Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was easier to do things on your own. You learn this growing up with three older siblings, a mom who was forced into silence, and the number two hero as a family.

Shouto walked into UA determined to keep his head down, and do the work and training all on his own. He was accepted by recommendation and needed to prove that he earned his spot. If he had it his way, he would've taken the exam like everyone else. But of course, Shouto never got his way with Endeavor around. He didn’t need anything from anyone to become a great hero. After all, he managed fine up until now.

Well, that used to be the plan. It began after himself, Iida, and Midoriya fought the Hero-Killer in Hosu. The ‘Hosu Trio’ was something only the three of them could share. That bond between the three of them ignited something, and Shouto wasn't sure what. He felt drawn to them, and by association Uraraka who had a close bond with the two boys.

For some reason, the incident was playing in his head again as he was cooking dinner. A week in and Shouto was getting used to cooking for himself. He had practiced with Fuyumi, but she always made portions for at least four.

He was halfway through eating his meal when Midoriya, Iida and Uraraka walked in, all with take-out containers. Midoriya whispered something to Iida and Uraraka who both smiled and nodded.

Shouto straightened as they all walked over to him, “Hey Todoroki! Mind if we eat dinner with you?” Midoriya in his usual cheery voice.

If he said no, would that be rude? “Uh, yeah of course.” Shouto replied. And just like that, he was pulled from the storm of thoughts in his head as three classmates joined him.

“I loved that new move you were working on in training today!” Uraraka beamed as she took the seat directly across from him.

“Oh, the ice wall?”

“Yes, it seems very strategic, preventing villains from making a quick escape.” Iida added who was at his right.

“Thanks,” He needed to return a compliment now, right? “Your recipro has gotten really impressive.” It wasn't just for conversation, he truly believed this. It was nice Shouto finally got a chance to say it.

Iida smiled, “Thank you.”

The other three continued chatting while Todoroki finished his meal. Why did they want to sit with him? Was it out of pity? Maybe just a common courtesy. He and Midoriya had a few conversations and bonding moments, but he wouldn’t call them close. And he only worked with Uraraka and Iida through classes and schoolwork.

Shouto emerged from their train of thought when he saw everyone looking at him expectantly, “Sorry, did you say something?”

“No need to be sorry!” Uraraka said, “I just mentioned the three of us were going to watch a movie, and were wondering if you’d like to join us?”

They wanted to watch a movie with him? “Why?” The question just slipped out.

“Because you’re our friend!” Midoriya replied.

Shouto blushed from the statement, “Well, I do have to finish up Yamada sensei’s paper.”

“Oh! I can help!” Iida volunteered, “And then we can proceed with the movie afterwards.”

He was all out of reasons to not go, so he worked on his paper with Iida and spent the night in Midoriya's dorm room. They all huddled around his laptop on his bed. It was uncomfortable, and crowded, but the animated movie they chose was quite entertaining, and not childish like he expected.

He must admit that he did enjoy himself. They were all so nice and made interesting conversations about school, training and the movie. Despite all of that, the whole time all he could think about is if he was saying the right thing, or when he should talk or listen.

Shotuo wished he could have just let all that go.

Chapter Text

Aizawa sensei had just assigned quirkless sparring for the remainder of training. Shoto always hated having to find and ask someone he didn’t know well to be his partner.

He began looking around at the pairs already forming when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He jumped and turned around to see Uraraka with her hands in the air.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you! Wanna be partners?” He agreed. What Shoto didn’t know was that Uraraka made a mental note to tell the others that he didn’t like to be touched without warning.

Shoto agreed, knowing it wouldn’t be an easy match. Ever since her work study, Uraraka’s combat skills had become very impressive. She was doing well before with just her quirk, she had good control over her powers, that much was clear from the Sports Festival. But now, with so many skills she is becoming a truly powerful hero.

On the other hand, Shoto was pushed with his quirk training by his father. Meaning, Uraraka’s non-quirk combat surpassed him. Knowing all of this, it wasn’t a surprise when she took him down during their first match. A few onlookers seemed surprised and Todoroki had the urge to scream at them for underestimating her.

They went on like that for the remainder of the period, Uraraka winning most matches, but Todoroki getting some towards the end when he figured out her fighting style. She offered him plenty of martial arts pointers, and he shared what he could as well. Mainly on how she could better land hits on an opponent that was larger than her.

He bowed deeply to her, and thanked her for the training.

“Oh! Right! Of course, thanks to you too!” She half-bowed back to him, “We should spar together more often, next time with quirks.”

“I’d like that. We have a lot to learn from each other.”

Uraraka chuckled to herself as she picked up her bag. Did Shouto say something wrong? He thought that was a nice response, and it was truthful as well.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I just didn’t think I’d beat you so many times,” And then another thought, more serious, “I hope you weren’t going easy on me.”

“What? I’d never go easy on anyone, that would defeat the purpose of training.”

She laughed again, “You’re okay Todoroki-Kun! But I was wondering… um-”

“How you were able to beat me so easily?”

“Ah! I didn’t mean it like that!”

It was Shouto’s turn to chuckle, “I imagine it’s surprising because of who my father is. My training began when I was very little, but consisted mostly of quirk training. He believed if my quirk was powerful enough, the sparring would come naturally.”

“Oh, that’s just wrong. I mean, having a powerful quirk is an asset, but what if someone like Aizawa sensei comes along? Or because of your lack of combat training, your opponent lands a hit on you and puts on quirk-suppressing handcuffs?”

She’s been spending a lot of time with Iida, “I know. That’s why I would like to continue sparring with you, if that’s alright. I can learn a lot from you.” He smiled, not just because it was nice to hear someone else call Endeavor wrong.

They began to plan their next sparring session where Uraraka would teach Shouto along the way, not just fight.

The pair were still talking as they exited the gym when Iida and Midoriya caught up with them. Midoriya was eager to share how his training went with Kirishima and spared no detail. Iida seemed to figure out the secret to getting involved in Midoriya’s ramblings, and shared about his session with Shouji.

It was the second time that week that Todoroki ended up getting dinner with them. He still worried if he was saying the right things or reacting to things the right way. But towards the end of the night, he felt those thoughts leaving his mind.

Eventually, they all parted ways for homework, studying or free time. Shouto agreed he had to study for the upcoming written exam and retreated to his dorm. The strangest part was he wanted more time with them.