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The day was bright and sunny, a warm spring breeze gently carrying the scent of blooming trees.
Tenya Iida's life was over.
It had started out a normal day, with Tenya waking early to have a breakfast full of protein and work out before classes started, a regular day of herding his classmates around, spending lunch with Izuku and Ochako and a simple afternoon of homework.
The mail arrived in the mid-afternoon, bringing Tenya's doom in a fun, shiny envelope.
At first, he had been pleased to open it, delighted to find that his brother would be receiving a reward for his bravery. Tensei deserved it after all, and it was to be a charity gala that would raise funds for firefighters. Tenya hummed as he wandered through the kitchen reading the invitation, wondering if his brother would be having a new suit made to ease his comfort in the wheelchair.
Lightning struck as he read the final line of the invitation:
Unaccompanied guests are encouraged to bring a date.
He stopped, re-reading the line. “Encouraged” surely meant it wasn't required, right?
Then again, he was nearly an adult, and if he didn't start bringing someone to these events it might be seen as a social faux pas, and he would rather die than embarrass his brother for what would be his last event as Ingenium.
Besides, what will you do when you're the Ingenium invited to these things? No one else in the family ever went alone.
He froze, the glass of water in his hand dripping condensation over his fingers.
“Fuck,” he breathed, so softly no one would have ever heard him.
The event was in a month, just enough time to confirm his suit still fit and to spend fourteen full days pacing anxiously around his room, into the hallways, down the stairs into the common room, and outside in the lovely weather. He paced faster than most people.
“Iida, are you okay? You've been acting kind of weird.” Ochako asked plaintively, looking up from where she sat on the steps outside of their dorm, watching Tenya wear patterns into the grass. Izuku, Shoto, and Tsu lounged around her, the weather making everyone feel slightly lazy after a harsh winter.
“Ah, I'm fine, thank you very much for asking.” Tenya replied, waving a hand. Still, his brows furrowed as anxiety coiled in his stomach.
“You're normally pretty high strung, but I think Ochako is right.” Izuku chimed in, cocking his head.
Tenya sighed.
“My brother is being presented with an award this month,” he started. “I'm happy to go, but I'm supposed to bring a date and I have absolutely no idea who to ask.”
Ochako's eyes widened. “Oh! That is a conundrum, isn't it? Why don't you take someone as a friend?”
Tenya grimaced. “I can, but I am concerned about the press starting rumors. I would feel awful if everyone assumed that this person and I were dating and they got harassed about it.”
“I'll go with you,” Shoto volunteered suddenly. Everyone whipped around to stare at him in shock, Tenya included. Two toned eyes glanced around, and he continued.
“If you want me to, I mean. I go to these things all the time so I'm used to them, and I really do like Tensei. Plus, if the media did assume you and I were dating, it would be the only thing my dad would hear about for weeks.” He grinned, and his eyes held a wicked gleam. Everyone present shivered, including Tenya.
I didn't know he could be so mischievous, Tenya thought unbidden. He was surprised to find that he liked it.
“Okay,” he agreed without thinking, and that surprised him too. He had thought, or more accurately, worried about every single action he had ever made for fear of bringing shame to his prestigious family. Still, Shoto made good points, and he was also from a well respected family. Perhaps a relationship developing between them wasn't such an impossible idea…
Shoto's smile turned sweeter as he took in Tenya's answer.
“Awesome. Text me the details, and I'll make sure my suit is pressed. Is dark blue alright?”
Tenya blinked.
“Yes, mine will be dark blue as well. You are allergic to chrysanthemums, yes?”
It was Shoto's turn to look surprised. “Yeah, how did you know?”
“You told me once in first year. I wouldn't be a very good class rep if I didn't know everyone's allergies.” He explained, half prideful and half deeply embarrassed.
Izuku and Ochako exchanged glances, smirking.
Shoto blushed very lightly, a slight pink that was easy to miss.
“Oh. Well. Thank you for remembering.”
They were called for dinner shortly after, and Tenya pushed it out of his mind until he had returned to his dorm later that night. The invitation glowed under his desk light, the shiny silver paper like a tiny ghost haunting his thoughts until today. He picked it up, and took a picture of the information and texted it to Shoto.
