They told Izuku when he interviewed for the part-time position that this 6pm to close shift was going to be the lamest thing he ever committed to. That hardly anyone ever came to this old school indoor ice rink on the far side of town that late. Certainly not from 9pm to 12am, not when there was a shiny new rink in the booming new shopping district, where everybody who was anybody went to skate. This place would be like a graveyard, especially on the Tuesday through Thursday nights.
Izuku accepted the job immediately.
He was currently studying for the Bar, which only had a 22% success rate in Japan- every moment counted when consuming the vast knowledge of law, which he needed to know extensively to pass. Technically, he was not supposed to be working at all. All examinees had been given a draft letter by the Ministry to let all family members and friends know that they would likely need to nest themselves in their rooms for the next few months and study, meaning that support would include helping cook, clean, and mental health checks. Still, guilt twisted inside him at the thought of making his already hard-working mother do any more to support him, so he gave his entire check to her every payday. Of course, she’d refused- Inko didn’t like accepting help from anyone, not even from her super-rich fiancé- but he’d prodded and finally suggested he’d just have it directly placed into her account when she relented.
So, there he sat, Thursday night, hardly paying attention to anything other than his books and notes when a disembodied hand smacked him upside the head.
“Hey!” Twisting to find the culprit, he stared into the mischievous eyes of his coworker Ochaco.
“I said I’m heading out for the night. Make sure you and Shinsou actually shut everything down correctly tonight, I heard the boss was extremely grumpy about it last night.”
“You mean he came out the sleeping bag to show displeasure?”
Rolling her eyes, Ochaco ruffled his hair while Izuku snickered. “That’s how you know he was serious, Deku! I know this job is a bit boring, but that doesn’t mean slack off.”
“I got it. I’ll let Shinsou know. See you later! Enjoy your date with Tsuyu!”
“I will!” Running to the front door, she pauses. “Oh! Right, there’s somebody who’s booked the place for practice from 10:30 to close, so please check the music system before they get here.”
Nodding, Izuku waved until the door closed.
“Coast clear?” an exhausted voice asked.
“Crystal.”
Kicking his feet up onto the back table hidden behind the racks of ice skates, Shinsou tightens the strings on his now lifted hood and closes his eyes. Izuku immediately resumes his studying at the front desk. It’s an extra slow night, so neither of them are paying attention when the small bell at the front rings. Resisting the urge to sigh, Izuku wills a smile and falls into his spiel.
“Hello, welcome to EraserMic Ice Skating Rink, how can I-”
He chokes on his words when he sees gorgeous sea blue and pewter gray eyes staring at him.
No, glaring would be the better word.
“I have a reservation here, 10:30 to close?” The visitor’s voice was smooth but strained, suggesting an attempt at patience.
Oh my god the music equipment I didn’t get the equipment together I literally had one job-
“You can go get the speakers together then. I’ve brought everything I need.”
Izuku flushes as he realizes that he’s been mumbling. Before he can apologize, the man waves his hand in dismissal.
“I’ll go out to the ice. Please make sure the doors are locked, I don’t like observers watching me. As for you two, your boss made sure a deal was signed that neither of you would record me, else face being fired.”
And with that, he flipped his long, two-toned hair and confidently strode to the ice. Jaw on the floor, Izuku turned to see Shinsou with his eyebrow raised.
“Well isn’t he a fucking ice prince. Righteous rod up his ass.”
“Righteous ass is right,” Izuku murmured, eyes drawn to the graceful man removing his jacket and tying his hair up. Despite the stiffness of his voice, it was if he glided with every motion. It was the movement of someone that was used to moving in zero gravity, used to controlling every part of his body down to a single cell.
“Stop checking out his ass and go get the equipment together, huh Casanova?”
Chest clenching as he realized he was wasting the man’s time even further, he scrambled to go to the music booth on the end of the ice-rink and turned off the radio music playing in the booth. Once he was sure the aux was functional, he nervously walks toward the ice where the man currently stretching.
“A-aux cord’s all set! Whenever you’re ready to plug in, you’re good to go.”
The stranger’s eyes flashed, annoyance evident, and Izuku defensively bristled. What had he done wrong this time?
“An aux? I can’t use Bluetooth? I can’t exactly leave the ice to pause every time I need to.”
Not sure how that was his problem, or how he could solve it, Izuku began to fidget. Seeing his discomfort, the stranger scowled with exasperation.
“Clearly, you’re not very familiar with the idea of working with figure-skaters at all,” he snapped. “Modern rink, with no Bluetooth connection. Ridiculous. Did they even tell you who would be showing up today? Do you even know who I am?”
Teeth grit and eyes flashing, Izuku squared his shoulders. He was going to be a famous defense lawyer one day, he wasn’t going to let the Ice Prince insult him or his (yes, dumpy) workplace without an objection.
“No. Should I? Because it’s no pleasure.”
………
Aaaand I’ve just lost my job.
Despite his immoveable exterior, Izuku was spiraling on the inside. If he’d just gotten the music equipment checked, had been paying attention, this experience with this ethereally beautiful grump wouldn’t be going so terribly. Even if it had happened, where would he find such another convenient job?
“T-Todoroki Shouto. My name.”
He had to double take when he realized that instead of gathering his things and leaving in a huff, the haughty stranger was staring at him, pale skin flushed. The deathly-awkward silence hung between them as neither spoke, before the other boy let out a sigh.
“Are you going to tell me yours? Please.” The nicety was added swiftly, as if the stranger- Todoroki- realized his biting tone and was trying to soften it.
“Midoriya Izuku.”
“I- I apologize, Midoriya. For being snappish.” A stiff bow came with the attempt at humility.
It clicked for Izuku when he realized that Todoroki’s behavior wasn’t that of someone who was automatically snappish- he could see the stress in his posture, desperation in his voice as he gave the apology.
For some reason, Todoroki needed help. And for another reason, likely pride, he was struggling to ask.
Smiling, Izuku’s entire demeanor warmed. It was his job, his calling, to help those who needed him, and he would never turn away someone just because they didn’t know how to ask properly.
“I accept your apology, Todoroki,” he replies, softly. “And if you need, I’ll stay in the booth and play your music for you, if that’s okay. Let me just grab my things.”
Exhaling in relief more strongly than he probably intended, Todoroki nodded in agreement.
“Yes. Yes please. Thank you.”
It was amusing to see how declawed Todoroki had become, body immediately relaxing as he skated back across to the middle of the ring. Shinsou was smirking at him as he re-entered the booth, holding out his already stacked notes and books.
“Look at you go, ace attorney Midoriya. I didn’t even have to step in; Ice Prince immediately backed down once you told him who was boss. In fact, I’d wager he’s probably yours forever, now.”
Cheeks bordering on purple, Izuku snatched his work. “Whatever, Shinsou. I just felt like I needed to put a foot down, and he respected that. That’s all.”
“Whatever you say.”
Finally making it back to the booth, he sets up and realizes that he doesn’t know the phone passcode.
Tapping the mic, he pulls it toward him. “I don’t know your code, Todoroki.”
Getting into position in the middle, Todoroki seemed unconcerned.
“It doesn’t have one. It’s my second phone, for music. Just click the power button and press the playlist that says, ‘Early practice’.”
This was his second phone? This new edition iPhone? How rich is this guy, Izuku thought as he followed the directions.
“It doesn’t matter what song?”
Chuckling, Todoroki let a small smile slip. “I know all of my routines. I’ll be okay.”
