~ Time skip - The next day ~
Todoroki's POV:
I woke up in Midoriya's bed just as I did yesterday, but today I wasn't met with Midoriya trying to gently wake me, but instead the loud, obnoxious sounds of someone running around in the apartment. I slowly blinked my eyes open as I turned my head and glared a bit at the door. Who is the genius that decided to run a marathon indoors at this hour..!? I thought and got up, stretching my cat body and yawning a long yawn.
Well, it can only be one person... I thought and couldn't really get mad about it as I imagined his smiling face. I'd never get mad at him, not even if he decides it's a good idea to wake me like this.
I walked up to the door and realized it was closed all the way so I couldn't just push my way between it and the doorframe. I was about to transform into my human form when the door was suddenly swung open, threatening to crush me against the wall.
"Mmeoooow!!?" I let out a startled meow as I jumped backwards, the door hitting my snout in the process. Midoriya walked into the room, his gaze turning from the empty bed and down on me by his feet.
"Goodmorning--! Todoroki?" He asked confused and he kneeled down in front of me and looked at me. I was covering my snout with my right paw and my right eye closed. It didn't hurt, I just suddenly had to--
"Achooow!" I sneezed violently as I almost thought my head would fly off and my entire body gave off a shiver. Midoriya looked at me for a moment before laughing a bit to himself, trying to hide it, but he couldn't.
"It's not funny..!" I protested as I turned into my human form, now looking down at him with a slight smirk. I love seeing him laughing and in general just being happy, but he doesn't need to laugh at me!
Midoriya stood back up, covering his eyes as he stopped laughing, instead a pink blush dominating his face. My smirk grew a little bit as I grabbed my underwear and put it on, then one of my new white t-shirts. I then put my hands on Midoriya's and moved them so he wasn't covering his eyes anymore.
Midoriya opened his eyes as he looked me up and down, probably deciding he could deal with this as he smiled his signature smile. I smiled back and before I knew it Midoriya had thrown himself at me, hugging me tightly. I was a little surprised but quickly hugged him back, I'm glad he isn't as scared of this form as I thought... I thought as I had believed he felt intimidated or something by this form as he rarely petted me like this.
A loud ringing then started in the living room as Midoriya jumped out of the hug and ran into the living room he had come from. I blinked my eyes a couple of times before following him.
"Hello?" Midoriya said at his phone, looking a little panicked as he started pacing around in the apartment again, "yes... Yes, no-- I'm sorry about this! I-- Um..." Midoriya responded to whoever he was talking to as he turned his head and looked at me.
"What's going on?" I asked confused and walked a little closer, trying to listen in on his conversation to figure out why he seemed so stressed. Midoriya hastily shook his head as he then ran out into the hall, putting on his shoes.
"W-What? S-Sorry-- This won't happen again, sir! I promise!" Midoriya reassured as he grabbed his jacket and ran back to me, stopping right in front of me, "Ye-- No, I'm on my way. Yes, okay, see you in a minute!" Midoriya ended the conversation as he put his phone in his pocket.
I just looked at him and his outerwear for a moment, where is he going all of a sudden? Who was he talking to? I guess I need to hurry and get dressed as well--
"That was my boss, I need to go right now--" Midoriya started and turned to leave as I widened my eyes and instinctively grabbed his wrist, stopping him and turning him back to me.
"Go? You're leaving..?" I asked and kept my grip on him tight, but not tight enough that it would hurt him in any way. Midoriya looked at his wrist and then back up at me with a small smile, he seemed to understand something that I had yet to understand.
"I'm not leaving for long, I forgot I had the opening shift today, people were waiting outside the cafe because of me!" Midoriya said as his smile slowly faded at the last part, "Aizawa told me that Kirishima had called him in distress cause I wasn't there and I'm always early-- So I have to run, but first," Midoriya said as he calmly twisted his wrist free from my hold and went to get something on the couch.
"Here," He said as he wrapped me in a white blanket that smelled so much like him that it almost had me fooled for a second, "I'll hurry home when my shift is over, but until then try and get some comfort from this. I've noticed you are quite fond of things that smell like me..." Midoriya giggled and moved the blanket a bit closer to my face, engulfing my senses even more.
"Promise me you'll come back Izuku..." I muttered, not really meeting his gaze, but instead looking down at my bare feet.
