Chapter 2: Close Proximity
Fog. It was the only thing around Deku as he kept walking. No matter how far he walked, he was shrouded by a dense fog. How did he get here? He couldn't remember, yet he was determined to escape this prison of white. He tried calling out to his friends, but his voice just travelled into the thick coils of mist, reaching no one. Without faltering, he started up a jog. Then a run. Into a sprint. Again, he pushed forward, but nothing. Not a soul in sight. He ran and ran until he eventual keeled over from exhaustion. This place felt timeless. Almost suffocating. He clutched his chest, trying to regain his breath, but oxygen felt thin. He braced against the ground with one hand, his knees digging into the dirt, while he tried to calm his thoughts. Reaching into the deepest recess of his mind he heard a drop, like water dripping from a wet plant after a storm. Then a pulse ripped through him, like a warm beating heart, before a pair of arms wrapped around him.
"I've got you." The voice said. Surprised, Deku turned to see who this individual was, but the fog was still thick. Only the arms and torso could be seen. "Don't be scared, Deku. I'm right here." The voice was so soft, almost inaudible. He couldn't tell who it was, but he knew it was a man. The wide shoulders and muscular structure that formed under the black T-shirt he sported was evident. Normally one would be cautious around a stranger, yet for some reason, he felt... familiar.
"Who are you?" Deku asked, his voice sounding choppy, almost like when he first started communicating with the past user of One For All. More and more question started to flood the tip of his tongue, waiting to be asked, but the body in front of him hoisted him into his lap and gently started to draw circled on his back, comforting him. Deku blushed from embarrassment due to the close proximity. Only his mother had ever comforted him in such a manor. Was this person treating him like a child? He was about to push away and protest when he felt one of his hands being lifted and something soft and plump brush against his scars. Deku's face blossomed pink, as he stared speechlessly at the man who suddenly placed a kiss on his tattered hand.
"Someone close..." The men whispered before he continued trailing kisses up Deku's arm. Never has Deku had someone be this intimate with him. The shock of this individual bold approach seemed to freeze Deku in place, sending foreign waves of feelings down his spine. The other hand that caressed his back started to dip lower until it reached the hem of his white shirt and dark blue shorts. Then, it dipped under his clothes, poking just above his coccyx. Cold hands teased warm flesh, which caused Deku to bend from shock.
"W-wait!" Deku gasped as he felt like every nerve in his body suddenly zeroed in on that one spot. Every poke sent electricity running through his veins, burning hot and making him feel weak. Even his arms seem to be confused as to where they should be going, clumsily he grasped at the unknown individual shoulders, tugging on the shirts material.
"Here." The men chuckled before his free hand brought both of Deku's arms up to circle around his neck, locking him in place. This... for some strange reason, made Deku feel safe. Like this person was a life line and Deku needed to hold on for dear life. Seeming satisfied by Deku's reaction, the men decided to move his free hand down to his waist, coming across the front of Deku's tied shorts. There he hooked his finger through the tied loop and pulled, tugging his short strings free.
So much was escalating so fast. Deku's mind was racing to process what was going on, but the drumming of his heart was so loud it distracted him from coming up with a logical explanation. It certainly didn't help when the stranger started breathing warm air around his neck and ears, sending him into a shivering mess.
"Do you want me to stop?" The stranger asked while he continued to poke his tailbone and pull at the his short string. Deku tried to work through his feverish thoughts for an answer *Beep*, but those hands... sooooo distracting.
"I-" Deku's voice hitched in his throat when he felt a warm breath against his ear again. "Want-" His lips pressing together, trying to hold on to what little sanity he had left, but it was too much. The dam of reasoning broke as desire and curiosity won. "THIS!" *Beep Beep*
"Hold on tight... Deku..." Then both the strangers hands snaked down the front and back, causing Deku to moan and throw his head back
*Beep Beep Beep*
Deku bolted upright, straight out of his dream, as his alarm went off. Dazed and dizzy from the sudden rush of his awakening, he groaned and swipe his alarm to silence, off his phone, which laid on his bedside table. A dream... it was all a dream. Pinching the bridge of his nose he allowed himself to fall back down into his pillow and released a long, drawn out sigh as he tried to calm his beating heart.