Dazzled by the pretty smile, Izuku fumbles with the phone. Gathering himself, he nods and clicked the randomize button.
Smooth jazz begins to play, and Sade’s smooth alto voice croons as Todoroki begins to slowly glide across the ice, slowly moving his arms and hips to the sultry rhythm.
No need to ask, he’s a
Smooth Operator…
Izuku can’t tear his eyes away as Todoroki leaps on the ask, and lands perfectly on the beginning of smooth. A…toe loop, he thinks? Unsure, and not okay with being unsure, Izuku determines that he’ll find out by next time.
Through the routine it’s as if Todoroki is dancing with invisible angels; his peaceful expression and faraway eyes making him seem unreal, untouchable by someone as worldly as Izuku. His rhythm is perfect, form stunning.
His eyes are like angels,
And his heart is gold…
He leaps again at gold, landing perfectly once again into his dance as the chorus repeats. Izuku began to have an inner crisis- he didn’t think he’d be able to commit to being Todoroki’s DJ, not when he had to study so much. The man was temptation on ice, sex on skates- there was no way he couldn’t watch him.
As the song dies out, it’s like watching an angel fold his wings in, ending their flight as Todoroki folds his arms into himself.
Suddenly, he lifts from the position, staring over at the music booth. Oh. Oh!
“Like what you saw?” Todoroki asks, smirking.
“Yes. I mean,” Izuku stutters, before deciding to just tell the truth. “It was amazing! Those jumps were so cool!”
Rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, Todoroki glances down.
“It was just a toe loop, then an axel at the end. Nothing special.”
“Nothing special? You-” He clamped his jaw shut, realizing that he could never actually tell Todoroki just how magnificent he thought his dancing and skating was without sounding like a creep. “It was really cool.”
“That playlist is my warmups, my ‘learn the rink’ list if you will, so I never have anything too difficult on there. Anyway. Can you turn to my ‘pop’ playlist, please?”
Izuku watches in awe as Todoroki goes through the next routines, repeating them all at least three times. No matter what run, it’s always with the same passion and control. One of his immediate favorites is the “Done for Me” routine, despite Todoroki complaining that he’d exhausted himself with a decent amount of movements, including a double flip, a double toe loop, and a double axel- triple toe loop combination.
“But I messed up! Three times in a row!” Todoroki was distraught, cheeks red with his own disappointment. “I didn’t land the combination- it was awful!”
Izuku shrugged. “I think you looked wonderful! You played it off, you kept performing. I would have never known. Keep it up, you can do it!”
Smiling and turning back to the phone for the next song, Izuku is so in the clouds that he misses how Todoroki’s eyes widen at his words. He’ll never notice how Todoroki’s heart skips a beat, and that he clutches it in confusion before shaking his head.
Izuku’s only brought back down to earth when his back pocket starts to vibrate.
“You know, if you’d rather study your notes instead of drool over the prince’s body, I mean his form, I can switch with you. I can see you swooning from over here.”
Ears burning, he turns to the Cheshire grin of Shinsou, who is peering at him from across the way in the other booth. His fists clench when Shinsou gives him a snarky thumbs up.
“I am not swooning!” he hisses.
“Careful, he might hear you over the mic.”
Hurtling toward the mic, he realizes that it’s on mute, exactly the way he left it. Scowling, he turns to a cackling Shinsou, rolling out of his chair.
“Am I interrupting something?”
Todoroki appears suddenly at the doorway, expression bemused. Izuku belatedly realized that Todoroki and he were near the same height, as he could look him directly in his eyes. Izuku was maybe an inch or so shorter than him.
“No- no! You’re not!” Izuku babbles, hanging up the phone. “My coworker was just picking on me, as per usual. Nothing wrong on your end, Todoroki.”
“Hm. O-kay then.” Pushing his sweaty hair out of his face, he bites his lip. “I’m ready for a cool-down. I’m feeling- can you pick “The Sweetest Taboo”, please?”
“Can do!”
“And- Shouto. Call me Shouto.”
“Oh- okay!”
The sound of trickling rain fills the rink, followed by the slow rhythms of Sade once more. Izuku doesn’t think he’ll ever get over how much Todoroki seems to melt seamlessly with this type of music, swaying and undulating to the dulcet tones.
Sometimes I think you’re just too good for me…
You give me the
Sweetest Taboo,
That’s why I’m
In love with you…
Despite his exhaustion, Todoroki manages to pull off a double loop.
There’s a quiet storm,
And it never felt like this before,
There’s a quiet storm,
I think it’s you…
There’s a quiet storm,
And I never felt this hot before…
This performance seems…different somehow. Not any less beautiful, but…less controlled. More raw, emotional. The fluid motions seem more encompassing, exuding the passion of the song. There’s a smile on Todoroki’s- Shouto’s- face that Izuku isn’t sure he’s aware is there. Content, happy, heartwarming. He realizes then that he’d do anything to keep watching Shouto smile like that.
------
The spiteful words kept replaying in his head.
When are you going to let that ridiculous hobby of yours go?
I raised you to run an empire, not dance in pretty dresses!
You’re a waste of my time and effort, and I won’t have it!
Give up this foolishness at once!
Not even focusing on routine design could drown out the memory of his father’s vitriol, as Shouto discovered in frustration as he packed his things at the end of the night. He was trapped, and this upcoming championship would determine once and for all if he could break free.
If he won first place, and first place only, Todoroki Enji would willingly concede Shouto’s role as first inheritor to Endeavor Industries, his monetary inheritance, and most importantly, power of attorney over his mother’s hospital means.
If he lost, he would give up figure skating forever, take his position under his father at the company post-haste, and never ask about his mother again.
Remembering the way Enji sneered at him over the signed deal, Shouto kicked himself every day the competition came closer. Enji’s lack of fear in this deal was terrifying, as if he felt he had nothing to lose. That he couldn’t lose. But Shouto? He’d literally bet all or nothing, and it was looking like nothing was the outcome. As good as he was at competing, there was always one person who was just slightly better than him every time, or he always messed up one part of a combination. He’d never pulled first place- what made him think that he could do it this time? Why was he so fucking stupid?
“Shouto?”
Heart now pounding for a different reason, his eyes dart to wild curly green hair and the kind, bright eyes they always came with. He’d only intended to train at the small rink for a day or two while he made arrangements at the more popular rink that was ironically built by his father’s company. It was old, and though he could tell it used to be something, it certainly looked like it was on its last legs. In a huff, he’d immediately brushed off the lazy attendant, and even decided to channel some of that classic Todoroki arrogance just to put him in his place. That always worked.
No one had ever snapped back at him before.
No. Should I? Because it’s no pleasure.
Midoriya Izuku was more than just a lazy ice-rink attendant, and he’d made it clear in his powerful stance, sharp tone, and clear eyes. He wasn’t going to kneel to him the way every other sycophant that ever surrounded him had. He didn’t even know who Todoroki Shouto was- the competitive figure skater, the son of a construction company tycoon, the mysterious, brooding young man that hid a traumatic past. Deemed ‘Ice Prince’ in all circles, and seconded by the other, exhausted rink attendant.
No, he was ‘the obnoxious figure-skater’ to Midoriya Izuku, and the more time he spent with Izuku, the more grateful he became that Izuku willing to forgive him his insolence that first time. That he somehow saw through Shouto’s desperation and was willing to hold out a helping hand.
