(A/N: Guess what! You're getting a double update to celebrate the fresh posting of part 4!
Warnings for teasing in this chapter. Like a lot of teasing. Here we go. I'm just going to point out the really major ones because there are others that are just one line and super light. One is at "I'm sensing a theme..." continued to the next line. Another at "So I'm assuming...". The longest one starts at "Shouto smiled and stepped..." and continues for a while until after "So, who won the bet?". Then it picks back up at "Hey, Izuku, earlier you mentioned..." until just before "They made quick work...". Like I said, a lot but it just came out. :P
Lots of fluff and again, this is a mxm fic! Don't like, don't read!)
...
Izuku was warm. He was warm and comfy and cozy. The room was still a bit dark with the sun slowly rising as morning came. Not that he could see it because he was just so comfortable and didn't want to open his eyes yet. Instead, he snuggled into the warm side of his friend who was still sleeping beside him. Shouto was not a morning person as he had found out from their past sleepovers. And while Izuku knew they wouldn't be able to sleep in the same room together as much now that the dorms would be soon filled with the rest of 1-A, he would savor this time spent with Shouto.
Ba-kking!
The notification sound from his phone finally made Izuku peek out of one eye with his head curled into Shouto's chest. The greenet let out a quiet sound of complaint as he carefully reached out an arm to grab his phone. The air of the room was much cooler compared to under the blankets and it made Izuku shiver. He much preferred the toasty warmth that was mostly supplied by Shouto's left side.
As such he drew his arm back under the blankets enough so that he could still see his phone. Izuku unlocked it and saw that it was a text from Aizawa. Curious, he opened it up to see that his teacher was going to be gone a few hours. At first it worried him with the whole new Quirk that could break his body thing, but the rest of the message said that Recovery Girl and Midnight were on standby just in case One For All acted up. Plus, he had the Quirk suppressing bracelet so he should be good, right?
Izuku sent back a quick reply before attempting to go back to sleep. Unfortunately, the rest of him wasn't having it so instead he simply laid there cuddling with a snoozing Shouto and scrolled through his usual Hero news haunts. He was able to simply enjoy laying there with his friend and catching up with the world. Though any news about Kamino he pointedly ignored not at all wanting to torture himself with that. Izuku knew what had happened and while he did worry what others would think of him, he knew there was no way to control the opinion of others. All he could do was focus on living his life for himself.
But with Kamino still so fresh in the public mind, that meant most of the Hero news was covering it. There were some reports of other Heroes taking out minor Villains but other than that stories not about Kamino were slim. So after a while, he switched over to local news just for something to do. That was how Izuku eventually stumbled upon a very fresh story about the take down of a school. And not just any school but none other than his previous one, Aldera junior high school.
BREAKING NEWS: MIDDLE SCHOOL SHUT DOWN
Aldera, a junior high school in Musutafu city, has been suddenly closed this morning due to a number of staff members being arrested. There are charges that vary from Quirk discrimination and illegal Quirk use to bullying and teacher negligence. It has also been reported that some who were working at the school had previous criminal charges and records that were not disclosed to parents of attending students.
The school has been under investigation for some time now for child endangerment and there has been public concern for the students of Aldera along with questions of how the school has been run. Former principal Kantoku Shirei was among the arrested but did not make a comment as he was taken in by authorities.
The closure has left parents scrambling to…
The article went on but Izuku had read enough. Wow, Aldera was actually closed and the teachers were arrested? He never thought that would actually happen even with Nezu starting up an investigation. Izuku hadn't even thought about Aldera since then with the news of his mother's attack overshadowing it completely. Why would he care about some crap school when his own mom was hurt and hospitalized.
This came as a surprise though should he really be? Izuku might have wanted to move on but Nezu seemed to have a vendetta to avenge his past. First Katsuki and now Aldera. Though with his childhood friend it had helped and they were better now. Any sort of friendship was still up in the air but at the very least they survived their kidnapping and capture together. And Izuku knew that Katsuki had his back when it came to his bastard of a dad.
With Aldera though, Izuku was just glad that he had graduated out of that place. He certainly didn't miss anything from there and was grateful every day that UA was different. But with that came Nezu and when Nezu decides to go on the attack, he attacks. With gusto. This time was no different and Izuku knew there wasn't much he could have done to stop him even if he had tried.
It honestly felt unreal but another glance at the article with the accompanied picture of his former principal in cuffs served as proof. Izuku never thought anything would or could be done with how he was treated as a Quirkless child. Inko had tried but wasn't ever able to get any traction. And no one at school ever lifted a finger to help him and would even turn a blind eye to his suffering. Now it seemed they would reap what they sowed. Izuku wasn't entirely sure how to feel about it but a small part of him did feel a sense of relief.
Beside him, Shouto started to stir shifting to nuzzle into Izuku and mumbling out, "Mornin'."
"Good morning, Shouto," Izuku greeted with a soft smile as he put down his phone. "Did you sleep well?"
"Mhmm," his friend hummed before moving closer in an attempt to kiss him.
"Wait, Shouto!" Izuku quietly exclaimed, his hands shooting up to cover the other's mouth.
Shouto cracked his eyes open just enough to look at him and blinked.
"Why?" Shouto asked, sounding muffled behind his hands. He reached up and gently removed Izuku's hands. "You said I could kiss you."
