[ How did Deku always manage to get himself into these things?
It was winter break, and Midoriya had asked Todoroki if he had wanted to hang out together. Spend some time in the city- maybe do a little shopping for the holidays. After everything that had happened- just, something a little more normal. And, he had sort of thought it would be nice to spend some time with Todoroki outside of the school setting- and maybe, just maybe without any of the other students there, too. It had been nerve-wracking enough just to ask to spend time with the other boy, but the relief and excitement when Todoroki had agreed was unparalleled.
Of course, the stress that Midoriya had gone through in the lead up to heading out together was a completely different matter entirely... He'd practically turned himself inside out stressing over what they were going to do. If he was going to manage to keep the afternoon interesting enough for the other, if he was going to find places that the other would also like to go.
He really needn't have worried, since any plans he might have made had gone right out the window. He supposed he really ought to have seen it coming. Nothing was ever so simple as a nice afternoon out, or at least sometimes that was how it felt. They'd been out in the city for less than an hour... when the screaming had started.
Midoriya's first thought had of course gravitated towards the League of Villains- it had been too long since they had seen any activity from them, and that fact was always at the back of his mind. It made him wonder what they were planning, where they were going to show up next.
Naturally, Todoroki and Midoriya had gone running towards the screams, instead of away from it. They were meant to be heroes, it was just in their nature. One of the first things on his mind though, was the fact that they hadn't come prepared for this. They weren't in costume- which meant that Todoroki couldn't manage his temperatures as well, and Midoriya... well. He would just have to be mindful of the output of All for One he used, so that his body would not break. Without his arm braces and iron soles, the damage that he could do to himself could have been substantial. He didn't want to rely on Todoroki having to take care of him later.
When they reached the scene, it wasn't at all what he had been expecting. People had been screaming, yes- but most had quieted down. Were just watching with a slightly horrified fascination from a safe distance. He looked, to Midoriya, something like a Tibetan monk. He was smiling, seemingly calm as three people lay on the ground around him. He was standing before a fourth, his hand on a man's forehead as he spoke, 'To know ones' self is to acknowledge your weaknesses. If you wish to be strong, then you must know too your darkest nature.'
Midoriya didn't understand what he meant, but that didn't matter. ]
Hey! Get your hands off of him! [ He was moving before he could stop himself, before he'd thought about what it might have meant. He should have known better- clearly, the man's Quirk, whatever it was, had to be activated by touch. Yet all he could think of was saving the person beneath the Monk's hands, and getting them off of him...
'Ah, a child who wishes to see his truth.'
Indeed, Midoriya's attempt to break the man's concentration seemed to have worked- he let go of the gentleman who he'd held before, and he turned, running back into the crowd as the Monk's focus fixated upon Midoriya.
'Come, meet your true self.'
Midoriya wound a fist back, prepared to launch it at the Monk- but he was fast, so much faster than Deku was prepared for when he hadn't seen the man so much as move. All it took was a finger- the connection of the pad of it to the center of his forehead as the Monk dodged from his punch to the left; Midoriya's mind went blank. His fist went slack. His eyes rolled back- and for a moment, everything in his mind... was silent. ]
[The funny thing about Midoriya is that no matter what he asks Shouto out on, he wants to say yes. He's not sure when that happened, or how that happened, but that's how he is now. He may as well accept it.
So when he asked to spend time together over the break, there wasn't a moments hesitation as he agreed. He doesn't know what friends when they have off time like this, but they have it now and he may as well enjoy it. Surely Midoriya had something planned.
But then, of course, they had to run into danger. It's not like either of them could ignore it, not when they're on the scene already and there's no pro heroes in sight.
Midoriya moves faster than him because of the difference in their quirks. Shouto's too startled to reach out and grab him before he runs into the villain. Whatever this guy's quirk it, it seems to have the element of touch. Not the mention the way he's raving on and on about truth, which immediately sets Shouto on edge.
And then Midoriya went still.]
Midoriya!
[This isn't the first time panic has seized his chest, and he's sure it won't be the last. But seeing his friend suddenly go stock still like that seems like a bad omen. He has no idea what's about to happen next.
But going to him puts him in the range of the villain. They would both be under his spell and that's just not going to be useful.]
[ When asked later, Midoriya wouldn't know how to describe the feeling that had come over him. One moment, he had been determined to keep the public safe- to take care of the villain with every resource he had available to him. And then, the next...? It was like a switch had been flipped. And suddenly, everything that had once mattered to him... simply didn't, anymore.
His jaw had gone slack, eyes rolling into the back of his head, showing the whites as his hands fell to his side. The Monk drew back, stepped away as Midoriya dropped to his knees, remembered how to breathe. He felt jumbled; disorganized. Angry. Who were these people to expect so much out of people? How dare they go about their lives with such disgusting ignorance.