The first night he practiced went like any other, except for that stupid routine with the damn combination that he couldn’t seem to get down. If he couldn’t get it in practice, how was he going to integrate it into the routine he was supposed to be designing?
Then Midoriya Izuku with his bright emerald eyes and world-stopping smile told him he could do it. He was unconditionally supportive of his success, and he’d only just met him. Izuku stole his heart right then and there, and the adorable man didn’t even know it. Performing “The Sweetest Taboo” had never felt so right before; Shouto never felt like he had someone that he was performing for, singing to.
For the next four weeks, he’d scheduled every Tuesday through Thursday at the rink, now 9pm-close. The owner, Aizawa Shouta, had absolutely no problem- Shouto paid well enough for every week. Nobody need worry about the fact that his desire to practice was only seconded to his desire to see Izuku.
“…Shouto? You okay?”
His reverie was broken by a concerned stare.
“Yeah? What’s up?”
“I know we always head straight home after this, but you’ve been a little distracted today. I was wondering if- if you’d like to come with me to this late-night coffee shop I go to sometimes. If you’re tired, there’s no problem!”
I’m so in love. What the hell am I gonna do? He knew Izuku was exhausted. He was studying for the Bar, a notoriously difficult test to pass in Japan. His father’s lawyers were extremely intelligent, sinisterly so, and he was almost intimidated for the bright, shining Izuku to join their ranks- they’d eat him alive. Still, Izuku studied so hard and knew so much, he didn’t doubt his ability to do it.
“Are you sure you’d be okay with that? You’ve been helping me, and studying, and I don’t want you to suffer any more than you have to.”
Izuku snorts. “Suffer? I study from 9am to midnight every day, that’s suffering. Seeing you is a relief.”
Shouto’s face heats, and before he can say anything Izuku turns away.
“It’s fine. I’ll- just go then.”
“Please don’t leave me.”
The words slipped out before he could catch them, and Shouto feels foolish when Izuku turns in concern so he backpedals quickly.
“I mean, I’d love to get coffee. Please.”
Smiling, Izuku lets Shinsou know that he doesn’t need a ride home and leads Shouto to a coffeeshop that’s about five minutes down the road. There was a decent amount of small businesses in this area, businesses that must have resented his father for aiding in the mass-capitalism that stole their customers. The deep orange walls and low hanging warm lights give a comfy ambience to the coffeeshop, and the strong smell of coffee envelops Shouto as they go to sit in one of the side booths.
“Technically they close at 1am, so we don’t have long, but I figured I’d treat since you worked so hard today.”
When the waitress walks up, Izuku orders an americano and a lemon scone; Shouto orders a mocha and a chocolate biscotti. When she walks away, Shouto opens his mouth to say thank you.
Instead, he says “Why are you being so nice to me?”
Dear God in Heaven, please kill me….
At this point, Shouto wants to cut out his tongue. He couldn’t help that he was starved for both touch and affection, but he certainly didn’t need to push it onto Izuku! Pondering the question, Izuku finishes his entire lemon scone and swallows before replying.
“Because you seem sad, Shouto.”
Whatever response he thought he was going to get, it wasn’t something as frank as that.
“Sad?”
Izuku flushes, hiding behind taking a sip of his coffee. “Ever since I met you, you’ve always seemed like you were holding onto something. I never wanted to pry, especially since you perform so beautifully, and I didn’t want to distract you.”
“Mm.” Shouto could feel his demons clawing around his throat, forcing all the pain that was rising to stay locked inside. He sipped at his coffee instead, doing anything to push back the panic attack that was currently rising in him when he felt a rough hand grasp his. Looking under his eyelashes, he can see Izuku giving him a warm, genuine smile.
“I know you don’t know me all too well, but-” Izuku paused, sighing. “If you need to, you can talk to me. I want you to. In fact, here.” He pulls out a piece of torn paper and pen from his notebook, scrawling out his number on it. “If you ever want to talk, and we’re both not at the rink, feel free to call.”
Eyes watering, Shouto forces out a smile. “Am I your first defendant? Is that your spiel to get the criminals in line?” he teases, sipping more of his drink. Izuku rolls his eyes.
“They’re not criminals until proven guilty, Shouto. And I just want to help.”
Slowly pulling the piece of paper toward him, Shouto gently places it into his pocket. He takes a long gulp of the tasty drink, before deciding to try and open up.
“It’s this competition that’s coming up,” he admits in a whisper. Eyes wild, he stares at the table, tears welling up and falling out. He can’t stop speaking. “I bet everything on it, Izuku. My entire life, my career, my mother- all on whether I can win this competition. I literally signed it away. And I don’t think I can do it. I need two performances, and I haven’t managed to put anything together at all! It’s in seven weeks, but every day I wake up it looms closer, my heart squeezes in my chest and I feel like it’s too much. I’m going to lose everything, and it’s all because I’m just like my father says- inadequate.”
“Your father is a fool.”
Shouto lifts his head in shock, blinking away tears. Izuku is scowling, determination fiery in his eyes.
“I don’t know what kind of man could force his own son to sign away his freedom and passions over a competition, and certainly not his own mother’s wellbeing. I certainly don’t know how he managed to find a contract that was legally binding. But I’m going to tell you right now- win or lose, I won’t let you lose everything you love like that. I’m saying that as a defense lawyer- well, future defense lawyer- and as your friend.”
It’s hard not to believe in his friend’s conviction. “How can you know?”
“Because you’ve been working your ass off, Shouto! So many times you’ve tried, you’ve failed, and you’ve gotten back up and kept going. You’re so beautiful when you perform. You put your heart and soul into every performance, every single time. So what you don’t have something right now? You’ll figure it out. I believe in you. Is there something else you can think of to help you?”
So beautiful? Me? “I perform for you.”
Izuku starts at his blunt admission. “For m-me?”
He’s already put his foot in it, so Shouto barrels on. “Every performance, every time, they’ve been for you. Because you don’t judge. You always think it’s cool, that it’s wonderful, and it keeps me going. No one else has ever actually cared about the fact that the skating makes me happy, or how much the validation means to me. You care. And it means so much to me, Izuku.”
They’ve been sitting there for a few minutes, letting the moment sink in, when Izuku suddenly is struck with an idea.
“Are you done? They’re gonna kick us out soon, anyway.”
“Yeah? What’s going on?”
“Do you mind coming with me somewhere? You’ll have to take us there, but I promise it’ll be worth it!”
“Um, okay.”
Before he can debate (or at least offer to pay since he knows Izuku doesn’t make much), Izuku leaves money for the meal and yanks Shouto out of his chair. He’s practically running them to Shouto’s car, jumping with excitement. It’s hard not to catch this infectious joy, Shouto realizes, giving a timid smile back. Izuku pulls up his GPS, and fifteen minutes later they’re at a park.
“Izuku… I don’t think we should be at a park this late.”
“Trust me!”
Once they get out, Izuku is pulling his arm again, leading him to what turns out the prettiest view in the city. The city skyline is awe-inspiring, filling the space like it’s in a frame with twinkling lights coming up from the ground like fallen stars from the equally beautiful sky. It’s magnificent, and it brings a sense of peace and wonder that Shouto hasn’t felt in a long time.
“Wow…it’s amazing, Izuku!”
“Isn’t it?” Izuku replies, sitting down on the little stone wall and patting the space next to him. “I come out here sometimes when I need to remind myself that there’s still something amazing in the world, you know?”
