#I love that the plastic letters and art match. Very glad I had that idea! Was incredibly new and experimental to me but I risked it.

[johnnyshrine]

★ 057 // “Star Quote Board”

[teaplease1717]

Pieces of You - Drabble 2

Drabble 2: Gift for Honwaka

Relationship: Todoroki Shouto / Yaoyorozu Momo

Category: Fluff and Slice of Life

Rating: G

Art Link: https://twitter.com/honwaka_zz/status/1153324401296732161

Story Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/25935277/chapters/63692128#workskin

Thank you to 666-HyuugaNeji-999 and Emberstork for betaing this drabble.

This second piece is dedicated to the wonderful and amazingly talented Honwaka. I love all of Honwaka’s works, and it was so hard to choose which to write about. In the end, I decided on this fluffier piece to celebrate what would have been my wedding day (Aug 29th) if not for Covid.

Anyways, second try at present tense. Hope you enjoy this drabble that got way out of hand.

XXXXXX

“Todoroki-san?” 

Shouto looks up at the sudden sound of his name cutting through the music. His heart skips a beat.

“Yaoyorozu.”

Her expression brightens. “I thought it was you.” She looks around the almost empty subway platform. “Where are Midoriya-san and Bakugo-san? They intern with you as well, no?” 

She’s wearing a printed blue ruffled top and tight fitting skirt. A large, white bag hangs from her left shoulder. And her long, black hair is out of its usual high ponytail. It curls loosely down her back, shining faintly with the telltale signs of a fresh shower. 

She must have just gotten off of her internship as well, he realizes.

Shouto pulls his left headphone out of his ear as he turns to face her. “Midoriya promised his mom he’d go home for dinner, and I think Bakugo went somewhere with Kirishima and Kaminari.”

Yaoyorozu’s expression flickers in understanding. “Oh, I see.” Her white heels click against the grey tiled floor of the subway platform as she moves closer.

“In that case...” Yaoyorozu smiles up at him. “Do you mind if I join you?”

Shouto’s mouth feels dry. “We’re going to the same place."

She hums softly and then straightens, tucking her loose bangs behind her ear. “Still...I don’t want to be a bother if you wanted time for yourself.”

He shrugs with one shoulder, avoiding her eyes. 

“It's fine.” He swallows. His fingers tighten around the handle of his metal hero briefcase. “You’re never a bother."

Yaoyorozu’s eyes widen faintly. Then her mouth curves into a small, almost bashful smile that has his chest tightening. “Thank you, Todoroki-san. I’m – It makes me glad to hear that.”

Shouto feels warmth wrap in his chest, and he looks away as they lapse into silence.

He doesn’t understand why, but lately Yaoyorozu’s presence makes him feel strange. Not in a bad way, but – different. As if he is sinking and flying at the same time.

Shouto reaches up and rolls the loose headphone hanging in front of him between his fingertips. He really needs to remember to ask Midoriya if these feelings are a normal part of friendships or if he’s under the influence of some sort of quirk.

Sudden peals of laughter float down the platform, drawing him from his thoughts. Shouto looks over and watches as a group of girls step onto the platform, making their way closer. They are wearing high school uniforms from another school.

One of the girls catches sight of him, and then quickly turns to the others. They break out into giggles, murmuring quickly amongst each other as they pass. 

Shouto turns his head away and shifts slightly closer to Yaoyorozu. He can feel their eyes on him.

His jaw twitches. 

People have always gawked at him because of his scar or because he is the son of Endeavor, but lately their stares have been intensifying.

He glances down to watch Yaoyorozu rummage through her overly large bag and feels his annoyance lessen.

That is another thing that has happened recently: he can never stay angry for long when around her.

Yaoyorozu's expression suddenly lights up and she pulls out two energy bars.

"I knew I brought a couple." She looks back up to him, unaware of his earlier thoughts.

"Would you like one?" She holds out a bar to him. Her cheeks are still a little red.

Shouto stares at it for a moment before nodding. "Thanks," he says, taking it.

He unwraps the package and takes a bite.

The energy bar tastes like cashews and honey; perfect to replenish her lipids.

“How’s training going with Endeavor-san?” Yaoyorozu asks, once they finish. She licks her fingertips demurely.

He shrugs and crumples the wrapper in his hand. “It’s going.” 

There really isn’t much else to say.

The anger he still feels for his old man hasn’t entirely faded. It lingers like an ember in the back of his thoughts. And only when each day ends, does Shouto realize how it unconsciously strains him.

Still, he knows it is the right decision. If he wants to be a top hero, following the old man is the best option.

Yaoyorou looks up at him. "I'm glad." Sincerity glows in her dark eyes.

It makes him feel strange, like she is reading his soul. Shouto looks away and clears his throat, sliding his hand into his jean pocket.

“You’re - with Majestic?” he asks after a second, his voice hesitant.

She nods happily and Shouto feels instant relief that he got it right. 