Tenya Iida:
My apologies for the hour, I hope I didn't disturb you.
Shoto Todoroki:
Not at all, I was still awake. Thank you for sending the photo.
Tenya Iida:
Of course. I already have a car coming out to pick me up, is it appropriate to assume you'll be joining me from here?
Shoto Todoroki:
Yes, that works for me. I'm really looking forward to being your date. 🙂
Tenya sat at his desk, finding a smile on his face at the little emoji on his screen. He never used them himself; he had always been told they were unprofessional. But the small face made him imagine Shoto, and the way he had smiled at Tenya earlier, and that made butterflies form in his stomach.
My date. I have a date. I have a date with Shoto Todoroki. I have a date with Shoto Todoroki!
Tenya Iida:
As am I. 🙂
Tenya fell asleep with his phone in his hand.
The last two weeks flew by, and Tenya was pleased to find that Shoto texted him more, at first just about the party, but developing into asking about his day or sending him funny videos. Tenya was still strict about having his phone during school (he did have his reputation as class representative to uphold) but his eyes drifted to it more and more as their conversations flowed.
Finally, the day arrived, and Tenya got ready with nervous excitement coloring his movements. His suit was perfectly tailored, hair neatly trimmed and expensive cologne floated around him in a pleasant cloud. He took a quick moment to send a photo to Izuku and Ochako in their group chat, which got several flame emoji responses from Ochako and a “looks great! 👍” from Izuku.
He took a deep breath, and opened his door, intending to head up to Shoto's room. To his surprise, the bicolored man stood before him, hand raised as though to knock.
“Oh. Hi,” Shoto started. Tenya swallowed.
Shoto looked good. The blue of his suit wasn't nearly as dark as Tenya's, and it brought out the blue in his eye. It fit in the best ways, making him appear tall and confident, perhaps even suave. He held out a small plastic box.
“I got red, I thought it would look good on you.”
Tenya started, shaken out of his reverie. He looked down. Shoto held out a boutonniere, a single red rose with tiny baby's breath adorned on the sides. Tenya blinked, and then burst into laughter. Shoto frowned up at him as he held up his own small box, flower enclosed.
“Oh dear, I forgot to tell you I already bought some! That was why I wanted to confirm your allergy.”
Shoto's face broke into a grin.
“Oh my god, we even both bought the same color,” he pressed a palm to his face in embarrassment. Tenya grinned at him widely, and they stood in the doorway for a moment, pinning each other's flowers on.
“You look fantastic,” Tenya said sincerely. Shoto blushed lightly.
“You look very nice yourself,” he replied quietly.
“Thank you,” Tenya said warmly. They stood there for a moment more, and then Tenya's phone vibrated with a text from the driver announcing his arrival.
“Well, shall we?” He asked, gesturing vaguely into the hall. Shoto nodded, and they descended the stairs. Ochako and Izuku glanced over from where they were doing homework on a couch, and they both waved enthusiastically.
“You guys look amazing!” Ochako gushed, grinning. Izuku nodded in agreement.
“Thank you!” Tenya replied, smiling brightly. He glanced at Shoto, and his stomach did a flip. This was his date, and he looked incredible, and Tenya was about to show him off to the entire pro heroing community. His smile widened as anticipation coursed through his veins. They bid farewell to their friends and took off outside, Tenya making it a point to open the car door for Shoto. The other man blushed again, and for just a moment the adorable feature struck a chord in Tenya.
I'd really like to tell you how pretty you are, he thought unbidden. Embarrassment coursed through him as he slid around the other side of the car. They were just going as friends, after all, and it would be presumptuous to treat this as a legitimate date.
“I do still want to make sure you're alright with the possibility that this is going to end up in the papers,” he asserted cautiously. Shoto glanced at him.
“Oh, do people still read the paper anymore?” He asked. Tenya squinted, unsure from the light tone if that was intended to be a joke or not. Shoto rolled his eyes and smiled.
“Yes, Tenya. It doesn't bother me. For once I'm going to support a hero I actually respect, and I'm spending time with someone I really care about. Plus, I think this is the funniest possible way for my father to find out I'm gay.”
Tenya choked.
