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

[glaciers]

Beyond food... I think something to do? Like books. Or knitting?

[inheritance]

Books and knitting supplies--those should be easy enough to get.

We can pick something up for her the next time we... um, meet up like this. [He stumbles just a little, swerving around the word "date", but quickly continues.]

[glaciers]

... You can say date, Midoriya.

[He's a little bit red saying it, but that's what these "meet ups" are.]

We have training tomorrow, so the day after?

[inheritance]

...the...next time we have a... date. [There, he said it! Even if it turned into a whisper at the end.]

The day after that... yeah, I should be free. [Izuku tilts his head.] If we're looking for a gift, the department store should have more options, but there should be smaller bookstores and crafts stores somewhere nearby, too.

[glaciers]

[Ah... cute...]

Will you help me find something for her? I think you have more experience with gifts.

We could visit a couple different places.

[inheritance]

[It's just as well that Izuku's still holding onto Todoroki's hand, because he would've simply reached out again if he wasn't.]

Even if I've bought more gifts before, I think you'd have more of an idea of what your mom would like. [He smiles at Todoroki gently.] But of course I'll help you.

[glaciers]

I don't know about that. We haven't really been close in... a long time.

[He squeezes Izuku's hand in response.]

Thank you, Midoriya.

[inheritance]

You have the chance to change that now, though. [It's said softly, a reminder that things can be different from now on.]

I'll always help if I can, Todoroki. You just have to ask.

[And sometimes he doesn't even need to ask, if Izuku's honest.]

[glaciers]

I'm working on it. I just... I want to be closer to her. I want her to be proud of me.

I know you said I didn't have to thank you. But I am very grateful to you. That you helped me and that you're still helping me now.

[inheritance]

[As much as Izuku wants to say that she probably already is proud of him, he knows that the only person who has a right to tell him is Todoroki's mom herself.] I think... you give her a lot to be proud of already, Todoroki.

Well... [Izuku musters up a smile a bit more playful than the one before, trying to lighten the mood.] Even if we're not... really d-dating. [There's still a stutter as he says that word, but he gets it out in the end.] You're still my best friend. And best friends are there for there for each other.

[glaciers]

[Those words seem to brighten him up too. "Best friend." He didn't have one for so long, and now he has Midoriya- who really is the best friend anybody could ask for.]

Let me know if there's ever anything I can do for you.

[inheritance]

You're doing enough already.

[There's a teasing edge to his next words.] Or did you forget you literally saved my life when you helped us fight Stain in Hosu?

[glaciers]

[ He gives a soft laugh. ]

That's impossible to forget. But don't hesitate any other time.

[inheritance]

I won't. [Izuku will try his best to ask for help, if he ever needs it. But, even if he doesn't want to admit it, he knows he an be a bit stubborn at times, too.

Absently, he looks down at the table and then blanches.] Oh no! My crepe got all over the table! Ahhhh I should get some napkins... [He might've been a little too hasty while trying to reassure Todoroki earlier.]

[glaciers]

[He doesn't laugh but he is amused at Midoriya's plight.]

I'll get you napkins if you hold onto my crepe. We can share mine.

[inheritance]

O-okay. [Abashed, Izuku takes the crepe from him and slumps in his chair.]

I wasn't paying enough attention, and now I've made a mess...

[glaciers]

Take a bite and feel better.

[But he'll get up and ask the cashier for some extra napkins after explaining what happened.

He comes back in a few minutes with several napkins.]

[inheritance]

[Izuku does exactly that, while Todoroki's grabbing the napkins. When Todoroki returns, Izuku's still chewing rather gloomily on a bite of crepe.]

At least there wasn't much of mine left. [He sighs, smiling guiltily as he offers to swap Todoroki's crepe for the handful of napkins.] Here, I'll clean it up.

[glaciers]

I'll get you an extra to make up for it the next time we're here.

[But he'll let Midoriya switch the napkins for the crepe.]

[inheritance]

You're only allowed to if it's your turn. [Izuku says brightly, as he uses the napkins to wipe their table clean.]

Don't forget! You treated me this time, so it'll be my turn next.

[glaciers]

[Why isn't everybody in love with Midoriya?

He has no idea why people are crushing on him when Midoriya is right there.]

Hm. Then we'll have to go somewhere else next time.

[inheritance]

Yeah...guess we'll have to. [A pause.] Somehow, the more we talk, the more plans we keep making with each other.

[Izuku doesn't look to upset about it--it's the opposite, actually.]

[glaciers]

I like spending time with you.

Why wouldn't I make more plans?

[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.