That... was something. Something new and different. Deku had many dreams, but rarely did they feel so real. It wouldn't be his first lucid dream, but it's definitely was the most intense by far. Speaking of real and intense... Deku lifted his sheets to find a REAL problem staring him straight in the face. With another groan of shame he decided to finish what the dream had started. His hands dipped beneath his bed cover to grope himself through his short, but something was off. He was wet. Alarmed, he lifted his shorts and noticed that his underwear was drenched. Did he... cum in his sleep?
Another first for him this morning. Sure, he had the occasional wet dream, being a healthy growing man and all, but never had it pushed him pass the point where he orgasm in his sleep. Feeling more embarrassment then before, he decided that maybe a shower would wash away the shameful evidence. Pulling himself out of bed, he dragged his half-woken self towards his bedroom door. Carefully, he cracked it open and poked his head out, scanning to see if anyone else was up.
Since he started his internship with Endeavor; Todoroki, Bakugo and himself where given this three bedroom apartment to use as temporary lodging. It sat across the street from the agency and was a large open-concept condo. Really fancy and high end in Deku's mind, but comfy none the less. They all shared the living room, kitchen and family sized bathroom, which was where Deku tried to sneak off too. Seeming as the coast was clear, he snuck his way pass Bakugo's and Todoroki's room. The room themselves where the only private space in the condo, all sized the same. About as big as their dorm rooms back home at U.A.. Each housing a bed, dresser, nightstand and desk. It was homely.
"Midoriya!?" As he was about to open the door to the bathroom, a voice from the kitchen startled him, making him jump 3 feet in the air.
"Oh, Todoroki, morning!" He squeaked as he turned to address his friend, doing his best to make sure his body was facing the door. His classmate stared at him with a cocked expression.
"Everything alright? You seem on edge." That's one way of putting it. With a nervous laugh Deku tried to relax his features. "Why are you sneaking to the bathroom?" Damn Todoroki for always being perceptive. He was good at pointing out the obvious.
"Ah, well, it's kind of embarrassment..." Does he tell the truth? "You see-" Bad idea. Go for something more likely. Quick! Scratch your head and look anywhere but him. The eyes are the window to the truth. "I had a nightmare and I'm still kind of shaken from it. I thought a cold shower would wake me up." Great! Now laugh it off like it's no big deal.
There was a moment of silence. Deku could feel Todoroki judging him. A cold sweat broke loose and ran down his neck. Was he going to believe him? "It must have been some nightmare to make you this jittery." Out of Deku's peripheral, he could tell he caught his friend in the middle of breakfast. A bowl of cereal sat in his hands, most likely on his way to the table. "Do you wanna talk about it?" Todoroki gestured to the chair beside him. If Deku wasn't in a hurry he'd praise his friend for having one of the biggest hearts. But now was NOT the time.
"No no. I'll be fine once I wash up. Thanks though." And without another thought he rushed into the bathroom. Deku collapsed against the door, breathing a sigh of relief as he was able to avoided an awkward situation. Now that he was inside the bathroom he could take that shower.
The bathroom itself was no joke it was almost the size of a locker room. The right side of the room was lined with a large sideways mirror that housed three separate sinks, each student having their own belongings at each tap. Across the way where private toilets: two of them. Last was the showers. This in itself was an entirely separate room attached to the bathroom. Walking in, there were multiple cubby holes and basket for everyone to throw their laundry in. Racks of towels, clean and folded, ready to be used, and a glass door that connected to the actual tub and shower heads.
Deku wasted no time in undressing, making sure to throw everything dirty in a basket, and grabbed a clean towel before opening the glass door. Unfortunately, Deku ran into what felt like a wall. A wall of muscles to be precise. His face was scrunched, before he dragged his gaze up, locking eyes with one blond childhood friend.
"Watch where you're going, dumbass." Grumbled his other roommate, who was dripping wet from a fresh shower. A towel was wrapped tightly around his waist.
"WAAAAH! KACCHAN!?" Deku squealed before he fell backwards, throwing the towel wildly and smacking his head on a nearby bench.
"STOP YELLING, NERD! IT'S TO EARLY FOR THIS." Deku scrambled to pick his towel, and his dignity, back up and quickly covered his manly bits. Looking up he could see Bakugo towering near him, giving him a un-welcoming glare. His blond hair drooped thanks to the shower he took, droplets of water still dripping off blond spikes, landing and rolling down his chest, arms and legs. Bakugo didn't like to argue so early in the morning, thanks to the fact that he wasn't much of a morning person. With a single 'Tch' that clipped off his tongue, he walked past Deku and into the bathroom, making a beeline to his sink.
