Chapter 10
(Shoto Todoroki POV)
It was their last year at U.A., the way back from the camping trip was long. Todoroki was sandwiched between Bakugo and Midoriya. It wasn’t that bad, not really. Everybody decided that Bakugo would be too aggressive to sit by and Midoriya would talk too much and watch the famous All Might documentary during the ride. Despite knowing this Todoroki had volunteered to sit with them.
He didn’t have any elaborate reason or anything. He just didn’t mind those things everybody else found slightly annoying. Honestly, the two reminded him of the halves of himself. Bakugo was icy, cold, and unyielding. He all but refused to let anybody in and was always snapping at everyone. Yet, sometimes ice could feel good. That’s how he was. Subtly doing things for their classmates like tutoring them, making breakfast for someone or everyone, never holding back because he had faith each one could hold their own in a fight. Those sort of things. He even had nicknames for every single person.
Nobody saw things like he did. They only saw the way Bakugo was aggressive when he did those things. They saw the nicknames as him not caring to remember their names. Over the years they had warmed up to him but still kept him at a distance except for maybe Kirishima. Yet he’d still refused to sit by him for the entire drive back to their dorms. Todoroki happened to like arguing with Bakugo though. Didn’t the rest of them know, getting snappy was just Bakugo’s way of hiding that he cared?
Midoriya tapped his shoulder excitedly pointing at something that happened in the movie. Todoroki nodded politely to show he’d been listening even though he hadn’t. It didn’t matter though, Midoriya had made him watch this movie seven times. This would make eight but he didn’t mind. It made Midoriya just as happy every time so he always agreed.
He was warm, bright, and intense yet fierce. He’s one of those people that in small doses it’s easy to handle but with too much? He could burn you. Only because of his depth. Nobody really expected him to be so deep. To go so hard for everyone. Midoriya would break every bone he had to save someone, especially the people he cared about. Some people found that to be too much. Some of his classmates initially found Midoriya annoying and a bit over-enthusiastic, definitely an over-talker. Todoroki liked it though, he’d never had friends before. In conversation, he didn’t know what was right to say but Midoriya filled in the gaps for him.
How could he describe it? Bakugo was like a challenge, a reason to get up, a reason to work harder. Midoriya was like coming home, the feeling you get when you know you won’t be judged and you can just relax and be yourself. Todoroki’s home had never been like that, which made him crave Midoriya’s presence even more.
If asked why he chose to sit by the two of them, and hard pressed to answer. He’d say because they’re my friends. Because they’re my two favorite people. You all don’t understand them but I do. He could see the way that Midoriya always looked for Bakugo first when he walked into a room and his eyes would light up then he’d turn away all quick and nervous like before moving on to his other friends. He could see the way Bakugo would pretend he didn’t always look for Midoriya as well. He’d never turn his head but his body would subtly turn more toward whatever direction Midoriya was in. He would always frown the minute he knew Midoriya was entering or leaving a room.
It’s easy like that. When you only have two close friends, you notice all the small things that they do. He hoped they would figure their issues out and just admit they liked each other. If it took too long he’d help them. Because he cared about them more than anyone, he wanted them to be happy. They’d only ever be happy with each other. Despite the way Midoriya blushed around Uraraka it wasn’t the same as he did around Bakugo. Didn’t they realize? They had come up with names for each other and everything. They used them so consistently it should be obvious.
Midoriya claimed “Deku” was originally an insult and Bakugo had agreed. Todoroki wanted to tell them he’d never heard an insult be said with such fondness but he didn’t. They weren’t ready to admit it and that was okay. Once they did they probably wouldn’t have room for him anymore but that was okay too. As long as they were happy, he’d be happy.
/ / / /
(A few days after they went dancing)
“To-dor-oki!” Ashido singsonged in his ear but he ignored her. He had a feeling what she was going to say and he wasn’t sure how to respond.
“You’ve been avoiding me for three whole days, come on! Tell me! What happened after we left? I know Bakugo took us all home. He’s so sweet, if I wasn't extremely lesbian I’d be in love with him.”
