On the Run

Comfort

Caim: an invisible circle of protection, drawn around the body with the hand that reminds you that you are safe and loved.- a word that I found on Pinterest that doesn't exist anymore

Shoto Todoroki felt weird.

He couldn't find a word to describe how he felt except weird.

Being in this house, surrounded by friends and his thoughts, made him feel weird.

The feeling started slow, a painful clench in his chest, a dark sensation filling his lungs. Clenched fists, awkward interactions, one-worded answers, sometimes snide remarks. It was horrible.

He'd been feeling like this ever since they'd arrived at (Y/N)'s home. It started small, the way you would avoid them like the plague, how much you worked, how busy you were. But then you started getting comfortable, talking one-on-one with Midoriya and everyone else. You were home a little more, and he felt your presence everywhere.  

You shared little pieces with yourself, that would otherwise have never been heard of.

Then, it was the children. Sometimes, he would observe how you'd engage and encourage them, the way you seemed to adore them and vice versa. The way you would fawn over them, and the way they loved you. It made him feel... cold.

He didn't usually feel like he was cold. Especially because of his quirk. He felt like he was the only person in the room, even though he lived with several others and shared a room with his best friends.

He found himself withdrawing more, leaving him in his little world.

Things shifted again of course. After the attack, you'd gone through a period where no one could reach you. He felt weird then too, watching as you withdrew within yourself again. This time, you didn't speak, you didn't even leave your room. You were a shell of yourself, and he got that weird feeling again.

But then things changed when he cooked with you.

Iida had created a new rule; you and one other person should be in the kitchen making dinner. At first, Iida didn't want you to do anything, but you were adamant about this. The kitchen was the only other place you could get a little peace, and Oliver refused to eat anything you didn't have a hand in making (which Bakugo was able to break through, surprisingly, through many cooking sessions with all of them and having you taste everything), unless it was take-out.

It was Todoroki's turn, even though Bakugo reminded everyone that he was useless in the kitchen. 

You were making fried rice, instructing him on the process.  It was simple and easy. You had asked Todoroki to cut the carrots. He did it with no problem, except you patted his arm in thanks, and he froze. A shiver rolled down his spine, and he wasn't sure why. Throughout the time that you cooked together, you gave him quiet 'thank you' s, patted his back, and showed him when he wasn't doing something correctly, all the while encouraging him.

He felt tense the entire time, unsure how to even process the compliments. Were you making fun of him? Or were you patronizing him? You weren't like this to the others. You were withdrawn, quiet like him. But with him, you were talking more and acting differently. He couldn't handle it. 

It just added to his conflicting feelings when it came to you. He wasn't sure if he disliked you, or wanted to be your friend. You were friendly sometimes, like when you watched superheroes with him and Midoriya.

But then you were strict, scary and unfeeling. These were the days you'd come home from work, and your work persona was still in control. Some days you were (Y/N) and some days you were Terra. 

He could handle Terra, but (Y/N) is what he couldn't handle.

So he decided that when everyone went to sleep, he was going to talk to you, alone.