Thread by @ceramicspams

Thread!

Title: Seen True
#seroroki, personal headcanons

Sero observes his boyfriend and comes to a realization.

Shoto Todoroki's passive affect is basically iconic. His flat expression, his quiet and steady voice, his incredible bluntness -- these things are trademarks of his character.

Alongside it was a certain cluelessness, maybe even a naivety, that often lead to plenty of comedic moments. Everyone remembered how baffled and confused Shoto had been during Mt. Lady's teaching them all how to face the public.

It had taken a while for Class 1A, Sero included, to understand that Shoto wasn't doing it for a bit. A lot of the time, when he expressed confusion or concern, he was legitimately experiencing those emotions.

He was pretty good at hiding it, a lot of the time, but the longer Sero knew him and the closer they got, the more he was able to tell when Shoto was legitimately out of his depth. He'd be listening to a conversation and his lips would tilt just-so and Sero knew.

He also took everything incredibly literally. It was funny sometimes, and most of the class was more than happy to take him aside and explain the joke or hyperbole if needed, but it was still sometimes confusing and distressing.

These things started Sero in on really paying attention, especially after he and Shoto had started dating. They were closer than ever and Shoto was becoming more and more relaxed, so he was able to see more of the weirdness that he obviously tried to keep to himself.

Shoto didn't like to be touched too harshly outside of sparring. He didn't like playful smacks or elbows, though he tolerated them. But he also didn't like touches that were too soft. If Sero brushed his fingertips too lightly over his skin, Shoto would often move away.

Shoto preferred cold foods. He enjoyed and ate hot foods, of course, but if there was an option for a cold meal, he'd take that every time.

He liked smooth textures, like the slick fabric of Sero's hero costume, the matte cover on a novel, the slide of a clean phone screen.

Sero catalogued these little things in the back of his mind. He loved every single one of his boyfriend's idiosyncrasies. Underneath that careful mask was a soft, shy, consistently anxious person who was always doing their best.

It wasn't until months into their relationship that something really /clicked/ in Sero's head.

Shoto was irritated. He was trying to hide it, but he was irritated. The class had decided to go out for dinner and they were crowded around several tables.

Sero had watched Shoto on-and-off, but was really paying attention when he realized that Shoto was starting to fray. He was being bumped, talked to and over, crammed in between Kirishima and Koda. His eyes were squinted. His mouth was a thin line.

He was overwhelmed.

Sero got up from his seat and rounded the table, carefully extracting his partner from his seat. Shoto didn't protest as he was tugged away -- out of the loud, busy restaurant and into the quieter street.

The moment the door closed, cutting off all the noise, Shoto broke down.

He pressed his hands to his face and sank into a crouch against the wall, sucking in desperate breaths. Sero went with him, a firm hand on the back of his neck,

"Hey, hey, I've got you. You're okay."

He felt Shoto slowly ice himself down, bringing his temperature lower.

It /had/ been hot in there as well.

Sero kept his touch firm, waited for Shoto to relax. Minutes dragged on as he breathed and kept himself small.

Finally, he dropped his hands.

"...I'm sorry. It's-...I don't know-"

"It's okay," Sero repeated softly, "...I think I do."

Shoto looked at him, eyes a little wide.

"Sho..." Sero leaned in a little closer, "I-...I think you're on the spectrum."

Shoto blinked. He looked away. He shifted to hug himself.

"That-....That would make a lot of sense." he replied quietly, "I'm sorry."

Sero hushed him immediately, "Don't apologize for /that/. You think it's a problem?"

"I-...I don't know. Maybe? It would be-"

"Means nothing to me."

Shoto glanced up at him. Sero kept his gaze firmly until, like he always did, Shoto hurriedly glanced away.

"I mean it," Sero assured him, "Doesn't change a thing. You do what you need to with that possibility and I'll be right here with you."

Shoto let out a little sound, not quite a sob, but he shifted to wrap his arms around Sero. It almost put them both on the ground but Sero managed to stabilize them, holding his boyfriend tightly.

"...okay." Shoto's voice was tiny and thick with emotion.

"Do you want to go back inside and finish eating?" Sero asked, kissing Shoto's hair.

"Yeah. But I don't know if I can."

"I have my headphones in my pocket. You can take them. And we can switch seats so you can be next to Tokoyami and Momo, they won't nudge you around so much."

Shoto nodded and, after a few more moments, the two of them disentangled so that they could stand. Sero kept a hand on him to make sure he was steady. Shoto looked embarrassed but...warm. Relieved. Like a weight had lifted off him.

"Come on. I've got you." Sero whispered, nuzzling his face against Shoto's shoulder.

Shoto looked at him again, eyes shining with gratitude.

"...I know."

-end

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