hand.
Soon after Mei popped out of Izuku's room also dressed with her belongings. She was eager to get back to her lab as she gave her version of a quick goodbye to everyone. Which was a hug for Inko, a punch to the arm for Hitoshi, a hair ruffle for Izuku, and a fist bump to a somewhat confused Shouto. The latter stared at the offered fist perplexed until Izuku mimed bumping his fists together. The bi-color teen let out a quiet 'ah' and mirrored the action earning not only a bright smile from the pinkette but also a snort from Hitoshi.
"What?" Shouto asked, once again confused.
"You're like Baymax learning how to fist bump," the purple haired boy snickered.
"Baymax?" the element wielder inquired with a curious look towards Izuku for answers.
"He's a character in 'Big Hero Six'," the greenette replied. "It's another Disney movie we could watch sometime. Or you could watch it on your own if you wanted. You don't necessarily have to watch them with m-us."
Izuku had tried to cover up the slipup of 'me' but of course Hitoshi caught it. He also caught the shorter boy in a head lock and mussed his hair with a noogie as he said, "Ah, come one, Izuku. You know you want to watch all the movies with Shouto here."
The brainwasher eyed the bi-color boy in question with a smirk but also searching for a reaction to using the other's first name. The element wielder seemed to be mulling over the change before looking into purple eyes.
"It's alright…Hitoshi," Shouto said hesitantly but the other gave him a smirk and a nod to let him know it was okay. Fondness for the gesture warmed his cool grey and blue eyes that drifted down to green where Izuku had finally successfully struggled out of the hold. "I wouldn't mind watching movies with Izuku."
"Oh, are we doing first names now?" Mei chimed in as she stepped into the bi-color boy's space. The change made her excited as it was a step closer to the friend tier of best. "Then you can call me Mei."
Grey and blue eyes looked almost crossed as he stared down at the pinkette who was suddenly up in his scarred face. He blinked owlishly for a second before responding, "Okay…Mei. Please call me Shouto."
"You got it, Shouto!" the pinkette replied with a wink. "Welp, I'm off!"
With that, the storm of energy that was Mei put on her shoes and left. The remaining four chuckled in their respective typical levels of enthusiasm at her antics as she walked out the door.
"That Mei is quite the character," Hitoshi commented with a fond shake of his head. "Hyper, smart, and a tad crazy. But she has her moments. I'm going to head out too. Do behave yourself, Izuku, once I'm gone."
The purple haired teen wiggled his eyebrows suggestively with a glance at the crush of his best friend. The greenette scoffed at his teasing and rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms in protest. The mother giggled at the interaction while the bi-color teen was clearly confused. But the brainwasher offered no explanation. Merely gave the perplexed boy a pat on the shoulder before putting on his shoes and bidding them goodbye. Which left Shouto as the last remaining guest.
"Do you need help with anything, Shouto?" Inko asked.
"No, I should be fine," the boy replied figuring she meant in reference to his dressed injuries. "My sister can help change my bandages when I get home."
He had no hesitation talking about his injuries since both of the greenettes before him already knew about them. Inko more than Izuku since she had helped attend to them. The casual mention of them made a worried expression appear on both of their faces. An air of tension grew around them as the mother and son looked at him in concern for his homelife.
"Well, if you're sure," Inko said, breaking that tension. "I just can't help but worry about you though."
"Me too," Izuku added.
Shouto merely hummed in response before he excused himself to go change. He appreciated their concern but he didn't think it was necessary. It wasn't unusual for him and he only had a few more years of his current situation to get through. Though maybe it could be shorter if he continues to gather evidence of his injuries. As well as sending them to Inko as a backup. Yes, that was what he would do.
It didn't take him long to get dressed being mindful of his injuries. With a last check of his bag for all of his belongings, he zipped it up, slung it on his back, and stepped back out into the hall. Inko and Izuku were chatting about what they needed to get at the store making a mental list. It reminded Shouto that he too had a shopping list that he needed to attend to. Perhaps he would do that before he returned to the estate.
Both greenettes turned to him as he joined them in the hall. Izuku beamed at him as the shorter pulled him into a hug that he happily returned. It was a brief one but any friendly gestures no matter how short or small were welcome.
"Thanks for coming over," Izuku said as they parted.
"Thank you for inviting me, Izuku," Shouto replied, already missing the hug. He then turned his attention to Inko. "And thank you for having me over."
