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1
Todoroki is a decently perceptive guy. In fact, he's rather sure that compared to most, he picks up on pretty small things other people don't (Midoriya is All Might's secret love child and nothing will change his mind.) Regardless, he doesn't have complete confidence in his theories all the time.
However, nothing will change the fact that there is something going on between Midoriya and Bakugou.
He may be going crazy, but he is convinced that there's something there. He doesn’t know what it is yet, but he can’t deny the electricity, the something sizzling between them. But for some reason, no one else seemed to acknowledge it. It was driving him insane.
Had they started a gang, murdered someone? Oh God, what if they were in an mlm together?
Todoroki watched as Midoriya went off to to train with Bakugou and All Might, calling back a faint farewell. He's happy, but it’s almost unnatural how wide his smile stretches. Midoriya had been that way ever since Bakugou started to train with him.
Once he's out of earshot, Todoroki turns to Uraraka, "Midoriya is hiding something.”
"Oh yeah?" she grins, clearly amused. It wasn't the first time he had shared with his musings with her, "What's your theory now?"
He frowns, "I'm serious. Ever since he started sparring with Bakugou...no, even before that. He's become more eager."
"Deku's always eager. He's probably just excited to start improving. You know how he is."
"But..."
"But what?"
"Something has changed within him. He's different, I sense it."
She stares at him for a moment, before she begins spitting with laughter, "Ah! I can't! 'I sense it.' You're kidding! Todoroki you are hilarious! Iida, Iida! You have to hear what Todoroki just said!"
Uraraka begins to whisper in his ear as Iida stares at Todoroki with a mixture of concern and pity. Briefly, Todoroki wonders if maybe he's wrong, if maybe he's just overreacting. Even if he wasn't, perhaps he should just mind his own business. Regardless of what they were doing, Midoriya seemed happy and as his friend, that's all Todoroki could hope for.
Um, no. He's totally right, and he's going to prove it to everyone.
2
It was movie night with class 1-A. Every Friday someone would pick a movie, or a collection of TV show episodes, and they would watch it together. It was Kaminari's turn this time and what a mistake that was. He had chosen some weird American painting show that could have doubled as a horror movie. It made even less sense since they were just watching it, and not really painting. That much being said, Todoroki enjoyed it to an extent. He would have to get the name of it from Kaminari later.
He seemed to be alone on that train of thought though, as just about everyone else was asleep. He seemed to be the only one who was actually entranced by it. Not that he minded all that much.
(He certainly wasn't going to complain about Iida's warm body asleep against him as they sat huddled on the floor together.)
Although he was slightly peeved the rest of his class couldn't appreciate the fine art of...whatever he was watching, he didn't hate the quiet. He quite appreciated it, in fact. Not to disrespect his friends, but they weren't the tamest bunch. The room was completely silent for a change, save for the strange painter.
Except for that incessant rustling. It was a quiet sound, one that would have been easy to ignore, had Todoroki not noticed it. However, he did, and so he had to look for where it was coming from.
Frowning, Todoroki looked about the darkness of the room, trying to find the source of the noise. He felt himself halt at the sight before him.
The rustling, that horrible barely audible noise had been Bakugou.
It wasn't that which surprised Todoroki. Bakugou was always loud. It wasn't even the fact that Bakugou was still awake, on the contrary, he was rather pleased he could talk to someone about the show.
Bakugou wouldn't be happy to talk with him, but he would. Besides, he wasn't happy to talk with anyone.
No, Todoroki was left at a lost for words at the fact that the sound was Bakugou was trying to place a blanket on a sleeping Midoriya.
Seriously, Midoriya of all people. He knew Bakugou had an odd habit of insisting on sitting next to Midoriya, even when they didn't get along, but this was just strange. In an utterly captivating way of course.
Bakugou gingerly, slowly, wrapped the blanket around Midoriya as best he could. He brushed the hair off of Midoriya's face and looked at him in a way Todoroki would dare to call fond.
Then Bakugou noticed him staring.
His red eyes seemed to impossibly brighten, his face flush with a mixture of embarrassment and anger. He looked as if he was about to shriek, before Midoriya gave a low hum and snuggled into his chest.