"Uh, morning breath?" he replied, not wanting to disgust the other before brushing his teeth.
Shouto blinked at him again as his waking mind processed that before he shifted onto an elbow and said, "I don't care."
Suddenly he leaned down and kissed Izuku whose hands shot up to grasp Shouto's sides. The greenet's heart fluttered as he quickly got lost in the feeling of the other and forgetting his self-conscious protest from before. They both relaxed into the embrace until eventually Shouto pulled away.
"Was that so bad?" he asked cheekily with a smirk.
A rare expression for him to show but it had been making more frequent appearances as of late.
I guess that's here to stay.
Izuku blushed as he said, "…no."
He then glanced up with a mischievous smile and stole a kiss of his own before pulling away with a giggle. Shouto grinned down at him really liking this new level of closeness. He started tickling Izuku in revenge and they ended up in a laughing mess as Izuku tried to keep him away. Finally, Shouto stopped his attacks and laid there propped up on his arm so he could look down at his friend. Reveling at this sight of his bright smile and freckled cheeks flushed red from laughter.
Beautiful.
Izuku couldn't help but feel so happy. He never thought they would end up like this. There had been hope for sure but a part of Izuku hadn't really expected for it to actually happen. And yet here they were with Izuku looking up at Shouto who was smiling down at him. Happy. Serene. With Izuku no less. He could hardly believe it.
"I like you," Izuku said, reaching up to hold his friend's cheek.
"I like you too, Izuku," Shouto replied as he reached up to meet his hand. "I'm glad my research paid off."
Oh, right. His 'research'.
"What exactly did you research, Shouto?" Izuku asked, curious.
Shouto considered him for a moment before getting up from the futon. Izuku sat up as he watched him fetching the box in the corner. He hauled it over and sat back down next to his friend as he opens it. Inside were indeed volumes of shoujo manga as he had said the night before, but that wasn't all. There were romance novels along with notated print outs about feelings and such. All this so he could determine if he liked Izuku and if Izuku liked him back. The young analyst was shocked but also impressed as it reminded him of his own analysis work.
"You did all this?" Izuku muttered, green eyes wide as he looked through it all.
"Mhmm."
It was thanks to Rei that Shouto had even started it. To better understand how he felt about Izuku and it had finally paid off. Though it had taken far too many Villain attacks, a kidnapping, and a rescue to get them here. Shouto hated that his friend had to go through all of that but he was happy they became closer. He took Izuku's free hand and linked them together.
Izuku savored the sensation but kept his focus on his friend's notes. He didn't know what to say and simply let out an amused chuckle while tears of admiration bloomed. To think that Shouto would put so much thought into the two of them becoming an 'us' made Izuku realize that this wasn't on a whim. That Shouto really wanted to be with Izuku and was willing to do all of this work to truly understand what they meant to each other.
"You said your mom suggested this?" Izuku asked, still looking down at the notes while Shouto gave a confirming hum. "Guess I have a lot to thank her for."
"She wants to thank you too," Shouto said, grazing his thumb affectionately against his skin.
"For what?" the greenet asked, looking up at his friend curiously.
"For saving me from myself," Shouto smiled as he reached up with his other hand and tucked a green curl behind his ear again. "You really are a Hero, Izuku. My Hero."
He then leaned forward to kiss Izuku again moving his hand to cradle his cheek. They lingered and it took Izuku a moment to process before leaning into it himself. If he weren't distracted by their connection, he would have been a blushing mess at the compliment. They both pulled each other closer with one arm around their waists while their free hands started carding through the other's hair. Simply existing in the intimate moment.
Eventually they did pull apart though and stared at each other endearingly with their foreheads touching. Shouto swept a thumb across his freckles with his hand now on his cheek. Izuku smiled as he leaned into the touch. They were both just so happy to be with each other.
"We should go down for breakfast," Shouto said, not really wanting to but it was a part of his routine.
Izuku nodded as he said, "Yeah, you're right. I'll pop over to my room and then we can go down together?"
"Of course," his friend agreed, giving him one more chaste kiss before getting up.
He helped the greenet stand up with an offered hand and walked him to the door. Once opened, he didn't let go until after giving a princely peck to the back of his hand. Izuku blushed with a bashful but pleased smile before giving his friend a wave and going to his room to change. Shouto got ready himself and a short while later they met out in the hallway. Joining hands once more, they walked down the stairs and over to the kitchen.
Satou and Kouda were already busy making a simple breakfast of steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and a side of vegetables. Shouji was helping to get plates and setting the table with Aoyama while Ochako sat sleepily at the table. She was clearly not a morning person at all.
"Good morning," Izuku greeted with a smile. "Need any help?"
"Nah, but thank you," Satou said with a dismissive hand. "Breakfast is nearly ready."
"If anything, you can keep Uraraka from falling back asleep," Shouji offered in a rare teasing tone from the normally quiet teen.
Izuku chuckled as he led them both to sit by Ochako who was slightly swaying in her seat. Yeah, definitely not a morning person.
"Good morning, Ochako," Izuku said as they sat. "Did you sleep well?"
"Hmm?" she hummed in confusion until sleepy eyes spotted him. "Oh hey, Mido. Honestly, I could sleep more but breakfast."
"It is the most important meal of the day," the greenet nodded with an amused smile. "They said it's almost done."