"Of course I will Todoroki, it's just work. I'll hurry home as soon as my shift is over, get some rest and the time will pass in no time!" Midoriya smiled enthusiastically and gave my hand a gentle squeeze as he then turned and left.
Midoriya's POV:
I quickly locked the door and skipped down the stairs as I then ran out into the streets, heading straight towards work. Mr. Aizawa was furious at me in the phone call, I'm almost an hour late! But I had completely forgotten that I had work today, so I didn't set an alarm to wake me and therefore Kirishima had to deal with everything by himself!
I could help but sigh as I felt a little ashamed that he had to take the complaints about the trouble that I caused. I'll have to properly apologize to him as soon as I get there! I thought as I almost ran into a girl walking in front of me, startling her.
"Oh! S-Sorry!" I quickly apologized and continued running, I was almost there. I just hope that Todoroki will be fine without me nearby... I thought just before arriving. I stopped in front of the door and took a quick moment to catch my breath as I then pushed open the door.
"Midoriya!" Kirishima quickly called out to me, looking a little worried as he waved me in his direction. I quickly nodded as I walked over to him behind the desk.
"Hello Kirishima, I'm really really sorry about this..! All the blame is on me, I didn't mean to get you in any kind of trouble and I apologize if you did! I promise this won't happen again, I'll even make sure to arrive five minutes early every day and--" I ranted on and on without noticing until Kirishima gave my head a friendly pat.
"Hey, easy! It's totally okay!" He said and smiled truthfully, "and now you want to arrive five minutes earlier than the fifteen minutes you already do? So you're saying you'll arrive twenty minutes early from now on?! No way!!" He said and laughed as he turned back to the drink he was making before I arrived.
"Besides," He started again, "the only ones here when I arrived was Mrs. Kizuno and Mrs. Azuko, as usual..." Kirishima whispered the last part and cracked a new smile. I couldn't help but giggle, those two were always the first ones here. They stop by every day to drink coffee together and gossip.
I silently took off my jacket and put on my nametag as I went to Kirishima's side and started brewing some black coffee for the two elderly ladies. Kirishima looked at me confused as I just smiled softly.
"I'll give them an extra cup of coffee each on me as an apology..." I said, keeping a kind smile as I finished making it and went to the table they were sitting at. "Mrs. Kizuno, Mrs. Azuko," I said as they both turned their heads and looked at me, smiling kindly.
"Midoriya, goodmorning." Mrs. Kizuno said and smiled, giving a friendly nod.
"Glad to see you're doing well young man, we couldn't help but get worried when you weren't here. You're always so punctually." Mrs. Azuko said, also smiling kindly.
"Yes, I'm sorry for worrying you ladies. Honestly, I had forgotten work today, but I rushed here as fast as I could. Here," I said, keeping my soft smile on as I placed a fresh cup of coffee in front of each of them, "this is on me, I apologize again for my tardiness." I said and made a small bow. They both smiled and took the drinks, both of them taking a small sip of the hot liquid.
"Such a ladies-man." Said Mrs. Kizuno and looked up at me with a satisfied and kind smile as Mrs. Azuko just nodded silently in agreement. I couldn't help but giggle a bit as I then waved and calmly went back to Kirishima behind the desk.
"Such a ladies man, huh~?" Kirishima said with a teasing tone as he nudged my side with his elbow, "is that what you've been doing instead of working~?" he said with a smug look as I looked confused at him for a moment before realizing what he meant.
"W-Wah!?! N-No way..!" I quickly said and waved my hands innocently in front of me, blushing madly and avoiding eye-contact, "w-why would you even think that about me..." I said, finally looking at him just in time to see him exploding with laughter.
"I'm just joking, take it easy!" He laughed as he leaned against the counter and stared up at the ceiling. I put my guard back down as I turned slightly away from him and started cleaning some of the used cups, slowly and with care.
"Wait, Midoriya," Kirishima suddenly said after a few peaceful moments as I turned my face away from the cups and looked at him, "what happened to your cheek?" he asked and came closer, observing my cheek carefully, "did you get into a fight or something?" he asked.
"What? No?" I said a little confused as I put down the cup and the cloth, moving my hand up and feeling my cheek. I was met with the small scratch I had received from Todoroki yesterday when I had grabbed him.
