Hello everyone. I do apologize for my long absence from writing. Much less free time with age. Apologies, enjoy the random story.
Study period was truly wonderful. It gave her more than enough time to finish what was left of her classwork, and then dive into the newest weapon book she had acquired. This particular one was about the samurai, and she was fascinated to learn of the various swords, not to mention the different types of armor that were often used. Granted she was more interested in the easier to create and conceal Tantõ :a blade the size of a simple knife and much more dangerous but she did love a challenge. She was so engrossed in her book that the world around her was quiet despite her classmates' chatter. The sudden sound next to her was so startling she nearly fell out of her chair. Looking up from her book she was surprised to see Todoroki's phone alarming from the edge of his desk. He glanced at her as a single eyebrow raised in question and she felt her cheeks heat up in response. She gave him a sheepish grin and went back to her book, trying in vain to focus.
So much for poise and grace. She sighed: exasperated at herself.
She watched out of the corner of her eye as he picked up his phone and checked the caller before silencing the ringer and putting it down. He went back to his schoolwork, and she suddenly realized that very few classmates were actually working. Aside from Iida: her and Todoroki we're the only ones being productive, everyone else was just goofing off. For a moment she watched the guys having arm wrestling, apparently Midoriya and Kaminari we're the best and they were trying to determine who was stronger.
Todoroki's phone buzzed and his only reaction was to silence it again, but after this repeated a few more times even she was curious. Book completely forgotten she turned to him.
"Todoroki-san someone's calling you, aren't you going to answer? Clearly no one will be angry if you must."
She gestured to the arm-wrestling part of the room, and he glanced up just as Bakugo began to loudly laugh at Kaminari for losing to Midoriya. He followed her motion to the rowdy bunch and scoffed.
"Clearly."
She smiled having grown used to his one-word answers but as his phone rang again, she tried once more.
"Who's calling you in the middle of the day? They seem pretty persistent. Oh, I mean you don't have to tell me I was just wondering. I mean I was curious who but - never mind I'll leave you be."
Her face flushed again as she realized she may have overstepped her bounds and she twirled a bit of her ponytail in her finger to try and rid herself of the nervous energy. Her eyes fell on Uraraka across the room attempting to congratulate Midoriya on his win, but when she hugged him be devolved into incoherent babbles and turned tomato red. She giggled at his antics and went back to talking with Mina as if nothing had happened.
"It's fine."
His response surprised her a bit and when she looked back at him, he was staring intently at his phone.
"It's my sister."
"Oh! I didn't realize you had siblings Todoroki-san."
He nodded slowly, never leaving his phone.
"She's a teacher -"
Whatever he was about to say was cut off as his phone rang again and his brow furrowed.
"You might be right, Yaoyorozu."
He tapped the screen and brought the phone up to his ear.
"Fuyumi. What is it?"
There were a few seconds of silence as he listened intently, and then something happened. His jaw set into a harsh line, and a raw emotion took over his being, he was furious. His phone combusted in his hand as his entire left side set ablaze, she let out an involuntary squeak of surprise, but he took no notice. Without a word he stood and left the classroom. Having felt the tension and woken up Aizawa yelled after him.
"'Eh Todoroki! Study period isn't over where are you going!"
She met Aizawa at the door without thinking, he looked at her in surprise.
"Yaoyorozu?"
She stammered. "U-Um you see he's uh- it's a family- his sister- something-. " She paused and collected herself realizing she was only irritating their teacher.
" I'll go after him, Aizawa-sensei. As the Duty Representative I shall go collect my fellow classmate. Leaving the study period early is unacceptable and I shall make sure to pass that on to him."
He looked at her blankly for a few seconds before muttering a quiet "Whatever" and curling back up in his sleeping bag.
She sighed in relief before heading out of the classroom.
"WHY DOES THE HALF AND HALF GET TO LEAVE!? HOW COME I HAVE TO STAY HERE WITH THESE EXTRAS?!"
"Shut up Bakugou, I'm trying to sleep."
"YOU LET PONYTAIL LEAVE! THE HELL IS THIS?! I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE TRYING TO SLEEP YOU LAZY BASTARD!"
The door clicked behind her, and she let out a sigh of relief. Now to find Todoroki. She searched the grounds but came up empty. (She even went so far as to look in the boy's bathroom: much to her embarrassment.) She was about to give up on finding him when she heard a scream and a tower of flames erupted in the forest a good distance from the school. That was Todoroki!
