Thank you to FlourChildWrites, AOwinterOA, Wind_and_Sky22 and especially big THANK YOU to CrazyElf2018 for helping beta read this chapter and offering so much valuable feedback.

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Chapter 27: We Can (Not) Want Love

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High-pitched squeals rang out from the other side of the partition.

'Yaoyorozu.' Shouto reflexively glanced over his shoulder. Boulders, weathered away to form smooth surfaces, jutted out of the hot springs, too tall to see over.

Tilting his head, Shouto tried to listen as the voices rose.

"Sounds like they're having a good time!" A deep voice gave a barking laugh. "Must be having the talk."

Shouto's eyebrows furrowed. He turned back to stare at Tetsu-Tetsu sitting across from him in the pool. "How do you know? I can't hear anything."

Tetsu-Tetsu smiled wide and tapped the side of his forehead. "One just knows these things."

Shouto frowned, trying to understand. As far as he could tell, Tetsu-Tetsu was a normal human. He was strong — stronger than a typical mortal. Shouto wouldn't dispute that. However, even the strongest of humans wouldn't be able to hear through the partition. Especially with all the steam in the air. Only a demi-god would be powerful enough to listen into a conversation from here. But Tetsu-Tetsu hadn't shown any of the typical traits, such as the use of magic, that only demi-gods possessed.

"Are you a Panotti?" Shouto asked, studying Tetsu-Tetsu for signs of extra ears he may have missed.

Tetsu-Tetsu blinked. Then a pointed grin stretched across his mouth, and he threw back his head as he burst into laughter. "Oh man, Todo-man," he howled, swimming closer to throw his arm over Shouto's shoulders. His body continued to shake with mirth. "You crack me up! Where in Greece did you get that idea?"

Shouto shrugged Tetsu-Tetsu off, annoyed. "You said you could hear what they're saying. Only a Panotti would be able to do that."

Tetsu-Tetsu didn't seem to mind the cold treatment. He shook his head as if in disbelief. "Nah! I'm 100% human — as far as my ma tells me, anyways." He winked at Shouto. Then he leaned back against the rocks, resting his arms on the boulders. "I'm just a worldly man, you know?"

Shouto eyed him. Now that he studied him, Shouto found it hard to believe Tetsu-Tetsu was fully human. With his shark-like teeth, silver eyes, and white hair, Tetsu-Tetsu looked to have some half-human blood flowing through his veins. Perhaps he was a descendant of the shark demon, Acheilus? He wondered if Tetsu-Tetsu ever had the urge to bite people.

Shouto decided not to ask.

The women's voices rose again. Ashido's high pitched squeal ricocheted across the rocks in overt excitement. Shouto thought he caught Yaoyorozu's saying his name but wasn't certain.

A strange mixture of exhilaration and apprehension fluttered in Shouto's stomach at the thought of Yaoyorozu talking about him. And his curiosity, which had only been mild before, suddenly intensified.

"So, what's the talk?" Shouto asked, turning back to stare at Tetsu-Tetsu.

Tetsu-Tetsu shrugged one shoulder. "You know."

Shouto didn't know.

It must have shown on his face because Tetsu-Tetsu continued, "Gossip and whatnot. Don't you have any sisters?"

"Yeah, I've got a sister," Shouto replied with a confused tilt of his head.

"Didn't she like to talk to you about that kind of stuff?"

Shouto shifted slightly. "I don't remember. I haven't seen her in over ten years, not since before the war."

"I see." Tetsu-Tetsu's voice turned soft. "Sorry, man."

Shouto shrugged. He wasn't sure what Tetsu-Tetsu was apologizing for. It wasn't him that had separated Shouto from his mother and sister at such a young age: that was wholly his old man's doing.

"So what did you mean by gossip before?" he asked again, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Oh, right," Tetsu-Tetsu said, as if having forgotten. "You know, romantic stuff and whatnot. Why?" He sat up. His silver eyes gleamed in the mist as they stared across the pool at Shouto. "Curious if Yaoyorozu is talking about you?"

Shouto averted his gaze. "No." The hot spring suddenly felt stuffy, and the back of Shouto's neck was unreasonably hot. He summoned his ice magic to soothe his rising temperature. "Why would I care?"

Tetsu-Tetsu sniggered audibly, as if he didn't believe him. "Don't worry, bro!" He reached over and slapped Shouto's back. The force of Tetsu-Tetsu's hand was like a weight slamming into Shouto's shoulder blades. He grunted, spreading his feet on the bottom of the pool to stop himself from lurching forward at the impact.

