They aren't, and Toge doesn't want them to be listening either. They can stay far, far away from this place as far as he's concerned.
I've never been on a mission longer than a week, but I did get sleep during the mission.
He smiles a little bit at that.
I'm only a first grade. Well, almost. Waiting for promotion, but I passed my test. So I'm at the level of a first grade. There are special grade curses and a couple of sorcerers that would give me a hard time. I got what you were doing, it was a great idea. I'm used to working around people. I saw a chance and I took it.
Alright that's better than working him tirelessly. A week is a long time, not unheard of in his world but also not ideal. Then again, once more, they're short staffed essentially. He's had instances like this.
"A week is still a long time." He has taken to picking up the cup again, sipping from one side silently while he reads the other part of the message. He remembers this but all the same.
That smile makes him falter, the words leave him for the chance to see him do it. Eventually he remembers to complete what he's saying. "All this but it's still surprising, Inumaki. I'm sure there are pro heroes back home that wouldn't be able to successfully walk into a fight with you. Myself included. I'm not a pro hero." He offers over the drink while he's speaking. "There are very few I can think of. A man by the hero name of Edgeshot maybe. That's only maybe. Perhaps if someone had regeneration, or if there were a way to dodge. I don't even think my teacher could." He finishes with an easy remark of: "I guess I'm saying you're impressive, but I wanted to elaborate." There may be a few other heroes maybe? Some villains that he knows of that might be able to withstand.
While Shoto is playing fantasy sports in his head, he notes, specifically that above the conversation, he's just happy for the company. For this particular company.
Shoto is rewarded again with Toge's warmest smile. He hasn't put his mask back up, since he doesn't really need to at the moment and he accepts the hot chocolate so he an sip some of it too. It's alright, if it gets empty, they can just refill it like magic. It's a great item.
Thank you. I think that's what scares people about me. But I have a best friend, he's special grade. He can take my cursed speech and just shake it off. Can you imagine after seeing it? Shrugging and it's gone? Most people around here though, they'd fall under my spell so to speak.
There it is again. Distracting and pretty to see on an equally pretty face. The marks that he knows are there aren't ever anything but just present. Nothing more, nothing less. Besides... It's kind of like smile marks if he thinks about it.
And he is thinking about it. His phone actually chimes at him again before he looks away, surprised at the noise and fumbles his phone to be able to read it once he does get it onto the message. Alright, message.
"No, I can't imagine that." he says at first, answering as he's reading. "After seeing what I saw and knowing that he... your world has some incredibly strong people, Inumaki. It makes me want to train harder." He will never be able to withstand it, he's certain, but he doesn't let things beat him that easily. His eyes come up off his screen. "I'd like to hear more about him, if you'll tell me more. I like hearing about you."
He cannot help but brighten when he asks about Yuta.
His name is Yuta and he's the biggest dork I've ever met. He was so shy when he came to school which was kind of like me before? So I really felt for him and he didn't have control of his power but it's alright we could handle him anyway. He's stronger than me, but he didn't know how to use that.
He's really really kind. He and I didn't get along at first because I think he found me a little intimidating. A lot of people find it uncomfortable to be in silence all the time which I mostly am. They think that I'm thinking one thing or another when really? I'm thinking the same things anyone else is.
So Yuta and I worked together and he and I got an understanding of each other and after that he was all too happy to talk to me. We talk all the time. He was gone on a one year long mission though, he went to Africa. But we text all the time and video call sometimes.
Normally when the guy you're crushing on if you know it or not sends you an essay that you've been able to finish up some food and re-fill that drink-length, you should be jealous, right?
Maybe if you weren't Shoto Todoroki.
All of these words make him happy to see. That Toge has someone so precious to him, that can take every bit of what he dishes out by accident even maybe. He says 'talk', and Shoto does have to wonder if he means with actual words sometimes. That part makes him a little sad, that he will never be able to do that for him, but jealous? How could he be? Not when it makes Toge this happy.