Bakugou settled, and gave Todoroki a deadly glare before looking away. There was no doubt in his mind that Bakugou would destroy him if this ever got out.
Perhaps he could keep what he had seen a secret, just this once.
3
Bakugou never left his phone unattended. He made a point of it. So much as look at his phone, glance over his shoulder while he's on it, and he'll send you a glare that makes you wish you were never born. A look that will all but kill you on the very spot you stand.
Luckily, Todoroki was already dead on the inside, and so this had no effect on him. More than that, he was a man on a mission. He may have decided to keep movie night a secret, but he was made even more suspicious by it.
Surely, Bakugou's phone could have some...helpful data on it.
Of course, that circled back to the original problem, Bakugou never left his phone unattended. So Todoroki lurked, waiting for an opportunity in which he could take a peek at the device.
No, he was not obsessed.
Besides, if you never have a chance, you have to make yourself one.
Kirishima was bothering Bakugou, as he did at every possible opportunity, but Bakugou seemed especially annoyed this time. It wasn't as if Todoroki blamed him, though, Kirishima knew exactly how to push Bakugou's buttons.
Todoroki wouldn't have bribed him otherwise.
Okay, maybe it was wrong to do something like that, but it was really Bakugou's fault. If he just left his phone unattended they wouldn't have to go through this. He didn't mind using his father's credit card to buy Kirishima crocs either.
Kirishima is mouthing something, sending a "subtle" wink Todoroki's way. Bakugou was too infuriated to notice, instead beginning to scream out expletives. It was actually quite the scary scene. Good on Kirishima for taking one for the team. Well, one for Todoroki. They weren't really a team. It was more like blatant bribery. That's exactly what it was actually. Regardless!
Todoroki seizes this chance to glance over Bakugou's shoulder, with a phone he's holding tight enough so that his knuckles were white. It wasn't ideal, but it was the best Todoroki would get.
He finally lays his eyes upon the phone, only to find himself frozen is shock. He didn't know what he expected, but it certainly wasn't what he found.
Bakugou is on his home screen, which is normal enough. He's got a nice collection of apps actually, like Tetris which is respectable. Todoroki finds himself liking Bakugou a bit better actually. What is in no way normal is Bakugou's wallpaper. It's a picture of Midoriya.
Not a bad one, like the one of Midoriya falling on his face (the one that Todoroki has had on his phone for months) but just a picture of him. It was strangely candid, as if Midoriya wasn't aware it was being taken. It was just plain nice (which was weird because Midoriya was not photogenic. Not to be rude, but he was kind of a mess. Not that Todoroki thought Midoriya ugly. He was just average.) Why would Bakugou have that? Is that why he kept his phone near him at all times? Could they...?
Todoroki's train of thought is abruptly cut off as Bakugou notices him, "Back off bastard! I'll bite out your intestines!"
His voice comes out a tad shakier than is normal for him, something Kirishima notices.
"Ooh! Bakubro! Got something to hide on there, bud? Let me see!" Kirishima throws himself onto Bakugou, laughing all the while.
Bakugou stays horribly quiet, and then grins, and Todoroki suddenly understand what a bad idea this was.
"Ow!" Kirishima yelps as Bakugou drags him away by the ear, "It was a joke! Dude!"
Todoroki decides he will pay for Kirishima's medical expenses.
4
Okay, so yes, it may have been several months since Todoroki started his impromptu investigation, but he just knew he was on the cusp of something. He had a board with clippings in his room and everything. If that didn't prove he knew what he was doing, he didn't know what would.
Of course, he had not a single theory yet, but that was unimportant.
Todoroki sighed, watching the fight in front of him. Aizawa had thought it would be a good idea to have members of the class spar, while the rest of the class looked for flaws in their technique. In other words, he didn't want to teach. Currently, Iida and Midoriya were fighting. It was fine enough, even if Uraraka seemed as though she was about to combust from trying to figure out who to cheer on. Todoroki had only some shame in choosing Iida instantly. How could he be blamed? Those calves spoke for themselves.