"Mmm, good," Ochako muttered as she closed her eyes again while they waited.
Soon enough the other boys came out with the assortment of dishes. They all gave their thanks and started eating. Compared to the hospital food Izuku had to put up with for the past few days this was five-star cooking. He hummed happily with each bite and made sure to thank the ones who prepared it. His compliments to the chefs.
Once they were done eating, Ochako, Shouto, and Izuku insisted on cleaning up since the others had prepared everything. The task was quickly completed between the three of them and by that time the dorm was starting to get lively. Other students from 1-A were already arriving for move-in day. Living here was going to be a lot busier with everyone being under one roof. Aizawa had already set up a small table with their room assignments and some basic information for those who were moving in. Anything else the current residents could answer until he came to debrief them all.
Their classmates trickled in and everyone was pitching in to help bring in boxes and such. Ochako was able to use her Quirk on heavier items to help speed up the process. However once everyone had arrived, Aizawa came and called them all to the common room. It took a bit more time than in the classroom but soon everyone was gathered waiting to hear what their teacher had to say.
"Welcome, Class 1-A," Aizawa said, looking as bored and tired as ever. "I'm glad that despite all that has happened you were all allowed to attend the dorms."
There were murmurs of agreement amongst the students whose parents had been harder to convince. Izuku himself couldn't help but grimace considering his own circumstances. The campus dorms were the only place he could go. Sensing this, Shouto instinctively grabbed his hand in understanding for he too was better here than back with Endeavor.
"We teachers have also been cleared to stay," Aizawa continued, scratching under his eye as his students whispered their shared surprise. "So, I'll still be here to keep an eye on you, problem children."
A bit unanticipated considering the chewing out they had gotten at the press conference but the tired man had his suspicions as to why. While the public had been angry with them, the administration had a different view of things. Better for them to allow the teachers to stay than hire a whole new staff. Taking the easier route.
"Now then. You've already received packets concerning the rules and set up of the dorms. Any other questions can either go to your classmates or the teachers if needed. However, before I release you to set up your rooms, there is a matter we need to discuss."
He clapped his hands together as if to mark the point as everyone listened closely.
"Concerning the provisional licenses you were supposed to get during the training camp, we haven't forgotten about them and have plans in place to make up for the delay. However…"
The fearsome Underground Hero then stared down his class lingering on very specific problem children.
"Kirishima. Yaoyorozu. Todoroki. Iida. Shinsou."
Each student shifted under his hard gaze as he called out their names. Well, save for Todoroki and Hitoshi who had well trained control of showing their emotions. The others though had the decency to show some shame knowing exactly why he was calling them out.
"The five of you broke the rules when you went to rescue Bakugou and Midoriya."
The rest of the class reacted in an equally guilty way that affirmed his suspicions they had all known but had done nothing to stop them. Not even to inform a teacher.
"And it appears the rest of you were at least aware of this plan."
Their guilt was clear, but he needed to make sure they understood the gravity of their mistake of not telling someone, because things could have gone far worse in Kamino than they had.
"Listen up and listen well. If it weren't for All Might's retirement, I would have expelled everyone here save for Bakugou, Midoriya, Jiro, and Hagakure."
The collective flinch appeased him a little but he needed to be firm.
"The five who went to Kamino of course but also the other eleven who did nothing to stop them. I would even go so far as to have a talk with Powerloader considering his own student who was also a rule breaker. The lot of you betrayed our trust regardless of your intentions. Going forward, in order to regain our confidence, you must live as model students and strictly follow the rules. Understood?"
"Yes, sensei," they all answered with small bows.
"Good, now then, about the dorms," Aizawa said going on to explain the information in the packets.
The air was somber as they listened. They had known such a risky plan was bad, but as to their teacher's point, no one had done anything to stop it. That other than the two that had been unconscious and the other two who were kidnapped, they had all been complicit in regards to the events in Kamino. With or without action.
Izuku felt bad feeling like he was responsible in some way and hoped something could be done to lift the mood. Katsuki also felt guilty hating to see the sad looks on his friends' faces especially Kirishima. The red head was typically all manly smiles but not now. Katsuki had half a mind to make Pikachu short circuit just to cheer everyone the hell up. That dumbass look he always got after would be funny, however after hearing the guy yammer about finally having a way to save his remaining braincells it probably wasn't the best idea.
"That's all," Aizawa said, wrapping up his explanation. "Spend the rest of the day unpacking and settling in. Tomorrow we will discuss upcoming lessons but for now, get to work."
"Yes, sensei," they said solemnly together.
They returned to their duties of helping everyone move their things in. Once it was all in their respective rooms, the majority of them got to work setting up their stuff. The ones who were already moved in offered to help their friends. Ochako beelined for a sad looking Tsuyu who was up on the fifth floor. Shouto went with Momo to the fifth floor as well while Izuku helped out Hitoshi who was in the room next to his own on the second.
"I'm sensing a theme here," Izuku commented jokingly as he put up yet another cat related poster.
"Oh shut up, Green Bean," Hitoshi said while sticking out his tongue. "I like cats. Sue me."
They were working together to set up his room. There were cat pictures, cat posters, and cat figurines everywhere. Even the bedding and rug had cats on them. Though it wasn't all cats with sprinklings of pictures of Hitoshi with his family. Which also happened to include cats as well.
