#Shouto Mobile Page

[ofxicexandxfire]

READ THIS: For Mobile Only Users

OOC: I keep forgetting that mobile users can’t access my rules and about page so I finally made a google doc for it!

Click here for the doc link! The document includes the rules and about info for Shouto!

[gallickingun]

break the glass {in case of emergency} || t.s.

SUMMARY: Todoroki Shouto needs help, so he hires a nanny. More specifically, he hires you. 

PAIRING: Pro Hero!Shouto x Fem!Reader RATINGS: M/E+ WARNINGS: language, smut, slight violence, etc. WORD COUNT: 21.2k+

LINKS: ao3 | masterlist | mobile | writing tag

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* TAG LIST *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ is at the end of this post!

AUTHOR’S NOTE: this is the definition of a labor of love. big thanks to @k-atsukidayo, @freckledoriya, and @lady-bakuhoe for keeping me sane. and super shoutout to my love @shoutogepi bc she’s been my hype lady! i hope this lives up to everyone’s expectations because wow has it been a wild ride ♡

if you like this, feel free to request more HERE!

Shouto’s feet are trudging through the proverbial thick of life.

His ankles twist the further he tries to advance, and with every step forward, another tragedy breaks the fragility of the glass box he now lives in. The etching begins at the center, spreading out into cracks like lightning, threatening to shatter what remains of the clear cage.

And yet, Shouto must put on the mask, he must pretend that everything is fine when in fact he really would rather crumble to the floor with his hands in his hair. There are nights when he presses his palms into his temples, wishing and praying that someone out there might be listening so they can help him to will away the painful throbbing between his eyes. He can’t whimper, can’t make a sound, because if he does, if he withdraws the curtain and allows the world to know how inundated he truly is, then it will all be for naught.

“Daddy?”

Shouto blinks harshly to bring himself out of the vortex of his trepid thoughts, “Hey, love, what are you doing awake?”

Her teetering body scrambles into the room, pawing at the bedsheets as a broken sob parts her lips and shakes her chest. Shouto leans down to tuck his hands under her armpits, jolting her upward so she’s pressed into his chest. Her small hands grip onto the skin of his pectorals, thin fingernails scraping at his flesh. Shouto winces, but cradles her around the back regardless, the warmth of her heated cheek on his collarbone alarming.

“Did you have a bad dream?” he asks, soothing one of his hands through her hair while the other rests splayed against her back, dipping gently to try and ease her crying. She doesn’t answer, hiccupping cries making her whole body shake as she clutches onto him.

“Hey,” Shouto presses his lips to the crown of her head before coaxing her head backward. He tucks his thumb underneath her chin, “Talk to me.”

The little girl’s lower lip is wobbling, eyes doe-like and full of tears, thick white eyelashes dense with the little saltine droplets. She palms at Shouto’s face with one hand, seeming ancient when she whispers, “Why did they take mommy from me?”

And just like that, the glass box shatters.

Shouto feels the explosion, but maintains his composure regardless of the impact. Shards lodge into his throat and lungs, painful twinges jutting into his insides. His voice feels jagged when he speaks next, grating against his esophagus and tongue, “Sometimes the world just isn’t fair, love. I wish I had a better answer for you, but there’s not always a perfect explanation.”

Her bejeweled turquoise eyes behold him, thumbs against his mouth as she stares up at him. Glassy irises are blown wide by frightened pupils, “I miss her.”

She collapses back into him like a star shattering in the galaxy, explosive tears dripping down his chest as she tremors. The implosion of her life plays before him in the form of an empty half of the bed, a bare side of the bathroom, and a nightstand still left unembellished despite having been there for almost two years.

“I miss her too,” Shouto murmurs into the child’s silvery hair.

If he sheds a few silent tears of his own, she does not admonish him for it, instead laying quietly until her tears and shaking sobs have exhausted her tiny body. Her lips part and she begins to drool into the pocket of his collarbone, hands twitching against his chest.

A gentle melody vibrates Shouto’s lungs as he rolls himself to the side, carefully displacing her from his body to the empty half of the bed. The toddler grabs for him as soon as the warmth of his body disappears, and Shouto focuses all of his energy into regulating the warmth of his left side. He brushes his thumb over her cheek, pushing her silken hair from her mouth so it does not stick with her drool.

He chuckles, tucking her locks behind her ear, cupping her cheek with his warm palm, “Good night, Hana.”

The only acknowledgement he receives is a gentle snore that flares her nostrils and expands her chest, small body only looking tinier in the large expanse of the king-sized bed. Shouto lies there in wonder, his heated hand keeping in contact with her body until she halts her shivering.

How did I get so lucky? He thinks to himself, the threat of tears pressing intensely against the backs of his eyelids. He can’t close them, though, because he’s afraid he might miss a moment of his daughter’s sorrow.

Shouto leans forward to press a kiss to her furrowed brow, the familiar weight of his lips on her head giving her the comfort she needs to release the tension in her sleep. Her expression mellows, the crinkles in her forehead smoothing until she looks something akin to peaceful, ethereal.

The last thing Shouto sees before his mind succumbs to the lure of unconsciousness is her silvery hair glistening in the moonlight of the bedroom, her tiny palm wrapped around his index finger, clutching on like he were her lifeline.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

“I can handle this on my own.”

“This isn’t just another assignment. This is your daughter, Shouto.”

His nostrils flare, “Yeah, and?”

Fuyumi rolls her eyes, containing herself by taking a deep breath through the nose. Shouto’s eyes wander as Hana teeters around the kitchen with a few crayons and a plush rabbit.

“There’s no reason to keep yourself from admitting you need help, Shouto,” Fuyumi grits her teeth and attempts to appear somehow cheerful, even if just for Hana’s sake. She flexes her jaw, “This is an insanely large house, brother. You could use the extra hands.”

Shouto narrows his eyes, the scar over his left side appearing even more intimidating when his expression shifts, “You’re not moving in here, ‘Umi. I’ll figure something else out.”

His sister runs a hand through her hair, shaking her head as she turns her attention to the toddler bobbing her head to an invisible jukebox as she colors another page in her book. Fuyumi licks her lips, “Listen, will you at least call her? She’s great with kids, and she’s between jobs right now. It could at least turn into a short-term benefit for the both of you.”

After a moment of aggressive silence, Shouto nods. He decides, internally, that his agreement is purely out of the recognition that it will force his sister to let the topic rest.

“I’ll call her.”

“Thank you,” Fuyumi’s chest deflates, releasing a pent-up breath she had been holding in unexpectedly. She sifts her fingers through Hana’s hair, thumbing at her ear gingerly, “I know you hate that I loom over you like another mother, but I just want to make sure that you’re both taken care of.”

Shouto’s expression softens, eyes turning from jeweled beads to something more pliable. His chest tightens at her admission, the reality of their situation doing nothing to lighten the burden on his shoulders. He takes a step towards his sister, praying she can see the sincerity in his eyes as he speaks, “I’ll be okay, ‘Umi. I promise.”

Fuyumi allows herself a moment to take in the sight of Shouto’s twenty-one month old child, watching as she scribbles her crayons onto the coloring book in front of her with as much precision as she can muster. A somber smile tugs on her lips and she sighs, closing her eyes as she readjusts her glasses, “I just worry about you, is all. Taking over a large agency is a lot of work, especially with the added pressure of being a good father.”

“I will be a good father,” Shouto is quick to refute her lofty accusations, the intensity of his voice causing Hana to turn her attention from her book to her father. He narrows his eyes at his sister, “I won’t turn out like dad.”

Holding her hands up in mock-surrender, Fuyumi takes a step back, “I know, Shouto. Trust me, I know.” Her eyes are wide and Shouto feels fear grip his spine like a cold shadow, curling up into him and suffocating his throat. He wants to gasp but he cannot show weakness, not now. Fuyumi inhales a short breath, “You’re the furthest thing from our father. Which is why I think you should seriously consider reaching out, getting another pair of hands on deck.”

Shouto considers her, tilting his head. The implications that his ability at caring for his daughter makes his chest constrict, heart aching in a way he’s never felt before. His eyes dart downward, catching on the silver hair of his child as she sits on the floor, grubby hands gripping at crayons while she smears color all over the pages of her book.

“I’ll call her,” he repeats his words from earlier. “I will.”

Fuyumi reaches out to take her brother into a hug, breathing her peaceful nature onto him like a ghost begging to infiltrate his body. Shouto takes a long drag, lips parted when he wraps his arms around his sister’s smaller frame.

As his sister is leaving, Hana’s eyes focus on the door. Todoroki can’t help himself wonder for a moment if she believes that someone else might come walking back across the threshold, if only she were to look at just the perfect moment. The sun shines on Fuyumi’s figure, forcing a silhouette onto the floorboards of the entryway. If he were to squint the right way, it’s possible he could see her outline there, darkness shaped by the light.

Shouto must bite the inside of his cheek to keep his mind still.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

Later that evening, when Shouto has his daughter resting in the crook of his arm, an educational children’s program playing on the television for background noise, he pulls his phone from his pocket to sift through text messages and emails. There are dozens of alerts to sort through, but the one thing his fingers keep returning to is the sight of your contact information in a message forwarded to him by his sister.

If you are every as bit as wonderful and kind as Fuyumi says you are, then Shouto is frightened of what you are capable of, based on your resume and photograph alone.

Not only do you have a stunning personality – caring, gentle, organized – but you have a beautiful outward appearance as well. Shouto notices the curve of your lips, the structure of your jaw and cheeks, and the way your eyes lilt upward at the camera.

The one thing Shouto hates the most about himself, the very being engrained within him to emulate, is that he was brought up worrying about these different kinds of things – the anatomy of a potential candidate.

It’s the Todoroki within him, the lurking presence of his father threatening to stifle his breathing, to suffocate him until Enji is the only glowing ember left in his charred, desolate soul. Shouto sits in the dark, the looming reality that he may very well end up exactly like his father forcing him to press the little green button at the bottom of the screen.

You pick up on the second ring, “Hello?”

“H-Hi there,” Shouto’s voice sticks in his throat.

A gentle laugh from the other end of the line makes his heart stop beating within the confines of his chest, “What can I do for you?”

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

Shouto has never been so worried about the interior design of his house before.

He realizes suddenly that there are no photographs on the walls, no pictures hanging to tell the sad tale of his life story. The recognition of this little detail only further throws him into a darkness he knows he won’t ever be able to fully crawl out of. Every day he must fight this beast, this unseen presence that sits on his shoulders, forcing him to carry the burden. He’s never wanted to tell his life story, not with the way it played out, especially not now.

Abusive father. Hospitalized mother. Deceased wife.

When the doorbell rings, he pulls himself from his stupor to step forward into the foyer. Shouto takes a deep breath and curls his toes into the rug to ground his body as he turns the doorknob. It’s as if the door stands for something much weightier, a distance currently built between you and him, something he can control.

But when the heavy door gives way to the sunshine outside, your body casting an elongated shadow on the hardwood, Shouto’s ankles lock and his fingers still against metal.

“Todoroki Shouto?”

The sound of your voice, completely unadulterated from the natural static of a phone, makes Shouto’s head spin. He nods, swallowing so hard his throat bobs, “Yes, please come in.”

You kick your shoes off as soon as you step across the threshold, tucking them to the side near the other pairs of dress shoes and sneakers accompanied by little ballerina slip-ons and tiny formal shoes. He notices the way your eyes linger on the pink ballerina slippers that aren’t really shoes at all, more like glorified socks, and he has to hold back a chuckle.

Shouto raises his hand in a greeting, kicking the door closed with his ankle as he turns to face you, “Thank you for meeting me.”

“I appreciate you interviewing me,” you answer him, reaching forward to meet his handshake. You’re grinning when he makes eye contact with you, cheeks round with your smile. “I know that your schedule is very hectic.”

Shouto can’t think about it too much or it makes his brain throb within his skull. He grits his teeth, “Yes, my assistant was able to push out a few other unimportant meetings for this. I do apologize, but my daughter is currently with my sister. I thought it may be best for us to meet first and then decide if it will be a good fit before we introduce her into the situation.”

“I can respect that.” You smile, wrapping your arms around your waist as you stand in front of him. The surprising warmth from his hand sits with you, palm tingling even as it’s tucked between your body. A nervous laugh parts your lips as your feet shuffle, “I wouldn’t want to get too attached to her if you didn’t like me.”

Shouto chuckles, his eyes darting to his toes, “Oh, it’s not you I would be afraid of being incompatible. Hana can be very picky.”

Your thumbs dig into your biceps, rolling your lips together as you consider your reply. A soft padding forward of your feet on the dense rug makes little sound, but still breaks Todoroki’s gaze from the floor.

“You’d be surprised,” your left eye dropping in a wink. “I have quite the effect on people. Especially those who stand three feet and shorter.”

He is shocked to find himself grinning at your jesting remark, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he shuffles a step backward from you. You tilt your head, eyes washing over his tall frame, “I’ve been doing this a long time, Mr. Todoroki. Usually children are withdrawn from their caretakers because they fear we’re trying to replace someone more important in their lives.”

You are closer to him now as you stride across the tile. Todoroki feels his chest constrict when you speak, “I’m not here to be anything more than supplemental. You set the boundaries, Mr. Todoroki, and those are what I will abide by without a shadow of a doubt. I’m here to do as much or as little as you need of me.”

It takes him a moment to recuperate, faltering before he replies, “I appreciate that. I-I’ve never done this before. I wasn’t planning on it.”

Shouto notices the way you visibly shrink away from him, understanding the subliminal tones in his words. He holds a hand in the air, palm face-up, “No, that’s not, I just-”

A sigh parts his lips and he looks back down at his feet, but you’re careening forward to save the day before he can dig himself further into a hole he’s already drowning in. You chuckle, “I don’t think many people choose to have children only to set them into the hands of a nanny, Mr. Todoroki. You needed help, that much is clear, and I don’t blame you for reaching out. I think being able to push through your pride and do what is best for your child is not something you should be ashamed of.”

Oh yes, Todoroki thinks to himself with a smirk on his lips, hand outstretched towards you again, He’s going to like you just fine.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

You did not imagine your initial meeting with Todoroki Hana to go like this.

Shouto’s voice is mildly frantic on the other line, which is telling in it of itself. Even upon your first meeting, you knew that he was to be a mild-mannered, easy-going man. He does not seem to be a person who is easily upset by much, so the lilt in his voice is a clear indicator to his mood.

“It’s okay,” you try to remain calm in spite of his fear, praying that your clear head can help him to unwind. “I’m sure she’s fine, Mr. Todoroki. I’m already in the car, on the way to the daycare right now. I’ll go pick her up and call you as soon as I have my eyes on her.”

A breath is exhaled from the other end of the receiver, and you can imagine the way his chest deflates at your words. You smile to yourself, phone pressed to your ear as you drive down the highway, “It will only take me twenty minutes. Until then, try to keep yourself busy, okay?”

The two of you exchange pleasantries before you close your phone, slipping it back underneath your thigh before focusing on the road again. You were thankful that Shouto had already installed a car seat into back row, allowing you to go pick up Hana without having to do too much extra preparation.

Driving to the daycare facility takes eighteen minutes on one stretch of highway. You feel your palms sweat the entire way, recalling Todoroki’s words about Hana’s injuries she sustained on the playground not very long ago. The tremor in his voice sent a jolt down your spine, your bones rattling around in your body as you imagine the dozens of different cuts or gashes she might have on her body.

And then there’s the reality that this will be the first time you ever lay eyes on Todoroki Hana. It will be your reckoning day, the deciding moment of happenstance when she makes the choice of whether or not you are worthy of her acceptance.

You park and walk into the building, your eyes wavering over the entire intricate structure. It’s a formation of pillars and high roofing, accented with filigree of metal curved into beautiful shapes. The price point of this facility does not go over your head, given the marble pillars look genuine, smooth and rounded in all the right places. You run your fingertips over the cool stone as you walk to the thick, mahogany door. The doorknob is sparkling gold, as if someone polished it when they saw you park.

All the details wrapped into a pristine package ease your mind about the salary that Todoroki Shouto is paying you. Originally, you’d wanted to fight him on it, but you acquiesced into silence after taking note of his watch and the name brand of his suit jacket.

Your hand shoves at the front door, weighted and dense, and you step up to the front desk. Resting your forearms on the top of the divider, you smile down at her, “Hi, I’m here to pick up Todoroki Hana.”

It’s clear this woman has never seen you before by the way her eyes gawk over your appearance. You may not be dressed as pristinely as she might like, but you still look rather presentable, given the time restraints you were under to come pick up the young girl.

She tilts her head as if considering you like prey before grabbing up the phone on her desk, muttering a few words into the receiver. As she hangs up, she holds out a clipboard, “We’ll need a copy of your ID. Mr. Todoroki called ahead to let us know you’d be coming, but we’d just like confirmation. For Hana’s safety.”

It all makes sense, and is rather sound policy, but the curl of her lips when she says it forces a vat of acid into your stomach. You swallow your retort that is sitting on your tongue like a knife and gently take the board from her hand.

As you’re filling out the paperwork, the sound of little footsteps starts down the hallway. You tilt your head, pen stilled in your grip, awaiting what feels like your very own doomsday. This little almost two-year-old holds your fate in her tiny, grubby hands.

You stand and replace the clipboard onto the front desk, sliding your ID along with it. Turning your head, you await the arrival of your own two-foot-tall guillotine. You twist your hands together, knuckles wrung out white as you wait for Hana to approach the curve of the hallway and seal your fate. You know you should not be this anxious over a child who has just broken into real sneakers, but the rational part of you never wins out in these kinds of situations.

Todoroki Shouto is paying you something on the upside of expensive, offering you a generous starting bonus in addition to your typical pay so you could start working earlier than expected and still make your rent payments without worry. It would be a shame to lose that thick paycheck just because you could not win over a teetering toddler who probably babbles about princesses and the color purple most of the day.

“Hana, it looks like your-”

“Nanny,” you interject as you hear the voice echoing down the hall, attempting to avoid any confusion if possible. You brush your thighs free of any imaginary dust and crumbs so you can hide the shaking of your joints, “I work for Mr. Todoroki.”

When they finally round the corner, you stop breathing.

The little girl standing in front of you cannot be much over two feet tall, bright blue eyes shining as she drinks you in apprehensively. Her pupils shrink the closer she gets, bejeweled eyes swallowed by the inkiness. Her hands fidget at her sides while she stutter-steps towards you. The long locks of pale, silver hair reach midway down her back, the curled tips giving her an almost doll-like appearance with their perfection. Her full lips are drawn inward, tentative, much like her father.

And there, covering her right eye, a gauze bandage attempting to staunch and protect a wound.

You cannot help the way your eyes widen at the sight of her injured face, your hands ready to snag her up and race her to the nearest emergency room. Todoroki hadn’t told you the extent of her injuries, just that she had an accident on the playground, and someone needed to pick her up immediately.

“Hi Hana,” you squat down so you can appear to her at eye-level, an effort to put her at ease. “Your daddy heard you took a fall outside with your friends and he wanted me to come pick you up. Are you okay?”

She has obviously been crying, cheeks dark red and swollen, her visible eye puffy from tears. Your inner nature is telling you to reach out and comfort her, taking her by the hand and drawing her up into your arms to give her a gentle squeeze. But you know that there is a time and place and threshold for each form of affection, so you withdraw.

“How bad is it?” You turn your gaze upward, calves screaming as you shift your weight. You seek out the eyes of her teacher, trying to gauge your reaction based on her body language, “It doesn’t look like it’s bleeding too much now, and she’s rather calm. Was her eye directly injured?”

“No, it’s just around the orbital,” her teacher runs fingertips through Hana’s hair, “I don’t think she’ll need stitches, but she will definitely need this wound cleaned up by a professional. I know Mr. Todoroki has a nurse he usually calls.”

It’s as if these women are trying to suffocate you with their knowledge of Todoroki, almost like them knowing he has a nurse, or not knowing he’d hired you until today, would win them some sort of award or accolade. You try your best not to let your stomach turn at the sight of them, desperate and petty.

“Hana?”

She tilts her head up at you, another round of tears welling up in her eyelids. You wonder if it is from stress, pain, or a mixture of that and the uncomfortable feeling she can sense from the way you’re interacting with the daycare staff. She sniffles and wipes her face with the back of her forearm, careful of her injured eye, “Y-Yes ma’am?”

So Shouto has taught her manners.

You attempt to keep your composure at the sound of her tinny, trepid voice echoing out the words that are normally rare for even full-grown adults to use. In reaching out your hand, you notice she does not shrink away from you, not this time, “I think we ought to go have that nurse of your dad’s check out your eye, what do you think?”

There is silence for a moment, genuine concern evident in her sparkling irises. She blinks quickly, like she is trying to figure you out before she makes her decision in response to your question. You don’t want to clue her in to the fact that, at the end of the day, it’s not really her choice to make – that plight between staying here and going somewhere else has been completely left up to you.

“You know,” you’re whispering now, dramatically hiding your mouth behind the palm of your hand, pretending that that others standing around can’t hear you. “I think that I saw this cool ice cream shop on the way here. You think you could help me try a new flavor?”

This makes her eyes widen, pushing herself up on her tiptoes as she fails to contain her excitement at the suggestion of a sugary treat, “Wh-What flavor?”

You grin, warmth seeping into your chest as a giggle bubbles up in her throat, “I was thinking bubblegum, or maybe cotton candy?”

Hana’s nose scrunches at the suggestion, “No way!”

“Well,” you stand to your full height, hands on your hips as you pout, “what would you rather have then?”

She is full-on smiling now, cheeks drawn upward so her dimples can dip into her cheeks on either side, “I like mint w-with choco-chips in it!”

You hold your hand out again, praying that now, after divulging your favorite ice cream flavors, she won’t totally reject you. The last thing you want is for her to force your hand in making a decision to pick her up and take her out of the daycare.

Hana pushes herself up and down on her toes, biting her lip before bursting with a smile, “Y-You really mean it?! Ice cream?”

“I don’t see why not,” you shrug, wriggling your fingers as the other women watch on in amazement as your connection to the child. “I think you deserve it after that nasty fall you took.”

Bouncing towards you, Hana bobs into the air by pushing upward on the balls of her feet. She reaches out and snags your hand into her grip of her own accord, before beginning to tug you to the exit. She is babbling on about all of the ice cream flavors she’s tried, and what they taste like, and the last time she had ice cream was oh so long ago…

“See you later, ladies,” you wave over your shoulder, unable to hide the satisfied smirk making your mouth crooked, “I guess we’re going to get ice cream.”

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

Hana knows how to buckle herself in, so she’s already clambering up into your car as soon as you have the door open. Her injury is completely forgotten as she bustles up into the seat, climbing in awkwardly before turning around to plop her backside into the curve of the cushions. Her fingers are frantic as she desperately tries to get the straps clicked together so you can be on your way to the nearest ice cream shop. You smile at her struggle, allowing her to settle with a pout before offering her your help.

“I-I can do it!” she insists, eyes misted. “I-I’m a big girl!”

“Oh, no doubt,” you shake your head in reassurance, pursing your lips as you hold your hands up in midair, palms facing her. “I’m just trying to help so we can get to our ice cream just a tad faster.”

Your reasoning seems to be sound, because Hana releases the offending buckle and puts her hands on either side of her car seat to give you enough room to maneuver and snap the contraption in place. Your hands make swift work of the buckles and straps, tightening them to the perfect spot on her chest and hips. She smiles up at you when you’re finished, expectant and excited.