Wiping the drool from his mouth Todoroki refocused on the battle. He could (and would) salivate over Iida later. Todoroki should have been thinking over the advice from his fight with Uraraka. He shouldn't be so distracted when he had work to do. He could be reviewing feedback given to him. Momo was right, he did rely too much on his quirk, even if he won. He needed to try something new for a change. But what? Maybe he could try breaking his bones? It always seemed to work for Midoriya. Maybe he could ask Bakugou. He, haughty as he was, was an excellent fighter. He never relied on his quirk, instead making it an extension of himself.
Todoroki turns to ask, but Bakugou has his eyes firmly fixated on the fight. Bakugou slowly licked his lips.
Okay, so that happened. It was creepy, but he wasn't surprised. Bakugou was insane. Before Todoroki can say anything there was a loud screech.
"Agh!" Todoroki turned to see Midoriya lying on the floor, his leg twisted in a way it certainly shouldn't have been.
Ashido scrunched up her nose, "He should've dodged."
"I'm so sorry, Midoriya!" Iida said, looking angelic as ever. Honestly, what was he even apologizing for?
"It's fine, I can walk it off aggh!"
Oh right. he broke Midoriya's leg.
Iida tried to hoist Midoriya up, "At least let me take you to Recovery Girl."
"Nah, I'm fine," Midoriya assured, obviously not fine.
In the chaos, Bakugou looked rather calm, walking up to Midoriya.
"Dumbass," Bakugou snarled, "Only you would try to walk off a broken leg."
"Kacchan..."
"Ponytail! get me something to carry him with! I'm taking him!"
"Oh!" Momo began to create a crutch, looking rather embarrassed for not thinking of it herself, "Of course."
"Is that alright Aizawa Sensei?" Uraraka looked at the man awkwardly.
Aizawa shrugged.
"Happy Round Face? C'mon, Deku," Bakugou hoisted him up, strangely delicately, and began slowly carting him off in the direction of Recovery Girl.
Todoroki hummed feeling rather smug, turning to Uraraka, "That's strange, wouldn't you say? Almost like they're hiding something."
"Ugh, are you still with that conspiracy theory? You're so weird Todoroki," she groaned, but was smiling all the same, "Still..."
"Yeah?"
Uraraka smiled broadly, eyes shining, "I'm just happy to see them being friends again!"
Todoroki felt his lips quirk up as well, "Me too."
5
"Tell me," Ashido grins, "You're Bakugou's childhood best friend. What is something special you can do?"
"Weird question but...I can make Kacchan laugh on command," Midoriya proclaims proudly.
Ashido rolls her eyes, "No way! Unless you fall over. That would probably make him laugh."
He frowns, "Ashido..."
Todoroki is only half listening to the conversation. Class is about to start and he's trying to rest his eyes before Aizawa comes in and undoubtedly puts them all to work. Then again, he as also one hundred percent dedicated to cracking the Bakugou/Midoriya Case, and this could be viable research.
"I actually believe him," Sero walks over to the conversation, shrugging, "I mean, Midoriya knows him better than anyone."
"You cannot be for real!" she snickers.
"I am."
Ashido gets a glint in her eyes, "Fine then. I'll bet you lunch that he can't do it."
"Guys," Midoriya cuts in, "I actually don't really..."
"Deal!" Sero shouts, shaking her hand.
"B-But I'd really rather not..."
"Deku," Ashido makes her voice gruff, face scrunching up into a pout, "C'mon go do it!"
Sero nodded, "Yeah man, I want some lunch!"
Before Midoriya can continue to protest, Ashido pushes him towards Bakugou's desk.
Todoroki is paying full attention now, and watches as Midoriya awkwardly stumbles over to Bakugou's desk. Would it be weird to start taking notes.
Bakugou is in the middle of talking to Kaminari when Midoriya taps him on the shoulder, "Um, Kacchan?"
"Oi Deku! I'm talking here! What do you want?" Bakugou all but growls.
Midoriya flushed and murmured something under his breath.
"What?" Bakugou replied, lips twitching.
He cleared his throat, looking considerably more confident, "Pie Apple."
Todoroki was getting ready to feel a strong second hand embarrassment when Bakugou actually began to laugh.