She took off in a mad sprint towards him, hoping to get there before any investigating hero. Only later did she realize why no heroes came towards the pillar of flames, everyone assumed it was an angry Endeavor and left him be. She only stopped running when her feet slipped out from under her, and she fell. She landed on her hands and knees and with her heart pounding in her ears she realized she was on a solid sheet of ice.
She lifted her head up and slowly tried to catch her breath, she was completely unprepared for what she found. There he was.
He was in the middle of a very large clearing in the forest. His fire had charred the surrounding trees and then they had been encased in ice. He was curled in on himself at the stump of what was probably a large tree, arms wrapped around his legs, head down and shaking. Her heart shattered at the image. He looked like a child so scared and alone.
Slowly she shuffled on the ice towards him, careful not to make much noise and startle him. The closer she got the better she could hear his cries, muffled by his arms she only caught a few pieces.
"Why…. her...never did anything…. "
When she was close enough, she reached out to him and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Shoto…"
The reaction was violent. He jerked away from her so suddenly that his head slammed into the trunk and his entire side lit on fire again. She braced herself against the heat covering her face a bit, she was so close to him she thought she might catch fire as well. Then there was silence.
"...Y-Yaoyorozu?"
She peaked out at him as the flames died out. He was looking at her with an expression she had never seen.
"...why are u here?"
His voice was hoarse and for a moment she was stunned into silence. His multi-colored eyes were bloodshot, and tears continued to spill down his face. She took in his slumped posture, as a silent sob rippled through his body, and he sniffed. She felt her own eyes begin to well up and she reached out to him. He flinched when her hand made soft contact with his check.
"Oh Shoto…" Her own tears threatened to spill forward as she brushed a few of his, lightly caressing the bottom of his scar.
"What happened?"
He stared at her in silence for a few heartbeats as if deciding something and then choked back another sob. He buried his face into his hands to stop the sound and turned away from her.
"Go away Yaoyorozu I'm dangerous"
She watched as he pulled away from her and silent tears crept down her cheeks. Even in his anguish he was trying to protect her, she wouldn't have it- not this time. She squirmed the rest of the way over to him, slowly on the ice and before he could react, she had collected him into her arms. He stiffened immediately but she pulled him to her anyways, the angle was awkward holding him almost completely sideways, but she didn't care. After a few seconds of harsh silence, he released a shaky breath, and slowly uncurled himself to wrap his arms around her. He was cautious as though he believed he would break her, and with that thought in mind she held him tighter. Eventually he gave into her embrace pulling her tightly to his chest and burying his face into the crook of her neck as new sobs wracked his body. She tried to ignore how wonderful it felt to be held by him, but the fact that he had inadvertently pulled her into his lap was not lost on her. She mentally scolded herself for blushing and shoved the thought to the back of her mind. She focused instead on the distraught boy Infront of her, bringing her hand up into his hair and threading between the strands to rub soothing circles.
"Ssshhh… it's ok Shoto."
His sobs slowly died down and he took a few ragged breaths but his hold on her didn't loosen, and the tears never stopped. Idly she weaved her hands in his hair attempting to relieve some of his tension and just held him calm down.
"...Momo…"
As much as his voice had startled her, she was more stunned he had used her first name. A blush crept up her neck but she willed it away and managed to choke out a response.
"I'm here."
She didn't know what else to say. What happened? What is going on? Are you ok? How can I help you? What can I do? She felt useless.
Mouth suddenly dry she swallowed thickly, focused on the trunk behind him and waited.
It was several minutes later when he slowly pulled back.
"You…..came to find me?"
His voice was barely a whisper and he looked up at her with an expression so alone, so lost she felt her heart constrict. His eyes: a beautiful combination of cobalt and silver, watched her unsure, unbelieving someone might be there for him- but there was also hope. He wanted to trust her as always, he was cautious but there was something else: fear? A resolve to protect this version of him buried itself in her heart, and for a moment her words wouldn't come.
She nodded.
His face was so beautiful her hand drifted again to his cheek just like before. His eyes slid closed, he took another deep ragged breath and relaxed into her hand in silence.
Time froze. His hair fell over his closed eyes, and he looked so peaceful.