“Yes.” Yaoyorozu straightens proudly. “It's been a very good experience. Majestic-san is a wonderful teacher and I’m learning a lot, but...” Shouto watches as she brings a hand up and yawns. “I’m so tired by the end of the day.”

Shouto feels his lips twitch up at the side. “Yeah, me too,” he admits.

Small vibrations shake the platform and a woman’s voice suddenly announces the arrival of their train over a loudspeaker. 

Shouto’s fingers tighten around the handle of his metal briefcase as the train stops in front of them.

The doors slide open and he follows Yaoyorozu into the car.

It’s almost empty. A few sleepy businessmen sit scattered on the otherwise vacant lime-green benches lining the walls of the compartment. Yaoyorozu moves to a free section and sits down, adjusting her bag on her lap.

Shouto drops into the seat next to her. He sighs as he places his suitcase on the floor, between his feet, before straightening and leaning back in the plastic seat.

The doors close with a ding, and the train rocks slightly as it pulls out of the station and towards U.A. Golden hues suddenly flood the compartment from behind his head as the train exits the underground station.

It is getting late. He pulls out his phone and clicks the power button.

Almost eight.

If it wasn’t the peak of summer it would already be dark.

He looks out the window; bright orange and red tones brush across the sky as the sun dips towards the cloudless horizon. Shifting, Shouto glances back towards Yaoyorozu as she covers another yawn.

He watches her absently hug her white bag closer.

The bag is stupidly large, and looks like it’s for groceries, but the fabric and blue lettering scrolled across the side make Shouto think it’s expensive.

Designer? It wouldn’t be surprising, Yaoyorozu is from a wealthy family after all. 

A tip of red peeks out from the top of the bag, catching Shouto’s attention. Realization strikes him. Is that what she keeps her hero outfit in?

It doesn’t seem the most practical, but he knows Yaoyorozu to always be practical. Shouto tilts his head back to stare blankly at the advertisements lining the opposite side of the compartment. 

Thinking about it, Shouto’s only ever seen her carry around a small shoulder bag before. She must need to bring a lot of stuff to and from school if she needs a bag that big. He knows women in general need more things to get ready then men. The bathroom he shares with his sister back at his family’s house is evidence of that.

“What are you listening to, Todoroki-san?”

Shouto blinks as her voice draws him out of his thoughts. He looks down at his phone. He forgot the music was still playing. 

Shouto taps the screen. The name of the band flashes across the top.

“BTS,” he reads.

Yaoyorozu’s expression brightens. She clasps her hands together. “Oh! To be expected of Todoroki-san,” she hums, her eyes turning into twinkling crescent moons. 

The air around him suddenly feels constricting.

Shouto looks away and clears his throat. “Uraraka told me to listen to them,” he forces out. His voice sounds tighter than usual.

"Well, I’m glad.” Yaoyorozu leans closer. “They’re one of my favorite bands. Which song of theirs is your favorite so far?” Her eyes glitter.

Shouto’s heart beats faster.

“I don’t know.” He looks back down at his phone and taps on the screen again. “I’ve only listened to their first couple of songs.”

Yaoyorozu’s eyes widen marginally and her grin widens. “Let me know when you’ve listened to Black Swan - it’s my favorite from their newest album.”

Shouto hums, scrolling through his phone. He finds the name. He hasn’t listened to that one yet. Or he did, but wasn’t paying attention. “Sure.”

Yaoyorozu studies him for a moment before closing her eyes. Shouto looks up as she abruptly begins to sing. 

Her voice is a soft soprano.

“Do your thing. Do your thing with me now.”

The train suddenly feels empty, like it is just the two of them. 

“Do your thing. Do your thing with me now. What’s my thing? What’s my thing, tell me now…” 

Her eyes flutter open and she smiles up at him, her cheeks flushing abashedly. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself,” she almost whispers.

Shouto’s lips twitch. “Which one is that?” His voice is lower than usual to match hers.

Listening to Yaoyorozu sing feels like a secret; something intimate only for his ears. It makes his insides warm pleasantly – like the night of the Eniichi festival, when she had told him that she wasn’t just anybody. That she was his classmate and friend.

“It’s the main chorus from the song I just told you about, Black Swan.”  She ducks her head, tucking her bangs behind her ear. “I highly recommend it. It’s built around the quote by Martha Graham: A dancer dies twice – once when they stop dancing, and this first death is the more painful.”

“I see.” He reaches up and rolls the headphone hanging in front of him between his fingertips. His eyes meet hers and an idea strikes him.

“Here,” he says, picking up the headphone. “We can listen together.”

Yaoyorozu blinks and then her eyes widen as the red on her cheeks deepens. “Todoroki-san,” she gasps.

Shouto tilts his head to the side. He’s seen people share their headphones with one another before, and although he knows he isn’t the best at picking up on social cues, he doesn’t think he is overstepping on this one.

“You like them don’t you?” he presses, holding the headphone out towards her. “I’ll only listen if you listen with me.”

