Work Text
72 hours ago, Shouto Todoroki ran.
Blood split from his lips, painting his lips and chin a deep red, making his gag. His voice was rough and coarse from the yelling, the blotchy scar on his left side ached with phantom pain, his legs burned from running for miles, his ribs screamed in protest from being bruised and cracked, his lungs squeezed for air, he gasped around his swollen throat until he finally collapsed in a cave, shaking and wheezing.
Only hours before his father had tossed him around like a ragdoll until Shouto was able to slip from his grasp and run down the marble hallway, smearing blood from a deep gash on his side, the scratches on his face from his father’s nails and various other wounds he couldn’t identify.
He stumbled into Momo’s quarters, one of his dearest friends, she was sold off like some object for Shouto to marry in the near future despite their obvious attraction for the same sex. He collapsed on her floor, clamping his jaw down onto his fist to stop the sobs and screams from spilling. She quickly threw the covers from her bed aside and lifted Shouto into the bed without any grace. She cursed as she looked him over, grabbing his face and giving a platonic kiss to his forehead.
“I will help to the best of my abilities.” She rushed over to her wardrobe, grabbing a kit of healing supplies. Things went by in a blur as Shouto eased in and out of consciousness, only hissing slightly when Momo dumped a healing tonic onto his larger wounds. She tightened a bandage around his middle, blood beginning to soak through the cloth from his gash. She layered more until the blood stopped spilling for a moment. She was about to clean his chin and lips with a damp towel before he heard his father’s roaring call of his name, demanding he show himself.
Shouto’s eyes snapped open, and Momo opened the rusted latch on her window, throwing it open, her nightgown flowing with the wind before she looked at him, her grey eyes flashing in the dark and she pleaded quietly
‘run..’
So Shouto stood on wobbly legs, his stomach flipping as he heard the large footsteps drawing closer and looked at Momo once more before climbing out the window, his bare feet hitting the soft grass, it was almost soothing. As he began running he heard his father roar an insult at Momo and her yelp before shouting back at him. He tripped, his white dress-shirt staining with grass and dirt before he swiftly stood back up, and continued running. He had the sense of mind to steal a small dagger from a snoozing guard on night-duty.
So he ran away from his castle, out of his kingdom and into the forest. Later, he collapsed into a cave, silent prayers coming from his lips and he shook and wheezed. His eyelashes fluttering against his cheeks.
================
“Izuku, darling, would you mind going and seeing if you can find a rabbit or something to catch. You’re just so good with that bow of yours, I don’t know what I would do without you.” Inko Midoriya smiled brightly at her son, pinching his cheek slightly as he laughed.
“Oh, you’d probably starve or live off corn and grapes.” He quipped as he grabbed his bow and quiver, stashing them both on his back. “Of course, mum. I’ll be back in a bit.”
He grabbed his black leather gloves from the table nearest the door and continued down the porch. Following the messy half-assembled rock path Toshinori was beginning to install towards the small wooden shed. He smiled as he saw a skeleton-thin man come into view, his wild yellow hair framing his face.
“Ah, Izuku my boy! How are you this morning?” Toshinori greeted from the small garden he was kneeling in. His thumb gentling caressing a basil leaf.
“Oh, Toshinori, hello!” Izuku chirped. “Just going out to fetch something for lunch or dinner, depending on how mum feels.” He shrugged as he slid open the worn wooden door of the shed. “Ah, hell, this place is a mess. You ‘ought to treat your surroundings as well as you do those plants..and mum.”
Toshinori let out a hearty laugh. “Well, organizing is not one of my many talents. I wonder if you mum has any cleaning spells..” He tapped a thin finger against his chin, humming.
“That’s stereotypical and she’s a witch, Toshinori, I doubt she wants to memorize those wild words, not everyone can be a easy-going,
I know everything and I shoot stuff out of my hands
, mage like you.” Izuku quipped, smirking.
Toshinori blanched and stuttered. “Now, now, my boy! I would never expect your mother to clean my messes I simply thought she might possess the ability to-to be able to-”
Izuku giggled and cut him off with a wave of his hand. He assured Toshinori he was simply joking and he knows, yes, he knows, Toshinori loves his mother dearly. He grabbed a wicker basket, hoping to be able to find some sweet berries to take home along with his catch.
=======================
Shouto eventually lifted himself out of the cave with a grunt as a drop of water landed on the tip of his nose. He blinked through thick lashes as he stepped out of the cave, grumbling at the bright sun. He was just surprised he didn’t die in his sleep.
His stomach twisted and growled loudly, making him wince and sigh. He supposed he did get lucky always having someone else to feed him. He should’ve listened when Fuyumi offered to teach him the essentials of gathering food.
He walked around the forest aimlessly, hissing as his bare feet collided with rocks and sticks. He eventually managed to find a moss green bush, filled with branches covered in leaves and bright red berries. He stared at them for a few moments, his stomach continuing to clench and grumble for food. He bit his lip, brows furrowing as he sat on his ankles. He inspected them for a moment more, his brows knitting together. He looked around for a few moments, noticing no one, not even a bird. At this moment Shouto decided to shrug and pick the berry from the branch. He opened his mouth, prepared to plop the berry inside and face the consequences and his stomach nearly seemed calmed by the thought of food or the possible risk of death by a random berry he found in the woods, until it all came crashing down as an arrow whipped between his fingers and turned the berry into mush on the forest floor next to him. He stared dumbly at his fingers for a moment, wondering if he somehow managed to do that until he heard a cough and a meek ‘hello’
He turned his head and saw a figure with a deep tan cloak, a black worn shirt, matching gloves and a hood obscuring their face, a wooden bow pulled taut with an arrow pointed directly at him. He briefly wondered if he was staring at the grim reaper, who happened to wield a bow instead of whatever else was decidedly more ‘spooky’
“You-uh, shouldn’t eat those..” A shy voice filled the silence. “They are um..really poisonous.”
Shouto considered grabbing more and accept the taste of poison just because the embarrassment he felt in this moment. The figure slowly lowered the bow and let their grip on the arrow loosen slightly, relaxing the string.
Shouto slowly stood, trying to hide his grimace at the pain in his bones. He rubbed the back of his neck. “I-I am not quite used to the profession of gathering..”
To his surprise a soft laughed filled the air. “Not a lot of people are, must admit though, most learn these berries are poisonous when they are children.”
Shouto coughed and looked down, feeling an embarrassed flush fill his cheeks. “A lot of people rely on their magic, I assume..” he said lowly, turning away to go find a berry that is not apparently poison. To his surprise a firm grip grabbed his wrist and he stood still.
“W-Wait..” The person said. “You-You don’t look well, and you have a fancy accent, I assume you aren’t from around here..uh come to my house.”
Shouto spun around quickly and stared at the figure. “I beg your pardon?”