Deciding to test his limits, Shouto sits and leans his head onto Izuku’s shoulder. It feels so natural, and he melts right into it. For a few moments they just sit there, staring out into the vastness.
“I’m going to pass the Bar. And if I must, you’ll be my first client. I won’t let him take everything from you, Shouto. If you practice for me, I’ll study for you.”
Looking up, he sees Izuku giving him his warmest expression yet. Shouto wasn’t sure how one man managed to be comforting in so many ways, but he loved every single one.
“It’s a deal,” he murmurs, closing his eyes. They sit in the peace for about fifteen minutes, listening to crickets and distant traffic, feeling the breeze and just existing.
“Question- what do you do when you aren’t at the rink? You only practice 3 hours a day, what are you doing the other times?”
Shouto chuckles. “Well, I have a trainer that helps me with technique, form and such, so I train with him every day for about 2 hours. I work out and do yoga four days a week. And on Fridays and weekends, I teach kid classes at my friend Momo’s ballet studio. Momo helps me design my routines so when I’m not teaching, I’m doing my own ballet. My other coworker, Mina, helps design my costumes. I owe a lot them both a lot, so when they needed help of course I decided to step in. I’m a sucky teacher, though. Too scary, I guess.”
When he gets no response, he lifts his head to see Izuku gaping at him in wonder.
“All of that? You do ballet too?”
Shouto nods. “I did both growing up. My mom and sister were ballet dancers, and after… after what happened with my mom, my sister thought that it was therapeutic for me to have something to do that my father didn’t control. So, she taught me ballet, and then I got into figure skating. Fun fact, I actually have a Bachelor’s in business, but I’ll never do anything with that, at least not the way my father wants.”
“That is incredible! You’re truly amazing.”
Blushing, Shouto bashfully shrugs. “I guess.”
“Know. You should know you’re amazing.”
Shouto grins. “Stop flattering me, it’s too much. You didn’t seem to see how great I was when we met, and now I’m suddenly ‘amazing’.”
Rolling his eyes, Izuku pinches Shouto in the side playfully. Shouto releases an inhuman screech, causing them both to crack up with laughter before they settle back into the peace of the night.
Just a little bit more, they both think as they lean into the other. Eventually they’ll go home. But for right now?
I just want to stay with him, like this, for a little bit more.
------
“So, what did Momo say when you gave her my suggestion?” Izuku flirts, leaning over the railing as he watches Shouto stretch. It’s been a few weeks since their coffee date (could they call it a date?), and that weekend Momo and Mina had gotten his two performances together, yet Izuku never tires of having his feathers preened. Of course, Shouto doesn’t mind answering him every time.
“To quote, ‘I’ve said that for years and you never listened to me! How nice is this guy, that you’ve suddenly begun taking advice?’” Shouto mimics, watching the grin spread on Izuku’s face.
“A damn good argument maker, that’s what I am. And I think it every time you practice.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“I think you’re doing a great job, Shouto. And like I said before- it’s been a good way to help release some of the stress, work through some of your traumas, and perform your truths, you know?”
“And if I lose, it’ll at least be a giant ‘fuck you’ out loud to my pops.”
Izuku was using his gentle voice, the one that Shouto knew was to calm him down and give him confidence. Still, he was nervous to perform, especially now that his father had dropped the bombshell that he would be helping to sponsor the tournament, receiving pride of place in the best seats. The moment Enji hung up the phone, Shouto called Izuku, panicked to near tears. They’d had a wonderful conversation until late in the night, culminating in a movie night over Skype until they fell asleep. It was the safest Shouto felt in years, especially given that Izuku had paused his studying just for him.
“Well, you, Momo and Mina worked hard designing both performances, right? And you’ve got three weeks left. You’ve been killing it at these practices, I just know you’ll do excellence in performance.”
Trying his best to believe that, Shouto moves out to the middle of the rink and gets into position. His first piece, Numb (80s mix), is the easier of the two, and is what he is focusing on today. Mina was especially pleased when she introduced him to the bubbly, pop 80s remix, calling it perfect for the type of performance he wants to put on.
It’s fun to listen to, will get the people and the judges moving, but the message hits exactly where it’s supposed to, Mina had suggested, smirking. The bastard will be furious! You gotta!
Momo was a little more concerned. You have two fairly intense performances, between Mina’s and my own… are you sure you want to push this hard with your first performance?
It was all or nothing, so if Shouto was going to lose it all, he wanted to go out with the best performances that he could.
As soon as the lyrics begin, he’s moving.
Tired of being what you want me to be,
Feeling so faithless,
Lost under the surface…
He lifts off into a double toe walley at the end of surface, landing on the next beat. Smoothly, he maneuvers into another few jumps, before dancing into the chorus.
I’m becoming this,
All I want to do,
Is be more like me,
And be less like you!
Can’t you see that you’re smothering me,
Holding too tightly,
Afraid to lose control.
He spins through a double salchow- triple toe loop- double toe loop, landing on control. The dance shows frustration, claustrophobia. It’s a raw choreography for anyone to watch, and tears are already pooling in Izuku’s eyes as he goes through a few more jumps.
Cuz everything that you thought I would be,
Is falling apart,
Right in front of you…
Exhausted but filled with purpose, Shouto can’t help but smile triumphantly as he dances through the upcoming lyrics. His movements are much wider, bolder, showing him struggling, yearning for that freedom, breaking away from the chains. He manages a few more techniques and lands them. At this points his nerves are gone, replaced by the image of his father’s expression in the face of his eventual loss. That expression is enough to force him into attempting the triple flip coming up next.
And I know
I may end up, failing too,
But I know,
You were just like me with someone disappointed in you…
Landing it on you, he can’t help the powerful “Yes!” that slips from him as he continues the performance. It’s been weeks, and it’s the first time he’s landed it perfectly! His triumph spills into the dance, showing the release of freedom as he finally ends it back in the middle where he started.
I can do this. I can do this!
A small click disturbs him from his reverie, and he turns to see a sobbing Izuku holding up his phone. So much for ‘being fired’, though Izuku doesn’t think Shouto would ever get him in trouble.
“I know they say take a picture, it’ll last longer, but geez, Izuku.”
Scowling, Izuku stands his ground. “It was so beautiful! So powerful! And at the end you looked so…inspiring! I just wanted a picture!”
Shouto smiles at his indignant screeching, then turns to slow applause. He really should do more to remember the other assistant at the rink. Shinsou, his name is.
“I don’t normally do feelings, Todoroki. But even I felt something with that. If you don’t win whatever competition is coming up, those judges are blind or getting paid off.”
“Thank you, Shinsou.”
“I agree!” A loud, feminine voice breaks in. “Rhythm was on point, technique was razor sharp, and the emotions? All around, excellent program if I do say so myself.”
All three men turn to see a lady with bright pink hair and neon green workout clothes, followed by a taller woman with a red tracksuit. Shouto rolls his eyes.
“No need to pat yourself on the back any further, Mina.”
“But even Momo said it was great! And she’s much better at all this than I am.”
The tall woman- Momo- nods emphatically. “It was truly wonderful, Shouto. Perform it like that the day of, and you’re bound to win that first round! You managed all of the simple jumps and worked on the harder ones- I can tell you’ve been practicing.”
Shouto’s ego is pleased by their praise, but he’s also embarrassed that they saw him like this in what was supposed to be his secret place.
“How did you even know where I was?”
