numbertwohero | @taiyakis

[Midoriya is maybe at his cutest when he's like this, Todoroki thinks. Hair wet and unruly, wearing nothing but boxers and one of Todoroki's sweaters, it's almost impossible to resist coming up behind his partner and draping himself over his shoulders, wrapping arms around his waist and burying his face in the crook of his neck. Only Midoriya making a request like that would convince him to relinquish his grip with a small kiss to the nape of his neck, and Todoroki obediently fetches the pan and oil, sock-clad feet padding noiselessly across the floor.]

Here?

[This part he can do. Whatever Midoriya asks, he'll do, oiling the pan, tossing the veggies, cutting and carrying and tossing, but mostly he just stays out of the way and watches his partner work. The way he moves is deliberate, almost unconsciously graceful. He knows where he is, where everything around him is, and despite being neck deep in food prep, he still finds little ways to make their paths intersect, to touch and to kiss. He wouldn't have it any other way, honestly.]

After patrol, I think. I'd rather have a morning workout together.

[The words are punctuated with another stolen kiss as he moves to the spice rack again, and can be taken however Midoriya likes.]

Mhm! Thank you.

[ A kiss as payment, just a brief touch of lips against Todoroki's cheek before he's back to it. His hands even stay to themselves.

Nevermind the fact that he's already thoroughly reacquainted himself with Todoroki; his hands have a mind of their own and it's not like he can blame them. Despite the temptation of letting himself get distracted with very available boyfriend, he focuses everything onto making dinner because it's been a while since either of them have eaten. (And, realistically, if he lets himself get distracted then they'll have to wait longer for food.) ]

After works. The gym got some new weights! [ tfw you're just too strong for the weights the gym has so far. A moment later, stirring the vegetables in the heated pan, he realizes. ] Oh. I - any kind of workout sounds great. The weights are really cool, though.

[All of those small touches are nice, too. It doesn't have to be anything more than a kiss to the cheek, or a hand on his back. He craves every single one of those small signs of affection.

But if Midoriya can be strong and resist temptation, so can he. He is hungry, especially after their unplanned encounter earlier, and dinner is a good idea before they fall back into bed together. Though he can't help pausing with a huff of laughter, hand pausing briefly on a jar of chili powder before picking it up and moving back to Midoriya, wrapping his arms around his waist from behind and pressing a kiss to his jaw.]

I'm sure they are. We can hit the gym. I've missed having you push me to work out harder. It's just not the same alone anymore.

I dunno if the gym missed us as much as we missed it, but...

[ It'll be good to go back to it. Midoriya leans into the weight of Todoroki behind him, melting in an instant once he's got everything on the stove under control. This is really the optimal position when it comes to being the one cooking; he can watch everything so it doesn't burn or boil over and he's got Todoroki both as a second set of eyes and as a very handsome weight to lean against.

On the stove, meat hisses as it hits oil and Midoriya pokes it around to make sure it doesn't stick. The gym they go to is wonderful; able to handle a variety of quirks but Midoriya and Todoroki both are so insanely powerful that they've put holes in the wall more often than not. That's the point of exercising at a hero gym, sure, but also the poor person that has to fix it, well. Midoriya wants to get them a fruit basket or something as an apology. ]

Hmm, taste this? [ He plucks a cooked vegetable and piece of meat from the pan, waving it a little to cool it down despite knowing Todoroki could himself and then angles it over his shoulder for him to eat. ]

I'm sure they did. After all, we're some of their most frequent clients. But we really should try to be a little more careful tomorrow.

[Because he's not wrong. They do get carried away sometimes, don't they? Especially together. Todoroki's laugh is quiet, a faint rumble against Midoriya's back where it's pressed against his chest. He's not wrong, this really is the perfect position for cooking.

Although it's difficult to resist the urge to slide his hands lower, and he doesn't completely manage, fingers slipping under the hem of the sweater Midoriya's wearing to splay flat against his stomach. It's not even a sexual thing, really; he just wants the skin-to-skin contact as he leans over Midoriya's shoulder, using the lightest touch of his quirk to cool the bites before leaning in and taking them. The noise he makes is appreciative as he chews and swallows, satisfied.]

Almost there, I think. Just a little more. Want me to do anything?

Maybe that's how we should challenge ourselves. Limiting the property damage.

[ It's certainly a challenge to do it, but it's not a bad thing to practice given their respective quirks and jobs as heroes and Midoriya's never backed down from a challenge. ]

I think it's just waiting. When it gets closer to everything being done if you could get the bowls out? No rush.