"I should hope that one day I would be able to meet him, he seems kind hearted. He seems like someone I would like to know. Especially with your kind words about him." Any friend of Toge is a friend of Shoto's now.
Toge did love Yuta, Yuta was his best friend and he's never had one before. It's not an essay professing an undying, unending romantic relationship. Shoto has nothing to worry about. He's happy to have his friends and he's happy to gush about them because they are that great. They're his friends after all.
He doesn't mean talk like Shoto would. When his powers were sealed, he tried. He just couldn't do it. Toge's muscles are not developed enough. No one would think about their throat muscles, obviously, because when they're toddlers, they make noise. They make sounds. Toge couldn't do that.
He works within his limits.
He is. My other friends are great too, but Yuta is definitely the kindest of us all. I think that's nice.
Shoto would listen, too. Gladly listen. Even if it was a litany about actual romantic feelings. If that's something that Toge wanted to talk about, Shoto is over his angsty teenage years. However, he's gotten nothing but the fond and kind memories of it and it's only left his heart warm and it's only left him happy to know that even if... No, when. They leave this place, even with all that he knows, Toge will be in good hands with this Yuta and their friends. He'll ignore all the ideas that he could die any moment, just because he would never want to think of that.
"Nice?" He asks, "I think having friends that close is the best thing in the world. Until I got to UA last year." ish. "I hadn't had a friend. I wasn't allowed to have friends and by the time I maybe was more independent, I wasn't a nice person." Not like Yuta, or Midoriya, and that's something he will always keep in mind when trying to better himself. Just how he was treated, too. Or for that matter, nice like Toge. "I have had great examples to help me understand who I want to be. Present company included."
Toge's tilting his head slightly, showing he's listening. They might leave someday, that's true, but Toge's not worried about that. He's living a short life, he knows it's a short life, he's going to enjoy what he can.
He smiled at the correction, he agrees. Having friends is the best thing in the world, he wouldn't argue against that.
I understand what that's like. I've always been like this, but maybe not as outgoing. A little more meek. Shy. I tease Yuta for being shy but I was just as shy when I went to school too. Panda, Maki and Yuta are my first friends. I would do anything for them.
I'm really flattered that you think so highly of me. Really.
No this is so different from when Bakugo is around, or Midoriya, or anyone else. It's these small things like the way he's tilting his head to listen. It's almost something that makes Shoto have to pause what he's saying to let his brain catch up.
Again it takes his eyes a little while to go to the screen, they're focused on his guest and trying to feel out the difference in why this isn't like sitting with his friends. He has kissed a different friend, twice, so ??
It takes him a moment or two, he's distracted in his mind, but he's dedicated to the conversation. There's more names of friends and they are instantly packed into his head. More things to learn about Toge that he's happy to know. "Your friends and other sorcerers?" He's almost certain that it's a yes, but he has to ask. There are people he knows that know the very rarest of quirkless people who have remained quirkless unlike some.
"It's alright if you feel flattered, but it's just the truth. If you didn't make me feel that way, I wouldn't say so." Maybe he can just... maybe Toge has more information about anything than Bakugo? Probably not but, a shot to shoot so. "You make me feel a lot of things, all good things." He assures.
Yeah, we're all sorcerers. We're not really supposed to interact with outsiders, but no one's here to get me in trouble. I can do what I want.
Toge grins, pleased about that and also if his tone is being read it's more teasing than anything. He shouldn't talk to Shoto, but he will. He wants to.
Well thanks. I don't know if I'm that good about how I feel but I can try. I'm kinda...I don't know. I'm a sorcerer. We're big about not feeling things too strongly.
It does read a little teasing, maybe a might bit bratty, and it's nothing that's offsetting. Shoto thinks he really should do what he wants in that regard. Maybe it's selfish, because that means he can enjoy his company, but it's how he feels.
"I'm glad you are." Are what, brain? "Doing what you want." Nice save.
