Violet POV: ~ ten years ago ~

"So, how is prep school, anyways? I feel like I never get to see you anymore cause you're so busy with it." I groaned softly, lazily kicking the soccer ball to Fuyumi.

It glided across the fresh cut lawn of the front yard, about to continue its path before it was abruptly trapped by Fuyumi's foot.

"Eh, it's alright. I don't know, I'm trying to make friends and all. But, everyone seems more interested to know that my dad's the number two hero, than they are to know about me." She explained a bit deflatedly, passing the ball back across the yard in my direction.

I smirked softly as I saw the smooth pass, opting to kick the ball up under my foot as it rolled right to me-admittedly showing off a bit as I began to juggle it back and forth with my feet.

"Ooo, woah! Someone's been practicing! You've gotten good." Fuyumi chuckled as she watched my controlled movements with the ball.

I smiled proudly as I tried to keep the soccer ball in the air, unable to look at Fuyumi so I wouldn't lose my focus.

"Heh, thanks! I've had a lot of time to practice, now that you're away a lot. Touya's rather occupied with his training and schooling. I'm still forbidden from seeing Natsuo, and Shouto isn't even allowed on my side of the house. I'd almost rather be doing homework with you at prep school. Sounds better than sitting home with my tutor all day." I pointed out, losing my footing with the ball a few seconds later as it bounced back to the ground.

"Homework's not that bad, Vi. It makes for a good future. I wish dad would send you to prep school with me. Then, I'd have a friend. Plus, I know we've got the funds. I guess he just wants you and Touya to spend time at the house together. Don't you two have the same tutor?" She pointed out in sudden realization, trying out the same soccer move I'd just done when I passed her the ball.

"Ah, yeah. But, Touya rearranged our study schedules so he could have time alone. I didn't want to argue. We're just getting to a point in our frien-acquaintance-ship...? where he doesn't look like he wants to kill me. I don't want to do anything to ruin that." I explained, reflecting on the past two months I've now been at the Todoroki home.

It's still the waiting game with my mom, I haven't heard a thing from her. As for Touya and I, I'd say we're civil with each other now, but not buddy-buddy.

That's okay, I don't mind. I'm just glad that he doesn't seem to hate me anymore. Now, he acts as if I'm just there, which is fine with me.

Speak of the devil...

"Come on, Touya-nii! Let's go, let's go, let's go!!" I heard Natsuo's voice of excitement from the front door of the house.

Fuyumi and I both turned our attention towards his voice, seeing Natsuo dragging his older brother by the bandaged arm and out of the home.

"Tell me why I have to join again? I was on the computer." Touya groaned slightly, yet he willingly moved his feet down the three steps of the porch.

"Because, dad finally went on a mission out of town and I didn't wanna come out and play with the girls all by myself! I need another man here, you know!" The ten year old boy huffed, immediately running onto the lawn towards Fuyumi and I.

Touya kept a walking pace, slowly following behind Natsuo to join us. I noticed that he had one more extra bandage on his arm, than he did a few weeks ago.

"H-Hi, Violet. How have you been?" Natsuo chimed out a bit shyly now, rubbing the back of his neck nervously as he approached me.

"Oh! I'm good, Natsuo. Mr. Todoroki's out of town, you say? Well, I hope his mission goes well." I smiled warmly, causing him to laugh a bit anxiously before he quickly changed the subject.

"Yeah, sure-Ah! I've got something for you again." He transitioned awkwardly, quickly reaching into the pockets of his hoodie for an item.

Touya finally approached our group now as he watched Natsuo frantically search his pockets for something, casually coming to stand next to me as we waited for the ten year old boy to find what he was looking for.

"Grape." He greeted just above bland, sticking his hands in his pockets boredly.

Oh? He's standing next to me now? He's never stood next to me before. What does that mean? Are we friends then? But, he hasn't really spoken to me since I helped heal his hands a month ago. Then again, maybe he was waiting for me to speak with him and then I never did? Oh, no. Was I supposed to? Is this a joke that he's playing on me? Is this a test somehow? What does it mean?-

Quick! Say something! Say something witty! Maybe a counter response to 'grape.' Something that's cool, and smooth, and will make him laugh right?! Right?!!? Everyone likes a good laugh!!!