“Nothing, he took me home.” He replied easily. It was the truth after all. He neglected to mention that he remembered the man carrying him. He remembered Bakugo agreeing that they were besties and called him Shoto for the first time. He remembered the way it felt to dance with Midoriya. To dance with them both. He remembered everything even though he’d tried to drink to forget it. He hadn’t drunk enough or maybe he just wanted to remember too badly.
“Todoroki, I know it’s not my business but…” Ashido's voice was less excited and more serious. He finally stopped purposefully avoiding her and stared at her. Her brows were furrowed in what appeared to be a somewhat sad expression. Interesting. “Do you like them?”
He kept his face blank and looked away again. Even if he did like them, he couldn’t and shouldn’t. They were meant for each other. Everything he had been doing was to help them be together. He’d seen Bakugo run away from Midoriya yet again at a party a while back and of course, it only took a few minutes for Midoriya to run after him. They’d talked on the balcony, and Todoroki stayed where he belonged. In the kitchen with the other extras as Bakugo would say. He’d asked Midoriya out on a date to piss Bakugo off and it worked.
The problem was he’d enjoyed their date. He’d enjoyed their dance too. He liked when Bakugo argued with him and helped to dress him. The earring and bracelet were still at his house. On his dresser. He could have returned them but he didn’t. He liked when he was dancing with Midoriya and the way the shorter man blushed even if it was only because he was nervous. He knew the reason but he liked to delude himself into thinking it was for another reason. He liked it when Bakugo came and danced with them both as well. He’d watched them from a distance and wished he could be there with them.
He looked it up a while ago, it was possible to like and want them both. Initially, he’d been convinced he was crazy but no other people felt like this. The problem was he’d never be able to feel this way about anyone but the two of them. It would be hopeless to admit to Ashido that he liked them. Unfortunately, he’d been silent for far too long and she took that as confirmation.
“For what it’s worth, I think they like you. If you ever need help let me know okay?” she was sincere so he replied with a sincere nod of his own.
He didn’t want to be rude especially when she had considered his feelings seriously. She didn’t even think it was strange that he might like them both. She was definitely wrong about them liking him though. He was with them almost every day, he’d know if they liked him. Right?
/ / / /
(The day Bakugo’s Soulmark was revealed)
“Because I was scared to lose you. Deku, I lo-…”
“NO YOU DON’T. Don’t say it…don’t you dare say it…”
His heart broke three different ways. He watched as Bakugo tried to step toward Midoriya. The latter activated their quirk and raced away. They loved each other, they were soulmates. It made so much sense it hurt. Todoroki had always known it would be the two of them in the end, them being soulmates shouldn’t have been shocking.
It just hurt more than anything. It cemented that he’d never had a chance with either of them to begin with. He gazed at Bakugo who was on the verge of a panic attack. Todoroki could guess both of his friends' thoughts easily. Bakugo probably thought Midoriya running meant that he was rejecting him and never coming back. That was far from the truth and he had to help Bakugo see that.
Uraraka was trying to get him to calm down, and Kirishima was trying to get her to explain what was going on. None of this was helping, those two were making it worse. Shit, he wasn’t even sure if he could make it better but he was about to try. He ushered the other two out and then focused his attention back on the panicked blonde.
“Bakugo, listen to me, Deku will come back. He just needs time to process it. It’ll be okay,” he told him trying to help him calm down.
He watched things go from better to worse quickly. Bakugo nodded acknowledging what he’d said before his face twisted up again. He was spiraling and Todoroki needed to stop him before he did something reckless.
“Bakugo, Bakugo” that wasn’t working…” Katsuki !”
Even his given name didn’t help snap him out of it. Todoroki’s heart ached for his friend, one of the men he loved. He had to help him. If Bakugo loved Midoriya this whole time yet bullied him… ah… aggression. That might work. He didn’t want to do it but somebody had to.
SLAP. Instantly Bakugo was alert and responsive.
“Did you just fucking slap me Todoroki?” he snapped in shock.
Unfortunately, he called him Todoroki. Bakugo never called him that, always favoring a nickname. He had to get him back to normal otherwise he would spiral again.
