All I see is red.

⟢⟢⟢⟢ ༘⋆ ❅ ･:*:｡ ❆

I remember when,
I remember,
I remember,
I remember when
we were so happy.

In those early days,
we were the early sunrises
and the late-night sessions,
the slip-out-of-places early
and color-coordinate everything...
we were everything.

It was everything.

Do you
remember the spark
of our love story,
my love?

In moments of grief
as I mourn a love of old,
I thank God
there are many memories
to choose from, and
many years to glean from
those happy days.

Sero and Yaoyorozu flanked me as we scrolled through my Macbook screen. We were staring at the business page of a supposed luxury jewelry company in a Heights Alliance study room, doing research. But the site looked sketchy.

"And you're sure...Like Gold Emporium...can make anything?" I turned to ask Sero, looking unconvinced at the dismal inventory. I didn't know where to begin, and Sero wasn't exactly an expert in luxury goods, so Yao-momo was there to balance our incompetence, as usual. I eyed her.

"Sho-kun, I think you already know the answer to that question. It's Hanta."

"Hey! I resent that!" Sero pointed to the screen. "They sell gold jewelry, and you're looking for gold jewelry, right?"

"The site literally says like gold, Shoto. It's obviously fake," Momo said.

"So, what does 'like' gold mean in a material sense?" I asked. (I didn't even know people made, let alone wore, fake jewelry.)

"Companies use nickel or copper, then paint over it with a gold finish." I scrunched my nose and looked back at Sero. He was fuming pink.

"Fine, then!" He huffed. "Why doesn't Creati just, oh, I dunno, create a replica?"

Hm. Maybe he was onto something…

Yaoyorozu sneered, "Because I cannot ethically recreate jewelry or other luxury goods, you numbskull. Are you trying to get my provisional license revoked? Besides, nothing on this site is worth my Quirk's time."

...okay, maybe that idea wasn't right on the money.

Speaking of money: "I don't know, Sero; I'm with Yao-momo on this. These prices are ridiculous for the image quality." I scrolled down the site, squinting at the craftsmanship of each product. Something looked fishy. "Also, I don't want to give Midoriya something Yaoyorozu made anyway."

"Ouch!" Momo gasped. Sero clucked his tongue.

"Yeah, Todoroki, even I gotta admit that was pretty harsh."

My head shifted between my best friends. "Oh, no, Momo, I didn't mean it like that. What I mean is that I want to do the romantic thing and buy him something with my money. I want this gift to be from me. Strike the right balance of valuable and sentimental." My best friends stared at me with different expressions. Momo looked like Fuyumi does whenever I show emotions, and Sero looked...

"So, remind me why we're helping you then?" Sero sighed, annoyed. "You already know whatever you give Midoriya, that marshmallow is gonna love it. Ooh! I just had a great idea!" We both glowered at him because Sero rarely has good ideas. "Why don't you buy him an All Might promise ring?!" The silence was deafening. "Fine, bad idea. You guys don't have to look at me like that," he grumbled. Momo rolled her eyes and turned back to me.

"It's okay, Sho-kun, I get it. I do not like using my Quirk for sentimental gifts, either. Why, I hand-knitted Iida and Jiro some scarves and mittens just last week."

"And why didn't we get anything, Miss Creati?" Sero asked, crossing his arms.

"Yeah, Momo? Did you forget about us?"

"Because," she drawled, "I generously create time for your coconut heads almost daily. The kindness of my gift more than suffices."

I smiled and nodded in agreement. "You're right. Thanks for being a good friend, Yao-momo."

But Sero wasn't having it. "Eh-eh! No, she's not. You're playing favorites with Tenya and Jiro again! Just abandoning your first mates like it's nothing. See how she does us, Shoto, when she gets two people crushing on her at once?" He seethed. "But I'm not ashamed to say I envy you, Momo." He had just been complaining for the last hour about being in a love drought; he and I, both.

"And just for that, Sho-kun, I'll finish your Quirk-adapted gloves ahead of schedule." My eyes grew wide. "You were already making it?" Momo flashed her brightest smile. "Of course I did, silly! You're my best friend. I'll make anything for you. "And you," she continued, flicking her long dark hair in Sero's face, "Can just bind your tape around your head to keep yourself warm for the rest of winter."

Sero stammered over unintelligible words. "You're lucky I don't fight girls." Momo sneered at him, popping her neck at me to box him out of the conversation.

