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Midoriya’s hand is patting at Shouto’s chest in awe as the flames of Phosphor begin to diminish and Bakugou is asking him to cut it out when Shouto sees a tall figure approaching them in his periphery. All Might is smiling as he walks across the courtyard toward them.
Shouto puts out the flames entirely and Midoriya makes a sad sound. The move has sapped his strength more than his other ones usually do but Shouto knows with more practice it’ll get better. He glances at his two friends, Midoriya writing frantically in a notebook he’s magically procured while Bakugou watches over his shoulder with a focused frown. Shouto tells them he’s going to get some water and ducks out of the way.
Not that he believes he’s in the way by any means. Not really. He’s long since known that Bakugou and Midoriya have private sessions and discussion with All Might. They share a lot of private conversations and Shouto understands and respects that. And now with the secret of OFA out, Shouto really does understand now. It makes sense. A lot of sense.
But sometimes there is a sting of jealousy, a familiar sense of being left out, but Shouto has always been quick to snuff it out. It’s unproductive and unnecessary.
He heads toward the tree under the shade of which sits all their water bottles. He’s just managed to drain half of his in one go and pour a little onto his sweaty forehead when he hears footsteps approach him.
“Young Todoroki,” All Might calls out and Shouto turns, surprised.
All Might still has the same smile as before when he steps into the shade of the tree as well. Shouto briefly looks past him to see that Midoriya is still focused on writing, looking up at an annoyed Bakugou every so often while Bakugou mimics Shouto’s previous pose to him. Shouto’s lip twitches at the sight. He turns back to All Might.
“Hello, All Might,” Shouto greets.
“I see you’ve concocted a new move,” All Might says. He gestures an X shaped across his chest. He beams brighter. “It looks magnificent.”
Shouto blinks, a warmth rising to his face. “Oh. Thank you.”
“It looked like you used both sides simultaneously, is that it?” All Might inquires and Shouto nods. He explains the mechanism of the move and how he’d tossed around some theories in his head before coming up with it. All Might listens intently, focused on Shouto’s face the whole time.
“Incredible,” All Might says in astonishment. “We always talk about how our quirks are a part of the body and yet don’t really think about using it to its full capacity like this. Ingenious.”
Shouto feels himself flush further. “Thank you. That—means a lot, coming from you. Especially since you’ve always been an inspiration to me and—thank you.”
An expression Shouto can’t quite place flashes across All Might’s face. Before he can parse out what it was, All Might steps closer and places a hand on his shoulder. Despite how fragile he might look, his grip is strong.
“I hope you know how proud I am of you, Young Todoroki.” There’s a tinge of sadness in All Might’s smile now. “And if you don’t know, well, then that’s entirely on me. And I apologize for that.”
Shouto has no idea why he’s apologizing. There hasn’t been any reason, none that he can even think of. He’s looked up to this man since he was young, he’s the image of a true hero. Shouto had forgotten that for a while, and his vision and goals, before remembering them again.
“It’s a challenge, becoming a great hero,” All Might continues. “But I think remaining a good person with a kind heart is a greater challenge. Yet you stand here as both, and I can’t commend you enough for it.”
Shouto feels a lump in his throat and can’t find words to respond. But it doesn’t seem like he needs to.
“You shouldn’t have to be the one to fight on that battlefield.”
Shouto swallows past the lump. “I know, but I know best what Touya-nii—”
“I know,” All Might says, the hand on Shouto’s shoulder coming to rest on his head. “I can’t think of a more difficult decision to make than the one you’ve had to make. A decision you shouldn’t have had to make in the first place. Fighting for the people is one thing but fighting for one’s family is a different beast.” All Might’s tone is firm so Shouto doesn’t argue there. “I just want you to know that I admire you, Young Todoroki. For your courage and tenacity but for your good heart most of all. So thank you.” All Might gently ruffles Shouto’s hair and then drops his hand.
Shouto is back to being at a loss for words. He looks up at All Might’s grin and he can see it, the pride and the fondness. Shouto has seen that look many times, but this may be the first time he’s truly seeing it directed at him.
It’s hard to fight the way his lips begin to tug upwards. The warmth behind Shouto’s eyes is nothing when his heart feels as light as it does in this moment. Shouto grins, hands fisted at his sides to contain the bubble of happiness. All Might squeezes his shoulder with a chuckle before moving towards Kaminari and Sero who are trying to flag him over.
“Careful there, Icyhot, don’t need you blindin’ us all before the big battle.” Bakugou’s tone is teasing and his expression smug as Shouto walks back to them. It’s only when he touches his own aching cheeks does Shouto realize he’s still smiling.
“Oh my gosh!” Midoriya’s suddenly prodding a finger at Shouto’s cheek. “You never told me you have a dimple! And just on one side too, that’s so cool!”
Bakugou huffs. “Gotta make everything a half ‘n half thing, huh? Whatever, now come at me with that Phosphor thing. De–Izuku wants to add more to his nerd notebook.”
Bakugou begins to step backwards into a fighting stance, a goading smirk on his face. Midoriya gives Shouto an encouraging thumbs up, putting some distance between them to avoid having his hair poof up even further. Shouto focuses within himself, channeling his ice and flames to his core. Reinvigorated by All Might’s words echoing in his head, Shouto charges in Bakugou’s direction.