AU context: My U.A. timeline is a rough skeleton of the canon timeline from seasons 1-5, but I've taken creative liberties with chronology. U.A. is a national university but still an elite and exclusive hero training academy, still maintaining the cohort-based model. Class 1-A is 17/18 in their first year.

"SOMEONE TO SHOTO TODOROKI"

I have never been a man of many words,
kind, happy, violent, indifferent—
choosing the right words,
not frozen in intimidation
or boiling with resentment,
has always been difficult for me.
But with you,
they seem to roll with ease, like a river
flowing in early spring
after the winter ice melts.
The better I knew you, the more time we spent,
the more I learned
that all I ever needed
was someone to show me
who I want to be.

.

.

.

I don't know why you came into my life when you did.

But I noticed you first.

On the first day, you walked into homeroom timid and clueless, so I ignored you. Then, we competed against each other. Something alien turned on in me as we fought. Your intensity made me uneasy. My heart thumped as you charged toward me at full speed. The power in your eyes locked on mine was blinding. I'm strong; still, I could only brace for the nostalgic impact of pain.

But you took my hand and pulled me forward. Something intangible awakened within me,
and I began searching for it with all my might.

My life's purpose.
.

.

.

I've always been compulsive. Growing up, my curated power was a crushing burden, and my childhood in Musutafu was chaotic—nowhere as safe and full of love as yours, raised by a single mother in that quaint apartment with just the two of you. As my father's masterpiece, I developed the need to control everything, from the smallest to the most significant. Order and focus added a wall of security that backbreaking training and family violence stole. At that, we had to keep up appearances as the family of a wealthy and successful top hero, the number two hero in Japan's family.

"It's your Quirk! Not his!"

But you broke right through my walls. How did you do that? How did you know I needed to be shown how to be a person, not simply perfect?

Midoriya?

.

.

.

You brought out my fire.
You wanted it—begged for it.
So I gave it to you, and you
permitted me to be a roaring flame
You melted my heart from its frozen state
and became my calm,
our friendship means the world to me.

How could I ever leave losing you up to chance?

.

.

.

"Did you sleep, Midoriya?"

"Not really. My body is still recovering from the adrenaline from fighting against the Hero Killer."

"I figured. Neither could I."

"But, Todoroki?"

"Hm?"

"Thanks for answering my call and coming to my and Iida's rescue. Todoroki, you risked a lot to save us."

My head might explode listening to you compliment me. You're muttering under your breath in your usual way, probably overanalyzing what you just said. But I could listen to your soft and kind voice say anything. Your words all sound like music to my ears.

"Midoriya, I really like being your friend." I know my face is piping red, but nothing can stop me from telling you how I feel. I can't keep a secret from you. I only wish we could make our own secrets together.

"Todoroki…"

I'm eager to hear what you have to say. I leave my bed to move closer to you. I can see that you're nervous when I sit at the foot of your bed, but I will never hurt you. I place my hand on your knee where your cast will not be in the way.

"Yes, Midoriya?"

SLIIIIIIIIIDE!

"SHOTO!"

"Dad? What are you doing here?" His beady blue eyes dart from my face to my hand to your face and back to me. I don't move an inch.

"I-I came to check on you, son. Hosu was a mess and a success. How are your injuries?"

"Fine." I turn my head away from him. I don't need his concern when I'm so concerned about you. "Midoriya. You were saying?"

"O-oh! Uhhhh… I don't think…"

"What? Did I make you forget?"

"No! No, what I mean is, I-I think this isn't the appropriate time…"

"Dammit, Endeavor," I snap, and my left eye bursts into flames.

"I apologize. I was unaware that Shoto was sharing a hospital room. I'm sure you two have a lot to process about last night's events. I will leave you to it."

"No! Endeavor! Please, stay!"

"No, you should go."

"Todoroki, don't be ridiculous. Endeavor's the number two hero; without him, you wouldn't have been in Hosu to save us."

I growl and roll my eyes because you're always right. Even when integrity is uncalled for, you still answer the phone.

That's why I like you.

"And then Shoto, my boy, was all like, 'My friend might be in danger.'" My old man enjoys mocking how serious I am about you, but by the look in your eyes, I don't mind.

I cherish what's important to me.

"That's really how he said it, Endeavor?" I watch you giggle at my expense, and my cold Quirk freezes my brain.

"Midoriya, are you blushing right now?"

"No!…yes…but out of gratitude for you, Shoto."

It's the first time I registered you saying my name. Though it's my hero name, hearing it come from your mouth right now strikes a new chord in me; it sounds...personal. So, I'm blushing, because apart from that, you're just too kind.

How do you know exactly what to say when I least expect to be left speechless?

"Uh…Todoroki? Are you all right? Your scar is steaming!"

I cherish who's important to me.

And you, Midoriya, are the most important.

.

.

.

With angst and ambition,
You mirrored the same;
you sucker-punched my heart alive,
your resolve saved me
and led me to the peak of the sublime.

.

.

.

"Midoriya…"

You turn my way.

"Would you…like to train with me after we leave the pool?"

With your gentle smile, the fire I felt on the festival field reignites my soul.

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.

.

.

.

The first time you met my family? I don't think I'd ever been happier.

I would have tempered my joy if I knew it would only grow.

...

"Todoroki…are you doing all right?"

It's your first time in my childhood bedroom. Even though I'm freezing from confusion, seeing you step into my sanctuary warms my chest. Your eyes are welling with concern, but your timidity at my door is kind of cute.

Your head frantically shakes. "Sorry! I didn't mean to disturb you!"

Why are you always so embarrassed?

"Do you know you apologize too much?"

"Uh…Come again?"

"You say sorry a lot, Midoriya. Almost as if you're apologizing for your mere presence."

"Ah…yeah, sor- I mean, I know I do that a lot. It's just that with Kach- wait a minute. Where is Kacchan?"

"Natsuo returned to his dorm, so I offered his room to Bakugo while you were taking a bath. Are you fine with it being just us?"

"Uh…yeah! But why did you offer it to Kacchan in the first place, Todoroki?"

"It seems my family's drama really riled him up. I didn't consider it could even happen when I accepted my sister and old man's invitation. I'm the one who should be sorry. I think this is why I don't have friends?"

Though my head hangs, I can feel your energy surging as you approach me from across the room.