"How are the little fuzzballs doing?" Izuku asked as he pinned up a picture of Hitoshi looking up to a curled up black ball of cat that was Sashimi laying in his purple hair.
"They're good though a little freaked by the move," Hitoshi replied, putting up yet another hanged shirt in the closet. "Shouta says I can visit them whenever I want in the teacher's dorm. I want to see if I can sneak one of them over here. You said Kouda has a bunny, right?"
"Mhmm!" the greenet nodded with a smile. "Yuwai-chan is so adorable."
They shared friendly conversation as they finished up the room. Nothing too flashy as that wasn't Hitoshi's style. Over the weeks spent in the Yamazawa home, he had come to a color scheme of blacks, greys, and purples with of course cats. There was a slight sprinkling of Hero merch with mostly Present Mic and a tiny bit of Eraserhead, but nothing nowhere near that previous All Might explosion Izuku had once had. It wasn't everything from his bedroom at the apartment. Just enough for him to feel at home.
"Okay, I think that will do it for now," Hitoshi announced, wiping some sweat off his brow. "Wanna see what the others are up too?"
"Sure!" Izuku chirped excitedly.
They left his room and headed downstairs to the first floor. It was now evening and a number of their classmates were already there on the couches. They were talking amongst themselves about moving in and how much they were excited about the new dorms despite the unfortunate reasons as to why they were there. Tenya of course saw more into it than necessary proclaiming it would be good to boost their discipline and cooperation together as a class. With stiff arm movements of course.
"Hey there, boys!" Ashido greeted as she and the other girls joined them. "All moved in?"
"Yep!" Kaminari said with a smile. "Just down here chillin'. You?"
"Yuppers!" the pink girl replied. "We're all set. In fact, the girls and I came up with a fun idea to celebrate everyone moving in."
"Oh? What's that?" Kirishima asked curiously.
"A contest!" Hagakure chirped. "Let's see who has the coolest room!"
WHAT?!
Collectively the boys were blindsided by the proposal. Everyone? Looking into their rooms? This wasn't part of the plan. Though when they thought about it, they all figured it could be fun. Like getting a glimpse into everyone's personality depending on how they decorated their rooms.
"Let's do it!" the boys eventually cheered.
They all started to move to head up to the stairs to the first set of rooms. Except Ochako called out a few of them to stay a moment with Momo and a still sad looking Tsuyu. Izuku wasn't one of them but lingered wondering what was going on.
"Ochako?" the greenet asked alongside with Tenya, Eijirou, Hitoshi, and Shouto. "What is it?"
She eyed him before sending a questioning look towards Tsuyu who shrugged and then nodded. She waved off the others saying they would catch up in a minute. Once the small group had a bit more privacy Ochako turned towards Tsuyu with a comforting look.
"It's okay," she said with a smile. "You can tell them. We're all here for you."
They all waited and watched as Tsuyu gave a small nod to her then faced them head on as she always did. It was just how she was.
"You all know I'm a straightforward person," Tsuyu said with a sad tone. "I tend to always speak my mind, but…sometimes I wonder if I go too far."
It hurt to see her so sad. Tsuyu was typically happy in her own calm way. A level head that was much needed in their class. They all kept silent to give her their full attention.
"Back in the hospital, I said some things. That if you broke the rules to rescue Izuku and Bakugou you would be acting like Villains."
Izuku stared wide-eyed at that. Tsuyu had said that to them? He looked to the others and Hitoshi caught his eye giving him a curt nod. Izuku blinked before turning back to the frog girl.
"It hurt my heart and I couldn't stop thinking about it. That I must have upset you. Or that I didn't want you to be saved."
She sounded close to tears and Ochako was quick to comfort her running her hand down her hair.
"Despite what I said, you still went through with it and saved them. Saved you. I didn't find out until this morning. I had thought I managed to stop you but I didn't. I failed. To be honest, if Ochako hadn't come help me with my room and talked to me, I probably would have hidden in my room not knowing what to say to you."
"It's okay, Tsu," Ochako said encouragingly. "It's okay."
Tsuyu gave her a grateful look before taking a calming breath.
"I didn't feel like I deserved to have fun and goof around. But if I did hide, I would be sad without you. I just…I had to talk to you even though I'm still not sure how to feel about all this. That despite what I said, I still want to talk and have fun and spend time with you. To be friends."
Tears were falling down her face and they all watched her feeling for her emotional pain.
"It isn't just you that feels like that," Ochako said, still holding her crying friend close. "Everyone…we all felt bad. It's why we want to do this room contest. As a way to bring things back to how they used to be before. To help make us feel like a class again and bridge the gap so we can all work hard training and be good friends."
Oh, so there was more behind the room contest than they thought. A bonding activity to help get them back to whatever normal they could. The thought behind it made Izuku smile.
"Thank you for telling us how you feel, Tsu," Izuku said. "I'm sure the others think so too."
He glanced at them and they all nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, Tsu," Eijirou added with manly tears in his eyes. "Thanks. I'm sorry for making you feel this way."
"As do we all," Momo spoke.
"Indeed," Tenya stated with a curt nod. "I apologize."
"You shouldn't feel bad," Shouto said flatly as ever.
"Yeah, it's not your fault for our dumbass mistakes," Hitoshi pressed equally so though she knew they still cared.
