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Even before meeting Midoriya, hunting had never brought Shoto much enjoyment— just what he needed to stay as healthy as a vampire was supposed to be; blood. Animal blood, to be exact.
Now, though, after meeting him and knowing him for who he was, hunting felt more like a chore than it ever had before. It was so tedious, and exhausting, having to put his energy into something that wasn’t related to Midoriya for a change. Recently, he’d been the only thing on Shoto’s mind— so one could only imagine how jarring it was to have to suddenly switch gears.
This hunting trip, however, was specifically for Shoto. He and Midoriya had plans the following morning— another sort of date. Ochako accompanied him, seeing as she was the only sibling that fully supported his (quote, unquote) relationship with Midoriya. She wasn’t hunting— she had no reason to. She wasn’t thirsty like Shoto was— she’d only gone to be his emotional support buddy , a direct quote from her.
Still, the trip was necessary and fruitless for him. Necessary because he couldn’t afford to be even the slightest bit thirsty whilst he was in the company of Midoriya. And fruitless because no matter how many animals he drained, Midoriya’s scent would always be as sweet and potent as it was that first day in Biology.
Shoto grimaced around his fourth meal of the evening, dropping the lifeless elk to the ground when images of Midoriya began flooding to the forefront of his mind. He was the last person he wanted to be thinking about whilst doing something so… inhuman. Though, he did feel full— almost bloated, with blood. Maybe this was enough for now.
Ochako placed a dainty hand onto his back, and Shoto glanced over his shoulder to look at her.
You’re going to overdo it and make yourself sick.
Not possible. Not to his knowledge, anyway. What kind of vampire would he be if he got sick of his only food source? Though, she wasn’t too far off the mark about him overdoing it.
Shoto wiped the corner of his mouth, sheepish. He seldom ever made a mess of himself— he didn’t like to play with his food, unlike Momo, who found hunting enjoyable enough for the both of them.
“I’m done for tonight.” He replied to her concerns out loud.
“Good.” She was speaking out loud now, too. “Tenya’s waiting for me. And… everyone else is waiting for you.”
Ah. How long he’d dreaded this specific conversation. It was entirely unavoidable, as much as it was inevitable. He didn’t need Ochako’s foresight to tell him that.
The drive from Hakodate to Hokkaido had been long, and revealing for the both of them— he and Midoriya. In short, Shoto had told Midoriya the truth about himself— about everything, really. It was difficult not to give Midoriya anything he wanted— and that night, he’d wanted the truth. And Shoto would have been a fool to try and deny him of it.
Had it been up to him, Shoto would have liked to tell his family all at once. But, of course, with her foresight, Ochako had known the second he made up his mind about telling Midoriya anything at all.
She’d taken it incredibly well— she hadn’t even given him so much as a warning. She loved Midoriya, too. Unfortunately. And she was only waiting for the day Shoto allowed her to finally speak to him— which was any day now, according to her.
Shoto sighed, suddenly a little guilty for asking her to join him. She had a life, too.
“Sorry.” He offered plainly.
“It’s okay! They won’t be too much trouble, anyway. And besides, this trip was for Izuku.”
Shoto narrowed his eyes at her. “For Midoriya. ” He amended.
She’d been calling him by his given name since she foresaw them being best friends— and she knew how much it bothered him, she just didn’t care.
Ochako giggled, and raced back in the direction of their house, teasing him in her head— knowing he’d hear her.
Come on, slow poke! Try and catch up!
Shoto rolled his eyes. She might’ve had the foresight, but he had the speed. He was faster than any of the members of his family. Getting past her was not the challenge she’d hoped it would be.
Shoto leaned back against the exterior of the house, his arms crossed smugly over his chest, grinning when she finally caught up.
“Slow poke?” He teased, feigning innocence.
Ochako squinted her eyes at him, bested, and darted into the house. Shoto was not as eager to follow, but he wanted the conversation over and done with. Midoriya would be sleeping soon, and he didn’t want to miss a single moment of it.
He took a single step towards the door, and froze upon hearing Momo’s voice placating a fuming Kyoka. The topic of their conversation— him, of course.
“Kyoka, I think you need to have more faith in him. He’s done well so far. Give him some credit.” She’d always been so oddly protective of him— not that he ever needed her protecting, especially not from his own sister.
“That’s because there were always too many witnesses.” She hissed back.
