mixingbowl | Try to believe walking down the lonesome road

Try to believe walking down the lonesome road

[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.]

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[He's blunt about this because Midoirya already knows and there's nobody else is around.] I hate him.

But there's something to learn from the second place hero, even if he is scum. He can do his job well. I'm just taking advantage of that.

[Shouto may have warmed up to some people, but the fact remains. He has an ambition and he's going to see it come true.]

Oh. [His eyes fill with understanding then, and finally, he relaxes. This at least makes sense, even if the way Todoroki's approaching it is a surprise to him.

Izuku pauses, a slight smile even curling his lips.] I always had a feeling before, but Todoroki-kun, you're really dedicated.

[Shouto graces him with a slow cattish blink. Of course, he's dedicated. Everybody in the hero course has to be, otherwise, they wouldn't be here.

Wait, is that praise? Is Midoriya being friendly? It's hard to tell when he doesn't have much of a baseline to compare it too.]

... You know you are too, right?

[That's how he's supposed to respond, right?]

[Izuku both perks up and grows bashful, his usual, oddly mixed reaction whenever he gets a compliment of any kind. This, too, is still new to him.] I...I'd like to think I'm giving my all!

W-wait...! [It's right then that Izuku realizes how he earlier words might have come across. Come to think of it, Todoroki had looked...confused. Or something like it. Izuku waves his hands frantically, like he's attempting to erase his words.] I wasn't implying that no one else is dedicated! Everyone's been working really hard! It--it's just, I think most people would find it hard to face someone who's hurt them [Izuku watches Todoroki hesitantly.] the way you're facing your father.

[It's interesting to watch Midoriya. He's always so expressive and easy to read. It's nice not to have to guess with him. Every expression is clear as day, even when it's muddled with several other feelings.]

Ah.

[So that's what he meant. It's another thing he appreciates about his classmate. He clears things up when there's confusion. Being around him seems... nice. Straightforward.

He hasn't had the privilege to interact with people like Midoriya often.]

... It's hard. It's not like I've forgotten all of the shit he's put me through. But it's useful and I'll use him.

[Just like Endeavor is using his son. The benefits don't outweigh the costs of being Endeavor's son, but he'd be an idiot not to take the benefits for all the pain he's had to endure.

There's a short pause.]

If you want to keep talking, we should probably go somewhere else.

[There's nobody else in the classroom and he's pretty sure Aizawa needs to lock it.]

If that's what you think is best. [It's not the most ideal situation, and Izuku's still way more concerned than he should be, but at least it isn't as bad as he first thought it was.

Then, as if proving Todoroki's point, Izuku can feel the weight of their teacher's stare on him now, and he quickly shoves his books into his bag before hopping to his feet. Izuku's sure this isn't a conversation that should happen where anyone else can hear it, even if they've been careful to keep their voices down so far.]

Yeah, let's go. [Whatever sheepishness he feels at making Aizawa wait for them, it's overshadowed by his surprise that Todoroki's being so receptive to spending time together. It's a good kind of surprise, of course. He beams at Todoroki as they leave the classroom--but not without a mumbled apology to Aizawa--and he falls into step beside his classmate.] Where did you want to go?

[He gives a small nod before following Midoriya out into the hallway, giving Aizawa a tiny nod in apology for making him wait so long to lock the door.

It's strange to be smiled at like that, but he could get used to it. It's nice. Midoriya's nice, with no hidden agendas to speak of. If only more people were like him. He doesn't think it's too odd to want more time with a guy like him, he gives off some oddly comfortable presence whenever he's around.

He just makes Shouto want to tell him the truth.]

... Are you hungry?

Actually, yeah. [Izuku slings his bag over his shoulder, tugging at his lip in thought.]

I could use a snack or something. [He'd visited Recovery Girl for one last check up earlier, and even a light healing from her quirk always makes him feel tired or hungry. Usually some combination of the two.] Did you have a place in mind?

[Briefly, he considers asking if Uraraka and Iida could join them, but...Iida's been distant, ever since he got the news about his brother. Perhaps it would be better if he waited for a better time. Besides, he's realizing now that he's never really seen Todoroki being especially friendly with anyone in their class. It's... surprising, to say the least, but Izuku wonders if Todoroki is just as new at making friends as he is.]

[He shakes his head. Spending time with others is a new concept for him, but it seems like a nice one. Especially when it comes to Midoriya, who's somehow the very embodiment of heroism... he didn't think he was this sappy, but the sports festival let him melt a few of the walls around his heart.]

Is there somewhere you like? We could go there.

[It doesn't take too long for Izuku to think of an option. He tilts his head toward Todoroki, still smiling.]

There's one not too far from here. How do you feel about sweets?

[Shouto has no idea how Midoriya can smile so easily.]

I don't usually have them.

[Small wonder, his diet's been restricted to just nutritious meals. That's what happens when his father decides that all he's there for is surpassing All Might. No time for the small pleasures in life.]

I'd like to try though.

[It takes every once of willpower Izuku has to not gape at him.] When's the last time you've had any?

[A long time, from the sound of it. There's only one reason that Izuku can think of, knowing that he does about Todoroki's home life. This, on top of everything else, just makes everything all the more horrible.]