Tetsu-Tetsu didn't appear to even notice as he continued: "Yaoyorozu likes you. We all saw how you two were snuggling up all nice and cozy in the back of the cart."

"We were just resting," Shouto said indifferently, rolling his sore shoulder. "There wasn't much space to stretch out with Ashido taking up the entire floor."

"Well, there is some truth to that. She does like to spread out; and with all our gear, there isn't much room back there," Tetsu-Tetsu conceded lightly before straightening. "But, still! I saw how you and Yaoyorozu were looking at each other. You both had those googly, love-struck eyes."

"Googly?" Shouto repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, bro! Anyone can see how crazy you two are about each other. If you two were any sweeter than you already are, you'd melt in the rain."

"What?" Shouto frowned, mildly offended. "I'm not going to melt? I don't even taste sweet. If anything, my skin is a bit salty —"

"I don't mean like that." Tetsu-Tetsu cut him off with an amused sigh. He rolled his eyes. "I just meant that it's pretty obvious that Yaoyorozu loves you, and you love her. So I don't know why you two are hiding it. When I met Kendo, I knew she was the one right away."

Shouto looked away, drowning out Tetsu-Tetsu as the other man continued chattering about the first time he met his wife.

Yaoyorozu loved him?

Dark eyes like obsidian flashed through Shouto's mind. The recollection of soft lips mixed with the taste of sand and warmth. And the way Yaoyorozu had gazed up at him…

Shouto's breath caught in his throat. He flushed and quickly shook his head, trying to ignore how his lips tingled at the memory.

Ever since the defeat of Overhaul, Shouto couldn't deny that something between Yaoyorozu and him had shifted. When they had first arrived on Aretias, Yaoyorozu had been hesitant to even be in Shouto's presence; now, she willingly laughed and fell asleep at his side. Their invisible barriers had finally fallen away and in their place —

In their place —

Shouto wasn't sure what was there. But it couldn't be love.

Resigned, he curled his hands into fists underneath the water. Tetsu-Tetsu must be imagining things. Although Yaoyorozu's regard for him had changed, it didn't mean anything more than that she was now more comfortable in his presence. She had hugged and been close to Tokoyami in a way that seemed to transcend simple friendship as well, and yet, she wasn't in love with him. Not romantically, at least.

Shouto's chest felt tight. Besides, even if Shouto wished for it, his and Yaoyorozu's relationship couldn't be anything more than companionship.

After all, Kaminari was the god of unrequited love.

"So, game plan!"

Shouto jerked his head back up.

Tetsu-Tetsu was giving him a pointed look. "What's your next move?" Tetsu-Tetsu wiggled his silver eyebrows suggestively. "Going to tell her how you feel?"

Shouto swallowed over a lump in his throat. He dropped his gaze down to stare at the ripples expanding across the surface of the hot pool.

"No."

"What?!"

Tetsu-Tetsu's mouth fell open. His sharp eyes widened. "Why the Hades not?"

Because he was cursed by the god of unrequited love.

Because he was a soldier.

Because, even if there was the slightest of chances that Yaoyorozu did fall in love with him, he would only end up hurting her.

A sour taste filled Shouto's mouth. He looked back up, intending to brush Tetsu-Tetsu off, but then he paused. Tetsu-Tetsu was staring at him. His silver eyes were sharp, and his expression was obstinate. He wouldn't let this go, Shouto realized.

He sighed. He wasn't ready to discuss Kaminari or the spell. Instead, Shouto decided to go with the easiest reason to explain. "I'm a Spartan soldier. And it's not like I have any intention of retiring once I get back." His jaw tightened. "Love only makes a soldier weak."

Tetsu-Tetsu stared at him. "You can't seriously believe that?"

"It's how Sparta has stayed such a military powerhouse. Our loyalty is to our State. Not women. After all, Ares is our patron god," Shouto said with a derisive scoff.

"What about Hercules and Theseus? They were brave heroes who fell in love."

"Hercules' family was used against him, and he ended up murdering them. Theseus lusted for Ariadne and used the princess' assistance to kill the Minotaur, but then he left her once he achieved his goal."

"Okay, bad examples," Tetsu-Tetsu admitted with a sheepish grin before a look of intense determination flashed across his expression. "But still, man! Who gave you the idea that love makes a man weak?"