He's looking down again, at the text. He can hear Bakugo's words echoing in his damn head, not just because the man is that loud that it still echoes. So... again he's going to try to feel this out, whatever a 'this' is. "Does that mean you feel strongly, or that you don't want to, but do?"
Toge smiles and nods at what he says. He's enjoying himself. It's freedom like he's never seen before and he's relishing in it. Is that so bad?
He considers that, tilting his head again.
I think it depends on the context. There are some things I feel strongly about, like you and my friends that sometimes surprises me. I'm okay with those feelings. I like them. I don't feel strongly about things I deal with, like people dying. It's...it doesn't register. I know that most people feel sad but I don't feel that. I feel kind of numb. I don't know how to explain it.
It's not bad in the least. Where this is concerned? Even better. He will continue to be selfish in that way.
With the screen to allow him the time to not have to look at the object of his question line, it makes it easier to collect his thoughts. He feels too selfish when the idea of feeling strongly regarding people dying, in what context he doesn't know, not affecting Toge anymore... or maybe ever? He's not ready to reveal the darker demons of his story, not ready to see what face Toge makes over them. Not when all he really wants is that smile back.
"Maybe that's a way to feel about it, all the same." Shoto offers, "There have been a lot of people die in my life. My own brother died in a fire before I really, really knew him." There are things extenuating there, but he foregoes them. "I feel sad it happened, but I don't feel the same way my mother or my siblings do. So maybe that's a way that you do feel, that it does register. Just differently than other people."
Edited (I did a dumb @_@ ) Date: 2023-12-28 09:32 am (UTC)
Toge nods, listening and it's a bit strange but he can imagine that Shoto must be concerned about he feels. How his brother died and he reaches out to squeeze his arm. Gentle support. Touch to offer him acceptance, even if it might seem strange to Shoto how he feels.
Maybe it's like that. The people that die, are not people I know. They're people I was too late to save, or people I couldn't help. People who got attacked before we found out about it. People die a lot and I guess it's sad that they're not alive, but it's not really my place to mourn them. I didn't know them.
The touch is kindly and he's reminded all over again just how...? Sweet. Toge can be. It's not that it didn't affect him at all, but certainly just as stated, not as much as the people who grew up loving him. Shoto nods his head as he reads, they've gotten onto a heavier topic than he intended and in an opposite way of the intentions. He agrees specifically with the sentiment and lets a long moment of quiet pass between them. Speaking up soon after it.
"I pulled us somewhere unkind, Inumaki." he admits, "I'm not good at communicating." He tries, he really does but sometimes it goes awry. "I meant that I felt strongly toward you as well." As he had, amongst the heavier talk, mentioned Shoto in there with people he cares about very obviously.
It might not hurt him as much as others, but it still affects him. When Shoto tries to correct, Toge just smiles at him anyway. That, at least, he can explain.
It's okay, Todoroki. You're communicating just fine. I think it's okay to talk about stuff that's not always nice because it lets me learn more about you. We don't know each other well yet, but I would like to.
Even if he's not the best at offering feedback.
I'm really glad, because I still really like you and kissing you was really great. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Although if I'm going to kiss you all the time, I might have to make you my boyfriend.
The smile is distracting, but he honestly needs to see what's been typed. It's the rock and the hard place. He misses out on part of the smile but he also can't not look down and-- okay well he can't do both so he's definitely reading. The first of it is very reassuring, it's the better part of this really. The statement after he's nodding his head, gathering his thoughts as he reads.
The third part, a small pinkening falls over his cheeks, even if he's not really looking shy for it. He contemplates foregoing speaking to kiss him instead. He has been wanting to since he opened that door- except his brain shuts down for another moment or two. His eyebrows come together and he tries to parse what he's read.
He looks upward toward Toge, then back down and reads the last line, then back up to its author. Make him? Oh god is there a ritual? He should've asked Bakugo-- oh god, is he even?? Can Shoto even be that for someone? How do you be that? How-- There's definitely a ritual it's 'make'.
