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Todoroki knew he was great.
Maybe that sounded egotistical (or, ugh, like something Bakugo would say) , but it was just a fact. His reactions and timing were nearly flawless, his use of ice precise and quick. Now that he was using his fire, his fire, he was getting compliments on how quickly he was adjusting to using his flames safely but still usefully.
His ice could create beautiful sculptures that he spent months practicing on. His fire, albeit slightly unrefined and sometimes out of control, could form Chinese dragons that flew through the sky. His father says these skills are pointless, but his friends seem to really enjoy them, so he continued regardless of what his father said.
Substantially, it even goes down to his hero uniform. It wasn't flashy like most, but it got the job done. The vest kept his temperature stable as he alternated between fire and ice, the modules on his belt filled with necessary medicines and water someone rescued might need. His suit wasn't outstanding, but it was efficient. That was more than what some of these kids were doing, these words coming from his father and not his own mind.
So yes, Todoroki was great. Or at least his quirk was.
He couldn't remember the last time someone said “You look great today, Todoroki!” instead of “Your ice looks amazing!” There was no “I hope you have a good day”, it was only “I hope you train hard today.” These words, compliments, that's what they were called, haven't put their attention on Todoroki in a long time. He didn't even realize it so he hadn't cared. At least that was until Midoriya got involved.
When Midoriya got involved, which was all the time, things were always complicated. He still remembers the Sports Festival as if it didn't happen around a year ago but instead yesterday. Midoriya, shouting at him from across the arena, blood dripping down his nose and chin while clutching wounded fingers to his chest. His power, only a (literal) flick of it sending Todoroki flying back, forcing him to pay attention to him. The words he screamed at him until he listened were words he'd never forget.
“A cool, smiling hero. That's what I want to be!”
A strong punch to his stomach launched him into a faded memory. Soft hands ran through his hair, messing up the straight juxtaposition that was his hair. “Shouto…”
A shoulder slammed into his chest, knocking him backwards. He was barely able to keep his footing as he was forced to listen to words being spouted at him. “That's why I'm giving it everything!”
More hits came with more words. More words came with more memories. His father’s relentless training since the age of 5, his mother’s crying and pleading for him to stop. Warm, entrusting arms circling around him accompanied by relaxing, sweet nothings spoken into his ears.
Midoriya was relentless, something Todoroki already knew. But seeing it is different from experiencing it. Going as far as breaking all of his fingers twice just to prove a point… Midoriya had to be insane.
And yet, that was the day his own opinions were changed. This daredevil, unable to use his own quirk without harming himself and threw his own victory away just to save a worthless nobody like him, told him something he never knew he needed to hear.
“It's yours!” That voice screamed at him, making sure Todoroki would listen. He wouldn't glance at his father to see his reaction again. His eyes would stay on him. “Your quirk, not his!”
The moment Todoroki lit fire and burned, he knew just how insane Midoriya was. It was something he wanted by his side for eternity to come. Something he had to watch over, not because Midoriya couldn't handle himself, but because the idiot would probably jump into any danger before thinking with that overly powerful brain of his.
That day, Midoriya saved him. It was also that day that Todoroki decided to follow Midoriya to the ends of the earth and always support him, giving him everything he could possible want or need.
He didn't expect Midoriya to constantly keep giving back instead.
After a year in the classroom already, everyone was closer to each other than before. Everyone still had their own little squads, but movie nights in the common room were a frequent thing as well as outings to the mall. Even Bakugo joined in the fun. He still acted grumpy and sometimes a downer, but at least he didn't jump for a fight every possible chance he could.
The people Todoroki got closest to was Yaoyorozu (they had already been friends, but never close), Iida (someone had to make sure the idiot didn't chase bad guys alone in an alleyway again), and of course Midoriya. Did he really need to justify that last one? These friends of his were real friends. They weren't people hired by his father to get close to him to learn weaknesses. They weren't by his side to coattail for fame and money. They genuinely cared… even if they didn't show it sometimes.
“Your ice form had been so precise! I see you have even practicing!” Iida would say, arms swinging wildly.
Todoroki thanked him.
“Wow, you've been getting better with your fire! Want me to make something for you to target during practice one day?” Yaoyorozu would ask, smiling cheerfully.
Todoroki accepted her offer quietly.