Ashido's face instantly fell, "Wha...! You totally cheated didn't you? That's not even funny! Midoriya you big ol' jerk!"
"While I totally won," Sero starts, "she's right. That wasn't funny at all."
"It was an inside joke," Midoriya explains, snickering a bit himself.
"Since when do you two have inside jokes?" she demands.
Midoriya hummed, "Well, this was before the 'Polar Bear Incident' but after the 'Watch Problem.' But was this during the 'Water War'....?"
"Yeah Bro, you lost me."
"We must have been like five or six!" Midoriya concludes.
"That is so not fair!" Ashido groans, falling onto a desk, "I was cheated!"
"I don't know. Did you say he couldn't use inside jokes?" Kaminari asked.
"That's none of your business."
"Okay, so no."
Bakugou seems to get his bearings then, finally catching his breath, "You...ha...you used me for a bet?"
Sero, Ashido and Midoriya all stare at Bakugou a moment, and then go tearing off in different directions around the classroom.
"Bastard!" Bakugou grabs Midoriya's shoulders and rustles his hair roughly, "Did you really think you would get away with that?"
"Wah! Kacchan, stop!" his voice is coming out in more of a laugh than a scream, "It was funny!"
"Oh can it you nerd!"
Some desks away, Ashido and Sero are watching thoughtfully, still ready to run if Bakugou turns to them.
"They really do know each other well, huh?" she remarks wistfully.
"It's kind of scary," Sero agrees.
"Not really. I wish someone knew me that well."
"You're insane if you want that."
Todoroki couldn't help but to disagree.
+1
It was late, so damn late, and Todoroki could not sleep. Nothing had worked. He had even counted sheep up to five thousand and...something before he lost count.
So he walked to the kitchen, maybe a warm glass of milk and some cookies would help with his insomnia. No, he was not just looking for an excuse to gorge himself on sweets in the middle of the night.
That was a lie, he was, but he was alone and no one but God could judge him. Before he could properly begin to stuff himself full of cookies, he heard sounds coming from the common area. Now, Todoroki fancied himself something of an idiot with no fear for death. If he were in a horror film, he would be the character people would yell at through the screen. So, like the fool he was, he moved towards the sounds.
What awaited him was worse than any horror movie. Bakugou and Midoriya were on the couch, Midoriya straddling him from above. Bakugou's hands were tightly gripping Midoriya's shirt as he kissed him.
No, not kissing, more like...face battling.
As all of the pieces that Todoroki had observed of the course of his investigation came crashing together at once. It was almost painful how obvious it had been, At the same time, who would have expected this?
By the end of his revelation, all Todoroki can say is, "Huh."
Midoriya instantly jumps off of Bakugou muttering like crazy once he sees Todoroki, "Ah! Todoroki! I-we can explain! This is...well, the thing about what was going on is that we were trying out a newing sparring strategy. Yeah, that's it! You should try it sometime! Right Kacchan? See? Exactly! Wow! Would you look at the time! I really need to head to sleep! See you in the morning, Todoroki!"
Bakugou, quiet throughout the outburst, eying Todoroki in a way that almost seems bored. It isn't until Midoriya runs off, that Bakugou begins to get up.
"Well, you've been stalking me long enough. I guess it's about time you figure it out."
"Stalking feels like a strong word," Todoroki frowned. It was pretty much accurate, but he certainly didn't want to hear it.
"Whatever you wanna' call it," Bakugou snorted, "But you know what? I'll throw you a bone, creep."
Todoroki failed in looking uninterested.
"Deku is the best. I completely adore him. Sometimes, I make his lunch. I like to write little notes that I sneak into the damn nerd's lunch. He is the most important thing in the world to me. I may not act like in all the time, but...I love him. I don't know what I would do without him."
Todoroki watches as the fond smile on Bakugou's face slowly turns into a sinister one, "Why...Why are you telling me this?"
Bakugou's wolfish grin grows even larger, and he leans in close to Todoroki, "Because nobody, and I mean nobody will ever believe you."
He walks off, seeming extremely proud of himself.
Todoroki tries not to combust.