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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Everybody's trying to get attention. There's nothing new about that, Midoriya. We're trying to get attention from pros, even during our training. Bakugou's always trying for first place. In everything. [And in his own way, or he'll throw a huge fit.

But Shouto takes a moment to look down at his hands. Before UA he was homeschooled. Everybody was paid extra to keep silent about Shouto's bruises and burn marks. It wasn't their business so long as he kept up with his studies.]

... It's a fair question. I didn't have any friends while I was growing up.

I know. I mean, that was the whole point of the festival to begin with. [Izuku turns his gaze toward the window again, studying the people walking past for a second or two.] It worked, though! Even if you and Kacchan got the most offers, it sounds like everyone's getting recognized on the streets now.

[Hearing Todoroki's answer, Izuku's expression softens with sympathy. He should be worried by how much he wants to meddle and smooth things along for his classmates. And yet, Todoroki's been incredibly receptive to everything so far today...maybe it isn't a bad thing.]

All the more reason to make some now and change that. I, um. [Izuku looks down at the table, fiddling with his sleeve nervously.] I didn't really have friends growing up either. It could be nice for us to meet up after class sometimes, i-if you want?

[ Shouto's languidly looking back out the window, watching people pass by going through their ordinary day to day lives.

He doesn't get much of a chance to just people watch like this. Midoriya really does seem to open up doors for him.

But his attention snaps to Midoriya as he confesses his friendless past. That seems... Impossible somehow. He's such a bright, honest, selfless person. Who wouldn't want to be friends with Midoriya?

So he's silent as he processes this new information. ]

... I wouldn't have guessed that.

But... I like this. I like spending time with you. [ He bites his tongue before he can ask if that's fine. He doesn't want Midoriya to take it back. ]

[Izuku allows himself to be puzzled for a moment over Todoroki's surprise, before he feels a prickle of dismay. Oh no, this is supposed to be about Todoroki, not him!]

Ah... it-it's okay! Things have been different since I got into UA. There's Uraraka-san and Iida-kun... and now there's you! [He leans forward slightly, mega-watt smile making a return.] I like spending time with you, too, Todoroki-kun.

[His phone chimes softly in his pocket, and Izuku pulls it out to glance at the screen. Another news article about the UA sports festival--he'll save it for later.] Oh! [Izuku holds up his phone suddenly, looking hopeful.] D-do you want to exchange numbers? It might be easier to reach each other if we want to... hang out like this again.

[That smile is nice, it looks like the kind of expression that belongs on Midoriya's face. He may look worried more often, but a smile suits him... just like the hero he reminds Shouto of.]

I'm glad. [He doesn't know if he's necessarily good company, but Midoriya doesn't seem to have too many complaints? Unless he's keeping them to himself- but no, that doesn't seem like him at all. And he lumped Shouto in with the two people Midoriya spends the most time with. So they're friends, they're on good terms.

He'll pull out his phone and slide it across the table, looking at Izuku's.]

Yes. And I would.

[But the internships are starting soon, so they might have to wait a while.]

[Success! Mentally, Izuku pumps his fist in the air, feeling accomplished even if it technically didn't take that much convincing for this to happen. He pushes his phone toward Todoroki while reaching for the one Todoroki had offered to him.]

Mi-do-ri-ya I-zu-ku... [The syllables are said softly as Izuku types his name out on the screen. His number swiftly follows. This isn't the first time Izuku's swapped numbers with someone recently--in fact, he has a handful of his classmates' contact information--but it never fails to make him giddy every time it happens.] There! Now we can reach each other whenever we want.

[On an impulse, Izuku sends an excited message to Todoroki once he has his own phone in hand again. " ＼（＾▽＾）／ " the text reads, eloquently.]

[Shouto's not very difficult when it comes to Midoriya. There's just something about him... besides, it seems like a good idea to have him in his phone. Who knows when he might be needed?

While Midoriya mumbles out his name, Shouto types in his without much fanfare. There's a slight hesitation before he hands it over, should he add some kind of emoji to the end of it? In the end, he doesn't. Midoriya can do that if he wants.

He looks down at his phone once it buzzes in his hand.

... It's cute.]

It suits you.

Eheh, I didn't start using emojis until recently. Uraraka-san likes using them in her messages, too. [More like never really got a chance to. Sure, he's used them in the hero forums he often lurks in, but never in text messages to friends. How could he, when he was on such terrible terms with his previous classmates?

And speaking of Uraraka--] You know, Uraraka-san, Iida-kun, and I always sit together during lunch. You should join us sometime. [He pauses, then adds quickly:] If you'd like!

[Rika comes over to their table just then, placing their cake slices and drinks on the table with a flourish.] Alright, boys, I'll be behind the counter if you want anything else!

Then you got this habit from her? [ It seems like neither of them have much experience with friendship, but Shouto still feels like he's a few steps behind. He doesn't have Midoriya's natural magnetism.

He gets lost in his own thoughts before he's suddenly invited to lunch. But then the for comes and he thanks Rika again.]

You're sure they wouldn't mind? The three of you seem close.

Something like that. [Seeing them in Uraraka's messages had reminded him that he could use now, too, at least.

When their snacks arrive, Izuku eagerly takes a sip of the milk tea, waving Rika off with a cheerful "thanks!" Todoroki's question makes the smile drop right off his face, though.] What? Why would they mind?

I'm not close to them.

[He doesn't really know how to navigate one friend, let alone a group of them. And he knows he hasn't exactly managed the best impression with his classmates, he wasn't here to make friends before the sports festival. Oh how the tables turn, he never would've expected this. To be out with Midoriya at a cafe and eating sweets. It's an odd series of events, but he's happy with it.]