Momo giggled. “Now, you know that’s not true. He’s alone with him in his room most nights.”
“Thanks, Mo, but I’m not worried about his creepy, perverse behavior.” Her emphasis on the word perverse made Shoto shrink into his own skin. “I like it here. I don’t want to have to move again so soon.”
Shoto sighed, and let himself in, walking until he reached the dining room, where he found the majority of his family standing around.
Momo noticed him instantly, and began giggling a little quicker, stifling them behind her palm. Shoto tried to tune out her thoughts— as unserious as they were.
“ You are going to ruin everything tomorrow!” Kyoka shrieked at him, her face engulfed with rage.
Shoto ducked his head low, not out of shame, but to control his own bubbling anger. He wouldn’t be able to stop himself if she said anything about Midoriya.
“Kyoka, please…” Shota began, already tired of the conversation, as was Shoto.
“What’s the point, Shota? He’s already made his choice. He’s chosen him over his own family.”
“That’s not the case here.” Shota continued, his voice hardening with severity. “It’s clearly more than that if Shoto’s gone out of his way to do something like this.”
“Yeah. It’s called having faith, Kyo.” Ochako suddenly chimed in, perched beside Tenya, who hasn’t said a word since their arrival.
“No, you’re all just placating him, making it worse until it’s…” Kyoka refocused her eyes on Shoto, narrowing them spitefully. “Until it’s meal time.”
And that was all it took.
“Shoto, don’t!” Ochako shrilled, but it was far too late for words.
Shoto lunged for her, airborne for a quick second— suddenly so filled with rage . A snarl erupted from her lips as he collided with Momo, who’d darted between them before Shoto could do anything.
She wrapped her strong arms around his middle, restraining him from moving any closer to her lover. Still, the violent snarls that were rupturing through him were involuntary— glaring right into Kyoka’s eyes as she bared her own teeth at him.
Shoto became slightly aware of the calming waves washing over the room. Tenya was trying to diffuse the situation— he was always so good at that. And yet, Shoto could only focus on his anger.
He was working up the strength it would take to fight Momo off when he felt a palm press against his chest. Hizashi. In his mind, he saw his own face. And he looked… like a vampire. The revulsion that throbbed through him was enough to sober him up. He slumped in Momo’s arms, breathing heavily through his mouth.
Kyoka stormed out of the room and it was only then Momo let him loose.
“Momo, you should go after her.” Ochako said, her face twisted up into a grimace. “ Now , Mo. I don’t think Hizashi wants his entire kitchen destroyed.”
Momo looked at him for a moment. Not angry, but confused. She hated picking sides— though, he never asked her to. She sighed sharply, before following Kyoka to the kitchen.
Seeing as the conversation had gone as terrible as he would have imagined, Shoto was going to run up to his room and pretend it hadn’t happened— but then, Shota spoke.
“Do you plan on bringing Izuku to meet the family, Shoto?”
Instinctively, almost immediately, Shoto nearly said no. There was not a worse idea than that— especially with how tense things were between him and Kyoka. Only the stupidest, most immature— craziest of ideas had to have come from one of his sisters. One of them was tearing up their unused kitchen… the other was in there with her, and the youngest, well.
Shoto turned to glare at Ochako, sort of feeling betrayed.
“Don’t look at me like that. I was just telling Shota a few possible futures I saw for tomorrow, that’s all.” She shrugged, feigning innocence, as if she didn’t know exactly what she was doing.
It was impossible to believe her. Shoto’s eyes fluttered over to Tenya before answering. “I don’t know, yet.”
A loud shattering of glass pierced the room.
“Well, if you decide to bring Izuku here, I’d be more than happy to welcome him.” Shota continued, his face not giving away any emotion other than calm and collected. That was the expression he usually wore, anyway.
“I would love— like to meet him, as well,” Hizashi began whilst he walked towards the back of the house. “But right now, I’d like to salvage what’s left of the kitchen. Or Momo, for that matter.” He smiled warmly, before disappearing behind the door.
Tenya’s thoughts suddenly filled his head.
Bringing Midoriya-kun here is too risky. I don’t think I’d be able to handle it.
All the pity he had felt for him before had completely vanished. The understanding, the patience—it was no more. He did not care if Tenya was still fairly new to their vegetarian diet, any threat posed against Midoriya inadvertently posed against him. Tenya already seemed to know that, how could he not, with the show of anger he’d just put on for them all. Shoto would fight if need be, and now they all knew it.