“Yeah, it didn’t work though,” he told him honestly before slapping him again.
“I swear I will kill you, Icyhot. Slap me again. I dare you.” Bakugo threatened fingers sparking.
Todoroki held back a smile, the nickname and threats being exactly what he was looking for. He had to get his friend back on track. Even though Midoriya left, it didn’t mean he was gone. Those two loved each other, they belonged together. Everybody could see it.
“Ah, that's better. Now if you want him, fight for him.”
He watched as Bakugo thought about his words. He watched the hope spark in his eyes. It hurt. He wanted them to be happy, they would only be happy together. They were soulmates at that. He was happy Bakugo was going to fight for Midoriya even if his heart was breaking. He loved them. Why did he have to love two people that would clearly never love him back?
“Did you just slap me to get me to call you Icyhot and threaten to kill you?” Bakugo finally said.
“Maybe?”
“I’m seriously going to beat your ass.”
He couldn’t help it, he smiled. This is what he wanted even if it hurt.
~
Izuku Midoriya, the person Bakugo was searching for, happened to be outside of Todoroki’s house. He wanted to laugh in a painful sort of way. These two just couldn’t stop involving him. It was the best and worst thing about them.
He loved how much they both trusted him. How they both let him see sides of them their other friends didn’t get to see. On the same note, it hurt that their connection only went that far. They would only ever see him as a good friend. A confidant in times like these.
As soon as he reached the top of his steps, Midoriya launched himself into his arms. Of course, he held him back. He selfishly stroked his hair and comforted him. His heart pounded filled with love for the man in his arms. Perhaps Todoroki was crazy, any sane person would use this division between them to worm their way in.
He would never. He was crazy. The next words out of his mouth were “Midoriya I know you love him.”
The man in his arms stilled before sobbing more. It was true, he had known it since he first met them at UA. It didn’t appear Midoriya would be letting go. He unlocked the door and carried him inside. He was selfishly loving this embrace a bit too much. That wasn’t what his friend needed at this moment.
To separate them he set the other man down on his couch then grabbed a blanket to wrap him in. Still, he was a little selfish. He sat next to him while waiting for him to talk. He could have sat anywhere else.
“I love him. Oh god, Shoto, I’m in love with him. I thought…I-I… but… I…”
He was spiraling as well. These two idiots really should have just stayed to figure this out together. They really didn’t need to involve him. Still, he liked that they both trusted him in this moment. They were both relying on Todoroki to help them. He’d be damned if he didn’t help them fix this.
“Calm down Midoriya. Just tell me what you’re thinking.” he would sit here until the man had let it all out. Even if it took forever.
“I… I heard you guys on the roof…”
Oh, well that wasn’t what he was expecting.
“At that party, Kacchan said he knew who his soulmate was but they didn’t belong together. Then he told you he liked me but we couldn’t be together because we weren’t soulmates. He doesn’t want me Shoto! Don’t you see… he was just making excuses! He… he had to be. It doesn’t make sense…as soon as you started showing interest in me he suddenly liked me? I knew it was too good to be true but… b-but… I…”
He wanted to tell him that wasn’t true. Bakugo definitely liked him and probably meant both statements. He’d be willing to bet Bakugo only added the ‘we aren’t soulmates part’ to stop Todoroki from forcing him to admit his feelings. It wasn’t his place to explain for Bakugo though. Right now Midoriya needed him to listen.
“I love him so much. I was going to ask him to be with me even though we aren’t soulmates. I… I just… AND URARAKA! He told her but not me. He even lied to you! I know… that you… you don’t… like me… but I… I didn’t know where else to go. I heard him lie to you like he lied to me… so I… gosh I don't know… maybe I shouldn’t have come I’m so sorry.”
No. I do like you. I love you. I’m in love with both of you.
Instead of saying that he said “I’m sure there’s a reason for all of it. Not to speak for anybody else but they both love you. Bakugo obviously but Uraraka too. She is one of your best friends, she didn’t tell you because it wasn’t her place to say so.”
“That makes sense… I’m just… upset… thank you, I know they care. I still feel hurt though…..” he looked up making eye contact “…what about you?”