"H-Hey....um....j..juuuice..?-grape...juice. Grape juice." I responded choppily, cringing slightly in embarrassment as I saw Touya turn his attention on me in my peripheral vision.

I waited for him to roll his eyes at me or storm off somehow, because I'd said something wrong. But, I was surprised when instead I heard a barely there laugh reverberate from his throat a few moments later, causing me to turn my attention towards him now.

Well, I mean, he did laugh. I guess-

"Wow. You're really awkward, you know that?" He countered nonchalantly, not looking in my direction as he absentmindedly watched Natsuo fiddling around in his pockets.

I cleared my throat slightly, rubbing the back of my neck a bit at his words.

What should I say now?

The truth, I guess.

"Yeah....I am. I don't know why, maybe it's genetic?" I asked rhetorically, reflecting back on my parents' personalities to try and see the similarities.

My mom definitely isn't awkward. She's a headstrong person who's incredibly sure of herself. My dad was a kind soul who got along with everyone. He was the type to become best friends with the grocery store cashier after one simple conversation.

So, yeah, I guess it's not genetic-

"Don't know, but I'm sure you're thinking way harder about it right now than anyone." He stated departingly, giving the top of my head a condescending pat as he brushed past me to go speak with Fuyumi about skipping out on the soccer game.

His eyes barely glanced over in Natsuo's direction once he saw his little brother pull something out of his pocket, before he finally turned his back to both of us as he spoke with his sister a few feet away.

"Ah-Hah! Got it! Here you go, Vi. I saved one for you after dinner last night, since you gave yours to Shouto. I know how much you like chocolate." Natsuo beamed, handing me a tiny wrapped candy.

I couldn't help but smile at the sweet gesture from him, taking the chocolate gratefully before placing it into my own jacket pocket.

"Oh, thanks a lot, Natsuo. I'll have it after Fuyumi and I finish up here." I smiled, giving his hair a small ruffle before making my way over to Touya and Fuyumi.

Natsuo trailed after me now, quickly popping up next to me again as he spoke to the whole group.

"W-Well, that's actually why Touya and I came out here-" Natsuo began, before Touya looked over.

"No. I came out here cause you-"

"We wanna know if you guys would like to play a quick game?" Natsuo interrupted, keeping his eyes on me with hopeful excitement.

"Oh, really? Well, I don't have a problem with that! Perhaps we could ask little Shouto to join us. He's never played before, I'm sure he'd love to try." I smiled, about to make a beeline inside, before Touya's words stopped me.

"Forget about him. The nanny's guarding outside his door to make sure we don't bother his precious sleep. I'm sure it gets exhausting being dad's golden child." Touya shrugged bitterly, trying to seem unbothered by his own words...

....and failing.

"Ah. Well, alright. Anyways, Fuyumi, what do you think about a game? I'll leave the decision up to you." I said, looking her way in question.

Fuyumi pursed her lips a moment, seeming more concerned with the way her little brother was looking at me than the possibility of a game.

She turned her attention to Touya, then to me...grimacing a bit in pity for Natsuo's doe-eyed look before deciding to move on from the conversation.

"S-Sure. One game wouldn't hurt. How about Violet and Touya, versus Natsuo and I?" Fuyumi suggested gently, already closing her eyes tiredly when a certain someone began to protest.

"No way. Grape's not coordinated enough for this. I call Natsuo." Touya chimed out casually.

"You can't call me, cause I call Violet!" Natsuo protested, before Fuyumi spoke up again.

"Alright, alright. We'll compromise. Violet, who's team do you wanna be on?" Fuyumi asked, causing all eyes to turn to me.

I felt myself shrinking slightly as the decision landed on me, opening my mouth to speak before quickly closing it again.

I've never been good at making decisions.

Ugh. Come on, Violet. It's just a game. Make a choice, it's not a big deal-

"Uh....um....well...." I babbled a bit nervously, trailing off a few seconds later as I chickened out.

Fuyumi sighed a bit at my lack of help, making the decision for everyone.

"Violet and I, versus Touya and Natsuo. That's a good compromise." She concluded, gently grabbing my arm before dragging me off to the opposite side of the yard.

"An easy win it is." Touya grinned smugly, giving his pouting brother a small nudge with his shoulder to head to their side of the yard.

"Don't be so sure, Touya. Violet's gotten really good!" Fuyumi defended, causing the grungy boy's brows to raise a bit with challenge.

