01:36
Midoriya: i can't sleep
Tododoki: me either
(Todoroki yawned as he watched 3 dots jump in turn at the bottom of his screen, as Midoriya typed. Uncertainly, clearly, as he had stopped typing before resuming again twice.)
Midoriya: im making tea if u want any
Midoriya was already walking to the shared kitchen, the All Might themed slippers on his feet keeping his footsteps muted. He intended to have the tea ready, if Todoroki wanted any, so he didn't trigger any episode. He was more alert than he had been now, anxious about if Todoroki even wanted tea.
His phone vibrated in his pocket as he reached into a cupboard for a tea bag.
01:40
Tododoki: sure, thanks
Midoriya couldn't help the smile that snuck onto his face, and he made quick work of filling the kettle and turning on the stovetop. He retrieved two mugs from the cupboard then, and put one tea bag in each. There was a jar of honey on the counter already, and Midoriya made note of it for his own cup.
(Todoroki pushed himself up in bed, a small smile on his face as well. He slipped on his own pair of slippers, plain black, and stood to make his way out.)
The start of the whistle of the kettle alerted him, and he turned the stove off, lifting the kettle and pouring the hot water into both of the mugs. As he mixed a spoonful of honey into his cup, he heard light footsteps behind him.
He turned, and Todoroki approached him, eyebags obvious and hair unkempt. A part of Midoriya's mind found this tired, messy haired Todoroki endearing. He turned again, grabbing Todoroki's mug from behind him.
"Here you go," he said, and the other boy's hand brushed his as he took the mug from him.
"Thank you."
Both settled into their spots on the floor that they had used last time, neither mentioning anything about it. It seemed natural, despite only being the second time they'd had this bizarre interaction.
"Why couldn't you sleep?" Midoriya asked.
"My dad called me today. Have a lot on my mind." Todoroki answered, sipping from his tea with a satisfied sigh, "what about you?"
"Just stressed, I guess. Training has been really tiring lately," which was the truth, aside from him leaving out his thoughts of his quirk keeping him up too. Every day he tried to make sure he was someone who deserved it, but uncertainty always had a way of creeping in. He wondered if he could one day tell Todoroki the truth about his quirk.
Todoroki nodded slowly, eyelids drooped, unaware of the extent of turmoil Midoriya could not mention.
"Did you want to... talk about it?" Midoriya cautiously said, fingers tapping on his mug, "your dad's call and stuff."
Todoroki scoffed, not at him, but at the memory of the call, "It's nothing new. Same expectations, same criticisms. Same hypocrisy."
Midoriya stayed silent, and Todoroki continued.
"And... I guess he's trying to talk to my mom again. I hope she never forgives him." His voice, though lethargic, was laced with malice.
Not that Midoriya could blame him, he imagined he'd feel the same anger Todoroki did if he was him. He felt enough anger at his own father for not being there.
"Me too, honestly," he said, because he did mean it, even if it likely wasn't the best thing to say. Nevertheless, a small chuckle escaped from Todoroki, and Midoriya's heart swelled.
"Is it bad I'm glad you also couldn't sleep so I could have some company?" He asked.
Todoroki shook his head, a twinge of pink on his cheeks, "no, I don't mind the company either."
They settled into a comfortable, but sparse, chatter as they finished their drinks, and Midoriya could feel the spot his mark tingle intermittently. Not unpleasantly, but a way that made him squirm anyway.
(Todoroki felt whispers of a touch on his scar, but tried to pay them little mind.)
Long after their mugs had been emptied, Midoriya finally gave into his body's silent begging for a bed, and he bid good night to Todoroki. The two went their separate ways to bed, mugs lazily placed into the sink.
Despite his struggle to keep his eyes open, as Midoriya lied in bed, he opened his phone.
04:16
Midoriya: thx for talking to me
Tododoki: no need to thank me
Tokidoki: i like to
(Todoroki turned his phone off, and reached up to brush his fingers across his scar, or rather, across his mark. He had a lot to think about.)
Midoriya smiled, and placed his phone face down on the bed next to him, finally allowing his eyes and body the rest they desperately needed.
authors note: hi! long time no see. i want to finish this, and other stories, as everything i write is my baby and deserves to b finished lol. im setting a tentative chapter limit of 25! if i need more to cohesively write this story, then i will adjust, but 25 should do me solid
thank u for reading :)