Mina points to the location button on her phone. “We wanted to see where you’ve been getting off to for the past few weeks. Nice purple guy at the front let us in.” Eyeing Izuku up and down, she smirks. “I can see why you like the place.”
All the air leaves Shouto in one breath, and Izuku is suddenly wiping his face with his sleeve, holding a hand out.
“Hi! I’m Midoriya Izuku, but you can call me Izuku. Any friends of Shouto’s are a friend of mine.”
“First name basis, huh?” Mina teases, gripping his hand in a strong pump. “Name’s Mina. I don’t know what magic you worked to get our friend here to loosen up, but I need a cup of it!”
An odd squeak leaves Shouto as Momo smiles, shaking Izuku’s hand as well. “I’m Yaoyorozu Momo. It’s lovely to meet you.”
“Wow- like the Yaoyorozu Momo that performed Swan Lake this past year? My mother loved that performance! It was one of the few times that she treated herself to something nice, and she said it was well worth it.”
Momo blushes prettily. “Well, I’m honored. It was a lovely ballet. Did Shouto ever tell you he was one of the soldiers, in disguise?”
Izuku turns to Shouto in betrayal, and Shouto shakes his head. “It was a time where I wasn’t competing. Not that important. Anyway! It’s about time for me to do my cool-downs, so I think you both can leave now!”
“Wait, wait!” Mina squares her shoulders, almost causing Shouto to trip as he tried to twist her away. “Izuku, would you like to see the outfit he’s going to be wearing during the Numb performance?”
Eyes sparkling, he nods so hard his head spins. She quickly goes through her phone to pull up the image of the outfit. The pants are a simple black, with bright, flame red gems lining the sides from cuff to the top. There’s a decent amount of fringe of the red gems hanging off the waistband, long enough to swirl in the air but not get in Shouto’s way when he moves. The skintight, sleeveless top is the same flame red, with gold velvet lining. A sparkling gold pattern crosses the torso. As Mina explains the design choices, Izuku is nodding along jovially.
“I think if he lets his hair hang loose, it would be a really cool effect with the spinning of the gems at the waist,” he suggests. “Maybe some black eyeliner to go with the black pants. It kind of reminds me of a phoenix, the way it looks. Like rising from the ashes.”
Mina lights up. “That’s exactly the vision! You have great taste!” She turns to Shouto, who is doing his best to fade into the background. “I love him! I can see why you do-”
“Okay! Enough, Mina!” Momo wraps a graceful hand around Mina’s mouth, seeing as how Shouto looked like he was going to expire if she finished that sentence. “Good night, everyone. Shouto, do you mind walking us out, please?”
They follow a stiff Shouto outside, and Momo finally releases Mina.
“Shouto! He’s a total babe! Why haven’t you told him how you feel?” Mina demands as soon as she can breathe. Momo nods in assent.
“He’s clearly very bright and very supportive. What’s stopping you?”
“Because- because I don’t even know if I’ll be able to see him after this.” Shouto turns, something akin to despair darkening his expression. “You know my father hates that I’m gay. And besides, Izuku is working hard on studying for his exam. It’s one of the hardest tests Japan offers, and I’m not going to take his attention from his future right now. We both have things we need to do first.”
Momo grimaces. “I can’t disagree that you both have more prudent goals and adding a budding relationship likely wouldn’t lighten the load. Still, it’s obvious that he has feelings for you, Shouto. And you’re so in love with him- you didn’t even see how you were looking at him in there.”
“Like he was the air you needed to breathe.” Mina tosses in.
“What about what you discussed with me?” Momo prods gently. “About the ticket?”
“I have it with me. I’m going to give it to him tonight. I just… I need to do it, is all.”
Mina’s eyes widen. “You’re going to invite him to the competition? That’s so sweet!”
Shouto’s eyes soften, and he glances longingly back at the door. “He’s my reason.”
Mina screeches before throwing herself into Shouto.
“That’s so CUTE! We’ll leave now, you have to tell us how it goes!”
Momo yanks Mina away, smiling. “Good luck, Shouto!”
Shouto walks back inside to see Izuku flushed bright red as Shinsou tells him something.
“Is everything okay?”
“Well-”
Izuku pushes past Shinsou, cutting him off. “Everything is fine!”
“Yup. Door will automatically lock when you two are done.” Shinsou saunters away, waving. “There are cameras, so no funny business. Unless you’re into that sort of thing.”
Shouto’s eyebrows raise, while Izuku is now the one who looks like he’s going to expire. Once his coworker was gone, he turns around, scratching his head nervously.
“I have something to-”
“Would you-”
Both men stop, blushing.
“You go first,” Izuku offers. Shouto nods, knowing his nerve is fading fast. He reaches into his bag and pulls out the ticket- crisp and embossed with gold leaf, Izuku’s eyes shine. “What is it?”
“It’s a ticket. To the competition. Front row seats, along with Momo and Mina. I’m inviting you.” Yeah, no shit, Shouto it’s a ticket! “I’d- it’d mean a lot to me if you were there.”
Shouto’s heart thuds as Izuku gives him a watery grin.
“I’d love to! Thank you so much!”
The look on Izuku’s face draws something from within Shouto, and unfamiliar feeling- contentment? Happiness? Whatever it is, he gives Izuku a wide smile, discomfort completely gone, and Izuku gasps.
“Would- would you like to go out with me?”
The smile freezes on Shouto’s face, before falling. “W-what?”
“I- I care about you. So much. And I just think- I think we do really well together. If it’s all right with you, I’d like to make things official. Or at least take some steps forward, you know?”
Izuku is so cute, eyes flashing with hope. Shouto is ready to take the plunge when suddenly he notices he is getting a phone call. Checking the ID, he freezes when it says “Bastard”. His father. 5 missed calls. One text message.
‘I know you can see my phone calls, Shouto. I’m not sure why you’ve been hiding at this place in this mediocre neighborhood, ignoring me, but if I have to wait any longer outside, I will cause problems for you and anyone in my path.’
Nausea rolls in his stomach as he takes a step away from Izuku, whose confidence is wavering. Suddenly, all he can see is his mother, screaming and crying as she’s lifted forcefully away from the kitchen and hauled away. That horrifying memory shifts into an image of him being hauled away from a wailing Izuku, dragged by his hair kicking and screaming, and it’s enough to slam him into reality.
Shouto can’t have this. He can’t hurt Izuku. How dare he place both of their happiness on the line when there was no guarantee it would work? How selfish of him. Hyperventilating, he reaches for his skates and begins to walk away, pushing away Izuku’s hand.
“I- I have to go.”
Izuku flinches back, hands fisting on his sides. “Was it- are we-”
“It’s not- I can’t date you right now.”
Heartbroken, Izuku’s face curls into something bittersweet. “Oh. Okay. Silly me to think all of this meant something.” Crushing the ticket, he looks as if he’s going to throw it, but then pushes it into his pocket. Shouto feels every inch of the crushed ticket and the heart that went along with it.
“It’s not that it- of course you mean something to me. We just both have things to worry about right now. You and your exam, me and this contest. I just-”
“Why can’t we talk about it, Shouto? I’ve been here this whole time. I’m here for you. If you’re nervous I understand, but-”
“No, you don’t understand. I just- I’m not ready to talk about it. It’s fine, you can still come to the-”
“Why?!”
Shouto turns, shocked at the destruction on Izuku’s face.
“Why would I come back… why would I continue to watch you, support you, love you and you don’t care about me back?” Izuku whimpers. “I can’t do that, Shouto.”
