isleofavalon | [closed] we were at the table by the window with the view

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[closed] we were at the table by the window with the view

🧙 WHO: Midoriya Izuku & Friends
⚔️️ WHAT: Closed catch all log for the month of September! If you would like a thread you can find me on the cr meme for plotting.
🕒 WHEN: Throughout the month of September
🗺️ WHERE: Where theses threads take place
⚠️ WARNINGS: tbh

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[I don't know which Midoriya you are?

Izuku watches the other with something sinking in his chest. But as he goes on Izuku realizes he's talking about a difference in timelines. What they know about each other and what they know about what's going on at home. It makes him realize that they are more distant from each other than ever.

He looks down. Holding the sleeping sheep he gently puts the little one down and starts to get to work at gently shearing off bits of thick wool. Collecting it in the basket provided. The work helps him settle his overthinking mind. And ease the anxiety slightly.]

Todoroki-kun... Even if this place... isn't where we want to be? Even if it's not home? I still want to do my best. No matter where I am, I want to be a hero. It doesn't matter where or what we're doing, I'm still going to try my best to do that. To be... who I am.

[...]

And I just... I'd like it if my friend was with me. If you were here to talk about everything that's happening. In both places.

[He wants to share these things. He wants to know what's going on. He wants to talk to Todoroki.]

[It's an odd conversation. Both holding sheep; night and day in all their difference, somehow friends. And Shoto's staring right back. His sight follows after, and then he's folding beside him, clutching the sheep.

Always together, once. His first real friendship since freeing himself of all the painful things bound to him. He can hear it well enough: Midoriya's telling him, don't be distant. It's stunning to think he's even noticed, when Shoto assumes he's close with others, their friends, supports of which had always seemed stronger to him. That one's gone AWOL shouldn't matter, and yet he's hinting the opposite. Though Shoto's clearly confused in it, living too-short a while meaning something to someone. They're just as much rivals now, when he strives to be better, hiding complicated feelings still. He wants to be back-up, though at the same time surpassing him—stronger first—intolerant of anything short of "Number One Hero". Keeping eyes on him. But, Midoriya's special. He's selfless, and noble, and he wants to protect that. When he's owed him a lifetime.

His heart is too crowded, hands distractedly working through loosening cotton-fluff.

Peering over at him.]

I know that. [Knighthood suits him.] It's like I said... there's something I need to do now, and I think you'd understand it. [To make things right again.] I'm no different than you are, but I can't lose sight of things either. [I want to protect you's unspoken, and still, his mind's in two spaces, two worlds—a very fiery encounter waiting at the ends of this—and his words are hard to grasp; caught between listening silence and what he truly means to say.] I've already done that, once.

[But he's patient with the rest; not rushing, not turning away from him. His tone is still cautious, and when he next speaks, his words slow thoughtfully.]

You're you, aren't you? [His wildest dreams aren't this vivid, and part of him doubts this, wants to shove him because he isn't sure he's not magic-made. A breathing illusion.]

I'm still here.

[His eyes retreat lower, now, and he hates what he's feeling; that he's hurt someone... again. Eyes on his own inner battles.]

Everyone's with you. [Bakugou and Uraraka; Tokoyami and Kirishima. Who wasn't his ally?] I didn't think you'd feel alone at all... But I was wrong.

[And he can't wrap his mind around it.]

[Izuku looks down, watching the little sheep's nose twitch gently as he continues to work. Collecting the wool seems like such a simple task but important all the same. These sheep will feel some relief after been shorn. Like taking a big burden off of them.

That's why he looks back up at Todoroki and he can't help the way his eyes water. Tears threatening to sting his eyes that he fights to keep back. Wiping the back of his hand against them quickly before they can fall. He doesn't want to cry in front of the other.]

I know there are things you want to do. Both in this world and our homeworld, Todoroki-kun. But I-

[He's been through so much. Before this world. The battle back home, the way he has so much more weight on his shoulders now. The hardships of this world. He can only tell Katsuki and Ochako so much about it. He's wanted his friend. He's wanted Todoroki to talk to.]

You're my friend so I want to know how you're doing. If there's anything I can do to help you. If there's anything I can talk to you about. I feel like there's so much I want to say.

[He's not mad at the other boy. He just thought that they were best friends. After everything they've been through together. He did feel alone when he needed a friend. But he mutters nervously,]

If we could try again, as friends, I think I'd want that.