Breathing hard, Midoriya staggered back onto his feet. This time, he did not go for the Monk- no. Todoroki's voice ripped through him, and his head whipped, settling on the other's face, something crazed in his eyes. These people... this world... it was all a blight. All the people who had looked down on him when he had been quirkless, these bystanders who didn't deserve to look upon him without fear in their eyes- he hated them--! ]
What the fuck are you looking at? [ The words snarled out of him, directed at Todoroki, and the growing crowd. ]
I'll... KILL YOU ALL! [ The words roared out of his mouth, the air around him crackling with energy as One For All coursed through his body. What concerns he'd had for his body before were infinitesimal now; didn't matter against the grand scheme of causing as much destruction as possible.
His muscles flexed, legs bending, before springing out- aiming not for Todoroki, but the crowd of bystanders. ]
Full Cowl: Shoot Style! [ The kick was aimed for the crowd, if he hit one person into the next, and the next- with One For All activated, even just at 20%, Midoriya knew what kind of damage he could inflict. And the idea was so satisfying. ]
[He only has a second to react with the confusion that's overtaking him. The Monk did something to Midoriya- he must have. That's the only explanation of the complete switch in ideals and the way he's suddenly turning on the civilians.
The bystanders have nothing to do with this. Shouto quickly creates a thick wall of ice between them and the affected Midoriya. If he snaps out of this (please god, let Midoriya snap out of this) he'll be faced with the regret of what he did to them.]
Leave! Now!
[He barks at the civilians.
That ice might be thick now, but he knows from first hand experience that it's only going to take a few more attacks before it crumbles.
If he gets in close he might be able to freeze Midoriya's arms and legs- but that would mean frostbite. Long term ice on exposed skin is dangerous. He just wants to stop him until whatever this is wears off.]
[ Even with just one attack, the connection of Midoriya's leg to the ice caused it to fracture; cracks running up and through the surface. One more good hit on that level, and Midoriya would bring it down. Flipping off it's surface and landed on the concrete below. Of course, that was only one side of the unaffected crowd....
Even as Midoriya launched at the ice wall again, smashing his leg into it with as much force as he could muster without breaking it- his hand snapped up, finger and thumb coming together in a loop. It wasn't as strong of an attack, but he didn't even hesitate in the release of his Delaware Smash, back towards the shop the Monk had been standing in front of.
The shockwave of air released knocked the people inside off their feet; smashed the window to splinters, people inside screaming and ducking for cover as Midoriya landed back on his feet before the crumbling wall of ice. ]
You're in my way, Shoto. [ His crazed gaze fixed on Todoroki again, eyes unlike anything Todoroki had ever seen from the other boy before. ] If you keep standing in it, you're going to be next.
[ With a roar, he launched himself at Todoroki; fists clenched. ]
[In his panic he completely forgot there was another side that Midoriya could potentially harass. A voice that sounds a lot like Aizawa mumbles "Sloppy work." He can't disagree.
This would be easier if there was somebody else around to split the work with- but Midoriya's gone and snapped.
At least he's decided that Shouto's a better target than the civilians. If Midoriya's attention is on him, then all the better. At least he knows how to fight back.
As Midoriya charges, Shouto grabs his arm, icing it over. He can't spare too much time for regret. They'll go to the hospital later, when Midoriya's back to normal. Somebody could fix it.]
[ If Todoroki really thought that Midoriya's original goal was entirely forgotten, then he was a fool. Ice wouldn't be enough to stop Midoriya, not for long. He knew Todoroki too well, knew the way he moved, how his quirk worked. That Shouto managed to put his hand on Midoriya's arm- it was because he had let him. With a smirk, his leg shot out, aiming to sweep Todoroki's out from under him, while firing another Delaware Smash into the shop, using it to propel himself further forward- past Todoroki, and into the heart of the mall. ]
I'm going to bring it all down, and you're going to watch. [ The sound that left Midoriya was a cackle- violence expelled from the depth of his chest. Madness so gripping and terrible that some who had been trying to flee shuddered, and simply fell to their knees, covering their ears not to hear it. ]
[A situation going sideways is something he expects. Midoriya being the reason for that isn't. Which is why he doesn't realize the sweep is coming, but Shouto hasn't let go of the arm yet either.
He'll ice down all of Midoriya. He works fast. In a matter of seconds he's iced to the floor. But Midoriya's strong, and whatever his quirk is will probably break him out of it in just as few seconds.
That means the best bet he has is to knock him out.
He does his best to hit the pressure point in his neck, praying that his hit is true.]
Like hell do you know what I want. [ He snarls it, trying to break the other's hold from his arm as he pulled his foot back. Building strength in his legs again, Midoriya couldn't escape getting stuck to the floor- but he certainly wasn't going to let himself stay there, either.
Seeing the other's motions, Midoriya weighed his options, in a split second. Power pulsing through his free arm, Midoriya laughed again. ] Stain was right- you leave yourself open. Detroit SMASH! [ He aimed his fist for the center of the other's chest, trying to slam it as hard into Todoroki's body as he could- even as the other's aim rang true, connecting with his neck- knocking the air out of him as his vision blackened. ]
[Midoriya hits him square in the chest. His body doesn't stop rolling until he hits his ice wall. There's the distinct sound of cracking ice- the pain is unbearable.