Deku watched front the ground as Bakugo turned the sink on and rummaged to pull his toothbrush and toothpaste out of his overnight bag. Running the brush under the running water, he dabbed some scented toothpaste on the head and shoved it in his mouth. If Todoroki was in here, he'd school Bakugo for dripping water all over the place. Water that continued to run down his shoulders, dipping between valleys of sinuous muscles, until it found it way down the middle of his back and slid between his ass chee- SHOWER!? Deku bolted into the tiled shower room and cranked on the cold water. The shock of the freezing liquid caused him to shiver, but it was worth it. Deku gulped in a large breath to steady his blood that pounded loudly in his ears, which were tinted red from the obvious fact that he was checking out his friend. He grabbed a nearby bottle of shampoo and squirted a large dollop into his hand before combing it through his wet hair.
"Okay, Izuku, calm down. This is just a big misunderstanding. You've seen Kacchan naked a billion times. Public baths, swim class, the beach." Deku thought as he scrubbed the shampoo over into his scalp. "So brain... please tell me there's a logical explanation as to WHY I was just ogling my lifetime friend?" He started to scrub harder, like if he scrubbed hard enough he could wash away the problem. The problem that started since this morning. "It's the dream. It's got me all wired up with these weird feeling since it's still fresh on my mind. Yeah... that's it." Once he was done convincing himself that everything was okay, he stepped back into the cold spray of the shower, where the suds were all washed away. The lingering memories of the dream, however, were left behind. Who was that person in his dream? And why, pray tell, was that person a man? It didn't make sense. Deku normally has wet dreams about girls, not guys. With another heavy sigh, Deku turned off the water and made his way to the warm bath that sat in the corner. He carefully he dipped a toes in, before slowly submerging the rest of his body into the large tub. Deku sighed a happy tune as the warmth of the bath eased his muddied thoughts into the back of his mind, finally giving him his sense of self back. He moved into a corner of the tub before he grabbed a nearby All Might rubber bath toy. He sunk it underwater and watched as it filled with water, bubbles escaping to the surface, before he lifted it back out and proceeded to shoot water across the tub. "What a morning..." He whined before he sank deeper into the bath.
"I wonder what we're going to learn today?" Said Deku as he walked into the agency's front door lobby with his two other roommates, backpack slung over his back and Hero briefcase in hand. Deku counted himself lucky to be able to train under the world's number one Hero, currently Endeavor. It was an honour that he could take time out of his busy schedule to teach Todoroki, Bakugo and himself. It was unheard of that he would train students still in high school. It was an opportunity of a lifetime and Deku wanted nothing more then to take advantage of it.
"Our agenda wasn't updated. So it's hard to say." Todoroki followed close by while he flipped through his phone. Normally, their days were pre-planned due to an app the agency made them download. Thanks to that they were able to have an idea of what their day entailed. Sometimes they would sit through a lecture with Pro Hero: Burnin. Other times they would scout and patrol the city. On rare occasions they would join Endeavor himself at public events or interviews, off on the side lines, of course.
"Hopefully it's something cool like a secret op mission, or raiding a villains shitty secret base." Bakugo stated hopefully as he pushed the elevator call button. The likelyhood of being invited to another specially assigned mission was low, especially after everything that happened in Otheon, with Humarize. Deku was certain the three of them were going to stay home-bound for a while.
The elevator chimed as it reached the ground floor. Together they huddled into the cramped space and pushed the 21st floor button. Unfortunately it was the morning rush and everyone working in the building also tried to squeeze into the limited, 1800Ib weight load, maximum 8 people, cable car box. This caused the three of them to be pushed into the back corner. Bakugo had his back to the wall, while poor Deku was sandwiched between him and Todoroki. Todoroki tried his best to give a little bit of breathing room, but the more he pushed the crowd, the more they pushed back. Causing Deku to be smooshed up against his explosively tempered classmate.