The figure went still before exhaling and slowly removing the hood. His eyes met with a boy around his age, with messy green hair, a constellation of freckles dotted across his cheeks and on the bridge of his nose, and his eyes - Shouto thought- were remarkable, they were a emerald green but if you looked closely they had flecks of gold in them. The boy blinked before cracking a small smile. “Um, you look like you are in need of some help..and maybe a warm meal. Come to my house, it’s nearby and my mother is there, she’s a witch and she knows a lot of healing stuff! Uh, her lover, Toshinori, I guess my father even though I am not blood-related to him is there too. He uh, he is a mage and could probably help you in some way!” Shouto felt his heart slightly warm at the muttering boy in front of him.
“I don’t mean to intrude..” Shouto said softly.
The boy looked up at him, smiling brightly and shaking his head.“Not at all, and uh, Midoriya Izuku..” He held his hand out. “Nice to meet you, stranger.”
Shouto blinked before shaking his head and taking the hand. “You can call me Shouto, it's a pleasure to meet you, Midoriya.”
=====================
Izuku Midoriya considered his life rather uneventful. Sure, his step-father was probably on the list of world’s most powerful mages and his mother occasionally would be seen walking around with a
talking
frog on her shoulder and a bright crimson face.
‘O-Oh, izuku, darling! Y-You see I was-was trying a simple
spell
on your Father and um...there was a sliiiiight mishap..’
It was a rather weird experience to have to be bossed around by a frog for an entire week. Despite his family and their magical capabilities his life was almost a boring routine. Wash, rinse, repeat. He’d even admit is was bland and tasteless, he never was one for following set rules. When Toshinori came into his life, that was a short break from the blank, never-ending stream of wash, rinse, repeat. He had to learn how to accept a father-figure in his life, one that gardens and has 371 facts on Tomatoes, nonetheless. Soon enough though, Toshinori proved to be nothing but healthy and loving towards Izuku and Inko, he easily merged himself into the hussle and bussle of Izuku’s life. Toshinori in fact taught Izuku that just because he could not maintain magic, did not mean he wasn’t talented in other things. Toshinori trained Izuku with the bow, and Izuku threw himself into training, falling in love with archery.
Then there was Aizawa and Izuku’s loyalties to the town his mother’s cottage was barely on the border of. Izuku used to venture into town with his mother, gawking at the finley carved wooden plaques and the various other vendors. Sure, he loved the town and his friends there, but his true love was the forest. Once Aizawa caught Izuku training behind the tavern and practically voluntold Izuku to join the guard, protecting the border which many were not fond of. Izuku was
Happy to oblige, not like he had much of a choice, it was practically what he did anyways, exploring the edge of the forest, discovering little bits of the land he hadn’t noticed before.
Today, though, was different.
Sure, it started off as it normally would. His mother asking him to catch something for a meal, or Toshinori asking for help in the garden. He continued out into the forest. He wasn’t sure how he managed upon a stumbling man in the forest, his hair split red and white, his eyes different hues. He saw the man mumble something he couldn’t hear from his perch behind a rock, then he watched intently as the man glared at a patch of berries, it would’ve been comical when Izuku saw him open his mouth far too wide for just some small berries until Izuku realized they were poisonous and he quite frankly wasn’t in the mood to deal with a dead person right now. So he pulled his bow and focused, breathing deep until he let his fingers go slack, the arrow shooting through the berry and effectively ruining this stranger's meal.
Izuku saw the cuts on his face, the strange accent he had (it was fancy, in Izuku’s opinion) and the way his eyes almost
pleaded
for his help. So, now Izuku had a random stranger, limping behind him and breathing curses as his bare feet stepped on sharp rocks. Was it a terrible idea to invite a random stranger into his lovely home with two of the most wonderful people in Izuku’s world? Yes. Has Izuku ever listened to anyone else’s idea of normalcy? No.
Heaven help him.
=========================
Shouto watched silently as the green haired boy gestured to the wide clearing with a cottage sat in the middle, a garden on the side with a barely standing shack behind it. He noted the clutter around the house, a bench with various tools on it, a rock path leading to the porch and the rope swing swaying along to the wind. “Welcome to my humble abode.” Midoriya gave a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his neck. Shouto simply nodded his head, acknowledging what he said. Midoriya gestured for him to follow. Shouto relished in the feeling of the smooth rock path against his feet, the last days have been rough between sticks and rocks, he really should’ve grabbed a pair of shoes before he took off..well, perhaps if he had a choice.
Izuku opened the red wooden door, the curtain on the window engraved into it fluttered from the wide swing. Shouto stood awkwardly in the doorway as Izuku took off his red boots, sighing. “I’ll be right back.” Izuku waved before rounding a corner. Hushed voices could be heard, Shouto grimaced.
Just when I said I didn’t want to intrude…
The voices went silent before footsteps could be heard and Midoriya and a short woman who clearly resembles the boy stepped beside Midoriya. The woman studied him for a moment before meeting his eyes. “Shouto was it? I’m Inko, Izuku’s mother.” She stepped forward and he nodded.
“I’m sorry for the intrusion..”
“Now, now, I didn’t raise my boy just to look the other way when someone or something was hurt.” She fretted, she raised her hand, her fingers barely grazing his jaw. “May I?”
Shouto nodded and she gently grabbed his jaw, inspecting the wounds on his face before looking over his torso once more. “Follow me, dear..”
Inko sat him on a bed with newly changed sheets and a wooden frame. The room he was in was small and bare, most likely a guest room. “Izuku, go get my supplies, please?”
Midoriya nodded at his mother’s request and took off, leaving the room.
“Your son is...kind.” Shouto said softly as Inko dabbed a wet towel she had grabbed sometime earlier, Shouto was obviously out of it.
Inko smiled at this, her lips curling up. “He truly is, I’m so lucky to have a boy like him.”
Shouto hummed as she cleaned the blood from his face and lips. “I kind of feel foolish..it must be strange to have a random person come stumbling into your home.”
“I must admit it doesn’t happen every day..” She said with a small chuckle.
Midoriya waddled back into the room, three heavy cases in his arms. He let them gracelessly fall onto the bed next to Shouto thumping loudly and Inko scolded him for not being more cautious.
“Take off your shirt.” Inko stated and Shouto glanced between her and Midoriya.
Midoriya’s face turned bright crimson and Inko just sighed. “I want to be able to see your wounds, healing them with things I already have can make it so my magic will be able to get the wounds that are on the inside of your body..now, dear, take your shirt off.”
Shouto stared at her for a few moments, quirking a brow. Inko continued to stare at him, her eyes gentle.
Shouto sighed briskly before unbuttoning the stained white shirt. As his shirt slowly peeled off his arms, showing his muscled abdomen he heard Midoriya cough loudly before turning around and fiddling with a nearby object. Inko, however, let out a small gasp as she saw his large bruises and cuts. He duly noted how the bandages Momo had put there were now soiled with dirt, blood, and some oozy substance. Midoriya glanced over his shoulder, his eyes softening greatly as he quickly turned around and bent down, his fingers gently grazing Shouto’s middle.