And this time, instead of talking over me and to Fuyumi, his blue eyes landed on me with a hint of amused question.

"Really now? Is that true?" He asked me a bit tauntingly, stretching his legs from side to side quickly as we set up positions on our makeshift field.

"Oh, well, you know. I like to be humble about it." I chuckled flusteredly, causing Fuyumi to laugh a bit at my obliviousness as she stood across the yard from me.

Touya rolled his eyes lightly at my words, walking over to grab the ball so we could get started with the game.

"Not much of a trash talker, I see." He countered.

"If I trash talk, then I'm more likely to choke." I pointed out honestly, before he lightly kicked the ball my way.

I quickly trapped it with my foot, looking up at him with question.

"Well, then. Guess you'll just have to show me your skill instead. Go on, you can start. I don't need any advantages to beat you." He said, giving me a small nod as he waited for me to start the game.

I looked down at the ball, feeling a wave of nerves wash over me as I began surveying the field, seeing the makeshift goal post of water bottles and sweatshirts waiting on the other side.

Hm. Which way should I go? Should I start dribbling? Or pass to Fuyumi? I don't wanna mess anything up. Maybe I should just let Fuyumi start the game instead, so she can decide-

"Come on, Grape. You've got to be the one to make the decision sometimes. Just move. Take the first step." Touya said, interrupting my thoughts of doubt with his words.

And while his statement wasn't necessarily a warm one meant for that much encouragement, his voice was just a tad more understanding and patient as he sensed my shyness and reservations. Just a tad.

It gave me the confidence to start the game by myself, kicking the ball a few feet in front of me as I began to dribble it towards the goal.

"Wooo, yeah! Alright, Vi! I'm open over here, if you need it." Fuyumi called out across the opposite side of the field, starting to jog along the sideline a bit to keep my pace.

Touya crouched down in preparation as he saw me dribbling towards him, smirking smugly as he kept his eyes on the direction of my feet.

"Oh, she'll need it." He chuckled challengingly, getting ready to defend and take the ball from me as I finally entered his space.

Only he seemed to underestimate Fuyumi's words about my improvement, unprepared for the quick inside cut I did with my right foot, abruptly changing directions to the left and avoiding his step forward.

"Huh?!-Shit-" He cursed under his breath when I'd gotten around him, quickly turning on his heel and sprinting after me to try and get the ball.

Hearing him coming, I quickly passed the ball diagonal towards the sideline, watching Fuyumi trap the pass before immediately shooting it through the makeshift goal.

Natsuo dove to catch the shot, but missed, groaning softly at the incredibly quick goal Fuyumi and I were able to make.

"Ah!! We already got a point!" I exclaimed in happy shock, hearing Touya scoff behind me.

"Yeah, well, don't expect to get another. I was going easy on you, because you're a girl. But, now I won't." He explained a bit bitterly, gently brushing past my shoulder to grab the ball.

I couldn't help but laugh a bit at his obvious annoyance, feeling my confidence with him growing as I spoke freely.

"Hm. You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you might be a sore loser, Touya." I pointed out teasingly, feeling my voice unintentionally drop a few notches in volume at the subconscious effort of putting myself out there.

"Ooo. She might be onto something there, Tou." Fuyumi encouraged, smiling happily as she saw me getting out of my comfort zone.

Touya rolled his eyes in annoyance as he dropped the ball at his own feet now.

"Takes more than one point to be a winner, so don't be so sure just yet. Like I said, I won't be going easy on you this time." He pointed out with a huff, barely giving Fuyumi and I time to think as he passed the ball to Natsuo.

"Yeah, Touya-nii's right! Don't be getting cocky now." Natsuo echoed triumphantly, taking off down the sideline with the soccer ball as Fuyumi ran after him.

I decided to stick on the other side with Touya, anticipating that Natsuo would pass the ball across the field to him at some point-

"Getting nervous, Grape? You're fidgeting." Touya taunted from next to me, leisurely jogging down the lawn as he waited for Natsuo to cross the ball.

And even though he seemed a bit peeved that he was losing the game at the moment, the tone of his voice was just a bit challenging. A bit....playful, even. One might even make the mistake of thinking he may actually be having a sliver of fun-

It made me feel more at ease with him than I have in the past.

"Ah, well-don't forget who's winning." I blurted out with awkward tease, watching Touya's brows raise a bit in surprise for my words.