Logically, he knew what Midoriya was asking. He purposely hadn’t addressed the part about his lack of feelings for the other man. He only said they both love you because he wanted to say I love you. He was hoping Midoriya would ignore that part. Still, this close big green eyes were gazing at him.
“I love you and Bakugo which is why I’m about to tell him where you are.”
It was the truth but he knew Midoriya wouldn’t get his true meaning. He didn’t love them as friends. Knowing Bakugo though he would start freaking out again if he didn’t locate Midoriya soon.
“You love?….WAIT! What? NO! Please don’t tell Kacchan where I am! Shoto I-“
“ Izuku . You were just kidnapped. If I don’t tell him he will start thinking they got you again. I promise I won't let him near you until you’re ready but I am telling him where you are.” He watched Midoriya process his words then slowly nodded.
Once he got the confirmation he slid his phone out and went to text Bakugo.
:: he’s here
Katsuki: @ your place?
:: yes
Katsuki: I’m coming
:: no. I told him I’d tell you to stop you from thinking he got kidnapped again but he’s not ready to see you yet. If you come, I’m not letting you in.
Katsuki: Take care of him yea?
:: I will
He was aware of Midoriya looking over his shoulder but he didn’t stop him. He wanted him to know that he would really stop Bakugo if he tried to come here. They needed space and Todoroki would be a safe space for both of them. He wouldn’t just let Bakugo wander around stressed about what Midoriya could be going through. He also wouldn’t let Bakugo take away this time Midoriya needed to sort his feelings out.
Deep down he was glad they both trusted him enough for this. Midoriya hadn’t fought him on telling Bakugo or questioned it too much. Bakugo had accepted that he was comforting Midoriya. Deep down he knew that if he were anybody else Bakugo would have taken Midoriya no matter what. He wouldn’t let someone else comfort the man.
It was a testament to their friendship that he was allowing Todoroki to do it. He felt sick because he was betraying that trust. He liked both of them. If Bakugo knew, all faith he had in Todoroki would be gone. He knew that yet he loved them both anyway.
“Wait, is that… Kacchan sleeping in that picture?”
Shit. He forgot Bakugo’s contact picture was one he snapped of the other man sleeping on his desk. It was during their time at UA. He was about to leave class when their teacher, Aizawa, asked him to wake the other boy up. Selfishly, he snapped a picture before doing so.
“Um…” how could he explain this? He searched for an answer.
“He looks cute! Can you send it to me?”
“You got happy again awfully quick” He accused but sent it anyway.
“It’s like… I’m excited he likes me too. He’s my soulmate. I’m still confused and angry though… is that strange? I’m not sure how I should be feeling… I have so many questions too like how long has he been hiding it? Where did he get the patches? Why did he hide it from me? Maybe he doesn’t actually like me if he hid it this whole time…” Midoriya went through a range of emotions quickly and he felt bad for bringing it up again honestly.
“It’s not strange. I won't speak for how Bakugo feels. I can listen to you explain how you feel though.” He offered because what else could he do? These two could only solve this with each other until they were ready for that Todoroki just wanted to help.
“Thank you Shoto, I’d like that.”
So that’s what they did. Midoriya talked for hours about how he felt. He explained their childhood, the bullying, the changes in Bakugo when they came to UA. A lot of it Todoroki had heard before and some of it was new. He felt guilty as he listened. This was supposed to be an outlet for Midoriya. A way for him to explain his feelings. Instead, Todoroki was enjoying how much he was learning about the two of them.
Once the other man started to get sleepy he transferred him to his bed. His guilt skyrocketed when Midoriya asked him to stay. He grabbed his arm and pleaded with him not to leave him alone. It wasn’t hard for him to stay, a smarter better person would have left. A person who didn’t love him probably wouldn’t have felt guilty either.
To ease his guilt he lay on top of the blankets while Midoriya lay under them. It didn’t help that the man snuggled up to him, curling his arm around Todoroki’s hot side.
“Hey, Shoto?” Midoriya said sleepily
“Hmm?”
“We’re really lucky to have you. I…” he seemed to fall asleep mid-sentence his breathing evened out and the room fell silent.