“W-Who did this to you..?” He looked over all of Shouto’s old and new scars, the dried blood and some new blood from Shouto reopening wounds. Midoriya’s emerald eyes trailed up to him, eyes shining with vulnerability and
something
Shouto couldn’t name. He was surprised he didn’t see an ounce of pity just...
care.
Shouto stared at Izuku, his eyes meeting his, mixing storm gray and deep blue with sage green. Shouto silently mapped Izuku’s freckles and Izuku’s slight frown, his rosey pink lips. Inko let out a soft ‘ahem’ and they both pushed away from each other.
Inko let out a chuckle before opening up one of the large cases. It was slightly worn-down, the leather and golden embroidery slowly peeling and chipping away. Inko’s small hands quickly flicked the steel locks open. Shouto watched as the case folded back, revealing an assortment of medical supplies. Inko grabbed a cotton cloth from the case and a glass bottle, filled with a thick red liquid. “Drink this, hun, it’ll probably taste horrid but it truly will help.”
Shouto took the bottle and inspected it before popping off the cork that was inside the bottle half-way. He sniffed the liquid and frowned. This wouldn’t be pleasant. He slowly began to drank it and grimaced as soon as it hit his tongue, he let out a soft grumble before quickly downing the rest.
“That..was terrible.” Shouto shook his head before setting the empty bottle on the night table.
*
*
Shouto looked at himself in the slightly cracked mirror. The tiny bathroom making his scrapes and bruises seem to stand out even more.His finger tips slowly trailed down his torso and over his blossoming bruises. He shook his head before dipping into the warm bathtub, sighing happily as his muscles relaxed. He let his mind wander, watching absently as the steam from his left side slowly raised the temperature of the tub and fogged the mirror. Once he noticed his fingertips turning wrinkly and the water turning cooler despite the usage of his magic he finally stood, tracking bits of water out onto the tan tile on the floor before he wrapped a stark white towel around his waist.
As he got dressed in a tan tunic and a comfortable pair of pants, he assumed which were Izuku’s since they were too short to pass his ankle, he winced as certain areas sparked with pain. Inko later bandaged his wounds and fretted more before practically forcing him to have a few bites of honeydew. Shouto was sitting at the round dining table, choking down the sweet fruit, he truly never was fond of his vegetables or fruits, a large skeleton man with frizzy blonde hair trotted into the cottage. He opened his mouth to greet Inko before his eyes landed on Shouto. Shouto paused, his fork hanging limp in front of his mouth.
*
*
Izuku jumped from his desk as he heard a loud roar. His feet quickly carried him out of his room, slightly tripping over his toes and stocking feet until he slid into the dining area. Toshinori let out a loud roar of laughter before gently clapping Shouto on the back, the other boy had a small blush to his cheeks and a was squirming in his seat. Izuku looked around the room, His mother giggling in the corner as she served up some tea, she turned her gaze towards Izuku and another smile cracked. Izuku stupidly gawking at the entire scene.
“Oh, Izuku! Did you know Shouto is almost as much of a fan of your fathers work as you are?” She giggled again.
“U-Uhm, sir, your work and magic is..it’s inspiring, to say the least..” Shouto said quietly, his melon long forgotten.
“It pleases me to hear that, my boy! Izuku has said much the same! Hah, now i’m just an old man who likes to grow vegetables! Tomatoes really are much better fresh.”
Izuku had to remind himself to shut his jaw until Inko finally made a loud squeak. “Izuku Midoriya! When I said to catch something for dinner I didn’t mean a boy!” She raised her finger to point at him before wildly gesturing back to Shouto. “What a wonderful idea! Izuku you can take Shouto out to get something from Tetsutetsu!”
Shouto looked up at him and their eyes met, Izuku felt his throat lock up and his heart speed up. All he could do was nod dumbly. “Sure..”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Silence, Shouto liked silence. He liked getting lost in the waves of of static. He liked white noise and liked the purity of silent waves, crashing in quiet yet devastatingly loud. He enjoyed the peace in the violence. He found comfort in the which many found eerie, unsettling.
Izuku Midoriya, was not silent. He laughed brightly, mumbled under his breath, spoke constantly and never shut up. Yet, Shouto found himself listening. Found himself having to look up before crashing into a tree because he was so lost in the depth of Midoriya’s voice. Shouto found himself, for once, not being afraid of the loud. Midoriya’s voice wasn’t his father’s, his voice was soft and sweet, but he spoke with confidence, not cockiness.
“Why do you live in the middle of the forest?”
Izuku let out a small laugh before raising a brow. “I could ask why I caught you stumbling out of a cave.”
Shouto’s breath hitched and he quickly tilted his head away from Izuku. Izuku saw Shouto tense up and quickly racked his brain for a way to make Shouto calm again. “Mm, doesn’t matter, I suppose.” Izuku let out a nervous giggle. “Well, I guess my mom used to own an apothecary in the town, but eventually she met Toshinori and decided to move out to the forest, she wanted a life filled with peace and calm. The forest gave that to us. One of my friends runs it now, Ochaco!”
Shouto curled and uncurled his fingers before letting out a long exhale. “Are you Toshinori’s secret love child... or something?”
Izuku coughed loudly before spinning on his heel to look at Shouto. “W-What?” Izuku squeaked. “I-I mean I guess it would look that way but-but..”
Shouto let out a small huff, almost similar to a chuckle before waving his hand. “I’ll take that as a no.” They sat in silence for a few moments before Shouto spoke again. “So your mother and step-father both wield some type of magic, I can’t help but wonder why you don’t..”
Izuku stiffened, remembering the burns and taunts. The times he ran home scratched and cold, crying and begging his mother to somehow help him be able to handle magic. “Well,” Izuku breathed in. “I was never able to sustain it. It always had to much strain on my body, nose bleeds, broken bones, bad things. Eventually I gave up, then I met Toshinori and he taught me how to use this old thing.” He flashed a bright smile, pointing to his bow securely hanging on his back.
“I guess in a way, I can relate to you.” Izuku looked at Shouto, curious. “I can handle magic, I’m skilled in it. But I prefer my sword..for reasons.” He pointed to the small dagger in a leather holster on his leg, moving slightly as they walked. Izuku nodded to show he was listening. “I guess i’m a weak mage, if anything.”
“I doubt that..” Izuku laughed but was cut off as he turned and opened his arms in a wide gesture. “Welcome to our town!”
*
*
Shouto watched as strangers looked from whatever activity they were doing to stare at him in bewilderment, once they saw Izuku by his side they would brighten and offer a greeting. Apparently all he needed was Izuku’s approval to not be stared at like a stranger.