"Like I would lose to the likes of you." She rolled her eyes, "Anyway… Sho-kun, I can ask Mother to schedule a jewelry viewing with our family jeweler."

"Really? It wouldn't be an imposition?"

"Not at all. Mother loves jewelry shopping, so I'm sure it'll be no problem to ring Jean-Pierre for help."

"Jean-Pierre?" Sero attempted his best French accent, but it was so bad that Momo started roasting him again, but now in fluent French. I bounced my head between my fighting friends, picking up the thread of Momo's rattled-off complaints about Sero being the worst excuse of a man and a hero every three words or so. (Spending time with her was doing wonders for my French studies.)

"Tu gaspilles inutilement de l'espace!" She spat in Sero's confused face.

"Yao-momo, did you just call him a waste of tape?" I asked, failing to contain my laughter.

"Huh?! A what?" Sero cried. "Bro! Momo, what did I do to you?!"

"No, Shoto…" She patiently corrected me, "I said, de l'espace." Her French accent sounded like those foreign movies Fuyumi used to make me watch with her as a kid. "A waste of space. Not, es un gaspillage inutile de ruban adhésif, " she said with an upturned nose. "Although you most certainly are that, too!"

"Hey! That hurts more!" Sero fought back. "And why you gotta come for the Quirk like that?"

"Seriously, man?" I deadpanned. "That's your biggest complaint?"

"What? I'm sensitive about my Quirk, okay?!"

"Aren't we all? This is a superhuman society, after all."

"Shoto, so help me God…" Sero ground his teeth. "If you don't stop taking Momo's side for everything…!"

"Sho-kun would never. What will you do about it, huh, Sero?" Momo folded her arms on my shoulder and smirked at him.

As I watched my friends continue to bicker over…actually, I have no idea…my hands fiddled with the gold bracelet you gave me two birthdays ago. I liked Sero's idea of matching bracelets, and my mind drifted back to you, wondering where and what you were doing. I missed you so much I could hardly breathe whenever I saw you walk by campus.

It'd been a while since we spent real time together, and we'd grown distant. We started hanging out less; you started working more, busying yourself when you weren't in class. Being Deku the Pro Hero after the war was still an adjustment for you almost two years later. You'd spend so much time alone when you weren't in class or working, seemingly avoiding me, that I wondered if we were beefing. That's why I was in search of the perfect gift for you. It needed to be perfect.

"Hey, Shoto?" Sero called my name, snapping me out of my dreamy thoughts.

"Hm?"

"Why is it so important that you get Deku such a romantic gift, anyway? Aren't you guys just…" I heard nothing else when you walked by the study's window. I didn't know whether you noticed us, so I left my friends to their own lovers' quarrel.

I needed to have my own.

While we weren't a couple and barely spoke in months, Valentine's Day was at the end of the week, and I wanted to spend it with you. So, I needed to fix whatever was fractured between us.

But I didn't know what I did wrong.

"Midoriya! Wait up." I caught up to you and wasted no time. "Why have you been avoiding me?" You spun on your heels, your tri-colored All Might scarf choking your neck, and an iceberg melted in the pit of my stomach. You looked haunted.

"Todoroki…I-I can't..." your voice trailed off. Your eyes were brimming. Scared of the worst, I took you into my arms. "What's going on, Izuku? Tell me."

"I'm…just…so emotionally exhausted, Shoto," you sobbed into my cashmere pullover. With each word, you shuddered like the weight of the world was crushing your spine. I've seen you like this once before.

"Are you experiencing war flashbacks again?" The PTSD you experienced from the war made it difficult for you to think and sleep most nights, and evening was upon us. You shook your head in my chest.

"No…I just…I can't take it anymore."

You shuddered in my arms, and it felt like you'd shatter next. I pulled up your head by the chin and examined your face, searching for other signs of distress. "Take what anymore? Where are you going? Where are you coming from?" You backed up, sniffing and wiping your eyes, your face crumbling. Aw, damn. I knew this face.

"What did Bakugo do now?" A furnace kicked on in my belly, and steam filled my chest.

"W-We j-just g-got into a huge argument, and I'm just at my wit's end!" The birds scrambled out of their tree nests. Regarding our complicated classmate, I know to be careful how I approach you.

"Do you want to talk about why you're crying?"

"Todoroki, no. I don't want this to be your burden. I'll…I'll be fine," you choked back tears, using the back of your sleeve as a tissue.

