In Each of Our Hearts

Closer Than You Think

Todoroki sighed, popping his neck. Finals had been brutal. Academically, they'd been simple enough, but the practical hero course final had been nearly impossible. If Shouto was honest with himself, he likely wouldn't have passed if it hadn't been for Yaoyarozu.

Regardless, their test was over, with a passing grade no less. So Shouto was on his way to Recovery Girl's observatory to see his classmates' exams. The teachers had explained that, due to Midoriya's absence there would be one group of three; Iida, Ojiro, and Tokoyami, against Power Loader. Todoroki was sure he wasn't the only one who felt a slight pain at the words. Though, he'd refused to let himself think of who Midoriya would have been paired with if he had been there. (Quite obviously Bakugou.)

Upon walking in, Shouto was met with the sight of many more classmates staring at the large screen than he expected. His unasked question was soon answered by the sight of Bakugou Katsuki and Tsuu (as she insisted to be called,) plowing through Ectoplasm's clones. Or, more accurately, blowing through them. As Bakugou was almost frantic in his movements, though Todoroki knew better. He was surprisingly thoughtful when it came to battle strategies.

"He isn't going to pass this way." Shouto turned to Yaoyarozu, who had walked up beside him. "Ectoplasm can spawn his clones for far too long to be worn out by their skill level." He just nodded in response, knowing she was right. Though he was unable to hear what was being said, it was clear that Tsuu was attempting to point this out, but it seemed to fall on deaf ears.

Internally, he sighed. If Bakugou insisted on fighting his way out, the best way of passing would be to try to escape. But, if Todoroki knew one thing about his explosive classmate, it was his pride. And, in all likelihood, that was why he was paired with Tsuu. Given her blunt nature compared to his overzealous aggression and pride, they were easily a match made in hell when forced to work together. Shouto had figured out the true purpose of the pairing choices rather quickly, it dawning on him minutes before his own exam. They were being paired with those who would play to their weaknesses, making the test as difficult as possible. But, the test did as it was designed, in his case at least. Shouto had been paired with Yaoyarozu due to her lack of confidence, and his rather unsavory habit of allowing his own thoughts and opinions to cloud rationality.

"There's no way he'll pass!" Ashido laughed slightly, though it was far from sincere.

"Yeah, there's only a few minutes left." Kaminari spoke now, seeming just as nervous as the acid-wielder. They continued speaking, but Todoroki found himself tuning them out. Instead his focus was on the large screen in front of the group, zooming in on the two students, both looking exhausted. He saw Tsuu speak, but couldn't make out what she had said, though Bakugou had clearly heard it. At least, if the way his entire body went rigid was anything to go by.

Things delved into chaos in a matter of seconds.

The only thing that could be seen before the live-video cut out was a bright light, debris seeming to be thrown at the camera.

~~~~~~~~~Line~Break~~~~~~~~~

Midoriya stood outside the tall, strong walls that protected UA. He could do nothing but stare.

Had he really attended this school? A school to train heroes, that was run by the very heroes he'd worshiped for so long? Was this really where he thought he was chasing his dream, only for it to be utterly destroyed by those he'd worshipped?

A sharp pain ran through his head, causing his chest to heave. Izuku brought his hand to his head, feeling utterly exhausted. Ever since his encounter in Hosu, these strange pains would take resident in his temples, akin to that of fire. Another sharp pain tore through his head, causing him to gasp silently.

Midoriya was eternally grateful that he'd decided to wear both a hoodie and a sick mask to cover his face. He knew that if he stayed any longer, he would attract more attention; something that he certainly didn't want, considering that he'd snuck out of the bar. And, yet, despite the threat of bodily harm should he stay, Izuku found himself rooted to the spot, stuck staring at the imposing barrier between him and the world's next heroes.

Midoriya wasn't sure how long he stood there, staring. He couldn't bring himself to care, even as fire was being forced behind his temples.

Eventually, he found it within himself to leave, walking slowly to not attract attention. As he walked, he glanced to the side, an undeniable sense of deja vu coming over him as he saw the entrance of an alley. Foreign images flashed through his mind of concern for others, him running to the aid of no one. Speaking to a familiar heterochromatic boy, hearing an undeserved thanks pass from his lips.

To hell with appearances, Midoriya needed to go. Now.

So he ran. Ran from the thoughts. Ran from the images plaguing his mind.

Dammit! Who was this Todoroki? Why didn't he remember him? Why did he thank him?

Midoriya felt his mind working faster and faster, questions steadily growing, mind reeling.

Who was he? Who was he? Whowashewhowashewhowashewho-

Midoriya stood outside the bar, chest heaving. His mind was still clouded with questions, causing it to spin.

They would depart soon.

And soon, Izuku would get his answers. No matter what it took.