Izuku was talking to a woman who was brushing a horse, chatting each other’s ears off as Shouto shifted his weight from foot to foot awkwardly. Izuku turned to Shouto, mouth open like he was about to say something before it turned into an awful grimace. Shouto looked down as he felt a hearty squeeze around his middle and his feet lift off the ground. Just as he saw a stark white cloth around his middle he was pulled upside down and hanging from a nearby pole, smacking his head against the wood with a groan.
“Midoriya.” A stern voice said, Shouto still seeing dots couldn’t locate who it was coming from.
“A-Aizawa-sensei!” Midoriya squeaked before running over to Shouto, hanging, as he tried to wiggle out the cloth.
“Who did you bring in here? You know the rules regarding strangers.” The voice snapped grumpily and Shouto resisted the urge to shout a curse at the person who tied him upside down.
“U-Um, trust me, I promise Shouto isn’t going to hurt anyone! He was actually hurt and my mother patch-”
“How long has he been here?” Shouto hit the ground with a thud and groaned once more, he swore his vision would be gone by the time this day was over. Izuku slowly helped him into a sitting position, blinking a few times Shouto saw the owner of the voice. A lanky man with greasy black hair, stubble lining his jaw and some decent sized eye bags.
“Not even a full day ,sir, maybe half of today..” Shouto looked at Midoriya, who had his head bowed and a large pout on his face.
“You know we do not accept strangers, we protect our people and turn newcomers away.” The man glared angrily at Shouto. “I could take this job away from you, Midoriya, there’s plenty of willing applicants-”
Shouto stood on shaky legs and stood in front of Midoriya, slightly shielding him from the man.
“I don’t think that is necessary.” Shouto said with heat. “Midoriya did nothing wrong, he found me hurt and he helped me. I won't stand Midoriya being treated poorly for saving me.” Shouto stepped slightly forward. “I’d say Midoriya’s in more of a position of authority than you are,
sir
.”
The man, Aizawa, Shouto slightly noted, clicked his tongue. “Tsk, fine, I’ll allow you to stay if you can prove yourself useful. Midoriya, if you come waltzing in here with anyone else, you will not have a job to show up to everyday..”
“I’d be more than happy to offer my abilities here, if it means Midoriya is treated appropriately.”
The two men glared at each other, Izuku meekly standing by Shouto’s side.
“Aww, calm down Aizawa-sensei, you used to be all protective over Midoriya!” A man with bright red hair pulled neatly into a bun bounced up over and leaned on Midoriya’s shoulder, a bright smile on his face. A scowling blonde stalking behind him.
“Kirishima.” Aizawa warned. The boy pouted. “Midoriya, take this..Shouto to Asui, maybe some chores will teach this loud mouth some more respect.” The greasy man walked away, leaving Shouto to stew in bitterness.
“Ahhh, don’t mind Aizawa-sensei, he just cares a lot about this town, y’know?” Midoriya said after a few quiet moments.
“Totally! The old fart will probably warm up!” The red-haired boy said brightly before sticking out his hand. “Kirishima Eijirou, this is Bakugou Katsuki, he’s kinda grumpy but he’ll accept your presence sooner or later!”
Shouto took his hand, nodding. “You can call me Shouto..”
Bakugou looked between Midoriya and Shouto for a few minutes before hissing. “Hah, hope pretty boy knows how to farm, huh, Deku?”
Izuku turned bright red and Shouto coughed. “F-Farming..?” Shouto could’ve sworn his accent decided to stand out in bright contrast to theres in that moment. Showcasing his “pretty secretly rich boy and maybe royalty” status.
“Umm, Asui Tsuyu is our resident farming specialist so to speak?” Midoriya scratched behind his head. “I’m sure she’ll teach you well?”
*
*
Katsuki growled as he watched Shouto struggle to dig a
fucking
hole. Shouto continued to dig with his hands, dirt smearing up his arms past his gloves and somehow managed to smear on his forehead. Katsuki kicked him out and told him to go ask Tsu for
“something else you don’t manage to turn into a fucking horrid disaster”
So now Shouto found himself struggling to pull a carrot out of the ground, Katsuki scowling as he dug his own hole, fixing Shouto’s “horrid disaster” one. “Shouto..I really can’t believe how bad you are at this.” Tsu said slowly, watching him try and pull different directions, the carrot not budging.
Shouto huffed before giving up, glaring coldly at the vegetable. “Asui, you could show me how to do this.”
“First of all, it’s Tsu, secondly, I have Shouto. I have shown you the exact way I do it..” Tsu put her chubby finger to her chin. “I guess you’re just a butterfingers!”
Shouto gawked before spinning on his heel, tearing the sun hat off his head and storming in the opposite direction.
“Oi’ Half-and-half the hell are you going?” Bakugou yelled from halfway across the field. Shouto grunted and continued walking, ignoring the fuming blonde.
Shouto narrowed his eyes as he heard heavy footsteps following closely behind. A heavy hand dropped onto his shoulder and Shouto froze.
The burns, the screams, scratches, broken bones, the taste of iron in his mouth.
Instincts, rely on your instincts, Shouto.
The water searing into his skin, branding itself along his left eyelid. Burning, eating him up, eating him alive.
Shouto quickly turned around, seeing red and grabbed onto the arm touching him. He locked the arm behind the monster’s back, falling and pining the person to the ground. The body below him squirmed and cursed as Shouto beat punches into their back.
“Shouto!” A voice called out, and his vision cleared slowly. The voice reminded him of his mother’s. Of the purity she radiated. The calmness she put out, the gentle touches and the lullabies she would softly sing in his ear. He blinked rapidly and stopped his beating, meeting messy red-hair and sharp teeth in a grimace. “Shouto, get off of him!” Midoriya said softer this time, pulling Shouto off of Kirishima with surprising strength.
Shouto’s limbs shook and Midoriya’s rough but gentle hands cupped his face, looking over his features. Shouto trailed his eyes behind Midoriya’s soft gaze and looked at Kirishima who was now sitting on his butt. Rubbing a kink out of his neck with a small pout.
I hit him, I hit him, I hit him, i’m just like him, i’m bad, i can’t hurt people, why’d i hurt him, mother would be so disappointed, she would hate me more, i can't, i can’t-
*
*
“I’m sorry, i’m sorry, i’m so sorry I-I-I-” Shouto babbled senselessly his eyes darting to every direction as his entire body shook, his eyes were wide, his lips slightly parted to let his apologies spill out.
Katsuki spewed curses and threats as some nearby villagers pulled him away from Shouto. Kirishima laughing gently at how hard Shouto hit him, his red eyes laced with worry.
Izuku looked at Shouto’s panicked expression once more and tried calling out to him again, his soft words landing on deaf ears. Izuku wrapped his arms around Shouto’s torso and squeezed tightly. Shouto babbled senselessly against Izuku’s embrace before he went slack, his breath evening out.