Midoriya. [Mute surprise, here. He isn't as dull as he seems at first; and, though his worry's still hidden—lacking expressions beyond his too-subtle eye shifts—he sees brushed away tears now.

His brows furrow.] You seriously don't get it...?

[Easing up clumsily, he wanders a moment, though only to find another sheep before he drops near to sit again, inches away.] Don't misunderstand me. [Another quiet spark flares inside, and human furnace heats over, suppressing his magic.]

It's because we're friends.

[He hesitates, again. Looks defeated because his thoughts are too scattered.]

I won't ask you to believe that... but it's pointless if I'm no good yet. If I can't back you up.

[Just like that. Though he's forced it out, shamelessly, too simply once stated.] I've been thinking. I'll definitely become someone you'd rely on. To be worthy of that. [Of you, the boy thinks. A better friend; a perfect rival. The sinking voice behind his words keeps an open admittance. His eyes drop lower, and then he's glancing up honestly.] If you're thinking something, say it. 'Cause you're the one I trust the most here. [And, by his own advice,] But if you really don't mind, then, I'll be by your side. I'll share your battles here, too.

[Embarrassing. His eyes drift, uncomfortably. A dimming glow beneath lashes.]

On one condition. [Still cautious, fixed expression set in place.] You'd better wake up if you wanna fight together.

[But it's all he can ask of him.]

Sorry... I didn't tell you what I was thinking. Up until I'd met you, I'd always done things on my own; my own way. But I'd never seen you injured like that, and I don't know if it'll happen again.

[His hands work anxiously, stealing the wool.]

I'm not sure what I can change here, but I'd feel better if I could see you. So, if it's alright I'm still weak, I'll shadow you the closest.

[His best friend. He doesn't assume it's been mutual.]

That's my starting point.

[When Todoroki moves to sit near him that is when Izuku looks up from his work again. His fingers stop and he puts down the wool shears. The sheep lets out a gentle little bleat before it starts to graze at the grass as if it's content with just hanging around. It makes for a cute little comical moment between the two of them that actually makes Izuku smile.]

I think... the sheep has something to say too.

[He sits down next to his friend. Letting the moment sink in and wondering how things will turn out in this world after everything that's happened for them. How things will turn out at home. Their futures and what he wants... He nods.]

Todoroki-kun... Don't worry. I promise I wake up. And I promise that there's something that I'll need your help with-- someday. And I'll do my best to rely on you when that happens.

[That deep echo of One For All is missing from his chest in this world. But the responsibility of it is still on Izuku's shoulders.]

Because we're friends. Because you're one of the people that I know I can already rely on. You're amazing, and an amazing hero too. The battles that we'll face here and back home... I don't know what will happen. But as heroes and friends... We can do it together. What I want to say is I want to be able to see our future together.

[Because Izuku does think they're best friends. And maybe both of them gave to work on the idea that they don't need to do things alone. Izuku is still struggling with the idea of pulling his most loved friends into his drama. But he knows he's trying to grow from that too.]

Ne... I was thinking. You were wondering about becoming a knight?

[Together! Be a knight with Izuku!!!]

The sheep does?

[Oh... He's teasing him.

The bit of normal comes quietly. That he's so worked up, the subtle humor's brushed over him, nearly missed there. He's thoughtful a moment, ears still burning with mild embarrassment. But, he's said a lot, hasn't he? Midoriya speaks and boy listens, sheep curling against his lap as fingers smooth away cotton.

And then...

I wake up.

His eyes go wide, and then he's glancing up from wool with almost child-like wonder.

When that happens, he's saying. But, praises sting, and then eyes again, almost wanting to look away here, give the impression he's caught off guard. He looks distracted. His open stare retreats, quietly.] I... I'd like to live up to that. So I've got a ways to go yet. [Towards Endeavor's achievements.] But it won't be alone.

[Promising, likewise.

His closest friend is still that... That he believes in him, says his "togethers" so easily, instills both fears and admiration. Their future feels fragile, now; although those words extend fingers, although he's instinctively reaching back, he's recalling old fires as burning-blue chaos. Seeing the flames, there.] I was. [Still wondering.] I want to. [There's a lot he wants to do, here; the peaceful flowershop errands—its needed stability where his mind could pause. His mother's nature in the roots of that.

But... there's battle in his blood, and hero's embers still burned as if searing through skin, now. Its pull to fighting's insatiable; his need for momentum. Endeavor's inheritor.]

I'll catch up to you.

[He wants to fight, too. Become a stronger shield than any.