Shouto didn't answer. These cautionary tales, weren't they tragic enough without an edict, but Tetsu-Tetsu seemed unwilling to let the topic drop. And, in truth, uncertainty crept into Shouto's thoughts when Tetsu-Tetsu pressed him for an answer. It felt like he was on a wobbly bridge, vacillating between what he thought he knew and what he felt.

Spartan philosophy was unequivocal: women were distractions. A man's true purpose was to be a soldier for his State.

Of course, it was logical for a man to have a family in order to carry on his lineage, but it was a guilty pleasure to take enjoyment in a woman's company beyond that, a weakness unbefitting a soldier that needed to be extinguished. That's why Ares had never married; although, Shouto personally couldn't imagine anyone deciding to willingly stay by his old man's side.

But regardless of his old man's teachings, Shouto had to agree that falling in love wasn't a good idea for a warrior. In battle, the difference between life and death was mere moments. The scar over his left eye was proof enough of how a soldier's weakness could be used against him.

'Little brother, women are nothing but a distraction for a warrior.'

Shouto swallowed stiffly at the memory of Dabi appearing over the trireme. He reached up to touch the dry, bumpy flesh. Even after months, an unnatural heat radiated from the scar.

It wasn't as if Shouto was afraid of death. However, the thought of being weak and unable to fight or protect those he cared about made something inside of him twist sickeningly.

Shouto's jaw tightened. He dropped his hand back down to stare at his palm. Perhaps if he was a regular man, someone like Tetsu-Tetsu, he wouldn't harbor this internal conflict. Nevertheless, the truth was that (as much as Shouto despised his old man for putting him in the barracks when he was only five years old) Shouto wouldn't deny that he liked being a warrior.

He wanted to be strong.

That's why he needed to break the spell. Kaminari's arrow was a constant reminder of Shouto's personal failings. It was an infected wound slowing him down. He needed to treat the contamination to be strong again. To be whole again..

Yet, even as he thought this, doubt lingered in the back of Shouto's mind…

'The best way to win any fight is by having something to fight for. We all need something to protect, Todoroki. I have my men. They'll get me through this, but who do you have?'

Shouto frowned. Emi Fukukado's words, from the night before the stymphalian attack, tugged at the corner of his thoughts.

For a long time, it was Midoriya and Bakugou and all of Sparta that he had fought for.

But now… Now he had Yaoyorozu. And fighting for her was so different. Her safety was always at the forefront of Shouto's mind. It was more than just a desire to see her safe. It was a deep-rooted need, something so ingrained in him that he often acted before he even fully knew what he was doing.

Shouto curled his fingers into a fist. He could remember vividly the incredible power that had flowed through him when Yaoyorozou was in trouble during the stymphalian attack. The inhuman strength that had washed over him and allowed him to crack the beast's neck with his bare hands... The feeling had been overwhelming. And the relief he felt upon seeing Yaoyorozu alive…

He took a steadying breath as his heart raced from the reverie.

Still, protecting Momo wasn't easy, and Shouto doubted he could command the immense power he wielded during the stamphalian attack again. The fear of failure and the prospect of harm befalling Momo weighed on Shouto like an albatross, growing heavier with each close call. Intimacy was an insufferable double-edged sword.

"Todo-man, you okay there?"

Shouto jerked his gaze back towards Tetsu-Tetsu. He blinked, dropping his hand back into the water. Shouto hadn't realized he had been lost in thought. "Sorry."

Tetsu-Tetsu stared at him for a moment. Then he sighed and shook his head. "I don't know what's going on. It feels like there is something you don't want to say, which is fine. I won't pry." Tetsu-Tetsu paused and licked his lips uncertainly before saying, "But, I think you should at least talk it out with Yaoyorozu. Even if you don't wanna tell her what's eating you up, at least don't lead her on. It ain't like you are alone here. And, perhaps, talking it out with her will help you both decide what to do next."

Tetsu-Tetsu looked like he wanted to say more. However, before he could continue, Kendo's voice called from the other side of the partition: "We're done over here! Feel free to come out."

"Don't take too long! I'm hungry!" Ashido yelled after.

"Okay, okay!" Tetsu-Tetsu shouted back. He paused before turning back towards Shouto. "Anyways, if you want to talk more, I'm here for you, man. We're bros after all!" He smiled brightly, then pivoted back towards the edge of the hot springs, making his way out of the water as fast as if he were a dog finally called by its master.

Shouto watched Tetsu-Tetsu all but sprint to his clothes before drawing in a deep breath and following after him at a slower pace. The back of his head ached. It wasn't in Shouto's nature to let his thoughts linger on situations he couldn't control. However, if there was one thing Tetsu-Tetsu had been right about, it was that Shouto had to figure out what to do and soon — before Kaminari arrived.