“Shouto? Are you alright?” Izuku whispered into his ear. Shouto nodded his head before pulling away. Izuku found Shouto’s lips pulled into a frown and his eyebrows knitted closely together.
“Hey, man, are you alright? Sorry I gave you such a scare! Hah!” Kirishima stalked over to the two men still on the ground.
Shouto coughed before turning his head away. “No, I should be apologizing, I got..out of hand there..”
“Ah, no worries! You should join the guard! Katsuki and all them could use a person with as much strength as you carry!” Kirishima flashed a bright smile.
Izuku chuckled before slightly pulling away from Shouto to stand. He helped Shouto stand back up, holding his shoulders until he stopped wobbling. “I mean… you are pretty bad at farming..” Izuku teased.
Shouto’s face went a pretty pink before he looked over at Izuku with a harsh turn on his head. “You saw that?” He whispered loudly.
Kirishima and Izuku laughed brightly.
*
*
Hours later and another ‘stern-talking to’ from Aizawa.. Izuku and his new half-haired companion were marching up the stairs to the front door, the wooden stairs creaking and small splinters sprouting out. A brown package of pre-seasoned lamb and a basket filled to the brim with potatoes and apples swung on Shouto’s arm.
Midoriya shouted his arrival back home, slightly startling Shouto making him lunge and grasp the basket as he knocked into the doorframe. Once Shouto composed himself and slipped off his shoes alongside Midoriya’s they trailed quickly into the kitchen, met by a smiling Inko who was watering a hanging plant. Shouto noted it matched her hair. Shouto set the basket down before turning back to the short woman, finding her face in a grimace as she stared at his forehead. He gently tapped it before she scoffed and turned to her son. “Why is Shouto covered in dirt, young man?”
Shouto and Midoriya tensed at the same time, expecting the scolding to come. They stayed silent for a few moments before Midoriya’s high pitched squeak made an appearance as he near shouted. “Aizawa-sensei made him farm!”
Inko shook her head with exasperation before wetting a cloth and handing it to Shouto. “Go wash up, dear.” She turned back to her son, a scowl on her face as she eyed him.
Shouto made his way to the small bathroom, examining his state in the cracked mirror. He winced as he saw dirt smeared across his forehead and some dotted along his cheeks and wiped on his nose. His hair a mess. He wiped his face down with the coth, sighing as his scar and porcelain skin was revealed from the cake of sweat and dirt on his face.
“Hey..Shouto..” Midoriya said softly from the door-frame. “Walk with me?”
Shouto’s mind raced with doubts as he walked down the small hallway into an equally small bedroom littered with books, scrolls and various other objects.
“Excuse the mess.” Izuku smiled before sitting on the floor, his head leaning back on the frame of the bed. Shouto followed and sat directly in front of him, he watched as the freckled boy drew his bottom lip between his teeth, tugging on it until it became a harsh red. He let it fall from his clutch, Shouto’s eyes following the movement. He felt a desperate heat flood into his cheeks. He shook his head discreetly, willing the fire of his blood to flood somewhere else. Possibly his brain so he didn’t end up dying.
“About..today..” Izuku started softly. Shouto’s shoulders locked in tension as he drew a breath in. “..I..I suppose farming might not be your
destiny
?”
Shouto stared blankly as Midoriya hid a cheeky grin behind his hand. His golden tan skin flushed with a soft pink, obscuring the constellation of freckles.
“I thought this was about…” Shouto left the unsaid words float and Midoriya dropped his hand, a heavy frown set onto his face.
“Well, you do pack a punch. But, no offense, Kirishima is harder than rocks.” Midoriya teased but quickly shook his head, coughing awkwardly. “To put it lightly, It was...terrifying.”
Shouto sat in silence, listening intently to Izuku’s words. Izuku’s tone was soft and endearing, having the hint of vulnerability in it.
“I suppose I was angry at first, I bring in this stranger, get scolded by one of my teachers and it kind of ends up biting me in my ass!” Midoriya said with much too enthusiasm before his face twisted in emotions Shouto couldn’t decipher. “Then I found myself really worried, you were..I could tell that wasn’t the real you out there. That you’re kind of like an
onion!
”
Shouto squaked at the statement. An onion, a sour, bitter, smelly onion? Christ, he knew he wasn’t the most appealing and friendly human on the planet but..
an onion..?
Midoriya burst into unrestrained laughter, flailing his arms about and stuttering over his words. “N-N-Not like! Not like you’re thinking!” Izuku shook his head and smacked his cheeks with his hands before sighing. “I meant you have layers!”
Shouto found something bubbling up in his chest, passing through his lips and filling the air like thick honey would a jar. Izuku looked up and stared at Shouto’s laughter as he covered his smiling mouth with his pale hand, his eyes crinkling shut as he let out a few snorts.
Izuku felt a crimson blush take over his cheeks, causing him to let out a small squeak as he continued staring at the man in front of him.
“W-Hy-Why didn’t y-ou-” Shouto paused to set his hand back down and settle on a illuminating smile. His white teeth slightly showing behind his pretty pink lips. “Why didn’t you just call me a cake or something? Cake has layers and is undoubtedly more flattering than an onion!”
Izuku stared at the smile in front of him. It was like a light in the fog, It was like finding a calm in the storm. The way his face lit up in brightness and his laugh was contagious in one of the best ways. Izuku found himself falling deep into an ocean, not willing himself to want to even swim to the top again. To break the surface and breathe again. Not when this ocean was so..
something
.
“Or a parfait!” Izuku concluded.
They’re sweet, kind of like you..
*
*
“How about hunting!” Izuku suggested.
Nine rabbits and deer lost later, Izuku decided Hunting was undoubtedly not for Shouto.
“How about sewing!”
Shouto’s hands covered in small pricks and a rough looking glove (inko concluded it would make a lovely washcloth) later and Izuku decided sewing was undoubtedly not for Shouto.
“How about being a waiter? Mitsuki Bakugou is great and a lovely person to work with!” Izuku suggested smiling brightly again. A high number of twenty-two spilt drinks and Shouto’s shoes sticking to every floor Izuku decided on something else.
Blacksmithing, trying out being a butcher, mail delivery and pretty much everything Izuku could manage to come up with proved to be undoubtedly not for Shouto. Izuku would admit though, it was funny to watch.
Aizawa however, was not pleased.
“That's it.. Midoriya since you can't seem to manage to teach Shouto the basic skills of living he’s going on the guard. Bakugou will spar with him, once Bakugou wins or loses he will be put into a squad accordingly. He will not be on the border with you, as punishment for your actions.”
Aizawa grumbled some more before turning and stalking off down the road again. Shouto looked at Izuku, his gaze filled with uncertainty.
*
*
Days later Shouto and Bakugou stared each other down from the patch of grass separating them. Wooden daggers placed in their hands.