They crowded around a now crying Tsuyu who was finally letting it all out. They all promised to not make her feel sad like this again and that they were there for her as much as she was for them. Friends. They were going to need each other going forward as time passed and things keep changing. A stable source of support in an unstable world.
"Shall we join the others?" Momo asked once Tsuyu and everyone had calmed down.
"Sure," Tsuyu answered as the creation girl made a pack of tissues and handed it to her. "Together?"
"Together," they all replied before heading up together.
"Ugh, finally!" Ashido exclaimed once they reached the second floor. "Took you guys long enough."
"You waited for us?" Izuku asked, surprised.
"Well, duh," the pink girl replied with a roll of her eyes. "We need everyone if we're going to have a contest."
Eijirou looked around before commenting, "But Bakugou's not here. What about him?"
Everyone looked around at each other awkwardly. There were still mixed feelings when it came to the explosive blonde. Knowing what he had done but also seeing how much he's changed. It was an odd thing to consider. Izuku himself had seen how much Katsuki was able to grow and they even weirdly bonded during their kidnapping. Not exactly friends but not exactly enemies either.
"Ka-Bakugou tends to go to bed early," Izuku offered, switching to his family name so they know who he was talking about. "He's probably already asleep."
They nodded though some noted the little slip of name, but made no mention of it.
"Already?" Sero questioned with an amused huff. "What is he? An old grandma?"
"A little," Izuku chuckled. "So, we don't really have to wait for him. He probably wouldn't want to participate anyway knowing him."
"True, true," Ashido said, nodding her head before clapping her hands together. "Well then let's start!"
She then beelined to the room closest to her which just so happened to be Hitoshi's.
"Wait, we're starting with me?" he questioned in embarrassed concern.
"Gotta start somewhere!" she said gleefully as she opened the door.
There were oohs and aahs at the colors and posters. And of course, the heavy theme of cats.
"So, I'm assuming you're a dog person," Kaminari joked with a smirk.
"Oh, shut it," Hitoshi retorted back giving him a flick to the arm.
The electric blonde laughed and tried to get him back only for Hitoshi to dodge him. By then the others had their fill and they moved on to Izuku's room.
"Oh, I bet yours is filled with Hero merch," Hagakure guessed as he opened the door.
The comment made him pause and shared a quick glance with Hitoshi.
"Um, not really, no," he said with an awkward smile. "I used to have a lot but I, uh, downsized."
He let them in and nervously waited for their reaction. His room wasn't as set up as Hitoshi's. There wasn't much of a theme nor did it really look lived in. Though considering he had only moved in since after I-Island and spent most of his time out of his room it made sense. Honestly, he felt more at home in the common room or Shouto's room than his own. It was just a place to sleep for him or at least to hold his stuff for now.
"A little boring, I know," Izuku said, scratching the back of his head. "But I do have these."
He pointed out the Present Mic and Eraserhead figures on his desk. Two great Heroes who had been helping him every day since he started at UA. Those two meant so much more to him than any of the All Might merch he had before. Even the one action figure he had hesitated but eventually decided to give up as well due to it holding too many memories both good and bad.
"Isn't that the one Mic-sensei gave you before the Sports Festival?" Ochako asked, remembering him showing them right after.
Izuku nodded as he said, "Yep."
"Wait, he gave that to you?" Eijirou questioned in surprise. "Why?"
"It was a thank you gift," Izuku answered. "For helping at the USJ."
There was a collective shutter at the reminder of the attack. Many of them also suddenly realized that it had been Izuku who was there with them, not just some anonymous Support student who so happened to be there.
Feeling bad for souring the mood, Izuku offered, "Shall we move on?"
They all agreed and headed out towards the next which was Shouto's. Izuku honestly was very curious how they would react to his room. He wasn't disappointed.
"WHAAAA?!" the class exclaimed.
Not surprising for them to be shocked by his completely Japanese styled room. Izuku felt the same the first time he had seen it. Shouto's explanation of finding the tatami flooring more comfortable didn't answer their many questions as to how he had changed it so drastically. Again, all he would say was that it was through hard work. It made Izuku snort in amusement.
As they went for Tokoyami's room, they found him standing protectively in front of his door. It took several of the girls to push him out of the way and into his room. Much like himself, the room was dark and moody and just fit him perfectly. Tokoyami felt judged by the others but honestly Izuku thought it looked really cool. He even had a sword! But the bird boy had enough of their snooping and ordered everyone out.
The contest went on as they moved to the third floor. Ojiro's was pretty simple much like Izuku's being quite bare compared to the others. Tenya's felt like a mix of a library and an optical store with books on one side and a full wall of glasses on the other. Kaminari's was an eclectic assortment of things from posters, hats, a dart board, and a leopard print comforter. Kouda's was cute and cuddly like his pet bunny that made the girls coo.
Staying on the same floor, they went to see the girls' rooms as well. Hagakure offered to go first and showed off her very pink and very fluffy room. Jirou was more hesitant but allowed them inside. It was filled from floor to ceiling with all things music. Listening equipment and a number of instruments that she admitted she could all play to at least some degree. That was so cool and it made Izuku wonder if her Quirk helped her with pairing notes and lyrics together with her superior hearing.