“I- you don’t have to worry about m- about it. It’s not that I don’t feel anything, it’s just that- it’s a waste to argue when-”
“Oh, so it’s a waste, now? Okay.” Nodding, Izuku turns to leave, and Shouto sighs.
“Izuku-”
“No, don’t! It’s fine! I just wasted weeks of my life, giving up studying time to support you, and you don’t even care about me enough to not play with my feelings! ‘Want me at the tournament’. I can’t believe you.”
“Of course, I want you there! You’re being ridiculous, Izuku. It- it’s just that we’ll get in each-other’s way and-”
The hole he’s digging is getting deeper and deeper, as the heartbreak on Izuku’s face morphs into fury.
“In the way?! And I’m the one being ridiculous?! Well, forgive me! I’ll be on my way and out of yours, then!”
Shouto grabs him arm, desperate to try to fix everything. “That’s not what I meant!”
Laughing morosely, Izuku tosses his arm away.
“Who cares about what any of this means, clearly! I can’t believe I spent so many nights thinking about you! Planning to ask you out, stressing about you when I had other things to worry about! But you know what? You’re not my fucking problem anymore!”
As if he’s touched a flaming hot stove, Shouto flinches back at the words.
“Izu- wait, please-” he whimpers, but Izuku is already blowing out of the door. Shouto falls to his knees, realizing just how much he’d lost.
------
It’s been weeks since they argued, and Izuku has been miserable.
He’s been working an earlier shift, switching with a concerned Ochaco. When she asked him what was up, Shinsou was willing to step in and explain things. It was only for three weeks, he’d said, and then he’d go back to his normal shift. It was easier than looking at Shouto perform, watching him with longing and knowing that Shouto didn’t return his feelings. It would be like stabbing himself in the heart, every shift, and Izuku wasn’t strong enough to deal with it. Only three weeks, then Shouto would be gone. It wouldn’t be his problem anymore, just like he told him.
Tears dripped onto his long-battered notes. He couldn’t believe he said that! The look of heartbreak on Shouto’s face kept him up at night, eating at him until his nerves were frayed raw. When it did, he stayed up and studied more, though it hardly helped. Yawn forcing itself out of him, he looks at his clock. The first test began at 7am; if he went to sleep now, he’d get about six hours in. Swallowing his pain, he showers and crawls into bed.
------
Walking out of the testing center at 7pm, Izuku cracks his neck. His mother was a blessing that morning, waking up at 5am to make him a nutrient filled breakfast and packed lunch. Without them, he was convinced he would have fallen asleep during the excruciating examination. He had to be back the next day for the second part, and it was almost causing him physical pain. Phone buzzing, he looks down to see a message in his work chat.
[Ochaco]
How was it, Deku??? I know you’re out now??
[Shinsou]
He just got out.
[Ochaco]
Even the grump woke up early for you, Deku!
[Me]
It went pretty well. Most difficult thing I’ve ever taken
I’m exhausted
But there wasn’t anything I didn’t particularly know
Headed home now
Gotta rest for part two tomorrow
[Ochaco]
Good job!
[Shinsou]
Isn’t there somewhere else you’d rather be
[Me]
No.
Izuku’s heart pounds, and he sighs as a DM from Shinsou hits his phone.
[Shinsou]
I don’t normally do this mushy shit
But that guy needs you, Midoriya
You weren’t here but
Guy looked like he was headed to the hanging tree
He said you weren’t answering any of his messages
[Me]
He doesn’t need me.
Like he said, we’ll only get in each other’s way.
[Shinsou]
You know, Pinky and the Ponytail came by a few times
They wondered where you were
They want you to go too
And as your friend, I know you want to be there
I won’t force your hand, but I know you’ll regret it
Logging off the messaging app, Izuku turns on his music and plugs in his headphones as he walks. Grimacing when love songs come on, he flips through until he reaches some nice, angry metal. He’s about five minutes away from the train station when the song comes on.
If I tell you,
If I tell you now,
Will you keep on,
Will you keep on loving me?
Izuku slows to a stop, causing angry pedestrians to push around him. Before their fight, he’d downloaded the song and some nights he drifted to sleep with the memory of the sultry dance that came with it. In his dreams, he danced along with Shouto in the stars, lost in each other’s eyes.
He’s frozen, caught in the smooth singing, and how it questions his very soul.
There’s a quiet storm,
And it never felt this hot before,
You’re giving me something, that’s taboo
(Sometimes I think you’re just too good for me)
You give me the
Sweetest taboo
That’s why I’m
In love with you…
The image of a man comes to mind. That night, that man went from cold-hearted and arrogant to snatching his heart right out of his chest. The way he moved his body as he danced, how he leaped in the air so perfectly like he belonged there. But more than that, Shouto had begun to open up. He was talented and beautiful, yes, but there was more under the surface. Intelligent, passionate, caring- selfless, even. Bashful, kind, even a little awkward. It was impossible not to love him. Izuku was about to let someone wonderful like that give his entire life away, because he couldn’t see past his own hurt.
He couldn’t let it happen. Win or lose, Izuku refuses to let Shouto walk out of the convention center without knowing that he is loved, and he certainly isn’t going to let his megalomaniac father take away Shouto’s happiness. Before he can even register it, his feet are dashing back to the convention center. He knew where the competition was. As soon as he saw the ticket, he knew that they were going to be in different areas of the massive complex. It was a source of anxiety the entire break, worrying that they might cross paths. So stupid.
Breathing heavily, he tosses open the doors to the arena and almost slams into the ticket stand. The attendant looks at him with a cross of annoyance and concern, especially when he holds out the squeezed ticket in a shaking hand.
“Uh, the competition is almost over. There’s like, three contestants left.”
Izuku stares at her in horror. “Who’s left to compete?”
“Umm… up next is Todoroki Shouto. His second performance.”
I’m too late. “Please let me in.” Izuku begs, almost falling to his knees. “Please. He needs me, he needs to see me there!”
“I don’t know if-”
“Please.”
Frowning, the attendant sighs, and takes the crumpled-up ticket. “Just make sure to be quiet.”
“Thank you so much!”
“And no-” Izuku is gone before she can finish. “-running.”
Tossing open the doors, he dashes inside to see a packed arena and realizes he doesn’t know if Shouto will be able to see him. Panicking, he looks around when suddenly a pink hand grabs his arm.
“You made it!” Mina hisses, eyes wide with worry. “Let’s go, hurry! He performs up next!” She hauls him down to the front, past the other viewers who are glancing with distaste at his late arrival.
“Oh, thank God, you’re here.” Momo breathes, her body relaxing as they get to their seats. “He got through his first performance, but it was a little shaky. He’s been… off.”
Though his entire body is shaking, he peers intently through the glass as the yellow-haired announcer gets ready.
“Next up,” the loud voice booms, “is Todoroki Shouto, performing to “Slave to the Rhythm” by Michael Jackson. He also took the special time to ask us that we dedicate this performance to his mother and her story.”
Oohs and awws come from the crowd as Shouto skates out onto the middle of the floor. His outfit is stunning, stealing Izuku’s breath away. The pants start off black but rise through a gradient until they are white at his waistline. His top is a pure snow white, sparkling with iridescent rhinestones. The V of his collar is white fur, traveling just to the top of his pecs, and he’s wearing thin white gloves with a simple black snowflake design in the middle. The red of his hair is tied back tightly, while the white hangs loosely. If the outfit for Numb was meant to be bright, fiery, and passionate, this outfit was meant to be exquisite, cold, untouchable- Mina had truly outdone herself.