Ochako picked apart their silent conversation as quickly as she usually did. She was not pleased in the slightest.
“Give him some credit, Shoto.” She growled, growing fiercely protective of her mate. “He’s not a newborn.”
“Yes, but with his lack of self control, he might as well be.”
“ Shoto —“ Tenya started, his gaze hardening in his defense.
I’m older than you .
“Just keep your distance.” He snapped, having enough of the conversation— of his entire family, really. In one quick second, he was in his room, shuffling around his closet for a new outfit to change into.
Life lately has been having to deal with a whirlwind of human and vampire emotions. Both highly complex— one significantly less troublesome than the other. He much preferred Midoriya’s tears to Kyoka’s temper tantrums.
He was anxious to get back to him. His anxieties seemed to ooze away whenever he was around him. He craved for him— to see him.
Shoto was juggling between a black t-shirt or a solid white one when there was a knock at his door. It was Ochako— he could hear her inner voice chirping away incessantly. Stupidly, he’d tried to ignore her, thinking she might take the hint and leave him alone for once.
“Don’t be so dramatic.” Ochako giggled whilst she let herself in, plopping herself on his black leather couch without his consent. “I just wanted to see you before you left, that’s all.”
He doubted that, but let her stay anyway. He couldn’t send her away, even if he tried. Literally.
“Tell Tenya I’m sorry for what I said, will you?”
“Already did.”
Half of Shoto’s mouth quirked up into a half smile. “Right.”
Ochako folded her arms tightly over her chest, watching him through narrowed eyes. Shoto saw him in her mind—and he looked as tense as he felt. Deliberately, he let some of the stress out of his shoulders. He really needed to see Midoriya.
“You love him.” She stated, still watching him. “You really, really love him. Once you realize how much, you’ll get over this brooding phase you’re going through and learn to accept it. I’ve already seen it, Shoto.”
The thought should have thoroughly repulsed him. Someone as monstrous and tainted as him, loving someone as beautiful and pure as Midoriya was somewhat laughable. He should be disgusted with himself for even entertaining the thought— for thinking he , above anyone else, deserved him. He wasn’t though. And that terrified him more than anything. He was already far too attached— in love, as Ochako put it.
Shoto was in love with a human— with Midoriya .
“You should leave soon. He’s almost asleep… well he’s trying.” Ochako confirmed, her eyes far away.
Shoto took a glance in her head.
Not a chance!
He scowled at her. “What?”
“It’s not fair to Izuku if you can see the future, too. Bye-bye, now!”
“ Ochako —“
“ Bye !”
In a childish fit of frustration he yelled after her. “Stop calling him Izuku!”
She replied with a laugh. Shoto frowned and changed into his new outfit, black shirt and dark blue jeans, before racing out of the house and heading straight for the Toshinori residence. The cold wind against his face alleviated some of the anxiety in his chest. The unneeded air in his lungs was welcomed, and he breathed it in deep.
Midoriya was fast asleep by the time Shoto entered through his window for the umpteenth time. He didn’t look particularly relaxed— though he rarely did when he slept. He’d had headphones in with the music still playing. Shoto wondered if it would be wrong of him to turn it off, and tuck the headphones into their rightful place. He decided against it, in the end, partly because he didn’t want to wake him. And because he knew it was just an odd excuse to touch him.
Shoto shook his head, and soundlessly moved to the rocking chair sitting in the corner of Midoriya’s room, thinking of the day they had ahead of them.
Could he really be alone with him for so long?
No witnesses , an echo of the monster inside him reminded coldly. It wasn’t as strong as before. The monster was getting weaker. But it was still there, he concluded wryly.
Shoto inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with useless air— filling his lungs with Midoriya’s sweet, heady scent. It scorched his throat, swirled in his head, taunted the beast inside of him. It stayed exactly where he wanted it— locked away, next to the spot where his heart should be. Torturing himself this way was proving to be helpful. He was glad for that; partly because it meant there was a slight chance that he could spend longer periods of time with Midoriya without the risk of hurting him.
Though, there was also the temptation of even wanting to spend hours upon hours with him at a time. Shoto shouldn’t want that. He couldn’t have that. It was selfish, not to mention extremely dangerous. The monster was not gone— there was still a part of him, a part he was unsure the size of, that lusted over Midoriya’s blood. He risked his life every day he remained in Hokkaido— and he was okay with it.