Did he just break a rib? He has no idea, but he can't move to check.
The force of the punch is enough to send him into unconsciousness. Midoriya's gotten stronger these past few months.
In the end he wakes up in a white hospital room, blinking blearily at the ceiling. He can't feel anything, but that's probably whatever painkillers they've put him on.]
[ As much as he had wanted to fight it at the time- unconsciousness takes him. When he woke again it was with a soft groan. Confusion suffusing through him as his eyes cracked open, taking in the room around him. A hospital room? But...
And then, it began to come back to him. Knocked the air out of his lungs, his body starting to shake uncontrollably, tears welling. Oh god- all those people. Had anyone been hurt? And the Monk- he had gotten away in all of the chaos that Midoriya himself had caused. And then there was- ]
Todoroki-kun!!! [ Throwing the blankets off of himself, Midoriya winced a little at the pain that shot through his right arm. Without his braces, he hadn't blown his arm up like he could have- but it certainly didn't feel all that great right then, either. Still, it was nothing compared to how Todoroki must have felt- Midoriya had hit him so hard.
Stumbling onto his feet, Midoriya tripped into the curtain, grabbing onto it with a yelp- before tearing it down entirely. Unintentionally or not, Midoriya found himself flat on the floor, scrambling to get back up, to find wherever his friend was. With the removal of the curtain, though, he managed to find just who he was looking for. ]
Todoroki-kun! [ The tears that had been threatening, spilled now as he lurched to the side of the other's bed, gripping it tightly- not daring to reach out, to touch. He'd hurt the other enough. ] I'm so sorry!
[He very gingerly presses a hand to his chest- those are definitely bandages. Something happened around that region. A rib break, probably. That's not the worst thing, considering their line of work but...
He wonders if that was just a fever dream, but with the way his curtain comes down and Midoriya looks like he's seconds away from crying- it must have been real.
That really happened. With how fuzzy his head is, he moves his whole head to properly see Midoriya.]
[ Midoriya sobbed as he sunk to his knees, shame gripping him as the memories of what he had done flooded through him. The feelings that had existed in him during that time- he had wanted to hurt Todoroki so badly.. ]
But it is my fault- [ The words were choked out, as Midoriya gripped the hospital bed and squeezed his eyes shut, head bowing forward to drop against it. ] If I hadn't been so stupid- I shouldn't have- I should have known better- I hurt you! I could have killed people!
If I hadn't just run in there- [ But then what? What if the Monk's hands on the man had been some other catastrophic quirk? Midoriya's focus had been on getting the Monk away from the man he had been gripping- and he had at least succeeded in that.
Still, he felt like a failure- a monster. ]
Todoroki-kun...[ The expression on Midoriya's face was positively agonized. He grimaced through his tears, sick with himself with the thought of it. He felt as though he didn't even deserve to look at Todoroki, now.
There was so much more he wished to say, wished to apologize for- but before he was able to, a nurse burst into the room. Only now, did Midoriya realize that the heart monitor he'd had attached to his finger had become dislodged when he'd scrambled from bed; fallen out of it. She chastised Midoriya, pried him away from Todoroki's bed- ordered him to let Todoroki rest.
There was no reason to keep Midoriya occupying a hospital bed, what few injuries he had acquired in the fight were minimal, and he was discharged quickly, leaving Todoroki to heal. To rest.
Midoriya wanted to apologize again, and again, but did not have the opportunity.
He didn't go home; couldn't bare to face his mother, after what he'd done. No doubt that she would have seen it on the news. He called her, to let her know that he was okay- that he was going to stay in the dorms at school for a few days in order to have some counselling from All Might.
It was only partially a lie.
With it being winter break, the dorms were blessedly empty. Midoriya wouldn't have to face anyone; wouldn't have to deal with the questions- the disappointment. But really, no one could be as disappointed as Midoriya was in himself. ]
[Shouto stays asleep for the three days before he's discharged. His ribs are fixed quickly, thanks to quirks and modern medicine. But there's nobody like Recovery Girl in a normal hospital, so it's hardly instant.
Of course, Shouto doesn't live at home during the holidays. There's too much of a chance to run into his father. It's safer and more comfortable for him to keep living at the school dorms. Well, safer for his mental health, at least. His father can't come barging in at ungodly hours of the morning to demand he train his quirk.
He nudges open the door of the dorms the day he's allowed to go back. He's pretty sure everybody's back home.
After what happened during their day trip, he'd like to talk to Midoriya one on one. Preferably in person.
But he's surprised by Midoriya sitting in the living room alone.]
[ For Midoriya, it was three days of self-flagellation; of torture. He had watched hundreds of videos online of the footage- of himself, promising to kill innocent people. Attacking Todoroki. He'd thrown up, the first time he had watched the punch he'd landed slam into Todoroki's chest- send him flying into the wall of ice he'd built to keep the public safe.
Would anyone ever look at him the same again? Or would they just see the monster that he had allowed himself to become? And what about the Monk- he was still at large. None of the professional heroes who had arrived on scene (too little, too late) had been able to apprehend him. What if he were able to influence Midoriya like that again?