"Todoroki! Don't you ever say that! I AM YOUR FRIEND."

The power of your embrace knocks the wind right out of me.

"I'm always here for you, Todoroki. I've got your back."

I sink into your arms, my cheek nuzzles into your shoulder. Your hair smells like my shampoo, but not like me.

I like that.

I pick my head up and look at you. I push your thick, wild bangs back to get a full view.

"You know, Midoriya?" Try as I might, I can't see an evil bone in your body. "I can see you becoming a 'Symbol of Peace' one day. Like All Might."

.

.

.

You asked me to help you study English. Being this close to you is sweating my palms, and it's making me rusty about subject-verb agreement.

"I didn't realize how much I'd forgotten."

"Yeah, that's why I came to you. Present Mic did say that if you don't constantly practice English, it becomes all tangled on your tongue."

"Like this?"

Kissing you is like a furnace being kindled in my belly.

Is this love?

"Todoroki…" You look at me, shocked, but I hope you are not turned off. Staring into your eyes is like wading into the deep end on a sunny day. " You caress my scar with such trepidation as if you put it there. You still haven't realized that your love took the pain away? "...I don't think we should be doing this." You look around the empty dorm lounge nervously. "So out in the open."

I freeze.

"Do you not like it? Would you like me to stop, Midoriya?" How cute you are when you're self-conscious and reflective. I am, too, but I see it on your face. "Would you like me to keep going?" I place my warm hand over your giant fist, etched with scars. You feel warmer than me.

"...Yes."

I lean in, but you still push away.

"Sorry! So-sorry! I just got caught up there. Hehe…it's just that was my first kiss, and I'm kinda nervous."

It's so like you to think you're doing too much of the wrong thing when it's the complete opposite. You misjudge yourself too much.

"Yeah, it was mine too, but no worries. Let's continue."

You close your eyes and lean forward.

"I mean, let's continue this." I stare blankly, pointing to the English book we're sharing. I can see you short-circuiting from embarrassment as you bury your head in the book.

Still, I peck your cheek.

.

.

.

You tend to cut to the heart of people's feelings. I once found it annoying, but now…

The clock strikes midnight, and you're the first to wish me.

"It's One-Eleven! Happy birthday, Todoroki!"

And all I can do is hide my face in my pillow so you can't see how hard I'm smiling.

"Arigato, Midoriya."

You wrap your arms around me first, but I place my tongue between your lips before you can beat me to it. Your kisses always start the same, did you know that? Timid, reserved, and careful, just like your personality. Then passion takes over you, and you press deeper into it like your pro-hero persona. It allows me to share my secrets with you first until we playfully battle over who can tell the truth better with our tongues but without words.

I catch the time and smirk in your mouth.

It's eleven-after-one in the morning, and you whisper in my ear, "It's one-eleven on one-eleven, Todoroki. Make a wish." I close my eyes and try to concentrate on the only wish I want granted. My earlobe tickles when you say a few lewd wishes in my ear and then kiss me on my lips, down all my frontal pressure points until you reach my groin.

Well, that was fast.

I like it when you're bold. It makes me feel like you want me just as much as I want you. I pull you to my side of the futon.

"Come closer. I'm cold."

"Is that even possible?"

"Yes. Like right now. I need your body heat."

"You know, Todoroki? Even though you have a built-in space heater, you're adorable when you whimper."

When you indulge me like this, I feel secure.

"Midoriya? Why don't you ever just call me Shoto?"

"Hm? I haven't given it much thought, but I guess the simple answer is I respect you, so I use honorifics."

"But you call Bakugo by his first name. Do you not respect him?"

"Oh! Well, uh…" you nervously bite your bottom lip.

~It's so cute!~

"That's because, with Kacchan, I don't even think respect is on the table. Don't get me wrong—I respect Kacchan so much! But…I doubt he'd say the same. We've known each other since we were kids, so I guess…I'm just used to it. But, with you, I respect you too much, Todoroki!"

That just pissed me off.

"You don't have to respect me so much," I grumble.

"Huh? What did you say, Todoroki?"

"Nothing. You can just call me Shoto. It can be your birthday present to me."

"Oh! Okay. But I already got you a birthday gift. It's in my room."

"It can wait."

"Okay…Shoto," you say, booping my nose. The sound of your voice saying my name on your tongue and whispering through your lips makes my heart thump.

"So...you think I'm cute?" I whimper some more.

"Uh…yes? What kind of question is that?!" We're staring into each other's eyes. I can see the moon shining over your face.

"I think you're cute, too." I trace my finger down your arm. You shiver.

"Stop, that tickles!"

"Izuku...What else do you think is cute about me?" My eyes roll up to meet yours.

"Fishing for birthday compliments already, I see?"

I shrug and patiently await your list. The first thing you mention brings tears to my eyes.

"Well, for starters, your scar." You caress the grafted flesh. I can no longer feel like it's a feather beneath your touch. Running your fingers through my hair, you snap into your tendency to excitedly information-dump.

"Second: how your bowl-cut Cruella hair covers your brooding, heterochromatic eyes. I really find the brooding adorable! I also think their symmetry and contrast of colors are so cool! The way the hot and cold align in your hair and eyes… Your entire head is like the perfect analogy! An awesome look for a hero!"

I don't know why it shocks me to my core. "You like my eyes?"

"No." You shake your head and laugh at my pouting expense. "I love your eyes! Everyone does!"

"I don't care about everyone else. Which one is your favorite?"

"I don't have one. They both are beautiful to me."

THUMP!

"Okay, now I'm invested. But if you had to choose one…and don't worry, I won't connect it to my parents or anything."

"Hahn?! And now you've killed the mood! Go to sleep!" You sound annoyed and flip your back to me. I try to turn you back to me, but you refuse to budge.

"I think it's cute when you beg me. But not on your birthday. Today is the one day you're not allowed to beg me for anything. Got it?"

"For the next twenty-four hours or the rest of our lives together?"

I can feel the heat radiating from your back. Was it something I said? Finally, you flip over…just to swat me. "Don't ask such embarrassing questions! Deal or no deal?"

"Deal."

"Good." You give me your back again. Still, I hear you whisper.

"For the rest of our lives together."

You scoot closer, and I hold you in my arms, entering a new year as a happy man.

