ᴡʜᴇɴ ʜᴇʟʟ Fʀᴇᴇᴢᴇs ᴏᴠᴇʀ

It was by no short a miracle that he was able to keep his composure. The moment Yuki stepped out, he felt himself at a loss for words, despite being the type to be quiet most of the time. While on the outside his facial expression shifted to slight surprise, internally he had to reign back his quirks from going haywire, knowing if he lost his grip here, he’d probably ruin his costume. 

The compliment he receives pulls Todoroki out of his thoughts and he feels sheepish and seen. Could he be imagining it? It was sort of embarrassing coming from the other but he genuinely enjoyed hearing it. He could barely hear Yuki above his own thoughts after that, noting how the other pushed his hair back or that they do in fact match one another. Whatever this feeling was in his chest, he wasn’t entirely sure. No matter what, he found himself wanting to experience more of it, entangled in the other’s presence. 

“Your costume is nice too.” Smooth, Todoroki, real smooth. With the other so near, he averts his gaze, suddenly aware of how close they were. “I think it suits you well.”

Even in all his nervousness, he extends his hand to the other, as if hearing Yuki’s unspoken question. Todoroki would feel calmer if they did- after all, they’ve been like this for a while, right? What would be different this night compared to many others before?

“I’m not one to go to these things either. Festivities like this are too bothersome but…” He turns to look at the other with a softness in his gaze, following after him as they make their way to the event. “If you’re there, I feel the same way. We can always leave early, if you- if we get overwhelmed.” 

“Is there anyone that you know of that will be in attendance? I don’t think I know of anyone who’ll be there.”

– He shifts so that the two of you are holding hands, and you sink into the familiarity of the gesture very comfortably. As you lace your fingers up with his you realize his hand is noticeably warm in yours, even through both gloves. It makes you think that maybe he’s a bit more nervous than he’s saying. You’ve figured out that his quirks respond to his emotions, having seen it firsthand many times before this. Smoothing your thumb along the top of his hand, you smile at him a bit, hoping it helps.

“True. There’s no rule saying we have to stay long,” you say, and it’s refreshing to know that if you want to go home, he’ll be happy to go too. You can be bad at parties together.

“And… I’m not sure. I didn’t ask anyone if they’d be going,” you say. “To be honest though, I’m not really worried. I’m going because I want to try something like this for a change and… I want to try it with you.” 

For many reasons, you’ve decided you’re not hiding him from anyone, going forward. If the others are there, then so be it. You continue to lead the way, until you’re fairly sure you can see the mansion in question over the hillside. Giving his hand one last squeeze, you make your way into the party. 

It’s crowded, but not unmanageable. Loud, but not deafening. And while your nerves are starting to set back in, you don’t feel unsafe. You have a hero with you, after all. And you know you don’t even have to ask him to make sure no one bumps into you. 

You look over to him, trying to gauge how he’s feeling, and what he’d like to do first. 

The walk to the party was more interesting than the party itself. Now pressed with the party goers before him, Todoroki easily focused on Yuki instead of everyone around them, not finding any reason for his attention to sway. He wasn’t here for a mission, there wasn’t a single bad thing happening tonight. The only one he had to ‘protect’ would be Yuki but even then, he knew the other could easily manage himself. Should it ever get worse, well, that’s why the half and half boy was here. 

“We could check out the food. I’m not much of a dancer...” His voice trails off as his expression turns to the ballroom floor below them. “Do you dance, Soh- Yuki?” Saying the other boy’s name aloud still takes some getting used to, but he doesn’t see himself turning back from it now. “If you’d like, we can go later.” 

Admittedly, it was a little disappointing to have stopped there but given their respective limitations, it wouldn’t have proved useful. Just as Todoroki had said mere moments ago, they would have little to show in their sparring. It only reminded the half and half boy that he needed to hone his close-hand techniques since he wasn’t able to use his quirks for the time being. 

Bakugo’s thoughtfulness didn’t go unnoticed. Whereas anyone in their class might wonder if the other was sick, or perhaps under some sort of spell, Todoroki didn’t seem to mind. After having spent some time here, he was grateful to see a familiar face at all, despite the circumstances that held them here. Besides, it would take a lot more from Bakugo to really rile him up.

“Whoever runs this place seems to understand our weaknesses. It’s troubling but so long as I’ve been here, it hasn’t seemed as though they’re targeting us individually. Even so, it is a bit irritating.” He admits, release his clenched fist as the flames lick against his skin before dying down completely.

“Mm, I won’t waste my breath. Just make sure to take leftovers if there are any so you can have food for tomorrow.” 

“Like hell, there will be! I don’t trust my shitty roommates with not eating it! I’d freaking wreak them if I could!” It was such a bother to live with other people, whom he didn’t really know, and wonder what the hell they were even thinking about. Even with that, the thought that he would willingly spend time with todoroki was something he had not expected. 

