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]

[Izuku thought he was blushing enough already, but apparently he was wrong. As soon as Todoroki's words register, Izuku hides his face in his hands. Is that steam coming off of his face? He wouldn't be surprised if it was, considering how hot his face is.]

[glaciers]

[Midoriya doesn't have a quirk, right? He shouldn't be steaming like that...]

... Midoriya?

[inheritance]

[Nope, he's not taking his hands away from his face.]

I-I'm fine!

[glaciers]

That's not very convincing.

[inheritance]

Maybe not. [Now Izuku peeks at him through his fingers.]

Y-you're really too much, Todoroki-kun.

[glaciers]

...?

I'm who I've always been.

[inheritance]

I know... [That's part of the problem, Todoroki-kun!!]

I'm just really happy that you're smiling more. [Even if he's reluctant to take the credit for this!]

[glaciers]

Hm... I guess I have more reason to.

[inheritance]

[Finally, Izuku lowers his hands, still flushed but not alarmingly so.]

Then...I hope that you have even more reasons to smile more from now on!

[glaciers]

[His expression isn't exactly a smile, but it seems much softer now.]

I think I can find plenty.

[inheritance]

That's good. [Izuku returns Todoroki's smile with one of his own before turning his attention back to the street in front of them, feeling happier.]

Um, so where are we headed anyway?

[glaciers]

We're going to a restaurant near my office. It's a little far from here, so the train's our best bet.

[inheritance]

[Izuku does a poor job of hiding his interest when Todoroki mentions his office.]

Sounds like fun. If it's near your office, does that mean we might run into some of your coworkers, too?

[glaciers]

... Do you want to visit?

[inheritance]

Mayyyyybe. [He fiddles with his shirt shyly. So that's definitely a yes.]

[glaciers]

We can go after brunch. I'll show you around.

[inheritance]

Really? [He hadn't actually thought Todoroki would agree!]

[glaciers]

We'll already be there. As long as we don't get in the way, it'll be fine.

[inheritance]

Yes!! [Don't mind him giving a happy little fist pump, shedding his shyness in the face of his excitement.]

I promise I won't get in the way!

[glaciers]

[Huh, he likes it better when Midoriya is like this.]

I know you won't. [Because Shouto'll be there to chaperone him. Besides, Shouto's office isn't going to see that much traffic when he's off duty.]

[inheritance]

[That's a lot of faith to be putting into someone you haven't known for a while, Todoroki!

After they walk a bit longer, Izuku perks up visibly.] Oh, there's the office. Which way's the restaurant?

[glaciers]

[Like he's going to leave Midoriya's side when they're in his office.]

It's just a block to the left. There's usually a few pro heroes from the office there.