He watches Yaoyorozu’s expression flicker. He can see the mental gears in her head turning. Finally, she swallows and meets his eyes. “Are – are you sure?”

Shouto nods. Hesitantly, Yaoyorozu reaches out and her fingers brush against his as she takes the headphone. The brief contact shoots through him like an electric shock, and he swallows over a dry mouth. 

Yaoyorozu stares at him for a moment longer before sticking the headphone in her ear. Her eyes move back up to his, and she gives Shouto a small nod.

He looks back down at his phone and hits play. The sound of perhaps a piano and violins start. He leans forward, resting his forearms on his knees.

The chorus that she had sung earlier begins and dancers appear on the screen.

Shouto can see why Yaoyorozu likes the song. There is a certain classical element to it that fits her. 

He finds his attention drawn back to her as it plays. Her eyes are half closed and she sways slightly with the beat. Suddenly he knows that this will be his favorite song no matter what it sounds like.

Shouto glances away as the song ends and she lifts her head.

“How’d you like it?” Yaoyorozu asks. Her expression is intent as she studies him.

“It’s good.”

“Just good?”

“Yeah.” His lips twitch up at the side and he feels amusement curl in his chest. “Just good.”

Yaoyorozu puffs out her cheeks. “You’re teasing me now. Did you even listen to the meaning?”

No.

He had not.

Yaoyorozu sighs. “It's about passion for doing something you love and second chances. It's – I feel like I can relate a lot to the message,” she says, sitting back. Her hand reaches up to take out the headphone and Shouto realizes he doesn't want this – whatever this is – to end like this.

He leans forward. "Want to listen to it again?" he asks quickly.

Yaoyorozu pauses and quirks an eyebrow. "Sorry?”

Shouto swallows. His hand tightens around his phone. "Let's listen to the whole album. I'll pay attention this time." 

Yaoyorozu's expression flickers.

"And then I can tell you which song I like," he adds.

She has dark upturned eyes that appear almost black in the fading light. 

Yaoyorozu hesitates for a moment then gives him a small smile and nods. "Okay." 

XXXXXX

The sky is a dark canvas, brushed with blinking and flickering lights that dance like fireflies across the heavens. 

The train car is silent now. All the businessmen have shuffled off at various stops and now it's just the two of them. 

U.A. is at the end of the line.

Shouto glances up at the blinking sign above the automatic doors. Four stops to go. 

A weight suddenly settles against his right side. 

Shouto tenses at the abrupt contact and looks over sharply. 

Yaoyorozu’s body is slumped against his. Her breathing is quiet, eyes closed in the telltale signs of sleep. 

Shouto’s heart skips a beat and then several more as he watches her. He's never been this close to a woman before. And he wonders if the way his heart feels like it is going to burst out of his chest is normal or part of the quirk he may be under.

He swallows as his eyes trace up her nose to the dark lashes that rest like dark smudges against her slightly sun-kissed cheeks. There are dark circles under her eyes that he hadn’t noticed until now. He lets his body relax under her.

She must have overworked herself again.

A strange sense of pride wells up inside his chest that he can’t quite place. 

She always gives her best to everything she does. It makes her an excellent hero, and it’s one of the things he admires most about her.

The train rocks along the tracks, and Yaoyorozu’s head tilts slightly to the side to lie upon his shoulder. They are sitting so close now their faces nearly touch.

Shouto draws in a sharp breath. It was the wrong move.

She smells like jasmine and roses.

Shouto tears his gaze away to look determinedly down at the floor of the train, trying to calm his rapidly beating heart. He’s feeling uncomfortably hot.

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, activating his quirk. 

Did she do this on purpose? He knows, even as he thinks it, that she didn't. 

She’s just tired. And the train and music lulled her to sleep. Besides, he was the one who suggested they listen to the songs together.

He takes a deep, steadying breath. When he feels in control, he glances back at Yaoyorozu.

She is entirely relaxed, her head resting on his shoulder. Light breaths ghost against his lips.

His hand curls into a tight fist on his thigh. 

He should wake her. Yaoyorozu will no doubt be mortified if she realizes she has fallen asleep on him.

Shouto swallows.

But...She wouldn’t have fallen asleep if she didn’t need it, right?

He has no experience in these types of situations and tries to think what Midoriya would do – as a hero, or as a friend. 

Midoriya would wake her, or self-combust in embarrassment.

Shouto’s stomach sinks at his two options. Obviously, he can’t self-combust, that would be dangerous and would hurt her. So, he’ll have to wake her.

His eyes trace over her features again and his stomach flips at the way the luminescent lights play off her dark hair. 

He can’t deny a part of him likes the fact that she feels comfortable enough around him to fall asleep. It makes him feel...he’s not sure. Different.

Shouto can feel the warmth of her arm through his white shirt, and he finds himself leaning into her.

He’ll wake her. 

It is the right thing to do.

But – perhaps it would be okay if they stay like this for a little while longer.

xxxxxx

Thanks for reading!