"This scratch?" I asked as he just nodded and backed away a bit, "Well..." I said, thinking of what to say as I couldn't just tell him that I was housing a neko right now. Kirishima just leaned against the counter again, waiting patiently.
"... I met a stray cat and tried to pet it... It didn't like me and attacked me instead..!" I explained, it was kind of lie, but it was also kind of true at the same time. I did meet a 'stray cat'-ish and he did kinda attack me as I did something he didn't expect... I convinced myself that I hadn't just kinda lied.
"I thought you were friends with all animals?" Kirishima chuckled as he raised an eyebrow, and that was usually the case.
"Well, it's all in the approach of the animal, that's the most important thing, then everything else comes afterward, but if you, for example, approach a stray dog in the wrong way, it might see you as a threat and either run away or attack." I blinked my eyes a couple of times as I realized I had just mumbled all of that out loud.
"... You're such a nerd..." Kirishima said with a bored expression, but he then began to laugh as he always does when this kind of thing happens.
"... No, I'm not..." I mumbled quietly, feeling a little embarrassed as I turned and saw Mrs. Kizuno and Mrs. Akuno looking at me with small smiles as well, telling me that they also heard everything. This is embarrassing... I thought and smiled sheepishly at them and turned in a third, and new direction so I didn't face any of them.
~ Meanwhile ~
Todoroki's POV:
Everything became so quiet and boring as soon as Midoriya had left. I had just gone and snuggled myself up on the couch with my new blanket wrapped tightly around me. I've been trying to use his scent on the blanket to imagine that it's him, that he's here, and not just a blanket to replace him, but it isn't working as effectively as it did in the start.
His scent was still very strong, I'm guessing he has probably slept with this blanket a lot of times... I thought and looked towards the window and outside, feeling as my energy were ever so slowly getting drained from keeping this form.
With that thought I transformed into my cat self, there was no need to be human right now, so I'd rather save the energy for when Midoriya comes home. The result for getting ten times smaller was that now I was completely gone in the blanket. His sweet scent was quick to surround me again as I inhaled calmly.
He's only been away for about an hour and I'm already tired of waiting. I want him to finish working so he can come home and the real him can embrace me... I thought and turned so I laid on my right side, snuggling my face further into the blanket as I just gazed at my paws. I hope nothing happens to him while he's alone out there... I thought as I showed my claws on my left paw, they looked just as sharp as always.
I then shook my head in disbelief at the thought, of course, nothing will happen to him. He's a normal human being and as far as the world knows, he and I have never even met. There's no reason for anyone to target him.
I sighed and closed my eyes, snuggling into the blanket again. He told me to get some rest, but I can't stop myself from worrying. If someone were to harm him... I thought as I slowly sank my claws into the soft, white fabric as a very low, threatening sound escaped me, I'll personally end that person. With that thought, I fell asleep.
~ Inside Todoroki's dream ~
I slowly opened my eyes and raised my head from the floor, taking in my surroundings. I knew this place. I was back. Back in my cold cage, that was barely able to fit me inside it. I widened my eyes as I tried to stand up, but my back hit the ceiling, stopping me.
I turned my head and looked at all the familiar cages beside my own. I saw all the other nekos that were being held here as well, each in a cage of their own. I saw the different kinds of torture instruments hanging on the wall, ready for use when one of us fails out there or disobeys an order.
"Hey! Todoroki!" My entire body tensed as my fur stood on edge by hearing the familiar voice call out my name, "Finally decided to wake up, huh? Good. It's time." He said as I turned my head and glared right up into his turquoise eyes. Endeavor... I growled in my thoughts as I wiped my tail unhappily from side to side.
He unlocked the cage with the key attached to the necklace he always wore, hidden away under his shirt. I instinctively pushed myself as far back in the small cage as I could and hissed warningly as he reached his hand inside, scruffing me as my entire body instantly paralyzing.
I couldn't move a muscle, my body went completely limp as this was always how he would grab us. Every time he needed a fighter he would just grab us by the scruff and carry us to the arena. He carries us like this for a reason, we can't fight back and transforming into a human, as we can't focus when in this state.
Before I knew it his hand disappeared from my neck as I was thrown up into the air, my entire body quickly spinning so I would land on all four. I quickly turned my gaze back and glared at Endeavor as he closed the entrance to the arena. His wore his usual smug grin as he knew he had already won.