Midoriya… he was always an enigma. Constantly pulling the rug out from under Todoroki’s feet, surprising him with every sentence that came out of his mouth or actions that came from his body. Of course Midoriya rattled on and on about his quirk, but he did that with everyone. Todoroki wasn't special. And yet Midoriya could say the simplest things and make him feel like he gave him the whole damn world.
On their way to homeroom, Midoriya fell into step beside Todoroki. When the taller student looked down at his friend, he was given a bright smile that could compete with the sun. “Your hair looks really nice today. Did you use a different conditioner or something?”
The question threw Todoroki off. His hair? Sure people made comments about his hair, but they were usually along the lines of “Huh, that's so weird.” Never had anyone said his hair looked nice.
“I… have.” He answered lamely when he realized Midoriya was looking expectantly at him. His mother had suggested it after one of his visits and seeing as her hair was always so smooth and soft, he decided to finally try it. “I didn't expect anyone to notice.”
Of course Midoriya did, he always notices everything. He had notebooks on every hero possible, even his own classmates. It was kind of concerning though. Imagine how badly he could roast anyone now that he has so many details on everyone.
Todoroki didn't even realize he was complimented on something other than his quirk for the first time in ages until he thought about it for the rest of the day. Sure it was a compliment on his looks, but he'd say that's a big step considering half of his face was masked with an ugly scar. Still, it was from Midoriya too, so he knew it was genuine.
He thought nothing of it though. It was just one compliment.
One compliment that turned into more with each passing day.
They started off with his appearance, much like that compliment to his hair the other day. “I noticed you got new boots. They look really great on you!” He told Todoroki after he got a new pair since the others were wearing out.
“Todoroki, is that a hair pin? It looks really adorable.” Midoriya said before going on and on about how he used hair clips often when his hair got into his face. He also spoke of his thoughts on possibly getting a new haircut. Todoroki quietly listened.
“Wow, have you been training more recently?” Okay, Midoriya didn't need to say that in a locker room full of half naked boys, but he didn't seem to care about the odd looks sent his way. He just smiled cheerfully like he always did, at least until Todoroki quickly excused himself from the locker rooms before he could embarrass himself by literally lighting on fire.
These compliments went on and on. Todoroki almost suspected that Midoriya was doing it on purpose just to make him confused this way, but there was no way Midoriya would ever do that. Or so he hoped anyway.
He could handle these compliments, they were no different than what he was told before. Sure it wasn't about his quirk, but they were innocent compliments in the end. Even if they did make his chest flutter just for a second, no matter what it was Midoriya commented on. Maybe it was because it was from Midoriya himself why Todoroki is reacting this way. He always made Todoroki act in ways he normally never would.
One compliment finally got to him. It was during a day of training in class. Hand to hand combat was really pushed this year after last year was focused on quirks. One shouldn't rely too much on their quirk after all. Aizawa made a good point on this. Anyone could have a quirk to erase theirs or just plain stop it, like Aizawa could, so they couldn't be heroes if they couldn't do anything without a quirk.
Surprisingly a lot of the students did well. Ojiro had no trouble fighting without his tail, even if his balance was off since his tail uselessly swished around under Aizawa’s stare. He only erased those with physical quirks or anyone who looked like they were about to use their own. Bakugo was a frequent target.
Todoroki could hold his own. His father used to get angry at his lack of fire, so he made sure he didn't use his ice during training sometimes either. Besides, Todoroki knew staying in shape was important for heroism. It's why he made a habit of going jogging every early morning on the weekends, as well as daily workouts in his room in between studying sessions. He recently increased the intensity too, knowing he could handle it, so maybe that's why Midoriya noticed his physique?
After his match with Ochako (it was a tough match, he couldn't deny that), Aizawa announced the next battle between Midoriya and Kirishima. For a bit, Todoroki had been internally worrying over who Midoriya fought against as these battles went on. He knew Midoriya could handle himself, but he didn't want to see him fight Bakugo. Things have calmed down a bit between the two, but it's not like they were best pals now.
Still, he felt the need to say something. Midoriya’s been nothing but kind (er, nicer he supposed since Midoriya was always kind) to Todoroki recently. He wanted to return the favor.