It is strange, the intense desire to protect her that immediately washes over you at first sight. You have to stop yourself from rushing into allowing her between the cracks of your heart. You are frantic to seal them so you can let yourself down easy if this job ends up being as short-term as you’re worried of it becoming.

You pull away from her, face blank, and shut the door as Hana begins to fiddle with the remaining length of the straps around her body. Her fingers swirl around the black fabric and plastic, tugging and pulling, but not hard enough to adjust any of your hard work.

On your way to the parlor, you decide to call Shouto.

“Daddy!”

A relieved sigh sounds from the other end of the receiver, and you can’t help the warmth that blooms in your belly when you grin. Shouto coughs thickly, clearing his throat, “Hey, sweetheart. How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay!” Hana twirls her fingers in midair, watching around like Todoroki may appear out of thin air like his voice echoing in the car. “We’re going to get ice cream!”

“Ice cream?” his voice sounds slightly judgmental, but you try to push it off and pretend it means nothing. You spare a glance over your shoulder, “Tell him what flavor you’re getting, Hana.”

You pull into the drive through window of the ice cream shop, listening as Hana babbles on about the different flavors you two talked about and whether she’ll get a cone or a cup. You put the car in park as the person in front of you orders, swiveling your hips so you can look her in the eye, “I was actually thinking about a milkshake. How does that sound?”

“Ooh,” her eyes grow wider, chubby little hands curling into fists in her lap. She’s practically buzzing at just the thought of it all, “That sounds like fun!”

You chuckle, hand on the gearshift, “Oh, I meant to ask, have you already scheduled the nurse to be at the house? I wasn’t sure if you’d rather it be someone personal to look after her, or if you’d want me to take her to a general hospital.”

“I’ll call Masuyo and have her meet you at the house.” Todoroki’s voice is muffled as he turns to speak with someone else in his office, hand over the receiver. You hear him cough, voice tense, “S-She’s okay, though. Right?”

“I think she’s a strong girl,” you make your voice confident, straightening your spine, “she’ll be fine once we get her cleaned up. Right, Hana?”

You spare one final look at the little girl in the backseat, all bright eyes and buzzing fingertips. She’s already shuddering off of pure energy, and you wonder if sugar was really the best route to go down for her comfort. Either way, she nods her head, enthusiastic about what’s to come next.

“Yes!” She leans forward in her seat, getting closer to his voice, “I can’t wait until you get home, daddy. We’ll play prince and princess, right?”

You can sense the hesitation on Todoroki’s end and your heart turns to granite in your chest. When he speaks, you feel the weight of it settle in your belly, throat tightening.

“I’m not sure, love. I’ll have to see. It’s very busy this afternoon.”

Hana allows her expression to fall for a mere moment. You honestly would not have caught the change in her demeanor if it weren’t for you studying her as Shouto uttered the words. Every bit of enthusiasm that was previously holding her cheeks high is drained. Her face pales and her lips turn downward in a frown, eyes dropped to her hands as she fiddles with her knuckles in her lap.

And yet, almost as soon as she falters, her smile returns, albeit not enough to light up her eyes as it did before. It’s like she is reconstructing a mask that she feels pressured to wear in order to keep her father satiated and undisturbed.

“Oh, that’s okay, daddy,” Hana’s voice is as cheerful as her little strong will can force it to be. She attempts to be dismissive as she waves her hands, despite Shouto unable to see her, “I played princess at school anyway.”

Your heart continues to crack as she says her final line, “I love you, Daddy.”

Shouto exhales, voice breathy when he repeats the sentiment, “I love you more.”

“I love you most.” Hana’s tone lilts then, a crack in her metaphorical armor at his affections despite his absence. She swipes at her face and you wonder if she was crying, because you certainly didn’t see any tears.

Your throat grows thick with emotion, making it difficult for you to tell him goodbye. You roll down your window and rattle off your order, trying to keep a close watch out of the corner of your eye to monitor Hana’s mood and expressions as the moments progress. You feel horrible for intruding on their very personal, private moment, and it only makes your heart wrench more when you see Hana’s glazed eyes unable to focus on one thing in particular. She’s docile, void of emotion as she stares out of the window, watching clouds pass as the world grows darker with the threat of a sunset on the horizon.

You settle the milkshakes into the front seat, finishing up at the drive through window before rolling forward into a vacant parking space. With your foot still on the break, you reach back to hand Hana the small milkshake cup with the straw already pushed through the opening on the lid, “There you go.”

She takes it from you gingerly, small palms wrapping around as much of the cup circumference as she possibly can. Her lips are pouted just enough that you wonder if she’ll take a sip at all. You busy yourself, pretending to clean up trash in the front seat and maneuver things around on the floorboards, waiting on her first drag from the ice cream cup.

But it never comes.

After five minutes of waiting, you press your hand to the passenger’s side headrest and look her in the eye – as much of her pupils that you can catch in spite of her hooded lids. Hana is still dazed, looking into her milkshake cup as if it might have the answers to all of her life’s confusing questions.

“Hana?” Your voice calls her from whatever lull she was in, eyes blinking slow as she connects back to this version of reality. A vague, “Yes?” is uttered from her lips, but she isn’t focused, not just yet. You brush your hand against the top of her knee, quick and gentle, and it does the trick. She blinks one final time before her pupils dilate back to their usual size, gaze settled clearly on your face.

“Did something upset you?” you ask, your hand wrung around the headrest again. “Or do you just not want your milkshake?”

“I dunno,” Hana admits quickly, eyes downturned once she realizes she’s let the emotion slip from her voice. It makes the edges of her words raw and ragged, “I guess I just don’ wan’ it anymore.”

You are persistent; your job is to make her happy and keep her safe, and right now with a milkshake melting in her lap, part of you feels like you’re failing.

“Was it what your dad said?” Your question is asked in a low tone, something you’re trying to use to convey that you are being patient and kind. You take a chance and rest your palm against the car seat armrest, close enough to make contact but not adjacent enough to infringe upon her personal space. You swallow thickly, taking a short breath, “About not being home to play?”

Hana is pinching the straw between her fingers, looking into the little opening as it closes with the squeeze of her fingers. You wonder if she does this often, with tangible objects. Does she ache to control something so much so that she becomes lost in the euphoria of it all?

She sighs, kicking her feet, “Daddy is just always working. It makes me sad sometimes.”

You aren’t sure how to respond, not really. If you had known her for longer, or met Todoroki some other way, you could likely refute her statement. However, there’s truth in what she’s saying, a vulnerability that you weren’t sure you would see from the child so soon.

When she speaks next, Hana reminds you of a full-grown woman, attempting to redirect the conversation from something personal to something vague, “What’id you get?”

Her voice sounds like an echo of her true self, nothing like the way her tone lilted when she first spoke with her father. There is a seemingly eerie mask she has perfected, something both audible and emotional. And it would appear she knows just how to slip it on and off when the time is right, despite her young age.

Then and there you choose to burden yourself with the purpose of breaking her out of her glass box of entrapment.

“I got cookie dough,” you say as you take an over-dramatic sip, crossing your eyes at the sensation of cool ice cream flowing down your throat, “What did you get?”

Her face scrunches inward, nose wrinkling at the bridge, “Y-You know what I got, don’ you? You ordered it for me!”

You make an exaggerated face of confusion, tilting your head backward and tapping your fingertip against your chin. “Hmm,” you nod, agreeing with her accusation, “I guess you’re right, huh?”

“You’re silly,” Hana giggles before going in for her first sip of her milkshake. Her eyes are narrowed downward at the cup, hands cradling it carefully as if it were the most important thing in the world and she might be in danger of spilling it at any moment. Her eyes are wide, doe-like in nature, as she comes up for air, “This is good!”

“Great,” you answer her, switching the gearshift back into drive so you can pull out of the parking lot and out onto the highway to head back to their house.

The remainder of the drive back to the Todoroki residence is spent in moderate silence, gentle music playing on the radio as Hana preoccupies herself with licking every last drop of her milkshake from the straw. She sucks the mint chocolate chip ice cream from her thumb and looks up at you when you park the car in the driveway, “We’re home?”

You unbuckle yourself from your seat and answer her, hopping down from the car to open her door. She’s already working at her buckles, undone the top half, but still struggling with the bottom. By the time you’ve gotten her undone from the chair, she trusts you enough to reach out her arms and ask for you to help her down to the ground so she does not have to clamber down and risk falling onto the concrete.

When the soles of her shoes hit the concrete, she’s reaching up for you, grabbing you around your fingertips to hold on as she walks. You squeeze her hand gently, fishing the keys out with one hand to unlock the door.

The nurse is already inside, set up on the couch. Hana runs straight to her, plopping herself unceremoniously down on the furniture, hand hovering over the patch as she talks with Masuyo about her ice cream experience from just moments ago.

You busy yourself with dinner, prepping meat and vegetables, as Masuyo starts to clean and treat Hana’s wound. It’s another thirty minutes before you start to sear meat on the stovetop when you hear the garage door rattle open unexpectedly. Todoroki shouldn’t be home until later this evening, he texted you after you’d been in line for ice cream to tell you as such.

And yet, when the door opens to reveal his familiar frame, you can’t help the way your jaw unhinges.

“You’re home early,” you mention, flipping the steak pieces in the pan to sear the other side. “Everything okay?”

Todoroki is stunned by how grossly domestic the sight of you in his kitchen is and he’s jarred back into his prior lifetime where he had the full family package. He blinks and takes a short breath, forcing himself away from the swirling blackhole of the past to smile at you, “Yes, well. I decided that my daughter’s health was more important than some paperwork. I had a few of the first-years handle it.”

That is how it starts. Your first day as the new nanny of the Todoroki household.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

“Are you sure you got the right color plates?”

“Yes.”

“And what about the cake?”

“Ordered it three weeks ago.”

“How about the-”

“Shouto.”

He turns to look you in the eyes, breath frantic, “What?”

You can’t help but laugh at the wide-eyed expression he wears, all of his emotions blatantly displayed on his face. You take a step toward him, reaching out to cup his elbow, “I’ve got it all handled, okay? Her birthday party isn’t for another week, Shouto. Are you ready for the zoo?”

Todoroki hesitates, gritting his teeth together so harshly that you can see the muscles in his jaw quiver. He turns his palm to press flat against your forearm, heterochromatic gaze seeking you out for some sort of comfort, “Did you need me to pack the bag?”

“No,” you chuckle, forcing yourself to remove your body from his grasp by walking back to the sink to finish up the load of dirty dishes you wanted to get into the wash before you left. You tilt your head to look across the bar at him, “We’re leaving in half an hour.”

Hana comes careening down the hallway, a doll in either hand, her pajamas still crooked on her body. She giggles, bouncing on the balls of her feet before launching herself forward to latch around Todoroki’s calf like an animal, “Daddy!”

Shouto bends at the waist to pluck her up, hands careful under her armpits when he tucks her into his side, “Yes, love, I’m going to the zoo. But it looks like you need a change of clothes.”

“I already laid some out on her dresser,” you pipe up from behind the sink, “but you’ll need to spray her down with sunscreen first, it’s not very cloudy outside today.”

As Shouto turns to walk Hana back to her room, you allow your gaze to linger a moment longer than the ordinary. Ever since you first took this job, you could note Todoroki’s beautifully carved body and stellar facial features. He is built perfectly for the type of Pro Hero that he is – thick muscles wrapped around dense bones, and yet still a relatively lean frame to hold it all into place. Shouto’s face is cut sharp at the jawline, cheekbones stark against his skin. You are sure to admire him whenever you can.

When you hear him and his daughter talking, sharing words and laughs, it only adds to the flame that burns in your belly at the thought of Todoroki Shouto.

There is no doubt in your mind that it is improper to feel the way you do about a client. They should be nothing more than a paycheck and a steppingstone, and yet somehow you have found a way to allow Shouto to wind his pristine claws into you. He’s got you by the heart and it has only been a few months.

You force your hands to work at the dishes, cleaning what remains so you can start the dishwasher. After you’re done, you make your way upstairs towards Hana’s room, where you hear various grunting noises.

A laugh threatens to part your lips and give away your spying secret when you notice Shouto frantically trying to pull the shirt you picked out over the top of Hana’s head. Her arms are stuck in the wrong spots and you can already tell that it’s somehow inside out, but none of that pushes you to step forward and take over.

It’s only when Hana spots you spying in the doorway that you’re coerced into treading into her bedroom. She pouts and Todoroki doesn’t look much happier. He chuckles, “I swear I’m better at this than I look.”

“Oh, I know you’re helpless,” you smirk across at him, squatting in front of Hana to help untangle her from the clothes and put her back in right side up. Her little hands grab for your face, squeezing your cheeks as she surges forward to kiss your nose, “Daddy is helpless, isn’t he?”

You are too busy fussing over Hana’s hair to notice the way that Todoroki drinks you in like he has been parched for years. He cannot stop himself from memorizing the color of your irises, the slope of your nose, the bow of your lips.

The reality that he could even be attracted to you is lost on him – he swore after his wife died that he would never find another woman to replace her. You have only been here a few short weeks and he’s already begun to question his earlier statement.

It’s just the way she is with Hana, he tries to convince himself. I am kidding myself into believing she’s here for us, not just because it’s a job.

And yet, when his gaze connects to yours, Hana babbling about lions and tigers as you slather her down with sunscreen, Todoroki swears that he feels something different.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

The day of Hana’s party comes quicker than expected.

You’re frantically spinning around, making sure there is enough food and drink for everyone in addition to trying to keep an eye on the children as they play around on the various structures setup outside.

A group of moms gather at the bar, one of them urging the others to look at you with a sinister lilt in their gaze. You continue to serve everyone at the party, filling drinks, bringing new plates of food, and yet their eyes never waver from you.

When you are cleaning up some stray garbage in the kitchen, the blonde woman near the end of the bar perks up, “Excuse me, nanny, would you mind filling my glass?”

It is like the floodgates have opened, and now they are all asking you for favors. You swallow your pride and do as they say whether that’s food or drink or a new napkin or even cleaning up their garbage. They are all gossiping behind their hands, palms raised to their mouths as if that will do anything to staunch the flow of the conversation, or even make it more difficult for you to hear the way they speak of you.

Your pride takes each hit in stride, attempting to roll the insults off your shoulders while you tend to them kindly. It takes Shouto stepping into the kitchen for your face to falter.

You gaze across the room at him and your strong façade falls away, hands shaking by your sides as you look at the floor in shame. You swallow your self-importance and build your walls back to their full height before looking up at him once more.

Todoroki is fuming, to put it nicely.

His hands are curled into fists, knuckles white and cheeks hot at the sight of your unease. He takes a few strides forward, features softening as he reaches out to press his fingertips into the small of your back.

“Are you okay?” he murmurs into the shell of your ear. His breath is warm, spilling down your spine like molten lava, pooling the heat in your belly and turning your insides to mush. The expanse of his palm splays against your back, the plane of his chest flush with your arm when he stands too close.

You take a short breath, unable to get enough oxygen with him crowding your space like this. It is like he’s thinning the air within a few feet of his body, making it difficult to breathe.

“I’m fine,” your voice is high and thick, nostrils flaring when you make eye contact with one of the women at the bar. She is smirking proudly, head tilted so she can look down her nose at you. You swallow the shards of emotion sticking in your throat and look up at Todoroki, confused at the fury held in his irises, darkening them both so they look almost the same color as his pupils.

He turns and you watch in slow motion as his jaw hinges open, anxiety gripping your throat tightly. Your body moves before your mind can catch up; you shift your feet, so your hips are in front of him, hands palming against his pectorals to bring his attention down to you.

You tug on the fabric of his shirt, breathlessly calling to him, “Shouto.”

Todoroki turns his eyes downward, jawline quivering just enough for you to see at this close of an angle. He is intoxicating, the combination of his cologne and his body heat sending your mind spinning. You lick your lips and his eyes track the motion, turning butterflies over in your belly, their gentle wings brushing the insides of your body delicately, enough to tickle.

“Shouto,” you mumble his name again. “S’okay, alright?”

The sound of barstools scraping the floor signifies the judgmental women taking their leave, and your chest deflates at the change in atmosphere. Your hands go slack against Shouto’s chest, head falling forward to rest against his collarbone.

When his hands brush your hips, you snap your eyes upward, neck bent at an uncomfortable angle to meet his gaze. Shouto grinds his teeth together before speaking, “I’m sorry they were bossing you around. You’re not here to take care of them.”

“It’s okay, really,” you pat your hand on his chest as if solidifying your statement, smiling enough to sell it.  

His thumb grazes the hem of your shirt, fingertip slipping beneath the fabric to brush against your skin. Your breath hitches and every instinct within you tells you to push yourself up on your toes and grab his shirt in your tight fists, but when you’re eye-to-eye with him, you wish you wouldn’t have listened.

You can feel his stuttering breath on the bow of your lip, and it makes your shoulders quiver. Your name is whispered between his teeth and suddenly he is too close, so close that you’re intoxicated, and every inhibition of yours has been forgotten like dust in the wind.

“Daddy!”

The sound of her voice breaks you apart, stumbling like teenagers caught underneath the bleachers. Todoroki turns to Hana, tending to her face with a napkin and listening to her sugar-driven babbling. You take the moment to slip past them and back to the outdoor area where everyone is gathered.

For the remainder of the night, you feel Todoroki’s eyes on you, following your movements as you maneuver throughout the guests, offering them refills and to take their garbage. He cannot help but feel the heat incinerating his body from all sides, not just his left. The sensation is strange, the ice on his right side usually taking over any and all feeling he might have.

It feels foreign, but not unpleasant. Todoroki’s neck prickles at the impending awareness that he might be in for a crude awakening soon.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

The next few months are a breeze.

Until they are not.

Todoroki has begun to spend more time at work and less at home with each passing day. The threat of his job creeping over him like a looming dark shadow, slowly engulfing him inch by inch until he is surrounded entirely. He spends his days fighting crime, and nights doing paperwork.

You are slowly starting to spend more and more time at the Todoroki house – you are now expected to arrive around five in the morning, and sometimes you do not leave until nine in the evening. It is exhausting, given your drive back to your apartment is a half-hour on a good day with little traffic.

Somehow, you have been able to keep Hana satiated, even without her father around. There are fleeting moments where her cheery expression falters and she sheds a few tears, but you are there to wrap her up in your arms and let her cry until she has nothing left. And then, after she’s dried her face on your shirt, she looks up at you with those beautiful blue eyes and begs you to play princess.

One night, when you are half asleep on the couch with Hana curled into your arms, you feel a palm press to your shoulder, “I’m home.”

You blink blearily, a short jolt of breath stinging your lungs. You swallow and look to the right of you where Todoroki is squatted beside you. He is smiling; you can tell, even in the darkness.

“Hey,” you whisper, careful to cradle Hana’s head as you sit up. “Sorry, it’s been an eventful day.”

Shouto shakes his head and helps you to your feet, palms finding any juncture of you that he can use to support your body. His hand is against your elbow when he speaks next, “No, I’m sorry. I should have been home hours ago. I know you were making dinner.”

“I make dinner every night,” a laugh parts your lips and you run your fingers through Hana’s hair to try and keep her asleep despite the noise. “So, it’s nothing new, Todoroki. Let me go put her down and I’ll head out.”

He looks like he wants to say something, but his jaw snaps shut before he can let out whatever secret he is harboring. You disregard it, walking upstairs to tuck Hana in for bed. She stirs but does not wake entirely and you are thankful. The day has already been tumultuous enough without having to sing her back to sleep or stay up any longer.

As you are walking down the steps, you’re surprised to find Shouto pacing in the hallway, his thumb pinching his chin and his brow furrowed harshly. He looks rather intensely conflicted, and there is a moment where you’re worried, he may decide to fire you. Could you have done something wrong with Hana? Did she not like you? Was he upset that you let her have chocolate before noon the other day?

“Shouto?” you call, padding forward, toes sifting through the carpet. “Is everything okay?”

Another yawn splits your lips and you cover it with your palm, apologizing through your teeth. He shakes his head and steps toward you with a palm outstretched, “Yes, everything is fine. I just have something I’d like to ask you.”

You tilt your head and it reminds him of a curious animal, sniffing him out for food in the form of information. Your hand rests on his bicep and it is dizzying to be this close to you, even after several months of working alongside you. His head still spins when you are too close.

“I was wondering if you might consider moving in.”

You blink dumbly, mouth parted so he can see the pad of your tongue and the tips of your canine teeth. Your fingertips graze against his arm and you feel like lightning is sparking at the cusp of your touch.

The reality is this is not far from normal – most full-time nannies do end up living with their families. It makes everything easier and cheaper. If you live there, he does not have to pay you for drive time, and your boarding costs can be directly deducted from your standard paycheck. This option is what makes the most sense, but you are not focused on sense right now.

All you can see is his bare torso.

You are imagining accidentally walking in on him after he’s taken a shower, or him stumbling in after his morning runs with his tiny running shorts and shirtless upper half. Your tongue goes dry at the thought of it all, but you force yourself to push words past your lips, so you won’t look like a dead fish.

“That’s a pretty permanent decision, Shouto.” Your words hold weight and he knows it, he’s thought this through a dozen different ways to Sunday. You swallow and when your hands brush over his skin, he swears sparks light beneath your fingertips; it makes his arm numb. “I don’t mind, but I just want to make sure that you’ve really thought this through.”

He nods, stepping closer so he’s almost flush with you now, “I feel awful having you drive so early and so late. Your hours would not change, your responsibilities wouldn’t change. You would have your own room and privacy, and I don’t expect to lessen your pay just because you live here. It’s just-”

“Shouto,” you’re laughing now, shaking your head as you look down at your toes, “I don’t expect everything to stay the same if I move in. I’m prepared, are you?”

Truly, he’s thought about that question far too much in the passing days when he sees you around the house or speaks with you on the phone during the day. The idea that you will be here every hour of every day is suffocating, but in a way that makes him want to drown. As time moves faster, Shouto realizes that you have become a second nature in his house. He is thinking of you during his office meetings and the late nights on patrol.

He cannot be honest with the true reason he is asking you to move in, because then he would have to face his emotions and he’s not ready for that yet. And yet, his body betrays his mind as he reaches forward to brush his thumb over your cheek, “I think I can handle it.”

Emotion swells like a blooming heat between the two of you, your bodies almost entirely pressed up against one another as your voices grow softer. You are not sure if it’s the sleep-muddled brain you’re working off of, but you swear that you see his eyes drop to your lips. There is some part of you that wants to fall into him, to let him take you and burn you and leave you for dead, but the rest of you is working off of sense and logic and you know that would never work.

“Well,” your voice shatters the fragile moment, “I guess I better get home and start packing.”

Shouto releases you and something shifts in his irises, but it is gone as soon as it appears, and you don’t have enough time to discern the emotion. You pluck up your bag and slip on your shoes, turning to wave at him over your shoulder as you step past the threshold and back to the garage.

As you start your car, you rest your forehead on the steering wheel before you pull out, and murmur to yourself in utter chagrin, “What have I just agreed to?”

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

“I’m telling you - Red Riot is going to give you a run for your money.”

“That blockhead?” Shouto chuckles, swirling his glass, “I doubt it.”

You tilt your head, “And what about Ground Zero? He’s got his own agency now, doesn’t he?”

Shouto rolls his eyes, “God, can we please leave Bakugou out of this conversation?”

Another swig of the rum and coke slides down your throat, burning in the best way. Your head feels hazy, but you don’t mind, taking advantage of Hana’s early bedtime for the first time in a few weeks. You push your mostly empty glass towards him, “Bartender?”