Suddenly his arms, still wrapped around her waist, tightened and pulled her flush against him. Her heart thudded painfully against her chest at the action and her thoughts deserted her.
"S-Shoto?"
"I didn't mean to cause you trouble, thank you Momo."
She nodded dumbly again and finally worked up the courage to speak.
"Are you ok?"
She mentally scolded herself as soon as the words tumbled out of her mouth. Of course, he wasn't ok! That was the best she could come up with?! What a horrible friend she was! How could she think even for a moment-
"Yes, I apologize if I scared you. I no longer believe I am a danger."
"You are not dangerous." Her voice was firm, and she huffed rather indignantly before she could stop herself. "You would never hurt me or anyone else."
He pulled away from her and held her lightly like she was some delicate little thing. The thought irked her. He was looking down using his bangs as a shield, he sighed, and she realized what was happening. He was closing himself off, reverting back to the polite classmate that she nearly begged to speak to her. Panic constricted her heart and the fear of the loss of whatever they had just gained together blackened the corners of her vision. He looked up at her-all emotion was gone.
A sob ripped out of her before she could stop it- she slapped a hand over her mouth and her vision began to cloud with tears.
"Yaoyorozu…"
His voice was calm, like a teacher to a student or a parent to a child, and her heart ached with the loss.
Her voice was a broken whisper. "No…."
"Yaoyorozu listen-"
"NO!"
Anger, fear, disbelief. All of it washed violently over her and she scrambled away from him- overcome with emotion. How could he just close off everything?! He let her go without a fight and she remembered too late the massive sheet of ice. Her feet were only under her for a moment before they weren't. She fumbled, slid and then landed very ungracefully face first on the ice.
She had only managed to make it a few feet away sliding to a stop. Embarrassment exploded in her chest. She felt her cheeks burn poison hot as she gasped for breath- the wind knocked out of her. Digging her nails into the ice, frustration rippled through her mind. What was she doing? What did she think she would accomplish?
Todoroki was at her side in an instant.
"Yaoyorozu are you alright?!"
She felt the distant warmth of his hand hovering above her back, afraid to touch her.
She took a deep trembling breath and gazed up through her lashes at his face.
There was a wall there. A polite kindness, an expression she had often seen during their hero training- something for a stranger.
She pushed herself up slowly, mindful not to slip again and carefully got up on her knees. Tragically she didn't know what to say to him, she stared at her hands folded neatly in her lap and tried to find the words. What could she say? She had come out here to what? Check on him? Make sure he was, ok? How could she possibly tell him she was upset he wasn't sharing himself with her? That he was treating her like everyone else and that wasn't good enough. That she longed to see who he was behind closed doors, who he allowed himself to be when he thought no one could see the truth. How could she tell him she was in love with him? She sighed deeply and finally looked up at him. She couldn't do it- couldn't lie to herself and him any longer- her resolve strengthened. No more second guessing she was done.
"…Yaoyorozu?" His voice was quieter, questioning. She made her decision.
Before she could talk herself out of it she reached up with both hands, grabbed his face and kissed him. If she couldn't say the words, then she would show him. He stiffened immediately but her eyes were closed- tears escaping soundlessly. She pulled back a few seconds later breathless- exhilarated.
He started to respond. "W-wha-"
Eyes still closed she pressed her forehead against his and speech suddenly returned to her. She rushed to interrupt before she could hear his inevitable rejection.
"Shoto, you don't have to say anything- In fact please don't. I chased after you today because something was wrong, and you needed someone to be there. I don't know what happened and you don't have to tell me."
She took a shuddering breath and mindlessly rubbed her thumb across his cheek.
" I need you to know that I will be here for you, you don't have to return my feelings- I don't expect you to- but you can't hide behind your walls. I want to know you, anything, everything you want to tell me. I don't want to see this facade you built to keep others out. I saw more of you a moment ago than I have in all the time I've known you. I just-" a sudden sob choked her up and she paused.
"I just want to help, please let me."
Shame- unrelenting guilt for what she had just done rippled through her. She pulled away from him and buried her face in her hands. "I'm sorry."
Silence.
Her mind was screaming- panic tightened her hands into fists. What had she just done?! She had ruined everything! She had followed him to make sure he was ok, and now she was dumping all her emotional drama into his lap! What kind of a horrible person tries to comfort someone and winds up confessing like that?!
…"Yaoyorozu."