Which meant Shouto needed to speak to Yaoyorozu.

Shouto held out his hand towards a bundle of dried twigs. Warmth spread along his palm, and amber flames jumped from his fingertips, igniting the kindling with a loud pop.

The sky had transitioned to a brilliant shade of orange and red that rivaled the autumn foliage of the mountains. And, as the sun sank behind the trees, the air had chilled. The weather was not yet the bitter bite of winter but just cold enough to be uncomfortable without a cloak, signifying the changing seasons.

Behind him, Hagakure's and Kendo's voices droned as they busied themselves preparing dinner. Tetsu-Tetsu was in the cart, rearranging the armor and weapons in order to clear space for the night. Shouto couldn't see Yaoyorozu or Ashido, but he presumed they were still collecting wood and water close by.

There was nothing more for Shouto to do.

He dusted off his hands and then took a seat on a fallen log near the fire. The embers crackled and popped. Shouto held out his hand and fed more heat into the kindling. There was a deep roar. Blue and crimson fire burst forth, twisting and twining together to create a blazing heat.

It reminded Shouto of when Yaoyorozu had stood on top of the burning inn. He unintentionally started to visualize what he could recall: the way the flames had licked around her feet like hungry snakes, and yet how she stood unflinching. An image of power and victory.

Shouto's mouth was dry. The intense desire to hold Yaoyorozu close, kiss her, and declare his undying devotion swelled within his chest. The emotions felt so real and were so different from the ones that had crashed over Shouto the first time he had seen Yaoyorozu in Troy; that made it hard to imagine that these new feelings weren't his own.

Shouto steepled his fingers in front of his face and closed his eyes, trying not to sigh. He thought he had already come to terms with removing Kaminari's spell. After the god's visit in Dicaea, Shouto made Kaminari swear to lift the curse in return for rescuing Ashido. And Shouto had been so sure — was still sure — of his decision. Yet, everytime he thought of Yaoyorozu, his heart shook.

It would have been easier if Yaoyorozu hated him. If she was stuck up and prideful and held onto her resentment toward him for destroying her home, Shouto was sure he wouldn't have felt this level of confusion.

Yaoyorozu wasn't like that, though.

She was warm. Caring. Reasonable. Yaoyorozu's smiles and laughter — it was all genuine. She wasn't just playing along because she thought it was expected or because of some misconstrued notion that he would treat her badly if she wasn't compliant. And Shouto in turn felt like he could be himself around her, too.

Although they hadn't known each other for long, sometimes Shouto got the sense that Yaoyorozu understood him in a way no one else did. They were both serious and level-headed. Their personalities were compatible in many ways, not only in how they were similar but even in how their differences compensated for each other. Whereas Shouto was a driven warrior, Yaoyorozu was a strategist able to see the bigger picture. He wasn't good with people; she could make acquaintances easily. They complemented one another, and it made Shouto feel —

Whole.

Like he found a place all for himself. And Shouto had to admit, he was starting to like the feeling.

If only the situation was that simple.

He opened his eyes to stare at the flickering flames. Even if he didn't want to lose Yaoyorozu, it wasn't his decision to make. Everything had a trade-off. Kaminari was the god of unrequited love.

The only way Shouto and Yaoyorozu could be together was by removing the curse. But, even if she had come to love him, how would Yaoyorozu feel if she discovered that Shouto's feelings up until that moment were fabricated?

She would feel betrayed, of course, Shouto concluded regretfully.

He sighed and dropped his hands back down onto his lap. He curled his hands into fists atop his knees. It wasn't as if he could leave the curse either. Ignoring the fact that Shouto needed to remove the curse in order to remain a warrior, he couldn't hide the spell forever. Yaoyorozu was smart. She'd eventually discover what was going on, and when she did, she'd be just as devastated, if not more so. What if they eventually married? Had children?

Shouto's stomach lurched at the thought. His mind suddenly became clouded with an image of boys and girls running around a courtyard, playing. Beautiful children, perhaps with Yaoyorozu's black hair and Shouto's gray eyes, or her dark, sparkling eyes and Shouto's snowy hair.

His chest ached. He could never do that to her. Yaoyorozu would forever be tormented, knowing that it was all a farce, that his feelings for her weren't real. It could drive her mad.

She would never trust him again.

She would never want to fight by his side again.

She would never want to be near him again.