"That's not something you would have said a month ago. Getting bolder by the day, I see."

"Eh. I wouldn't take it that far. I'm just in the spirit of the game." I chuckled, becoming a bit distracted by the conversation as Natsuo abruptly crossed the ball.

"Good point. Especially, not when I'm about to score a point." He stated matter of factly, quickly breaking out into a sprint to grab the ball.

"Oo? Whoops-" I peeped out, running after Touya to try and stop him from making the goal.

His pace involuntarily slowed down so he could control the ball with his feet, allowing me to glide past him and defend.

I quickly made it to the makeshift goal before he did, unable to prepare much for his kick when I heard it sound from his foot a few feet away.

Ha. I wasn't ready!

My eyes widened as I heard the ball coming up full force behind me, doing the only thing I could think of-which was turn around and look at it.

Yes. Not my best idea-

BAM!

It happened so fast, I actually didn't even feel the ball smack me directly in the face. I only heard the sound of it pound through my eardrums and rock my entire vision as my head abruptly whipped backwards.

"Ahhh!!! Stop the game! Are you okay?!" I heard Fuyumi yell from across the field.

"Woah! Was that supposed to be a header?!" Natsuo chimed out in oblivious excitement before someone else's voice chimed in.

"Oh, shit-Violet! Hey, are you okay?! Why were you standing in the way like that?!" Touya called out only a few feet away.

He said the statement as if he was reprimanding me. But, the concerned tone of his voice betrayed his words.

My eyes opened a few moments later to blurry vision. I wasn't able to respond to anyone yet as I carefully grabbed my head to try and steady myself somehow....admittedly feeling a tad woozy from the impact.

Someone's hand appeared on my shoulder a few moments later, with their voice accompanying my foggy eardrums.

"Hey. You alright? You shouldn't have been standing in front of the ball, dummy." Touya uttered lightly, placing both hands on my shoulders now to steady my wobbly balance.

"Touya, don't blame her! You're the one who smacked her in the face with the ball!" Fuyumi defended in slight annoyance, quickly running over with Natsuo following a few feet behind.

"H-Huh?! No-I wasn't-I didn't-it was an accident, alright!" Touya defended a bit more hostile, not-so-gently brushing my sweaty hair away from my face to check for a bump.

And while I didn't necessarily feel the best, I didn't wanna cause any problems for anyone.

"A-Ah, it's cool, guys!! No...harm done, see? I feel great!" I started off a bit wearily, making a major effort to stand up straight now.

Bleh. My ear's are still ringing. But they don't need to know that.

The Todoroki trio simply studied me through unsure eyes, watching the way my body slowly started to sway back and forth like an inflatable snowman during a rainstorm.

"Uh. Are....you sure?" Fuyumi asked warily, quirking a brow to my dazed state.

Come on, Violet. Fake it till you make it.

Taking another step out of Touya's arms, I stumbled on my feet a bit, smiling with way too much confidence as I sloppily wiped the steady flow of blood that now started to trickle down my nose.

"Yup. Sure as ever. Duhhhh..." I uttered unconvincingly, feeling a larger wave of dizziness suddenly consume my vision as I forced myself to take a few more steps forward.

"She's lying. She's about to take a nosedive." I vaguely heard Touya echo into my ears, before Fuyumi said "I'll call the doctor."

I turned around to face the group through blackening vision, watching Touya-or, rather three of him walking over to me now.

"Wha? Doctor? Nahhh nahh. Fine I feel totally!" I jumbled out flawlessly, giving my friends a dazzling, bloody smile before I felt someone's arms catch my falling figure.

•••••••

"Hey.....you okay, yet? You seem like you're starting to wake up now." I heard a voice say as my vision slowly began returning to me.

Things were still fuzzy and dizzy in my sights when I opened my eyes, but I could vaguely make out the outline of a figure above me.

I realized I was laying down and that my head was settled on something soft. I also realized there was some sort of pressure on my forehead, like a wrapping or a bandage, maybe.

A small groan of pain escaped my throat when I tried to sit up, causing the person above me to gently press me back down by my shoulder.

"Not yet. You got a concussion, Grape, so.....just relax. Guess I hit you pretty hard, huh. Sorry about that." The person above me uttered dryly, yet quietly-allowing me to easily recognize their voice now.

