Finding Me (Todoroki x Reader)

Shoto and I just stared at each other, wide eyes and mouths slightly agape. I would've laughed at how we were basically mirror images of each other if I wasn't so surprised.

"Shoto..." I whispered, frozen to the courtyard bench.

How was he here? Why was he here? Honestly, if this was some kind of sick joke from some higher up, I was going to-

"Y/N..." Shoto said, my name a mere whisper on the wind it was so soft.

He wore a simple white t-shirt with blue jeans and sneakers; a simple outfit that shouldn't have been able to take my breath away like it did. Like he did. Looking at him made me suddenly self-conscious of the plain, white shift dress I still wore. I hadn't been bothered to change before, but damn now I wished I had.

"...You need to get ready to face your Prince Charming."

Momo's words echoed through my head, shaking me out of my stupor. I made to stand up, but was stopped by a gentle hand atop my own.

"Don't move," Shoto said. "You're still healing, right?"

I merely nodded, unable to find it in me to reply or fight him as he eased me back onto the seat. His hand still held mine as he joined me, slipping onto the structured wood, and careful not to bump me. That made me smile, slightly. 'Considerate, as always.'

Shoto chuckled. "Thank you."

It was then that I realised I had verbalised my thoughts, and I immediately flushed red with embarrassment. I darted my gaze away from him. Why was I like this? So awkward and clumsy and embarrassing when it came to him?

Shoto let go of my hand, and I held back the urge to reach out for it again. It had been so warm...

"So," he said. "You feeling better?"

I shrugged, leaning back against the bench fully again. "Meh. Could be better. I've been in hospital for a little under twelve hours, Shoto. You can't really expect me to be fully recovered by now, right?"

"I don't know. Just figured you would be. You usually are."

That elicited a chuckle to bubble in my throat. "True, but not today. Recovery Girl and other healers are dealing with the more severely injured patients..."

An image of Best Jeanist came to mind; and of Ragdoll, Mount Lady and Gang Orca. All of them had been severely injured, particularly the Number Four Hero. And the injured lady - if she had been stuck inside that decimated building, who knew how many others had been hurt, as well. Not to mention casualties...

"Hey, you okay?" Shoto asked, the bench shifting as he sat upright again.

I could feel his intense gaze once more, but I couldn't bring myself to face him. My whole body just felt sluggish, as if a thousand heavy weights had been placed on me while I tried to move through water. It was already hard enough, but this added baggage was just making it worse.

'Your fault. It's all your fault.'

All for One's ghost of a voice still lingered in my head, but I knew it wasn't him talking. I just wanted it to be, so I didn't have to hear my own voice blame myself. Did that make me a horrible person? Palming off my own guilt to someone else? It sure made me feel that way.

Sighing, I said, "Yeah... why do you ask?"

"Because you look like you're beating yourself up inside. Stop it."

Shocked, I swung my gaze towards him, and I could feel my blush coming back from being called out.

"N-No I'm not! You have no idea what you're talking about."