He got out his phone to play a game or something since he wasn’t tired. He checked his apps when the man startled him by speaking again
“… love you…” light snores followed the statement.
His heart almost beat out of his chest. He had to keep his emotions in check before he accidentally released any ice or fire. He had dreamt of hearing those words for years. He knew Midoriya meant them in a friendship sense. Still looking over at those fluffy green curls spread across his pillow, the scarred arms wrapped around his own, it felt intimate.
He wanted to preserve this moment, so he snapped a picture before thinking about it. When he finally did think, it wasn’t good. If anybody else saw this they might get the wrong idea. Except… Bakugo knew Midoriya was here. He specifically trusted him to watch Midoriya until he was ready to talk. Maybe… he could send the picture to Bakugo. If he got mad, Todoroki could handle it. He always did. He hit send before he could second guess himself but followed it up with another text.
:: he’s asleep
Bakugo didn’t text back, he read the message though. He vaguely worried about what the man would say until he hearted the image. No text arrived but the heart was enough. A bit of hope blossomed in his chest.
/ / / /
(After they started dating)
Nobody ever looked at his phone. He always kept it safely tucked away and three months ago he added a privacy screen protector. Why? Because he didn’t want anybody to see his background. Not his lock screen, that was a picture of a sunrise he’d seen with his mom. His home screen background was the picture Bakugo sent him three months ago. Midoriya was in bed tucked under Bakugo’s arm with a happy smile. His body was littered with bruises and bite marks. Evidence of their recent activities. Bakugo’s hair was messed up and his chest was on display. The main part was his eyes, they looked happy instead of irritated. He had a slight upward tilt to his lip indicating he was trying to hide a smile. Speaking of, Bakugo appeared and placed a box on his desk.
“What’s this?” He called at his retreating back.
“The nerd said you haven’t been bringing him breakfast.”
“You should be making him breakfast,” Todoroki said even though that was obvious. He shouldn’t have had to say it.
Bakugo fixed him with a glare but he didn’t back down. He met the glare with a blank stare.
“You’ve been skipping breakfast,” Bakugo answered despite the fact that Todoroki hadn’t said anything about himself. He’d purposely avoided the fact that he should be the one making Midoriya breakfast.
“Bakugo.”
“Todoroki.”
“You should be making Midoriya breakfast.”
“I have been since you stopped.”
Obviously, he stopped. They were dating now, it would be weird if he’d kept bringing him breakfast when his boyfriend could do that. Since he wasn’t making breakfast for two he didn’t make any for one. He didn’t like just cooking for himself. It felt like a waste of ingredients.
“What’s in the box?” He finally asked because that had never been addressed at least he didn’t think it had.
“Your breakfast Icyhot. You better eat all of it, my cooking is a luxury you know.” Bakugo snapped at him before stalking off.
Ahhh. He understood now. The blonde had known this whole time that if he didn’t cook for Midoriya he wasn’t going to cook at all. Bakugo had made this for him. He felt warmth spread through his entire chest and not just his left side like usual. Gently grabbing the box he peeked inside. There were Onigiri inside shaped like cats.
The cat onigiri was on one side and the other side had fish, cut vegetables, and a boiled egg cut in half. It looked like one of those premade boxes you’d buy in the store except instead of triangles he had cats. Bakugo had made this specifically for him.
He looked around to make sure nobody was watching him. Luckily his work desk was in a corner. Everybody seemed to be involved in their own tasks. Specifically, Bakugo was arguing with Kirishima and Midoriya was standing next to him trying to stop them. He snapped a quick picture of the contents of the box.
The rest of the day after that was relatively uneventful. But when he got home that night, he couldn’t think of any breakfast he’d ever had that was better than that one.
____
Midoriya was currently crying. It wasn’t as sad as it seemed, they were watching a romcom because Bakugo claimed “I don't do that sappy shit.” That was a lie, he did stuff like that all the time for Midoriya. He seemed to draw the line at romantic movies though. Yet for some reason, they were in the living room of Bakugo’s apartment watching said movie. The man in question was in the kitchen making them dinner.