"So, why are you trying not to cry, Midoriya? That's not you." Your head snapped up, registering something, and your gaze softened. In the future, there will be moments when I fall asleep, remembering the look in your eyes.

"I-I've mm-missed you, Sh-Shoto," your voice was quaking so hard it broke my heart.

"Where did I go, Izuku?" I softly asked. You chuckled, snot slipping down your nose, "Heh, nowhere. I'm the one who pushed you away." We began walking the cobbled path toward the forested area. "Hm. I've noticed."

"Sorry about that. I…needed to tie up some loose ends." Our fingers slipped into each other.

"With Bakugo?" You took a while to do so but finally nodded. I figured as much because your breakup with Shinso was nothing like this; one day, it was just over, and you didn't seem moved by its end. But right now, your body looked heavy, like you were dragging along too much emotional baggage. "Hm. A lovers quarrel or friend fight?"

You looked bewildered. "Huh? Lovers? No." "As for friends…Not anymore. I'm done!" I was confused as to why the thought of you and Bakugo being romantically involved disoriented you.

"So, you two broke up…"

"What, Todoroki?! Are you not listening? Why- Ugh," you took a long, measured breath. "Shoto. Kacchan and I were never together like that."

Like that.

"So, what happened, Midoriya? You look a mess, and I don't know how to help."

"Heh, I know I do." You sighed and sat on a bench along the campus' brick-lined path. "We had a silly argument over something so long ago that it no longer matters. But it exploded out of nowhere because-" You buried your face in your palms, and I finally understood, joining you.

"You were talking to Bakugo."

"You get it. He said some really mean things and told me to leave him alone." You scoffed. "I don't know why it bothers me. Kacchan's done this our whole lives. I was just foolish to think we'd made progress since…" I see the flashback of (what we thought were) Bakugo's final moments replaying behind your eyes.

My hand cupped your shoulder. "Well, Midoriya. I never left. So, why do you miss me?" But I wasn't prepared for your honesty.

"Because you're always so good to me." You shrugged, a sorry smile quivering your bottom lip. The outpouring of tears returned. "You treat me kindly and never make me feel like…" Your voice trailed, and I was conflicted. On the one hand, it was exactly the words I wanted and needed to hear, and seeing you cry while appreciating me was satisfying. But on the other hand, it felt like I was a stand-in for who you truly wanted to be good to you.

"I'm not Kacchan, Midoriya."

"I wasn't trying to say-"

I shook my head. "I know, but it feels like it to me. You're right; I am good to you. I choose to be good to you because I hate it when you're sad and love seeing you smile. But I can't wipe your tears and play second-best for your heart." I couldn't read your face. I picked up your snot-free hand, allowing the heat in my palm to warm your shivering bones. "As my friend, I want you to do what's good for Izuku."

"Shoto..."

"And stick to that." I dropped my hand, taking my warmth with it, but I'd never felt so cold and hollow. I got up, facing back towards the dorms. It hurt me to leave you behind when I longed to be with you every day for the past six months, but who would I be if I allowed myself to be played over love? Indeed not the number-one hero's son.

I took three steps. "Shoto, wait!" I didn't turn around, but your tone stopped me dead in my tracks. You sounded right behind me. "You're right, I know," you said timidly, retaking my hand and blocking my path. Your eyes fixed on my gold bracelet. "I can't believe you still wear this," you said, rotating it around my wrist, your cold hands caressing my skin under the miniature chain links, rubbing the hair-thin inscription on the gold bar. You laughed to lighten the mood.

I regarded your emotional state, my heart pounding, seeing my reflection dance in your watery eyes. "I never take it off." You slowly tilted your head, lips puckered. "No," I struggled to say, stepping back. "Not when you're like this. You said it yourself—you're emotionally exhausted and clearly confused. You know where to find me when you're confident." I ruffled your hair and kissed your forehead. "Don't stay out here too long. You'll catch a cold."

.

.

.

You knocked on my door on Valentine's Day with a dozen roses.

"To what do I owe this welcome surprise," I grinned, holding my door at arm's-length. I'd spent all morning pacing a fire ring on my floor and half the afternoon sweating bullets out of my forehead and shedding tears. I had never been this nervous about a gift. So, maybe I feared that I wouldn't see you today. But you were none the wiser when I opened my door, my ice packs calming the swelling bags under my eyes.

"I'm doing what's good for me, Shoto. This is me confidently choosing what I want." My brain froze, holding the bouquet.

