178: Toko Study Date

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The days go by at Hawks' agency without much difficulty, and soon it's Thursday night. A giant yawn escapes your lips, and you lean back on the couch in Tokoyami's room.

“Man, even though Hawks has been going over this stuff with us, I feel like we're going to be so behind! I wonder what we've missed in class other than what Iida’s sending us... Like, you think we've missed many funny moments?”

“Funny moments...?” Tokoyami looks up from his workbook at you. “In class?”

“Yeah! You know, like Kami acting goofy during training from overusing his quirk, or Bakugou getting mad over something silly, or Sero smacking Mineta for being a creep, or Toru and Mina teasing Ochako...” You sigh with a chuckle. “There could be so many things we're getting left out of!”

“You're quite fond of our classmates, aren't you, Y/n?” Tokoyami smiles softly.

“I couldn't help it even if I tried! Our class is like one big family.” You grin over at him. “Don't get me wrong, I'm having a blast, but after moving into the dorms, it's weird being away from everyone for so long.”

“Yes, it's unusually quiet. We'll be back in a few days, though. Then we'll be missing the peace.” He looks back down at his workbook, his brows furrowing slightly. “Would you be willing to help me with this part?”

“Of course!” You smile and shuffle over on the couch, so you're practically sitting against him. With your closer hand resting in your lap, you lean in to read his book, and you point at the page with your farther hand. After a few minutes of going through it, Tokoyami understands it, and you lean back on the couch once more.

“Now I just need to finish the reading... Thank you, Y/n.” Tokoyami nods to you.

“No worries! It's actually a pretty interesting part; I ended up reading ahead last night before bed because it was so good.” You say as you stretch your arms above your head. “I'm so tired after all the training we did with Hawks today... I'm going to sleep like the dead tonight...!”

“You can head to your room to go to sleep early if you'd like, Y/n.” Tokoyami tells you. “I don't mind. You don't need to stay up to keep me company.”

“Nah, I like hanging out with you, Tokoyami. We don't do it enough.” You give him a lopsided grin. “You're not as rowdy as everyone else, which is a nice change of pace sometimes. It helps me calm down a bit, instead of being loud like usual.”

Tokoyami flushes as he hears your words, and he lets out a small chuckle. “You can certainly still be loud and spontaneous, but I suppose I'm getting used to it. I enjoy spending time with you as well.” He pauses before continuing. “I'm glad you're doing your work study here. It's more enjoyable having you with me.”

“Aww, I'm glad too, Tokoyami! It was fun when it was just me, but it's way more exciting and fun being with you, too!” You wrap your closer arm around his shoulders in a half-hug, and you lean your cheek against his shoulder. “Like I said, we need to hang out more once we get back to school!”

Tokoyami stiffens as he feels you against him, and he gives you an awkward smile. “If it would make you happy.”

“Of course it would! Don't say it like that, it sounds like that's the only reason you're saying yes!” You laugh and loosen your grip on him. “Or do you think you'll be sick of me by the time the week is over?”

“Of course not. I doubt anyone could get sick of you, Y/n.” Tokoyami says. His tone is serious as usual, which throws you off slightly. A light blush dusts your cheeks, and you pause for a moment to stare up at him.

“Jeez, you trying to flatter me?” You laugh as you blush. “Because it's working!”

Tokoyami realizes what he said, and immediately forgets how to read his book. “Just... Being honest...” He says awkwardly. “You're quite popular... Everyone who meets you seems to want to get to know you. Even Bakugou and Todoroki warmed up to you quickly.”

“Popular, huh? You think so? I don't know, I guess I've just always found it easy to get along with people. My parents told me that when I first started kindergarten, I got in trouble with my teacher because I wouldn't shut up. I guess I refused to sit down and listen until I had asked everyone their name!” You laugh. “I don't know if I can be a powerhouse hero like you, Midoriya, Bakugou, and Todoroki, but I know I can be a smiley one!”

Tokoyami can't help but chuckle as he watches you copy All Might's signature big grin, holding your fingers up to mimic his hair strands. “You're one of the strongest in our class, Y/n. Not to mention our grade. You came in third place during the Sports Festival, afterall.”

Another laugh escapes you as you listen to Tokoyami. “I suppose you're right, but that was before my hands and feet got all messed up. Now I'm a lot more reliant on things I can't control like the weather and available water.”

“How is your physio going? Have they considered surgery?” Tokoyami asks you.

“Recovery Girl is talking to one of the hospitals about a potential surgery, maybe something with skin grafting? But even if I have surgery, it looks like it wouldn't be able to bring my sweat glands back to what they used to be. Even if they replace the skin, I won't be able to generate water as fast as I could before.” You sigh softly. “It's a bit frustrating, honestly. I've been trying not to dwell on it or let it get to me, but... If I'm being real, it's been bothering me a lot...”

“You went through a truly hellish experience and came out forever changed. Of course you aren't over it. I was surprised to see you back at school so quickly.” Tokoyami gently rubs your back. “It's not good to bottle things up like that. It's important to feel your emotions.”

A small laugh escapes you. “I'd expect to hear that from someone like Toru, not you, Tokoyami. Thank you, I really appreciate it. I guess I really should be more open about it... I just don't want to bog everyone down, y'know? After everything that's happened, our first year is already so different from how it should have gone. I guess I just want to pretend everything is normal while I can. Who knows what'll happen next with the League of Villains...” You sigh, going back to hugging Tokoyami with one arm.

“True... We don't know when or how they'll strike next... But it won't do anyone good in the long run for you to stamp down your emotions.” Tokoyami's palm continues to rub circles on your back, and you lean slightly closer to him, resting your head against his shoulder once more.

“Aizawa was talking to me before we left about doing some therapy sessions. I guess the Hero Commission has some options, and the principal would cover the costs... I originally told them I didn't want to and was feeling fine, but maybe I should take them up on it...”

“It's a good idea. You should go for it.” Tokoyami nods.

You hum in response, and a yawn escapes your lips once more as you relax against Tokoyami. “Thank you for chatting with me about this, Tokoyami. You should get to your reading... I don't want to spend all of your time... Chatting...” You yawn again.

He nods and picks his book up as he continues to rub your back. It's not long before you slowly drift off to sleep against his shoulder.

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enjoy the toko food y'all 🐦‍⬛🖤

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