No, not okay . He would never be okay with risking Midoriya’s life— more complacent than anything else. He was complacent to his own wants instead of thinking ahead, and deciding what was best for Midoriya, and not himself. He stayed in Hokkaido because he physically couldn’t make himself leave Midoriya behind. He watched Midoriya sleep during the nights because it made him feel better knowing he was safe— despite him being there.
He was weak, despite what his family thought of him. Shota, Ochako, and Momo, specifically, all thought of him to be one of the mentally stronger members of the family. How wrong they were.
Shoto’s never felt more weak.
He was a monster. He’d always known this. But now, it felt more obvious— sitting in his room, with even an ounce of doubt in his self control. Shoto remembered how he felt during their first encounter— how murderous and uncaring he felt in regards to Midoriya’s wellbeing. He’d only craved his blood. But that wasn’t the case now— he knew this, too.
That urge was buried now. Not completely, but it was less. How much less, he was unsure of. He hoped, at least, enough to last the day.
Shoto had toyed with the idea of canceling their plans multiple times. His excuse would be something vague— something that Midoriya wouldn’t have the heart to question him on. Midoriya had a kind heart— he knew he wouldn’t.
He could leave. He could go back to his house and spend some time with Ochako— maybe play a game of chess. But he didn’t.
Shoto stayed planted in the rocking chair, and stared out the opened window, trying to rid himself of his guilty thoughts.
His eyes caught on the rusty red color of Midoriya’s truck, and he winced when he remembered what they’d agreed on before splitting ways after school. Midoriya would be driving— in that . It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Midoriya to drive— he just didn’t trust the truck to make it to their destination. But Shoto digressed. There was nothing he could do about it now.
A short while after dawn broke, Toshinori-san was pulling out of the drive. He had an early shift— he always did, he usually always left around the same time every morning. Someone had to keep Hokkaido safe, and Shoto didn’t trust anyone better to do so.
As his police cruiser disappeared down the road, Shoto turned back to the sleeping form not too far from him. He was more relaxed now— a faint smile caressing the edges of his lips. Midoriya would wake soon. He should leave.
This was always the hardest part.
He slid out of Midoriya’s window, just as he’s done dozens of times before, and leapt onto the ground, leaning back against the wall next to the front door. Midoriya wouldn’t be able to see him at this angle from upstairs, so Shoto settled and listened to the sounds of his morning routine. It was always the same.
Brush teeth, wash face, comb hair, get dressed. He rarely ate breakfast, and it bothered Shoto to no end.
Unfortunately for himself, because thankfully nobody else could read minds that he was aware of, Shoto was still in a gloomy mood from his earlier introspection.
He was still unsure if his being there was really okay or not. It probably wasn’t, if he was dwelling on it so much. Whenever they were together, whether Midoriya was aware of it or not, Shoto always silently deliberated what the most dangerous tangible or intangible thing was in their close proximity. Right now, it was Shoto. And still, with that knowledge, he couldn’t leave.
He didn’t want to disappoint Midoriya— or his family. Especially not after last night. He had to prove himself— but was it really worth risking Midoriya’s life over? No. Nothing would ever be more important than Midoriya, not even himself.
He heard his soft footsteps descending down the stairs, his scent becoming a little stronger in the air. Shoto inhaled deep, letting it settle in his chest. The burn was good.
Shoto knocked. There was no turning back now.
Midoriya delayed a bit on the deadbolt, his fingers scrambling to get the lock undone. When the door finally opened, there he was. A little frazzled, his eyes wide and excited— and so, so beautiful. Shoto looked him over, and exhaled a surprised chuckle. So, this was what Ochako had seen.
“Good morning.” He smiled, his mood lifting considerably. “You look stunning.”
Midoriya startled a little, his dark green eyes going a little blank. Shoto knew him well enough to know the reaction wasn’t fear— unfortunately. Midoriya should be scared.
“Th-Thank you. Um ,” He shook his head a little, blinking rapidly. Dazzled, he was dazzled. “What’s funny?” He asked, a hint of anxiety laced into his words.
Shoto gestured between them. “We match.”
Black collared shirt, and dark blue shorts. Vaguely similar to Shoto’s own thin black t-shirt, and dark blue jeans he’d picked out hours before.
