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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[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.

[Even a simple confirmation like this, that Todoroki wants to spend more time together, is enough to make him brighten.] I'm glad, Todoroki-kun. [He says, softly.

Then, Izuku drops his gaze back down to his drink with an awkward little laugh.] So...heroes! [It's a completely unsubtle attempt to steer the conversation into lighter territory, brought about by the realization he's been incredibly nosy (...and still is) and meddlesome. Even if Todoroki doesn't seem to mind it.]

Is there anyone that you really look up to? [He'd bet 1,000 yen that Endeavor isn't it by a long shot.]

[Shouto simply doesn't speak that much, and if he has the option he prefers to stay quieter. But Midoriya doesn't make him feel like that's a strange thing. He's quite content being around him, and if he can have more time spent with Midoriya, he'll certainly take it. His heart does something strange when he sees that smile, but he'll chalk it up to inexperience more than anything else.

Sometimes he worries about just how nosy Midoriya is, but... it helped him. And he seems to back his words up with actions, which is the most important thing. So he really doesn't mind it at all.]

All Might.

[That's not too much of a surprise, is it? Most people were inspired by him.]

You helped me remember. During the sports festival.

[It's true. Hearing that it's All Might doesn't surprise Izuku at all. He is the number one hero for a reason, after all. What Todoroki says next, though, makes his eyes widen.]

I did? [He asks, a delighted smile spreading across his face. With Todoroki warming up to him like this, Izuku thinks it isn't too much to hope that his words have had an impact, but hearing it straight from him this way is much different than simply hoping it.]

[ Midoriya has a very nice smile. Is it a bit odd to think he wants to protect it? Considering the amount of peril he seems to get it to, he probably does need some looking after.

He'll do it whenever he can. ]

I lost my way for while. So... Thank you, Midoriya.

[This time, he's expecting the way his eyes grow watery in response. Oh... he's being thanked. He'd felt horrible after their match, thinking he'd let All Might down by not getting further in the competition, but even then he'd known that he couldn't just leave things as they were with Todoroki. As much as he'd wanted to win, Izuku had wanted just as much to make things right. He'd still make the same choice, if he given the chance to do it all over again.]

You don't have to--I-I'm just glad you think it helped. [His smile feels wobbly; it's hard not to break into tears when someone's telling him he actually made a difference.]

[He's... he's crying again. He's crying, but he's smiling and Shouto's left wondering if maybe he said something wrong? But no, Midoriya seems happy. Is he overwhelmed? He tried to make it as straightforward as it was for him, but clearly his approach doesn't work for everybody.

He puts his hand in his pocket and draws out a plain white handkerchief and gives it over to Midoriya.]

You cry easily. [It's more a statement of fact than anything else.]

I wanted to tell you. You risked... a lot, and you deserve to know.

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