After my birthday dinner in the dorms, I hear Bakugo yelling at you, as usual. But this time, it irritates me. Should l intervene?

I approach the two of you, heading to the elevator.

"What the fuck do you want coming over here, Icy-Hot?! No one wants you here!"

"Kacchan!"

"Izuku. The birthday present you said you got me, bring it to my room. I'm going to bed. I'll leave the door unlocked."

I take your hand and my time planting a kiss, eyes locked on your childhood bully. Yes, I am a jealous mess about you, Midoriya.

"Uh-uhhhh…okay, Shoto. I-I'll be right up!"

Call me overprotective. "Okay, Shoto." As long as you're calling me.

.

.

.

Taking you to meet my mom should've happened sooner rather than later, but I'm glad it happened today.

Because I got to meet yours, too.

"Happy Mother's Day, obasan." I bow and present a large bouquet of the flowers you said were her favorite.

"Aw, calililly's my favorite! The pleasure is all mine, Todoroko-chan."

"Please, Mom. Let me introduce you to my friend, Midoriya Izuku, and his mother, Inko-san."

We've taken them to the outdoor garden tea and pottery class that the hospital is hosting.

"This is really nice, Todoroki! Great idea for Mother's Day!"

"It only made sense when I saw the event flier. I wanted you to meet my mother, and I wanted to meet yours. But she can't leave the hospital just yet."

"They seem to be getting along and enjoying themselves."

"They do."

Our mothers smile and talk like old friends. I don't even remember growing up seeing my mother have friends. It makes me cherish you even more. I don't know if it's the sun shining against the clear blue sky, the sweet breeze dusting cherry blossom petals across the fresh spring air, or because when I look at your mother, Izuku, I see the spitting image of you.

So this is who you inherited your gentle spirit from?

A tear escapes. My fingers twitch at my side, grazing against yours. You hook yours in mine.

"I've never seen her laugh so freely."

Who said it first? You or I?

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.

"And just like that, we're registered for this year's Hero-Con! I can't believe I get to go this year! All the top heroes worldwide go to Tokyo for a weekend of hero intensives!"

"Wow…it's…" I'm struggling to find the right words again.

"Intense? I know. But before they updated their registration protocols, villains would show up unannounced to fight the pro heroes booked for non-combat appearances! It became too risky for even the strongest heroes to attend without at least one sidekick on standby."

"Yeah, my old man once told me about a freak incident he had as a rookie."

"Hey…Shoto?" Your voice is small.

"Yeah, Izuku?"

"Thanks for getting these tickets for us. It really means a lot." Your fists are balled up and your eyes are dazzling with gratitude.

"It's no big deal. Just a perk of being Endeavor's golden child. Besides, it's on your birthday. How could we not go?"

"NO! It is a big deal! A huge deal! Because you got them for me. Let's have fun and get stronger together, okay?!"

You really live for this hero life, huh?

"Okay, Izuku." I sweep your hair off your forehead and stare into your radiant eyes. "Because I like spending time with you." The words hit my ears too hard. Still, I hope you know I'm melting on the inside.

"Me, too! Want to go for a swim?"

"Yeah. I'd like that."

We talk on the way about why we want to be heroes. Your answer strikes me as self-sacrificial but also as altruism in action. But Dad told me altruistic people don't exist.

Bakugo is not happy to see us when we get to the school's pool and find it's only the three of us.

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.

.

I'm known to be cold, intimidating, and aloof. I've also gotten a reputation for being an airhead, but I'm very astute.

We haven't really been talking lately or spending much time together because you have passed the provisional license exam, and I haven't. But, I've been hearing some rumors lately that are making me heated.

"So, about your and Bakugo's relationship. What's up with that? Are you still enemies or friends…or more than friends…?"

"Oh, me and Kacchan? We're…I don't know, actually. It's just that I've always thought we're friends, but I doubt he feels the same way." Your cheeks tint.

"Do you have feelings for him or something?"

"HUH?! WHAT?! Ah n-no! I don't mean it like that! I don't have feelings for Kacchan! We're just working on trying to get along!"

"Okay, Izuku. I believe you. Calm down." I throw my arm around your shoulder. "Come on. Let's go night-patrolling with Endeavor."

"Yeah!"

I want to believe you.

So, I will.

So, when the opportunity to question Bakugo Katsuki about why he has you as his home screen's wallpaper presents itself, I try to let it go.

.

.

.

I failed.

In addition to having to take provisional license makeup courses together, we've now been paired together on every mission for the rest of the term as punishment for burning down six blocks of Ground Beta.

That fight blew up many things.

Now it's almost fall, and you barely return my calls.

But I see you've been hanging out a lot more with him.

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"Shoto! I want you to do your work-study at my agency. This is a critical juncture in your training to become the top hero, so I want to show you how it's done at Endeavor Agency."

I chew on my father's offer.

"Only if you take on Midoriya-"

"Okay..."

"And Bakugo."

"OH."

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.

"Midoriya! Can we talk?" I anxiously rotated the gold chain bracelet you gave me for my birthday two years ago. I wear it every day. But my heart slows when I see you're wearing the matching one I gifted you for Valentine's Day.

You can do this, Shoto.

"Sure thing, Todoroki! What's up? Can you believe it's already been three years?"

I'm too nervous to answer your question; my one-track mind is only focused on what I've rehearsed for the past two years.

"Izuku, you know I'm not one for many words, but you make me talkative. It's our last day at U.A. I don't want to ramble on like you do, so I'm just going to say it."

"...Todoroki?"

"I love you, Izuku. But, more than that, over the past three years at U.A., I've realized that I'm in love with you." I could feel my internal temperature dysregulating; it was a toss-up between being engulfed in flames or frostbite.

But then you gripped me by my shoulders.

"I'm in love with you, too, Shoto!"

My brain instantly freezes. Then we kiss. Since meeting you, I've realized I've wanted you to show me something.

How do you make everything between us feel like I'm the prize?

"Let's start an agency together," my heart says.

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.

.

It's been two years of spending our days and nights together. The daily routine and stability of seeing you all morning and afternoon make coming home to an empty apartment at night feel pointless.

But I won't rush you into anything. Working alongside you, I know how much you value your independence. You come over late at night because you work late into the night— later than any other pro hero. When it's my turn to stay at your place, I always beat you there.