Todoroki smiles, tipping the bottle downward to refill your glass. You grab the soda off the countertop and fill it to the brim, swirling the mixture with your straw. Another gulp of the liquid has you asking, “You and the other big players all went to Yuuei together, right? Ground Zero, Deku, Red Riot?”

Shouto nods, “Yes, we did.”

“Wow, to have gone to Yuuei,” you whisper in wonder, eyes heavy as you look down into the dark liquid fizzing in your glass.

He leans forward on the counter, body close to you as he asks his obvious question, “You don’t have a quirk, do you?”

“No,” your answer is quick, curt. You swallow thickly, shards of shame sticking in your throat. “I was born without one. You’ve seen my shoes.”

You are referring to the wider shoes that those with no quirk have to wear thanks to the extra joint in their pinkie toes. You lift your foot up in the air for good measure, painted toenails catching the light just right as you wriggle your toes around dramatically. You sigh, “I didn’t fully know who you were when I took this job. It’s kind of embarrassing that I don’t have a quirk, and you’re some superhero saving people with ice and fire.”

Shouto holds out his left palm, face up, and ignites a small flame, “I hated this side of my body for so long. It comes with a burden I’m glad you do not have to bear.”

The weight in his voice entices your eyes upward, connecting with his gaze as the heat blossoms, sucking the oxygen out of the air. Shouto curls his fingers inward and cuts the flame short, a gentle wisp of smoke floating from his palm.

“What does it feel like?” you find yourself asking, the alcohol creating a dull buzz behind your eyes that latches onto all of your inhibitions and immediately tosses them away.

His breath hitches audibly, pupils dilating as he attempts to focus on something other than the way your lips bow when you speak. Shouto steps forward, hands gentle as he cups your cheeks, a bravery he did not know he could muster bolstering his movements. His fingertips tickle your skin and it’s difficult for you to keep your eyes open when he is holding you so tenderly.

Shouto closes his eyes in concentration, taking a deep breath before narrowing his concentration onto the pores of his hands. His palms are flush with your skin and you let your mind wander while he is working up his quirk.

How would his touch compare to different parts of your body?

Your eyes slip shut at the thought, biting your lip as your mind runs rampant. The heat curling in your belly reminds you of his quirk – burning and licking at your belly like a raging flame. You only wish you had his right side to cool you down from the inside out.

Slowly but surely, you feel the right side of your face grow warm while the left side has started to chill. Your eyes go wide, and you circle your fingers around his wrists, voice breathy when you speak, “Wow, Shouto, that’s amazing!”

Your voice goes quiet and it is like the world stops spinning when he opens his eyelids to look down at you. You feel frozen in your spot, but you know it isn’t his quirk affecting you. Your grip tightens but he doesn’t seem to notice, his eyesight directed to your lips, zeroed in on the way that you gnaw at them when you’re nervous.

The tension is like a rubber band begging to snap. You feel the coil twirl around your spine, bunching you together and screaming at you to run away. There are a thousand different reasons why getting too close is dangerous, but your wanton body cannot be bothered to list them. Instead you are pushing yourself up in your seat, so your back is arched toward him, chest brushing his pectorals.

Shouto reminds you of something innocent when his mouth parts and irises glimmer beneath half-hooded lids. You feel distinctly profligate for envisaging his mouth on other parts of your body, the pink of his tongue peeking from behind pearly teeth doing little to quell your thoughts. You swallow thickly and shudder as his hand that produces cold shifts into your hair, rustling through the tresses at the nape of your neck.

Your hands are suddenly wrapped up in the fabric of his shirt, fisting the soft material, and you are pulling him towards you. Even so, it is Shouto who tilts your head upward, heels of his palms gently angling you by the cheeks.

The two of you take a breath before devouring one another whole.

His mouth tastes like whiskey, sharp and biting, but his tongue is in stark contrast to the flavor. He is gentle while still taking over your every sense. His tongue maps out the curves of your teeth and the pad of your tongue while his chilled palm keeps your skin from searing with blush.

The tenderness with which he holds onto you makes your heart rattle around within the cage you have built just for him. You knew this entire time that if he were to wriggle his way in, to touch your heart in just the right spot, you would crumble beneath his ministrations. This entire time you’ve been beholden to him, despite the utter denial you’ve been bathing in to hide the confession.

“Todoroki, I-”

Your voice is cut off by a blazing hand drifting beneath the hem of your shirt, fingers dipping against your spine, “I hate it when you call me that.”

Your eyes go wide but he’s enraptured you with another kiss square on the lips. Your words fall into the confines of his throat, never to be heard again as he swallows them into silence.

Hands are everywhere, so much so that you can’t tell where you begin and he ends.

Shouto nips your lip and you gasp, your hips canting forward of their own accord. Your mouth is gaping, begging for air, and he gives in to your silent request, drifting his lips downward to your jawline. He mutters a string of curse words as your hands finally make their way to his hair and shoulders, digging into him like he might float away.

He hums against your collarbone, teeth bared as he licks and nips at your skin. The alcohol in your bloodstream mixed with his essence in your veins only spins your mind into overdrive, dizzying you to the point that your eyes cross. You whine as he bites kisses into your skin, fingernails dug sharply into the skin of his back through his shirt. There will most likely be little crescent moon imprints when you release.

The trail of his kisses loops back up the column of your throat, teeth grazing your jaw as he works his way to your mouth again. You whine into his lips when his frozen fingers stroke your bare skin beneath your top, “Shouto, please-”

Todoroki’s confidence grows when he hears you moan his name into the air, begging him with only a few syllables. He disconnects his mouth from yours to look you in the eyes, “God, you’re so damn pretty, y’know?”

Your mouth hangs open and Todoroki must hold himself back from slipping his thumb between your parted, full lips. A shuddering breath passes between the two of you, time frozen as the moment sits still. It allows the both of you to agonize over one another, taking in each and every wanton feature as you beg quietly.

“So pretty,” he whispers before digging his hands into your backside and tugging you forward so you wrap yourself around him. His mouth is on you in a flash, all teeth and tongue pulling and prodding at you in a divine way you’re sure only he has mastered.

You are enraptured by him, fully captivated with his dual-ended quirk sending your body into a haze. Your mind is bewildered, thrown into a twirl of rum and Todoroki. If he were to give you a moment to catch your breath, you might be able to find it within your resolve to push him off you, to tell him how wrong this is. And yet, with his tongue tangled in your teeth, you can’t force the word no out of your throat.

Instead it is just his name.

Todoroki picks you up to deposit you on the countertop, thumbs digging into your hips to help you settle. His fingers make quick work of your top, slipping beneath them hem to graze over the swell of your breast on the underside. You whimper at the ghost of his touch, trying to angle your arms so you can tug at the band of his sweats.

When he realizes what you are fumbling with, he uses the bottoms of his feet to tug his pants down to his ankles. He steps out of them, but you can’t focus on anything other than the prominent bulge strained against his dark briefs. You have to swallow the drool accumulating in the center of your mouth, threatening to pool over the corners of your lips if you were to speak.

Before he tugs your shirt over your head, he looks into your eyes, sincerity cutting through the lust clouding his irises, “Last chance.”

He is giving you an out. One last clear path to purity.

You hesitate for a moment and his hands curl tighter around the hem of your top, restraining himself from ripping it away like an animal. His jaw is quivering as he waits on your response, nostrils flaring when you do not answer right away.

Whether it is the alcohol or the need talking, you are the conduit for the words spoken next, “Fuck me, Shouto. Now.”

Your shirt is yanked over your head unceremoniously, but you don’t care. Your eyes are wandering, begging for him to be nearly as naked as you. You don’t have to ask, because he’s already stepping away from you to remove the offensive piece of clothing, baring his body to you.

You’ve seen him shirtless countless times, especially upon moving into the Todoroki residence. He goes on shirtless jogs and sometimes does not wear anything on his torso for a while after he’s showered. There are days he has hardly anything remaining of his costume, after a particularly rough villain or training session.

And yet, this time it feels different.

He is baring himself for you. The intimacy of the moment does little to dull the ache in your mind, the strain of your heart in your ribs. You know that if he were to show you much more openness, you may have bruises beneath your skin from the way your heart threatens to beat at such a quick, tumultuous pace.

Shouto wastes little time in lurching forward to palm at your breasts, mouth too busy with your lips to pay attention to much else. You hitch your thigh between his hips, the curve of your leg brushing into his clothed cock. He grunts into the trap of your teeth, brow tugged with focus as he ruts his hips upward into you. You’re sure to put pressure back against him, the tip of his cock bulging on your thigh.

“Sho’,” you whimper when his mouth drifts from your lips to your neck. Your hands find his hair and his shoulder, eyelids fluttering halfway closed while he licks and nips at your thin, sensitive skin. Your throat burns, flesh aching as he starts to bite into you, rolling the skin between his teeth slowly, agonizing your very core.

A fresh wave of arousal coats the inside of your walls, and you know it is stained your panties, but you don’t have enough dignity to care. All that is on your mind is how he can take you on the countertop, and if you’ll be able to keep quiet enough not to wake the sleeping girl up the flight of stairs.

“Shit,” he’s cursing when your hand finds his bulge, “sweetheart, I-”

His breath is stuttered over your collarbone as you begin to palm him through his briefs. The nickname tumbling from his lips in a moan turns your stomach, effervescent champagne bubbles drifting up from your belly until they are suffocating your lungs. You gasp to relieve yourself of the pent-up anticipation as his left hand reaches the button of your shorts.

Shouto is careful as he unbuttons your pants, slipping the coarse fabric of your jeans down your thighs. As he squats down to help you out of them, all you can think of is what might happen if you were to grab him by the hair and force his mouth to your cunt.

Almost like he was reading your mind, he leans forward after he’s tossed your jeans to the other side of the kitchen floor and his mouth ghosts over your core. Your lower lip wobbles and you must bite your tongue to keep your mewling cries from tumbling out in excess. Todoroki kisses the top of your thigh, nose nudging over the edge of your lace underwear, his eyes closed so you cannot make out the expression settled in his ordinarily stoic irises.

“If you smell this good, I can only imagine how wonderful you taste,” Todoroki smirks against your skin, tilting his head so he can look up at you from his crouched position.

Your hips cant forward at the sentence, pussy already dripping just from the timbre of his deep voice. The vibrations of his word are like shockwaves straight to your core and you want to beg him to give you something, even a teasing lick over the center of your underwear.

Shouto kisses the little bow at the center of your panties, smiling as he snags the accent between the bite of his teeth and uses it to tug your underwear down your thighs. Your muscles tense, his ministrations slow and tantalizing. He chuckles and the sound shoots through your bones as if they were hollow like a feather, the warm honey of his laughter seeping slowly into your every pore and breaking down what remains of your resolve.

You have to cover your mouth with your hands when you yelp at the pad of his thumb brushing back the hood of your clit. His cool palm finds your thigh, just below the curve of your ass, and he stabilizes you with a firm grip, “Sit still, Princess.”

The authoritative tone of his voice turns your spine rigid, eyes facing the wall as he butterflies your pussy so he can see the silvery strands of slick built up between your layers of skin. He licks his lips and you feel the threatening heat of his tongue near your clit and you’re squirming. You are white knuckling the countertop, jaw under immense pressure as you clamp your teeth harshly.

He does not give you warning before delving his tongue between your folds, licking up your accumulated slick with one slow movement. His glittering grey iris tries to find your face, but the only thing he can make out is the line of your jaw and chin as your head is thrown back. Shouto chuckles before starting to explore the glutenous walls of your cunt with his tongue, his one hand still pressed into your thigh, fingers digging so hard that you are sure there will be bruises tomorrow morning.

Your body responds to him quickly, hips canting forward to buck against his mouth, begging for something more than just the quick slithering of his tongue in and out of you. In retaliation, Shouto presses his tongue flat, creating the illusion that it is thicker than before. You keen when he turns the pad of his thumb near your clit, close but not near enough.

“Sho’, please,” you pant, sweat beginning to bead up on your temples from the anticipation alone.

His cocky smirk is something you can sense when he speaks, but even further, you can feel it as he continues to lavish your pussy with his tongue. He huffs before standing to his feet, your slick mixed with his saliva giving his mouth a dangerous glint in the lowlight of the kitchen.

Shouto licks his lips as he steps closer to you again, bodies flush with one another. The hand that you know could burn you in an instant drifts down your side towards your pussy and you feel every muscle in your body clench at the thought of what kind of damage he could do to you if he tried.

Oh, and you’d let him.

You are about to beg him again, wanton moans vibrating your throat, but he intercepts you before you can lower your inhibitions any further. Shouto’s elongated middle finger slips just between your folds, using his saliva and your slick to lubricate his digit as he begins to pump up into you.

Todoroki Shouto is by no means a small man.

However, he is not so muscular that it looks like he is uncomfortable whenever he is walking. He is lean but built, which means that even though his hands are thick with muscle, they are not painful when pressed into your tight heat. Rather, they are snug and comfortable, his knuckle providing a pleasure you’ve not experienced before.

The tip of his finger brushes the spongy spot at the base of your core, and you swear you feel him in your spine. Shouto leans forward kiss you and you receive him quickly, desperate for some sort of tactile relief. He’s grinning into your lips, but you do not care so long as you find some reprieve from the coil beginning to twist within your stomach.

“So fuckin’ tight,” Todoroki whispers into your teeth as his tongue licks against your gums.

At his comment, you clench your cunt around his fingers, tightening your hold only to see how he will react. His hand stills for a moment, but then he is pushing another finger to accompany the first, splitting your cunt open despite the vice-like grip you have on his knuckle. He pumps until the base of his digits are finding the heat of your pussy, his fingerprints searing into your walls as you attempt to stay clamped around him.

Your legs begin to shake from the way you are holding yourself up on your toes, knees bent so you can be closer to his body. Todoroki feels the tremors in your thighs as his hand roams the dense muscle, whispering, “C’mere, love,” and then he’s picking you up gingerly.

Shouto hooks one of your legs around his waist at the knee, arching your back so your cunt is still butterflied open for him. Your other leg dangles from the countertop as he balances you on the edge.

The way his fingers work into you is nothing short of sinful, that white-hot flash of pleasure sinking into your eyelids slowly but surely. You begin to lose your peripheral vision as the impending ecstasy begins to settle in. The crest of the wave is close, his knuckles dragging salaciously against the innermost part of you.

Your jaw hangs open the closer you are to coming undone, panting breaths prying your lips apart. You feel utterly exposed in front of him like this, lewdly strewn against the counter that you were sipping rum and whiskey against not even a half hour ago. And yet, somehow, Shouto’s hand cradled against your shoulders is all you need to bring your self-consciousness down to a manageable level.

From this angle, you can reach down and pull Shouto’s briefs down so his cock can spring free. You’re palming at him as soon as you see the dark red of his cockhead. He stutter-steps forward when you pump him the first time, eyes close to bulging from their sockets at the sensation.

You twist his cock in your palm, running your thumb against the pearlescent bead of pre-come collected at the curve of his slit. Using what you can of the liquid, you drag your damp thumb down the length of his cock for slight lubrication. Shouto bucks into your hand when you bob your palm up and down to connect with the base of his pubic bone.

Now that you’re secure on the countertop, Shouto allows his free hand to wander around the curvatures of your body, mapping out the dips and contours of your frame. His hand is on your neck, thumb brushing your jaw, when your mouth drops open from a particularly pleasurable swipe of his fingers. Your cunt is dripping, and you’re honestly not sure if it even matters if you come, he should be able to slip right between your tight heat with ease.

“S’pretty,” he murmurs, kissing your cheek as his thumb brushes the bow of your bottom lip.

On instinct, your tongue laps towards the digit, silently begging for him to do more.

Shouto listens, dipping his thumb into your mouth, pressing the pad of his finger into the thick muscle of your tongue. You lick and suck at him, rolling your mouth to match the pace of your hand as you work his hard cock towards release. Shouto fixes the rhythm of his fingers so every part of your bodies are going at the same speed.

The collective sensations of his hands and mouth are too much and you cry out, digging your free hand into his shoulder to attempt and ground yourself. You pant, looking up at him with bejeweled irises, tears sitting dormant on your lashes as a whine sits pretty on your lips.

“What is it?��� he asks, borderline patronizing. “Are you gonna come on my fingers?”

Your lower lip trembles and you feel yourself slipping into some subservient headspace at the tone in his voice. You nod, rolling your hips to meet him as he slows his hand, “P-Please, Shouto, I-”

“I want you to come,” he murmurs into your ear, leaning forward so his breath is hot on your skin. The hand he has buried in your cunt begins to heat and the searing sensation sends your mind reeling. Shouto nudges his nose along your jawline, warmth creeping along the base of his palm, “C’mon, love, I want to see you come. Make a pretty little face for me, yeah?”

His words do little to quell the growing ache between your thighs, the pent-up need begging to be released. You clench around him again, not forgetting his cock between your hand. You continue to twist your wrist, flicking your fingers along the length of his dick, dragging with just enough pressure to make his eyes cross. Teasing the head, you drag the pad of your thumb over it, catching another swell of pre-come and trailing the liquid down the thick shaft.

You whimper his name, squeezing your eyes closed so harshly that the corners of your lids crinkle. Your sounds only grow louder when his mouth begins to suck at your nipple, massaging your breast in his chilled hand. The crystallization of ice draws your attention, a frozen cold so intense that it almost feels hot in its own unique way.

There is a stinging excitement at the duality of the temperatures that grow further apart the longer he activates his quirk. Your nipples pebble while your pussy floods from the heat, copious amounts of slick trickling down his fingers to pool in the creases of his palm. Shouto murmurs obscenities against your earlobe but you’re in such a realm of fevered phrenzy that you can’t make out he’s even speaking English.

“Sh-Shouto, I-I’m close,” you manage, feeling the way his cock throbs beneath your touch helping to bring you back to the cusp of reality. You dive deep again when his fingertips brush against your cervix, allowing his passion to force you beneath the surface.

His thumb is circling your clit as he murmurs, “C’mon, darling, I know you can do it. Come for me, yeah?”

It’s as if his words united with his caress are enough to shove you head-first into the pool of desire. You are whimpering, cunt fluttering around his fingers as your come drips down the crevices of his palm. Your release reaches his wrist, milky liquid tickling his skin.

“Atta girl,” he kisses your cheek, fingers stilling for a moment to allow you to collect yourself. You continue to ride out your high by bucking your hips over his knuckles, slippery fingers easily providing you the rest of the comfort you need to come down from your high.

“Your turn.”

You’re pushing your way off the countertop when the creaking of the stairs makes your heart still within your chest.

Shouto’s stare flickers from you to the staircase, jaw hung open as he analyzes the sound. When another step echoes in the hallway, he’s quick to yank his briefs and sweats back over his hips. He helps you into your shorts, the silvery strands of your release forgotten as he tugs the fabric up your hips.

You’ve just gotten your pants buttoned when Hana’s teetering figure creates a shadow on the kitchen floor.

“Daddy?” she whimpers, fists digging into her tear-filled eyes.

Shouto swipes his hands against his sweats before crouching in front of her. His palms find her sides quickly, thumbs grazing her rib cage in an attempt at comfort, “Hey, love,” the sound of the nickname makes something stir within your belly, “what’re you doing awake?”

Hana swallows a hiccup, “I-I had a bad dream.”

You step forward, pressing your hand to Shouto’s shoulder, offering a gentle nudge of comfort. Hana blinks up at you, jeweled irises focused on your face, “M-Momma?”

The title holds a weight you had not prepared to carry.

She’s all but forgotten Todoroki, pushing past him to barrel into your shin, wrapping her stubby arms around your knee. She wipes her face against the skin of your thigh, sniffling louder as a fresh wave of tears takes over her body. Her shoulders shudder and you don’t have time to wonder whether she’s cognizant enough to realize that she’s just called you her mother.

You scoop her up in your arms, holding her gingerly by the back and head, and she wraps her legs around your midsection to anchor her little body to your torso like a frightened animal. Hana buries her head into your neck, tears sticking to your skin and creating an unbearable heat.

“You’re not leaving, right?” Hana whimpers, “I-I had a dream that you left.”

In an effort to comfort her, you run your fingers through her hair, gently separating the strands so your nails can scratch her scalp. You kiss her temple, “Of course not, sweetheart. You’re stuck with me.”

She retracts from your neck and a rush of cool air washes over you. Her irises are swallowed by her pupils, thick droplets of tears wetting her cheeks. You smile, forcing yourself to forget the way you were just about to jump her father’s bones, and brush your nose against hers in an eskimo kiss.

“It was just a dream, babe,” you comfort her, making sure you are looking at her directly when you say it so she feels much more solid in the reality that you are here to stay. A soothing hand reaches forward to couple with yours, thumb tracing the bump of her shoulder.

Todoroki kisses the back of her head, “Hana, there’s no need to worry, love.”

“I already lost one mommy,” Hana sounds ancient when she speaks, voice far away and intelligent beyond her young years, “I don’t wanna lose another one.”

Your voice is lodged in your throat now, tears of your own pressing threateningly against the back of your eyes. You try to swallow but the shards of your heart are blocking your windpipe, cutting off your oxygen. Todoroki slips his hands beneath Hana’s armpits, separating her from you so he can cradle her body against his chest, “You’re not losing anyone, sweetheart. Let’s get you back to bed.”

You take this as your cue to leave, grabbing your things as Todoroki takes Hana back up the stairs to her bedroom.

A sense akin to despair settles in your chest, restraining your heart in such a way that makes it difficult to breathe. The world seems to settle atop your shoulders and in the next moments you have turned into Atlas, forced to hold the earth up by your careless grip. Tears settle in your lids as you pull away from the Todoroki residence.

Something tells you that things will never be the same.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

As much as you hate it, that little voice eating away at the back of your mind was right.

The looming reality that Todoroki is avoiding you does little to satisfy the curiosity settled in your bones, affecting you down to the marrow.

Ever since that night, he hardly looks you in the eye.

In fact, he’s barely even around to see you at all.

Todoroki leaves for work before you can emerge from the bathroom with Hana in tow, fresh from a bubble bath and ready for breakfast. He slips back through the doors late at night, normally after eight, so Hana is either passed out with you on the couch or curled up beneath her covers in her bedroom. There is not another time where he touches you gingerly on the shoulder and guides you back to bed, not anymore.

You have wondered many times if you should approach him, beg him for some sort of explanation. Not only is his distance affecting you, but it’s turning Hana into a child you hardly recognize. She is still cheerful a majority of the time, begging you to play princesses and watch Bubble Guppies. But there are times when she turns angry, ripping the heads off her dolls and trying to sabotage Todoroki’s work clothes by drawing on his shoes or dropping her glass of morning milk on his suit jacket.

You start to cook his meals the day before, packaging them up in a Tupperware container that’s always gone when you check at breakfast the next morning. You are not a blind woman, and you normally choose to indulge his silly game of hide and seek instead of confronting him about what happened that night.

However, tonight, you’ve had enough.

Even though he’s decided to spend the weekend at home for the first time in a few weeks, you’ve never felt more on edge. Hana is extremely irritable, nightmares plaguing her mind during the time she’s supposed to be sleeping, and it would seem there is nothing you can ever do to satiate her throughout the day.

Playing princess is boring, coloring is stressful, blowing bubbles is stupid.

You are reaching the end of your rope and Shouto’s evasive presence does little to satiate your temperamental moods. You clutch at the cusp of sanity, praying that it will not leave you just yet; the only thing holding your tongue back from lashing out is the sliver of discretion that you’ve managed to sustain in spite of the day’s events.