It didn’t make any sense and yet it was perfect. Midoriya was clinging to his hot side because the other side made him too cold. He patted the other man’s leg in sympathy then quickly returned his hand to his own lap. He didn’t want to cross any boundaries. He was terrified one of these days they’d kick him out. They’d stop hanging out with him or realize that he had feelings for one or both of them. That was a terrifying prospect but he pushed it away. Best to not dwell on it unless it happens.
“Spicy curry for us, mild curry for the weakling over there,” Bakugo said as he handed them their bowls. He had nice bowls, the kind you’d find at a fancy restaurant. He had chopsticks that matched said bowls, not the plastic kind either.
“You just don’t have taste buds, Kacchan.” Midoriya shot back
“Then how do I always make you such delicious food.”
“Your food is quite good.” Todoroki commented, really it was. It was the best food he’d ever tasted. Each dish he made for him somehow tasted better than the last one.
“Ooo a compliment from Icyhot. What a rare occurrence.”
“I compliment you all the time.”
“Like when?” Bakugo glared at him which made it even easier for him to bring up what happened when he arrived.
“I told you when I walked in that’s not the ugliest shirt I’ve seen you wear. Obviously, that was a compliment.” He was joking, he knew it wasn’t. He couldn’t say what he wanted to and being a smart-ass was a great way to disguise his feelings.
“Die you half n half bastard, none of my shirts are ugly. I dress amazing. You and Deku on the other hand are fashion nightmares.” He mock-shuddered and despite his casual use of the word die he had a small smile on his face.
They delved into a debate on whether or not they could actually dress or not. It was amusing for Todoroki although he didn’t think he smiled at all. It was easier not to truthfully. The other two seemed to know he was happy and that’s all that mattered. It was part of the problem actually. He never had to act around them. He didn’t have to show his emotions completely for them to understand. He just had to hope they didn’t figure out how he really felt about them.
The movie ended but Midoriya hadn’t even seen the end. He was currently asleep on Todoroki’s lap. He wanted to move him to prevent things from getting awkward but he also wanted to let the man sleep. So he opted for sitting extremely still like a statue. He relaxed a bit when Bakugo left to wash the dishes saying “if you move and wake him up I’ll kill you.” It gave him the perfect excuse to keep letting Midoriya use his lap as a pillow.
The man on his lap kept shifting. He’d move his hair off his forehead but it kept falling back so he’d shift and move it again. He heard the water running, and chose that moment to do what he’d been wanting to. He moved the hair back himself. Gently combing the hair back with his fingers to keep it out of his face. He used his warm hand because the cold one might wake him up.
He moved his hand before Bakugo could return. Soon after that he left and went back to his own house. The guilt he felt caused him to leave more abruptly than he planned to. He had just walked in the door when he got a text.
Katsuki: image
Katsuki: I’m making this your contact picture.
His heart started to beat rapidly. It was a picture of him with his fingers in Midoriya’s hair. Somehow Bakugo had seen him and sent a picture. He didn’t seem mad though so Todorki was able to breathe a bit easier. He saved the picture happily before texting back.
:: what was it before?
Katsuki: image
It was a picture of Todoroki holding a cat he’d saved from a tree. It was during their first patrol when they’d started the new agency. He ended up giving the cat to his mom. They’d named it mittens. Interestingly enough, he didn’t know Bakugo had taken a photo at the time or held on to it this long. He felt his heart beat a little faster.
/ / / /
Izuku Midoriya was hugging him. Specifically, he’d been standing in Shoto’s arms for approximately five minutes. On his left side as always because he liked the heat. He’d run up saying he was being bullied by Uraraka and Kaminari. “Protect me Shoto” and since he only had one brain cell. He’d wrapped his arm around Midoriya’s shoulders. Instantly two arms wrapped around his waist.
His touch felt like Kaminari had zapped him even though he wasn't close enough to do so. He stayed perfectly still enjoying this moment while the three of them playfully argued. He saw Ashido sneak up then his phone buzzed a few moments later. He didn’t have to look to know she’d sent him a picture.