I turned back and watched as someone else was thrown into the ring, the person quickly panicking and he turned on the spot and ran back, scratching on the door for the humans to let him out. I sighed and calmly stood up, glaring the other one down, but as I got closer, I realized something was off.
I stopped in my tracks and looked confused as he continued to scratch on the door and meowed loudly. This is just a normal cat... I thought as furrowed my brows confused, looking slightly off to the side, up at the back rows where Endeavor was sitting with girls on each side of him and a drink in hand.
Not only that, this cat is domesticated as well, tamed by humans to be a pet... I thought as I sent a questioning glare up at the old man, he can't be serious... I thought, but I could see it in his eyes. He was very serious.
I looked back at the poor feline in front of me, he didn't stand a chance against me. I have human intelligence and life-or-dead pressure on my shoulders, he's just a normal pet. I let out a low, warning growl to earn the cats attention.
The poor thing turned and looked at me, his eyes innocent and unknowing of what was about to happen. His bright blue eyes searched mine as he let out another meow, he truly was confused. I really don't want to do this... I thought as I leaped forward, not giving him time to react as I sunk my teeth into his neck, almost instantly taking the kill, but it's him... Or me.
The crowd cheered and money was thrown out into the air, falling down into the arena as it always did whenever I won. My victory was quickly announced over the speaker system as the crowd continued to go wild, but I didn't pay them much attention. My attention was on the dead feline in front of me.
I'm sorry... I thought, knowing he was dead and that he couldn't hear me, but I still bowed my head slightly to the body. The warmth was already beginning to disappear as the last bit of light left his eyes. The door behind was then opened as I stood up and turned to leave the arena. That's when I heard it.
"How much? I want to buy him! You can have all of mine! He took out that neko in the blink of an eye!!" Someone cheered as I turned my gaze up and saw that someone supposedly trying to buy me from Endeavor. They thought that pet-cat was another neko..? I thought, continuing to walk, well... It wasn't, it was someone's beloved pet who had nothing to do with all this...
~ Back in the apartment ~
I slowly blinked my eyes open and stretched a bit on the couch. My Izuku-blanket had become slightly undone as it was halfway on the floor. I must've been tossing and turning a lot during that dream... I thought and reached down, gently grabbing the blanket with my teeth and pulling it back up on the couch, a dream of the past...
I still remember that 'fight' down to every last detail. That was the first time Endeavor had used that trick to make people believe I was unbeatable. He'd have me transform into my human form once in a while as well and make me kill the cats like that.
It had quickly become rare for me to actually do real fights against real opponents, Endeavor would just trick the audience into believing it was two nekos going at each other's throats when in reality, it was one neko about to massacre someone's pet.
That night had been the first time I had taken such an innocent life, and I still regret it to this day. Those blue eyes of that cat still haunt me, the will to live and the happiness in his gaze, two things I had never had in mine. But I took it all away.
I shouldn't have followed his orders that night, I should've sat down and done nothing. But, I was too scared of what punishment might've befallen me this time for not following orders.
I never follow his orders if I can avoid it, but he did name me and therefore I am forced to do as he orders. Either that or I'll either be in so much pain than death would be a more attractive offer, or I would become sick and that sickness would slowly do me in, unless I chose to pay respect to 'my master' and do what had been asked of me.
I could feel the burning hatred inside as turned around and laid on my back, glaring up at the white ceiling. I wonder how much time has passed... I inhaled slowly through my snout, smelling the air and immediately confirming that Midoriya wasn't home yet. I swung my tail a bit from side to side on the couch in an unsatisfied manner.
I could really use him right now... I thought as grabbed my Izuku-blanket with my paws, pulling it up over my head and inhaling his sweet scent once again, trying to calm myself down.
???'s POV:
"Endeavor, sir!" The black cat said as it transformed, bowing his head with fear and respect, "He has been spotted." He said, earning the big redheads attention, his turquoise eyes piercing the black neko's dark, blue gaze.
"Well? Speak!" Endeavor ordered with a sharp tone, sitting down in his chair, folding his arms on the table in front of him.
"Y-Yes sir!" The neko's voice trembled a bit, "Y-Yesterday, a boy we believe to be Todoroki was spotted, accompanied by a human boy, by one of my subordinates in the city of Musutafu. He looked completely like the neko you own, but he was younger, a child... That is..." The blackhead had his tail and ears low, not wanting to upset his master.
