3626 words! And a special thanks to ThatOneWeirdLina! And this is also for her. Thank you so much!

Shoto’s POV

It had been a week since Momo went to the sleepover, yet she wouldn’t talk about it. I knew something happened there though, because (Y/n), though ignoring me and pretending I didn’t exist enough to ask her about her possible scar, wasn’t hiding from me. Maybe your mind was playing tricks on you after all… And Momo let me hold her hand and even her arm occasionally. I felt truly blessed, yet it nagged me. These subtle but huge differences struck me as odd, no complaints of course. So here we were, munching on warm Taiyaki, my left hand holding her right as we idly chatted while walking.

“Hey, Shoto..” I turned to her timid voice and looked at the raven haired girl that had once again made me smile. “Did you ever have any indications of a soulmate..?” I stopped, my stomach turning. I had hoped she’d not ask, I kept the ideas of soulmates on the downlow.

“W-well, yes… When I was eight actually…” I trailed off, thanking above when my phone went off. I grabbed it, looking at the unknown number.

[Unknown- I know you have a fascination with (Y/n). If you go to the benches in front of the school, you’ll be able to see her. But you only have 15 minutes.]

I stared in disbelief. It had to have been a prank message or maybe a trap. Besides, I’m on a lovely date with Momo, I can’t just leave her. She left you for some time with friends she talks to everyday, just apologize and go see her. I frowned and kept walking, battling with the voice in my head.

“Uh, what’s wrong?” I turned to Momo and sighed, giving in.

“I’m sorry, an opportunity came up that I cannot let pass. I’ll see you later.” Upon finishing I took the chance to flee, not even listening to her ask ‘what opportunity?’.

Panting softly I made it a bit from (Y/n) sitting on the bench, one leg sitting under her other. I took a deep breath, suddenly finding it easy to breath. My steps were smaller than ever, and I felt clear anxiety floating through me. “Ugh, finally Mei, you know I ne-” She tilted her head up from her phone and groaned at me. “What are you doing here?” She asked, standing up.

“Wait!” I yelled a bit louder than necessary. “I just need to know...I have so many questions, please.” I sounded like a whining child as I held her arm, but I didn’t want to let go.

“What do you need to know? Wait how about. I need to know. Has Momo been treating you better?” I gasped at the question and nodded. She did have a play in that.. “Good. Now what do you need to know?” Her tone had gone from annoyed to slightly relaxed. I slowly let go of her arm and turned her grabbing her right hand, pulling her sleeve up.

“Oi! The hell?” I blinked at the scar that was prominent on her skin. “You should know that’s not okay to do!” My eyes watered, I did know, and it was against my better judgment but I got my answer, so I decided to finally give her hers.

“Six. I was six... And you were eight.” I concluded, running my fingers over her scar. The stinging in my eye intensified. “But who hurt you?” The look on her face changed from shocked to bashful.

“I did…. I knew you’d be scarred so I… Well… But you. Who caused you so much suffering?” My answer flew from my mouth before I could stop it.

“My dad for the most part… Though the scar on my eye is from my mom during a mental breakdown… She tried to heal my eye after throwing boiling water on me, causing me to scar… Don’t hate her please, she’s amazing.” The tears that had threatened to fall had already started and I scolded myself. Why’d you tell her? You’ve never openingly told anyone! ..Maybe it's because she knows and understands? I wiped my eyes, unaware that the salty liquid was falling on her exposed arm until it wrapped around me in a loving hug.

“Fuck your father, he’s a piece of shit..” She muttered into my shoulder as she comforted me. I surprisingly calmed down faster than I expected after returning the hug. Once out of the embrace I sighed.

“Will you stop avoiding me now? Please, it's all I want.” (Y/n) nodded.

“Yeah, okay… Thank you for confirming my worries Shoto. I’ll see you around.” She was out of sight before I realized she said ‘confirming her worries’.

