mixingbowl | Hands, put your empty hands in mine

[It's only been a month since he and Mei opened up their own business, a month since graduating, and yet, the orders are already starting to pile up. Izuku supposes, he shouldn't be so surprised, with the reputation Mei built up for herself while they were in UA. Even in a Support Course as rigorous as their high school's, Mei quickly proved herself to be one of the best and brightest.

And then there's him. While Izuku knows he's no slouch when it comes to analyzing a hero's weaknesses and strengths, he also knows that he'd gotten lucky when he found a business partner and friend in Mei. Shaking his head, Izuku throws himself into his work to dispel those thoughts. Things had turned out alright in the end; that's what actually matters.]

Hooooold on, I'll be right with you. [Izuku calls, distracted, when he hears the front door open. A few more strokes of his pencil and--done! Finished with another design sketch, Izuku sets his notebook aside and stands up, looking up at them for the first time. He pauses, not even managing to get a greeting out.] ...Todoroki-kun?

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[He knows what scary looks like and it's nothing like Iida. Iida is just enthusiastic about everything from studying to heroism to spring cleaning.] Hatsume is... very driven.

[Yes, that doesn't sound judgemental at all. It's just true.]

I just think these things matter. It's gonna affect what future heroes experience, so it should be something positive. There's always room for growth.

[There's a flash of amusement, like Izuku knows exactly what Todoroki means by "driven".] She's definitely that.

I don't think you're giving yourself enough credit. [Izuku says, once Todoroki finishes speaking.] You want to do your best for the sake of students and new heroes--that is thoughtful.

Hmm... You think so? I haven't even started making an agency yet. [ Saying something like that feels premature. ]

That's sort of the point, Todoroki-kun. You care enough to think that far ahead.

[Maybe he's being a little too forward with the compliments? Izuku smiles again, but reins his enthusiasm in a little while he's at it, just in case. The last thing he wants to do is scare Todoroki off.]

Ah. I've never been complimented on that before.

[ Usually he'd hear "why are you wasting your time on sidekicks when you have so much to work on?" It's... Nice to hear some reassurance.]

I'll make sure to study my surroundings properly.

That only means you should be complimented more often. [And that would be him breaking his resolve within seconds, because he just can't help himself.

Izuku makes an soft, unhappy noise and draws back again.] Th-that's just what I think, anyway.

[Midoriya is very sweet.

It's a wonder he didn't make more friends during school.]

Thank you.

Was there anything else you needed from me today?

Ah... [Izuku quickly scans over the notes he'd scribbled down in a hurry earlier.] No...no, I think that's it!

Sorry. [Though he's smiling, he looks apologetic.] I didn't keep you here for too long, did I?

Alright.

I'll see you again... tomorrow? How long do you need to work on that stuff?

[He gives a little shake of his head.] No. I'm off work today and tomorrow.

[A soft laugh bubbles out of him.] We're good, but not that good. Um, switching the fabric and remaking your base costume shouldn't take too long, but making the tech will take a couple days.

[He taps his pen against his cheek this time.] What time is your shift on the day after tomorrow?

I have extras. That's fine.

It's at 6 AM. That's an hour earlier than you get in, right?

6 AM.. [He pauses, then smiles at Todoroki.] That's not too bad. I don't mind coming in a little earlier.

If you come in at 6, I'll have all your new gear ready!

[He hates waking up early (he hates waking up), so he looks a bit doubtful.]

Will you have had breakfast by then? Should I bring you something? Like a breakfast sandwich?

[Izuku blinks at him, the offer taking him by surprise. More than ever, Izuku's sure that his revised impression of Todoroki is correct. Definitely kind.]

Don't worry, Todoroki-kun. I think I'll be okay!

[He's pretty used to waking up early and gulping down some breakfast, especially after he started training himself seriously for hero work. Or vigilante work, as it were.]

[He's surprisingly fussy over Midoriya, but he's sure he's never gotten this way over anyone else. Is it because Midoriya is technically a civilian?]

Waking up can be hard.

Do you drink coffee?

You...you're really determined to get me breakfast of some kind. [Color slowly creeps into Izuku's cheeks again. It's flustering him, to be the focus of all this attention and fussing.] Are you this way with everyone you work with?

[A pause, and then he adds, softly--] Sometimes I have a cup in the morning.

Mm... No. I usually work with Iida, and he's the one trying to feed me.

[Which is probably where Shouto got it from.]

I'll have a cup every once in a while.

[Since they're sharing.]

[Imagining the very stern-looking Iida trying to ply Todoroki with food is an image that makes Izuku grin.]

At least you know he's looking after you. [Izuku darts a look at him, biting his lip.] I wouldn't mind a coffee if you really want to bring me something.

[He normally wouldn't accept, but a coffee wouldn't hurt when he knows he'll be working late nights with Mei to get this all done.]

[He gives a small nod.]

Do you have a favorite coffee place?

[Midoriya has to work a lot to get this done, so he'll have to give him something in return. Even if it is his job.]

There's a cafe not too far from here that I like to go to when I have time. It's called "Quali-Tea Time". Run by a family friend.

[Izuku fiddles with his pen again, looking hesitant.]

U-um, you don't have to get it from there, though! That's probably too much trouble...coffee from any shop you pass by on the way here is fine! Really!

It's nearby, right?

I can go after my shift. It's not any trouble.

[Who knows, maybe he'll have a new place to drag Iida to.]

I-if you're sure. [Izuku stammers, then smiles at Todoroki gratefully.]

In that case--thank you! I'll...I'll see you in a couple days!

I'll see you then, Midoriya.

[And with that he'll start to leave.

He's really looking forward to sleeping for half a day.]

Hands, put your empty hands in mine

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