The Hope Barely Found

Babbling is the new Battling

Todoroki and Shinso were the first two called up to fight. They couldn't resist laughing at the irony of their situation as they met on stage and got ready to fight. So different from the first time they met yet so similar in the same way.

"Guess now we'll see who should've won," Todoroki noted.

"And no punishments for losing!" Shinso crowed.

Todoroki sent Izuku a quick look while Mic announced the fighters and match number, taking a moment to study the freckled boy. Izuku stood right next to the ring, keeping a close eye on them both though admittedly his gaze kept sliding over to Todoroki. Both their gazes met and they both turned away just as fast, bright red flush painted on their cheeks.

The two looked at each other as the match was called to a start. Todoroki swung forward first with Shinso meeting him in the middle. Todoroki sent a punch at Shinso's face only for him to dodge and respond with a well aimed kick that Todoroki jumped back to avoid. Todoroki tried to swing around behind Shinso only for  Shinso to twist, refusing to let him get the jump on him. Giving up on that strategy, Todoroki instead opted to send a high kick towards Shinso's stomach, hitting his mark dead on and causing Shinso to collapse to the ground as all the air left his lungs and tears sprung to his eyes, temporarily blurring his vision.

Todoroki took the chance to try and slam his foot into Shinso's head. Shinso didn't give him the chance, instead rolling to the side to avoid it before forcing himself upwards and swinging his fist forward, catching Todoroki in the shoulder with enough force to make him stumble backwards. Todoroki regained his footing faster then Shinso had and slammed an elbow into his neck before ducking to slam it into his knee caps, efficiently making Shinso collapse once again.

This went on for a while, a mess of attacks as they continuously jumped at each other, swinging and dodging. Finally the match was ended by Todoroki getting close enough to flip Shinso backwards, making him stumble and take a half a step off of the stage which at last signaled the end of the match.

"...AND TODOROKI SHOTO IS THE WINNER!" Mic crowed, biting back his cheers. He's supposed to be staying neutral and sticking to the facts of each match despite it being an incredible fight.

Todoroki went over to where Shinso was panting, collapsed on the ground, and offered him a hand though he was out of breath too. "Not bad."

Shinso nodded, taking it to gratefully boost himself up. "Thanks. Not bad yourself."

The two walked off the stage together towards Izuku who had been watching the whole thing with a tilted head. It made Todoroki's heart melt at the adorableness.

Kaminari and Sero were next on stage, their own fight about to start while Todoroki and Shinso walked Izuku to their classes section above the stage.

"I guess you would've won," Shinso hummed thoughtfully.

Todoroki shook his head. "Nah, different circumstances, different results. What would've happened back at the cage fight is anyone's guess."

Shinso sent Todoroki a grateful smile, trying and failing to push the overwhelming punishing thoughts out of his head. 

They took seats next to each other in the front row, leaving room for Kaminari to sit next to Shinso when he was done his match. Shinso watched the fight -Kaminari- intently, refusing to take his eyes off of him for even a second as Kaminari dodged over and over, refusing to take a swing. Sero continued swinging at Kaminari, sending out kicks and trying desperately to punch him using the full force of his body. Kaminari just kept on jumping back or to the side, avoiding all the hit.

Finally Kaminari jumped forward and onto Sero, wrapping his legs tightly around his torso as he leaned his head back and head-butted Sero as hard as he possibly could. Sero let out a shriek of pain and Kaminari hissed from the discomfort but released Sero, letting him stumble to the side and right out of the ring. Kaminari cheered victoriously while Sero rubbed his aching head. He could feel a bad headache coming on.