Shouto suddenly felt like the heat from the fire had somehow gotten closer, even transferring within him, scorching him from the inside. He could barely breathe. The thought of Yaoyorozu hating him was like a physical pain.

Shouto ground his teeth. His fingers tightened on top of his knees until his nails bit into his palms. He would never allow that to happen. Which meant, as he had suspected, there was only one choice; he had to remove the curse.

A painful, hollow feeling resonated in Shouto's chest. It didn't dissipate no matter how he tried to reassure himself that he was making the right decision.

"Todoroki?"

Shouto jerked. His eyes snapped up. "Yaoyorozu?"

Above him, Yaoyorozu stood, studying him. Her eyebrows furrowed as she looked him over as if searching for a wound. "Are you alright? I was calling you," she said slowly as she straightened and took a step back.

"Oh." Shouto blinked. He wondered how he hadn't caught her approaching presence. "Yeah. I'm fine." Shouto's tone sounded insincere even to himself.

Yaoyorozu frowned. Her eyes narrowed. "Are you sure? Your knuckles are white."

Shouto's gaze darted down. He flinched. His hands were clenched so tightly that his fists almost shook. Breathing steadily, Shouto uncurled his fingers and forced himself to relax.

"Yeah. I'm fine. I was just thinking," Shouto said. He looked back up.

Yaoyorozu's expression darkened as she continued to study him. She seemed to have more on her mind. Shouto's stomach twisted as he waited.

After a moment, she sighed heavily. "If you say so, but — you've been …off since the hot springs. If you aren't feeling well…" she trailed off. She bit her lower lip and looked away.

"I'm fine," Shouto repeated with more sincerity this time. "Sorry to make you worry."

Yaoyorozu nodded slightly and looked back at him. "I just — if something is bothering you, I'd like for you to feel comfortable relying on me." She tucked her chin and placed a hand over her chest. "Although I may be lacking, I'll do my best to listen to your concerns."

Even in the dimming evening light, Shouto could see a flush run across her cheeks.

'Cute,' something inside of him whispered, and Shouto couldn't help it as his lips pulled up into a small grin. The tightness in his shoulders loosened at her earnest words. "I see. Thanks."

Yaoyorozu's expression relaxed, and she smiled. "Of course! We must be here for each other. I will give it my all to be of assistance. It's the least I can do." She turned and took a seat on the log next to him, clasping her hands in her lap.

The flames cast bright light against her face, gilding her proud features in gold and making her black eyes shimmer. Shouto felt as though his heart momentarily stalled as she turned and their eyes met.

He broke away first, allowing his gaze to follow the curve of her jaw to her long black hair lying over her shoulder. A stray water droplet dripped from her long strands to patter silently onto the ground.

A sudden urge welled up within Shouto to touch her. Before he could think about it, he reached out and caught the ends of Yaoyorozu's long hair. "Your hair is still wet."

Yaoyorozu started. "Wha - Todoroki?"

He tilted his head and gave her a crooked smile. "This isn't good. How can I rely on you if you get sick?"

Perhaps it was just the light from the fire, but her cheeks seemed to grow redder in a way that Shouto found adorable. He wanted to tease her more. He tilted his head, and his eyes widened innocently. "You're my godslayer. If you fall ill, then who will protect me?"

Yaoyorozu's lips twitched as if she were fighting the urge to smile. "I won't get sick from just a bit of damp hair."

She tried to pull back, but Shouto didn't let go of her hair. His mouth was strangely dry as he rubbed her hair between his fingertips. Then he glanced up. "Let me."

"Pardon?" Yaoyorozu's onyx eyes widened. She blinked, confused. "Todoroki?"

Shouto let go of the strand of hair and sat back. He shifted to silently indicate for her to move in front of him. "It's getting too cold out for wet hair. It needs to be properly dried. I'll help you."

Yaoyorozu dropped her chin down to her chest. "To-Todoroki, are you sure? I don't want to inconvenience you, especially when you have a lot on your mind already," she said quickly.

Shouto hummed. He found himself having fun. "I thought you said you'd listen to my concerns? Is my concern that your hair is still wet not valid?"

"No-No!" Yaoyorozu said quickly, straightening. "In that case, I'll accept your offer."

She turned around, pulling her ribbon out, and pushed her locks back over her shoulder. Shouto shifted closer so that he was sitting directly behind her. He took a deep breath, and the familiar warmth of his fire magic flowed through him. Tampering the heat, Shouto reached out and carefully ran his fingers through Yaoyorozu's hair.

She stiffened.