"And what is it that you want, Midoriya?" You pushed me back inside my room, kissing a trail down my neck.

"You." I squinted my eyes. "I want to figure this out. Maybe…we can start over?"

"Hit rewind on the past six months?"

"Yeah." Your lips hovered over the corner of my mouth. Anticipating your kiss was killing me. "Is that something you'd like to do, Todoroki?" I backed up, and your eyes fluttered in confusion. "Shoto? Are... Are you rejecting me?"

I crossed my room to my desk. The jewelry company's gold monogrammed foil cast a sheen when I grabbed the red velvet jewelry box sitting at its edge. Momo had just dropped it off an hour prior, apologizing for how long it took, but I was relieved it even came on time; we'd met with Jean-Pierre the previous morning. I stared at it, amazed by how life works when I stopped fussing with it but held onto hope, and returned to you awkwardly standing in the corner.

"No. I'm not, Midoriya." I placed it in your hand and buried my face in your hair, inhaling your light shampoo. "I didn't think I'd get to give it to you today," I admitted, relieved, nuzzling your neck. I missed doing this—finding comfort under your broccoli canopy. "Funny how things pan out."

The box clicked open, and you gasped. "Todoroki… I-I can't..." I cupped your cheek because I knew that you would say no, but I would hear nothing of the sort.

"Do you like it?" You shook the loose twenty-four-carat gold jewelry piece in your face, flipping it over. Jean-Pierre had done an excellent job. It cost me more than Endeavor would've approved if he knew how much I'd withdrawn from my trust fund. But every thousand yen spent had been totally worth the look on your face.

"I love it!"

"Now, we match," I said, clasping the gold-linked bracelet around your wrist and turning it over so that you could see the inscription. You gasped, your eyes welled up as you pressed your lips and body firmly against mine.

"Now, we match," you said, your tongue slipping into my mouth. I'm so happy that you're back.

"Hey, Todoroki!"

"Yes, Midoriya? What's up?" I looked around my surroundings, ensuring I could still see my team.

"Don't make any plans for tomorrow."

"I already have plans." I stopped. "Why? Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong! I have a surprise for you," you said lyrically. "But, I didn't know you had plans, so never-"

"My plans can wait or be moved."

"Are you sure it's not too much of a hassle?"

"Yeah, I'm just visiting my mom. Is the surprise all day?"

"It is..."

"Who's it from?"

"Huh?"

"The surprise. Who's it from?"

You huffed. "Todoroki. Come on. It's a surprise from me." I could sense your eyes rolling at me.

"Okay. I'll clear my schedule if you stop rolling your eyes." You gasped and burst out laughing.

"Are you spying on me?!"

A group of teen girls walked by, silently freaking out, waving at me and taking pictures. I smiled and waved. "I can read your mind, babe," I sang. I've been bolder flirting with you lately.

"Oh? So…what am I thinking right now?"

"That you want me to come over right now and help you practice your lesson plans."

"Todoroki, are you implying role-play at eleven in the morning?"

"Um...maybe..." We're laughing, and I enjoy the ease settling in my bones.

"Shoto! We need you right now!" Sero shouted as he swung from the top of a light pole above me like Spider-man.

"Oh, my bad. Coming."

"Where are you?" I heard a school bell ring in the background. You were guest lecturing Mr. Aizawa's summer class at UA today, and I managed the agency cases.

"Um…in Hino. I'm helping Sero and Mineta's patrol, but they've apprehended a villain."

"Oh, my God, Todoroki! Why did you answer the phone in the middle of a fight?!"

"Because you called." A series of incoherent sounds came through the receiver. "Midoriya? You all right?"

"I'll be at your place by eight tomorrow morning, Shoto! Goodbye! ...Hello?"

"Or…"

"Or, what? I can hear Grape Juice's balls ripping off his head like his life depends on it." I passed up on the easy 'that's what he said' joke because nobody wants to make sex jokes about Mineta. Why are you building suspense?!"

"Or you can just come over tonight and stay…the night. With me."

"…"

"Hello? Midoriya? You still there?" I checked my phone screen.

"…"

"And you were talking about me stalling," I chuckled.

"I'll be there when you get home. And we're watching All Might's new hero-habilitation reality show!" You said it like I was going to deny you such a simple pleasure.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll grab dinner for us on the way home."

"Um…what are you thinking?"

"I don't know, maybe ramen?"