But tonight, you've surprised me.

"What's all this?" I look around at a cleaner apartment than how I left it a week ago, which is odd because you don't have time to clean. "Babe, did you clean my place for me?"

You rush to meet me with a wooden spoon covered in curry sauce, pointing toward my lips.

"Mmhm! And I cooked! Cold soba and hot curry!" You look proud of yourself and sound excited, so I don't immediately tell you your curry burned.

"Thank you for this, Midoriya. But…" I place my gym bag on its designated hook in the front closet. "Why? I can do all this well enough on my own. Are you trying to tell me I'm messy?"

"NO! I'm trying to show you that I'm a good person to live with."

"You are?"

"Yes, Todoroki. I am. Why did you ask like that?"

"Midoriya, you barely live with your plants in your apartment," I tease, tussling his mop top.

"True, but that's because I don't have anyone but them to come home to."

My eyes narrow. "So…what are you getting at, Izuku?"

"Shoto, let's move in together!"

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.

"I must admit, Todoroki. When I suggested we live together, I did not think you'd actually agree to it."

We'd just finished carrying the last of your boxes into my flat. Who knew all your All Might memorabilia would take up so much space?

"Why not?"

You slink behind me and wrap your arms around my waistline. "Because Shoto, the pro hero, doesn't like attention." You kiss me on the neck, sending a chill down my spine.

"Says the hero with a smokescreen Quirk."

"Ha! You got me there, but I don't mind all the press. But I know you do."

"What are you trying to get at, Izuku?" I eye you sidelong, sensitive to the touch.

"It's just…I know you can handle yourself no matter what happens, but…I don't want living with Deku, the number two hero, to put your privacy at risk."

You say this so sincerely that I almost want to slap you upside your head. We've spent the last year and some change designing and building our dream house in the quietest place on the island. It's the only place I want to be.

Because it's with you.

"Why would I think that way at all?" I gruff in your ear. "You're not giving me permission to run, are you, Midoriya?"

"No! I just-" You anxiously avert your gaze. I cup your face and swallow your doubt, kiss by kiss.

"Listen to me, Izuku. Our new place is already being equipped with state-of-the-art hero saferoom features. Creati's handling it. Living with Deku, Japan's number one hero will be great. Living with Midoriya Izuku will be even better. So, stop worrying so much."

After three years of being together, tell me, Izuku,

How can I show you I'm the luckiest guy in the world?

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.

.

It was your idea to invite him to join the agency.
It was your idea to extend him a housewarming invitation.
It was your idea to bring him on board to develop Vestiges as a bar instead of the support engineering and design studio you initially envisioned.
It was your idea to attend our class's third high school reunion, knowing how bad things could get between us.

I followed along each time because all I want is to support you, and he's your childhood best friend.

But I could not allow him to rage about, throwing a temper tantrum in your face like a toddler in front of all our friends at Vestiges.

"Bakugo, calm down!" Iida demands, peeling the belligerent guy off of you. You look frightened because it's Bakugo. But not scared…because it's Bakugo.

"Kacchan, what's gotten into you?"

"Why don't you share with the rest of the class what you and Shoto are hiding, DEKU?"

"Katsuki…watch it," I warn. Sero and Tokoyami's Dark Shadow are trying to pull you two apart, but I see you're holding on to Bakugo's shoulders just as much as he's gripping your neck. You're always so confident you can handle him on your own, but I'm not so sure.

"TELL THEM, ICY-HOT. OR YOUR SWEET DEKU IS GONNA GET HIS HEAD BLOWN OFF."

Ochaco runs across the bar room. "Bakugo, what is the matter with you? Why are you acting like this?"

I know why. You dropped the bombshell on me before we left the house.

...

"Midoriya! Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, just lacing up my new sneakers!" The rubber red sneakers on your feet were courtesy of a brand partnership with a major global shoe company—the limited edition Deku Floats.

"They look good on you," I replied, sporting mine. "But who wore it better?"

"Obviously, you, Shoto. You're the one with a modeling billboard campaign across Tokyo, Hosu, and Musutafu."

You kissed my cheek and grabbed the keys on the foyer tray. Opening the front door, you looked over your shoulder.

"Oh, and by the way. Kacchan knows we're in a relationship. And I don't think he's happy about it."

...

I hem your childhood friend up and pin him to the wall with ice.

"You're trying to humiliate Deku, and I can't have that," I say without confusion in his ear. If Katsuki hadn't been so drunk, it would've been a more brutal struggle. His Quirk melts the ice away, and he shakes me off.

"Whatever, Todoroki. I'm out of here. See you two lovebirds in the office on Monday. But you should know. Your precious bunny boyfriend told me about One For All first." He sneers and brushes past me. It feels like my chest will explode with rage. I turn to face you, and our eyes meet. You're looking at me like you're about to cry from humiliation—or shame—I can't tell. But I can tell you want to leave...or maybe you want me to let it go.

But when have I ever let anything go when it comes to you?

"Quick announcement, everyone! Midoriya and I are dating," I reveal. Our friends gasp. Turning to grab your hand while piercing the back of the asshole leaving the bar, I put a satisfying cherry on top: "And we are drunk in love." Everyone cheers.

As if on cue, Jiro plays the Beyoncé song. I wrap my arms around your waist and kiss your cheek; you're camera-shy about things like this. That's fine. You can bury your face in my chest, but I refuse to let Katsuki shade our loving relationship. I know he's jealous, so I kiss your lips. You return my affection without hesitation. Out of my periphery, I glimpse him, stopping to scoff at us before pushing out the front door.

.

.

.

You are my winter night,
cradling your warmth around a well-lit fire
You remind me of everything
I ran from to run straight to you
I pursued you with ice.

Still, you lit my fire.

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.

.

It happened shortly after our third anniversary.

"Amazing!" that's the same thing you said the first time I showed you all of me back on that arena floor.

"Why are you smiling?"

"Huh?"

"With those injuries, you're lucky to be alive," I joke through choked-up tears.

"Heh. I suppose it's just…" You're adorable, even in pain. "I'm so glad to see your face."

"See my face?"

"During the battle. I thought," You cough up blood. "I thought, if this is the end, just let me see Shoto's face one last time before I die."

