In the Flames of Desire

Chapter 4- Agony

Deku

~~~~~

I was in his arms when I woke up. I thought that he might have moved in his sleep but when I turned my head I saw that I was the one who had moved.

He was on the same side as when he started.

One of his arms was overtop of my side, the other behind over my head which was against his chest. He was holding me in his arms. But he was still asleep, and I realized it was because it was early in the morning, the sun hadn't even risen yet.

I went to pull myself away but then his eyes fluttered open, only half-awake. He gave me a smile, looking down at me.

"Izuku," he whispered, his voice deeper than normal. He reached his arm to toward my hair and ran his fingers through it, "soft." he mumbled, barely keeping his eyes open. I smiled softly.

He smelled like me. He smelled like my shampoo and body wash. I looked up at him, not wanting to move away anymore. But was it fair of me to stay?

He leaned down a kissed my forehead gently before closing his eyes again, a small smile on his face.

This wasn't fair to him, I should have moved but I didn't. He was so warm, and they way he held me made me feel safe. I felt so safe.

I wasn't sure how I felt about him but... but I knew that I wanted this. Right now, I wanted to fall back asleep in his arms.

~

Light streamed through the window onto my face, I opened my eyes squinting.

I turned my head ready to curl myself back into Todoroki's chest but I found it empty. I frowned, looking around the room. He wasn't here.

I slid out of the bed and opened the door. I heard movement in the downstairs kitchen. I prayed It was Todoroki- my heart started to beat faster. It wouldn't be Okawa, he wouldn't try coming here again.

I needed to calm down. And then I remembered earlier this morning, the way he smelled, the way he held onto me. Even in his sleep he made me feel safe. I smiled. Okawa couldn't hurt me anymore.

I rushed into the bathroom to brush my teeth and found an extra toothbrush next to mine. It was red. As I walked back into my room, a toothbrush in my mouth, I noticed a few bags next to the couch.

Had he gone to get his clothes already? I heard movement on the stairs, it was definitely Todoroki. Something in my chest relaxed.

I finished in the bathroom, and when I found my way back into the room, he was standing in the doorframe holding two cups.

"I- I made some tea." he held out a cup to me and I took it. It was still hot. I inhaled the sweet peppermint scent it gave off and lifted it to my lips.

"Wait, you used the kettle?" he nodded, making his way to the couch.

"It's not so bad anymore- before I couldn't even go near them but now I'm just... careful." He looked toward the window as he sat down.

"Oh," It was a stupid thing to bring up I thought, "did you go get your things already?" he shook his head.

"I called a friend to bring them, I didn't want to leave you alone while you were asleep." he blushed. Did he remember earlier this morning, or was he too asleep?

"Thanks for the tea." I said, taking another sip. I sat down next to him, closer than I probably should have.

"Yeah, now I know why you always smell like mint." he blushed again, looking away. I just smiled, "I mean- you just had a lot of peppermint tea." I laughed, looking at the side of his face.