“Oh.” Midoriya chuckled along with him, and the sound was melodic. “Um, how— how was your night?”
He turned his back to him for a moment to lock the front door, and in that short second of privacy, Shoto allowed his eyes to go wide. Midoriya knew he was unable to sleep— so what he was really asking was what he’d done all night. Did he know? He’d been with him the entire night— he hadn’t woken up, and even if he had and he hadn’t physically opened his eyes, Shoto would have heard the change in his breathing and heart rate.
“It was uneventful.” Mostly. He wouldn’t tell Midoriya of his sister's reaction to him knowing their secret, yet. “How did you sleep?” He should ask— just in case. Though, he already knew the answer.
Midoriya slipped his keys into his pocket and walked with him towards his truck, a faint smile caressing the edges of his lips. “Fine, I guess. I accidentally fell asleep with my headphones in. My ears kind of hurt now, ha.”
Shoto’s jaw twitched. He should’ve taken the headphones out. Idiot.
“So, where to?” Midoriya asked, hopping into the driver's seat and shoving the keys into the ignition.
“Seatbelt. Please.” Shoto practically begged.
“I was getting to that.” He murmured sheepishly, his cheeks blushing pink as he did what he was told. “Why do you look so nervous? I’m a good driver.”
Shoto squirmed a little as Midoriya pulled out of the driveway. “I did tell you that you were a magnet for trouble, didn’t I?”
“Y-Yeah, so? You think I’m going to get us into a car crash? I’m not that— careless.” There was suddenly offense in the tone of his voice, and Shoto quickly went in to fix his mistake.
“It’s not you I don’t trust. It’s the other drivers on the road. I know you’re a safe driver— maybe a little slow, but…” His attempt at humor seemed to have worked.
Midoriya cracked a begrudging smile. “My truck is old enough to be your Volvo’s grandpa, have some respect.” He became serious again. “Would you really feel better if you drove? I don’t want you to be… uncomfortable.”
There was a misunderstanding. But saying something like, I get anxious whenever there’s potential for you to get seriously hurt , would be weird. He’d already admitted that to him once— and he hadn’t taken it bad, but still. As kind as Midoriya was, he was still human— and if Shoto ever got on his nerves, well that wouldn’t be the first time he’s annoyed someone with his depressing thoughts.
“No, I’ll be fine. You said you wanted to drive.” Ochako would have called him if she saw something he didn’t. With that in mind, Shoto’s anxiety eased only slightly. “Make a right on the one-ten, and keep going straight.”
Midoriya stiffened in the driver's seat. “Straight? But there’s nothing past a certain point.”
“There’s a trail.” He amended plainly.
“We’re hiking?” His breathing hitched.
Shoto had expected him not to be too pleased about his choice of sort-of date location. He’d seen Midoriya participate in gym class— and while he was definitely stronger and faster than the average human, he was still incredibly clumsy.
“It’s only about five miles, and we’re in no hurry. We can go as slow as you want.” At that particular sentence, Midoriya’s heart rate fluttered, and the smell of his blood suddenly permeated the air in the truck.
Shoto quickly looked at him, puzzled by the strange reaction, and repeated the sentence in his head twice before he finally understood the innuendo he’d accidentally made. It was times like this when Shoto was actually glad he wasn’t able to read Midoriya’s mind. Without justifying that with any kind of response, Shoto quickly turned to look out the window— his cold, dead heart jumping hollowly in his chest.
The drive, after that mortifying moment, was silent for a solid ten minutes. He’d felt much more composed then before— though, he couldn’t say the same for Midoriya. Shoto could feel the worry rolling off of his person in thick waves. Instantly, he blamed himself for it. Perhaps Midoriya finally realized he didn’t want to be alone with him— not in such a remote area, anyway. He couldn’t blame him, if that were the case.
Midoriya still didn’t speak. It was beginning to drive him insane.
“Tell me what you’re thinking.” Too much like a demand. “Please.”
Midoriya snuck a glance at him from the corner of his eye. “I’m just wondering where we’re going, that’s all.”
Easy enough, though that couldn’t be all he was thinking about. “It’s a place I like to go when the weather is nice.”
They seemed to look out the window simultaneously. The clouds were retreating, it would be a rare warm day in Hokkaido.
“My dad said it would be sunny today.” Midoriya murmured offhandedly, probably assuming Shoto wouldn’t have heard him.