Only one person in this entire world calls me 'Grape.' For that reason, it's not a nickname I'm likely to forget.

"Touya...?" I mumbled out as I cleared the remaining sleep out of my eyes, feeling my vision finally steady and focus as I took in the sight of him.

He was sitting at the edge of my bed, looking down at me boredly. Yet, I could still see the vague hints of apology behind his cerulean eyes as he pressed his lips together a bit.

"How do you feel now?" He asked me quietly, ignoring my mention of his name as his gaze trailed to the bandage on my forehead.

My hands followed the direction of his eyes, brushing my fingertips along the soft bandage as I spoke.

"Oh. I feel okay. I got a bit of a headache and I'm a little nauseous. But, other than that, it's all good." I reassured him weakly, about to try and sit up again before he stopped me.

"The doctor said you should just rest, alright? Look, I'm the one who hit you with the ball, so I'll help you out-just until you get better, okay? I brought you that." He explained quickly, transitioning between topics much too abruptly for my concussed brain to gather.

"Huh?" I uttered dumbly, keeping my slightly glazed eyes on Touya.

He rubbed the back of his neck at my lack of understanding, avoiding my eyes and keeping them on the night table next to my bed as he spoke.

"That. I brought you that. See? You like it, or what? It's all we had since the nanny hasn't gone shopping yet." He justified choppily, causing me to slowly turn my sore head to the side and see what he was awkwardly talking about.

And what do you know? There on my nightstand was a steaming bowl of okayu with an orange and cup of jasmine tea placed neatly on a tray.

My brows raised in surprise at the carefully arranged food, looking back at Touya in slight confusion.

"Did...did you make that? For me?" I asked a bit dumbfounded, watching him reach for the bowl of porridge now.

He was quiet for a moment, looking extremely focused on stirring up the food.

"Well, I didn't make it for me. I don't like fish, you know." He mumbled, holding up a spoonful of soup that had a giant chunk of fish resting atop it.

And, no. I didn't know that. Guess I do now.

Regardless, I simply gave him a silent nod of gratitude for the meal, watching him absentmindedly stirring the food in hesitant silence.

"C...Cool. So.....you, uh....you gonna feed me too, or something?" I chuckled teasingly, doing my best to break the awkward silence between us.

Of course, I'm so awkward myself when it comes to making jokes, that it was only after I spoke that I realized Touya may have thought I was serious when I said that.

But, before I could open my mouth and correct the mistake, he spoke freely with a smug half smile appearing on his face.

"Yeah, right. Dream on, grape. I ain't your keeper." He mumbled lightly, still seeming pretty relaxed to show he'd been able to tell I was just kidding.

Phew. Thank goodness. I didn't want another emo moment from him.

Smiling softly, I took the bowl of soup as he handed it to me, sitting up a bit higher in the bed as I began to take small bites of it-

Oh, wow. Now that is disgusting!-

"It's probably gross, huh? I can't do anything about that. I don't usually have to make my own meals." Touya justified casually, only saying the pre-warning words just a tad too late.

I kept my face of disgust concealed and relaxed, forcing myself to take another bite...and feel the food sitting uncomfortably in my mouth as I spoke.

"Hm? Oh-no-no! It's....really good." I muffled out with as much honesty as I could muster, taking laborious bites of the porridge.

Touya snorted a breath at my words, giving his head a small shake of amusement as he turned his eyes on me now.

"What makes you think being awkward and a good liar would be two things that go together?" He asked rhetorically, not seeming bothered by my dislike for his gross food as he began looking distractedly around my room as I ate.

It was only then that the realization dawned on me. The realization that Touya Todoroki-the Touya Todoroki is actually in my room. For the very first time.

Never thought that would happen...

Suddenly, I felt a bit nervous.

"Um-well, anywaysss. I'm awake now if you'd like to leave and go back to whatever edgy stuff you normally do. Thanks again. See ya." I departed abruptly, already giving him a small wave goodbye to get him out quicker.

Yet, he only directed his gaze back to me lazily, quirking a brow of amusement to my haste words before tilting his head to the side mockingly.

"Are you trying to get rid of me, Grape?" He asked a bit surprised, remaining planted at the edge of my bed as he watched me stutter.

"I-I just don't think my room has anything in it that would interest you. I'm fine, really. I don't want to keep you from your other stuff. Whatever...that is." I explained, giving him another half wave goodbye to encourage him to get moving.