"Come back any time, Shouto," the mother responded with a brief smile. She then seemed to be contemplating something before coming to a decision with a nod and opening her arms in invitation.
The bi-color teen stared at her in shock for a moment before cautiously stepping forward and accepting the offered hug. Inko carefully wrapped her arms around his injured torso as he in turn brought his own hesitantly around her. For what seemed like forever, Shouto had been denied any sort of comforting touch such as this. And then he had met Izuku and everything changed.
Sure, it had started from an offer to help with Izuku taking a hold of his hand to better examine the side effects of using his ice continuously. The warmth he had felt from the helpful Quirkless boy had been different from the touches he had known. Promptly welcomed and enjoyed only to be missed as soon as he had let go. Leading to their agreement beginning with his own impulsive desire to experience that warmth again.
It had been surprising but pleasing that the shorter boy had agreed to holding hands. Especially since he had barely known him at the time he had asked, but they became quick friends from there. Perhaps it wasn't the norm of what friends do as he hadn't seen anyone else in their friend group do what they do. He wasn't sure what they had was exactly or how it was different from his other friends but Shouto found that he didn't really care all that much.
The uncertainty certainly didn't discourage him from pursuing more touches with Izuku. So far they had hand holding, brushing of fingers, hugs, and cuddling. It made him curious as to what else there was to share. Perhaps he would learn more after looking into those books his mother had suggested. As well as what exactly he was feeling for the greenette who was the embodiment of the sun.
With a careful yet firm squeeze, Inko let go of the bi-color teen. She smiled at him as warmly as Izuku did as she brought up a hand to gently pat his two-toned hair. Not ruffling it as she didn't want to mess up the parting of the two colors straight down the middle. Shouto still reveled at the small show of affection by leaning into the touch with a soft smile. With one final pat, she removed her hand and Shouto bid them both goodbye before excusing himself out the door.
A short train ride later, Shouto arrived at a the book store in search of the research material his mother directed him to find. When he did find the suggested titles, he did not find himself in the reference section as he had expected. Rather than bland books of knowledge, he found himself surrounded by colorful tomes instead. It wasn't what he had been expecting but he simply shrugged to himself and looked for the titles his mother gave him.
He found the first one on his list and flipped it open to see what was inside. The style of the book was…different from Shouto's typical reading preferences. There were a lot more visuals paired with the words just as his mother had said. Perhaps those would help him better understand what exactly he had with Izuku. With a nod to himself, he closed the book before adding it to his basket and continued to find the others. Completely oblivious to the odd looks he was getting from the other patrons as he went about his task.
After finding the first volume of each series on the list, Shouto walked to the cashier to make his purchases. The worker at the counter raised a brow in question at his selection but said nothing as his books were rung up. As they worked, Shouto's eyes scanned the impulse buys next to the register.
There were various book covers in different colors and designs. Ones that granted one a level of discretion when it came to their reading material of choice. Not that Shouto was ashamed or embarrassed of the type of books he was buying. Or rather Endeavor was buying as he may be a bastard of a father but he at least provided his masterpiece with an allowance.
But much like when he shared tactile moments with Izuku, Shouto preferred at least some level of discretion. In public anyway as he had been more comfortable to share touches in the privacy of the Midoriya apartment even despite the company of his two other friends. He knew that they knew about the hand holding already. Though it was a surprise to have his picture taken while cuddling his warm friend. But he wasn't embarrassed all too much by it. It was a commemorative photo for his first sleepover after all.
I should text Inko to ask her to send me a copy of it.
A particular book cover caught his eye during his musing. The background was a simple black but the pattern was a mix of fluffy green cartoon bunnies in various poses. Such as sleeping, stretched out on their back, sitting up, eating a carrot, and so on. It was…cute. And it reminded him of a certain warm friend.
"Will that be all, sir?" the cashier asked as they placed the last book in a bag.
"No," Shouto answered, picking out the book cover and placing it on the counter. "Please add this."
"Of course, sir," the worker replied, quickly scanning the item and adding it to the bag.
With a quick swipe of his credit card and the digital exchange of currency, Shouto collected his purchases and left the store. He headed for the train station and scanned his pass before heading for the needed platform. As he waited for the train, the bi-color teen took out the book cover and a randomly selected book. After taking off various tags and stickers, he wrapped the cloth cover around the book before he started to read. The story line was simple but it kept him occupied all the way home.
...
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Notes extension: post/652853764509810688/part-2-chapter-11-cuddle-up-with-a-good-friend