I stared at where she had once stood in front of me and my mind swirled with fear of what she meant and an intense, unknown feeling. I looked down at my hands quickly and shuddered. “Why’d I hug her back? Why’d she hug me?” The air around me had gained a warm feeling that I tried to brush off as I sat down where she had been. My hand on my chin, I closed my eyes, thinking about the scar on her arm and why she did it. “She knew I’d be scarred so she hurt herself? Then she hugged me?” I tried to veer my thoughts from it but I couldn’t, it was such a secure feeling. It was a complete hug, warm and no hesitance. I sighed heavily, thinking more about how Momo had started trying to be open like that. But she doesn’t hug you properly. The nagging voice stated, almost like it was trying to tease me. But (Y/n) is my soulmate… So of course her hug would feel different. I rubbed my eye in irritation, suddenly trying to balance out my feelings, knowing I wouldn’t be able to. I need some serious help.. Who can I go to though? I grabbed my phone that went off right as I clicked my passcode in.

[Unknown: Glad to see you worked out your issues. Keep this between us though. And here’s her number for you ***-***-****]

I blinked in confusion, looking around for a sign of anyone. I saw movement nearby and tried to ignore it. Maybe it’s just someone passing… I avoided the number as I backed out to my contacts. My finger hovered over two names out of my six in total. I finally clicked on the name I came closer to and held the phone to my ear.

“Good evening Shoto!” I hummed in a light response. “Well, what’s up? You normally text.” He chirped, causing me to chuckle a bit.

“Well, I have an issue….” I whispered, standing up. “Can I meet you any time soon?”

“Perfect timing! Iida and I are just leaving the amusement park, is it okay if he joins?” My eyebrows furrowed at the fact that they were both there.

“Sure…?” I couldn’t help but let my mind wonder. “Where would you like to meet? I think the town park is halfway between us..”

“Then we’ll see you at the park! But if you don’t want Iida to hang around, he’s more than happy to part ways.”

“More than happy to, or help in your issue, Todoroki!” His loud voice boomed in the background, I nodded while walking.

“You can tag along, I think two opinions will be better than one anyway..” Izuku hummed in response.

“Well we’ll see you soon then!” With that he hung up, leaving me with the scrambled thoughts. Hearing my phone go off I sighed, ready to throw it.

[Momo❣: Hi Shoto, how are you?]

I blinked at the message, not used to random ones.

[Shoto: I’m good, are you okay?
Momo❣: Yeah, just wanted to know if you accomplished what you needed, and if I could see you again.]

I stared at the screen, unable to come up with a response, soon arriving at the park.

[Shoto: I’m sorry, I’m meeting up with Iida and Midoriya. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.
Momo❣: Oh don’t worry about it! I’ll just see you at school tomorrow.
Shoto: Yes! See you then, have a good evening and night.]

I smiled, grateful that she was understanding. I mean with how she gets, she ought to. I scowled, kicking the ground. “What’s wrong with me? Why am I getting such negative thoughts?!”

“Negative thoughts about what?” Midoriya’s worried voice and hand touched my shoulder, causing me to jump out of my skin. I turned to the two males as they gave me concerned glances.

“Lets go somewhere a little more private. So you can get your feelings out!” Iida walked away quickly, Midoriya and I following him.

“Is it your dad? Is he doing something?” The assumption only caused my blood to boil more. Momo talks to him a bit freely, yet (Y/n) feels he’s shitty too… My eyes watered as Iida walked into a house, Midoriya walked in but I stopped, looking at them.

“Come in! It’s my house, Todoroki.” I nodded uneasily as I walked in and removed my shoes.

“Thank you for the hospitality…” I whispered, eyes glued to the ground as I followed them to his room.

“No need! We want you better! Don’t think we haven’t noticed!” My eyes trailed up to Iida as he gave me a big smile. "We notice more than we let on. But we thought it'd be better for you to come to us.." I sighed at his confession, watching them sit down and motion for me to as well. After a moment I joined them, deciding on my opening statement.

"Remember cat girl?" Iida tilted his head in thought and Midoriya instantly nodded. "Well… I ran into her a few other times that day. Which is also the day Momo asked me out, and she witnessed part of it. Then vanished. But the crazy thing is when I met her she didn't just notice my scar. She wanted to know when I got it. She pulled out this picture, I still have it.. and it had driven me crazy. I asked my mom about it and remembered I had a severe week where I had flowers and pain on my arm. On my forearm. And I was really overwhelmed by the constant voice in my head nagging that I tried to find comfort in Momo, who hated me holding her hand which caused me more worry and shit-" I flinched then continued.

