The morning after their first break in what seems like ages, students filter into class 2-a in groups of three's and fours slowly before clumping around desks and chatting with their friends. The calm that comes with adjusting back to school only lasts until Kaminari hits the floor with a clatter of pens as a cackling Mina clutches Sero for support.

"Do not sit on the desk!" yells Iida causing Midoriya to flinch next to him "Not only do you endanger yourself and others but you disrespect the school!" Still grinning, Kirishima helps Kaminari to his feet. Kaminari for his part does not get back on the desk.

Luckily, just as Bakugou goes to throw some jeer back to infuriate the class president more, which would inevitably lead to a lecture, Aizawa walks in prompting a mad scramble to get back to seats and get out books. As the lesson starts Midoriya finds his eyes wandering to the back of the classroom where Todoroki's desk sits empty all day.

The end of the day sees the class packing up as plans for a class game night come together. Uraraka's especially determined to defend her title as Monopoly champion. The bell rings and the students scatter.

Midoriya swings his bag over his shoulder and starts towards the door but he's stopped when Aizawa calls him back to the front desk. "Midoriya come here."

Walking to the front, Midoriya responds "Yes, sensei"

"Todoroki got called in sick, I need someone to take him his work" Aizawa sighs as he gathers a stack of papers from his mostly clean desk and limply holds them out to Midoriya.

"Sure thing, Sensei" he takes the papers. Then he jogs out of the classroom, throwing a "Thank you" over his shoulder.

Midoriya yanks out his phone as he continues jogging to the courtyard and starts looking for the next train that will take him to Todoroki's. Just as he finds the train and goes to shove his phone back in his pocket he runs headfirst into Sero.

"Woah, watch where you're going, dude!" Sero grins as innumerable apologies fall from Midoriya's mouth. Noticing the stack of papers clutched to Midoriya's chest, Sero quiets the apologies by asking, "Those for Todoroki?"

"Yes," stammers Midoriya, recovering from the spiral of embarrassment threatening to swallow him.

"Mind if I come with you," Sero asks bringing his hand up to rub at his neck "I've got to return some manga I borrowed, but I'm not sure where he lives"

"Of course," blurts Midoriya "but we better get moving to catch the train." Sero nods and joins Midoriya in speed walking towards the station.

They spend the train ride discussing the upcoming English test, mostly because they're each convinced the test is about something different. As the train pulls into the station and the boys start the trudge to Todoroki's house. They decide to study both, just in case. The conversation moves to more pleasant things, like the merch project coming up at the end of the year.

By the time they reach the door, Sero is lauding his plans for a sweatshirt with adjustable sleeves and elbows. Knocking on the door, they don't have to wait long before the door's jerked open by none other than Enji Todoroki, The Flame Hero Endeavor.

Slightly startled by the glare on the imposing man's face, Midoriya manages to get out, "We're here to drop off Todoroki's work and some books." around the lump forming in his throat. With a huff, Endeavor steps aside, letting the two boys scramble in before slamming the door behind them.

As he turns back to them he holds his hand out expectantly, Sero and Midoriya blink at the outstretched palm for a moment before snatching their bags and retrieving their respective deliveries before handing them over.

Regaining some confidence, Sero blurts, "Could we say hi to Todoroki before we leave?" Midoriya nods with him before turning back to Endeavor.

"No, he's asleep" Endeavor growls before stalking further into the house without another word. Leaving the boys in his doorway gawking and speechless at his aggressive tone and abrupt exit.

"Okay, then?" says Sero turning to Midoriya with eyebrows crinkled on his normally open face "That was weird right? It's not just me?"

"Not just you." comes the confirmation from Midoriya, who's eyes have unfocused as his brain whirls. "Might as well just go then, right" Sero nods and picks up his bag. As they turn to the door Midorya grabs his arm "Sero wait."

"What dude?"

"Over there." Voice just above a whisper as he points down a long hallway coming off the entryway with a crooked blue rug thrown down a few feet in.

"Again, what dude?" Midoriya doesn't answer as he pads lightly down the hallway, before crouching and lifting the corner of the rug.

Sero draws a quick breath as the rug peels back revealing scorch marks scaring the tatami floor like festering slashes. "It was probably some kind of accid-."

"Is that blood?" whispers Midoriya. Wide-eyed, he drags two fingers across the burnt flooring, swearing quietly as they come up ashy and red before turning his hand to Sero and dropping the carpet.

"Holy shit dude!" Sero gapes.