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]

Even then. You're too... yourself to steal anything.

[inheritance]

Too myself? [Though he doesn't lose the smile, he does lift his brows curiously.]

What does that mean?

[glaciers]

Hm... Too good of a person.

[inheritance]

[His eyes widen, even as his face begins to turn a healthy pink.]

Th-that's... a lot of people we know are like that, though. And you! You're a really good person, as well.

[He never seems to know what to do with myself when he's faced with a compliment, except to turn the attention away some how.]

[glaciers]

I might steal a cat for a day or two. I can't keep one at home though.

[inheritance]

Just for a day or two? Wouldn't it be more worth it if you kept it longer, considering you'd get in trouble for it?

[There's a smile playing on his lips.]

[glaciers]

It depends on how quiet the cat is. The quieter the easier it'll be too hide.

[inheritance]

[Now Izuku tries to adopt a serious expression, though his eyes shine with mischief, detracting from his efforts.]

Are you sure you should be telling all this to a hero-in-training? Cat-napping is a very serious crime, you know.

[glaciers]

[ Shouto plays right along with him. A small smile playing at his features. ]

I'm sure the hero in training will stop me before I commit any cat crimes.

[inheritance]

[Izuku leans toward Todoroki just a bit, fighting back a laugh.]

Are you telling me to stick close by and make sure nothing happens, Todoroki?

[glaciers]

I'd like it if you did.

[ That's at least twice as sincere as he intended. He's always enjoyed being close to Midoriya. If it takes a dolly excuse like this he'll lean into it. ]

[inheritance]

[That...sounded awfully sincere. Izuku swallows, his playful mood evaporating swiftly.]

Okay. [When did his voice drop to a near-whisper?] I guess it can't be helped if it's to keep you out of trouble.

[glaciers]

I trust you.

... Even if you're much more likely to get into trouble.

[Just. Considering everything.]

[inheritance]

[Aaand just like that, whatever heavy tension had started to settle in just now's abruptly gone. That's so rude, Todoroki, even if it's true.]

Shhh. Todoroki, you're breaking character! [Because being playful's apparently the best way to deflect that accusation.]

[glaciers]

[ Todoroki Shouto is not a polite boy. ]

I think you might be unlucky. It's okay, I'll be there for you.

[He's absolutely teasing right back]

[inheritance]

[Izuku can't hold back the giggle this time.]

Now you're sounding more like a hero-in-training, too, instead of a potential cat-napper. Did I convince you to give up your almost-villainous ways already?

[glaciers]

If anybody could tempt me to the path of good, it's you. If I have to be good to keep you out of trouble, I'll have to take that sacrifice.

[inheritance]

I'm touched. [Even though he's teasing, Izuku can't help but actually feel touched at those words.] It's not everyday someone's willing to give up cat-napping for you.

[With a final little laugh, Izuku tugs Todoroki toward the sock display at the back of the shop again.] Hey, even if we don't have any real cats, we have plenty of cat socks now.

[glaciers]

[ Of course Shouto allows himself to be pulled along. He doesn't even offer a shred of resistance. ]

We'll have cat paw prints at least.

[inheritance]

Close enough. [Izuku comes to a stop as they reach the display, and he scans the socks again intently.]

Let's see...oh, that's a nice one. [Izuku points at a pair that's just high enough that he'd have to stand on tip toe to reach them.] It even has the paw print on the bottom like the one we picked out for your mom.

[glaciers]

[ Cat print is so cute. It's almost as good as having a real cat on his lap. Almost. ]

Our moms will match too.

[ He reaches up and plucks it from the hook, letting Midoriya look at it closer. ]

[inheritance]

Do you think they'd appreciate it if we told them?

[An absentminded thanks slips out as Izuku takes the socks from Todoroki and turns them over in his hands. He smiles, a flash of amusement in his eyes.]

You know, this kind of looks like the pattern that cat had. I think I should get this pair--mom was kind of fond of that stray--well, it's not actually a stray--too.

[glaciers]

... Maybe? My mom hasn't really been able to leave the hospital. It might be nice to know she matches somebody who isn't her son.

[Shouto gives a little nod.]

Then we'll get it.

[inheritance]

[Idly, Izuku wonders if they might even go as far as introducing their moms to each other one day--well, it's a thought that he'll hang onto.]

Oookay, now we're done. [With a grin, he drops the last pair of socks into their basket.] Let's get these checked out.

[And it'll be off to the hero merch store!!]

[glaciers]

[Sock buying goes smoothly, they'res only "You're Endeavor's son!" So he'll count it as a as well as it could've gone, kind of day.

Shouto's gone and bought all the socks and split them into two bags. One for him, one for Midoriya.]

Which way was the hero merchandise store?