Compared to the other people he has met, guess it all just came down to familiarity. Everyone else he had met in the city he felt like meeting complete strangers. Some from timelines in the future or past, or even entirely different planets. It had bee…a culture shock to what he had been used to seeing.  Least he had a rival with him. 

“Ah, yeah.”

His thoughts briefly thought of his companion, realizing the other was probably waiting. Todoroki goes over to where the other had put down the groceries and picks one bag up and then offers the other bag to Bakugo to carry-- since he offered earlier.

                                                                                        ❄ @ratbound​ - closed

In a familiar Halloween costume, Todoroki checks himself in the mirror once and twice over before walking out into the crisp, night air. He didn’t care too much about the party itself, or any parties for that matter, but he figured he’d go spend some time with a couple friends, make sure everyone was having fun, and then head home earlier than intended so he could unwind and enjoy a night in, watch some scary movies and maybe enjoy a piece of candy here and there before passing out for the night. The way the night was going? It seemed to be in his favor with the exception of one person missing.

He takes a brief stroll to the entrance of the Sohma residence. Yes, for this particular party, Todoroki had invited his friend–well, technically the hosts of the party invited most of the city, but he wanted to go together with Yuki. Standing outside, he pulls out his phone to give Yuki a brief text, letting him know he was outside. With his phone held in his hand, the half and half boy wondered if this costume was too much? It would be much better to blend in with other costume-goers of course, but it was a bit much. Perhaps he was self conscious, suddenly aware that he might be trying too hard or that perhaps, it was not something they should go to together, but whatever reason Todoroki felt wavered his confidence, he decided to push it down for now and wait.

Once Yuki appeared, all that would change.

to: sohma yuki. from: todoroki shouto.

> i am outside. > take your time, if you’re still getting ready.

– This really wasn’t the sort of thing you did, often, or ever. Large gatherings were normally a source of stress for you, and all of your memories of such had really only been connected to two places; the main house, and school. One a source of extreme fear, and the other mid-level anxiety. But even still. You wanted to experience just one where you had a good time. And you wanted to go with him. 

Your phone buzzes as you’re fixing up the laced cravat around your neck, the last touch of the gothic victorian suit you’d hashed together. You bought most of it at a specialty shop, however, the undershirt was something you stole out of your brother’s closet. With a blue velvet vest nearly blending in to a dark overcoat, it’s a little more flashy than what you’re used to. But you think you look presentable, at least. 

You check your phone, and decide you’ve kept Shouto waiting long enough. You send a quick ‘on my way’ before pausing at the top of the stairs. You’re… nervous. You try not to think of why too hard. 

As you open the door, all of your nerves evaporate, and you’re left speechless for a few seconds. He’s there, hair slicked back, eyes wide and focused on you as yours are on him. You barely remember to inhale, and then speak. 

“You look amazing,” you say, having meant to say his costume looks amazing, but that isn’t at all what comes out of your mouth. You won’t take it back though. You meant what you said. 

Stepping forward, you bring a gloved hand to his throat and straighten up the lace that had been disturbed by the wind. “And it looks like we match. I couldn’t have planned that.”

You smile, taking the arm on his left side in yours, leading the way despite feeling like you need to go sit down. Suddenly the chill of autumn is long gone, and you’re not sure if it’s you, or if it’s him. His costume would catch on fire if he was using his quirk, right? You would have known by now, surely. 

“Thanks for going with me,” you say, a genuine smile lighting up your features. “I’m still a bit nervous about being around so many people, but I know I’ll be alright with you there.”

You glance up to his face, trying to read his expression. Is it alright to hold onto him?

The compliment he receives pulls Todoroki out of his thoughts and he feels sheepish and seen. Could he be imagining it? It was sort of embarrassing coming from the other but he genuinely enjoyed hearing it. He could barely hear Yuki above his own thoughts after that, noting how the other pushed his hair back or that they do in fact match one another. Whatever this feeling was in his chest, he wasn’t entirely sure. No matter what, he found himself wanting to experience more of it, entangled in the other’s presence. 

“Your costume is nice too.” Smooth, Todoroki, real smooth. With the other so near, he averts his gaze, suddenly aware of how close they were. “I think it suits you well.”

Even in all his nervousness, he extends his hand to the other, as if hearing Yuki’s unspoken question. Todoroki would feel calmer if they did- after all, they’ve been like this for a while, right? What would be different this night compared to many others before?

“I’m not one to go to these things either. Festivities like this are too bothersome but...” He turns to look at the other with a softness in his gaze, following after him as they make their way to the event. “If you’re there, I feel the same way. We can always leave early, if you- if we get overwhelmed.” 

–– It’s a little odd but not unpleasant, seeing Todoroki out just doing his normal routine, in his own world. Every time you’ve seen him, it’s been when he’s in action, or in class. In his street clothes, trying to decide on something? It’s a new side of him you haven’t seen. 

