In the Flames of Desire

Chapter 2- Shadows

Todoroki

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I had wanted to stay, but I hadn't planned on it. I would have thought he wouldn't have wanted to see me for too long.

But then he asked me to stay, and I couldn't say no. I couldn't ever say no. I reached towards the Soba in front of me and opened the box.

He was already eating, slowly, but he was eating. I was glad he wasn't neglecting his physical health.

He had smiled at me. I stared at him where he did, I couldn't help it. I hadn't seen it in such a long time and all I wanted to do was something I never would, not without him asking me to.

I brought the noodles to my mouth and saw him looking at me, I almost choked.

"What?" I asked, my mouth full of food, I felt my face flame.

"Nothing, I just still don't understand why you came back." I briefly closed my eyes, and then turned my body so I faced him completely.

"Because I never stopped caring Izuku. I don't want to say I was watching you, but I- I kept tabs." I dropped my hands into my lab, "I- I should have come sooner, I'm sorry." I didn't look at him, I couldn't. I should have come the day I found out he left Okawa but I was too nervous.

I didn't think he wanted anything to do with me.

"D-don't blame yourself Shoto," I knew he was looking at me but I couldn't lift my gaze, "It took me too long to realize who he really was, and I... I should have listened to you. I was a fool." his voice was sad, broken. I hated myself for not getting him out of there.

"You were in love." I debated reaching out to him, and the rejected the idea. I didn't know what I could do. What would send him into a flashback.

"Don't remind me." he laughed, it wasn't a happy laugh. But more a regretful one, filled with sadness.

"I'm sorry." I leaned back, farther away from him. I didn't know how to act, I closed my eyes.

Fuck.

This wasn't going how I wanted. I felt selfish, because I just wanted my friend back and maybe... maybe help him move onto someone else. Someone who can treat him better.

I knew I would but... he had never seen me like that before.

"Don't apologize, please, I fucked everything up, not you." I felt something touch my hand and my eye shot open, Izuku had placed his hand on top of mine. "I never should have pushed you away." I felt my eyes burn.

He was touching me. My heart was beating fast, and I knew I had to control the heat rising to my face.

I was staring at his hand. I knew it was odd, but it was either that or stare at his face. And I don't think I would have been able to stare at his face without kissing him. God, I needed to control this.

"Are you okay?" he asked, I didn't know what to say. I wanted to kiss him so badly.

"Yeah, sor-" he laughed as I stopped myself from apologizing again, "I'm fine." I looked at him, and found him looking at me again.

I hated myself for letting Okawa take him away from me. There was nobody else I wanted more than this man. His green eyes drew me in and it took everything in my to stay calm. I needed him in my life.

"Shoto?" His hand still lay on top of mine, he shifted himself forward in his seat.

"Yeah?" I could barely control my breathing, he wasn't exactly close, but it was close enough that I could smell mint. He always smelled like mint.