Oh my god, I'm going to be murdered by the number one Pro Hero in Japan and no one will ever find my body, he thought in a panic.
“Don't look so serious, it's going to be fine! Here, watch this video with me, I was going to send it to you but…” he carried on, and Tenya dutifully scooted closer to see the screen he offered.
Wow, he smells nice. Tenya wasn't precisely paying attention to the video, his eyes wandering up to Shoto's face. He was calm, and his eyes sparkled.
Even if we're only here as friends playing a prank on his father, I don't think there's anyone else I'd rather be here with.
The thought filled him with warmth, and he scooted ever so slightly closer.
The party was beautiful, held at a museum of engineering which Tenya found highly suitable. His own engines gleamed in the lights, the shining silver a testament to his own place in their lineage. The car pulled up to the doors, and the driver let Tenya out, who let Shoto out in turn. He held out an arm nervously as Shoto unfolded, and tried his best to ignore the sounds of snapping shutters and flashing lights. Shoto took it gracefully, and they stopped together for a moment. Tenya was grateful immediately; Shoto held himself poised, taking care that they looked into the same cameras and smiling in a way that felt very genuine. When Tenya would look at the pictures later, he would be struck by how truly happy Shoto looked to be there with him.
They entered, Shoto still holding him by the arm but keeping pace with his steps so that they never stumbled awkwardly. The building was full, and a slideshow of Tensei's best photographs as Ingenium played on one of the walls.
“Tenya!” A big voice boomed. Tenya found his father right away, a built man that stood towering over many people. His mother stood next to him, champagne flute in hand, smiling when they made eye contact. He made his way over to them.
“Hello, hello,” he greeted them, kissing his mom on the cheek and shaking his father's hand. He turned and gestured.
“I'd like to present my date for the evening, Shoto Todoroki.”
Shoto bowed slightly and shook his parents' hands.
“It's so nice to meet you!” His mother exclaimed.
“Thank you, and you as well. I have met Mr. Iida once before, but that was many years ago and I was very small.”
Tenya's father squinted for a moment, and then his face cleared.
“Yes, that's right! My goodness, you were only three apples high when that happened, I'm so surprised you remembered.”
Tenya was also surprised, but he didn't ask. Shoto's childhood was a tough topic for an evening where he wanted the other man to have an enjoyable time.
“Is Tensei here already?” He asked eagerly. His mom smiled in a way that made her eyes scrunch.
“Yes, dear, I think he's in that wing right now,” she pointed.
“I'd really like to introduce Shoto, if you'll excuse us,” he nodded politely at his parents. They shook Shoto's hand once more before turning back to the other guests. Tenya turned to brave the crowd, but froze when a warm hand slid into his own. He glanced down to find Shoto interlacing their fingers. Their eyes met, and Shoto offered him a sweet smile, tipping his head. A shutter clicked somewhere in the room, but Tenya barely heard it over the blood rushing in his ears. He squeezed Shoto's hand gently, and they made their way to where Tensei was amidst a small crowd.
“Ah, my brother Tenya!” He exclaimed joyfully. He held out his arms, and Tenya leaned down to hug him before stepping back and introducing Shoto.
“I hope he's not being too formal, young Todoroki,” Tensei laughed, gesturing at Tenya. “We're here to have a good time and to support the real heroes out there!”
“Tensei! You are a real hero, you saved many people in your career,” Tenya admonished.
Tensei waved him off cheerfully. “See, Tenya, you're too serious!”
A stooped blonde man wearing a headset approached, and he pointed at the tablet in his hands.
“Ah, I have a speech to give shortly. Go, have fun, dance a little, eat some hors d'oeuvres. I'll catch up with you soon, okay?” Tensei clasped Tenya's hand briefly and nodded at Shoto before wheeling away while the event coordinator chattered at him.
“Well, we got all of our introductions out of the way,” Tenya declared, pleased.
“I'm glad it went well. I hope your parents like me.” Shoto responded with a small smile.
“I'm certain that they do,” Tenya smiled back at him, touched by his concern. They weaved through the crowd, fingers interlaced once again, though convenience demanded Tenya hold Shoto's right hand. The difference was subtle, but noticeable enough that he was sorely tempted to clasp it between both of his until it was as warm as the other hand.