"In Musutafu?" Endeavor exclaimed as that wasn't far from Tokyo, "And with a human you say? Are you positive that your information is correct, Rin?" Endeavor asked with a cold tone, as the neko subconsciously moved back a bit.
"S-Sir..?" He questioned, suddenly feeling uncertain as he slowly met Endeavor's piercing glare again.
"My top fighter is no child." Endeavor said, not a shred of doubt on his mind. The neko took another step back, looking back at the two felines nervously waiting behind him.
"Rin," Endeavor said as the neko snapped his gaze back to his master, "investigate it, take some of my men with you and do everything in your power to get him back." Endeavor ordered as Rin's ears rose a bit in relief as he nodded.
"Yes, sir! Right away!" He said obediently as he transformed back into his catform, nodding to the two felines behind him as they all left in a rush.
Midoriya's POV:
"Thanks for the visit! Come back soon!" I said with a cheerful voice as a customer left the cafe, waving and smiling friendly back at me. I turned and looked at Kirishima, he was cleaning one of the tables with a wet cloth, a content smile on his face. As usual, he had this energetic and positive aura around him, even after working all day.
It had been a pretty calm day at the cafe with few customers, but that really wasn't anything new. Besides, I like that we're never really busy, it gives me more opportunity to chat with the nice customers we do get.
"Hey, Midoriya," Kirishima said with his energetic voice as I turned my head to look at him, "do you wanna hang out after we're done here?" He asked and smiled a toothy smile at me. It feels like it's been forever since Kirishima and I last hung out together outside of work, but in reality, it had maybe been a couple of weeks or so.
"Sure! I'd love to Kirishima." I said with a closed-eyed smile. Kirishima just smiled right back at me as he then finished cleaning the tables.
"Hagakure should be here any moment now to take over, and then we can leave!" He said and sighed with relief in an overdramatic manner, swinging his arm up to cover his eyes. I couldn't help but laugh at his act.
"Ahem!" Both of us jumped up in surprise as we turned to see Hagakure enter the cafe, ready for her evening shift.
"H-Hi Hagakure..!" I said and laughed a little nervously, I wonder if she Kirishima's act... I thought and looked over at Kirishima, who seemed to be wondering the same.
"Heyya Hagakure, ready to take over? Midoriya and I have plans tonight!" He said, quickly regaining his positive energy as he smiled and pointed at himself with his thumb. Hagakure sighed with a shrug but went over to me behind the counter anyways.
"I guess. Just a little tired you know?" She said with a small laugh, putting on an apron. She then rested against the counter and I already felt a little sorry for her. She's been studying so hard besides this job lately, so I don't blame her for being tired.
"Alrighty then! Midoriya, we're free! Let's go!" Kirishima exclaimed as he threw his arm around my shoulders and handed me my jacket as he then pulled me along.
"U-Uh bye Hagakure, take care!" I quickly yelled over my shoulder with a small smile as we left the cafe. I know I was supposed to go home after work, but it had just been so long since I've hung out with Kirishima. It'll just be for a short while.
"So, what do you wanna do? Wanna grab something to eat and head to one of our places?" He suggested, my thoughts landing on Todoroki.
"Can we go to your place then?" I asked innocently as he just nodded and it was decided. We continued to chat as we walked when I suddenly noticed a paper hanging on one of the streetlights. I stopped talking as I walked a little closer to the paper, curiosity getting the better of me.
"What's up? What's that paper?" Kirishima asked as he turned and followed me, also trying to get a better look. I felt my heart sink when I saw the picture of a red and white cat and Kirishima read the text out loud, "Missing cat? It's a real beauty tho, just look at it. Heterochromia and chimera fur at the same time and... WOAH!" Kirishima suddenly exclaimed, shocking me as I jumped a little to the side.
"Check out that reward Midoriya! 30 million yen!!" Kirishima said with excitement, but I wasn't feeling it. I felt like my insides were twisting around, I felt nauseous and suddenly had a hell of a headache.
"Like what you see kids?" A low, manly voice suddenly asked as we turned in surprise to see two men in suits standing behind us. One of them was carrying a stack of paper and on closer inspection, I realized it was the posters. These guys are looking for Todoroki, is one of them his owner..!? I thought and tried my best to act naturally.