Oh God he's going to tell her he hates her! To never speak to him again! How could she do this?!
Her heart hammered painfully in her chest as one of his hands closed around her wrist. She let him pull her hands away but couldn't bear to look up into his eyes, the beautiful two-toned eyes she knew had to be filled with anger- or rejection-
"Yaoyorozu…look at me."
-or pity- how could she even think for a second he might accept her feelings let alone return them?! What was she playing at?! How could he ever care for anyone like her!?
"Momo..."
Her head snapped up at her first name, and she realized in her panic she had blocked out everything. He was close - much too close.
Her breath hitched as she homed in on his eyes- focused on her. He stared at her his gaze was so intense. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes when they opened again the walls were gone.
She stuttered. "S-Shoto I'm sorry you don't have to-"
Her world shattered. This time he was kissing her. He pulled back just as quickly, and her eyes focused on his face. He glanced away from her- suddenly shy.
" I-I don't know how to do this. I've never really been close to anyone except my mom, and even then, the relationship was strained. I can't promise anything. I'm not very good at showing emotion or telling others my problems- I've always had to deal with everything myself."
His face began to turn pink.
"I don't know how I feel really- I don't have anything to compare to but I am drawn to you as well. Plus, I enjoyed that."
The last part was mumbled and if she hadn't been so close, she wouldn't have heard him. She took in his flushed face, his hand that had somehow wound up in hers, and his inability to look at her- a grin spread across her face.
She started giggling.
The expression he gave her then was the closest thing she had ever seen to a pout on his face. A sudden burst of energy and she tackled him, wrapped her arms around his neck and snuggled up close. He let out a surprised noise and flopped onto his back, instinctively wrapping his arms around her as they fell. As excited as she was, she couldn't quit laughing at the absurdity of the situation.
She pulled back and grinned at him.
His expression was mildly amused but also unsure. She mustered her courage and leaned down to kiss him.
This time he pressed his lips back into hers. He pulled her closer and she in turn wound her hands into his dual-colored hair- marveling at its softness. She pulled back looking for something to say and he smiled at her. It wasn't anything grand- just an upturn of his lips but to her it was wonderful. She smiled back stupidly but before she could really enjoy the serenity of the situation however, there was a loud thump somewhere behind her followed by a thick laughter. The noise wasn't joyous if anything it sounded condescending and violent- shivers went down her spine- this was a threat.
Then there was movement. Shoto jerked away from her long enough to grab her by the wrist and spin them both around. Something blasted behind her- where she was seconds before. A thick heat crept up her back as if standing in front of a fireplace and then she slipped on the ice falling on her stomach with an oomph!
Before she could get her bearings, the laughter erupted again around the mini wasteland Shoto had accidentally created. She turned towards the sound as Shoto moved to stand protectively Infront of her, shock filled her thoughts. It was Endeavor.
Had he just tried to kill them?
Shoto stood stock still in front of her, a defensive stance with both hands at the ready watching his father.
"Ah Shoto, your reflexes are still much too slow, haven't I taught you better?"
Shoto didn't respond but his jaw clenched tightly, and she struggled to her feet behind him.
"So, who is this? Another weakling? And here I thought after today's accident you might finally be free of distractions."
Shoto snarled and took a threatening step forward. "That wasn't an accident! You destroyed the hospital on purpose!"
Endeavor scoffed. "You ungrateful little!…I destroyed the building because it was in my way while taking down a villain. The lives lost were tragic but a necessary evil in protecting the city."
Shoto's hands began to smoke- one from cold and one from the heat- in his anger releasing both.
"So, you're saying the one hospital in the city- the only hospital you've ever destroyed happened to have my mother inside!? Is that some kind of coincidence?!"
Momo sucked in a silent breath at the new information- how tragic his mother had been killed by his father.
Endeavor looked unimpressed. "Yes Shoto. That woman hasn't been a concern of mine for many years, your sister in fact just told me she was there maybe an hour ago. "
Ice started to spread from his right side- he was beginning to lose control of himself.
"THAT WOMAN?! Her name was REI TODOROKI! She was your wife! And my mother you bastard! you killed her!"