It’s nice. And even if it’s ever so slight, you can tell something’s different. He seems… relaxed? Less intense than usual? You remember what his expression looked like as he tried to make a grab for Kacchan, and the marble slipped between his fingers. You’re glad he doesn’t have to carry that weight forever, and things are as okay as they can be. Even if it’s true you’re all trapped here. 

It’s been on your mind. But you don’t bring that up when you flag him down. You just want to give him a reason to be happy. 

“Todoroki! Hey!!!” You shout between your hands, giving a wave to catch his attention from across the street. And there it is, that look on his face. Yep, he saw you! 

You wait for the little walking man to appear on the crosswalk, then make a valiant hobble for your friend. It’s so good to see him. It’s almost enough to make all of that dread melt right off you.  

While out and about, he hears a voice that stops him cold. Certainly his mind is playing tricks on him but lo and behold, the person behind it was here, before him.

 Midoriya. 

He turns, surprise clear on his face like day, but waits as the other crosses the street and closer to him. The people here managed to take him too? It was frustrating that he was left with conflicting emotions-- on one hand, relieved to see the other unharmed but on the other, a gnawing concern over them being here when there was so much going on in their world when they left. There was no doubt in his mind that the other didn’t think of that too, but at the moment, Todoroki didn’t want to make that a concern. No, instead he wanted to return the favor with a calm look of his own.

“Midoriya...it’s good to see you too.” An admittance more sincere than he originally intended to be. The other had arrived and already he committed a crime? He wasn’t sure if that was some weird joke or if the other was serious, so his expression remains unreadable, his silence speaking for him.

For now, however, he would indulge in whatever contact he could get.

“Surprisingly, I’ve thought the same. Even my quirk...I was only granted my fire quirk, so adjusting has been difficult.” He admits, looking down at his left hand for a brief moment. 

Part of him just couldn’t comprehend why anyone in their class, let alone Deku, continued to feed into Bakugo when he was like this. Todoroki was already the kind of guy who had limited energy for, well, anything really–but what was it that made the other boy so self entitled? There was some things in it that he feels he could relate to, but then he opens his mouth and suddenly, any interest Todoroki has just slips down the drain.

It probably would have been better to not invite him, but courteous manners preceded him. Still, if Bakugo came this far, why not stick around and eat?

“We’ll both need to eat to gain our strength back. It only makes sense that you get some food before heading back to wherever you live.” If the other boy wanted to argue, Todoroki wasn’t at least going to let him go without getting another word in. “We can get noodles too. It’s better with it.”

The small talk fizzles out when the other drops the bag and Todoroki’s mindset shifts. He thinks of home, thinks of training, thinks of U.A. He has no idea what Bakugo’s planning and doesn’t care either–but if the other wanted to be indulged with a fight, he might as well get it over with.

He’s been wanting to unleash his quirk anyway.

Flames lick against his left side from head to waist but the show was only for appearances- this much he knew from practicing alone. He could summon the flames as much as he wanted but in the end, they would never be as strong as he wanted. Moving into an offensive stance, Todoroki raises a hand and before he could really give warning, a fireball whizzes towards the other and then another– 

What’s a sparring match without some unpredictability? 

It was good. He was doing exactly what he wanted him to do. It was the best way he could go about and gauge how to see just what todoroki had up his sleeve here. The fire-balls was a surprise. He had expected to be sent flying a giant ice-wave like he usually liked, but for him to use his left side. It was an answer to something he saw. 

He quickly flips out of the way, not to knock the groceries he had placed and keep them out of harms way. He lands swiftly, before he dusts himself off as he raises a hand. It was odd, that the guy who wanted to start the fight was now calling a pause to it. 

“Honestly, I didn’t expect that. So they actually threw only your left side at you. Talk about a slap in the face to me.”

When he wanted todoroki to go all out on him at the sports festival, he had won without the other using his left with his fire. For him to use it on him right here, it means that it was the only power he had. Little explosions went off in his hands as he walked over. 

Bakugo’s thoughtfulness didn’t go unnoticed. Whereas anyone in their class might wonder if the other was sick, or perhaps under some sort of spell, Todoroki didn’t seem to mind. After having spent some time here, he was grateful to see a familiar face at all, despite the circumstances that held them here. Besides, it would take a lot more from Bakugo to really rile him up.

“Whoever runs this place seems to understand our weaknesses. It’s troubling but so long as I’ve been here, it hasn’t seemed as though they’re targeting us individually. Even so, it is a bit irritating.” He admits, release his clenched fist as the flames lick against his skin before dying down completely.

Fortunately, the heroes aren’t dating other heroes. 

“You can just admit you’re not popular with girls or boys, it’s okay.”

Added in some color to an old black & white illustration of Todoroki Shōto.