"Heck yeah!" Kirishima said excited, "are you guys searching for that cat? We can help! It's an awesome reward and I'd like to help whoever owns it to get reunited with their pet!" He continued enthusiastically, I needed to follow his lead, act like him or else they might get suspicious.
"Y-Yeah! It sure is a high reward..! The owner of that cat must really love and miss it..." I said, knowing that wasn't true in the least. The men looked at me for a moment, not saying anything. I'm starting to get worried about Todoroki... They don't know that I have him, do they..?! I thought, keeping a straight face.
"Have any of you seen it around here? We have reason to believe it might be in the area." The man with the posters asked as I could feel their gazes still resting on me more than on Kirishima.
"Oh yeah, Midoriya, you found a cat yesterday didn't you?" Kirishima asked with very good intentions, but now I wish I had never told him the scratch on my cheek was from a cat.
"U-Uh-- Yeah..!" I said and nervously scratched my cheek, looking off to the side, "... It was an orange cat though... N-Nothing like the one on that picture..." I said, gathering all my courage to meet their gazes, not showing them any of the emotions I was going through right now. I can't let them track Todoroki, they already know he's in this city...
"Is that so?" The man not carrying posters sighed, "I guess it can't be helped... Here, take one each if you kids really want to help." he then said as he ripped off two small pieces of paper from a poster with a phone number on it.
"If you see anything, call this number. It goes straight to the owner of the cat, and you'll be rewarded generously." He said as they turned and started walking off in the opposite direction of where we were going.
I looked down at the small piece of paper I was holding, my hands were shaking a bit. They were really looking for him... It's just as we feared... I thought and furrowed my brows a bit, Todoroki is in danger... If they find him, they'll take him and if they are anything like Todoroki described them, they'll kill me in the process if I resist... I thought, starting to feel a little dizzy.
'If he ever finds me, you won't come and look for me. I forbid you from bringing yourself into that kind of danger. So... You'll just continue your everyday life and eventually, you'll forget about me...' I could still hear him say it, that was the condition of staying with me. I felt my breathing starting to get uneven as the fear spread in my chest.
You're cruel Todoroki... I thought and felt tears slowly starting to form in my eyes as I did my best to hold them back. Demanding me not to look for you if something were to happen to you... I thought as a single tear fell and as it hit the ground, I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Midoriya..? What's wrong?! Do you feel sick or something?" Kirishima asked as I turned my head up and looked at him, his worried gaze meeting mine. I quickly wiped away my tears and smiled.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine... Is it okay if we hang out another day though..?" I asked after I got my breathing under control, putting the small piece of paper inside my pocket. His worried expression never changed in the slightest, if anything it only got more worried.
"Yeah, of course Midoriya? Do you want me to walk you home though? Is there anything I can do for you?" He asked with a kind, sincere voice as he gave me a small reassuring smile to try and cheer me up.
"Thanks, but I don't need anything right now..." I said, but that wasn't completely true, there was one thing I needed, "I'll head home now..." I said as I turned and started to walk, walking as calmly as I could. Kirishima didn't say nor do anything as he just watched me leave.
As soon as I was out of sight and I had made sure no one was watching me, I started sprinting toward my apartment. I was running even faster than I did this morning when I was late for work, I didn't even know I could run this fast. Please be okay... Todoroki..! I thought as I ran up the stairs to my apartment, quickly grabbing my keys and unlocking the door.
I quickly opened the door and hurried inside, slamming the door shut behind me as I quickly turned and locked it.
"T-Todoroki..!!" I called with a desperate voice, not caring that I was still wearing my shoes and jacket as I quickly rushed inside the apartment, panting heavily from running as concerned tears already formed in my eyes again.
I was then suddenly met with Todoroki running towards me with widely outspread arms, his ears down and his gaze filled with worry. I felt relief wash over me as I ran to him, hugging him as tight as I could. He's here, he's okay..! I thought as I tried to calm down, but I couldn't. I started crying even more as I just held onto him tightly.
"Izuku..? What's the matter? What happened to you..?" Todoroki asked as he tried to push back a bit so he could look at me, but I didn't let him. I kept holding onto to him as I quickly shook my head.
"Please don't let go..." I muttered through my tears as I buried my face in his chest, not wanting him to look at my tears. Todoroki didn't say anything as he just held me tighter, his hand gently stroking my hair.
