Because of you {Tododeku/kiribaku}

Chapter 8

Todoroki hadn't responded to any of Midoriya's texts since their day at the pool and didn't sit next to him on the bus ride to the facility, his father's words still weighing on his conscience. But as soon as it became apparent that they'd have one hell of a fight on the way to the campgrounds, he'd pushed those feelings aside. After all, he'd promised Inko that he'd protect Izuku, even if it was just giant mud monsters created by one of their hosts.

The dual user had stayed in a group with Midoriya, Iida, and to his intense displeasure, Bakugo. The four of them were by far the most combat elite students of Class 1-A, so their combined efforts made it easier for him to watch over the green haired boy, and they smashed through the forest. The mud creatures had appeared fairly consistently, leaving them little time to do anything other than attack and defend, but even still, Todoroki could feel Midoriya's eyes on him sometimes. But he forced himself not to look back unless it was to lend tactical support.

When they finally reached the facilities, though exhausted, he breathed a sigh of relief. Izuku hadn't broken anything, and now he'd be able to distance himself without worrying about the teen's safety. This reprieve was short-lived, however, when he found out that the bathing area was communal.

The wounds his father had given him, both emotionally and physically, were still raw. It was almost more than he could bear to ignore the boy he cared for so much, especially when they would be around each other for summer camp. But he knew that having to watch Midoriya's dreams evaporate simply because of his selfish desires would be so much worse. In addition to all of that emotional turmoil, his body felt like it was about to fall apart as well, the days workout leaving him with severe fatigue and soreness.

"To make matters worse, if I get in the baths tonight and anyone sees the bruises my father left, they'll start asking questions. And if Midoriya hears about them, he will surely know that my injury is connected with how distant I've been since the day at the pool. He won't be able to help himself... He'll start to meddle."

Todoroki knew that if the worst happened and Midoriya did find out, he'd probably lose the uphill battle to stay away from him. If those green eyes peered up at him, begging for answers, he doubted he could stay silent and indifferent.

As he scarfed the delicious food down during dinner, he contemplated how to deal with the situation. He really did need a bath, and the hot springs would definitely help his aching body, but ultimately, was that worth the emotional risk?

Midoriya sat down in the hot water, rubbing his aching muscles after the hard training that day. Everyone seemed to be utterly spent and relaxing except for Mineta, who was edging closer to the diving wall between the baths, and Todoroki, who'd been actively avoiding him.

He waded over slowly, as if moving too quickly would frighten the teen off, but soon realized the other wasn't paying the slightest bit of attention. "Uh... hey..." he started, hesitating. The dual user had been the first one to leave dinner and come out here, so Midoriya was sure he would leave soon.

Todoroki seemed to snap out of his thoughts and sink lower into the water, his eyes much more guarded than they had been in the last few weeks. "What is it, Midoriya?" he questioned quietly.

The teen sat beside him, scooting in close so that he could whisper. However, to Shoto, the distance was far too close for comfort. All he'd need to do was lean an inch and he'd be pressed up against Izuku's soft bare skin.

"Did I do something wrong?" Midoriya asked in a hushed voice.

Todoroki blinked several times and then finally worked up the courage to look over, wincing at the sad, guilt-ridden expression on his crushes face. He had been trying to keep his distance unless it was necessary, but he hadn't really thought about what message that might send the sensitive boy until that moment.