His heart is thumping out of his chest and his jaw looks like it's going to try to word. "Tone is very difficult sometimes still. I'm doing my best to learn. Are you teasing, or being sincere? Either is fine but I..." He looks back down at it, not sure how to say everything he wants to say. "If you aren't... teasing." This is fast right? Is he trying to rationalize himself out of something he actually wants? Why is he doing that? Why is his brain doing that? "I would learn whatever ritual is required." Oh thank god his mouth isn't blue-screening like his brain. "Even without the formal title, I don't think I could change how I feel. I don't want to change it."
Shoto has a really adorable blush, frankly. It suits him, and Toge wonders if he can find ways to make him do it again. He waits, patiently, while he seems to process what he said. Toge isn't exactly sure what he said that is making him think it over, well aside from the comment, but he hadn't meant it to be taken that way.
Either he'd see it as a serious option, or he'd think Toge was kidding. He was fine either way. It's not that it's too soon, it's just if they're going to keep exploring things that are tangentially romantic, maybe they should try that. It's one thing to remain friends, it's quite another to try romance and Toge hasn't had the latter experience. He kind of wants to.
What he's expecting is not...that. It makes him blush in turn, but he's already in this. He's not going to back down from the odd question.
Yeah, sorry, tone is very hard. What I said can be taken seriously, or it can be taken as a joke. That's intentional because you might not think it's something I should say. So it's kind of both. If it seems out of place, or something you're not interested in, we can treat it as just a joke. Something we can revisit later, or not.
But if you do want to go in that direction, it's something we could consider exploring. I'm attracted to you. I would enjoy a romantic relationship. If you want that.
There's no ritual really. It's just...talking about things. Making decisions. You could say that you just want to be friends, or that it's too soon to consider this, or maybe you're interested...
I don't know what you're thinking exactly. But no answer you give me is going to make me stop being your friend. You should know that.
Shoto has been in a lot of do or die situations. A lot of life or death, and a lot of life or death that has ended in the death part more than life. But never has he been so nervous in his entire life. He lacks the words to say what he wants, he lacks the ability to act. He's never lacked the ability to act and the idea of sitting on this precipice that he keeps trying to rationalize when all the smart parts of him are saying not to.
In fact, he's so focused he doesn't see that Toge is typing, and he almost doesn't hear his phone. Instinct to turn it upward is what has him reading. And there's no way he's read the whole thing, not a chance in hell. He's really only gotten to 'Yeah, sorry, tone is very hard. What I said can be taken seriously...' and he's turning his head up, nodding. At first it's only a little nod, and then it's a little larger. "Seriously." he says, resolute in his voice, "I-want-to-take-it-seriously. I'm sorry I didn't read the rest. I will read it, I promise I will." Taking in a deep breath and letting it out in a small shudder, Shoto calms himself down.
He sets his phone to the side, he promised, but give him a second. It's easier to take Toge's hands to express sincerity. He's better with action than words. "I don't know how, why or what, but I know it isn't bats that has you on my mind all day. I know that I don't know much about this, I can make no flashy promises, but I'm taking it seriously." Again more resolute, more calm, more focused. "I'll read the rest." he says as he takes the phone up to read it.
A tiny smile pulls at one of his lips, "I should've read first." he apologizes, "If there's no harm in trying, then what's the harm in trying? I think I'd like to learn. I'm going to make a lot of mistakes." This is his 'you can back out now', "I know I will, but I will do my best to not repeat them."
He's surprised that Shoto's barely looked it before he's taking his hands. Toge could stop him, of course he can. He doesn't It's fine. He doesn't need his hands right now does he? Shoto can have them.