[ One hand reaches out to flick the stove settings down to low and he covers one of the pots so the food cooks in the steam. Everything else he can handle while savoring the attention of Todoroki at his back, shivering at the press of a hand against him. Even the lightest touch feels good, like somehow his body is just hardwired to respond to Todoroki's physical affection. Swapping the chopsticks to his other hand frees one to settle on top of Todoroki's, lacing their fingers together over his belly. ]

Gym, patrol, groceries, dinner tomorrow, then. I know the others wanted to get a dinner with us when you were back. Uraraka said to just let them know when you felt up to it.

Showing a little self-control? I guess we could use a little practice at that.

[There's a smile in his voice and on his lips as he nestles his chin into the crook of Midoriya's shoulder, savoring the feeling of that hand lacing over his. This is good. Just this.]

That's fine. I'll get bowls in a minute.

[He just wants to stay here for a while, basking in the closeness. Midoriya's the perfect size to fit in his arms like this, not so small that it's awkward. Just short enough for this to be perfectly comfortable, like they were made to fit together.]

Sounds like a plan. It'd be nice to see everybody. Maybe the day after tomorrow? I'm still not really sure about being...I don't know. Around people.

[It's always a little tough to readjust after one of these trips. His dad might be a little better in some ways, but there's just too much history there for it to be easy.]

Gotta start somewhere.

[ Midoriya goes syrupy warm and pliable into Todoroki's body, savoring the moment and the way they fit, right back to drowsy contentment in an instant. It's easier to be confident now, to tilt his head back and press a kiss against his jaw. ]

Whenever you want; there's no rush. I'd be happy to go out for you if you wanted. You've been busy.

[ Midoriya stretches up, fingers raised to the ceiling and then on his way back down pushes a hand into Todoroki's hair. A rumbly, pleased little hum rolls out him, like he's so content he can't verbalize it right now. Todoroki's the only one who manages to get him like this; that he's got a few more nights of Todoroki to himself feels like an embarrassment of riches. ]

Definitely not starting with this.

[Especially not as Midoriya stretches in his arms, kisses him, and then runs that hand through his hair. His arms tighten around Midoriya's waist in a display of possessive affection. Normally, he's not quite so clingy, but honestly, sometimes moments like this are exactly what he needs. Just the two of them, his partner's body warm against his, the feeling of his heart beating against his back. Todoroki mouths at his neck, biting lightly, sucking another small, dark bruise into the skin there while Midoriya talks, finally pulling away with a gentle kiss and a squeeze to his hips and moving to fetch the promised bowls.]

So have you, working double shifts so you could get us the same schedule for a week. It wouldn't be fair of me to make you do all the work. We're partners, right?

[Partners in every sense. It means a lot, to him.]

Mm-mm.

[ He's content for a few moments to just linger like this, wrapped up in Todoroki's arms without anything immediately pressing in their lives. It won't be like that forever, of course, and he's not sure he could live a 'normal' life because that's never been what he wanted. He doesn't need normal when he has this.

The noise Midoriya makes at the press of a mouth, the promise of a hickey, isn't quite a squeak but it's laughably close; his cheeks warm and a hand lifts so he can press fingers against the spot. He won't be able to see it, but that's fine; they have plenty of time for Todoroki to leave more that he will be able to see. ]

I didn't mind at all, you know.

[ While Todoroki fetches the bowls, Midoriya gives the food a quick check and then dishes them both up when it's time, stealing another quick kiss as he does it.

[No, a normal life has never been meant for either of them. And honestly, it isn't what Todoroki wants for himself, either. He's always wanted to be a hero. Just as Midoriya had had the same dream. This life they had wouldn't always be quiet, but neither of them would be content if it were. Even so, that just means they have to treasure these small moments while they last, and he keeps every single one near and dear to his heart.]

I know you didn't. That's why I don't mind doing those other things with you.

[Is it really a stolen kiss if Todoroki gives it freely? Because that's what he does as he takes the bowl from Midoriya, lips lingering for a moment with a contented sigh before they take a seat to eat.]

I just want you to myself for one more night. Then I'll share again. If that's okay with you?

[ Ferrying his bowl to the table, he runs his fingers over Todoroki's arm on his way past, giving him a lopsided smile. Of course, it's alright with him, but that Todoroki asks despite it is sweet. ]

There's nothing in the world that could get me to say no to spending more time with you, Shoto.

[ Once they've settled at the table, Midoriya digs in without any hesitation, though he does stretch his legs out until his socked toes brush against Todoroki's own, sliding up to tangle together with his legs.