For Midoriya's sake!]

I'll become a knight, too!

[One battle at a time.]

I'm buying a sword. A real katana. [Brightening a little. Shearing away again.] Like a samurai's. [His own brand of "knight", then.]

Think we could practice soon? Together?

[It takes a moment for it to really settle between the two boys. But finally, it seems that some sort of normalcy returns between the two of them. Izuku smiles at Todoroki when he says he'll catch up. He can nod at this. Being rivals is important for both of their growth. Here or otherwise. And important for their friendship too.]

Ah! A katana? You'll look like a real samurai, Todoroki-kun!

[That seems really fitting and cool and Izuku can't help but seem excited about that image.]

Yeah. Let's practice together as soon as you get one. It'll be difficult to learn against someone using a blade that needs that much technique. I can't wait.

[Just watch me, he's thinking.

Determined glow's lit in eyes again. He's smiling up, softly.]

Yeah...

[A "masterless" samurai serving others. Every move a step closer. He could burn away everything: his fears and limitations—and his doubts there. And, though those dreams were far off, still hazy, he's watching their clouds mirror his shape again.]

Come with everything you've got, then. I won't win with half my strength anymore.

[It'd make them both stronger. Their echoed goals in mind.

His eyes are up, searching...

He's seen plenty of knights with their sharp, flashing claymores; but knowing the man he wants to become draws his path with new branches. Separate areas forming. He's thought a lot about all of this; the one that's inspired him. Though his choice is his own, here; his stubborn heart's willfulness, deeply rooting in something personal, now. He thinks, I'll tell you everything, someday. That there's too much still to tell him.]

It's always you, anyways. [Three times, he's recalling.] Every time I couldn't move. I thought I'd decided it on my own this time, but your hand's in this too, now. [Always extended.] I'm here on my own, and you still managed that.

[Crossing their time-streams to meddle. That's how it feels.]

Even meeting like this.

[He feels exhausted. But then thinking exhausts him. He leans to catch sheep.]

I don't have any doubts left. [Was he always this way? No... Nevermind. He doesn't care.] Don't change, Midoriya.

[He'll shear a hundred sheep, here. He needs that weapon.]

[Izuku really can't help the spark of excitement that seems to burst inside of him at that. The old feeling of rivalry between them, pushing each other to do better, to be better no matter what sort of thing they are studying. It doesn't have to be quirks and combat it can also be magic and ... swords. Okay- that just sounds so cool in his head. He can't help the boyish spark of excitement. And also just for the note to talk with Todoroki again. To show him everything. To tell him everything.]

Don't go easy on me either, Todoroki-kun. I want to see what you can do and I want to show you what I've learned...!

[He smiles bigger. Something unsaid that's tied between them... He listens to what Torodorki says next with something sobering in his throat.]

Let's ... let's only move forward. No matter what, I want us to keep pushing.

[He'll try not to change. They can only go up from here. Right?]

Yeah.

[Why had he waited...?

Was it always this simple? If he weren't so presently preoccupied, he might remember he's missed this. Their small exchanges. Though he's the quietest between the two. When he'd expected much worse. Avoiding his feelings out of habit, for nothing now, leaving to drift away needlessly. A handful of words still his tether. ...As always. He'll spend months more repairing things, though it's little compared to the time he's wasted, but what's to say now? Nothing's sincere more than actions, and he's a lot left to prove yet. Still fumbling and distanced; he's managed forever this way, repeating his same useless errors. Isn't it time he's grown out of this? His firsts seemed enough before, and it's with wordless resolve he's fighting the urge to draw inwards. Inching back, slowly.

He leaves his eyes shut a moment. Letting the breath out.

Sheep on his belly. His voice is soft, again—tired-sounding.

He'd be the one to change now.]

Let's go, then.

[Izuku nods.] Hmm.

[As much as they somehow didn't connect until now in this strange and brave new world Izuku finds that he is just happy to have his friend near again. All of the things that have happened to Izuku, all of the things that will happen to Izuku in the future- he wants to have Todoroki there by his side. His friend, quiet and reserved and still learning to be exactly what he wants to be, Todoroki. Izuku will always do his best, to be honest with him even if he can't make all the promises that he should. He wants to be earnest and sincere despite all of that.

He reaches out to give the sheep on Todorokui's belly a gentle little pat on the head.]

Let's go, Todoroki-kun.

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[closed] we were at the table by the window with the view

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wrapped! 🎀