{UNTIL THE END} Todoroki x Fem!Reader

Navigating the Unknown

chapter nineteen

The next thing you know you're waking up, your surroundings still cloaked in darkness. With a sense of urgency, you call out for Todoroki, but there's no response. Your voice echoes through the confined space, meeting only silence.

Just as you start to feel a surge of panic rising within you, Mei's voice crackles over the Bluetooth connection. "Y/N, can you hear me? The boys are busy digging. It's past three o'clock, and they've been working tirelessly to get you out. I'm surprised you're up."

Relief washes over you as you realize that they haven't abandoned you. Grateful for their help and hard work, you ask Mei how she's still awake at this hour.

A faint chuckle escapes Mei's lips. "Caffeine is a girl's best friend, Y/N. But enough about that. I've figured out a way to get you out of there. Just hold on a little longer."

The sound of digging and scraping echoes in the distance, reassuring you that the team is hard at work. 

"So what is your plan anyway?" you ask, your voice filled with hope.

Mei's voice comes through the Bluetooth, brimming with confidence. "I've managed to secure a whole bunch of tools and get them to your team. We're going to create a narrow tunnel to reach you. It might take some time, but we won't stop until we get you out, Y/N. Just stay strong."

Hours pass, and the sound of digging and scraping persists, growing louder as dawn approaches. It's around seven am when you notice the tremors in the ground grow louder- closer- indicating that the team is nearby. Fueled by determination, you join in the effort, using your hands to dig desperately.

As your fingers plunge into the earth, a surge of emotion overwhelms you. It feels like an eternity, but finally, your hand reaches down into the hole and grasps Todoroki's. At that moment, a surge of emotion overwhelms you, and tears begin to stream down your face.

"You made it," you cry out to them.

"You're doing so well, Y/N," Todoroki's voice calls out to you reassuringly. "Just a few more minutes and we'll have you out of there."

Just as Todoroki says, the group uses the rest of their strength to widen the opening, allowing enough space for a person to crawl through. The team then makes their way through to you, pulling you into a group hug. You can hear their collective sigh of relief as their tools drop to the ground. 

Mei's voice crackles through the Bluetooth, tears evident in her words. "I wish I could give you a hug, Y/N. I'm so glad you're safe."

After that, your group takes a well-deserved break, sitting down to rest in the mostly pitch-black tunnel. You sit beside Todoroki, leaning your head against his shoulder, finding comfort in his presence. 

As the day goes on, Bakugou approaches you, his tone laced with determination. "Time to get back to work. You think you can handle it?" he asks, his eyes searching yours.

A small smile forms on your lips. "Of course, Bakugou. I'm ready."

The team then resumes their digging with your added help this time, the shared goal to get them further down the tunnel. Hours melt together as you work relentlessly to clear the blockage and reach the other side. Finally, just as your eyes begin to start closing on their own, a sense of accomplishment washes over the team. The pathway is now clear.

Exhausted yet content with your job well done, your group finds a spot to sit, your bodies craving rest after the hard task you just spent all day doing. Bakugou places his flashlight in the center, its beam casting a warm glow upwards, creating something like a campfire ambiance. Sero's face then lights up with a mischievous grin, drawing curious glances from Midoriya and the rest of the group.

"What are you making that face for, Sero?" Midoriya asks, his curiosity piqued.

Sero's grin widens, and he reveals a bottle he had somehow managed to steal from Iida. Mei gasps audibly through your earpiece. The distant sound of Iida's voice filters through the Bluetooth connection, his inquiries evident. However, Mei quickly steps in, her voice filled with playful mischief as she covers for Sero, "Oh, Ida! It's, uh, nothing!"

Unbothered, Sero pops the bottle open, taking a bold sip, relishing the moment. "You all have such serious looks on your faces. Relax, Ida won't even know it's gone. Besides, we could all use a little something to celebrate."

"I never thought I'd see the day when Sero becomes our resident thief," Bakugou shakes his head.

Sero rolls his eyes and passes the bottle of Midoriya who hesitates for a moment before joining in the impromptu gathering. The bottle continues to make its rounds, each member taking a sip, the liquid offering a brief break from the challenges you've all faced.

Amidst the shared sips and the silence, Sero leans in, his voice soft yet honest. "You know, before I met all of you, my life was pretty different. I was always looking for something meaningful to do with my life, but I didn't know what until I found this group. I really owe it to each of you for giving me a sense of purpose. I'm grateful to have all of you in my life."

You listen intently, captivated by Sero's words, the warmth of his sentiment spreading through the group. But it's Mei who speaks up first. You didn't know she was still listening, but whatever. "Sero, we feel the same way about you. You are definitely an important part of our team. We're stronger with you, and I can't imagine how we'd be able to do any of this without you."

As you glance around, you catch Bakugou rolling his eyes, seemingly unaffected by the sentiment. But then it's Todoroki who breaks the silence, his voice filled with genuine sincerity.

"I agree with Mei. Sero, you've been an invaluable asset to our team. Your support and ingenuity have made a real difference. We're grateful to have you by our side."

Sero's eyes widen with surprise and a flicker of emotion, his usual playful demeanor momentarily replaced by a sense of gratitude. The acknowledgment from his teammates carries weight, reminding him of the impact he truly has made.