This was his third picture with Midoriya. The one of them in his bed. The one of Midoriya’s head in his lap. This one. He didn’t have any with Bakugo. He wanted one. He wanted one of the three of them together. That realization wasn’t new but it made him feel guilty when Bakugo walked into the room and looked at him. Bakugo looked at the way Midoriya was wrapped around him. He didn’t seem upset, which was almost worse.
He didn’t see Todoroki as a rival for Midoriya’s affections or his own. He wanted them to see him, like how they did before.
That was the start of his idea. The problem was he’d have to get Ashido to help him. He didn’t want to have to ask for help or admit how he felt but… if it gave him a chance to be with the two of them again… he would do it. He’d get her to take a picture for him too. This way he could recall what it feels like to be a part of them instead of simply dreaming about it.
____
Ashido squealed when he asked her for help. They made plans for next Friday. Hopefully, this would work out. He was mildly worried he’d ruin their friendship forever but Ashido assured him he could blame it on the alcohol later. He would be bold with his jokes and his touches. He’d use the alcohol as an excuse to get up close and personal with his two best friends.
Did this make him fucked up? Was he a bad person? He wasn’t sure. He didn’t have very many good role models. Ashido seemed like a good person and she didn’t think what he was planning was bad. She’d actually suggested he use the alcohol as an excuse if things went wrong.
Perhaps he was wrong but at least he had an accomplice.
___
Turns out he didn’t have to wait very long to get a picture. The air conditioning in the building was out so everybody was hot. All day everybody had been asking him to make Ice for them or cool them down. He didn’t really mind. The only one who didn’t ask was Bakugo. Out of everybody, he felt the heat the most though. Due to his quirk, he naturally ran hotter in the summer and absolutely hated the winter because it made it hard for him to produce as much nitroglycerin.
Instead of asking Bakugo why he didn’t ask Todoroki to cool him down when everyone else had, he walked up behind him while he was talking to Kirishima. If he was in the middle of a conversation he was less likely to attempt to blast Todoroki’s face. He wrapped his right arm around Bakugo. Because of their height difference, his arm rested perfectly on top of Bakugo’s shoulders. He let off a bit more cold air not enough for ice but enough to cool the blonde down.
“and then she… HEY! That’s not fair, I get blasted every time I touch you! Why can Todoroki do it?” Kirishima looked surprised, he wasn’t wrong though. Todoroki expected the blast to come anytime now.
“He can actually handle a blast to the face. Unlike you fucking crybaby.” Bakugo snapped, then he pulled Todoroki’s arm closer so that his forearm crossed his chest “And it’s hot as hell! Stop getting distracted then she did what?”
Kirishima shook his head and continued with whatever he’d been initially saying.
Todoroki tuned him out because he had one arm fully around Bakugo in some kind of strange hug. He was still behind him, basically hugging him from behind. Briefly, he wondered if Bakugo found it strange but decided he’d say so if he did. He was the one who initiated this further contact anyway.
“Better?” He asked in his ear because he didn’t want to interrupt his conversation but he wanted to know. Also, his ear was very close to his mouth if he bent his head down a little.
“Mhhm.” Bakugo replied to him quietly before talking louder to continue his conversation.
At some point, Midoriya walked by and said “don’t move! I want a picture of you two for your new contact pictures. Since Bakugo got a new picture for you I want to change mine too.” He raced to get his phone. Todoroki mock complained like he didn’t want to take a photo and Bakugo did too. Clearly, neither of them meant it because neither one of them moved until after Midoriya returned with his phone and took the picture.
It was nice. Bakugo was in front, hands in his pockets. Todoroki’s was half behind him with one arm wrapped across his chest. It looked like one of those old American pictures Todoroki had seen of sports jocks. One would sling thing arm across their teammate's shoulders from behind. It could’ve been completely platonic, who was he kidding? It was platonic but just like the pictures in his gallery with Midoriya in them, he kept them in a separate folder.
Folder: Favorites
___
They were all three in the locker room together after training. He tried not to stare too hard at either of them but it didn’t work very well. Bakugo was hot, in a ruff around the edges kind of way. Midoriya was pretty, scarred from their battles but very pretty.