"Hate morning rush." Bakugo cursed under his breath and naturally this scenario would cause a fight, but it's been happening every morning since they started interning. Arrive on time, only to have to share a tiny space with a bunch of strangers with your two schoolmates. One of them being someone who normally doesn't like to be touched. So it's pointless to whine and complain about being so close, when you're forced to repeat this day after day. Yet, Deku's heart seemed to trip over itself when he became aware just HOW close he was to his childhood friend. His warmth was prominent in the closed space and the scent of his shampoo seemed to stick out more then usual. He smelt good. Like citrus. Orange maybe? If he could just move a bit closer and lean a little upwards he'd have a better chance at recognizing this scent, but before he could even finish that thought he was met with two piercing red eyes looking down at him. This caused Deku's blood to run cold, then hot, freezing him in place. He felt like he just got caught doing something wrong. Quickly, he cast his gaze downward and ran a hand over his neck to hide the flush of his embarrassment, but for some reason he could still feel Bakugo's lingering gaze on him. As Deku got a case of the goosebumps he couldn't help but wonder about the look in his teammates eyes. He was expecting the usual look of disgust or annoyance whenever they spent more then 10 seconds near each other, except Bakugo didn't seem to look bothered, in fact he looked more famished and a little excited, like a predator staring down at it's prey, hungry for a meal. It caused a shiver to race up his spine. This enclosed space, with all these extra bodies, must be making the elevator hot, because Deku must be seeing things.
"Are you cold, Midoriya?" Todoroki asked as he leaned next to him. Deku didn't dare open his month out of concern that maybe someones quirk is causing him to hallucinate, he simply shakes his head in response. Slowly, people started to spill out of the elevator, giving Deku an opportunity to step aside and get a little distance between him and everyone else. He did his best to calm his beating heart, patting and rubbing his chest to try and ease the strange buzz in the air. Eventually, they reached the 21st floor.
"You're late." Greeted Endeavor as the doors to the elevator opened. His demeanour showed that he wasn't impressed; arms crossed with a raised eyebrow of disapproval, dressed in his hero clothes.
"My phone says we're right on time." Todoroki chirped as he showed his cellphone to his father. It currently read 9:02am.
"That's means you're two minutes late." Endeavor furrowed.
"S'not our fault that you hired all those damn extras. They're the reason the ride up took so long." Bakugo sneered before Endeavor laid his eyes on him. "Don't believe me, check the cameras. We got here ten minutes early." He lazily gestured towards the surveillance mounted on the ceiling.
"Late, is still late. Heroes can't save lives if they're always late to the action." The Flame Hero warned.
"We're sorry, sir!" Deku bowed apologetically, kicking his feet together. "We'll make sure we leave earlier from now on." A soft 'Tch' could be heard from Bakugo. Mostly likely due to the fact that Deku was apologizing on his behalf. Todoroki stood staring at his father for a long minute before he, too, bowed for his tardiness.
"Now, then, for today you boys will be training with me." That caught the attention of all three of them as they stared back at the number one hero with curiosity. "I'll be evaluating you on your physical strength. I'll discuss more about the training once you've all changed into your gym uniforms. I expect to see you ready in fifteen minutes in the back training room." He turned to walkaway, but stopped mid stride to turn and point sharply at them. "DON'T BE LATE!" He threatened before turning a corner and disappearing. Deku didn't realize he was holding his breath until he released a sigh. Note to self: don't piss off Endeavor. Not wanting to feel his wrath for being late again the three of them hurried to the changing room.
The agency's change room was nothing out of the ordinary. It was packed with your basic needs. Benches, sinks, mirrors, washroom, shower, private change rooms and lockers to store your belongings. The company was kind enough to give the boys their own personal lockers with their names on it. Paper name plates, not the engraved ones that the Heroes who actually work here had. Still Endeavor's agency did their best to make them feel like one of them. The Flame Hero always had a bad reputation rolling around in the school halls. Rumours that would make him look terrible, but so did every other pro hero. It was nice to see that everyone here seemed to enjoy the work they do. Which was a breath a fresh air.
Opening his locker, Deku quickly changed out of his clothes. After his shower this morning he threw on a white T-shirt and track shorts, accompanied by his light blue, zip-up, sweater. Lucky for them they didn't have to wear their school uniform during their intern.'They'd stick out too much' as Endeavor put it. So they were free to wear their casual everyday wear, but they had to still pack both their gym uniform and hero costume for appropriate occasions.
"We'll have to be more aware of our time when we leave in the morning, otherwise my father will punish us next time. I'd rather not sit through another one of his lectures." Grumbled Todoroki as he pulled on a white T-shirt and threw on his UA jacket. "When he teaches he doesn't stop staring at me." He huffed before sitting himself down on a bench and slipping on his runners. While he worked on tying his laces he turned his attention towards the sinks. "Bakugo, we only have five minutes left. What are you doing?"
"Washing off the filth from those sweaty sidekicks that were in the elevator with us." He barked as he splashed water in his face. Strange...? He's never bothered doing that before now.