But, it seems that Touya responds to reverse psychology, as the act of trying to get him away from me is actually what causes him to stay.

Well, good to know!

"I'll leave after you finish eating. Is that fair?" He mumbled barely audible, starting to look around my tidy room again as if the place actually interested him.

Quick! Try the reverse psychology thing to make him leave.

"Why stop there? Stay longer." I blurted out, purposely saying the opposite of what I wanted in hopes he'd leave now-

"Really?" He asked seriously, causing me to internally face palm.

Abort that idea.

"Nope! On second thought, after I eat sounds fine." I quickly corrected, taking another spoonful of Touya's radioactive soup to shut myself up.

He chuckled a bit at my words, the sound coming out so incredibly foreign to me-and also so intriguing at the same time.

In the time I've known him, he's never one to laugh-or, even smile for that matter.

I didn't know how to approach it, simply continuing to eat my soup in silence for hope that he would be the one to say something instead.

He did a few moments later.

"You know......you're different from what I expected." He admitted, not necessarily sounding pleased about that....more just pondering.

"Oh. That's....nice." I reassured poorly, fiddling with my spoon a bit as I suddenly felt myself wanting to say more.

I pressed my lips together shyly, subtly peering up at Touya to see him looking at the framed picture I had of my mom that was sitting on my nightstand.

"You're different from what I was expecting, too..." I started off, effectively getting Touya's eyes back on me now as he silently asked me to elaborate.

So, I did-puffing out my cheeks a bit as I suddenly felt the need to tell him exactly what I was thinking.

"You're.....meaner than I thought you'd be." I admitted honestly, not saying the words to necessarily insult him. I more just wanted to bring awareness to the topic and see if he'd elaborate.

Yeah, there was a chance that I'd end up offending him and cause another outburst. But, Touya and I have already gone into this situation at rock bottom. So, in my opinion, we can only go up since we're already at the bottom. If this conversation goes poorly, it just means that we stay where we are. No big deal at this point.

In other words, being honest with him isn't risky. And because it's not risky, I think I'll start doing it more.

So, with this new mindset planted in my head, I no longer felt incredibly uneasy by Touya's silence to my statement. I simply continued eating my soup, tiredly looking around my own room as I waited for him to react-whether that meant responding, yelling, or storming out.

I don't know. And I don't care.

He made his decision a few moments later.

"Yeah. I didn't always used to be." He admitted dryly, slowly turning his eyes back up at me with just a hint of exhaustion.

But, it wasn't physical exhaustion.

His gaze inadvertently trailed back down to the bandages around his wrist, before quickly shooting to the floor, causing me to pick up on his silent language.

"I'm sure it's tiring to be training all the time like that." I sympathized, holding back the majority of my pity because I knew he wouldn't want it.

His hooded eyes simply clouded over with subtle unreadable emotion in response, as his mouth remained silent.

Even so. It seems that Touya being silent is an answer in itself.

"B-But, you know....today was fun, right? Just getting to play a game for leisure?" I reassured lightly, causing him to sigh.

"I gave you a concussion and caused you to blackout." He reminded me raspily, causing me to roll my eyes a bit.

"Well, before that, obviously."

He pursed his lips in thought to my words, shrugging in half agreement as he rubbed his tired face with his hands.

"It was alright." He mumbled dismissively, causing me to groan internally as he seemed to be getting moody again.

"Well. All I'm saying is that you should do more fun things for yourself, besides just training. You deserve that." I finalized, thinking he was finally losing interest in here and would leave soon.

And he had every opportunity to right there. I gave no indicators to further the conversation, and I even looked towards the door, thinking he'd get the hint.

But, instead he chose a different path, remaining seated on my bed as he spoke again.

This is the longest conversation we've ever had....

"It's not fun, you know. The training." He admitted again, allowing his true exhaustion to show just a bit more as he looked down at my sheets.

I remained silent in question as I took in his words, letting my internal thoughts run wild as I reflected on his demeanor.

Why is he telling me this? Is he looking for someone to talk to?-

"It's not like I'm gonna go into the thick of it. I'm not asking for a pity party, or anything like that either. I'm just saying, it's not fun. That's not why I do it." He quickly followed up, making himself a bit more comfortable on my bed as he leaned back on his hands further.