“And did you tell Toshinori-san what your plans were for the day?” He inquired, mostly curious for the answer— this was something he didn’t know.
Midoriya’s eyes remained forward. “Uh, n-no? Should I have told him?”
Shoto shrugged. “It’s not my place to tell you what and what not to tell your father.” He’d had to have told someone about today— a friend, perhaps? “Kaminari and Shinso think we’re going to Sendai, right?”
Still, Midoriya did not glance at him. “No. They didn’t ask.”
Shoto stared at the side of his face until he began to squirm. “ Nobody knows you’re with me today?” For someone as intelligent as he was, Midoriya did not always make the best decisions when it came to his safety.
How could he be so careless ?
“I-I didn’t think people were supposed to know.” He replied, his voice taking on a slight tremor. “I’m still getting used to the idea of having a social life. I’m not really sure what the correct protocol is.”
Shoto wished he could scream— not in anger, but in frustration with himself. Midoriya had already been transparent about the severe bullying he faced whilst he lived in Tokyo with his mother. He supposed, this was just another side effect of that. Shoto had to learn to be more patient— especially with him.
“ Midoriya… ” He sighed, running a hand down his face. Still, none of his close friends or family members knowing his exact location was frustrating.
“I-I know, I’m sorry! I won’t do it again. Should I call my dad when we get there?”
“There’s no service past a certain point.” Shoto said, watching the hope drain from Midoriya’s shoulders. He seemed to express himself that way a lot— with his body, in general.
“O-Oh.” He mumbled, his hands tightening around the steering wheel. “Well, you told O-Ochako, didn’t you?”
“That’s not very helpful, Midoriya.” Shoto frowned, and then bit the inside of his cheek. He would admit, maybe this was bothering him more than he was letting on. He was being short— and rude, worst of all.
Midoriya seemed to notice the attitude change, and stopped talking entirely, the only sounds coming from him being dry gulps. Shoto glared out through his window, really trying to get a hold on his anger before they got to the trail.
The rest of the journey was awkwardly silent.
They arrived at the narrowly marked out dirt trail. Midoriya parked the truck right on the edge of it and stepped out of the vehicle silently, sucking in a deep breath.
Shoto followed, slamming his door a little harder than he probably should have. Midoriya startled, and he could feel his eyes suddenly boring into him.
Shoto kept his body facing the vast forest ahead of them, and spoke toward it. “It’s this way.” The slight in his voice was still present, he couldn’t shake it away, even if he wanted to.
Midoriya’s heartbeat thundered, suddenly standing beside him. “But— you said… the trail.” He sounded frightened.
“I said there was a trail, not that we were taking it.”
“Oh.” He muttered, dry swallowing again. “No trail, then.” It was the first time since meeting him that Midoriya actually seemed afraid— and over something as mundane as going on an off-trail hike.
Shoto’s lips quirked up into a half smile, finding this new emotion of his sort of endearing. “I won’t let you get lost, don’t worry.” He turned towards him, and when their eyes met, Shoto was surprised to find a hint of sadness edging his dark green pair. “We don’t have to do this. I could drive us back home.”
He didn’t want to see him go, but he also couldn’t allow him to be so frightened. Not if he could help it.
“No, I want to. It’s fine. I-I’m fine.” Midoriya insisted, stepping closer to him as if to prove his words.
It was almost comical how not fine he seemed.
“What’s wrong?” Shoto’s voice was much calmer now, the slight edge to it completely gone.
“It’s really nothing.” Midoriya grimaced. “If you want to get back home before the sun sets, you’d better start leading the way.” He finished sourly.
Shoto frowned, completely confused as to why he suddenly seemed to be the one who was upset. He’d mentioned before how Midoriya’s anger was quiet, and very subdued compared to Shoto’s own violent rage. That fact still remained true.
Shoto sighed, and began walking into the forest. Midoriya followed closely beside him. The further they went, the more relaxed Midoriya became— to his immense relief. They did not speak, but they had come to a wordless agreement that whenever they ran into any obstacles, such as a fallen tree, or any huge boulders, Shoto would help Midoriya pass over them; lifting him gently by his elbow.
It was odd— to have to practice so much self control in order to not break him. He’d been much better at it than he would have ever expected.
He could hear Midoriya’s heartbeat accelerate every time he grabbed him. For once, he was unsure of the emotion behind it.
