Try to believe walking down the lonesome road

[inheritance]

[With the start of their internships fast approaching, it's no wonder a good portion of the students in 1-A are too excited to properly concentrate during class. Aizawa, picking up on their lack of focus, eventually ends the class a few minutes early with a tired, exasperated sigh. Izuku grins guiltily at their teacher's retreating back. He can't exactly blame his classmates for distracted like this--picking their hero names and their first internship is pretty exciting. And a big step toward being pros.

Fidgeting with the bandages on his hands, Izuku turns in his seat and just happens to catch Todoroki's eyes. There's the barest flicker of hesitation before Izuku offers up a cheerful smile.] Todoroki-kun, have you already decided where you're going for your internship?

[The classroom's already emptying out, but there's no real need to hurry out like everyone else is. Besides, Izuku hasn't really gotten a chance to talk to Todoroki since the festival. Remembering how subdued Todoroki was during the medal ceremony has made it difficult for him to shake away his concerns. So Izuku gathers up his books slowly and waits for an answer.]

Comments

[inheritance]

[For a moment, Izuku can't place what he's feeling as he turns Todoroki's words over in his mind. Then, it hits him. Even now, sometimes Izuku still doubts his connection to his friends, and wonders if he should wait for the other shoe to drop. This time... he believes Todoroki. He's been so straightforward, reminding Izuku again and again that he enjoys his company--Izuku thinks it's finally really sunk in.]

I...don't know. [Izuku murmurs.] But I'm happy it turned out this way.

[He shakes that lingering surprise off, smiling.] Speaking of plans, we should definitely come back here some time.

[glaciers]

[ Shouto is simply the kind of guy who thinks it's much too much emotional energy to lie. Especially to somebody he honestly enjoys being around.

Ever since the sports festival he's quietly inserted himself into Midoriya's group of friends. He's grateful it seems like they've all accepted him as a quiet, steady presence. ]

The strawberries and chocolate were very good. I'm looking forward to trying more.

[inheritance]

[Izuku laughs, giving a pointed nod toward the crepe in Todoroki's hand.] Let's finish this one before we even think about what flavor to try next.

[At least there's not much of the crepe left. As much as Izuku enjoyed them, that was a lot of sugar they've just consumed. He wonders if they should share just one next time--it's a thought worth bringing up later.]

[glaciers]

[He leans a little closer to Midoriya without really thinking about it.]

Hm... Maybe two was too much?

[But that would mean sharing one... that's not that much of a weird thing though. They've already shared today.]

[inheritance]

Just a little. [Izuku props his chin in one hand, feeling a jolt of nerves as Todoroki leans in closer. He tries not to fidget nervously.]

I...I don't mind, though! It was fun trying out both of them with you.

[glaciers]

[He has no idea he's doing it, he just wants Midoriya to be in his space all the time.]

It was a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to next time.

[inheritance]

I am, too. [He smiles at Todoroki as he says this, then feels inexplicably bashful immediately after.]

We'll just have to share one next time. [It makes the most sense, and they were already sharing today anyway. Nothing weird about that at all!]

Gifts for Mom

[inheritance]

[Today's the day! A part of Izuku feels as if he's a little too excited about this next "date" with Todoroki, but that part is swiftly drowned out by his good cheer. They're going to be looking for gifts for his mother, after all, and Izuku can't help but be thrilled that Todoroki trusts him enough to let him tag along.

When their last class of the day finally ends, Izuku packs his things away in record speed and turns toward Todoroki expectantly. Ready? his smile seems to ask.]

[glaciers]

[ Shouto takes Midoriya's hand in his own in response. Partially because it's easier than giving a verbal response and partially because he simply enjoys the casual touches they've been sharing. ]

There's a mall nearby the school, right? Do you think that'll work?

[inheritance]

Yup! [Ever sensitive to his surroundings, Izuku can feel some of their classmates watching them as they leave hand in hand, but at this point, he's determined not to think too hard about it. He might also just find it extremely comforting to hand Todoroki's hand in his, and be reluctant to give it up.]

It's just a couple stops away by train, and right next to the station. There'll be a lot of stores to look through--we'll definitely find something for your mom there.

[glaciers]

[Shouto's sure there are people watching them, but they're still doing this whole pretend dating thing. So nobody should think it's weird.]

I hope so. She deserves something really nice.

[inheritance]

She does. [He still thinks that Todoroki's mom would be happy getting anything from her son, but he also understands why Todoroki's so set on finding something she'll love. Izuku gives Todoroki's hand a light, reassuring squeeze.]

That's why I'm here, right? Extra pair of eyes to look with!

[glaciers]

That's part of it.

[ The other is that Shouto wants to spend as much time with Midoriya as he can while they're pretend dating. ]

... Nothing hero related though. I don't think she'd like that.

[inheritance]

[Izuku hums quietly in agreement, his smile dimming for a second. Then, he seems to think of something and sends Todoroki a sly glance.]

Maybe she will in the future. [He says with a barely suppressed grin.] When you have your own merchandise line.

[glaciers]

[ There's a tiny smile on Shouto's countenance. ]

That's at least three years out from now.

[inheritance]

[Success! Izuku mentally celebrates drawing a smile back out.]

There's nothing wrong with planning ahead. [He manages to keep a straight face for about 1 second before he gives himself away with a laugh.]

[glaciers]

[Shouto lets himself indulge in watching Midoriya laugh. So cute...]

Hmm... I want to get her something for this weekend.

What do you think about fuzzy socks?

[inheritance]

Well, they're comfortable. And they have some nice designs she might like. [Tapping his chin with his pointer finger as they make their way through the crowded halls.]

Is there an animal or color she really likes?

[glaciers]

She likes cats.

... I think her favorite color is white? A lot of her shirts were white.

[inheritance]

We should find her socks that have cat patterns! I've seen pictures of some online.

[He hums quietly in thought.] Do you think she'd mind things with other colors?

[glaciers]

Ones with the cat faces, or the ones with the little cats everywhere?

I think some variety would be good.

[inheritance]

Umm both! [Izuku grins at him over his shoulder.] We should check what other animal-themed socks they have.

And maybe something colorful to brighten up her room...? [This time his glance is one looking for approval.]

[glaciers]

Is there a store that only sells socks?

... Yeah, I think she'd like that. What kind of thing, do you think?

[inheritance]

You know, I think there might be. [He wouldn't be surprised at all.] Even if there isn't one in this shopping area, the department stores should have a good selection, too.

Mm. [Izuku pauses as a few kids race past them on the streets.] Flower decorations--those would be easy to find. Um, do hospitals even let you hang pictures or tapestries up?

[glaciers]

[He's also heard there were online stores that carried cute socks as well. But if he did that then he wouldn't be spending time with Midoriya, and that's too important to him to give up yet.]

... I don't know a lot about that. I think they'd need to be easy to take down if it's even allowed.