“Don’t kill each other, and no use of any magical ability. This is simply a strength and..determination test.” Aizawa said in his usual uninterested monotone before walking off and standing next to Izuku, Kirishima, Inko and various other interested bystanders. It wasn’t everyday someone new was to join the guard. Protection was highly enforced in the village, it was almost suffocating.
Aizawa shouted for them to begin and Bakugou lunged immediately. His feet stomping quickly through the grass, bounding towards Shouto like a unleashed rubber band.
Shouto was more agile, his steps barely making any sound as he got into a stance, prepared to fight Bakugou. His face set in fierce determination.
Shouto grabbed Bakugou’s arm, twisting him around but Bakugou quickly corrected his error, lifting Shouto over his shoulder and slamming him down in front of him. Shouto recovered quickly, getting back up to his feet with an angry scowl. The exchanged blows, Bakugou sporting a bruise by his jaw and Shouto a split lip.
Izuku let out a gasp as he saw Shouto duck one of Bakugou’s famous blows, most people were taken out by it. Bakugou was skilled, and boy did he know it. He was cocky but in a sense that's what made him good. His confidence was overflowing, he knew how to correct his mistakes before they could mess him up completely. Shouto however, was quick and obviously thought on his feet. Izuku could tell he had been trained before.
Shouto backed away setting distance between them before promptly throwing his knife to the side. Bakugou’s crimson eyes followed it, his brows furrowing. He glanced back up and found Shouto much closer, his fist colliding with his jaw, knocking him off balance. As Bakugou tumbled to the ground Shouto stole Bakugou’s own knife, pointing it directly at his throat, a growl coming from his lips.
The small crowd around them silenced, watching Bakugou lose for the first time in a long time. The last person to take Bakugou out was years ago, and it was Kirishima. Izuku stared at the boy hovering over Bakugou, before letting out a loud cheer along with Inko and Kirishima. Aizawa grunted in approval before straightening his posture, a few small claps coming from his hands.
Shouto looked up and met Izuku’s gaze, a small smile tugging his lips.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The woods were nice, Shouto decided. They were green and lush, an endeavor to navigate but beautifully marvelous. He would often trek through them, Midoriya leading with his knowledge of the heavy greenery, knowing everything and nothing about his home. Midoriya would ramble on about the type of trees, explaining the patterns and the way they felt. He would stop and smile widely at Shouto as he pointed up to the tree line, excitedly pointing to a particular bird Shouto couldn’t seem to remember the name of, but the way Midoriya’s cheeks flushed as he continued his rambles and quiet mutterings seemed much more memorable.
“Ah, I used to get lost in this part all the time when I was a child. It always baffled me, how almost every direction looks the same..they are quite different though.” Midoriya smiled as he stepped over a tree root into a wide clearing, Shouto carefully following behind.
Midoriya twirled around in the large clearing, small giggles spilling from his lips, Shouto felt his cheeks grow warm as he watched the verdant boy swing around, his arms stretched out as his feet delicately danced him around. Shouto adjusted his steel armor around his neck, his wool cape flowing behind him with the small current of wind. He breathed deeply, urging the flush on his cheeks to go elsewhere as he leaned against a large pine tree, snorting softly as Midoriya continued to skip and dance around.
Midoriya paused and tilted his head at him, hands on his hips and his bottom lip jutting out. “What? Never danced before?”
Shouto shifted his hips, crossing his arms and letting out a small chuckle. “Perhaps not.”
If Shouto was perhaps taught proper social skills as a child and not locked away like a damsel in distress he probably would've known what to do in a series of events in which Midoriya Izuku swept him up quickly and forced his feet to move into somewhat of a twirl so he didn’t end up crashing into the ground in the way too tight armor he was (not so) generously gifted from Bakugou after joining the guard. But, of course, he was not, so he fumbled like a baby giraffe on ice while Midoriya held onto him and continued to twirl around, laughing loud and as bright as sunshine. Shouto continued flailing as Midoriya laughed at his expense until they both hit the ground in a heap, Midoriya landing right next to Shouto. Shouto had to take a few moments for his eyes to feel like they weren’t marbles rolling around on an open floor. Once the small headache subsided and his vision wasn’t doubled he found his chest rumbling with something warm. Laughter dripped from his lips matching up with Midoriya’s. They continued snorting and giggling like verified idiots until a deep cough made Midoriya jump up to his feet and Shouto quickly pull himself up, following Midoriya again like a lost puppy.
“Shouto..Midoriya..” The deep voice grumbled, Shouto look up into a tree, seeing Aizawa staring blankly down at the two. “Last I checked, Shouto was supposed to be on duty.”
Midoriya’s cheeks heated as he glanced at Shouto who was blinking at Aizawa. “I..Kirishima took over for an hour for me. I wanted to check up on..Midoriya.”
“Midoriya is a grown man, he can take care of himself.” Aizawa glared before scoffing. “Kids these days..”
Midoriya squeaked before pushing Shouto’s back towards the tree where Aizawa was perched. “I think we’ve spent enough time together, haven’t we? How about we catch up over at dinner at my house, hmm? My mother probably has something really good planned!”
Shouto tried to argue but decided against the protesting the second Izuku’s eyes met his. He slumped slightly before following back the path Midoriya came from, hearing Aizawa jump down from his tree and begin to trail behind him.
Shouto will admit to himself that he did miss spending time with Midoriya. As soon as Shouto had beaten Bakugou he was swept up to live in the barracks with everyone else on guard, Midoriya being the exception. Sadly, the move had been weeks ago and Shouto was losing more and more time to be able to run about with his friend and it made his heart ache, the reason Shouto couldn’t figure out. Yet, he sucked it in and was happy enough to simply not still be in close proximity to his father.
*
*
Izuku was just coming up onto the rocky trail leading to the cottage when he heard Toshinori loudly mutter a profanity from the garden, his skinny hands buried deep into the Earth and a basket of fresh vegetables sitting next to him.
“Is something the matter?” Izuku strided over to him.
Toshinori slightly jumped, glancing up at Izuku before his eyes turned back to his greenery. “No, no, My boy. Nothing to worry about.”
“It doesn’t seem that way.” Izuku lightly joked.
Toshinori huffed a heavy sigh before turning to him. “I’ve just been thinking..”
Izuku snorted, kneeling down to be level with Toshinori. “About?”
“That boy..Shouto..” Toshinori began. “I could sense a great deal of power on him, and I’m afraid he does not know his full potential.”
Midoriya blanked before muttering. “He told me he was weak..”
Toshinori turned to him, giving him a blank stare. “Did you just hear what I said, my boy?”
Midoriya’s brows knitted. “He doesn’t...doesn’t know his full potential.”
Toshinori chuckled. “Perhaps you should talk to him about it...it seems Shouto might need it.”