"What, no soba?" I can hear the smile in your tone. The butterflies tickling my tummy told me picking up was worth risking my friends' lives.

"I figured I'd switch it up for you."

"You don't have-"

"Shoto! Now!" Cellophane yelled at me.

"Okay, gotta blast. I can't wait to see you, Izuku."

"Me, too, Todoroki. See you soon." My heart fluttered; you sounded genuinely excited.

"Wish it were sooner."

"Hang up, Todoroki," you giggled in my ear, and it sounded like the innocence of an untraumatized life. So carefree— did I bring this out of you?

"You first, Midoriya."

"OH MY GOD, SHOTO! WOULD YOU GET OFF THE PHONE WITH YOUR GIRLFRIEND ALREADY AND BRING YOUR HOT ASS OVER TO HELP US!" Mineta wailed. You eeked.

"Sorry! Bye!"

"Don't mind him, but see you soon," I said and hung up, feeling lighter than a feather. I turn to the silly scene in front of me. "Grape Juice, are you crying tears of grape juice?"

༘⋆ ❅ ･:*:｡ ❆

You beat me home. I found you napping on my couch, swaddled in the 'Shoto the Pro Hero' fleece throw you custom-made me.
.

.

.

"I still can't believe you answered the phone in the field! Shame on you!" You threw a handful of popcorn at me. I caught half in my mouth. We'd just finished sharing ramen and cold soba bowls and washed them with an exceptional bottle of Pinot Gris Momo gifted me from her and Iida's travels through France.

"It was fine," I said, chewing on the buttery kernels. "It was a petty criminal with a pitiful Quirk. They were fine without me." We were sitting on opposite ends of your couch, sharing a bowl of popcorn and a plate of edamame.

"Still, you shouldn't answer while working. Too many lives are at stake."

"You're such a hero. I promise you, no one's life was in danger." I paused. "Well, maybe Mineta's. Oddly, his rubber balls were no match for the villain's Quirk."

"How come?"

"It was crude oil, but like, with a measly amount of output. It was pitiful to see. You can tell the petty criminal never trained his Quirk to withstand actual combat."

"Oil and rubber do not mix."

"They...do not, and Grape Juice's balls kept breaking down on impact."

"Yikes. That had to be a terrifying realization at the moment."

"You heard how he was yelling at me to help him?" I laughed. "Sero's cellophane could only do so much."

"So, what did you do?"

"I froze the villain and everything his oil touched, then melted the ice with steam to burn his Quirk's effects off."

"How efficient, Todoroki!"

"Thanks, but being this far away from you isn't." I moved the popcorn bowl to the coffee table and slid to your side of the couch. "Also, I'm done talking about Mineta's balls." My gaze fixed on your lips. "His, I don't care about. But yours…?" Leaning you back on the armrest, I craned your neck to the side to lick it, pulling up your shirt.

"Todoroki, you are naughty!"

"Only with you," I purred, swirling my tongue in your ear. You squealed and pushed me off.

"Stoppp, Todoroki!" you giggled. "You're going to make us miss the rest of the show!"

"No, I won't. It's on commercials," I said. My hands traveled down your pants. "Also, we're at home. Stop calling me Todoroki, okay?" I'd nearly found my treasure when you grabbed my wrist.

"O-Oh, right, s-sorry about that, Shoto. But look, it's back on!" Your breath hitched, pulling them out. I frumped and rolled on my side to watch. Sure enough, All Might was on the screen in a vintage UA tracksuit, riding a washed-up pro's back like an equestrian as the hero struggled to run down a beach. The has-been looked miserable, trudging through the sand like he'd pass out at any second. "Aw, this brings back memories!" I glanced at you, your eyes glued to the TV screen, and saw memories I did not have dancing across them. I sighed, rolling over on you to pay attention, too. You genuinely love that man. He's your only idol.

"When's the last time you two hung out?"

"Um…I think it's been six months. The show takes up most of his time, and when he's not busy shooting, he's counseling retired pros. Honestly, Yagi-sensei is pushing himself too much."

"Sounds like someone else I know." You ruffled my hair. It was true; you do work too much, more than me, and I'm Endeavor, the slave driver's son. "You should ask him to work at the agency with us." The expression you made caused my scar to engulf in flames. The aroused impression I felt pressing against the small of my back made me ogle at you.

"Izuku? Now, why did that just make you hard?"

"Sorry," you blushed. "I got excited."