What would have happened if Todoroki hadn't been able to incapacitate him?
They were thoughts that haunted Midoriya; possibilities that kept him up at night. He couldn't eat, couldn't sleep- driving himself mad with the thought of what could have happened- of what he had done. He knew that people had been taken to hospital with minor injuries from his Delaware Smash- that was his fault. It ate at him, tore him apart inside.
He hadn't expected anyone to enter the dorms, and when Todoroki did come into the living area, Midoriya was torturing himself with another angle, another video of his own attack on his phone. 'I'll kill you all!' It was Midoriya's voice, softly echoing from the phone gripped tightly in his hands.
Startled by the other's entrance, Midoriya dropped it- his phone clattering to the floor, the video abruptly pausing, leaving the room in silence.
For a moment, Midoriya could only stare at the other, before his gaze fell to the floor, his hands gripping his knees.
He had never felt so cowardly, had never wanted to run from anything so badly as he did now. ]
...I couldn't face her. Not after what I did. [ Midoriya's voice was soft, broken. He looked like absolute garbage; his lack of sleep evident from the dark, bruising circles underneath his eyes. The gaunt look to his features. ]
[He watches Midoriya. The way he's sitting here. The way he's watching this video. He can be obsessive. With what happened a few days ago, he can understand why he kept watching videos of it. Nothing hurts worse than a betrayal to yourself. Shouto certainly knows that.
Midoriya sword to kill people. He tried to hurt them, and he did hurt him. It's not a surprise (though he wished it was) that Midoriya didn't get much sleep.
Shouto makes his slow way across the living room to the couch, gingerly taking one edge. He keeps his face in a careful mask of neutrality.]
Do you think she's going to blame you what happened?
[ With a shaking hand, Midoriya reached down to pick up his phone. He didn't restart the video, not now- but he still couldn't bring himself to look at Todoroki again. Swallowing hard, Midoriya couldn't help but flinch a little as the other sat near him. Feeling like he was somehow dangerous- like he might hurt Todoroki again if the other got too close. ]
...Does she, though? I'm not even sure I know who I am anymore, Todoroki-kun... If I was capable of doing that- of what I did to you... [ Tears well up again, Midoriya's shoulders shaking with it as he tries not to sob. But they fall, spilling down his freckled cheeks as he covered his face with his hand. Shame and grief crippling him, sick with it, with himself. ]
[He's never felt so out of his depth before. Usually he's the one who needs help sorting through his emotions, not the other way around. But he owes it to Midoriya, doesn't he? To help him find some semblance of peace after this.
He reaches his hand up and hesitates for a moment. Is this right? Should he do this? Is he only going to make this worse? Before putting it on Midoriya's shoulder. He doesn't squeeze, not yet. It's just something that might help ground him in now instead of three days ago.]
And you feel remorse now, don't you? You're back to the person you really are.
I don't know what that Monk did to you. But you weren't yourself then.
[ At first, Midoriya shrunk beneath the light pressure of the other's hand. As if afraid of it, afraid of what he would do; how he might relax. But when nothing terrible happened, when Midoriya didn't lash out to hit the other again- he tried to relax. To settle in to the touch. Not wanting to admit how badly he needed it, even to himself. ]
And if I had done even worse before whatever his quirk was wore off? I could have killed you! [ The trembling worsened throughout his limbs, beneath Todoroki's light grip. ] I couldn't have lived with myself.
[ The sob ripped out of him, and he sunk down, forehead touching his knees, crying into them, hands lifting, fisting into his own hair. ]
Edited (i redid my icons, lol) Date: 2018-04-25 12:56 pm (UTC)
[Oh. Midoriya is crying so much more and Shouto's sure he's doing everything wrong now. His friend, because they are still friends, no matter what happened days ago.
He doesn't remove his hand, squeezing gently, doing his best to bind Midoriya to now instead of the past.]
You didn't. Some people suffered minor injuries, I broke a rib.
But you didn't cause anybody permanent damage. You can dwell on the past or you can move forward. There's a thousand other "what ifs" and "could haves". The important thing is what did happen.
I broke your rib, Todoroki-kun. As far as I'm concerned that's too much! [ Midoriya whimpered, trying to get himself under control, but every time he started to, another wave of nausea, of pain and grief would wash over him and drag him back under. He had hurt Todoroki, someone dear to him. Someone he cared about- cared about protecting! And what had he done? He had attacked him. Had wanted to kill him. It had been all encompassing, and that had been terrifying. ]
What if it happens again? He's still out there- he got away because of me. What if he inspires someone else to hurt someone they care about? [ He finally managed to lift his head, staring at Todoroki with an agonized expression.
It was a split second decision, inspired by the other's hand upon his shoulder- of wanting more than that. Of wanting to know that Todoroki really was okay. Midoriya jerked, throwing his arms around Todoroki's shoulders, hugging the other close, but gentle. Not wanting to hurt him more, in case his ribs were still tender. ]
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. I never want to hurt you. [ And now he was crying against Todoroki's shoulder. Sorry about that. ]
I'm fine now. [Because it's nothing permanent. Shouto's ribs are fine now. Modern medicine and quirks can do so much work for somebody who's been injured.