“Good luck, Midoriya.” Todoroki spoke as he walked past Midoriya who was making his way into the fighting circle. “I'm glad you're not fighting…” He trailed off, whispering that last sentence so no one overheard. Even if he didn't finish his sentence, Midoriya gave him an understanding smile.
“Thank you, Todoroki. I kinda am to.” He grinned, stepping into the circle. He paused though so he could turn back to Todoroki. “Oh, and thank you. You're very kind to worry about me.”
Todoroki wasn't sure if he heard right. Him, kind? He wasn't kind. He was cold, emotionless. A robot. Unable to sympathize. At least that's what a lot of people told him. How could he be kind?
He wasn't sure what spurred it, but he suddenly didn't feel great. It didn't necessarily feel like he was ill, he just felt… wrong. Weird. Kind of like he wasn't himself or he wasn't completely in the moment. He asked Aizawa if he could rest in Recovery Girl’s office for a bit, his calm voice betraying his anxiety. After such an intense match with Ochako, and the fact that Todoroki never ever requested to go to the nurses’, Aizawa allowed it.
The walk to Recovery Girl seemed quicker than usual. Probably because Todoroki had been lost in his jumbled thoughts. She glanced at him when he came in, a little surprised to see him instead of a regular (ahem, Midoriya). Once she saw he wasn't that harmed other than a couple of bruises from his fight with Ochako, she gave him a look asking for answers. He explained he wasn't feeling well and asked to stay for just half an hour before he got back to class. She allowed him, only because he never requested it before.
Perhaps resting wasn't such a good idea. As he laid down, trying to get this strange feeling to go away, all he could think about was Midoriya and his compliments. Was it strange to feel so weird after someone was nice to him? Is something wrong with him? Surely he doesn't despise Midoriya, that can't possibly be the reason for his discomfort. He had no clue what to think. He wasn't even sure if he wanted Midoriya to keep complimenting him or to stop.
Time passed, but it must not have been as long as Todoroki imagined because soon the door opened and someone walked in. Todoroki couldn't see who it was since the curtain was in the way.
“You? Oh, I swear if you-”
“I'm not injured, I swear!” Todoroki heard Midoriya’s familiar voice. He had said it with a laugh. He wondered how many times Midoriya has been in the nurses for him to have to reassure Recovery Girl he isn't hurt. “I came to check on Todoroki.”
His heart definitely stopped. Why couldn't he breathe otherwise? Midoriya wanted to check on him? Why? It's not like he was sick… then again, Midoriya probably didn't know that since he was fighting when Todoroki left. Did he see him leave? Or did he notice him missing when the match was over? Todoroki wondered who won, though he had high bets on a certain daredevil. “T… That is if you'd let me?” Midoriya continued weakly.
There was a sigh from Recovery Girl. “Since he's only resting, I'll allow it. Don't make too much noise.” Listening closely, Todoroki heard the squeak of her rolling chair. “I'll be back in a few minutes.”
Todoroki strained to hear her footprints leaving the room until the curtains were suddenly drawn back, nearly startling him into jumping. That would've been embarrassing. “Hey,” Midoriya sent a soft smile his way. Looking over him quickly, Todoroki was pleased to see Midoriya truly wasn't injured. He had a small bruise on his jaw, but it would heal in a matter of days. A wound Recovery Girl wouldn't need to worry over. Heroes faced countless injuries and wounds everyday, a bruise was lucky. “You doing alright?”
Snapping his eyes back to Midoriya’s face, he hoped the other hadn't noticed his staring. He didn't mean to stare at his body, he was just making sure his friend was alright! He let out an awkward cough. “Um, yeah. I'm good. Just felt… faint.”
Midoriya sat on the bed across from Todoroki. Seeing as the other wanted to talk, Todoroki sat up and turned his body on the bed to face Midoriya. “... Did you win?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah, I did! Kirishima is strong, even without his quirk!” But you're definitely stronger, Todoroki selfishly thought as he recalled seeing the others body multiple times during changing between classes as well as those times in battle when his clothes “unfortunately” got ruined. How could someone who looked so lanky turn out to be ripped? It would've been unfair to Todoroki if he hadn't been admiring them so much.
