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"Uhh.. I- you'll.. be fine.." Kacchan mumbled, awkwardly patting Todoroki's back. I smiled at them both softly, causing Kacchan to 'tch' at me.
'Sorry'
“Hey," I whispered, walking towards them. I crouched down by Shoto and rested my head against his neck, running hands along his trembling shoulders, "Breathe, please.”
I closed my eyes, tuning in to his rapid heartbeat. I felt a hand over mine and opened my eyes to see it belonged to.. Kacchan? Weird.
I glanced up to see him quickly avert his eyes, turning his face back into a scowl before rustling Shoto's hair with his other hand.
Shoto tightened his grip on Kacchan's jumper, forcing a strangled noise through his teeth.
I knew better than to think he would tell either of us what was bothering him, so I just kept my chin on his shoulder, rubbing his side and back. Using my softest voice, I told him we were here for him. He was loved. That things would be okay.
I shifted away from him a moment, prompting Shoto to push himself up, but Kacchan moved to secure him, "We're not leaving you alone ‘till I know you're fine. Get comfortable."
He spoke directly but not in his usual cruel manner.
Shoto.. whined? I wasn't sure what to call it. Kacchan wrapped both arms around him, pulling him tight to his chest.
I rejoined beside them and placed my head on the edge of Kacchan’s chest, beside Shoto. I continued to rub his back and whisper things to him.
“If that shit wasn't working I would tell you to shut your damn trap already" Kacchan mumbled.
Shoto chuckled softly. He turned his head to look, and smiled at me with tired, glossy eyes.
“How do you two even manage being in the same room..." His voice was a near whisper, shifting his gaze down.
“Barely," Kacchan rolled his eyes then to my surprise, planted a soft kiss on top of Shoto's head. I followed with a gentle kiss on his back.
We were in the common room, surely past the time we should have been.
If anyone caught glimpse of whatever.. this was, they ran out of here quick. At this hour, that really just meant Kaminari or Iida.
Even still, Kacchan would only do things like that in the comfort of his own room. So to say I was surprised was a severe understatement, actually. Shoto took a deep breath and finally tried relaxing, with the realization we weren’t just letting him go.
He pried an arm from under Kacchan and coiled it to his chest.
“Help me, you idiot," Kacchan gestured to lifting Shoto. Without another word he tugged under his arms, and I gently lifted Shoto’s legs so he sat fully atop Kacchan.
He didn't move a muscle to help either, just slumping into him. I sunk back into the couch, resting my head against Kacchan's shoulder and my hand on Shoto's back. Our faces were uncomfortably close. Usually Kacchan would grimace or push me away, but this time was different. He hadn't even become tense, which I half expected.
All he did was adjust, one hand on Shoto's neck, and one on his side. He rubbed his thigh firm- but gentle.
I could feel Shoto’s trembling start to subside with each breath, "This is.. unnecessary" He muttered.
"You said yourself, even heroes must cry sometimes. Not to mention you’re always there fo-"
"Yeah, shut it. It’s damn necessary," Kacchan chimed in.
I made a funny face then nodded.
I could tell Kacchan wanted to say more; Instead, he stayed quiet, focusing more attention to Shoto as did I. This is probably the most seamless thing Kacchan and I ever had, and ever would have to a team effort— for once, it seemed to be working.
I couldn't help but keep on wondering what caused all this... but I just knew not to ask right now. Kacchan would definitely call me an idiot. And Shoto would definitely not answer.
So I just kept in the moment, trying not to overthink it. Hoping all this would work. At least for now.