*
*
Shouto sat on the Midoriya’s porch, the wooden stairs creaking slightly each time he shifted. The wind blew softly through his hair, cooling and refreshing. He watched as Inko and Toshinori brushed hands, looking at each other as a small blush took over their features, Inko letting out a shy giggle. He watched as Inko lifted up onto her tippy-toes and hugged her husband tightly before removing herself from his grasp and continuing in the garden. This was foreign to Shouto. He was no fool, he knew his parent’s marriage was a mess. An abusive, traumatizing mess, ending with his mother locked in a wing of the castle. His sister used to grasp her chest, right where her heart is and fawn over the newest poetry she had read, smiling hopelessly as she talked about how she one day wished to marry someone special. Shouto, to be frank, never understood and thought it was bullshit.
He could recognize that something was unhealthy he just didn’t know how to tell if love was real, if love was important, if it was
true.
Shouto could recognize what loved looked like, what toxic love was. His mother, his father. Yet, Shouto often wondered if love was something the brain made up to cope with the darkness and bitterness of the world. Light comes with darkness, Shouto musses, yet is the Light actually something real, that someone feels or is it made up, to make the saddest people feel a bit hopeful?
“Hey stranger..” Shouto turned his head as Midoriya greeted him, his weight on the stairs making them creak.
“Ah, hello.” Shouto said quietly, his eyes turning away and looking off into the thick forest. The trees blew in the soft wind, making Shouto’s nose feel a comforting chill.
“Whatcha thinkin’ about?” Midoriya bumped his shoulder slightly.
Shouto was silent for a few moments. “Not much, your parents seem very happy together...that's all.”
Midoriya huffed a breathy laugh, something stirring Shouto’s insides at the sound. “One day I hope to find a love like theres. Just me and someone special..it’s silly..sounds like something out of a fairy tale.”
Shouto averted his eyes. “Thats...thats sweet.”
Midoriya smiled at him, his eyes sparkling. “You think?”
Shouto nodded before standing. “I better get back, tell your mother I said my thanks for inviting me for the food. Aizawa will have my ass if I don’t get back in enough time to train a bit. Goodbye, Midoriya.”
“Uh- Goodbye, Shouto.” Midoriya lifted his hand in a lazy wave.
*
*
“I'm concerned on how you can make such a mess in such little time, two weeks ago and this place was clean..” Shouto muttered as he stepped over a pile of books and clothes.
“There’s a method to my madness, Shouto!” Midoriya whined, turning on his bed and laying on his stomach. A pout pulling at his lips.
‘Cute..’
Shouto’s face heated as the thought merged its way into his brain. He desperately fought against it as he turned his eyes away.
“I doubt that..”
Midoriya giggled before sighing happily. “So, how’s things with the guard?”
“Mmm, it’s okay, I suppose. Training is a good pass time.” Shouto shrugged.
“I get that..” Izuku nodded. It was silent for a few moments as he watched Shouto find a clear spot on the floor to sit. “Say, Shouto..” Said boy looked up. “I still haven’t seen you use your magic.”
Shouto blinked before turning his gaze to the ground. “I told you it was weak.”
Midoriya turned again, sitting criss-cross on his bed. “But its still there, right! Even if its weak you can still use it, right?!”
Shouto’s shoulders slumped. “It’s barely anything..”
“Yet you said you were skilled in it but a weak mage!” Izuku protested. “I don’t see why you can’t at least show me!”
Shouto clenched his jaw. “Not right now, Midoriya..’
Not ever..
Midoriya sighed.
*
*
Drinks were poured and cheers were shouted as half the town huddled into the tavern for drinks. Izuku sat scrunched between Shouto and Kirishima, surrounded by his friends. They laughed and shared stories, Izuku listening raptly.
He turned his head and caught Shouto’s staring at him, he felt his cheeks heat as they both looked away when the tavern door slammed open. Izuku’s grimaced as he watched Monoma Neito walk inside. Bakugou grumbled before downing the rest of his ale in one swig.
“Who’s that?” Shouto whispered to Izuku curiously.
Izuku whispered back “Monoma Neito, he’s a snake. Works in witchcraft, he’s pretty rude and likes to cause trouble.”
“My, my my..” Monama chuckled. “Hello, everyone. What a pleasure. Normally I’m not one for big crowds, but I won’t let this pass.” He pulled out a scroll from his bag, an evil smirk on his lips.
He slams down the paper, causing it to begin to slowly unroll.
The paper slowly undid itself, rolling out across the table as slow and teasing as sweet molasses. Izuku watched with bated breath as he saw the bold words “WANTED: ALIVE.” sprawled itself on the table. Mina made a questioning hum until Ochako let out a small gasp as Shouto’s face also showed itself. His sharp jawline and the white part of his hair slicked back. An earring decorating his features, his clothes looked like royalty, they looked crafted with precision, like how his mother makes the tonics for infections. His breath caught as he looked at the handsome man on the paper. The man he had fallen for in the short span of a month. The man he began to love..was a criminal?
A part of Izuku’s heart sped up at the word love, but he ignored it in favor of all the other emotions running through his body.
Izuku looked up at Shouto with betrayal laced in his eyes like thread. He grit his teeth and snatched the paper from the table and ran out of the tavern. He continued down the dirt road with heavy breathing until he reached a stack of hay bales and crouched behind it. He let out shaky breaths, tears welling in his eyes.
“M-Midoriya..” A soft voice whispered and Izuku went still before he stood.
“Shouto.” Izuku said as he turned to face the man. He grit his teeth.
“Listen-”
“No!” Izuku yelled, stomping his foot. “You-You lied to me! I put my entire village in danger for you! I should’ve listened to Aizawa before looking at your stupid face and bringing you in.” Izuku cried. “Fuck! I knew, I knew I shouldn’t have but I couldn’t help it. You-I should’ve never trusted you.”
Shouto stood silent, looking at the ground.
“Tsk, I’m leaving.” Midoriya snapped, turning and stomping towards the forest.
When Izuku pushed open his front door, he was greeted by his parents sitting at the dining table, a solemn look on their faces. Izuku toed off his shoes and proceeded to try and make his way into his room.
“Izuku.” Toshinori called and Izuku glanced his way. “Come sit.”
Izuku grunted but he proceeded to sit in front of his parents.
“I’m guessing Aizawa told you.” Izuku muttered, his eyebrows pinched.
“That would be accurate.” Toshinori spoke softly. “Izuku, my boy, listen.”
“How-How could I be so stupid! To begin to like someone who-who I barely even knew?!” Izuku wailed. “Why’d I trust him so easily.
His mother cupped his cheek gently. “Darling, I am afraid sometimes love works that way.”
Izuku searched her eyes before turning to Toshinori. “W-What?”
“I sensed more than just power on that boy. I sensed kindness, compassion, honesty..but the heaviest was a calm after a storm. A feeling of a final peace. Like he was truly happy. But then I sensed deeper and discovered he was happiest and showed the most fondness when are you, my boy.”