It's helpful. He understands. It's not the bats, not at all. It was their first kiss, but it's the second kisses, the night he spent sleeping against Shoto that Toge remembers and thinks about. It's his calm presence, his gentle, kind outlook. His patience with him. Those are the traits he considers. He wants to do something, but Shoto's already reading it again.
His smile and words make Toge laugh just a little bit. It's still silent but the light gasping, the trembling of his shoulders and his bright wide smile.
It's okay. I think about you a lot too. Not so much the bats although wow - what a way to meet someone. But mostly the time we spent together after that. You're so sweet, kind and patient. You looked after me. You're also really cute and I would love to try and date you.
Don't feel bad. I've never done it either. I'm pretty sure we'll both make mistakes. It's fine. They're probably not gonna be that dire.
But if you agree to this, you, Todoroki Shoto are going to be referred to as my boyfriend.
Not just a happy smile, that bright smile that hits him straight in his chest. The little laugh that has his own smile creeping wider and this time. This. Time. He turns his eyes down, one hand free from having to give back the hand needed to type. His mismatched eyes turn down to the screen and he reads every word of it. His nerves are starting to ebb away, the concern ebbing away, and the only thing left in his mind is the single worry easily answered: Heroes can be targets, so can anyone they attach themselves to. It's just as simple as remembering the crush of that goose to throw that out of his mind. Look how patient he's being with Shoto, how direct so he can't misunderstand... He would be stupid to say no to this.
"As long as I can say the same about you." because let's be real he didn't include that, and Shoto wants that permission. He really should've told Izuku about any of this, he's going to feel bad only momentarily. "I agree to your terms, let's learn and make mistakes together and if we need to, the pact include not losing each other as friends."
You fed him, Toge. That's basically never going to have a 'never getting rid of him' scenario as it is.
His eyes are still bright with his mirth and he nods at what Shoto says and offers him a hand to shake. Shaking on it, that's the best way to cement such a pact isn't it?
Whether Shoto does shake his hand or not, when he's done and he has it back he'll agree properly.
Deal. No matter what we'll still be friends. Besides, I think you should be really close friends with your boyfriend. I think it's important.
He does shake Toge's hand. Is that a thing they should be doing? It is proper and it is the way to solidify a verbal contract. Holy shit. This is really happening.
Letting him have his hand back, Shoto takes the opportunity to lean against him, testing the comfort of both of them being a little closer. Something he'd learned first hand that he enjoyed with Toge. After reading he contemplates. "That's true... In that case you should call me by my first name if you feel comfortable with it. I tried to call a friend by their first name and it was awkward."
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regna
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 06:57 am (UTC)I've never been on a mission longer than a week, but I did get sleep during the mission.
He smiles a little bit at that.
I'm only a first grade. Well, almost. Waiting for promotion, but I passed my test. So I'm at the level of a first grade. There are special grade curses and a couple of sorcerers that would give me a hard time. I got what you were doing, it was a great idea. I'm used to working around people. I saw a chance and I took it.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 07:09 am (UTC)"A week is still a long time." He has taken to picking up the cup again, sipping from one side silently while he reads the other part of the message. He remembers this but all the same.
That smile makes him falter, the words leave him for the chance to see him do it. Eventually he remembers to complete what he's saying. "All this but it's still surprising, Inumaki. I'm sure there are pro heroes back home that wouldn't be able to successfully walk into a fight with you. Myself included. I'm not a pro hero." He offers over the drink while he's speaking. "There are very few I can think of. A man by the hero name of Edgeshot maybe. That's only maybe. Perhaps if someone had regeneration, or if there were a way to dodge. I don't even think my teacher could." He finishes with an easy remark of: "I guess I'm saying you're impressive, but I wanted to elaborate." There may be a few other heroes maybe? Some villains that he knows of that might be able to withstand.