“Hey, uh-” Todoroki’s voice is strained as he stands in the archway of the kitchen, “Would you mind making us a couple of sandwiches? I think Hana is getting hungry.”

The warmth from the dishwater gives you something other than his irises to focus on, your eyesight directed downward, “Sure. What would you like?”

“Let’s just do peanut butter and jelly,” Shouto shrugs nonchalantly. “Grape, if we have it.”

Your ears perk up at the mention of a specific flavor. You are certain that if you were to look into the refrigerator that you would not find grape jelly, but it’s obvious that Shouto is otherwise unknowing.

“Grape?” you echo, pulling your hands from the dishwater to wipe them on your hand towel. “You think that’s a smart choice?”

Shouto scoffs and it stings so much that you turn your head away from him, eyes now focused on the floor beneath your feet, “Yes, I’m sure. Why does it matter anyway?”

“Oh, no reason.” You pluck a jar of strawberry jelly from the refrigerator and begin to prepare the countertop for your sandwich making.

He takes a step forward to protest, but you’re waving the knife in his direction before he can stride across the tile, “You listen to me, Todoroki. And you listen good.”

Shouto pauses, throat bobbing as his line of sight zeroes in on your lips. His eyes widen, pupils swallowing his irises in fear. The knife wavering in your grasp holds much more weight than any other butter knife he’s come into contact with.

“We don’t have any grape jelly because your daughter is allergic to grapes.”

Your knuckles turn white as you grip the butter knife in your hand, “And if you were ever here you might notice a thing or two, such as an allergy to something that could, I dunno, kill her?!”

The sound of your voice raising an octave or two reverberates off of the walls and thrums at Shouto’s heartstrings. He swallows thickly, but you’re not done tearing into him just yet.

“This little charade you’ve got going on has got to end.” Your voice is desperate, unhinged, and you feel the honesty scrape against the front of your throat, “Your daughter is turning into someone you can barely recognize, and you’re not far behind her.”

Silence envelopes the room, and the only thing you’re able to hear is your heart beating frantically in your own ears. As your pulse thuds rapidly, rushing like a river of thick emotion throughout your body, you feel your palms begin to sweat. The longer you keep quiet, the louder the sound grows.

Finally, after giving him a few minutes to respond, you press the tops of your fists into your hips, glaring down your nose at him, “If you want me gone, all you had to do was ask. I thought we respected one another enough for that.”

You slap together two sandwiches quickly, tossing the plates onto the counter for him to pick up on his own before you turn and walk from the room. You’re unable to look at him any longer, not sure if it’s the loitering reality that you may have to move on from this chapter of your life or the loss of a generous paycheck and living situation that wraps your heart like the talons of a bird, squeezing until you can’t breathe.

The tumultuous roll of emotions scrapes away at your chest, and you’re surprised that there isn’t blood gushing from your ribs. You lean back against your closed door, head tilted backward to stave off the tears, saltine droplets coating your lashes as they sit in your ducts, pending the gentle sway of your neck to drip down your cheeks.

You aren’t sure how long you stay this way, crumbled against your door with the heat of disappointment building smoke in your lungs. It’s difficult to breathe, a dizziness taking over your mind that you’ve never felt quite so acutely before. You cradle your head in your hands, massaging your temples with your thumbs to try and mitigate the oncoming migraine.

A knock sounds at your door and you jump, hand pressed over your frantic heart, “Y-Yes?”

“Can-Can I come in?”

Shouto.

The sound of his voice does little to staunch the metaphorical puncture wound in your chest. You flex your hands before standing to your feet and opening the door, allowing him to step over the threshold into your room.

“Listen, I think there’s just-”

“No,” you interrupt, a short breath filling your lungs, “I’m going first.”

Todoroki’s eyes dilate, his feet stuttering backward as he takes in your assertive sentence. He grits his teeth, jaw quivering under the stress, but keeps his lips sealed in spite of desperately wanting to speak out.

“If you don’t want me here, you could have just said so.” You wring your hands together, knuckles knocking against one another as you twist your fingers. You close your eyelids and inhale a deep breath, “What happened, u-us kissing, wasn’t professional, and I apologize. But what you’re doing to Hana?”

You flare your nostrils as your hands turn to fists at your side. Todoroki watches you closely, eyes never wavering from your frame as he takes in your quivering, quiet fury. Your jaw muscles tense and you force your eyes to meet his, despite the glossiness settled in them, “You’re never here, Shouto. You missed her ballet recital last week, then you forgot she was allergic to grapes, and now you’re not seeing what’s directly in front of you!”

The more you speak, the louder you become. You can feel your cheeks heating, the tears building up in your eyelids with every syllable. Your fists clench at your sides, and your fingernails dig irately into your palms, so harshly that you swear you might draw blood. Each word draws out an anger in you that you didn’t realize you were harboring, like a fugitive sitting in the cage of your chest, tugging on the bars of your heart as they beg to be broken free.

“Hana deserves better than this, and you know it, Todoroki. So if you don’t get your head out of your ass,” your lower lip wobbles and you reach forward to poke him directly in the chest, index finger dug into the space between his pectorals, “you’re going to lose your daughter.”

You’re shaking your head and your fist as the next sentence comes tumbling from your lips, heart strings fully wound as you speak, “Listen, I don’t know what your problem is, but if it’s me, then I’ll leave.”

Shouto’s brow furrows as he looks down his nose at you, “Are you finished?”

The deadpan of his voice stirs something in your belly, something like an acrid fire that plumes in your chest, the smoke of it all curling around your throat and begging to be spewed like acid from your tongue. Your teeth grind into each other, a creaking sound echoing in your own ears. The way your heart twists in your chest makes it difficult to breathe, but you manage.

“Fuck you, Todoroki.”

You go to turn away from him, your hand falling from his chest, when he snatches you by the wrist, repeating his question, “Are you finished?”

A small remaining sliver of your patience sits heavy on your chest, forcing you to nod your head. Regardless of how you feel about him, Todoroki Shouto is an important man, and you need to leave here a dignified woman. If you make a scene, if you flash your fists and bare your teeth, it’s possible you won’t have another job ever again.

“I don’t want you to quit,” his voice is breathless, an octave higher than normal; he almost sounds sick, “but there is a problem.”

The anticipation of what he might say next brings back that acidic wash in your belly, throat squeezed shut by the clamped hands of insecurity and doubt. Shouto takes a careful step forward, mindful of your personal space as he does so. His fingers never leave your wrist, circled around your arm even as it’s pulled away from his body.

“I think I’m in love with you.”

To say that the world stopped spinning was an understatement.

You feel the whole planet turn on its axis, your body undergoing vertigo as the metaphorical rug is yanked out from beneath your feet. Your stomach flips, the acid molting into lava, hot and sticky as it licks up against your skin, pooling just below your navel. His grip is too restrictive, and you can tell your body is beginning to shift into panic mode.

“You’re right,” he barges in on your internal monologue of self-hatred, eyes boring into your soul, “I’ve been a shitty father, which is painful for me to admit. But it’s the truth.”

The conviction in his voice is solid, and you know that he is being authentic. Todoroki has a clouded past when it comes to his father, Enji. You are aware of the influence his estranged parents have on his relationship with his child, which is one of the reasons his distance has troubled you. Every time he has had enough vulnerability to allow you to peek into the glass panes of his soul, he’s shown you the scars that Endeavor has left on him.

Todoroki uses his free hand to cup your cheek, thumb under your chin to pull your attention back to him, “I tried to distance myself from you to get a better grasp on the way I was feeling.”

His palm grazes down the column of your throat, his eyes careful not to stray to close to your lips or else he’ll get distracted. Your mouth bobs open but you have nothing to say, and the bewildered expression on your face makes him laugh. The sound of his baritone chuckle does little to quell the storm raging beneath your skin, lighting striking with every single touch of his fingers and thunder booming in your chest at the sound of his voice.

“For the longest time, I believed I would never love anyone again after my wife passed away.” The feel of his knuckles slipping between yours, palm searing into you despite it being his right side. At the mention of his wife, your whole being begins to shudder, the weight of expectations and self-doubt pressing into your chest like a mass you cannot remove.

Todoroki swallows the lump in his throat, neck bobbing, “I was content with it just being Hana and I for the rest of our lives, us against the world, until you came along. You fit so perfectly into our family, sliding in seamlessly as if you’d been here the whole time. You managed to win Hana over in a day and now she can’t stop talking about you. And then, when Hana called you mom, it threw me.”

Shouto’s eyes are intense as they stare into you, narrowed and attentive. The odd combination of one blue, one grey, is hard to grasp, unsure of where you should look specifically. His fingers against your neck card through your hair, keeping you anchored to him and this world.

“It was easier for me to dive into work because I knew I’d have you here to pick up the pieces,” Shouto admits, his gaze finally breaking away from your face to narrow focus to his sock-clad feet. “I was so weak for you that I couldn’t bear it. And then you and Hana both suffered for my cowardice.”

A wave of destiny washes over you, looming like a shadow, begging you to make a decision.

“Todoroki, this is-”

“I told you,” his thumb grazes your cheekbone, “not to call me that.”

Your jaw hangs open and tears cloud your vision, and you want to smile no matter how hard your body fights against you. Your lower lip quivers and you shake your head, saltine droplets lingering on your cheeks, “I-I can’t, Shouto. I’m not right for you and Hana, I’m not-oh.”

His mouth slots against yours, angled perfectly to capture your lips in a gentle kiss. Shouto’s hands are on your face, holding you in place so you can’t run from him, despite how every cell under your skin is screaming to bolt from your place.

As he parts from you, you’re left in a daze of euphoria, eyes half-lidded, mouth still pursed as you chase after him, pleading for more.

“You can’t tell me you don’t feel the same way,” he murmurs, thumb brushing your lower lip before retreating to trace your jawline.

And you know that you can’t; your body has already betrayed your words with the simple action of a kiss. Your hands follow suit, wrapped around the fabric of his shirt to keep him close, frightened he might leave you all over again.

Shouto’s hands drift down your abdomen, slow against your rib cage as if he were counting each bone to make sure they were all there, safe and sound. He kisses your forehead and then your nose, mouth hovering over the bow of your lips, eyes begging you even though his voice is caught in his lungs.

You say a stupid thing then, just something meant to break up the quiet, but with the floaty tone of your voice it breeds for much more wicked thoughts.

“Your lips are really warm.”

Shouto laughs before devouring you at the seam of your mouth, leaning forward to scoop you up in his arms, hands dug in at your thighs. You squeal against his lips, wrapping your legs around his waist, your fingers dipping into the muscle of his shoulders for an anchor.

He’s got you back against the bed before you can breathe again, leaning back on his thighs so he can pull his shirt over his head with ease. Your palms are like magnets to his abdomen, fingerprints finding each curve and dip of his muscle, praying you can map it out so you might memorize it for the times when he’s not able to be this close.

As his fingertips graze beneath the hem of your shirt, your eyes go wide, stuttering breath accompanied by panicked words, “H-Hana? Is she-”

Shouto chuckles, “She’s laid down for her nap. We have about two hours.”

The devilish glint in his eyes does little to quell the rampant thoughts running in your mind. You suddenly want to feel his hands and mouth everywhere on your body, insatiable in your lust for his touch.

“Sh-Shouto, please,” you’re panting and he hasn’t even undressed you yet, “need you.”

A devout confession such as that one, something so primal in its nature, shifts his demeanor from playful to sinful. Now his fingertips are dancing beneath your shirt, palming over your skin like he might find a hidden treasure in your bones.

He shakes his head, nose grazing your cheek as he starts towards your collarbone, “Tell me what you need, darling.”

“Need you.”

You are quick in your answer, eyes screwed shut at the tantalizing ministrations of his fingers on your flesh. He is teasing you, just close enough to your breast that it hitches your breathing, but not too close to where you can feel pleasure. A hot wash of arousal rolls into your body, slick beginning to gather between your thighs.

“More specific,” the words are muttered around the skin of your chest, one of his hands tugging on your collar to bare more of your body to him.

You whine, bucking your hips upward, knowing exactly the shape his cock will be in beneath the underwear that has him caged from you. You reach forward and tug at the waistline of his briefs, “Please, Shouto, I want to feel you.”

At the mention of feel, he takes you by surprise as he slips two fingers between your folds, curling into you quickly. You muffle your whine into the pillow, turning your face so your cheek is smushed against the downy cushion. Shouto’s palm that isn’t occupied with your tight heat tugs your shirt up over the tops of your breasts, baring your chest to the cool air of the bedroom.

“You are feeling me, sweetheart,” he teasingly licks over your nipple, thankful for the lack of a bra separating you from his wanton tongue.

Another moan drags salaciously from your lips, vibrating your throat and making his cock twitch, “Sho’, wan’ your cock. Please.”

You’re able to drag his pants and briefs down at once, his cock springing free from the restricting fabric. When it bobs against his abdomen, enflamed red cockhead leaking pre-come, you feel saliva build up in the back of your throat. You start to pump him as best you can, watching as his weighty balls swing under your touch.

Everything about him is enticing, from his dual-toned hair to his heterochromatic eyes to his chiseled body. You’d use your tongue on every part of him if he’d let you, but right now you’re focused on only one thing.

Once Shouto has coaxed enough of your arousal to coat his hand, he curls his fingers into you one last time, collecting the silvery fluid on his fingers, and then stands to step out of his clothes. You keen at the loss of contact, eyes wide open so you don’t miss a second.

“C’mon, baby, take your clothes off for me.”

At his command, you’re stripping down until you’re bare in front of him, clothes in a pool of fabric on the floor right next to his. Even the simple intimacy of his clothing overlapped with yours does things to your heart, a pinpricking sensation making your skin heat.

“Hi,” he whispers, fingers framing your face as you get lost in his touch. His voice is gentle, and his touch is probing in the best of ways, a genuine smile tugging his lips upward as you echo the word back to him.

You can feel your arousal tumbling within the confines of your body, begging to be put to use as you feel his cock against your thigh. Todoroki guides you back into the mattress, shoulders pressing into the cool sheets, your body given some sort of contrast to the molten heat circulating under your skin. Your blushed skin draws Shouto’s attention, eyes dragging over each inch of your body, mesmerized by your beauty.

Todoroki shakes his head, “You’re beautiful, you know?”

And at the end of his sentence, acting like punctuation, his cock slides between your heat.

Your eyelids flutter shut and your hands are on him in an instant, nails dug into his flesh to try and dispel some of the energy already built up within your fragile body. Shouto feels lightning spark up into his spine, the trails of it striking his hidden heart, licking at the edges of the glass box keeping him imprisoned from the world.

As your cunt clenches around him and your mouth utters his name like a prayer, Shouto can tell that his chest is constricting, tightening around his heart in an attempt to break himself free from the confines of his past.

“Sho’,” you’re mewling for him now as the veins of his cock drag salaciously against your tight, glutenous walls. Silvery slick coats his dick and he moans as your pussy clamps again.

He begins to build up the speed of his thrusts, his thumb brushing over your clit slowly, the very beginning of a pleasurable end building up within your belly. His mouth is attached to anything on you he can find – breast, collarbone, jaw, throat, cheek. Teeth and tongue lash out at you, parting his mouth so his heated breath can wash over your body.

Shouto focuses as best he can on forcing heat down the length of his arm, pinpointing the warmest point onto the tip of his thumb. You preen, eyes bulging out of your sockets well enough that he can translate your pleasure. On the opposing hand, the one currently preoccupied with your nipple, begins to freeze. Gooseflesh trembles on his arm but he does not mind, not when he gets to hear your panting whines of his name mixed with the begging sounds of please, please, please.

“Such a good girl,” Shouto murmurs into the thin skin of your throat, tongue delving from between his lips to lavish your jugular. “So pretty, laid out just for me.”

You nod your head as best you can, eyes wide as you drink in his praise. Your mouth bobs open but you can’t form words, not anything intelligent anyway. Shouto reaches his icy thumb towards your lips, brushing his cool touch over the heated skin, steam wafting between the two of you.

“Have you been thinking about this as long as I have?” he asks rhetorically, not expecting you to answer based on the fucked out look in your eyes, the drool seeping from the corner of your mouth as his body makes quick work of you. Shouto grunts, “I’ve wanted to take you against every damn surface in this house for months.”

His left hand peels from your clit, running up over the curve of your thigh to press beneath your knee, pushing your leg upward so he can thrust into you from a better angle. Your hands are stuck on the sheets now, his body just out of reach thanks to the twisting of your hips. Shouto slams into you, balls slapping your ass as he ruts forward.

You feel his cock harden even further from within the confines of your cunt, the tip of him brushing against the spongy corner of your insides. After another deep thrust he’s bottomed out within you, hips absolutely flush with your thighs as he presses into you.

Shouto leans forward, not daring to pull himself away from you just yet, enjoying the way you envelope him fully, “You think you can come for me, love? I want to feel you come all over my cock.”

“Y-Yes, Shouto, I-I’m getting there, almost,” you promise him, eyes fucked out to the point you can barely make sense of his frame loitering above you. Your lower lip wobbles as you pout, “A-Are you gonna-fuck-want you to come in me.”

It’s a simple sentence, but the weight of it makes Todoroki’s heart stop. He knows you’re on preventatives, he’s had to stay home with Hana to cover during the day for your doctor’s visits. But something stirs at the base of his cock, weighing in the thick of his body, and for some reason he wishes you were his for the taking in every sense of the word.

As you whimper beneath him, his eyes trail over your body, landing on your belly. His fiery touch grazes the swell of your stomach where he knows his cock is pressed deep within you. His balls throb at the thought of coating every inch of you in his spend, you begging for more as it leaks out of you and onto the sheets; him drawing you into another round just to make sure that you’re stuffed full.

Suddenly, a fracture within his chest allows him to breathe deeper. As you buck your hips into him, begging him for more, telling him how good he’s making you feel, Shouto recognizes the fragile box surrounding his heart, guarding it from the world, has begun to shatter.

“Shouto, please,” you are begging him now, glassy eyes and pitched tone designed just for him, “Need to feel you, everywhere.”

Your plea is the final rock thrown at the glass box, cracking it in every direction. Shards of emotion lodge in his throat, tearing into him so he cannot breathe. As he gasps for breath, fingers digging into your skin, he knows he’s bruising you but he can’t bring himself to think of it as anything other than finally marking you down at his.

And then, when your breathy voice curls in the air, settling on his chest like a balm, he feels the glass melt away, turning to liquid fire in his gut. The words you utter tear open his heart, leaving a gaping, belligerent wound that he knows only you can mend.

“I love you, Shouto, I love you too.”

His eyes find yours, wide and wanting. You nod as if that will solidify his place in the universe, tears blurring your vision, repeating the sentiment over and over again, uncaring to the way your face looks glassy beneath the lowlight of the bedroom. You just need him to know, need him to understand.

“Shit,” he pushes the heel of his palm into the bottom of your stomach, itching to feel the way his cock pulses in and out of you as he thrusts into your body. His thoughts are even more permanent now, the idea of filling you up, pouring his body into you in the most primal way possible, is the only thing he can see. Your hand makes its way into his hair, tugging at the crown of his head as you lean forward.

A mix of crimson and white is bunched between your fists, matching the little tufts of hair that tickle your pelvis every time he bottoms out within you. You scrape your nails against his scalp, but that only spurs him on faster, panting moans busting his throat open and begging you for more.

Your lashes flutter against the tops of your cheeks, mouth parted so he can see the pink of your tongue, “Sh-Sho’, I’m close.”

He makes it his mission to twitch his cock within your walls, providing an extra layer of stimulation as his channels himself into you mercilessly. Somehow, he does it with such a finesse that it does not feel rushed or sloppy. Shouto is very careful, precise, in everything he does, and you are not surprised it works its way into the mannerisms he exhibits between the sheets as well.

“C’mon, darling,” he coos into your ear, folding your thighs upward so you’re fully pressed into the mattress, “I want you to come for me, yeah? I want you to coat my cock. You can do it, you’re close, I can feel it.”

His praise intertwined with the thickness of his cock bulging within you breaks the crest of the wave, allowing pleasure to flow through your body and onto his cock, coating him in your thick, sweet release.

“Fuck, you feel good.” Shouto continues to thrust upward into you, eyes focused on your face as he uses your cunt to bring his own euphoria down from the clouds. He’s looking down at you, jaw hung wide as he buries his cock into your tight heat, enjoying the way your slick lubricates his length.

You buck up into him and he drops his head to your collarbone, thrusts becoming sloppier the longer he tries to hang on to the edge of the cliff. Your hand in his hair tugs on the strands, mouth by his ear as you whisper, “Please, Shouto, want to feel you come in me. I want you to pump me full of your hot load, stuff me-ah.”

His hips stutters as he releases his seed into you, tongue lapping at your throat carelessly to try and force his body not to start up again. The need to feel you coming around him, begging for his cock and come, is something he has been denying for too long.

“I love you,” he whispers into the curve of your earlobe, nipping at the skin as his hips still. “Fuck, I love you.”

You smile, pressing a kiss to the curve of his scalp, “I love you too.”

As he reaches the extent of his high, he presses his body flat into you, cock twitching within your core. Your palms find his shoulders, grazing gently with your fingernails until he’s moaning into your neck, hot breath fanning out over your skin.

“Unless you want to go again, I suggest you put an end to that,” he warns, but there is no intent behind it.

You laugh, rubbing your ankle against his calf, “We’ve got a little one about to wake from her nap. Maybe later.”

And that is a promise you fully intend to keep.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

“Momma?”

You turn your head, pancakes on the griddle in front of you, “Yes, honey?”

Hana bounces towards you, white chiffon dress bubbling out at her knees, “When is breakfast ready?”

“When daddy gets back from his run,” you answer her, squatting in front of her to smooth the wrinkles from the fabric of her dress. “I made yours with choco-chips.”

Her eyes go wide and you feel a little sunbeam shining directly on your heart, warming your chest. She grabs you by the cheeks, palms squishing your lips together, “You can’t tell daddy!”

“Oh, I won’t,” you promise, voice distorted from the way she has you in her grasp. You brush a hand through her silver curls, tucking the strands away from her face. “Your secret is safe with me.”

“Don’t tell daddy what?”

Hana squeals, turning on her heels to sprint towards the garage door. She’s on Shouto’s leg in an instant, clutching him like her life depends on it. You stand back to your feet, brushing your thighs clean before turning back to the griddle to start another round of pancakes.

“We can’t tell you or else it won’t be a secret, duh!” Hana sticks her tongue out as she pokes Shouto’s leg, rolling her eyes like it should be obvious. “Look, Momma’s making pancakes!”

Todoroki looks across the room at you, eyes reminding you of colorful gems as they behold you. Every time you catch him staring at you, you swear it’s even more infatuated than the last, his love for you only growing as time passes.

“Is she?” He peels her from his leg to shift her into his arms, holding her securely against his side. Todoroki walks over to you, leaning into the counter so he’s close enough that you can reach him but far enough that he can’t burn Hana on the griddle.

“You’re back quicker than I expected,” you admit, pouring batter out onto the stovetop. You grab the spatula, prepared to flip once they look done enough, “Did you pull something?”

Shouto shakes his head, leaning forward to intercept you with a kiss to the lips, “I just missed you.”

“Ew, gross! Kissing means cooties!” Hana pushes your faces apart, a hand on your mouths as she dramatically lolls her tongue out of her mouth to prove her disgust.

You chuckle, leaning forward to brush her hair from her eyes again, tucking it behind her ear even though you know it will spring forward not long after. Your eyes flash from her to her father, watching the pride settle into his irises, solidifying them even more. A gentle touch of your hand to his bicep brings him back to you, gaze unwavering as he maps out the features of your face yet again, each time finding something new to behold.