The only issue with massive exertion and his quirk is that it means he has to keep up the caloric intake to make it work; they go through a ton of food together, which means making big, protein-heavy meals that can last for days when they're too busy (or tired, or injured) to make it. ]

[That's exactly what he needs. All of those touches, the way Midoriya just casually intertwines their legs, touches him in passing, leans into him whenever they stand next to one another, holds his hand. Every single one is another step towards reaffirming this connection, fitting himself back into the shape of his life here. The man he is now, not the person his father wanted him to be.]

Really? Nothing at all?

[He's smiling as he starts to eat, a little slower than his partner but not by much. Todoroki's own metabolism is pretty high as well; cold requires a high caloric intake, and fire always needs fuel, not to mention the more mundane demands of his training regimen. Honestly, between the two of them there's no surprise just how much of their budget goes towards food, and just how much time they spend together in the kitchen when they have the energy.]

But no, I wouldn't be so selfish I keep you away from all of our friends. Just...one more night. I just...missed you a lot, Izuku.

[Another small, giddy rush, like a different kind of flame curling in him. No matter how many times he hears his partner say his name like that, he still gets this feeling. Just the same as when he says Midoriya's name in turn. It might be silly, how this still feels intimate, but...still.]

Gym, patrol, shopping, and then another night in. And then the next day, we can get dinner, if everyone's free. That new dim sum place that opened near the mall, maybe? I hear it's really good.

I mean, I guess a villain?

[ He's actually considering it now between big bites, chewing and swallowing because his mom did manage some manners. Despite using Todoroki's name first, hearing his own out of Todoroki's mouth a moment later right when he's going to take another bite means he nearly inhales it, cheeks red, torn between fondness and embarrassment at himself. Smooth. ]

It isn't selfish, you know. [ Once he's swallowed two massive mouthfuls of water and feels a little less flustered, he pokes his toes against Todoroki's thigh gently. Probably, like most things, he's overthinking this, but communication is one of the things they're actually pretty decent at and there's no reason to stop that now. ] You were gone for weeks and we're going to go right back to work, pretty much. If you told me you wanted to spend a week in bed, I'd find a way to make that happen.

If it were a villain, though, you know I'd be fighting beside you.

[After all, that's what they did. But the way Midoriya does seriously consider it, and doesn't just make careless promises, is really heartwarming. So is the way he chokes and sputters and blushes hearing his own name like that, and Todoroki's smiling as he reaches under the table with one hand, sliding it over Midoriya's foot and gently squeezing his ankle.]

I know you would. That's one of the things I love about you. And that actually does sound really nice. An entire week in bed with you, just the two of us, sleeping and then...not sleeping...

[It's definitely tempting.]

But it would be a little selfish. We have other friends, and important jobs. So I'll take the moments I can.

[hey look it's this entire thread]

[ The hypothetical situation means that they wouldn't be able to, he wants to point out, but that's just splitting hairs at that point. He takes it for what it is; a sweet gesture, one that makes his chest warm at the constant reassurance that no matter what he has Todoroki at his side. ]

We wouldn't get anything useful done, and it sounds kind of nice.

[ They can't right now, though. Midoriya knows they're both too busy, both doing their best to keep up with their jobs as heroes and taking a few days is nearly impossible let alone taking a week or two.

Their goal could be to get to a point where it's possible, though. At least that's something tangible, something both of them can turn their undivided attention to in hopes of achieving it. ]

The end of the year is pretty slow... [ Even villains have families, he supposes. Gently, Midoriya reaches over the table and curls his hand on top of Todoroki's. ] We could aim for a week or two off then?

[An actual vacation together. The thought makes Todoroki pause in his eating, looking thoughtfully at the hand on top of his. It sounds impossible with the way things are right now, with patrols and learning the ropes and public appearances, and just the thousand things that go along with life, but...

But if they both set their minds to it, there's nothing they can't do, together. Todoroki turns his hand up, lacing his fingers through Midoriya's and squeezing gently, before looking up from that hand to his partner's face.]

Sounds pretty extravagant. A whole week, or two, even?

[And yet, he's smiling, a warmth in his expression that only Midoriya seems to be able to summon so easily.]

I'd love that. Maybe we could even go somewhere. Just the two of us. Find an exotic new bed to spend all day in.

Aim for two and we'll see what happens?