Intellectually he can understand why Midoriya hated that. Losing control of yourself and becoming the complete opposite of who he was, even for a moment, sounded terrifying. It's even worse when he hurt a friend.
He's caught off guard when Midoriya launches himself at him, pulling him into a hug. For a moment he goes still, before gently wrapping his arms around his friend.]
There are other pro heroes. They're aware of what a drastic switch he caused, and Aizawa-sensei will likely be put on the job. It's going to be okay.
And I know you didn't. As long as you're yourself you would never hurt me. You're yourself now.
[ It's been sixteen years of being told exactly what to do and exactly how to act. But he's been able to observe his father's lands and what he finds... is lacking. The commoners aren't being treated well, the nobility is taking advantage of them.
And Shouto? He's nothing more than his father's favored child. Which meant relentless training. One day he would inherit all the lands the Todoroki family was able to conquer but Shouto has no need of it. He's had enough of being used like a pawn for his father to control.
Only a few servants and knights in the castle are on his side. The few are willing to sneak him out. "Go now, Shouto. While you still have a chance." A sword is hastily tied to his belt, some gold, some food. Enough for him to survive for a week and a half.
There's a kingdom just a stone's throw over, ruled by Toshinori. His father despised the man and his flourishing kingdom. That's enough reason to find a place there. His father wouldn't expect him in the home of his enemy. If he can properly disguise himself, dye his hair keep his hair long enough to cover the scar- he'll be fine.
A few days later and he gets as far as dying his hair before somebody seems to be in a fight with a bandit. Another is right behind him, about to slash down on the stranger's unprotected back. His father would leave them to their fate, but Shouto needs to be better than that.
He rushes up and parries the blade, easily disarming the less skilled opponent.]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2018-04-24 10:26 pm (UTC)It was winter break, and Midoriya had asked Todoroki if he had wanted to hang out together. Spend some time in the city- maybe do a little shopping for the holidays. After everything that had happened- just, something a little more normal. And, he had sort of thought it would be nice to spend some time with Todoroki outside of the school setting- and maybe, just maybe without any of the other students there, too. It had been nerve-wracking enough just to ask to spend time with the other boy, but the relief and excitement when Todoroki had agreed was unparalleled.
Of course, the stress that Midoriya had gone through in the lead up to heading out together was a completely different matter entirely... He'd practically turned himself inside out stressing over what they were going to do. If he was going to manage to keep the afternoon interesting enough for the other, if he was going to find places that the other would also like to go.
He really needn't have worried, since any plans he might have made had gone right out the window. He supposed he really ought to have seen it coming. Nothing was ever so simple as a nice afternoon out, or at least sometimes that was how it felt. They'd been out in the city for less than an hour... when the screaming had started.
Midoriya's first thought had of course gravitated towards the League of Villains- it had been too long since they had seen any activity from them, and that fact was always at the back of his mind. It made him wonder what they were planning, where they were going to show up next.
Naturally, Todoroki and Midoriya had gone running towards the screams, instead of away from it. They were meant to be heroes, it was just in their nature. One of the first things on his mind though, was the fact that they hadn't come prepared for this. They weren't in costume- which meant that Todoroki couldn't manage his temperatures as well, and Midoriya... well. He would just have to be mindful of the output of All for One he used, so that his body would not break. Without his arm braces and iron soles, the damage that he could do to himself could have been substantial. He didn't want to rely on Todoroki having to take care of him later.
When they reached the scene, it wasn't at all what he had been expecting. People had been screaming, yes- but most had quieted down. Were just watching with a slightly horrified fascination from a safe distance. He looked, to Midoriya, something like a Tibetan monk. He was smiling, seemingly calm as three people lay on the ground around him. He was standing before a fourth, his hand on a man's forehead as he spoke, 'To know ones' self is to acknowledge your weaknesses. If you wish to be strong, then you must know too your darkest nature.'
Midoriya didn't understand what he meant, but that didn't matter. ]
Hey! Get your hands off of him! [ He was moving before he could stop himself, before he'd thought about what it might have meant. He should have known better- clearly, the man's Quirk, whatever it was, had to be activated by touch. Yet all he could think of was saving the person beneath the Monk's hands, and getting them off of him...
'Ah, a child who wishes to see his truth.'
Indeed, Midoriya's attempt to break the man's concentration seemed to have worked- he let go of the gentleman who he'd held before, and he turned, running back into the crowd as the Monk's focus fixated upon Midoriya.
'Come, meet your true self.'
Midoriya wound a fist back, prepared to launch it at the Monk- but he was fast, so much faster than Deku was prepared for when he hadn't seen the man so much as move. All it took was a finger- the connection of the pad of it to the center of his forehead as the Monk dodged from his punch to the left; Midoriya's mind went blank. His fist went slack. His eyes rolled back- and for a moment, everything in his mind... was silent. ]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-24 11:20 pm (UTC)So when he asked to spend time together over the break, there wasn't a moments hesitation as he agreed. He doesn't know what friends when they have off time like this, but they have it now and he may as well enjoy it. Surely Midoriya had something planned.