Maybe some other time, he thought. Then surprise and a tinge of disappointment filtered through him as he realized he had no reason to expect there would be a next time.
“I'm incredibly thirsty, do you want to see if we can find some water?” Shoto asked, glancing up at him. Tenya nodded, and then stood up to his full height to survey the room.
“I forget sometimes that you're so tall.” Shoto commented with a small noise of amusement.
“You're not exactly short,” Tenya replied with a laugh.
“No, I'm probably a little above average. I'm taller than Midoriya, so that's enough.”
“Oh?” Tenya cocked his head, the mission for drinks temporarily forgotten. “Why do you want to be taller than Midoriya specifically?”
Shoto scrunched his nose, a move that Tenya found painfully adorable.
“Well, we have to take a lot of pictures together, him, Bakugo, and myself. Photographers always put Bakugo in the back because he's the widest, and Midoriya in the front because he's the shortest. If he gets taller than I am, I might be put in the front of our group shots and I don't want to be.”
“Why not? You're so handsome,” Tenya said, and a blush immediately stole over his face. Shoto grinned at him, pleased.
“Thank you; I never know what to do with my hands. It's one thing if we're doing like active shots showing our quirks, but if it's more casual than that I end up looking like a statue.”
Tenya laughed despite himself. He should be giving some sort of advice as class rep, but the mental image of Shoto shyly trying to pose in front of an exasperated photographer was simply precious.
“I'm sure you look fine. You've looked very natural in every photo I've seen.” He replied warmly.
They made it to the bar where drinks were being served and drank their water gratefully. Between their quirks, the suits, and the very packed crowd it was beginning to get rather warm in the museum. They made their way to the edge of the room, browsing different exhibits and reading their signs to each other. Every feat of engineering from the first cars to the International Space Station was covered. Shoto listened with interest as Tenya went into greater detail about the similarities between most modern vehicles and his family's heirloom Quirk. In fact, his great grandfather had his own small exhibit, which Tenya showed off with great pride. Occasionally other guests stopped them for brief conversations. As it turned out, many of the guests in attendance were acquaintances of Shoto's, and they got stopped equally often to introduce each other.
“I'm never going to remember any of these names,” Shoto whispered conspiratorially. Tenya smirked, but was interrupted before he could reply. Still, his eyes sparkled as they met Shoto's.
They had some of the snacks, comparing them and encouraging each other to try new ones.
After about an hour, a small bell rang, and everyone began gathering in the main wing.
“Ah, that will be my brother's speech. Come, let's see if we can get closer.” Tenya took Shoto's hand first to lead them through the crowd, missing the light blush that stole across his face.
They made it to the bottom of the stage, Tenya looking up to where his brother sat with a proud smile.
“Thank you all so much for being here tonight! It means so incredibly much to me to see you all, and I am beyond honored to receive this award this evening.” He went on briefly about the various fire departments they had hoped to earn funding for with this event, and their noble efforts at keeping the citizens safe. A woman in a black dress came out and gifted Tensei with a medal and shook his hand warmly. Fierce joy welled up in Tenya, and he applauded enthusiastically for his brother.
“And now, tonight, I have a formal announcement and introduction to make. Tenya, please.” He gestured, and Tenya gasped. He had no idea he was going to be speaking in any manner here. He shot Shoto an anxious glance but did as his brother bade him and climbed the stairs to the stage.
“Now as I'm sure everyone has already guessed, I am formally announcing my retirement as the hero Ingenium. I truly loved my time with you all, but all good things must come to an end. Today, I am delighted to introduce to you my younger brother, Tenya Iida, the new Ingenium. You may remember him from his efforts during the war. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Tenya will do myself, my family and our legacy proud. Please give him a round of applause.” He began clapping himself, and Tenya felt tears threaten to overtake him.
“Thank you, Tensei. I promise that I will do my very best to be the hero that you all deserve,” he rasped. He waved to the crowd, smiling broadly. Below, Shoto clapped hardest of all.
I wouldn't be here without you, Tenya thought. He grinned down at him before bowing to the crowd. He embraced Tensei briefly and made his way back to the floor.
“Wow, that was unexpected,” Shoto commented, though his smile didn't waver.