We stayed like that for a couple of silent minutes until I eventually calmed down and quietly pushed back enough for him to look at me. He was obviously trying to get me to look at him, but I didn't. I'm not sure why, but I didn't like the thought of meeting his monotone, cold gaze after that.
"... Izuku, what happened to you..?" Todoroki asked, his voice concerned, yet dangerous and protective. I could feel his anger building up little by little and slowly starting to flow off of him.
"Did someone hurt you?" He asked, his body tensing up a bit and tail starting to swing furiously from side to side behind his legs, but I slowly shook my head. I took a deep breath and slowly turned my head and looked up at him, meeting his gaze.
To my surprise, as soon as I looked at him all his anger seemed to slowly melt away. His eyes weren't cold as I had expected but filled to the brink with overflowing worry. His cat ears rose a bit on top of his head like they always do whenever I look at him. Todoroki moved his right hand from my hair and down to my cheek, carefully wiping away a tear.
"Talk to me... I'm worried about you..." He said, his voice much softer than before as his hold around my waist tightened a tiny bit and I don't know if he did it intentionally, but also pulling my body a little closer to his.
"I was just so worried about you and when I found out you were still here and that you were okay, I-I just got so relieved that the tears just started falling..." I said, letting his sudden calm protectiveness comfort me.
"Still here..? Why on earth wouldn't I be? I promised not to leave the apartment while you were working, remember?" He asked confused, his hand remaining on my cheek as he gently ran his thumb in circles.
I couldn't help but hesitate, is it a good idea to tell him about what's going on? I'm afraid it'll just worry him or make him feel like he needs to leave. But I'm also afraid of what'll happen if he doesn't know and suddenly gets taken away without warning--
"Izuku." Todoroki gently called out to me, his eyes flickering a bit with sadness and worry, "why are you crying... I hate it when you're sad..." He admitted honestly as I realized I had subconsciously started crying again.
"... They're searching for you..." I said and felt myself starting to get a little dizzy again. Todoroki's tail stopped swinging immediately as his eyes widened, ears slowly laying back down against his head.
"... There are missing posters all over the place... I saw them more than once as I was running home, there's a picture of you in your catform on them and a very large reward to anyone who captures you..." I said, looking into his eyes with a sad look in my gaze, "... And... Kirishima and I met two men who started questioning us about you..." I continued as I watched his ears perk up, listening very closely, and of course, I could see what he was thinking.
"Of course, I didn't tell them about you, that I have you here with me." I said and watched a tiny bit of relief come over him, but he also knew I didn't before I had even said it, "... But I can't help but think that they're suspicious of me." I said and subconsciously moved my hand up and rested it on top of Todoroki's hand on my cheek.
"Why would they be suspicious of you..?" He asked slowly raising an eyebrow in a questioning manner.
"I don't know... It's just that they were observing me carefully and paid more attention to me than they did to Kirishima... What if someone, who works for your owner, saw us when we were outside together yesterday..?" I asked and began shaking lightly.
I want to be here for him, to protect him and make sure he'll never have to fight for his life again... But how can I do that if a gun is suddenly pointed at my head, taking me out before I'd ever get the chance to save him..? I couldn't stop my thoughts as the possibility started to seem more and more possible.
"... Of course..." Todoroki then said, "He's using his other nekos to track me down... That's the only explanation..." He mumbled as he let go of me and quickly walked over to a window, peaking outside.
"Todoroki..?" I asked as I followed him, trying to get a peak as well, but Todoroki quickly placed his hand on my chest and pushed me behind him without ever looking away from the outside world. Did he see something..? I thought and decided to stay behind him, but I couldn't help still feeling a little nervous.
"Basically," Todoroki then said as he seemed to be using his cat senses to try and pick up on something, anything, that might have followed me home, "Nekos and cats can communicate with each other, it's not always easy, but it is very much possible. That means that if one of my owners' nekos servants has seen me with you, you will be targeted as well and they will use you to track this place down..." Todoroki said as he turned around and looked at me, but something in his eyes was different, making me take a step back, ending the contact between us.
"Izuku, I don't want them target you as well, you'll get hurt... If something were to ever happen to you... I... I'd lose my mind..." Todoroki started and I already knew where this was going, this was how I feared he would react.