"Sorry… then Momo cut off a date of ours cause the girls wanted to have a sleepover and wanted her to buy them stuff. She literally jumped up ready to leave! Then the next day she's letting me hold her hand and she's being kinder again suddenly. (Y/n) wasn't running away whenever I spotted her, but she still didn't talk to me. Oh yeah, (Y/n) is cat girl. Then while I was walking with Momo I got a strange text telling me I had 15 minutes to see (Y/n). And I just wanted to. I needed to know. So I ditched Momo and ran off to see her and-" I took a deep breath, the heat of my rambling catching up.

"Needed to know what?" Izuku asked, seemingly following my incoherent spew.

"SHE'S MY SOULMATE!" I couldn't help the loud booming voice that ripped through my parched throat. "And she went to leave when she saw it was me meeting her! I pleaded for her to stay and talk. And before she agreed she asked if Momo was treating me better! She's the reason Momo started changing! Not me! Then I found out she was my soulmate! And she has a scar on her arm because she could tell I had a scar and wanted me to not feel alone! And I opened up and told her things I haven't even disclosed to you guys! And I didn't mean to! But I did! Then she hugged me and I hugged her back! And…" I started to break down. "And it was a warm, loving, caring hug… and I've only ever felt them with my mom and sister… She truly cared. And I don't know what to do! Cause now that I know (Y/n) talked to her, and she's changing majorly because of that… and I think about the times Momo has openingly ditched me to see the girls and the awkwardness she has towards me… But whenever she's better she's great. And I truly love her company. But, (Y/n) has such a better aura that says 'endless love'. At least she did when I saw her. She's rude and I've seen her get petty, but… How do I deal with this?" I asked, tears streaming down my face as I sat, staring at the ground ashamed to bring them into my personal affairs. I heard the door open and looked towards it shutting.

“Shoto.. Have you talked to anyone at all about these feelings?” My eyes drifted to Izuku as he stood up to get me tissues. I graciously accepted them, wiping my nose, and blowing it.

“No. Because I want it to work with Momo. I’ve tried so hard! But with (Y/n) I feel I don’t have to try at all, like she accepts me without any second thoughts. But that’s only the few times I’ve bumped into her. And I’d be closer to her if I hadn't panicked that morning.” I laughed dryly, thinking about how it was my fault. “The light in her eyes when she morphed.. It was beautiful. It’s odd…” The door opened and I looked over at Iida who had a few glasses of water, he handed me one.

“I’m sorry for suddenly leaving, you sounded thirsty.” Iida apologized, giving Izuku his glass then sitting down.

“No, it’s fine! Thank you Iida.” I quickly took a drink, sighing.

“Todoroki!” I jolted at Iida’s loud outburst. “I’m sorry for what I’m going to say, but I think it’d be best to leave her! If she makes you feel unimportant then it would be best! I know it would hurt her and it would hurt you, and it saddens me to know that it’s the best option, but it is the best.” My eyes widened a bit, he only ever puts our feelings first. “Honestly, I know what it’s like to meet your soulmate… Mine avoids talking to me as well. And we came to the realization months ago. It hurts when you can’t get close to your soulmate, and I do not mean jump into asking her out!! But trying to work it out with someone who has trouble showing you the same level of interest as you show them will ultimately lead to you hurting even more. And from your earlier description it sounds like (Y/n) might have threatened Momo, or hinted at being able to care for you more. And her not being ready for commitment, yet scared to lose you is starting to change to get you back." Izuku shook his head quickly.

"No. Cause Momo would know you even better wouldn't she? Why throw away a relationship in hopes of possibly gaining one?" I looked between them. Iida would never openly tell me to hurt someone for anything, and Midoriya nearly never protests in personal affairs unless someone is going to physically get hurt.

“Soulmate, Midoriya! It’s not a possibility, every study of them shows that our subconscious pulls us towards our soulmate once we meet them. It’d be a matter of time, but there will always be love between them.” Iida interjected, my eyes darted back to him.

“But by then, Momo could redeem herself and find how much she really loves you. I’ve heard of soulmates being great friends! Didn’t she ask you out?” I nodded.

“Yeah, she told me she admired me for my skills…”

“Then is the problem that you don’t feel the same as her?” I was taken back by his question. Sure I’m questioning things now, but when she asked I had no hesitation.