Shouto paused. "Too hot?" he asked.

"No-no, it's okay," Yaoyorozu stammered. She shifted. "It feels nice."

Shouto's heart stuttered. He licked his dry lips and hummed in response as he worked his fingers through her hair, running his hands from the top of Yaoyorozu's head to the tips of her hair before repeating the process. The finest threads of midnight slid through Shouto's hands. A comfortable silence fell around them, and after a few minutes, he felt the tension drain out of her, and her body slowly relaxed.

"Thank you," Yaoyorozu said suddenly.

Shouto paused. He couldn't see her expression. He tilted his head in confusion. "For what? Drying your hair?"

"That and everything else."

Shouto thought he could hear a smile in Yaoyorozu's voice, and a familiar tug pulled at his heart. He returned to drying her hair. "It's nothing."

Yaoyorozu laughed. "Sparta's greatest warrior is surprisingly humble."

"Sometimes." Shouto smirked. "But in this case, it's fact."

"What do you mean?" Yaoyorozu asked.

"I'm just used to these situations."

"Fighting?"

"Dealing with instigators."

Yaoyorozu started and twisted around so fast that Shouto wondered if she was capable of getting whiplash.

"I didn't —" Yaoyorozu stuttered, her gaze flicked away then back to him. Her irises shook. "Those were extenuating circumstances. I couldn't leave Hagakure to those slavers. And if I hadn't freed the slaves, then we wouldn't have been able to rescue Ashido. Yes!" She straightened, and her expression hardened. "That's it. We needed the escaped slaves to cause a distraction. It was my plan of action."

"I see," Shouto said in an emotionless tone, meeting her gaze. "If you put it that way, I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Exactly." Yaoyorozu jutted her chin up. "So you should really be thanking me."

"I should. Shouldn't I?" Shouto nodded. His lips twitched as he fought back a smile. "But how do I properly thank a godslayer who also just liberated a nymph? Your accomplishments are piling up. I'm not sure hair drying is going to cut it."

Yaoyorozu hummed and tilted her head as if in thought. "I'll have to think about it. It has to be of equal value to the kind of assistance I have provided."

"Oh, I see. Very conniving."

"Not conniving. Prudent," Yaoyorozu corrected, with a huff. "What about yourself, Sir Sparta's greatest warrior? Have you thought of your wish from Kaminari for rescuing Ashido?"

Shouto stilled.

"Todoroki?"

'Talk to her, dude. Even if you don't wanna tell her what's eating you up, at least don't lead her on. It ain't like you are alone here.'

Tetsu-Tetsu's advice rattled through Shouto's thoughts. His lips thinned. Tetsu-Tetsu was right. Shouto needed to speak to Yaoyorozu, and there may not be another chance as good as the present to confess about the spell. Even so, Shouto's throat contracted with dread at the thought of Yaoyorozu's reaction.

He shook his head to clear his mind of his uncertainty. He couldn't think about the consequences. Whatever the fallout was from confessing about the curse, Shouto would have to deal with it.

He rubbed his hands down his chiton as he tried to form his words. His heart beat unsteadily in his chest. "About that..."

Shouto closed his eyes and breathed in deeply before opening them again. Why was this so hard?

"I -"

"Momo?" A soft melodic voice called out from behind him.

Shouto jerked at the unfamiliar voice. He spun around, his body tense. His hand flew towards Endeavor at his side, and he stilled as his eyes fell on two people emerging from the trees.

Behind him, Yaoyorozu inhaled sharply.

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THANK YOU FOR READING! Hopefully, this chapter wasn't too angsty and had a nice dose of humor and some sweetness at the end. Honestly, I was having such a hard time balancing Todoroki's angsty thoughts, and had to rewrite this chapter like 10+ times. Big thanks to all my betas for putting up with me, but especially big thank you to CrazyElf2018 who was kind enough to reread each iteration.

On another note, can I just say how hard it is to keep coming up with titles for these? I originally planned the whole story to be like 10-12 chapters but as we get up into the high 20s and go into the 30s I'm running out of chapter titles…ideas are welcome. Please make me laugh. :D

Notes:

Panotti - were a mythical race of people, described as possessing large ears that covered their entire bodies.

Akheilos - was a demon of the sea from Greek mythology. According to myth, he was once incredibly beautiful, but in his vanity and pride boasted that he was even more beautiful than Aphrodite. As a punishment, Aphrodite cursed Akheilos to turn as ugly as he was once beautiful, and he transformed into a monstrous shark demon.