While Shoto is playing fantasy sports in his head, he notes, specifically that above the conversation, he's just happy for the company. For this particular company.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 07:16 am (UTC)Thank you. I think that's what scares people about me. But I have a best friend, he's special grade. He can take my cursed speech and just shake it off. Can you imagine after seeing it? Shrugging and it's gone? Most people around here though, they'd fall under my spell so to speak.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 07:32 am (UTC)And he is thinking about it. His phone actually chimes at him again before he looks away, surprised at the noise and fumbles his phone to be able to read it once he does get it onto the message. Alright, message.
"No, I can't imagine that." he says at first, answering as he's reading. "After seeing what I saw and knowing that he... your world has some incredibly strong people, Inumaki. It makes me want to train harder." He will never be able to withstand it, he's certain, but he doesn't let things beat him that easily. His eyes come up off his screen. "I'd like to hear more about him, if you'll tell me more. I like hearing about you."
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 07:37 am (UTC)His name is Yuta and he's the biggest dork I've ever met. He was so shy when he came to school which was kind of like me before? So I really felt for him and he didn't have control of his power but it's alright we could handle him anyway. He's stronger than me, but he didn't know how to use that.
He's really really kind. He and I didn't get along at first because I think he found me a little intimidating. A lot of people find it uncomfortable to be in silence all the time which I mostly am. They think that I'm thinking one thing or another when really? I'm thinking the same things anyone else is.
So Yuta and I worked together and he and I got an understanding of each other and after that he was all too happy to talk to me. We talk all the time. He was gone on a one year long mission though, he went to Africa. But we text all the time and video call sometimes.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 07:52 am (UTC)if you know it or notsends you an essay that you've been able to finish up some food and re-fill that drink-length, you should be jealous, right?Maybe if you weren't Shoto Todoroki.
All of these words make him happy to see. That Toge has someone so precious to him, that can take every bit of what he dishes out by accident even maybe. He says 'talk', and Shoto does have to wonder if he means with actual words sometimes. That part makes him a little sad, that he will never be able to do that for him, but jealous? How could he be? Not when it makes Toge this happy.
"I should hope that one day I would be able to meet him, he seems kind hearted. He seems like someone I would like to know. Especially with your kind words about him." Any friend of Toge is a friend of Shoto's now.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 08:00 am (UTC)He doesn't mean talk like Shoto would. When his powers were sealed, he tried. He just couldn't do it. Toge's muscles are not developed enough. No one would think about their throat muscles, obviously, because when they're toddlers, they make noise. They make sounds. Toge couldn't do that.
He works within his limits.
He is. My other friends are great too, but Yuta is definitely the kindest of us all. I think that's nice.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 08:13 am (UTC)"Nice?" He asks, "I think having friends that close is the best thing in the world. Until I got to UA last year." ish. "I hadn't had a friend. I wasn't allowed to have friends and by the time I maybe was more independent, I wasn't a nice person." Not like Yuta, or Midoriya, and that's something he will always keep in mind when trying to better himself. Just how he was treated, too. Or for that matter, nice like Toge. "I have had great examples to help me understand who I want to be. Present company included."
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 08:22 am (UTC)He smiled at the correction, he agrees. Having friends is the best thing in the world, he wouldn't argue against that.
I understand what that's like. I've always been like this, but maybe not as outgoing. A little more meek. Shy. I tease Yuta for being shy but I was just as shy when I went to school too. Panda, Maki and Yuta are my first friends. I would do anything for them.
I'm really flattered that you think so highly of me. Really.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 08:36 am (UTC)Again it takes his eyes a little while to go to the screen, they're focused on his guest and trying to feel out the difference in why this isn't like sitting with his friends. He has kissed a different friend, twice, so ??
It takes him a moment or two, he's distracted in his mind, but he's dedicated to the conversation. There's more names of friends and they are instantly packed into his head. More things to learn about Toge that he's happy to know. "Your friends and other sorcerers?" He's almost certain that it's a yes, but he has to ask. There are people he knows that know the very rarest of quirkless people who have remained quirkless unlike some.