He started forward again, and Momo's brain went into overdrive. She couldn't let him fight his father, they were still in training and endeavor was the number 2 hero after all. This would only end badly for both of them, and if Shoto attacks the number 2 he might not ever get his chance to be a hero. She had to do something. She scrambled up behind him on the ice and grabbed onto his right arm before her feet could slide out from under her. Too late did she realize he was on the offensive. The moment she made contact he whirled to face her, his wild eyes met hers and his left hand clamped around her upper arm. Pain seared with his touch, but she willed herself not to cry out and make it worse. The contact was only for a second when he realized what he had done, and he immediately let go. The smell of burnt flesh reached her and tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she smiled at him.
"Shoto calm down. Don't do this."
Horrified eyes filled with regret and fear met hers. "Momo I…"
He stared down at his left hand-it was shaking. She stepped Infront of him and mustered all the etiquette lessons she could remember- something benign to focus on and turned to face Endeavor.
"Endeavor sir, I believe we are still on UAs training grounds. I came to fetch Shoto and return him to class. Mr. Aizawa will be waiting, if you will excuse us."
She turned as swiftly as she possibly could, with all the fire being passed around the ice had finally melted enough for her to walk.
In a vice grip she didn't know she possessed she snatched Shoto's left wrist- still extended Infront of him- and began to walk away.
"You girl! You think you can talk to me that way!? What's your name?! I'll be sure to talk to the school board about you."
She buried her panic as best as she could and looked back over her shoulder at a fuming Endeavor.
"My name is Yaoyorozu. Momo Yaoyorozu. I got into UA on recommendations, and I have perfect marks. I would greatly appreciate the number 2 hero Endeavor mentioning me by name to the school board. Thank you, sir. I do apologize we must get back to class. Good day."
With a calmness she didn't feel she strolled away from one of the most powerful men on the planet, ironically dragging his dazed son behind her.
Several minutes later, only when they were much closer to the school, and it was clear Endeavor wasn't following them did, she release Shoto.
She took a deep breath in an attempt to calm her nerves and rubbed her arms to release the built-up anxiety. Unfortunately, she had forgotten about her burn in her adrenaline and hissed when she brushed the wound. For the first time she looked down at it and frowned at the sight. There was a burn at least 3rd degree in a clear handprint wrapping around her arm, she glared at it. How could Endeavor say those things?! How could he care so little for his son?! He would've killed Shoto at the rate that was going, did he even care?!
"Yaoyorozu….?"
She snapped out of her anger fueled stupor and looked up at Shoto. He had grabbed a hold of her hand at some point and was using it to twist her arm and examine the wound. His expression was tortured.
" I told you I was dangerous… I'm sorry."
He dropped her hand and looked away from her, likely in shame.
She huffed. He looked up at the sound and she glared at him.
"Now you listen to me Shoto Todoroki - this was an accident. You didn't mean to hurt me, and you are not dangerous! Am I clear?"
He looked away again and she scowled at his dismissal, so she decided to do something a bit bold. She reached up and cupped his cheek forcing him to look at her. His eyes were filled with self-loathing and regret. She scoffed at the expression and pulled him down to kiss her. He stiffened but relaxed quickly reaching up to hold the hand pressed to his cheek. When she pulled away, she smiled at him, and his expression softened a little.
"Come on Shoto, let's get back to class."
She turned and attempted to head back to Aizawa's classroom when his grip tightened on her hand and pulled her to a halt. She turned back to him- a question on her lips.
He pulled her to his chest and buried his face in her neck-nuzzling there for a few heart beats.
"S-Shoto?"
He took a deep breath and when he released it the air grazed her collar bone- she shivered.
"Thank you Momo-for everything today."
"You're welcome."
He released her but not her hand and began to lead her in the opposite direction she had been heading.
"Shoto where are we going? Mr. Aizawa's classroom is the other way."
He didn't turn but he did intertwine their fingers.
"I'm taking you to Recovery girl so she can have a look at your arm."
And then something amazing happened- he smirked over his shoulder at her.
"I can't have anyone see that and think I didn't take you to get it looked at. After all, I'm not my dad. I actually care about my girl."
The look was gone as fast as it appeared, but it didn't matter. She allowed him to lead her through UAs halls towards Recovery girl. Everything that happened today and all she could focus on was that last statement. She stared dreamily at the back of his head, and it played on repeat. Maybe she did need to go see recovery sooner rather than later- she felt a little dizzy. Her smile split her face as they rounded another corner, and she wondered how much better study period could get.
"I actually care about my girl."