With that, they moved up to the fourth floor starting again with the boys. Sero's was surprisingly exotic but also soothing. He even had a hammock to rest in. Aoyama's was the complete opposite being extremely shiny and bright. Satou's was pretty simple in comparison to the others on his floor. Though he did have a little station for baking which just so happened to have a freshly finished chiffon cake.
"I had some extra time and thought I would make it for us to share," Satou explained as he took out the cake. "Want some?"
"YES!" the girls cheered and excitedly ate the cake.
It was delicious! The girls awed at the taste and texture. Momo even asked if he would bake something for her tea some time. The unexpected praise flustered him but he agreed while explaining baking was a hobby he had started to help train with his Quirk. Smart and economical.
They moved on to the girls' rooms while snacking on the cake. Ochako was a little embarrassed because she stuck to a more economical life style with just the basics. Though she did have a chart of constellations by her bed for her love of space. Ashido has more than happy to show them her room next. Very pink much like Hagakure's but bolder with stark black accents much like her eyes and really reflected her personality.
Keeping with their routine, on the fifth floor they started with the boys. While several of them thought their rooms were plain, it was nothing compared to Shouji's that had only a futon and a table. Huh. Interesting that the teen with the ability to create countless limbs was a minimalist. Who knew?
Eijirou gave them warning for his room. He had wanted it to make a statement and give off a feeling of a den of manliness. There were motivational posters, a punching bag, and hints of flaming fire here and there. Even the clock had pumped up arms to make you feel ready to work out. Some of the class thought it was weird but Ochako was quick to tell him it made her feel pumped up to train which cheered up the redhead.
Bakugou's door was firmly closed so they passed to go for the girls. Though Izuku did glance at it as they went and noticed Eijirou did the same. Clearly, they were both worried about Katsuki, but for now they would focus on the contest and let him have his space.
Tsuyu felt better after having the chance to talk with her friends and so happily invited them in. It was cute with a lot of greens and blues reminding you of water. She had a couple of frog plushies, light pink sheets, a cool green comforter with a pattern of water lilies, and her rug was in the shape of a lily pad. It was like her own personal pond to rest and relax in. The frog girl blushed slightly at their compliments.
Last was Momo's down the hall. She hesitated before showing them and it was clear to see why. The bed was huge. It filled up practically the entire room with just a little space left over for her desk, makeup table, and book case. Momo was embarrassed as she told them it was her bed from home and hadn't expected the dorms to be so much smaller than her own room. A reminder to them all that their humble vice rep was used to a richer way of living.
With all the rooms except Bakugou done, they all headed back down to the common area for the vote. Ashido took the lead and passed out pieces of paper as pens were traded around. The pinkette then collected and counted them all up with the only rule being that you couldn't pick yourself. Where would the fun be in that?
"And the winner is…," Ashido paused for dramatic effect. "Satou Rikido with six votes! All us girls voted for you by the way. That cake was just so delicious!"
Satou was of course completely shocked and Kaminari started teasing him for winning through bribery. It was all in good fun though. Either way Satou was declared the winner of the first official room contest. To Izuku, the wording hinted that there would be more opportunities to win in the future.
By then it was getting rather late and after a hard day of moving in, they were all tired. Though the more social of their group was reluctant to parts ways just yet. Not that they would be far from their friends now that they all lived together. Shouto of course had no issues speaking his mind on the subject of calling it a night.
"Are we done now?" Shouto asked, very much ready to go to bed.
"Okay, fine," Ashido relented with a sigh before reenergizing. "Thanks, everyone, for competing. Let's get some sleep!"
"Remember to brush your teeth!" Tenya barked while chopping his arm through the air.
He was met with 'yeah yeah's from the class long used to his antics. They all moved to get up and Shouto took Izuku's hand.
"Do you want to stay with me again?" he asked, a hint of hope in his eyes.
"S-sure, if you don't mind," Izuku answered shyly.
Shouto smiled and stepped into his space to place a kiss on his forehead without thinking. Most were distracted getting ready to go upstairs, but a certain pink haired gossip queen of course managed to spot the brief moment.
"SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!" she all but shrieked making everyone stop. "Oh. My. Gods. Did Todoroki just kiss Midoriya?!"
This drew everyone's attention to them instantly making Izuku embarrassed. He leaned into Shouto more as a shield.
"Yes," Shouto admitted seeing no reason to say otherwise.
The blunt answer made Izuku flinch and hide behind him more.
"Soooo, does this mean you guys are together?" Ashido asked with a teasing smile.
Shouto looked back at him before turning to her and said, "We are standing together, yes."
"No, no, no," she said dismissively. "I mean are you two together together? As in a relationship together?"
He still looked at her in confusion not entirely sure what she was asking. Hitoshi took pity on her and took over the questioning.
"Is Izuku your boyfriend now?" he asked out right.
"He's always been," was Shouto's blunt answer.
"EEEEHH?!" the class exclaimed.
Izuku sputtered as his cheeks reddened instantly. Like what?! They hadn't even talked about that yet!
"Shouto?" Izuku questioned bashfully.
"Well, you're a boy and you are my friend," he explained plainly. "So you've always been my boy friend, right?"
Ah, there was the confusion.
"Depends on if you're saying it with or without the space," Hitoshi said, chuckling at his naiveness.
Shouto tilted his head like a dog as he asked, "What do you mean?"