Okay. If you want to try sweets, that's what we'll do! [Izuku declares with a little more determination than strictly necessary. If Endeavor's done his best to take away even the simple pleasures like sweets from Todoroki's life, then Izuku will do his best to give them back to him. If Todoroki lets him, that is.]

I... don't remember.

[He doesn't think it's that terrible? Maybe it is. Midoriya certainly seems like he wants to correct an injustice.

He gives a small nod.]

I'd like to.

[Spending time with Midoriya and understanding him better... that's also good. If it happens to be over a cake or something, that's fine too.]

Lead the way, Midoriya.

[That's...pretty much what he'd expected. Doesn't mean it makes it any more pleasant to hear.]

This way! [Izuku doesn't manage to smooth out the slight frown tugging his lips down, but at least he holds back the sigh that threatens to escape. And he sounds normal and cheerful--at least, he hopes he's being convincing enough.] It's a little cafe that I pass by on the way back home. I've had their drinks more often than their cakes, but I haven't had anything I didn't like yet.

[Todoroki Shouto's life has not been pleasant since he was five years old and still lived with his mother.

Luckily for Midoriya, Shouto doesn't know him well enough to realize when he's lying just yet. So he takes him at the way he sounds and doesn't think much about it.]

I trust your judgment. Do you have any recommendations?

[I trust your judgment. Those words have Izuku blinking in surprise. It's stupid...they're talking about cake of all things, but feeling like his opinion actually matters to people makes him incredibly happy. It's...nice.]

Mmmm. [If his eyes look suspiciously watery for a moment or two, he's not about to say anything if Todoroki hasn't noticed.] Depends if you'd prefer something fruity or something like chocolate instead.

[ He's almost certain Midoriya is starting to tear up? He was pretty sure he didn't say anything mean- but sometimes his mouth just spills out whatever he thinks.

Midoriya isn't drawing any attention to it, and they're not close enough for him to mention it either... ]

I've had fruits more often. Probably those.

[Sorry, Todoroki!!! One day you'll understand that Izuku's just incredibly emotional...]

They have strawberry tiramisu. That one's pretty good. [Though he's not as familiar with Todoroki as he is with Uraraka and Iida, there's a simple sort of ease Izuku wouldn't have expected before this, considering how heated things got during the festival. He's not going to complain, though.

As they turn a corner, Izuku points toward a cozy-looking cafe just further down the street.] Here it is! ["Quali-Tea Time" the sign above the cafe proclaims. Izuku's smile brightens as they draw closer.] Oh, looks like we got here at a good time. Usually it's crowded right after school lets out.

[ Shouto spares a look for the sign. If Midoriya brought him here then it's probably good, even with a pun like that to be his first impression.

It does seem comfortable though. The kind of place people would go to catch up with old acquaintances.]

I guess we're lucky.

Guess so. [Izuku tugs the door open and ushers Todoroki inside.]

Come on, you can see their cake selection for yourself. [In the cafe, Izuku grows even more animated, his obvious familiarity with the place overriding any lingering sense of hesitation with Todoroki.]

Hi, Hayashi-san! [He greets the girl behind the counter cheerfully, getting a "I told you to call me Rika!" in return.] Just introducing... [Izuku pauses, glancing at Todoroki before stammering the rest of the sentence out.] Um, a...a friend to your mom's cakes.

[There's some slight surprise on his face. So they are friends now... He's thankful.

But he'll turn and bow towards Hayashi.]

It's nice to meet you, Hayashi-san.

[You're stuck with him now, Todoroki. Sorry.]

Hey, I know you! ["Rika" snaps her fingers like she's having an epiphany.] Second place in the UA Sports Festival, right? Nice job! [She leans against the counter.] Tell you what, pick what kind of cake you want, it's on the house. Your friend's one of our regulars anyway.

[For his part, Izuku's not even trying to fight off a grin as Rika turns her attention to Todoroki.] I'll have a slice of the salted caramel. [Izuku leans toward Todoroki.] Did you still want to try the strawberry one, Todoroki-kun?

[He's just fine with having Midoriya in his life.

Huh, he usually gets recognized as Endeavor's son. This is better than that though.]

If you're certain. Thank you very much. [He gives her another bow before addressing Midoriya.]

Strawberry sounds good.

Great! He'll have the strawberry tiramisu. [Izuku turns back to the menu up on the wall, appearing to contemplate something Incredibly Serious. In reality, though, he's just deciding if he wants a drink or not.] And add two milk teas--thanks, Hayashi-san!

[Izuku drops a couple notes onto the counter to cover everything else in their order before flashing Todoroki a small smile.] You should try their milk tea while we're here. [He says, as if that explains everything.] Okay, we're all set. Let's go find a table!

[Shouto just watches him look at the menu. Hm. Drinks too, huh?

This is starting to feel a little less like a friendly outing and a little more like something else. Maybe he's reading into it incorrectly though.

He gives a small nod and scans the cafe.]

How about that one?

[He gestures to one a two person table next to a window.]

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oh no shouto :(

He's doing his best

he deserves all the good things

let him have good friends

please

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I couldn't resist the pun

It's a good one

<3

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