[ he hopes for two but getting that much time off when they're just starting is going to be difficult, midoriya knows and accepts that. even villains seem to take breaks during holiday season though, which is a relief even if it's surprising.

if they had to they could swap shifts with someone to make up for it, or swap locations with another hero, or-- well there's a bunch of ways to make this work and midoriya is nothing if not fiercely determined to get what he wants. ]

I feel like it's kinda funny to go to a new place and spend a bunch of time in bed, but...that also sounds really nice.

[ midoriya's the type to want to do anything, everything, to the point of exhaustion and todoroki tempers him out in the best of ways. ]

Two it is.

[It'll be tricky, but he's got faith. They can do it. And even if they only manage one, it'll be enough.

One whole week together, just the two of them. He thinks...well, maybe it's a little early for that. They're still working all this out. And they've got plenty of time ahead of them. But he's never been the type to hesitate when he knows what he wants, has he? Not since they were in school. Not since he learned how to be better.]

Yeah, it might be a little weird, but sometimes it's nice to relax somewhere away from everything you know. It means surprises and interruptions are less likely to come knocking at the door. Literally, in the case of some of the interruptions we know.

[He loves their friends almost as much as he loves his partner, but still.]

We wouldn't have to go far. Maybe we could visit a ryokan outside the city? Somewhere with private baths and a nice view where we could just relax?

[ midoriya's hand fits itself more firmly into todoroki's, his fingertips tracing idle lines over the top of it, lifting it after he finishes with the idea of relaxing. the kiss feels a little silly, maybe, but he presses his lips to todoroki's knuckles and then sets it back down. ]

I think two weeks might be a little ambitious to hope for no interruptions but we'll do our best.

[ between the both of them their luck is atrocious but they have to try right? that's all they can do and it's much easier to face the kinds of things they'll face when they're together. ]

That... sounds nice, too. Even just for a weekend?

[ he'd trade all the hours necessary to get two days with todoroki, just the two of them alone on a short trip somewhere. ]

[The kiss might feel silly to him, but it just fills Todoroki with that familiar warmth and contentment. He loves those little gestures, all the small touches and comforts Midoriya offers that make him feel truly settled. He cherishes every single one after all this time away from home, and he's still smiling as he goes back to finish his food.]

Maybe, but I'm going to aim big. What can I say, you're an inspiration.

[The grin he offers is a quick flash, and maybe just a little wicked.]

At least a weekend. We could do it before then, too. Trade shifts with people, maybe. You do look really good in yukata...

Plus ultra.

[ midoriya's grin is quick and easy and then he ducks his head, helplessly flustered in a heartbeat just by a few words. it's amazing how todoroki can do that, just swap the tables on him so neatly. ]

So do you, now I'm going to be thinking about this all week.

[ it's not a bad mental image, to be fair.

there's a small, selfish part of him that's realizing he wants to devote as much of himself to being the symbol of peace as possible while still retaining time for the other things he loves. all might was right when he said midoriya had to learn a balance and if there wasn't one, make some. ]

We'll figure out a way.

You and me both.

[There are worse things to be thinking about, honestly. Once he goes back to work, he'll be there with his partner, and he'll be able to face his father and those long, rambling bits of exposition and instructions on how to live his life with the thought of a long weekend sometime soon with just the two of them, in yukata, in a private bath, or maybe an onsen...it's a good thought. Something for himself, some small selfish piece that's just for him, and just for them, so the rest of the time he can share Izuku with the rest of the world and let him shine.]

I know. You never give up, and how can I not do everything I can to make it happen? We could do a trial run this summer. See if we can manage a whole three days an hour or so outside the city, before we try anything else.

[ So many compliments!!! Midoriya's face flames, all the way up to the tips of his ears and he ducks his head sheepishly, holding Todoroki's despite the embarrassment. It's too much! How can he be expected not to get flustered when Todoroki's being so sweet? ]

We'll...figure something out. [ he doesn't know what or how but they're determined and resourceful and really, really fucking stubborn. ] If we both talk to our agencies beforehand we can try and lay some of the groundwork in advance?

That sounds like a good idea. Not now, since I just got back, but in a couple weeks I'll start talking to our support staff to see if I can find the best weekend for it.

[He's off and into logistics land as he squeezes his partner's hand, then lets go so they both can finish the last of their food. When they're done, Todoroki uncurls and stretches, squeezing Midoriya's foot against his thigh before lifting both arms over his head, shirt rising slightly as he arches his back.]

That was amazing. You're really good in the kitchen, you know? I know everyone always raves about Bakugou's cooking, but yours is great.

@taiyakis

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

dslksajd guess who lost this notif I suck I'm sorry

np!!

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)