But then, of course, they had to run into danger. It's not like either of them could ignore it, not when they're on the scene already and there's no pro heroes in sight.
Midoriya moves faster than him because of the difference in their quirks. Shouto's too startled to reach out and grab him before he runs into the villain. Whatever this guy's quirk it, it seems to have the element of touch. Not the mention the way he's raving on and on about truth, which immediately sets Shouto on edge.
And then Midoriya went still.]
Midoriya!
[This isn't the first time panic has seized his chest, and he's sure it won't be the last. But seeing his friend suddenly go stock still like that seems like a bad omen. He has no idea what's about to happen next.
But going to him puts him in the range of the villain. They would both be under his spell and that's just not going to be useful.]
no subject
Date: 2018-04-24 11:42 pm (UTC)His jaw had gone slack, eyes rolling into the back of his head, showing the whites as his hands fell to his side. The Monk drew back, stepped away as Midoriya dropped to his knees, remembered how to breathe. He felt jumbled; disorganized. Angry. Who were these people to expect so much out of people? How dare they go about their lives with such disgusting ignorance.
Breathing hard, Midoriya staggered back onto his feet. This time, he did not go for the Monk- no. Todoroki's voice ripped through him, and his head whipped, settling on the other's face, something crazed in his eyes. These people... this world... it was all a blight. All the people who had looked down on him when he had been quirkless, these bystanders who didn't deserve to look upon him without fear in their eyes- he hated them--! ]
What the fuck are you looking at? [ The words snarled out of him, directed at Todoroki, and the growing crowd. ]
I'll... KILL YOU ALL! [ The words roared out of his mouth, the air around him crackling with energy as One For All coursed through his body. What concerns he'd had for his body before were infinitesimal now; didn't matter against the grand scheme of causing as much destruction as possible.
His muscles flexed, legs bending, before springing out- aiming not for Todoroki, but the crowd of bystanders. ]
Full Cowl: Shoot Style! [ The kick was aimed for the crowd, if he hit one person into the next, and the next- with One For All activated, even just at 20%, Midoriya knew what kind of damage he could inflict. And the idea was so satisfying. ]
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Date: 2018-04-24 11:58 pm (UTC)The bystanders have nothing to do with this. Shouto quickly creates a thick wall of ice between them and the affected Midoriya. If he snaps out of this (please god, let Midoriya snap out of this) he'll be faced with the regret of what he did to them.]
Leave! Now!
[He barks at the civilians.
That ice might be thick now, but he knows from first hand experience that it's only going to take a few more attacks before it crumbles.
If he gets in close he might be able to freeze Midoriya's arms and legs- but that would mean frostbite. Long term ice on exposed skin is dangerous. He just wants to stop him until whatever this is wears off.]
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Date: 2018-04-25 12:08 am (UTC)Even as Midoriya launched at the ice wall again, smashing his leg into it with as much force as he could muster without breaking it- his hand snapped up, finger and thumb coming together in a loop. It wasn't as strong of an attack, but he didn't even hesitate in the release of his Delaware Smash, back towards the shop the Monk had been standing in front of.
The shockwave of air released knocked the people inside off their feet; smashed the window to splinters, people inside screaming and ducking for cover as Midoriya landed back on his feet before the crumbling wall of ice. ]
You're in my way, Shoto. [ His crazed gaze fixed on Todoroki again, eyes unlike anything Todoroki had ever seen from the other boy before. ] If you keep standing in it, you're going to be next.
[ With a roar, he launched himself at Todoroki; fists clenched. ]
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Date: 2018-04-25 12:40 am (UTC)This would be easier if there was somebody else around to split the work with- but Midoriya's gone and snapped.
At least he's decided that Shouto's a better target than the civilians. If Midoriya's attention is on him, then all the better. At least he knows how to fight back.
As Midoriya charges, Shouto grabs his arm, icing it over. He can't spare too much time for regret. They'll go to the hospital later, when Midoriya's back to normal. Somebody could fix it.]
Then your fight's with me.
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Date: 2018-04-25 12:55 am (UTC)I'm going to bring it all down, and you're going to watch. [ The sound that left Midoriya was a cackle- violence expelled from the depth of his chest. Madness so gripping and terrible that some who had been trying to flee shuddered, and simply fell to their knees, covering their ears not to hear it. ]
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Date: 2018-04-25 01:01 am (UTC)[A situation going sideways is something he expects. Midoriya being the reason for that isn't. Which is why he doesn't realize the sweep is coming, but Shouto hasn't let go of the arm yet either.
He'll ice down all of Midoriya. He works fast. In a matter of seconds he's iced to the floor. But Midoriya's strong, and whatever his quirk is will probably break him out of it in just as few seconds.
That means the best bet he has is to knock him out.
He does his best to hit the pressure point in his neck, praying that his hit is true.]