"So there's boy 'space' friend which is a boy who is a friend," Hitoshi answered with a gesture between himself and Shouto. "Then there's boyfriend with no space meaning you're in a relationship with them as a couple. Or more if that's your fancy."
He then pointed to the two them standing so close together as an example. Like literally there was no space between them. No way were they still just friends who were boys.
"Couple?" Shouto still questioned.
Oh, what a sweet naïve summer child he was.
"Yeah. You know, someone you kiss and hug and cuddle," Hitoshi added, crooking up an eyebrow. "Spend time with and go on dates. Hold hands for another example."
He looked down at their hands which were as usual connected. Shouto followed his gaze to their hands and then trailed up until he found those beautiful green eyes watching him. Izuku's cheeks were still dusted a cute pink and he stared at him with anticipation. Shouto considered Hitoshi's criteria for what a couple was and they checked a lot of boxes.
Huh, who knew?
"Oh, so Izuku is both then," Shouto concluded.
"Eh?!" Izuku squeaked, his cheeks reddening again.
Shouto looked at Izuku confused by his reaction while Hitoshi was now losing it beside them but trying his best to contain his laughter. An utter failure but he still tried. Many of the others were also entertained having long lost the thoughts of sleep to this current development.
"Oh well I, um, yes I am a boy and your friend," Izuku said, his voice coming out a little higher and faster than usual. "And I could be your boyfriend if you want, but we haven't talked about that yet and I didn't want to assume or anything even though we already…"
"Izuku," Shouto cut him off.
"Yes?" Izuku squeaked, taking the opportunity to breath.
"I do," Shouto said.
"Do what?" Izuku asked, still a little breathless from confusion and shock.
"I want you to be my boyfriend," Shouto said as he turned to face him fully. "And I yours. If you'll have me."
He raised their hands up and placed a gentle press of his lips to his knuckles as the others cooed. Honestly it sounded more like he was proposing than asking Izuku out. But then again, much like his room, Shouto wasn't afraid to go all out for what he wants. And he very much wants Izuku.
"O-okay," Izuku stuttered, all flustered but very very happy. "Yes, I'd like that too."
Shouto smiled as he leaned in and full out kissed Izuku on the mouth in front of everyone. The cat calls and whistling went ignored as Izuku lost himself to the kiss. When they parted, he looked up at Shouto in awe before smiling brightly and launching at him hugging him close.
"Congratulations, you two," Tenya said while adjusting his glasses.
"Fucking finally," Hitoshi sighed in relief. "They've been flirting around each other for forever."
He quickly texted Mei to let her know the news and was unsurprisingly answered with a shit ton of happy emojis. Hitoshi snuck a pic of the happy couple to appease her for not seeing it herself.
"So, who won the bet?" Kaminari asked, walking over and stopping beside Hitoshi.
"Ooo, that's a good question," Hagakure trilled excitedly as she flailed her invisible arms. "Who is it, who is it?"
They all turned to Ashido who grinned as she pulled out her phone.
"Bet?" Izuku squeaked in embarrassment. "What bet?"
"On how you two would finally get together," Hitoshi smirked, earning a smack to his shoulder which he allowed to happen. "Mine was at a cat café so I guess I'm out."
Of course, its cat related, Izuku thought, rolling his eyes.
"Let's see…," the pinkette lilted as she stuck her tongue out reading through her betting notes. "Well, a lot of you are out. No kissing in the rain. We're obviously not in class so anything classroom or training related lost. And sadly, no ice cream parlor confessions."
There were pouts and curses across the room making Izuku blush while Shouto eyed their classmates curiously.
"Then how do we know who won the bet?" Sero chimed in, mourning his own loss even if it was all in good fun.
"Well, that depends," Ashido replied before glancing up mischievously at the couple. "What sparked this? What, besides having just defined it, got you two to finally get together?"
Izuku exchanged a quick look with Shouto and then down at the ground. He wasn't sure how exactly to answer because he didn't really know himself. The realization of that he loved Shouto had come suddenly and unexpectedly. All while being kidnapped by Villains and specifically when talking to his now boyfriend's supposedly dead brother to boot. How in the world would he be able to explain that complicated can of worms. However, Shouto, as blunt as ever, was able to easily speak his mind.
"Izuku was gone," he said, a subtle sadness in his voice. "He was taken and I didn't know if I would ever see him again. But I had to. I had to get him back to me or I don't know what I would do without him. I realized that I cared deeply him."
The public confession both flustered Izuku and unfortunately soured the mood of the room. There was conviction and strong emotions behind his words that answered the question, but also referred to dark reasons behind it. While he usually struggled reading people, Shouto seemed to realize what had happened.
"Apologies for bringing down the mood," he said, bringing an arm around Izuku and pulling him close in search of comfort. "But it's the truth. I don't want to lose Izuku."
There were nods of understanding all around. Ashido gave her own sad smile before turning back to her list.
"Well, considering that factor," she muttered, her brows furrowed in thought. "Then it looks like our winner of the bet is…Tokoyami?"
They all turned to said bird boy whose feathers fluffed at the sudden attention. Even Dark Shadow was peaking out to see what was going on.
"Tokoyami?" Sero questioned. "What did he bet?"
"Bonding through hardship," Ashido read aloud. "Out of all of them it's the closest."
"A darker fate than I would have wished on you," Tokoyami interjected, a curious spirit floating next to him. "However, I do appeal that you find happiness in your newly formed coupling."