“Well, that means you have time to shower before we eat,” you squeeze his arm and return to your station at the griddle, flipping the next set of pancakes. “I’ve still got to make eggs and bacon, and some hash browns for the princess.”

Hana is beaming, bright smile tugging on the strings of your heart, “Momma makes the best hash browns.”

Todoroki places her back down on the ground, patting her backside as a silent gesture to tell her to go play. She takes his hint, sprinting back into the living room to resume her tea party with a stuffed elephant and a Ken barbie doll.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You never-ooh.”

He’s got you by the neck with one hand, the other anchoring to your hip to hold you close. Todoroki melds your mouths together, the heat of his body quickening your pulse. He steps closer, knee between your thighs so you can feel the hard bulge pressing into the fabric of his running shorts.

You hum as he parts from you, pancakes momentarily forgotten in the wake of his affections. You pat your hands on his chest, gnawing on your lower lip, “Smooth one, Todoroki.”

Shouto pinches your hip, growing smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth, “You. Me. Nap time.”

“Oh?” you ask as he unwinds himself from you, nudging your body back towards the griddle.

“And I’m not talking about sleeping.”

Todoroki disappears from around the corner, slipping up the stairs to your now shared bedroom.

You can’t help the laugh that bubbles from your lips. When you go to turn this set of pancakes, the diamond sitting on your left hand catches the luminescent lights of the kitchen and you marvel at it. You roll your ring around on your finger, trying to find a different angle to appreciate it from, but you’ve already memorized the shape of it after three years of marriage.

Your palm finds the gentle swell of your navel beneath the baggy t-shirt you’re wearing, one of Shouto’s early proofs for a new merchandise design. You bite your lip and look down, speaking to the rustling new life currently blooming in your belly, “Here’s to tomorrow, little one. May it always be just a little better than today.”

The pancakes are done and the bacon is sizzling when Shouto returns with damp hair and a pair of sweats on the lower half of his body. He curls an arm around you from behind, kissing your shoulder, “Smells good, love.”

You turn to offer him a kiss, which he takes with fervor. Hana voices her disgust from her seat at the table, but Shouto hushes her quickly with a playful rise of his eyebrow, pointed finger making her giggle.

The three of you are sat down to breakfast, just like any other Saturday, but this one feels special for some reason. You can’t quite make it out; maybe it’s the sun shining outside or the crisp breeze blowing through the open windows, but your soul is settled in a way that can only be achieved by utter bliss.

“Hey,” Shouto calls you from your stupor, “your choco-chip pancakes are going cold.”

You blink slowly, returning your gaze to him, a gentle smile on your face.

At least you’ll get to spend the rest of your life with someone as mindful and kind as Todoroki Shouto.

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

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[bokunoheroanalysisforthefuture]

Part one of three for the Izuku vs Shouto match. Let’s get it done.

[No. 38 - Todoroki vs. Midoriya]

No cover page, just diving right into the chapter. Ochako rejoins the rest of the class in the stands, asking Tenya and Tokoyami whether the match has started yet, and that she has to see this. Tenya, meanwhile, is a bit more concerned about how swollen Ochako’s eyes and face look, fretting over whether she was blinded and that she should hurry up and go see Recovery Girl. Ochako assures him she already did, and that this is from… something else. Tenya remarks that she’s not having the best of days. Tokoyami tells her not to regret her loss, just learn from it and move on. Ochako agrees, then focused on the match, wondering how Izuku is gonna deal with the ice. 

Briefly, we slide over to where Shigaraki is watching on his computer. Sensei, through the microphone, tells him to observe and learn, because those two (Izuku and Shouto) may someday become obstacles in his path. Shigaraki calls it a load of crap. 

Shigaraki’s room is… huh. Can definitely see that one article with All Might, but the other stuff… other heroes? And hero figurines? Not to mention he just has. Bags of (presumably) trash in his room. Overall, I… don’t quite know what to say about it. 

We get one panel of Inko still crying over Izuku, the floor covered in a large mass of wadded tissues and empty boxes of tissues. Then we shift to the stadium, where the teachers are seated. Thirteen recognizes the two as the ones who tried to save Toshinori back at the USJ, which Toshinori confirms. He thinks back on those rescues, stating that he can’t put his finger on it, but the two are connected in some way.

(Interesting expression on Endeavor’s face as well. Wonder if Izuku got under his skin a bit?)

On the arena floor, Izuku and Shouto both analyse their opponents - Izuku knows Shouto’s going to come at him with his ice, while Shouto thinks of how risky it would be if he let Izuku fire off that power. Both conclude that as soon as the match starts, they attack - and so they do. 

Shouto throws ice forward, while Izuku pulls his middle finger back with his thumb and aims before flicking it, blasting away all the ice and sending a cold wave across the stadium. Shouto expected as much, thinking on how Izuku is determined to counter, even if it means destroying himself. 

Present Mic plays up how Izuku smashed through the ice. Toshinori notes how Izuku had no way of knowing how strong Shouto’s attack would be, so he didn’t stick with five percent - he used a full 100% blast! But it does make sense, with no other way to defend against that ice. Shouto sends out another wave, which Izuku smashes again. 

Izuku is definitely feeling the pain, but forcing himself to focus on the match instead of his broken fingers. From what he’s seen, Shouto’s fights always end in a flash, so he hasn’t learned much from watching them. He’ll have to learn while fighting; he’ll just observe and look for an opening… The ice behind Shouto is most like a counter strategy to keep from getting blown away. In that case, using a finger was the right choice, since he might even be able to handle a 100% arm sacrificing smash. Observe, calculate, find an opening! He’s got six shots left!

Shouto seems to realize just how stubborn Izuku plans on being, and grits his own teeth, once again sending ice at Izuku. A third finger is sacrificed to the cause. 

Kirishima finally rejoins the class in the stands, put out that the match already started. Kaminari congratulates him on getting to the second round. Kirishima thanks him, then notes that he’s up against Katsuki next. Katsuki states he’ll kill Kirishima, which Kirishima laughs off while saying he’d like to see him try. Kirishima then notes how Katsuki and Shouto can fire off as many of those crazy-strong attacks as they want. 

Katsuki tells Kirishima to not be an idiot, much to his confusion. Katsuki then goes on to explain: Strain your muscles, and you’ll tear them. Run too much, and you’ll be out of breath. Quirks are still physical abilities. Even Shouto has to have some kind of limit. Katsuki privately notes his own limits in how much power he can put out - that’s why he thought up those mods for his costume that let him fire off more explosions that he can usually handle.

Kirishima figures Katsuki is right, then guesses that against the instant-kill, Izuku is trying to stretch the match out. Abet, Shouto is technically the one finishing that train of thought, before stating that that won’t be happening, and that he’ll end this quickly. Izuku is forces to use the last finger on his right hand to deflect the next ice wave, while Shouto rushes forward to close the gap. 

Shouto runs up his wave of ice while Izuku switches to his left hand, only for Shouto to leap over the blast of air, right over Izuku’s head. He tries to slam down directly onto Izuku, but Izuku throws himself backwards just in time. Shouto lashes out with ice to try and capture Izuku from up close; Izuku’s foot is caught as he realizes Shouto’s too close. He lashes out, sending an even large blast of air that Shouto is forced to brace himself against. Shouto notes how they was a lot stronger than Izuku’s early attacks, and asks if Izuku is telling him to stay back. 

Izuku is… not looking in great shape. 

Izuku notes how Shouto is way more than just his quirk; he has excellent judgement, execution, mobility… everything about him is strong! Shouto comments on Izuku only defending and dodging, and that it’s taking a toll on him. However, Izuku’s noticed something interesting - Shouto is shivering. 

The crowds chatter about the match, noting how Shouto is already stronger than most pros, as expected of the son of the no. 2 hero. Shouto is ticked off at the commentary. He apologizes to Izuku for all this. He still appreciates it, though. Thanks to Izuku, Endeavor isn’t looking too happy with the match. Izuku flashes back to Shouto’s comment on denying Endeavor everything. Shouto continues speaking - with both hands destroyed, Izuku can’t fight anymore. So it’s time to end this. 

Present Mic comments on Shouto’s relentless assault continuing, wondering whether this next attack will win it all. However, Izuku is not done yet, flinging out another blast at Shouto to smash the ice.

Both Toshinori and Katsuki seem shocked at this development, while Shouto, who was not expecting it, is almost flung out of the ring before he can catch himself at the edge with his ice. Shouto realizes that he’s still using his broken fingers, and asks why Izuku is going that far. Izuku notes that Shouto is shivering. Quirks are still just physical abilities - there must be a limit to how much cold he can bear. But then, he could always use his left side to thaw himself out, right? 

Everyone is giving it their all - to win, to achieve their goals, to make it to the top. And Shouto is going to win with half his power? 

...I think that last line is supposed to be that ‘you haven’t put a scratch on me’, because phrased like this, it feels weird? Ah well.

Izuku demands Shouto give everything he’s got, and to come at him. Up in the stands, Endeavor thinks back to Izuku’s pointed comment about Shouto not being him, while Shouto wants to know what Izuku is planning.

And so ends the chapter. Man, I just. Can’t stop thinking about what the people in the stadium are hearing and thinking about all this. Because they clearly CAN hear what’s being said, but without all the context… sigh.

Anywho, see y’all Wednesday with part two of the match.

[hoe-doroki]

Illiterate

pairing: Shouto x American fem!Reader (pre-relationship)

wc: 2.1K

genre: comfort, fluff

summary: You did well in the midterms despite missing the first month and a half of school, not to mention all of the previous year at U.A. But being unable to read Japanese makes you feel so stupid. And who comes into the common room after midnight just as you’re about to cry? The boy who hasn’t spoken to you in three weeks. That’ll make you feel better.

edit: I no longer write x reader but here’s my old masterlist - mobile | desktop

Textbook out on your left. Notebook out on your right. Laptop in front. Phone put to the side. You were taking up a whole olive green couch and coffee table in the common room with your materials. But it didn’t much matter, because everyone else had gone to sleep—or if not to sleep, then to their rooms—hours earlier. It was well past midnight on a Monday and, despite the destructive habits that some of the members of class 2-A had, most tried to get a good night’s sleep. It was vital for rebuilding the muscles everyone abused in class every day, not to mention everything else Recovery Girl had mentioned in the mandatory “Health and Wellness” seminar they’d all had to take. You’d missed it, since it had been in the first week of classes, but you had still received the handy dandy pamphlet in your welcome folder a month earlier.

But you were willing to sacrifice a little sleep in order to catch up to your classmates. You might have had an extra two years of high school over them, based on the U.S.’s school system, since you’d just finished junior year when you’d transferred. Technically you hadn’t finished out the year but you’d done all the standardized testing and gotten your final grades. But still, U.A. was much more rigorous than your old school and, in some areas, you had big gaps. You would only be able to fake it in class for so long like that.

You startled when the hallway light went on behind you. There wasn’t a curfew by which you had to be in your room, but you were still half expecting to find Iida behind you, chastising you for being up so late. But it wasn’t Iida—it was Todoroki.

You turned back to your work, hoping that he wouldn’t say anything if you minded your business and didn’t speak to him. Based on your few experiences with the boy so far, it seemed he could be relied on to be quiet. And your strategy seemed to work; you heard him padding in his slippers over to the kitchen and running some water.

Your focus was now broken, though. You looked at the pages you had out in front of you and all the characters started to blur in your head. It felt like the studying you’d just done had left you and that all the hours since dinner had been pointless. The frustration began to bloom again and you felt your face growing hot with it. You were so behind. So not meant to go to school in Japan.

“You should go back to your room.”

Your body stiffened at the quiet voice behind you. If you looked down, you could see Todoroki’s gray slippers. You hadn’t heard him grow so close.

“If I do, I’ll fall asleep.”

“That’s what I mean,” Todoroki said. “You should be in bed.”

“Shouldn’t you be in bed too then?” you shot back.

“I woke up and decided to make some tea. The water’s boiling now.”

It was late enough that Todoroki had already gone to sleep and woken up in the middle of the night. And you had nothing to show for your time but a few haphazard notes and a failing short term memory.

“I just have to stay up a little longer,” you whisper, you throat constricting a little around the simple words.

Todoroki took another step closer and looked at your setup. It was obvious that you were doing work, not messing around or staying up just for the heck of it. Todoroki was one of the brightest kids in the class, in addition to one of the most powerful. Hopefully he would see your efforts and just leave you be.

“Sleep is necessary for processing information by transferring things from one section of the brain to another and strengthening connections,” he said instead. “You’ll learn more if you sleep.”

“I know that, and I will, but just…not yet.”

“Y/N, you placed seventh on the midterm. That’s impressive for a new student.”

You shook your head, wishing he hadn’t said that as hot tears started to wet your lashes. “They let me take the test in English,” you rasped, the words coming out completely pitchless. “I’ve been here over a month and I’m still almost entirely illiterate.”

Everything in front of you was in kanji. You had a stack of grammar books that were meant for toddlers that you wished weren’t in Todoroki’s line of sight. They were only half filled out as it was, since you didn’t even know all the answers for those, much less how to read what everyone else had seen on the midterm.

“Oh,” Todoroki intoned in that simple way of his. “You didn’t know Japanese before you came here?”

You shook your head. “Coming here was pretty sudden, so I only had a couple months to try and learn before I transferred. And so I focused more on spoken language just so that I wouldn’t be a complete idiot. Even though I still sound so American.”

“It’s not so bad,” Todoroki offered.

You give a chuckled weakly. “The first thing you said to me was that my Japanese was bad. Terrible. Actually, you didn’t even say it to me, you said it…around me.”

“Oh, I guess I did,” he said. If you looked at him, you probably could have seen the memory appearing on his face. “Well, I’ve changed my mind. It’s not terrible.”

Even sugarcoating it that much must have been a reach for him, so you could appreciate the effort. You blinked the last of the tears away, grateful that none of them had actually fallen and that Todoroki hadn’t seemed to notice them. “I’m sure your water is boiling by now. You can go. I promise that I’ll go to sleep soon.”

If it had been Shinsou, or Yaoyorozu, who you were beginning to grow close to, or someone like Midoriya, they would have stayed. Maybe even closed your books for you and ushered you up to your room, telling you that you could start again tomorrow. But at your words, Todoroki’s slippers disappeared from view and he went back to the kitchen. It wasn’t especially surprising. He’d barely ever spoken to you, especially since you’d used your quirk on him the first time a few weeks back. And you could understand why. Nobody liked the effects of being hit by your quirk. Or losing a match in less than two minutes. So when just a minute later you were greeted with a cup of steaming tea in front of you, on one of the small spots of table between all your materials, you were forced to look up at him for the first time.

“Would you like to speak in English?” he asked, the words coming out with certainty and only a hint of a Japanese accent over a British one. And they nearly made you fall to pieces.

“Yes,” you breathed.

He sat down on the sofa kitty-corner to yours and you noticed that his mug, like yours, was only half full. You didn’t love tea—you’d never drunk it much in America, but it was ubiquitous here. Yaoyorozu was all but forcing you to acquire a taste for it. Still, the gesture moved you and you lifted up the too-hot cup, blowing on it as you let the light herbal scent waft over to you. Todoroki was holding his mug with his left hand and you wondered if it even felt hot to him.

“I apologize if I’ve been cold to you,” Todoroki said. “The truth is that it surprised me, how you’d used your quirk on me. And that you’d seen it as a weak point after only observing me for a couple weeks. I keep on thinking that my past is behind me, but then it never is. It’s why I’m awake right now.”

“No, I’m sorry,” you said quickly. “I felt really bad using my quirk on you like that. The look on your face—it felt like such an invasion to use sadness against you. I wouldn’t want to do that just to win.”

“Well,” Todoroki said, the ghost of a smile on his face, “you were playing a villain.”

You groaned. “Ugh, I hope I never have to again.”

“Unlikely,” Todoroki said. “All Might creates many exercises like that.”

Your tea was finally cool enough to sip without burning your tongue. The taste of herbal tea was strange, not particularly food or beverage-like to your brain, but you thought you could understand the comfort of it. The hot liquid felt nice on your throat and you realized that you hadn’t had any water for hours. You took another sip.

“You said before that your past is why you’re awake right now,” you started hesitantly. “Can I ask why that is?”

“Just a dream,” he said simply. A bad one if his grimace was anything to go by.

“I’m sorry,” you said, although you weren’t sure if you were sorry about the dream or asking about it. Probably a bit of both.

“No, I actually…” Todoroki looked at you and you were struck by how captivating his gaze was. His blue eye was piercing, one of the brightest you’d ever seen while his gray eye was dark, almost brown, and mysterious. “I wanted to know how you knew. That exercise was meant to show us how we’ve exposed our weak spots to someone new and it would be a missed opportunity for me not to ask you about it.”

“How I knew…that you were sad?” you asked.

He nodded once, eyes still stuck on yours.

“You just…your friends seem like really happy people,” you explained. “Uraraka, Midoriya, even Iida in his way. Or even when they’re not happy, they’re wearing their emotions on their sleeves. But you, even when you’re joining in with them, there’s usually a cloud over you. Like you’re hiding your emotions. And from there I guessed that that came from somewhere. Probably someplace difficult. And when I strategized with Aizawa-sensei and he agreed that it was worth a try.”

“I see.”

“Like now,” you said, looking at his face. “Do you feel anything about what I said? If so, you’re totally hiding it on your face. Blank eyes, relaxed mouth. And, you know, that’s fine, but if you’re doing that on the outside, then, for a teenage boy, I assume you’re doing it on the inside too.”

That brought some expression to his face. Twin creases between his eyebrows, making his relaxed mouth look more like a frown without moving it.

“But I don’t want you to worry about that or what I think about you,” you said quickly. “For my quirk, I have to be really good at intuiting emotions, especially since I so rarely get to practice with people. I have to be super observant and understand something about psychology. Most villains aren’t that sensitive.”

“But some are.”

“Yes, certainly some are,” you said. “But if you want to start working on whatever underlying things you have, you should be doing it because you want to. Not because you want to be a stronger hero but because you want to love yourself more.”

Todoroki gave a little huff that could have been a chuckle. “How American of you.”

“Hey!” Your exclamation is quiet. “You’re the one who offered to speak in English.”

“You seemed homesick,” he said with a shrug.

“I was,” you admitted. “I am.”

“Okay,” Todoroki said, standing up. You saw that his mug was empty while yours was still a quarter full and now tepid at best. He took it along with his own. “You’re going to sleep now and tomorrow you’re going to ask Yaoyorozu for tutoring. She’s excellent and the two of you seem to be getting along. Our class is full of all good, mostly helpful people. You should say something when you need help.”

You shut your laptop, the screen having gone black long ago and began dog-earing and closing your books. Before Todoroki went to the kitchen you grabbed his arm, only to release it a moment later when you remembered people weren’t quite so tactile in Japan as they were in America, Todoroki especially so. Still, you had his attention as he turned back to look at you. “The same to you. You should say something when you need help.”

Todoroki’s lips pursed together, not quite in a smile, not quite a frown, but in acknowledgment. He probably wasn’t fond of you turning your words back on him.

“I’ll…try.”

[humangerbil]

hi! may i ask what app you use for your screen reader? it sounds rlly good.

I didn’t even think to say but several people have asked this now! @cuddlybeast, @wishiwasntstillhere, @selective-yellow, @dalltonagainst

I use Audiblogs. 

I cannot say enough good about this Chrome extension, it is pretty amazing. I am very impressed by it and I did go looking into other options, including paid ones. This was the best one I found that functioned fully on a desktop computer. There may be some phone apps that are worthwhile but I wouldn't know.

It is new and it isn’t perfect though. Calling it a screen reader was also rather incorrect of me. It would be better to say it is a website reader and even that isn’t really it. It doesn’t read everything and seems to be able to cut out things like menus, lists of tags, ect. So it works really well for fics! And articles, blog posts, ect which appear to be more the intended use.

One other thing I rather enjoy is that you can share files. Here is the first chapter of Heroics and Other Things That Don't Require Superpowers by @thenarator (who has kindly given me permission to post this because they are awesome) so you can give it a listen. Link to the fic on AO3 here. (This fic is awesome!!)

As I said, it isn’t perfect so below the cut I am detailing out the issues I have had so far. I do really highly recommend it though! It is the best thing I have found out there and it is free!

There are some fics it cannot access on AO3. It isn’t reading my screen and it accesses the website itself meaning any fic that requires users to have an account or that is M or E rated it only gets the landing pages instead of the actual fic. Leaving these completely inaccessible to Audiblogs. 

It also has a character limit of 100,000 which seems to be around 20,000 words give or take some because of varying word length. 

The “Entire Work” option appears to also not work even on shorter multi-chaptered fics. It only reads the first chapter and you have to go and make new files for each individual chapter.

Which leads me to my current biggest issue. This is still new and UI is lacking. There is no way to move items around on the playlist and new items are added at the top. Meaning if you want to queue up an entire multi-chapter fic you have to do it backwards. I am given to understand that this is in part because you can use podcast apps to better organize things like playlists but I have yet to find a desktop podcast app that works with it. It does suggest several mobile apps that it works with though. (If anyone happens to find a desktop app for me to use please let me know!)

You will notice pretty quickly though some of the pronunciation issues, especially with Japanese words and names. It pronounces “Shouta” as “shout-ah.” It does a similar thing with Shouto making it “shout-oh.” It turns “Shou” and “Sho” into “shoe.” I don’t even know how to explain what it does to “Shouchan” but it isn’t pretty. 

The other more general issue I have run into with pronunciation is different words with the same spelling. Bow being a good example. It tends to default to the “hair bow” pronunciation instead of “taking a bow” way of saying it. It does get it right sometimes but it seems the programming there could still use some work. “He’s up on the stage, bends at the waist, and takes a dramatic [hair] bow” is a bit weird to hear even though I know what it meant to say. I have also run into this issue with content (as in “he is feeling content” and “the content of this book”).  

If a character stutters it reads the letters instead of the sound. "W-what" is said as "double you what" but I think this is a pretty common screen reader issue.

It seems to treat comma lists as a reason to rush. "Milk, eggs, cheese" should be said with pauses for the commas. "Milk [pause] eggs [pause] cheese" but instead it quickly says "MilkEggsCheese." Which is a bit funny but when listening to a serious fic can mess up the tone.

All that said, I really do highly recommend this. Even with the imperfections I have yet to find a single other TTS program that sounds this good. And it’s free! 

Enjoy and happy listening!