… Perhaps he should stop thinking about his friends body while that said friend is talking to him. “I'm sorry, what did you say?” He felt rude to make Midoriya repeat himself, but he hadn't caught what he said. He was too busy thinking selfish, selfish things, pull yourself together Shouto. Why are you even thinking about your friend, a guy at that-
“I was asking if everything is really okay. You're zoning out and your face is kind of red.” Midoriya answered. He was frowning worriedly. Todoroki hated seeing such a happy person frown. It didn't suit Midoriya.
He was concerned about something else though. Red face? Was he actually blushing? At least Midoriya assumed he was sick. Maybe he was, because surely he wouldn't be acting so strange if he wasn't. “Maybe… I am kind of under the weather I suppose. Nothing some rest can't handle though. Please don't worry about me.”
Was it presumptuous of him to assume Midoriya was worried? No, he came here to check on him. Just him. By himself. Surely he cared.
“Please take care of yourself. Maybe it was because of training today. You're used to using your ice side to cool your body when you overheat after all. Perhaps todays training pushed your bodies’ limit? Since you could not use your ice today.” It was so like Midoriya to bring his quirk into the question. The boy was smart, but sometimes he linked everything back to quirk even when it might not be.
Why did Midoriya have to be so nice? It was a blessing and a curse. It made Todoroki happy yet it also made him sick to his stomach. “You know, I hope you're okay.” Midoriya murmured softly. He wasn't exactly looking at Todoroki now. “You're really nice once people get to know you. And with your past… you deserve happiness. You're a really great person. You don't really deserve to get sick.”
Midoriya loved torturing him, huh?
Cursing under his breath, Todoroki flopped onto his back and raised his arms to cover his face. “Todoroki?” Midoriya questioned, surprise laced in his tone. “Are you feeling sick? I can quickly find Recovery Girl.” He offered it so quickly, Todoroki almost didn't stop him from leaving the room in time. Thankfully he didn't leave when he heard Todoroki’s… laugh?
It was quiet and not really laughter. It was more like a confused chuckle. “Maybe I really am sick.”
Confused, Midoriya moved closer to Todoroki’s bed. From what he could see that wasn't covered by Todoroki’s arms, the other was still a little red. “Hey, Todoroki-”
“Everything you're saying, is it true?” Todoroki didn't mean to cut him off, but he had to know. He didn't want to think it, but a small part in his brain wouldn't let go of the small possibility that Midoriya knew how the compliments made him feel and was only saying them to torture his feelings before turning around and saying he was lying. His father said he was nothing more than a masterpiece, a tool. His mother called him unbearable. Would he really be farfetched to assume a compliment from anyone based on his personality was genuine?
He moved his arms so he could stare at Midoriya’s confused face. “What… do you mean?”
“All of those compliments… were any of them true?”
The brief flash of confusion then hurt on Midoriya’s face made Todoroki’s heart swell with pain. He shouldn't have asked. He shouldn't have doubted him. Look how kind he turned out to be-
“I'm- so sorry.”
What.
“Why are you apologizing?” Todoroki asked, almost flabbergasted. What did Midoriya have to apologize for? He's the one who gave him the compliments! It was Todoroki who should apologize for not being able to return the kindness.
Midoriya covered his face with his hands and groaned. Those hands then slid down his face, revealing an almost angry look. He sat down on Todoroki’s bed this time, startling the confused teen. Oh god, he was too close like this- “Todoroki.” Hands found their way onto Todoroki’s cheeks before he could look directly at Midoriya. Those hands made him turn his head up, looking right into Midoriya’s eyes. “I forgot- Your dumpster fire of a father probably never-” He sighed. He almost looked disappointed until that determined look came back.
“Whatever he said, that's not true. Whatever I said? I swear I'm only telling the truth. Todoroki Shouto, you're a very kind person.” Midoriya was talking softly now as if talking any louder would corrupt his words. Todoroki was too shocked to reply. He was still processing his words. “You're so selfless and caring. Remember last year with Stain? You weren't the first one to arrive. You were the only one who came. You rushed to get to me, even if your father yelled at you.”
Hands softly ran through his hair, the touch gentle even if those hands were covered in scars. “You're such a quick thinker, and I honestly love that. You're so sweet to worry about everyone, even Kacchan. I know you don't show it, but I know.”
“Midoriya, you don't need to…” Todoroki wasn't sure what to say exactly. He was mainly concerned about how much his face was heating up right now. He called his ice to try to suppress it but just in case, Todoroki turned his face away.