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Date: 2018-04-25 01:10 am (UTC)Seeing the other's motions, Midoriya weighed his options, in a split second. Power pulsing through his free arm, Midoriya laughed again. ] Stain was right- you leave yourself open. Detroit SMASH! [ He aimed his fist for the center of the other's chest, trying to slam it as hard into Todoroki's body as he could- even as the other's aim rang true, connecting with his neck- knocking the air out of him as his vision blackened. ]
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Date: 2018-04-25 01:20 am (UTC)Did he just break a rib? He has no idea, but he can't move to check.
The force of the punch is enough to send him into unconsciousness. Midoriya's gotten stronger these past few months.
In the end he wakes up in a white hospital room, blinking blearily at the ceiling. He can't feel anything, but that's probably whatever painkillers they've put him on.]
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Date: 2018-04-25 01:30 am (UTC)And then, it began to come back to him. Knocked the air out of his lungs, his body starting to shake uncontrollably, tears welling. Oh god- all those people. Had anyone been hurt? And the Monk- he had gotten away in all of the chaos that Midoriya himself had caused. And then there was- ]
Todoroki-kun!!! [ Throwing the blankets off of himself, Midoriya winced a little at the pain that shot through his right arm. Without his braces, he hadn't blown his arm up like he could have- but it certainly didn't feel all that great right then, either. Still, it was nothing compared to how Todoroki must have felt- Midoriya had hit him so hard.
Stumbling onto his feet, Midoriya tripped into the curtain, grabbing onto it with a yelp- before tearing it down entirely. Unintentionally or not, Midoriya found himself flat on the floor, scrambling to get back up, to find wherever his friend was. With the removal of the curtain, though, he managed to find just who he was looking for. ]
Todoroki-kun! [ The tears that had been threatening, spilled now as he lurched to the side of the other's bed, gripping it tightly- not daring to reach out, to touch. He'd hurt the other enough. ] I'm so sorry!
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Date: 2018-04-25 02:44 am (UTC)He wonders if that was just a fever dream, but with the way his curtain comes down and Midoriya looks like he's seconds away from crying- it must have been real.
That really happened. With how fuzzy his head is, he moves his whole head to properly see Midoriya.]
Not your fault.
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Date: 2018-04-25 02:59 am (UTC)But it is my fault- [ The words were choked out, as Midoriya gripped the hospital bed and squeezed his eyes shut, head bowing forward to drop against it. ] If I hadn't been so stupid- I shouldn't have- I should have known better- I hurt you! I could have killed people!
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Date: 2018-04-25 03:01 am (UTC)How would you know that guy's quirk? How would you prepare for it?
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Date: 2018-04-25 03:15 am (UTC)Still, he felt like a failure- a monster. ]
Todoroki-kun...[ The expression on Midoriya's face was positively agonized. He grimaced through his tears, sick with himself with the thought of it. He felt as though he didn't even deserve to look at Todoroki, now.
There was so much more he wished to say, wished to apologize for- but before he was able to, a nurse burst into the room. Only now, did Midoriya realize that the heart monitor he'd had attached to his finger had become dislodged when he'd scrambled from bed; fallen out of it. She chastised Midoriya, pried him away from Todoroki's bed- ordered him to let Todoroki rest.
There was no reason to keep Midoriya occupying a hospital bed, what few injuries he had acquired in the fight were minimal, and he was discharged quickly, leaving Todoroki to heal. To rest.
Midoriya wanted to apologize again, and again, but did not have the opportunity.
He didn't go home; couldn't bare to face his mother, after what he'd done. No doubt that she would have seen it on the news. He called her, to let her know that he was okay- that he was going to stay in the dorms at school for a few days in order to have some counselling from All Might.
It was only partially a lie.
With it being winter break, the dorms were blessedly empty. Midoriya wouldn't have to face anyone; wouldn't have to deal with the questions- the disappointment. But really, no one could be as disappointed as Midoriya was in himself. ]
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Date: 2018-04-25 03:32 am (UTC)Of course, Shouto doesn't live at home during the holidays. There's too much of a chance to run into his father. It's safer and more comfortable for him to keep living at the school dorms. Well, safer for his mental health, at least. His father can't come barging in at ungodly hours of the morning to demand he train his quirk.
He nudges open the door of the dorms the day he's allowed to go back. He's pretty sure everybody's back home.
After what happened during their day trip, he'd like to talk to Midoriya one on one. Preferably in person.
But he's surprised by Midoriya sitting in the living room alone.]
I thought you were with your mother.
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Date: 2018-04-25 03:45 am (UTC)Would anyone ever look at him the same again? Or would they just see the monster that he had allowed himself to become? And what about the Monk- he was still at large. None of the professional heroes who had arrived on scene (too little, too late) had been able to apprehend him. What if he were able to influence Midoriya like that again?
What would have happened if Todoroki hadn't been able to incapacitate him?
They were thoughts that haunted Midoriya; possibilities that kept him up at night. He couldn't eat, couldn't sleep- driving himself mad with the thought of what could have happened- of what he had done. He knew that people had been taken to hospital with minor injuries from his Delaware Smash- that was his fault. It ate at him, tore him apart inside.