My eyes well up, and my body trembles as I cradle you in my arms. "No! Stop! Don't talk like that, Izuku. You're going to get through this! Recovery City Girl and the Best Hero Medical Center are on standby!" The panic in my voice rattles me because it sounds like grief.

"Please stay awake, Deku! Please!"

I can't temper my rage, but I need to cauterize your wounds and freeze his body until backup arrives. You were the first hero to save me.

Please don't die.
Don't die on me, dammit!
You're my best friend!
My partner and the love of my life, please!
Please DO NOT die on me!
I can't live without you.

"PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME, IZUKU."

With tears flowing down my face, I watch the medical team chopper you away. My heart is crumbling; I can feel the cracks splintering deeper into the caverns your love carved in me. I can still feel your heart slowing by the second. The rage I put aside to tend to the gaping hole in your stomach has returned now that you're in experts' care.

You became a new Symbol of Peace because of your heart; you're the most empathic and heroic person I know, always gentle and helpful, fighting to the end to save people, even on the brink of death.

You're my hero, Deku.

I need to be your hero for once!

"Go home, Shoto. You need to get some rest. You look exhausted."

"Thanks, All Might. But I'm not the least bit tired."

I don't feel my flames anymore; I'm numb all over. But I see their tendrils blazing through the night sky behind me. My icy path hardens my heart. I'm going to deal with that villain myself.

Once and for all.

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.

.

I hate hospitals.

We've been here many times over the years, but it never feels good to step in or stay.

"The first surgery was successful, but he's still in critical condition. It's still too early to call it, either way, but we're keeping a close eye on him."

I look at you, lifeless, hooked up to more machines than ever. Beeps and technology control your breathing. So helpless and without any control…

"You're so Deku!"

"From now on! Deku's the name of a hero!"

Suddenly, I hate your hero name.

Maybe it's just me, but you don't look like yourself. Your eyes are closed, and it seems you're sleeping, but you're not smiling. What are you dreaming of, Izuku? Do you still see me even when you close your eyes? Even when your soul is barely tethered to life?

Cords and wires extend over your body; I envision a devilish marionette pulling at all the strings. I race to sever the connection, but it's of no use. It won't bring you back to me any sooner.

"Todoroki-san! Please remember that you cannot use your Quirk in a hospital environment! You need to keep it together for his sake!"

"How long will he be in a coma?" My shoulders won't stop shaking.

The nurse sighs with a heaviness I know all too well in hero work. "It's…hard to say. But we will remain optimistic. You do the same, Todoroki-san."

.

.

.

.

.

I know why you came into my life now.

I didn't know how much I needed someone to show me how to love.

I sit at your bedside. You look peaceful. Not an ounce of pain in sight. It's been days since your last milestone—your finger twitched in my grasp. I nearly froze the entire infirmary that night. It'd already been weeks since you'd become unresponsive, so that one flicker of hope from you showed me that you simply needed help returning to your body.

Would it be selfish to say you need my help returning to me, my love?

Come home, Izuku.

I change your bandages on my own. The nurses get angry when I do that, but I don't care. I comb through your hair every morning so it doesn't get matted in the back, but I can't brush your teeth and scrape your tongue because you're intubated. After your afternoon bath, I stretch and massage your joints and ligaments and lotion your hands; the strongest hero can't reawaken from being stiff. I place lip balm on your lips every evening before I kiss you goodnight.

I brought your favorite All Might plush to tuck you in tonight. But I can't let go of holding it in your hands. I want to curl up beside you, but I don't want to hurt you any more than you currently are. Your last brain surgery didn't go to plan, so I can't comb your hair or pat your head; I can't keep the tears at bay and be strong any longer today as I kiss our embraced knuckles.

"Please, stay with me, Midoriya. We have so much life left together. You still have so much to show me."

I hope my prayer reaches you wherever you are. You love me so wholly, and I haven't gotten to repay you enough and show you how far I've come from your love. Squeeze your limp hand and kiss the crown of your head. I'm sorry for crying so much; it can't be helped. I will dry-shampoo your hair tomorrow before my salty tears clog your pores. "It can't end like this," I weep onto your lying body.

Bakugo, how could you do this? I thought he was your best friend.

I resolve within myself two critical truths: you will make it out alive, and,

"I will never forgive you for this, Bakugo Katsuki!"

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"All Might is dead."

I sit outside of our bedroom, trying to process those four words. When Gran Torino and Eraser Head told me the news, you woke out of your coma. You must've seen Toshinori-sensei's spirit enter the realm of One For All. It must've pushed you back into your body because you are thrashing around the room. This is the most strength you've wielded since you were attacked. It sounds like you'll rip the entire bedroom to shreds. Your grief feels like a tsunami slamming into a tiny shoreline. It consumes me. So, I know it's drowning you.

"Would you like for me to erase his Quirk?" Aizawa painfully asks. The older men look at me with pity and concern for you, but I shake my head.

"It's safer for you out here. Thank you for coming." I walk in and lock the door behind me.

Sure enough, the room has been blown to bits. Surprisingly, the only thing you haven't managed to break is the bed. I can't imagine the pain and suffering you're going through, but I've learned how to soothe you. You're curled into a ball and ripped off all the medical cords to assume the position. I crawl on the bed and wrap my arms around you. I rock your frail and shivering body and cry into your back.

.

.

.

What's that saying? When it rains, it pours?

Well, it rained the entire day of All Might's funeral. You lost so much weight from your own life-or-death ordeal that none of your suits fit anymore. You're still using crutches for balance but forcing yourself to walk with only one. You are trying so hard to be independent; like right now, you're struggling so much to get ready that you nicked yourself while shaving. I watch as you push too hard to be strong today.

"Let me help you."

I take the razor away from you and finish the job.

"How are you feeling?"

"Like my best friend almost killed me."

"Still?"

We chuckle. I clean your face and carry you in my arms to the couch. "But, seriously. Do you think you can get through today? We don't have to go if you-"

"I'm fine, Shoto. Never could I ever miss today."

"Okay, gotcha. Would you like to rehearse your speech?"

"You sure you're not sick of it yet? You've heard it a thousand times this week."

"How could I be? You lost your dad," I said as I grabbed the perfect suit for you from my closet. It came out without a second thought, and my stomach immediately felt queasy. I slowly turned toward you. A fresh well of tears sprang up as you read off your tablet.

