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Other than Natsuo, Shouto Todoroki has never seen a Quirkless person.
At least, not until today. But here Izuku Midoriya is, standing tall and proud in 1-A.
Except Midoriya isn't tall, nor is he proud. No, Midoriya is tiny and timid and frightened. He jumps at loud noises and apologizes when he speaks and he can't seem to look anyone in the eye.
He reminds Shouto of himself, except...no one expects anything of him. No expectations are placed upon him, no hopes too high or goals too great. Simply being in 1-A is enough to impress their peers, as sad as it is.
And Midoriya...Midoriya doesn't need a Quirk. It’s clear, with his brains and brawns and personality and actions, that Midoriya can do whatever he wants if he puts his mind to it. Even with the world firmly disbelieving in him, Midoriya is progressing with unwavering determination.
It's almost like he's free of the invisible shackles Shouto has always felt, even as he's bound by another pair. But the pair Midoriya wears is one Shouto would rather bear, instead of the ones placed on him for a Quirk he doesn't want .
So when Midoriya’s father offers to change everything, Shouto agrees immediately.
It's just after the U.S.J. incident, and Midoriya pulls him aside the first day that they get back.
"My...my father asked to speak with you, i-if you want," Midoriya whispers, and before Shouto can ask why he says, "My father can exchange Quirks."
Shouto follows Midoriya eagerly, like a sinner being offered salvation. All the way to Midoriya’s home, where his father resides.
"Young Todoroki!" Mr. Midoriya greets cheerfully, eyes gleaming with mirth. "I'm very glad that you’ve come to see me."
"Midoriya said you can exchange Quirks," Shouto says bluntly, and Mr. Midoriya chuckles.
"Right to the point, huh? I like it. Yes, I can. My Quirk is called Exchange , I can give and take Quirks so long as the subject consents. Izuku tells me that you seem to not like your Quirk, so...how would you like a new one?"
"Like what?" Shouto asks, and the man smiles.
"Currently, I have quite a few options. You could fly, or control rain, or have a healing Quirk-"
Shouto thinks of his mother, of the scar she left behind. He thinks of the pain he's gone through, the torture that weighs him down.
"The- the healing Quirk," Shouto starts. "What does it do?"
"It heals," Mr. Midoriya states simply. "Based on your stamina or theirs, you can heal the injuries of anyone you come in contact with."
That one. That is the Quirk Shouto wants. One not built on power, but on kindness. After all, hasn't Midoriya spoken of how inventions can replicate Quirks? Is that not what Midoriya does?
Midoriya…
"I'd like the healing Quirk," Shouto says, and then, "And I'd like to give my Quirk to Midoriya. Please."
"Todoroki?" Midoriya asks, and Shouto looks at him.
"You don't need a Quirk to be a hero," Shouto states bluntly, and carries on despite how the boy begins to tear up. "But I've heard you analyze the Quirks you see, and I know you'd put this one to good use. Please, take it."
"I-," Midoriya rubs at his eyes, smiling shakily. "I...okay. On one condition."
Shouto would do anything, he thinks, as he nods his head for his peer to continue. And Midoriya does, eyes shining as he declares, "Let's be friends! And we can become the greatest heroes, together!"
Shouto doesn't hesitate to agree.
And on the very next day, he and Midoriya meet at the entrance, and they walk into Yuuei side by side. Midoriya rambles as they go, explaining that his father had offered him Quirks before, but it had never felt right before.
"I feel like this is different, you know? Like...like I'm not destroying my old dreams, just creating a new branch."
Shouto understands, and he smiles slightly to let it show. It must, because Midoriya becomes positively radiant as he beams back.
Hero training is fun , in the afternoon. Midoriya hands over some of his pieces, letting Shouto test it out to see what feels comfortable.
"After class, we can go see my friend!" Midoriya explains as they walk out of the changing room, both boys ignoring the curious looks they get. "She's amazing with support gear, way better than me! She'll be able to help us make a brand new you."
A brand new Shouto, with a nice, gentle Quirk and gear to support him and a friend that will stay by his side.
Shouto likes it.
Aizawa looks at them with confusion, first, when he sees the gear on Shouto.
It turns into bewilderment when Izuku lets out a wave of fire during individual training, only to follow it with a burst of ice.
"Midoriya," Aizawa calls out, the only noise in the suddenly silent area. "What was that."
It's not a question, but still Midoriya answers. "It's my Quirk, sensei!"
"And why is it just like Todoroki’s?"
"It was a gift," Midoriya explains, and Shouto watches as his teacher pulls at his hair.
"Can you give it back ? Todoroki needs it, Midoriya.”
"No take backs," Shouto blurts out. "I gave it to him, he has to keep it." Standing tall as his teacher eyes him, he adds, "I have a Quirk, anyways."
"And what, pray tell, did you get?" Aizawa asks, and Midoriya lights up.
"Allow us to demonstrate!" Midoriya trots over to Shouto's side, pauses.
And then breaks his own arm.
"What the hell," someone says, but Shouto doesn't look for the source, instead reaching out and healing Midoriya immediately.
"See?" Shouto says, the moment Midoriya is healed. "I'm completely set."
Aizawa just stares for a while before finally sighing, head dropping as he mutters, " Two Problem Children. I have two of them."
And yes, he may be right, but Shouto doesn’t mind being a Problem Child.
(And when Shouto graduates by Izuku’s side three years later, with weapons galore and an unbreakable bond with his best friend, he knows that he made the right decision. But that is then, and this is now.
And even now, Shouto regrets nothing .)