... But you know them better than I do.

[He takes a small sip of the milk tea. Eyes widening just a bit as he stares down at the drink in his hand.]

It's good. [It's very good- maybe that's an understatement?]

You can be, if you want to. [The dismay in his eyes is slowly fading out, replaced by something gentle and encouraging instead.] The three of us didn't really become friends until class started either...and there's still a lot we haven't learned about each other.

[It's only been a few weeks, but it feels longer, to be honest. Izuku supposes that's what happens when you've faced villains together.] Join us when you feel like it, okay? [This, he says more firmly.] I'm really, really sure they'll just be happy to have another friend in the class.

[He'd say more, but then he's quickly distracted by the epiphany Todoroki seems to be having over his drink. Cute, he thinks, unbidden. It's not a word that he would have used to describe Todoroki a week ago. Izuku laughs softly.] They have these little pearls you can add to the drink, too. It's a little weird at first, but really good once you get used to it!

[Midoriya really is too kind. Shouto's not used to anybody treating him quite like this. And that smile is something he feels like he hasn't seen since he was still living with his mother. He really is going to become a wonderful hero, isn't he?]

... If you're sure. [He might need a few days to properly bring himself to sit with that group of friends. But if Midoriya is extending the invitation, he'd certainly like it to be true.

He takes another sip of his drink and he seems to brighten just a little bit more.]

Why would you add pearls to a drink like this?

Dunno, I think that's just how the drink is made in some places. Anyway, they're black tapioca pearls... [He trails off, tapping something into his phone.] Looks like this when you've added them in.

[When Izuku flips his phone toward Todoroki, there's an image of said drink pulled up on the screen.]

You'll have a chance to try it the next time we stop by here. [Izuku happily takes a gulp of his drink, keeping his eyes on Todoroki as discreetly as he can. Unfortunately for him, that means he's still pretty obvious about it.]

[Shouto takes the moment to look at the drink and... huh. They probably taste good if there are a lot of people like it.]

I'd like that.

[For somebody who tends to be observant of his classmates, at least to the point where he knows their names and quirks- he doesn't notice that Midoriya is looking at him. He takes his fork and takes the very corner of the cake to taste test.

... Strawberry is so good. Especially in a cake. There's a tiny delighted blush on his cheeks as he takes a second bite.]

[Wow, who knew Todoroki could make an expression like that? And over a slice of cake, too. If Izuku hadn't already resolved to help Todoroki smile a bit more by introducing him to things he's missed out on, this definitely would have convinced him.

...ah. He should probably be eating his own slice instead of watching his classmate so intently.]

It's good, isn't it? [Izuku hurriedly asks before shoving a forkful of cake into his mouth to distract himself.]

[ He takes a moment to savor the delicious taste in his mouth before swallowing and answering. He can't... He can barely believe that things so delicious exist. They'll have to visit this cafe again sometime. Maybe after their internships. Maybe he'll be able to bring a slice for his mother. ]

It's very good. [ But Izuku was the real reason he got to eat something so wonderful, so he'll push his cake ever so slightly towards Midoriya. ]

Would you like to try some?

[Izuku blinks, unexpectedly touched by the gesture. His unruly hair sways as he shakes his head while smiling lightly.]

I'm good! I've got my own slice right here--besides, you're the one trying it for the first time. You should enjoy it!

[The reasonable side of him knows they can always just order the cake the next time they're here, but it feels wrong to deprive Todoroki of even this.]

[He can admit to himself that he has a bit of a soft spot for the other boy. He doubts he'd be nearly as willing to share such a lovely treat with most of his other classmates. But it's not really a problem when the only two here are them.

He gives a tiny bow of his head before taking his cake back and continuing to be completely delighted by it.]

... I didn't know things could taste so good.

Now you do. [He says softly, still watching Todoroki with a small smile.]

Oh, there's an idea. We should make a list of foods that you should try! I bet Uraraka-san and Iida-kun could pitch in a few ideas, too. [Izuku falters for a second.] You know, without...telling them anything about what happened.

[The thought of asking for a list from Uraraka and Iida... It makes him wince a little bit. He only revealed his story to Midoriya because he thought he ought to know what exactly he was getting into. Midoriya forced him to use his fire and even if he doesn't regret it, in the long run, it wasn't the most elegant way to reveal his situation.

He takes another slow, thoughtful bite of his cake.]

... Maybe just ask what their favorite desserts are.

[Izuku, who had just started frowning down at his cake, immediately perks up at the suggestion.]

That could work! There's nothing wrong with friends asking each other about the things they like. [Problem solved, Izuku goes back to eating his cake happily.] It doesn't have to be just desserts. There's gotta be some other stuff you've wanted to try before. We can add those to the list, too.

[Shouto's straightforward and if there's an easy to do something, he'll choose that.]

Like... potato chips? [People seem to be fond of those.] I should still be careful about my diet.

[Like hero work and training doesn't burn off more calories than he usually intakes.]

We don't have to go through the list immediately. Even if it's tempting. [Izuku looks more amused than anything.] I have a pretty strict diet I'm supposed to follow, too, but it's okay to treat yourself sometimes.

Besides, this just means the list will last us a while! [For the most part, Izuku seems oblivious to what he's implied--that these outings of theirs would continue for a considerable amount of time. He's invested in giving Todoroki some of the simple pleasures in life back, and Todoroki himself doesn't seem opposed to it. ]

[He looks a bit sceptical, not because he doesn't want to believe Midoriya, but it's a bit odd to hear something like that from anybody.

Midoriya might not hear the implication in his words, but Shouto does and there's the faintest trace of a smile on his features.]

I'd be fine with that.

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