"Heh. Yeah, when you put it like that…" You wiped your eyes with your sleeve and sniffed. "All Might, no—Toshinori-sensei was my role model-"

I haul out your wheelchair.

"Midoriya, why was your wheelchair in the costume closet?"

You burrow your face into the screen. "Oh? Was it? I didn't notice."

You don't want anyone to see you in a wheelchair, but you're still too weak to walk on your own.

"Izuku, mobility aids are good and useful. There's no need to be ashamed today of all days."

"No, I know. It's not that."

"Then, what is it? We shouldn't be late."

"I don't want our friends and the public to see me down like this on top of grieving All Might. Who knows what that'll do for morale?

"You can't be serious right now," I couldn't hide my annoyance. "You need to focus on your recovery. Your public image is irrelevant right now. You get to be Midoriya Izuku again for once. Deku is out of commission until further notice."

"Shoto…it's not that simple."

We get you into your suit, and I sit on the bench in the foyer to meet you at eye level so I can put on your dress shoes.

"Why not?! You nearly died! Multiple times. Your liver was nearly decimated, and your lungs collapsed from impact. All this happened a year ago! You need more time to be human, not just super."

You cup my face, and your wide, gentle eyes stare into my soul. "But I didn't. I am here…" The way you say it pricks tears to my eyes. "Thanks to you. You've been my rock since the accident. But to the world, I'm theirs."

I listen to your words. I've promised myself always to trust you, so I trust you. But if I could doubt one thing you said, it's that what happened to you was 'an accident.'

Ultimately, you sat in the front row in the wheelchair Hatsume Mei custom-built. Your eulogy brought tears to everyone in the U.A. sports stadium.

You brought us hope.

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.

.

After the funeral, when everyone found out you were awake, the outpouring of love became even more overwhelming than when you were hospitalized. The fanfare and media frenzy ratcheted up. The All Might memorabilia, Deku merchandise, gifts, and flower bouquet deliveries became an hourly occurrence. The phones—our personal, the agency's, and encrypted government emergency lines—never stopped ringing.

Most importantly, our friends never stopped showing up for us.

Uraraka became our house manager.
Kirishima, Tokoyami, and Dark Shadow took over our patrols.
Tenya, Momo, and Sato ran our errands and kept us fed.
Asui, Hagakure, and Aoyama left a monthly rotation of care packages at our doorstep.
Ojiro, Jiro, and Koda gave us spontaneous martial arts, music, and animal therapy sessions.
Denki, Mineta, and Ashido kept us company with weekend movies and game nights.
Shoji kept the paparazzi off our property and away from the hospital the entire time you were in your coma.
Sero called every day.

Our community wrapped their arms around us while we all grieved— you the most.

.

.

.

The doorbell rings. I press the drawbridge's button.

"Izuku! they're here!" I announce through the house's intercom.

"Awesome! We're just wrapping up. I'll be down in a bit!" You're in your daily aquatic therapy session.

"Do you want me to send the wall chair to you?"

You float into the living room. "No, thank you! I'm getting the hang of Float again," you say as you descend from the top level. You're wrapped in a towel but still dripping wet. I blast you with warm air.

"You're getting the floors wet, and I just mopped."

"Oh, sorry! Let me go change."

You float around the corner and rummage through your side of the closet. When Creati was designing the house, you could've had your own closet, but you insisted on us sharing. It made no mind to me; I like it when you wear my clothes.

When you return, our friends walk through the front door. You stand on your feet without a mobility aid. Though I know you need one, I get it. You look so cute sporting one of my favorite wool pullovers on you. The oversized one with the abstract herringbone pattern. I love it when you steal it from my side of the closet. You made me buy it because the colors matched my hair, but you're the only one who ever wears it. It hugs your broad shoulders but swallows the rest of your frame, minus the joggers and your favorite All Might house slippers.

Your hands are open wide. "Ururaka! Tsu! Sero! Welcome!"

"Deku! You look good, bestie!" Ochaco shoves a casserole dish into my hands and runs to you. You embrace. "Iida just texted me. He and Yaoyorozu are running late but will be here in time for dinner." I'm grateful she's your best friend.

Even though Class 1-A has remained close throughout the years, seeing your friendship with Ochaco grow and deepen has been a treat. I honestly don't know how I would've gotten through the past nine months without her, Momo, and Tenya's help. I've only been able to sleep because of them.

You are loved, Izuku.

"Yeah, Izuku, you look better than when you were in a coma," Sero laughed.

"Sero," Asui warned.

"What? Too soon?"

"Grossly," I flatly tell my close friend.

"Anyway, how are you holding up, Midoriya?" Asui turns to face your sheepish face. You already look so happy that they're here. My heart relaxes under my ribcage; you're letting people in again.

"I've had better days," you chuckle. "But, honestly? The road to recovery feels like when I was just learning to use my Quirk with All Might-" A sad shadow casts over the room. I grab your hand and squeeze it just like I did every day you were in the hospital.

"Would anyone like something to drink?"

"Ah, man! Please tell me you have some of Fuyumi's home-brewed rice juice left!"

"Yeah, she just shipped a new crate the other day."

"Words of an angel!" He obnoxiously kisses my cheek, and we head into the kitchen.

"Ururaka? Tsu?"

"Water's fine with me," Asui ribbits.

"I'll have whatever Deku's having," Ochaco says with a full smile. She locks elbows with you, and you two float to the twenty-person seater.

"Aw, great! They're showing off their zero-gravity Quirks again!" Sero decries from the kitchen. He turns to face me.

"So, Todoroki…"

"Uh oh," I chuckle. "I know that voice. What is it now? I don't have time to kick your ass in combat training right now, friend."

"What?! No! Why would I ask for such a thing at a time like this? And I'm offended you think I'd lose so easily."

"It's not a thought."

Sero laughs and flicks me off.

"Oh, so you've got jokes now. Anyway, I was going to ask…have you guys heard anything from Bakugo yet?"

I use my half-hot Quirk to heat the kettle, concentrating to distract my anger.

"No."

"Not even a text?"

"No."

"Damn. That doesn't sound like Katsuki," Sero says. I know my friend; he's still angry about the fight but is trying to find a silver lining of hope for Bakugo. But it's useless. "Ah, don't sweat it. He'll come around."