Suddenly there was a blur of movement and from one moment to the next, Shouto found himself face to face with a dark turbulent mass as he was stared down by piercing patched of yellow.
"But if you ever hurt Sun Boy your body will be buried where the sun don't shine," Dark Shadow rumbled in open threat.
They were all floored by the shovel talk.
"DARK SHADOW?!" both Izuku and Tokoyami squawked.
But the phantom ignored them and stayed there until Shouto gave a somewhat shaky but sincere nod in agreement. Satisfied Dark Shadow nodded back before reaching a staticky hand to Izuku's head. The feel of the spirit's buzzing touch in his hair sent a shiver down his spin. He shook it off once the contact ceased and turned to the Quirk being. Dark Shadow gave Shouto one last threatening gesture of two fingers pointed at him to the specter and back again. The message was clear.
I'll be watching you.
Finally Dark Shadow chose to retreat back to Tokoyami who started to chide his Quirk for the stunt. Izuku himself was flustered not expecting that level of caring from the sentient spirit. Sure, they've bonded to a certain degree but to the point of threating to bury Shouto for potentially mistreating him? Not expected at all.
The mood was now all sorts of weird. Happiness for the happy couple intermixed with solemn reminders of complicated and distressing past events. Now a declaration of bodily harm on top of it all. It was all too weird even for Hitoshi. He felt the need for an ice breaker to break up the tension and there was one thing he was curious about during this whole situation.
"Hey, Izuku, earlier you mentioned that you and Shouto have 'already…'," he asked, perhaps a little louder than usual to draw everyone's attention. "What have you and lover boy been doing behind closed doors?"
He wiggled his eyebrows teasingly. Perhaps a little underhanded of a distraction at his brother's expense but he knew what kind of reaction he would get. And the responding dark blush on Izuku's cheeks proved him right.
"Nothing!" the greenet exclaimed with flailing arms.
"We kissed," Shouto said bluntly, pulling Izuku back into his arms. "A lot."
"Shouto!" Izuku squeaked, his head snapping up to stare in audacity.
"What?" Shouto questioned with a shrug. "We did."
"But you don't just tell people like that!" he shrieked as he buried his strawberry face in his hands.
"Why not?" was his answer. "He asked,"
There were snickers at their little interaction.
Perfect, it's working.
"Why don't you want me to know, Izuku?" Hitoshi lilted with a smirk. "Was his kissing that bad?"
This caused a look of concern on Shouto's face. He loosened his grip on his boyfriend so he could move to better see his face.
"Do you not liking kissing me?" Shouto asked in worry and a little of confusion. "You seemed to like it before."
"No!" Izuku blurted out before realizing he may be misunderstood. "No, I mean yes. I really like kissing you, Shouto!"
"You do?" Shouto asked, pleased to hear him say so as that new found smirk grew on his face again.
"Y-yeah…," Izuku breathed out as Shouto leaned into his space.
His closeness distracted him from the fact that they were still surround by their classmates. Green eyes couldn't help glancing down to his boyfriend's lips and back up again.
"Me too," Shouto whispered before closing the distance.
Once again, the room filled with cat calls and wolf whistles as Shouto kissed him as if there was no tomorrow.
"Damn, Todoroki," someone said but Izuku couldn't see, or cared, at the moment.
"Oh, they are so boyfriends," another voice said that he knew had to be Hitoshi. "There's no space between them at all."
Again though, he didn't care as he let himself get carried away in Shouto's passion. Izuku allowed himself to be entranced and hold his boyfriend close. When they separated, their lips popped as they both panted to catch their breath. Izuku stared up at Shouto with a satisfied smile and a sparkle of affection in his eyes. Shouto in turn looked down at him with unfiltered infatuation. The taller teen gave him a pleased smile before giving one more chaste kiss and then pulled away enough to a normal position.
Well normal for them which actually meant staying close to the other's side.
With confessions made and relationships confirmed, it was even later and very much time for bed. Everyone bid each other goodnight and together made their way to their respective rooms. With one exception of course.
"Remember to use protection," Hitoshi jabbed when he saw that Izuku was going to Shouto's room.
The brainwasher then quickly escaped any retaliation by hiding behind his closed door. Izuku shook his head at his antics while Shouto stared off into space in thought.
"Protection?" he questioned innocently. "Like a helmet or something?"
A reminder of how sheltered Shouto was but surely, he knew about being 'safe' with a partner. Right? Not that they were there at all! They just started kissing last night!
Nope! I'm not ready for this conversation.
"I'll, uh, explain it to you later," Izuku replied, doing his best to attempt to rub the embarrassment off of his face. "It's really late and we should get to bed."
"Right," was all Shouto said, having faith that Izuku would do just that.
They made quick work of getting ready and in no time Izuku was back at Shouto's door. He felt compelled to knock but wanted to test a theory. Taking a deep breath, he cautiously reached for the door handle. When it turned easily in his hand, it confirmed what Izuku thought. Unlocked, ready and waiting for him to enter. Izuku was welcome here.
With another deep breath, he walked through the door and into his boyfriend's waiting arms. Izuku may not have a home but he knew he had one here. Cuddling close to Shouto under the covers, he fell asleep to that pleasant thought.
Maybe things were going to be alright.
...
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