Closing his locker Deku turned to watch his friend quickly wipe the water away with a nearby hand towel before tossing it into a laundry hamper and marching over to finish throwing on his uniform. With seconds left they hurried into the training room that was linked to the locker room.
They stepped into a large open room that almost looked like a dance studio. Mirrors lined most of the walls, one end being windows that looked out over the city. They had a handful of training weapons stacked up in racks along the entrance to the change room. The floors were covered in mats in order to absorb heavy falls and tackles to the ground, plus better grip support. Endeavor stood by the window side watching the world below him. Deku couldn't tell if he was just admiring the view or watching for potential crime. You could see a lot from 21 stories high. The boys lined themselves up in time for Endeavor to turn towards them. Giving each a once over, he turned his full attention towards them.
"Today will be focusing on physical capabilities. There may be a point during a fight where you won't be able to rely on your quirk. That's why it's always good to have physical combat skills at the ready." He stated before he turned to pace towards them. "Now, I already know you all have your own weight and endurance training. That's evident enough by your physique. But muscles aren't always going to win in a hand-to-hand fight. Speed and wits are also a strong point in making sure you have the upper hand in a brawl. You'll be fighting each other one-on-one. You're welcome to use any tactics to take your opponent down. NO QUIRKS ALLOWED!" He shouted while pointing to the three of them. "If any of you use even a hint of your powers you're removed from the rest of training today. And you'll have to write me a two thousand word essay on why you cheated AND why you were late this morning." The boys twitched at the obvious fact that they got away scot free this morning, but the Flame Hero made sure to make the punishment double the work if they broke the rules during training. "This is a test not only for you to hone your skills, but it lets me analyze and assess what your strength and weakness are." Endeavor placed himself in one corner of the room where he'd have the best view to observe their sparring. "Shouto! Bakugo! You two will go first."
Bakugo seemed pleased with the idea of going first, with the smirk that spread across his face and his fist clenching tight, while Todoroki simply nodded before moving towards the centre of the room. Deku decided to watch the action from a bench that sat near where Endeavor was standing. Anytime Bakugo got the chance to fight meant that everyone should keep a wide birth. This could also be applied to Todoroki since the two always seem to set each other off.
"Haven't fought you since the Sports Festival." Bakugo remarked before pointing a threatening finger towards Todoroki. "You better not hold back like last time or I'll kill you, damn it!" His face started to twist into a darker expression, most likely reeling with the anticipation of a rematch.
"Except this time we're not allowed to use our quirks. It won't be exactly the same." Todoroki stated the obvious before positioning himself in a fighting stance, feet spaced front and back while his arms flex, ready to throw the first punch. Bakugo mirrored his posture, but was slightly lower to the ground, like a beast crouching behind a bush, ready to pounce. Both waiting at the ready.
"On my mark!" Endeavor ordered as he raised his hand. Seconds ticked by silently, both staring each other down, waiting, before Endeavor brought his hand down. "GO!"
With a cry of impatience Bakugo sprinted forward at a rapid pace. Todoroki was prepared for a right hook swing, but was duped when Bakugo shifted his body around, causing his legs to swing in front of him and kick out Todoroki's legs, making him crash to the floor. Deku's eyes flashed with surprise when he noticed Bakugo change his tactics. He knew his childhood friend always liked to start a fight with a right handed punch, but he assumed Bakugo learned after his fight with Deku, during their first training session at UA and his fight against Uraraka, during the sports festival, he was becoming predictable. He noticed this change before when the two of them went head to head in the beta training grounds a few months back. He was changing his fighting style, maybe not completely, but enough where if he's faced someone before, he'll most likely start the fight with a new attack, throwing off his enemy, or in this case Todoroki.
The shocked look on Todoroki's face as he hit the ground indicated that he didn't expect his opponent to change up his routine. As he crashed flat on his back, Bakugo quickly stood up, using the force of his ascent to drag his left foot up and swing down hard towards his classmate. Todoroki avoided the kick by rolling to the side and pushed himself up to stand again. Good! The worst thing anyone could do was defend from the ground. Your opponent could continued to attack you into the ground, making you useless. However, Todoroki didn't have time to breath as Bakugo came pivoting in, using the momentum to swing in from the left and knock across his right temple, making Todoroki see stars.
Deku knew that Bakugo had an advantage. He's been brawling his whole life and probably has the best physical capability between himself and Todoroki. He's quick and powerful, even without his quirk. Deku isn't quite sure if Todoroki trained as aggressive as Bakugo did in his youth, maybe a little, thanks to Endeavour's constant need to make him the best in the past, but not enough to physically keep him as vigilant as he would with his quirk.