"I'd rather he not," I grind out. My fire engulfs the stainless steel pot. I can feel Sero's eyes watching me.

"Hey, Shoto?"

"Yes?"

"How are you doing? I'm sure taking care of Deku right now and managing the agency alone is tough." I pull out a cold wine bottle and pop it open. My sister's rice juice company has grown over recent years from a novelty hobby into a flourishing online business, but she still gives the family the best of each batch. I pour out two sake cups.

"Mmm…it's not so bad, actually. I'm making it. Dad sent over some sidekicks and support staff to help lessen the load on our team, so we're managing," I reply and hand him a cup. We take our shots.

"Okay, good…good. "

"...What?"

"What? Damn! Your sister's liquor is good!"

"Sero, I know that already. Don't change the subject. Why did you say 'good' like that?"

He takes a deep breath and rubs his shoulder joints, and I already know nonsense is coming next.

"Fine, I'll just say it, but know it's because you're my best friend, and I love you."

"Ew. Just spit it out."

"You look like shit, my friend."

That hit me like a ton of bricks. I pour us another round and take it to the head.

"I do?" I've maintained my workout routine and nutrition plan to maintain my sanity and public appearances.

"Yeah. You have bags under your eyes. Both sides of your hair have lost their luster. You look like you're barely eating or sleeping."

"Okay, that's enough. I get it, alright?" I sigh. "I suppose my good looks can't cover up the fact I've been burning the candle at both ends, but I have no other choice."

"No, it can't, Model Boy. So, how long do you think you can keep this up?"

"For as long as Midoriya needs. I don't want to rush his recovery." I put two tea mugs, the tea set already prepped for green tea, and a glass of water on a serving.

"But it's been a while, and you look exhausted, Shoto. Like you need a break." I can hear his worry lapping over me, but he doesn't need to be so concerned. We sacrifice things for the people we love. Love and friendship can be inconvenient, but what's a minor inconvenience like losing sleep when the love of my life nearly died?

"All I need is for Izuku to be well," I say, walking over to the others with the drink tray.

.

.

.

My brain is conditioned to listen out for that familiar gust of wind. My ears perk at the subtle shift in the atmosphere that the calming yet powerful breeze your spirit brings. It's why the world finally started calling you what I already did. It's a title more than deserved.

Once you made a full recovery, you lost all sense of work-life balance. You said you wanted to make up for lost time, so I always beat you home. I like it. It lets me take care of you as you care for the world. I hear the sound rush come just as the oven timer goes off.

"Welcome home, Izuku. Just in time. Dinner's ready."

You deflate into your natural form and settle out of your costume. You're bulking back into your well-defined physique, but you can't sustain your pro hero muscular form as long anymore at home. You grabbed your cane and limped my way.

"Shoto! Boy, am I glad to be looking at you right here, right now!"

"You are?"

"Yes! It means the workday is over, and now I can just relax with you." You collapse your head on my shoulder and rest there, smelling like a hard-won battle.

"Did you eat yet?"

"No, I'm starving!"

"Then go wash up. I made gyoza soup with homemade gyoza, white rice, and tamagoyaki. I've put out fresh clothes on your bed. The bath water should be ready, too."

"You're so good to me, Shoto! I don't deserve you!" You wail, and it makes me blush.

You've never been more wrong.

"Don't be so dramatic."

"Okay, but I love your cooking, so I'll be quick!" You peck my cheek and rush to the washroom.

"No, I'd rather you take your time and be fully clean, please!" I turn on the TV while I clean up the kitchen and set the table.

Your meek smile pokes its way around the corner. "Babe? Could you heat my hotpad, too? Pretty please?"

"It's already in the warmer."

I like our quiet life together. Our love is simple: you make it easy to love you, and I enjoy being loved by you.

The nightly news is on by the time we sit to eat, but the only voice I want to hear is yours.

"Thank you for the food!"

"It's my pleasure. Enjoy."

"Thanks for always cooking, Todoroki. I really appreciate it."

"Like I said, I enjoy it. You're back doing what you love and at a higher level than before your injury. You have to eat."

"Right. Can I have some of your soba, then?"

"You can have all of it."

"What?! No, that's greedy."

"It's okay. I'm greedier."

We talk about your day, my week, and our weekend plans; it feels like we've been together forever. Yet, six years in, and every day, I'm still learning something new about you. Your two-year recovery and return to hero work were prolonged to the public but agonizingly short to me. You should've taken more time to heal your wounds and rested more.

I know what it took to get you sitting beside me eating bowls of soup like it's your last supper, what you sacrificed of yourself to be flirting and joking beside me with only a back support wrap. The public will never see or know how many IV bags of blood transfusions you underwent, the number of life-threatening surgeries, the hours of brutal training, and all it costs you to be their top hero again.

Everything is so different now; you have double the scars—tallies of how many times you've cheated death. But it feels like we're back to our early years when training to be heroes and trying to be just friends made us grow and giggle. This is the life we fought so hard to have.

Together.

"You're off tomorrow, correct?" I ask, taking our dishes away.

"Yeah!"

"Good. Let's stay up tonight."

.

.

.

.

Our seventh anniversary is tomorrow, and we're on our first real vacation in years. I've been mustering up the courage to ask you all month, and I think the last day and a half has set the right mood. It's your mandatory weekend off, so yesterday, we took the boat out on the lake so that you could finally teach me fishing. I showed you how to properly gut and spitfire roast fresh fish.

Today we've been loafing around in bed all day, talking, gaming, fucking, and making love.

We take a break so you can sleep. I run a couple of errands and pick up takeout for dinner. I grab a bouquet of calli lilies on the way home, more nervous than when I thought you'd die.

"Izuku, I'm back! I grabbed dinner from our favorite udon and ramen spot and the calamari you like. Are you still sleeping?"

I'm back. I grabbed dinner from our favorite udon and ramen spot and the calamari you like…You're still sleeping?" You roll over, and your bedhead makes me weak for you.

"No, not anymore. Did you get the crunchy chili sauce?"

"Extra."

"You're the best."

We kiss, and I'm aroused for more. "Fully rested?"