“I assure you that up until an hour ago I had no doubts about how I felt for Momo. But I’ve had doubts about her feelings. I begged her to not talk to my dad cause he has this crazy breeding kink thing and because she didn’t listen to me he keeps trying to talk me into…” I trailed off, covering my mouth, holding back the urge to barf. “Look, I’m not ready to be another test subject for my dad! I was that when I was born, I’ve been that all my life. I will not impregnate anyone at this age!” I watched their faces twist into one of disgust. “I tell my dad no everyday, 5 times a day, but he’s brought up kids to her and everyone. It’s overwhelming.”

“He’d do that with your soulmate too.” Izuku pointed out and I scoffed.

“(Y/n) despises him and she wouldn’t tell him her quirk. I don’t even know it, and she’d listen to me and not tell him everything. I begged Momo not to tell him the whole time. Plus Momo comes from a well known family, it just adds onto my dads weird fetish bullshit. She thinks my dad loves her, but all he loves is her quirk and family status..” It went silent, Izuku seemingly on the verge of death.

“Todoroki, you just went from saying, now..You did say had, so I guess it’s somewhat excused, but you went from saying you had no doubts about how much you liked Momo to listing all she did wrong, that you know (Y/n) would do right…” My focus went blurry from how hard I stared at the ground as Iida’s words froze me. My mouth opened in an attempt to correct him, but no sound came out.

“All the things Momo’s done for you…” Izuku whispered and I blinked, my attention turning to him.

“She’s ditched me on dates and has actually gotten flashy when my dad invites us to galas. Knowing I don’t want to go to them at all…. What has she done for me Izuku? She won’t even hug me.” Izuku averted his gaze, like that of an abused puppy. I stood, feeling like I had overstayed my visit. “Thank you Iida, for having me over, and the water, and the insight… You too Midoriya.” I stiffly made my way out of the room, downstairs and to my shoes. I slipped them on messily and opened the door, shuddering at how cold it had gotten within the hour and maybe half I had been inside. Checking my phone for the time, I saw a few texts from my father asking if I’d be getting home soon, and one from Momo saying she missed me. I sighed, eyes flickering to the large numbers on my phone; 6:45. Clicking on the messages to tell my dad fuck off I saw another unknown.

[Unknown2: So I have a feeling the brat has sent you my number, but hey Shoto. I’ll be gone for a few days this next week, but if you feel sad, or you’re having problems with your family you can text me.. I guess. I made a promise to myself to keep you protected and happy so don’t think I’m doing this cause I'm nice. Sincerely, (Y/n).]

I smiled, imagining it in her petty voice, laughing some. I quickly added the contact under (Y/n)😝 before it dawned on me that I never gave her my number. Or the person she's referring to. I looked towards the dark sky and sighed as I walked now typing at a semi fast pace.

[Shoto: Hey, so who gave you my number? And trust me, I don't think you know the definition of nice.
Shoto: Lol!
(Y/n)😝: Hatsume? She said she talked to you. Did she not tell you.. omfg Imma kill her. Brb]

A laugh escaped before I could stop it as I read her text. She seemed so different. This is the fourth version of her I've met.. I carried on with my walk to my house quietly as I thought about it. Maybe Izuku's right and I just need to calm down. I put my hand on the handle and my other on the door as I came to the conclusion that (Y/n) isn't technically promised to me and that Momo is mine. My family loves her.. and she's so nice and kind, why would I give that up? I leaned my head on my hand, feeling my phone buzz. I quickly pulled the device from my pocket and clicked on the message.

[(Y/n)😝: Okay, I'm sorry if that spooked you. Hatsume gave it to me and from the frantic and serious mistyping I came to the conclusion that Ochako gave it to her. So.. yeah. But have a goodnight. See you later, don't hesitate to text or call if you feel upset.
Shoto: Oh.. thank you (Y/n). Night.]

I smiled softly before pushing open the door and walking to my room ignoring my dad calling me to come back and tell him where I was 'at once'. I laid down and sighed. I wasn't hungry, I was excited, confused and worried. An invitation to talk to her freely, and I don’t have to see her for a few days. That’s good. Not having that worry on my shoulders will make it so much easier to show Momo just how much I care about her. I cuddled my pillow, slipping into the most peaceful sleep I had in weeks.