"It's alright if you feel flattered, but it's just the truth. If you didn't make me feel that way, I wouldn't say so." Maybe he can just... maybe Toge has more information about anything than Bakugo? Probably not but, a shot to shoot so. "You make me feel a lot of things, all good things." He assures.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 08:52 am (UTC)Toge grins, pleased about that and also if his tone is being read it's more teasing than anything. He shouldn't talk to Shoto, but he will. He wants to.
Well thanks. I don't know if I'm that good about how I feel but I can try. I'm kinda...I don't know. I'm a sorcerer. We're big about not feeling things too strongly.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 09:04 am (UTC)"I'm glad you are." Are what, brain? "Doing what you want." Nice save.
He's looking down again, at the text. He can hear Bakugo's words echoing in his damn head, not just because the man is that loud that it still echoes. So... again he's going to try to feel this out, whatever a 'this' is. "Does that mean you feel strongly, or that you don't want to, but do?"
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 09:18 am (UTC)He considers that, tilting his head again.
I think it depends on the context. There are some things I feel strongly about, like you and my friends that sometimes surprises me. I'm okay with those feelings. I like them. I don't feel strongly about things I deal with, like people dying. It's...it doesn't register. I know that most people feel sad but I don't feel that. I feel kind of numb. I don't know how to explain it.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 09:28 am (UTC)With the screen to allow him the time to not have to look at the object of his question line, it makes it easier to collect his thoughts. He feels too selfish when the idea of feeling strongly regarding people dying, in what context he doesn't know, not affecting Toge anymore... or maybe ever? He's not ready to reveal the darker demons of his story, not ready to see what face Toge makes over them. Not when all he really wants is that smile back.
"Maybe that's a way to feel about it, all the same." Shoto offers, "There have been a lot of people die in my life. My own brother died in a fire before I really, really knew him." There are things extenuating there, but he foregoes them. "I feel sad it happened, but I don't feel the same way my mother or my siblings do. So maybe that's a way that you do feel, that it does register. Just differently than other people."
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 09:54 am (UTC)Maybe it's like that. The people that die, are not people I know. They're people I was too late to save, or people I couldn't help. People who got attacked before we found out about it. People die a lot and I guess it's sad that they're not alive, but it's not really my place to mourn them. I didn't know them.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 10:01 am (UTC)"I pulled us somewhere unkind, Inumaki." he admits, "I'm not good at communicating." He tries, he really does but sometimes it goes awry. "I meant that I felt strongly toward you as well." As he had, amongst the heavier talk, mentioned Shoto in there with people he cares about very obviously.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 10:07 am (UTC)It's okay, Todoroki. You're communicating just fine. I think it's okay to talk about stuff that's not always nice because it lets me learn more about you. We don't know each other well yet, but I would like to.
Even if he's not the best at offering feedback.
I'm really glad, because I still really like you and kissing you was really great. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Although if I'm going to kiss you all the time, I might have to make you my boyfriend.
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Date: 2023-12-28 10:21 am (UTC)The third part, a small pinkening falls over his cheeks, even if he's not really looking shy for it. He contemplates foregoing speaking to kiss him instead. He has been wanting to since he opened that door- except his brain shuts down for another moment or two. His eyebrows come together and he tries to parse what he's read.
He looks upward toward Toge, then back down and reads the last line, then back up to its author. Make him? Oh god is there a ritual? He should've asked Bakugo-- oh god, is he even?? Can Shoto even be that for someone? How do you be that? How-- There's definitely a ritual it's 'make'.
2/2
Date: 2023-12-28 10:21 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2023-12-28 10:33 am (UTC)Either he'd see it as a serious option, or he'd think Toge was kidding. He was fine either way. It's not that it's too soon, it's just if they're going to keep exploring things that are tangentially romantic, maybe they should try that. It's one thing to remain friends, it's quite another to try romance and Toge hasn't had the latter experience. He kind of wants to.
What he's expecting is not...that. It makes him blush in turn, but he's already in this. He's not going to back down from the odd question.