Deku suddenly came to the stark realization that Todoroki didn't stand a chance against Bakugo in a hand to hand fight. "You noticed didn't you!" a deep voice said through the haze of his focus. "I've noticed that you tend to analyze your surrounding and opponents with laser focus. Which is a good trait to have, it gives you an advantage." Endeavor continued to watch the fight, never turning to look Deku in the eye. "I should blame myself for never balancing Shouto's growth. I mostly focused on his quirk growing up." His voice was stern, yet Deku could detect a hint of resentment behind his words. He could tell The Flame Hero was desperately trying to fix his relationship with his son after everything he put him through. Deku didn't dare say anything. How could he? He had nothing encouraging to say. Even if he did he wasn't sure if Endeavor would acknowledge his response. So he simply nodded in agreement and turned his attention back to the fight.
During the moment he wasn't watching, Todoroki somehow manage to land a couple of blows, causing Bakugo to stagger backwards, but not enough to knock him down. Todoroki was visibly beaten up and frustration was clear on his face. He made his next kick hit with more force behind it as he tried to roundhouse Bakugo across the room, but his attempt was thwarted once Bakugo caught his leg in a hold.
"You call those hits? Feels like I'm fighting a girl." Bakugo grilled, a snarky smile taunted his teammate, before he used his leg to pull him forward and connected his knee into his abdomen. Todoroki coughed with pain as saliva spilled from his lips, knocking the wind out of him. He crumpled to the floor with an arm around his waist while the other tried to hold him upwards. Bakugo decided to finish the fight by wrestling the arm that was keeping Todoroki up and restrained it behind him, pushing his face into the mat below with the other hand. His body boxing him in.
"ENOUGH!" Endeavor shouted. "I've seen what I needed." He gestured his head to the side to tell Bakugo to release him. Todoroki's face was completely pained and miserable. Deku could tell he was disappointed in losing the fight, but he had a feeling it hurt more knowing that his dad was watching. "Bakugo, you've clearly polished your combat skills over time. It's evident in the way you fight." Bakugo smirked in a all-knowing way. "You're quick and flexible; able to move your body like a snake and you've got physical strength to back those blows you throw out, ensnaring your opponent." Even though the fight didn't last long both Bakugo and Todoroki were covered in sweat. Endeavor walked towards the two of them and tossed Bakugo and Todoroki clean towels that he must have picked up along the way. "Good work." The Flame Hero complemented, which seemed to throw Bakugo off his triumphant glow. Then his attention turned to his son. Todoroki was too ashamed to look his father in the eye. Probably waiting to get lectured for his poor performance.
"Shouto..." Endeavor towered over his son, arms crossed and a fierce expression crossing his hard features, waiting for him to turn and face his results. Eventually, Todoroki faced his father with a stern look that matched his own. "It's seems I spent too much training you on the elemental basis of your quirk that I neglected your physical prowess. I'd like you to work on strengthening your body and gaining more speed. I'll have my assistants re-adjust your schedule to make time for you to workout and take more sparring lessons. An extra hour every day." Endeavor turned his back towards his son. "I'd hate to see you fall in battle." He said somberly before he extended his hand behind him and offered Todoroki a clean towel. Todoroki himself, looked flabbergasted. Deku guessed that he was expecting him to say he was disappointed in him, but Endeavor basically gave him advice on how to improve for future fights. Like a father teaching his son. Deku could tell The Flame Hero was trying his best to be more helpful and patient. Todoroki was giving him a questionable look, trying to understand his angle, but he eventually took the towel in hand. "Take ten, Shouto. Once you've caught your breath you'll be up against Deku next." Deku jumped when he saw Endeavor point towards him.
The tension that hung in the air seemed to diminish once Endeavor stepped out of the training room, leaving the boys to collect their thoughts. Bakugo walked over to a nearby bench and patted himself down with his towel. Todoroki slung his around his neck as he walked up to the wall of mirrors, checking his beaten-up self. Deku wanted to run over and check on his classmate, but Iida's, his closest friend and class rep, wise words surfaced in his mind. 'Sometimes it's best not to disturb someone before a match'. Instead, Deku took the time to come up with a strategy of his own. It was a bit of an advantage for him, being able to watch the previous match and learn what his opponent was like. Plus, Todoroki, might still be worn out from his fight. Won't this give Deku the win? The last time they fought was during the Sport Festival tournament. This, however, is a different situation. No quirks. Without One for All, Deku will have to relay on his own strength.
