Shoto Todoroki headcanons because I felt like it💙 Also trying to get out of this years-long writing slump Part 1/???
These are just some of my ideas, I am not trying to claim that they are in any way canon or that others can't have differing ideas.
These are a little chaotic and all over the place but I love them soooo here☺️
Shoto smells either like evergreens or woodsmoke. I figured since water doesn't have a smell unless there's something mixed in it, he always smells like wood or fire because of the other half of his quirk. If he wears cologne, it would be some kind of herbal scent, since it goes well with his natural one. Maybe something like eucalyptus or sandalwood.
This is 100% me projecting (because I adore it), but I like to think he's fond of reading. With his upbringing, I doubt he'd be given the chance to get into something like video games or films or pop culture in general (not that he wouldn't be interested, given the chance), and he wasn't exactly allowed to spend much time with his siblings, but reading was something that he could do quietly on his own. Books perhaps became a bit of an escape or reprieve when he wasn't training or working on schoolwork.
He tries to read a variety of genres, though his early schooling probably limited him to classics, philosophy, history, etc. (He doesn't really get into manga until UA. Then I feel he'd definitely be a fan of action, maybe even some sci-fi. If someone recommended a romance or any other series, he'd probably read it too because they were so passionate about it.)
In the same vein, he definitely had at least one tutor. Can you imagine Endeavor (before current events in the show's timeline) sending his precious successor to a public school??? When he wasn't even allowed to interact with his own siblings??? 'Cause I sure can't. (Before anyone comes at me, UA is basically a private school without the entrance fees soooo)
Subsequently, I think Shoto got a very ... we'll say refined *cough* rich kid *cough* education. Languages (most likely English, Mandarin, possibly French and/or Spanish), arts (including dancing), etiquette, the whole shebang. Again, when considering who Endeavor was at the time, I don't think he necessarily cared or thought these things were all that important in and of themselves, but being one of the most important and richest individuals in the country, naturally he's going to want to keep up appearances to some extent, so Shoto at least would have gotten the best education available.
Circling back to his lack of knowledge/experience with pop culture. I think that once he starts getting closer with his classmates, they take it upon themselves to educate him. He might not understand everything completely, but whenever he does use a meme correctly or understand a movie reference they make sure to give him lots of encouragement. He may seem very chill (ha) about the praise, but if you pay close attention, you can see a cute little smile on his face, showing that he's happy and proud of himself for getting it right.
This one will take a lot longer, probably into second or even third year, once the class has all basically trauma-bonded into becoming one big family, but he's also the unofficial/official heating pad/ice pack for those who need it.
The seat on the couch to Shoto's left is the most coveted spot in the room during movie and game nights.
The AC went out once during a ridiculously hot spring day, and Shoto suddenly found himself to be the most sought-after person in the building. He made snow cones that day so that nobody had to fight over him and possibly get heat stroke.
As part of Midoriya's influence, I think he'd be interested in learning new applications for his quirk, and tweaking to see how technical or detailed he can be with it. Wood burning, patterns with flames, ice sculptures, and snowflakes. Just fun little things to pass the time, improve his overall mastery, and some of the tricks are great with younger fans or kids he's rescued. (That episode with him and Bakugou having to win over those kids???)
I think his quirk acts up when he gets really flustered. I like the idea of his hand starting to frost over, or his ear literally catching on fire when he's embarrassed.
It takes him a while, but he does eventually learn to pick up on things like sarcasm, flirting and just social cues he wasn't really exposed to as a child. He's not not a "ladies man" or anything, but he's definitely higher in the charts for being one of the most charming pro heroes. He's just naturally a caring individual, I think, and combined with his looks, it's no wonder so many people have at least the tiniest bit of a crush on him, from people he's rescued, to fans, to the reporters and camera operators who interview him.
He grew his hair out pretty long once (like long enough to tie up), and every newspaper, tabloid, and social media page dedicated to him just about lost their MINDS. SHOTO IN A HALF-UP HALF-DOWN HAIRSTYLE PUN FULLY INTENDED MY DAD DIDN'T RAISE NO COWARD BUT ALSO LIKE DO YOU SEE THE VISION???
So.. yeah. Sorry for practically ghosting everyone for like.. three.. four? years. I'm trying, but life. Also I'm lazy.