[reineyday]

bnha spoilers! LONG POST

just had to ramble somewhere (idve made it a read more but im on mobile lol sorry folks)

dabi shouldn't have talked about hawks murdering best jeanist in the video :/ if he didnt trust hawks then he shouldnt have trusted that he really killed best jeanist and now the public's faith is gonna be restored a lil bit when they see best jeanist is still alive

but!!! does this mean bakugou's hero name will be revealed soon? this arc just keeps on giving 😭😭

those double page spreads of touya using endeavour's special move!!!!!! how fitting, how beautiful, cinematic poetry, 10/10

shouto's tears as he yells to his father to protect the injured while he attacks with nejire 😭 a True Hero tbh

i hope we see more of natsu's reactions later on! as the person who touya came to, i wonder just how hurt he is

i wonder if that was really touya's jaw bone? i wonder what else it couldve been?? i really want to see how touya deteriorated from energetic precious bean to burning in a park, wanna see how bad enji really has been

it's always frustrating when the villains actually have good points :/ as much as theyre bad and the innocent people theyve killed and chaos theyve wrought makes them hard to redeem (if that's what horikoshi's gonna try to achieve?), i cant say i disagree with their motive and hero society definitely needs to Be Better (but murder is 100000% NOT the way to go about it)

that being said, it strikes me as interesting that dabi is clearly aware of this fact and is weaponizing his choice to be irredeemable just for the sole fact of bringing endeavour down, like this guy cant help but revolve everything around his abuser, and was 100p ready to die using prominence burn if it was gonna take out endeavour (and shouto, probably) along with him

i hope we hear more of hawks's story; it's no wonder endeavour was his hero if his father was a villain that got put away by endeavour... i also wonder how exactly it ties in with him being trained from a young age, and if the commission really is as bad as the fandom suspects it is

going back to what im wondering about possible villain redemptions--i cant help but feel like i want them to be redeemed, but id probably also be bummed out about it because twice never got that :( like id love it if touya somehow ended up back with the todorokis and reconciling with shouto and that enji really is Better and they can all heal as a family, but im also not sure i can see it ever going that way and that this whole series wont end with all the villains dying (except possibly spinner and toga, who are still young enough that them deciding to side with the heroes wouldnt be as surprising--if spinner could see that there are heroes with physical mutation quirks that use it for good, if toga sees that izuku and ochako are willing to give her a chance... in contrast, i really dont see how touya, who clearly has such a personal vendetta and literal burning hatred for his father (and probably shouto), could decide it might be okay to turn sides, and at most i see him making a life-sacrificing move to choose to protect his father and/or brother (and/or his other family members, mb esp natsuo) after having some sort of epiphany and realizing maybe he doesn't want then to die)

after all this though, im still the most sad about twice :((( i really wish he couldve lived and healed and been happy and joined society and i know his life is one of the whole points about hero society not being the paragon that it paints itself but still

and i bet hawks is never gonna get over the fact that he had to kill twice too :'(

anyways cant wait for the next chapter but it's gonna be two weeks ahhhhh but im living for the todoroki drama and i really hope bakugou's hero name comes within the next three chapters

[angst-king]

Stuck in this Static void pt 5

((TW: mention of abuse, suicidal behavior, depressed behavior, and violence)) Walking into the ER’s waiting room, she sets him down in a chair. As he’d done in the car, he curls up still shaking but now his fingers are digging into his cold, clammy skin. At the front desk Fuyumi urgently asked. “Can I get some help please?!” There were a small group of nurses who looked to her, about three of them. “What can I help you with ma’am?” One of the youngest nurses at the desk asked in return. “M-My brother he tried to drown himself in the bathtub, he’s bleeding and he’s still got suicidal thoughts.” The nurse furrows her brows. “Did you pull him out?” “n-no he came out himself and told me”  Coming out from behind the large desk area, the nurse goes over to Shouto. Stethoscope around her neck which she untangles as she gets down to the boy. “Hi there, what's your name?” She spoke gently as if she were talking to a toddler, Shouto looked at her and quietly replied. “Sh-shouto….T-t-Todoroki” “Alright Shouto, well you can call me Itsuki...now can you sit up a little I need to listen to your chest okay.” Shouto hesitantly sat up which had him coughing, finally a bit more water came up but then he gagged. He’d coughed enough to make himself feel nauseous. Itsuki noticed this and quickly grabbed one of the trash bins nearby and placed it under shouto’s chin. Then she looked at the women at the front desk. “Hey can one of you get a doctor over here like now!” For being so small she could command a room even at 4’8. Her voice boomed with authority which had the other nurses up and paging a doctor. 

Her attention was back on Shouto as she heard more liquid come up but it’s not just water. Vomit gushing from his shaking gaping lips, Fuyumi is right next to him rubbing his back. Itsuki couldn’t do much at this time but asked Fuyumi questions. “How old is Shouto?” “he’s gonna be 14 on the other side of the year.” “Does he have any medical conditions, or any diagnosis of anything?” “No nothing he’s physically healthy but...I don’t know about mentally any more.” The way Fuyumi’s last sentence came out made Itsuki frown with sympathy. It was when the vomiting stopped, it had only lasted a minute, but Shouto felt weak on his feet. Moving the trash can Fuyumi sat shouto back down, she could feel his entire body shaking in her hold. The doctor comes over “Alright what’s going on here?” Itsuki looked at the doctor and explained that Shouto had suicidal behavior and thoughts that he’d tried to drown himself. Looking at Fuyumi he asked “and who are you to this young man?” “I’m his older sister” “okay that’s what I thought, let's get him to bed. Jima can you grab a wheelchair?”Itsuki nods to the doctor and hustles off to grab a wheelchair to put shouto in and wheel him off to a bed and give him a proper check. 

When the chair is placed beside Shouto, he’s asked if he himself can get in. He nods and stands on shaky feet just barely making it to sit down. He’s wheeled off to one of the beds where the nurse points out the coloration in Shouto’s lips. “I don’t like that blue color in his lips, doctor.” “Alright we’ll see if we can fix that, I wanna see his oxygen levels and vitals in general. He may have coughed up the water but it can still cause side effects to his lungs.” All this talk was making Fuyumi anxious, what was gonna happen to her little brother. Would they focus on the fact that this was a suicide attempt, would they put him on anti depressances? Would they question them about their home life? Is it safe enough to tell them about their father’s horrible behavior? What would they do, could they even do anything about that? All these thoughts began to have Fuyumi shaking. Fear gripping her, chilling her saliva and making her feel as if she were drowning in her own cold abyss of perturbation.

 “Ma’am...Ma’am!” She’s pulled from her spiraling thoughts and she sees that they’re in a hospital bay behind the curtain. Shouto’s been lifted onto a bed and the nurse is looking at her concernedly. “O-oh s-sorry, did you need something?”Itsuki sighed in relief before replying. “No you just looked to be spacing out, I never got your name by the way.” Fuyumi blushes at the kind woman and she says to her. “Oh sorry, my name is Fuyumi Todoroki.” Then the doctor speaks. “His breathing is better than I’d thought it’d be, which is great, though Itsuki these lacerations are a bit deep, the bleeding has stopped but these need suturing. Could you grab the suture kit please while I check to see if shouto  has any mobility?” Itsuki nods at her doctor’s request, going to fetch the suture kit leaving Fuyumi and Shouto with the doctor. “Shouto I have a question for you.” He states while he places IV lines into shouto’s other arm. Looking up at him acknowledging the man and giving him his full attention. “Shouto are you still feeling suicidal? If so can you explain why?” 

Shouto frowned, he had to think before answering and he still stammered through his words. “Y-yeah I-I do. I-I um….”He then looks at Fuyumi and she recognizes this look, she knows that Shouto is scared to tell people and keeps those things a secret. She gave him a nod so he continued. “I have a-a rough h-home life. F-father b-beats and sc-screams at me….T-tonight he t-told me to d-die.” The doctor looked horrified, Fuyumi confirms this. “He’s always hurting Shouto, gas lights him into a depressive and suicidal condition. He’s hit him so hard he threw up to the point of being dehydrated. He wants Shouto to be his business successor and wants him to be perfectly like him.” The doctor couldn’t help but give a sad look to them. 

“How long has this been going on?” “the feelings or what our father does?” “your father’s behavior.” Fuyumi answered this one “It started even before Shouto was born, he tried it with one of our late siblings...his name is Touya, he died sometime ago.” “Alright” The nurse returns with the suture kit, grabbing a syringe and filling it with a numbing agent. “Alright Shouto we’re gonna numb your arm up a bit okay then we’ll get started” The doctor warns before sticking the needle into Shouto’s arm, he didn’t wince as if he couldn’t feel it. Shouto felt numb physically and emotionally. Fuyumi was a little saddened by her little brother’s lack of reaction.

Shouto’s arm was bandaged up in no time and the doctor told them that he’d like for Shouto to stay here for a little while. Fuyumi was old enough to admit her sibling through the paperwork so they didn’t have to call Enji which was a big relief. Now came the part Fuyumi dreaded, the doctor came over to her quietly while Shouto was resting, they’d put him on a nebulizer to treat any potential lung infections. She’d been lulled into tired silence by the machine until she was approached by the doctor. “Hello Fuyumi, I need to talk to you about something.”  He says, alerting the girl who’s eyes darted towards him. She sits up fully from her slouched position in the guest chair. “Yes, what is it?” “I think Shouto needs to be admitted into a psychiatric unit. You’ve said he’d been gas lit several times into such thoughts and behaviors, sure medication could work but. His home is not a safe environment for him to try medications.” Fuyumi sighed “not again” she muttered as she’d remembered her mother being admitted to a psychiatric hospital due to Enji’s behavior towards her. Shuddering at the memory she’s interrupted by the curious doctor who hears her. “Again?”  He repeats making Fuyumi blush from knowing he’d heard her. She had to tell him, so she did, not in the most vivid detail but answered him with an explanation. Explaining that Rei had been admitted to a psych ward when Shouto was younger because she’d had a mental breakdown from Enji’s abuse and poured scalding water on Shouto’s eye. 

The doctor seemed to understand and knew of the concerns yet he held patience and replied back. “Well he’s gonna need to take a few tests and that will decide on whether he needs to be admitted so it's not definite but. It's a better option.” “So when will the test be done?” “Well it can be as soon as tomorrow, or sometime during the week or so.” Fuyumi looks down into her lap with a small nod of acknowledgement of the reality she’d be facing. Her little brother potentially being placed in a psychiatric ward. It worried her yet, she also knew that he’d be away from their abusive father.

 This would give her time to try and figure out living situations. Shouto didn’t have any friends and lacked good social skills due to his upbringing. So he couldn’t stay with someone for the time being even if he weren’t to be admitted to a mental hospital. Still she didn’t know if she could support shouto, or if she could even get him away from Enji permanently. She’d need adult help and most likely a lawyer but. Fear came in, what if Enji had the power to bribe those deterring them from helping Fuyumi setting her back further to keep shouto under his rule. She needed to figure out something. It didn't matter if Shouto would be admitted or not, she had to do something for her little brother. “I’ll leave you to rest, miss, you seem to be tired and it's almost 3 am and you’ve had a long night.” The doctor says politely bowing and giving Fuyumi the time to thank him before he leaves.

The next day, Shouto didn’t wake up till sometime in the afternoon and boy did he hurt. His body was aching, and he still had a slight cough yet he couldn’t care any less. He just curled up wanting to go back to sleep but right as he was about to shut his eyes to block the bright light of the hospital and the sunshine. The doctor knocks on the door, not only startling shouto and making him grumble but. Waking up Fuyumi who had fallen asleep in the small chair. Letting himself in the doctor smiles seeing his patient and sibling are awake. “Hello there Shouto, nice to see you’re awake. I’m gonna check your vitals, then we’ll talk about the important stuff.” Shouto just sighed with a dull tired look on his face. His breathing and oxygen are checked, his heart was great, everything was great except for the fatigue and emotional numbness. 

Putting his stethoscope back around his neck, the doctor took a seat in the spare seat opposite Fuyumi. “Alright Shouto, lets talk.” Nodding the doctor started his talk. “You’re going to be psychologically tested to see how we can treat this. Whether you just need medication or you need to be admitted to a psych ward, you need to be honest while answering okay.” Shouto nods remaining silent, “You’ll be taking a test or two soon, a nurse will come in and will help you if need be but all answers will be on you.” When the doctor had finished, Shouto then asked. “Can I go back to sleep now?” Huffing the doctor shakes his head. “Sorry kiddo, you have to eat something. Can’t let you starve yourself.” Shouto frowns as the doctor gets up but he knows that it's for his own good.

Eating was a challenge, he didn’t have the motivation or strength, or even the appetite, but. He tried and got some of it down by the time the nurse came in the tests and a pencil. The test wasn’t long and took no time yet it was still a draining process, then adding them having to take blood from him afterwards he really wanted to sleep now. Some of the questions  stayed on his mind and whether he answered correctly or not. ‘Are you still considering suicide?’ Well Shouto hated living, sure he wanted to be happy for once in his lap but, he felt that he could only be happy if he were dead. ‘Do you starve yourself?’ Well he didn’t starve himself more like the rigorous beatings made him sick enough to not want to eat. Or he didn’t have the motivation to feed himself. ‘Do you cut?’ Yes he does, he had for a while now and it was his only way of feeling something, it let him cry which meant expressing emotions that felt forbidden when he wasn’t cutting. Then one last question rang through his head ‘Would you like to get help?’ Well that would depend, would his father have to consent to this? Could he willingly get help himself? Would he get away from Enji? He didn’t like feeling suicidal, or feeling empty inside, he wanted to feel normal but he never got to feel that so. How could he tell what normal was? Maybe they’d help him figure that out? Would they shove pills down his throat? Would the strap him down to a bed or put him in a straight jacket or even a padded room? Were those types of places real or were those just movie’s over dramatic depictions of a psych ward?

These thoughts surprisingly put Shouto to sleep, or those were the drugs.

Meanwhile Fuyumi was with Natsuo, she’d stopped by to tell him what happened and maybe get some advice? “So let me get this straight, father gaslights Shouto to the point of him trying to commit suicide, he stopped himself and asked for you to take him to the hospital. They’re saying that his best option would be to be admitted to a psychiatric facility so we can figure out how to get him away from father?” Natsuo reiterated taking in the information. Fuyumi nods “I-I just I don’t know if it really is a good idea, and I don’t know if either of us could financially support shouto on our own. We’re adults but we’re not as stable as our father is and most adults but. I think him going to the ward will give us some time to figure something out.”

 Natsuo rubs his temples, “I couldn’t agree more, I mean we’re both in school and so is shouto, not that it would be the worst thing to try and take him but. It's sudden and we need time.” he hated to hear about what happened to Shouto, it reminded him of their mother but this time he didn’t want things to get any worse with Shouto and. From how much better their mother has been doing, they both knew the doctor’s suggestion would be the best option for their little brother. “I’ll come with you next time to see shouto, when are you going back?” Fuyumi thought for a moment before answering. “Most likely tonight” “Okay then call me and I’ll meet you there.” With that promise Fuyumi grabbed her bag and slipped on her shoes but right before she left Natsuo called out. “Hey, I love you and...good luck with him okay” Fuyumi gave a small smile to her brother “I love you too” She waved him goodbye and left the dorm complex.

Time went by and Fuyumi found herself calling Natsuo to tell him it was time to meet up at the hospital. She soon stood in the parking lot, the street lights were turning on as the sun was setting. She smiles a little as she sees Natsuo walking towards her after hopping off of the bus. “Hey there, you ready?” He asked, Fuyumi nods “yeah, let's go in.” she says and leads him inside, she strolls towards the elevator till they’ve reached the ICU. She follows the placards till she reaches Shouto’s room. Knocking softly there isn’t an answer but she opens the door anyway.

Opening the door, Shouto is laying in bed, he’d seemed to have eaten a small dinner not long before the siblings had arrived. “Shouto?” Fuyumi’s voice calls out softly, heterochromic eyes flutter open with slight bags underneath them. Despite him resting most of the time, his eyes still held a tired look to them. “Hm?” He hummed quietly, walking further into the room Natsuo announced his presence. “Hello Shouto” Recognizing his voice, Shouto looked at them both seeing Natsuo he frowned. “Y-you dragged Nats into this Fuyumi?” Fuyumi knew what he meant but shook her head. “No Shouto, I didn’t drag him. I needed him to know so he could help us, help me, and help you.” Natsuo came over to his youngest sibling’s bedside, then brought him into a hug. Shouto tensed and flinched in Natsuo’s hold until he spoke. “Shh, I’m sorry about him and what he’d made you do and how you’ve been feeling...I’m here because I want to be able to help you get better. I know you may not want to go to the psych ward but. We’ve talked it over and it's the best option for you.” Shouto nods his head “I-I know it is….I thought about it actually”  Natsuo stands up letting him go so as to not squeeze the life out of him. Both the older ones seemed curious and asked for Shouto to elaborate. So he shared his thoughts, he knew he’d be better off in a hospital, he’d get away from his father and he hated these feelings even when he indulged himself in them. 

Shouto’s explanation pleased them, it made them happy that Shouto wanted to get better and was willing to do it. During this conversation the doctor came in as did another person. A woman who was sharply dressed like the man next to her. “Hello guys ah, another family member. Are you his brother?” Natsuo faces the man and shakes hands with him as he introduces himself. “Yes I’m Todoroki Natsuo” “nice to meet you, I have another person for you all to meet.” He gestures to the woman who’s holding a clipboard of paper and a pen in her chest pocket. She smiles sweetly to them all “hello I’m doctor Fumiya, I’m a pediatric psychologist.” She looked down to her patient in the hospital bed and approached him. “You must be Todoroki Shouto, yes?” The half and half colored male nods “Well I’m here to go over your test results with you and your siblings.” With a nod of approval the woman starts.

“You seem to obviously have depression but this seems to be chronic, seeing as you’ve stated that you’ve been having these feelings for so long. You do have anxiety which is traumatic induced. You don’t exactly have an eating disorder, it's more of the depression and anxiety making it hard and I’m going to guess that you’ve been beaten to the point of vomiting?” Hearing Dr Fumiya’s prediction, Shouto had to sadly confirm it. “Okay and with all of those things in consideration you’ve also stated that you’ve still considered suicide…. But you said you’re willing to get help. Is that still true?” “Still having thoughts of suicide or willing to get help?” “both.” “Yes to both of them” "Now how willing would you be to be admitted to a psych ward?"

 Shouto shrugged, his tone held exhaustion but also a small hint of desperation which could faintly be detected when he said "I'm just so tired of this life, and if I could be helped then I'll try it I guess." With that Dr Fumiya wrote down some things before replying. “That’s good, first we’re going to admit you to a ward where you will be given medications and such to try to see what will work for you. You will have a doctor who you will talk to as well as a therapist but it won't be everyday seeing as they obviously have other patients. You will also have group therapy and other types of ways to develop better coping mechanisms and life skills.”

 With this information Natsuo asked “Now from what I’ve heard about psych wards, there are certain things Shouto can’t take with him right?” “yes most of the rules apply to just about all psychwards. Though certain things can be gained or permitted if he’s under super vision. Like. He can’t have drawn strings in his clothes or have shoe laces. No razor shavers, no staples, anything that he could hurt himself with. He also can’t take his phone in with him and he may have 1-1 supervision, so someone may come in and check on him or be with him outside the door while he’s showering or in the bathroom. His door will never be locked and will most likely be open through the day time and unlocked during the night time.” She continued to explain more things and general rules most psychwards have. 

It was a little overwhelming but what did they expect? They were young adults who were admitting their abused, depressed and suicidal little brother to a mental health hospital. “So when will he be going and where?” “Well there’s one not too far from here and he can go as soon as tomorrow afternoon actually or as soon as the doctor is willing to release you here. Though his release date from the psych ward will be unknown for a while it depends on how cooperative you are, how well you’re handling things and as well as if it's safe for you to go back considering your living situations.” “O-oh so it all has its determining factors? How much should I pack for him?” Questioned Fuyumi “I’d say pack two weeks worth of clothes, they all have laundry days and schedules so he’ll be able to wash his clothes.” “Oh that's great” Natsuo joined, then Fuyumi’s phone rang, she looked to see who it was before frowning. It was Enji.

“What is it sis?” Asked Natsuo, he leaned over and saw who was calling and paled. “Shit, I take it you didn’t tell him?” “Right, and I don’t know what to tell him.” Then Dr Fumiya suggested, “let me talk to him, I’ll see what I can do.” hesitantly Fuyumi hands the woman her phone, she soon leaves the room. Sitting anxiously, Shouto's room is silently waiting for the psychologist to come back. They’re watching the door which soon opens after a minute and she hands the phone back to the eldest todoroki in the room. “He will be here soon, so doctor I suggest you alert security right away to keep an eye out for him.” The doctor nods and leaves the room after confirming Enji’s name, Fuyumi twiddled his thumbs a little thinking about what she was gonna do. She still lived with her father but that was to keep shouto as safe as she could. “Hey, you can probably live in one of the safety lots for people who escape abusive partners or family.” Suggested the psychologist, fuyumi listened with a quizzical look on her face. “You just explain your situation to them and they’ll let you stay. Though if you feel scared going to pack you and your brother’s bags you could always ask them to have an officer or two escort you to protect you.” With this option displayed to her, Fuyumi knew it would be safer for her to live in a safe home and be escorted by officers than try and go alone. “Alright thank you Dr Fumiya” Shouto then spoke up “Fuyumi….I-I don’t want him to c-come here” everyone could hear the anxiety in his voice and then they saw him. Shouto was shaking like the previous night he’d come into Fuyumi’s room. 

Eyes melting with sympathy and warmth for the teen who’s eyes welled with tears and fear. “Oh shouto sweetie” She cooed gently standing up, she goes over to him and pulls him so he’s facing into her midsection, Fuyumi is gently rubbing his back as he cries. “Shhh we’re not gonna let him near you, I promise.” Shouto’s still trembling body relaxes a little, still his hands lightly grip her sweatshirt he sobs. Natsuo added himself to the group and came to comfort his little brother, gently running his fingers through his hair. “We promise you shouto, you’re gonna be safe.”

 It took a minute for the teen to calm down enough to let go of his older siblings just in time the doctor came back. “Alright I’d told them about your father, and if he somehow gets in, don't hesitate to hit the emergency call button that’s on the side of shouto’s bed and on the wall next to the door” Advised the doctor who smiles at the sigh of relief of the small family. “See shouto we’re safe, the doctor has taken precaution and knows not to let him in.” Shouto just started to play with his fingers as a way to distract himself. “Well guys if you’ll excuse me I will be taking my leave to check on other patients, have a nice night.” “Thank you so much Dr Fumiya”  Just as she leaves the nurse comes in to take Shouto’s blood, which Shouto willingly gives. Not like he has much of a choice though.

Fuyumi had been there for a while and hadn’t eaten much so she’d gotten out of her chair to get something to eat. “Hey boys I’m gonna get something from the vending machine, you guys want anything?” “hm could you see if they have any instant ramen?” Fuyumi giggles at Natsuo’s request but she nods “Will do lil bro, you want anything Shou?” “u-um c-can I have milk please...strawberry?” “sure thing, I’ll be back.” She leaves the room and searches for the vending machines around the hall.

It wasn’t a long walk to find some vending machines in a small room, she found the instant ramen one and got Natsuo the spicy ramen he liked, she got herself the shrimp ramen. Next, getting a carton of milk, it took some figuring out since it ate her dollar but as she waited for her milk to be dispensed she heard a loud scream from down the hall. It made her jump but she still kept a hold on her food. 

Then a crash came and she had a horrible feeling that made her run to see what was going on. ‘What’s going on, where is it coming from’ the white haired woman thought then she saw it. The door to Shouto’s room was open and one nurse was shaking on the floor while the other was protecting shouto. And right in the center of it all was him, Todoroki Enji. The red head was yelling and trying to get to shouto with force but the small woman who Fuyumi could tell was Itsuki from the night before. She wasn’t backing down, her stance was defensive but ready to throw a punch at any moment. Eyes widened as she watched Itsuki, she then noticed why her stance was defensive, she was holding a needle full of something in her back hand as she warned Enji. “Look Mr Todoroki either calm down or I won't hesitate to inject you with this!” She says in a serious but calm manor, Enji on the other hand growled at her with a sneer on his face, “Oh and was it, probably just saline, not enough to put me out even if it was a sedative.” He shoved her but, her stance allowed for her to easily maintain her balance, “Leave now sir.” Her voice is low “Why the hell should I, you’ve got my stupid son here? I want him back!” “you’re a threat to his safety and you’re abusive to those around you. I won't let you take him” Itsuki doesn’t notice Fuyumi but seeing the other nurse who had some sort of head injury Fuyumi quickly dropped her food and ran with adrenaline down to get more staff members and hopeful security. 

