Finding Me (Todoroki x Reader)

Chapter 133

"L/N," Hado said, her hands gripping onto my shoulders firmly but not painfully. Her blue eyes locked with mine, a clear blue sky that was seemingly endless as I gazed into them. "This is exactly why I want you to be my escort. You don't believe in yourself, like, at all. Everyone else does, but for some reason you choose not to see it for yourself. When I'm up on that stage, I feel as if the impossible can happen. That stage also allows me to see myself for who I am and who I can be: a beautiful, hard-working hero that brings joy to people. You may not be competing, but I just want you to experience that same invigorating sensation stepping on that stage gives me before I can't give it to you anymore. So, I'll ask again, but you can always still say no. Would you please be my escort, L/N?"

I didn't have my answer straight away, my brain somewhat fried from listening to Hado's empowering speech. However, breaking past the icy-wall of my self doubt, her words landed true in my heart, spreading a warmth throughout me I hadn't felt in a while. I was scared, there was still no denying that. But as I looked at Hado, then to the awaiting stage, and back, I realised that that was okay. All Might didn't become the Number One Hero because he played it safe, so why should I? How was I to ever move on if I never faced my fears? "Okay," I muttered, giving Hado a slight nod. "I'll do it. I'll be your escort."

Hado's perky smile split her lips open as she tackled me in a staggering hug, not giving me enough time to return it before she was grabbing my hand and dragging me to a room by the side of stage. "That's the spirit! Oh my goodness, this is going to be so much fun! But we better hurry and get you ready. Your outfit is in here."

Clothing racks of costumes and props lined the room we entered, making the room feel smaller than it should have. Hado ran across to one of the stuffed racks, filing through some bagged outfits before pulling out one, a white label attached to it. As she handed it to me, I couldn't help but laugh as I spotted my name on the label. "You picked an outfit out for me even though I could've said no?"

She shrugged, a cheeky smile on her lips. "What can I say? I just had a feeling that you wouldn't. Now, hurry up and get changed. The pageant will start soon!"

I laughed as she scurried out of the room, leaving me completely alone. "She is too optimistic for her own good," I muttered to myself as I unzipped the suit bag to reveal my outfit. Considering most escorts I had ever seen wore plain tuxedoes, imagine my surprise when I unzipped the bag to find a sparkling white material shining back at me. Curious and gobsmacked, I slowly peeled the bag from the outfit further, letting a long cape of gauze fall out in a wonderful waterfall of stars to the floor. It was just a simple, (F/C - Favourite colour) pant suit - similar to what I wore on I-Island, funnily enough - but stunning all the same.

"What are you talking about? You're incredible."

"...you're a treasure yourself, dear."

"That stage also allows me to see myself for who I am and who I can be..."

Ordinarily, I wouldn't even consider wearing this - that only models could wear this kind of stuff. But I wasn't ordinary, anymore; I never was. So, with Hado's and Tamaki's words in mind, I slipped out of my school uniform, stepped into the suit and strapped on the matching (F/C) heels that went with it. Since I was to be just Hado's escort, I figured a simple low bun would suffice for my H/L, H/C hair - subtle yet elegant. Deeming myself done, I grabbed the handle of the door firmly, forcing my trembling to stop, and opened myself up to the big ole world.

"Oh my goodness! L/N!" Hado said, running over to me now in a frilly turquoise dress and ballerina flats. "You look stunning! I'll have the prettiest escort out there."