Yes… Oh, shoot! I still need to pick up our groomsmen's suits from the tailor before our flight to Tokyo for Iida and Yaoyorozu's wedding week!" sorting the mail, the dry cleaning, the orphanage toy drive, the hero conflict-and-peace certification proposal, the young heroes semester syllabus, the public Senate hearing on gun reform, and bank deposits for our mothers' monthly care. You never stop thinking about others.

"No need. I'd already picked them up with the dry cleaning when I grabbed dinner. They're hanging in the coat closet. And as for the rest of the list you're muttering, I delegated the tedious items to your Kota. I already completed major tasks."

You collapse into the mattress. "Todoroki, I love you." Those four words thaw me into a puddle every time. I melt into you.

"Hey, the new All Might documentary is streaming in an hour. Do you want to watch it after we eat, or are you too tired?"

Your face switches off. I want to kiss away the grief in your eyes, but I know that's not how love works.

Instead, I make you hot tea with lots of honey, just like you like. We cuddle on the couch in our pajamas, wrapped in your All Might throw. I have kept the box of tissues close to the sofa since the funeral, settling in to wipe your tears away. It's been a difficult three years without him around for everyone, but no one more than you.

I turn the TV on. You jolt on my chest, and your eyes glaze over. I know that look.

Danger Sense.

You sit up and rush to change, but I pull you back into my lap. "You're off the clock, remember?"

"Heh, you're right." You search for the channel where the documentary will air, and I hand you a preemptive tissue. A silly soap commercial is abruptly cut off.

"BREAKING NEWS! The monstrous villain, HUMBLE-TOE, has just demolished three buildings in the Financial District of Kyoto and is quickly laying waste to the streets! It is a disaster!"

"Casualties are increasing, but all citizens who can escape are being evacuated now, and officers are on standby, but no heroes seem to be…OH I'M GETTING WORD THAT THERE'S MORE BREAKING NEWS!"

"Our reporter, Takanawa Tricia, is live on the scene. Trish, are you there?"

Yes, Hinata! We are live on the scene in downtown Musutafu of the catastrophic damage to the Financial District area caused by yet another villain, but we are getting word that heroes have arrived!"

The explosive blast of a cannon lights the screen. A hero projectiles through the fire and smoke coating the night sky.

"It seems the villain has been apprehended, but we're still trying to get a good closeup on the pro hero who saved the night!"

My heart stops at the sudden flash of red and black, and my intuition sets off alarm bells.

He's back?

You're already drenched in sweat and shivering. I try to hold you back, keep you nuzzled in my arms. I don't know whether to warm you up with my fire or cool you down with my water. I can see your breathing shallows because my anger has frosted the room. The fury in your eyes worries me.

"Oh my goodness! I think my eyes are deceiving me, Trish, but is that Great Explosion Murder God: Dynamite?!"

"He's…back?" Your voice trembles. The tissue in your hand rips to shreds.

"I'm waiting to receive confirmation… Yes! I've just received word that it appears so!"

But your eyes…

"The demon hero…"

I know that look too well, my love. I know you; how the raw tenderness of your heart is never disillusioned by evil, even when you've been betrayed a million times. I know how you pour your love and care onto the world, especially those you cherish. I know there is no stopping the lengths you'll go to empathize and save the broken-hearted.

I know how you feel about Bakugo.

"The Pro Hero, Great Explosion Murder God: Dynamite…"

I release my hold. You kiss me. "I'm sorry, Shoto, but I need to go. I promise I'll be back soon." We don't argue—it's never been our communication style, but this is where we disagree. Yet, there's nothing I can say right now to dissuade you from leaving.

"...has come out of hiding and returned to Japan!"

You're gone in an instant. All I see is the streaks of your green lightning blazing your path into the night, pursuing him as you fly farther away from me.

So, I'm watching you, Midoriya, hanging onto your every word.
Your words mean the world to me.
But as of now, Deku,
only your actions are worth anything.

Please show me that you will always come back.

I pull out the ring box in my pocket and flip it open. I worked on designing this ring for you since your first night in the hospital, but my proposal will wait until you show me you will always choose my love. I absentmindedly rub the gold band around my fingers for under five seconds.

Then chase after you.

I want to be your hero.

a/n: hi! welcome to Book II: Shoto's Fire and Ice Series in The Big Three AU at UA trilogy! i'm the cozy writer, this is my second ff in the mha/bnha fandom-first time writing tododeku, so i hope you enjoyed reading their love story over the years (10, to be exact) from Shoto's pov bc it was a rather delightful challenge writing him; capturing his voice in romance has been so much fun and i hope to do it more. therefore, this is not a one-shot but an epic first chapter. so i'm compelled to say the chapter lengths and pacing will not remain this way bc i'm writing other ff [shameless plug for my Shokugeki no Soma novel, one-shot series, and one-shot ⊂(▀¯▀⊂ ).]

anyway, i hope you enjoyed reading from Shoto's pov. yes, this has been posted on Bakugo's birthday BUT with good reason! check out chapter 1 and the new(!) 2nd chapter of Bakugo's Inferno to see how the two stories connect!

lastly, i like sharing pieces of my writing process and character analyses bc it all connects with what i do and study for a living my day job. i won't go into my full writing process for Someone to Shoto just yet, but here are a few fun facts from my process to post:

1. the word count jumped by 3k, 3 times smh {you're welcome...or, my bad? idk whichever suits your boots.}

2. i'm new to writing tododeku ship fic, but i love them sm irl...but i'm a bit conflicted with my growing affinity for bkdk ships ( ꈍ .̮ ꈍ ) so, i hope you feel that tug within the work bc this is my way of balancing the romantic tension brewing within me

3. i started writing this au-ff in my sleep, and when it wouldn't go away after completing the first draft of Bakugo's Inferno: Descent, i figured it was time to make it what it currently is!

4. just like BI:D, if book two of this trilogy is a hit, i'll keep working on more chapters because honestly, the story is heating up in my mind!...but if not, that's cool too. i also wrote this ending with that in mind, so like this is a solid ending to a very long one-shot. i still have other stories to share soon in the mha-au.

i really hope you enjoyed reading and are down for the heroic adventure! so, if you like what you read, share it, hit that favorite and follow button, and even leave a review! i appreciate all the visitors and views, and i hope reading this was PLUS ULTRA!

[I don't own the rights to MHA.]

the cozy writer

8.20 with Love

(๑✧ ³✧) (▀U ▀-͠)