UNYIELDING

“ Y-yeah, I mean, I tried at least? ” Learning to push himself to become better, to advance always, there was a million things he could say he was becoming a pro at. Baking, it seemed, was not one of them... as the cake he had tried to perfect instantly fell apart at the first moment he touched it. 

Breathing in and out. It isn’t that he didn’t understand Aizawa’s reasoning - he just started, know from the first time he held the weapons it would be anything but easy.

It just increased his respect for the hero, to think he taught himself from nothing.

But that was the problem, wasn’t it? Aizawa development this technique himself and now he passed onto him - it was a bit of pressure. Wanting nothing more than to live up to his mentor expectations. Not wanting to disappoint…

Pushing more onto himself then Aizawa asked of him.

“What pride…” the brainwasher mumble under his breath. Partly hoping Aizawa didn’t hear that. Still, what gives him the impression he had pride? he didn’t even like his quirk…he wasn’t even sure he liked himself…

Passioned he might had more than enough but pride? Not that he can recall.

There’s some familiarity in how Aizawa sees Shinsou. Sure, their quirks were extremely different, but they also were both relying on something which had no physical enhancements. This is why he picked up the other as a mentee, but there was also the underline disappointment in oneself he could see in the other. 

“ You’re doubting yourself. ” Simple and direct. While he had not heard the comment under Shinsou’s breath, body language was enough of a giveaway. “ You have to have that confidence in your heart or you’re going to fail. Let’s take a break. ” 

What day was it? Pocky day? Izuku seriously had lost track of the day, his busy schedule of hero work keeping him occupied. Maybe in afterthought he saw a few extra boxes of the treat out in shop windows and people were scrambling to get some before heading home. But Izuku just overlooked the two factors to put it together. 

Until, he saw is long time friend wiggling the treat between his teeth as if trying to entice him. All the thoughts came to one point and Izuku is already bright red with surprise and embarrassment. “ Kaneda! ” 

They were mostly alone outside the other’s apartment door, but Izuku still has that level of uncertainty as if he really shouldn’t show too much in public. And yet - he leans in, takes a bite of the snack and lets the other half hang loose in Kaneda’s mouth.