Hands, put your empty hands in mine

[inheritance]

[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?

Comments

[inheritance]

[He props his chin in one hand.] So the only time you have trouble with that is when you're actively using your quirk, huh.

That must be really handy in extreme weathers. Can't get too cold or hot...

[glaciers]

Uraraka likes using me as a space heater. It's pretty useful. The summer months aren't as agonizing as they seem to be for everyone else.

[inheritance]

Lucky. [That's definitely an envious sigh. Is he talking about Uraraka using Todoroki like that or Todoroki's temperature regulation? Who knows.]

Let me guess, your friends use you to cool down during the summer, too?

[glaciers]

[Shouto can't tell.] It's useful.

Mm, yeah. We don't have to use the AC if I'm in the office.

[inheritance]

Your quirk has so many uses even outside of combat. It's so versatile. [Leaning forward slightly.]

I thought as much when you first came in, but... [Actually, even before that, back when they were in school together.] Todoroki-kun, you're really amazing!

[glaciers]

[It's not the first time he's heard that, but somehow Midoriya's comments have more weight.]

Right, I love being the office heater.

[He's joking.]

[inheritance]

[He leans forward earnestly.]

You're not just the heater, you're the air conditioning, too!

[He's trying, and failing, to hide the way his lip twitches with mirth.]

[glaciers]

That is exactly how I want my quirk to be used.

[inheritance]

[Izuku bursts into giggles, unable to keep it in any longer.]

At least you're probably saving the office some energy--plus, everyone will want to stick close to you! You can make more friends that way, Todoroki-kun.

[glaciers]

And here I thought you liked me for my stunning personality.

[But he breaks his stoic face and offers a gentle smile.]

[inheritance]

I never said I didn't.

[One second passes, and then two. It's around then that Izuku face starts to fill with color, the double effect of Todoroki's smile and his own accidental flirting making him blush.]

[glaciers]

I'm glad.

[He watches Midoriya start to blush bright, bright red and Shouto realizes what he's done.

Shouto ducks his head down and covers it with his hand. Like it'll somehow cover the way his own face is turning red.]

[inheritance]

[It takes another second of mutual blushing before Izuku gives in, laughing softly as he covers his own red face.

He's happy, though. Todoroki reacting to him like this--it means he's not the only one being affected here.]

[glaciers]

[It takes him a few minutes to gather himself up and reply.]

Anyway...

I... like spending time with you.

[inheritance]

I like spending time with you, too. And not just because of your quirk, I promise!

[Izuku pauses, and then gasps as he's suddenly reminded of something really important that they've apparently forgotten.] Oh no! Todoroki-kun, we didn't get to try out the support tech adjustments!

[Ahhh how embarrassing! Was he really so distracted by Todoroki's presence that he'd just plain forgotten?] I-I'm so sorry, it's probably my fault...

[glaciers]

[ He can't believe he completely forgot the reason he even came to Midoriya's office to begin with. That's playing embarrassing. ]

It's on both of us. I fell asleep before we could test it out. I didn't remind you either.

[inheritance]

I can't believe I forgot... [Izuku's hands drift up to cover his warm cheeks.]

We should reschedule your appointment! I don't want you to be working without the new support items for too long.

[glaciers]

[ He takes a moment just to look at Midoriya. The red he can get is impressive. ]

How does tomorrow look for you?

[inheritance]

I-I can do tomorrow! [Izuku says quickly, eager to make up for the mistake.]

Are you sure it's not too much trouble for you to stop by again?

[glaciers]

It's not. But I'll be later this time.

I don't want a repeat of what happened today. [ Because it's very embarrassing. That's all. ]

[inheritance]

[Izuku nods, trying not to look too crestfallen. He's so, so sorry.]

I...I know! I'll make sure we do it right tomorrow.

[glaciers]

I was the one who fell asleep on you.

[inheritance]

It's not your fault for being so tired! I-it's not like I minded you sticking around for longer...

[Besides, they're having dinner now because of it, so Izuku can5't help but feel like things worked out, even if he feels guilty.]

[glaciers]

[He smiles softly to himself.]

Hm... It's not all bad.

[inheritance]

[Izuku doesn't think he'll ever get over that smile. It makes Todoroki look so much more...gentle, compared to the almost standoffish way he sometimes carries himself.]

It's...not. [He agrees shyly.] I did say you're welcome in our office and everything. Tomorrow can be your first...unofficial visit.