I sat up a little straighter, watching him look up at my ceiling in his own lost thoughts.

Thoughts I can only imagine. What is he really thinking? He seems like a bit of a dark person. Someone who has a lot of strife.

And while Touya seems like the type to normally keep his strife held in, the point is that he's here in my room. He's here after verbally admitting that he doesn't enjoy ninety-nine percent of his life.

So, even if he thinks he doesn't want to talk about it.....maybe, subconsciously....he wants to a little bit.

"Then, why do you do it?" I asked quietly, feeling as if I was walking on eggshells, about to open a whole Pandora's box of inner demons, the more I talk to this boy.

His answer was quicker this time. Blank in tone, but heavy in feeling.

"To prove to him that I can."

"Is that the only reason?"

"It didn't used to be-"

"But, what about now? You can't keep referring to things that involve living in the past." I explained to him honestly, starting to feel less afraid of hurting his feelings as I rather enjoyed the free words and thoughts that were coming out of my mouth.

In the short time I've known him, Touya's actually pushed me to start doing so. Sure, I don't seem to do it around anyone else, because then it would be a risk. But, I guess it's still a start, even if it's just with him.

Once again, he didn't respond to my words. And once again, I realized that his silence was the answer he didn't want to say.

"You know.....if...if that's your only goal-to prove your dad wrong.....I feel like you're going to burn yourself out very quickly on your journey to becoming a hero. I'm not saying you can't do it, I'm just saying....I think it will hurt you, more than it will benefit you." I said, trailing my eyes down to the bandages wrapped around Touya's wrist.

He remained looking up at the ceiling in his own thoughts, letting out a small sigh of acceptance.

"Probably. But, there's no other options. I'll either do it, or I'll die trying to do it. I just want him to see that I did. I just want him to know I could, even if it kills me." He said a bit quieter, causing my brows to raise a bit at his talk of dedication to literally die for this.

Well. That's a bit dramatic.

I cleared my throat softly, unintentionally gaining his attention as he looked over at me in question.

"You know.....I know I'm probably the last person to make this credible to you, given how clumsy I can be..." I started off, rubbing the back of my neck a bit nervously as I felt his eyes on me.

I decided to turn my attention on his features a few moments later, meeting his steely, piercing gaze; having no problem looking into those blue eyes now as I continued speaking.

"But, from what I've seen in your training-and I've never seen you use your quirk. But, in terms of combat skills and drive.....you look...very good to me. Very talented. Sure, we haven't spoken much, but I still admire your motivation, Touya. You should be proud of how far you've come. It shouldn't matter what Mr. Todoroki says about you. You've worked hard and that's a big deal. I'm sure you hear this all the time from people, but I.....I think you're pretty darn cool! I have full faith that you will become the best hero." I smiled warmly, holding up my fist with an awkward victory wave before quickly ditching the weird motion.

Touya's brows raised a bit at my words. The residual icy hate for me behind his eyes slowly began to melt from the touched gleam that he'd never admit out loud.

He said nothing in response, studying the smile on my face intently now as if he was searching for any signs of insincerity-as if he was searching for a desperate reason to continue hating me.

But, the harder he looked, the more he found nothing but honesty behind my smile and my words.

His face blanked out a bit as he slowly retracted his eyes away from mine, sitting up straighter on the bed as he suddenly seemed displeased.

I must have said something wrong, huh?

"Ah. S...Sorry. I know, that probably doesn't help, coming from someone like me-" I started off calmly, before my words were cut off.

"You're alright, Grape. Really. You're.....you're alright." He followed up quietly, not meeting my gaze anymore as he looked down at his feet instead.

His icy white hair concealed his features now. But, just from the softer tone of his voice, I could tell that he wasn't upset. If anything, he actually seemed less angry than he was when he first came in here.

It made me smile softly to see him a bit more relaxed as he fiddled with a loose thread of my sheets.

"Oh. Well then....you're alright, too." I uttered kindly, hearing him hum a bit in light annoyance for my echoing words as he turned his attention back on me.

With a minuscule smile.

"I'm still not gonna marry you, you know." He reminded me civilly, causing me to chuckle a bit and reply with my typical line.

"And I'm not gonna marry you as well, Touya."

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A/N: thank you for voting and commenting. I know I've said this before, but it really does help me out a lot! See you on Friday <3

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