Ten minutes seemed to fly by pretty quickly as Endeavor re-entered the room. Deku watched as he returned to the same corner as before to observe the next match. As ready as he'll ever be, he made his way to the centre. Todoroki met him in the middle and had a new look of determination in his eyes. Good. He was hoping his friend wouldn't be discouraged by his last fight. Both of them took up a fighting stance, much the same, and waited for Endeavour's signal. "Ready!" His hand raised. "GO!"
This time around, Todoroki was the first to sprint forward. Deku readied himself for a frontal assault, but was caught off guard when Todoroki dove between his legs. Deku tried to stop him with a grab, but missed. He turned to counter a possible blow, but was met with staff to the gut. "Wha-" Confused, he staggered backwards almost coughing up his breakfast, green in the face. Todoroki was holding a training staff that he pulled from the rack of weapons stationed against the wall. Deku turned to Endeavor to see if he'd red flag the ordeal, but was met with a grin of approval. He was nearly smacked again in the face, but he managed to dodge. Why? He pondered as he continued to dodge blow after blow. Is he playing favouritism? No... Endeavor wouldn't do something like that. Deku tried to grab the staff, but it seems his friend was more skilled using a weapon then he let on. His jabs were quick, causing Deku to trip over an uneven mat in the floor. It must have shifted during the first round. Todoroki took this moment to spear Deku clothes, pining him to the ground. It's my fault. I only took into account that quirks weren't allowed to be used. He gripped the staff and tried to dislodge it, but to no avail. Without All for One it was his strength against Todoroki's. I didn't consider that other tools in the area could be used to take down your enemy. There was no rule against it. Deku made a last ditch effort to regain control by using his legs to kick Todoroki away, but Todoroki simply countered with a kick of his own. Knocking Deku's legs aside he rushed in to grasp the collar of his shirt and finished him off with a headbutt.
"STOP!" Shouted Endeavor as Deku tried his best to control his spinning head. Todoroki, panting and sweating from the rapid exercise, stepped off Deku and stood to compose himself. Deku did his best, but decided to lay flat on the matted floor for a couple extra seconds, granting him a look of satisfaction from Bakugo as he enjoyed Deku getting the piss knocked out of him. As Endeavor made his way over, Todoroki offered a helping hand to bring Deku to his feet, passing him a clean towel to dry off.
"Well done, Shouto! You realized there was a loophole in my rules and used it to gain the upper hand in battle." Endeavor boomed with a bit of pride.
"At least weapon training came in handy." Todoroki whispered to himself, only loud enough for Deku to overhear. Looks like his father taught him more than just quirk training. Next was Deku's turn to be assessed.
"As brilliant as some make you out to be, Deku, you tend to focus too much at the task at hand. Try and open your mind to other possibilities in the heat of battle. If strength isn't your strong suit, then overcome the enemy with wits or, in Shouto's case, using your environment as a means to fight back. Sometimes Heroes might have to resort to dirty tricks to keep themselves alive. This could be said for the villains themselves as well." He's not wrong. Yesterday's villain used trickery to humiliate them in battle.
"Good work, Shouto!" Endeavor praised as he reached out to pat Todoroki on the head, but his son simply avoided his attempt by ducking under him and walking towards his water bottle. Discomfort crossed Endeavor's face for a split second before he brushed his awkwardness away with a quick swipe through his hair. Deku shot a quick glance towards Todoroki to see that, he too, was trying to process his fathers affection. "Take another ten to collect yourselves and get ready. Bakugo and Deku, you two are next." Once again, Endeavor disappeared from the training room. Deku wondered where he kept disappearing too.
Deku took this chance to sit down and re-think his next fight. Sparring against Bakugo was going to be tough. He knew his opponent very well and possibly all his tactics. The same could be said about him. They've fought each other a couple of times since joining UA, but it was all-in on their quirks. This time it would be decided on brute strength. Deku knew his friend wouldn't resort to using weapons to take him down. No. He'd want to prove he could beat him with his bare hands, but that didn't necessarily rule out the thought. He could surprise him. He'll have to keep on his toes if he even stands a chance at winning. As his mind raced with ideas on how to take down his opponent he took the time to re-hydrate himself with his water bottle, only to almost choke on it as he eyed a certain spiky blond eyeing him down from across the room. Deku wasn't about to let him intimidate him. With a strange wave of excitement that bubbled in his chest he challenge him with a look that screamed 'Bring it', earning him a wide toothy grin from his rival.