She didn’t want to leave Itsuki to be the only barrier between Enji and Shouto but. What else could Fuyumi do! She can hear more of Enji’s yelling, more things crashing and clattering to the cold chemical tile floor. She flinches even as she’s doors and doors down. Getting to the front desk she frantically yells “please help! One of your nurses is injured and my father somehow got up here and he shouldn’t be. Please the only one protecting my brother is a nurse!” Crash! Then another scream but this sounded lower in pitch. “Shouto!” Fuyumi cried and almost ran back but grabbed someone who held her as staff members arose and went to help. It is the doctor looking after Shouto. “Hey hey he’s gonna be okay, Itsuki can take care of this I promise.” Fear paralyzed her into remaining still the doctor lets her go and it isn’t long before security shows up rushing past them to deal with the situation. 

Natsuo came down the hall and security came down not long after them. He sees Fuyumi’s worried look, and becomes concerned. “Hey Fuyumi what’s going on? You okay, why aren’t you with shouto?” Fuyumi explained what had happened and as she spoke she began to shake a little. Tears raining down as she’d remembered her promise to shouto. “W-we broke our pro-promise Nats.” At first Natsuo couldn’t remember but one look of seeing Enji being dragged away in restraints by security frowned and hugged her. “I know Fuyu, I’m sorry, he won't be mad at us though. Knowing Shouto he’ll be scared but not mad, if we can get to him now he should be okay.” “o-okay, let's see if we can go th-then.” She says as Natsuo holds onto her hand protectively after letting her out of his loving hold.

Hurrying down the hall they get to shouto’s room which is a mess with shattered medical supplies and Itsuki is right there calming a disquieted Shouto who was pale, otherwise unharmed thankfully. Sighing in relief Fuyumi came over and bowed to the nurse with lots of admiration and vederanation. “Thank you so much Ms Itsuki, I’m sorry you had to deal with our father though.” Huffing a little, the small nurse shrugged her shoulders. “I did what I had to do, but it's okay, it's not your fault that man is so horrible he doesn’t deserve to be called a father.” Fuyumi then looked at Shouto “I’m sorry he tried to get to you Shouto, are you okay?” Talking through shaking lips Shouto replies “H-he didn’t hurt me...ju-just sc-scared.” Fuyumi smiles a little, kissing his forehead gently. “I’m also S=sorry I dropped your food running to get help.” Shouto and Natsuo rolled their eyes “hey don’t apologize, it was the sleeze bag’s fault. I’ll go get it this time, you stay with Shou okay.” Natsuo offered with a small chuckle before looking at Itsuki who went back to checking Shouto over. “Ms Itsuki, would you like me to get you anything...kinda a way of thanking you for protecting our little brother.” Itsuki peers over at the tall white haired teen who’s giving her a genuine smile. “Dear I’m just glad you all are safe, that is enough thanks for me..” Her voice trails a little as she focuses her mind once more. Natsuo just nods, he heads to the vending machine area and gets the milk, ramen, and a bottle of water for Itsuki. Even if she hadn’t asked for anything, he couldn’t not repay her back.

When everyone was given their respective things. Sitting down they had time to each other again in silence. At this point silence meant peace no heart ache but silence also meant suffering and they knew that Shouto would be going to the psych ward soon. Hoping to rid of his suffering whether for good or temporarily enough to find time to find even better help in a healthier. All they could do was try.

[ramabear]

since you don't mind bnha spoilers can i bother you for your reaction on the (v abriged, it's literally 20 mins) war arc crazyness youtube*com/watch?v=WxhACfvIV_c ? i'm just a little miffed cuz shiga went from discount sato to actual compelling antagonist to now literal puppet and AFO's replacement body

oh my god. yes. i’ll watch this. fair warning; I've JUST woken up, i’m currently drinking my coffee and im going to comment here as I watch this thing lmao 

so, spoilers ahead!!! like massive ones. i guess? fuck i dont know sorry for mobiles cause i dont think the keep reading thing works for you :(

mMMM love the slow pan manga bits bc I get to see my favorite the trash fire man while this guy talks

also,,, war arc?? what. also oh my god we’re over two hundred chapters... 

IM SCREAMIN HIS PERFECTED FORM HAS TORN MOTH/INSECT WINGS? MR HANDS PLS WHAT EVEN god dID HE PUPATE? IS THAT WHAT HAPPENED?????

okay this villain plan is Huge but kind of solid in like that,,, manga sense? jesus orchestrating that sorta thing would require So much effort though

TRASHFIREMAN LEADING THE GROUP good im glad he’s got a suit upgrade it looks like lmao he’s gonna go kick ass

EYES EMOJI OH HO A QUIRKLESS DOCTOR hello there

oh my GOD that mininoumu IS FUCKED UP. WHAT THE F U C K

LIKE IF YOURE GONNA HAVE A GREMLIN MONSTER WHAT THE FUCK DONT MAKE IT LOOK LIKE THAT WHAT. The LIPS the EYES the fuckinG?? KICKS???? WHAT THE FUCK WHY DOES IT HAVE NO ARMS and he’s deku’s original doctor? lmaooooo

here we go inDEED, love u trashfirman, get that hospital fucked UP

oh my god the doctor is fucked up

rabbit heroine knows how to fuck shit up and i Appreciate that

oh my god im screaming. im screaming i cant tell you why im screaming but i’m screaming 

LOVE LOVE LOVE Rabbit lady she’s SO FUCKING COOL

“high end noumu” im screaming. what is this like a gucci nomu? prada nomou????

OH NO RABBIT LADY

OH YES TRASHFIREMAN

aww rabbit lady im so proud of you. god damn

jesus cementtoss is fucking cool

ugh dabi :/

aww i can see twice is a fave

ITS BURNIN MY GIRL BURNIN HAS ARRIVED AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY Love her

of course you're not satisfied you fuckin tool, you dumbass, you idiot, you dont feel satisfaction this way oh man. yeah im so not surprised by the bodyswap lmao i can absolutely see it. also aww the boys arrive so cute

someone shut off this man’s cell service :/

nooo trashfireman noooo

YEAH MOMO oh man hell yeah fuckyeah thats cool shit. love her so much

oh my god KIRISHIMA what a great throw, good stronk boi. 

OH MY GOTDAMN AIZAWA WHAT THE MUTHERFUCK ITS NOT THAT EASY ALSO WHAT THE GOTDAMN

shouto! finally!!

i do like that shig’s hair is like, just Pure White. thats a cool aesthetic for a black and white manga page

oh noooooooooo bakugou,, oh NO IZUKU,, oh my god brain space fight love a brainspace fight

:/ :/ :/ dont care for the dabi reveal. i mean. its obvious. also, i dont like it. you’ll notice in my fics thats a piece of canon i just flat out refuse to entertain. like. in all of them.

ok, bit of a tangent here for the giganto boy just passing out: so, in the Jurassic park book, they tranq the Trex and it Doesnt React and then they fuck off and then the rex goes and attacks the kids and they’re in a waterfall and its sticks its head in and it like, licks them and its Gross and actually kind of terrifying cause the kids are like, thirteen and eight or whatever and Terrified. and just as the kids are SURE its gonna reach in and grab them and chomp away, it passes out.

delay tranq is a Classic is what i’m saying. lol

also? mr compress is a cutie. aww love him

oh my god did deku get spidey senses

love it love it

also i dont want to talk bout the brain switch personality thing too much but lmao i Do have a fic planned with that sorta thing involved :)

also waIAT WAIT wait wait tiwait wait

all for one is still alive and he’s also alive in fucking shigs head what the fuck. what the Fuck is that shit. 

ANYWAY i’ve watched the thing. those are my comments. thank you for this ask and jesus christ if you knew my plans for my fics you'd be like “wow what the fuck the parallels” and i’d b like YEAH I KNOW FUCKING WILD ISNT IT?

[ao3feed-todoroki]

Character Tag Update

I've been working some find and replace magic to improve the tagging system for this blog and make it easier to find stories about whatever Todoroki you happen to be interested in, regardless of ship. Hopefully this helps you all out!

The new tag system is as follows:

❄️ = Rei, Fuyumi or Natsuo

🔥 = Enji, Dabi or Touya

❄️🔥 = Shouto Todoroki

☀️ = Natsuo Todoroki

⛄ = Fuyumi Todoroki

🏮 = Touya Todoroki

☃️ = Rei Todoroki

💢 = Enji Todoroki

I kept snowflakes for when the first Todoroki is an ice family member, and flames for when the first Todoroki is a fire family member, but added in personalized character indicators (based on the meaning of their names) for both the first and second Todorokis listed.

You can view all the various tags and their meanings in the tag key at any time. Said tag key can be found at the top of the page for mobile users, and under the “Pages” menu for desktop users.

Natsuo's name contains the kanji for summer, so he gets a sun. Fuyumi's name has the kanji for winter, so she gets a snowman. Touya's name has the kanji for lantern, so he gets a lantern. Meanwhile Rei's name is the kanji for cold, so she gets a snowman with snow. Enji gets the anger symbol as he's an all around angry dude.

[haruicchi]

hi! can you make some shouto todoroki icons? :)

Posted them this morning, anon. I’m on mobile so I can’t link easily, but they’re on the icons page. ✨👍

[themythscometolife]

Shouto Todoroki - Hero Name: Shouto

Manga and Anime Compliant

Age: 16 Gender: Male Alignment: Neutral Good Orientation: Demi romantic Bisexual Quirk: Half Hot/Half Cold- Ice comes from his right side, Fire from his left.

Shouto knew from an early age that his family wasn't exactly happy or adjusted. His mother was loving and his siblings doted on him when they were able to, but there was always a sense of unease, as if something were coming. That something occurred when it became clear that he had the quirks of both his mother and his father. Ice from his mother, Rei. Fire from his father, Enji.

Once Shouto's quirk manifested, the tensions, somehow, became unbearable. He was cut off from his siblings, forced to work with Enji to make his quirks more powerful. The young Shouto didn't understand what was happening, but the more he trained, the further his mother seemed to pull back, as well. Unfortunately for him, one day his mother saw Shouto's left half, near the splitting image of his father, and she had a mental breakdown. During this breakdown, Rei Todoroki did something that she feared would happen after her many years with Enji, she took her fear and pain out on her child, pouring boiling water over Shouto's left eye, causing a permanent burn scar.

After the incident, his mother was taken away by Enji, forced to live the next ten years in a mental institution. Shouto blameed his father, knowing that his mother only did what she did out of a form of self defence. Soon after, due to the trauma, much of Shouto's memories of his mother were repressed, but the fact still hung heavy on his heart; she was gone, because of Enji.

Soon after healing, Shouto was forced to continue training and bringing his quirks to a higher power level. A type of coldness he never knew before settled in his heart and, though he trained the fire quirk, he always preferred the ice quirk, much to Enji's chagrin. Shouto promised himself that he would follow his father's dream of making Shouto the number one hero, but he would do it in his own way, only using his mother's quirk.

At least, that was what Shouto had thought. Merely a couple months into his first year at UA High, Shouto learned to open himself up to friendships, to let go of the cold ice he built around his heart for his own safety, and to let himself use the fire quirk that was just as much as his as his father's. These realizations are still fresh in his mind as he works up through the hero program, but he knows that the friendships and power he learns to wield at UA will help to make him a better person, not just a better hero.

Facts: • Shouto is autistic. • He is only just now beginning to let go of the coldness he holds towards Endeavor. Forgiving Rei and being frogiven by her in return helped him to accept Endeavor's place in his life. • Shouto is "illmannered". He does not pray or give thanks before eating. He generally doesn't respect most authortiy figures in the traiditional sense. He does what he thinks is best. • Shouto did not pass his provisional hero license exam, so he is currently in supplementary classes. • He has a new power move that if used for too long, is strong enough to burn himself or eventually melt Tetsutetsu's steeled skin.

Todoroki’s Thoughts | Todoroki’s Face | Todoroki’s Relatable Posts | Todoroki’s Open Starters | Todoroki’s Threads | Todoroki’s Wishlist | Todoroki’s Headcanons | Todoroki’s Aesthetics | Todoroki’s Verses | Todoroki’s Desires

[bnhaambitions]

ATTENTIOOOOOON LISTENEEEEERS!!!

If I could have your attention, please! The mods in Ambitions have noticed some wicked bad problems for mobile links and a few things we just gotta fix to get things a little more smooth-sailing for all you lovely, lovely little listeners out there looking to join the band! Apologies for that! We'll be doing a blog maintenance thing ASAP to get everything back in working order so none of you will have too much more to worry about! Gotta get you back in your groove, ya dig?

Now! In the meantime, I, everyone's FAVORITE (or second favorite if you're more of an Earphone Jack fan) radio host, have decided to make this post with every intention of getting you every bit of info you'll need to get going in this party!

Now, without skipping tracks, let's take it from the tizzity top, ladies and listeners!

1. AU Description!

First off, let's take a look at just what this whole thing's got going! What's the general theme? What's the vibe this pretty little group's gonna be throwing off? Thanks for calling in with your question, listener, because I'm about to tell you! If you're on laptop or if you open up Tumblr in your web browser on your mobile device, you can go to this link:

https://bnhaambitions.tumblr.com/Au-Description

If you can't do either of those, here's what you should see:

From there you'll move on toooooo--

2. Rules!

Now, just 'cause we like to party doesn't mean we don't have a couple ground rules just to keep the waters smooth and the people smoother. Most of it's just a lottle bit of common sense and stuff, y'feel? But take a look at them at this link (on Google Docs! Accessible on mobile or laptop.):

https://bnhaambitions.tumblr.com/Rules

Now, if you just can't go to Google Docs, this is what you'll see:

And that sliiiiides us right on into our next section!

3. THE MASTERLIST!

All our taken, reserved, and open characters are here! Our fantastic cast is just as poppin' and stylin' as always and you can find the full list here (It's on Google Sheets! A red X means taken, green O means open, and a yellow / means reserved!):

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iDJw21vLb66mjSMykQg0zW7bCaZz4yDcjWbdnYoreNo/edit?usp=drivesdk

Once again, if you can't open it up somehow, I'll make it a little easier on you.

Taken/Reserved Characters Are: (X means Taken, / means Reserved. Anyone not listed is open!)

Class 1-A

X Ashido Mina

/ Asui Tsuyu

X Bakugou Katsuki

X Iida Tenya

X Jirou Kyoka

X Kaminari Denki

X Kirishima Eijirou

X Midoriya Izuku

X Sero Hanta

X Todoroki Shouto

X Tokoyami Fumikage

X Uraraka Ochako

X Yaoyorozu Momo

Class 1-B

X Awase Yosetsu

X Shiozaki Ibara

/ Shouda Nirengeki

X Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu

/ Monoma Neito

The Big Three

X Togata Mirio

X Hado Nejire

X Amajiki Tamaki

Other Classes

X Shinsou Hitoshi

X Hatsume Mei

Teachers and Staff

X Aizawa Shouta

X Thirteen

X Yamada Hizashi

Shiketsu Students

X Shishikura Seiji

X Utsushimi Camie

Villains

X Bubaigawara Jin

X Dabi

And then we have plenty of OCs to go around!

And on into steeeeep

4. Reserve your character!

Take a quick look over at this link to where you can ask any questions or reserve your character:

https://bnhaambitions.tumblr.com/ask

If you can only use the mobile app and you don't quite know how to ask questions, go to our blog and click:

That happy little button on the top right of the screen, yo! From here you can click "Ask us stuff!" Send in all your beautiful questions, your reserves, all those good things you wanna know about.

From there it's pretty simple! Once your reserve is responded to and in the clear, you move on to the next step, where you'll have 48 hours to submit before we remove your reserve!

5. The Application!

Here, you can find the application at, where you can also coincidentally submit it at: (Once again, on laptop or if you open Tumblr on your mobile browser.)

https://bnhaambitions.tumblr.com/submit

Unless stated otherwise on the app, all of it is necessary to fill out! Any app that's inappropriately filled out, we typically reject.

If you can't see the application, this is the full application:

Note: Please keep this information saved for if you are accepted.

Original Character / Canon Character

Name:

Alias: (Hero name if any.)

Age:

Gender:

Sexuality:

D.O.B:

Blood Type:

Birthplace:

Ethnicity:

Family: (Family members if any.)

Occupation: (Student, teacher, etc)

Affiliation: (Such as any agencies they might work under, internships, etc)

Branch: (Branches are listed in Au desc; You make work under multiple branches.)

School Affiliation: ( If they attend school.)

Quirk: (Quirk name and description of what it does.)

Strength(s):

Weakness(es):

Stats:

• Power: /

• Speed: /

• Technique: /

• Intelligence: /

• Cooperativeness: /

Equipment(s): (Hero costume or fighting equipment.)

Extras: (Any other information you wish to add.)*

Height:

Weight:

Description: (Appearance. Min. 1 Paragraph)

Faceclaim: (If any. Feel free to add your own art or reference art.)

Likes: What are they?

Dislikes: What are they?

Personality: (Min. 1 Paragraph)

Background: (Should be detailed)

OOC Portion

Mun name:

Pronouns:

Age:

Triggers:

Blogs:

Discord handle: (eg. neon.christmaslights#2385)

Writing Sample: (Must be written for your character, needs to be literate and at least 2 paragraphs. That’s 10 full sentences at minimum.)

Fill the application out and submit it on our submissions page! Not sure how to submit things on the Tumblr App? Here's how!

Click that handy little button from earlier:

And then click "Submit application here."

There's where you can submit it!

We'll get back to you ASAP, so good luck! And breathe, listener. No legs are breaking on this stage! Metaphorically, anyway. Hero work is dangerous.

We'll be fixing all the issues ASAP! For now, sorry for the inconvenience, but it's all here!

Happy RPing, Listeners!!

[rp-bnha]

So because we’ve been told that the links are difficult to access on mobile, I put an entire masterpost of all the information in the links. It’ll be a bit long so I’ll put it under the cut!

General Information

Hey there! This is a roleplay group for the manga Boku no Hero Academia, in case you haven’t noticed already.

Here’s some information about us:

We only accept canon characters. Characters from AU’s (villain Deku, fantasy Bakugou, etc) and original characters do not have a place here. Sorry!

We also only accept characters with some “significance.” This means that minor characters who have appeared once or twice without much canon interaction won’t be accepted because…we don’t know much of anything about their personality.

Mineta doesn’t exist in this AU and he’s replaced by Shinsou!

If you fill out the application and you are accepted, we have a discord server that you’ll be invited to! After we all get to meet each other OOC, you will get to make your own rp-bnha affiliated blog for the character you write for and we will all follow each other. We want to congregate on Discord before officially coming to Tumblr because we would like to keep things organized and talk on more casual terms. It’s nice to brainstorm and make friends!

I believe our writing standard qualifies as “semi descriptive.” Basically a paragraph or more is required when you roleplay with us (unless the thread is super casual and your partner is okay with you writing less). If you are used to writing a couple short sentences for your responses, this may not be the roleplay group for you.

If you’re thinking about applying, please read the rules before you do!

Rules

There are some rules if you plan to join us, by the way. We operate under a three strike system as well so please read this page carefully if you do not want to be warned (or even banned)!

General

Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, etc is not tolerated.

Do not bring discourse into the group. We’re here to roleplay and have fun!

No harassment is tolerated. If someone says they’re uncomfortable with something, listen to them. Don’t try to change their mind.

This group accepts headcanons of all kinds as long as they are not harmful or OOC.

This is also a ship positive space because most of the roleplayers are multishippers (bakudeku, kacchako, todobaku, todomomo, etc). Even if we don’t necessarily roleplay these specific ships (besides todomomo), we do love and appreciate them! If you have a problem with this, you’re going to have a bad time.

Life happens, we totally understand that you’ll get busy sometimes. But once you pick a character to roleplay, it is unacceptable to drop them within the first month just because you couldn’t adequately estimate your time management. We obviously can’t stop you from dropping characters, but if you drop them within a month of having them, you will not be able to apply for another character until another month has passed. We expect dedication so please stick with it!

If you must take a break, please let the mods know. If you are a more dedicated roleplayer we will be very understanding (for example, if you have been rping for a few months and you need a couple weeks off to study for finals, we will absolutely allow you to stay). But if you have just applied for a character, you’ve been roleplaying as them for a week and you need to take a long break, we will be…skeptical. Unless it is an emergency please refrain from this, and if the latter situation occurs, we may free up your spot so someone with more time on their hands can roleplay.

Blog Rules

You are allowed to interact with other blogs outside of rp-bnha (such as OCs and canon characters from other fandoms) but if you’re going to roleplay with BNHA characters, try to interact with the canon ones we have at rp-bnha. If you feel like you absolutely have to interact with an indie Uraraka blog or something, then talk to the mods and we’ll figure something out.

Set up a rules/info page on your blog! Talk about the subjects you won’t rp, plots you prefer to rp, maybe some headcanons you have (for example, if you’re roleplaying Dabi, you could say that you operate under the Dabi Todoroki Theory), etc. This is to keep people from asking you to rp things that you’re not comfortable with.

Try to make your blog at least a little pretty. Default icons and banners can easily be changed to reflect you and your character!

Roleplay Etiquette

Read the rules on the roleplayer’s blog before interacting in character! This is so you know what subjects they are down for rping and which ones they’re uncomfortable with.

This is a drama-free zone. If you have a problem with someone OOC, do not be rude to them IC. Drama between characters is okay though! Just not between roleplayers.

Always ask someone if you can roleplay with them before leaping into their plot, arc, or thread. If someone writes a starter where anyone can join in, that is definitely an exception!

If your plot is going to include triggering topics or nsfw, use trigger warnings!

Keep OOC to a minimum. If the mods see that you’re getting too out of control, then we will message you privately about it before giving you a strike.

If someone says they don’t want to roleplay with you (or they reject your plot idea), learn to take no for an answer. Also, the reverse is a rule as well: if someone presents a plot to you and you truly do not want to roleplay it, please politely turn it down and maybe suggest another plot, or just say that you don’t feel like having your character interact with theirs right now.

If your roleplay is going to have sensitive topics, talk to the mods beforehand. We will tell you if we can let it slide with a trigger warning or if it’s better that you don’t rp it at all. There’s a difference between a rape recovery arc and writing an explicit scene. The first one is accepted with a trigger warning, the other is an absolute no.

If you have no problem with these rules, move onto the masterlist to see which characters are available for you!

Masterlist

If there is a character that is not listed here but you would like to rp as them, please talk to the mods. We removed most characters who we thought were relatively minor in the series.

If you find a character on this list who you would like to roleplay, proceed to the application process. You are allowed to apply for three characters at most but you’ll only get two, so choose wisely! Be sure to rank them on the form so we know which ones are your first choices.

Bold means the character is taken, if it’s not bold then you are free to apply for that character.

Class 1-A

Izuku Midoriya

Katsuki Bakugou

Shouto Todoroki

Tenya Iida

Hitoshi Shinsou

Eijirou Kirishima

Denki Kaminari

Aoyama Yuuga

Sero Hanta

Mezou Shouji

Fumikage Tokoyami

Ojirou Mashirao

Kouji Kouda

Rikido Satou

Momo Yaoyorozu

Ochako Uraraka

Kyouka Jirou

Mina Ashido

Tsuyu Asui

Tooru Hagakure

Other Classes

Monoma Neito

Itsuka Kendou

Ibara Shiozaki

Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu

Mei Hatsume

Mirio Togata

Nejire Hadou

Tamaki Amajiki

Pro Heroes and Teachers

All Might

Endeavor

Hawks

Miruko

Aizawa

Present Mic

Midnight

Villains

All For One

Shigaraki

Kurogiri

Dabi

Mr. Compress

Toga

Magne

Twice

Overhaul

Application Process

Hello, and thank you for taking interest in the roleplay group! If you have read the information page, the rules, and the masterlist, please continue on.