Yeah, sorry, tone is very hard. What I said can be taken seriously, or it can be taken as a joke. That's intentional because you might not think it's something I should say. So it's kind of both. If it seems out of place, or something you're not interested in, we can treat it as just a joke. Something we can revisit later, or not.
But if you do want to go in that direction, it's something we could consider exploring. I'm attracted to you. I would enjoy a romantic relationship. If you want that.
There's no ritual really. It's just...talking about things. Making decisions. You could say that you just want to be friends, or that it's too soon to consider this, or maybe you're interested...
I don't know what you're thinking exactly. But no answer you give me is going to make me stop being your friend. You should know that.
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Date: 2023-12-28 10:47 am (UTC)In fact, he's so focused he doesn't see that Toge is typing, and he almost doesn't hear his phone. Instinct to turn it upward is what has him reading. And there's no way he's read the whole thing, not a chance in hell. He's really only gotten to 'Yeah, sorry, tone is very hard. What I said can be taken seriously...' and he's turning his head up, nodding. At first it's only a little nod, and then it's a little larger. "Seriously." he says, resolute in his voice, "I-want-to-take-it-seriously. I'm sorry I didn't read the rest. I will read it, I promise I will." Taking in a deep breath and letting it out in a small shudder, Shoto calms himself down.
He sets his phone to the side, he promised, but give him a second. It's easier to take Toge's hands to express sincerity. He's better with action than words. "I don't know how, why or what, but I know it isn't bats that has you on my mind all day. I know that I don't know much about this, I can make no flashy promises, but I'm taking it seriously." Again more resolute, more calm, more focused. "I'll read the rest." he says as he takes the phone up to read it.
A tiny smile pulls at one of his lips, "I should've read first." he apologizes, "If there's no harm in trying, then what's the harm in trying? I think I'd like to learn. I'm going to make a lot of mistakes." This is his 'you can back out now', "I know I will, but I will do my best to not repeat them."
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Date: 2023-12-28 10:57 am (UTC)It's helpful. He understands. It's not the bats, not at all. It was their first kiss, but it's the second kisses, the night he spent sleeping against Shoto that Toge remembers and thinks about. It's his calm presence, his gentle, kind outlook. His patience with him. Those are the traits he considers. He wants to do something, but Shoto's already reading it again.
His smile and words make Toge laugh just a little bit. It's still silent but the light gasping, the trembling of his shoulders and his bright wide smile.
It's okay. I think about you a lot too. Not so much the bats although wow - what a way to meet someone. But mostly the time we spent together after that. You're so sweet, kind and patient. You looked after me. You're also really cute and I would love to try and date you.
Don't feel bad. I've never done it either. I'm pretty sure we'll both make mistakes. It's fine. They're probably not gonna be that dire.
But if you agree to this, you, Todoroki Shoto are going to be referred to as my boyfriend.
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Date: 2023-12-28 11:07 am (UTC)"As long as I can say the same about you." because let's be real he didn't include that, and Shoto wants that permission. He really should've told Izuku about any of this, he's going to feel bad only momentarily. "I agree to your terms, let's learn and make mistakes together and if we need to, the pact include not losing each other as friends."
You fed him, Toge. That's basically never going to have a 'never getting rid of him' scenario as it is.
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Date: 2023-12-28 11:11 am (UTC)Whether Shoto does shake his hand or not, when he's done and he has it back he'll agree properly.
Deal. No matter what we'll still be friends. Besides, I think you should be really close friends with your boyfriend. I think it's important.
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Date: 2023-12-28 11:17 am (UTC)Letting him have his hand back, Shoto takes the opportunity to lean against him, testing the comfort of both of them being a little closer. Something he'd learned first hand that he enjoyed with Toge. After reading he contemplates. "That's true... In that case you should call me by my first name if you feel comfortable with it. I tried to call a friend by their first name and it was awkward."
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