After ten minutes, Endeavor returned and took up his regular position in the corner. With a nod of approval, both Deku and Bakugo stepped forward. As both boys took up their positions, Deku with his knees bent and arms locked tight close to his face, Bakugo crouching low to the ground, much like the start of his last fight, they waited for the signal. "BEGIN!" Without his usual declaration, from the previous battle, Endeavor tried to throw them a curve ball of a start, but neither fell short, they both charged forward. Bakugo went in for a low kick, somersaulting Deku into the air, but he manage to absorb the blow. Using the force and momentum of the launch, he used the crash to the ceiling to propel himself down and rocket a punch into Bakugo's face. The force of the impact caused Bakugo to spit out a staggered breath, causing his body to fall and Deku wasted no time in planting himself over his explosive friend, grasping his large frame and sent him backwards, crashing into the wall length mirrors. These mirrors were made of some tough material since they didn't shatter on impact, but that's to be expected in a hero agency building. Training could get a bit destructive and cheap material ain't going to cut it.
"FOCUS, NERD!" Bakugo yelled as he recovered fast, too fast. He came flying in, grasping his freckled face and pile driving him into the floor. Deku cursed himself for getting distracted so easily. As his ears rang from the sudden impact of the floor he felt a hot breath next to his face. "Looks like its my win again." Chuckled Bakugo as he boxed Deku in with his body. He wasn't sure if it was the close proximity of his friend or the thought of losing, but it caused Deku's heart to kick into overdrive. He wasn't about to allow Bakugo to have an easy win. Through his clouded mind and blurred vision he bucked his hips upwards, which caused Bakugo to topple forward. This tiny opening gave him enough room to hook his legs around his partner and flip him on his back, giving him the upper hand. This sense of dominance seemed to give Deku a giddy thrill, coupled with the oblivious look Bakugo was giving him made his stomach do flips. "Now, who's on top!" He taunted, giving his friend a taste of his own cockiness. He wasn't sure what was going on, but seeing his friends gaze go from dubious disbelief to something akin to absolute angry hunger seemed to spark something. His skin felt hot, scalding even where his body touched Bakugo's. Was the heat of battle getting to him?
"No, way in hell am I letting you best me, Deku!" Growled Bakugo as he started thrashing about. He bucked and flailed around aggressively and for some strange reason he seem to be gaining power. How? He wasn't sure, but Deku was having a hard time keeping him under control. The stronger that heat grew in the pit of his stomach the weaker he felt. Bakugo used his desperation to turn the tide of battle, shoving Deku off of him and sending him rolling backward. He crawled his way over him and made sure to pin both his arms above his head, while his legs slide between his. "Give up, nerd." Bakugo demanded as he leaned in close to gloat his coming victory. His eyes grew heavy and hazy, shifting almost as they quickly lost their sense of desperation and was replaced with, what deku could only assume was need. "Let me take you." He purred.
"No—AH!" Deku gasped as he came to the stark realization that he was hard. This was evident enough when Bakugo raised his knee to brush against the front off his gym pants. Both seem to snap out of whatever trance they seemed to be under and flailed away from each other. Deku making a desperate sprint to the change room. Behind him he heard Endeavor shout 'WHAT HAPPENED?', but he didn't care, he raced towards the nearest bathroom stall. That strange feverish heat seem to engulf his sense once he locked the door behind him. Pressure, just a large amount of pressure and heat washed over him and the only thing that seem to make sense was the fact that he needed release. He pushed his gym pants down, along with his boxers and wrapped his hand around his throbbing cock. The shock of contact sent electricity racing up his spine as he pumped to the beat of his erratic heart. He barely registered that he was moaning out load, too embarrassed by the fact that anyone could walk in on him right now. He desperately shoved his T-shirt in his mouth to contain the noise, but this only caused a bigger problem. Bakugo's citrus-y scent was tangled in the fabric of his clothes and this seemed to drive him over the edge. Biting down hard to control his muffled moans, Deku came to the thought of those hungry red eyes watching him. As Deku came down from his feverish high he slid to the ground of the bathroom stall. Never has he come so hard in his life. And never has he come from the thought of his childhood friend. "Did... did I just masturbate to Kacchan?" He sheepishly said through his post-nut clarity. Just what was going on?