When he was changing he heard a gasp. He’d gotten distracted staring at them. He usually waited to change his bottoms. Normally he kept pants on and never wore shorts, frankly he didn’t like them. The other reason was that he had a burn on the back of his thigh. He knew if they saw it they’d ask about it and he didn’t want to talk about it.
But… Midoriya was making that face. That sad one where you know he’s holding back tears. Bakugo’s face was angry but that wasn’t unusual. It didn’t matter though he could tell them. It wouldn’t change anything. He’d gotten over it a long time ago.
“Wh.. what is that?..what happened…?” Midoriya hesitantly asked, taking a step toward him.
Involuntarily he recoiled at the attempt to get closer. It wasn’t because he didn’t want to be close, it was more of a reflex.
“A burn, obviously.”
“No shit Icyhot, what the fuck happened?” Bakugo snapped at him. He looked like he wanted to kill someone. Ah, he probably thought something bad happened. It wasn’t as bad as he was imagining though.
“My soulmark is burned off,” he told them both, straightforward as always.
“What? When? By who?” Midoriya rapidly fired questions at him.
“By me.” He told them before leaving, not wanting to know what expressions they were making.
It didn’t matter. His parents had been soulmates yet his dad beat his mom, his dad was the reason she burned his face when he was a kid, his dad was the source of most of their family trauma. Yes, the great Endeavor was trying to become a better person. He was a lot different now but it didn’t change things. Todoroki thought, if that’s what it’s like to have a soulmate then I don’t want mine.
It took him five times to get the burn to stay and cover up his mark. He’d ended up in the hospital for a “severe burn injury” but at the time his dad was proud. “Yes Shoto get rid of all distractions” he’d praised. It made Todoroki sick but he was still glad he’d done it. He didn’t need a soulmate anyway.
He was still lost in thought when somebody bumped into him from behind. Familiar arms wrapped around his waist. It was Midoriya hugging him, he didn’t ask any questions just hugged him. That was very on-brand for Midoriya. He always knew exactly what Todoroki needed. This was what he always imagined coming home felt like. Being somewhere you’re understood and safe. He turned in his arms to return the hug. He rested his chin on Midoriya’s head, enjoying the hug for however long it lasted.
Later that day Bakugo dropped off a container of Zaru Soba for him not long after. It was his favorite food from the little hole-in-the-wall shop that was located in the next town over. It had to have taken him at least an hour to get it.
It was probably best he didn’t recall what his soulmark looked like or want his soulmate, whoever they were. Because he’d never give this up. Even if they didn’t feel the same, he was a part of their circle. They were his safe place, his favorite place, and he couldn’t imagine anyone else taking the spot that was clearly meant for them.
___
He dreamed about slowly fucking Midoriya. Making love to him, kissing him slow and deep while thrusting into him. He’d be crying and exclaiming how much he loved Todoroki. It would be wonderful.
He dreamed about roughly fucking Bakugo, having him bent over taking him as deep as possible. The blonde always taunted him in his dreams asking if that was all he had. If that was what he called rough. Every time he’d fuck him harder.
The best dreams were all three of them together, pleasing each other. He’d do both, he’d be both tender and rough with both of them. Truly he’d do anything they asked him to. If only they’d let him in. If somewhere they had room to be a trio all the time instead of only a trio at work. Could it work? Usually, Bakugo was angry when it came to Midoriya. Usually, Midoriya was possessive when it came to Bakugo.
Yet they each acted differently when he was around…
Midoriya smiled bright whenever Todoroki was with Bakugo. He would level them with that look he always had when he managed to find some limited edition All Might merch. Like it was the best thing ever.
Bakugo would never yell at him for being close with Deku. He was always eerily quiet and observant. At ease instead of on edge.
He hoped that meant they had room for him too…
___
Thursday. Bakugo gave him a bag with strict instructions not to open it until Friday night. He opened it immediately. It was an outfit to wear. Somehow all of his sizes were exactly right.
Bakugo gave gifts and did things to show he cared. Midoriya was physically affectionate, as in extremely clingy. He constantly found reasons to touch Todoroki.
He loved them so much it hurt.