"... I'm afraid..." I said and looked into his eyes, watching as something changed in his gaze. It was like his eyes became even more cat-like than they were before. He was looking at me like I was his kitten and he needed to protect me, whatever the cost.
"... You don't need to be afraid..." He said and took a step towards me again, but I took another step back so he couldn't reach me. He stopped and looked at me, seeming confused and maybe a little hurt as well.
"I'll make sure they never find you." He said, seeming confident in his words, but also uncertain in what that would mean for him.
"How?" I asked and, for the first time, glared at him, "how exactly, are you gonna do that Todoroki?!" I asked a little louder, clenching my fists. Todoroki opened his mouth to say something, but no words were coming out, so I decided to answer for him.
"... You're planning on leaving me..." I said, my voice quieter and more fragile, "aren't you..?" I finished. Todoroki's ears were completely back and his tail was hanging in between his legs, showing me that he was sad and ashamed, but he didn't deny what I had said.
"I..." He started, looking down at his feet, but trailed off.
"You promised..." I whispered and looked at him, this time it was him who refused to meet my gaze. I didn't want us to ever go through this, but here we are, both of us hurting because of the other. I knew I was hurting him right now by making it even more difficult for him than it already was, but I couldn't stop myself.
"TODOROKI YOU PROMISED ME!" I screamed, shocking both of us as Todoroki jumped back a bit, staring at me as his ears moved as that scream had probably been ten times louder to him.
"... I know!!" He then yelled back, finally finding his voice again as he clenched his fists as well, hands shaking just as much as mine, "I-I know... I know Izuku..!" He said as tears slowly started forming in his eyes as well, surprising me as I didn't think he was really the type to cry.
"... Then why would you even suggest that..?" I asked and just looked at him, unclenching my fists.
"Because I... Because I don't know what to do..." He muttered as he finally looked into my eyes again, "You're scared, you're hurting and it's all because of me..! Because I'm here..! Everything was so much better for you before I entered your life..! That's why--!"
"No!" I interrupted him and took the step forward that would connect us again, grabbing his hands and holding them up to my chest, "It wasn't..! I... I was suffering before you got here... I was so lonely and sad all the time, but then you came into my life and the last couple of days has been some of the best in my entire life! T-That's why... I don't want you to leave... I don't think I would be able to go on as I was before, especially not now after I've met the one person who can somehow manage to make everything better..!" I ranted on and on and while I did, Todoroki just stood there and listened, taking in everything I had to say.
"... I feel the same..." He then said as a small smile formed on his lips for the first time in what seemed like forever, "I don't want this time we have together to ever end... The time you were at work today alone, was enough to make me go insane..! Never seeing you again... I don't even wanna imagine it, I don't want to break the promise I made to you, but I don't wanna see you get hurt either." Todoroki explained calmly as his grip on my hands tightened a bit.
"... Then what'll we do..?" I asked as I just looked into his heterochromia eyes with my green ones. Todoroki never looked away from me either as he just took a little step closer wrapping his left arm around me and pulling me closer to him.
"You haven't been followed here, that means they have yet to discover me, and that also means we're safe... For now..." Todoroki said as I turned my head up to look at him again, realizing just how close he was right now.
His face was only inches away from mine. I could feel his hot breath on my lips, that's how close we were right now, his hand firmly, yet gently holding me by the waist. I could easily step away if I wanted to, but I didn't.
"... We'll just have to make 'now' last for forever..." I said and could feel myself being naturally drawn towards him. I couldn't help it, but he seemed to be leaning a little closer as well, his calm gaze staring into mine.
I felt myself subconsciously starting to close my eyes, letting him do whatever he wanted or needed to do right now and it was pretty clear to both of us what the other one wanted right now. With that, our lips carefully made impact, gently moving against one another in a soft kiss.
I felt like I was floating on cloud nine with him, just him and me. I wanted us to stay like this, I wanted him to keep his hold on me and I wanted to keep my hold on him. The kiss was slow, not too daring and not too hungry, but still a little hungry, and I felt that. As soon as Todoroki bit down on my bottom lip with his sharp fangs, drawing a tiny bit of blood.
We ended the kiss as I opened my eyes and reached up, carefully feeling my bottom lip, a bit of blood getting on my finger. I giggled and thought nothing of it at first, but then I looked up at Todoroki and realized what just happened, by just looking into his eyes.
Todoroki just consumed my blood...