Because we are just starting out, we have a lot of spots open (lucky you!). We call this a “free for all” period. This means you can apply for three characters on the masterlist page, but keep in mind that you will only get a maximum of two! This means you also have the option of applying for three characters and only roleplaying as one if you request it. There is also the chance that you will apply for three but only get one even if you wanted two, because it’s unfair if four people each have two characters instead of eight, qualified people getting one character each!

Getting two characters is a big responsibility, and because of our dropping rules, we highly suggest that you only request two if you know you will have the time to roleplay them with equal passion and quality. Please do not drop them because your time management was off!

EDIT :: There have been a few minor changes to the application process. Please read about them here.

After the free for all period, the mods will spend three to four days going through the remaining applications and picking out which applicants get which spots. If there are still some characters who were not applied for (or if the applicants did not fulfill the requirements), roleplayers who are already members get priority! This means if you requested two characters and you only got Tokoyami, you can pick one of the other untaken characters from the list if you think you have the time to rp two characters!

Thank you for reading, and good luck!

Application Form (if you are on mobile and somehow cannot use this link, message us and we will provide you with a direct link)

[undinefin]

Alone - BNHA/MHA

part two of my prey series!!!!! oof ive committed to this so. i feel like....i could've made it longer but.....yknow......its okay. MOBILE FORMATTING STILL LOOKS UGLY AS SHIT AND FOR THAT I APOLOGIZE

Genre: fantasy Word count: 3104  Author: @undinefin

Previous | Next

The library in the palace was filled with many books. On the west side were the ones used for studying, themes of geography, math, astronomy, and so many more. Some of the books were inaccurate, or old, and the language was outdated. The east side was filled with fiction, stories that were beyond one’s wildest dreams. They were the most worn books, read by the many children of the royal family. The north side held magic related books, ones that summoned beasts, carried runes, or simply explained the illogical logic of it.

Todoroki had spent many days of his life sitting in the library. The dark wood walls and carpeted red floor had become so familiar to him, that he felt calmer between the books than he did anywhere else. When he was younger, and the social pressure was boiled down to him not being troublesome, his mother would read a different story to him every night.

“Shouto, why do you think the princess felt sad?” his mother would ask. Todoroki, at the tender age of six would look at the picture of a beautiful princess trapped in her tower, longing for a life beyond the walls.

His small fingers would touch the pages, but his voice would seriously reply, “Because she can’t control anything in her life, it’s all decided by her father.”

Todoroki’s mother smiled, “Yes, she wants to live her own life, but her father won’t let her. She’s waiting for a prince charming!”

“Why wouldn’t she just do it herself? All she has to do is run away,” Todoroki asked. The princess was gorgeous, surely, she would be able to stay somewhere for the night and get a job. Her voice was supposedly beautiful, she could be an entertainer. “Why would she wait for prince charming? I would go out and find them myself.”

“I’m sure you would,” she laughed. “But do you ever feel like that Shouto? Do you ever think of times where you want to find someone to save you?”

His father immediately flashed to mind. At his young age, Todoroki wasn’t too sure why, but the way his siblings were tossed aside by his father’s glare put him off.

“No,” he answered simply. “I have mama.” He didn’t want to cause trouble between his parents.

Todoroki now regretted those words.

He wasn’t a princess locked in a tower, sitting in a sparkly pink dress and attracting birds with a melodious voice. Certainly, Todoroki was not searching for a prince charming of any sort, and he could protect himself perfectly fine, physically at least. Yet, the main element of the princess’ dilemma haunted him as well.

It was one of the dinners that Todoroki would actually eat with his father. The King usually left him alone at dinner, locking himself in his own study, or going out to eat socially. Todoroki much preferred eating alone, the tension between him and his father was far too troublesome to maintain. One wrong move and he, or more accurately another, would be punished for it.

Cutlery scraped across the porcelain plates, picking up the roasted chicken and peas. “Shouto,” his father bellowed. His tone was never light, “The neighbouring kingdom has agreed to the Aleatory Quest. You must follow it through with haste, faster than they.”

The quest had rapidly spread throughout the land. There was no limit to those who could take it on, due to the immense difficulty. Naturally, the Flame Kingdom took on the quest as well. Todoroki knew that his father had not been pushing his son to compete simply because of the large reward, but also to finally have a victory over their neighbouring kingdom.

“Yes father, we’ve received information surrounding the beast, and the territory,” he responded calmly.

Todoroki now firmly understood that his birth, his existence, was to be his father’s pawn in the continuing rivalry between kingdoms, specifically the Piece Kingdom – originally named the Pierce Kingdom after its first king, but through lost transcript and a change in values, they dropped the r; elders claimed the newer name fit the kingdom much more.

“I’ve heard that All Might is not competing, a cowardly move one may say.” Todoroki didn’t mention that he was doing the same. “He’s choosing a charge to fight in his place. Rumors say that should the charge be successful, they’ll take over the kingdom.”

Todoroki did not particularly care, “I see.”

His father continued, “I have full faith you’ll be able to return victoriously.”

Todoroki had become skilled at understanding the true meaning of his father’s words. Defeat the charge from the Piece Kingdom.

“Your abilities are powerful, more so than any other your age.”

Use the flames and ice you were bred to have.

“Prove to me.”

Prove to them.

“Your strength.”

Todoroki stood from the table, his meal finished. “I will do my best.” He turned on his heel, making way for the stairs that would lead to his room.

“Shouto,” the voice boomed, resonating throughout the room. Chills crept through Todoroki’s body, even on the left. “You will come back with its head,” it was a command.

***

Aside from the library, Todoroki also loved the stables. The dirty and worn-out place looked centuries different from the glimmering white castle. There were eight horses and one foal in the stalls for the royal family, though in a separate barn were countless more. During the day the horses were allowed into the fields to graze, or the knights would train with them.

Todoroki had been a natural at riding. He’d started lessons when he was very young, and quickly grew adept at controlling and bonding with the horses. It was easier to talk to the animals, perhaps because they weren’t aware of social status, or perhaps because they did not bear convoluted human emotions.

“Yukimi,” he whispered. The colt nickered softly in response, it’s pure white coat glistening under the moonlight. He was a sleek horse, though strongly built with an unkempt mane. It was understandable as to why he was brought in to be a horse in the royal family. Yukimi was beautiful, always moving elegantly, as if he was one with the wind.

Yukimi was a rather troublesome horse, and only seemed to obey the rider on selected days. No one in the royal family wanted to ride him, and as Todoroki being the last born, he was naturally left with the colt. It was through the countless nights where Todoroki had hidden away in the barn, afraid someone he loved would no longer be there the next day, when Yukimi would let the young prince sleep in his stall that their relationship grew.

Todoroki held out the grain he’d brought for the colt. “We’ll leave tomorrow. Even if the quest is pointless, I do not wish to stay here any longer,” his voice was firm. Yukimi ate the grain with gusto, as if Todoroki had never done this before (he most certainly had).

Getting out the equipment needed to tack up the horse, Todoroki continued to mumble himself, “Truthfully, I feel guilty for taking you with me, yet I cannot think of another steed for the quest.”

He spent the night preparing, packing needed items and non-perishable foods. Todoroki studied a map of the area he was lead towards. It would be a long journey from the Flame Kingdom to the territory of the beast.

The quest was rather ambiguous, most people knew few details if they knew any at all. Most signs had the phrase ‘Eradicate the True Evil’ and a short description of a “western land” where a “mighty beast resides.” The reward was a whopping 500,000 gold coins, or Nik as they were known as in the continent, though where one would collect such a prize was undetermined. Spies and mercenaries of all kingdoms had gone to the largely assumed “western land,” which was an island off the coast of Amagata, and never came back.

Todoroki got a few hours of sleep, not fully dressed in sleepwear. He awoke the next morning, long before the buzz of the palace started. The prince wore a linen shirt under a long blue tunic of different shades, and gold-laced buttons. Cream coloured pants donned his legs to compliment his shirt, and boots to match his tunic with an embellished gold design at the lip. Todoroki only glanced into the mirror for a moment, but his eyes were naturally drawn to the red scar.

Todoroki hated the scar. His father was not the one who had given it to him, but the King was the sole person he’d think of upon seeing the red swells and the forever malformed shape of his eye. The scar on his face was the ugly reminder of his father’s power over him, his family, and the kingdom. Todoroki Enji was strong, that fact could not be denied, but the prince could not accept the way he manipulated others to his will.

Shooing away the thoughts, Todoroki wrote a letter to give to his siblings and mother that he’d leave for the handmaid. He left the palace quietly, picking up his sword and a few extra daggers on his way down to the stables. The stable boy was already tacking up Yukimi with a simple saddle and reins. Todoroki strapped on the armoured metal boots made specifically for Yukimi and checked his shoes.

“Good luck, Your Highness,” the stable boy bowed. He helped fasten the supplies to the back of Yukimi’s saddle. Todoroki thanked the boy for his service, handing him two Niks.

Yukimi took off fast, heading east towards the town, even though the location was west. The Flame Kingdom was strategically placed next to a large river that opened to the south ocean, Fukai. The bridge to cross was south of the kingdom, as such the journey would take much longer on horse.

Yukimi’s gallop dropped down to a canter when they reached the town. In the early hours of the morning, few citizens were actually awake. Todoroki nodded to the baker that was putting out a sign. The smell of fresh bread wafted through the air, tickling the prince’s nostrils. He stopped to buy a fresh loaf and kept it in his sack.

Todoroki reached the outskirts of town. The land began swerving, and Yukimi followed, now heading west. Livestock were already grazing in the fields, and a few farmers were out doing their chores. Some of the children waved to him when they noticed the gallant white horse bounding past their land. Todoroki waved back, a small smile ghosting his lips that was surely not noticeable from where the children were.

“Hello Your Highness!” one child cried. Her hair looked wild in the morning wind, locks of red blowing wildly. Her hands were dirty as she seemed to be tending to the strawberry plants, though despite the mud on her fingers and the early time of morning, her face was brighter than the rising sun.

After passing the farms, the land began to steep. Yukimi dropped his head and galloped up the hill. Torodoki adjusted his weight foreword to keep with the weight of the horse and not fall.

His destination was the city Banbatsu, an old colony of the Flame Kingdom that had flourished to have its own government, and economy. They were still checked on once or twice a year, and most regulations had to go through a representative of its parent. What made Banbatsu successful was the mages they fostered and trained. The city was founded by a mage who was rumoured to be the first to achieve materialization out of nothing. The family that now governed Banbatsu were descendants of that mage.

Yukimi stopped to rest at the top of the hill, Todoroki quietly let his horse graze. To his right was the castle of the Flame Kingdom; a protruding grey symbol in the rising sun, blocking light from touching the land. Perhaps the castle was beautiful in some way, the gold that plated the tips of their spindles, or the architecture of the structure that was heavily embellished with ornaments to look like fire, but Todoroki disliked it.

“It’s too grandiose.” Yukimi whinnied in response and began walking again. “And there’s only flames.”

Todoroki kicked Yukimi’s side, getting him into a canter. It would take two days travel to get to Banbatsu.

“The ice will melt.”

***

It was late afternoon of the next day when Todoroki finally saw the farms of Banbatsu. He had only visited the town once before when he was young, but still, some of the farmers recognized him. Yukimi gladly accepted the fruits and hay that the farmers offered, slowing to eat.

“What brings you here, Your Highness?” one of the older farmers asked. Their children were playing with Yukimi’s mane.

Todoroki remained stiff. “I’m here to visit the High Mage family. I have a request for them,” he answered in the voice that he was trained to use, the one that displayed power over listeners.

One farmer offered to notify the family, ensuring that they could push back other meetings if required. Before Todoroki could reply, the farmer had already snapped their fingers and teleported away. It caught the prince off guard, but he merely bid farewells to the farmers and continued to the heart of town.

Banbatsu was filled with magic. The water in the fountains danced, yet no pipes forced the path. A few smaller houses floated above the others, and the streets were lined with giant flowers that were enchanted to glow during the night. People would use magic – their own or through items bought – on the street around him, some opting to use their abilities to traverse rather than on foot, children playing games with familiars, and creatures from other worlds casually running market stalls.

The biggest building of the city was to the side of the entertainment district. It was an old, red brick house with grey shingles for the roof. Wooden steps that were protected off by black fencing led to the elevated entrance. A gazebo was to the right of the house, in front of a lake that seemed too clear to be real.

The painted blue doors to the house of the High Mage family opened themselves, inviting Todoroki inside. He walked in a few paces when a young girl suddenly appeared before him causing his heart to jump in surprise, Todoroki hoped that the shock didn’t visibly shows.

“Your Highness,” the girl bowed, revealing the beautiful satin bow in her hair. It complimented the red robes that draped over her shoulders, covering her backside. Her stomach and legs were left bare, and a simple bodysuit covered her chest and waist.

Todoroki returned the bow. “Yaoyorozu-san,” though he said it formally, he and the promising heir to the High Mage title had met many times before. The family often travelled to the Flame Kingdom on request of the King.

“What may I help you with?” Yaoyorozu asked.

“I’d like to request some enchantments on my equipment for-”

“The Aleatory Quest,” she predicted.

Todoroki raised his eyebrow in genuine confusion, “Was there a reason to ask in the first place?”

“Formalities. You aren’t the first who’s come by asking for this favour.” Todoroki nodded at the statement and went to fetch his armour from the pack on Yukimi’s back. The horse was glad to have the weight gone and seemed to be trying to snag some food from the person that was taking care of him.

Walking back inside, Todoroki noticed the dark circles underneath the mage’s eyes. “Are you alright?”

“Oh, I’m perfectly fine,” the girl reassured. The prince didn’t believe her. “We’ve been busy lately with heroes coming in and out of here though. Speaking of, I’m missing a few materials to properly enchant your equipment. I can do a fair amount on my own, but you’ll have to wait for the weapon enchantments until we collect more angel blood. I’m also assuming you’ll want to channel your magic through the sword?”

Todoroki nodded, “If possible, I’d like to be able to.”

“Thought so. Then, we’ll also need carigus stones,” she concluded. “The shipment...it could take anywhere from a month to three. The delivery service we use can’t teleport, but they’re the only ones capable of withstanding the extreme temperatures for the carigus. Worse, the path between the North Mountains and here has been blown out,” her voice was visibly worried.

“How come?”

“No one really knows for sure, but someone said something about a fire? Perhaps it was an explosion,” Yaoyorozu responded.

“And you can’t create these yourself?”

Yaoyorozu looked rather ashamed. “I don’t know the exact build-up of them. Besides, producing blood isn’t something I excel at, I’ll have to work on it,” she declared.

Todoroki shuddered at the thought. The ability many mages held in her family was to create things from their body. The prince did not know all of the logistics, but they essentially transformed absorbed magic into physical elements within them and produced materials from their body, hence the reason for the exposed skin. Still, producing another’s blood was quite unpleasant to think about.

He figured that taking on the quest without a magically enhanced weapon wasn’t the best idea. “Then I’m assuming that without those materials, not a lot of weapons can be enhanced.”

“Not unless you’re good at the whip.”

“I’m not,” Todoroki stated. “What if I collected the materials myself?” he offered. “I can withstand the heat and cold. Besides, I would feel uneasy simply doing nothing while waiting. Meanwhile, you’ll take care of my armour.”

Yaoyorozu brightened at the suggestion, “That’s no problem at all. I trust in your abilities, getting the materials should be an easy feat for you, Your Highness. I’ll write down the details of collecting them for you.” The mage rushed off to find a pen and paper. Todorki extracted his sword and the daggers from the pile of equipment.

“Sorry, it is quite messy,” she handed him a piece of paper. Todoroki decided to not mention that Yaoyorozu’s “messy” handwriting was neater than his. “I’m sure your horse will be glad to have the weight off him.”

Todoroki almost smiled, “He most certainly will.”

Thanking the mage again, Todoroki left through the doors that opened automatically upon his exit. Leading Yukimi to the main street, he strapped his supplies back on, and then mounted the horse. Armed with his sword, Todoroki left the town and headed north. His expression hardened as they picked up speed, heading towards his destination alone.

gaiowj again thank you so much for reading!!! i do realize the great lack of ships but yknow gotta world build before the juicy stuff comes. the next part....i hope it comes out soon.......hopefully school won't get in the way too much!

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[polovinki-blog]

Itsuki chuckles smoothly. "You got games on your phone?"

Pulling out his phone, Shouto swiped to the page where he placed his ‘Games’, a page, he was told by Izuku and Iida, that was absolutely necessary on any teenagers mobile device. On the page there were only TWO games, Neko Atsume (his favorite game) and Mystic Messenger. He hadn’t had a chance to try out the second one yet, but it was recommended by Izuku in an conversation that Shouto overheard. He thought he’d give it a try.

“Yes, I have two.”

[courage-a-word-of-justice]

Reflection 6 - 7 | Saiyuki Blast 8 - 9 | Katsugeki 9 | BnHA 34 | PriPri 8

Reflection 6

How does Spiderman, or X-On, or anyone speak in one of those mouth-covering suits??? I can’t believe I never thought of that sort of question until now.

Why is it always a woman taken hostage??? Can’t you at least be more gender-balanced in this day and age?

Well, considering Lisa’s power is made for, well, power and the other guy’s power is more covert, this wasn’t going to end well…

I find it entertaining, interesting and funny that Lisa called her wheelchair “Big Wheel”.

X-On did the “draw me like one of your French girls” pose on top of the car, and I can’t. I want that meme so badly now!

Always keep your eyes on the road, people. Make sure you get some rest if you’re zoning out!

Reflection 7

“Beef or Fish”? What is this, Macca’s?

This is like Kado all over again, just with two blades on X-On’s part, and fire. Lots of fire.

It’s all men. Gah, Stan Lee. Every time you impress me, you make me go back on my words. At least have a woman in the tech team…

Oh man. Calling yourself “LA’s ambassador” when you live in LA is like me saying I’m Earth’s ambassador when aliens arrive.

Nina doesn’t look very scared…          

I-Guy needed an X-On to the face, so to speak.

“Marry.s Hotel” (sic)? Studio Deen need to work on their punctuation.

Wraith is basically Kurogiri (Boku no Hero Academia). I only just realised that…

Uh, what do I call this car? The I-Guy-mobile?

Saiyuki Blast 8

Can I please stop complaining about how the blood splatter is tasteless?

If you’re in the trade of writing bishies, you have to be impeccable at writing ship tease, and Minekura just showed us why she’s been doing this one manga for 20 years.

Normally, when people have hunches in fiction, they tend to be very much correct.

Why does that Sharak follower even wear that hat? What creature is it even made of??? A raccoon?

Is it just me, or do half of these guys (Kougaiji, his lackeys, Genjo and the Sharak follower) look the same?

“…a bunch of humans can really take all of this?” (Alternatively, the word could be “us”, which seems much more likely now that I think of it.)

The staff really skimped on that one scene where the demon horde is leaping…

So this Dokugaku guy (apparently his name is “Dokugakuji”, but the CR sub was spelt wrong) is…Gojyo’s brother? Didn’t see that coming, the entire Sanzo party looks like only children. Goku is of course an only child since he came from the earth though.

CGI rubble really don’t work here…it looks like a bad action movie, like Photoshopped explosions at inopportune times…like this thing someone once showed me.

Hiroaki Hirata is Gojyo, if you didn’t know, and obviously, Sai Rau is Ura Sai backwards (as done by the Japanese).

…oh, you’re asking me why I’m watching this Ura Sai? It’s because I saw some GIFs of it on Tumblr. Apparently it’s a Saiyuki tradition to do an AU at a Macca’s or something?

Saiyuki Blast 9

As I’m still a rookie Saiyuki-wise, I couldn’t really identify this demon by appearance. I completely understand the fruit joke – I read Saiyuki’s character page on Wikipedia, then came to this ep, but I did something in between so I didn’t remember there was the name Zakuro on that list…haha.

Zakuro has some odd perspective working on those fingers of his…

I was reading a volume of Reload, since I have access to a library with 3 volumes of it, and…I actually know what Hakkai is talking about for once before these guys actually bothered to show it. Amazing.

I literally swore when Nataku popped his golden little head into the fray. Kougaiji’s gonna get a beatdown for sure, especially because Sharak’s scripture boundary should be coming into effect soon.

The problem with CGI is that not all anime benefit from being lifelike. Anything by ufotable is fine, but when other studios try to get a slice of that action that’s not fine. I’ve been going for at least 13 years being used to the flat stye of anime, and calling it home. That’s a tiny fraction of how long anime has existed, and already I don’t want it to change. So please, anime. Don’t become too lifelike, lest the viewers not become able to tell truth from fiction.

Kougaiji does look kinda like Gojyo, eh?

Referring to that link in last ep’s simulcast commentary…yeah, this is if Michael Bay directed this show. Only with more blood.

Katsugeki 9

This is the Teradaya Incident, which happens to be completely unrelated to the Ikedaya Incident…

Of course you get the muscleman to row the boat. That’s just logical.

As I’ve said at least once during these commentaries, there’s close quarters combat late into the game (about map 6), where large swords don’t perform as well. That’s why Tonbokiri is worried.

I have the feeling Hijikata will have to be protected later on in the same way…

Those spider blades sure can run fast, eh?

Oh no. This is advice Mutsu previously gave to the other swords, so having it parroted back to him by his master is really something…

Interesting how Tsurumaru is the only one sitting on the ground, even though he’s got white clothing…

BnHA 34

LOL, a catfight. Bad for public image, good for the press.

After that one week break, I feel like I haven’t seen these guys (Denki, Ashido, Tokoyami etc.) in years…

Wow, I didn’t think I’d see Monoma again at all! Guys like that get sidelined a tonne.

What happens if Bakugo and Deku get the same score? That could be a possibility, depending on how the scoring system works out.

The gates are so CGI, I can’t even…

Oh no! It’s Deku vs All Might. It seems absolutely perfect from a logistical angle (as in, matching a physically powerful Quirk against a physically powerful Quirk makes sense, since you probably find it hardest to go against a Quirk like your own), but Deku’s faith is probably gonna get smashed like Texas…it is Texas Smash, right?

For once, a kid that like hamburgers and not Hamburg steak *sighs happily* (one character and one line’s difference in katakana). Something I don’t have to whine about, yay!

I’ve never known a person who likes natto, although for Ashido, it makes sense (like Shouto and cold soba).

Interesting they put the dumbest people up against Nedzu.

Yeah, heroes always need a healer if they can get one. That’s why I specifically introduced one of my characters in Half-Paid Heroes, and I often have a grass type in my lineup to compensate for such things (since in my world, grass types specialise in healing).

Princess Principal 8

(narrowly refrains from making O’Reilly jokes)

Beatrice, how have you not picked up the fact that Dorothy gained a soft spot for the Princess too? This is case 20, for goodness’ sakes.

It’s the Princess and the Pauper, eh? Traditional, but if Barbie ever taught me anything, it’s that people still like hackneyed ol’ stories portrayed by familiar and non-familiar characters.

“There are all kinds of walls, keeping everyone apart.” – That’s anvilicious for you. There’s no tact in this show, is there?