They carried on walking in silence until Shoto offered a question. He was much lighter with the quizzing today. He’d already upset Midoriya once— and once was enough.
He’d told Shoto about all of his pet fish, and how he’d accidentally killed every single one of them. This made him genuinely laugh out loud— and he was surprised to find how good it felt.
They carried on walking at a very human pace. For once, Shoto didn’t mind taking it so slow. One could imagine why that was.
They were getting close to Shoto’s spot. The meadow. The white, violet and yellow wildflowers speckled around them making it that much more obvious.
“Are we almost there?” Midoriya asked, his voice as soft and clear as it always was. It’d finally lost the edge, thankfully.
“Almost. Do you see the brightness up ahead?”
He squinted, straining his eyes towards the direction Shoto was gesturing to. “Um, sh-should I?”
“Maybe it’s too soon for your eyes.” Shoto murmured, once again, being reminded of their extreme differences.
“Guess I need to up my carrot intake.” Midoriya seemed much happier now. Instantly, his mood lightened, and he grinned at his ease.
Finally, they reached the meadow. And after a few moments, Midoriya began to overtake his stride, passing him and stepping into the perfectly round patch of land—staring all around him, his eyes wide and awed.
Shoto stayed way behind, hiding in a shadow, watching Midoriya warily. Could he do this? He knew what he was— he knew vaguely of what happened to his skin when he stepped under sunlight. But seeing was so much different than just knowing.
Midoriya turned his head, seeming to realize that he was alone, and found him, spinning his entire body until his eyes rested on his.
Shoto sighed to himself, and watched Midoriya’s face as he took a single step forward. To his complete surprise, Midoriya smiled and held out a hand, beckoning him closer encouragingly.
Shoto inhaled another unnecessary breath, and held his hand up, stopping him from coming any closer.
He squeezed his eyes shut, and stepped under the midday sun. He could feel the way his skin was reacting, how it began to tingle in warning. He didn’t want to see Midoriya’s face— his reaction to his ugly, wretched— cursed skin.
It was absolutely silent for a moment. And then he felt it. The press of a single finger pad dragging across the hardened skin of his ice cold forearm.
Shoto downright flinched, his eyes wrenching open. Midoriya stood mere inches from him, watching him expectantly, his hand still outstretched towards him.
“I’m sorry, I should have asked first.” He whispered, his cheeks suddenly bright red. “W-Would it be okay if I touched you again?”
Shoto was starting to feel himself come undone.
“I don’t— I don’t scare you?” He tried a smile to even out the anxiety gnawing away at the lining of his stomach. It felt more like a grimace.
“Never.” Midoriya said without hesitation, forgoing his permission and gently grabbing Shoto’s hand in his, caressing the skin there as if it were delicate— the irony of that was almost comical, but he couldn’t find it in himself to laugh. “Do you— do you mind?”
Did he mind ? Why would he ever mind this ? The feeling of his warm skin touching him— feeling him, holding him. How could he ever mind?
“No, you can’t imagine how that feels.” He whispered in return, fighting off a tremble. “Your skin is very… warm.”
Midoriya paused, and Shoto almost whined for him to continue. “Is that— does that bother you?”
“ No !” He insisted with a jolt. Midoriya stared at him, so wide eyed and trusting, and Shoto was in love all over again. Without really thinking, he found his free hand had traveled all the way to Midoriya’s face, caressing the skin of his cheek. “Nothing about you could ever bother me.”
Midoriya’s heart stuttered and pounded simultaneously, his cheeks bright red again. His lips parted, and Shoto could feel himself unraveling.
“Todoroki-kun,” Midoriya whispered, squeezing his solid hand. “Would you… k-kiss me?”
Shoto’s breathing was heavy. “I can’t—“
“ Please , k-kiss me.”
He’d come undone.
Shoto pulled him closer by his hand, holding him firmly against his chest. Midoriya shuddered, and instantly, he was brought back to his wretched reality. He did not run warm— he did not have a beating heart. He was— inhuman, a monster, a killer . And he was holding him as if they belonged in the same world— as if they were one in the same.
Shoto couldn’t have him— he shouldn’t want him. And, yet he did. More passionately than anything else.
Shoto kissed him. It was torture and bliss all at once. It was burning hot— and just not enough. It was everything . And Shoto burned for an entirely new reason.