Still, Izuku can see what Momo meant by ‘off’. Shouto’s eyes were wavering, distant, as if he were trapped inside his own head.
“Look at me,” Izuku murmurs, willing Shouto to look his direction. “Look at me, sweetheart. Please.”
There seems to be an issue with the music, which is blessing on Izuku’s end because while the announcer addresses the crowd, Shouto happens to turn and lock eyes with him.
------
The arena may be freezing, but all Shouto sees is flames.
His world is burning, falling apart right in front of his eyes. He’d messed up one of his combinations in his first performance, and though everything else had been perfect he couldn’t accept that. He couldn’t accept the way that his father sneered at him from the ‘honored guests’ booth, knowing that Shouto had lost his own fire and instead was being consumed by it. He couldn’t accept that the reason he stumbled during the motion was because he wanted so much to see the awe glowing in bright green eyes that he got distracted.
Ever since that stupid fight his entire passion had vanished, replaced by an existential horror that he’d ruined the best thing that ever happened to him. For weeks he’d gone back to the rink, determined that he’d apologize and make things right, and yet Izuku never came back. Never came back, never answered a single message. Even when he showed up earlier in the day, he was always conveniently out of sight. There was no one to dance for- no one to feel for. It was all over. He was going to lose everything he loved, and he was going to lose it in front of his father and all these voyeurs to his pain that called themselves an audience.
He may as well have crawled out to the middle of the rink when the announcer called him out, considering how sick he felt. To add insult to injury, the music had suddenly decided to stop working. Disguising his annoyance as a neck roll, he freezes. Forest hair. Emerald eyes.
Izuku.
He’s here.
He came!
Shouto’s eyes widen as Izuku holds out a hand, clenches it, and brings it to his chest, spreading it over his heart. I’m here. You can do it.
He’s mouthing something as he moves his hands again, pointing to himself, and Shouto barely makes it out. Dance for me. Finally, his hands twist into a heart shape, and it takes everything in Shouto not to dash off the ice.
“Sorry about that, listeners! I apologize Todoroki Shouto, but the judges will not be docking any points for a late start. You may begin with your performance!”
------
It was like watching a man reborn. Izuku watched proudly as Shouto’s entire posture straightened with newfound energy, before starting into the dance by vogue posing with every beat. As he poses, he shifts- looking Enji directly in his eyes and giving him a small smirk. He kicks off as soon as the lyrics begin.
She dances in the sheets at night,
She dances to his needs.
She dances til he feels just right,
Until he falls asleep…
Izuku watches as Shouto lifts into the air, starting the performance with a double axel at needs, followed by two more jumps. It’s a simple start, allowing him to really pick up the energy when the chorus begins.
She’s a slave to the rhythm,
She’s a slave to the rhythm of,
She’s a slave to the rhythm,
A slave to the rhythm of,
A rhythm of love…
Everyone can see the desperation of the woman in the song as Shouto dances, fitfully grabbing at his chest and heart and gracefully yanking his arms as if he is chained, trapped like the woman in the unloving, dangerous relationship. Dancing into a triple loop- triple lutz combo, the crowd cheers as he lands it perfectly on love, still holding his arms to the sky as begging for release from the immense pain that he displays. As the chorus repeats, he goes through another jump and a combo before freezing to start the dance in the line, picking up again at dances.
She dances for the man at work,
Who works her overtime.
She can’t be rude as she says sir,
I must be home tonight.
She dances to the kitchen stove,
Dinner is served by nine.
He says his food’s an hour late,
She must be out her mind!
The crowd inhales sharply as Shouto mimics through someone holding their hands up in supplication while skating backwards, showing fear clearly on his face at the invisible demon, the man outraged by the late meal. Izuku looks around, realizing that the crowd is beginning to understand his message. This song is dedicated to his mother, a victim of domestic violence. Spousal abuse. Which means that the man in the honoree’s booth, Todoroki Enji, is the demon.
She danced the night that they fell out,
She swore she’d dance no more,
But dance she did,
He did not quit,
As she ran out the door,
After a few more single technique jumps, Shouto is getting ready to go into one of the special combos Izuku remembers him practicing. He struggled through it during practice- he never saw if Shouto ever landed it.
She danced through the night,
In fear of her life,
She danced to a beat of her own,
She let out a cry,
And swallowed her pride,
She knew she was needed back home!
The crowd roars as he lands the jump on home, before seamlessly falling back into the desperate dance. It’s not a jump he’s ever seen Shouto practice, but it’s flawless, and Izuku watches as he ‘fights’ against the chains, before pulling his own hair back with one hand and reaching for the sky with the other in one final pose. The woman in the story has lost, but Shouto- Shouto is triumphant.
“Holy shit, he just did that! He just did that, and he pulled it off! He pulled it off, Momo!” Mina is screaming, jumping up and down in her seat as she holds on to an equally watery Izuku.
“What did he do?” Izuku asks, wanting to understand why everyone was so excited.
“That was a quadruple salchow, Izuku,” an awed Momo replies. “It’s…really difficult. I have no idea what possessed him to do that- it was not what was planned for this piece! He must have been secretly practicing it! I don’t know how else he could pull it off!”
As Shouto leaves the ice, he glances back as Izuku and points toward the door. Nodding, Izuku takes off past the onlookers. A few moments later, he’s outside glancing around.
“Izuku!”
Elated, he just barely braces himself when a flurry of white and red rams himself into his arms. Shouto’s eyes are full of tears.
“You made it! You came!”
Izuku nods, his own eyes leaking. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world!” He holds the sides of Shouto’s face gently. “I am so sorry I was late, Shouto! I’m so sorry for everything I said!”
“I’m sorry too. I was so stupid. I was so stupid and I’m so sorry! But I did it! I danced for you and I did it!”
“I saw! I’m so proud of you!”
At this point they’re both on the ground, foreheads touching as they joyfully sob into the other’s embrace, lips so close, when suddenly
“Shouto!”
The loud, booming voice cuts through their moment, and Izuku feels Shouto stiffen in his arms.
“Oh my god, it’s him.” Shouto whispers, fingers desperately gripping onto his shoulders. “I don’t want to see him right now, Izuku. Don’t let him take me away, that’s what he was there to do that night, he was there, and I was scared and-”
Izuku knew how scared Shouto was of his father. He’d let little things slip now and then, but seeing his fear right now, he couldn’t believe that he didn’t see it when they argued. Wrapping his arms tightly around Shouto, Izuku stands, wiping his face and glaring at the large businessman storming towards them.
“I don’t know or care who you are,” Enji hisses. “But back away from my son. I need to have words with him.”
“Objection! If they aren’t ‘congratulations’ or ‘I’m proud of you’, they can wait. Preferably forever.”
Enji’s eyes widen, almost impressed. “Oh ho! You’ve found yourself quite the sharp tongue, haven’t you Shouto? Unfortunately, I’m not impressed by the strength of a mouse. Especially not a male one. Let’s go.”
“No.”
Bright blue eyes stare at Shouto as he turns, not leaving Izuku’s embrace. “Excuse me?”
“No, I don’t think I will.”
Izuku smirks, pulling Shouto behind him. “I think the gentleman has spoken. Good day, sir.”