"And you said I'm the naughty one."

"Oh, hush! You are."

"Then, prove it." I wriggled closer to your body.

"Not right now! I'm watching my program," you laughed in my pouting face.

But I obliged, snuggling closer to you. "Then, spoon me."

And you obliged me.

.

.

.

Your surprise was well worth the wait.

We spent a lovely Saturday morning having tea with in my mother's garden. The two of you get along like old friends. We left just before noon and walked around the city in disguises like when we were first-years in Kamino. After being stopped by several dozen fans in a one-mile radius anyway, we ran around the corner, laughing at how easy it was to slip into the crowd as kids versus now.

"We should duck into some place to lay low until the crowd dies down," I said, surveying the block.

"Oh, let's go in here!" You pointed at the building right in front of us. It was a hero-themed drag brunch.

"I do enjoy drag brunches' food and entertainment," I said, thinking it over. But the excitement in your eyes would've made me say yes to anything.

Five minutes later, we sat at a high-top table, vibing to the in-house DJ mixing Beyoncé with Pops.

"At least with the Queens, our costumes could fit right in," you said, sipping a mimosa. It would be your only one of the day. The girls were luscious and large, the music was live and loud, and I could tell you were having the time of your life.

"I don't think our costumes are the problem, Midoriya."

"Oh, no? So, why do you think we kept getting stopped?" I knew you were goading me, but I couldn't figure out to what end.

"Well, we're not wearing our hero costumes…" you nodded for me to follow my train of thought. "So it has to be because you look so hot dressed up as a Mirko."

You gasped and blushed. "Todoroki, you villain! Not what I was expecting you to say! But I'll admit, I do look like a snack!" You stood up and did a few of Mirko's famous rabbit poses. The crowd began cheering.

"Whew! Look at the carrot cakes on this one!" The brunch's host, Myst Divankoff, boomed into the mic. "Come up here, boy! Yeah, you with the broccoli mop top for hair!"

My eyes grew wide at your face getting so red. I don't know why you're embarrassed, as if you haven't dragged me to cosplay conventions for years, even when we don't have to work them.

"You should go! But first, what did you think I was going to say?"

You smirked, then leaned over my shoulder. "That I'm with the hottest hero in town," you said with a wink before heading to the stage.

"I am," I said.

Your eyes didn't leave me as you backed away. I don't know why you chose that costume, but I am glad you did. When you finally got on stage, I blew you blew me a kiss, and I caught it from the back of the room.

It was then—when you started performing an elaborately choreographed number of Britney Spears's "I'm a Slave for You" into Beyoncé's End of Time choreography with the Star and Stripe Sisters—that I realized. When did you plan this?

We spent the afternoon learning how to make soba noodles from scratch from a fifth-generation soba master; you said it was so that you could learn how to make them for me. The late afternoon stroll from the noodle shop to walk off everything we ate led us to a peaceful park on a hill with a pond at its center with a mother duck and her trail of little ducklings gliding across—a good omen.

"So, how does it feel to be partners in fighting crime?" You asked, sneaking a lick of my ice cream cone we'd bought along the way. I licked in the same spot and stared into the sun as I thought about your question. We sat on a park bench overlooking a stone fountain, watching the sunset over the city. I do not notice the weather often, but that day was beautiful. The clear, sunny day forces even someone who can regulate their body temperature to slow down and take in the light breeze.

"Mmm…it's been nice," I said, licking my lips. You smirked, a hint of disappointment in your voice.

"Just nice?"

I nodded, licking my banana ice cream cone. "Yeah, nice is an excellent metric for enjoyment. Don't you think?"

"It's…a word used to describe enjoyment, yes," you chuckled. I studied your nonverbals for a second, giving you a once-over. I knocked our shoulders together.

"I love working with you, Midoriya."

"Hm! That's more like it!" You spoke with a chipper lilt that made me laugh.

"Is that what you wanted me to say all along, Izuku?"

"No, but anything more than 'just nice' would've been… nice."

I took a bite from your strawberry shortcake ice cream and shook my head. "You know you make me use my words more than I'm used to. You talk about feelings a lot."

"Hah! Blame it on me being a Cancer!"

My chest froze. I dropped my cone and sat up straight like a pin. You scrambled to sit next to me. "Woah! Woah, Todoroki! I wanted that!" You looked at me. "Hey, there! What's wrong?"