“I had no idea he was going to do that,” Tenya confessed. “Did I look terribly foolish?”
“Not at all. I thought you looked rather regal.”
Tenya blushed violently. He'd been called many things in his life, but regal was a new one.
“Th-thank you,” he stumbled, embarrassed.
Shoto blushed as well, and for a moment they stood there staring at each other as though there wasn't another soul in the room.
The moment was shattered, however, when an older woman staggered into their space.
“Wow! Shoto Todoroki and Tenya Iida! You guys are such a power couple.” She bared her teeth in an approximation of a smile.
“Hey, didn't you guys fight in the war like together together? I remember seeing it on TV. You flew over my hometown and there wasn't a single sound until you were long gone! That was a crazy battle!”
Shoto stiffened, discomfort stealing into his eyes even though his face was carefully blank. Tenya winced, and he pulled the shorter man closer.
“Yes, we did,” Shoto acquiesced, leaning away from the woman. “Tenya's Engine is quite powerful. He's going to be a wonderful Ingenium.”
Tenya's heart ached.
“Thank you. If you'll excuse us, I do believe we're meant to meet up with my brother Tensei now,” Tenya said politely, pulling Shoto away as subtly as possible. The woman turned away, and they hurried off.
“Balcony?” Tenya asked.
“Are you sure? I don't want to make you miss anything with your family,” Shoto replied hesitantly.
Tenya waved his concerns off. “I imagine everyone will be paying attention to Tensei for quite a while. Come on, let's sneak outside.”
Shoto nodded gratefully, and they found themselves out in the cool night air, blissfully alone.
“I'm sorry about that,” Tenya apologized ruefully. “I can't imagine that's a fun topic for you.”
Shoto shook his head and leaned closer to Tenya, resting his head on the taller man's shoulder.
“It's fine. It's… hard to talk about, sometimes. I guess people don't see how traumatic it is from the other side of the television.”
Tenya made a noise of agreement, but didn't speak.
“She was right about how well we worked together, though. I was… incredibly lucky to have you there. I don't think I could have done any of it without you.” Shoto added shyly. He glanced up at Tenya, whose heart beat staccato inside his chest.
“I was thinking the same thing about you,” Tenya replied softly. Shoto smiled.
“Other than that encounter, I am having a wonderful time though. Thank you for bringing me with you,” Shoto said sincerely.
“It's my pleasure. I'd bring you again, if you wanted.” Tenya replied seriously. This was by far the most fun he had ever had at one of these type of events.
“Maybe… maybe our next date could be just the two of us?” Shoto suggested softly, his eyes hopeful.
Tenya froze.
Our next date?
“If… if you wanted to go on another date with me,” Shoto added uncertainly after a heartbeat of silence.
“I, uh, wait, um-” Tenya fumbled.
“You don't have to! It's okay if you don't want to or if you don't like me like that-” Shoto hurried on, waving his hands as his eyes searched Tenya's anxiously.
“I… I thought that we were doing this-” Tenya indicated between them with a brief wave, “because you wanted to upset your father?”
Shoto blinked slowly.
“You know, Tenya, for being the smartest man I know, you can be pretty stupid sometimes.”
Tenya felt the world shift slightly as confusion overtook him.
“Huh?” Was all he managed before Shoto closed the space between them and gently lifted a hand to pull him down for a kiss.
It was sweet, and soft, and everything Tenya ever wanted and never knew. Shoto pulled away with a small smile.
“I'm here with you tonight because I wanted to be. I really like you, Tenya. I would really like for this to be a real date.”
Nervous delight sprang to life in Tenya's heart, and breathlessly he pulled Shoto in for another kiss. They broke apart, giggling turning into full blown laughter at nothing. For them, the moment sparkled like fireworks in the night sky.
Tenya's broad laughter caught his brother's ear, and Tensei glanced around for a moment before spotting them out on the balcony. Tenya was practically glowing, a wide grin splitting his face. Shoto looked up at him, his own enraptured smile making it appear as though he thought Tenya had hung the moon. Tensei smiled privately, eyes sparkling. Seeing his brother happy like this was worth everything.
I'm proud of you, Tenya.
Outside, the moon glowed high above them.