#1 In My Heart

Leaving

Todoroki POV

Therapy was a lot harder today. I had to explain to her about Kats and Ei leaving. I can tell she's trying to work me through it. But I'm too stubborn. I know they're going to call Ei in too. I'm not dumb. They've probably called in a lot of people. I'll just have to find something to do with all my free time while they're gone I guess. I hear my phone vibrating in the cup holder of my car.

It's Ei.

"Hey babe. Don't be mad. I have to cancel lunch"
"You're going with Kats aren't you..."
"Yes..."
"Okay... You still don't know how long you're going to be gone for, huh?"
"No..."
"Okay..."
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah..."
"Kats and I have a surprise for you when we get back"
"Yeah?"
"Of course. You're our favorite boy on the planet. Why wouldn't we have a surprise for you?"
That makes me giggle.
"It'll be something to look forward too, okay babe?"
"Fine. I guess I can't be too sad then."
"We both love you. We don't want you to be sad."
"I can't help it."
"I know baby. I'm sorry."
"Promise me you are both going to come back perfectly fine."
"You know I can't promise that baby."
"Please..."
"Okay baby. I promise. We'll come back safe and sound"
"You have to go now don't you..."
"Yeah. But we'll see you later right?"
"Right"
"Okay baby. I'll talk to you soon."
"Bye"
"Bye"

I sit in my car and just kind of cry. Honestly I didn't know what else to do besides cry. I should be going too. I turn on the car and just drive. I didn't know where I was planning on going but for some reason I drove myself to the agency. I walk in and am greeted by everyone.

"Oh Shouto! It's your day off. Why are you here?"
"Why is everyone being sent on a mission but me?"
"You heard..."
"Of course I heard. Ka... Bakugou and Kirishima are going and they're my bo... best friends!"
We haven't exactly discussed going completely public with that yet. So it's best if I just don't say anything.
"Who else is going?" I question.
"We can't really say..."
"Fine. Tell them I'm going too."
"I'm sorry sir but..."
"I wasn't asking."
"Oh hey Shouto!" Of course it's Burnin.
"Hey Burnin. Whats up?"
"I thought you'd be leaving by now."
"For what?" I question confused.
"I was told they were going to dispatch you."
"For what?" I question again.
"The mission that everyone's on. They said they needed all hands on deck. Which I assumed would include yours"
"Mm no. I haven't heard anything yet anyway."
"Oh. That's weird. Maybe they're still calling everyone. Don't lose hope, though okay? You deserve to be out there with your friends. Not stuck in some dusty old building."
"Thanks" I say flashing a smile. That actually makes me feel a lot better. I hope I end up getting called. I hate that everyone is out there while I'm stuck here.

"Well. Since I'm here. I'll be in the office catching up on work, if any of you need me, please don't hesitate to come in, okay?"
"Got it!" They all say as they go back to work. I leave my phone on my desk, just in case, while I get started on the mountain of paperwork in front of me. Before I can even get started I see my phone start to ring. I answer it immediately.

"Hello?"
"Hi. This is Todoroki Shouto, correct?"
"Yes. Who am I speaking with?"
"Oh great! We've been trying to reach you all morning but someone had your phone number written down wrong and then we couldn't find the real copy. Sorry. It's been hectic. So. How soon can you come out for a mission"
"Immediately sir. Immediately"
"Perfect. Gather you and all the sidekicks you have in the conference room. We'll brief there. Bye"
"Thank you so much sir. Bye"

"Man. It's been a while since I've been in the conference room. I wonder who it is this time. It's gotta be something major if they're calling a lot of us in." I say to everyone.
I turn the tv on to get ready for the missions details.
"Hey Shouto!" I hear a voice coming from the tv but no picture.
"Uh sir. I think your cameras off"
"Oh. Sorry about that."
"Better? Can you see me? Can you hear me okay?"
"Yep. All good! So what's going on?"
"The league of villains... they've come back."
"The leagues back?? And you sent Kats and Midoriya to fight them?! Are you aware of all the torture those villains put us through when we were kids?!"
"Yes. We know. But you guys are our only hope. You did it once. I'm sure you can do it again no problem."
"But sir"
"We'll send you the details of the location. You need to be here by tomorrow at the latest. We'll talk soon. Bye Shouto!"
"Oh! One more thing. Glad to have you back!"
"Thanks sir..."

"Alright guys. You heard him. Let's get everything ready. I have to go home real quick to grab a couple things. While I'm gone, keep an eye out for location details, yeah?"
"Yes, sir!"
"I'll be back"

I wonder how long they've had the wrong phone number.

I race home to get everything ready and packed. As I walk into the apartment I notice two boxes on the counter. I'm guessing one is from Kats and the other is from Ei. I open the box on the right first. It's a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a teddy bear, and some of my favorite candy. I open the card and tears form as I read it.

S,
I'm sorry. Leaving you has never been easy for me. I was so angry that I had to leave, that I took it out on you, and that isn't fair. Please forgive me. I love you.
K

Oh Kats. If only you knew that the exact same thing happened to me... I open the second box. There's gift cards to my favorite soba place, candy, some new mangas I wanted, and a couple of movies. I read the card.

Sho
I got all your favorites to keep you entertained hopefully until we get back. Don't spend the gift cards all on the same day.
E

I'll see you both real soon, guys. Wait for me.

I go into my room to grab all my stuff and notice a small box on the bed.

This is from both of us. Because we love you and already miss you. K&E

I open it to see a good keychain. There was a picture of the three of us laser engraved on it, the other side read

No matter where we go, we'll always be with you

I can't wait to give them the biggest hug when I see them.