Apparently Midoriya took it was a form of self conscious denial. His hands were on Todoroki’s face in no time again, forcing him to look back at him. “Midoriya!” Todoroki exclaimed, a light frost breath escaping his parted lips when his ice kicked into overdrive to try and stop his face from heating up further. It didn't seem like it was working though.
“Would I lie to you?”
“No,” Todoroki answered instinctively. “But-”
“But nothing.” Midoriya huffed. “Everything about you is perfect. Your eyes, I love the color difference. Your blue eye really stands out against the red of your hair.”
“It stands out because of that ugly sc-”
“Nothing about you is ugly. Not your looks, not your personality. Not even your quirk.” Midoriya leaned in and oh god, Todoroki was going to die, he literally kissed his scar. How was Midoriya so composed while Todoroki was fighting to prevent himself from lighting the sheets on fire or freezing the nurses’ office? “It's all yours, and I said everything about you is perfect. Your hair, I love seeing it perfectly split but I also love those days when you were in a rush and a few strands got out of place.”
Midoriya was so carelessly throwing around the word love, Todoroki was sure he was going to die. It was too much for his inexperienced heart. He could take beatings and insults like a champion, but nice comments? Ha. “Midoriya, please…” His voice was quiet, only because if he spoke any louder it'd definitely crack with emotion. “I can't… You can stop now, I understand.”
“Do you?” Midoriya asked softly, his eyes burning into Todoroki’s until the other managed to glance away. He was seconds away from burning or freezing the room, and he really didn't want to give Midoriya more scars. He gave a reluctant nod. It was scary how determined Midoriya could be. The boy was usually shy and quiet but when he had a point to prove, he wasn't going to stop until it was over. “Do you understand that you're such a beautiful individual that I would literally take a bullet for-”
“Midoriya, I get it!” Little wisps of frost covered Todoroki’s cheek and some of Midoriya’s hand. “Also, don't even think of doing that! I don't want you to do that.” He grumbled, making Midoriya laugh. Finally those hands let him go. It made pushing down the fire building inside of him easier.
“Good. Sorry, I just wanted to make sure you understood. Also… I couldn't help it. I never get to see that expression.” Now that he wasn't in “hero/determined mode”, Midoriya almost seemed like his shy self again. He wouldn't meet Todoroki’s eyes and pink covered his cheeks.
It was… too adorable. “What… expression?” He asked.
“You looked so innocent and confused with your eyes, they were much wider than usual. Plus, you know, you looked ready to catch fire.”
“I was.”
Midoriya laughed again. “I'm still sorry. I completely forgot you probably don't get complimented often. It must be overwhelming for you.”
Overwhelming didn't explain half of it. He probably could've handled anyone else easier, but… Midoriya was just different. After today, Todoroki had a theory why. It was something he'd like to explore, but perhaps in the way future. He couldn't distract Midoriya from his hero training now. They both couldn't afford it.
“It's fine.” Todoroki sighed, glad to feel his temperature returning to normal. His heart still thundered wildly and his stomach fluttered, but at least he didn't feel ready to die. “We should get back to class.”
“Oh, are you feeling better now?” The question sounded innocent but when Todoroki looked at Midoriya, the boy was slightly grinning. He gave an unamused look. He didn't reply and got off the bed, fixing his clothes. “Should we leave a note for Recovery Girl?” Midoriya suggested, standing as well.
“No, she'll know we went back to class.” After his clothes were straightened, Todoroki walked to the door. He turned his head to look back at Midoriya. “You walking with me?”
“Yeah, of course!” Midoriya bounced into step behind him and joined his walk down the hallway. “Ah, I need you to hold something though!”
“What is it?” Midoriya didn't have anything on him earlier. What could it possibly be? Still, he held out his hand nonetheless. Not even a moment later, a warm, crooked hand landed in his.
He looked at Midoriya in shock before looking down at their joined hands. Midoriya had the most smug look right now. “Thanks, I was tired of carrying it alone.”
“Midoriya.”
“What?”
“You're going to kill me one day, I swear.”
“That's not what heroes do!”
As Midoriya laughed at their exchange, Todoroki stared. Maybe Midoriya was right. Maybe those things he said were true. If someone as kind as Midoriya could like him, surely he couldn't be that bad…