Tears pricked the corners of my eyes. "Is…is that why you're doing all this for me today? Because you have cancer?" My voice caught in my throat. I hate that I couldn't stop it from trembling, but my heart was in my ass.

You screwed your face, incredulous. "Huh?"

I scoffed, indignant. "What'd'you mean, huh?! You planned this special surprise, the first time you've ever done anything like this, mind you, to tell me you're dying, Midoriya?!" I was fuming. "How you're still this damn selfless, even with cancer? Stop laughing at me! This is serious!"

"I'm-I'm sorry, Todoroki, but I can't!"

"And why not?"

"Because you're so adorably clueless. Whew! Hold on, let me catch my breath!"

I folded my arms and waited, peeved at you for taking your health so lightly.

I can't lose you.

"Jeez, way to shame me into stepping it up in the romance department, Shoto!" You coughed from laughing too hard. "I guess I need to do more nice things for you, so if you don't kill me off my own show!"

"I don't get what's so funny about you having cancer, Midoriya. Isn't that ableist or something?" Your face softened, and you cupped my cheek in your hand, but I could tell you were still trying to swallow a giggle.

"Todoroki. Please, don't cry. I don't have cancer, friend."

My face dropped. "Wait, what? But you said-"

"I said I am a Cancer. As in, the zodiac sign!" I was still confused, still trying not to cry at the thought of you dying and leaving me all alone. "You know, astrology?"

"Oh…" it was beginning to register. "Like how I'm a pig?"

"...Yes, exactly. Although, that's the Chinese Zodiac. I'm talking about the Vedic and Tropical astrology." You went into a long muttering spiel about the history of everything astrology. "You know, like, how you're a Capricorn."

I nodded, then shook my head. "Not really, but you know what you're talking about. Why do you know so much?"

"I got my birth chart read with Uraraka on a drunken whim back at UA from a third-year astrologer with an uncannily accurate premonition Quirk. Rivaled Sir Nighteye, it was scary. I went down a rabbit hole after reading my fifty-page analysis report. So now I know too much about astrology to be a pro hero," you laughed. "But, I suppose if this ever bottoms out, I have a trade to fall back on!"

"Got it. As long as it's not cancer, the disease," I stressed. "I don't care anymore."

"Well, it's good to know you'd care that much if it actually was cancer."

"I care that much now." You watched me briefly, your countenance gleaming under the late afternoon sun. "So, what did she foresee?"

"Hu? Who?" You blanked.

"The astrology third-year. What did she see in your future?"

You stared and blinked. "Nothing worth remembering," you laughed it off. But it sounded like a lie.

"Thank you for today. It was random and delightful. I had a lot of fun." I took your hand and gave it a slight squeeze.

"You're welcome, but we're not done yet," you slyly said. "Let's get you another ice cream cone, partner."

We'd skipped dinner and caught a late movie, some new blockbuster superhero flick out of the States. I didn't pay much attention and only went because you wanted to see me have the briefest cameo of my life in it. You'd rented out the last showing, so it was just the two of us in a hundred-person auditorium. So, I gave you a blowjob halfway through.

"I'm so proud of you, Shoto! You looked so serious and sexy." You said as we sat through the ending credits. For some reason, we couldn't leave immediately to finish what I'd started.

"Thanks. So, since you don't have cancer, what's the special occasion? Why did you do all this for me today?"

"Well…" you shied away, "since we started seeing each other as more than friends, you've always taken me out, planned our dates, and did things for me that made me feel like the only guy in the world."

"You are."

"See?! That's what I mean, saying and doing things like that! I just figured it was my turn to cater to you."

"Hm..."

"What? Is that too cringe, or what?"

"No, it's not that. It's just…I'm trying to figure out how to respectfully tell you I want you to come to my place so I can do unspeakable things to your body to repay you."

"You don't have to, Todoroki! I wanted to do this!" You waved your hands in my face, flustered.

Then you paused, a smug smirk lining your cheeky face. "But since you offered..."

"Oh? I say, Izuku," I shook my head and took your hand. "I love it when you're naughty."

a/n: as the story progresses (especially after this chapter) i think it bears mentioning that this is Shoto's diary. so i've made some stylistic changes that you'll see integrated after this chapter on that i hope enriches the story and its worldbuilding moving forward. also, this chapter got too long, so the next chapter is a continuation, a part 1 & 2, if you will. so, to anyone who cares about scheduled updates, it'll be dropping sooner rather than later.