If a look could set a man on fire, Izuku felt like Enji would be scorching him alive.
“I will not deal with the insolence of my weak-blooded brat, and certainly not from his wh-”
As Enji went to finish his statement, lifting his hand, an equally large hand came out to stop him.
“Now, now, Enji, there’s no need to be hostile. I think your son did a marvelous job, and my son was just doing his best to tell him that.”
Enji turned in shock to the large blond-haired man giving him a megawatt smile.
“All Might. I see you’re nosing in where you aren’t wanted, once again.”
“Nonsense. I came to find my boy, and look where I find him, but doing great work!”
Snatching his arm away, Enji turns to leave, but not before giving Shouto once last searing look, pointing at him.
“You know what you did. This isn’t over.”
Izuku bares his teeth. “It will be if I have anything to say about it.”
As Enji leaves, the blond man turns back to Izuku and frowns, positive energy completely gone.
“Izuku, Inko has been worried sick that you didn’t come home after your test. You’re lucky I’m one of the honorees, and I happened to see you. But I get here, and suddenly Todoroki Enji is threatening you. What the hell is going on?”
“I came to see Shouto perform. He did an amazing job.” Izuku replies, nudging a nervous Shouto. “Toshi, this is Todoroki Shouto. Shouto, this is my future stepdad, Yagi Toshinori. He’s-”
“A famous lawyer!” Shouto finishes, staring up in awe. “I’ve seen you before! Izuku, this is your stepdad?”
“Nice to meet you, Young Todoroki! Please, call me Toshinori. Any loved one of my future son is a loved one of mine.” Toshinori is a loud, booming man, but not in the same way of Shouto’s father. Instead, it’s warm and inviting, if not a little intimidating.
Shouto nudges Izuku nervously again. “I actually have to get going back… If you don’t mind walking me back to the rooms, please.”
Toshinori looks between the scared boy in his beloved son’s arms, quickly catching on. “I’ll go strike up a conversation with Enji. Surely he could use some company.”
Izuku gives him a relieved smile. “You’re the best.”
Later that night, Izuku stands proudly as Shouto has his first-place medal placed around his neck. Shouto’s eyes are strong and clear, his posture bold. His old world burned away in front of his eyes when he came to compete, making way for this new world to conquer- and he was ready. The moment the festivities are over, Shouto dashes through the crowd and right into Izuku’s arms. In front of the cameras of the city, Izuku spins him in a circle and kisses him, even dipping him down dramatically. It’s everything the other ever wanted, and both of them are laughing in each other’s arms, flashing lights only highlighting their happiness.
------
Shouto opens the door to their apartment, watching Izuku bustle in. It’s been two months since the Bar examination, and two months since his success at the competition. Both decided to take a break from things, Izuku because his brain severely needed a break and Shouto because he wanted to devote every second he could to his new relationship.
Izuku falls in a huff onto the couch, moaning gratefully when Shouto begins to massage his shoulders.
“Rough day?” he asks, feeling the tension. When they were taking a break, Shouto may as well have said he was taking a break. Toshinori had offered Izuku an internship at his world-famous law firm, and of course Izuku couldn’t refuse.
“All I do is paperwork, anyway.” Despite his exhaustion, Izuku smiles when Shouto leans down for a kiss. “Besides, ever since Dad started working on your case, I don’t think I’m supposed to be around him. It’s kind of boring.”
Shouto’s ‘contract’ with Enji had turned out to be, as Izuku told him, legally unenforceable. So, when Shouto demanded what he had signed for and didn’t receive it, naturally Enji had returned with his own team of lawyers. Luckily, not only was his boyfriend educated in law, but his future stepdad was a powerhouse in his own right. It was looking like Shouto was soon to disinherit Endeavor Industries, to inherit a little over 15 million, and most importantly gain his mother’s hospital paperwork. It didn’t help Enji that Shouto’s awe-inspiring, internet-breaking performance began garnering national attention, the implications of Todoroki Enji’s behaviors and private life now on every screen.
“Well, I’m glad you’re home now.” Shouto coos, jumping over the couch to sit in his lap. “Something came in the mail for you, today.”
He points to the large brown envelope on the table, and Izuku flinches.
“Is…Is that?”
“I think it is.”
“I’m scared…”
Shocked, Shouto saw that Izuku legitimately looked pale.
“Why? You studied for hours, every day, for months. You’ve got this!”
“I don’t know…I was very tired when I took the test considering the night before we-”
“Okay, okay.” Shouto interrupts, blushing. “First of all, I told you that you needed to go to sleep and you said, and I quote, ‘I’ve needed you a lot longer’, so don’t start with me on that!”
Izuku flushes. “Well you could have talked me out of it!”
The only thing Shouto wanted talked out of that night was his clothing, so Izuku’s faith in him was severely misplaced. He sighs.
“Look, Zu. I know you did great. And if not, well, don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of you while you study again. No need to work at the rink. Which, by the way, Shinsou and Ochaco say hello.”
The EraserMic rink gained a large following after Shouto revealed where he practiced, especially when the loud announcer revealed that his husband started the rink.
“You? And Aizawa?” Izuku asked, jaw dropped.
“Of course! We love that little place- it’s our pride and joy!” The announcer held out his hand. “Yamada Hizashi. Two-time world-champion, multi-awarded Olympic figure skater. Shouta doesn’t actually skate, but he’s got the business savvy and he loves me, so he runs things when I’m not there.”
“I’ll never get over that loud announcer being Aizawa’s husband,” Izuku chuckles before reaching to the envelope. Inhaling, he opens the envelope, tears out the large letter and begins to read.
Then he screams, sending Shouto hurtling across the couch.
“I DID IT! I PASSED! I GOTTA TELL DAD!”
Grabbing his phone, Izuku dashes into the bedroom. “DAD, YOU’LL NEVER BELIEVE-”
Shouto chuckles once his nerves come down and goes to pour them both a glass of celebratory champagne. A few minutes later, Izuku comes back out, sweeping Shouto into an excited kiss. It quickly turns heated as Izuku’s hands slowly reach lower down his back, and it shocks Shouto when he’s suddenly tilting backwards. He pulls back from the kiss to laugh.
“Shouldn’t it be me dipping you, this time? This is your win.”
Izuku grins. “Mm, no. I may be Midoriya Izuku, Esq., but I can also hit some figure skating moves. And also because I just like seeing you bent over.”
Shouto rolls his eyes. “Yeah, okay. Can the horny skating lawyer let me up, please?”
Laughing, Izuku does as he says.
“To your career as a lawyer,” Shouto toasts, holding up the glass.
“To your career as a skater. And our relationship. And-”
“Just toast, Zu.”
Their glasses clink.
Later, they’re both covered in warm blankets and falling asleep on the couch in front of the false fireplace, two bottles in.
“I want music,” Izuku slurs, reaching for his phone.
“Just fall asleep,” Shouto groans. “We were doing so well.”
Izuku finds the song he’s looking for and clicks it. Shouto groans again, recognizing the falling rains and bass line immediately.
“Why do you like this damn song so much?”
“Because it’s our song.” Izuku replies, smiling widely as he rubs his cheek against Shouto’s. “It’s the song that helped us fall in love, and you know it.”
Kissing his forehead, Shouto smiles. “Fine. Now go to sleep.”
Cuddled together and happier than they’d ever been, they let the lyrics carry them to sleep.
Will you keep on loving me?
Will you keep on
Will you keep on
Bringing out the best in me?