He hadn't expected anyone to enter the dorms, and when Todoroki did come into the living area, Midoriya was torturing himself with another angle, another video of his own attack on his phone. 'I'll kill you all!' It was Midoriya's voice, softly echoing from the phone gripped tightly in his hands.
Startled by the other's entrance, Midoriya dropped it- his phone clattering to the floor, the video abruptly pausing, leaving the room in silence.
For a moment, Midoriya could only stare at the other, before his gaze fell to the floor, his hands gripping his knees.
He had never felt so cowardly, had never wanted to run from anything so badly as he did now. ]
...I couldn't face her. Not after what I did. [ Midoriya's voice was soft, broken. He looked like absolute garbage; his lack of sleep evident from the dark, bruising circles underneath his eyes. The gaunt look to his features. ]
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Date: 2018-04-25 03:55 am (UTC)Midoriya sword to kill people. He tried to hurt them, and he did hurt him. It's not a surprise (though he wished it was) that Midoriya didn't get much sleep.
Shouto makes his slow way across the living room to the couch, gingerly taking one edge. He keeps his face in a careful mask of neutrality.]
Do you think she's going to blame you what happened?
She knows who you are.
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Date: 2018-04-25 04:10 am (UTC)...Does she, though? I'm not even sure I know who I am anymore, Todoroki-kun... If I was capable of doing that- of what I did to you... [ Tears well up again, Midoriya's shoulders shaking with it as he tries not to sob. But they fall, spilling down his freckled cheeks as he covered his face with his hand. Shame and grief crippling him, sick with it, with himself. ]
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Date: 2018-04-25 04:13 am (UTC)He reaches his hand up and hesitates for a moment. Is this right? Should he do this? Is he only going to make this worse? Before putting it on Midoriya's shoulder. He doesn't squeeze, not yet. It's just something that might help ground him in now instead of three days ago.]
And you feel remorse now, don't you? You're back to the person you really are.
I don't know what that Monk did to you. But you weren't yourself then.
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Date: 2018-04-25 04:53 am (UTC)And if I had done even worse before whatever his quirk was wore off? I could have killed you! [ The trembling worsened throughout his limbs, beneath Todoroki's light grip. ] I couldn't have lived with myself.
[ The sob ripped out of him, and he sunk down, forehead touching his knees, crying into them, hands lifting, fisting into his own hair. ]
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Date: 2018-04-25 07:00 pm (UTC)He doesn't remove his hand, squeezing gently, doing his best to bind Midoriya to now instead of the past.]
You didn't. Some people suffered minor injuries, I broke a rib.
But you didn't cause anybody permanent damage. You can dwell on the past or you can move forward. There's a thousand other "what ifs" and "could haves". The important thing is what did happen.
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Date: 2018-04-26 03:33 am (UTC)What if it happens again? He's still out there- he got away because of me. What if he inspires someone else to hurt someone they care about? [ He finally managed to lift his head, staring at Todoroki with an agonized expression.
It was a split second decision, inspired by the other's hand upon his shoulder- of wanting more than that. Of wanting to know that Todoroki really was okay. Midoriya jerked, throwing his arms around Todoroki's shoulders, hugging the other close, but gentle. Not wanting to hurt him more, in case his ribs were still tender. ]
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. I never want to hurt you. [ And now he was crying against Todoroki's shoulder. Sorry about that. ]
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Date: 2018-04-26 03:52 am (UTC)Intellectually he can understand why Midoriya hated that. Losing control of yourself and becoming the complete opposite of who he was, even for a moment, sounded terrifying. It's even worse when he hurt a friend.
He's caught off guard when Midoriya launches himself at him, pulling him into a hug. For a moment he goes still, before gently wrapping his arms around his friend.]
There are other pro heroes. They're aware of what a drastic switch he caused, and Aizawa-sensei will likely be put on the job. It's going to be okay.
And I know you didn't. As long as you're yourself you would never hurt me. You're yourself now.
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Date: 2018-05-30 05:03 am (UTC)And Shouto? He's nothing more than his father's favored child. Which meant relentless training. One day he would inherit all the lands the Todoroki family was able to conquer but Shouto has no need of it. He's had enough of being used like a pawn for his father to control.
Only a few servants and knights in the castle are on his side. The few are willing to sneak him out. "Go now, Shouto. While you still have a chance." A sword is hastily tied to his belt, some gold, some food. Enough for him to survive for a week and a half.
There's a kingdom just a stone's throw over, ruled by Toshinori. His father despised the man and his flourishing kingdom. That's enough reason to find a place there. His father wouldn't expect him in the home of his enemy. If he can properly disguise himself, dye his hair keep his hair long enough to cover the scar- he'll be fine.
A few days later and he gets as far as dying his hair before somebody seems to be in a fight with a bandit. Another is right behind him, about to slash down on the stranger's unprotected back. His father would leave them to their fate, but Shouto needs to be better than that.
He rushes up and parries the blade, easily disarming the less skilled opponent.]
Watch your back.