Izuku looked down at the table cloth his was clutching. “How can I trust him when he never told me a damn thing?” Izuku said softly.
“I suggest a good talk would do the trick.” Toshinori winked before closing his eyes. “His presence is in deep turmoil. I am not sure, but I think he is trying to decide what to do. Go speak to him my boy.”
Izuku waited a few silent moments before scraping his chair on the floor and bolting towards the door.
*
*
Izuku searched the entire village, no traces of Shouto. The more he had to ask where he could’ve gone the deeper his heart sank.
Until it clicked and he ran for the clearing in the woods, where they danced. When he tumbled into the clearing he saw Shouto standing in the middle, the moonlight making him seem ethereal. His features glowing.
He turned when he heard Midoriya and his eyes were immediately laced with concern and pain.Izuku forced his palms onto Shouto’s cheeks as tears filled his eyes. “I-I’m so sorry I ever doubted you.” He forced out. “You idiot! You could’ve told me, so I- I would’ve reacted better.” Izuku mumbled.
Shouto blinked. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” Izuku whispered before slowly rising to his tippy-toes.Shouto leaned down and their lips locked. Izuku sighed as Shouto allowed him to fully kiss him. When they pulled away, cheeks red Shouto murmured. “Holy shit..”
*
*
Come morning, Izuku sat on his bedroom floor, listening to Shouto speak of his past, of his father, siblings and his friend Momo. How he wished he could save her, how he wished she could live as peaceful a life as he is.
Izuku’s brain began stirring, forming thoughts and ways to possibly make Shouto even happier.
“W-What if she could, though?”
Shouto looked at Izuku as if he was crazy.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Shouto looked at Izuku as if he had grown two heads. “I-I’m sorry, what?”
“I mean, maybe we could bust her out or something! You know your way around the castle and we have plently of skilled fighters-”
“Izuku.” Shouto warned. “You have no idea the amount of power my bastard of a father has.”
Izuku stared at Shouto, his brows furrowed.
“I’ll put some thought into it, okay?” Shouto sighed.
**
Shouto huffed as he stacked another crate onto the wagon, his thoughts filled with Izuku’s soft lips on his. They hadn’t talked about it, avoided the subject completely as if it was some mistake. He wouldn’t deny he was attracted to the green haired boy, he had rosy cheeks and a heart-warming smile..a nice jawline and he was easy on the eyes.. Of course shouto would be attracted to him, who wouldn’t be?! He shook his head to clear his thoughts of soft lips and dimples.
“Nice work, Shouto! Go take a break.” Shouto nodded towards Aizawa who’s eye twitched in suspicion. Izuku tried his best to clear his name, but Shouto’s request not to share his entire story was hard when everyone was wondering why the kings son was wanted. He picked up his drink and swallowed the fluid with greed, his throat dry from the sun’s heat.
“Oh, Shouto, Midoriya was around just a few minutes ago, he was looking for you. He headed back towards his house.
Shouto’s brow crinkled as he started down the trail towards the cabin. As he pushed open the gate to the front yard he saw Toshinori watering the hanging plants with ease, once he saw Shouto he light up and waved him over.
“Ah, my boy it’s good to see you!”
“Oh, hello.” Shouto mumbled.
“Before you rush off to see Izuku I just want to let you know, no matter what is said about you, Inko and I will always be here for you.” Toshinori sat his hand on Shouto’s shoulder, his gaze determined.
Shouto felt heat in his cheeks before he coughed. “U-Um, that means a lot, thank you, sir.”
Toshinori bellowed a laugh before waving him off. Just as Shouto was about to open the door Izuku came flying out, bow in hand and hood on his head.
“Ah! Just the man I was looking for.” Izuku smiled. “I want you to come hunt with me!”
*
*
The twigs snapped as they walked deeper into the forest, the smell of pine increasing as they went. Izuku was eerily silent his gaze flickering around, looking for any movement. A bush rustled and Izuku stood stock stile his hand on Shouto’s chest before pulling an arrow from the quiver and pulling the bow string taut. He released and a small “meek!” was heard as a rabbit tumbled out of the bush.
“Nice shot.” Shouto praised.
“Ah, thank you, it wasn’t that much though and this rabbit isn’t going to feed all of us. I’m hoping to catch a deer.”
Shouto blinked in surprise before following Izuku as he continued through the leaves.
They walked for quite some time before before Izuku suddenly stopped, his posture ridged as he looked around wildly. “Izuku..?” Shouto began to question before he was shushed quickly. Suddenly a scream pierced the air and a large bob cat fell from the trees, screeching and headed straight towards the pair.
Izuku pushed Shouto. “Run!” he grabbed Shouto’s hand as they made their way back towards the clearing. Shouto stumbled and feel, his heart racing as the screeches got closer and closer.
“Shit!” Shouto yelped before standing and latching onto Izuku’s hand again. “Can’t you shoot it!?”
“These arrows won’t do much damage against a larger beast like that! I didn’t bring my sharper ones cause I only wanted to catch a deer!” Izuku snapped before turning wildly to the right.
“Shouldn’t we make more noise or something to scare it!” Shouto panted out of breath as they continued running.
“No. time.. For that!” Izuku panted as he continued dragging Shouto along. “There!” Izuku pointed up towards a clutter of boulders perched around a small waterfall leading into a pond. “We need to climb all the way to the top, we need higher ground and I might be able to scare it off with some well aimed hits!”
Shouto immediately began scaling the rocks, pulling Izuku up quickly right as the bobcat pounced and took Izuku’s shoe with it. Izuku hissed as he looked at the deep punctures around his ankle before standing and aiming. He fired two arrows quickly one piercing the bobcats shoulder. It yowled in pain before trying to lunge again right as Izuku pierced it again with an arrow between the shoulders. The bobcat let out a long growl before turning and stalking off. The two panted heavily before collapsing. “I’ll have to have Aizawa send a squad out to put that cat out of its pain. Too bad I couldn’t kill it now.”
“That. Was. Terrifying.” Shouto huffed before standing and helping Izuku to his feet.
“Let’s get back home, I need to patch up my ankle.”
Here Shouto crouched down letting Izuku climb onto his back. “Ah, my knight in shining armor.”
Izuku joked, Shouto blushed as he remembered soft lips and air being stolen from his lungs.
“Yeah, whatever.” Shouto mumbled.
*
*
“A bobcat?!” Inko cried.
“Mom calm down we turned out fine.” Izuku said as he wrapped his ankle in bandages. “Kind of pissed about my boot though, this pair was my favorite.”
Shouto snorted as he sipped his tea.
“You boys..” Inko chided as she walked out into the garden.
“Hey, Izuku.” Shouto mumbled.
“Yeah?”
Shouto thought over his words for a moment. “I think we might have a way to save momo..”